January 2020 Issue by The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle

CHRONICLE the harvard westlake

Studio City • Volume 29 • Issue 5 • Jan. 29, 2020 • hwchronicle.com

School to audit practices

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

By Luke Schneider

Upper school students welcome former Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin to speak on climate change and policy reform. By Tessa Augsberger Former Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin spoke to students about environmental leadership and climate change during second and third period Jan. 21. Shumlin’s visit is part of a larger effort from the administration to call the school community to take action on sustainability in any way they can. The presentation was organized by the administration in conjunction with environmental science teacher Nadine Eisenkolb, Co-Presidents of the Environmental Club Guy Hartstein ’20, Helen Graham ’20 and Yoohan Ko ’20, and students Erica Ekstrand ’20 and Sophia Ekstrand ’20. Following the presentation, students participated in a Q&A session with Shumlin. In an all-school email, Hartstein said it is projected that Vermont will reach 90 percent renewable energy by 2050 as a result of Shumlin’s leadership. The presentation and subsequent Q&A allowed students to explore how environmental concerns are

addressed in government, Hartstein said. “Part of what the environmental club has been trying to do this year is to educate our campus regarding environmental issues,” Hartstein said. “I think part of educating people on the environment is teaching them how governors and senators deal with environmental policy and I think having the [former] Governor of Vermont come to school was a good opportunity for people to learn about how the environment plays a role in government. Overall, the governor spoke about everything from renewable energy to how he can make deals with energy companies to make solar panels more effective.” In his presentation, Shumlin spoke about the global effects of climate change. Although he said a global warming of one degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels is unavoidable, he emphasized the catastrophic effects of the planet warming two degrees Celsius — water scarcity, increased loss of corn crops, sea level rise and the melting of arctic ice —

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SIOBHAN HARMS

which would endanger arctic wildlife. “Take control of the things you can control, because the one thing we don’t have is time,” Shumlin said. Instead of emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis and its potential global effects, Shumlin discussed opportunities for innovative solutions. Shumlin said various governments and passionate individuals are taking action against climate change. He also explained what students can do in the future to prevent further warming. “You’ve got a beautiful opportunity here, but you’ve

also got a huge responsibility,” Shumlin said. Eisenkolb, who helped to organize the presentation, said Shumlin’s visit provided students with a new outlook on the climate crisis. “He was very optimistic rather than being pessimistic and defeatist about it,” Eisenkolb said. “I liked his answer to the question of ‘What are we going to do about population growth?’ He said ‘That’s not a problem, that’s a source of inspiration and new ideas’ I love that approach to solving a problem.” • Continued on A2

The administration announced its plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of the environmental impact of the school by the end of the year. Head of Upper School Laura Ross said that while she recognizes the importance of obvious changes to improve the school’s sustainability, like the elimination of plastic straws in the cafeteria, there are other initiatives the school could try. “There might be things that we aren’t even thinking of that might make a bigger difference than the things that are easy to look at,” Ross said. “It’s not that those aren’t important, but we’re trying to think about not just being reactive to something we see. We’re really trying to be thoughtful about our long-term impact and guiding our efforts with actual information and science.” President Rick Commons said that the search for an independent firm to run the audit is aimed toward companies that have experience working with schools. “We don’t want to get somebody that deals with large corporations and doesn’t understand schools,” Commons said. “We want to have somebody or a firm that can sit down with students and be good listeners and good partners with students as well as employees, understand our school’s mission, understand that we’re in a place that’s a little different from major companies.”

Visual arts hosts Jenny Yurshansky INSIDE as school’s first artist in residence

By Crystal Baik and Tanisha Gunby

tion of plant portraits, a handcut silhouette in the style of an herbarium plant pressing, Artist Jenny Yurshansky and a book consisting of the visited the campus to serve as stories of the 133 plants used the Upper School’s first artist in the project. “Here in California, a lot in residence. Yurshansky’s exhibition “Blacklisted: A Plant- of the plants are on what is ed Allegory” in Feldman-Horn called the Blacklist,” Yurshansky said. “They gallery opened to the are often plants that community Jan. 10. people brought from Through the artthe place of origin they ist in residency prowere migrating from. I gram, the visual wanted to find a way arts faculty invites to talk about this topic an artist on campus of migration without to participate in the wagging my finger at Artist in Residence people and talking program. The artisCRYSTAL BAIK through something tist is given an opJenny that is familiar and portunity to showYurshansky almost non-threatencase their artwork ing.” and teach classes Yurshansky said about their artistic medium. The Middle School she began developing the abilhas hosted artists for several ity to use plants to read landyears and will continue doing scapes while living in a Scandinavian forest, a five-year so this year. Yurshansky’s exhibition endeavor that she undertook included a large-scale projec- to connect with nature.

“My favorite part of the exhibit was the paper cutouts of the plants,” Emery Genga ‘21 said. “When I went up close to look at them, I could hardly believe my eyes. They were so intricately detailed it made me wonder how she managed to create such a masterpiece. They were altogether stunning to look at.” Yurshansky said that as a child of refugees, she realized that, like the invasive plants around her, immigrants are also viewed as unwanted at times. “It’s a really rewarding feeling to see your artwork spark a conversation,” Yurshansky said. “[Creating my artwork is] about conversation. It’s being in dialogue with institutions and having a back and forth about what my concerns are and why I’m even creating this work.” Visual arts teacher Alexandra Pacheco Garcia said that the upper school visual arts

department plans on making the visiting artist program an annual series. “I think it is so valuable for students to have interaction with professional artists, “ Pacheco Garcia said. “[Yurshansky] represents to us a really amazing example of interdisciplinary studies and sustained investigations. The way that she connects with history in her research, the writing aspect of it, science, botany, it touches on all these different disciplines.” Art student Cleo Maloney ’21 said Yurshansky’s interdisciplinary approach to the topic of immigration inspired her to see the world in a different way. “I’m certain her pieces will impact how I paint, create, or even how I see plants when I’m hiking,” Maloney said. “I think that’s one of the reasons why I love art, since it changes perception.” The exhibition will be open to the community until Feb. 7.

KYLE REIMS/CHRONICLE

BACK ON TOP: Boys’ basketball team reclaims its spot atop the Mission League with a 5-0 record. The Wolverines, led by point guard Spencer Hubbard ’20, look to win a second consecutive Mission League Tournament on Monday.

A2 News

The Chronicle

Governor speaks to students

Jan. 29, 2020

• Continued from A1

Moreover, Eisenkolb said the school’s decision to host Shumlin reflects the growing concern among students with regard to the environment. “I’ve seen an increase in interest in environmental issues over the five years that I have been here and I think that is in part due to the fact that I push very hard for this, and I [also] think that it is in part due to the fact that young people are more interested in this topic,” Eisenkolb said. “There’s a whole movement of young people standing up for climate change, so I think that the school as a whole has felt the pulse of time that there are young people who are interested in this issue and that we need to continue along feeding that interest and feeding that area of ‘purpose beyond ourselves.’” Sara Whiteman ’22, who attended Shumlin’s second period presentation, echoed Eisenkolb’s sentiments and said the event showed the school’s commitment to protecting the environment. “Climate change is something that’s really important to me and I always try to make a difference to live more ecofriendly,” Whiteman said. “[Knowing] that the school is making an effort to boost this message was really cool.” Head of Upper School Laura Ross, who also attended Shumlin’s second period session, said that she found Shumlin’s points about financial incentives to help combat climate change convincing. “It was interesting to hear his takeaways [and to know] there are actual things we can do that are helpful in terms of job creation and financial sustainability,” Ross said.

FRANK JIANG/CHRONICLE

RIGHTFUL REPORTING: Guest Speaker and New York Times Writer Katie Rosman speaks to students about her story regarding Soul Cycle and Equinox. She talks about first amendment press rights and how to conduct interviews in a polite and courteous way.

New York Times reporter shares experiences By Siobahn Harms Katherine Rosman, a Features reporter for The New York Times, spoke to staff members of The Chronicle about her experiences in professional journalism. Rosman’s first job was at a fashion magazine as an assistant, and though she said she initially was assigned only menial tasks, her enthusiasm for the work allowed her to get a job at The Wall Street Journal and then The New York Times. “I did nothing but get coffee,” Rosman said. “I would order the car service. I would do expenses. I would open mail,

because mail still mattered. It was really beneath what I had studied for, but I just was eager, I did whatever was asked of me and I raised my hand for any possible opportunity and I parlayed that into stories.” Rosman spoke about her experience writing an article about the SoulCycle boycott this past summer. The boycott came after the public found out that Steven Ross, the majority shareholder of SoulCycle, was holding fundraisers for Trump’s campaign. For the article, she interviewed attendees at a SoulCycle class in the Hamptons. “[After the class], people

started to line up to talk to me,” Rosman said. “[Outside], other people in the parking lot started screaming ‘The New York Times is here, with their fake news,’ all pumped up with their 40 dollars worth of adrenaline. [It] was this like gang of sixty-year-old women and I’ve never been so menaced in my life.” Rosman said she enjoys writing about fitness because it relates to people’s everyday lives. “Part of the reason I like to write about fitness is I think it is very revealing about [world] culture,” Rosman said. It’s something that’s a big part of

my life and is a big part of a lot of people’s lives.” Rosman said she thinks being mindful of social media and its importance is necessary for future careers, particularly those in journalism. “I’d encourage you to really think about your digital footprint right now,” Rosman said. “I am not saying avoid social media, I am saying think about how you want to be seen on social media. It can be a great tool [and] it can expose you to a lot of different voices. It can [also] allow you to organically build up a following [by sharing] your takes and what you’re interested in.”

In the issue...

A5 ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Grant Keller ’21 and Youth Governor Candidate Thomas Schram ’21 pose for a photo.

A10 FRIDAY FANATICS: A stu-

dent talks about the importnace of fans in the crowd and rallying the school for home games.

B2 NECESSITY OF NURSES:

Students share their opinions about the lack of school nurses on campus.

The Chronicle, the student newspaper of Harvard-Westlake School, is published 8 times per year and distributed for free on both the upper and middle school campuses. There are about 730 students at the Middle School and 870 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 Board. Letters to the

C2-C3 MUSIC FOR THE AGES:

Students, parents and teachers discuss their connection with music and it’s impact on them.

D1 BRASE YOURSELF: Players

Brase Dottin ’20 and Trumann Gettings ’21 talk strategy on the court after they score a basket.

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 Zack Schwartz at zschwartz1@hwemail.com. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or the school.

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/news

News A3

Students attend cultural reception By Quincy Dern

a really great way to let everybody feel included.” The Admission Office proThe Student Ambassadors Program hosted its annual vided refreshments, including Multicultural Reception on muffins, bagels, and fruit, for Jan. 25 in Chalmers Lounge. the applicants and student During the event, prospective ambassadors. The majority of students and their parents applicants who attended the learned about the experienc- event were prospective stues of students of color at the dents applying for seventh and ninth grades. school. “Something that was so “Today was a really great experience because we got to great about this event is that learn about our culture and you got to see all kinds of peowe got to see a lot of people of ple of color in one community,” color come here,” Student Am- Student Ambassador Liana bassador Rohan Madhogarhia Wadhwani ‘22 said. Admission counselor Ju’22 said. “It was a really great experience to have that sense lia Kraft, who helped coordinate the event, of community said having among minorithis space to Today was a ties who generdiscuss the isally don’t have really great experience sues and exthis kind of because we got to learn periences of voice to speak people of color out and come about our culture and is important for together as see a lot of people.” applicants who one.” Hosted by —Rohan Madhogarhia ’22 are considering school the student Student Ambassador which they should atambassadors, tend. applicants “Students of color have took tours of the upper school campus, listened to a student unique experiences on inpanel, and participated in a va- dependent school campuses riety of icebreakers, including where they are in the racial or blackout bingo and a rock pa- ethnic minority,” Kraft said. “We want applicants who idenper scissors tournament. “I thought that the rock tify as people of color to have paper scissors game was a re- the opportunity to hear about ally fun way to get everyone to the lived experience of students bond together,” Student Am- of color at Harvard-Westlake. It bassador Rhea Madhogarhia is also an opportunity for ap’22 said. “I think after that plicant families to hear about game happened, everyone re- our DEI [Diversity, Equity, and ally connected and was more Inclusion] work with specific open with each other, and attention to how we work to the environment became a lot make an inclusive community more fun and inviting to every- where every student feels an one there. I thought that was equal sense of belonging.”

“

HANNAH HAN/CHRONICLE

CINEMATOGRAPHIC MAGIC: Cinematographer Robert Elswit speaks to Cinema Studies and Video

Art students about his experience working on the Oscar-winning movie “There Will Be Blood” on Jan. 13.

Oscar winner discusses movie

By Tanisha Gunby

Academy Award winner Robert Elswit discussed his role as the cinematographer of “There Will Be Blood,” an Oscar winning film, to Cinema Studies and Video Art students Jan. 13. Elswit spoke about the process of cinematography and his experience working with director Paul Thomas Anderson. “[Elswit] inspired me by sharing his story on how he came to work in the entertainment industry because it showed how he did not have a direct path initially, but was ultimately able to

HANNAH HAN/CHRONICLE

CHECKING OUT: Eli Friedman ’21 checks out of school through the updated iHW application on his phone

during eighth period Jan. 24. The application allows students to leave campus without physically signing out.

iHW app records student attendance By Sarah Mittleman The iHW app was recently updated to include a function that allows students to check in and out of school using their phones, eliminating the need for sign out sheets. Previously used only to show daily schedules and IDs, the app now includes a tab that allows seniors to request to leave campus or miss class during school hours without going to Upper School Student Discipline and Attendance Coordinator Gabe Preciado’s office. “One of the benefits [of

the new features] is making [checkout] easier for everybody,” Preciado said. “I spend a lot of time handing out passes toward the end of the day. This here is a nice system that’s gonna help me, and help everybody to leave campus without actually having somebody there.” Maya Mathur ’22 said she thinks the new feature is more convenient, but is not sure it makes much of an impact on the sophomores, who are not authorized to leave campus during the school day. “It was a little inconvenient for students to have to go all

the way to Mr. Preciado’s office just to leave for a sport or to go home, so I definitely think that [the previous attendance system] was a little flawed,” Mathur said. Preciado said that the app will prevent students from missing class without reason during the school day. “[Seniors] could just leave campus,” Preciado said. “Could they have left and missed school? Yeah, they could’ve done that. Now, with the app, we would need some confirmation and approval from parents allowing us to consent for their departure.”

fall into a field that he has been incredibly successful in,” Video Art student Tara Neil ’21 said. Elswit described how directors approach filmmaking differently. Specifically, he spoke about how Anderson is more hands-off compared to directors like the Coen brothers, Neil said. “He explained how [Anderson] directs his films and I agreed that his directing style is the most effective in film,” Video Art student Will Nordstrom ’21 said. “He tries to get the most natural reactions out of his actors and starts rolling the camera even when the actors have

no idea. I’m very inspired by [Anderson] because of this directing technique and I’m also extremely inspired by [Elswit’s] work in [Anderson’s] films.” Cinema Studies student Paige Corman ’20 said she appreciated learning new information about the art of filmmaking and having the opportunity to hear from Elswit, especially after watching and writing about the movie he worked on. “He seemed very passionate about his work, which I really admire, and I hope to feel the same about my career when I’m older,” Corman said.

By Emma Limor

very haphazard. I don’t know that having seen the movie will add to my experience of learning [about] World War I, since it wasn’t educational. It was kind of out of nowhere.” History teacher Dror Yaron said he found value in the movie because it allowed students to visually learn about the horrors of war. “The film helped show the emotive impact that the treacheries of war presents visually and the emotional ramifications of young men never returning home and basically encountering blood and gore and death,” Yaron said. In addition, Yaron said students not only gained a depiction of the war itself, but one from the British perspective, rather than the German one they will read about in “All Quiet on the Western Front.” “It was a good supplement and visual supplement to ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ because it showed the opposite side,” Yaron said. “It will make for an intriguing discussion that will bring to life the book. [It] portrays the war from the German perspective, depicting them as the humane force, while this movie helps to show the war from the British side, showing the Germans as the aggressors.”

Class of 2022 views WWI film in theater The sophomore class attended a private screening of “1917” at the Sherman Oaks ArcLight Cinema on Jan. 22. Coordinated by Interdisciplinary Studies Department Head and history teacher Larry Klein, the field trip occurred just a few weeks before the history lessons about World War I were scheduled to begin, he said. After watching the movie, the sophomores participated in a Q&A session with the film’s executive producer, Jeff Brody, about the historical basis for the recently released film. Lola Cortez ’22 said she enjoyed the experience of learning outside the classroom. “[The movie] was really good and inspirational, and [it] made me realize how brutal war is and how important it is that we ensure peace,” Cortez said. “I feel like I know what war truly looks like now, and I will appreciate what I have more.” Although some students enjoyed the field trip, others found it irrelevant, Charlie Doris ’22 said. “It was a little disorganized,” Doris said. “None of the kids or the teachers really knew what was going on. It felt

A4 News

The Chronicle

Jan. 29, 2020

Venture speaker briefs students By Melody Tang

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF KAREN FUKUSHIMA

REALITY: Santi Kelly ’22, Helen Graham ’21, Casey Ross ’23, Violet Barron ’22, Assistant Features Editor Marina Nascimento ’21 and Cameron Herring ’21 discuss image versus culture at school.

Affinity group shares findings By Gemma Lippman The Westside Neighborhood School held the second annual Student’s Stay Woke (SSW) Conference on Jan. 25 directly following the Student Voices program, which was run by students who attended the Student, Diversity and Leadership Conference (SDLC). During the Student Voices program, the students ran a workshop to further inform at-

tendees on the topic of diversity and to open up the conversation to hearing other’s perspectives and experiences. Cameron Herring ’21, Assistant Features Editor Marina Nascimento ’21, Helen Graham ’21, Violet Barron ’22, Santi Kelly ’22 and Casey Ross ’23 led the initiative. The program also included topics that were discussed with the focus of implementing leadership programs into schools. Directly following the pro-

gram, the SSW Conference took place. It aimed to start conversations about diversity among students and to inform them of issues faced by kids regarding race, religion or gender. “Our job, as SSW, is to provide the students with new outlooks, new research and new information,” program leader Daniel Novikov ’21 said. “We place them in an environment where they could discuss those ideas among peers.”

APES students pick up litter, analyze samples from beach By Frank Jiang AP Environmental Science students visited Will Rogers Beach on Jan. 10 to collect samples of trash. In class, they analyzed their findings and presented them in lab reports that detailed waste on the beach. Depending on the question they sought to answer in their

reports, students utilized different methods to collect data about trash on the shoreline. For AP Environmental student Kailey Suh ’21, this entailed investigating how distance from the shore affected the amount of trash present. “Every 10 paces from the shore, we dug [holes] in the sand to see if there was any trash and if there was, to re-

Musician films video documentary in class By Luke Schneider Italian singer-songwriter Tiziano Ferro visited a Directed Study: Beginning Italian Language and Culture class Jan. 15 to discuss his career with students and shoot part of a documentary about his life. The film, which Amazon Prime Video will produce, is based on the social barriers Ferro “Amazon is trying to put together a documentary on his life and the challenges he’s faced and overcame,” Ghirlanda said. “So they decided that it would be so cute to show that he’s not just a songwriter that goes to stadiums and has this ideal relationship with the audience, but also that he can interact well one-on-one with a class that he can teach.” Ghirlanda said she initially could not believe someone so celebrated would take the time

to meet her class. “I didn’t know what to expect from a celebrity, as they can be heavy to take,” Ghirlanda said. “They can have a huge ego [or] they can be craving for flattery, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I know his work because I’ve been following him for 20 years, and if his lyrics spoke correctly about his soul, then I should not have been surprised by how humble, talented and full of humanity, generous and warm he was.” Coco Kaleel ’20 said that talking to Ferro was a fun opportunity to practice her communication skills. “Even though the camera crew was there, he was super friendly and open, and as soon as he walked in, we were immediately relaxed as a class,” Kaleel said. “We asked him questions in Italian, and he talked about his life, alternat-

cord it on our data tables,” Suh said. “We even ended up finding a rubber duck one time which was surprising.” Thomas Schramm ’21 said that instead of trying to find the correlation between distance and trash amount, his group attempted to discover the most common form of trash on the beach and sort the non-natural materials.

Tim Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Relativity Space, spoke to students Jan. 15 as an HW Venture speaker at the Middle School. Ellis spoke to students about how he started Relativity Space, giving students insight into his experiences in starting an aerospace company. Relativity Space, a rocket company based on 3D printing, was started in 2015 by Ellis with his partner, Jordan Noone. “I loved hearing his story, and I think that the concept is so interesting,” HW Venture co-leader Sophia Rascoff ’23 said. “Even though they are still a pretty small and unheard-of company, they are doing big things. I loved hearing him tell his story, especially about how he followed his passion and started a company based on it.” Ellis spoke about how Relativity Space produces the parts they need with a 3D printer, allowing them to launch rockets at a lower cost. Co-leader Carter Staggs ’23 said he enjoyed hearing from such a prominent figure in astrophysics and learned about the creativity and confidence needed to start a business. During Ellis’s talk, students were able to ask questions about how he started Relativity Space. “It was very interactive and

“

the speaker allowed for questions every step of the way, which allowed for deeper conversations,” co-leader Hope Hsieh ’23 said. Ellis also gave students advice on the importance of persistence in business. “My biggest takeaway was that when you have an idea, you should run with it,” Rascoff said. “Our speaker had a passion and followed it, and now he is the CEO and founder of a company that is changing the world.” Staggs said he hopes to learn more about starting companies as a part of HW Venture. “I love being a part of HW Venture because I am able to run a club with my friends and hear from a wide variety of interesting and experienced speakers,” Staggs said. “I learned from the speaker that when starting a business, you have to be creative and unafraid.” Rascoff said she particularly enjoys the speakers invited by Venture because she learns something new from each speaker. “My favorite part of Venture is being inspired by the speakers and bringing in speakers to inspire others,” Rascoff said. “That is one of the major reasons that hosting speakers is so important, we can inspire many students and hopefully teach them valuable lessons to utilize in the future.”

Every 10 paces from the shore, we dug [holes] in the sand to see if there was any trash and if there was, to record it on our data tables. We even ended up finding a rubber duck, which was surprising.” — Kailey Suh ’21 APES Student

Schramm described the takeaways from the trip and how it applied to his environmental habits. “Identifying the most prominent type of trash will allow

white’s

us to focus efforts on reducing the usage of that type of trash, but exploring the larger issue of trash will give us an understanding of how it affects the environment,” Schramm said.

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF SIMONA GHIRLANDA

BIENVENIDOS!: Songwriter Tiziano Ferro visits students in Directed Study: Italian to film part of an autobiographical documentary about his experience as a gay singer producing music in Italy. ing between languages to make sure that we understood what he was saying and learned at the same time.” Ferro spoke about his life and sang his songs with the class for two hours. He discussed his experience coming out as a gay person after

achieving international stardom. “For me personally, it was moving,” Ghirlanda said. “I know how much struggle he went through and the confirmation of his talent, his genius and his humanity. He has a huge heart.”

Ghirlanda said that Ferro immediately took to teaching the class more about the Italian language and truly cared about learning more about the students themselves. “I could talk [about him] forever,” Ghirlanda said. “I’m in love with his soul.”

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/news

News A5

Debaters organize challenge By Kyle Reims

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF GRANT KELLER

ASPIRING GOVERNOR: Thomas Schramm ’21 poses for a picture with delegate members after campaigning for youth governor at the Training and Elections II Convention on Jan. 19. Schramm aspires to become the governor of California in the future.

Student becomes one of three candidates running for youth governor of California By Sandra Koretz Thomas Schramm ‘21 is one of the final three candidates running for the position of youth governor of California. Through his pursuit, he hopes to increase youth civic engagement within the state and lower the voting age to 16, he said. “Our generation needs to continue our political activism and increase our civic educa-

tion levels on a statewide level,” Schramm said. If elected, Schramm said he will utilize meetings with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other legislators to give a voice to high school students across the state. Schramm also offered advice to students who might want to pursue a position in youth government in the

Prefects implement new minimum price

future. He said that people should stay true to themselves and rooted in their beliefs. “People should elect you for the person you are, not the person they want you to be,” Schramm said. “It’s also important to stand for what you believe in even if it’s unpopular or maybe controversial. Standing for what you believe is right and what changes you

want to see stands paramount to all else in the campaign.” Grant Keller ’21, who is a member of Schramm’s campaign team, said that if Schramm wins, he will be able to approve the final bills on his desk. The results of Schramm’s youth governor race will be confirmed in the middle of February.

The debate team hosted the annual Harvard-Westlake Debates tournament from Jan. 16 to 20. The event consisted of two separate parts, with the debateLA Round Robin Challenge beginning Jan. 16, and the larger competition commencing Jan. 18. Members of the school’s team were allowed to compete in both competitions but were not permitted to advance to elimination rounds in the latter tournament. Debater Nathan Russell ’21, one of three students from the school to participate in the debateLA portion, advanced to the finals of that event. “I was mainly just happy to be there and have the opportunity to get practice against other great debaters from around the country,” Russell said. “I was thrilled to do better than expected and make it to the final round, where I got to debate against a friend from Santa Monica High School.” In addition to the coaches, upperclassmen on the team attended to help run the event. “The best part of the tournament is the sense of community that the whole weekend brings,” debater Samantha McLoughlin ’21 said. “The whole team comes together to run the tournament, especially the coaches who are essential in dealing with the crazy weekend. The sense of community and hospitality really translates into the event.”

By Siobhan Harms

students to enjoy the food during the event without worJunior Prefect Jonathan rying about overpaying. “We cut the price in half, Cosgrove ’21 said that members of the Prefect Council re- so that all kids can enjoy Food vised the minimum Didax pur- Truck Fridays,” Cosgrove said. chase after receiving numerous “I think that all students will complaints that the $10 charge really enjoy having more reasonably priced, but still deliwas too high. “We realized that the price cious food.” Grant Caverly ’21 said that of [our events like] food trucks were too expensive, so we de- the new minimum charge will cided to make a change,” Cos- be better for students, faculty and staff who do not want to grove said. Chance Walker ’21 said eat $10 worth of food. “It’s nice because you can that the new minimum charge just grab a will be benefisnack instead cial because it of a whole meal will allow stuWe realized the if you aren’t dents to pay a fair price for price of [our events like] super hungry,” Caverly said. “It what they purfood trucks were too also makes getchase during expensive, so we made ting food from fundraisers on the food trucks campus. a change.” more of an op“ B a c k —Jonathan Cosgrove ’21 tion, as I don’t when Didax charged $10, Prefect eat a lot.” I [felt] like I Caverly furcouldn’t really ther explained buy anything because it was why he believes that the new such a large amount,” Walker charge will benefit members of said. “Now that it is down to the community on the upper $5, I feel like I am able to pur- school campus. chase more stuff because it is “I think that’s a cool idea more affordable.” because $10 is a lot of money Prefect Council announced per day, especially when you the change before its Food pay that on top of the money Truck Friday event Jan. 17. you pay for breakfast, lunch Cosgrove said that the new and other snacks throughout minimum charge will allow the day.”

“

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF JAKE FUTTERMAN

FINE-TUNED MACHINE: Team 62X members Tara Reddy ’20 and Katie Mumford ’20 tighten a shaft

collar to repair their intake before a match during the WAVE VEX Robotics Competition from Jan. 16 to 18.

Robotics team wins Judges Award By Sophia Musante Members of the upper school robotics team participated in the WAVE VEX Robotics Competition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from Jan. 16 to 18. 14 students competed against 79 other teams in a series of 10 qualification rounds. 32 teams competed in elimination rounds, and the top three teams qualified for the World Championships. Each team earned points by directing its robots to complete tasks such as stacking cubes. Of the five upper school

teams, only team 62X, which allied with team 62A, qualified for the elimination rounds. Despite its loss in the first elimination round, team 62X, made up of Katie Mumford ’20, Isaac Dienstag ’21 and Tara Reddy ’20, won the Judges Award for teamwork and exceptional design. Mumford said she worked on improving her ability to drive robots with accuracy while at the competition. “I am extremely proud that my team, 62X, as well as 62A, were two of the three robots that could stack 11 [cubes],” Mumford said. “There are no more than about 20 robots in

the entire nation that can do that, so it’s great to see how successful our program is as a whole.” Participant Justin Sun ’22 said he enjoyed the competitive environment of the tournament and found it incredibly educational. “We learned a lot as a team,” Sun said. “We learned the weak spots of the robot, my weak spots as a driver and what made other teams great. My favorite part of robotics is accomplishing something after failing over and over again and being able to celebrate an achievement with a team.”

The Chronicle

A6 News

BLACC members celebrate MLK Day By Hannah Han and Austin Lee

Participants donated money to UNCF, a non-profMembers of the Black it philanthropic organization Leadership Awareness and that gives African American Culture Club (BLACC) trav- students the resources to eled to The Proud Bird restau- attend and graduate college. rant to attend the 31st an- The event also hosted several nual Martin Luther King Jr. speakers, including a pastor, Birthday Breakfast Celebra- who discussed King’s impact tion and fundraiser for the in both the United States and United Negro College Fund the world, BLACC member (UNCF) on Jan. 20. UNCF Khyra Stiner ’21 said. hosted the event in celebraStiner said she was intion of Martin Luther King Jr. spired by the number of atand his legacy as a pioneertendees that came to the vening member of the civil rights ue and donated to movement. UNCF. “I attende h t d st aroun ju ed because I h t n g o akin ym ard to t k Histor w c thought it would r la fo B g h e“Wit is lookin f achiev be a good opporBLACC ration o b izle e n c g corner, l o c a e u r n tunity to celed n the a ns an

erica part in . history ican Am fr A s in U.S y k b c s la t b n f e m y Month role o k Histor central c e la h B t h g s to in ug ACC aim e. Altho r L u B lt , y u r c a ru black and d in Feb nity for e u t a m n m ig o s c is de nse of d bring out a se tlake an s e W d bring ab r ool va our sch s at Har in t n s e n d io u s t s s cu althy dis forth he am ’20 y.” lar Grah y it k n S u — m com

brate the legacy of [King] on the day that is dedicated to him,” Stiner said. “I thought it was really nice how so many other people came to the fundraiser to donate to the organization as well.” BLACC leader Remi Patton ’20 said that the affinity group is in the midst of planning other events to celebrate Black History Month in February, including a screening of the award-winning movie “Just Mercy.” Patton said that through these functions, BLACC hopes to spur discussions on campus about the importance of diversity. “We plan on showing one or two movies that cover an issue that affects the black community, and the event

will be open to anyone who wants to join,” Patton said. “I think it will be a great way for the community, students and parents alike to come together and foster interesting and pertinent discussions.” Patton also emphasized the importance of the month in helping Americans recognize the challenges that black individuals have faced and overcome in the past. “Black History Month is still very important even today as a way for African Americans to be able to celebrate their history and get in touch with their roots,” Patton said. “Equally importantly, it is integral as a way to spread awareness to nonblack people.”

“When ra ce is not somethin your life, g that aff it can be ects easy to ig issue, so nore it as having a an month w forced to here you lea are pertain to rn about things that may you is im not p nect to o thers and ortant to help co nexpand y Black His our world tory Mon view. th is imp vard-Wes ortant at tlake bec Harause it g of African ives the m American inority proud of students their her a way to itage and feel standing bring un to our ca n a d ic e fr m r A t p u u s.” “Stories abo n ee b ve a —Remi P Americans h atton ’20 ed from d u cl ex ly st mo and so , m lu u ic rr the school cu onth is when schools ry M this part Black Histo ent to teach em ir u q re a feel onth, black ithout this m W . ry to is h about in of n’t be learned ld u o w ry to his e world.” ner ’21 schools or th —Khyra Sti

Jan. 29

9, 2020

hwchronicle.com/news

News A7

Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950): Creator of Black History Month

Born in 1875 and the son of two former slaves, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, an organization that distributes research about black culture. He created “Black History Month” in February of 1926, the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. s

S 26

February T

Boot Squad Performance

The Boot Squad will perform at an all-school assembly in Taper Gym.

S 21st Annual Black College Expo

8 SLIDE SLIDE Conference Conference

The conference encourages cultural collaboration between affinity groups, students of color, faculty and administrators and will take place on the middle school campus.

“Just Mercy” Movie Screening

The annual expo will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) will screen “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, in Ahmanson Theater. BLACC will create posters celebrating influential Afro-Latinos throughout history in February and during the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALEXA DRUYANOFF

A8 News

The Chronicle

Celebrating Diversity

Jan. 29, 2020

Applicants and their families toured the Upper School, participated in small group activities and listened to the student panelists during the Multicultural Reception on Jan. 25. Panelists spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion on the campus.

TANISHA GUNBY/CHRONICLE

SEEKING INCLUSION: Gabby Odoom ’21 speaks about her transition into the school community while Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Nathan Cardin, Justin Park ’20 and Jason Thompson ’22 contribute to the panel during the Multicultural Reception. The panelists culminated the event by answering applicants’ questions.

TANISHA GUNBY/CHRONICLE

FORGING CONNECTIONS: Applicants play a game of Blackout Bingo to get to know each other. The person who completed the whole gameboard won a prize.

SHARING WITH SMILES: Simran Yogakumar ’21 participates in a small group activity of listing different actors, authors and musicians with other student applicants.

EUGEAN CHOI/CHRONICLE

TANISHA GUNBY/CHRONICLE

EVALUATING EQUALITY: Administrators of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Janine Jones and Nathan Cardin talk to applicants.

MULTICULTURAL MINGLING: Prospective students serve themselves at the buffet after listening to the student panelists speak about their experience as people of color in Chalmers Lounge.

C HRONICLE the harvard-westlake

Editors-in-Chief: Tammer Bagdasarian, Lindsay Wu Print Managing Editors: Kyra Hudson, Casey Kim, William Seymour

Opinion The Chronicle • Jan. 29, 2020

Los Angeles • Volume 29• Issue 5 • Jan. 29, 2020 • hwchronicle.com

editorial

Digital Managing Editors: Luke Casola, Jessa Glassman Presentation Editors: Spencer Klink, Keila McCabe Executive Editors: Jeanine Kim, Will Mallory News Editor: Luke Schneider Assistant News Editors: Crystal Baik, Hannah Han, Tanisha Gunby, Frank Jiang Opinion Editors: Emma Shapiro, Amelie Zilber Assistant Opinion Editors: Ethan Lachman, Austin Lee Features Editors: Joanna Im, Lauren Nehorai Assistant Features Editors: Lauren Cho, Ruoshan Dong, Siobhan Harms, Marina Nascimento A&E Editors: Jordan Murray, Sarah Reiff Assistant A&E Editors: Emma Limor, Celine Park, Chloe Schaeffer Sports Editors: Zack Schwartz, Eugene Wyman Assistant Sports Editors: Eugean Choi, Lucas Lee, Jaidev Pant, Kyle Reims, Charlie Wang Multimedia Editor: Annie Beckman Photography Editors: Caitlin Chung, Jay Lassiter, Astor Wu Broadcast Producers: Coleman Katz, Yoohan Ko, Alex Mork Business Manager: Zack Schwartz Community News Engagement Editors: Sarah Healy, Zoe Redlich Events Engagement Editor: Madison Huggins Assistant Business Managers: Lucas Lee, Emma Limor Assistant Broadcast Editors: Alex Amster, Alice He, Kyle Reims Junior Art Director: Evie de Rubertis Senior Staff Writer: Lee Nichols Freelance Artist: Hannah Mittleman Freelance Writers: Allie Landecker, Anusha Mathur, Valerie Velazquez, Mak Kriksciun Layout Assistants and Staff Writers: Tessa Augsberger, Julian Andreone, Milla Ben-Ezra, Katherine Burry, Elise Chen, Marine Degryse, Quincey Dern, Alexa Druyanoff, Ava Fattahi, Mia Feizbaksh, Sydney Fener, Justin Goldstein, Jane Hamilton, Caroline Jacoby, Keira Jameson, Sandra Koretz, Gemma Lippman, Sarah Mittleman, Caitlin Munoz, Jason Morganbesser, Sophia Musante, Liam Razmjoo, Ryan Razmjoo, Amelia Scharff, Katharine Steers, Melody Tang, Maxine Zuriff Broadcast Assistants: William Moon, Zachary Berg, John Coleman, Ely Dickson, Benjamin Jacoby Layout Assistants: Alexis Arinsburg, Brittany Brahn Advisers: Jim Burns, Max Tash The Chronicle is the student newspaper of Harvard-Westlake School. It is published eight 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. Advertising questions may be directed to Zack Schwartz at zschwartz1@ hwemail.com. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or school.

Entertainment or entrancement?

ILLUSTRATION BY SYDNEY FENER

In the midst of awards season, it’s easy to find ourselves enthralled by luxurious designer dresses, velvet red carpets and captivating performances. Celebrities open envelopes to announce the winners of various award categories, with millions of people worldwide nestled on their couches, eager to hear the results. Oftentimes, we’re familiar with the nominees—the films, actors and songs—and all they have to offer, but as the winners of these categories are named one-by-one, these thoughts escape us. And so we sit back as the recipients deliver their acceptance speeches, adding their work to our mental lists of what to watch, assuming that their contributions must be of note. In doing so, we celebrate cultural accomplishments based on the tastes and preferences of just a few elite individuals from the industry. We allow them to shape our perspectives by determining what in pop culture should be considered successful as well as who to hold in high regard. But in reality, personal opinion should serve as the basis for these perceptions. Individuals should be able to formulate their own ideas free from the influence of others. In forming our own opinions, it is essential to venture beyond what is presented, whether this means looking past the list of award-winning films or, more importantly, exploring topics of interest outside the classroom. For example, routinely browsing stories on reputable news websites, flipping through the daily paper or reading material beyond course curricula illuminates numerous different matters, prominent ones which teachers may merely gloss over in their lecturers for lack of relevance to the lesson. In any case, expanding the boundaries of the knowledge imparted to us

often clarifies the topics in question. There is a reason that so many of us often fall back into the pattern of allowing authoritative figures to determine our perceptions and ideologies. It is comfortable to have someone who is supposedly more knowledgeable offering advice about how to think and what to do. This sort of guiding force eliminates the risk of making the wrong decision in the eyes of those around us. However, when we decide to subscribe almost blindly to mainstream ideals, we lose a chance to learn for ourselves and from each other. So much of what makes a film, a book or an idea impactful is the power that it has to resonate with individuals on a deeply personal level. Though critical acclaim and popular opinion are useful ways to discover art, when taken as gospel, it can detach the individual from genuine connection, leading to movie theaters, book clubs and couches filled with people discussing something very impersonal in mediums designed to be intimate. The arts represent a topic that should be valued subjectively, as their power lies in the emotions they elicit from viewers. These awards, a celebration of commercialism, inherently devalue this experience. However, it’s important to recognize how awards season can, when taken with a grain of salt, help encourage people to go out and see a myriad of films they likely would not have seen. They play a part in inspiring widespread audience discourse and debate while increasing support for lesser-known films. In the end, many people enjoy award shows and the films they celebrate, but viewers should not lose sight of forming their own opinions and recognizing the flaws in the process.

A10 Opinion

The Chronicle

Jan. 29, 2020

A call to unite all Wolverines By Jessa Glassman

t was the first day of seventh grade and I sat awkwardly on the bleachers with unfamiliar peers, thoroughly intimidated by the rambunctious senior class just an aisle away. A booming voice came over the microphone and, after welcoming my grade to a new school and veteran students and teachers to a new year, President Rick Commons welcomed another brand-new member of our community—the mission statement. He recited the words with passion. Five years later, the class of 2020 and I, now the rowdy and daunting seniors, repeated this statement with ease as Commons introduced it to the wide-eyed “sevies” who sat adjacent us at convocation. But while this sentence has become something we can all instinctually recite, I will admit that throughout my years I have questioned whether it is something that we all abide by as a school community.

Our school has worked to make the words of the mission statement as close to reality as possible. Measures to accomplish this goal have included the creation of a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position, a climate assessment conducted by a third-party consulting group and a new block schedule created to reduce stress. Despite these commendable changes, one part of the mission statement that I believe deserves more attention is the mantra’s reference to a singular community. Unlike the majority of Los Angeles private schools, Harvard-Westlake is divided into two parts by a twisty canyon, which at times makes it difficult to think of the middle and upper campuses as one single school. As frightening as convocation was for me as a shy and self-conscious newcomer in seventh grade, and as sweaty and sunburned as it leaves

me each year, I have come to realize the event’s importance in creating a strong Wolverine community. Convocation is one of the few school-wide events during which students of all grades can interact with one another, giving true meaning to the unity that our mission statement suggests exists between the two campuses. It would be reductive to suggest that the upper and middle schools are completely disjointed all days of the year after the first. Students of all grades gather for Homecoming, ninth grade varsity athletes shuttle to the upper school for practice and all student ambassadors enjoy In-N-Out at their annual orientation event. In my eyes, however, more can be done to strengthen the connection between campuses. The school should take a more active approach in creating bonds between students on both campuses. For

example, upper school events like performances, art shows or Cinema Sundays could be announced at middle school assemblies, middle school sport schedules could appear in the upper school bulletin and copies of “The Spectrum” could be made available on the Coldwater campus. Another suggestion might be altering the “Big Sibs” program to create friendships beyond the boundaries of respective campuses and provide more expansive mentorship opportunities. Students should not solely rely on initiatives implemented by the school to work on strengthening our community. Individuals can play a crucial role in fostering the unity that our mission statement speaks of.

Whether it means reaching out to people from the other grades, upper school athletes supporting younger Wolverines at middle school sporting events, artists and singers attending shows on both campuses or families making time to go to allschool community service days, students should make creating connections across campuses more of a priority. As it is written in our mission statement, it is time to start making a concerted effort to show we are a united community.

It’s okay to quit By Ethan Lachman

I The reality of the Fanatics

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXA DRUYANOFF

By Jaidev Pant

s I scrolled through the Instagram explore page, a video of Cassius Stanley captured my attention. But it was not his high-flying dunk or even the catchy background music that drew me in. The post focused on a fan dressed in red, who pretended to pass out as he reacted to Stanley’s dunk. The caption dubbed it the “best crowd reaction ever,” complimenting the hard work of the Fanatics, a group of students that leads the cheering section during games and works to promote school spirit overall. In recent years, the games have felt quiet and the stands empty, leading to complaints that the Fanatics have not effectively rallied the student body. However, they and the school continue their efforts to pack the bleachers for home games. By encouraging athletes to attend other teams’ important matches, the Fanatics not only increase home attendance, but also validate each sports program and work to foster the school’s athletic community. The group also promotes attendance by organizing theme nights such as jersey day— when spectators don clothing from professional sports teams—as well as incentives like raffles to attract more

casual fans. In addition, the Fanatics utilize a Facebook group in order to communicate directly with students. Therefore, complaints regarding the Fanatics’ efforts are unwarranted. Poor attendance results from students both attending an urban high school and managing a strenuous workload. Since many of the home games take place late on Friday, attending these events requires students to give up the majority of their nights. But with all that Los Angeles has to offer, it is unreasonable to expect students to stay after hours for their high school’s games. Instead, students could watch the Los Angeles Lakers live, attend a concert at The Forum or enjoy four different amusement parks nearby. In addition, the scheduling of the actual games further explains the lack of attendance. Students who attend our school can live far from Studio City, ranging from Manhattan Beach, to Malibu, to Pasadena. These students either drive around an hour to get to school or take the bus in order to get home. Forcing these students to choose between remaining on campus, missing the bus or forcing their parents to drive an hour to pick them up is unreasonable. As for

weekday games, the empty crowd is a byproduct of the busy schedules many students face. Because homework, sports practices and extracurriculars routinely fill daily activities, students are often unable to attend these games. To expect a student to practice for three hours and then watch another team is asking them to neglect their homework until 9 p.m. Additionally, the school teams’ playing styles are relatively monotonous and disciplined, resulting in competition that fails to entertain the average student. For example, the basketball program utilizes an immense playbook and traditional basketball sets, rather than a fast style of play. Additionally, the football team employs a more run-based offense, instead of opting for a more pass-oriented system. While their methods successfully translate to wins and should not be changed, spectators may not engage with the teams as effectively. Despite these challenges, the Fanatics this year have done a great job engaging the community and creating school spirit. In some of the Friday games I have attended, the stands have been nearly full, providing hope for this integral school program.

t’s the closing banquet after my tenth-grade basketball season. Baby-back ribs from Wood Ranch litter linen-clothed tables in the Feldman Horn Art Gallery, and as I look around, the past and present are colliding. I’m eating food from my former favorite restaurant, which I used to call “The Woody,” and when my coach reaches me in the long line of players he must praise individually, he credits my stamina. I’d become accustomed to playing through fatigue game after game, but ironically, that stamina had just run out. I’d suited up for the last time. After over ten years of dedicated practice, Las Vegas tournaments and the completely engrossing, sometimes draining and fantastic world of basketball, I finally decided to stop playing the game I loved so much. Soon after, I struggled to define myself in a way that satisfied me. To this day, I cannot definitively say I made the right decision. In some ways, I let myself down, but tough decisions result in an inevitable mourning period. Quitting is in no way the answer to everything, and for the record, I debated quitting for years, but there came a point when my interest in the sport dwindled in comparison to new pursuits that now take priority. It is not that I had gotten everything I wanted from it, but I was satisfied with my experience and was ready for something new, no matter how much I may have tried to deny it. When I told my childhood friend, the same friend who used to flail his sharp elbows in brutal games of knockout on the lower yard in fifth grade, he asked me how I could have quit; basketball was my identity, after all.

Then I asked myself a few essential questions: Did I quit because I was unsatisfied with being 6 feet 2 inches and only able to approach dunks on nine-and-a-half foot rims? Did I give up? Or was it that my desires, or at least their intensities, had changed? What’s new is scary, and in staying, there was comfort, even if it wasn’t the ideal sense of comfort all people may be searching for. In stepping into the unknown, I’m positive I have reclaimed control over my own life and achieved a greater level of self-empowerment, and even if that step may seemingly (but not actually) discredit years of hard work, it takes courage. When relationships between two people, a person and an activity, or even a person and an idea lose their allure, it’s important for people to remind themselves why they do what they do. To stay in a challenging environment is to realize that the fulfilling qualities we seek in our everyday lives can never be constant and that the opportunity to look back and recognize a lost love or missed connection is no opportunity at all. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision to quit, and although temporary struggle may not be an adequate reason for this end, people should be able to look back on their experiences fondly. Sometimes people need change, and if they have learned a lesson and decided to quit, their conclusion should be honored. I’ll always cherish being a part of “lanky boy nation” with my fellow tall teammates, but eventually, it was time to spread my wings, or rather my limbs, to embrace something new.

hwchronicle.com/opinion

Jan. 29, 2020

Opinion A11

A-P(ushed) the wrong way By Hannah Han

hen I first applied to Harvard-Westlake in sixth grade, one of the rumors I heard most frequently was that HarvardWestlake, or “HW,” stands for “homework” or “hard work.” Harvard-Westlake’s reputation has consistently been one of challenging, rigorous coursework, making students well-acquainted with the latenight homework grind. The new block schedule, which will be implemented in the 2020-2021 school year, is intended to reduce this pressure by lightening the nightly homework load and allowing students to focus on three to four classes per day, as opposed to seven. The restrictions on Advanced Placement classes, which apply to the class of 2022, were enacted to encourage students to prioritize their academic interests over colleges’ perceived expectations of them. However, the school also possesses a legacy of academic exploration and freedom that may not be possible with these new restrictions. The school provides students with the unique opportunity to pursue their studies in a diverse selection of AP courses, ranging from more traditional classes, such as AP Spanish and AP Biology, to more specialized courses, such as AP Music Theory and AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics. For the current school year, HarvardWestlake offered 28 different AP courses, out of 38 possible AP classes approved by College Board, in its 154-page long school curriculum guide. In comparison, other private schools in the Los Angeles area provide students with a less robust AP course selection: Brentwood

School offers 25, Windward School offers 22 and Polytechnic School offers 17. The new schedule, however, limits students and takes away their freedom as intellectually curious individuals to capitalize on the resources that Harvard-Westlake offers. Under the block schedule, the science department, in particular, will see a drastic reconfiguration of its current curriculum; next year, AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 will be replaced by Physics Honors. In addition, AP Biology will split into two separate classes: Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Advanced Topics in Evolution and Ecology. In order to fully cover the material for AP Biology required by the College Board, students will need to use one of the spaces reserved for their electives to complete the course. On campus, I have heard students saying, “I won’t have any room in my schedule for [AP Computer Science A], but I really want to take it,” or “there are so many classes, and I really want to take dance, but I can’t.” With only two full-year elective spaces available in each student’s schedule, these slots become precious, already making students question which of their passions they should pursue. The issue becomes more complicated for students whose academic interests span over multiple subjects, as AP limits force them to choose which to delve deeper into. However, even for students whose interests are concentrated in one discipline, the AP limits present

certain challenges. From seventh grade, students choose specific tracks that determine the classes they will take for the rest of their high school careers. Many of these paths end in AP courses, particularly in English, world languages and math. Students may, therefore, feel compelled to finish their track by taking the AP class, even if they are not invested in the subject, preventing them from pursuing other AP courses that they are more passionate about. AP courses allow students to showcase the breadth of their knowledge on an objective scale that can be compared to other high schoolers from different educational backgrounds across the nation. Harvard-Westlake has consistently distinguished itself from other institutions in Los Angeles and in the United States in the resources it provides its students to succeed. Its core mission statement, spoken at each convocation and ingrained into its student body, states “the joyful pursuit of educational excellence” as one of its values. Academic excellence is a vague term. However, a Google search indicates that academic excellence is not only defined by “good grades” or “hard-working students,” but also through the opportunity for students to pursue their interests and take academic risks. The AP limits and block schedule may benefit students by curbing stress, but perhaps we should ask ourselves a more fundamental question: are these initiatives consistent with what our school stands for?

Do you think the AP policy changes negatively affect the school’s prestige? Yes: 50.0% No: 26.1% *138 students polled

Somewhat: 23.9%

“I think it will because it won’t allow students to push themselves as far as they want to be pushed, which is something HarvardWestlake is known for, so I think that kind of takes away its credibility.”

Prentiss Corbin ’22

ETHAN LACHMAN/CHRONICLE

Thomas Schramm ’21 “I feel like we’ve already created a reputation that is kind of impeccable [...] so I think it doesn’t have a major affect, but at the same time it limits our student abilities to grow through AP classes.”

ETHAN LACHMAN/CHRONICLE

Xander Boldt ’20 “If you’re putting a cap on APs, you’re putting a cap on [students’] ambitions. If you limit their ambitions, then you’re going to make our school less great.”

AUSTIN LEE/CHRONICLE ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXA DRUYANOFF

By Julian Andreone ILLUSTRATION BY CAROLINE JACOBY

Staff Writer and Layout Assistant Julian Andreone writes about the importance of knowing one’s rights when confronted by a life or death situation in facing corrupt police officials.

espite the American people’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, defined in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Americans are often subject to unlawful procedures by police officers. The amendment protects citizens’ rights to deny police officers the authority to search their cars on routine traffic stops. As teenagers begin to drive, it is important that they begin to learn their rights and how to exercise them in their best

interests. Recently, police officers have been bypassing the Fourth Amendment protections to illegally search motor vehicles, manipulating “probable cause” as a loophole. In the majority decision of the 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case Frazier v. Cupp, the court set a precedent by allowing police officers to use deceptive interrogation tactics before and after an arrest. After pulling someone over for a routine traffic violation, a police officer is required to state the reason for the stop to the operator of the car. However, all of the cop’s ensuing questions and comments are fair game. Whether those questions are deceptive or not is immaterial because they are protected by the de-

cision in Frazier v. Cupp. A maneuver that cops have used to exploit a loophole in the Fourth Amendment in recent years is to claim that they detect an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to The Associated Press. The officer’s apparent uncovering of a substance prohibited while driving allows them to bypass a driver’s obligatory consent to search the car. This unavoidable search opens the door to the possibility that the officer may find a different illegal item that does not have a distinct odor. If an officer finds another illegal item, one may be charged with a crime, although the evidence was obtained using methods antithetical to the spirit of The Fourth Amend-

ment. This loophole is an example of police officers neglecting their vowed duty to serve and protect. Members of police forces across the United States often take an oath to serve and protect the American people before becoming licensed officers. However, the commemoration and recognition granted to those who conduct the most stops, make the most arrests and issue the most tickets, blind officers from the true purpose of their job. I question the authenticity of our officers’ oaths as they, without repercussion, flout these vows day-to-day. Our officers’ intentions are disingenuous if they prioritize recognition over serving justice to the people of America. We pay officers to protect soci-

ety, care for the community and save lives. We do not pay officers to cause citizens anxiety, split us in disunity and deprive those who they vowed to serve. In the event that one is stopped by an officer, the best thing they can do is exercise their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and admit nothing. Officers are manipulative and are trained to produce a confession, whether the individual is guilty or not, in order to meet their arrest quota and gain recognition. Do not give in to their deception, only submit to their ego and allow them to feel powerful in the midst of the stop. In our current social climate, purposeful, calculated silence as an American citizen serves as self-justice. Use it wisely.

Community The Chronicle • Jan. 29, 2020

DO YOU HAVE NEWS? SEND US A TIP:

Painting a Difference

TESSA AUGSBERGER/CHRONICLE

CURATING FOR A CAUSE: Former photo researcher for the National Geographic Society Patricia Lanza poses beside her exhibit at the Leica Camera store in West Hollywood. Her art features photographs reflecting the human condition. She has covered many subjects in her work, including threatened languages, zoonotic disease and rape in the military.

Neighborhood restaurants offer discounts to students

By Frank Jiang

In an initiative to facilitate relationships between students and the community, students can now receive discounts at neighboring restaurants such as Carney’s, Sharky’s, Yen Sushi, Brian’s Shave Ice and Brit Boba if they present their student IDs. Student discounts vary from restaurant to restaurant: at Carney’s, students received 50 percent off on their purchases Friday. Junior Prefect Cleo Maloney ’21 said that future half-off dates for students would depend on ADVERTISEMENT

how many students went to Carney’s that day. At other restaurants, such as Yen Sushi and Brian’s Shave Ice, students can receive discounts of up to 15 percent on any day. Junior Prefect Chelsea Cho ’21 said that Prefect Council began negotiating student discounts at local restaurants due to the new block schedule that will be implemented next school year. “We want to make it so that all of the seniors can eat off-campus affordably if it turns out that the cafeteria can’t serve everyone in that one hour or whatever time that we have,” Cho said.

Henry Burdorf ’22 said that although discounts at these local restaurants are an improvement, they might not necessarily be useful to a lot of students who do not dine at these restaurants. “I would’ve preferred it more if these discounts applied to places like Starbucks or Ralphs,” Burdorf said. “Personally, I’ve never gone [to any of the discounted restaurants], because I don’t really have the time to, and I also don’t intend to go [to them] in the future, but I feel like if [Starbucks and Ralphs] were included [as discounted places], this would be a very [ben-

hwchronicle.com/contact

“

We want to make it so that all of the seniors can eat off-campus affordably if it turns out that the cafeteria can’t serve everyone in that one hour or whatever time we have.” — Chelsea Cho ’21 Prefect

eficial thing to me].” Student Amy Kronenberg ’20 said that the discounts were actually quite useful to her and that her friends were very enthusiastic about discounts at local restaurants. “My friends and I were planning to visit the restaurant Carney’s the other day because of the half-off discount but we unfortunately weren’t able to because we couldn’t find a common free

white’s

[period],” Kronenberg said. “I’ve been to the [Brit] Boba place and the discount was quite nice, but I hope that in the future I might be able to get a discount at Western Bagel because I go there pretty often.” Cho said that Prefect Council is currently communicating with other restaurants in the neighborhood in order to negotiate discounts for future deals.

Features The Chronicle • Jan. 29, 2019

Up in Arms Students and teachers discuss the general public’s reaction to Iranian General Qasem Soleimani’s assassination. • Continued on B7

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SIOBHAN HARMS

B2 Features

Jan. 29, 2019

The Chronicle

Colliding Cultures Students explore the benefits of participating in global exchange programs and hosting foreign exchange studetents through WLSA. By Casey Kim and Will Seymour

environment. Ryan Tsai ’21, who also volunteered to host an exAs Violet Barron ’22 sat change student from Shangdown at what she believed hai, said he was inspired to to be just another typical participate in the program family dinner, she was over- because of his past experiwhelmed with excitement ence as a foreign exchange when her mother announced student. “I was kind of both excited that her family would be welcoming a new member to and nervous because sometheir family for two weeks. one I don’t know is coming The Barron family would be to stay with my family,” Tsai one of six families partici- said. “But last summer, I pating in the World Leading went to Japan for an exchange program, so Schools AssociaI’m just returning the tion (WLSA) East favor.” to West Exchange After an introprogram. duction between the “I am excited to WLSA exchange stulearn a bit more dents and their host about life in Chifamilies Jan. 25, the na and her day to students were given day life, and I’m ’ the weekend to acsure she’s excitRyan climate to their new ed to learn about Tsai ’21 surroundings. They mine,” Barron then attended an orisaid. “I think it will be fun to say I have a entation run with Patterson, friend from China. I want to toured the school campus introduce her to some of the and shadowed their host foods I like, the music I like student before going back and things I like to do as well home with them. Exchange student Cathas hear about her interests.” The school is one of the erine Zhu, who is from founding members of WLSA Shanghai and staying with and a participant of the East Chronicle Assistant A&E Edto West Exchange program, itor Celine Park for the folwhere Chinese students who lowing two weeks, said she are a part of WLSA travel to is enthusiastic to immerse the United States and other herself in a new culture. “Everything is really excitcountries, Director of Kutler Center and Summer Pro- ing for me and new because grams Jim Patterson said. [I’m] in a new environment, These are short-term ex- meeting new people [and changes and students are eating] different foods,” Zhu able to live with host fam- said. “Everything is really ilies, attend classes at the different, and I am very exschool of their host siblings cited. I want to bring my own and engage in a new cultural culture and introduce it to white s

[the] local people and spend the students here,” Pattera good time with [everyone].” son said. “These are all uniZhu has been studying versity-bound students that English for close to eight have similar aspirations as years at her school and said [those of] Harvard-Westlake she is excited to further prac- students in terms of what tice her English while stay- they want to do once they ing in the United States. The grow up.” competitive program was Senior Prefect Clay introduced at Zhu’s school Skaggs ’20 participated in and required interested stu- the program as an exchange dents to take an exam to be student during his sophopart of it. more year in Shanghai and Exchange students will completed an internship spend the rest of their time during his stay, he said. attending “I stayed with various a family of the electives student of a WL I am excited to chosen by SA-associated learn a bit more about the schedschool and inu l i n g life in China and her terned at a pric o m m i t - day to day life and I’m vate equity firm tee, which sure she’s excited to for two weeks,” consists Skaggs said. “We of Bran- learn about mine.” did cultural acdon Liang —Violet Barron ‘22 tivities with the ’21, Taylor local high schoolDees ’21, ers. [I remember] Joy Ho ’22 and Park during I had to take the metro every the day, before returning to day to the internship, and it their host families and visit- was an hour-and-half ride ing different Los Angeles cul- each direction.” tural destinations until they Jed Kronenberg ’17 has depart Feb. 8. had many experiences with Patterson said that, both host students and bethrough his experience view- ing one himself. In highing the program in past school he went to Shanghai years, he has noticed that and his family has hosted both the host and exchange multiple Chinese exchange students are able to learn students over the years. from one another. “The opportunity to travel “From what I’ve seen in to Shanghai and then host the past, both the visiting a Chinese exchange student students from China and was incredible,” Kronenberg the host students from Har- said. “I really enjoyed imvard-Westlake seem to enjoy mersing myself in Chinese the experience of getting to culture. Today, I have friends know a peer from a different from around the world that I culture who, in many ways, never would have met withhas the same aspirations as out the exchange program.”

“

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KEILA MCCABE AND JEANINE KIM

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/features

Features B3

Stock Talk Investing in stocks can be a risky business. Student investors discuss the potential costs and benefits of engaging in the stock market. By Celine Park

big-name companies, some of which include Bank of America, American Airlines and Roku Inc. When Thomas Schramm ’21 Schramm invested in Roku Inc. walks to school from the St. seven months ago, and the compaSavior’s Church parking lot, he ny’s return increased by $200 in instinctively pulls out his phone. just one month. Rather than opening Instagram “After the returns increased, I or Snapchat, Schramm often decided to add more money in that checks his morning stock returns stock, and the returns just continon Stockpile, an app that aims to uously increased,” Schramm said. streamline youth experiences of Since investing in the stock navigating the stock market. Schramm has been investing in market is not a high-stakes hobby stocks for around seven months, for him, Schramm said he likes to making $700 in returns at his invest in riskier stocks which could highest point. Although individu- either give him large returns but als must be at least 18 years old could also turn into financial blunto buy and sell stocks, many create ders. Director of HW Venture Rob accounts with their parents as an Levin said he has seen the benefits alternative method. “My parents technically have of taking risks through personal control, but I could put in re- experiences. Levin said that many years ago, he bought stocks quests to buy and from multinational conglomsell [stocks] since I’m erate Berkshire Hathaway, the one doing the rewhich at the time was $8,000 search,” Schramm a share. Now, according to said. Google Market Summary, Schramm said Berkshire Hathaway Inc. he thoroughly restock is around $350,000 a searched the comshare. panies he invests in, “I had two choices,” Levin taking into account ’ said. “I didn’t choose the numerous factors Fedor course that had the $8,000 such as new prodKirilenko ’20 risk, and I chose the course uct releases and the that was ‘risk-free.’ I put the status of rival competitors. In early November, for money under a mattress with a example, Schramm analyzed how lock, key and armed guard, but I Disney+, a new streaming service, lost $342,000.” Most people worry about the would affect the stock market. “I thought investing in Dis- risk of losing money rather than ney would be a good idea because that of not taking a chance, Levin Disney+ would have a lot of clas- said. “People have a misguidsic movies and [television] shows that many people enjoy, so I spent ed sense of risk,” Levin said. weeks and weeks researching how “We evolved to be unrealistically it was going to affect the stock and risk-averse. Our hardwiring is biwhether it was smart to invest in ased since we remember bad things Disney before they released the more than good things. Emotionplatform,” Schramm said. “I ended ally, we react to negative conseup investing, and it actually had a quences very strongly. There is a great return. I had 20 percent of my huge, real risk in not taking risk.” Fedor Kirilenko ’20, who inoriginal investment returned back.” After extensive research, vested in the stock market after Schramm said he invested in five encountering widespread media white s

coverage of large companies such world simply have a longer time as Apple and Amazon, said he be- [understanding the stock market] lieves that risk is an integral part of than others, so the people who are investing. day-trading penny stocks are miss“What is investment without ing the entire point.” risk?” Kirilenko said. “That’s the Through stocks, teenagers can whole essence of it. You risk some not only make some money, but amount of money to extract gains. also learn more about the econoThe question is [whether] you are my, a practical life skill, Levin said. willing to risk a lot or risk a little, “Kids can learn how to research because if you risk a little, you only and how to find out about compahave some amount of gain.” nies,” Levin said. “They can learn According to Forbes, 66 percent that even though they don’t know of people from ages 18-29 are in- more than the experts, there are timidated by the stock market, and still a lot of idiots out there also in42 percent of millennials invest vesting.” conservatively. Similarly, Schramm said that Levin said that people, espe- teenagers can invest as much as cially the younger generation, may they desire into the stock market. have been scared away from the “People don’t often realize that stock market due to the stock mar- there’s more than just $1000 ket crash of 2008, when the Dow stocks,” Schramm said. “I’ve inJones Invested in $4 stocks and dustrial Av$60 stocks. There are erage stock so many opportunities I’m investing in price fell to actually invest where 778 points. it doesn’t require a lot of risky stocks now, but in “ T h e money. Just starting off is the future, I can use the root of the important, no matter how problem is money I worked really much you start off with.” that people hard [getting] to grow. Junior Prefect Chelsea were damCho ’21, who participated aged earliin an online trade simer in their —Thomas Schramm ’21 ulator competition at a careers, summer camp, said that and when she incorporated what she you look at exponential growth, learned about keeping up with the if you get behind the start, you’re stock market into her daily life. never catching up,” Levin said. “If “I learned a lot about time manthere is excessive caution, there’s a agement,” Cho said. “Doing stocks, problem.” particularly following the New York Levin said learning about the stock exchange, was really hard economy and the stock market is due to the time zone difference.” not as difficult as most people perEconomics club president Henceive it to be. ry Mass ’20 said investing in stocks “To understand when things has helped him become more pogrow exponentially, whether it’s litically aware and up-to-date with your money, your debt, the popula- the news. tion of a finite planet, a deadly bac“I think starting to invest money teria or an untrue idea is what’s when you’re young is important,” important,” Levin said. “If you Mass said. “You learn important understand the time axis and its analytical and financial skills while interactions with random variabil- also paying more attention to the ity, now you’re talking investment news and what’s happening in the wisdom. The Warren Buffets of the world.”

“

PHOTO BY ASTOR WU/CHRONICLE

B4 Features

The Chronicle

Januar

Students discuss the mental impact of college deferrals and the emotional stress of early decision applications.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SIOBHAN HARMS

29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/features

Features B5

Harbor College

Admissions & Financial Aid

Dear Student, By Lauren Nehorai

invalidate the hindrance of a rejection. While Justin Spitz ’20 Four months spent working on a two-page application. agrees that these phrases are Three flights across the coun- clichd and often unhelpful, try to visit the school. Two doz- he said he does not perceive en balloons in the college’s col- them as completely baseless ors hidden in the closet. One because people often neglect year of envisioning his future the positive aspects of the delife there. And then, Dec. 15, a cision. button saying “application sta“I wouldn’t say that I was tus updated” appeared across happy to get deferred from my Matthew’s* computer. early decision school, but I do His nervous smile mor- appreciate the fact that I have phed into a slight frown as the many other options as opposed word “deferred” popped up on to being locked in somewhere,” his screen. While thousands of Spitz said. “Getting back the thoughts rushed through his decision that I was deferred did head, Matthew’s mom turned not mean that the process was off the video camera, hugged over. There are still regular him and said, “Don’t decision applicaworry, everything haptions that need to pens for a reason.” be carried out, so Matthew said that was a lot of times with the last thing he wantinterviews and aded to hear. ditional tours, one People rely on sucan learn about perstitious sayings other opportunities to console seniors that schools have throughout the college to offer. Also, the ’ process, Matthew said. whole system is deIzzy Phrases like “everyone signed so that even Baradaran’20 ends up where they are if you don’t get into supposed to” or “this is your number one meant for the best” are often choice, there are options to used to brighten a disappoint- back it up.” ing situation, but Matthew The early decision consaid he believes these expres- tract is a binding agreement sions are unfounded and in- in which students must attend sincere. a school if they are accepted. “Anyone who says or While this option in the admistrusts those expressions is just sions process can improve stunaive,” Matthew said. “No one dents’ chances of acceptance, can fully guarantee a good out- according to HuffPost. Izzy come, and the encouragement Baradaran ’20 said the conI’m supposed to get for believ- tract also forces students to ing in some greater plan does make premature decisions and not make up for the frustration fixate on one outcome. of not getting into my dream “If you have a clear first school.” choice and they have an EarIn a Chronicle poll of 139 ly Decision [or restrictive Early students, 54 percent said they Action] option, you should go find superstitious comments for it,” Baradaran said. “Afto be unhelpful, as they can ter not getting accepted to my bolster the potentially mis- early decision school, the only leading hope of a deferral and choice I really [had] is to make a white s

positive out of a bad situation, School Laura Ross said that but I do feel that my outcome though receiving a deferral letwas a blessing in disguise. I ter can be emotional and conam someone who agrees that fusing, students should not everything happens for a rea- give up hope. son, and I definitely think I will “When I deferred students, be happier somewhere else, often they were some of my and hearing that from others favorites who I fought for unis nice, but it gets old after a til the end,” Ross said. “Every while.” school is different in terms of President Rick Commons policies, but generally, schools said that the culture surround- have tried to get better about ing many high schools tends to denying kids who don’t have a be very outcome-focused, as shot and only deferring those people distill success down to who they think can be competexternal markers. Commons itive in the regular pool. I think said that while it can hard people lose sight of that, but for students to not see their it is hard not to get disheartcollege admissions outcomes ened. I would advise people to, as a referendum on their en- if it’s still your first choice, to tire time at the be commuschool, the paynicative and I am always off of their edumake sure cation is much the admisthinking about how we more valuable sions office can help people in the than any single knows, but long game. result. to not let “We talk to yourself feel —Rick Commons people one year discouraged President by it.” or five years out, and what they After talk about is that wherever he was deferred from his Early they went, the way they learned Decision school last year, Ashhow to learn at Harvard-West- er Vogel ’19 later deferred his lake and the way they changed enrollment to a different unitheir habits of mind and the versity to take a gap year, an connections they made here, is option he said he never would what helped them be success- have explored had he been acful in whatever they did,” Com- cepted in the early round. mons said. “In terms of college “Gap years were introadmissions, I’m always think- duced to me in the best posing about how we can help sible light,” Vogel said. “I alpeople take the long game. Sta- ways heard stories from older tistically, there is no evidence friends who would say it was to support that, within the the best decision they ever top 50 colleges or so, going to made, so I thought, ‘why not?’ I the number one or number 50 have no regrets throughout my changes the financial trajecto- college process, and I wouldn’t ry of your life or your graduate say that life works itself out school opportunities.” just because of destiny, but I When discussing her ex- do believe that no matter what perience working as senior as- the outcome, there is a bright sociate director of undergrad- future ahead. You just have to uate admission and director of make something out of it.” transfer admission at Columbia University, Head of Upper *names have been changed

“

Sincerely,

John Smith Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SIOBHAN HARMS

B6 Features

Jan. 29, 2020

The Chronicle

Students discuss their opinions on the absence of a school nurse and whether they believe having one would benefit the student body. By Lauren Cho Tanisha Gunby

Many of these part-time nurses work at multiple schools during the day, overseeing hundreds of As Natalie Barnouw ’21 ran students. Khyra Stiner ’21, who particithrough the field, her eyes fixed on the rolling soccer ball, she pates in track and field, said that tripped, tumbled to the ground having a nurse stationed on the and felt a sharp pull in her ankle. school campus would be conveDistracted by the pain, Barnouw nient for students not involved in limped across the field and toward sports. “I believe that adding a nurse the trainers, who she hoped would diagnose her injury. What she would better suit those with smallthought was a minor ankle sprain er issues such as headaches or was determined to be shin splints. small pains,” Stiner said. “I know Barnouw said that her experi- a lot of people who have decided to ence helped her recognize the con- just deal with the pain for the rest of the day because of either the venience of having trainhassle of going to the ers who are familiar with trainers or the expecsports-related injuries on tation that they would campus. She also wonnot be as helpful for a ders about the availablity non-athletic injury.” of medical assistance to Sarah Rivera ’21 students who do not play also said that having a sports without a nurse on nurse located near the campus, she said. center of the campus “I think the trainers are ’ would allow more stugreat sources of first-aid Sarah dents to have quick acbefore receiving additionRivera ’21 cess to medication and al outside help,” Barnouw medical advice. said. “They’re not only a “I think the school could conresource directly on campus, but also a very reliable and knowl- sider adding a school nurse as a edgeable source, [particularly for sort of collaboration with the trainathletes]. Especially if the injury is ers so there’s one place on campus a minor one, going to the trainers for all kinds of situations, not just first can save a lot of time and un- physical injuries,” Rivera said. “It would definitely benefit the stunecessary hassle.” According to the National Ath- dents by providing an easier place letic Trainers Association, 70 per- to access medication or medical cent of public schools provide care other than the deans’ offices.” Although Barnouw does agree some level of athletic training services, while 58 percent of private that a school nurse would greatschools offer similar services. In ly benefit the school, she said comparison to the number of ath- that she disagrees with having a letic trainers, there are fewer nurs- nurse who cooperates with traines employed in schools. 25 percent ers. Instead, she prefers a nurse of schools across the United States who functions independently from don’t employ a nurse, while 40 trainers and focuses solely on givpercent of schools have part-time ing first aid to students who don’t nurses, according to the Nation- play sports. “I think [having a school nurse] al Association of School Nurses. and

white s

would be great,” Barnouw said. “I to students at school. think having a nurse whose main Ayden Chi ’22 said that aljob is first aid, apart from the train- though he has not been affected by ers, would be very useful. Knowing not having a nurse on campus, it that there is someone available to would be potentially life-saving in help all the time during school a serious health situation. would be very reassuring.” “I think a school nurse would Athletic trainer Tiara Wells said be a positive benefit,” Chi said. that working with a nurse who “We don’t really have a person deals with other medical issues on campus who can provide us would help trainers focus on physwith professional medical care or ical injuries while students seek knowledge.” medical advice from a specialized Head of Upper School Laura nurse. “I would love it if we had a school Ross said she believes that trainnurse on campus,” Wells said. ers are adequate enough to attend “While I am fato students’ injumiliar with many ries. general medical “Because we alconditions, ath Knowing that ways have multiple letic trainers are athletic trainers there is someone mostly trained on campus, there’s in musculoskele- available to help all always somebody tal conditions. A the time during school who is trained to nurse would be would be reassuring.” help with an emerhelpful for the Ross said. students that do —Natalie Barnouw ‘21 gency,” However, in not participate in the case of smallathletics here at er medical needs, school and when students have places to seek help. they get sick with the flu or cold.” However, Jack French ’20 said Ross said that although a nurse that there would be minimal, if would provide benefits at the marany, benefits to having a full-time gins, ultimately she believes that nurse on the school premises. the school provides enough op“I don’t think [having a nurse tions to help students deal with on campus] would make a big their medical issues. difference,” French said. “[Train“Generally, people come to the ers] are trained medical profes- main office, to [Upper School and sionals. There’s only maybe slight Deans’ Office Coordinator Camille differences in what [trainers and Da Santos, and Assistant to Head nurses] learn. It’s all generally the of Upper School and Deans’ Office same.” Coordinator Lynn Miller], ” Ross Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that said. “If there is an actual injury, schools employ at least one regis- they will then coordinate with the tered nurse, many schools do not trainers, and people can obviously follow this guideline. The National go straight the trainers, but [Miller Association of Nurses considers and Da Santos] call the trainers if this shortage of nurses a “national they need something more specialcrisis,” because it poses a danger ized.”

“

ILLUSTRATION BYBY ALEXA DRUYANOFF ILLUSTRATION SIOBHAN HARMS

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/features

Features B7

World War Meme

Students and teachers react to the current Middle-Eastern conflict between Iran and the U.S. following recent escalations. By Siobhan Harms

Schwartz said that this apparent lack of accurate underMitchell Schwartz (Zack standing the memes highlights ’20, Michael ’22), former Com- a disconnect between Amerimunications Director at the can citizens and the country’s State Department, grew dis- foreign policy. He said that he tressed when his son ap- thinks this is because only a proached him and asked if the small percentage of the populaUnited States had started an- tion has served in the military. other world war. Iranian Gen“I do know that [most of] eral Qasem Soleimani had just my generation hasn’t felt [the been assassinated by American impact of] the wars because it forces, and memes regarding is a volunteer army now, there a new world conflict inundat- is no conscription,” Schwartz ed social media platforms, said. “I think that makes it prompting uncertainty among easy for the [United States] to individuals. get involved into conflict. It is Schwartz said that he a little removed, but it’s also a felt the posts showed that the little removed because [most of public, particularly young peo- us know] very few veterans. So ple, were extremely none of us have felt it.” concerned about an Schwartz said the armed conflict belarger question is not tween Iran and the whether we are going United States. to war, but why the “I didn’t get the United States chose to feeling that [Generaassassinate Soleimani tion Z] took it lightnow. ly,” Schwartz said. “I “There’s not gothink you guys were ing to be a war,” ’ kind of scared by it, Schwartz said. “But, Dror but I didn’t think it that doesn’t mean Yaron was worthy of being there won’t be violence that worried about [a and bloodshed. [The] war].” question, and one that really Upper school history only the President can answer, teacher Dror Yaron said he is why. We don’t have the infelt that the memes were an telligence, and unfortunately, irresponsible way for people to so far he has given conflicting spread disinformation across answers as to why [his admintheir social media platforms. istration] did it.” “People are looking for Yaron said that he can buzzes all the time and World speculate that the United War III is a big buzz,” said States made the decision asYaron. “Not only is it irrespon- sassinate the military leader sible, I think it is immature. We because of increasing acts of are not just yet gravitating to- aggression from the Iranians wards WWIII.” within the last year. Examples Ash Wright ’22 said she of these actions include attacks agrees that there is a lack of on the United States embassy understanding regarding for- in Baghdad and a military base eign policy. that killed an American conThe [memes] are very fun- tractor, as well as the hijacking ny, but I didn’t know if [they of a British ship in the Persian were] serious for a really long Gulf. time,” said Wright. “I was a lit“The Trump administratle bit concerned.” tion claims, and it’s not veriwhite s

fied entirely, that [Soleimani] that [Trump] wanted to send a was a ticking time bomb ready message to the [Iranian governto escalate and to attack other ment],” Schwartz said. “I don’t American targets, to reattach know if he’s trying to effect rethe American embassy,” Yaron gime change, or [if] they just said. “I can tell you from my trying to say we don’t care what perspective there is no doubt you do in Iran but stop messing Soleimani did intend, in fact, to around in the rest of the Middle escalate. They attacked him beEast, or if he just wants to hit cause the provocation of hitting them every now and then to let an American embassy so forcefully and the level of escalation them know that we can. I think carried out by Iran in the last for President Trump, this was a half a year has been increas- way to send a strong message ingly aggressive that the United and I think he thinks that it’s going to be on the cheap, that States finally acted.” Additionally, Yaron said he there will not be much retaliabelieves that the assassination tion. Schwartz said that if the was in part domestic political President’s end goal is to create consumption, a way to deflect a regime change, these actions attention from the w o u l d ongoing impeachhave been ment trial. incredi The [memes] “I am not a bly risky are very funny, but I cynic, I think that because was part of the didn’t know if [they were] Iranians [calculation], but could join serious for a really long I don’t think that t ogether time.” was the major reato oppose son,” Yaron said. the United “The impeachment —Ash Wright ‘22 States inwas a benefit that stead. Trump could gar“Critner. It could only be a short term benefit, and even then I ics of Trump’s move say if we am not sure it was much of a just let things alone and continue with sanctions without benefit.” Schwartz said he disagrees the killing, the [current Iranithat the impeachment had any an] regime would have fallen on effect on the decision to assas- its own.” Schwartz said. “[They sinate Soleimani. say] don’t give the [Iranians] a “I don’t think [impeach- reason to unify which they defiment played a part],” Schwartz nitely could have. That’s what said. “So many things are going critics say —that a regime will to happen in the next year and come down on its own, that its in the next few months while not going to be helped by Amerthe impeachment happens. I ican intervention.” don’t know that every single acYaron said that he felt the tion can be attributed to that. attack was successful in the But, again, we don’t know what short-term. [Trump’s] thinking is.” “On the short term, [the asSchwartz said he thinks that the decision was made sassination] was a big success either to encourage a regime and was tactically brilliant, change in Iran, or to assert Yaron said. “Strategically, we dominance in the region. can’t judge anything stra“I could speculate, which is tegic until the next year.”

“

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SIOBHAN HARMS

hwchronicle.com/features

Jan. 29. 2020

Features B8

Including Introverts Students express their perspectives on whether introverts are treated equally in the classroom. By Hannah Han and Austin Lee

Julien Roa ’20 shares Yaron’s perspective, saying that learning to actively conWhen history teacher Dror tribute his opinions in class Yaron immigrated to the Unit- has played a significant role in ed States from Israel at the his education. “Willingness to contribage of seven, he struggled to assimilate with his new class- ute to class is often scary, but mates. He said his name, going ahead and doing it anywhich means “sparrow” or ways has always been reward“freedom” in Hebrew, and his ing and important for my delimited knowledge of the En- velopment,” Roa said. “School glish language set him apart doesn’t exist to satisfy every student’s utmost comfort, so from his peers. “I was quite introverted pushing students beyond that [as a child],” Yaron said. “My comfort seems to be a large name, Dror, is not a common part of the educational expename; I felt somewhat like rience.” World Languages Departan outsider. That was very healthy, though, because hav- ment Head Derek Wilairat, ing to surmount the challenge who considers himself an introvert, said that parof feeling different ticipation remains a and shy, which are pivotal part of stuactually positive atdents’ experiences tributes, lets you exin the classroom. perience more of an Wilairat also said internal dialogue. [Inthat participation astroversion] also forces sumes various forms, you to compensate from volunteering in and to make a greatclass to simply being er effort to be able ’ respectful. to learn to assimiJulien “It’s okay if differlate into the broader Roa ’20 ent classes or teachscheme, whether it’s ers have different exsociety or the classpectations when it comes to room.” Yaron said that his ex- participation, as long as those perience breaking out of his expectations are communicatshell informed his teaching ed if a teacher feels that a stustyle, which empowers more dent is falling short of them,” introverted students to vocal- Wilairat said. English teacher Jocelyn ize their opinions. Instead of creating safe, controlled envi- Medawar agreed with Wilairat, ronments, he said he believes but said that participation teachers should help reserved standards must not be universtudents push the boundaries sal, as requirements vary from subject to subject and even of their comfort zones. “I think a job of an edu- from classroom to classroom. “I don’t have a grading cator is to help students feel comfortable articulating their standard for participation,” ideas, not just through tech- Medawar said. “I would vigornological mediums, but ver- ously protest anything being bally,” Yaron said. “[I want instituted across the board. students] to be comfortable Each discipline is different. with being uncomfortable in Even within a class, students saying something possibly er- participate in different ways.” However, Medawar said roneous because it’s part of students the process when you get into that your college classroom, pur- should take adsue higher education, and en- vantage of the ter an actual field. You want to school’s learning environbecome a go-getter.” white s

ment to build their confidence prising. in speaking out, a skill essen“I think teachers do favor tial in both upper education extroverts a little more, and and the professional field. they perceive an extrovert“It’s a vital skill to learn ed person as someone who how to make yourself heard in is more enthusiastic about the world, and the classroom the class, when that’s not the is a good place to practice it,” case,” Schoen said. “I just noMedawar said. “This skill is in- ticed that last year, when they dispensable in our private and handed out the sophomore professional lives; we need to awards, the recipients were know how to speak up for our- both very extroverted people, selves effectively.” and I had an issue with that. Science teacher Heather As an introvert, I felt that the Audesirk said she cautions other side of the spectrum was against instituting a school- not being represented as well, wide grading rubric for par- and their accomplishments to ticipation and supported the community were not being teachers’ autonomy in forming as appreciated.” their own standards. However, Maddie Boudov ’21 said she also said that extroverted discussion-based classes, in students tend to which she dominate discuscan particisions, preventing pate actively, As an introvert, better suit introverts from contributing , a her personI felt that the other phenomenon that ality. Boudov side of the spectrum she tries to avoid also suggestwas not being in her classroom. ed several “I don’t think represented as well.” ways that inthat students who troverts can —Walt Schoen ’21 are uncomfortparticipate able participating in the class. should be pe“As an nalized for being introverted, extrovert, I really enjoy parand I don’t like it when participating in class because for ticipation becomes a contest, me, it’s easiest to learn when especially because it tends to I’m speaking since I’m a very be a contest that only the ex- auditory learner,” Boudov troverted students can ‘win,’” said. “Participation should be Audesirk said. “I think that part of a grade because I think teachers should be allowed to people who can speak up and make their own policies, but I contribute ideas to the class hope that they are mindful of should be rewarded, but I also different students when they think there should be an opdo so.” tion for introverts to receive a Walt Schoen ’21 said he grade boost like an extra onfeels that introverts’ contribu- line discussion they can antions are often undervalued, swer.” as teachers tend to notice exYaron said that teachers troverts more. For example, should evaluate a student’s each year, faculty members engagement from not just vote on the recipient of the questions asked in class, but Lester Medvene Award, given from interactions out of class. to the sophomore who pos“I aspire to be as encomsesses an exceptional curiosi- passing in my evaluation as ty and generosity towards his possible,” Yaron said. “There’s or her classmates. a tangible grade and an intanSchoen said that last year, gible respect and relationship, the awardees were mostly and the intangible is always extroverts, which he found fundamentally more powerful disheartening but unsur- than the tangible.”

“

PHOTO BY JOANNA IM

Arts & Entertainment The Chronicle•Jan. 29, 2020

Impossible to confine, music connects people. Students, teachers and musicians discuss its unique quality. By Ethan Lachman

him get to where he is today, he said. When he was younger, if For singer-songwriter Mirasomeone had told Blink-182 bella Wong ’20, songs from the bassist and co-lead vocalist past also inspire her own musiMark Hoppus (Jack ’20) that he cal endeavors. In addition to bewould influence a generation of ing influenced by singer-songnew artists from Fall Out Boy writer Alicia Keys, one of her to Lil Uzi Vert and Juice Wrld, dad’s favorite musicians, Wong he would have been in disbelief. said she has also been motivatNow, he said he is grateful. ed by The Beatles. “It’s a gigantic compliment “I remember the one song and something that I don’t take that stands out to me a lot is for granted at all,” Hoppus said. this song ‘Yesterday,’ Wong “It’s really an honor when peo- said. “When I was younger, ple who I think make killer mu- my uncle played it during our sic say, ‘oh yeah, well I grew up Christmas dinner, and I didn’t listening to [Blink-182].’ I’m like really play music back then, ‘wow, that’s crazy.’” but he was playing the guitar Growing up, Hoppus sang and everyone was singing. But songs in the car with his par- it was really cool and I thought ents, and in high school, lis- the music was so beautiful, and tened to bands such as The I wanted to make something Cure and The Descendants, like that.” which influenced his own musiThough each individual’s cal journey. Today, their songs taste varies, Wong said that still remind him of the valuable music will always connect humoments he had throughout manity. high school, he “It’s funny said. because when I think that music “Music is I play music in just like that,” is very connective in what my dad’s car Hoppus said. or something, I it brings to the world [...] It always have to “One of the amazing, powmake sure he’ll speaks to the things that erful things like it, and you are larger than [ideas about music is have to think that you can about [things] such as] politics.” forget all about like, ‘what —Mark Hoppus would he like a song and then you’ll hear from our genit on the radio eration,’” Wong or it’ll come up on your playlist said. “[Artists] like Billie Eilish, or whatever, and it can remind which is so random, but my dad you of a very specific moment in likes some of them, and I think your life, and where you were, maybe because music kind of and who were you with and how connects to people and maybe you felt at that time.” it reminds him of someone he When he was 15, Hoppus listened to before. It never really decided he wanted to learn the changes, even through generabass guitar, and after a quick tions, how music touches peonegotiation, he painted his fa- ple.” ther’s house in return for the Similarly, Will Nordstrom ’21 instrument. Subsequently, par- decided to become a musician ticipating in a high school band after his sister introduced and leaving col- him to The Beatles lege to pursue and Wings, his musical which soon career helped led to his

“

ILLUSTRATION BY SYDNEY FENER

infatuation with classic rock. despite the immense value that Nordstrom, who has released lies in understanding the past. two rock albums, said that in “New music now is a litaddition to personally enjoying tle different from what it was their music, The Beatles’ album when I was in college,” Hilt said. “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts “Nowadays [people of newer Club Band” was his main in- generations] feel free when they fluence to start making music create things to pull in all kinds himself. of influences. They don’t feel “I was on a road trip at the they have to write in a certain time with my family and I just way. For instance, people use started writing songs in my instruments from rock bands head,” Nordstrom said. “And or drum kits or whatever they they were all pretty bad because want to do, and they put it toI just started writing songs. gether, which I think is great, They were all just quirky and because that infuses new ideas just funny, jokey songs, but at into our art form, which is 700 the time I only really knew how years old, and allows it to recreto play piano and sing. So then ate itself for new audiences and I was like, ‘okay, I want to learn new performers.” how to play guitar,’ and I startAlthough older music can ed to learn how to play guitar sometimes fall out of circulaand I started to write some more tion, Nordstrom said that initiasongs, and the songs got more tives such as The Beatles’ 2019 mature.” remastered version of “Abbey Performing arts teach- Road” help ensure that people er Mark Hilt said his musical do not forget about older music journey also dates back to his and that it will always hold a childhood. Growing up place in today’s youth in a small farm town culture. in Kansas, Hilt sang “[Older music] is so in choirs and taught different from more rehimself to play the piacent songs that people no, but was also introlike for like a month, duced to music by his and then they just parents, he said. forget about it,” Nord“My mother and fastrom said. “I feel like ther belonged to a rethat’s never going to cord club, which you come back. But I feel ’ would send records in like really substantial Mirabella the mail every month music, like older muWong ’20 or so,” Hilt said. “I just sic, it always comes remember listening to stuff and back.” being astonished by the sound Music may evolve, but this of music, big orchestras or pi- evolution and its unique abiliano music. I just loved the har- ty to unify people regardless of mony and the way everything their background should be celworked together.” ebrated, Hoppus said. Hilt said that Billy Joel and “I think that music is very Art Garfunkel are two of many connective in what it brings artists who defined his musi- to the world,” Hoppus said. “It cal experience, and that as he speaks to the things that are matured individually, his views larger than [ideas such as] polof music developed as well. itics. I think it speaks to love, Through teaching young people, and it speaks to living in the Hilt said he has deepened his world, and it speaks to being a comprehension of music, and human being, and it speaks to is excited for being a part of this giant uniits future, verse.” white s

C2 Arts and Entertainment

The Chronicle

Jan. 29, 2020

Students and teachers discuss the influence of historical and contemporary art on their own creative processes. By Chloe Schaeffer

er than contemporary techniques. “I am more influenced When Skylar Liu ’21 first by past art purely because discovered the work of conit all boils down to aesthettemporary artist Anthony ic taste,” Nuñez said. “I like Cudahy, she was immediatethe painterly techniques ly impressed by the way he that were used in the past, utilized dynamic techniques. but a lot of those are being However, it was not until combined as we are in an this past year that Liu redisera where you are more free covered and fell in love with to not follow the status quo his work. Since then, he has as you would have been in, become one of Liu’s largest say, the Renaissance. So, I’m inspirations for her own creinfluenced by a combination ative process, she said. of past art and current art.” “His art carries a sort of However, Nuñez said reephemeral quality, but it has cent artistic movements are a lasting emotional impact,” often mistakenly grouped Liu said. “Rich, semi-transtogether under the umbrella parent colors seep through term of ‘modern art.’ opaque layers, paired with According simple line to My Modwork which ern Met, art makes his In am inspired students inpaintings fluenced by very dynamby the art that I see in current piecic and permuseums around Los es may draw sonal. I esAngeles and that I see on i n s p i r a t i o n pecially love from many how he often Instagram. different conkeeps a very —Garrett Ingman ’21 t e m p o r a r y limited colmoveor palette in Art student art ments, such his smaller as Abstracpaintings, tism, Minand each of imalism, Postmodernism, his figures are limited to one Conceptualism and Neo-exor two colors in his larger pressionism. works.” “Modern art is its own Drawing and Painting separate art movement, so student Helena Steuch ’21 I feel like the term is oversaid she believes many other used and used incorrectly a art students take inspiration lot of the time,” Nuñez said. from the art that is produced “I think people tend to mean around them. Steuch said contemporary art when they that her own artistic style is are talking about [modern more heavily influenced by art] because contemporary current art, rather than faand modern art are very difmous works of the past that ferent.” she sees online and in muSteuch said another comseums. mon misconception about “I draw inspiration from current art forms is that they all different genres,” Steuch are easy to create. said. “I don’t draw inspira“[Recently], I’ve seen a lot tion from Renaissance art, more people make art that because the techniques are other people would describe often too difficult. But more as easy, with seemingly simcontemporary art forms, ple shapes, colored backother than abstract pieces, grounds and light brushinfluence and inspire me for ing,” Steuch said. “The kinds sure.” of things that most people On the other hand, artist wouldn’t think are that hard Sophia Nuñez ’20 said that to create actually are very she finds her inspiration in difficult. I’ve tried myself, it’s older styles of painting, rath-

very difficult.” your new and current work.” Steuch also said that Ingman also said that a taking art history courses major source of inspiration can help students gain infor his art comes from social spiration. Art history teachmedia. er Katherine Holmes-Chuba “I am inspired by the said that Art History is a art that I see in museums valuable course for both artaround Los Angeles and that ists and non-artists alike. I see on Instagram,” Ingman “To understand the visusaid. “Since I mostly paint, al history of humanity allows I’ll find new painters on Inyou to understand your place stagram, but I think the art within it,” Holmes-Chuba I see has done way more to said. “No matter what you inspire me to try out things say, even if you don’t think like sculpture or watercolor you are going to become an than by giving me new ideas artist, you are bombarded or concepts for my paintevery day with the visuals ings.” that are taking images from Both Nuñez and Steuch art history, and playing with said they predict that the art them. So, I do think underworld is moving in a more standing the past technologically inand how artists have fluenced direction. been able to carve While Nuñez herself out moments of perdoes not work with sonal expression, computer art, she often in an environstill said she thinks ment where they are it is important to trying to please a parecognize how techtron, is the history of nology can affect individualism.” art and aesthetic Garrett Ingman taste. ’ ’21 took “The Histo“Art has been Sophia ry and Art of Modgearing a lot more Nuñez ’21 ern Europe and the towards digital in World” as a sophothe past decade, more. Though he said he enjust because of the rise of joyed learning about the protechnology such as tablets,” gression of the art world as Nuñez said. “For example, a context for where modern if you look at a lot of musiart is today, he is more influcians, their album art is now enced by contemporary art. a lot more digitally focused “I’m definitely more inthan before. I think art is fluenced by the current genmoving in the way of the fueration of artists, as I feel ture, which is technology.” like it’s just more relevant to Digital artist Eve Levy ’22 today,” Ingman said. “I like said she began practicing art history, but I think I get her art because she did not more from art [from] the 20th have access to a studio, and century on, compared to old has pursued it because it ofmasters like Michelangelo.” fers a more flexible medium Nuñez said that she bethan she has previously exlieves that taking Honors Art perienced. History helped shape her ar“Like most other new tistic journey, and said she ways of creating art, I believe draws ideas from the techthat digital art will introduce niques and themes of the new ways that artists appieces she studied. proach perspective, photore“The [Honors Art History] alism and abstraction,” Levy course has opened me to a lot said. “Although there are a of painters and artists who I lot of parallels to photograwould love to reference in my phy, digital art is unique in own work,” Nuñez said. “An that it tends to reduce the important part of art history physical aspect of creating is building on the past with art as well as human error.” white s

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ASTOR WU AND SPENCER KLINK

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/ae

Students reflect on the prevalence of counter culture movements, as well as their relationships to them. By Emma Limor

norms, Shinderman said. Defying societal standards has Every morning, Hope often placed many goth people Shinderman ’21 wakes up to like her under scrutiny, she her morning punk playlist, said. selects her outfit from an as“I think that my outfits sortment of black and plaid tend to be a lot less ‘extreme’ clothes, laces up her com- because I have faced a lot of bat boots and puts at least a criticism on things like chains, pound of silver jewelry on. To makeup and band parapherShinderman, being goth and nalia,” Shinderman said. “It punk is her greatest pride. upsets me that people don’t However, her identity is not respect my clothing as an exonly reflected in her clothing pression of my culture while and music, but in her philo- they claim to value freedom of sophical and political beliefs expression.” as well, she said. However, many students “I identify with goth and such as Kai McGrath ’21 do punk because of the music I not understand goth fashion. listen to and because I relate to “The sight of all that metthe overarching messages al makes my eyes and themes,” Shinderhurt and me feel man said. “I find beauty very uncomfortin some of this world’s able,” McGrath darkness. However, I see said. “Goth clothinjustice and I see things ing should be that are screwed up and against the dress I’m sure as hell fighting to code. There’s no fix them.” need to have all According to Scathe, a that leather, this ’ British goth website, the is an educational foundation of goth countinstitution.” Kai McGrath er culture is goth music, In addition ’21 which originated during to older counter the post-punk genre. cultures such as goth culture, Shinderman said the goth recent counter culture moveperspective sees the world as a ments have also gained popdark and broken place where ularity, Jack Hoppus ’20 said. beauty still exists. As a re“Counter culture has never flection of finding light within before been as prominent since the darkness, goth individuals all of these ‘quirky’ trends that generally avoid wearing color, are circulating around on Tikopting for black and in some Tok are super popular today,” cases white clothing, Shinder- Hoppus said. “As an example, man said. ‘e-boy’ or ‘quirky’ music taste The punk movement is or aesthetics are super mainclosely connected to anti-gov- stream. I feel like right now, ernment movements and anar- everyone wants to be different chism, Shinderman said. or unique, so people are acAccording to a goth and tively looking to change thempunk website LoudSound, the selves and what makes them current socio-political world- different.” view that participants in the Shinderman said she modern punk movement have shares similar sentiments. adopted is that the status quo “People often assume that is imperfect, but that the peo- goth is on the rise because ple have the power to change e-girls and goth and emo rapit. pers and artists falsely labeled Although each is distinct, as goth, like Billie Eilish, have these cultures are all cen- become popular,” Shinderman tered around opposition to said. “These people labeled mainstream and socialby the general public as goth ly accepted tend to just combine aspects white s

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXA DRUYANOFF AND EMMA LIMOR

of goth and emo aesthetics in order to appear edgy.” With the rise of open source the music platforms like SoundCloud and new genres such muas emo rap, teenagers are now s i c identifying more with the muthat I sic and art of counter cultures listen old and new, Juliet Colitre ’21 t o , ” said. RubenMany individuals who idens t e i n tify with counter culture moves a i d . ments seek a sense of social “That’s inclusion. Because self-idenone of the tifying with these cultures is major stegenerally temporary, it is often reotypes. cast off as “just a phase.” However, Yet, for students like Felicback in my ity Phelan ’21, who identified emo phase I as emo in middle school, these actually was d e cultures pressed, so provide a I think that the stesense of When you are reotype is sometimes belonging feeling listless and true. Often, people that not gravitate towards isolated, having a everyone counter culture when can find culture or community they’re dissatisfied in popuwith the way that ‘norwhere you feel welcome lar culmal culture’ treats ture. and safe is a lifesaver.” them, and they don’t “I belike they fit into gan to —Felicity Phelan ’21 feel the boxes that society gravitate places them into.” toward Like Rubenstein, many the emo culture because I was other members of the emo having a really rough time socommunity find an escape cially and emotionally,” Phelfrom their t will make for an an said. “I felt like an outsider intriguing discussion that will and was really longing for a bring to life the book,” issues. sense of community, and since “When you are feeling listI couldn’t find it in mainstream less and isolated, having a communities, I was pushed culture or community where more towards the fringes. Peoyou feel welcome and safe is a ple ride emo culture a lot for lifesaver,” Phelan said. “Even if being cringe and overly-edgy, that culture is something you but it really was the only place eventually outgrow the need where I saw my feelings of othfor, it still had a really large erness being not only acknowlpart in shaping you.” edged, but celebrated and For Phelan, rejecting the spun as something positive.” norm is a way for them to reRafaella Rubenstein ’21, claim their ability to self-idenwho self-identifies as goth, said tity. that because so many students “I’d say being emo is a way take emotional refuge within to take back power from wouldthese communities, a stigma be bullies and judgers,” Phelan of depression has developed. said. “By branding yourself as She said both of these commupart of this subculture, you nities have helped her feel are basically renouncing more safe and included mainstream approval, sayduring turbulent times. ing, ‘Think whatever you “ P e o p l e tend to aswant. I already know sume that I’m depressed bewho I am.’” cause of the way I dress and

A&E

C4 Arts And Entertainment

Artists in Miami

The Chronicle

Jan. 29, 2020

Caitlin Chung ’20, Oscar Montanez-Garay ’20, Chiemeka Offor ’21 and Santiago Salazar ’21 went to the National YoungArts Week, where they developed skills.

By Sophia Musante

artists and not necessarily how we can develop our art.” Students formed lifelong Four student artists developed their portfolios, attended friendships based on their masterclasses and met with passion for the arts, attendpanelists at the National Youn- ee Oscar Montanez-Garay ’20 gArts Week in Miami from Jan. said. “Going into YoungArts, I 5 to 12. Student finalists of the thought it was going to be a YoungArts competition were very competitive environment invited to participate in an with students who had big intensive course on their re- egos; however, it was exactly the opposite,” spective disciMontanez-Gaplines in visual ray said. “Evor performing The YoungArts at the arts. [trip] definitely changed eryone program was “It was cool the way I would extremely supto have a week portive and full of continapproach my artwork eager to work uously creand art in the future.” with each othating art and talking about —Caitlin Chung ‘20 er. It was truly life changing our work,” YoungArts Finalist aexperience.” Chiemeka OfOffor said for ’21 said. “That week really helped me the week allowed her to gain get to why my art is so import- confidence both as an artist ant to me and how I can use and as a person. “My goals for the trip were my personal voice in my art to speak for myself and others just to push myself out of my going through similar experi- comfort zone with my art and be really open-minded when ences.” At night, students attended meeting new people and trying performances from each of the new things or working on indifferent art forms, including terdisciplinary projects,” Offor classical music, dance, design said. “I think I was able to do and visual arts, film, jazz, pho- this throughout the week.” Montanez-Garay said the tography, theater and writing. “We were immersed in our experience surpassed his exart,” Chronicle Photography pectations, and he enjoyed Editor Caitlin Chung ’20 said. being surrounded by driven, “We went over the technical talented artists. “There was never a dull moand conceptual details of how we can develop ourselves as ment at YoungArts, everyone

“

New Year’s Solutions

was super passionate about their craft,” Montanez-Garay said. “The best part was on the first day, when no one in the visual arts discipline knew each other [yet, and] opened up about their experiences and were vulnerable. We immediately bonded and it was so special to be able to feel comfortable with people who I had just met.” The experience was educational and allowed its attendees to form deep connections through a shared passion for art, Offor said. “After the week had ended, I had definitely gained confidence with my art and as a person and [was] less afraid to take risks in anything that I do,” Offor said. “I was also excited to meet other, like-minded artists and to see how their work was different from mine.” Montanez-Garay said his view of art changed as a result of his experience. “I [also] learned how becoming a successful artist is very tangible,” Montanez-Garay said. “We are raised to believe that if you become an artist you are going to make no money. However, this trip broke down the starving artist stereotype by giving clear insight on how to become one.” Chung said that she found inspiration for her photography through the dedication of her peers. “I’ve never seen the dedi-

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF CAITLIN CHUNG

ART INSPIRATIONS: YoungArts Finalists, who furthered their photography skills during their week in Miami, smile for a picture. cation that these kids have in their art,” Chung said. “It was inspiring, even if they weren’t in my discipline, to see [that] there are other kids having respect for the art they do. It motivates you to dig deeper and find meaning in what you are discovering in your art.” Montanez-Garay said he gained a passion to keep creating art.

English teacher Amanda Foushee presents Harvard-Westlake with another crossword puzzle. The theme of this issue’s crossword surrounds the New Year. 43. Jan. but in Spanish 44. Dress in fine clothing 45. Virgil’s epic 46. Begin, with vigor 49. From Mars, supposedly 51. Migratory bird (in Latin) 52. Hindu queen 54. Some lady sheep 56. Helms 62. Pond fish 63. Lin-Manuel rumored to have made one in a recent Star Wars film 64. Lots of ink, abbrv. 66. Aquatic plant 67. In the least 68. Stole 69. Samsung’s new articifial human prototype 70. Blockheaded 71. Zion Williamson won one this year, so did Alex Morgan

CROSSWORD BY AMANDA FOUSHEE

Across

1. Famous rhyming cookie 5. Line dance 10. In the first news of 2020 after aggressive action 14. Tattler, has come to mean 15. Egg-shaped 16. 2019 is

17. 18. 19. 20. 23. 24. 25. 28.

“Art is important, because it narrates the events and emotions of the world, yet it is only accessible to few,” Montanez-Garay said. “As a Mexican-American artist, my goal is to make art more accessible . I learned to never stop creating art because, even if some of my work never sees the light of day, I created work that keeps me motivated.”

Top Valid Grandmothers Skeptical type Droplet A scowl Eau de wild animal Timirous

30. Fit for witch’s journey 34. Snape’s last retort to Dumbledore 36. Fared better in Australian fires because of its speed 38. Krieger or Wong, say 49. Subject of British and Argentine conflict

Down 1. Small but mighty 2. The Brady Bunch’s Alice 3. Caramel Coconut flavor rumored in 2020 4. California grower 5. Rica 6. 15 across plural repeat 7. Common or proper 8. Hinge joint 9. Expand 10. Overlook 11. Question as to whether senators are allowed to do this during lengthy impeachment proceedings 12. Kendrick, say 13. Added on to the end, can make it a condition or quality 21. Emerald is a variety 22. Where you find your homework

25. Strong boxes 26. 737 Max variety still grounded 27. A small strigiformes 29. Plant fence 31. More reasonable 32. Often called golden 33. Transgress 35. College entrance requirements, usually 37. World power? 40. DNC pre-election act 41. Floodbank 42. Distilled aniseed 47. Trickster, less commonly 48. Mineral homophone 50. Stairway anchors 53. Battery type 55. Complete 56. QR code act 57. Could be fairy or tall 58. Thus 59. Bureacratic dude, abbrv. 60. Vietnam neighbor 61. Cease 65. Pilot’s place

Scan for Answers!

Sports The Chronicle • Jan. 29, 2020

Boys’ Basketball

Team has best start in decade By Kyle Reims The boys’ basketball team started the season with a 20-2 overall record and an undefeated 5-0 league record. This year marks the Wolverines’ best opening since the 2010 team jumped out to a 21-2 start. “[It’s] amazing,” Wing Holden McRae ’20 said. “We’ve put in so much work this season and over the past couple of years that we’re all very excited to see these kinds of results. At the same time, none of us are satisfied with what we’ve done so far. We recognize that we’re on the right track, but we all want more out of ourselves and each other because we know how good we can be.” Throughout the season, the squad competed in many tournaments and neutral-site games, such as the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach and the Jordan Take Flight Showcase at Redondo Union High School. Power forward Trumann Gettings ’21 said he attributes part of the success to the squad’s camaraderie on the court. “I think our team chemistry is amazing and has been a major component to our success this season,” Gettings said. “We all have the same goal and know that none of us can do it alone.” The team’s triumphs have not affected the players’ mind-

KYLE REIMS/CHRONICLE

GETTING IT DONE: Forward Trumann Gettings ’21 looks for an opening to drive to the hoop Jan. 22. The team won 54-51 after falling behind 18 points against Crespi Carmelite High School. The team’s next game is Saturday against Bishop Gorman High School. sets, McRae said “Even though we have been getting some attention this year, we all still play with that underdog attitude and bring our all to every game,” McRae said. According to MaxPreps, the squad is ranked eighth in the nation and fourth in the state. Gettings said that although the recognition is appreciated, the team understands the rankings do not hold significance in the long run. “I don’t think anyone on the team really cares or lets it affect us,” Gettings said. “We knew coming into this year how good we were going to be, so when it happened, it was

Girls’ Waterpolo

really cool but I don’t think it surprised anybody too much. Everyone took it with a grain of salt because as much as those rankings are a great measure of success, the only success that actually matters is whether we have a ring on our finger at the end of the season.” In 22 games, the team outscored opponents by a total of 394 points this year, resulting in an 18-point average margin of victory. Despite their dominance, the Wolverines have lost two games, falling to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by 10 points Dec. 27 and losing to St. Anthony High School by one Jan. 4. “From those two games,

we have definitely realized the level of intensity that we need to bring into every game,” Gettings said. “We made a name for ourselves, which means that every game is the most important game of the season for the opposing team. That means that they are going to give us their best shot and because of that, we need to come out every game like our lives are on the line.” McRae said that although the losses served as valuable teaching moments, the squad does not intend to repeat those lessons. “We’ve learned that we truly have to bring our all to every single game because we’re

getting everyone else’s best shot,” McRae said. “We know that beating us could make another team’s season. Every game, we have to be locked in on every possession because one momentary lapse could keep us from our goal of making Open Division and winning a CIF Championship. Both of those games reminded us of how important every play is, but at this point in the season, we can’t afford to have any more reminders.” The team will play tonight at home against Chaminade High School. A win will secure the Wolverines more victories than they had all of last year, in seven fewer games.

Girls look to learn from mistakes By Charlie Wang

KYLE REIMS/CHRONICLE

BALL SO (BURG)HARDT: Attacker Meera Burghardt ’20 looks to shoot the ball against Redondo Union High School on Jan. 18.

In its second season competing in the CIF Open Division, the girls’ water polo team looks to improve on last year’s second round exit after going undefeated in Mission League. The team finished the regular season with an overall record of 12-11, and a league record of 6-0. The girls ended league play by defeating Marlborough School 19-1 Jan. 24 and outscored all of their opponents by a total score of 98-22. Since the 2017-2018 season, the team has still yet to lose a league game, and has won 16 straight matches. While it has experienced a great deal of success in Mission League play, the team has struggled to consistently win non-league games in the Open Division, attacker Juliette O’Brein said. Specifically, the squad has had trouble finishing close games. So far this season, the team has played in 10 games separated by four goals or less, but has only emerged victorious in three of them. In games separated by one goal, the team is 1-4. First year coach Matt Kubeck said that team members need to remember to play like themselves and rely on their

strengths during these tight games. “When we just go out there and be really tough and physical, we are fantastic,” Kubeck said. “Just finding our identity is really important. Who cares what the other team is doing? We are just going to do our thing, and that’s when we are successful.” Over winter break, the Wolverines competed in the 2019 Bill Barnett Holiday Cup at Corona Del Mar High School. The team went 2-2 in tournament play, defeating Coronado High School and San Clemente High School on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, respectively. During the tournament, the team lost to Corona Del Mar and Mater Dei High School, which are both currently ranked in the top 10 of the CIF Southern Section teams. The Wolverines also competed in the Annual Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions from Jan. 9 to 11. The team went 2-3 in tournament play, with all of its losses by five goals or less. Both of its wins came against teams currently ranked in the top 20 of the Southern Section. While the Wolverines are not satisfied with the results

of these tournaments, starting O’Brien said that the Wolverines showed that they can compete with the best. “We didn’t get the results that we wanted, but we matched up really well with some of the strongest teams in our division,” O’Brien said. “Even though we didn’t win all of our games, we proved that we are a strong team that can’t be overlooked by some of the historically successful programs like Mater Dei and San Clemente.” Players said the team’s overall success can largely be attributed to Kubeck. He previously served as an assistant coach and became head coach of the team in September after former program head Emily Greenwood stepped down. The upperclassmen’s leadership has also proved an integral part of the team’s accomplishments, Kubeck said. “The leadership of the seniors has been amazing, which I didn’t think was going to come,” Kubeck said. “Our juniors have really improved, and sophomores need to continue to get better and better. If we can make sure our seniors dominate like they have been, then we will be really successful.”

D2 Sports

The Chronicle

Game to watch FEBRUARY 6 Girls’ Basketball vs. Marlborough High School The girls’ basketball team will play Marlborough High School in its final league and regular season game of the 2019-2020 season. The Wolverines lost their previous league game on the road against the Mustangs 51-38 Jan. 23. As of press time, the squad is 3-1 in league play and has a 14-8 overall record this season. The girls will begin the CIF Division I playoffs after this game.

KEY PLAYER Kiki Iriafen ’21 6-foot-3 inch forward Kiki Iriafen ’21, who is currently the ninth ranked junior by ESPN’s rating system, is looking to lead the Wolverines to a Mission League title. Last season, Iriafen was named to the All-CIF Southern Section team. In the team’s first 21 games, she has averaged 23 points and 15 rebounds per game.

& Figures Facts

Boys’ basketball national ranking

36 Largest margin of victory by girls’ water polo

Number of goals girls’ soccer has scored

Girls’ Soccer

Team looks to go far in Division I By Lucas Lee The girls’ soccer team is currently ranked second in Mission League behind Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Both teams are neck and neck in league, but the Wolverines are 10-2-3 while the Tologs are 9-2. As the playoff picture develops, winning every game will be essential to the Wolverines’ chance at a league title defender Natalie Phillips ’21 said. So far, the season has included five blowout victories and two close losses. The team is also undefeated on the road. Yet, this season’s record of 9-2-3 is still overshadowed by last season’s undefeated streak of 23 matches that continued all the way into CIF Playoffs. The starting roster includes mostly sophomores, a handful of seasoned juniors and a couple freshmen. Although the roster consists of no seniors, each underclassman is gaining experience as the season progresses, Phillips said. “I’ve been so impressed with all the freshman, sophomores and juniors this year for rising to the challenge,” Phillips said. “I think our performance has shown this.” Despite the lack of seniors, the team has found leadership in the junior class, defender Ella Watkins ’22 said. “I would say that [Phillips] and Devon Carmel [’21] have stepped up as leaders since there are no seniors on the team,” Watkins said. Both Phillips and Carmel have been on the varsity squad

JUSTIN GOLDSTEIN/CHRONICLE

DANIELA QUINTER(GO): Forward Daniela Quintero ’22 dribbles the ball in a Jan. 15 match against Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. The Wolverines ended up losing the match by a final score of 1-0. since freshman year and played key roles in winning a league title last season. “They have stepped up as the mothers of the team,” Watkins said. “[They are] very encouraging on the field, get us hyped for game days and organize our game day outfits.” After assessing areas to improve, the Wolverines hope to build grit for big time matches, Phillips said. “Every one of us has stepped up,” Phillips said. “With the lack of seniors this year, we’ve identified that our one vulnerability is our maturity and our ability to step up and face the challenges we are presented with.” Through league play, the team is looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities, forward Sophia Haynes ’22 said. Several times this year, the Wol-

Wrestling

verines have been in position to score on corner kicks, penalty kicks and fast breaks, but were unable succeed. “We could have improved on our shooting and finishing to put away our chances like just staying calm when we’re trying to score,” Haynes said. In addition to utilizing field position, the squad has improved its chemistry off the field. On its trip to Fort Worth, Texas, the team had the opportunity to bond at the National Elite Prep Showcase over winter break, Watkins said. “[The trip] helped team bonding as we were spending so much time either playing soccer or at the hotel together, and it helps with communication on the field,” Watkins said. As the team competes for its second consecutive Mission

League title, the stakes add a sense of pride to its mission, Haynes said. “It feels very nice to have a common goal to strive for and it is helping to motivate our team as we go through the season,” Haynes said. On Friday, the squad will face off against Flintridge Sacred Heart at home. With the Mission League title on the line, Phillips said, the team looks to rally together and come out with a victory after losing to the Tologs at home 1-0 Jan. 15. “Although we have had good and bad days, we all have been able to reflect on our performance and take responsibility for what we do,” Phillips said. “That’s why I am proud to be a part of the team.”

New coach brings fresh approach to young team

Number of games that boys’ basketball has lost at home

By Alex Amster

Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball Next Game: Jan. 29 vs. Chaminade

Girls’ Basketball Next Game:

Jan. 30 vs. Alemany

Girls' Soccer Next Match: Jan. 31 vs. FSHA

Boys’ Soccer Next Match: Jan. 29 vs. Chaminade

Swimming Next Meet: Feb. 27 vs. Chaminade

Jan. 29, 2020

ALEX AMSTER/CHRONICLE

HIGH GROUND: Isaac Wiener ’23 wrestles against Bishop Amat Memorial High School on Dec. 11. The team won the match 44-33.

The wrestling team has stagnated around a .500 win percentage, with an overall record of 2-3. The squad began the season with a loss to Palisades High School and bounced back with numerous positive individual efforts in the Spartan Season Kickoff Tournament, wrestler Kanoa Young ’21 said. Hunter Griswold ’22 and Young finished in the top five in their weight classes during the tournament. The team then continued with a 60-18 win against Crespi Carmelite High School on Dec. 4. Despite recent losses, Young said the team has maintained confidence. “The season has been going great although we just lost the last match,” Young said. “We have league finals coming up, and our group should be really good for that match. I think we have a pretty solid team right now, and a good chance to compete.” The squad followed their match against Crespi with multiple individual performances in the Newbury Park Tournament and a win over Bishop Amat Memorial High School.

After the victory, league losses ensued, beginning Jan. 9 against Bishop Alemany High School. The team then fell to Chaminade College Preparatory High School on Jan. 15. This is the inaugural season for head coach Junior Amazan. The previous program head, Patrick Cartmill, departed after last season. Amazan served as an assistant in the weight room last year before taking over as the wrestling program head. Amazan reflected on the growth of the team this season. “The season has been a learning experience,” Amazan said. “I think we did a lot of great things, but we have also learned a lot of tough lessons. I think we have what it takes to be able to get better, but now it is just more about learning the right things at the right time.” Amazan also gave insight on how the team is preparing for league finals. “We’re battling,” Amazan said. “We are staying late [in practice], we are getting headto-head competition, we are doing trial-and-error for stuff. I think we got a good shot at league, but it’s just going to be whether we put in the hard work here to then be successful.”

Jan. 29, 2020

hwchronicle.com/sports

Sports D3

inbrief

Boys Soccer

Girls’ golf program head leaves school After six years, former girls’ golf program head Marge Chamberlain stepped down from her position as head coach. During her tenure, the Wolverines went 38-6 and collected three consecutive Mission League titles. Chamberlain is leaving in order to focus more on her work with Edward Jones Investments, she said. The search for a new program head will begin immediately. — Justin Goldstein

EUGEAN CHOI/CHRONICLE

FOR THE QUINN: Midfielder Connor Colao ’21 dribbles the ball in a 6-2 win at home against league opponent Bishop Alemany High School on Jan. 10. The squad’s next game is at home against league opponent Chaminade College Preparatory High School today.

Squad strives for deep run in playoffs By Eugean Choi Although the boys’ soccer team started off the season strong with wins in its first three matches, the squad has struggled recently, losing three of its eight league matches and drawing one. The team competed in the North Texas Elite Showcase Tournament on Jan. 2, winning its first match against Abilene High School 2-1. After the win, the boys lost their next two matches to Grand Prairie High School and Central Catholic High School. In an important match against league rival Crespi Carmelite High School on Jan. 22, the teams held each other scoreless, and the Wolverines walked away with a 0-0 tie. In the squad’s first matchup with

the Celts on Dec. 13, the team lost 2-0. Defender Liam Weetman ’21 said that the team wanted to avenge its first loss in this match. “We came out much more fired up than usual,” Weetman said. “We were also missing key players like [midfielder Pablo Greenlee ’20] and [forward Milo Kiddugavu ’22], so we knew we had to come out strong to beat our opponent. Being a defender, I was happy with the back line’s performance against Crespi. I was disappointed in the offense, though, as we created many opportunities to score, but couldn’t find the back of the net. This was upsetting because the whole team played very well.” With five more scheduled league matches in the regular season, the players are determined to qualify for the play-

offs, Greenlee said. “We are hoping to win out the rest of the league games and make it to CIF,” Greenlee said. “We have a great fighting mentality and I have high hopes for the team’s success. We want to make a good run in playoffs, since in previous years, we stopped short due to unfortunate losses. Our defense is sound. It has definitely improved from earlier in the season, but we just lacked the right moments up top.” Midfielder Gabe Palacios ’20 said that, with its everyday practices, the squad has been training hard to achieve its goal of making it to CIF Playoffs. “In practice, we go over game-like situations and prepare our games,” Palacios said. “We work on tactical stuff, like how we are going to press the other team. Additionally, we

work on how we can attack certain vulnerabilities of our opponents.” Program head Kris Ward said that at practice and in matches, the squad’s camaraderie is evident. “The teamwork is tremendous,” Ward said. “The boys support and push each other day in and day out. There is a great team spirit throughout the entire group.” With the end of the season approaching, Weetman said that he is looking to the future and focusing on how he can lead the team. “My goals this year are to step up more and become a better leader, as next year me and my teammates, who will become seniors, will be the oldest on the team,” Weetman said. “So, we need to be able to lead the other players.”

Girls’ Basketball

Girls end with wins in league By Jaidev Pant After winning the Brentwood Invitational and the Desert Heat Classic early in the season, the girls’ basketball team currently holds a 12-7 record as it prepares for CIF Division I Playoffs. After defeating Clovis North High School 50-35 Dec. 7 in the championship game of the Brentwood Invitational, the girls travelled to Texas on Dec. 26 to compete in the Sandra Meadows Classic. In its first two games, the team defeated Palo Duro High School 62-60 and Bishop Lynch High School 54-50 with forward Kiki Iriafen ’21, who made the All-Tournament Team, finishing with 23 points against the former. The squad lost to Plano High School 45-43 and Conway High School 69-68, however, it finished with a 2-2 overall record in the tournament. This season, Iriafen leads the way for the Wolverines, averaging 23.6 points per game and 15.6 rebounds per game, according to MaxPreps. Iriafen is ranked as a top 10 player in

KYLE REIMS/CHRONICLE

(KO)LD BLOODED: Guard Kimiko Katzaroff ’21 pushes the ball up on a fastbreak in a 50-35 win against Clovis North High School at home Dec. 7 to win the Brentwood Invitational Championship. the class of 2021, according to Collegiate Girls’ Basketball Report. With an 8-6 overall record after the Brentwood Invitational, the squad competed in the Desert Heat Classic in Palm Springs beginning Jan. 2. In the quarterfinals, the girls defeated Murrieta Mesa High School 63-43 and then defeated Ventura High School 54-24 Jan. 3 in the semifinal game. The squad finished the tournament with a 69-35 win in the championship against Culver City High School on Jan. 4. Guard Mirabella Wong ’20 attributed the Wolverines’ success to the team’s dynamic that was established in both the Desert Heat Classic and

the Brentwood Invitational. “Team bonding has played a huge part in winning tournaments because we are able to push each other and trust each other in order to be successful,” Wong said. In its Mission League opener, the team defeated Notre Dame Academy Girls High School 65-15 on the road Jan. 7. The squad then faced non-league opponent Mater Dei High School, which was ranked as the second best team in California at the time, according to MaxPreps. After coming from behind to tie the game in the third quarter, the Wolverines were unable to maintain their momentum, losing the game 59-

55. After losing to Mater Dei, the team played four league games, finishing with a 3-1 record during this stretch. In a home game against Chaminade College Preparatory High School, the team defeated the Eagles 63-62 with a gamewinning free throw from guard Melissa Zozulenko ’21. Guard Kimiko Katzaroff ’21 outlined the squad’s objectives as it heads into the season’s home stretch. “Our biggest goal is definitely to win Mission League,” Katzaroff said. “After that we hope to make it as far as we can in CIF Division I Playoffs.” The girls will play their next game against Bishop Alemany High School on Jan. 30.

Softball hires new interim head coach The athletic department announced Jan. 16 that Cheyenne Coyle, who most recently coached for the Chinese National Team, will be the new interim softball program head. She will replace former head coach Brittany Moeai, who resigned Jan. 16 to pursue a full-time job. “I’m thrilled to join the Harvard-Westlake Athletic coaching staff,” Coyle said in a statement. “I look forward to working with our studentathletes and continuing to build a competitive program of strong women both on and off the field.” The team’s first league game of the season will take place March 17 at Bishop Alemany High School. —Liam Razmjoo

Water polo players make All-Area Team The Los Angeles Daily News named goalie Nolan Krutonog ’20 the All-Area Player of the 2019 season, as well as four other seniors to the All-Area First Team. Aquatics director Brian Flacks, who worked with Krutonog on the U.S National Youth Team for the past four years, was also recognized as the All-Area Coach. The boys’ water polo team has appeared in eight consecutive Division I CIF semifinals or finals, including a championship win and a league title in 2019. Krutonog is committed to Stanford University, where he will continue his water polo journey next fall. —Marine Degryse

Basketball honors 1970 champions The 1970 CIF Champion boys’ basketball team celebrated its 50-year championship anniversary at the boys’ basketball game at home against league opponent Bishop Alemany High School on Jan. 10. Before the game, the squad’s two captains, forward John Irvine ’70 and center Randy Whitell ’70, participated in an interview with HWTV. During halftime, the team was recognized for its accomplishments, as middle school dean Jon Carroll read a speech to the crowd commemorating the squad and its accomplishments. The Wolverines defeated the Warriors 65-47 and met with the honorees after the game. —Kyle Reims

D4 Sports

The Chronicle

Jan. 29, 2020

WOLVERINES ONLY

ABBY WIESENTHAL

n seventh grade, my dream was to make the middle school volleyball team. I did, but I'm almost positive it was a pity selection. I was 5 feet 4 inches tall and could barely jump off the ground. I had terrible rhythm, so I couldn’t time my hits and would probably get one out ten serves over the net (if I was lucky). Long story short, my volleyball career ended in seventh grade, with barely a second played. My parents then decided they didn't want to pay for me to ride the bench for a struggling club team. However, I am forever thankful for my lack of talent in volleyball because it led me to water polo. I started playing because of my sister. I copy her a lot—her style, her hair, her interests and, of course, the sport she plays. She started playing in tenth grade on a whim because she was a decent swimmer and wanted to try it. Because I was also a pretty good swimmer, and because my parents desperately wanted to make only one trip to practice, they pushed me to play. After my brief volleyball career, I took a break from sports for seventh and most of eighth grade, and did fitness classes and weights to stay in shape. I continued with the middle school swim team, and Coach Carroll, the coach at the time, recognized that I had potential. In eighth grade, I had grown three inches and was in pretty good shape. I didn’t want to swim because I thought it was boring, but I wanted to continue to play sports. Ultimately, I finally caved to my parents pleas and decided to start water polo. When I started going to practices, I was so nervous. I was practicing with my sister and her high school teammates, and I didn’t want to embarrass her or myself.

KYLE REIMS/CHRONICLE

I did all the swim sets and attempted the drills, but when it came to scrimmaging and games, I would pray to never go in. I didn't know the rules and was so afraid to mess up. But, with water polo, you learn as you go, and messing up makes you better. After months of crippling anxiety every time I stepped in a pool, I finally learned the rules, stopped being so scared and started wanting to play. My first season playing water polo competitively overlapped with my sister’s senior season. Because my sister was a senior, I had an “in” with the team. Though I was not a key player in the pool, out of the pool I was friends with everyone. I grew super close with the team. My sophomore year, after my sister had graduated, I was afraid that our team would become much worse because we were losing three starters who I looked up to so much. The team's biggest concern was that we would lose “the streak," a hundred plus game winning streak in the Mission League. That season, we defied expectations and had one of the best seasons in Harvard Westlake girls’ water polo history. My sophomore season was the year I really fell in love with water polo. I became a crucial member in and out of the pool. I was a starter and became a center defender, the position I play today. We only had two subs, so the starting seven players played almost every second of every game. Going from a freshman who never played to a sophomore playing every minute, I was forced to get better. I improved immensely and came into my own as a player, getting the crucial game experience that I had never had before. In addition to giving everyone a lot of playing time, our small numbers made the

team so close. By the end of the season, we had become best friends, more tightly knit than we could have imagined.That year was so special. We surprised people. We won almost every game that season, and eventually made it to the Division III Championships. Sadly, we ended up losing that game by one goal in the last minute. Though we lost, we were all so happy with the season. I will never forget that experience and that team. For my junior season, we moved into Open Division, for the first time in Harvard-Westlake history. We knew we were not the best in Open Division, but our goal was to have fun and show other teams that we deserved to be there. If we could beat teams that had built themselves a name in water polo, we could become a top team. We beat teams our program had never defeated before, like Santa Barbara High School, Huntington Beach High School and Agoura High School. But, I am so excited for this year. We have gotten so close to beating top teams, and we are now branded as a team to watch. Coaches and teams in top programs are recognizing how good our team has become. We still have about a month left of season, and I am beyond thrilled to see what our team does. Throughout my four years here, the girls' water polo program has gone further than it ever has in school history. Water polo is such an important part of my life. Through it, I was able to meet my best friends and find something that I love to do. Though the schedule is grueling and the practices are tiring, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Water polo has taught me to be tough and strong. It has allowed me to build friendships and memories I will never forget.