Volume III; Issue 2
March 2010
The fiinals for the first annual Declamations contest were held on January 25th, 2010. Faisal Al-Husry ‘10 (pictured) took the prize in the English category, where Noor El-Din Amer ‘12 won the Arabic portion.
King’s Academy, Manja - Madaba, Jordan
Board Appoints New Headmaster Dr. John Austin to succeed founding headmaster, Dr. Eric Widmer By ZAID AL-NASSIR, ’10 STAFF WRITER
COURTESY OF MS. VERA AZAR
Military No Longer Required for Graduates Military service exemption implemented at King’s Academy By RAFAT NESHEIWAT ’13 STAFF WRITER
Zaid Al-Nassir ’10 was uncertain about what to do after high school as he knew that he had to enroll in military service, and did not know what to do about it. In Jordan, it is mandatory to serve 6 months or more in the military after graduation. However, King’s Academy has recently implemented a Military Exemption Policy in the month of February, 2010, for graduating seniors, allowing them to go to university directly after high school. Normally students are not excused from this service under any circumstances. However, military service is not required for a few people with special cases, such as children, people with mental or physical difficulties, or American passport carriers. It can also be exempted for a temporary period through an application process. As a Jordanian citizen in any high school, being excused from military ser-
vice is only permitted when the person proves that he is a student and cannot participate in military service for a period of time, he is then granted a temporary exemption, so that he can resume his studies. In the United States, however, students can choose to serve in the military then go to college and vice versa. It is completely optional, and not a requirement on any basis. The government also offers programs to provide students with money for future education if they consider going through military service. There are also different branches of military service (ROTC, for example) that come along with different outcomes, service styles, and advantages. One’s race, gender, or bloodline doesn’t affect what military services he or she can participate in. When graduating from a high school in the States, one may choose the type of military service to enroll in, or not enroll at all. This is true for most schools in the states and in other regions too, such as Canada, Europe, and Russia.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Students Host Coffee House Fundraiser for Haiti by Rafat Nesheiwat ‘13
According to the students who participated and attended on February 15th at the “Coffee House Night”, organized by seniors Nairuz Ajlouni ‘10, Zaid Al-Nassir ’10 and Fadi Hamati ’10, the event was an outstanding event. More than 200 members of the faculty and student body attended the event to watch acts that
ranged from acting to singing and dancing. This was the second event of its type to be organized by the same Senior trio. “We believe that this event makes a community such as ours smaller and brings its members together, and we are planning on selecting 3 juniors this term to carry on this event as a legacy” said Zaid AlNassir ’10. The event made 1030 JDS by selling donuts and drinks, and all profits went to the Haiti Relief Drive.
On February 3rd, 2010, King’s Academy Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Safwan Al-Masri announced the appointment of Dr. John P. N. Austin of St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, USA, as the school’s headmaster, replacing Dr. Eric Widmer who will step down at the end of this school year. Dr. Austin, who has traveled in and is familiar with the Middle Eastern region, currently resides in Middletown, Delaware, where he is the Academic Dean at St. Andrew’s, his alma mater. In addition, he teaches history and coaches the varsity soccer team. Having received his education at prestigious institutions such as St. Andrews school, Williams College, Middlebury College, Exeter College of Oxford University and Columbia University, Dr. Austin is extensively experienced in secondary education management and has been teaching for about two decades. He has also been a dorm parent and a coach since 1987. During his high-school years at St. Andrew’s, he captained the varsity soccer team and was the leading scorer in the 1981 State Champion team. Dr. Austin will be living at King’s Academy with his wife, Ms. Monica Matouk, who is from Lebanon and has taught at St. Andrew’s. The Austins have three children, Isabel [10], Alexander [7] and Maia [5]. The search for Dr. Eric’s successor began six months ago with the formation of a search committee, tasked with the job of electing a worthy candidate from a worldwide pool. The committee’s job was to sift through nominees and select a single person to become King’s Academy’s next headmaster. This committee was chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Safwan Al-Masri and included faculty and staff such as, Ms. Vera Azar, Ms. Sheena Nabholz and Mr. Mark Payton. The committee worked intensively to
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
COURTESY OF TONY RINALDO, ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL
select a future headmaster who would suit King’s Academy and the way it operates, and hired an international search firm to assist in the process. Representatives from the firm, Howe-Lewis International, visited campus to interview faculty, and understand what kind of school King’s Academy is and what type of headmaster it requires. They then provided the school with a list of three finalists that they saw fit for the job, Dr. Austin, Birch Tracy Ford, who is currently Head of School at Ms. Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, and Matthew Miller who currently resides in New Orleans, working as Assistant Head of school at Isidore Newman School. The school then welcomed the three finalists onto campus for an intensive three-day job interview, where the candidates lunched with students, met with faculty, visited classes, and attended many other events. The Chairman of the Search Committee then contacted former employers of the candidates to evaluate their performance in past positions, and to see how they are viewed by co-workers. After prolonged hours of debate, the commitsee HEADMASTER on page 2
Table of Contents Page 2 -3
Day Student Concerns
SAT Stress
OPINION
Is Arabic Education Successful?
Film Review: Avatar
Healing the Health Center
Senioritis
A Letter to the Seniors Identity and School Newspapers Page 4-5 LIFE
Walking the Road: A Semester in Washington Undercover Agents of Trouble
A rainbow on campus!
The BlackBerry Obsession
Page 6
Horoscopes
FUN PAGE
Match the Senior to their Jacket
Page 7
What Should Senior Privileges Be?
OUT TAKE Page 8 SPORTS
Sports Achievements Intramural Competitions
OPINION
Page 2
Healing the Health Center
The Rexonian
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
Hopefully changes in the health center will improve services By NAYLA AL-MAMLOUK, ’12 STAFF WRITER
Since the beginning of this academic year, there have been various cases of student illnesses. King’s Academy even saw a few months where at least 10 students were on crutches. The Health Center has to currently deal with more than 450 students on campus, and some of their methods in dealing with such maladies have been questionable, leading some to wonder how effectively King’s has been treating its sick. Hanadi Sabek ’11, for example, had an injury with her leg. The Health Center diagnosed the situation to be a mild sprain, but after she went home and visited her family doctor, she came back to school with a cast. Her family was upset about how her injury was dealt with, and criticized the capability of our school’s medical faculty in such a serious situation. Another student, Hunter Bell ‘12 recently fell down some stairs and chipped his tooth. He, on the other hand, thought that the Health Center dealt with the situation quite well and helped him out. However he did say that he would like to see the health center take “more immediate charge” in such scenarios. “I know you’re expected to be proactive but for the things that really matter like health you should have people to fall back on not have to search them out,” he says. Last year, it became evident that the Health Center’s location was an issue, seeing as it so far removed from the center of campus. This distance also became a “handy excuse” for students faking illness so they could skip class time. In only one month, the Health Center has had approximately 500-600 students visit. No wonder they’re under a lot of pressure The staff decided that the best solution to this problem was to bring a nurse to the academic building to save students the trouble of a long walk. Yet the solution had its own
issue: what about those students who are actually sick and who do need rest? “Sometimes we are too quick to want medicine when all we might need is some rest,” says Ms. Julianne. Students who really are not well enough to be at school should just remain in their rooms and rest. Their well being is of great importance to King’s. We have recently had a new doctor arrive to work in our health center, Dr. Sameeh Ayoub. He is excited to be here on his new job. One his goals is to conduct a complete physical examination to all the employees in the King’s Academy. This by it self is “a huge task that needs a lot of effort and cooperation and has to be finished before the end of this year,” says Dr. Ayoub. The Doctor is hoping to add an ultrasound and EKG to our health center as well. His wish is that when students walk in, they will feel well cared for with warmth and compassion. Ms. Julianne Puente seems to have much faith in the health center and its capabilities. She feels that they have a huge responsibility not only with the students, but with the faculty as well, and she thinks that Dr. Ayoub and our nurses make up a “great bunch”. While good health for the entire community of King’s seems to be primary objective for the new doctor and his staff, the health center should also ultimately realize that panadol- a drug too frequently dispensed in the past- is not the cure for everything; it is simply not that simple for each student. The Health Center is left with a huge responsibility of dealing with so many people. Ms. Julianne makes a valid point as well: people just need to rest to get better. At the same time though, students need to take responsibilities for themselves. They cannot always play the role of the victim. All in all, the health center staff is continually trying to improve themselves, and are well on their way to succeeding that goal.
Day Students Concerns
One day student expresses concerns about perceived inequalities By ZAHIRA SHABAN ‘11 STAFF WRITER
Is it just me or do the other day students feel as if they are the minority of the school? On most days I go home from school no later than seven o’clock. That’s an eleven hour school day including two, very draining 45-minute commutes. On the other hand, the boarders enjoy their five minute walks back to their peaceful dorms after co-curriculars while our misery is only just beginning. After the recent rapid increase of students since last year, teachers generally consider the student body to be composed primarily of boarders. They do not take into account the fact that not everyone has a room right across the academic building. It is thought that an average day student to wake up much earlier than boarders and must still remain fully awake through entire day until 6:15 P.M. with heavy work and books bursting out of his or her backpack. In no doubt this teaches us patience and responsibility but at the same time, it is exhausting to keep track of it all. The whole point of being a day student is going back to your family and take pleasure in the last a couple of hours until you sleep throughout the night, but with so much homework, one can sometimes block out their family and not focus on giving more attention to them. Day students are also excluded from the activities that occur after the buses leave back to
HEADMASTER
continued from Page 1 Executive Editor Managing Editor Production Editor News sub- Editor Opinion sub- Editor Life sub- Editor Fun Page sub- Editor Sports sub- Editor Copy sub- Editor Photography sub-Editor Layout sub- Editor Faculty Advisor Faculty Advisor
SWARA SALIH LEEN SINOKROT TALA SHOKEH ZAID AL-NASSER ZAHA ABUELSAMEN DALIA MEHIAR REEM AL-HADDADIN IMAN ABU ALIA LYNN MANNEH ROBERT BAHOU ZENA KOKASH MR. TOM VERDE MR. BOWMAN DICKSON
tee ultimately settled on Dr. Austin, who expressed great delight about joining the King’s community. “What attracted me most was His Majesty King Abdullah’s idea of a school that values educational opportunity and academic excellence and which seeks to graduate young men and women of diverse backgrounds committed to making a difference in Jordan, the region and the world,” Said Dr. Austin. He said he feels that among the challenges facing him at King’s are deepening that sense of mission and building upon the foundation that the King’s community has established. After having lunched with Dr. Austin, Bashar Jarrar ’10 admired Dr. Austin’s diplomacy by saying that the new headmaster “is a man
Amman. Not every day student is lucky enough to watch activities like the “Open Mic Night”, football matches and other events. It gives day students a minor setback every day for them, while dealing with the system their school provides. These activities also allow boarder students to bond while leaving the day students out of the picture. This “bonding” can be between teachers and students, students and students and even Deans and students. And where are the day students during this union? At home studying. Sure, being a boarder also has its disadvantages like being homesick and missing your family, having curfews, limited freedom, less privacy, comfort and being more focused on friends than studies. Muhannad Abdeen ‘11 said “I’d prefer being a boarder over being a day student because it’s easier for me in general and because I wake up later than when I was a day student”. He was a day student for two years and is now enjoying the boarding life this year. According to him it’s “so much more fun” than the two years combined. Zein El Jazara’ 12,on the other hand, said that “I’d rather sit with my family for a couple of hours than not see them for a whole week”. For Zein, it is all a matter of taste-literally. After being a boarder for a year, she is now experiencing life a day student which to her is preferable. “Sitting at home and eating home cooked food is so much more enjoyable,” she says.
who likes to hear the opinions of others to help formulate his own”, Such a quality, Jarrar affirmed, is essential for the job of headmaster. Bashar also said Dr. Austin’s “easy-going nature and open mind will surely assuage any obstacle that might fall in his way, and smoothen forming a relationship with the established faculty.” Ultimately, Bashar felt that King’s Academy can look forward to a bright future under Dr. Austin’s leadership. Although this was his first visit to Jordan, Dr. Austin is no stranger to the Middle East. His wife, Ms. Matouk, grew up in Beirut and Cairo, and still has family in the region. The family has also vacationed in Cairo 5 years ago. Still, his visit to Jordan surprised him in many ways, and he said he was particularly struck by “the warmth, generosity and welcoming
spirit of the people of Jordan; the singular beauty of the King’s Academy campus; the commitment and thoughtfulness of faculty and staff; and the tremendous energy and spirit students brought to their work throughout the school.” Dr. Austin said he doesn’t have any plans for King’s yet. He said he is, after all, the newest member of its community, and still needs to get to know the school and its members. He added that “The best schools are great collaborative undertakings and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you.” Dr. Austin is high-spirited and optimistic about his moving to Jordan and King’s Academy and wishes the school good luck for the remainder of the current academic year.
OPINION
March 2010
Dear Seniors... w Classmate
A Letter from your Fello By HAYAT
ABU SAMRA ‘10 R
CONTRIBUTING WRITE
are many and onerous: The tasks of our generation and ourselves to the cultures we are asked to connect ht nge stereotypes, to fig for people around us, to challe r, ity, to end hunger and wa justice, equality and generos d nomic rights at home an to safeguard social and eco . ms for its to violence in all abroad, and to put a stop r ou ite ll go unrealized desp Some of our ambition wi rhonor the faith that our pa hardest efforts. Yet if we ced in us, we will succeed. ents and teachers have pla s here, at King’s AcadOur road to success begin several things, but they are emy. Our school stands for to our voices to bring them all hollow if we do not use use to be heard, if we do not life. How can we expect ly on t no to given: the power the power we have been speak, but also to listen? sires that we pursue as We all have hopes and de er ent of the world, wheth we strive for the betterm s art e fin gy, e, politics, theolo through business, languag d an , als to realize these go or history. In an attempt ask must stop and consider educate one another, we rld, ng our talents to the wo ourselves: we want to bri ’s? ng Ki at plished that here but have we fully accom er, sw an ed community? The Are we a tightly connect me is “not really,” due to so I think we can all agree, and nts have with each other miscommunication stude faculty members. ed a downfall in our sense Lately, we have experienc e itment to the school. Th of community and comm in osen to be here because people around us were ch rth wo ng thi there is some each and every one of us ld ou sh of individualism, we while. Even with our sense , s of our culture- hospitality stay true to the best aspect ity, and humor. commitment to commun and fast-changing global We live in a fragmented this school is timeless: by pro world, but the mission of le op intercultural life, where pe moting an integrated and inembrace the voices and op love ideas with their hearts, g? on wr go we m. How can ions of the ones around the to in beg ce said “Our lives Martin Luther King, Jr. on r.” tte out things that ma end the day we become silent abtion perfectly structured titu Start your life here, an ins of intellect, diversity, excelr rne to encompass every co ’s Academy. lence and community: King
Page 3
Arabic Education Successful? Non-native Arabic speakers have made minimal progress with their language skills By SWARA SALIH ’10 AND ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
little or no time is dedicated in learning the vocabulary of the text in depth. Teachers often expect EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND their students to look up and study vocabulary on STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER their own, but do not take into account the fact King’s Academy was always meant to be an in- that students have a great deal of other work to stitution where cultural values from the East and do, specifically for AP classes. When vocabulary West could blend in its student body. But how words are given in English, teachers expect stusuccessful has King’s been in teaching English and dents to learn and memorize them in an instant, Arabic to non-native speakers of each language? and hardly ever refer back to them in class. ASL While it is clear that the English Enhancement classes also do not focus much on enhancing pracSeminars (EES) have been exceptionally effec- tical conversation skills, with teachers often lective at King’s Academy, it is equally evident that turing completely in Arabic on the texts that are the Arabic as a Second Language (ASL) system being studied. Beginners with little knowledge of has been an issue ever “Fus7a” will find they do since the school opened not comprehend what is “Perhaps since everyone speaks English being said in class. “I feel in 2007. When asked to chart how much progon campus, students do not feel the need that the Arabic Program ress they have made in is extremely inefficient to focus so much on Arabic, and thus speaking Arabic, many for beginners who are see Arabic class simply as a graduation ASL students were requirement. But are there not students trying to learn Arabic,” unanimous in their resays another student in who speak French, Spanish, and Chisponse: minimal progASL. nese quite well, owing to the language ress. Perhaps since ev The courses classes at King’s Academy?” eryone speaks English themselves are not fully on campus, students to blame for the lack of do not feel the need progress for beginners. to focus so much on Arabic, and thus see Ar- There are some students in ASL courses that do abic class simply as a graduation requirement. speak fluent or near-fluent spoken Arabic, and act But are there not students who speak French, out in class as they feel it is pointless. Classes Spanish, and Chinese quite well, owing to the are often disrupted by these students, resulting in language classes at King’s Academy? ASL teachers’ often pausing class to scold them. Ultimately, the ASL system has been This general indifference in classes has undoubtsteeped in teaching only “Fus7a”, or classi- edly slowed the progress of learning Arabic. “The cal Arabic. Although this written language is students’ incentive to acquire a new language is used throughout the Middle East, classically a vital element in the teaching process,” says Ms. spoken Arabic is not; it would be far more Amal Muhtadi. practical for students to learn the spoken Yet teachers also need to realize that stuform (the Jordanian dialect) which is used dents need to be fully engaged with the material daily. Most students would agree: “I think they learn. The only way to do this is to teach there is an effort on the part of my teacher, practical things about the Arabic language that but the actual curriculum is not suited for can be used daily (the spoken Jordanian dialect). our needs,” says one student in ASL. It would be best for the ASL classes to teach the Classes largely involve looking over spoken form instead, ensure that students are at texts and being tested on reading them. least able to hold full, realistic conversation in the While this does improve the students’ language, and then move on to learning the clasreading skills, it hardly does anything for sical “Fus7a”, after beginners in Arabic will have their understanding of the text itself, as gained a more genuine interest in learning it.
A School Newspaper Creates a School Identity Helpful advice from a former and current editor of the University of Cape Town Newspaper By SEAMUS DUGGAN AND OLIVIA WALTON SCHOOL GUESTS
We all recognize the importance of media, especially in a rapidly globalizing society. It is a powerful tool, and the opportunity to learn how the media works as early as your high school years is not to be missed. A regular publication that accurately reflects the values, beliefs, desires, dreams, thoughts and on goings of King’s Academy, without pandering to the temptation to skew the way the school is perceived, is an invaluable asset in letting the world know exactly who we are. By producing a student-run newspaper that reflects both the positives and the negatives associated with the school, learners can display wisdom beyond their years. The admittance that all is not
perfect should go without saying in any sphere of life, but by openly and transparently displaying that there are good things happening as well as bad, and that the former are so vast that they can overcome the latter, media provides King’s with the voice to etch out its own identity. For young people growing up in a world that is very different to the one of their parents’ youth, the importance of identity cannot be underestimated. Any opportunity to explore—and perhaps more importantly, to express—that identity should be used to its fullest effect. The current student body has a unique chance to set the tone and lay the foundation for the future generations of learners that will pass through the corridors at King’s. With the first graduating class gearing up for their final stretch, it is now that the
identity of the school will be decided on and its vision judged. The concept of who we are and where we come from is one of those issues that sweep people along a spectrum of emotions. People commit acts of grotesque violence in the name of identity. Poems are written, books published and lives devoted to topics ranging from the announcement of identity, to the eternal search for the individual’s identity. But how does a school, and one as diverse as King’s Academy, declare its own identity to the world that exists outside of its walls? And, of course, hand in hand with the identity that is shown the rest of the world is the identity felt and expressed within the school itself. The two must make sense together. One of the answers is through student media. How will King’s Academy be identified in the future? How will it use its available tools? Only time—and the students—will tell.
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
LIFE
Page 4
Undercover Agents of Trouble The choices we make on a daily basis define who we are By SANAD ZUMOT ‘13 STAFF WRITER
“It’s our choice…each morning you choose to move forward or to simply give up.” Tammara Nassar ‘13 “Everything in life is created twice, once in the mind and [then] in reality” Farah Al Kilani ‘13 Everything we do is our choice. Each night we choose to sleep with a peaceful mind or toss and turn, fully aware that our future is on the edge due to our unacceptable behavior. We can sacrifice and our future by violating the rules. However, many other students struggle to stay on
track, with excellent grades in order to build a future of great opportunities. Ironically, both student groups exist in the same community: King’s Academy. “They smoke”, “he cheated”, and “she lied”: these are things said about several students. Those are students who are putting their future on the edge simply because they blindly follow the addictions of life. Yes, it is a hard life, full of temptations. But it is too short for us to throw away all that it offers. The opportunities we are given are rare, and we are very lucky for having a roof over our heads, money in our wallets, and the chance of pursu-
The Rexonian ing education, for many people in this world are deprived such luxuries. The choices in our lives are simply ours to make. Every day is a challenge that we take on, from dawn until sunset. But practice makes perfect, and every day is also practice for a game that we take part in. Surviving makes us successful winners. Let us appreciate the fact that we have survived the first level, our childhood, and have reached the intermediate level as teenagers. Today, we live in a globalized world of virtually unlimited access, via mobiles, laptops, and video game systems. We should make sure to balance the time between fun and work. Such a skill is not possessed by all, but it is worthwhile to try and improve ourselves. Life is precious, so let us all live it to the fullest, and learn to accept the challenges it presents.
Walking the Road
Suhayb Al-Jawhari ‘11 speaks of his four months studying abroad in Washington, DC with Thaer Al-Shekh Theeb ‘11 By SUHAYB AL-JAWHARI ’11 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It was August 28 ; 13 hours were left until we would get to our destination. I had just told the little boy that my name is Ammo Mohammad. He examined my face to see if I look like a Mohammad, became satisfied and went back to his seat. 9 hours were left, and we just passed by Cyprus and Greece. I thought about the new world I was going to explore. “Going away from home for four months is not an easy thing”, Mr. Matt Widmer told me. I had nodded, got a bit discouraged, but did not lose excitement. I tried to imagine myself living in a house or sleeping in a bed that is not in my own hometown, but failed. It was a very quick decision for me, I do not know why I chose to go, but at that point I did not care. 20 minutes were left, I saw the Hudson River and awed at its beauty. “Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast from food from dusk to sundown”, I said as I explained to my new American friends why we were not eating lunch with them. “I never had an Arab friend before” said Harry. “I am Arab” said Lauren Paige in an Arab accent sarcastically imitating the way I spoke. I only nodded and walked away believing that it will be a bit difficult to get along with these people. Now that I think about it, I realize that I made many friends who will never try to hurt me in any way. As I walked along the streets of Washington DC in Capitol Hill passing by Constitution Avenue, I gazed at the tall and large dome of the capitol, where the leaders of the “most powerful” country in the world sit and debate about issues that affect their country and the world. Getting to go to the School for Ethics and Global Leadership every day took half an hour, from Union Station to DuPont Circle by subway. Waking up in the morning a bit later than the time I used to wake up at King’s felt weird for me. It felt different. Waking up and knowing that I am waking up in a different country, a different house, and socializing with people that have a different mentality that mine felt odd. The fact that I had lived in the United States for six years did not matter; I still felt like a stranger. School was school, math was math, physics was physics, but it was all with different people. “It’s the end of September and I need to play soccer!!” I said during a school meeting. th
The absence of the sport that I used to play bring about a solution made me think about every day after school made me feel even whether I can really change the world. I did more attached to it. They then finally decided not have a specific goal when I was on the to take us to a park right behind the capitol. plane to DC, but I knew that I was going to It was great to be able to touch a soccer ball learn something new. The events happening again. “You are really good!” said Phoebe as in the world such as world poverty and hunshe gave me a hi-five after I scored a goal. I ger, wars in the Middle East, AIDS, Uganda felt like I could play against the world when I and its child soldiers are all issues that people played with them. should know about and should acknowledge The time difference was difficult for when that it is their responsibility to help, whether I needed to chat with my friends and family. it is at a small or large level. This school has I called my family once a week and I spoke enabled me to broaden my horizons, to know with my friends on Facebook twice a month. that there is so much we can do in order to It annoyed me. However, I still logged on have better lives, to think ethically so that YouTube, listened to the Jordanian national decisions should never be regretted, and to anthem, smiled, and then went back to study- know that I can be responsible without the ing. I never thought it would have been so need of my parents. I got to know the whole hard to be able to live by myself, without my school very well, with 16 intelligent, interestold friends or family, or to be able to manage ing, insightful, and cool students that will my limited money wisely. It was a challenge I never be forgotten. It was December 20th, the day we left knew I was going to confront before I left. “The House of Representatives has just back home. It was the day we returned with passed the health care bill like two seconds better minds. I gratefully thanked my fellow students and teachers ago!!!” said Markus, and stepped out the the youth mayor of “I called my family once a week and door to encounter the DC. We ran to the I spoke with my friends on Facelargest snow storm of capitol and watched my life. We finally got as the Congressmen book twice a month. It annoyed me. came down the stairs However, I still logged on YouTube, to the train station to go to New York afeither disappointed listened to the Jordanian national or glad. I remember anthem, smiled, and then went back ter travelling through standing there that to studying. I never thought it would thick snow for seven hours instead of two. night when thouhave been so hard to be able to live We had missed our sands of people went by myself, without my old friends or flight. We then went and protested in front family...” through the endless of the capitol against slow traffic to get to the Health Care Bill as they accused President Barack Obama a home of strangers. They offered us everyof being a socialist. I also remember when thing we needed and helped us until we got Senator Ted Kennedy passed away and when onto the next plane. About 15 hours later I saw his family and friends while they drove I looked at the screen and I saw that there in DC. The experience of just being at the 15 minutes were left until we would land. I event where millions of Americans and non- started to jump up in down in my chair with Americans are watching all around the world excitement to see home again. I am truly grateful to everybody who has amazed me. Noah Bopp, the founder of The School for helped me in order for me to experience this Ethics and Global Leadership has a vision of memorable adventure. I am also grateful to teaching future leaders to make ethical deci- you, who have read my story and will hopesions that can improve the state of the world. fully learn something from it, to be able to His vision has also changed me as a person. help other people. To be able to walk the road Being able to tackle a case study every week on I walked, or to walk a road similar to the road to world issues, thinking about them deeply, I am walking. I am back here in King’s, easmeeting experts on the subject who any ordi- ily adjusting, and looking forward to meeting nary person would not meet, and to trying to more of the “new” students this year.
SAT Stress Juniors begin battling with standardized testing By LENA ABDIN ’11 STAFF WRITIER
Remember free periods? They used to be opportunities to relax and finish work. Now, they are periods spent in the lecture hall. Remember having various friends? Now your best friends are Ms. Tourkan Abdulzahab and Mr. Matt Widmer. Juniors are definitely feeling the pressure of the SAT. Dark circles have formed under their eyes and their heads swim with names like Barron’s, Princeton, and College Board. “I am feeling so stressed and overwhelmed, but all the teachers do is pile more work on us!” says Celine Zananiri ’11. While some students are overworked and anxious, others are relatively calm. Maya Damirji ’11 says: “It is just a stupid test. I don’t know why everyone is getting so worked up about it! It is all a money making business.” Ironically, she says this with her Barron’s practice book tucked under her arm while walking to SAT class. The SAT exam took place on January 24th at 7:45 a.m. in the gym. It was four, long, excruciating hours. These four hours determine where you will go to college, and may just predict the outcome of the rest of your life! While it is true that you can repeat the exam, who would want to? For that reason, preparation is the best way to secure a high score. Students are preparing in multiple ways. Some are devoting their free periods studying with Ms. Tourkan or Mr. Matt. Some are taking SAT classes outside school. Some have taken summer courses and some are just planning on praying the night before. Our lovely Ms. Tourkan is confident that this year’s SAT takers will exceed their own expectations. “The juniors are some of the most motivated and conscientious SAT students I have come across,” she said. “Many of them were prepared to do their first SAT in January, and judging by their practice test scores, they will set new standards! However, the seniors have the experience of molding to the SAT testing style and I am confident that those who take this January test will be satisfied with their scores.”
LIFE
March 2010
Page 5
Film Review: Avatar By SWARA SALIH ’10
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
The Blackberry Obsession The latest technological wave hits King’s Academy By NORAH JAFFAN, ’10 STAFF WRITER
There has been a technological whirlwind among King’s Academy students this year and a small technological device is the center of it all: the Blackberry. If you do not know what a Blackberry is, then you have been living under a rock for the past year. Walk around in King’s for a minute, or just sit in the student union and count the number of Blackberry phones you see. From orange, to blue, and to simple black they come in various colors and designs. But is this obsession a good thing? I must personally admit that the perks of having a Blackberry are pleasant. For example, students get access to the world of “bbming” which helps keep many friends connected for almost no charge. Moreover, it keeps the users entertained through games like the very addictive Brick Breaker. On the other hand, the negative side-effects of this addiction are undeniable. Rather than being engaged with each other in conversation at the student union, students have become hypnotically consumed with their own phones.
In fact, the student union is no longer a place of ruckus. At times, you can walk into the place and encounter dead silence. The obsession of Blackberry is even having a negative effect on academic life, as several students “secretly” send text messages during classes. These can range from talking about classes, to telling jokes, and even to relaying rumors. These distractions students prevent from studying effectively. Aesthetically, the phone itself is not very appealing, for every Blackberry looks almost identical to the other. Those who have perfectly good, or even superior new phones, with better features than those of the Blackberry, are actually trading them for Blackberry phones, just to fit in. As a non-Blackberry owner myself, I must say that the temptation to get a one has been strong, but I have been able to resist it and stay unique. The question that comes to mind is why have we all become such conformists? Do we not have our own identities? Just as every other trend that reaches the Middle East, I am sure that the Blackberry will be only around until another obsession hits … Google phones anyone? :)
Not since his 1997 blockbuster-hit Titanic has acclaimed Hollywood director James Cameron attempted such a cinematic spectacle that is Avatar. Cameron has indeed set a new standard in film-making, with brilliant CGI, drama, action, adventure, and superb vision. The director was also Avatar’s screenwriter and was one of its producers. Having worked on the script since 1994, Cameron put what may be his most sincere effort so far into the making, advertising, and distribution of Avatar. King’s Academy movie-fans will likely be astonished by this feat of a film, which often leaves audiences speechless. Sixty percent of Avatar is computer generated and the other forty percent is live action. Actors portrayed the fictional race of the Na’vi through motion-capture technology that recorded their facial expressions and movements set against a digital background. Through this, as Cameron claims, 95% of the actors’ performances were transferred to their digital counterparts, allowing the Na’vi to be more compelling as authentic characters, and not simply digital animations. The action portrayed is state-of-the-art, juxtaposing the swift primal combat of bows and staffs of the Na’vi with the technological artillery of the human colonizers, making for landmark visual battles. Cameron created a science-fiction paradise on Pandora (the fictional moon of the story), which teems with rich flora and fauna, all of which seem to be of the director’s own imagination. It may initially seem that Cameron tried to make his “paradise world” a little too ideal, but viewers eventually see that Pandora is a believable environment with its wealth of biodiversity and the relationships the organisms share with one another. Thus, Pandora is the ideal natural environment unscathed by humans
COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
or other sentient species, while the Na’vi are portrayed as living in perfect harmony with nature. This might also seem to push the lid for an implausible idealism, but still makes for a marvel of a society on screen, one whose mysticism and biological roles in their environment stir true awe. The dialogue may not be top-notch (like other James Cameron films), but the acting is generally more than adequate. Interestingly, it is not the human-parts that captivate, but the Na’vi. The actors have clearly immersed themselves into the natives, with Zoe Saldana, playing the tribal princess Neytiri, taking the spotlight as a fierce, dedicated, intelligent, and passionate individual who will do all she can to protect her home and people. Viewers will indeed be captivated by her performance as a prime example of Na’vi culture. Avatar has recently won two Golden Globes; one for Best Film- Drama, and for Best Directing. It has also recently surpassed Titanic as the highest grossing film of all time. Cameron simply just had to beat his own record.
An Epidemic of Senioritis Senioritis: A day wasted is a day well spent By ZENA KOKASH, ’10 LAYOUT EDITOR
If you can spend a useless afternoon in a useless manner, you have learned how to live…or you have a severe case of senioritis! Well seniors, it is the time of the year when college acceptances, deferrals, and unfortunate rejections are rolling in. Our applications are either complete or in the process of being completed; and for those of us who have received our acceptances, we have a sense of security. But are we really safe? ‘Senioritis’ is the act of slacking off as a result of lack of initiative to excel, due to the end of your high school years being just around the corner. It is the time when you would much rather sleep in than attend classes, or go to parties instead of participate in your co-curricular activities. Some symptoms of this colloquial term in-
clude staring off into space during your classes, missing school meeting, and experiencing a decrease in your academic performance. It is only natural to be concerned about the transitory state between your high school years and college life; however, this unease should in no way control you, or jeopardize your future. As Maria Al-Mamlouk ‘10 stated: “Senior year is known to be a failure for grades, but a success for friendships.” Norah Jaffan ‘10 also commented that “Senioritis is the best thing that has ever happened to me, I have learnt how to live life to the fullest, and this is of course because I am going to a community college.” What is the worst case scenario? In some cases, universities may withdraw their acceptances, or if you fail enough classes, you may not even be able to graduate. With upcoming AP exams in May-it is crucial for seniors to focus on their studies in order to acquire college credit. However, with Senioritis, lack of moti-
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
vation to study may be the inception of failing your exams, in which case the consequences would be critical. Having a first-hand experience of this, most seniors will tell you that it is quite contagious, and by spring, a large percentage of the senior class will have already caught senioritis. But there is a cure: simply create a schedule and to stick to it. This will help you manage your time wisely, allocating time for both work and play.
Page 6
FUN PAGE
The Rexonian
GUESS the owners of the random senior jackets below... C D E F B A
ANSWERS: A. Omar Majali B. Yazan Abu Khalaf C. Fadi Hamati D. Omar Abu Khadra E. Dina Shawar F. Nairuz Al Ajlouni
HOROSCOPES Aries (3/21-4/19): Mousa Al Qawasmi
School: Knowing that you have a long way to go before the next break, you might feel a little bit lazy. However, you must not let that get to you. No matter what, you have to keep working just as hard as you have been doing because this marathon never ends. Social life: People like you. You might feel as if you’re always the “third wheel” or the unwanted figure, but your presence is much appreciated. Attend every gathering, and make sure to leave a mark on every place you enter. Start by making an announcement in school meeting.
Taurus (4/20-5/20): Nairuz Al Ajlouni School: This school term, you are forced to face more pressure than you had predicted. Your classmates might be setting the bar too high, but you know that with hard work anything can be accomplished. Social life: Two brains are better than one. When you find yourself in the middle of a problem between two friends, get someone to help you. Gemini (5/21-6/21): Omar Khoury School: You are enjoying some classes, but in others you just can’t stay awake. The key to surviving school this term lies within your mind. You don’t need caffeine, just pay attention and be prepared to work a sweat. Social life: Chemistry is affecting your life beyond the classroom. You need to act on your feelings. Take a brave step forward and approach the one you like. Cancer (6/22-7/22): Razan Abdel Hadi School: You might be okay with your current situation at school, but it would really help you to gain some different and more efficient study tactics. Perhaps you would like to visit the academic support center. Social Life: You need to avoid shallow relationships. Someone will approach you this week asking for a huge favor, but if you don’t know the person well enough don’t do it.
Leo (7/23-8/22): Omar Majali
School: Stop nagging! It doesn’t help. Start taking things seriously. If you do so, you will hear some good news in the coming month. Don’t stress out, it will be just fine. Social Life: You need to find that balance between school and home. Your parents miss you, so make sure to reconnect with them this weekend. Share some stories, they will appreciate it.
Virgo (8/23-9/22): Johnny Khoury School: You have exceeded your expectations. Start enjoying classes instead of simply working all the time. Feel free to read for fun, but don’t overdo it. Social Life: It is time for you to step out of your little bubble. Go meet someone new, join a club, and talk to the freshmen. You might be surprised by how much these little creatures know. Gossip will find its way to you, but you must stay as far away as possible.
Libra (9/23-10/22): Nadine Abdullat School: Congratulations, you are going to get some good news this month. Finally, all of your hard work has paid off. However, don’t feel overwhelmed when you get the news, it has a catch. Social Life: Finally all the relationship problems have gone. Feel relieved and go and meet new people, you will be surprised to see that a lot of people think just like you do.
Scorpio (10/23-11/21): Jaber Al Sabah School: You are depending on others to do everything. This is because you do not have enough faith in yourself to do it alone. Try working alone, you never know what will happen. Social Life: You will meet a new person today, you may not know it now but this person will be part of your future life. Set a good first impression.
Compiled by Reem Al-Haddadin ‘11, Nadine Sousou ‘10, and Rinad Salaita ‘10
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21): Dana Alasker School: As soon as study hall starts you will realize that you do not have enough time to complete everything. Don’t panic, start with the quizzes and then work on everything else. Social Life: You are struggling to maintain a relationship or a monetary advantage. Although you may not reach a solution, stay brave and optimistic, as that is what will influence later decisions.
Capricorn (12/22-1/19): Hamza Zaidan School: You should try a new class even though it may be filled with freshmen. You will love this class so much that you will want to continue taking it. Social Life: Don’t be tricked if everyone is around you, it would not last forever. Don’t worry though; you will get your fame soon.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18): Bashar Jarrar School: Focus on your second language class. It will benefit you on the long run. Start expressing yourself using different methods. You may need some help from your teacher do not hesitate; they will help you with pleasure. Social Life: You are having some difficulties with your best friend; do not ignore this problem because it may lead to bigger one. Talk with your best friend in private and find what is best for you both.
Pisces (2/19-3/20): Yazan Abu Khalaf. School: Sometime you just have to follow the rules. You might not be doing so well in school, but if you look back you’ll know that there’s no one to blame but yourself. You must start paying attention to the small details. Maybe you would consider coming to EVERY class on time for a change. Social life: You’re turning into a social butterfly. Even though you feel as if the people you like don’t like you back, there are so many paths to lead you to the right friendships. Don’t give up!
OUT TAKE
March 2010
Page 7
What should (be as CREATIVE as you want)
be?
“Exemption from waitering”
“Doors open for balcony rooms”
“Thursday Dress Down”
“No consequences for messing with freshman”
“Golf Cart Services/Taxis” “Cell Phones during study hall”
“Exemption from guiding rule number 6”
“Curfew Lights out + Internet pushed half-an hour further” “Rest day once a term”
“Senior Skip day”
“Senior Café”
“Vending machines in dorms” “Visitation in co-ed dorms (with parental consent)”
“No dorm restrictions” “Deerfield Dress Code”
“Televisions in rooms”
“No study hall (for those who prove themselves worthy)”
“Allowed to leave campus” “Cars on campus with drivers licenses”
“Senior Sleep-In”
“Exemption from mandatory cocurriculars during college application term”
Complied by Zena Kokash ’10 and Robert Bahou ‘11 Photos by Robert Bahou ‘11
SPORTS
Page 8
The Rexonian
Lions Continue to Triumph Volleyball teams participate in a tournament in Lebanon, while our basketball teams succeed at home
By LAYLA AL-NAIF, ’11 STAFF WRITER
Not only have King’s Academy Volleyball teams triumphed in Jordan, but they also carried their victorious school spirit all the way to Beirut, Lebanon one weekend in November. They competed in the first MET (Middle Eastern Triangle) of 2009; other teams involved were the American Community School of Beirut ‘A’ team (ACB ‘A’), the American Community School of Beirut ‘B’ team (ACB ‘B’), and International College of Beirut (IC). The Tournament began with the girls winning their first game against ACB, and the following day, went on to beat IC in a close, nerve-wracking match. Unfortunately the girls didn’t make it to the final round, and ended up coming in fourth place. The boys, however, remained vigilant throughout the tournament and started off with a five-game winning streak. ACS was no competition for
the boys, whom they ended up demolishing. The Lions took on IC the next day, and ended up winning that game as well. Afterwards they reached their toughest match of the tournament against ACB. Hustling, diving for every ball and coordination led the Lions to defeat this team by a close three points. Finally, they crushed the other ACB team naming them champions of the Middle Eastern Triangle. Coach Iyad credited the Lions’ victory to outstanding play by Faris Batayneh ’11, and Emran Lallow ’13. Moving on to our flourishing basketball players, the varsity-A boys basketball team fought an extremely exhilarating match against the University of Jordan basketball team. With Faisal Kawar’s ’10 continuous fast-breaks throughout the game, and with his slick lay-ups the fans believed the Lions would win this game, but U Jordan seemed to fight back whenever they had the opportunity. Zack Samawi ’11 also sunk some superb 3-pointers which made the fans go wild with cheering, and applause. The Lions did not end up winning even after all their tremendous team work, but they remained strong knowing they tried their best. At the end of this game, Captain Faisal Kawar ’10 said “We played a good game against a tough team, next time around we’ll be sure to beat them, like I know we can.” Captain Bashar Jarrar ’10 added “We played hard and very well, and we have many more games to come in the next year.” The girls’ basketball team also impressed their fans by achieving their first victory of the season, against the aggressive International Amman Academy (IAA) team. King’s girls took the lead for the first two quarters of the game, with Leen Hajjar‘s ’11 brilliantly rebounding the ball. The game consisted of both teams fouling each other with aggressive players on both sides, this gave each team many free-throws which Sereen Ashqar ’12 sunk a countless number of times. Towards the end of this game, the score got closer and closer by the second. Both teams so anxious to see what the final ten seconds would be like, the buzzer went off and ‘the lionesses’ had won their very first game, what a moment for them.
Zack Samawi ‘11 (right), one of the stars of the basketball team, faces up against Ali Shajrawi ‘11 in a head-tohead. PHOTOS BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
SPORTS IN BRIEF Nihal and Meissa Face Off in an Epic Football Match by Leen Hajjar ‘11 The dorms of Nihal and Meisa played an exciting football game against each other creating great competition for one of both
dorms to reach victory in the end. Faculty, students and teachers supported the two teams at the fields under the lights by enjoying falafel sandwiches and juice. As the teams competed hard for two long hours, only one team won the thrilling game and that team was dorm Meisa. After hours of support and en-
thusiasm from the crowd, the night had to come to an end. The Kings community enjoyed a night of fun and laughter not only by watching great football but also by taking a break from the hard work of college applications and studying and coming together as one community.
BY ROBERT BAHOU ‘11
Mr. David Powers goes up for a layup against Ali Shajrawi ‘11 in a recent intramural basketball match.
Battles Amongst the Lions Student and Faculty field teams to compete for Intramural championshiprs By NADIA AKKAWI ’11 STAFF WRITER
A new year and another term of sport activities have begun. To start off this year on a different note, coach Iyad and Reema Attyeh, heads of the Athletic Department have organized a time for students to unite and play on the fields and courts of King’s Academy. A chance to have fun, and get out there to show their skills. This month of intramurals has also motivated the faculty members to come out and play. Our very own dean of students, Julianne Puente has also joined a team of faculty to compete in volleyball and basketball. There are six sports being played throughout the month of January: basketball, volleyball, soccer, squash, tennis, and table tennis. Soccer was scheduled to start off each week on Sundays, and continue on Tuesdays. There is a total of nine teams signed up; six teams of boys, one team of faculty, and two teams of girls. The girls’ teams are competing against each other, and the boys and faculty competed against one another. The volleyball tournaments were scheduled for Mondays, and there were four co-ed teams, one of which was faculty and one team of all girls. The basketball players led the tournament with eight co-ed student teams, and two teams of faculty which also included one of the varsity basketball players, Hamdi Alauddin’11. Hitting the squash courts with a number of nine students and two faculty members, we are finding the individual games just as competitive as the team games. Fourteen students willcompete against one another in table tennis. And lastly we have our tennis players, one of which is Dr. Eric who will be competing in the tennis tournament with nine other students. When one student was asked about the tournaments she replied “they are extremely fun, and productive. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our skills, and this time was great for us to get out there and get to know one another, since there are many new students in the school this year.”