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S P E C TAT O R
VOLUME 93 NUMBER 1
1500 WEST KENNEDY ROAD, LAKE FOREST, IL 60045
Featured Stories NEWS
Numerous additions to faculty arrive on campus
page 3
NEWS
Former Freshman Foundation of the Arts removed from LFA curriculum page 3 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A masterpiece re-written for female actors to be performed
page 6
Rant & Rave: Corbin renovations spark reactions among students
page 10
SPORTS
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge washes over nation and the LFA community page 15
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Breaking developments in iPad theft, former LFA security guard arrested By Romaer Chopra Editor-in-Chief
The Lake Forest Police department has arrested three men who they believe were responsible for the theft of more than 400 iPads from the Lake Forest Academy campus last June. The police believe that Nicholas Roiniotis, a former security guard at the school, was one of the three men responsible for the crime. Roiniotis was a former employee of Securitas, LFA’s current security company, who quit his job two months after the theft occurred. His supposed accomplices, who had no relation to LFA, were Natan Khanania and Anam Qadri. Although Roiniotis was a former member of the Securitas, LFA school officials said the school has not experienced any problems with Securitas service before or since the incident. According to Ms. Cathy Morrison, LFA’s Dean of Communications, LFA has remained hard at work to make sure that members of its communities are in the safest environment possible. “Safety and security for all our students, faculty, staff and campus residents is one of our highest priorities, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” said Morrison. “To that end, we conduct regular safety and security audits. In the immediate wake of the theft, we reviewed policies and procedures, and made changes in both. With the new information in
Photo courtesy of ABC News
The mugshots of the three iPad suspects. Roiniotis, left, was a security guard at LFA.
this case, we will continue to monitor and evaluate our arrangements, consider how other boarding schools manage safety and security, and make sure that we have best practices in place here at LFA.” The iPad robbery came as an enormous shock to both the LFA and greater Lake Forest community. According to Lake Forest Police Chief Karl Walldorf, there is sufficient evidence suggesting that the suspects were in communication before, throughout, and after the crime was committed. This suggests that the three might have been planning the crime for some time.
“It was devastating and disappointing for the whole community,” said Morrison when describing the original theft to a member of the Chicago Tribune. Calls to the Lake Forest Police were not returned by deadline. However, an article in the Chicago Tribune reported that Roiniotis is being held in custody on a $500,000 bond, and is due to appear in court later this month. Meanwhile, Khanania and Qadri are both free on bonds of $300,000 and $200,000, respectively. However, they both await future court dates.
Mission accomplished: renovation of Corbin and Korhumel cap Lake Forest Academy’s redesign By Michael Phillips Managing Editor
OP-ED
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Eleven years in the making, the renovation of the academic space in Upper Corbin and Lower Korhumel has finally been completed. In just 82 days over last summer, the upper floor of Corbin, as well as the first floor of Korhumel, has been completely renovated, providing less cluttered rooms, ample hallway space for studying, and state-of-the-art technology in the classrooms. According to Chief Financial Officer Andy Kerr, the plans of renovation have been in process for more than a decade. “This is really the final element to the Campaign for LFA,” said Kerr. “Everything in the Strategic Plan of 2003 that we identified as being things that we needed to do to stay in the forefront of independent school education we have [now] done.” Back in 2003, the Campaign for LFA was initiated in order to renovate many buildings on campus, with Upper Corbin and Lower Korhumel being the final steps in the renovation of LFA. Using community feedback from the construction of the
Science Center and renovation of lower Corbin in 2013, Kerr hopes that everyone’s suggestions, including anti-glare projectors and “Diamond Dust” privacy screens, were dually noted and can now be found in Upper Corbin. “We love the space—it’s very exciting,” said Stephen Ryder, Department Head of
Modern and Classical Languages. “It’s changed the whole atmosphere of the department…we’re all very pleased and grateful.” Ryder also alerted students to be on the lookout in the next few weeks for decorations in the hallways of upper Corbin that continued on page 4
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
Senior Sophie Hanson works in a part of the newly renovated Lower Korhumel.
THE SPECTATOR
News
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World News Roundup
Compiled by Catherine Kvam News Editor
The Spectator compiles a monthly summary of the current world events. Below are the most pressing issues this month. Ebola causing widespread death and panic throughout West Africa The Ebola virus continues to affect West Africans as the death count climbs over 2,000. The disease, spread by bodily fluids, has inflicted widespread panic on civilians in West Africa. Doctors and nurses are most at risk for contracting the disease, as they interact closely with the infected. A trial vaccine known as Zmapp is still being tested for its effectiveness. The United States plans on sending 3,000 military personnel to help fight the virus, in providing beds for the victims and support for the already overwhelmed healthcare systems. This plan includes training new medical personnel as well as civilians, building new care centers, and distributing health supplies. There is a possibly of the virus mutating to become more easily contracted, and the United States is taking this threat very seriously.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Admission rates for 2014-2015 school year sky rocket due to large applicant pool By Tori Koontz News Editor The academic year at Lake Forest Academy is in full swing, with many new additions to the student body via the admissions process. This school year there are 435 students in all four grades, which is 13 more than last year. There were also more students accepted this year compared to the last. But most importantly, the incoming freshman class consists of 94 students, which is the largest the class has been in recent years. “This year we actually ended up admitting more students than we have in the past because we lost a big senior
class. So we knew we were going to be accepting more,” said Ms. Caroline Gorowoski, the Dean of Admissions. Besides the freshman class, there are 26 new sophomores, increasing that class to 108 students. The junior class added 10 students to make 109, and there are 5 new seniors to make a class size of 124. Specifically, there were 28 more overall students accepted this year, bumping up admission rates to 41%. However, more students were also denied. “This year we denied 151 students, where last year we denied 112. We tried to be a little more thoughtful with the
Dean of Admissions Carolyn Gorowski works on admissions applications.
Photo by Tori Koontz
process,” said Gorowski. Another goal of the Admissions Office this year was creating a balanced student body in many different areas. This year LFA is 55% male and 45% female. The slight imbalance is mainly due to the sophomore class, which remains uneven, despite the attempts to fix it. There were also many different countries and states reflected among the student body, adding more diversity to the already diverse community. “I’m always excited to see where the students come from, and it seems as if this year we’ve been able to add some different countries and states to the list,” said Dean of Students Chris Tennyson. According to Gorowski, this trend shows no signs of stopping in future years. LFA continues to have high volumes of applications from a wide range of students, which Gorowski feels is a very fortunate situation to have. Increased application numbers make it easier to be a more selective and prestigious institution, choosing candidates that will benefit Lake Forest Academy’s diverse community. “We look forward to continuing to work with such application numbers and to enroll highly-qualified students to the Academy,” said Gorowski.
Faculty trip to South Korea educates on the use of global technology Photo courtesy of premiumtimesng.com
Doctors treat an Ebola victim in a hospital.
Coalition to fight ISIS formed As a growing fear of ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, continues to grow, several countries have united together with a common goal of its elimination. Countries including the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have all agreed to make a stand against the group, which is known for its extreme policies and terrorizing tactics. ISIS is currently trying to recruit United States citizens, as well as Europeans, and a small number of Americans have attempted to join.
Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com
Several members of ISIS gather in Syria.
Sources: Associated Press, BBC News
By Julia Mills News Editor Every summer, Lake Forest Academy’s faculty and students partake in a myriad of fascinating activities and trips around the world. This past summer was no different. In early July, a group of nine faculty and staff members traveled more than 6,000 miles from Chicago to South Korea to learn about Korean culture and incorporating technology into teaching at LFA. “The trip’s purpose was basically an exchange of ideas with other educators in Korea about technology; looking at what we do at LFA and comparing it to what technological advantages in education they have in Korea,” said Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Affairs Ms. Lusanda Mayikana. The trip lasted from July 7 until July 11. A large group went on the trip. Along with Mayikana, eight other faculty and staff members went to South Korea: Language Department Chairman Steve Ryder, History teacher Diane Cooper, Assistant Dean of Communications Grace Kim, Counselor Jennifer Madeley, Director of Performing Arts Mark Dryfoos, Science Department Chairperson Stephanie Ramirez, Dean of Admissions Carolyn Gorowski, and Academic Technology teacher Ashley Kolovitz. Those who went on the trip visited var-
ious independent schools and universities throughout South Korea, such as Seoul National University, where they were able to talk with different administrators, teachers and students. These visits to schools were intended to help and teach LFA “learn more about the educational system and specifically how technology is integrated into the classroom in Korea,” said Gorowski. LFA is an iPad school and is constantly trying to balance the integration of technology along with core teaching values, and this trip was a way to see how other countries are able to do so. Students attend school sometimes 12 hours a day, which is very different from LFA. Technology in South Korea is incorporated into most curriculums to help
At the Chadwick International School, students are able to teleconference with a sister school on the other side of the world in the United States. This focus on global interaction and education is something LFA hopes to increase in coming years as it would “enable our students to talk and interact with their peers in other parts of the world,” said Mayikana. “It is such an intense program. It is very different from our culture,” said Ramirez. According to Mayikana, Wi-Fi accessibility was available everywhere, even in taxis and buses. “Technology is so ever-present,” said Mayikana, “that it becomes invisible. In the sense, it’s something that is just so second nature to everything that they
support student’s learning experiences.
do that people don’t think about it.”
Photo courtesy of Ms. Kim
LFA teacher Mark Dryfoos interacts with South Korean children through technology.
THE SPECTATOR
News Freshman Foundation of SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
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the Arts no longer a part of the arts curriculum By India Shelley News Editor Freshman Foundation in the Arts (FFA) has long been a core part of the freshmen curriculum at LFA, however, this is no longer the case. For the 2014/2015 school year, the Fine Arts Department has made the executive decision to cut the class from the curriculum. Instead, students will now be able to take any arts elective of their choice. FFA has been eliminated due to student disinterest and the course’s pass/fail status. “Students were really lukewarm with FFA in general, which had a lot to do with the pass/fail designation,” said Monica Palmer, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. “They just weren’t necessarily spending time on the various disciplines within the FFA curriculum because they knew it didn’t really mean anything.” Without the motivation of a grade that counted towards their GPA, many students didn’t feel the need to put in all of their effort. After conducting a survey of last year’s FFA class, the Fine and Performing
Arts Department found that FFA generally wasn’t every freshman’s favorite class, and wasn’t really a worthwhile use of the students’ time. “Since it was a combination of a lot of different types of art, the time spent on each one was limited,” said junior Lilian Chung, “I did learn new skills; however, it wasn’t in depth.” Palmer and the rest of her department noticed this problem: “For (students) to get the experience that we wanted to get, we really had to short-change them, which we weren’t willing to do,” she said. However, there is definitely an upside, Palmer added. Now freshmen are able to choose any art class to take, so they are able to have more freedom and choose classes that they are actually genuinely interested in. FFA has not always been a melange of arts all rolled into one quick-paced course, when it was first instituted in 2004. The FFA course description from 2004 made available to The Spectator by Monica Palmer said; “the curriculum provides the students with a full range of opportunities,
Photo by Tori Koontz
Olivia Maggos, a freshman, works on her project as part of her sculpture class. including independent studies in the arts for those students seeking intensive immersion in a particular venture.” Palmer explained that when it was introduced, FFA combined all disciplines to create a final project. For example, there would be a play, so some students would
act in it, some would paint the set, some would do music, and some would do lighting. This played to student’s interests instead of exposing them to all of the arts as it has done in more recent years. Now, the emphasis is completely on choosing your personal path in the arts.
Numerous additions to faculty arrive on campus this fall By Jordan Wolff Editor-in-Chief
Students have undoubtedly noticed there are some new faces on campus this year. Lake Forest Academy is welcoming many new faculty members. Among them are Maggie Boomgaarden, Garrett Morrison, Will Hampton, Kathleen Moffitt, Olivia Poska, Mike Reidy, and Jeremy Sands. Two of them – Mr. Garrett Morrison and Ms. Maggie Boomgaarden – took some time to sit down with The Spectator to talk. Both Morrison and Boomgaarden have extensive education backgrounds. Morrison, a teacher of English 10 and AP English Language and Composition, graduated from Yale University and is currently finishing up his Ph.D. at Northwestern University. Morrison taught in Northwestern’s English department before coming to LFA. Boomgaarden, who currently teaches Spanish Two Advanced and Spanish Four, has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied at the University of Granada in Spain. Boomgaarden also taught English
coach and the assistant coach for the boys team. His passion for swimming developed at a young age and he has stayed with the sport his entire life. “Swimming was part of the culture where I great up. As I got into my teen-
“I realized LFA was a good fit because of the great campus culture and extremely nice staff and students.” -Mr. Garrett Morrison
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
Mr. Garrett Morrison teaches one of his first classes at Lake Forest Academy.
during her time in Spain, and recently taught at a boarding school in Vermont. Morrison and Boomgaarden decided to join the LFA community for several reasons. “I wanted to teach high school students,” said Morrison. “I was interested in building a career teaching in an independent school like LFA. After I interviewed, I realized LFA was a good fit because of the great campus culture and extremely nice staff and students. I am happy to be here.”
“I wanted to work in a boarding school, and I wanted to work somewhere I could coach and be involved in campus life. I worked at a residential life program at Yale University over a summer as a dorm head and I wanted to be able to continue that with my job,” said Boomgaarden. Both Morrison and Boomgaarden plan to be involved with many activities at LFA, and both are coaches of sports. Morrison is the girls swimming head
age years I became more interested in water polo; I continued to play water polo in college a little bit. So swimming is in my blood,” said Morrison. Boomgaarden is the assistant coach to the varsity volleyball team and will be a coach of the varsity softball team this spring. She has also coached basketball and soccer in the past. “I think just getting to know everyone and to contribute to the community is what I looked forward to most. I would love to start a healthy eating organization at LFA,” said Boomgaarden.
THE SPECTATOR
News
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Sherman Alexie speaks to students and shares excerpts from his work By Kristen VanTine Managing Editor The renowned Native American author, Sherman Alexie, visited LFA last week, speaking to students and faculty and reading from works. The vis-
it was particularly meaningful to the school’s ninth graders who read Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian as part of their curriculum. According to English Dept. Chair Ann Frkovich, Alexie is known for reflecting his experience growing up on the Spo-
Photo courtesy of Chase Jarvis
kane Indian Reservation in his work. He writes about Native American cultural and traditional life, a significant part of the United States’ history that is missing from the American high school curriculum, she said. The lack in education about Native American life is one of the main reasons the department chose to ask Alexie in particular to visit the academy. “His stories and presence make us understand what a giant hole we have in our curriculum surrounding Native American history and life,” said Frkovich. During the process of brainstorming about authors to invite to visit LFA, it became apparent to Frkovich and colleagues that Alexie was a perfect fit. Ultimately, it was Frkovich’s involvement in the Ragdale Institution that led to LFA gaining access to Alexie. The Ragdale Institution group resides in a local estate in Lake Forest. The institution is known for providing creative artists with residency programs and fellowships to further develop their artistic talents, as well as organizing a variety of authors and artists to visit the estate. Every year, Ragdale hosts a festival called “Nov-
el Affair.” The festival features a variety of talented authors and artists. This year, Alexie agreed to appear at the festival. Frkovich had been involved with the Ragdale administration since October of 2013. The relationship between Ragdale and LFA is unique. LFA is the first high school in the state to work with the organization to bring a guest speaker to make a guest appearance at a school. Once the visit was certain, the LFA freshmen were required to read Alexie’s bestseller over the summer. It is thought that will enhance their meeting with the author. Other English teachers have assigned different works for their classes to read. The entire LFA community, including teachers and students, has been invited to the Q&A session and book signing, including English classes of all grade levels. “Exploring the insights of an author of Native American descent will be a valuable experience for LFA,” said Frkovich. “We forget that Native Americans have been on this land for 10,000 years and it’s convenient to not tell their stories, but we need to tell them, and that is why Alexie is coming.”
Renowned author Sherman Alexie visited LFA last week and spoke to students.
continued from front page
Corbin & Korhummel Renovation celebrate the primary languages taught at LFA—Spanish, French, Latin, and Chinese. With every student required to take at least two years of Language during their time at LFA, most students will have classes in the newly-renovated Corbin on a daily basis. “I think they did a great job,” said senior Josh Postadan, who, in his time at LFA, has seen every academic building (aside from Reid Hall) renovated. “I like how the Dean of Students has its own little corner now.” Where you could find last year’s Dean of Students Office is now the Language Department office, but those searching for the new DOS won’t have to look far, as it can now be found right down the hall no fewer than 20 yards away from its previous location. “I think it’s great,” said Dean of Students Chris Tennyson, whose office can be found in the newly renovated Upper Corbin. “Ultimately the renovation was made to give the students more space to collaborate as well as to have classroom experiences that are excellent and superior to peer schools... [The renovations] provide all those things for the students.” Senior Isaiah Foust signs himself off campus in the newly renovated Corbin wing.
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
THE SPECTATOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Arts and Entertainment
5
Date Night
With Amanda Bozorgi and Allison Hechtman
Football and froyo on a fall night By Amanda Bozorgi and Allison Hechtman Managing Editors Nothing quite says fall like a Friday night football game under the lights, and frozen yogurt is the perfect complement to any evening. However, as the nights get cooler that frozen yogurt may have to be swapped out for some hot chocolate, although we personally believe that frozen yogurt is acceptable in all seasons and all times of day. Although the football team sadly did not bring home a victory that night, the evening was still exciting and entertaining. The act of finding parking in the overflowing Libertyville lot was an adventure in itself. There’s no better way to unwind after a tedious week of last-period doubles and 20page readings than screaming your lungs out and dutifully following the cheerleaders’ orders of, “Jump! Shake your booty. Jump. Jump!.” Something about the act of yelling until your voice is hoarse and dancing like a fool in front of the entire Libertyville swarm makes it somehow okay that there’s a paper due on Monday that you haven’t even started. As LFA students slapped orange paint
onto themselves and some ungrateful bystanders caught in the splash zone, it was clear that a football game is the perfect way to end a week. The general bubbling of enthusiasm and elation was infectious, and we left the stands with a light and happy mood. As we weighed dinner and snack options to close the night, frozen yogurt was the obvious choice. It’s delicious, can be found on almost any corner of any street, and we like to pretend that it has some health benefits. For convenience, we visited Suzy’s Swirl in Lake Bluff, just north of LFA off of Waukegan. Red Mango was also an option, as it is located in Libertyville near the high school, but Allison has some kind of personal vendetta against Red Mango and the yogurt that they sell. There was also the option of Lulu’s in Lake Bluff, as well as Jolly Good Fellows in Lake Forest, but if we went through every frozen yogurt store on the North Shore then it could possibly take up this entire newspaper.
Although e x e c u t ing a left turn into the somewhat cramped parking lot of Suzy’s took some patience, we were pleased with the yogurt choices. Suzy’s boasts an impressive collection of not only self-serve yogurt, but also
Amanda and Allison pose for a quick selfie while enjoying their delicious yogurt at Suzy’s Swirl.
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
VERDICT: entertaining and delicious
gelato and lactose-free sorbet. We took full advantage of the sampling cups that Suzy’s offered to try almost every flavor, because choosing one’s frozen yogurt flavors is a process that involves deep thought and intense personal reflection. The toppings, which we argue are just as important as the yogurt itself, left little to be desired. The fruit was fresh and ripe, although there could have been a little more variety. The options were limited to mango and blackberries. However, this was made up by the fact that Suzy’s is the proud owner of a collection of sprinkles. Yes, a collection. Most frozen yogurt places have maybe one or two options of sprinkles, if that. Suzy’s has sprinkles of every shape, size, and flavor. We were ecstatic. The bottles of chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, and even peanut butter were unbelievably tempting but we passed on those for this trip. By now our cups of yogurt were feeling sinfully heavy, but we surely burned off a lot of energy cheering for our football team. A little more cookie dough on top couldn’t hurt. The yogurt hit the spot perfectly, and the night was still warm enough to enjoy the frozen treat on the outdoor patio. Football and froyo was a wonderful night out. Even with nights starting to cool down, Suzy’s Swirl is open year round. With a new membership system, every 10th visit is rewarded with a free cup of frozen yogurt, which is tracked by entering a phone number with each purchase. Do not worry though, your phone will not be spammed by texts! In our humble opinion, it is never too cold for froyo.
THE SPECTATOR 6
Arts and Entertainment
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Dryfoos takes a new turn with Mass Communications class
By Catherine Kvam News Editor
With the demise of the Freshmen Foundation of the Arts program, new Fine Arts classes have been added to the LFA course offerings this year. Among the group of additions is Mass Communications, a class taught by Mr. Mark Dryfoos, the Director of Performing Arts. The class encompasses new media and its influence through advertising, film, radio, and the internet. Originally, the class was offered to LFA students before FFA became a mandatory class for all freshmen. This was long before many current students started their time at Lake Forest Academy. It was re-introduced with the hope that it would be another option for freshmen looking for required art classes. “We needed to have other class offerings for students to choose from,” said Monica Palmer, Department Chairperson of Fine and Performing Arts. Though this was the goal, the
Photo by Catherine Kvam
Mr. Mark Dryfoos instructs his class on the way media has affected culture over many generations.
class has drawn in more upperclassmen than lowerclassmen. At this time, the class consists of four students: three seniors and one junior. Dryfoos is hoping to add more students to the roster. Although it is small in number, the current students are generally excited about the class and what they will learn throughout the semester.
“We have a lot to cover in a short period of time,” said Dryfoos. “However (the students) are attentive, motivated, and interested in what we have done so far!” “I think the workload is a good amount because it keeps you thinking and further exploring the topics discussed in that day’s class, but [it] is also not an overwhelming amount,” said Carly
Levin, the only junior in the class. Recently, the students were challenged to recreate a marketing strategy for an already-existing product. Dryfoos intended to create real life situations for the students to use media as a tool. “I really enjoy this class because media has such a big impact on our generation, and it’s interesting to look closer at these differ-
ent types of media and see why they are having such a huge affect on the way we live,” said Levin. In addition the class has given students the opportunity to reflect on their own habits as consumers. “I become more aware of what a consumer I am...as well as questioning why I’m buying something rather than just being submissive to the idea of consumerism and wanting things just to have them,” said senior Justine Fellito. Mass communication is available as a major in college, so students who take this class have the option in continuing in this field of study. But, Dryfoos wants students to leave the class with more than just something on their resume. He additionally wants students to leave with the basic knowledge of advertisements and a greater understanding of the media that surrounds them. “One of the things I hope they get out of the class is the understanding that media is shaping our lives, not we that shape it,” said Dryfoos.
Renowned jazz artist “Bix” Beiderbecke’s time at the ‘Cad
By Madison Olivieri A&E Senior Editor
He is in the Grammy Hall of Fame and played a pivotal role in the creation of jazz music during the Roaring Twenties – but before this, he attended Lake Forest Academy. Former LFA student Leon Bismark (Bix) Beiderbecke, born in Davenport, Iowa in 1903, became one of the most influential jazz musicians in history by the age of 17. His love for jazz fueled his life: he grew up in the peak of its popularity, picked up on what he heard, and soon became famous for his immense talent. His love and desire for jazz was arguably the reason for his dismissal from LFA; he would sneak out of the dorms at night, go to speakeasies, play jazz music, drink, and return past curfew. “I think his mind is on music more than any other study,” stated Beiderbecke’s moth-
er in a letter to LFA concerning his academic issues. Apparently, she was right. A year after leaving LFA, Beiderbecke joined the Wolverine Orchestra and went on to record 15 records over an eight-month period. “He was a kid who wanted to go into Chicago and hear this new-fangled type of music,” said Adam Schlipmann, LFA’s Jazz Band Director, “and he just sort of emulated what he heard and put his own spin on it.” Beiderbecke’s influence at LFA was large, although he only attended school for a year. He organized a school jazz band with Walter “Cy” Welge called the Cy-Bix Orchestra, which played at various dances and was rather popular throughout the student body. Even in school, Beiderbecke was finding ways to channel what he truly loved. “Under the leadership of two L.F.A. students, Beiderbecke
Photo by Madison Olivieri
Bix Beiderbecke’s application letter to LFA, complete with his actual signature.
and Stewart, the orchestra turned out feats of musical skill which everyone declared excellent,” stated LFA’s 1921- 1922 yearbook describing his influence. Beiderbecke brought impres-
sive talent to LFA, and the history of his passion lives in LFA’s hallways and archives. Beiderbecke is most known for his song “Singin’ the Blues,” which was recorded four years before
his death in 1931. Beiderbecke lived a short life, dying at the age of 28; LFA was just lucky to have experienced his musical skill for one of those 28 years.
THE SPECTATOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Arts and Entertainment
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Spotlight: album review of solo artist Washed Out By Madison Olivieri A&E Senior Editor
Singer/songwriter Ernest Greene solely makes up the genius of electronica band Washed Out. Even before his start in 2009, Greene had been releasing drowsy, lo-fi music for a bedroom recording project called Lee Weather, and later with a local band, Bedroom. In 2009, Greene released Life of Leisure, starting his career as solo artist Washed Out. New Theory, a song that was recently re-released in The Spectacular Now soundtrack, emulates Greene’s style and early talent. The first 20 seconds of the song give a thumping, melodic beat which continues as Greene’s singing statics in the background of the track. Feel It All Around, which was later released as a single, is a rhythmic legato mix of synthpop and chill-wave music which is similar to the feeling of drifting off to sleep; in 2011, Feel It All
Around was chosen as TV show Portlandia’s opening song, and Washed Out was shortly signed on with record label Sub Pop. 2011 also happened to be the year that Greene released his next album, Within and Without. Without transforming the style that listeners had come to love, Greene relaxed the rhythm, quieted the undulating loops, and left room on almost every track for listeners to absorb what they were hearing. The fourth track, Soft, is the perfect example of this: Greene’s voice subtly blends in with the downtempo of the song, making it the perfect background music. Eyes Be Closed, the first track of the album, is more reminiscent of Greene’s previous work, yet still incorporates
slower, more ambient rhythms. With more synth-pop beats and a more melodic rhythm than the rest of the Within and Without tracks, Washed Out still left plenty of open space in the song: it’s dream pop meets electronica. Washed Out’s 2013 album, Paracosm, transcends Greene’s previous work. All nine tracks of the album float effortlessly into one another, starting with the introduction track, Entrance, to the final track, All Over Now. All Over Now begins with a chilling chime, which turns into an uplifting melody, paradoxing the title. While Washed Out may be referred to as lo-fi in relation to other artists, the synth and instruments in Paracosm are much clearer and sharper than previous albums. Washed Out was recently in the Chicago area for the North Coast Music Festival, and is reportedly working on a new album at his own leisure.
The Odd Couple set to feature many female actresses in upcoming fall play
By Jason Lee News Editor
Led by Mr. Mark Dryfoos, the LFA Director of Performing Arts, a cast of 14 LFA students is preparing to perform the female version of playwright Neil Simon’s most popular play, The Odd Couple, which is scheduled to take place October 16-18 at the Cressey Center. The play, which runs for 90 minutes, was re-written in 1985 with two female lead characters rather than the famous Oscar Madison/ Felix Unger version of The Odd Couple, originally written by Simon in the 1960s. The play is essentially about two characters, Olive Madison and Florence Unger, who are very different from each other but are thrown together as roommates who somehow live with each other and get through their problems together. “I did this play probably 25 years ago and it was really fun then,” explained Dryfoos. “I thought it would be a good opportunity because we have a lot of strong
pany. I cannot edit it. I just have to deal with what it is.” “Neil Simon was probably one of the great comedic playwrights of the 20th century”, said Dryfoos. “This particular play is very good writing, very smart, and very articulate.” According to Dryfoos, the audi-
Photo by Arthur He
Ella Ekstrom ‘16, Alexander Mullarkey ‘16, Hope Challenger ‘15 and Stanton Cope ‘15 prepare lines for The Odd Couple.
women actors to do it again.” This year’s female-dominated cast will include Ella Ekstrom, playing Olive Madison, and Hope Challenger, playing Florence Ungar, along with Sophia Platcow, Sarah Seibert, Tori Koontz, Zoe Lewis, India Shelley, Ellie Annibali, Gillian Smith, and Annmarie Morrison. Male
members of the cast will include: Nick Lin, Stanton Cope, Graham Erbs, and Alexander Mullarkey. “Given the small amount of characters, everyone in it has a major role,” said Ella Ekstrom. The play was originally written for eight people but two student-actors have been casted for every role except for the
two lead roles, so that the play could be played by a cast of 14, since no changes were allowed to be made to the original script. “This play is owned by a producing company and as a result, I really can’t make changes to it,” said Dryfoos. “It was part of an agreement that I had to sign with the producing com-
ence will easily identify the stereotypical characters right away, and they should find it easy to see how the characters are going to act and what is going to happen. The cast, he said, has recognized the great comedic possibilities in the play and is rehearsing strongly to take advantage of the material. “Everyone works so well together and every practice is so much fun,” said Ella Ekstrom. Even though the practice requires a lot of memorization, the student-actors and the director are collaborating to produce a good performance. “The play is hilarious and the whole cast does a great job at portraying the comedy in the script,” said Challenger. “I think everyone who goes will have a good laugh.”
THE SPECTATOR 8
Arts and Entertainment
ath
Taking G o l On i
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
By Allison Hechtman and Amanda Bozorgi Managing Editors
The monstrous new Goliath roller coaster breaks three world records-- tallest, steepest, fastest-- but is it on its way to becoming a Six Flags Great America classic? Goliath opened last June to both cheers and jeers. It features inverted loops, overbank turns, 180-degree twists, and giant drops. However, Goliath is not your typical coaster due to its material: wood. According to Six Flags Great America communications manager Katy Enrique, this has been made possible thanks to a new twist on an old material. “Parks thought initially, why would we build a wooden roller coaster? That was everyone’s first coaster,” said Enrique. “That’s an old school ride. [At Six Flags Great America], we can build a new wooden roller coaster that’s breaking all these records, and it’s smoother . . . it’s quieter . . . it’s innovative.” At its fastest, Goliath reaches speeds of 72 miles per hour, a speed met only by Raging Bull (73 mph) and Vertical Velocity (70 mph). At its steepest, Goliath’s track is slanted at 85 degrees. At its tallest, Goliath measures 180 feet. The wood is reinforced with steel beams, allowing the wood to be more flexible but remain sturdy. There is one other coaster of its kind in Branson, MO, but it is only a measly 62 mph, 162 feet, and 81 degrees. Publicity has mainly been through social media and other news sources, including the Chicago Tribune, CBS, and ABC. “[It] is a little unusual for a regional theme park to get on the Tonight Show and The Weather Channel,” explains Enrique, but it has been easy to pique interest in the new attraction. “What makes Goliath
THE SPECTATOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 so incredibly popular is that it’s a wooden roller coaster, and people know what a wooden roller coaster is . . . it’s the tallest, steepest, and fastest wooden roller coaster and they can immediately picture what that means when they hear about [Goliath], and that draws them to come here and try it.” The publicity has been working well- a Six Flags Great America customer survey indicates that 91% of 2014’s guests have heard about Goliath before coming to the park, and 46% of guests say that Goliath was a major reason for their ticket purchase. With the addition of Goliath, Great America now boasts having the national record of most wooden track in a theme park, with a grand total of 16,458 feet between Goliath, American Eagle, and Viper. Perhaps the most interesting part of Goliath is the
Arts and Entertainment twists and turns within its structure, allowing for the head-chopping views, where it looks like the structure is not tall enough for the coaster and the rider. Goliath has helped with the parks daily attendance, which is closer to 50,000 on a
guests were simply ready for Iron Wolf to be retired. Unfortunately Six Flags never had the option of building Goliath and keeping every other coaster. At this point in time, Six Flags can not expand onto any of the nearby land, and if they choose to build a new roller coaster they must do so by creating space that was previously occupied by another ride. Iron Wolf was the ride that had to be sacrificed to make space. “We are landlocked, there is nowhere else for us to go, so if we’re going to build a new roller coaster, you’ll have to see something else come out,” said Enrique. Thankfully, the old coaster does not go to waste. Iron Wolf was dismantled, repainted, and re-themed. It is now Apocalypse sitting at Six Flags America in Maryland.
“46% of [guests] are telling [Six Flags Great America] yes, Goliath was a major reason for ticket purchase.” - Ms. Katy Enrique weekend and closer to 10,000 on a weekday. Sometime in September, Raging Bull alone hit one million riders. Iron Wolf, the ride that used to stand in Goliath’s space, wasn’t hitting anywhere near those numbers. After 20 years at Great America,
9 Six Flags will often recycle rides in this manner. Enrique commented, “What Six Flags actually does is they take a ride that was very unique to us at one point, and then they transfer it to another park where it can be a unique addition for them.” With Fright Fest, the park’s annual Halloween celebration, starting on September 20th and closing the park’s season on November 2nd. Workers dress in terrifying outfits, the pond at the entrance is dyed a deep blood red, and some shops trade selling goods in favor of selling a good scare in haunted house form. It will be interesting to see how Goliath is dressed up to match the occasion. Six Flags Great America will close for the season at the end of October, so get out there and conquer Goliath as soon as you can!
For awesome graphics, exclusive video, and more pictures, check out our new website: www.caxynews.com
Rollercoaster Review
Raging Bull
Goliath
Viper
Raging Bull, with its steep drops and lightning-fast speed, is a Six Flags Great America classic. It was installed in 1999, but its thrills are anything but old. The first drop, a hair-raising 208 feet, kicks off the ride at a speed of 73 mph. The g-force, a measurement of acceleration that fights gravity and inderctly causes weight, clocks in at four gs, meaning that the coaster offeres both the feeling of weightlessness where you lose your stomach and also the feeling of extreme force and speed. It is the longest coaster in the park. Check it out in the Southwest Territory of the park over in the north east corner.
Goliath is well worth the trp into the County Fair section of section of the Six Flags Great America park. Althought Goliath is the only large coaster located in that section of the park, it is necessary for any thrill junkies to take the detour to ride this new coaster. Boasting the title as the tallest, fastest, and steepest wooden coaster, Goliath fails to disappoint. The first drop is not for the weak of heart and the quick 100 second ride even features two inversions, which is a unique addition for a wooden coaster. The brief yet intense nature of this ride is sure to get anyone’s blood pumping as soon as they take that first dive.
Although Viper does not boast many bigtime drops, Viper utilizes negative g-forces to thrill its riders. The stomach-dropping bumps on this ride might make you regret that last funnel cake, but as long as you plan lunch for any time after this ride, you will surely enjoy every moment. Located in the Southwest territory of the park, this wooden coaster is an old favorite, built in 1995 and enjoys long-lasting popularity in the park. Although it is a very different ride from Goliath, one of the other wooden coaster in the park, Viper is a great starter ride for those working up to big drops and fast inversions.
Thrill factor: 9
Thrill Factor: 8.5
Thrill Factor: 6.5
Best Feature: Hurtling down the first drop.
Best Feature: Surprisingly rapid speed for a wooden coaster.
Best Feature: Negative g-forces lifting you out of your seat.
THE SPECTATOR 10
Opinion and Editorial
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Corbin construction divides students Caxy Rant By Arthur He Features Editor Lake Forest Academy renovated the upper area of Corbin Hall over the summer to increase the common space and bring in natural lighting with gigantic windows and I have mixed feeling towards this renovation. It is nice that we have “techy” classrooms and more light now, but I think the renovation took away the warm and homey characteristics of Upper Corbin. The old Upper Corbin provided this close, personal, and warm feeling where you were surrounded by an academic aura of language and culture. The new Upper Corbin just lacks this quality. My friends and I used to sit around the Dean of Students Office and work on some homework, or just hang out. The Dean of Students office has been moved to the corner of Upper Corbin, perhaps making it more distant (and less approachable) to the students than before. The Dean of Students office used to have bright lighting and open space. You could feel the welcoming spirit of the faculty working there. The new Dean of Students office is sheltered in a corner. I cannot see the entirety of the office and I just feel less welcomed. Moreover, I really find the glass walls in the classrooms annoying. The first time I went through Upper Corbin, I
felt extremely awkward because everyone was staring at me. It is really distracting for people in the classroom. One thing the renovation did is to make sure that most parts of the school look the same. Upper Corbin looks a lot like the Math Wing and the Science Building now. Corbin used to be the old-school-style building that gave us a traditional feeling which connected it to the historical Reid building, not the modern math and history wing. “The language wing was colorful. It was relaxed. Everything was more oldschool. Now everything is just sterile,” sophomore Zoe Lewis said to me recently. Now everything is just so blended together with the white walls and white chairs and white board paint that it’s boring in Upper Corbin. They also took down the Hall of Fame for this renovation. According to Dean of Students Chris Tennyson, the Hall of Fame will not come back to Upper Corbin. I am upset about this change since teachers used to guide students to the Hall of Fame to see some of the important people in the history of Lake Forest Academy, but none of the new students can have that experience now because it is not there anymore. Overall, I just think the renovation of Upper Corbin took away a lot of the spirit and ambiance of it.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Chris Tennyson
Upper Corbin hallway and classrooms in the course of development.
Classroom in Upper Corbin in the process of construction.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Chris Tennyson
Caxy Rave By Joseph Kim Op-Ed Editor Following the construction of the Science Building and the Media Commons, Lake Forest Academy has undergone further renovation over the summer of 2014 in lower Korhumel and Corbin. LFA is sure to have many benefits from the new classrooms. The new classrooms feature more windows and new lights for a brighter setting in the classrooms. Before the construction, the classrooms, especially in lower Korhumel, had very dark settings, which distracted numerous students and had them become drowsy. However, the classrooms now feature the new windows, brightening the classroom significantly, and helping students read more easily without putting stress on their eyes. Not only do the new classroom settings help students concentrate, but they also help the school look more unified than ever. The new modern-looking glass doors are now a unifying element throughout the classroom buildings. Although this doesn’t directly affect the students’ education, this will affect the views of people visiting our school. Visitors and potential students will have a more positive opinion of LFA. Another major advantage gained from the construction is wider hallways and more spaces for students to study and hang out. Free periods can be better used
to finish one’s homework or socialize with friends. With wider and better-looking settings around the school, the students will be able to utilize their free periods more enjoyably and efficiently. This should also eliminate past complaints about the hallways being crowded between classes, especially in the Corbin area. Other than having a brighter and wider setting, the new classrooms just simply look stunning. With the sleek glass windows and doors, LFA classrooms resemble rooms that one would imagine only to exist in a science fiction story. The new look around campus and the beautiful classrooms should attract an even greater number of students to LFA while helping current students feel more comfortable on a daily basis. The glass doors also increase security around campus. Students often leave their bags or iPads inside classrooms, leaving them vulnerable to becoming damaged or stolen. However with the new lock system on each door, one could feel safe leaving their heavy bags inside classrooms when they go on a quick visit Hutch or Sonia’s. Also with the see-through doors, visitors or students wouldn’t enter a classroom when class is going on, letting the students in the classrooms be able to focus more easily. All in all, the new construction that took place over the summer of 2014 is sure to bring many positive results to LFA in the upcoming years.
THE SPECTATOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Opinion and Editorial
Editorial
T h e L a k e A c a d e m y
LFA’s gender imbalance is going to be over soon
Lake Forest Academy is a coeducational boarding school. It says so when you search our school on Google. But recently things haven’t felt as coed as many would prefer, with 237 boys compared to 196 girls. Girls currently make up 45% of the LFA community and this gender disconnect can be experienced by anyone walking around the hallways. LFA, however, is not some haven of misogynist thought. It is, rather, an elite prep school, and as such only able to draw from a small pool of candidates. With that said, both the boys and girls are about equally represented among our boarding population (102 to 96) and only a handful of beds aren’t filled for either gender. What this means is that for some reason the Lake Forest area has not produced enough qualified young women who want and can afford to attend a school such as LFA. Woodlands,
a good all-girls school nearby siphons off potential LFA students as well. Public education in the area is as good as any in the country. If the issue is finding local girls, then, well, the pool will always be smaller compared to the availability of local boys. LFA is a community of 433 students, where one class with a massive gender imbalance can throw off the entire school’s demographics. “In 9th, 11th, and 12th grade we’re almost at 50% [gender] split,” said Dean of Admissions Caroline Gorowski. “It’s the sophomore class that’s imbalanced… We went into the [current] application season knowing we were imbalanced.” For whatever reason the Class of 2017 had an incredibly low amount of female day candidates to draw from, resulting in a class with 70 boys and 38 girls, a difference of 32 people, over 3/4ths
of LFA’s gender imbalance. Even more tellingly is that the class has 36 day boys to 13 day girls. In a school as small as we are, the administration does not have much of a margin of error before a gap becomes significant. There’s no real cause of panic unless female day applications stay down for several years. With that understood we at The Spectator would recommend LFA continue to be conscious of the gender imbalance but not take overly aggressive steps to combat it. The Class of 2017 will grow, as all classes at this school do, with transfers, and most of those transfers should probably be female. That class will cease to be an issue in three years. Hopefully that class leaving the system will alleviate LFA’s gender imbalance, though it is worth noting that every class has slightly more boys than girls.
Inquiring Photographer
What did we ask people?
The Spectator went out to hear what the LFA community had to say about LFA’s choice to dissolve Freshman Foundation for the Arts.
11 F o r e s t
S P E C TAT O R
STAFF LIST Editors-in-Chief Managing Editors
News Editors
Senior Features Editors Senior Op-Ed Editor Op-Ed Editors Senior A & E Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Senior Sports Editor Sports Editor Staff Writer Faculty Adviser
Romaer Chopra Jordan Wolff Amanda Bozorgi Allison Hechtman Michael Phillips Kristen Van Tine Tori Koontz Catherine Kvam Jason Lee Julia Mills Sophie Hanson Aban Yaqub Matt Filip Arthur He Joseph Kim Madison Olivieri India Shelley Ned Kennedy Ryan Wong Brandon Amoroso William Murphy
PUBLICATION
The Spectator is published eight times per year by the students of Lake Forest Academy and is a forum for student expression. The views and reporting herein are the sole product of The Spectator’s student reporters and in no way reflect the official views of Lake Forest Academy faculty, staff, administration or Board of Trustees.
EDITORIALS Opinions of the staff are presented in the form of unsigned editorials. Personal views are bylined or presented as formal dissents.
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The Spectator welcomes responses to its articles in the form of Letters to the Editors in addition to letters on subjects of the author’s choosing. Please e-mail Letters to the Editors to Mr. Murphy at wmurphy@lfanet.org.
AWARDS “I disagree because without the requirement to try something new, someone may not get the opportunity to fall in love with a certain art form that they might find they’re good at.” -Grace Hale, ‘16
“I agree with the decision because people shouldn’t have to waste time learning about all of the different arts if they know what they are passionate about.” -Austin Clamage, ‘17
“I am happy with the school’s decision to drop the class because I felt like there wasn’t enough time to go in depth with each art.” -Caroline Miller, ‘16
“I disagree with the decision because FFA gave students a solid foundation of knowledge for all fine arts.” -Jacob Rooth, ‘15
The Spectator has been awarded several prestigious journalism awards in recent years. It has consistently taken first place in competitions against schools of similar size held by the American Scholastic Press Association and the Kempler Moraine Press Association.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Yes I agree with the decision because people shouldn’t have to waste their time doing things they’re not interested in.” -Lucas Jacob, ‘17
“I agree with the decision because it took up time that students could have used to do homework and made them do things that they weren’t necessarily interested in.” -Calum Bishop, ‘15
“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.“ - George Orwell
THE SPECTATOR 12
Features
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Robin Williams’ suicide heightens concerns about potential copycats By Sophie Hanson Senior Features Editor The world was rocked in August by the unprecedented suicide of renowned actor and comedian Robin Williams. His death and its substantial media coverage have triggered concern about copycat suicides among psychologists. The media plays a considerable role in the dispersal of information about famous people. The causes and consequences of celebrity deaths are no different. However, say experts, such sensitive information must be distributed with the utmost care. People who suffer from depression and other atrisk groups could be swayed towards killing themselves, consciously or subconsciously, if highly-publicized suicides like Robin Williams’ are portrayed incorrectly. “In any form of media, we have a responsibility to protect people,” said LFA guidance counselor Mrs. Jennifer Madeley. “Quite often it can become out of control. People who are struggling with the same issues look at someone where it was glorified.” Psychologists say it is dangerous, for example, to portray a celebrity
who committed suicide as being ‘free’ from their inner turmoil. “That idea that suicide is freeing in some way is irrational. It’s not freeing, it’s actually such a burden on the people left behind,” guidance counselor Mrs. Sarah Collins explained. “Although (Robin Williams) may be free from some kind of psychic pain, is he free to see his grandchildren? Is he free to eat a meal he’s been waiting to have all day?” According to NBC News, the number of calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline spiked the Tuesday following Williams’ suicide by asphyxiation. While no suicides have been specifically attributed to the actor’s death, the increased number of desperate calls mirrors the 1962 surge in attempted suicides following starlet Marilyn Monroe’s death. A similar pattern also occurred after famed musician Kurt Cobain committed suicide. Theories about copycat suicides emerged as early as 1774, after a book called The Sorrows of Young Werther, in which the main character kills himself after losing his lover, caused a large number of heartsick young men to commit suicide. Many of these young adults left
letters attributing their deaths to the actions of the fictional character. The theory was fittingly called the Werther Effect. Particularly in the wake of a highly-publicized suicide, it is important to watch for signs of distress among family and friends. These signs include,
but are not limited to, loss of interest in normal activities, difficulty focusing, and pulling away from loved ones. “We are all equal when it comes to chemical imbalances in our brains,” Collins said. “We are all able to get lost in our negative thoughts.”
Photo courtesy of www.fusion.net
Robin Williams was renowned for his skills in comedy and drama.
New media-centric clubs at LFA:
Fi l m , Ph o to g ra p hy, a n d W h o l o c k By Sophie Hanson and Aban Yaqub Senior Features Editors
A plethora of new clubs have been added to the 2014 club roster at LFA, many of them focused on varied forms of media. Three such groups are the Film Club, Photography Club, and the ‘fandom’ based Wholock Club. Film Club, created by senior Liza Tarr, will focus on watching and subsequently discussing critically-acclaimed films. The club will meet multiple times each month, and the genres viewed will shift based on the opinion of the group as a whole. “The goal is to get more of the students of the community immersed in awesome film,” Tarr explained. “You know that feeling when you watch an amazing movie, and you tell all of your friends to watch it just so you can talk to someone about it? That’s what I want this club to do as well.” Similar to Film Club, Wholock Club will revolve around watching and discussing television episodes of BBC’s popular shows Doctor Who and Sherlock. Although both shows have an extensive history (Doctor Who is the longest running television show in existence, and the original character of Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late
Photo courtesy of doctorwhostuff.net
Students in Wholock club will watch and discuss epsisodes of British programs Dr. Who and Sherlock. The poster above depicts the War, 11th, and 10th Doctors (left to right).
1800’s) the club will primarily focus on the modern BBC renditions. “Lots of people enjoy [Doctor Who and Sherlock], but we wanted to make a club where people can come together to view and discuss them,” said one of club’s founders, junior Julia Schroeder. “After all, half the fun is being able to talk and share ideas about the exciting plots and characters!” Juniors Maria Eduarda Pereira and Ryan Williams’s mutual passion for all things photography lead them to start the Photography Club. The club will differ from LFA’s photography classes because there is “no pressure” and there are “no deadlines.” While cameras will not be provided for those lacking, Pereira stated that a camera phone would suffice for club activities. Field trips to Chicago, exhibitions, museums, and nature preserves will be a key component of the group’s activities. “We want our club to be an open class,” said Pereira. “the members themselves can share experiences and techniques, present their work, comment on others, all very open and casual.” None of the above clubs require any previous knowledge or experience, and are open to all LFA students.
THE SPECTATOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Features
13
A monthly review on refreshing new apps worth swiping through
Paperless Post adds a flare of creativity to the Evite game By Aban Yaqub Senior Features Editor A charming new card-sending app is floating around the App Store called Paperless Post, and it has completely amped the Evite game. The quaint feel of creating and sending stationery in today’s swiftly evolving world of technology is available on the app platform, and the outcome is nothing short of impressive. The app is nearly effortless with the vast amount of customizing options, taking users through a step-by-step process from card customizing to sending. First, users can browse through chic card options. With creative templates delivered by renowned designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Adler, and Kate Spade, the designs are unique to each respective designer’s talent, reflecting the artistic ability of each under a new light. Paperless Post provides a wide variety of card types, ranging from thank you notes to birthday and get-well-soon wishes, and simply to greetings. Users of Paperless Post are given the option of including an envelope to preface the card, which are just as creatively crafted. The app has set forth its own coin system from which users can purchase cards and envelopes. Upon registering, users are given 35 coins to start off with. Each card costs up to 4 coins per guest. “The artwork is really unique,” commented student Natalie Nunez.
Of course, the templates are available at the disposal of the user’s choice. While they exist to spur creativity for the user, they also stand as a suggested jump start to the card-creating process. The format customizing is so personally attuned to the app user’s preference that they can alter details like margins and font shapes, sizes, colors, and positioning. Cards can be saved as drafts for reference or future use. “I would definitely be up to try it,” said Donna Chen. When considering RSVP, the app is incredibly smooth and accessible. As hosts compose their guest list, which is composed of the guest name and email, each entered guest name is then automatically saved for later in the app’s contacts book. The guest list is then divided into four categories that notify the host of whether the card has been, delivered, opened, or bounced, and for invitations, declined or accepted. When a card is sent, each guest receives a link to the invitation, which then opens a presentation to the card. Recipients can then swipe to view the card, and rotate it as well to view both sides. “I think it’s a great and useful idea,” said Darlene Ineza. Whether entertaining a fascination with graphic design or simply wanting to say hello with sweet notes, Paperless Post is a clever way for hosts to meet halfway between creatively formal and casual.
Photo by Paperless Post App
Paperless Post adds a flare of creativity to the existing Evite realm. The card shown above is a creation by The New Yorker.
Caxy Match
Photo taken by Amanda Bozorgi
Photo courtesy of Vintage.es
The Spectator staff agreed that distinguished basketball player Diago Quinn ‘15 closely resembles renowned boxer Muhammad Ali.
THE SPECTATOR
Sports
14
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Varsity football more confident than ever under leadership of Coach Bowkett By Romaer Chopra Editor- in-Chief For LFA Football, numbers don’t tell the entire story; the offense has improved in each of its first three games but the team has started out 0-3. Don’t let these numbers fool you, however. This team is more dedicated, connected and focused than ever. For a team that is small in numbers, this year’s Caxys compensate for lack of depth with heart and team chemistry. Even though they have struggled against larger public schools like Libertyville and Highland Park, the team seems poised for success. When the team started its Chicago Catholic League games recently – in a 35-33 loss to Aurora Christian – it was apparent how strong the Caxys can be when they play schools closer to their own enrollment size. “We have the talent to win every game. Unfortunately, the first couple games didn’t go as planned, but we can use that as motivation moving forward,” said quarterback Alec Mesrobian. Part of the team’s confidence comes from the work and positive mental attitude of Head Coach Robin Bowkett. He seems to have motivated the team through his tough couching style but caring personality off the field. “As a player who has played for him for a couple years, you don’t want to let him down. From a player’s perspective, it’s disheartening to feel as if you haven’t exceeded his expectations,” said Mesrobian.
According to players, the greatest effect Bowkett has brought to LFA football is the close-knit community among all the players. With a program that has less than 45 players, Bowkett pushes for his players to have chemistry both on and off the field. Bowkett believes that senior leadership has been a glue that holds this team together. “We are a brotherhood, a family, and Coach B is our mentor and role-model,” said Christian Tchamitchian, a starting linebacker for LFA. The communal aspect of the team has helped make Bowkett’s tough practices seem like sessions where players have a chance to improve their play. As Mesrobian describes the practices, they are a unique blend of conditioning, contact drills, and spending a considerable amount of time watching film. Occasionally, Bowkett will roll a set of dice to determine how many sets of up-downs the team will do as they run the entire length of the field. This dreaded drill is usually a result of errors like a personal foul or coming late to a meeting. Bowkett considers himself to have a very close relationship with his players, and he prides himself on the ability to be a demanding coach while also being a role model to the players. “At the end of the day,” he said, “I care about my players more than anything else. If I am not telling you anything, that’s a problem. If I’m getting into you, that just means I care about you.”
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
Dejon Brissett extends his arms for the catch during the LFA football game.
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
Daniel Joseph jumps high for a touchdown.
Photo by Amanda Bozorgi
Daniel Joseph and Malcolm Chaka celebrate after scoring a touchdown.
THE SPECTATOR
Sports
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
15
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge washes over the nation By Ned Kennedy Sports Editor One phrase that has been very common around sports facilities from the NBA to the NFL and everywhere in between this year has been: “We nominate your team for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS.” In fact several LFA sports teams have already taken the Ice Bucket Challenge. But the real questions some people might ask concerning the phrase are how did the challenge actually start, and how did it catch on so quickly with athletes, stars, and whole teams getting involved? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a sickness that affects the brain cells, nerves, and spinal cord. The disease kills the cells that carry information between the brain and the muscles. The progressive failure of motor neurons eventually results in death. The fatal aspect of the disease has inspired professional sports teams and amateur athletes alike to participate in a nation-wide challenge to fund research that could find a cure for this killing disease. The embrace from the LFA student body has been extraordinary regarding the participation and support for the Ice Bucket Challenge. According to Athletic Director Darrin Madeley, several Caxy teams, including Boys and Girls Cross-Country have already participated in the challenge. “I think it’s a phenomenal cause and I think that they ‘caught lightning in a bottle’
as far as gaining support and awareness for such a horrible disease,” noted Madeley. “I know some critics are talking about how some people are just having fun with this, but I know the ALS foundation is extremely happy for the money and support they have gained for the cause.” Madeley has been pleased with how the school athletes have warmed to the national campaign. “The LFA community has done a phenomenal job, and it just shows how great this community is. They are going to extra miles for this cause; watching Mrs. Cooper and Dr. Strudwick get dosed with ice, and Thomas not even flinching was phenomenal,” said Madeley. The Boys Cross-Country team participated in the challenge and the participation of the whole team really brought them together. Some observers feel this is what the challenge is really all about: bringing the community together, and having everybody join together to fight this terrible disease. The creator of the Ice Bucket Challenge was a former Boston College baseball player that had the disease. He completed the challange on July 31st 2011, nominating quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Tom Brady of the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots respectively. The challenge took off spreading all over the country like wild fire, almost everybody in the country has participated in the challenge and has raised a plethora of donations.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Bunning
The soccer team, pictured above, participates in the ALS ice bucket challenge.
Photo courtesy of LFA commnications
Senior Allison Hechtman runs after the ball in a game.
Field hockey poised for another strong attempt at state tourney By Ryan Wong Sports Editor The Lake Forest Academy Girls Field Hockey team has begun the 2014 season with high aspirations: a return to the state playoffs. The field hockey team has done well in recent state tournaments, despite the fact that LFA is one of the smallest enrollment schools in the state. Fresh from a good performance at the annual St. Louis Tounament, Head Coach Diane Cooper has high hopes for the field hockey team this year. “I think we are very strong, and I think we are going to have another good year,” said Cooper. “Last year we finished third in the state, and the athletes did what they had to do during the offseason to get us back to where we are competing against the best teams in Illinois.” Despite the long summer off-season, the team seems to be playing in great form. LFA came close to upsetting New Trier in an early 2-1 loss. The team also had a strong performance against powerhouse Oak Park and River Forest. Leading the Caxy defense this year are senior captain Amanda Bozorgi, and se-
nior Allison Hechtman. A key player for the offense this year will be senior forward Hannah Sklarov, and goalie Caroline Miller will be tending the Caxy net. According to Cooper, graduation losses have forced LFA’s returning players into new positions, but the players seem to have adapted to their new roles on the team. How well the players adjust to these new challenges will determine whether or not LFA finishes in the top five in the state competition. “There were a lot of seniors who graduated last year, and this year almost every player is now playing in a different position, but they are more than up to the challenge,” stated Cooper. Miller has a lot of confidence in the team this year. She also believes that the team can achieve what they did last year as well. “We have a lot of experienced players as well as some new players who are very good. We are able to take on some of the big high schools in the area and keep up with them, which is a big deal for a school of our size. I hope we are able to place third in state for the second year,” said Miller.
Sports
16
SEPTEMER 30, 2014
Athletes find new struggle with social media By Ryan Wong Sports Editor Teenagers worldwide are using more and more social media outlets to communicate today. As technology has expanded to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other Internet sites, teens have rushed to share things on social media. But as the use of social media has expanded, so have the number of problems for high school and
college athletes who have been posting personal information on the Internet for others to see. Some of these postings have caused colleges to stop recruiting specific athletes, or resulted in some athletes losing
athletes. Some athletes post things that are disrespectful to other people, or they write about questionable things they did in their spare time. Since they are well known, a lot of fans (and even college and profession-
scholarship offers. People usually post their emotional feelings and weekend activities on these social media sites. However, it is a different situation for the college and high school
al teams) would be seeing what they post. Unfortunately, many student athletes have faced serious consequences when posting and uploading inappropriate pictures, videos, and messages. Poor judgment in posting has resulted in adverse reactions by potential coaches, colleges, and pro teams. “Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play FOOTBALL, we ain’t come to play SCHOOL, classes are POINTLESS,” said one Ohio State University quarterback through his Twitter feed last fall. After this post, Buckeyes’ coaches told the player to delete the tweet. However, it was seen by the media. Later on, the Twitter account was closed, and the athlete was suspended for a game as well. “We allow our student-athletes the opportunity to express themselves via social media. What we do ask of them and communicate to them is…. always remember not to post or tweet anything that could embarrass themselves, their team, teammates, the university, their family or other groups,
Photo courtesy of Twitter
Pictured above are real tweets from athletes misusing social media.
organizations or people,” Ohio State University said in a statement following the incident. Michigan State University had the same problem with some of its athletes, as well. After a football game against the Michigan Wolverines in which Denard Robinson, who was their star quarterback, struggled, two MSU linebackers sent tweets just to mock Robinson that Saturday, and it became national news by the next day. They were later disciplined. Other schools have taken even more strenuous actions. Michigan has stopped recruiting some players entirely after examining their social media profiles. Many NCAA institutions and professional sports teams now have staff members who monitor the social media accounts of current and potential players daily to look for embarrassing or incriminating posts. Some colleges even provide courses just for athletes on appropriate social media usage. Additonally, the NCAA now has specific guidelines on how student athletes should interact through social media, and some universities are even forbidding student athletes from using social media, just to avoid trouble.
Think before you tweet: is LFA preparing athletes for social media? By Brandon Amoroso Staff Writer With social media playing such a drastic role in the recruitment of high school athletes and the college process in general, is LFA doing anything to heighten awareness amongst our athletes? The short answer is, no. Apart from a general overview taken in seminar classes at LFA, not a lot is being done to make sure that the Academy’s student-athletes are monitoring their social networking appropriately for colleges. Ms. Kate Jones, Assistant Dean of Students and seminar teacher, believes the link that social media and athletic recruitment have is crucial and that the connection should be made. However, there is only one lesson teaching about the dangers of social media in Sophomore year. “Social media awareness is covered in Sophomore Seminar with Mrs. Collins. In the most recent years, she has brought a member of the IT department in to collaborate on the lesson,” said Jones. Mr. Darrin Madeley, Athletic Director at LFA, sees social media as playing a significant role in high-school athletes being recruited, more specifically in receiving or
having a scholarship revoked. “I have talked to universities that say we have one person whose sole job is to look at everybody’s Facebook page to see what’s on it,” said Madeley. “The recruiters want to know things such as what are the athletes’ beliefs, what are they talking about on their posts, and are they drinking? It has cost people scholarships.” It’s well-documented that high school athletes have lost scholarships due to their crude social media behavior. In 2012, Yuri Wright, the 40-ranked player on ESPNU 150, was expelled from high school and had his scholarship revoked from the University of Michigan due to his negative presence on social media. This presents a dilemma for LFA. With the rule in place that faculty are not allowed to be friends with students on social media, who is to monitor what our athletes are posting? Madeley sees it as a pressing issue. “I think we should continue to try and educate all of our students about the positives and negatives of social media,” said Madeley. For now, or until the issue is raised, social
media will remain a tricky subject in the LFA community and athletic department. With administrators as Madeley, who believe this needs to be addressed in today’s
world, a reform to the seminar program and a more direct approach to social media may well be on the horizon.
Photo by Ned Kennedy
Jacob Rooth, who has committed to Creighton, poses while using Twitter on his iPhone.