ATHLETICS: 10-0 for Girls’ Cross Country
STUDENT LIFE: Thanksgiving
SCIENCE: Green Roof
THE ACADEMYNEWS
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MONTCLAIR KIMBERLEY ACADEMY’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER
VOLUME XL, ISSUE II | November 2016
EVENTS DECEMBER 14 Winter Band Concert DECEMBER 16 Start of Winter Break JANUARY 17-20 Midterms
INSIDE VINE SHUTTING DOWN? Page 1 ELECTION RECAP Page 2 MATT DE LA PENA VISITS Page 3 POINTCOUNTERPOINT SHOULD YOU VOTE THIRD PARTY? Page 4 SPORTS UPDATE Page 5 CODE OF CONDUCT MEETING Page 6
knew he needed a scholarship, and this realization set him on a more concrete path. Eventually, with the aforementioned precepts of loyalty and hard work, de la Peña had transformed from an uninspired troublemaker to a college student on a At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, basketball scholarship. November 7, Matt de la Peña, Newbery Medal winner and author of a multitude Gradually, de la Peña’s educational of young adult fiction, picture books, and experiences improved, and as he entered short stories, visited MKA. In his brief yet his freshman year at the University of the potent forty-minute presentation, de la Peña Pacific, he realized an advantage he had discussed his transformation from a second over other students. For, he had exceeded grader whose early failures sent him down his family’s expectations as young as a a seemingly unpromising educational path, high school senior and with the pressure of to the nationally acclaimed writer that he his family fulfilled, he was able to pursue whatever he desired. is today.
New York Times Bestselling Author Subtly Provides his Perspective on Privilege Rebecca Picciotto ’18, Editor in Chief
De la Peña began by describing the setting of his upbringing: National City, San Diego, right along the Mexican border where the quality of education was inadequate, to say the least. He grew up in strained financial conditions, with two teenage parents. However, even in describing the clear lack of privilege of his childhood, de la Peña simultaneously painted a picture of a happy household where family values like loyalty and hard work trumped monetary advantage.
De la Peña depicted his educational journey as a failure by the school system in National City. He only began to explore the idea of attending college later in high school, when he received an alluring illustration from a friend’s mother of the many learning opportunities that college offers. Nevertheless, the omnipresent burden of privilege remained, for he knew his parents would not be able to afford the expensive price that a decent education requires. However, that is when it all changed.
At this stressed, even if As an eager to
point in the speech, de la Peña “a goal can change your life, you don’t achieve that goal.” underprivileged high schooler pursue a college education, he
Although this provided the “happily ever after,” that people so often crave in underdog stories, de la Peña seemed surprisingly nonchalant about the hardship that he had overcome through his own sheer will. The Academy News talked with de la Peña briefly after the presentation to further explore the role of privilege in his life. In his response, de la Peña alluded to Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath. He explained that the Goliath of the story, in this case his financial disadvantages, is not always what it seems. De la Peña’s scarce monetary resources as a child and adolescent held no value in comparison to the family standards, goals, and educational freedom in college that he enjoyed. In fact, de la Peña asserted, “I think I grew up privileged even though I had zero money.”
Academy News Staff: Editors in Chief: Alex Rivlin ‘17 Rebecca Picciotto ‘18 Managing editor: Jonah Zinn ‘17 Sports Editor: Dani Wolk ‘17 Layout Editor: Miles Milke ‘17 Photo Editor: Josh Levine ‘17
Staff Writers: Chris Lewis ‘18 Dominic Flocco ‘18 Sarah Willis ‘18 Ethan Kuhl ‘18 Teddy Bulajic ‘18 Cristina Cestone ‘18 Keenan McAuliffe ‘18 Julia Helliesen ‘19 Ruhee Juvekar ‘19 Mia Layton ‘18 Elizabeth Squires ’18 Sasha Aronson ’18 Michael Bromley ’17
World News, Page 2
THE ACADEMY NEWS
AElizabeth MuchSquires Needed Election Day Recap ’18 and Sasha Aronson ’18, Staff Writers
After an election that will certainly go down in history books, Donald Trump has been declared the 45th President-elect. He will be sworn into office on January 20th, 2017.
November 2016
Social Media Shutdown: Why Twitter Knows Vine Cannot Survive Valerie Bejjani ’19, Issue Contributer
It is a disappointment for many that the Vine app, a top social media platform whose purpose is to allow people to make and share six-second or shorter looping video On November 8th, 2016, he surged ahead with a majority clips, is going to be shut down sometime in the following of electoral college votes (279). Democratic presidential months. nominee Hillary Clinton actually won the popular vote at Within weeks of its debut in 2013, Vine reached the top 48%, while Trump claimed nearly 47% of the votes. of the rankings in the Apple Store. In addition to opening In every presidential race, important swing states often the doors to fame for numerous social media personalities, determine the overall outcome of the election. In the 2016 it helped popularize new cultural trends, such as “Damn election, six of those states – North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Daniel” and “on fleek.” As a result of its resounding Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania – played a success in the past few years, Vine’s shutdown comes as a huge role in Trump’s road to 270. In fact, Hillary Clinton surprise to many of its followers. However, its popularity only triumphed in 4 swing states –Virginia, Colorado, declined almost as sharply as it rose. Nevada, and New Hampshire – radically diverging from the near “landslide victory” previously predicted for her Since its launch in 2013 by Twitter, the company that bought Vine, it has struggled to keep up with the campaign. technological advances of social media apps such as Almost all the projected polls in the weeks leading up Instagram and Snapchat. It was no longer unique in its to the election had portrayed Clinton in the lead, and the ability to create videos because other social media apps unprecedented turn of events on election day left many formed their own video features too, drawing people’s Americans in shock. attention away from Vine and towards those platforms. Ultimately, as other social media companies continued to In every election, voter grow, they became competition that Vine couldn’t beat, turnout can make or break so its success plateaued. This plateau also reflects Vine’s a candidate’s ascension to monetary profits in that they didn’t reach expectations office. The highest recorded and weren’t enough to sustain the app. Twitter itself voter turnout in U.S. history also contributed to the downfall of Vine because its own was in 1908, between William internal issues dragged Vine down with it, including Howard Taft (Republican) low profit. Moreover, it didn’t supply the resources or http://www.ibtimes.com/ and William Jennings Bryan attention that Vine needed to thrive. (Democrat) at approximately 63%. From the election in 2000 (at 54%) to the current election, there has been a gradual increase in voter turnout--reaching its 62% peak in the 2008 election. This year saw a significant drop, as a preliminary total marked the turnout at 56%. A question every election year is why voter turnout is so low, having never reached 70% in the past century.
Finally, Vine stars are one of the most significant aspects of the app not only because it was their claim to fame, but because they themselves attracted more followers for the app. These celebrities catalyzed Vine’s downfall because they had already begun to abandon the app and experiment with other social media networks so that their influence would span a variety of platforms. Therefore, How can Election Day, the triumph of democracy, have their followers started leaving the app as a result of them such a small percentage of the country participating in it? leaving. A predominant reason cited is the inconvenience: Election By the time Vine became less popular, celebrities were Day is on a Tuesday, which can be the middle of a work no longer dependent on it to be successful because it or school day for many people. There is a simple solution had exposed them to the real world and allowed them to this problem. In Puerto Rico, where citizens participate to acquire opportunities. Ultimately, Vine collapsed in the United States primary elections, Election Day is a because it fell behind other apps by failing to regularly national holiday. This means that there is no work day, and make innovative changes, didn’t make enough profit, and that people will not have the same burden that they have lost the stars that formed its core. now. Establishing Election Day as a national holiday in the rest of the country could help to solve a major cause of lower voter turnout in a simple step. Voter turnout was just one of the many issues that America faced on Election Day: no matter which candidate you supported, polls show that much of the country felt the campaigns were too negative and too emotion-driven. However, as the country moves forward, it is essential to remain involved in the democracy that drives the political process.
Student Life, Page 3
November 2016
THE ACADEMY NEWS
“Practice” ACT Mia Layton ’18 and Julia Sanger ’18, Staff Writers
On October 22, MKA hosted a practice ACT for students administered by Revolution Prep, a tutoring and test preparation institution. Typically, the purpose of an ACT is to prepare students for the real standardized test by simulating the conditions of the real test as much as possible so those testing could get an accurate representation of how they would do on the real test. However, according to students, this particular practice test did not appear to accomplish this goal. We interviewed two students who took the PACT, and one student who has taken real ACTs to compare and contrast the two. Students who took the PACT on the 22nd claimed a more informal and low-pressure environment. From the mood to the proctor to the rules, everything was relaxed and generally comfortable. An important rule for standardized tests is a strict “no cell phones” policy, but junior Cristina Cestone states that idea was ignored here: “[We] asked the people if we should leave our phones with them. They said ‘Oh no! You can hold onto it.’” Further than this, Revolution Prep allowed students to use smartphones as calculators on the test. The usage of cell phones during a standardized test sparks many potential concerns, especially the possibility of cheating. Almost making this easier, students were allowed to grade their own tests. On this topic, junior Victoria Ricelli noted, “It was efficient to immediately know your score but… it was informal, you would’ve been able to lie.” Moreover, the students taking the PACT were not clearly given the start and end times of the exam, which made it hard to practice the timing.
Sophomore Julia Helliesen commented on this: “She put the times on the other side of the room and didn’t even tell us that they were there, so I didn’t know when we were starting or ending so I couldn’t self-budget my time,” and according to Cestone, they did not give any updates.
“MKA Day” Keeps Students and Alumni In Touch Ethan Tse ’18, Issue Contributor
Imagine for a second that you have graduated MKA and are now a freshman in college. The initial orientations and processes that you go through as a freshman have all passed, but you are still trying to get used to the aspects of college life. You are enjoying a day in this new world when suddenly your phone rings. Up until now, high school was probably a distant memory in your mind, but you answer the phone and you hear the voice of a high school student say: “Hello! I am calling on behalf of the Montclair Kimberley Academy for the MKA Day Phonathon, would you like to participate in helping us reach our goal by giving a generous donation?” Back in October, I was one of the many student and parent volunteers to participate in the MKA Day Phonathon. During my time, not only did I get to talk to current alumni of MKA, but I also learned a lot about the role alumni play in a private school, and just how important they are to a school like MKA. Our school actually has an entire department dedicated to connecting with our alumni. Eric Gutierrez, a staff member in the Alumni Relations Office, described his department as “the main vehicles used to engage or reengage alumni so that they may continue their connections or reconnect with their alma mater and to other alumni.” The Alumni Relations Office acts as the primary communicator between the alumni and the school, and strives to communicate with past graduates through social and networking events, volunteering, and professional development opportunities. Most high school students don’t think about their future contributions at all during their high school careers, and why should they, right? Tuition is expensive enough!
However, the connection a school has to its past students is pivotal to its success, and its reflection on other people. Giving back is something you should think about even as early as a freshman in college. “Alumni are able to support the school by contributing their time, talent or MKA senior Alison Esterow reported regarding financial resources for the betterment of the school,” says her personal ACT experience. She described the environment as quiet and serious, and not at all informal Mr. Gutierrez, “Our alumni are the school’s ambassadors and are our best promoters to others as they can tell the or comfortable: “No one talked, and everyone looked story of what it means to be a MKA student.” panicked in the middle of the test.” When asked by juniors if students were allowed to use their phones Events like the Phonathon provide opportunities for during the real ACT, Esterow was astounded: “No… alumni to volunteer and to donate financially. Financial Why is that even a question?” she responded. Esterow donations are a critical resource to private schools. Believe also noted that they had a timer on the wall, so the it or not, student tuition alone is not enough to cover the students were always aware of the time they had left, expenses and development of a school like MKA, which unlike the PACT. makes contributions from past graduates all the more important and appreciated. Overall, the environment and experience of the practice ACT did not replicate those of the real ACT. While the test material was a sufficient preparation, the use of cell phones and ability to grade one’s own test did not match the policies of the ACT. The lack of communication about the timing did not give students an accurate practice for the ACT, and since the ACT is essentially a test of timing rather than content, budgeting is essential. Practice ACTs are a highly recommended way for students to prepare for the upcoming exam, whether or not it exactly mimics the test.
Current MKA students are certainly not expected to make any financial donations to the school, but you can work to build a desire for generosity in the future. If you’re a freshman, sophomore or junior, create and immerse yourself in experiences that make you develop a passion for your school, and nurture a happiness and appreciation for the wonderful opportunities you’ll have. If you’re a senior, itching to experience the freedom of college ahead of you, don’t forget about the joyful experiences MKA gave you, and help make these same opportunities possible for future generations to come.
Opinion, Page 4
November 2016
THE ACADEMY NEWS
Point-Counterpoint: Should You Vote Third Party?
Counterpoint:
Point: Why Voting Third Party is a Waste of Time and Voting Third Party: A Symbol of Democracy Ballots Abhay Bhandari ’18, Staff Writer Jonah Zinn ’17, Managing Editor In an increasingly polarizing political climate, people are quick to dismiss the essence of an election as they turn to highlight the flaws of other parties. The purpose of a democratic election is to determine the candidate of the people. Of course, the 2016 fight for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is unlike any other seen in our nation’s history. The two “major” candidates were Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee (and now President-elect) Donald Trump, who were both widely unpopular and demeaned the nature of American elections. Instead of focusing on policy and ideas, the two have made this election focus on emails and “locker room talk”; in other words, they’ve turned the most important branch of government’s election into a battle of headlines.
This election season was one of the nastiest America has ever seen. Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump drew an abundance of invective and criticism, and many voters believed that voting for either one was picking the lesser of two evils. In fact, many voters were so repulsed by both candidates that they decided to cast a vote for third party tickets like Stein-Baraka of the Green Party and Johnson-Weld of the Libertarian Party. Some call it taking a brave, moral stance. I call it “diet not-voting”.
The problem with third party voting is that no third party candidate has any chance of becoming president. When you vote third party, you are not changing the system or stopping the Republican or Democratic candidate from winning the presidency, you’re just throwing away your With this in mind, Americans had the choice to vote vote. The only person who benefits from your third party for third party candidates such as Gary Johnson, Evan vote is the same person who would benefit from your not McMullin, and Jill Stein. In some polls, McMullin was voting at all: the candidate you want least. actually poised to win the state of Utah. Now, this is not to I don’t doubt that many voters despised both Clinton say that these candidates were ideal; critics said Johnson and Trump. What I do doubt is that anyone thinks they was weak on foreign policy, McMullin was virtually are equally bad. This is not because one is objectively unknown outside of Utah, and Jill Stein was arrested so superior to the other, but rather because the views of three times during her campaign. Instead, the worth of Donald Trump and the views of Hillary Clinton are so voting for a third party candidate lies in beliefs and what utterly opposite to one another. Therefore, you must have it means to vote. found one of them at least slightly better than the other, When a citizen votes, it shouldn’t be to sway the vote and you should have voted for them. If you voted third away from a major party candidate. If someone believes party, you did nothing to stop the nation from moving in in a third party candidate, they should vote for them the the direction that is most inimical to your values. same way they would vote for a major candidate if they You can stomp your feet and vote third party if you so agree with a major candidate’s ideas. desire, but when the greater of two evils takes office, you In accordance with the meaning of a democratic election, will have done nothing to stop it, and will therefore have a vote for a third party candidate is not a vote wasted. no right to complain about it. Voting for your beliefs is what this nation is built upon, and if putting a third party candidate’s name on the ballot means you voted your conscience and you believe that you have voted for a good candidate, your vote is not wasted.
In an election that will go down as “the lesser of two evils,” it is vital to remember that the outcome out of the two major candidates is still an evil. If voting your mind is a vote wasted, we’re setting an unfair standard for future elections; if we continue to perpetuate the notion that a ballot in favor of a third party candidate is a vote wasted, fear and headlines will dominate the next election instead of the policies that will define American government.
http://www.insidesources.com/
Sports, Page 5
November 2016
THE ACADEMY NEWS
Chicago Cubs Prevail: Proof that 2016 Has Not Season Preview: What to Expect from MKA Been a Total Dud Sports This Winter Ethan Kuhl ’18, Staff Writer Dominic Flocco ’18, Staff Writer Just a few weeks ago, the Chicago Cubs stunned their naysayers as they won the World Series, beating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings of game seven. The win itself was amazing; however, what makes this victory even more remarkable is that the last time the Cubs won the World Series was in 1908, more than a century ago.
With the election season wrapped up, Thanksgiving chaos replaced with the anticipation of the winter holidays, and yet another successful fall sports season completed, winter sports are on the horizon. Now, it is time for a new set of athletes to showcase their hard work and commitment on the court, track, ice, and in the pool.
108 years is a long time. The US has changed significantly since the Cubs won their last World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Back in 1908, the United States consisted of only 46 states. Additionally, Henry Ford had just introduced his first automobile, and people communicated with each other mostly by letters or telegrams. Now, people can easily travel throughout the 50 states or the world thanks to trains and airplanes, and advances in technology allowed many people to watch the seven games of the 2016 World Series on their iPhones or computers.
Many exciting athletes will be taking center stage this winter. Among those is Kerri McGuire ’18 who, along with key senior leadership from Abbie Erbes ’17 and Erin Nicholson ’17, will lead the charge for the Girls’ Basketball team. For the boys, Angelo Weber ’17 and Quincy Farmer ’17 will lead the squad in a competitive campaign in the SEC Independence Conference.
In winning the 2016 World Series, the Cubs ended a 108year drought, often times called a curse, and the longest time a team has gone without winning a championship in a major sport in the United States.
One of the biggest headlines heading into this winter season is the hiring of new head Varsity Hockey Coach Tim Cook. Coach Cook, who works as an Upper School History teacher by day, will look to build off of the team’s impressive McInnis Cup run last year.
On the track, Billy Massey ’17, coming off of a stellar cross country season, will look to continue his dominance on the long distance stage in his senior year, alongside coach Tom Fleming and the rest of the running sensations Since 1908, the United States has fought in several on the team. wars, including two World Wars, Vietnam, and Korea. Indeed, since the Cubs last championship win, women In the pool, the boys and girls will be led by Coach Pat were finally given the right to vote, humans landed on the Collins, entering his 9th season as head coach. moon, and Halley’s Comet passed the Earth, not once, but The fencing program continues to train at the Lilov twice! 108 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt was Fencing Academy in Cedar Grove, and just recently just finishing up his second term, and William Howard acquired Elizaveta Kiryanova as head coach. Kiryanova, Taft was elected President. Now in 2016, one of the two a former world-class fencer from Russia, gave a major candidates for President was a woman. demonstration in Weiss Auditorium that, according The Cubs winning the World Series after so long means to Coach Mike Tully, produced a surge in signups, so much more when you consider it in the context of how particularly from girls. much the world and our society has changed since the last Overall, it will be a very exciting winter here in Cubs World Series win. None of these changes or events Cougarville, with loads of talent on all facets. It’s sure could have been imagined or foreseen in the beginning to be a successful season, so be on the lookout for all the of the 20th century. Who knows how long it will be, and action coming this winter season. what will happen in the world, until the next time the Cubs win their next World Series.
The Girls’ Cross-Country Team Ends with a Pristine 10-0 Record Ruhee Juvekar ’19 and Navya Salwan ’19, Staff Writers
While MKA’s 2016 fall sports season was definitely a memorable one overall, the Girls’ Cross Country team made history by completing their first undefeated season. Captained by Caylie Privitere ‘17, the varsity team consists of Leelah Klauber ‘18, Evelyn Wallace ‘18, Anna Schaller ‘19, Anna Bradley ‘20 and Rachel Boardman ‘20.
The six-member varsity team made history, winning the Garret Mountain invitational, Shore Coaches invitational, Brookdale invitational, and the Super Essex Conference Championships. Schaller won the division at the Conference Championships, with Bradley and Privitere trailing closely at 2nd and 3rd place. The team also came in second place at the NJ Preps tournament, and placed second in the Essex County Championship meet. There, Schaller finished 3rd and Bradley finished 4th. The same dynamic duo also won the Essex Country Class Meet for their respective age groups! The Cross Country team finished the season with a flawless 10-0 record. Anna Schaller shared her opinion on the team’s incredible season. Schaller stated one of the primary reasons for their success throughout the season was the ability of their captain, Caylie Privitere, to lead the team successfully: “The captainship was great; Caylie is super supportive and motivating.” Additionally, Schaller pointed out the importance of the strong relationships the team created, “We have really worked as a team to confront challenges and help each other through as much as we can; I am also really happy with the team environment we have created.” According to Schaller, team unity and the ability to work together was a key factor in their major success all throughout this past season. Congratulations to the girls on their many successes!
Student Life, Page 6
THE ACADEMY NEWS
November 2016
The Code of Conduct Meeting, A Fixer Upper
Michael Bromley ’17, Staff Writer
To some, the Code of Conduct is a guiding pillar of the MKA community, and is conducive to a productive learning environment; to others, it’s an cumbersome, obscure set of statements. While it exists, and we’ve likely skimmed over it, most students would agree that the Code of Conduct is not embedded in our brains. Dr. Flocco’s stated reason for the Code of Conduct meetings was to ensure greater transparency about the Code of Conduct and the disciplinary process. There were, however, some potent issues with the execution of this process.
First off, most of the rules within the Code of Conduct are extremely self-evident. Things such as “follow safety drill procedure,” “do not skip class,” and “do not start brawls” are rules that any MKA student knows would get them sent to the main office. The other regulations that the Code of Conduct addresses, such as “acting in a manner unbecoming of an MKA student,” are too broad to discuss effectively in detail in a large impersonal meeting. Instead, there is an easier way to make sure that students are well versed in the consequences and infractions that MKA students should try to avoid in their time here, and no, it is not a forty-five minute meeting at 7:15 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Another solution could be the allocation of class meetings in Weiss (giving capacity for parents) throughout a four-week period, accounting for each and every class, and their parents, without requiring an inconvenient meeting outside of school hours. I personally know of many students who commute from Bergen and Morris Counties, not to mention the few that come from New York or Pennsylvania. Requiring these students to be at school forty-five minutes early when they normally wake at 5:30 in the morning is no way to treat them, and neither is making them stay on school grounds until 7:30, forcing them to make four lengthy drives in the course of a day.
Beyond timing inefficiency, the Code of Conduct meetings failed in one other way: they didn’t address the problem that prompted their creation. The idea of the Code of Conduct meetings was to clear up understanding about the Code of Conduct policies, infractions, and consequences of violation. Instead, the Code of Conduct meetings just elaborated on what the rules were, information that was readily available to all of us. Putting a few pages of the Student Handbook into a PowerPoint presentation doesn’t clear anything up. The meeting closed with the request by administration representatives that any students and/or parents wondering about certain disciplinary scenarios come to them for further I assume that most of us remember the “Driver’s Test” clarification. that we all needed to pass to obtain our admin rights on Overall, the intent of the Code of Conduct meetings our computers. We had to read and study a PDF, and pass holds some validity; however, they were poorly executed. a test confirming our knowledge of the Acceptable Use The aforementioned alternatives would provide students Policy. Passing that test grants students access to some with a more comprehensive and efficient means of of the rudimentary functions of their school computers. understanding the Code of Conduct, which is ultimately The administration could have done something similar to the only goal. this, issuing Code of Conduct study guides and offering a quiz to clear students (and parents if the administration wants them to be privy to that information).
Up AlionHaase the Roof: MKA Earns A Green Thumb ’18 and Haley Blank ’18, Issue Contributor
Physics and Environmental Science teacher Ben Rich, who headed the green roof initiative, explains that because the roof is “eco-friendly...it indirectly benefits students by reducing the running cost of the school by insulating the academic center, providing sunlight via solar tubes, The purpose of the green roof is to grow science and reducing the wear and tear of the roof.” experiments and food, while providing a fun and Another interesting feature of the green roof is the eco-friendly classroom space for students. Biology, weather station. This attribute of the roof allows Environmental Science, and Science Research Honors everyone in the community to track the weather using classes will be eligible to run long-term experiments on the Weatherbug app on their smartphones. The data from the roof. However, if you are not in one of these classes the weather station can also be analyzed in science and you can still grow food on the green roof, which will math classes. provide fresh herbs and vegetables to the MKA cafeteria. As Mr. Rich explains: “the green roof is a symbol of our The green roof is a fairly unique system. It has blue commitment to sustainability at MKA. It demonstrates “stones” surrounding the floor that are 100% post- long-term, holistic thinking when considering the impact consumer recycled glass. The sedum trays that are also on that nature has on us and that we have on nature. It gives the roof insulate the building, reduce stormwater runoff, us more green space in a densely populated area.” and can be used to study ecology. An amazing new feature has recently been added to MKA: the green roof! Not only is the green roof a scenic spot on campus, but it offers much more to the MKA community. The green roof is located above the Academic Center, and provides a safe space for students to learn.
Student Life, Page 7
November 2016
THE ACADEMY NEWS
Bringing Neil Simon to Deetjen: A Trailblazing The Reasons You Were Not Assigned Homework This Thanksgiving Break Success Chris Lewis ’18, Staff Writer Danny Zinn ’20 and Arianna Jobst ’20, Issue Contributors
Earlier this month, Deetjen was invigorated as Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Nicole Hoppe’s cast took the stage for an outstanding production of Neil Simon’s Rumors. Those who had known Deetjen for alternative and often obscure productions were blissfully surprised to see a show that was at once a crowd-pleaser and a tribute to the art of theatre itself. In every aspect of the show, from the expert casting decisions to the gorgeous set design, audience members could clearly see Mrs. Hoppe’s keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge of theatre.
Thanksgiving break has often been a time where students get a chance to relax for a little while, and then spend a large amount of time working on projects or papers. For many students, the week off for Thanksgiving had not been as relaxing as it could have been, especially with the heavy workload heading into Winter Break. This year marks the first year that MKA students had no assigned work to complete over Thanksgiving break. This change has been very well received by the student body. It offers them a chance to relax and recharge their batteries for the intense three week period before Winter Break.
The crew handled the lighting, costume changes, and props with such ease that it often seemed they were not The Academy News interviewed MKA Dean of Students Gillian Branigan and asked her a few questions about the even there. And then of course, there were the actors. thought process behind the change, and what its goals Will Higgins proved himself once again to be MKA’s are. gold standard of theatre, and nobody will soon forget the show-stopper that was Liam Gerard’s closing monologue. According to Ms. Branigan, the administration’s basis Juniors Katie Kunka, Evelyn Salehi, and Jolie Curran for the change was to “give real breaks, time off from proved themselves to be capable and dynamic leading school where we are not asking students to do work.” ladies. John Colbert and Caitlin Ladda made what can The main goal behind this is to reduce stress, which is a only be described as a tremendous splash in their debut prevalent feeling in most if not all students at some point. performance, and showed themselves to be as capable as In addition, Ms. Branigan said that this was an idea the seasoned Deetjen actors with whom they performed. that she and Dr. Flocco had been discussing for a while. Rob D’Alessandro, who is rapidly becoming a staple of Based on Dr. Flocco’s exit interviews with last year’s the Academy’s theatrical scene, once again proved himself seniors and surveys students took about stress and stress an impressive and flamboyant presence on the stage. And management, the administration concluded that it was lastly, who could forget the dynamic, crime fighting duo time to experiment with the idea of a no homework break. that was Sarah Willis and Patrick Napolitano. This change also benefits teachers, who now have more All in all, it was a splendid viewing experience, and free time to catch up on grading, or just relax and spend everyone eagerly awaits the spring, when another of Neil time with their family. A similar approach was taken with Simon’s productions, Lost in Yonkers, will be brought the graded work moratorium before exams. For most to life by MKA’s crackerjack cast and crew in Deetjen students and faculty, this change will be welcomed. It Theatre. will allow for more relaxation and time to spend with family.
Family, Food,Cristina and Fun: How Different Students “Do” Thanksgiving Cestone ’18 and Julia Helliesen ’19, Staff Writers
Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently. Being able to learn about your peers’ different culture, as well as family traditions is something that, not only brings us closer as a community, but also enables us to connect with one another in alternative manners outside of the classroom.
Sophomore Andrew Friedman says that he is, “most looking forward to spending time with my family this holiday season. Since my siblings are older, I don’t get to spend time with them often, therefore I really enjoy the holidays because I get to spend time with my whole family together.”
The Academy News sat down with three students, Jamen Senior Sarah Coffel says that she is excited for the Meistrich ‘20, Andrew Friedman ‘19, and Sarah Coffel holidays because she is, “really excited to relax with the ‘17, regarding some of their family traditions around this rest of my family. It’s my senior year of high school so it’s the last time for the next for years that I will be living holiday. at home, which is kind of crazy. I’m sure I’ll be home Freshman Jamen Meistrich for the holiday season next year, but I want to be able to elaborated on his family’s savor as much time at home as I can.” holiday traditions; he said, The holidays are an exciting time to enjoy the company “Some of the traditions my of your family and friends and the time and memories family usually enjoys is to, that will last forever. We hope that everyone has a great after the feast, play some http://www.jtbullock.com/ holiday season with their friends and families while board games or watch the taking time off from school. football games with my cousins.”
Opinion & Lifestyle, Page 8
November 2016
THE ACADEMY NEWS
An OpenSarah Letter to the President-Elect Willis ’18, Staff Writer Dear President-elect Donald J. Trump, I won’t pretend that I’m not disappointed – that I didn’t bite my nails down to a stub as I watched you win state after state on election night, that I didn’t feel terrified when I drove to school the next morning. I will also not pretend that our country is stupid, broken, or doomed; I may not agree with your policies, but that doesn’t negate the fact that half of the country does – and, let’s be real, half of the country is not inherently stupid, broken, or doomed, however much our partisanship may fool us into believing. We are at our most divided as a country in decades, and we need a leader to stitch the fabric of the two-party system from two radical, severely polarized halves into a whole. I’m sick and tired of watching violence erupt over something as complex and personal as party affiliation. I wish politics involved less mudslinging and more policy debating. Your campaign platform fed on conservative radicalism and on a breed of anger fueled by unfocused fear, ready to latch onto whatever common enemy your brand offered. In this case, it was Muslims, or immigrants, or the media, or women; and, while not everyone who supported you supported these parts of your platform, Mr. Trump, those who did now feel validated. Those who would rather live in a country where, contrary to our Constitution, immigrants can be screened and turned away based solely on their religion, feel now a sense that it is possible. Those who would seek to abolish the 19th Amendment purely for political gains or those who think that it is somehow okay to sexually assault a woman now feel their growing sexism throughout this election validated. I love America. I want to make it “great,” and if you can do that, then great. But if you cannot, Mr. Trump, not only will you anger me, but you will anger every person who voted for you. If you cannot bring millions of jobs back to the U.S., if you cannot help solve immigration issues, if you fall wildly short of your exuberant and rhetorical platform, then you will have cheated the millions of Americans who put their faith in you and their livelihoods on your shoulders. I sincerely hope that you will succeed as President, for the benefit of our great nation - but if you don’t, America will be watching. And America will feel your failure. Good luck, A disheartened patriot Note: If you wish to continue this conversation, feel free to write a response to academynewsmka@gmail.com
Better than Tasty™: Keenan’s Apple Fries Keenan McAuliffe ’18, Staff Writer Directions:
http://tastykitchen.com/
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk 1 egg
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
3 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. salt
2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
3 large Granny Smith apples, cored and peeled Caramel sauce, warmed
1. Make the batter: Combine milk, egg, flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl, stirring until all of the large clumps are broken up. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine remaining sugar with 3 teaspoons of cinnamon for dusting the finished apple fries. Set aside.
3. Pour about 1” vegetable oil into a skillet over medium-high heat. Slice apples into small wedges, about 1/2” thick. 4. Using tongs, dip each apple slice into the batter, then gently lower into the oil. Once the edges of the apple slices are lightly golden, use the tongs to gently flip and cook the other side, about 1 minute more.
5. Remove apple fries from oil, one at a time, and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Sprinkle both sides with the cinnamon-sugar blend and serve.