The Echo (October 2019)

On Administration Corruption Page 2

Forever 21 Bankruptcy Page 3

Field Hockey Comes to Nashville Page 6

The Echo BGA’s Student Newspaper

October 7, 2019

Pilgrimage Festival

October Issue, 2019

by Jack Kelly

I still have no clue how this all happened.

It all started with me laying in bed with an idea. Quickly, I sent an email to Mr. Johnson. After waiting a few days to hear back from him, I assumed it would just be too late, and I would have no chance of going.

Then, in the matter of a week, I got media passes to Pilgrimage and ended up backstage interviewing The Wild Reeds.

This story starts 8 days before Pilgrimage in club period, when I was informed that I was actually expected to be actively working on this story, despite the lack of confirmation. Frantically, I began emailing Pilgrimage directly and reaching out to artists and their managers. The weekend passed, and on Tuesday I opened my email, and I got a message directly from The Wild Reeds. At this point, I knew I had to somehow get media passes. Luckily, Mr. Johnson was copied on the email and also had this realization, and began working on getting us connected and figuring out a way to get this all done. After lunch on Wednesday, Ms. Wallace and Mr. Johnson came up to me and basically said there was a possibility of them being able to get these passes for me. I was ecstatic.

Later that day, I went and picked up the passes from the Factory, and I knew I had

Picutres by Jack Kelly

to give it my best effort to make the most out of this weekend. I began researching interview questions and pulling together last minute outfits for the big day.

When Saturday came around, around 9:30, I parked at the parking garage, where I also park for my shifts at Baskin Robbins (come visit me sometime). After my walk through town, I pushed through the gates and, soon enough, I was on the festival grounds. To be quite honest, I didn’t know exactly what to do. I’d never had a privilege like this before. Anyways, I did what everyone else seemed to be doing. I walked around. I looked at the lineup for that day, and it turned out the band that I

Groundbreaking Ceremony

by Mary Courtney Finn

On Thursday, September 26th, a swarm of blue hard hats congregated by the Fine Arts lawn for a groundbreaking ceremony honoring the new Arts and Entrepreneurship Center.

Designs of the new building showed a state of the art auditorium along with classrooms and maker spaces for the Entrepreneurial Leadership program. Along with building the Arts and Entrepreneurship Center, renovations will be made to the Glen Echo and Harpeth campuses to provide the best facilities for students to learn

in. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kurt Winstead explained, “After 130 years of educating students, 2019 is the best time to be at BGA.” These improvements will create incredible spaces and opportunities for students K-12.

While the groundbreaking was the focus of the night, BGA also revealed its new strategic plan, which included improving student well being, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and making BGA a sustainable institution. Our school is committed to being the best in all we do, and that is evident in the building of the new Arts and Entrepreneurship Center and the new strategic plan.

The Echo Staff Bailey Anderson Mitchell Morrison Jack Kelly Mary Courtney Finn Ching Ching Zhang Sarah May Shea Kelly Ally Newkirk

Jack Sauder Jack Cheney Dalia Diab Jad Diab Izzy Donoghue Sydney Carroll

would soon interview was playing first at the main stage. As soon as I got there, I introduced myself to another photographer, and he began to give me the ins and outs of how this all worked. Eventually, The Wild Reeds went on and performed an amazing show. Out of the entire weekend it was definitely one of my favorite performances.

After walking around fruitlessly, I soon asked some of the festival staff where the media tent was, and I was pointed in the right direction. It was outside the festival at this house which was like an artists’ village. When I finally got there, I was sticking out like a sore thumb. Around me were newsgroups like Lightning 100 and

this sophisticated set up and then there was me, Jack Kelly with a camera and a phone. After waiting for them to be done with their interview with Lightning 100, I met the entire band and talked with them for a bit about their performance before I went straight into the questions. Kinsey Lee, the lead vocalist, describes the band as a group of songwriters who are an “indie rock band”. Mackenzie Howe, guitarist adds that she believes they are more “folk rock.” As it was their first time playing at Pilgrimage, I began to ask them a little bit about the atmosphere coming from an artist’s perspective. Everyone pretty much Continued on Page 4

WilliamsonHerald.com

The Echo

Opinion

Impeachment Inquiry

by Mitchell Morrison

Fact: An impeachment inquiry against President Trump was initiated on September 24, 2019, by Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House. The inquiry began after revelations that President Trump and members of his administration allegedly used the influence and political power of his office on multiple foreign nations to further his own personal interests. Notably, President Trump and his advisors allegedly pressed the Ukranian Prime Minister to investigate Joe Biden, Trump’s potential 2020 presidential election adversary, and his son Hunter. During the time President Trump and the Ukranian Prime Minister were in contact, May-August of 2019, President Trump instructed his staff to hold all military aid to Ukraine. Though there is no available record of a connection, a “whistleblower” claims the hold on military aid was a tactic to force Ukraine to cooperate and investigate. President Trump and his administration are also under scrutiny moving many of these calls on classified and seperate servers.

Opinion: What is the big surprise? Trump has been constantly accused of mis-using

presidential powers; he has also hardly severed his ties with his business empire.

Eventually, evidence was going to come out that he committed a crime: abusing presidential powers for personal interest.

In this case, however, the discovery of a remote and classified server containing calls with world leaders is more prominent then the whistleblower’s report. Transcripts of his classified calls could either indict Trump for his abuse of power or exonerate many of the accusations against him beginning in his presidential campaign.

Personally, I believe there is not enough evidence to impeach Trump, but more transcripts with evidence of collusion could provide a chance. Whether it fails or succeeds, this impeachment inquiry can hopefully sway the minds of Trump supporters going forward. Trump has been accused, and found guilty in some cases, of crimes and ill-doings ranging from sexual assault and harrassment, collusion with foreign nations for personal gains, and a business empire built on scams and shell companies. At a certain point, enough is enough and one must move on. So, for those of a voting age reading this, factor in his character flaws and screw ups before voting for the sake of everyone else.

Wallstreetjournal.com

On Administration Corruption

by Jack Such

I feel strongly that the BGA dress code is unethical, immoral, and should be abolished or heavily altered immediately.

In a so called place of education, how are students supposed to be able to properly focus and learn whilst wearing uncomfortable and unnecessary clothing?

I was docked points in a presentation for “distracting” the audience by tugging on my belt loop once, but how am I supposed to focus on giving the presentation whilst being bogged down physically and mentally by heavily restraining pants and an equally unnecessary belt? In addition to education-hindering uncomfortableness, it is also unethical to require students to wear pants in such heat as is felt at BGA. The hot and humid nature of our surrounding area should be more than enough reason to consider altering the dress code. We frequently have moved football and other outdoor practices into the A&W based on the heat index. If we can admit that sometimes it’s too hot for our sports teams, people who volunteer to be out there, then we should definitely be

in agreement regarding the altering of the dress code, which is forced upon us and not voluntary at all (if I hear one word about that handbook I’m going on another tangential essay about extortion). As our climate warms, so should the hearts of the administration. Private schools around the world, including a notable school in the UK, have heeded to protests and potential lawsuits on the basis that requiring pants in above 90 degree Farenheit weather was unethical. Despite these results being public knowledge and readily available for the school to access and subsequently react to for the betterment of their student body, no changes have been made.

Secondly, the principles of the dress code are outdated in the 21st century. The idea that wearing “adult’ clothing such as people wear in the workplace prepares them better for life in the workforce is outdated. Many new, contributing jobs are filled with young people wearing jeans and T-shirts sitting on beanbags. The principle of community behind the dress code is more logical, but can be accomplished in much better ways. Everyone wearing BGA

clothing does invoke a sense of community (or at least enough sense of community that the school can spin it that way to prospective customers), yet that principle can easily be accomplished without having to wear clothing that is restrictive, uncomfortable, and unethically tailored to our climate.

In addition to the clothing part of the dress code, the facial hair and hair length restrictions are similarly unethical, as well as being unconstitutional. In Roe v. Wade (1972), the Supreme Court established that the only person who should have power over an individual’s body is that individual. If the almighty entity that is the United States government doesn’t even have power over our bodies, the fact that our school does is preposterous and unconstitutional. Another one of the real reasons we have a dress code is because it’s a great selling point to adults looking to send their children here. Adults love conformity and order, no matter the cost to the victims. The fact that the school uses the dress code at all shows they value financial gain more than the happiness of

their own students.

Some people say that they love the dress code because it means they don’t have to worry about what to wear every day (see last page). That’s all well and good, but it’s completely disregarding the fact that in college and in the real world, we’re gonna have to know how to dress every day. By limiting creative expression and failing to teach students how to dress and who they are through their clothing, the dress code fails at the school’s goal of “scholarship”.

True scholarship is learning for learning’s sake, and the dress code prohibits students from doing just that. You want to call yourself a “college prep” school? Then prep us for college and get rid of the dress code.

Due to the immorality of the dress code itself, the fact that the school uses it for financial gain whilst disregarding the needs of the student body, and the fact that it hinders student’s preparedness for the real world, I believe it should be immediately stricken, or at the very least extremely altered in favor of the student body.

Brazil on Fire

by Mary Courtney Finn

Brazil is home to more than half of the Amazon Rainforest, yet this considerable supplier of atmospheric oxygen is beginning to deplete because of the 76% increase in wildfires across the rainforest. The majority of this is drawn back to Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro. Once he assumed office in January of 2019, he began to reduce environmental protection and increase the agricultural development of the Amazon. Because of Bolsonaro’s initiatives, farmers and loggers have begun clearing trees to make way for their crops, which has subsequently caused areas of the rainforest to catch on fire during the dry season of July - October. These fires are not contained to just Brazil but are beginning to spread into Bolivia as well. Instead of attempting to reduce the number of fires occurring, Bolsonaro has chosen to blame the fires on environmentalists and NGOs. He claims they are purposely setting fire to the rainforest to prove their point that Bolsonaro is causing the wildfires to get out of hand. Without other government officials and countries getting involved, these wildfires will continue to spread and threaten the millions of individuals of South America.

Pewresearchcenter.com

The Echo

Current Events

Forever 21 Won’t Last Forever

by Shea Kelly Many of us have seen the numerous tweets criticizing the “relatable” yet cringe-worthy graphic t-shirts that Forever 21 has produced, like “I love pizza and only like 3 people,” and “dear rap, I love you,” which are marketed towards teens trying to appear trendy for cheap. Unfortunately, there may be much less of this niche product in the foreseeable future. On September 29, Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is considered a “reorganization” for the company in order for them to get their ducks in a row, and essentially, notify their creditors that they’re not going to be paying bills for a while. Leading up to this filing, there have been months of discussion about the private company going downhill fast. Up to 350 Forever 21 stores worldwide are expected to close as the company begins to liquidate their assets in an effort to save their company. In an interview, Linda

Chang, Company Vice President, explains that they’re “hoping [to] simplify things so we can get back to doing what we do best,” which appears to be very optimistic.

Forever 21 was founded in 1980, and they arguably grew too fast for their own good, going from being in 7 countries to 47 within 6 years. This leap potentially caused damage to the business, for they expanded with minimal planning and preparation. This filing comes amidst the brutal trade war between China and the United States, where both countries have placed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of one another’s goods, and the tariffs continue to rise. On October 1st, the United States enacted plans to raise existing 25% tariffs on some Chinese products to 30% in an effort to encourage American consumers to purchase goods made in the United States, which can lead to extremely negative results for companies who cheaply produce their merchandise in China and other foreign countries, like Forever

21. To add, Forever 21’s decrease in profit signals a shift in consumer priority. After the Rana Plaza Disaster in Bangladesh in April 2013 which killed more than 1,100 factory workers, there has been a deviation from cheap “fast fashion” corporations. Younger consumers have become more drawn to consigned goods and brands that have sustainability claims, as the concern for the environment is at an all time high. This will be detrimental to brands like Forever 21.

Seeds: We Need Them

CNBC.com

by Mitchell Morrison Often when environmental sustainability is discussed, climate change, melting ice caps, or the Amazon rainforest are at the forefront with the majority of resources and headlines directed toward them.

While those are all prominent issues, there are many other pressing environmental concerns that are overlooked. One concern, Genetically Modified Foods and their effects on the agricultural landscape, has drastic long term-implications. So… if you are somehow interested in this topic, read on.

Intended to solve world hunger, GMOs offer an immediate solution to a large-scale problem but have long-term implications that must be addressed so that they do not cripple economies as well as underserved communities in need of food.

As a major cause of agrodiversity loss, GMOs potentially damage crop yields more than increase them. Because GMOs are intended to increase efficiency, they only produce seeds of the most efficient crop.

In a report on the loss of agrodiversity, the UN’s Food and Agricultural Administration notes that only nine single species of crops make up for 66% of the world’s consumption (Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture). This statistic explains the loss of diversity in crop variety noted in a study

by Berkeley: “varietal loss for vegetables and fruit … ranges from a high of 97.8% to a low of 89.9%” (Montenegro). With reliance on one GMO seed, farming has forgone other crop varieties for the most efficient. While some may view the loss of other seeds as unimportant, the consequences could be catastrophic. Each seed contains a unique genetic difference, ranging from drought-resistant to bacteriaimmune. Without genetic diversity, any

earth.com environmental irregularity could threaten entire crop yields. While GMOs may increase crop yields now, they might be the cause of crop yield devastation in the future.

The risk of exposure to environmental factors, however, may be worth the millions saved by production of Genetically-Modified food. The fact that there are “10 billion people projected to live on planet Earth in 2050” (Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture) means that Genetically-Modified foods have the ability to fill the growing needs. An analysis of Genetically-Modified crop yields over 20 years reveals that soybeans, maize, and cotton were associated with a 22% overall increase in yield compared to their traditional counterparts (Gerry).

Furthermore, scientists can produce modifications to mitigate lost agrodiversity

Filing for bankruptcy does not necessarily mean a permanent end, but rather an opportunity to change their business model and adapt to new consumers. This could be beneficial for the brand and highlight the need for change; however, we can expect to see less stores internationally as they figure out how to keep their heads above water. Retail will always be prominent as long as there are humans, but retailers simply need to learn to accommodate to modern shoppers.

and seed variety and help the environment.

One new rice strain not only produces 43% more grain, but it also emits 97% less methane, a harmful greenhouse gas (Gerry). Thus, while GMOs damage agrodiversity, they could compensate for the loss.

Not only do GMO companies have to defend their patents, but they also may have a negative impact on health. The Center for Food Safety notes that certain GMOs can contribute to “the growth of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer” and “increased levels of known naturally occurring toxins”. Proponents for GMOs point to the FDA’s 1992 declaration that there were no health risks compared to traditional foods. However, the Center for Food Safety addresses the FDA stance by noting the contradiction to its scientists’ reports: “[t]here is a profound difference

between the types of unexpected effects from traditional breeding and genetic engineering” (Center for Food Safety).

Whether the FDA or their scientists are correct, any potential health risk should be treated with caution, yet GMOs, despite the controversy, are prevalent in most processed foods.

Although there are potential health risks, GMOs present health benefits that may potentially outweigh the risks. On a smaller scale, GMO foods such as golden rice supplement vitamin A; in some countries, Vitamin A deficiencies affect up to 50% of the population and can potentially lead to blindness (Fulton). On a larger scale, GMOs offer a viable solution to food shortages by providing more economical access to food.

GMO opponents claim poverty, not lack of food access, is the cause of hunger, yet according to Forbes, “GMOs have actually contributed to reducing the real cost of food … keeping prices as low as possible” (Green America)(Stebbins). By keeping prices down, GMOs assist in solving world hunger.

The debate over GMOs’ role in agriculture is complex, yet the best solution for mankind lies in compromise.

To eliminate GMOs outright would be uninformed; a ban on GMOs in the US would result in a rise in food costs and greenhouse emissions but a decrease in food production (Wallheimer). Instead, GMOs should remain under cultivation but only under proper FDA regulations.

Most importantly, federal or UN subsidies need to be granted to both seed banks and organic farms emphasizing seed variety.

The use of GMO crops to feed the hungry today should not result in the inability to feed the hungry tomorrow.

Entertainment The Echo

Ghost Recon Breakpoint

by Jack Cheney

express.co.uk

It: Chapter Two Review

This new tactical third person shooter takes place in the near future: 2023, to be exact. In this game, you play as a member of the Ghosts, a tactical and urban legend government group sent to intervene only when truly needed. Have a drug lord making chaos in Bolivia? Ghosts. South African dictators? Ghosts. A sequel to Ghost Recon Wildlands, you will play as Nomad, the leader of a group of Ghosts sent to apprehend Colonel Walker, the leader of a private military named the Wolves. Not only are these guys super good at killing, but their leader, Walker, happens to be a former Ghost. In the game, Walker has taken over a South Pacific island where a genius tech owner has all his military projects stowed away.

Walker takes this island and uses all the military drones there to commit multiple assassinations. When it’s discovered where these drones are coming from, the Ghosts are sent to the island to apprehend Walker. This is where Breakpoint breaks away from other titles in this franchise, as you were the hunter in those games. Problem is, you are no longer the hunter. You are the hunted. To survive, you have to drink water to keep your stamina, eat food to hold your aim steady, and protect yourself with more damage resistance. And to stay safe, cover yourself with mud to hide from the killer robots. With your survival skills and a staggering number of weapons and gadgets, take down the Wolves and Walker, and disappear. The Ghosts run Recon on October 4th.

by Dalia Diab and Izzy Donoghue When It Chapter One came out in the fall of 2017, the movie became a phenomenon with a variety of reactions. Some people loved it and others not so much. We loved it.

It is simple and easy to follow, doesn’t wander too far off of Stephen King’s original plot, and is scary while maintaining a comedic undertone. But most importantly, there is a connective feel and wave of nostalgia throughout the whole movie. From the immensely talented cast to the perfect balance of terror and jump scares, there are many things that made the movie unique. On the other hand, It Chapter Two is good. The movie isn’t horrible, but it isn’t quite as exciting as the first. It is basically three hours of closure; tying up all loose ends from the previous film. The character development is the best part. Aspects of the “loser club” still make their way into the second movie through flashbacks. Personality traits of the young kids shine through in their adult counterparts. Hilarious and nerdy Richie definitely remained himself, especially when he screams “f---- you stupid clown!” in the midst of killing Pennywise. The comedic aspect that adds so much to the first movie shines through in the second one in a similar way. However, it still lacks the nerve-rattling suspense, horror, and energy that It Chapter One has. Unlike the first movie, It Chapter Two doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Every possible question a viewer could have while watching the movie is answered; Stanely kills himself, Pennywise dies, Ben and Beverly end up together, Bill finally writes the perfect ending, and the Loser Club remains lifelong friends. We appreciate the mystery of the first movie and the choice it leaves the viewer. In a way, the mystery kept Pennywise’s legacy going, but now that Pennywise has died, the ending seems somewhat boring for such an exciting story. In all honesty, It Chapter Two is very similar to one of grown up Bill’s books, with a decent storyline but a mediocre ending.

gulfnews.com

Pilgrimage (continued)

agreed that it was a chill environment with “a huge emphasis on wanting to take care of their artists.” I wondered if performing in Nashville was any different to performing anywhere else to this Los Angeles band. Sharon Silva, guitarist, explained that Nashville has always been a second home because their record label is based here and have many connections in the area, therefore they feel comfortable performing in this environment, despite the overbearing heat and humidity. Finally, I of course had to ask them if they had any advice for high school musicians looking to pursue music at the next level. Lee advised “lots of practice [and it’s] something learned and not natural...We spent years doing open mic nights and that helped us play in a small group, and then we learned how to play in a bigger group.” Bottom line, the most important thing is to “get out and try your songs.”

Later that day I saw other amazing acts like The School of Rock, featuring Lily and Jack Joyce perform. Jack Joyce showed off his musical ability from rocking out on the guitar, playing the keys, and smacking

on the Vibraslap. After the performance, I took Jack aside and asked him a few questions. As I’m sure many of the readers know, Jack graduated from BGA last year and now is doubling majoring in business and statistics at SMU. “College is great, and a lot of fun” Jack adds. He says that a fellow alum of BGA, Jamie McLaughlin, was one of his “first inspirations for guitar” and School of Rock has helped nurture and grow his apparent skill and performance abilities, as well as helping set up gigs all over Nashville and Franklin, like Pilgrimage. Jack Joyce is an excellent example of how hard work truly pays off. I am thankful to Jack and The School of Rock for giving me sometime to be able to interview him on this exciting day.

It was not until The Head and The Heart started to perform when I started to see how far this pass could really get me. When I received this pass they made it clear to me that yes, I could take pictures, but I had no access to the pit. Having this knowledge, I walked up to this massive security guard and asked, “Where can I enter the pit?” He showed me the entrance and no questions were asked

about who I was, or if I even had the authority to be there. Walking down the path in between the two walls of people was so surreal. Looking around, I soon realized not many other local juniors in high school were standing around me. These were like, some serious professional photographers. And here I am, writing an article for the school newspaper that I organized completely last minute. As I got to the front, I looked around. The crowd was enormous with people stacked on top of each other everywhere I looked. I looked to my left at the barricades and saw this other photographer sitting on this bench, and I followed his lead. I thought I was going to be great now that I made it there. That thought was quickly revoked as another security guard walked up to me and asked, “Did you sign in at the back?” At this moment I knew if I wanted to stay there, I was going to have to bend the truth just a tad.

I let him know that I had signed in with everyone that I needed to, even though I had no clue about what he was talking about. How the photo pit works is you have three songs to take as many pictures as possible, and that

was just what I did. Within those three songs, I watched the other photographers to learn what methods they were using, and I adapted off of them. Those three songs went by too fast, and I was promptly ushered out of the pit. After this, I saw parts of Leon Bridges’ band walking in as I was walking out.

Saturday was a magical day for me and I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Johnson, Ms. Wallace, the BGA Community and the entire Pilgrimage staff for setting this up and making this once in a lifetime experience.

The Echo

Calendar

October 5 Roy Laws Art Show 8:00am: Cross Country: US Boys/Girls - Game (Away) 9:00am-1:00pm: Practice ACT for BGA Juniors October 6 Roy Laws Art Show

October 7 Volleyball: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region Tournament Roy Laws Art Show Founder’s Day Joint Assembly with Middle and Upper School Students October 8 Roy Laws Art Show 7:30am-1:30pm: NHS Fall Blood Drive with Red Cross Jostens Ring and Graduation Orders 6:00pm: Soccer, Girls Varsity - Game (Away) VS Summit HS October 9 End of Quarter 1 Roy Laws Art Show US Assembly: Fall Play Teaser US Picture Makeup Day

October 16 PSAT and US Day of Service

October 17 Soccer: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region Tournament 7:00p: Football: Varsity - Game (Home) VS Lincoln County Fall Break October 18 Fall Break October 19 Volleyball: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS TSSAA Sub State Tournament Soccer: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region Tournament October 21 6:00p: Football: JV - Game (Home) VS CPA October 23 Soccer: US Girls Varsity - Game (TBD) VS TSSAA State Tournament FAFSA Workshop

October 24 October 10 9:00a Cross Country: US Boys - Game (Away) VS MidVolleyball: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Re- dle/East Region Tournament gion Tournament 1:00p: Cross Country: US Boys - Game (Away) VS MidSoccer: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region dle/East Region Tournament Tournament 3:00p-8:00p: Artist Guild Auditions Roy Laws Art Show Reception 7:00pm-9:00pm: US Fall Play October 25 7:00p: Football: Varsity - Game (Away) VS Spring Hill October 11 7:00pm: Football: Varsity - Game (Home) VS FRA October 26 Soccer: Girls Varsity - Game (TBD) VS TSSAA Division October 12 II Quarterfinals Soccer: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region Tournament October 28 7:00pm-9:00pm: US Fall Play Visit Day with Student Group from Nashville’s French Sister City (Caen, France) October 13 2:00pm-4:00pm: US Fall Play October 29 6:00p-7:30p: College 101: The College Process October 14 6:00pm-7:30pm: Dollars and Sense: Financial Aid Night October 31 Soccer: Girls Varsity - Game (Away) VS TSSAA Division October 15 II AA Semifinals Volleyball: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS TSSAA Sub State Tournament Soccer: US Varsity - Game (TBD) VS Middle/East Region Tournament 7:00p-9:00p: Fall Choral Concert

The Echo

Field Hockey Comes To Nashville

by Sydney Carroll

As the Ravenwood Varsity Field Hockey team took the field last Tuesday night to play the Vanderbilt University team, it was clear that there was an age difference between the two teams. One may ask, why would a high school team be playing a college team? Well, when you’re the only high school field hockey program in Middle Tennessee, you’ll take any competition you can get.

Last year, 1.6 million girls (and guys) picked up their sticks to play field hockey. These 1.6 million played up and down the East Coast, in California, Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin and many other places - but not Middle Tennessee. However, a special group of girls is trying to change that.

Nashville Field Hockey Club was started in 2018 by Pam and Neil Padden after they moved to Nashville from Boston with their two daughters, both of whom played field hockey. They were shocked to learn that there was no opportunity for their daughters to play field hockey in not just Williamson County, but in all of Middle Tennessee. This was when they had an idea. “My family and I decided to begin the process of bringing back field hockey to Nashville,” said Pam and Neil’s daughter, Olivia. “I remember asking to hang flyers to promote field hockey around Brentwood.” However, this would be no easy feat. How could you start a team in an area where field hockey had been dead for so long?

It wasn’t easy to get going, but once the team began to draw more interest, the process got much easier. That’s when the Paddens decided to try to integrate field hockey into Ravenwood High School’s athletics. “I was so excited to introduce my favorite sport to my new friends at my new school!” exclaimed Padden. Many of the girls on Ravenwood’s first team had never even picked up a stick. While it was a challenge to teach and train a whole team, the dedication and the players’ newfound love for field hockey appeased any worry the Paddens may have had about starting the team.“I joined the team because I saw a poster that said no experience required,” said Ravenwood sophomore Grace Edwards, “and I fell in love with the sport.”

The Ravenwood Field Hockey Team is open to all residents of Williamson County, which means that even YOU, BGA students, can join! “I started playing about a year ago and I have already fallen in love with the sport,” commented Kirsten Walsh, a Nashville student-athlete. “It is amazing and fun because you don’t have to be good when you first start. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t find field hockey and I am so excited to see where it takes me.”

As of Fall 2019, the team now has 40 players ranging from 9th-12th grade and has been able to successfully create strong varsity and JV teams. However, every good team needs a great coach, and head coach Natalie Buttinger is no exception. Natalie grew up in Ontario, Canada, and had a successful tenure as the captain of the Penn State Field Hockey Team (ranked 6th in the nation), going 47-23 during her time there. “I moved from Toronto to Nashville last year and didn’t think there was any field hockey in the area until one day a friend put me in touch with Pam for a phone call and the rest was history!” said Buttinger. “I was so so excited to find out that not only had Pam started a youth field hockey program I could help coach, but she had an adult pick up league on Sundays so I could keep playing the sport I love!”

The team has been crucial in providing field hockey to those who move to Nashville from areas where field hockey is widespread. Last year, 58% of people who moved to Nashville moved from out of state. Previously, there was no option for field hockey players who had moved to Middle Tennessee. “Having the opportunity to play field hockey has made moving such an easier experience” expressed New Jersey native Isabella Ross. Many of Ravenwood’s players have moved from the east coast and have been able to continue playing field hockey with thanks to Ravenwood. “The attraction of Nashville brings so many former field hockey players and coaches, I’m so thankful that Nashville is now such a hot spot to move to!” said Olivia Padden.

With the support of assistant coach Lauryl Desch (four-year starter at Ohio -University field hockey), Natalie and Pam have successfully coached the Ravenwood field hockey team to be a highly competitive team, competing with teams from Knoxville and Kentucky. However, their largest focus is on growth. USA Field Hockey has been proud to partner with the program to help grow field hockey’s influence in Williamson County. “We are thrilled to be working with the growing Nashville Field Hockey Club and Williamson County Schools to help bring field hockey to Nashville, Tenn.,” said Sally Goggin, USA Field Hockey’s National Development Director.

“They are doing a wonderful job creating field hockey opportunities in the Nashville area, and USA Field Hockey is eager to support their efforts and grow the game.”

To try a Nashville Field Hockey clinic or the Ravenwood field hockey team, all you have to do is show up! “I had never played field hockey before last year but is super fun and easy to pick up!” said Ravenwood senior Brynn Hannon. Use the contact info below to sign up to try field hockey out, check out our Instagrams (@ ravenwoodfieldhockey; @nashville_fieldhockey), or simply talk to Sydney Carroll (sydneycarroll23@mybga. com) to see how YOU can participate in Ravenwood/Nashville field hockey, become a part of growing the game, and potentially help to bring field hockey to BGA!

Quad Question With Jad

“How do you feel about uniforms?”

Trace Alexander, Sophomore “School uniforms? Too much. Too restrictive.”

Christine Jewell, Junior “I like them. I like them because I don’t have to pick out what I’m wearing everyday.”

Hudson Cheney, Junior “Nah. Um, creative expression is lacking on campus.”

Contacts: Nashville/Ravenwood Field Hockey: Email: nppadden@yahoo.com Phone: 214-695-4238

Wildcat Wisdom Q: Hands for Feet or Feet for Hands?

A: Easy, Hands for Feet. The opportunities there would be endless.

Q: Why can’t guys at BGA wear earrings or grow their hair out?

A: Well, BGA is supposed to prepare us for life beyond highschool, and administration believes that keeping one’s self groomed to the fashion standard’s of the 1960s is proper preparation. BGA believes this despite the fact that a majority of Fortune 500 companies rarely have strict dress codes, let alone grooming requirements.

Basically, BGA is an old-fashioned southern school which means that it takes a long time for things to change, including expectations on earrings and long hair.

Q: What is greater than God more evil than the devil poor people have it rich people need it and if you eat it you die?

A: “Wildcat Wisdom” is used for… really any kind of question but riddles.

Have any more questions? Answer the Google form sent by bga.echo@gmail.com, or email bga.echo@gmail.com directly to have your questions answered!

Mrs. Lambert, teacher “I like school uniforms.

Because I went here before we had school uniforms, and it was a huge hassle to follow the dress code with no uniform.”