Octagon 2019-20 Issue 4

THE

CTAGON

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sacramento, CA Permit No. 1668 2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA

VOL.43 NO.4 • Sacramento Country Day School • www.scdsoctagon.com • @scdsoctagon • December 17, 2019

Burgess Brothers lunches canceled; late deliveries cited

BY MING ZHU Country Day stopped using Burgess Brothers BBQ & Burgers for lunch provision on Oct 25.

Chili’s returned to serving as the sole lunch provider on Fridays.

According to chief financial officer Bill Petchauer, Country Day learned about Burgess Brothers last year at a school event.

“Burgess Brothers was used as the food provider,” Petchauer said. “After that, the idea of having them provide lunch along with Chili’s on Friday was discussed and agreed to.”

According to lunch program coordinator Jennifer Adams, Burgess Brothers began delivering lunch on Fridays at the start of the school year. The lunches were well received but delivered late, Adams said, causing the agreement to be terminated.

“They were late every delivery by at least 30 minutes,” Adams said. “It is very important for our lunch vendors to be on time.”

Junior Elijah Azar said: “It didn’t affect me all that much, but it was unfortunate because sometimes when (Burgess Brothers) delivered late, it would be very close to elective. Sometimes, I’d have band and wouldn’t be able to eat because food particles in the woodwind instrument (are) not a good thing.”

Jonathan Burgess, co-owner of the restaurant, said the termination was a mutual decision after the number of meals provided to the school had declined to fewer than 40 students, which was insufficient to raise enough funds to donate to Breakthrough Sacramento.

“Our goal, as well as the goal of Breakthrough Sacramento, was to supply 100 to 200 meals per week, considering our donation back to Breakthrough for each meal purchased,” Burgess said.

“Two hundred meals a week would have equaled a donation of $400 per month. We believe strongly in what Breakthrough is doing. Providing opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them can be life-changing.”

According to Burgess, there were logistical issues with the lunch being delivered from the Pannell Community Center in South Sacramento.

“One time, our driver was delayed,” said Burgess. “The combination of road construction and traffic from the location where the meals were being prepared was not ideal for delivery. (The delays) were mainly due to our commissary kitchen located (at Howe Avenue and Hurley Way) not being open yet.”

In fact, on a Friday in late September, the restaurant did not de-

LUNCHES page 3

INSIDE the ISSUE

THAT’S HOT! Junior Nate Leavy burns magnesium during a student-driven lab in the Advanced Topics in Applied Science class, which replaced AP Physics 1 this school year. PHOTO BY MILES MORROW

Country Day acknowledged in top 2% for STEM nationally

O

BY ANNA FRANKEL

n Nov. 8, Country Day ranked No. 680 out of the top 5,000 STEM high schools in the United States, according to Newsweek in a partnership with STEM.org.

This puts SCDS in the top 2% of 37,000 high schools nationally, according to the school’s website. The only Sacramento-area high school ranked above Country Day is Mira Loma (No. 636).

Recent STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) changes contributed to the recognition, according to head of school Lee Thomsen.

“Through our strategic plan, we set a vision to build a STEM program that would be the strongest in the area,” Thomsen said. “We’re trying to create an experience that’s more robust than something you could get elsewhere.”

Director of technology Shelley Hinson said a strong STEM program attracts families to the school.

“It’s an important thing to set us apart, especially in this area, where we have a lot of (tech) companies (like) Google, HP and Intel,” Hinson said. “A lot of the families have been pushing for more technology, and that’s why it’s in the strategic plan now.”

One of these changes is a computer science “pathway” being created throughout the three sections of the school,

NEWS 2 Sophomore Hailey Fesai works with adviser Joanne Melinson to continue a decade-long tradition of leadership lunches.

according to Thomsen. He said the first step in creating the pathway is improving the high school’s computer science program.

Hinson said the growing computer science course offerings since her arrival in 2018 have been beneficial. Along with AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, there is a Robotics Club, Computer Club and Esports team.

Hinson also created the SWAT (Students Who Assist Technology) team, a student-based technology help desk.

An Advanced Topics in Computer Science class is also being added to the curriculum next year, following AP Computer Science A in the pathway.

“This is going to be more hands-on, project-based and a much higher level,” Hinson said. “We’re hopefully going to get them out in the (computer science) industry as part of this class, through either working or volunteering.”

Senior Anu Krishnan, who took AP Computer Science Principles and is currently taking AP Computer Science A, said the classes have exposed her to an unfamiliar field.

“I really had no background in (computer science), so it allowed me to try new things,” Krishnan said. “I’m learning something new every day, which you don’t get in all of your classes.”

Hinson said the school’s female involvement in STEM also sets the program apart, attrib-

SPORTS 5 Senior and varsity captain Chris Wilson has grown as a player and person through his dedication to the basketball team.

uting this phenomenon to the “open environment” Country Day offers.

“One of my AP classes is all female, which is kind of unheard of,” Hinson said. “(At other schools), I’ve seen girls be hesitant or afraid to get into programming,” Hinson said. “There’s a stigma that robotics and programming are guy things. But here, maybe because of a smaller student body, the girls have no problem stepping up. They don’t feel intimidated.”

curity and proper online technique.

“We were falling short on how we were teaching kids to use their technology (properly),” Hinson said.

Additionally, the school created a middle school computer lab this year for technology-based electives, including Game Design, Advanced Game Design, Makerspace and Robotics. It will also benefit lower schoolers, according to Hinson.

“We’d also like to offer a programming class to middle school students who really like computer science,” “Through our strategic Hinson said. plan, we set a vision to The school has also inbuild a STEM program creased ASE (after-school that would be the stron- enrichment) programs to four days of technology, robotics, gest in the area.”

— Lee Thomsen game design and coding for the lower and middle schools, Hinson said.

According to Hinson, lowKrishnan, a member of Hinson’s all-female period, er school improvements are said her gender hasn’t present- the last step. Starting in 2020, Hinson said Jaravata will teach ed a barrier in any STEM class.

“I’ve never been exposed to technology to third, fourth and an environment where I’d be fifth graders once a week.

She said the hope is to expand intimidated by taking a STEM this program to all lower school class,” Krishnan said.

Now that the high school pro- classes.

“But that takes a lot more gram is largely in place, Hinson bodies, and we just don’t have said the school is shifting its focus toward middle school com- the staff to do that at the moment,” Hinson said. puter science.

The school plans to hire a In sixth grade, a Digital Citnew computer science teacher izenship class has been added during advisory, according to who could have more involveHinson. Thomsen and comput- ment with the middle and lower er science teacher Fred Jaravata teach students about cyber seSTEM page 3

CENTERPOINT 6-7 Senior Héloïse Schep names the 19 most iconic songs of 2019 and analyzes their influence on pop culture.

FEATURE 10 The Lifting Spirits community outreach program allows three students to connect with senior citizens through music.

2

News • December 17, 2019

The Octagon

New leadership lunch coordinator continues decade-long tradition to the sophomore class, asking for coordinator volunteers.

“I’m the type of person who loves to meet n 2009, Alexandra Bell, ’07, introduced leadership lunches, and they have been people and learn new things about them,” at Country Day ever since. According to Fesai said. “The minute I heard about this, I adviser Joanne Melinson, the lunches knew this would be something that I would are designed for Country Day students who love to do.”

Fesai volunteers for the Taylor Family have leadership positions or experiences Foundation, a Livermore-based nonprofit that contribute to leadership skills outside organization that helps Northern Califorof school.

“This gives an opportunity for students nia children with illnesses and disabilities.

For the lunches, Fesai is in charge of reto publicize interesting activities that are not at school,” Melinson said. “We always cruiting speakers, scheduling, setting up, see people winning awards for things they providing snacks and cleaning up.

“I’m just the adviser,” Melinson said. do at school, but we rarely recognize stu“The coordinators are in charge of evdents who do unique activities outside of erything. And in the past, some students school.”

Melinson said anyone can speak at the wanted to share the responsibility, so we have had multiple coordinators.” lunches.

Melinson said she usually first asks se“Leadership doesn’t always mean being in charge of something,” Melinson said. niors or juniors about coordinating, but Fesai was the “Just speaking in the lunches about someonly student thing you’re paswho showed sionate about is a “I’m the type of person who interest. form of leadership.

Fesai said Anyone can do loves to meet people and she hopes the learn new things about them. them.” lunches will In a poll of 109 The minute I heard about this, I bring Country Day high school knew this would be something students closer. students on “It’s surprising to that I would love to do.”

Nov. 19, only realize that you go — Hailey Fesai 28% knew what to school with these leadership people every day, lunches are. but you barely know anything about what “Ever since they do outside of school,” Fesai said. “If 2014, leadership lunches started becoming less popular,” Melinson students hear something that’s interesting, it encourages them to do something simisaid.

According to Melinson, over the past few lar or research more about it.”

Head of high school Brooke Wells, who years, some students have canceled their presentations at the last minute. Last year, has attended most of the leadership lunchno one volunteered to be the coordinator, es, agreed with Fesai and said they are interesting to watch. so Melinson stepped in.

“So many people do cool internships and According to Melinson, leadership have a lot of experiences to share with the lunches are run by students and arranged school,” Wells said. by the coordinator, who is a high school The most recent leadership lunch was student. For the 2019-20 school year, sophomore Hailey Fesai offered to be the coor- last January. Bella Mathisen, ’19, spoke about decriminalizing sex work. dinator.

The lunches are held in the Matthews Fesai said she learned about leadership lunches from an email that Melinson sent Library. Presenters usually speak for about

I

BY SANJANA ANAND

PROUDLY PRESENTING Julia Owaidat, ’16, presents on April 15, 2015, about a five-kilometer run she was organizing. Owaidat discussed her interest in the run and how to raise money for it. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNE MELINSON 25 minutes, but if they need more time, who do cool things.” they can use the entire lunch period.

Fesai said she plans to have the lunches Melinson said the lunches are very once a month from December to April. adaptable and differ based on the stuHowever, no one has approached her dent and topic. Students accompany their about presenting. If that continues, Fesai speech with photos, slideshows, demon- said the lunches will be postponed. Acstrations, posters or other objects. cording to the poll, 66% of students said “We had a student talk about Hmong tra- they participate in some form of leadership ditions, so they brought in dresses to look outside of school, but only four people said at and hats to try on,” Melinson said. “We they are interested in speaking. also had a panel of three students answer Fesai said she questions about living in the Middle East.” wants to attract According to Melinmore students to son, in the past, high “Just speaking in the present by advertisschoolers have been the ing at school-wide lunches about someonly presenters. The auevents like Open dience includes interest- thing you’re passionate House and announced students and faculty. about is a form of lead- ing during morning However, Fesai meetings to high school ership. Anyone can do said she wants to exstudents. them.” pand this opportuniMelinson said one of — Joanne Melinson her favorite leadership ty to middle schoolers. lunches was by Shaun “We finally have a Shah, ’12. schedule where the “(Shah) taught and choreographed a lunch timing matches up, so we are more dance with his friends as a demonstration,” than happy to incorporate eager students,” Melinson said. “I will never forget that — it Fesai said. “I know many middle schoolers was so entertaining and hilarious.”

Sophomore starts philanthropic club to give back to community

BY ETHAN MONASA Sophomore Hailey Fesai began the school year with a vision to help the community. In her philanthropic club, Country Day Cares, students earn community service hours and give back.

Fesai said she decided to start the club over the summer while interning at a camp for children with mental conditions or who are undergoing cancer treatment.

“I just woke up one morning (thinking) I should do this community service club,” she said.

At first, Fesai said she wasn’t sure what to call the club. She credited her mother for coining the name Country Day Cares.

Fesai has done community service in the past and said she wondered why Country Day didn’t have a club dedicated to it. She approached head of high school Brooke Wells, who said he thought it was “a great idea.”

COUNTRY DAY CLEANS Sophomore Hailey Fesai, junior Charlie Acquisto and sophomore Tina Huang visit the Front Street Animal Shelter on Dec. 1 for three hours. According to Fesai, they cleaned cat kennels, mopped and swept floors and washed animal food bowls and toys. PHOTO COURTESY OF FESAI

The club began with Fesai and she was satisfied with the visit. a few friends and grew through “We had lots of fun, and the announcements at morning people that work there were realmeetings. Currently, the club has ly pleased with us and could not a dozen members, eight of whom stop saying ‘Thank you,’” are sophomores.

Fesai said.

“I’m really happy with how much it’s grown,” she said. “I “Years ago, Country Day think (we have) a great group had a phrase: ‘the habit of people willing to help the community, not just for service of helping.’ We don’t use hours, but because they actual- (that phrase) as much ly want to. That’s what I’ve anymore, but the idea of always wanted.” service to others is critical.”

Country Day Cares does — Brooke Wells community service on campus and with local nonprofits.

“At the end, we got to On campus, the club helps with hold kittens, which was very rea variety of activities, such as the warding and so heartwarming.” annual Turkey Drive. On Nov. 21, The club plans to offer help to Fesai and sophomore Vanessa Es- other nonprofits such as WEAVE cobar dressed in turkey costumes (Women Escaping a Violent Enviand helped gather frozen turkeys ronment, 1900 K St. #200) and the at the curb with the fourth grade Mustard Seed School (1321 N. C class.

St.), a free, private school for chil“Anything service-related, my dren ages 3 through 15 connected club should be there,” Fesai said. to Loaves and Fishes, which proThe first organization outside vides food and shelter. of campus it helped was the Front Fesai said the club plans to visStreet Animal Shelter (2127 Front it Hearts Landing Ranch (8902 St.). Fesai and club members Quail Lane, Granite Bay) next.

Charlie Acquisto, a junior, and The website says it provides Tina Huang, a sophomore, visited “healthy activities and opportuthe animal shelter on Dec. 1. nities for youth,” and Fesai said They spent three hours at the she knows its owner. shelter cleaning cat kennels, Fesai has worked with multiple mopping and sweeping floors and teachers on the club, so it doesn’t washing animal food bowls and have an official adviser. Along toys, according to Fesai. She said with the initial approval and sup-

port from Wells, she has gathered ideas from Spanish teacher Patricia Portillo. Fesai added that Portillo mentioned she had a similar experience in high school with a Key Club, a service program for high school students.

Middle and high school librarian Joanne Melinson has also been working alongside Fesai on the Dyer-Kelly food drive, which Fesai said was Melinson’s idea.

Due to conflicting schedules, the club meets only once or twice a month. Most communication is done by text messaging, according to Fesai.

Sophomore Lilah Shorey joined the club as a friend of Fesai seeking community service hours.

Shorey said she likes how club members are “so nice and want to help people out.”

Acquisto joined to help the community and get hours. He said the club is fun, and he encourages others to join. “I think people will feel good about helping out,” he said. “Plus, you get to meet new people and get some hours in.”

Wells sees a lot of potential in the club.

“Years ago, Country Day had a phrase: ‘the habit of helping,’” Wells said. “We don’t use (that phrase) as much anymore, but that idea of service to others is critical.”

The Octagon

December 17, 2019 • News

STEM: Program sparks interest in science, provides hands-on experiment opportunities (Continued from page 1) schools, according to Thomsen. That hopefully will be possible due to resources provided by the increasing school enrollment, he added.

Not all STEM changes are focused on computer science, according to Thomsen.

The addition of high school science teacher Kellie Whited and sixth grade science teacher Kelly Bornmann as specialists in the lower school has also added to the school’s STEM field, Thomsen said.

Whited, the high school science department chair, said she began the program when she saw how difficult running science activities was for her children’s lower school teachers.

“The teachers were so passionate about science, but science labs are expensive and take time to prepare,” Whited said.

Whited said that when she began volunteering to run labs for many classes, Thomsen decided to make it an official part of her job and add Bornmann to the program. Bornmann handles pre-K through first grade, according to Whited, who works with second through fourth grade.

Whited said the program promotes science to young children in a critical period of learning.

“My goal is to open their eyes to science (so they can) see it as something fun and interesting, (rather than) scary,” Whited said.

Whited added that the program has allowed dissection labs to begin in third grade. The class starts with demonstrations of sheeps’ digestive system and bat dissections, then students dissect cow eyeballs.

“We’ve added this skill that you normally wouldn’t see until seventh or eighth grade,” Whited said. “And (students) feel so accomplished.”

The lower school science program is not the only one being improved, according to

Whited. She said the high school’s growing laboratory research internship program in association with California State University, Sacramento also adds to the school’s STEM opportunities.

Whited said she and Sac State physiology professor Robin Altman, a former interim biology and chemistry teacher at Country Day, started the program to “open students’ eyes” to career options in science.

The program began unintentionally, said Whited, when Sahej Claire, ’18, wanted research experience and agreed to work with Altman.

“It was so beneficial for both Sahej and Altman that we expanded,” Whited said.

“This last summer, we had eight students in four labs and research facilities. We have students doing microsurgery on leech ganglion, growing brain astrocytes and learning how to maintain a cell culture.”

The mentoring program sets Country Day apart, according to Whited, and has provided “amazing” opportunities to students, who have even been listed as co-authors on research papers.

It also sets students apart to colleges, Whited said. However, she said the biggest benefit is the hands-on experience.

“We made sure they were put in labs where they would be doing complicated techniques,” Whited said.

She said it also gives students an appreciation for research and hopes for it to become part of the future model for accelerated students in biology.

Junior Athena Lin volunteered this summer under professor Michael Wright, studying how different neuron cells react to levels of electricity in leeches. She plans to work with him again next summer.

“It’s made me more interested in research,” Lin said. “My professor (was) like a mentor. He gave me tips for colleges.”

Whited said other sections of the high school science program are also growing,

3

CONCENTRATED CODING Freshman Samhita Kumar codes a Java program during her AP Computer Science A class on Dec. 11. PHOTO BY ARIKTA TRIVEDI such as chemistry teacher Victoria Conner’s Advanced Topics in Applied Science class, which was added this year to fill an engineering hole in the curriculum.

Conner said the class involves more engineering and problem solving than AP Physics I, which it replaced.

“We do a lot of student-led inquiry activities,” Conner said. “I give them a direction to go in, but they have to figure out how to get there.”

Another benefit of Country Day’s science courses, according to Conner, is the small class sizes.

“We can do more labs because we have more materials at our disposal,” Conner said. “(Teachers) can be more directly involved with what students are doing.”

Krishnan said small science classes allow one-on-one help from teachers.

“If I don’t understand something in computer science,” Krishnan said, “(Hinson) will take the time to explain it to me or show me another way to do it that I’ll better understand.”

Math teacher Chris Millsback said the largest benefit to the school’s math program is its course offerings, which include

both standard and either AP or honors courses for all math classes. AP Microeconomics is also offered, which Millsback said was a practical choice for an addition.

“We do a lot with modeling and study real-world applications throughout our math curriculum,” Millsback said. “AP Microeconomics adds to that.”

Krishnan said that, although microeconomics is a valuable class, it isn’t a math substitute for students who finish all other math classes early.

Krishnan added that fewer class offerings is a negative aspect of STEM at a small school. Classes such as AP Psychology and AP Statistics, according to Krishnan, would add to the department.

The school is trying to cover more STEM topics, particularly focused on climate change, according to Whited.

Conner agreed that it would benefit the program.

“We can definitely expand on the variety of classes we teach, such as an earth science or environmental science class, which we really don’t have in the high school level,” Conner said.

Lunches: Co-owner Burgess says email oversight caused missed delivery (Continued from page 1) -liver lunches to the high school.

“When I got to the table outside the library and discovered that not all of the food was available to hand out to students, I knew something was wrong,” said high school chemistry teacher Victoria Conner, who was on lunch duty.

Conner explained that history teacher Bill Crabb ordered pizza once he noticed the missing lunches, but the order was late

because it hadn’t been placed ahead of time.

“Many students came up to me looking for the food they had ordered,” Conner said. “I told them that their lunches were not available, but pizza was on the way.”

Burgess explained that an oversight caused lunches to be delivered only to the lower and middle schools.

“At the beginning of the school year, we were sent an email with all the lunches for the month,”

Burgess said. “Later, a follow-up email with corrections and revisions to the number of lunches for the month was sent to us. On that day, our staff referenced the wrong email. We took full responsibility for the mix-up.”

Burgess added that several improvements were made to the company’s delivery services.

“The lunches being prepared at the Howe and Hurley commissary kitchen location (was) one improvement, considering it is

much closer to campus,” Burgess said. “The second issue was internal, which had to do with the confirmation of the meals needed each Friday and was addressed prior to ending our services as a lunch provider at SCDS.” Junior Brian Chow said he enjoyed Burgess Brothers lunches. “(The food) is different from the other days,” Chow said, “and I feel like it’s more filling.”

Senior Charles Thomas agreed, adding that he enjoyed Burgess Brothers lunches more than Chili’s, the current lunch provider on Fridays. “(Burgess Brothers was) definitely my favorite on the lunch plan,” Thomas said. “I looked forward to having them on Fridays.

“Last year, I didn’t even have my Chili’s lunches because I’m not a fan of them.”

Chow disagreed with the school’s decision.

“If anything — I know there (were) some real problems — keep both (Burgess Brothers and Chili’s). I know some people like Chili’s more, but I feel like the majority of people like the Burgess Brothers lunches more.”

Thomas, on the other hand, said he supports the decision.

“The parents at this school are paying money so that their kids can have lunch,” Thomas said. “I think that if the food’s not going to arrive for (students) to have their lunches, then the school is rightful to get a replacement.”

BACK TO THE ORIGINAL Junior Naomi Cohen picks up her lunch, now provided by Chili’s after Burgess Brothers was replaced.

Chili’s had been the lunch provider on Fridays for the 2018-19 school year. PHOTO BY ELISE SOMMERHAUG

4

Sports • December 17, 2019

The Octagon

Junior cross country team captain strives to improve after record-breaking season

“W

BY MILES MORROW

hen I was in kindergarten, I wished to be as fast as the older kids,” junior Olivia Chilelli

CHASING THE LEAD Junior Olivia Chilelli finished 17th of 81 runners at subsections on Nov. 9.

PHOTO RETRIEVED FROM CAVNET

said. “Now I am.”

As the varsity cross country captain, Chilelli broke the SCDS record for the girls 5,000 meters with a time of 22 minutes, 13.97 seconds on Sept. 28.

She placed sixth overall in the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League and was named the girls’ Most Valuable Runner for SCDS. Chilelli said she’s been interested in running since elementary school, but once she started high school, she “was recruited.”

“In my freshman year at my previous school (Highlands High School) I was running the mile in P.E., and my teacher saw me,” she said. “He recruited me to run on the cross-country team soon after that. I was a bit hesitant at first, but after my first race, I fell in love with the sport.”

Chilelli said cross country brings out her athletic side.

“The sport means a lot to me,” she said.

“I haven’t really connected with any other sports besides cross country.”

Chilelli (5-foot-2) said she achieved her

greatest accomplishments this year, includCoach Joe Hartman said he’s impressed by ing breaking the school’s 5K record. She also Chilelli’s leadership. made it to the Sac-Joaquin Section champi“She’s always supporting everyone,” he onships, which Chilelli said was “very excit- said. “Whether it be at races or practices, our ing.” She finished 31st of 67 girls in the 5,000 team or the opponents, she understands that meters in Division V. it’s always important to cheer everyone on.”

“Since starting cross country, I have been Hartman added that Chilelli is very dediable to watch myself improve and make lots cated and determined. of friends along the way,” she said.

“In our practices and races, she’s always Chilelli has more goals. trying hard,” Hart“My current 5K record man said. “She’s is 22 minutes, 8 secso dedicated to the onds,” she said. “I want “I want to break the sport and the team.” to break the 20-minute 20-minute mark, which will Chilelli could premark, which will be pare for next season be difficult, but I know I difficult, but I know by improving her can do it.”

I can do it.” stamina, according to — Olivia Chilelli Hartman.

Chilelli said she takes inspiration “She could definitely from Allyson Felix, a reach sub-20 minutes,” he said. “If she takes runner who has won time this summer to run, she’ll start off six Olympic gold medals (one individual and strong and ready for next season.” five relay) and recently broke the world reFreshman cross-country runner Eric cord with her 12th and 13th gold medals in Lechpammer said he’s impressed by Chilelthe World Track and Field Championships li’s effort. only 10 months after giving birth.

“She is always giving 110%,” he said. “(She) blew my mind,” Chilelli said. “She’s constantly improving and earning “Breaking records is hard enough, but to better times. She is a great person to have do it 10 months after giving birth? That’s as a captain. I know that when I say this, I insane! After that, I always thought about am speaking for the whole team. Her enthuher resilience and determination during my siasm and perseverance has passed on to me practices and races.” and the rest of the team as well.”

UPCOMING GAMES Boys varsity basketball

P L AY E R P R E V I E W

Dec. 17 @ Sacramento Adventist, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Faith Christian, 7:30 p.m Jan. 7 @ El Dorado Adventist. 7:30 p.m.

Girls varsity basketball

Aaron Graves

Varsity basketball | Senior forward “Since we have a lot of new players, I think it’s going to start a little rocky, but as the season progresses, we’ll smooth it out and find our chemistry.”

Hailey Fesai

Ski & snowboard | Sophomore skier “We have a lot of great, motivated players. Even though we lost Luca (Procida, ‘19), I think we can keep those good vibes and have a strong team this year.”

CJ Dwumfuoh

JV basketball | Freshman guard “I’m looking forward to getting back into the game, learning new (skills) and remembering old ones. I think we’ll play well overall this season.”

Joanne Tsai

Varsity basketball | Junior guard “I think the season is going well, and we’re definitely improving. However, there’s still a lot we need to improve on, such as rebounding, getting open and shooting.”

Dec. 17 @ Sacramento Adventist, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Faith Christian, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Cristo Rey (homecoming), 6 p.m.

Boys JV basketball Dec. 17 @ Sacramento Adventist, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. TBD (homecoming), 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 @ Buckingham Charter, 4:30 p.m.

The Octagon

December 17, 2019 • Sports

Four-year varsity biking baller shows dedication, steps up as team leader

I

BY ARIJIT TRIVEDI

as something that requires a lot of effort, but Chris rejects that notion and keeps improving.”

t’s 7 a.m. on a cold Saturday morning.

Wilson averaged 4.7 points and 4.8 rePlayers start arriving for basketball practice, but senior captain Chris Wil- bounds per game last season, mostly as a son is already there. His form of trans- starter. portation? A bike.

Ancrum said he has high expectations Wilson, a 6-foot forward, bikes three for Wilson this season. miles to most morning practices from his “This is going midtown home. to be a breakout “Being able to year for him,” quick-start myself “This is going to be a breakAncrum said. in the morning is out year for him. It’s like “It’s like when important because when you have a lot of guys you have a lot of I have a job on Sunguys in a group, like day mornings,” Wil- in a group, like Michael Michael Jackson in son said. “Basket- Jackson in the Jackson 5. I the Jackson 5. I think ball’s given me think (Wilson) will be the Mi(Wilson) will be Mithe discipline to chael this year.” chael this year.” wake up early for When Wilson — David Ancrum practice and for started on the recrework.” ation boys basketball Coach David team in eighth grade, he wasn’t the dediAncrum said biking to praccated leader he’s become today, according tice shows that Wilson is eager to play. to Wilson.

Ancrum added that Wilson “has a great Like many who start a sport, Wilson said attitude and has made the team hard-work- he was attracted to basketball because of ing, just like him.” his friends.

Junior guard Avinash Krishna also “It was friends (that got me to join), but I praised Wilson’s work ethic. also liked being an athlete,” Wilson said. “I “Chris is so dedicated to the game,” liked the idea of running up and down the Krishna said. “He’s always in the gym, get- court and having fun (while playing).” ting his shots in and getting better. A lot Wilson ran on the track and cross counof people don’t see Country Day’s team try teams in middle school before join-

ing the basketball team, which helped him athletically.

When Wilson decided to continue basketball his freshman year, he was put on the varsity team due to a shortage of players.

“I got thrown to the wolves,” Wilson said with a laugh. “Even though I didn’t get much playing time, every time I got called onto the court, I tried to be a supportive player. I knew I wasn’t skilled enough to outplay most of our opponents, so I helped pass the ball to players who could.”

Ancrum said Wilson has become a stronger player.

“He’s improved 110% since his freshman year,” Ancrum said. “His jump shots and free throws have improved immensely. And it’s nice to see him stepping into a leadership role this year, explaining some things to the newer guys.”

Wilson said he stuck with basketball despite its challenges because it improved his physicality and social interactions.

“I’m not trying to go into college basketball, so I don’t think of it as the sport itself,” Wilson said. “I like to think of basketball as a tool that’s helped develop me.

The quiet Chris Wilson in freshman year has become what I am today: communicative and more disciplined.”

5

LEFTY LAYUP Senior Chris Wilson, who averaged 4.7 points per game last season, goes up for a left-hand layup against Western Sierra on Jan. 29. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE CHAO

Junior captain sparks team enthusiasm with leadership, determination

BY ARIKTA TRIVEDI Junior small forward Anna Fluetsch is used to being different. She was one of the taller girls in kindergarten basketball, and she’s the only openly gay player on the varsity team.

Coming from a Catholic middle school, Fluetsch said she was wary about joining sports teams because many people were homophobic. However, she felt much more accepted at Country Day. “I know that if I had come out at my old school, it would’ve caused complications,” Fluetsch said. “But our school is a really

safe place, and I can be open about it and be on an all-girls team, which is really cool.”

Fluetsch was named the captain of the girls basketball team by coach Latonia Pitts on Nov. 22.

Pitts said she picked Fluetsch, who averaged 6.0 rebounds and 2.8 points per game last season, due to her seniority, leadership, skill and eagerness to “perfect her craft” and constantly work hard.

“She’s the only player who’s played for more than one year on the varsity team,” Pitts said.

Fluetsch said being named captain motivated her to keep working hard and en-

EYES ON THE PRIZE Junior Anna Fluetsch warms up before a game at the Western Sierra tournament on Dec. 6. PHOTO BY HERMIONE XIAN

courage her teammates to do so as well.

“I’m going to try my best and not let my team down!” Fluetsch said.

Fluetsch has played basketball since kindergarten, in Lodi. She then played club basketball in fifth grade before joining the high school team once she came to Country Day as a sophomore.

Fluetsch said the main reason for her to join the team was to get PE credits.

“It’s also the perfect place for me to let some of my aggression out in a safe way and in a way where everyone is having fun,” Fluetsch said.

Pitts said Fluetsch’s work ethic impresses her the most.

“She’s just always out there giving 100%,” Pitts said. “She’s always giving me her full attention at practice and games, and trying to learn more about the game.”

Fluetsch said she gets her determination from her commitment to the team.

“If I want my teammates to work hard, then I need to do my own part to make sure they can have faith in me,” Fluetsch said.

Sophomore small forward Daisy Zhou said Fluetsch “helps the team improve during practices and leads them to make better choices during games.”

Zhou said she’s inspired by Fluetsch’s constant hard work and leadership.

Fluetsch continues to play despite breaking the middle finger on her right hand during the annual capture-the-flag game on Sept. 20.

“I had broken it and neglected to have it looked at until recently, so it healed incorrectly,” said Fluetsch, who’s right-handed.

“I’ve been heavily taping it for practice and games, and have a splint on for the rest of the day.”

Fluetsch said she has an appointment in

January when she’ll find out if the finger needs to be re-broken so that it may heal correctly.

Following last season, Pitts and Fluetsch agreed that she needed to continue to improve her shooting.

“I get the ball a lot, and I can handle it pretty well,” Fluetsch said. “But I tend to miss most of my shots.”

Pitts said, however, that Fluetsch’s strength is how she’s grown as a player, specifically her shooting.

“While she still needs to work on shooting, I can tell her confidence as a player has grown and she’s put in time over the summer improving her (form),” Pitts said.

Fluetsch’s main goal this season is to work hard and make the necessary improvements to “be the best possible version of ourselves.”

Fluetsch said she idolizes last year’s team captain, Heidi Johnson, ’19.

“She was always working really hard at practices,” Fluetsch said. “She put everything onto herself during the games. It was really impressive to see somebody work that hard all the time. That’s who I’d like to be for the team, somebody who they can look up to for support on and off the court.

“She inspires me to work harder, especially in her absence. I feel like it’s only fair that we start to give that same amount of effort she did.”

Fluetsch (5-foot-7) mentioned that she now has an average height in girls basketball, so she faces many taller players but maintains a positive mindset.

“It is intimidating, and you realize that winning will be a lot of hard work,” Fluetsch said. “Even if you don’t end up succeeding, at the end of the game you can know that you did your best.”

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Centerpoin t

The Oc

‘Bad guy’ — Billie Eilish

‘Boy With Luv’ — BTS, Halsey

‘Thotiana’ — Blueface

When you think of bad guys, you might not picture a 17-yearold girl. Billie Eilish, though, breaks the mold in every possible way.

Not only is she the same age as many of her high school fans, but her style — characterized by baggy clothes to prevent her appearance from influencing her fame — differs from that of other teen stars.

Similarly, “bad guy” flips stereotypical power dynamics and musical conventions.

The song’s subject is a “tough guy,” fond of rough play and constantly displaying his puffed chest. But it’s Billie who can scare him.

Stylistic switches complement the song’s unnerving lyrics.

The song begins with bass accompanying Billie’s cool voice, but soon adds unusual noises, such as a creaking door.

Drawn-out lines are quickly undercut by a nonchalant “Duh.” Billie never ceases to surprise.

If there’s one genre dominating music charts in 2019, it’s K-pop. If there’s one group dominating K-pop, it’s BTS. The seven-person Korean boyband, which created three of YouTube’s top 10 debuts and sang on SNL, has over 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

“Boy With Luv” is no different. Its music video gained over 74.6 million views in its first day, making it the most viewed online music video in 24 hours, just a week after K-pop group BLACKPINK received the title for “Kill This Love” with 56.7 million views in one day.

What makes this song so widely successful is its ability to blend with BTS’ previous discography.

Gentle melodies layer throughout, instead of a single voice leading the song. Thus, Halsey’s parts are noticeable to those looking for them, but also interchangeable with BTS’ vocals.

It’s the perfect collaboration, adding to the song without robbing it of the unique sound and English-Korean lyrics.

“Thotiana,” again, combines a repetitive chorus and disrespect toward women to create a hit song. Blueface’s lyrics aren’t original, and neither is his beat.

However, few lyrics create an easily memorizable song. Even the dances are demonstrated through the song: Speed it up, then slow it down.

However, memorability wasn’t the only thing catalyzing “Thotiana” to spread like wildfire. Blueface’s flow is distinct — if often criticized for being off-beat — and rethinks how rappers should follow the beat. Whether you love or hate his rhythm, it stands out.

Moreover, the song combines the factors that led to the success of its precursors: rapid releases of star-studded remixes, broadcasts on pop radio stations and a remarkable music video.

Perhaps musical success in 2019 can be achieved by any song if it follows the recipe.

‘ok boomer’ — Peter Kuli, Jed Will

‘Follow God’ Kanye West

“OK, Boomer” is a phrase that allows members of Gen Z (and millennials) to respond to the dismissal of problems that will impact our generation (climate change, minimum wage issues and systemic oppression, just to name a few) by dismissing the dismisser.

But the whole point of “OK, Boomer” is that nothing comes next. One single phrase is meant to end the conversation. Can that translate into good music?

Peter Kuli and Jed Will attempt the feat, filling two whole minutes with the repeated cry of “OK, Boomer” over thumping bass. It’s interrupted only by Jed Will’s single, heavily auto-tuned and mostly yelled verse, featuring lyrical lines such as, “It’s funny, you think I respect your opinion when your hairline looks that disrespectful.”

The song encapsulates everything “Boomers” may hate about younger generations: their slang, their music taste, their “disrespect.” Its content and modern form are designed to shut out the close-minded and old-fashioned.

That connection between purpose and appearance is sophisticated and effective, showing listeners that even a one-line meme can transform into an auditory experience.

Kanye West isn’t known for humility. He’s likened himself to Steve Jobs, Ralph Lauren and — in his 2013 album “Yeezus” — even God. Yet West is also known for piety.

Religion infiltrates his music, most notably in the inclusion of Pastor T.L. Barrett’s 1970’s gospel in “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1.”

His 2019 album, “JESUS IS KING,” seems to declare a triumph of religion over humanity, even West himself. He raps that “God is king, we the soldiers.”

In “Follow God,” West discusses another element triumphing over his will: himself. He documents his struggle to be “Christlike”; he scrolls through social media without getting satisfaction, fights with his father and grapples with his ego and stubbornness.

From a man who recently said he might change his name to “Christian Billionaire Genius Kanye West,” this display of humility is jarring and has been seen as insincere. But it also brings hope.

Like many of us, West wants to live his life “right.” He may have his downfalls and boastful displays, but at the end of the day, he says his prayers and keeps creating. Inspiring.

‘You Need To Calm Down’ — Taylor Swift

‘Hot Girl Summer’ — Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign

Released during Pride Month, “You Need to Calm Down” may be more than blatant appropriation of LGBTQ+ identity to rebrand Taylor Swift into an “activist.” Its video’s ending (a call to sign a petition for the Equality Act, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity) may be a genuine attempt to raise awareness of the petition.

But the song manages to miss the mark, demonstrating the dangers of those outside a community seeking to define (and profit from) it in music. Swift’s songs are heterosexual and catered to audiences whose only problem in life is love. She has repeatedly stated that she identifies as straight and is only an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Yet in the song, she compares the decades-long persecution and oppression of gay people to the criticism she has received.

In an upbeat pop song, Swift rebrands homophobes who harass or even physically harm LGBTQ+ people as “haters” who need only to “calm down.”

Unsurprisingly, the song received a mixed reception, revealing that using your platform to amplify marginalized voices is appreciated, but speaking over those communities by relating your own experience to theirs? Not so much.

—

What describes summer 2019 better than Megan Thee Stallion’s catchphrase, “Hot Girl Summer”?

According to Stallion, the nongendered “hot girl” embodies embracing yourself and your truth, unapologetically. Though the phrase first appeared in a song Stallion released in May, “Hot Girl Summer” was released in August, after the hype surrounding the “Hot Girl” peaked.

The song seems like an afterthought, not bringing enough of the confidence and action of the memes surrounding the phrase.

That may be due to Ty Dolla $ign’s prominence in a song about a phrase that, while in theory meant to uplift all genders, was primarily used by women on social media.

Though Dolla $ign certainly raps his verse well, it’s odd to see a man change Stallion’s message to reject the gaze of others (especially men) into one that calls on men to reject the gaze of women.

While male objectification and toxic masculinity are real issues, they might not be what Stallion’s original “Hot Girl” fought for. Should Dolla $ign be able to claim his version of the phrase, or should he create an anthem (and community) of his own?

‘prom dress’ — mxmtoon The internet has changed how we listen to music, as well as how we produce it, allowing artists to attract audiences without the help of record labels.

Mxmtoon, for example, gained fame by posting songs on YouTube as a teenager. “Prom dress” was popularized through social media platforms such as TikTok. The song isn’t just an example of the web’s impact on the music industry, though. It signals a shift in what kind of music we listen to.

“Prom dress” isn’t relatable. Mxmtoon has described her songs as “rhyming diary entries”; they include specific quotes and descriptions.

The song’s hook, “I’m sitting here, crying in a prom dress,” is inspired by an incident in which the singer broke down in tears while wearing a prom dress. Many listeners don’t know what that feels like.

Nevertheless, “prom dress” encapsulates a nearly universal feeling of disappointment, melancholy and frustration.

19 songs tha

20 1

New Year’s Day marks a new day, month, year and — this winter — decade, and with that, a new era for music.

Because of the internet, music is present in our lives more than ever, whether we’re commuting, cleaning, cooking, circuit training or catnapping.

‘Señorita’ — Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello

‘ARE WE STILL FRIENDS Tyler, the Creator

It’s overplayed. It’s repetitive. It lacks emotional depth and sophisticated descriptions.

Yet “Señorita” is so catchy it makes up for all its flaws.

Although the idea of Shawn Mendes (half-Portuguese but raised in Canada) calling the Cuban-American Camila Cabello “señorita” is a bit strange, the duo’s live performances and music video of the song seem to be filled with joy.

Their song, too, is bright and doting. Guitar twangs and smooth melodies transport listeners to a sunny beach where worries wash away with the tides. Mendes and Cabello are perfectly balanced, with intertwining voices interrupting and layering as if partaking in a delicate dance.

It’s just fun, which modern music can sometimes lack. We need music that will help us grow, addresses social issues or acknowledges the past.

However, we also need to relax, and Mendes and Cabello help us.

Tyler, the Creator is one artist you expect to end his latest album, “IGO a ballad about his relationship with lover. Throughout his five previous al music has taken many forms, yet man sociate him with emotional hip-hop.

Here, though, a gentle beat and the s (sampled from Al Green’s “Dream”) b wedding. Then, Tyler begins to sing. and the song gradually emotes frus screams), but its first “verse” doesn’t such a musical metamorphosis still p Yes. “IGOR” outsold all but one of track, “EARFQUAKE,” is Tyler’s most idly evolving world, musical evolution

December 17, 2019

ctagon

‘No Guidance’ — Chris Brown, Drake

‘Act Up’ — City Girls

“No Guidance” doesn’t offer anything we haven’t heard from either artist before. It praises an independent woman while desperately attempting to woo her with a series of questionable compliments and vocal whines and twangs. More interesting — and problematic — is the history of its two vocalists.

Drake settled a lawsuit against a woman who had accused him of rape and has had questionable friendships with young women, most notably child actor Millie Bobby Brown. Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna. While Drake has said he loves Rihanna, he’s collaborating with her abuser.

In an age when news spreads faster than ever through social media, websites, podcasts and more, this should be enough to destroy, or at least impact, a musician’s career.

Yet the song was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 2020 Grammy Awards, speaking to how much some listeners, and academies, are willing to ignore for a popular song.

at influenced

0 9

By Héloïse Schep

Junior Sarina Rye and I chose and discussed 19 songs that represent music in 2019. From one-hit wonders that launched careers to long-awaited comeback tracks (both failed and successful) to TikTok anthems that spread around the globe in days, these songs impacted the music industry and our lives — for better or worse.

S?’ —

wouldn’t OR,” with a former lbums, his ny still as-

soft crooning of “Dream, just dream,” begin a track slow enough to play at a His voice contains some roughness, stration and confusion (ending with t appear until halfway through. Can provide commercial success? f Tyler’s previous albums. Its second t-streamed song on Spotify. In a rapns may be more welcome than ever.

“Act Up” is an anthem for (mostly female) confidence and independence that received much attention after it was revealed that Lil Yachty wrote most of it. While Lil Yachty identifies as a straight man, the song is from a female perspective and directed at men. However, its uplifting messages are mostly directed to women.

The song was extremely popular. Nevertheless, something about this case of ghostwriting feels different.

Lil Yachty might be presumptuous by telling a story about female desires instead of amplifying the voices of female artists by, for example, collaborating with them and allowing them to write their own verses. In “Act Up,” Lil Yachty almost tells women what they should want and how to empower themselves, without truly knowing the female experience.

Nevertheless, Lil Yachty captures a female perspective realistically enough to cater to a broad audience.

But should he be able to?

7

‘i’m closing my eyes’ (featuring shiloh) — potsu When you first listen to “i’m closing my eyes,” the beat may sound familiar. It originated in an Instagram video by Shiloh Dynasty but is better known for its prevalence on “Jocelyn Flores” by XXXTentacion.

The lyrics, too, are taken from XXXTentacion’s song. In fact, “i’m closing my eyes” may sound like “Jocelyn Flores” taken hostage, mutilated and played in another room.

Nevertheless, the song must offer something different — it amassed nearly 72 million streams on Spotify.

Like many lofi beats, it combines a hypnotizing rhythm with slow, deep, repetitive voices to create a song that almost disappears into the ears of its listeners. Instead of enforcing the illusion that listeners are in the same space as postu, it’s as if we’re rooms away.

While occupied with everyday tasks, we forget we’re listening, and thus we’ll play it again and again.

‘Harleys in Hawaii’ — Katy Perry

‘hot girl bummer’ — blackbear

Katy Perry was an icon of the early ’10s, releasing instant hits such as “California Gurlz” and “Teenage Dream” that blasted on iPod Nanos and during middle school dances.

Now, she’s trying to recapture some of her lost fame with “Harleys in Hawaii,” one of her four songs released this year.

The song recalls the innocent, optimistic romantic themes of her earlier work. It has a nondescript but melodious tune. It is simple and repetitive — no masterpiece, but enough to appeal to Perry’s past audience, right? Wrong. It never topped any charts — save for New Zealand’s.

The song may be too carefree. Yes, the Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker,” among others, succeeded because of its depiction of an ideal romance. Grande’s “7 Rings” topped charts while displaying her immense wealth. But Perry doesn’t have the online following Grande does and couldn’t capture the attention of her past fans like the Jonas Brothers. Perry’s past songs were released long enough ago to lose relevance, yet not long enough ago for this to be a long-awaited comeback.

Without those hooks, a song accused of exploiting Hawaii as purely a tourist destination without honoring the local cultures cannot save itself.

Less than a week after Megan Thee Stallion released “Hot Girl Summer,” blackbear released the name of his possible antithesis, “hot girl bummer.”

After announcing the song’s name, blackbear received accusations of gentrification, cultural appropriation and plagiarism (denied by blackbear) for using a concept (the “Hot Girl Summer”) similar to Stallion’s in a close time frame.

Lyrically, blackbear’s song has little to do with Stallion’s anthem.

Instead, blackbear unenthusiastically discusses — and degrades — the girls who use the hashtag over guitar strums and booming bass.

Instead of empowerment, these girls are depicted throwing up in their Birkin bags, hooking up with strangers and buying likes.

Perhaps it’s a realistic portrait of women — and men — in an age dominated by social media, but the negativity in blackbear’s portrayal of his friends, the women in his life and himself are too much to bear.

Social media aren’t going anywhere. Neither are the party-loving, social girls it praises. Let’s support their decisions.

‘7 Rings’ — Ariana Grande

‘Old Town Road’ (remix) — Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus

As the reality of climate change becomes a larger part of our daily lives, the call for sustainability is louder than ever. From the rising popularity of reusable straws to the decline of fast fashion, exuberant displays of wealth through short-lasting items are frowned upon more frequently.

Nevertheless, Ariana Grande started the year with a celebration of empowerment through wealth.

Inspired by a trip to Tiffany & Co. with her best friends after her breakup with Pete Davidson, Grande informs listeners, “Whoever said money can’t solve your problems must not have had enough money to solve ’em.”

Whereas most of her previous songs emphasized Grande’s relatability — her success and failure in love, her grief over losing a loved one and her fear of the future — she now draws a clear divide between her listeners (most of whom cannot afford trips to Tiffany) and herself.

The song is taunting, perhaps even cold. It should have been criticized by fans in disbelief over its boastfulness. But it wasn’t.

Grande’s new sound — including a rap segment — aesthetically pleasing music video and well-executed harmonies outweighed its message.

From the twang of its opening guitar strums to its mentions of cowboys, horses and — naturally — old town roads, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” sounds like the definition of a modern country song. In fact, Lil Nas tagged it on streaming services as country music.

Thus, when the song went viral due to a challenge on TikTok, it entered Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. After a week, though, Billboard pulled it, as it did not embrace enough elements of modern country music, sparking a debate about Billboard’s treatment of Lil Nas (and, more broadly, its treatment of people of color in the country music industry).

Then, Lil Nas released a remix featuring country legend Billy Ray Cyrus. Although the song never re-entered Billboard’s Hot Country chart, it charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks.

Did Cyrus change the song’s eligibility on the country chart?

No. But the charting controversy around “Old Town Road” and its ability to break records anyway will hopefully inspire Billboard to modify its charting requirements as artists bend, combine and create genres more and more.

‘Sucker’ — Jonas Brothers

‘Truth Hurts’ — Lizzo

Nostalgia. In a world of turbulent politics, changing climates and increasing awareness of injustices, there’s comfort in returning to childhood favorites.

After a six-year hiatus, the Jonas Brothers are back, and their popularity certainly involves their fame from the previous decade’s Disney Channel, appearing in the “Camp Rock” franchise and their own TV show, “Jonas.”

“Sucker” doesn’t have a revolutionary subject (love) or sound (guitar and drums). While the Jonas Brothers have changed their marketing from single teenagers to married millennials, “Sucker” succeeds not because it offers something new, but because it evokes the brightness and optimism of the Jonas Brothers’ 2000s hits.

It’s a simple song. It doesn’t display the struggles of a relationship or the Jonas Brothers’ anxieties. There are no mentions of the past or the future. It only describes a beautiful present, in which love triumphs.

OK, so “Truth Hurts” wasn’t released in 2019. However, the song didn’t climb charts and reach first place on Billboard until this year — thanks, again, to social media trends.

Although Lizzo dislikes being labeled as “brave” for just existing in the music world as a plus-sized woman of color, there is something wonderfully audacious about “Truth Hurts.”

From its opening chords and enthusiastic “Woo!,” Lizzo is confident in herself and her ability to complete herself more than any significant other ever could. She sings about how great she could be for a man, describing herself as part “goddess.”

However, she doesn’t describe these assets to win someone back, or even to focus on what an ex lost by losing her. She’s praising herself to herself. (In the song’s music video, she even marries herself.)

It’s a wonderful inspirational message of self-love, accompanied by a solid beat intertwined with piano segments.

8

Opinion • December 17, 2019

STAFF

The Octagon

My Angle

‘Shift the focus’ by Emma Boersma

PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Anna Frankel Héloïse Schep

By Dylan Margolis

ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Larkin Barnard-Bahn Jackson Crawford

‘Star Wars’ finale promises to be out of this world

NEWS EDITOR Sarina Rye SPORTS EDITOR Jackson Crawford FEATURE EDITOR Larkin Barnard-Bahn A&E/OPINION EDITOR Emma Boersma BUSINESS STAFF Larkin Barnard-Bahn, manager Arijn Claire, assistant PAGE EDITORS Sanjana Anand Larkin Barnard-Bahn Emma Boersma Jackson Crawford Anna Frankel Ethan Monasa Sarina Rye Héloïse Schep Arijit Trivedi Ming Zhu SENIOR REPORTERS Dylan Margolis Miles Morrow Arikta Trivedi REPORTERS Sicily Schroeder Nihal Gulati SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sarina Rye PHOTO EDITORS Emma Boersma Shimin Zhang PHOTOGRAPHERS Emma Boersma Elise Sommerhaug Arikta Trivedi Hermione Xian Shimin Zhang GRAPHIC EDITOR Emma Boersma GRAPHIC ARTISTS Brynne Barnard-Bahn Eric Lechpammer MULTIMEDIA STAFF David Situ, editor Ming Zhu, assistant Miles Morrow, staffer ADVISER Paul Bauman The Octagon is Sacramento Country Day’s student-run high school newspaper. Its purpose is to provide reliable information on events concerning the high school in order to inform and entertain the entire school community. The staff strives for accuracy and objectivity. The Octagon aims to always represent both sides of an issue. Errors will be noted and corrected.

The Octagon shall publish material that the staff deems in the best interest of the school community. The staff recognizes the importance of providing accurate and reliable information to readers. The Octagon does not represent the views of the administration, nor does it act as publicity for the school as a whole.

The Octagon will publish all timely and relevant news, subject to the following exceptions: obscenity; slanderous or libelous material; or material contrary to the best interests of the school community, as judged by the guidelines among the newspaper staff, adviser and school administration. Editorials are approved by an editorial board.

Columns/commentaries shall be labeled as such and represent only the opinion of the author.

In the interest of representing all points of view, letters to the editor shall be published, space permitting, unless otherwise requested. All letters must be signed and conform to the above restrictions. The staff may change grammar and punctuation or abridge letters for space considerations. Comments can be made on our website to address all stories run.

EDITORIAL: STEM improvements laudable; now expand humanities

P

rioritizing the expansion of the STEM curriculum in recent years, Country Day established itself as one of the top science, technology, engineering and math schools in the country. At No. 680, SCDS ranked in the top 2% of 37,000 high schools nationwide.

Country Day set out to build a strong STEM program, according to head of school Lee Thomsen, and succeeded, trailing only Mira Loma (No. 638) in the Sacramento area.

This is an impressive accomplishment, especially considering that SCDS isn’t formally a STEM-focused school. It offers three foreign language tracks while giving students flexibility within the English, history and math departments between advanced and regular coursework. The small high school classes have contributed to success as they allow students to work more effectively in groups and receive more individual attention.

Not to mention, there’s a clear initiative to increase STEM opportunities to students either via electives or partnerships with local universities. Real-world experience through internships or volunteer work is valuable for driven students who hope to pursue college degrees and careers in STEM fields.

These experiences provide research opportunities for

students — some have even co-authored research papers — and can be differentiators in college admissions.

We also recognize and praise the school for ongoing efforts on the middle and lower school level in STEM — such as the computer lab in the middle school and the dissection labs in the lower school — that will not only spark young students about learning but also attract and retain more students in the high school.

Overall, we appreciate the expanded STEM program at Country Day, but we hope the school also carries this focus into the humanities. While the current curriculum allows STEM-oriented students to advance, it could lead to more artistically inclined or humanities-focused students to feel left out or forced into taking classes that don’t align with their interests.

Now that SCDS has established a high-ranked STEM program, the focus should shift to the humanities and arts. While we do see the preliminary steps being taken in this direction through initiatives such as the plans for the two-story arts center, even more opportunities are available.

Adding classes in the humanities and social sciences would allow students to explore subjects outside of the traditional English 9-12 and history courses. For example,

classes and electives such as Creative Writing and Social and Cultural Anthropology, both offered at Mira Loma High School, would give students the opportunity to deepen their interests and consider fields of study otherwise not available to them until college.

Country Day can also take advantage of its location in California’s capital to broaden its internship opportunities to include government and law. While the biology internships and prospective computer science work opportunities are valuable for STEM students, a comparable humanities internship program would ensure that all students have the same opportunities available to them.

Additionally, we hope the school continues to expand the STEM curriculum to include classes with no prerequisites, such as AP Psychology and AP Statistics, providing both STEM- and humanities-focused students with a greater variety of classes.

Lastly, making visual and performing arts electives, such as AP Studio Art, academic classes would allow artists to flourish within the high school curriculum and put more emphasis on nontraditional fields, while also opening their elective slots to even more course opportunities, creating more flexible schedules.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR KEEPING US IN THE BLACK! Anand family, Barnard-Bahn coaching and counseling, Crawford family, Frankel family, Intel Foundation, Monasa family, Rye family, Schep-Smit family, Situ family, Trivedi family

“Star Wars” is by far my favorite franchise. It has amazing music, great action and a compelling story that constantly keeps you wanting more.

On Dec. 20, the saga will end with “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” I’m so excited about this movie and have been doing everything I can to know as much as I can about the premise as soon as possible. Since watching the worldwide trailer premiere live last year with sophomore Ethan Monasa, I was convinced it would be a great film.

The second trailer, which came out on Aug. 26, made me a bit teary due to the heartwarming highlights of all the “Star Wars” movies at the beginning.

The final trailer came out on Oct. 21.

After watching it, I’m confident it will be the best of the trilogy by far and a fantastic conclusion to the saga.

During the summer, I wanted to see see how long I could go wearing a “Star Wars” T-shirt every day. The goal soon changed to whether I could make it to the opening of the movie (I already have tickets). With 126 consecutive days of “Star Wars” shirts in total, that’s no easy task. No mistakes, no breaks, just “Star Wars” shirts. When this article comes out for print, I will be on Day 120.

My favorite character of the franchise is Obi-Wan Kenobi (or Coleman Trebor).

Obi-Wan is great in “A New Hope” when he sacrifices himself to the Force during his battle with Darth Vader. It’s one of the most Jedi-like acts in all of “Star Wars” because instead of attacking Darth Vader, he chooses to be defensive.

Another amazing scene is in “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” It takes place on the planet Mustafar. Anakin Skywalker fully turns to the dark side, saddening Obi-Wan to the point that he is just a shell of a man. If you look carefully, you can see that Obi-Wan remains defensive as Anakin ruthlessly attacks him.

Some of the lines in this scene are also memorable, such as “You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you,” or “It’s over, Anakin; I have the high ground.”

One of my favorite scenes in the franchise is the Order 66 sequence from “Revenge of the Sith,” in which Darth Sidious orders the clone army to turn its back on the Jedi and kill them. It tells a different story than other movies in which the good guys win. It is also dramatized perfectly, with each Jedi slowly getting picked off one by one.

A lot of people dislike the first two movies of the new trilogy, “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,” a sentiment that I only partially understand.

“The Force Awakens” was a really good movie that could have set up a fantastic trilogy. It had some great characters, and Rey’s backstory easily could have been made into a great connection with the other trilogies. It was merely the switch of directors from “The Force Awakens” to “The Last Jedi” that caused a problem with the story development.

When people say the new trilogy is bad, they usually are talking about “The Last Jedi,” which is only half of it so far.

When the prequels — “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” “Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones” and “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith” — came out, everyone said they dishonored “Star Wars.” Nowadays, everyone loves them, and if the pattern continues, everyone will start liking the new trilogy.

Overall, “Star Wars” is great for many reasons – its amazing characters, perfect scenes and fabulous story – making it the best series of films ever.

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December 17, 2019 • Feature

Senior’s involvement in classical Indian dance provides friends, introduces dialects and heritage tell the story, to convey the meaning behind the story. It’s like acting.”

On this Saturday, Krishnan practices a he wavering tones of the music perdance called Dashavataram, which repmeate the closed door, below which resents the story of the 10 incarnations of various pairs of shoes arch around.

The dance room is almost barren Lord Vishnu, a Hindu god. Using the beat with a typical open floor, a ceiling-length of the music, she and other members tranmirror on one wall, a heater against anoth- sition through 10 poses representing Lord Vishnu’s evolutions. er wall and a shelf covering the back wall.

Through dance, Krishnan said she has The 11 members present range from high school juniors to middle-aged moth- learned bits of other Indian dialects and ers, all dressed in traditional practice attire connected with her culture via the stories — a sari (long fabric wrap worn by Indian she tells.

“I already speak Tamil, and dance has women), an undershirt and pants. allowed me to An older member sets up the dance mulearn parts of Sansic on her phone beskrit and other Infore placing it next to a “I like that I am able to dian languages,” Bluetooth speaker and said Krishnan.

“I connect with my culture, resuming her position. like that I am able The dancers spring religion and ancestry to connect with to life with the first through dance, somemy culture, religion note, slapping and thing that is very importand ancestry through pounding their feet dance, something that ant to me.” while their hands — Anuradha Krishnan is very important to create representame.” tional forms. The Krishnan conveys dancers aren’t in both religious and fictional stories through sync, however. Occasionally, a member will stop and stare dance.

“I can tell whatever story I want,” said at the mirror in confusion before jumping Krishnan. “The stories that we tell, a lot of back into action.

Every Saturday, senior Anuradha Krish- them come from the stories that have been nan spends her afternoons at Sierra 2 passed down and (are about) a specific god Center (2791 24th St.) practicing clas- or event. My teacher even choreographed a sical Indian dance, or more specifically, dance that tells the story of Ra, an Egyptian sun god.

Bharatanatyam.

“The stories that I tell or the stories that Bharatanatyam originated in the temples in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, my dance teacher tells me, they are all reIndia, where Krishnan’s family is from. ally inspiring. And a lot of it connects me Dancers tell religious stories from Hindu to my music lessons or my Sunday school.”

Krishnan’s passion stemmed from texts through hand gestures, facial expreswatching professional dancers and from sions and poses.

“There’s two major parts to it,” Krishnan her mother, Priya Krishnan, teaching her said. “One is the geometric movements the basics. Priya started dancing as a todof your body and the rhythmic sequences dler and continues to practice to this day in that you stamp your feet in or the angles the same class as her daughter.

“Dance has always been fun for me, and that you move your body. There’s also I wanted Anu to experience that as well,” the creative part. Priya Krishnan said.

According to Priya, AnuYou have to be in touch with your radha showed an early in-

T

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BY EMMA BOERSMA

expressions and your emotions to

STANDING TALL Anuradha Krishnan, center of second row, performs at a dance festival at California State University, Sacramento in 2017. According to Krishnan, the noncompetitive festival featured many dance schools from Sacramento and the Bay Area. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISHNAN terest in dancing. Anuradha’s informal four of us on stage doing the whole dance lessons began with her mother, who taught as if it were a solo. Or sometimes I’ll even her “mudras” (hand gestures) as well as just do a solo dance.” other basic moves.

Although she doesn’t compete, she perIn Priya’s eyes, this passion for dance has forms often at fundraisers, her group’s only grown with Anuradha’s skill. annual shows, local dance festivals and “She and her friends have a lot of fun California State University, Sacramento. dancing together,” said Priya. “(Anuradha She also performed in her junior year in really) takes every opportunity she can to the high school Rockvember talent show, dance and is a quick learner.” winning first place with her performance Anuradha’s teacher, Katherine Kunhira- of Ganesha Vandana. man, was in the hospital and unavailable But performing for other people is just for comment. one of the things that Krishnan appreciates Anuradha began classes about a decade about dancing. ago in Southern California and found her “There are so many good things about teacher after moving to Sacramento. it, whether it’s having the opportunity “Each teacher runs their own school,” to dance with my explained Krishnan. “I friends, to make do Bharatanatyam, but new friends, to (tell within that dance there “ You have to be in touch stories) or to conare different styles, like with your expressions nect to my culture,” in ballet.”

Krishnan said. and your emotions to The style that KrishShe has also tell the story, to convey nan and her mother learned practical life the meaning behind the do is Kalakshetra. skills through dance, According to Wikinamely time managestory.” pedia, “The Kalak— Krishnan ment and responsibilshetra style is notity. Balancing dance ed for its angular, with Krishnan’s acastraight, ballet-like demic classes and after-school activities, kinesthetics” and removal of “emotional such as Mock Trial, is no easy task, and elements evocative of the erotic, such as some days she has to make some sacrifices. hip, neck, lip and chest movements.”

“There have been times where I’ve been They also know Kathakali, another one like, ‘Oh, my God, I have so much to do’ on of the eight forms of classical Indian dance. this one day,” Krishnan said. “Sure, those Since joining, Krishnan has progressed kinds of things come into my head someto the senior advanced class and occasion- times. But overall, I wouldn’t want to stop.” ally helps teach the classes below her. She In fact, Krishnan plans to join an Indian also sings classical Indian music, although dance team in college. she prefers to dance.

“I made so many of my good friends Traditionally, the dances are chothrough dance here, and I hope to do the reographed for soloists, so Krishsame there,” said Krishnan. “I want to do it nan’s group rearranges them. for the rest of my life.”

“Sometimes we’ll split up the choreography so there’ll be two groups on stage; one group will do this, one group will do that,” Krishnan said. “Sometimes we’ll all do it together. Sometimes it’ll be

INDICATING INCARNATIONS Krishnan depicts five of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, a powerful Hindu god. From left: Kurma (giant tortoise), second incarnation; Vamana (dwarf), fifth incarnation; Balarama (farmer), eighth incarnation; Buddha (founder of Buddhism); and Kalki (figure with drawn sword atop a white horse), 10th incarnation. PHOTOS BY EMMA BOERSMA

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Feature • December 17, 2019

The Octagon

Program brings music, youthful dialogue to elderly in Sacramento

BY LARKIN BARNARD-BAHN

W

henever senior Bill Tsui visited his great aunt in an elderly living center, he said the situation felt depressing.

“At first when we’d see her, she’d be so happy to see all of us,” Tsui said. “But from what I heard from my grandparents, she’s not that happy there.

“If you have been to an elderly living center, you will see a lot of the elderly just don’t know what to do. It’s just really boring. They’re underserved. People should be visiting them more.”

Three years ago, Tsui began to change that at a local level.

After learning about Lifting Spirits with Music from former member Allison Zhang, ’19, Tsui, who has played the flute for six years, joined the program.

Through this community outreach program, student musicians perform in independent, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in the Sacramento area. During holiday and summer breaks, students also perform at the Sutter Cancer Center, Shriners Hospital for Children and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic at the former Mather Air Force Base.

In 2002, Kathy Atkins officially founded Lifting Spirits for her master’s degree program in gerontology and music at California State University, Sacramento.

Since then, over 750 student musicians — whom Atkins calls her “team members” — from the Sacramento area have joined the program, including five from SCDS: Zhang, Chardonnay Needler, ’19, Tsui and juniors Sarina Rye and Ming Zhu. Rye and Zhu joined Lifting Spirits last year.

Like Tsui, Rye learned of the program through Zhang. Since members of Country Day’s chamber orchestra already practice Christmas music, Rye said Zhang asked if they wanted to participate in Lifting Spirits’ December concert.

“I really liked the experience, and at that time I needed community service (hours),” Rye said. “So

I was like, ‘Sign me up!’ I’m doing it again this year, even though I don’t need more community service hours.”

For her first Lifting Spirits concert — in a quintet with Zhang, Needler, senior Emma Boersma and junior Elise Sommerhaug — Rye performed with the violin, which she has played since fifth grade. However, she soon taught herself the ukulele, which became her main instrument for CHRISTMAS COVER At Carlton Senior Living on Dec. 8, junior Sarina Rye sings and performs on the Lifting Spirits.

“Otherwise, I don’t get a ukulele “Last Christmas” by Wham! PHOTO BY ELISE SOMMERHAUG chance to perform with the ukuself. It makes you feel like you’re “Sometimes I just share, ‘Oh, always go and introduce myself lele,” Rye said. “It’s very different doing something good while also yeah, I just had finals, and it was to people and say, ‘Did you enjoy from the violin, and it’s more of benefiting from it.” so stressful,’” Tsui said. “They the program? What was your faa creative outlet. It’s more fun Atkins praised Zhu’s musician- just like hearing that because it’s vorite part?’ and tell them a little to listen to, especially since (the ship. something they don’t really hear bit more about the ukulele if they concerts have) a lot of piano and “Ming is the consummate mu- that often. When you talk about want to know.” violin (performances).” sician,” Atkins said. “He is pol- your life, and you ask them about Atkins also noted that Rye is Atkins agreed. ished and professional when he their life and experiences, you clearly more confident than when “Sarina’s choice of playing the performs, and the audience is en- realize that they’re people, too — she joined Lifting Spirits. ukulele has added a new dithralled with his music. they’re not just the audience, and “For me, the most rewarding mension to the programs,” “He played a duet with anoth- they actually have a story behind part (of Lifting Spirits) is having she said. “She has choer student last year, and it was so them. such caring young people in my sen songs that relate wonderful that I’ve shared it with “It’s not just an experience for life, watching them grow in conto the residents many people because I recorded them. It’s also an experience for fidence and warmth,” Atkins said. in the audiit. He’s just me because I learn more about Audience members’ reactions ence, many of outstand- the people around me. That’s re- to the music have also created whom had ing and so ally important.” rewarding and memorable moplayed the “No matter what hapwarm and Team members can sign up for ments for her. ukuconfident.” roles such as program coordipens, these people ap“One of the veterans (at a VA lele G a i n - nator and greeter. Once the stu- Clinic performance) came up to when preciate you just being ing confi- dents arrive at the concert, they me afterward and said, ‘You can’t t h e y here and trying to do dence onstage run the show, according to Atkins. believe how much this has made w e r e is a significant Tsui uses his role as a presid- a difference for me.’ He said it your best. That’s why I younger.” benefit of joiner — the person who introduces was just phenomenal,” Atkins do it.”

Zhu, who ing the pro- the musicians — to better engage said. “A former team member has played — Ming Zhu gram, accord- with the audience. wrote (to me) that a lady in her the clarinet ing to Rye and “When I first went (to Lifting 90s, a former concert pianist, was since third Zhu. Spirits concerts, students) usually so inspired by his performance grade, also “No matter what happens, just went up, played their instru- of a Rachmaninoff Prelude that heard about the program through these people appreciate you just ments and looked like they didn’t she was going to start practicing word-of-mouth. being here and trying to do your want to be there, which seems re- again.”

Last year, history teacher Bill best,” Zhu said. “That’s why I do ally boring,” Tsui said. “So I deTsui said the performances are Crabb instituted a service-learnit.” cided to change it up a bit.” especially meaningful for audiing project as a requirement for Tsui said he also enjoys the To catch the audience’s ence members who are former the sophomore project, and he low-stakes concerts. attention, Tsui startmusicians. suggested Lifting Spirits to Zhu, “The most important thing is ed telling jokes and whose project focused on jazz.

“A touching moment was when that you’re sharing the care for talking about his “People seem much more atone of the elderly started tearthese people,” he said. “It’s not life between acts. tentive when I’m performing ing up when they saw me bereally about you and how you “I wanted to in the elderly places,” Zhu said. cause they were play. It’s about what you do to make more “People would look at you and reminded make their spirits lifted.” of a differbe super focused, sort of like in a of what “It’s not just an experiIn fact, Atkins’ journey to creat- ence, so zone where they’re just listening they did ence for them.

It’s also ing Lifting Spirits began because I just to the music. back in the of the relaxed nature of these added an experience for me “Playing a really good piece on day,” Tsui types of concerts. To improve her a bit of stage and watching people enjoy because I learn more said.

“They confidence on stage while she m y s e l f it also brings enjoyment to yourwere talking to pursued her music degree, she into the pro- about the people started performing at nursing and gram,” he around me. That’s really me about how they’re so hapretirement homes. said. “I do important.” py that people While doing this, she noticed something — Bill Tsui are still doing that most musicians never inter- d i f f e r e n t this and helpacted with the residents. all the time ing people.”

“I think that the people in the to make it

MUSICAL MEETING Senior Bill Tsui talks with a resident at Winding Commons Senior Living during a post-concert “Meet the Artists” session in 2018. PHOTO COURTESY OF TSUI

nursing homes are hungry for people to pay attention to them individually,” Atkins said.

To fulfill this need, a “Meet the Artists” session follows every Lifting Spirits concert.

“One of the primary goals of the program is to establish a dialogue between the two generations: seniors and young people,” Atkins said.

For students who do not have grandparents living nearby, these discussions provide learning opportunities, according to Atkins.

“For the residents, it is uplifting and refreshing to know that the world is going to be fine with such kind, motivated young people leading our world in the future,” she said.

Tsui said this interaction is the most important and enjoyable part of the program.

more special.”

Atkins said she and the audience enjoy Tsui’s anecdotes.

“His personality has just shone,” she said. “When he presides, or when he talks, he always has some kind of a funny story to talk about, and it puts everybody at ease. Bill usually has a short story about the piece or composer — (he’s) always able to draw the audience in. He’s very comfortable talking to the residents in the audience, and it’s really fun to listen to him.”

Through her role as a greeter — in which she welcomes audience members and hands out programs — Rye said she has “enhanced her people skills.”

“I’m still a very shy person, but I always sign up to do the greeting positions,” Rye said. “At the end, I’m always a little nervous, but I

Audience members have sung along to his music, Tsui said.

Once, an elderly person even began playing the piano.

Seventeen years after she officially founded Lifting Spirits, Atkins said the program’s growth has surprised her.

“When I designed this program, I was in my 50s, and I was designing it for old people,” Atkins said.

“Now I’m 77, and I’m designing it for me!”

Tsui, Rye and Zhu said they are happy they joined the program but wish they had done so sooner.

“I didn’t know about this program until Allison started talking about it to me,” Tsui said. “For that, I’m really grateful, but at the same time, I wish someone would have told me earlier because this really is a cool experience.”

The Octagon

December 17, 2019 • Feature

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IIllustration by Eric Lechpammer

Streaming service offers students access to childhood favorites, Disney originals, competes with Netflix and Amazon for users Disney+ — it’s just a cherry on top,” he said.

Other students, such as junior fter being released on Avi Krishna, are drawn to Disney+ Nov. 12, Disney+ — with by its bundle deals — which inan easy-to-use interclude ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ face, a well-designed for $13 a month — as well as a app, a large selection of TV shows year of Disney+ for free if customand movies and a cheap price ers switch to Verizon’s unlimited of $6.99 a month — is already a data plan. worldwide phenomenon compet“While I don’t like Disney as a ing with the top dogs in streamcompany, the bundles that it is ing services. offering are great,” Krishna With a collection of nearly 500 said. “I watch a lot of sports, movies and 7,500 episodes of so ESPN+ is a great addition, TV that span generations of “I think that it was really my Hulu isn’t too bad and DisDisney, from the old TV shows ney+ has some of the highof the 2000s to the newest love of Disney that made est-grossing films from the movies and even originals me want to buy it. I grew past decade available. I get such as the “Star Wars” spinoff up with all these shows all of this for just $13 a month, “The Mandalorian,” Disney+ and movies, and it’s kind which is a killer deal,” Krishna already has more than half said. of like a blast to the past the number of titles that However, one of the biggest Netflix offers. for me.” drawbacks, according to freshDisney+ amassed more — Dylan Margolis man Samhita Kumar, is the lack than 10 million subscribof genres offered by Disney+. ers, including many Coun“Honestly, the reason I “I already have Netflix, and try Day students, within want Disney+ is because of “The what they have on there is the first day of operation. enough for me,” Kumar said. “I Out of 100 students polled, 41% Mandalorian,” said Trivedi.

“I love ‘Star Wars’ so much, don’t think that it is worth the said they have already bought Disney+, and another 29% said and I had heard a lot about ‘The money, at least for me. Don’t get Mandalorian’ and really wanted me wrong — I like Disney movies, would like to have it.

Thirteen percent of students to watch it. I’m not the biggest but I don’t really want to pay for didn’t have a streaming service Disney fan, but I think that it’s them. Netflix has everything that before the release of Disney+, a wonderful idea, and the sev- I want.”

Whereas Disney+ had a subleaving only 17% of students en-day free trial that they offer is polled with a streaming service really helpful to see if you really scriber count of 10 million on the want to buy it. After using it, I do first day of release, Netflix obnot wanting Disney+.

Sophomore Dylan Margolis want to buy it, even if it is only for tained 7.38 million subscribers in its first year. said purchasing the service was ‘Star Wars.’”

Margolis, however, said “The According to senior David Situ, an obvious choice.

Disney’s immediate success can “I think that it was really my Mandalorian” is a bonus.

“Even if ‘The Mandalorian’ be attributed to its marketing love of Disney that made me want wasn’t available, I would still buy strategy.

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BY ARJIN CLAIRE

to buy it,” said Margolis. “I grew up with all these shows and movies, and it’s kind of like a blast to the past for me.”

Another marketing strategy Disney used to draw more attention to its new service is the introduction of original series. The release of its highly anticipated “The Mandalorian,” has drawn many “Star Wars” fans.

One such fan is sophomore Arijit Trivedi.

“Disney allowed people to preorder their service, which helped them to get more subscribers on the first day of release,” Situ said.

Disney has also removed everything it owned off of other streaming services, forgoing hundreds of millions of dollars in deals with services like Netflix to start its own service.

“This is probably the biggest immediate impact that Disney+ will have on the streaming industry, and they probably have decided that long-term profit outweighs the short-term loss,” Situ said.

“Now that they have removed their movies and shows, they have broken up the market even more. When streaming first started out, you would have everything in one spot on a couple of services, but with more providers, everything is getting broken up, and Disney is contributing to this by only allowing Disney to be on their service.

Personally, I don’t think that the need for just Disney is there, and it is a very specific niche.”

Another problem for Situ is the market that Disney is catering to.

“Disney is really marketing towards kids, and I don’t fit into that market,” Situ said.

“Right now it’s a lot of

old movies and TV shows that I have already seen, so I don’t really have a need for it. I get more genres from other streaming services, and if I really wanted to, I can watch anything that is on Disney+ for free. Up until they start releasing more original TV shows and newer movies, there is no point in me getting it.”

Disney+ has additional original TV shows in the works.

Photos retrieved from Disney+

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Endpoint • December 17, 2019

Star Star WarS

BY DYLAN MARGOLIS

I

n 1977, everything changed when an intergalactic story of heroes and villains was released.

“Star Wars” has inspired generations through 10 live-action films, three animated TV shows and one live-action TV show. On Friday, Dec. 20, the 42-year-long Skywalker saga (not including spinoff movies “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) will end with the release of “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker.”

“Star Wars” has affected generations of children from the 1980s to today. The movies came out in three trilogies about 15-20 years apart, allowing some viewers to have nostalgia for some of the movies but not for others. For example, biology teacher Kellie Whited stated, “The originals (Episodes IV-VI are) the only ones that matter.”

Whited said “Star Wars” has always been a part of her life. “‘Star Wars’ was a large part of my childhood,” she said. “I grew up playing with the toys and recreating the scenes. Even as an adult, I still like ‘Star

‘Episode IV: A New Hope’ (1977)

the Timeline continues

‘Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

‘Episode I: The Phantom Menace’ (1999)

the

through the years

Wars.’ One of the first dates with my husband was to go see ‘Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.’”

Whited said the movies worsened when the prequels (Episodes I-III) came out, but she thinks the sequels so far (Episodes VII-VIII) have been pretty good.

“The prequels were pretty bad,’’ Whited said. “There shouldn’t be romance in ‘Star Wars,’ and don’t even get me started about Jar Jar Binks. But the new trilogy has been good. It has a similar feeling to the originals that got me to like ‘Star Wars’ in the beginning.”

Sophomore Arijit Trivedi said the first “Star Wars” movie he saw was “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” and he has loved the franchise ever since.

“When I first saw ‘Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace,’ I was enthralled by the mysterious Jedi, which led me to watch the rest of the ‘Star Wars’ movies by the release date. I now always watch the new movies as soon as they come out and have become a big fan. ” Middle school science teacher Cade Grunst said: “I liked the movies more when I was a kid – the Ewoks

‘Episode II: Attack of the Clones’ (2002)

‘Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’ (1983)

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were fun – but now as an adult, I’m not the target audience anymore. I still definitely like ‘Star Wars.’ ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ was great, especially how they put the rebellion in a pretty bad light, almost as though they were terrorists. That new angle was interesting.”

Senior Jackson Margolis said the prequels received a bad rap.

“Sure, the prequels are not as good as the original trilogy, but I think they are funny, interesting and most of all entertaining,” Margolis said. “I also really like ‘Star Wars’ because it has good character development that makes me invested in the story.”

Grunst said he continues to watch the movies because they help him bond with his students.

“Nowadays, everyone has seen ‘Star Wars,’ so it’s great to have something that I can talk about with almost every single one of my students,” Grunst said.

Whited says the main reason she likes “Star Wars” is the messages.

“There’s a lot of really good messages in ‘Stars Wars,’ like good triumphs over evil, fighting for what you believe in and the little guy can prevail,” Whited said.

‘Episode VII: The Force ‘Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker’ (2019) Awakens’ (2015)

‘Episode III: Revenge of the Sith’ (2005)

SAGA so far...

‘Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’ (2017)

Sequel Trilogy (2015-2019) Prequel Trilogy (1999-2005) Taking place 32 years before the original series, this trilogy features many of the beloved characters displayed in the first film.

The prequels focus on Anakin Skywalker’s journey from a slave boy to Darth Vader.

In “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” Anakin is found by two Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn.

Obi-Wan trains Anakin because Qui-Gon is killed by Darth Maul.

“Episode II: Attack of the Clones” picks up 10 years after its predecessor. At this point, Anakin is almost a Jedi knight. He then falls in love with Senator Padme Amidala and marries her — forbidden in the Jedi Order.

Anakin starts turning to the dark side after his mother is killed

by Tusken Raiders. He takes revenge and kills all of them, and not just the men, but the

women and children too.

Also, The Clone Wars have begun.

Three years later, “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” begins with Anakin as a top-ranking general in the Clone Wars, fighting side by side with General Kenobi.

Anakin begins having visions of Padme dying in childbirth and joins the Sith in the hope of saving her.

In doing so, he allows Darth Sidious to execute Order 66, killing all of the Jedi.

Anakin and ObiWan duel until ObiWan has the high ground. Obi-Wan cuts off Anakin’s legs, causing him to fall right next to lava, igniting his entire body in flames.

Obi-Wan leaves, and Darth Sidious saves Anakin by turning him into Darth Vader.

Padme gives birth to Luke and Leia, then dies.

Original Trilogy (1977-1983) This trilogy was the first to be released and features three primary characters: Luke Sywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia.

“Episode IV: A New Hope” begins with farmboy Luke Skywalker searching for something meaningful. He meets two droids who carry the plans to the Evil Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star. They lead him to Obi-Wan Kenobi.

After hiring the pilot Han Solo to fly them to the Rebel Alliance, they are all captured by the Death Star. In the process of escaping, they find and rescue Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan sacrifices his life.

Luke then uses the Force to destroy the Death Star Three years later, in “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back,” Luke gets a message saying that he must be trained

by Jedi Master Yoda.

During Luke’s training,

Leia and Han are captured by Darth Vader on Bespin, forcing Luke to go and save him.

Luke duels Darth Vader, who reveals his true identity as Luke’s father. Han is frozen in carbonite to be given to ganglord Jabba the Hutt.

Leia breaks free and saves Luke from death.

One year later, “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” begins, and Leia kills Jabba the Hutt in order to rescue Han. Yoda tells Luke that there is another Skywalker, then dies peacefully. Luke realizes that Leia is his sister.

The Rebel Alliance heads to the Empire’s second Death Star, and a battle ensues.

Luke confronts Darth Vader, who eventually decides to turn back to the light side. They then work together to defeat the Emperor, and Darth Vader dies.

The Rebel Alliance wins, and the Empire is finally defeated.

This trilogy takes place 30 years after the original and follows the characters Rey, Poe and Finn.

In “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” the First Order has replaced the Empire as the villain.

The Resistance, led

by Leia, is searching for Luke. Poe, a top Resistance pilot, is captured by the First Order and saved by Finn, a former stormtrooper.

They crash-land on Jakku. Poe manages to escape, while Finn is left alone.

Finn finds Rey, a Force-sensitive girl, and together they attempt to return to the Resistance. They find Han and convince him to rejoin the rebellion.

After finding Luke’s lightsaber, Rey gets captured by Kylo Ren, Han and Leia’s evil child.

Finn and Han arrive at the Resistance base and embark on a mission to Starkiller Base, the First Order’s new

superweapon, where Rey is trapped. They destroy the base, but Kylo kills Han. Rey escapes and finds Luke.

“Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” begins moments after “The Force Awakens.”

Luke agrees to train Rey. The First Order will soon be able to obliterate the Resistance, who are low on fuel.

So Poe, Finn and a mechanic, Rose, attempt to sneak onto a First Order ship and turn off their tracking device.

Their mission fails, but they escape.

Kylo and Rey team up and kill Supreme Leader Snoke, then decide to part sides.

A battle occurs at an old Rebellion base, and Luke appears to fight Kylo. Kylo realizes Luke was using the Force to distract him.

Rey shows up in the Millennium Falcon, allowing them to escape. Luke dies of exhaustion, and his body becomes one with the Force.

GRAPHICS BY ARIJIT TRIVEDI AND HÉLOÏSE SCHEP