The Voice - November/December, 2015

VOLUME XXXII | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

Advisory Community system, pg. 18

pg 19

Study Spots

Lauren Washington ‘18 gives us ideas for quiet places to study for finals. From around campus, to various locations around Kansas City, these places might be the key to all of your study needs.

Cursive: A Lost Art?

pg 6-7

Laura Hibschman ‘16 interviews faculty and students around Pembroke Hill, asking them if cursive is important to our society and whether or not we should fight for its survival.

Table of Contents pg 23

Richard Dawkins In his column, “Dam Straight,” Dylan Dameron ‘16 tells us about his experience seeing Richard Dawkins, when the renowned evolutionary biologist came to Kansas City.

pg 8

Fall Fashion Emily Cohen ‘17 tells us why “basic” fall fashion still have a place in our wardrobes because of how praticle and comfortable they are.

BUZZ [Holidays]

Top Ten Favorite American Holidays: •

2. Thanksgiving •

• •

Americans consume roughly 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863 The first Thanksgiving lasted three days Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

1. Christmas

•

• • • •

3. Halloween 4. Fourth of July 5. Easter 6. New Year’s 7. Memorial Day 8. Labor Day 9. My birthday 10. Valentine’s Day and Hanukkah (tie)

•

Norwegian scientists have hypothesized that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.

Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since 1850 Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday in 1836 1.76 billion candy canes are made annually. That’s enough to circle the planet 6 and a half times!

The largest gingerbread man ever made weighed 466 pounds

More cars are stolen on New Year’s Day than any other holiday The history of Hannukah predates Christmas The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means dedication The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball is covered in 2,688 crystals

PHS:

November/December in Review

Yurie Heard ‘16, Ellison Rooney ‘18, and Caroline Rooney ‘18 competed at State. Heard won her second straight singles title, and the Rooney sisters took third place in Doubles. The whole Tennis team took third overall at State!

Carrie Hughes ‘19, Meghan Hibschman ‘19, and Nathan Turtledove ‘19 show their Royals spirit in preparation for the last game of the World Series.

PHS Coed Cross Country Team went to State! The enitre Varsity girls participated, as well as a few boys: Reece Jones ‘19, Matheus Ramos ‘17, and Evan Peterson ‘16.

Jones placed 10th and Peterson placed 2nd!

Juniors Brandon Washington ‘17, Jake Jones ‘17, Gregory Bortnick ‘17, Alex Hyrina ‘17, and Kieffer DeMayo ‘17, shuck corn at Harvester along with teachers Madame Huycke and Mr. Diffendaffer!

4

Kindergarteners don their finest as they strut through the Lower Campus as part of our annual Ghost Walk.

Middle School Spotlight Middle School Coordinator: Jacqueline Kincaid

Fall Play

Fall Sports Wrap-Up

MS Staff Writer: Ava Sweeney Photos: George Mathews

For six weeks, middle school actors gathered in Centennial Hall theater after school to do what they love: act. Twenty students joined this year’s performance of The Hobbit.

Many tried out because of the fun atmosphere and their love of acting. Others gave it a try because they liked The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, or thought it was a golden opportunity to make friends.

Director Lynn King believes the young actors have potential, while the actors ecommend the play highly to others. Hannah Fraga, who plays Mr. Bilbo Baggins, recalls that by the second week of practice she had already learned so much about not just acting, but her fellow cast members too.

Charlotte Ganter, who plays dwarf leader, Thorin, loves acting and thinks the play is really enjoyable because it’s a great way to get involved in the school and meet people from different grades who have the same interests.

On stage, the veteran actors felt relaxed, while the newcomers were ecstatic. “I would recommend the play to others because it’s very fun and interactive,” says Tate Angrist, who plays Bombur the dwarf.

“Plus, you really get to express yourself.”

This year’s play wouldn’t happen without Mrs. King. She has been directing plays for thirteen years, eight of which have been at PHS. She chose The Hobbit because she loved it so much, and she has wanted to direct it for years. She knew that the story would be a challenge, but that her talented actors could do it: “I would absolutely recommend the fall play to others. There is an amazing set design class who makes it come alive and the actors are so hard-working. The audience will be thrilled with the finished product.”n

MS Staff Writer: John Dickey Photos: John Dickey Soccer: During the Metropolitan Private School League (MPSL) tournament, the A team got second place in the league. Also, during the MPSL, the B team had a fun season and placed 8th. The team would like to thank Coach Garrett and Coach Chris for all the work they did for the team.

Football: The 5th and 6th grade football team got 6th in the division, and their record was 5-4.

Jack Embry scored 8 touchdowns, Elijah Klock blocked two punts and had 57 sacks.

Also, Lowell Burd threw five touchdowns, and Pierce Canavan got three pick sixes.

The 7th and 8th grade team did very well by having a 6-1 record for the season. They placed 2nd in their division, losing to the team that defeated them in the regular season.

Student Spotlight MS Staff Writer: Sydney Siegel Photos: George Mathews Isabella Privitera a 7th grader at PHS, recently won the World Championship horseback riding competition at the Kentucky State Fair. She was crowned the World’s Champion of Champions as the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation rider on the final day of the horse show.

V: How old were you when you began horseback riding?

IP: Five; maybe almost six.

V: How old were you for your first competition?

IP: I was seven. It was at the American Royale.

V: Which kinds of horses do you ride?

IP: Mostly Saddle Breeds.

Volleyball: The 6th grade volleyball team’s record was 7-3, and they had a great season thanks to coaches Tiffany and Stephanie. Estella won the most team spirit award, Maren won the 110% award, Sophie received the Raider Award, Sarah won MVP, Leyna got the most improved award, and Brooke and Jamilia won the best setter award. The 7th and 8th grade team did very well too thanks to the coaches. The team won so many games that they lost track! Also, it’s not about how well you did but, rather, how hard you tried.

Field Hockey: The 7th grade field hockey team was unstoppable this year. Although they started their season with a loss, they quickly picked up speed and won seven games straight, ending their season with a 7-6 record. n

V: Do you ride English or Western style?

IP: English.

V: Where do you practice, and how long is a typical day of practice?

IP: I practice at the Everglades Farm. It’s usually an hour and thirty minutes.

V: What is your horse’s name?

IP: Angel.

V: Do you like running or jumping?

IP: Probably running. n

5

“

While I may be outnumbered in this opinion, I believe that even in this growing age of technology, it is important to maintain a place in our busy lives to appreciate handwritten work. Close that laptop, put your phone to sleep, and pull out a pen and a piece of paper. Now, write.

While they do not deny the convenience of word processing, many of my teachers have found small ways to keep handwriting in our lives. In Economics, Mr. Duckworth insists we take handwritten notes (after all, studies have shown that we remember more when we write by hand). In junior English, Mrs. Abernathy required all of our short writing assignments to be handwritten. Why? So that she could not only “put a face to a name” but match our unique handwriting to our person. If that isn’t truly getting to know someone, I don’t know what is.

People are already born that will never understand the concept of a corded phone or a floppy disk. Please, for the sake of humanity, do not let the next generations be so consumed by technology that they become unable to write. I can deal with the end of cursive, despite its beauty and connection to the past, but handwriting is truly an art in and of itself.

6

”

Laura Hibschman Senior Designer “Now turn to the Certification Statement. Copy the requested statement in cursive writing.”

Blank stares fill the room. Students’ pencils hover over the page as they try to recall how their second grade teachers taught them to write in script.

The proctor continues: “If you are not sure how to write in script, do the best you can. The statement must be made in your own handwriting style, and it is required. If you don’t complete it, your scores may be delayed or canceled. The quality of your writing will not be evaluated, nor will it affect your score. Sign your full name as you would on an official document.“ Groans and complaints fill the room as the teens prepare to tackle the most dreaded part of the already-hated test.

Yes, you read that right. For many, the most troublesome part of standardized tests isn’t scouring one’s memory in hopes of recalling the meaning of “prevaricate,” nor finding the area of the shaded portion of a circle overlapped with a square. No, the task that seems to leave the most students dumbfounded is copying one meager sentence in cursive.

If you’ve taken the PSAT or other standardized tests in the last few years (2012-2014), you know this experience well. Maybe, having diligently practiced your cursive handwriting daily since elementary school, you laughed at your confused classmates as you rocked the section. Or, most likely, you tried three times to create a cursive “I” before giving up, turning your paper sideways, and hoping slanted print would be close enough.

In the daily lives of most students and young adults today, cursive writing has become increasingly rare. While you

might see ornate script in history class while studying the Declaration of Independence, or on a birthday card sent by your dear Grandma Susan, you will probably be hard-pressed to meet very many high schoolers who write in cursive on a regular basis. Perhaps this is why in 2015, accompanying the redesign of the SAT, the College Board removed the cursive requirement of the Certification Statement on the PSAT. So why can’t anyone write in cursive these days? The answer may lie in the steep rise in technology use over the last decade or so. While many of my classmates recall rigorous handwriting lessons in elementary school 10 years ago--complete with special handwriting notebooks and a paper border stretching across classroom walls showing all the uppercase and lowercase cursive letters--today’s second and third graders may not be receiving the same level of handwriting education as we, along with our parents and grandparents, did years ago.

In the early 2000s, handwriting lessons began to disappear as computers became more widespread. According to a Vanderbilt University study, teachers in 2003 spent less than ten minutes a day teaching handwriting--dramatically lower than the reported two hours in the 1950s. Despite the dropping amount of time spent on these lessons, cursive still seemed to be regarded as a valuable skill in the majority of schools; in a 2007 survey of 200 first through third grade teachers nationwide, 90 percent reported that their schools required the teaching of cursive.

In addition to the decreasing focus on cursive handwriting instruction, Common Core education does not require teaching cursive, so many schools have

been dropping it from their curriculum, favoring lessons designed to prepare students for standardized tests. In 2011 and 2012, multiple states declared that their schools would now have to teach “keyboard proficiency,” replacing the requirement to teach cursive.

This recent drop in cursive handwriting education brings one question to mind: Is cursive a necessary skill in 2015?

In my observation, nearly every student today, and most adults for that matter, writes in print (or in a “blend” that is a form of sloppy print with some connected letters). Many high schoolers learned how to write in cursive but admit their skills are rusty since they haven’t used it for years. When asked if she could write in cursive, Hannah Buttshaw ‘18 responded yes, but clarified that “well, most of the letters I know, but sometimes I get confused. I can definitely write my signature though!”

Nonetheless, we remember how important our teachers told us it was to master cursive back then. Jada Large ‘17 explained, “I can write in cursive because my old school forced us to. They had us write in cursive all the time, so I guess they thought it was pretty important.”

Does it matter to us, though? No, not really. The only practical use of cursive these days seems to be signing your name. According to Maddie Tolsdorf ‘16, “If you want to have a good signature when you’re an adult, it is probably good to learn cursive when you’re younger.”

Buttshaw adds, “I think that the need for cursive is going to always be present because as you get older and have to sign legal documents,...but as far as learning the entire alphabet, it just doesn’t seem as important nowadays because of the surge

in importance of technology.” The consensus among millennials seems to be that besides having a good signature, the only reason to be proficient at cursive is to appear official or elite in some fashion.

It seems to be, then, that the reason people have stopped regularly using cursive is simple: It is not necessary in most parts of modern life. As Buttshaw explains, “It is an everyday need when you have to write your signature, but other than that people are veering away from it because of laptops and technology, etc. I don’t think many people, especially from our younger generation, write in cursive at all. I only see a few students doing it because they think it’s faster, which it probably is if you get good at it since the letters are connected, but I think most students prefer printing or typing.”

Middle and Upper School librarian Mrs. Erickson also shares her perspective on students’ handwriting preferences: “You really just don’t see handwriting that much since everything is printed, but the handwriting I do see from students is generally appalling across the board.” Considering many students carry an iPad, laptop, and cell phone with them at all times, and everything from schoolwork to creative hobbies has become electronic, writing is almost always done by typing on a keyboard or touchscreen, which has nearly eliminated the need for handwritten work. All of our texting and typing has caused most of our generation to neglect putting any effort into proper handwriting, causing it to deteriorate into an illegible scribble. n

â Despite the overwhelming responses I received claiming that cursive is not worth the effort, I did have to chance to talk to Evan Peterson ‘16, one of the few high schoolers at Pembroke who swears by his cursive.

V: When you have the choice, do you normally write in cursive or print?

EP: I always write in cursive. It’s just faster for me. Plus it looks pretty cool.

V: What was your experience learning cursive like?

EP: I learned cursive in fourth grade. We were required to write in cursive, no matter how bad we were at it or how long it took.

V: Do you think writing in cursive is an important skill today?

EP: I think everyone should at least know how to write in cursive. I don’t think it needs to be forced on students, but we should definitely be able to do it.

V: What is the general opinion high schoolers seem to have about cursive?

EP: I would say most high schoolers dislike writing in cursive. I don’t know of anyone under the age of sixty who writes in cursive. My grandmother and I, that’s about it.

V: Have you noticed a change in how many people write in cursive?

EP: I think everyone used to write in cursive because it looked more professional, but it doesn’t seem to matter much anymore.

V: Should schools continue to teach cursive at an early age?

EP: It would make sense to me that when kids are taught the alphabet, they should learn uppercase and lowercase letters in both print and cursive. That would be the easiest way for kids to learn at a young age.

7

“Wear what you want, and ignore the haters.”

Taking Back Basic: Why We Should Embrace Leggings

Emily Cohen Copy Editor Ah, fall. It’s my favorite season partly due to the changes in wardrobe, which are required during lower temperatures. Tooshort shorts are banished to the back of my closet for a couple months as I slip on my tall cozy socks that no one will even know I’m wearing under long, masquerading pants. (And, hey, boys aren’t the only ones who can participate in No-Shave-November, December, January....) Sadly, fall fashion for women appears to have experienced a so-called “epidemic” in recent years: that of the basic.

For those unfamiliar, “basic,” as it is used here, refers to something so common, so predictable that it is often spurned as unoriginal and uncreative. In fall, this term seems to apply to many activities and garments. Going apple picking, drinking a pumpkin spice latte, and snapping some photographic evidence that you are, in fact, taking advantage of fall’s offerings may be considered a “basic” fall activity. A certain style of clothes usually fits this description, as well: think big bushy infinity scarves, flannel shirts, vests, sweaters, leggings, and a variety of boots.

This is not a rant about basic fall fashion and how to avoid it.

You can bet that I will be sporting most of the aforementioned articles of clothing at some point this season because they are comfortable and my goosebumps demand it. Like me, many would agree that comfort and coziness are major aspects of fall fashion. So, why, then, are the choices that reflect this so often scorned and the people who wear them made fun of? Why are people turned off by wearing similar styles as others if those styles perfectly accommodate the changes in weather of the season? I speak in defense of comfort and warmth, and all the “basic” outfits that protect these ever-important (to most warm-blooded beings, anyway) qualities.

There’s a reason why these styles are so popular: they work.

Sweaters keep us cozy, boots protect our feet from surprise precipitation, and scarves serve as neck guards and even impromptu blankets. Jeans are the arguably the most versatile wardrobe staple, and the various elements make layering--a necessity when you’re shivering in the morning and sweating by noon--super easy. And, obviously, those leggings are way more forgiving than suffocating and revealing shorts, especially with this food-loving gal’s favorite holiday just around the corner and all the cookies and chocolate that I’ll inevitably eat this winter. But the comfort found in fashion shouldn’t be a purely physical feeling: if I’m feeling self-conscious, I can slip on oversized sweater and call it a day.

Maybe I’ll take a fashion risk another time, but today I want to wear what I know I’ll feel happy and relaxed in.

Though most would argue that anti-basic campaigns are all in good fun (example: a Buzzfeed article titled “25 Things All Basic White Girls Do During The Fall”), many would be disheartened, if only slightly, to be identified as basic. No one wants to be perceived as cliché, even if the only criterion critics have is choice of clothing. I find this phenomenon horribly narrow-minded, and “basic-shaming” should be stopped.

My point: don’t criticize others for their fashion choices, be they rebellious and daring or classic and simple or anywhere in between. But also don’t worry if your sense of style seems to resemble the basic, because no one should occupy themselves with the content of others’ closets anyway. An underlying theme of fashion is self-expression, so wear what you want and ignore the haters.

But don’t ignore the weather forecast, please; it can get pretty cold out there. n

Volunteers of PHS: Maddie Tolsdorf and Jada Large How has their experiences changed both the community and themselves?

Shaina Desai and Katoo Goossens Managing Editor and Contributor V: Where do you frequently volunteer?

MT: I volunteer at a food pantry nearby and with the Youth Volunteer Corps. I’ve been doing both for four years.

JL: I volunteer frequently with the organization Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC). Through them, I can go to nursing homes and work with children, whether it be at a daycare like Headstart or though a reading program like the Upper Room.

V: What is the cause of the establishment(s)?

MT: The food pantry helps distribute groceries to people in Johnson County, and the Youth Volunteer Corps creates and promotes service opportunities to youth around Greater Kansas City.

JL: It depends on the project. You can choose to go on a project where you work outdoors (raking leaves, pulling weeds etc..) to help the organization maintain and beautify their property, or, like I mentioned earlier, you can go to a nursing home and work with the residents and help the staff with whatever they need.

There are lots of different types of service to choose from, which will all have different causes depending on where you volunteer.

V: How often do you volunteer/how long have you volunteered and in what roles?

MT: On average, I volunteer about 4-6 hours every week. I typically just stay as a volunteer, but I have also been a part of the International Youth Advisory Board for YVC for two years.

JL: Probably about 2-3 times per month. I started volunteering with YVC the summer before 6th grade.

V: What is your favorite part about each organization?

MT: Because I’ve volunteered for such a long time with each organization, I’ve been able to see the difference I’ve made and formed bonds with my fellow volunteers.

JL: Personally, I don’t like outdoor work, but my favorite part about nursing homes is listening to the cool stories the residents have to tell. A lot of them have lived really interesting lives. As for working with kids, I like helping them learn, and they’re really cute.

V: What are some cool trips you have taken with the organizations or just something interesting about the organization itself and what you do?

MT: This past year, I went to Ann Arbor to give a presentation

and speak on a panel to around three hundred people about my volunteer experience. Having conversations about volunteer work with other youth leaders and volunteers was a really cool experience.

JL: I like how at Homestead of Leawood (a nursing home), we actually get to interact with the residents when they do their daily activities/games. For instance, when I was last there, we helped the residents bowl using a dodgeball and some plastic bowling pins. It’s also well-rounded because I’ve been to places where we just clean and organize the facility instead of interacting with the residents.

V: How has your volunteer experience influenced/changed your views, thinking, or daily life?

MT: Every time I volunteer, I realize how lucky I am.

JL: I’m more aware of the needs of the community, as well as what different organizations do to help meet those needs.

V: How has volunteering made you a better leader and enhanced your people skills?

MT: Since I’ve been part of various leadership positions within the organizations I’ve volunteered with, I’ve definitely learned how to be a better leader. I’ve also managed to cultivate my public speaking skills; I’ve given a lot of speeches about volunteer work.

JL: I’ve learned how to be comfortable with all types of people.

With every project, you meet a new set of people, so I’ve learned how to get to know people quickly, and how to get along and work together with them to get whatever our job is done.

V: How do you hope to take these experiences and implement them into your daily routine?

MT: I always try to take a moment to be grateful for what I have.

JL: Just by remembering to be thankful for the things I may take for granted on a regular basis.

V: What is your favorite memory/story about your volunteer work?

MT: One time, I volunteered with some younger kids, and one of them gave me her school photo to keep with me so I would remember her.

JL: A few years ago at El Centro, which is a childcare center, the volunteers were having a water balloon fight with the kids and like three of them ambushed me at the same time.

Natalie Dameron and Lindsay Luchinsky Staff Writers

Q: What’s your favorite video game?

A: I don’t really play video games anymore, but when I did, I liked NCAA Football.

Q: How long have you worked at Pembroke?

A: It’s complicated. I was here from 1994-1997, then I took an independent school lap around the country, then I returned in 2005.

Q: Given three words or phrases to describe yourself, what would they be?

A: Father, husband, son of a World War II veteran Q: If you had to make the argument that the History Hallway is the coolest hallway, what would you say?

A: We are closest to the coffee machine and to any leftover food in the faculty lounge.

Q: What’s your favorite song or album?

A: Song: The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (our wedding song) Album: The Essential Bruce Springsteen

mRS. Lamb

Q: In your opinion, what species is most likely to seize control of

Q:

How long have you been working at Pembroke Hill, and what’s been your favorite teaching moment since you started?

A: I’ve been here 15 years. My favorite moment was when my mom was able to visit my AP Psych class to see me teach. That was pretty special.

the planet?

A: Definitely dolphins--I am not fooled by those smiles.

Q

Q: What is your perfect pizza?

A: Chicken Barbecue at Spin Pizza.

Q: On your first day as President, what would you do?

A: Give all working adults eight weeks of vacation per

year. I feel lucky I’m in a profession that allows me at least that much time away every year, and I often wonder how other people who aren’t in education do it.

Q: If you could host a dinner party with anyone from history, who would it be and why?

know something.

They

Q: Do you play any instruments?

A: None Q: What is your favorite memory at Pembroke?

A: Commencement 2008. I ended up after the ceremony meeting with this amazing woman. I married her.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where

& A

would you go and why?

A: Vegas! I used to go twice a year. My wife and I

went there on our honeymoon. Then we had Holly and Harper. Our goal is to return for my 50th birthday in two years. It is, after all, America’s playground.

A: Leonardo da Vinci. He was a genius in so many different fields. I would be curious to know how he viewed himself and his talents.

Q: Favorite place in Kansas City?

A: One of my favorite spots is around 5th and Delaware in the River

Market. There are so many unique places there - Cafe Al Dente has amazing pasta, Quay Coffee is a great place to hang out, and they have antique shops there that you could spend the entire day exploring.

Q: What type of music do you listen to?

A: It depends on what I’m doing. If I need to really concentrate, I’ll listen

to classical. If I’m relaxing, it might be Jackson Browne or Steely Dan. Then there’s always Mr. McGee’s “Frank and Billy,” “Summer Roadtrip,” and “Holiday Celebration” CDs.

Q: Best piece of advice?

A: Ask yourself if what you’re upset about is going to still bother you in a day or

a week. If it’s not, let it go.

Q: What is your favorite word?

A: Serendipity. Least favorite word? Pustule.

mR. McGee

Photo Poll

Gina Pepitone and Ellie Ruland Copy Editor and Staff Writer

Darcy Bond ‘18: “My family has a nerf gun fight on Christmas day.”

Sarah Chamberlain ‘16: “For Thanksgiving, we always do a game tournament with my immediate family. We’d compete in darts, board games, etc., to see which one of us rises as a champion.”

Andrew Hughes ‘18: “On New Years, we burn our Christmas tree.”

Mr. Romick: “At midnight, every Christmas Eve, all of Mrs. Romick's closest friends join up in swaying, huggy circle to deliver a full-throated rendition of The Pogues immortal classic, "A Fairytale of New York". It wouldn't be the holidays without that experience.”

Schen Ong ‘17: “We play poker every year on Christmas.”

Kansas City is kicking ass right now.

The Royals just won the World Series, and everywhere you look, there seems to be another person sporting a KC Pride shirt. It seems like the Midwest is finally getting the recognition it deserves. From baseball to hometown pride, Kansas City is contesting the coastal metropoli with its contemporary policies as well. Alongside Los Angeles and New York, Kansas City has initiated a strong movement pushing for the $15 per hour minimum wage. And it’s about time.

As this country has progressed, our minimum wage standard has not. In fact, the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is substantially lower than the minimum in the 1960’s, after adjusting for inflation. Currently, the U.S. has lower standards for how we treat the average person than we did in the 1960s, and that’s saying something. However, in order for this problem to change, we have to do something drastic, something extremely risky, and something that could really hurt a select few of our population. We would have to distribute some of the profits of companies

12

é

Alice Rowland

This month, Calvin and Hobbes debate minimum wage.

back to their workers by raising the wages that employees receive. Yes, we would have to decrease the dividends or salaries of the executives or shareholders in order to lift 900,000 families out of poverty and increase the incomes of 16.5 million low-wage workers in an average week. We've heard the arguments against the minimum wage before. This time, however, the justification for protecting only the incomes of the most well off is falling short. When the minimum wage is kept at the extreme low that it is currently, workers are forced to rely on public assistance, which means that all taxpayers are subsidizing benefits for the most welloff. All of us pay more in the form of Medicaid, food stamps, and other government assistance to support those very employees that executives refused to help in the first place. Some say that the earned-income tax is helping this effort. However, this tax is allowing the high executives to pay less to their workers and thus reap the benefits themselves. Increasing the minimum wage would correct this defect since the two are complementary policies.

To those individuals who believe that these people haven’t worked “hard enough” to earn a higher wage, look at the many studies and articles that show an increase in the minimum wage creates higher productivity levels, improving staff retention and loyalty. That means that the higher minimum wage produces a greater benefit for the companies than its apparent cost.

However, the argument goes beyond the numbers. While conservatives argue that the increase of minimum wage would create a loss of jobs, they are making a major mistake. They are ignoring the fact that we are talking about people--people who have families, houses, and lives, who are depending on $7.25 per hour to maintain some semblance of a life. Jobs require personal relationships between an employer and an employee, and those relationships are much more complex than just firing and hiring. So, whether you consider me sappy or empathetic, I believe that no American “deserves” to live on $12,000 a year. Fortunately for me, millions of people agree. And I like those numbers. n

é

Is it time to raise base pay?

Socialism is all the rage nowadays, and, not surprisingly, it goes hand in hand with hipsterism. Hipsters all over the nation are jumping on the bandwagon, but Bernie Sanders was a socialist before it was cool.

With the upcoming 2016 Presidential Election, many of his ideas are being brought to light, including an increase of the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour--more than twice the current $7.25 wage. Obviously, Mr. Sanders means well and has great intentions, but this change is too drastic and too soon. I wish I could support these ideas and Feel the Bern--whatever that means-because they sound so great on paper.

Despite the best intentions, I have reason to believe that this won’t help the nation’s poorest, but it will actually hurt them.

I’m no economist, but I think Mr. Duckworth has taught me enough to tackle this issue. As a result of an increased minimum wage, firms will adapt to remain profitable with this new labor cost because their goal is to maximize profit. Let’s use a fast-food restaurant like McDonald’s as an example.

McDonald’s is not going to keep everything

James Parkerson the same because they will lose money. It’s naive to think that government interference won’t affect the economic behaviors of a company. This intervention will force Donnie’s to let go of some workers, replace them with technology, and raise prices. Lower income families are the most likely to eat at fast-food restaurants, so the increased price of a Big Mac isn’t helping out anyone. And what would happen if these businesses keep everything the same with this new minimum wage? Well, they would lose money and go out of business, and all those minimum wage workers would be out of jobs as well. In a truly free market, people whose work is worth $15 would be paid $15. A minimum wage of $15 is so arbitrary.

Why not $20 or $30? The market will naturally move toward equilibrium and settle on a wage that employers are willing to pay and employees are willing to work for. The power of the market is strong; don’t you ever forget that. With fewer people in the workforce, how exactly is this helping out the poorest people in our nation? Exactly.

It isn’t. I could give you some facts about

how Seattle is faring from the $15 minimum wage, but that’s what the Internet is for. However, I will give you some math. If people who earn $15 an hour work 40 hours a week for a whole year, they would earn $31,200 a year before taxes, which is more than a lot of skilled workers and college graduates. How is that fair?

Also, I’m a little bit disheartened to hear that people are satisfied with living off of a minimum wage job. In my opinion, these jobs are meant to be temporary and entries into the workforce. These jobs require no skill, and you gotta have skills to pay the bills. I think I’ve said that before, but it’s very appropriate in this context. While many believe the American Dream is fading, I still strongly believe in its glory. If you make an active effort to succeed through hard-work, innovation, and risk-taking, the American Dream is well within reach. Even if you disagree with everything I’ve said in this article, you should be happy to know that if your boy Bernard is elected, I believe the whole nation will Feel the Bern...as our economy goes up in flames. n

Letters to Calvin and Hobbes Dear Mr. Hobbes,

Dear Calvin and Hobbes,

While I realize and respect that it is only your duty to assert your views through your column “Calvin and Hobbes,” I could not sit idly by and watch the reputation of female athletes be falsely accused. Never will I say that one’s views are wrong simply because they’re contrary to mine; I was taught to stand up for what I believe. As opposed to pointing fingers, I will, instead, simply give you the facts.

Let’s begin with your three arguments: scheduling, talent, and interest. You claim female sporting events are never scheduled during “prime time.” You then cite field hockey, claiming there are never games on Fridays (and if there were, you’d have no interest in attending them). While I’m tempted to simply interject “don’t knock it ‘till you try it,” I must refrain and instead report that the majority of field hockey games occur on Fridays and Saturdays. In fact, the tournaments, which essentially consume the lives of the players during the fall, occur solely on the weekends, frequently preceding the beloved football games.

And while I, too, enjoy standing under the Friday night lights (clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose), the field hockey girls must first play their hearts out without a single fan in sight. The same can be said for volleyball, tennis, golf, and pretty much any other girls’ sport at our school. Yes, Ms. Calvin has already covered this, but I thought it better to reiterate.

Your second argument insisted the interest in girls’ sports is pitiful, at best. While, yes, this is a general societal perception that I recognize, using this as an excuse only perpetuates the sentiment. Though you will never find me enveloped in a WNBA tournament, nor do I even know if there are such tournaments, I also must defend these athletes. Their skill level and dedication are comparable, if not equal, to that of male athletes, and while I will not enter yet another argument as to whether or not Serena Williams could beat Rafael Nadal, I stand strongly against those who assert Serena, or any female athlete for that matter, is “less of an athlete” than her male counterpart.

As to your final argument of skill level, it is nearly impossible for me to keep my composure, but here we go. I think the main issue so many girls at Pembroke took with your article was the phrase “inferior talent.” As you all know, Pembroke is not an academic breeze. Add any sport and a two hour (or more) long practice to that, and, trust me, you’ll have a fair share of breakdowns. Yet, we all do it. We all bust our butts on a daily basis for whatever sport, or extracurricular activity, that we willingly sign up for. While some may ask if it’s worth the stress and the headaches, most would argue of course. You know why? Because we’re all thoroughly passionate and committed individuals. It comes as no surprise that a student insisting the athletic commitment made by girls is lesser to that of boys is utterly offensive.

So, in conclusion, though I respect your views and firmly believe in freedom of speech, your argument is specious and perpetuates an antiquated attitude.

Now, I’ll start by saying that–and feel free to scrutinize me if I’m wrong–I don’t think Serena Williams can actually beat “all the best male tennis players in the world.” She lost to the 203rd ranked men’s player in the Battle of the Sexes in 1998. Granted, she was our age at the time, but she claimed just two years ago that she’d lose to Andy Murray, then ranked the 3rd best men’s player by ATP. But maybe she was trying to be modest–I don’t know. Feel free to look it up if you disagree.

And I wouldn’t have been so bold as to make the implication that women possess “inferior talent.” I mean, come on, James, you were just asking to trigger some people with that one. Also, talent, or “skill level,” is completely subjective. A woman could be as skilled as a man at a sport. What in most cases makes men’s sports different from women’s is ability, which is something completely different, and what I’m sure you meant to say in your article.

I’ll get to my point, which is that I’m not really for or against either side of the argument. I’m against the ideas generated by this article, which, from my point of view, are that girls’ sports are in some ways superior to boys’ sports, or, conversely, boys sports are better than girls’, and that only girls’ sports at Pembroke deserve more support.

Frankly, I find this argument pointless. All it has done is pitted students here against each other in a fight between the sexes that no one really wins. It has also distracted us from the real problem here: there are sports events at Pembroke that our friends, male and female alike, participate in that we aren’t going out to watch. They all work hard at their activities and they deserve to be appreciated by their peers.

Don’t get me wrong, women’s sports around the world are devoid of attention they deserve–there’s no denying that.

But this isn’t the real world; this is a small private high school where everyone knows each other. This is a place where we as a community can actually change something like the turnout at a sporting event, and not just for a girls’ sport. The bottom line is every student athlete here, regardless of their gender, deserves to be celebrated by their peers while they’re at their best, and it’s our duty to give that to them.

Sincerely, The majority of female athletes at Pembroke Hill Note: These letters have been edited for clarity.

Sincerely, Anonymous

In the October issue of the Voice, Calvin and Hobbes debated women’s athletics, both at this school and in professional sports.

The following letters were submitted to the Voice by students, in response to last month’s articles.

Meeting Edmund White

E

Edmund White, author of bestselling books A Boy’s Own Story, The Farewell Symphony, and City Boy: My Life in New York During the 1960s and ‘70s, came to speak to upper schoolers on Thursday, November 12th. I had never read any of his works before, but after listening to a podcast, reading a few interviews, and doing general online sleuthing, I eagerly awaited his visit to Hall Student Center. Interviewed by local author and Pembroke alum Whitney Terrell ‘86, White was joined by his husband, writer Michael Carroll. The men offered insight about writing, particularly describing the often disheartening path of publication. However, White stressed the importance of perseverance, as he himself went through many obstacles to publish his first book.

He went through twenty-one different publishers, and he received countless rejections in the process. Yet in 1973, with the help of his mentor, then thirty-two year old White published his first novel, Forgetting Elena. As a writer myself, I found White’s message reassuring to hear.

In addition to Terrell’s inquiries, students had the opportunity to ask White and Carroll questions they had about the writing process. When asked how to deal with creative criticism, Carroll said to “be open to what others say.” However, he recommended for one to “be sure and ready to receive critique” before sharing a piece with others. Carroll also talked about growing up in Florida, and how even though he was not from a “well-off family,” he was still able to become a successful writer. Prompted by a student, White spoke of being an openly gay writer in an intolerant society, and the effect the AIDS epidemic had on his work. “Before the Stonewall Riots of 1969, gay writers writing about being gay were

Bella Barnes Staff Writer seen as Martians,” White said. However, 10 years later, the Riots proved to “give way to real change in America.” It was then that White became a pioneer in the gay community, and in literature.

When the AIDS epidemic broke out in 1981, White felt “obliged to write about it.” Rather than talk about the issue directly, White preferred to “reference” it in his work. “Love and death are great themes of fiction,” he said, though “unfortunately, their causes and the way they end are usually grim.” Through his work, he continues to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, and the outcome the virus has on one’s family and friends.

On Thursday night, a group of students, English teachers, and I had the pleasure of going to a dinner reception for White to celebrate the release of his newest narrative, Inside a Pearl: My Years in Paris. The grandeur of The Central Library lent well to the magnificence of White’s stories in Paris, where his dearest friends were elderly women who required daily back massages, and whose cadences of French were easy to comprehend. White’s wit and pleasant arrogance kept me eager to hear what he would say next. Beside the engaging keynote speakers, a highlight of the evening was a performance by LiteracyKC students. LiteraryKC is a program dedicated to the literacy of both teens and adults in the Kansas City metro area, and three of its students presented their original poems for us. Their passionate slam-esque performances enchanted all, and left us pondering their message of change.

Having the opportunity to hear from successful authors, local poets, and to be a part of my local artistic community was wonderful. I am so grateful to PHS, and my English teacher, Ms. Taber, to have partaken in this event! n

The above photo, from the left: Whitney Terrell, Michael Carroll, and Edmund White. Photo credits to Matthew Clothier.

reviews Music

Bella Barnes and Lauren Washington Staff Writers “Inquisitive” is the first word that comes to mind when listening to The Underachievers’ sophomore album Evermore: The Art of Duality. Exploring themes of spirituality, identity, and ambition, Brooklyn-born hip hop duo Issa Gold and AK convey confusion coupled with complete clarity. Fusing 90s beats with experimental sounds (including video game-like tones and acoustic guitar), The Underachievers create a surreal experience, which leaves listeners questioning their own realities. Delicate piano melodies and underlying synth generate a latent urgency on the track “Chasing Faith,” which examines one’s fears of unfulfilled dreams, and their purpose in life: “Which path do you take? / Only one lead the way / Tell me which one that’s down for your faith.” As dreamlike as Part 1 of Evermore, Part 2 is fiercely candid, describing the harsh realities of pursuing fame in Brooklyn’s hip hop scene.

Part 2 of the album reverts to a somber tone, with songs toward the end of the album reflecting the darker sides humans possess within. Throughout the album, the Underachievers describe the duplicity of everyday battles. The final track, “Unconscious Monsters,” considers the positive side of duality. AK prevails, as he realizes that life moves on: “Now I look back no choice but to laugh / Still on the same path.” As you finish the album, take note of the cover art, as it expresses that there is no darkness in life that cannot be overcome. A choice always exists because the power lies within yourself to follow the right path. Like Issa says in “Shine All Gold”: “Obstacles come inside of your path / And make you switch up and step on the gas / If you look back inside of your path / You find direction, it’s like your own map.” n

Movie

Paolo Laskero Staff Writer 2015 has been a resurgence of good spy films, from the beginning of the year with Kingsman: The Secret Service through the rest of the year with Spy, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Bridge of Spies, and now the 24th installment of the 007 franchise. Spy films of late have not been bad, but in recent memory there have not been this many good spy movies. None of the six spy movies this year were bad, and Spectre continues that trend. The first scene of the movie begins with a very long shot that leads into a well directed action scene. The greatest strengths of the film are the direction of Sam Mendes, the beautiful cinematography, the wonderful score, and the the stellar performances of the entire cast. Daniel Craig is always smooth and charming with his interpretation. The person seated next to me during the film exclaimed several times throughout the film, “He’s so cool!” because Daniel Craig projects such an aura of coolness with his performance of the British superspy. However, Bond films are often only as good as the villain, and I would say that is probably the biggest let down of the film. I was most excited about this movie because of Christoph Waltz as the villain, but he is barely in the movie. He is great in the few scenes that he is in, but he isn’t in many. The Bond franchise is a great series full of great movies that are a lot of fun, and I had a lot of fun with this movie. The rumors are saying that Spectre might be Daniel Craig’s last Bond film, and if that is the case, this movie is an adequate sendoff. This is not the best Bond film or even Daniel Craig’s best Bond film; nevertheless, after I walked out of this movie, I can say I had a fun experience and ran around the parking lot, pretending to be a spy, and that’s all I can ask for. n

Book

Kate Kramer Staff Writer The Power of One is a best-selling novel written by Bryce Courtenay. The book begins in South Africa in 1939, when a boy named Peekay is born. His childhood is tainted by World War II. As the plot unfolds, the boy travels through many different lands influenced by superstition and prejudice. Throughout this journey, Peekay begins to understand the true “power of one.”

The book was first published in 1989. Since then, two different film have been adapted from it. Courtenay’s novel has been translated into 18 different languages, and it has sold more than 8 million copies. The book is said to be inappropriate for school due to the amount of profanity throughout it; however, that seems to be the only limitation. The only other potential issue for younger audiences is the book’s emotional impact. The book ref-

erences several very intense subjects that are sometimes harder for younger readers to grasp.

Overall, the book is a highly recommended read. Although it was published nearly 30 years ago, it has proven itself a timeless novel that deals with issues relevant even today. Through the eyes of Peekay, Courtenay presents these issues time and time again, ultimately delivering a powerful message about how one can overcome them. n

Heeeeeellllooooo!

Baylor McCrary and Hunter Julo Contributors Adele is back! Many thought that America saw the last of Adele after she released her album 21 back in 2011, but, four years later, Adele’s single “Hello” is number one on the iTunes chart. Most reactions in relation to the song are positive, though some people have different perspectives.

So, we went out into the Pembroke Hill community and asked some of its members what they thought. We interviewed students Erin Lowe ‘18 and Peter Gado ‘18, as well as acting teacher Rachel Cain.

Although Adele is a songwriting queen,

we believe this song will come and go. Unlike other songs such as “Chasing Pavements,” 2008, and “Rolling in the Deep,” 2011, it seems that this song has hit its high, but that it will not go down in history. The vocals are undeniably amazing, but this is not out of the ordinary for the likes of Adele. For now, we will jam to it in the car and let it move us to places we have never been, but it is just filler for the next power jam to come in and sweep us off our feet.

Adele’s new album, 25, will be released on November 20th, and it should be full of

V: How did you feel when you first listened to this song?

PG: Well...at first I was excited because it’s been awhile since Adele released a song, but I didn’t really like this song.

V: *plays song again* How do you feel now?

PG: The song is remorseful. She sings it so well that the listener is able to really empathize with her.

V: Do you think that if she didn’t have the same quality of singing, that you would still feel the same about the song?

PG: No, she is very passionate when she sings. I can see that this is a very powerful song. I respect her song, her as an artist, and enjoy many of her songs, however this is not one of my favorites.

V: Why do you like the song?

EL: I think that people bottle up their emotions and it’s songs like this that allow you to feel [these emotions].

a new perspective and understanding of life. Adele is known for naming the albums after the age that she is, but, as she is now 27, it is said this is an album to her 25 yearold self from her 27 year-old self. Adele has not written since the birth of her three yearold boy, and like with our other superstar Beyoncé, hopefully this change can be seen on the new album. Regardless, we are very excited to see what Adele brings to the table, considering we have never be anything short of impressed.

V: How did you feel when you first heard the song?

RC: I can not separate it from the music video. . . . My knee-jerk reaction was: This is catchy. My second reaction was: This song won’t be as popular as the others longstanding because it is from the point of view from the heart-breaker. Who wants to be the person who sings the song, ‘I was a jerk to you,” or ‘Oh, I feel so bad about being cool’? Eventually people are going to pick up on that being the lyrics and stop singing it. Now, more importantly, the music video, and what a travesty it was. That woman is beautiful, but she’s not the beauty standard, and they did everything the could to make her hide herself. She was in eight thousand fur pelts, or she was standing sideways. Then, when it was just her face, she was covering up her face [to only show her] eyes. It was upsetting…

But it was catchy. n

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Advisory Communities Gunjan Gaur Managing Editor Last spring, it was announced that a new community system would be instituted at Pembroke Hill. It would involve putting advisories into larger groups, called communities, named in honor of previous teachers at the school. Communities are led by community captains, and each advisory has its own captain. Saurabh Goel’s article covered the goals of the new system back in May, but what has happened to accomplish them, and what is the student body’s reaction?

For one, advisories have physically moved location to be near the other advisories in their community. At the beginning of each advisory period, every member of the community meets in a designated place nearby (Centennial lobby, history hall, Commons, etc.) to hear weekly announcements read by the captains. Maybe the goal

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here is to create a sense of fellowship among students, but many have pointed out that the announcements can easily be sent out in an email or given at assembly. These meetings usually last somewhere from three to seven minutes, but students find that this time can be more enjoyably spent in advisory, relaxing with friends and, of course, stuffing ourselves with donuts. But in all seriousness, in regards to the meetings in their current state, there is one resounding question: What is the point?

In advisory itself, there is a requirement that we stay in advisory at least until 10:15, or for thirty-five out of fifty minutes. The rule is met with dismay by some; this time could also be used to ask teachers questions, finish homework, and work on extracurricular activities. Besides this difference, however, a lot of advisories have changed.

Some have seen increased enthusiasm and participation, thanks to games and activities organized by advisory captains. Plus, as part of the point system, the communities take part in competitions, such as a holidays project that involves gathering items for donation to charities around the city. These give students the opportunity to give back, which is definitely one of the best parts of the new system. Previously, advisories would occasionally arrange their own community service projects--now there is a prize as an incentive to do volunteer work outside of school.

Though the community system has its benefits, the students have spoken, and it looks like the system might need some fixing. Hopefully, with some changes, the communities can rise to their full glory and turn their potential into reality. n

Favorite Study Spots Lauren Washington and Darcy Bond Staff Writers Students of Pembroke Hill all know that finals are a stressful and irritating process, and studying for finals itself can be just as rough. To alleviate that stress, many students seek comfort in unique places to get the job done. Many students across the school expressed that they like to study at home, in a library or quiet coffee shops. Two students, when questioned about their particular hangout spots, shared different places; however, both had the same goal of relaxing somehow in the midst of hours of studying.

Sophomore Emma Knopik ‘18 loves to study at One More Cup, a coffee shop in Waldo, because it is a “comfortable, secluded bubble where [she] can focus with a hot cup of chai tea.”

Likewise, junior Roxanne Reasco ‘17 enjoys the Nelson Atkins

Museum of Art because it’s “super quiet during the week with the availability of many tables and has nice scenery to look at.” Reasco also utilizes the unobtrusive areas in Pembroke, including the area in Centennial Hall near the stairwell by the theater room because “it has a beautiful view, and no one ever goes there.”

From what we heard, it is clear that study spots with food, seclusion and a sense of ambiance are essential to many students when studying for finals. Whatever spot you choose to accomplish the task, make sure it satisfies your study needs. With finals right around the corner, remember to take a deep breath, relax, and realize that we are all in the same boat; we will get through finals together!

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Hike for Hunger

Three students went above and beyond (25 miles, to be exact) for a worthy cause.

Bella Foote Staff Writer This past October, Lindley Legg ‘17, Charles Li ‘16, and Grace Lattan ‘17, accompanied by their leader Dr. Paul Chan, woke up in the early morning hours to strap on their hiking boots, fill up their water bottles, and prepare for the long day ahead.

Their day consisted of hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. Now you may be wondering why, exactly, these individuals took on this difficult task. Was it to experience the Grand Canyon in its full beauty and gain rare insight into all that the canyon has to offer? Could it simply be for great exercise? While all of these things

may be a factor, the true purpose of this hike is an effort to annihilate hunger, provide clean water to those who are in need, and bring about temporary and permanent solutions to poverty.

This hike was Lindley Legg’s third year participating, and she reflect, “This is a cause I am really passionate about. I don’t understand why someone’s basic needs are left unfulfilled - it really frustrates me.

Sometimes I feel guilty that I have the privilege to access food and water on a daily basis.” Legg, Li, and Lattan hiked 25 miles that day, while Dr. Chan hiked the full 48 miles.

Their hike raised approximately $100,000, and they are astounded by the impact they made. Grace Lattan expresses her amazement: “During our hike, the one thing that struck me the most was how small we are.

I had never seen the Grand Canyon before this trip, and its immense size shocked me.

After finishing the hike, I reflected on how eleven small humans could make such a big impact on hunger.”

Not only will the money they raised impact many individuals, but the trip itself has had an impact on each of them. Charles Li says, “I’ve visited the Grand Canyon

before, but I’ve never hiked down into it.

The hike allowed me to witness the canyon on a much deeper level. For the first time in my life, I was able to look up and out of the canyon instead of down. By the time it was over, I was mentally and physically exhausted. However, I remember why my fellow hikers and I were hiking in the first place, so in the end I could only smile as I passed out on my bed.” All of the money they raised goes towards a foundation called Church World Service, and it is constantly seeking individuals who are willing to help a great cause.

The fight against poverty is a constant one, and this hike allows those who want to get involved to do so in a very important way. Lindley Legg remarks, “I hiked in solidarity with those who have less than me.

The amount of stress that poverty stricken individuals face is something that I, as well as many people, will never understand unless I experience it firsthand. I think this hike is the closest to trying to understand it.” n

“I reflected on how eleven small humans could make such a big impact on hunger.”

Photo credits to Lindley Legg

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The Best Days of Your Life

A common saying is that high school is the best four years of your life. To get a clear idea of whether or not this is true, we asked teachers how they felt.

V: How has teaching changed since you were in high school?

Dr. May-Washington: Teaching is a lot more interactive today. The teacher’s voice does not dominate the classroom. Today’s teachers involve students a whole lot more in the learning process. Information is so widely available to everyone, so learning is much more reciprocal than it used to be.

Teachers are no longer “the sole dispensers” of knowledge. Teaching also involves a lot more technology than it used to.

Ms. Duhig: Relationships between students and teachers seem to be a lot stronger now.

When I was in high school, I liked most of my teachers, but I can only name two that I actually connected with—we’re still in touch today! Now it seems that students and teachers have much more collaborative relationships, which really benefits students’ learning and academic achievement.

V: What is your favorite memory from high school?

Mr. Richardson: My favorite memories of most phases of my life have to do with the friends I had and the people I spent my time with. Or soccer. One of the strongest ‘nostalgic’ feelings I get is for the fall of my freshman year of high school, and the anticipation I had every game day. I was on the freshman soccer team, and we only played other freshman teams from big schools around the state, so we were NOT a big deal, but every game felt like the biggest event in my life up to that point in time. I made several life-long friends that season, which is why I think I enjoyed it so much.

Mrs. Abernathy: There are quite a few, but the best memories are of sitting in the office of the Repertory Theater (at Shawnee Mission South, circa 1988-1992) with the other crew heads (I was Programs Director) and laughing. I recall a specific conversation where I was made aware of some information that caused a significant amount of Dr. Pepper to shoot violently from my nose.

There is pain and pleasure in those memories.

featuring: Dr. May-Washington Ms. Duhig Mr. Richardson Mrs. Abernathy Mrs. Pottenger Dr. Clothier

V: Looking back, was high school the best four years of your life?

Mrs. Abernathy: NO. At the time it was the best I’d yet experienced, but I believe the best years of one’s life had better be the ones currently being lived, and if they aren’t, it’s time to do something about it.

Dr. Clothier: No! That’s a ridiculous question! High school was necessary; that’s about it.

V: In high school, did you think that you were going to be a teacher?

V: Did you have a better high school or college experience?

Mrs. Pottenger: My teachers were the people I looked up to in high school. They were also my coaches. My mom worked three jobs at one point when I was in high school and she was rarely home. I relied upon my friends and my teachers for support. I don’t know if I knew I would be a teacher, but I knew that I could be a teacher and that I would like to be one because mine were so great.

Mr. Richardson: I can’t say either was better - they were very different and I was fortunate to have a positive experience in both high school and college. In high school, I was kind of in a bubble - all in all, life was good and I had little to worry about, I was very fortunate in that sense. I played soccer and had good friends and family. In college, my world opened up a bit. I continued to have a great time playing soccer, I made some wonderful friends, I learned how to really commit myself to my studying and not just do the bare minimum in order to get by with an A or B. I got my butt kicked my first year in college academically, which was really good for me because it rooted out some bad habits I’d developed.

I got a chance to experience the world in a different way, and learned how truly fortunate I had been growing up. High school was more comfortable than college, but it was really good to get out of my comfort zone and mature a bit as well. So they were complimentary, both positive in their own ways. I also met my wife my last year in college, which is easily the best thing to ever happen to me...so from the perspective, college was massively important.

V: If you could, would you redo anything from high school?

Ms. Duhig: I wish I would have been more confident in high school. I was really selfconscious and sometimes cared too much about what other people thought of me. It’s important to make the most of your time in high school while you can, but realize that there are still going to be bigger and better things out there for you. Work hard, be kind to others, and stay true to yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

Dr. May-Washington: No, I absolutely would not redo anything from high school.

I enjoyed my time there but my philosophy is similar to character Nick Carraway’s comment in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby: “You can’t repeat the past.”

Dr. Clothier: I should’ve taken my junior girlfriend to prom and done one of the plays or musicals.

Dr. Clothier: I didn’t have a bad high school experience, it’s just, clearly, college is approximately 1022 times better. College is awesome. I, unlike Edward from Twilight, would choose to attend college again and again rather than high-school. What a vampirical idiot. n

“Dam” straight Words of Wisdom from Dylan Dameron ‘16

Recently, I was given the opportunity to see the world-famous Richard Dawkins. Evolutionary biologist and renowned atheist. Dawkins came to Kansas City to discuss his newest autobiography. Brief Candle in the Dark: My Life in Science follows his life as he progressed as a scientist, teacher, and mentor.

In his speech he told countless funny stories that were intertwined with psychological phenomena and scientific studies. One example is how he and his colleague and him distinctly remember one person slamming their fist and shouting “HOW DARE YOU” at a preacher during a debate, but it turns out this event never happened. They both developed this “false memory” independently, which made it all the more fascinating.

He also dove into the concept of life on other planets. There are currently an infinite number of stars in the universe, which is an unimaginably large number. This statistic makes the possibility of life near one of those stars fairly high. However, the distance between these stars is simply too large. The only real way to interact with these possible beings, with the technology that we know of, would be through radio waves, so he strongly encourages funding toward this type of science because it could lead to mankind’s next terrific discovery.

Not only is he an extraordinary scientist, but Dawkins is also a famous atheist. He sees a huge problem with society when people are able to freely disagree on politics, but when it comes to religion it is not acceptable to argue about it. He believes that this logic prohibits progress and should be stopped, which is why he has started foundations to help educate students about evolution as well as atheism.

There is no questioning his stance on religion because he makes it very clear; Dawkins states that he sees the point in professors studying religious history and art, but he has never seen the use of debates about whether the host in communion is literally the body of Christ or if it merely symbolizes it or something like that. Dawkins opposes religion because of an inherent flaw: it teaches us to be okay with not understanding the world, whereas atheism promotes the idea of furthering scientific re-

“

He sees a huge problem with society when people are able to freely disagree on politics, but when it comes to religion it is not acceptable to argue about it.

search until a concept is understood. On that note, he states that intelligent design is less interesting to him because it promotes the idea that humans and all other animals were plopped into existence, instead of the result of billions of years of evolution.

He sees science and certain truths as the most beautiful thing of all, and to hear him speak in person is something else. He speaks with tremendous passion and purpose because he truly wishes to encourage anyone who listens to him to think for themselves and become educated. Richard Dawkins stresses the idea that we all have a finite amount of time in this world and it should not be wasted, which is a concept I believe everyone can agree on, no matter what god, if any, you believe in. n

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Teachers and Their Somewhat Odd Jobs

Fearing posing next to his artwork (left), Jones examining a German textbook (right) - Photo Credit to Cormac Chester

Cormac Chester Head of Digital It’s a common misconception that teachers do not exist outside of school. To some, even seeing their history teacher at a gas station is shocking. Calvin from the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes is consistently appalled when he sees his first grade teacher in the supermarket. Yet our teachers do have lives outside of the classroom.

In addition, they were not always teachers many have had odd or unusual jobs, which often significantly shaped how they are today.

Max Fearing (known as Max, Mr. Max, but never Mr. Fearing) is one of these teachers.

Before coming to PHS, he painted houses and worked in an art studio, mixing colors and painting sculptures. Visual art is one of Fearing’s great passions - his art, in fact, has been featured in this publication previously. Yet Fearing also played a role in businesses. At one time, he was a night manager at a restaurant and bar, at another he was a commercial and residential

real estate agent. Despite these varied jobs, Fearing came back to what he truly loved to do.

With a degree in education, he accepted the job he currently has: substitute teacher at Pembroke Hill. When asked why,

quirky jobs. During her years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she worked as a volunteer archivist for the Chicago Historical Society.

This consisted of evaluating the use and value of donated papers and

he stated that he “wanted to do something [he] considered more meaningful.”

Fearing is not the only teacher with an interesting background.

Jeannette Jones, known among the PHS community for her work with the CIA, had other

documents, and then archiving them. Jones, a proficient German speaker, also helped an Austrian historian translate a book about Celts in Austria into English when she was studying abroad. Both of these jobs helped Jones “navigate and use primary

source documents,” which in turn helped her with not just learning about history, but also teaching it.

Bill Griffiths is not a painter or polyglot, but he too blazed his own path, which helped

Fearing with real estate coworkers - Credit to Max Fearing

make him who he is today. Like Fearing, Griffiths worked during his early years in the food industry. In high school, he worked as a bagger and checker at a supermarket, and while attending the University of Kansas, he worked at the king of all breadstick

restaurants - Olive Garden. (If you ever feel the desire to talk extensively on the topic, I’m sure that he is the person to have that conversation with). As a part of figuring out his passion, Griffiths helped out in KU’s college algebra program his junior and senior years. Through this experience, he “learned how to manage a classroom, talk to kids, and structure lesson plans.”

As a teacher at PHS, Griffiths is willing and able to talk to any student about almost any topic - a skill very useful for the school’s eclectic student body.

If Calvin were to come to PHS, he would probably be astounded. With even just a few mentioned, I can confidently say that all of our teachers have had odd or interesting jobs that have contributed positively to the way they handle their current position and to our educational benefit, from painting sculptures to archiving papers to bagging groceries. n

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UnBiased Opinions With Clay Lundgren ‘17

Melee Makes the man After its release in 2001 alongside the Nintendo Gamecube, Super Smash Bros. Melee (or simply Melee for short) emerged as a fresh form of fighting game that took what its predecessors (including the previous Smash game) had done and accentuated the finer points. At the surface level, it’s a fun party game to play with your friends and family that has somewhat of a learning curve if you wanted to be really talented in the eyes of your friends. However, others see this game as much, much more.

In the early years after the release of Melee, some local tournaments were held in various cities across the state--mostly along the East and West coasts--and word began to spread that this game had a higher skill curve than once thought. Players began to share tactics and various abilities that they had discovered on online forums and in person at these tournaments and slowly the meta for Melee really began to develop. The game started being pushed to its limits. Players were getting very skilled and slowly but surely, a true competitive scene was born. Players like Ken, Isai, Chillindude, Azen, PC Chris, and Chudat began to emerge as figureheads of the competitive scene. The combination of both rivalries and cooperativeness in sharing strategies that developed was truly unique to Smash. That combined with the diversity of play that started to develop based on people’s personalities and playstyles gave birth to easily one of the most intricate competitive video games ever made.

Rivalries developed between East and West coast players and the game started to gain traction in the video game community at large. As it became more and more popular, the players became better and better. The meta developed and you could see who the best players were, but at the same time, it was hard not to love the underdogs. Rivalries even developed between Japan and the USA. Even when there was a dip in popularity for the scene, the most dedicated players got together and held the “Revival of Melee” tournament in 2009. This tournament put Melee back on the map and the game has been rising in popularity ever since.

Now that you have a baseline understanding, you have to watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-X5ED5dcP8s (go old school and type this into your browser). Watch the sheer tenacity, speed, and dedication both players show. The match is between Armada and Leffe, two Swedish players, and are currently two of the best in the world.

To learn more about and get more involved in this amazing community, check out the Super Smash Bros. documentary on YouTube and go to www.smashboards.com to start learning how to play and where you can find local tournaments.

And lastly, I’ll leave you with an image that really sums up the competitive Super Smash Bros. community for me. Pictured below is the Japanese player aMSa. He is famous for being one of the only talented Yoshi players in the scene today and for being emotionless. He is seen here “popping off” after winning a decisive (and unforeseen) victory over Chudat. Few other competitive communities can boast the underdog mentality that Smash brings to the forefront. A match is never over until it’s over. n

Thou Mayest

by Christine Zheng

Oftentimes, people tend to look at extremes--there is only one or the other, and that’s not a bad thing. However, it’s not always true. Thou Mayest, located on 419 E 18th St. Kansas City, MO 64108, proves that a place can be more than just one thing.

Thou Mayest isn’t just a typical coffee shop serving the usual espressos and lattes; it is really a place to hang out, socialize, and relax. Possibilities are endless, just as the name implies. The coffee and bar combination is just one quality that characterizes the eclectic atmosphere. There is an embodiment of everything, not just one thing, and that’s what makes Thou Mayest stay true to its very name. We asked barista and bartender Justin a few questions about the essence and beauty of this place.

Q: How long have you been working here?

J: I’ve been working here since June.

Q: What’s the most unique aspect about Thou Mayest?

J: I think the most unique aspect about Thou Mayest is we serve coffee and cocktails together. It’s something that wouldn’t work together, but because they both bring people together either to relax or have a good conversation, I think it works.

Q: What’s the meaning behind Thou Mayest?

J: Thou Mayest comes from John Steinbeck's book East of Eden. It means the way is open. For us, that means pretty much anything we want to do, we can do. There’s no limited possibilities we have here.

Q: So because you do that, how does that have an impact on people?

J: I think that it breaks down some social barriers between a coffee. People come here to drink both cocktails and coffee all hours of the day. it generally brings in two very different crowds. in the morning you have business people: lawyers, doctors, nurses. At night, you have people just coming off work to unwind. With all these different people coming in and out throughout the day, you really get to meet people you wouldn’t really get to meet.

Q: With the location downtown, how does that impact the people that come in and your ability to serve both coffee and alcohol?

J: Being downtown, it’s a center location. People from north of the river, North Kansas City, Gladstone, all the way down to Overland Park, Leawood, and Olathe come here just to be downtown and experience the city.

Q: You guys have a super eclectic interior. Where do all these cool pieces come from?

J: Bow Nelson. He’s the creative genius behind all this. He’s a botanist, so all the plants in here are real plants either he sells or his family grew. Also, we just have an adventurous personality.

So with the name Thou Mayest, it works, because really anything

is possible. We change the scenery a little bit to match with the time and season, but ultimately, what we want to do works for us.

Q: You have a couple different seating options. Was that the original plan, or a part of the evolution of being here?

J: When this place first opened, it was originally an art studio, so where the bar is now, it was flip flopped. It wasn’t as inviting and open as it was once before. The seats have changed a little here and there, but ultimately we accommodate the needs by pulling out the tables and group seating to make more room for dancing and overflow of people. Then on Monday nights, we bring it all together so people can be cozy, get some work done, and make friends.

Q: How does the dynamic change with First Fridays?

J: Because we have so many people come in, we generally shut down the coffee a little bit earlier, and we make special cocktails in pretty large quantities. This place turns more into what’s called a “speed bar,” where we can put up hundreds of drinks an hour.

It turns more into a social party and a place to meet friends than anything else Q: Do you guys keep the balcony open year round?

J: All the seating is open year round, but obviously use at your own risk with the Missouri winds.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working here, and what didn’t you expect when you began?

J: What I like most about working here is it’s never the same shift twice. A lot of the people who are here in the mornings just do coffee, and a lot of the people who are here at night just do cocktails. But, we don’t ever work just morning or nights, we kind of work every available shift here. We all know how to make cocktails, lattes, fresh tea etc. We’re never just coffee, never just cocktails, never just a First Friday party, it’s everything. So it keeps me on my toes. I was not expecting this at all. I came in originally just for the coffee, and I ended up finding out I really like making cocktails, so I do a little bit of both.

Q: Any horror stories? The dos and don’ts?

J: Generally people are really nice. Occasionally there are a few characters, but people are usually here to just have a good time and have a good beverage. n

FOOD FIGHT

Frozen Custard Andy’s Foo’s VS.

Mickey Ferguson Collumnist I used to hate ice cream. Like really hate it. It was gross and too cold. But then I discovered custard, made with all the same ingredients as ice cream except for one: custard is made with pasteurized egg yolk to make it extra creamy. I was drawn to custard not just because of its creaminess, but also because it was almost always mixed with fun toppings. I’ve warmed up to ice cream now, but custard will always be my one true love when it comes to frozen treats.

Andy’s is a frozen custard chain that started in Osage Beach, Missouri. They boast that their custard is simple and creamy; the way custard should be. All of their ingredients are fresh and have add-ins like brownies or freshly baked cake.

At Andy’s, I got a brownie, pecan, hot fudge, caramel, and cherry sundae. The combination of savory and sweet toppings was basically a flavor explosion. I really love pecans, and they were the perfect topping mixed with the creamy vanilla custard. The custard itself was actually pretty thick compared to most custards, especially when compared to Foo’s. It didn’t melt very fast, but it still melted in my mouth. The vanilla flavor was pretty average and really nothing special. It was definitely the toppings that made this sundae. Toppings really are important.

I would give the custard itself a 4/5, and the overall flavor a 4.5/5.

Foo’s is a local custard shop originating in Kansas City, with locations in Brookside and Leawood. This neighborhood ice cream shop makes fresh custard every day, and you can actually see the machine churning out the custard when inside the store.

At Foo’s, I ordered a similar sundae: vanilla with brownie, hot fudge, Oreos, and pecans. This mix was really yummy, and was a customized sundae rather than one from the menu. This combination of some of my favorite toppings went really well with the custard. Oreos, especially. However, Foo’s toppings did not compare to the fresh brownies at Andy’s. The custard itself was really smooth and even a little bit melty. The vanilla flavor was pretty good, but almost all vanillas taste the same. If you enjoy really creamy custard, this is the place for you.

I would give the custard itself a 4/5, and the overall taste is a 3.5/5.

Winner!!

Loser!!

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Overall Score: 7.5/10

28

Drawing the Line

by Sam Hrabko

The right photo, unlike the left, holds: A sign saying “Eric” instead of “Hosmer,” the man in the background has a different colored hat, Bella Foote ‘16 has blue lipstick on, Hosmer is making an appearance, and a flock of birds has appeared

Find five differences between the photos.

Answers, upside down, are below.

Puzzles

Find the Differences

Crossword

Across 2. Recent guest speaker and author of A Boy’s Own Story, Edmund _____ 3. ­_____ Station, Western _____, _____ Bank, labor _____ (one word) 5. The sun rises in this direction 9. “And live from ___ ____, it’s Saturday night!”

11. Infamous meme-like font: _____ Sans 12. Home of PHS volleyball and basketball: _______ Gym 13. “Hello, ___ __” -Adele 14. Arm holes in a shirt 15. Name of the starfish in Finding Nemo 17. A Voice faculty sponsor and a prog rock enthusiast 19. The upper school library is known as the ______ Library 20. Country on the eastern side of Africa, known for pirates 21. The Royals won the World Series at ____ Field Stadium 23. Donald Trump’s middle name 24. Last name of the comedian and creator of Netflix series Master of None 25. ____’s Thanksgiving day parade

Down 1. French for “two” 2. Last name of the actor who plays Q in Spectre 4. Missouri state grape; shares name with anti-virus software 6. Device that connects iPads to Smart Boards 7. Proceeds of the faculty “No Shave November” go to ______ International 8. Capitol of Belgium 10. First name of the writer and host of the Voice podcast 15. NPR: National ______ Radio 16. The Chiefs colors are red and ______ 18. The day before final exams is known as _______ day 20. Chemistry teacher and Science Knowledge Bowl faculty sponsor 22. The last time the Royals won the World Series was ______ years ago

Letter from the

Editors You’re passing through the days, taking your time, and minding your own business. However, you begin to notice changes in your once-familiar surroundings. Eggnog appears on the grocery store shelves, Salvation Army workers jingle a welcome at every corner, and suddenly everyone is having a fit about the design of the new Starbucks cups. That’s right, folks, the holidays are upon us, and they’re coming with full force.

As the intensity of holiday cheer increases with time, the intensity of our work, unfortunately, does not. For many, final exams serve as our Ebenezer Scrooge. How are we expected to frolick in the snow all day if we have to cram a semester’s worth of calculus into our brains? Who can comfortably relax with a mug of hot cocoa knowing 30% of our semester grades are at stake?

This is the unfortunate reality for many of us. We acknowledge the necessity that is hard work; however, we’d like to take this time to remind everyone to, put simply, live a little. When you look back on your life in high school, would you rather remember your time around the holidays as being spent with your family or with your textbooks? You’ve most likely been working hard all year, so we hope, for the preservation of sanity, you take time for yourself during this season.

So as 2015 wraps up, we invite you to put a little carpe diem into your routine. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year (incredibly cheesy, we know, but what are the holidays without a few cliches?).

Sincerely, Elizabeth and Megan

THE VOICE

The Official News Publication of the Pembroke Hill School The Voice is published monthly by the students of the Pembroke Hill School during the academic year to inform the Pembroke Hill Community about pertinent events and news. The paper is an open forum, distributed to the students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other members of the Pembroke Hill community. All decisions concerning grammar, layout, content, and photography are made solely by the editors themselves.

As an open forum, The Voice encourages its readers to submit Letters to the Editors. The editors reserve the right to not publish letters. The Voice also accepts advertising and like articles. The editors reserve the right to not publish advertisements.

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Whispers

News Blurbs From Around School reece jones ‘19... is the second fastest freshman cross country runner in the state. ford johnson ‘16... committed to play lacrosse at rollins college. gracie beaham ‘19 and wil rowland ‘19... performed in a charity concert to support homeless children in kansas city. teachers and momin tahirkheli ‘17... are all competing in a no shave november contest to support local refugee families.

Maddie Tolsdorf ‘16... gave a speech for YMCA to over 400 people at starlight theater about the importance of volunteering.

Christine Zheng ‘16 and Cassie Wang ‘17... placed second in the state piano competition.

Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Gerson and Megan She Senior Designer Laura Hibschman Copy Editors Emily Cohen Christine Zheng Gina Pepitone Head of Digital Cormac Chester Photographers Bella Barnes Mickey Ferguson Illustrator Olive Honan

Managing Editors Davis Brooks Shaina Desai Shannon Fang Gunjan Gaur Saurabh Goel Elizabeth Shulman Designers Shaina Desai Shannon Fang Olive Honan Lauren Washington Multimedia Editor Spencer Thut Middle School Coordinator Jacqueline Kincaid

Staff Writers Bella Barnes Sarah Chamberlain Natalie Dameron Shaina Desai Mickey Ferguson Bella Foote Pallavi Jonnalagadda Jaqueline Kincaid Kate Kramer Lindsay Luchinsky Gina Pepitone Lauren Washington Christine Zheng Business Manager Maya Hill

Columnists Clay Lundgren – “Biased Opinions with Clay” Olive Honan and Maggie Burke– “The Buzz” Christine Zheng & Sarah Chamberlain –”KC Crawl” James Parkerson and Alice Rowland – “Calvin and Hobbes” Dylan Dameron – “‘Dam’ Straight” Mickey Ferguson “Food Fight” Faculty Sponsors Dr. Matt Clothier and Dr. Kim Banion