November 2012 Volume XXIX, Issue III
VOICE
the
Thespians Perform Fall Play Ellen Cagle Copy Editor Getting ready for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this season’s upper school play, was no easy task for the student actors, who balanced demanding rehearsals with Pembroke’s often grueling homework load. Rehearsals for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was performed on November 2nd and 3rd, began a month and a half prior and often lasted until after dark. “I don’t always get a lot of sleep,” confessed Charlotte Johnston, a junior, about a week before the first performance. In addition to Pembroke’s nonstop homework grind, the actors faced the challenge of working with a new director. Matt Rapport, a local Shakespearean aficionado, has been acting and directing for more than two decades. Most recently, he directed the parody performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that preceded the main show at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival in Southmoreland Park. Although Rapport still dedicates most of his time to acting – he will play Marley and Fezziwig in this year’s production of A Christmas [Continued on Page 11]
The Official Newspaper of the Pembroke Hill School Inside the Issue Club of the Issue: Latin Club . . . . . . Page 2
Favorite Thanksgiving Food . . .Page 7
Spirit Week Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4
Ian Purdy: Artist of the Issue . . Page 10
Should Homework Be Online? . . . . Page 9
Fall Sports Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . .Page 12
The Fencing Tsue Siblings . . . . . . . . Page 10
This issue is published in fond memory of: Elizabeth You ‘10 Matt Skeens ‘12 Max Martin ‘13
Mock Chu OnDebate This TheChu Pembroke Hill Liberals’ and Jon voices his opinion on his fallConservatives’ Clubs favorites. Page 2. engaged in a mock debate for the 2012 Election. Page 4 The Question of Asking See the quirky, Young Voicesunusual ways students ask their dates to Homecoming. Page 4. The Voice launches its first edition with
middle school articles. Page 15
2 Feature
CROP Walk for Hunger How much money do you get paid for walking? Nothing. How much does Eli Fromm ‘13 get paid? $60,000.
Cynthia Wang and Riya Mehta Managing Editors On October 22, Eli Fromm and a team of four other intrepid hikers embarked on a CROP (Communities Reacting to Overcome Poverty) hunger walk across the Grand Canyon in an effort to raise money for Church World Service, a non-denominational and non-profit organization. This hike’s primary goal was to work to prevent world poverty by combating hunger at the local, national, and international levels, especially by providing impoverished people with stable sources of food and water. Fromm was inspired to take part in this hunger walk after learning about it from Dr. Chan, a cardiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital and a family friend, who had singularly led two CROP walks in 2010 and 2011 and raised $75,000 in the process. Fromm explains, “I’d seen Dr. Chan do this hike for two years, and I was struck by how much money he was able to raise for such a charitable cause, just by hiking for one day.” Starting at 3:10 AM on October 22 and finishing at 2:00 AM the next day, Eli, Dr. Chan, and the other three members of their team traversed the Grand Canyon from one rim to the other and then back, never stopping to sleep. Altogether, the five hikers rallied many donors and ended up raising a total of $60,000. By publicizing and promoting their hike, they not only supported a charitable cause, they increased their community’s awareness of families who are currently struggling to feed themselves. Fromm plans to participate in this hike again next year, commenting, “This hike has taught me that any one person can make a huge difference in the world around them.”n
Photo credits to Eli Fromm. Top left: Eli and his fellow hikers take in the view. Top right: Eli Fromm. Bottom: Eli and the gang under a tunnel rock formation in the Grand Canyon
Feature 3
Pembroke Seniors Volunteer in Political Campaigns “Volunteering in favor of a candidate you support is really the only way to make a difference politically until you can vote” Kate Berkley Managing Editor Election years are an exciting time in America: campaign rallies, inspiring speeches, debates – American democracy at work. The election is a time for Americans, not just those in political office, to change the face of our nation. Many of us under eighteen, though, would argue that because we can’t vote, we have no influence in the election. However, seniors Zach Helder and Riley Sloan demonstrate that is not the case. Both Helder and Sloan have been working hard for the past several months on the Claire McCaskill and Barack Obama campaigns, respectively. Sloan, who was a fellow for Organizing for America, the president’s grassroots campaign, worked training volunteers, working on projects, registering voters, or campaigning in different neighborhoods in Kansas City. “Volunteering in favor of a candidate you support is really the only way to make a difference politically until you can vote,” Sloan says. “If you have any free time and you care about the future for you and the rest of America, you have no excuse not to go out and help whatever candidate you think is best for the state/country.” Similarly, Helder was a campaign fellow for
Photo credits to Zach Helder and Riley Sloan
McCaskill’s Kansas City region, doing everything from knocking on doors, recruiting volunteers, managing, training, and coordinating volunteers, and a few press events here and there. Both students contributed numerous hours weekly, volunteering for the campaigns on top of school, homework, college applications, and extracurricular activities. However, both students would
agree that the extra hours, though sometimes exhausting, were well worth it. As Helder says, “It’s a little confounding to come home near midnight with none of your homework done… the reward, however, was great. Even having learned so much, made so many new professional and social acquaintances, and been able to interact with the poorest of Kansas Citians, the moment
Left: Sloan with “President Obama” Right above: Helder with Senator McCaskill
of victory put us all in a place of unmatched fulfillment.” While both Helder and Sloan can’t vote, both would agree that their experiences were incredibly rewarding, and it is clear that their efforts contributed to the success of their respective candidates. “The President may not have won Missouri, but he did a lot better in this increasingly Red state than anyone predicted. Also, our
campaign to register people and Get Out The Vote helped state-wide Dems like Claire [McCaskill] and [Jason] Kander just as much as the President, so all of you who came and volunteered on the Obama campaign really did make a difference.” When Helder was asked how it felt to have worked so hard for a successful campaign, he responded simply: “I’ve never felt better.”n
4 Feature
To Agree to Disagree Conservatives’ Club and Liberals’ Club battle it out in a mock presedential debate
All photo credits to Caroline Brooks
By Cindy Wang Assistant Editor The Pembroke Hill upper school held its first ever YIG-sponsored mock presidential debate on Monday, November 5, 2012. The debate geared students up for the election the next day, as well as for the mock election conducted at Pembroke Hill. Representing the Liberals were Riley Sloan ‘13 and Joey Nay
‘13, and representing the Conservatives were Sarah Koch ‘13 and Bill Doane ‘13. The teams debated a total of four questions that were submitted by both the Liberals’ and Conservatives’ Club, including topics such as defense budget, abortion and gay rights, taxing, and clean and affordable energy. The teams had a total of six minutes to debate each question; two minutes per side to introduce
their arguments, and one minute per side for rebuttals. The debate brought out many different reactions from the enthusiastic audience, from clapping and cheering to gasps of disbelief. Perhaps the most controversial question of the debate was the one concerning gay rights and abortion. However, both the teams and the audience handled all questions and responses
with a positive and accepting frame of mind. Says junior Cynthia Wang, “I learned a lot about the presidential candidates in a short amount of time, and it was very enlightening.” The online mock election ultimately resulted in a 7% lead for Obama over Romney, with the real election producing similar results. n
Joey Nay ‘13
Riley Sloan ‘13
Bill Doane ‘13
Sarah Koch ‘13
Feature 5
The Audacity of Two Terms
Teachers Give Their Views on the Re-election of Barack Obama
Barack Obama may have won a second term as President of the United States, but his fight is far from finished. The President is not the only thing that remained unchanged as a result of the recent election: the composition of Congress is the same as it was for Obama’s last term, with the GOP maintaining their hold on the House of Representatives and Democrats presiding in the Senate. The same obstacles in the form of stalemates in Congress that hindered the President in his last term may very well plague him again. However, Mr. McGee points out that “historically, second-term presidents tend to be more forceful in trying to push through their agendas because it’s their last chance.” Dr. Graves predicts, “He’s going to do his best to make sure that there is what he considers a fair mixture of changes to deal with that, and that is take the income tax rates, the marginal rates on the very wealthiest Americans and take those back to the Clinton era, even though, perhaps, allowing the Bush tax cuts to continue for the less-wealthy individuals. And that’s going to be a very tough one because I know that Republicans will want to put the emphasis on cutting spending.” Dr. Tostevin asserts what he believes
to be the more definite effects of Obama’s second term: “We are not going to lose Planned Parenthood. And we would have, had the election gone the other way. ‘Obamacare:’ we’re not going to lose that.” Even though Obama is president, it will be very challenging to predict what is in store for the country for the next four years. Dr. Tostevin points out that “a lot depends on what’s going to happen in Europe, just on the economic front. So much of that is outside anyone’s control, so that’s
And you’re “The sky will be bluer. The alone. just looking at all these deficits.” The birds will sing prettier. best Mrs. Reams can hope for is “the Flowers will be more best for the counvibrant. And everyone will try, which is not four more of the hold hands and sing together same. I hope there will be changes, in universal harmony.” and the economy
TEACHER VOICES
Paige Pepitone and Grace McFee Staff Writers
a major unknown.” What will be Obama’s top priority coming into his second term is economic recovery, which Mr. McGee states, “involves the withdrawal of troops from the Middle East, which has just run up trillions of dollars. Then you throw in superstorm Sandy, which had about 50 billion dollars of damage in New York
will come back, and there will be jobs for you guys when you get out of school.” Some teachers have a slightly more optimistic view for the next four years. Dr. Niermann comically claims, “Economic recovery will continue. The sky will be bluer. The birds will sing prettier. Flowers will be more vibrant. And everyone will hold hands and
sing together in universal harmony.” But an optimistic attitude cannot help the numerous paradoxical challenges that the President faces, which Mr. McGee sums up: “He has to figure out a way to fully implement the Affordable Healthcare Act, (which will happen in 2014), while decreasing the budget, lowering the national debt, while decreasing unemployment. While being elected with a very narrow margin of victory. I don’t think he’s going to have any time off.” As Ms. Williams-Griffin put it, “It is my hope that (Obama) will be able to use the next four years to finish what he has started and to complete the campaign promises.” n
Bill McGee - AP Government Teacher “You have to take into account that the makeup of Congress is still the same along party lines in both the House and the Senate as it was before. So the same stalemates and bottlenecks might very well exist. However, historically, second-term presidents tend to be more... forceful in trying to push through their agendas because it’s their last chance.”
Beth Reams - Conservative Club Sponsor “I hope for the best for the country, which is not four more of the same. I hope there will be changes, and the economy will come back, and there will be jobs for you guys when you get out of school.”
Tom Niermann - AP US History Teacher “In my opinion, I think (the next four years) will be very good. The economic recovery will continue. A great deal will depend on Congress’ willingness to compromise on tax issues. That’s going to be a big issue.”
6 Opinion
Divided W e Stand… Blue, Red, Blue
Red, Blue, Red
When you look at election maps, the country seems to have developed stripes... Sarah Koch Managing Editor Twenty-four states and 48% of the population supported Romney in the final day of the 2012 election. I would have been happier with twenty-six states and 51% of the vote. Though Romney lacked charisma and seemed to have vacillating positions, I still hoped the country would not re-elect a president who had done so little to fix the biggest problem facing Americans today: our ailing economy. Under Obama, the population has suffered 43 months of above 8% unemployment. That number is greater than the total between Truman’s presidency and George W. Bush’s. However, nothing about this election gives Obama some sort of “mandate” as he has recently claimed. Romney won over 60% of the votes in ten states and nine more were over 55%. The 2012 election was obviously not a landslide victory for Romney, so the fact that landslide poll results for specific states exist is scary. If anything, the election results show how divided the United States has become. When over 100,000 people sign a petition asking Obama to let Texas secede from the Union, it says bad things about the state of the country. I do not endorse ripping apart the Union, but Obama
should be concerned. The petitions are just manifestations of citizens’ frustration with their government. If Obama thinks the election results support his desire to only accept an economic plan that raises taxes on people making over $250,000, he will go down in infamy. Obama’s plan to punish the rich would raise at most 82 billion dollars a year, and we are running a deficit of over a trillion dollars a year. His tax plan is just a ploy to satisfy his left-wing (and arguably socialist) base. Right now, his liberal fan group is only about 51% of the population. He does not have a lot of wiggle room. After this election, Republicans should not feel that they need to soften their stance on fiscal or social issues. Instead, they should learn not to let idiots like Todd Akin, who publicly make absurd and unsupportable claims, run for senate in states that they were expected to win. The election only served to show that half the country desires security and economic equality, while the other half wants liberty and opportunity. Though some people may claim to desire all four, the pairs are, unfortunately, mutually exclusive. n
Voices 7
Poll Photo
What is your favorite Thanksigiving dish? The meat -Ben Wang ‘16
Mash
ed po
n pki
pie
tatoes
-Elodi Bodamer and Kealy Kornitzer ‘16
Pum
-Arlet Van Houtan ‘14
ed ndi
s yam
Ca
-David Helder ‘15
Creamed corn -Maddie Tolsdorf ‘16
ers
nd ‘tat
a Turkey
-Tommy Webster and Tucker Sutton ‘14
lls t ro
en resc
C
-Elena Humphrey‘16
Mash
ed po
tatoe
s
-Lily Glenn‘16
8 Student Life
Community Service Club Maya Patel Managing Editor
November is the month of giving, making it the perfect time to give back to the community and to fulfill the Community Service Club’s motto, “SERVIAM ERGO DUCO:” I shall serve therefore I lead. The club’s president Meredith Sight ’13 says, “Our main goals are providing community service opportunities for the student body and encouraging active involvement in the community.” The Community Service Club has become an official club this year after being previously known as the Community Service Board, and they already have more than 30 members. On October 16th the club hosted the Volunteer Opportunities Fair for
the Upper School that included 19 local organizations that came to provide the students with information on how to get involved. Sight also mentioned that their future plans include “both a domestic service project and an international service project for the Upper School Student Body.” The Community Service Club encourages students to get involved in the community, and Sight adds, “I really want all students to be able to find at least one organization where they feel passionate about volunteering and would want to go above and beyond their 60 hour requirement there.” n
A few photos of the different organizations at the Volunteer Opportunities Fair. Photo Credit to Beth Bryant
Will W rk for Pastries
Eli Fromm Contributor
The editors of the Voice don’t appreciate it when someone who is not a member of their staff walks into one of their meetings and takes one of their donuts. On the other hand, those plain glazed donuts from Fluffy Fresh are way too irresistable. Those of you who have read this far into this article are probably getting pretty concerned about what
one might do in this predicament. Fret not, for I have masterfully navigated the situation in my own favor! By submitting this article, I EARN my donut and emerge victoriously with improved writing skills and a face covered with glaze. Let the purpose of this article not be misconstrued. This was never about eating or not eating a delicious pastry. In fact, I would like to suggest that the basic lessons from the story told
above can be used in every aspect of life and school. Determine what it is you want and seize it! Nothing is out of the question if you put all of your efforts toward it. Do whatever it takes, and you won’t be sorry. You’ll expand your horizons, and the victory will just taste that much sweeter (and in my case, fluffier). Write for the Voice.n
Mrs. Prince
Christine Zheng and Elizabeth Gerson Contributors
mond public school system for almost a decade, she moved back to Kansas City so she could be closer to her family. Because she is used to being in a public school environment with a vast number of students, she says that coming to Pembroke allows her to have the opportunity to interact with students and parents in a more meaningful way. Mrs. Prince states that compared to when she attended school here at Sunset Hill, the student population is more heterogeneous and diverse. The environment is engaging, and the students’ love of learning is refreshing and makes her love her job even more! n
Photo Credit to Elizabeth Gerson
Library Lookout Emily Beasley Do you ever wonder what Jacqueline Kennedy wore as First Lady? What about how the mullet became an iconic hairstyle? The answers lie in the fashion collection in Kemper Library. The collection contains books on a variety of fashionbased topics such as the different clothing of people around the world in Fashion, Costume, and Culture by Sara Pendergast, and the history of the styles of clothing in rock’n’roll in the book Getting It On by
HU
Jon Chu
on this... There is a group of raccoons that lives in the sewer in front of my house (technically a group of raccoons is called a gaze). The most I have seen at one time is four, but I don’t really know how many are living down there. I imagine there is a huge colony that extends throughout the network of sewers around the city. But these raccoons aren’t the fluffy little “Meekos” that one might playfully feed crackers in the forest. Rather they are gigantic, mean beasts with claws and fangs, the type of raccoons that will viciously attack other animals and even humans. Urban raccoons have been known to maul small dogs and cats, and they constantly fatten themselves with humans’ trash. They also sometimes carry rabies and other diseases. Imagine sewer rats, but sewer raccoons. An interesting but scary thing about raccoons is their human-like quality. I like to think that if humans and raccoons waged war against each other, the raccoons would win, because they would outmatch us every time in cunning and deceit. They are curious, with dexterous little paws, and are incredibly smart. Raccoons are good learners, and can teach their friends what they have learned, and are quite obsessive about their routines. Raccoons also share a human love for shiny objects. So, if you happen upon a raccoon in the near future, I would advise you not to try to feed or pet it, and instead think of what a stylish and comfortable head garment it might make. n
raccoons...
Pembroke Hill’s new learning specialist, Mrs. Prince, is not an unfamiliar face to the Pembroke Hill Community. Before attending college outside of New York City where she majored in drama, she graduated from Sunset Hill in 1977. Additionally, she studied for ten years to become an opera singer. After having a son, who was born with special needs, Mrs. Prince decided she wanted to support special needs children in Richmond, Virginia, and began participating in fundraisers for the autism community. Later, she earned a graduate degree in special education. After teaching high school special ed classes in the Rich-
Student Life 9
Mablen Jones. There are even encyclopedias in the collection, such as Encyclopedia of Hair by Victoria Sherrow and Fashion by the Smithsonian Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. So stop by to immerse yourself in some of the interesting fashion books Kemper Library has to offer, and if you have any questions concerning the mod books, feel free to ask librarians Ms. Erickson and Ms. Tullis. n
10 Arts Artist of the Issue: Emily Dema Staff Writer If you are ever walking down the hall and hear someone spontaneously quote Shakespeare or break into song, chances are it is Ian Purdy ‘14. Purdy has established himself a very gifted performer at Pembroke Hill. From choir concerts to theater, he always steals the show. He has always loved performing, and, as his family jokes, he “was singing before [he] could talk.” Since coming to Pembroke Hill, Purdy has greatly contributed to the arts programs. He has been a member of the esteemed Madrigal Singers since he was a freshman. In addition, he has participated in the exclusive Top of the Hill group since his sophomore year. Purdy’s choir director, Mr. Diffendaffer, says of his leadership, “[Purdy] contributes to our ensembles in many ways. Through his outstanding voice and love of music, he is a natural leader in our choral groups. I can always depend on him to set a great example with his voice.” Purdy definitely has left his mark in the various choirs of Pembroke Hill, but his talents are not limited to school. This year, Purdy showcased his talents in the choral community when he made the All-District choir. He sang two songs, one in English, and one in Italian, along with identifying key signatures to qualify for this prestigious choir. Furthermore, Purdy participated in the District Solo Contest last spring and made it to the State competition. Purdy has also participated in many of the theatrical productions at Pembroke Hill. This year he played the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Since I have loved Shakespeare’s works from the age of twelve,” says Purdy, “I was really happy to be able to work on this play for the second time in a year.” Purdy hopes to continue his love of performing and singing in college. He says that he hopes to major in vocal performance and his
Ian Purdy
“Through his outstanding voice and love of music, he is a natural leader in our choral groups.” second passion, history. Purdy anticipates performing throughout his whole life because “being Oberon or Ali Hakim allows me to explore other personae. I don’t know why, but for some reason there is no feeling that can equate to that of stepping
into the shoes of someone else.” Whether he is playing a king or singing at the Bravos concert, one thing’s for sure: Ian Purdy is a great representative of the Pembroke Hill performing arts program.n
Photo credit to Ellen Cagle.
...Carol at the Kansas City Rep – he enjoys directing students because they are “more willing to take risks, especially with Shakespeare.” The actors seemed equally enthusiastic about their director. Both junior Ian Purdy and senior Amelia Mohr have worked with Rapport in previous productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and admire him. Junior Rachel Kennelly said that Rapport “really knows what he’s doing and has a great vision for the show.” The Voice sat in on several rehearsals of the play, which took place every day after school. “Rehearsals are always very fun and laughter -filled,” said Ian Purdy. Each practice began with warm-ups, which were often led by a senior. The actors shook out their bodies and recited tongue-twisters in order to loosen up before acting. A four member band, which provided sound effects and music between scenes, rehearsed off stage. In a rehearsal two weeks before the before the first show, Director Rapport said that rehearsals were “going great” and that the actors were “throwing themselves into it.” “Our main goal [of rehearsals] is to get as many runs in as possible,” he commented. “Considering we have such a large cast, we’re doing well,” said Amelia Mohr. The cast performed the first show of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was a matinee, on November 1st for the freshman class, who read the play for their English classes. The show went smoothly, despite some worry that the audience was
Fall Play
Tommy Regan’s
Continued from page one:
Arts 11
Raider Reviews Life of Pi
Presumably production of Life of Pi was influenced by the Academy’s going all rubbery over 2008’s Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire, which also starred cute Indian ragamuffins. But rather than winning a gameshow, the main character, Pi, gets stuck on a boat with a ravenous tiger. The movie works best aesthetically, utilizing lots of pretty colors and reflective surfaces. However--and maybe I’m naïve to expect otherwise--Pi has got more unrealistic, computer-generated animals than Avatar. And like Avatar, you can see it in 2D or 3, but if you think that extra dimension enhances the film, you’d probably get as much intellectual stimulation by staring into the sun for two hours, and you’d save your ten bucks too. It’s like Snakes on a Plane, but tigers on a boat.
not laughing at the comedic scenes. The actors’ diligent rehearsals paid off for the two final performances over the next two days. The final shows were nearly flawless, even though two of the actors fell on stage on the first night. Junior Beth Wang said that the success of the show was due to director Rapport and assistant director Erika Baker, who “created an open environment where everyone could ask questions and contribute to the creative aspects of the show.” However, for much of the cast, the biggest reward
of performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the interaction between fellow cast and crew members. Junior Emily Bricker said, “My favorite part of being in the play was the sense of community that grew between the cast and crew.” n
Photo credit to Ellen Cagle.
Argo Ben Affleck’s latest film is intense, enthralling, and refreshingly humorous. Argo recounts the unlikely rescue mission of six U.S. ambassadors trapped in revolutionary Iran. Affleck successfully juggles a large cast set in two hemispheres while performing admirably as CIA agent Tony Mendez. John Goodman, as costume and makeup designer John Chambers, and Alan Arkin as producer Lester Siegel, are hilarious, the costumes and soundtrack are nostalgic, and suspense is built skillfully. Argo - see this movie.
12 Sports
Raider Wrap-Up A Pembroke Hill Fall Sports Recap
Field Hockey Arianna Lane Assistant Manager “You got to want it to win it, and we want it bad!” These are the words that drove the field hockey girls to succeed throughout their fall season. This year, the field hockey team had some notable games. Audrey Newell ’13, the varsity co-captain, said that the team’s greatest achievement this year was their win against Webster Grove high school. Newell said, “We were really tired from playing another tough game that weekend, but an awesome goal by Allysa Lisbon tied it up at the end. Then we went into an intense game of Strokes [free hits on the goalie], where our goalie, Emma Foster, made three amazing saves and our shooters won the game!” In addition to their athletic skills, the field hockey girls had great team dynamics this season. Kit Frazen’s ’16 favorite part of the season was “getting to know all of the amazing girls on the
Senior field hockey girls pose for a photo before a game. Photo Credit: Sam Wilkinson
team.” Elizabeth Helzberg ’13, co-captain, summed up the season by saying: “It was a really tough season
for all of us, but this year we came together and connected as a team more than we ever have.” n
Football
Pembroke Hill football team plays a game against Lincoln Prep. Photo Credits: Myla Tossato
Miriam Swartz Business Manager On Halloween night, the football team wrapped up one of the best seasons in Pembroke Hill history. The Raiders, 8-1 in the regular season and 9-2 overall, lost a very close game to the Oak Grove Panthers in the district semifinals. Even though they lost this game, the football players have plenty of which to be proud. As senior quarterback Ben Gallagher points out, the 2012 Raiders outscored opponents 410-114 this season. In addition, the football team can always remember coming back from a 10-point deficit to win against Cameron at the BBQ game, beating arch-rival St. Pius X 34-0 at Pius, achieving an eight game win streak during the season, and winning blowout games on Homecoming and Senior Night! n
Sports 13 Boys’ Soccer:Tradition
Never Graduates
Photo Credit: Ereka Hunt
Asher Abrahms Staff Writer The Pembroke Hill boys soccer team recently finished a competitive and hard-fought season. The Varsity team’s ostensibly weak 2-19 record and the Junior Varsity’s 0-6-1 record were no indication of the season’s accomplishments. Over six of these losses were by a single goal, and the competition included some of the strongest teams in Missouri. Senior captain Natty Crenner says, “None of us are satisfied with the end result, but we are more than satisfied with the season as a whole. Statistics-wise this season looks worse than Pembroke Hill Soccer is used to, but the program hasn’t
changed.” The Raiders’ soccer program would not have experienced nearly as much success had it not been for Head Coach Matthew Pritchett’s exceptional coaching ability. This season in particular, his role became increasing important when the team struggled. Crenner says, “Each year that I spend on the team under Coach Pritchett, I appreciate more and more how important he is to the Pembroke Hill Soccer program. He is always accurate and effective in his coaching methods. This year especially, Coach was determined not to let us give up, no matter how bleak things looked. We let him down numerous times, but he always took the burden upon himself to better the team and improve mo-
rale.” With high prospects for the 2013 season, Crenner and the other seniors are confident in the team’s future leadership. Two of this year’s captains, Will Block and Patrick Innes, will be returning next season with leadership experience and a firm grasp of their roles on the field. “This season was all about battling through adversity. We were hindered by injuries, a brutal schedule, and a young team. Again and again we fought back from our misfortune,” explains Crenner. Looking back on the season’s losses and well-deserved wins, the boys soccer program has learned the meaning of team and will continue to foster the belief that “Tradition never graduates.”n
Boys’ Swimming
Girls’ Tennis Miriam Swartz Business Manager The girls tennis team wrapped up another great season this fall. After many matches, the team reached the district championship game. Even though the team lost 5-3 to Barstow, this loss did not end the season. Freshman superstar Yurie Heard progressed to the state quarterfinals, where she lost in a very close match to Carly Cassity of Clayton High School. Although the seniors will certainly be missed next year, the future looks bright for the PHS girls tennis team! n
Cindy Wang Assistant Editor The Raider boys swim team had a successful season this year despite only having eight swimmers. The team took second place at the Pembroke Hill meet and third place at the Springfield Dual meet, preparing them for the competitive district competition. All eight swimmers qualified for districts; Francesco Dimare ‘16 and Philip Laddin ‘13 placed in the 100-meter breast stroke, Ryan Hooley placed in the 200 individual medley, and the relay teams also placed. n Photo Credit: Yurie Heard
14 Sports
Cross Country: Running to Victory
Arianna Lane Assistant Editor What Pembroke Hill sports team has the tradition of a senior boy singing the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” to a freshman if the entire team makes it to State? Cross country, of course! In addition to partaking in their fun traditions, the cross country team enjoyed a successful fall season. At the district competition, the boys team won first place and the girls team took second. Freshmen Haley Dietsch and Kealy Kornitzer call districts their greatest achievement, commenting, “It was so close. The girls made it
by four points!” As a result of their outstanding performance at districts, the cross country team advanced to the state competition, where the boys placed seventh and the girls placed fourteenth. The cross country team’s achievements are particularly notable because they were moved from Class Two to Three this season. Since they are now a higher class, the cross country team faced tougher competition. Nonetheless, the 2012 boys
The boys team posing after Districts with Ms. Rosenfield in the background. Photo credit to Laurie Bomba
team has been deemed the best in Pembroke history. And that is certainly an impressive accomplishment. n
Volleyball Cindy Wang Assistant Editor The Pembroke Hill volleyball team had another successful season. The Lady Raiders had a strong start to the season with a second place finish at the Benton tournament in St. Joseph and a first place victory at the MICDS tournament in St. Louis. Along with these wins, two individual players broke school records. Simone Schmid ‘13 broke the record for career digs with 940, and Ellen Munday ‘13 broke the record for career kills with 1000. Both records were previously held by Sarah Munday ‘11 with 905 digs and 839 kills. The volleyball team finished their season with nineteen wins, nine ties, and four losses. n
Girls’ Golf Teddy Murray Staff Writer With only one returning player, Elizabeth Starr, and a mixed group of seniors, juniors, and freshmen, the girls golf team had a tremendous season. Juniors Emma Starr, Anna Williams, Lily Starr, and senior Meredith Sight were new members of the team this season. Freshmen Charlotte Hendricks and Claire Nonemaker also joined the golf team this year. After months of competing, the team, consisting of seven members, won second place at the district competition. Their victory moved them on to sectionals, where Charlotte Hendricks placed and advanced to the state competition as an individual. With such a great season, this team has high hopes for the future. n
Young Voices: Middle School News
VOICE
the
The Official Newspaper of the Pembroke Hill School Inside the Middle School Issue Election Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 17 Meet the New Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Art Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
In an effort to make the Voice a more relevant publication for its younger readers, the Voice will now be publishing a Middle School segment in every issue, written by middle schoolers, for middle schoolers.
Latin America Day Middle school students enjoy a cultural exploration. Page 16 A Fond Farewell Pembroke loses one of its most treasured art teachers. Page 18
16 Middle School
Around the World in One Day Middle Schoolers Delve Into Latin American Culture
Devon Dietrich MIddle School Staff Writer Ten years ago, the middle school hosted the first school-wide international cultural experience: India Day. Over the past three years, the tradition has expanded to include Latin America Day, Africa Day, and Eastern Asia Day. On October 10th, Pembroke Hill’s eighth grade class explored and appreciated the many diversities of Latin America in the first of several annual culture days. Many students participated in a myriad of activities, including Brazilian dancing, descriptions of a Guatemalan medical mission, and a presentation about deciphering some of South America’s most renowned and symbolic art. Students also enjoyed Ms. Araiza’s lessons on South American dance, Mrs. Wolfe’s tortilla making, Mrs. Viene’s powerpoint on ecotourism in Costa Rica, a speech from three Paraguayan KU graduate students about tereré (tea), and a tenampa and taquería
lunch. Eighth grade students were also required to pick a South or Central American country and delve into aspects of its culture, history, and economy. Students created posters for their chosen country. Displays included souvenirs, food, and 3D models of famous places within the country. Thanks to the dedicated work of Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Culp, and Mrs. Viene, the class of 2017 enjoyed all of the activities. “I hope that students will gain a better understanding of the region’s culture. I hope it is a more fun way of learning that expands beyond the classroom,” Mr. Wilson said. As Mrs. Culp put it, “I really hope that the students can be immersed into the cultures being studied.” Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Culp, and Mrs. Viene look forward to continuing these cultural days and expanding their students’ perspectives. Eighth graders
Top: Latin American music. Below: Presentations and a traditional meal. Photo Credit to Cori Culp.
always look forward to these days in the middle school. This immersion in different cultural activities allows the eighth graders to gain
a greater understanding of the many unique lands, traditions, and governmental systems around the world. Illuminating lesser known
geographic regions through these cultural days ensures that students are aware of rising economic superpowers in the world.n
Middle School 17
Election Reflection 2012 Election Garners Interest from Middle School Students Inside and Outside of the Classroom Isabella Way Middle School Staff Writer Many of the teachers here at the Pembroke Hill Middle School used the election as an opportunity for new lessons to be taught to educate students on the election process, how government works, historical elections, debating, and civics. Pembroke Hill welcomes the elections and looks forward to a time when students can become more involved in politics and develop their ideas, debate skills, and grow to their full civic potential. Student Council, one of the many clubs offered at Pembroke Hill, is for all kids interested in government. Students join Student Council with Mr. O’Connell, Middle School civics teacher, to learn of the importance of giving back to their community and how running for a place in office works. Whether students learn about federal, state, or local government, they are voted for by peers after giving a speech on what they would do to make Pembroke Hill an even better learning environment. In an interview with Mr. O’Connell, when asked how the year’s election had helped teach more students about government, he replied, “All the students are more interested and excited about learning because of the election.” Mr. O’Connell also sent out a school survey to see who students thought would win the election. Barack Obama won by two points in that survey. In a seventh grade civics class, students made creative poster boards about each candidate. Many of the projects displayed in the halls showed the kids had an understanding and knowledge of the election gained from civics. The posters were all very neat, colorful, and creative, and helped light up the hallways. This was a very educational project, as it gave people passing by information about current events. Other important lessons and skills such as confidence and public speaking are also taught in the Middle School. Mr. Smith, speech teacher and debate coach, used the election as a way to teach students what a good debater will do and what they should not say in order to win an argument. They were greatly encouraged by their teachers to follow the election and stay informed on issues that affect the nation. The skills attained from public speaking or following politics are some that will benefit students now and in their later years. The
Photo credit to Isabella Way
“All the students are more interested and excited about learning because of the election” The Pembroke Hill community looked forward to the election on November sixth, and it has valued this year’s election as a learning experience for students at the Middle School.n
18 Middle School
Mrs. Loeb to Retire
Olive Honan Middle School Staff Writer
Mrs. Carolyn Loeb, Pembroke Hill’s sixth and eighth-grade art teacher, is retiring at the end of this year to help care for her grandchildren. Mrs. Loeb says her favorite part about teaching is advisory because it “gives a chance for people to find each other and become friends. It also gives you a chance to see how darling someone you might not have known is.” Maggie Burke, an eighth-grader in Mrs. Loeb’s advisory says, “I couldn’t have asked for a better advisor. Mrs. Loeb is caring, fun, and no matter what mood you are in she will always make you smile.” Sebastion Sanchez-Piotrowski, a seventh-grader, says, “Mrs. Loeb is a fun and interesting teacher and advisor. I will be very sad that she is leaving.” Loeb also says that she will miss the kids and the different kinds of art they create. Some of this year’s sixth grade art projects included drawings of their names, clay proj-
ects, and painted buildings. Mrs. Amanda Stockman, the other middle school art teacher, has been working with Mrs. Loeb for seven years. “She’s crazy,” says Mrs. Stockman. “Good crazy. She’s one of the most creative people I have ever met. She also gets along with the kids really well and has a great sense of humor. Mrs. Loeb has taught me so much in the way she teaches the kids.” Mrs. Loeb’s students expressed similar admiration for her talent. When asked, the sixth graders used the following words to describe her: artistic, creative, funny, crazy, and nice. “She is really creative and artistically talented,” says sixth-grader Gracie Beaham. Thirty-three years ago, Mrs. Loeb started teaching at PembrokeCountry Day, before the merger with Sunset Hill. She taught at Pembroke for about ten years before meeting her future husband, Dr. Loeb. Mrs. Loeb confided in her daughter that she thought Dr. Loeb was really cute, and her daughter told her to ask him out for coffee. She asked him, and
Photo Credit: Olive Honan. Mrs. Loeb intdoruces a new art project to her students.
he said yes, but he never confirmed when they should meet. Mrs. Loeb went back to her daughter, again asking for advice. “I guess I kind of stalked him for awhile,” she said, thinking back. She finally got up her nerve to ask him for coffee again in the li-
brary, this time confirming when. They were married two years later. Pembroke Hill will be losing two of its best teacher this year. If you had Mrs. Loeb as a teacher, it would be a mistake to not go and see her before she leaves. Mrs. Loeb, you will be greatly missed.
New Middle School Teachers Eddie Kim, Middle School Staff Writer
Doug Enns
Gloria Araiza
Cori Culp
Doug Enns, born and raised in Canada, is the new science teacher. This year marks his tenth year of teaching. He has always had a burning passion for science; he earned both his Bachelor’s degree in science and biology and his Master’s degree in education from McMaster University, located in Ontario. “Everyone here is a family,” states Mr. Enns. “We are a small community. That is why I love Pembroke Hill.” He compares Pembroke to his teaching experience in New York City at an international school. “I can put more time into each person’s work because of the smaller class size at Pembroke Hill School.” Pembroke hopes he feels welcome and is enjoying his first year at PHS.
The new Spanish teacher, Gloria Araiza, graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She teaches Spanish to the sixth and seventh-graders. Mrs. Araiza was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and lived there until the age of five. Prior to teaching at the Pembroke Hill School, she taught at three schools in Texas. She left the Lone Star state because her husband graduated from medical school and is a first year orthopedic surgery resident at KU Medical Center. Ana Stanovcic, one of Mrs. Araiza’s students, says, “We do a lot of fun projects, like painting glass on the day of the dead. I’m glad she joined our school and has made Spanish class something to look forward to!”
Cori Culp, the new eighth-grade World Cultures teacher, adores many of the amazing aspects of Pembroke Hill. Mrs. Culp loves the small community and comments, “All the students and teachers are so dedicated to their work.” She played basketball at the University of Nebraska and earned her educational degree from the University of Kansas. She has taught different areas in social studies and history for the last twelve years, and she was a head coach for basketball, swim, and dive teams for twelve years. Matt Bailey says, “ I love her homework system because we have all a week to work and think deeply about each project.”
Middle School 19
Middle School Art Bella Barnes Middle School Contributer The second quarter is now in full swing in the Middle School, with Thanksgiving just around the corner. Tall trees and crisp, colorful fall leaves provide endless inspiration for students and teachers. Halloween brings thoughts of trick or treating, costumes, and perhaps a bit of mystery. This reflects in Ms. King’s choice for the Middle School Play this year, the Pembroke Hill Middle School’s Production of The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes. “This is the only chance in the entire school year that the Middle School students have a chance to showcase their acting talents.” Ms. King says. The PHS Middle School’s Production of The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes was performed on November 7th, 8th, and 9th. In the visual arts department, the fall season has influenced the artwork of sixth graders. Sixth grade Arts teacher Mrs. Loeb says, “The fall season got me thinking about haunted houses...I told them not to build a haunted house, but a crazy, wonky, unique house from clay.” Mrs. Stockman says that she enjoys painting expressive landscapes during fall because “we become more aware of the colors and textures in our environment as the earth changes.” The seventh grade has also worked on cut-paper self-portraits as well as printmaking. The eighth grade created paintings of a portion or scene of the Ward Parkway campus. They are currently working on self portraits painted in the style of an artist of their choosing. The Middle School Choir is getting ready for the annual Winter Concert which will take place on December 7th, beginning at 7:30 pm in Hall Student Center; it will feature the Middle School Choir singing a myriad of music. The Choir is also preparing to perform in a concert with the Kansas City Chorale; they will be the youngest group performing. This performance will take place on Saturday, December 8th. The Middle School Instrumental program has a variety of musical styles and ensembles. The Middle and Upper school ensembles are at the same time rehearsing for their upcoming winter concert. Mr. Dekker, the head of the Middle and Upper school instrumental department, has also decided to add some selections in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The performance will also include challenging, fun, and diverse music with a variety of historical, cultural and stylistic influences. Mr. Dekker says that “it is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and passion in our students [that is] brought on by the artistic process.” n
Photo Credit to Ellen Cagle
“It is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and passion in our students [that is] brought on by the artistic process”
20 Voices
Letter from the Editors Dear Readers, We set out at the end of last year to create a Voice Revolution: a complete redesign of our school newspaper. Here we are, a third through our term as editors-in-chief, and our advancements have been great in some fields and lacking in others. Our paper looks different: we have a photo on the cover, a smaller page, and a color of the issue. Visually, the Voice is a new paper. Content wise, it’s a different story. But, in this issue, we would like to unveil our newest content change to the Voice. Printed on the bottom of this page, you see “The Official Newspaper of the Pembroke Hill School.” In past issues, when you have looked through our pages, our articles have discussed the new English teachers in the Upper School, the success of the Upper School football team, the artwork of an Upper School art focus student. See a common trend here? We do. It’s Upper School. But, the Pembroke Hill community
extends far beyond the confines of Jordan Hall. Inside this issue, you will find our first attempt to broaden our paper’s appeal: a section on Middle School news. Last month, we approached Mr. Matthew Carolan of the Middle School English Department with our idea to include Middle School news.
affected by these stories: our Pembroke Hill Middle Schoolers. We hope to keep our new relationship with the Middle School thriving through our tenure as editors and then into the future under the next editors-in-chief. Our school newspaper is slowly broadening its appeal to address stories beyond our high school. As much as our paper is about innovation and new ideas for the future, it is also about remembering the past. We want to dedicate this issue to three beloved Pembroke Hill students: Elizabeth You ‘10, Matt Skeens ‘12, and Max Martin ‘13. They will forever be remembered for their impact on our community, and we keep them near and dear to our hearts. They were all integral parts of our school community and greatly affected those who had the fortune of knowing them.
Our school newspaper is broadening its appeal to address stories beyond our high school. Through the combined efforts of the Upper School Voice staff, Mr. Carolan, and our newly recruited Middle School Correspondents, we are pleased to present our first ever Middle School Section. It’s a microcosm of the Pembroke Hill Middle School community within our paper. You’ll read a piece about the new Middle School teachers, a piece on the eighth grade Cultural Days, and an article about the middle school arts, all told through the eyes of the very students who are
theVOICE Official Newspaper of the Pembroke Hill School
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Yours in remembrance, Ritika and Jeffrey
The Voice is published monthly by the students of the Pembroke Hill School during the academic year to inform the Pembroke Hill Community about pertaining 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. All comments, concerns, and complaints should be forwarded directly to the Editors in Chief. 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. Like us on Facebook at The Pembroke Hill Voice and follow us on Twitter at PHSVoice. The Voice is YOUR newspaper. Please read responsibly.
whispers
news blurbs about pembroke ereka hunt... has been recruited by washington university in st. louis to play basketball. cynthia wang... got third in a seven-state-wide piano competition called the missouri western young artists’ competition. sid goel... was the #1 speaker at the kansas city kansas community college debate competition. rachel kennelly... recently appeared in the green day music video. betsy sundeen... was accepted into the joffrey academy of dance summer program in chicago, one of the the most prestigious dance programs in the country. daniel han... got first at the state piano competition.
Editors-in-Chief Ritika Abhyankar and Jeffrey Rubel Head of Deisgn Wanda Czerwinski
Faculty Sponsors Matt Clothier and Joel Causey
Business Manager Miriam Swartz
Web Designers Sid Goel Michael Rubel
Managing Editors Kate Berkley Taylor Carr-Howard Sarah Koch Anna Levitt Riya Mehta Maya Patel Riley Sloan Cynthia Wang
Copy Editors Ellen Cagle Aden MacMillan Ben Shadid Lizzie Whitney
Assistant Editors Raymond Fang Arianna Lane Neha Sahgal Cindy Wang
Photo Editor Kathleen O’Keefe