September 2013 by Pembroke Hill Voice

the

VOICE

September 2013 Volume XXX, Issue II

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Pembroke Hill Welcomes Two New English Teachers Mr. Romick Cindy Wang Managing Editor 2013 is not only the new Upper School English -

century American literature with

Mrs. Knopik

Shannon Fang Contributor

“I love the cosmopolitan feel of my classroom”

though she wasn’t a -

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Pembroke Hosts New AFS Students

Luca Farkas Devon Dietrich Assistant Editor How would you describe where you are from? I am from Kaposvár. It’s a small town in Hungary with around sixty to seventy thousand people. It is in the southwestern part of Hungary. It’s the capital of Somogy county, even if it’s not very big. One hour away is the big Lake Balaton. My family has a summer house there, and I spend a lot of time there with my friends and family. Kaposvár is a cute town, with

amazing neighbors. What is your family like? name is Ildikó. She works for a Swiss company that is interested in travelling. She works on the computer, so she is home a lot -- I love it! Daddy’s name is Géza. He runs a wine company, but he is a lawyer too. I have two brothers, a younger and an older. It is the best family for a girl -- one with two brothers. My older brother is David; he looks just like me (just in boy, it’s creepy), but his personality is totally opposite. He’s 17 and very smart. My younger brother is Marci, who I miss the most. He is 13 … he is a cool guy. He has a lot of friends and “haven’t done” homework, and he doesn’t really worry about anything because he is who he is. He plays a lot of sports, too. And, we have a cat, called Poci. She’s lazy as heck, but such a cutie! What are your plans for the future? if I would like to be an exchange student again and again. After high school, I want to go to Africa and help people there because I truly believe that we can change their ways. I want to be a teacher -- one you remember all your life! I want to travel in Europe, write books, drink tea, and see the countries that make me feel like I can be who I really am. And then,

travel in the U.S. in a convertible car with the love of my life and be young and crazy, like all the American people. You have to be crazy for a happy life. In your free time, what do you like to do? I love sports. I play volleyball and soccer in Hungary, and am on the volleyball team here at Pembroke! I love football (my dad was a huge fan) and being with my friends, or anyone. I write a lot, and I love that my words have power. I love drawing and designing clothes, dancing, and making other people happy. I smile a lot and just love doing it all the time. What are some similarities and differences between the USA and Hungary? We actually have the same music as in the USA. The fashion is quite the same, too. However, we never wear sport clothes if we go anywhere but don’t eat this much fast food. Also, we can’t drive until age 17 but can drink at age 18.

Check back next month for an interview with Fabrizio! ing our students how to live a real life. We have to study a lot, we have 12-14 classes, but we don’t have all of them every single day. Class starts at 8:00, and every class is about 45 minutes. After each class we have a 2:20 everyday, then go to lunch. Sadly, we don’t have cute football boys wearing their jerseys on game days, and we don’t speak in Spanish (or English) in the hallways, which we do here; it’s so much fun. What do you miss about home? I haven’t even thought about it. I miss my brothers. I miss Mom and Dad, and I miss my amazing friends. But actually, I just love them, more than before, and I think of them. But, I’m truly happy here, so I miss them, just not in a sad way. I’m happy for missing them. It means I truly love them. I miss dreaming in Hungarian. How would you describe your transition from Hungary to the USA? I’m surrounded by wonderful people, so it was easy to get used to this hour day! However, I’ve been having

host family is great; they help me a lot. I think that Pembroke is the best school in the country for an exchange student. What are some strange facts about you? First, I’m afraid of birds because I believe that they can peck your eyes out, and I hate them because I’m jealname, Farkas, means “wolf” in Hungarian. You just learned a word in Hungarian! Good job! What are you looking forward to most about this upcoming year? I’m looking forward to everything. I can’t wait until homecoming, since I’ve been asked in such a cute way by Walter Fromm ‘15. I’m so happy for that. And, I can’t wait until WPA, and to be nervous as heck before I ask someone to come with me. I’m snow and experiencing the magic of Christmas. Most of all, I can’t wait until the day when I can tell you how happy you made me, how you became my second life, and that you are in my heart forever.

Why were you interested in being an AFS student? While being an exchange student in Spain, I realized the U.S. is a dream of mine too. I think in Europe, everybody wants to live the American dream, with all the cute football players, cheerleaders, lockers, and everything. Now, I’m living my American dream, which makes me so happy. What’s been your biggest surprise about the United States, Kansas City, or Pembroke Hill? My biggest surprise was that the thought that it’s sweet. I lived in a lie - haha! How would you describe school in Hungary? The Hungarian education is not that great. We are not very good at teach-

Luca (center) with Sarah Sampei ‘14 (left) and Erin Krahn ‘14 (right), International Club

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A Different Type of Clubbing Davis Brooks Assistant Editor On September 10, I stepped into the quad and was hit with a shower of scents. Everything from Italian sausage to brownies overcame my senses. I saw tables of smiling upperclassmen and freshmen alike, along with each activity leader passing out food, stickers, and handouts exclaiming why their club was worth joining. Club fair was here, and there was no shortage of excitement. I made my way down the sidewalk into the action and was instantly yanked by pleading club leaders towards the groups’ respective tables. great opportunity. Clubs at Pembroke Hill are not only a good outlet for students to do something they love to break up all the work they are required to do, but also to meet people who think the same way as they do. As a freshman, the most exciting aspect for me or new students that I either have not yet had the chance to meet, or to be with some of the people I have not seen much due to the hustle and bustle of the school day. After talking to fellow freshman, I quickly realized many of them had similar opinions as I did regarding clubs. Jason Cobb ‘17 said the group he was most excited about joining this year was Investment Club “because [he] is excited to have the opportunity to practice and learn how Penning ‘17 said she was most excited about signing up for Spanish club “because she is excited to meet the upperclassmen and learn about Spanish

Art Club Are you drawn to the visual arts? Art club is the place to go! Not only are there Nelson trips and movies, there is also the option to take on personal, extracurricular projects.

The Upper School Club Fair consumes the campus quad on September 10, 2013. Students signed up for the extracurricular activites they will be partipating in for the rest of the year. Photo credit to Beth Bryant.

I quickly learned during the club fair that the focused on the environment, history, and even politics. The groups really are there to cover a wide group they like. The problem amongst students they wanted to be involved in, but rather how to pick just a few out of a list of such good options. With all the variety of clubs, one common theme was still very apparent to me: each club made you,

Club Overview AWARE AWARE of our communities needs. This is a student’s opportunity to advance and improve their knowledge about the issues in today’s society, and what Pembroke Hill can do about them. In AWARE, learn and discuss life threatening diseases such as AIDS or even breast cancers. You can also help out in the community, organize fundraisers, and take part in the AIDS walk.

Asian Club Book Club discuss writing. Not only do you get to read and discuss books for your own pleasure, but you can also help the community through book drives for charity!

This year a few new clubs made the list, including Creative Writing club, Film and Photography club, and Diversity club. Ellie Gorny ‘17, a student already very excited about the aspects of these new clubs said, “the new clubs are going to be a great way to meet new people that all have similar inter-

to the Dragon Boat Festival at the Plaza, Asian you to immerse yourself into the Asian culture.

Through my freshman eyes, club fair was a great success. It compelled my classmates and I to start looking forward to a great ninth grade year.

L’Alliance Francaise L’Alliance Francaise is a fun and engaging way to appreciate French culture. Activities include trips to French restaurants, crepe sales, and an annual concession fundraiser during the spring musical.

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Conservatives Club and Liberals Club

Environmental Club

Photography/Film Club

Even after the heat of the elections of 2012, politics at Pembroke Hill still lives on. This year, the Conservatives Club and the Liberals Club will be having debates, in which you can participate! Listen to speakers and show your party pride with shirts and other merchandise!

Ever wonder how the recycling bins rid themselves of waste? Environmental Club helps keep our campus environmentally healthy by helping us clear it! Are you concerned about the fate of the planet we live on? Come to Environmental Club and express

With today’s smart phones and social media, the

ideas about how to protect our home.

through visiting galleries, participating in competitions, and even hosting open darkroom sessions.

India Club

Grab a camera and snap away!

lassi? Well, India Club is the club that made it all happen, and you can get in on the action. This year, India Club plans to sponsor another India Night, will also be fundraisers for Indian charities, socome on out!

International Club Hungary for the overseas? China see what all other cultures are like? Come to International Club! Meet and hang out with our AFS students, and learn about other cultures along the way! Also, International Club will be hosting many activities, such as Casino Night, to fund travel abroad for Pembroke

Common Ground

Hill students.

As a diverse school in the “melting-pot” country of our changing world, the importance of eradicating ignorance is imperative for the long-term survival and prosperity of our society. If you want to hear some new ideas or contribute your own, come to Common Ground meetings and discuss the emi-

Spanish Club Let’s taco ‘bout Spanish Club. This year, Spanish Club plans to feature and learn about the cultures out the year, as well as continue the classic Chipotle Days. Spanish Club is for anyone and everyone

Community Service Board

Creative Writing Club stories, this is the place for you! In Creative Writing Club, you can translate your thoughts and

Just like the popsicles they recently supplied us with, Peer Helpers are always there to brighten the mood and ease school stress. From Bathroom Blurbs to candy grams, the Peer Helpers always too, would like to spread the love!

nent topics of today.

Community service brings all of humanity together. Helping one another is what keeps people going. At the Community Service Board, you can help spread the word and participate in community service opportunities all over Kansas City. Earn service hours and bond with fellow students at the same time!

Peer Helpers

Latin Club The language may be dead, but the love for Latin certainly has not perished. Come to Latin Club and immerse yourself in the ancient culture by participating in activities such as Roman games, pumpkin carving, and Goodcents runs.

ideas into words and set your inner writer free!

Cooking Club Relish the culinary arts? Desire the delectable? Join Cooking Club! Try cooking and tasting both exotic foods and classic favorites alike. The Cooking Club will also host various sales throughout the year, so don’t miss them. Discover new dishes and treats this year in Cooking Club!

Pep Club out the spirit in all of us by organizing events such as pep rallies, Homecoming festivities, spirit week, Color Wars, and more. Help get the school excited

sports

Victoria Turner:

Love at First Spike

Emily Ramza Contributer Bump! Set! Spike! This is what senior Victoria Turner ‘14 has constantly heard throughout her intense volleyball career. The 2013 season marks her third year starting varsity, and Turner is a natural leader on the court. Turner fell in love with volleyball when she began playing in sixth grade in both ever, as her love for the sport grew over the years, so did the amount of time she spent playing on various club teams and in tournaments, constantly trying to improve her game.

On why she loves volleyball, Turner said, “I like how everyone on the team shares equal roles. If something happens, everyone has a part in it and is held accountable for it.” Though she plays yearround, she still enjoys playing for the school, saying, “I enjoy the team bonding and how we all have a lot of fun throughout the season.” Just like for any strong high school athlete, sports become very involving as colleges begin the recruitment process. As a senior, Turner has to face college scouts, which she says can be very stressful, especially at tournaments. Volleyball tournaments consist of multiple courts with many teams playing at

once, so if there are college scouts present, they can only watch each court for a couple of minutes. “You have to be on at all times because they don’t watch you for very long. If you screw up, you’ve lost their attention.” Turner says. As a testament to Turner’s skill, receive more once her club season commences in the late fall. She is not only looking forward to her last ball team, but she is also eager to see collegiate future.

Above: Victoria passes the ball to a teammate. Top: Victoria makes a kill duirng a recent game. Photo credits to Victoria Turner.

student life

Pembroke Community Rallies After Accident

Bella Barnes Middle School Staff Writer

On the afternoon of August 21, 2013, a bus full of thirty-six sixth grade girls was on its way to the annual two-night camp out at Tall Oaks, a camp center in Linwood, Kansas. New and old students alike had been Unexpectedly, on the way to Tall Oaks, the girls’ school As soon as the shocking news reached the students back on campus, Middle and Upper School students adorning the sixth graders’ lockers with candy. All of sixth graders with open arms. “When I came back after the accident, it was good to know that people wanted me to come back to school,” explains Sarah Depp ‘20, who dislocated her shoulder and broke her clavicle as a result of the accident. Although the accident was horrible, Jack Sweeney ‘20 believes a bit of good has come out of it: “We have come together, because of the concern for others.” Fellow sixth grader Mubariz Tahirkheli ‘20 agrees, saying, “Interaction between everyone, even upperclassmen, has improved.” Clara Rabbani ‘20 adds, “The campout was supposed to bring us together, but I believe that the accident did. People actually bonded, because they were there for each other.” Throughout this ordeal, the Pembroke Hill community has grown even stronger. It has become even more clear that in this community, each and every person will always have a shoulder to lean on.

Photo Credit to Matthew Carolan

sports

Victoria Turner:

Love at First Spike

Above: Victoria passes the ball to a teammate. Top: Victoria makes a kill duirng a recent game. Photo credits to Victoria Turner.

student life

Pembroke Community Rallies After Accident

Bella Barnes Middle School Staff Writer

Photo Credit to Matthew Carolan

student Life

on this... Jon Chu Columnist I would say that the nickel is my favorite of the U.S. coins currently in circulation. For one thing, nickels are a nice size; not too small, thicker than the penny, dime, and quarter, and some of the newer ones have Lewis and Clark themed designs. But some people say what really counts is on the inside, and for the nickel this is true. The real beauty of the nickel is in its value. Each nickel is actually only 25% nickel; the other 75% is copper. Interestingly, a nickel weighs exactly

down, selling the base metals. We would call the value of your melted coin’s constituent metals the ‘melt value’. As you might expect, this value can change depending on the current prices of certain metals. Right now, the melt value of a nickel is hovering around 4.5 cents, but ue is below its face value. In fact, the melt value of the nickel is actually fairly high compared to other coins. In comparison, the quarter’s melt value is about the same

as the nickel’s, and the presidential dollar coin’s melt value is only about 5.5 cents. Now, this is all ok; after all, we no longer live in a time where currency is backed by gold or any other precious metal. What’s interesting is that sometimes the price of nickel and copper sometimes gets high enough that the last few years the nickel’s melt value has been decently high, but why is it so much greater compared to other coins? Well, other coins used to be fairly valuable too, that is before their compositions were changed. Quarters and dimes from 1964 and earlier were ninety percent silver, which is nearly the same proportion used copper, but since 1982 they have only included two and a half percent copper. The nickel has not recently undergone a composition change, at least since 1946. You might be wondering if you could take some huge number of nickels or pre-1982 pennies and melt

and nickels, and it even put restrictions on the number of coins that could be taken or shipped out of the country. So if you really wanted to run a foreign coin melting scheme, it would probably require a great deal of smuggling. Some people still hoard buckets upon buckets of coins with the hope that someday they will be able to cash in on the metals’ value. Whether this is a good investment is debatable; it’s unlikely they will ever be allowed to melt down the coins, but at the same time converting money to nickels and pennies doesn’t really have any risk. Maybe nickel hoarders would be in a good position if the government changed the composition sometime soon. In Canada, the nickel was almost pure nickel until 1981, and then it was changed to be mostly steel. Who knows, maybe a similar situation will occur here, and if that were the case, I guess hoarders would be ahead in the potential race to set aside as many nickels as possible.

people who do, but of course there is a catch. In 2006 a law was made that banned melting down pennies

Annual Hazard Lecture (not actually about hazards) Isabella Way Staff Writer

David Owen, a Pembroke Hill alumnus, is coming to visit the school on September 27th. We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Owen for coming back to our Pembroke Hill family to talk to students about his many successes. Mr. Owen graduated from Pembroke Country Day School in 1973 and is now returning to

talk to students at the annual Hazard dozen books and a number of articles for The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, Golf Digest, and Harper’s. He grew up in ed Harvard University. Named for being One of The Fifty Funniest American Writers, Owen has a number of remarkable accomplishments. High School, a book school student, is one of Owen’s most

well-known books. Owen’s work ranges from outrageously humorous and exciting stories to inspirational books about golf. In addition to having published a wide variety of books and articles, he has ing up in Kansas City, which are packed with all of the wonderful memories he experienced while living here. Currently Owen lives in Washington, Connecticut with his wife and children. Owen’s most recent book, Sheetrock and Shellac:

A Thinking Person’s Guide to Home Improvement, was published in 2006. Most of Mr. Owen’s books are for sale in bookstores or online shopping websites, and many of them are on display for students to read in Kemper Library. We all anticipate learning about Mr. Owen’s achievements at Pembroke Hill, especially those of us who aspire to become writers. We are very happy that he is coming back to his old home.

opinion

Students Sound off on New Security Measures Saurabh Goel and Michael Rubel Assistant Editor and Head of Web Design new features on the Ward Parkway campus: a guard station overlooking the back lot, and additional blocks of fence around the some of the school’s entry-points. Both of these additions to school security limit access to the interior of the school, while still allowing students to move freely within the campus. In late August, when an unknown individual attempted to gain access to the school, he was greatly hindered by the fences and was quickly arrested. Thus, these new fences have already deterred strangers from entering the school. Dr. Steve Bellis, Head of School, stated, “Without [the new gates], it is likely that [the suspect] would have entered buildings un detected.” Clearly, the school’s priority is the safety of both that given the campus’ “interesting layout,” the administra-

Cormac Chester Photography Editor

The school feels like a prison now … no one gets in and no one gets out.

tion’s goal is to “make sure [students] are secure and able to walk about, classroom to classroom, building to building, the same way they’ve grown accustomed to.” However, some students have a more a more jaded outlook toward the new security. Sergi De Anda ‘14 argues the new gates are an impediment to students, “especially after school, when sports practices end.” Another student claims “the school feels like a prison now … no one gets in and no one gets out.” Although some students are less than impressed with the school’s heavier security, the school has worked very hard to keep everyone safe. Additionally, enhanced communication with the Kansas City Police Department and a private security company have led to a number of other security improvements. tions around the school display a ticker listing the number of the new security measures may protect.

America and Assad

The current civil war in Syria started as a rebellion against Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial government during the Arab Spring in March of 2011. While the situation is complicated, since there is no clear good side or bad side, the current news story is Assad’s use of chemical weapons against the rebels and civilians. Until now, the reports from Syria have been relatively similar, usually announcing more deaths from bombs and missiles. Russian president Vladimir Putin supports Assad’s regime, meaning that one of the US’s supposed allies is actual-

duction, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties.” Now, President Obama says that Syria has crossed “a red line..” When the US got evidence

move was to propose the use of some sort of military action to prevent the continued use of these weapons. Eventually, Secretary of State John Kerry

that Syria surrender all its chemical weapons. statement was not an actual plan, Putin endorsed the “plan,” and Syria henceforth agreed to it. While the surrendering of chemical weapons is good, the inherent problem is that the US didn’t was a military option, and that is what is troubling. This country’s militaristic mindset is a main cause of many of its current problems. The US had an economic surplus before the Iraq war, which plunged it into a debt of over $16 trillion. Not only that, but the US spends more money on its military than the rest of the world combined. These spending principles and mindsets have led the US into one of the worst recessions in its history and will no doubt lead to more problems. While Putin “saved”

Very recently, the US government was able to retrieve evidence that Syria had been using chemical weapons against its citizens. Chemical weapons were outlawed internationally by the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993 which, according to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, “aims to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, pro-

that would inevitably cause it to spend a massive amount of money, this mindset of “war, war, war” is eventually going to hurt the US in a way it won’t be able to recover, and maybe even destroy us. Photo credit to the Associated Press.

Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow Riya Mehta Head of Article Content As I made my way back to school around 5:30 the night of the annual barbecue, I felt like it was my millionth. I soon realized, however, that this year’s barbecue was special. I saw the preschoolers running around, and I rememers. Later, in elementary school, my friends and I would sit on the bleachers and “watch the game.” In middle school, we actually started watching the game, and some of the spirited boys would make up silly chants and shout them at the other team. Although I’m admittedly not much of a football enthusiast, I’ve still continwhy this year’s barbecue was special. I saw the young preschoolers and elementary school students who were

ever. And I saw the middle schoolers, screaming the same silly cheers that I had proudly yelled a few years ago. And as I stood with the rest of the high school students on the bleachers, I realized I’m going to miss this. The barbecue is the one event where the entire Pembroke Hill community comes together for a night of food, fun, and football. New and old students alike are always excited about this night. New sixth grader Shama Smerdon exclaimed, “I think we’re going to win the game!” Freshman Jack Reardon, dutifully pouring drinks before the game, said, “Serving the drinks isn’t actually that fun, but it’s cool to contribute to the barbecue.” Cheerleader and sophomore Lily Glenn added, “It’s so fun to mingle with everyone before we cheer.” Junior Alex Anderson put it nicely: “It’s so great to see the entire school together. It’s not just the middle school or the high school. It’s everyone, and it’s just a really fun night.” Of all my Pembroke Hill memories, the barbecue will always be a favorite.

12 opinion

What NOT to Wear

Elizabeth Gerson and Lizzie Shulman Copy Editor and Staff Writer

This year, many people may have noticed a few changes have been made -

were directed toward the relief of being able to wear comfortable athletic greatly opposed. “distraction” to their peers. According to many, there has always been more emphasis on the enforcement of the dress code for girls than boys.

Julianne Waters Staff Writer

Student Opinions

A junior who wished to remain anonymous (Not Lizzie Whitney) answered, “These new dress code rules overly regulate women’s clothing. It’s sexist.” Kealy Kornitzer ‘16 said, “I think receiving detentions for dress code violations is way too harsh. Assigning lunch duty would be a much better punishment” Bella Foote ‘16 claimed, “I like the athletic shorts rule, it makes things much easier if I’m feeling lazy. However, I don’t like how strict they are about the leggings rule. Everyone’s getting in trouble for wearing leggings. Even if shirts cover [you up], girls are still getting in trouble for it.” Melissa Annecchini ‘14 says she “likes the shorts rule, but height should be considered. Also, the legging and yoga pants thing is dumb.” Riley Kivett ‘17 said, “The legging rule needs to be gone.” Grace Lattan ‘17 said, “I believe that it does make sense that the school teachers want their students looking appropriate in school. So far, the high school dress code is so much more laid back than the middle school dress code. In middle school, the fact that they were looking mostly at the length of the girls’ clothes seemed a little bit sexist to me, but the current high school dress code seems much more reasonable and fair.”

She Can’t Stop

have won the award for most "shocking" perfor-

wearing a leotard that looked like it was made of

(and hers) as a tool to shed her Disney image. -

Well, think again.

been at least one artist that tries to break the mold by shocking everyone with some dirty dancing, her tween pop-star past. connotations originating from the New Orleans -

formance served as a wrecking ball that destroyed any remnants of respect we had left for her.

Photo Credit to Associated Press

opinion

Broadway Cafe

Photo credit to Kathleen O’Keefe

Arianna Lane, Aden MacMillan, and Kathleen O’Keefe Managing Editors As the fall season rolls around, the KC Crawl team has decided it’s time to Though Pembroke students tend to gravitate toward the mundane Starbucks or

drink a smaller drink, with less milk, and -

all walks of life, and sometimes even of red, white, and black mixed with the

Until next time, -

Ari, Aden, and Kathleen

14 opinion

Luca Farkas: Opinions of America rived. I lost my way 4 times on the very

Luca Farkas Contributor

Coming to America is my chance to start with a clear page. Now, all I can do is continue to be true to myself and hope that is enough. I dreamt about what America would be like: all of you, with your amazing smiles and crazy ideas. I saw you in my dreams, and I knew that I wanted to belong here. You are my life now, and you’ll be a part of my life forever; you are the USA for me, and I’m Hungary for you. I have to keep in mind that this won’t last forever, but while I’m here, I’ll laugh, not at you, but with you. I’ll try to do my best to make you laugh with me. I want you to know that sometimes I won’t know your name, so I’ll call you “hey” or “you” or “honey.” I’m so sorry for that, but I have troubles with names; it’s nothing personal. You can call me anything you like: Luxa, Lusca, Luca, Lutsa, even Princess of Hungary. I love how you try to say my name. -

The R O

for 8 minutes. While we were listening the radio, I said, “Oh, I like this song” when that was actually a commercial. I thought for 2 weeks that “hustle” was someone’s name from the volleyball team, and I answered yes many times to the question ”how are you?” However, for a while. There are plenty of things I just can’t handle about America. Not yet. For example, I live in Kansas and go to school to Missouri. I can’t believe my friends from Hungary say “good morning” to me when I’m going to sleep, and I was shocked when I got an opened container of nutella from a boy (Beck) in the commons after school. He said “this is America’s gift for you.” It made no sense. We had a drill one day while I Mrs. Knopik closed the door and said we could use the chairs as weapons, but the tables could be quite good for that too. I

Olive Honan Assistant Editor The infamous rotating schedule. At the end of last year, all we had were speculations as to whether or not it would be an improvement, and to tell you the truth, we still aren’t really sure. the obvious question is why the school found a need to implement a rotating schedule. According to Mr. Hill, Upper School Principal, the new schedule was created to improve student experiences in school. He says this schedule is designed to help students focus and keep up in class; if a student is always tired at the end of the day, they will not be tired in the same class each day because the order of classes changes. Also, if they are in a sport, they will not miss the same last period class for games that require an early dismissal. The schedule was created with help from a consultant that the school hired. Creating and workshopping the new schedule took over a year, which evidences that the change has been carefully considered. The late start every other Wednesday allows

was so confused. I can’t believe I walked with Maya

“the principal.” Yep, that is the moment when I realized that I was hanging out with Mr. Hill’s daughter. I should learn my friends’ last names. I don’t understand how you can eat potato chips at lunch without anything else, and why we have ice cream and pizza every single day. Also, I don’t know between three and tree. I’ll say tree all the time, because three somehow doesn’t work for me. One, two, tree. Do you know guys how crazy you ing, “Crazy people. Crazy people everywhere!” However, after all this time I can say that I love your craziness. I love that you talk to each other in Spanish in the hallway. I love that you’re joking all the time. I love that you are who you are. Sooner or later, I’ll learn the school dress code, and I’ll know what you mean when

students catch up on some sleep and let the faculty members collaborate before school. And yes, the late start is the main reason that most kids like the new schedule. Jason Macmillan ‘17 said that he likes the late start, but he wishes he could change the fact that the schedule rotates. Students also seem to like the fact that we have two double-period days every two weeks. However, Dr. Graves, history teacher, points out that these “double periods” are not actually double, and he would much prefer if they were one hundred minutes instead of eighty. Julia Depp ‘14, like most students, thinks the double days are one of the best parts of the new schedule. They can give you a chance to catch up on homework and work on projects in class. There is something about the schedule that has been irritating students, myself included. “It seems like it rotates the wrong way,” according to Senn Boswell ‘17. The schedule rotates so that on the second day of the week, students have their

A T I N G Schedule: In Action

sense for it to rotate down, with your last period tates creates the illusion of a longer day than the day before.

Photo credit to Luca Farkas

you write TTYLXOX. On the day I have to leave you, I want to be able to say that I still am who I am, and I am as crazy as you are because you have to be crazy to live the life you dream of. Crazy enough to be who you are

Out of all the students, it also seems like the schedule than the upperclassmen. Perhaps this is because the rotating schedule is just one of many changes when entering the upper school. Schen Ong ‘17 says, “This is the only schedule I know, so The general consensus from the teachers is that they have come to appreciate the new schedule. Señora Martinovic, spanish teacher, and Mrs. McIntyre, biology teacher, agree that they like

the morning versus the afternoon. Mr. Lips, visual

and he enjoys the variety of the rotating schedule. One thing that we must keep in mind is that it is only September- we have a long way to go. fusing now, and even though you might occasionhave), as the months rotate throughout the year, the class rotations are bound to become second nature

opinion

That’s So Gay! Dr. Carl Graves When I was a 1960s Oklahoma teenager, the word “gay” meant carefree and lighthearted. My classmates used words like queer and fag others of the same gender. My father told me psychiatric counseling could “cure” homosexuals. I knew of no such people in my high school and therefore assumed there were none. I must admit that any openly gay student would have faced verbal and physical abuse. My years at Pembroke Hill have broadened my horizons. In the late 1980s it was common to hear middle and upper school teens use the phrase “That’s so gay!” After some hesitation, I decided to admonish students who used that line. In the late 1990s,

I remember the faculty meeting when Mr. Jerry Browning, our respected upper school drama teacher, revealed that he was gay. Later the Common Ground club sponsored weekend Unitown events. At the 2004 Unitown, a group leader named Paul helped me understand that being gay was not a lifestyle choice and that he and other gays faced subtle and blatant prejudice and discrimination. With administration and faculty support, student advisory forums in 2008 and 2010 addressed topics of homosexuality and LGBTQ individ-

The mission of Pembroke Hill School is to enable all students to build character and develop their intellectual, physical, and creative abilities to the highest possible level. The website elaborates commitment to each student, we will foster and promote emotional, social, and physical well-being through strong . . . wellness programs.” In the high school, freshman P.E. and a few sporadic lectures on emotional or social health constitute the entirety of this promised wellness program. The school lacks sexual health (a subtioned categories: emotional, social, and physical health) classes in its curriculum. In my two years of high school at Pembroke, the only information I received that was close to sexual education came

Each year during the Day of Silence, I have worn a t-shirt, which says: “Gay? Fine by Me.”

uals. Each year during the Day of Silence, I have worn a t-shirt, which says: “Gay? Fine by Me.” Experiences outside school have also in-

summer trip along the Lewis and Clark trail, I saw old photos (at a South Dakota history museum) of Plains Indian individuals known as berdaches. Usually, but not exclusively, males, they cross-dressed and formed homosexual relationships. Their tribes not only accepted them, but sometimes honored them for re-

from one lecture on AIDS awareness and my ninth grade biology class. That has been the extent of my higher level sex-ed at Pembroke Hill. Although probably no one misses the awkward days of middle and lower school where we had the privilege to see what was “just around the corner,” sex-ed is more important in high school than in any other level of education. High school is a time

resident of Lawrence, I have become friends with John and Bob, as well Friendships with these gay couples spurred me to write the city council clude gender identity in our town’s anti-discrimination ordinance. Although our school and nation have made progress, I urge you to do your part to sustain the momentum. Straight students should be allies for gay rights, which many faculty members also support. We can create an atmosphere so that LGBTQ teens at PHS will feel safe in coming out. It’s ment.

Internet is a great place for information, but it’s almost impossible to weed out the myths and lies to

can be more dangerous than helpful. We talk to our friends, but who’s to say they know what they’re talking about? Chances are, they got half of their “facts” from the Internet or locker room talk. So that leaves the school. There would be issues in implementing a sex-ed program, but Pembroke has dealt with independence from Pembroke Hill is known for preparing its issues before. their parents; we can drive, stay out later, students for the future, but it’s currently leav- I n t r o d u c i n g go to parties, and want ing us with a big hole in our health education. iPads to the middle school to make our own decisions. But we need to be able to make decisions that we won’t soon regret. That means we need problems, as did teaching calculus to girls back facts. We need the basics. We need answers. We before our parent schools merged. However, in all need to know how to be safe. We need to know these cases, someone in power decided the strughow to be at peace with our choices. We could often get this information at home, but dents. Why should the sex-ed situation be any difwhat teenager wants to have “the talk” with their ferent? Pembroke Hill is known for preparing its parents? We’re reveling in our independence, and students for the future, but it’s currently leaving us the last thing we want is to see that destroyed by with a big hole in our health education. an awkward discussion with Mom and Dad. The

16 arts

Come One, Come All: One Acts Attract performance all the more believable, lief that “trusting your scene partner is one of the most important parts about performing.” “The Boor,” directed by Massey,

ple to try theater. They’re only a onethan most of the other yearly productions. All but one of the actors in plains Whitney. -

and Whitney made up for a slight lack of enunciation and projection formances. Bixby’s over-the-top

On the evening of Monday, September 9th, students, parents, and tennial Hall Theater to enjoy the annual One-Act Plays. In addition to the fact that these four mini-productions are cast, rehearsed, and performed in

tial carelessness to Popov’s mourning. “The funniest moment had to

Spencer Thut and Carlie Sherman. Photo Credit: Jolynn Campbell Caldwell

Asher Abrahms Head Copy Editor

underlying humor and dramatic effect in their performance. Says Aber of her play selection, “I began by bit of comedy to it. I also looked for the available costume, set, and prop all of my criteria, had a bit of the an-

performance. I freaked out and tried ilar to the original, so I just yelled -

a beautiful scene.” Beautiful indeed, for Bricker’s description could apply to any of

that they provide a safe, supportprovided for an enjoyable night of student-produced theater.

Acts are completely student-direct-

Aber’s direction of “The Worker” focused on the life of an extremely

sible demands of the ruthless orgasire to have a child. Both Purdy and subtle, nuanced elements of the script

hearing the audience’s reactions during our performance. Having the laughter changed the feel of the

Adam Bixby and Lizzie Whitney embracing in a kiss. Photo Credit: Jolynn Campbell Caldwell

arts

Artist of the Issue: Tristan Threatt Emily Dema Copy Editor

Pembroke Hill is home to many outstanding students who deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication. One student who has been lauded for his academic and athletic achievements, but has not been awarded much credit for his amazing repertoire of artistic creations, is a long time and says that he “cannot remember a time when art was not a part of [his] life.” His main artistic medium is photography, but he also enjoys phy “enables [him] to capture and freeze motion, erent way.” This past year, Threatt completed the arduous task of putting together the AP Studio Art portfolio, which he says was his “greatest accomplishment in art.” Of the portfolio, he said, “what seemed like an impossible task at first was made easier because of much needed support. I could not have done it without the help of Ms. Creek and my fellow AP students.” For his AP concentration portfolio, Threatt photographed fountains, which ended up being his favorite pieces. He likes these photographs because “even though each picture is of a fountain, each photograph has qualities that make it unique.” He was able to accomplish these various qualities by manipulating the photographs and focusing “on shadows, reflections, and the motion of water.” Threatt’s art career at Pembroke Hill has been extremely successful, and while he does not plan to make it the main focus of his college career, his art has definitely left a mark on the Pembroke Hill community, and students will continue to admire it and be inspired by it for years to come. Of his past and future art ventures, Threatt said, “I do plan on continuing to experiment with phoshapes nature creates, and the unique images that surround us every day, is a fascination that I have developed through working with the Pembroke Hill Art Department. I will never forget or take for granted what I have learned through my experiences at PHS...My love of art always has been and always will be present each and every day.” Upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right: A few of Threatt’s pieces for his AP Studio Art portfolio. Middle left, middle right: Some of Threatt’s other pieces

18 arts

Matt Burke

The Place Beyond the Pines Director: Derek Cianfrance Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendez Since there really hasn’t been anything good coming out in theaters for

music, which sets the mood of the movtrying to support the mother of his illegitI said, last two-and-a-half hours, I rare-

movie that came out earlier this year that is just now coming to DVD. The Place Beyond the Pines is the second movie made Blue Valentine. The story is a twoand-a-half hour epic that is essentially divided into three interconnecting sto-

a cop also fathering an infant child who ry is at at times over-ambitious, but the

provided me with something new and interesting, especially because they are

people. This made me care about them estly, this is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long while, and so far I’d say it’s the best movie I’ve seen this whole year. n

great direction, great acting all around

Grade: A+ that occurs in the story is completely -

Kanye West:Yeezus just be one extended troll, lasting forty minutes. I can’t prove it, but there are a few times on this album where Kanye appears to be playing up his ridiculous persona

the album’s best song, in my opinion, is its very last: Kanye could possibly top himself. This time around,

favor of a more minimalistic approach. There are times

signaling that he’s still in touch with his roots. For as -

uation, but instead he decided to follow up his most critically acclaimed album with something that is loud, debased, and ugly. I love it.

around excellent, the lyrics are mostly sub-par. On most -

Grade: A-

off campus

La Vie à Paris

Pembroke Hill Alumna Interns in France

Laura Hibschman and Lizzie Shulman Copy Editor and Contributor This summer, Emily Mendelsohn, ‘13, interned in France with ICB Europe, an English language school specializing in business English communication for companies in the Paris area. Each year, one dedicated French student, who is also a recently graduated senior at Pembroke Hill, is awarded this opportunity by Eric Wrobley ’85, owner of ICB Europe, in honor of Ann Miller, a former French teacher at Pembroke Hill. To be selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Mendelsohn underwent a very thorough plication and an interview conducted exclusively in French. Mendelsohn has always loved France and speaking French, so this opportunity was a great chance for her to immerse herself in French culture. When she found out she had been selected elated. She had dreamed of visiting France for as long as she could remember. Now her dream was coming true. “It was nothing less than surreal,” Mendelsohn states in the piece she wrote about her experience on the ICB Europe website. To Mendelsohn, the experience was “everything [she] imagined and more.” While it took her some time to get used to the French keyboards and worth it.” As an intern, Mendelsohn’s responsibilities betizing papers; the most exciting part of the job was not the work she did, but rather eating lunch with the students at the school. She really enjoyed to make the most of her stay. Of course, she wasn’t working the whole time. During her stay in Paris, Mendelsohn got to visit various museums, eat at local restaurants, and study the many architecturally impressive buildings of the area. She also had an opportunity to watch the end of the Tour de France, and although she doesn’t really understand biking, she thought the sight was incredible anyway.

Above left: Mendelsohn in Paris. Top right: the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, middle right: Versailles Palace, bottom right: Mendelsohn watches as cyclists in the Tour de France ride through Paris. Photo credits to Emily Mendelsohn.

Overall, Mendelsohn’s favorite part of the expepeople who live there. She loved the independence she had, and found it to be a perfect segueway dependence, Mendelsohn remarks, “It was incredible to be able to do what I wanted when I wanted to do it. And the food, especially the desserts, was amazing.” As Mendelsohn says, she “never had a

bad meal.” Mendelsohn will never forget the wonderful people she worked with, nor her incredibly generous host family. “I cannot possibly thank any of them enough,” she said. If given the chance, there is no doubt that she would do it again, for “it was one of the most exciting things [she has] done in [her] life.”

whispers

news blurbs about pembroke beth wang... was invited to attend the prestigious princeton university arts and humanities symposium brycen saunders... dropped 8 minutes off of his 5K time

Editors-in-Chief Head of Web Design

Head of Design

Head Copy Editor

Assistant Web Designer

Head of Article Content

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dr. clothier... plays guitar and sings at local venues in lawrence, kansas mr. diffendaffer... is having a baby girl due in december gunjan guar... took part in the national brain bee, a neuroscience knowledge competition

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trick or treat so kids can eat... food drive is on october 12 at the prarie village hen house of the football game against st. pius was a 21-16 pembroke hill win!

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