February 09 Pine Needle

SCOTT’S STATS

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WORD OF THE DAY

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MR. SZYMENDERA & BASEBALL

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THE PINE NEEDLE Volume XC • Richmond, Virginia

February 2009 • Number 4

Track, Wrestling win

PHOTO BY TEDDY GOTTWALD ’79

COVERAGE ON PAGE 4

Accepted?

Dealing with the college process

By JASON PACIOUS ’10 Junior Contributor

Each February when college acceptances begin arriving, Mr. Jump has recurring nightmares that no one gets in anywhere, while Mr. Mayer just doesn’t sleep.

“Watching the seniors deal emotionally with the process is a roller-coaster ride, a mixture of exciting and scary,” said Mr. Jump who’s been advising seniors here for 19 years. “Mr. Mayer and I feel both the exhilaration when the news is good and the disappointment when it’s not.”

While the college process is stressful for school counselors it is usually excruciatingly painful for seniors.

Applications loom over seniors’ heads for the first half of the school year as due dates rapidly come and go. Early applications have already come and passed in November. Applications for regular decisions are set for early January, which is unfortunately tied to the end of Christmas break.

The common application, however, has simplified the process. “The common app saved my life,” said senior John Stillwell.

Nonetheless, a number of colleges also require separate essays which are deemed the most difficult part of the application. “Overall, the applications are not that bad because it’s just filling in boxes, but the essays are terrible,” said Tyler Franz ’09. Students complain about such inane questions as “What’s your favorite word and why?”

The personal essay is particularly challenging.

“The personal essay as a literary form probably doesn’t work well for males,” said Mr. Jump,“ especially those of us who have been raised to be modest about our accomplishments, and it is not easy to sift through one’s own personal experiences and find things to write about that convey what’s essential.”

Meanwhile, students have taken many standardized tests, such as the SATs, for the third or even fourth time.

Students, on average, apply to six to eight colleges, but numbers may vary. These fit into categories of what students wish to reach, what they believe is realistic, and what they think would be a safety school.

“Seniors should focus on the realistic and safety categories,” Mr. Jump said. “Knowing where you hope you get in is easy but may not be in your control.”

Not only do seniors need to worry about GPAs and See Page 8 Applications

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THE PINE NEEDLE

FEBRUARY 2009

Yoga relaxes faculty

By KYLE WITTENAUER ’10 Junior Contributor

PHOTO BY GORDON VALENTINE ’77

Scott Richardson ’09: A “managing prodigy”

By JOHN STILLWELL ’09 Head Senior Editor

If you have seen Scott Richardson in the computer lab during second period with his nose in a notebook, you might think that he is the most diligent second trimester senior ever. Actually, Richardson is not studying for his next period test. He is probably recording scores and statistics from the previous night’s Prep League basketball games into his notebook.

Richardson’s notebook is St. Christopher’s basketball’s encyclopedia. Richardson is a driven perfectionist who has recorded every stat of every Saints basketball player from every game this season. He cuts out every box score of every Prep League game recorded in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In addition, he combed through years of Raps & Taps to find the records of every Saints basketball team dating back to 1927.

Richardson is the manager of the Varsity basketball team this winter, but he is no ordinary manager. He takes the job to an unprecedented high and has dedicated all of his time and energy this winter to not only support the Saints, but to fulfill his own passion for the game.

“I’m very organized and I like numbers and stats,” Richardson said. “I’ve always loved basketball.”

Richardson is well known for his detailed work with road maps and is often more reliable than Mapquest when giving directions. This winter he took that attention to detail to the hardwood and realized a new goal of becoming a coach.

“I’ve had an interest in road maps, and basketball has become a second passion,” said Richardson. “In this second passion, I’ve realized that I might want to be a coach, and I really enjoy watching college coaches. Learning from coaches Brown, Taylor and Jones has been great. I try to learn many different styles.”

Richardson has been called a “monster stat-taker” by se-

nior captain Tom Hart and a “managing prodigy” by senior Jay Lynde, but his impact on the team extends beyond the numbers. Richardson often discusses strategies with Coach Brown and has even made suggestions to players about how they can improve drills in practice.

This winter Richardson has immersed himself beyond the Prep League into the Greater Richmond basketball community.

“This year I’ve been to 28 non-St. C games along with every Varsity and most JV games,” said Richardson.

Beyond that, he probably loves the college game most of all. In his basketball notebook, he records the scores of every major college game, covering teams in the ACC, Big East, SEC, Pac 10, Big 10, Big 12 and any other notable teams. Richardson even practices recording the statistics of many of the games that he watches.

“It’ll help me with my brackets in March,” said Richardson.

“The teams I follow are UVA, Davidson and Hofstra, but I watch any top 25 game on TV, especially Big East games on Monday nights. However I do so much basketball at school that I don’t do as much at home.”

Basketball will be a major part of Richardson’s college experience as well. He hopes to manage the Varsity team at whatever college he attends, and is particularly excited about suiting up for intramural ball.

His goal is to go Davidson College, and Mr. Franz, who played basketball there, is trying to connect him with one of the Wildcats’ assistant coaches. If that doesn’t work out, he wants to manage a team at a bigger school like Wake Forest University.

“Scott is the best manager of any sport I have been around,” said Coach Brown. “I’ve had a couple guys manage in college, but he is the best. He is every bit as valuable as the players.

It’s going to be hard to replace him.”

It seems that some members of the St. Christopher’s faculty have been sitting in awkward chairs lately. No, there is not necessarily anything wrong with their furniture. An Awkward Chair is just one of the poses they are striking in their yoga class taught by Upper School Librarian Peggy Boon.

And some of the faculty striking these poses are people you might not expect—Mr. Richard Towell and Mr. Tony Syzmendera, for starters.

Mr. Towell tries all the poses and even practices on his own.

Though this class was the first time he had ever done yoga, he had always wanted to try it.

“It makes me feel better,” he said. “It gives me more energy.

It’s a good complement to my morning work-outs.” Why else does he do yoga? “What’s the worst thing that could happen to a guy my age?” he asked. “I could fall. Well, this stuff really helps with balance.”

Mr. Towell’s favorite stretch?

Child’s pose. Apparently, he entertains teachers in the faculty lounge with his yoga stories where he has been known to demonstrate a few poses.

Despite all the humorous rumors circulating around campus, Mr. Towell is actually pretty serious about yoga and admits to having read several books on the subject. His son, who teaches in Thailand, also does yoga.

Like Mr. Towell, Mr. Szymendera had never done yoga before. He was looking for something to help rehabilitate his back from years of wear and tear coupled with stress and a recent lack of exercise.

All the twisting and bending from playing baseball tightened up his lower back which had taken the fun out of his exercising.

A little peer pressure from some teachers at lunchtime got him to try yoga. “I don’t think they really thought I would do it at first, but I went the first time and felt better immediately,” he said. Mr. Szymendera was surprised and also

found that he felt sustained energy after a good night’s sleep that lasted throughout the week.

Mr. Szymendera said that Mrs. Boon varies the class each week, so a favorite pose was hard to choose. Choosing his least favorite pose, however, was easy. “The Chair may be my least favorite -- it really works the core which I clearly need a lot of help with,” he said.

Mr. Szymendera believes that yoga could benefit STC athletes by helping with flexibility, balance, focus and injury prevention.

“I think we would see benefits on the fields and courts [and] also in what guys could do with the strength and conditioning work so they would actually get more out of that aspect of the program, too,” he said. “I am sure there are other ways to get some of this (martial arts, for example), and we should be open to all of it to some degree. All we need are some open minds to try some different things to see what they have to offer.”

Yoga is not a new arena for Mr. Scott Mayer who started with some videotapes a couple years ago. “I think some guys are just scared to try something like this,” Mayer said.

“But I think it would really enhance their athleticism overall.

I know some of the coaches would like for some of the St. Chris guys to give it a try.”

Poses, or asanas, are the physical core of yoga exercise, and each pose has its own specific physical and mental benefits. They bear names such as Cow Face, Upward Facing Dog, Eagle and Reclined Big Toe pose. Invented in India 5,000 years ago, yoga helps to develop primarily core and back muscles. In addition to the physical benefits, students relish the mind-body connection inherent in the practice of yoga.

Mrs. Boon started taking yoga when her daughter went to kindergarten. Soon thereafter she became certified to teach young people through age 25. Opportunities to teach

“I think some guys are just scared to try something like this. But I think it would really enhance their athleticism overall. I know some of the coaches would like for some of the St. Chris guys to give it a try.”

--Mr. Scott Mayer kept surfacing, and Mrs. Boon embraced them. She is currently teaching yoga classes for P.E. credit at St. Catherine’s School and Trinity Episcopal School. During the first trimester she taught yoga to fourth grade students in the Lower School.

Mrs. Boon believes that yoga supplements any sport. “There are so many possibilites in practicing yoga,” she said. “It offers numerous benefits to the mind and to the body for people of all ages and abilities. Also, it is fairly common now for professional athletes to practice yoga as a means to improve overall performance, to avoid repetitive use injuries, or possibly to rehabilitate from injuries.”

Many of the faculty members practicing yoga with Mrs. Boon are new to yoga. What started as a group of 10 faculty members has now grown to two classes of about 25 regular participants. For those who have not tried it but would like to start practicing yoga, Mr. Towell is testament to the fact that it’s never too late.

Athletes who need more agility, flexibility and core strength (and who does not?), should heed Mr. Mayer’s advice. Do not hesitate to give yoga a try. After all, it has thrived for 5,000 years with endorsements from people of all age groups and fitness levels.

When Coaches Tune and Ballowe can move from a Standing Straddle Forward Bend through the Downward Facing Dog to a One-Legged King Pigeon pose, the STC athletic training program will have thoroughly integrated yoga.

FEBRUARY 2009

Museum humanizes Holocaust

By WELLS BAYLOR ’11 Sophomore Contributor

In early February, 82 students went on a trip to the national holocaust museum in Washington DC. It had a powerful impact on all.

The trip changed the holocaust from a statistic into a tangible tragedy.

“Being there was totally different from just reading [a textbook],” said Mrs. Hollerith, Upper School chaplain who chaperoned the trip. “All [our] senses were touched.”

The holocaust became a more personal event as survivor testimonies were played. “I was most moved by the interviews with survivors,” said senior Michael Welch. “Going through what they did, and keeping their faith is something few managed to do.”

The exhibits were shocking; each showed the scope and horror of the event. The thick scent of old leather was quickly noticed as the students entered a room filled with the shoes of the holocaust survivors.

See Page 8 Holocaust

THE PINE NEEDLE

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Mr. Clark’s word of the day Staff Feature

By STEPHEN WOOD ’11 Sophomore Contributor

“Never chase a lie. Leave it alone, and it will run itself to death.” That was the first pearl of wisdom I received from Sam Clark, the maintenance worker who carries quotes like others carry bottled water. Mr. Clark is a source of inspiration of which many St. Chris students are, unfortunately, unaware.

Each day, Mr. Clark chooses a new quote, one that he likes and hopes will help others.

He will gladly recite it to anyone who asks. The practice started 33 years ago when he worked in the Middle School.

There was no particular event that motivated him to do it, it just seemed like a good idea.

“It came out of thin air,” Mr. Clark said. He finds what he calls his “words of the day” from a variety of sources including books of quotations and books of sermons. “I read a lot of inspirational books,” he said, “and the stuff that inspires me I like to pass on to the kids.”

As we talked, Mr. Clark reached into his vest and pulled out “701 Sentence Ser-

mons, Volume 3.” Thanks to the enormous amount of reading he has done and continues to do, it seems Mr. Clark will remain a fountain of knowledge.

Since he started 33 years ago when Mr. Jones was not yet born and Mr. Towell was getting over his mid-life crisis, Mr. Clark has had more Words of the Day than any of us stu-

dents have had days. After all this time, a few in particular stood out in his memory. One lasting quote is, “Tough times never last; tough people always do.” This and many others like it were first spoken by Rev. Robert Schuller, one of Mr. Clark’s favorite sources.

Another favorite is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Clark is especially fond of Dr.

King’s warnings about the ability of ignorance to contaminate a society.

Whatever the source, Mr. Clark’s Word of the Day is always wise and uplifting.

Many students and teachers hear it and hopefully even more will in the future. “It makes me feel good when kids come up and ask me,” said Mr. Clark, who wants to do what he can to help everyone keep a positive attitude.

Although he is enthusiastic about teaching the word of the day to others, they are not the only ones he wants to inspire. Mr. Clark picks sayings that resonate with him and takes them to heart. As he explained, “I’m primarily talking to myself.”

On a recent Friday, I had a tough quiz third period and was running late to my fourth period class. I saw Mr. Clark walking toward me on the paths near the bookstore, and said hello. After he greeted me warmly and asked how I was, I asked him for the word of the day. He put his hand on my shoulder, smiled and said, “If you don’t like the way the ball bounces, don’t drop it.” I thanked him and went to class, a little wiser.

St.C’s new color is green

By JOHN STILLWELL ’09 Head Senior Editor

Earlier this month Mr. McGuire and Mr. Menges presented two videos in a Lower School chapel about the Green Cup Challenge. When talking afterwards with Ms. Berndt about her fourth grade computer class’s efforts to spread environmental awareness, I noticed an issue at the auditorium door. One kid was refusing to leave until he saw that all the lights were off. His teachers explained that they would be turned off later, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Finally we turned out the lights to please the kid.

Some could say this kid was out of line, but I say that he is beacon of hope for the next generation of St. Christopher’s students.

How do you make a bunch of boys interested in the environment? While the average St. Christopher’s student is not a full fledged tree-hugger, there is a buzz around school about being a more environmentally friendly. The school is participating in the Green Cup challenge for the month of February and it is amazing what a little competition can do to to motivate a group of boys.

This is St. Christopher’s first year participating in the Green Cup Challenge among 127 schools nationally, and five other independent schools in North Carolina and Virginia. The goal is for all schools to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 7 percent, and the winner will be the school that has the lowest carbon footprint in the month of February. In this school-wide effort , students will focus on recycling, turning off light switches and computers when not in use, carpooling to school and conserving water.

Lower School, Middle School and Upper School students are equally responsible.

“I think the students need to care about the earth because the environment is not doing well right now with pollution, emissions of carbon and the use of coal,” said junior Titus Matthews. “St. Chris students should look to use alternative energy sources

to conserve our planet for the next generation.”

The two senior Environmental Science classes created videos to build spirit around school for the challenge. One class’s video starred the Green Man, adopted from the show ”It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” who patrols campus and beats up anyone practicing harmful environmental practices. The Green Man strangles, tackles and kicks students and faculty, and even slams one victim’s head in a copier machine.

The other class’s video was a spin-off of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky’s Messin’ With Sasquatch campaign. The Sasquatch attacked his harassers and even threw Jackson Freeman off the science center second story balcony (No students were harmed in the production). The Sasquatch beat up so many students that they eventually changed their ways.

These videos were shown in chapel and both were hits on campus and in cyberspace. You can now add to the more than 1,700 youtube hits the videos

have already received at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aMiFBVobXRs and http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=x1x6VRyFwTQ&feature=related.

“The videos are a great tool to encourage people to participate, especially the younger guys,” said senior Stephane Irankunze, the co-head student coordinator of the St. Christopher’s Green Cup Challenge.

Mr. Menges has already noticed a significant shift in the behavior of lower school boys in the early days of the competition. He says that there is an excitement that has really brought the boys together.

“The boys are great about reminding each other and their teachers to turn off the lights in unoccupied classrooms,” said Mr. Menges. “I’ve noticed the boys making a concerted effort to conserve water at the hand-washing sinks, and the recycling bins appear to be noticeably more full these days. “ If you have walked through the dark hallways of the Middle School recently, you will fully appreciate their dedication. Mr. Holloway is leading the Middle School effort, and the excitement in the Middle School might be the strongest around campus.

On Feb. 19, the Middle School will host a “Darkness Day.” Every computer in the Middle School will be unplugged, every light will turned off and every class will be taught in the dark.

“If it is not overcast outside, the day in the dark will be a great success,” said Mr. Holloway.

While having class in the dark everyday is not a reality, “Darkness Day” is a step in the right direction.

The point of the challenge is not only to lessen the carbon emissions of the school, but more importantly to help students develop environmentally friendly habits that they can practice at home and for the rest of their lives.

Said challenge faculty sponsor Billy McGuire, “Educating whole school sustainability is in direct correlation with the school’s mission of educating the whole boy.”

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THE PINE NEEDLE

FEBRUARY 2009

Sports

Wrestling: Eight straight

By MATTHEW FERRAMOSCA ’10 & TUCKER THOMPSON ’11 Junior, Sophomore Contributors

The St. Christopher’s wrestling dynasty continues with the eighth straight State Championship title.

The team has faced many setbacks this year such as the loss of sophomore Kevin Molloy and a season ending injury to junior Seth Wagner. Yet, it still went on to win the eighth straight Prep League and Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association championships.

Compared to the other championship teams, Coach GtsmlKiefer said that this team is “in terms of talent, pretty low… in terms of character, at the top.”

Individual honors at the recent VISAA state championship match include Robert Janus, 5th; Andy Pitts, 6th; Tyler Spangler, 1st; Rennie Merhige, 2nd; David Wesley, 2nd; Loren Phillips, 2nd; Ted Gottwald, 1st; Edward Custer, 7th; Mark Burlee, 1st; Chris Gill, 4th; Jackson Freeman, 2nd.

Coach Kiefer described the team, captained by seniors Jackson Freeman and Tyler Spangler and junior Ted Gottwald, as “fearless and determined and undaunted by adversity.”

Coach Prebish stated on his blog, at www. stchriswrestling.com, “I think we did a great job of showing the Richmond area and all of Virginia that private school wrestling is just as tough as the public schools this year.”

The team will attend the Prep Nationals at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA., Feb. 19-21.

PHOTO BY TEDDY GOTTWALD ’79

Phenomenal team breaks records

By HENLEY HOPKINSON ’11 Sophomore Contributor

This year’s Indoor Track team is nothing short of phenomenal. With senior captains Ben Katz, Harrison Tucker, Alex James and Jay Weisbrod leading, it has become the most successful Indoor Track team in school history.

To any nay-sayers and detractors, simple statistics are proof enough. This season the team has broken nine of 15 indoor records, oftentimes more than once. It ranks in the top five in the state for all three of the relay races, the 4x200 meter, the 4x400 meter and the 4x800 meter, all of which were broken in the St. Christopher’s Invitational Meet.

The team includes an All-American distance runner and the third ranked state shot putter. It not only went undefeated at all regular season meets this year, but also became the first team ever to beat

Fork Union Military Academy in the State Championships. Put simply, it has no weaknesses, coaches and team members say.

Of the 30 seniors on the team, most have several seasons of track experience. Head Coach Marshall Ware attributes the success to the athletes’ experience, talent, depth and passion for the sport. This combined with the hard work they put into the sport is a winning formula.

The Indoor Track program at St. Christopher’s has been steadily improving in recent seasons, to the point where we are now at the pinnacle. With so many outstanding seniors it may be difficult to continue this level of success next year, but new and old faces will step up and hopefully continue the winning streak.

Another important factor is the undeniable quality of the coaches. Faculty coaches include art teacher Marshall Ware ’81 (head coach) Assistant

Athletic Director Ren O’Ferrall ’85 (short distance), Spanish teacher Bruce Nystrom and English teacher Gene Bruner ’78 (long distance), math teacher Emmet Carlson, (shot put) and English teacher Key Randolph ’84 (pole vault).

Mr. Ware has been coaching track in some capacity at St. Christopher’s for 20 years. He started as assistant coach while in art school at Virginia Commonwealth University. He became head coach about 10 years ago, and has remained so since. He credits previous Head Coach Cal Boyd as the man who taught him everything about track.

Coach Ware said that he is especially proud of the willingness of everyone to subordinate their own preferences for the good of the team. It can often be difficult to get someone to try new distances or events, but this team has been willing to do so. Ware mentions Sophomore Ben Constable and Junior Alex Gannon as prime examples of this attitude. “[They] both began the year working with the sprinters but we needed more depth in middle distance,” Mr. Ware said. “We asked them to try moving up in distance and they did. …They never said word one about not doing it to the coaches. That attitude, that approach makes a strong team.”

With all the talent, and personal achievements of each athlete, it would be easy for them to take all the credit individually, but they act as a team, with members always applauding others’ accomplishments more than their own. Coach Ware notes the difference between a team that sees itself as a loose group of individuals, and one that is close-knit. This attitude can be most easily observed at relay races when almost all unoccupied members of the team crowd the sidelines to cheer on their peers.

The only negative occurrence this year has been injuries. Captains Ben Katz and Jay Weisbrod have both suffered injuries that either made it impossible to perform in all or part of a meet, but they are both recovering.

The remaining events for this team are the Prep meet on Saturday, Feb. 21, and the 72nd Eastern State Championships in New York City Feb. 24.

Meanwhile players and coaches hope to carry over their winning streak to the spring. The biggest test of this will be the State Championship for Outdoor track, which Fork Union Military Academy has not lost in 25 years.

FEBRUARY 2009

THE PINE NEEDLE

5

Sports: Track Star Captains Harrison Tucker

By HENLEY HOPKINSON ’11 Sophomore Contributor

Senior Track Captain Harrison Tucker said that when he started indoor track he had “trouble making left turns.”

This seemingly comical problem was quickly remedied. He is now the top distance runner at St. Christopher’s, and he is rated an All-American to boot.

Tucker was recruited in seventh grade by track coach Gene Bruner, and he also runs cross country and outdoor track. Tucker, however, did not start running Indoor Track until eleventh grade. He also participated on the basketball and lacrosse teams but eventually settled on track. He runs the 800-, 1000-, 1600- and 3200-meter races, as well as the 4x800 meter relay. He, Jay Weisbrod ’09, Nick Molloy ’09 and Alex Gannon ’10 currently hold the school record for the 4x800 meter relay.

For Outdoor Track in eighth

grade, Tucker ran a 5-minute flat mile in the JV invitational, a feat which is remarkable for the age group. However, Tucker cites his most remarkable accomplishment as running a 9:58 2-mile race after a full day of cross country running.

This equates to less than five minutes for each mile.

Tucker insists that his lungs are better than his legs saying that his ability to breath well allows him to run faster.

He enjoys track because of the competition as well as and individual and team aspects. Tucker dislikes the long lapse in hard practices during Christmas break, which often results in poorer performance after the holiday.

Tucker credits his success to some excellent coaching, mostly from Mr. Bruce Nystrom. Tucker said, “ Nystrom is one of the best and most experienced coaches in the state.”

Tucker says that he will likely

Alex ‘Dom’ James

By HENLEY HOPKINSON ’11 Sophomore Contributor

run in college, either at Washington & Lee University or the Sewanee: The University of the South. Tucker looks forward to finishing the season strong, and continuing in the spring.

“He cut me deep,” said senior Alex James about his rejection by Coach Cary Mauck for the basketball team his freshman year. However, since James was no longer committed to basketball, he was able to pursue shot put, and this turn of events turned out fortuitous in giving St. Christopher’s its best thrower in years.

Dom, as many know him, has a personal record of 54 feet 11.75 inches. James has been named an All-State, AllMetro and All-Prep thrower and placed third in the state.

James has played a multitude of sports, including soccer tennis and basketball. Even as a freshman, coaches and upperclassman saw potential in James and encouraged him to continue with shot put. James views his junior year as his time of greatest period of improvement. James and others believe that he has broken that personal record in practice, perhaps by enough and more to beat his own record, but he has yet to do so in a meet.

Shot put consists of lots of lifting and working on throwing form. The senior’s natural strength and speed make him a great thrower, and he is always improving. James says that he appreciates the lifting and solid coaching and enjoys using shot put as an exercise to relieve stress. His driving motivations are to obtain the school record, which he ac-

complished at states and to go to the Penn Relays, a nationwide meet for outstanding high-school track athletes.

James particularly likes throwing with the other senior shot putters, Scott Des Maries and Turner Blake. This group has come to be known as the infamous “pod.” Other traditions such as Coach Kiefer’s jokes and warm-downs known as “Tobatas” are favorite parts of practice.

As for the future, James has not decided if he will throw in college. He has received offers from The College of William & Mary, the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech. James lists sophomores Andre Aganbi, Hutton Adcock and Will Halladay as good candidates to follow in his footsteps and encourages their continued involvement. James will throw in the spring as well so be on the lookout for further news in this arena.

Jay Weisbrod

By HENLEY HOPKINSON ’11 Sophomore Contributor

Ben Katz

By HENLEY HOPKINSON ’11 Sophomore Contributor

If I told you that one person simultaneously holds five records in one sport, you might not believe me, but senior track captain Ben Katz has done just that.

Katz is the sole record holder of the long jump and triple jump, while he has tied the previous high jump record. He was also part of winning relay teams in the 4x200 meter and 4x400 meter relays.

Katz started his career when he showed natural aptitude for high jump in just the sixth grade. Since then he has constantly been working on improving his jump with head high jump coach Dan Holmes.

Katz and Coach Holmes have developed a close bond, and Katz describes him as the kind of guy who is “always there for you.”

Katz broke 6 feet for the first time in his sophomore year and has steadily improved up to the point of the current record, 6 feet 8 inches.

“I like the work you put into the details,” he said. Anyone who has seen him high jump will undoubtedly agree that he understands and has perfected every facet of the event.

Unfortunately, he has suffered from tendonitis for the majority of the winter season, and his first jump was in the last meet before the St. Christopher’s Invitational. Even here however, he waited until the bar reached 6 feet, and all other competition had been eliminated when he flew over the bar with ease and sang-

froid to win the category for the Saints.

High jump is not Katz’s only area of expertise. He was part of two winning relay teams and is especially fond of those wins. “Those were pretty unexpected for our team at the time,” he said. Katz also said that track is not just an individual sport, and cites these wins as examples.

Katz’s work ethic allows him to persevere and get better. He is looking forward to the remaining meets this year, where he hopes to finish the season well.

He has committed to attend The College of William & Mary next year where he will high jump and also possibly run.

As for future goals, “Hopefully when we win preps against F.U.M.A.,” he said with a grin.

Senior Jay Weisbrod got into track simply to try to stay in shape for soccer. As a result, he discovered a rewarding sport where he has continued to excel year after year.

On relay teams, Weisbrod runs the 4x800 meter as well as the 4x400 meter while he runs the 500 and 1000 meter individual races. He is part of a recording-holding 4x800 and 4x400 meter relay teams and

holds the personal record for the 1000 meter race.

Weisbrod started in ninth grade when he started on the Varsity 4x800 meter relay and was an immediate success. He has since improved and calls his 1000 meter record his greatest achievement. Weisbrod attributes his success to his competitiveness and said that he likes the individual nature of the sport. He also said that he participates in track because he likes winning.

Weisbrod, like all track athletes, dislikes the feeling of utter exhaustion after he gives it his all in a race. This is often a problem as he sometimes runs more than one event in a meet.

Weisbrod especially appreciates the coaching of Mr. Nystrom saying “he doesn’t let my success go to my head.” Mr. Nystrom’s policy of “tough love” is well known and in most cases appreciated.

Weisbrod’s college choices include Virginia Tech, The College of William & Mary, Bucknell University and Lehigh University but hasn’t yet decided where he will go.

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THE PINE NEEDLE

FEBRUARY 2009

Sports Faculty Athletes Continued...

Mr. Szymendera: Life-long baseball lessons

By THOMAS ANDREWS ’09 Senior Contributor

As the Varsity baseball captain at Haverford College, Mr. Szymendera’s coach made him pick his co-captain captain because there was a tie for second place. He was forced to choose between a hardworking underclassmen and his good friend, a fellow senior.

In the end, he picked the hardworking junior, and his friend consequently quit the team to focus on his studies. Mr. Szymendera had made the right choice; he saw who really cared about the team.

Dealing with teammates who were not necessarily as committed to playing or playing at the level they could have was one of the most challenging parts of college athletics for Mr. Szymendera, Upper School head. “The guys who were trying to get into [medical] school I understood,” he said. “The guys who were losing their desire to play or were more interested in the social scene, I had a harder time with.”

Mr. Szymendera grew up in Philadelphia and played for Northeast Catholic High where his team won the conference championship.

For college he did not know where he was wanted to go, but was looking at schools such as Temple University and Syracuse University.

One day his dad was umping a game at Haverford College and was taken by the beauty of the place. He talked to the coach who suggested that his son check out the school.

He ended up enrolling at Haverford, a small school of about 1,000 students 18 miles from home because it had an honor system and a great atmosphere for learning. He and his friends called it the “Ivory Tower” because like many small, academicbased schools, it is more isolated from real-world problems.

He also met people from all over the world and

had a more diverse experience than had he gone with most of his friends to Temple, the big, urban style school in Philadelphia. Mr. Szymendera said that his experience at a liberal arts school allowed him to branch out and meet new people.

Mr. Szymendera played third base on a team that was not a powerhouse but managed to beat all the Division 1 teams on their schedule his junior year (UPenn, Villanova and St. Joseph’s.) They also beat the Division 2 Textile (now Philadelphia University).

In regards to his captainship, Mr. Szymendera said he was not the best player, but the player “…who would find a way to get on base.”

In high school, he played against Mark Gubicza,

Titans prove too slippery for Saints basketball

By RYAN VAN SUMEREN ’10 Junior Contributor

On Dec. 19, 2008, the Trinity Titans played the Saints at St Christopher’s and history was made. No, nobody scored 50 points or had 20 blocks, the Saints played their first and possibly last Varsity basketball game in the field house.

Part way through the game, referees and coaches decided that the floor in Scott Gym was too dangerous to play on because many players were slipping and falling. The culprit of the floor’s slipperiness was most likely the humidity that blanketed the area that day.

For Mr. Jerry Stone, one of the referees that night, this was the second time this has happened to him, as a similar problem took place at a University of Virginia basketball game at the Richmond Coliseum.

Students like John Stillwell ’09 seemed to take the change of scenery in stride. “I don’t

think it affected my experience… but obviously it had an effect on the players because the floor in the field house is not as good as the one in Scott Gym,” he said.

Not all students took the transition as well however.

Matthew Ferramosca ’10 said, “They should have never changed courts.” However, the game was rescued through the quick actions of St. Christopher’s administration including Mr. O’Ferrall, and some helpful students. Temporary bleachers were put in place and play quickly resumed without further interruption.

Despite holding a commanding lead early, after the change of courts, the Saints lost momentum and the Titans sneaked out with a comeback victory. It is certain, however, that nobody who attended the game will forget their once-ina-lifetime experience in the field house.

an American League all-star in 1988 and 1989 and a critical part of the Royals 1985World Series championship. During his time at Haverford he played against the likes of Jamie Moyer, now the oldest active player in the MLB. “Playing athletics in college required a great deal of time -- practice, training, games and travel,” he said. “That means making good decisions about how to use the rest of your time.” Moreover, the baseball experience opened him up to a whole new network of friends who were not in his dorm.

Mr. Szymendera noted that he “…found that people who were more intentionally active in something such as sports actually accomplished more in all phases of their experience than students who just went to class. They were happier, they had more friends, they had more commitment to their school, etc. “…You can do a lot in 24 hours and be successful in several areas at once even at that level.”

Mr. Szymendera’s advice to prospective collegiate athletes is, “Do it. The days in which you get to play a game are numbered. Play as long as you can and have as much fun doing it as possible.

Once you stop, and everyone stops eventually, it’s over for the rest of your life. And that’s a long time.”

Mrs. Szymendera said that the sport has had a profound affect on her husband. “Baseball has given him a bond with others, whether it was his father, a coach, a friend, a student or his child, that is unique and irreplaceable,” she said.

The one thing he wishes he had in his experience is the exposure to the lifting and conditioning programs that schools heavily stress today.

Mr. Szymendera still goes back to Haverford baseball reunions when he can. Looking back, did he enjoy playing at Haverford?

His answer: “Absolutely.” He did say it was frustrating at times, but he has no regrets.

Futsal wins Valentine Classic

By TITUS MATTHEWS ’10 Junior Contributor

The St. Christopher’s Futsal players started the season off with a vendetta against their fierce rival, Collegiate, who defeated them last year in the championship round. “Last year we fell short, and this year we pulled it together and worked vigorously to improve our weaknesses in order to defeat the Cougars,” said Jason Pacious ’10.

This past week the Saints traveled to the Collegiate Valentine Classic to face 12 teams from across Virginia, including the arch rival, Benedictine, Christchurch and the Kickers.

On Thursday, they first competed against Collegiate A, the reigning champion and, unfortunately, lost to them, 0-1.

However, this did not destroy their optimism. The Saints came back with an even stronger determination to win beating the Blue Ridge B team, 5-0.

Our Saints ended the day with

a victory against Blue Ridge A, 3-1, advancing them to the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Saturday was packed with excitement. The first round involved a strong St. Alban’s team, and the Saints narrowly defeated them, 3-2. Next, they played against Benedictine and crushed them, 2-0. Once again, the team reached the finals, and their contender was none other than Collegiate A. The pressure was on, and the teammates were pumped and eager for another opportunity to take out the Cougars.

In the final game the Saints dominated 20, becoming the 2009 Collegiate Valentine Classic Champions.

St. Christopher’s not only won the competition with a 5-1 game re-

cord, but Fitz-Henry Boze ’09 was named All-Tournament.

In addition Wood Revercomb ’09 was named MVP of the Collegiate Valentine Classic, and to top it all off Jason Pacious ’10 was the highest scorer for the entire tournament with six goals. “The team played very well, especially the defense, and the other teams had very few opportunities to score,” said Coach Foster.

Kudos to the 2008-2009 St. Christopher’s Futsal Team for their amazing victory.

FEBRUARY 2009

THE PINE NEEDLE

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Ampersand portrays Holocaust

By JABRIEL HASAN ’11 Sophomore Contributor

Ampersand delivered yet another moving play about society and its troubles. “And Then They Came for Me” chronicles the Holocaust and its beginnings as seen through the eyes of 15-year-old Eva Schloss and a few of her friends.

Eva, played by Lee Blackmer, her brother (Max Parks), mother (Kelly Quinn) and father (Keenan Thompson) were forced out of their Amsterdam home by Hitler’s Nazi regime into the horrific conditions of the Auschwitz-Birkenaue camps. The play also provides accounts from a Hitler Youth, performed by Jamie Ruml, and a few of Eva’s friends, most notably Anne Frank, portrayed as an innocent, flirty girl by Kelsey Glander, who later becomes Eva’s stepsister.

Both Blackmer and Ruml gave notable performances as Eva and the Hitler Youth.

Blackmer’s transformation from teenage girl to young woman changed by her bitter

experiences was moving, and Ruml’s portrayal of a Hitler Youth became frighteningly believable.

Mrs. Schloss who traveled here from London came onto the stage for a question-and answer period after the show.

Not a single body moved as Mrs. Schloss offered up detailed accounts. “When I came

out of the camps, I must say, I was a nonbeliever,” she said.

The belief that the mighty, just God she had served for 16 years could allow such a thing would stir her for years after her experiences in the camps.

In a brief conversation after the play, she said, “I hope it [the play] sets a message of how dangerous it is to hate…”

The play left my family and me talking for quite a while.

The playful lighting, multimedia clips, detailed costumes and dynamic actors were all impressive, but the emotional aspect and the message that it sent to the audience were more powerful than all of those elements combined. The thought of having the innocence of

childhood and your basic human rights stolen from you because of religion made me shiver in my seat. I heard tears, sighs and gasps in the audience as Ruml gave an account of strangling his puppy, and Eva and her mother were ordered to strip naked. I felt the blow that was struck to Helmut’s mother by the Hitler Youth, and I heard Martin Niemoller’s poem as Eva uttered: “…and then they came for me.”

“They came first for the communists and I didn’t speak because I was a Communist…

Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak because I wasn’t a Jew… Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

This, I believe, was the basic moral of the play: Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and most of all do not stand by and watch the misery of others. You may think that it’s only them, but one day, they could come for you…

Dr. Smith helps rebuild New Orleans

By RYAN VAN SUMEREN ’10 Junior Contributor

Faculty & staff show off talents

By JOHN STILLWELL ’09 Head Senior Editor

With all the talent in such a small faculty, one might ask why Hannah Montana is making the millions.

If you caught the faculty talent show you were certainly blown away by the talent, but what impressed me most was the variety. As Mr. Abts alluded to in his stand-up comedic act, the performance was truly a “faculty variety show.”

Mr. Wynn’s soprano saxaphone accompanied by pianist Daniel Clarke stole the show, as you would expect from two premier Richmond musicians. Mr. Carlson surprised everyone by performing “The World Ain’t Slowin Down” by Ellis Paul beautifully. Mr. Horner wrote a Valentine’s day song for his wife and performed it on guitar, harmonica and vocals 15 minutes after finishing it. Mr. Spears played the part of a ’50s greaser and performed with select Beaux Ties, even bringing his 8-month-old son Edward on stage and sang “Earth Angel”

to him. Mr. Steed jammed numerous guitar solos in the title song of his album “Fly Away” accompanied by Mr. Horner on bass and Mr. Judd on drums.

The variety was enriched

by Mr. Abts’s stand-up comedy and the Extended Day Gang’s performance of Poems

by Shel Silverstein. Mr. Abts had the crowd going throughout his entire routine, and the “Extended Day Gang’s” performance left every lower and middle schooler in the crowd hooting and hollering.

“Such diversity -- from Micaiah Abts’s stand-up comedy to the many talented guitar players and vocalists,” said Mrs. Alice Flowers. “It was a great night.”

The show drew a standing room only crowd and deservedly. The variety show should continue for years to come.

“I knew our faculty was superb but had no idea we had so much ‘talent’ in our midst,” said Mrs. Laura Brown. “Mrs. Hollerith and I are planning on dusting off our tap shoes for next year!”

Most people envision retirement as a time for relaxation and fun with friends in some sunny beach town in Florida.

Now imagine spending your retirement working all day in extreme temperatures somewhere far from home. This is the vision of our very own history teacher Dr. Smith, who will take more mission trips once he retires.

Dr. Smith’s service career started in the 1980s. While serving as Middle School principal, he was searching for service opportunities that would be more active than handing out clothes or collecting money. With that goal in mind, Dr. Smith discovered Interfaith Housing, a program based out of Church Hill that renovates and rebuilds houses around the area.

The program took off as the young students loved being able to completely demolish houses with crowbars and not be severely punished for it. With that small program for Middle School boys, Dr. Smith’s community service career was born.

After Dr. Smith left his post as Middle School principal, he was still interested in continuing his service career and the Rev. Melissa Hollerith, who goes to church with Dr. Smith, introduced him to relief programs going on to help rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Smith decided to continue his service work because he saw it as a calling,

much like teaching, “I’ve always felt [teaching] is what I should do and [service work] is the same way.”

Dr. Smith made one of these trips with seniors during minimester. Things got rough though, as Dr. Smith and fellow Upper Schoolers had to fight off hordes of rats, a problem that has seemingly followed Dr. Smith on all of his service trips.

Since 2007, Dr. Smith has taken two service trips to New Orleans to help clean out devastated houses. One of these trips took place this fall when Dr. Smith worked with the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and their rebuilding program, which is run by recent

college graduates.

Along the way, Dr. Smith has become something of a jack of all trades. He can hang dry wall, install flooring, bathtubs and doors, all jobs that require skill and craftsmanship. On a usual trip, Dr. Smith and his comrades work about seven hours a day for five days. For Dr. Smith what makes these challenging days worthwhile is the appreciation shown by the people.

Through these trips Dr. Smith has strengthened his positive outlook on life and he looks forward to many more service trips in the future; however, Dr. Smith won’t be saying his goodbyes to St. Chris for some time.

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FEBRUARY 2009

Down to business with Mr. Stillwell

By JASON PACIOUS ’10 Junior Contributor

In light of the recent economic crisis, Junior Editor Jason Pacious posed a series of questions to headmaster Charley Stillwell about the ramifications to St. Christopher’s. Here are some excerpts from this interview.

be careful in how we approach both revenue issues and expense issues in the future. Our revenue is affected when down markets have an impact on our endowment. Fortunately, our endowment has not been as adversely affected as some, but the amount of money the school receives from the endowment will decline. The school will also have to work hard to support families who may have new economic challenges. Just as Dr. Chamberlayne worked hard to support families in the 1930s, our school and others will have to be creative in supporting some of our families now.

“The school has already begun a prudent, belt-tightening approach to make sure that we are spending our funds as carefully and wisely as we can. We need to maintain the strength and quality of our program but be as careful as possible with spending.”

Q: How is this affecting the tuition?

Q: In general, how is the economic crisis affecting the school?

A: “The economic challenges are affecting all independent schools in some similar ways. We will have to

A: “The Board and the Administration will be very careful this year when setting tuition levels for next year.

We will need to balance the crucial focus on maintaining the strength and quality of the program with a sensitivity to parents who may be

facing different types of economic challenges.”

Q: Are alumni still contributing charitably to St. Christopher’s?

Q: Have you received the same amount of students applying to St. Christopher’s or have they diminished?

A: “Members of our school family (alumni, parents, special friends, faculty and staff) continue to give very generously to the school.

Our Annual Giving Campaign is particularly important this year, and support from the school family has been terrific thus far. This campaign will continue until the end of the school year.”

A: “Interestingly, our admissions process this year has been exceptionally busy. Our applicant pool is very strong. Our main entry points are Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. Numbers of applicants in K and 6th currently equal or exceed the past few years. Our ninth grade applicant pool is slightly behind where it was this time last year. New families are still very excited to attend our school.”

Q: Does the canceling of the auction have anything to do with the bad economy? Will there be something in place of this?

A: “We felt in the current situation that it would make sense this year to hold a new, family-focused, fun dinner event in the spring to take the place of our auction for one year. Some of the items that traditionally are won at our auction will be available at this new event. Headmaster for the Day continues to be a very hot item.”

Applications Continued from page 1 SAT scores, but also the numerous extra-curriculars. For some, the 50 hours of required community service still needs to be fully completed. In addition, most seniors have numerous leadership positions which they need to fulfill. These may include council representatives, peer advisors, language clubs and much more.

Finally, applications are sent and seniors exhale a sigh of relief. Not for long, however, as the troublesome wait begins until acceptance and rejection letters arrive.

“I think the hardest part of

Q: Is financial aid still being given as generously as previous years? Have there been more requests for financial aid?

A: “We feel proud that we have been able to maintain our financial aid support in a consistent manner over the past several years. We have seen an increase this year in applications.”

Q: What proactive steps is the school taking against these repercussions?

A: “The school will continue to look carefully at these revenue and expense issues as we plan for the future.”

the college application process is after it’s finished and submitted, because it’s out of your hands at that point,” Mr. Jump said. “ There’s nothing further you can do, and you have to sit and wait while the admissions committee evaluates you.”

The suspense builds as many believe getting into one college or another will decide their future occupation and life. Mrs. Hollerith offers some consolation. “There is a college for everyone,” she said. “…Don’t feel diminished, it’s not a measure of your value.”

Every student in high school is recommended to work hard, however.

“Underclassmen shouldn’t see college as a goal, but rather as a product,” Mr.

Jump said. “If you become the kind of student you should be in high school, one who works hard, cares about learning (rather than just about grades), and if you develop a sense of who you are and what you care about, and if you can articulate those things through the application process, college will take care of itself.”

On his opinion of the effects of the application on seniors, Dr. Smith said, “It turns them into blocks of salt.” Whether this is true or not, the college application sure presents seniors with a stressful year.

Students battle over books

By JASON PACIOUS ’10 Junior Contributor

Holocaust Continued from page 3 Another exhibit showed images, revealing the human misery of the concentration camps. “The thing that surprised me most was definitely the pictures of the holocaust victims and of the concentration camps,” said senior Jay Lynde. “They were pretty shocking.”

The holocaust museum is designed to capture the sense of desperation and hopelessness. Some testimonies personified this issue, such as the story of a survivor who forgot about their mother’s death a day after it occurred.

“It showed that losing a family member, compared to the situation they were in was hardly anything,” said senior Matt Londrey. In the concentration camps, death had become so common that it was not quite as devastating.

The purpose of the holocaust museum trip was to change the holocaust from a piece of history into a more concrete disaster. “It [allowed me to begin] to feel the full effects of the holocaust,” said sophomore Brody Hingst. The trip put a human face on the largest loss of innocent lives in human history.

“The impact of being there will last a lifetime,” said Mrs. Hollerith.

Hands were pressed on top of buzzers as Mrs. Boon called out the questions. Team members all listened intently for words, descriptions, anything that would remind them of one of the books which they had laboriously read. Suddenly they hear something familiar and push the button as fast as possible but their button does not light up as expected. Frustrated they hear the answer being called from another team across the room.

The fourth annual Battle of the Books took place Jan. 28 in the library. This competition is open to any Upper School students who enjoy reading. Early in November teams were organized and then given the eight books which were necessary to complete. These eight books

were then distributed among the four students of each team, requiring them to read a minimum of two books each. “Recreational reading is a wonderful lifelong pursuit for anyone,” said librarian Mrs. Boon, head of Battle of the Books. “Sometimes it is just a matter of finding a book that you really enjoy, and I think Battle of the Books helps students connect with books.”

Many students were able to read all eight books, with the only problem being the mixups in their heads. “We had a record number of students,” said librarian Mrs. Horne.

This, of course, meant many teams. “I think it is more challenging for individuals to buzz in when there are more teams competing,” said Mrs. Boon.

The first place team consisted of the Delaney brothers Pat ’10 and Chris ‘10, Kyle Wit-

tenauer ‘10, and Max Parks ‘11.

This team also took first place in the 2008 competition. “We all put pressure on each other to finish reading our books on time because we knew, come Jan. 28, it was game day,” one team member said. This team was able to grab 19 points, with three teams placing at second with four points. Second place was decided by how many points teams had lossed when answering a question incorrectly, and the 3 Inches of Books with Jamie Ruml ’10, Jonathan Marlton ’09 and the Burris brothers, Daniel ’10 and Joseph ’11, came out on top for second. “Although one team dominated,” said Mrs. Horne “we had spirited competition, and everyone had a good time.”

Thanks to the librarians for the organization.

FEBRUARY 2009

THE PINE NEEDLE

9

Obamamania Things should be different now Editorial

By JABRIEL HASAN ’11 Sophomore Contributor

Inauguration resonates with Resnik Reporter’s Notebook

By BEN RESNIK ’11 Sophomore Contributor

“What time is it?” asked my roommate, Arthur, from the other end of the room.

Not really capable of any conscious thought, but still remembering that the time was important, I managed to roll over in my hotel room bed and determine that it was 4 a.m. With unnatural swiftness for such an ungodly time of night, Arthur leapt out of his bed and loudly announced that we were going to be late—the buses left in 15 minutes.

I mustered the consciousness to drag myself out of bed as well, and threw on two shirts, two pairs of heavy socks, two jackets, a pair of gloves and a heavy woolen hat, and rushed to the hotel lobby where about 150 similarly exhausted high schoolers were already boarding the buses that would bring our group to the National Mall. Arriving before even the tiniest hints of dawn streaked the sky, I sat down on the hard, cold ground about two blocks from the Capitol building, and realized that I was in for over nine hours of freezing, huddling, mind-crushing boredom in sardine-like conditions before the earliest part of the inauguration of President Barack Obama would even start. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping with all my heart that things would go smoothly, and that the inauguration would prove something worthy of coming to after all.

It was.

Like me, those who had also come were tired, cold, and incredibly excited.

By 11 a.m., more than 2 million Americans had gathered from points all over the country to this one spot, the National Mall, to watch a momentous event in the history of the nation, and indeed, of the world. Thanks to my considerable height, I had the perhaps unique perspective of watching the majority of the

inauguration in the faces and emotions of the taller citizens around me, rather than the towering Jumbo-Visions set up across the city. While I was frustrated by this fact for a moment, a thought soon occurred to me; this is the best way to watch the occasion. No matter how good the camera-shot of Obama’s face or a sweeping view of the spectators could be on CNN or FOX, nothing could compare to being on the ground, and indeed closer to the ground than most. This was the way to witness this event—not from a living room or place of work, but reflected in the teary eyes of the voters themselves.

At around half-past ten, with me just at the cusp of losing my mind from the cold, the day’s events finally began. First the children’s choir, then the naval orchestra brought the crowd to attention. All the while, the people around me talked about this or that, half-paying attention to what was going on. After the musical introductions came the steady parade of lower-level functionaries from the current and incoming administrations. Finally, the recognizable names appeared. The majority leaders, high-profile politicians, and bureaucrats walked out of the decorated doorway, one person or the other inciting cheers or scattered boos.

Then, out came the big one. President George W. Bush entered the spotlight for one last time, and was greeted by almost universal booing. I cringed; I had never been a fan of the administration, but still, the man was a president, and at least deserved a little courtesy.

After him came those close to him; Dick Cheney, Laura Bush and others, occasionally met by boos. The atmosphere of the crowd was distracted, though—they had had enough of this group. It was time for the reason they were all there to show himself.

Suddenly and without much introduction, President-elect Obama appeared through the same doorway as every president since Reagan had done, and surveyed the crowd. For the briefest moment, complete and absolute

silence echoed across the mall; then, the frenzied cheering of millions. The tone moved past fever pitch—this is why they were here. This was the moment that had been building for weeks, months, centuries.

The silence continued as anti-gay pastor Rick Warren preached unity and understanding, even in the face of greatly differing ideals. It continued as the music of Yo Yo Ma’s cello and Itzhak Perlman’s violin floated across the city. It grew to a brief chuckle as Chief Justice Roberts gave Obama the oath of office (more or less), quickly returned to silence, and, as quickly as it had started, the moment was over.

The crowd of 2 million erupted into a cheer whose strength I had never experienced. It felt as if the whole world was cheering. Off to my right, I heard a man shout, “Welcome to the new America.”

The 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, walked to the podium to deliver his address.

His speech was not only of triumph, but also of humility, sacrifice and an awareness of the great challenges that are sure to come. And there will be tremendous obstacles that President Obama will face in the coming four years -- terrorism, the economy, the environment, Iraq. All will test the mettle of the new president, and only time will tell whether the hopes of those who gathered on the National Mall that day were in vain.

Whatever may come, though, one thing is clear; if America is to survive and lead once more, now is the time for a renewed feeling of companionship and patriotism. Black or white, Democrat or Republican, television viewer or spectator on the frozen grass of the mall, the time for petty disagreements has and must come to an end.

As President Obama stated in his inaugural address, if the American people can pull together as a nation once more, we stand poised to rise again as the greatest nation on earth— “a new era of responsibility” has dawned, if we can keep it.

I sat gazing at the TV screen in awe of what was happening, wondering what it all meant as a new president took the oath of office. I said to myself, “Things are going to be different now.”

President Obama has made American history, but also black history. He, as a person, represents change in the future and hope, especially for millions of black people, who for years have been unaccounted for in high job positions.

More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies are lead by white males, which should provide a glimpse into how evenly power is being distributed in this country. With the election of a black person to the highest office in the United States, the belief that black Americans can persevere through the brutalities of the past to achieve unimaginable goals is in full focus.

President Obama is a symbol of what can be done. It must be taken into account that half a century ago Barack Obama’s father wouldn’t have been able to sit with his mother at a lunch counter or in the front of a bus because of segregation laws, a statement made in his inauguration address. The land of the free has now advanced a few steps closer to being truly free and Martin Luther King’s dream is that much nearer to being a reality. My 3-yearold nephew can live without the fear of being lynched, as my grandfather did, or the degradation of going to schools that refused to integrate because of the belief that black children simply weren’t smart enough to go to school with whites, as my father did. He can become whatever he wishes to be and not allow himself to submit to the chokeholds and chains of racial prejudice in the “free” world. He will be viewed as an equal and not dead weight.

I continue to think about what all of this means and I wonder what my ancestors would think of it all, but a Maya Angelou poem answers my questions. “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the hope and the dream of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.”

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THE PINE NEEDLE

FEBRUARY 2009

The Back Page Love is in the air!!!

Ned Rider & St. Cat’s 2009. (Need we explain?)

Ms. Woodaman & Mrs. Wray cannot get enough of each other since meeting on a French cruise through the Caribbean.

These two have been known to tear it up in Tijuana.

Blue Cello riding shotgun + Black Miata with top down + Sexy Shades = ???

Mr. Jump & Robert Allen have really bonded throughout the college process. They co-authored “Ahead of the Game: Getting Your Son into College”, which topped Oprah’s O Magazine’s best seller list.

P.G. Kurelicz has finally settled across the pond where he can enjoy afternoon tea and scones with the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. University choices for P.G. include Liverpool, Oxford and maybe even Cambridge.

This tenacious tandem, Ben Katz & Tyler Douglas, dominates the track and the runway. Ben has been featured in Paul Mitchell’s new line of shampoo, and his look “Le Tigre” has been an inspiration to all white men with a fro. Tyler has hosted his own MTV reality show “Taste of Tyler.”

Matthew Londrey & Mrs. Peirce, fellow Peak Experience card-carrying members, love to hit the rock together after a tough day at school.

Jack Jessee & Hiter Haris bonded over the long Valentine’s Day weekend. Hiter’s gift to Jack was a hair coloring. This time they are going to try something other than orange. Jack’s already gotten Hiter’s gift, 14 gallon jugs of spring water in rememberance of the 14th of February.

ADVERTISEMENT THE PINE NEEDLE STAFF Head Senior Editors:

Christopher Alexander - John Stillwell

Senior Contributor: Robert Allen Thomas Andrews Scott Richardson

Business Manager: Henley Hopkinson ’11

Junior Contributors: Matthew Ferramosca Titus Matthews Jason Pacious Ryan Van Sumeren Kyle Wittenauer

Advisor:

Mrs. Kathleen Thomas

Sophomore Contributors: Wells Baylor Jabriel Hasan Henley Hopkinson Ben Resnik Tucker Thompson Stephen Wood