Volume XCIII
THE PINE NEEDLE St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, Virginia, November 2007
Tidbits from Teddy
Inside
Bring your cans to Saturday football game against Collegiate pg. 2
Sports pg. 3
Faculty shows off automobiles by Robert Allen ’09 The drive-thru in front of Chamberlayne Hall has seen a variety of cars from across the automotive spectrum. These cars range from 1926 to 2006 models with top speed anywhere from 43 mph to an electronically restricted 155 mph. From a gas-sipping hybrid to a 13mpg diesel truck and hot pink wire wheels to 20-inch chrome rims and everything in between. Here we look at three of the most extreme faculty cars and their owners. Many of the aforementioned statistics belong to the Mercedes-Benz S500 of Mr. Bolling. His car is clearly the most powerful, luxurious and extravagant faculty car at St. Christopher’s. Mr. Bolling has
had a lifelong passion for cars. “My father said I was vaccinated with a spark plug.” he said. In his life, Mr. Bolling has owned roughly a dozen Porsches along with several MercedesBenzes and BMWs. He even autocrossed years ago with his Porsches; however, he insists those days are over. “I can’t do the little sports cars anymore,” he said. This is one reason Mr. Bolling went with the S class Mercedes. “It’s easier to get in and out of,” he said. He also likes its style and the statement it makes. “It makes a positive statement as opposed to an ‘I want a geezer car,’” he said. So what’s next for Mr.Bolling? Not surprisingly, he is interested in the Mini Cooper. Meanwhile, Dr. Sharp’s 2006 Toyota Prius is a very different
machine. “We wanted a hybrid for gas mileage, plus Toyota makes some of the best and most reliable cars on the market,” the Upper School biology teacher said. Dr. Sharp recalls a trip in his Prius from Charlotte, N.C. to Richmond, a distance of about 350 miles, in which he used just six gallons of gas. That’s 57 mpg. Dr. Sharp is obviously very practical about his cars. In addition to gas mileage and reliability, he enjoys the comfort, interior space and many cool features such as keyless ignition. But to Dr. Sharp, his Prius is more than just a practical, cost-saving car. He also bought his car to do his part in making the world a better place. “It says I care about using less gasoline for
See Automobiles page 5>
Reveley returns to STC
by Kurt Jensen ’11
Boese, King: Homecoming float contest pg. 4
More faculty cars pg. 6
No. 2
Mr. Nelson Reveley has long given up his childhood dream of digging for dinosaurs as an archaeologist. A 13-year Saint of the class of ’01 and a 2005 Princeton graduate, Mr. Reveley now sets his sights on becoming a Presbyterian pastor. He decided on his career path in his sophomore year of college, majoring in religion. Currently in school at Union-PSE, he needs only two internships to graduate: one under a pastor in a church and one under a chaplain. This fall he is interning under Chaplain Melissa Hollerith to fulfill his requirements.
(Above) An enthusiastic class yearns for Mr. Reveley’s attention ( Left) Reveley’s Senior Portrait ‘01 He spends his time teaching a New Testament studies class, leading a chapel service once a month and helping to coach the Cross Country team. I asked Mr. Reveley how today’s St. Christopher’s is different than it was during his days as a student. He replied, “It’s a lot fancier. We definitely didn’t have the huge flat screen TV’s.” He went on to talk about the community
saying, “Everything is pretty steady as far as the community goes and the school producing well-rounded gentlemen.” Mr. Revely is popular in his sixth period biblical studies class, one student saying, “I’d give him an eight (on a 10-point scale) based on pure coolness. He’s a ‘beast.’” – A beast indeed. Another student said, “He’s an 11 on an awesomeness scale,.”
Due to popular demand, “tidbits” has returned to bring you up to date on all the latest news and gossip from around campus. ***** I feel it is appropriate to begin by welcoming the newest member of the St. Christopher’s community. At 6:52 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 26, John Asher Green was born at St. Mary’s Hospital to proud parents John and Vicky Green. The second child of our venerable English sage will apparently be called Asher. “Quite frankly, he looks like a garden gnome,” said Mr. Green. We at The Pine Needle wish to extend our congratulations to the Green family on their newest addition. ***** In my last column, I informed you of Coach Tune’s arrival in the Upper School as head disciplinarian, taking over the position from our beloved Mr. Abbott. I caught up with Coach Tune and asked him how he likes his new job. “It is what it is,” he said. “I can’t fill in Mr. Abbot’s shoes, just can’t replace him.” According to Coach Tune, repeat offenders of school rules include T.D. Hoover ’08, Jimmy Meadows ’08, and Paul Ferramosca ’08. He has noticed that a good majority of the troublemakers also happen to be seniors. I then asked Coach Tune if the allegations are true that he is calling students’ cell phones to see if they are turned on, an action that many would label as entrapment. “Possibly” was the brusque reply, and then the interview was over. ***** We also celebrate the marriage of Ms. Ryan Miller to Mr. Gregory Peirce of Utah. Mr. Peirce, whom Ms. Miller (now Mrs. Peirce) met at church, currently attends medical school and plans to enter the army as a doctor after he graduates. The Peirces will wait until Christmas to take a honeymoon, when they will travel to the Dominican Republic. That low, droning noise you hear in the background is probably Mrs. Peirce’s physics and chemistry classes emitting a collective groan. Speaking about her new married life, Mrs. Peirce said, “It has not been awkward or weird, just really comfortable and like it was meant to be. The hardest part is now sharing my bathroom.” We wish to congratulate Mrs. Peirce on her big day. ***** Alas, the brutal ordeal that is summer reading testing has finished. While it took
See Tidbits page 2>
2
The Pine Needle
Cougars and Saints team up to break canned food record by Mark Burlee ’10 Every year the University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic and State University sponsor a massive canned food drive at their football game. The schools work together to collect as much as possible to donate to charities. This year, our school will do the same thing at the football game against arch rival Collegiate. Both schools have decided to participate in a united effort to gather canned goods for the Central Virginia Food Bank. “It is not a competition between the schools,” said Mrs. Hollerith, Upper School chaplain. “We decided it was better for the schools to join forces for a change rather than make it another competition.” In other words, it’s on. The Student Council and Missionary Society will advertise the food drive as the game approaches. Families from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools will be asked to bring a grocery bag of canned goods to the game, where they will be collected. The goal is to break the Richmond city school record, which is 3,300 lbs or 220 grocery bags.
Mrs. Hollerith is very optimistic about the chances of breaking the record. “When she told me what the record was I was surprised,” said Mrs. Hollerith, “I told her we would at least double that record. We will get at least 450 bags.” Somebody call Guinness. If broken, the record will be recorded as both schools having the record together. The game is Saturday, Nov. 3 at Knowles Field. Come out and show your support for the Saints football team and bring a bag of food to help those in need.
Eagles soar at St. Christopher’s by Rennie Merhige ’10
being a “man of character.” “The caliber of the stuThere are a total of 30 Eagle dents from St. Christopher’s is Scouts, give or take a few, in the what allows them to advance Upper School division of St. so quickly,” said Ian CoddingChristopher’s. You may have ton, troop 444 scout master noticed their pictures posted on who is an administrator at the the bulletin board in ChamberSteward School. Many of our layne Hall. Eagle Scouts In troop also tend to 400, at least dominate in 10 of our their chosen St. Christofields: Neil pher scouts McGroarty, achieved the football, track and larank of Eagle by eighth or crosse standninth grade; out; Pierre this is exMolster, Stutremely fast dent Council since Scouts president; have until age Charles El18 to achieve len, who this rank. Some St. Christopher’s Eagle Scouts heads Battle One may pose outside of Scott Gymnasium. of the Brains wonder why and Sciour students succeed in this field. ence Bowl; and Brewster Many of Scouts traditions Rawls, president of Outdoor and mottos mirror St. ChristoGentlemen’s Club. In addipher’s. The school cherishes tion, three of four Pine Needle the teaching and developEditors are also Eagle Scouts ment of the “whole boy” while - Brian Kusiak, Brendan Worst scouts also embraces teachand John Mark DiGrazia. ing of character, being honorMr. Szymendera’s statement able and helpful, in essence on the matter—“It’s awesome.”
Tidbits, continued from page 1 some students multiple tries (three to be exact), all eventually passed. “I’m just swelled up with pride that our class has passed these rigorous examinations,” said senior Brendan Worst. “I give all the credit to our superb English staff.” ***** One person accustomed to mastering massive texts is sophomore Titus Matthews. Next August, Matthews will defend his title as the Bible Quizzing National champion, which he won last summer. He is the youngest winner ever, and the only victor from Virginia. Mathews studies the bible for five hours each weekend, although he has not read the entire Bible. “I am a devout Christian and it’s fun to do the competition,” he says. “I learn a lot about the Bible.” *****
Si Wofford ’10 broke his own fundraising record in the walk to cure lymphoma and leukemia. His team of dedicated walkers, the cyclones, raised more than $3,000. ***** The Saints football team was a smashing success on homecoming, thrashing St. Anne’s-Belfield 30-7. Mac Jennings, one of the games many stars because of his first quarter touchdown catch, said, “It was unbelievable! It was like the ball came down from heaven right to my hands. I felt like I had so many endorphins coursing through my veins!” ***** That’s it for this edition of “Tidbits.” If you desire a heftier dosage in the next Pine Needle, please inform me of any news from around school.
November 2007
Saints react to Jena 6 by Jabriel Hasan ’11 On Aug. 31, at Jena High School in Louisiana, a black student at an annual school assembly asked if he was allowed to sit under a tree that was generally regarded as being for white students only. The school administration granted him permission. The next day, three nooses in school colors were found hanging from the tree. The administration found that three white males were responsible. The school board gave the three students three days of in-school suspension for what the Superintendent and many in the small, Louisiana community regard as a “prank.” Many black students at Jena High School held a protest under the tree on Sept. 6, when the suspensions were issued. Officers came to the school, threatening the students to end the protest, and an assembly was held due to the words exchanged between the white and black students. In December of 2006, some black students were invited to a party whose attendees were predominantly white and denied entry by a 22-year-old white male. This white male, along with some others at the party allegedly punched, kicked and threw beer bottles at them. He was later given battery charges and probation. One of the attackers later saw those he attacked at a convenience store. He pulled out his shotgun, which was wrestled away by the attacked individuals. The black students received charges of assault and theft. Days later, Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School, allegedly taunted the attacked students about being beaten. Barker was later beaten in the hallway for his taunting and sent for a precautionary checkup at the hospital after the beating. He went to a
school function later that day. The six black students who beat Barker were arrested and charged with attempted murder and were held on $130,000 bond. Charges were later reduced to aggravated battery. All of the black students were out on bail except Mychal Bell. On Thursday, Sept. 20, in Jena, thousands protested for the Jena Six, what the six black students have been called, and for the release of Mychal Bell. Rallies were held all over the country. One was held in front of the Library of Virginia and on the campus of VCU that day. The march/protest in Jena and the rallies at VCU and the Library of Virginia were reportedly peaceful. Civil Rights leaders such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton all voiced support for the Jena Six along with radio personalities Tom Joyner, Steve Harvey and Michael Baesdon, who covered the event non-stop for more than two weeks on his afternoon FM radio show. David Bowie even donated $10,000 for Bell’s defense. Bell was released on Thursday, Sept 24, a week after the massive protest. I interviewed more than 70 teachers and students from the St. Christopher’s and St. Catherine’s. I was sure to interview people of different races, religions and viewpoints to make certain that the interviewing process wasn’t biased in any way.
The general consensus was that it was a tragic situation, but the opinions on the details of the issue varied greatly. Many said that all of the students should have been punished equally. One student said that the black students were right to beat up the white students, another said that the black students were asking for trouble with others agreeing. Some said that the issue was overblown and the country should “chill” about it, and others said that more should be done and the times haven’t changed as much as many Americans believe that they have. Many people took sides, saying that the blacks should have been punished, or the whites should have been punished, or that the blacks were exploited. One teacher said that it was disturbing that this country is still dealing with separation. Another said that it reminded him of the civil rights era, and another said that it was a misunderstanding between both parties. Over half of the students I interviewed did not know about the issue (most of these students were from Middle School.
See Hasan’s Editorial page 2>
Perspectives on the new food service by Brian Kusiak ’08 Teddy Mitchell ’08 In the wake of the recent changes in the cafeteria, The Pine Needle set out to investigate student opinions on the new service. What we found . . .was startling—average responses. The three questions in which we asked for ratings generated these averages: how would you rate the food -- 3.345, how would you rate the service -- 3.379, how would you rate the cafeteria layout -- 3.046. Unfortunately, the averages seem too similar to differentiate, but the layout of the cafeteria received the lowest ratings by a fair margin. Despite our efforts to get the surveys out to most of the school, only 88 of the 320 students in the Upper School returned the surveys. Even with the small number of returned
surveys, we still received many memorable and valuable opinions and suggestions. Students have commended the higher quality of the food this year with the new food service, Sage. One unsigned service hailed the “better food overall, especially the salad and deli bar.” Student after student mentioned the better quality of food this year. While the quality of the food has improved, students still have found areas which could be improved. William Irby ’08 wishes the cafeteria could more often “keep the drinks running properly.” Some such as Justin Thompson ’09 among many others miss the Chick-FilA sandwiches from years past. John Wilkinson ’08, a rather accomplished gourmand, would like “thicker gravy for the biscuits.” Portions also recurred as
an issue because many students are dissatisfied with the amount of food they are apportioned. Many praised the drinks this year. Dr. Boese has been very happy with the return of iced tea to the cafeteria beverage options. Others enjoy the lemonade and the strawberry-banana-kiwi. By far the runaway favorite though was the orangepassion-guava juice. Orangepassion-guava delighted students. When, one morning, the students arrived in the cafeteria with an empty glass, ready to fill it with that beautiful nectar, the orange-passion-guava had been replaced by mere orange juice. One student exclaimed in response to this replacement, “Oh! The inequity!” Senior Jack Hutcheson added that it “made me mentally unstable.” We all hope to see the return of the orange-passion-guava juice. The changing of the layout has been very controversial and has met with few compliments. Charles Ellen ’08 said that “speed getting and leaving trays” should be improved. Another student said the “efficiency of the cafeteria layout” is lacking. Most have noticed the cafeteria being very crowded during lunchtime. In summation, the student body and the faculty all seem to agree that this year’s cafeteria is an improvement despite the few complaints. Overall, the most pressing of the complaints was the need for improvement in cafeteria layout.
November 2007
The Pine Needle
3
Sports Robert Barry, all-what?
Chalking up a career by Ryan Van Sumeren ’10
by John Stillwell ’09
Bryce Chalkley stood on the eighteenth tee at the RGA Junior Championship in July knowing he had a chance to win the tournament. Chalkley did not win, losing by one stroke on the final hole to Matt Neely, yet the tournament added to his impressive resume as a golfer. The RGA Junior Championship was only part of Chalkley’s busy golf schedule during the summer. The St. Christopher’s junior traveled to Florida twice and played in several in-state tournaments. Last year, Chalkley took part in the Varsity golf team and competed well under pressure. “I guess I thrive on being nervous,” said Chalkley. He has certainly faced his fair share of pressure situations, including last year’s Prep League playoff against Hunter Ross when the match was decided after extra holes. “I was nervous because I didn’t want to lose to a girl,” he said.
Waking up at 4:15 a.m.; enduring nine practices a week; swimming 160 laps with a heart rate of 180; leading the nation’s No. 1 18-and-under 200 individual medley relay team. Impressed? This dedication and excellence is what St. Christopher’s all-American swimmer Robert Barry ’08 is all about. Barry, the All-Prep, All-State and All-American captain of the Saints swim team, has taken his swimming to the next level by competing year round for the Poseidon Swim team. Barry is not only a dominant presence in Prep League swimming but also a member of the No. 1 ranked 18-and-under 200 meter individual medley team in the country. Barry’s team’s time rank first nationally, and his Poseidon team was .01 seconds off the all-time 18 and under mark with a time of 1:46.79. “Robert is very competi-
The success that Chalkley has had on the course did not come immediately, however. Chalkley has been playing golf since the young age of 2 when his grandfather encouraged him to take up the sport. Chalkley says his inspiration comes from his father, who is also an avid golfer. Chalkley’s home course is the Country Club of Petersburg, but he is also a regular at Salisbury Golf Club. One day, Chalkley hopes to earn a golf scholarship to a good school and travel to the venerable Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
Harrison talks Cross Country by John Mark DiGrazia ’08 What is the current STC XC record? Our dual meet record is 3-1 right now, with wins over Trinity and Woodberry and a loss to Douglas Freeman. As far as the invitational races go, we placed 2nd at FUMA (B race), 4th at Woodberry Forest, 2nd at William & Mary (C race), 6th at Maymont (B race) and 1st at STAB. What have been some key races so far this year? For one, our strong showing at the Woodberry Forest Invitational let us know that we have a lot of potential to work with. Our 4th place finish (compared to last year’s 15th place finish) demonstrates that we made a significant leap over much of our competition. Recently, a first place finish at the STAB invitational was solidified with five of our runners placing in the top 10 overall. As far as our dual meets go, certainly a main highlight was beating Woodberry Forest for the first time since 2003. However, losing against a strong Douglas Freeman team shows that we still have much ground to cover over the latter part of the season. What do you think of the performance of the team overall? What is going well and what could be improved? Overall, I am pleased with our performance at this point. All of the upper classmen had very high expectations going into the season. I think that everyone has been putting in a lot of effort, from summer mileage to our recent track workouts. In particular, Harrison Tucker and Sam Hewitt have both stepped up a great deal from last year, with Tucker leading our races thus far. Andrew Bernard has also proved to be an extremely valuable member of the team, making the transfer from track to cross country this season. John Mark DiGrazia and Mackie Wellford round out the rest of our senior members with their dedication and persistence. What are some of your best times of the season?
My best race time so far is a 17:45 posting at William & Mary, yet I consider my 60:38 10-mile run to be a much greater accomplishment. I’m not very satisfied with any of my 5k races so far, but I am looking to drop my times significantly over the latter part of the season. I plan on taking advantage of our speed workouts to break my 17:01 PR from last year.
How is it different being a captain versus just being a player on the team? Being a captain, I feel compelled to set a good example in terms of work ethic, dedication and racing strategy. I feel that it’s my obligation to help keep the team motivated and focused on our goals. How do feel about the claim that Cross Country is more of an individual than team sport? It places a great deal of responsibility on each of the top members of the team. Everyone has to come through in the end for the team to place well, but it takes a great amount of individual persistence and dedication to motivate yourself to put forth 100% every race. What has it been like running with coaches Nystrom, Bruner and Green? Mr. Nystrom is without a doubt the most knowledgeable distance running coach out there, and it’s a great comfort to have him designing the workouts for
our team. I think that his records in the past speak for themselves, boasting a four-year streak of undefeated dual meets (19731976), as well as producing a national champion in Charles Alexander (1981). In addition, Mr. Bruner’s legendary stories and upbeat attitude always help to improve team morale. Mr. Green works a great deal to motivate the team, often running the workouts right there with us and serving as a great pacer. Both Bruner and Green help inspire the team through their accomplishments in distance running over the years. Are there any young guys (freshmen and sophomores) who are making a big impact? Jamie Ruml put in a great amount of effort in the summer and it’s really showing now. Ruml is leading a dedicated group of sophomores that should develop into a strong team in the years to come, including Robert Johns, William Newman and Brian Finch. What is it like running three seasons? It’s definitely tough to keep mentally focused in running distance for nine months. You have to pick and choose your goals carefully, deciding at which times you plan to peak because you can’t run at an elevated level year round. Between cross country and track, cross country is definitely the better sport, no question.
John Mark DiGrazia (right) winces from salt sweat as Benjamin Harrison (left) flexes hard. Note old truck in background. Top that, Mr. Bolling.
Barry flexes to intimidate competition. tive and a great racer,” one of Barry’s teammates, Stuart Ferguson, a junior at the Collegiate School, said. “Our record came during the last race our team would have together, and we were racing against a lot of college guys, some of whom were in their 20s. We wanted to show what we were made of.”
They certainly proved themselves, as two of the members of the team are now swimming at the college level and Barry and Ferguson are sure to follow. Barry, who ranks his top choices as the University of South Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the College of Charleston, hopes that with another year of hard work and success he will be able to continue his success on the next stage. Already having been named a high school short course allAmerican in the 100-meter back stroke, Barry continues to set his sights higher. Barry’s goal is expected to set the Virginia Independent Schools state record in the 100-meter back stroke, and he hopes to lead the Saints to another winning season. “This year’s St. Christopher’s swim team will make a run at Collegiate and the rest of the teams in the Prep League and State,” he said.
Varsity football highs and lows by John Mark DiGrazia ’08
so I go out there and play every play like it’s my last,” McGroTwo weekends ago, in the arty said. “You never know if game against Episcopal High you’re going to get a concussion School, captain Richard Luck and get taken out of the game.” suffered a shoulder dislocation Other seniors are focused, that halted his football season too. Everyone is hopeful to imand may end his athletic parprove last year’s 3-7 record and ticipation for the entire year. finish this year with more wins However, the Saints fought hard than losses. The seniors have and won 20-17 in overtime. a great sense of unity in their Earlier in the season, in the quest to finish off the season Homecoming game against St. strong. The night before most Anne’s-Belfield School, the games this season, the seniors Saints rallied in front of an enhave gotten together at a team thusiastic home crowd, winning member’s house to eat dinner 30-7. However, in the very and get ready for the next day’s next game, they lost 61-7 to competition. Fork union MiliIn addition, tary Academy. co-captain, These extreme Richard Luck, highs and lows who will play have characternext year at Virized the erratic ginia Military Varsity football Institute, has season for 2007. shown strong Despite good dedication. team unity and McGroarty high intensity, the said that he team has come up Captain Neil McGroarty and Luck work with several tough runs hard down field well together. losses. The team’s “We’re always on the same current record is 3-5, with wins page about everything,” Mcover Bullis School, St. Anne’s Groarty said. “He’s got the and Episcopal High School, and defense, I’ve got the offense.” losses to St. Stephen’s & St. AgBefore the game against nes School, Norfolk Academy, Episcopal, McGroarty said, Fork Union Military Academy “We’re going to take the next and Bishop Ireton High School. three games a game at a time, so However, the current record right now we are just focusing has not gotten the team down, acon EHS. Obviously the team cording to Captain Neil McGrowill be really jacked up against arty. “I think it’s easy to get the Collegiate, but we need to take team motivated because we’ve that intensity into the rest of won a double overtime game these games.” The team split the and we crushed STAB at Homenext two games, beating Episcoming,” he said. “ We know the copal but losing to Woodberry. feeling is really good when we Now everyone is only celebrate in the locker room. We focused on the Collehave to get that feeling back.” giate game this Saturday. It is hard for McGroarty not At this week’s pep rally, to be positive given his injury Luck and McGroarty took the and sickness from last year that stage to inspire their teammates kept him from participating in and loyal fans. “We have a Varsity Indoor Track and Lavery hard-working team, and crosse. First a pulled muscle we’re good, but we’ve been and then meningitis set back making some stupid mistakes Neil’s athletic goals in teams that have killed us,” said Luck. where he has been a huge pres“But everyone should come ence. While he had to take out to our game against Colleit easy in preseason when he giate. Remember November.” was still fighting off injury Come out on Saturday to see and sickness, he is now back. the seniors put on their pads for McGroarty felt like a switch the last time wearing red and went on when the school year gray. “Seizing the opportunity started, and he began to feel we have on Saturday and debetter. Now he is focused and feating the hated Cougars will ready to finish off his last seashine a light on the season that son. “Given what happened last I, as a senior, will never foryear with all my sickness and get,” said senior Mac Jennings. injuries, anything can happen,
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The Pine Needle
Jena 6
Continued from page 2
EDITORIAL
This issue is very personal to me, since my grandfather was going to be lynched during the 1920s. He ran from the threat of lynching all of his life. For me, as for most black Americans, the noose gives a burning reminder of what the past was and the old racism of America. A noose hanging from a tree in the new millennium speaks for itself: that old racism isn’t so old. America still faces social problems involving racism, prejudice and discrimination that go unnoticed unless they are overt. As school fight participants are up for prison time, Latino immigrants are being bought and sold like slaves by big money corporations, such as the meatpacking industry and the agricultural industry, people are slowly being killed by harmful chemicals in everything from meat to chewing gum and women are still
being reduced to homemakers, not capable of high positions in working society. We’re still dealing with issues such as the disenfranchisement of voters in poor communities and/or of old age. A student commented on my writing this article, saying that The Pine Needle is a school newspaper and this issue has nothing to do with school. I disagree. The whole point of school is to learn how to know not Biology 1 or Algebra 2, but to know how to understand the world, conquer it and make it your own. If we don’t know what’s going on in the world, how can we understand it? What happened to the spirit of standing up for the hard right against the easy wrong? Did it die with the hippies, the disco balls or the platform shoes? Where is the hope that we can make the world a better place one person at a time? Did that die with 9/11, or Hurricane Katrina? We seem to forget that America wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for people fighting for what was right. Remember the Pledge of Allegiance, with liberty and justice for all…
Gannon returns
by Patrick Delaney ’10 Rest assured, you aren’t hallucinating. Alex Gannon ’10 is back at St. Christopher’s. Gannon moved this past summer after the company his father worked for, Wachovia Securities, announced that they were moving headquarters to St. Louis. He spent four weeks there, during which he participated in preseason football and attended school at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, MICDS for short. Gannon had lived in Richmond his whole life and he was less than happy to be leaving. “Richmond is my home,” he said. “It was tough to leave all my friends.” However, after living only a short period of time in Missouri, he was ecstatic to find that his father had accepted a new job for Capital One, and would be moving his family back to Richmond. Gannon was most excited to learn that he would be able to return to St. Christopher’s
and reunite with all his friends. Although he liked MICDS, which is bigger than St. Christopher’s and coed, he said he enjoyed going to St. Christopher’s more. “It [St. Christopher’s School] just suits me better,” he said. Besides for the make-up work and missing out on St. Christopher’s football, moving back after a couple weeks of school had gone by did not bother him. “I’m just happy to be back,” he said. “My life’s finally getting back to normal.”
Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday a group of seniors tutors kids from Kindergarten through fifth grade at St. Andrew’s School. Many students might consider this to be the most frustrating time of the day, but if you were to ask any of these tutors what the best part of the school day was for them, they would most likely say their time at St. Andrew’s School. Every time we go there, the kids are waiting at the door for us to arrive. Some tutors teach the kids the basics of reading, while other tutors simply help the kids complete their homework for that night. St.Andrew’s mission “is to educate children of limited resources through a balanced academic, social and spiritual experience shaped by the Episcopal tradition and inspired by Christian faith.” These kids have little, but when we go and see them they gain a
First annual homecoming float competition
Dr. Boese, the parade’s grand marshal, brandishes his scepter. by Stephane Irankunze ’09 As the half-time buzzer at the Varsity football game sounded its cry, another contest was about to start. The floats were ready, and the competition was on. Before Homecoming had even arrived, students had been working on another contest: the float competion. Each class created and decorated a float, and then displayed it during halftime at the Homecoming game against STAB at Knowles Field. The competion took the form of a parade with Dr. Wayne Boese coming out first in a sporty, white convertible as the King of Homecoming. Immediate-
ly, the Boese chant broke out as the tomahawk song blared out over the sound system. Next, the freshman class entered, driven on a trailer by Mr. Green. They endeavored to lead the Saints with cheers and sported a lot of white and red colors with painted faces. Even Mrs. Varner joined the fun. Close behind, the sophomores drove up in their trailer. Following a Super Smash Bros. theme, they popped out of a trashcan dressed as the game’s characters. All William Bannard ’10 could manage to say about his Princess Peach costume was, “I was hot.” After that, the junior class made their debut with a Saints
A member of the sophomore class’s winning float beats down a koopa as part of their Mario Bros. themed float.
Seniors Ellen, Fox and Hewitt operate their homemade t-shirt launcher. sports theme and “The Final Countdown” music. In the “wrestling arena” Briggs Cooke ’11 was finally beaten down by other juniors such as Tyler Spangler, who was decked out in a studly wrestling singlet. They also threw candy into the crowd, but these hard projectiles were not cheerily accepted, as many students were pelted in the head. The senior class then brought up the parade with many of the seniors, including Joe Munno and Dante Bellins cruising in Richard Luck’s red Dodge Ram 1500. Behind them Charles Ellen, Kirby Fox and Sam Hewitt fired off a potato gun filled with Saint’s T-shirts into the crowd. Originally, the seniors were going to bring in T.D. Hoover’s grandfather’s 1929 fire truck. Unfortunately, it broke down on Huguenot Bridge while traveling to St. Christopher’s. After much dispute between the judges (including Mrs. Hollerith and Mr. Bolling), the announcer declared the winners the sophomore class. Many sophomores were overcome, as Will Connolly ‘10, with tears in his eyes, said, “This is the best day of my life.” All in all, the majority of the students declared the float parade to be a success. Many participants said, “At first it was kind of nerve-wracking, but once you got into it, it was pretty fun.”
Irankunze tutors Tanzanian twins
Seniors tutor at St. Andrew’s School by George Parrish ’08
November 2007
lot and their lives become much happier. “It’s helping me a lot, and it also helps my mom,” said Vincent Green, a first grader. After completing their homework, the kids get to enjoy the rest of the afternoon outside with the tutors. When outside we play basketball and kickball. A few weeks ago, senior Austin Johnson hit a homerun in baseball, and the kids went crazy and ran around the bases with him. These moments m a k e the kids happy, and their joy reminds us why we volunteer there after school every day. Seniors who participate are Austin Johnson, Whit Long, Logan Cochran, Brian Kusiak, Brewster Rawls, William Irby, Rob Valentine, Pierre Molster, William Cronly, Matt Clark and I. “I could have done SAC, but I chose to tutor at St. Andrew’s so that the young students could get the help they needed to do well and be excited about school,”
by Kyle Wittenauer ’10 It was only seven years ago that he stepped onto American soil for the first time. His new life was much different from life in Burundi, his native country. The culture seemed different, and the language was foreign. The memories of his arrival and subsequent culture shock are still vivid. So when Stephane Irankunze, a junior at St. Christopher’s School, heard of an opportunity to tutor children who had a similar background, he eagerly embraced it. Ms. Varner had told Irankunze about twins from Tanzania who needed some academic help. The twins, Billy and Bobby Burris, moved to America when they were just 4 years old. “I don’t remember much about Tanzania,” Bobby Burris said. “All I know about it is from what my mom tells me.” Since Tanzania borders his native country, Irankunze is familiar with the twins’ culture and heritage. While the Burris boys may not know as much about Africa, they are very much into its culture and always proudly tell people where they’re from. “So they got really excited to meet Stephane because they knew he was from Africa,” their mother said. “It’s like visiting with people from the same continent you are
from, except [now you’re on] another continent,” said Bobby about getting to meet someone from Africa. “It’s pretty cool.” While their common ethnic bond would be compelling enough, this tutoring trio has a mutual connection founded in admiration and respect. Irankunze said, “They are two of the most respectful and wellmannered boys I have ever seen. They are very impressive.” Billy Burris said that learning with Stephane has been fun. “He encourages me to want to learn more,” he said. Billy and Bobby are in the fifth grade at Mary Munford Elementary School. While Irankunze said that they are “very bright,” he modestly aknowledges the boys’ marked improvements over the past year
since he has been working with them. He has tutored them in math, English and social studies. “It has been a pleasure to be able to work with someone in need and see them improve,” Irankunze said. “I am very happy for them.” He used to meet with the boys every few weekends, and he regrets to admit that he has been unable to meet with the boys in person yet this school year. According to the Burris’ mother, however, Irankunze has not been completely remiss in his duties. “He always calls to check on them and to see how they are doing,” she said. “[Stephane] is a good boy and is very encouraging.” And Irankunze is still quite confident that the twins are doing very well in school— even without his regular help. As Bobby said, “He taught me how to study,…and [he taught me] different [techniques] to use. He also taught me that I need to study every night, [whether by] writing sentences down or studying multiplication.” Irankunze said the experience has added to his own well of wisdom. He said that the twins have taught him that one can still be a well-rounded, outstanding person even if he is not necessarily the brightest in his class.”
November 2007
The Pine Needle
Cell phones: nuisance or necessity?
by Ben Resnick ’11 In mid-September, all St. Christopher’s Upper School students trudged into different classrooms to be quizzed on the choice book they had read during the summer. Many of them did not think there would be any need to remember or review any information from their choice books, so they didn’t prepare. Because of this, a general air of sadness and resentment filled the hallways. I had chosen “The Code Book” by Simon Singh and, like most people, I had not seen any need to review. I walked into Mr. Kiefer’s room feeling pretty anxious.
Early on during that period, while everyone was agonizing over one question or another about codes during World War II, a merry Christmas tune suddenly filled the air. Mr. Kiefer, under the assumption that the noise was that of a cell phone, sighed and stoically walked towards the sound. He held out his hand to confiscate the ringing phone. It turned out to be one of the math teacher’s “Ugly Ties” that was producing the happy tune, but the point still stands: despite numerous rules, confiscations, and warnings, the use of cell phones in school remains a controversial subject.
Jo-Sua illegally smuggles his cell phone into the library as an angry Kusiak looks on in disgust.
The line separating those approving of cell phone use in school from those in disapproval seems to be as clear cut as that between teacher and student. According to Mr. Abbott, Upper School dean of students, cell phones are “disruptive to the educational process,” and Mr. Tune, the man in charge of discipline in the Upper School, goes so far as to state that cell phones “detract from the community.” However, most students feel differently. The majority of students at St. Christopher’s own cell phones, and all of them would rather not see them taken away. In fact, says one student, “some people would rather get an hour than get their cell phones taken away.” Many at the school consider cell phones a necessity and make sure one is on their person, and usually turned on, at all times. Also, most cell phoneowning students at the school seem to think that the punishment required of those caught with a cell phone at school is not fair, another source of strong disagreement from the teachers. The students seem to feel that, as long as you are not calling or texting anyone during class, it should be perfectly all right for them to have phones on. The general belief is that students should be allowed to use them outside, during break or even in the hallways
political and environmental reasons; and, that I am very cool.” “He puts his money where his mouth is,” said Mr. Bolling of Dr. Sharp. And then we have Mr. McGuire’s 1926 Model T Ford, easily the most extreme faculty car. The Model T has a top speed of 43 mph and could be purchased new for around $300. More interesting than the car itself are the stories behind it and its value to Mr. McGuire who also teaches science in the Upper School. Mr. McGuire has had the car since he was 10. “I fell in love with the car when I was 8,” he said, “My uncle made me learn to fix it before I could have it.” The Model T was his daily
Senior Contributors George Parrish
ride through high school and college and he still commutes to work with it occasionally. As an aside, he has nine other cars in his garage in various stages of restoration and drivability -a 1991 Mercedes 350 SD, 2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup, 1926 Ford Touring with pink wheels, 1926 Ford ton Truck, 1923 Ford Centerdoor Sedan, 1921 Pierce-Arrow two-ton truck, 1929 Packard 626, 1926 Ford Roadster and a 1909 Ford Touring he built from scratch. But back to the focus of this article. To Mr. McGuire, the impracticality and unreliability of the 80-year-old Model T only makes the experience more enjoyable. “It breaks
This student ignores the school’s stringent cell phone ban. if they are not in class. Mr. Abbot openly disagrees with this, saying that there are places that students are allowed to use cell phones, and that they should remain out of sight and out of use anywhere else. Some students believe that this is too strict, and that the punishment can be disproportionate to the crime. For example, one student said when his phone was confiscated he was checking the clock However, despite the danger of getting caught, one student probably stands for many when he says that he uses his cell phone “whenever teachers are not looking.” Per-
haps the greatest source of controversy over cell phones, even amongst the teachers, concerns the gray area surrounding the use of phones outside. Mr. Abbot refused to comment, while Mr. Tune said, “I’m all for it provided the Student Council can come up with a way to [keep it from getting out of hand].” Cell phones are a difficult subject to side on, one way or the other. Many people, both teachers and students alike, have found a middle ground on the use of cell phones in school. But Mr. Abbott is still not satisfied. He said, “they (the students) are trying to find loopholes.”
Mr. Bolling goes hunting
Faculty automobiles, continued from page 1
Senior Editors John Mark DiGrazia Brian Kusiak Teddy Mitchell Brendan Worst
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by Jay Lynde ’09 Kyle Wittenauer ’10 Toyota Prius Hybrid down periodically,” he said. “I like that because I learn more about it when I fix it.” Every summer, Mr. McGuire takes a road trip with the Model T to a different area of the country. “It’s a vehicle for experiencing the U.S,” he said. “It’s amazing what you notice with no radio or air conditioning at 35 mph.” Perhaps as much as anything else, Mr. McGuire loves and appreciates the historical significance of the Model T. He said, “The Model T represents the democratization of America. It made it so that a farmer could go to town. It significantly leveled the playing field of how the U.S. operated. It changed the landscape of the U.S. I like that piece of history.” The variety of cars parked on campus during the school day reflects the variety of personality in our faculty. To our faculty, a car is so much more than just transportation. These cars make a statement about their owners’ values. As Mr. McGuire points out, “The social definition of a person’s car is much greater than the definition that Webster gives. People become their cars and their cars become them.”
The Pine Needle Junior Contributors Robert Allen Stephane Irankunze Jay Lynde John Stillwell
Freshman Contributors Jabriel Hasan Kurt Jensen Ben Resnick
Sophomore Contributors Patrick Delaney Ryan Van Sumeren Kyle Wittenauer
Faculty Advisor Kathleen Thomas
Driving his wife’s grandmother’s car at the age of 29, the Rev. Randy Hollerith (the Rev. Melissa Hollerith’s husband) felt it was time to “lose the grannycar.” This 1970 Delta 88 was decked out with big bench eats, silky fabric and seatbelts without shoulder straps and was finished with a pale sky-blue paint job. At the time, Mr. Hollerith was working for St. Stephen’s Church in Richmond, and he was obviously in the market for a new ride. With only a $10,000 budget, however, he needed some help so they consulted with St. Christopher’s resident car guru Mr. Jack Bolling. Mr. Bolling suggested a Saturn saying he was impressed with the workmanship and that they could buy a new car within their budget. However, Mr. Hollerith, who had never bought a car before, wasn’t thrilled. When Mr. Bolling questioned him further, he described his dream car: a black Saab Turbo with a stick-shift transmission, sunroof and CD player. “Give me a few days,” said Mr. Bolling in reply. Sure enough, after in-depth research, he found what he was looking for. The five-year-old Black Saab had 30,000 miles and all the perks Mr. Hollerith wanted. And it was being sold for only $9,900. Moreover, Mr. Bolling arranged for a mechanic to check it out and for someone to drive it down to Richmond from the north. Mrs. Rev. Melissa Hollerith added, “He went above and beyond, and he does that for everybody. He loves the thrill of the hunt.” The Holleriths are one of literally hundreds of families Mr. Bolling has helped. He takes all the knuckle-biting anxiety out of a difficult, time-consuming process. To name but a few, Mr. Bol-
ling helped Mr. Stillwell buy his family’s Honda Odyssey, Mr. Szymendera a Toyota Camry, Mr. Hudepohl a Toyota Camry and Mr. Ace Ellis a Toyota Highlander. He’s also helped students including Alex Landin with a Pathfinder, alum Nick Erdle with a Chevy pickup and Mac Jennings with a Ford Explorer. One of the quickest deals Mr. Bolling ever struck was helping Mr. Hudepohl. He walked out a lot with hundreds of parked Toyotas, picked out a 2007 Camry and a half hour later, the deal was done. At the time of closure, the salesman told Mr. Hudepohl, “It’s been a pleasure, see you in 10 years,” referencing his former Camry which he drove for 10 years. Mr. Bolling has had an interest in cars for as long as he can remember. In high school, his father used to park his car at a filling station while working and Mr. Bolling used to hang out there waiting for a ride home. “I was always getting under the grease monkey,” he said. He bought his first car at age 16 from money he earned from washing cars, a Plymouth Coupe. With a $2,000 gift he received from his father after graduating from the University of Richmond, he bought a Chevolet Belair, a $5,000 luxury car of that era that now sells at auctions for $150,000. That passion for finding the deal he now uses to help friends. Mr. Bolling starts by finding a budget and a basic idea of the desired car for his particular client. He then uses his numerous connections with car dealerships across the city to locate the right car. As Mr. Bolling said, “I view it as hunting or fishing.”.” This is just one more thing Mr. Bolling has done to help people in the St. Christopher’s community. As Mr. Ellis said, “I think he enjoys helping people deal with difficult situations in general.”
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The Pine Needle
November 2007
Fall Dance ‘07
In wake of the recent St. Christopher’s Fall Dance, your friendly Pine Needle editors decided to run an informative column on how various Saints structured, planned and spent their Homecoming evenings. Enjoy.
“Well, after combing the dancefloor, I found the perfect spot. I found the three-foot radius where the ceiling AC vent cooled. It was glorious and pit-stain free.”
Italian leather shoes: $500 French cologne: $300 Dance lessons: $150 Lacoste chemise, Peter Blair tie, and Burberry jacket: $1,800 Salon del Sol styling: $220 A night of confidence: Priceless
Kyle Wittenauer worked the crowd with considerable panache, reciting ,“Oh Captain, my Captain,” while dancing with his friends from the football team. Kyle left early for a late night Def Jam Poetry recital in Carytown.
Jamie Ruml spent the majority of this soiree in the center of the dance floor doing the robot. Indubitably.
Malcolm McGovern got his slip signed, so he left casually at 9:30 to translate Virgil.
Faculty Cars: Fun Facts
We conducted a survey concerning the automobiles that St. Christopher’s teachers own. We received some interesting responses via email. Here’s a sampling. Mr. Frank KiefMiss McLean Ms. Susan Kirk enjoys that Ms. Asha BanAbout his 2005 Suburu Outer likes that his Turner does her 1995 Honda Civic is paid dal about her back, Mr. Greg Tune said, “I 1994 Chrysler not enjoy, “all for and is extremely reli1997 Suburu enjoy the rocking 4-cylinder LeBaron conof the scrapes able even with 125,000 miles. Outback: “I engine and the all-wheel drive.” vertible is paid in the bumper call my car the for and lets him from sharing Grocery-getMr. Phil Spears catch the ocstreet parking ter because wishes his Ms. Elsa Woocasional ray. (insert emoticon I look like a 1998 Toyota daman’s 2001 He doesn’t enjoy “ the repair smiley face).” soccer mom driving around Camry LE had VW Passat is the bills, mutant windshield and in a station wagon.” more space for first time she’s Mr. Rusty Wilson drives unreliable electrical system.” baby and dog. paid more than a 1988 Chevy Silverado Mr. Billy Ab$500 for a car. pickup that he named Oz. Ms. Lucy Berndt Ms. Nancy bott enjoys his isn’t thrilled that Young isn’t thrilled that her 1998 S90 Volvo Ms. Mary O’Brien likes her that she spent a lot Mr. Gene 1990 Honda Accord only has because “it runs 1989 Toyota Corolla but after it of money getting Bruner keeps two doors. “But for the price and it’s safe” but dies she hopes to get a hybrid. her 1991 Saturn the top off his I paid for it, the inconvennotes that repairs fixed this sum1993 black cience has been worth it.” are expensive. mer. She wishes Mr. Tom Franz: “My Jeep Wrangler that she had spent primary vehicle is a 1998 club as much as In his 1997 Toyota 4-Runon the downpayment for a new car which gets about 60 miles possible. “So ner, Mr. Bruce Nystrom said, car. “So now I will be drivto the gallon. I most enjoy the tooling down “I can cruise my fields and Mr. Michaiah Abts: “I least ening it for forever,” she said. easy access the highway look for (at) cows and ponds.” joy the fact that my wheel covto almost any with a couple kayaks on top alers consistently fall off. The Mr. Hill Brown said about his location on lows me to feel adventurous.” Mr. Don Gollafactory ones were cheap janky 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser, “I campus and day likes that plastic pieces, and available have had it since the year I the fresh air What does Mr. he can tow his replacements aren’t much betgraduated from college, and it is when driving. Elliott Gravitt pop-up camper ter. Check like an old friend. It is safe, spaOccasionenjoy most with his 2005 any old model cious, wellally I drive a about his 2001 H i g h l a n d e r. Galant driving made and it 2000 Grand Suburu Legaaround town has run alCaravan that cy? “The fact (there are lots Mr. Mark Busser said his 2007 most troublegets 15-22 that it works. of them), and Honda Ridgeline pickup is the free for close mpg. I most like the car because “ Least? “The the odds of best vehicle he’s ever owned. to 20 years. I my entire family can ride in it. fact that it is not it having all He raved about the in-bed hope to keep I least like the feel of the ride. a Range Rover.” four wheel trunk feature, Nav system and it for another covers are voice recognition controls. 20 years.” slim indeed.