POLY PREP’S Student Newspaper VOL. CV ISSUE VI May/June 2020
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POLYGON
STORiES OF THE CHiLDREN OF ESSENTiALWORKERS KAYLA THOMPSON “Trust is confidence in the abilities of something or someone else. My understanding of its significance has grown during this pandemic despite its pertinence in everyday life. We hope we can trust our government when they release information and the news when they report on it; we hope we can trust the doctor when they diagnose us; we hope we can trust friends and family constantly”
EMILY NG
“Not only was my mother risking her life by going to a clinic where sick patients will inevitably come in and out, I was also afraid of racial incidents that may cross her path.” These are excerpted from reflections written by students whose parents are essential workers. Read their full acounts on Features Pages 6 & 7.
polygonnews.org
Colleges Scramble &
MANY GO TEST OPTiONAL In the midst of a pandemic, many colleges are struggling to adapt. Why have so many school chosen to go test optional and what does this mean for rising seniors? LIZ BENTSIANOV EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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he COVID-19 pandemic has led to nationwide closures of college campuses and cancellations of on-campus activities. In light of the current circumstances, many colleges have gone test-optional and are altering their application requirements. These decisions will likely have a long-term impact on the college process. This sudden change has left many juniors in a place of uncertainty. The spring of junior year is an essential time for students to look at schools they are interested in. With the cancellation of tours and information sessions due to the pandemic, many students who were planning on looking at colleges for the first time over spring break are facing a major dilemma. While colleges have made virtual resources available for prospective students, virtually navigating campuses and attending Zoom information sessions are weak substitutes for walking on campuses, meeting professors, tour guides, and other students. Junior Talia Marash said, “There is only so much a student can go by in making a monumental decision, which will make the college process that much harder.” Even the Brooklyn-Staten Island College Fair, an annual pilgrimage of Poly juniors, has been canceled, further limiting opportunities for Poly’s juniors to interact directly with colleges and find schools they like. Attempts to create an online BKSI fair in conjunction with other high schools have failed. However, Poly is launching the Poly College Series, allowing students to interact with college representatives in Q & As and group information sessions over Zoom. Upper School Dean Alexis Perez said, “We hope it
will give students the opportunity to meet and connect with college reps both from schools they are already interested in and from schools they would like to learn more about. Additionally, many juniors are facing the obstacle of standardized testing. The ban on large gatherings and widespread school closures has made the administration of standardized tests impossible. Some juniors have not taken the SAT or ACT yet, and many others are looking to improve their scores by taking the exam again and super scoring. With early decision application deadlines looming, many juniors fear that if closures continue, they won’t be able to take either exam or they won’t have enough opportunities to reach an ideal score. Junior Dominique Porte said, “I feel very stressed about the fact that I may not have the opportunity to take an SAT and turn in my score. It’s also upsetting because I’ve dedicated so much time to studying for it and I may not have the chance to show my dedication.” In response to this issue, many colleges have gone test-optional, meaning that students will not have to submit a standardized test score with their application to be considered for admission to a school. Even University of California schools, for which the SAT was specifically designed, have announced they are going test-optional. The UC schools account for hundreds of thousands of applications annually, making their decision a major turning point in the college admissions process. Upper School Dean Nat Smitobol said, “If the UC schools figure out how to make good decisions without the SAT, it could lead to a huge change in the col-
Continued on Page 2
Poly’s Response to Floyd:
HOW CONVERSTAION CAN INSPIRE CHANGE A reflection on the recent forum by the organizers and a look at how the Poly community can work toward change MAKIEDA MCKENZIE & SAMARRA SANKAR FEATURED WRITERS
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n Tuesday, June 2nd, six days after the brutal murder of George Floyd, over 130 members of the Poly community came together despite limitations imposed by quarantine for a forum to discuss the current political climate of our country. The killing, while an immense tragedy, is not a first in America. Rather, it symbolizes a systematic problem regarding police brutality against unarmed black men fueled by America’s racist ideals. At the start of the forum, students and faculty agreed upon the fact that this was not a political nor a polar issue. This is a human issue. Despite the contrasting feelings and thoughts shared in the large group, the contract of respect was never broken. Students and faculty of color, who are inherently affected by this sensitive problem, expressed their concerns and feelings in a safe space while white allies were given the opportunity to listen and understand the struggles of their peers. People shared things they felt that they were ignorant about and wanted to learn more about. In response, our community, coming from a diverse range of backgrounds, helped orchestrate and promote a healthy space for change and gain insight. The learning took place with no constraints. Students and teachers alike were given the opportunity to evaluate their personal biases and to voice their individual experiences. The members of our community successfully created an environment where people felt comfortable enough to express their raw emotions without facing judgment. Towards the end of the forum, Ryantony Exuma shared a personal and captivating piece of writing, perfectly ending the broader conversation about the relationship between black people and America’s power structures and, more specifically, black men and policing. Many people of color shared the fears that they have to face every day in America while white allies expressed concerns and a newfound distrust of the systems that make up our country. Several community voices expressed feeling changed and recognized the need for immediate action. Through conversations in breakout rooms and an open discussion, many expressed how the Poly community, though well-intentioned, often feels like a bubble. This bub-
ble serves as a sanctuary for many, but times like these illuminate its faults. If anything, this forum has shown us all how willing and open our community can be in attempting to break down and escape from this sense of security. As a community, it’s in our best interest that we continue to come together and debunk serious issues beyond the confines of national tragedy, which seep their way into our daily lives at school. There are various steps that we, as a community, can take in order to continue necessary conversations towards change. Some ways involve introspection while others aim to change our current social environment. All actions and calls for change are equally important, for social progression would not be possible otherwise. Whether it is making a vow to work on undoing learned behavior and thoughts that are detrimental to others or deciding to make an effort to call out friends and family when they say hurtful comments, it is a step in the right direction and crucial to making a change. On a broader community level, it can be making an effort to internalize what is taught in Poly’s spheres of learning (the classroom, Assembly, etc.) by faculty, speakers, and peers who differ by their experiences and perspectives. Even organizing community events, spaces, drives, and other means can further propel us. No matter the circumstances, white allies must make sure they are using their voices in an active way. Based on conversations from the forum, white silence is deafening. It is not enough to simply say “I’m not racist” and sit back while events unfold. As people that possess the most privilege in the undeniably racist society of America, it is extremely important to be supporters and activists by undoing the mistakes of the past that this country is built upon. Being passive, especially in this new chapter of history, is detrimental. This is a burden that we all, both POCs and white allies alike, must share. If we don’t make this an “us” problem, we will never arrive at a solution. Students of color should feel a sense of pride in their experiences as they hold the power to expose injustices that plague the society that we all are a part of. As a part of this community, everyone’s voices are valued and heard.
Read more about this topic in the Editorial on News Page 3
THE POLYGON
MAY/JUNE NEWS
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Staying at Home Affects Every Grade A look at how isolation and virtual school have differently affected members of each grade CARLY PYLES OPINIONS EDITOR
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aking up at 8:59 AM for a 9:00 AM class and having your pets sit in on your lessons have quickly become our new realities during Virtual Poly. However, the newfound ability to attend school in your pajamas does not outweigh the disappointment of being unable to finish the school year alongside classmates and teachers. Although every Poly student is experiencing certain academic and social challenges, each grade has been confronted with a unique set of obstacles. The majority of Poly freshmen are saddened by the abrupt end to their first year of high school, as many were eager to experience their first season on a varsity team, perform in the dance concert for the first time, or have their first high school yearbook signed. For others, however, going virtual has provided an unexpected yet welcoming respite from the chaotic world of high school. “Virtual Poly went a lot smoother than I thought it would. I was sad to miss out on the rest of my freshman year, but it was also hard to adjust to the new high school workload. Virtual Poly was kind of like the small break that I didn’t know I needed,” said freshman Ariana DiCarlo. Understandably, as the students get older, the stakes are only raised higher. For current sophomores, the challenges of the upcoming college process are beginning to set in as college visits and SAT prep loom in the near future. Because they cannot begin the process like they normally would, Poly has tried to rectify the situation by offering online college visits and at-home practice tests.
“It’s definitely been more challenging to stay focused and engaged during my classes, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out or falling behind because a lot of things that were scheduled for the spring, we got to do to some degree,” said sophomore Emily Melcer. “I also really like the virtual college visits because they gave me a chance to hear about colleges I’d never really considered before, especially as a sophomore.” Juniors worry their online college visits will be their only opportunity to see certain schools before sending in applications next year. The online visits are a good alternative, but they don’t have nearly the same effect as stepping onto a college campus. They are also concerned with the cancellation of standardized testing. Even though many schools are, in fact, going test-optional, there are still students affected by this hindrance. Juniors who are looking to improve their current scores or boost their application by taking a standardized test are now disadvantaged. The pandemic has also affected students who are enrolled in AP classes; those exams will now be administered at home. “Quarantine has definitely lightened the workload and stress of junior year. As for the upcoming college process, I can’t really say whether it made it easier or more difficult. The college process is already very unpredictable, so it seems we have to be really strategic with it this year,” said junior Samantha Chan. Students are also struggling with the lack of competitive sports during their most important years as athletes. Some missed out on their spring season this
VIA IMAGES An ad reminding people to stay home year, while others are concerned about or ‘hey, that milestone was supposed to what competitive sports will look like in happen today.’’ the fall. The Class of 2020 will be the first Sophomore Nick Mulder, a memclass in Poly’s history to not have an ber of the hockey team, said, “Next year on-campus Commencement ceremony. holds a lot of uncertainty for rising juInstead, they will graduate in a virtual cerniors and seniors who are student-athemony on June 12th. Additionally, prom letes. Personally, I’ve continued practichas been canceled. These are momentous ing by transforming my rooftop into my milestones that high school students are ‘rink,’ and I’ve destroyed a lot of planters eager to spend with their friends and famwith pucks in the process.” ily. The seniors weren’t aware they had Most importantly, it is unequivocal already spent their last day on campus as that the students who will bear the brunt a Poly Prep student back in March. They of the pandemic’s consequences are Poly were robbed of the chance to say goodseniors. bye to friends, teachers, and mentors who Former Student Government Vice shaped their Poly experience. President Molly O’Connor said, “The The overarching themes among all only words that can describe how I am students are disappointment and uncerfeeling as a result of the last few months tainty. In addition to closing campus for are strange and almost mournful. Every the rest of the school year, it is still uncouple of days a wave will hit of ‘oh, I known what school will look like in the should have been doing this right now’ fall.
Colleges Go Test Optional Continued
lege process.” Junior Sebastian Stafford said, “As someone who’s test scores don’t necessarily match up with my actual academic potential and level, I’m not actually too bothered by a lot of schools going test-optional. I think that in a lot of ways the methods of standardized tests are sort of archaic… it’s definitely revolved a lot around money and privilege as those who can afford to essentially throw money at a private tutor or college advisor end up getting vastly better scores.” Although standardized tests are the benchmark on which colleges have always heavily relied upon when making admissions decisions, this pandemic may force colleges to develop new strategies. Perez said, “My hope is that the pandemic will force colleges and universities to re-examine their current business practices and that the result is a more ethical and equitable process for all applicants.” However, students must be warned that college’s decision to go test-optional may not be as well-intentioned as some may believe. Colleges have a bond rating, a measure of financial strength that is important to the business of college. Bond ratings are based mainly on the strength of average standardized test scores, so colleges will likely still be looking to accept students who already have a high test score. Although going test-optional can be beneficial for many students, the real reason why many schools have made this choice is to maintain their pool of applicants and their low acceptance rates. Essentially, colleges fear that if they don’t go test-optional, then juniors who haven’t taken standardized tests won’t apply, leading to plummeting applicant numbers and higher acceptance rates, reducing selectivity. Perez said, “The US Deans want to remind 11th graders and their families that schools going test-optional is mainly to benefit the schools themselves - not the students applying. This wave of test-optional adoption should not distract students from the testing plans that were already in motion.” The uncertainty surrounding standardized testing means that it is likely that more pressure will be placed on applicants’ grades and course rigor. This means that those who may not have performed as well as they would have liked in school but have been preparing for the SAT or ACT have a definite disadvantage. Additionally, it is possible that early decision applications will play an even more pivotal role in college admissions as schools, in an attempt to recoup financial losses, scramble to enroll a full class. Also, there are a lot of worries about the financial outlook of some small colleges. Smitobol says, “I’m worried that a lot of small schools that are incredibly strong do not have the endowment to remain open, and I fear that some colleges cannot survive this in the long term.” The poor financial outlook of many colleges may impact students seeking financial aid. There are worries that colleges will not be able to meet demonstrated need, and it is possible that schools will look to enroll students who can pay full tuition. However, in a cruel twist, the pandemic has impacted the financial situations of many families, meaning fewer students will be able to afford full tuition. Junior Talia Marash said, “Financially schools are going to struggle to get students who can pay as well as students who are confident in their choice of school without these physical visits… The long-term implications [for the college process] will be beyond our current understanding.”
The POLYGON Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Bentsianov, Honor Seares, Emily Ng Emma Spring.........................Managing Editor Tessa Marker.................................News Editor Carly Pyles..............................Opinions Editor Brooke Johannesen.....................People Editor Hailey Tobman.........................Features Editor Samantha Rodino............................Arts Editor Shepherd Dzina...........................Sports Editor Benjamin Mansfield......................Copy Editor Thalia Glyptis............Online Managing Editor The Polygon is published at least eight times a year by the students of Poly Prep Country Day School. We welcome both letters to the editor and guest opinions pieces of interest. All submissions should be emailed to polygon@polyprep.org and must include the author’s name. The Polygon reserves the right to edit all submissions for spelling, grammar, and length. Letters should be no longer than 200 words, and opinion pieces should be no longer than 750 words.
Elaine Levia.............................Faculty Advisor John Rearick.................Writing Studio Liaison
The Polygon c/o Poly Prep CDS 9216 7th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11228
THE POLYGON
MAY/JUNE NEWS
PAGE 3
EDITORIAL:
What is the role of nonblack POC and white people in the BLM Protests? THE EDITORIAL STAFF veryone has heard it. We’ve all seen it. Journalism, once serving as a constant reminder of COVID-19, has been swept by a wave of protests fueled by the Black Lives Matter movement in merely a few days. On May 25th, a black man named George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. He was accused of using a fake twenty-dollar bill. Derek Chauvin, one of the four policemen at the scene, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes. “I can’t breathe” were some of his last words. They have been the movements battle cry since the death of Eric Garner in 2014. These words serve as a tragic reminder of the condition of blacks in America, chanted again and again as more black Americans fall victim to police brutality. With protests happening all across the U.S., it is clear that Floyd’s death has had an impact. These protests were marked by violence between police and protesters, looting, and controversial debates littering online platforms. Once again, we face a dilemma we’ve yet to find a solution to: Is there a “right” way to protest? Protesting is an act of civil disobedience. Whether it is simply blocking roads, participating in labor strikes, or boycotting, protesting is meant to instigate some extent of chaos. In just the past few days, local businesses have been dismantled, buildings set on fire, and tear gas and rubber bullets employed by police onto protesters. Like with every national issue, a debate has emerged. On one hand, people argue that change will only come from peaceful protests, that the violence being filmed and posted onto social media is unjust and unnecessary. Others, however, fervently disagree. For those who have watched this happen time and time again, violence seems like it may be the only option. Regardless of this debate, there is no clear way to determine whether these acts are justifiable. What makes this problem so complex is a single factor — perspective. For those of us who are not Black, we cannot attest to how it must feel to see members of our community killed from police brutality on a day-to-day basis. We cannot attest to how angry they are during this time, their feelings towards a nation that has historically labeled them subordinate due to their skin color. We will never fully understand their experiences. When we judge these protests, we must remember that the Black Lives Matter movement revolves around black Americans and their rights. Only they can tell us how they feel, what they believe is the right direction. Because the issues being protested have affected them for their entire lives. We’re privileged enough that we do not have to consider these issues every day. Whether or not you personally agree with the tactics being used does not matter. People can, however, support the Black community
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT UPDATE Dearest students, faculty, and administrators,
VIA DANNY FISHER A recent protest in Brooklyn during this time by remaining allies. People can help ensure that the movement remains guided and intentional, stopping those who exploit the protests to loot and going out to protest themselves. The question asked earlier has no answer. There is no “right” way to protest. However, there must exist effective ways and ineffective ways, and America is testing those waters at the moment. The fact that these protests have arisen right now only serves to further prove just how tiring it is to see instances of police brutality, how desperate people are to initiate change. In the midst of the pandemic, many have taken to the streets calling for immediate action. The pandemic seems to have added fuel to the fire. There is immense outrage that during a time when we should unify to save lives, police brutality has taken yet another, especially as COVID kills Blacks at higher rates. Journalism and the media have played an important role in this national crisis. The media tends to portray the violence within the protests, failing to address the numerous peaceful protests and instances where police joined protesters. In Flint, Michigan, a local sheriff said, “We want to be with y’all, for real. I took my helmet off, laid the batons down. I want to make this a parade, not a protest.” In Camden, New Jersey, officers carried a banner stating “Standing in Solidarity” and joined the crowd chanting, “No justice, no peace!” These instances give us hope that change is possible. The deaths of innocent black people shouldn’t be a fact of our society. Social media has also an amplified role in this movement. As many of us are staying home, many are participating in this movement through technology, reposting images or thoughts online. While there is nothing wrong with social media activism and the effects of virality, we all must remember that participating in this movement requires effort beyond sharing a few words online. Whether or not you have chosen to use social media as your platform, things can also be done outside of these mediums, and we encourage you to use whatever platform you have.
We are so happy to inform you that despite the unfortunate reality of our circumstances, we are up and running and ready to tackle the new year’s challenges head on! Under the new leadership of Student Body President Taejun Kim-Grant, and Student Body Vice President Talia Marsh, we have met and discussed preliminary issues for next year’s student government course of action, and how to get ready for the new year. As such, we began to talk about what committees should be appointed so that we can easily divide up and tackle the school’s most pressing issues, as well as cater to the needs of the students entirely. In addition, we also spoke about how exactly to more effectively utilize our Instagram platform in order to boost student awareness of issues that we discuss and increase school Spirit. The basic premise though, is to make the students aware that we are here with open arms and more than open ears to hear any comments, questions, or concerns regarding next year or anything that occurred this year that you believe is important. We are so happy to be able to spend another year serving you and can’t wait to get to it ! Warmest and safest regards, The Student Government
Seniors Consider Altering Their Plans for the Fall Many seniors consider deferring the next semester or changing their fall plans due to the tenuous situation caused by COVID-19 AUSTIN SOMERS FEATURED WRITER
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ommunities around our globe have stepped up, or rather, stepped down, to stop the spread of the most recent coronavirus, hoping to save millions of lives in the process. Since viruses do not discriminate, there have been valiant efforts from people from all walks of life, including the world’s high-schoolers. Due to new restrictions, almost all of the globe’s 2020 graduates have had to swallow the bitter pill of not being able to finish their high-school careers in person. New restrictions along with a harmful spread of illness have also led these graduates and their families to have to think about the future, both out of practicality and out of regard for their own health. Poly Prep’s Class of 2020 is no different. On March 10th, there was a question whether they were going back to Poly, but this June, it is whether they will be attending their new institutions on time in the Fall. For most of Poly’s Seniors, it’s been an overwhelmingly popular choice to accept offers for enrollment in the fall in the hopes that our world will calm down in the coming months. However, that decision does not come without doubt and concern about whether or not their plans will be potentially halted by COVID-19. This feeling of uncertainty rings especially true for many such as seniors Tommy Bennett and Olivia Hurley. Bennet, an elite ultimate frisbee athlete expressed: “My family and I have been doing a lot of thinking when it comes to trying to decide where my next journey will
be in life. Whether that be a gap year or at school, we are just trying to do what is best for me and in turn our family.” Hurley, one of Poly’s shining community organizers, expressed the options this pandemic has created for the seniors, as she toys with “deferring for a year and taking classes at other schools, taking a stereotypical gap year, or just accepting enrollment and hoping that classes will not be online in the fall.” No matter the specifics, however, both Bennet and Hurley plan to be attending the University of Richmond and UC Davis, respectively, at some point in the future. Talk about a possible gap year is not uncommon in the homes of Poly’s senior class as more students than ever worldwide have been pushed to take time off, both for their sanity and global health. This inevitable increase in gap years, unfortunately, means that there may be fewer spots available for the Class of 2021. Former student body Vice President and a constant voice of reason, senior Molly O’Connor, has a sister in the Class of 2021 and stressed that “With all these new gap years, I am worried about my sister’s admissions process next year.” Plenty of seniors have used this time to hone in on their passions, as Tayo Illunga-Reed and Jack Clothier are using this opportunity to take prep years for their future football and baseball careers. Despite Covid-19’s ability to stop the flow of the world dead in its tracks, Poly Prep’s Class of 2020 has only further proved their durability and adaptability, and as a member of this class, I feel proud to be amongst a group of students who never let these unfortunate events dampen their pride or their ambitions.
THE POLYGON
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MAY/JUNE OPINION
A Piece of Not -So Speculative Fiction
The Pressure
YEAR 2108 APUSH Free Response Question:
Explain the social, economic, and political impacts of COVID-19 on the United States during the 2020s EMILY NG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF t the start of 2020, COVID-19 decided to pay a visit to the United States after it grew tired of touring Europe and Asia. However, the United States was already knee-deep in turmoil. The country was already marked up crimson like a history paper written an hour before its deadline — President Trump’s impeachment, the threatening possibility of World War III, and a disappointing Democratic election. Needless to say, America was not prepared to handle an impending pandemic, but COVID-19 still came. COVID-19 drastically shifted the American economy and the social climate, especially among Generation Z, and the country would fail to reach normalcy after this pandemic. Teaching and learning in America were transformed due to COVID-19. Before the Waning 20s, students went to buildings designated for learning. This required leaving their homes and staying at these places for up to ten hours a day. However, after remarkable applications came to prominence, such as Zoom, online learning gained traction. This concept became widely popular. It eliminated the need for funding of public school systems, and students of all ages were beginning to sleep an adequate amount of hours every night. Although unintentional, the pandemic largely shaped how students learn in the present-day. Among Generation Z, people struggled to find ways to cope with quarantine. As many young people were forced to lock themselves in their homes, they quickly conjured up ways to pass time. The decline in rationality became more evident as Instagram challenges, such as the “Spread positivity” and numerous workout challenges, flooded Instagram stories, making their followers suffer as they scrolled through endless posts regarding these useless distractions. This excessive amount of free time also allowed for creative recipes to transpire. The whipped coffee trend that became popular through the infamous app TikTok became a communal ritual. Instant coffee prices soared as demand rose. Many reported wrist sprains and fractures after tirelessly whisking the coffee cream for hours on end until they achieved the coveted soft peaks. TikTok was littered with other thoughts and reactions from young people. Some complained about missing events and milestones due to the coun-
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try’s crisis, and others simply cracked some jokes regarding the pandemic. While a majority of businesses were rapidly losing money, certain companies actually thrived under the pandemic. Costco, Target, and others within the realm of grocery shopping became epicenters of long lines and violent fights over supplies. One of the faddish items that was swept off shelves was toilet paper. People bought multiple packages of toilet paper at stores, initiating unnecessary verbal attacks during the pandemic. To this day, it is still unclear as to why toilet paper was highly sought after. Hand sanitizers and soap were sold out rapidly as increased sanitization was encouraged. Furthermore, this promoted washing hands regularly, which hadn’t been a common practice before the 2020s. Citizens’ attitudes and the economy were completely altered early on in the 2020s, and America would never be the same. Although many negative outcomes stemmed from the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to remember that many societal conventions of today are rooted in the changes that occurred during this time period. It was a turning point in the 21st century, and it helped guide America to a future where everyone is a bit saner. We owe it to the people that fought against the virus for adding another chapter to today’s history books.
Scoring: Thesis: 1/1; Strong yet concise thesis Contextualization: 1/1; Profound comments regarding impacts on present-day Evidence: 2/2; Everything mentioned was factually correct Historical Reasoning: 2/2; Beautiful analysis, very elaborate
What will the first day of school look like in the fall? A prediction of what school could be like when or if students return in September
TO IMPROVE YOURSLEF IN QUARANTINE
As people have more free time due to lockdowns, “productivity-shaming” becomes more common
VIA INSTAGRAM @jennyjaffe Balloon art reminding viewers that productivity in isolation is difficult HAILEY TOBMAN FEATURES EDITOR lthough the initial concept of quarantine may have inspired students to take full advantage of their newfound free time, many are finding that being productive has actually presented a larger challenge than they had anticipated. Although all fifty states have eased stay-at-home orders, there is no clear end for this period of social distancing. This seems to be the ideal time period to complete all the tasks we had set aside; cleaning our closets, fixing that broken cabinet, learning a new language or skill, and other tasks we always hoped to complete. However, social distancing has proven to be much more emotionally strenuous than initially expected. The time inside has turned from a luxury to quite the opposite. For the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are infected with COVID-19 or are family members of those infected, this is certainly not an ideal time to catch up on passion projects but rather a terrifying ordeal. Those who take refuge online have found themselves confronted with a deluge of challenges and how-to videos motivating them to stay productive. Viral trends have turned into a form of shaming for those who have not used this time wisely as a period to be “productive.” From Instagram challenges like the “pushup challenge” to dozens of TikToks promoting the “Chloe Ting Challenge,” it seems that no social media platform is free of this productive spirit. For many this can be a good thing to motivate them to reach their goals or complete the tasks they hope to do; however, for others, it can feel uncomfortable to watch your peers react to the current situation in a seemingly positive manner. Productivity-shaming has added stress to an already stressful situation. While keeping busy can serve as a coping mechanism for some, not everyone reacts the same way to highly stressful situations.
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EMMA SPRING MANAGING EDITOR
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lash forward: summer, a season with no vacations, no pool parties, and seemingly no value has just rushed by, and you are awoken with the sound of your alarm clock, an irritating sound you haven’t heard this early in nearly 6 months. You hop out of bed, get nicely dressed, pack your backpack, throw on a face mask, and run out to catch the school bus, a routine that seems distantly familiar, a hazy memory. As you walk the couple of blocks to the bus stop, the few people you see on the street are wearing face masks, and many of your favorite restaurants are still closed, and unfortunately, some may never open again. At the stop, you see your first physical, in-person contact with your bus mates, but only half of them, and, as instructed by your parents, you still
stand 6 feet away. The bus is eerily quiet, and you are instructed by the driver to sit one person per row. When the bus doors open at the Dyker Heights campus, you are greeted by a cheerful “Welcome back” from Mr. Bui, and next to him, Nurse Murphy is taking each student’s temperature as they walk in. As you walk across the backfield grass, you reminisce on the time you missed playing, running, and sliding on the field. Going into the locker room, a line has formed, as coaches count 10 people in at a time. At your locker, you find the books you forgot to bring home last March, which left you in an awkward position when the teacher asked you to read a paragraph. In the hallway, you see friends
VIA COMMUNICATIONS an aerial image of the upper school campus jumping for joy as you walk towards them, but you don’t hug, instead choosing to wave an awkward, bittersweet hello, always maintaining that six-foot distance. Walking into class, the desks are spread out far across the room.
You realize that you actually have to sit up, pay attention, and show your face to the teacher, a task that originally required you to turn off your camera, lie in your bed, and eat potato chips. While school might return in
the fall, you probably won’t see Poly Prep for a while. No pep rallies, no tightly packed benches in Commons, and odds are you’ll get kicked out of the library to limit the number of kids in there at one time. Nonetheless, you won’t take the little things for granted. As the still non-existent bell rings, you feel a sense of success. That feeling of raising your hand higher than your computer camera can capture, sprinting from the science building to the language hallway, and striking up a conversation in the hallway without hitting unmute are all things that nobody can take away from you, not while you walk these halls. You realize the little things that make you a student at Poly are the things that you will cherish until the whole 1,000 some students fill the Legacy Gym once again.
THE POLYGON
MAY/JUNE OPINIONS
PAGE 5
Why you should (BEGRUDGINGLY) vote for Biden An opinion on the importance of party unity and the youth vote in the upcoming presidential election KATIE FUTTERMAN OUTGOING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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iden is a flawed candidate, and the best candidate. Bernie Sanders was a great presidential candidate, and I was planning on voting for him in the Democratic primaries and general election in 2020. But Bernie Sanders lost, Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee, and Democrats need to vote for him in order to defeat Donald Trump. Recently, I have heard many of my peers say that they are going to either refrain from voting in November or write in Bernie Sanders. While I can understand where they are coming from, this would be detrimental. Joe Biden’s sexual assault allegations, history of being tough on crime, lack of drive for school integration, and constant slips while public speaking make me hesitant to vote for him. I wanted to vote for Bernie Sanders because he has always fought for marginalized groups. As someone born into the societal privilege of being white and financially comfortable, I by no means want to speak on behalf of marginalized communities. Still, I have witnessed the way in which the Democratic Party has taken many minority groups for granted. All Democrats have had to do is be a little bit better on issues of race, sexuality, gender, and more, which is not difficult. The ability for rich, white voters to say we need to compromise is a privilege in itself, as it is not their lives and rights that are being compromised. Biden campaigned on going back to how things were before Donald Trump. However, the traditional “system” has not worked for many people, and it is not particularly appealing to move backwards. Trump is not the only problem; he is merely a symptom of something larger. We cannot get rid of right-wing extremism just by voting him out. That is why I was planning to vote for Bernie Sanders, who had a vision for change and progress beyond just the pre Trump years. During the primaries, I rejected the concept of “electability” in choosing who to support. It is dangerous for everyone to pretend they have a political science degree and vote based on
VIA GOOGLE IMAGES Biden speaking at the Presidential Gun Sense Forum last year who they think other people will like. But the primaries are over. Sanders has lost twice. Yes, there is controversy over how the DNC handled the 2016 and 2020 primaries, but he still lost. After recovering from my initial disappointment at the loss, I realized I had to reassess and determine my values in voting. I determined that the best thing I can do is vote for Biden. Anything is better than four more years of Donald Trump. At this point, it almost seems ridiculous to explain why Trump is a harmful president, but I feel it is necessary in this article. his presidency has been plagued by corruption and hatred, from putting children in cages, impeachment, and an overall inability to lead. One of the largest impacts that Trump has had during his administration, which is often overlooked, is the number of conservative judges he has appointed to all levels of the courts. The judicial system is where many of our rights are fought out and ruled upon, including abortion rights, gun laws, and more. With a Democratic
president comes more liberal judges, who will rule on the expansion of democratic ideals. Biden would push forward the Democratic agenda. Hopefully, Democrats can be successful in the legislative branch as well, and Biden can work alongside them. At the very least, Biden would recognize the existence of climate change, which Trump has yet to do. He would also re-enter the Paris Agreement that Trump left and make real efforts towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. Biden will protect our healthcare instead of attempting to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He will be more progressive on issues regarding immigration, abortion, gun laws, and more. Biden also promised a female vice president, which we have never had before, and this is, at least, a step towards ultimately electing a woman president. Biden would also hire and maintain intelligent and capable people for his cabinet. Donald Trump uses his public platform to say offensive, hateful statements. Even if his ideas are not new, having a leader who is unafraid to target minority
groups is alarming. The number of hate crimes increased during his presidency. He boasts a large cult-like following that parades white supremacy in his name. Trump’s words incite violence. Biden’s do not. The coronavirus pandemic has further exposed Trump’s incompetence. His actions, or lack thereof, are directly responsible for an overwhelming number of deaths and cases. Biden is a skilled politician with a history of compromise and ability to get things done. He would be an important leader in what is hopefully the aftermath of the pandemic. Politics have never been perfect. It is not an anomaly that voters choose between the lesser of two evils. It is rare that the majority of the country passionately loves one candidate. Many of our most revered presidents have had serious flaws. Although among young New Yorkers it can feel like everyone agrees with Sanders’ progressive policies, in reality, it is a minority of the country. Sanders was successful early on in the primaries because the moderate vote was split between multiple candidates. A large portion of the Democratic Party was still in favor of more moderate ideas, not those of the more progressive Bernie Sanders. I wish that everyone supported universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage, and more. Unfortunately we are not there yet. After all, Donald Trump still has a 43.4% approval rating. You’re not going to make a statement by not voting or by writing in Bernie Sanders. Those who did that in 2016 made no statement. All that happened was that Trump won. Those who voted for Ralph Nader in 2000 made no statement. They just allowed for George W. Bush to assume the presidency. All that happens when you refuse to vote for Biden is another four years of Trump. I hope that one day we will have a president with the message of Bernie Sanders’. If we can’t in 2020, we need to take a step to fix the immediate, concrete problems. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Any progress, however small, is progress.
PROCRASTINATION takes on a whole new meaning
In the midst of a pandemic, students struggle to find the motivation to complete school work on Virtual Poly
TESSA MARKER NEWS EDITOR
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ate April would normally be a hellish time for students across the nation. With the end of the year approaching, the weather warming, and AP exams drawing closer and closer, school work is typically not only more stressful but also more difficult as well. This year, however, on top of all of that, we have to deal with the ramifications of a global pandemic. The pandemic has a multitude of possible consequences on students like the possible deterioration of their own health, the health of their families, and less financial stability. Then, there is the less pressing, but equally widespread, issue of pro-
“Without in-person school and the threat of having to explain to your teacher in-person why you haven’t done your work, it seems that practically everyone, not just myself, has been struggling to stay motivated.” “Without in-person school and the financial stability. Then, there is the less pressing, but equally widespread, issue of procrastination and loss of work ethic among students. Personally, it was hard to even bring myself myself to to write write this this article. article. Not Not because because it’s it’s ing somewhere the back my mind. whybecause would Iright bother sitting my desk write an particularly in draining orof difficult, butAnd purely now I justatdon’t wanttoto. There doesn’t seem to be anything motivating me besides a slight sense of guilt hover-
article when I could continue to lay in my bed, scrolling through Instagram, occasionally letting out a small laugh at a particularly funny TikTok and not using a single brain cell? Without in-person school and the threat of having to explain to your teacher in-person why you haven’t done your work, it seems that practically everyone, not just myself, has been struggling to stay motivated. Senior Olivia Hurley said, “In the past two weeks I’ve emailed two of my teachers telling them I can’t write their essays because my work ethic is so bad being at home. On top of having senioritis, being at home 25/7 is really hard… I’ve literally spent the past two hours writing an essay, and I’ve written a paragraph because I’ve just been scrolling through TikTok.” Junior Sebastian Stafford said, “With the novelty of staying home having worn off a little while ago, I’m struggling to find the motivation to complete homework in a timely fashion, as night after night I end up starting it around 9:30. I just don’t feel the same commitment to my academic assignments as I once did, as they seem inconsequential now.” This pandemic of procrastination has even trickled down to the Middle School. Eighth grader Hazel Budker said, “Ever since we have been doing virtual poly, my work ethic went down extremely and the main factor for that is knowing our grades cannot drop and can only improve.” Whether it is due to senioritis, a sense of futility or the absence of negative consequences, the beast that is procrastination has reared its ugly head, and its effects are taking a toll upon the whole school. In fact, the only reason I am writing this right now is because I am avoiding doing my math and history homework for tomorrow.
Stories of the Children of
ESSENTIAL WORKERS Students whose parents have continued to work in the midst of this pandemic reflect on their experiences
(from left to right) VIA GOOGLE IMAGES, THALIA GLYPTIS, CREATIVE COMMONS
KAYLA THOMPSON In the midst of a pandemic that has separated her from her father and brothers, Kayla reflects on the importance of trust and family KAYLA THOMPSON STAFF WRITER
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he day before Mother’s Day, I went to Target with my mom since I needed some gifts and crafting supplies. I was beaming with joy and happiness to finally breathe in fresh air, see places that I’ve long forgotten, and simply feel free again. The line outside of the store was, of course, long, but the wait was not. When we made it to the front of the store, the security stopped us and informed us that they were letting in essential workers first. Until that time, I did not stop to comprehend how much had changed in the world. I was standing on a position marked with tape outside of Target with a cloth facemask on that was slightly too big for me, but I never thought about what this all means to essential workers — even the ones close to me.
its pertinence in everyday life. We hope we can trust our government when they release information and the news when they report on it; we hope we can trust the doctor when they diagnose us; we hope we can trust friends and family constantly. Right now, my trust is based in my Christianity. My Church is a vital part of my life, and I consider my Church family as my own. Although the pandemic means that we cannot all meet in one place for the time being, I am grateful to know that the essential workers from my Church and their families are all healthy and safe.
Until that time, I did not stop to comprehend how much had changed in the world. I was standing on a position marked with tape outside of Target with a cloth facemask on that was lightly too big for me, but I never thought about what this all means to essential workers - even the ones close to me
I don’t live with my father, but the distance between us never affects our relationship. For as long as I can remember, my father, who currently works as a sanitation supervisor, has worked at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It was there where he also met my stepmother, who works as a unit assistant. I wouldn’t consider myself particularly scared now, although I might have been during the earlier stages of the pandemic. One day, my dad informed me that his boss had been in contact with the virus and had to take time away from work. I was relieved and even amused some weeks later when he told me that his boss was doing just fine and decided to use his vacation days. However, my main concern was my brothers. I have two younger brothers who are only 6 and 4 years old. I don’t see them often, and now with the current state of emergency, I am not sure when I will get to see them again in person. The fact is that I cannot imagine how my life would be if they weren’t a part of it. I am grateful that they are still healthy and energetic as always, and I just continue to trust that my family will continue to be safe and happy. Trust is confidence in the abilities of something or someone else. My understanding of its significance has grown during this pandemic despite
When I attended a virtual forum about women in COVID-19, I was able to see an even greater perspective. Many of the women in my Church are essential workers, but until now I saw them as wives, mothers, aunties, friends, and encouragers. None of that has changed– they are still people. I am grateful for the courage that they demonstrate each day that they walk out of the comfort of their homes to serve other people who sometimes do not appreciate them and other times are complete strangers. They go home to their families drained and still continue the cycle. However, I don’t want to see them only for what they are doing now during the pandemic. I want to see them for who they have always been for me.
On Mother’s Day, I sat down amongst scrap pieces of paper, mugs, colorful candles, and flowers and finished my crafts before creating virtual cards for mothers who live farther away from me. I couldn’t be happier for the family that I have, whether or not we are physically related. They replied with joy, knowing that I was thinking of them. I know that they think of me everyday — I smile everyday when I talk to my dad, him telling me how proud he is; I am always encouraged by my stepmom who reminds me that I am beautiful and inspirational; I am always encouraged by the calls from my Church aunties and uncles who want to see me excel. More than ever, I am grateful because I trust that at the end of it all we are all going to be okay.
EMILY NG Emily worries about her mom, a doctor, returning to work too soon, and not just because of the virus EMILY NG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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lthough short in stature, my mother is still one of the most determined people I know. During the first few weeks of quarantine, my mother, who owns a private medical practice, communicated with patients from home. In May, she decided to reopen her clinic. My mother never seemed to be afraid of COVID-19 despite the amount of her patients that have been diagnosed with the virus. When she told me she would reopen, I didn’t hesitate to retaliate. I told her it was too early, that COVID-19 was spreading in Sunset Park, the neighborhood where her practice is located. “I don’t care. You shouldn’t care. You can’t care right now,” she told me. But I did care. Not only was my mother risking her life by going to a clinic where sick patients will inevitably come in and out, I was also afraid of racial incidents that may cross her path. An Asian woman was thrown acid onto her face only a few blocks from her clinic. The windows of a local Chinese restaurant were scrawled with racial slurs. A close relative was told “Go back to your country” while skateboarding. That is my greatest fear — seeing my mother become another victim. I hate that my mother has to go out and battle two viruses. I hate that this is the first thought that strikes me.
Was I being selfish towards those who needed prescriptions, vaccines, checkups? Or were my feelings justified because she is my mother, who I love and cherish?
But I did care. Not only was my mother risking her life by going to a clinic where sick patients will inevitably come in and out, I was also afraid of racial incidents that may cross her path.
Maybe she is right — I can’t care. Even in times of hardship, she will still have to wear a white coat and stethoscope. She will still have to look out for others before herself. It is her job, her duty that she prides. And rather than being afraid, I’m starting to admire how unafraid she is.
ELIZABETH BENTSIANOV With two parents who are doctors, Elizabeth reflects on the changing landscape of medicine and what it means to be a hero LIZ BENTSIANOV EDITOR-IN-CHIEF y parents are both doctors. Usually, that is something that I’m proud to say, but in the current time, that statement incites a look of pity, fear, and graciousness from others. My parents own their own medical practice and have been working around the clock to keep their patients safe and business running. They are continuing to see patients while most other offices have shut down, trying to give patients a place to go other than the emergency room where the chances of catching COVID-19 are high. While they both wear PPE, they see numerous COVID patients every day as people walk in off the street looking for care for a mild fever and cough. I’ve watched firsthand the transformation within the healthcare industry to “telemedicine.” While this concept is not new, it has only come into widespread use now that people are being advised to stay at home. While telemedicine is not the perfect substitute for in-office doctor visits, it gives doctors an opportunity to check in with their patients and do routine things such as refill a prescription. I suspect that this pandemic will have huge long-term impacts on healthcare, one of which being the rapid incorporation of virtual medicine into major hospitals. Unfortunately, telemedicine does not help every patient and doctor. My mom is a nephrologist (a kidney doctor), and generally, her patients are acutely ill. Many of them are on dialysis, a treatment for End-Stage Renal Failure. This means that they have to attend treatments
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approximately 3 times a week for 3-hour sessions. There is really no way for patients to avoid leaving their homes in this situation as failing to attend treatments will lead to death. The same goes for my mom and the many dialysis nurses that work in dialysis units. They have to go to units to see these patients. There is no way to truly social distance in a unit and to make matters worse, dialysis patients are immunocompromised and are highly susceptible to COVID-19. Similarly, my cousin, a nurse who just graduated from nursing school. got her first job: in a COVID ICU. My cousin is young and healthy and accepted this job without any consideration, ready to use her training to help. She still has to go to work every day, training in what will likely be the most intense situation she will ever experience in a hospital. She describes the COVID ICU as eerily quiet as all the patients are unconscious on ventilators. However, she remains amazingly upbeat, always happily telling me when one of her patients is discharged or doing better. Although my family members are the ones on the front lines, the pandemic has drastically changed my life as well. I, like every other Poly student, have transitioned to virtual learning. Luckily, my brother and I are old enough to stay home alone, so at the very least my parents are not facing the issue of being unable to obtain child care. My parents have always worked, so I am used to being home alone often and helping out my brother.
However, now it feels different. There is always a small nagging fear in the back of my mind, always reminding me that today could be the day that I get sick, or worse: my parents get sick. While my parents are masters of downplaying what they do and are in my opinion too humble, I can see the mental toll that this is taking on them. In some ways, a doctor is also a therapist, and my parents have developed close bonds with some of their patients. They have watched some of their longtime patients, people who they have saved time and time again from various illnesses, die at the hands of COVID. They have also seen colleagues, who they have worked with for nearly 20 years, die. In speaking to my brother and I, they always try to downplay these events, but in their eyes, I can see the sadness. Also, I can see the stress that weighs upon them about the futures of my brother and I. As the stock market plummets and fewer people leave their homes, fears of financial insecurity pervade in every household. While seeing patients, both in person and through telehealth visits, my parents have also had to navigate the new federal aid programs, just another added stress in the midst of this tough time. My parents are uncomfortable being called “heroes,” which seems to be the most popular buzzword right now. Whenever someone says this they reply that they are just doing their job, what they are trained to do. However, I think that they do deserve the title of hero.
THE POLYGON
MAY/JUNE PEOPLE
Poly Talks Books: INTERVIEW WITH JOEL LOVELL
PAGE 8 In a new presentation series named “Poly Talks Books” Margaret Moslander interviews writer and former deputy editor of the New York Times Joel Lovell
Q: When I asked about books you don’t like that other people do, you answered, “some people like 1984 more than Brave New World. I completely disagree.” Why?
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Q: What’s the best book you’ve read in quarantine? A: I finally finished The Brothers Karamazov.
Q: What’s next on your reading list?
A: I’m reading The Idiot, also by Dostoevsky, right now. The big difference is that it’s a lot more gripping early on than The Brothers Karamazov. I’ve also been reading a book by [psychologist] Carl Jung called The Archetype and the Collective Unconscious. I’ve noticed a lot of connections between his work and the characters of Dostoevsky.
Q: You said that Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground is the book you wish you’d written. Since at this point you’re practically a Dostoevsky expert, why, of all the Dostoevsky you’ve read, is that the one you wish you’d written? A: It was the most perspective-flipping. It tore the ground up from under me. A lot of the thoughts that you and I have he makes very explicit. Instead of thoughts being internal to the characters, like yours or mine might be, they just say what they’re thinking. When Dostoevsky does that, it’s often pretty confusing, and I can’t always wrap my head around it. But once I got used to that style, I realized that Notes from Underground is centered on the conflict between what you want to do and what you actually end up doing. Once I understood that, it completely changed the way I thought about myself and the things I was doing. And it’s what sparked the writing that I read at Coffeehouse earlier this year.
Q: You’ve said you don’t like the Harry Potter books, and of course I need to know why!
A: Well, 50% of my dislike is probably me exaggerating how much I don’t like it. And I will say I do enjoy the lore in it. I might ask questions about why the Elder Wand is so powerful, for example. But I find the writing very uninteresting. I would much rather read Robert Louis Stevenson in Jekyll and Hyde, for example; his writing is so much more compelling to me.
A: One of the things is that 1984 is – regarding the philosophy of newspeak, everything is given to you. The whole point is stated and explained. In Brave New World, the philosophical jewel of it is hidden in the interaction between the characters and their dialogue. I just don’t get that in 1984. It’s a lot more explicit. I think things with a clear political agenda are almost always less interesting. One of the things when I’m sitting down to write is that it’s difficult for me to write anything if I know where it’s going. I’ve heard something said to the effect of “if you start art with an end in mind, it’s propaganda.” I think you could call 1984 propaganda, although obviously Orwell is right. But that’s why I like Dostoevsky’s work; his books are a journey, and he’s trying to compare ways of being or modes of living that aren’t obvious to him when he starts the book.
Q: So, I know that Dostoevsky is coming to your dream Socratic Seminar. Who else?
A: I’ve looked up whether Carl Jung had anything to say about Dostoevsky, but couldn’t find anything, which was disappointing. So I’d invite him, because I want to know what he thinks! Nietzsche also said that Dostoevsky is the only philosopher he had something to learn from, which is quite a statement coming from Nietzsche, so I’d want him there too. I’m also curious about Tolstoy. I do find it interesting that despite Dostoevsky and Tolsoy being so near to each other, they didn’t interact much. So I’d want to bring them together!
Q: What childhood book do you keep coming back to?
A: Romeo and Juliet. I read it first in 7th grade, and it’s just such a potent tragedy. It’s kind of breathtaking when you think about it. It’s hard to say more than that.
Q: Alright, one last question: if you could recommend one book to everyone, what would it be? A: Crime and Punishment. I feel like anybody could get into it and love it.
MAEGAWA CLOSES THiS CHAPTER OF HER “POLY STORY” Director of Diversity and Equity, Motoko Maegawa, is leaving Poly to return to Chicago
VIA COMMUNICATIONS Maegawa at last year’s Back to School Barbeque KAYLA THOMPSON STAFF WRITER irector of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Motoko Maegawa will be leaving Poly at the end of the year to be the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Catherine Cook School in Chicago. Almost two years ago, Maegawa came to Poly as an unfamiliar face, but she quickly became someone that many students could trust and confide in. As one student said, “Maegawa brought a lot to the school that many people have failed to do in the past and I will be sorry to see her go.” When she first assumed the position of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in September 2018, Maegawa’s priority was to truly understand the “Poly story” of each individual member of the Poly community. She wants everyone to know that “they have a story, their story is important, and their story is going to inform how we make decisions” that affect the community. She especially learned the importance of individual “Poly stories” during her first year as Director of Diversity when the blackface incident occurred. The experience taught Maegawa the importance of reaching out directly to specific groups when they are hurt, a lesson that she has applied to
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her own response to COVID-19 as American xenophobia and anti-Asian racism increase. She believes that she has ultimately benefited from our black peers who led us through that “damaging and painful” time. As Maegawa stated, “The biggest lesson I took away from it is what can I do with my role to help build solidarity and… empathy between everybody in the community.” As Maegawa continued to see shifts in the community and its members, she also had the opportunity to implement positive change through new programs. Apart from organizing this year’s Community and Diversity Days for the Middle and Upper schools, Maegawa is a co-founder and director of Poly’s Institute for Ethics and Leadership (IfEL), a facilitator of Equity Coffees, and an active participant of numerous diversity events in the Lower School. Maegawa does not take credit for all of the diversity-related accomplishments she has witnessed at Poly. She said that the school has seen a dramatic increase in affinity and alliance groups because of Middle and Upper School students who were willing to lead and stand up for their values. Faculty and staff have also taken the initiative to further their professional development and lead SEED groups (peerled professional development for other staff). Furthermore, Poly’s administration has taken steps towards increased diversity, equity, and social justice through the formation of a Board of Trustees Subcommittee. As she returns to Chicago, she hopes to use what she has learned from the Poly community to continue to “[hold] the whole administration, faculty, and staff members accountable for what [they] do with diversity and equity issues.” There is no doubt that Maegawa will miss the Poly community. Maegawa said, “It’s really sad because there’s so much stuff that I am in the midst of with so many incredible people that we’re collaborating on and it’s sad to leave people behind, it’s sad to leave the initiatives that we’re working on behind.” She leaves Poly’s community with the following words: “So much of what inspires me is that students and faculty bring so much of their true selves to school every day that they can and it’s not easy to do that; it can be very vulnerable to bring your full self to who we are as a Poly community and it’s what makes us strong as a community; when every member knows who you are is important and please share that.”
MAY/JUNE PLAYLIST by the NEW Editorial Staff Hypersonic Missles by Sam Fender Malibu by Kim Pietras Hunger by Florence and the Machine God’s Country by Blake Shelton The World We Live In by The Killers Pinball Wizard by Elton John Nocturne No. 1 Op. 48 by Chopin I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me Seventeen by Sharon Van Etten Achey Bones by The Happy Fits Freaking Out by The Wrecks Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
To Learn More about the New Editorial Staff Go Online to Read their Quarantine Chronicles!
@ polygonnews.org
THE POLYGON
MAY/JUNE ARTS
VIRTUAL COFFEEHOUSE
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Coffehouse persisted via Zoom with a number of live performances as well as an online coffehouse collection, featuring recorded performances KAYLA THOMPSON STAFF WRITER n Friday, May 8, the last Coffeehouse of the 20192020 school year lived up to its mission: to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere where members of the Poly community (students and teachers alike) can share their talents and passions. Led by Sarah Whalen, Coffeehouse encourages the Poly Prep community to build upon two of the most valuable characteristics of any community: love and peace. Although we could not gather in one place to enjoy chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate, the perseverance of Coffeehouse proves that unity is about being in the same place in our hearts and minds, rather than physically. In a time like this, the Poly community needs hope and support more than ever. In regards to Coffeehouse’s last event of the school year, Whalen said, “all of us were made aware of just how badly we miss each other, and how much we desperately need this kind of loving, supportive community.” The virtual Coffeehouse was an example of an event that truly cannot be explained, but must be experienced. The atmosphere was complete with love, support, and lots of jazz hands from friends and teachers. Senior Austin Somers, who has hosted Coffeehouse since its inception, began with a heartwarming note, stating that it was his last Coffeehouse and shared his gratitude for the experience. Somers soon put everyone in a cheerful mood with
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a Zoom background from a Michael Bublé concert. From there, the amazing performances and laughter began. From heavenly voices and skillful music to relaxing poetry and featured comedy, Virtual Coffeehouse was an unforgettable event. As Austin said, “I think a virtual Coffeehouse was just what everyone needed to add a little bit of normalcy to our lives. The fact that we had a combo of great pre-recorded acts (which are online!) and live acts added even more to the whole day because those who couldn’t perform live were still able to showcase their talents. Even though it is a shame we are finishing our school years online, I had so much fun hosting and definitely felt our little community come together again. It was great to see and was a fine way to help close out the year!” We all need people around us to support, encourage, and love. Although the Virtual Coffeehouse event has already passed, the virtual Coffeehouse Collection continues to be the home of a variety of works by students and faculty. It is amazing to know that the Poly Community continues to cherish the connections we have with one another amid the pandemic. Whalen said, “I’m just so thrilled that Coffeehouse turned out so well. We had 85 people in that Zoom! I saw people smiling, dancing, crying, laughing, and the out-
VIA THE VIRTUAL COFFEHOUSE COLLECTION A screen grab taken from the coffehouse, feauturing host, Austin Somers ‘20 pouring of love was just tremendous.” The legacy of Virtual Coffeehouse will live on, even as the Poly community continues to cherish one another’s love, company, and support in this difficult time. As we continue to grow in the spirit of Coffeehouse, we anticipate more opportunities to laugh and cry together in future Coffeehouse events.
Q&A - New Senior Philosophy Class Next year, seniors will required to take the “PRAXIS” course which will have seniors consider life through the lense of a few unique readings
HONOR SEARES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Q: What should rising seniors expect from Philosophy Seminar: A Study in Social and Moral Reasoning? MOSLANDER: A:
A: Q: A: A: Q: A:
Seniors should expect to be challenged to think deeply, discuss thoughtfully, and write compellingly about the enduring questions of what it means to be human, to live in community, and to act in a complex and interdependent world. The course is designed to give seniors the opportunity to dive deeply into exciting and intellectually demanding reading, and to consider their own understanding of what it means to live well. In terms of reading and having discussions, the answer is, of course, both! Eva Brann, a longtime professor at St. John’s College and National Humanities Medal recipient, articulates nicely why reading and discussion have to go together (and therefore why the two together are an integral part of this course): “Casual, informal conversations should be a large part of your life out of class, but the scheduled conversation that we call seminar is in need of a guiding text, or experience shows, it will end up producing the product after which the bull session is so felicitously named….And silent reading, more than any other steady activity I know of, is capable of producing large stores of inner responses that are badly in need of untangling and testing or just of shining in the light of public conversation.” Students need thought-provoking texts in order to have a good discussion, and they need good discussions in order to really learn from those texts. So they should expect both! This course is also, like so many of our senior courses, modeled on the college seminar, and so students should expect both the freedom to explore the questions they care about and the responsibility for their own learning that are integral parts of learning at the college level.
RANKIN:
Dr. Anthony Gini, our Classics Chair, Dr. Maggie Moslander, our History Chair, and I will teach the inaugural classes. Each of us comes from broadly different backgrounds and understandings but we share the perspective that the world is composed of ideas, and how we embrace thought, wrap it around our own feelings and belief, shapes what we call reality.
How is this course’s curriculum shaped?
RANKIN:
The framework for the course considers a variety of texts and readings stretching across disciplines, drawing on Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Education, Literary Theory, Psychology and Sociology. It is modeled loosely on a course that I have taught for many years but adds important dimensions including contemporary political thinking, reimagined ideas about identity, and developmental understandings of how the individual emerges within community and society. We have devised a course centered on conversation and discussion. The readings are important but the fulcrum will be these essential questions about our lives. What every student brings in terms of what they believe and accept as real and true is the starting place for engagement.
GINI:
The course will contain a considerable amount of material on ethics, which for the ancients was the question of how to position yourself intelligently to live a full and good human life. Further, philosophy cultivates the habits and skills of speaking truth to power, because at its core is the belief that any concept can and should be susceptible to rational analysis. As far as readings, discussions, and the like, I would suggest that there are many other media from which authentic philosophical discussions might spring: movies, music, and various kinds of performance (even comedy) are often grounded in material which is rich with possibility for “doing” philosophy. As to content, we have to remember that originally all academic study was originally included in philosophy. As the various sciences have specialized and have become their own “ologies,” philosophy remains the source for all the questions that don’t fit squarely into a defined field of study. This makes philosophy an interdisciplinary course by its very nature.
What questions will students ponder during the length of this course?
RANKIN:
The new course hopes to ask essential questions. Who am I? How am I to understand my place in the world? What is my relationship to others? To my community? How can I know that the reality that I experience in consciousness mirrors that which is in the physical world? What defines the parameters of reason and understanding? Many of these are old questions in the history of philosophy, but they also frame much of what we as individuals must negotiate as we make our way in life. Continue Reading Online @polygonnews.org
THE POLYGON
. MAY/JUNE 2020
Poly Alum, Isaiah Wilson, Paying Tribute to the Drafted by the Titans Class of 2020 Wilson ‘17, a star football plater at Poly, was drafted in the first round by the Tennesse Titans
VIA COMMUNICATIONS Isaiah Wilson receiving his diploma at commencement in 2017 EMMA SPRING MANAGING EDITOR bout three years ago, during Poly’s annual holiday assembly, Isaiah Wilson took the stage and put on his black and red bulldog hat to announce that he was committed to the University of Georgia to play football. Now, Wilson, a 6-foot-6, 350-pound right tackle has just been drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the 29th overall pick of the 1st round of the NFL draft. Wilson, a native Brooklynite, commuted every day to Poly at 3:30am to get his workouts in. He was a multi-talented athlete, playing lacrosse, wrestling, and he even played a game as a wildcat quarterback. Wilson was ranked a 5-star offensive tackle and the nation’s 16th overall player in his class. Football coach Kevin Fountaine, who worked with Wilson during his years at Poly, said, “I am so proud of Isaiah. His hard work truly paid off. Isaiah played in the SEC against the toughest competition in the country. He
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From a virtual commencement to posts honoring senior athletes, a look at how Poly is honoring seniors even when they cannot be on campus
ended up second all-SEC. He worked hard for the NFL and positioned himself to be the 29th player taken in the draft, which is an unbelievable achievement.” In college, Wilson was red-shirted his sophomore year and made a spectacular comeback. He started nearly every game since and announced in December that he would forego his senior year to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. The night of the draft, Wilson checked in on his Poly friends and current Poly athletes. Fountaine said, “[Wilson] spent some time with our current Poly players before the draft answering questions on a Google Meet, and he and his Poly teammates did a Zoom meeting to watch the draft together. I love the fact he did not forget where he came from.” Former teammates of his who are still at Poly remember him for his perseverance and grit, and Wilson’s accomplishment came as no surprise.. Former teammate and senior James Gravante said, “Three years ago we were teammates, and now I have not [even] graduated high school yet, and he is already in the NFL. He is such a hard-worker, and I am in no way surprised by his accomplishments.” Senior Stefel Smith said, “Isaiah, obviously, was one of the best football players I’ve ever seen, and he was an even better teammate. He always made us laugh, provided advice, and was caring. Joining the team was definitely intimidating when looking up at a 6’6, 350 lbs senior, but he was welcoming and a good leader. It’s been crazy seeing him grow in the last few years and I’m excited to see that his work is paying off.” There is no doubt that Wilson will achieve great things in his lengthy career ahead and will always have Poly rooting for him back home.
COVID-19 Impacts
College Recruitment How student athletes are taking on the challenge of recruitment in this pandemic era OLIVIA HARRISON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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oronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives. It appears that Covid-19 has especially diminished the athletic opportunities for the junior class. As I am not going through the recruitment process, I spoke to some very skilled and potentially recruitable student-athletes at Poly, all of whom are still working hard during this pandemic. When asked abouwt how the coronavirus has affected the recruiting process, this is how these juniors responded:
TESSA WEISS ‘21 (SOCCER)
“It’s put a strain on everyone and somewhat of a pause in the recruitment process as you can’t visit schools and they can’t see you play anymore. No one knows when they will play all-together again, so this period of uncertainty has been really hard.”
AVERY MYERS ‘21 (VOLLEYBALL)
“The coronavirus has made recruiting more difficult because I’m supposed to be in the peak of my travel season where many coaches would be able to see me play live. However, I’ve been reaching out to coaches through calls and emails instead, which has been nice to actually form relationships with coaches to get to know the schools better. I’ve learned there are still ways to be proactive in my recruitment even though I can’t play.”
JACK BOYLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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s the world is adjusting to social distancing, the seniors have not forgotten about their commencement. Social distancing, however, is forcing the school to create new ways to celebrate the graduating seniors, given that a normal ceremony in the Front Oval of Poly’s campus is no longer possible. One of the ways the school has highlighted the senior class is through social media. An Instagram account (@polyprep2020) keeps the student body updated on where the graduating class will be attending college. A second Instagram account (@polybluedevils) regularly posts “senior spotlights” that individually commend the great achievements that many student-athletes have accomplished in their years at Poly. Graduating senior Lilian Dana said, “The Instagram account is a nice way to try and make up for some of the stuff we aren’t getting to do. We’ve all been looking forward to this time of senior year for the past four years, some even longer. Obviously, the Instagram account doesn’t accomplish the same thing as what would have been, but it’s just nice to acknowledge everyone’s accomplishments.” Clearly, the use of social media won’t completely make up for what has been missed during quarantine, but it is a great start in appreciating and congratulating the graduating class on their amazing accomplishments at Poly. Many have wondered how this pandemic will affect the upcoming graduation ceremony. It was decided that there will be a virtual commencement on June 12 at 11:00am. Headmaster Audrius Barzdukas wrote in a letter to the Poly community, “We hope our virtual celebration will give the class of 2020 a sense of pride in completing their academic journey and joining the distinguished ranks of Poly alumni.” There have also been several discussions regarding the possibility of having an in-person ceremony at some point in the future. The date has not been solidified, but Poly is working hard to make it happen when conditions are suitable. Commenting on virtual graduation, graduating senior Brittany Jones said, “I think it’s a given that virtual anything right now is really difficult on everyone. I know that as a senior it’s just difficult to accept that after working so hard to get to this time of year all the best parts couldn’t happen. But, although a virtual graduation isn’t ideal, it is all that any school can offer to their students right now. I think that Poly’s doing even better than they truly have to, by looking for potential dates to have an in person graduation. My sister’s virtual graduation from college was fifteen minutes long and Poly’s could be too but they’re making the extra effort to try and live up to what we all hoped we could experience by aiming to have an in person graduation.” Many seniors have sadly come to accept the unfortunate situation that the coronavirus has put on both the country and their commencement ceremonies. Despite this, Dana and Jones exemplifies how to see light in the midst of this dark time. The future of the world is unknown. No one knows the cure for the virus, how long its effects will last, and when society will return to its normal ways (assuming it ever does). Despite these mysteries and all the harms of the coronavirus, at least this graduation will be the most memorable one in recent history.
JORDAN MASTRIANO ‘21 (SOCCER)
“It’s been really difficult and stressful not knowing if I’m going to be able to commit to soccer or if I’ll have to go through regular applications like other students. I’ve had all my eggs in one basket for years and it’s really stressful to not know if I’ll have to give that up.”
JACK BOYLE‘21 (BASKETBALL)
“The recruiting process is very difficult to manage at the moment. It’s impossible to be seen by colleges so that leaves emailing coaches and updating your profile as all you can do right now. It’s certainly more challenging, but we are all working through it. You really just have to work with what you have and do your best. Definitely reach out to the schools! I’m just trying to be proactive with the schools. ”