SEVEN HILLS
April 18, 2013
The Buzz
A Brief Word from Chris Garten
Impressive showing in first time at High School Programming Competition
This week the Lotspeich hallways are teeming with fourth graders eagerly rehearsing their Living Biography projects. Each student commits to memory a threeminute narrative, based entirely on their own research. Einstein, Mozart, Gandhi, and Edison succeed one another on the stage, as students, in full costume, bring to life the passion and energy of individuals who have had a significant impact on our world.
Congratulations to senior Cullen Deimer, sophomore Ben King, sophomore Pearce Kieser, and freshman Mehul Patel, who formed the Seven Hills team that competed in the High School Programming Competition on Apr. 13 at Miami University. Twenty-nine teams from four states competed in a grueling four hour challenge to solve and code solutions to difficult problems under stressful conditions. Team advisor Brian Arnold said the competition is especially challenging since each team’s submission is judged complete only if the results are 100% accurate. Teams do not get to see the results of their program during judging nor do they get to see the test data used during judging. Arnold reported the team did well at their
I love this project; it involves electronic research, critical thinking, and public speaking; it calls for creativity, energy, and courage. But mostly it immerses our students in the lives of great men and women and underscores the impact that a single life can have on our world. Very exciting stuff!
From left, Mehul, Pearce, Ben, Cullen.
first competition, and though they did not submit as many solutions as the top-scoring teams, all but one of their submissions were 100% accurate on their first try.
Chris Garten, Head of School See page 8 for a photo of some Living Biographers.
Upper School Chorus visits, performs in New York City Another great Seven Hills Chorus trip to the Big Apple! The trip Apr. 3–7 included a performance at Trump Tower, two Broadway shows, and visiting the wonders of New York City. More photos on page 5.
Inside this Buzz Inductees to Cum Laude Society
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Upper School News
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Middle School News
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Lotspeich News
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Lotspeich/Middle
U4U Walk to School
Doherty News
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Congratulations to new members of national Cum Laude Society The Upper School honored its new inductees in the Seven Hills chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society which recognizes academic excellence, at the Cum Laude Dinner April 10. Guest speaker was Blair Lanier, Class of 2006. New members are juniors Andrew Ligeralde, Gregory Sun; seniors Christopher Baggott, Cullen Deimer, Federica Fernández, Sara Johnson, John Larkin, Kyle Patel, John Rowe, Katie Shen, and Rachel White. The event also honored the members who were inducted Christopher Baggott (12) “You know you’re doing something right when your teachers are so pleased with your efforts, attitude and presence that they don’t want to let you go at the end of the year! Your teachers describe you as a ‘gentle scholar‘ but leave no doubt that behind that modest and reserved exterior lies a centered and focused dynamo that thrives on perseverance and challenge. Your teachers all comment about the enthusiasm and joy of learning that you exhibit. They talk about your ability to reach beyond your own personal goals to bring good will, insight and camaraderie to the classroom and to help your classmates better understand the subject matter. There seems to be some disagreement, though, about where you most excel. One says you are the true Latin scholar. Another insists that your concepts in the art room transcend the typical high school solution. Yet another describes you as an insightful and thorough scientist. All of your teachers agree that you are an excellent example of the finest of Seven Hills students and that it is a joy to work with you.” Tina Groom Cullen Deimer (12) “Teaching Cullen is good fun. Though he’s deserving of the standard fare of teacher comments (punctual, hard working, timely with his assignments, enthusiastic, insightful, etc.), Cullen Deimer is more complex than any list of adjectives can describe. Those who really know Cullen comment on his sense of humor and his quirky worldview. His sharp wit and his clear-eyed observations provide insight into how his mind works and how the world around him operates. Though his demeanor is quiet and unassuming, his presence is powerful. His peers value the level of sophistication, humor, and kindness he brings to their shared time in the classroom, at the lunch table, in performance group, and on the academic team. His steadfast love for learning even compelled him to return—as a junior—to sophomore history classes to serve as guest lecturer on Fridays last year. According to Mr. Wabler, in Cullen’s typical way, he was ‘weirdly prepared’ to teach things like Medieval Islam and did a ‘strangely excellent job’ in the process.” Tricia Hoar Federica Fernández (12) “Federica, your teachers and classmates know you as a soft-spoken, warm and generous page 2
last year as juniors: Allie Baretta, Bethany Buck, Grace He, Katherine King, Priyanka Parameswaran, Claire Romaine, and Leah Yuan. It’s a tradition at the event for faculty members of the Cum Laude Committee to address each new member with remarks compiled from quotes from the student’s teachers. The following are excerpts.
student who brings a balanced perspective to all you do. You have been exposed to many countries and cultures all over the world, and it’s this exposure that has given you insight and understanding into the cultural, ethnic and linguistic dimensions that appear throughout our curriculum and throughout our lives. Open-minded and inquisitive, you have proven yourself to be as strong in the lab sciences and math as you are in language and literature. You always approach your studies in good faith and we all have benefitted from your sharp intellect, your compassionate heart, and your commitment to understanding the threads that tie diverse and multicultural communities together.” Wynne Curry Sara Johnson (12) “Sara, you are a Renaissance scholar: you view the world as a laboratory and showcase, a place where exciting discoveries await at every turn. A joyful scholar to your very core, you are clear-minded and intellectually mature, excelling in languages, mathematics, the lab sciences and writing. You have explored many areas of our community, bringing color, vitality and a strong sense of inquiry to many facets of school life. Having selected the most rigorous course curriculum while at Seven Hills, you have shown all your teachers and classmates your ability to think analytically and deeply. You have also shown independence and courage as you have investigated numerous school and community issues through your leadership in journalism. Self-directed and self-motivated, you represent the highest ideals of this school.” Wynne Curry John Larkin (12) “‘Scatter joy!’ This quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson seems deceptively simple in premise, but the practice of spreading joy daily, and without fail, and finding enthusiasm for every task is indeed a rare quality. Teachers of John Larkin often comment that his optimistic voice and creative approach make their class more interesting and enjoyable and that his open mind and open heart are contagious to the rest of the class. Not only does John strive to get the ‘right’ answer, but he knows what it means to appreciate the process, and he understands the merits
of deep thought. From Multivariable Calculus to AP English to Visual Arts, he is patient and careful, and he takes all assignments seriously, completing them thoroughly and thoughtfully. John displays confidence and determination in the application of his considerable intellect, all the while handling himself with great dignity and treating those around him with generosity and kindness. Indeed, John Larkin ’scatters joy’ and reflects optimism while striving to challenge himself and his classmates.” Tina Groom Andrew Ligeralde (11) “Your teachers describe you as amazing, insightful, naturally gifted, tireless and sensational. I could go on and on. In the classroom you are an energy source, raising the level of discussions and probing for a greater comprehension of the material being studied. You personally do not shy away from intellectual challenges and at the same time you also encourage others to move beyond their comfort zone. In fact, the term class leader is consistently used to describe you. For your consistency and willingness to go beyond what is required, we welcome you into Cum Laude.” Barbara Scarr Kyle Patel (12) “You take your learning seriously because, after all, there are important questions to ponder in history and English, problems to solve in science and math, and knowledge to pursue in everything. You do this eagerly, often with an impish smile, which displays your wonderful gift of finding humor and joy throughout the learning process. I am not the only person who notices. Your other teachers write about the same dedication to learning, enthusiasm, natural curiosity, and healthy skepticism you bring to your work in literature, mathematics, history, science, and journalism. You enjoy tackling a difficult problem and trying to find a viable solution. Of equal importance, you willingly share the knowledge, the solutions, and the joy with the class. In short, you help make the classroom a good place and a fun place for learning.” Lowell Wenger John Rowe (12) “Whatever the subject, whatever the task or level of difficulty, your approach is consistent, serious and thorough. You do not let obstacles get in your way. In fact you relish a challenge. You have been described by your teachers as having a sharp mind that probes, absorbs and implements new material. While you are on your personal path of discovery, you also help your peers to comprehend and tackle tougher concepts. You do not just want the answers and the grades, you relish the journey and approach it cheerfully.” Barbara Scarr page 3
Katie Shen (12) “Flannery O’Connor gave this advice to young writers: ‘In most good stories, it is the character’s personality that creates the action of the story. If you start with a real personality, a real character, then something is bound to happen.’ Katie, you are a real character. You make things happen. In the classroom your enthusiasm and prior knowledge about a variety of topics enrich the learning experience. What’s most extraordinary about the extent of your knowledge is that it spans topics as wide and diverse as the philosophies of Hobbes and Locke to the strengths and weaknesses of Manchester United’s roster. You are known and admired—not simply for your academic prowess but for your unwavering goodwill and optimism. Your most important and enduring achievement is that in light of all you have accomplished, you remain a study in humility and grace. You are a dynamic character in our shared story.” Tricia Hoar Gregory Sun (11) “More than just a number cruncher, Gregory, you are a savvy mathematical thinker. It is fun to see you ponder how numbers work in the world around us, be they in the stock market or in the local casino. Your teachers appreciate how you carry into all of your studies a similar level of curiosity and enthusiasm, as you delve into complicated science problems and ponder different topics in history and French. That you cherish having ‘free time’ to explore the topics you encounter in different courses as much as you want says a lot about your love of learning. You are a respected member of whatever class you are in, sharing the workload fairly in group projects and providing good insights during class discussions that elevate the thinking of the class.” Anne Ramsay Rachel White (12) “The kindness and gentleness of spirit that you exude are just two of the many wonderful aspects of who you are as a person. As a student, you invest yourself fully in the learning process here and do much to contribute to the intellectual tone of the classroom. You are a master at perceiving what a group of students needs and then filling a role that helps that group to be successful, be it as an effective collaborator, a community builder, an encouraging classmate, or an organizer of ideas. We’ve seen you fill those roles in different ways here at Seven Hills, by working with classmates on group history projects and by sharing your environmental science knowledge with Lotspeich students, for instance. You are well-respected by both your peers and by the Seven Hills faculty.” Anne Ramsay
A look at what’s happening at Upper School
See page 6 for Middle School, page 8 for Lotspeich, and page 9 for Doherty Congratulations to the Upper and Middle School students who earned top honors on the National Latin Exam again this year. The following are Upper honorees (some of whom are pictured at right); Middle honorees are on the next page.
Honors on National Latin Exam include two perfect scores!
Latin II (Ninth Grade) Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude: Bennett Smith (perfect score), Tigar Cyr (perfect score), Nicole Tiao, Sophia Pardo Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude: Zach Sorscher, Clay Hausberger Magna Cum Laude: Allie Allen, Kelly Pan Latin III (Tenth Grade) Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude: Andrew Wilson, Ben King Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude: Chas Gregory, Carl Compton Magna Cum Laude: Grace Carroll, Duncan Gibson Keith Mandel, Jeff Dedeker Cum Laude: Grace Cawdrey, Lindsay Finn, Kate Murphy Latin IV Poetry (11th Grade) Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude: Kevin Cole Magna Cum Laude: Ben Sorscher
For more Upper School news, visit http://7hillscanvass.org/. page 4
And, in a related stor y . . . At lunchtime on Apr. 9 in the courtyard outside the Latin classroom, Latin teacher Dr. Brian Sebastian made good on a promise “that I have been making to my state Certamen teams for several years that if any of them won state, they
would get to dunk me in Gatorade.” This year the Level 1 Certamen team of eighth graders won the State Championship! The eighth graders did the first dunk (page 6), and Upper Latin students (pictured here) did the second.
Sharing Personal Challenge Projects
From left, senior Marisa Steele did quilting; senior Peter Todorov programmed an iPhone game.
This year’s second Challenge Sharing Day on Apr. 11 offered a variety of impressive Personal Challenges including 3D Modeling and Animation (Elizabeth Young), MMA Boxing Training (Caleb Daniel), Golf Course Design (Pauley Gosiger), Kayaking with Environmental Survey (Anne Stuart Bell), and dog training (Cole Wilger)
Senior Ellen Coombe learned about starting a vintage jewelry business.
Freshman Matthew Marquardt climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the citywide fundraiser he started for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Announcement
from the Materials & Design class: The Engagement of the Dude!
More images of the Chorus in New York
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A look at what’s happening at Middle School Congratulations to the Middle and Upper School students who earned top honors on the National Latin Exam again this year. The following are Middle honorees (some of whom are pictured at right); Upper honorees are on page 4.
Middle students earn top honors on National Latin Exam
Latin I (Eighth Grade) Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude: Piper Spooner, Jack Lane, Shane DiGiovanna, Calvin Arbenz, Matisse Peppet, Daniel Grass, Noelle O’Neal Nina Lubeck Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude: Quinn Shim, Chase Gardner, Jacob Weinstein, Eliza Clark Magna Cum Laude: Calvin O’Brien, Scott Arnold, Abby Schneider Cum Laude: D.R. Williams, Katie Corbett Intro to Latin (Seventh Grade) Certificate of Outstanding Achievement: Nate Rising, Charlie Dwight Certificate of Achievement: Michael Barresi, Hannah Waskowitz, Benjamin Agin, Lucy Callard, Alex Smith, Carly Jones, Lena Cauer
Eighth grader Shane DiGiovanna participated in the National Geographic State Geography Bee Apr. 5 in Columbus, and he just missed making it into the finals. Congratulations! page 6
At lunchtime on Apr. 9 in the courtyard outside the Latin classroom, Latin teacher Dr. Brian Sebastian made good on a promise “that I have been making to my state Certamen teams for several years that if any of them won state, they would get to dunk me in Gatorade.” This year the Level 1 Certamen team of eighth graders won the State Championship! Eighth graders Jack Lane, Matisse Peppet, Noelle O’Neal, and Piper Spooner did the first dunk (at right), and Upper Latin students (page 4) did the second.
Exploring the Bard Eighth grade English students are experiencing a deeper understanding of Shakespeare as a playwright and play producer as they collaborate by class period with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company actor/teacher Darnell Benjamin for five Mondays in March and April. English teacher Linda Maupin said, “Exploring the Bard from a professional actor’s point of view, students have been engaging in vocal and movement exercises to reach various interpretations of the text.”
Photos from the Middle/ Lotspeich U4U Walk to School are on page 9.
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A look at what’s happening at Lotspeich Congratulations to fourth grader Ben Yoo, who defeated higher ranked players to win the championship in the USTA Boys Tennis Tournament in Columbus last weekend.
What do William Shakespeare, Jackie Robinson, and Abigail Adams (can you pick them out in the photo?) have in common? They were all in the Lotspeich library Apr. 15–16! Through the wonder of time travel and the research and presentation skills of the fourth graders, these noted individuals and many more were on hand to share their stories during the annual Fourth Grade Living Biographies.
The Buzz sincerely apologizes to fifth grader Rohan Patil, whose name was misspelled in our April 4 issue. Rohan was the Gold Medal winner on Pi Day for writing the most digits of pi from memory with an all-time high of 410 digits! Pictured are the fourth graders who presented on Monday.
Several Lotspeich and Doherty students participated in the Queen City Chess Championship on Apr. 6. The players were Sarah Croog, Sheil Urankar, Nikhil Kothari, Vikas Kothari, Aaron Zeigler, and Luke Malloy. Pictured with one of their chess coaches, Andy Ward, are Vikas Kothari, Nikhil Kothari, Luke Malloy, and Sheil Urankar.
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Happen, Inc. at Lotspeich! Second graders enjoyed collaborating on Happen, Inc.’s Community Canvas Project on the annual visit of the community arts organization. Teacher Danielle Necessary told us, “Students worked on recreating the work of famed Japanese artist Hokusai. The work features a view of Mt. Fuji in springtime. Students identified the major landmark in the painting, Mount Fuji, and discussed other landmarks located in their communities. Students sketched these area landmarks during a particular season.”
U 4 U Wa l k t o S c h o o l !
The Lotspeich and Middle P.E. classes (and some Upper students) joined together for the U4U Walk to School event to help raise awareness of what it is like to be a student at the UNIFAT school in Uganda and to support the Second Grade U4U Bake Sale. P.E. teacher Katie Forster said, “For the event, our students walked at least the distance children in Uganda walk every morning to school, which is 2–3 miles.” Glimpses of the delightful First Grade Spring Show, Mother Goose Rhymes, presented in the Red Barn and at the New England Club. page 9
A look at what’s happening at Doherty Several Doherty and Lotspeich students participated in the Queen City Chess Championship. The players were Sarah Croog, Sheil Urankar, Nikhil Kothari, Vikas Kothari, Aaron Zeigler, and Luke Malloy. Photo on page 8. Unit III Coordinator Vaishali Sarbhoy told us, “On Mar. 15, Unit III parent Sandra Tonich (pictured with daughter Briana) led the students through a scenic tour of Paris and its architectural wonders. She gave us a wonderful virtual tour of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Pompidou building, Invalides or the Military Museum, Musee de Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and Palais Garnier. She had very interesting stories to relate and often surprised us with lesscommonly-known facts about each of these buildings. Everyone had a marvelous time following her through the arrondissements of Paris!” Anne Vanoy’s first grade class had “Le Spectacle de Magie” during Cultural Connections Week. They performed magic tricks, read magic books, and wrote the steps of their tricks which are now displayed in the first grade hallway so that all can see how they did their tricks. Units I–II Coordinator Elisa MacKenzie told us, “Unit II third graders got up close page 10
and personal with the creatures that make up Earth’s largest population. They learned who is an insect and who is not; saw the world through the eyes of a fly; and learned some amazing facts about insect defense, including camouflage and mimicry. This Insects Program from the Museum Center’s Program-onWheels came complete with live insects and some unbelievable mounted insects from across the globe.” As one of many activities during Cultural Connections Week, Unit II constructed 3D puzzles of the Eiffel Tower.
Third graders went to Union Terminal for a field trip which included a rotunda tour and a special visit to the president’s office. The students ended the trip with a tour through the Cincinnati History Museum and a stop at the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor.