October 6 2017 by Seattle Preparatory School

Alumni Edition

The Seattle Prep Panther Twitter: @seapreppanther Instagram: @seapreppanthers

Welcome Home October 6, 2017

www.seapreppanther.org

Volume 73 No. 1

Cait Slack ‘08, Kathryn Barth ‘13 and Emily Aleinikoff ‘13 (clockwise from upper left) all returned to Prep’s campus this fall in the classroom and as coaches.

Three Prep Alums Return to Campus in Coaching Capacities

Slack ‘08 Balances Collegio and Coaching ALEC MEDEN ‘13 Alumni Service Corps

hen Cait Slack graduated from Prep back in 2008, she didn’t expect that she’d return to work at the same institution after time spent at college and other teaching institutions. Slack is glad she had a chance to build up experience and hone her teaching identity before returning to Prep, mentioning that in her first teaching job, “I got in trouble because the security officer told me only teachers are allowed at this meeting. I looked like a student.” After some years of experience, she felt more comfortable returning to her former high school: “The culture is the same, but the experience as a teacher is completely new. My time as an educator allowed me to establish my identity as a teacher before I returned.” Out of all the experiences at Prep, she says that Collegio did the most to prepare her for college and her career. This likely doesn’t come as a surprise considering she now teaches Collegio, but it wasn’t just the content of the class that stood out. It was the focus on critical thinking and global citizenship that helped prepare her. See: Slack (continued on pg. 2)

Opportunity and Service Brings Aleinikoff ‘13 Back ABBY ARTHUR ‘19 Managing Editor

or most people who make it through high school, they get their diploma, run out the door and never look back. High school can be filled with life-long companionships and the building of character, but it also comes with stress and drama from being around angst-filled teens for four years. Who would choose to come back to these halls after only four short years? Emily Aleinikoff ‘13 with her fellow members of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC) did just that. For Aleinikoff, Prep is a home “for more than just four years” and she sees it as a beacon where “the people, community, faith, and beyond are for life.” A 2017 University of Washington graduate, Aleinikoff was honored to be asked to join The ASC; especially when she found out it would entail the opportunity to help coach girls’ cross country and track, an area she was very involved with and captained during her time here. As a student, Aleinikoff was devoted to the Community Ministry department and enjoyed leading retreats while helping others develop their spirituality. See: Aleinikoff (continued on pg. 2)

Barth ‘13 seeks to Influence Prep Crew KELLEN KAVANAGH ‘18 Sports Editor

Find out more about current Prep cheers page 2

s Prep Rowing enters its third year, the program hasn’t graduated any four year seniors yet. The team has grown well and performed excellently; sending three boats to Youth Nationals last spring. Despite all this, until now, there has been no alumni presence on the team. Enter Kathryn Barth ‘13, a member of the Alumni Service Corps and Prep Rowing’s newest coach. Barth didn’t start rowing until her freshman year at Wellesley College in Massachusetts as a novice. While at Wellesley, Barth racked up some serious achievements, rowing in Wellesley’s Varsity 8 in 2016 on their way to a gold medal at NCAA’s, making her a national champion in the most competitive event in the country. Barth was a two-time NEWMAC Rower of the Year and NEWMAC First Team All-Conference selection. In 2016 she was named to the Seven Sisters All Regatta Team. After graduating, Barth returned to Prep and is currently using her wealth of experience to help coach a new class of Prep oarsmen and women. See: Barth (continued on pg. 2)

Alumni find athletic success following graduation page 3

Color Wars, Ice Cream among new Prep Traditions page 4

THE SEATTLE PREP PANTHER | OCTOBER 6, 2017 | SEAPREPPANTHER.ORG

HOMECOMING EDITOR: EMMA COONEY ‘18

Panther Staff Editors-in-Chief Annika Bjornson ‘18 Emma Cooney ‘18 Managing Editor Abby Arthur ‘19 Photo Editor Sophie Freeman ‘18 Online Editor Gabi Jeakle ‘19 Sports Editor Kellen Kavanagh ‘18 Guest Writer Alec Meden ‘13 Panther Staff Alex-Arce Torres ‘19 Katarina Conces ‘19 Emma Connell ‘19 Owen Hendricks ‘19 Allison Kearney ‘19 Moses Kent ‘19 Kate Leahy ‘19 Quinn Losse ‘19 Abby Malzewski ‘19 Mark McClean ‘19 Myles Nowak ‘19 Sophie Piacentini ‘19 Noah Pingul ‘19 Chloe Saharic ‘19 Lilly Thompson ‘19 Isabella Yuson ‘19 Kellen Carr ‘20 Lauren Day ‘20 Maddie Deasy ‘20 Danica Dytioco ‘20 Audrey Frigon ‘20 Suzanna Graham ‘20 Clara Malone ‘20 Milo Pepper ‘20 Joe Robinson ‘20 Walid Vanegas ‘20 Grace Weiand 20 Tia Flores ‘21 Clara Malone ‘21 Tessa Zink ‘21

Editorial Policy The Seattle Prep Panther is a student created, student-run journalism program which provides the Seattle Prep community with accurate, informative articles and media while practicing the components of a professional newspaper. The staff aims to create an informative newspaper and website which focus on issues important to our high school community.

Mission Statement The Seattle Prep Panther is a forum for student work and the editorial board makes final decisions regarding publication. The editorial board’s responsibility is not only to present one viewpoint, but to reveal multiple perspectives. The views represented in the Panther or in online publications do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, the school, or the administration as a whole.

Slack (continued from pg. 1) Learning about the context surrounding her world helped her realize she was part of something greater, rather than just a “random kid.” “My dream was to become a Collegio teacher, to be able to stand in front of a classroom and relate to a student, to help them understand history and literature, it’s really rewarding.” When it comes to her time at Prep now, she still has a contagious excitement not only for teaching in the classroom, but also out on the field as head Girls Lacrosse Coach: “I love coaching, being out on the field and running with the girls.” The competition doesn’t end on the field either. Slack joked: “I’m really excited for Olympic Week as a faculty member. They probably just hired me to give them an edge for Olympic Week.” Slack offered some final advice for current students “Plan ahead. Kids are invested in so many activities today, so they’ll need to plan ahead to stay on top of things. I never had to pull an all-nighter, and that was all thanks to planning.”

Aleinikoff (continued from pg. 1) Aleinikoff is thrilled to be a coach because she feels it “is fueling, grounding, fires me up and I just simply love being back and working in such a fantastic atmosphere.” The ASC, with the help of Science Teacher and alumnus Brian Meza ‘92 has reached out to graduates to get them involved and bring them home where they can continue to grow and follow the Jesuit path of life. Meza stated “each day brings a variety of experiences where the ASC team embraces their role in the Ignatian ministry of meeting students where they are.” Meza recognizes Aleinikoff’s dedication “she is motivated by a deep sense of gratitude for her time here as a student.” For Aleinikoff, coming ‘home’ has been a spiritual and fulfilling experience. After studying abroad and traveling across to South Africa, New Zealand, and Sardinia, she found herself still searching. The ASC came to her during a time when she was “reflecting on my life, my purpose, and my future” and she is “tremendously grateful to be working in such a unique, compassionate, and altruistic community” and its safe to say, she finally feels at home once again.

Barth (continued from pg. 1) While a Prep student, Barth was an athlete year round, playing soccer, basketball, and soccer all four years. Some of her more lasting memories include Mr. Hickey making the team hold a plank as long as they could while singing the Prep fight song or running “never-ending” 16s and sets of lines. Barth said “what sticks out the most are the times when we needed to complete something as a team.” Barth commented that rowing “brings a depth of character that can’t be found in the classroom.” Barth has the unique experience of being able to teach some of her rowers, and this is one of her favorite parts of coaching for Prep. This depth of character was revealed on one of Seattle’s recent smoky days. Unable to work outside, the men’s team took to the stairs of 6-story Adelphia Memorial Hall to run. Barth, commented, “they really supported each other and pushed each other to finish the workout.” It was this same sense of teamwork that Barth recalled from her time as an athlete that enabled her rowers to finish the grueling workout.

Seattle Prep Panther Pack cheer at a “Fun Shirt Friday” volleyball game against Ingraham on September 14. Panther Pack and the Seattle Prep Pep Band help get students involved during sporting events.

Something Worth Cheering For

“

EMMA COONEY ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

Repeat after me!” yells a particularly spirited upperclassmen over the roar that comes with most high school football games. The yeller, a member of Prep’s spirit group called the Panther Pack, then leads a call-and-response cheer that is usually very successful at raising energy and getting would-be-lost viewers, from the newest freshmen to the most tired senior, excited for the game. It goes a little something like this:

gether, are usually accompanied by jumping up and down in the stands and clapping to the beat of the cheer. On Homecoming, students also bring baby powder and throw it up in the air as they clap, creating a great white cloud over the spectators. The theory goes that a Navy prep school student invented the cheer in 1998, and it quickly became a favorite, especially with fans of the U.S. National Soccer Team. Other Panther Pack favorites include:

Response: Call: Are you ready Aye aye captain. kids? Aye aye capI can’t hear tain! you! Together: OOHH (until ball is kicked)

Call: Response: I I I believe I believe I believe that I believe that I believe that I believe that we we Together: I believe that we will win I believe that we will win I believe that we will win

And:

Cheering at Prep sports events has become

The final three lines, chanted to-

Together: Panthers on Fire! Your defense is terrified. (Repeat four times) *clap* nah nah nah

even more rowdy since last year’s addition of a Pep Band. Led by Sarah Bost, the Pep Band is starting out on its second year strong. Seated alongside the student section of every home football game, the band accompanies Panther Pack with tunes like “Eye of the Tiger,” “Final Countdown,” and “Uptown Funk.” Pep Band and Panther Pack leave little to be desired. If, perhaps, a viewer finds themselves unsatisfied with the spirit of the game, it’s nothing a valiant round of Prep’s fight song can’t fix.

Together: Hail to thee, our fighting Panthers, As we cheer your rip and roar As we tear our foes asunder Our fighting blood yells: More! More! More! By our spirits we have proven, that the Panthers won’t give in So Fight! Fight! Fight! For Adelphia And the Blue and White will win!

THE SEATTLE PREP PANTHER | OCTOBER 6, 2017 | SEAPREPPANTHER.ORG

ALUMNI IN ATHLETICS EDITOR: GABI JEAKLE ‘18

Alumni Athletes Reflect on High School, Collegiate Careers

ALEC MEDEN ‘13 Alumni Service Corps

dreams. Fenner said “I knew I wanted to be successful, but sometimes I’d be inconsisanther Athletics is a great way to bond tent, and I’d allow that to halt my progress… and form relationships, to challenge every time I focused on each little mistake I oneself, and channel competitive made, things got harder, but when I focused spirit. It fosters engagement, dedication, and on God, everything came into focus, and I last but not least, it’s just plain fun. made real progress instead of just chipping Several Prep alumni continued away at the problem.” their athletic careers after Fenner says it is important high school, and went on to I love basketball, to diversify your skills so play for colleges or national to better love your sport. but when things get as sports teams. DJ Fenner ’13 He took up guitar, piano, tough, it makes you and reading to broaden his is one of these. After his years “I’d get up at doubt...you need perspectives: at Seattle Prep, where he 4 a.m. and go to the gym those little mo- for practice day in day out. earned Seattle Times Washington player of the year. love basketball, but when ments of respite... Ithings Fenner played for Univerget tough, it makes -D.J. Fenner ‘13 you doubt. You play for sity of Nevada, earning the Hunt Award for his skills fun, but when it becomes and his leadership both on like work, you need those little moments of the court and in training, and ending up 13th respite, no matter what they are.” on the Nevada all-time scoring list. Mutanda Kwesele ’04 shares this Most recently, Fenner joined up view “Sometimes I’ll have the game on my with Alba Fehervar, the highest-ranking mind, working on coaching techniques in basketball team in Hungary. He says the my head while doing other things, and I’ll adjustment to a foreign country has been have to remind myself, or my girlfriend will tough, but he remains motivated by his fam- have to remind me to shut it off, just for a ily, by his faith, and his desire to achieve his little while, you’ve got to take breaks and

D.J. Fenner ‘13 defends an opposing player as a member of the Seattle Prep Boys Basketball Team. Fenner now plays basketball overseas as a member of the Hungarian team Alba Fehervar.

Keenan Piper ‘13 (left) runs in a Metro League Cross-Country meet in 2012. Piper continued his running career at Columbia University after a successful career for Seattle Prep. broaden yourself otherwise you’ll hate what learned from older players. it is your doing, whether it’s sports or busi- Keenan Piper ‘13 also feels that it’s ness or anything else.” those we look up to who often define our After attaining a two time All- experiences, inside and outside of athletics. Metro and All-district selection for soccer at Piper won the district ChampiSeattle Prep, Kwesele moved to California onship in the 3200 meter distance at Prep, and played for Santa Clara, before transfer- earning a freshman record in the event. H ring to Seattle University where he played was also as a four-time state championship for three more seasons. qualifier in Cross Country and a six-time After Seattle University, he played qualifier in Track. for the Portland Timbers in 2009, and then After Prep, Piper continued on to FC Edmonton for the 2011 season. He now Columbia University, where he clocked in works for the non-profit he a career best at 9:00.56 in a founded, The Rising Point, “The soccer field 3200-meter race. which intends to provide is my classroom. When asked about what soccer coaching for all, he’d tell Prepsters today, and help teach life lessons Prep, the Jesuits he said: “I’d target advice through sports. as a whole, they’re to the upper classmen, be Kwesele hopes cause it’s easy to forget that he can instill decision good at teaching how you look to the youngmaking with the Rising er students. You forget that as well.” Point: “The soccer field is how much you looked up my classroom. I try to be -Mutanda Kwesele to seniors when you were a teacher. The lessons that a freshman. When I was a ‘04 the game provides often freshman I looked at runapply to life as well. Be aware, perform with ners like Drew O’Donohue-McDonald and intentionality. That’s how you can deal with thought that they were gods. They provided complexity, and that’s what we should teach a good example. It’s good to be aware of children to do: deal with the complexity of that.” life and act intentionally in it. Prep, the Je- As for his college career, one thing suits as a whole, they’re good at teaching stuck out most: “The cross-country team that as well.” wasn’t making Columbia University any Kwesele hopes that this way of money. But they still provided for us. That’s thinking can help provide hope, inspiration what I’m grateful for, that I was able to be and action at a time when there’s a lot of part of that community.” uncertainty in the world “We have to un- Piper said this gave him an opporderstand the complexities of people, and of tunity to excel and to “Channel my competisociety.” tive spirit into something that was useful, Kwesele said that his time in pro- something that helped me, and others.” fessional soccer was defined by what he

35th annual Alumni Basketball Tournament March 23-24, 2018 Thomas C. McHugh Gymnasium

Mark your calendar now, then tell your Prep friends and classmates! The tournament is co-ed; family and spectators are welcome. Food and beverages will be provided in the PACCAR Commons. Start recruiting your team now. It’s sure to be a great time! Contact alum@seaprep.org for details.

THE SEATTLE PREP PANTHER | OCTOBER 6, 2017 | SEAPREPPANTHER.ORG

SCHOOL SPIRIT EDITOR: ANNIKA BJORNSON ‘18

Spirit of Homecoming present with unified Student Body ANNIKA BJORNSON ‘18 Editor-In-Chief

razy pajamas, nerdy suspenders, blue face paint, tie. Homecoming is here, and this weekend’s celebration of Seattle Prep is for every Panther with a love for their pack. However, with the festivities comes anxiety about who to ask to the dance, what dress to wear, and how to get homework out of the way for weekend plans. But strip these worries away and what is left? There are so many meaningful things that the school does to honor the wider Prep community and welcome everyone in. The week leading up to Homecoming is full of anticipation, excitement, and goofy articles of clothing. Mr. Meza, a member of class of 1992 and current Science teacher, reflected on his time at Prep as a student and as a teacher. Meza said, “One of my favorite things to do as a faculty member is embrace dressing up and being crazy for all the theme

days.” Meza explained that there was actual Homecoming royalty that was voted on while he was a student, which, in hindsight, was a bit awkward. Meza loves that now Homecoming is more about, “watching the upperclassmen set the tone for what it means to be show spirit in how you act, dress, and look foolish. That culminates in the game and in the dance where it’s not about how you look, it’s not about who you date, it’s about being with friends.” Even more cheer can be seen at tonight’s football game itself. The festivities begin with an alumni social and a barbecue tailgate at West Seattle Stadium before a 7pm kickoff. This year the Panthers will take on the Roosevelt Roughriders as the Panther Pack and Pep Band lead the stands in cheers, chants, and more. Panther Pack is still a somewhat new group building traditions for the school

through their selfless service. Head Football Coach Aaron Maul said “The mission of [this group] stems from our school’s mission to provide opportunities for students to become discerning, transformational leaders through building community, increasing school spirit and supporting classmates in extra-curricular activities.” Along with these new traditions being built come some trends that continue to change. This year, a big focus will be on inclusiveness. Besides the thrilling and crowd pleasing halftime Pulse dance performance, the senior dance will be co-ed as opposed to the previously all-girls dance. Additionally, the royal cheerleader-like spirit skirts will no longer be sold and senior students can instead opt to buy spirit shirts. Mrs. Ford explained that, “in my conversations with some of the senior class that were more upset or had questions about why we were not ordering skirts as a

whole class activity, I tried to explain is that there are two big issues: it is not inclusive in terms of the entire senior class for boys who don’t typically wear skirts or for girls who are not comfortable; and I think we also have to [keep in mind] that there are different body types represented [where the skirt] does not fit the way their body shapes. That leaves them left out of something that is a fun, uniting thing.” However, there are other opportunities to show senior pride. Dean of Students Mr. Stearns hopes that in the future, students will design fun hats or scarves that all can wear. Through appreciation of past and current Prep traditions, it is plain to see that, according to Panther Pack member Ana Melder ‘18, “Homecoming is an opportunity for everyone to have fun, get dressed up, and show their school pride!”

P A N T H E R A L U M N I W E E K E N D

SAVE THE DATE JULY 19-22, 2018 ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, JULY 19 HONORING THE CLASSES OF

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Ice Cream and Rivalries: Hickey Brings Joy to All

GABI JEAKLE ‘19 Online Editor

scream! You scream! We all scream for a friendly rivalry between companions! Once again, Mr. Hickey lived up to his promise of buying ice cream for the whole school after a close game between the beloved Seattle Seahawks and the slightly less beloved Green Bay Packers. For years, Seattle Prep President Mr. Hickey has made the promise that if the Seattle Seahawks beat the Packers, he’ll bring in a truck and load up the courtyard with happy students and icy treats. Although the Seahawks did not prevail, that didn’t stop Hickey from bringing joy to the students of Seattle Prep, as they enjoyed bomb pops and ice cream bars alongside their lunches on Monday, September 11. Students love the tradition. The promise of sugar helps to undo the inevitable pain felt when a loved team loses a

big game. “I’m not super happy that the Seahawks lost, but ice cream heals all wounds” Said Pray Shiferaw ’18. Students lined up and begged teachers to let them leave class early so they could be first to get to their desserts. Students proceeded to fill the plaza throughout the entire lunch period, all leaving with smiling faces. Win, lose, or draw, everyone has one thing in common; a love of eating ice cream at school. Friendly rivalry paired with a delectable paired with a frozen treat is hardly typical of a high school, but it’s just one of those things that makes Seattle Prep special. “It’s fun. It’s just not something you would see at other high schools, you know?” Said Marc Ribas ’20. “That’s what I love about Prep. It has a lot of fun little surprises” The tradition is years strong and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. “I hope it sticks around. Maybe they can add some vegan options too!” hinted Jackie Williams ’20.

Students flood the Fun Times ice cream truck for a delicious refreshment on a hot, sunny day. Mr. Hickey’s wager with students on the Packers-Seahawks football game has become a favorite Prep tradition.