the round table
volume XX, issue X
of stuart hall high school
month year
Mexico Service Trip Freshmen all over again! page 12
See where the seniors are going Pages 9-14 roundtable.sacredsf.org
Stuart Hall High School | Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco | Volume VI, Issue IV | June 2011
the round table a forum for students
roundtable.sacredsf.org
editors@shhsroundtable.com
Table of Contents School News
Review
Quiz Bowl............................................................3 Nintendo 3DS Review.......................................15 Favorite Moments of the Year.............................4 IPad 2 Review...................................................15 Poets of the Sacred Heart...................................5 Adieu, Adios, Ciao, Goodbye............................6-7 A Bitter Cup of Tea......................................17-18 The New Guys...................................................19 Stepping Forward by Looking Back.....7-8 Two seniors reflect on their four-year journey here at the Hall before going off to college.
Special Features
Jester Corner
Who is it?...........................................................19
Sports
NBA Draft.........................................................16
Senior Pages.............................................9-14 Congradulations to the seniors; a complete list with colleges they will be attending.
Members of the round table who will be leaving
Photo by Brandan La ‘12|| the round table Back Cover Photos clockwise from top left Mr. O’Connor, Steven Wooley, Fayley Wong, Steven Wooley, Mr. Campos, Ms. Saltveit
Cover Photo Compiled by Peter Melling A compilation of photos of the Class of 2011 as Freshmen
Staff and Publication Information Print & Digital Media Faculty Moderators Ms. Blair Ms. Cenzer Mrs. Saltveit
Editors Matt Chan Jack Pardini
Layout Editor Ben Liu
Website Editor Connor Bottum
stuart hall high school
member
Submissions All submissions to the round table can be made by e-mail to editors@shhsroundtable.com. For more information, please see our submissions policies for Letters to the Editors and political editorials online at roundtable. sacredsf.org/policies.htm. Other material is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Staff Connor Abbott Michaele Andebrhan Robeil Andebrhan Lucas Chan Thomas Egan Christian Gehrke Raymond Jiang Gavin Klein
Brandan La Baldwin Liu Peter Melling Albi Solana Patrick Rosanelli Kevin Wong Joshua Wong Donovan Van
Yearbook Colin Allen Caleb Chertow Nick Cooper Mrs. Pollak Steven Wooley
Corrections the round table goes to great lengths to ensure that all material is accurate, timely, and factual. However, errors sometimes occur. If you notice a factual mistake, please send an e-mail to editors@shhsroundtable.com with “Reader Discovers Error!” in the subject line.
the round table | Founded 2005 by Nick Dietz, Corey Linehan, Tom Pardini, Joey Plonsker, Ms. Sarah Slonaker
editors’ corner To the round table’s readers: The end’s not near, it’s here – with finals finished and June just begun, there’s a sigh of relief as another amazing year has quickly passed by at the Hall and so begins summer. Though it may sound trite, it is without a doubt a bittersweet moment for us graduating seniors. We’ve had a fantastic time with the round table and working with our friends on the amazing staff, a group of guys just like you (we’re always open to new ideas and members) who have brought more life and spirit to the publication and experience at Stuart Hall. From the beginning of the fourth quarter, we have entrusted junior Brandan La as the rising Editor-in-Chief, who has been leading a team of capable and creative writers in putting together the pages of this Senior Issue. We have immense confidence in their ideas and work, and look forward to what they will continue to bring to the round table next year. The 2010-2011 school year has brought its share of fresh faces at the round table, with Ms. Stefani Blair, Ms. Heather Cenzer, and Ms. Lori Saltveit who have been encouraging and more often than not patient moderators – they have provided an innumerable amount of time and effort in producing our website, restyling our print edition, and most importantly bringing out the best in each staff member. As part of the senior issue, we want to thank our fellow departing seniors – Michaele Andebrhan, Connor Bottum, Gavin Klein, Ben Liu, Patrick Rosanelli, Albi Solana, Josh Wong, and Steven Wooley, who have all been a major part of the round table. For the last four years, they have been instrumental with their enthusiastic writing, creative spark, and hours of humor in making the process both a memorable and enjoyable one. With our last editors’ corner, we would like to thank all of you for all your support and enthusiasm, and wish you the best with all the future holds. Congratulations to the Class of 2011, and go Knights!
T
Best, Matt Chan ’11 and Jack Pardini ’11
Quiz Bowl
by Sebastian Sandoval ‘12
Stuart Hall’s bright minds take home the trophy On April 2, Stuart Hall’s Quiz Bowl team competed in Archbishop Riorden’s Quiz Bowl Tournament. The tournament functioned by having multiple teams from across the Bay Area challenge each other. The teams with the most wins after a number of rounds would advance to the finals. The Quiz Bowl team sent two teams, one led by Devan Patel and the other by Daniel Kuznetsov. Only one team was able to progress to the finals, but was accordingly allowed to alternate team members with the other team. Stuart Hall placed second overall in the tournament, losing to Bellarmine College Preparatory from San Jose, but first in San Francisco. “After two years of coming in fourth, we finally overcame our opponents and placed first in San Francisco,” said Devan Patel. The Quiz Bowl team finished the year with a solid placing and hopes to progress farther next year.
Photo by faculty Shannon Halkyard the round table | page 3
school news
Favorite Moments of the Year The best parts of 2010-2011.
This year has been interesting for Stuart Hall, from the scare of the school almost closing down, to the fantastic news of having the highest enrollment ever for an incoming class. The community persevered and this has been one of the best years in Stuart Hall history. There have been many memorable moments this year that stood out. Masashi Swingle ’11, had many favorite moments this year, ranging from some fun times in Ms. Fahey’s English class to energizing moments in Mr. Demlinger’s Pre-Calculus class but there is one moment that he remembers the most. The moment happened in Honors Physics class with Mr. Woodard. “My favorite moment was when we were learning about momentum. We started throwing a supposedly indestructible water balloon around the classroom and when the water balloon hit Ryan Fisher, it accidentally exploded.” It is typical for students to have one of their favorite moments in Mr. Woodard’s class because he is one of the funniest teachers and it is common knowledge that his classes are enjoyable. Baldwin Liu’s ’12 favorite moment this year was Congé. As part of the planning committee he helped organize the event. “I loved seeing smiles on everyone’s face when they heard it was Congé. It felt good to be part of something special that our school does annually.” Congé this year was held at the House of Air, which is situated next to Crissy Field. House of Air is essentially a warehouse filled with hundreds of trampolines. Shannon Halkyard, a faculty member of Stuart Hall High School, was in charge of the Quiz Bowl team that was started 2 years ago. His favorite moment
Photo by Steven Wooley ‘11|| the round table the round table | page 4
by Raymond Jiang ’12
was when the Quiz Bowl team won second place at the Riordan hosted tournament. “I thought it was funny when Bård Magnus Sødal got a question wrong about a Norwegian phrase, but a Bellarmine Kid was able to get it right.” A former quiz bowler himself, Mr. Halkyard was able to pass down his knowledge to the kids that participated and was able to help them become a force to be reckoned with. Tal Quetone’s ’12 favorite moment was during the basketball season. He said, “My favorite moment was probably beating Marin Academy in the playoffs for the championship spot against University. We had lost to them earlier and we were hesitant about going to be able to beat them the second time.” There had been a lot of concern about Stuart Hall’s basketball team because the Big 3 had graduated. Ikenna Nwadibia, Frank Duncan, and Joe Hurd were some of the best players that Stuart Hall has ever had so far. But this didn’t affect the team, instead they used the criticism as fuel to better themselves.
Photo by Kimberly Wong|| Used with Permission
school news
Poets of the Sacred Heart
by Donovan Van ’12
Under the spotlight in Syufy.
My heart is racing, my legs are weak; I’m embarrassed and scared of ridicule. Where am I? The Charles Brady Poetry Festival. The initial reason I decided to participate in the poetry festival was simply to raise my English grade, as my teacher was offering extra credit for the task, but what I found was a wonderful and fun-filled experience, which in a way altered my perception of poetry. Reading my poem was an exhilarating experience. I put myself in front of over 200 people and read from the heart. The idea in and of itself was somewhat frightening. I was hesitant to read even at rehearsals, fearing my voice would vacillate between high and low, strong and weak. I believed with certainty that I would fail miserably. However, on the day of my reading, my whole mind changed. Sitting on a stool on the barren stage, looking
out at an audience of blank awaiting faces, I awaited my turn. I imagine that I looked like a mess. Soon, my turn came up; I walked to the microphone, and instantaneously, all of my anxiety and doubts disappeared. I read my poem beautifully, my voice remained calm, gesticulating without fear, and I gave my whole heart. I emerged worry free, happy and amazed with myself. My friends greeted me with compliments and accolades, which only boosted my confidence and happiness further for deciding to join this year’s poetry festival. The chance to read my work to my friends, an act I seldom am able to do, even through normal conversation, felt amazing. I am happy to have done my part in such a wonderful festival of expression. I definitely will be doing it next year, and I encourage anybody else to do so as well.
Annual Charles Brady Poetry Contest Winners for 2011 Stuart Hall High School Freshmen: 1st - Lucas Chan 2nd - Elio Casinelli 3rd - Steaven Baldoza
Sophomores: 1st - Colin Shepard 2nd - Joseph Lam 3rd - Cade McLaughlin
Juniors: 1st - Brandan La 2nd - Lucas Long 3rd - Will Campbell
Seniors: 1st - Camron Tarassoly 2nd - Connor Bottum 3rd - Cathal Dayton
Sophomores: 1st - Chiara Figari 2nd - Liz Smith 3rd - Olivia Barreto
Juniors: 1st - Brooke Thomas 2nd - Meghan Helms 3rd - Dakota Chamberlin
Seniors: 1st - Natalie Garnett 2nd - Angela Tam 3rd - Anjali Shrestha
Convent of the Sacred Heart High School Freshmen: 1st - Dani Hogan 2nd - Natalie Powell 3rd - Natalie Helms
All-School Winners: Stuart Hall - Elliot Boschwitz Convent - Nora Wilkinson
the round table | page 5
school news
Adieu, Adios, Ciao, Goodbye
by Sebastian Sandoval Connor Satterfield ’12
Photos by Peter Melling ‘12|| the round table
As school ends, we say goodbye to some of our beloved faculty Ms. Nardizzi: Seven years. Mrs. Pollak: About ten years. 2. What do you plan on doing after leaving Stuart Hall? Mr. Jones: Moving to New Orleans to be with my family. Ms. Nardizzi: I’ll be working fulltime at my private practice, doing therapy with teenagers, families and adults. Currently I’m there parttime, when I’m not at SHHS. As final exams and graduation are upon us, we will soon offer farewells to the Class of 2011, and welcome our new seniors, juniors and sophomores. However sweet it might sound to grow older, or to be one step closer to graduation, we will always remember the teachers who helped get us there. Mr. Farrell recently announced that a number of faculty members would be leaving the Hall this year. He somberly stated that those faculty include: Lauren Collins, college counselor; Matthew Jones, biology and environmental science teacher, Lynne Nardizzi, school counselor, and Ellie Pollak, Latin and Yearbook teacher. Bree Makovec, English teacher, later revealed that she would also be leaving. Nonetheless, as we say goodbye to these wonderful people, they enter a new stage of their life, and we are happy for them. As the year comes to a close, those who are leaving us answered a few questions about their time at the Hall. 1.How long have you worked at Stuart Hall High School? Mr. Jones: Eight years.
the round table | page 6
Mrs. Pollak: Spending time with my young family, volunteering at my daughter’s school, getting involved with the museums in the city. Mrs. Makovec: I’m moving to the Chicago area. 3. What was your most memorable moment or favorite memory while at school? Mr. Jones: I have two of them: 1. Trying to line dance with Mr. Halkyard and Mr. Texeira at and SHHS talent show (I was awful). Pulling down my pants in front of the whole school, while on the stage in the Columbus room. Ms. Nardizzi: Every time Mr. Armstrong spoke over the loudspeaker. Mrs. Pollak: There are too many to count. Every class was so fun, I loved traveling to Rome with my students, the Getty Villa trip this year was magical, and just getting to know the kids and their families in the classroom and out of the classroom was really rewarding. Mrs. Makovec: I have lots of favorite moments. I love watching students
learn how to do new things, things that they never thought they could do. I love watching my students’ writing skills improve over the year and knowing that I might have had something to do with that. I loved the few days after Christmas break when Colin Shepard’s hair stood up as though he’d stuck a fork in a light socket. I love Alex Asdourian’s constant interruptions; Michael Chan’s inability to sit still, John Warda’s diligence (that I swear helps to keep me sane), Alex Fong’s beautifully constructed sentences, Period E’s constant reminders that they have PE, and the fact that my sophomores eat lunch in my room every day. 4. Do you think the hall has helped you develop or grow as a person, if so, how? Mr. Jones: I think working with you guys for the past eight years and raising two kids of my own has taught me that everyone has strengths and everyone should be valued and respected for who they are. Ms. Nardizzi: Yes, I’ve learned so much from all of you guys, and from my colleagues as well. How to be true to yourself, how to be a community, and how to ask the big questions in life. Mrs. Pollak: Absolutely. I came to SHHS just out of graduate school and had no experience of the real world at all. SHHS helped me to develop a code of ethics, to learn to value community, to fight for what I believe in, and to have patience! 5. What inspired you to teach? Mr. Jones: My mother. She taught art for 40 years and is still
volunteering in the local elementary school. Mrs. Pollak: My love of Classics (archaeology, history, Latin, ancient Greek) is so monumental that I want other people to feel that way about it -- and about other subjects. If kids can get half as excited about learning something as I am about learning Latin, then the world is bound to become a more interesting and enlightened place. Ms. Nardizzi: I started counseling teenagers in a juvenile detention facility when I was in college, 17 years ago. I’ve been working with teens, and then children and adults, ever since. 6. Do you still want to teach? Mr. Jones: Yes, I’ll be teaching at Isidore Newman in New Orleans
next year. Mrs. Pollak: Probably. It’s important to me that people keep learning Latin! Mrs. Makovec: My plans are to continue teaching, preferably at a school similar to Stuart Hall. My husband and I want to buy a house where we can raise a family, but honestly I’m not sure that I’m ever going to be content in the suburbs after living in San Francisco. I’m going to give it a try. I’d also like to spend some serious time lying on a beach this summer with some type of fruity drink with an umbrella in my hand. 7. Do you have any parting word or thoughts you’d like to say to the students and faculty?
Mapping Out Our Lives
Mr. Jones: Be kind, do good deeds, and come down and party with me in New Orleans when your 21 or over. Ms. Nardizzi: I have such mixed emotions about leaving. I’m sad to leave and will miss everyone, and excited to be running my own business. I’ll take many good memories with me. Mrs. Pollak: Thanks for the best 10 years of my life. Mrs. Makovec: I think my last message to my students is ask for help when you need it. Take advantage of being at a small school where the teachers are willing to give up their time to help you succeed. This won’t always be the case, so you should take advantage of these wonderful mentors who have devoted their lives to you.
by Gavin Klein ’11
One senior reflects on the Senior Retreat. At 6:00 on a chilly Thursday it’s a great opportunity for the guys evening in April, the Class of to explore their lives so far and think 2011 gathered in the Stuart Hall about what’s ahead of them.” courtyard to begin their Senior However, the simple directions to Retreat. After an hour of conversing create a life story quickly became a with everyone, we ate a delicious laborious task of reflecting upon our dinner of lasagna, chips, garlic bread, ice cream bars, and a surprise birthday cake for Marco Lancieri. We then teamed up for a matching game and a knottying exercise. Mr. Vasquez always likes to start retreats with team building Photo by Mr. O’ Connor to get us into the right mindset. Following the warmpast, present and future. After we ups, we immediately began the bulk completed our maps, we set off to of the retreat: the timelines. Mr. sleep in classrooms. Farrell led off with an inspiring, The next morning, after a 45-minute story about his life. With scrumptious breakfast provided by his example, every senior began some parents, we headed to Atherton mapping out his life. to visit with the Religious of the Ms. Saltveit, a chaperone for the Sacred Heart nuns who live there. weekend, said: “I always like We had spoken with them just three attending the Senior Retreat because years earlier during our freshman
year. We shared lunch and visited with them briefly before taking the bus back north, into the Marin Headlands. After finding our rooms, we headed to the beach for some football. From then until Saturday morning, everyone shared their timelines with the class. The general consensus of the class in the days leading up to the retreat was that it would be the final step toward graduation. Little did we know just how much the two days with our classmates would actually come to mean. Tal Quetone, who transferred into the Hall during our junior year, wrapped up the experience: “I got the chance to get to know classmates who I haven’t really talked to before. When I left, I felt like I was best friends with everyone.”
the round table | page 7
special feature
Stepping Forward by Looking Back One Senior reflects on four years at the Hall. College. It was an idea that was intangible, unable to fathom, and so far away, as a young freshman stepping through those green gates for the first time. Yet, the reality that graduation is upon us and that we’ll be heading off in our own directions is setting in for my 49 classmates and me. These past four years have definitely been a roller coaster. Ups and downs, a commonality of high school, was inevitable. Though my academics flourished throughout my freshman year, I initially regretted my decision to attend Stuart Hall, as many of my elementary school friends went off to other schools. However, the excitement of the teachers at the Hall, especially Mr. Luna’s World History I class, combined with a close set of friends, kept me at SHHS. My transition into sophomore year went smoothly, as I began to form close bonds with guys who remain some of my best friends today. Academically, my grades bloomed first semester. However, the Apple craze at Stuart Hall eventually got to me and I finally purchased a MacBook, which led to video-chatting until the wee hours in the morning and Facebook. This contributed to my grades to slightly dipping, but I was determined to bump them up the next semester. Socially, I began to embrace the opportunities offered at SHHS. Various Supper Club events gave me a chance to connect with the girls at Convent. By the end of the year, I was completely won over by everything that the Hall is about— academics, community, friends, and the social atmosphere. Stressful, challenging, hell, SAT, and college are all words I would use to describe my junior year. My enrollment into several AP the round table | page 8
by Albi Solano ’11
and Honors courses had completely best, however, after the end of first taken a hold of my academic and semester. After completing my social life. Three hours of sleep had applications—with oftentimes only almost become a norm by midminutes to spare—and officially November. My AP Chemistry class becoming a second-semester senior, I was arguably the most unforgettable was finally able to breathe. Not only during my tenure at the Hall. From is my homework often done before the frustrating equations and class midnight, but also I now have more discussions, to the laughter of time for friends and cherishing these endless jokes, the students of that last few weeks. From the universal class formed a bond that can never stress of the college process to be broken. Though clicks had existed parties and the senior retreat, our and will always exist, it was toward class has grown from a group of the end of our junior year when clicks to a family, a transition for many of the differences between which I’ll be forever grateful. the students were set aside and These past years have acceptance of one another became been unforgettable. Stuart Hall a class theme. While it would be has not only provided me with an reinforced once again during the exceptional education and lifelong senior retreat, this unity would play friends, but it also has instilled in a key role in our transition into me values that I’ll cherish in years to senior year. come. Though the ending is near and Throughout the first weeks I’m sad to see my best friends going of school this year, I couldn’t count away, I’m positive that the Hall how many times teachers would has prepared me well for the next say, “Oh, your senior year will go step. For some, we’ve ridden this by so fast.” It wasn’t until the end rollercoaster for four years, and for of spring break, however, when others, maybe two or three. However I realized the year was finally long it may be, though, the Stuart winding down and took their word Hall’s Class of 2011 will always be for it. It seems as if the stresses and bounded by their Knight heritage. long nights of completing college applications were only a few weeks ago. Throughout the first semester, college applications and a seemingly infinite amount of schoolwork weighed me down. Between reading 30-page chapters for Mr. Buckley’s AP Euro class and editing personal statements, I was constantly lacking sleep. Things all began Photo by Mr. Vasquez|| the round table to change for the
Congratulations Senior Knights! Colin Allen
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Michaele Andebrhan
University of San Francisco Richard Baldwin
The University of Arizona
Cole Benz
Kenyon College
Elliot Boschwitz
University of Pennsylvania Connor Bottum
Amherst College
Grey Beaudin
Matthew Chan
Denison Univeristy
Georgetown University
the round table | page 9
Carter Chickering
University of San Diego
Matthew Clark
California Maritime Academy Cathal Dayton
Santa Clara University William Dillingham
American University
the round table | page 10
Ryan Fisher
New York University
Geoffrey Flynn
Post Graduate Year
Marco Garcia
California State University, Monterey Bay Christian Gehrke
Ohio Wesleyan University
Carlos Guardia
Chapman University
Cameron Hayes
San Jose State University Andrew Hu
Notre Dame de Namur University Rahsaan Johnson
Manhattanville College
Gavin Klein
Willamette University
Marco Lancieri
Marquette University
Calvin Lau
University of California at Santa Cruz
Benjamin Liu
University of Southern California
the round table | page 11
Redmond Lyons
University of San Diego
Zachary Marquette
Humboldt State University Patrick McCarville
Manhattanville College Evan Muncheryan
Regis University
the round table | page 12
Anthony Najera
Skyline College
Spencer Palmer
Chapman University
John Pardini
University of California at Berkeley Alibrando Petrini
Santa Clara University
the round table | page 12
Stephen Quanci
California Polytechnic State University Tal Quetone
Marquette University
Patrick Rosenelli
Brown University
Adam Schutz
Seattle University
the round table | page 13
Robert Sheets
Hendrix College
Alberto Solana
Villanova University Masashi Swingle
Purdue University
Charles Tan
Fordham University
the round table | page 13
Camron Tarassoly
Vassar College
Emmanuel Te
University of San Francisco Orestes Tzortzis
University of San Francisco Vincent Verdan
Fordham University Kofi Vordzorgbe
Manhattanville Columbia College University the round table | page 14
Wheeler Walker
University of Redlands
Sid Warsinske
University of Denver Alexander Wong
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Joshua Wong
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Steven Wooley
Vassar College
reviews
Nintendo 3DS Review
by Joseph Jweinat ’13
The Beginning of the Future Gaming World 3D is the newest technology buzz of the season. 3D was once used to be only in theaters, but now, as the industry has blown open, we have the choice of 3D televisions, networks, and video game consoles. After much awaited anticipation, video game junkies can now set their hands on the newly released Nintendo 3DS, the next successor of the Nintendo DS series. The name “3DS” comes from its capability of displaying 3D visuals without glasses. Yes, no glasses are required. This feature appeals to many gamers, who believe the glasses are outdated. Released earlier in Japan and parts of Europe, already 47 million consoles have been sold. It is estimated that 4 million 3DS consoles will sell in one month alone. The 3DS has dual screens. The top widescreen is 10% larger than that of the previous DS, and has an 800x240 pixel resolution. To the right, there is a 3D depth slider, which is used to adjust the intensity of the visual effects but also to transition between 2D and 3D. This feature is helpful in the case of eye
constraints. The 3DS is offered in two colors, aqua blue and cosmo black. It has increased horsepower with a 0.8 inches thick frame. This device is heavier than the original DS series, which was launched in 2004. It has backwards compatibility, Photo courtesy Joseph Jweinat ’13|| the round table so that it can play photography. The built-in software older versions of DS games as well. that comes with the 3DS are the Additionally, it comes with SD Nintendo 3DS Camera, Mii Maker, memory and a 2GB memory card. StreetPass Mii Plaza, Nintendo On the right is the ABXY control buttons. On the bottom left side, you E-shop, Internet Browser, 3D sound have the D-pad. The newest addition and videos, and System Transfers. would be the analog circle pad above This new system will set you back $249.99. The battery life is said the D-pad. The analog pad detects precise movements of characters and to last approximately 5 hours on the 3D mode and 8 hours on the camera, and the built-in motion and gyro sensors react to motion and regular display. There are only 18 3DS games so far, and not one is tilting. considered as a must-have game. There are also three However, the President of Nintendo cameras on this one console. One of America, Reggie Fils-Aime, said, camera is on the inner face above “This is an entertainment device; the top screen in the middle. This make no mistake. It is not purely camera is used to take photos of a gaming device.” 3D is not for your own images. The two outside cameras on the outer face are for 3D everyone, but is it for you?
IPad 2 Review
by Raymond Jiang ‘12
The Next Generation of the Ultimate Tablet After successfully making the iPhone 4 now available for Verizon in February, Apple CEO Steve Jobs released the iPad 2 in March 11. The new iPad is very different from the original iPad that was released last April. The first thing you notice when looking at the new iPad is the shape; it is completely different from the first one. The new iPad looks slicker and more stylish, not only because it is thinner than the original one, but also because there is a white
iPad now available instead of the typical black one. There are also two cameras on the iPad so people can take pictures and also Facetime with friends. Apple has also made a big improvement on the performance side. The iPad can last up to 10 hours, which means it can last longer than most laptop computers. Apple has also switched to a dual-core A5 chip, different from the original A4 chip, so that the performance is much smoother
and the graphics are better when playing games. These new improvements should be a definite reason as to why people should now go buy the iPad. The iPad is useful in many ways because of its more capable than a laptop, and is very light to carry around. The iPad is going to be the future of the schools and also a new way of improving portable technology.
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sports
NBA Draft
by Connor Abbot ‘14 and Josh Wong ‘11
Evaluating the likely picks. 1)Harrison Barnes (UNC)- SF/ Freshman Barnes is a young player who came out of high school in 2010 as the best new freshman. The young, small forward is loaded with potential. Leading his young Tar Heels to the Elite Eight has matured him as a player, although more time in college could do him well. One of the taller freshman in the draft, he compares best to Kobe Bryant. 2)Kyrie Irving (Duke)- PG/ Freshman The top guard prospect in the country, Irving led his Duke team through a tough season. He has the ability to hit threes when they matter most, and is able to grind it out on the defense end of the court as well. Although limited by injuries in March Madness, his leadership qualities are unsurpassed, making his young entry into the draft unquestionable, different than the entry of his cross-state rival, Harrison Barnes. 3)Derrick Williams (Arizona)- SF/ Sophomore Possibly the greatest player of this year’s NCAA Tournament, Derrick Williams put on a show for many, including the defending champion Blue Devils. The best scorer of this NCAA season, Derrick had enough grit and determination to inspire his underdog Wildcats to nearly go all the way. His tremendous size and newfound skill of attacking the basket along with his amazing jumpshot makes him a threat from anywhere. Perfectly built for the NBA, Williams could easily go No. 1 in the draft. 4)Kemba Walker (UCONN)- PG/ Junior The national hero of this year, the round table | page 16
Kemba is the reason that his Huskies won the national championship. More of a scorer than everything needed in a point guard, Walker will only go this high because of his fantastic leadership and his highlighted performance throughout the tournament. His limited size will only let him play one of the guard positions, and another year of growing would do him well, but his draft value will never be higher than it is now. He could become a Monta Ellis-type guard; his speed and three-point shot are unmatched. Smart teams will leave him for later in the draft.
early in the draft, but because of the unsuccessful performance of European players, smart managers will pass him by. Kanter didn’t play a game this season, not really proving anything against a harder playing level. Kanter is also a bit small to play the center position, and he has a lack of athletic explosion. The biggest things he has going for him is his scoring ability from anywhere, his tough, physical, crafty style of play, and his ease in handling the ball. Most compare him to Andrew Bogut, and some think that he is the best true big man in the draft.
5)Brandon Knight (Kentucky)- PG/ Freshman Another young gun coming into the draft, Knight is one of two Kentucky freshmen with NBA hopes this year. One of the larger guards of the draft, Knight could play as the shooting guard on an NBA team. He has amazing range on his jumper, and has great athleticism. His ability to play the point has truly skyrocketed over the course of the season. 6)Terrence Jones (Kentucky)- SF/ Freshman The other freshman joining the draft from Kentucky, Terrence is the unexpected star of his team, entering the NCAA season and blowing away scouts. A giant on the court, Jones has a jumper that thrives from anywhere; he has a great three-pointer for such a large small forward. He’s not an easy player to stop or to get through, but his effort can be a bit inconsistent. He’s a college player in a Lamar Odom body. Photoshopped image by Lucas Chan ’14 7)Enes Kanter (Turkey)- C/ Freshman Most think that Kanter will go
school news
A Bitter Cup of Tea
by Matt Chan ’11 and Jack Pardini ’11
Faculty and students react to recent challenges to Greg Mortenson’s credibility. “It’s a beautiful story, and it’s a lie.” In a nonchalant but disquieting manner, renowned mountaineer and author Jon Krakauer cast a disheartening pall upon philanthropist and fellow climber Greg Mortenson and his organization, the Central Asian Institute (CAI). Krakauer’s unsettling words came with a series of allegations in a CBS 60 Minutes investigation that aired April 17, which questioned the credibility of Mortenson’s experiences and his work to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, all of which was detailed in his bestseller Three Cups of Tea. For the Convent & Stuart Hall High School community, the claims made in the 60 Minutes report hit close to home, as the memoir was a part of the 2010 summer reading list and became a central theme for various co-ed events this year, from the Four School Mass to the Charles Brady Poetry Festival. As more details unfold in light of the controversy, students from both Broadway and Octavia have voiced their thoughts on the matter, both questioning and defending the emphasis of Mortenson’s message and its value in relation to our discussions. The Allegations Mortenson has denied the challenges to his work, but they remain fresh in the eyes of critics. One of the most central anecdotes of Mortenson’s story is about his relationship with the villagers of Korphe, located in northeastern Pakistan. As Mortenson tells it, those who showed him care and compassion when they found him in 1993, lost and near death during a failed attempt to summit K2, the world’s second highest mountain,
and during that visit, he promised to return to Korphe and build a school for their children. According to the CBS News report, Mortenson had not visited Korphe until nearly a year after he attempted to climb K2. While Mortenson says that Photo by Michaele Andebrhan ‘11|| the round table he visited Korphe both also illustrating the underlying after his experience on K2 in 1993 bonds between each person. That and then a year later in 1994, we became a central point of discussion are left to wonder what is true. during several co-ed events this The news report also year, an idea reiterated in tangible questioned the validity of another and symbolic ways. The theme of central story, in which Mortenson embracing others was held as a claims the Taliban kidnapped him. goal itself, so the notion that his The CBS reporters talked to the experience was fabricated raises supposed-Taliban members in his numerous questions: Was all that photograph, who all claimed they time we spent reading his book a were actually Mortenson’s guides. waste? Can you learn from a book of On a logistical level and perhaps lies? a more disconcerting one, the 60 Students and faculty Minutes investigation alleged that reactions have varied. Indeed, some of the schools that CAI claims there has been outcry over the to have established have since been controversy, as some saw the abandoned, used for other purposes alleged deceit as a crucial blow to or were never built; locals also told the message the schools had been the reporters that some schools emphasizing throughout the year. had not received funding from the Stuart Hall junior Devan Patel says, organization in years, or not at all. “The school year was structured The investigation alleged financial on the idea that this man reached mismanagement at CAI, citing an out to people in need; to base our unbalanced appropriation of funds, curriculum on these lies is insulting with substantial sums seeming to to our intelligence and the basis of have been used for Mortenson’s our moral compass.” Devan added: personal endeavors, including “By basing the year off these ideas, book signings and travel expenses. we perpetuate the lies that he Mortenson has since issued a firm put forth thus encouraging him to statement that asserts the integrity continue these erroneous accounts of his mission. in his other books.” Three Cups of Tea at Convent & Stuart Hall Mortenson wrote about the importance of building friendship through the simple act of sharing tea, and in the process, spanning a cultural divide while
It seems to be the view of most of the students at Convent & Stuart Hall that while Mortenson should never have made up any part of his story, the story itself is inspiration and should be taken as such. Convent senior Elena Dudum says, “As a writer, I think it is
the round table | page 17
Photo created by Peter Melling ‘12 from imageshack.com||the round table
acceptable for someone to fabricate facts are revealed. “I am not so part of a story—because that is ready to condemn the man,” he part of the pure talent of a writer. says. “Mr. Mortenson may not have However, because Mortenson was presented factual details in his writing on his work and this idea of book and he may be an incompetent helping a society from a single idea administrator of his charity… This and inspiration, it does kind of lend is terribly regrettable and will itself to a story of complete truth—I serve to hinder his noble efforts mean, isn’t that a way for a writer to build schools. But the man still to really grab the audience, to be completely honest and truthful so that they can touch at real human emotion as opposed to their ability to tell a page-turner story?” Elena and others agree that while the truth would resonate better with people, Mortenson’s readers should not get hung up on the fact that it may include exaggerations. Stuart Hall senior Camron Tarassoly agrees: “When I heard about how the story may have been either exaggerated or, in parts, completely false, I was a little upset but thought that people were getting too excited about it. I just liked reading the book because I liked the message and liked hearing about someone who helped other people. While it was nice to think that it had actually happened, when the CBS report came out I Book cover from Penguin Publishing thought people were forgetting the message and just focusing on whether or not it had really accomplished some serious stuff happened. That wasn’t really the in a rough and forgotten area of point.” the world. We ought not deprive Stuart Hall Social Justice him of praise for that. Instead we teacher Ray O’Connor says he is ought to hear him out. In time, Mr. reserving judgment until more Mortenson will answer the charges the round table | page 18
against him. Wisdom demands we wait until he does so.” People want to believe in “heroes”—with a high expectation of courage, selflessness, understanding, optimism, and perhaps above all, integrity and inherent honesty. It is easy to see why people want to believe in Mortenson; through his book, various interviews and motivational speeches, he seems like the kind of role model who embodies these values. His story offered hope for peace and progress not through war, but through education. Cynics argue that there are few real-life heroes, so the accusations that derailed the legitimacy of Mortenson’s tale hurt his readers and supporters immensely—especially those who were given hope, strength and inspiration from his story, and especially the students at Convent & Stuart Hall who strive to make a difference in the world.
school news
The New Guys
by Patrick Rosanelli ’11
The Class of 2015 includes 14 from Stuart Hall for Boys. The decisions are made, the papers are signed, and the Stuart Hall High School class of 2015 has embarked on the greatest journey of their young lives. Eighth grade seems like a million years ago to this senior, but it is the time when students choose the route they will follow for the next four years. Questions raised about the viability of SHHS has been put to rest, as a stellar group of students have chosen the school as the place for them. Twenty- four different schools have contributed to the makeup of the class of ’15, including an international connection. Two boys from Ghana who are currently attending school in South Carolina have decided to come to Stuart Hall. Remarkably, they were offered scholarships from almost every school in San Francisco and decided that Stuart Hall was the place for them. Along with our internationals, Stuart Hall for Boys will also be very well represented. Fourteen boys from Stuart Hall for Boys eighth grade will be arriving here next year. A total of forty-eight young men will be entering in the fall, a class that is large in number as well as size, having been described as one of the tallest classes ever. The future of SHHS athletics looks bright as the
Who is it?
school’s class is filled with many excellent athletes who will participate in all of our major sports including basketball, soccer, cross country and track, tennis, and of course football. We welcome the class of 2015 into Stuart Hall High School and look forward to their continuing of the legacy of SHHS, which has gone on before them. Go Knights!
Photo by Mr. Dennis Phillips||SHB Faculty
by Peter Melling ‘12
Guess the person in each photo!
A
B
C
A. Harry Conrad B. Elijah Tolentino C.Mr. Jones the round table | page 19
best of the month
roundtable.sacredsf.org