November 2011

T H E

BOLT

November 2011 20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657 Volume 12, Issue 2 September 2011 20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657 Volume 12, Issue 1

A Talk With Thomas: A Welcome from Your President

Just Breathe Jenna Shapiro ‘13 In this Issue...

Assistant Editor-In-Chief

Natasha Sakraney ‘12 Front Page Editor

Which Clubs Caught Your Eye?

B: Could you explain a little bit about how the dances have changed this year? And how did you and the StuCo achieve the goal of making dances more affordable?

TH: As a student body president, I want !"# $"%&# !"# '(# )*+# ,%"-./01# !2)!# 3# '*4#

cost of the dances. This shows StuCo’s B : H o w a r e s p i r i t r a l l i e s and the administration’s commitment to g o i n g t o w o r k t h i s y e a r ?

Before you read this, take a deep breath. making events accessible for all students. TH: Spirit rallies will remain class The Bolt (B): What are you most I am writing this article after attending a two-hour B: Some people may say that academics competitions. We will also try and excited about for this upcoming year? college information session (which does not include and other things should be given higher recognize the athletes from our sports T h oon m my a s H a g u e ( T H ) : I a m the rather lengthy parental follow-up) and, priority than school dances? Why are teams in spirit rallies. Although will be most excited to see kids get way home, my feelings consisted of: stress, worry, Remembering a Day That you personally celebrating our individual classes, we super involved and for us to excitement, and a dash of hopelessness.

However, as Elise Sugarman ‘13 Will Never Be Forgotten......2 s o p a s s i o n a t e also want to celebrate the whole school.

Staff Writer a great time while bringing your favorite romantic comedy’s damselhave in distress about the topic B: How do you respond when people meaning and change to the school. can attest, the radio seems to have an electromagnetic On October 7th, 53 clubs came toof Sage dances? say that Sage is losing its “Saginess”?

How would you express the wavelength that periodically tunes in to theB: frequency gether during the annual Sage Hill clubs TH: Dances are TH: I think that if Sage stays the of its listeners’ thoughts, and, accordingly, dynamic broadcasts on StuCo this year? fair.

Tables full of different clubs lined a n

i m p o r t a n t same every year then it shows that the TH: This year we have, by far, the an appropriate song for their emotional needs. perimeter of are Wilkins Town Square. o p p o r t u nthe i t y students complacent.

I think that As I sat in the car with my distastefulbest Student Council I have ever been recipe of of town square, a student f o r s t u d eAt n tone s corner part of “Saginess” is the desire to create a part of. The reason for this is that feelings, I suddenly became aware of Pink’s distincabout Sage’s returning Pink t o r e m was i n d learning your own unique year at the school. I every member is there for the right tive voice practically screaming at me. Now, whether Ribbon Club, while at another corner, a themselves that think the senior class, as leaders of the reasons and truly has a passion for the you admire the pop star’s outspoken attitude or have student school, might beplays founda sharing theirin apthey are still large role shaping work that they do. Although we still always been a little bit scarred ever since her horrorpreciation for Arnold Palmer by signing k i d s .

S c h o o l each year.

Saginess will only die if have lots of work to do, the whole film-inspired “Please Don’t Leave Me” music video upto for the brand new Arnold Palmer Club. is supposed the kids no longer care about it, but I Girls’ Volleyball Ready for StuCo deserves great recognition (I have had both thoughts of her), her words at this The wide variety of clubs covered almost fun.

Students don’t see that happening anytime soon! for the work they have done over the moment could not have been more welcome. She an Epic Season......................3 every interest a student have! you can learn to B: What’s one could piece ever of advice sang, “Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever,summer. StuCo doesn’t even usually ever feel, Joining clubs allows students to par-class? '*4#!2/#-).)*7/# would have for the freshmen like you’re less than, less than perfect.” work over the summer. I trust them ticipate in the Sage culture and become a between a

s trong TH: Don’t be afraid to be a little weird. fully to make decisions because These simply stated, slightly repetitive, yet utpart of the “Sageyness” thatbe makes thisweird, commitment to a little Even if you might they always make the right ones. Photo courtesy of:Thomas Hague terly wise lyrics completely transformed my attitude. school so special. Junior Rachel Cramer academics and desire to enjoy themselves. that just makes you incredibly special.

B: W h a t c h a n g e s h a v e y o u Every expectation burdening me was lifted; every and make this school the best it can be. I personally have experienced some and sophomore Ian Fries share their goals of B: What’s your favorite thing about Sage? m p l e m e n t e d i n t h e s c h o o l ? negative thought was extinguished. A irevelation To be quite honest, the dance prices were my most valuable learning at Sage for new clubs for the upcoming Hill theirTH: My favorite thing about Sage is that TH: We’ve made a few new deserving of a golden spotlight and background the main problem that I found. I talked outside of the classroom. Even though school year. it’s a home away from home, a place changes opera music suddenly occurred to me. I am perfect,to keep students in the to many students last year after Prom, academics are extremely important, Junior Rachel Cramer, who saw a need I where I feel comfortable to be who I a perfect me. By focusing on creating andloop about everything that is going inproving and it became obvious that people did think I have grown more outside of for a “choice-based service club” at Sage the am. I actually have a part this amazing on at Sage.

We have installed a myself as a person today rather than building up stress not want to spend hundreds of dollars classroom and want make sure that others All Dressed Up: An Interview started the “Three Hours” Club. place and the sense of Accordresponsibility flat screen TV in the Upper for events in the future, my destiny will unravel on on dances. It really shows how great can experience this growth as well. And ing to Rachel, “The things we do and the it so With Ms. Blackwell..............4 that students have here makes Humanities for announcement and its own. our school is if one of our main problem with the new dance pricing, I just wanted people we will meet may be dangerous unique. The list of my favorite things Alexa McElroy ‘12 pictures. We have also successfully I do not intend for this to be an outlet for any Guest Writerprices! With the help of many is dance or makeabout you feel uncomfortable, is on. to show if of a Samantha you see a problem, Photo that Courtesy Burns Sage just goes so on itand “junior year anxieties.” We all face bothorganized personal the calendar board to faculty members and administrators, the administrators are willing to work important to consider seriously whether to see and external expectations. We are all make drivenit byeasy for students ew people transcend the brevity of life, and even fewer embrace it with open arms. Almost $/#$/%/#)-./#!"#156*5'7)*!.+#%/487/#!2/# you are with you and that you can enact change. up to the challenge.” that’s the do school. future deadlines and events. We all face all a battle ofgoing on at none both with all the curiosity of an age-old philosopher and the compassion of family.

Rachel doesn’t want this to be a club some design. Amid these different forms of stress, Geoffrey Burns lived every day enraptured by the endless possibilities of life and was always for college applications, but rather a club the concept of “living in the moment” can become ready to come to some great understanding of a concept in physics or follow capricious for those who want to do something about a cheesy and theoretical idea, rather than a valuable whims for lighthearted fun. the issues in our world and change lives by reality. I find it ironic that, although we are physically I had Geoffrey as my running partner for an entire track season. Many days passed on performing simple acts of kindness. Her only capable of existing during this present moment

Fast my forward to the stepped start of to keep up with his massive the Newport Coast sidewalk where feet frantically goal Yoon by the end of ‘13 the year is to educate You’re Funny...But You’re Shannon Zhang ‘12 Cha introduces her Heather Goldin ‘12 172"".# +/)%9#fought 3# $)1#to'*)..+# )-./# his ferocious wit and vast in time, our thoughts can so often occupy the future. stride. At the time my!251# freshman intellect comprehend club members about world issues by Assistant Editor­in­Chief Going to Hell.........................5 Editor­In­Chief “Challenges of the Month” and to test out the idea with an edition Yet devastating events in Seal Beach and in our own knowledge. I treasure our conversations about everything from Star Trek to the ethics of bringing them out Orr’s into the community. of The Bolt from last year. With a debuts Ms. monthly guest Sage community have recently shown us how our Welcome to The Bolt cosmetics, from the beauty of choral music to the fabric of time. A conversation with GeofClub members literally spend THREE I successfully little experimentation, Confused by our Town Meeting time is limited. They have reminded us that life is puzzles.

Jenna Shapiro ’13, frey was never passive, but rather an an exciting duelto of wit2011­2012! It’s been almost a that engaged the mind.

HOURS a month going out and helping uploaded edition and of friendly The Bolt announcement at the beginning of precious. one of our fabulous Assistant I often think aboutIssuu our talks on the road when I’m driving to school in the morning.

I’m the community. and voila! We have a virtual month of school and already As lame as it sounds, a miniature book the year? Don’t be confused­­I’m titled 1001 Editor­in­Chiefs, says, “I not sure if I ever wonedition of the Bolt on our hands. even one of those intellectual spars, but I always benefitted some of us from are his counting Their first service project willam beso here to clear things up! When I said, Ways to Live in the Moment rests on my nightstand, knowledge and cleverness.

Geoffrey was patient and willing to explain no matter how long incredibly excited for newspaper

Our hope for the future of The going to Skid Row in Los Angeles and down the days to summer.

“The Bolt is going virtual,” I meant and I flip through it when I need a reminder.

One it took.

He pushed myBolt capacity for thought and, whenever I reflect on our friendship, I’m is that, along with the monthly this out year!

We will be making handing lunches and blankets to the it.

The Bolt can now be accessed As freshmen forge new night, I stumbled upon a passage about mindfulness: inspired to tune into publishing the world around me paper, in an attempt to harness even a fraction of his of the the online digitally from the website Issuu. homeless.

Rachel encourages the entire history.

Literally.

I’m especially “Mindfulness, which is the term we give to focused version will be linked in the bi­weekly friendships on the retreat this mental Curious prowess and presence as an individual. com (pronounced issue). student body to attend allonline “Three version, Hour” excited about the week, seniors prepare for the attention upon a present moment, is both an end and Community E­News email, which is In myabout? freshman year portfolio I reflected on that brevity of life, questioning how to live about how this idea came club events, regardless of whether you to New Teachers........................6 which will allow our school a means. It’s the use of awareness to awaken the sent to both students and parents. The when time is never promised.

I have struggled with that question, as '*).#1!%/!72#8*!5.#6%)48)!5"*:# many have, and I know Let me explain: joined the club during clubs fair or not. reach a broader audience. YAY!” inert or sleeping parts of our minds. Why should link will also be visible in the paper for another year Sophomore Ian Fries also started a Back track to at always had the answer. His life serves as a lessonI incan’t nowSpring that Geoffrey how wait to embrace the itself so it will be easily accessible. we bother to be more awake? Because Sage, unless where we

We decided to assign a junior took on ofan importance our time on earth. filled with spontaneous new club called “The World Domination One years common advantage awaken, we miss many vital experiences.internship Above all, at the OC Register to forget those infantile !2/#*/$#1!);;#$%5!/%1#!"#)#1,/75'7# So often we of joy when the world was new and the imporClub” because he wanted a club at Sage to to online newspapers is the ease of all­school hugs and other we miss the most vital experience possible—that of gain some professional journalism as a and support system for tance of our time was left unquestioned. Geoffrey’s strength came from an undying curiosity moments found only at Sage. focuspage on science political discussion. sharing more visuals in addition to the experience.

On her mind was living fully, and without illusion, within our allotted reminiscent of those text. The Bolt welcomes Megan Diaz years mixed with a sense of perspective that most five times his age editors.

Congratulations to all Just the name grabbed a lot of students’

The start of a new visit to Columbia University lifespan, moment by moment, as reality her unfolds.” could never achieve. ‘14 Geoffrey wasyear’s comfortable with himself in a way most would envy, the new writers listed below! We as this photo editor, who attention during clubs fair.

The World +/)%#).1"#0/)*1#!2/#'%1!#5118/# the previous November, where I have recently decided to make modifications in and his blazing red ponytail symbolized a sense of individuality that was so uniquely him. will be in charge of a special section Domination Clubguest is an environment also love writers, so for just of our completely student­run my life to “become more awake” and to she more read fully about the increasing About a year ago on my way!"# home hanging with Geoffrey, I commented to my 1,/75'7# !2/# from "*.5*/# Bolt. out The new philosophical discussion on scientific and technological improvements in let us know if you want to write! newspaper! After three years relish the beauty of each moment. The following are brother that I wanted to spend my life surrounded by people like him.

Geoffrey reminds me section will add more pictures related digital journalism. How cool would political matters.

Environmentalists Unite......7 Front page: Elise Sugarman some reminders we can all keep in mind to reduce on The Bolt staff, I’m honored to the articles contained in the issue every day to be present and never sacrifice my capacity to help others, no matter how it pales it be to bring a digital aspect to But where of the ‘ 1 3

a n ddoes Mthe o l ltitle y Wa n gclub ‘13 stress and increase our enjoyment of life. that month.

The online version also as to serve as teammate, your Editor­In­come into play? in comparison to his indelible impact on all who knew Geoffrey a classmate, our school newspaper, The Bolt?

Ian accounts for the First, rather than fighting or altogether fleeing F e a t u r e s :

J o y

C h a n g ‘ 1 3 means more photos in color, a previous friend and inspiration.

Chief. This year, we’re lucky A few days into my internship, I “world domination” part of the club stress, find a means to channel it. I personally find limitation with print. a n d

Vi c t o r i a

G r i f f i n

‘13 I believe I speak for the entire Sage community when I offer myto sincere condolences to asked the features editor, who I was have an extraordinary because “these two topics [science and

Another goal we are trying to no greater relief than online shopping. You may find working with, if he knew about any S p o r t s :

H a l l a n d

M c k e n Mr. Burns and his daughter Samantha, who so valiantly fought alongside Geoffrey.

Although editorial board. We also politics] fit under the banner of evil ge-n a reach is a complete online archive of all stress relief in a sport, hobby, or other activity. good ideas or websites that I could many were closer to Geoffrey than I was in our two years togetherwelcome at Sage, I am honored and Kavi Sakraney ‘14 nius ‘15 and plotting to take over the world.”

Miss Ehret, a new previous editions of The Bolt. Looking Second, spend time doing things youuse. My goal was that for the next love with to have this opportunity to share the indelible mark he left on my life.

Arts: Celeste Broderick ’14, Jeremy Ian’s goal for the club is to do numerous back through old Bolt newspapers is addition to college counseling school year, students Iwould not for you people you love. It’s simple. would say to restway in peace, Geoffrey Burns, but a soul as transcendentally science and engineering projects that can Dorne ’13, and Sidney Lee ’15 a great to look back on Sage’s office, as with our everyadvisor. She only after be able to access the school Third, remember to breathe. Take a moment, intelligent, curious and deeply influential as yours can never truly be at peace hopefully be entered in competitions. history, and with the recent 10­year Opinions: Eric Zhang ’14, newspaper around school when an has in completing an essay you’re proud of or achieving thing. Your compassion and love of inquiry will continue to live on inextensive the hearts, experience minds anniversary, I know my curiosity about Look Draw your favorite animal in E r i for k a emails, L y n and n ­ Glisten r e e to n town ’ 1 4 , a goal you set for yourself, to recognizeissue came out, but also online. your acboth journalism and dealing and triumphs of all ofSage’s the people who have cared so very deeply about you.

Thank you for beginning has been sparked meeting announcements for club meet O n l i n e n e w s p a p e r a n d 10 seconds..............................8 a n d

S o p h i a

F a l m a g n e

‘12 complishment and revel in it. with stressed everything, Geoffrey,somewhat. and I hope you are still the questions that droveout yourteenage With the wrestling help of with Nikki ings and events that you may not have magazines more Finally, in the wise words of Pink, remember that are becoming School Life: Brian Slaughter life. I will miss you. Imai, Director of Library Recources, writers—a skill that comes in common, and, as a result, becoming seen at clubs fair. you are perfect.

Features:

Sports:

In Memoriam:

Arts:

Opinions:

F

Geoffrey Burns

The Bolt Goes Virtual

Welcome to the The Bolt!

School Life:

Lifestyle:

Backpage:

all previous issues will soon be able handy during editing sessions! ’15 and Juliette Singarella ‘14 the main source of information. I to be viewed in an online database via followed my editor to the desk of We are also thrilled Lifestyle: Andrea Candelaria the library section of Sage’s website, Kevin Sablan, who works on the ’13 and Katie Bick ‘12 an archive that will continue to grow to reveal some new additions Register’s technical areas, which as we publish more and more issues of to our program—Heather includes its website and other social The Bolt.

G o l d i n ‘ 1 2 , o u r s a v v y Editor’s note: It is with heavy hearts media outlets. Sablan suggested index Assistant Editor­in­Chief, that the entire Bolt staff expresses a site called Issuu.com, which Can we dub dubstep real music?

Reppin’ the World of Theatre………………....2 center stage sagersinvolves uploading the issues of our online our condolences for alumnus “The first time I heard dubstep, I wanted to throw mywrites about Angels Baseball: Not in the Outfield ………...5 The Bolt in PDF form for a nice, Geoffrey Burns’s family. It is never “There’s an empowerment that comes along with version Ain article to County Daythe at Occupy Orange …………....6 car stereo out the window...” high quality online version of our On the back page, easy to accept the loss of someone Radio Festival……………………........7 writing poetry...” page the 4 left. iHeart page 3 own student­run newspaper! of such admirable character.

He will always be in our hearts.

And exhale.

inside

November 2011 The Bolt

2 Features

A Job Well Done: Remembering Steve Jobs (1955-2011) Jeremy Dorne ‘13 Staff Writer

The tech world lost one of its greatest pioneers last month. Steve Jobs will not only be remembered for his electronic innovations, but for the accessibility of his products.

Jobs looked beyond the geeks and “techies” and directed his attention towards the common user. Many products released under Jobs, like the iPhone and the Macbook play a daily role in the life of a Sage student.

His rise from a garage in Silicon Valley to billionaire CEO of a global corporation characterizes his generation of innovators and his mark will be seen in his field for years to come.

Jobs’s legacy began after he dropped out of Reed College after his first semester in 1972.

He did, however, sit in on classes occasionally, notably a calligraphy class that inspired fonts used in Apple’s products and advertising.

Jobs worked with Atari and Hewlett-Packard before founding Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak. In 1977, Wozniak developed the Apple I which Jobs helped market before creating the highly influential Apple II. The Apple II was one of the first computers to be mass produced, and sold well for years.

Frustrated by poor sales of the Macintosh, the Apple board ousted Jobs in 1985. Jobs persevered though. He founded NeXT, which

Featured Teacher: Chris Irwin

created the basis for OS X, an operating system still used today by Apple, and he also acquired Pixar, which quickly became a renowned film studio.

“Design is not just what it looks and feels like.

Design is how it works.”

-Steve Jobs

“The other day in English, we were drafting Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Science department teacher, Chris Irwin, was rewarded

recently for his demonstrative teaching qualities and devotion to his classes with the Teacher of the Week watch.

This shiny timepiece, a new addition to the Sage community, recognizes the extraordinary qualities that teachers at Sage Hill have. Irwin, who joined the faculty in 2004, majored in both English and Physics lab at Brown University, and has always had a passion for science. One of the many things he appreciates about the culture here at Sage is the “enthusiasm and shared passion for learning” his students have.

“Working at Sage Hill School is great because my students here are different from other schools in my experience. There is a kinder, gentler community here than at most other high schools,” Irwin says.

“People are accepting of different opinions, and it’s good to work with them,” he states.

He believes the teacher awards presented at town meetings are important because they provide yet another way for the school’s community to be brought closer together. “It’s beneficial for students to hear that the teachers are more than just their math teacher or their physics teacher,” Irwin says.

The awards help students learn more about their teachers; for instance, Irwin has extensive backgrounds in astronomy, and even music theory and composition. Most importantly, however, the award acknowledges the hard work the teachers at Sage Hill go through to make the School a better place.

Irwin’s favorite part about teaching at Sage is that “when you have something that you want to try, something like a club or one of the Spring at Sage programs, the administration is really supportive.”

Irwin has been able to take students through great experiences like trips to England, Belize, and the Great Barrier Reef because of the Sage administration.

The new tradition of the watch, passed from teacher to teacher, was started by Gordon McNeill, Head of School.

Nate Miller, the first faculty member to receive this watch, gives some background information.

“The watches are passed week to week at town meetings from teacher to teacher to give recognition to the faculty members.

They’re similar to the ‘Senior of the Day’ awards. It’s neat and good for the student body to see the respect teachers here have for each other,” he states.

essays and I noticed, when I looked up, there

In 1996, Apple suffered from financial problems, and not a single company wanted to buy the failing company. Apple acquired NeXT and brought back Jobs. His first product was the iMac, an all-in-one computer. The iPod, released in 2001, helped kick start Apple’s return to prominence, and took the music world by

were nothing but MacBooks. That is the essence of Steve Job’s impact on technology.

He has lived on in his products which have become integrated into our daily lives.”

-Caitlin Nguyen ‘13

Reppin’ the World of Theatre Sophia Falmagne ‘12

Brian Slaughter ‘15 Staff Writer

storm. Next, the iPhone dominated the mobile smartphone industry with the sole use of a touch screen. Engulfing the tablet market, the iPad has prompted the rest of the tech world to play catch up. Apple’s chic design and user friendly products have promoted a loyal following around the globe.

However, Jobs’s tenure at Apple is not without controversy. Many who have worked with Jobs could not stand his perfectionist mentality. Furthermore, products which have been partly designed by him are manufactured in unethically poor conditions.

Still, Jobs will be missed by his friends, rivals, and loyal customers. His works have helped the technology world dramatically. As Bill Gates said: ” The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.” He has forever impacted the consumer.

Most of us have heard of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (previously known as the Orange County Performing Arts Center)—perhaps you’ve seen Rent or The Lion King on its main stage, or attended a choir concert within the newly added building of curvy, glittering glass nearby.

Former Sage Hill faculty member Rachel Lincoln has even climbed up and performed on its southern wall with Project Bandaloop, her gravitydefying dance company.

However, oftentimes we are blinded by the phenomenal architecture of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, and many of us overlook the hidden aspects of this remarkable arts center has to offer.

OCPAC has another neighbor a few steps down the street called South Coast Repertory, a Tony Award-winning professional theater company founded by David Emmes and Martin Benson in 1964.

Fresh out of college from San Francisco State, these two visionaries began forty-seven years ago to create a regional theater group that didn’t support extravagant Broadway shows or productions centered on a single celebrity.

Half a century and four location changes later, they remain true to their mission. SCR presents a five-play season on its Segerstrom Stage and a four-play season on its Argyros Stage, along with its annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol and its Theater for Young Audiences performances.

What sets South Coast Repertory apart, though, as a regional theater, is that its selection of plays tends to cater to a less commercial fan base than a show such as Wicked does.

As part of its mission statement, SCR declares, “We undertake to advance the art of theatre in the service of our community, and aim to extend that service through educational, intercultural, and outreach programs that harmonize with our artistic mission.”

Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Speaking as a student in their program, I can confidently say that the repertory most certainly follow through on their goals.

Their educational organization is extensive, offering classes to students ranging in age from eight to eighteen.

And the interests of these kids range from aspiring to be a Hollywood actor to becoming a more confident individual—but it doesn’t matter where on the spectrum they fall.

South Coast Repertory’s environment is one of the most open, loving, and non-judgmental environments I have experienced.

Furthermore, SCR’s acting classes are unique in that they are entirely process-based.

Maxwell Weinberg ’12 confirms that South Coast Repertory is “a personal mentor [and] a second family, providing students with the opportunity to be completely vulnerable and focus on the process of acting rather than the product.”

school life 3

November 2011 The Bolt

Center Stage Sagers: Mariah and Janve Joy Chang ‘13 Staff Writer

Two current sophomores at Sage Hill School are doing something different and pursuing their passion: spoken word poetry. Mariah Wilson and Janve Sobers present this unique form of art to us, and open a window into their thoughts, actions, and dreams. Although many do not take part in spoken word poetry, these aspiring poets seek to share what they love with the Sage Hill Community.

The Bolt: When and how did you get into poetry?

Mariah Wilson: I got into poetry around two years ago during the summer when I watched a video, and it all started from there. I became interested in it and it just took off.

Janve Sobers: I got into poetry through a TV show about students from inner city public schools who learned about spoken word and performed their projects.

B: What is it about poetry that you enjoy?

M: There’s an empowerment that comes along with writing poetry. There is a hidden power and meaning in words and through exploring that, I’m able to see things differently. I really just love the power that words hold.

J: I enjoy poetry because it’s an outlet. whether I’m happy, sad, angry, lonely, tired, or frustrated, I write. The final products aren’t always works of art but it’s lovely to just flush my emotions out on paper.

B: What is your inspiration?

M: I usually take something like a book or story, even if its one line or a couple ideas, and I try to string that into a poem.

I also enjoy testing myself by trying to write poetry about current events.

J: My mom inspires me the most, mostly because she’s just flat-out awesome and I’m convinced she’s perfect in all areas besides dancing and math, but don’t tell her I said that....

B: What type of poetry is your favorite?

M: Ooh, this is a hard one because I just love poetry in general. I have to say, spoken word is quickly becoming my favorite because through saying your poems, you can unleash emotion and the nuances that cannot be delivered through paper. There is a difference between reading a poem on paper and hearing someone read it, and when I read my poems, I can express how I really feel and show the emotion that is behind the poem.

J: I love spoken word as well because its more personal, raw and relatable.

Simply because it is performed, there

Photos Courtesy of Facebook

is less of the ambiguity that is usually present in written poetry.

B: What was your most recent poem about?

M: My most recent poem was about the riots in England. I try to do current events and other things of that sort to try to test myself, and this was one of them.

J: My most recent poem was the first I’ve done for town meeting, “Living

Dead” and it was about a man whose suffered so much pain and trauma and has made so many poor decisions he hasn’t the energy to live.

B: What do you aspire to do with SNAP, the new poetry club you guys created at Sage?

M+J: Well, we want to do many performances so that poetry gets more recognition. Poetry is a form of art,

but does not get the type of publicity or attention that other forms like visual art or dance do, so we really want to show our community the power and fun in poetry. Rap is also really similar to poetry, it’s just put to a beat, so I hope all of the students interested in rap also come out and join SNAP.

New Teachers: Part II Juliette Singarella ‘14 Staff Writer

This year, Sage Hill has been lucky enough to gain seven new, dedicated members to our faculty and staff. Since they have already been teaching at Sage for more than two months, we interviewed them to learn about their experiences here, as well as their backgrounds in teaching.

The first teacher I interviewed was Mary Robinson. Robinson, who received her Master’s Degree from the American Conservatory Theater, participated in Regional Theater, and worked on Off Broadway, just a few of her many theatrical feats. She has known that she wanted to act since she was five years old, when she was cast as Gretel in a production of The Sound Of Music.

As I interviewed her about her acting background, she painted the set of the stage for our fall musical, the Fantasticks. She wouldn’t give away too much of the plot line and its twists, but she did tell me how the process of creating

the musical was coming along.

She described her difficulty with double casting. Although it’s quite challenging, she’s loving it, “We are working very hard with incredibly talented people.” Asking her about her favorite aspect of Sage, with no hesitation, she said, “Working with the students, watching them take risks and enjoy expressing themselves on and off the stage.”

After my interview with Robinson, I found myself in the World Languages Office with Lynn Oliva, the new Spanish teacher. Oliva, who earned her undergrad at American University Washington D.C. and her Masters at Ohio State, learned conversational Spanish in high school.

Although she has a Spanish heritage, she wasn’t interested in becoming fluent until she visited family in Spain and decided then that she wanted to be able to easily communicate with them.

Oliva grew interested in Sage because of its unique qualities. She loved how Sage was a different type of school and had a different approach that was

“Sage was a different type of school and had a different approach that was more personalized...

I really wanted to teach so that students would learn the language, not just get a grade.”

-Lynn Oliva more personalized.

“I really wanted to teach so that they [the students] would learn the language, not just get a grade.”

Sage’s different method of teaching was what drew her in, but the students were what made her stay. Sage is delighted to have her on the teaching staff.

James Fraser, our newest addition to the history department, attended UC Irvine with a major in Political Science.

He impressed me by telling me of his participation in the NCAA soccer team and the rugby team during college, as well as his activity in student council.

He became interested in Sage because of the community’s dedication

to making a positive impact on the community outside of our school, as well as on the student’s lives.

During the interview, he describes his love for the Sage environment, “Although many people always bring up words like ‘community’ and ‘Sagey’ or ‘Sageyness’ with a joking attitude (myself included), it is something to be proud of. I think back to my high school years where many teachers did not put forth the effort and make sacrifices that many of my fellow faculty make on a weekly basis.”

Touching on the fact that he and his mother, the beloved Mrs. Fraser, work in the same high school now, he describes, “She will always be my mother and

never forgets to let me know it. I joke that she tells me constantly to clean up my desk or will tell me that I need to brush my hair, but in reality, she is very supportive and gives me plenty of space to find my way by myself.”

Sage is so excited and fortunate enough to have both James and Fiona Fraser on our staff at the same time.

We are so lucky to have Meki Blackwell, known around the campus as Meki, join the Sage faculty partway through last year. She has been a fantastic addition to our Arts facility. For an extended interview with Meki, see last month’s Bolt.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have gained these faculty members this year, each with something new to bring to the table. I can’t wait for my next three years, now that they are teaching at Sage with the common goal to make a positive impact in our coumminty.

Freshman Retreat Sidney Lee ‘15 Staff Writer

After journeying to the Big Bear Cedar Lake camp and spending two nights and three days together, the freshman class has truly bonded. Together with the ninth grade advisors, peer counselors, and friends, the freshmen supported each other in their efforts to overcome their fears, whether it be fear of heights or claustrophobia. Fellow freshmen also shared laughs through creative skits, field activities, talent shows, and bonfires. The Freshman Retreat allowed the class of 2015 to get better acquainted with one another.

At 6:30 a.m. on a Monday, September 26, everyone (still half-asleep) brought their over-packed or under-packed bags to their assigned buses. Despite the motion sickness that many experienced, hundreds of eager freshmen were elated when they finally arrived at the camp.

After we had unpacked and settled into our rooms, which were grouped by advisory, we all went to the dining hall where we ate a much-needed meal. Freshman Stephanie Cho said, “The food was the best part of the trip!” On the other

Photo Courtesy of Parker Reposa

hand, freshman Jodie Horowitz said, “The food was interesting, but good compared to other camps.” It is obvious that you cannot please everyone.

Afterward, the freshmen had some free time, so they canoed, swam, or conversed with friends. Later that night, they were given time to get to know their peers through a very entertaining

talent show (including comedy acts, songs, and dances) and a bonfire.

On the second day of our retreat, we were overwhelmed with activities. During the high ropes courses, many people overcame their fear of heights and people pushed themselves to do the things they usually would not do. Also, because of the adventure hike, people bonded by relying on each other for guidance.

There was another activity called the low ropes (ropes not included), in addition to numerous field activities, which helped us to get to know our advisories. That evening, each advisory put on their own skit. Skits included Red “Hiking” Hood, crossdressing, interpretive dancing, and many other hilarious skits.

At the retreat students found different activities enjoyable, but one aspect that the majority of the students agreed upon was that they brought home many good memories. Freshman Stephanie Cho says, “The retreat inspired us to take real risks.”

November 2011 The Bolt

4 arts

Can We Dub Dubstep as Real Music?

Spenser Apramian ‘12 Staff Writer

What is dubstep? To some it is the sound of power tools drilling into a concrete wall. To others, it is a crazy rave anthem that just sounds like a good time. So, this begs the question: is dubstep “real” music?

Based on the reaction of a majority of the students when dubstep is played during lunch, one would have to say that dubstep is nothing more than annoying, syncopated beats that make your head throb. But wait, there are other students who bob their heads to the song in enjoyment! Let me address the issue on a personal level.

The first time I ever heard this particular genre of music, I wanted to throw my car stereo out of the window; it was that bad. Then I began to realize this music was following me everywhere I was! It was played at friends’ birthday parties, on the radio, and even at some stores I would shop at.

Finally, submitting to my foe, I decided to accept the music as “artistic expression.” After all, if you can’t beat’ em, join ‘em!

I began to embrace the music for its “uniqueness”, furiously fist pumping to the beat like Pauly D in a nightclub every time I heard it. And you know what, I began to like it. There is no other genre quite like dubstep that makes you want to embrace your inner animal and just dance crazily, or as I like to say it, “go nuts”. It sounds so unconventional, so unreasonable, and so ridiculous, that it makes you feel great at times.

Anyone that grew up in an earlier era would scoff at dubstep as “electronic trash”. But the way I see it, those listeners live in a parochial mindset where only traditional instruments can make true “music.” How sad. The way I see it, dubstep is a way of self-expression that has not been conveyed through any other sort of genre.

This issue harks back to the age-old question: “what is art?” Some argue that a few splashes of paint on white canvas can be construed as art, while others find it a preposterous notion to even consider it such a thing. We find ourselves with the same issue when considering the question: is dubstep “real music”? The only person that can answer that question is you.

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

The Fantasticks Interview Celeste Broderick ‘14 Staff Writer

Sage Hill theatre put on some fantastic performances of the show, The Fantasticks, this past weekend. With music

by Harvey Schmidt and the book and lyrics by Tom Jones, it is loosely based off of the French play Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand.

In the story, the fathers of two youths in love, Luisa and Matt, think that they must show parental disapproval in order to make sure that their children remain together. When Luisa and Matt find out their fathers’ plan though, they fight and break up. While it is traditionally fathers in the musical, Sage decided to change it to mothers showing disapproval of Luisa and Matt’s relationship due to the large number of female actresses and singers at Sage. The cast consists of “El Gallo”, the narrator, Luisa, Matt, the two mothers, Henry, Mortimer, and The Mute. Henry and Mortimer are two older actors hired by the mothers to fake a kidnapping of Luisa. They come in while Matt is with Luisa, giving him the chance to “rescue” her.

This year there were two different casts for the show, with each one performing an equal number of nights, just at different times. Fortunately, I had the chance to talk to Sydney Endicott, who plays the girl in love, Luisa, in one of the casts.

is super relatable. Also, it really is a coming of age story that brings you through the journey of the two kids as they grow up and the love that can grow or fade with time. But, don’t get me wrong, it is not by any means just a simple love story. The show itself is actually hilarious with a ton of super entertaining characters and great music. The songs are ridiculously catchy and will definitely be stuck in your head for days after. Overall, it’s just a really fun show with a good message!

The Bolt: What is your favorite song to sing in the musical and why?

Sydney Endicott: I think my favorite song to sing from the show might be “They Were You”, which is this really sweet song that Matt and Luisa sing together at the end of the show about realizing their feelings for one another. But also, “This Plum Is Too Ripe” is one of my favorites as well just because it is so much fun to perform with the rest of the cast . We’ve all become like a family through the whole rehearsal process, I love our cast so much!

The Bolt: What are some of the main themes found in the musical? How do you think that you and other students can relate to it?

Sydney Endicott:Well, the story itself it based on the love story of two teenagers who are 16 and 20, so the whole story

Photos Courtesy of Aaron Huniu Photography

Taylor Swift: Speak Now Savannah Gardner ‘13 Arts Editor

Taylor Swift is able to connect with her fans in a way that no one else can. She looks out into the crowd of her concerts and takes in all the cheers and screams and anyone can tell she is so in love with performing and adores her fans. This past August, I had the privilege of seeing Taylor Swift in concert for the fourth time at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It is clear that her stage presense and charisma is what made this small town girl a huge star. She makes a point of walking through the crowd at every one of her concerts, so she show her fans how important they are to her.

You would hear screams from people singing songs like “Mine,” “Better than Revenge,” and “You Belong With Me.” There was not one song that the crowd wasn’t singing along with.

The set and the costumes enhanced the concert, with each song being told like a story. There were also incredible dancers for almost every song, except the few slow songs that she played acoustically on her ukulele. Justin Bieber even made a guest appearance and sang “Baby” with Swift.

Junior Ashlee Queathem said, “What I loved most about her concert was that each of her songs had a specific type of visual performance to go with them, for example during “Enchanted,” she had talented dancers doing ballet on stage.”

Senior Taylor Lipman believes Taylor Swift “treats each number like a different production. She tops them off with extravagant costumes, striking backdrops, and even different style dancing. She puts on a spectacular show!”

It is incredible that Swift can create an entire scene that explains her life experiences through just one song. She writes songs about painful and happy experiences that she has gone through and that is what draws her fans to her. She is not just the typical blonde country star like some who haven’t seen her live may argue. In my opinion, she is a role model to girls everywhere.

Her song “Enchanted” can make you feel like a princess, while “Last Kiss” can make you cry. I think many girls, and even guys who got to experience this inspiring and dramatic performance full of dancers and props, agree with me that Swift put on an amazing and unforgettable show.

sports 5

November 2011 The Bolt

Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team

Athlete of the Month: Eric Cheng Halland McKenna ‘15 Staff Writer

This years’ Varsity team with Coach AG Longoria.

Team

Success Begins Here Kavi Sakraney ‘14 and Molly Wang ‘13

T

Staff Writers

he four seniors on Sage Hill School Girls’ Varsity tennis team, Casey Astorino, Katie Bick, Rian Billingsley, and Ava Soleimany, have all been in the CIF semi-finals once and the CIF finals twice. This year they are working hard to take it all.

The Girls’ Tennis Program has had a long history of success. They have made it to CIF finals four times in the 10 years that the school has existed, and they won CIF once in 2005. Just last year, the team was moved up to Division Three, meeting their rival, St. Margarets in the finals. Sage has really demonstrated that they are the only team that can give St. Margaret’s a run for their money. Tennis has taught the seniors important life lessons. For Astorino, a second-team all-Academy league player, “even though there are people who are more talented, if you are smart, you can win.” She said, “You don’t have to be the best to do your best.” Her individual goal this season is to make a difference on the team and to continue to bring “drive.”

Katie Bick, last year’s league MVP doubles player with Billingsley, says tennis has taught her that achievement is based on attitude. The team captain wants to bring confidence to the team so “[they] believe in [themselves] and know that [they] can definitely win.” Her personal goal is to be able to stay focused throughout an entire match so she and Billingsley do not “drop games.”

“Attitude can make or break a team or even a win,” Bick recalls Soleimany telling the team this year. “If you have persistence, focus, and a positive attitude, you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Tennis also taught Soleimany, another second-team all-Academy league player, how to have the determination and will to succeed. Her

Photo Courtesy of Molly Wang

own goal this year is to “go into every match believing I can win regardless of who I play,” and to play aggressively.

As for Billingsley, also a first-team, all-Academy league player with Bick, she hopes to get back on a winning streak because she has learned that “nothing is ever that serious that it can’t be fixed, or at least learned from.”

The girls for years, like the boys, have also been able to compete and beat some significantly larger schools in higher divisions.

All of this success on both the girls’ and boys’ sides of the tennis program is largely due to head coach, AG Longoria, who has been selected coach of the month by The Bolt Staff.

AG has been with Sage from the beginning, working with the Sage Hill Tennis Program for all 10 years of the school’s history. Players say that AG is a really skilled coach and that they appreciate how he develops and improves both individuals and the team as a whole.

One of Longoria’s players says that “AG uses strategy more than every other coach, and it benefits the team a lot.” Players also say that Coach AG always knows the right time, depending on the opponent, to stack the doubles teams with the top players and when to put the best players on the singles teams in order to win. His strategies have clearly been shown to work just from all the great results and success his teams have had throughout the years.

The boys’ program has been strong for many years, but last year they were the best they had ever been. The boys’ tennis team beat St. Margaret’s twice, went undefeated and won first place in league. They also continued on to win CIF in their division, a huge accomplishment.

In addition, Sage has beaten large schools such as Newport Harbor (over five times the size of Sage) and Tesoro High School (about seven times the size of Sage). This year the guys will be playing in the CDM All-American tournament, which includes some of the best tennis teams in the nation. The Sage Tennis Program has had a memorable past, and an even brighter future ahead.

What does it take to be featured athlete of the month at Sage Hill? Well, I can give you the perfect example: Eric Cheng.

This senior not only demonstrates outstanding stats each game, but also illustrates what it is like to be a contributing member of a team.

This is his third year playing for Sage Hill’s Varsity Football team, and he proves it when he is out on the field.

Eric says (about the football team), “Our team is perseverant. We are tested, constantly challenged, and have nothing to do but embrace the long road ahead of us.

This season will definitely be determined by our attitude of the next few games.”

In simple words, Eric Cheng is genuinely a positive participant that any team would be lucky to have.

When I asked about what motivates him not only before a game but also in the daily practices throughout the season, Cheng’s immediate response was “the people who doubt [him] and the desire to always be an elite athlete.”

The rest of the team not only respects him for his defined skill, but also his attitude towards the sport. “He is relentless,” says quarterback Taylor Petty.

“Hard-working,” adds teammate Ford Hanour.

Eric Cheng does not only play football.

He is also dedicated to soccer in the upcoming season and track and field in the spring.

He hopes to continue athletics beyond Sage Hill School and throughout his time in college. Congratulations to Eric for being The Bolt’s first featured athlete of the month this year!

Photo Courtesy of Eric Cheng

Angels Baseball: Not in the Outfield Maddy Abbott ‘15 Staff Writer

This October, baseball fans have been thrown a curveball. As the American and National League championships were decided, not one of the top nine teams with the highest payrolls was still in contention for the World Series.

The Yankees? Out. Red Sox? Out. Our home teams?

The Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers?

Way out.

The Yankees, the richest Major League Baseball team, and their 202

million dollar payroll didn’t make the cut for this year’s trophy.

But the Tampa Bay Rays, a team with only a 40 million dollar payroll, slid safely into the plate of the playoffs.

This October, fans experienced what baseball is really about.

They watched as six underdog teams played with heart and a love for the game, while at the same time beating some of the league’s highest paid bullies.

Baseball once again reminded us that anyone can reach their dreams

with persistence, belief and dedication.

However, the victories of these unlikely teams brought up an intriguing point. At the beginning of every year baseball fans bemoan the importance of lots of money and high salaries.

In their minds, the highest paid teams like the Red Sox and the Yankees consistently make it to the playoffs and compete for a shot at the championship.

Every year, fans criticize the message teams are sending to the public, that money buys everything.

But this year, teams like the Rays and the Brewers proved these statements wrong. Determination can take you just as far as dollar bills.

So now that we have what the fans have asked for, it seems no one is paying attention.

Because some of these famous, popular teams are not in the running, people are saying that the series isn’t as exciting, that they have no reason to watch.

The Tigers, Rangers, Rays, Cardinals, Brewers and Diamondbacks have shown America that the underdogs do have a chance.

To young baseball fans watching, they have shown that nothing is impossible.

Fans are reminded of the childhood story “The Little Engine That Could,” for against all the odds, these comeback teams never gave up, and in the end, their determination paid off.

It’s nice to see a change this season. With all the excitement just wrapped up in the playoffs, the World Series should be nothing less than a deadlock.

November 2011 The Bolt

6 opinions the

bolt

The Bolt is published monthly as the official Sage Hill student-run newspaper. Since our founding year in 2000, we have served as a public forum for the Sage community. Our goal is to uphold a high standard of quality journalism in a way that is both engaging and informative for students and faculty. All issues are stored online in the archive at http://issuu.com/shsbolt. Please contact Shannon Zhang at 12ZhangS@sagehillschool.org if you have any questions, or a desire to guest write or take photographs for The Bolt.

Editor-in-Chief Shannon Zhang ‘12

Assistant Editors-inChief

Heather Goldin ‘12, Jenna Shapiro ‘13

Front Page

Editor: Natasha Sakraney ‘12 Writers: Elise Sugarman ‘13, Molly Wang ‘13

Features

Editors: Darren Chen ‘13, Natalie Kobsa-Mark ‘12 Writers: Joy Chang ‘13, Victoria Griffin ‘13

School Life

Editor: Joelle Nanula ‘14 Writers: Juliette Singarella ‘14, Brian Slaughter ‘15

Arts

Editor:Savannah Gardner ‘13 Writers: Celeste Broderick ‘14, Jeremy Dorne ‘13, Sidney Lee ‘15

Sports

Editor: Sophia Herzlinger ‘12 Writers: Spenser Apramian ‘12, Halland Mckenna ‘15, Kavi Sakraney ‘14

Opinions

Editor: Ashkan Khayami ‘12 Writers: Erika Lynn-Green ‘14, Eric Zhang ‘14

Lifestyle

Editor: Carlyn Kane ‘14 Writers: Andrea Candelaria ‘13, Katherine Bick ‘12

Back Page

Editor: Yoon Cha ‘13

Contributors

Alexa McElroy ‘12

Advisors

Joanne Ehret, Konnie Krislock

Sage Hill School established 2000 20402 Newport Coast Drive Newport Coast, CA 92657 (949) 219-0100 http://www.sagehillschool.org

A Day at Occupy Orange County Natalie Kobsa-Mark ‘12 Features Co-Editor

I’ve been at Occupy Orange County a number of times and realized it is important to share the going-ons of the movement to people who are too busy to join in, reluctant about it, and even those who are against the movement, to show how democracy is working.

As I arrive at 1 Civic Center Plaza, known to many as Irvine’s City Hall, I see the grass pitched with tents and see the familiar faces of people holding signs reading, “Healthcare not warfare,” “End the Fed,” “People before Profits,” and “People’s Need before Corporate Greed.”

I join them and hold up a sign I brought with me that reads, “I am 17 and already worried about my future.”

There are people of all stages of life here. Young children cling to their mothers who cling to their part-time jobs, while weak grandparents find enough strength to hold onto their beliefs for a brighter future.

There are libertarians and democrats, the financially rich and the financially poor.

I made various friends including an ER physician, a retired Iranian grandfather, a young guitar player, and a Buddhist soccer player. People gather together in their resentment of inequality and unite to express their burning desire for change.

There is also an open mike going on, open to everyone to speak their minds and hearts.

A single mother speaks about her home being taken away by the house foreclosures. She works 60 hours a week and barely meets the needs of her family. Her three children run up to her afterwards and hug her. The youngest holds a sign saying, “Make Toys Not War.” We start our march around 3 p.m.

We walk down Alton in a parade with 50 people. Although security seems intimidating, they are there to make sure everyone in the community, including protesters and drivers, stays safe.

Our chants are heard above the roar

of the cars while drivers honk and wave in support.

“Show us what democracy looks like;” “This is what democracy looks like,” we chant.

“Money for jobs and education not for banks and corporations,” we shout.

“We are the 99%, you are the 1%” we cheer.

The signs cover over a hundred topics including my friend’s sign, which simply says, “You are beautiful.”

When we return, I notice many people sitting in a circle meditating. I

walk over and join them. It is not unusual for a spontaneous meditation to break out; this is a peaceful protest, after all.

People leave and come back when they have free time. There is a donation tent handing out free food and water making sure everyone stays fed and hydrated. A feeling of community and generosity floats about the occupied “village,” as it is called.

As 7 p.m. approaches everyone gathers around the microphone for General Assembly to start for a gathering of the whole “village.”

Occupy Orange County is a leaderless, or rather leader-full movement (everyone is a leader!) and several committees have formed, including health and safety, outreach, logistics,

donations, marches, arts and entertainment, and the spiritual and meditation committee.

The facilitator starts the Assembly by leading a repetition. He recites, “We have gathered together… as the people… in a General Assembly… of the people… to INSIST UPON and FACILITATE… the conversation… that will carry us… from the world we lived in yesterday… to the BETTER world, we will live in tomorrow.” and we repeat the lines after him.

Then he describes various hand

village. – And THAT’S WHY… The occupation continues.

By 10 o’clock the grass must be completely cleared by Irvine law. We start cleaning beforehand and the grass is left spotless.

Since the Irvine City Council has not agreed to let protesters sleep over night, no one may lie down on public property between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am and those “over-nighting” must stay standing and move around every 15 minutes.

The Irvine Police comes out at night

Photo Courtesy of the OC Register

signals such as waving your fingers for agreement, forming your hands in an “X” for a “hard block” or opposition, and waving quotation marks for a “point of clarification” or asking a question.

This is the most equal form of representation I have ever witnessed; it is truly democracy down to its core.

Finally, we conclude the meeting with a beautiful quote. Mahatma Gandhi once said, that “Civil Disobedience becomes a sacred duty, when the state becomes lawless or corrupt.”

We are using the park not as a place to sleep, but as a form of speech. Because we finally believe, that it takes a

and watches the protesters to enforce that they keep standing and moving.

Although the common and rational reaction would be to give up and go home, many tenacious protesters stay through the night standing for eight hours in a candle vigil.

By the next morning, although everyone’s voices are hoarse, their voices will never get tired. Although everyone’s feet are sore, their feet will keep moving forward until change is achieved.

UN Meets in New York City: Will Palestine Ever Be Freed?

Erika Lynn-Green ‘15 Staff Writer

On September 23, Palestine submitted a formal request for statehood recognition to the United Nations Security Council, sparking further debate and questions about peace in the Middle East.

The president of the Palestine Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, and the prime minister of Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, both gave very partisan speeches about the tensions between Palestine and Israel.

These tensions were heightened by President Barack Obama’s declaration of complete support for Israel; Obama has said that the United States will veto Palestine’s bid for statehood from its position of power on the Security Council.

As if to highlight the futility or the importance of the day’s events, news of a deadly conflict in the West Bank was reported just before the speeches.

Palestine consists of two territories inside the state of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The main issue for Palestinians is Israeli settlement in Palestinian territory. Netanyahu refuses to even consider the importance of this

“ It’s like two people arguing over who should eat the pizza while one of them eats it.”

issue, saying ,“The core of the conflict is not the settlements, the settlements are a result of the conflict.”

Even while Netanyahu is open about resuming peace negotiations (which have been mandated by the UN Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators), he is condescending towards Palestine, saying that they will “get their state” only after an agreement had been made.

If the U.S. vetoes Palestine’s bid for statehood as Obama has been threatening, Palestine and Israel will be forced back to their old standoff of stop-andstart negotiation, while all the while people on both sides are killed and kidnapped.

Even during Abbas’ speech to the U.N. assembly, the report came in that a Palestinian man had been killed in the

“ Palestine needs a greater voice before any real progress can be made.”

West Bank, in a violent clash between Israeli settlers (who brought in Israeli soldiers) and Palestinian villagers. And the Israeli prime minister says that settlements are not causing conflict?

Even the mandatory peace negotiations starting now have no clause for freezing Israeli settlements; as The Economist puts it, it’s like two people arguing over who should eat the pizza while one of them eats it .

Palestine needs a greater voice before any real progress can be made. That means statehood, but Israel, and also the U.S., are standing in the way.

One of the crucial elements in Palestine’s saga is Hamas, because therein lies the U.S.’s fundamental opposition to statehood.

Hamas governs the Gaza Strip, and

is recognized by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. The two Palestinian governments are very different.

Abbas and the Fatah government of the West Bank are “arch rivals” of Hamas; while Hamas uses kidnappings and prisoner swaps to achieve ‘measurable’ results. Abbas uses diplomatic, and slower routes. Where would the state of Palestine be?

The U.S. fears that formal recognition of Palestine means formal recognition of Hamas as a legitimate organization, like patting them on the head.

It is a real danger; there is no guarantee that the permanent government of Palestine would be Fatah. To Palestinians, especially youth, Hamas means popularized, passionate freedom, albeit with terrorism.

The U.S. will not yield to Palestine because to the U.S. it means yielding to Hamas, and also because Israel, their longtime ally, turns a blind eye to illegal settlements and the violence they cause.

Palestine’s bid for formal state recognition will not be passed until Israel and the U.S. are satisfied, because they hold the power.

November 2011 The Bolt

lifestyle 7

Is Service Learning Effective?

Eric Zhang ‘14 Staff Writer

At Sage, Service Learning represents our movement as a community to fulfill our public purpose.

For upperclassmen, Service Learning is an opportunity to dedicate time to a common goal of contributing and helping our community through our passions, whether it’s hosting an academic field day for middle-school kids, volunteering through the Make-a-Wish program, or supporting Savannah’s Organic Ranch.

For underclassmen at Sage, Service Learning is very different.

Freshmen and sophomores spend their SL days at El Sol, Killybrook, and Wilson, elementary schools in Orange County.

Once there, we spend time with our “buddies,” and guide them in completing school projects. Freshmen and their buddies work on a science experiment using the scientific method, while sophomores help craft a creative writing essay.

Harmless and purposeful enough right? Not exactly.

While the program provides the elementary school students with an enriching experience and a positive influence from students, some objective is lost in the process.

The bustling excitement displayed by a nine year-old meeting their Sage buddy is uplifting, but can also be detrimental at times.

The main problem is that often, the kids become more concerned with having fun and getting to know their older buddies than focusing on the main objective, which is the academic aspect.

Sophomore Jack Williamson said, “I loved getting to know my Service Learning buddy freshman year, but too often I felt that he just wanted to go play soccer at lunch with me, and once he got his mind set on that, it was extremely hard to get back to doing his science experiment.”

The excitement the buddies have can be overwhelming, and often times test the patience of the Sage kids. With so much work waiting to be completed, unfortunately sometimes the Sage students end

up completing the project for them, essentially ruining the concept of guiding their buddies.

Is this a major problem? No, because more often than not, the positive benefits that are created through the partnership overshadow the small kinks in the system. This doesn’t mean minor changes can’t be implemented though.

What if, instead of just accomplishments in the classroom, Sage students shared their sense of public purpose? Instead of assisting the elementary students on an English paper, both sides could go out and help the rest of the community.

Finding ways to contribute would not be hard; students could plant trees with their younger buddies, collect trash at the beach, participate in fundraisers for certain causes.

The logistical planning could be a combined effort, as well as the physical actions taken to implement the services.

By involving the younger kids in community service, Sage students would be setting an example of how beneficial it can be to serve. Doing so would not only provide a positive influence, but also would get the younger kids directly involved.

While the Sage students would still have to work towards effectively guiding their buddies, it would also be much harder to lose them, as everyone would always be constantly involved. The tangible benefits of each session would be rewarding enough that the young students would stay committed.

We, as a Sage community, must reflect and appreciate how privileged we are to be able to have time allotted to public service.

For the underclassmen, the sense of fulfillment is often rewarding and satisfying. Satisfying, yes, but should we be completely satisfied?

With possible improvements to be made, the answer can very well be “no.”

In the end, I don’t mean to criticize Service Learning. Rather, I want to offer a new perspective on its full potential.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Breast Cancer Month Recap Katherine Bick ‘12 Staff Writer

The month of October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is an annual international health campaign organized to increase awareness of the disease.

It also raises money for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 to promote mammography as the best weapon in the fight against breast cancer. In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, of Estee Lauder Companies, started the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.

Around the world, companies and organizations are showing support. Professional and college sports teams show support by wearing pink socks, gloves, cleats, and other apparel during games. Our own Sage Hill football team wore pink during their game on Friday, October 21st. Also, many of our cross-country runners and other members of the Sage Hill Community participated in the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” on Sunday, September 25th.

The “Race for the Cure” was held for the first time in Dallas, Texas where 800 people participated. Now, it is held all around the world in countries like Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. A Susan G. Komen race is held every year in Newport Beach and circles around Fashion Island as hundreds come to show support.

In addition to the Race for the Cure, there is a “Ride to Empower” which started in 2008 and raises money for Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s programs.

The “Ride to Empower” is held in Springdale, Utah near the entrance of the Zion National Park.

To show support for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, Estee Lauder is lighting 200 global landmarks and has lit major landmarks in the past including the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, and the Empire State Building in New York. Within local communities it is popular for people to host “Pink Days.” Pink Days usually involve themes parties or days where employees wear pink clothes to work.

In addition to these events, there were many educational and fundraising opportunities this month.

On Saturday October 8th, there was a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at the Grove of Anaheim and on Thursday October 13th, the 1st Annual Breastival Event was held at the St. Jude Medical Center.

Towards the end of the month, there were Health Expositions on October 26th and October 29th in order to educate individuals on how to prevent and detect breast cancer. Since last month was dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, these events were crucial for the goal of achieving awareness.

iHeart Radio Festival Andrea Candelaria ‘13 Staff Writer

Type “I Heart Radio” into the Google search bar and you’ll get 29 million results. iHeartRadio is a radio app for smartphones that recently sponsored a music festival in order to promote it’s musically diverse stations.

The iHeartRadio music festival was kind of a big deal. Tickets for the two-day event held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas sold out in less than 10 minutes, leaving many unlucky concertgoers without entrance to the “….biggest live music event in

radio history,” as identified by Ryan Seacrest.

However, Sage Hill’s very own Madison Jabara ‘13 was one of the lucky select to score tickets to the festival just a month before it took place.

Accompanied by her brother, Madison watched her favorite artist, Nicki Minaj, and a handful of other contemporary performers such as Rascall Flats, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Coldplay, and Jay-Z. Critics and audiences’ reviews alike had mixed

feelings about the performances and lineup.

Some radio-favorites failed to give a promising performance.

Madison comments, “My least favorite part of the festival was Jennifer Lopez. Her performance didn’t live up to my expectations.”

Disappointments like these are understandable and maybe even inevitable; the idea behind the festival was to create a lineup that reflected the different tastes and preferences of listeners of

stations such as “LA’s #1 Hit Music Station,” 102.7, or “So Cal’s Finest Old School,” 92.

3.

Naturally, viewers were bound to like some performances more than others based on their own music tastes.

But, as Madison reflects, “The festival overall was super fun; it was neat to watch different artists coming from different musical genres perform at one event.”

Though most of us frequent radio listeners were unfortunate-

ly absent during the festival, we still get to enjoy the iHeartRadio app through our smartphones.

Its features allow you to create your own stations and even make nation-wide radio stations accessible on your phone.

“The fact that I can listen to Kiss FM when I’m in New York, or listen to a station from New York here, is what makes iHeartRadio so great.”

I know I’ll be looking into getting this app for my phone… and tickets for the next festival.

8 back page

November 2011 The Bolt

Remembering

Geoffrey

Photos Courtesy of Facebook

“G

eoffrey was an inspiration in every sense of the word, and I hope dearly that his family is able to find peace. You will be missed, brother.”

Brandon Rayhaun ‘11

“Geoffrey, I remember asking you during senior year of high school what you want to do with your life, and you said, quite simply, ‘I want to leave.’ You wanted to leave California; you wanted to eventually leave planet Earth to start anew elsewhere; you always wanted to find out what else there was. Well, Geoffrey, it seems that you have unfortunately left, and I can only hope that your current exploration of whatever lies beyond is at least as fascinating as you are.

You were always too curious for what was happening in the here and now...

You made an indelible mark on my life and it seems on the lives of everyone around you. I have absolutely no idea where my life would be right now without your influence, without your wit and dry charm, or without your friendship.

“Brilliance is rare, but certainly not unknown.

Sophisticated humor is uncommon, but not unknown.

Clarity of thought is in short supply, but some have it.

Intellectual honesty, untainted and unhindered by preconception isn’t a common trait, but it’s seen from time to time.Compassion, integrity, and loyalty are too rarely seen, but are present in some.

But, for a man to have all of these qualities, well, that’s the rarest thing in the world.

So, Geoffrey was the rarest thing in the world. Those who knew him are more because of him, and this world is less with his departure.”

Frank Paladino

“Geoffrey never was afraid to be exactly who he was. He challenged the unknown and always knew there was infinite knowledge ahead. He accepted every challenge head on, and never let adversity bring him down or get in his way. .. He always proved anyone who doubted him wrong.

He was a true success in everything he ever attempted...

Geoffrey’s legacy won’t be forgotten, and as we all attempt To quote a song I remember listening to in the car with you to recover from this loss, he will continue changing the at full blast last summer, shine on you crazy diamond... I will world. Rest in peace, Geoffrey.” never forget you; let me know how cool the cosmos are.” Arden Bronstein ‘10 Anthony Mainero ‘10, Excerpt from To a Most Incredible Engineer, Zingaro, and Friend “To Geoffrey Burns, a true Renaissance Man: You were one of the most brilliant men I have even known. You had “To pull from your Facebook, Geoffrey, ‘Knowing is better the unique ability to silence a room just by opening your than wondering, waking is better than sleeping, and even the mouth to speak and were never afraid of standing up for the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the heck out of never things you believed in. As a fellow student, I was always trying.’ I know this is how you lived every second of your curious what wonderful things you would accomplish when life, how you never had a wasted or inactive moment or you grew up and it’s so sad that the world will never get thought. We are all better for having known you.” a chance to experience your true potential. I’m honored Leah Sams ‘10 that I had the opportunity to know you and be your friend.

May you rest in peace.”

Andrew Dorne ‘10