Graduation Issue 2018

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THE REVIEW

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL 2401 CLAREMONT LANE HOUSTON, TX 77019

SJSREVIEW.COM GRADUATION 2018 VOL. 69. ISSUE 6

HOW HARVEY SET THE TONE FOR A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND CHANGE ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN KIM

College Decisions 2018

INSIDE NEWS 2 FEATURES 5 SPORTS 7 HARVEY REVISITED 8 CULTURE 11 OPINIONS 13 PHOTOSTORY 16

Find out where this year’s seniors are headed in our special four-page pullout.

ASHWINI BANDI

Edwards to retire, Kuhl named Academic Dean

By Abigail Poag

Judy Edwards, Academic Dean and champion of wellness and a balanced academic life for the past 18 years, will retire at the end of June.

Edwards, who became Academic Dean in 2009, helped students and teachers alike adjust to the new schedule by managing their course loads and advising new families.

“Ms. Edwards’ approach is student-centered — she starts every conversation with the student at the heart of it,” Head of Upper School Hollis Amley said. “She is a great combination of compassion and kindness while also holding firm on standards and expectations for the School.”

When students return from an extended absence or struggle to keep up with their classes, Edwards sits down with them to work out a plan of action and stresses the importance of friends, rest and family time.

Edwards joined the faculty in 2000 and taught Algebra II. Encouraged by other faculty members, she applied for and was promoted to Academic Dean after Ann Louise Hagerty stepped down from the role.

“I began to consider the position so I could work with a broader range of students and families,” Edwards said. “I love working with students and building that relationship with them — talking about possibilities and helping them when they are struggling or just want to look at what lies ahead.”

Edwards did not always plan on working in education. Graduating with a double major in mathematics and Spanish from the University of Texas, she set her sights on the energy sector, only to be dissuaded by a downturn in the market. Because she had taken some education classes in college, Edwards decided to try her hand at teaching.

“I entered education very serendipitously, but then I fell in love with it — I knew it was a calling,” Edwards said. “I get to work with young people, with families, with faculty and help them figure out how to solve problems. You don’t get that when you work in business.”

When junior Leanna Shebib missed three weeks of school in March and April, Edwards helped her reacclimate to the intense

academic tempo and make up assignments.

“I couldn’t have gotten through it without her,” Shebib said. “Any time I would be stressed out I would go to Ms. Edwards, and she would make me feel so much better, repeating that all I needed to focus on was my health.

I am insanely grateful for her emotional and academic help, and she will be greatly missed.”

Having worked closely with Edwards as Assistant Academic Dean since 2010, Jennifer Kuhl will take over as Academic Dean on July 1.

Kuhl, who also started working at St. John’s in 2000, has taught chemistry and served alongside Edwards as AssisLEILA PULASKI tant Dean of Students from Judy Edwards, seated, will retire at the end of June after 18 years at St. John’s.

Edwards 2007 to 2010 before bejoined the faculty as a math teacher in 2000 and became Academic Dean in 2009. coming Assistant Academic Jennifer Kuhl, standing, will take over as Academic Dean for the 2018-2019 school year.

Dean.

“I have the greatest peace, the greatest confidence, the greatest respect coming an hour-long talk,” senior Samuel Board and ACT extended-time accommodations, duties that the Academic Dean for Mrs. Kuhl taking over this position,” Ho said. “She was always willing to help.”

While Kuhl displayed an early interest in and College Counseling used to oversee.

Edwards said. chemistry, or as she puts it, “mixing things The Academic Support Coordinator will In addition to providing academic guidtogether,” it was only after she had worked also oversee all on-campus testing, includance, the Academic Dean communicates as a lab assistant after college that she quesing the PSAT and AP exams. with department chairs about the academic tioned whether she truly wanted to pursue The Academic Support Coordinator will calendar and, as of next year, will oversee a science career.

With a degree in chemistry work closely with the Upper School Councourse-scheduling, a responsibility Kuhl from Georgia Tech under her belt, she went selor and Academic Dean. will carry over from her time as Assistant to Georgia State and earned a master’s deWhile the School may be in the midst Academic Dean. gree in education. of change, Edwards looks forward to a qui“Mrs. Kuhl understands the culture of the Kuhl says that her background in classet retirement.

Besides visiting her threeschool, she already understands the office room-teaching was benefi cial in fulfi lling month-old granddaughter in Hawaii and and she understands the academic guideher role as an administrator. taking her grandson in Katy to kindergarlines of the program,” Amley said. “When “I could not do what I do now without ten, Edwards plans on taking art, history you’re trying to keep a program in a steady, knowledge of how things operate in the and psychology classes and volunteering to stable place, it’s great when you are able to classroom,” Kuhl said.

“I have to underrock newborn babies at the hospital. promote someone internally to the posistand how curriculum works, how courses After devoting her career to helping othtion.” work, what the priorities are to make sure ers find balance, Edwards finally has the Kuhl’s students know her as a warm, carthat students are getting what they need.” opportunity to turn her attention to her ing teacher who still challenges them to dig Beginning next year, the role of Academown life. deep into understanding chemistry.

“It has been great working in a school “I would go in to ask her questions about ic Support Coordinator will replace Assistant Academic Dean.

While many of the that always is looking to improve and open assignments, and what I would plan on responsibilities will remain the same, the to change,” Edwards said. “My heart will having be a five- or 10-minute discussion Academic Support Coordinator will work always be at and with SJS, and I will never about a question or two would end up bewith College Counseling regarding College be far. SJS has been a blessing into my life.”

Review receives national accolades, recognition

By Abigail Poag and Ryan Chang

The Review received numerous awards for work published during the 2016-2017 school year, but the biggest accolade came at the National Scholastic Press Association Fall Convention in Dallas when the Hurricane Harvey Special Edition received Best of Show.

Along with the NSPA, The Review received awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for work published last school year.

Aileen Zhang (’17) received the highest individual honor for best Comic Strip from NSPA for “Charted,” a comic that utilized infographics to comedic effect.

For the fifth year in a row, The Review was named a Crown Finalist by the CSPA, receiving a Silver Crown in the hybrid publication category, marking the first time The Review competed in the print and online category.

The Review Online, although just five years old, earned nine Gold Circle Awards from the CSPA for work appearing online.

Manar Ansari won first place for her quirky feature on the Tautology Club that began, “The first rule of the Tautology club is the first rule of the Tautology Club.”

Executive editor Dani Yan and copy editor Eli Maierson placed second in the Personality Profile and Breaking News categories, respectively.

Assignments editor Sophie Caldwell won a commendation in Personal Opinion: Off-cam-

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pus Issues, and Online Section Editor Shani Israel won a commendation for her personality profile of Katherine Yao, “Junior Celebrates Special Leap Year Birthday.”

Online music columnist John Kennedy (‘17) earned second place in Humor Commentary for his election-season critique of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s music preferences.

For the first time, The Review Online earned Distinguished Site status from School Newspapers Online for the 2017-2018 school year. Distinguished Sites are online newspapers that meet SNO’s standards for journalistic excellence.

Executive Editor Claire Furse, Assistant Online Editor Ryan Chang and staff writer Sara Doyle each won a Best of SNO award for their online articles.

Next year’s Editorial Board has been restructured to match the growth of the publication. Iris Chen and Sophie Caldwell are next year’s print Editors-in-Chief. For the first time, there will be two Online Editors-in-Chief: Ryan Chang will oversee all online articles while Sophia Kontos will manage multimedia content. The Editorial Board will also include Senior Assignments Editor Eli Maierson, Senior Design Editor Prithvi Krishnarao and Creative Director Stephen Kim. A group of seven Review editors will travel to Columbia University this June for the annual summer workshop for high school students.

THE REVIEW

NEWS

MAY 17, 2018

Year in Review

CLARA BROTZEN-SMITH

Chidsey dominates first House Cup competition

By Maggie Ballard

When the House System was first introduced six years ago, many students were skeptical.

“It was mostly just a shirt you would wear on All-School Convocation days and Field Day,” Head Prefect-elect Juliette Draper said.

This year, SAC attempted to change that perception and give relevance to the system.

SAC created the Fun Committee, affectionately known as FUNC, to organize competitions around school for members to earn points for their houses.

SAC wanted to become a more significant aspect of student life. According to Draper, since the House System is all about uniting people, it was natural for SAC to promote it more.

To encourage increased participation, students voted online on May 14 to elect two rising seniors, one boy and one girl, as captain for each house.

As of the most recently updated standings, Chidsey House holds the lead with 305 points, Taub in second with 180, Mulligan in third with 147, Hoodwink with 140, Winston with 84 and Claremont with 65.

The official results will be announced on May 17, with the winning team receiving pizza and cake along with an engraved trophy.

Wesley Gow, a junior in Chidsey House, said their strong showing was due to effort and participation.

“Eight Chidseys would show up and only four people from the other houses,” Gow said.

Gow, a fall SAC representative, organized a few games with the FUNC Committee, including the Taylor Swift trivia competition. He also competed in some games in the spring semester when he was no longer on SAC. Claremont sophomore Mia Murillo won the “Parks and Rec” trivia competition by practicing on Buzzfeed quizzes beforehand.

“I am a huge fan of the show, especially Leslie Knope.

I was eager to snag a win for Claremont,” Murillo said. “I felt confident in my ‘Parks and Rec’ knowledge, but the

trivia ended up being harder than expected for everyone.

I was in eighth place for a good portion of the game, but my studying finally paid off.”

Physics teacher Franco Posa, a member of Chidsey House, has hosted many of the trivia sessions in his classroom.

“Dr. [Nolan] Harris and I have tried to make our engineering rooms accessible to the entire community, and we’re very happy to host the trivia competitions,” Posa said.

Most House competitions are announced through the weekly infographic and posters around campus. For REYGAN JONES games like Jenga or Charades, around 10 people With over 300 points, Chidsey House built a sizable lead in the first House usually attend, while trivia Games, which included events such as Harry Potter trivia and kickball. competitions often draw up trivia matches. to 25 participants.

According to Gow, there has definitely been more particOutside of games and competitions, SAC continues to ipation this spring than in previous years. develop ways for students to earn points for their houses, “I hope that there will be more participation in the house such as the SAC logo-making contest. games in general, but I still hope that Chidsey continues SAC plans to create an eco-challenge in which students its dominating streak,” Gow said. “If people just join in will clean up the campus to earn points. and everyone cares about the houses, it will be really fun.”

“I am hoping that next year we can make the system Draper wants the House competitions to become a of house points more geared towards making the school a stress-reliever for students. better place,” Draper said.

“St. John’s kids love competition,” Draper said. “[SAC This semester’s events have included a kickball and ping competitions are] just another way for people to have fun pong competition, a watermelon-eating contest and Harduring the day and take their minds off school.” ry Potter, Parks & Rec, The Office and Game of Thrones

Alumni Fletcher, Moser compete in congressional runoff

By Sophie Gillard and Sara Doyle On a warm Thursday evening in May, roughly 120 Democrats packed into the multipurpose room of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for the first and only debate between Democratic congressional candidates Lizzie Fletcher (’93) and Laura Moser (’95).

The two runoff candidates squared off on issues ranging from healthcare to Harvey in the debate, which was hosted by the Bayou Blue Democratic Club. After an hour and a half of back-and-forth, it became clear that the differences between the candidates were subtle, but their styles and campaign strategies were sharply distinct.

Fletcher and Moser are competing in the May 22 Democratic primary runoff for the chance to run against Republican incumbent John Culberson and flip Texas’ Seventh Congressional District in November.

Fletcher and Moser earned the most votes in the March 6 primary, in which seven candidates vied for the Democratic challenger spot. Fletcher won 29 percent of the vote and Moser 24 percent, but they must now compete in a runoff since neither won more than 50 percent of the vote.

Moser, founder of the political action texting service Daily Action, has said that her campaign is focused on bringing new voters to the polls by campaigning in areas that Democrats have traditionally neglected, especially in the western part of the district.

“My whole gamble is that you can only flip this district if you get new people to vote,” Moser said. “There are not enough crossover voters, so the only way to have a chance of winning is to bring new people into the race and get people excited to show up.”

Fletcher, a Houston lawyer who received the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle, is assembling a broad coalition of progressives, Independents and moderate

Republicans to carry the candidate to victory.

“I’ve always viewed the opponent in the race as John Culberson, the incumbent Republican,” Fletcher said. “My view is very much that John Culberson is the opponent and that we are all trying to take him on but that we are all on the same side.”

People who attended the debate noticed the candidates’ distinct political styles.

“Laura was blunt in her responses, more open and more to the point,” said sophomore Mia Murillo, a volunteer for the Fletcher campaign. “Lizzie is more of an explainer; she went deep into the policy on all of her answers.”

ANDREA PETERSON The race for District 7 is being closely followed across the Lizzie Fletcher, left, and Laura Moser will face off on May 22 for a chance to run nation. The traditionally con- against Republican incumbent John Culberson and flip district TX-07. servative district, which covers believes that 2018 will be a year of political has brought some negative attention. In a small area of western Harris February, the Democratic Congressional County, turned heads after the 2016 pres- change for the district.

“People in this district are ready for someCampaign Committee released opposition idential election when it voted for Demoone who cares about the issues and knows research on Moser highlighting allegedly crat Hillary Clinton instead of Republican about the issues that we have been talking disparaging statements she made about her Donald Trump. Two years later, Democrats about here in Houston for many years,” home state. are hoping that Clinton’s victory in the disFletcher said.

“I don’t think that John CulEarlier this year, the AFL-CIO criticized trict means it could turn blue. berson is focused on those issues, whether Fletcher and endorsed Moser. Fletcher’s law The road to Democratic victory is a long it’s flooding, transportation and his efforts firm, AZA, represented a cleaning compaone: it has been 51 years since TX-07 sent to thwart Metro, or whether it’s talking ny that won $5.3 million in damages from a Democrat to the House. As a result, the about common sense gun safety.” a labor union affiliated with the AFL-CIO. runoff has become a referendum on which Fletcher is not the only one who senses Fletcher herself was not involved in the candidate will appeal to the most voters change in the air.

A record 575 women decase. when she faces Culberson in the general Despite these controversies, both candielection. Electability has become a central clared their candidacies in 2018 for House, Senate and gubernatorial races nationally. dates focused on local issues like flooding issue, especially because the candidates In Texas, more than half of the women runand transportation during the debate. share so many policy positions as well as a ning for the House advanced to general or Early voting for the runoff began on May high school alma mater. runoff elections.

14 and ends May 18.

Despite the difficulties either Democrat The spotlight on Fletcher and Moser Election Day is May 22. will face as the nominee, each candidate

SJSREVIEW.COM

NEWS

MAY 17, 2018

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Former Rice dean to head college counseling

By Iris Chen

After a nationwide search to select the new Director of College Counseling, St. John’s found the successor to Wendy Chang right here in Houston.

Julie Browning comes to SJS from Rice University, where she served as the Dean of Undergraduate Enrollment at Rice University for the past 20 years.

Browning will assume the job full-time on July 1, but she will be on campus throughout May and June to conduct strategic-planning meetings with the Associate Directors of College Counseling and the sophomores and juniors she will be counseling.

In addition to her 27 total years at Rice, Browning also worked at Rhodes College, Meredith College and Duke University.

“There is almost nothing that can replace that depth and breadth of experience of reading tens — if not hundreds — of thousands of applications and having to make decisions at a really selective level,” said Chang, who praised Browning’s lengthy experience in admissions. “There are very few people in the country who have the experience she does.”

According to Chang, Browning’s experience managing a large department will be a big asset to the program.

After reading college applications from SJS students for so long, Browning has a clear understanding of the high caliber of the students and faculty.

Browning hopes that her experience will help her “demystify” the admissions process and make it less frightening for students and parents alike.

“What a privilege it is to work with these families and help them explore their opportunities,” she said.

Browning understands how stressful the college admissions process has become.

“I would like to think that I can help to lower the temperature a little bit and help people see that this transition is enjoyable and not something to be dreaded,” she said.

“At a school like St. John’s, you should be less stressed because you’re so well-prepared.”

After working for three decades on the college side, Browning, who is a certified secondary counselor with experience interning in counseling offices, will now be working her first full-time job “on the other side of the desk.”

“This was an opportunity to go back and say ‘gosh, this is originally where I wanted to get started,’” Browning said.

According to Browning, working as a college counselor appealed to her because it offers the opportunity to engage with students and guide them through the admissions process and focus on the realization that there are many col-

leges that will make them happy.

“Forming long-term, meaningful relationships with students is going to be so rewarding,” she said.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Browning joined the Vocational Education Demonstration Project, a research and demonstration project that investigated the effectiveness of career education programs in secondary schools. As a social worker, Browning taught disadvantaged high school students skills including résumé-writing and interviewing.

As a first-generation college student herself, Browning empathized with the plight of those students, many of whom live below the poverty line, and sought to help them gain the best educational and career opportunities possible.

Both personally and professionally, Browning acknowledges that college can make the difference in a student’s life. According to Browning, a college education CLAIRE SEINSHEIMER “positions you to be in charge of Julie Browning has worked at Rice for the last 27 years, serving as your life.”

When the grant for the Voca- Dean of Undergraduate Enrollment for the past two decades. She will tional Education Demonstration replace Director of College Counseling Wendy Chang on July 1.

Project expired, Browning transiChang will head to New York City to serve as Director tioned to working in the admissions department at Rhodes of Deans and College Counseling at Avenues: The World College.

School, an international school that is in the process of While she found her time in college admissions enjoyable opening campuses around the world. and rewarding, Browning was ready for a change. Her colIn her remaining weeks on campus, Chang will work leagues and friends encouraged her to apply at SJS, and she with Browning to make the transition as seamless as posquickly found common ground with the administrators sible. and college counselors.

“Change can be a little scary,” Chang said. “Students have “You get very comfortable in one environment, and then to have faith that we always want every student to feel like you have to uproot yourself and move to a new environ- they have personal attention from someone who is invested ment,” Browning said, “but to be successful and to broad- in their process. The individual people might change, but en our experiences, we have to have the courage to embrace the expertise and care doesn’t change.” change.”

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MAY 17, 2018

Take note: singers rise to stardom Wilson follows father’s footsteps

Brown brings talents to Instagram

LEILA PULASKI

Heavily influenced by his church and father Brian Courtney Wilson, a renowned gospel singer, sophomore Joshua Wilson enjoys performing gospel music as well as R&B, pop and alternative music.

By Sinclair Mott

REYGAN JONES

Natalie Brown, who has amassed over 3,500 Instagram followers in five months, began singing when she was four. Brown also performs in musicals and plays guitar, piano, flute and ukulele.

By Izzy Andrews

W

hen Joshua Wilson was applying to preschools, his mother wrote on the application that her son “loves to sing.” Little did she know just how important music would be in his life.

When Wilson was just 13 years old, he attended the 2015 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, where his father, Brian Courtney Wilson, was nominated for gospel album and song of the year. At the end of his televised performance of “Worth Fighting For,” which took place in front of thousands of spectators, Wilson brought Joshua on stage to sing the final verse.

“That was definitely the biggest stage I have performed on,” Wilson said. “I was scared out of my mind, but it was cool because my dad trusted me to sing there.”

With a musician as a father, Wilson was exposed to music at a young age. Wilson cites his father and church as major influences that shaped his musical development and his dream of spreading a Christian message through his own music.

Wilson, who performs with his church choir and plays JV basketball, also enjoys performing R&B, pop and alternative music, but gospel music holds a deeper meaning for him.

“Gospel music stuck with me because it represents my faith,” Wilson said.

During last year’s Music Chapel, Wilson performed “Made a Way,” a gospel song by Travis Greene. Although Wilson felt confident in his singing abilities and had the experience of performing live on television, he was nervous to share something so personal with the entire Upper School.

“I have performed in front of crowds before, but I was scared of how they would

“

respond to my singing about my faith because most of the other performers sang current pop songs or country music,” Wilson said. “I wasn’t nervous about singing or messing up, but I was nervous about the response.”

Wilson was happy with the way people responded to his Music Chapel performance and was glad to have shared his passion for music with others.

“He sings all the time around his friends,” sophomore Chad Faykus said. “It was really cool how he went up and sang a gospel song with his dad in the building.”

Wilson enjoys performing in front of his peers, but he feels most comfortable singing in church because his message resonates with more people.

As a child, Wilson listened almost exclusively to gospel music and joined his church choir, which quickly became one of his favorite pastimes. Now a sophomore, he regularly performs in church and with his father.

Brian Courtney Wilson has released three best-selling gospel albums and has been nominated for multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, winning traditional gospel album of the year in 2015. He has also received a Grammy nomination for Gospel Performance Song of the Year for “Worth Fighting For.” “My dad is the best male vocalist out right now,” Wilson said. “He kept me around good people, made sure I didn’t steer wrong and taught me so much.”

Wilson often listens to and draws inspiration from songs on his father’s most recent album, “A Great Work.”

He hopes to spread his faith through music and inspire others with his singing.

“The whole purpose of gospel music is to lead others to Christ, so I enjoy doing that

Gospel music stuck with me because it represents my faith.

-joshua wilson

SJSREVIEW.COM

W

hen Natalie Brown was in the third grade, her favorite musical was “Annie.” She auditioned for the HITS Theatre production but did not get the coveted lead role.

Instead of dropping the HITS Show, Brown simply staged her own production.

Brown directed and starred in the musical, recruiting fellow SJS third grade students to play the other characters and a few kindergarten students as the younger orphans. She held frequent rehearsals at her house before the big performance in May 2012 at the Briar Club.

Now a freshman, Brown has developed into a singer-songwriter with a growing social media presence and a number of live performances under her belt.

“Natalie is one of those people with talent that can’t be taught,” said Willie Guy Arnot, Brown’s guitar instructor. “I don’t believe in fate or predestination, but I do believe Natalie’s future 100 percent lies in music.”

Brown writes her own songs in addition to performing covers of pop and rock songs and musical theater numbers.

Arnot said Brown’s songwriting is “as polished as anything on the radio” from a lyrical and melodic perspective Singing and songwriting are Brown’s favorite musical activities. She takes pride in completing songs with “good lyrics, a good melody and cool chords.”

“It always makes me really proud to know that I’ve created something that’s never been created before,” she said.

Brown draws inspiration for her songs from her life but then expands on those concepts to make them more dramatic.

“It’s based in fact, but to some extent fiction,” she said. “I take some artistic license.”

Brown frequently posts her work on social media. She created an Instagram account, “nataliebrownmusic,” in December and has posted over 60 videos and amassed over 3,500 followers. Her most-visited In-

FEATURES

MAY 17, 2018

stagram clip attracted nearly 6,000 views.

She also has a YouTube channel where she posts full-length versions of the clips she puts on Instagram.

Brown’s YouTube videos are also higher quality than her Instagrams because she uses a microphone and video camera instead of her phone.

“It’s really crazy to me that so many people want to watch videos of me singing, but it’s been really fun and amazing to have their support,” Brown said.

Brown also has experience doing live performances. She usually plays alongside other students at gigs booked by Sessions Music in West University, where she takes lessons.

Brown attended the Nashville Songwriters Association International conference in April, where she learned about writing songs and working in the music business.

While in Nashville, she performed at open mic night at Bluebird Café, a renowned listening room.

Freshman Sarah Fiedorek, who performed in Brown’s “Annie” production, said she could tell even in third grade that Brown would keep pursuing her passion.

“It makes sense that she still does this and is still really good at it, having seen her growing up doing it,” Fiedorek said.

Brown, who began singing when she was four, “was addicted to it from the start.”

Although she has a heavy academic workload, Brown makes time for music.

She played the flute in middle school, and even though she stopped taking piano lessons when she was 10, she still plays recreationally.

Brown has taken voice lessons since fifth grade with Lauren Pastorek (’96) and guitar since seventh grade. She took up the ukulele this year.

“No matter the language you speak or where you’re from or what stage in life you’re at, everyone can find some piece of music to connect to,” she said.

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MAY 17, 2018

Triple crown: SPC in review Briefs by SJ Lasley, Dani Yan, and Gracie Blue; Design by Clara Brotzen-Smith

Genson Hooper-Price

BRUCE SCHWARTZ

Lindsey Price

EVAN HAMMERMAN

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TRACK The boys won their second SPC championship in three years with 172.5 points — 21.5 more than defending champion St. Stephen’s. The boys broke three school records en route to winning the 4x100 and 4x400 and finishing second in the 4x800. Junior Collin Fullen tied the school and SPC record in the 100-meter dash (10.57 seconds), while senior captain Drew Woodfolk broke his own 800-meter school record (1:56.53). JuBOYS’ AND GIRLS’ LACROSSE The girls arrived in Dallas after placing second in the city tournament the weekend before. After a lengthy weather delay, the Mavs faced Greenhill in a rainy opening game. Despite slippery sticks and difficult throwing conditions, the Mavs finished soaked but victorious with a 14-10 win. The skies cleared for an afternoon semifinal against Hockaday. The rest of the weekend felt like déjà vu for returning varsity players — at last year’s SPC, Hockaday defeated the Mavs in the semifinals, knocking the Mavs into the thirdplace game against Kinkaid.

The same sequence of

BOYS’ GOLF Their lowest tournament score of the season helped the Mavs finish fourth at SPC. The team, which features a majority of underclassmen, had a lone freshman, Sean O’Neal, finish in the top 10 individually. “After several strong finishes at golf tournaments and consistently low scores made by our players, we knew we were going to have a strong showing at SPC,” senior captain Gregory Dayao said. O’Neal tied for sixth individually, shooting a 152 across both days of the competition. “Given most of our players were underclassmen, they did not let the pressure get to them.” Dayao said. “They handled the tournament as a whole with grace, which led to not only our lowest tournament score of the season, but also the most outstanding SPC performance in more than 10 years.”

SOFTBALL In an underdog tale, the Mavs beat undefeated Greenhill for third place.

The Mavs entered SPC as the fourth seed from the South Zone, with a 3-9 record. Facing Oakridge in the first game, the Mavs run-ruled the Owls in the fourth inning, winning 10-0. “I’m proud of the determination, perseverance and tenacity of the entire team,” coach Isis Barron-Hutchinson said. On Saturday, the Mavericks faced Greenhill, the No. 1 seed from the North Zone. The Mavs started off with strong hits, including two home runs from catcher Laurel McKelvey. Junior pitcher Lauren Harpold notched 13 strikeouts.

The Mavericks led 6-3 heading into the last inning, but the Hornets battled back, cutting the deficit to one run. With two outs and runners on first and third, the Greenhill trail runner attempted to steal second.

nior Genson Hooper-Price won the 400 meters for the second consecutive year (48.39). In the 800 meters, Woodfolk, sophomore Douglas Parsley and junior Sam Faraguna finished second, third and fourth, respectively. “It was a nice ending to a great couple of years on the team,” senior captain Will Marx said. “Everything came together. When we’re at our best, nobody can beat us.”

On the girls’ side, the Mavs finished in fourth with 72 points on the strength of

events transpired this year. After losing to Hockaday, 19-6, the Mavs played the Falcons on Saturday. Since the Mavs had already suffered two losses to Kinkaid, most recently in the Houston city champions, the goal for the game was to “out-team” the Falcons. Kinkaid, stacked with Division I commits, proved a strong competitor, but the Mavs worked to have fun and maintain positive attitudes on the field, bench and in the stands, still coming up short, 12-8. “We placed lower than we wanted to but embodied what SJS represents,” senior captain Bettyann Leonard said. “We kept our grace when other teams repeatedly fouled us, we constantly cheered our teammates on and we never gave up.”

Entering SPC, the boys were riding a 13game winning streak, which they extended

Gregory Dayao

SUSAN BARTHELME

Instead of throwing to second base, McKelvey fired to third baseman Meridian Monthy, who tagged out the runner on third. “We went in as underdogs and played like we knew we were there to win it all,” Barron-Hutchinson said. “It was a great feeling.” Later, the Mavericks challenged Kinkaid in the semifinals.

McKelvey’s third homer put the Mavs on the scoreboard, but the Falcons staged a comeback, tying the game 3-3 in the top of the fifth. The Falcons pulled away in the last two innings, winning 6-3. For McKelvey, the team meant more than finishing third.

“Becoming best friends with everyone on the team was the best part,” she said.

GIRLS’ TENNIS In their quest to win back-to-back SPC titles, the Mavs had to defeat a familiar foe. Going in as the No. 1 seed from the South Zone, the Mavericks looked to continue their undefeated streak. With a 96.7 winning percentage, the team went in with confidence. Captain Hannah Johnston attributes the team’s success to the dedication and hard work during the off-season. “We were a lot more experienced and more focused,” Johnston said. “The preparation, the skill level and the experience from nearly all the players coming into the season was unprecedented.”

Because they entered SPC as the top seed, the Mavericks got a bye in the opening round of the bracket. The team faced the Greenhill Hornets in their first match and won in a 3-0 shutout.

The Mavericks snagged another shutout win against Houston Christian the next day, advancing to the championship against Kinkaid, a team they beat 3-2 in the regular season. The Mavs defeated Kinkaid 3-1 to win SPC for the second consecutive year.

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Christine Wang

SUSAN BARTHELME

Lauren Harpold

RICHARD LAZEAR

two third-place relay teams, the 4x100 and 4x400. Junior captain Mycah Clay placed fourth in the 100 and 200, both personal bests. “Being captain made me a lot more aware of how my actions influenced others,” Clay said. “Having to be the one that people looked up to was a big shift for me. It felt amazing to have my hard work pay off.” in the opening round by defeating the St. Stephen’s Spartans 19-1, advancing to the semifinals against the St. Mark’s Lions, the best team they faced all season.

The Mavs stayed competitive in the first half, keeping the game close at halftime, down 6-4, but the team failed to score in the second half and suffered a 16-4 loss. In the battle for third place, the Mavs played crosstown rival Kinkaid, losing 14-7. “SPC was an eye-opener,” senior captain Brock Cannon said. “We broke our 13-game win streak, but it prepared us to play in higher stakes games going into the city and state tournaments.”

GIRLS’ GOLF The Mavs placed first for the second year in a row, living up to their preseason slogan “Protect the Tiara.”

The captains May McCabe and Morgan Sholeen made this year’s SPC theme “princesses” and created the slogan to motivate the team to defend their championship status.

“Going into SPC, we felt very positive about how it would turn out,” Sholeen said. “My favorite memory was the team brunch where we revealed the theme. We decorated the table with pink and gave

Vijay Patel

SPORTS

BENNY HE

Thomas Carpenter

BENNY HE

everyone a tiara.” The Mavericks won all their regular season tournaments except one. In SPC, the girls placed first, 45 strokes ahead of Hockaday.

Sophomore Christine Wang shot a tournament-best 141 in the two-day tournament, and sophomore Denise Pan (144) tied for second place. McCabe, a junior, rounded out the top five with a score of 160. “I was really proud of how well the team played and how strong we were,” Sholeen said. “This year the team got along really well and just clicked. Everyone on the team is friends, and I had a great time spending my season with them.”

BASEBALL Under first-year head coach Clint Everts, the Mavs took a 19-10 record into SPC as fourth seed from the Katcher South Zone. They finished third. The Mavs Halligan faced the Greenhill Hornets in the opening round on Saturday, May 5, after games were cancelled for two days due to inclement weather. After dispatching the Hornets, 7-2, the Mavs advanced to the quarterfinals against the Oakridge Owls, the No. 1 seed from the North Zone. With one runner on, senior captain Michael Meaux hit his first career home run, staking the Mavs to a 5-0 lead. The Owls retaliated and trailed 5-4 in the bottom of the seventh. Freshman pitcher Landon McKelvey closed out the game with a strikeout, advancing the Mavs to the semifinals. “It was the culmination of everything we had worked towards, and to see it pay off was just incredible,” Meaux said. “That game was so special. I will never forget it.” Playing their third game of the day, including an emotional win over the top seed, the Mavs had little left in the tank, falling to Kinkaid 15-0 to LEILA PULASKI finish third.

Sara Doyle

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MAY 17, 2018

BOYS’ TENNIS Without any seniors on the team, the Mavs secured fifth at SPC by beating Cistercian and St. Andrew’s. “It was tough, but we realized that we don’t need seniors to be the backbone of our team,” junior captain Vijay Patel said. “Everyone on the team stepped up to fill their spots and play their best.” As third seed from the South Zone, the Mavericks faced the Cistercian Hawks, winning 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals where they lost to the Casady Cyclones, 3-1.

The Mavs faced St. Andrew’s looking to place fifth place. The Mavs avenged an early season loss to the Spartans by winning 3-0. “I was really proud of that win — it just shows how determined of a team we are and how we managed to exceed expectations this year,” Patel said.

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Harvey Revisited:

Students still waiting to move back home

By Sophie Caldwell

After moving out of her flooded Braes Heights home, most of junior Lauren Harpold’s possessions are still in boxes, but thanks to her neighbor Luke Venus, her beloved collie Blanco remains by her side.

As her house flooded during Hurricane Harvey, Harpold raced to ensure the safety of her two dogs and three cats. She placed her kitten Smokey high on a bathroom counter and her other cat Olive on her bed.

Then she packed her older cat Kellen into a carrier, which she took with her as she evacuated.

Her Labrador Mandie was safe in the garage, but she had to leave Blanco in the backyard because he was too big to move.

Worried that the rising water would engulf Blanco, Harpold enlisted Venus’ help.

Venus, a sophomore, waded through two feet of floodwater to retrieve Blanco, who was treading water by the time Venus reached him. While guiding Blanco to safety, Venus caught his leg on debris and fell into Harpold’s submerged pool, tearing his ACL in the process.

Almost nine months since Hurricane Harvey struck, Venus and Harpold still feel its effects. Both families had to vacate their homes, and Venus is currently living in a rental house while his home undergoes significant renovations to repair flood damage. They recently finished demolishing the walls and removing damaged furniture.

Due to his ACL injury, Venus, a starting defensive tackle, only played in two scrimmage games before missing the rest of the football season. Venus wore a brace while rehabbing his leg for over six months.

The injury, like the damage to his home,

impacted much of his year, but he tried to remain optimistic.

“It was definitely a major distraction, but I grew from it,” Venus said.

Harpold currently lives in a West University rental house.

The Harpold home will be torn down entirely and rebuilt several feet higher to prevent future flooding. Her family recently learned that builders will not even begin work on her house until July, delaying their return until possibly the end of her senior year. She had hoped to spend more time in her home before leaving for college.

“At this point, nothing really feels like home,” Harpold said.

“Nine months later, you would think I would have settled in, but it doesn’t feel that way at all.

CLAIRE SEINSHEIMER I don’t know if I’ll ever feel at When Harvey hit, Lauren Harpold had to leave Blanco in her backyard. Nine home.” months later, she embraces Blanco in her still-damaged home.

Harpold will not even sleep in her own bed until September.

Harpold now has a shorter school surgery, Venus has returned to the football Everything in her room — bed, desk, commute, but she is keenly aware of the and wrestling teams and has already started dresser and sheets — is borrowed. She likely changes to her daily routine. Due to tight participating in preseason workouts. won’t discover which of her possessions quarters in the rental home, she prefers to “You grow from the hard things that have been salvaged for another year. do her homework at a nearby Starbucks. happen,” Venus said. “It takes time, but Living in a different house has been Harpold notes that there are “daily everything is going to end up better than disorienting for Harpold’s pets as well. They reminders” of everything that she and her it was before.” have had to keep Blanco and Mandie in the family went through during Harvey as Harpold is grateful for the support she backyard of their old house because they well as so many “small details” that have has received from friends and family. do not have enough room at the rental. All changed.

“This has been the hardest year of my life, three cats have been kept inside for several Both Venus and Harpold have grappled but there are moments and people that are months after the move, and Kellen still with the effects of Harvey. Since his ACL always there to make it better.” struggles with the stairs in the new house.

Houston braces for upcoming hurricane season

By Eli Maierson

Thousands of Houstonians are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, yet a new hurricane season will be upon us on June 1.

Hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30, usually sees an average of 12 tropical storms and six hurricanes. This year, according to USA Today, meteorologists are estimating 14 tropical storms and seven hurricanes, three of which are predicted to become major storms (Category 3 or higher). These hurricanes, with winds of at least 111 miles per hour, pose a high risk for property damage and loss of life.

Although major hurricanes may be imminent, the chances of a Harvey-sized disaster are slim: the Harris County Flood Control District puts the odds at 0.01 percent. Still,

the city of Houston and Harris County have made numerous improvements in case of another emergency.

After three major floods hit in three consecutive years, it was clear to the Harris County Commissioners Court that changes needed to be implemented. On Jan. 1, Houston and Harris County implemented some of the toughest floodplain-development regulations in the nation. All new buildings in the 500-year floodplain must be elevated 24 inches off the ground.

Multiple investigations concluded that Houston was not prepared for a storm the size of Harvey.

When Harvey struck, the Houston Fire Department only had one high-water rescue boat, and much of the other gear was broken. During the three days the storm struck, only 1,000 of the 4,100 firefighters were set up to rescue citizens.

Many firefighters and volunteers worked grueling 72-hour shifts during the storm. HFD needed to use dump trucks and fire engines to save people.

The city has taken steps to prepare for another Harvey-sized flood by spending $2 million on six high-water rescue vehicles, four rescue boats, 10 evacuation boats, 10 pickup trucks, four Jet Skis and 100 personal flotation devices. Millions more dollars are available to the department for further improvements.

The county’s flood control district has made many emergency repairs across southeast Texas, but much remains to be done. The Department prioritized making restorations in areas that posed an immediate threat to citizens. The estimated cost of fixing infrastructure damage and repairing stormwater detention basins, which are used to store excess water during floods, is over $100 million.

Texas has a Rainy Day Fund reserved for times of GRAPHIC BY SIENA ZERR AND AMELIE PERRIER economic crisis, but Governor Greg Abbott has been

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HARVEY REVISITED

GRAPHIC BY ERIC STRAWN AND JAMES SY

hesitant to use it. If the fund is not tapped, Mayor Sylvester Turner has threatened to increase taxes to raise money for repairs.

Congress approved a budget deal with $90 billion set aside for natural disaster relief, although that money will be split with other states that experienced extreme damage last hurricane season.

The city intends to use these funds for a new reservoir, stronger bayous and a barrier to limit the damage from tropical storms, but none of these measures have been passed thus far.

While Houston was quick to make repairs and strengthen the fire department, the city still has a long way to go to follow in the footsteps of Harris County and enact substantial flood prevention legislation.

MAY 17, 2018

Seniorify 142 Seniors 64 Colleges 1 Alma Mater

Check our Instagram bio (@sjsreview) or The Review Online to listen to our Class of 2018 Graduation playlist on Spotify ILLUSTRATION BY MIA FARES

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Special Section designed by Ashwini Bandi Front cover illustration by Mia Fares All college choices as of May 16

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How six seniors made their college decisions Will Rippeto While some of his future classmates will take notes on Sandro Botticelli’s “La Primavera”, senior Will Rippeto will have the chance to see such iconic artworks in person through an art history program that will take him through the major museums and cathedrals of Europe.

Rippeto will postpone his freshman year at the University of Southern California to take a gap year. While he hasn’t finalized his plans, Rippeto envisions traveling abroad and interning in Washington, D.C.

“I’ve always been really excited about my college process, but I also wasn’t sure if I was completely ready for college,” he said.

“It’ll be a really good opportunity to grow as a person and take the year to mature.

I’m kind of young for our grade, so I can take another year and still be the same age as other freshmen.”

Rippeto had originally planned on attending USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, but he has now decided to study business.

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Gabby Heal

7.6

Since middle school, Gabby Heal has wanted to go abroad for college. Seven years later, Heal will finally attend King’s College in London.

“I want to study international relations, so I thought I should go abroad to do that.”

Heal said. “They have a great department, and London is such a cool city.”

Heal plans on visiting friends and family during the summer and month-long college breaks. She anticipates studying abroad in China and taking advantage of London’s location to travel throughout Europe.

“During college, it’s great to try new

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schools that only one SJS senior will attend this year

Cameryn Burnette will head to college less than a month after high school graduation. As a member of the second cohort of Howard University’s Bison STEM Scholars Program, she will start on June 16.

Burnette received a scholarship that provides for full tuition, board and fees, along with paid internships over the summers.

Burnette narrowed down her options to Howard University and Spelman College, which are Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU).

“I’ve been going to a predominantly

average number of applications submitted

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things, branch out, and travel while you have those three years when you’re free to do whatever you want,” Heal said.

While some American college students change their major several times, the British educational system is more rigid.

When applying, Heal specified her area of interest and is now committed to studying international relations for all four years.

“You have specific required classes and then you slowly start taking electives that are part of your course of study,” she said.

“I think that’s cool because you’re studying exactly what you’re passionate about.”

Cameryn Burnette

students competing inTrip NCAA George sports When Trip George received his USC

acceptance letter, he was surprised to see that he was admitted to a different school than the one he applied to.

George indicated a preference for the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, but USC admissions instead placed him in the School of Dramatic Arts. According to George, the placement was determined by his extensive theatre resume.

“I’ve always been interested in theatre, but I also wanted to focus on the busi-

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students that applied to 3 or fewer schools

white institution for the last seven years, so I wanted to go to an HBCU,” she said.

“I chose Howard because it has a great schools that only history and legacy as the best HBCU in the one SJS senior will country.” attend this year Burnette’s mother and aunt are Howard alumni, and she has two cousins who are current average students. number of “Iapplications know a lot of people there, including submitted some people in the first cohort of my scholarship program, so I’ll have a lot of help along the way,” she said.

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Noël Madland went to elementary school in New York City, and will return to Manhattan to attend the Parsons School of Design.

Madland originally aspired to be an animator or a costume designer, but ultimately decided she wanted more freedom to choose.

“I chose art school because I don’t know what I want to do in my life,” she said. “I was accepted into Parsons undecided, which is the hardest to get into, because they look at your art and decide you’re

2.1% Restricted Early Action

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33.1% Early Decision I and II

cause there’s a lot of history, and that’s something I’m planning on studying,” she said. “I want to get involved at the Civil Rights Museum. They’ve also got that good southern food.”

Speed will be joining a small freshman class of around 250 women.

“I’m not good at knowing large groups of people, so if I went to a large college, I’d just get lost in the crowd. Knowing that it’s a small, tight-knit group of fellow women is a really nice feeling.”

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average number of applications submitted

cool, so you can do whatever you want.”

According to Madland, the application process was extensive.

“I had seven different portfolios with very little overlap,” she said. “I definitely did the most art in my life just trying to get into college.”

Madland is looking forward to interacting with her new classmates at Parsons.

“I’m most excited to meet people who care about art and can give me inspiration for my own art.”

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schools one SJS attend t 35.9 Regular De 35.9% students Regular Decision

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7.6 17.6% Early Action

ness side of theater and entertainment in 33.1% Early Decision college,” George said. “At USC, I’m able I and II to participate in a great theatre program while also adding a major or minor in the business school. Basically, USC lets me pursue all of my creative and academic interests.”

George is happy with the outcome of his acceptance.

“I didn’t want my love for performing to end after high school,” George said.

Noël Madland

11.3% Rolling Admission

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11.3% students Rolling Admission competing in NCAA sports

schools that only one SJS senior will attend this year

2 seniors attending college abroad

students competing in NCAA Profiles by Claire Furse, Dani Yan, Gracie Blue sports Infographic by Ashwini Bandi MAY 17, 2018

schoo one S attend

students that average appliednumber to 3 or fewer schools of applications 17.6% submitted

Maddi Speed When Maddi Speed started her college process, she was set on attending a coed, liberal arts college in the northeast.

But after touring Agnes Scott College, an all-women’s school in Decatur, Georgia, Speed knew she had found the perfect fit.

“I could tell it was a place where they really wanted women to be leaders and where women were helping empower each other,” Speed said.

Speed plans to major in American studies with a focus in historical preservation.

“It’ll be good staying in the South be-

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Early Action

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number of seniors attending Texas colleges

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A Return to Normalcy?

Kleinstub rebuilds home, gains perspective

By Gracie Blue

It’s 2:30 p.m. in the lower level of the gym. Athletic trainer Mike Kleinstub fastens a tourniquet-like device around senior Cara Wolff’s upper thigh to begin blood flow restriction therapy. As one of three high school training programs in the nation that possesses this aggressive method of muscle rehabilitation, Kleinstub treats students such as Wolff to rebuild tissue after an ACL tear.

Kleinstub plans meticulous workouts for Wolff every week. On this day, she starts with squats: the blood flow restriction device turns her leg purple, but it helps her build muscle during workouts, rather than tearing it down. Kleinstub watches Wolff’s every move, perfecting her form and assessing her progress.

“Life throws us circumstances every day, good and bad, and how we respond to them determines character,” he said. “If you’re thrown a setback, you have two options: you can either rise up and overcome it, or you can succumb to it. Character dictates which one you’ll become.”

Like the innumerable students he treats for sports injuries, Kleinstub has spent the school year overcoming his own obstacles.

Almost nine months after Kleinstub evacuated his Maplewood West home when it was flooded by Hurricane Harvey, Kleinstub prepares to move back home. Despite the devastation, Kleinstub learned to live without a dependence on material attachments.

In August, almost 100 students, parents and faculty members flocked to the site to help rip out carpet and move furniture of the house he grew

up in. So many volunteers arrived that some split into smaller groups to aid Kleinstub’s neighbors.

Klenistub said the aftermath of Harvey has taught him many lessons: “It’s taught me that I don’t need stuff to get through on a dayto-day basis. I don’t need TV or entertainment or things that made me feel more comfortable.”

Kleinstub says Harvey has changed him for the better. Besides becoming less materialistic, he strives to have more patience, simplify his life and become more involved in community service.

“

to stay, but since being displaced, he has lived with his cousins Gary and Joni Lewis, parents of Myles (‘11), Clayton (‘13) and Celia (‘14).

Many of those he has worked with over the years felt compelled to help because of the constant support and aid Kleinstub offers in the training room and on the sidelines.

“Kleinstub has been very influential on my entire family’s life, not just mine,” Wolff said. “He has always been there to help me and all my sisters through whatever injuries we’ve had. He has made a huge impact on my life, and I don’t even have words to express my gratitude.”

Many St. John’s families have also offered services from their businesses to provide supplies, including sheetrock, flooring and countertops. Some even returned to his house to finish excavating in the weeks after the big initial cleanup.

“I’m obsessive — I tend to worry about little things that most people don’t even care about. I’m a detail-oriented guy, and sometimes I can’t see the forest through the trees,” Kleinstub said. “This has taught me that you can still survive without all the luxuries and the niceties that we have.”

Kleinstub was fortunate: he had flood insurance, which he views as a necessity. Yet, no amount of insurance could provide the magnitude of concern and assistance that the school community provided him.

And for that, he is thankful.

Life throws us circumstances every day, good and bad, and how we respond to them determines character.

-mike kleinstub “I know I’ve helped in the past, but I’ll do more,” he said.

Once Kleinstub moves back into his home, he is planning a massive purge, either giving away or donating many items he has accumulated.

“I don’t think I need as much anymore,” he said.

Kleinstub’s home underwent a full renovation, replacing the original 1960s appliances and alarm system with modern technology.

After the storm, many St. John’s families offered Kleinstub a place

COURTESY OF MIKE KLEINSTUB

Athletic trainer Mike Kleinstub fully renovated his home after it was flooded by Hurricane Harvey.

9 months later, families still in recovery mode

By Sophie Gillard and Noura Jabir

After his house flooded in the 2016 Memorial Day floods, William Castillo was not expecting to experience that ordeal again a year later. But when Hurricane Harvey struck, Castillo watched once more as the water levels rose past the street, up the sidewalk and under the front door.

This time, his family decided to cut their losses and move to a new neighborhood.

He was not alone. Junior Ethan Boniuk’s house in Bellaire also flooded, sending his family of four into a hotel room for a month. Because the family lost their cars, Boniuk relied on four friends to drive him to school for several weeks.

“We were displaced,” Boniuk said. “It was pretty difficult.

All I had to do my homework with was a desk in a hotel room, and I had to work with my family in the room,” Boniuk said.

The homes of some 60 St. John’s families and 12 faculty members flooded during Harvey. More than 119,000 homes were damaged in Harris County during the storm according to the Houston Chronicle. In the aftermath of Harvey, most people whose homes flooded found themselves with two options: rebuild their houses or sell them.

Freshman Karli Fisher and her family decided to remodel their Meyerland home after it was damaged. Fisher has been involved in the design process.

“We obviously couldn’t update the house too much because we didn’t want to spend a lot of extra money besides what the insurance gave us, so we’ve just been using the most of what we had to update the house,” Fisher said.

“We couldn’t really add any new features, but we took out a wall, rearranged some things.”

In the meantime, Fisher’s family and their two dogs have been living in a small Museum District apartment

that Fisher calls her “tiny house.” The transition into the apartment was stressful, and Fisher is excited to move back home.

“It’s really the difference of having a home that actually is your home rather than this place you’ve been displaced to,” Fisher said. “When I move back, I’m going to be more productive, more in-tune with myself, more comfortable.

The city of Houston has implemented several new construction rules following Harvey. Effective Sept. 1, 2018, new construction in the will have to sit two feet above the 500-year floodplain. This is an increase from the prior regulation that ordered building to be constructed one foot about the 100-year floodplain. Additionally, the city is working with the state and federal governments to build infrastructure projects like widening the bayou and adding a third reservoir.

For those who are still waiting to move back into their homes, like English teacher Clay Guinn, there is still a sense of discomfort even though nine months have passed since the hurricane.

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HARVEY REVISITED

“We’ve been through Christmas and Easter and birthdays in a place that’s not our home,” Guinn said. “We won’t be back to normal until we’re back in.”

Guinn says that SJS has been supportive since the storm hit.

“I never had a job where I felt like I was part of a community before, and that became abundantly clear after Harvey,” Guinn said. “Students and everyone else still check in on me, and that’s really nice.”

MAY 17, 2018

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MAY 17, 2018

Junkyard to parade: the odyssey of Hippysaurus

By Mehak Batra

When the Waters family explored an old junkyard on their ranch 70 miles from San Antonio, they found a crumbling fiberglass triceratops, and with it, a vision.

Inspired by the three Houston Art Car Parades they had attended, sophomore Sacha, eighth grader Nathalie and their family transformed the creature into a ‘Hippysaurus’ that landed the festival’s Grand Prize.

The resulting 32-foot-long five-ton triceratops covered with rainbows, peace signs and flowers cruised through Houston city streets at the April 14 auto fest, blasting 60s and 70s music as onlookers cheered.

After happening upon their junkyard find, the Waters family used a trailer and crane to extract the dino — originally built in the 1960s for a California roadside attraction — from a thick forest of vegetation.

By August, they had moved the dinosaur two miles from the junkyard to begin the build.

They first re-engineered a Polaris to be drivable nine feet higher than its original frame. They also refurbished the steering, acceleration and brakes.

Sacha, Nathalie and their mother Gerry worked extensively on the exterior design and painted most of it.

Their mother helped paint the exterior while their father Louis and her brother Luke designed the frame to hold the weight and the houdah, which is the driver’s seat from which Louis drove. They also utilized electrical engineering to craft the video cameras and the stereo system.

They decorated their dino with peace signs, hearts and suns, and covered the horn with mirrors. They emblazoned

her with “Make Love Not War” to accentuate her free-spirited qualities.

“It seemed appropriate to embrace her hippie past, so she became a ‘Hippysaurus,’ embracing peace, love and happiness for all,” mom Gerry said.

For the Waters family, the best part of the experience was their collaboration. Since Thanksgiving, they worked nearly every long weekend, even on cold winter days, keeping their spirits high by playing music and cracking jokes.

Ten days before the parade, they moved the car to a barn so they could put the finishing touches on the dino and gear up for HippysauRICHARD TOMCALA rus’ coming-out party.

On the day of the parade, the Wa- The Waters family transformed a 32-foot-long fiberglass tricerters transported the art car down- atops into a float that won the Grand Prize at the Art Car Parade. town using a trailer that they had the stereo system as Louis drove the dino along the route. custom-built for the Hippysaurus.

The next day, the Waters were invited to the Art Car When the dinosaur finally started down the parade route, Parade awards ceremony, where they won the grand prize spectators were in awe. Along the four-mile path, a local — the Mayor’s Cup — along with $2,000 in prize money.

ABC news reporter interviewed them. Friends and family Sacha is proud of her family’s hard work. supported the Waters and participated in the parade by “It’s pretty amazing that we had the dedication to build wearing round tinted sunglasses and shirts adorned with the entire thing,” Sacha said. “It’s impressive to look back peace symbols. They danced to old classics playing through and think that we actually did this.”

Kantorei heads to Scandinavia for summer tour

By Laney Chang

This summer, Kantorei will perform music by Scandinavian composers in historic Nordic venues, including the medieval Gamle Aker Church in Oslo, Norway.

The performers will also sing pieces by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and Swedish composers Jan Sandström and Gustaf Nordqvist in the Kungsholms Church in Stockholm, Sweden and in the Rock Church in Helsinki, Finland.

Every other year, Kantorei travels internationally for about a week. This year, the group will travel from June 9-17.

When not performing, Kantorei will be sightseeing. According to senior Ben Cohen, one of the most anticipated tourist spots is the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.

Because the choir is visiting three countries this year, transportation involves more effort than usual: in addition to flights to and from Scandinavia, Kantorei will take an overnight cruise between Sweden and Finland.

In preparation for the trip, choral director Scott Bonasso — with the help of travel company American Classics — booked hotels and transportation, obtained passport information, finalized the itinerary and submitted an application for access to venues for the performances.

The application, which contains photos, recordings and DVDs of Kantorei’s performances from the past 18 years, is modified every year.

“Once they see how established the group is and listen to the quality of our past performances, we’ve pretty much gotten into whatever venue we want,” Bonasso said.

“I’m in contact with our agents multiple times a week, but I’ve organized so many trips that it’s pretty routine.”

Kantorei has performed in the past in venues such EDDIE QUAID as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Peter’s Basil- Kantorei performs at a choir competition hosted at South Main Baptist Church. This ica in Vatican City and summer, Kantorei will travel to Norway, Sweden and Finland for its biennial trip.

St. George’s Chapel in ment of “Amazing Grace” and a piece by that everything sounds good, so the fareWindsor Castle near London.

American composer Stephen Paulus, as well concert is spectacular.”

“There was so much security that they well as a rendition of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Kantorei trips began long before Bonasso didn’t allow us to bring our phones inside,” Blooming” by Sandström. became director in 2001. The previous diCohen said. “I’m pretty sure there were “The music is a representation [of our rector and founder of Kantorei, Janet Scararmed guards.” cultures],” Bonasso said. “The purpose of cella, started the tradition in 1990.

Cohen, who attended the London and the trip is to connect with foreign audienc When Bonasso became the director of Edinburgh Kantorei trip in 2016, looks es through music, and a sharing of musical Kantorei, he decided to choose different forward to traveling as a senior. heritage is important.” destinations for every trip. Since then, “All the sophomores clumped together Before they leave, the choir annually Kantorei has visited Canada, Austria, the because everyone else was so much older,” hosts an open Farewell Concert at St. John Czech Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Cohen said. “Now, being a senior, I feel the Divine. The concert, which will be held Italy, England, Scotland and France. closer to this group.” on June 7 at 7 p.m., includes all the music “I try to step back and look at the body Bonasso’s music selections always include they will perform on the trip. of work from these trips,” Bonasso said. pieces from the United States and from the “It’s the most rehearsed we get on any “It’s almost like an exploration of the entire region to which the choir is traveling. This music during the school year,” Bonasso world over time.” year, Kantorei is performing an arrange- said. “We have long hours to make sure

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CULTURE

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Dancing in a New York State of Mind

By Hrishabh Bhosale and Fareen Dhuka Caprice and Terpischore performed their spring concert, “New York State of Mind,” on April 21 and 22 in the Lowe Theater. The show featured many elements of New York, from Broadway to the Statue of Liberty to Wall Street.

Dancers typically spend weeks learning their pieces for the concert.

12

ILLUSTRATION BY AMELIE PERRIER, PHOTOS BY MONICA HO

But under the guidance of guest choreographer Desiree Robbins, Caprice II learned a new dance in two days.

Senior Wallis Turley said working with Robbins was very different from being taught by one of her dance teachers.

“It’s one thing to know all of the

THE REVIEW

dance teachers and follow their routines, but it’s a whole other thing when someone comes in and gives up their entire day just to teach you a piece,” Turley said.

For senior Gracie Jing, the dance concert was a gauge of how much she has improved in her 11 years of dancing.

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MAY 17, 2018

“Regardless of their level, the fact that everyone has amazing things to perform is why I’m always excited for the dance concert,” Jing said.

Above, members of Caprice and Terpsichore are, from left, Katie Smith, Sarah Hill, Grace Vincent, Katy Shafer and Katherine MatthewsEderington.

What to do when our heroes fail us

By Sophie Caldwell

AP English teacher Clay Guinn has been teaching Junot Díaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” for the past three years as part of his AP curriculum. He initially selected the book because he liked its exploration of family, politics, history and “nerddom.”

Next year, Guinn will not be teaching “Oscar Wao.” After allegations of sexual misconduct against Junot Díaz came to light, Guinn and many other fans and supporters have grappled with what to do when yet another hero is exposed as abusive.

I loved Junot Díaz, too. I adored Díaz’s profane and penetrating prose and his unflinching treatment of difficult issues. Most of all, I loved his heartbreaking “New Yorker” article, in which he detailed his childhood sexual abuse in wrenching detail. He spoke clearly and poignantly on the effect this trauma had on his relationships, writing and lifestyle, and the toxic effects of an atmosphere that valued masculinity above all else.

Díaz portrayed himself as someone who was sympathetic and an outspoken defender of women. He portrayed himself as someone who understood. It was a painful shock when we found out that he absolutely, tragically did not.

In the same vein, Eric Schneiderman’s alleged domestic abuse appalled his constituents and peers. As New York Attorney General, Schneiderman championed women’s rights, speaking out against domestic violence and filing a civil rights lawsuit against accused serial predator Harvey Weinstein.

Schneiderman pushed legislation that made intentional strangulation a violent felony, a victory for domestic violence activists. As it turns out, he allegedly choked and slapped the women he dated.

It’s a unique betrayal when people who are supposed to be on your side — people who are ostensibly fighting for your rights — are found to be so utterly duplicitous.

The MeToo movement has smashed idols, and for good reason. Men long revered for their talent or wit have been hiding dreadful secrets. Even worse, many of our most trusted allies have been exposed as predators themselves.

How could we not have known?

One of Schneiderman’s former girlfriends said that when she told friends about the rampant abuse in her relation-

ship with Schneiderman, they told her that he was too imLast month, Guinn and his family met Díaz at a loportant a politician for the Democrats to lose. For a time, cal book signing for his new children’s book “Islandborn.”

Schneiderman’s career trumped a woman’s right to justice. Guinn’s wife, who like Díaz is from the Caribbean, had a The common thread with these men — Schneiderman lively discussion with Díaz about their heritage. His daughand Díaz, as well as Aziz Ansari, Louis C.K. and others ters loved seeing characters who looked like them. Guinn — is that our rage at their actions goes beyond righteous has a photograph of his family with Díaz, which has taken indignation. It feels like a stab in the back. The harm these on a new dimension now. men have caused goes beyond hypocrisy: every damning Like so many who have been burned by those we once story comes to light because a woman has been hurt or loved and respected, he is learning to live with the ambiviolated. These people convinced women that they were guity. allies. They purposefully cultivated a façade of “wokeness,” waving the banner of feminism while flagrantly betraying their ideals behind closed doors.

Many of us who revered these people and their work will blame ourselves for not noticing. For my part, after I read of Díaz’s misconduct, I dug out my copy of his novel “This Is How You Lose Her,” marveling at how often he mercilessly reduced women to caricatures and objects.

What do we do with these men and their works?

Do we resume this exhausted discussion of separating the art from the artist, or the policies from the politician? Do we excise them from our cultural consciousness for good?

Ironically, we are in constant danger from heroes, the very ones we look to when everyone else fails us, the ones we point to as beacons of righteousness even when the rest succumb.

When these heroes fall, it seems like the whole world is falling with them. I think that’s part of why so many people are dismayed at the number of men exposed by the MeToo movement.

A modest proposal: lift up only those who are worthy of your respect. For every catchy song or fantastic movie produced by an artist who degrades women, there are hundreds of equally fantastic works by women who haven’t gotten the same cultural boost. Take one of Carmen Maria CLAY GUINN Machado’s books for a spin — when Díaz alleged- Clay Guinn and his family met author Junot Díaz ly tried to shout her down in a recent discussion of (redacted) at a book signing for his children’s book. the misogyny in his books, she stood her ground After allegations of sexual misconduct against Díaz, and refused to be silenced.

Guinn will no longer teach one of Díaz’s novels.

STAFF EDITORIAL

After the flood: redefining what ‘normal’ means When Harvey hit three days after school began, it completely altered the course of our year.

The aftermath of the hurricane was devastating for families, many of whom are still repairing damaged homes.

Houston, one of the most sprawling cities in the US, a city that usually seems disconnected, felt more united than ever before.

Because we lost over a week of school to Harvey, the school wisely decided to cancel midterms in order to make up for lost time and ease the burden on displaced students, giving them the chance to fully relish the holiday season without cramming for massive tests. Not having to worry about finals made December a bit more manageable.

And as if apocalyptic flooding wasn’t enough, we even had a few “snow days” in 2018. While the damage from the freezing weather was limited to some plants dying and pipes bursting, after Harvey, you can understand why everyone was willing to err on the side of caution.

October brought the city an unexpected post-Harvey celebration as the Astros won their first championship.

Though many students barely cared about baseball in the past, seeing the Astros win the World Series was moving. It was so moving that it moved more than a few of us to skip A Carrier to see the victory parade in person.

One facet of life that remained tragically normal was that mass shootings continued with alarming frequency.

This time “thoughts and prayers” were not good enough. A movement took hold, and this time high school students were leading the charge. St. John’s students joined in solidarity with Parkland students and other victims of gun violence by organizing our own walkout.

St. John’s also took a progressive step by hiring Gene Batiste as Director of Community and Inclusion. With Batiste’s help, participation in Unity Council and other affinity groups have surged. Unity Council meetings went from having 30 people attend last year to needing two classrooms to fit everyone in this year.

Our sports teams made history on many fronts. Boys’ swimming won SPC for the first time ever while boys’ track broke three relay records at SPC, securing the title. Girls’ sports saw tennis win back-to-back SPC titles, golf break

the SPC record for the lowest score en route to their own repeat SPC championship, swimming and diving tie for the SPC championship, and soccer reach the SPC finals for the first time ever.

In the world of pop culture, superhero films are nothing new, but Marvel finally gave us the first mainstream black superhero, “Black Panther,” while 20th Century Fox released the first LGBT teen studio film, “Love, Simon.”

Not only did “Black Panther” provide positive representation ISABEL BALLARD and start a valuable dialogue about race In January, snow capped the Great Lawn and surrounding buildings. The and global politics but unexpected wintry weather gave everyone an extra day off from school. it proved a box office why lo-fi art-pop artist Grimes is dating Elon Musk). smash. “Love, Simon” finally allowed queer teens to see themselves in a main- The more reasonable explanation is that things have been stream rom-com. These movies allowed us to celebrate di- building up for years, whether it’s developers continuing versity and put characters of marginalized identities center to rebuild houses in the floodplain, marginalized citizens joining progressive movements or athletes working hard to stage.

Wet weather in May and June has long been the norm, reach the pinnacle of their sport.

Harvey was the defining moment of the year, but it so this year organizers staged a music festival in March to doesn’t define us. Back in early September, when the floodavoid being flooded out. While the Free Press Summer Fest waters fi nally subsided and we returned to school, Head of is no more, out of its soggy ashes arose the In Bloom Music Upper School Hollis Amley told us “this is not a normal festival, which allowed attendees to see their favorite acts year.”

And while this mantra perfectly encapsulates how without fear of being caught in a flash flood. Not having to much has transpired over the past nine months, what repack a poncho really lightened the load. mains true is that our school continues to redefine what Perhaps Harvey caused some sort of butterfly effect that exactly “normal” really is. ripped a hole through the matrix (which would explain

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LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS

Editorial board offers farewells, advice Dear Seniors, At Baccalaureate, we’ll slide into the wooden pews of St. John the Divine, squeezing next to our classmates and listening to Mr. Elliot for the last time. At Commencement, we’ll stand together on the Great Lawn and fling our graduation caps high into the air.

We’ve had at least four years together, and some of us have shared much more. We’ve helped each other get through math tests, score winning goals, expand our artistic boundaries and laugh — even when we don’t feel like it.

Our grade is pretty special; I feel lucky to have spent 13 years with some of you. But before you completely check out and soak up the summer, take a moment to acknowledge and express gratitude for all the ways that our parents and teachers have supported us. We’ve been given an incredible education, which means that we now have a responsibility to help others access the same opportunities that we were given.

We’ve worked so hard, and we deserve this break. So enjoy your summer, remember to express gratitude, and help others as you’ve been helped. Oh, the places we’ll go!

Best, Claire ____________________________________________ Dear SJS Teachers, People always say that the community is what makes our school such a special place, and I believe that the openness of our teachers is the greatest factor in creating our unique community.

For four years you’ve been endlessly generous with all of us; patiently explaining concepts during tutorials, granting extensions and doing whatever you can to make our workloads bearable, giving up lunches and free time to sponsor our clubs. Although we might sometimes complain about assignments or not pay full attention in class, I hope you know that we recognize and appreciate everything you do for us – because you do so much more than teach us.

Everyone in the graduating class has had teachers that they think of as friends or mentors. We spend free periods with them and will miss them when we go to college. Teachers, you will probably start to get a barrage of social media friend requests from our class after we graduate.

Not only do you all go above and beyond in educating us, but you’ve been constantly nurturing and supportive as we grow through our teenage years. I feel incredibly lucky to have attended Upper School at SJS. Thank you, Emily

ERIC HANG

Dear Future Prefects, First of all, congratulations on being elected. You all were chosen by your peers from a very competitive group of 19 candidates, and now the current prefects are happy to pass the torch.

Last year at this time I was incredibly excited to begin my term as Head Prefect. Before summer started, I talked to the other prefects and started planning for all the big things that SAC would do. We put together a list of goals and ideas — some of which have come to fruition, some of which have not.

Over the course of this past year, we have had some growing pains, but we have also made real progress. From infographics and polls to house competitions to hot chocolate days, SAC has definitely taken more initiative this year. Many of you played an important role in our improvement, and I’m sure you all will take the momentum into next year.

I am proud of what SAC accomplished this year, but I am more excited for what you all will do next year. There will always be people who say SAC doesn’t do anything and that’s okay — but I hope, after this year, you all see that SAC can do as much as its members are willing to contribute. Aim high and get after it.

Good Luck,

Dani ____________________________________________ Dear Editors, During our third issue, I had the flu. I woke up at two in the morning and my first thought was, “there’s no way I’m making it into Review today.” That whole day, as I faded in and out of consciousness, I worried about the paper and the editors who were at school.

Much to my surprise, you all had everything handled, despite our missing a few editors as well as one of our advisers, Mr. Nathan. That was the first time I realized that

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Staff Izzy Andrews, Manar Ansari, Mehak Batra, Max Beard, Hrishabh Bhosale, Isaac Blue, Clara Brotzen-Smith, Laney Chang, Katina Christensen, Eli Desjardins, Fareen Dhuka, Sara Doyle, Nicholas Echeverri, Mia Fares, Matthew Giordano, Joe Griffin, Mia Guien, Eric Hang, Jackson Humphries, Thomas Hunt, Noura Jabir, Reygan Jones, Tyler King, Ethan Kinsella, SJ Lasley, Noël Madland, Scotty Malcolm, Lily McCullough, Camille McFarland, Will McKone, Sinclair Mott, Neel Pai, Amélie Perrier, Abigail Poag, Lucas Pope, Leila Pulaski, Eloise Reasoner, Claire Seinsheimer, Henry Still, Eric Strawn, James Sy, Mira Thakur, Sacha Waters, Shelby Wilson, Siena Zerr

Advisers David Nathan, Shelley Stein (’88), Chuy Benitez

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Of course, it won’t be easy. There will be times when it seems that there is no way that the issue will come out.

Whenever that happens, take a deep breath, take a quick walk around the quad, and regroup.

Remember, if you all ever need help, we’re just a phone call away.

Love, Ashwini ____________________________________________ Dear Isaac (or anyone’s younger siblings), Next year, for the first time in 11 years, we won’t be going to school together. I will miss you more than you probably know; your happy and friendly disposition makes me proud that others know me as your sister.

As you continue through your journey at St. John’s, I urge you to hold on to the qualities that make you unique. It may feel more comfortable to follow the same paths as others, but discovering your own interests and, in turn, yourself, will add more value to your self-worth and future.

As a junior next year, many of your peers will pursue different colleges. Instead, I want you to pursue yourself: work hard and do what you need to do, but having a sense of your values and desires will clarify the hard decisions ahead of you. Spend time assessing and learning what you need and want socially, academically and personally that fits into your own set of values.

I’m proud of you, I love you and I can’t wait to see what you’ll do in the world. Thank you for being the best brother I could ask for. Hold down the fort next year.

Love,

Gracie

Member Columbia Scholastic Press Assn.: Gold Crown 2015, Silver Crown 2014 & 2016-17 | National Scholastic Press Assn.: Pacemaker 2015, 4th Place Best of Show, All-American 2013-14, 2014-15

St. Johns School | 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX 77019 sjsreview.com | Facebook SJS Review | Twitter @SJS_Review Instagram @_thereview | Snapchat sjsreview Publisher Gracie Blue Executive Editors Assignments Dani Yan Design Ashwini Bandi Writing Claire Furse Assignments Editors Sophie Caldwell, Iris Chen, Alexander Kim Design Editors Stephen Kim, Prithvi Krishnarao Copy Editors Maggie Ballard, Natasha Faruqui, Sophie Gillard, Eli Maierson Photography Editor (Print) Caroline Ramirez Photography Editor (Online) Grace Sanders Business Editor Sukul Mittal Asst. Business Editor Andrew Duong Online Editor-in-Chief Emily Chen Asst. Online Editor Ryan Chang Online Section Editors Shani Israel, Sophia Kontos, Sophia Lima Social Media Editor Lilah Gaber Video Editors Jack Shea, Alex Tinkham

you all would be able to manage the stress and work that goes into making the publication.

Mission Statement The Review strives to report on issues with integrity, to recognize the assiduous efforts of all, and to serve as an engine of discourse within the St. John’s community.

Publication Info The Review is published six times during the school year. We distribute at least 1,000 copies of each issue, most of which are given for free to the Upper School community of 662 students and 98 faculty members.

Policies The Review provides a forum for student writing and opinion. The opinions and staff editorials contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Headmaster or the Board of Trustees of St. John’s School. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the entire

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MAY 17, 2018

Editorial Board unless otherwise noted. Writers and photographers are credited with a byline.

Corrections, when necessary, can be found on the editorial pages. Running an advertisement does not imply endorsement by the school.

Submission Guidelines Letters to the editor and guest columns are encouraged but are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, accuracy and taste. On occasion, we will publish letters anonymously. The Review reserves the right not to print letters received. Letters and guest columns can be emailed to review.sjs@gmail.com or handdelivered to an editor or adviser in the Review room (Q210).

60 seconds with fabulous freshmen

Luke Westmark Nickname Lukey Boi Next Netflix Binge Power Rangers: Turbo Comfort Food Food Dream Job Loose-cannon Dental Assistant Favorite Spot on Campus Dr. Raulston’s Room Weird Hobby That airport if it had toes Quirk An acute hollow between convex or other moldings Favorite Word Myriad Favorite Animal BUNNIES Song to Describe Your Life “Ring of Fire”- Johnny Cash Love to Hate thIS oNE kID NAMED LOUIS THAT CALLED ME TOO TALL ONcE Hate to Love Maths

ERIC HANG

Relationship Status I had a friend once Celebrity You’d Want to Meet Me bc then I’d be a celebrity Olympic Sport Volleyball Dream Date Probably Abraham Lincoln because it would be hard for me to make a dead person dislike me Phobia Probably having a buffet but all of the food starts talking and grows really cute little eyes and arms and legs but I’m forced to eat them Doppelganger Apparently Davis Flowers Known For Being loud, I think Book Ready Player One Movie The Emoji Movie Follow Us? Never

Rachel Kim Nickname Ray Ray, rkim Next Netflix Binge Gilmore Girls (for the 3rd time) Comfort Food Fried chicken (Cane’s) and pecans Dream Job Puppy daycare staff Favorite Spot on Campus Red chairs on the second floor of the quad Weird Hobby Organizing Quirk Sometimes, I just want to be on fire Favorite Word Feverish Favorite Animal Aardvark Song to Describe Your Life “A Girl Worth Fighting For” - Mulan

ERIC HANG

Love to Hate People with nut allergies Hate to Love Golf Relationship Status N/A Celebrity You’d Want to Meet Rihanna Olympic Sport Discus Dream Date March 25 Phobia Cockroaches Doppelganger Rachel Tompson Known For Nothing yet Book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” by Mindy Kaling Movie The Gruffalo Follow Us? Of course

Word for Word SUSPENDING DISBELIEF

SEO AWARE

Et tu, Sam?

Pretend I’m not a genius for just a second.

Caesar salad is a gateway drug to liking salad.

-Dr. DePuit

-Sam Donovan

I’m bitter, but I’m not stupid.

-David Seo

Stephen’s Universe

By Stephen Kim

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ODDS AND ENDS

MAY 17, 2018

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Fun in the Sun: Seniors enjoy final days 2

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CAROLINE RAMIREZ AND ERIC HANG

By Sophie Caldwell

Seniors made their last week of school count. Pranks included placing several inflatable swimming pools on the Quad for an impromptu Hawaiian-themed party and filling junior hallway with 230 balloons bearing slogans like "Sen18rs" and "We Run This." Seniors dressed out of uniform in beach gear. On Wednesday, May 9, seniors bade farewell to their teachers and classmates and celebrated their college choices on College T-Shirt Day. Andrea Anaya and Frank Willey relax in a swimming pool on the Quad as Grace Hansen snaps a photo (1).

Track captains Molly Isaac, Will Marx and Pearse

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THE REVIEW

Higgason hug Coach Mercado on College T-Shirt Day (2).

Katherine Yao relaxes amongst the balloons in junior hallway (3).

Luc Ware, Brock Cannon and Henry Still celebrate with birthday boy Charles Sampson on College T-Shirt Day (4).

Future Longhorns practice their "hook 'em" signs on the Quad (5).

As part of their senior prank, students placed senior Bearach Minter's massive trebuchet in front of Dean Duncan's office (6).

PHOTOSTORY

MAY 17, 2018