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2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX 77019. Vol. 68. Issue 1.

September 30, 2016

Review • St. John’s School • sjsreview.com

years and counting

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ASHWINI BANDI

By | Christian Maines This week 70 years ago, 344 students filed into St. John the Divine chapel in the first convocation of the newly opened St. John’s School. In the last two years, the school has witnessed expansive renovations, a major change in the daily schedule and the completion of a $100 million fundraising campaign.

In this issue, we examine SJS by the numbers.

Continued on Page 10

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News 2

In Brief

West University shooting brings morning unrest

By Emma Shea

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 26, a shooter opened fire indiscriminately on cars and passers-by near the corner of Weslayan and Bissonnet.

Gun shots could be heard throughout West University Place and continued for over 15 minutes.

Physics teacher Franco Posa, who lives one block away from the location of the shooting, heard the gunshots and called 911 as he was getting ready to begin his daily walk to school.

“I usually start my walk to school around 6:30,” Posa said. “Right when the attack began.”

An all-school lock-out occurred around 7:00 a.m.

Teachers were asked to stay home or, if already on campus, to remain in their classrooms.

The all-clear was issued at 7:22 a.m.

The police reported nine victims, three of whom were treated and released at the scene, and six of whom were taken to area hospitals with gunshot wounds.

According to the Houston Police Department, police killed the shooter in an exchange of gunfire, which took place in front of the Walgreens on Weslayan.

Numerous news outlets reported that the gunman’s Porsche was parked outside his condo in the Oaks complex, located across the street from the crime scene.

Multiple weapons were found in the vehicle, and a bomb squad searched and cleared the car. The gunman’s condo contained military and Nazi paraphenilia, and Nazi emblems were also found on his clothing.

The police have officially identified the gunman as Nathan DeSai. He was a lawyer from the area who had been “having issues concerning his law firm,” according to Acting Police Chief Martha Montalvo; however, motive is still unclear.

There have been no reports of anyone from the St. John’s community being injured in the incident.

In light of the attack, the school chose to inform students of a regularly scheduled lockdown drill on Sept. 27.

Visit The Review Online for extended coverage

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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Oct. 19

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Visit sjsreview.com for daily news updates

I feel more mentally engaged due to more sleep and the destruction of monotony in the schedule.

Sam Schneider

PSAT administered

Oct. 24

Homecoming Dance held in gym

‘Schedule Helper’ saves the day By | Amy Liu

There’s a new app trending, and this time it allowed him to use his skills and actually helps you to be productive. Thanks to help others out.” sophomore programmer Matthew Giordano, Maintaining the app’s funcstudents can transition to the new schedule sans tions has proven challenging. confusion — all they need is his app, the Block On the morning of the second Schedule Helper. day of school, Giordano fell into Search up “schedule helper” on the Apple store, a panic. The app had a bug that and Giordano’s app is the first to pop up. This prevented the days from updatapp is geared for complex school schedules. Stu- ing correctly. He had to find a dents can set a rotation length, add their own solution or else his app would classes, and see an updated list each day. lead students to follow the The majority of the app’s users are fellow Upper wrong schedule.

School students.

“Whenever something goes “I haven’t written my schedule anywhere, and wrong, he gets super bothered I don’t need to because of this,” sophomore Sara and wants to fix things right Koh said. “I’d rather have my phone out than a away. He wants everything to piece of paper. The app helps me feel organized be perfect,” Julia said. “He’ll about the overwhelming schedule.” start talking about the bug right Block Schedule Helper wasn’t Giordano’s origi- when we get home.” nal plan. Last May, he wanted to collaborate with Fortunately, Giordano was sophomore Ishan Kamat to create a general St. able to fix the app, but he still GWENDELYN BUTLER John’s app that would mimic the website. With- has not figured out the cause of out access to the passwords, Giordano narrowed the bug. If students don’t update Matthew Giordano shows off the interface of his app his focus to one important component: the sev- their app, they will still experiBlock Schedule Helper, which has facilitated students’ en-day rotation. ence the glitch. transition to the new schedule.

For three weeks in June, he used Cordova, a pro“That was one of the most gram that allowed him to develop his app by cod- painful problems I’ve ever had,” Giordano said. “Normally that does not happen on the first try, ing it as a website. When the app became avail- “But I’m more persistent than intimidated when but that feeling drives me.”

Before Block Schedule Helper, Giordano felt able to the public on Aug. 21, two days before I meet frustration. I think that’s how most prostuck in a creative block. He understood all the school started, it quickly grammers are. Everyone coding lessons, but he didn’t know how to apply Poll Results got 30 downloads. Since goes through this.” them.

He continued learning code languages like then, people have spread The schedule app was According to a poll of 133 St. John’s C++ and Java.

He also worked this summer helpthe word: Giordano sees Giordano’s first practical students from The Review Online: ing his uncle fix his website mathhelp.com. at least seven new users creation, but his program“I am so happy for him. He has finally made each day. ming experience dates 34% of students say the app is a life back to sixth grade when something this time that is used by others,” Ju“We always hear him saver clicking. He is crazy he first got a TI-84 calcu- lia said. “In the past, it wasn’t the most practical determined and stays 28% of students have never heard lator. He imported games stuff, just games.”

The usefulness of Block Schedule Helper may up late working on it,” like “Frogger” or “Dooof the app lessen once students get acquainted to their said senior Julia Giordle Jump” and started to schedules, but so far many still need a daily dano, Matthew’s older 24% of students say they should make his own. glance at the app. sister. “Sometimes I get Giordano started to download the app now worried that he spends publicize himself among too much time working 14% of students say they use the app his peers as a game deon it and he should go veloper. He always had a but are depending less on it to bed earlier or do his cord handy to plug into homework.” other calculators so he Giordano could have profited from his app but could give out his games to friends. He then decided not to charge students for something he taught himself more advanced programming Scan the QR code to felt was necessary. through YouTube videos and C++ summer camp. download Schedule “Matthew’s generosity makes him capable,” “I love the feeling I get when a project works, Helper: sophomore Ashley Kim said. “The new schedule especially right after I made it,” Giordano said.

Winter Fine Arts restrictions lifted

By | Sophie Gillard

When the school announced last commitment worries. year that winter athletes would not be The school created these restrictions allowed to participate in the Spring in order to protect students from stress.

Musical, students raised such an up“Our students are incredibly multitalroar that the school allowed seniors to ented, so as a result they get involved in perform. a lot of different activities,” Amley said.

This year, the school reversed that “We saw the negative consequences that policy entirely, once again allowing all the stress put on our students, and we students to participate in both the muwondered how we could help students sical and their sport. participate in some activities and do “I’m glad that new Upper School stuthem well.” dents are no longer restricted and can For senior Emma Boehme, extra take part in all the things they want stress was a risk worth taking. A swim to,” sophomore Gray Watson said. “Esteam manager since her freshman year, pecially for people in their freshman Boehme acted in the musicals and was year, when there is a lot more time to active in Johnnycake. She had planned JARED MARGOLIS explore your different interests.” to act and manage her junior year.

Athletes can now participate in both winter sports and Watson should know. Last year, these “I knew that I had enough time for restrictions put him in a difficult sit- the spring musical. each activity,” Boehme said, “but I ance, so continuing with last year’s policy, when uation: Watson, then a freshman, had wasn’t allowed to do both. students already have more free time built into planned on participating in theatre and soccer.

Johnnycake Co-President Frances Hellums saw “Ultimately, I chose to do the musical,” Wat- their day, seems unnecessary — we decided the the effect that last year’s rule had on the producson said. “But I had been playing soccer for three school did not need to continue this guideline,” tion and is optimistic about its reversal. years at that point, and had been looking forward Amley said.

“The new rule will allow those who enjoy theIn a poll conducted by The Review Online last atre but don’t make it their main focus to explore to playing in high school. I was definitely disapyear, 80 percent of responders preferred to leave a new experience, which is definitely a positive pointed.”

Students can thank the new schedule, said time management to the student. In that same thing,” poll, only 7 percent of students polled appreciHead of Upper School Hollis Amley.

“At the heart of the schedule is wellness and bal- ated the limitations put in place because of over-

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

News 3

New schedule presents problems, possibilities By | Prithvi Krishnarao The start of school usually gives students a chance to get acclimated to the familiar routine of classes, but this year students have the added challenge of adapting to a completely new schedule.

The schedule has presented its fair share of hurdles, yet students appreciate the increased free time.

“I have more time to do homework during school,” sophomore Neel Pai said. “I haven’t done any homework outside of school and have been getting a good eight hours of sleep every day.”

With the school day starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:35 p.m., after-school activities are starting later. For many students, the lack of time to do homework after school is mitigated by more free time at school.

“I like most that I have free time,” sophomore Shomik Ghose said.

“The new schedule is very helpful in getting my homework done early.”

Upperclassmen also appreciate the free time the new schedule offers.

“I like that the free periods are so long — I can either hang out with my friends or do homework,” junior Morgan Sholeen said.

Students and teachers alike value the increased class time per period.

“The new schedule really allows me get fully immersed in the class that I am in,” sophomore Chris Morrell said. “In some classes, for example, Spanish, we have more time to finish activities that we previously wouldn’t have been able to finish.”

Under the old schedule, every class met every day at the same time.

The new schedule has no set pattern.

Chemistry teacher Patty Carr appreciates the variety of the daily schedule.

“If a student is not a morning person, they get varying opportunities during the day to have their classes,” Carr said. “This enhances their learning and opportunities to interact with their teachers and peers.”

However, the new schedule is disorienting to some.

“I’m overwhelmed by the newness of it all,” Sholeen said. “I feel less connected.”

One of the main concerns with the new schedule is the shorter lunch period, which is now 30 minutes as opposed to a full hour in past years.

“I don’t mind as much that it is 30 minutes — I really just mind how long it takes me to get food,” Sholeen said. “I only have 10 to 15 minutes to actually eat.”

Students are also worried about a decline in club participation as a result of less time to meet during the week.

“The biggest complaint that I have heard about the new schedule is that it is killing the club culture,” Director of Curriculum Dwight Raulston (‘71) said. “One of the reasons for the new schedule that was clearly stated last year was to force students to make choices to keep them from getting overworked. Whether that applied to the clubs or not, I don’t know.”

Teachers also have to adapt to the new schedule.

I’m overwhelmed “For a single class, such as Geo-Trig, there are only a couby the newness ple of times in a rotation in of it all... I feel less which we meet on the same day of the rotation, so coordinating connected. assignments can be difficult,” Raulston said.

Morgan Sholeen Head of Upper School Hollis Amley stated that the schedule change has been strenuous for teachers as they reconfigure their curriculums to fit into the new, longer class periods.

“It’s like asking teachers to do everything with their non-dominant hand,” Amley said. “Even the most routine tasks can become fatiguing.”

Another consequence of the new schedule concerns students who would like to meet with visiting college representatives. College visits are now scheduled during class time, which requires seniors to ask teachers permission to miss part of the class. Juniors may only visit college reps if they have a free period.

“It’s really hard to keep track of when colleges are going to be here,” junior Joseph Coselli said.

Senior Camille Dawson does not see a problem with the procedure to meet with college reps.

“Teachers really understand how important [the visits] are to seniors, so you’re not going to be penalized for missing a class as long as you take the proper protocol of letting your teachers know at least two days in advance,” Dawson said.

While the new schedule provides approximately the same amount of in-class time, there are fewer class periods in which students meet.

The new schedule necessitated the removal of lab periods from science classes, resulting in a reduction of total class time for those subjects.

“I’m trying to cover an AP curriculum with 73 percent as much time as I used to,” biology teacher Doug Elliott said. “That’s a big challenge.”

Besides course content, some teachers have had to alter the way they teach.

“My particular teaching style involves a lot of storytelling [and] a lot of background,” physics teacher Erol Turk said. “I’ve really got to cut that down. I’ve really got to streamline it, and that’s killing me.”

Director of K-12 Curriculum Megan Henry is optimistic about what she has seen so far.

“Starting a schedule as different as our new one, we’ve had a really successful start,” Henry said. “It is beyond thrilling to be where we are now, really living it.”

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JARED MARGOLIS

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Features 4

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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Heath Einstein TCU Director of Admissions

If a student is a ‘marginal candidate’ and they come visit TCU, it will help them get into the freshman class.

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Freshmen make jewelry for P6 Zambia Track star goes for gold at P7 Junior Olympics Visit sjsreview.com for daily news updates

Demonstrated Interest

Students search for admissions secrets By | Claire Furse NYU freshman Sabina Madland (‘16) did will not transfer. “a lot of stupid things” to demonstrate inter“Only one of the schools that I applied to est for colleges. considered demonstrated interest, so I made “I would go to college events and ask sure to go to info sessions and on tours for questions that I already knew the answer to, that school because I knew that was somejust so that the college representative would thing they really valued,” Madland said. know me,” Madland said. “It’s kind of a silly One way to demonstrate interest is to measure of figuring out how attend local presentations much a student wants to given by college representago to your college, but the tives, such as those who visit college process is like a game St. John’s. These presentayou have to play.” tions take place during class Demonstrated interest is periods this year instead of a factor that some colleges during lunch. consider during the applica“Last year, students could tion process. Colleges track just show up during lunch, prospective students’ level of so meetings would be big interaction with the school impersonal,” Chang It’s not a formal and in order to identify students said. “This year, it’s a smaller part of our who are genuinely interestgroup of students who went ed in attending. out of their way to attend evaluation “The whole idea of demonthe meeting. Every college process, but strated interest is that the rep that has come through colleges who care at all don’t so far has said that these it’s a factor want to see a stealth or ghost are better quality meetings for borderline and that you can tell the applicant, someone who has zero history of any constudents really want to be students, so tact with their college, who here.” we’ll see what suddenly shows up in their Despite the more meanapplicant pool,” Director of and how much ingful atmosphere, some College Counseling Wendy students are concerned engagement Chang said. about missing class to meet they have had with college representatives.

There are many ways for a student to demonstrate “I would hate for students with us. interest. to really feel that it’s imper“People define demonative to attend, to miss a Justin Doty strated interest so narrowly, class that they really want to Trinity Director but it’s much broader than go to, or to argue with the of Admissions just visiting the college camteacher so that they can miss pus,” Chang said. “It’s any the class, just to make it to point of contact before the student submits the school visit,” Chang said. “There is althe application, such as signing up for their ways a workaround.” email list, opening emails when you get The most common way that students them, signing up for an alumni interview or attending a local information session.”

According to a study conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 50.2 percent of all colleges and universities place either considerable or moderate importance on an applicant’s demonstrated interest.

According to Chang, the schools that do not place much importance on demonstrated interest do so because they are either highly selective or large state schools who do not need to micromanage their yield.

Some colleges value demonstrated interest in determining their student yield, which helps to ensure a proper class size, reduces dependence on waitlists and boosts college prestige. Colleges also prefer genuinely interested students who will contribute eagerly to the community and

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CONSIDERED

demonstrate interest is by visiting the college For schools such as Rice University, there is campus. an expectation that local applicants demon“Mostly I visited campuses to get a feel strate interest. for the school, but I would always make “When the representative for Rice came sure to put my name down on any list or to campus, she said make sure you sign in go to any presentation while I was there,” because they pay attention to attendance,” Madland said. “Sometimes I went to presen- Rice University freshman Namanh Kapur tations that I didn’t really care (‘16) said. about, just because I wanted to Some students, desperate demonstrate interest.” to demonstrate interest, Aside from the opportunity email college represento show interest, many stutatives with unnecessary dents find campus visits valuquestions. College repreable in their own right. sentatives can often see “As you attempt to demonthrough these attempts. strate interest, you can also “Emailing reps to eslearn about the school and tablish a relationship you may realize that you don’t can’t hurt, but do it very I don’t love want to go there, like when I thoughtfully and very juditoured certain schools and reciously,” Chang said. the term alized that I didn’t like being in For schools that value “demonstrated demonstrated interest such the middle of the city,” Texas A&M freshman Chris Gillett as Wake Forest, Tufts or interest” (‘16) said.

Tulane, a visit can often Many students postpone because it tends make a difference. campus visits until after com“Most of the schools I to suggest that pleting their applications or do was applying to didn’t care there’s a test not visit. about demonstrated inter“I didn’t demonstrate inest, but for some schools, to be passed terest at all, and I didn’t visit you need to show up on or a hoop to the campus until I got in, but campus,” Kapur said. be jumped a lot of people went and inStudents who face finanterviewed there,” University cial constraints are often through. of Chicago freshman Nancy unable to visit colleges, Cheng (‘16) said. leading some to quesDemonstrating interest cartion the equity of taking Jonathan Webster demonstrated interest into ries extra weight for students Associate Dean of applying to nearby schools. consideration.

According to Chang, if a stu“Being able to visit is an Admissions at W&L dent lives within a three- or advantage. Luckily, I was four-hour drive of a school and able to visit most of the does not visit, the school may interpret that schools that I applied to, but that’s someas a lack of interest. thing colleges need to consider,” Madland said.

Many colleges address this inequity by offering programs to help students who need financial assistance to visit campus.

According to Chang, students who are unable to demonstrate interest by visiting due to financial difficulties should not be penalized.

Some students also struggle to find the time to visit.

It is impossible for students to know how much demonstrated interest impacts their application process.

“Maybe demonstrated interest helped, but there are so many factors,” Nancy Cheng said. “Demonstrated interest is just one of the little parts of the bigger picture that they take into consideration.”

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NOT CONSIDERED

SOURCE: COMMON DATA SET DESIGN BY PRITHVI KRISHNARAO

Features 5

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Star astronomer launches space blog By | Sophia Li

Senior Marisa Murillo’s posts on the latest developments in astronomy have propelled her to internet prominence. Created just three months ago, her blog “astromarisa” has already garnered a substantial following.

Murillo’s blog made its debut on July 18, and her initial entries were posts she had written during astronomy class.

“I wanted a way to formalize everything ― to keep up with what is cool,” Murillo said. “Astronomy is such a diverse study. There’s a little bit of history, a little bit of physics, mythology, biology and chemistry with all the different objects that you’re studying.”

Murillo’s posts range from discussing stars in constellations to exploring the basics of dark matter.

“I write articles when I have the time,” Murillo said. “I’ll write about something that interests me and put in pictures. It kind of surprised me that a lot of my following came from my astronomy Instagram account.”

While the blog is new, Murillo’s fascination with astronomy began at the age of seven.

“Astronomy is something that I’ve always wanted to study,” Murillo said. “It’s the branch of science that best combines everything.”

During her junior year, Murillo enrolled in Daniel Friedman’s astronomy class, which furthered her interest in the subject.

“Marisa was certainly one of the more interested and conscientious students,” Friedman said.

“She was interested in everything and wanted to dig into the whole subject.”

Murillo’s astronomy Instagram (@astro_marisa) currently has over 280 followers. Her posts frequently garner over 100 likes.

Murillo has attracted a significant worldwide following from other individuals with a passion for astronomy.

“There’s Eleonora from Italy, Ulyana from Russia and Jess from Canada,” Murillo said. “It really opened my eyes to what an international community astro-blogging is.”

Jessica Tsalkis, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, frequently reads Marisa’s blog posts.

“Marisa’s online presence is vibrant, enthusias-

tic and brimming with curiosity,” Tsalkis said. “I love hearing about the latest space and technology advancements through her posts.”

Eleonora Opizzi, 37, from Italy, discovered Murillo’s blog via social media.

“I came across Marisa through our common passion for space science,” Opizzi said. “What attracted me was her enthusiasm and determination in dealing with complicated topics.”

Kizi Colley, 19, a biochemistry student at the University of Lincoln in England, was impressed

by Murillo’s fascination with space science.

“Marisa’s online presence is inspiring. Women in STEM need more recognition, and it’s people like Marisa who are doing something about it in a positive and intellectual way,” Colley said. “I’m a biochemist kind of girl, so it’s fascinating to delve into physics with Marisa.”

In July, Murillo visited the Johnson Space Center, where she met Tom Marshburn, an astronaut who was awarded the NASA Superior Achievement award in 1998. Murillo also toured the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, which trains astronauts for activity outside of the spacecraft, and the original Apollo Mission Control room.

Murillo also met the Director of Johnson Space Center, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, whom she has considered a role model since her youth.

“She was my childhood hero,” Murillo said. “I had her picture in my binder in the fourth grade.”

In August, Murillo visited the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. She toured the Laboratory’s mission control room, which has been dubbed “the center of the universe” for its powerful Deep Space Network, which monitors the location of all spacecrafts that travel below Low-Earth Orbit.

“I was able to see the place where all of their orbiters and rovers were assembled,” Murillo said. “I discovered more about the Juno mission, which went to Jupiter. I also got to see the history of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, from its origins as a group of Caltech students to its eventual affiliation with NASA.” This summer, Murillo entered Meade Instruments’ “Soak Up the Sun” photography contest by submitting a photo of the Mercury solar

PHOTO BY EMILY RAGAUSS | DESIGN BY AILEEN ZHANG

Senior Marisa Murillo created her blog “astromarisa” to archive her astronomy writings. She plans on studying mechanical engineering and astrophysics in college. transit — when Mercury crosses in front of the Sun — that she had taken in Astronomy Club last year.

On Sept. 1, Murillo was named one of the three winners in North America. She received an 80mm Polaris Telescope.

Murillo plans on studying mechanical engineering and astrophysics in college.

“Right now it’s a fun little side hobby to keep up with where my interests are. It keeps me focused. I like staying up to date with a subject that interests me very much,” Murillo said. “I would like to find out more about people interested in this field.”

Murillo’s curiosity fuels her fascination with

astronomy.

“I like finding out new things. A good question is a question that leads to more questions,” Murillo said. “This is a field broad enough to keep searching for new answers and questions from those answers.”

Scan the QR code to visit astromarisa:

Construction continues for parking, athletics By | Andrew Duong Construction crews are forging ahead with continued campus expansion that includes a new athletic center, a turf field and a parking garage to be shared with St. Luke’s Church.

Since late last year, anyone driving past the former baseball fields or Finnegan Field has been able to catch a glimpse of the bustling construction.

The current construction has been divided into three phases.

Athletic Complex Phase One concerns the bulk of the construction, including a multi-purpose athletic building and turf fields.

The Finnegan Field and Taub turf projects are behind schedule because of heavy summer rains. Both projects are expected to be completed by the middle to end of October.

Finnegan Field’s new turf will make it more similar to college and professional fields. The field will also be irrigated, which will allow the field hockey ball to move faster.

“We will be the only irrigated field hockey field in about a 1,000-mile radius,” Swan said. “It’s a neat project.”

The baseball field and indoor multi-purpose space, which will contain batting cages, are on track to be completed by the 2017 baseball season.

In an interview with MavTV, Director of Athletics Vince Arduini discussed how the shed and turf fields will allow baseball

Athletic Renovations Phase 1: October 2016

players to train even during bad weather.

“The inclement weather won’t be as much of a distraction,” Arduini said. “This past August, I can’t tell you how many practice days we’ve missed.”

According to Director of Finance and Operations Greg Swan, the new baseball fields, Finnegan Field and the Lower School play yard will be turfed.

“The drainage there is horrible,” Swan said. “The grass hadn’t been growing. Lower School kids need to be able to use that field as their playground.”

These new additions will allow sixth graders to play school sports for the first time.

“I am looking forward to the excitement, responsibility and challenge of being the first coach in SJS history for sixth grade boys’ basketball,” Coach Morris Nwogwugwu said.

Next comes a three-and-a-half-story garage, which will be shared with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

The shared garage with St. Luke’s is scheduled for completion in March and may be available for use after Spring Break.

The multi-purpose practice facilities, dugouts and stands are expected to be completed by the end of November.

The fields will be adaptable for each season. When the remov-

St. Luke’s Garage: March 2017

able fence is taken down, one field can be made into two practice fields. More fields allow for multiple games, allowing JV teams to play concurrently.

“The new fields should be a great addition to the school because it allows people to balance sports and academics, especially on game nights,” sophomore Kenji Chevray said. “Since games won’t be ending late at night, it gives students the time to complete homework.”

The architect for Phase One is Kendall Heaton Associates, Inc. who has designed projects for the Golden State Warriors and the University of Houston.

The general contractor for the construction projects is WS Bellows Construction Corporation, who also built Mewbourne, Flores Hall and the Campus Center.

Tennis courts and an outdoor pool are also in the works.

Phase Two is a new competition field located near the Taub Parking Lot. There is currently no funding or timetable for the field’s completion, which will likely be resolved after the completion of Phase One. The future of Phase Three is undetermined. A new gymnasium and athletic complex are in the works, but there is no immediate timetable.

Athletic Renovations Phase 2: Date TBD

Athletic Renovations Phase 3: Date TBD

GRAPHICS COURTESY OF ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES CAMBRIDGE DESIGN BY PRITHVI KRISHNARAO

Features 6

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Freshmen fuse fashion, fundraising

By | Gracie Blue

Behind the myriad choker styles, trendy tassels trio to further contribute and geode charms seen on its Instagram page, their time and energy toJewels for Schools stands out in the consumerist wards the cause. social media marketplace. While other popular “We made an Instagram small Instagram businesses exist for personal account for the business gain, three freshmen utilize the world of fash- and just started making ion as a gateway to improve the lives of Zambian jewelry,” Reasoner said. orphans.

“It’s harder to keep up with Freshmen Mary VanLoh, Eloise Reasoner and during the school year, Cross Kennedy venture to Lusaka, Zambia each but we make time on the summer to serve and educate orphans through weekends.”

CampLife, a program that connects American Jewels for Schools has families with the orphans of Zambia to help both an Instagram and them with English, discuss Christian teachings an Etsy presence to reach and propel them towards a better life through a more diverse customer education. base than just friends and One night at a sleepover, the three girls reflect- family. ed on their memories and time at CampLife and “A lot of people will see on their passion for helping the orphans. something on Instagram After going on the trip, the girls were inspired and then go to Etsy to to create a jewelry business to raise profits for buy it,” VanLoh said. “But projects to benefit the orphans in Zambia. Van- there was one time where Loh has enjoyed jewelry making for fun in the everyone commented on past and has had help from Reasoner and Ken- Eloise’s Instagram post and nedy before. From there, Jewels for Schools was the pieces sold out in like born. The girls buy the beads and supplies them- two minutes.”

CAROLINE RAMIREZ selves, putting 100 percent of the profit towards The girls purchase bead- Using social media, Jewels For Schools sells its products in order to benefit children in Zambia. The freshman trio of their projects. ing supplies in local bead Mary VanLoh, Cross Kennedy and Eloise Reasoner seek to raise $20,000 for a playground.

Financing playground in the Chainda com- stores around Houston, one for a necklace so that the beads are in sepa- adults purchased jewelry at the event, but leaned pound became their first goal. VanLoh’s family including The Bead Shop and May’s Beads. They rate pieces.” more towards more traditional beaded items. visits each year. also order more exotic materials from Amazon to The materials create unique and versatile styles “We made pieces with skull charms, but older “The reason we chose to benefit the schools is diversify their product styles. that can be layered or stand on their own. Neck- people didn’t buy them,” Reasoner said. because it’s so important “I really make a lot of jewelry laces are made from different colored leathers or While the adults passed on edgier designs, the that they get an educaright when I get back from the suedes as well as assorted beads, gems and stones event resulted in a new revenue stream for Jewels We try to make classic bead store,” Reasoner said. “It tion,” VanLoh said. “The strung on jewelry cord. for Schools. They plan to host more trunk shows kids are forced to grow pieces but also trendy just depends how many times I go Some necklaces fasten with a gold clasp, while in the future. up at such a young age. there because then I’ll get excited things. Whatever’s in others wrap around the neck or simply tie in “We practically sold all of the pieces there,” You see three-year-olds and bead a bunch.” style. the back. Various charms such as druzy stones, Kennedy said. carrying babies on their Reasoner calls VanLoh the “main quartz crystals, geode slices and gold accents add Reasoner’s older sister Olivia worked at the backs. The playground beader” of the group, but all three flair to necklaces and bracelets. Pearls, crescent trunk show to help her younger sister.

Eloise contributed to building a substanallows them to be kids charms, tassels and evil eye beads attract custom“I’m so proud of Eloise for working to raise and not have to take on Reasoner tial inventory of pieces over the ers as trending features. money for these orphans,” Olivia said. “It was all of the responsibilisummer. According to Reasoner, Jewels for Schools hosted a trunk show at really cool to see so many people so interested in ties.” most of her customers buy through Voices for Zambia, a concert event held at the and supportive of the cause at the trunk show.”

The girls also want to raise funds to buy Instagram comments and direct messages.

Lowe Theater benefitting the orphans of Lusaboth the land and the playground set, costing “We try to make classic pieces but also trendy ka, on Aug. 20. The event helped the girls reach $20,000. Thus far, the group has sold $3,000 things. Whatever’s in style,” Reasoner said. “I try an older clientele, since most of their customers worth of jewelry to put toward their goal. to portion out my beads to where if I have one were teenage girls. According to Reasoner, many The progress that they have seen inspires the strand, I’ll use half of it for a bracelet and then

“ ”

Photographer honors Vietnam Vets By | Irene Vazquez

After six years of travel, research, photography and interviews, every memorial is best to the people who created it and to the surviAlbert Nahas’ quest was finally complete. He had documented over vors and lost warriors that it honored.”

1,000 Vietnam Veterans Memorials across all 50 states. The book In the winter of 2015, Nahas and Tom Jackson (‘63) donated a that resulted, “Warriors Remembered,” is a photographic and writ- copy of “Warriors Remembered” to the Taub library in memory of ten documentation of the stories of Vietnam Veterans Memorials.

Grant Taylor (‘63), their classmate at West Point.

Nahas began the project in 2002 after coming across some photos Months later, when selecting this year’s book fair speaker, Librarian on the internet of Vietnam Veterans Memorials.

Peg Patrick recalled the poignancy of his visit. Nahas will speak to “It didn’t start as a book projthe Upper School on Oct. 11. ect,” Nahas said. “I was really “It seemed like such an interesting impressed with the magnitude of and worthy project that he underemotion that these photos elicittook,” Patrick said. ed.”

While traveling in Pensacola, After realizing that there was Florida, Nahas met a man who had a memorial in Missoula, Monsat on the steps outside a restaurant tana, where Nahas had already because he could not muster the scheduled a visit that summer, he courage to see the Moving Wall, coordinated with the committee a traveling replica of the Vietnam in charge of the memorial to disVeterans Memorial in Washingcover its story. Nahas was particuton, D.C. One of the waitresses larly intrigued by the monument, came out and talked to him, and he “Wings of an Eagle,” which had learned that she had lost a friend in taken almost 10 years to comthe war. Through talking to her, he plete. found the strength to see the wall, “What started out as a personand he was later instrumental in al quest became a mission to let building the memorial in Pensacother Vietnam veterans know that ola. these memorials existed,” Nahas “They’re not war stories — they’re said. “There was no list of memostories of the aftermath of the war,” rials anywhere, so I decided that Nahas said. “Honoring Vietnam if I was going to find these, I was Veterans at that time was not a realgoing to make one myself.” ly popular thing to do.”

Albert Nahas photographed over 1,000 Vietnam War From start to finish, the task Patrick hopes that Nahas’ visit will memorials in every state for “Warriors Remembered.” took nearly six years, including spur student interest and rememtravel, research, photography and interviews. brance of the Vietnam War. Patrick plans to set up a special library Over the course of the project, Nahas had to step outside his com- display in October honoring combat veterans of all wars. Friends fort zone in order to get things done. and family of SJS community members are encouraged to share their “I was not and am not a photographer,” Nahas said. “I discovered stories and the things they carried with them in battle — a nod to I had a decent eye for framing shots, and a lot of it was practice as Tim O’Brien’s Vietnam War story “The Things They Carried.”

I went along.”

“Vietnam is a period of American history that was a source of anger Nahas chose 100 memorials to feature in his book, picking the and shame,” Patrick said. “As we look back, many of those feelings ones he considered best representative of what the welcome home have not disappeared, but they have muted. And it’s probably way was all about. past time to honor these veterans.”

“A couple of people have asked me what I thought the best memorial was,” Nahas said. “I’ve always hesitated to answer that because

Book Fair Diner comes to campus This year’s Book Fair will be held in Flores Hall.

The motif is a 50’s style “All You Can Read” Book Fair Diner.

Because the Book Fair occurs than usual, this year’s fair conflicts with the PSAT. But the later date allows for newer releases to be showcased. Parent co-chairs Melanie Tantuco and Bryn Larsen are looking forward to stocking new books by fan-favorites like Rick Riordan and Stuart Gibbs. Students can also place preorders for J.K. Rowling’s newest release, the screenplay for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Albert Nahas will be signing copies of “Warriors Remembered,” and Katie McGee (‘06) will be signing copies of her debut novel, “The Thousandth Floor,” released Aug. 30.

New this year, international books from the languages taught at St. John’s will be featured.

With the opening of the Great Hall in 2015, Book Fair moved on campus. Parent co-chairs work closely with Barnes and Noble as well as with other parents, librarians and faculty members to compile the list of books they want to stock.

“They give you a scanner like a bridal registry,” Larsen said.

“You get to go up Book Fair Family Night and down the aisles scanning all of the will be held Oct. 19, with catering by Prince’s Ham- books that you think would be good to burgers. have.”

The on-campus location allows for greater flexibility. On family night, Oct. 19, student music groups, coordinated by senior Jake Schick, will perform on the Great Lawn.

“It’s about being a literary community,” Larsen said. “The focus is not on fundraising, although we’re delighted that so much of what we do benefits the library. It’s about building community and getting kids excited about reading.”

Features 7

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER. 30, 2016

Track star tastes gold at Junior Olympics

By | Maggie Ballard

Heading into the most competitive meet of his life, sophomore be pigeonholed in one sport,” Genson Hooper-Price had faith in his preparation.

Hooper-Price said.

“It was a little bit stressful, but I believed in myself. I believed Hooper-Price explains that in everything I had worked on and all the hard work I put in,” it can be exhausting to jump Hooper-Price said. “I didn’t have any worries in the end.” from sport to sport with no Hooper-Price participated in the USA Track and Field Junior time in between seasons, and Olympics in Houston for the second time this summer. The Ju- he finds it difficult to train for nior Olympics is an annual program offering young athletes from all three at the same time. around the country the chance to compete.

“I find myself losing a lot “Last year I was more of a bench player, but this year I had a of weight during the track seabigger spot on the team and a lot more pressure on me,” Hoop- son that I need during football er-Price said. from all the running, and you He joined the running club Track Houston in the summer of aren’t supposed to play bas2015. This summer, he went to different meets to improve his ketball during track season in running times so that he could place in the Junior Olympics. order to not get ankle or other “I came a little late into the team, but my coaches from last year injuries,” Hooper-Price said. still believed in me, and I had their emotional support to help me Head Track Coach Richie get those qualifying marks,” Hooper-Price said. “I had to compete Mercado shares the same against my own teammates for qualifying times, but we all love concern about Hooper-Price’s competition, so it just pushed us to be our absolute best.” participation in three sports The guidelines set by Hooper-Price’s club do not allow for much every year, but he appreciates relaxation. Runners are required to drink two gallons of water a Hooper-Price’s focused prepaday along with daily running, and they are prohibited from swim- ration for the Junior OlymNYLA JENNINGS ming and drinking soda. pics.

Genson Hooper-Price won three medals at the 2016 Junior Olympics, including a gold Hooper-Price’s club team was made up of about 30 athletes, a “He’s going to continue to in the 4x400 relay. The sophomore hopes to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. small contingent of the thousands of athletes who participate in get better, although he doesn’t emphasizes his work ethic. the track and field and cross country events of the Junior Olym- have a lot of time in the spring.

“We’re not just looking for speed and power but also willingness pics annually.

He comes into track and doesn’t have a lot of time to get ready and In his first year, his relay team placed first in the 4x400, while get into shape,” Mercado said. “Working over the summer for the to work and willingness to learn,” Mercado said. “We’ve seen people with a lot of talent not do a lot for the team, and the less nathe placed third in the high jump. This year, he placed fifth in the Junior Olympics will help.” triple jump, third in the 4x800 Although Hooper-Price runs urally gifted do very well because they work hard. You’re limited relay, second in the 4x100 and throughout the school year and by the amount of natural talent you have, but you’re also limited first in the 4x400. the summer, his motivation for by how hard you work.”

Fellow athletes also admire Hooper-Price’s drive in practice.

Although he pursues athletics running helps him endure the at the Junior Olympics “Genson was always very respectful to Coach Mercado. He was year-round, Hooper-Price hopes training schedule. to explore other extracurricular “I run because I like to show always on time and on top of the ball, and that’s what makes him activities. everybody what I’m capable a good athlete,” sophomore and former track teammate Juliette “Last year I didn’t really do the of, and also to represent every- Draper said.

Hooper-Price’s teammate from last season, junior Ian Thakur, plays, but I definitely want to one who’s helped me along the agrees. get into the theatre program this way.”

“It’s always good to have a freshman that works really hard year,” Hooper-Price said.

Hooper-Price also said that Hooper-Price also participates working through challenges all the time and gives 100 percent in practice, even though he’s in basketball and football, and has taught him a lot about per- already really good,” Thakur said, recalling Hooper-Price’s early days. “Lots of people who are very good as underclassmen don’t he recommends that other athseverance. letes consider trying three sports.

“I should always be the per- try too hard and aren’t that dedicated, but he’s dedicated to every“It is time consuming to be son that works the hardest. If thing he does.”

Mercado has high hopes for Hooper-Price’s running future. a three-sport athlete, but I say you miss a shot in basketball or “From what I’ve seen, he could run in college. He could even do it just to keep your options don’t make a certain time, you open. Once you find the sport you think you can go to college for, can’t just stop working,” Hooper-Price said. “You have to push run [Division] I,” Mercado said.

Hooper-Price has trouble narrowing down which sport he you can hone in on that sport,” Hooper-Price said. through it, just like the challenges you face in life.”

Being a three-sport athlete helps to keep Hooper-Price in shape Both coaches and teammates recognize how hard Hooper-Price wants to pursue in college, but when asked about his future plans, Hooper-Price said his goal is to compete in the 2020 Olympic as well as distribute his athletic focus and energy. works in practices and meets.

“Doing basketball, football and track has allowed me to not Mercado speaks highly of Hooper-Price’s athleticism but also Games in Tokyo.

By the Numbers:

4 x 400

1st place

4 x 100

2nd place

4 x 800

3rd place

Triple Jump 5th place

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Sports 8

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

“

Oct. 8

Cross Country Maverick Ramble

The kids picked up the offense very quickly, but it’s going to take a while for us to be consistent.

Oct. 14

Football Home vs. Episcopal For sports updates, follow @SJS_Review on Twitter

”

Steve Gleaves Football Coach

Sports Shorts Boys’ XC works to stay ahead Cross-country coach Richie Mercado refuses to allow last year’s SPC champions to become complacent.

Mercado emphasizes that the team’s work ethic is the most important factor for success this season.

“I talked to the boys. I showed them a picture this summer of Golden State after they lost to Cleveland in Game Seven,” Mercado said. “I said that it will be you guys in Austin in November if you think that we’re going to win because we’re good. We have to work to earn it.”

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School and St. Mark’s Episcopal School are expected to be the Mavericks’ biggest rivals.

CAPTAINS

Kate Copeland Sarah VanLoh Reese Vogel Grace Wilson KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Audrey Ledbetter Emily Pedrick CURRENT RECORD

Indians draft Wake Forest LHP Farish Wake Forest left-handed pitcher Chris Farish (‘13) was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball FirstYear Player Draft in June.

Farish, a redshirt sophomore, is the first SJS graduate to be drafted by a professional baseball team.

Farish’s fastball has been clocked at 96 miles per hour.

He struck out 35 batters in 28 innings pitched in 2016, all in relief appearances.

Farish announced that he will not sign with Cleveland and instead will return to play for the Demon Deacons in 2017.

Farish will be eligible to re-enter the MLB draft next summer.

5-0

HIGHLIGHTS

Beat Kinkaid 3-0 2015 SPC

1st Isabel Windham is a key contributor to a strong field hockey team.

GWENDELYN BUTLER

Jordan Kramer

Volleyball looks forward to SPC Coach Karen Morgan thinks that this season is the opportunity to break the dry spell — the team hasn’t won SPC since 2009.

“This year we should go to SPC, if not place in the top four,” Morgan said. “That’s the expectation.”

Morgan says the sophomore class is key to their projected success.

The boys’ team, coached by Charles Hulett, is off to a 4-0, start in SPC play and is 12-3 overall.

The girls will play St. Andrew’s on Oct.14 for Fill the Stands Night. The boys will play Kinkaid on Oct. 6.

By Andrew Duong

After winning the 2016 Chronicle Cup for the best overall small school athletic program last year, the Mavericks are on track to continue their winning ways this fall.

In 2015, field hockey and both cross country teams won SPC championships.

Field hockey is off to an undefeated start and has already defeated Episcopal, 5-0.

Boys’ cross country placed first at the St. Andrew’s Invitational and girls’ cross country won the Second Baptist Invitational. Seniors Jake Schick, Jayan Hanson, and Peyton Brown, junior Drew Woodfolk and sophomore Sam Faraguna return as 2015 All-SPC runners.

Boys’ volleyball boasts an impressive 12-3 record thus far and is undefeated in SPC play.

The football and girls’ volleyball teams did not qualify for the SPC tournament last year but have shown improvement this season.

The football team is averaging the most passing yards per game in school history, and they beat Houston Christian, 39-7, their first win of the season.

Girls’ volleyball has won nine games and is set to clash with Episcopal next week.

Erik Andrade

JARED MARGOLIS

CAPTAINS

Peyton Brown Ellie Faraguna Jacqueline Ma Christina Ru KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Olivia Barboza Hannah Johnston Jordan Kramer HIGHLIGHTS

ANTHONY DAYAO

CAPTAINS

Erik Andrade Michael Urdahl KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Ben Cohen Michael Meaux

CURRENT RECORD

12-3

HIGHLIGHTS

Won Second Baptist Beat Kinkaid and Meet Episcopal 2015 SPC

1st

2015 SPC

4th

Samuel Ho

Malcolm Sturgis

JARED MARGOLIS

CAPTAINS

Gregory Estrera Wheeler Gibson Josh Thomas Rob Wallace

VIRGINIA NEY

CAPTAINS

Jayan Hanson Hayden Simmons Jake Schick KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Jid Ganim Wesley Gow

Sam Faraguna Samuel Ho Drew Woodfolk

CURRENT RECORD

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

1-3

HIGHLIGHTS

Beat Houston Christian 39-7 2015 SPC

Did Not Qualify

Stephanie Sarkar

1st place at St. Andrew’s Invitational 2015 SPC

1st

ANUDEEP JAIN

CAPTAINS

Grace Hansen Divya Jain KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Kennadie Jake-Turner Alexandra Lewis CURRENT RECORD

9-10

HIGHLIGHTS

Beat Second Baptist in five sets 2015 SPC

Did Not Qualify

Sports 9

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Cuban wrestling exhibition stalls

COURTESY OF JOSH NIDEVER

Yo Akiyama (in camo) and teammates push Coach Alberto Rodriguez’s car up a hill as part of their daily conditioning. Although they could not wrestle with the national team, the wrestlers still made the best of their time in Cuba. The school recently added Rodriguez to the Maverick coaching staff.

By | Dani Yan Three Maverick wrestlers headed to Cuba in June anticipating an opportunity to train with an elite national team. But before they were even able to step on a wrestling mat, the Cuban national government intervened.

For three weeks in mid-June, Yo Akiyama (‘16) and juniors Evan Hammerman and Layo Laniyan planned on training with Cuba’s junior national wrestling team alongside other members of Alberto’s Wrestling. Instead, they ran and drilled hand fighting for hours on asphalt and dirt, but no St. John’s athlete actually wrestled in Cuba.

Club coach Alberto Rodriguez is a 12-time Cuban National Wrestling Champion who competed in the 1996 Olympics. He also won gold medals at the Pan-American Championship and the Wrestling World Cup. A number of Maverick wrestlers train regularly at Rodriguez’s club and Rodriguez was hired as an assistant wrestling coach for St. John’s in mid-September.

“Alberto really completes our coaching staff with his extensive wrestling experience and knowledge,” Head Wrestling Coach Alan Paul said.

Early last spring, Rodriguez contacted Cuban national coaches to arrange a trip for his wrestlers.

According to Rodriguez, the Cuban government claimed it had placed restrictions on his team as a result of a Cuban baseball player returning from the U.S. and handing out free equipment to Cubans, despite the government’s objection, weeks before the wrestlers’ visit.

“It feels unreasonable that they wouldn’t let us wrestle, but it’s understandable because Cuban and American relations aren’t great,” Hammerman said.

Rodriguez defected from Cuba after the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and said his defection likely played a role in the government’s restrictions.

“The Cuban government is always disapproving because I am a defector,” Rodriguez said. “They let me go back, but they still feel pain because I left.”

While the team was unable to wrestle with the Cubans, they still worked out every day and explored the province of Pinar Del Rio while living with Rodriguez’s family. They hiked up a steep

mountain in Tobacco Valley and pushed Rodriguez’s car up a hill. to enjoy the trip and train with my friends and meet really great “The hike was really fun and not exactly what we expected, but people who made me feel at home.”

I guess that was a common theme of the trip,” Hammerman said.

The wrestlers immersed themselves in Cuban culture.

Rodriguez invited his friend Guillermo Cruz, a former world “Living with Coach’s family enabled us to see Cuba through the champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, to teach upper-body moves eyes of its residents, and we got to experience the country in a way to his wrestlers for two days. that not many people have,” Laniyan said.

According to Akiyama, this was the only wrestling the group The people of Pinar del Rio welcomed the wrestlers warmly learned in Cuba: “We learned some useful and kept them company, sometimes watching moves from underhooks and Russian ties,” them train. he said.

“Everyone in town knew we were there beLiving with Coach’s cause word spreads fast,” Hammerman said.

The wrestlers stayed in shape by running and worked to maintain their feel for wres“They looked at us like we were exotic anifamily enabled tling. Every day, after sprints or a long run, mals, but they were all really hospitable.” us to see Cuba the six wrestlers paired up and engaged in The wrestlers also experienced an environhand fighting from the neutral position. ment different from their own. through the eyes For hours, in 90-degree weather, they “It was generally a very eye-opening experiof its residents, faked shots, threw clubs, dug underhooks, ence because we live in a bubble,” Hammershrugged to Russian ties and snapped to man said. “The place where we stayed in Cuba and we got to front headlock — all positions they would is pretty much the polar opposite.” face in match situations. Still, the condiIn Cuba, the team members were aware of experience the tioning and drills did not make up for real the ruling political party’s controlling tendencountry in a way wrestling experience. cies and, given their situation, were increas“I got in really good shape, but the trip ingly wary of their words. that not many didn’t really help me wrestling-wise,” Aki“We had to watch everything we said,” people have. yama said. “We were on a routine, so we Hammerman said. “It was weird coming back just worked out and socialized in our free to America and being able to say “‘revolution’ time, but I would only go back if I could in Cuba we just referred to it as the Layo freely, wrestle.”

R-word.”

Two summers ago, Rodriguez took one Now back in the U.S., the wrestlers are conLaniyan wrestler, Josh Nidever (Lamar ‘14), to sistently practicing at Alberto’s club and ParaCuba, and they were permitted to train digm Wrestling club in pursuit of their fourth freely. At that time, there were no restrictions on American ath- SPC title in five years. letes training in Cuba, so Rodriguez’s defector status was largely With Rodriguez now on the coaching staff, the Mavericks anignored. ticipate an added emphasis on technique instruction throughout Nidever, who now wrestles for Hannibal-Lagrange University, the season. The Mavericks expect Rodriguez’s extensive wrestling a Division II wrestling school in Missouri, attended the trip with experience to be valuable. the group.

“He brings a huge amount of experience and expertise to the “The first trip, I was able to wrestle with actual Cubans,” Nidev- wrestling program,” Laniyan said. “Having him in the room will er said. “But the second trip was better because it was longer. I got help us achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves this season.”

“

”

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School Drop Off is available within a 5-mile radius after morning appointments!

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SJS BY THE NUMBERS 10

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

13

Living Alumni

5,862

18

1969

4,978

Acres of land acquired in Taub purchase

Freshmen (the most ever)

44 350

2

Faculty with a doctorate

631 Upper School students

Rushmore (1998) & Clinger (2014)

80

Percentage of students in athletics

74 Upper School faculty members

Newpapers in which Molly Ivins’ (‘62) column was syndicated Academy Award nominations for the films of Wes Anderson (‘87)

36,000

Years since SJS became the Mavericks Movies filmed on campus:

3

National Merit Semifinalists in 2016 (and 44 Commended)

6

12

Likes on St. John’s School Facebook page

Retired jersey number of Miami Heat player Justise Winslow (‘14)

42 177

Spirit Club founded

Community service hours logged in 2015-16

5

77019 Zip codes 77027 77098

Novels written by Katherine Center (‘90)

7

92

“Simpsons” episodes written by Ken Keeler (‘79)

Percentage of students who participate in community service

11

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

13

SJS’s place on Niche’s Smartest Private School ranking

ENDOW

286,385

C

$7

$100 million

L ITAon AP0 milli

$13 mi MENT llio n

FUND UALillion N AN$17 m

raised by the Opportunity of a Lifetime campaign

Major design elements shared by the school seals of St. John’s

1946

Patents granted to former Houston Oiler Alfred Hildebrand (‘59)

18

1) SAT Median Scores A Critical Reading: 735 B Math: 745 C Writing: 740 2) AP Test Stats A 58% took one or more B 87% scored 4 or 5 C 11% scored 3

St. John’s School opens

Members of St. John the Divine in 1946

1956

17

Headmasters

and Trinity-Pawling School. Alan Lake Chidsey headed both schools.

Square footage of academic building space

2,100

4

7

First celebration of Mrs. Mulligan’s birthday

SPC titles won by girls’ cross country, the most by any team

35

Percentage of students who self-identify as people of color

1968

20

Graduation year of Lindon Leader, who designed the FedEx logo

Years served by Alan Lake Chidsey (1946-1966), the longest of any headmaster

14

Varsity athletic teams

68 Clubs in the Upper School 41 Acres of land 7:1Student-to-teacher ratio

6

Houses Chidsey Hoodwink Taub

Claremont Mulligan Winston

49-6

80

Percentage of students in fine arts

2004 Score of the first SJSKinkaid football game in 1951(we won!)

Yearbook changes its name to Quadrangle DESIGN BY ASHWINI BANDI AND AILEEN ZHANG SOURCES: SJS SCHOOL PROFILE, “FAITH AND VIRTUE”

Sports 12

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Epner plays for Israeli National LAX Team By | Emily Chen This summer, Eden Epner (‘14) swapped her teams that we wouldn’t have Johns Hopkins Blue Jay jersey for Israeli blue been able to play otherwise.” while representing the Israeli National Women’s Epner’s high school lacrosse Lacrosse Team. experience facilitated her Epner visited Israel as part of her Birthright transition to playing at the trip, a 10-day visit to Israel for Jewish young Division I level. adults organized by the company Amazing Is“St. John’s gave me the tools rael.

I needed to set me up for sucThe head of Israel Lacrosse reached out to cess,” Epner said. “Collegiate Epner at the beginning of the summer and en- lacrosse is amazing because couraged her to come on the Birthright Lacrosse you get to play with teamtrip with other Jewish lacrosse players from mates who were also the best around the country. players on their teams. So it’s Epner remained in Israel for an additional really competitive, but it’s a four weeks. During this month, Epner coached great time because we are all lacrosse in elementary schools and played with there for the same reason: we other collegiate and post-collegiate Jewish la- love lacrosse.” crosse players who were also hand-picked by the Epner gained insight into Israel Lacrosse staff to come out for the training lacrosse and life during her weekend in Be’er Sheva. time on the Israeli National “[The trip is] a really good way to see new Team. things, grow and meet a lot of Jewish people “Gaining game experiyour age who value many of the same things in ence and playing full field life,” Epner said. games definitely helped my Epner began playing lacrosse with the St. confidence, allowed me to John’s seventh grade team. try new things and enabled “We were really competitive within Texas, but me to fine-tune skills that I we had a lot of fun — it was a perfect balance. wanted to work on,” Epner COURTESY OF EDEN EPNER My favorite part of the team was our coach, An- said. “I was able to work on gie Kensinger. She was like a second mom and some real-life game experi- Eden Epner (‘14), in white, represents the Israeli National Team as part of her lacrosse Birthright was there for us no matter what,” Epner said. ence that specific drills don’t trip. Epner is a junior at Johns Hopkins University.

Kensinger remembers Epner fondly. touch on. I also got to work The week after Epner’s trip, she played in the their hands on a stick and learn the fundamental “Eden was always one of the most hardworking on my chemistry with my teammates and have a kids out there. [She was] super positive, loved fun time outside of the NCAA. It was just a fun Hungarian Women’s Open with the Israeli Na- skills.”

Although lacrosse was an important part of her the game and loved her teammates,” Kensinger experience to grow as a person and also grow as tional Team.

In the tournament, which took place in Bu- visit, Epner also took time to explore Israel and said. “She was a great role a player.” model and motivated peoShe was struck by how easy dapest, the Israeli team competed against teams to learn more about the culture.

“I had to be cautious and aware, but I was ple through her passion for It was really fun to it was to connect and relate to from all over Europe, including Germany, Holthe game.” her teammates from across the land, Austria and Italy, ultimately winning 10-4 no more nervous in Israel that I am in Baltisee how excited in the finals against Austria. more. I got there and immediately felt like I was Epner played four years world.

“It was a unique way to meet a bunch of cool at home,” Epner said. “Many Israelis are super on varsity and was a cap“We had never played as teamand open the tain her senior year when mates, but we didn’t take that people, practice the game I love, and get game friendly, warm and inviting­— you can meet Israeli children someone at the beach and they’ll invite you to the team won the State long to mesh. We were all at the experience,” Epner said. were.

Epner values her experiences as a member of a Shabbat dinner at their house. I was ready to Championship. same experience level, which take on the entire country and explore everyEpner also played club lareally helped bring the team to- the national team.

“It was an honor to represent Israel. I felt re- thing.” crosse with the Texas Ranggether,” Epner said. “One of the Eden Epner best parts [of the trip] was get- ally proud,” Epner said. “It was really fun to see Epner is grateful for the expanded worldview ers during high school.

“On our club team, I got ting to make new friends on the how excited and open the Israeli children were. the trip allowed her.

“There definitely wasn’t one highlight. The ento play with girls from other competitive Texas team and from other countries’ teams. It’s often Even though lacrosse is not a big a sport there schools,” Epner said. “We got to travel to the not only what you’re doing but who you’re doing and many Israelis have never even heard the tire trip was a highlight,” Epner said. “There was word ‘lacrosse,’ the kiddos couldn’t wait to get so much to explore and learn.”

East Coast and play some really fun, competitive it with that makes experiences special.”

“

”

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SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Veering from the Veer

Sports 13

New offense relies on passing game

Quarterback Wesley Gow evades an Eagle defender. The Mavs racked up over 500 yards of offense in a 52-51 loss.

JARED MARGOLIS

By | Alexander Kim For 23 years, Mavericks football has relied on the running game.

Those days are over.

The Mavs have transitioned to the spread offense under new offensive coordinator Adam Vice, who used to coach for LSU. The spread is a fast-paced, pass-oriented system that relies on scattering out the defense with multiple wide receiver sets to allow for more space.

With college and NFL teams switching to pass-heavy offenses, head coach Steve Gleaves decided to leave the run-oriented veer behind and embrace the open nature of the spread system, which allows more players to be involved in the action.

“The veer was all about ball-control, getting first-downs and keeping the other team from obtaining the ball,” Gleaves said.

“But the spread is more about using the whole field to make big plays.”

While the veer worked well for the Mavs, defenses caught onto the running scheme. Yards and wins were increasingly harder to come by.

In 2012, the Mavs finished 9-2 while averaging almost 390 rushing yards per game. Amazingly, the Mavs averaged only two pass attempts per game.

The Mavs attempted 22 passes the entire 2012 season. They attempted 27 passes in the first game of the 2016 season against Concordia Lutheran, a 21-16 loss.

Over the last two seasons, the Mavs’ combined record was 3-15.

Something had to change.

Although they kept the veer, the Mavs began passing more in 2014.

Passing Yards/Game

Now that the Mavs are fully committed to the spread, the team is averaging 240 passing yards on 30 pass attempts per game, both the highest in school history. Vice credits the spread offense’s success to the playmaking ability of the faster athletes in open space.

“The opportunity to find better matchups is one of the main benefits to the spread,” Vice said. “We can use smaller guys to make plays with their speed,” Another reason the team switched to the spread was to allow players to utilize the skills they honed in 7-on-7 football, a version of the sport that revolves around passing and coverage.

During the early part of the summer, the team did not meet regularly, but players participated in 7-on-7 tournaments and worked on their route running and pass defense. Gleaves said that 7-on-7 football is the only summer workout that can simulate game situations without having the entire team present.

“You can spend a lot of time in the summer doing 7-on-7, so teams have started to use the spread to match what they practice during that time,” Gleaves said.

The spread offense also gives players a chance to enact some of the same offensive plays that are popular in college. Vice said that his version of the offense most closely resembles that of TCU and Texas A&M. The spread allows quick players to thrive, with more space to showcase their abilities. Senior Jid Ganim, who is playing football for the first time, is one of the main beneficiaries of the spread, hauling in six catches for 140 yards against Concordia Lutheran.

“After each catch, I had space to get free and pick up extra yards,” Ganim said.

After playing one year on JV, sophomore Wesley Gow stepped into the starting role of quarterback with his knowledge of the spread.

Gleaves praised Gow’s maturity on the field.

“Wesley plays older than he really is,” Gleaves said. “And he’s only going to get better with more experience.”

In his first game as the starter, Gow threw for 290 yards.

Gow has seen signs of improvement since the summer.

“We have picked up the little nuances of the spread offenses, while also throwing and catching better,” Gow said.

The Mavs started out the season 0-3, although the offense steadily improved.

In the loss to Concordia Lutheran, the offense only scored twice while turning the ball over four times.

In the 31-10 loss to Second Baptist, the offense gained over 300 yard with just one turnover.

In a 52-51 loss to Episcopal School of Dallas, the offense exploded with over 500 yards (a balanced 270 rushing, 258 passing), six touchdowns and three field goals by kicker Matthew Garnett.

Senior captain Wheeler Gibson noted that even in losses, the team got better.

“Every snap that we played, regardless of the outcome, we improved,” Gibson said. “By playing games, we can get more comfortable with our offense.”

On Friday, Sept. 23, the Mavs got their first win, 39-7, over the previously undefeated Houston Christian Mustangs.

The Mavs will play Fort Bend Christian on Sept. 30.

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DESIGNED BY PRITHVI KRISHNARAO

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Culture 14

Culture Briefs

Fall One Acts draw crowd to Black Box

On Sept. 27 in the VST, a human-sized bee tried to talk a terrified woman into becoming queen of his hive.

No exterminator was necessary, since this scene was straight out of “2B or not 2B,” one of six one-act plays performed in the Black Box Theater at 7 p.m.

The plays lasted between 10 and 20 minutes each. One depicted a high school poet falling from a tree, while another featured a museum-goer talking with a portrait.

“The Fall One Act Plays are a great way for actors to dip their toes in the water and get a feel for the St. John’s acting community,” assistant stage manager Lucy Curtis said. “It is a smaller venue, so it makes the actors more comfortable.”

The acts varied in genre.

Each one-act featured between two and four actors.

Guest director Kat Cordes helmed the plays. She previously worked on Upper School productions including “Oklahoma!” and will return to work on the winter play “Black Comedy.”

Cordes is also helping teach Shakespeare to freshman and sophomore English classes.

By Eli Maierson and Sophia Lima

Former faculty exhibit art on campus Organized by art teacher Dan Havel, “Unending Sense of Wonder,” features the work of former faculty members Jane Eifler, Walt Kisner and Robert Ruello.

Eifler was the parent of one of Havel’s students, and she expressed a desire to continue studying art after her children were grown. She received her MFA at the University of Houston.

Havel worked with Kisner for 20 years as a visual arts teacher.

When Ruello left SJS for graduate school at Columbia University, Havel was his replacement. Havel also knew Ruello from the Houston art scene.

The show brought back memories for alums and former teachers, many of whom attended the closing reception.

“I’m always thrilled to have artists from outside of the community in the gallery,” Havel said. “Students, faculty and administrators can see what’s going on outside SJS walls.”

By Sophie Caldwell

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

“

Miranda Allegar on the fall play “Blithe Spirit”

We’re having a great time getting into the mindsets of these crazy characters.

”

Oct. 13

Visual Arts Exhibit opens

Oct. 17

Fall Choral Concert held in St. Luke’s Visit sjsreview.com for daily news updates

Showgo enriches binge watching

By | Sophie Caldwell

Most of you probably haven’t heard of the app Showgo. I hadn’t until I wrote this article. But if you’re planning to watch a muchhyped TV series, Showgo is the app to get.

Showgo works by syncing to whatever episode of a show you’re playing and displaying the reactions, comments, selfies, gifs and emojis of other fans in real time. No matter when you watch a show, you can see fan reactions popping up at the precise moment in the show to which they refer.

For a chronically late and somewhat sporadic binge watcher like me, this app is an intriguing concept. I decided to give it a try.

I deleted several apps on my overstuffed phone to download Showgo, and then perused its selection. Not every show is available for streaming on Showgo, and so my choices were slightly limited, but the shows they did offer were popular.

I got off to a rocky start. Game of Thrones (GoT) is one of the most-hyped and most prevalent shows in pop culture, so I decided that it would probably have some interesting commentary. You can’t stream a show on Showgo itself, so I hit up HBO. Cue a solid hour of attempting to wrangle my way into an HBO free trial with a fake email.

I eventually managed to find a free GoT episode from the sixth season.

Showgo can’t sync to a theme song, so I waited through an interminable five minutes to sync.

Surprisingly, Showgo managed to pick up the episode, “The Red Woman,” on the second try, before any dialogue had started. This episode — I wasn’t allowed to choose — opened with a shocker: Jon Snow lying dead and bloody on the ground. Comments immediately began scrolling, but when I tried to read the comments, I forgot to pause the episode on Showgo while I paused it on HBO, so the episode and the app were out of sync. Annoying. I started over.

Most of the comments were laments over Snow’s death. Honestly, I had never watched GoT before, but being a participating member of society, I knew most of the character bios and plotlines from online spoilers. Snow was a fan favorite, based on the comments. And the characters on the show seemed moderately bummed to see him dead.

I again accidentally unsynced and re-synced the episode. Annoying Level 2.

The app’s creator Bubba Fish (‘09) occasionally popped up in the comments, as well as the app’s avatar itself. The comments were getting increasingly agitated from the fans — betrayal! Murder! Ramsay! I followed the plot as well as I could with my limited background.

After scenes of Sansa Stark, Brienne of Tarth, and Cersei Lannister garnered the praise and criticism of commentators, Daenerys finally came onscreen. She, her hair and her dragons are my motivation for

Showgo users weigh in on “Game of Thrones” Season Six, Episode One. The community includes regular commenters as well as occasional interjections from app creator Bubba Fish. watching this show. The Dothraki mocked her. The fans did not approve. Daenerys shut them DOWN. The fans and I approved.

She talked herself out of one mess and into another. We groaned.

Watching this show with the fans’ comments did, in fact, enhance my experience. As a GoT newbie, it explained some of the action, and I’m sure that established fans would enjoy the regular commenters and the camaraderie. By the end of the show, I could recognize the style of

each regular commenter.

Despite the syncing issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the commentary.

In only an hour, I got a feel for the overall vibe of the platform.

I would definitely recommend Showgo to anyone looking for a fun addition to a night of binge watching.

Worscheh gains film experience on set By | Kate Habich

Coyote howls echoed around the empty expanse of the dark desert, suddenly punctuated by a blood-curdling scream.

Production of the small western horror film “West of Hell” was underway in Lancaster, California, and senior Sophie Worscheh was right in the middle of it all as the production assistant for Michael Steves (‘09). Steves also directed “Clinger,” a horror film shot on campus in 2014.

“It’s so realistic because you are in the middle of nowhere: no one can hear you and no one is coming,” Worscheh said. The eerie, secluded desert provided a perfect backdrop for this particular murder scene.

While the summer internship included more traditional tasks such as buying props and going on coffee runs, Worscheh also had the opportunity to participate in a few less conventional roles.

“I changed from being a production assistant to a body double,” Worscheh said.

While filling in for an actress, Worscheh was asked to “act like [she] was having a seizure” over and over again until the shot was perfect.

“Blood dripped everywhere down my front.

It looked like I was in a horror film in real life,” Worscheh said, after explaining the difficulties of using fake blood for the first time. “Apparently I was just supposed to drink some [of the blood]...I drank all of it.”

Working on a smaller production allowed Worscheh to take on more interesting roles that would not have been possible at a larger company.

“When it’s a small production, everyone is very coordinated. You don’t just do your job; everyone is overlapping,” she said.

For her role as a body double, Worscheh now has a credit on IMDb. Before the internship even began, Steves was

sending Worscheh scripts to read over.

Despite the brevity of the shoot, which was only a week and a half, Worscheh was able to work on more than one assignment. In fact, the first project she assisted on was a political ad.

Though her role was a bit less involved in the ad than in the movie, she was able to closely observe the filming and directing process.

Worscheh also interned with three agencies, each slightly different, but all related to film industry, including Court Five and Haven Entertainment.

At Court Five in Los Angeles, Worscheh crossed paths with industry players like Mark Ordesky, executive producer of the “Lord of the Rings” series. Since she hopes to pursue film production, making contacts is vital.

“Throughout this whole process, meeting people was my main objective,” Worscheh said.

While working at Haven Entertainment, a film management company, Worscheh acted as a glorified receptionist with one exciting twist: she was able to take calls from well-known companies such as Sony all day.

Worscheh said she felt lucky because most firms prefer to hire high school graduates. To convince the companies to consider her, Worscheh agreed to work without compensation.

Each internship gave Worscheh valuable skills for her future in film production and gave her a glimpse into the inner workings of the industry.

Back in the classroom, DigiApps teacher Anthony Leakey noticed her enthusiasm right away.

“She’s especially passionate about the producing part,” Leakey said.

Worscheh continues to hone her skills in DigiApps, where she will continue to work in all aspects of production.

“Experience is key,” Worscheh said.

NYLA JENNINGS

Senior Sophie Worscheh gained insight through her summer film industry internships. In addition to working as a production assistant, she once served as a body double. Worscheh is currently working on the Kinkaid Video.

Alt Uniform t Uniforms Culture 15

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Sweater Weather

Blaze of Glory

These Shorts Were Made for Walking

Blazer: $168 (Banana Republic) Socks: $14 (Urban Outfitters) Shoes: $20 (Buffalo Exchange) Senior Irene Vazquez accessorizes with a blazer, white knee socks, and burgundy boots.

Dress code compliant blazers must be navy blue and single breasted. They are a great outerwear option for autumn as the weather changes.

In order to meet handbook standards, knee socks must be solid white, navy, red or black. They are a classic prep accessory.

Have Backpack, Will Travel

Pullover: $50 (Gap) Shirt: $27 (Sue Mills)

Collar Brooches: $10 (Amazon)

Shorts: $32 (Sue Mills)

Shoes: $50 (DSW)

Shoes: $65 (Park Lane)

Senior Miranda Allegar wears a gray pullover over her Sue Mills uniform. Sweaters that meet the dress code can be plain weave, cardigan or pullover and solid red, navy, gray or black.

Sophomore Lilah Gaber sports a Sue Mills oxfordcloth button down with Sue Mills walking shorts.

Oxford shirts are unisex, but few boys put them into their regular rotation.

Girls also have the option of wearing dark gray or khaki slacks, which are fitted and flared at the hem.

Her Sue Mills polo is adorned with a collar brooch, which range in style from simple geometric designs to fun shapes like bows and animals. They are an easy, stylish addition to any shirt.

Backpack: $60 (Saks off Fifth) Boots: $130 (UNIF) Senior Nina Lahoti shows off her faux leather backpack from the Saks outlet store.

Backpacks are an easy way to jazz up one’s look and can be customized with pins and buttons.

Lahoti accentuates her outfit with combat-style boots, popularized in the early ‘90s with the rise of grunge fashion.

STORY BY IRENE VAZQUEZ | PHOTOS BY NYLA JENNINGS

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Opinions 16

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

When gun violence hits close to home

In “Why You Should Care,” a columnist discusses one of today’s most pressing issues and makes the case for how it connects to SJS life. First up, senior Emma Shea addresses the recent shooting in West U; in the future, we may invite guest writers.

By | Emma Shea

ON POINT

OFF TARGET

The Review adopts a cat

Half hour for lunch

Female prefect majority

Still no senior sign-outs

PRO | CON Starting with the 2016-2017 school year, the Upper School P.E. requirement changed. Sophomores who completed their P.E. credit as freshmen no longer have to take P.E. in 10th grade. Before, freshmen were required to participate in a sport or P.E. for all three trimesters, and sophomores were required to participate for two trimesters. Freshmen can now fulfill their credit by participating in one sport or cheerleading, two trimesters of P.E. or a year-long dance class.

By | Sophie Caldwell

Shots rang out for 15 minutes in West University. I had friends who woke up to the brap brap brap of bullets, like they lived in a war zone. I had friends who watched police cars speed down their streets, only to be followed by fire trucks.

I was out walking with my dad. When we saw the fire trucks and helicopters come in, we were probably some of the only people awake on our block. At first I felt only confusion, but the panic set in after I received this brief text from a family friend: “Active shooter on Weslayan. Tell your family.”

I woke up my brother and told my dad. We went around the house and locked all the doors, and he told my brother and me to continue getting ready for school as though everything were normal. I tried to follow my morning routine, but I had a pit in my stomach.

I turned on the local news, which provided more speculation than actual information. My mind raced with questions: Is the gunman still out there? Is it safe to go to school?

Has anyone been killed? How many people have been hurt?

Little by little, the facts came to light and my questions were answered. Yes, we could go to school. Yes, the gunman had been “neutralized.” No one had been killed, but nine people had been injured, and some had been seriously injured. Soon after though, my questions turned into what -if ’s.

What if we had walked down Weslayan that morning?

What if school started earlier, like last year? What if the victims had been my friends? My family?

These questions frightened me more than any others. The idea that these “what ifs” were reality for some was terrifying. I couldn’t shake the mental image of a crazed man shooting at my classmates, or my mom and dad.

No one should have to ask these questions. No one should have to face them as a real possibility. I don’t claim to have a solution. Some would say we should abolish the Second Amendment; others say this is precisely why we need guns in the first place.

All I know is that I was scared. My peers were scared.

“It could happen to anyone” was no longer an empty platitude but shockingly real. It hadn’t happened to anyone, it had happened to us. As a community, how are we supposed to cope with being the Mass Shooting of the Day? Regardless of how you think we should prevent gun violence, one thing remains certain: Our community was hit. Period.

Conservatives, liberals and everyone in between were affected.

Politics may divide us, but we have to support each other. Always, but especially now. Give compliments in the hallway. Hug your friends.

We could all use a little extra kindness.

AILEEN ZHANG

By | Alexander Kim

As a freshman, I was entirely disinterested in sports and instead signed up for a year of dance and Les Chanteuses to simultaneously fulfill my fine arts and P.E. requirements.

Since I love both singing and dancing, this worked well for me. Forgoing sports allowed me to maximize my time spent balancing school and theater, and I was free to participate in two musicals while maintaining my grades.

But other freshmen who enjoyed neither musical theater nor sports were out of luck. Eliminating or reducing the P.E. requirement allows freshmen and sophomores with diverse interests to pursue their passions without the pressure of participating in athletics; those who enjoy sports are still free to play.

Of course, freshmen and sophomores who did not wish to play a sport always had the option of joining P.E., but while students enrolled in P.E. did not have to participate in after-school practices or games, it still took up space in many students’ overstuffed schedules. The new schedule is tightly regulated by necessity — with a seven-day rotation, time blocks must be precise — and so P.E. would take a slot that a busy sophomore could use for a sixth class or a free period.

While the freedom to pursue one’s own interests is certainly important, detractors of the new requirement cite a lack of physical exertion as a main concern. Without a required sports credit, many freshmen and sophomores could eliminate exercise from their lives entirely.

Nevertheless, underclassmen should be allowed to make their own choices and their own mistakes regarding exercise.

Exercise is undoubtedly important to a balanced lifestyle, but give us some credit — most of us won’t turn into unmotivated couch potatoes if given the slightest opportunity to make our own choices.

Students who don’t play a sport will soon realize the importance of exercise. Many students set aside time after school to exercise on their own, since it aids focus and improves mood. Running, or even taking a walk, can clear one’s head after a long day. The key factor is that students can find their own time to exercise instead of being held to a set P.E. time that could possibly overload an already hectic schedule.

Another argument against the new P.E. rule is the fact that the Fine Arts requirement remains unchanged. It is important to note that Fine Arts only requires one credit, so decreasing time in P.E. will only serve to equalize the two. The current layout of required credits — one for Fine Arts and one for P.E. — creates a balance between the arts and sports.

Students can now dabble in both while still retaining plenty of time for academics, and those who are truly devoted or opposed to one or the other can take advantage of the options available such as taking a dance class that counts for P.E. and then also taking a photography class that counts as a Fine Arts credit.

The bottom line is that the change in P.E. requirements will allow students to secure a balanced, well-rounded schedule on uninterested students without placing an undue burden on participating in athletics.

The change in the physical education requirement may seem like an unprecedented opportunity for freedom. With P.E. no longer a requirement for five trimesters, students are free to use their extra free-time however they please.

Some will continue to exercise at the same rate during their free time, while others will simply opt not to work out.

Those who do not exercise (shockingly!) are not as healthy or as happy as those who do exercise, according to Harvard Health Publications.

Training daily can help lift one’s mood, lower blood pressure and even boost self-esteem.

Even with all these benefits, some people do not exercise because they simply do not have the time-management skills or willpower to continue exercising.

Giving kids more down time allows them to make more of their own decisions with regards to time management.

Understandably, allowing students more accountability is one of the goals of the EMMA SHEA new schedule, but there are different ways of giving more responsibility without putting exercise at risk.

According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, more than 80 percent of adolescents already do not have enough physical activity. With the old PE requirements, students surpassed the national standard, at least for their first two years of high school, but it remains to be seen if they will continue to reach the threshold. Physical activity is often replaced with more screen time in the form of television, phones or computers.

Prior to this school year, students were either required to play a sport or take PE, which took up a large chunk of time, but usually everyone was able to finish their work and maintain a healthy regimen of studying, exercising and sleeping. The new change detracts from the exercising portion and adds time to studying, sleeping or, for people like me, messing around. I have not felt the ramifications of the new change because I am a junior, but I can attest to the fact that the old requirements forced me to adapt to the schedule and manage my school time better.

Along with the fact that they provide a daily source of exercise and aid in developing time-management skills, athletics also is a great way to connect with upperclassmen and teammates. As a freshman, it’s tough to relate to or befriend upperclassmen, but sports can inspire a sense of camaraderie that is unique. In fact, athletics can be a bridge for the new students and returning students in the same grade. The annual cross country trip that occurs during the last week of summer, for example, provides a chance for students to get to know each other better. During P.E., kids may not have the same type of teamwork, but it can still provide a way for students play and exercise together.

Students should not be given the burden of having to manage their own time, rather they should be required to do sports because they have health and social benefits. In the long run, what’s going to matter more: having a lower blood pressure or having watched another season of “How I Met Your Mother”?

To P.E. or not to P.E.

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Staff Editorial

Female prefect majority puts on pressure for schoolwide equality

The staff editorial differs from opinions pieces in that it is written by the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editors-in-Chief, the Managing and Senior Assignments Editors, and the Creative Director.

viation from the norm.

In a vote of 6-0, the Editorial Board applauds the election of a female majority of Prefects.

When we examine In February 2014, Assistant Online the current statistics of Editor Cara Maines penned an editorial elected SAC represenaddressing the widening gender divide in tatives, the senior class student government. Only five of the 17 seems to be the excepcandidates for Prefect that year were fe- tion rather than the male, and only 22 percent of the elected norm, and the trend representatives in the Upper School were is disheartening. Aside girls, despite their comprising 52 per- from the senior prefects, cent of the overall student population. only four of 15 repreAlthough seven of the 13 candidates for sentatives are female. In spring semester representative were female, recognizing the accomnot a single one was elected to the Student plishment of electing a female majority of Affairs Council. prefects, students cannot afford to become Looking back on that editorial, it is clear complacent. that a notable shift has occurred in the cliExamining the number of girls in other mate of the Upper School. Last April the leadership positions might suggest a differelection results were ent conclusion. Over announced, and for the last five years, The Editorial the first time in the two-thirds of Review Board applauds school’s history, the Editors-in-Chief have majority of elected prebeen female, and girls the election of a fects were female: Peyrepresent a significant ton Brown, Camille female majority of number of club presDawson, Ellie Faraguidents in the Upper Prefects. na and JaDa Johnson School. In elected pohave the responsibility sitions at St. John’s, as of representing their classmates. For the in national politics, females remain largely senior class, this represents a significant de- underrepresented — only 20 senators and

R

Opinions 17

Review St. John’s School 2401 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019

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Member Columbia Scholastic Press Assn.: Gold Crown 2015, Silver Crown 2014, 2016

AMY LIU

six governors are female. If the election results for the freshman, sophomore and junior classes are any indication, it seems that the majority of Upper School students have a ways to go before we are ready to address this gender divide.

Students should look at this year’s Prefect election results not as a guarantee that the disparity in female representation is gone but as proof that change is possible — even probable — if our community considers the long-term benefits of ensuring that both genders have an equal voice in student government.

Letter From the Editors

National Scholastic Press Assn.: Pacemaker 2015 4th Place Best of Show, All-American 2013-14, 2014-15 Editors-in-Chief Christian Maines and Irene Vazquez Managing Editor Sophia Li Creative Director Jared Margolis Senior Assignments Editor Sadde Mohamed Assignments Editors Gracie Blue, Claire Furse, Dani Yan Design Editor Ashwini Bandi Assistant Design Editors Stephen Kim, Prithvi Krishnarao Photography Editor Nyla Jennings Copy Editors Sophie Caldwell, Iris Chen, Alexander Kim Business Manager Grace Amandes Assistant Business Manager Sukul Mittal Online Editor-in-Chief Amy Liu Online Editor Emily Chen Video Editor Max Westmark Social Media Editor Emma Shea Online Copy Editor Ryan Chang Staff

Izzy Andrews, Manar Ansari, Maggie Ballard, Hrishabh Bhosale, Gwendelyn Butler, Eli Desjardins, Andrew Duong, Jackson Edwards, Mia Fares, Natasha Faruqui, Sam Foshee, Lilah Gaber, Sophie Gillard, Thomas Grannen, Mia Guien, Kate Habich, Eric Hang, Shani Israel, Clyde Johnson, Reygan Jones, Sophia Kontos, Sophia Lima, Eli Maierson, Will McKone, Sinclair Mott, Saswat Pati, Robert Rae, Caroline Ramirez, Grace Sanders, Louisa Sarofim, David Seo, Jack Shea, Henry Still, Soraya Stude, Alex Tinkham, Aileen Zhang

‘All roads lead to The Review’ Dear Reader, When we met in French class in sixth grade, neither of us thought that our St. John’s journey would end up at The Review.

Over the years, we dabbled in debate, math olympiads and a successful run in Quiz Bowl. In high school, we settled on The Review, a decision that changed our St. John’s careers for good.

All roads lead to The Review. Late nights spent editing (occasionally bordering on delirium). Quick stops in the editors’ room during lunch for a power nap (including one occasion when both current editors-in-chief could be found napping on opposite couches).

We’ve even got a Pokestop.

Being journalists (conductors on the engine of discourse, as it were) turns everything that happens on campus into a story for us.

The Review is an integral part of our St. John’s story. And we’ve loved being here (even on the late nights, even on the weekends).

But why should you, dear Reader, not only pick up this issue of the Review but read it (All of it. Okay, maybe most of it)?

And what will make this year different?

Amid these changing times (and changing schedules), the Review is the primary news-gathering organization on campus.

If it’s happening, then we’re covering it, whether it’s in print, online or on Instagram or Snapchat — our newest platform.

We continue to usher our news organization into the future, just as newspapers all over the country are doing. With the expansion of The Review Online (led by Editor-In-Chief Amy Liu and her dedicated team), you can expect us to cover what matters most to you, on campus and beyond our storied cloisters.

We are constantly working to keep up with the latest trends in coverage. One thing that you can look forward to in the Review is our use of new forms of storytelling — more timelines, more Q&A’s, more of the kinds of things you want to see.

Being an informed community member makes for a better St. John’s experience.

SHELLEY STEIN

We find things out so you don’t have to.

We hope that you enjoy this issue and that you will see yourself reflected in it.

Whether you’re indebted to Matty G for creating the Block Schedule Helper or excited to see how the Maverick football team will exist without the veer, we hope that something in this paper will mean something to you.

To paraphrase Max Fischer from “Rushmore,” you’ve just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life. For us, it’s Review. À la prochaine,

Christian Besitos,

Irene

Advisers Chuy Benitez, David Nathan, Shelley Stein (‘88) 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 631 students and 80 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 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 hand-delivered to an editor or adviser in the Review room (Q210).

Opinions 18

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Seniors shipped off to Siberia By | Sadde Mohamed Dear St. John’s Faculty and Administration, I get it. I understand why the Class of 2017 was shoved practically off-campus when we were sophomores. Back then, Flores Hall was under construction, and we had to be innovative with what space we had.

I imagined that for my senior year you would have rolled out the red carpet for us, but when I received my locker assignment, all I could think was: Here we are again.

It was quite the nasty shock when I realized that I would have to repeat the daily trek up a flight of stairs to my locker.

This was a bigger problem as an underclassman since we still used our lockers and didn’t have any other place to go, but now that we are glamorous seniors with our own parking lot; al fresco feasts three days a week and an exclusive, luscious green-space, I only expect the best.

Back in ‘14, those seniors had Senior Country and the Quad.

The juniors had a section of the hall (with couches) and the freshmen at least had freshman hallway. We poor, victimized sophomores had to make do with a pretty narrow hole — oops, sorry, hall. We had a hallway on the second floor of Mewbourne (affectionately known as Siberia).

I ask you now, with a hole in my heart and a hole in my memories, what exactly are we to do with this mess of a locker space?

How is anyone supposed to see our totally sweet welcome-back goodie bags?

I speak for my senior brothers and sisters when I say, unfortunately for y’all who thought we would stop complaining about things, that it’s the principle of the thing. As seniors, we should have the right not only to senior privileges, but also to every perk available on campus.

The two ginormous flat-screen TV’s, cozy study space and minifridge are nice, sure. Unfortunately, the mini-fridge smells, the study space isn’t lit properly and the TV’s don’t have HD Preferred XF Triple Play. We feel cheated.

To compensate for this litany of slights, we’re extending our territory to include every last benefit we can get.

Faculty: cherish your precious Teachers’ Lounge while it lasts.

We hear you have a bigger refrigerator.

Underground garage parking? Sounds convenient! We’ll take it.

Exclusive office spaces? Yes please! We’ll take it. Freshman hallway? We don’t really want it, but, I mean, why not? It’s the principle of the thing.

To replenish the energy wasted on complaining about how the administration treats us, we demand 24/7 delivery service from the Maverick Café to our homes.

The first and only thing you should think about when you think of the Class of 2017 is that scene in “High School Musical 3” in

SUNNIE LIU

which Sharpay surveys her cafeteria kingdom and sings “I Want It All.” I wouldn’t even have to bring up the lockers at all if I didn’t have so many books. To remedy this issue, I propose a no-textbook month for seniors. We understand that no-textbook semesters might not be feasible. We’re willing to compromise.

You know what? Since the lockers serve as a constant reminder that none of us are actually in college yet, we’d like to see them removed. They imply that we still have several months of high school left.

On second thought, let’s get rid of Mewbourne all together.

How dare you subject us to the horrors of math and chemistry?

There is only one way for the administration to redeem themselves in the eyes of the Class of 2017, and that is to hold Graduation in December. Give 2017 back to the Class of 2017. Frankly, anything less would be an insult.

We’re seniors! Consideration and mindfulness went out the door the second this school year started, and you should know better.

I’ve run out of jokes and I’m tired of exploiting this article as my

own arena in which to expose my ridiculous alter-ego. I’d like to end this article on a serious, bittersweet note.

I’ve already seen my last first home football game of the year and the last club fair of high school. I’ve run out of first days and parents’ nights. These may sound like trivial things to be upset about, but it’s something to consider. How many last things do I have left to experience? How many of them will I even be aware of?

I invite my fellow seniors to make an effort for their last anything — it could be your last! This may be the last time I’ll write an opinions article for The Review, but it definitely will not be the last time I complain about the lockers in Mewbourne. xoxo,

Sadde

How can meager millennials manage?

STEPHEN KIM

By | Irene Vazquez Millennials are killing golf. Millennials don’t eat cereal because it’s too inconvenient. Millennials don’t even deserve New York City.

The accusations grow more ridiculous with each clickbait headline.

The bright blue cellphone buckets that have recently cropped up in advisories are, frankly, insulting to millennials everywhere.

In terms of giving us something to talk about, sure, the blue buckets succeed. Now we talk about how annoyed we are that we have to put our phones in them.

I commend the revised advisory program for its goal of bringing advisory members closer together. I know that not every advisory can celebrate birthdays with stellar homemade brownies and artfully drawn birthday cards.

But not enough credit is being given to the organic course of developing relationships. These forced advisory interactions will make for artificial relationships.

High school is supposed to prepare us for the adult world where friends are not so easily made.

We will need to know how to get along with people from different backgrounds.

Where will our three discussion questions be then?

How will we meager millennials survive in this scary world of human interaction?

If we get down to semantics, many of us are not even technically millennials (the cutoff is 1995), yet any time we have out our phones in public spaces, we get disapproving looks from tired-looking Gen Xers ostensibly worried about the youth of America.

But from the way my aunts tend to blow up my Facebook feed eight days a week, I know this can’t be the whole story. And in the words of every clickbait headline, the results may surprise you.

According to a 2015 Nielsen Global Research Group study, 52 percent of Baby Boomers (ages 50-64) and 42 percent of those 65 and older say their mealtimes are not technology free, compared with 40 percent of millennials and 38 percent of Generation Z (ages 15-20).

That’s right. It’s callout time.

The other night at dinner, my mom proposed a challenge: Put the phones face down on the table and whoever touches theirs first loses. I slammed mine on the table and kept up the conversation.

The first to cave? My mother.

The vast majority of the time, my phone is on silent mode. The only people I have seen texting

in movie theaters are over 30 years old.

Kids aren’t the ones whose phones awkwardly go off in the middle of symphony performances and flute recitals. It’s the workaholic parents tied to their iPhones and confused moms and dads trying to use cell phone cameras.

If we’re going to be chastising people for their use of technology, shouldn’t we be getting after the people who’ve had smart phones for the last decade yet still don’t know how to use them?

Where’s my New York Times editorial on how the Greatest Generation is our living reminder of segregation? Where’s my Business Insider article on how Baby Boomers ruined the housing market? Where’s my Rolling Stone think piece on how Generation X is overly obsessed with grunge music?

On days when my mom thinks I’ve watched too many episodes of “Law and Order,” she tells me stories about her adolescence in small-town Alabama: the afternoons she’d spend with her brother, biking until sundown, nary a care in the world.

In her world, there are no phones, no Matrix in which to be trapped. No parents worried that their child is going to end up on next week’s “Dateline.”

My mother gave me my first cell phone shortly after her car broke down. After this incident, I was always expected to be within reach. Not just that, but immediately responsive (if I didn’t answer, that surely indicated I was kidnapped).

Thus the catch-22: children with phones are expected to be reachable by their parents at any moment, yet when said phones are out, we get chastised.

The fact of the matter is that smartphones are here to stay (at least until they start implanting chips in our heads). And when given the incentive of a stimulating conversation with my peers and teachers, I will put my phone away.

Maybe instead of three formulaic questions about an assembly, advisory could be a time for a short game of Catchphrase or Pictionary.

We’re Mavericks, we’ve all got competitive streaks a mile wide. When the games come out, the kid gloves come off, and people naturally become friends.

The other day, I saw a grown man on the sidewalk slam into a telephone pole because he was walking while looking at his phone.

Get that man a blue bucket.

O&E

SJSREVIEW.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Odds & Ends 19

Art School Rejects

By | Aileen Zhang

60 Seconds

hey is it Monday? no it’s day 7

oh, okay

with Bob Corpening

wait. grade 12 state of mind calm before the storm known for having shirts with my name on them color algae green hate to love “sorry, but I have allergies” love to hate poorly written cliché fantasy novels happiness winning a nonsensical argument misery tripping on stuff (sometimes all day long) dream date beachside picnic + laser tag guilty pleasure that rush of adrenaline when you procrastinate really hard on something and then bang it out in like 5 minutes even though you know it should have taken an hour cafeteria food a sandwich that I just stare at blankly comfort food cotton candy grapes anthem Party Rock treasured possession shirt that says “Of Course I’m Right, I’m Bob” spirit animal fangaroo zoo animal albino crocodile hero Doctor Strange superpower I’m already Bob, what more could I ask for? book Ender’s Game tv show Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood movie Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro video game Hearthstone stress reliever writing horror stories motto “I’ll try anything once.” doppelgänger Furious George relationship status sleeping in my bed diagonally i am extremely competitive and somewhat argumentative follow us?

I usually read the paper

“ ”

I planned my college visits around seeing Hamilton.

Senior Alara Burgess has her priorities straight

“ ”

“ ”

I saw this great choir meme the other day!

Scott Bonasso branches out to new forms of teaching

Word for Word

Trying is the first step to failure.

Warren Rawson sets his expectations for the year

Charted

By | Aileen Zhang

“ ”

You walk in laughing, but will you leave laughing?

Dan Friedman warns students of the danger awaiting them in linear algebra

Photostory 20

REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Good Eats: Behind the scenes of the servery

Head Chef Willard Ferrell and Doretha Allen get ready for another busy day in the new cafeteria. Ferrell is entering his fourth year managing the kitchen.

With the new schedule, the cafeteria has expanded its hours, providing lunch service from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day.

Still, the cafeteria staff takes time to enjoy the little things.

“My favorite part is interacting with students,” Ferrell said. “They’re very polite, and they tell me what’s going on in their lives.”

Maria Rico is celebrating her 30th year in the cafeteria.

“I love everything about SJS. I love seeing the students grow from when they can barely reach the counter to when they’re this tall,” Rico said, gesturing.

Thomas Krause, a recent addition to the kitchen staff, slices up some eggplant.

Sara Torres-Fields chops onions as part of lunch prep. In her 11 years, she says baking cookies and pressing paninis are her favorite parts of the job.

Maria Hernandez sprinkles cheese on a pizza.

STORY BY IRENE VAZQUEZ | PHOTOS BY JARED MARGOLIS