SPECIAL COVID-19 & GRADUATION EDITION
VOL. 71. ISSUE 4 JUNE 11, 2020
THE REVIEW ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL 2401 CLAREMONT LANE HOUSTON, TX 77019 WWW.SJSREVIEW.COM
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THE REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sharp draws the line after 47 years of unparalleled service
JUNE 11, 2020
Community bids farewell to 22 faculty, staff members Lower School Donna Boucher (3 years)
Doug Sharp cuddles with a few pets. In his retirement, Sharp is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, dogs and 19 cats.
Lucy Conley (5) Sarah Norwood (2) Emily Rommel Rinaldi (8) Shauna Thornton (30) Renee Wright (38)
Middle School
Photo courtesy of Doug Sharp
Carolyn Bell (30) Elizabeth Carlson (5) Michelle Chen (9) Shumaila Hassan (2)
By Rahul Rupani
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oug Sharp indirectly played a crucial role in Wes Anderson’s (‘89) breakout film "Rushmore," which was filmed in 1998 on campus. In the movie’s opening dream sequence, a student asks his teacher about an extra credit math problem written on the board, and the teacher calls it “probably the hardest geometry equation in the world.” That equation was concocted by Sharp. The longest tenured teacher at St. John's, Sharp retired at the end of May after 47 years of service. Since beginning his career at St. John's in 1973, Sharp has taught almost every Upper School mathematics course, including AP Calculus AB and BC, as well as AP Statistics and AP Microeconomics. He most recently taught AP Calculus BC (3D) and precalculus. Born in Austin, Sharp grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Mathematics in 1967 and a Master’s in Mathematics in 1970, before getting a Doctorate in Education from LaSalle University in 1994. At age 27, Sharp found his life’s passion in the
classroom. Beyond the classroom, Sharp coached JV football from 1975 to 1995 and varsity from 1996 to 2015. Sharp was also chair of the Mathematics Department from 1980 to 1993. In 2018, Sharp received the Lamp of Knowledge Award, which honors an impactful faculty member chosen by alumni. “I always look forward to his class because he is such a joyful person,” said junior Sophia Groen, one of Sharp’s precalculus students. “He has been a great teacher and mentor to have in my life.” Martha Childress, the current Mathematics Department Chair, was hired when Sharp was Department Chair nearly 40 years ago. According to Childress, Sharp has served as a mentor for generations of faculty members. “He continues to be the voice of reason and experience, a voice in which student learning is the top priority,” Childress said. “Dr. Sharp has always been a wonderful resource for all of us who have grown up during his tenure.” Sharp also hired and guided math
teacher Kimm Shafer, whose husband, Eric (‘89), was once Sharp's student. “On several occasions [he] dropped what he was working on to help me with a math question,” Kimm Shafer said. “He always made me feel like my questions and concerns were the most important thing at that moment.” Sharp often merges math lectures with personal stories and life lessons. One of his precalculus assignments featured Winkie the Family Panther, one of Sharp’s 19 cats. “The class vibe is just so positive,” Groen said. “Everyone is so happy to have him as a teacher and glad that he is so invested in teaching our class.” Sharp’s pets and his life advice have made his class more enjoyable and entertaining. Abby Walker, a precalculus student, shared her favorite Sharp expression: “One thing you have never heard me say is that I’m wrong — can’t do it. On the other hand, maybe I never was wrong; did you ever consider that for a single second?” “He’s just a one of a kind,” Walker said. “He’s unapologetically himself, and I really respect that about him.”
Upper School Mahmoud Abdalrahman (1) Harold Baber (14) Susan Barthelme (23) Patty Carr (15) Hans Infante (3) Doug Sharp (47) John Tomczak (2) Sally Seeger (3) Marg Trares (15)
Fine Arts Alex Arizpe (7) Jeanette Bush (8) Darrell Parrish (27)
After 27 years, Parrish retires on a high note By Ella Chen and Fareen Dhuka
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arboring a love for music since he was six years old, Darrell Parrish performed in the wind ensemble and jazz band at John Jay High School in San Antonio, often playing music instead of doing his schoolwork. After 27 years teaching at St. John’s, he retired at the end of the school year. “He loves to perform, and he loves music, and that’s how he got into teaching,” his wife Audra said. “He’s always smiling because he’s enjoying it so much.” Following the encouragement of his high school band director, Dan Schreiber, Parrish decided to pursue a career in teaching music. “He was almost like a second father to me,” Parrish said. “When I got to be a sophomore, I said, ‘I want to do what he does.’” Parrish was working at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts teaching music theory when he married Audra in 1992. The next year, Janet Scarcella, SJS Director of Fine Arts at the time, approached Parrish and asked him to become director of the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. As soon as he arrived at SJS in 1993, Parrish had one goal: “Try to make music fun.” Lily Pesikoff, a sophomore who has known Parrish since second grade, said that he has done just that. Not only did their Middle School advisory spend an entire period making band jokes, but Parrish walked his advisory to Whataburger during a Community Service Assembly after their advisory lunch was canceled for the third time. “Mr. Parrish made band easy and fun, not something stressful,” Pesikoff said. “He made students want to come to band.” Senior Marina Ring has been part of the band program since middle school. She said that Parrish’s devotion to his job instilled a love for music in everyone he taught. “Everybody loved having him as a teacher,” Ring said. “He was a face of St. John’s because everyone associated him with the band program. He was very charismatic and really brought life to band.” Parrish is known to accompany almost every musical performance at St. John’s. “You can basically hand him any instrument, and he knows how to play it,” Audra said. Ring recalled one occasion when Parrish played a trumpet solo with one hand while strumming his bass with the other. “It was the craziest thing I have ever seen,” Ring said. “Just incredible.” To commemorate Parrish’s 27 years, band parent liaison Tracy Pesikoff initially planned a surprise cake party following the spring concert. After the School’s closure
Darrell Parrish plays guitar during Candlelight in December 2018. Parrish has accompanied almost every SJS musical performance.
Photo courtesy of Darrell Parrish
when social distancing guidelines were implemented, Pesikoff organized a car parade in front of the Parrish household during which students brought their instruments and played some of Parrish’s favorite songs, including “Feliz Navidad.” “I’m sad for the people who won’t get to experience Mr. Parrish,” Ring said. “You can’t miss him in a room, and you’ll definitely notice when his presence is gone.” Parrish retains high hopes for the future of the SJS band program and is confident that his students will remain successful under any director. “It’s tough having gone through this career my whole life and it ending in this difficult way without a final concert and seeing the seniors off, but I have absolutely enjoyed my time at St. John’s,” Parrish said. “It never felt like a job because it was what I loved to do."
JUNE 11, 2020
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SJSREVIEW.COM
IN MEMORIAM: Wendall Zartman
Our very own 'Mr. Rogers' remembered for his kindness
By Ella West
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hen world history teacher Wendall Zartman finished his last online class on April 16, he concluded as he did every day — by waving a warm goodbye to his students. Several hours later, after experiencing a bout of pain, he checked in to St. Luke’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. The next morning, Zartman passed away due to complications from cancer that he had been battling all year. He was 69. Zartman, along with his six siblings, spent his childhood in Fort Worth until he moved to Houston to attend the University of St. Thomas, where he majored in history. Zartman first began teaching at Key Junior High in 1973 and then moved to Lamar High School in 1977 before joining the Upper School History Department at St. John’s in 1998 and eventually becoming department chair. As a student, Zartman always enjoyed history, but he did not love all his high school history classes. He made it his mission to impress upon his students a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the past. SJS parent Hailey Bechtol took Zartman’s world history class as a sophomore at Lamar in 1986. “The one thing that has always stood out to me the most about Wendall is that he is incredibly kind,” Bechtol said. “His enthusiasm and passion for what he is teaching is contagious. He brings you into the excitement. It really didn’t matter what he was talking about.” Even more than 30 years later, Bechtol vividly recalls Zartman’s compassion. One day Bechtol was sitting in his class when an administrator pulled her out of the classroom to inform her that her grandmother had passed away.
“Wendall came out in the hallway, and I just remember him being so vividly concerned about me,” she said. “I could sense that he felt my pain. That’s just the kind of man he was.” Zartman and Bechtol later became colleagues when she began substitute teaching at St. John’s. Zartman even taught her son Pete (‘16). After his death, many former students from both Lamar and St. John's shared their remembrances of Zartman over a lengthy Facebook thread, each one recalling their favorite memories. JaDa Johnson (‘17) recalled Zartman’s profound effect on both her and her mother Joycelyn, whom Zartman taught at Lamar. “Without question, I attribute who and where I am to the people around me that have so graciously helped me get here, and Mr. Zartman is no exception,” JaDa wrote in her Facebook post. “He is one of the main reasons I study [International Relations] because he artfully exposed us to the history of the world.” Zartman first met Amy Malin, a future history colleague at St. John’s, back in 1996 when Malin was in graduate school at Rice University. Zartman, an educator for the university’s teacher certification program, spent a summer sitting in the back of Malin’s classroom, helping her develop her course, “Who Writes History?” Malin attributes her teaching abilities to Zartman’s guidance that summer. Several years after Malin became a teacher herself, she joined the teacher certification program at Rice as an educator, where she and Zartman developed a close friendship.
In 2013, Zartman, then the History Department Chair, reached out to Malin about teaching at SJS. “Even as a colleague, he was still my mentor,” Malin said. “If there was anything I needed guidance with about teaching at St. John’s, he was there for me. Our friendship grew because I got to see him every day.” Malin remembers all the mornings when she would walk by Zartman’s classroom and hear him loudly playing music. One of Zartman’s favorite artists was Aretha Franklin, particularly her song “I Say a Little Prayer.” Malin would wave good morning, and they would discuss what was going on in their lives. “He brought out the best in me,” Malin said. “He treated everyone as if they were special. He just had a wonderful spirit, and fortunately he touched so many people, so I know his spirit will live on.” Zartman began receiving cancer treatment over the
At JaDa Johnson's ('17) graduation, her mother, Joycelyn, reunited with her former teacher, Mr. Zartman. Zartman regularly served as graduation marshal, leading faculty and students at commencement. Photos by JaDa Johnson (top) and Marc Nathan Photography (bottom) summer of 2019, and when he came back to school in the fall, he began a chemotherapy regimen. He did not let his health impact what he did in the classroom. Instead, he continued to teach and guide his students. “He is a really positive person,” said Sarah Clark, a sophomore in Zartman’s Rise of the Modern World class. “He brought happiness into the classroom every day. He always asked us how we were doing. He was always so energized with his teaching, so we never even knew he was sick.” Zartman was known throughout school for wearingdapper attire, sponsoring Model UN, serving as the graduation marshal and chaperoning just about every event at school. “Mr. Zartman first introduced me to Model UN when I was a freshman, and he inspired a passion for world affairs and social justice in me,” senior Athena Adrogué said. “I am so grateful to have worked with Mr. Zartman.” When junior Marco Stix found himself struggling in Zartman’s AP World History class last year, he began attending tutorials frequently. After a few weeks, Stix started going into Zartman’s classroom just to hang out, which is how “The Song of the Day” was born. Because they shared a similar taste in music, Stix would write a song title on Zartman’s board every day for him to play. During the pandemic, Stix and Zartman emailed each other, right up until the end. Since Zartman’s death, Stix has been listening to Willy Nelson’s song “Buddy”
because it reminds him of how close they became. Even though he would sometimes wind up late to his first period class, Stix would carve out time to visit with Zartman: “I just loved spending time with him. When he died, it felt like I lost a friend. When I was around him, it reminded me how important it is to be caring and loving of one another. [To be] appreciative of one another, appreciative of life in general.”
A week after he passed away, Zartman was to formally receive the Lamp of Knowledge Award, which is given annually to a current faculty member who inspired recent graduates to live by the St. John’s Mission and guided students to fulfill the entirety of their potential. “Mr. Zartman was a wise, kind, ethical soul,” Malin said, “who treated everyone he met, no matter their status in society, with dignity, grace and his warm smile.” Administrators are working with alumni to finalize several ways to honor Zartman and will provide more details in the fall.
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THE REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
JUNE 11, 2020
Testing mayhem leads to test-optional admissions
Juniors caught in the middle as SAT, ACT cancelations limit standardized testing options By Rahul Rupani
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early four months before most early decision college In a message to prospective applicants on their website, admissions deadlines, 70 percent of high school juniors Harvard stated that students unable to submit subject nationwide have yet to take the SAT or ACT, one of test or AP scores “will not be disadvantaged in any the key components in a student's application. way.” Similarly, Massachusetts Institute of TechnoloWhen the College Board canceled the SAT in March, Amerigy announced that SAT Subject Tests will no longer can College Testing did the same for the April ACT, which led be a factor for admissions, but the SAT and ACT to concerns over the ramifications of limited testing opportuwill be. nities. While these changes have alleviated some In response to diminished student access to stanconcerns of high school students and counseldardized testing, over 1,200 colleges and universities ors. On a broader scale, the pandemic has rehave temporarily, or in some cases permanently, newed discussions regarding the merits of all eliminated the testing requirement for the class of entrance exams. 2021 and beyond. A 2015 data study by Inside Higher Ed found that When the University of California system eliminatthe lowest SAT scores came from students with famed testing requirements for the 2021 admissions cycle ilies making less than $20,000 a year while those with on March 31, it set off a domino effect that has gained the highest average scores came from families making momentum in recent days. University of California more than $200,000 a year. Essentially, the findings suggest that the SAT and ACT function best as a mearegents have since taken their test-optional policies a step further, voting unanimously on May 21 to waive sure of family income. SAT and ACT requirements for California residents COVID-19 has brought to light the disparity in adthrough 2024. missions retesting. It is not uncommon for students who can afford it to retake an exam multiple times, paying $46 Cornell University announced on April 22 that it to $64 per test. If a student cannot afford testing fees, they would go test-optional for the upcoming admissions cycle, yet they also stated that students who have tested can request three fee waivers. The cycle of repeated testing should strongly consider submitting their test scores. calls into question the validity of colleges using test scores Graphic by Grace Randall By early June, Dartmouth, Columbia and the Univerin order to predict a student’s potential college success. sity of Pennsylvania had announced similar test-optional “Ultimately, colleges that are going test-optional are trying policies. to mitigate the disparity along socioeconomic lines,” Johnson said. “They’re asking if So far in 2020, hundreds of colleges that previously required the SAT or ACT have an- testing is really an indication of ability, and some say, 'not necessarily.' It’s more about nounced a test-optional policy, including the University of Virginia, Boston University opportunity than anything else.” and Tulane, among other universities popular with St. John's students. Beyond admissions testing, most colleges will continue to require essays, which are The two most applied-to colleges for SJS seniors this year, the University of Texas at traditionally one of the more daunting aspects of the college application process. Austin and Texas A&M, still require the SAT or ACT. Last summer, College Counseling began offering a free week-long College Essay Because St. John’s students typically perform well on standardized tests, college coun- Workshop, a collaboration between English teachers and counselors. To ensure social selor Jeremy Johnson said that test-optional policies will likely not have a significant distancing, the workshop will take place virtually over Zoom. impact on next year's seniors. For those colleges that still recommend interviews, many are being conducted online. “When people hear optional tests they think, ‘tests are not important.’ That’s not neces- On June 3, a panel of recent St. John's graduates spoke to rising seniors about the intersarily true,” Johnson said. “If you have test scores and you want to submit them — and view process during a Zoom webinar hosted by College Counseling. Later that afterthey’re to your benefit — obviously we encourage you to do so.” noon, rising seniors participated in a 15-minute mock interview over Zoom with current In order to ensure that all St. John's juniors and seniors can take their standardized college admissions representatives from over 30 colleges and universities. tests, St. John’s will offer two school days in the fall during which the SAT (Sept. 23) and Despite the uncertainty surrounding college admissions, Johnson says that the appliACT (Oct. 6) will be administered on campus. cation process, particularly for St. John’s students, will not undergo any drastic changes. Although the list of test-optional schools is growing, as of June 9, many of the nation’s “Colleges are still looking for the best fit student," Johnson said. "Beyond the college's most selective institutions, including Stanford, Georgetown and half of the Ivy League institutional priorities, they are looking at how students are going to meaningfully conare still holding out. Many of these institutions have, however, waived their require- tribute to the classroom and larger community. The type of student and person you are ments for SAT Subject Tests and AP/IB Exam scores for the class of 2021. remains an important part of the process."
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JUNE 11, 2020
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Travel ban strands SJS family in Peru for 2 weeks Janssens family trip goes south as coronavirus, government regulations create logistical nightmare #stuckinperu: In March, airports in Peru were packed with people trying to return home. Upon arriving in Peru, Natasha Janssens was screened for COVID-19. Photos courtesy of Natasha Janssens
By Ella West
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reshman Natasha Janssens and her family, including seventh grader Lucy Janssens, left for Peru on March 13, expecting a once-in-a-lifetime experience hiking, eating and exploring Machu Picchu. Instead, they became stuck in the country for two weeks, along with 10,700 other Americans, until government officials were able to negotiate their release from quarantine. From the moment the Janssens family landed in Lima, health care workers took precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Airline employees dressed in protective gear took the temperature of everyone on their flight and asked if any passengers were experiencing symptoms. Since none of the Janssenses felt ill, they did not have to quarantine. Two days after her arrival, Natasha hiked to the top of Machu Picchu in Cusco. That night, her family faced difficult news while returning to Lima. Peruvian president Martín Vizcarra announced that at midnight, the country would begin a 15day quarantine period, which included closing all airports and halting all outdoor activities except grocery shopping and obtaining medicine. The Janssens family did not find out about this directive
until several hours later when they called to confirm their reservations in Lima. They made it to the Cusco airport at 3:30 a.m. on March 16. After waiting over three hours, they were informed that there were no tickets available to leave Cusco for the rest of the day. The family then contacted multiple private jet charter companies in order to get back to the U.S., but landing in Cusco requires a specially trained flight crew because of the city’s high elevation. As a result, American travelers who did not already have a ticket out of Cusco on March 16 were out of luck. At that point, the Janssens family embarked on a bureaucratic detour. Under the Peruvian quarantine order, the only way for Americans to exit the country was through negotiations between the American and Peruvian governments. The Janssenses went to the local U.S. embassy, where officials refused them entry and referred them to a handout pinned to the door displaying instructions to register for a free service that allows U.S. citizens to enroll with the local embassy, which the Janssenses had already done. When they contacted U.S. representative Lizzie Fletcher (’93) and senator Ted Cruz via email, they received the same information they had seen previously on the sign outside the embassy. With no other options, Natasha spent the remainder of her vacation watching Netflix, reading and working out at the hotel gym. She was able to go to the grocery store with her family until the regulation changed, limiting one person per family to shop, and only while wearing a mask.
Children and police officers in Peru wear protective masks to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
During this time, the U.S. was able to transfer 1,000 other Americans back, leaving thousands still stranded in Peru. Many of the Americans in Peru tried to stay in close communication with each other. The Janssens family joinedWhatsApp groups and used Twitter hashtags to stay in touch, including #stuckinperu. “Interestingly, other countries such as Israel and Mexico were able to get their citizens out much more quickly,” Janssens said. On her final day in Peru, her parents received an email from the U.S. embassy saying they were on a flight scheduled for Friday, March 27. Before the flight, they spent four hours in the sun waiting to be screened for COVID-19. Despite the stress of being stranded in a foreign country, Natasha was able to remain positive. "The silver lining was that my sister and I got to practice our Spanish and spend time with [our] family," Natasha said.
Photos by Natasha Janssens
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Review receives national recognition, names new editors By Staff
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uring Spring Break, four Review editors were ready to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Convention in New York City. When the convention was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns on March 6, the awards were presented in a virtual ceremony in which The Review received its second-ever Gold Crown award for the 2018-2019 school year. Back in November, nine editors attended the National Scholastic Press Association convention in Washington, D.C., accompanied by advisers Shelley Stein (’88) and Chuy Benitez. The Review was one of 49 newspapers named a Pacemaker Finalist, NSPA’s “preeminent award,” according to executive director Laura Widmer. For the third year in a row, The Review Online received the Distinguished Site designation from School
Newspapers Online. As of June, The Review Online has won 19 Best of SNO awards, including five from Ella West and three each from Indrani Maitra and Julia Smith. While at NSPA, Online editors Fareen Dhuka, Laney Chang and Ashley Yen redesigned the website’s home page to complement the new logo. In February, every Upper School student began receiving email notifications whenever new online content was published, allowing the St. John’s community to remain connected throughout the pandemic.
Editorial Board restructured for next year
To match the growth of The Review and to better address specific coverage needs, there will be five Editors-in-Chief: Laney Chang and Fareen Dhuka will lead The Review Online, and Noura Jabir, Abigail Poag and Grace Randall will helm the print edition.
Megan Chang and Ashley Yen are next year’s assistant online editors. Assignments editors and copy editors will work on both print and online. Assignments editors are Julia Smith (News), Ella West (Features), Indrani Maitra (Culture) and Russell Li (Sports). The copy editors will also work on a specific section and include Ella Chen (News), Ethan Kinsella (Features), Gabrielle Solymosy (Culture), Afraaz Malick (Sports) and Max Beard (Opinions). Design editors for next year are Matthew Hensel, Celine Huang and Bailey Maierson. Maxx Shearod will be photo editor and Rahul Rupani will be business manager. The Review advisers are Stein, Benitez and English teacher David Nathan.
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THE REVIEW GRADUATION SPECIAL
2020 GRADUATION SPECIAL
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174 SENIORS
PAGE DESIGN, INFOGRAPHICS & ILLUSTRATIONS BY MIA FARES (COVER & CENTER) & LEILA PULASKI (CENTER & BACK)
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REVIEW SENIOR EDITORS 2019- 2020: IZZY ANDREWS, MIA FARES, SOPHIA LIMA & LEILA PULASKI (EDITORS-IN-CHIEF); SJ LASLEY & SINCLAIR MOTT (ONLINE EICs); MEHAK BATRA (BUSINESS); TAYLOR BRITTON (DESIGN); RYAN DOUGHTY (VIDEO); SARA DOYLE (COPY); CLAIRE SEINSHEIMER (PHOTO)
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Parents in healthcare adapt to pandemic precautions By Cameron Ederle
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hildbirth is an event celebrated by an entire family, in which the expecting couple is usually surrounded by all their loved ones. Since March, pregnant women in labor are allowed only one accompanying visitor in their hospital room. All other evaluations are conducted alone, in an effort to socially distance during the COVID-19 crisis. The restrictions do not end there. Social distancing recommendations prevent extended family from being available to support new moms with cooking, cleaning and caring for the baby, according to St. John's parent Wendi Monthy, an OB-GYN at Legacy Community Health, a need-blind health center. Because most of her patients are uninsured and from communities who work in essential industries like agriculture and construction, Legacy Community Health has seen a sharp increase in patients, especially after many private doctors and other free clinics have closed their doors. “The usual support system has disappeared,” said Monthy, mother of Meridian, a junior, and Talulah, an eighth grader. Houston hospitals are implementing strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, doctors at Legacy Community Health are issued masks and must also wear goggles and a gown when treating a sick patient. Constant hand washing is crucial; at Legacy Community Health, an alarm goes off every hour to remind doctors to disinfect their workspaces and wash their hands.
19% of all COVID-19 cases are healthcare workers
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Many health systems have set up screening procedures to take temperatures and ask patients questions regarding symptoms and recent travel. If a person tests positive for COVID-19, they are given a mask and sent to the “sick” area of a clinic for further evaluation.
Although these precautions are necessary, they strain the communication and relationship between doctors and patients. “I used to be the doctor that would hug her patients and carry my new babies around to show them off to the clinic,” Monthy said. “Now, I wear a mask so my patients can’t even see me smile at them.” Many elective medical visits and surgeries, such as surgeries planned in advance rather than in emergency situations, were canceled in order to prioritize resources. The postponement of elective medicine allows hospitals to prepare for an escalating number of COVID-19 cases and to restrict physical interaction. Orthopedic surgeon and St. John’s parent David Randall typically works to improve a patient’s “quality of life,” whether it be a sports injury or arthritis. Randall has seen a dramatic change in his work schedule. “The days [used to] start early and end late,” Randall said. “Now, I only have two morning clinics a week and a few trauma cases per week.” Randall still performs surgeries that he deems essential. “The definition of 'essential surgery' depends,” Randall said. “It’s a surgery that, if delayed, will lead to a worse outcome or cause a patient to suffer otherwise avoidable pain.” As clinics admit fewer patients, hospitals are turning to technology to conduct virtual consultations. Doctors are using telemedicine platforms to communicate with and evaluate their patients through a screen in order to limit physical interaction. But technology has its limits. “Telemedicine will serve as a good screening visit, but after that, doctors will need to physically examine the patient,” Randall said. “This pandemic will serve as a significant catalyst for the increase in the implementation of technology in the delivery of healthcare.” For Monthy, a public health practitioner, the use of telemedicine presents unique challenges. Monthy’s clinic has the added task of ensuring that patients are equipped with the appropriate technology and resources to engage in a telemedicine consultation. Typically, blood pressure cuffs or baby dopplers for personal use are covered by insurance, so many women can monitor themselves and their baby from the safety of their home. “For our patients, this isn’t the case, so they must physically come in for many of their appointments,” Monthy said. “We are reaching out to various foundations and companies in hopes of getting donations of BP
cuffs and dopplers for these women.” Due to their constant close proximity with patients, doctors must take rigorous measures to protect their families from the virus. Monthy covers her car seat with a garbage bag and wipes her shoes, computer, bags and steering wheel down with Clorox wipes when she arrives home. She uses an outdoor shower before entering her house and immediately puts her scrubs in the washing machine. “Once I’ve ‘decontaminated’ myself, I can greet my family and cross my fingers that I’ve done enough to keep them safe,” Monthy said.
The rest of Monthy’s household has also tightened the reins to keep themselves, their loved ones and the rest of the Houston community safe. “We try to limit any trips out of the house, whether that be to the supermarket or other places to make sure we are presenting the least risk to the public,” Meridian said. “In terms of my sister and me, we aren’t allowed to be near friends, even if we are keeping a six-foot distance, for fear of spreading [the virus].” For Meridian, the situation has been a stressful burden on her mental health, but she has found ways to be productive and take her mind off the virus. “I have tried to keep busy by making podcasts, reading books and working for school,” Meridian said. “I have had the amazing opportunity to grow closer to my family.” Meridian has drawn inspiration from how her mother has remained positive “in the face of so much fear and uncertainty,” and she strives to act similarly. “I have always seen her as my role model and an amazing woman that takes charge when need be,” Meridian said. “The strategies she has to come up with to filter patients just prove how strong of a woman she is.”
Photo illustration and design by Grace Randall
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THE REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Graphic by Matthew Hensel Dear Readers, This year has seemed to stretch on for eternity. The coronavirus pandemic shut down our schools, restaurants and pretty much everything else. Many of us have already forgotten that the following major events took place in 2020: In January, the biggest international story was the Australian bushfires, which were still raging. President Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate began on Jan. 16; he was acquitted Feb. 5. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others tragically died in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26. The Iowa Caucus results were delayed and gave a big bump to Mayor Pete Buttigieg; one month later, Joe Biden’s performance on Super Tuesday led to his presumptive nomination. No one can forget how on March 12, we attended school in-person for the final time. By March 17, most major cities were shutting down. After enduring shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes, cities have reopened, even though the coronavirus was not fully contained. Beginning May 26, people across all 50 states, and around the world, began protesting police brutality, spurred by the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. How has all of this happened in less than six months? At St. John’s, we have had our own share of tragedies, most notably the passing of beloved history teacher Wendall Zartman. As we struggled with online homework, self-isolation and Zoom fatigue, we missed the spring sports season, field trips, prom and commencement, leaving students
feeling frustrated, upset and even hopeless. Starting on March 11, The Review has covered the pandemic, and we continue to report the events that affect our community. Our staff wrote and published online articles from our homes, even during spring break, in order to keep our readers informed. We were not even sure if we would be able to come out with a print version, but when finals were done, we decided to put down a record of what has happened. This final issue represents some of the best online articles over the past three months in addition to more recent events. Celine Huang addresses xenophobia in a COVID-19 world. Noura Jabir and Maxx Shearod reflect on emotions and allyship following the tragic death of George Floyd. This issue also includes the much-anticipated college spread, which we worked hard to produce remotely in the midst of AP exams and final projects so it could be part of a celebratory bundle given to seniors at the drive-through parade on May 21. As we move forward while self-isolating and social distancing to fight the coronavirus, remember to keep reaching out to friends over Snapchat or text, or do the old-fashioned thing and speak over the phone. They’re probably feeling just as isolated as you are. Support each other in your feelings; your relationship may be even stronger when we come out the other side. On a larger scale, hone your anger over the scenes of racism and brutality we see reported everyday. Join your fellow Americans to enact positive change by attending a demonstration, donating to one of the foundations that can help or signing one of the many petitions on Change.org.
Although times are tough, we know that coming together always makes us stronger. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, we will always cherish the skills, knowledge and memories that being leaders of The Review has brought us. From working late nights at school to distributing freshly printed issues around campus, we are so grateful for our experience with The Review. We thank you all for sharing your stories with us, and we hope to have made as many voices heard as possible. We know that The Review will continue to deliver accurate and relevant news, highlight our community and address important topics that start meaningful conversations. Love,
Izzy Andrews
Mia Fares
Sophia Lima
Leila Pulaski
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SJSREVIEW.COM
JUNE 11, 2020
Inflammatory pandemic rhetoric provokes xenophobia
Illustration by Celine Huang
By Celine Huang
C
hristine Wang was out golfing when a friend asked her if she was Chinese. When she indicated that she was, he replied in mock horror,“Stay six feet away from me.” Wang, a senior, smiled uncomfortably at her friend’s casual remark, which he said was “just a joke.” In early February, before COVID-19 had reached pandemic levels in the United States, Wang was watching a golf tournament with friends when they began commenting on the coronavirus. “Of course it came from China. People eat the craziest things there.” “Right, like who eats a bat?” “Have you not seen the videos? It’s so dirty in the markets.” When Wang, who was the only Asian American present, expressed her discomfort, her friends passed it off as a joke. “Was it though?” Wang asked. “Because I didn’t think it was funny.”
THE ‘CHINESE VIRUS’
On March 16, President Trump referred to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” on Twitter. Despite the backlash for using the racist term, he repeatedly defended it, deliberately replacing “corona” with “Chinese” in several speeches. Later that day, my mom handed me her phone. I thought it was going to be another funny video, but my face paled when I saw the words “Chinese virus” glaring back at me. I couldn’t help wondering why he would say this. Such inflammatory rhetoric exacerbates misinformation and anti-Asian sentiment. “It is disgusting,” senior Denise Pan said. “The virus shouldn’t be pinned on one group of people; [it] doesn’t discriminate against races. Sure, it might have originated from China, but when you say ‘Chinese virus,’ it implies that it is [Chinese] people who are the carriers and at fault.” Wang’s parents are “freaked out” about how racism, especially from prominent figures like Trump, will affect Wang’s future. “My dad says that most people in the world are good,” Wang said. But he worries that certain people will use such rhetoric to justify hateful behavior. Some Asian Americans have prepared for the worst, for example, by purchasing firearms for the first time in fear of potential hate crimes. “It’s not the best solution,” Pan said, “but that is the conclusion many people came to.”
Across the country, firearm purchases increased beginning when COVID-19 reached pandemic proportions in the U.S. Americans purchased 1.9 million guns in the month of March, the most since the month following the Sandy Hook school shooting in January 2013. As the coronavirus crisis worsens, hate crimes against Asian Americans have drastically increased. Since March 19, the online reporting forum created by the Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council has received 1,700 reports of discrimination towards Asian Americans. These incidents are numerous: A student’s selfie marred with cuts and bruises. A woman waiting at a bus stop kicked in the face by teens. A man dead from a heart attack while people stand and watch, afraid of contracting the virus. People mobbed, beaten, threatened, bullied, abused and spat at, simply for “looking Asian.” At a Sam's Club in Midland, Texas, a 19-year-old stabbed a Burmese father of two young children because he thought they were Chinese and were “infecting people with the coronavirus.” These displays of hatred and violence generate widespread anxiety among Asian-American communities.
WORRYING ABOUT ‘WHAT IF…?’
Every two weeks or so, Denise Pan drives to the grocery store. She glances around nervously as she pushes her cart down the aisles. She feels like people are watching her. She hurries out into the parking lot alone, her heart pounding. Fears also plague sophomore Dian Yu when she walks around her Braeswood Place neighborhood. “I just get the feeling that [something] might happen,” Yu said. After hearing rumors about other Chinese-American families receiving threats and hate mail on their porches, the Yu household has been cautious about retrieving packages from their doorstep. “If people are willing to send hate mail and threats, it could quickly turn into something dangerous,” Yu said. “You never know who the delivery guy is, so we have to take extra precautions.” For families living far apart, these fears are exacerbated. Upper School history teacher Jack Soliman worries about his mother and father, who live alone in South Florida and are both in their mid-seventies. Several of Soliman’s friends have gone to live with their parents in order to protect them from potential violence. Since he cannot be with them, Soliman encourages his parents to stay at home because they are vulnerable not only to the virus but also to
people who might target Asians for hate crimes.
SOCIAL MEDIA: ENABLING ACTIVISM OR PERPETUATING HATE?
With so many people staying at home, social media has become both a platform for activism, as well as an outlet for racial intolerance. On Instagram, Pan speaks out against xenophobia and promotes civil rights by reposting articles. “I’m not a social media influencer,” Pan said, “but it is important to tell other people [so that] they can be an ally to their friends or other people who are struggling.” Soliman belongs to a non-St. John’s men’s golf group chat, in which members have posted insensitive jokes and videos. The Asian-American members of the group have said nothing. “Unfortunately, if you do say something, you can be very easily dismissed as too sensitive or politically correct,” Soliman said. Often regarded as the “model minority,” Asian Americans are more accustomed to microaggressions than overt displays of racism, but as more Americans adopt blatantly xenophobic and racist rhetoric, violent incidences have become more common. “Most Asian Americans, at least the ones I know, aren't really prepared to deal with that,” Pan said.
MOVING FORWARD
Asian Americans emphasize that it is important for nonAsian allies to lend their support. “Treat them like people,” Pan said. “You as a non-Asian are no less likely to catch this virus than your Asian-American friend who has lived here all their life.” In addition, check up on friends and ask them how they are doing. Listen to what they say. Don’t dismiss Asian-American friends when they share their experiences. Don't excuse xenophobic behavior. When it comes to xenophobia, “be aware of it, understand it, and call it out when you notice it happening,” Wang said. As for Asian Americans, “Don’t let other people tell you what your culture is and what it isn’t. You know the facts better than those who are attacking you,” Yu said. “Keep your head up, be confident and never be ashamed of your culture.”
JUNE 11, 2020
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SJSREVIEW.COM
WHAT NOW? Addressing grief and privilege
St. John's School 2401 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019 review.sjs@gmail.com sjsreview.com Facebook SJS Review Twitter @SJS_Review Instagram @sjsreview
Member National Scholastic Press Assn. Pacemaker Finalist 2019 Pacemaker 2015, 2018
Member Columbia Scholastic Press Assn. Gold Crown 2015, 2020 Silver Crown 2014, 2016-2019
Photo by Maxx Shearod, graphic by Grace Randall
By Maxx Shearod and Noura Jabir
By Noura Jabir
DEAR BLACK PEOPLE,
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE,
“H
ow are you feeling?” Are you tired of being asked that? Though a seemingly straightforward question, we’ve struggled to piece together a coherent response. How are we supposed to feel watching as yet another black person is deprived of their autonomy? We’re past the point of anger, of sadness. We’re way past the point of shock, unlike so many of our white peers. What’s beyond these feelings? Numbness. Hopelessness. Exhaustion. That’s how we feel. We can’t breathe. Yet we cannot rest until 400 years of systemic racism have been reversed, so we ignore our aching backs, our sore feet and heavy eyelids, and we muster up what little energy remains. But what to do with it? Where should we dedicate that energy? We understand that the American racial complex runs deeper than George Floyd, deeper than Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, than Sandra Bland and Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin and Rodney King, deeper than police brutality. How do you fix a system that is inexorably linked to racial injustice and inequity? We've tried peaceful protest, but many Americans misinterpreted our message. Not a soul was harmed on Aug. 26, 2016, when former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick first took a knee on live television. Still, President Trump was quick to denounce Kaepernick's actions as “disrespectful.” “You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn't be playing, you shouldn’t be playing, you shouldn’t be there, maybe you shouldn’t be in the country,” Trump said at a rally in 2018. Back in May, mostly white armed protestors stormed state capitol buildings, outraged over the COVID-19 restrictions. Their military-grade weaponry and anti-government chants did not result in the display of excessive force that we are seeing now. When black people attempt to process the tragedy of death, organizing marches and vigils, we’re met with tear gas and rubber bullets. The question then becomes: When will our anger be deemed acceptable, our feelings validated? It seems like no matter how we protest, the world finds an excuse to avoid listening. How do we get your attention? Atlanta-based rapper and community activist Killer Mike said it best during a press conference on May 29: “Now is the time to plot, plan, strategize, and organize and mobilize in an effective way.” Step one: Vote. Voting is integral to achieving racial justice. Mayors appoint police chiefs and allocate funds to the police department. District and state attorneys decide whether or not to investigate police brutality and misconduct. Congressional representatives should support policies that reflect their constituents. Does yours accurately represent your voice? And, if you are able, attend a protest. It will make you realize just how many people stand in solidarity with you. Remember that however you’re feeling right now, it’s valid.
L
et’s address the subtle art of white allyship. Since the outpouring of support over George Floyd’s murder, I’ve pondered it tirelessly, unable to fully master its
nuance. The whole world seems to have discovered racial injustice all at once, flooding social media with content about police brutality, systemic racism and the nebulous concept that is white allyship. People of color, particularly black people, can’t seem to agree on whether or not their white friends need to be posting about Floyd’s death, and if so, to what extent they should advocate for black lives. Some Instagram activism has become domineering, veering dangerously close to appropriation. When our white peers set their profile picture to an image of the black power fist, we can’t help but wonder if they know the complicated legacy of the Black Power movement, or if they realize the harm in co-opting an entire ideology, one established by black people, for black people. On the other hand, we wonder how some of our white friends can remain so silent. White allyship has far-reaching, complex implications, yet there is a discernible contrast between strong, weak and straight-up problematic allyship. I must establish that white allyship can be effective in catalyzing change. White voices do have an impact that, at times, black voices simply do not. This in and of itself is a problematic aspect of the American racial complex — the dependency of minorities on white people to achieve justice, which perpetuates the paternalistic approach whites routinely take when aiding people of color. Despite what myriad Instagram posts may lead you to believe, allyship cannot be learned in one day, nor two, nor even a hundred. Strong white allyship is an ever-developing skill, one that white people must first strengthen and then maintain. It’s an imperfect, ongoing learning process. Strong white allyship not only uplifts the voices of people of color, it prioritizes them. White people frequently position themselves at the center of the narrative. Good allies actively combat this tendency by refocusing attention on minorities. Strong white allyship is fluid and adaptable. It listens, patiently and attentively, not necessarily to respond or propose a solution, but to empathize. Strong white allyship practices humility; it isn’t performative or self-validating, it's about, as Spike Lee once said, doing the right thing. Strong white allyship isn’t simply non-racist, it is actively antiracist. Good allies realize that abstaining from participation in racist beliefs, while essential, is not enough. They must also challenge the racism of those around them. Strong white allyship extends beyond isolated moments in time, persisting when people of color leave the room. It thrives at family dinners and in youth groups, on sports teams and in school hallways. Strong white allyship meets the levels of frustration and anger of the wronged — but never exceeds it. Good allies know that their actions have consequences; if they behave rashly, it reflects poorly on the entire movement. Strong white allyship is informed but knows its boundaries; it accepts that reading Ta-Nehisi Coates and watching "13th" on Netflix cannot compare to what people of color experience. To those of you who petitioned, donated or marched and are truly committed to unpacking your privilege, thank you. But please, recognize how that privilege colors your activism. Be patient with yourselves, and us, as our generation adapts to a new age of activism. If you are hopelessly lost, practice empathy. And always do the right thing.
Blue and Gold Award 2019
SNO Distinguised Site 2018-2020 Editors-in-Chief Izzy Andrews (Content), Mia Fares (Administrative), Sophia Lima (Managing), Leila Pulaski (Design) Online Editors-in-Chief SJ Lasley, Sinclair Mott Assistant Online Editors-in-Chief Laney Chang, Fareen Dhuka Assignment Editors Noura Jabir, Abigail Poag Online Section Editors Megan Chang, Ashley Yen Video Editor Ryan Doughty Design Editor Taylor Britton Assistant Design Editors Matthew Hensel, Grace Randall Photography Editor Claire Seinsheimer Visuals Editor Celine Huang Business Manager Mehak Batra Copy Editors Sara Doyle, Indrani Maitra, Ella West Staff
Maira Ansari, Aatiqah Aziz, Wilson Bailey, Mia Baumann, Max Beard, Katya Bigman, Kennedy Black, Natalie Boquist, Camille Carleton, Edward Chen, Ella Chen, Gabe de la Cruz, Olivia Doan, Cameron Ederle, Lydia Gafford, Diane Guo, Wenqing He Natasha Janssens, Sophia Jazaeri, Ethan Kinsella, Rahul Lal, Russell Li, Bailey Maierson, Afraaz Malick, Lily McCullough, Lizzie Mickiewicz, Hamzah Mir, Ellie Monday, Leonardo Morales, Sierra Ondo, Caroline Pressler, Davis Rae, Jack Ringold, Rahul Rupani, Matthew Samson-Williams, Keval Shah, Maxx Shearod, Julia Smith, Gabrielle Solymosy, Mira Thakur, Alice Xu, Angela Xu, Chloe Zhao
Advisers David Nathan, Shelley Stein ('88), Chuy Benitez 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 five times during the school year. We mail each issue — free of charge — to every Upper School household with an additional 1,000 copies distributed on campus to our 694 students and 98 faculty. 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 the Review room (Q210).
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THE REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
JUNE 11, 2020
SCENES FROM
THE PANDEMIC
MAXX SHEAROD
Protesting: Demonstrators kneel in solidarity with Black Lives Matter during June 2 march Along with 60,000 others, dozens of students attended protests in reaction to the death of native Houstonian George Floyd.
JULIA SMITH
MAXX SHEAROD
Painting: Junior creates "Art House" to spread positivity Julia Smith's family transformed the house next door into a creative project for neighborhood kids. The resulting doodles and paintings brightened West U during a time of uncertainty.
Pedaling: Students bike amid COVID-19 restrictions With city-wide social distancing guidelines in place, students, such as juniors Carolyn DePinho and Isabella O'Reilly, have turned to biking and other outdoor activities in order to stay fit and spend time together.
MAXX SHEAROD
ZOE TOY
Parading: West University holds senior car parade Lindsay Gobillot leans out of the sunroof to celebrate along with other graduating seniors. Students decorated their cars with the colors of their high school or future college.
Prepping: Cooking curbs quarantine boredom and hunger Like many students self-isolating, junior Zoe Toy has experimented with new recipes in the kitchen. Breadmaking has been an especially popular pasttime.
