November 2013 Issue

THE REVIEW

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Spring Musical Directors alter audition requirements for “The Robber Bridegroom” See Page 3.

2401 CLAREMONT LANE · HOUSTON, TX 77019 · VOLUME 65 · ISSUE 3 · NOVEMBER 2013

Senior nabs science award Lang wins Siemens regional competition for brain tumor research

by Amy Liu and Alyyah Malick

F

red Lang’s first month in the lab was a series of failures.

The senior had trouble learning the correct techniques, his first five experiments yielded no useful results and while making viruses, Lang accidentally let half of the solution drip into the waste dish.

A year later, micro-RNA, mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes have become familiar terms to Lang, who is only scratching the surface of his scientific breakthrough.

In mid-November, Lang earned recognition as a 2013 National Finalist in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, a nationwide research competition for high school students. He is the second Regional Finalist from SJS in two years (fellow senior Anna Huang qualified last year) and the first National Finalist, receiving a $4,000 scholarship.

For two summers, Lang studied brain cancer at MD Anderson’s Basic Science

JAKE NYQUIST

Finding a solution During the summer, senior Fred Lang worked at a MD Anderson research lab studying a novel process for the detection of brain cancer. After winning first at the regional competition, Lang will compete against five other finalists for a chance at $100,000.

Research Center. In his 18-page report, Lang examined how glioblastoma, one of the most prevalent and malignant types of brain tumors, can be destroyed by delivering certain micro-RNA’s into the brain.

“Both my parents are doctors, so my dad would often come home talking about his patients, asking me to pray for them,” Lang said. “It gave me this personal feeling against cancer that made me want to have an impact.”

From a record number of 2,440 projects, Siemens chose 90 regional finalists. Each

of these finalists competed at one of six research universities. Lang presented his at the University of Texas at Austin, Nov. 8.

“This is the biggest project I’ve ever done,” Lang said. “It’s almost as if it’s my whole life’s work.”

Regional finalists were asked to prepare a poster display, deliver a 12-minute oral speech and participate in a private question-and-answer session with the judges.

“I actually surprised myself a lot — I thought I was awful at public presentations, but it went really well,” Lang said.

“The question-and-answer session was the most stressful part because there was no way to prepare for it.”

Only six individuals, one from each competition site, qualify for the National Finals. Those selected for this honor will receive an expense-paid trip to George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Dec. 6-10.

“When I won, it was a very surreal feeling,” Lang said. “I feel like I went up there and got back to my chair in a half-second.”

Continued on Page 4

FROM THE FALCONS

Kinkaid’s loss, our gain: How Gleaves became a Maverick Steve Gleaves has nearly 40 years of history with Rice Stadium.

Gleaves stepped on the field for the first time with the Rice Owls, but the majority of his time in Rice Stadium has been locked in the SJS-Kinkaid rivalry. After serving as the Falcons’ head football coach for three years, Gleaves switched schools.

His most recent appearance at the Kinkaid Game, Oct. 25, marked his 23rd year as head coach at SJS. While growing up in Dallas, Gleaves excelled in football, basketball, baseball, tennis and track. He continued to play other sports at Carter High School but was always more drawn to football.

Gleaves was recruited as a running back and chose Rice over offers from Louisiana State University, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, among others.

After becoming an Owl, Gleaves switched to punter and became a four-year football letterman. In 1977, he set the record for

most punts in a year (86).

After graduation, Gleaves continued to pursue his football aspirations. He went as a free agent to a Philadelphia Eagles tryout, but after getting cut, Gleaves returned to his hometown. Though he initially declined a coaching position with the Kinkaid Falcons, he subsequently accepted the offer.

Gleaves moved to Houston to start his Falcon coaching career in 1980. He spent 11 years in a variety of positions, working with middle and high school athletes while coaching football, basketball and tennis.

Marty Thompson (’91), Director of Experiential Education, played against Coach Gleaves in 1989 and 1990, and later served as an assistant coach under Gleaves.

“The little things Gleaves emphasizes are so much more important regarding who his players will become long after they hang up their pads and stop playing football,” Thompson said.

When Kinkaid proposed that Gleaves focus on tennis and give up football, he

decided to seek a football coaching position elsewhere. Coach Stobie Whitmore informed Gleaves of a vacancy at SJS. In 1991, Gleaves shed his purple and yellow feathers for the red and black.

“Coach Gleaves has the strength of character and an uncompromising code of

conduct that makes everyone around him a better person,” assistant football coach Douglas Sharp said. “He holds everyone associated with the team to high standards of effort and discipline.”

Online this Month Seniors at TEDxYouth, Top 10 Renaissance Fair Foods, Interstellar Math Madness

NEWS...............................................2 FEATURES........................................4 ENTERTAINMENT.............................6

BEYOND...........................................7 IN FOCUS...............................................8 OPINIONS......................................10

SPORTS.........................................12 ODDS & ENDS.......................................14 PHOTOSTORY................................16

by Matthew Neal

JARED MARGOLIS

Head in the game Coach Steve Gleaves made his 23rd appearance as Mavericks head coach at the Kinkaid Game. He became a Maverick after 11 years as a Falcon coach.

Continued on Page 5

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

2

NEWS

In Brief News around campus TEDxYouth@Houston

of many topics by selecting certain speakers from the official event.

One particularly inspiring speaker was Jack Andraka, a high-school student who developed a method of detecting three different types of cancer.

“He was very passionate about his project,” junior Raina Zhang said. “He was much more spirited than I imagined and a testament to how far someone could get with just their curiosity and the internet.”

This year, TEDxYouth@Houston will feature four hours of youth speakers, including seniors Stacie Dudley, Sloane Gustafson and Alezeh Rauf. The theme is “The Spark.”

Coinciding with Universal Children’s Day, TEDxYouth Day is an opportunity for young people to share ideas and inspire one another. TEDxYouth events are held around the world, including in Houston at the Asia Society Texas Center, Nov. 16.

‘This I Believe’ Returns

Renovations to M302 Located above two science labs, M302, which is currently a math classroom, will fulfill its intended purpose when it is converted to a science lab.

“When the room was built, it was originally planned to be a science lab,” math teacher Alice Nelson said. “It has everything it needs to be one, including water and gas pipes. Everything is just hidden away.”

The classroom will be used for math until the Campus Center is built. Other renovations include moving and changing classrooms to fit each department’s needs.

“Other rooms will have to be changed, too,” Nelson said. “The bookstore will relocate temporarily, and a math classroom to replace mine may be set up right next to it.”

Asp-ocalypse Strikes Terror never looked so cute and fluffy.

The formidable sting of the asp struck seven Upper School girls, Nov. 6. An asp, or “puss caterpillar,” is a type of furry caterpillar whose venomous spines produce a painful skin rash upon contact. The asp’s diminutive size makes it especially easy to mistakenly lay a hand on.

Sophomore Sloan Rucker, a victim of the asp infestation, was stung on the

EMILY GRIFFITH

Cute but not cuddly Unsuspecting students enjoying the fall weather in the plaza have fallen prey to this vicious predator. “Right after it happened, I felt a burning sensation,” victim Caroline Harrell said.

thumb while moving a lacrosse goal.

“You don’t even know where they are,” Rucker said. “I never even saw the asp. No one is safe.”

Rucker experienced textbook symptoms of an asp sting, including harsh, throbbing pain in the armpit region. Her story and others’ prompted an announcement warning against the vicious caterpillars.

Math Madness For the past month, Mathematical Problem Solving Club (MAPS) members have been dropping all homework at 8 p.m. every Tuesday to participate in Interstellar Math Madness, a weekly problem-solving team competition.

Math Madness attracts over 11,000 students from across the nation to compete against other schools. Team members have half an hour to solve 10 problems individually.

After participating in four rounds, SJS is now ranked third in the nation based on the scores of the top 25 players. Despite

losing to California’s Monte Vista in the first round, the team won three consecutive matches against Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet (Calif.), Dulles (Sugarland) and Kimball Union Academy (N.H.).

The six-week playoff round begins Nov. 10, and MAPS’s first opponent is St. George’s School (R.I.).

Senior Xavier Gonzalez said, “It’s kind of like March Madness...except for math.”

Junior UP Experience Twenty-five juniors, along with nearly 400 students from other Houston-area high schools, listened to seven speakers present at the Junior UP Experience at Stafford Centre, Oct. 24.

“It was momentous,” junior Peter Strawn said.

The Junior UP Experience was founded in 2008 when Cody Rapp (’10) adapted the program to target a younger audience than the original UP Experience. Now, the program gives local high school students the opportunity to expand their knowledge

The second year of “This I Believe” chapel series commenced, Nov. 13, with a speech by biology teacher Doug Elliott, who addressed the “unaffiliated tradition.”

Junior Megan Routbort will speak about Unitarian Universalism Nov. 20, and to conclude the series, senior Carl Bernicker will discuss growing up as a part of both the Jewish and Christian traditions.

The focus for this year’s series is on less well-known manifestations of belief.

Official SAC News Wooh! It’s November already! We at SAC hope that Homecoming was as fun for y’all as it was for us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing the Color Splash theme and allowing us to pelt you with colored powder.

With the business of planning homecoming behind us, SAC began preparations for the Blood Drive (which was a success thanks to the generous SJS student body).

Next, look forward to the Holiday Drive and be prepared to fulfill wish lists in your advisories.

Happy Holidays from all of us in SAC! Ho ho ho.

by Prefect Jonathan Chen

Compiled by Suman Atluri, Stefania Ciurea, Brooke Kushwaha, Kanchana Raja and Matthew Steiner

Faces in the Cloisters

Get to know your classmates better

Richard Appel

Shannon Francis

Bonnie Bering

Richard Appel can be found every weekend pursuing his passion for sailing on the shores of Lake Conroe.

Appel has been on boats since before he could even walk. The sophomore regularly participates in sailing regattas.

Appel sails a 470, a boat used for two-person dinghy events in the Olympic Games.

“It is a very demanding boat to sail, requiring fast reaction and a lot of physical effort to keep the boat upright when it goes fast,” Appel said.

Continuing his pursuit of unconventional athletic pastimes, Appel has also been fencing competitively for about seven years. He loves the sport for its challenges, including the need for fast reactions and good strategies.

Appel said, “My weapon is my foil.”

Junior Shannon Francis spent her summer working several medical internships.

“My internships were based on my chosen career choice, but if anything they reaffirmed my decision,” Francis said.

“I’ve learned from my internships to communicate with patients. They don’t want to be at a doctor’s office or a surgical center, and your attitude can either reassure them or work them into a panic.”

These experiences allow Francis a glimpse into the lives of doctors and surgeons.

“The best thing that I’ve done was scrubbing in on surgeries with an orthopedic spine surgeon,” Francis said.

“I got to hold the suction and drill screws into the spinal processes.”

There is no bigger fangirl than Bonnie Bering.

“I can’t just like something,” the senior said. “I will always love and obsess over it.”

Her celebrity encounters include holding Orlando Bloom’s hand, receiving a dirty look from Miley Cyrus after talking to Liam Hemsworth and serving hors d’oeuvre to Queen Elizabeth II. “It’s fun to see people who only exist on the covers of magazines and screens somewhere,” Bering said.

Her current obsession is One Direction. She has a Twitter account with over 9,000 followers dedicated to 1D. “Anything and everything about pop culture fascinates me,” Bering said. “I know so much pointless information about it.”

Compiled by Benjamin Shou, Eugenia Kakadiaris and Megan Routbort Photos by Isabelle Metz

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

3

NEWS CASTING CALL

More stringent musical audition criteria implemented to improve performance quality Monologue, song excerpt now required for those auditioning

by Megan Shen

I

f the lovely lady presses a halfopened fan to her lips, that means, young man, that she wants to kiss you.

Despite the implications, sophomore Kyra Link is not really giving advice to a young man. She is performing a monologue that students were required to select and memorize to audition for this year’s musical, “The Robber Bridegroom.”

In addition to the dance combination, a one-minute monologue as well as a song from the musical were new requirements for aspiring musical participants this year.

“They really upped the ante this year, which added a new level of pressure to the auditions,” sophomore Matthew Brown said.

Inadequate audition preparation in past years prompted directors to alter the casting process.

“We feel that students who spend necessary preparation time for the new requirements will be more willing to honor the musical time commitments,” dance teacher Victoria Arizpe (’86) said.

The dance combination, which has remained mandatory, still proved challenging for students this year. Many sacrificed lunches and free periods to attend teaching sessions offered by Arizpe.

“The crowds were always large at the sessions,” Brown said. “Occasionally, I would pass by people practicing the combination around campus.”

In addition to more stringent audition requirements, this year’s musical, “The Robber Bridegroom,” also sets itself apart from past musicals because it will feature a single cast for the first time since 2011.

“Johnnycake and the theater department collectively decided that we didn’t want to continue double casting,” Johnnycake Vice President McKenna Gessner said.

“It was a nightmare for the logistics and

ANNA HUANG

Musical madness Choir director Scott Bonasso watches the dance combination during auditions for “The Robber Bridegroom.” This year, the musical directors required more preparation from auditionees, who had to dance, memorize a monologue and sing.

technical crew last year due to the extended production week.”

The possibility of cuts is daunting for many students.

“I probably wouldn’t have been in the musical last year if it weren’t for the double cast. I’ve been really nervous because the musical was such a big part of my life last year,” sophomore Amanda Andrade said.

“It opened me up to so many new friends and a whole side of the school I hadn’t seen before.”

While appreciative of previous inclusivity, students also recognize the benefits of the new changes.

“Knowing there’s a chance that you won’t get in is terrifying,” freshman Frances Hellums said. “But because there’s more stress and preparation involved, everyone’s dedication will make the musical better and more professional.”

Directors hope that having a single cast will make rehearsals more productive and efficient.

“There will be more time for learning and refining the show and less time sitting and waiting for your turn,” Arizpe said.

For the past two years, the musical was split into two casts for only female parts.

Male performers were part of both casts and spent twice the time in rehearsals.

“I enjoyed the experience, but doing four shows and production week got tiring because there weren’t enough boys,” Brown said.

Male cast members will now have an equal amount of rehearsal as females.

Senior Justin Bernard, who played the lead in last year’s musical, “Kiss Me Kate,” expects these modifications to streamline the rehearsal process.

“Last year, something that would work with one cast wouldn’t always be as effective with the other cast,” he said. “I just tried to stay true to my character in both situations.”

The choice for this year’s musical brings another unexpected twist. Based on a folk

legend, “The Robber Bridegroom” is set in 18th-century Mississippi.

“It seemed time to do a less traditional topic for a musical,” Head of Fine Arts Department Bill McDonald said. “This one has a very American, bluegrass style with no piano at all.”

The musical’s southern flair presented challenges for students learning the audition pieces.

“The fast-paced footwork of the dance combination was very hard to learn, especially because the country theme is a style that most of us are unfamiliar with,” Andrade said.

Despite the more extensive audition process, directors look forward to continued interest in the musical and hope to keep the newly implemented changes in future years.

“I think this is the next logical step in a growing program,” Arizpe said. “Students like a challenge, and when something more is expected of them, they deliver.”

AROUND THE WORLD

New affinity group established for those of mixed races

by Brooke Kushwaha

Multiracial Affinity Group (MAG), headed by Isabella Maldonado, kicked off its first meeting, Oct. 29, to allow students of multiracial backgrounds to explore the multifaceted sides of their ethnic identities.

“I want to create a support system for our multiracial students,” Maldonado said. “I want people to feel like they have a home. Some people feel like they don’t really belong anywhere.”

After attending the People of Color Conference last year, Maldonado was inspired to form MAG. As a half-Puerto Rican, quarter-Polish, quarter-Russian individual growing up on Long Island, Maldonado understands the importance of accepting multiple cultures.

“Over the last few years it’s become clear to us that many students identify as ‘both and,’ not one or other, so we wanted to create a place where that ethnicity, multiracial, can be explored,” Upper School

counselor Pat Reynolds said. “This is really a subset of groups that we already have.”

The purpose of an affinity group, according to the National Association of Independent Schools, is to give students an opportunity to explore their ethnic identity in an empathetic environment. The need for this cultural exploration comes at an opportune moment, with stories such as the harassment of biracial professional football player Jonathan Martin making waves on both television and Internet news outlets.

“It doesn’t necessarily bother me that people don’t think I’m Asian,” sophomore Renee Roberts said, “but if I’m in either [East Asian or African American] affinity group I don’t feel like I’m fully ‘in’ it.”

Although some multiracial students may feel partiality towards a particular aspect of their ethnicity, Maldonado said MAG will allow them to further develop their ethnic identities. Due to her growing up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood,

Maldonado has always felt more inclined towards her Hispanic heritage despite living with her Polish mother.

People with multiracial identities often struggle with misidentification by their under-informed peers.

“Especially living in Houston, we often get mistaken for Mexican or Latino,” freshman Samuel Samson-Williams (half-Filipino, half-Caucasian) said. “In the group, it’s not just you that’s being mistaken for something you’re not. A huge problem is the general mistaken identity and people making assumptions about who you are.”

Maldonado is open to suggestions for MAG. “The group is going to evolve over time, and we will hopefully grow in numbers,” Maldonado said. “People don’t have to choose between our group and another affinity group.

They can be a part of any group(s) with which they identify.”

TIFFANY YUE

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

4

FEATURES

Lang researches micro-RNA for project Continued from Front Page Lang began his Siemens project over the summer using data from the year before.

He tested micro-RNA to develop a potential therapy for brain tumors.

Dr. Anwar Hossain, a professor in molecular pathology, instructed Lang in research and lab protocol.

“My goal was for Fred to develop a deep understanding of the scientific method and progress to the point of being able to conduct his experiments and catch his own mistakes independently,” Hossain said.

“Dr. Hossain helped me immensely both conceptually and in performing the actual experiments,” Lang said. “I could not have asked for a better mentor.”

The process required both patience and skill. Each experiment took at least a week to yield results.

“It’s kind of a monotonous job where you figure things out over time,” Lang said. “I feel like a lot of people get disillusioned with research because it’s really easy to fail, and I’m just really glad that I had the experience of succeeding.”

Senior Sira Ntagha worked in the same lab as Lang this past summer.

“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen, going 24/7,” Ntagha said. “But he still took time to help me out if I had any questions.”

Lang connected the experiments he conducted in petri dishes to actual patient treatment in his final report for Siemens.

He pulled his first all-nighter to finish writing his paper.

“I don’t really remember that night. I just remember zoning out,” Lang said.

“I’m pretty proud that I didn’t have to use coffee or Five-Hour Energy.”

In preparation for regionals, Lang presented his work to Science and Math Club and the science department. He has also given research-based presentations for his Scientific Research and Design (SRD) class.

“Fred’s idea hasn’t ever been tried before and may ultimately end up helping numerous cancer patients,” Lang’s SRD sponsor Paula Angus said. “I think he’s been a role model for all who saw the pro-

JAKE NYQUIST

Lab hours For his project, Lang worked with mentor Dr. Anwar Hossain, a professor of molecular pathology. Lang hopes to pursue further research with micro-RNA.

cess by showing what you can accomplish in SRD.” While in Washington, D.C., Lang will have a shot at the grand prize of $100,000.

He plans to continue his research with micro-RNAs. Future experiments may include in-vivo tests with mice and creating a cocktail of micro-RNAs for more efficient therapy.

Lang said, “The project opens a lot of possibility for study.”

SIEMENS TIMELINE Sept. 30: Projects due Oct. 18: Semifinalists and regional finalists announced Nov. 1-16: Regional competitions held Dec. 6-10: Winners announced at National Finals in Washington, D.C.

Behind the Scenes Planning for Classes

JAKE NYQUIST

Practice makes perfect Math teacher Ashley Watson prepares for class. She, like many other teachers, understands the importance of tweaking her lesson plans each year.

by Eugenia Kakadiaris

For every test, quiz or worksheet that students turn in, teachers bring home a large mountain of papers to grade.

Teachers have to both grade assignments and prepare for the next day’s lecture to ensure that students can make the most of class time.

Science teachers carefully coordinate labs so that students can apply and understand concepts, but students are often unaware of the work that teachers do before class.

“When the kids walk in, the materials are organized, the beakers are labeled and the solutions are prepared,” biology teacher Paula Angus said.

Each scientific discipline requires different forms of preparation on the teacher’s part. In biology, samples often need to be freshly collected. In chemistry labs, solutions must be prepared.

Teachers also design and update lab procedures. Science teacher Elizabeth Spike changes her labs every year.

“Labs are supposed to bolster and expatiate on the ideas discussed in class,” Spike said. “But just like students are learning, teachers are also learning about what works and doesn’t with labs as well.”

Prior experience is often used to tailor

the labs for future classes.

“Teachers often change labs from year to year to get better results that are easier for students to interpret,” chemistry teacher Sarwat Jafry said.

The challenge of creating effective labs is often underestimated.

“If you interviewed here for a job as a teacher and said that your greatest strength was creating labs that students understand, you’re a strong candidate,” physics teacher Douglas Carr said. “It sounds so simple but it can be a challenge.”

Teachers test labs to ensure desired outcomes and clarity for students.

“The goal is to produce a lab that is highly likely to produce results that make sense to a kid,” Carr said. “That might not always happen.”

Teachers in other disciplines also work outside the parameters of classroom to ensure the effectiveness of their lessons.

“The challenge is to introduce a concept while not completely telling the students but giving enough information so that a student can understand the reasoning,” math teacher Ashley Watson said. “The bottom line is making sure that each year we improve our lessons based upon what we learned in previous years. We truly do learn from our students each year.”

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

5

FEATURES NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER

Prostate cancer awareness campaign conflicts with student handbook guidelines Community debates how to show support despite school policies

by MIchael VerMeulen

F

or one month every year, guys across America renounce their razors and leave behind the lather to participate in No-Shave November. At SJS though, the dress code prohibits facial hair, and students are not allowed to grow any Duck Dynasty beards or hipster mustaches.

No-Shave November is not just a celebration of facial hair. The month-long growing period, established in 2009 by the American Cancer Society, is a campaign to support prostate cancer awareness and research.

“People grow their beards out since hair is lost because of cancer,” senior Michael Timte said. “It’s not as well known as wearing pink for breast cancer. I had an uncle with prostate cancer. I know how good a cause it is.”

Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most prevalent form of cancer in men.

“Both my grandfathers had prostate cancer, so No-Shave November has a special significance,” junior Dara Ladjevardian

said. vember,” history teacher Wendell Zartman Faculty members also recognize said. “However, I’ve participated the month’s significance. in walk-a-thons and worn “It is awesome that ties, badges and pins No-Shave November to support cancer is raising awareness awareness. I’ve for cancer,” Direchad friends and tor of Technolfamily members ogy Jeff Ritter stricken with said. “Growing cancer.” a beard is a Some think unique way to that the support this school should great cause.” allow students Members of to grow facial the SJS comhair during Nomunity have had Shave November. first-hand experi“I would like ence with the effects of to see a sanctioned cancer. time,” Timte said. “I un“I have lost friends to derstand there is a [school] cancer and watched my reputation to uphold, but mom battle cancer because growing facial through my years hair is for a good in high school and cause, it seems AMY KANG college,” physics more acceptable.”

Let it grow No-Shave November raises teacher Erol Turk Many are awareness of prostate cancer, which is said. “Any inpessimistic about commonly symbolized with a blue ribbon. creased awareness the chances of helps.” this exception to Other teachers value the cause No-Shave school rules.

November supports but express their “I think it would be a good idea, as appreciation in other ways. people could be creative and have fun.”

“I’m not participating in No-Shave NoLadjevardian said. “I just don’t see it

happening.”

Though Dean of Students Stephen Popp appreciates the role of No-Shave November in cancer awareness, he says that there are better ways of supporting the cause.

“No-Shave November really is great,” Popp said. “While there are some incredible organizations that raise awareness for really important issues, there are ways to raise awareness without bypassing the policies in our handbook. At this point, we’re not going to go there.”

The administration and students alike understand the problems associated with permitting facial hair growth.

“SJS is worried about how students appear to other schools and families, and I completely understand that,” Ladjevardian said.

These restrictions can be problematic for students who have fast-growing facial hair, like Ladjevardian.

“A friend of mine got a d-hall for having facial hair,” Ladjevardian said. “I have been warned many times. I have to shave at least two or three times a week to meet the guidelines.”

When school is not in session, Ladjevardian experiments with various grooming techniques.

Ladjevardian said that growing facial hair is “very fun and can be really cool. Over the summer I grew a Tony Stark beard. My friend grew mutton chops.”

Players, fellow coaches admire Gleaves’ dedication Continued from Front Page Even coaches from opposing teams acknowledge Gleaves’ strengths.

Episcopal High School football coach Steve Leisz said, “Coach Gleaves is a man with honor.”

The transition to facing Kinkaid from the opposite side of the field was initially a little tough.

“Being on the other side of the SJSKinkaid game was a different transition,” Gleaves said. “It took a few years getting used to being on the other side.”

Gleaves gradually adjusted to SJS. “Both schools are very similar, academically and athletically,” Gleaves said.

In Gleaves’ sixth season at SJS, the team secured his first victory against Kinkaid.

The Mavericks have recorded six more Players respect Coach Gleaves and his wins in subsequent Kinkaid games. dedication to their training.

“I love the wins over Kinkaid, but as a Captain Wes Wallace said, “During coach, the best practice, Coach win was when Gleaves does a we won the SPC great job helping Championship us prepare for “It’s like working with the in 1996 over games and makes Casady in Dallas,” coach I want to be and the us run lots of Gleaves said. sprints.” man I hope to become.”

Coach Gleaves Gleaves consissets an example Coach Alan Paul tently motivates not only for his players to perform players but also at their best. for his colleagues.

“He has this seriousness that makes Assistant coach Alan Paul said, “It’s like everyone want to work harder,” lineman working with the coach I want to be one Daniel Jellins said. “He truly embodies day and the man I hope to become.”

‘Not Without Honor.’”

512.473.2775 w w w. w i n n t u t o r i n g . c o m

To his colleagues, Gleaves embodies both athletic talent and sportsmanship.

“Coach Gleaves is a tremendous role model who promotes the core values that are consistent with the mission of SJS,” Athletic Director Vince Arduini said. “He emphasizes what it means to be a part of a team and the importance of representing SJS on the field and in the community.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Gleaves is also the boys’ tennis coach and Coordinator of Athletic Facilities.

Although Gleaves has coached the Mavericks for 22 years, he still enjoys his job.

Gleaves said, “One of the reasons I do this job is to have those exciting times with players and watch them accomplish goals and make memories.”

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

6

ENTERTAINMENT FALL PLAY

Hitchcock’s ‘39 Steps’ gets stage treatment Video screen adds new dimension to theatrical adaptation

by Megan Shen

T

he sound of a machine gun echoes through the VST as senior Justin Bernard ducks to avoid a swooping plane.

This plane is no ordinary set piece — it is a moving picture on the video screen hanging behind the set of “The 39 Steps.”

Instead of conventional prop scenery, the video provides the backdrop for the scenes of the play.

“The screen adds an entirely different depth and immersion experience for the audience,” Bernard said. “Sometimes there will be intentional timing mistakes to create hilarious situations.”

Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film adaptation of the 1915 novel by John Buchan, the comedic melodrama adds cheeky humor to an espionage plotline for a fast-paced mystery adventure.

“It’s the perfect combination of funny and action-packed elements,” Assistant Director and junior McKenna Gessner said.

The play, which runs Nov. 15 and16 in the Lowe Theater, brings back memories for Bill McDonald, who has not directed a fall play since becoming Chair of the Fine Arts Department in 2000.

“I directed a lot of comedies, mostly outside of school,” McDonald said, “but this one has a different and fun mystery element that I like.”

Set in London, the story follows the unassuming Richard Hannay (Justin Bernard), who finds himself caught up in a sinister scheme when he meets a seductive female spy (Elena Skaribas). After being accused of murder, he flees from both police and assassins on a journey to clear his name and discover the secret of the 39 steps. Along the way, he encounters a variety of interesting persons, including the beautiful and mysterious Pamela (Meghan Chapman).

While actors still use traditional props and set pieces, the shifting background enables the cast to act out a greater variety of scenes.

“The plane appears to be chasing me for

ANNA HUANG

No ordinary set Rather than using conventional props, the theatre department is using an impressive video backdrop that will feature swooping planes and roller coasters. “The 39 Steps” will run in the Lowe Theatre on Nov. 15 and 16.

several minutes, even though I just run in place on stage the whole time,” Bernard said.

The play offers a comedic twist on Hitchcock’s classic tale of intrigue and suspense.

“The first time I read the play, I was dying of laughter,” senior Daniel Bland said. “It’s not farcical, like plays we’ve done in the past, but there’s much more subtle tongue-in-cheek humor.”

Unique characters, ranging from the slightly unconventional to the outright eccentric, add to the humorous effect.

“My lines include two paragraphs of math equations since my character has a photographic memory,” freshman Frances Hellums said. “I also become possessed, so I get to act out five different personalities.”

Many students had to learn how to maintain authentic accents.

“Most of the cast speaks in a British accent, but my character is German,” junior Elena Skaribas said. “I listened to a lot of audio recordings, and they brought in a voice coach to work with us.”

The production also features many cast members acting out more than one role.

“It’s an interesting take on the original play in which four actors played every part,” Bland said. “There’s a scene where I change characters. Every time I switch, I put on a different hat.”

With thrilling action scenes and hilarious allusions to other Hitchcock films, the production aims to stay true to its film roots.

“I’m excited for the show because I’ve never done anything like this before,” Bernard said. “It really looks like it’s straight out of a movie.”

Maverick Munchies Etoile Cuisine et Bar

by Emily Sherron

Amidst sandwich shops, cupcake boutiques and Japanese cuisine, Houstonians can satisfy French cravings at Etoile Cuisine et Bar in Uptown Park.

Founder and head chef Philippe Verpiand specializes in a variety of slow-cooked meats that fall off the bone with the tap of a fork. The clams and mussels appeal even to non-shellfish fans like me.

Located right outside the West Loop, Etoile is 10-minute drive from school.

Cozy couches and tables outside juxtapose the formal, European-style seating, giving the restaurant a unique vibe.

My favorite appetizer, the Foie Gras au Torchon, is cold, pâté-style duck liver served on a brioche with berry confiture.

The best plat principal is the Wild Boar “Bolognese,” served with linguine pasta.

You might feel a little strange ordering pasta, but I guarantee you won’t regret

your choice. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, I recommend the Salade de Chevre Chaud (a goat cheese and arugula salad) or the Lemon Sole “Meuniere.”

The warm, toasted flatbreads of the sandwiches are delicious, but the contents are what set them apart. Served with a side of salad or delicious pommes frites (French fries), my favorites are the Brie Cheese (with cranberry butter and pears) and the Prosciutto. Surprisingly enough, Etoile also has a killer hamburger, with a French twist, of course, in the form of melted gruyere and tomato confit.

With French classics cooked to perfection and an impressive authenticity, Etoile is a place where you can go to be in France for an hour or two. If you’re out with friends for a refined lunch, and the line for Tiny Boxwood’s is spilling into the nursery, try Etoile. You might just discover your new favorite lunch spot.

DIRECTIONS AND INFO Etoile Cuisine et Bar 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd.

Houston, TX 77056 (832) 668-5808 Mon-Thurs, Sun: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri, Sat: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

7

BEYOND

CUTIE AND THE BOXER

Heinzerling captures lives of artists on film Alum directs documentary about Japanese artists living in NYC

by Cara Maines

T

he quest for a “romantic spirit” led Zachary Heinzerling (’02) to a story worthy of an award-winning documentary.

“The initial spark for was my being in an environment that felt very authentic,” Heinzerling said. “I had this idea of what New York was like, a very romantic idea of an artist, and when I met these artists they embodied that sort of romantic spirit.”

Heinzerling had been a field producer and camera operator for four Emmy Award-winning, HBO documentaries, including “Breaking the Huddle,” “Assault in the Ring” and “Lombardi.”

In 2011, he was selected as one of 25 filmmakers for the Emerging Visions program, a collaboration between the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Independent Filmmaker Project.

After visiting an art studio, Heinzerling embarked upon the five-year journey of creating his own work of art, “Cutie and the Boxer.” Heinzerling’s first work as a director follows the lives of Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, two married Japanese artists in New York. The documentary has received grants from Cinereach, Tribeca Film Institute, San Francisco Film Society and the Jerome Foundation.

“I met Ushio and Noriko in 2009 at Open Studio Day, which is a day in Brooklyn when artists open up their studios for the public,” Heinzerling said. “We shot a day-in-the-life film, and they were very eager to have a western perspective on their art.”

Heinzerling followed the couple for nearly five years, capturing the most candid moments of their daily lives on film.

“When you step into their space, it’s like stepping into a time warp, and you’re going back to this era when artists were living on no money and meeting all kinds of crazy people,” Heinzerling said. “The result was very exciting, and I think hanging

VIRGINIA WALLER

Following his muses To produce his debut documentary as a director, Heinzerling followed the lives of two struggling artists, Ushio and Noriko, in New York. At the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, Heinzerling’s work won the U.S. Documentary Directing Award.

out with them was like reliving this time period that I kind of romanticized as a 24-year-old.”

“Cutie and the Boxer” explores the complex relationship between Ushio Shinohara, an 81-year-old artist famous for his “boxing paintings,” and Noriko, his wife and assistant.

“The film started out as art and ended up being about a relationship — we can all see ourselves in their relationship. It became much more universal,” Heinzerling said.

“I view the film as this melding of their culture and mine. We meet in the middle, and something new is created.”

Because Heinzerling does not speak Japanese, he shot most of his scenes without understanding the dialogue. Every night he edited the scenes and had a translator subtitle them.

“I can understand a little bit of Japanese, but the majority of scenes were shot with me and no translator,” Heinzerling said.

“Trust was a big part of that. In some ways my not understanding exactly what they

were saying was helpful with the process of my becoming invisible.”

Although Heinzerling filmed some personal scenes between the couple, Ushio and Noriko were understanding of his creative endeavors and allowed him free reign on the film.

“As artists, they want to promote their lives and the scars and wounds of their lives as much as the happiness of their lives,” Heinzerling said. “They understand that this is my version of the story, a sculpted version of reality.”

Heinzerling continued his job at HBO while working on “Cutie and the Boxer” until 2011, when he quit to work on his film full-time. Although the filmmaking and documenting process took him four years, Heinzerling says he never considered stopping.

“The spirit of this constant energy and the fight for creation rubbed off on me and allowed me to stick with the project,” Heinzerling said.

Although Heinzerling did not have

plans to study film during high school, he remembers his English classes at SJS influencing his ideas about art.

“The faculty almost left more of an impression on me than some of the content that they were teaching,” Heinzerling said.

“What I remember most is how passionate a teacher was and who they were as people.

Looking back, it seems obvious that my fascination with the faculty and their personalities is related to my decision to become a filmmaker.”

When Heinzerling began studying at the UT as part of the Plan II Honors program, he took classes in everything from biology to statistics to philosophy, eventually majoring in philosophy and film studies after taking a course on modern Russian cinematography.

“I think I spent a lot of time in college figuring out what I wanted to do,” Heinzerling said. “I think you need to know your voice before making a film. It’s much more special. People will notice your work more if it has a voice.”

Catching up with

former Siemens Semifinalists

Aparajita Maitra (’13)

Ned Lu (’12)

Fan-Hal Koung (’11)

I worked in a chemistry lab at UT Arlington for six weeks. For my Siemens project, I screened ruthenium complexes for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. I was trying to find the intensity or presence of toxicity in ruthenium. I investigated certain ruthenium complexes and discovered that they showed less inhibition of AChE than the control and had potential as cancer drugs. The best part of this project was becoming part of the anti-cancer drug research team at UT. This project strengthened my understanding of inorganic chemistry’s practical applications.

I am at Columbia University, and I have been busy with my classes and activities like leading Artist Society events and being editor of 292 Magazine. I am also starting technology and design projects.

My research project for Siemens focused on understanding how ovarian cancer cells communicate with their environment through the secretion of microRNA-containing vesicles. I took Scientific Research and Design my junior year and found a lab to work in at MD Anderson Cancer Center the following summer. My favorite part was when I finally obtained data, which suggested that the procedures I performed actually worked to some extent.

I haven’t done any further research while at Harvard, but I am planning to major in neurobiology and get back into research soon. My interest in the subject began last summer when I studied neuroscience abroad in Italy. It was an incredible experience. I’m on the board of the Chinese Students Association.

One of my Siemens projects was on the structure of a certain class of partially ordered sets and the other was on the game theory of Texas Hold ‘Em. I did the projects through Texas Mathworks, a summer program that SJS is sending more kids to every year.

I’m not exactly still studying the same subject (both projects were pretty theoretical math heavy, while now I’m studying computer science and statistics at Stanford). I haven’t had any research experience in college, but I definitely feel going through the process for Siemens helped me out. A lot of my current projects are pretty open-ended and being able to take a general idea and flesh it out has been pretty crucial. Also, writing the 20-page research paper really refined my technical writing skills, which is useful for our projects.

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

8

IN FOCUS

Hidden Co

Having the ability to charge but students often do not realize h

Story and Reporting by Gabe M Photo by Jak

A

n unassuming white envelope arrives at each student’s house every month, but the monetary amount printed inside is hardly negligible.

Students are often unaware of the cost of their expenditures because charges are billed to their account. Typically, only parents see the often shocking result at the end of the month.

“I think you can get a little trigger-happy with buying things and not knowing what they cost,” sophomore Drew Guillory said.

Some argue that the system is beneficial because students do not need to carry money with them at all times.

“It’s a much safer environment not to have a lot of cash changing hands,” Director of Finance and Operations Greg Swan said.

Many parents agree that they prefer the billing option to their children carrying cash.

“It would be easy to hand out a $10 or $20 dollar bill every morning to cover food and not realize how it added up,” Christine Manca, mother of sophomore Marcus and senior

Camilla, said. “This way, it is easier to track if expenses are going up or staying the same.”

Students also see the perks of individual charge accounts.

“We don’t have to worry about carrying cash around in our back pockets, which everyone is thankful for,” junior Isabel Wallace-Green said.

In addition to its convenience, the account payment system ensures student privacy.

“One of the benefits of having charges come onto an account is that financial aid kids don’t have to worry about people knowing,” Business Office Controller Becky Kalmick said. “In fact, I would argue that we have students who are on financial aid who don’t necessarily know themselves.”

The business department works to ensure the anonymity of financial aid. Financial aid covers bookstore charges and athletic fees but not the price of cafeteria food.

“At the back end, we may credit a charge through our financial aid system so that a family doesn’t have to,” Swan said. “For a team fee, the coaches don’t know who’s paying and who’s getting aid.”

Despite the advantages in protecting student privacy, the

Daily Lunch

TI-84 Silver Plus

$5 to15

$145

Football Sweatsuit Textbooks

$300

School Supplies

$150

account system presents its fair share of drawbacks.

“The negative from the school side is that we’ve let go of the merchandise, whether it’s books or food, and we haven’t gotten paid yet,” Swan said. “So we’re relying on parents and students to follow through with their obligation to pay.”

The use of accounts can prevent students from consciously recognizing how much money they spend.

“It’s easy to get carried away,” Wallace-Green said. “It’s habit. Sometimes I wish I knew the prices first rather than just seeing the quantity.”

The absence of easily accessible price listings creates issues for students.

“I eat so much at the cafeteria, yet I don’t know how much I’m actually spending,” junior Dara Ladjevardian said.

The business department understands that a lack of communication between the school and students could pose a problem.

“I am concerned that there is a perception that people don’t know what they’re paying for,” Swan said. “But there’s no attempt to purposefully make things opaque.”

$84

School Trip

$154

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

9

IN FOCUS

osts of $J$

e accounts has its benefits, how much their expenditures cost

Malek and Chris Zimmerman ke Nyquist SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Sports teams often charge student accounts directly for incidental expenses that vary from clothing to equipment to trips.

“We spent about $1,000 on wrestling gear last year and hundreds for the food,” Guillory said. “You don’t really think about it, but our parents are paying a lot.”

The wrestling team pays $300 for a meal plan during the winter season.

Cheerleaders received a list of prices before tryouts. New members spent approximately $950 on uniforms, preseason clothes and cheer-camp fees.

“We all forget about the finances,” cheer manager Wallace-Green said. “It adds more pressure to parents, even when we don’t mean to.”

Baseball is another costly sport.

“You have to spend money on cleats and other equipment,” junior Cameron Crain said. “Bats and gloves wear out every couple of years, and those can be up to $200 to $250 each.”

The baseball program offers a spirit package with optional equipment to be purchased in addition to the mandatory hats, pants and shirts.

“A lot of the things in the package are for a discounted price,” Crain said. “Cleats are $65 in the package, but they’re probably up to $100 from vendors.”

teacher Shelley Stein (’88) said. “In addition, we tell kids to bring about $20 for lunch.”

The Review travels to the National Scholastic Press Association’s fall convention. This year the convention will cost students $325 each, excluding ground transportation and food expenses.

TRAVEL BUDGET

FINE ART FINANCES

Students in foreign languages and publications pay for trips and competitions annually.

The Latin program takes 30 to 40 students to the Junior Classical League (JCL) every year.

“For JCL, the area competition costs about $50,” Latin teacher Mindy Wolfram said. “State costs a lot more because of buses and registration, but the school chips in, so we try to keep the costs around $100 per person.”

Around 30 French students participate in the French Symposium each year.

“French Symposium ends up costing students anywhere between $70 and $100, but they are forewarned,” French

Participation in fine arts requires extra expenditures.

“Most students rent their instruments during middle school,” Band Director Darrell Parrish said. “When they get to high school, they normally purchase their instruments instead of renting. There is no fixed cost for an instrument; it depends on what type they get.”

The cost of purchasing a clarinet is $1,600, and renting a clarinet for 12 months costs $571.

Kantorei, who will travel to Italy this summer, face additional costs. The trip is projected to cost $3,900 a person.

Sophomore Matthew Brown said, “The trip is totally optional, so we pay our own way.”

Cheer Costs

$1K

Wrestling

$1.3K

Clarinet

$1.6K

Actual price depends on level of competition.

All prices are estimates.

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

10

OPINIONS EDITORIAL

Leave serious advice to the professionals We students know teen angst all too well. Whether it’s a particularly difficult class, problems with friends or emotional distress, sometimes we just need to vent.

To some extent, SJS Confessions satisfied this need last year. Some posts concerned serious topics such as depression and the pressure to be perfect, but the vast majority became inside jokes or pop culture references.

In October, the SJS Student Support Network was launched on Facebook “to foster peer-to-peer discussion and support” and amassed almost 200 likes in less than a month. The group has posted a disclaimer that they are not affiliated with the school or the administration and that they are no replacement for professional help. Current students and alumni can sign up to request a listening session or be a listener.

We appreciate that students are willing to help solve each others’ problems, fostering the sense of community.

“It’s important to learn how to tell friends and family when you’re upset — if you don’t, you end up alone in your pain.

Complaints can be healing,” Barbara Held, professor of psychology at Bowdoin College, said.

Held suggests being up-front about your need to complain and selecting an appro-

MIKAELA JUZSWIK

Pressure from within Students who feel swamped by intense internal issues should seek adults or professionals for advice.

priate audience.

While we applaud the founders of the Student Support Network for taking the initiative to improve mental health, we believe that students should be more selective in their choice of listener.

Though we often find ourselves connecting more with students of our own age, we also have to remember that our peers do not necessarily have more worldly wisdom than we do. If the only goal of the Student

Support Network is to unleash our anger and frustration, then the identity of the listener may not be as important; however, if we also want advice, the selection becomes trickier.

We urge students to recognize if they need help and seek such assistance from professional sources, which are available through the school’s counseling program.

Last year, Dr. Jennifer Welch was appointed Director of Wellness. Her position

is still fairly new, and the exact extent of her job remains unknown. We should take the initiative to help Dr. Welch understand our needs. The school and administration put forth the effort to improve the mental health of the student body, and students should take advantage of the support available.

We’re not trying to downplay the Student Support Network’s mission. Sometimes all we need to feel better is an actual person instead of an inanimate pillow or stuffed animal, and we support the group’s efforts to make that a reality. We commend the student body for trying to improve the community’s emotional well-being and the many listeners who have signed up to support their peers through tough times.

That being said, we strongly urge students with serious problems to seek adults instead of peers. We have professionally trained counselors provided by the school, and many teachers have gone through Talk to Me training that enables them to better address problems that we may have.

Venting to friends is fine, but for more pressing topics, we highly encourage students to look for professional help, or at least adults they trust. Those adults bring years of experience, an aspect that we as students are simply unable to provide.

From the editors What really matters As a news organization, we were very excited for Fall SPC. “Win SPC so we can write about you on the Front Page!” we teased our Fort Worth-bound friends. While we sat in class on Friday, empty seats dotting the room, whispers of SPC predictions merged with lectures, mathematical equations morphed into dreams of SPC trophies.

But Friday brought surprises. We learned of field hockey’s devastating loss to Fort Worth Country Day in the first round, dashing any chance of a three-peat. Yet with both volleyball teams winning their first round games and cross country not running until the next morning, our championship dreams were still intact.

Unfortunately, Saturday did not go as planned either.

Boys’ volleyball lost a tough match to Casady in the semifinals and their afternoon loss sealed a fourth-place finish.

For those of us in The Review room, we found out about cross-country results via Facebook: senior Alezeh Rauf ’s “BACK TO BACK SPC WIN” post elicited cheers, while senior Daniel Bland’s photo caption brought a bittersweet twinge to our celebration: “Second place for the

R

second year in a row.”

So our fellow Mavericks came back with one first-place title (girls’ cross country), two second-place finishes (boys’ cross country and girls’ volleyball in Division II), one fourth-place finish (boys’ volleyball) and a fifth-place finish (field hockey). Those weren’t the results the teams or their fans had envisioned.

But as we consoled our friends and dealt with the reality of not having multiple SPC titles, we came to an important realization.

SPC is a league of small private schools competing for a title that, in a few years, will fade from our memories.

Though the losses sting right now, and we dwell on “what if,” as schoolwork and extracurricular activities begin to pile up, those lost trophies will slowly slip from our minds.

At our five-, ten-, or fifty-year reunions, we’ll remember the Friday nights spent at football games. We’ll remember the handmade posters for our volleyball and cross-country friends, and we’ll remember gritting our teeth against the cold to watch the field hockey girls. The exact finish at

SPC won’t matter. Our school spirit means so much more than a SPC title. Our ability as students to come together and cheer on our athletically inclined peers represents a type of unity and cohesiveness that a manufactured gold trophy is unable to capture.

Our accomplishments and spirit throughout the season should not be dulled by the results. We had a great time cheering on all the teams, and, as fans, that’s all we really needed.

Love,

Samantha Neal, Alyyah Malick and Lydia Liu (S + Al + Ly = Sally)

The Review · St. John’s School · 2401 Claremont, Houston, TX 77019 · review.sjs@gmail.com · 713-850-0222 blogs.sjs.org/review · Facebook SJS Review · Twitter @SJS_Review · Instagram @_thereview

Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association-Gold Medalist 2012 & 2013 · National Scholastic Press Association-6th Place Best of Show (2012), First Class 2012 & 2013 Editors-in-Chief Lydia Liu, Alyyah Malick, Samantha Neal Senior Design Editor Parker Donaldson Online Editor Amy Kang Assignment Editors Rebecca Chen, Pallavi Krishnarao, Megan Routbort Design Editors Claire Dorfman, Jessica Lee Photography Editor Jake Nyquist Video Editor Emma Gobillot Copy Editors Iris Cronin, Tiffany Yue Asst. Online Editor Cara Maines Online Copy Editor Oliver Ruhl Social Media Editor Srini Kumar Business Manager William Clutterbuck Asst. Business Manager Gabe Malek

Staff Suman Atluri, Jay Bhandari, Kelly Buckner, Joseph Caplan, Stefania Ciurea, Elliot Cheung, Jake Chotiner, Chloe Desjardins, Caroline Harrell, Anna Huang, Priyanka Jain, Eugenia Kakadiaris, Brooke Kushwaha, Mikaela Juzswik, Amy Liu, Christian Maines, Inaara Malick, Jared Margolis, Katherine McFarlin, Isabelle Metz, Matthew Neal, Andrei Osypov, Kanchana Raja, Megan Shen, Emily Sherron, Benjamin Shou, Matthew Steiner, Jennifer Trieschman, Irene Vazquez, Michael VerMeulen, Virginia Waller, Max Westmark, Christopher Zimmerman Advisers David Nathan, Shelley Stein (‘88), Steve Johnson

Mission Statement The Review aims to inform the St. John’s community, prompt discussion, and recognize achievements and struggles through our print and online presence.

Publication Info The Review is published eight times a school year. We distribute 950 copies each issue, most of which are given for free to the Upper School community of 574 students and 80 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 columnists are encouraged but are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, accuracy and good taste. On occasion, we will publish letters anonymously, provided the editor knows the author’s identity. The Review reserves the right not to print letters received. Either email letters and guest columns to review.sjs@gmail. com; give them to David Nathan in the Review Room (Q-210); or mail letters to The Review, 2401 Claremont, Houston, TX 77019.

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

11

OPINIONS

10

Top Ten Comedy TV Shows

by Joseph Caplan

1. Community This is the most creative comedy on TV. The stories are hilarious (campus paintball wars are a personal favorite), and the characters are zany. Troy and Abed are my favorite duo from any current show, placing just after J.D. and Turk from “Scrubs” for all-time best. If the show were two hours long, I would still want more.

(Returns Jan. 2, NBC)

2. Modern Family This show has been winning Emmy Awards for the past five years for a reason: it’s awesome. While Phil is my favorite character, followed closely by Luke, each character is so well crafted. Also, did I mention Sofia Vergara? (Wed. 8:00, ABC)

3. How I Met Your Mother This well-written show is in its final season. With hilarious writing and cast as well as the revival of the one and only Neil Patrick Harris, HIMYM definitely earns the bronze medal. (Mon. 7:00, CBS)

JAKE NYQUIST

Day of the Dead Spanish Club decorated and displayed an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos complete with papel picado, sugar skulls and tissue paper flowers. Students could honor the memory of deceased loved ones by placing pictures on the ofrenda.

SENIOR MOMENT

Take time to recognize the little things

4. The League This is the funniest show on television right now. The plots of each episode are just so outrageous and extreme that it makes “South Park” look tame. The reason I don’t put it as number one? I’d rather not get a work hall. (Wed. 9:00, FX)

5. South Park This is that annoying, raunchy and terribly animated show that, at the same time, makes you laugh for 30 minutes straight.

Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are two clever guys with a show that has made it to its 17th season for a reason. (Wed. 9:00, Comedy Central)

6. Parks and Recreation This show has some of the most lovable characters. It just doesn’t get much better than Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) and Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari). This show is all over the internet because it is a collaboration of great writing and first-rate acting.

(Thurs. 7:00, NBC)

7. Key & Peele This is one of the most underrated shows on this list. This half-hour sketch show stars Jordan Peel and Keegan Key, talented comedians whose creativity is to be respected. (Wed. 9:30, Comedy Central)

8. Saturday Night Live

by Elliot Cheung

In the past month, I’ve only heard the word “thank” in a few situations: to show apparent gratitude for a received gift or favor, to refer to the upcoming holiday, to praise a deity for some stroke of good luck, to assign me a column topic and to make sarcastic remarks about our president.

Unless prompted, people generally won’t think to be grateful for what they have. The concept of gratitude tends to lurk deep in the dark shadows of the brain until called out by receiving a new toy or reading a column about being thankful.

And maybe people truly are thankful when they get something nice. But that

Giving thanks for everything we have

9. Tosh.0

10. New Girl This show places number ten, and not higher, to preserve some trace of masculinity. Its a hysterical show about the experiences of four unlikely people (including the quirky and charming Zooey Deschanel) as they navigate the trials of living together. (Tues. 8:00, Fox)

with the nice shiny new toys we get; it’s about appreciating the awesome luxuries we enjoy on a daily basis. Too often people appreciate fancy meals but not the luxury of having food. Too often they thank their friends for a nice gift but not for their friendship. Too often people compliment the print version of The Review but forget the Online.

If I learned only one thing from seventh grade geology, it’s that we can’t take anything for “granite.” Every little blessing is a luxury, but it seems like human nature is to underappreciate the privileges that we get used to enjoying.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have the things we take for granted. Food. Housing. School newspaper columnists.

It’s important to take the time to think about how awful we might think life would be without them. It’s my hope that everyone reading this column can work on being grateful for the little things that may go unnoticed. It’s too easy to forget about how amazing the blessings we have are, to never realize how lucky we are. Take the time to give thanks for the things and people around you. They deserve it.

Thanks for reading.

FRESH START

If the show only consisted of Weekend Update and fake commercials, it would probably have made the top five. Alas, for every glorious Seth Meyers one-liner there is a 10-minute Keenan Thompson talk show sketch. (Sat. 10:30, NBC)

This show can be horribly offensive, but it is also hilarious at times. Daniel Tosh has a great eye for making fun of people on the internet. I would seriously be honored to have him call me names on national television. (Thurs. 9:00, Comedy Central)

gratitude fades away as the gift’s novelty wears off. For example, I remember how much I loved my laptop when I first got it. My old one ran just a smidgen faster than a quadriplegic baby tortoise, so I was overjoyed to be able to run a word processor without seeing the all-too-familiar blue screen of death. I really felt grateful to have such a fantastically functional machine.

Yet now, after just a little over a year, I don’t really think twice about my laptop.

It’s just a part of my life. I’m no more thankful to have it than I am to have a healthy appendix.

But now that I’ve been prompted to think about it, I really should be incredibly grateful for it. Without it, I don’t think I could function. I wouldn’t be able to apply to colleges. I wouldn’t be able to write this article. I wouldn’t be able to waste so many countless hours online.

My computer is just one example.

There are many blessings for which I need to be thankful. I think it’s a shame that so often we fail to realize the importance of the things we take for granted.

Friends, family and life itself are all things we hold dear, yet undervalue and forget about.

True gratitude isn’t about being happy

by Christian Maines

With Thanksgiving approaching, this is the time of year when we stop to take the time to reflect on those things we are thankful for.

I know it may sound clichéd that I am grateful for my friends, but really I am.

I am grateful for the friends I have had since Lower and Middle School, and the new friends I have made this year. My friends make me laugh, cheer me up and make geometry bearable; without them, math labs would be utterly impossible.

Late-start days are definitely something

to be thankful for, perhaps even moreso than friends. Though these days only happen once a month, that extra hour of sleep is coveted. It is a gleeful feeling to know I do not have to set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. That small, infrequent pleasure is greatly appreciated.

Believe it or not, having a uniform makes life easier. I can’t even conceive of what it would be like to have to think about what I am going to wear on a daily basis, let alone try to coordinate an outfit. As an added bonus, not having to pick out clothes affords me extra time to sleep in on school mornings.

Many of you may know my sister Cara.

I am especially thankful for Cara because she has been an invaluable support and resource to me as I navigate freshman year. Because she is a year older than me, Cara has recently experienced the same things I am experiencing now.

I am particularly thankful for the fact that I am not applying to college yet. As I contend with what I perceive to be an enormous workload, and as teachers seem

to be cramming in material before the semester ends, I am quite grateful that I am not a senior.

I see seniors trying to balance school work, leadership roles, sports and college applications. I honestly don’t know how they do it. I can’t fathom how I am going to handle everything senior year. I sometimes feel like I am barely keeping my head above water now. Fortunately, the college application process is something I don’t have to worry about for another three years.

I am eternally thankful to attend SJS, and not just because of its stellar academic reputation and beautiful campus. I am grateful because I am a member of the St. John’s community, a community whose members are a big extended family with pride in our school.

We are a community, from administrators and faculty to students and alumni, who take our motto, “not without honor,” to heart.

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

12

SPORTS SPORTS COMMENTARY

At our core we all march to our own drummer Musings of a frustrated drum corps freshman who feels judged

by Irene Vazquez

I

t started with a beat and a wornout drum.

As a starry-eyed freshman, I decided that signing up for just about every single club at Club Fair was an incredibly smart decision. Just when I thought I’d head in and eat lunch, a shining drum caught my eye from between the Electronic Music Club and Model UN. I had seen the drum corps before in middle school: so elusive, so cool. Granted, I had never actually drummed before, but I figured drumming would be a nice way to relieve stress in a decidedly non-violent way. I had long dreamed of being Ringo Starr when I was very young, but my mother saw piano as the practical instrument option. What did I have to lose? Two days and a rather embarrassing audition later, I was a fully operational, card-carrying member of the SJS drum corps and headed off to perform at my first football game.

The following Monday after lunch, I sat down in the freshman hallway with a couple of my friends. As we were talking, I got out my drumsticks and started playing on the floor. Immediately, I started getting weird looks from sophomores and juniors in the hallway, even from people I considered my friends.

“Did you know what you were signing up for?” one of my sophomore friends asked me.

What I now realize is that as a freshman, I was regretfully uninformed about the apparent uncool nature of drum corps.

I decided to sit down and examine the one aspect of drum corps that some people might see as strange: the attire. While the rest of the school is clad in red, white, black or even neon, the drum corps sports themed clothing like Pirates versus Ninjas.

ANDREI OSYPOV

Rain or shine Drum corps attended all varsity football games in Houston, regardless of weather conditions, and also played at the Maverick Ramble. The percussive beats fired up Maverick spirit, but a certain stigma still exists when associated with the group.

One tradition is for seniors to pick out clothes from a thrift shop for the freshmen to wear before the Kinkaid game. I can understand that wearing a corset is a foreign decision to the vast majority of the SJS community. Otherwise, there is not really anything out of the ordinary about drum corps.

It begs the question: in a school that takes pride in embracing all sorts of extracurricular activities, is there still a social totem pole at SJS? The automatic answer is that, yes, there is. But in a school where even an all-male acappella group is deemed popular, how is anyone supposed to know where they stand? Who even determines popularity anyway?

There is no broad, sweeping generalization you can make about drum corps.

There are those who are athletic. There are those who are artistic. There are those who

enjoy lengthy conversations about calculus.

There is no one specific type. The same applies to the SJS population. Despite the what students at Episcopal might think of us, we don’t spend all of our time doing homework — just a great deal of time.

The SJS drum corps comes to every varsity football game in Houston. When it rains, we pack the drums, momentarily move out of the rain, and then come right back out as soon as it stops raining. We play when the team loses. We play when the team wins. We even play at the Maverick Ramble.

Before I joined drum corps, I had no intention of going to a single football game other than the Kinkaid game and the freshmen tailgate, where I would have access to free food. When we head out to the game, drum corps cheers whether or not we win. I embody the lessons the admin-

istration tried to teach me at the freshman retreat. I actually talk to juniors and seniors instead of simply staring at them with a mixture of admiration and frightened awe. When I leave the bleachers, I trudge home to open my laptop in a feeble attempt to do homework, when in reality, I am just going to end up on Netflix.

Whether the average student loves drum corps or has gradually lost their sense of hearing from standing in front of us on a first down, I am attempting to convey a message from behind all my snark: do not judge me. I am obviously doing something I enjoy, or I would not be devoting my time in this fashion. At least this way, when my Saturday night rolls around and I’m on the internet, I can say that I’ve done something with my weekend.

After all, idle hands are the devil’s playthings.

Upon further review with Fall SPC teams

4

17

Members on the boys’ cross-country team who received All-SPC honors. These runners included sophomore Joe Faraguna (4th place at SPC), juniors Akshay Jaggi (3rd) and Julian Henry (17th) and senior Gustavo Anaya (20th).

Total championships won by girls’ cross country.

Freshman Peyton Brown (4th), sophomores Lillian Chen (5th), Margaret Trautner (15th, pictured right), Maya Bhandari (18th) and Olivia Havel (19th) placed in the top 20.

125

92

Passing yards by the football team in the SPC semifinal game against All Saints.

Quarterback Wes Wallace completed five of 11 passes, which contributed to a total of 532 offensive yards total in the 49-27 loss.

Dollars won in lottery scratch-offs by the boys’ volleyball team on the journey to SPC. (Don’t worry, the team assures us that the tickets were purchased by those of legal age).

The team finished 4th in SPC.

133

Total pieces of equipment brought to SPC by the field hockey team. Both goalies had to bring 14 pieces of equipment, including neck guards, pelvic guards and elbow pads.

Field hockey placed fifth in SPC.

2

Captains on the girls’ volleyball team named Caroline.

Coincidentally, this is also the place the team got in SPC Division II.

JAKE NYQUIST

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

13

SPORTS

ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

From running in prom dresses to feasting at Olive Garden, teams continue SPC traditions

JAKE NYQUIST

Celebrating good times The night before SPC tournament play, the field-hockey team embraced their sweet sides with the Candyland theme. Each year, captains select different themes for SPC decorations, costumes and bumper stickers, which encourage team members to celebrate their regular season achievements and prepare for SPC games.

Themes, traditions promote team unity prior to competition

by Inaara Malick

Forty-six. That is the total number of banned foods and activities on the girls’ cross-country pact for this year.

The pact, written by sophomores Margaret Trautner and Noel Higgason, was signed by the majority of the team in preparation for SPC. Conditions outlined in the pact include avoiding fructose corn syrup, burnt foods, and anything with a saturated fat content exceeding 20 percent; consuming at least four liters of water per day; and not bleeding on purpose.

Some team traditions are less serious.

“Every year at the practice before SPC we run in tacky prom dresses,” captain Elise Viguet said.

The male runners also have long-standing traditions.

“We eat at Olive Garden the night before our SPC race, no matter what,” captain

said.

Jake Peacock said.

To honor the legacy of past field-hockey That tradition has been around for players, coaches wear team shirts from prififteen years. or seasons during the week leading up to Every year before the team departs, the SPC. By the time the players arrive at their boys also go into the gym to look at the hotel, captains and moms have decorated cross-country championship banners, the everything according to the theme. Players most of any boys’ team at SJS. Their goal run around the hotel in their themed since 2000 has been to add a 14th banner accessories as to the wall. a way to get “We always pumped up. focus on runOn the night ning well indi“One of our teammates really before their last vidually and as wants to start a tradition of eat- game, younger a team,” coach team memRichie Mercado ing part of a volleyball.” bers put on (‘84) said.

Caroline Owens costumes and Each year before their perform a skit first SPC game, making fun of the field-hockey team meets for a private the seniors. ceremony without the coaches. The team “It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to the team,” always makes an effort to support other senior Jack Simmons said. “You have to Maverick teams during down time as well. be close to be comfortable laughing at “I like the tradition of field hockey going yourself and at everyone else.”

Girls’ volleyball thought of starting a to cheer the cross-country teams, and cross new tradition this year. country coming to cheer us on during our “One of our teammates really wants to games,” field hockey coach Gordon Center

start a tradition of eating part of a volleyball to try to really be connected to the game,” captain Caroline Owens said. “But it sounds both gross and possibly dangerous, so I’m not sure if that will happen.”

Both’ volleyball teams ride together to SPC and eat dinner Monday night before SPC. The joint meal and bus ride allow for an opportunity for them to bond.

Boys’ volleyball even performs the cheerleader’s most highly requested stunt.

“Other than the bus ride with the girls, the traditional boom pyramid that we do every year is my favorite,” senior captain Justin Bernard said.

During SPC weekend, only the championship game for football only features the championship SPC. Despite this regulation, there are still many traditions that occur during football season. Varsity cheerleaders decorate football players’ rooms for Kinkaid Week.

“It was really, really fun and gets us in the spirit for Kinkaid week,” junior Brooke Upchurch said. “There was some work that went into it of course, but it was all fun stuff.”

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

14

ODDS & ENDS

Extras JAKE NYQUIST

Can’t hide that Maverick pride Seniors Jake Peacock, Douglas Moody and Nikhila Krishnan hold signs to support the field hockey team as they take on Episcopal at SPC. Field hockey beat the Knights 3-0 and went on to take fifth place after a 1-0 loss to Fort Worth Country Day in the first round.

SAVE THE DATE

Sixty Seconds

Nov. 13

with Vamsi Mohan

We still have not tired of the comedic gold that has appeared in our Facebook inbox. Junior Vamsi Mohan reveals that there’s more to him than his pectorals and his sensitive side.

Name Vamsi Mohan Grade 11 State of mind yolo Known for Suman Color anything that matches my eyes Happiness writing poetry Misery tilapia Sports team Maverick Football Olympic sport Discus Fav spot on campus Ms. Steele’s room Dream date the Copeland sisters Relationship status ^ Comfort food Canes

“This I Believe”: Biology teacher Doug Elliott speaks about those who are unaffiliated with a religion

Hate to love cardio Love to hate cats Guilty pleasure “The Bachelor” Cafeteria food Chicken Pesto Pasta Place to live next to caven I wish Lil Wayne were president Treasured possession anything Thomas says to me The best thing “I Need Your Love” by Calvin Harris Spirit animal Jaguar Hero Diablo Superpower To be more like Dara Fictional character Chuckee from “Rugrats” Book Diary of a Wimpy Kid TV show The Voice Movie Like Mike

Video game GTA V Website Webkinz.com Phobia feet Stress reliever Emery Mintz Hidden talent I make a mean chicken alfredo Motto Love is just friendship set to music Anthem Alma Mater Sing in the shower? Yes, Katy Perry Item of Clothing Any shirt that’s an adult extra small Secretly I wish Ms. Gant taught in the Upper School Doppelganger Harsha I am not Harsha I’d rather be Harsha Follow us? Chea

Word for word Soundbites around campus

14

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky concert (Toyota Center)

15

Deadline for Scholastic Writing “The 39 Steps” debuts in the Lowe Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

16

Encore performance of “The 39 Steps” in the Lowe Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

18

Genetics Lecture in W205 at lunch Boys’ soccer vs. St. Pius, 7 p.m. at home

19

Swim meet at Lamar

20 Ms. Carswell: On Thursday, Dr. Lee will be speaking to SAMC about radiology.

Zack Lee: Wait, that’s my dad!

Fred Lang: When you’re ready to attack, don’t you usually bare your teeth?

Dr. Bellows: Well, I don’t.

Dr. Bellows reveals her strategy of intimidation

Zack Lee learns about his dad’s plans Editor’s Note: It actually was NOT his dad

I wish I could sign out for lunch, but it takes me half an hour to crawl across the plaza. the @sjs_asps has regrets

“This I Believe”: Junior Megan Routbort speaks about Unitarian Universalism Boys’ basketball vs. Kinkaid, 7 p.m. at home

21

Ninth grade Grandparent’s Day

Mr. Elliott: What does this word literally mean?

David Ziemnicki: Something that pertains to literature?

David Ziemnicki turns a question about photosynthesis into an English class

Miley Cyrus tweeted the other day that she liked “Cutie and the Boxer.” Now I can rest in peace.

Up in the air, an Arabian fed Quaker Oats to a priest. What did the priest say? ‘Pretty good.’

22

Director Zach Heinzerling (’02) recounts a celebrity endorsement during his chapel speech

Dr. Sharp reveals the origin of Quaker Oats granola bars

27

By the numbers

Girls’ soccer tourney in San Antonio 50th anniversary of JFK assassination

Hanukkah begins at sundown Macklemore & Ryan Lewis concert (Reliant Arena)

28

Thanksgiving

Carolines in the Upper School

Dec. 3

11

Late Start

4

“This I Believe”: Senior Carl Bernicker discusses growing up with Judaism and Christianity Wrestling War on the Floor vs. Kinkaid

6

Student Choreography Showcase Girls’ basketball vs. Second Baptist, 6 p.m. at home

JAKE NYQUIST

An abundance of Carolines Caroline Harrell, Caroline Labanowski and Caroline Reasoner are three of the six Carolines in the senior class and 11 Carolines in the Upper School.

NOVEMBER 2013 THE REVIEW

15

ODDS & ENDS

Blast from the Past

Reliving the glory days with math teacher Douglas Sharp The Golden Age ended over fifty years polytheism, kingship, and status of women ago. Of course, that declaration is a were noticeable differences. Since the inmighty fine indicator of my own age. The quisitor was too polite to ask, we were also Golden Age is not my exclusive property. politely told that the “human condition” Indeed it did end fifty years, or sixty, or...It was absolutely no different. That was a bit coincides with the World Axis and of a coup.

Black Elk’s view of the Sacred I doubt that the passing of Mountain. Follow me back. any of the four is of much A callow youth was once general concern; howevDid you know? asked to identify “the” er, there have been othfour differences between er losses. Gilgamesh, Dr. Sharp has the state of affairs in the Gene Autrey, Roy taught at SJS Illiad and those of presRogers, Hopalong Cassidy, Batman, the ent. The inquisitor was since 1973. politely told that slavery, Lone Ranger and the

Charted 

By Tiffany Yue

McComic 

By Katherine McFarlin

What people think I do on No-Homework Weekend

What my friends think I do

What my parents think I do

What the administration thinks I do

What my teachers think I do

What I think I do

What I actually do

#

Six Types of College Applicants

SJSproblems

Being at school the Friday before SPC ... #WHAP ...

Cafeteria being closed after lunch ...

Thanksgiving Break is a full week — time to get a head start on synthesis papers! ...

The wait in the entree line

Cisco Kid still are Googled. They still produce a warm smile of remembrance.

Of all sadness that is the saddest because the list is incomplete. Where are Enkidu, Smiley Burnett, George “Gabby” Hayes, Pat Butrum, Robin, Tonto and Poncho?

Forgotten! Yes, the role of the sidekick is no more.

Once a fellow could right a great many wrongs with a loyal sidekick and a good horse. Champion, Trigger, Topper, Silver and Diablo got the heroes through many tough scrapes. Before the awkward question is posed, yes, the sidekicks rode horses too.

Living in constant fear of asp attacks while outside ...

When the domain is not available in the computer lab ...

Bookstore not being open during lunch ...

If you miss one day of school, you have six days of makeup work.

Featured videos Wes Anderson trailers Iconic director, Wes Anderson (’86) just released the trailer for his new film “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

Featuring regulars Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson, the film includes new faces like Ralph Fiennes and Anderson’s trademark deadpan humor.

We excitedly await the follow-up to the 2012 hit “Moonrise Kingdom” in March.

“Saturday Night Live” recently parodied Anderson’s trademark style with a fake trailer for a faux horror film, “The Midnight Coterie of Sinister Intruders,” with host Edward Norton doing a spot-on Owen Wilson impersonation. The spoof lampoons Anderson’s nostalgic kitsch and precocious characters. You can see the clip on SNL’s Hulu page.

THE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

16

REARVIEW

1.

2.

FALL SPC 3.

4.

For three months, we’ve endured grueling workouts and crushing defeats. We’ve shed sweat, blood and tears. We’ve trained and trusted. And on SPC weekend, we went to Fort Worth and gave it our all.

We saw some glorious victories. The girls’ cross-country team defended their 2012 championship title after a stellar performance at Trinity Valley, taking home the first place trophy once again (Photo 1).

Other teams found success in their dedication. When senior Caroline Owens served in volleyball matches, her teammates were there to cover her (2). Sophomores Julia Moody and Noel Higgason ran in perfect sync, staying strong on a difficult race course (3).

Despite challenges, we kept on playing. After a

5. gut-wrenching first-round loss to Fort Worth Country Day, senior Carson Peacock continued to put everything on the field defending against Episcopal (4).

We refused to let disappointment stop us from performance. Boys’ volleyball, seeded first in South Zone, lost to Casaday in the semifinals, but players like sophomore Paul Labanowski continued to shine on the court to take a fourth-place finish (5).

Junior Julian Henry fought the wind and fatigue for an all-conference performance that contributed to the team’s second-place finish (6).

SPC was a bittersweet weekend. But in the end, it was our perseverance that counted. And Maverick pride made every performance a victory.

6.

Photos by Jake Nyquist Story by Megan Routbort