The Merionite March 2008 Issue

The Merionite March 14, 2008

Volume 79, Issue 6

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

LM students give back to community TOLM gives sampling of aid

SUAVE sets sights on global stage

Carolyn Chou

Carolyn Chou

Class of 2009

On Sunday, February 24, the tenth annual Taste of Lower Merion brought in a quarter of a hundred thousand dollars for the class of 2009, the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund, and the ABC House of Lower Merion.

Forty-six restraunts donated to the event, while 1400 people attended. The junior officers estimate that the event raised $25,000 which will be split up between the three organizations.

“Everything ran really smoothly and all the juniors seemed to have fun working their jobs,” said Co-Chair of the Day of Event Committee junior Becka Leftkoe. “The bands in the Ardmore Gym were a little loud but a great exposure to the talent our school instrumentalists have to offer. It was a challenge to find enough kids to work during the event; not many people were willing to commit their time to giving out food instead of eating it. I guess it was hard not having the time during the event to walk around and taste the wide range of food in the gym.”

The event not only included food, but music and a raffle as well.

“I didn’t like the change in the silent auction. Making it a raffle made me unwilling to invest the 50 dollars I had set aside for bidding,” said senior Ben Kaufman. “Before, there was at least some guarantee of winning.

With the raffle system, the only guarantee is that you’ll spend the money. It just wasn’t

Photo by David Faich/Staff

Executive Director of CIVIC, Sarah Holewinski presented information on CIVIC and reminded the community of its obligation to civilian victims in conflict. worth it.”

However, the junior class had reasons for these changes.

“I believe TOLM was a great success this year. We decided to do things a little differently concerning the auction, but other than

that the bands and decorations drew a lot of attention, said junior class co-president Betty Walker. “Big thanks to everyone who came and supported TOLM, especially the juniors who spent hours and hours planning and organizing.”

Class of 2009 Students United Against Violence Everywhere (SUAVE) held their sixth annual gala last Friday, March 7, raising over $8,500 for the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict (CIVIC), an organization that provides compensation for civilian victims of United States Military conflicts.

“It’s incredibly important because these wounded civilians caught in the crossfire are ignored by our government,” said SUAVE Vice President Anna Tarshish, a senior.

At the event, Ace Harmony performed, Pennsylvania Representative Daylin Leach spoke, and Sarah Holewinski, the Executive Director of CIVIC, gave a presentation. Area restaurants donated food while club members brought baked goods.

“I’m very pleased with how everything went, especially given the number of club members we had this year,” said senior Lindsay Fusfeld, SUAVE’s President. “Each club member put in a siginificant amount of time and effort, and we all worked very hard to make this gala the best it could be. Both SUAVE and CIVIC are so grateful to everybody who came and showed their support.

The money we raised will definitely make a significant difference in the lives of many.”

Donations are still being accepted. On April 16, from 3pm to 7pm, Blue Tulip in Suburban Square will be donating 15 percent of all profits sold to people with a flyer to SUAVE, who will send the money to CIVIC.

Temporary bus housing resolved Itai Doron

ing buses have been temporarily sent to a facility formerly known as Connelly Containers at 600 Righters Ferry Road.

These buses will be kept at this site until the construction of the new high school buildings is completed.

“The relocation was well planned and well executed,” said District Supervisor of Transportation Michael Andre.

“We measure our success by the fact that we were able to relocate without any disruption to our excellent service”.

Before the construction, most of the buses in the District were condensed into one depot next to Lower Merion High School.

Now that they have been moved away from the construction, the buses are less crowded in their parking spaces.

It is now easier to find leased buildings near the school. This gets rid of problems such as using more gas for longer trips between schools, bringing down the expenses of the relocation.

Photo by Dot Goldberger/Staff “The administration has long The 600 Righters Ferry Road site, which borders the Schuylkill Expressway, recognized that construction of will temporarily hold buses until LM construction is finished.

Class of 2011 While LM is under construction, the District will house the buses at off-site bus depots. About half of the buses have been permanently assigned to the main LM bus housing facility at 1165 Matson Ford Road. The remain-

The Pennsylvania primary is fast approaching!

See what LM students are saying about the candidates.

See Features, page 9

Craving something different?

Read The Merionite’s review of the new local restaurant Auspicious.

See Arts & Entertainment, page 10

the new Lower Merion High School would require relocating the buses and thus additional expenses,” said Andre.

The bus drivers of the District have dealt well with the relocation.

“We would characterize the drivers as very cooperative and satisfied,” said Andre.

For most of the bus drivers, the relocation of the buses has been beneficial. Most of the bus drivers in the area live closer to the new bus depots than the old ones at Lower Merion High School, making the ride to work a shorter commute than before. Many of the bus drivers are also relieved that the bus depots are no longer congested and crowded with buses, as they were when LM was the only depot.

To make the move even more comfortable for bus drivers, the District is building two temporary buildings for our bus drivers at the Connelly site. The structures will include a check-in space, bathrooms, and even a driver’s lounge. Every day, a food service team will be at the site to serve hot breakfasts and coffee to the bus drivers. Even the community surrounding the site is helping to make the bus drivers more comfortable.

“One community member even stopped by to drop off baked goods and a thank-you card for our transportation personnel,” said District Director of Community Relations Doug Young.

Kickin’ it old school in the LM cafeteria.

An old trend resurfaces.

See Features, page 8

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March 14, 2008

NEWS Ardmore development A new approach to up in air after planner germ education The Merionite

Sammi Hershman

drops out C. Bollentin/ L. Jacobs

Class of ‘11/‘09 On February 29, Gladwyne resident Edward Lipkin and his company, EBL&S Development, pulled out of the $300 million project to develop the Lancaster Avenue business district.

Lipkin told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he and his team withdrew from the development project for fear of securing financing in an increasingly tight credit market. Three other development firms—BET investments Inc., Strategic Realty, and Dranoff properties—will make presentations at a March 19 township meeting, at which township commissioners will decide which firm to use.

“Many of the commissioners who were impressed with Ed Lipkin’s exciting vision for Ardmore, and with his commitment and outreach to the business and residential communities, are disappointed by EBL&S’s decision,” said Ardmore Township Commissioner Liz Rogan. “However, the three other developers who submitted complete proposals are still interested in moving forward with their concepts and in partnering with the Township. The Township’s goals remain the same and we are committed to Ardmore’s revitalization.”

“We need a do-able revitalization project that can be delivered in a timely fashion,” said Nancy Gold, a Lancaster Avenue business owner

at the March 6 township meeting to discuss plans for Ardmore. “[We need a project designed] to help the small mom-and-pop businesses who have been holding on by their fingernails.”

Lipkin’s team planned to construct a six-story office tower and hotel that would span both sides of the Ardmore Station train tracks, bridging the gap between the thriving Suburban Square retail plaza and the languishing Lancaster Avenue district.

In addition to the hotel and office building, Lipkin’s original plan also proposed 700 square feet of retail space, an 11,250-square-foot cultural and performing arts center, a 6,000square foot train station building, and roughly 2,000 parking spaces combined in garages and lots. Lipkin proposed the performing arts center as a means for drawing more attention to the area.

The project proposal also aimed to improve the condition of the Public Safety Building, which has had problems with heating and ventilation.

The facilities would move to a separate building and redevelop the current building for a yet undetermined purpose. The redevelopment intended to promote vehicular crossing of the tracks into the business district and to redevelop Lancaster Avenue in a way that will prompt drivers to stop and shop at the stores.

Class of 2009 LMSD Health Services Department Coordinator Terry Quinlan recently decided to display posters advocating frequent handwashing in all LM student bathrooms. The posters explain how germs are spread and provide tips to help students avoid spreading germs.

“We have seen a number of elevated temperatures associated with sore throats and/ or congestion,” said school nurse P a t r i c i a B e r r y.

“We have also seen a number of symptoms associated with stomach viruses.”

The posters instruct students to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, all the while soapy ourtes ing their hands. They Graphic c suggest using tissues, and washing hands after sneezing, coughing, and using the bathroom before eating.

Some urge students to “be a germ stopper,” while others offer remind readers that their “health is in [their] clean hands.”

Many students contract the flu virus or other illnesses around this time of year, causing a typical percentage of absenteeism to fall between 5 and 8 percent.

“These percentages have not fluctuated to any extent within each school of the dis-

trict,” said Berry.

Not all students believe that the posters will reduce student sickness.

“I don’t think that the posters are enough,” said senior Azu Ito. “Most people don’t notice them, maybe the school announcements could be used also.”

“I personally haven’t been sick all year,” said junior Emily King, who contributes her good health to the bathroom posters.

“Now, I wash my hands for at least twenty seconds, if not more.”

Though handwashing is one of the most basic methods to prevent sicknesses, Berry stresses that ing there are h s a w hand s.gov/ other methods s a .m www to remain healthy as well. “[People can] cover their mouths or noses when coughing or sneezing, choose not to share eating or drinking utensils, stay home from school when ill, drink fluids, and obtain a flu vaccine each year,” said Berry.

The long-term purpose of these posters is to inform the entire student body of the most pragmatic way to prevent sickness.

Berry hopes that the posters lead to a decline in the amount of sickness at LM, and spread awareness of the importance of hand-washing.

Mock Trial has its day in court

David Faich

Class of 2008

After losing in the Montgomery Country Mock Trial semi-final competition on March 6, the LM Mock Trial team finished its season. In the trial, the defendant was accused of kidnapping a student and member of his alleged cult, holding him at ransom. Evidence suggests that the defendant drugged the kidnappee with GHB, and brainwashed him while holding him.

LM Mock Trial, the only public school team in the semifinals, faced off against The Haverford School, winning all but one verdict. Last year the team won only one verdict all year. LM Mock Trial is one of 22 schools in the Montgomery County region, as formed by the Pennsylvania Bar Association/Young Lawyers Division Mock Trial Competition, which has over 290 high school teams. They compete in the Montomery County Courthouse.

“The team has been amazing and although we didn’t make

it to finals it was a close competition,” said co-president senior Rachel Eck. “It could have gone either way. Everyone worked hard and dedicated themselves completely to the group.”

Each participant and the team as a whole is judged by a panel of jurors, who score their presentations based on terms such as poise, articulation, flow, factualness, credibility, form, effectiveness, and persuasiveness.

“This is the first year we created roles of leadership, which helped us to better complete our work and unify our team,” said Eck, who has been on the team for four years.

“I think the team did extremely well this year,” said senior Maddie Silber, who served as a prosecuting lawyer this year.

“In my three years participating in Mock Trial, this was definitely the most dedicated team I’ve worked with.”

Junior Kyra Sutton won the award for best witness as defendant Jaden Sinclair, while sophomore Rachel Cohen won best witness as mother for the prosecution twice. Senior and co-Vice President Naomi Seliktar won the award for best

advocate during one trial, and Silber won it the other time.

Challenge teacher Joyce Acton has served as Teacher Advisor for LM Mock Trial for 16 years, while Attorney Advisor Tom Carroll has served for almost twenty, all pro bono.

“Tom infuses amazing amounts of expertise and humor into our practices and competitions,” said Acton. “Students come back year after year because of his dedication, and because of the high levels of competence they build and display across months of work.”

“Mrs. Acton and Tom Carroll have been amazing sponsors and advisors for this club,” said Eck. “Without them, it wouldn’t exist. I hope that the following years of LM Mock Trial continue to work hard and hopefully carry on our streak, maybe make it even farther... We have laid the groundwork for success.”

The county finals took place yesterday, in which The Haverford School and Mount Saint Joseph Academy competed for a spot at the state competition, which will take place in Harrisburg on March 28 and 29, followed by a national competition in Wilmington, Delaware from May 8 through May 11.

District recalls contaminated beef Molly Rowe

Class of 2011 LMSD recalled 29 cases of beef after the Hallmark-Westland Meat Packaging Company of Chico, California recalled 143 pounds of beef on February 17. LMSD was one of 196 school districts to receive the warning.

The Hallmark-Westland Meat Packaging Company, which is one of the many meat companies that supplies the District’s meat, recalled all meat products that were produced by the company

since February of 2006. School officials are generally unconcerned, but they are unsure how much meat from the company has been consumed by students and faculty over the course of these two years. The HallmarkWestland Meat Packaging Company recalled the meat when undercover video footage was found of workers at a packaging plant lifting cows with a fork-lift that were unable to walk on their own, which is a common symptom of a cow infected with either mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

“The concern we have is for the student safety and of nutritional guidelines being met,” said District Director of Community Relations Doug Young to the Philadelphia Bulletin. News of the recall reached LMSD quickly, so it returned 29 cases of beef before it was consumed.

The District received its last shipment from the meat company a few weeks prior to the recall. Because the District acted to the recall upon receiving news of it, there have been no reported illnesses from beef consumption.

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March 14, 2008

The Merionite

Construction creates parking shortages Hana Rouse

Class of 2010 With the beginning of LM construction, the parking lot behind the Tech Building was destroyed to allow for the laying of the foundation of the new building. The temporary parking on Arnold Field is well underway, but is not yet finished. Over the coming months, the parking system will continue to change to compensate for construction, affecting both students and teachers.

As the back parking lot has been designated as a construction area, cars will no longer be able to enter School House Lane. All students will now be dropped off in the front of the building; access to the back parking lot is prohibited.

Construction on the temporary parking lot continues, but as of now

all faculty are forced to share the limited number of spaces still available in the upper parking lot. This means that parking is currently on a “first come, first served” basis.

The result has been a somewhat messy parking situation. One teacher reiterated a story of being unable to enter the parking lot, as one teacher’s car was parked at an awkward angle after said teacher was unable to find a space. Others have been forced to park illegally in empty spaces, often asked to move their cars on the overhead announcements.

“Our District has teachers sign in, which enhances the stress of parking...

Some [teachers] have to drive their children to work, and then squeeze into the parking space, and then sign in,” said English teacher James Keenan.

History teacher John Grace confirms the difficulty of the parking situation.

“I arrive very close to the starting time every day, so it’s harder to find a parking spot...I have to park in a not so ideal place every day,” said Grace.

Some teachers, however, see difficult parking simply as a side effect of construction that must be tolerated.

“We all have to be willing to put up with some misery over the next few years,” said math teacher Brian Feeney.

“We need to keep our eyes on the prize,” said Business Education teacher Scott Seibert Construction of the new school continues and the destruction of the back parking lot is just one of many inconveniences teachers and students will have to cope with over the upcoming months.

National initiative to increase foreign language fluency

Liz Jacobs

Class of 2009

In an effort to increase the number of Americans learning “critical need” foreign languages in an increasingly globalizing post9/11 world, the U.S. government has created the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). It will expose Americans to accessible languages that share similarities with English—Spanish, French and Latin, with the intent of establishing a strong foundation in such “level 1” languages, facilitating the switch to less accessible but more pressing “level 3” languages—Chinese, Arabic and Japanese. This initiative will attempt to reach students from kindergarten through university.

“An essential component of U.S. national security in the post9/11 world is the ability to engage foreign governments and peoples, especially in critical regions, to encourage reform, promote understanding, convey respect for other cultures and provide an opportunity to learn more about America and its citizens,” said the NSLI website. “To do this, Americans must be able to communicate in other languages, a challenge for which most citizens are totally unprepared.”

At a January 2006 Defense Department summit, US university presidents decided to increase language requirements for high school graduation and college acceptance. For LM, this means an increased effort to retain students in foreign language classes for their entire high school career, rather than fulfilling the two-credit requirement.

“Our reaction to the college reaction is that we need every student to complete the 4-year sequence in one language to meet the increasing requirements and therefore competition in college applications. We have been working to get the word out to the community and to the student body about the importance of language study for all 4 years in LMSD,” said LM Foreign Language Department Chair Maryeileen Kirchner. “Students cannot afford not to complete the 4 year sequence in one language. We are lucky in LMSD that we have FLES and begin Spanish and French in 2nd grade so our students have an advantage over neighboring districts.”

The District has also been exploring adding nonwestern language offerings, as long as the language shows enough interest to support a four-year program.

But the governmental push for increased language study also supports studying Spanish and French. Such “level one” languages share similarities with English, and studies show that they are a good foundation for learning languages with fewer similarities to English— Chinese, Japanese, and Hebrew, level three languages.

The Department of Education plans to improve instruction and learning, ultimately increasing the number of high-level speakers in various languages. It hopes to develop curriculum and instruction, make permanent changes to the foreign language education system, train 1,000 new foreign language instructors, and develop partnerships between school districts and colleges, to maintain a smooth program throughout all of students’ education.

The Department of State will focus on expanding opportunities for American students and teachers to study “critical need” languages abroad through exchange programs. Some studies will be overseas; others will be taught by native-speakers to colleges and high schools. Summer exchange programs will provide intensive language study—in 2007, 130 American students studied abroad through governmental exchange programs.

Department of Defense plans include a Flagship Language Initiative to develop a bilingual workforce.

The Department hopes to reach an enrollment of 2,000 students by 2010, funding programs in foreign language study and creating a ready supply of certified experts in language.

The Initiative funds programs in foreign language study and works to expand educational continuity from kindergarten to college.

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF School day to increase in length for ‘08-’09 year

There will be an increase in instructional day next year, because LM has the shortest school day in the state of Pennsylvania.

“The school day will be five minutes longer next year,” said ninth grade Assistant Principal Marcy Hockfield.

“This was planned three years ago, and negotiated with the LMEA,” said tenth grade Assistant Principal Doug Arnold.

The increase is currently under review by a panel of teachers and administrators.

--Leah Sutton, ‘10

Assistant Principal offices to relocate

Next year, the 11th and 12th grade assistant principal’s offices will move due to lack of room in the guidance offices, their current position. 12th grade Assistant Principal Sean Hughes and 11th Grade Assistant Principal Wagner Marseille are relocating to make space for the ninth and tenth grade guidance counselors in the first-floor guidance suite. With guidance counselors now working with students from all grade levels, administrators want to house them all in the same area to avoid confusion. Administrators will decide where the assistant principals will work by the end of March. “[The relocation will follow the] configuration in the new building,” said 10th grade Assistant Principal Doug Arnold.

--Leah Sutton, ‘10

LM students present technology research to Lankenau professionals and patients On March 13, a group of Lower Merion students chosen to work on new medical technologies attended a science symposium at Lankenau Hospital at which they discussed nanotechnology as a treatment for cancer.

“Our students have been working on this presentation for 3 months now, ever since the beginning of December,” said Biology teacher Kate O’Conor, who helped organize the program.

“The subject for the symposium this year is finding a new treatment and we debated and finally chose Nanotechnology— a form of cancer treatment that sends the cancer killing drug straight into the cancer cells and destroys it without harming other cells unlike its counterpart, Chemotherapy, which is highly destructive to both cancerous cells and healthy cells. The nanoparticles are created so they can only bond with the cancer cells and not the healthy cells” said sophomore Olivia Burns.

The presentation was 20 minutes and was presented in front of many physicians in attendance. It was divided into two parts. One half of the group created a PowerPoint while the other half created a creative portion.

“I helped to paint a big mural that deals with Nanotechnology,” said sophomore Sara Murray.

“We are participating to become more involved in science programs, it’s a great way to become introduced to the hospital and we will be learning about interesting science treatments and technology,” said Burns.

Members of this club include Samantha Rosen, Owen Glaze, Jeremy Lim, Olivia Burns, Aylin Daldal, Sarah Winston, Monica Coran, Katie Glick, Cecilia Rosenbaum, Kelly Kempf, Sarah Murray and Yixing Du.

--Rachel Cohen, ‘10

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March 14, 2008

The Merionite

Letters to the Editor Invested in our “heteronormative” society

To the Editor,

As an LMHS parent, it seems incumbent upon me, or some nominally responsible adult, to respond to Celeste Lavin’s column in the Feb 14 edition of the Merionite, “Our hetero-normative society.”

Celeste takes great issue with the fact that our society is, in fact, hetero-normative...that is that our societal institutions are generally set up to foster, work in concert with, respect the behavioral norms of, and respond most positively to heterosexuality among the population. There is a fundamental reason for this fact: heterosexuality is fundamentally supportive of the whole “reason for being” of our society. Societies are ultimately created by humans (and other creatures) to accomplish the broad goal of the continuation and increase of the species, and to promote the universal well being of the population as it grows. Homosexuality as a phenomenon directly contradicts this most basic function of societies as it obviously does absolutely nothing for the continuation of the species. In fact, to the extent that homosexuality is promoted within the society as normal, and the society is forced to accommodate it with abnormal actions, that promotion and accommodation serves to undermine the basic functioning of the society and its institutions.

So, to the extent that our hetero-normative society seeks to defend and promote its “hetero-normativeness,” it is only doing its rightful job.

Homosexual advocates seek to paint our society’s ordinary resistance to their attacks on established societal norms and institutions as a lack of respect for some kind of homosexual legitimacy...they call “hetero-normative” society’s attitude “homophobia” and liken it to racism or bigotry. One must add to this state of affairs the very popular notion among our intellectual elites (particularly in education circles) that there are no longer any real standards for society...that everything is relative, there is no right or wrong, good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable... only that everyone should just be helped to feel good

about himself. No matter what, these suicidal cultural relativist elites contend that as a society we must first cater to anyone’s need for self-esteem, no matter what the deleterious effect might be on the society as a whole.

So, in order to make sure that homosexuals feel good about their homosexuality, we are told by them and their advocates that we must turn our most basic heterosexually based societal institutions, like marriage or the concept of the nuclear family, inside out, to make absolutely sure that no one feels offended or less than totally accepted. Well, to those advocates it must be said that it is our hetero-normative society that is enormously offended by the lack of respect that is shown by them for our basic societal institutions. These institutions have been established over thousands of years of Western cultural and intellectual development, and those who stand in defense of these institutions are not going to tolerate such concepts as the devolution of marriage into a random domestic union of consenting adults, or for the family to be defined as any group of people who decide to live together. We are not going to allow our children to randomly sleep together, or accede to allowing a person to use public facilities according to the way that that person “feels” his or her sex should be. To us, these concepts are not only objectionable, they are perverse, and perversity is simply not acceptable to our society...it undermines our society and must be rejected.

It is high time that the homosexuals, the transsexuals, the bi-sexuals, ...whoever... come to the understanding that the dominant heterosexual population is deeply invested in our “hetero-normative” society and the long-established social institutions that serve as the society’s foundation.

The withering attacks on those institutions by the, if you will, parity seeking heterophobics, if not withstood, will significantly weaken and demoralize our society and degrade our way of life.

Les Schaevitz LMHS Parent

Editorials/Letters EDITORIAL

The dangers of patriotism

Throughout the year, Mr. Seaman has been reprimanding the student body for their neglect of the cafeteria. Without faulting our interim principal, whose disappointment with our lack of fastidiousness is legitimate, his implication that only students with “spirit” clean up the cafeteria brings up important questions. How should we exactly define spirit? Do we need such spirit to contribute to the school community?

School spirit can be both a constructive and destructive force.

Often what Mr. Seaman and others advocate as school spirit is benign in nature. Supporting our school’s sports teams and clubs with participation and attendance fosters communal feelings in a positive manner. Similarly, showing pride in our school by wearing LM apparel helps to create a student body comprised of individuals who can relate to one another.

School spirit, however, has also been a vehicle of damaging relations between schools. It is what, when embraced blindly and illogically, drove LMers to hurl their trash at Council Rock South after February’s Playoff basketball game. It’s why LM students scream degrading remarks during all sorts of sports games. It is how LM has earned its notoriety as a raunchy crowd among our local high schools. As much as students should be encouraged to support our community, we must recognize what separates respect for our school from zeal for the sake of zeal.

Do we necessarily need school spirit to keep our cafeteria clean? We can certainly support our building, as well as each other, without having to devote ourselves entirely. There is nothing wrong with spirit week, or pep rallies, or a Harriton vs. LM Wing Bowl—students should be encouraged to express their pride for LM—but mandatory school spirit activities during connections advisory or required attendance at pep rallies is not what’s going to clean up this school and instill respect.

Indeed, instead of touting the vagary that is “school spirit”, we should foster respect. Promoting spirit, like any form of nationalism, has a darker side—ignorance. Respect, on the other hand, is a unifying force.

We can respect our school just as easily as we can respect each other.

Unsigned editorial on this page reflect the general opinion of student editors, not the views of individuals.

The Merionite Published since 1929

Editors-in-Chief Jon Blistein, ‘08 David Faich, ‘08

Arts & Entertainment Editors

Sophia Hirsch, ‘09 Jenny Smolen, ‘09

Managing Editor Samantha Rosen, ‘08

Layout Editor Sam Blum, ‘09

News Editors Carolyn Chou, ‘09 Liz Jacobs, ‘09

Business Manager Marissa Presser, ‘09

Op-Ed Editors JC Chou, ‘09 Niklas Thompson, ‘09 Features Editors Samantha Rosen, ‘08 Emma Saltzberg, ‘09 Jessica Scolnic, ‘09 Sports Editors Lex Carlin, ‘08 Jodie Eichel, ‘08 Elie Peltz, ‘09

Photo Editor Dot Goldberger, ‘08 Copy Editors Matt Taylor ‘08 Corinne Zucker, ‘09 Advisor Mr. Chad Henneberry Business Advisor Mr. Sean Flynn

The editors believe all facts presented in the newspaper to be accurate. The paper acknowledges that mistakes are possible and welcomes questions as to accuracy. Inquiries regarding accuracy should be directed to the editors of the paper. Editors can be contacted via e-mail at merionite@gmail.com or in Room 116. To represent all viewpoints in the school community, The Merionite welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via e-mail or dropped off outside the Merionite office. The Merionite reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length or clarity.

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March 14, 2007

The Merionite

OP-ED Cuba’s perilous future in the capitalist market

Ah, Cuba; the land where time stands still. Like much of its Latin American brethren, it has stayed in the back-rows of international politics and development. One can go there and see cars from the 1950s still driving around the streets of Havana, stay in apartment complexes that have barely been updated since Isaac Smith 1959, and eat Class of 2009 in restaurants where prices are not unlike those our grandparents enjoyed in their youth. Unfortunately, this still-life picture of Cuba that has been framed for the past fifty years will come to a painful end. It will be both unfortunate and painful not because the dream of Communism will have finally conceded defeat to the snobby Washingtonians, but because Cuba will be dragged up to the front of the global classroom in the exact same fashion as its Eastern European peers fifteen years ago.

Needless to say, it will not be ready for it.

What standing in the front of global classroom exactly means is that all of Cuba’s particularities of political, social, and economic culture will be thoroughly examined and probably, very quickly, overwhelmed by the mass of fifty years worth of globalization that is just dying to meet it. In contrast to the Western World, Cuba

operates on a slow, daily pace: There are neither “national trends” in “markets,” nor “housing bubbles” (and with that one can guess that there are certainly no “housing bubble bursts”). There are no reminders of “black areas” of “stifled development;” no irksome “market corrections;” no pesky “dips” in “productivity;” there is nothing; nada. Cubans live in a simple – or “destitute,” to some – peace where the market is as large as what a donkey wagon or small truck can carry. While this onslaught of capitalist change may not seem so daunting to us Americans (due in large part to the comparatively successful teaching of our public schools over those in Cuba) it can in fact break a nation.

Rapid global integration and privatization, the hallmark of classroom inspection, has been known to cause quite a bit of problems. One prime example is in Russia, where people found themselves poorer in 1999 than they were in 1989, thanks to faulty transitional policies enforced by Russia’s wealthier “classmates,” particularly those with an over-zealous, pro-Washington mindset. When Cuba’s government falls, especially if it is within the coming year, it will repeat the same course Russia and the whole Soviet block took. Cuba will fall into a state of chaos – not into a magical state of stability and progress that many in the classroom foolishly hope for.

One can be sure, as well, that a chaotic Cuba will have the same political results as Russia has had. The state of the economy that was ripe for Putin in Russia eight years ago will be just as ripe for a shrewd

Change is coming; America is waiting

Change has been a constant theme throughout this past primary season. Simply look at the campaign slogans: Hillary Clinton is “Ready for Change;” Barack Obama wants to “Stand for Change;” Mitt Romney believes “Change Begins With Us;” John Edwards launched “The Campaign to Change America;” and John McCain calls himself the “Agent Hana Rouse Class of 2010 of Change.”

So what is this change that everyone is talking about?

A nearly universal call for change implies that something about America needs to be altered. Here is a brief summary of some of the nation’s problems. Currently 47 million people including 9 million children are uninsured, and the costs of health insurance are constantly on the rise. The media regularly reports the imminence of a recession, as the economy falters due to a variety of problems, including stagnant wages and rising costs, an increase in imports and lack of exports, and a swell in national debt. The cost of foreign oil is also increasing, with Americans spending $1.4 billion on oil each day. Educators often find themselves “teaching towards the test,” and this nation continues to have one of the highest dropout rates in the world. The world as a whole faces a global warming crisis as climate change continues to alter and harm the environment. Illegal immigrants storm

American borders and flock to the job industry, as 37 million Americans are currently classified as living in poverty. The United States continues to fight a drawn-out war in Iraq, while terrorists in other countries maintain a constant and unchallenged threat. Foreign sympathies towards the US are at a low. America needs solutions.

In short, we want change.

Each political side offers unique answers. The Democrats tout the idea of universal health care, while the Republicans simply focus on lowering premium costs.

Both sides promise tax cuts, but the extent to which they are given varies by political party. Democrats call for an immediate end to the war in Iraq, while Republicans aim to improve and elongate the current campaign. Some candidates flaunt their experience. Others say they will be a uniter, rather than a divider. But I believe in essence this election is not necessarily about finding the candidate with the best platform, but rather the on that can bring about change.

The truth is, America, as a nation, is fractured. Rather then tales of advancement in technology, or recent bounds in international relations, media coverage is satiated with countless articles about a distraught economy, and the increasing death toll across the seas. Doubtless, any of the candidates’ proposed solutions could bring some degree of resolution to the countless problems facing America. But who will be able to enact said solutions? Who has the passion and proficiency to ensure that America once again becomes a nation of hope and possibility? Who can bring about change?

That is the question that must be answered in this, arguably one of the most important elections in American history. America is fractured: who do you believe can fix it?

and opportunistic Cuban.

Certainly, no American politician would like to see Cuba ex-

change hands the way Russia has; from a communist belligerent to a capitalist one. With that in mind, why not avoid the process of a chaotic downfall by doing what many have called for already? It is possible to see political change take place at the same time that globalization does, and in a constructive, controllable manner by simply lifting the embargo.

Let Cubans get a taste for capitalism while they sit out the few years Raúl has in him, so the tired country can go to the forefront at a healthy and willing pace. There is little doubt the next chapter in Cuban history will involve capitalism, the only doubt is whether or not it will be of the constructive or destructive kind.

Guiding with one eye closed

Guidance. Webster’s Dictionary defines it simply as “advice”. LM has a guidance department, and according to the definition of the word, this department would be devoted to giving the student body helpful, valuable advice.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

As I have experienced during my freshman and sophomore years at LM, Isaac Lindy Class of 2010 the guidance department is more of an illusion and less of a tangible reality. Guidance secretaries dutifully and faithfully sit at their desks, usually wearing friendly smiles that would entice any unknowing student to enter their office. Past the secretaries, however, lie only the thresholds to guidance counselor’s offices.

Rarely are these offices occupied with the people who are supposed to be available to answer questions and give advice.

This is the underlying problem with the guidance department: availability. I would be hard-pressed to find a student who hasn’t gone to their guidance counselor, often with an appointment, and been told to come back at a later time because their counselor was not in their office at the moment. This student, inevitably frustrated because of the wasted free period or lunch, will, out of spite, never return to the guidance office, and the problem that the student was hoping to resolve will never be fixed.

The availability issue is exemplified in the course selection process. We, as a student body, are all required to sit down and have a one-on-one chat with our guidance counselor, to choose courses and “decide our future”. Since all the students must come to various guidance offices and fulfill this commitment, it would only seem fair if the guidance counselors were also present during the English periods set aside for course selection. Contrarily, guidance counselors are often absent during the course selection ordeal. And, if the guidance staff happens to be available when they are supposed to be, the period will undoubtedly end before all students have had their conversation with their counselor, leaving some poor souls to make “appointments” with the guidance secretaries.

These “appointments” are less like contracts and more like casual verbal agreements. If the student comes back to the

guidance office when the secretary or counselor tells them to, they probably will find that their counselor is in a meeting, out to lunch, or otherwise unavailable. Another appointment will be made, and these events will repeat themselves until the stars and planets align and the student, out of sheer luck, happens to be in the same place at the same time as their elusive counselor.

There are currently eight guidance counselors working at LM, compared to the 16 math, 16 science, 14 history, 16 English, and 12 foreign language teachers. If the 1600 or so LM students were divided evenly between these eight counselors, each guidance counselor would have approximately 200 students under their care--200 students to solve problems for, every day, 200 students to correctly place in classes appropriate for skill level and supportive of future goals, 200 students with whom to make a personal connection. 200 is just too large a number.

In a group of 200, a student becomes a statistic, a Powerschool page, a course selection sheet. A student, who a guidance counselor should know on a personal level so that they can suggest the right courses to take and the right path to follow, becomes lost in a sea of anonymity. Students are more likely to form a relationship with one of their other subject teachers, despite the fact that guidance counselors are supposed to be the ones in school to confide in, with whom to have individual time. Guidance counselors, who probably feel rushed, overwhelmed, and distraught when faced with the plethora of students under their responsibility, cannot devote the time that every student deserves.

We need more guidance counselors.

It’s as simple as that. The relationship between counselor and student should begin forming in freshman year, and by the end of high school should flourish into a personal connection from which both the student and counselor can benefit. It may seem idealistic to hope for LM to become a school with smiling, willing counselors who know each and every one of their pupils closely, and to wish for every student to feel connected with their counselor, but in truth, it is not out of reach.

Currently LM’s guidance department creates more strife and disorder than help.

The guidance department deserves more attention from the administration, deserves more counselors. Hopefully the changes that will be made to the department next year will help to alleviate this issue. If more guidance counselors were hired, the department could finally fulfill its title and do what it’s supposed to do: give advice.

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March 14, 2008

OP-ED Videogames: ongoing discourse over a digital pastime The Merionite

Promoting productive escapism A second life to nowhere Gamers have been on the edge of their couches for the last two years anxiously awaiting the release of Halo 3. And September 2007 gave the hungry gamers what they wanted.

It was Sean Salazar like Class of 2009 Christmas come early. But as millions were busy tapping away at their controllers, a decade-long debate was rekindled: Video Game violence.

Blaming teen aggression solely on video games, however, is not only unrealistic, but almost too perfect. The benefits of videogames far outweigh the shortcomings.

It has been declared that video games stimulate violence in the developmental years of adolescents, yet there is next to no scientific data to confirm a connection between video games and teen aggression. To extrapolate such “data” to include robberies and school shootings is simply absurd. According to Helen Smith, forensic psychologist and youth violence specialist: “The research on video games and crime is compelling to read. But it just doesn’t hold up. Kids have been getting less violent since those games came out. That includes gun violence and every other sort of violence that might be inspired by a video game.”

Games provide a dimension where anyone can explore--that can indeed involve guns. But this only draws kids away from resorting to real guns. How do people blame video games, when there is an overflow of other genuine reasons for such acts of violence? How about the ready availability of guns in the U.S., or the degradation of women

in movies and pornography?

In fact, 85% of videogames are rated “E” for “Everyone”.

Compare this to movies made over the last decade: Over half were R-rated. If there’s any industry we should be attacking for brainwashing youngsters, it’s Hollywood. Now it’s true, that an assortment of more gritty and less tasteful games are out there, but these represent only the smallest fraction. Wikipedia lists 62 genres and less than a tenth of those categories could by any stretch of the mind fall into the “violent” category. Online scrabble, chess, puzzles--far from popular myth, there are actually fewer truly violent games out there than it may seem. In any case, video games are not designed to train youths to commit violent crimes; rather they veer children away from such a dark path.

The whole point of video games is to provide an interactive outlet for any person up for a challenge. You can face fantastical circumstances you would probably, and hopefully, never actually find yourself in. This virtual dimension serves as a safe place to experiment. You can drive that beautiful new Formula One at 300 mph down a stretch of racetrack-you have the freedom to explore the handling of a car you are probably never actually going to drive. The thrill of playing some of the higher-end adventure or role-playing games lies in the fact that gamers are part of the story.

Unlike movies, you can alter the environment you find yourself in.

In addition to entertainment, videogames have displayed recent potential as learning tools. With hits like Brain Age, Text Twist, and various Geography games, people are actually improving their mental abilities with videogames.

There has even been talk of incorporating video games in classrooms to help convey the material to students more effectively. In 2006, the Federation of American Scientists found: “The success of complex video games demonstrates [that] games can teach higher order thinking skills such as strategic thinking, interpretative analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, and adaptation to rapid change.”

Admittedly, reasonable issues concerning exercise and video game abuse exist, but like any other worldwide obsession, people must learn to place limits on themselves. The amount of time that any gamer spends playing alone, or with friends in multiplayer matches should be controlled, because real-world experiences are always better than virtual ones. This new era of digital past-times should lead to happier people, not anti-social and sleep-depraved ones. It’s time someone stood up for video games--the things we should be more worried about: sending 17 year olds into battlefields, the lack of proper medical care for children, rap song lyrics, and the archaic Second Amendment. These are the things that damage our generation, not video games. And anyhow, video games are merely supposed to be fun, why else would so many people play them?

Video games have a negative effect on today’s youth. Not only do they serve as time wasters and tend to promote violence, but they also have a tendency to be substitutes for actual life.

Now, Ethan Cohen by this Class of 2009 I do not mean to say “Why steal cars and kill people in Grand Theft Auto when you could be stealing cars and killing people in real life?” I just wonder why you should spend hours playing your friends in Madden when you could just as easily play a game of pickup football. There are answers to this specific question, like “You can’t play football in the winter” or “With Madden you get to control an entire team”. But sports simulators are not the only video games that take the place of things you could be doing in real life.

The first blatant example of this was The Sims, a game which came out around 2000. In The Sims, you could make a family and control what they did all day long. Many people only liked this game because you could design a house and, but the full point of the game was to make up an entire life for a person.

You could spend hours in front of the computer watching your character watch television or trying to make him kiss the girl you created in the hot tub you decided to put in the house. You could have spent those hours trying to kiss a girl in real life or even doing something as productive as watching a reallive television.

Since The Sims has come out, the make-your-own-

digital-life genre of video games has only gotten more popular. There are now multiple online games to which the user pays monthly fees and in turn gets to create an entirely different life in a fake world. The fake character gets to make fake friends and eat fake food and probably even excrete the fake food. The idea that people spend time on these websites forging these faux friendships instead of making tangible buddies honestly just depresses me. I understand that some people are socially awkward and that this is a way for them to make friends, but I really think that there must be a healthier way to make connections to people. Also, it seems immoral that these websites make money off of people’s social awkwardness.

The latest craze in video games has been rock-and-roll video games.

The most popular of them, Guitar Hero, is quite similar to the arcade classic, Dance Dance Revolution.

In DDR, the players hone their skills at “dancing,” which involves pressing your feet on different buttons.

The movements, of course, look nothing like any type of dancing other than little kids jumping up and down to “Who Let the Dogs Out” in a Disney Channel CD commercial.

In Guitar Hero, the player touches buttons on a plastic “guitar.” This, similarly to DDR, does not translate at all to guitar playing. Guitar Hero has become immensely popular, and some kids have gotten really good at pressing those little buttons.

The only problem I have with Guitar Hero, is that with all the time these kids spent getting good at playing “You Really Got Me” on the expert level, they could have just as easily learned to play the actual song on guitar. It is a lot more fun, I promise. It is even financially smarter to play “real guitar.” On ebay.com, while it costs around $400 to get an XBOX 360 and Guitar Hero, it costs under half as much to get an electric guitar and an amplifier.

From music, to sports, to life as a whole, video games replace real living with sitting on a couch and fake living.

Anemic American politics, forgetting the big stick

Recently, the media has been saying that Hilary Clinton is getting negative against Barack Obama, calling him out on the issues.

They have also been implying that this manner in which to debate Matt Taylor is unClass of 2008 healthy, and that the candidates should, instead, be more positive towards each other.

Personally, I think the media is soft. They’re a bunch of wimps

who think that Hilary’s “attacks”— which are proportionate only to pokes in the arm—are offensively aggressive. I would like to take this opportunity to say that the candidates should up the ante. Think about the number of viewers CSPAN would get if there were personal attacks. There could be witty banter, sharp yet subtle personal criticisms—it would be like intellectual reality TV. Or, better yet, physical fights. Just imagine your family all gathered ‘round the TV on a Friday night, waiting with popcorn in hand for that one comment to come out to ignite the riot among the Senators. This way, voters can get educated in their government’s policies as they are entertained.

Also, consider other governments around the world. The

British Parliament chooses to employ witty banter in its arguments that can be extremely demeaning. In fact, it is not uncommon for personal attacks or straw man arguments to show up. Yet, this is nothing compared to the all-time greatest government, in my opinion, the Taiwanese government.

For a sample, just to to YouTube. com and search “Taiwanese Parliament Fights”, it should be the first hit. All these other governments around the world are already well-versed in the fine art of aggressive negotiation.

Now, consider our standing worldwide. We are supposed to be the most powerful nation in the country. How does it look if our Speaker of the House can’t even take a good right hook? Or

if John Kerry is willing to go to war, but won’t give sharp criticism of his Republican counterparts? If the rest of the world knew what soft and boring people our politicians were, and what little it would take to knock them out, no one would respect us as the superpower we are.

This leads me to the following proposal: one-on-one, mano-amano, Hilary and Barack take it out on each other in the Ultimate Fighter Octagon. This one would be for all the marbles. Winner takes all the delegates, and is named the party’s candidate for president in the general election. Think about it: the prize is big, the fighters want it bad—this would be an unstoppable money making, government advertising

machine. You say recession, I say, no way José. This government is fierce, rich and willing to take on the world. That’s a superpower.

Plus, as I mentioned earlier, it would be very easy to sneak in some educational info on the side. Maybe, “That punch was to take out Hilary’s support system: her health care plan. Did it work? Maybe, check it out at our halftime show where we go in depth into the opinions of each of the candidates”. Boom.

More voters, bigger elections.

So next time you see the media complaining about dirty politics, think about what we could really make out of that: cash cow, international respect, even self respect for the candidates who train their best for the big show.

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March 14, 2008

The Merionite

A super spring break

FEATURES

The Merionite breaks down the best ways to spend your week off

M. Kozak/J. Scolnic

Class of ‘10/Class of ‘09

Ahh, spring break: a time to jet off to foreign lands and excavate ancient ruins, build a school for homeless Nicaraguans, or raft down the Nile river. Or, you know, explore the murky depths of a bag of potato chips and discover the magic of muscle deterioration on your couch. In case you aren’t satisfied with these options, here’s a list of suggestions that will help keep you entertained.

Sleep: Yeah yeah, we’ve all heard that scientists say that teenagers require 8-9 hours of sleep a night.

And it’s true; and there’s no better time to catch up on sleep than over spring break. But mix it up a little—become nocturnal for the week, or don’t even wake up at all (except to

accomplish the other activities on the list.)

Have an Easter egg hunt: Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t five), an Easter egg hunt can be fun. Once you get past the obscure and slightly disturbing concept of finding hidden treasures in little plastic eggs, you can create your own hunt and invite all your friends: make it a party! But it is not suggested that you hide the eggs and find them yourself...that’s just a little sad.

Rediscover old computer games: Remember the enjoyment you used to get out of games like Sims or Roller Coaster Tycoon? Well, spring break is an opportune time to dig up the computer games of your past and spend hours of enjoyment on the sophomoric frivolity.

You can also get a neopet, or play JumpStart Kindergarten for review of colors and shapes.

Cook (or just eat): During the school week, most students don’t have the time or energy to cook quality food—or sometimes even eat. Spring break can be a great time to try out new recipes and experiment in the kitchen. Try holiday-themed food, like Easter Bread or matzoball soup. Or, if, like the majority of high schoolers, you don’t enjoy

slaving over a hot stove during your one free week, order some exotic and unusual take-out from a place like Khajuraho Indian restaurant or Ha Long Bay Vietnamese.

Movie Marathon: Make a goal for yourself: every James Bond? All six Star Wars movies backwards? Every movie in which you see a shirtless Brad Pitt? Custom-make your own movie marathon! Whatever your interests (mafiosos, robots, perfectly chiseled men), you can easily fill a week with all your favorite flicks.

Hey, go crazy—invite some friends with similar taste and get some actual human contact! Not that there’s anything wrong with sitting alone in your living room drooling over Ocean’s Eleven.

Schoolwork: ...

Be Active: If watching all those movies is making you look so pale your parents are concerned you’re anemic, you might want to get some Vitamin D and spend a little time in the sun (especially considering the freaky 60 degree weather we’re having). Play a game of Frisbee or throw a ball around.

Also, sunshine makes you happy, so if all

your friends are away and the young Sean Connery isn’t doing it for you, go outside.

Plant a tree: If you want to fight global warming and save the environment, or just looking for the perfect outdoor activity, plant a tree. Trees and flowers release oxygen, which is good, because without oxygen...well, you know the deal. In fact, you could plant a few trees, or even a whole garden. That’s a lot of oxygen!

Take a tour of Philadelphia: When you tell someone you’re from just outside Philadelphia, their first reaction is usually, “Oh like the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross’ house, right?

How cool is it to live near all that??”

Most of us a forced to just smile and mumble a reply, considering we haven’t been to the Liberty Bell since Mrs. Newsom’s kindergarten class field trip. Earn your right to give a real response and finally get into the Old City for a day. Or you could at least go to the zoo and see some cuddly penguins.

Beyond the pale: Tanning at LM

“You walk in, it’s hot, and the music is playing. You lie down and close the door...” describes junior Elana Sears.

No, she’s not talking about what you think she’s talking about. As the dull days of winter begin to transform into sunny Spring, a new epidemic is spreading rapidly through LM: tanorexia.

Never noticed the freshly bronzed faces that dot the halls in the midst of 30 degree weather?

Or that gaggle of newly beige girls returning from a midday jaunt to Suncatcher? The tanning hype is gaining momentum, as many female students feel the need to bake themselves in artificial heat at one of the local salons.

According to occasional tanner junior Lauren Singer, Suncatcher on Lancaster Avenue is the place to go—they have a student special for $20 a month, which has certainly helped them win over the LM market. Singer believes that a lot of girls go simply to “escape the winter blues” but many more will start frequenting the booths sometime before prom.

The mania won’t cease until summer has arrived, when tanners will be able to soak up the rays of the sun rather than those of Suncatcher. Most travel with friends for such outings to the booths, though it’s not uncommon to go alone. Once you enter that tanning bed however, it’s just you, yourself and the UVA

A Features Commentary by Kyra Sutton

rays—many prefer not to let even undergarments interfere in their pursuit of a luscious glow, though some wear underwear “for fear of contracting STDs.” One perk that attracts LMers to the faux tanning is obtaining one of the “tattoos”—a sticker that is placed on the body throughout the time in the bed, and then removed après UVA exposure, leaving an attractive pale spot in an adorable shape! Some anonymously reported personal favorites range from the heart to the playboy bunny. Singer has a penchant for creating these pale shapes on her hip bone, so that “it’s not obvious when you’re walking around that you tan, but it’s still in a cool spot that some people can see”.

So what exactly, sparks these girls’ affinity for basking in artificial rays? The tanning fad reportedly began to create a level playing field for those girls who hadn’t just returned from the Caribbean over Winter Break.

These days, some even pay for a salon tan before jetting south, just “to create a base”. But is that orange loveliness starting to fade? Worry not—that’s why bronzer and Jergin’s “natural” tanning cream was invented. Just dab a little all over, and voila: Mediterranean Goddess! And if your male prom dates are looking a little pasty, just send them over to the salon—several seniors of ‘07 insisted upon it before last year’s soiree.

However, Singer warns those of a fairer complexion to avoid the salons, as she herself has had experience with burning. But in fact, you don’t have to look like Casper to be affected by the harmful heat of a tanning booth, which emits four times as many UVA rays as the sun. Some have even warned that 6 minutes in a booth is equivalent to a 4 hour nap on the beach in Florida, so be wary: the risk of Melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers, increases by 75 percent if you hit the indoor beds before the age of 35. And it’s not just cancer or premature wrinkling that you run the risk of—it has recently been found that ultraviolet light is producing endorphins, or chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of euphoria. In some tests, frequent tanners have experienced withdrawal symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and shaking, putting compulsive and excessive tanning on par with a full-fledged drug addiction.

But if you truly seek that “Orange Glow,” as senior Bobby (BUnit) Martin likes to call it, then go ahead and pursue it at your own risk. However, if your aim is pleasing the opposite gender, perhaps you should rethink your frequent forays. Senior Ahmed Muheed believes that “girls that are tan look better than girls who aren’t, but a tanning salon tan takes away from the effect”.

So for those of you who have

purportedly hit up Suncatcher excessively, maybe you should just stick to lotion. You’ll save yourself some winkles, and probably some trips to the oncologist as well.

And as sophomore Meredith Goldberg-Morse wisely remarks, “looking at a fake tan is kind of like staring into a pile of Cheetos post nuclear war”.

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March 14, 2008

FEATURES

The Merionite

No money? No problem.

H. Goldberg-Morse/E. Sorensen

Class of 2010

No need to wonder why there’s a clump of people in the auditorium— there must be a bake sale. Food tends to attract people. You get excited, at least until you rummage through your pockets and find no spare change.

If you’ve ever been in this situation, or can’t afford to buy a brownie or cookie on a whim, you may wonder how you can get food without money. The obvious solution would be just to take it without paying, but that’s called stealing and it’s against the law. Lucky for you, free food (legal, at least) is just a short stroll away.

Right down Montgomery Avenue, Suburban Square provides ample opportunities for free food. Trader Joe’s, the popular food market and grocery store, always gives out free samples of its products. To find them, head towards the back of the store. The selections range from chocolate to chicken, and are almost always incredibly tasty. And free. They also offer small cups of a variety of coffees every day, including a fantastic Fair Trade blend.

Next to Trader Joe’s is the oh-sowonderful Farmer’s Market. Within, The Great Harvest Bread Company will always give you a free slice of one of their breads. They always have quite an array for you to choose from. (Tip: the cinnamon swirl bread is really good). The slices are quite generous, and the options

Ananas Mustafa

Photo by Jessica Scolnic/Staff

In Suburban Square, a Trader Joe’s employee offers some complimentary pesto tortellini. vary widely, from the S’mores Bread with chocolate and marshmallows, to the Pizza Bread with sauce and cheese. Squeeze Smoothies and Juices will occasionally give out free tastes of their smoothies,

so it you’re there on a lucky day, pick one up.

A bit further, but still in Suburban Square, is Williams Sonoma, a great cooking store with state-of-the-art cooking

set of rules and even their own Hall of Fame.

But to high school students, it’s just a chance to have some fun. Allegedly, sophomore Cody Heller claims to hold an impressive record of kicking the ball 83 times before hitting the ground, as well as obtaining a dislocated shoulder, which I find concerning. Yet senior Benny Kaufman holds on to his realistic record of 10 with pride. However, these boys do not stand a chance compared to a monstrous record held in 1997 of 63,326 hits in nearly nine hours by professional Ted Martin.

According to Kaufman there are two types of games: standard kick circle, and Elimination Hack. The standard kick circle is most commonly seen in the cafeteria lobby, where a group of as many people as possible stand in a circle and kick the hacky sack around to each other as many times as possible without letting it hit the ground. The more interesting version, Elimination Hack, is played by hitting it three times in a row by yourself, and then catching it and pegging somebody in order to eliminate them.

“Chris Julian hit me in the face with one of his erratic kicks once,” says Kaufman. This is understandable, but I’d still like to know how Heller managed to dislocate his shoulder by simply “hacking the sack.”

Hacky sacking, however, is not new to Lower Merion. It’s been a popular game to play out on the field on nice days, cold days, and even sweltering hot days.

Unfortunately, due to the inconvenience of the construction work, such freedom to hack has been limited.

Kaufman says “I think it was in 10th grade [when] my group of friends who I ate lunch with started hacky sacking after eating and I joined in. We played almost every day and even started playing inside when th e w eath er w as bad.” And it’s not just a form of entertainment for the “hackers,” but for the onlookers as well.

“I wish I could hacky sack like that,” admires sophomore Sophie Skoke.

Unfortunately, there have been grumbles of frustration from other students about these circles “getting in the way.” But I found out that this frustration goes both ways, once Heller pointed out how frustrating it is when students walk right through an ongoing game. Overall the student body seems to be fine with it, and there hasn’t

equipment. In addition to the plethora of culinary tools, they also happen to have a tray of gourmet free samples on their checkout counter. And they’re bound to be good—it is a high-quality cooking store.

Heading in a different direction, Whole Foods Market also has free tastes of some of their products, usually in the deli section. Any health freaks out there can take their food with the assurance that it’s wholesome and healthy. Those who don’t mind the extra calories should look for the bakery counter— there’s usually some sort of pastry or brownie available for hungry shoppers.

Not too far away is the ice cream treatery Maggie Moos. While they don’t have a tray of free ice creams, you can always ask for a taste of any flavor. If you’re really hungry, just keep asking for tastes of different things—see how many you can get before they throw you out. The same goes for any other ice cream shop, like Coldstone or Carvel.

Hopefully by the time you’ve gone to all these places, you’re full. If not, just go home and raid your pantry... or consider bringing a dollar to school to save yourself the trouble of scouting out free food.

P.S. Now that you know how to get free food for yourself, consider buying and bringing in food for those really in need.

Support the various food drives that give food to shelters around Philadelphia. They need the free food much more than you do. Hero Club is doing one right now, so donate! (Plus, you’ll get more free food if your advisory brings in the most...)

The hack is back Class of 2010

ff Sta er/ erg ldb Go ot yD sb oto Ph

The other day, I was innocently walking down to the cafeteria, on my way to get a bottle of water, when something suddenly whacked my temple and I heard the crinkle-crunch of a beanbag against my head.

I recoiled, turned around, and realized the culprit was, in fact, a stray footbag. If you’ve been down to the cafeteria lobby this year, this shouldn’t seem a foreign occurrence to you, as there are sometimes multiple circles o f the game happening during the lunch periods.

The foot bag, commonly referred to by the wellknown brand n a m e “Hacky Sack,” was invented in 1972 to help heal knee injuries.

It’s been tagged a fad of the 70’s, but among our generation, it’s most commonly associated with “hippies.” However, there is a competitive side to this hobby as well. America’s Hacky Sackers, also known as footbaggers, have an established National Hacky Sack Association, with a legal

been much blatant negativity.

A sophomore who would prefer to remain anonymous says, “Going down to lunch is really scary, ‘cause there are balls everywhere.”

And to some this can be true, but most students don’t seem to mind. “I don’t really think about it. They’re part of the scenery.

I like it.” says sophomore Adam Saltzberg.

Not only do t h e students appreciate it, but so does our very own principal. “As long as they’re not in front of the doorway, then they’re pretty good.” says Mr. Seaman, who joined in a hacky sack circle only to find he could only keep the ball up once.

I don’t b l a m e him—it looks a lot easier than it really is. So the next time you’re in the school cafeteria, and you’re bored in the atrociously long hoagie line, take notice of those mad hacking skills. Just don’t wait until you get hit by one to start paying attention.

March 14, 2008

FEATURES

The Merionite

Barack Obama Democrat

• Born: Honolulu, Hawaii, August 4, 1961 • Education: Columbia University, Harvard Law School • Home life: Married to former University of Chicago Assistant Dean of Student Services Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Natasha • Background: - Professor of constitutional law at University of Chicago - Third African-American since reconstruction to be elected into the U.S. Senate (Illinois) - Bestselling author

Hillary Clinton Democrat

• Born: Park Ridge, Illinois, October 26, 1947 • Education: Wellesley College, Yale Law School • Home life: Married to former president Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea • Background: - Twice voted one of the most influential attorneys in America - First lady of Arkansas - First Lady of the U.S. - NY Senator since 2000 - Bestselling author

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John McCain Republican

• Born: Coco Solo Naval Air Station, Panama, August 29, 1936 • Education: United States Naval Academy • Home life: Married to Cindy McCain; previously married to model Carol Shep, 4 sons, 2 daughters • Background: - 22 year career as a naval aviator, retired in 1981 - Naval honors: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross - Campaigned for President in 2000 - Senator of Arizona - Bestselling author

Note: Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas may have dropped out of the race, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone forever. Can you spot the Huckabee in this month’s issue?

“After attending an Obama rally at the Electric Factory last May, I became really interested in Obama and wanted to get more involved. Recently, I have been noticing that Lower Merion students, even those who will not be able to vote, share the same interest in Obama as I do. I decided to create both a Facebook group, and a group on the Obama site, for students to either learn more about Obama, or talk about ways to campaign for Obama in the area.”

- Senior Adam Fishbein

Photo by Dot Goldberger/Staff

Senior Lila Scott sporting her Barack Obama support.

“McCain is a war hero and a likable character. The only thing I really don’t like about him are his views on immigration, but it’s one thing out of his whole campaign.”

- Senior Xander Adams

“I believe that Clinton is the best candidate because she has 35 years of real experience. Clinton’s campaign promises definite, concrete action, as opposed to Obama’s vague preaching of hope.”

-Junior Laura Piccoli

“I think that McCain is the best because he has strong foreign policies, much stronger than those of the other two candidates. I mainly hate Obama as a candidate because I feel that most people like him only for his charisma and his affinity for “change,” not because of any real policies that he has expressed. It is very easy for those who know nothing about politics to love him merely based on his personality.”

- Junior Naomi Hachen

“Hillary Clinton is a woman of action. I respect her for her passion and courage to defy the norm. I would trust her to lead America into a new era of greatness.”

- Junior Emily King

Photo by Jess Scolnic/Staff

“I’ve seen a lot of interest in the Obama t-shirts I’m selling. They’re the official t-shirts of the website, and I “I would vote for Obama because honestly, he initially was going to buy just one, but I saw they were and Hillary aren’t that different. Therefore, I’d cheaper in bulk. So the idea came to me to sell a bunch at vote more on the idea of Obama and not really so LM. It isn’t anything official, I’ve just talked to a bunch much his policies (considering they’re so similar of people I know and asked them if they want to buy the to Hillary’s anyway). He’s fresh, he’s new, he’s shirts, because the money goes to the campaign. Last week different, and most of all, he’s progress, and who I ordered the first batch so that they will arrive well before doesn’t like progress?” our April primary.”

- Junior Eric Green - Junior Albert Eisenberg

Photo by Dot Goldberger/Staff

Sophomore Hana Rouse rockin’ a jacket for Barack.

10

March 14, 2008

The Merionite

Jake Wellens

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Auspiciously Delicious Class of 2011

“Make every day an auspicious day,” says the fortune cookie in the photo on the back of the menu. Between the delicious food, the affordable prices, the excellent service, and the edgy yet friendly atmosphere, eating at this restaurant left me wanting to make every day an Auspicious day.

Upon entering Auspicious, the new Chinese restaurant in Ardmore, I was immediately struck by the minimalist style and romantic atmosphere. The room was classy and spotless, while the dark wood, low lighting and red undertones gave the place a serene and modern feel—a blend of East and West.

I was seated quickly in one of the leatherupholstered booths. Luckily, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, even though it was peak dinner hour.

As soon as the friendly waiter delivered my menu, I opened it with high expectations.

As my eyes scanned the three large red pages, I was instantly impressed by the vast selection of dishes. There were so many categories to choose from: Starters, Soups, Salads, Wraps, Fish & Seafood, Poultry, Meat, Vegetarian, Sides, and even a Children’s section.

The starters included everything you’d expect at a Chinese restaurant, from edamame to ribs, as well as some unexpected dishes, like sautéed mussels and Shanghai chicken wings. There were only three soup selections (just the classics): Hot & Sour, Wonton, and Chicken & Rice. The salads sounded pretty exotic, including Shrimp & Strawberry and Crab & Tuna Sashimi. The seafood, poultry, and meat sections offered all of the favorites, such as General Tso’s Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and BBQ Baby-back Ribs, plus some unique-sounding dishes including

the Kickin’ Mango Chicken, Zen flounder and Bang Bang Mahi Mahi. The vegetarian and sides sections offered a few interesting choices such as Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Tempura Fries. The children’s section consisted of four typical dishes, all priced at $5.95.

But it was the last section of the menu that set Auspicious apart from any other Chinese restaurants. This section, Stir-Fry Creation, allows the diner to choose between chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu, up to six vegetables, and the style in which you would like the meal to be cooked.

Overall, the menu was very fairly priced. Most dishes fell between $10.95 and $13.95, with the occasional $17.95 for a steak dish.

After some serious deliberation, we decided to order the Wonton soup, the Chicken & Rice soup, the Sizzling Scallops, Tsingtao Beer Steak, Kickin’ Mango Chicken, and General Tso’s chicken.

They say you can judge a man by his shoes; I say you can judge a Chinese restaurant by its Wonton soup. Not two, not three, but four whole wontons sat neatly in the middle of a square white bowl, surrounded by a light yellow broth. On the surface of the soup lay a floating garden of neatly chopped mushroom bits. I don’t usually like mushrooms, but I must say that Auspicious’s Wonton soup was wonderful, and the mushrooms were actually a nice touch. The simple soup alone expressed the essence of every meal at Auspicious: simple, fresh ingredients, combined

LM students win big at PSEA art show

Hannah Goldberg-Morse

Class of 2010

The twenty-first annual “Touch the Future” Art Show opened on February 2nd with a reception and awards ceremony.

The Art Exhibit was held at Montgomery County Community College, in Pottstown, and was sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Associaton (PSEA).

One hundred ninety-five different works of art are displayed in the show, chosen from the 840 pieces submitted by students at 19 public school districts in Montgomery and Bucks counties. The pieces in the show range from drawings, to photography, to metal arts. The exhibit, which has become an annual event, is aimed towards providing public high school students the opportunity to experience a professional, juried art show.

Two Lower Merion students were recognized by the judges as recipients of the Montgomery County Category award: Seniors Sarah Lammer, for her black and white drawing, and Alexis Turner, for her jewelry.

“I am very proud of the LM students whose work was accepted, and Sarah Lammer and Alexis Turner, who received awards”, said Harriet Ackerman, a Metal Arts teacher at Lower Merion, and instructor to Turner.

On winning the award, Turner said “It was a good experience and I was proud to have won the award.” Carmina Cianciulli, the Assistant Dean for Admissions at the Tyler School of Art, said of Alexis Turner’s work, “the delightful ballerina tutu rendered in silver and tulle is a masterful combination of delicacy and craftsmanship that rivals professional artists.”

“For students and families who attend the Opening Reception, I think it’s a great experience to meet young artists from different schools and to see in each school the breadth of media, expression of ideas, and implementation,” said Ackerman.

Lammer agreed, ““It was a really nice reception and it was really cool to see all the different high school artwork. It was also really nice to win.”

with a unique flavor and elegant preparation.

I only had one complaint: the noodle-to-meat ratio was slightly off. The Chicken & Rice soup was also unique and delicious, with a broth reminiscent of Matzah Ball soup.

The first entrée to arrive was the Sizzling Scallops, which took sizzling to a new level.

The sound of the plate could be heard from the beginning of its journey over to our table, and the insane amount of steam emanating from the dish made it impossible to see the face of the person sitting across from me. The aroma was intoxicating. If you’ve ever had a fajita at Gullifty’s, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The scallops were stir-fried with red peppers, water chestnuts, snow peas and mushrooms, and were simply delicious.

Next came the Kickin’ Mango Chicken, which arrived in a bowl crafted out of half of a mango. The presentation alone was breathtaking, and made me anxious to try the succulent chicken and mango morsels that rested inside. The flavor was unique, combining Asian spices with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken and the fruity flavor of mango.

Then came the General Tso’s chicken. To be fair, the menu did warn with a little red asterisk that this dish would be “auSpicy”, but I did not expect it to be as hot as it was. On a scale from one to ten, this chicken was off the map. My mouth was sent into shock, and my

taste buds, despite the valiant efforts of my glass of water, didn’t make it through the first three bites. If spice is your thing, this is for you—although I had thought spice was my thing until I tried this dish. If not, ask for it to be prepared mild.

Finally, the beef dish came out. I was looking forward to this dish most of all, and it looked promising: a nice-looking slab of beef on a white plate with some suspicious looking lime-colored mashed potatoes. The beef was...interesting. It had a very strong and bitter beer taste, and was quite chewy. The best part of the meal was the Wasabi mashed potatoes that came with it. They had a subtle bitterness that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Once again, Auspicious, you’ve found the perfect combination of American and Asian flavors.

For dessert, I ordered the Banana Spring Rolls. The four rolls were served next to two scoops of vanilla ice cream, drizzled in honey and cinnamon. Delicious.

Overall, Auspicious is a great place to eat.

They have something for everyone, and brilliantly combine Asian and American cuisine into unique dishes that will leave a lasting impression. One of the restaurant’s few flaws was that any noise or conversation could be heard easily from anywhere within the restaurant. Although I was not asked how I wanted my beef done, the service was excellent; the waiters made jokes and were never far from your table. The romantic lighting, red undertones, and Jack Johnson music made my time at Auspicious feel unique and enjoyable. The edgy atmosphere, friendly service, unique food and fair prices make Auspicious a must.

Don’t be discouraged if your first dish isn’t what you expected; it may take some time before you find that one dish, but when you find it, you’ll know.

Introducing Ingrid

Emma Saltzberg

Class of 2009

Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson is a rising star in the music world. Her music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill, and most LMers would probably recognize her song “The Way I Am” from last fall’s Old Navy sweater commercials. (“If you are chilly/ here, take my sweater...”)

Currently, Ingrid is touring the country with her backup singer/ guitarist/tour manager Allie Moss and the rest of her band in promotion of her most recent album, 2007’s Girls and Boys. After their performance at World Café Live last month, The Merionite sat down with Michaelson and Moss.

The Merionite: What’s it like being on tour?

Ingrid Michaelson: Well...you are always tired and always traveling, so you barely know what day it is on any given day! But it is so much fun to get to perform in front of new audiences and see new places.

Allie Moss: It’s very fun—exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. It’s a crazy dream. In my high school yearbook, I wrote

that ten years from now, I want to be on tour. Although, we’re still at the stage where we’re driving ourselves around in Ingrid’s mom’s minivan. But for me, the fun part outweighs the tiring part.

heckler has ever said to you while you were onstage?

IM: I really don’t have hecklers... but one girl shouted obscene things at me when I did not pay attention to her. I can’t tell you what she said, because this is for a high school paper.

M: What were you like in high school?

IM: I guess the same as I am now...only with shorter hair!

AM: I was kind of a nerd. I was very into math, but also very athletic. I was in a rock band—our senior year, we won Battle of the Bands.

M: Which of your songs is your favorite?

IM: “Breakable” holds a spePhoto courtesy of podmusiccountdown.com cial place in my heart.

Michaelson on stage during her M: Do you have any advice most recent tour

M: What’s your favorite tour story?

IM: Once we took someone else’s suitcase from an airport and did not realize it did not belong to any of us for three days. It was pretty funny.

M: What is the craziest thing a

for high school students who want to become professional musicians?

IM: Don’t go into music expecting to make any money, just always keep creating and writing. And if something comes from that, great.

But if you make creating your priority, you can never fail.

11

March 14, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Lady Killer; mega-thriller Airing out some Bina Peltz

Class of 2010 Lisa Scottoline is rapidly rising to the top of the growing list of LM success stories.

Scottoline, the bestselling author of 15 novels, graduated from LM in 1973 and is also an alumna of Bala Cywnyd Middle School.

After completing high school, she attended the University of Pennsylvania, followed by The University of Pennsylvania Law School. Although she is a trial lawyer, she quit her career to be a full-time writer and mother. Scottoline frequently incorporates the fictional all female law practice of Rosato and Associates into her books because, as she told the Philadelphia Magazine, she “writes what [she] knows.”

Her first book, Everywhere that Mary Went, published by HarperCollins, debuted in 1994.

Final Appeal, Scottoline’s second book, won the Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of Amer-

Han Tran

ica, which is the top award for mystery books. Her fifth book, Mistaken Identity, was her first novel to become a New York Times bestseller. Scottoline also teaches a Justice and Fiction course at The University of Pennsylvania Law School and appears on Court TV’s crime series, Murder by the Book.

Scottoline still resides in the Philadephia area and writes a weekly column called “Chick Wit” that appears in the Sunday section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. For the past couple of weeks, “Chick Wit” has been running excerpts of Scottoline’s newest novel, Lady Killer. The newest addition to her Rosato and Associates series, Lady Killer just hit stores on February 19.

Lady Killer features Mary DiNunzio, a big time lawyer at Rosato and Associates, and the book opens with Mary’s old high school rival, trashy Trish Gam-

bone, arriving at her office to ask for help. Trish’s life has taken a turn for the worst, and she is living in fear with her abusive South Philly gangster boyfriend.

Mary soon realizes that Trish’s boyfriend is the very guy she had a huge crush on throughout her high school years. When Trish suddenly disappears Mary is determined to find and save her high school nemesis. Ending with a shocking twist, Mary must finally confront the hidden truths and loves of her past.

All of Scottoline’s novels are set in the Philadelphia area and feature strong-willed, female lawyer protagonists. As Scottoline recently told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “I hate when critics call my books legal thrillers. I think of them as stories about women running all around Pennsylvania. They’re often going to Pittsburgh, going to New York...

This state is so full of history, and I always use it.”

All that jazz Class of 2011

On Saturday, December 29, 2007, I checked my email to find great news. I was accepted into the Peter Nero Jazz Academy, a highly selective jazz program for high school jazz musicians in the tri-state area. To my delight, I found out that the program accepted two other LM students, senior Carl Moritz for drums and junior Alekos Syropoulos for alto saxophone. This is momentous news for LM because only six musicians were selected for this program.

The Peter Nero Jazz Academy, an educational program for the region’s most talented high school jazz musicians, is sponsored by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. Musicians must mail in an audition tape to be considered for admission. This is the Academy’s inaugural year, so Syropoulos, Moritz, and I have our place in the Jazz Academy history.

“The Peter Nero Jazz Academy has not only helped me become a better musician, it has given me the opportunity to play with an amazing group of musicians that are my own age,” said Moritz. The three other musicians accepted were senior Jackson Greenberg, who plays vibes and attends Friends’ Central; senior Justin Faulkner, who plays drums and attends the Girard Academic Music Program; and senior Julian Lampert, who plays upright bass and attends Lawrence High School in New Jersey. “Playing with musicians that are just as good as yourself, if not better, is something I looked forward to in my weeks with this great group,” said Syropoulos. The six of us clicked musically, and the ensemble was tight. The songs that we played included “St. Thomas,”

Photo courtesy of Han Tran

Freshman Han Tran, Junior Alekos Syropulos, and Senior Carl Moritz jam at the Peter Nero Jazz Academy “Green Dolphin Street,” “Gentle Rain, ” “Oleo,” “All The Things You Are,” and “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be.” The program was very well organized, and rehearsed weekly for two months at both the Kimmel Center and the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. We were guided by a fine instructor: the principal trombonist of the Philly Pops, Brian Pastor. One rehearsal day, we received top-notch instruction from Ron Kerber, the principal wind player of the Philly Pops.

On February 2, the six of us sat onstage with the Philly Pops and watched them rehearse at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall. The Philly Pops were rehearsing with Latin jazz flutist Nestor Torres. Torres was nothing short of a virtuoso on his instrument, and the other musicians were equally phenomenal. The music was technically challenging, and furthermore, the Pops musicians received the music only one week in advance. One would think that the first few ensemble rehearsals would not sound very good, but no! The Pops Orchestra was that astonishing.

Torres said that the Philly Pops was

Dirty Laundry

Emily Sorensen

Class of 2010

When they were freshman, seniors Tim Luo and Josh Rosard went to see the Broadway show “Avenue Q.” On the train ride home they joked about putting on their own version. What had begun as a joke then became a hilarious performance and a fantastic fundraiser.

Soon the two teamed up with senior Taggart Bowen-Gaddy.

Using sock puppets in place of hand puppets, karaoke tracks instead of an orchestra, and a basement as a theatre, they put on “Avenue Q: Dirty Laundry,” mainly for friends. They reprised their production two more times in 2004, but hadn’t performed it since, until now.

On March 1, they re-opened the curtains in Rosard’s basement, this time with senior Ryan Meyer replacing BowenGaddy. Other than the switch in performers, the show has not really changed. Now as seniors, Luo and Rosard know more LM students, so they have a much wider audience. Their basement theatre holds around 25 people, and their last performance sold out.

While the show’s aim is to have fun, it also raises money for Broadway Cares, an organization that fights AIDS. “The real ‘Avenue Q’, as well as other Broadway shows, contributes to Broadway Cares.

Luo said, “we figured that helping something that’s relevant to Broadway would be the most logical route, and it would probably raise the most money since it’s actually somewhat connected to the show.” Tickets are $5 each, and donations are accepted. Their three shows in 2004 raised around $600, and they hope to raise at least the same amount this year.

The Broadway show “Avenue Q” mimics the style of “Sesame Street” by featuring actors with puppets. Unlike the children’s show, “Avenue Q” deals with much more mature themes, like homosexuality and racism. Though serious

in nature, the themes are portrayed in a comical way, and the show’s creativity and wit won it the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004. While having seen the show may clue you in to more of the jokes, you don’t need to have seen the Broadway show to enjoy this rendition.

Sophomore Kira Goldner attended their show and called it “fantastic.” While the show definitely has its home-made aspects, Goldner said that “it definitely had the illusion of a real musical in a real theatre.”

While the performers don’t claim to actually be actors or singers, in this case it works with the fun, humorous spirit of the show. As Luo said, “the best part of the show is how much fun it is, because it’s not necessarily meant to be a good show. It’s a puppet show put on by three people with little/no talent, but everyone loves it.” To some people, it even helps the show. One of Goldner ’s favorite parts was “just hearing Josh and Tim sing in falsetto.”

In the real Broadway Show, each actor plays at least two characters, but Dirty Laundry only has three actors to split the 10 roles. “The different voices that we have to use present a challenge. Not only speaking/ singing with them, but going back and forth between all of them and keeping track of what voice we should be using,” said Luo. “They’re also very different, for example, my Christmas Eve voice is an extremely highpitched Asian squeal, while my Trekkie Monster voice is a deep growl.”

If “Avenue Q: Dirty Laundry” sounds entertaining to you, Luo, Rosard, and Meyer hope to put on more shows this year. They are more likely to perform again if they know they’ll have an audience, so let them know if you are interested. If you are lucky enough to be able to see it, know that you are in for a treat and supporting a wonderful cause at the same time.

more advanced than other Pops orchestras that he had played with. We saw familiar faces at the rehearsal, as Brian Pastor, Ron Kerber, and LM’s own jazz band director Andrew Neu are members of the Pops. We also got to meet Peter Nero, an internationally acclaimed pianist who won two Grammies. Needless to say, it was an honor to talk with the man.

The Jazz Academy had its debut performance on Sunday, March 2 at the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center. The forty-minute performance was the opening act for “Peter Nero and the Philly Pops alongside Lucie Arnaz”, and the Plaza was packed with people of all ages. The performance was intense, and the audience seemed to really appreciate it.

The Jazz Academy was an amazing experience for all of us. Playing with such a talented group of musicians helped me improve tremendously, and the instructors gave me advice I will never forget. The program had its ups and downs, but I walked out of the Kimmel Center Photo courtesy of Tim Luo after performance day carrying only (L-R) Seniors Reyer Meyer, Josh Roasard, and Tim Luo pose happy memories and unforgettable with their hand-crafted sock puppets before the March 1 performance of Avenue Q: Dirty Laundry. skills.

12

March 14, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Stylin’ Out

Maddie Bailis

With Maddie Bailis

Class of 2009

Your alarm goes off at 6:47, but you hit the snooze button twice, so its now 7:01; you throw some clothes on, grab a cold burnt toasted bagel, print out your English essay, and run out the door. Not only are you running for the yellow bus at the end of the block, but the thought “What am I wearing?!” runs through your mind.

We have those days when we look like complete fashion prodigies, but we have all had those days when we look as if a blind nun might have dressed us.

Don’t think your fellow LMer’s haven’t taken notice of your attire—they have, and they have something to say.

When it comes to girls’ fashion, boys have a clear opinion on what they like. Sophomore Peter Johnston likes girls who experiment with their fashion, “who throw caution to the wind when they pick clothes and they try something outside the norm because that’s who they are.”

“I have to say tight pants do it for me,” said one LM male, choosing to remain nameless.

Yet the feedback wasn’t all sweet: leave it to your peers to make sure it’s not sugarcoated.

“I think the majority of the girls dress the same--when I try to talk to someone, I tap them on the shoulder and it’s someone else because everyone dresses the same,” said former LM fresh-

man Yofray Ray. Junior Alex Gerson agreed: “I don’t like how so many girls buy into fads. Dressing is an incredible opportunity to represent yourself, and by wearing what everyone else is, it’s saying that either you have no original inner personality, or you care too much about what others think.”

Failed attempts at attaining a coolness factor irk Johnston too.

“I really hate when girls try to dress a certain way to seem cool.

It just comes across as really fake and uninspired.”

Speaking of fake, an anonymous junior boy loathes orangey fake bakes, “I dislike girls [who wear] an excessive amount of makeup and [have orange] complexions from artificial tanning.”

Don’t worry, boys; there are some strong opinions for you too—let’s just start with the positives.

Junior girl Erin McKnight has a thing for tight pants. On a grander scale, she said, “I like when a guy is capable of putting together an outfit that works, and it’s clear that he put effort into dressing himself.”

Junior Jean Brown likes guys “[who] can pull off the ‘I’mnot-from-the-suburbs-I-swear’ look, which entails skinny jeans, funky shoes, and colored hoodies. They look fly.”

Some girls, like junior Mia Vallet, prefer a more polished appearance. She said, “I think its

really cute when guys dress up for sports.”

Another style that appeals to the female population is the casually cool look, expressed by junior Charlotte Weisberg, “I’m a big fan of the jeans and a t-shirt and hoodie.”

Despite the cheery comments regarding boys, not all students have upbeat responses concerning male attire. Unlike Erin, who enjoys tight pant clad guys, Nadav Hirsh feels the complete opposite, “Skinny jeans should never be worn by anyone with testosterone. Period.”

McKnight perfectly summed up average male dressing, saying, “the majority of guys roll out of bed in the morning and throw on some variation of the following: boxers, mesh athletic shorts, and baggy sweatpants.”

She adds, “on top goes an athletic tee and North Face-esque fleece.”

Weisberg agrees: “I really dislike sweatpants and big sweatshirts, I think that should be saved for the gym.”

Hirsh feels the same way: “The world is not a sports team!”

So, girls, be original and stray away from being a trend android.

Boys, try to freshen things up by ditching the Dicks Sporting Goods look for a day. Now that you know LM has their fashion eye on you, maybe hit the snooze button only once, so you can walk to the bus stop in style.

A Runway success

Meredith Goldberg-Morse

Class of 2010

“People think designing is easy and glamorous, but it’s not as easy as it looks on Project Runway,” said Jay McCarroll, the Season One winner of Bravo’s hit fashion design reality show.

Three years after being named America’s next top designer, McCarroll is back in Philadelphia after briefly living in New York City, where he showed a line at Fashion Week in fall 2006. He currently teaches a senior portfolio class at Philadelphia University, of which he is an alumnus, while also working on a ready-to-wear fashion line for QVC. He described the line as “fun, colorful, and most of all, affordable.”

Sitting in a Philadelphia University classroom one day recently, McCarroll reflected on his bittersweet Project Runway win. He thinks the show’s most recent crop of designers did well and offered some advice for students interested in pursuing a career in the exciting and constantly changing world of fashion.

In addition to developing his line with QVC and teaching the next generation of designers, McCarroll writes a snarky Project Runway blog for Elle Magazine’s website. His take on Season 4 designers? “They’re definitely a lot different than previous season’s contestants.

A lot more professional. Less raw. Very calculated.”

He believes that Bravo’s contestant choices for Season 4, advertised as the “most talented yet,” were an attempt by Bravo to make up for the fact that “none of their winners have done anything.”

Well, that’s not entirely true-McCarroll’s unique fall 2006 line, Transport, drew positive attention from critics, and his design process was documented in a feature length film Eleven Minutes, which will debut in Miami. McCarroll, though, turned down the show’s prize of $100,000 to start his own fashion line in order to retain more control over his work. Neither of the other two winners so far, Chloe Dao and Jeffrey Sebelia, have made a big splash in the fashion business, although both are working designers.

McCarroll, who grew up in rural Lehmann, PA, describes himself as being “artistic” in high school and later studied fashion design at Philadelphia University. He encourages students with an interest in fashion to carry around a sketchbook or camera to document everyday inspirations. Above all, he recommends that students with an interest in fashion learn everything they can about art and fashion history, noting that “you have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re headed.”

13

March 14, 2008

SPORTS

The Merionite

Girls basketball ends its run at states Elie Peltz

Class of 2009

A team usually overlooked due to the popularity of its male counterpart arrived onto the winter sports radar this year, making a surprising run all the way to the State tournament. Finishing the season with a 21-9 record, the varsity girls basketball team completed its season with a 4332 loss to Wilson High School in the first round of States.

“It was a great accomplishment making it to States. It was one of the team’s goals this year, but no one really expected us to go that far because we are so young,” said junior Amy Woods.

Led by an extremely talented junior class, the lady Aces won several key regular season games against in and out of league opponents. Highlights included a 41-29 victory over perennial power Conestoga and a ninegame winning streak going into Districts. Juniors Molly Hanlin, Lil Carney, Alvida Clemons, Erin Knox, and Amy Woods provided the leadership on and off the court for the squad, and new additions Kiki Worku and

Sheba Hall rounded up the scoring load.

“The Juniors were very valuable this year. We were the ‘Seniors’ of the team and we all had to step up and be leaders,” said Woods.

Starting off the year, the relatively young team displayed its inexperience with several close losses, including in-league defeats that marred its chances of a Central League crown.

“Looking back to the beginning of the season, it was uncertain as to what this team could achieve. It was evident this group had a great deal of talent but we also were still very young and inexperienced.”

“That showed early on in the season as we battled through adversity and a couple of tough losses,” said coach Lauren Pellicane.

Yet by mid-season, the girls found their mark and gradually built momentum, beating teams repeatedly by double digits. By this time, the idea of a post-season run began to formalize.

“In this span of time, we learned a lot about ourselves, what we were made of and what we were capable of,” said Pellicane.

Going into Districts with an 8 seed, the team was primed to make a statement. Against first round opponent Chester, the Hanlon and Carney duo took charge, leading a team effort that included eight three pointers. The next matchup against defending District 1 champs Upper Dublin stayed close but eventually, the lady Aces pulled out with a 4641 win. With these two initial victories, the team secured the necessary two wins to qualify for States. Unfortunately, they lost the next two consolation games, obtaining the low eighth seed from District 1.

The first State opponent, district 3 Wilson, entered with a 28-3 record. After leading throughout the first quarter, Wilson gradually built a secure lead as the lady Aces struggled to score. With the final buzzer, the team’s streak came to a halt, as the season officially ended with a 43-32 loss.

“We battled throughout but just didn’t have enough to get it done,” said Pellicane.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, with no seniors on this year’s roster, every single player will return next year to a team favored to win the Central League.

“We are very optimistic for next season. We will be returning four senior starters, including three All-League players, and will probably be a favorite to win the Central League,” said Pellicane.

All things considered, the 2007-2008 experience will pay off extreme dividends for the future of LM girls basketball. Al-

though the team did not advance as far as desired in States, the year’s campaign has provided the experience and means to further improve next year.

“We got a taste of the post season this year but want to take it a few steps further and compete for a District title next season.

We will continue to set our goals high,” said Pellicane.

Photos by Jodie Eichel/ Staff

The lady Aces huddling up during a mid season game.

They finished the season 21-9.

14

March 14, 2008

The Merionite

Boys track going places with new faces Jon Blistein

Class of 2008

With spring right around the corner, the boys track team is gearing up for another competitive season in the Central League. Despite the loss of a large number of key runners to graduation last year, this year’s Aces are still optimistic about the coming season. “ We c a n c o n s i d e r t h i s a ‘rebuilding’ year,” said head coach Megan Capewell, now in her fifth season as head coach.

Capewell is hopeful though, and believes her team will be ready for their first meet on March 26 against Penncrest, another very competitive Central League team.

This year, the Aces are led by a handful of seniors and backed by a strong group of veteran runners. For the sprinters, senior Sam Agoos leads an impressive group of runners, including juniors Ezra Shapiro and Tim Reagan, who won the triple-jump at Central League Championship last year, and s o p h o m o r e Z a c h R a y, w h o placed fifth in the 110m-hurdles at Central League Championships last year as well.

Both Agoos and Reagan were among the top point scorers for the Aces last year and look to

repeat their success this year.

“We’re a young team,” said Agoos. “We have a bunch of returning runners and there’s a lot of promising new members.”

For the distance runners, juniors Neal Berman and Ben Furcht are both entering the season after fantastic indoor seasons, both posting stateranking times in the two-mile.

Along with fellow juniors Jake Perry and Andrew LeDonne, and sophomores Chris Baumohl and Julien Aoyama they form the core of the distance squad.

“We have a huge group of sophomores who are on the verge of making leaps into point-grabbing territory, with many looking to bring the strongest Cross Country season LM has seen since 1991 back to the track,” said Capewell.

F i n a l l y, s e n i o r s A a r o n Schlesinger and Mike Xu will lead the throwers, with four rookie seniors joining them, as they look to end their high school careers on a high note.

In addition to the strong runners, Capewell is having everyone try out in field events, such as long jump, high jump, and triple jump, in order to strengthen the team for this year and for the future.

“We have a lot of new kids,

and more people who are trying new events,” said Furcht.

“I still think we’ll be very competitive in the Central League.”

The biggest change to this year ’s Aces, however, is the addition of three new coaches.

Joining the coaching staff are 11 grade vice-principal Wagner Marseille, a one-time Olympic competitor who will be coaching the hurdles, English teacher J.B. Haglund, who had a very successful running career at Haverford College and will be coaching sprints, hurdles, and relays, and history teacher Jeff Cahill, who will be coaching the high jump. “ Wi t h M r. H a g l u n d , M r.

Cahill, and Mr. Marseille joining us this year we are quite confident that we will be a more rounded team, and look forward to their expertise,” said Capewell.

With new coaches, a strong group of new and returning runners, and a new season ahead of them, the Aces are ready to hit the ground running. While it may be a rebuilding year, the Aces still boast a strong squad and will look to be just as competitive this year.

“New faces in new places,” said Agoos. “That’s the motto for this season.”

SPORTS

A brief look at the LM sport stories you may have missed Squash Scores at Nationals The Harriton/Lower Merion boys squash team placed second in their divisions at the High School Team National Championships at Yale University this February. The boy’s team went into the tournament seeded at number five in Division 5 and won their first match seven games to zero against Packer Collegiate Institute, a team from Brooklyn, NY. The next day, the boy’s traveled to Choate Rosemary Hall, a private school outside of New Haven, for a grudge match against Malvern Prep. Having lost 4-3 to Malvern earlier in the season, the boy’s were determined to avenge this loss, and did so winning 6-1, with wins from seniors Alex Pizzutillo, Jon Blistein, junior Danny Greenberg, and sophomore Mark Potter. In the finals, the boys faced a tough team from the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut. Unfortunately, the boy’s came up short, loosing 4-3, with wins from Pizzutillo, Greenberg, and senior Mike Kofsky. Despite the loss, placing second in their division was the boy’s best result at Nationals in the team’s history.

Indoor Track sends runner to States With the end of the indoor schedule, the boys running program completed another successful season and another individual qualified for the State tournament. Junior Ben Furch capped off the ’07-’08 season when he reached the prestigious indoor event for his first time. With many of his fellow runners on hand, Furcht displayed his poise and speed throughout the March 1 match. He finished 11th overall in the state in the 3K, a notable accomplishment for a junior. Starting off strong with a 4:44 first mile, Furcht finished the race with an official time of 8:55.78. Even more impressive is that the first nine finishers posted U.S. Elite Team One times, some of the fastest in the nation.

Wrestling individuals succeed in post-season After an incredible regular season record, senior wrestler Anthony Fulginitti went full force into the postseason. Fulginitti started his postseason run at the Division One Sectionals where he was defeated in a 6-5 decision to wrestler Nick Ruggear from Oxford Valley High School. This would not be the final battle between the two for they would meet each other at both the District Centrals and the South East AAA Regionals.

After tasting defeat in their first meeting, Fulginitti fought hard and took the two matches in 5-0 and 8-1 decisions. From there Fulginitti moved on to the PIAA AAA State Championship Tournament, and after strong showings in the first two rounds of play, was defeated and finished in eight place. Fulginitti finished the season with an overall record of 36-4 --Compiled by the Sports Staff

Merionite’s Monthly Health Tip: Ms. Gibson Myth or Fact: Everybody should lift weights with a weight belt.

According to studies conducted by physicians and exercise physiologists, lifting weights with a weight belt is not a helpful method for everybody. Bodybuilders have long used these belts to provide low back and abdominal support when lifting heavy weights. But now they seem to be standard equipment even for many occasional weightlifters.

“Too many people wear weight belts too often,” says Joseph Warpeha, an exercise physiologist and fitness consultant. “They should only be used when you’re getting 85% to 90% of your one-repetition maximum [for example, squatting with 300 pounds of weight if you’re a man]. Most people are not working at that level.”

Unless you have a back injury or another medical reason to use the belt, says Warpeha, the level at which the average person works doesn’t require a weight belt. And it can do more harm than good.

“When the belt is on, you’re not allowing your normal core muscles to get strengthened,” he explains. “If you get used to having that belt, you go into everyday life and try to lift groceries or pick the baby up out of the car seat and you can’t do Courtsey of Google images it. You’ll never learn how to use your natural belt, your core, the abs, obliques, and spinal erectors.”

15

March 14, 2008

The Merionite

SPORTS

Softball searches for its place in a competitive league

David Faich

Photo by Dot Goldberger/ Staff

Katy Greulich cradling with the ball during a scrimmage against Sun Valley.

Lacrosse shoots for fun and restructures lineup L. Blistein/E. Peltz

Class of ‘11/’09 After an 8-11 finish last season, the girls varsity lacrosse team is back on track, hoping to overcome the obstacles that have kept them from qualifying for the playoffs in past years.

The 2007 campaign, an improvement from previous years despite not resulting in a playoff berth, included key wins early in the season over St. Hubert’s Catholic School for Girls, Upper Darby and Marple Newtown. But the team failed to capitalize late in the season, losing several disappointing matches, headlined by a harsh 13point defeat to Conestoga, and did not succeed in qualifying for the post-season.

This year’s squad has been mentally and physically preparing for the upcoming season, hoping to maintain the endurance and consistency to play its best from the first practice to the final game.

Coach Erika Baylis will return to coach the team for her second year, a blessing for a team that has changed coaches three times in just the last five years. According to former captain Nora Stabert, Baylis introduced “new plays and tactics” and a “fresh outlook” on the game. Joining her, again, will be Erin Thompson as assistant coach. In order to maintain her players’ stamina and thoroughly implement the playbook, Baylis has the team practicing heavily during preseason.

“It has been beneficial to have the girls start their workouts now,” said Baylis.

Despite losing ten players, including last year’s MVP Stabert, to graduation the team has a strong

crop of experienced players to provide the necessary leadership and talent. Catherine Sullivan, returns for another year in goal after a solid season last year, along with top players Katy Greulich and Michele Lockhart. The three seniors, goalie, defense and attack respectively, will captain the 2008 squad. Another instrumental player will be Leah Sack, a junior with a newly healed leg injury, whom Greulich praises as a “great goal scorer”, a title she also gives to co-captain Lockhart.

Greulich also expects “big things” of sophomore Julia Buckman, the only freshman to make varsity last year. JV returnees and freshmen will look to fill available roster spots.

Yet the youth and inexperience of the team is worrisome and returning players will have to provide unwavering leadership and support. With an abundance of younger players on the team, the girls will need to be close, play well together, and build camaraderie. “[With such a young team,] it’s hard to say how this season will turn out”, said Greulich.

Although not entirely confident about the prospects of playoff qualification, the team’s main goal is to steadily improve and have fun.

“We are just going to make this season fun and try to make everybody a better player,” said Lockhart.

Greulich also remains optimistic and has respectable expectations for the team: “My goal is to make lacrosse as fun as possible, help familiarize ourselves with the team, and work hard as a unit to win games.”

Goal:

Varsity Cross Country Sports: Varsity Swimming Novice Crew Make states for cross country Hobbies:

Stay at home

Quote:

“Everything happnes for a reason.”

Quote:

Senior

Bill Chinburg

Junior

Cross Country Varsity Basketball Friends and Running

Hobbies: Skiing and listening to music Spring Break Spring Break Plans: Mexico Plans:

The best athletes that LM has to offer

Michael Joseph

Freshman

Sophomore

Francis Loeb

Carolina Howland

Faces of the Aces

Sports:

“Shoot for the moon.”

last season. “We lost critical players in the outfield and we will probably have to adjust to that situation, but we still have potential.”

Last year, co-captains Britney Wakim and Elissa Hanak led the team to a 2-18 season. Wakim, a star batter, Hanak, the team’s best outfi elder, and Rachel and Maya Mosner, star hitters and fielders, all graduated.

“All of them brought great leadership and made everyone have so much fun,” said Eichel.

This year, the team’s top players include catcher Eichel and infielder Gay, and pitcher Brooke Boynton and infielder Jamie Levy, both juniors. Two strong sophomores include Kate Werder and Katie Walsh, while current freshmen include first baseman Diana Radson and third baseman Jen Ruckenstein Considering its rebuilding status, the team is not setting its goals too high.

A packed schedule against some of the area’s top teams, both in and out of league, should provide challenging opposition for the girls.

Nonetheless, the team remains spirited and hopeful for another worthwhile season. Trying to remain somewhat optimistic, the team hopes to improve upon last year’s two wins.

Class of 2008 This season is a clean slate for the varsity Softball team, with five valuable players lost in one year. However, the team’s captains and coach have high hopes.

“It’s definitely a rebuilding year,” said senior Jodie Eichel, a co-captain.

“I am confident that this year’s team will be much improved over last year’s,” said coach David Stein.

The team’s first game will be on Thursday, March 27 when they will play Strath Haven High School. The top team in the Central League, Conestoga High School, will face LM on Tuesday, April 8.

“The Central League is one of the best in the state and we are the little guys playing against giants,” said Eichel.

Preseason was held throughout the month of February, with cage hitting and infield practice. Beginning Monday, March 3, the season itself began, when tryouts took place.

“It’s not only a chance for players who haven’t played since spring to get back into shape, but also for freshmen to get noticed early by the coaching staff,” said Eichel.

“The freshman look decent,” said senior Natalie Gay, the other co-captain, who has now recovered from an injury

Sports: Goal:

Varsity Baseball JV Basketball Win the Central League

Hobbies:

Wiffle ball and mini putt

Sports:

Varsity Volleyball

Goal:

Make districts

Hobbies:

Drums and gardening

Quote:

“If you’re not first, you’re last”

Spring Break Spring Break Plans: Baseball practice and games Plans: Getting tanned Quote:

“The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.”

16

Volume 79, Issue 6

SPORTS

The Merionite

G. Basketball at States

Girls stopped at States, ending successful season.

Girls Lacrosse Takes the Field

Hoping for an enjoyable season, Girls Lax looks to rebuild.

See Girls Basketball, page 13

March 14, 2008

See Girls Lax, page 15

Boys Track Warming Up

Optimism reigns on junior-led squad.

See Boys Track, page 14

Boys lax gets early jump on competition Xinran Wang

Class of 2010

After five straight sub .500 seasons, the boys varsity lacrosse team broke its drought last season, finishing with a 11-9 record. After tasting success and a possible playoff birth, the players have returned this season hungry for further improvement and looking to build on last season’s success.

Filled with its highs and lows, the 2007 campaign was highlighted by victories over two of the top ten ranked teams in the area—Episcopal Academy and Garnet Valley.

“We took a big step forward last year and dramatically improved from the previous year,” said head coach Chet Laubach.

In order to prepare for the oncoming season, the team spent a busy off-season playing in a fall league at Radnor and a winter league at the Far Post in Oakes. The squad also trained two days a week from November through February at Athletes Advantage Training Center in Conshohocken. Leading up to the start of the season, the team had

several 5:30 AM practices in the Main Gym to further hone their skills and condition for the official first day of practice.

“As a team we have definitely been getting a lot closer; in fact, I think we are a lot closer than we were last year. We are hoping that our improved chemistry will translate onto the field,” said senior captain Marc Shaevitz.

Laubach echoed Shaevitz’s sentiments: “The early morning practices help our team bond and prove to each other how dedicated we were to growing as a team.”

Along with Shaevitz, captains George David (senior), Jake Eisenhard (junior), and Dylan Chou (senior) return with valuable and necessary experience as the season unfolds.

“Last season we had a very balanced scoring attack, where we had four 20+ goal scorers (all returning lettermen). Balanced scoring should lead to a successful season,” said Chou.

“On offense, we have a lot of good individual players,” added Chou. “But it is vital for us to work

as a unit and complement each other.

Good team defense will also lead to success.”

Despite its evident offensive weapons, the team will have to overcome the loss of three top-notch captains to graduation. While the Aces have a strong offensive unit, an inexperienced midfield and secondline must be improved. The team must also dispel its reputation for inconsistency. Last year, especially at the end of the season, the team gave away several games after leading at halftime.

Moreover, victories will not come easy this spring as the Aces again face a difficult schedule. The Central League is arguably the top lacrosse league in the state, filled with traditionally strong contenders such as Ridley, Conestoga, Radnor, and Penncrest.

The team’s out-of-league schedule is not short on powerhouses either.

Germantown Academy, Garnet Valley, Episcopal Academy, and West Chester East are just a few of the playoff teams the Aces are slated to play.

“Our strong in and out of league schedule should challenge us to

reach our potential as a team,” said Laubach, acknowledging his men are up to challenge.

With last year’s experience and double-digit win total, the team comes into this season with confidence and a desire to compete for the Central League title.

“We’re trying to fill in for those valuable seniors that we lost, so it’s going to be a bit of a rebuilding year,” said Hoopes.

“We have a few really good kids who are returning. Those kids are really going to help us out.”

LM will look to junior Hayley Hanafee, district qualifier, to lead the previously successful sprinting team. Three of the four varsity members of last years 4x400 relay are not returning, so Hanafee will try to lead a

new relay back to the highly competitive Penn Relays (where the 4x400 placed seventh overall last year). Hanafee will hopefully also prove vital in the 400 meter dash, an event which she placed first at the Central League Championship last year. Junior Taylor Hayes will also be essential; she placed fourth last year in both the 100 and 400 meter dash in the Central League and also qualified for districts.

“The team is Hayley Hanafee, and others,” proclaimed senior co-captain Jamie Goldstone.

The throwing team, which participates in the shot-put, javelin, and discus, has also sustained major losses. Besides being unable to use their discus and javelin pitches (due to the impending parking lot), three key seniors graduated last year, leaving behind a rather inexperienced bunch of throwers. The graduation of Talia Katz, cocaptain and district qualifier last year, will leave a gaping hole in this year’s throwing core. Other losses include Susie Mazzanobile and Molly McDonough.

Senior returnee, co-captain Jane Fisher, will lead the eight current throwers, of which only three have experience throwing for track.

“We lost a lot of really good people,” said Hoopes. “The kids are going to have to step up and

fill in those spots.”

“We need throwers! Come out and try throwing,” encourages Fisher.

Even though the distance team also lost many players, junior standout and district qualifier Cara Piccoli will remain a threat to LM’s competitors in both the 800 and 3200 meter runs. Many distance runners have participated in both cross country and indoor track. They will therefore have a running advantage by beginning the spring track season already in shape. LM alumna Kyra Siembieda will continue to coach the distance team.

“For distance it’s going to be a rebuilding year. Although we lost a lot of our good runners, we have some promising new members and we’re setting some high goals for ourselves,” said Piccoli.

The jumpers will be able to recover from the loss of co-captain and district qualifier, Taylor Chesnut, since senior Kayla Jones has changed her mind and decided to return to track this year. Jones placed third last year in the Central League in the triple jump and fifth in the long jump. The new high jump coach will be a familiar face, history teacher Jeffery Cahill, who has volunteered to coach for this event.

“Defeating Conestoga is a must.

Ridley and Strath Haven are both also tough teams,” said David. “Last year we knocked off Episcopal due to the performance of our defense and a strong effort on offense. Our team’s dedication and togetherness will pay off this season, I guarantee it.”

Photo by Dot Goldberger/ Staff

The team warms up on the turf for the upcoming season.

Rebuilding campaign for Girls track

Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010

The LM girls spring track team has had winning seasons for each of the past seven years.

However, with many key athletes lost to graduation, prospects for this season seem rather bleak. Since there are only eight returning seniors, out of an 85-person team, Coach Sandy Hoopes will look to a group of talented juniors to lead.

Photo by Dot Goldberger/ Staff

Girls Track sprints outdoors in preparation for the season start.

Luckily, pole vaulting has not lost any jumpers. District qualifier Goldstone will return along with volunteer coaches John Jenchura and Christina Straub.

The LM girls track team is fortunate to have former Olympic hurdler and 11th grade Assistant Principle Wagner Marseille as their new hurdles coach.

The team is looking forward to benefitting from Marseille’s experience and to improve this year’s hurdlers.

LM has won many competitions for the past seven years, but after losing so many former seniors, the team is now focusing on long term rebuilding. Facing schools such as Penncrest, Upper Darby and undefeated Strath Haven early in the season will prove to be a challenge.

“There are always some really good teams [on the schedule].

Conestoga is always good, Upper Darby always has a strong team, and Strath Haven has good distance and sprinting teams,” said Piccoli.

But Hoopes remains optimistic and hopes that underclassmen will find their place and become vital members of the team for the next years to come.

“We’re going to set our goal for .500 [percent wins], and anything above that is great,” said Hoopes.