The Merionite September Issue

The Merionite September 5, 2008

Volume 80, Issue 1

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

Bid farewell to the seventy-nine minute period Samantha Hershman

Class of 2009

As the 2008-2009 school year approaches, LM students return to the mundane autumn routines including writing four page essays, waking up to an alarm, and mixing toxic chemicals from beakers. However, the one thing that has not stayed the same is the bell schedule.

“It’s more of an adjustment than a change,” said chemistry teacher Lawrence McAfoos, who took part in the organization and planning of the new schedule. “Everything will remain largely the same except all periods will be the same length, and advisory will meet everyday.”

Over the last few years, LMHS has formed a committee of teachers, parents, students, and administrators to revise the bell schedule.

“In 2007, an agreement was reached to adopt a rotating four day cycle schedule,” said Assistant Principal Wagner Marseille. “At first there was some confusion, but as the year progressed I believe we adapted well [to the changes]. However, many of our students and teachers did have some reservations regarding the inconsistent rotation of minutes allocated to each class.”

Because the 2007-2008 schedule included classes lasting anywhere from 45 to 79 minutes, the committee decided to meet once again to alter period lengths to increase the efficiency of the use of class time.

Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff

“We don’t want to have the eliminate any programs we had last year,” said Project Manager Jim Lill. As the school year begins, LM students can expect to see big changes as the old building comes down and the new building begins to take shape. This summer, construction began on the new LM, and the first thing to go was the Ardmore Annex. In the coming weeks, students can expect to hear a lot of noise as the foundation of the Annex is removed. However, air conditioning units have been installed in all the classrooms that face the construction area. For more information on construction, see News-in-Brief on page 3.

See New Schedule, page 4

All parking moved to Arnold Field lot Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010 The construction continues to impact student life as all student drop off and staff parking moves to the new parking lot on Arnold Field. The parking lot was built last spring to create new parking for visitors and staff once the parking lot behind the school was demolished. As a result of the new parking lot LM reconstructed the intersection by the main entrance of the school, adopted a new traffic pattern, and will not offer any student parking.

“Substantial progress has happened over the summer,” said Project Manager Jim Lill in a video entitled Ride Along with the Principal. “[LM administration] reviewed this

in detail with the township staff and we’ve also been working in conjunction with the police traffic safety unit.”

LM mailed a letter home to families over the summer that described the new drop off patterns. Cars are no longer allowed to pick up students next to the auditorium or drop off students along Owen road, next to the demolished Annex, due to construction. The parking lot in the front of the school will now be used exclusively for handicap and Administration Building employee parking.

LM has placed signs as well as campus aides in the Arnold Field parking lot to help direct the new traffic patterns. “[Parking patterns] are very well planned and if people follow the patterns there

Photo by Esther Hoffman/ Staff

Over the summer the new Arnold Field parking lot became fully operational. Due to the construction, the lot will serve as the only place for faculty to park.

shouldn’t be any congestion this year at pickup and drop-off,” said Assistant Principal Marcy Hockfield.

Also, a video entitled Ride Along with the Principal was posted on lmsd.org to illustrate the traffic changes. In Ride Along with the Principal, Hockfield, Lill, and Principal Sean Hughes videotaped themselves demonstrating the new traffic routine. The administration feels optimistic towards the adjustment of the new drop off patterns.

“Once this system is in place we do expect it to work very effectively and quickly at pickup and drop-off,” said Lill.

Still, many are skeptical towards the new driving patterns despite the administrations best efforts to provide a smooth transition.

“I absolutely think the new parking patterns are confusing but hopefully parents will abide by the new rules and everybody will adjust to the new routine,” said parent Maria Kozak.

“The new system is not going to work, there are way too many people and it will make drop-off chaotic,” said junior Jenny Haines. “I think people will continue to stop on Montgomery Avenue even though they will get a ticket.”

Parking lot aide Dennis Violetti claims that parents have attempted to bribe their way into the handicapped area.

“You may not believe this, but today I had two different parents offer to pay me to allow them to drop their kid off in the handicapped parking lot. They offered me fifty dollars.” said Violetti.

Violetti, who has been facilitating the

new parking lot since the summer, hopes people accept the new policy for the good of the school.

“Safety is our number one concern here.

All of these regulations are in place to protect the students,” said Violetti. “People do not like change in general and this will be a difficult adjustment. But, hopefully people just follow the rules and everyone will soon get used to the new parking lot.”

While the parking lot creates many changes to student drop off patterns, it has not helped the parking permit situation.

According to a letter sent home over the summer there is still no student parking available at LM, and for this year, there are no more parking permits available.

“There is no room available in the new parking lot for student parking and the permit program has been suspended by the township commissioner until early October,” said Hughes. “In October the township will assess the situation regarding construction and then decide whether or not to reinstate the parking permit program.”

If the permit program is allowed to continue, student government will most likely organize the distribution of the 42 permits.

“I see no reason why there should not be student parking,” said student government sponsor Lynne Freeland.

The new parking lot illustrates just one of the many changes to occur at LM during construction. But, the administration intends to work hard to facilitate a pleasant transition for the student body and staff.

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September 5, 2008

NEWS

New LM, same Hughes Sivahn Barsade Class of 2010

As the 2008-2009 school year begins, LM faces many changes, including welcoming the new principal, Sean Hughes. While Hughes is not stranger to LM after working here since the mid 90’s, he is very excited to begin his tenure as LM’s principal. Hughes worked his way up through the ranks at LM, assuming four different roles during his time here. He began as a teacher and assistant athletic director and then graduated to director of athletics and activities. In 2005 Hughes joined the class of 2008 as the tenth grade assistant principal and continued with them until their graduation last spring. The Merionite was fortunate enough to sit down with Hughes to discuss his goals for the coming year, the origin of the “Huuuughes” slogan and what keeps him up at night.

The Merionite: Why did you decide to apply for the position of principal?

Hughes: I originally did not apply because I wanted to take the class of 2008 through graduation. I decided it was time to get some stability and I was looking for another career change within this building.

TM: How did the ‘Huuuughes’ slogan orginate?

H: Well, as athletic director I did the afternoon announcements and a student came up with the name ‘Huuuughes News Review’ and it just sort of stuck.

TM: What are your goals for the coming year?

H: This is a transitional year, and we plan to maintain each and every program we have. I want to continue to encourage

Photo courtesy of LMSD.org

At the end of the 2007-2008 school year Lower Merion School District launched a new District website. The updated website features a new LMSD Search engine to aid navigation of the website.

Schools now have individual webpages containing news and events unique to each school. personalization and collaboration with faculty. We care about your character because even though high school is a stressful time the most important thing is your character once you leave LM. TM: What keeps you up at night?

H: Well my four month old baby kept me up for a while. Also, I’m always thinking of new ideas and I stay up at night trying to come up with ways to make LM even better.

Library offers chilly welcome to new year Hana Rouse

Class of 2010 Over the summer the LM library underwent several changes, including the installation of effective air-conditioning and the addition of several new MacBooks.

In order to satisfy guidelines established for construction, the school installed six large air conditioning units over library windows.

“In the construction process the requirements are that any rooms facing construction need airconditioning to keep out dirt and noise,” explained librarian Pamela McGlone.

“Last year air-conditioners were approved for the library.”

The library is located directly over the cafeteria and kitchen, and without air-conditioning the room used to become extremely hot, especially during the summer months.

“I remember the library becoming so unbearably hot that I couldn’t concentrate,” said junior Connie Hua. “A lot of people complained about the heat,” McGlone confirmed. “It was so hot that people used to fall asleep, and some people simply couldn’t work in here. I’ve been here 15 years and it’s always been very hot.”

McGlone hopes that the new, colder environment will encourage more students to utilize the library’s resources.

“Now the library is a cool and com-

fortable place to read and study quietly.”

“I am a huge fan of the air-conditioning since it will help make [the library] comfortable for the students,” said LM principle Sean Hughes. “I am glad we were able to get this accomplished over the summer and I hope everyone appreciates

TM: What qualities would you want in your ‘ideal’ student?

H: A lot of that relates back to the character. I would love to have students who are kind, have integrity, have a good sense of humor, somebody who is very respectful. I think that really defines a person and what we would want representing us.

TM: What is one thing would you like LM students to know about you?

H: My door is always

open. I’m a big believer in listening and learning. Hopefully I can be a big part of their four year journey. I hope the students know that every faculty member here will go to the highest degree to help everybody achieve in every aspect. You only have four years at LM and I don’t want students to look back hating these four years. I want students to look back and think, wow that was a pretty good time.

LMHS welcomes new Assistant Principal Liz Jacobs

Class of 2010

Glenn Scott Kilpatrick joins Photo by Liz Jacobs/Staff the LM community this year as tenth grade assistant principal, A Philadelphia-area native, Kilpatrick is excited to be filling the post of former assistant back near his family and to join the LM Community. principal Sean Hughes. Kilpatrick challenges LM faces in the upcoming years will follow the class of 2011 through their and wants to provide the support necessary junior and senior years before taking on the for a smooth transition between buildings responsibilities of the class of 2014. and traditions.

Kilpatrick hopes to interact with many “Although I didn’t get a chance to spend sophomores in and out of the classroom this time at LM before construction began, I year and prepare them for their junior year. realize there is a lot of tradition here that’s He would like to help them to get the most not going to die. We need to find a role for out of high school, encouraging involve- it in the new school,” said Kilpatrick. “The Photo by Esther Hoffman/ Staff ment in activities and the school community. class of 2011 may be the first senior class in Kilpatrick worked as a guidance counselor the new building, and that’s a big change for the comfortable environment.” before becoming an Assistant Principal, an everyone.”

Air-conditioners were also installed experience that he says continues to influence After receiving his bachelors’ degree at in the cafeteria, as well as in any other his interest in and concern for the well-being West Virginia University and his masters’ at classrooms facing the construction. of students.

Frostburg State University, Kilpatrick spent a In addition to new air-conditioning, the “I want to make sure they have the best year working on a youth tobacco prevention library also received 15 new MacBook experience possible. I always tell students campaign in West Virginia with Americorps. laptops, replacing the old Dell laptops, and high school is the best four years of their life,” He worked as a social studies teacher and supplementing the 16 still present PCs. said Kilpatrick. guidance counselor before becoming an asFreshmen social studies teacher MiHe sees himself as a laid-back leader who sistant principal. He has spent the past five chael Moyer used to teach in the now is not easily stressed or frazzled, but meticu- years as an assistant principal at Lansdowne demolished Annex, but will now occupy lous when it comes to presentation, stressing High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. the old library classroom, which was the importance of impressions and profes- Kilpatrick is originally from the Coatsville equipped with new desks and classroom sionalism. He hopes to help LM continue to area and is happy to be living closer to his supplies. present itself at a high-level to the community family.

A shipment of 1100 new books is at large. “[Kilpatrick] is a great asset to our high also scheduled to arrive by the end of Because Kilpatrick has lived through school and we are pleased to have him join our September. renovations at other schools, he recognizes the high school community,” said Hughes.

September 5, 2008

The Merionite Don Walsh replaces Eveslage as Athletics Director Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010 LM hired Don Walsh to replace former Activities and Athletics director Scott Eveslage, who assumed the role of Assistant principal at Cheltenham High School.

Walsh joins LM from North Penn High School where he was an assistant principal for four years.

“I have a strong belief that Athletics and Activities help make a well rounded student. Both were large parts of my educational experience. The position of Athletic/Activities Director will allow me to work with coaches and advisors to extend these opportunities to the students of LM.” said Walsh.

Walsh faces many difficulties during his initial year at LM. The pool was demolished due to construction, so swim/gym and life guarding courses will not be offered this year and the LM swim and diving team is without a pool to practice or compete in. Walsh intends to work with the community and other schools to find a pool for LM swimmers.

“Each [sports team] can do better, [and] I want to talk to each of the coaches and see what their goals are for their particular program. I’ll work with them on achieving those goals,” said Walsh to the Main Line Times.

“We want to develop not only the physical skills of the athletes, but also their leadership and citizenship skills.”

Walsh attended LaSalle University after graduating from North Photo by Esther Hoffman/ Staff Penn High School in 1994. He left “Mr. Ferguson, the Athletic/Activities LaSalle with a degree in elementary Director at Harriton, and I are working with and special education and went to work at a local school to secure the needed space and Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School from time for swim season,” said Walsh.

1998 until 2000. Walsh then transferred to Other obstacles include a general lack of North Penn High School to work as a teacher fields due to construction , requiring athletes and assistant athletic director. to be bussed to alternative locations.

Walsh is an avid swimmer and primar“Transportation is going to be our biggest ily swam backstroke at LaSalle University. challenge , in addition to scheduling facilities Walsh then coached the boy’s swim team at for athletics and activities,” said Walsh. “We Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School. want to make sure we are best utilizing our Walsh is excited to begin the year at LM stadium, the Downs Gym, large group areas, and anticipates a successful athletic year. and community fields.”

Summer successes for LM Tech Club Hana Rouse

Class of 2010 Over the summer LM’s Technology Student Association (TSA) students attended the 30th national TSA conference in Orlando, Florida. Dawgma and the FIRST Robotics Team also shined at a one-day Vex Robotics conference in Wilmington, Delaware.

LM TSA Attends National Conference in Florida

Photo courtesy of LMSD.org

The national TSA conference, which took place from LM students collaborated with MOE 365 from Delaware to cohost a one day team-building workshop, during which American June 28 through July 2, consisted of five days of camaand Irish students teamed up to modify robots for a competition. raderie and competition. The annual event featured over sixty competitive events, as well as a leadership conference, speeches, and a fair demonstrating various new technological of community service efforts. TSA and FIRST members develproducts from top American companies. oped a “Portable Inspiration” workshop that brings technological LM TSA finished in the top ten in seven events: Cyberspace Purprinciples to elementary school students. suit, Agriculture and Biotechnology Design, Chapter Team, Prepared “We developed [Portable Inspiration] to expose them to STEM Presentation, Radio Controlled Transportation, and SciViz. – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said PiIn addition to individual achievements, the LM Chapter as a whole otrowski. won the Chapter Excellence Award for Pennsylvania, an honor which Students from TSA and FIRST brought the workshop to three technology teacher and club advisor Mark Piatrowski described in an different elementary schools over the past year. interview to the Main Line Times as “a prestigious award given to Students also helped raise money for a TSA advisor whose one chapter a year. It demonstrates the students’ awareness that the daughter came down with cancer. true purpose of technology is to improve our school, community, and The convention featured a leadership conference focused on the world at large.” developing leadership skills, which Piotrowski described as ex“I know the officers and advisors worked extremely hard last year tremely beneficial. and they deserve this recognition,” said 2008-2009 club treasurer “The leadership conference gave students the opportunity to Laura Sokil. develop leadership skills not only in TSA, but in all areas of life.”

Members of LM’s technology club have participated in a number

LM’s Dawgma Co-hosts Technology Workshop in Delaware

On July 11 seven members of LM’s Dawgma team cohosted Delaware’s Ulster Project, a one-day program focused on promoting a global interest in technology and smoothing cultural tensions through a day of technological alliance.

Forty students from Northern Ireland attended the event, 20 of whom were Protestant and the other 20, Catholic.

Conflict between the two groups has long been a part of Irish politics, and the conference was partially aimed at easing these tensions.

American high school technology students acted as mentors to small groups of Irish students. The teams were challenged to modify the design of a VEX squarebot to compete in a game challenge.

“We walked [the Irish students] through building a simple robot, and then they built their own mechanisms on the robots and competed,” said junior Delia Votsch. “It was so much fun to meet them, and really interesting to hear about Ireland.”

Juniors Deila Votsh, Sylvia Herbert, and Brenna Ross, senior Petra Hartman, and former LM students Chuck Glick and Zac Cohen, represented LM. This is the first year that Dawgma from Lower Merion has participated in the event, and plans for future participation are currently in the works.

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NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF Introduction of laptops delayed an additional year

Due to challenges created by construction, implementation of the One-to-One Laptop initiative, originally intended to begin this year, has been delayed until the 2009-2010 school year at LM. Laptops will be distributed at Harriton this year as scheduled.

Concerns over storage of student laptops caused administrators to delay the plan for an additional year at LM. As construction of the new high school has required the demolition of multiple classrooms, all available rooms will have to be utilized for classrooms. This lack of space makes safe storage of laptops difficult.

During physical education classes and additional free periods, students would not have a secure place to store their laptops in the current facilities.

As a result, execution of the plan is now divided into two phases. Phase I consists of distributing laptops to Harriton students this coming year. LM students will likely receive their laptops during the 2009-2010 school year as part of Phase II. Harriton’s larger grounds allowed construction to proceed with minimal interruption to classes, and the new school should be completed in about a year.

Also, the new schedule was easily incorporated at Harriton and had little impact on students. Administrators therefore believe it will be easier to implement the plan at Harriton.

Administrators also hope that the delay will make students and teachers better prepared for the change once laptops are introduced. In a letter addressed to LM parents, former superintendent Jamie Savedoff explained, “We want the students and staff to realize the full benefit of this initiative and we will be working with them during the 2008 - 2009 school year to make sure that everything is in place and ready to go for the 2009 - 2010 school year.”

The hope is that once the laptops are distributed they will create a 21st century learning environment and provide all students with modern technology resources to enhance the educational experience.

--Hana Rouse, ‘10

As LM students enjoyed the summer, the construction began on the new school. The Annex has mostly been demolished and the foundation of the new building is beginning to be built.

As the Annex was taken down, the construction crew separated the used materials from the school, like steel and ceiling tiles, to recycle and send back to the manufactures for some profit. People often associate the demolition process with a wrecking ball, but the process is much more controlled and organized than that.

However, the foundation of the Annex is still in place, and getting rid of this part is not as methodical. As school starts, the construction crew will be demolishing the foundation, leading to a lot of noise from the jack hammers and other equipment. This could cause some disruption as LM students and staff begin the school year.

To deal with the noise, dust, and disruption, all the classrooms that face the construction zone, as well as the cafeteria and library, have had window air conditioning units installed.

The District has also been working to make sure that all the programs available last year at LM will still be in place this coming year depite construction. The areas that have been most affected by the construction are athletics and physical education. For gym classes, students will use the treadmills and stationary bicycles located in old classrooms and meeting rooms, as well as the old student lounge in the tech building for yoga. Athletic teams have also already started making compromises--practicing in new locations as well as playing games on fields and in gyms at different District schools.

As students and staff adapt to the new situation, construction will move forward. The construction this year will mostly involve building the foundation and starting to put up walls. Steel is expected to enter the picture next fall, as the building begins to take shape.

While the new LM will be completed for the fall of 2010, the demolition of the current building will not be completed until 2012, which is when the construction process will finally be over.

--Carolyn Chou, ‘09

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September 5, 2008

NEWS

The Merionite

The New Faces of LM

A quick introduction to our new teachers

Photo courtesy of Doug Young

Subject: English Background: “I found out that I wanted to teach in graduate school, but have been studying English since declaring English as a major in my sophomore year of college. I have always loved reading and having discussions about many different types of literature, and have found that teaching students to write has given them a strong foundation for much of the work they will do at higher levels of learning.”

Jodie Ferguson

Kimberly Fedchak

Subject: Mathematics Experience: ‘01-’07 Russian --Swarthmore College; ‘07’08 Math--Radnor HS Background: “When I was in second grade I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. My parents were both teachers, though, and so I was probably influenced by their love of teaching.”

Subject: French Background: “I was raised in a bilingual home by parents who were both language teachers, attended a bilingual elementary school and completed my M. A. degree in Paris on a fellowship from the French Government at Middlebury College Graduate School.

I love the forward-thinking energy of students and I want to share the joy of not only being able to communicate fluently in French, but show the relevance of language acquisition to expand career options and enhance futures.”

Subject: Reading Specialist Education: BA history- Bryn Mawr College; MS Ed Reading, Writing and LiteracyUniversity of Pennsylvania Teaching Experience: After spending 3 months at Community Academy of Philadelphia tutoring and student teaching, Ferguson is now a LTS Reading Specialist

Myra Rios

Subject: Physics Education: BS Electrical Engineering, MA Secondary Education Teaching Experience: Elder has taught Physics for 12 years.

Marguerinte Nestel

Subject: Guidance Counselor Background: “I graduated from the University of Delaware where I majored in Psychology and Linguistics. Since graduating, I have coached swimming, and my last two years of experience have been working with special needs students. Most recently, I have worked at Child Guidance Resource Centers where I was an Assistance Director to a summer school program for 2 years. I completed my professional internship at LMHS in the 2006/2007 school year, and I am very excited to be back!”

Subject: Chemistry Work History: Started at Easton Area HS as a Chemistry/ Environmental Science teacher; worked as Quality Control chemist before returning to Chichester High School.

Cronin has taught for eight years.

Scott Olster

Patrick Cronin Aileen Hower

Subject: Special Education Education: West Chester University Teaching Experience: 8 years at Abington Jr. HS as an ES/LS teacher

Mervyn Elder

Michael Borsch Katelin Hoffman

Profiles by Sammi Hershman, ‘09 Photos by Liz Jacobs and Esther Hoffman, ‘09

Subject: Math Education: BA Economics— University of Connecticut; Masters of Education— Cabrini Teaching Experience: 1 year Sacred Heart Middle School, 1 year Upper Darby High School

Subject: Spanish Background: “I always had an interest in the Spanish language and the cultures and countries where Spanish is spoken but wasn’t considering a teaching career. I was given an opportunity to try my hand at teaching in the Philadelphia School District and absolutely loved it. It was then that I realized I wanted to teach my passion and went on to get certified to teach Spanish.”

LM community unites to create new schedule From New Schedule, page 1

“We tried to listen to the complaints that the majority expressed over the new schedule, while still keeping the elements that worked well,” said committee member, junior Anna Meneged. “The complaints were generally concerning the long periods, uneven distribution of class time, and academic advisory.”

“The [committee] members wanted more consistency in the schedule,” said Marseille. “All of our classes will be 55 minutes long which will benefit both student learning and teacher preparation.”

“There will still be three lunches,” said Meneged. “Each is 30 minutes long so that the class over lunch will be an hour long, although five minutes passing time may be allotted.”

Once the class lengths were unified,

the committee worked to improve both Connections and Academic advisories.

“Last year we had advisory on a two day cycle--Connections Advisory which met on ‘C’ days and Academic Recovery advisory that met on ‘A’ days,” said Marseille.

However, many problems accompanied last year’s advisories, including students not signing up, and students either wandering around or even leaving campus.

To resolve these issues, advisory will meet at the end of the day from 2:15 to 2:40 on all four letter days. “The [Connections] advisory period is moved to “A” days,” said Assistant Principal Doug Arnold. “The other three days have a recovery period where students can meet with teachers to get extra help. By putting the recovery period at the end of the day

three out of four days, students should have more access to their teachers.”

“I think that having extra academic advisories is a great idea,” said senior Sarah Perlman. “Now, students who need extra help can get it. It’s very useful.”

Not only will the advisory provide extra time for meeting with teachers to receive academic help and for strengthening the relationship between students and staff, it will also generate other positive effects.

“Having advisory at the end of the day means that students leaving early for athletics or other reasons won’t be missing class,” said McAfoos.

“By having a 30 minute academic advisory at the end of the day, we hope to enforce some type of eligibility rule so that academically outstanding students may

be able to leave campus,” said Meneged.

“However, teachers will have the power to sign up any students they feel needs to attend their advisory and detentions will be given to students who skip this advisory.”

“I think it’s good that we can leave early, especially if you have other things to do,” said senior Karley Cohen. “It makes more time for other responsibilities like jobs, homework, sports, or Players.”

“I am very excited for the new schedule,” said Meneged. “A lot of long afternoons and hard planning went into making sure this schedule better met the needs of students than it did last year. I think everyone will appreciate the elimination of the confusion that took place during advisory and, of course, the dreaded 79 minute period.”

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September 5, 2008

The Merionite EDITORIAL

A fun-sized Lower Merion

As we all enter this new school year, there are some obvious differences—we refer, of course, to the annex-shaped void in our hearts and minds. Sure we have one-third the gym space of previous years.

Sure there is a glaringly ugly pile of rocks to greet us every morning as we use an auxiliary school entrance. Sure only a minority of current students will reap the benefit of this construction. But we must always remember the words of Friedrich Nietzsche: “Character is determined more by the lack of certain experiences than by those one has had”—those experiences we’re not having? A normal school year.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re going to have an abysmal school year. It simply means that we’re going to have a different sort of school year. Limited gym space necessitates more creativity to achieve the variety that LM gym classes have had in the past. In order to achieve this, the administration has reserved several additional rooms for PE purposes. Rather than doing yoga in the wrestling room, students will reach a state of inner peace in old lounges. If you want to work on your guns, you’ll be redirected to the health rooms. Indeed, the administration has done a nice job with accommodating our mandatory physical fitness needs in this new “fun-sized” Lower Merion.

But what about the teachers, you ask? Well, we’re not getting trailers. Just as they have in the past, teachers will be tag-teaming their classroom time. Now, this may seem potentially problematic, but this kind of teaching-in-tandem has been going on at LM for years. The only difference is now departments other than the sciences and languages are going to have to join the club.

And it’s not just the teachers that are going to have to pal up. The entire student body is going to find itself in tight corners. Hey, but if those old-timer administration types have found ways to work with this new, streamlined Lower Merion, then we certainly can thrive in it as well. And we may just learn something in the process. Neurologists say that when people are together in tight, stressful situations, they develop a bond together that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

So let’s think of this new “party mix” Lower Merion as a chance to party with our school spirit and get closer with one another--literally.

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 Carolyn Chou, ‘09 Liz Jacobs, ‘09 Managing Editor Emma Saltzberg, ‘09 News Editors Sivahn Barsade, ‘10 Samantha Hershman, ‘09 Hana Rouse, ‘10 Op-Ed Editors JC Chou, ‘09 Ethan Cohen, ‘09 Niklas Thompson, ‘09 Features Editors Hannah Goldberg-Morse, ‘10 Bina Peltz, ‘10 Jessica Scolnic, ‘09 Arts & Entertainment Editors

Sophia Hirsch, ‘09 Jenny Smolen, ‘09 Hannah Weilbacher, ‘10

Sports Editors Elie Peltz, ‘09 Xinran Wang, ‘10 Corinne Zucker, ‘09 Layout Editor Sam Blum, ‘09 Graphics/ Noah Zuares, ‘10 Web Editor Business Marissa Presser, ‘09 Manager Photo Editor Esther Hoffman, ‘09 Copy Editors Isaac Lindy, ‘10 Emily Sorensen, ‘10 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.

Editorial/Letters Letters to the Editor

School spirit is where it’s at Dear Students of Lower Merion,

Welcome to the new school year! This year will be a different year for the student body than any year in the past. With demolition of the Ardmore Annex and construction of the new building under way, space will be limited and the hallways will feel crowded. As student government, we feel that it is more important now than ever to build school unity. You might get sick and tired of the crowds, but just remember that we are all going through the same thing. Let’s strive to stay positive.

This year, student government has plans to even make you forget about the masses of people and focus instead on the fun school activities surrounding you. First of all, the school dance on Friday the 5th will be a great opportunity to meet new people and have a great time with your classmates. We are also excited about the upcoming athletic seasons as boys soccer looks to make playoffs and possibly a state championship. Coming out and supporting all of you fall sport teams is just another way to build spirit throughout the school and build a stronger Lower Merion community.

As a final note, we hope that everyone here knows that everyone else at Lower Merion is happy to help you with any issues you may have, whether it be a question about where the futures center is or whether to get chicken or a hoagie at lunch, someone will be able to answer you and help you out. The upcoming school year will be a great one, with the help of some spirit and a student government that promises to make this year as seamless and worry-free for the student body as possible.

Thank you and have a great year!

John, Ari, Josh, Betty, and Dan Student Council Officers

Let’s start this year off with a bang Hey Lower Merion!

I hope everyone has made it through the first week of school! I can’t believe I am a Senior since it seems like just yesterday, I was a naïve freshman. Throughout the summer, your senior class has been working hard planning fundraisers and school events. First on the calendar is the Back to School Dance, this Friday the 5th. Without a doubt, this will start the school year off with a bang! The more who attend, the more fun it will be. Other things to look forward to this year are the sale of the Dawg Pound shirts, the 2nd annual Powder Puff Football Game, and the always exciting Radnor Week/Homecoming Weekend.

Amidst all the construction the senior class, along with Student Council want to work extra hard to bolster school spirit and keep it high this whole year. In their season opener, the LM football got the ball rolling when they trounced Prep Charter, earning their first win in two years!

They need our continued support as do the other sports teams, players, and clubs. To make the most of your high school experience, I encourage you all to get involved! Go Aces!

See ya around,

Amy Woods Senior Class President

6

September 5, 2008

OP-ED

The Merionite

For king and country? Global citizenship

The character of any epoch can be easily related to the forms of communication and transportation that help shape it—from the advent of the wheel and language that brought Niklas Thompson us civiliClass of 2009 zation in prehistory, to the telegraph and railroad that precipitated the American industrial revolution. We live in an age of instant gratification. These days, with the aid of technologies like the Internet, our reach knows no bounds.

The ease with which the average individual in the developed world can learn about nearly any topic, hold international conversations, travel abroad, and even affect change in underdeveloped areas is really amazing. For in-

stance, there are Internet services like Kiva.org that allow any individual in the developed world to give loans to people trying to start an enterprise in underdeveloped countries. That kind of international exchange would have been impossible even as recent as 30 years ago.

I don’t what to sound like some starry-eyed idealist, but we are, all of us, truly global citizens. If you want proof, just look at the issues that are dominant in our political arena. We are concerned about genocide in Sudan and war in Iraq, and even our domestic issues, like energy, take on an international hue as we push towards sustainability. In fact, I can think of only one thing that prevents us from achieving the kind of utopian vision that idealists peddle—nationalism.

Now, personally, I don’t consider myself any more of an “American” than I consider my-

self Chinese. Really, “American” is just a convenient label; I would rather be characterized by my actions than by my citizenship. This attitude,

however, is not the norm. I know plenty of people who are self-described patriots. People, who given the chance, would risk the loss

of substantial comfort in the name of their country. I’m not saying that such patriotism is inherently bad. We should not confuse pride in one’s country for nationalism.

Pride does not prevent us from helping those in need, nor does it give us false justification for selfish acts. But no one can deny that nationalism has bred evil in the past. Consider British imperialism, postWWI Germany, the Cold war, and Vietnam.

The world would be a much more easy-going place without the forces of nationalism giving justification to the ridiculous. Take, for example, the current tension between the U.S. and Russia as a result of the planned missile defense system in Poland. I can see no reason at all for Russia’s disapproval over the defense grid—it’s meant to defend Poland

from low-grade missiles, which would come from small, unstable areas. The system wouldn’t be able to defend Poland from more advanced missiles, and it’s not as though it would even be in Russia’s interest to attack Poland— so why the controversy? Are we still in the cold war? Obviously not, so the explanation for the current tension lies rather with national pride, with the endless tug-of-war between the U.S. and Russia for super-power status.

We have made progress, though. Civilization has evolved from its beginning as disparate city-states to major international alliances like the EU—much in the way single-celled organisms amalgamated over time to form larger organisms, each type of cell working harmoniously alongside the next. But in order to achieve true harmony, we must cast aside our vestigial nationalism. Much like the recently concluded Olympics, we need to come together as human beings, without consideration for politics or patriotism, but rather with pride for human achievement.

Wait, I took what last year?

Knowledge in parts doesn’t teach understanding as a whole

Hey you, you’ve just made it through your first week of school. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Go ahead.

Do it.

You’ve made it through the first week of new classes, new teachChou Chou ers, and Class of 2009 new classmates. But there’s also something liberating about new things too. New means a chance to start something fresh. Indeed, the beginning of school is a fun time. Forget about geometry, because now you’re taking Algebra 2. Or forget about chemistry, because now you’re in physics. Lower Merion and schools throughout the United States organize their classes in this way, one subject after another each year—block by block. It’s certainly neat, having one chunk of notes follow another, like pictures in an exhibition. But this makes classes easy to finish and forget. We move from picture to picture, pushed to something new while we forget what we just saw. It also chops classes into disconnected islands. And for the math and

science classes especially, we lose the opportunity to see that everything fits together as its own painting.

Our curriculum structure clips classes at clearly defined beginnings and endings. Classes start each September and they end each June with a final or an SAT subject test. They are isolated, individual entities.

Once we go through a year of a course, we end it, we throw out the notes. Once we exit into summer after finals, these subjects similarly exit our minds. With geometry, we spend a whole year studying just rectangles and triangles and then don’t go back to it. Who can remember all those theorems from geometry after a whole summer? With math classes especially, once they sit unused in our brains, they quickly get forgotten.

The same is true for sciences.

After summer passes all those chemistry electron

dot structures and what not just slip away with the August breeze. Like an instrument or a sport, these academic disciplines have to be practiced, in a way, to be at the tip of our fingers.

Summer assignments aren’t enough. They might keep those disciplines fresh for the summer, but what about when school starts again and we start new classes? Math Analysis comes in and replaces Algebra 2. We take biology, forget about it and jump into chemistry. As classes stand--as separate, disconnected single year endeavors--they quickly

get learned but then too easily get forgotten.

But so what? What if we forget our math or science?

If we’re done the course, and we’ve taken the tests, why would we need to remember that stuff? But as separate entities, we don’t get to see our math and science classes as their true intertwined web of ideas either. As we divide classes into separate yearlong endeavors, our knowledge of academics similarly gets cut into separate, isolated chunks and parts. Rather, we should see geometry, algebra, calculus, physics, biology and chemistry as parts of an integrated whole. These disciplines pop up within one another all the time.

Calculus rides on top of geometry.

Chemistry parties out loud with physics. And biology basically relies on

everything. With the way we structure our classes today, however, these connections don’t get emphasized.

What other way is there?

We can’t take every class at the same time after all. In Lebanon’s schools, however, that’s just what some students do. Students take geometry, algebra, calculus, chemistry, physics, and biology all at the same time.

Rather than make each of these classes its own separate entity, students take a little bit of each subject each year. Maybe some angles, limits, and gas law action one year, and then triangles, integrals and equilibriums the next. This way, ideas stay fresh. Biology or geometry doesn’t fall from memory over the summer, because it comes up again every year. And in this way, students retain information at their fingertips so they can explore those connections.

Our own schools should emulate this structure.

Classes shouldn’t be little self-contained islands. They shouldn’t be like apples that can be eaten and thrown away.

Instead we should emphasize how all we learn fits together in a holistic fruit salad of knowledge.

Delicious.

7

September 5, 2008

The Merionite

OP-ED

A picture is worth 561 words Lower Merion needs a photography class.

We have all these computer classes, and all these art classes, yet we don’t have the basic, classic high school elective.

Any school with pride teaches photography. And I don’t mean a class where we learn how to use PhotoShop and make our pictures look like Andy Warhol printed them. I mean a class in Ethan Cohen Class of 2009 which we take cameras with film and we develop pictures in a dark room. I want a class in which we learn about correct lighting and overexposures. I want a class in which we learn how to utilize a telephoto lens. Photography with film is becoming a lost art, and by no longer offering the class, Lower Merion is aiding in its extinction.

Photography will be useful in the future.

When we’re older, chances are that we will want to take photos, and even if someone has a super-high-tech six hundred dollar digital camera, knowing how to correctly set up a

shot will help. If people want to take picIt is also among the more welcoming art tures on their family vacations, family photos classes, because students with barely any look a lot better when they have the black faded outline of a Holga camera. I might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that the average Lower Merion student is not going to make metal art in the future, but will probably take his or her fair share of photos.

With the popularity of Facebook at Lower Merion, there are a whole lot of high schoolers taking photographs. I can guarantee that if we had a photography class, Facebook profiles would suddenly look a lot better. No more pictures of a bunch of hugging Sarah Francis, Class of 1999, in honor teenagers with their foreof Gladys Freedman heads cut off and eyes that look like vampires’.

Imagine seeing a well framed double ex- artistic ability could learn easily and have posure shot as a profile photo. Don’t know success. With other art classes, there are the what a double exposure is? That’s be- average students and the gifted students, but cause we don’t have a photography class. with photography, students start on a much

more even playing field. Coming out of middle school there are the kids who clearly have artistic talent and those who don’t.

There aren’t many budding amateur photographers in eighth grade. More students with little artistic background would feel comfortable joining a photography class and they would get a chance to develop artistically.

With all the other visual art class electives we have at Lower Merion, photography would be a logical addition. If students took photography along with art classes, the result could be amazing works of multimedia. Having a photography class could give the art department justification for buying a silk-screening press. The Lower Merion art department has splendorous teachers and gifted students, but could use a little more outfitting. A photography class would be a step in the right direction.

In thinking about the possibilities of a photography class, my thoughts go to an art piece hanging in the first floor hallway, between the bathrooms and the auditorium lobby. It was created by Sarah Francis, Class of 1999, in honor of her art teacher Gladys Freedman.

The piece is a combination of photo negatives, silk-screening, and painting. It is the physical manifestation of what could come out of an art department with photography.

Bejing 2008; When journalism goes bad The 2008 Beijing Olympics were marked by outstanding athletic performances, exorbitant spending by the Chinese government, and countless hours of coverage by NBC and its affiliate channels. Normally, as an Olympic enthusiast, I would praise NBC for accepting the challenge of broadcasting almost every OlymIsaac Lindy Class of 2010 pic event at all hours of the day, including synchronized swimming and BMX biking. While the coverage of the actual sporting events was thorough and satisfying to the Olympic-obsessed eye, the post-event interviews were appalling, and often appeared to be insulting and embarrassing for the athletes.

Although I’m almost positive that this is not the first Games during which NBC conducted immediate post-event interviews with the athletes, this is the first Olympics where the interviewers seemed pompous and out of touch. Post-event interviews, I assume, are intended to provide a candid portrait of athletes immediately after competitions, before the athletes can formulate canned responses to the questions they will be asked at a later press conference. The inherent problem with these interviews is that they are too candid; they interrupt athletes’ normal reactions after events, preventing them from possibly reflecting on their event before they answer questions from the press.

Interrupting this natural process, combined with uninteresting, shallow, and often hurtful questions from the

interviewers, creates terrible interviews that portray athletes as panting, confused, deer-in-headlights.

The post-event interview reared its ugly head every day at the Games, and a few examples stand out as particularly embarrassing and rude.

Andrea Kremer covered the interviews at the Water Cube, the Olympic swimming venue, and consistently asked questions that left the still dripping swimmers at a loss for words.

When Kremer interviewed the U.S. 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay team, she quickly skipped over Jason Lezak, who miraculously overcame the French team in the anchor leg of the race, and instead asked the team how they felt now that they had helped Michael Phelps earn one more gold. Not to minimize Phelps’ accomplishment, but a relay is a team event, and all members of the winning team should be equally celebrated, not exclusively the team member aiming for the history books.

Kremer again contributed to the atrocities of the post-event interview when she grilled Natalie Coughlin, an American backstroker, after Coughlin had won her heat in the 100-meter backstroke. Instead of allowing Coughlin to enjoy her victory, or maybe even bask in the glory of winning an Olympic competition, Kremer criticized her form,

saying that Coughlin had drifted back and forth across her lane. After Coughlin cunningly sidestepped this accusation, trying to focus instead on her win, Kremer accosted her again, inquiring whether or not this “bad form” would affect Coughlin in the final.

Post-race interviews were just as, if not more, horrendous when conducted after a loss. Lolo Jones, the heavily favored hurdler from the U.S., hit the second to last hurdle in the final, thereby losing the gold medal. Though Jones was visibly distraught and probably would have liked some solace to overcome a devastating loss, NBC stopped her for an interview.

They asked her how

she felt, a popular question among those all-too-present post-event interviewers. Put yourself in Lolo Jones’ overly flashy track shoes for a moment: You are the favorite coming into the Olympics, you have a lead coming into the last seconds of your race, and you trip on a hurdle, crushing your dreams. Not more than three minutes after, a camera is shoved in your face, and you are asked

how you feel. Is that a truly necessary question? I think we all know that Jones felt terribly defeated, completely shocked, and utterly disappointed. Why provoke her by asking her how she feels? Why continue to interview 15-year-old Haley Ishimatsu while she sobs after being eliminated from the 10-meter platform diving final? Why interrogate Tyson Gay after he disappointed himself and his country by failing to qualify for the 100 meter final?

The premise of post-event interviews is somewhat honorable, being an attempt by NBC to be more journalistically involved with the events and to procure honest interviews from athletes. In practice, however, these interviews ended up startling athletes with questions immediately after their events, questions that required much more than a few minutes of preparation to answer. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the NBC interviewers asked obvious yet hurtful questions, probing into athletes’ private emotions about devastating losses.

For the next Olympics, I humbly suggest that NBC focus more on the outstanding athletic performances and less on the athletes’ immediate reactions to these performances; after all, China didn’t spend 40 billion dollars on these Games to have the world watch athletes, tired and out of breath, harassed by NBC.

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September 5, 2008

FEATURES That was easy! Superfluous school shopping The Merionite

Bina Peltz

Class of 2010

Dare to enter Staples at 3:30 on the first day of school and you will most likely be trampled by hordes of parents and children furiously grabbing every colorful item in sight. This familiar scene helps to ring in each new school year as students anticipate a fresh start. The stores make every effort to profit from this hope, and mercilessly bombard their customer base with new offers, new products and new prices.

They know their buyers are more vulnerable to buying new gadgets and the latest clothing trends at this time of year, and the consumers are left with unnecessary clutter and a deficit in their checkbook.

The first day of school always seems to be accompanied by new wardrobes and book bags filled to the brim with colorful plastic school supplies. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families with school-age children are expected to spend an average of $563 this year on back-to-school clothing and supplies—up 6.9% from last year’s $527 average. Among the products with the highest draw are electronics (up 13% from last year) and footwear (up 10.3%.)

Especially with gas prices so high and inflation on the rise, shouldn’t parents be questioning just how necessary that notebook with the pink rhinestone cover is? Each year, as summer draws to a close, stores rush to promote new “must have” items to usher in the new school year. Students newer to the world of changing classes and opening lockers generally have a vague idea of what they truly need for the new high school

life—and overspend. The NRF reports that nearly two-thirds of parents say their children influence at least half of the backto-school items they purchase—and how can parents be expected to buy wisely when they are listening to the requests of their equally uninformed youngsters?

How many of these “necessary” tools end up stashed in the back of lockers?

“I always go out and buy new school supplies, but most of it stays in my closet the whole year,” junior Emily Partridge said.

If this holds true, at least some families should have unused supplies in their closets that can be put to use at the start of the next year. Still, September rolls around and families can always be seen fighting over the last Barbie folder.

To cut down on both the “See that? I want it!” syndrome as well as lines and having to go to multiple busy stores, many parents are finding other methods of shopping. Inc.com, The Daily Resource for Entreprenuers, conducted a survey of 420 mothers doing back to school shopping.

Of those, 85% planned to shop at Target, Wal-Mart, and other large retailers to eliminate the need for multiple stops. For-

ty two percent counted on dollar stores to get the cheapest prices on school supplies, and 25% planned to shop solely online.

Even shopping online, where kids can’t reach out and grab the coolest gadgets, they are

still inImages courtesy of google.com

fluenced by what they see. Retail companies take advantage of the new school year with non-stop television advertisements, radio commercials and billboards.

These ads send the message that the consumer will only be “cool” and have friends if he or she buys the company’s products. Such ads, though, seem to be targeted especially at younger students—

some high schoolers seem to be immune.

“I bought some new clothes, but only because I needed them. I don’t pay much attention to the commercials, so they don’t affect me too much,” sophomore Koty Marine said. Instead of buying certain items to be “cool”, the commercials geared towards high school students tend to emphasize a different point. For instance, a recent JC Penney commercial, modeled after the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, featured teenagers of different social groups wearing a variety of different styles of clothing, as if to imply that JC Penney clothes appeal to students of all social circles. This approach appears to attract older students with a variety of different styles.

“I treat my September Vogue like the bible. I look at the ads, find the styles I like and then go out to shop,” said junior Becca Hafter. Yet, there is hope for those of you feeling the guilt trip, staring at closets full of practically unworn clothes and half- inch binders that just won’t hold your APUSH work. A simple solution: you can pile your clothing and supplies into a bag and donate them. Books can be donated to any branches of the Free Library and clothing taken to the Salvation Army.

Will this honestly help end the cycle of back to school shopping rampages?

As Hafter puts it, “I feel guilty when I purchase things I don’t need, but honestly, I don’t feel guilty enough to stop.” The sad reality is that no matter what we promise each year, the advertisers manage to attract most of America and their credit cards as well. Once again, see you at Staples.

Summer assignments: hot or not?

Hannah Goldberg-Morse

Class of 2010

Ah, summer. A time of relaxation, school-free days, and plenty of sun. A time to crack open tubes of sunscreen instead of books, and clean out pools instead of lockers. A precious time free of school, and the work that comes with it. But there’s a catch. And it comes in the form of summer work. Before leaving school for the year, many of us are given assignments to be completed over the summer. They may be essays, math work, or books to read.

Not even the freshmen are exempt from the summer assignments. Before entering their Humanities classes, all students must read Haroun and the Sea of Stories, by Salman Rushdie. Additionally, all freshmen enrolled in Honors Humanities must also read Fasting and Feasting,

by Anita Desai. Students are expected to have read and analyzed these novels before the start of the school year.

Oftentimes, summer work far exceeds the criteria for “review.” Although academically useful, hundreds of difficult Calculus questions can certainly put a damper on the last few days of summer.

The majority of math students in Geometry and higher levels have summer packets to complete every year. Many of them contain difficult problems and subjects not taught by all teachers. They require students not only to review over the summer, but to teach themselves as well.

Junior Amanda Lewis thinks that a small amount of summer work can be beneficial.

“I feel that assignments over the summer can be really helpful--they usually prepare students for the type and amount

of work to expect during the course of the year. Assignments give students a feel for the class’ overall expectations. However, when the amount of work exceeds a certain degree, assignments can become

The Enduring Vision, as well as read 1776

by David McCullough, a book profiling the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Assignments like these exacerbate the already-stressful beginning of school. Stu-

Photo courtesy of google.com

excessive and even deter a student from engaging themselves in their studies,” said Lewis of the summer work assigned.

Before entering an AP U.S. History class, students must memorize a comprehensive list of all United States presidents, including their political affiliations and the dates of their terms. They are also required to outline two chapters of the AP textbook,

dents are expected to delve right into their work, which is not particularly easy after such a long absence. Most students put off the work until the tail end of the summer, at which point they have forgotten whatever materials they already knew.

Knowing that a math test is coming in the first week of school could make students dread the first days. Summer assignments

can cast a dark shadow over the whole vacation. Junior Lauren Lewis said of her experience, “I began in Spanish 4H but the summer packet actually discouraged me from taking the course and made me question my decision, which could have been... a bad thing”.

So why are they still required?

Simply put, they are useful. After completing the work, students are, for the most part, on the same page for the start of the school year. They allow teachers to have a standard for what students should know, and to dive right into the curriculum. Teachers can gauge what they need to review, and what they can cover briefly. If all students in an English class have read the same book, the class can start discussing it right away- without waiting for everyone to finish. For students, it can lessen the review of the first few weeks.

“English has always required reading a book and that is understandable; it gives the class a start into a new topic for the beginning of the year. Also, I think the math packets are helpful just as a review for the previous year, but I think a packet with more than ten pages is completely over the top. I understand that teachers want to prepare students for the upcoming year but they also need to understand that some kids are doing constructive things with their summers and the demanding and extensive work waiting at home hangs over their heads throughout the entire summer,” said Lauren Lewis of the summer assignments There are definite ups and downs to summer assignments. You may love them, hate them, or complain about them to no end. You may complete them the second that school gets out or the day before it begins. Do them whenever you like- it’s your choice. Complain all you want. Just don’t forget about them.

September 5, 2008

FEATURES

Images courtesy of Google.com

The Merionite

9

Main Course: Wawa Hoagie

Snack: Cheez–Its

Perfectly bite sized, yet packed with flavor, CheezIts help to bring happiness into the world. In addition, they don’t leave crumb residue, which reduces the risk of losing bits of crackers to the bottom of the zip lock bag. And, unlike potato chips, Cheez-Its fail to leave a greasy residue on the fingers. No more smudges on your history outline! They are also a healthy choice- after all, they have real cheese in them.The only downside is their addictiveness: get your own box.

J. Scolnic/E. Sorensen

Three words: custom ordered perfection. For those who have the time to stop at a local Wawa before school, the hoagies are a perfect lunchtime treat. With their ordering machines, choosing and customizing your hoagie is as easy as... pie.

Fruit: Apple

The apple exists in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and has seemingly endless taste possibilities. The crunchy outside leads to the refreshing, softer inside—this combination makes the apple a prime filling choice.

It has also accomplished the feat of quenching thirst as well. The sheer simplicity of the apple makes it a perfect companion to any lunch combo.

Your faithful (and hungry) Merionite editors have voted, and the results are in. School has started once again, and it is time to begin packing our pencils, binders, and lunches, for those who bring their own to school. The complexities of bag lunches can seem endless, so we decided to simplify the process. After years of careful lunch-eating research, we have designed the Ultimate Bag Lunch.

Dessert: Homemade Brownies

After the crunchy snack, fruit and hoagie, a chewy food provides for a perfect ending to the ultimate lunch. The brownie melts in your mouth, creating a beautiful mix of chocolate and chewiness. The homemade component is not insignificant. Nothing beats the unique taste and the warm feelings of love that helped to produce this culinary masterpiece.

Drink:Snapple

With its great, fruity taste and smooth texture, Snapple definitely deserves this immense honor. The large variety of available flavors can accomodate almost any taste. The fun facts on the caps add an element of surprise and entertainment to any lunch table. In addition to the long-time standards of Raspberry, Lemon, and Peach Teas, the drinks also come in more unusual flavors such as Asian Pear Green Tea, Peach-Pomegranate Red Tea, and Acai Blackberry juice. So, try a new flavor in your lunch next year... after all, it’s “made from the best stuff on Earth.”

Advice for Construction

Class of ‘09/’10 1. Don’t try to use the main entrance.

Surprise! It is actally no longer in existance.

In order to get into the building, you have to use the door just to the left (if you’re facing the building) near the sports training room.

2. Don’t go to the Annex.

This is mostly for you current sophomores: get it out of your head that you must spend at least every other period in the Annex. Try as you might to get there this year, you will run into at least two walls, three fences, and seven campus aids, all shoving this insane idea that your beloved annex is demolished into your brain. You can see it—it’s still there! But no, go around back you will see it’s all an illusion…. they just kept the one wall. So don’t go.

3. Drilling is actually less important than your teacher’s voice.

Although it’s much louder and probably fills your head with a nice fuzzy cloud, try to focus on the tiny voice in the background trying to explain the lesson. And drilling shakes up the whole room—don’t reach for your phone, it’s not vibrating… it’s construction.

4. Good luck trying to find your teacher during their off hours Considering all the rooms that have been

converted into classrooms, and all the teachers taken out of the annex, your teachers easily could be in a classroom that they’re not happy with, or sharing, which means that they’ll get out of there whenever they can. Also, some teachers are forced to float around between classrooms throughout the day, so they’ll be an extra challenge to find.

5. Traffic jams will be worse The staff has a much smaller parking lot now (since the two in the back have been destroyed).

They’ll be taking up the front spaces, as well as overflowing into the guest parking lot, so traffic jams will be a lot worse as cars circle around trying to find parking. Oh and hallway jams will be worse too: fewer hallways + same number of students = more classes in the same places, a.k.a. bigger problems than just freshman pow-wows.

6. If at all possible, take the bus.

This will save your parents a lot of trouble.

The new parking lot will probably cause a lot of confusion, especially in the beginning of the year. Plus, if you’re used to getting to school two minutes before the bell and sprinting right into the school from your car, you can no longer do that. Now you’ll have to wait for the light to change and cross the street (jay walking is not advised), then walk about fifty extra feet.

This could be the difference between being on time, and having to take a tedious trip to the attendance office.

7. Don’t try to go outside for lunch Sad as it is, you’re stuck in the cafeteria, unless you eat lunch with a teacher or find that the courtyard isn’t locked. If a campus aid doesn’t stop you, you may be able to sit on the sidewalk right outside the cafeteria and get a very scenic view of all the construction equipment. You may not be able to talk to your friends though, since the drilling could easily drown out your voices.

Other fields are a possibility, if you don’t mind staring at dumpsters.

8. Don’t get too close to the construction area A brick may fall on your head.

9. Don’t drive yourself to school There’s even less student parking than last year, so instead of cutting your waiting/walking time down, you will most likely need to park a few blocks away in a 2-hour only zone and make the trek up and back a few times a day to move your car, or get a ticket. Just take the bus.

10. Join Players instead of doing a sport If you haven’t noticed, the auditorium is still intact, as two gyms and the pool are not.

Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff Instead of going through the trouble of busing to another space to practice, stay in the auditorium.

Especially if you’re a guy, try out for the musical since it’s “Guys and Dolls.” Players needs you.

The dancing will qualify as your sport, and you can still get your varsity letter.

10

September 5, 2008

FEATURES

The Merionite

A tale of two Feeneys

Boy Meets World’s George Feeny

Hometown: Boston Favorite color: taupe Favorite food: tea and crumpets Hobbies: gardening, chess, fishing, following his students in awkward places, giving sage advice Favorite weekend activity: pruning his bushes while casually eavesdropping on the Matthews’ dinner conversations Favorite music: classical Favorite movie: Sense and Sensibility Favorite TV show: anything on PBS Favorite cartoon character: Owl from Tootsie Pop commercials Favorite Travel destination: Jackson Hole, Wyoming Goal in life: to retire and move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming Professions: teacher, principal, neighbor, college professor Has taught: archaeology, English literature, quantum physics, life lessons

LM’s Brian Feeney

Photo by Liz Jacobs/staff

Photo courtesy of Google.com

B o t h o f t h e s e m e n a re t e a c h e r s i n p u b l i c s c h o o l s j u s t o u t s i d e P h i l a d e l p h i a . B o t h e n j o y giving sage advice. Both have an affinity for horticulture. But there are some key differences between the two. Can you tell which is which? Join The Merionite as we tell... a tale of two Feeneys.

Hometown: Philadelphia Favorite color: magenta Favorite food: buffalo wings Hobbies: Golfing, enjoying time with his family, and missing LMGS Favorite weekend activity: golfing Favorite music: classic rock Favorite movie: Animal House Favorite TV show: Lost Favorite cartoon character: Homer Simpson If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would you go? Bora Bora Goal in life: Only one? Enjoy every minute of it Professions: teacher, landscape company owner Has taught for: 14 years Has taught: math at LM, US history at West Catholic HS

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September 5, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Oh hot dayum,” these are my jams Hannah Weilbacher Class of 2010 Upset that Summer ’08 has come to a close? Feeling nostalgic for the last two and a half months? Don’t fret. Relive those good times through the top 10 songs that defined them.

“Viva la Vida”: Coldplay seems to have created their own sub-genre of rock, and their newest hit has the same Coldplay “Disturbia”: Rihanna’s fun beats and beats people have grown to love. The song catchy lyrics got her major airtime on the mixes a variety of instruments (everything radio, making this song a summer hit. from violins to bells) and intriguing voThese seem to be her specialty, as last cals to create a song that is… sort of reyear’s “Umbrella” was basically Summer ligious? But still perfectly Coldplay. ’07 in a song. The title, also that of the “American Boy”: It’s a whole new 2007 film, seems a guaranteed hit-maker.

British Invasion, from Adele to Duffy to the artist who sings this new hit, Estelle.

“Closer”: Ne-Yo, a 25-year-old R&B Kanye adds his flavor to the summer hit as singer from LA, discusses his desire to get “Leavin”: Jesse McCartney simultaneEstelle’s calm voice croons about the dif“closer” to a woman he does not know in ously attempts to salvage his failing career ferent American cities she wants to visit. this hit song. Even though he was arrested with a new sound and tries to counteract for reckless driving last February, Ne-Yo his “white boy” image with this new track still remains a staple in the R&B world, where he sings about winning over a “shawand probably will be for a very long time. tie.” Nice try Jesse, but you will always be the California boy from Dream Street to us.

“Dangerous”: This energetic hiphop song by Kardinal Offishall has become a staple of the summer playlist.

Often called Canada’s “hip hop ambassador,” the rapper/producer finally created his first hit in the U.S. with this song.

“Paper Planes”: M.I.A. hits the mainstream with this new dance song.

This track got its fame from the trailer for the stoner flick of the summer Pineapple Express. The song has gotten so popular that Rihanna even covered it when she was on tour with Kanye West.

“Forever”: Rihanna’s younger beau, Chris Brown, slows it down with this R&B/Dance track played almost constantly on Q102. It was a good song the first 50 or 60 times it was played, but after a while the song just seems to go on “forever.”

“When I Grow Up”: The Pussycat Dolls find yet another way to make something totally innocent seem very inappropriate with their first hit since “Buttons.”

This hip-hop/pop tune about the dangers of fame (which seems funny considering their unchanging status on the B-list) gets in your head and does not leave.

“I Kissed a Girl”: Katy Perry has her first chart-topper with this addictive summer song. Sparking controversy in some circles, Perry makes every girl want to go out and buy cherry ChapStick. The California native joined the Vans Warped Tour this summer, and used to be a backup vocalist for teen pop sensation Hannah Montana.

Fans sink their teeth into the Twilight craze Emma Saltzberg

Class of 2009 As recently as August 13 of this year, Harry Potter fans were eagerly anticipating the release of the sixth movie of the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, on November 21.

Then—on August 14, the day HalfBlood Prince was featured on the cover of Entertainment Weekly’s “Fall Movie Preview” issue— Warner Bros. announced that the film would be delayed almost eight months, debuting in July of 2009 instead.

The reasons for the switch aren’t entirely clear (Warner Bros. cited the writers’ strike, which left them with a less-than-full crop of films for summer ’09; others have pointed out that the raging success of this summer’s The Dark Knight means that, this year, the studio doesn’t need the copious cash HalfBlood Prince is sure to bring in when it opens) but the repercussions are obvious: Summit Entertainment’s film Twilight has moved into the lucrative Thanksgiving weekend spot.

The Twilight series, written by Stephenie Meyer, has often been compared to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books: both exploded in popularity over a relatively short time,

and both have spawned dedicated fans who ship survive without him devouring her?? make websites, clothing, and even music The story of Bella and Edward’s romance (“twi-rock” and “wizard rock,” respective- has drawn in thousands of passionate fans. ly) about the worlds “When you read Twilight, in which these stories it’s like an instant obsestake place. sion. You can’t read it For the uninitiated, and not fall in love with the story of Twilight Edward Cullen,” says goes something like senior Shauna Pierson, this: Bella Swan, nora self-proclaimed fan of mal human female, both series. “For me, the moves to the town best thing about Harry of Forks, WashingPotter was learning about ton, and starts falling the wizards— this whole for Edward Cullen, other world. Twilight, a guy at school. The with the vampires, is the only hitch is that he’s same way.” a vampire who hasn’t In some ways, Harry aged since 1918.

Potter fandom seems to Don’t worry, though, have paved the way for the Cullens are “vegeTwilighters to express tarian” vampires who their devotion. Who abstain from drinking Photo courtesy of collider.com would have thought up a human blood, electing Kristen Stewart stars in Twilight band called The Bella Culinstead to hunt animals alongside Robert Pattinson as a len Project if Joe and Paul at night. However, DeGeorge hadn’t first exhuman in love with a vampire.

Bella’s scent is more pressed their Potter-love alluring to Edward as Harry and the Potters? than any other human’s. Can their relation- Midnight book-release parties—yes, Twi-

light’s had them!—would have seemed strange before Harry and his merry band of wizard pals made them commonplace.

When Alex Carpenter, founder of wellknown wizard rock band The Remus Lupins, told MTV News that “‘Twilight’ is sort of like the ‘Hannah Montana’ of literature,” it set off a minor firestorm in the Twilight fan community. Many Potter fans view the Twilight books as fluffy, trivial stories that don’t touch on the deeper themes that the Harry Potter books do. There’s a certain feeling of resentment among some hardcore Harry Potter fans toward the Twilight phenomenon, perhaps stemming from the fact that, even as the HP movies are drawing to a close, Twilight’s run at the box office is just beginning. “For Harry Potter fans, it’s unsettling that there’s another fantasy book out there that’s doing so well,” says Pierson.

“It’s like a smack in the face because we thought [Harry Potter] was unique.”

But the popularity of the Twilight series doesn’t take away from Harry Potter’s success, and the few similarities between the two don’t make Twilight the new Harry Potter. Maybe in the future, reading will become popular enough that popularity alone doesn’t inspire comparisons.

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September 5, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Ledger shines in The Embrace the arts at Philly Fringe Dark Knight Jenny Smolen

hand completely new and yet instantly familiar,” said junior Peter Johnston, a self-described “rabid comic book fan.”

Ledger, star of teen classic 10 Things I Hate About You, as well as the controversial Brokeback Mountain, undeniably attracted moviegoers with his creepy and intense portrayal of The Joker.

Ledger’s death earlier in the year due to an accidental prescription drug overdose made this his last complete performance.

Even more disturbing is the rumor that Ledger’s extreme study of his character caused him the insomnia that sent him to the prescription drugs.

Though the movie features Christian Bale as Batman, Aaron Eckhart as District Attorney Harvey Dent, and other Photo courtesy of ew.com big names, most would Heath Ledger, who gave what some agree that Heath Ledargue was his best performance, very ger’s performance overshadowed all others. likely will be nominated for a posthuSo was it the movie mous Oscar. itself—the plot, the performances—that brought The Dark Knight broke people out, or was it the result opening day box office re- of the media attention surroundcords, opening weekend re- ing Ledger’s death? “I think his cords, and as of this moment death increased the number has racked up a box office to- of people who came to see the tal of $491,702,478. It beat out movie…but his performance Star Wars Episode IV, and trails was amazing.” said senior Josh only Titanic for total gross in Mallin. the United Sates. It has become Christopher Nolan, the direcone of those unique sequels that tor, decided not to touch up or some actually consider better change any of Ledger’s scenes, than the original. Batman Be- so that the way he appears on the gins, the first in the series, was big screen is exactly the way he certainly less successful, only gave his performance. And that grossing $205,343,774 domes- performance may garner Ledtically. The Dark Knight has al- ger an Oscar nomination. Only ready more than doubled that. seven posthumous nominations And if The Dark Knight was have ever been handed out, so the most talked-about movie, it’s a rare phenomenon, but then Heath Ledger’s Joker was some fans think Ledger would definitely the most talked-about win. performance. “For the 60 years The movie’s success may that he has been in existence, have been bolstered in the face the Joker has been portrayed of tragedy, but it takes more has a deeply disturbed homicid- than morbid curiosity to create al maniac and has lived up to the reputation of being one of comic’s greatest villains. But the Joker in the comics is a tall, skinny, fancy dressing sociopath that is strangely Photo courtesy of paultan.org charming.

Ledger took Christian Bale returns as the superhero Batthat concept man in this summer’s biggest blockbuster, and decided The Dark Knight. to turn it on its head. He just took the char- the kind of box office phenomacter and stripped it down to enon The Dark Knight has bea primal level that was on one come.

Class of 2009 One movie dominated summer 2008, and if you don’t already know which movie I’m talking about, you must have been living under a rock for the past two months.

Sophia Hirsch Class of 2009 Since August 29, Philadelphia has been teeming with theater, dance, and music performances that are, well, quirkier than average.

Running until September 13, the 11th annual Philadelphia Live Arts and Fringe Festival features over 150 different fringe acts. Because fringe is loosely defined as “alternative,” these acts range from the almost conventional to the downright strange. Performances such as Car, in which audience members are driven through an indoor parking lot as they experience a “movement-based installation”, seem to embody the festival’s spirit.

The world’s largest (and most famous) fringe festival takes place yearly in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was after a visit there that the Philadelphia arts producers Nick Stuccio and Eric Schoefer decided to put together their own festival in Philadelphia. Along with other experimental artists, they founded the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. Since 1997, artists have used the annual festival as a way to exhibit their work.

The festival is really comprised of two different festivals, the Live Arts Festival, and Philly Fringe.

The Live Arts Festival features only theater and dance companies invited to perform as part of the festival, so it tends to include more polished acts with quirky or controversial

subject matter. Philly Fringe on the other hand is an “unfiltered” festival; artists of any type may choose to present their own work, without a selection process. As such, the live arts performances tend to be larger, more costly productions, while the fringe shows contain just about anything.

This festival proves that Philadelphia has much to offer in con-

ways to experience Philly Fringe is to simply go downtown and watch various performances on a given day. Because of the wide variety of acts, there are always things to see, from offbeat walking tours and puppet shows, to seemingly more traditional plays and art galleries.

With all the variety, it can be hard to choose shows to see, but some stand out as particularly innovative. Sea of Birds follows a central narrator telling the story of one child in a displacement camp in wartime, paralleled with fantasy from another child’s imagination.

The show incorporates dancebased puppetry and live musicians as well as a captivating story, engaging a wide audience.

Photo courtesy of phillyfringe.com Another inventive show, EtiSet in a parking lot, Car quette by Rotozaza, invites two explores movement in people to star in their own twoperson show. The two people sit Philly Fringe. in a café, (The Last Drop, on Pine temporary theater and dance, giving St.) while listening to headphones locals a reason to see theater here, telling them what to say and how rather than going to New York. to act. While other people might Although the Live Arts festival be in the café, only the two people features performers from around involved know they are in a perforthe world, Philly Fringe features mance. What results is an exploraalmost exclusively local artists. tion of the concept of human comOn any given day of the festi- munication. val you can find over thirty differSo go out and experience local ent performances. They are mostly arts while the festival is still going focused in Old City, but also dis- on. You never know, you might find persed throughout various parts of out something new about yourself.

Philadelphia. For the big Live Arts Check out livearts-fringe.org shows, tickets should be purchased for information and a full schedule in advance, but one of the best of performances.

TV you’ll fall for this fall

Jenny Smolen

works hit on the idea of a person who solves crimes by being hyper-observant. While CBS and Fox will not be Putting last year’s writers’ strike airing their shows at the same time, behind them, the major networks the similarities are glaring. The CBS move forward with a batch of all new version, “The Mentalist,” has Simon shows this fall. Some Baker starare bound to be cut midring as Patseason, and some may rick Jane, only last a few episodes, who works so pick your favorite and as a consulpray it makes it to a sectant often ond season. hired by the ABC gives the typiCalifornia cal cop show a time-travBureau of eling twist with the new InvestigaPhoto courtesy of etonline.com tion. Fox’s show, “Life on Mars,” America’s most dramatic zip which will premiere Oc-code is back in the CW’s “90210.” take on the tober 9. After being hit plot, tentaby a car in the present time, NYPD tively titled “Lie to Me,” features Dr. Detective Sam Tyler is somehow Cal Lightman, a deception expert. transported to 1973. The show is the He has a private agency hired by the American-ized version of an original FBI, law firms, corporations, etc. Due BBC series from England. Gretchen to his ability to detect others lying, he Mol, who starred in Tenure, the movie decides to always be honest. For once, filmed at LM last year, will also be ap- it seems like the networks caught on pearing in the series as a female cop in to the fact that audiences don’t actuthe 70’s fighting to prove herself. ally like doubles, and so “Lie to Me” After successfully duplicating a will not be premiering during the fall little British show called “The Office,” season.

NBC is trying again with the AustraFans of “Lost” and “Alias” should lian import, “Kath & Kim”. Molly look out for producer J.J. Abrams’ Shannon plays Kath, a mother who new show on Fox, “Fringe.” Beginis less-than-thrilled to see her spoiled ning September 9, viewers follow (and slightly trashy) grown daughter FBI Special Agents Olivia Dunham Kim (played by Selma Blair) move and John Scott as they try and figure back home. The show also begins out what happened on the internationOctober 9. al flight that landed with all of its crew This year, two other major net- and passengers dead.

Class of 2009

For a little romantic comedy, Elizabeth Reaser plays Bella Bloom on the CBS show “The Ex List.” Fans of NBC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” might recognize Reaser as Ava/Rebecca. Finally ready to settle down, Bloom learns from her psychic that she has already dated the man she will marry. Unfortunately, if she doesn’t find him again within the year, she will be alone for the rest of her life.

The CW follows its proven formula of success—teenagers, sex, drugs, and scandal—with its new show “90210.” On September 2 (9/02!) the

Photo courtesy of latimes.com

Fox’s new detective series “Fringe” premieres September 9.

“Beverly Hills 90210” spin-off premieres, as Annie and Dixon start their first day at West Beverly Hills High School. As the new kids in town, having their dad as the new principal only complicates matters. Jennie Garth, of the original show, plays the high school guidance counselor.

13

September 5, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Looking cool for school: fall trends Hannah Weilbacher

Class of 2010

Fall has arrived, and that means it’s time to put away the Daisy dukes, tube tops, and slinky summer dresses.

Try a new look! Go outside your comfort zone. Maybe put on something that isn’t ripped or cut. Update your look for fall with these back to school trends that are sure to help you start the new school year off on a strong foot (which had better be wearing cute shoes).

Brights This year has been all about bright colors, and fall is no exception. Bold, big, colorful pieces can add a bang to any look. If you’re daring, try a whole outfit of neons, like pink jeans, yellow top, with a turquoise sweater. If you are less audacious, you can try adding bright earrings, funky sneakers, or a colorful knit scarf to any outfit to update it without being over-the-top. Guys can pull this off with a bright zip-up, like

those trendy ones from American Apparel.

Menswear for Ladies Suspenders, ties, and jackets--menswear is not just for men anymore. The masculine influence can be seen in many different aspects of women’s clothing these days, and it’s not just about the accessories.

With tailored pants and doublebreasted coats for women this fall, face it guys--women look cuter in your clothes than you do.

Wildcat Meow! Flaunt your wild side with fun and funky wildcat prints, like cheetah, leopard, and tiger. Don’t be afraid to stand out with these fierce patterns. This season, you can channel the Cheetah Girls when you don that spotted jacket or tiger trim, but watch out--head to toe leopard is still unacceptable. This is one trend that is better in moderation.

Jeans Quality denim never goes out of style. This year, put away

your ripped, lightwash jeans and try a darker wash (navy, even black)--not just stylish, but slimming too. Like I mentioned earlier, colored jeans are a great

Photo courtesy of google.com

The preppy blazer is becoming one of the hottest trends this year thanks to the popular TV show Gossip Girl. new way to wear denim. In addition to updating the color, try a different fit. If you are tired of your super skinny or lowrise jeans, try wide leg jeans, or jeans with a waistline that actually hits your waist. Boyfriend

American Teen: Same old cliches?

Sophia Hirsch

Real life isn’t like the movies; high school is nothing like the locker-filled haven Disney Channel portrays. Unlike in the movie Mean Girls, there is no map of cliques in the cafeteria. Sure, there are different groups of friends, but the lines are not drawn so clearly as teen movies would have you believe.

Nanette Burstein’s documentary American Teen tries to correct these film misconceptions by following five high school students from different cliques for the duration of their senior year in the tiny town of Warsaw, Indiana. As the title suggests, the point of the movie was to document the life of the typical American teen. While it certainly did capture the lives of these small town teens, the problem was that the producers tried to make the movie feel like, well, a movie, by drawing lines and creating stereotypes.

The main problem laid with the movie producers’ decision to base their advertising campaign off The Breakfast Club.

Where the popular 80s movie was all about breaking stereotypes, copying the movie poster seemed to have the opposite effect. Instead of representing the teens as the real people they are, the movie, and especially the way it was advertised, seemed to push them into defined categories.

The jock. The rebel. The princess. The heartthrob. The geek.

These forced stereotypes went beyond the posters.

Throughout the movie, short animated sections with voiceovers gave the film editors further room to mold the people into characters. True, all documentary footage is edited to give it purpose, and true, high schoolers often form cliques.

The problem was the application of labels. Hannah wanted to get out of nowheresville, Indiana, and she dressed a little alternatively. Suddenly, according to Paramount, she’s a rebel.

Megan is popular and preppy, and hosts a lot of parties. Suddenly, she’s a princess. But Hannah really just wanted to find

Photo courtesy of trailertrash.biz

This poster , modeled almost exactly off of the poster for the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, depicts the stars of the movie as stereotypical teens. somewhere she would fit in and feel comfortable. Megan wanted to make the people around her happy and gain approval. I don’t really think there are rebel or princess motives there, just

real teenagers dealing with life.

Of course, these teens aren’t actors. They were constantly aware of the cameras, and conscious that they were being filmed, something the audience was also aware of, particularly when their microphones were visible. Some moments definitely seem forced, others restaged. On a scale from real life to MTV’s “The Hills,” I would say it fits in about halfway between. The action felt contrived sometimes, but at other moments it was raw and emotional.

I was definitely touched by the stories, particularly those of the geek (Jake) and the rebel (Hannah), and I admit, I cried a couple times (not that making me cry is exactly challenging).

But the point of the film was to capture their lives, and even if the producers put a spin to reality, it was still a documentary, with real people, not characters.

Despite the problems with stereotyping and advertising, the movie was still a portrayal of teenage life in small town, USA, and it did show some of the trials and tribulations of high school life today, even if it was modified for the purposes of the film.

Though molding the teens into stereotypes may have worked against the purpose of the film, it may have also been the movie producers’ attempt to make the characters more accessible to the audience—and it sort of works. Because while we may not know people exactly like Megan and Hannah, I think we all know princesses and rebels, geeks and jocks.

jeans are also big this season.

For once, you can look cute and comfortable in your denim at the same time. No matter which style you go with, nothing says back to school like a new pair of jeans.

Plaid Just because plaids are in again does not mean it is okay to wear your pajamas to school.

That was only acceptable in middle school gym class. Try a plaid jacket, hat, or scarf. A touch of this old-school pattern will make any outfit instantly trendier. But please, keep it more NYC and less lumberjack.

We don’t want LM turning into the Great North Woods.

Gladiator sandals Although these Romanesque shoes have been around for a while, this summer they became the “it” sandals to have. To get the most use out of them before it gets chilly, try wearing them with skinny jeans tucked in.

Preppy Blazers This look has become super hot recently, every magazine and fashion website has been buzzing with pictures and stories about this new trend. With the arrival of “Gossip Girl,” the show that makes preppy look sexy, everyone has been

Photo courtesy of google.com

Gladiator sandals can be updated to be worn in the beginning months of fall. running out to get some Blairinspired blazers.

Guys This year, try to stray from your typical look (that we are all sick of, trust me). If you feel the need to reinvent yourself by becoming trendy, try the layered look, which never goes out of style. Try layering some shirts of contrasting colors or textures. Or, if you want to look put together, try the previous look (preppy blazers).

No matter what you decide to wear this fall, the most important thing is to wear it with confidence. You never know what new trend you could start!

14

September 5, 2008

The Merionite

SPORTS

Newfound optimism: high hopes for football after 56-6 win Corinne Zucker

Class of 2009 Like most Philadelphia sports teams, it has always seemed like LM football has had an unlucky streak – a curse, if you will. This year, however, players are not only beginning to believe in success, but have proven themselves in their first season game against Prep Charter in a 56-6 win.

“It’s great to get a win after a couple of years,” said senior Josh Mallin. “We’re looking forward to getting better each week and staying competitive.”

“Right now the goal of the team is to have a good comeback season, building off the improvements that may not have shown in our record that we made last year,” said senior Dan Saris. “The goal last year was just to get better each week. Now we want to get out there and win some games.”

In order to improve their record, the team has been holding ‘two-adays’ during preseason, practicing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including

Xinran Wang

helped to create a healthy competitive spirit within the team for starting spots. The season started off with forty players on the varsity squad, and although those numbers are relatively low compared to other Central League teams, Coach Cubbage and returning players are pleased with the team’s abunPhoto by Esther Hoffman/ Staff dance.

The Aces hope for a good season after their 56-6 win over Prep Charter.

“The new faces give two full practices and a conditioning seem to have paid off, as the team more depth to the team,” said senior period. Head coach Ed Cubbage has won its first season game against Sam Golden, “something that we particularly focused on conditioning Prepatory Charter by a remarkable have been lacking for many years.” so the team can last a whole game, score of 56-6, starting the season off Senior leadership has prevailed since most players have to play both on the right foot and showing skeptics this season as the backbone of the sides of the ball. team, holding its core together. this season will be different.

“I think the feeling in camp is the “Most of the seniors this year are “As a team our growth has been best since I’ve been playing football immense,” said Cubbage. “We four-year players,” said Saris. “Even at LM,” said Mallin. “We’ve begun looked like a family during camps during the conditioning period we to mold as a team with a lot of kids – guys cheering for one another and are there for our teammates, pushing who have had experience playing supporting one another as well. It has them to push themselves.” varsity football.”

Standout players in the Aces’s first been wonderful to see this happen.”

The intense preseason regiment An unusually large turnout has game included seniors Joe Moran and

Sam Golden, who each scored two touchdowns. Zeke Zimmer, Conor Foote, Athony Mazzone, and Luke Smith also scored one apiece.

Cubbage believes that Josh Mallin is “our emotional leader and our toughest player,” and also looks to junior safety Nile Thomspon, “who had an unbelievable summer and who every coach is expecting a big season out of.” Cubbage has high expectations for junior quarterback Conor Foote, who is starting for the second straight year and will also help play defense. And the coach is looking for help from new junior wide receivers Jon Whiteman, Bill Chimekas, and Aaron Staley.

“We all want to end the way everyone thinks of the football team,” said Saris. “As a senior I have seen how the team is disrespected and we all just want our hard work to pay off, and this year it should.”

With newly found leadership, high spirits, determination, and an early win, the season curse may finally be broken.

An Olympics for the ages

Class of 2010

Within a sixteen day period, we saw an incredible swimmer win eight medals, a flamboyant Jamaican runner electrify the world with his bolt-like speed, and a team redeem a country’s pride in their sport. We saw a national figure disappoint with injury, a few botched handoffs stifle dreams of gold, a dominating team strike out in their last game. We experienced joy and bliss, anguish and desolation. But most importantly, we have just witnessed the greatest sporting event of the world, a tradition started over 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece: the Olympic Games.

The anticipation for the 2008 Olympics Games began in 2001, when China was named as the host nation, and Beijing as the host city. As an opportunity to display China’s social stability, economic progress, and healthy lifestyles, the Chinese government poured incredible resources into the event, promising to showcase a spectacular pageant of modern logistics and astounding athletic feats.

August 8, 2008, at 8:08:08, the 2008 Olympic Games started off with a bang. Beginning with drum sequence by 2008 Fou drummers, the Opening Ceremony lasted over

Photo courtesy of yahoo.com

four hours, featured over 15,000 performers, and was hailed as “spectacular” and “unforgettable.”

The extravaganza took us on a journey through 4000 years of Chinese history, merging modern technological advancements with the artistic brilliance of a civilization to express and display the beauty and profundity of an ancient culture. Soon after the lighting of the Olympic Flame, the first event began.

This year’s Games brought some of the greatest performances in Olympic history to an international audience. In the first week, Michael Phelps captured the attention of the world by winning an unprecedented eight Olympic Gold medals, including one saved by an epic comeback

Photo courtesy of boston.com

by Jason Lezak in the 4 × 100 Freestyle Relay. In winning the eight gold medals, he set seven world records and established himself as one of the greatest athletes ever.

In the post-Phelps Olympics, another surprising story arose. From obscurity, the Lightning Bolt struck men’s track and field. First, in the 100 meter dash, the flashy Usain Bolt of Jamaica astounded the world by jogging a 9.69, easily setting a world record. In an outrageous display of speed, the youngster effortlessly cruised past the finish line, beginning his celebration with 20 meters to go, finishing with a chest-thump for good measure.

Photo courtesy of yahoo.com

With such an impressive performance, all eyes were on this showy sprinter as he prepared for the 200 meter race. At stake was the world record of 19.32 seconds, set by legend Michael Johnson. However, running at full speed this time, Bolt broke this legendary mark by 0.02 seconds. At the end of these two performances, few could question his ability or his claim as the fastest man in the world.

After losing at the 2004 Athens games and then the 2006 World Championships, the men’s basketball team entered the ’08 games with one goal in their minds: to

was a complete success, for the U.S., for China, and for the world. Outside of the final results, only a few events tarnished the publicity of the games.

Some of the major ones include China’s Photo courtesy of yahoo.com supposed forging of gymnasts’ birth certifi“restore order” in international cates; jailed protestors and activists; basketball. Appointed in 2006 to re- the lifetime ban of a Taekwondo new U.S. dominance in basketball, athlete for kicking a referee; dopJerry Colangelo asked players for a ing problems in equestrian, cycling, three-year commitment during the shooting, and gymnastics events; offseason to train as a national team. and of course numerous officiatLed by superstars Kobe Bryant and ing controversies. However, these Lebron James, amongst others, the athletes from around the world 2008 squad vowed to recapture united in the two week competition, gold in men’s basketball, earning and displayed incredible strength, the name, the “Redeem Team.” speed, power, as well as peace and Throughout the tournament, the gamesmanship, and goodwill. team played ferocious defense, creOn August 24, 2008 as the ating and forcing turnovers, playing Olympic torch was put out, and a fast transition game, but strug- the 2008 Olympic Games drew gling with three-point shooting. to a end, we had all just witnessed However, in the gold medal match an incredible event, one in which against Spain, both teams lacked thousands of people from the six defense and the game erupted into continents were peacefully united a tight high scoring contest. Eventu- to carry on one of the oldest tradially, the U.S. offense was too much tions of the world. We now look and the Americans won their first toward 2012, when the torch will gold since 2000 with a final score again be lit in London, England. of 118-107.

Wi t h t h e win, the team finally achieved redemption for themselves and for a nation.

All in all, though there were minor scandals, the 2008 OlymPhoto courtesy of boston.com pic Games

15

September 5, 2008

The Merionite

SPORTS

G. tennis looking for redemption Not many teams would regard a season that included a tenth consecutive league title, an appearance in the state tournament, and only one regular season loss as a disappointment. Welcome to the girls varsity tennis team, recognized as one of the premier tennis programs in the state and looking to improve upon a 2007 campaign that did not meet its usual standards.

Indeed, for a team that had won seven straight District 1 championships prior to last season, a fourth-place finish at Districts and a subsequent first round exit from States has only fueled the team to work even harder this preseason and start the season on the right track.

“The loss at States was tough at the time, but I think in the long run it will just make us stronger as a team to try and do better this year. I think our team started to get used to making it to second round of States every year, but now we know we’ll just have to work

harder this year to make it,” said senior Erica Kurtzman.

Luckily, the returning group of girls looks promising for a squad that must overcome the loss of several seniors, including captain and first singles player Kristen Roth.

“The loss of the seniors, especially Kristen, has affected the team very strongly. But we have some very strong returning players who will step it up and be the next ‘KRoth’,” said senior Yuxin Liu. Captains Liu and Kurtzman will provide the leadership and guidance for the team along with fellow seniors Kara Silberthau and Becky Wahrman.

Juniors Devi Jadeja and Lauren Zakheim and sophomore Helen Braustein all saw significant playing time last year and will be counted upon as well for their valued experience. In particular, the returning singles players, will be expected to make up for the loss of Roth’s dominant singles game. Filling in the vacated roster spots are three new additions to the varsity team: juniors Yueyi Zhou

Photo by Liz Jacobs/ Staff

and Jenny Ma, and freshman Emily Levyn.

Although winning a Central League title has become an expectation for this team, the quest this year will not be easy.

Competition is as fierce as ever with talented teams such as Harriton, who handed the Aces their lone regular season defeat last year, and Radnor on the schedule.

“We’re going to have some really tough matches this year.

We have tried our best to train during preseason because we have all the time we want,” said Liu. And the girls have used this time wisely, weathering the heat of preseason to practice their game, build camaraderie, and target the weaknesses that plagued their postseason last year. Liu believes that optimism, focus, and a good work ethic are all it will take to regain any lost momentum from last year’s run: “The loss at States was tough, but if we work hard and stay positive, I believe we have what it takes to win,” said Liu With the season just beginning, the girls look to demonstrate the flare and focus attributed to the program in the past. After losing an early scrimmage to Abington High School with an incomplete roster, the girls realized that there is still work to be done to achieve their objectives for the season . “[The loss] was a disappointment, but it just showed us where we need work and gave us an incentive to work harder. Our goal is simple— to go out to every match and know we played our best. To do this, I feel we just need to put one hundred percent into our practices,” said Jadeja.

Photo by Carolyn Chou/ Staff

The girls practice drills during preseason at Merion

Strong preseason for field hockey Corinne Zucker

Goals:

Make Playoffs

Hobbies:

Olympic Highlight:

Quote:

Sports:

Being a ball girl, filling the Goals: water, carrying the balls, yoga Hobbies: Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals Olympic Highlight: “Namaste”

Quote:

Junior

Varsity Soccer

Sophomore

Patty Neckowicz

Freshman

Julie Reiff

Sports:

Lucas Van Houten

Faces of the Aces Junior Lauren Zakheim returns a forehand at practice.

Sports:

Goals: Make Districts

Hobbies: Olympic Signs, weight room, yoga Highlight:

Michael Phelps Quote: “Beep Beep I’m a jeep!”

Varsity Soccer Indoor Track Varsity Track and Field

Class of 2009

Last fall, despite fierce efforts, the varsity field hockey team missed the playoffs marginally--by one game. This year, however, with a team full of seniors and plenty of chemistry, the girls are determined to revive themselves.

Captains Emily Labowitz, Lil Carney, and Jamie Levy lead a team of mostly seniors who have played side by side since freshman year. Eight girls from the class of ’09 have traveled with each other, worked off of one another, and pushed themselves for over four years.

“We’re working harder than ever and enjoying ourselves, since it will be a lot of [players’] last field hockey season ever,” said senior Taylor Egolf.

Even as underclassmen, these seniors worked diligently on the junior varsity squad in order to perfect and hone the skills necessary to now take the Aces to playoffs. And, with the help of strong underclassmen Kylie McDevitt and Caroline Meehan, the experienced team is looking to obtain their goal

this season.

“It’s hard to point out specific players because I truly believe this team could not get anywhere without all of us,” said senior Susie Boote.

“When we’re all together, no on can beat us.”

In hopes of winning games during the regular season, the girls’ preseason consisted of daily practices, led by coaches Ann Marie Roy and Allison Mellet, lasting at least four hours. They started with conditioning, worked their way through stations focusing on technique and stick skills, transitioned into understanding different playing situations, and finally scrimmaged.

“You can feel everyone’s determination towards the playoffs since we are reminded of it everyday during preseason,” said Egolf.

“Our coaches are doing an amazing job raising up the intensity and constantly having new drills and exercises for us to do to make us a better team,” said Boote. “It’s a new season and I don’t think anyone will have anything but the best season in LM field hockey history.”

The best athletes that LM has to offer

Senior

Class of 2009

Josh Mallin

Elie Peltz

Sports:

Goals: Hobbies: Olympic Highlight:

Michael Phelps

describing his 12,000 Quote:

calorie diet

“The only good race pace

is suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to

die.”

Cross Country Varsity Indoor Track Varsity Track and Field Stay healthy, win Central League, make States Eating and Sleeping

Varsity Football Varsity Baseball End the streak Applebees after nine China beats Malaysia for the men’s singles badminton gold “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever.”

- A Bronx Tale

16

Volume 80, Issue 1

SPORTS

The Merionite

G. tennis back on track

With tough finish last season, tennis hopes to regain footing.

Football starts season with win

Football hopes to improve record after productive offseason and an early win.

See Girls’ Tennis, page 15

September 5, 2008

Recap of the Olympics

See Football, page 14

The highlights of Beijing: the good and the bad.

See Olympics, page 14

Boys and girls soccer teams shoot high for postseason goals

Boys soccer looks to capture state title Xinran Wang

Class of 2010

The scoreboard read 1-1. There were less than two minutes left in the first round playoffs of the State’s tournament. A close goal, and two minutes later, the team’s season and dreams for a state title were crushed, and the players dragged themselves off the field after a grueling match.

This was the scene at which we last left the boys soccer team. Coming off a highly successful season in which the youthful squad captured the Central League and the District championships, the players entertained hopes of a state title. After falling in the first round match, the players have returned, this time looking to revenge their early exit and capture the title of the best soccer team in the state.

“With those great wins [in the Central League and Districts title matches] we definitely choked in the first round of states,” said senior Danny DiLullo. “We all know that we could have gone much further and know we can do it this year.”

Coming into this season, the team remains largely intact. Over the off-

season, the team suffered the loss of five players to graduation: Kevin Escott, Johnny Fliesher, Dan Savaria, Peter Vagnoni, and Tim Adams.

“We lost a lot with those seniors; they not only helped us on the field but they were leaders off the field as well,” said senior Eric Stahler.

While the graduated players’ skills and leadership will no doubt be missed, the team’s performance will suffer very little, because by the end of last season, only one senior had been a starter, due to injury. As a result, most of this year’s players have all netted plenty of playing time and experience. This season, the presence of twelve seniors looks to provide the team with incredible depth and versatility. Led by senior captains Jason Kass, Nick Bibbs, DiLullo, and Stahler, the team is incredibly talented on both sides of the field.

During the offseason, players devoted themselves to improving their fitness and skills, preparing for what is for many their last season of high school soccer. Most participated in out-of-school leagues and club ball, and Coach John Fadely has worked tirelessly with the players

to improve their mental and physical condition. He held three days of practice each week to improve the team’s strength and conditioning, and really stressing the speed of play. “[Coach Fadely] is definitely doing a good job preparing us for the season and making sure we hear exactly what we need to hear whether it is good or bad,” said Kass.

“Everyone took the practices very seriously and they definitely took us to a new level,” said DiLullo.

Although the team won their first season game 2-0, the 2008 season schedule will provide some challenging tests for the team. The schedule this year is rough, filled with tough Central League rivals as well as nationally ranked out of state teams. Within the Central League, matches against Strath Haven and Upper Darby will be challenging.

The most difficult challenges come with Severna Park and Saint Mary’s from Maryland, and the 2nd ranked team in the nation, St. Benedict’s High School from New Jersey.

“These will be good games to get us prepared for the post season,” commented Stahler.

After tasting ultimate glory in winning League and District titles in 2007, and with such a talented squad, everyone has set his sight on the state title. No one doubts the team’s abilities, and the state title is definitely not out of the question.

And as the last season for a large part of the team, players have realized it is now or never and will settle for nothing less than perfection.

“We are striving for perfec-

tion and my fellow seniors and I on the team realize this is our last season together and we all want to go out with a bang,” said Kass.

Last year provided good experience and motivation for everyone.

The players and coaches will come into the 2008 season focused and determined, taking the matches one at a time, but the boys soccer team will never lose sight of their ultimate goal, the state championship.

Photo by Liz Jacobs/ Staff

Captain Jason Kass practices foot technique as Coach Fadely and fellow captain Eric Stahler look on.

Rebuilding girls soccer aims for playoff birth Elie Peltz

which the varsity girls soccer team found themselves at the end of last season. But now the squad is back Another early exit from the on the field, shooting for another District tournament and another postseason berth and hoping to group of talented seniors lost to not fall prey to past obstacles to graduation. This was the unfavor- success. able and recurrent situation in Currently in the opening weeks of the regular season, the team has finished a packed and productive offseason. After attending a summer camp affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, the infamous preseason workouts of coach Kevin Ries began on August 11. During these weeks, the girls, ran, practiced drills, built camaraderie, and ran some more.

“Preseason was very important for getting in shape, working on basic strategy, and giving everyone a chance Photo by Carolyn Chou/ Staff to meet and become Captain Hannah Newman dribbles away comfortable with from pressure during practice. each other,” said Class of 2009

sophomore Julia Miller.

As always, top on the team’s agenda this season is making Districts. Unfortunately, the team has not been able to advance past the first round its past two years.

This season, though, the girls are set on making it past the opening round. Yet this feat will not be easy, as the team plays in the ever-talented Central League that includes returning State-champion Conestoga as well as such formidable opponents as Strath Haven and Radnor.

“It will definitely be a challenging season. In one particular two-week span, we play Radnor and Stoga, and then the following week we play Strath Haven.

Those games will definitely be difficult, but hopefully we can come out on top,” said senior Hana Chamoun.

The girls will also have to deal with the loss of a talented and experienced group of seniors from last year’s team. Lauren Bernstein, Michele Lockhart, Katy Gruelich, and the Betancourt twins all contributed immensely both on and off of the field and will be missed.

“We lost a lot of quality play-

ers. They were players who knew the game, like what to do, where to go, how to defend properly, and how to hold on to the ball. It is going to be difficult to find players of their caliber to fill the missing places they left,” said Chamoun.

Stepping into the leadership roles this season are senior captains Hannah Newman and Chamoun, both of whom will be instrumental on the offensive attack. On the defensive side of the field, junior Caitlin Bonney and Miller have taken charge and will help rookie goalkeeper Sivahn Barsade in containing opposing teams. There are also some new faces to the program, including assistant coach Tara Shaw who has been helpful with mentoring players. On the field, freshman addition Julie Reef has shown much promise during preseason play.

Though the girls have gelled well off of the field, team chemistry on the field has been a problem.

“Communication between the players hasn’t been as good as we hoped. We need to improve this or else we won’t be able to succeed,” said sophomore Patty Neckowicz.

But not only a lack of communication is standing in the way of success. The girls will also have to overcome their difficult schedule and adjustment to new roles and positions. But with the dedication of the players and sheer talent of the team, Chamoun remains optimistic for the team’s chances.

“We have a lot of girls who are really talented athletes and can play soccer very well, and a lot who have a huge amount of potential. We are all really hard working, and we all care a lot about the team and are dedicated to its success,” said Chamoun In its first two scrimmages, the team lost 2-1 to West Chester East and beat Episcopal by a score of 4-0. The team also lost its first season game against Villa Maria Academy by a score of 3-0. Hoping to build momentum as the regular season gets under way, the girls are setting their goals high: to finish in the top three or four in the Central League and to advance past the first round of the District tournament. With practice, experience, and little bit of luck, the girls might just be able to avoid the shortcomings of previous seasons and achieve their objectives.