The ReMarker | December 2015

Page 1

MORE THAN A BEARD

DREW BAXLEY PHOTO

ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS 10600 PRESTON ROAD DALLAS, TX. 75230

Diagnosed with testicular cancer as a high school senior, Elliot Chang-Tung ’10 tells his story and talks No-Shave November. PAGE 3

‘OUR SPC CHANCES

ARE LOOKING

G REAT

BECAUSE OF OUR

STRONG

TEAM BOND

ON AND OFF THE COURT’

DECEMBER 11, 2015 VOLUME 62 ISSUE 3

- Senior Jalen Lynch PAGE 29

Three candidates named in search for Upper School head

Break the mold

• See The ReMarker’s special section that discovers the lives and stories of Marksmen who took some of the most unusual career paths. Addendum, Pages 1A-4A

R R EMARKER

He owns an iPhone. He plays a sport. He’s been here for all of Middle and Upper School. His family has at least two cars. His name is Matthew.

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INSIDE

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News Malecall Life Perspectives Buzz Commentary Sports Backpage

MXING IT UP

by James Hancock

rom a pool of 29 applicants, three candidates were finalized for the head of Upper School position. The position was left vacant after former Upper School head Wortie Ferrell resigned to move his family back to his home state of Virginia. The ReMarker is not revealing the names of the candidates due to confidentiality issues. The three each met with Headmaster David Dini, Associate Headmaster John Ashton, Director of Finance and Administration Suzanne Townsend and interim Upper School Head Scott Gonzalez, after initial interviews conducted via Skype. “What we were each looking for was depth of experience, potential to add to our teaching core and someone with vision,” Gonzalez said. Each of the applicants underwent interviews with faculty, staff and students where DECEMBER 11, 2015 skills were assessed. their communication VOLUME 62 ISSUE 3 “One of the things St. Mark’s really works on is to try to improve our pedagogical approaches, our communication with faculty and students and making sure the students are safe and are having a positive experience here,” Gonzalez said. “So we looked for someone who basically has great communication skills.” As one of the students who had lunch with the applicants during their visit, Student Council President JT Graass saw that each applicant could relate to the students well. “They all had a background and experience of working with boys ” Graass said. “They weren’t super formal, which isn’t a bad thing, but they were relaxed and having a good time. At the same time, they could talk about serious issues.” Once the selected candidate settles into the school’s community and values, Gonzalez hopes the person will give the school a new perspective. “These kinds of jobs take about three years for the person to become inculcated into our community and our Seeking a head philosophy,” Gonzalez who will be a solid said. “I think what we fit for the school will be looking for in and community terms of vision will be someone who can take a hard look and help us through the daily schedule.” Gonzalez also believes the next head of Upper School will have to make changes that allow students to thrive in search for their passions. “It is evident that with the number of extracurricular activities, along with the rigor of academics, something will have to give somewhere so our students have time to learn and process the information,” Gonzalez said. “I hope the students have their skills honed and their passions found during Upper School, and I believe a strong Upper School head will help students do so.” With the decision likely to be made before the new year, Graass hopes to see a leader as someone who has experience and passion. “I want someone who has good experience working with boys and has a passion for developing boys into men,” Graass said. “And also someone who can make the campus more enjoyable and fun.”

LUMBER-JOHN

As a finalist in the YoungArts competition, senior John Landry won a week-long trip for his Design Arts portfolio.

INSIDE

He owns an iPhone. He plays a sport. He’s been here for all of Middle and Upper School. His family has at least two cars. His name is Matthew.

He owns an iPhone. He plays a sport. He’s been here for all of Middle and Upper School. His family has at least two cars. His name is Matthew.

He owns an iPhone. He plays a sport. He’s been here for all of Middle and Upper School. His family has at least two cars. His name is Matthew.

He owns an iPhone. He plays a sport. He’s been here for all of Middle and Upper School. His family has at least two cars. His name is Matthew.

We brag about having 46 percent ‘students of color.’ We hear the word diversity thrown around all the time. But what exactly is diversity? It’s not just black or white. It’s not just rich or poor. It’s not just Christian or Jewish. It’s all of them and much more. But we rarely look beyond what’s

SKIN DEEP

EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of the subject matter, the student in this story who is on financial aid will not be identified.

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or him, having his own closet was “the height of luxury.” Joe’s new room was way better than sharing a bunk bed with his brother — in the same room with his parents. Even though his family didn’t have a lot, Joe always knew where the next meal would come from. The clothes he would wear the next day. The plan for him to go to the next public school. He had what he needed, but it wasn’t easy. Especially when his mom got laid off and his dad searched for another job at Domino’s. But now he’s at 10600 Preston Road with the help of financial aid. Now he knows the next meal is in the Great Hall. The next pair of clothes are gray shorts and an oxford shirt. The next plan is to be the first person with his last name to go to college. He hears all the other kids talking about the colleges where their parents have legacy — a concept completely foreign to him. That’s what makes Joe different. Diverse. Not just the color of his skin or his religious beliefs or his socioeconomic status. Continued, page 16 Because diversity is more than that. STORY PHILIP SMART, WILL CLARK PHOTOS ARNO GOETZ

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