-BACKTOSCHOOLEDITION-
“SENIOR CHAPEL TRADITIONS” CADIGAN PERRIELLO ‘25
For many seniors, after 15 years walking the halls of St Anne’s Belfield School, the senior chapel marks the beginning of an end of an era
As a new St Anne’s tradition, senior chapel marks the convocation of a new school year, reflecting on the journey between adolescence and adulthood. After reading A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit over the summer, the seniors sat down in Grishman Hall to reflect on their growth over the summer and open up doors for new experiences in the year to come. This year, the keynote speakers, Mrs. Beardsley and Mr. Zunka spoke about the unique experience of leaving the safety bubble of St. Anne’s and the beauty of exploring the unknown. Mrs. Beardsley spoke of the struggle of being separated from those you love, however, the invisible string that forever intertwines you with those you care for. Mr Zunka reflected on his canoe trip this summer with a group of strangers, both experts on wildlife and complete indoors man On his trip, Mr Zunka highlighted the importance of choosing those who are in your boat with, or who you take along in your journey
“OLYMPICS 2024” NORI CARTER ‘26
From new world records to a bleakly overshadowed entrance of “breaking” to the 2024 Olympics, this year's games were something to remember I’m sure we all remember the now viral performance from the Australian breaker “RUYGUN”, which was given an overall score of 0, but I would love to highlight some of the awe-inspiring events that you maybe didn’t notice at this year's competitions. To begin, we saw the youngest track athlete in Olympic history win an Olympic medal. Quincy Wilson, an athlete who specializes in short and mid-distance track events, won the winning title as a member of the United States 4x400 team. The Maryland Bullis School athlete has been a star athlete his entire life, with a clear upward trajectory. As the youngest track athlete, his future seems bright for a highly successful and decorated career Additionally, we witnessed not only physical triumphs but social ones as well The Boxer Imane Khelif was under intense scrutiny following her Olympic performance on the basis of her testosterone levels Stirring up immense media attention and controversy, this event also unified a powerful community to support her With an impressive performance and an uplifting response
There are those that will be your anchors, cementing you to your hometown or your heritage, there are others that act as your motor, spurring you into new spheres and new opportunities. However, containing a balance of friends, or a balance of passengers in your boat will keep you afloat and moving towards your destination.
Ending with a senior dinner, the class gets to recognize the community of seniors that has built up over the years and enjoy our last moments of summer together Senior chapel is not only a reflection of the senior's summer reading but a time and space to take a break in the chaotic fall of senior year Looking into the coming months, the seniors sitting in Grisham Hall have time to acknowledge the hard work to come, but internally, they need to take a moment to realize how far they have come. This lesson remains not only applicable to senior year even if it remains prevalent. Hearing Mr. Zunka and Mrs. Beardsley’s words reflecting on the lesson of keeping doors to the unknown open applicable in later life allows many seniors to realize the crucial importance of keeping your eyes and mind open to the doors in front of you.
“ELECTION” ARI KASTELLO ‘26
With the election for president in 45 days, it is important to understand a basic rundown of the campaigns. The two candidates in the primary election are Vice President Kamala Harris (D), 59, and Former President Donald Trump (R), 78. Kamala Harris started her career as the district attorney for San Francisco, before serving as the attorney general of California. She was elected to the Senate in 2017 and served as Vice President in 2020 under President Joe Biden Donald Trump, was the host of the NBC reality show, the Apprentice, after running the Trump Organization, a real estate company he inherited from his father He was elected as President in 2016 and served until 2020 Additionally, Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 fraud charges by the City of New York, including falsifying business records, in an attempt to improve his image before the 2016 election.
from most, this was one of the most memorable parts of the year's games. Countless athletes garnered intense media attention, including Stephen Nedoroscik, or the ‘Pommel Horse Guy’, and Ilona Maher a USA women’s rugby player that led the team to their first olympic medal for Team USA in women’s rugby ever This brought countless additional viewers to the games and allowed for participation and engagement from a younger audience Finally, we focus on an athlete from our very own Charlottesville, Kate Douglass The impressive swimmer won the title in the 200m breaststroke with a time of 2:19.24. Not just Douglass, but the UVA women’s Swim Team powered the Olympic team with five UVA swim members competing. The Olympic represents the beautiful and eternal tradition of recognizing and celebrating incredible athletes is something that many look forward to every year, and we can’t wait to see what happens in 2028 in Los Angeles!
In addition, he is under 57 criminal indictments, including 40 federal charges for unlawful retention of classified documents, 4 counts of attempted obstruction of public proceeding, for attempting to overturn the lawful and fair 2024 election, and 13 counts of RICO, which is a law that stops organized crime and racketeering Ironically, Trump and Young Thug were charged with the same thing, in the same courthouse
On the subject of policy, Harris followed a similar social policy strategy to the Biden administration However, she has moved right on economic issues, including a proposed tax cut, and a scale-down of Biden’s proposed tax and budget plans Trump is moving towards a more nationalist policy, including a massive tariff package that economists suggest could cause rampant inflation. On other issues, Trump has backed away from supportng Ukraine, where Harris has stated that she fully supports defending Ukraine from invasion. One of Trump’s biggest policy positions is building up the border patrol, and stopping migrants from entering the US.
After Joe Biden stepped down from the race, Kamala Harris jumped immediately into a full-force campaign, garnering immense media attention, specifically from the younger generations. The candidates debated on September 10th, the first interaction between the two candidates While most observers believe that Harris won the debate, they also state that both candidates failed to outline many specific policies
On the campaign front, Trump and his team were caught in several lies during the campaign and debate, with Trump’s running mate, JD Vance (ROH) admitting to fabricating a hateful story about immigrants Additionally, many people are concerned about Trump’s age, at campaign rallies he has seemed at times confused, and rambling. These worries, also are exacerbated by his saying confusing things, such as praising the fictional serial killer, Hanibal Lecter, and slurring his speech. However, Harris has not escaped criticism herself, especially over her reluctance to hold unscripted interviews. Whichever side you remain, it is crucial to do your own research and come to your own conclusions based on evidence and opinion. The Vice Presidential candidates, JD Vance and Tim Walz, a former high school coach and teacher and current Governor of Minnesota, will debate on Tuesday, October 1st This election will have major implications in all aspects of government, politics, and society, so we urge everyone eligible to do your research and most importantly, VOTE!
What is it like being a teacher at Saint Anne's while being a Saint Anne's alum?
It's like being a student again, only this time I’m learning more and I have to stay present and engaged for the full 90 minutes. My teachers from that era are still my teachers, they just happen to be my colleagues Walking the halls does get spooky sometimes, as random memories float back now and again
Who do you feel was your biggest mentor during your time at Saint Anne's?
The Humanities Department Mr Taylor showed me that being smart was both cool and worthwhile When I showed interest in art, literature, and culture the entire department made time for me. I tried to either take a course with every humanities teacher or have a project with them as a mentor.
How do you feel about having your own advisory?
I am absolutely charmed by my advisory. I am cognizant that I am a rental and that I hand the keys back to Mrs. Z soon. But I am excited to be a co-pilot for the rest of the year. I had a great advisory when I was a student in Mr. Bartholomew’s advisory and I try to keep the conversational and relaxed atmosphere that I remember Spending time with you all without a set curriculum is an easy joy and I am happy to be a part of “Zattise ”
What's changed and what has stayed the same between your time as a student and as a teacher?
When I was a student, there was no Grisham Hall, LLC, or fancy dining hall I remember there used to be more shade on campus and more hardwood floors, both of which I miss. It is difficult to say what has stayed the same, as the school has worked to adapt to the rapidly changing educational landscape. Culturally, the edge has softened but the more we work to embrace our student body’s diverse interests the more we can share the spotlight.
“EXPLODING PAGERS”
The militant group Hezbollah has for a long time used pagers as a way to avoid surveillance from the Israeli Defence Force and other Israeli military groups In the past, Hezbollah has taken great care in avoiding Israeli surveillance in Lebanon by avoiding the use of modern smartphones and instead using these pagers. However, these pages have recently proven to be just as dangerous, if not more, than the smartphones they worried so much about, as thousands simultaneously blew up killing or injuring those who had them and even those around them. Currently, statements are still being released regarding the effect on people around the exploding pagers as well as those in critical condition carrying the pagers; Lebanon's Red Cross said it deployed 130 ambulances to respond to explosion injuries illustrating the large effect of the bombs No one has taken responsibility for the exploding pagers but Lebanon’s foreign ministry condemned what it called an “Israeli cyber attack,” adding that it would submit a complaint about the detonations to the U N Security Council The United States CIA stated that it believes that Israel was responsible for the explosions as well and that they believe the reason for these phone bombs was to send a message to Hezbollah: Israel is capable of conducting military and surveillance action even in Lebanon and all the security measures Hezbollah takes. The fact the pagers exploded, which Hezbollah took significant steps in making secure to avoid Israeli surveillance, demonstrates deep-rooted flaws within the organization.
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
Meeting you all and figuring out new ways to illustrate that the world of literature is vast, compelling, and meant for everyone. I try to instill an understanding that the majority of your life will be spent alone either at work or at home and that what and how you think in those moments will ultimately shape whether or not you enjoy your life. It can be daunting to consider that arts and athletics are extremely short future paths and that the work of living the rest of your life actually starts with what you are putting in your brain now
If you could add anything to the English nine curriculum what would it be and why?
I got all of my wishes I have a great and helpful teaching partner who was excited to collaborate on a new vision for the program. We have four new books this year and I believe we are both legitimately excited to teach our curriculum. The goal was to bring some of the edgier corners of the canon back into the curriculum and embrace the outsider's mentality. English 9 Books: The Outsiders, The Maltese Falcon, The Catcher in the Rye, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Frankenstein. These are all novels about characters who are wayward and searching for a path forward inside themselves. Living in our fast-paced world can be emotionally difficult and we can draw examples of how to process from these novels.
Do you sponsor any clubs or school activities and if not what is a club or school activity you would like to sponsor?
I sponsor the Cinema Club which Caroline Reilly is resuscitating this year If there was another activity I could sponsor it would be a NASCAR club I wish I could instill an appreciation of car racing in everyone
What book, that's not already in the english program at Saint Anne's, would you recommend everyone to read?
The “everyone” here is what makes a question like this difficult. I might answer this in twenty different ways depending on who is asking. A fair blanket answer would be to suggest a short story collection by Etgar Keret, his stories are hilarious, short, and for everyone.
“MAROONTOP”
HENRY DOZIER ‘26
Every morning coming from the Junior lot to the commons, I hear the rhythmic hit-and-response of pickleballs on the new courts Opened this month, the courts offer a new community space filling the gap of the former Greentop With basketball and pickleball courts, the Maroontop offers an area for recreation and outdoor entertainment. The Maroontop is newly installed alongside the new, refurbished, Student Activity Center (SAC) that will have its ribbon cutting on October 24th. The new SAC offers a half-turf, halfcourt building that will be used for training for the upper-school sports teams. Especially for the baseball team as they are installing batting cages on the turf side. Currently, as the work on the SAC wraps up, we see the installation of newer conditioning equipment to help renew the strength program that primarily runs out of our lower school. The new SAC also offers the chance to rethink the annual events that we hold there, like the blood drive and the runway show The new configuration allows us to innovate with how we design our stage, and how we bring new life to this space I’m also excited to see how this space will be used by our track team who have used the area in the past as a warm-up/preparation area
If you could teach any subject that you don't already teach what would it be?
Oh goodness, perhaps a collection of single-mod literature and culture classes that are deep dives into specific movements or very large works of fiction. Classes where we could really see how big the iceberg is regarding what we typically have time for in the Humanities courses.
“RUNWAY SHOW” IMOGEN COBB ‘25
The Saint Anne’s-Belfield Wearable Arts Runway Show has been a tradition at our school since 1939. Although the rules and regulations have changed over the 85 years it’s been running, the spirit of innovation and creativity have remained. Our theme this year is Transcending Time: Art and Fashion from Yesterday to Tomorrow. This year there has been a concentrated effort towards pushing participants out of their comfort zones and encouraging them to think outside the box The ever popular “straight line minidress” is no longer acceptable, allowing people to explore new shapes and embellishments As well as these regulations on length and style, the materials used must be 90 percent upcycled material to push sustainability and minimise waste The leadership too has become more organised, with five senior mentors overseeing the design process of all participants Runway participants select a mentor based on that mentor’s past materials, garment style and decoration choices. This provides support for first years as well as guidance for returning designers. These mentors will help shape personalised timetables for their mentees, allowing them to set their own deadlines and progress checks within the allotted time frame. The 2025 Runway show is shaping up to be one of the best so far, hope you enjoy it!
“I
KNOW I’M FUNNY HAHA BY
FAYE WEBSTER”
SARAH SANDERS ‘26
Over the past summer, I was lucky to see Faye Webster in concert It was an incredible performance, and I saw tears of joy and fulfillment whenever I looked around Three rows back from Webster, I couldn’t believe I was amid such an icon Webster’s set and merch were well done, and Brown’s Island venue was stunning! Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Webster began performing very young and wrote her first song at 13. Before she emerged into fame, one renowned artist from whom she was inspired was Allison Krauss. Webster’s family included other musical artists. Her grandfather was a blues guitarist, and her brother Jack encouraged her to learn to play the guitar. She grew in popularity after the release of her third studio album, Atlanta Millionaires Club, and through the usage of her songs on the TikTok Platform. Webster went around to small venues around Atlanta before writing, creating, and releasing her songs; her nostalgic, angel-like voice is happy yet lonely at the same time, with a certain sadness that can’t be placed, like the feeling of yearning for something
I Know I’m Funny haha, is Webster's fourth studio album It combines a gloomy Sunday night yearning with a joyous, forgiving, and upbeat tune Webster compares and contrasts a good mood and a bad mood I have always loved the weepy sound of a steel guitar, and it fits perfectly in Webster’s songs Her lyrics are catchy enough to memorize for an upcoming concert, yet in-depth, remarkable, quirky, and humorous.
“Both All of The Time” and “Better Distractions” are realistic and poignant to our understanding of the timeframe. I know I’m Funny Haha was released during quarantine. For many people, Quarantine was a time of separation and alienation from their surroundings. Therefore, Webster’s contrary lyricism depicts her songs coming from deep inside her subconscious mind. Also, there is something so satisfying about the rest of Webster’s band. With a drumline that tickles my brain every time I hear a song begin and Matt Stroessel on the steel guitar, it never wavers from stirring up a dreamy feel Webster’s attention to detail is exciting yet admirable, especially in incorporating an instrument usually used in folk and country music Webster began as a folk singer when she released her first album at 16, Run and Tell One of the favorite facts I found out while researching this album and the songs it contains is the meaning behind “A Dream With a Baseball Player ”
Though it has a weeping and unrequited love feel, Webster paints her crush on Atlanta Braves baseball player Ronald Acuña Jr.! Her “dream” came true when she was invited to play a song at one of their games and met him.
I would recommend this album to anyone, especially those who enjoy new music that isn’t bland or meaningless but real and relatable. Though Webster “strongly dislikes” Bob Dylan, she is a die-hard Wilco fan. The Wilco Guitarist, Nels Cline, appears with a few solos on tracks on her most recent album, Underdressed at The Symphony. Stoessel, who I mentioned above before and the guitarist on I Know I’m Funny, actually labels himself as a Deadhead! He gives props to Jerry Garcia as a huge inspiration I’ve always preferred non-pop music due to honesty and not the need for online validation, which is highly prominent in today’s age Some of the most renowned and significant artists seem to start this way In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, she told the editors, “When people idolize me, it makes me uncomfortable, because I don’t even idolize myself I’m glad people can relate to me.” What I like most about Webster as an artist is that fame and popularity don’t seem to be the reason for her love of music, a fun hobby that turned into a lifestyle.
In conclusion, you should listen to this album for the following reasons. This album is what it feels like to sit back and observe, which is why I recommend it. Instead of moving at the speed of a European express train, take a step back, breathe, and look at how far you’ve come.
An Edition of Monthly Album Reviews
Back to School Playlist
“FE!N” TRAVIS SCOTT
“DECEMBER, 1963” THE FOUR SEASONS
“SUMMER OF ’69” BRYAN ADAMS
“CALIFORNIA” CHAPPELL ROAN
“GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN” CYNDI LAUPER
“BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM” TAYLOR SWIFT
“WISH YOU WERE HERE” PINK FLOYD
“CHERI CHERI LADY” MODERN TALKING
“EUPHORIA” KENDRICK LAMAR
“FOREVER” NOAH KAHAN
BANTER STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CADIGAN PERRIELLO
ROSE RYAN-BYRNE
WRITERS & STAFF
ALEX BAER
ARI KASTELLO
CORALINE REILLY
NORI CARTER
KATE CHENG
LOVISSA PRICE
SEBASTAION LAZA
SARAH SANDERS
CLEMENTE NORAMBUENA
CARTER KELLY
IMOGEN COBB
HENRY DOZIER
FORMATTING
NORI CARTER
CLEMENTE NORAMBUENA
CARTER KELLY