THE
BELFIELD BANTER December 3rd, 2021
Volume 3
The St. Anne’s-Belfield School Student Newspaper
In This Issue:
HAVEN’T GOT A “CLUE ”
From the moment Colonel Mustard (Hunter Oakey)
ON PARENTING, EDUCATION, AND ITS EFFECTS ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY
sneezing, the audience fell straight into the very center of this highly complicated whodunnit. From there, each character’s personalized entrance, strikingly-color coordinated costume, and quippy (often improvised) zingers developed the world of the story, before the plot even took off.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF MOVIE PRODUCTION
I should add that, while the props and costumes given to the characters were stunning, it was clear the energy and excitement came from the performances. Rather than providing a foundation for the story and the show, the props allowed for additional layers of comedy– all six actors were unafraid to access the true slapstick comedy that truly took the play to the next level. Something as simple as a fan, like the one used by Mrs. Peacock (Lindsay King), elevated the fullness and commitment Lindsay brought to her role– through her swoons, faints, and exclamations, she absolutely hit home a role that could’ve easily missed the mark (and I cannot bring up swooning without giving a “brava” to Ms. Scarlett (BG Cave) for swooning at least three times throughout the show without wearing out the charm of the gesture).
A REVIEW OF THE FALL PLAY
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEHIND THE CAMERA?
A REVIEW OF VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE
AN INTERPRETATION OF MARVEL’S LOKI AND INDIGENOUS IDENTITY
FACULTY FEATURE: NURSE AMANDA LaCASSE EDITOR’S NOTE FEATURING:
SAINTLY SHOUT-OUTS! HAVEN’T GOT A “CLUE ”
by Jack Dozier and Emma Finley-Gillis — As I walked into the Grisham Hall theatre to watch the Upper School production of Clue, my expectations were high: after an enthralling Community Forum teaser and rave reviews from crew and audience members alike, I was incredibly excited to be transported into the mahogany-trimmed mansion-turned-crime scene. Ambient music began to swell, immediately immersing me in the world of Clue. The excitement continued building as Emma and I took our seats in the back of the Grisham Hall Auditorium, and we immediately took note of the impressive number of students that came to support their peers. Despite our lofty expectations, nothing could’ve prepared us for the riveting story we were about to experience.
While Mrs. White (Rachel Klees) wasn’t given a prop as a part of her costume, her gesticulations and facial expressions (which mask she, and all actors, wore as a COVID precaution) extended her presence throughout the theatre. In her monologues, in which she recalled her numerous husbands and her general experiences with men, she utilized eye contact and composure to truly connect with the audience. Of course, a review of this production wouldn’t be complete without a commendation of Kat Kahler’s performance as Wadsworth. Again and again, they demonstrated their incredible ability to transform the entire mood of the stage: they made us feel welcomed into the bizarre world of affairs unwinding at
(cont. p2)
Dec 3rd, 2021
Body Manor, while still preserving the sense of confusion that kept the audience on the edges of our seats. In fact, as the chaos unwound, Kat, too, became further unhinged and visibly began to let Wadsworth break down on stage, with striking tone shifts that left us wondering if they were actually worried about the events of the murder. Furthermore, they brought humor and clarity to the confusing events with their perfectly executed fourth wall breaks, the best of which came right in the middle of their hilariously drawn-out stage death, which they paused, for a moment, to ask: “We’ve got what… only thirty-two more seconds?” before proceeding to allow Wadsworth to perish. A similar shout out must be given to Mr. Green (Bjorn Isaacson), who led us through the play with timidity and a rather highpitched voice, but in the last act revealed he was indeed acting, as his manner completely changed. Suddenly, he had complete command of the stage, revealing that he was an undercover FBI agent the entire time. Something must be said, of course, for Professor Plum’s (Spicer Edmonds) every appearance throughout the show. No one could’ve been better suited to his dazzling plum-colored jacket. Between the incredible performances, set design, direction and production (Brehanu Bugg and Izzy Sanok), and live musical and piano cues (Khai Davis and Chloe Zou), it’s safe to say that this was a slam dunk of a whodunnit. The plot was deeply layered, but the cast masterfully kept the audience with them and weaved comedy throughout the entire show.
Vol. 3
ON PARENTING, EDUCATION, AND ITS EFFECTS ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY
A True Diversity Essay by Brehanu Bugg — During the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election, both candidates (Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin) discussed the hotly debated topic of parents’ say in what schools teach their children. Youngkin argued McAuliffe took the opposite stance. In this essay, I will explore the consequences, or lack thereof, of parents’ involvement in their children’s education and what that means for critical race theory. Deciding on this binary choice proves challenging. If most parents are less progressive, vital discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, racism, and other societally taboo topics may get buried. This argument swayed some people to decide that no, parents should not have a say. Even so, people may brand themselves as “progressive” while harboring outdated views on said topics. To that end, what about the Texas school district administrator who called for teachers to present the “opposing side” when teaching about the Holocaust? Should parents have no say in that either? There interject and when they shouldn’t. It is in constituting where this line is that lies the problem. This brings us to its effect on critical race theory, a concept which establishes that race is a social construct that is embedded in every facet of our life and in every institution. In the past few years, this term has been thrown around in political discourse by many. So why is it so polarizing? One of the reasons is the obscurity of the term; the word “critical” and lack of common knowledge paints the term to be negative. Another is that it forces citizens to acknowledge America’s faults, bringing up white guilt in the process. Parents, understandably, want their kids to feel pride in their country, but ignoring its societal issues halts progressive action and introduces a form of brainwashing into the education system. We see the dire need to teach about the oppressive institution of race to explain the tragic events of August 2017. Here, the City of Charlottesville sought to take down a pillar of the Confederacy, a symbol of hate towards the Black community. This progressive act immediately shifted to violence and a complete disregard for the history behind it. These monuments, dispersed through America, arose during the peak of the Jim Crow era to “put Black people in their place.” Keeping them up preserved that notion, which one would know if they were taught critical race theory early on. This ignorance resulted in the alt-Right rally, which ended in the injury of multiple people and the death of a treasured community member.
(cont. p3)
Dec 3rd, 2021
So why does this matter? Why should we care if parents should or should not insert themselves into their child’s education? Why does it matter if critical race theory is in classrooms? Because inaction coupled with the wrong type of action leads to nowhere. How can we further our society to be more inclusive and diverse if we choose to ignore our bloody and divisive history? How can we educate the next generation of leaders and scholars if the older generation’s outdated views control their education? These questions need to be answered if we are to realize a more fair and just America.
(submitted by all of you!) Maria Viles and Olivia Stockhausen Such a dynamic duo, so glad you both have each other :). Ally Alvarez A literal anchor of our Saints Chorale class. Ms. Ruff She is always there to support her students and is a rockstar among the faculty. As another teacher, I really appreciate that I can always go to her for support and advice on how best to help my students. Thank you! Ms. Helton Ms. Helton is so kind and always walks around campus with the sweetest smile. Liam Robertson Always is there to cheer me up in the morning and is overall a very positive person. Sra. Herrero One of the most iconic people on campus! She is unfailingly kind, incredibly intelligent, and just a truly incredible person. She is so incredible and just a wonderful human-being. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to study with her and cannot wait for the coming months.
Vol. 3
Clare Antesberger A literal icon. Mrs. Miller
-
Mr. Remchuk (Remmy Boy!!) Literally so incredible. Mr. Remchuk is never short of a perfectly planned joke or well timed card game/ study break. When I had him last year, I had my doubts about the “reverse teaching model.” However, those doubts were quickly proven to be trivial. I, somehow, learned an INCREDIBLE amount of information in such a short time, and it is all thanks to Mr. Remchuk’s incredible teaching passion. Mr. Remchuk is the best, and I am so glad to have learned with him. Eric Zhao Eric is a true highlight of our AmStuds section. His replies to our daily check-in questions are always so good and show his future goals for life ;). Will Ambrose He lent me a pencil during math class Mr. Kishonis
Izzy Sanok and Brehanu Bugg For their hard work on the play and all their time to help us with our lines and cues and everything. Thank you so much for your hard cookies and vegetarian ziti and garlic bread to bring in for us on top of being Stage Manager is incredible. Seriously, thank you so much Brehanu and Izzy! Brehanu Bugg True Diversity is an amazing club and Brehanu serves our school in so many ways, from CS TA to awesome assistant director of the play. He is a gem! page 3
Dec 3rd, 2021
Izzy Sanok This woman single handedly put her heart and soul into the school play Clue and literally made it the most fun experience to be backstage during it. Love you Izzy! <3 You’re awesome. Anthony Cai ANTHONY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE EVER! HE IS SO KIND, SMART, AND HONESTLY THE BEST. He always waves and says ‘hi’ to people throughout campus. He is the best. Dr. Graves You are incredible for keeping school open last year. It meant so much to all of us. Thank you for making us think more about the world outside of our school. Ms. Matilda and Ms. Indea TWO OF THE BEST PEOPLE EVER! Everytime they said “good morning” or “hello” in the dining hall, my day just gets so much better. The two of them together are the MOST dynamic duo, and they make up such an important part of our school. Ms. Indea and Ms. Matilda are truly two of my (and many others’) favorite people on this planet.
Vol. 3
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEHIND THE CAMERA?
Behind the Scenes of Movie Production by Qiming Fu — Being in front of the camera or at center stage is a dream for many. Perhaps you have imagined growing up and becoming a movie star or wondered what the lives of famous actors are like. Many of us have fantasized about the glamour, scrutiny, and excitement that comes with acting. However, as I have learned ing is quite different and more complex than many picture it to be. One of my close family friends is a professional cinematic director, and, when I found out that they were of my prior theatre experience. However, I underestiquite different in many regards from the live theatre productions I was used to. If you have watched behind-the-scenes footage on YouTube or read interviews with directors and producers, you may be under the illusion that actors are the center of attention off-screen as well as on-camera. However, this is typically not the case. During
Amelia Brown Her positivity is always present and ready to make others feel better, she’s an incredible person and most of all an incredible friend.
be less than pleasant. Actors often face extreme temperatures in costumes that are not the most comfortable given the weather. Furthermore, most of the production team is focused on troubleshooting equipment or getting the shot just right instead of the comfort and needs of the stars. The priority on most
College Counseling I think that it can go without saying that the
ego and comfort.
Ms. Rubenoff I cannot explain how kind and caring Ms. Rubenoff is. She is, quite possibly, one of the best people to ever grace this campus. Her everlasting smile and constant positivity are enough to make me look forward to College Counseling meetings. Mrs. SJ I can never express my never-ending gratitude for your help throughout the college admissions process. Your unwavering help made the process so much less terrifying. Ms. Belak MS. BELAK! Your inspirational messages have honestly pushed me through senior year. You are truly the best.
overlook is the time, trial, and error that goes into every scene. You probably know that scenes need to be shot multiple times to get everything right, but the actual number of takes is still more than what you to shoot. Each scene has to be shot at multiple angles: long shots, still shots, moving shots, close-ups, and more. With the unpredictability of videography, the take also has to be frequently cut because of how easily the equipment malfunctions. Due to this, actors have to know their lines because there is no time for slip-ups. Many think the acting are what slows productions the most, but this is rarely the case: the acting usually remains consistent, and the cameras and equipment are what require multiple takes to get that I didn’t enjoy or took as a mixed bag. Aside from (cont. p5)
Dec 3rd, 2021
challenge actors. When interpreting the character, you’re not just memorizing and reciting lines; you have to understand the ins and outs of the person you are becoming. It requires going back and analyzing every word, endlessly practicing, and engaging in exercises and discussions with writers and co-stars to master your character. As for the acting itself, the camera makes it a theatrical actor, I’ve never seen how I look on camera. I was shocked when I noticed how exaggerated my expressions appeared when I looked over our takes. The camera captures evcroexpression you make. If you’re accustomed same techniques that can carry a performance in a live setting are a lot less convincing on a recording. Since most aspiring actors are more familiar with live theatre acting and rarely see their performance on camera, this can be a dif-
Vol. 3
Even still, I love sifting through dialogue and reading between plotlines. I would go as far as to say that I am an amateur critic: from The Princess and the Frog to Squid Game watched and expressing my opinions accordingly. The piece of cinema I’m going to dissect today is Marvel’s 2021 thriller, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage, the follow-up to 2018’s Venom, portrays protagonist Eddie Brock’s experiences adjusting to being the host of alien symbiote “Venom” in the midst of an enemy symbiote presence. With a whopping 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, I wasn’t expecting an extraordinary piece of cinema; however, Venom: Let There Be Carnage surprised me. A well-devised storyline paired with tons of gore hit the spot for a spooky October release. Its unique mixture of thrill and comedy make for an enthralling viewing moral ambiguity makes for a captivating plot.
In the end, I enjoyed the unique experience of about what it takes to act on-screen and was delighted to push myself and try something new. I never expected the opportunity to work different niches within the acting profession and even many smaller ones within on-screen and theatre productions. I can imagine that shooting a rom-com is immensely different from shooting a horror movie, and, similarly, a Shakespearian drama is different to perform than a musical. However, each type of acting is challenging and impressive in its own way.
A REVIEW OF VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE by Izzy Sanok
— I’ve adored movies since I was four years old. Over the years, they’ve provided me with a much-needed escape from the worries and chalfounding power to transport me into different worlds, from the corny and predictable to the gripping and innovative. Every time I sit down I am enchanted by Hollywood’s immersive spell. Like many others, I have encountered my fair
Marvel stories are frequently graced by characters known as anti-heroes: characters who are simultaneously heroic and villainous. In Venom, the character who is a prime specimen for the anti-hero archetype. Venom has animosity with several beloved MCU heroes (such as Spider-Man), yet he has done good things before– most notably in 2018’s Venom, when Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote work together to destroy an inhumane testing center and its evil mastermind. As I walked into the theater to see Venom: Let There be Carnage, I prepared myself for lots of action and violence, but the gore levels in it were even higher than I anticipated. Another thing that shocked my system was the volume. Due to certain characters and scenes, the movie was perhaps the loudest that I’ve ever witnessed. High-pitched tones and IMAX viewing does not work out well for those with sensitive hearing. If you don’t enjoy loud, jarring noises, I do not
Let There Be Carnage. Though I don’t anticipate Venom making an impact at the Academy Awards or being with friends and fellow Marvel geeks. page 5
T. N O C (submitted by all of you!) Eloise Granville
Rachel Klees The absolute best person to embody Mrs. White in Clue. The Maintenance and Housekeeping Teams Two absolute powerhouses. Somehow, these two wonderful groups make it so we can attend classes in this wonderful space. I cannot describe how grateful I am (and the entire school is) for all of their tireless hours to keep grateful for ALL of you! Dr. Jarry Dr. Jarry is the most wonderfully chaotic person on campus, and it’s in the best way possible. Through his perfectly timed jokes, his invigorating lectures, and his constant melody of 80s music, he transforms one of my hardest subjects into my favorite. Dr. Jarry is the best, and any student that gets to have him is beyond lucky. Lindsay King I loved seeing Mrs. Peacock! You did an amazing job. I always look forward to your next line! PJ PJ is a hilarious teacher and a great man. He tries to get everyone to talk, and you can easily get wrapped up in the most random conversations with him! Ms. Van Liew Ms. Van Liew loves helping students learn Chemistry so much that she regularly works with those who aren’t in her class during her free time. On top of that, she’s just a true, scheduling mastermind. Grace Greer Grace is super quiet, but she is so smart and wittily sarcastic.
Dec 3rd, 2021
Vol. 3
Mr. Wiseman I know this compliment was supposed to be anonymous, but the tone of my voice may make it easy to guess who I am to the recipient. I still remember when I was a freshman, he had a thick beard and looked like a wizard. became a dorm parent as well, and naturally, we crossed paths a lot more. He was a respected dorm parent, and I say this not because he bought me McDonald’s once (mostly because of that lol), but more because he ran all the fun weekend events that I enjoyed attending. He is an interesting teacher. Although I’ve never taken his class before, and I always said to him that he’s not my favorite History 9 or Hum 10 teacher (the only reason is that I sure love Mr.Clark and Mr. Shoup more than him). When I caught a glimpse of his class in the quiet space every free period in Q1, I was indeed happy that his students had a great teacher like him. He is also a humorous human, which I like the most. It was always fun to remember whether americanos should be cold or hot, and how he looked like a young Dumbledore in that dark green coat of his. All in all, he is I am about to write this Saintly Shout-Out. I believe our friendship will continue to grow in the future, and as for now, we sometimes refer to each other as uncle and nephew. Therefore, please allow me to introduce the mysterious man I mentioned above, the dear Uncle Wiseman! Madame Wendling She is so kind, always has such great book recommendations, and is so fashionable! She does everything to make sure that our grade feels special :). Mrs. Schwagerl One of the kindest people ever! She’s always so kind and helpful when assisting us with countless matters. Nicole King For being the most supportive, kindest, most beautiful, and just the best person ever! You always cheer me up! Mrs. Speidel Mrs. Speidel, I look up to you so much! I’m so in awe of your dedication to making our school community a more welcoming place, and I’ve loved hearing your incredible hiking and running stories. page 6
Dec 3rd, 2021
AN INTERPRETATION OF MARVEL’S LOKI AND INDIGENOUS IDENTITY
by Qiming Fu — DISCLAIMER: The following article contains spoilers about Loki’s arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU.) Loki, known for his charming, morally ambiguous character, is one of Marvel’s most beloved and successfully developed characters. Loki may be one of the most diverse major characters in he is a symbol for many abuse survivors for his experiences in Marvel’s plotlines and Norse Mythology. Although these aspects of his character are notable, many parts of Loki’s identity are often overlooked. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has either avoided discussing the topic, or the easter eggs were just too subtle to be picked up by the general audience. Marvel’s latest episode release on its sub-series What If…? reintroduced Loki in his original heritage as a Jotun Frost Giant. Throughout the episode, the audience follows an alternate version of the god’s story and witnesses how he thrives and achieves the dreams he died defending in the MCU’s telling of his story. The change that made all of the difference was this– in What If…?, Odin never colonized Jotunheim and instead left Loki and his people in peace. This alternate series of events raised many emotions and theories amongst MCU fans. One popular takeaway was how similar Loki’s experience was to many Native American children; after being attacked by colonizers and robbed of their land and taken from their families against their will to be raised and “reeducated” under the reign of their kidnapper. They connected seemingly irrelevant points that seemed too obscure to be intentional, but there were too many to be pure coincidence. A central debate formed from these observations: if Marvel’s portrayal was intentional, would it be considered appreciation or appropriation? When discussing Indigenous representation in the MCU, one has to credit director Taika Waititi Thor: Ragnarok. Waititi, of indigeland– made sure to include plenty of representa-
ship– Waititi’s efforts are hard to go unnoticed. The planet Sakaar was designed with Indigenous tribes in mind, with tribal culture imple-
Vol. 3
-mented throughout the production. Many scenes
lians, and, even more, the directors acknowledged the use of the indigenous land throughout the production. In a setting teeming with indigenous spirit, the character Loki was depicted to have blended in with Sakaar culture. However, at the end of Thor: Ragnarok and the beginning of , Loki’s acceptance of his presence as both Jotun and Asgardian rewrote his identity completely. While the decision made sense in his character development, it confuses previous leads on Loki’s portrayal as indigenous. With the quick “death” that followed, it seemed that these questions may never be answered. Although MCU’s responses to Loki’s fate were not to say that lessons weren’t learned. For example, many believed Asgard and Odin’s ending served as a warning for many powerful countries. Asgard was a perfect shining planet made of gold, and Odin was a successful king that won his place through love and justice. Or so it was portrayed in Odin’s telling of the history. However, when we objectively observe Odin’s actions, he is revealed to be nothing less than a merciless colonizer.
One might even go as far as arguing that MCU’s portrayal of Asgard draws from the events that occurred “where do you think all that gold came from?”, referring to a shining castle on a hill– one built entirely of gold stolen from the realms that Asgard colonized. The history of Asgard’s shiny foundations seems to build a parallel to America’s western expansion for gold, and the greed that led to massacres and broken peace treaties. These truths have often been swept under the rug of America’s history, and the same is true in Marvel’s universe– they are locked behind ceiling murals and Asgard’s large underground dungeons. At the end of Thor: Ragnarok, upon learning and accepting the kingdom’s sins and retaining a love for its people, Thor ends Odin’s consequences by burning the physical copy of Asgard in space. After centuries of false glory, Asgardians are reduced to refugees on Earth. Perhaps this is Marvel’s way of warning certain countries to stop pretending their history never happened and to acknowledge their crimes. However you choose to interpret Loki, his unique character and charm are undeniable.
page 7
T. N O C
Dec 3rd, 2021
Vol. 3
Emma Finley-Gillis Emma puts in tireless effort to her friends and work as well as helping organize Banter. They are a student for the community.
(submitted by all of you!) Mr. Adair and Mr. Bogely Mr. Adair, the man behind all IT, and Mr. Bogely, the man behind all facility matters! I don’t know how they do it, but they keep our
Mr. Minster Minster makes CSP so interesting! He is a really kind person, and he is someone who you can go to with ANY advice. I will miss him so much after I graduate.
tireless work makes it so we can work and learn at this school, and they truly are two special people. Each always available for help with a gracious smile. Shout out to these two wonderful men!
Ms. Dawson and Ms. Parra School would not run smoothly without these THANK YOU!!
Mr. Stinnie Mr. Phil Stinnie, one of the kindest souls to EVER be on this campus. I have loved hearing stories from alumni about his impact on their lives, and I know that there are countless students (present and former) that have been positively impacted by him. He is truly a great coach, dean, and mentor.
Ms. Dawson
Willie Fisher Willie is a great friend, and is so helpful in the cafeteria everyday. He also plays pool with me and is yet to be beaten. It will happen one day!
thankful for you always being so sunny and kind.
Ms. Parra
Vaya Chhabra She’s such an incredible athlete and incredible person. Congratulations on rowing!
Sainty the Dog Best dance moves on campus.
Open Mic Night Team It was absolutely amazing! Well-organized, beautiful performances by so many folks. It is an amazing event that everyone should go to. Mr. Nichols MY FAVORITE, MOST CHAOTIC TEACHER EVER!
AJ Lamas-Nemec For making me unbelievably happy and relaxed every time we talk! Sra. Lezama SENORA LEZAMA IS THE BEST! I had her in Middle School and have had plenty of incredible conversations with her in the Upper School. She is one of the most delightful people on this planet, and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with her.
-
Jack Venerus He is literally one of the kindest people ever. He’s always there to listen or help. Over our years together at STAB, he has always been a grounding force.
Dec 3rd, 2021
Mr. Watson Through some of the toughest days and weeks, you were a rock for our cast and crew. Thank you for your never-ending imagination and kindness to all students! Ms. Michau She’s an incredible teacher (obviously), but more than that she makes the classroom feel comfortable. I’m never scared to be honest or share my thoughts Martha Oakey Shout-out to you! You are so unpredictable and I love you for it!! Nurse Amanda
Mr. Esposito Clearly one of the best people ever. I have had him both in orchestra AND as a sub for choir, and his passion for music is so clear. He has the most positive attitude and the best stories about his grad school classes. Cherrod Allen Cherrod lent me a pencil when I needed one during class. Sasha Rinkevich For being one of the kindest people ever Nathan Kelly He was very helpful when I needed a helping hand Mr. Ross Honestly, who couldn’t like Mr. Ross? He’s absolutely great and, quite possibly, the best person to have taught me stats. I mean, who else can make stats that interesting? Aside from his fantastic teaching skills, Mr. Ross is just a generally great person. He does so much to ensure that his students are doing mentally and emotionally well, and I am so
Vol. 3
FACULTY FEATURE: NURSE AMANDA LACASSE
by Jack Dozier — JD: Are you new to the Charlottesville area? AL: Yes, my family and I moved here during the summer of 2020. We drove across the country from Albuquerque, NM during a very strange year (thank you, COVID!) I am from the Southwest (Arizona/New Mexico), but I have extended family in Virginia and have always loved visiting! I’m enjoying living here, except for the humidity/rain. I still feel very confused when it rains non-stop for days. In Arizona, that never happens! JD: What made you interested in working in the education and health sectors? AL: When I was in college, my grandfather became chronically ill and was hospitalized repeatedly. I had an interaction with one of his nurses that made me think about how much of an impact she had on both patients and families. I always wanted to help others, and I saw nursing as a really impactful way to do that. I started my path in school nursing due to life circumstances and having a nurse friend who recommended it. I enjoy the aspect of school nursing that brings a long-term relationship and sense of community to being a nurse. JD: What is your favorite pastime outside of school? AL: I enjoy being outside (when it isn’t raining!) I like hiking and doing outdoor activities. Most days, you They were my COVID adventure, and I absolutely adore them! JD: Do you have any tips for staying safe during this time of COVID? AL: I think my biggest suggestion is to try to stay smart, even though you’re tired. We all want to be social and enjoy others around us, and we are moving forward through this pandemic to have more freedom to do so. Even still, if you can be masked indoors with people who are not your family, try to do so. If you are vaccine eligible and have your parents’ agreement to be vaccinated, that should be a priority. If you want to hang out and not worry as much about COVID, go enjoy the outdoors!
Mr. Ross! BG Cave Most supportive person I’ve ever met. Joey Quags He brightens my day! page 9
T. N O C (submitted by all of you!) Mrs. Toburen Mrs. Touburen has been the biggest help throughout my high school experience so far. She is always quick to lend a hand and is such a comfort to be around. Her presence makes me feel safe and heard and I will forever cherish the in-class lessons and the life lessons she has taught me. Mrs. T deserves so much love and recognition! Thank you for everything, Mrs. T! Dr. Troy How can one even begin to encapsulate the greatness of Dr. Troy. Throughout the campus, he is so good-natured and happy and is just there to brighten your day. As a true powerhouse of the science department, Dr. Troy makes anything he passes by interesting and is a true pillar of the school. Jack Dozier A crazy, incredibly motivated person who juggles a world of concerns and responsibilities with flair. An icon, if you will. Maddie Rice How is she so kind and beautiful? A wonderful classmate :). Kat Kahler I enjoyed watching Wadsworth so much! I loved hearing your voice, and it’s such a shame I couldn’t see from backstage. But anyway, you were amazing. I can’t say this enough! Dr. Simeone Dr. Simeone goes above and beyond to make our class discussions interesting, meaningful, and the kind that stick with you for weeks after. In her lovely, gentle way, she gets everyone involved and makes you a better reader, writer, and student each day Hunter Oakey You always pop into classes to see if anyone needs help, or just to hang around and bring positive energy. Ms. Sweeny SO KIND! I know she isn’t often at the Greenway campus, but she is always so so so kind.
Vol. 3
Dec 3rd, 2021
Dr. Reeves I mean, what can I say? She’s fashionable, kind, and a downright fantastic Grade Level Dean. Though I don’t have her as a student, her general demeanor is so funny, witty, and generally incredible. I know 2023 is (and will always be) so grateful for her. Dr. Visscher-Gingerich Where do I begin with this fantastic teacher? She is so passionate about sharing her love of language, and you can tell that she works so hard to teach us even the hardest topics. She always has an encouraging word when you need it, and her positive energy is contagious. Mrs. Beardsley MRS. BEARDSLEY IS ONE OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE EVER. I love hearing her stories about Maine. She just has one of the most positive auras. SHE'S THE BEST! Ms. Bussey Ms. Bussey is an incredible Grade Level Dean. Her work to make our grade happy is so important. She’s so fashionable and so great. Eliza Kuyk, Jacky Huang, Tristan Fan YES THE BOYS!!!!!! Andy Beardsley He is such an incredible coach and mentor both in running and in life. He has taught me so much about how to be a better team player and encouraged me to pursue my passions inside of school and outside of school. Sonia Kamath She is so organized, kind, and seemingly doing everything at once. Eoin O’Malley He gave me the last cupcake at the funeral Ava Schetlick She always helps the entire class when we’re struggling. Caden George He’s so good at squash and so hardworking. River Schleifer So kind. So fashionable. So incredible. page 10
Dec 3rd, 2021
Vol. 3
Lydia Hodges Such a sweetheart, genuinely so kind, and so gorgeous. I hope you’re having the loveliest day sweet Lyd!
Mr. Corwin Mr. Corwin has the best sense of dry, sarcastic humor. Though he is quiet, you know that he is always there to help you.
Mr. Zunka How can anyone be as kind as him even with a majorly injured arm? He brightens up everyone’s day.
Mr. Taylor Mr. Taylor, you are all the best parts of Twin Peaks, Gilmore Girls, and The Watchmen combined. I am thankful every day to come to AmStuds and to have your encouragement in the library movement.
Mr. Steven Mangano Our man behind the lights, camera, action! Our hardworking Mr. Man makes our productions, live streams, and Chapels look beautiful and run seamlessly. For all you do, this Shout-Out is for you! Hayley Chisholm So genuinely beautiful. Sweetest person ever. Ms. Herlevsen Mother H is the best teacher I’ve ever had. She is the most supportive person, so kind and really funny. Mr. Shoup Mr. Shoup, you’re the best! From conversations about Gilmore Girls at Model UN conferences to discussions in Hum 10, you’ve taught me so much. Mr. Webster Easily one of my favorite teachers, his classes are always my favorite. Thanks for supporting me and my lovely dog. Jordan Spencer I literally cannot vocalize how incredibly kind she is... a true role model. Cast and Crew of Clue Y’all killed it! I laughed out loud, had fun guessing the killer, and was impressed by the talent in the room. Oscar winners in the making! Mr. Clark One of the wisest people to ever grace Randolph Hall. His teachings of History Nine and seminars are, quite honestly, the best. Going into RH 312, you always know that you will learn something new. Mr. Stoner So kind and an incredible teacher/coach.
Mrs. Scheel One of the best people on this planet. Mrs. Scheel is the kindest, most caring, and smartest person ever. Luke Finley-Gillis Luke Finley-Gillis is one of the sweetest people on the planet, and talking with them is a delight! Ms. Sandridge
Mrs. Robertson Mrs. Robertson is the most caring, compassionate, and generous person on the for recognition. Weronika Ploszaj Weronika is, quite possibly, one of the most witty, chaotic, and kindest people I have ever met. Her sarcasm is unrivaled. Ms. Gutkowski She is so kind and organized! I have loved see-
Qiming Fu Q puts a sense of immense passion in everything that they do. Their work on PLUM doesn’t go unnoticed. I also love her Hannah Laufer Hannah puts so much work into the betterment of all our communities. Her work in local politics is so admirable, and I am super grateful for all the work she page 11
Dec 3rd, 2021
Mr. Pat Crowson One of the kindest people that I have ever met. He’s always so kind and is one of my favorite people. Marin Halstead For being the best person ever! Your presence always comforts me and you make me so happy. Profe For always brightening up our days and trying to help with whatever we need (especially dorm students) Isabella Zakaib Truly one of the nicest people I know. She’s so funny and kind and always makes my day better. Mr. Bart Mr. Bart is one of the smartest and funniest teachers on campus. He’s always available for help and is just incredibly kind. Dr. Dumansky Dr. Dumansky is one of the best Humanities teachers I have ever had! She’s always so kind and bright! Mr. Phillips He’s truly a fantastic advisor and mentor. I have loved the past year with him as the lead-
Mr. Lippman I have loved seeing Mr. Lippmann’s move back from the LV, and I can only say that I am beyond glad that he chose to come with our class. He’s incredibly funny and can think of a quip that’s always perfect for the occasion. Mr. Lippmann is truly the best. Mr. Perriello Mr. Perriello is one of my favorite teachers and is someone who absolutely cares about his students. He is a wonderful coach, mentor, and teacher and provides wonderful
Vol. 3
EDITOR’S NOTE: JACK DOZIER AND SASHA RINKEVICH
— As we approach the second-year mark of the COVID-19 pandmeic, it’s clear to us that we are all tired. Tired of the pandemic, tired of worrying, and tired of experiencing the world under a mask. We are all exhausted from witnessing and experiencing injustice, political unrest, climate change, and a general sense that no matter how hard we work, we won’t constantly. It’s easy to worry and hard to have hope. Sadly, the world feels as if it’s slowly becoming more and more pessimistic. And, yet, every day this community gives us hope. Every day the people at this school overwhelm us with a sense of lightness and faith in the future.
fall colors of the campus trees, from Mr. Crowson’s friendly morning wave to the tireless effort and dedication of our faculty and administration, hope and persistence radiate from our school. The little ways that you bring us so much joy, from unexpected jokes with classmates during academic challenges or warm conversations with teachers in the hallway, mean the , absolute most to us. This issue of including our new Saintly Shout-Out Column, goes out in thanks to all of you. We are so grateful for all that this community does for us, the big and the small. You are all wonderful, and we are grateful for each and every one of you.
2021-22 BANTER STAFF Sasha Rinkevich - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Co-Editor in Chief Jack Dozier - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Co-Editor in Chief Emma Finley-Gillis- - - - - - - - - - - - - Managing Editor Hannah Laufer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Column Editor
Leo Zhang Loved that look on Saturday’s show.
Ally Alvarez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Features Editor
Dr. Jones Dr. Jones brings such good music to the advisory. He always has a good song recommendation to share!
Izzy Sanok - - - - - - - - - - - Assistant Managing Editor
Qiming Fu - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Creative Director
Sonia Kamath - - - - - - Director of Student Outreach page 12