“Needling the faculty, staff, and students for 96 straight”
The Pine Needle
St. Christopher’s School
Richmond, Virginia
November 2013
Number 2
Volume XCVII
1:1, Two Years Later By Henry Fauls Chief of Staff
Do laptops in the classroom enhance learning? The administration believes so, but some students have other views. “No.” “Ummm, no.” “Not for me.” “For some people.” “No.” “Nope.” “Hmmm, no I don’t think so.” That’s how many Upper School students responded to the question, “Are computers educationally beneficial in the classroom?” And they all have the same reason. Distractions. St. Christopher’s Upper School students are overwhelmingly aware of the infinite diversions held within their laptops. Since the institution of the 1:1 laptop program in 2011, every Upper School student is required to own and bring a laptop to class every day. Middle School has since followed. Some classes use them more than others,
but most classes require students to use them. And every time a teenage boy cracks open his computer, he is liable to stray from class activities and lose himself in the World Wide Web. Computer Science Chair Robert Johns revealed his awareness of the problem saying, “Distractions are a concern with all age groups, not just high school boys.” Many teachers are aware of students’ tendencies, and some take active roles to monitor their students’ ventures while the screens are up. Foreign Language Chair Suzanne Varner said, “Teachers are as responsible for their students actions [on computers] as the students themselves are.” She gives specific directions to students when working on computers and walks around the classroom to keep students on track. Mrs. Varner’s tactics appear to maximize student produc-
tivity with laptops keeping distracted pupils to a minimum. Other classes, like Honors Physics, British Literature and Honors Geometry rarely, if ever, use laptops. Also AP science and math courses follow a set curriculum, which rarely includes online material. Students admit that
teachers who do not specify when laptops can be open and who do not monitor students’ activity create the easiest environment in which to get distracted. However, though students can waste a whole semester playing “Canvas Rider” or searching the deep web, many learn from their lack of studying and suf-
Remembering Casey Jones
By Addison Dalton ’08 Alumni Contributor
Maintenance head Casey Jones, who served the St. Christopher’s community for 38 years, died in August of lung cancer. Casey Jones was my first boss at my very first job. My work with the maintenance crew began the summer after my sophomore year of high school. Gone was the luxury of sleeping in until noon. A 7 a.m. alarm and my subsequent struggle to make it to the shop by 7:30 marked the end of my lazy summers. I continued this work routine every summer for the next six years including the time I was home from college. Every summer I returned to find the shop just as I left it. -- everyone always in a joking, upbeat mood, excited for what the day had in store. A positive, fun work envi-
ronment starts and ends with a virtuous, strong leader who is always the first one in and last one to leave. Casey was a problem solver for everyone in and around St. Christopher’s. If you had a problem, big or small, you could call Casey, and he would do everything in his power to help you despite his constantly busy schedule. Many people don’t realize the amount of work and responsibility it takes to keep a demanding and successful school like St. Christopher’s running smoothly. Yet, Casey did just that for more than 30 years while tolerating day-to-day stresses and maintaining an optimistic attitude. Sometimes when I think back on those hot, early summer mornings when all I wanted was to be face down in a pillow, I remember Casey’s selflessness. He was always understanding and fun to be around. Even when I would plan a last minute summer trip to meet up with some college friends, it was never a problem. Casey wasn’t your average boss. I admired his values and his work ethic. I worked hard for him because I respected him as a man. He was like the father you didn’t want to disappoint, not because he Continued Jones, Page 4
fering grades. Senior Alex Essex said, “I had a couple of really bad grades first semester of freshman year. I had to delete Minecraft from my computer, and then my grades started to improve.” Upper School Head Tony Szymendera knows that learning to handle the Continued Laptops, Page 4
EDITORIAL
100 students surveyed
Students Lack Political Awareness By Harry Smith Senior Contributor
Why is it that among St. Christopher’s Upper School students, only 45 percent of the 100 students polled knew all three of Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates in the recent November election? Richmond Times Dispatch’s Bart Hinkle, speaking of the general population in a recent article, put it best: “We are an ignorant bunch.” Today’s younger generation does not think that politics will directly affect their lives in any way. Citizens turn out more for presidential elections than they do for mid-term elections -- elections two years before and after presidential contests. Naively, people believe
that the president’s policy has the greatest bearing on their lifestyles, when, in fact, it is the decisions of the governor and state legislators that impact citizens most. How can voters choose the best candidate when they do not even know the candidates? According to Mr. Hinkle, “Americans have very little incentive to know such basic things.” I think it is because people today are too lazy or complacent. Citizens report thinking that their votes won’t matter; they don’t like who is running; they voted before and their candidate didn’t win; they don’t know anything about the candidates; or they are turned off by the “mud slinging” campaigns. Ironically, even if one does not vote, the laws affect Continued Politics, Page 4
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The Pine Needle
November 2013
Teacher After Hours...
Ain’t Nothing But A Shermdog By Connor Lifson Junior Contributor
An unmistakable hush rises when St. Christopher’s English teacher Sherman Horner enters the classroom. His teaching methods, centered heavily on philosophy and psychology, prove memorable for his students yet only show part of Mr. Horner’s nature. Mr. Horner teaches his favorite book, Cormac McCarthy’s “All the Pretty Horses,” to juniors. But his appreciation extends beyond simple instruction, saying, “It changed the way I read and appreciate literature.” Mr. Horner’s favorite part of teaching is, in his words, “the trenches.” He loves to watch students develop and transform. Mr. Horner says the most rewarding moment is when alumni come back and, referring to a perplexing topic, say, “I get it.” The posters of musicians on his classroom walls and a guitar that careless students always seem to knock over reveal his passion for making music. Having played the guitar from a very young age, Mr.
Horner cites Eric Clapton as his favorite guitarist and an immense influence. In particular, Mr. Horner enjoys the “unplugged” versions of Clapton’s songs, specifically “Layla,” in which Clapton plays his rock songs acoustically. Mr. Horner has watched the VHS performance from 1993 so many times the tape has begun to wear out. Mr. Horner enjoys The Dave Matthews Band because of their mixing of genres bringing in elements of alternative, country and folk. Mr. Horner plays guitar with his friend in a band that needs a name. They play songs, some written by Mr. Horner at various events including our most recent homecoming. Mr. Horner says that no one knows about his old hobby of “drawing voraciously.” He used to create his own series of comic books, called “Hocus Pocus” that centered on a mouse with superpowers. Loving to write about what he sees, Mr. Horner bases these comics on his travels. If you think Mr. Horner’s life is restricted to the classroom, “your eyes deceive you.”
Eldridge Now Full Time By Sam Coltrane Senior Contributor
For the past 16 years, most parents and students alike have thought Athletic Trainer Robin Eldridge was full-time. “To me she was doing full-time work with a part-time job description,” said Athletic Director John Gordon. However, in the new school year, St. Christopher’s decided to bump up her role to full time. She left Richmond Physical Therapy after more than 20 years. Eldridge’s impact is already making a difference. For example, Coach Gordon recently got an email from a parent saying they valued her professionalism and care for the boys at the highest level. “It’s not unusual for her to call a parent to check in with a boy on a night or weekend,” he said. “Even if that doesn’t change how quick they get back, it feels good to have someone who remembers you got hurt and care.” She also has already begun working with health classes and on bettering protocols for students with concussions. “She contacted student heads about kids with concussions returning to class, and now she can do a program before things happen
rather than reacting after,” said Upper School Head Tony Szymendera. Eldridge has also helped students with physical therapy during their free periods. The therapy has helped students such as senior Charles Moore and junior Thomas Lynde from missing practice. “We did physical therapy, she conducted some running exercises and taped me every day… my recovery time was as short as possible,” said Moore. Although the move was difficult for Eldridge, she has embraced being a full time worker at St. Christopher’s. “It’s a nice change of pace, it gives me a chance to see kids earlier in the day, do injury evaluations and rehab with the kids,” said Eldridge. Everyone would agree the community as a whole is a better place with Eldridge at St. Christopher’s full time. Assistant Football Coach Chuck Robinson said that she is every bit as qualified as trainers he has seen at the collegiate level. “I can say with confidence that her availability has resulted in a more complete care plan and has led to a more efficient return to the field,” said Gordon. “…She is perfect for St. Christopher’s; we are lucky to have her.”
Alumni Spotlight: Vern Glenn By Joe Goode Junior Contributor
San Francisco sports reporter and St. Christopher’s alumnus Vern Glenn has been called “Mr. Involvement,” and a quick YouTube search reveals why. His small, animated frame can be seen catching 95-mileper-hour fastballs, dancing with cheerleaders and launching through the air after taking hits from NFL linebackers. Glenn’s evident passion and enthusiasm for journalism started in the tenth grade at St. Christopher’s where he discovered that he wanted to cover sports. “Balls, strikes, touchdowns,” he said. “It was just fascinating to be in the moment.” Glenn sure has lived up to his dream of being in the moment. He has covered three Super Bowls, carried the Olympic Torch as part of the 1996 Olympic torch Relay and become a household
name in the Bay Area due to his high-energy stories. However, Glenn’s journey to his current job as a sports reporter and anchor at KPIX 5 in San Francisco has not been without adversity. After graduating from the University of Virginia, he was a sports anchor and weekday reporter/photographer for WRIC in Richmond from 1985 to 1987. “I tried to do whatever I could to get my foot in the door,” he said. From there, Glenn worked as a sports reporter in Baltimore, Maryland until 1990, when he landed a job at KRON, an NBC affiliate covering San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco. While Glenn established himself as an energetic, smiling reporter and anchor, KRON went through financial troubles after it was dropped as an NBC affiliate in 2001. During this time, Glenn added video journalist to his list of skills. In 2005, Glenn began shooting and
editing his own video. Although this was not the most glamorous job, Glenn learned a lot from his experiences as a video journalist. “It became a real valuable skill set for me to learn because in today’s television you don’t just show up and throw on the make up and coat and tie.” He said that the whole philosophy of journalism has changed, and journalists must learn to do more with less. As KRON fell into deeper financial troubles, Glenn discovered his talent for video journalism and soon started his own video production company, Vern Glenn Productions. Glenn’s philosophy during this time is best summarized during
his sendoff segment from KRON in 2012 when he said, “Instead of complaining about it, what was I going to do? I had to embrace it and move forward.” In June 2012, after 23 years at KRON, Glenn took his newly found editing and production skills along with his larger-than-life personality to KPIX 5, a CBS affiliate in San Francisco, where he works as weekend sports anchor and sports reporter. Throughout Glenn’s career, he has advanced from a top area sports reporter to
a one-man camera crew and back to a top area reporter again. His success has been marked by his ability to embrace change with a characteristic smile rather than shy away from it. While reflecting on his time at St. Christopher’s, Glenn spoke on the many teachers who influenced and instilled a value system inside of him and said, “I don’t think I would be who I am without St. Christopher’s.”
The Pine Needle
3[ So Bye, Bye My RAMPS Pudding Pie November 2013
By Cooper Yoo Senior Contributor
Vomit was spewed and consumed during the first ever St. Christopher’s pieeating contest. Crowds of students cheered as people threw away their shame (and appetite) in the name of a good cause. This October, RAMPS (Ramp Access Made Possible by Students) organized the very first St. Christopher’s pie-eating contest in an effort to raise funds for charity. Senior Baxter Carter came up with the concept from a pie-eating contest that he had participated
in and won in eighth grade at The Steward School. “I figured it would be a good way to bring the community together and create lasting memories,” said Carter. After coming up with the idea this summer, he began to organize the fundraiser during the first or second week of school. Carter had to first get into contact with the cafeteria’s new Head Chef Walter Ellerbe. Chef Ellerbe was very enthusiastic and decided to get involved with the preparations. There were a couple setbacks with communication, such as the type of pies that would be used in the contest. But, in
Here at St. Christopher’s we excel at turning young boys into gentle—
the end, the cafeteria staff was able to whip up more than enough pudding pies for the contest. A whopping 35 people signed up to participate at the get go. Unfortunately, due to a couple scheduling issues, only 12 actually competed. Many people who had signed up were still willing to donate though even without participation. After an exciting and sickening competition, two students and one faculty member emerged victorious. Sophomore John McCauley achieved the fastest time, eating his pie in 3 minutes and 14 seconds. Junior Pierce Walmsley came in a
close second, finishing in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Biology teacher Charles Ellen, the faculty winner, ate his pie in 3 minutes and 16 seconds. Overall, the pie-eating contest ended up raising $200 through both the competitors’ fees and the selling of pies after the contest. As for the two student winners, their prize was a pie to the face of anyone of their choosing. McCauley pied math teacher Mike Rossetti while Walmsey’s victim was fellow student Sean Menges ’16.
Eat the Vomit! —men...
EAT! EAT!
GO! GO! GO!
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Looking back, Carter saw his fundraising endeavor as a success. “Everyone had a great time,” he said. “It was just a fun event during lunch.” Baxter did notice that people were having more difficulty finishing the large pies than he had intended and thought making the pies smaller could have saved some stomach aches. Overall, Baxter and RAMPS accomplished exactly what they sought to do -- raise funds for a good cause and create great memories for everyone.
Comic by Cooper Yoo
Wilson directs “To Kill A Mockingbird”
By William Maddock Junior Contributor
Mary Badham played Scout, a young girl growing up in Maycomb, Alabama, in the original film production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance and attends as many different stage productions of Mockingbird as she can. After seeing the Virginia Repertory Theatre produc-
tion directed by Mr. Rusty Wilson, Badham said it ranked among the best stage productions of the bookturned-play that she had ever seen. Perhaps the main quality that made this production stand out was the addition of an all-black chorus, something which Badham had never seen before. The choir, which was Mr. Wilson’s own idea, added another dimension to the show. Said Mr. Wilson, director of the Saints theater program, “My biggest joy in the play was the discovery and evolution of a Greek chorus that acted as witness to the story and as a musical and sound component. That, to my knowledge, has never been done.” The book deals with race relations, and the production gave Mr. Wilson a chance to openly communicate with the cast members,
and especially with the chorus members, about the story’s relevance in today’s world. “This was a discovery for me,” he said. “I really had to take stock of my preconceived notions about racial prejudice, particularly in this community. As far as the chorus, I got very frank feedback about what value that had and about what concerns people have that are perhaps a little different from what they were earlier in our country’s history. Mr. Wilson teaches Creativity through the Arts for freshmen and sometimes directs plays for Ampersand. Professional stage productions give Mr. Wilson an opportunity to put the skills he teaches into practice. A number of students, including the entire freshman class, went to see the production at the November Theatre downtown. One junior who saw the show said, “It was a great play. I thought it emphasized the most important and memorable parts of the novel.” Mr. Wilson has been working in the theater his entire adult life, both on the stage and in a directing role, and it plays a huge part in his life. He has directed productions of “Death of a Salesman,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” among many others. “I believe that the the-
ater is one of the few safe places where a community can come together and have an encounter that is honest, dangerous, provocative and safe at the same time,” Wilson said. He plans to continue with directing in the future, both professionally and with Ampersand. As for “To Kill a Mock-
ingbird,” Mr. Wilson said, “One of the best parts was understanding how things had shifted, particularly from the African-American point of view as it related to the cast members. It was enlightening. As the saying goes in the play, make sure you walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes.”
The Pine Needle Chief of Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Henry Fauls
Peyton McElroy
Copy Editor Alec Ball
Senior Contributors
Junior Contributors
Samuel Coltrane Harry Smith Cooper Yoo
Joe Goode John Fergusson Matthew Gnapp Connor Lifson William Maddock Charlie Parrish Joseph McMurtrie Merrick Furman
Sophomore Contributors Jack Holdaway Will McKinnon Jack O’Neil
Photographer
Freshman Contributors
Zaid Al-Moghrabi Cooper Yoo Clark Lewis
William Horne Ricky Stockel Frost Wood Beau Williamson
Faculty Advisor Mrs. Kathleen Thomas
Special Thanks to Mr. Cappy Gilchrist for Help with Photos
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The Pine Needle
Our Swedish Fish
By Will McKinnon Sophomore Contributor
When Kristoffer Loo was preparing to travel from Sweden, the last way he expected to experience America was through a fried Oreo. But there he was at the state fair weeks later chowing down. “It tasted like freedom,” he said. Loo, a yearlong exchange student from Sweden, joined the Junior Class this year to improve his English, further advance his already strong swimming and learn more about American culture. School is going well for Loo, though he’s having some trouble keeping up with some things that are second nature to us here. In addition to the obvious language struggle, he also has far less prior knowledge of American history and literature, things students in the United States have been learning all their lives. Since he’s taking both U.S. History and American Literature, he’s working to catch up quickly. The baritone horn-playing Swede is active in our school band program. Structurally, days in Sweden’s schools are far different from ours. Classes there are typically the length of our blocks, usually consisting of a 45-minute lecture and 45 minutes of work thereafter; they don’t have much homework. Instead, time at home is spent studying. Loo said, “The way you go to school—listening to your teachers, and then going home to do your work—I’m not really used to that.” Excelling in science, Loo hopes to go on to study medicine or chemistry in college and then become a physician or chemist. Loo is a strong swimmer and
Jones Continued from Page 1 would get upset with you, but because you wanted to make him proud. Casey Jones was a cornerstone of the St. Christopher’s community. His generous, “nothing is too small” attitude held a busy school with many demands together as a cohesive unit. One of the main things I learned from my time with Casey is that you don’t become a saint by simply going to the bookstore and buying a nice red St. Christopher’s t-shirt. You become a saint by working hard, keeping a positive attitude and treating others with genuine kindness. So who is a saint? Simple. Casey Jones.
will join the Varsity swim team this year. Back in Sweden, he trains 15 hours every week. At the Swedish Nationals, he placed seventh in the 4x100 medley relay swimming the freestyle leg. To Loo, the food in the states has been a bit of a shock. He said, “Today we got chips with our burgers. That would never happen in Sweden because it’s unhealthy.” In Sweden there’s more of a boiled potatoes and fish focus, while here we tend to fry everything, including Oreos at the state fair. Living with Richard Hamrick ’15 and his family presents a different lifestyle than Loo is used to. Both his parents back home are full-time doctors, so he’s often left with his three younger siblings with whom he gets along well. Loo typically gets rides from Hamrick. It’s bizarre for him to see someone so young driving since the legal age for a driver’s license in Sweden is 18. We’re far more dependent on cars here than in Sweden; Loo is used to riding his customized aluminum frame hybrid bike almost everywhere. Loo hasn’t gotten himself into any trouble here at St. Christopher’s yet. He’s terrified to mess up, but given that he’s yet to even be caught with his shirt untucked, he’s not likely to have any major problems. Emmett Carlson, Upper School exchange programs director, said, “We hope that students will take advantage of Kristoffer’s presence here to not only make friends with a really great guy, but also to learn about another part of the world and participate in a cultural exchange of ideas.”
Politics
Continued from Page 1 them anyway, so why not invest in a choice and take charge of Virginia’s future? State governments affect students more than they realize. State officials set laws regarding driving, texting, seat belts, crime, alcohol, drugs, abortion (and penalties regarding the aforementioned), meal taxes, auto insurance and minimum wage. The STC community should be well informed with regards to politics. St. Christopher’s requires World History, U.S. History, 9/11 to Now and offers AP Government and AP Economics, all giving students information relevant to current events. Until people start taking responsibility, lack of interest in government will continue to be a problem across America and its uneducated and unmotivated populous.
November 2013
Zaid Unzipped By Jack O’Neil Sophomore Contributor
Zaid Al-Moghrabi, the man behind the mask, is an enthusiastic and fun-loving Jordanian student. During Spirit Week, he woke up hours before school to create an uncanny makeup scheme that gave the illusion that his face was unzipped. This costume was so realistic and well executed that the St. Catherine’s students requested that he remove the makeup. Al-Moghrabi’s quest for perfection also reflects in his photography. He is constantly taking photos around school. His photography skills range far past the average St. Christopher’s student’s as he has developed a passion for it in recent years. Digital Photography Teacher Amanda Livick, said that AlMoghrabi is “very passionate about photography and really enjoys learning the technical aspects of the art.” Al-Moghrabi hails from Aqaba, Jordan and came to St. Christopher’s to finish his last two years of high school. Last year Al-Moghrabi formed an inseparable bond with his host mom and dad while he attended New Kent High School on an exchange program. His host mom, a Virginia Commonwealth University mathematics professor, and his host Dad, a plant manager, loved his company and companionship so much that they were honored to host him for two more years. He spends his time in New Kent fishing, taking photos and looking out for his younger host brother. On Al-Moghrabi’s first day of school at St.Christopher’s, he was nervous like any other new kid would be. Fortunately, he said, the St. Christopher’s community is very accepting. As he stated early morning during a chapel service, “No one has asked me if I ride camels to school or live in a tent.” Al-Moghrabi arrived at St.Christopher’s two weeks late be-
Laptops Continued from Page 1 distractions is a part of maturation. “We give students the machines with the hope that they can manage themselves,” he said. “We would rather them learn to handle [the distractions] in high school than struggle to figure it out in college.” Assistant Head of Curriculum Sarah Mansfield concurred saying, “Perhaps, it’s best that students get distracted early in high school, but then learn to control their actions and be better for it.” Whether or not students can truly fight the urge to lose focus and browse the Internet by the time they are seniors, the school has committed to the integration of laptops in the classroom, and in the words of Mr. Szymendera, “They’re not going anywhere.”
cause of issues acquiring a Visa. He was torn between staying in Jordan with his family and friends and continuing his education in the states. During the summer AlMoghrabi received an email from Admissions Director Cary Mauck with questions required of all new students. Al-Moghrabi did not open the email for three weeks because he thought that he wanted to stay in Jordan. The email consisted of a series of questions pertaining to Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.” After finally opening the email, he was enlightened by the poem’s meaning and changed his mind about coming to St. Christopher’s. Although Al-Moghrabi said, “It was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” he has not regretted it so far. He has made many friends and during the first week of school and even attended the Homecoming dance. Unfortunately, Al-Moghrabi will not be able to fish on the Red Sea, enjoy the magnificent beach of Jordan, or visit his family for a long time, but, as Robert Frost would have said, “...he took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
NBC’s James Visits STC By Alec Ball Copy Editor
On Oct. 23, awardwinning Dateline Correspondent Sara James came to talk to Dr. Andy Smith’s 9/11 to Now history class. James, who won an Emmy for her work covering the Columbine shootings, is a widely respected international journalist who currently resides in Australia serving as NBC’s Pacific Rim correspondent. The Richmond native formerly worked as an anchor with the
CBS local affiliate station before moving up the network ladder at NBC. James spoke with Dr. Smith’s class about her experiences as a journalist during the events on 9/11 and how she approaches conspiracy theories as a journalist. “Nonfiction isn’t nearly as sexy,” said James, who takes a skeptical stance when examining 9/11 conspiracies. “I’m instinctively willing to believe people screwed up rather than participated in a conspiracy.”
The Pine Needle
November 2013
Compiled by Matthew Gnapp
Fall Sports Wrap-Up
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Football
Soccer
The Saints had their first season on the new turf field. They finished 6-4 with losses to Bishop O’Connell, Benedictine and tough losses against Woodberry and Collegiate to end the season. STC picked up quality wins over Fork Union, Paul VI and Episcopal but missed the playoffs by a slim margin. The Saints were plagued with injuries throughout the year. Senior Captain John Fiorelli said, “When we were healthy, we played great. When we weren’t healthy, guys stepped up and filled in, and we kept doing the best we could.” The team had seven All-Prep players: seniors Ryland Ansell, Ganon Hingst and John Fiorelli, and juniors Thomas Cottrell, Carrington Lanier, Garrett Taylor and Fleet Wallace.
Varsity soccer had a successful season, finishing with an impressive record of 14-6-2. The Saints had several big wins including a 4-0 triumph over a Collegiate team that beat them earlier in the year. Seeded sixth in the state tournament, the Saints faced the 11th-seed Bishop Ireton in the first round. STC fought hard and brought the game into a penalty shoot out which they lost 4-3. Seniors Guse Vasaio, Wolf Sarhan and junior Thomas Lynde made the All-Prep team. The Saints are looking to have another successful season next year. Junior Captain Ben Moore said, “The future is bright for STC Soccer, and a state championship run is in the cards.”
Looking ahead, Coach Michael Turner said, “For the first time since I’ve been at St. Christopher’s, we’ll return more starting offensive lineman than will graduate.” The outlook seems good for St. Christopher’s football.
Cross Country The cross country team had a good season led by a strong group of juniors. The Saints traveled to several meets including visits to Woodberry, Fork Union and Collegiate. Highlights included winning the Collegiate Invitational and placing
four runners in the top seven. The Saints are returning every runner in the top 10 for next year. Joey Cuevas was named All-State and All-Prep. About next season, Junior Captain Liam Boland said, “We are confident that we will be ranked among the best in state.”
Sailing The sailing team traveled to Norfolk and Christchurch for regattas and put together great performances throughout the season. The Saints were able to get better each week. Coach Karn said, “After week two, the team started a steady climb up the rankings and showed improvement at every regatta.” A highlight for the year was a third-place finish at a Norfolk regatta. STC had an impressive fifth-place finish in the league and barely missed the cut for the regional championship. As said by junior Nathaniel Llewellyn, “We had the talent but we didn’t capitalize on it.” The sailing team looks to have another successful season next year.
Inspiring the World, One Foot at a Time By William Horne Freshman Contributor
How do you drive a car without arms? Simple, just use your feet. George Dennehy, the armless 19 year-old musician, has performed across Europe and Australia and with the Goo Goo Dolls. When Dennehy was born, his town believed he was cursed and treated as though he was evil, ultimately putting him up for adoption. Mr. and Mrs. Dennehy adopted and brought him to the Richmond area. As Dennehy grew up, his mother had him take cello lessons. Though at the time he found it “frustrating” and “didn’t want to practice,” when he got into Middle School, he taught himself to the play the guitar, bass and basic piano.
After Dennehy graduated, he decided to not go to college and instead become a musician. It all payed off when a video of him performing “Iris” on YouTube went viral and was seen by the Goo Goo Dolls. The rock band liked the video so much that Dennehy was invited to play with the band at one of their concerts. “It was a crazy awesome experience,” Dennehy said. Playing with the Goo Goo Dolls kick started Dennehey’s career. He now has his own album and three songs on iTunes. He has performed for the Virginia governor, at a music club and live on radio; he has even done his own radio commercial. Dennehy can hold his own. He can drive, write and text. His great person-
ality resonates with humor, and his arsenal of jokes on how he lost his arms keeps his audiences entertained. Dennehy’s playing is a miracle in of in itself. He firmly holds a guitar pick in between the toes of his left foot and gently strums. The music brought forth a general feeling of amazement. Dennehy had one resounding message he gave out while he was at St. Christopher’s: “God is good” and has a plan for everyoneDennehy said that he enjoyed going over to perform in Europe and Australia because it gave him the chance to spread his message in other parts of world. This message drives Dennehy in everything that he does.
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The Pine Needle
November 2013
Flash, Foley and Forrest Gump Halloween Costume Contest Excites By Beau Williamson ’17 and Frost Wood ’17 “It was about 6:30 at night, and I had nothing to do for Halloween, and I thought who could I successfully and hilariously pull off? Naturally, Matt Foley came to mind. Luckily, I didn’t have to live in a van down by the river to get into character,” said David Ballowe ’15. Ballowe, the winner of the costume contest, portrayed Matt Foley, the Chris Farley motivational speaker character of a skit from NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” “He made his impersonation hilarious even to those who had never even heard of Matt Foley. I thought [Ballowe] hit the impersonation spot on by how he spoke, how he walked and how he interacted with some of the spectators,” said Alex Rowe ’17. The Student Council Halloween costume contest was a big hit. There was a wide variety of costumes from a group act, such as a fifth grader’s lunch, to the scarier act Zipperface, to comical acts like impersonations of various teachers. The final six contestants, a deviled egg (Matt Luther), Homeless Red Man (Chris Gould), a Sumo wrestler (Adam Hugo), Ginger Bread Man (Patrick Dotter), Lt. Dan and Forrest Gump (Mark Gottwald and Thomas Cottrell) and Ballowe’s Matt Foley were selected by the three judges of the contest: Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Woodaman and Mrs. Wray. Among these six, the crowd cheered the loudest for the Lt. Dan and Gump duo and Foley. Gottwald and Cottrell came very close to winning the prize of best costume, but the official applauso-meter indicated that Ballowe was the crowd favorite.
We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do By Joe Goode Junior Contributor
In front of a packed Scott Gym, Cross Country Captain Liam Boland described his team’s attitude as “rain or shine.” These words characterized the buzz of energy in the hallways during Spirit Week. Upper School students brought energy, humor and enthusiasm every day even in the face of losses on the field and rain before the bonfire.
Spirit Week kicked off with Redneck Day on Monday and Movie Character Day on Tuesday. On Movie Character Day, freshman James Armstrong sported an intricate homemade Jack Sparrow costume. Sophomores Will Cox, Pierce Walmsley, Jeb Bemiss and Sean Menges dressed as the Channel 4 News Team from “Anchorman.” Although it did not fall on Halloween this year, Wednesday featured the Student Council’s annual Halloween Costume Contest. On Thursday, students donned their red and gray for the Pep Rally. New this year was a short video inspired by AT&T’s “It’s Not Complicated” commercials that starred senior Stephen Bunda talking with Lower
School students. The main idea: “It’s not complicated that the Saints are better than the Cougars.” Captains’ speeches, accompanied by senior Tanner White’s drumming, energized the crowded gym, and the Lower School even brought back the “I wanna win; you wanna win” cheer. Friday’s bonfire, complete with more speeches, hot chocolate and candy, topped off Spirit Week. Although the football and soccer teams did not win, the enthusiasm of Spirit Week carried on to these games. Senior Football Captain John Fiorelli noted how the football team ran from their practice to watch the final minutes of the playoff soccer game. “Unfortunately, the games didn’t go the right
way,” said senior Cole Elliot, “but the bonfire and Pep Rally show that we are such a great community.”
CHECK OUT video coverage @ www.stchristophers.com/pineneedle
November 2013
The Pine Needle
Reporter’s Notebook:
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Fall Festival Through the Years
By John Fergusson Junior Contributor
Fall Festival has always been an exciting and significant time for me, but not always for the same reasons. With the trademark St. Christopher’s event happening this past month, I reflected on how the event has changed throughout my 12 years at St. Christopher’s. My different perspectives of Fall Festival can be roughly categorized by my Lower, Middle, and Upper School years. Back in Lower School, Fall Festival was practically the pinnacle of my year. In the purest form, I loved playing the games, jumping down the relatively massive Titanic and petting all the animals. This was a time when the absolute and only focal point was the event and all the fun it had to offer. After all, the majority of the games, slides and
exhibits were designed for younger kids like myself. Once I got to Middle School, the way I felt about Fall Festival was starting to change. Although I still had fun on the rides and, of course, winning the occasional cakewalk, it was starting to become more of a social event. Less time was directed to playing the games and going on the rides, and more time was spent hanging out and walking around with friends trying to look as cool as possible for our newly dis-
covered friends at St. Catherine’s. When my Middle School days left me and I was finally in the Upper School, I quickly realized that Fall Festival was now a call of duty, a good way to spend the morning before the football game. I found that there are numerous ways to help out, as a lot of help is needed. Whether hanging out with a younger kid who needs supervision, helping sell burgers, or walking around a dog in need of adoption, you can always find some way to serve. While it might not be as fun a time as my Lower School days, engaging in service is certainly as rewarding. With no football or soccer game and a light drizzle, this year seemed quiet. Regardless, Fall Festival remains a great community event, and I seem to always enjoy my time spent there.
Reporter’s Notebook:
Changes in the Middle School By Will McKinnon Sophomore Contributor
It’s the subtle details that make up most of my memories of Middle School here at St. Christopher’s. That’s why, I guess, the changes in the Middle School came across as so major. Really, it’s still the same building and many of the same teachers, but I’m quick to notice the small changes because they’re what I remember. Take the library for instance. Librarian Mrs. Brennan is constantly switching things up and redecorating in small ways that make it seem so much different and interesting. The entrance to the reading room has a new door with a glass window (though apparently since Mrs. Brennan didn’t ask for a doorknob, it doesn’t have one). The rule about students not being able to take their backpacks to class-
es originally struck me as rather silly but now makes some sense to me. All students have their own laptops now, and with the rise of
online textbooks, the number of heavy books students have to carry is slowly dwindling. In some classes all a student needs to be prepared is his laptop. Even things as simple as the hallways are different. The storage closet in one was removed to make more space, and each student now has a hook on the wall for coats, in addition to their lockers. Rooms have been repurposed; the art room has become the band room, and the band room has become a large classroom. One of the more jarring changes that’s occurred in the Middle School is the new chapel system. The homeroom system has been completely removed to give students an extra five minutes of lunch recess; as they enter chapel, students are allowed to talk up until the candles are lit. For students and teachers who’ve been there in the past, it’s a rather bizarre experience to break what used to be a solid silence upon entering the room. The Middle School is still the same building, with many of the same teachers. The details though, from Mr. Ken Miller’s citizenship speech being presented by someone else, to the laptops, to the brand new, full time Health and Wellness Director Dr. Ann Vanichkachorn have made sure that students in the Middle School will have a vastly different Middle School than the one I had.
Not So Fast– Sick Days May Change By Ricky Stockel Freshman Contributor
One of the few benefits of being sick for a day is being able to miss your classes. However, next time you are sick, you may still be expected to attend class anyway -- without actually going to school. The possibility of virtually going to class could very well be a reality at St. Christopher’s in the future. Upper School Head Tony Szymendera says that he is open to this idea. Upper School Chaplain Melissa Hollerith, for one, believes that the popular video chatting application Skype is changing the way education operates for the better. She had an experience with Skype when her daughter Eliza, a sophomore at St. Catherine’s, was sick at home. Her daughter, unable to go to school, needed to get notes for her classes. Hollerith said her daughter had no problem getting notes from friends for most classes such as History and English. Math, however, was different. Math, Mrs. Hollerith says, is something many people, her daughter included, can only really understand if they see the problems demonstrated first hand. Her math teacher Mrs. Heather Szymendera had previously mentioned that using Skype was an option for an absent student. So, the sophomore decided to give it a try. One student rolled a computer on a cart along the classroom as her teacher took notes on the board. Mrs. Hollerith’s daughter did not have any issues getting her notes and understanding the lesson this way. Mrs. Hollerith believes that the use of Skype is making a huge difference in education. She claims that this will be a way to help kids who are unable to come to school, but feel well enough to go to class. If somebody could not be at school due to contagiousness, a relative’s funeral, or some other event, they may be able to attend some classes virtually. Upper School Head Tony Szymendera says that although the use of Skype or any other video chatting application is not available to St. Christopher’s students currently, he does like the idea and believes that it will be beneficial in the future. Mrs. Hollerith says that this advancement is a step in the right direction for St. Catherine’s, St. Christopher’s and schools everywhere. “I think that anything you do to enhance education or understanding is a plus.”
The Back Page
8] The Hunger Games: St. Chris Catches Fire [
November 2013
The first annual Hunger Games has arrived One tribute from each department and grade level has been randomly selected to represent his or her district in the arena. Ten people will go in and only one will come out. Take a look at this year’s contestants. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Background: Representing the Administration, Greg Tune is a career and has trained since age 5. Strategy: Take no prisoners. Strength: Medieval weaponry specialist Weapon of Choice: Baseball bat and Peters’s butterfly knife Power Level: 9 Aggression Level: 10 when provoked Chances of Survival: Quite good
Background: Frank Keifer is a career and a crowd favorite with his tough man persona. He is a strong representive of the Math District. Strategy: Head straight for the Cornucopia. Remove anyone bold enough to stand in his way. Strength: A tie for any situation Weapon of Choice: Weapons? Who needs them? Power Level: 8 Aggression Level: You do the math Chances of Survival: 33.33% repeating of course
Background: Represents the Foreign Language Department. Asha Bandal has volunteered to participate in place of Sr. Arrondo. Strategy: Make friends Strength: ¿–? Weapon of Choice: Bow and Arrow Power Level: 4 Aggression Level: Low Chances of Survival: A long shot
Background: As the senior tribute, Stephen Bunda exudes confidence, bordering on arrogance. Strategy: Trust no one; insult everyone. Strength: Smack Talk Weapon of Choice: Intimidating shout Power Level: -2.57 Aggression Level: 10 Chances of Survival: Really, let’s be serious.
Background: History shows that technology wins wars. Andy Smith goes into games painfully aware of his disadvantage. Strategy: Use the Fabian Strategy coupled with scorched earth policy. Strength: 20/20 hindsight Weapon of Choice: Lightsaber Power Level: Atomic Aggression Level: He’s from New York, enough said. Chances of Survival: Cheery bye, have a day.
Background: The English tribute firmly believes that the pen is mightier than sword. We’ll see how that serves Ron Smith in the arena. Strategy: Take copious notes on the savage of nature of humanity and survive to write a poem about the experience years later. Strength: Barbaric yawp Weapon of Choice: Claw Hammer Power Level: No one man should have all that power. Aggression Level: 5 Chances of Survival: Well, hope springs eternal from the human breast.
Background: Not much is known about Sophomore tribute Chico Payne. Strategy: Bring the PAYNE! Strength: Climbing trees Weapon of Choice: Weightlifting gloves Power Level: 6 Aggression Level: Moderate Chances of Survival: Tough to say. He’s the dark horse.
Background: With big personality in a small body, junior Adam Hugo will be one to watch. Strategy: Hide in a large trashcan Strength: Quick reflexes Weapon of Choice: Bow staff Power Level: +9000 Aggression Level: Napoleonic Chances of Survival: Fair to partly cloudy
Background: This freshman brother-brother tag team is a package deal. Garrett and Trent Levy haven’t yet realized that there must be only one victor. Strategy: Shake and bake Strength: Gene pool Weapon of Choice: Barrett .50 Cal. and spotting scope Power Level: 4 (x2) Aggression Level: Brown bear Chances of Survival: Larger than a loaf of bread
Background: Hailing from the science building second floor, Alina Cichocki brings substantial knowledge of kinematics into the arena. She’s ready to get physical. Strategy: Sit back and watch the show. Strength: Apathy Weapon of Choice: Circuit board and alligator clips Power Level = Work ÷ Time = Force x Velocity Aggression Level: All bark, no bite Chances of Survival: None. Unfortunately friction and air resistance exist.