the
Hurricane
December 15, 2015 Volume 2
The Upper School Newspaper of Cape Fear Academy
3900 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28412
Taking center stage Theater Department performs in regional conference
Hands up. Dancers raise their hands to a song played by DJ Riz. Senior Nick Pollak said, “I really enjoyed the music that the DJ played; it enhanced the energy on the dance floor.” Photo by Jan Reid
Deck the (Holly) Ball First formal of the year makes memories, bottom line Saturday, December 5 was of our students comes first,” a night to forget the pressures said Hatfield, “So the SGA, its of homework and exams. advisers, and CFA administrators What better escape than to are constantly considering ways the North Carolina Aquarium to keep our students safe.” Access at Fort Fisher to celebrate was limited to the ground floor, Holly Ball? Around 200 Upper and chaperones supervised School students made the entrances and student behavior. A 45-minute trek to join in the deputy sheriff was on duty, along festivities. with aquarium personnel. The Aquarium was last Hatfield explained the recent used as a dance venue for the price hike of many local venues; 2014 Prom. SGA booked the “As Wilmington and its coastline Last hurrah. The senior class gets together for a group picture venue in August after learning at Cape Fear Country Club. The majority of the grade came have become a popular wedding that 10 other locations had destination, we have seen our to take pictures, eat dinner and split up into their respective been booked months in venue prices double, some limos to head to the Aquarium. Photo by Teresa Andrews. advance. quadruple. This makes our sole President Rebecca Early and too.” The funds mainly go to renting out fund-raiser [Fall Festival] even more Secretary Lila Das spearheaded the important of a revenue source for the the space and paying for the talents of search. “We had been working to SGA.” In total, the dance brought in DJ Riz. secure a location for Holly Ball and $3,500 and cost $2,980, leaving $520 As for the actual dance, everything Prom since last May,” said Early. that goes direcly towards paying for went off without a hitch. Students “Because of all the problems with prom. arrived around 8 PM from their various booking the location, the junior class Thanks to the efforts of the SGA, pre-dance events, and most left around officers are already looking for next Holly Ball was a success. Matthew 10:30, when the exits opened. Among year’s venue.” Sweyer said, “I loved whipping and the chaperones was SGA advisor No dance happens without money. hitting the “nae nae” with all of my Rachel Hatfield, who coordinated the Das said, “Fall Festival is our main friends, especially right next to a huge dance. Hatfield stressed two of the fund-raiser for the year, but we also get biggest factors that affect Holly Ball fish tank.” Rip Judge ‘16 money from the Back to School Dance, each year; safety and cost. “The safety
On November 6, the theater department travelled to Wake Forest High School to compete in the North Carolina Theater Conference, a twoday event. Their two productions, No Exit and Stealing the Teeth from the Monster While It Isn’t Looking took home six awards: Excellence in Ensemble Acting (Monster), Excellence in Choreography (Monster), Excellence in Visual Composition (No Exit). Dani Kranchalk took home the Barbizon Student Design and Production award for Production Stage Manager, while Michael Meeks, Henry Murtha, Clare Glenn, Wilker Ballantine, Rebecca Early, and Zach Weinstein received the Barbizon award for Music Composition. The conference, which featured 45-minute long shows, mandated that all schools must bring, move, and set up their own sets, props, and costumes. “It was stressful knowing there was a time crunch, and as we were unloading the chalkboards [for Monster] one almost fell over but we managed to salvage it and keep it moving,” said Ireland Berry, part of the stage crew. Despite the six awards, the drama students were disappointed not to make the next round of competition. “Even though we didn’t move on, just the fact that we wrote and performed an original piece was impressive,” said Monster cast member Megan Kanzinger. Overall, NCTC provided an opportunity to perform and make outside contacts. “We got to see the talents from other schools and it was a good way to meet kids from across the state. I’d definitely go back,” said freshman Chiara Kellogg. Kelly Butler and Emma Wright ‘16
Touching up. Inez (Clare Glenn) applies
lipstick to Estelle (Rebecca Early) in No Exit. In the scene, Inez is attempting to befriend Estelle by helping her with her lipstick. Photo by Benedict Fancy.
What’s inside Class Cup................................................. 2 Bikes for the World................................ 2 Pilgrim’s Promise................................... 2 Bald Head Trip........................................ 2 Fall Festival.............................................. 2 Survival Tips............................................ 3 Application Advice................................ 3
NHS Inductions...................................... 3 Punkin Chunkin ..................................... 3 SAT Prep.................................................. 3 Honors Band........................................... 4 Will Martin............................................... 4 Art Show.................................................. 4 Gray Hancock......................................... 4
Senior Spotlight..................................... 5 Letters to the Editor............................... 6 The Gift of Service................................. 6 Senior Stats............................................. 7 Fall Sports Review................................. 8 Winter Sports Preview......................... 8 Athlete Spotlight.................................... 8
2 THE HURRICANE DECEMBER 15, 2015
ACTIVITIES
Seniors dominate Class Cup
Running up the score
The call to board the buses on November 10 heralded the arrival of the second Class Cup competition held at the Athletic Complex. Dressed in team colors, each grade competed in flag football and powderpuff games. Before the game began, students snacked on pizza, cookies, cupcakes and refreshments that were provided by parents. When the games began, teams took the field while their classmates cheered on the sidelines. While the girls played powderpuff, the boys were playing flag football. Participation was not limited to being a member of the team; students took on the role of coaches and referees as well. Junior Matt Sweyer said, “Since I
coached the girls, we all knew that we were going to dominate and destroy the seniors.” Class Cup is a bonding event that teaches students to collaborate for a common goal. Senior Lila Das said, “My favorite part about Powder Puff each year is seeing my grade working together to win each game. Especially this year my grade got along really well and it was a lot of fun. According to SGA Advisor, Rachel Hatfield, the freshman came in first with the most students attended. The senior boys came in first but on the girls end the seniors and juniors tied for first and second place. This has left the seniors in first place so far in Class Cup. Madison Graham ‘16 and Brooke Owens ‘18 Jump ball. Tony Batchler and Wyatt Johnson defend a pass. Johnson said, “Flag football is a great way to bring everyone in the upper school together and have fun”. Photo by Erin Sweeney
Wheeling and dealing Beta Club collects, refurbishes donations for Bikes for the World
When everyone else was still asleep, Beta Club members arrived at CFA on Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 a.m. to begin collecting bikes. The club collected over 120 bikes this year, beating previous Beta Club records which were well under 100 donations. In order to get all of these donations, club members needed to think outside of the box to advertise the drive. Senior Beta Club co-chair Jay Andrews advertised the event on the radio. “Along with the radio, we sent out emails, posted on social media, and contacted news stations to advertise the drive,” said Andrews. Beta Club advisor Becky Copenhaver said that many of the donations came from the efforts of Rotary Club members in the community.
Bernard Austin ‘16
Paddle out. Freshmen paddleboard with their assigned group as one of the activities on their trip. Photo by Keni Reinks
Treading water Freshmen take a trip to Bald Head Island Breaking down. In order to prepare the bikes
for shipment, Beta Club members had to break them down so they took up less space. Dylan D’Erminio takes the pedals off one of the many bikes the members worked on. Photo by Jan Reid
F(all) together
Festival brings fun and games
On Friday, October 16, a haunted house, dunking booth, bouncy castle, and cake walk took over the campus for Fall Festival. A fundraiser for Upper School dances like Holly Ball and Prom, the festival raised $2500 with the help of 91 US students, who ran the various activities. New attractions helped boost ticket sales. “The Parents Association bought all new carnival games for the festival,” Lila Das, SGA Secretary, said. SGA officers began planning the event last spring. Advisors Bobby Palmer and Rachel Hatfield ordered the inflatables, DJ, tower lights, and the dunk tank. Seniors ran the haunted house, while juniors were responsible for lazer tag.
On October 23 the freshman class took a field trip to Bald Head Island for a day of group bonding. The students arrived at school early in the morning to board the bus, which shuttled them to Southport, where they took a ferry to the island. On arrival, the students were given directions about the events they would compete in. The student started on a scavenger hunt that involved biking, walking and paddle boarding.
Grace Ljung said, “Biking and paddle boarding were a great way to see the island, and the scavenger hunt made it really fun.” Through these activities the students bonded and got to know other students they may have never talked to. Harris Dozier said, “It was a fun bonding experience for our grade and our advisory as a whole.” Cameron Smith ‘19
Giving thanks Students deliver meals to local families Finishing touch. Sophmore Madeline Porter
paints Caite Broadrick face at the festivals face painting station. Photo by Erin Sweeney
“Lazer tag was a fun way for the juniors to bond while upholding the new tradition,” Ireland Berry said. Sophomores handled the carnival games, and freshmen helped to serve food.
Thanksgiving is usually a time of abundance, but for some it can be difficult to put food on the table. “It’s nice to meet people that are not like us and who are struggling to make it day to day. [Pilgrim’s Promise] is very eye opening to many students and helps them realize how fortunate they
are,” said Mrs. Tobi Ragon, an organizer of the drive. Pilgrim’s Promise, a project that connects advisories with families in need, provides a Thanksgiving meal who otherwise might not have one.
Forrest Singletary ‘16
Gray Lancaster ‘19
Club Fair. Micah McDaniel, Amber Moore,
and Lexi Lampkin encourage Nick Thibault to join Diversity Club. The October 22 club fair was held in the Commons to give students the opportunity to sign up for individual clubs. “It was a great sucess,” said SGA advisor Rachel Hatfield. There were 22 clubs involved in the club fair, and all were backed up by teachers willing to host all club meetings in their room. The requirements for having a club were to meet reguraly and have at least 5 active members within the club. Photo by Jan Reid
Pilgrims Promise. Jim White, Maxx Middleton, Corey Oberto, Lizzie Sweyer, and William Lewis
distribute baskets to families. Two students from each advisory delivered a total of 32 baskets on November 20. “I was happy to serve those in my community,” said White. Photo by Eugenia Jenkins
DECEMBER 15, 2015 THE HURRICANE 3
ACADEMICS
How to survive exams The best ways to prepare for the big test It’s exam day. You wake up and a wave you should try and absorb as much Organization is also crucial in getting of nerves washes over you. You try to information as possible. through exams. When taking notes ignore it, but it gets worse and worse as Carter Broderick said, “In class, I try to in class, keep your papers organized, you get closer to school. When you get focus on the teacher, and I avoid sitting dated, and detailed. By doing this, to the practice gym and find your spot, next to friends.” studying could be much easier and your knees are shaking, you will have easy and you fight the instinct access to your notes. is to run. The first page of Having a clean and your exam looks like it’s updated binder will in another language. help. How do you avoid this Lastly, take a sensation? How do you break. Preparing pass your exams? for exams can be a It all starts with stressful process. organization and If you don’t get preparation, which enough sleep, your begins in the classroom. mental state could Paying attention in class deteriorate. is the number one way “When I study for to succeed. It sounds exams, I always get simple, but doing this a lot of sleep each could be harder than night leading up to you think. Do you ever the test,” said senior catch yourself zoning out Madison Graham. in class, playing games, Follow these or talking with friends? suggestions, and In order to do well on sailing through exams, try to avoid these exams could be a distractions and stay breeze. Tony Batchler ‘16 on task. Every time you Getting a head start. Seniors Raeven Goodman and Lazelle Smith review their and Joshua Reda ‘16 step into the classroom, material for math. Group study was a successful strategy. Photo by Joshua Reda
Punkin chunkin
Honors Physics class builds and shoots catapults On Thursday, November 19, the Honors Physics classes lined up with hand-made catapults. Their goal was to shoot a candy-corn pumpkin into a cup. The students had two days to practice before the launch day. Each group had two trials from two different distances. The students were learning about linear speed and projectiles, and how gravity affects those speeds. Corey OBerto said, “The catapults made it easy for me to understand the lesson and it made it visual for me, which was really nice.” Building an accurate catapult was as much of a challenge as shooting it. Lila Das said, “My group kept it basic so we only used popsicle sticks, rubber
bands, a plastic spoon, and hot glue. Building the catapult wasn’t too hard but making sure that it was accurate and consistent was really difficult.” Catapults were made out of wood, popsicle sticks, ropes, hot glue and rubber bands. To get two extra credit points, students had to hit the cup. Hitting a tray was worth one extra credit point. Mrs. Rienks required students to shoot five to seven meters away and get the candy within half a meter of that target. “I got one point extra credit and I was amazed because I didn’t think I would actually make it. It was an awesome feeling to know that all my hard work paid off,” said Cameron Stephens.
College Applications
Knack for knowledge
Now that it’s all over but the waiting, seniors share lessons learned Grace Ljung ‘19
“Start as early as you can. The dates will come quicker than you would think. Also write down everything you’ve done and awards you’ve received as you go through high school.” Madison Graham “Pick an essay prompt as soon as possible and just start putting down any ideas you might have; some okay ideas are better than having nothing at all.” Caitlin Cook “Only apply to the colleges that you would actually consider going to. Looking back, a couple of the schools that I applied to are not even in the running for where I’ll end up attending, so it was just a waste of time and money to send my application to them.” Rip Judge
Lizzie Sweyer ‘16
Prep for success English and Math SAT prep classes available for all students For several years now, the SAT prep class has been an extremely helpful and easily accessible tool for students looking to take the SAT. Taught by Mr. Bobby Palmer and Ms. Mallory Tarses, the class is free and open to any student who is willing to put in the extra work to improve their standardized testing skills. With a new SAT coming into effect in 2016, SAT preparatory classes are more important than ever. Thanks to the dedication of Mr. Palmer and Ms. Tarses, students are offered four different sessions of a math and English SAT prep class. “The purpose of the class is to familiarize students with the topics on the SAT. We will practice all the types of questions they may encounter on the new SAT. In addition to the test content, we will also talk about test taking strategies,” said Palmer. With revisions to the SAT, the class must now adjust to the new test. The changes to the SAT are far from minor, as the essay is now optional and the test has reverted back to a 1600 point scale. Such changes require teachers to almost completely restructure the class. Tarses said, “We will have to emphasize reading and interpreting graphs as well as the new essay which involves more close reading.” Thanks to this class, students have the opportunity to get ahead on their SAT studies by simply signing up for this course. Lila Das ‘16
Determined to fly. Forrest Singletary and
Dylan D’Erminio prepare their catapult. Singletary said, “I put my blood, sweat and tears into this fruit of my labor, and I was ecstatic to see it launch successfully.” Photo by Bernard Austin
Study time. Anna Kate Stephenson
completes homework for the SAT prep class. “Having a class available at school is a really great utility for me to improve my skills,” said Stephenson. Photo by Lila Das
Induction recognizes scholarship, character, leadership, service As parents applauded and friends cheered, 21 students signed their names, lit their candles, and pledged their support as they were inducted into the National Honor Society on October 21. Each newly-inducted member lit a candle to represent knowledge, leadership, scholarship, character, and service. The following students were inducted: Josh Reda, Henry Murtha, Zach Tomosunas, Alexandra Koch, Caspian Goudarzi, Nansi Holt, Maxx Middleton, Timothy Groh, Lee Jackson, Amy Chen, Lauren Birmingham, Amber Moore, Thomas Smith, Gray Hancock, Ireland Berry, Rebecca Holden, Carter Broderick, Will Ballard, Clara Gold, Jordan Caplanson-Torrens, and Chris Johnson.
Tradition lives on. Diana Wasserman leads inductees in the pledge to respect the values of the National Honor Society on October 21 in the Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center. Photo by Erin Sweeney
Getting into the National Honor Society isn’t as easy as it seems. Alexandra Koch said, “I didn’t specifically try to improve my grades in order to get into NHS. I always give my all, doing the best I can on every assignment. I was hoping my best was good enough to earn me a spot in the society--and it turned out it was. I believe our teachers train us to form a hard work ethic and teach us to strive for nothing less than success. Without them, the stage would not have been nearly as full.”
How important is membership to acceptance by the college of one’s choice? College counselor Becky Copenhaver said, “Being a member of the NHS is certainly a boost to the college application since it is a nationally recognized organization and an honor to be a member. However, it is not a “deal breaker” if a student is not a member. There is no college that requires an applicant to be a member of NHS of which I am aware.” Grant Gausman ‘19 and Duncan Sullivan ‘19
4 THE HURRICANE DECEMBER 15, 2015
FINE ARTS
Sketching Success
Childhood passion turns into career opportunity for Gray Hancock
Work hard play hard. Middle and high school students show off their talent at the NCAIS Honors Band concert. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Best
Play it up
On October 20-21, CFA’s band participated in the NCAIS Honors Band Clinic at High Point University. Thirty-six students were chosen to perform, more than any other school in the state. “I’ve been playing so long and I’m great at the bass so it was cool to be chosen,” said sophomore August Mills. They performed impressive pieces such as “Anthem of the Wings,” a
Chosen band students take the stage to perform in highly-competitive competition complicated song which involves many instruments. “It was fun to perform in the concert because it showed everyone how hard we have been working on the music and playing it showed our hard work off,” said freshman Walker Moore. But the trip was not all work and no fun. One of the highlights of the trip occurred when the hotel did not
have any available space, due to the High Point furniture market, forcing the band to stay at a nearby camp, Camp Weaver. This was seen as a plus for some students who enjoyed singing by a campfire and roasting s’mores. Cape Fear Academy students held their own amongst the competition and showed off their musical talent. Reed Sweyer ‘19
Will Martin
Budding filmmaker earns recognition One of these days, we can say we knew him when he was almost famous. Will Martin’s music video “Welcome to My World” was recently accepted into the All American High School Film Festival in New York City. What was the film festival like? It was really cool since it was in NYC and everyone’s films that Seeing stars. Will got accepted got aired Martin stands on in big movie theaters. It the red carpet was a great networking in New York on experience, especially Oct. 11 at the All American since colleges were High School Film there. Festival. Photo courtesy of What was the video about? Alison Martin It was for a song that my friend wrote. The song was about eliminating racial prejudice, so I put in [clips] of Martin Luther King and important historical figures that fought for freedom. Have you entered other film festivals? Yes, the Cucalorus film festival. The same video, about racial prejudice, is being screened there.
Ever since he was a child, senior Gray Hancock has had a love for drawing and animating. “When I was nine, I had an art teacher who centered a class around making flip books,” Hancock said, “These were the coolest things in the entire world to me, and I made hundreds of them. There’s a bucket in my closet full of little flip books with stick figures jumping around in them.” Once he got a computer that he could use regularly, Gray started to animate using Pivot, a basic program with a similar style to flip books, and then upgraded to Flash, which is a lot more free form and has endless possibilities. “Once I started with Flash, I knew that I wanted to do this as a career,” Hancock said. “I’ve been animating for about seven years now, and I wouldn’t want it any differently.” That career is becoming a reality; he’s been hired by his brother and a music producer to create a music video for their upcoming album, and receives commissions periodically for paid animations. As for future plans, Gray will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the fall of 2016, a place he’s dreamed of going to since they gave a presentation his freshman year. He plans to pursue a full-time career in animation. “I want to animate the rest of my life. I plan on either joining or creating my own studio,” he said, “If I join one, my dream is to either join Pixar or Riot Games, which would make my life.”
West Graham ‘16
You can’t say that. Lily Zukerman, Max Morris, Eric Kanzinger, and Micah McDaniel discuss
public etiquette when faced with topics like cancer in the original show. Stealing the Teeth from the Monster While It Isn’t Looking focused on the lighter side of life’s tragedies and was written by students under the guidance of Mrs. Jennifer Avery. “The experience of having a hand in the development was an awesome experience,”said Morris. Photo by Ben Fancy
Homework. Hancock applies his skills to
an English 12 assignment: “If a school project asks for a video of some sort, I’m on it.” Photo by West Graham
Gray Keith ‘18
Ringing in the season What was your favorite part of the holiday concert?
Macy Magan ‘19 “I was really excited to sing ‘Mr. Santa’ because Ms. Holsten was in it with us.” Maya Tucker “I got to play the drums during ‘Feliz Navidad’ which was really fun.” Eric Kanzinger “My favorite part of the holiday concert is seeing Ms. Best so happy after we are done performing.” Ugonna Agbafe
Creating Fine Art. Aaron King, Noelia Martinez, Abby Yeargan, Caroline Yeargan, Delaney Mitchell, and Corey Brooks prepare for the fall
showcase December 3rd-10th in the Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center. “I’ve always seen the pots displayed so it was fun to actually
make my own with my sister,” said Abby Yeargan. Photos by Carter Broderick
P
DECEMBER 15, 2015 THE HURRICANE 5
LIFESTYLES
oppin’
the question
Holly Ball proposals take dance to new level
In the pursuit of the perfect date, creativity wins, and Holly Ball on December 5 inspired methods that were both traditional and outside the box. Rip Judge used knowledge and campus fencing to make his point to Madison Graham. Judge said, “I knew Madison was pretty big on tennis, so after running the idea past my friends, I asked Mr. Meehl to borrow the team’s tennis balls for the day.” Reed Franck was more traditional when he asked Caroline Broderick. “I got flowers and a sign, then wrote Holly Ball on a volleyball net because that’s a sport she plays,” said Franck. Wallace Fee relied on wordplay to woo PJ Middleton. Fee said, “I choose the pun because I’m from Tennessee, and it is the stereotypical Tennessee pick-up line. It was something cheesy and Peej likes that kind of stuff.” Josh Reda enlisted the help of flowers and fans at a basketball game to ask Emily Norris. Reda said, “I asked Mr. Meehl to use the microphone during halftime; I know Emily loves Christmas, so I brought red roses to carry and a Santa hat to wear as I walked across the court to propose to her.” Matt Sweyer used humor to sway Carter Broderick. He said,”I asked Carter in a Boy Scout uniform because she thinks it’s really funny when I wear my uniform and I knew it would make her laugh.” Emily Norris ‘16 and PJ Middleton ‘15
What’s your favorite holiday food? William Lewis ‘18 “My favorite holiday food is latkes, because it mixes my favorite things, pancakes and potatoes.” Al Cavagnaro
Signs of success. Rip Judge and Madison Graham (top); Caroline Broderick and Reed Franck; PJ Middleton and Wallace Fee; Emily Norris and Josh Reda; Carter Broderick and Matt Sweyer. Contributed photos.
Under the giving tree
Caroline Broderick ‘19
Gifts for everyone on your list
For the gals:
“I really like candy canes because they get me in the mood of Christmas.” Brittany Brooks
“My favorite drink around the holidays is eggnog because you can mix it with many different flavors.” Alec Wenning “On Christmas Eve my family and I make perogies. It’s kind of like a family tradition.” Megan Kanzinger
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle $25-$45
For the gents: Smathers and Branson Needlepoint Key Fob $29
Kendra Scott Pendant Necklace $40-$50
Vineyard Vines Santa Whale Boxers $25
Elf Prancer
The Christmas Shoes A Christmas Story How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Polar Express
Bourbon & Boots.com Blanket Scarf $22
Frosty the Snowman
Dick’s Sporting Goods Cabin Socks $13
Holiday Flotilla makes annual splash
Sean Brennan ‘18
Top holiday movies
Home Alone
Whatever “flotillas” your boat As the holiday season rolls in, one of the most well-known events is the annual NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach on November 28. This fun and friendly boat parade showed off Wilmington’s most enthusiastic holiday goers’ nautical creations. Although the boat parade was the headline event, there were other types of entertainment, including a festival at Wrightsville Beach Park, a boat launch party, and a fireworks show. The Best in Show winner was the smallest boat, the “Merry Marlin” captained by Brent Jernigan, who won the $5000 prize. Other winners included: Ava & Scott Werstlein for People’s Choice, Lindley College as Crowd Favorite, and Patrick and Cristina Hudson for Best Costumes and Crew Spirit. This year’s flotilla surpassed many other years with its 23 boats, leaving those in its wake with plenty of holiday spirit.
Most wonderful time of the year (to see and hear)
The Christmas Shoes National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Celebrating Diversity Students share holiday traditions Andrew Reger ‘19 “Since most of my extended family lives in Massachusetts, we generally drive up north to see them. My dad cooks a prime rib roast, and my mom makes a lasagna that takes her the entire daySinatra to cook.” Frank Camryn Kellogg A Jolly Christmas
He doesn’t need a bigger boat. Captain Brent Jernigan drives his winning boat, “Merry Marlin” in the annual boat parade in Banks Channel. Photo by Teresa Andrews
“For Hanukkah, we usually have a family dinner one night. Since it lasts 8 days, I usually get one little present for each day. We always light the candles in the menorah each night and say the prayer.” Lexi Lampkin
6 THE HURRICANE DECEMBER 15, 2015
OPINIONS
Letters Editor
Giving back
Community service shouldn’t be a chore
to the
Our readers write
Dear Editor, Mrs. Hatfield and Mr. Palmer are the unspoken heroes of all upper school events. While the students on the SGA surely help, no one really notices the hours of prep, stress, and personal time taken out of their lives to ensure that things such as Fall Festival and Holly Ball run perfectly. So a huge thank you to them for all that they do.
Dear Editor, I’ve expressed the idea of having a healthier vending machine option for the Upper School in a previous letter to the editor, but was somewhat disappointed to see there was not an attempt to bring one in. The healthy vending machine in the gym seldom gets use due to the fact that most students only make their way there Lila Das ‘16 once a day for math - twice if you’re into that kind of thing. Nevertheless, Upper Dear Editor, School students would appreciate Everything lately has been going having the ability to make wholesome very well. The only thing that I want to choices without having to trek across express concern about is assembly. Yes, campus to assuage that hunger. I do agree that we should be quiet and Emily Norris ‘16 respectful when someone is talking, but I don’t think that certain people should Dear Editor, get picked out and get detention. I have This problem has been persistent received detention before for not even throughout the year. Every day when speaking. Teachers need to realize that I go into the library there are so many there will be some talking, but they people talking, especially during flex. can’t just pick people out of the crowd The library is supposed to be a quiet and give detentions when there are place for people to study. I think there people talking everywhere, especially should be someone in there that people who are standing up. They talk monitors the noise. People should know yet they never get detentions. If they not to talk loud in the library. Chase Carraway ‘18 hand out detentions it needs to be fair and it needs to be everyone that talks Dear Editor, not just random people. Thank you. I attended Pilgrims Promise and I Tony Batchlor ‘16 think a more moving experience would be to have a flex day on the Friday we Dear Editor, deliver the baskets. That way, each I think the parking/drop off in the advisor group goes to one house to high school lot has gotten a lot better drop off their basket, so each student with the help of the teachers in the gets to see how they impacted that mornings with the signs. It is nice of family. It would also go by faster as well them to take time in the morning to as be easier for Mrs. Ragon and Mrs. stand out there and tell people where Copenhaver. Attending it, it was super they can or can’t drop off. It has been rewarding and I think everyone should a big help when rushing to make it on have the chance to feel the same way. time in the morning and there isn’t a Lizzie Sweyer ‘16 parent blocking the parking lot because they are trying to drop off their child off. Dear Editor, Thank you! I would like to praise Mrs. Bowen Madison Graham ‘16 for always taking time out of her day to help her students. She is always willing Dear Editor, to help, which makes it easy for her I would like to thank Mr. Meehl students to stop by and ask questions for his support of the Fear this year. when they need to. She knows when Without him, Bernard, Barton and I her class is confused or overwhelmed would not be able to truly wow the and is able to plan her lessons and crowd with our rip-off pants. He has given the Fear opportunities to cheer on homework around that. Her flexibility and yearning to see her students our teams, ranking us the best student succeed is what makes her such a great section in the nation. Maxx Middleton ‘16 teacher. Brooklyn Owens ‘18
At the start of each semester, the nine hour community service requirement hangs over us all. With new rules restricting community service to only off-campus events, the hours are not as easy to obtain. Although trying to carve out a few hours over weekends and flex periods is difficult, why dread the service itself? It may be a requirement set by the school, but the motivation to serve others shouldn’t be solely to meet the minimum. I once felt that service was something you did to feel better about yourself. But it’s more than that. It’s about helping others. My mother always prioritizes giving back. She devotes time and effort towards bettering people’s lives through programs such as Meals on Wheels, where she delivers meals to the elderly and handicapped; Guardian ad Litem, where she works in the interest of children who are faced with family adversity; and the Salvation Army Angel Tree, where she gives presents to foster children during the holiday season. Recently I went with her to deliver food for Meals on Wheels. Honestly, it had been long time since I had doing service when it wasn’t for my semester requirement. With that off my mind, I could pay much more attention to who I was affecting instead of why I was actually doing it. Delivering numerous meals to the old and the handicapped throughout Wilmington was a new experience. So often when we perform service, it is indirect; we are not actually able to see who we’re affecting. Meals on Wheels was a different story. At each stop, I walked up to a person’s house and gave them a meal that they would not have had otherwise. By actually seeing them and their life as it was, I could make sense of what serving others actually means. Yes, it felt good to help these people out. But I also realized that I was making a difference — a difference in their lives and in the world in general. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” His words mean so much more than just
helping someone else so you don’t feel guilty about living a privileged life. Instead, service needs to be a priority in order to make the world a better place. I get it — we do things every once in a while that benefit ourselves. It’s necessary to do so. However, devoting ample time towards helping others is just as crucial in order to improve our world. This is why service is important, and this is why CFA makes it a requirement. By forcing us out into the community to help others, CFA enables us to discover the ” importance of bettering life around us. Thus, the habit of service is ingrained in us once we graduate high school and enter the real world. Everyday, CFA leads by example as its administration and clubs go above and beyond to help others. Over the past few months, 189 coats were collected for the Salvation Army’s Coat for the Coatless drive, $778 dollars were raised for the South Carolina Flood Relief effort, and 122 bikes were sent to Sierra Leone in Africa from Bikes for the World. The list will continue to grow as the year goes on. Despite our school’s efforts to provide these opportunities, its administration and clubs shouldn’t be the only ones making the effort. During this holiday season, there is one gift that goes well above any other — the gift of service. By giving time to others who may be less fortunate than you, you are not only providing them with a holiday season that may be nonexistent otherwise, but you are also blessed with the knowledge that you have done your part to help others live in a better place. So, to all the students out there who may dread spending a Monday night at the soup kitchen or an entire Saturday working with Habitat for Humanity, think about who you are serving and what you are providing, instead of dwelling on the fact that you’re still going to have three more community service hours to complete.
Advisor Jan Reid
“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?
Eugenia Jenkins ‘16
Hurricane Staff Co-Editors Eugenia Jenkins Rip Judge Activities Madison Graham Forrest Singletary Academics Lila Das Lizzie Sweyer Sports Alexandra Koch Chase Carraway Lifestyles Emily Norris PJ Middleton
Fine Arts and Entertainment Kelly Butler Emma Wright Senior Stats Maxx Middleton Lexi Lampkin Reporters Bernad Austin Tony Batchler Sean Brennan Carter Broderick Caroline Broderick Bennett Dahl Harris Dozier West Graham Grant Gausman
Sebastian Hajek Kelvin Kang Kai Gray Keith Gray Lancaster William Lewis Vicky Lin Grace Ljung Macy Magan Brooke Owens Joshua Reda Andrew Reger Cameron Smith Kate Smith Duncan Sullivan Erin Sweeney Reed Sweyer
The Hurricane is published five times a year for the Upper School students and faculty. Unsigned opinions are those of the editors and do not reflect the opinions of faculty or advisors. We invite our readers’ opinions. You can e-mail your letters to jreid@ capefearacademy.org. Please limit your letter to no more than 200 words. Unsigned letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing and condensation.
DECEMBER 15, 2015 THE HURRICANE 7
SENIOR STATS Bernard Austin
What is your strangest habit? Biting my nails How would you describe the perfect day? No school, going to the beach in the morning and going to a soccer game in the eve. What is your dream job? Billionaire. What is your favorite home-cooked meal, and who cooks it? Penne ala vodka with bacon, made by my grandma. If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would you wear? All black vans, black Nike socks, Vissla shorts and BA Surfboards t-shirt. If you could take one famous person to prom, who would it be? Alex Morgan. What is your biggest fear? Snakes.
Caspian Goudarzi
What drives you crazy? Screaming children, especially in movie theatres. If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why? Insane dunking, I’ve always wanted to dunk. What’s your dream car? Mercedes Maybach. If you could take one famous person to prom, who would it be? Kate Upton. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Brazil, I’ve always wanted to go as a kid. What is your strangest habit? getting really into playing NBA 2K What is your biggest fear? Not going to sleep.
Micah McDaniel
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would go to Venice because it is the most beautiful place, and the last time I went I felt so peaceful and serene. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Mr. Chapman, because he would make the situation funnier and bearable with his sarcasm and humor. What is your favorite home-cooked meal, and who cooks it? My favorite home-cooked meal is spaghetti, and my dad cooks it. What was your favorite birthday, and why? My sweet 16 was my favorite birthday because my dad and cousins flew from Detroit; almost everyone that I loved was under one roof.
Lazelle Smith
What is your biggest fear? An angry Mrs. Scuteri. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher, who would it be and why? Mr. McFarlane, because we would know how to survive and we could talk about sports. What’s your dream car? Ferrari F430 Scuderia. What do you consider the most important issue for the next President, and why? Bringing the nation together as a whole. It’s been a problem with this nation, and we really need someone who can help unify the country. If you could vote right now to determine the next President, who would it be? Victor Agbafe What is your dream job? Race car driver.
Elisabeth Dill
What’s the story behind your name? Nancy Elisabeth was my grandma’s name so I was named after her. What are three items you can’t live without? Phone, computer, headphones What were you like as a freshman? How are you different now? I’m not shy like I was. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Australia, I’ve always wanted to visit there. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Ms. Reinks, she knows everything important about the environment. If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would you wear? Leggings and a flannel. What is your favorite sports team? Carolina Tar Heels.
West Graham
How would you describe the perfect day? Going slalom skiing and wake-surfing on my boat. What are three items you can’t live without? Reese’s Puffs, Movies, and my Malibu What drives you crazy? People who think Chipotle is better than C-Street. What is your biggest fear? Losing my tracksuit. If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why? To see the future, so that I could make insane amounts of money off of sports and gambling. What is your dream job? Designing cities and skyscrapers.
Philip Njapa
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Starting out somewhere in the business field What do you wish you knew as a freshman? Quizlet. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? The power of persuading anything or anyone into doing what I want them to do because no one will be able to say no to me. What are 3 items you can’t live without? My phone, computer, and Netflix. What song describes your life? “Started from the Bottom” by Drake. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Mr. McAllister, because he will help me develop my swimming skills so that I can escape the island.
Erin Sweeney
Calling or texting? Calling. What is your favorite sports team? Missouri Tigers. How would you describe the perfect day? The perfect day would be laying on the beach in the summer, hanging out with my friends, doing nothing. If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would you wear? Leggings, a comfy t-shirt, and fuzzy socks. What’s the story behind your name? I was named Erin because my parents wanted to continue naming their children really Irish names, and you can’t get much more Irish than Erin Kathleen Sweeney. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In some third-world country doing research and writing articles about what’s happening there.
Nicholas Gianoplus
What is your strangest habit? I have to constantly get rid of notifications on my smartphone. I cannot stand the little red badges or the blue unread messages. What do you wish you knew as a freshman? Try new things, stick to a few, you don’t have to be great at everything. Value your education. If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why? Teleportation, it would be extremely convenient and save a lot of time that could be spent elsewhere. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Mr. McFarlane, because his biology expertise would prove to be invaluable and his sense of humor is great.
Hannah Laham
If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Keni Rienks, not only because she is one of the coolest people on this planet, but she also would know how we could survive. We also could probably write a show or something to waste some time. What is your dream job? To be a performer in NYC. What do you wish you had known as a freshman? Don’t waste your time trying to be friends with fake people... It’s not worth it! What’s your favorite reality show, and why? Toddlers and Tiaras because it’s super funny even though it’s completely serious.
Emily Norris
What are three items you can’t live without? DogsofInstagram, a head-high Americano, and Mr. Phix phone screen repair. How would you describe the perfect day? One beginning promptly at noon. What is your strangest habit? Eugenia Jenkins’ big toe. What’s the story behind your name? Emma Leigh was a mouthful. What do you wish you had known as a freshman? Freshman year is a prolonged Monday, so make sure you wear your comfiest sandals and largest t-shirts. If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would you wear? A 3XL 100% cotton t-shirt. Maybe two.
Nicholas Thibault
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years I will have a good job and will be very successful. If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? Mr. Adams, so we could talk about movies and math. What’s your dream car? Ferrari. What is your favorite home-cooked meal, and who cooks it? Pork chops made by my grandma. What do you consider the most important issue for the next President, and why? Climate change because it is a reality that needs to be addressed soon as there will be a point where there is nothing we can do about it so we need to act sooner than later.
Julia Gillies
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Traveling with research teams as an exotic/endangered animal vet. What were you like as a freshman? How are you different now? I used to have a little; now I have a lot, but I’m still Jenny from the block. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? The set of a Coppola film, because they are my gods. If you could take one famous person to prom, who would it be? Johnny Depp. What was your favorite birthday, and why? My 13th because my friends threw me the best surprise party with a perfect guest list.
Mahogany Lamar
How would you describe the perfect day? A day not too hot or not too cold. A lot of shopping and eating new foods. What drives you crazy? My brother and people who are immature at the wrong times. What is your dream job? To be a dentist. What is your favorite home-cooked meal, and who cooks it? Spaghetti made by my mom. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Flying. I could go anywhere at any time.
Joshua Reda
How would you describe the perfect day? Waking up, playing Minecraft, eating Doritos and drinking Mountain Dew, reverse programming my Internet router, defying my parents, then sleeping. What drives you crazy? When people say “like” or “contrary to popular belief.” If you were stuck on an island with one teacher who would it be and why? It would be Mallory Tarses. Her humor would lighten the mood. To what piece of technology would you write a love letter, and why? I would write it to my first generation iPod touch because I never found it. What was your favorite birthday, and why? My 16th, because I got a car.
Diana Wasserman
What drives you crazy? College applications. What is your dream job? Teacher. How would you describe the perfect day? Probably going to the beach with friends and having absolutely no homework. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would go to Fiji because pictures of it seem really pretty. What was your favorite birthday, and why? When I was five I had a huge bouncy castle, so that was probably my favorite birthday. If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why? I would want to fly because you could get places a lot faster.
8 THE HURRICANE DECEMBER 15, 2015
SPORTS
Winter sports preview
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat
The winter sports teams have begun their season with new, young talent eager to fill in for lost seniors. Both men’s and women’s varsity basketball teams have winning records. Varsity women’s basketball is 6-0. “We’ve had a great start so far considering we’re a pretty young team,” said Nnemka Agbafe. There were not enough girls participating in order to form a junior varsity team, so all of the freshmen are playing up to varsity, which has not hindered their winning streak. The varsity men are 4-2. Coach Loren Baysden said, “This is one of the most skilled groups we’ve had in recent
years.” Junior Varsity boys basketball is currently 1-3. Despite losing three seniors, the swim team placed first in the most recent meet. Caleb McCullough predicted that the team will place first in conference and many swimmers will make it to states. With a mix of new members and experienced veterans, the cheerleaders have been the stars of the show for the first six games. Even after losing five seniors, their ability to function as a team remains strong. Overall, winter sports teams are thriving on new and experienced players.
Drain it. Grant Reed takes a foul shot against the Cardinals. Photo by Forest Singletary Hurricane pride. Brooke Owens, Ava Medina,
and Isley Pulliam cheer on the crowd at the Varsity Boys Cardinals game. Photo by Sebastian Hajek Making wakes. Evan Itzkowitz swims the butterfly at practice on November 17. Photo by
Scores and more Fall sports season results
The fall sports teams ended their season with a flourish. The JV boys soccer team was undefeated, while varsity boys soccer finished with a record of 14-6-2. They finished fifth in the NCISAA State Tournament. Varsity girls tennis ended 11-2 and JV girls tennis finished 3-13. JV girls field hockey was successful this season, finishing 6-1-1 and varsity girls field hockey finishing 5-6-1. Varsity volleyball finished the season 2-14 and JV Volleyball 3-13. The varsity girls cross country team earned 18th place in the NCISAA State Championships while the varsity boys cross country team finished in 17th place. Coach Colin Hackman said, “You all know what it means to sacrifice self for the good of the team, and that’s really all we can ask for. You kids amaze us in your determination to better yourselves, but more importantly you are laying the foundation for the success of future teams by becoming friends; and making cross country what it always has been to me: a really fun way to spend fall.” Vicky Lin ‘19
Sean Brennan
Seby Hajek ‘18 and Kate Smith ‘19
Making Caleb McCullough “The only thing we have in as a splash dives senior captain to fear is [the] fear itself.” Q: How long have you been swimming? I have been swimming competitively since the fifth grade. I swam in a conference of international schools in Denmark, an extremely competitive team in Mexico, and [now] here. Q: What does it mean to be a captain? To me being captain means that I have to be a leader, I have to set an example of trying my hardest and watching out for the others, and it means I can’t just be a teammate-- I also have to help the coaches. I try not to complain or slack off so that the other kids can always look at me like I used to look at some of the swimmers in Mexico and think, “If he can do it I can do it.” Q: What is your biggest strength? My strength. I’m much bigger and stronger than the majority of the swimmers I compete against and I use that to On the block. McCullough waits for really get some speed in my sprints the starting horn. Photo by Julia Andrews and power off my dive and turn. Q: What was your most notable memory? My first meet on varsity freshman year [I didn’t] think I held a feather against some of the other guys and when I almost beat one of the other guys, it marked the beginning of me pushing myself as hard as I do because anything is possible with effort and some adrenaline. Q: What will your future look like in swimming? If I can pull off the qualifying times for my college teams, I will absolutely swim, but I honestly don’t know if I can. No matter what, team or no team, I love the water, and swimming will always be a place of relaxation and fitness for me.
Alexandra Koch ‘17
Game attendance earns class cup points
With over 100 members, The Fear is the largest club on campus. To boost their strength in numbers, students can order shirts with The Fear logo and name of choice on the back. Going to games can also On the line. Fear members stand on the sideline and cheer on the add to a grade’s varsity men’s basketball team in a game against the Cardinals in Class Cup total. November. Photo by Seby Hajek If students go on the sidelines. Now the lawn-chair to support, they sitters are restricted to the bleachers. earn five points. Fear president Barton Williams said,“At the end of the season, Fear member Bernard Austin said, if students have 50 points, they will get “It has been a tradition that The Fear brings beach chairs to the basketball a free T-shirt.” games so we will continue to bring For safety reasons, there is also a them, just use them in the bleachers.” new rule regarding lawn chairs on the Chase Carraway ‘18 gym floor. In previous years members would bring lawn chairs and sit in them
Fantasy country Fantasy sports dominate social media
As the NFL and NBA seasons gets underway, so do the fantasy leagues. Over 56 million people age 12 and older participated in Fantasy Football in 2014. This year is sophomore Gray Keith’s first time playing Fantasy Football. He decided to play “because it was something to do outside of school with [his] friends. Also it is fun to trade players with each other.” Recently the New York State Attorney General ordered the two biggest fantasy sports sites, DraftKings and FanDuel, to stop taking bets from New York residents, telling the two sites that the games on their sites are
constituted illegal under the New York state law. While the two sites have appealed this decision, it may be just a matter of time before other states follow suit. Article and photo illustration by Bennett Dahl ‘18
Leaving it all on the court. Lila Das plays her
final match on Senior Day, October 15. “I couldn’t have asked for a better last season. I was nervous about having new coaches, but it all worked out for the best,” said Das. Photo by Maxx Middleton
Fall Sports Award Recipients Varsity Soccer MVP: Bernard Austin Most Improved: Jim White Coaches: Tony Batchler Golden Boot: Zach Tomosunas JV Soccer MVP: Tenneyson Wnek, Ford Chappell Coaches: Ugonna Agbafe Golden Boot: Tenneyson Wnek Varsity Volleyball MVP: Caroline Yeargan Most Improved: Caroline Broderick Coaches: Abby Yeargan JV Volleyball MVP: Macy Magan Coaches: Brittany Brooks Varsity Tennis MVP: Ana Sharbaugh Coaches: PJ Middleton and Mary Davis Thompson JV Tennis MVP: Wilker Ballantine Coaches: Leonie Mueller Varsity Field Hockey Defensive MVP: Emma Wright Offensive MVP: Emily Norris Coaches Award: Eugenia Jenkins JV Field Hockey MVP: Lilly Lancaster Most Improved: Sophie Mitchell Coaches: Trinity Swepson Varsity Cross Country (Boys) MVP: Alex Nadaud and Max Hall Most Improved: Sean O’Malley Coaches: Austin King and Erik Head Varsity Cross Country (Girls) MVP: Kate Smith and Summer Beesley Coaches: Emily Esposito, Dani Kranchalk, and Olivia Pasin Surf Team MVP: Sean Brennan Most Improved: Will Ballard Coaches Award: Molly Gilbert Larry Merrit ‘17