Issue 07 2022

Tower THE

ISSUE 07 – MMXXII

In This Issue Freshman 14 Advice Pannikin 22 Titanic

24

Roe v. Wade 36

Details

PHILOSOPHY The Tower is a student-run publication at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, CA. Writers and editors work together under the guidance of a faculty advisor to enhance the Bishop’s community and stimulate meaningful conversation through the collection and distribution of news. The Tower aims to educate the Bishop’s community about issues and events that pertain to the experience of young adults. Sections of The Tower include Campus, Arts, Sports, Culture, Local & Beyond, Opinion, and The Bell. The Tower prints multiple issues each academic year, in addition to continuous online content.

POLICY The Tower refrains from prior review of its issues, and maintains the right to publish anonymous quotes when the privacy of the individual is a concern. All quotes are subject to editing for clarity and length. Opinions expressed in The Tower do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or of the Bishop’s School.

COLOPHON The Tower is printed by Streeter Printing Company in Mira Mesa, CA. The Staff uses Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator to arrange photographs and graphics, and distributed 300 copies of Issue 06 to the Bishop’s community. Typefaces include Saonara for the cover; Public Sans for the headlines, bylines, and subtitles; Minion Pro for the body text. Issue 07 and previous issues of The Tower are available digitally on issuu.com.

THE BELL The Bell is a section of The Tower that intends to serve as a relief from the depth of the magazine. Satire, puzzles, quizzes, and the like are frequent inside The Bell.

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DETAILS | ISSUE 07

CONTRIBUTORS Editors-in-Chief Sariah Hossain Clare Malhotra

Graphics Editor-in-Chief Kyle Berlage Copy Editors Crystal Li Tate Vaccaro Staff Writers Mihir Bhagatwala Isadora Blatt Sydney Chan Leila Feldman Bella Gallus Lily Gover Summer Hu Lucy Marek Spencer Ralph Graham Walker Kayden Wang Joyce Wu Shirley Xu

Faculty Advisor Ms. Laine Remignanti

Cover

by Kyle Berlage (‘22)

The Bishop’s community is filled with hundreds of amazing people, and in this issue, we aimed to cover a handful of them. In our last issue of the school year, you’ll learn about outstanding debate partners to the faculty members leaving our community.

On the cover, we reflected the diversity of people found in our issue by sharing some candid photos of people from around campus in Polaroid form.

Social Media Follow us!

Instagram: @thebishopstower Website:

www.thebishopstower.com CONTACT The Tower c/o The Bishop’s School 7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 www.thebishopstower.com thetower@bishops.com IG @thebishopstower TW @thebishopstower

Twitter: @thebishopstower All members of the Bishop’s community are invited to submit letters to the Editors-in-Chief by visiting our website, www.thebishopstower.com, and clicking on the ‘Submit Letter’ tab.

EDITORS EDITORS EDITORS

GET TO KNOW YOUR 2022-2023 CRYSTAL (‘23) Fav artist: Vaundy

Editor-in-Chief

Starbucks order: Cinnamon dolce latte

Fav artist: Rihanna

Better Buzz order: Iced vanilla latte w/ oat milk

ISADORA (‘24) Fav artist: SZA

Biggest pet peeve: Mint chip ice cream

Starbucks order: Iced matcha latte w/ vanilla sweet cream cold foam

LEILA(‘24)

Biggest pet peeve: Arial font

Biggest pet peeve: When people leave pens unclicked

Editor-in-Chief

SPENCER (‘24)

Graphics Editor

Fav artist: Tyler, the Creator

SYDNEY

Starbucks order: Latte

Biggest pet peeve: Slow walkers

(‘24)

Fav artist: Tate McCrae

Better Buzz order: Iced best drink ever

Biggest pet peeve: Bad

restaurant service

Web Editor

SUMMER (‘25)

Story Editor

Fav artist: Dua Lipa

LILY(‘24) Fav artist: Ed Sheeran

Copy Editor

SHIRLEY (‘23)

Starbucks order:

Biggest pet peeve: Getting kneed in the back on the bus

Strawberry açaí refresher, dried strawberries on the side

Starbucks order:

Iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso

Biggest pet peeve: Being interrupted

Story Editor

BELLA Fav artist: Phoebe Bridgers

Fav artist: DEMONDICE

Starbucks order: Oatmilk shaken espresso

Starbucks order: Dragon drink, no ice

(‘24)

Biggest pet peeve: Loud chewing

Biggest pet peeve: Sniffling

Copy Editor

Copy Editor THE

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day, I have no memory of deciding to join Hi Bishop’s, ToThethisTower . Nor do I remember the first time I

clicked the course requests button to sign up for journalism, although I clicked it twice more in the years to come. All I remember is walking into B25-B as a sophomore with my arts requirement completed and no prior experience with journalism whatsoever.

The rest of my story may sound cliche, but choosing to come back for each subsequent semester to The Tower ceased to be a choice in my mind. I have always looked forward to it the most—the class where one day we might discuss the varsity soccer team, the next the recall election, and the day after that Bridgerton. Through journalism I have interacted with people I never might have otherwise—heads of departments, administrators, kitchen staff workers. And as I look back at my staff page on the website, I am amazed at how many stories I have been able to tell: stories with subjects that range from Harkness to FEM Club to Among Us to podcasts to the PDG show. Becoming a journalist is about so much more than being able to crank out a draft in time for a next-day deadline: it is highlighting quiet voices and understanding your community to the fullest possible extent.

With our final issue this year, we have, as always, turned our attention to some of our beloved faculty members, who—like me—will be departing from campus this year, but will always remain part of the Bishop’s community. This year, we say goodbye to six faculty members, two of whom are retiring after devoting thirty years to this community.

I met some of my favorite people through The Tower, and indeed some of them will remain here next year, and the year after that, to continue telling your stories, highlighting your voices. I will miss you greatly, Bishop’s. If I could tell my freshman self one thing, and if you can take one piece of advice from this letter, I say—study less. Take a break every once in a while. Go to bed, so that the next day, you can appreciate your short time on this campus instead of almost falling asleep in chapel. It might feel like forever, but my six years here seemed to have passed faster than I could have imagined.

Love, Thank you for making them fly by.

Clare Malhotra Editor-in-Chief

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didn’t want to write this letter. Really—I put it off as long as I possibly Hi Bishop’s, Icould, partially for senioritis reasons (it’s so much more real than you

think, underclassmen) and partially because it marks the end of the most meaningful experience of my life: my time on The Tower. Just eight months ago, when the 2021-22 school year was beginning and I was penning my very first Editor-in-Chief letter, I said that I’d been planning what to write in it for weeks, months, years. The sentiment could not be more opposite now; this time, I don’t really know what to say.

I don’t know how to articulate how special The Tower has been to me all of these years, first as a reader in middle school, then a staff writer, and an editor now. I don’t know how to explain the gravity of this publication’s impact on my self image, my world view, my future plans. I feel like I came of age in Bentham 25-B, in every pitching meeting where we got too excited about a story idea and filled the whiteboard with scribbles about potential angles, in every office-hour conference combing through emails and fact-checks, in every caffeine-buzzed top ten brainstorming session with the last stragglers at layout. Those sparkling little moments that make up The Tower are so incredibly precious—I’ll miss them the most, I think. There’s magic in our layout nights. I’m positive of it. I felt it at my very first layout in September 2018, and I felt it every time this year. There are moments that, as you live through them, you just know you want to keep with you wherever you go—a reminder of the beauty and elation that chasing a passion can bring. I fell in love with writing and journalism as a member of The Tower, and I would not be myself without those passions. I’ll carry them with me forever.

My parents gave me a locket when Ms. Rem first told me I’d be an Editor-in-Chief last spring, and I’ve worn it every single day since (an emotional support necklace, if you will). There’s nothing inside that locket, though—I keep it open, maybe for those precious little passion-assuring moments.

It feels fitting that the beginning of my time as Editor-in-Chief was the time when I started collecting them.

I’m so unexplainably proud to have served as Editor-in-Chief this year. Clare and Kyle, Love, the three of us can (and did) do anything. Crystal and Leila and next year’s editorial team, I love you all to pieces, Editor-in-Chief and I couldn’t be leaving my baby/this paper in more capable hands. Put aside 8 copies for me, yeah?

And to every one of you who reads The Tower, thank you. You carry a little piece of my heart with you every time you pick up an issue.

Sariah Hossain

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Dear Bishop’s,

Walking down the Upper Bentham halls has become somewhat of a serene routine; the marmalade sunsets by the metal spiral of the outside stairs, the rhythmic creaking of floors as old as time, and even the echoes of excited chatter heard exactly six steps away from our classroom are all things ingrained deeply in my memory.

So yes, here I am, writing to you all, thrilled but with big shoes to fill. For those of you who have ever talked to me or have received an interview request from me, you know that journalism and The Tower are my everything. And cat pics, of course. But wow, I’m already getting ahead of myself.

“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” I found refuge in her words—Joan Didion described my experience with writing perfectly. Under the dim glow of my night light back in Xi’an, China, scribbling in a halfused journal was what kept middle school me alive. It was like a frenzy, one that always had helped me isolate my inspirations and remember the moments, whether they be paradisal ones or those formed amidst hardships. And as someone who was just born curious about the confining world around her, at a young age, I was driven to learn about everything, from why they wouldn’t allow a student newspaper’s existence in my old school to how many published articles are censored online every day. Because of such limited opportunities for shared self-reflection, I often questioned whether I was even qualified to think about issues through my own eyes in a world where it seemed no one wanted to listen.

But the summer of 2019 came and Bishop’s welcomed me. Intrigued by the most professional-looking magazines on library tables, I searched through them tirelessly as if looking for something. Funnily, I still remember the first full Tower article I read—“Under Pressure: how far are we willing to go for perfection?” Amy Carlyle’s (‘20) frankness in language stunned me. Having been always subconsciously encouraged to keep my head down in my writing, I was surprised by her courage to investigate a social phenomenon that was, logically, difficult to call attention to in a highly-competitive environment such as the college application process.

I felt empowered as I finished her last sentence; this feeling was something I had only ever experienced writing alone. Now, I want to be able to share my thoughts. To pursue issues that personally interested me. To seize my voice and rebel against the conventions in which I was raised. To be a part of something, as I’ve come to deeply understand, as beautiful as The Tower.

I could write tens of pages more about my journey on staff but I don’t want to spoil the contents of my personal journal too much. All in all, though my fellow editors and Ms. Rem have bestowed upon me countless enduring gifts, what matters most to me is that they’ve given me a voice. They taught me to write neither in contempt nor fear but in a search for truth—because of my experiences as a student journalist, I now feel unafraid to bring the most intimate, authentic parts of my identity into writing aimed at our community’s collective change and growth. As one can see, I’m super grateful for Ms. Rem’s continuous guidance on our practice of “rigorously marshaled evidence” and “discipline of verification.”

With that in mind, The Tower is proud to present to you all our final issue of the year. A publication built upon the ethical premise of validity and for the stimulation of meaningful conversation, we had hoped to end this year strong with what matters most to us—the people of Bishop’s. Additionally, I look forward to an ambitious and enriching year with the rising editorial team: Leila Feldman (‘24), Isadora Blatt (‘24), Spencer Ralph (‘24), Sydney Chan (‘24), Summer Hu (‘25), Bella Gallus (‘24), Shirley Xu (‘23), and Lily Gover (‘24). Words cannot describe how much I feel supported and excited seeing you guys’ smile at every editorship meeting.

And lastly, I want to say a big thank you. To Sariah Hossain (‘22) and Clare Malhotra (‘22). To Daniel White (‘21) and Lucie Edwards (‘21). To Amy Carlyle (‘20). And to those who shaped my Tower experience into the way it is today. Thank you all for the oh-so-passionate pitching days, for our consistent-in-a-good-way Didion discussions, for those we-only-got-thebell-done layout meetings, and even for seemingly trivial side-conversations that gave me something to laugh about on the walk home.

So that brings me to a stop. Dear Bishop’s, claim the right to your own particularity. It’s you that makes our campus us. Be unafraid and make the coming school year the best one yet.

Love,

Crystal Li

Rising Editor-in-Chief

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Dear Bishop’s, Frankly, I wasn’t sure where to start this letter. I was still so flabbergasted that I had even opened a Google Doc and titled it “Editor Letter” that I wasn’t sure how to introduce myself. Being a creature of habit, I opened my hot pink notebook where I outline all my articles and the first thing I wrote down was “The Tower.”

Growing up, I convinced myself that I was going to be president, and although that is the last job I would want now, I wanted to make a difference to the flawedworld I saw around me. For context the “flawed world” in my head was the injustice that I wasn’t allowed to sit in the front seat. But nonetheless, since I was in second grade, I have wanted to make a meaningful and lasting impact on other people’s lives, and The Tower has done just that. It has given me a chance to show readers about the many issues that go on in our world and the emotions that oftentimes come with it.

The Tower is a place where I feel most encouraged to make mistakes, to read, learn and educate myself about writing and our world. Next year, Crystal Li (‘23) and I will edit, review, clear, and publish articles for your enjoyment and education both in print and online and I hope that you and I get to know, love, and trust each other whether it be in person or via The Tower. The Tower is my creative outlet (a substitute for my lack of artistic abilities) — it is a place where I am never worried about making ten drafts to get to the perfect one that you read, the place where I spend hours attempting InDesign, the place where I spend time thinking about the way I can report to you what is most important in this world.

We are committed here on The Tower to facts, evidence, and publishing work that we are proud of and I hope to continue the legacy that came before me — to continue the close-knit community, the hectic-semi-productive-layout nights, and the range of coverage and opinions that flood the columns of our website and magazine.

For our last issue of the year we are excited to bring you an issue filled with highlighting people who have made a lasting impact on our community. We have six different departing faculty articles, all thoughtfully written to capture the passion these educators radiate, as well a brilliant article by Tate Vacarro (‘22) on advice from seniors to rising freshmen. Isadora Blatt (‘24) is bringing you a heartwarming ode to Pannikin and Sydney Chan (‘24) contributes coverage of the recent Titanic performance.

Although this is our last issue for this school year, we will be back in August but with a new team of editors. My Co-Editor-In-Chief Crystal Li (‘23) is ridiculously talented at writing op-eds and thinks about others first when writing. Our Graphics Editor is my chemistry-confidant Isadora Blatt (‘24) and she has a gift for laying out articles, and our Web Editor Spencer Ralph (‘24) is the tallest person in any room but he is also a remarkably hardworking and tenacious person who is determined to get the “Best of SNO” badge. As well, our story editors Sydney Chan (‘24) and Summer Hu (‘25) will help organize each story for clarity. Lily Gover (‘24), Bella Gallus (‘24), and Shirley Xu (‘23) edit for grammar, punctuation, and details of each article.

I am so ecstatic about being this year’s Co-Editor-In-Chief. We are so excited to bring you some amazing issues, new coverage, new voices, and continue The Tower legacy. As I wrap up my first editor letter at 16 (my first drafts starting before I had gotten my license) — a part of me is in disbelief, another part humbled, but most of all I am thankful beyond words.

Love,

Leila Feldman Rising Editor-in-Chief

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Photo courtesy of Cathy Morrison

contents CAMPUS

10 Booksmart 12 Reign of the Rodriguezes 14 From One Class of ‘26 to Another 16 The Perfect Parli Pair

How the library promotes reading and social awareness

Clare Malholtra

Summer Hu

One family’s legacy and history at Bishop’s

Tate Vacarro

The seniors share some advice to incoming 9th graders Lily Gover

Meet Kasie Leung (‘23) and Eli Browne (‘23)

SPORTS

18 Keeping Up with the Caddies

Bella Gallus

The girls’ golf team cards an incredible season

LOCAL & BEYOND

20 22 A Tribute to Pannikin

Crescendo at The Conrad

Sydney Chan

The Bishop’s Honors Combo performs at The Conrad

Reflections on the recent changes to one of La Jolla’s most cherished institutions

Isadora Blatt

ARTS

24 Iceberg Ahead!

Students perform Titanic the Musical

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Sydney Chan

During the student–faculty basketball game on May 4, announcer Ryan Arrowsmith (‘23) and player Alex Goldman (‘23) kept the crowd entertained.

DEPARTING FACULTY

26 A Closing Chord: Mr. Townsend 28 The End of an Era: Gracias, Sra. Sutherland 30 Saluting Ms. Sargeant 31 Saying Goodbye to Your First Hello: Mr. Donald 32 Curtain Call: Mr. Paulin 33 We Will Ms. Yoo

Clare Malholtra

Crystal Li Lucy Marek Graham Walker

Isadora Blatt

Joyce Wu

OPINION

34 36 That Funny Feeling

The Old College Try

Sariah Hossain

College sweatshirt day may not be the pure celebration we want it to be On the Met Gala, Roe v. Wade, and the bizarrely distressing reality we’ve found ourselves in

THE BELL

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College Map

42 No One Asked, Kyle

Sariah Hossain

44 Top Ten THE

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How the library uses monthly displays to promote reading and social awareness Clare Malhotra

B

eing on campus means a shelves. Mrs. Warner explained that Throughout Black Histonumber of things for the Bish- the physical books on campus make ry Month, in addition to physical op’s community: it means up a fraction of the total library due displays, the library Instagram (@ skirting the quad in the morning, it to the number of ebooks and books bishopslibrary) posted selections of means eating lunch again in the caf- from other locations that they can book recommendations surroundeteria, and it means studying in the get access to. ing Black joy, Black heroes, and library. As you entered the library The library has also been Afrofuturism, indicating which were after school or during a free period, working to lower the number of re- available in the library. you may have noticed the displays quired reading books for summer During Women’s History that crop up each month on tables or reading. “Getting kids to read for fun Month, the library posted the books bookshelves across the library: dis- reinvigorates their love of reading,” of female authors who have visited plays for Black History Month or Pu- Mrs. Warner explained. For that rea- the School to speak over the last few rim or Women’s History Month. All son, the staff organized readathons years, including poet Naomi Shihab are part of the library’s effort both to over winter break and spring break Nye, climate scientist Dr. Katherine encourage students to read and to to try to keep students’ brains active Hayhoe, social justice scholar Jamila ensure that Bishop’s has a socially in- even while not studying.

Lyiscott, psychologist and Holocaust formed student body.

Books also have the power survivor Edith Eva Eger, among oth“[The goal of the library] is not simply to entertain the reader, ers. They also created a physical disto nurture a culture of reading,” Li- but to inform them. “I think reading play on healthy masculinity. “That’s brary Assistant Mrs. Jennifer War- is huge for the mission of equity and not directly related to women’s hisner explained. “Kids tory month, but boy get so busy in high is it important,” Mrs. school; they often Warner said.

I think reading is huge for the misdon’t have time to The library does an read for pleasure impressive job of cresion of equity and justice and incluanymore, which is ating displays for daysion... It gives you wider perspectragic,” she said. Inlong holidays, as well deed, according to as less well-known tives, so you’re more accepting and an Instagram poll, ones. These include compassionate to people.

28 out of 84 students National Coming Out (33.3%) “almost nevDay (October 11), Día er” read for fun, and –Mr. Brandon Warner de los Muertos (Octoanother 20 out of 84 ber 31-November 2), (23.8%) indicated Korean American Day that they only read (January 13), Martin for fun “at least once a month.” The justice and inclusion,” Library Assis- Luther King Jr Day of Service (Janother two options were “at least once tant Mr. Brandon Warner (no rela- uary 17), Holocaust Remembrance a week” and “almost every night.” tion) said. “It informs you…it gives Day (January 27), and International The Bishop’s library has wide you wider perspectives, so you’re Day of Women and Girls in Science resources: resources that expand be- more accepting and compassionate (February 11). On Grandparent’s yond the number of books on the to people.”

Day (a celebration unique to Bish-

“

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”

Photos courtesy of @thebishopslibrary via Instagram

book smart

Women’s History Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month are just two of the holidays the library has celebrated through displays.

op’s), they made a display of books about relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.

“We have a pretty diverse population here,” Mrs. Warner said. “[The library] should be representative of the population we’re serving.”

Mr. Warner also noted that the library “tries to make [displays] responsive to the things that are actually happening.” He explained, “If there’s an issue that’s coming up in the student body… we’ll try to cater our displays to that because that’s when people need the information.” He also explained that they respond to globally consequential events, such as the war in Ukraine.

“We want to provide… creditable quality sources…so that you’re in-

formed on the issues.” In addition to a library display, they created a bulletin board on the topics page for students to access helpful resources.

They collaborate with different parts of the Bishop’s community to bring these issues and events to light. For example, March 20, 2022, was Nowruz, an important Persian holiday that celebrates the Iranian new year. When the librarians were creating a display, they brought in a leader of the Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA) with knowledge and experience with the holiday to consult on it. “We worked on the traditional Haft-seen display,” the student, Senior Nadia Bitar, explained. “It is an arrangement of seven items beginning with the

letter seen, which is the equivalent of the letter ‘s.’”

They also work to collaborate with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) organizers to create consistency for students across what they discuss in DEIJ and what they might read about.

“In my view, a major role of the library is to be at the forefront of providing information about… social justice and marginalized communities, providing resources and providing education,” Mr. Warner said. “The entire mission of the library is to educate us and to help us work toward a better society.”

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reign of the

RODRIGUEZES

T

he beautiful greenery, the gleaming surfaces of desks and chairs, and the bright pink roses outside of Gilman Hall. These tiny vignettes didn’t just appear out of nowhere.

Early each morning, Mr. Beto Rodriguez wakes up at 4:30 A.M and leaves his house at 5:00 A.M. He then arrives at Bishop’s at 6:00 A.M, where he begins his work as Bishop’s gardening architect.

The Rodriguez family has worked as part of the facilities crew for The Bishop’s School since the 1960s and has a long legacy at the school. Mr. Dagoberto Rodriguez, also known as Beto, works as the Gardening and Grounds Supervisor and is the mastermind of the manicured gardens that surround the school grounds. Ms. Magdalena and Ms. Raquel Rodriguez both work in housekeeping, allowing students and teachers to enjoy their beautiful surroundings.

Mr. Beto smiled and the skin

One family’s legacy and history at Bishop’s Summer Hu

at the corner of his eye crinkled with contemplation as he reflected on his experience at Bishop’s. He said, “The Bishop’s School is a really nice place to work. We are like a family. All Bishop’s family.”

Speaking in their mother language, Spanish, Ms. Magdalena’s and Ms. Raquel’s love for Bishop’s isn’t any less apparent. “[Bishop’s] is like a second home,” Mr. Rodriguez translated for them.

The Rodriguezes have a historic presence on campus. Members of the Rodriguez family started working at Bishop’s in the ‘60s.

Mr. Rodriguez’s uncle, Adam Rodriguez, was the first Rodriguez who worked in landscaping at Bishop’s. After his retirement, his son and Mr. Beto Rodriguez’s father, Jesus Rodriguez, worked at Bishop’s until he retired in the ‘80s after 10 years of service.

At 17 years old, Mr. Beto Rodriguez began working for the Bishop’s

community in maintenance. After three months, he pivoted to housekeeping where he spent 17 years looking after the buildings; he has worked in landscaping for 23 years since he switched.

In total, he has spent 40 years on the Bishop’s campus. Ms. Magdalena has spent 43 years at Bishop’s and Ms. Raquel has 29 years under her belt.

Director of Security Mr. Danny Newsom had high words of praise about his friend and colleague, Mr. Rodriguez. “Beto Rodriguez is such a standard. He and his family have provided sound structure with their devoted service for over half a century. Their service stands as tall as the pine in the quad that’s surrounded by the black rope as its guard,” he shared.

The tree standing that Mr. Newsom spoke of is known by all Bishop’s students. “Beto may not speak of his works or of his family’s, but their action is as difficult to miss as our campus’ most prominent tree,” Mr.

Their service stands as tall as the pine in the quad.

– Director of Security Mr. Danny Newsom 12

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Four generations of the Rodriguez family have worked at Bishop’s. Gardening and Grounds Supervisor Mr. Dagoberto, Ms. Magdalena, and Ms. Rochelle are the third generation of the Rodriguez family to work at Bishop’s. Ms. Briana Rodriguez, Mr. Rodriguez’s daughter, works at the Bishop’s daycare.

Newsom continued, “now if only that tree had a name to match the honor this community has received over the decades by this family.”

Mr. Newsom believes that this tree should be dedicated to the Rodriguezes and their legacy at Bishop’s and he is not alone in his praise.

Director of Facilities Mr. Brian Williams has known the Rodriguezes since he came back to work at Bishop’s in 2014. He described Mr. Rodriguez as a very hard-working and detail-oriented individual. “You can tell by working around him and with him that he really loves this campus,” he expressed, “he’s extremely fond of the school.” When asked about Ms. Raquel and Ms. Magdalena, he said,

“they do their work and they do it very well and are so reliable and trustworthy.”

When asked about his favorite memory while working with the Rodriguezes, Mr. Williams paused to think before recounting a moment when the maintenance team set up for the auction on the quad. The company who was setting up the tent drove a stake through a major waterline. “I have always saved [that pipeline] as a souvenir from that event. Beto was part of the solution,” he recalled.

The Rodriguez family’s connection and impact on the community is evident through the daily interactions between them and people on campus.

While passing through the mailroom, Academic Assistant to the Head of Upper School cheerfully greeted the three Rodriguezes.

“They are so great to interview!” she said, “they have a lot of history here.” Ms. Kullback then proceeded to say, “I think we need to name a building after you guys.” On two other occasions, two other faculty members interrupted the interview to just say a friendly hello.

Ms. Briana Rodriguez, Mr. Rodriguez’s daughter, currently works at Bishop’s daycare program for teachers’ children. With over 60 years of service for the school, it seems that the next generation of the Rodriguez family is starting right now.

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The seniors share some advice to incoming ninth graders Tate Vaccaro

S

pring has sprung. For eighth graders and seniors especially, this spring signifies a forthcoming period of great change: entering high school and leaving it behind. Feelings of anticipation for the future and a newly introspective view of the past have characterized these last few months for graduating seniors. Perhaps some might be feeling those familiar pangs of eagerness and outpouring anxiety that they once felt as eighth graders.

From free periods to sports events to course selection, incoming ninth graders have a lot to look forward to. “I would say I am most excited about the new sense of freedom and also the responsibility that comes with it,” said Sophie Arrowsmith (‘26). “Bishop’s has so many different course options that I am looking forward to and also many clubs and electives. I am also excited to just be in high school, have free periods, be able to drive, and all of that stereotypical stuff.”

In addition to having free periods and more independence, Ayla Johnson (‘26) looks forward to being a part of the basketball team. “I can’t wait to play basketball and attend sports games,” she said. “Although I am a bit worried about managing my schoolwork, especially when I start taking honors classes.” With all the uncertainty that high school brings, it’s natural to feel some anxiety. “What I’m most excited about is also what I am nervous for,” Sophie added. “That said, the excitement definitely weighs out the nerves.”

As the class of 2022 prepares to graduate high school, what do they have to share with the class of 2026 heading into the next four years? Looking back on her time in high school, Abby Beamer (‘22) offered some words of advice on managing her school-life balance, emphasizing the importance of not overscheduling herself. “I think the biggest piece of advice I can give is

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‘26

to make sure to have time for yourself,” she said. “Whether that is a free period, time after school, or a couple hours on the weekend, it is essential to have free time.” Since school was such a big priority for Abby, her time management skills were crucial. “School took up most of my time,” she said. “To make time for friends and myself, I diligently did my work after school and during free periods. If I stayed on top of all my course work by not procrastinating, I always had time to relax and make time for other things I love.”

Academics are important, but not everything. “One of my favorite ways to spend free time has always been through singing, dancing, and musical theatre,” Bobby Chiu (‘26) said. “I’m excited to continue this throughout high school through all the performing arts opportunities that Bishop’s has to offer.” Whether that be exploring current interests or experimenting with new ones, participating in clubs, electives, student-led organizations, and other extracurricular activities have been extremely meaningful experiences for students. “My biggest piece of advice would be to join clubs, classes, teams...as much as you can,” Charlie Johnson (‘22) said. “When I look back at my experience at Bishop’s, most of my joy comes from things like Lucky Ducklings, class council, basketball and Yearbook. Even if you’ve never picked up a lacrosse ball in your whole life but you’re even a little interested in joining the lacrosse team, do it. Audition for the fall play, join an academic club. If something scares and excites you at the same time, that means you should probably do it.”

Seiji Sekiguchi (‘22) expressed a similar sentiment. “Joining a group that you find interesting is the best way to meet people with similar interests and connect with the grades above you,” he said. “Not only will it make the process of meeting new people much easier, but

Photos courtesy of Abby Beamer (‘22) and Hunter Kates (‘22)

from one class of to another

Abby Beamer (‘22) and Hunter Kates (‘22) have grown quite a bit since they entered high school.

it will also help you through your transition into upper school. I wish I tried things completely out of my comfort zone like taking interesting electives or trying out a sport I’d never done before.”

In addition to a whole new set of academic pressures, with high school comes inevitable shifts in social dynamics. Reese Newman (‘26) shared that something she is nervous about going into high school is losing her current friendships. Surina Verma (‘26) elaborated further. “I’m most nervous about all the stress that there is going to be next year,” she said. “There’s a lot more pressure to do well in school and get good grades while maintaining a social life at the same time. It’s going to be hard to find the balance between school, friends and sports.”

Hunter Kates (‘22) compared finding new friendships to moving into a new home. “Even though you are afraid to leave your old home, eventually, you find your new one and that becomes where you go,” he explained. “A lot of times, home isn’t actually a physical place but rather a person, and you have to have faith that you will find a new home.”

While incoming ninth graders excitedly await a year of firsts, graduating seniors have begun to have their firsts of many lasts. “I am definitely pretty nervous about leaving home and Bishop’s,” Abby said. “I have been at this school since sixth grade and it is like a second home to me. I still remember being a fifth grader at the new student barbecue, nervous and excited about the chapter of my life that Bishop’s was. The community here and the friends I have made are everything to me.”

Most of all, spring is the season of embracing change, growth, and new opportunities. As the seniors get their caps and gowns fitted to make way for the Bishop’s Class of 2026, the atmosphere is bittersweet. “Even though I am extremely excited to graduate, I am really going to miss Bishop’s.” Abby concluded. “I don’t know exactly what the future holds and that is scary, but I know I have been equipped with the tools to face whatever comes at me, and I am ready to meet the next chapter of my life.”

“If something scares and excites you at the same time, that means you should probably do it.” –Charlie Johnson (‘22)

- Charlie Johnson (‘22)

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THE PERFECT PARLI PAIR

Lily Gover

Meet Kasie Leung (‘23) and Eli Browne (‘23)

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ou can see the chemistry between Kasie Leung (‘23) and Eli Browne (‘23) even in a normal conversation. They’re one of those pairs that quite literally finish each other’s sentences.

Throughout their Speech and Debate careers, that chemistry has been

the high school Speech and Debate team.

Mr. Valji recalled, “It was very obvious from the beginning that they were brilliant, thoughtful and quick, which are important things to be when you want to do Debate. And they were naturals, even if they didn’t necessarily have all of the skills

Another huge part of their success is how they work together and complement each other’s strengths. They compete in the Parliamentary Debate event, or Parli, as most debaters would say. There are three speeches in the event for each team. The first speech details why one side

“They’re basically the best Parli team we’ve ever had.”

evident in every tournament. Last year, the duo came in second place at the SDIVSL State Quals A Parli/Public Forum, or Parli Squals, sending them to the California High School Speech Association State Tournament, or the State Tournament.

According to Speech and Debate Coach Mr. Matthew Valji, usually six to ten students usually make it. This year they qualified again, ending as semi-finalists.

He detailed, “To get to the state tournament, you have to be one of the best teams in all of the region…The top six is what will qualify, but they were top four, so they got to state.”

Kasie and Eli started participating in Speech and Debate in 8th grade.

However, Kasie showed up to her first informational meeting in seventh grade.

Upon hearing that Kasie had tried to join the team this early, Eli exclaimed with laughter, “Did they let you?” The answer to that question is no, but one year later the middle school pair began to practice with

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yet that they needed to be successful.”

Their first tournament was the Bishop’s Spring Classic, an inter-school scrimmage in which (mostly) high school pairs from Bishop’s compete against each other. Starting out their debate careers with a bang, the eighth-grade pair beat out all the high schoolers and won the tournament.

This is an amazing accomplishment, but Kasie and Eli are very modest about it. When describing this tournament, Kasie briefly added with a laugh, “also, we may have won.” Eli then added, “We stayed partners from that tournament, and we just kept going.”

So, what makes this debate pair so successful? “So the first thing is that they do the work,” explained Mr. Valji.

“They are organized. They are on top of current events and important political issues. When given a topic, they have the skills needed to drill deeply into that topic in a relatively short period of time.”

should win, the second is a rebuttal speech, and the last acts as a summary, recapping what points each side made and why one side is better.

Kasie delivers the first and last speeches, and Eli gives what he described as “the nitty-gritty rebuttal speech.” They both do their parts differently, but very effectively.

Eli explained, “There are pairs that are super one-sided, but I’ve never really felt that with our pair,” as Kasie responded with an “aww.”

Their speaking styles are also quite dissimilar but complementary. Kasie observed, “I’m a very big passionate speaker, and Eli’s very composed. He’s super, super good at speaking without stuttering.”

While he described his style as “robotic,” Mr. Valji observed “Eli tends to be somewhat more structured in his style. He’s more of the newscaster and someone you might see on CNN.” Kasie reinforced that “he’s super technical, and he’s always super logical.

Photos courtesy of Kasie Leung (‘23) and Eli Browne (‘23)

– Speech and Debate Coach Mr. Matthew Valji

One major reason why this pair has such a good dynamic is just because they are great friends. Upon asking about their friendship, Kasie first joked, “Actually I can’t stand you and I’m only in it for the Parli trophies, Eli; now’s a good time for me to break this to you.” After a moment of laughter, they explained how their friendship leads to their success on the debate stage. Kasie described, “Knowing each other well outside of Debate gives us more room to be open and honest with each other.” This allows them to give each other feedback and keep improving. Additionally, they can tell when one of them might need a confidence boost or some encouragement.

When they debated online, their understanding of each other became useful. Kasie described, “We’d be on the same Google Doc [during the round], and Eli would write out a conclusion for me or write extra points for me to say, or I would take notes for him. Without communicating with words, we would just know how to help each other out.”

Undeniably, this pair wins a lot, but that does not mean there aren’t rough tournaments. This year, there were a few times that they did not get the results they wanted, but Eli remembered their positive response. “We should debate because we like to debate” became their mentality, and as Kasie explained, “We learned to stop prioritizing results and stop caring so much about how we do and be more focused on having fun and improving as speakers.”

This perspective allows them to be successful while enjoying the road to that success. When asked about their goal for this year, Eli reflected, “You could say our goal is to qualify for the state tournament, but at the end of the day, state is not the overarching goal… debate is fun regardless of whether or not you win everything.”

They also attribute a lot of their success to the entire Bishop’s speech and debate team, especially the Parli program.

Eli explained, “We get to debate against

pairs who are also some of the best in the county at practice.” Kasie is also extremely grateful for the other pairs, adding “That’s what I was gonna say, a huge shoutout to all of the other Bishop’s Parli teams because if we don’t have anyone to practice against, we don’t really have a program.”

The program has made a huge impact on them, and they have also made a huge impact on the program. Kasie and Eli also help to educate younger students in Debate. Mr. Valji acknowledged, “Their biggest standout area is that they don’t just do debates for themselves. They

do Debate because they want to help others do well also.”

This year at the State tournament on April 29 to May 1, Kasie and Eli made it to the quarterfinals. According to Mr. Valji, “This is the furthest that Kasie and Eli [have ever gotten], and the furthest of any Bishop’s Parliamentary debate team in team history…So they’re basically the best parliamentary debate team we’ve ever had.”

Regardless, in the end, they are there because they truly love to debate, especially together as a team. They’re in it to win it, but also to have fun.

Kasie and Eli first debated together in the Bishop’s Spring Classic in eighth grade and have been a standout pair ever since.

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KEEPING UP WITH THE CADDIES The Girls’ Golf team cards an incredible season Bella Gallus

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his past season the Bishop’s girl’s golf team saw their first win in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division Two San Diego Section match by two strokes; it was their first CIF win, but not the last.

The team is led by two captains Andrea Rix ‘22, and Grace Sun ‘23. Although it was Andrea’s last season, she described it as: “definitely a fun season, because it was my last,” and “what was really fun was the relationships between everyone on the team.” The rest of

there was an influx of commitment and participation. Grace described this past year as, “really [pulling] it together” and making “sure everyone who was on the team was committed.” This commitment was prominent with the team’s overall domination of the season.

From overcoming big rivals like Torrey Pines High School and Mater Dei High School to riding together in the van, to posting content on their Instagram account (@brummiegolf), the team fostered incredibly strong bonds. Renee

not one to mess with. Renee recalled more enjoyable van rides: “We are always playing music like 21 Savage’s “No Heart” and talking about things going on in our lives,” but the moment they step onto the course “[they] are always determined to hit the best shots and play the best golf we can as a whole.” These girls are committed to the team spirit as well as winning matches, and that was illustrated in their domination of the season.

The team went undefeated in the league, with the wins at

I know I can tell these girls anything. We have each other’s backs.

– Renee Wang (‘24) the successful, tight knit team is made up of: Annie Fang ‘22, Jordyn Mariam ‘23, Lucy Yuan ‘24, Sophia (Sopo) Guan ‘24, Renee Wang ‘24, Joyce Wu ‘25, and Ashlyn Garrigan ‘25.

Big wins were not the only thing that came with the season: rather, lots of new found friendships. In past years, the team has been fairly small, with minimal commitment. Andrea recounted that in previous years they often had to forfeit games due to not having enough players participating, but starting in the 2020 school year

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said, “We have a lot of trust in each other not just to play well, but also with our lives outside of golf. The team gives really good advice and I know I can tell these girls anything.

We have each other’s backs.” Sopo agreed, “a lot of our team bonding moments happened during van rides to matches—it was great getting to connect with teammates in different grades, that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.” These girls are here for each other, making their team all the more powerful.

Drive, strength, and positive energy proved this team was

CIFs, on November 11 and 4, 2021, against Mater Dei High School, and Torrey Pines High School, a longstanding rival, to qualify for regionals in Pasadena. The wins were nail biting, beating Mater Dei by fifteen and Torrey Pines by 2, magnifying the strength of the team.

Grace recalled the day of the tournament, against Torrey Pines, saying “We were feeling really stressed but excited because we had worked so hard for this.

We really banded together at that moment.” Tensions were high as the score was tied with two groups

left to come in. Sopo parred eighteen, which means out of eighteen holes she made the expected score, and the Torrey Pines player then bogeyed, which means she had one over the expected score. The pressure was on.

Lucy, who is ranked twelfth in the nation by AJGA Rolex, needed to par her last hole and the Torrey Pines player had to not birdie, which means doing better than par. She made two excellent shots in front of the water, and her final shot landed two feet from the hole. Grace said “[her] favorite moment of the tournament was when Lucy Yuan had to make her final put for us to claim the win. The rest of the team was standing together and hugging each other waiting for her to make that put and she did and we won.” Renee also remembered this moment, “We all collectively jumped up from where we were sitting. She tapped in for birdie, and we all charged down the hill to tell her that we had made it to regionals.”

Lucy quoted Steve Nash, who brought his team to victory in the 2005 National Basketball Association (NBA) championship game with the Phoenix Suns, and is the current head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, ‘“We were excited to win, staying undefeated was the icing” And the cherry on top was defeating the infamous Torrey team at CIFs.” A moment to remember, not only did they secure their place in regionals, they had beat their long standing rivals. Even though they did not make it to states, they missed it by just a little, many of them look forward to next season, and hope for the same level of success.

The team dominated the season and after a tough match won the CIF Division Two Championship by two strokes. Pictured: Joyce Wu (‘25), Ashlyn Garrigan (‘25), Sophia Guan (‘24), Lucy Yuan (‘24), Grace Sun (‘23), and Renee Wang (‘24).

After a season full of friendship, and success, the girls golf team looks forward to the upcoming season with hopes for similar success.

Pictured: Joyce Wu (‘25), Sophia Guan (‘24), Lucy Yuan (‘24), Jordyn Mariam (‘23), Andrea Rix (‘22), Annie Fang (‘22), Grace Sun (‘23), and Ashlyn Garrigan (‘25).

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There were many interactive showcases and classes during the Open House. For example, Drummers without Borders held a quick drumming class that was welcoming and fun for music lovers of all ages.

[Playing music] is a different world in which I can express myself freely and forget about all of my worries.

–Giacomo Berti (‘24)

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I

f you’ve been to a Bishop’s event lately, such as the Open House, the International Potluck, or the Christmas Tree Lighting, you’ve likely been treated to a performance by our Bishop’s Honors Combo. An ensemble open to any student currently enrolled in one of the Bishop’s jazz bands, the Honors Combo offers many performance opportunities for the musically gifted.

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center is a state-ofthe-art concert venue a few blocks away from Bishop’s where the La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) brings the best artists from all over the world to perform in San Diego.

And on March 13, our Bishop’s Honors Combo joined that elite group of artists, performing at LJMS’s 3rd Annual Community Arts Open House at The Conrad, a free event for the entire community to enjoy.

Seventeen local organizations shared their talents in four performing spaces simultaneously that afternoon. As families lined up outside the venue patiently awaiting to enter, guests could feel the excitement even before the gate opened. The musical buzz was exhilarating.

The Bishop’s Honors Combo kicked off the festivities of this four hour event with their performance. Families were given a jazzy welcome by Giacomo Berti (‘24) on the drums, Sashi Chuckravanen (‘25) on the keyboard and vocals, Connor Schnei-

The Bishop’s Honors Combo performs at The Conrad Sydney Chan

der (‘22) and Steven Yin (‘24) on the saxophone, and Director of Instrumental Music Mr. Robert Anderson on the bass. From their professional and upbeat sound to the cool and collected demeanor they displayed, one could never guess that this was the first off-campus performance for the young group.

“While I love performing on campus, playing at a place with a big name such as The Conrad is an entirely different beast,” drummer Giacomo exclaimed.

Having moved to the States from Milan, Italy, in 2012 with his family, Giacomo started drum lessons when he was about 10. “[Playing music] is a different world in which I can express myself freely and forget about all of my worries,” he reflected. Thinking back now, he is extremely grateful to his mom for urging him to stick to it despite his complaints.

Saxophonist Steven has a similar story. A native of Shanghai, China, Steven came to the US when he was nine, and he started playing saxophone a year later. He enjoys the freedom that jazz offers, and really appreciates music as a universal language.

Veteran singer/songwriter Sashi felt that “[playing at the Community Arts Open House] felt very professional.” A freshman and the youngest member of this band, Sashi already has her first album on iTunes, Late Nights. She started to play the piano at the age of four under the

Photos courtesy of Samson Chan and Sydney Chan (‘24)

CRESCENDO AT THE CONRAD

Saxophone players Steven Yin (‘24) (left) and Connor Schneider (‘22) (right), drummer Giacomo Berti (‘24), vocalist/pianist Sashi Chuckravanen (‘25), and mentor and bass player Mr. Robert Anderson played some snappy tunes at The Conrad.

tutelage of her mom, and began singing in the choir in third grade. She loves performing because she feels that “playing for others is a way of giving what you know to somebody else.”

Senior sax player Connor agreed.

“When someone’s listening [to you play], it’s the perfect opportunity to make the invisible bridge to them through music,” he expressed. His misfortune of dislocating his knee during the summer after seventh grade allowed him to spend his entire eighth grade year in the Bishop’s chamber ensemble, and he has been playing the saxophone ever since.

What an opportunity this was for the Bishop’s Honors Combo, which have only been together since the spring of 2021. “We are always going to remember firsts like this,” Mr. Anderson reflected.

This is exactly what motivates the La Jolla Music Society to present events like this. La Jolla Music Society’s Education & Community Programming Director, Allison Boles shared, “The theme for this year’s Open House [was] ‘San Diego’s Finest.’ [Our goal is] not only to be able to provide a great performance opportunity to local artists and many students, [but] to help community members feel connected to one another through art. We want The Conrad to be known for great artistic programming and as a vibrant and inclusive community space.”

Congratulations to our Bishop’s Honors Combo for the outstanding representation of our school. Can’t wait for your next performance!

Students from Grossmont College followed shortly after the Bishop’s Honors Combo. Pictured are Christian Rodriguez on the electric guitar, Angelica Pruitt on the bass, Kian Abulhosn on the drums, and singer Josie LaValle.

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A Tribute to Pannikin

Reflections on the recent changes to one of La Jolla’s most cherished institutions Isadora Blatt When they couldn’t agree on terms with the landlord, they were given 30 days before closing.

For me, Pannikin represents the safety of childhood. It is located right next to La Jolla Elementary School, and every time I went back to visit, memories of after-school snack trips flooded to the surface. There was always the question of whether or not my brother and I would be allowed to split a big red velvet cupcake, and who would get to keep the glass Orangina bottle.

While my mom waited for her coffee, we played chess on the big wooden table in the back, dusty sunlight streaming through the window behind us.

Reflecting on the countless hours I spent in this café, I now realize that Pannikin was a sort of safe haven.

It was like an extension of my elementary school, and it was a perma-

At 7467 Girard Ave, Pannikin had a blooming, colorful atmosphere where anyone could feel welcomed.

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nent corner of the town I call home.

Even after graduating from elementary school, I could find comfort in the fact that Pannikin would always be there when I found the time to come back. It’s the place you looked forward to seeing on your return from a long vacation; an indicator that you’ve made it home.

Sarah Kaplan (‘22) was devastated at the news. “Their location was really special to me, because I’ve been going there since I went to La Jolla Elementary,” she corroborated. “Pannikin was my workspace. I had this one spot that I always had to get, and I would sit there for hours.”

“I think this is more of a home than our actual home is,” said Serna in the shade of a coffee table on a bustling, sunny day a couple weeks before closing. “We call this the Pannikin family. Everybody in there, we’re all very close knit.”

When Pannikin posted the announcement on Instagram, there was an outpouring of support. In the comments, many users shared personal anecdotes about their heartfelt attachment they felt with the cafe. “Businesses like yours do so much more than just make a profit. They are part of the community,” commented @samshapirome. “Your business means something to a lot of people. [It’s] not just a coffee shop.”

As of right now, the Pannikin team has relocated to a pop-up

Photo courtesy of Sarah Kaplan (‘23)

O

n March 15, Pannikin La Jolla made the official announcement that they were being forced to vacate the property within the next month. Pannikin’s last day at this location, 7467 Girard Ave, was April 9. “In December, we started having conversations about a lease that was essentially unsignable,” explained Gloria Serna. She and her wife, Amanda Morrow, have been the co-owners and operational managers of Pannikin for 17 years.

Screenshots by Isadora Blatt (‘24)

at 7611 Fay Ave. with the name Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery.

While the larger future of this institution is uncertain, now is a better time than ever to reflect on its rich history over the many years past.

In conversations about the history of Pannikin, the name Bob Sinclair comes up frequently. It is a name spoken with the utmost respect and gratefulness, as he was the man who started it all. As the story goes, Sinclair had just gotten out of the navy in 1968 and was in La Jolla when his car broke down.

He ended up staying, and he opened up a store on Prospect that mainly sold cookware. Later, he began experimenting with roasting coffee, and developed an interest in renovating historic buildings. Eventually, he would open up Pannikin at its iconic location.

Simultaneously, he persuaded ​​ Dennis Wills to move into town as well, who opened D.G. Wills Books next door.

Over the years, the two businesses side by side would become some of the most cherished businesses in La Jolla. “Pannikin and D.G. Wills are just two of the remaining things that remind me of the more artistic and bohemian flair that La Jolla used to be,” commented Instagram user @ swedejess.

Most importantly, Bob Sinclair established the welcom-

ing, accepting environment that Pannikin embodies. “I don’t think Bob ever forgot a name,” Sinclair’s coworker and longtime friend Steve Slaughter told the San Diego Union Tribune shortly after he passed away after a motorcycle accident in 2011.

Sinclair was known to establish friendships with all of those he encountered, and over the years Pannikin has carried this value on. “That’s why our community has always kept showing up,” Serna said, “because we want to know. We want to know why you’re sad today, or why you’re so excited. The connections that I've made because of these conversations are priceless to me.”

Reflecting on the future of the lot at 7467 Girard Ave, Serna said, “If you understand the vein of anything, you understand that it needs a heartbeat.

This is a vein, but without us, without my wife and I and our staff that do everything to create this positive energy and this bubble that everybody wants to be a part of, without that this is just a vein, it’s just a building in La Jolla owned by another rich person. Without a heartbeat it’s nothing. They can take a building, but they cannot take who we are as humans. Nobody can take who I am. Nobody can take who my wife is, or who my children are, or why my entire staff is, and nobody can replicate what we’ve done here.”

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E

veryone has heard of the great Titanic, whether you’ve watched the movie, studied the British liner in history class, or were fortunate enough to snag a seat at the recent Bishop’s production.

From April 27-29, the Bishop’s Singers, Bel Canto, and other performing arts students joined together to tell this profound story to the community.

The sinking of the Titanic is notorious for its tragedy. However, in this retelling

by Peter Stone and Maury Yeston, the Bishop’s cast worked to express the joy and uplifting parts of Titanic the Musical. And following the production, it seemed like the audience experienced every emotion possible. “[It] made me cry,” audience member Lila Hampers (‘24) reflected, “and I would have to say it was probably one of the best [performances] I’ve ever seen at Bishop’s. It just evoked so many emotions from me.” She continued, “The whole audience was in tears at some points and laughing at others.”

One of those superb emotional parts of the production was when two of the first class passengers, Ms. Ida Strauss, played by Flavia Valente (‘22), and Mr. Isador Strauss, performed by Raphael Delgado (‘24), declared their love for each other in a duet, passionately singing that they’d rather die together on the sinking ship than be separated after 40 years of marriage.

“It was really nice to know the effect of that duet on some of my classmates, audience members, and faculty,” Raphael, who also played the role

of Captain E.J. Smith, said. “Through laughter, love, and tears, this really was the perfect musical to bring people together,” he added. Raphael has been a part of the Bishop’s choir community since seventh grade, and has been participating in theater for a large portion of his life. To him, “the musical Titanic is absolutely beautiful, and every single character is rich with depth and is capable of filling eyes with tears. Allowing [himself] to experience those emotions on and backstage was just incredible.”

This production not only illustrated the strengthening of relationships at the time of the tragedy, but also created a stronger “choir fam,” Chloe Shiue (‘24), a five year Bishop’s choir member, shared. “In each scene, there were some funny lines and small moments that made the choir community even stronger. I know it sounds cheesy, but bonding with people over these songs was just great.” Chloe also played two roles: Ms. Charlotte Cardoza and a stewardess.

Marcus Buu-Hoan (‘24), another member of the Bishop’s Singers and Bishop’s choir member since sixth grade, agreed. “My favorite part of this production was the people,” he began. “I love being a part of musicals, and getting to share that with the choir I’m so close to was such a special experience.” Marcus performed as the ship’s stoker, Mr. Frederick Barrett, and a first class passenger, Mr. Benjamin Guggenheim.

This was Dolce Feenaghty’s (‘22) last performance as a Bishop’s choir member after five years. Before going onstage for the final time, the seniors each

gave a small speech to the group, and she remembered saying, “It is a rare gift to be able to stand before a group of people and tell them that you love them all, but I get to do that today—I love all of you.”

She continued, “There is so much love, care, and support in the Bishop’s performing arts. I know I can go to any of them anytime, and they know they can do the same to me.” Performing as Ms. Alice Beane, this Bishop’s Singers veteran not only brought comedic contributions to the production but also touching ones.

Local dialect coach Ms. Vanessa Dinning, who attended the performance on the 27th, commented, “Very strong performances [from] all.” Ms. Dinning has coached this production during her career with professional singers and actors, and was impressed with the work from the Bishop’s performers.

When she coached an adult cast in 2016, she took a good amount of time to focus on the nineteen different dialects of the diverse group of characters in the musical; but commented that learning a dialect is like learning a new instrument: it’s really hard. “When accents aren’t well commanded, it can be distracting, and distance us from an empathetic/emotional connection,” she expressed. “I was thrilled that Bishop’s didn’t attempt to do accents in the show, and instead focused on the quality of the singing and storytelling,” she continued.

“It served the production really, really well. Kudos,” she concluded.

To most, choosing to perform Titanic was a somewhat unpredicted

ICEBERG AHEAD! Students Perform Titanic the Musical Sydney Chan 24

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production choice, as the choir doesn’t typically perform musicals. However, Joseph Aguilar (‘22), who played the ship’s builder, Mr. Thomas Andrews, and Dolce proposed a few possible reasons for this decision. Joseph, a Bishop’s choir member and student actor for about six years, explained that Director of Choral Music Dr. Christine Micu pitched this idea two years ago, but it was canceled because of COVID. Dolce made the distinction that Titanic was closer to a concert than a full musical: the choir learned the music, and then strung it into a show. This was primarily because the musical rehearsal process was shorter than a regular than a choir concert.

Her understanding is that Bishop’s does a musical every other year, alternating with the middle school musical, to ease the burden on the theater tech crew.

But many people in the performing arts, her included, found this deeply saddening, since there are only two chances to participate in a musical at Bishop’s throughout your entire high school career. Dr. Micu thought this production was a good compromise, since it wasn’t too dance heavy and still musically complex. Chloe also mentioned that Dr. Micu wanted to pick a production that could fit many choral arrangements. “Since we’re choir kids, you know, we need those harmonies,” she laughed.

When Titanic was chosen as the spring choir production, and the directors soon realized how closely the event at the time paralleled current events in history, according to the Director’s Note in the performance program,

it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. Joseph shared that it was actually the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic a couple weeks before the concert. “That period of time was quite a remarkable age, with so many inventions and discoveries and advancements in engineering and technology,” he said.

“That craze of exploring new frontiers is finally setting in again as we’re moving into an age of commercial space travel.

Despite it taking place so long ago, the point of the musical still stands and rings truer every day. The themes, dealing with money and class, human ingenuity and hubris, all ring eerily true,” Joseph expressed.

ers concerts because of the blocking process and the decent number of dialogue scenes, but she really enjoyed the experience. Laurel performed as Mr. Henry Etches, the 1st class steward in this production.

Guest artist Kosi Eguchi (‘23), a part of the Bishop’s Performing Arts community since he joined the school two years ago, mentioned that although he’s not part of the choir groups on campus because of scheduling conflicts, putting on this production with Bishop’s Singers and Bel Canto was a blast because of how supportive and gifted the performers are. Kosi acted as a first class passenger, Mr. George Widener, and

Photo courtesy of Annie Denten

“It is a rare gift to be able to stand before a group of people and tell them that you love them all, but I get to do that today—I love all of you.” - Dolce Feenaghty (‘22) The rehearsal process was a little stressful at times, Mira Singh (‘25), a Bishop’s choir member since seventh grade, who played first class passenger Mrs. Marion Thayer, expressed. Given there were three groups of students in the production (Bishop’s Singers, Bel Canto, and Guest Artists), they didn’t have the opportunity to rehearse all together until closer to show time. But in the end, everything ended up working out beautifully.

Laurel Daly, a junior and choir member since her first year of middle school, added that this production was quite different to the usual Bishop’s Sing-

a second class passenger, Mr. Charles Clark.

Overall, the general consensus was that so many contributed to putting on this amazing production. “Shoutout to Dr. Micu for believing in us; to Adam for playing so well even when his wrists were hurting; to Ms. Maroney for hair and costumes; to Mr. Paulin for helping with the tech aspects; and to all the guest stars!” Chloe added. “It turned out to be a really nice show. I loved it.” Between the powerful ensemble harmonies to the character relationships, it was certainly a show to remember. Sail on, sail on, great ship, Titanic!

In the finale of the production, the performers waved to the audience in a final goodbye. Pictured are members of the Bishop’s Singers, Bel Canto, additional Guest Artists, and sixth grader Bodhi Landin.

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A CLOSING CHORD:

MR. TOWNSEND “I

t was a great match that was just he said. “That was a really wonderful admeant to be,” Mr. Townsend said, dition to the musical part of my life.” reminiscing on his time at Bishop’s.

When asked about the spark for For thirty years, he has provided the mu- his love for music, he struggled to think of sic that played as students entered chapel, one particular spark moment. Having takexited chapel, sang the daily hymn, or lis- en piano lessons in elementary school and tened to Performing Arts Department Chair Ms. Lara Korneychuk’s musical offering.

Since 1992, Mr. Steve Townsend has served as the School’s organist.

After 30 years as a valued member of the Bishop’s community, he will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Southern California has been Mr. Townsend’s home since birth: he grew up in Fullerton, Orange County, and has lived in La Jolla since taking the job at Bishop’s.

As a young adult, he left Southern California to attend the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York for his undergraduate, and then studied at Southern Methodist University in Dallas for masters degrees in Organ Performance and Sacred Music.

After his university education, Mr. Townsend found himself working in Santa Barbara as Organist and Choir Organist Mr. Townsend has been an integral part of Director. Beyond a musical the Bishop’s community for 30 years. knowledge of the extensive instruments in the orchestra, Mr. grown up with a part-time organist father, Townsend credited his time conducting Mr. Townsend was surrounded by music to helping him learn to bring musicians— at every turn of his life. “I think it sort of tubasists, violinists, pianists, singers— started in school,” he said, remembering. together. “I was able to conduct major “But once I realized that I could play proworks by Bach or Mozart, the big ones: the fessionally, [my love] just blossomed.”

Brahms Requiem, the Bach Magnificat,” “If you find something that

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you’re talented at, then you can find a way to use that, no matter what it is,” he went on to say.

For one year in Santa Barbara, he found himself replacing a faculty member—choir director and organist— on sabbatical at a private school called Cate School.

“I went on campus and I thought, oh my gosh, I wish I had been able to go to a school like this,” Mr. Townsend said. Although it would be over a decade until he would begin his job at Bishop’s, he believes his yearlong experience at Cate School sparked his love for spending time with young people on school campuses.

Twelve years later, Mr. Townsend walked into Saint Mary’s Chapel. He had applied to two jobs: one at the St. James by the Sea chapel, and one at Bishop’s, getting both and beginning both that year, 1992.

“I think this chapel is the hidden gem of La Jolla,” he said with a laugh, looking around. “And so, what happened over the course of the years was that I literally fell in love with the Bishop’s community.”

And just like that, the community fell in love with him.

In particular, he connected to those with whom he worked, often those involved in chapel or music. “He and I clicked instantly due to our shared experience in church music, our social justice interests, and our shared passions for making beautiful music,” Ms. Korneychuck, who often sings in chapel, said.

Mr. Townsend does not just walk into the chapel three times a cycle and receive the music for the day’s chapel.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Townsend

Clare Malhotra

He has an integral role in planning the speakers and presentations, meeting regularly with Reverend Nicole Simopoulos and Ms. Korneychuk to plan. He also sometimes works with the student musicians who play during chapel. Julia Haymaker (‘22), a violinist, met him for the first time in seventh grade. “He helped me figure out how my part fit with the piano part, and took the time to practice with me a lot, doing as many runthroughs of the piece as I asked him to,” she said. “He was always super patient, and a great mentor and accompanist.”

It takes some planning to make sure the message of chapel, which includes the music, feels cohesive. “[It would be confusing] if the chapel was about one thing and you sang a song that was about something completely different, even if it was a nice song,” he pointed out. The most recent chapel, he explained, had focused on a man—Paul Farmer—saving lives through healthcare, so they had found a song—“For Good”—about changing people’s lives.

“We try to make the music really fit with the theme of the day,” he shared.

However, Mr. Townsend’s impact on the Bishop’s community has extended even beyond the walls of Saint Mary’s Chapel. He has substituted for music teachers occasionally and has even proctored AP exams. He knows the names of many of the staff around campus. “If I’m having lunch, I talk to the faculty,” he said, smiling. “I’m taking a Spanish class right now, and I can ask Ms. Sutherland questions about what I’m learning.”

When students graduate, they

might have spent almost half their lives attending Bishop’s. But Mr. Townsend has, of course, spent more years on this campus than any student: indeed, more years than many teachers. Much has drastically changed over the years, and much has simply strengthened. “There was no theater, there was no science building, there was no multi-story library, no black box,” he recounted. “The town has more traffic now,” he joked.

“But La Jolla does retain a lot of its character… it doesn’t change.”

Beyond buildings on campus, Mr. Townsend believes that the community has gone through remarkable changes. “The commitment to justice and inclusion and diversity has gotten stronger over the years, which I think is wonderful,” he reflected. “The desire to make every student feel that they’re cared for and that they belong is—for me—as important as academics, and I hope we continue to do a really, really good job at that.”

After so many years leaving his mark on the students and staff, Mr. Townsend has trouble saying goodbye.

“I did retire from St. James full-time five years ago,” he said. “But I love Bishop’s so much that I just didn’t want to retire.” Indeed, he plans to continue to have a relationship with the community even after retirement. He hopes to be a substitute teacher for music classes and a substitute player for the new organist.

It seems the community will miss him greatly as well. “We aren’t just colleagues,” Ms. Korneychuk reflected.

“Mr. Townsend has been there for me through ups and downs—even offering

One of Mr. Townsend’s ambitions for retirement is to travel the world. This photo was taken in Cinque Terre, Italy. to sub for my classes when I’m having a rough day.”

Outside of Bishop’s, he has numerous plans for retirement. “I’m just gonna live into it,” he remarked, revealing plans to continue taking Spanish classes at a local college, foster cats from the San Diego humane society, and travel. So far, his favorite vacations have been to Iceland, Barcelona, and Portugal, and he is excited for his coming “bucket-list” trips: one to Norway, and another to Australia and New Zealand.

No matter what, he emphasized, Bishop’s would be an integral part of his life. “I just love this community.

I love it. I love what it stands for. I love the students I get to work with. I love the faculty. It doesn’t matter whether it’s food service or groundspeople—they’re all amazing.”

”

I just love this community. I love it. I love what it stands for. I love the students I get to work with. I love the faculty.

-Bishop’s organist Mr. Steve Townsend

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“A

nd I had lived in the language.

I think that made all the difference in the world because it wasn’t just an academic thing for me anymore,” Señora Mary Jane Sutherland said, looking at her shelf full of Spanish literature collections. “It’s kind of like going through the looking glass. I go to a whole other world.” Though she is retiring at the end of this school year after a well-over40-year teaching career, Sra. Sutherland has always approached her love for the Spanish language as not just an academic experience but also another dimension—a gateway to relationships.

through AP courses.

For many of her students, her engaging and holistic teaching style offers a discussion-based, full-picture view of Spanish culture and language. “In Sra. Sutherland’s class, I realized that there are so many groups of diverse people living across the globe that seem so far away because of our language barriers. Yet, we can open so many doors if we just take the time to learn and reach out,” Grace Sun (‘23), a Spanish 4 Honors student, noted. “This is something that I won’t forget, even after five years from now.” Audrey An (‘23) added: “What I’ll miss most is

er high school students and was given an opportunity to live with a family in Mexico. “Though there was no adult support system around me, I found that learning Spanish was something I was good at,” she remarked. “It’s like there was another part of myself, you know, that I express in this other language.”

Her appreciation and value of cultural exchange are best shown through our school’s Spanish Exchange Program, which was largely active before the pandemic. “I appreciate that Sra. Sutherland set up this program with the school PuertoSol in Málaga because I got a first-hand

“[Exploring the Spanish language] is kind of like going through the looking glass. I go to a whole other world.”

– Spanish teacher Sra. Mary Jane Sutherland It was 1974. Packing everything they owned into a Karmann Ghia, Sra. Sutherland and her then-husband moved to California. “And I applied to Bishop’s…

I think it was in the newspaper but I had never heard of it. I’m not from here,” she chuckled, “But somebody said, you know, why don’t you apply to Bishop’s? And so, I interviewed with the head of the department at that time.” From ‘75 to ‘79, Sra. Sutherland taught at a newly-co-ed boarding Bishop’s before leaving for graduate school. Returning to the school in 1995, she continued to teach Spanish to a range of levels, from seventh-grade classes

her ‘holas’ in the hallways and her downto-earth style as a Spanish teacher, which has helped me immensely even though foreign language has always been a difficult subject for me to learn.”

Her comprehensive understanding of foreign language education stems from her own deeply-rooted experience in learning. Between her junior and senior years of high school, as a very self-motivated student, she participated in the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language for High School Students. Competing for a position, Sra. Sutherland was selected alongside 29 oth-

account of the student life in another country. With her help, I was able to make the most out of that experience,” said Grace. Though the program was especially hindered because of COVID, many students still expressed their appreciation for its organization. Aria Liu (‘23) reflected: “I really appreciate Sra. Sutherland for organizing this program and giving us the opportunity to learn more Spanish and have fun.”

When talking about what sparked her interest in education, Sra. Sutherland mentioned that just before our interview, she had received a heartfelt

Gracias, Sra. Sutherland Crystal Li

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DEPARTING FACULTY | ISSUE 07

Photo courtesy of Ms. Sutherland

letter from her 95-years-old junior high Spanish teacher. “I’ve never not wanted to be a teacher. School was a safe place for me as a child when things were chaotic at home,” she explained. “With strong female teachers as role models [throughout my school years], it just felt like a home away from home.”

Being a freshman advisor brought special color to Sra. Sutherland’s campus experience. It’s definitely changed over the years since there have been substantial changes to the structure of upper school advisories—but that has not stopped her from connecting with her advisees. “I just wanted it to be a comfortable and welcoming place,” said Sra. Sutherland, looking at the same shelf, but now focusing on the advisory snacks piling at the top. “And I like being their first upper school advisor, raising them right in a way. With all that food over there, I’d like this to be their safe place when they land in high school.” No doubt, Sutherland advisory has the best snacks.

Nonetheless, the past two years have been especially tough. “COVID just destroyed my joy,” Sra. Sutherland paused, motioning to the room around her. “I

would come into this empty building because I have dogs and couldn’t [teach] from there.” Sitting in front of her computer every day, the only form of personal connection she felt that she could make with her students would be through the screen. “Language, it’s an expressive thing… It was very limiting to bring my whole ‘shtick’ to this dimension. It was really challenging,” she noted. “I couldn’t get to know my kids because so much of what you learn about people is not just their voice, but their demeanor, posture…” She did the best she could, like all teachers, but it ultimately felt very alienating.

Everything. That’s what Sra. Sutherland responded when asked about what she’ll miss most about teaching full time at Bishop’s. “When I first started here, we were living in Pacific Beach. And I remember driving north and just feeling butterflies… Because I didn’t know what the expectations were,” she reminisced.

However, after 31 years here, she firmly believes that being a part of the Bishop’s community has become very much intertwined with her life experiences. “I mean, my kids went here. Though we’re not religious people, my son was baptized and

my daughter was confirmed in the chapel.

Most of my friends have been from here through the years.” But don’t worry, she plans to still be around. She may be all done grading essays at home or with never-ending deadlines, but she’s still open to sub Spanish classes in the future. “I’m not out of here yet!” She joked. “I will see how I can put my language to use. I’ve got to solve one thing at a time.”

Undoubtedly, throughout her illustrious teaching career, Sra. Sutherland has deeply impacted many of her students.

Those close to her know that she’s quite the daring character; though she is stepping away from teaching full-time, she’d like to leave one lingering thought for students learning a foreign language. “Take the risk. Everybody’s so afraid about going abroad and missing out on experiences here—sure, you’re taking yourself out of one context, but you’re putting yourself in another that can be potentially really enriching,” she suggested. “I would just say, you know, take the leap into the unknown!”

Spanish teacher Sra. Mary Jane Sutherland has been a fixture of the Bishop’s community for many years. We’ll be sad to see her go.

THE

Tower 29

SALUTING MS. SARGEANT M aybe you met her in eighth grade while learning about American history. Maybe she was your teacher for Modern World History freshman year. Or maybe, you recognize her from your days in Junior Model United Nations or middle school advisory. However you met or got to know Ms. Kristin Sargeant, who will be moving to Arizona at the end of the year, there’s no doubt that she has been an incredible member of the Bishop’s community for the five years she taught here.

Ms. Sargeant’s decision to become an educator can be traced back to her childhood. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher for most of my life,” she explained, adding that many of her relatives are teachers. “I grew up in an environment where education was really valued and really important, and

my mom and my grandma especially inspired me to go into teaching.”

Pursuing interests from a young age seems to be a common theme for Ms. Sargeant, who started taking a liking to history when she was a child. But according to her, it was in college that her interest in the subject truly blossomed, during a WWII history course. “It made the material come alive,” she said. “And [the course] made it relevant and exciting to my life and the world I saw around me.”

Ms. Sargeant loved learning because her teacher made it enjoyable, and that is something she tries to mimic in her classes. According to Sabrina Feldman (‘26), who takes American History, “Everything is very interactive, and we don’t really have lectures or anything like that.” She went on to say that Ms. Sargeant also helps her understand the material and gives her tips on note-taking and comprehension, giving her and her fellow students the tools they need to enjoy and learn from the class.

Mira Singh (‘25), who had Ms. Sargeant as a teacher in eighth and ninth grade, recognized that she doesn’t just teach history; as an advisor, and simply a nice person, she influences those around her by her positive attitude and friendliness.

“She’s taught me that you should remember and see the impor-

tance in doing small things that make people’s day,” said Mira, adding that Ms. Sargeant is always smiling when her students enter her classroom and is “always encouraging you to be the best you can.”

But it’s not just students who notice how much Ms. Sargeant brings to Bishop’s. Mr. Kamal Assaf, another eighth grade history teacher, thinks that “she brings an enthusiasm for learning” to her classroom and “is just a great colleague.” He said that she has been a mentor and friend to him this past year, and is going to be missed by the whole community.

Ms. Sargeant has given so much to the community, but she would also like to acknowledge how much the community means to her. “The people here are absolutely incredible,” she remarked. “It’s a joy to get to go to work.”

Ms. Sargeant may love working at Bishop’s, but her history with the school didn’t just start when she started working here; she is also a 2008 graduate. After graduating, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Oberlin College and an Master of Arts degree in History from the University of North Carolina, and then she began her teaching career at the Punahou School in Hawaii. In 2017, she decided to return to her old high school, this time as a teacher instead of a student. And now, she’s leaving for Arizona.

Although faculty and students alike will be sad to see her go, Ms. Sargeant promised that “Bishop’s is a really wonderful, special place and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“The people here are absolutely incredible; it’s a joy to go to work.”

– History teacher Ms. Kristin Sargeant (‘08) 30

DEPARTING FACULTY | ISSUE 07

Photos courtesy of Ms. Sargeant

Lucy Marek

Photos courtesy of Mr. Donald

“You can often hear his confident tone as he guides families around campus, always methodically explaining to a T the resources and buildings Bishop’s has to offer.”

– Cristian Casillas (‘22)

M

y first impression of Associate Director of Admissions Mr. Francis Donald was during my Bishop’s admissions interview. During my Bishop’s admissions interview, Mr. Donald eased my nerves with his personable demeanor and comfortable conversation. I admired how he spoke of the lacrosse players he coached, gesturing to their picture on his wall. It quickly became clear to me that he had a profound impact on the students he came into contact with. Later, Mr. Donald became my advisor, and no doubt someone I trusted to talk about whatever was on my mind.

Mr. Francis Donald has been with Bishop’s for six years, all of which he has spent giving his full attention to the admissions process. He also acts as the advisor to Better Bros, a middle school affinity space that promotes positive masculinity, and is the middle school boys’ lacrosse coach. “You can often hear his confident tone as he guides families around campus, always methodically explaining to a T the resources and buildings Bishop’s has to offer,” said Cristian Casillas (‘22). “It was bittersweet to hear that Mr. Donald was moving,” Cristian continued, noting that he’s “invaluable to Bishop’s.”

Mr. Donald explained the decision came down to simply moving up in his line of work in the admissions department. “I worked as an Associate Director of Admissions here, and now have the opportunity to be the Director of Enrollment at Pacific Ridge, while being able to stay in San Diego,” he shared.

His favorite memory, he shared, has been working with the Bishop’s students and faculty. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part

of the community and working with families who are interested in coming to the school,” he began.

“Through coaching lacrosse, having an admissions role, and working with students, I’ve seen this community’s unity and watched dedicated students grow and get to know it from both sides,” he explained.

His colleague and fellow Associate Director of Admissions, Ms. Lauren Beattie, said that Mr. Donald “brings great energy to the team and keeps us all laughing. He truly has a gift at making people feel welcome and building a sense of community. This is something countless families have felt going through the admissions process, and something I experienced first hand when he helped me transition to life at Bishop’s.”

Mr. Donald said that what he’s enjoyed most is getting to know the diverse lives of Bishop’s families within the entire San Diego community. Ms. Beattie spoke to Mr. Donald’s attribute of connecting with others, saying, “He meets people where they are and finds a way to connect to each individual. He holds himself and others to high standards and does everything with integrity, pushing those around him to be better. He will leave his mark in many areas: lacrosse, Boy Band, Better Bros, middle school advising, and so much more.”

Mr. Donald also described his appreciation for the well-roundedness of the students he’s observed. “Within the schoo l, it’s been really nice to work with Bishop’s students who not only care about their school a lot as a student—listening to them talk about their favorite classes—but also the teachers and faculty they are engaged in the community with during their time here.”

Ms. Beattie elaborated on the

impact of Mr. Donald’s departure. “Pacific Ridge’s gain will certainly be our loss, but we will send him off with gratitude for all the ways he made Bishop’s a better place. Luckily he’ll be close by and I imagine we’ll see him on campus from time to time, especially if the kitchen is serving his favorite meal, Korean beef, for lunch.”

Director of Admissions Ms. Vivien Mallik explained that although she and Mr. Donald have only worked together for a year, she appreciates that time. She said, “He’s a consummate admissions professional. I have really enjoyed working with him this past year. I also really appreciate all the ways in which he contributes inside and outside of admissions.”

Ms. Mallik elaborated on the significant role Mr. Donald played in helping her adjust to the environment at Bishop’s.

“Mr. Donald has been instrumental in my adjustment to a new school and new school culture,” she said. “He has been able to provide historical context, helpful anecdotes, and sound advice to me as I’ve transitioned to my role as director of admissions and financial aid,” she continued.

Ms. Mallik concluded by recounting some of her most fond memories with Mr. Donald. “We have one-on-one meetings from time to time, just to check in [usually outside.] I also have great memories of our admissions team outing to eat queso at Blanco in the Fashion Valley Mall—one of Mr. Donald’s favorite places!”

Mr Donald’s presence and valued work at Bishop’s will undoubtedly be missed.

At Pacific Ridge he will continue his gift, in a more prominent role, of making an impact on the students he is around. We’ll miss you, Mr. Donald.

SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR FIRST HELLO:

MR. DONALD Graham Walker THE

Tower 31

Isadora Blatt

“H

e’s more than hardworking,” said Jerry Huber (‘24), a three-year member of theater tech and a current member of Advanced Theater Production (ATP).

“He works on the shows probably twice the amount of time that we go to school.” After four years of dedication to the theater tech department, Mr. AJ Paulin will depart from Bishop’s and transition to a professorship at California Baptist University – where he got his undergraduate degree in theater tech. “Mr. Paulin’s shoes are really big, and it’s going to be hard to fill them,” Jerry remarked thoughtfully.

Over the past four years, Mr. Paulin has impacted theater tech at Bishop’s in countless ways. Whether it’s in terms of the size and complexity of the sets themselves or the community of students in the tech classes he teaches, he has done endless work to promote the growth of the department.

Mr. Paulin became interested in working at Bishop’s when he had just finished graduate school at San Diego State University and was looking to get into teaching. “When I came on campus for my interviews, I was really taken aback by the amount of focus that the arts get,” he said, explaining how Bishop’s drew him in. “What kept me here is the people that I’ve worked with,” he continued.

Mr. Paulin especially appreciated the ATP class he taught in his first year, which was a small group of seniors. “They were ready to go,” he laughed, “but they put up with me and really made it an enjoyable experience.” Through this group, he came to learn much more about the student

environment at Bishop’s. “I didn’t really live on stage. If we don’t trust each othunderstand how advanced the Bishop’s er and we don’t have that tight relationschool was in terms of academics until ship, [the tech process] can become I sat down and had conversations with very cumbersome,” he said. them,” he reflected. “They just brought Kenneth deeply appreciated more to the table. The bare minimum the sense of family that Mr. Paulin has wasn’t good enough; they always want- built within tech. “There’s not much ed to go above and beyond.” that unites all of us,” he noted. “We Mr. Paulin has always fos- all have different interests and do tech tered a strong community in the tech for different reasons– some of use like department. “After I was first intro- building, some like lighting, or some duced to theater tech in MT8 (Musical like costumes. Despite that, when you Theater 8), Mr. Paulin sort of indoctri- meet another techie or see them in a nated me into it,” Jerry joked. “He was show, you’re instantly buddies, and I really welcoming, and I could tell how think that sense of kinship is what has good he is at what he does.” Kenneth kept me doing tech.”

Xiong (‘23) also started working with Mr. Paulin is most grateful for Mr. Paulin in his eighth grade year. “He how he’s been able to watch so many gets you hooked onto tech early so that students grow up over the years he’s you don’t ever, ever leave,” he agreed. been at Bishop’s. “I’ve seen an entire One of Mr. Paulin’s core val- class go from freshmen to seniors,” he ues is the respect that he has always noted. “Even beyond the tech departgiven to his students. “I like to treat ment, but in the performing arts as a ATP not as students, but as co-design- whole, I’ve been fortunate enough to ers and colleagues,” he said, “because watch every single one of you grow we’re all working towards the goal of up. Even if I haven’t had a ton of interputting on a production.” He described actions with you, I can see how much the tech environment as very collab- you’ve grown.” orative, and as a continuous giveand-take.

“Since “I like to treat ATP not as students, I’ve established that but as co-designers and colleagues,” team-focused envi– Director of Technical Design Mr. AJ Paulin ronment, it has that close-knit aspect as well,” he explained.

This atmosphere has proven to be important for the success of the group.

“We’re artists, and we produce our art

Mr. Paulin and his wife Christa have two kids, Lucy (3 years old) and Leo (6 months).

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Photo courtesy of Mr. Paulin

CURTAIN CALL: MR. PAULIN

Ms. Yoo prepared to climb the ropes course during eighth grade retreats at Camp Steven, joining her eighth grade advisory in the endeavor.

“I

t’s always a blast on campus!” Ms. Yoo reminisced. Around campus, Math Teacher Ms. Taylor Yoo can be seen with her students wearing a bright smile. Deeply involved with the well-being of students in middle school, Ms. Yoo teaches Math 2E and 3, serves as middle school (MS) ASBC sponsor, and coaches MS tennis. Beyond that, Ms. Yoo has also been an advisor for both 7th and 8th graders. This school year is her sixth at Bishop’s. Ms. Yoo actually came to San Diego for her husband’s residency at UCSD, and will now be leaving San Diego for her husband’s medical fellowship in arthroplasty, or joint replacement, at the University of Texas at Houston. Bishop’s and its community will miss her deeply.

For many students that come to Bishop’s in middle school, Ms. Yoo is their first introduction to how the math curriculum functions. Adelaide Kessler (‘25) recounted how Ms. Yoo would encourage students through problems they may have had trouble with. “Ms. Yoo made [math] special,” Adelaide said. Zoe Yi (‘25), another former student of Ms. Yoo added, “She was always patient with us [students], and would explain a concept until we understood it.”

Many students also enjoy the fun activities in her classroom. Recently, Ms. Yoo hosted an extravagant math-related challenge for her students, who had to figure out how heavy the knight statues around campus would weigh if they were made of gold. Afterwards, students took the chance to figure out how much money they would make from selling these golden statues. Grayson Blatt (‘27) mentioned, “This activity was a sensible way to use math.” He got to think about the knight statues that he had never noticed before. David Beamer (‘28) also enjoyed the activity, and shared that it was an amazing experience. Posters detailing this fun exercise still hung in her

classroom as of May 17, 2022.

Anything can be an entertaining process with Ms. Yoo at the helm, even math competitions. Mira Singh (‘25) still remembers how much fun she had making her MathCounts video in 2E. MathCounts is a math competition where students make a video on a scenario that a particular math problem might occur in, and then show how to solve it.

Adelaide remembered, “Ms. Yoo supported us so much by putting up with our video, and offering to be in it. She’s such a fun person who cares so much about teaching and her students.” She provided students with microphones, tripods, and comforting words of advice.

“I still have the video,” Mira laughed.

Another student-favorite math competition is the Mathematical Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School (MOEMS), a math competition where each middle school advisor competes to get the highest score. The advisory

full of kindness.”

These traits have left a deep impact on the Bishop’s community, especially middle schoolers. Being the ASBC sponsor, Ms. Yoo helps set up events in the middle school. “Watching the preparation for the Middle School Dance reminded me about all the things I will miss about Middle School,” Ms. Yoo said.

Ms. Yoo’s favorite place on campus is definitely her classroom, which she wants to remember even after she leaves. Her room is – Adelaide Kessler (‘25) deeply personalized with unique touches from her previous advisories, as well with the best results gets a taste of Math as a mini fridge for snacks. Grayson reTeacher Ms. Catherine Beamer’s baked membered, “If we got to her class early, goods, including the teachers. Ms. Yoo she would have a basketball hoop where described, “Ms. Beamer’s baked goods are [Ms. Yoo] would let us use her mini basketball.” She also has a tennis racket stickthe best!”

In addition to the sweets, Ms. er on her classroom door–– an ode to her Yoo loves the Math Department. She said, time coaching middle school tennis in the “I have to give the math department a spring.

For the students who have yet to shout-out because they are some of the best colleagues!” The math department meet Ms. Yoo, there’s still hope that she will miss Ms. Yoo dearly. Ms. Beamer will be back after a year of absence! expressed, “Ms. Yoo is calm, patient, and

Photos courtesy of Ms. Yoo

Ms. Yoo is calm, patient, and full of kindness.

WE WE WILL WILL MS. MS. YOO YOO Joyce Wu THE

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College sweatshirt day may not be the pure celebration we want it to be Sariah Hossain

I

don’t remember many things from my middle school days—I tend to block out the most painful and embarrassing memories in an act of self-preservation—but I do remember this: as every May approached and the school year drew to a close, my grade and I would be buzzing with anticipation for College Apparel Day. Where would this year’s seniors be going to college?

How many were bound for the Ivy League? How many were going to a top-10 university? I wondered these things, and I marveled at the class pictures posted to the Bishop’s Instagram, and I began calculating how I’d follow in their footsteps. The main character of lunchtime and hallway conversations that week was college-related gossip, and only that.

College Apparel Day (known colloquially around campus as College Sweatshirt Day, but nevertheless) is a senior-year staple. High schools across the country host similarly named

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spirit days throughout the month of May, after their seniors have committed to a college, and far be it from Bishop’s to deprive its students of this tradition. Before all else, Bishop’s is a college preparatory school. All roads lead to Rome, and to us here at 7607 La Jolla Blvd, Rome is elite institutions of higher education. That is what we do all of this for—and as hard as it is to avoid those pressures, the reality where we can move beyond them is a better one.

Take this as a testimony from one exhausted, over-it senior: College Apparel Day, as Knights News officially calls it, feels like a microcosm of everything painful about how we talk about college admissions here.

College Apparel Day operates under the assumption that, first, every Bishop’s graduate will be attending college, and second, that they will be attending a prestigious one. And the very nature of the spirit day is to broadcast where we’re going to college,

in bright applique letters sewn across our chests. Is it really anyone’s business but our own?

“I do want an opportunity to show off the college I’m going to, but it also can make some people feel bad that they didn’t get the results they wanted,” senior Miller Watson said. “To be in a college sweatshirt that you’re happy about but that maybe isn’t your first choice, and then see other people walking around with schools you dreamed about going to, that can be hard.”

And this needs to be said for the sake of candor, at least: it can be difficult to be happy about the college you end up enrolling in. “There are so many qualified people and not enough spots available, so people are definitely going to get screwed over,” senior Sancia Milton said. We hear from our college counselors and teachers and test-prep tutors and peers and parents that the college admissions process can be unruly, fickle; so many factors play into

Photo courtesy of Kyle Berlage

Lining the hallways of upper Bentham are rows of college pennants—reminders of the ever-present, looming future.

the decision you open on your computer screen that fateful day, and so few of those factors are transparent to you. You don’t ever really know why the admissions committee makes the decisions they make. Sometimes the dream school doesn’t become a reality.

It’s hard to make peace with that.

As much as I would like to pretend that this isn’t the case, it is so difficult to keep perspective about the college admissions process while at Bishop’s. “I know that there are things that I could have done better to get into the schools I wanted to, but to be confronted with that all at once doesn’t feel too great, especially when I put the work in as well,” Miller said. And I agree—as much as I would like to treat College Apparel Day as a celebration of our accomplishments, and a moment for excitement and pride only, it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. All the tensions and pressures and gossip that discussions of college admissions drags with it on our

campus come too, and suddenly College Apparel Day is another opportunity, even like The Tower’s own college map or putting your college on your Instagram, for the senior class’ successes and shortcomings to be stacked up and compared.

It’s such a hotly anticipated moment, finally putting the name of the college you’re attending in the fall in your Instagram bio. I know in my experience, I’d paid the deposit with my family and told my friends where I’d be attending a week or two before I went Instagram-official with it. I put it off because, in my head, the most nerve-wracking part of Decision Day was the process of all my peers finding out. It’s almost like going “Instagram official” with a relationship—like committing yourself to a person or institution is more than identification.

It’s a revelation. College Apparel Day feels like a summation of all of that tension.

Perhaps an alternative

could be to allow seniors to wear their college’s sweatshirts over their uniform polos from May 1 onward—this way, those who feel like they’re in a place to share and celebrate this news have a space to do so, but the students who are still working through the college process, anticipating waitlists, taking a gap year, or any other path that is ‘nontraditional’ by Bishop’s standards, aren’t pressured to publicize anything they’re not comfortable doing yet.

As an underclassman, I partook in more than my fair share of college-related gossip. We all earned more than a moment of celebration, and we all deserve to be unendingly proud of ourselves for getting ourselves to this point of graduation, regardless of the next step. We also deserve a little grace here, too. Every one of us— including the ones still figuring the future out.

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that funny feeling: Sariah Hossain

W

e’re occupying a very surreal-feeling cultural moment right now, and I’d like for us to talk about that before we talk about anything else. On Monday, May 2, I was picking up my phone and scrolling through my usual circuit of social media apps— Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, repeat— like I’m sure many of you were doing as well. I know we’ve perfected the art of the doom-scroll, but few moments in my recent memory have felt more jarringly horrifying than being on the Internet on Monday, May 2: when Politico’s reports of the Supreme Court’s leaked decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and glittering snapshots of the high-society Met Gala were woven together on our feeds, one perfectly ironic tapestry of the reality we’ve found ourselves in.

I had Bo Burnham’s “That Funny Feeling” stuck in my head for the rest of that night, and well into the day after too. The song is from Burnham’s Emmy-award winning comedy special Inside, and it articulates ‘that funny feeling’ that I think so many of us have been feeling as we live through these moments that feel more and more like they’re discarded scripts from a Black Mirror episode. The song’s verses list off the

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peculiar aspects of our current day and age, suggesting their absurdities and eeriness. “Carpool karaoke, Steve Aoki, Logan Paul / The gift shop at the gun range, a mass shooting at the mall,” he sings on a verse.

Let me take a try: a red carpet display of the female form as a canvas, destruction of womens’ control over their own bodies. Tomato, tomahto.

See the similarities?

The 2022 Met Gala’s dress code was “gilded glamour.” As we learn in our American history classes, the Gilded Age spanned from the end of the Civil War to the turn of the century, roughly the 1870s to 1900s.

These years were characterized by materialism, political corruption, and an increasingly large gap between the haves and have nots, those with power and wealth and those without. Isn’t it funny how the Met Gala’s love affair with the imagery of the Gilded Age found itself rubbing elbows with outraged reposts of New York Times headlines on our Instagram stories? Did you get whiplash tapping through them like I did?

This juxtaposition alone is distressing, yes, but the thread I see tying these events together is a hyperfixation on the presentation and agency of the female body—the Met Gala as a microcosm of celeb-

rity culture’s tendency to sexualize it, and Roe v. Wade’s overturning as the continuous policing of it. These parallels feel like they add up to a vaguely Gilead-esque picture, complete with the drippings of theocracy into our federal government and a stunning reversal of womens’ rights.

Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion feels simultaneously like a time machine hurtling us backwards into centuries past and one increasingly approaching a dystopian future—a bizarre contradiction, but a true one.

What a funny feeling this is.

All of this informs the frames of mind with which we come here, closer to home, to Bishop’s. So many of the conversations filling our hallways, assemblies, and Daily Urinal issues as of late have revolved around the capital-S capital-D Skirt Debate, whose nuances include our subjective and ever-evolving definitions of professionalism, feminism, personal autonomy. Within the bounds of our campus, it’s so easy to feel like the admittedly relatively smaller issues facing us, like skirt lengths and uniform regulations, are hugely consequential. That intense focus our community has fallen into about this Skirt Debate feels more central to the issue than some of us are letting on—why are we focusing

On the Met Gala, Roe v. Wade, and the bizarrely distressing reality we’ve found ourselves in

so much energy and discussion to handing out uniform violations when the right to a safe and legal abortion is dissolving before our eyes? Is it because both hot topics, in their own little ways, revolve around a need to police the female body? There’s a parallel there that feels poignant and worrisome to me, and I hope it does to you too.

The 138 students in my grade will graduate from Bishop’s in what feels like five minutes, and about half of that population possesses a uterus.

We’ll be moving away to college, perhaps in different states, and perhaps states whose governments will legislate differently in response to the landmark Roe v. Wade no longer protecting our reproductive rights.

And then where does all of this leave us? What is our place now as women?

How safe are we? Are we safe at all?

I don’t know. I don’t know how to answer any of those questions.

I’m just as horrified and bewildered as the rest of us, and that cognitive

but be reminded of a quote that, since I first heard it, has floated in front of my eyes like two Mylar balloons.

Philip L. Graham, former President and Publisher of The Washington Post, said that “journalism is the first rough draft of history.” I reference this quote nearly every other day on The Tower—it’s as close to a personal journalistic code of ethics as I have. I write to you now with that quote in mind, too: the act of giving language to this unnerving moment in our country’s history, through the eyes of just another member of this School’s community, is something that I hope begins something, or at very least records it. We all always do what we can—write it down, talk to each other, and when things feel especially funny, that’s when we need to do it most.

Isn’t it funny how the Met Gala’s love affair with the imagery of the Gilded Age found itself rubbing elbows with outraged reposts of New York Times headlines on our Instagram stories? Did you get whiplash tapping through them like I did?

dissonance is deeply uncomfortable to sit with, but I wonder if that is just all that we can do.

As I write this, I can’t help

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Reed College

Luca Patapoutian

University of California, Berkeley Advay Chandra Flavia Valente Zaina Ghouri Jocelyn Ding

University of California, Davi vis Nikhil Raisinghani

California Polytechnic State University

Stanford University Alexandra Midler Emma Hong

Cate Freundt

Loyola Marymount Uniiversity

Santa Clara University

Elias Herrera

Stephen Marren Charlie Johnson Logan Howard

Claremont McKen enna College Mike Houk Renee Chong

San José State University Garrett Johnson

University of California, Santa Barbara Rolan Guang Yasi Henderson

Occidental College

Max Stone Eva Levy

University of California, Los Angeles

Elise Watson Stanley Wei

University of Southern California

Maddie Keck Maggie Johnson Deming Wyer Mark Stone Jackie Cosio Haha Shi Alex Bonaguidi

San Diego State University Emmy Peabody

COLLEGE MAP

Brigham Young University Annecy Crockett

University of Denver Scott Dyvig Angie Robles

University of Kansas Maya Lyddane

Washington University in St. Louis Ariana Welsbie e

Baylor University Bode Grieve

Southern Methodist University Cooper Coleman Graham Walker

The Tower sent a survey to the Class of 2022 to see what colleges and universities they are set to attend. We received 103 responses out of 140 seniors and placed them on a map.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Jack Hertz Chiara Kenagy

University of Chicago University of Michigan Maddie Cayer Sara Hamadeh

Presley McDonald Aiden Gutierrez Clare Malhotra Annie Fang Maya Buckley

Indiana University Bloomington Alexandra Scafidi

Kenyon College Juliette Levy

Duke University Abby Beamer Sancia Milton Bella Myer Dolce Feenaghty Robert Devoe

Purdue Univers rsity

Connor Macomber mber

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Mira Gowda

Wake Forest University Tate Vaccaro

Davidson College Kyle Berlage Hayden Parriott

Emory University Soyoon Park

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THE BELL | ISSUE 07

Boston College Greyson Davies Ethan Kjos Cami Farrell Auggie Whitman

Boston University Michelle Lai Julian Tang

Northeastern University Aidan Holden

Harvard University Massachusetts InstiBrynne Faltinsky tute of Technology

College of the Holy Cross Russell Cleary

Nicholas Liu Michael Zeng

Amherst College Sharisa You

Williams College Michelle Wang

Bowdoin College Thomas Muniz Logan Johnson Elena LeTourneau

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Connor Schneider

Cornell University

Brown University

Ellen Li Emma Li Eric Li Tanvi Ghosh

Nadia Bitar Ethan Chuang

Yale University New York University Paige Walker

Columbia University

Lucius Brown Andrea Rix Ashley Sottosanti Joseph Aguilar

Ellie Hodges

Princeton University Maddie Cramer

Haverford College Zenzele Greene

Johns Hopkins University Alina Kureshi

University of Pennsylvania Claire Zhao Aarav Chandra

United States Naval Academy Nihko Johnson-Newman

George Washington University

University of Maryland, College Park

Marianna Pecora Natalia Sierra-Vargas

Miller Watson

Georgetown University Natalie Goldwasser Hunter Kates Karina Kadia

New York University Shanghai Kyle Perlman

McGill University

Sariah Hossain

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Tower 41

no one asked,

KYLE

My best, purified, unwarranted delusion Kyle Berlage

Why does the administration want to ban skirts?

Now, I know there were some unproven rumours about having student monitors for skirts, but I’d like to turn those rumours into action!

I’m starting the group ‘Students Looking for Uniforms and Telephones,’ or S.L.U.T. for short, since that’s what the administration seems to be on the lookout for anyways.

What college application advice do you have?

Don’t be afraid to stand out! When Stanford asks you to write a letter to your future roommate, don’t hold back. Maybe I would have gotten in if I talked about leaving the sock on the door. But really, in life and in college apps, you’ll end up where you’re meant to be. Whether that be Yale, a safety school, or prison, the future is bright for the Class of 2023!

Jesus, people really should have bullied me more...

How much have you grown this year?

I started this column series complaining about the plight of tall people on our campus, and to my dismay, the problem has only gotten worse… for me. I grew a whole two inches over the last year with a finishing adult height of 6ft 6in. Now I whack my head on campus roofs at an alarming rate. Justice for all the tall people (me)!

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PC: Kyle Berlage (‘22)

The school year is over, I’m graduating, and thus marks the end of this column. Hopefully The Tower can find someone as charming and dedicated as I am, but of course that will prove challenging. Maybe I’ll come back one day, but I’ll leave you hanging ‘til then. Sayonara!

TOP T E N

RE JECTE D

TOW E R

IDE AS

1. College Rejection Map 2. Whiney Babies (@DU) 3. We stan DEIJ, here’s why 4. #MeNext: It’s a scary time to be a man 5. Lower ‘Dem Skirts (Let’s Do Lunch) 6. Best places to get frisky on campus 7. PANTSexual 8. What’s Wrong with the Freshmen 9. Featherman Strikes Again Mr. Davis 10. Worst Faculty Fits

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