Volume V Issue III
Spring 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04
06 08 10
14
16 18
HIES PICKS
BOUNDARY BREAKING BUSINESSES
IS IT WORTH THE DOUGH?
MUSIC WITHIN MILES
10 UNDER 20
12
HIDDEN GEMS OF GEORGIA
22 24
GOLDEN BEAR THE ENERGIZER SIZZILIN’ QUESTIONNAIRE BUNNY SUMMER
ROUNDTABLE
26
28 30 32 34
38
40 42
A BAND-AID FOR A LARGER ISSUE
THREE TRUTHS AND A LIE
CLOSING TIME
58
MUSIC AND FASHION
YES/NO
TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN
GSA
EDITORIAL POLICY
Spring 2017 | C&G | 2
21 DAYS OF THE KINDNESS IMPORTANCE OF AWARENESS
48 52 POWER OF THE PROTESTER
THE WOMEN’S MARCH
C&G is a student publication published for the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School community. All opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire journalism staff or those of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. The C&G staff seeks to accurately report news, ideas and events relevant to our readership in a professional and unbiased manner. All content is controlled and edited by staff advisor and editors. The staff will only publish legally protected speech that abide by the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and the invasion of privacy. a
EDITORS’ NOTE
We noticed a common theme in this issue: the power of our voices. Whether that be working to create an inclusive club that honors all or protesting execute orders signed in by our newest president, our voices make change. Inclusivity has always been an important value of the C&G, but is especially apparent in this spring issue. We are proud to highlight HIES’ newest club, the Genders and Sexualities Alliance. There was no time to waste in showcasing the organization because of the longstanding effort of HIES Alumni, as well as present day students to develop this alliance within the community. We are also pleased and honored to display opinions and artwork from students outside of the C&G staff. We believe inclusivity is an essential part of having a successful publication, and we encourage others to speak up against things they believe are important, both inside and outside of the classroom. a
STAFF Editors-in-Chief GRACE SIZEMORE CORINNA WADE Managing Editor SARAH KALLIS CLAIRE SIMMEL Associate Editor CADE ANDERSON Section Editor GRACEN BETTS Trending Entertainment Writer ANNA CARR HANKS
Photojournalist SPICER LEAR Visual Designer LIBBY MALCOLM Staff Writers SAM AIKEN SHEPHERD BRIDGES SHEA FLEMING OLIVIA MARTIN TIANA MOMON ETHAN MULLEN MILLER REID
Contributing Writers MAX ARMSTRONG KATIE LITTLE Feature/Multimedia Writer ANNA MANGUM SYDNEY GREEN CATHERINE SHAMANSKI
SOCIAL MEDIA
f i t
THECANDG
@THECANDG
@THECANDG
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HIES PICKS TV SHOWS Recommendations for students, by students.
GRACE SIZEMORE, co-editor in chief
athenia anderson, junior
Pitch clara hunter, junior
Westworld
SOCIAL MEDIA katie smith, junior
@momimfine reilly mcclain, senior
@satisfyingposts berkley bell, sophomore
@lostinhistorypics 4
SPRING ACTIVITY hannah jackson, sophomore
Picnics fiona henry, senior
Outdoor Puzzles
BOOKS
asia harris, freshman
Hacking Harvard emily grasing, sophomore
All the Broken Pieces
RESTAURANTS patton mooney, freshman
Superica jade dodd-mungin, junior
La Parilla Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 5
Boundary-Breaking
Businesses
Companies that push boundaries and fight for a specific cause. This issue: Integrating art and STEM SARAH KALLIS, managing editor
3D Doodler The Lowdown: This 3D printing apparatus allows you to make sculptures by simply doodling. Ideal for: Your unique artistic needs. Where you can find it: Target, Michael’s., Best Buy
Safilo Group SpA The lowdown: The company behind Dior’s sunglass frames teams up with InteraXon to create stylish glasses that change color based on your mood using sensors that detect brain activity through your nose and ears. Ideal for: Stylish wearable tech Where you can find it: To be announced soon, and expected to launch over the summer
Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 6
Petra Cortright The lowdown: A cutting-edge artist who uses digital programs to create unique twodimensional art. Ideal for: Art Inspiration and decorating needs. Where you can find it: www.petracortright. com
Iris Van Herpen The lowdown: The Amsterdam-based designer is famous for using unique materials in her dresses, including 3D printing. Ideal for: Although Van Herpen’s dresses are not intended to be purchased, they can be admired in a museum and used for inspiration. Where you can find it: irisvanherpen.com
Lipstick Queen The lowdown: Lipstick Queen creates lipsticks and blush that change color when applied. Their most popular lipstick, Frog Princess, appears emerald green in the tube, but turns to a natural rose when applied. Ideal for: Unexpected makeup Where you can find it: lipstickqueen.com, Nordstrom
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Sweetwater 420 Fest Dates: April 22-24 Price: $123 Genres: “Dad” Music, Rock Headliners: Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio Band, Ween, Slightly Stoopid Vibe: Chill, rockin’ Location: Atlanta, GA Accommodations: Hotel
MU
Shaky Beats Festival*
WIT
Dates: May 5-7 Prices: $165 Genres: Electric Headliners: The Chainsmokers, Kaskade, Griz, Flosstradamus, Zeds Dead, Galantis Vibe: Wild, energetic, electric Location: Atlanta, GA Accommodations: Hotel * (18 and over)
Shaky Knees Festival Dates: May 12-14 Price: $185 Genres: Alternative Headliners: The XX, LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix, Cage the Elephant, Pixies, The Shins Vibe: Happy hipster Location: Atlanta, GA Accommodations: Hotel
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MIL
GRACEN BETTS, section editor design, CORINNA WADE
With spring approaching, everyone’s knees are shaking for what is around the corner: music festival season. From 10 miles away to a more intensive 320 mile road trip, the C&G has compiled our favorite choices music and arts festivals to fill your spring calendar. With a wide variety of genres such as classic rock, “dad” music, or hippie alternative, there is definitely a hangout for everyone. Pack a day bag and get a good night’s sleep for days filled with shaky beats and unforgettable fun.
Hangout Music Festival
SIC HIN
L ES
Dates: May 19-21 Price: $289 Genres: Variety Headliners: Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Major Lazor Vibe: Beachy, youthful Location: Gulf Shores, AL Accommodations: Hotel
Carolina Country Music Festival Dates: June 8-11 Price: $179 Genres: Country Headliners: Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Billy Currington, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Big and Rich Vibe: Throw your cowboy boots on Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Accommodations: Hotel
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Dates: June 8-11 Price: $324 Genres: Variety Headliners: U2, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Major Lazor, Flume, Lorde Vibe: Hippie, carefree, non-stop Location: Manchester, TN Accommodations: Camping or Hotel Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 9
10
UNDER
MILLER REID, staff writer
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b Aerial Silks
Ever wanted to suspend yourself in the air like an acrobat? Visit Sky Gym and try aerial silks classes such as Sky Dance, Sky Yoga, and Sky Fit for yourself. 6780 Roswell Rd NE, Studio D100 Sky Gym: $19 Introductory class
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Paint Pottery
Tap into your inner artist by creating art and decorating pottery at Mud Monkey. There are a variety of objects to choose from, some requiring more time and skill than others. This is the perfect time to knock some Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts out of the way. 2385 Peachtree Rd NE Mud Monkey: $12 and Up
Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 10
Looking for a unique experience this Spring Break? Look no further. Skyview Atlanta abca Experience downtown Atlanta like
never before from a seat of Skyview Atlanta. Conveniently located near Centennial Olympic Park, this nearly 20 story ferris wheel boasts beautiful views of the city. 168 Luckie St NW Skyview: $15
YHigh Museum Teen Night
On March 10th, visit the High Museum of Art’s Teen Night. Peruse through art filled halls, listen to live music, and be moved by slam poetry. 1280 Peachtree Street NE March 10th: Free
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Ninja Courses
Work on your balance, strength, and stamina at Slingshot. This is an indoor entertainment center with obstacles and courses inspired by the popular ninja TV show providing the feeling of being a ninja without years of training. 6344 Cash Ct NW Slingshot: $15 General Admission
b Rent a Bike
Rent a bike from Mountain High Outfitters and pedal around the Beltline. While exploring the beltline you’ll find many food and snack options, such as Krog Street Market, Jake’s Ice Cream, and Arden’s Garden. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30308 Mountain High Outfitters: $12-20 Bike Rentals
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Tour Oakland Cemetery
Visit the beautiful Oakland Cemetery, one of Atlanta’s most historic locations. Explore some of the city’s notable figures from various backgrounds including the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. 248 Oakland Ave SE Oakland Cemetery: $6-12
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Visit a Farmers Market
Support the local economy by visiting Morningside Farmers Market to find fresh, local, and organic goods. Often times there will be chef demos in which you can learn how to use your fresh ingredients to make a new and tasty dish. 1393 North Highland Avenue NE Morningside Farmers Market: Free Entry
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Spend Time at the Park
Have a picnic, take your dog for a walk, enjoy the view of Atlanta’s stunning skyline, or just run around in Piedmont Park. There are an abundance of exciting outdoor activities such as pick-up baseball and kickball games, kite flying, or frisbee throwing. 400 Park Dr NE Piedmont Park: Free
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Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Hike the trails, bring your pets, and just enjoy nature at Blue Heron Nature Preserve. This wonderful nonprofit organization supervises a 30-acre haven for nature in an increasingly metropolitan environment. On your hike you may encounter beavers, otters, turtles, or deer. 4055 Roswell Rd NE BHNP: Free
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HIDDEN GEMS
Little known spots within driving distance of HIES.
ANNA CARR HANKS, trending entertainment writer design, SARAH KALLIS
Serenbe
Arabia Distance from HIES: 32.9 miles (30mins)
Distance from HIES: 46 miles (50mins)
Description: With its bald rocky top, Arabia Mountain will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the moon. Close enough for a quick afternoon, this hike is a perfect day getaway. You can either opt for a short one mile hike, or a slightly more intense five mile hike to the top. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, venture off the beaten path to explore abandoned structures and hidden trails.
Description: With a dystopian feel, Serenbe transports guests to a Truman Showesque movie set. The exclusive community feel is clear from the minute you arrive. However, if you can accept that feeling, there are plenty of activities ranging from a farmers market, to a farm, to hidden hiking trails.
Gems: Rocky top, expansive lake, environment, safe, breathtaking scenery
clean
Gems: Local eats at Blue Daisy, picturesque, farm-to-table-food, range of activities, uniform architecture
Tips: Closely study the map to stay on the path
Tips: Visit in the spring or summer, check out event calendar, reserve horseback riding
Adventure Scale: 5 ½ out of 10
Adventure Scale: 5 out of 10
Spicer Lear/PHOTOJOURNALIST
12 Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 12 12
OF GEORGIA Kennesaw Mountain
Amicolola Falls
Distance from HIES: 16 miles (20mins)
Distance from HIES: 62.1 miles (1hr)
Description: Just a few miles from school and a short hike to the top, Kennesaw Mountain gives you a breathtaking view of midtown, downtown, and Stone Mountain. This 2.4 mile round trip hike is steep but well worth it. At the top, there’s a parking lot, but be sure to continue a little longer up the trail for an even better view of Atlanta.
Description: If you appreciate untouched nature, then you will appreciate Amicalola Falls. As you hike the steep incline, it feels like you are walking through a mystical treehouse. Besides the trail blazed, everything else seems unharmed. The hike to the top of the falls is steep but short; however, if you are looking for a longer hike, there is an eight mile hike to the top of the mountain.
Gems: Views, national battlefield park, history within the hike, dog friendly Tips: Be sure to park at the Visitor’s Center, pack water, research the different hikes before. Adventure Scale: 7 out of 10
Gems: Crisp falls, enchanted forest scenery, unparalleled views Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, follow the trail to the top of the falls Adventure Scale: 10 out of 10
Lifestyle| |C&G C&GSpring Spring2017 2017| |13 13 Lifestyle
3 restaurants + 3 price points + 3 of their best dishes = 1 winner KATIE LITTLE, contributing writer and photographer design, LIBBY MALCOLM
1. Go without expectations 2. Order most popular dish and 3. Enjoy meal with water
Price: $ At Figo, a well-known chain pasta restaurant, I ordered the Germelli 4 Formaggi, which includes short twisted pasta topped with a velvety four-cheese sauce, and it was a wellmade dish, but not a heaven on earth experience. This dish reminded me of an elevated mac and cheese with a thinner, diluted sauce. The Germelli pasta was cooked al dente, which gave an impeccable texture that did not go unnoticed by my taste buds. The portion size was perfect; I felt full, but not ready to explode at any second. Overall, Figo’s pasta is decent, but not life changing.
Lifestyle | C&G Spring 2017 | 14
• Taste • Service • Portion size and appearance
Price: $$ At Pero’s, a neighborhood family favorite, I ordered the tortellini with a classic marinara sauce, and it brought back so many childhood memories. When I was younger I forced my mom to cook it for me at least once a week and this pasta tasted just like hers. In a sense, it was a great thing to remember, but the price did not match the quantity or quality. I love the family feel, and the portion size was just right, but I can’t say that when I go back I would order tortellini again.
At Pricci, a trendy yet classy restaurant in the heart of Buckhead, I ordered the Ravioli, which includes handmade ravioli stuffed with melted cheese, and shredded beef drenched in luxurious olive oil, and sprinkled with chopped root vegetables, and parmesan. This was by far the best ravioli I have ever had in my entire life. The shredded beef inside the pasta was so rich and flavorful; in fact I could not stop eating this pasta. I finished before my dad, and that’s saying something. Overall it was an awesome experience and I would definitely go back there again, but only with my parent’s wallet accompanying me.
Price: $$$
And the winner is...
Pricci’s ravioli changed the pasta game in my eyes and was most definitely worth the extra dough. I don’t know what goes on in that kitchen, but it is magical. The flavor of the beef inside the ravioli was out of this world and they paired it seamlessly with the right cheese and deluxe olive oil, and the chopped vegetables gave the pasta the perfect crunch. Overall, the outcome of the night was a happy and full stomach, owed all to Pricci.
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GOLDEN BEAR
QUESTIONNAIRE ETHAN MULLEN, staff writer
Hometown? New Orleans Current Role at HI? Math Teacher (Algebra 2 Honors, AP Stat, College Algebra), Knitting Club Advisor Preferred Campus Shop Snack? Orange Cranberry Muffin or a sesame seed bagel Most marked characteristic? Enthusiasm If you could spend three days anywhere in the world, where would it be? Either Highlands, NC, Paris, or Portugal. Probably Portugal. Favorite motto or saying? “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place.”-Diana Ross
If you could die and come back as somebody else, who would it be? Rocky the Squirrel. What natural talent would you like to be gifted with? The ability to sing. Greatest fear? Losing in the first match of a ping-pong tournament. I’m great at ping-pong. Favorite sound? When a student has the “ohhh” moment Favorite smell? Lavender What would your last supper be? Boiled seafood
Happiest moment of your life? My wedding, the birth of my son, or getting chosen as the 2007 tassel turner
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Not a teacher
Who is your favorite hero in reality? Pat Dunbar, a close friend from New Orleans
Biggest quirk? I think I’m a goofy person in general. I tell really good jokes, and everyone likes it. One time it took me 22 years to knit a sweater.
Who is your favorite fictional hero? Hercule Poirot What is your most treasured possession? A kitchen sideboard that belonged to my grandmother, made out of mahogany and granite
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Quality that you value most in your friends? A good heart. It’s more than just being kind, but having your back and doing the right thing.
Who would you want to play your character in a movie? Meryl Streep What is the last text you sent? To my husband and son: Is 6:30 okay? Any superstitions? I say “rabbit, rabbit” in the new year.
Meredith
Many
Knitting Club Advisor
Hometown? Atlanta Current Role at HI? Senior, Knitting Club President Preferred Campus Shop Snack? Cheez-its Most marked characteristic? Intelligence If you could spend three days anywhere in the world, where would it be? The Bahamas Favorite motto? “It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about you can get hit and keep moving forward.” -Rocky Balboa
What natural talent would you like to be gifted with? The ability to draw. Greatest fear? I’m not a big fan of bugs. Favorite sound? The Coke bottle opening Favorite smell? Freshly baked cookies As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A sports executive Biggest quirk? I set my bedroom clock 6 minutes ahead.
Happiest moment of your life? When I got my dog
Who would you want to play your character in a movie? Chris Hemsworth
Who is your favorite hero in reality? My dad
What is the last text you sent? To my mom: On my way.
Who is your favorite fictional hero? Rocky Balboa
Any superstitions? Not really
What is your most treasured possession? My computer Quality that you value most in your friends? Sense of humor
Benjamin
Maitski
Knitting Club President
If you could die and come back as somebody else, who would it be? Leonardo Dicaprio
Profile | C&G Spring 2017 | 17
The
Energizer Bunny
GRACEN BETTS, section editor design, CORINNA WADE
A look into the daily life of Willie Thompson, a HIES hero. From his contagious smile to his customized handshakes, Willie brightens the HIES community daily. fter waking up at 4:30 a.m., walking down Roswell Road, taking a bus, and catching a ride with Coach Dunn, he arrives for a hectic day at HIES. Unloading boxes, taking stock, and making deliveries around campus all happens before the sun even rises. A radiant smile remains present throughout the chaos of endless tasks and lunch rushes.
A
Although he may not be known to everyone on campus, he is most certainly seen. Whether he is hustling from the multiple divisions or bustling behind the scenes, he always makes sure the show runs smoothly. Before coming to HIES in 2003, Willie Thompson, or Willie as most call him, experienced a family-oriented upbringing.
“When we arrive at South Campus, he gets out of the car, looks at me and says, ‘As usual, me and my size 9’s He grew up on the Southside of Atlanta along with thank you!’ There has never been a school morning three other close-knit siblings. His favorite memories when he has not said that – that of course includes include spending time with his brothers and sisters. this very morning,” said HIES faculty member Dunn Neugebauer.
Profile | C&G Spring 2017 | 18
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“We were always together,” said Thompson. Being the youngest of the bunch, he was not always the winner when it came to silly horseplay. Thompson reflected on an Atlanta snowstorm in 1973. “My sister called my name, and when she threw the snowball, it hit hard. I cannot stand snow to this day. It was good size and hit square in the face,” said Thompson. Although she often joked around, his oldest sister proved to be an important role model and teacher. “I remember when we were kids, she actually taught me my multiplication tables. She taught me everything,” said Thompson. Not only did Thompson’s siblings have a strong impact on his early life, but his parents did as well. He definitely considers himself to be his father’s son, as many of their qualities mirror each other. “Rumor has it my dad would come home from work, he would pass my brothers and sisters, pick me up, get a diaper bag, and be gone the whole weekend,” Thompson continued, “My dad is real outgoing. I’m outgoing, and that’s where I get it from.”
“You get people from all over the world, just like the military. Different backgrounds, different religions,” said Thompson. Along with his love for the diversity of HIES, he enjoys the work he does here everyday in the cafeteria and all over the rest of the campus. “I’m happy with what I do. Everybody has a day, don’t get me wrong. Besides, it’s harder to smile than it is to frown, so if you can keep a smile on your face, you are doing a pretty good job,” said Thompson. In his line of work, “you have to be friendly, you have to be flexible.”
“I wanted to get out of Atlanta and prove I could do it for myself.”
“They were country boys; good men who worked hard, and had good work ethic.” Thompson continues, “this is probably where I get it from.” The HIES community knows him “as a friendly person. A go-getter. If you need something done, I can most likely do it. And hard-working. I can’t sit still for some reason. I have to do something.”
“I wanted get out of Atlanta, and prove I could do something for myself,” said Thompson. He made the brave decision to join the Marines directly following his attendance at L.G. Price High School in south Atlanta, and ended up serving for six years. This decision sent him all over the world, including South Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, the Philippines, and even Japan.
“If I hadn’t joined the service, I probably wouldn’t have figured that out until later in life,” said Thompson.
He even earned the nickname from lower school staff, The Energizer Bunny. “I just keep goin and goin,” he adds. In addition to being an undeniable inspiration to everyone on campus, a simple knuckle-touch or high-five from Willie can make a rough day a little better.
“For the last 13 1/2 years, I’ve had a lot of fun.”
Although he regrets not taking advantage of the college courses offered while in services, the Marines led him to a different skill. “Actually, that’s where I learned how to cook. I’m a cook by trade” said Thompson, beaming with pride. Following the Marines, he was drawn to a kitchen environment and found the HIES community through “luck of the draw.” His favorite part about the community is the abundance of cultures and stories.
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“I see him in the cafeteria and I stay the *&% out of his way! He’s usually pushing the silverware cart at 75 miles per hour and I wisely know to clear him a path” Neugebauer said. Thompson’s positive presence on campus does not go unnoticed, as his optimistic attitude proves to be contagious to both students and other faculty. Viewing both of his grandfathers as role models, he credits them for his bright and diligent disposition.
Even though he savors time spent with family throughout his childhood, the Atlanta native, or “Grady baby” as he would call it, was prepared to begin a new chapter.
“It taught me a lot of discipline because I was spoiled rotten as a child. You gotta get up and do stuff for yourself. Nobody is going to be there to hold your hand all the time,” said Thompson. In addition to learning discipline overseas, Thompson said he gained insight about different cultures and different people.
Running from the pre-school to the lower school and back, Thompson is constantly on-the-go, but never lacks a smile. Lunchtime is the Daytona 500 in his mind; there is no time to lounge around.
“We will both go out of our way to make sure we get a daily fist bump in. Sometimes I won’t be paying attention and I’ll look to my left and his hand is just sitting there waiting for me to bump him back” said HIES junior Sophie Smith. While it is obvious that Willie has impacted HIES, the community has impacted his life as well.
“For the last 13 and a half years, I’ve had a lot of fun,” said Thompson, smiling. His final words of wisdom for others would be, “treat others like you want to be treated Be courteous to the devil because you don’t have to take him home. When you leave work, leave work. And it never hurts to say hi and smile.” a
Profile | C&G Spring 2017 | 21
Sizzlin' Summer Students share their sunny plans for this summer. TIANA MOMON, staff writer and design staff writer, CADE ANDERSON
WORK TRAVEL INTERNSHIPS STAYCATION VOLUNTEER
Profiles| |C&G Profile C&GSpring Spring2017 2017| |22 22
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Freshman James Williams will spend his summer working at his childhood summer camp, Camp Wyoka, as junior counselor for 6 weeks. During this time Williams will be mentoring five to six year olds about outdoor skills for around seven hours a day. If you are interested in working at a summer camp, look into campstaff.com and find a summer camp that appeals to you.
Sophomore Natalie Spingler plans to embark on her first student church retreat to Alaska this summer. During her week there Spingler will connect with young Alaskan natives and teach them basic bible study skills and the VBS way or Vocational Bible Study way. Interested in travel? Student travel programs such as Putney or Moondance are accepting applications for worldwide trips.
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Sophomore Emily Grasing is continuing her internship at Make and Build, an app development and design company. This will be Grasing’s second summer interning for the Atlanta-based custom software company, where she writes computer code for apps on Apple products. In search of an internship for this summer? Check out internships.com and fill in your interests.
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Junior Emma King, an accomplished golfer, will play in numerous golf tournaments around the country. In order to be noticed by college recruiters, King has to compete in plenty of tournaments to get her name out there. There are many public courses in our area including North Fulton (Chastain) and Bobby Jones that areour popular summer destinations.
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Junior Matthew Meadows will spend a few weekends of his summer volunteering at his old school, Ron Clark Academy. During this time he chat with the parents about the mission of the school and explain the necessary requirements for students to attend. Looking to volunteer throughout the summer? Our very own school has volunteer opportunities that you may find interesting.
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THE
ROUNDTABLE
& asks six COMMUNITY MEMBERS to weigh in on a The C&G single topic. This ISSUE:
WHAT DOES AN ENGAGED CITIZEN LOOK LIKE TO YOU? Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 24
The United States has been built upon a foundation of freedom. Having an abundance of freedom gives citizens the room to live their lives in anyway they want, as long as laws are not being broken. We are a nation made up of individuals, and because of our focus on the individual we can sometimes forget about the importance of others. Being a good citizen is realizing your role in your community, no matter how large or small it may be. Being aware of issues and policies in your city and the entire country is essential so that you can make the best-informed vote. Voting may be the most important responsibility of a citizen, even though it is not a legal requirement. The laws and regulations created by government officials are not set in stone. This way, a citizen can see what they think is working or what is not, and then vote to elect officials that hold values and ideas parallel to their own so they can try to move in a positive direction that is best for everyone. As citizens, we are all apart of something that is bigger than ourselves and need to try to help each other as much as possible.
The word “citizen” is an umbrella-like term and adding the word “engaged” in front of it only narrows it down so much. The term applies to someone who is active and knowledgeable in a community; they can be the team captain, the student council president, someone who knowledgeable about current events, protesters, or even just that one person who goes out of their way to check on others. Everyone has the potential to be an engaged citizen, but sometimes there are those people who just exemplify what is means to be one. I can name a few off the top of my head, some of them I don’t even know well, but the people who make their voice heard while standing for others are the people who really put what it means to be an engaged citizen into perspective. The people who showed up for the women’s march, the people who run and organize the bake sales at lunch, the people who vote, the friends of the world, all the way to that person at lunch who you have a worldly conversation with, they are all engaged citizens. So, in my eyes, an engaged citizen is someone who sees the world around them and acts on it.
ISABEL FARGASON
ANNIE SAGER
First, I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom. Next, I am a citizen of earth, our fragile planet. Last, I am a citizen of the USA. I believe engaged citizenship is guided by love and an acknowledgment of our interconnectedness and responsibility for one another. At the recent Women’s March, I remembered that engaged citizenship happens best when we come together in diverse solidarity with our neighbors of all creeds, colors, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, classes, and countries of origin, to respect innate dignity of living things and seek justice for all humankind. Engaged citizenship takes seriously the greatest threats facing the planet and civilization—climate change, environmental destruction, grotesque levels of inequality, the worship of wealth, religious and racial bigotry, xenophobia, misogyny, the dismantling of democracy, terrorism, and fear—and says “we shall overcome” through hope, sacrifice, and living truthfully. Engaged citizenship is staying informed, educated, and critical of one’s self and the world. It’s sitting down with people you disagree with and finding common ground. It’s listening and learning, volunteering and voting, marching and protesting, celebrating and creating. Engaged citizenship is the natural outcome of my promise to seek and serve Christ in all people.
You do not have to be a banner-bearing protester to be an engaged citizen. You need to be informed. An engaged citizen has a working knowledge of major issues, and that means looking at both sides of an issue. I do not mean that the person must agree with both sides – one of the outcomes of being engaged is eventually choosing a side – but the person needs to understand that there is another side and be able to see it. Look beyond the catchy phrases and caricatures and seek understanding. Look at motives, consider outcomes, and do not retreat behind the closed doors of dismissal. Use your mind, open your heart, follow your moral compass, and commit. Being engaged means making choices, supporting one side, and taking part in the conversation by talking, writing, maybe marching, but definitely by voting. “I can see both sides” may sound indecisive and weak, but it is a far better declaration than, “I don’t know.” THERESA JESPERSON
TIMOTHY SEAMANS
Engaged American citizens should be well informed on current events and vote for the individual who preserves a government that protects our unalienable rights. This will continue a government ruled by the people, not the anointed political elites. In order to be informed properly, that citizen must sift through biased and distorted facts presented by numerous media outlets, whose priority it is to support certain political agendas instead of informing the citizens accurately. If voting on politicians to enact the citizens’ wants does not result in the desired affect, an engaged citizen could then resort to peaceful protest. However, engaged citizens should only protest if they participates in the vote. It is ironic for citizens to march the streets in hopes to bring about change when they failed to vote on the change they are looking for. Only around 55 percent of American citizens voted in the recent 2016 election (CNN). When peacefully protesting, an engaged citizen should have a concrete mission statement and condemn any violence or illegal acts made by members of the assembly immediately. America is the land of opportunity and prosperity for all people, and an engaged citizen will fight to keep it that way. MAX ARMSTRONG
I believe being an engaged citizen embodies two specific ideals: being both aware and active. An aware citizen is informed about the world around them. This encompasses the whole world, yes, but one’s life exists in just one small corner of this big world. To be especially aware of the area on which one lives is vital to making decisions that will affect both you and your broader community. In the age of instant and plentiful information, to be an engaged and aware citizen also means being a savvy citizen. It is critical to form an awareness and opinion that is based on sourced information and data, and due diligence should be paid to where our information is coming from today. An aware citizen is well-equipped to be an active citizen. Taking action certainly involves voting in both national and local elections. When particular passion arises, it could mean volunteering/campaigning for a specific candidate or ballot measure, in addition to contacting your representatives by phone or email or directly by attending a town hall meeting. Being an active citizen, though, goes well beyond involvement in politics and can be demonstrated in numerous ways every day. I, for example, feel strongly about supporting my neighborhood micro-entrepreneurs and choose to be a consumer mostly in independent, local shops for my various needs. I am especially interested in original art, and when I purchase new artwork, I do so from local artists. This is just one specific way to be an engaged citizen that goes beyond politics and is easy to do. If you are aware, then passion and interest will naturally develop, making the way in which you want to be an active, engaged citizen both intuitive and fulfilling. AMANDA SAUTTER
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Sarah Kallis/ MANAGING EDITOR
EDITORIAL
A Band-Aid for a Larger Issue On a Thursday last spring, the Upper School boys were dismissed from chapel, and the girls were asked to stay. As the boys cleared out of the chapel, we began to whisper amongst ourselves, wondering the reason. We knew it wasn’t good. Once the boys left the building, clearly out of earshot, we were told that because the stairs of the new STEM building were steep and allowed visibility, the boys could see up our skirts while we walked to class. So, as a solution, we now had to wear shorts or tights underneath our skirts to prevent any incidental indecency. The issue was not brought up again until recently. In January, the parents of Upper School students received an email that next school year, all seniors and freshman would be required to wear skorts, and by 2019, all Upper School girls would be required to wear the skorts. Of course, the girls would not allow this change to occur without resistance. Junior Kat O’Connor wrote a petition protesting the implementation of skorts that quickly circulated, gaining over 1,000 signatures in less than 48 hours. Girls and boys both signed it, agreeing that girls should not be blamed for the actions of several boys. The amount of drive behind the issue was inspiring. A few days later, an email was sent out, informing the student body that the rising seniors would not have to purchase the skorts, however they would be required to wear shorts underneath their skirts. Incoming freshman would have to buy the skorts, and the skorts would continue to be phased-in to the dress code. While this may seem like an easy solution to the problem, it is actually a Band-Aid for a much larger issue: Consent. Now, I’m not saying that the school administration is inherently misogynistic and wants to blame girls for every issue within the school. However, I believe that while administration had the students’ best interests at heart, they missed the mark on identifying the deeper issue. Consent, put simply, is permission. Looking up someone’s skirt without their permission is violating their consent, and could be considered sexual harassment. Unfortunately, our culture has failed to consistently speak about the concept of consent. But, consent doesn’t start with dress code. It starts in preschool,
with reminding the students to respect each other’s “no”. It continues in lower school, with reinforcing boundaries, and reminding students that it is completely okay to say “no” and that it requires no further justification. It then reaches middle school and high school, taught in the context of a sex-ed course. The issue does not disappear after high school. As demonstrated with the recent attention that sexual assault on college campuses has received, some students learn about the importance of consent too late. Many colleges are encouraging open dialogue about consent in order to reduce sexual assault rates, but the conversation must start early and continue often in order to solve the problem. Another issue with our skort policy is that it has consequences for the victims rather than the offenders. Forcing a change in behavior implies that the girls are at fault which we all know is not the case. However, assigning blame will not fix the issue. Encouraging dialogue will. At the end of the day, the question we must ask ourselves is: Do the skorts really fix anything? On the surface, they do. Wearing skorts will ensure that it is impossible to see a girl’s underwear as she walks up the stairs. However, the issue of consent and respect still remain unchanged. Boys are often taught that girls will change their behavior to make them more comfortable, and that they are expected to have no control over their impulses. Girls are often taught that they should change their behavior to make the boys more comfortable, and that the boys are predators. And, the visibility under the stairs seems to resolve itself with no further conversation. However, this is simply not the case. Open conversation about consent and respecting others’ bodies is the only way to resolve the issue, once and for all. Lastly, as I have made clear, I absolutely do not believe that female students should be forced to wear skorts. However, it is their body and their choice, so I wholly believe that if they feel more comfortable wearing skorts, they should be able to do so. So, the solution I propose is simple: allow female students the choice to wear skorts or the regular skirts, and encourage open dialogue about consent. This is not an unresolvable problem. a
SARAH KALLIS, managing editor
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 27
E H T S E O D
E R U FU SCARE YOU?
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 28
YES CATHERINE SHAMANSKI contributing writer Yeah, the future scares me. The future is something that is considered unknown; living in that state of being is frightening. You can assume that your plans will follow through, but just expecting something to happen does not certify that it will.
go on. Leaving them behind was difficult; they were all that I knew, my motivation. When most people lose their motivation, they stop moving through life. I realized that friends will change over time, giving me the opportunity to gain others.
I have an idea on what I want my future to look like, but things change which alter how I see my future. I know that I want to finish high school, go to college, and then one day find that special person and get married. But sometimes, that goal seems to get farther away; causing me to worry about the immediate future a lot more. For example, did I finish all my homework or did I do the chores my mom needed me to do? Focusing on the immediate future prevents me from thinking about the bigger aspects of life. I struggle to get through the present, let alone get to the future.
I had a really good friend that I had met at camp two years ago, and I thought that I knew everything about him. I knew some of his deepest secrets as well as what he values most out of life. But a few days before Christmas, he tells me that he is transgender, which was a big deal since it was so unexpected. It was something that I did not see happening, hence the future is full of mysteries.
This past year was a pretty difficult one with starting at a new school and having to make all new friends as well as leaving the old ones behind. I was unsure of the what the future held for me, but life must
I think that the future scares everyone just a little bit, even if you have a plan because things change. I will never know what will happen in the future, but I can hope that it will be something rewarding. I realized that I just have to take one day at a time. Not thinking too far ahead. Just living in the moment.
NO ANNA MANGUM, contributing writer Discussion about “The Future” usually produces fear. For example, when I’m asked about college, I start to think about what could happen next year. What if I don’t like the area? What if I don’t make friends? What if I hate my classes? And at first, that scares the hell out of me. Why? Because I don’t know what is going to happen, and I can’t control the future from the present. The ‘unknown’ is man and woman’s greatest fear. But to repeat what I said: I can’t control the future from the present. Over the past year, I’ve practiced mindfulness, which has helped me realize that the future isn’t worth worrying over. Obviously, not worrying about the future isn’t as easy as simply telling yourself to stop worrying. There are many steps I took to be able to embrace the present: 1) I stopped planning my days. There was a point in my life when I would write down everything I was going to do that day because I was so petrified of not knowing what was going to happen. And I wasn’t just planning one day in advance-I’d write up to two weeks of day-to-day, trivial things like: do laundry, go to X restaurant, talk to X person, paint nails, take a shower. I wasn’t able to function if I didn’t make these plans, so slowly letting go of them was difficult, but freeing.
2) Meditation. I know it might not sound like the most fun thing in the world, but I love meditating. To me, it doesn’t mean turning off all of the lights, sitting crossed-legged in my closet, and burning a hundred candles all smelling of patchouli. I like to sit outside for a few minutes everyday, close my eyes, and observe what I’m feeling internally and externally. It’s an extremely grounding practice, and it helps me stay in the present. 3) Instead of using my phone or Netflix as a distraction for the future, I started living my life. I used to spend hours looking at pictures or TV shows just to kill time because I was dreading something. Now, tempting as that may be, I try to do something else that doesn’t just numb out my mind. If I start to feel anxious about the future, I’ll call one of my friends or go on a walk or journal. I don’t know if it is entirely possible to stop being afraid of “The Future” altogether, but I try to be present focused, and though unknown, “The Future” does excite me. No life is untouched by pain, but no life is untouched by happiness. And in the random mixing together of both the dark and the light, beautiful things often happen.
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Image via Creative Commons
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EDITORIAL
Is our President a Restorer of America’s Safety? If your neighbor’s home was robbed one night, would you take extra precautions in order to ensure the safety of your family? Or, would you simply pretend it never happened and just hope that it would not happen again? The suspension of refugees entering the United States for 120 days to review the screening and application process was one of the most controversial executive orders signed by President Trump. Additionally, this order sets a 90-day travel ban on Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen due to safety concerns. Since the 9/11 attacks there have been 72 people arrested from these countries due to terrorist or extreme security issues. As of February 12th, the temporary travel ban is the subject of a legal battle due to the fact that the 9th circuit court of appeals, a federal court, ordered a stay (or halt) on the order while the legality is determined. As a result, President Trump announced that he would rewrite parts of this executive order. While the stay has been in place Trump tweeted on February 11th that,“72 percent of refugees admitted into [the] U.S. [from February 3rd to February 11th] are from 7 countries: Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen! ” Green card holders and Iraqis who have worked or work for the US government or served the US military are not affected by this temporary travel ban. As one of the most prosperous nations in the world, it is only natural for us to want to welcome all refugees who are in need of safety and security. But, it is imperative for our government to analyze other countries that practice large refugee acceptance and the resulting consequences. Out of the 1.3 million refugees who arrived in Europe in 2015, 1.1 million entered Germany alone. Unfortunately, people associated with terrorist groups were among them. On February 10th, a Syrian refugee shouted “Allah” as he slashed a man across the face with a knife; another Syrian refugee whose “approach and behavior” suggested an ISIS link, planned to bomb the Berlin airport say German police. Reuters reported yet another Syrian refugee was arrested in Germany after he killed a woman in a machete attack. These are only a select few of the recent horrific acts that have been committed in Germany, France, and other European countries. Although it is unfortunate that some non-threatening refugees are facing dire circumstances, America must ensure the safety of our own people by acknowledging that terrorists are able to enter countries through refugee and immigration programs. Keeping the aforementioned incidents in mind, it is important to evaluate the necessity of President Trump’s travel ban. If your neighbor’s house gets robbed it is only common sense to learn from this and increase security in your own home. The majority of our European neighbors are in favor of some type of temporary travel ban because they can see the direct impact it could have on preventing further attacks. In a recent Chatham House poll survey of 10,000 people from 10 European countries, 54.6 percent support temporarily discontinuing immigration from Muslim majority countries, while 20.1 percent do not, and 25.3 percent say they do not know.
President Trump is currently being accused of illegally using his executive powers. However, as stated in the federal immigration law under Section 1182(f), “Whenever the President finds that the entry of any alien or any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose an entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.” This clearly exhibits the legality of his order. This executive action is in no way unprecedented. President Jimmy Carter used this executive power when he invalidated all visas issued to Iranian citizens for future entry to America. Also, in 2011 President Obama suspended the Iraqi refugee program for six months due to fears of terrorist attacks after two al-Qaeda members who were admitted as Iraqi refugees confessed to having targeted U.S. troops in Iraq. Not only is this refugee suspension not remembered, there were no protests or aggressive backlash from the media. It appears Trump is being held to a double standard. Now, is President Trump merely targeting Islam in this executive order? While the seven countries on the travel ban list are Muslim majority, the top six countries with the largest Muslim populations are not found on this travel ban list. So, if this executive order were purely discriminatory to the religion of Islam, then why aren’t the six countries with the largest Muslim populations on the list? Although Trump proposed a temporary Muslim ban during his campaign, the executive order itself does not mention Muslims or Islam at all; nor does it mention any other religion. President Trump actually received this list of problematic countries from the Obama Administration. When this executive action was signed, it immediately resulted in, “109 out of the 325,000 people coming into this country during the 24 hour period after it was signed being held for further screening” stated White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Rather than targeting Islam, this order was signed to protect us, the American citizens, from a variety of security threats including those from radical Muslim terrorists. Our newly elected president found flaws in the immigration and refugee process that put our safety in peril. Although one could argue that the United States has one of the longest wait times to come to this country as a refugee, it is important to note that no citizen is as well informed about this process as our President, who has been advised of flaws in it. We should now ask the question, “Is the safety of our own and other’s’ lives worth a delay in travel?” The primary duty of the United States government is to ensure the protection and security of its own people, and President Trump is trying to see this through. Now is the time to unite with our President on this order so America will have a simpler and safer immigration process for all. a
MAX ARMSTRONG, contributing writer
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 31
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 32 32
Image via Creative Commons
STAFF EDITORIAL
The Importance of Awareness In a 2016 presidential debate, when Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson asked about the conflict in Syria, his surprising response was, “what is Aleppo?” He’s not the only one with this inquiry; it’s a common question. Of course, everyone has heard about refugees, but why aren’t people more informed on the situation in Syria?
For example, I avoid really conservative news sources like Fox News because I’m not interested in their perspectives on the issues at hand. Instead, I follow other news sources, choosing less conservative or more bipartisan news media. However, in doing this, I don’t hear the stories and perspectives present in more conservative media.
They don’t want to be.
Similarly, many people filter their news sources to do the same thing - whether that’s filtering out more conservative or more liberal companies.
It’s easy for people to choose ignorance instead of awareness about certain global issues. For example, attacks in Paris or Germany garner the attention of Americans, often in form of news headlines and hashtags such as #PrayforParis. Occurrences in Europe might even make it all the way to the local nightly news in your living room. However, you rarely see a hashtag urging people to “Pray for Syria” or “Think of Istanbul.” In fact, such hashtags might never trend in the United States because the culture has become desensitized to the needs of people in active war zones, in poverty, or in need of serious help. Spreading awareness about issues abroad highlights the need for change, guiding the international community to respond. When everyday people ignore global issues, the lack of awareness leads to a lack of action, which allows the issue to continue. If enough people speak up, leaders are likely to be impacted. If no one talks or cares about an issue, nothing will ever change. Sometimes, the only widespread support is for places and people that society deems “worthy,” and ignoring other communities only perpetuates the problem and allows it to persist. Some issues only impact a group directly, and if you’re not part of the group, the issues can seem irrelevant. Ignorance can happen close to home too. In North Carolina, House Bill 2, commonly known as the “bathroom bill”, prohibits transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identities. Instead, they must use the bathroom that correlates with the gender they were assigned at birth. Many companies, athletic events, and concerts are ending their services in the state to protest the law, shedding light on the problems that transgender people in North Carolina face. A few months ago, headlines circulated that speculated North Carolina lawmakers might overturn the rule. Upon hearing the news, I sent the headline to my friends, as I often do. ‘What’s that?” “The bathroom bill?” they replied. People pay attention to things they care about. Everyone does it, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Picking and choosing what we want to hear is a big part of life. It’s evident in the accounts we follow, TV stations we watch, and news articles we choose to click on. As for the issues we choose not to follow: they’re largely ignored. That’s the problem. People choose not to see or talk about the hard things in life. Historically, society has not proactively handled tragic situations abroad, often in favor of focusing on internal matters or not getting involved in others’ affairs. For many years, the United States’ stance has been to stay out of “foreign affairs.” In many scenarios, this was the way the American government dealt with the rest of the world. However, ignoring glaring problems so the country doesn’t have to get involved has a track record of ending in tragedy: sometimes in mass death and destruction. For example, in 1994, Rwanda experienced genocide. The world watched as almost a million people were killed in the span of one hundred days. Sitting idly by, society was complicit in this death and destruction. Ignoring the problem allowed it to continue. If people are in pain and dying, why does humanity idly stand by? Ignorance is bliss, and people choose it because that’s the easy thing to do. Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders can be a painful experience. It’s hard to put the entire world in perspective, but without stepping into the shoes of other people, how can problems be solved? Education and awareness are the keys to change. In fact, to solve worldwide problems, the first step is to educate yourself. With knowledge comes power: those who know the issue and the perspectives of those affected are the only ones who can properly aid victims. So, my challenge to you is to stay out of the dark, work to spread awareness of global issues, and to just care. a
OLIVIA MARTIN, staff writer
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he was loving and kind. She was that shoulder for everyone to cry on. She gave freely and unconditionally, never expecting anything in return. She was genuinely positive, and everyday with her was a good day. She was known for her small acts of kindness.
across a project by Stephen Post. Post concluded that “when we give of ourselves, especially if we start young, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.”
‘She’ is my best friend, Brinley. Brinley passed away one year ago this month. Her passing greatly affected my outlook on life; now I carry the thought of her with me each day, and I’m finally at a place where I can share some of her life lessons.
With this assertion from Post in mind, my goal from 21 days of kindness is to empower the HIES community. I want to show people that no matter how big or small the act may be, it is the selfless thought that counts.
In honor of the positivity and love she would spread each day, I have decided to embark on a 21 day experiment in which I will try to do at least one act of kindness each day. Hopefully, this simple experiment will improve the lives others, as well as encourage them to show more kindness.
Personally, I have noticed how the emphasis on social media, outward appearances, and even academic achievement has often changed daily conversations from lively and cheerful, to listless and dismal. My goal of 21 days of kindness is to bring back the happiness and joy to daily school life, and help others realize that we do not simply have to accept the undesirable parts of life, that we have control over our experiences.
During the research leading into these 21 days of kindness, I came
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 35
WHAT DOES KINDNESS MEAN TO YOU? To me, kindness means everybody who comes into your life the way you would like to be treated. It also means going out of your way to help others not only when you don’t have to, but also when you don’t want to. Whether it is just a smile or helping someone with a task can make somebody’s day a whole lot better.
Day 1
Wanting to start off with something simple, I decided to hand out Starburst pins to the HIES community. The meaning of the Starburst pin is to provoke happy thoughts and to motivate others to show kindness. Handing out the Starburst pins was valuable to me because I got to to interact with new people and get the word out about my next 20 days. From my days worth of handing out Starburst pins, one comment that stuck with me was that 21 days of kindness really needs to be 365 days of kindness. Ultimately, this is what I want. However, I don’t just want kindness to be exclusively shown here in the HIES community; I want this experiment to encourage others to also show kindness during all parts of their daily life.
Day 2
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NATALIE SCALES
know the good impact kindness can have on a person. Today though, when I passed the cookies out, there were many people telling me this small gesture ‘made their day’. It redeemed my reasoning behind the 21 days because I was able to witness someone’s mood changing from mediocre to cheerful and radiant. Also, today in chapel, Chaplain Bailey read the thank you card I had placed on his desk yesterday. After reading the note aloud he said, “Now, I do not know who this individual is because they did not sign their name on the card, and I will not ask who it is. I just wanted to say you do not have to thank me for being a chaplain, but the thank you was greatly appreciated. It made my day, it made my week.” That was the point I was committed to dedicating time to improving other’s lives through small acts of kindness, without expecting anything in return.
I got to school at 6:30 in the morning (as I usually do), and I rushed to write thank you notes to the admissions office, as well as the staff in the Riley and STEM building. I did not write my name on the thank you cards because I didn’t want or need the recognition for doing it; my purpose was to spread joy and cheer to others, not to feel smug. After writing the note, I slid it under their office door or placed it on their desk before they got to campus in the morning.
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My goal for today was to pay for someone behind me in line at the Campus Shop; this act of kindness was supposed to be similar to Pay It Forward (one day of the year that aims to inspire over 10 million acts of kindness around the world). I went into the campus shop and bought a box of chicken minis, adding extra money for the person behind me.. Even though I wanted to stay anonymous, the campus shop insisted they know my name. Later that morning, the person who ended up getting the Chick-Fil-A found me and said thank you.
All morning, I went around the school passing around chocolate chip cookies with a note attached saying to pass along the kindness. As I was making these cookies at 9:30 p.m. the night before, right after soccer practice, I was tired and wanted to quit.I really wanted to give up because I felt that I did not have enough time for myself. That’s when I remembered that this entire project was ultimately not about me. It was about giving back to people with kind acts, and letting everyone
Opinion | C&G Spring 2017 | 36
Free Hug Friday went so well! A sophomore boy named Jacob decided that he also wanted to help me spread happiness with hugs. So after school, he put on a shirt that said ‘free hugs’. I am so happy that he felt motivated to also experience the feeling of sharing kindness to others.
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Kindness is a key ingredient in society; with more of it, the world will revolve with greater acceptance and increased tolerance.
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Kindness to me means openmindedness and generosity without discrimination.
Day 8
Today, a HIES student told me she loved that I was spreading kindness to the school community. She also added that I inspired her with my hand written thank you notes.
Day 11
Today, I spread compassion by complimenting people. One person I had complimented recently cut their hair, and started to dislike their appearance because of it.
Day 18
I baked 62 chocolate chip cookies for my last Baked Good Thursday, and my friend helped me bake even more for this particular day. Instead of simply handing the cookies out in the morning, I walked around the hallways throughout the day and passed them out.
Day 20
Throughout the whole three weeks, a quote by Robert J. Furey, an author and psychotherapist, continuously inspired and encouraged me to continue to show kindness to everyone, including strangers. “Those who make compassion an essential part of their lives find the joy of life. Kindness deepens the spirit and produces rewards that cannot be completely explained in words. It is an experience more powerful than words. To become acquainted with kindness one must be prepared to learn new things and feel new feelings,” said Furey. This quote coincides with my personal goal to make compassion the most important element in my life. A few things you can do to help yourself and others feel more happy are: give a genuine compliment to someone, smile at other people, remind your friends how grateful you are for them, let someone go in front of you in line, or thank someone for what they have done for you. One additional way to bring kind thoughts to your life is to sign up for Shine text. Shine texts are motivational messages sent to you around nine in the morning on weekdays. You can sign up by going to shinetext. com and inserting your phone number.
With my 21 days of kindness coming to an end, I decided to embark on a project. So after school, I went across the street to volunteer with Sandy Springs Mission, helping third grade girls from local public schools finish their homework. It was so much fun! I loved offering help, and I loved getting to know these girls even in the short amount of time I had with them.
All throughout the duration of 21 days of kindness, I not only noticed changes in other’s behavior, but a change in my behavior as well. I felt extremely content and I noticed my level of happiness had gone up, too. I felt as though when people smiled at me, I genuinely smiled back, I spoke more often, and I didn’t feel as isolated in class or with friends.
Day 21
I strongly encourage everyone to take part in being compassionate for not just 21 days, but everyday. a
Coming full circle, I I passed around Starburst pins to students.
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Column
Closing Time If there’s two things I know, it’s that I’m tired as shit and unshuffled Pink Floyd sure can take your mind on a freakin’ journey, man. I slept less than two hours to wake up at 4:45 a.m. so that I can get on a 14-hour coach bus ride from West Virginia to Atlanta. I spent MLK weekend skiing on a church trip and now I’m looking around a hotel lobby filled with passed out teenagers drenched in UGGS and Patagonia. I’ll remember this shot. My last ski trip. Everyone was coping with sleep deprivation as I sit at this table on a mountain in West Virginia and begin thinking for the first time how I’m going to cope with the last couple of months at Holy Innocents, the place that has been my home for the last 12 years. Closing time is in sight and it’s horrifying, but it’s exhilarating. I am in love with these last fleeting months. Every day holds new moments, new screenshots to highlight this finale. I may be afraid or maybe I’m in denial about being afraid of what the future holds, but regardless, I’m feeling something that I can’t explain in certainty. In my last couple of years I’ve learned a lot about life. I’ve learned that joy and sorrow can be one bad day apart. I’ve learned that consequence is the best teacher in life. I’ve learned that the better paths in life are often the more difficult ones to follow. Riding home, I watch the movie Seven, which holds a pretty bleak look at humanity, considering it’s about a serial killer who kills in accordance to the seven deadly sins. There was one quote from Morgan Freeman’s character that stuck with me, “It’s easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life. It’s easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work.” There’s always an easier choice in life, ways to avoid the rockiness of a more difficult path. I believe that as a society, we’ve become addicted to finding that easier path. It’s easier to do away with a mistake than it is to accept it and deal with its consequences. It’s easier to protest the other side and draw circles around your own side than it is to work together and find mutual ground. It’s easier to call someone you don’t agree with a racist or a bigot than it is to actually listen to what they have to say.
I wanted to visit the campus with my parents, and get a sense if I could see myself there. I spent the majority of the tour zoned out and thinking about how funny it is to name a cat a really human name like Todd or Frank. Don’t ask me why that was on my mind; it just was, ok? It’s starting to drizzle and I’m staring into the shattered glass of the rear view mirror that my mom busted pulling out of the garage. Looking in it, I imagine someone staring into a broken mirror in some black and white music video of a heartbreak song from the 90’s that would be called “In Pieces Without You”, or something like that. Regardless, I think there’s some pretty stellar symbolism of a broken mirror. I think back to times in my high school career when I couldn’t fully understand the person I saw in a mirror; times when I felt like I had to change something about myself to fit in or make sense of who I am which is something I’d bet I’m somewhat relatable on. That’s a part of growing up. I suppose it’s confusion paving the path to more certain and enlightened times. As privileged people, these challenges we face, these times of unease, uncertainty, and even suffering, they’re painful and all we want is for them to stop, but in hindsight you can’t ask for things to have been different. I’ve said it before and I can’t say it enough, fire forges steel. Adversity makes the man. Times of hardships aren’t ended by a soft hand reaching down to give you handouts or some written out plan for finding sunshine and rainbows. They’re ended by a big rough hand reaching down to pull you off the ground and smack you on the ass, urging you to push onward. So soak in the pain. I love this grade. I love it like it’s an extension of my family. Spring break in Cancun is right around the corner, and that trip is going to be our last hurrah. These fleeting months, these fleeting experiences, they put things in perspective. I implore myself and everyone else to appreciate these times while they’re here, to take the high road, chose the more challenging path. Let us accept adversity as a means to a peaceful end, let us dance to the music because it’s playing right now, in this moment. Love the times, find an appreciation for each other in some way, do not go gentle into the end of our run. Let’s go out with a bang. a
About a month later I’m riding home from touring Auburn.
SHEPHERD BRIDGES, columnist
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THREE TRUTHS AND A LIE... SAM AIKEN, staff writer design, CADE ANDERSON
C&G’s own resident brainiac, freshman Sam Aiken, shares a glimpse into the depths of his teeming mind. Keeping himself routinely updated with the latest advancements in science and technology, he is generous enough to share these findings with the rest of the school. However, one of these scenarios is completely made up by Aiken. So, read carefully and try to guess which three are true and which is false.
Human cloning has always been viewed as impossible and impractical, but modern technology has made it more possible than ever. Britain’s Dr. Robert O. Becker has dedicated his life work to discovering the perfect cloning method, and now he’s found the answer. Using a modern centrifuge, the genetic material from an organism can be extracted, and then superimposed upon an embryonic fetus of the same species. From there, the fetus is incubated, and as it develops, the superimposed DNA overrides the original organism’s intrinsic qualities. When the organism has grown enough to survive in the outside world, it’s taken out of incubation and begins to start an independent life. With humans, this process takes about nine months. However, the finished product will exist with an identical genetic makeup of the source material. This could be crucial for those predisposed to degenerative diseases because if an afflicted person is in need of an organ transplant, it can be harvested from their identical clone. That way, there is no bodily conflict when assimilating a new organ because it’s scientifically identical to the original. Human cloning is yet one step closer to becoming the future of biomedical engineering.
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Self-driving cars are becoming ubiquitous, and their advantages are certainly viable. However, these machines are not perfect and sometimes they must make critical decisions. Most self-driving cars have automatic braking and steering systems and in order to avoid collisions when human intervention is delayed. But what would happen if the car was speeding down the road, became unable to brake, and had to choose which group of people to hit? It’s a textbook example of the infamous psychology puzzle known as the “Trolley Problem”. In short, “is it more just to pull a lever, sending a trolley down a different track to kill one person, or to leave the trolley on its course, where it will kill five?”. Scientists at MIT have developed a simulation to see how driverless cars will react in this situation, and based on the results how they can refine the AI’s decision making process. Although, it’s not so simple. Is it ethical to value one human’s life over another? And could we see a future where life and death is based on the morals of a machine?
Primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, the Zika virus can have symptoms such as: fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, headaches, and muscle pain. However, this virus is most dangerous when present in pregnant women. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that, “Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects… such as defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth.” Just when it seemed that Zika reached its peak, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) declared they developed a vaccine that was ready for testing. However, this vaccine is different from most. Instead of prompting the immune system to respond by delivering a weakened form of the virus, this new vaccine simply resembles the pathogen. The vaccine is composed of plasmids that replicate Zika proteins but aren’t infectious. There are currently 5,001 total cases of Zika in the United States, and currently, there are no successful treatments for the the virus. However, this new vaccine could be the solution.
Gudmundur Olafsson is an Icelandic man who lost his ability to move his ankle after being hit with an oil truck when he was a young boy. For many years after, he lived crippled because technology hadn’t progressed enough for him to have a suitable replacement. Then Ossur, a bionic/prosthetic company based in Reykjavik, Iceland offered Olafsson a second chance with their revolutionary “Proprio Foot”. This prosthetic programming allowed for it to mimic natural motion by adjusting its angle during different parts of the user’s stride. But what if I told you that Olafsson would soon be able to move his foot just by thinking about it? Well in 2015, the “Proprio Foot” received a substantial upgrade. Now, when Olafsson wants to get up and walk, he simply thinks about his prosthetic foot. The established connection is seamless because the brain signals are being transferred directly into Olafsson’s residual muscular system. Brain-controlled prosthetics are fairly new and objectively experimental at the moment, but they could become the future of humanity.
Answer: Human Cloning
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G A G A G A 42
HIES is coming another step closer to
living up to what it means to be an Episcopal community by extending the scope of
diversity and inclusion with the new, student organized Genders and Sexualities Alliance club, a national organization where students and young adults across the
country come together to support and
empower the LGBTQ+ spectrum in what might be labeled as the new civil rights movement of the 21st century. CLAIRE SIMMEL, section editor design, GRACE SIZEMORE
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“Being part of the queer community at Holy Innocents’ was like being part of a secret organization where everyone sort of knew the other members. Gay people are everywhere but only a few of us felt comfortable coming out before high school was over and a GSA could change that,” said 2015 HIES graduate, Alex Robitaille. After several years of unsuccessful attempts, the HIES community finally welcomes their own GSA chapter, a club that connects the LGBTQ community and their allies. The leaders of HIES’s GSA chapter want the entire community to know the explicit goal of this club is to elicit change within the community. “The name GSA stands for ‘Genders and Sexualities Alliance’,” said senior and co-president Natalie Scales, “which consists of all genders and orientations -including heterosexuals - to make it known that this alliance is very inclusive.” Now more than ever, people are organizing acts of civil disobedience, such as protesting, boycotting, and petitioning, in hopes of a more promising, accepting future for everyone. Young students and teens across America are relentlessly bullied everyday based on their sexuality or gender identity. GSA Network founder Carolyn Laub saw the need for California school systems to support the LGBTQ community when she began working in the San Francisco Bay area in 1998. longside high school students who she hoped to empower to fight against transphobia and homophobia, Laub organized and created a network of alliances for healthier school environments. This endeavor soon gained traction and began operating nationwide by 2005 as more youth activists became attracted to GSA’s mission. According to GSA Network’s official website, “A GSA club is a studentrun club in a high school or middle school that brings together LGBTQ and straight students to support each other, provide a safe place to
GSA is student driven, in order to provide the opportunity for youth to voice their opinions and make changes in their own communities. “When students take the initiative to lead, it’s the job of the school to support it in a positive way,” said HIES headmaster Paul Barton, adding, “it’s hard to stand against a group of students wanting to do something that is obviously core to our identity and mission.” In HIES’s Strategic Plan, launched in 2013, the first goal listed is to “Define our Episcopal Identity and optimize its benefits for the community.” Within this mission, the National Association of Episcopal Schools recommended that HIES should “seek to exemplify our commitment to Episcopal identity and governance by adopting policies and practices which will assure the dignity and equal worth of every member of the student body, faculty, staff, and board.” As the largest Episcopal school in the country, it is vital that HIES sets an example in living the established mission, respecting every member of our community, including the LGBTQ community. “The core of our Episcopal identity is recognizing and honoring the individual worth and dignity of every human being. And so that sort of supercedes diversity and inclusion of all people,” said Barton. Nationally, GSA has over 900 registered clubs across the country, and reaches high schools in almost 40 different states. By bringing youth to the forefront of this movement, this social justice group is molding a generation of leaders and activists for LGBTQ rights, as well as fighting other social injustices, such as race, gender equality, ethnicity, and socio-economic class discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), about 42 percent of LGBTQ youth in America say “the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBT people.” Furthermore, a whopping 92 percent of LGBTQ youth in America said that they “hear negative messages about being LGBT.” Where do they report hearing this messages the most? At school. Here at HIES, about 68 percent of 121 upper school students surveyed have admitted to laughing at a homophobic comment at one point or another, yet only 36 percent believe that they have experienced bullying due to sexual orientation or know someone who has. Has a lack of exposure to the human experience left our student body ignorant and uncompassionate to many of their peers realities?
M
ee l an f uc yo o you re wh th wi pport y su o ma ett wh r. Quir
“It’s a pla ce comf w he ort are, able an others d not.” -
socialize, and create a platform to fight for racial, gender, LGBTQ, and economic justice.”
Feature | C&G Spring 2017 | 44
Education is one of the top priorities within the HIES GSA club. Seemingly ‘funny’ or thoughtless comments can actually be quite hurtful to people who identify as LGBTQ.
“It is important for people to not only be accepting, but also tolerating of all kinds of people,” said Scales, “I believe the most important thing for people to learn from the GSA is to know that it is okay to be different and to not let anyone else tell you differently. I want people to look at the GSA at HIES and instantly think of how welcoming, supportive, and accepting everybody is and they can think: ‘Wow, this is how the entire world should act.’”
IES’ GSA H f o s r de the lea Simmel (12), re are Clai les (12), Jack Sca Natalie (12), isabel s McGinni (12), and n Fargaso wers (11) Bo Graham
In 2005 , th Associa e National t Networ ion of GSA ks w uniting as created almost 40 states
Everywhere across the country, students are finding ways to speak out and be heard in accordance to this issue, and many celebrities and media outlets are doing the same.
The leaders of the HIES GSA want to “make sure that the student body is fully aware that the alliance is for all sexual orientations,” said Scales.
For example, the 2016 presidential inauguration was met with mass protests in defense of women’s rights, gay rights, and immigration laws. With the legalization of gay marriage in the summer of 2015, huge strides were made in marriage equality and acceptance. Today, it is vital for the LGBTQ community and advocates to continue fighting for that equality in this new political climate.
“It’s not a club to ‘come out’ and ‘be gay’, it’s not only for gay people,” said club advisor and college counselor Warren Quirett. “I think it’s a place where you can feel comfortable with who you are, and support others who may not, because it’s a club for everybody.”
Covergirl, one of the world’s largest cosmetics brands, recently launched their first ever Coverboy, James Charles, in late 2016. As the newest Covergirl spokesperson, Charles speaks out about LGBTQ rights, saying in a NY Times interview, “We’ve made so many amazing progressions with gay rights, gender inclusivity and self-expression. But I think we still have so, so much longer to go. A lot of people still don’t support or understand it.” Miley Cyrus, founder of the Happy Hippie Foundation, has reached hundreds of thousands of people through social media with her mission to “rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ youth and other vulnerable populations.” On the HIES campus, GSA would like to provide community outreach for students interested in broadening their understanding of these civil rights issues and what it truly means to be an inclusive community.
Schools such as Galloway, Westminster, Lovett, and Riverwood, to name a few, all have some different variation of a GSA on campus. As one of the last schools in the Atlanta area to have a GSA, HIES has some catching up to do. Katie Krantz, co-leader of Lovett’s Spectrum Club, said that there are “kids who don’t understand the impact of homophobia on those around them.” She feels that in leading Spectrum meetings, she is providing a space for education and understanding, as they “welcome the full spectrum of gender identities and sexualities.”
As more schools across Atlanta are practicing acceptance and inclusion, HIES plans to do the same. “You can’t say that just because we haven’t done it that we shouldn’t do it, you can’t go back and change the past,” Barton
“Now t
“There is an entire world out there waiting for us to find our place in it,” said Robitaille.
“As we see in schools around us with transgender students and staff, some places like Galloway and Westminster have changed bathrooms, and created a place that’s more accommodating and friendly to a transgender student or staff member,” said Barton.
ce a l p in A S G r o f a y t i un e a s t i n cated, du , an”d e g. n cales
hat we ha there’s v a stude com e nts on e t o t o m suppo be e u acce rtiv -Natal pti ie S
Furthermore, with gender inequality and discrimination continuing to dominate the political landscape, media and branding is fighting this issue with strong celebrity support and outreach.
Pertaining to the ‘genders’ part of GSA, the club also supports gender identity, expression and equality.
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the firs t GSA ME at hies w ETING as on janu ary I1TH 2017
ttended a o h w s Student A meeting HIES’ GS “shows t it said tha nd “brings ce” a acceptan ding” to the an underst unity comm
reflected, “but you can learn from it and say how do we have greater clarity around our identity that will allow us to be stronger leaders in this field, as opposed to someone coming late to the party.”
be under the Episcopal faith where we’re welcoming of all and inclusive, we as a school, being the largest Episcopal school in the country but also the least ethnically diverse, have a lot of work to do.” said Quirett.
To keep this club a part of the community, passionate juniors and underclassmen must step up into leadership roles.
The first GSA meeting at HIES, which happened in January, had a huge turnout and massive support from students and faculty.
But, “as the largest Episcopal day school, I think there’s a responsibility we have to lead,” said Barton, “One of the concerns that we had when meeting with those key students who wanted to lead it this year, was that we would be able to provide enough leadership, that it wouldn’t just start and end with seniors.” Creating a legacy that continues to flourish is yet another goal for the current GSA leaders. Knowing this club has the ability to change the experience for an underrepresented group on campus, HIES GSA leaders hope to inspire others to lead as well. “If I had a place where I knew I wouldn’t have been judged or ridiculed then maybe I would’ve been more comfortable being myself at school,” said Robitaille. As a college counselor, Quirett witnesses the stresses Robitaille described “high school is a high pressure time for a lot of kids.” He recognizes that “there’s a population within this school that struggles with who they are, and they want to be able to fit in, and there’s also a population of people who are advocates and allies that they didn’t know that they see walking amongst them in the hallway.” Experiencing high school without a GSA, Robitaille noted, “College is a whole new world to be quite honest. Everything changes-- I’ve become more comfortable and confident in myself than I ever thought possible.”
An overwhelming amount of positive comments flooded in anonymously from the attendees, as one student said that a GSA “Reminds me that there are others like me,” and
l a p o c s dual i p vi di eing.” b
“The co re o fo ur honori ng t E h every hu m e i n an
“I was a part of the effort to start the GSA but we started too late and couldn’t find non-seniors to keep it running after we left so nothing really started moving,” said Robitaille.
another said that it fulfills “the need for representation and awareness.” Yet another goal for the GSA is to create an environment that leaves that sort of feeling - people are not alone.
However, with a GSA in place, it is hopeful that HIES can have students feeling comfortable and confident with where they are at in this community now, instead of waiting until college to feel free.
“When I read about GSA nationally, and what it’s like at other schools, I understood that it’s a very inclusive, very broad-based type of club,” said Barton. “And I think having speakers coming in is a huge benefit.” Within the next coming months, GSA leaders are planning exciting meetings and hosting speakers to talk about the issues and stigmas and how students can rise up as leaders.
“I think this is an excellent example of what we can show the other institutions within the city as far as how opening and welcoming that we truly are and that we portray ourselves to be.There’s so many definitions of what diversity means. The branches of that tree runs so long and wide. So I think that if we’re really going to
Several fundraising events are a part of the GSA’s itinerary in order to have a larger outreach to the community. One of the organizations the GSA hopes to connect with is Lost-n-Found Youth, which, much like the Happy Hippie Foundation, is “an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to take
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homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths up to age 25 off the streets and transition them into more permanent housing,” according to their mission statement.
to be educated, supportive, and accepting.” Before this year, it was difficult for people struggling to fit in and feeling like there was not a place for them in the community.
“This brings the community even closer together than before, creating a family-like environment,” said Scales. “I really hope we can have more students and faculty come to the meetings in the future and also be able to build stronger connections with the other high schools in Atlanta that have GSAs.”
Robitaille reflected on a difficult past experience, adding “a GSA could’ve helped me through the hardest time in my life. People need this.”
Educating and having a place within these meetings for discussion creates a place of understanding. “Respectful dialogue is really important. That it encourages a sense of openness to learning new things,” said Barton, “You create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable engaging in respectful dialogue where we may not always agree with one another, but we can be respectful of one another’s point of view and be open-minded.” Scales agrees, noting “Now that we have a GSA in place, there’s a community for students to come together
and zing gn i co of re dignity nd ton ar
i de n tity is wo rth -M a r. B
there w e 80 stud re over ents an d teache rs at GSA’s f meetin irst g at HI ES
“It’s going to take some time to change some people’s points of view, and some people you won’t, you move right through that, but for some people, it’s important to make clear this is who we are, these are the kinds of things we do, and how we can educate people across a broad range,” said Barton. It is with earnest hope and dedication that the new GSA club at HIES will be able to broaden the scope of people’s point of view, and help to make a tangible difference in the way our community can accept and embrace diversity and inclusion of each and every individual on campus and to take that with them out into the world. a
Califor nation nia is a al is accel model that e growth rating the an the GSA d impact of move nation ment wide
work t e N A GS oices v e h t brings spectives r and pe h to the t of you t of the on forefr ovement m LGBTQ
Feature | C&G Spring 2017 | 47
Power of the Pro
A look at current political and social movements and how they relate to noteworthy movements of the past. Feature | C&G Spring 2017 | 48
ETHAN MULLEN, staff writer CHASE LUTHER, contributing photgrapher
testEr
W
ithin the first two weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency, America experienced two nationwide movements: the Women’s Marches in response to the inauguration and the airport protests in response to the president’s precautionary immigration and refugee measures. Movements, protests, and civil disobedience have shaped American history; Americans are only given rights and liberties when they demand them. Movements are gaining national recognition in the current political climate. From the time Americans dumped tea into Atlantic Ocean, it defined itself as a nation that would stand up for what citizens believed was right.16 years later, Founding Fathers reflected this value in the Constitution when they wrote that people had the right to assemble peacefully. Since then, many peaceful protests in America’s history sparked actual change. In the early 20th century, women were finally granted suffrage after a long-fought battle. The movement began in the early 19th century, but finally gained traction after World War I. The movement to give women the right to vote grew until the 19th amendment was passed in 1920. Another movement, the Civil Rights Movement, led to the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and exemplifies how citizens can change laws and government practices they feel are unfair. Supporters of the movement protested in several ways, including boycotts, sit-ins, and marches. The 1963 March on Washington resulted in 200,000 people flooding the national mall. The Freedom Rides and the Selma to Montgomery march also helped lead to the Civil Rights Act, which promoted nondiscrimination for all people. Today, it is much easier to spread the word in order to incite action about social injustices people are facing. People often go to social media sites to voice their opinion and support movements by using hashtags like #IceBucketChallenge, which spread the word about ALS, and #LoveWins, where people showed their support for the supreme court decision to legalize same-sex marriage. When tragic events like earthquakes or mass shootings occur, people can quickly log on to show their support or spread the word. Often, these online movements materialize into physical protest and civil disobedience. #BlackLivesMatter began as a trending hashtag, but as it gained more momentum and became widespread, people aggregated to show solidarity. HIES Upper School Chorus teacher, Joel Thompson, wrote “The Seven Last of Words of the Unarmed” to express his feelings on police brutality. “It takes the last words of unarmed black men killed by police officers, and sets them to music,” said Thompson. After it was announced that Trump won the 2016 presidential election, people celebrated, and others spread their concerns with each other and online. One group of women’s rights supporters demanded that Donald Trump respect women’s rights as human rights. Soon enough, this grassroots movement began to spread across the world, and supporters of the movement planned to assemble the day after Trump’s inauguration. The movement was named the “Women’s March on Washington.”
Chase Luther/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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HIES Freshman Ellie Crosswell was invited to drive to Washington D.C., but attended the Atlanta protest instead. “I thought it was really cool to see all the people get together and care for this one cause,” said Crosswell. “We just wanted to show that we were here and we are going to fight for our rights.” The march was not limited to those in support of women’s rights. Since women are affected by multiple human rights issues, including gender equality, the march had significance for multiple reasons. “Some people were actually protesting Trump, but I think the main purpose was to protest his beliefs and ideas of how to treat women, and the rights that he’ll impact while he’s president, like equal pay, equal opportunities, and the rights for women to make choices for their own bodies,” said Crosswell. On January 27th 2017, seven days into his presidency, President Trump signed as executive order that restricted travel from countries that were deemed risky due to terroristic concerns. . His signature on this order gave birth to another hashtag, #nowallnoban, and caused outrage among people who thought the measure was Islamophobic. Prompted by opposition to the new policy, people flooded the streets outside of airports across the nation. Emotionally charged hashtags highlighting social injustices are now a powerful force in today’s highly connected society. Social media has the ability to mobilize people in support of a cause. Conversations online are initiated as like minded people across the globe protest together at the stroke of a key. However, the real way to create change is through physical interactions. “You can create Facebook groups and reach more people that are not physically in the same state or city as you, but in order for a movement to really work, it needs to be person-to-person,” said Thompson. However, in many aspects, movements have not changed. As in the past, movements need the resources and support to be successful. “There are so many roles that need to be filled in a movement,” Thompson said. Movements need supporters to fill a variety of roles; not everyone needs to march with signs and chants. During a few Black Lives Matter protests, Thompson handed out water. “Know your skills, and your weaknesses as well.” With enough continued support, these contemporary movements have the potential to be like other historical movements. “I don’t know if [other movements] will have a huge effect, but people will show that we’re here and we’ll fight for what’s right”, Crosswell continued, “I hope that Trump and his cabinet will hear us and try to compromise with us.” a
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On January 29th, senior Chase Luther attended an immigration protest at the Atlanta International Airport. The JFK airport in New York City was the first with protesters, but the word spread, protesters joined together in other cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Dallas to name a few). Luther documented his experience by photographing what he saw.
Chase Luther/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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Photographer Spicer Lear attended the Women’s March of Atlanta as a journalist and an avid follower of the movement. She has captured the many people who marched from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the capital with her vibrant photographs.
THE WOMEN’S MARCH
SPICER LEAR, photojournalist design, GRACE SIZEMORE
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1-21-17 Spicer Lear/PHOTOJOURNALIST
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ARTIST STATEMENT What’s wrong with marching for your rights? Is it pointless or is it stupid? Is it ungrateful, disrespectful, unjust, or ill tempered? Many people believe that the Women’s March was an excuse for women to be angry for Hillary Clinton’s loss. An excuse for liberals to get mad and protest something. The First Amendment outlines my right to march, and anyone has the right to tell me it’s stupid. However, people marched for many different reasons but with one main purpose: justice and equity for all. Many people, like me, marched because the anger they felt during this election cycle turned into action. Whether it was anger over glorifying sexual assault, dismissing racial discrimination, attacking religion, or shaming sexual orientation - people were angry. To me, this march wasn’t about Trump. This march was a reminder. We are not going to sit around while public policy changes, while our country is being run into the wrong direction. There should not be digression of our social, political, or human rights without a fight. This is not about a political affiliation. What does that matter when human decency is at stake? Every woman should be treated equally, all religions deserve respect, sexual orientations should accepted. People are not their gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any stereotypes you would to attach to them. People are people, and they should be treated equally. a
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OLIVIA MARTIN, staff writer design, GRACE SIZEMORE
MUSIC Capturing the very spirit of classic Hollywood, “La La Land”, with a soundtrack written by Justin Hurwitz, brings the “movie musical” back to the minds of many. Given record-breaking recognition at the Golden Globes and many Oscar nominations, it has become a cornerstone of current mainstream culture and is bringing the classic musical back into style. Upbeat songs and lyrical ballads drive the plot of the movie as Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) fall in love. The influence from Broadway is clear, but in addition to the occasional showtune, one major storyline revolves around Sebastian’s passion for jazz and his dream to own and play in a piano bar. His emotional melodies drive the plot of the film and the unforgettable sounds of his piano will resonate in the heart of each viewer. Even those who aren’t jazz enthusiasts will develop a taste for the tracks in “La La Land.”
music profile:
La La Land Pulitzer prize winning musical “Hamilton”, a hip-hop take on American history, has proven to be Broadway’s next big thing. Lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda’s clever songwriting tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through fast-paced lyrics, powerfully placed to resonate with people of all ages. Witty humor and heart wrenching melodies follow one after the other, making the show an emotional rollercoaster that leaves audiences roaring with laughter and breaking down in tears within the span of a few minutes. “Hamilton” gives audiences an intimate connection with the heroes of US history, an unparalleled experience. By tying US history to present-day through quirks like referring to listeners as “bros” in the song “The Room Where it Happens,” the show relates the past to the present. Songs like “History Has Its Eyes On You” feel as if George Washington himself speaks directly to the audience. The power of “Hamilton” is unprecedented, and it is a lifechanging musical.
music profile:
Hamilton
STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS jackson pellegrini, senior
Yours, Dreamily, - The Arcs ansley earle, senior
reeves guyton, sophomore
4 Your Eyez Only - J. Cole
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LIBBY MALCOLM, visual designer design, GRACE SIZEMORE
FASHION
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03 style profile:
Anna Devine
Whether its bringing back the retro-chic look or attempting to layer something you never would have tried before, its probably trending right about now and you should go for it. For girls and guys, 80’s glam, brightly colored patterns, and cuffed jeans are it. When accessioning, extra large purses, long pendant necklaces and for the guys, hats will spruce up any outfit. Just so that you don’t start out on the wrong foot, shoes that will be popping this season are your not-so-average sandals such as metallic or sandals with tassels.
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style profile:
01 01 H&M dress 02 Zara sandals 03 White House Black Market shirt 04 Adidas pants 05 Reebok shoes 06 American Apparel jacket
Austin Rogers 05
06 Spring 2017| C&G | 59
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