The Lion's Roar 33-2

the LION’S

R AR

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit No. 54523

Volume 33, Issue 2 140 Brandeis Road Newton Centre, MA 02459

Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper · Newton, MA · Established 1984 · September 9, 2016

Football finds quarterback replacement

why now?

Catherine Granfield & Thomas Patti Sr. Sports Editors

The Lions may have lost a member of the pride, but the hunt is still on.

With an 8-3 season and its first-ever playoff win, the football team’s successful 2015 season led head coach Ted Dalicandro to call it the program’s best season in history.

This spring, however, quarterback Austin Burton transferred to Florida’s West Orange High School, leaving South without a definitive gunslinger. “[Burton] was out of this world,” senior captain Niko Ventouris said. “I had never played with anyone that good in my life.”

“He had a lot of skill. But [his] work ethic was what really put us up at the top when it comes to success,” senior captain Dylan Meehan said.

Burton’s decision to transfer came as no surprise, Dalicandro said.

“Knowing what I know about Massachusetts high school football, I knew he was being completely underrecruited,” he said. “[Massachusetts] high school football is good, but it’s not like the rest of the country. ... I’m not shocked. I’m sad; I think Austin was great for the school … but I really want him to reach his goals.”

QUARTERBACK, 20

Broad Horizons

Students adjust to the effects of the solar carport project

By Min Park and Kimia Tabatabaei Just weeks before the first day of school, Principal Joel Stembridge sent a letter to the South community announcing a plan to close the student parking lot completely due to the installation of solar panel carports in the student parking lots.

The letter, sent on August 18, officially postponed the sale of parking passes, meaning students would be forced to fight for the limited spaces on Brandeis Road each morning.

The following day, Stembridge responded to community dissatisfaction by proposing a “restructuring of the solar carport project,” which

would open up permit parking along Brandeis Road and the grass beside it.

This project is one of several city-wide programs “designed to decrease energy costs, save taxpayer dollars and utilize clean energy sources,” Superintendent David Fleishman said.

According to Chief of Operations Michael Cronin, the solar carports will provide the cars with shelter from rain, snow and sunlight, in addition to saving money for the school by generating a portion of the school’s energy.

page 16

PARKING, 4 photo illustration by Kiana Lee

New media platforms change quality, style of news Emily Belt & Sophie Lu Sr. Centerfold Editors

According to a study conducted by the American Press Institute, 88 percent of millennials regularly get their news from their Facebook feed, while 83 percent turn toward YouTube. Although some said that they are more informed, others recognized the risks and limitations of these new platforms — Most commonly, misinformation.

“The internet has allowed for people

to be exposed to more information, both facts and also a variety of opinions and biases,” Kenny Moffitt, a former BuzzFeed employee, said. “Before the internet, people were limited by the news sources available to them locally, like cable news, the newspaper or word of mouth.”

Lea Speyer, a correspondent with the Algemeiner, a nationwide Jewish newspaper, agreed that the internet has enabled people to gain access to more information, which can be dangerous.

“Unfortunately, in today’s age, there is so much information out there that it can be at times overwhelming, to the point where people become indifferent,” Speyer said. “I call this the ‘TL; DR Syndrome’ — Too long; don’t read syndrome.”

Many readers, including senior Andrew Johnston, said they see the benefit of more source options. As an example, he named Reddit, a site where registered members can submit content in various forums.

According to Johnston, news sources

like Reddit, aside from the occasional mistake, tend to be reliable, because contributors typically cite multiple sources in each post.

Junior Noah Whiting agreed with Johnston. He acknowledged online reporting’s detriments, but said that this format is the future of journalism. “I think the news has become a lot more internet based, so I don’t remember the last time I picked up a print newspaper,” Whiting said.

MEDIA, 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

FBLA TAkes atlanta

South’s future business leaders prove their worth at National Leadership Conference.

2

READ ALL ABOUT IT

power Brawl Two students grapple with this year’s One School, One Question.

8

South’s five publications serve unique roles in the school community.

17

NEWS 2 EDITORIALS 6 OPINIONS 8 CENTERFOLD 12 FEATURES 15 FUn page 19 SPORTS 21

NEWS page 2|September 9, 2016|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

NEWS@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 33, ISSUE 2

FBLA reaches national success September: a preview Underclassmen Photos • On Sept. 14, underclassmen will take school photos during English classes.

“Bat Boy, the Musical” • South Stage will perform “Bat Boy, the Musical” from Oct. 13-15 in the auditorium.

• The musical is directed by Samantha Richert with senior Ethan Koss-Smith as music director and Windley Knowlton as choreographer.

Early Release • On Sept. 29, classes will end at 11:00 AM.

Back to School Night • Back to School Night will take place on Sept.

29 at 7:00 PM. • Parents will be able to visit their children’s classes and meet their teachers.

One School, One Question • On Sept. 23, students will participate in discussions on power and democracy using ideas from the five One School, One Question selections.

Michelle Cheng & Rachel Gu Sr. News Editor, News Editor

Competing against 12,000 students from around the nation, South’s Future Business Leaders of America club (FBLA) reached their highest level of success yet at the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Atlanta this summer.

19 South students attended the conference. Seniors Kayla Chang and Carol Zhang became the national champions in Hospitality Management and became the first team from Massachusetts to place first in any event at the national level. Seniors Bhavik Nagda, Yifan Xu and Janak Shah placed in the top 15 in Marketing. Seniors Nikolas Lazar and James Rao and junior Benjamin Anderson-Krim placed second in Banking and Financial Systems.

Nagda said previous experiences at the NLC motivated students to aim higher in the competition. “What we saw this year is that kids who went last year almost got inspired in a way that motivated them to do better this year, so they worked really hard,” he said.

Anderson-Krim said that South’s competitive nature also contributes to why South students do well in competition.

In addition to competing, students attended workshops where they learned about different aspects of business and networked with business leaders. “[The business leaders talked] to students about their futures ... [and gave] them a little bit of insight into the business world,” senior Rhea Dudani said.

The communal aspect of the conference was just as present as the competitive aspect, according to senior Jacqueline Lee. “[We got] to connect with ... other FBLA members from several different states and ... increase school spirit in a way that people at South don’t normally do.”

Junior Michael Ryter said FBLA has challenged him in areas that he otherwise would not have been interested in.

Dudani agreed. She said that after her experience at NLC, she considers a business major as an option. “[It has] shown me …

photos courtesy of Newton South FBLA

all the doors it can open if you are a business major and the opportunities that come with doing business.”

Competitive achievements and learning experiences were not the club’s only successes at the conference, though; Lazar was elected as FBLA’s national treasurer and will serve for the 2016-17 year. Anderson-Krim said that this is a big accomplishment not only for Lazar, but for Massachusetts. “[He] is the first national officer from Massachusetts,” he said. “The fact that he’s national treasurer will really mean that there’s more attention on the New England area ... we have a much more direct link to the national office of FBLA.” In addition to Lazar’s position as national treasurer, he is also the state’s executive vice president. Anderson-Krim is a state vice president and Rao is the Massachusetts president.

Rao said South’s FBLA members have been involved at the local level and hope to contribute more at higher levels. “A lot of people want to become even more ambitious, and they’re pursuing state and national positions,” he said.

Since the club’s inception, it has grown

in participation and success, according to Nagda.

Furthermore, the club has become more diverse. “This is the first year that girls went on the trip,” senior Carol Zhang said.

Senior Kayla Chang said she enjoyed seeing an increase of females from the state level to the national level.

According to Lee, South FBLA, which is predominantly male, does not accurately depict the gender ratio at the national level.

“Nationally, FBLA is actually a majority of girls which is pretty surprising. So the Newton South chapter isn’t exactly representative of FBLA at the national level. ... It’s just a matter of girls feeling confident and brave enough to be in a club in which their school chapter is mostly boys,” she said.

Though South FBLA has found success at the national level, Nagda hopes to move forward in the South community as well. “We do a pretty good job of teaching [those] who are on the team business, but it’s important for everyone to gain a sense of business and gain confidence in finance,” he said. “I want to do a better job of bringing FBLA not just to the few students that do FBLA, but rather to the school community.”

Zervas modulars moving to South Kimia Tabatabaei Sr. News Editor

Newton city officials are making plans to move the spare modular classrooms, previously used at Zervas, to locations at Brown Middle School and South.

According to Public Buildings Commissioner Josh Morse, the modulars offer a cost-effective and quick solution to a need for extra space.

“They’re very new ... so I’d hate to see them not reused in some capacity,” he said.

After several meetings, city officials decided that the modulars would be placed at South to house members of the High School Stabilization Program (HSP), which is currently based in a shed outside the school, and to Brown, where increased enrollment and the addition of a special education program have pushed building capacity.

“The HSP program had been housed in ... the shed for a number of years,” Councilor Ruthanne Fuller said. “The existing building is uninsulated. It’s heated, but it’s a completely non energy efficient building ... the site is inappropriate educationally for students.”

Morse said that once the modular project is complete, the school will use the shed for only its storage space and bathrooms.

Normally, if buildings are going to be modified or built, the city goes through the detailed, multi-step 5-58 site plan approval process. This process includes getting approval from the city’s Design Review Committee, Public Facilities Committee and City Council in addition to holding a public hearing.

Due to a desire to get this project finished before the start of the school year, the School Committee requested to waive the 5-58 process. At a meeting on Aug. 8, however, the City Council rejected the request

due to a number of substantive questions that remained unanswered.

Now, however, the 5-58 process is at its second stage and will be voted on by City Council on Sept. 7.

According to Councilor Marc Laredo, the process of getting the site ready, moving the modulars and placing them will take two to three months and will cost approximately $500,000.

“The superintendent had said that we weren’t going to get it in place [for the start of school,] [so] we have not delayed the process.

It was not going to be ready for the opening of the school year whether we waived it or not,” Councilor Amy Sangiolo said.

“If City Council approves, and we hope they will, then we are hopefully getting close to the point where we can begin moving the modulars,” School Committee chair Matt Hills said.

September 9, 2016|page 3

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|NEWS

NPS responds rapidly to elevated lead levels

photo by Bailey Kroner

Dozens of NPS water fixtures, especially those at Burr Elementary School, were found to have lead levels exceeding the actionable limit of 15 parts per billion.

Michelle Cheng & Jake Rong Sr. News Editors

Over the summer, city officials and the Newton Public Schools (NPS) operations department responded to elevated lead levels in the water at numerous city facilities.

Testing and replacement efforts have reduced the quantity of lead in most of the district’s water supplies to safe levels.

Responding to the Flint, Mich. water crisis, the city conducted testing for the presence of lead in drinking water throughout the spring. In April, Burr Elementary School’s water supply was found to have elevated lead levels, with some water samples containing lead levels as high as 34 parts per billion (ppb), well above the Department of Public Health’s actionable limit of 15 ppb.

City officials later hired an outside organization, Universal Environmental Consultants, to re-test all drinking water sources at every school building, although Massachusetts does not require such an extensive response.

“If you know that there’s lead, you may as well just go after the source,” Josh Morse, Newton’s Commissioner of Public Buildings, said.

Water is a rare source of lead poisoning. “[The cause is nearly] always lead paint, or lead dust or lead-painted toys or lead in the soil where people are gardening,” Morse said.

While no illnesses due to elevated lead levels in NPS water have been reported, it was important to test because lead cannot be detected via other means, according to NPS’s Chief of Operations, Michael Cronin.

“You can’t see it, you can’t taste it, so you don’t know it’s there,” he said. “[Lead is] only identified through the testing.”

As testing results came in during the

summer, Burr’s water continued to stand out as having the highest concentration of lead.

Unlike at other buildings, where actionable lead levels were randomly spread and usually isolated to only a few fixtures, “everything [at Burr] was coming back above actionable,” Morse said. “It was clear that it wasn’t just a drinking fountain or a sink, it was something bigger within the building.”

The problem at the school persisted, however, even after all of its fixtures were replaced and the building replumbed.

“Elevated lead levels were identified in two water fountains and five sinks,” Super-

tions, located in a multitude of locations, including, but not limited to, classrooms, gyms, kitchens, nurses’ rooms and offices.

Any that tested above the actionable limit will be replaced, Morse said. The city will then retest those fixtures, and if lead levels continue to exceed 15 ppb, the pipes that feed the fixtures may be replaced, as was the case at Burr.

Aside from water supplies, no lead has been discovered at the schools, nor were summer programs taking place at them impacted; fixtures testing high were immediately turned off and bottled water

How can you prevent lead poisoning?

Newton suspended this summer a program that previously allowed residents to drop off water at City Hall for lead testing. To test for lead in your water, you can send a sample to multiple testing labs, whose addresses can be found online at the website of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (www. mwra.state.ma.us/04water/html/testinglabs). intendent David Fleishman announced in a Sep. 2 letter to the Burr community. “We are determined to fix this issue and will provide regular updates on our progress.”

In addition to Burr, elevated levels were discovered at the Cabot, Countryside, Franklin, Horace Mann, Lincoln-Eliot, Mason-Rice, Ward, Underwood and Williams elementary schools, Brown middle school and both high schools.

The fixtures that tested highly included drinking fountains, sinks and cooking sta-

was available at Burr, where the water supply was most severely affected. Fixtures will not be returned to service until they test below the actionable level.

Cronin said the elevated lead levels in NPS’s water likely came from old pipes, which in the past were constructed using lead. “The lead, over time, leaches into the water systems, especially when it’s stagnant,” he said.

Until last year, not all products imported into the United States were certified

lead-free, Morse added, which explains why buildings as new as North still tested above 15 ppb.

Students and parents have been supportive of the city’s efforts against elevated lead levels.

“When you eat food, you want to know what you’re putting into your body,” sophomore Ellen Deng said. “It’s the same with water.”

South parent Lili Wang expressed a similar judgement.

“It’s the summertime, and the majority of the people who drink from the water fountains are kids,” she said. “I definitely think that [preventing lead poisoning] should be a high priority for the city.” Wang instructed her children not to drink from fountains and to always bring water bottles.

Junior Ariel Hirschhorn, meanwhile, said she would be comfortable drinking from a fountain even if it previously stated above 15 ppb for lead. “Once [city officials] find the issue and figure it out and clean it, I’m sure it will be solved,” she said.

Moving forward, the city will continue to tread carefully. Although secondary to those testing above the actionable limit, any fixture testing above 10 ppb will also eventually be retested and replaced.

“We’re being very aggressive with how we attack this problem,” Morse said. “We are blazing a trail on this and I hope that ultimately, what we’ve done will be a model for communities not only in Massachusetts, but around the country.”

In the future, he said, “because of how progressive and aggressive we’ve been as a community, I think you’re going to see other communities starting to take this quite a bit more seriously.”

Additional reporting by Hope Zhu

page 4|september 9, 2016

News|THELIONsROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

South welcomes newest faculty members The Roar’s Michelle Cheng spoke with some of South’s new teachers before the start of the year

Timothy Jones

Chesley Wendth

history teacher

special education

What is your educational philosophy?

What are you looking forward to at South?

“There’s a lot of variety in the department from what I’ve heard, ... I teach history, and ‘story’ is right in there; I think the story is important, and so are the big ideas.

I want people to be talking to each other and generating their own ideas, and I don’t think any of that is terribly new for Newton South.”

“I’m coming from a place [where] all of [the students] had a learning challenge, but life isn’t like that. ... I’m excited to start working with students who might have some differences ... [and] also within this giant framework of all kinds of different people, because that’s really what life’s going to be more about.”

Katherine Steiger

Amani Allen

library teacher

guidance counselor

What do you enjoy about being a library teacher?

As an alumnus of South, how does it feel to return?

“I love to see what students are interested in when they’re doing research, ... I also love reading … and sharing my love of books with students, and I like collaborating with the teachers. It’s like having a new teaching partner almost every day who comes in with a new class, and it keeps everything interesting.”

“I can draw from my own previous experiences at Newton South. ... Overall, my experience as a student [at South] was a positive one, and my own personal experiences ... will allow me to form those bonds and connections with students that are necessary in order to help them.”

Solar carport project briefly impacts parking PARKING from 1 “I’m totally not against the project at all; I think it’s a great thing for the school,” senior Midori Sangiolo said. “I just think the timing is completely awful.”

Cronin, however, explained that although everyone involved wanted the project to be completed sooner, the timeline was shifted to the fall due to a variety of reasons outside of the school department’s control.

According to Commissioner Public Buildings Josh Morse, the project initially began in the early spring of last year, but was delayed by the state.

“The state passed legislation that changed the laws that governed the solar projects, and part of what they changed was the subsidies that make them economically viable,” he said.

Solar panel projects normally receive subsidies on both state and federal levels, but if the value of the subsidies are reduced, then

the savings that are gained from solar energy will not be as great and the project is deemed not “economically viable.”

“By the time we got the information ... we realized we were going to most likely be working into the start of the school year,” Morse said.

Many juniors and seniors have been voicing their frustrations over Facebook and directly to the school, stating that the timeline of the project should not overlap with the beginning of the school year.

“A lot of people are dependent on cars and it was just a very late notice” Sangiolo said.

“Parking should not be something you have to worry about in the morning. It should just be [that] you go and you park and you’re done.”

The unfortunate timing, however, was not in the control of either school or city officials; the city considered waiting until next year, but selected this year due to both economic and legislative reasons, according to Morse.

“The state has told us that this January they’re going to be redoing the subsidies again and it’s most likely not going to be in our favor, hence the reason we were pushing to try and get this done this year,” he said.

In reality, the new arrangement, as described by Stembridge in his Aug. 19 letter, will not impact the number of parking spaces throughout the installation process. The city has already created over 100 temporary parking spots on Brandeis Road and has painted lines for pre-existing spots to make it easier for students to park, Cronin said.

The project will be completed in three phases: construction workers will take over the front and middle of the teacher lot in phases one and two, and they will work on student lot in phase three.

Although 50 parking spots will be occupied for construction at a time, throughout the process, students will have access to 100 more parking spaces than they previously did.

“I don’t think it’s as big a deal as people

are making it out to be. … It’s a big overreaction at the initial email and that all the facts weren’t put out there,” senior Ruslan Crosby said.

Junior and South Senator Michael Ryter added, “There’s nothing we can do because the funding for the project is distributed by the government. The city has financial incentive to complete the project now, so now they can’t really back down.”

On Sept. 1, Stembridge wrote in an email that he and other school officials request that parents avoid the construction as much as possible by staying away from the breezeway and Wheeler entrance, and even consider dropping students off farther away from the school, close to Oak Hill and Brown middle schools.

According to Superintendent David Fleishman, the project will most likely be completed by early November and parking routines at South will return to normal at that time.

Bring this ad to the Panera Bread in Newton Centre and get a free fountain beverage or drip coffee with your purchase of a sandwich, salad or ‘You Pick Two’. *Offer one per customer

EDITORIALS page 6|September 9, 2016|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

editorials@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 33, ISSUE 2

the CAT’S

MEOW All the news that’s fit to print ... and then some!

Farm club expands The Farm Club has expanded its repertoire by importing livestock to raise on school grounds.

“We have recently purchased seven chickens, two sheep and a pregnant cow,” farmer Vej E. Table said. “We really want to live up to our club’s full potential.”

The eggs and milk from the livestock will be used in the South kitchen, and the sheeps’ wool will be sold during J blocks to raise money to expand the club’s barn.

In the meantime, the animals are housed in senior commons and seem to be thriving, sources said.

Premium rooftop parking Due to the installation of solar panels this fall, Principal Stole Jembridge announced that premium parking spaces will open on the roof.

“We really do feel terrible about the whole parking situation, so we decided it would only be fair to create more spaces than ever before,” Jembridge said.

Construction of the ramp that will lead to the roof is beginning next week. The project will take about two months and the ramp will be removed as soon as the senior lot is reopened.

The response from students and parents has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’m so glad South is finally looking at the bigger picture and doing what’s best for us,” senior Shev Rolay said. “Plus, I’ll be able to get some great roof-view selfies.”

Rooftop parking passes will be sold to students beginning next week, with priority given to those maintaining a GPA of 4.9 or higher.

Back-to-school night grades To encourage discussion, parents will be receiving participation grades during Back-toSchool Night on Sept. 29. These grades, based on the number of questions parents ask, will be worth 30 percent of their students’ first term grades.

This decision comes after a new activist group, calling themselves Parents for Parent Participation (PPP), submitted a proposal to the administration.

“My son is very shy,” PPP president and founder Ay Pluss said. “But I’m not. I firmly believe that my abilities should be reflected on my son’s transcript.”

PPP is currently drafting more proposals, including one that would allow parents to sit in on finals to provide moral support for their children “Everything is riding on this night,” junior Streh Stout said. “I just hope my mom doesn’t screw this year up for me.”

Solar panel project ultimately worth parking inconvenciences

Despite reassurance from Principal Joel Stembridge, the temporary student parking arrangement, due to the installation of solar panel carports, has engendered indignation ever since its Aug. 19 announcement.

Students complain “Why now?” and “Why us?” despite the school’s efforts to make the best of the situation; they seem to have forgotten the original plan to close student permit parking completely.

The new arrangement, a response to community frustration, utilizes every inch of available space to provide nearby parking for students, including permit spots along Brandeis Road.

While these temporary spots may provide solutions to lost parking spaces, the construction project brings other challenges, including noise and traffic concerns, that threaten negative impacts on families transitioning into a new year.

This said, the South community

must acknowledge that the shortterm inconveniences are worth South’s long-term sustainability.

The combination of students adjusting to new street spots and already narrow roads surrounding South will mean massive backups that force many students to walk at least a portion of their commute.

While some may blame construc-

save South a significant amount of money in the long run: according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, more than 400 schools that installed solar panels saved at least $1 million over 30 years. This means that the school can direct more money towards bettering students’ educations.

One of Newton’s best traits is

One amazing characteristic of Newton is its willingness to progress, as demonstrated by this move towards solar energy. tion for a few extra tardies, however, the majority of students should have no problem temporarily adjusting their routines by a few minutes.

Most importantly, the project is set to finish before snow and cold weather become a concern.

The are many benefits of a partially solar-energized school. In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, the project will

its willingness to progress. As aggravating as it may be to have the first few months of school interrupted, students should wholeheartedly support the project as this community sets an example for others.

Overall, though the logistical aspects of the solar panel project could have been better communicated to the South community, the project is worth the disturbance.

JOIN THE R AR Come to a meeting any Monday J Block in Room 1201 to see what the Roar has to offer:

Photos

Writing

Improve your tech- Conduct interviews, report on compelnique by shooting at sports games, ling topics or write about your own school events and opinions. staged photos.

Graphics Draw, paint or use digital techniques to create pieces that accompany printed articles.

Message the-Lion’s Roar on Facebook or email srstaff@thelionsroar.com for more information check out issuu.com/thelionsroar.

Editorial Policy

The Lion’s Roar, founded in 1984, is the student newspaper of Newton South High School, acting as a public forum for student views and attitudes.

The Lion’s Roar’s right to freedom of expression is protected by the Massachusetts Student Free Expression Law (Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch.

71, Section 82). All content decisions are made by student editors, and the content of The Lion’s Roar in no way reflects the official policy of Newton South, its faculty or its administration. Editorials are the official opinion of The Lion’s Roar, while opinions and letters are the personal viewpoints of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Lion’s Roar. The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submitted content, to reject advertising copy for resubmission of new copy that is deemed acceptable by student editors and to make decisions regarding the submission of letters to the editors, which are welcomed.

The Lion’s Roar is printed by Seacoast Newspapers and published every four weeks by Newton South students. All funding comes from advertisers and subscriptions.

In-school distribution of The Lion’s Roar is free, but each copy of the paper shall cost one dollar for each copy more than ten (10) that is taken by any individual or by many individuals on behalf of a single individual. Violation of this policy shall constitute theft.

September 9, 2016|page 7

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|DESK

Personal pride means more than EDITOR’S external recognition DESK from the

Andrea Lirio Managing Editor

This summer, I spent about a week with 50 other Free Spirit Journalism Scholars. During that time, we explored Washington D.C., attended conferences led by professionals and bonded over allyou-can-eat meals.

Created in honor of Al Neuharth, the founder of USA TODAY, and partnered with the Newseum, the Free Spirit conference was created to unite the country's best young journalists (one from every state and the District of Columbia) and educate them about pursuing careers in journalism. In those five days, I had the opportunity to meet a high school journalist representing each state and the District of Columbia.

At first, I wanted to write my required reflection about how the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference was completely life-changing and revamped my view of the world, but if I’m being honest, it didn’t.

I left feeling like the same young high school journalist that I was when I arrived. The one thing that stood out to me during the trip, however, was the pride and confidence that every scholar had when presenting their own publication.

A normal introduction with a Free

Spirit Scholar would go a little something like this: “Hi. My name is ____. I am from ____ and I’m the Editor-in-Chief of my publication, ____."

No matter who you asked, he or she had the same introduction. For some reason, the Editors-in-Chief (from whichever state or district) thought that it was important for us to know what position they held. Whenever the Editors-in-Chief asked a question during the conference, they would always introduce themselves

publications. They thought that their content was groundbreaking and publications superior. Why was that?

They were just other high school publications, after all, and anything they published would have no effect on me.

I reflected on my own publication, The Lion’s Roar, and why we believe ours is any different. We are a small, print publication in Newton, Massachusetts. We produce our paper for 1,800 students, 150 teachers and a handful of subscribers. None of the 50 scholars knew where Newton was or

What was the point in investing so much time in a publication that didn't impact people outside of our small community? the same way, as if they were expecting people to be impressed with their huge accomplishment.

For me, however, their position meant nothing. They were from a small town and a small school that I had never heard of before. Why were they under the impression that they were special when there were 49 other Editors-in-Chief who were exactly the same?

At one point, I spent time looking around the room and observing. The Editors-in-Chief were so proud of their

what The Roar was.

So, why did I hold this much pride in a publication that held no importance to people outside of our small town? What was the point in investing so much time in a publication that didn’t impact people outside of our small community?

Why is my position any different?

What drives us to continue producing papers? Why is The Roar special? Being Senior Staff of The Roar, I was obviously different from all of the other scholars. I don't hold the same “Editor-in-Chief ” title

that they do, but I harbor the same pride. I am proud of the work we produce.

When holding a position, it’s our responsibility to teach newbies, but it doesn’t mean we stop learning. We continue to produce papers almost every month because we are interested in improving our own skill sets. Every issue brings its own surprises and requires hard work.

We work hard to create and edit what we print in the paper and that is why The Roar holds a great importance in my own life. I am proud of The Roar as a publication because I know how hard all of the staff works to create something that is above our own expectations.

Although The Roar does not hold a significant importance for any of the other 50 scholars, the hard work is what makes the job meaningful.

I am grateful for the chance to go to the Free Spirit Conference and be one of the 51 scholars. While I can’t say it was completely life changing, it gave me the opportunity to befriend people from other states with different experiences, meet professionals and reflect on my own dedication to a small school publication.

So, I’m not saying Free Spirit meant nothing to me, because I learned something that the sessions didn’t necessarily teach: With good work comes pride. With pride comes good work.

Volume XXXIII The Lion’s Roar Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper 140 Brandeis Road Newton, MA 02459 srstaff@thelionsroar.com

Editor-in-Chief Mona Baloch

Managing Editors Andrea Lirio

Carina Ramos

Noah Shelton

Editors Features

Celine Yung

Centerfold Emily Belt Sophie Lu

Opinions

Copy Editor Aidan Bassett

Cassandra Luca Clare Martin

News

Sports

Michelle Cheng Jake Rong Kimia Tabatabaei Rachel Gu

Catherine Granfield Cam Miller Thomas Patti

Business Managers Distribution Manager Nikolas Lazar Timmy Leong

Suzie Na

Graphics Managers

Faculty Advisers

Karina Aguilar Josh Finkel Eunice Kim

Ashley Elpern Ryan Normandin

Webmaster Katie Collins

Photo Managers Bailey Kroner Kiana Lee

OPINIONS page 8|september 9, 2016|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

Opinions@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 33, ISSUE 2

perspectives: 1s1q: who holds power in america's democracy ? photo illustration by Bailey Kroner

POLICE

GROUPS RISA GELLES-WATNICK

F

or some, the upcoming election highlights the unchallenged authority of elected officials; for others, it serves as a reminder that our political process grants every individual a voice in democracy. The book “All American Boys”

by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds attempts to answer the question that the election raises: Who holds power in America’s democracy?

“All American Boys” explores the power of organized protest through an instance of police brutality from the perspectives of a black victim and a white bystander. Rashad, the black teen cuffed and beaten for a crime he did not commit, struggles through his recovery from a hospital bed while Quinn, the white teen who watched the scene unfold, faces the tension that threatens to divide his town, eventually splitting the boys’ school along roughly racial lines. Some insist that the arrest adds to the long string of cases in which police officers wielded excessive force due to racial bias, while others assert innocence of a police officer who had to make a tough call.

Initially, it seems that all the power lies with the traditional authorities: the police and the government. Rashad is powerless against the police officer who pummels him mercilessly. Quinn, too, feels helpless to intervene as he watches the police officer grapple with Rashad, reflecting that he “knew enough to know that you stayed out of police business, ... so [he] just stood there, sorta frozen.” In the aftermath of the violent arrest, both boys feel overwhelmed in the face of their local government as it sides with the officer.

At first, it makes sense that the people with badges and guns have the power and that the lawmakers ensure the police keep this power. As Quinn and Rashad’s story unfolds, however, it becomes clear that the situation is far more nuanced than a single dominant power.

Once Rashad’s brother helps release a video of the incident, indignation spreads across social media over the violence of Rashad’s arrest, spawning a movement to protest both the police officer’s treatment of Rashad and similar cases of police brutality in black arrests across the country. As more people join the cause, the story broadcasted on TV increasingly sympathizes with the victim. While watching the footage of the arrest, one reporter comments that “‘the officer already has the young man subdued. He doesn’t seem to be resisting, but is still slammed to the ground where the officer proceeds with what looks to be unnecessary force.’”

The number of individuals supporting Rashad creates a favorable bias toward him in how the story is told. Evidence of the community’s transformation appears in the form of graffiti that Rashad’s friend sprays throughout town; no one can ignore the message that reads “Rashad is absent again today.”

Although on the surface this story appears to be one of police dominance, a deeper analysis reveals a clear message: Individuals en masse hold the real power in our democracy. Through the efforts of students like Quinn, Rashad’s story circulates, and more people rally around the injustice of Rashad’s arrest and of other instances of racially-charged police brutality. Eventually, the community’s support culminates in a demonstration at the end of the book. Outside the police department, protesters list the names of all black victims of police violence in previous years.

While “All American Boys” presents a story shaped by local government and the police, the power belongs to the group of individuals, who, motivated by Rashad’s arrest, advocate for an end to police brutality. By showcasing an example of people fighting for change, the authors suggest that groups of people supporting a cause hold the true power in our democracy.

A deeper analysis reveals [that] [i]ndividuals en masse hold the real power in our democracy.

NOA SADE

I

n the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers declared that “all men are created equal.” But America — once home to decades of slavery, African-American incarceration and the Jim Crow South — is not, even today, a nation in which all citizens enjoy equal power. White men, especially those in positions of authority, hold the most power in America’s democracy, according to the novel “All American Boys.”

“All American Boys” focuses on two teenage boys: Rashad, a black victim wrongly beaten by a white police officer, and Quinn, a white witness to the incident. Quinn, who had previously thought of the officer as a father figure, is angered by the racist act and joins the movement supporting Rashad.

The officer’s ability to retain support for his innocence despite video proof of his guilt suggests that white men, particularly in law enforcement, hold the real power in our society.

The officer committed a crime, yet many insist he did the right thing simply because of his race and badge.

People assumed Rashad was guilty because of his skin color and casual clothing. In an interview in the novel, a cab driver admits, “‘if [Rashad] was trying to hail me down and it was dark outside, I would keep on going.’” When asked why, and whether it had to do with the boy’s looks, the man replies “‘I don’t ever want to be robbed again. And he looks like the guy who robbed me. He was dressed like him’.”

While masking his racism with fear, the cab driver admits to judging Rashad based on his appearance. After hearing this, Rashad asks himself, “What exactly does a kid who ‘looks like me’ look like?”

Rashad dresses just like every other student at his school, yet the driver claims he would not stop for Rashad due to his appearance, suggesting his race is the

deciding factor.

After witnessing Rashad’s beating, Quinn recognizes his white privilege. He thinks, “If I wanted to, I could walk away and not think about Rashad. ... I could be all across the country in California and I’d still be white, cops and everyone else would still see me as just a ‘regular kid,’ an ‘all-American’ boy. ‘Regular.’ ‘All-American.’ White.” Because of his race, Quinn does not fear being wrongly accused and attacked.

When deciding to march for Rashad, Quinn explains his reason for participating: “Racism was alive and real as sh*t.

It was everywhere and all mixed up in everything, and the only people who said it wasn’t, and the only people who said, ‘Don’t talk about it’ were white. Well, stop lying. That’s what I wanted to tell those people. Stop lying. Stop denying. That’s why I was marching. Nothing was going to change unless we did something about it. We! White people!” Quinn realizes that white people who do not experience racism can easily remain blind to the racism in American society.

Rashad’s beating raises awareness about racism and police brutality in his community and beyond. Videos of his helplessness go viral. Scarily enough, Rashad’s experience is similar to those of many real people. The Aug. 9, 2014 shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo. galvanized the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Since his death, numerous organizations have called attention to otherwise unnoticed victims of police brutality through — sometimes violent — protest, with little success.

The United States is a place where our founding principles are not upheld, a place where a white man is worth more than a black man and a place that needs to change before we can honestly say that “all men are created equal.”

White men, particularly in law enforcement, hold the real power in our society.

september 9, 2016|page 9

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|opinions

I

No Fly, No Buy Opposing the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act

F

]

ollowing every mass shooting in the United States, some people criticize Congress for not passing stricter gun control bills. After the Orlando shooting, senators from both parties released different versions of legislation that would, they thought, strengthen background checks and prevent potential terrorists from purchasing firearms.

The Senate rejected all four bills, but all eyes soon turned to Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who drafted a fifth bill, the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 2016. This time, the Senate proposed a bipartisan plan that would bar all those on the Terrorist Screening Center’s (TSC) no-fly list and selectee list from purchasing firearms. The no-fly list bans known or suspected terrorists from traveling inside or to the United States on commerical aircraft, while the selectee list identifies those who must undergo more thorough preflight screening.

Such a bill would be both unconstitutional and ineffective in keeping guns away from terrorists.

There is no evidence that such a bill would have prevented any of the previous shootings or would prevent any future attacks.

For example, neither of the two San Bernardino killers were on either list, and the Orlando shooter was placed on the no-fly list for only a brief

Selectee list (28,000) No-fly list (81,000) Terrorist watch list (800,000)

yes

time before being ruled as “not a threat” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

While the DHS’s watch list database has often proven ineffective in detecting threats to the American citizen’s security, it has been effective in incorrectly placing ordinary, law-abiding and non-threatening American citizens on these lists. Examples include Sen. Ted Kennedy, 8-year-old cub scout Mikey Hicks and disabled U.S. Marine Lyman Latin.

In a 2007 audit report, the Office of the Inspector General reviewed samples from the TSC watch lists and concluded, “the TSC needs to further improve its efforts for ensuring the accuracy of the watchlist records. ... We examined 105 records subject to the routine quality assurance review and found that 38 percent of the records we tested continued to contain errors or inconsistencies that were not identified through the TSC’s quality assurance efforts.”

Although the bill may sound as though it prevents all terrorists from purchasing harmful weapons, this is untrue.

Inaccuracy within the watch list records could have serious consequences should a terrorist identity be omitted from the list or an inoccent American be misidentified as a potential terrorist.

If passed, the bill could permanantly inflict collateral damage on the liberty of the American people.

The TSC’s watch lists do not accurately distinguish terrorists from law-abiding Americans. Although the government has the right to compile as many databases and lists as it pleases, it has no right to use those lists as a framework for choosing which Americans deserve their constitutional rights.

Sen. Collins’s bill undermines two major constitutional amendments in the Bill of Rights. The first is the right to bear arms, or the Second Amendment. The more consequential of the two, however, is the Fifth Amendment, which states “[N]or shall [any citizen] be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The Fifth Amendment gives Americans the right to defend themselves in a court of

law before the government decides to take their rights away.

The proposed bill would not only harm people on the watch lists, but also all other Americans. By proposing a bill that bans anyone on the no-fly and selectee lists from purchasing guns, the government is directly taking away our constitutional rights on the basis of lists whose criteria are largely unknown and to which anyone can be arbitrarily added without due process.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), whose mission is “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States,” opposes using watch lists as the basis for regulation of firearms.

ACLU members took initiative by directly writing to several congressmen and congresswomen about their concerns.

They described to Sen. Collins how her bill undermines the Fifth Amendment, insisting “it is imperative that the watchlisting system include due process safeguards — which it does not. In the context of the No Fly List, the government refuses to provide even Americans who know they are on the list with the full reasons for the placement, the basis for those reasons, and a hearing before a neutral decision-maker. These are fundamentals of constitutionally-required due process.”

The bill does say that people who have had their gun rights stripped away because of this legislation would indeed have the chance to restore them if they prove that they are not a threat to society. This bill lays the burden of proof on the accused, explicitly contradicting the American criminal justice system’s principle that one is innocent until proven guilty.

Americans should not take the privileges at stake for granted; we cannot turn our backs on the true intent of the Constitution, allowing our lawmakers to water down our rights. All Americans who believe in the principles of the Constitution should unite beyond party lines to fight for the cause of liberty and oppose the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 2016, as well as any other bill that threatens our unalienable right to freedom.

71 percent of Americans believe that banning gun sales to people on the no-fly list would be very or somewhat effective in the campaign against terrorism

[

Numbers and public opinion

Watch lists

graphic by Rachel Honigsberg

By Ilan Rotberg

Distribution of individuals on the Terrorist Screening Database

infographic by Clare Martin sources of information: The Washington Times, CNN, Gallup

page 10|september 9, 2016

Opinions|THELIONROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

Humane Criminal Justice is Attainable by mitch gamburg The U.S. justice system is built on crutches; its greatest fault is the prison system. Be it for drug penalties, racial inequality, overcrowding, privatization or inhumane treatment, all angles of the political spectrum have criticized this institution. But at the heart of U.S. prisons is an even colder truth that begins with the word justice. Our judicial system is constructed around the societal idea of justice. The way the U.S. government and citizens define justice determines the actions of our judges, police and prisons.

Our concept of justice involves retribution and punishment.

Incarceration is meant to restore order. For without punishing crimes, they will continue to occur with no reason to stop. It is immoral to let a criminals walk free.

And so, criminals are stripped of more than just their freedom: sentences are long and conditions are harsh. Prisoners are alienated from the outside world

and often experience violence inside prison.

Supposedly, this brutality is necessary to serve ‘justice’ and to prevent violence and crime in the future. It’s been a huge success. Or perhaps, an utter failure.

The recidivism rate in the United States is absurd and difficult to grasp. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 76.6 percent of prisoners were rearrested within five years of their release. Our prison system is doing the opposite of preventing crime and restoring order: it is perpetuating the problem.

How could this be possible? The ‘justice’ that underlies our courts and prisons is broken. When the purpose of our prisons is to punish and to make the lives of our prisoners miserable, we do not rid them of old habits.

When we dehumanize them and strip them of their lives and dignity, these people struggle to survive and reintegrate to the real world. Some prisoners locked

One in 100 Americans are incarcerated, a rate nine to 10 times higher than in European countries

up for drug charges go back to prison a few years later for worse crimes. It’s because the punishment they endured has estranged them from humanity. Some may even commit crimes just to go back to the only community that they know: the broken prison system. Our ‘justice’ perpetuates crime and suffering.

We have to redefine justice to stop this ineffective mistreatment of prisoners that counters to the prison system as a whole. Fortunately, we can look to another country that has already done so, rehabilitating prisoners to make them functioning members of society once their prison sentence is finished.

Norway approaches justice differently. Rather than using prison as a place to punish criminals, the nation focuses on ‘restorative justice.’ The only punishment Norwegian prisoners really face is the loss of freedom — beyond that, their prison facilities are almost comfortable.

There are no tiny cells. Prisoners

The United States is responsible for 25 percent of world’s imprisoned population

are not forced to endure daily suffering.

Instead, these prisons are like the outside world. There are proper beds, clothes and food. Friendship between inmates and with guards is normal.

What makes Norway’s system even more unique is its solution to the ‘crime problem.’ Prison facilities contain outlets for creativity along with vocational training to prepare prisoners to rejoin their communities ready to work upon their release.

As former prisoner and clinical psychologist Arne Wilson said, “If we treat people like animals when they are in prison they are likely to behave like animals. Here we pay attention to you as human beings.” As a result, the recidivism rate in Norway is miniscule and crime overall is a speck compared to that of the United States.

Before we start fixing the justice system, let’s make sure we fix our definition of ‘justice.’

In federal prisons, hourly wages range from $0.12 for sweeping floors to $1.15 for factory work infographic by Cassandra Luca sources of information: Government Accountability Office, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Brennan Center for Justice

Athletic Doping is More than a Surface Issue By sally nelson an example in the athletic community regarding doping. After considering a total ban on all Russian athletes, the committee decided to instead issue a partial ban.

Despite the importance of communicating an absolute intolerance for any sort of doping, this decision hit many Russian athletes hard.

one. There are two definitive sides to this story, one which sees the Russian government’s use of doping as a shocking attack on the integrity of athletics, and another that sees the ban of Russian athletes from the Olympic games as a shocking attack on the integrity of Russian athletes.

I respect the Committee’s decision to forbid athletes from competing on a

eC in

m as yJ cb

hi ap

gr n ha

118 of 389 Russian athletes were banned from participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics due to a long-term state-sponsored doping program revealed during the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Russian government employees had tampered with the urine samples of the athletes, giving all competitors clean tests — even those who had doped. This was revealed when whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova, an employee of Russia’s anti-doping system from 2008-2011, spoke out about the institutionalized doping system in Russia.

The contamination of urine samples obviously posed a huge issue for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), raising questions about the reliability of Russia’s anti-doping system.

The IOC and WADA are international groups who oversee each nation’s anti-doping efforts and athletic systems.

When a nation’s anti-doping system becomes unreliable, the IOC and WADA have to step in and make a change.

The IOC has always been extremely strict with all individuals found using steroids, even nullifying their past medals and issuing bans on the athletes. Similarly, they have used this situation to set

Many felt as though the decision was erosive to Russian athletics, also punishing those who are uninvolved in the scandal; although the IOC board only approved completely clean athletes, there is a new stigma surrounding Russian athletes, and many find it difficult to compete in a hostile climate where many athletes view Russians as cheaters.

I understand the intent of the IOC: to demonstrate an intolerance for doping on any level, especially a governmental

case-bycase basis.

This was an important precedent to set, as the Committee was considering issuing a blanket ban on all Russian athletes. Each competitor’s case was examined by the IOC individually.

Most sports still had many athletes competing, except for track and field, for which only one athlete was approved to compete. This choice allows the many

clean, hard working Russian athletes who have been training for years to compete in the Olympic Games. The IOC has received some criticism for being too soft on doping; many wanted a total ban on all Russian athletes. I believe that it is important to include Russia in these games as much as possible to maintain an open world conversation and community.

Russia has abstained from various Olympic games in the past, so keeping these games open to Russians is so important to maintaining strong cultural ties between our countries.

It is also unknown whether this ban will encourage Russia to eliminate their doping system.

Vladimir Putin responded to the bans with anger and resentment, but also a strong determination to reform the system. It is a big move by the IOC, as no other country has ever had such a massive ban on athletes as a result of doping. I do not know if Putin will follow through, but I do think that this public embarrassment will spark enough national anger to force change in Russia.

Overall, the IOC’s decision may have been somewhat harsh, but it is perhaps just enough to force change in Russia and set a strong precedent against doping.

campus chatter september 9, 2016|page 11

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|opinions

UPGRADE

9 September early release Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys on The Voice NFL opener Celebrity feuds Simone Biles and Zac Efron meet Frank Ocean finally releases a new album MLB playoff races Justin Bieber deletes his Insta

9

DOWNGRADE

The Lion’s Roar asked...

Which class are you most looking forward to taking this year? “[I’m most excited for Ukulele] because I don’t play an instrument and I want to get into more of the arts.”

- Brandon Lee, Class of 2019 “I’m excited to take Psych because I’m excited to learn about how the brain works ” - Ben Fisher, Class of 2017 “[I’m most excited for APUSH] cause I like history and I think it’ll be interesting to study.”

- Adi Volosov, Class of 2018 “My culinary course at North … it’s something new that most kids don’t get to experience”

- Courtney Pappas, Class of 2017 photos by Kiana Lee

Fall Fashion Review by sam armstrong

Lochtegate Senior parking on Brandeis Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston Trying to find the second floor of the 9000s Fewer single teachers Losing all your pencils on the first day Climbing to the third floor

The Staples line wraps all the way around the store, parents seem suspiciously happier and Instagram has become a shrine to autumn leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. Yes, summer in Newton has officially come to an end.

Now, if you’re like me, you’ve most likely spent the last week of your summer vacation scrambling to get through your required summer reading or looking for movie adaptations of the books, leaving little time to think about what you’re going to wear this September. And while I can do little about your untouched copy of “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” hopefully I can update you on the latest in fall fashion and where to find it.

Perhaps the most popular trend this fall is the continued rise of “athleisure,” which, put simply, is athletic clothing worn without the intention of doing anything remotely athletic.

Up until now, this trend has largely been embodied by the original black Lululemon legging. Recently, cropped versions of the classic design have grown increasingly popular in warmer months.

These leggings, available in a variety of patterns, tend to hit about midway down the calf. Breathe easy, for they are still available at Lululemon. If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, however, I recommend Calvin Klein. The brand not only offers trendy, quality,

Lululemon, Free People, Urban Outfitters

leggings for as little as $40, but also stocks an entire athleisure collection to complete your look.

On the opposite end of the style spectrum, the bohemian look emerged as another popular trend. From kimonos to maxi skirts, to wallet-stretching pairs of ripped — or as Urban Outfitters calls them —“vintage” overalls, this year is all about the free-spirited.

The most notable trend, however, is the choker, a necklace that fits tightly around the neck. Yes, whether you like it or not, the ‘90s made a comeback. Although the original stretch “tattoo” designs are certainly still out there for the true ‘90s fanatics, if you are searching for a

more up-to-date bohemian take, check out Free People. In addition to offering a diverse collection of styles, their chokers are available at any price point, ranging from $20 to $900. But please, let’s end the ‘90s thing here — the world is facing enough senseless pain and violence as it is; the last thing we need to do is resurrect the Snap-Bracelet.

Of course, these are only a few of the many trends this fall has in store. Amidst all the everchanging fashion do’s and don’ts, it’s important to remember that trends are suggestions, not rules. At the end of the day, style is about wearing what makes you feel your best (so long as it doesn’t involve any man buns).

BuzzFeed

https://www.buzzfeed.com

BUzzFeeD News

Videos

Quizzes

Tasty

DIY

More

Get Our App!

Quantity Over Quality

With new media platforms on the rise, journalistic standards continue to fall* Continued from page 1

JOURNALISTIC GOALS With this new demand for online reporting, some said the accuracy and integrity of content has suffered.

John Oliver explained this phenomenon in the Aug. 7 episode of his TV show, “Last Week Tonight,” a nontraditional, comedic news source in its own right.

“It is clearly smart for newspapers to expand online, but the danger in doing that is the temptation to gravitate towards whatever gets the most clicks,” Oliver said.

Weesie Vieira, the Editorial Communications Director at BuzzFeed, explained how they focus on getting more “clicks” than their competitors.

“In everything that BuzzFeed creates, we always do it with ‘Would someone share this?’ in mind, as opposed to ‘Would someone read this?’” she said. “[We] want to entertain [our readers] and relate to them.”

According to Whiting, journalistic competition compromises not only news topics, but also the quality and accuracy of the content.

“The downside [is] you can get misinformation because different sources are competing to get news out faster,” Whiting said.

Senior Abby Lass, who is the co-editor in chief of Denebola, added that this problem persists beyond online sources.

“Even before the internet, the fact that we have 24-hour news cycles ... creates such a dangerous thing because that’s a lot of time to fill up,” she said.

Johnston also acknowledged the lower standards of reporting in newer publications.

“You don’t have the professionalism that exists in some of the [newspapers] in terms of — it might not have reporters, it might have less reporters or on [newspapers] you have actual people [quoted],” he said.

CLICKBAIT With this competition complex in place, reporters use negative buzzwords to attract readers, according to Lass.

“The words that people use, like everything with ISIS — if you can throw terrorism into an article, immediately the media will jump on it,” Lass said. “Anything with a celebrity they will jump on [too], unfortunately.”

Medical Daily’s 2003 study on word association confirmed Lass’s observation. It “showed that people respond quicker to negative words, such as ‘cancer,’ ‘bomb,’ and ‘war,’ than they would more positive words, such as ‘smile’ and ‘fun.’”

“Headlines are everything. Literally everything. In today’s media, if you don’t have a catchy headline, no one will even bother to read your article,” Speyer said. “[Reporters] appeal to emotions in the headline — spark something inside of [readers]. Anger, happiness, disgust.”

Moffitt added that clickbait is often used to lure in readers.

“Clickbait refers to the title of an article or web page containing words that bait someone into clicking the article, only to deliver content that is different than what was promised," Moffitt said. “Clickbait becomes a problem is when it does not fulfill the expectations that the title set,” Junior Aidan Fitzmaurice said that he is easily drawn to catchy headlines.

“I do fall to that clickbait ... if it’s a title that interests me or catches my attention in some way,” he said.

“The title will usually draw me in if it is a present issue.

Students are probably generally interested in sports news [or] something stupid Trump has done,” sophomore Yarden Levy agreed. “I think it is because these topics are entertaining and don’t involve a lot of thought.”

While word choice in a headline impacts an article's readership, word choice throughout the piece can affect its larger meaning, according to Eli Cohn, a conference manager with CAMERA, an organization that fact-checks news articles.

“If you use a word with more negative connotation over a word with a positive connotation which means the same thing ... it means something colloquially different. It can shift the entire mood and purpose of the article," he said. "In media, it’s important to strive to use the least objective words possible and be careful in word choice because it can change the meaning in an article a lot.”

skewed view.”

Fitzmaurice said he has experienced this firsthand. “[In the BBC], there was some headline ... like ‘Two Palestinians Shot in Israel,’ but if you actually read the article, you find out that [the Palestinians] were trying to stab someone,” Fitzmaurice said. “So there are some instances where you realize that [the BBC] isn’t as unbiased as you thought it would be.”

History teacher Kyle Stark said that bias may be unavoidable.

“Any type of longer, in-depth news writing will undoubtedly carry some bias from the author,” he said. “Interestingly enough, history teachers and news writers are similar in that both engage in some form of manipulation of information when presenting a story. We include what we want to include.”

STAYING INFORMED

BIASES AND INACCURACIES

Many said the evolution of modern journalism is troubling, especially in an age where correct information is so vital.

According to Moffit, even with access to a variety of sources, “Being well-informed means you’re not being misinformed,” readers still experience issues with subjective reporting online, Whiting said. on television and in print, specifically with suggestions of stories Beyond general knowledge, an understanding of current tailored to a reader's views. events inspires appreciation for opposing viewpoints, Levy added.

“People need to actively search for other perspectives Stark agreed. “Whether it’s to earn better history grades, a because Facebook has shown that even in online communities, desire to engage more with the wider world ... or simply to not bias can still exist,” he said. look foolish in social settings, students should find their own Cohn agreed that with the rise of the internet, bias is reasons for staying informed.” becoming more prevalent as easy access to information allows Emerson journalism professor Janet Kolodzy offered advice. people to choose content that aligns solely with their views.

“Anybody and everybody can commit a random act of “I think some of the dangers [of bias in the news] are that journalism,” she said. “What I think separates the amateurs from the news tells people exactly what happened in the world, and the professionals is consistency and discipline. That means being people are relying on it to provide objectivity,” Cohn said.“When able to provide context and background and, quite honestly, to they aren’t providing objectivity, all these people will have a hold off until you’ve checked to make sure it is true.” *The Roar does not target any company from which graphics are drawn. Graphics are for illustration purposes only.

page 14|September 9, 2016

centerfold|THELIONsROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

How Informed Are We? The Roar tested 104 students on their knowledge of current events and pop culture

Test Your Knowledge!

Current Events: Who are the Democratic and Republican vice presidential nominees for 2016 presidential election?

33.6 percent answered correctly What state had a historically large flood that killed at least 11 people in August of 2016?

Students scored an average of

Students scored an average of

Students scored an average of

58.7 57.5 56.3 percent percent percent on both sections combined

on the news section

on the popular culture section

61.5 percent answered correctly What historical vote occured on June 23, 2016?

69 percent

67.3 percent answered correctly

of Millennials read the news at least once a day*

Which state reported the first case of Zika virus?

60.6 percent answered correctly

*source of information: American Press Institute

Popular Culture: Which celebrity recently made his instagram private in response to fans commenting about his alleged girlfriend?

Most Popular News Sources Among South Community

49.0 percent answered correctly

80 70

Which two singers have an ongoing feud regarding a song lyric?

Print Newspapers

60.6 percent answered correctly

Non-traditional Sources Other

Who is playing the female lead in the upcoming Spiderman movie?

Social Media Online News Sources

29.1 percent answered correctly

number of people

Television

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

What is the name of the gorilla killed at the Cincinnati Zoo this summer?

84.6 percent answered correctly

Answers:

1. Tim Kaine (D) and Mike Pence (R) 2. Louisiana 3. UK to leave EU (Brexit) 4. Florida 5. Justin Bieber 6. Taylor Swift and Kanye West 7. Zendaya 8. Harambe

FEATURES page 21|September 9, 2016|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

FEATURES@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 33, ISSUE 2

THE

COMMON APPLICATION

The Roar follows four seniors with different interests as they navigate the college application process and will reveal their identities and college plans as they make their decisions

By Celine Yung

N

ate* wants to apply to schools that specialize in biomedical engineering. So far, he is planning on applying to Cornell University, Worcestor Polytechnic Institute, Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With the exception of Cornell, Nate is interested in attending a school in Massachusetts. He is looking for schools with good biomedical engineering programs, which are generally difficult to find in Massachusetts.

“The problems with some of the instate colleges is that they don’t specialize in biomedical engineering like I’d like them to,” he said. “Other colleges are kind of reach schools. Like MIT, for example, they have a really good biomedical engineering program.”

Nate likely wants to pursue biomedical engineering in college because it combines his interests in design and the human body.

Another goal of Nate’s is to try to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, so he is looking for a school with a good swim program.

Nate said the college application process requires more than just merit; it requires luck. He noted how quickly his time at South has passed.

“You never know how quickly time passes until you’re already in senior year and all of a sudden college applications are here.”

E

leanor* is interested in pursuing medicine in college, but she wants to attend a college where she can experiment with a wide variety of courses before deciding on a major.

“For medicine, I’m thinking that I’d try out some biomedical rehabilitation sciences,” she said. “But I do want to try out a few different things. I don’t want to not be able to put myself back on track to graduate if I take an art class.”

In Eleanor’s family, going into medicine is a part of a four-generation family tradition.

“Steps after college would be to go to med school, and that would be what matters more to me in terms of becoming a doctor,” she said. “I feel like so long as I am able to go to a good school, I will be able to take proper pre-med classes and fulfill pre-med requirements.”

Eleanor is looking for a college with an urban campus and a large student population. She is interested in staying in Massachusetts and has explored Boston University as well as the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is also planning to look at schools in New York.

During her tour of UMass Amherst, her student guide mentioned the school’s honors college, which is something that she would love to attend if she does end up in UMass Amherst.

Eleanor said she knows senior year will be difficult. “Stress out now, and it’ll pay off later,” she said.

R

ufus* is looking to apply to schools with a diverse body of students and faculty who will challenge him both in and outside the classroom. His top four schools are Bates University, Colby College, Wesleyan University, and Syracuse University.

So far, he has talked to a few admissions officers and soccer coaches.

With the exception of Syracuse, Rufus has toured all of his top schools, and got similar impressions of each.

“All of the schools are … all very in touch with nature — not to sound all hippie-like — but they’re about environment and they’re proud of the fact that they’re kind of in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “They’re looking for diversity. …

They’re trying to get new ideas and new thoughts flowing.”

Rufus said that the competitiveness of the application process may lead to conflict with his peers.

“I’m not looking forward to the competition between my peers at all,” he said. “The social impact of what college you go to or what colleges you got into — I’m not looking forward to that the slightest bit.”

Rufus said he hopes to combat his college-induced stress by staying active.

“As much as the college process sucks, I think the payoff once you get it all done is very rewarding — like you’re working towards a goal that you can actually see dividends for.”

G

graphics by Celine Yung

eorgina* is planning to apply to a variety of women’s and alternative colleges. Her top choices are Barnard College, Smith College, and Minerva University.

Over the summer, a program at a women’s college convinced her that women’s colleges would provide the environment she seeks in a college.

Georgina’s top women’s college is Smith.

“Smith would honestly be my dream school if it wasn’t in the middle of nowhere,” she said. “It’s a campus of women who are into activism and social justice …

You can walk around and you’ll see ‘Black Lives Matter’ painted in shiny, sparkly gold on random walls.”

Alternative schools like Minerva appeal to Georgina by providing a distinct change of pace from high school. Minerva’s application process is unique as it requires students to complete a series of mental challenges ranging from creative analysis to logical reasoning.

“They want to see what you’re like in their classroom — not what you write about yourself — which I think makes a lot more sense,” she said.

Georgina is optimistic for senior year.

“Two weeks from now, when I’ve hopefully written three essays, the story might change, but right now I’m great.” *Names changed to protect students’ identities

page 16|september 9, 2016

Features|THELIONsROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

Broad Horizons Students reflect on their summer experiences around the globe

photos courtesy of Emily Goetzler

Rio, brazil

BY EMILY GOETZLER “Don’t get Zika!” and “Why would you go to that backwards country?” were just some responses I got when I first told people that I was going to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

For me, these concerns were already ingrained in my mind as a result of constant media coverage highlighting the Brazilian government’s inability to pull off such an event. In fact, there were many moments leading up to our trip where I, myself, questioned my decision to attend the Games.

For my family, though, the trip was more than just a vacation. In March, my cousin Eli Dershwitz became the youngest sabre fencer to qualify for these Olympic Games after winning his first Grand Prix.

Despite others’ concern, I wanted to go to Rio to support my cousin.

When we arrived in Rio, I was blown away by the inaccuracy of my media-influenced preconceptions. Considering it was the middle of winter in Rio, there was not a single mosquito in sight. State-ofthe-art stadiums stood in the Olympic Park while nightlife boomed along the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The media depicted Brazil as a dying, third world country, when in reality, it had so much to offer.

While I do admit that organizational issues

made traveling around the city difficult, the overall portrayal of the games was completely wrong.

Amidst such realizations, I was exposed to so many cultures. We could walk into the Olympic Park and see people from all different countries trying to communicate. In less than two weeks, I met people from more countries than I have ever met in my entire life.

One game in particular, the men’s semifinal soccer game between Brazil and Honduras, was especially fascinating. My family and I stood in the scorching heat, deafening cheers ringing through our ears, as the entire Maracanã rejoiced over Brazil’s 6-0 victory. The Brazilian pride was truly moving.

While I’m not sure of the economic impacts the Olympics will have on Brazil, one thing is certain: the Brazilians pulled off the Olympic Games despite initial doubts. The most incredible part of my entire Olympic experience was seeing so many countries join together for one competition (although watching Simone Biles win gold was also pretty darn cool).

I’m not sure if I’ll ever go to the Olympics again. However, all in all, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games presented me with more than incredible athletes talent. I learned that the Olympics are just as much about humanity and global compatibility as they are about athletes’ talent.

September 9, 2016|page 17

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|Features

South dakota, USA

BY CAMERON MILLER This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to South Dakota to experience life on a Lakota Sioux Native American reservation with 11 other guys for two and a half weeks.

One of our main stops was Dupree, an incorporated town with a population of 525, making it the second largest town on the whole reservation.

When we arrived, we could see that the town was split in half, with dirt roads and run-down mobile homes on one side and pavement and houses in moderate condition on the other.

We learned that the town was divided between white residents and native residents. I had never seen a racial divide like in Dupree — I had believed that both de jure and de facto segregation were gone in the United States. No experience put my life in Newton into perspective like mine in Dupree.

In the Sioux YMCA building, we learned more about the history of the Lakota and how they had been mistreated by the federal government ever

since the arrival of the first white settlers. The two counties that comprise the reservation, Ziebach and Dewey, are the poorest and second poorest counties in the United States, with high unemployment rates. We also went to visit kids in Red Scaffold, a community with only a few dilapidated houses. For the most part, they were in good spirits because they didn’t realize the luxuries and opportunities that lay beyond the reservation.

Once our time on the reservation drew to a close, we spent the night at a campsite in the town of Spearfish, S.D. Spearfish was massive compared to the towns on the reservation, with a large, well-kept high school and a waterpark. The contrast to the reservation was obvious.

By the end of our time in South Dakota, we concluded that more people need to be educated on the deeply-rooted issues on the reservations if anything is to change, because awareness will lead to answers. photos courtesy of Cameron Miller

Alaska, USA

BY ALANA BOJAR

photos courtesy of Alana Bojar

As I packed for summer camp, my history teacher’s words kept replaying in my head. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he had said when I had told him I was going to Alaska for the summer. “It’s incredibly beautiful there.” I packed two cameras just to be safe.

At 1 a.m. Alaska time, or 5 a.m.

Massachusetts time, I stepped off the plane at the Anchorage International Airport.

Immediately, I was surprised by the absence of darkness outside; the sun only sets for a few hours during Alaskan summers.

Once we reached our first campsite, I packed my toiletries away to protect them from bears — even leaving chapstick in your pocket could be disastrous — and found my way to a tent that was to become my bed for the next 30 days.

In the morning, after quick refreshers on how to set up tents and tarps, we learned bear and moose protocol, as well as how to prevent getting swept away by a river.

After orientation we started a four-day hike through the Chugach Mountains. As we walked, we told stories, laughed at inside jokes and played trail games.

My history teacher was right; although some days were a bit too hot or cold for comfort, the scenery was always spectacular. I remember looking out over a valley one day and feeling as if I was living in a postcard picture.

In addition to backpacking through the Talkeetna and Denali Mountains, our group also went on a five-day sea kayak over bright turquoise water — which took us next to glaciers with lounging sea otters and seals — and on an ice climb on the 26mile wide Matanuska glacier.

Although at some points on the trip I wished I was at home — warm, dry and watching Netflix — when the day came to fly back I didn’t want to leave.

I took home my duffel bag, mosquito bites, 20 new friends and the two cameras that had captured my best summer yet.

page 18|september 9, 2016

FEATURES|THELIONsROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

South’s five publications each provide unique journalistic opportunities

By Celine Yung

A

bout one in 16 South students chooses to work on a school publication. In a school known for its vast array of student-led organizations, this fact is significant, according to junior Adam Netburn.

“There’s definitely a certain type of person who would stay after school for a publication,” he said. “I think that all these people have a certain self-motivation and self-integrity about what they do.”

Beyond Regulus, South’s yearbook, there are four publications at South that offer students the opportunity to publish writing, photos and graphics throughout the school year: The Lion’s Roar, Denebola, Leo and Reflections.

According to ‘15 graduate and former Editor-inChief of the Lion’s Roar, Hyunnew Choi, the sheer number of publications at South is not typical to most high schools, and says something about South.

“Whenever I tell people that ... we had two newspapers at our school, I get some funny responses, because at most other high schools, there usually is only one newspaper, whether that’s on a paper or online platform,” she said. “I think that that fact, that so many publications at South are able to thrive, is a really unique quality at the school.”

There are many positives to having so many different media outlets, with both news and literary focuses, specifically that each publication is able to publish unique content and find their identity in the school community, English teacher and Leo adviser Kelly Henderson said.

Denebola Editor-in-Chief, senior Abby Lass, agreed with Henderson that her publication has a very specific contribution to the South community. “[Denebola has] the ability to post videos, we can post photos, we can post the day of events,” she said. “We as a publication contribute an immediacy and an intimacy that I think is specifically unique to our publication.”

“I think that an important quality of Roar is that it seeks to share … the story of those who don’t have a voice otherwise,” Choi added. “It really plays an important role as unifying the student body that few other publications can do.”

Despite both being literary magazines, Leo and Reflections differ in more than just their outlets of choice, according to Netburn, Editor-in-Chief of Leo: while Leo publishes content related to current trends at South, “Reflections is purely art. There’s no relation in the stories and artwork, just a focus on the quality of art.”

In addition to content, each publication’s impact on students is different, junior Elizabeth Szanton, Editorin-Chief of Leo, said.

“I think that all of the publications broaden the minds of the people that they are seeking to reach in a different way, whether it’s just informing people of news or exposing them to art,” she said.

The publications all reflect separate parts of the same school, sophomore Clara Boberg agreed; they all present pieces of the South community.

Beyond all of the differences, Lass said, there is another distinctive quality of journalism at South: the opportunity to integrate and collaborate.

“South’s many publications open up a lot of different avenues because you’re really able to have a community-wide discussion, like I remember Roar published an article about some people expressing sentiments that were kind of of frustration and annoyance against Patricia Gonzalez,” she said. “Then [Denebola] was able to immediately process that discussion.”

During her time at South, sharing resources was also common, Choi said.

“It was very easy to collaborate among publications at South,” she said. “One, we have the availability of the advisors, and they’re willing to connect us to other publications, and I think aside from availability, advisors and students from other publications are willing to help out each publication, despite their other affiliations.”

Joining forces is not always easy, though, according to Henderson; logistical issues, especially students’ busy schedules, can be huge roadblocks. She also added that each publication has different structures and systems set in place that do not always match up.

Lass agreed, noting much room for improvement.

“There definitely have been times when I’m like, ‘Oh, we could’ve collaborated, or we could’ve worked together better on this.’

I think we should have better relationships,” Lass said. “We have reporters that work for both [Roar and Denebola], but I think we could do a better job of communicating and working together to spread word about things that we, as the publications of Newton South, — not just each individual publication — deem important and newsworthy.”

The benefits of increased communication go beyond content, Choi added.

“The fact that we have multiple publications at South means that we’re easily able to talk to other publications and to figure out what their organiza-

tional structure is, so if it isn’t working, then there is a need for each publication to seek a solution, even if it is a different approach,” she said.

Netburn, however, said that stronger relationships, while potentially beneficial, might not be the best thing for South’s publications. Each of the five publications are very different and function well because of this, he said.

According to Henderson, there is a balance between too much and too little collaboration.

“We could take the new perspectives that Leo offers and match it with the Roar’s infrastructure and Denebola’s use of technology and Reflection’s passion of words and images and artistic creativity,” Henderson said.

“That’s like the Holy Grail.”

ding

Foun ’s : t r ta th

The astes of Soautions d blic u p e v fi

960 1 : a l bo Dene 1960 : s n ctio e l f e R 61 9 1 : s lu Regu 984 1 : r a Ro 012 2 : o Le graphics by Celine Yung

September 9, 2016|page 19

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|Fun page

South Crime Watch Editors’ Note: Individuals are presumed guilty until proven innocent.

MANSLAUGHTER Sept. 6, Newton Centre A freshman was trampled in the 2000s stairway before B block. The size of the mob responsible made police usure of who to bring in for questioning.

graphic by Sophie Galowitz

STALKING Aug. 29, Chestnut Hill A student was caught trailing a guidance counselor after a denied scheduling request. The counselor alerted authorities after sighting the student’s face in the window of her home.

ATTEMPTED LARCENY Aug. 31, Science Dept. An astronomy student has been taken in for questioning after the discovery of plans to steal the moon.

Inspiration for the plans is unknown, and their extent is under investigation.

VANDALISM Aug. 31, Boys locker room The boys swim team was spotted vandalizing the locker room. Police are on the hunt for captain Lock Tee, who is said to have fled the premesis.

HACKING Sept. 5, English Dept. A login attempt led authorities to a student desperately trying to place himself into Bucket Drumming. Authorities apprehended the student mid-drum.

Overheard at SOUTH Yes, we heard you say that.

Mural-admiring freshman: “I can’t believe Martin Luther King Jr. went to this school!”

Thanksgiving enthusiast: “I love Pilgrims; they founded our country.”

Concerned and dehydrated consumer: “Does water expire?”

Senior-loving teacher: “Those freaking whistles. I just hate the whistles.

They’re just unnecessary.”

Embarrassing Roar Staff Photo of the Month:

WHATEVER WORKS FOR YOU 827 Beacon St Newton Centre, MA 02459

(617) 332-6777

Yung shamelessly embraces her inner blowfish.

My First Day in Prison COREY SAMUELS sr. fun editor

BFFLS & BAD PUNS The following is a letter intercepted by the Newton censors. Names have been redacted. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual firms is purely coincidental.

“Dear Mom and Dad, Today was my first day in prison.

As I trudged the two to three minutes through the parking lot under overcast skies, I sensed whatever vestiges of liberty that had bloomed in the previous months, free from confinement, evaporate.

When I entered the building, I was affronted by a cheerful officer, her open hand presenting a smorgasbord of breakfast food purchased specifically for me: donuts of all varieties, bagels with cream cheese — there was even a vat of fresh coffee. I ate an everything bagel. I didn’t have to pay for any of it, and there was more than I or my fellow inmates could have possibly eaten.

From then on, it just got worse. A signal sounded, and a mass of bodies pushed through the halls like a sullen herd of cattle. I shuffled through the corridors adorned with artwork crafted by the other inmates to a room with desks and chairs. I noticed that all of the other inmates were sitting facing the front, so I did the same.

A moment later, a man strode confidently through the doorway; with a broad smile on his face, he told us that together, we were going to explore the beautiful intricacies of the English language and the fascinating depths of the human experience. As a community.

It didn’t stop there. Another signal sounded, and we all trudged back into the hallway, where I followed the crowd into a room that is designated solely for me and my peers. I easily found all of my friends there. I even had some conversations with people whom I had not formally met, but happened to have nearly everything in common with me. They were really nice.

That’s not all. One of my new friends had mentioned that he was able to enroll in a program that is wholly focused on his own wellness.

Since I was not registered for that program, I had to walk all of the way across the hallway to an office staffed with half a dozen people whose sole purpose is to help me fix my problems and ensure that I am safely and sanely meeting the conditions of my eventual release. After waiting for an excruciating four minutes, I met with a counselor who not only addressed my issue, but also showed keen interest in helping me figure out my life. We’re meeting again next week, I think.

The day slugged on like this for hours — rotating from room to room where various individuals attempted to enlighten my existence, providing me access to understandings and concepts that found our current society. Inexplicably, there was even a room explicitly to be used to make pottery and another one to cook food.

I was forced to write about myself and to ask questions about the world. They even made me put away my phone for a few moments, but I was allowed to take it back out from time to time.

Then, I left. Someone waved to me as I made my way home.

There is a rumor that at the end of the day, all the officers gathered in a room to brainstorm ways to make my life better. They did this on their own accord.

I hate prison.

Love, [redacted]”

SPORTS NEXT MAN UP page 20|SEPTEMBER 9, 2016|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

SPorts@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 33, ISSUE 2

South’s football program looks to new talent in the wake of quarterback Austin Burton’s transfer

By Catherine Granfield and Thomas Patti QB Race, from 1 With the season fast-approaching, Dalicandro has been pressed to find a new quarterback. While he listed junior Luke Cloud as the leading option, Dalicandro also cited former JV quarterback junior Elijah Hemingway and tight end senior Sasha Hoban as prospective candidates. Though an unconventional choice, Dalicandro said he believes in Hoban’s versatility on the field.

“He’s such a phenomenal athlete and he’s so smart that we sort of toyed around with the idea of moving [Hoban to quarterback],” Dalicandro said.

During summer practices, however, Cloud began to solidify his status as the favorite for the job, junior Lucas Lopes said. Seeing Cloud’s performance, he agreed with Dalicandro that Cloud would be ideal.

“We do seven on sevens, and [Cloud] shows a lot of talent during those,” Lopes said.

“He looked like he worked well under pressure,” Ventouris added.

Cloud said he is less certain about his future as the varsity squad’s starting quarterback, but acknowledged he had a good shot.

“There are a couple guys trying, but hopefully I’ll be able to play better and hopefully beat them out,” he said. “Right now, it’s sort of up in the air.”

Drawing inspiration from Burton, Cloud said he planned to make the best use of his offseason in an effort to replicate the skill of his predecessor.

“Cloud has really stepped up, really embraced the position since Austin left,” Meehan said.

“He’s been working hard and he’s looking good.”

“He’ll have a lot of work cut out for him, but you know, you’re not going to be able to replace Austin and all the unchangeables he has on the football field, with his ability to know the game so well and his athletic ability throwing the ball,” Dalicandro said. “But we feel that Luke [and] the three candidates can all bring something to the table.”

Besides the talent, work ethic and knowledge of the game Burton took to West Orange, the Lions must also fill the void in unmistakable leadership — leadership to which Dalicandro attributed much of last year’s success.

“Austin … really did a lot in terms of getting the kids [to come at] 6:30 in the morning [for] captains practices, workouts ... so that had a lot to do with [the team’s competitive edge],” Dalicandro said.

Dalicandro, however, continued that

he is confident that the team’s veterans will step up.

“I think [our leadership is] going to be our seniors. We have some really great captains: Dylan Meehan, Niko Ventouris, Sasha Hoban and Michael Dober. They’re great, competitive kids who [are] not going to let this team fall apart.”

“I think all four of the captains hope to bring that work ethic, continue to bring that fire and love for the game,” Meehan said. “We still have been hosting the morning workouts [and] captains practices all summer, and we’re just going to try to get the younger guys to buy into what we want to do as a program.”

According to various team members, though some in the South community may have written off the Lions’ 2016 season due to Burton’s departure, they are optimistic as ever.

“We have a lot of outside influence saying, ‘Oh, Austin’s gone, you guys are going to suck,’ and some kids are starting to believe that,” Meehan said. “But inside the program, we Sasha Hoban know our offensive is going to be very different, but it will still succeed, and I think we’ll have a good season.”

“There’s a lot of haters out there thinking we’re gonna do worse, but we’re coming for States, so it’s alright,” Lopes said. “I’m a hundred percent sure we will win DCLs.” Cloud expects to deliver as the team’s starting quarterback, despite Burton’s large absence.

“There definitely is a lot of pressure, because we’re playing a lot of really good teams and there are a lot of really good

Luke Cloud

Elijah Hemingway

kids on our team that are hoping to do well,” Cloud said. “But hopefully I’ll be able to just work with it.”

Dalicandro admitted that Burton’s transfer from South was not optimal for the program’s immediate success. He added, however, that the team’s depth and resilience should propel them this season.

“I think we will continue to be competitive,” he said. “That’s what I like about football. It’s the ultimate team game. You can lose one guy, but there [are] 10 others on the field that still have to perform.

It’s tough to lose him. ...

I think that would make us that little bit better.

But that’s just the way it is in life. Just got to move on and still compete at a high level.”

photos by Kiana Lee

September 9, 2016|page 21

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|SPorts

NFL Predictions

MIAA rule limits coached practices

NATHAN ELBAUM & NOAH SHELTON

Jake Freudberg Sports Contributor

Every year, fall athletes get their summers cut short, most arriving back at South before the end of August. While almost two weeks of preseason may bring the summer to a premature close, many coaches and athletes said they wished they could get back on the field even earlier.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) permits each fall sports team 10 practices prior to the team’s first game. With many teams playing their first match on the first day of school, this year’s official preseason start date was Aug. 25. Football, however, began their preseason on Aug, 19, earlier than in past years, due to new MIAA regulation addressing athlete conditioning.

Despite the MIAA regulations, athletic director Patricia Gonzalez said that teams often take advantage of unofficial captain’s practices and summer camps, allowing them to continue training throughout the summer. This has led to conversations about the effectiveness of the regulations and official start dates, she added.

Though coaches cannot be present at captain’s practices because of the MIAA regulations, sophomore Rebecca Bojar said that they can be just as effective as coach-led practices.

“When people have the captains leading, they really want to fulfill the expectations of the captain, so they really work hard,” she said.

Captain’s practices, however, still leave much to be accomplished come preseason, junior soccer captain Alec Szwarcewicz said.

“There is still definitely a lot to get done [once the season starts]. The captain’s practices are for all players, so we don’t know the teams yet,” Szwarcewicz said. “The captain’s practices are great for keeping you in shape and keeping your skills sharp, but without knowing the team yet, it doesn’t do a lot for building team chemistry.”

According to Gonzalez, discussions have risen throughout the state about moving the first day of school before Labor Day and allowing coaches to have contact with their players earlier in part as a way to avoid the rush of preparing for the fall season.

Volleyball coach Todd Elwell, who coaches girls in the fall and boys in the spring, said that some schools have benefitted from starting the school year before Labor Day. “[School districts] are figuring ‘Hey, if 30 to 40 percent of my kids are athletes and coming back to school early, let’s go back to school by the end of August, and get out the first week of June,” he said.

The state high school athletic associations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York all have similar season starting dates to Massachusetts, relative to when the school year begins, so the current system is not uncommon.

Gonzalez added that some Massachusetts districts have pushed to allow contact between student-athletes and coaches over the summer.

“It’s a different conversation when it happens about an urban school — like in downtown Boston, in Worcester, in Springfield, in Lawrence — than when it happens in Newton. Many people from the urban districts want to have full contact with the students over the summer because they get them engaged and keep them safe,” Gonzalez said.

T

graphic by Robin Acosta graphic by Robin Acosta

“Many students here have the opportunity to go to a camp that they can pay for; that’s not the same reality in [urban] districts.

So to keep them involved with people that care and are certified is something that they have been proposing and pushing — to have a free summer when coaches can have that contact. And the majority of schools in Massachusetts don’t agree with that because […] it’s just pulling the students in too many directions.”

Because fall tryouts and preseason are not starting until late August, studentathletes still have nearly two months during the summer to spend as they choose, which junior volleyball player Ella Kim said is relieving.

“If [students] were pressured to go [to practice] over the summer, then they would possibly become burnt out or lose their excitement for the season,” Kim said. “I think players can find their own ways to improve [over the summer].”

“In general, having a summer free for the students to decide where to go and to spend time with their families and not to be at practice and to have that commitment is a good thing for the students. You can be pulled in many directions during the year, and [having practices] over the summer could make it more complicated for students,” Gonzalez said. “People need to recharge.”

Additional reporting by Catherine Granfield

Stealing Second

o celebrate the kickoff of the NFL season, we decided to throw our own fantasy football predictions into the crowded ring of useless projections.

Our two quarterback favorites entering the season are Marcus Mariota and Andrew Luck. Mariota showed his dual-threat ability last season, rushing for 252 yards and passing for almost 3,000 in just 12 games despite struggling for the first seven weeks under former head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s regime.

Luck, on the other hand, is coming off a severe down year that ended in injury. In seven games, he passed for only 15 touchdowns while completing just 55 percent of his passes and throwing 12 picks. He also signed a new contract extension. Normally, we assume that a player will have a career year in his contract year and lose it in the next. With Luck, however, this most likely won’t be the case: he will be aching to return to his pre-2015 dominance and prove his worth.

As elite running back Marshawn Lynch decided to hang up his cleats this season, there are a number of backs ready to take his Pro Bowl spot. Seattle’s Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael are both good fantasy options. Although Rawls will start in the season opener, look for Michael to come in and use his speed to outrun the defense.

Now a household name, Arizona’s David Johnson is sure to have another outstanding year. Last season, he duplicated what Demarco Murray achieved in 2014 running behind a fantastic Dallas offensive line (1,800 yards, 13 TDs). The new Cardinal guards, Alex Boone and Evan Mathis, should create even more gaps for the 6-foot-1-inch Johnson.

The Patriots are also a team to watch for running backs. While we don’t doubt Garoppolo’s abilities to lead the offense, a good running attack is the best way to help a young quarterback.

With Dion Lewis still injured, look for LeGarrette Blount to shoulder most of the carries.

As Calvin Johnson, the greatest wide receiver of all time, decided to step away from the game this offseason, a 6-foot-6-inch standout is just lacing up. A five-star recruit just out of high school, Dorial Green-Beckham has drawn comparisons to a young Randy Moss. With Mariota under center, Green-Beckham will use his tremendous size and speed to dominate cornerbacks.

Entering his fourth season with the Texans, DeAndre Hopkins should have another outstanding year at the receiver position. Last year he more than doubled his career touchdown total, hauling in 11 that season. He crushed his career high in receptions, catching 111 of 192 targets. We would be very surprised to see him reach the target total of last year, as the Texans have other receivers ready to go, but with the addition of Brock Osweiler to bolster the passing attack, Hopkins should challenge the league lead in both receiving yards and touchdowns.

page 22|september 9, 2016

Sports|THELIONsROAR.com|THE LION’S ROAR

Field hockey looks to earn respect at South Kevin Granfield Sports Contributor

The varsity field hockey team hopes to continue the past few seasons’ upward trend, led by second-year head coach Stephanie Pavao and senior captains Ava Morollo, Madison Mixer and Morgan Neuwirth, not only by improving game records but also by earning more respect in the South community.

After a winless 2013 campaign, the team garnered one victory in 2014 followed by a three-win season last year.

According to players and coaches, the team is confident in its ability to build on its recent momentum.

Despite the losing record, senior Allie Arruda said she views this past season positively, as teamwork and strong camaraderie resulted in improvement from the year before.

“Last season, we definitely made a lot of progress,” Arruda said. “We worked together really, really well, and we won more games than we ever thought we could have, so I think it was a big success.”

Pavao added that while advancement in play did not always lead to wins, the team made great strides in the right direction.

“What I appreciated from the players was that they took the time to reflect on their own growth and could actually see the things that they were working so hard at in practice happen during games, even when the score didn’t show their improvement,” she said. “I think that that’s really good on their part.”

To build on the program’s recent upsurge, the team has worked hard in captain’s practices throughout the summer,

players said. Many also participated in a DCL summer league.

According to senior captain Morgan Neuwirth, the team will need contributions from not only its returning veterans, but also its new talent to continue to progress in the wins column.

“I think that a huge goal is to win the same number of games, if not more than we did last year.” Neuwirth said.

“We lost a lot of seniors last year, so we’re gonna need some underclassmen to step up into those roles.”

Senior goalie Robin Medoff noted that one of the team’s strengths is its tenacious defense.

“We play a lot of powerful teams, and I think that we do a good job defending against their offense,” she said.

Despite the team’s growth, many students at South view field hockey as less legitimate than other sports, junior Kerry Yang said.

“I feel like people at South see field hockey as kind of a joke,” she said. “But I feel like things are starting to change now.”

Neuwirth also mentioned a lack of schoolwide support. She said that the team deserves more respect for its welcoming, inclusive environment and increasing strength on the field.

“I think [the team] does deserve a lot more publicity,” Neuwirth said. “We’re making a lot of progress and I just don’t see it reciprocated throughout the school.”

Although field hockey is not officially offered to middle schoolers at either Brown or Oak Hill, the South program draws new players in large numbers — enough to maintain freshman, JV and varsity teams. Medoff said she credits much of this popularity to the positive atmosphere

within the program.

“I think one of our biggest things is that we’re a family, not a team,” Medoff said. “I think we’re just all very friendly with each other.”

Like Medoff, Arruda said she believes that team chemistry has made a great impact on the program.

The ultimate goals of the season,

according to Pavao, are to grow stronger as a team and continue to improve both on and off the field.

“My objective, as far as success goes, is to improve upon our team in comparison to the year before,” Pavao said. “I’m excited about it. I’m really looking forward to the season. I enjoy it, so I hope the players enjoy it [too].”

photo by Bailey Kroner

Captian Morgan Neuwirth works on her handle as the team takes a break in the action.

September 9, 2016|page 23

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|SPorts

Coach’s Corner The Roar’s Catherine Granfield asked boys soccer coach John Conte for a season preview

John Conte boys soccer coach

Q A Q A Q A

How does the team hope to improve this year?

Our goal, first and foremost, is to be a team, both on and off the field.

If we can be a team both on and off the field and buy into the captains’ philosophy of all in, all game, all season, I think we’ll be able to complete some of our expectations and goals. Whether that’s being .500, winning the league or just playing as a team, that would be the hope.

What do you hope to work on in practice to accomplish this?

I think we’re going to do a lot of team building activities, with the ball, without the ball [and with] our communication. As that improves, we’ll be able to do more tactical things to help us be successful in some of the powerhouse programs that we face.

How does the team look compared to last season?

Each team brings its own dynamics. I think I would rather not compare it to any other team, but I would say that this team’s dynamic is positive as of right now.

South Scoreboard

***All information is as of 6;30 p.m. on Wedneseday, September 7, 2016***

Team

Next Game/ Meet

Football

Sept. 10 vs Lexington

0-0

Girls Volleyball Boys Soccer Girls Soccer

Sept. 12 vs Concord-Carlisle Sept. 12 vs Boston Latin

0-0

Sept. 10 vs Somerville

Boys Cross Country Sept. 15 vs Acton-Boxborough Girls Cross Country Sept. 15 vs Acton-Boxborough

Record (W/L/T) 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Golf

Sept. 12 vs Concord-Carlisle

0-0

Field Hockey

Sept. 9 at Weston

0-0

Up to Par SAM CANAVAN

sports contributor

Floating Column EDITOR’S NOTE: Every issue, The Roar publishes a different athlete’s perspective from his or her position on a sports team.

Contact srstaff@thelionsroar. com if you are interested in writing this column.

At the beginning of my sophomore year, I decided to try out for the South golf team.

I was drawn to the program because it was very different from other South sports. Not only was the golf team more relaxed than others I had played on, but I was also able to get to know the other players better and enjoy the completely individual nature of the sport.

Last year, I was the only sophomore on the varsity golf team. My friends played on JV, but I played all of my practice rounds with other varsity players, most of whom I had never met before.

In other South sports, like baseball, most practice and game time is spent alone at a position. In golf, around half of practice and round time is spent preparing and hitting shots, but the other half is spent just walking to your ball.

During this downtime, I got to know the 11 other South varsity golfers. I even had the opportunity to meet athletes from other schools during matches.

Another big difference between golf and other sports is the team dynamic. In many sports, the game is played with a whole team working together to compete against another team.

In golf, however, the dynamic is different. Two teams still play each other, but it often does not feel that way, as it is a predominantly individual sport. Your teammates can help you prepare for shots and read putts, but only you can actually hit the ball.

Furthermore, you are not really playing against the other team, but rather against yourself and the course to do the best you can. There is no defense in golf, so only you can control how you do.

Golf also has a more relaxed team. Even though we were a competitive team last year and almost made the state tournament, it still was not an incredibly stressful season.

Golf is simply a relaxing sport; you can put pressure on yourself to do better, but most times, in matches or qualifiers when it truly matters, the best thing to do is to just relax.

Getting stressed or mad at yourself during a golf match is one of the worst things to do because it hinders your performance. Keeping your cool during matches is crucial to your success, and that composure feeds into the lax atmosphere surrounding the team as a whole.

Overall, in my one season playing South golf, I found it to be a very relaxed and fun team, something hard to find in other South sports programs.

Burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more...

FREE FOUNTAIN DRINK WITH PURCHASE for high school and college students 1191 Center St. Newton, MA 02459 617-969-8100