The Lion's Roar 31-4

Page 1

the LION’S

ROA R

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

Volume 31, Issue 4 140 Brandeis Road Newton Centre, MA 02459

Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper · Newton, MA · Established 1984 · November 26, 2014

‘Rent’ cancelled, ‘Rocky Horror’ to run instead

A NEW

FORMULA

Bella Ehrlich, Karen Kwan & Clare Martin Sr. News Editor, News Contributors

Beginning next year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a new interdiscplinary program that combines math, science and the arts By David li, Carter Howe and Michelle Sandler

S

photo illustration by Max Baker

outh will be offering an interdisciplinary curriculum called the Da Vinci Program next year. The pilot program, which aims to bridge science, math and arts curriculums, will initially be offered to sophomores, but is expected to be open to be juniors and seniors in the following years. According to history teacher and program coordinator Michael Kozuch, the program’s interdisciplinary mission is beneficial to school learning and exploration. “Our big question … is ‘What is life?’ That’s a biology question, that’s a chemistry question and that can be a math question, but how do you express life? People express that through the visual arts — for example, painting, photography — and, even within that context, understanding the chemistry of paints and photography is really important,” he said. “Understanding the science … makes you a better artist, and art can be a way of accessing an expression of meaning.” The program’s curriculum will be based on holistic projects pertaining to a variety of disciplines. The comprehensive approach, Kozuch said, will focus student learning on application and critical thinking, rather than standardized memorization. “[The program] is really meant to be very much hands on and focused on some real life situations, so [we

are] really putting the idea of assessment as a way of getting students to learn the material as opposed to the teacher driving all the time and saying, ‘Here’s the information you need to memorize and now spit it back on a test’,” he said. “We’re trying to shift the emphasis here.” According to science department head Gerard Gagnon, project-based learning encourages students to contextualize concepts. “I think that a project-based approach to the very abstract ideas in chemistry is an exceptionally important way to go about it … for students … who are going to get more out of it if they can see how they fit into the content,” he said. The curriculum center on problem solving and application to help students synthsize and understand material, Gagnon said. “Our hope is that [problem solving is] going to be a way to get through a lot of the content [in] projects, so that students are … working through those problems and that the information … that they get is stuff that they are going to need in order to solve that problem,” he said. Fine and performing arts department head Megan Crist said she hopes that students in the program will be DA VINCI PROGRAM, 4

After failing to obtain property rights to the musical “Rent,” members of South Stage are moving forward by replacing “Rent” with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for the spring musical of the 2014-15 school year. South Stage must obtain property rights for each musical they perform, and, in the case of “Rent.” Musical Theater International (MTI) already bought the rights to the musical and was unwilling to allow South perform it, even as an amateur production. “[The theatres are usually] nice enough to allow us to still [stage the musical] because we are not a professional company, so they [don’t] see us as a threat,” junior Sarah Anderson-Krim said. After “Rent” fell through, theatre teacher Jeff Knoedler considered “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and “Rocky Horror,” and chose “Rocky Horror” because he was not sure whether the rights to the “Chicago” or “Cabaret” were available and wanted to avoid another cancellation, given that the original cancellation took a toll on students. “[‘Rent’ is] huge, and it’s huge in the fact that we can’t do it now. It’s devastating,” stage manager senior Brianna McIsaac said. “‘Rent’ is like the same caliber as ‘Les Miserables.’ Even non-theatre kids were like, ‘Yeah! I’m going to audition for ‘Rent!’ It’s going to be the best thing ever!’” Anderson-Krim agreed that “Rent,” set in the 1990s during the AIDS crisis, is more popular than many other high school productions. “[The show] ... has great music, and a lot of people think it has a great storyline and great characters. Many teenagers seem to relate to the show and the songs,” she said. “I was very excited about doing ‘Rent’. It’s a great musical.” While students said they were unhappy with the cancellation of “Rent,” sophomore Aidan Bassett was among the few who welcomed it, but said he understood the disappointment that his peers felt. “For a lot of people, there were dream roles in that show, and to get to do it would be really fun. To not get to do it, when we thought we were, is a big letdown for a lot of people,” he said. “We don’t also do shows as big-ticket as ‘Rent’ that often. We’ve been getting lucky, and I think this is one of those times where it just didn’t happen. Normally, companies are little more flexible with amateur productions doing them.” RENT CANCELLATION, 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Suicide prevention

Students participate in the nationally-recognized Signs of Suicide (SOS) program.

4

SEXTING

The Roar examines the growing trend in sexting and its various consequences.

12

Early recruitment

Junior Emily Chang made a verbal commitment to Brown University’s basketball team.

20

NEWS 2 GLOBAL UPDATE 5 EDITORIALS 6 OPINIONS 9 CENTERFOLD 12 FEATURES 15 SPORTS 20

page 2|NOVEMBER 26, 2014|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

News

Signs of suicide (S.O.S) Program

Mock trial missing a teacher coach

pAGE 4

pAGE 4

News@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

SOUTH

SPOTS Information on school events compiled by Roar Editors

Homework Free Weekend t ćBOLTHJWJOH %BZ XFFLFOE GSPN Nov. 27 to Nov. 30 JT B IPNFXPSL GSFF XFFLFOE

Lion’s Pride Day

“Rocky Horror” replaces “Rent” RENT CANCELLATION, from 1

PG UIF NBUFSJBM IBT TPNF BEVMU UIFNFT BOE EFOUT BOE UIF DPNNVOJUZ XJMM CF BCMF UP EFBM BEVMU MZSJDT w "OEFSTPO ,SJN TBJE i1FPQMF XJUI UIFTF QPUFOUJBMMZ DPOUSPWFSTJBM JTTVFT %FTQJUF UIF HFOFSBM GSVTUSBUJPO PWFS UIF BSF B MJUUMF CJU TLFQUJDBM PG B IJHI TDIPPM EPJOH i4UVEFOUT BOE QBSFOUT IBWF BMM TFFNFE DBODFMMBUJPO PG i3FOU w TUVEFOUT TFFN UP IBWF TVDI B SJTRVÏ QSPEVDUJPO y CVU * UIJOL UIBU FYDJUFE BCPVU JU * UIJOL ZFBST BHP JU XPVME BDDFQUFE UIF DIBOHF IBWF CFFO TDBOEBMPVT UP IBWF DIBSBDUFST i* XPVMEO U TBZ * N IBQQJFS CVU <A3PDLZ DSPTT ESFTTJOH PO TUBHF BOE <UP> IBWF PQFOMZ )PSSPS T > B HPPE BMUFSOBUJWF w .D*TBBD TBJE HBZ DIBSBDUFST LJTTJOH CVU OPX UIBOLGVMMZ “I am very excited for ‘Rocky PVS DVMUVSF IBT NPWFE QBTU UIFTF DPODFSOT w i*U T BMTP OPU A4ISFL UIF .VTJDBM XIJDI JT B SFMJFG w Horror.’ Theatre kids are so IF TBJE #BTTFUU BHSFFE UIBU UIF EJTBQQPJOUNFOU 'JOF BOE QFSGPSNJOH BSUT EFQBSUNFOU emotionally dynamic that you IFBE .FHBO $SJTU BHSFFE UIBU DBNF XJUI UIF DBODFMMBUJPO XJMM QBTT can get them excited about i* BN WFSZ FYDJUFE GPS A3PDLZ )PSSPS i.Z FYQFDUBUJPOT GPS UIF 4PVUI DPNćFBUSF LJET BSF TP FNPUJPOBMMZ EZOBNJD UIBU NVOJUZ <BSF> UP TFF A3PDLZ )PSSPS 1JDUVSF anything with enough time.” ZPV DBO HFU UIFN FYDJUFE BCPVU BOZUIJOH XJUI 4IPX BT XIBU JU JT BT TPNFUIJOH UIBU XIFO FOPVHI UJNF w IF TBJE JU XBT ĕSTU QSPEVDFE XBT TIPDLJOH CVU * SFBMMZ - Aidan Bassett, class of 2017 EP UIJOL UIBU TPDJFUZ IBT FWPMWFE BOE DPNF B ićF 3PDLZ )PSSPS 1JDUVSF 4IPX w B DPNFEZ IPSSPS NVTJDBM BOE i3FOUw IBWF TJNJMPOH XBZ JO UIF EFDBEF TJODF A3PDLZ )PSSPS MBS DPOUFOU CPUI NVTJDBMT CSPBDI NPEFSO EBZ 1JDUVSF 4IPX XBT ĕSTU QFSGPSNFE w TIF TBJE JTTVFT PG TFYVBMJUZ BT MPOH BT XF EP JU SJHIU BOE XF EPO U TIPX 4UVEFOUT XJMM FNCSBDF UIF NVTJDBM SFićFSF T CJTFYVBM SFMBUJPOTIJQT BOE UPP NVDI PS BOZUIJOH MJLF UIBU * UIJOL UIBU HBSEMFTT PG DPOUFOU BOE DPOUSPWFSTZ BDDPSEJOH UIFSF T IPNPTFYVBM SFMBUJPOTIJQT y ćFSF T JU XJMM CF SFDFJWFE XFMM w UP "OEFSTPO ,SJN i8F EP PVS CFTU USZJOH UP B MPU PG TFYVBM UBML BOE TUVČ MJLF UIBU y TPNF ,OPFEMFS TBJE IF JT DPOĕEFOU UIBU TUV- NBLF UIF CFTU XJUI XIBU XF DBO EP w TIF TBJE

Arabian Nights

t ćF TFDPOE -JPO T 1SJEF %BZ XJMM CF IFME PO Dec. 9 BU 1 p.m. t "MM 4PVUI XJOUFS TQPSUT UFBNT XJMM HFU UPHFUIFS GPS BO IPVS UP HFU UP LOPX POF BOPUIFS BOE CSBJOTUPSN QPUFOUJBM DPNNVOJUZ TFSWJDF QSPKFDUT

Parent Conferences t $POGFSFODFT XJMM CF CFUXFFO 1 to 4 on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. t 4UVEFOUT XJMM IBWF BO FBSMZ SFMFBTF BU 12:50 Q N PO CPUI EBZT PG DPOGFSFODFT

Holiday Concert t 7BSJPVT TUVEFOU NVTJD HSPVQT XJMM QFSGPSN GSPN 8:40 to 9:55 a.m. on Dec. 19 JO UIF 4FBTIPMFT "VEJUPSJVN t 4UVEFOUT DBO BTL UIFJS UFBDIFST UP TJHO VQ GPS UIF DPODFSU

photos courtesy of South Stage

Last month South Stage performanced “Arabian Nights,” one of South Stage’s many productions for the 2014 to 2015 school year.

November 26, 2014|page 3

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|NEWS

THE NEXT BIG THING? NPS has chosen the online program Schoology for widespread implementation, but whether it will succeed or simply join the plethora of online learning platforms remains to be seen By Nathaniel Bolter and Parisa Siddiqui

S

choology, an online platform through which teachers can manage their classes, has taken hold among faculty, joining the ranks of South’s many online learning platforms — some of which have been more successful than others. With a Facebook-like format, Scho-

nshs online

{A look at a few of South’s platforms.} “

0 web-hosting service cWa^dVW fWXRW cTPRWTab RP] QdX[S fTQbXcTb

“

B^dcWÂľb ^][X]T plagiarism-checker

“

0] online gradebook _TaWP_b B^dcWÂľb \^bc _^_d[Pa ^][X]T _[PcU^a\

ology allows for teachers to maintain a gradebook, post course materials and host a discussion forum with students. Schoology is the successor of It’s Learning, renamed OurNewton for its use in Newton Public Schools (NPS). OurNewton was intended to allow teachers to manage and share curriculums, but according to instructional technology director Brian Hammel, it did not perform this function effectively. Hammel discovered Schoology at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year and decided to pilot the free version of the program in his marketing class. Pleased with its performance, Hammel gave a presentation on the program to the NPS’s online learning team, which selected Schoology as the program the district would try next. The enterprise version of Schoology is now available to all NPS teachers. “Schoology, as opposed to the other learning platforms I’ve used in the past five

or six years is the one that’s really spreading the fastest,â€? Hammel said. The transition from antiquated to new technology is not a new phenomenon in Newton. The district has supported a variety of online learning platforms, both official and unofficial, from Schoology and OurNewton to Google Docs and Engrade. But the changes in NPS’s preferred platform at a given moment are sometimes hard to keep up with, according to French teacher Debora Hahn. “It’s possible that Schoology is also going to disappear, but I got to a point where I felt like there was a vote of confidence, so I said that I was going to dive right in and give it a try, and if it ends up not sticking ‌ oh well,â€? she said. Many teachers have already started to use Schoology effectively. Math teacher Hayley Teich said that she now relies almost exclusively on Schoology because it concentrates many functions of other learning

platforms, like Google Docs and Engrade, onto one website. Despite the confusion that can arise from different teachers using different learning platforms, senior Nick Lucena said that Schoology is convenient for students as well as teachers. “It gives the teachers an easier way of organizing all that information and communicating with their students,â€? he said. “If the teachers prefer to use it and if the students like that, then they should totally go for it.â€? Although Hahn said that the diversity of online learning platforms that Newton offers can be overwhelming, she said that this variety benefits both teachers and students. “The point of [the learning platforms] is to have multiple different entrance points, to allow for variety, to allow for differentiation. If you are only [using] the same thing, then ‌ [it won’t] to account for a variety of different learning styles,â€? she said. “It’s not the tool. It’s what the teacher does with the tool.â€?

NPS pilots revised teacher evaluation rubric Nathaniel Bolter, Jake Rong & Hans Wang

Sr. News Editor, News Contributors As part of an ongoing process to improve the teacher evaluation system, Newton Public Schools (NPS) will pilot a new evaluation rubric for the 2014-15 school year. For the past two years, NPS has struggled to effectively implement a new teacher evaluation system, a product of the 2009 federal Race to the Top initiative, which presented several overarching standards that teachers should meet. The initiative allowed to school districts to decide how these standards should be evaluated. As reported in Volume 31, Issue 1 of The Roar, NPS’s first iteration of this new system included a 43-part rubric and faced criticism for not only being cumbersome, but also prone to inaccuracies. The commit-

tee of administrators, union representatives and human resources representatives that is responsible for the system’s implementation in Newton is addressing these criticisms in the more holistic pilot rubric. “That was one of the things that people just felt like is so overwhelming — there’s so much documentation, there’s so many pages,� evaluations committee member and world language department head Suzanne Murphy-Ferguson said. “Is it really helpful, or is it just so massive that it just is overkill?� The pilot rubric condenses the 43 elements of the previous rubric and provides examples of what exemplary, proficient, needs improvement and unsatisfactory teaching look like for each skill on which teachers are evaluated. These changes are intended to make the rubric more manageable, according to history teacher Jamie Rinaldi, a union rep-

resentative on the evaluations committee. “What we’re trying to do is find a way, collaboratively, to design a rubric that is effective, that talks about good teaching practice, but isn’t so extensive in its detail that it becomes overwhelming,� he said. “We’re trying to make it useful.� Although the evaluations committee will examine the results of the pilot at the end of the school year, Rinaldi said that it will probably take an additional year to “work out all the kinks.� Despite progress on the pilot rubric, some issues remain unresolved. Subcommittees are still deliberating on how to include the writing of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), a major component of a special education teacher’s work, in the caseload educator rubric. In addition, increasing the minimum number of observations done by department heads, which form the basis for the evalua-

tions, has not been discussed. The committee has also yet to decide on the details of the more controversial aspects of the new evaluation system, like the use of student feedback and student performance on standardized tests. Regardless of any changes, the effectiveness of the evaluation system and its rubric will depend on how the rubric is used, according to physics teacher Alexander Kraus, another union representative to the evaluations committee. “I think that there should be a little push back on teacher evaluations in the country as a whole,� he said. “[But] I think that if this is primarily a tool used to engage in honest and occasionally difficult ... conversations about how to improve teaching practice for all members of our district and ... more importantly improve student learning for all students in the district, that’s a good thing.�

page 4|NOvebmer 26, 2014

NEWS|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

Mock Trial team struggles to find teacher coach Michelle Chen & Angel Lu News Contributors

photo by Max Baker

A junior history class watches the educational film from the Signs of Sucide (SOS) program on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Discussions followed each film.

Juniors participate in SOS program Nathaniel Bolter Sr. News Editor

Juniors participated in the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program the week of Nov. 17 as part of Newton’s ongoing effort to promote awareness and prevention. In response to the suicides of three Newton students, the district began implementing SOS in May, when last year’s seniors participated in the program. This year’s seniors participated in the program in October, and sophomores and freshmen will have done so by March. The program consists of a 20-minute video that explains how to respond to a friend or loved one who exhibits signs of suicide, followed by a short discussion. Students then fill out an optional depression screening test. “I think the movie, although in some cases it wasn’t really realistic, the real

situations really [strike] a chord with some people,” junior Miranda Lassar said, “but I think the discussion afterwards was more beneficial and just interesting.” The program, which has been used in high schools and middle schools across the country, centers around the acronym ACT, which stands for “acknowledge, care and tell.” The video delineates how to respond according to these steps. Some students felt that the program was incomplete. Junior Madison Hackel said that although she is glad that the program ran, the video was redundant and the conversation afterward seemed “forced.” Few people, she said, felt comfortable to participate in the conversation. “I definitely think the message of speaking up and seeking help was shown, and I definitely learned that,” Hackel said. “But I feel like the presenters let the video teach us, and they didn’t really give us additional

information. We watched a video, they let us think about it, and then they left.” Although the information regarding warning signs of suicide and depression was useful, junior Zoe Ongaro said that the video misses the larger issue of how to realistically apply this knowledge. “They kind of made the situations seem like it’s really easy for you to help the person, when it’s really not that easy,” she said. “No one’s really going to be like, ‘Okay, I’ll talk to someone.’” After the 2014-15 school year, South will continue to administer the program to students when they are in their freshman and junior years. “I appreciate the effort of it, because everyone’s been saying we spend so much time doing anti-bullying, and now we finally have suicide prevention programs at South. So I think it was helpful,” Ongaro said. “It’s a good start.”

After technology and business teacher Brian Hammel stepped down from his position, the Mock Trial team has been forced to function without a teacher coach. Hammel is not returning as the teacher coach due to his decision to go back to graduate school, leaving the Mock Trial team without the required faculty member it needs to enter the state tournament. Apart from barring entrance in formal competitions, the absence of a coach has posed several issues for the team. According to senior Dar Alon, it is difficult for the team to enter unofficial events with only the leadership of the team’s lawyer coach, Elliott Loew. Principal Joel Stembridge tried to recruit a teacher coach at the beginning of the year, but because little money is being offered, he said that teachers find it difficult to volunteer. “The amount of money I have to offer is set by the contract, and it’s just not a lot compared to how much time and effort is [required],” Stembridge said. Stembridge said that while money and time might be an issue for teachers, working with the students on Mock Trial is a rewarding experience. “The best incentive is that you have this wonderful opportunity to work with these wonderful students about something they really find passionate and fun,” he said. Even without a teacher coach, Mock Trial has been active this year, according to senior Sally Stack. “We are moving full steam ahead, and we are doing really well this year,” she said. “It’s different not having our old teacher coach. It’s a different atmosphere, but other than that, we’re just going ahead.”

New curriculum links science, arts and math DA VINCI PROGRAM, from 1

it; you move on,” she said. “[The material] isn’t connected. Maybe it’s connected six months, two years down the line, and you think back: ‘Oh, remember when I read that, or I did that equation, now that makes sense.’ This is taking all of that separate equations, separate applications, and bringing them together so it all really makes sense in the moment.” Junior Ben Shu said he likes the idea of project based learning because it allows him to learn by doing hands on work instead of a teacher telling him everything.

everything that we learn to what is happening around the world. The class is also more creative; there are more visual able to drive the class and learn based on their interests. projects and creative opportunities,” she said. “First thing being the art program, visual arts that is, Shu agreed that the Da Vinci Program is appealing the majority of the learning that we do is student driven, because it allows for subjects to be connected. always trying to build that personal connection between the “I think it’s interesting because math and science, student artist and their artwork,” she said. “And hopefully, these two subjects, ... connect together because in science we are going to bring that to the Da Vinci Program. Having we sometimes use math, especially in physics and chemistry that personal interest that’s coming from inside people, that were sometimes you have to calculate some things and this should to go out and discover versus simply having to answer is what caught my attention because math and science, these questions that are being imposed on you.” two really connected with each,” he said. The Da Vinci Program would also The Da Vinci Program emphasizes [It’s about] really take more of a narrative approach to learn- learning promote building small communities at the material in order to undering and think about the broader structure of the world and stand it instead of simply memorizing it South. “I think in our big school, the idea of their place in it. It’s not a destination. It’s about the journey. to get a grade on an assessment, according having a smaller community can be valuto Crist. able in many ways. Students get to know their “That’s what this program is going to be - Megan Crist, fine and performing arts dpt. head teachers and they get to know fellow students about: asking students ... instead of answerbetter and work with them in a problem solving environ“You go with what you think instead of teachers telling ing A, B, C or D, what is the correct answer?” she said. “It’s ment, and I think for a lot of kids that’s the way they like you what to do. You sort of improvise by yourself instead of not about I took my math test on Thursday, got a 95, that’s to learn is really learning on their feet. Learning in a way teachers guiding you step by step. With projects the goal is good, check, moving on. It’s about: I’m doing this project and that is very practical and application based,” Kozuch said. to get hands on learning and you’re learning more because I’ve learned these five things along the way. Maybe they’re Crist said that the Da Vinci Program forms connec- you’re doing it by yourself,” he said. not perfect, but that information I learned from those five tions between subjects unlike the traditional curriculum, Interdisciplinary programs like the Da Vinci Program things is more important than simply receiving a grade, a which separates subjects by classes. and the Global Program appeal to many students, like junior letter, a number.” “[The Da Vinci Program], to me, feels like a more Lina Dammann, because they offer a more creative, bigger “[It’s about] really take more of a narrative approach natural process of learning. Learning shouldn’t take place picture approach to learning. to learning and think about the broader structure of the 30 minutes a night, open up your math book, shut it. 30 “I wanted to join global because what we learn in world and their place in it. It’s not a destination. It’s about minutes you open up your history book, do that; you shut English relates to what we learn in history. It also relates the journey.”

November 26, 2014|page 5

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|NEWS

A Glimpse of the Globe Information compiled by Roar editors from CNN, The Economist, BBC, Al Jazeera, The New York Times, Twitter and the rest of the Internet.

Myanmar: what is actually happening? Since reform began in earnest in 2011, Myanmar has been touted as the poster child for third-world democratization. As the government continues to impose a cruel apartheid on its Rohingya Muslim minority, however, it becomes increasingly clear that Myanmar is not the unmitigated success story its proponents claim. Until 2011, the people of Myanmar had lived under tyranny for the better part of the past two centuries, though tyranny came in many forms. A colony of Britain since the 19th century, Myanmar gained independence in 1948, after which the country enjoyed a brief period of democracy until a military coup ushered in an era of ostensibly socialist dictatorship in 1962. A military junta ruled with few hitches until 1987, when massive currency devaluation prompted anti-government riots. The military killed thousands in its efforts to quell the protests

but could not quell the growing desire for democracy, which impelled them to hold a general election in 1990. The opposition party National League for Democracy (NLD), whose leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, would be in and out of house arrest for the next 20 years, won those elections in a landslide. The military, however, refused to acknowledge the results. The democratization movement nevertheless continued, and in 2008, after 14 years of talks, the military proposed a new constitution intended to facilitate the transition from military to civilian rule. In the widely disputed 2011 elections, military-backed candidate Thein Stein was elected president. Yet despite the dubious circumstances of his election, Stein has brought about significant progress toward democracy, loosening restrictions on the press, allowing for the formation of labor unions and freeing Aung

San Suu Kyi and many other political prisoners. The effect of democracy on Myanmar has been a doubleedged sword, releasing the ethnic tensions that simmer beneath this long-oppressed nation. Dominated by the Buddhist Burmese people, Myanmar is also home to a host of minorities — the Karen, Shan, Mon,, Kachin and Rohingya — many of whom have been in constant, often violent, conflict with the government since independence. The latest persecution of the Rohingya began in 2012, when radical Buddhist rioters killed over 200 Rohingyas. Since then, perhaps fearing instability or maybe just acting according to deep-set prejudices, the government has denied the Rohingyas of basic rights. New laws dictate that in order to acquire even partial citizenship, Rohingyas must produce documentation proving that their families have lived in Myanmar

since 1948. If unable to so, the government sequesters them in de facto concentration camps where they await deportation. The Rohingyas able to produce proof of residency do not fare much better. Unable to qualify for government healthcare, they face malnutrition, tuberculosis and other ailments that are endemic in the western Rakhine state where most of the Rohingyas live. To make matters worse, the government banned Doctors Without Borders, one of the Rohingyas’ few sources of health care, in May. In a recent visit to the country President Obama implored the Myanmar government to stop this systematic persecution in order to preserve the gains it has made since 2011. With 1.3 million Rohingyas left in the country, it seems imperative that Myanmar do just that, lest a country on the brink of democracy devolve into ethnic cleansing.

An Overview:

The issue: The Myanmar government continues to impose a brutal apartheid on its Rohingya Muslim minority, denying the 1.3 million Rohingyas of basic rights. The response: President Obama has implored the Myanmar government to stop this systematic persecution to preserve the gains the country has made since 2011.

New York Times

nonsensical news: Democracy at its finest

This election season, Florida is proving yet again that every vote counts. The winner of a city council race in Mount Dora, Fla. will be determined by a name picked out of a hat after the two candidates tied in the Nov. 4 election. Each candidate in the town of approximately 13,000 received exactly 2,349 votes, a number that did not change after three recounts. All absentee ballots have been counted. Though the candidates and many residents would have preferred a runoff election, a city attorney said that a runoff can only resolve a race between more than two candidates, and a Florida statute dictates that candidates “shall draw lots” to break a tie. Of course, this is not the first time

News this week At press time, the citizens of Ferguson, Miss. await the grand jury decision on whether to charge Darren Wilson, the police officer who killed the unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in August. A suicide bomber killed 40 people and wounded as many as 60 more at a volleyball match in eastern Afghanistan, where President Barack Obama recently extended the U.S. combat mission into 2015. Tunisia’s first presidential elections since the revolution of 2011 are expected to go to a runoff. Neither interim president Moncef Marzouki, nor former prime minister Beji Caid Essebsi appeared to win enough votes for an outright majority in the Nov. 23 elections. Marion Barry, D.C.’s “mayor for life,” died Sunday. Barry, known for winning his fourth term as mayor after completing a prison sentence for cocaine, was 78.

Fun and informational.

Pit bull problems

Florida has left an election up to chance, but in that case, the election was of much more consequence, and chance had a much more conservative bias.

Boston Globe

Cave canem, or “beware of the the dog,” the saying goes. Texas City resident Emerald White may want to modify that saying to read cave canem tuum — “beware of your own dog.” White, whose four pit bulls trespassed on her neighbor’s lawn in October, attacking and killed the man’s beagle, is now suing her neighbor for $1 million in reparations for injuries she sustained breaking up the fight. In court documents, White claims to have been “unexpectedly and viciously attacked” upon going to retrieve her dogs and says that she is subject to “conscious pain and suffering and now suffers also from fear anxiety and trepidation.” White’s neighbor, Steven Baker, reported surprise at being served. He

Public Domain

said that his friends had urged him to sue White but that he had declined to do so “because it won’t bring Bailey back.” The Texas City police department, however, has already acted in Baker’s favor, declaring White’s four dogs “dangerous,” a designation that requires White to enclose her dogs with a fence of at least six feet.

page 6|november 26, 2014|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

EDITORIALS

Editor analyzes former perfectionism

Neumann shows off her swag

pAGE 7

pAGE 8

editorials@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

Publications address South’s need for inclusive school spirit to replace Powderpuff tradition

’S T A C e th

W O E M All the news that’s fit to print... and then some!

Freedom of Celebration While many business establishments and workplaces around the country are already donning green and red decorations in anticipation of Christmas, a few South classrooms have decided to get ahead of the game, forgoing candy canes and Santa hats and beelining toward shamrocks and leprechauns. In true Boston fashion, history teacher Ashley O’Lepern decided to replace her Reagan and MLK posters with a hand-painted mural of St. Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland. “It’s only November, but I’m seeing Christmas decorations everywhere. I figured, if the rest of America can put up decorations for a random holiday, why can’t I pick my favorite,” she said. Debuting the unique style of oil paint and dry-erase marker, the mural takes up the left wall of O’Lepern’s second floor classroom. O’Lepern’s student, junior Helen KimMcElduff, stayed after school every day last week to help O’Lepern with the mural. “We had to sleep at school to finish it before break,” Kim-McElduff said. “But it was worth it. The true origins of St. Patrick’s Day are often obscured by those guys who paint their chests green and use the holiday as an excuse to get drunk at work.” The painting, however, is not as docile as it may seem. This week alone, four students have fainted due to over-inhalation of the Expo-marker’s chemical aroma.

Following last year’s cancellation of the upperclassman girls Powderpuff game, South’s administration promised to create an alternative to the traditional preThanksgiving football game. While the administration cited previous incidents of severe hazing, injuries, sexism and vandalism as reasons for the cancellation, rumors of an unofficial game organized by the junior and senior class officers are circulating this year. In a joint Roar-Denebola meeting on Nov. 17, staff members of both publications agreed that although the Powderpuff game is a school tradition that should be remembered, a student-run game would not live up to its school-sanctioned precedent. No matter how actively an unofficial game is promoted within the student body, the event’s organizers will ultimately comprise the majority of the game’s participants. Rather than involving all of the girls in the junior and senior classes, participation would be limited to a specified friend group, promoting a certain level of exclusion, albeit unspoken. In terms of logistics, due to the student body’s inherent disorganization and lack of executive administrative power, any game off school grounds would also be likely to turn into more of a social scene

rather than a tradition upholding school spirit. All funding for the game, including money for coaches, referees, rent of the field, first aid and other expenses, would have to be raised by students themselves. Another risk, voiced by members of both the student body and administration, is the lack of safety precautions in holding the event off-campus. Although some participants experienced injuries in the official Powderpuff games,

spirit in which students are celebrating one another, as opposed to generating increased rivalry. Especially following the football team’s historic win over Acton-Boxborough in October and last year’s memorable spirit surrounding the basketball teams, the South community would benefit from event geared toward our teams now more than ever. Staff members agreed that the game is not integral to South’s cel-

This day could promote a more collective sense of school spirit in which students are celebrating one another as opposed to generating increased rivalry. several students worry that the risks associated with violent, hands-on contact, coupled with rivalry between grades, are too dangerous to overlook. Without school administration and first aid personnel on standby, poor response to injuries may be inevitable. Although the pep rally has traditionally been held to generate spirit and excitement for the Powderpuff game, it could instead be used to celebrate the efforts and successes of South’s fall athletic teams. This day could promote a more collective sense of school

ebration of school and class spirit. School enthusiasm should not be defined by a single day of competition. As recent athletic wins have shown, South is able to channel support and spirit within the community. The Roar and Denebola believes that the end of Powderpuff does not signify any change to this spirit, South spirit will live on in other traditions and practices that will prove to be just as meaningful to both the student body and administration.

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.

Home of the $5 fill-up!

New England Mobile Book Fair 82 Needham St Newton, MA 02461 Tel. 617-964-7440 www.nebookfair.com

Sweet Tart Frozen Yogurt

. 749 Beacon St, Newton, MA . 617-332-8278

November 26, 2014|page 7

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|DESK

THE Editor takes a step back to examine EDITOR’S former stance on academic perfection DESK Hyunnew Choi Editor-in-Chief

The deadline for completing the entire newspaper is in just a week, and I’m sitting at my desk wrapped up in a Snuggie and staring at a blank screen. I’m supposed to have completed this article three days ago; I simply didn’t for a number of reasons, including my desire for sleep and my everlasting writer’s block. But if I’m being honest, I’m not all that concerned about my blank Word document. Maybe I’m beginning to sound like a senior who has started slumping a little too early. But here’s the catch: I haven’t stopped respecting all of my deadlines (at least not yet), and I certainly haven’t started neglecting all of my responsibilities. My state of mind is not unique to my senior year; rather, I’ve simply mastered the art of caring just the right amount. Let me rewind a bit. When I first came to South, I was a little neurotic — an understatement, according to many of my friends. Although faculty members stressed that there would be little at stake during our freshman year and that we should therefore feel relaxed during our transitional year into high school, I felt the need to spend an excessive number of hours on

trivial and even optional worksheets in an competitive atmosphere like South, it’s effort to perfect absolutely everything that hard not to fall into this cycle, as we feel I was responsible for. I would compromise the need to achieve, achieve and achieve my sleep to memorize the annoyingly some more. long root words list that would make a Although we should take pride negligible difference in my quiz average. in fully devoting ourselves to our comAnd when something somehow slipped mitments and responsibilities, it’s worth through the cracks and was short of pertaking a moment to consider what actually fect, I panicked. matters. I felt the need to navigate most of my Does that single root word really high school years count? Should I like this — espebe losing sleep cially once I discovfor things that “Although we should take ered that following aren’t absomy freshman year, lutely critical to pride in fully devoting ourevery piece of my my learning? selves to our commitments work would conShould I be tribute to my term and responsibilities, it’s worth having mental grade, which would breakdowns taking a moment to consider then make up my due to occayearlong grade, sional shortwhat actually matters.” which would then comings in add up to my GPA, a few of my which would then classes? determine my chances of getting admitted Just because I am now not meticuto Dream University, which would then alter lously trying to perfect everything, howmy career options… ever, does not mean I have compromised You know the drill. my dedication to excellence. It’s unlikely that everyone at South That is, a mediocre math quiz grade can relate to my initial level of neuroticism is no longer a reason for panic; instead, and desire for perfection, but we’re probit just reminds me that I indeed cannot ably all quite familiar with this mentality, perfect absolutely everything — a reality I whether we like it or not. am now completely okay with. In an academically rigorous and I’m reminded that the quiz does not

Contribute to The Roar !

Monday J Block, Room 1201

define my academic identity or my ability to pursue the career of my dreams, and my motivation to perform well on the next quiz remains. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when this mentality took over my former neurotic self. Maybe it happened when I sadly but surely realized I would not be acing all of my AP biology exams, or when I discovered that I’m just not that good at bubbling in the right letters on all AP U.S. History scantron tests. Regardless of when it actually happened, I am incredibly thankful that it did, for it has enlightened me to approach each of my assignments and extracurricular activities with a refreshing outlook. While I do not wish you to encounter the same aforementioned moments of my stressful junior year, I do hope that you, too, will chance upon some experience that will encourage you to take a step back, put things into perspective and maybe even relax a bit. I am not a senior that has begun to relax a little too much (although I will inevitably be going down that track and doing just that once second term ends); I am simply a happier individual because I have learned how to care enough to uphold my own standards but not too much to push my own limits. I mean, I did finish this article in good time, right?

Volume 31

The Lion’s Roar

Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper 140 Brandeis Road Newton, MA 02459 srstaff@thelionsroar.com

Editors-in-Chief

WRITING

Hyunnew Choi Parisa Siddiqui

Hone your writing skills by joining one of our five sections and working with our editors.

Managing Editors

Sasha Kuznetsov Carly Meisel

Business and Production

Photography Learn new techniques by shooting at sports games, school activities and local events.

Section Editors Sr. News Editors Nathaniel Bolter Bella Ehrlich David Li News editor

Sr. Centerfold Editors

Draw or paint illustrations to supplement articles and display your work to a vast readership.

Darren Trementozzi

Daniel Morris

Bhavik Nagda

Graphics

Chief Copy Editor

Faith Bergman Julia Mount

Sophia Fisher Veronica Podolny

Graphics Manager Sophie Galowitz

Sr. Sports Editors Sr. Features Editors

Helen Haskin David Kim Jack McElduff

Amelia Stern Nicole Yu

SR. OPINIONS EDITOR

Maia Fefer Shelley Friedland Features editors

Advisers

Ashley Elpern Brian Baron Paul Estin Ryan Normandin

Ariel Neumann Ben Rabin

Photo Managers Katie Asch Max Baker Alexa Rhynd

page 8|November 26, 2014

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

Columns, rows and squares Each take a digit, falling Between one and nine.

ROSSWORD

bad haiku by Tony Vashevko & Rob Hass puzzles courtesy of sudokuoftheday.com

EASY: 8

6 4

1

9 7

2 1 9

2

6 4

DOWN:

3 5

6

3

7

8 5

9

2

7

2 8

2

1. Jogged

4 2

9

2. Jot

7

3. Lament

3 9 3

8

4. Bonnie Tyler hit,

3

... Heartache (2’1,1)

4

7

5. Ballet company

2

6. Ruled out

CHALLENGING: 7

2 6 4

5 3

6

4

9 3 4

8

5 9

8 4

7 5

ACROSS:

8

5

7

6

5 1

9

Crossword courtesy of youplay.com

6 1

2 1 8

1. Wearisome 5. River game, rainbow... 7. Hideous 10. Duty list 11. Mother’s sister 12. Absent 13. Bustle

7. Brides & ... 14. Oil producer’s group 16. Soft French cheese style 17. Treated with drugs 19. Grabs 20. Pakistan’s ... Pass leader

8. 25 per cent 9. Panties 15. Major community 16. Cook in oven 18. First ... off the rank

Embarrassing Roar Staff Photo of the Month:

Neumann flashes her gang sign at an amusement park.

page 9|november 26, 2014|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

opinions

the need to standradize class schedules

Senior challenges perceptions of feminism

pAGE 10

pAGE 10

opinions@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

Perspectives:

Should South have substitute teachers for cancelled classes? photo by Alexa Rhynd

WE SHOULD

weBYshould not VICTORIA BERGMAN W

hen a text from the phone number 844-83 appears on my phone in the morning, I eagerly open the message, hoping to see the names of my teachers staring back at me. Most South students know the euphoric feeling that comes when you see your teacher on the absence list. This happiness doesn’t come from the fact that the teacher is absent, but from the knowledge that a cancelled class means the opportunity to relax for one block and to talk with friends or work on homework. There’s no reason to even consider bringing in substitute teachers; it is more detrimental than positive. The decision to allow high schoolers to have a free block instead has been proven to be right for both teachers and students. Some people might say that having a class taught by a substitute is more productive than having class cancelled. I recall back in middle school, however, that the class barely functioned when there was a substitute teacher. The teacher’s absence seemed to signify that there was no need to be respectful or to listen, and students would engage in rude behavior toward the substitute, while many others just ignored the entire lesson. Along with the students, the substitutes themselves tended to contribute to making these classes unproductive.

Substitutes, understandably, often didn’t know what we were learning about or where we were in a unit. They were not very helpful in furthering our knowledge. Sometimes the substitutes would demand the class be silent, even if we were having trouble on a worksheet and needed to ask questions. This is no more productive than a cancelled class. In addition to being unproductive, having substitute teachers would also be expensive. The city of Newton would need to pay them individually, which would add up to a significant amount of money. Paying for all these substitutes is impractical, especially considering that on the sporadic occasions any particular substitute was needed, they would be watching over a class of students who they are not especially able to teach and who are not especially willing to learn. In a cancelled classroom, there are many ways to be efficient that are more beneficial to a student than sitting in a classroom monitored by a substitute. You can catch up on work that you have missed or prepare for an upcoming quiz or test. If you do not want to work and would rather relax and talk to friends, you can do that too, which is an opportunity we rarely get. Cancelled classes are valuable for students, and there’s no reason to take that away.

By BRYAN HYSENAJ

I

remember when I had my first cancelled class during my freshman year. My history class rejoiced as we headed to 6167 for the block. While the 55-minute break from the long school day seemed like an appealing option for most, I quickly realized how unproductive that block really was, which made me wonder why we do not have substitute teachers when our teachers are absent. As students, we are entitled to a comprehensive high school education. We have little control over the attendance of our teachers, who will inevitably miss school for some reason; so why should we have to pay the price for their absences? We have not had to face such a problematic dilemma before high school. In elementary and middle school, we had substitute teachers for every unavailable teacher. As a result, we were able to learn, even when our teacher was absent; this allowed us to continue working on our classwork and making progress in any given unit without disruptive interruptions. I believe that high school should be no exception; it is South’s responsibility to provide students with the opportunity to learn each day of the school year. As high school students, we are by

far better behaved than we were in middle school — a rationale that has led the school to trust students with free blocks. This growth and maturity, however, would actually make a substitute teacher’s work more valuable, as we would be better able to conduct ourselves in the absence of our actual teachers. While it is true that high school classes are far more advanced that that of middle school — thus requiring teachers to have a deep understanding of the subject — South could easily make the effort to seek qualified substitute teachers. There is likely a large number of certified teachers-in-training in the area who are seeking opportunities to develop their teaching skills in a high school setting. Hiring these individuals would be a great compromise that would allow both the students and the substitute teachers to learn. Some say that hiring substitutes would drain the school’s resources. But surely, the city can afford to allocate its resources to prioritize students’ education. Even without hiring extra teachers for single days, the school could arrange for full-time teachers who have free blocks to fill in for absent teachers as necessary. We high school students want to and deserve to learn. While substitute teachers are not perfect, they make a better alternative to a wasted block.

page 10|november 26, 2014

Opinions|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

The F-Word: What It Really Means By Vivian li

Is “feminism” a bad word? Your mother won’t tell you to shut your mouth if you say it in your household, but the word has acquired many negative connotations in our society. One of the things that makes the word “feminist” so controversial is that people cannot seem to agree on its definition. For example, Miley Cyrus claims that she is a feminist. She told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat that she feels like she is “one of the biggest feminists in the world, because [she] tells women to not be scared of anything.” Other celebrities, on the other hand, deny any feminist affiliation. Katy Perry told Billboard magazine in 2012 that she is not a feminist, but she does “believe in the strength of women.” Lady Gaga has said that she is “not a feminist,” because she loves men. These statements seem contradictory: Cyrus claims that telling women not to be afraid is a feminist act, but Perry thinks that believing in female strength does not fall within the bounds of feminism. Gaga, meanwhile, seems to think that a person who loves men cannot be a feminist, implying that hatred of men is a requirement for feminism; this is a thought that many people share. When we hear the word “feminist,” we often think of irascible, yelling women holding signs. There is a common misconception that feminists are entirely independent women who don’t need men, or who just hate men in general. The fact that some believe that there is no need for feminism adds to the controversy around the topic. Some say that because society has improved so much since the suffrage movement, there is no more work left to do on this front. This

view, however, is inherently flawed. For every dollar a man makes, his female counterpart earns only 77 cents, according to IWPR, which tracks the gender wage gap. Clearly, feminism still has a role to play in society. So what is that role, and what is feminism? According to Nigerian writer and TED speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a feminist is “a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” If that sounds familiar, it might be because that quotation was featured in the background of Beyoncé’s song “Flawless.” Beyoncé herself has added another, much more personal definition of feminism to the mix. She said in interview with Vogue

UK, “I guess I am a modern-day feminist. I do believe in equality. Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything? I’m just a woman, and I love being a woman.” So is being a feminist about being fearless, angry, equal or just happy with yourself? A feminist is someone who believes in the equality of women and men. Being a feminist, by this definition, does not mean that you are against men, that you don’t need men or that you want to be a man. It means celebrating who women are and what they are capable of and trying to make the world reflect those capabilities a little better. More and more people

are starting to embrace this modern day feminist movement. A recent Verizon commercial featured statistics of female engineers versus male engineers. After showing statistics that say that 66 percent of fourth grade girls say they like science and math but only 18 percent of all college engineering majors are female, the commercial asks,“Isn’t it time we told her she’s pretty brilliant, too?” Feminism is cropping up everywhere, from Seventeen magazine’s #GirlPower issue to celebrity tweets to the new Feminism Empowerment club right here at South. So am I a feminist? Yes, I am, and I think that everyone should be, too.

graphic by Sophie Galowitz

The Problem with Curriculum Inconsistency BY Charles zhou When talking with your friends about what you are learning in your classes, you’ve probably heard someone exclaim, “What? We did that stuff four weeks ago!” There is an unfortunate truth behind this statement. Certain classes at South are always hopelessly behind or ahead of other courses of the same level. It is not surprising that some classes pull ahead of others; after all, individual teachers teach at their own paces and prioritize different material. Teachers also usually have a certain degree of freedom over the selection of classroom material. I find this to be a greater problem than it may seem. The inconsistent curriculums and agendas of different teachers of the same course give

some students an edge and others a disadvantage. One example of this predicament was the summer reading unit of my English class this year. Most of us were tested on the books we read over the summer early in the year, which is probably why we even bothered to read them; to no surprise, I was assigned an in-class essay on “Huckleberry Finn” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The essay, however, was assigned about two weeks after school started, which was convenient for me because I hadn’t actually read “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” over the summer. The two weeks gave me enough to time to prepare, but not everyone was as lucky as I was. My friends lamented about their summer reading essays that were administered during the

first week of school. This situation seems simply unfair. It seems as though students’ readiness for these essays was not necessarily measured by whether or not they completed the readings, but by arbitrary dates. But these circumstances aren’t always a result of poor planning. Teachers agree that they should invest more time into important topics, but most teachers don’t agree on what exactly is most important. I often see one class delve deeply into a particular subject, while another only briefly mentions it. For example, during my freshman year, many students were cramming for a big test on Japan and its cities. My class did not learn about Japan at all; although I was not particularly

interested in the minute details of Japan’s geography, the feeling of missing out was not pleasant. The problems that result from an inconsistent learning system, however, extend beyond these temporary feelings. “Test spoilers,” which occur when tests are assigned to different students on different days, are problematic as well. I understand that scheduling tests is difficult, especially due to the rotational schedule we have, but when two classes of the same level have tests on the same material weeks apart from each other because one class happens to behind, some students have unfair advantages. Sure, it is usually a safe bet to assume that tests for different classes are different, but hearing things like “The answer to number one was D” a thousand

times in the hallways does create predicaments for students. If a student in the class that is behind chooses D and gets the question right, does it count as cheating? Clearly, having total inconsistency among classes can raise issues. When I talked about the idea of standardizing teaching with my peers, they reacted the way we often do regarding standardized tests. After all, no one likes MCAS and the SAT, exams that are dry and devoid of creativity. A similar system for teaching would likely be a nightmare, sucking teachers dry of their enthusiasm. I think, however, that aligning the pacing of classes and assignment dates would solve many problems without compromising the classroom experience.

November 26, 2014|page 11

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

UPGRADE

9 Football

campus chatter =

The Lion’s Roar asked...

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving Break

“This year I’m thankful for my family and that their health is good.”

No Shave November Christmas Music

- Lindsey caliga, Class of 2015 “I am thankful for food — [especially] chicken and steak.”

Snow

- Alex Rosata, Class of 2017

Hats and Boots

“Can I say friends and family, or is that too cheesy?”

Starbucks Red Cups

- Monica Cipriano, Class of 2016

Frosh Play Pep Rally

“I am thankful for my friends and all the great stuff that’s happened this year and [that I’m in the] frosh play.”

- Alisa Rabin, Class of 2018

9

DOWNGRADE

photos by Alexa Rhynd

“Dear White People” BY Parisa Siddiqui

SAT Prep Cold Weather Chapped Lips Flu Shots Shorter Days Mid-Season Finales Trees Becoming Bare Coat Season Pre-Break Tests

This is a movie that made me stand up and take notice. Deftly confronting issues of identity and growing up, “Dear White People” follows several black students at a prestigious Ivy League university. Each identifies with his or her cultural and racial heritage a different way. Although the movie features an ensemble cast, the principal character is Sam White (played by Tessa Thompson), a biracial media arts major who opposes random housing and white people who “try to be black.” Her campus radio show, “Dear White People,” is the cause of controversy within the traditionally black Armstrong-Parker house. Other main characters include Troy Fairbanks (Brandon Bell), the privileged former president of Armstrong-Parker house and the son of the dean of students; Colandrea “Coco” Conners (Teyonah Parris), an aspiring reality star who wants to escape the stereotypes placed on black women; and Lionel Higgins (Tyler James Williams), a quiet, gay sophomore who is searching for a housing arrangement and a writing job. The film does not seem to follow a definitive plot line; rather, each character deals with different challenges brought on by their race and their life goals. Provocation from a few ignorant

“Dear White People”

Sam White (Thompson) and her friends confront a racist student in the Armstrong-Parker house.

white students stirs the racial tensions bubbling beneath the school’s pristine facade. Despite an abundance of sanctimonious characters of all races, the strong concept drives the story. Although the film is classified as a “comedy-drama,” it leans more toward the drama side. It would not be successful in the mass market, however, due to its dashes of quotidian humor that provide levity but are not really laugh-out-loud funny. While the movie’s ending was quite satisfying, the story was not so outlandishly brilliant. What made me really think was the difference these characters were trying

to make at their school. They push deep, meaningful change on their campus, and although their activism is met with varying degrees of success, they work for a cause relevant to a demographic which is more often than not marginalized. “Dear White People” comes at a time when political correctness is favored in place of genuine conversation on race issues. A common counter-argument provided throughout the film is that “racism doesn’t exist anymore.” As I, the students in the film and numerous other people of minority backgrounds can corroborate, that is not the case.

Take A Dirty Picture For Me

Sophomore Jamie’s* phone vibrates, displaying a message from the boy she likes. Her heart races as she opens the text:

You looked great in that red dress you wore today… Think I could see you without it?

I want to, but you can’t show anyone. Promise? Promise. Jamie takes off her dress and snaps a picture in front of the mirror. Though she considers the risks she may incur by sending a nude picture, she enjoys feeling desired by the boy she likes and wants to continue flirting with him. She adds a few emojis, takes a deep breath and presses send.

As part of an increasing trend, students send sexually suggestive photos to flirt or increase intimacy in a relationship, but cite the social and legal repercussions of “sexting”

By Hannah Lass photo illustration by Hyunnew Choi

Sexting, a portmanteau of the words “sex” and “texting,” is formally defined as the sending of sexually explicit photos via mobile phone. Though a relatively new phenomenon, sexting has become increasingly widespread since the first camera phones hit the market in 2001. Although sexting can incur both social and legal consequences, many teens continue to send explicit photos both to flirt and to strengthen partnerships, according to South students. This trend has become popular among teenagers nationwide. A study done by the FBI found that 20 percent of teens have sent nude or semi-nude photos in text messages or photo-sharing apps. Of those who sext, over 60 percent — including Jamie — do so because it is “fun and flirtatious” and “makes them feel sexy.” “I enjoy sending nude pictures mostly because of the thrill it provides,” she said. Junior Christopher* said he believes that nude pictures can also increase the intimacy of a relationship by increasing sexual comfort between partners. Christopher added that people are more likely to entrust nude pictures to someone they are dating. “As long as you trust the person and they respect your privacy, it can be a fun and positive experience,” he said. Senior Lauren*, who is dating a boy from another school, said that sexting is an essential part of her relationship. “Sexting can be a great tool for relationships, especially ones where you don’t get to see your partner every day,” Lauren said. “It can be a great way to bridge the gap of distance and maintain a sense of intimacy.” Many teens, however, choose not to participate in this trend. Senior Emily* does not sext mainly because she is afraid of ruining her reputation. “I don’t want to be seen as promiscuous or trashy by my friends,” she said. Sophomore Brandon*, who has asked for sexts, said that his opinion of people who send sexts does change. “Usually if someone eagerly and readily sends me nude pictures, I have trouble taking them seriously as anything other than a hook-up,” Brandon said. “I’d say I definitely stop valuing them as a person as much as I might have otherwise.” Brandon is not the only one who holds this opinion. According to the Do Something Campaign, 32 percent of teens nationwide reported that they would think less of a friend who sent nude pictures.

For this reason, Lauren said she is careful about discussing her sexting; she is afraid of being judged. “I generally keep the fact that I send nudes a secret,” Lauren said. While some teens help perpetuate the stigma of sexting, others pressure their peers to sext. According to a report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 51 percent of girls and 18 percent of boys cited peer pressure as their main reason for sexting. “I think the fact that an increasing number of girls are sending them has caused guys to think it’s okay to ask girls for nude pictures … and then to keep asking, over and over, until they get what they want,” Emily said. Those who do send nude photos say they have felt similar pressure.

“The consequences are serious. Kids as young as thirteen have and will continue to be registered as sex offenders.” -Kim Coney, community resource officer “Even though I send nudes mostly because I want to, I have felt the same pressure to do so. … Though no one has forced me into anything, people often use tactics such as compliments, promises and guilt in order to solicit pictures,” Jamie said. Several issues can arise when someone forwards or shares a nude picture they received from a friend or partner. According to the Do Something Campaign, these photos that are meant to be private often become quite public; over 17 percent of teens admit to sharing and forwarding on sexual pictures or videos they had received. Additionally, of those who share others’ sexual messages, over half share their contents with two or more people. Junior Jill Oliver said that while she sees sexting itself as harmless, it could have negative consequences. “I don’t suggest doing it, because you technically don’t know if the person you’re sexting shows anyone else, if they leak it on the internet, if they do anything with it,” she said. “You have no control over the picture once you send it, so it’s very dangerous.” Because sexting can quickly reach a large audience, Goodwin housemaster Charles Myette said that it is

necessary for the school to intervene when a nude image or video of an individual circulates among the student population. “When dealing with a private, sexual picture made public, the first step is to find out who has it and who they got it from,” he said. “That way we can find the origin of the problem, and delete as many copies as possible along the way. … Another top priority is to help the person who sent the picture, thinking it was in confidence. We assist them in coping with anything they might be feeling.” Although South has no specific consequences for those who share the photos they receive, Myette said that exploitative actions can be categorized as bullying and disciplined as such. In addition to administrative punishment, sexting can hold legal consequences. Under federal law, the distribution of nude photographs taken of children who are under 18 is punishable as the allocation of child pornography. The possible punishments can include fines up to $10,000 for a first offense. While police do not always immediately arrest teens who distribute nude pictures, the repercussions for doing so can be severe, according to Newton community resource officer Kim Coney. “If it’s a benign, singular offense, we generally try to use it as a teaching tool to help them understand the gravity of their behavior … However, if they do so again, especially out of malice or anger, the consequences are serious. Kids as young as thirteen have and will continue to be registered as sex offenders,” she said. Many students who know the risks, however, still continue to send sexually explicit photos. “My parents have educated me on the negative outcomes of sexting since I got my first cell phone, but neglected to tell me about the positive ones that I have experienced,” Lauren said. “I feel that as long as I am able to make responsible choices with who I send pictures to, it won’t be a problem for me.” Jamie is slightly more apprehensive. “The consequences sometimes make me hesitate to send nudes, even to someone I trust,” she said. When the guy she likes wants to sext with her, however, Jamie said she finds it hard to resist. “Most of the time, I’m having too much fun to stop.” The next time her phone buzzed, Jamie, after an initial hesitation, once again removed her clothing and snapped a photo, careful not to show her face. *Name changed to protect student’s identity

page 14|november 26, 2014

centerfold|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

THE CONSEQUENCES OF CLICKING “SEND”

W

An anonymous student reflects on the evolution of her sexting habits

hen I was young, I never wanted to be that girl — that girl who let other people objectify her by putting naked pictures up on the Internet. I thought it was dumb to sext; I thought sending naked pictures made you a bad person and would lead to all kinds of risky behaviors, but I did it nonetheless. When I was 12-years-old, I started sending naked pictures to guys at my school. I started using Snapchat to sext. At the time, I was foolish enough to feel safe using this app. I mean, the app was practically designed for sexting. After a little coercion, I started sending pictures of my boobs to a friend of mine. I knew the negative implications of sexting, but the friendship was more valuable to me. I did not value myself enough to know that I could have friends who were interested in my personality — not my body. I was eager to keep my friendship, so I sent the pictures. When he told his other friends that I was sending him topless photos, word spread quickly. Soon, a dozen guys were messaging me asking for “nudes,” and I wasn’t sure of what to do. It wasn’t like these were random people from the

Internet — I knew all of them. But they weren’t really my friends either, just casual acquaintances. Because I had already sent some pictures, however, I knew they would still be able to find them somewhere even if I didn’t send them myself. So I decided to send them to just about anyone who asked. I knew I was gaining a reputation as a slut at school, but once I had sent the first few pictures, it didn’t feel like a big deal to send more. Since that time, I have sent thousands of naked pictures to everyone from

could create. I believed the recipients of the pictures when they said that they wouldn’t show anyone, even though I knew they would. I think most peoples’ main question about sexting is “why?” Why would you put those vulnerable pictures on the Internet where a hacker could find them? Why would you degrade yourself by being defined solely by your body? There is no simple answer to these questions. I did it partially for attention. I liked the compliments I received. They increased my self-

I had a reputation as a sexter, and I believed I needed to live up to it; I did my best to please everyone. serious boyfriends to people I barely knew. They started out as just topless photos and soon became full-body shots. I stopped using Snapchat and started sending the pictures over text. I had fallen so deeply into the habit of sexting that I no longer cared who saw me naked. But I was not oblivious to the dangers of sexting. I knew that the pictures counted as child pornography and that Snapchat’s screenshot alert feature wasn’t always accurate. I, however, felt immune to any problems that sending nude pictures

steem and confidence. But I did it mostly to please the people who asked me. It was harder to say “no” than to just comply. I had a reputation as a sexter, and I believed I needed to live up to it; I did my best to please everyone. But I did not please my friends with my behavior. Many of them began to look down on me and thought my behavior was disgusting. They called me a slut and a whore, and some of my friendships were destroyed. This discouraged me from sexting,

but it didn’t stop me altogether. Sexting is not all negative, though. Over the years, it has helped me stay intimate with boyfriends who live out of town. It has made me much more comfortable with my body. I am no longer afraid of other people judging my body, because I’ve already put it out in the world. I know how I look, and I’m not ashamed of it. I believe everyone has the right to send any picture he or she wants; society’s judgmental opinion is the real problem. I wouldn’t mind if everyone saw me naked, as long as they didn’t look down on me for being comfortable with myself. For me, sexting’s benefits do not outweigh the potential consequences. As numerous leaked pictures of nude celebrities suggest, the photos on the Internet cannot be removed no matter how hard you try to keep them private once you post them. It wasn’t, however, the possibility of leaked photos that led me to stop sexting and delete my Snapchat account; it was the loss of confidence I felt from thinking my body was more important than all my other qualities. If you want to sext, go ahead. I’ll be the last person to judge you. But I implore you to consider the fact that sexting may not make you feel good in the long term.

The Truth about Teenage Sexting: 71% of teen girls and 67%

of teen boys who have sexted said they sent photos to their boyfriend or girlfriend.

1 in 4 of teens have sent

40% of teens have been shown explicit

photos that were not originally meant for them.

42% of teen girls cited “pressure from guys” as a reason for sending nude photos, while 18% of teen boys said that they sent suggestive photos as a result of pressure.

sexually suggestive photos to a friend or hookup.

15% of teens have

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

sexted somebody they know from the Internet.

Sending or receiving sexts of minors is considered child pornography, which is a felony.The legal penalties can include:

17 states have laws against teen sexting.

A $1,000 to $10,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison for posessing a sexual image of a minor. A $10,000 to $50,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison for distributing sexual material of a minor (e.g: forwarding a text message). Any conviction under a child pornography law requires registration as a sex offender. Source of Information: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and No Bullying

page 15|november 26, 2014|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

FEATURES Mastering FEATURES@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

Students reveal why new clubs are being founded

Freshman Noa Sade works with children

pAGE 16

pAGE 19

the Moves

Students and staff practice different forms of martial arts for physical and mental health benefits By Adam Baker, Mona Baloch & Alex Dobin

When junior Isabel Sperry tells people that she your whole body,” she said. practices Chun Kuk Do, she is often met with a myriad of Taekwondo also involves a mental focus, Wu said. “It’s misconceptions. “People will ask me, ‘can you break boards a lot of your mind, reading your opponent’s movements. It [or a] brick wall with your head?’” she said. “[Just] because requires a lot of concentration, and even though learning I do martial arts, does not mean I have a diamond skull.” all the moves might be hard, the harder part might be the Although her training does not include classic film mental aspect of it,” he said. stunts, Sperry said that martial arts practice requires a For senior Sydni Cubia, who has been practicing Chun lot of physical strength and endurance. Kuk Do for 10 years, martial arts have impacted her life since “It’s like a long … sprint, because [for] every she was young. “For a long time, I had struggled with reading single move you have to be putting your absolute and writing. [Chun Kuk Do] taught me to be patient, and power,” she said. “It is just as physical as any other to not get so frustrated over what I didn’t know,” she said. school sport ... it’s not just breaking boards and Wu, a member of South’s soccer and track teams, messing around.” added that lessons from martial arts can be applied to other Members of the South community said in- aspects of his life. “I’ve applied [Taekwando] to track a lot. volvement in the martial arts improves physical All my friends, teammates, [get] very nervous [and] jittery, fitness. but I can calm myself down,” he said. Chemistry teacher Alan Crosby, who practices After practicing martial arts since childhood, Sperry Hung Gar, a form of Kung Fu, said that the athletic and Cubia teach classes for younger children at their studios. aspect of martial arts is extremely valuable. “I’ve never “It keeps me in shape, and it’s my income,” Sperry said. been a particularly flexible individual, [but Hung Gar After initially being a teaching assistant, she now manallows you to] ages the classIt’s a lot of your mind, reading your opponent’s movements. It re- es. “[I] manage maintain a lot of flexibili- quires a lot of concentration, and even though learning all the moves the times and ty,” he said. might be hard, the harder part might be the mental aspect of it. hours [of when “It’s quite we teach] and - Albert Wu, Class of 2016 aerobic and figure out improves your balscheduling and ance … and maintains all kinds of physical aspects of how stuff like that, and make lesson plans. It’s really fun,” Sperry you deal with life on a day to day basis.” said. Junior Albert Wu, who has been practicing TaeSome of the students that Sperry teachs have behavkwondo since elementary school, said that, contrary to ioral issues. “I think that [martial arts] … help kids focus,” what media portrays, martial arts are not focused around Sperry said. “It’s easier to learn how to focus while you’re fighting and violence, but instead teach discipline. doing something physical, [as opposed to ...] while in school “Unlike the movies, where you see Jackie Chan beat- when you’re sitting in a chair and doing your work and this ing up some people, … you have to be responsible with it. and that … is hard for kids who have problems focusing.” I know I have the power to defend myself and be strong, Crosby said involvement in martial arts is worthwhile but [I] always have to control it,” he said. in the long term.“To actively make that choice and to make Freshman Kate Kramer, who practices Kempo, said that commitment. It is extremely rewarding,” he said. “[It] martial arts carry an important psychological factor. “It’s develops mental focus, and all of things along the way dea way for me to get away from the troubles of daily life.” velop you as a person.” Martial arts provide a chance to step away from Cubia said she believes that martial arts will continue daily stress, Crosby said. “My mind is always very active to benefit her as she gets older. [thinking about] my work load. For those hours that I’m “I feel like it’s going to keep me confident,” she said. [at martial arts], the first bit of it is clearing my mind of “Even if I don’t do it through college, I’ll be able to look all of the other stressors of life,” he said. back on my almost ten years of training and look at different Sophomore Kiana Lee, who also practices Hung strategies that I’ve learned over the years.” Gar, said she believes that mindset is an integral aspect Wu said he feels confident that his hard work will of the activity. “[Kung Fu is] an art. It’s not a fighting sport pay off. photo courtesy of Sydni Cubia ... In Kung Fu, you have this mental aspect where you have “You’re building on your years and experiences, everySydni Cubia performs her Bo Form at the Newtonville Fair. to really focus on what you’re doing and have control over day, just getting better,” he said. “It’s all worth it at the end.”

Types of Martial Arts

Karate t Closed fist fighting form t Originates on the island Okinawa, near Japan t Originally called Te, “hand” t Training begins in secret due to Okinawa’s ban on weapons for citizens

JuJitsu t Involves many choke and joint holds t Originates in Japan t Ju means “gentle” and Jitsu means “art” t Oldest form of hand-tohand combat in Japan

Judo t Goal is to use opponent’s energy to defeat them t Founded in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano t Judo means “gentle way” t Implemented in Japanese school curriculum

Kung Fu t Movement is both physical and breathing oriented t Originates in China t Legend says that it was founded by Bodhidhama t Supposed to help one’s Chi, the inner power

Taekwondo t Emphasizes quick kicks and punches in attack t Originates in Korea t During the Korean War, soldiers trained in this t Tae means “foot”’; Kwon means “fist”; Do means “way” Source of information: White Tiger Karate

page 16|November 26, 2014

Features|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

Clubs founded to enhance student interests Shira Abramovich, Karin Alsop, Nighat Ansari & Ella Kim Features Reporters, Features Contributors

“What do we want?” “Climate justice!” “When do we want it?” “Now!” This cheer was one of several that junior William Rhatigan, a member of the new Students for Political Action (SPA) club, chanted as he attended the New York City Climate March in September. There, he and eight other South students, along with 300,000 others, campaigned for climate change activism. Rhatigan said that since people from various political parties from all around the country were present at the event, it was heartening to know that South students were playing a role in the movement. “It was basically just a call for action … the main idea was to show how many people are really invested in stopping climate change … It was a really good atmosphere.” Rhatigan said. “Everywhere you looked there were hundreds of people [who were] really into it. Everyone had signs and everyone would chant along.” SPA is one of the many new clubs that students have founded over the past year. Several club leaders, including sophomore Salome Tkebuchava, who started the fencing club, said the recent spike in new clubs is due to the student body’s desire to pursue specific interests. “People are forming new clubs because they want to share their passions and hobbies with the community,” Tkebuchava said. The ultimate goal of any club, according to college counselor Barbara Brown, is to develop an open community where each person can find something that suits them. “[Clubs] help more kids find a connection to the school, which, as we all know, is very important,” Brown said. Whether founded to share interest, raise awareness or build a college resume, Rhatigan said that the recent increase in the

formation of new clubs positively impacts South. “Most clubs … foster interest in some issue, and therefore add richness to the South community,” he said. “Some people have begun to feel invested enough in the school to become more open to joining or [starting] school-sponsored activities.” Aside from adding diversity to the school, senior and co-captain of the Ultimate Frisbee club, Sophia Autor, said the club was created to encourage girls to play in a comfortable setting. “[We] decided … to make a girl’s team, because although the boy’s team was a co-ed team, the girls’ didn’t really get as much playing time,” she said. “There has rarely even been a girl on the [co-ed] team, so [we] just wanted to open it up to the other half of the school.” Rhatigan said resumé-building also contributes to students’ reasoning toward joining and founding clubs. “College is definitely a big factor for many students,” Rhatigan said. While Brown agreed that college applications influence students to join and found clubs, she said they are not the sole motivators. “I think [being a part of clubs] may well be partly driven by resumé building, but I really feel that kids here have a lot of different interests and they’re comfortable in wanting to get others to join them in their interests,” she said. Junior Yena Kim, founder of Nabi, a fundraiser club for Korean community issues, said her primary goal for the club was to raise awareness about sex slavery and comfort women during World War II. “[I started this club] because a lot of people in our school and in America [do not know] about the comfort women issue, so I want to publicize [it] and raise money to support the comfort women,” she said. “I didn’t think, ‘I’m doing this, [now] I can go to college easily.’” Rhatiganagreedthatclubspriotitizecreating venues for student initiative.“Whether or not students are doing it for college, their clubs will still have to take some sort of action, so some good effect comes out of starting

clubs no matter the motivation,” he said. Senior Itamar Levy-Or, a member of the programming club, said the club offers more than a place for him to program. “I like programming, and I like hanging out with people in the club,” he said. “I think [other members] are part of it because they like programming and they enjoy the community.”

Brown said that while colleges do consider club activity in the application process, the many new clubs that South offers provide their members and founders with growth and inclusion that act as a much better reason to start. “I think [clubs] are more for personal growth,” she said. “[Members feel] part of something.”

graphic by Sarah Anderson-Krim

“One to One” connects students to children Emily Belt, Kristen Miquel & Ilana Zeldin

Features Contributors, Features Reporter Despite senior Jackie Bussgang’s hectic schedule last year, she managed to find time to spend with her “little sibling” from the One to One program, which pairs South students with younger children, many of whom face difficult family challenges. Through small activities ranging from doing homework together to engaging in brief conversations, the two became closer friends. “I was really worried that I wasn’t going to have time to meet her once every week for two hours because that’s a big time commitment,” Bussgang said. “I made it work. I brought her to diving practice with me, or I would bring her to my house and we would do our homework together ... or I would have her talk to me about her emotions ... We [created] a relationship so that she feels open talking to me.” According to Nancy Holczer, who has been the program director of One to One for 32 years, the goal of the program is to help children aged six to 12 who face social or family challenges. A student’s commitment consists of

a weekly hour-long class throughout the are all struggling, and it is nice for them to school year, as well as personalized sessions have someone to talk to and to look up to.” Dare said that his “little sibling” bewith the younger kids. While One to One does take a large came less shy over the course of the year. “He was pretty shy at the beginning, but amount of time, participants said that their experiences’ are fulfilling, educational and the more that we met and did stuff, the more he opened up, and the more of a relationship rewarding. Senior Raimond Dare said he decided started building,” he said. According to Holczer, students who to participate in One to One because of the participate in the program, called mentors, program’s positive reputation. “Both my sisters did [One to One] and are encouraged to plan a variety of activities. “[Mentors] generate the ideas of they enjoyed it,” Dare said. “I also did it just the types because it of activisounded [My sibling] was pretty shy at the beginning, but the ties that really interesting, more we met and did stuff, the more he opened up, and are ap propriate …[and the more of a relationship started building. and why b e c aus e - Raimond Dare, Class of 2015 they are of ] t he approfact that p r i a t e ,” you have an impact on someone else.” Junior Brianna Rivers said she decided Holczer said. “It could be a home activity to sign up after hearing a senior in the pro- — baking brownies and watching a movie gram speak about it in one of her classes last — it could be doing homework, it could be year. Rivers, who aspires to be a teacher, said going sledding, making a snowman. Kids she thinks the program will give her valuable have gone to trampoline parks, bowling … The sky is the limit.” experience. While these bonding activities are “It’s good practice with kids, from what I’ve heard,” she said. “I want to make a important, Bussgang said simply talking to difference in these kids’ lives, because they her “sibling” has been an effective way of

connection. “I would make sure [our meetings were] productive and I would have [my little sibling] talk to me about her emotions and create a relationship, so that she felt open talking to me,” she said. Creating a relationship, however, is often challenging, she said. “[My “sibling”] had a lot of really difficult situations at home. … It really [gave] an interesting responsibility to me, because I hadn’t had to experience that before, and I’m responsible for this child,” she said. According to Dare, the lessons he has learned by participating in One to One extend beyond responsibility. “Not only does it teach you about leadership, but it teaches you about time management,” he said. “It’s awesome. I’ve only had good experiences with it so I would [recommend it].” Bussgang said she found her One to One experience to be both educational and rewarding. “There was a lot that happened over the course of the year and I had to learn how to support [my “sibling”] through [the program adviser] and through her social worker at school,” she said. “It is a really big time commitment, but it is 100 percent worth it because … it changed me. I feel like I am so much more mature now, [and] I learned so much from it.”

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|Features

November 26, 2014|page 17

A Poem From John Lawless

Thanksgiving

John Lawless, Custodian and Poet How can so few have so much and so many have so little? I am rich beyond belief and yet am not considered rich. I count my riches daily in the warmth of heart and home, the patchy grass, faded paint, rock garden (each stone rolled by my hands). The heart, she waves to me each morning as I leave for work and greets me on returning. Other hearts, now scattered, not too far away yet never near enough, have left their emptiness to fill the rooms. I sit, well clothed, warm and free. I am ever grateful for this freedom, freedom to be, freedom to be me, to love, to sing, to speak my mind, to write with passion of passion. And yet I ache for those who know not freedom, nor peace, nor joy, nor a day of Thanksgiving. I cry for children who will not be fed, nor cared for, not because there is lack of caring, but because the caring lacks the backbone of freedom, the hand of compassion, the hope — of Thanksgiving.

page 18|November 26, 2014

Relationships: Balancing Commitment

EDITOR’S NOTE: Every issue, The Roar publishes a different anonymous student’s perspective on relationships. The views expressed in the “Relationships Column” do not reflect the official views of The Lion’s Roar, nor are they intended as a guide or source of advice for others. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get in your stomach when someone you like smiles at you? How that feeling slowly spreads through your chest when that person says something nice to you? How you don’t even realize, but end up grinning like an absolute fool when that person embraces you in a giant, warm bear hug? We have all experienced this at some point in our lives. Whether from someone you have had a crush on, your significant other or even one of your best friends, kind and affectionate acts from other people tend to fill us up with a rushed, almost overwhelming form of happiness. Let’s be real — we all love that kind of feeling. After all, why shouldn’t we? Isn’t it natural for one to be happy when someone else — especially if it is someone with whom you are romantically involved — is nice to you, takes care of you or expresses how much he or she loves you? Yes, it is indeed. But what happens when that becomes the only form of happiness you seek? What happens when you can no longer be happy without that special someone? This is something that happens in a lot of teenage relationships. As relationships go on for a long period of time, people get more emotionally invested in the life of their partner. Trust is an essential component for any long-term relationship, and along with that comes a form of dependence on the other person. While people may enjoy these exciting outbursts of happiness, they tend to forget something really important: to remain their own source of happiness. It’s easy to forget or ignore other parts of your life while in a successful relationship. Long-term relationships often lead to people becoming each other’s support systems and shoulders to lean on. In such circumstances, it may seem as if you don’t need anyone else in your life besides that one person. Despite the simple benefits of a happy, long-term relationship, it is of utmost importance to hold on to and be in control of your own happiness. No matter how faithful and dependable your partner may be, retaining your independence is a quality that will only strengthen your own personality, and in the long term even support your relationship. After all, when you are your own source of sunshine, any added sunshine will always be cherished. But if you do just depend on external sources, what if one day, despite all the promises that were made and all the dreams that were shared, you find yourself alone in the darkness, all by yourself? That’s when you need to become your own source of sunshine and let your own light guide you through the rest of your journey.

features|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

THE

COMMONAPPLICATION

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

By Shelley Friedland

L

eo* was accepted into University of Oregon shortly after submitting his application. “Oregon is one of my top choices, and it totally takes the pressure off,” he said. “It’s almost unbelievable. I actually got into college. It’s totally wild.” He applied Early Action to University of Oregon, Miami University, Elon University and James Madison University. He said that the most difficult part of the applications was trying to tie all the loose ends together. “It was pretty nerve- wracking to try to get stuff in, like [recommendation letters] from teachers. They weren’t all on the Common App,” he said. “There was a lot of like technical organizing that was pretty stressful to try to make sure it happened. You want the strongest application possible.” Leo said it was challenging to balance schoolwork with his athletic season. “Most of the … application … was done already, which was nice. The stressful part has mostly been the regular school on top of [my athletics],” he said. Leo said he believes that his meeting with the Elon coach will give him a leg up in the process. “[The team] came down for their conference championship against all the other schools in the league,” he said. “I got to go down and meet him, which was really cool because a lot of our talking was over email, so it was nice to see him in person [and] see the team.” Leo said he belives he would be happy attending any of his top schools. “I’m actually really looking forward to hearing back and going to schools,” he said. “I’d be happy anywhere. … My top four, I would be super happy at all of them.”

E

lizabeth* is trying to finalize her list of schools as well as photographing her work to submit with her applications. Her portfolio has already been accepted by University of Massachusetts (UMass) Dartmouth. “I don’t have to send my portfolio [to UMass Dartmouth] ... because they just approved the portfolio,” she said. “I just need to submit everything else, but I don’t even know if I’m applying there. Basically I’m just making new stuff, figuring out what little stuff I need to put in, things like that.” Currently, her top choice is MassArt, but she is also applying to the Art Institute of New England and Savannah College of Art and Design. She is considering UMass Dartmouth and Rhode Island School of Design. Elizabeth said that with art schools, applications are particularly challenging because of how critical an applicant has to be with his or her artwork. “With art schools, you have to be so selective of your work and you have to make sure you make the right choice because really if one portion of your portfolio is weak, it can really change everything,” she said. “I just have to make sure that my strongest pieces are strong enough and make sure I’m [submitting] a good, solid portfolio.” Although Elizabeth said she wants to pursue the arts, she is unsure of which major she will ultimately choose. “I’m going to try and experiment with more different things and see what I can do and what really stands out for me,” she said. “I’ve done really a lot of everything, ... so it’s hard to narrow it down.”

A

ndrea* submitted her Early Action application to University of Michigan and Early Decision application to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). She said that if she does not get in early to WashU, she will apply Early Decision II to George Washington Univeristy. She also submitted her Regular Decision application to University of Connecticut, which has rolling admission. In addition to UConn, Andrea plans to apply Regular Decision to Elon University, American University, Tulane University and University of Wisconsin. She said she was initially apprehensive about submitting her applications. “It’s really scary to hit submit, … but it was fine,” she said. According to Andrea, the most stressful part of the process is the uncertainty and waiting period. “I’m fine with the deadline,” she said. “It’s more just the limbo, like not knowing what’s going to happen next. I just really want to hear back.” She said she has been trying not to focus on too many aspects of the application process at once.“[I’m trying not to get] overwhelmed and taking it one step at a time, like not thinking about every essay at once and every school at once,” she said. Andrea received her SAT score from October. “I got [my scores] and they moved up a lot which is really good,” she said. “It made me feel a lot better.” She said that most of all, she is excited to get accepted into a school.“[I am looking forward to] getting an acceptance letter from somewhere,” she said. “I don’t care where it is. I just want to get accepted somewhere.”

G

graphics by David Gorelik

regory* submitted his applications for Early Action to University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He said that the past few weeks have been somewhat stressful. “I’ve been a lot less relaxed since I haven’t had time to do much since I’ve been doing homework and then doing college [applications] every day, but now I’m happy since I’m done [and] I can relax,” he said. He said he is looking for a school that will provide a good academic setting. “Mostly … I want a good learning environment, somewhere where I can find a lot of other academically minded people,” he said. According to Gregory, the most challenging part of college applications is timeliness. “[The hardest part was] just getting everything together and meeting deadlines, since that’s generally not something I’m incredibly good at, but I managed to do it and I managed to get all my essays done on time and relatively decently,” he said. Gregory still needs to work on his supplemental essays for Harvard and Yale, to which he is applying Regular Decision. “I definitely need to work on a few more supplements before I get [Early Action] results back, just so that I don’t have a big pile of work to do in the two weeks between early results coming back and regular admissions being due,” he said. Gregory said he is excited to unwind in the coming months. “[I am looking forward to] relaxing for the next month and a half, hopefully getting good results and commencing slump,” he said.

*names have been changed to protect students’ identities

November 26, 2014|page 19

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|Features

Noa Sade is...

Every issue, The Roar randomly selects a student and explores what makes him or her unique.

Follow the Leader

photo by Kiana Lee

Freshman Noa Sade hands a third grade actor a prop for a performance of “Annie Get Your Gun” at Newton Youth Players, where she previously acted and now works as stage director.

Freshman Noa Sade finds passion for working with children through several youth programs By Maia Fefer, Andrea Lirio and Ben Rabin “Mommy!” A group of sixyear-old campers at Beaver Camp in Chestnut Hill surrounded freshman and counselor-in-training (CIT) Noa Sade. The nickname stemmed from a particular afternoon in the day camp’s pool. “I remember one summer … I was in the pool with them, and I was holding them one [camper] on each side,” she said. “They told me that they wanted me to be their mom. [After that], every time, they would call out to me and say ‘momma’.” Noa said that she enjoys her work as a CIT. “I really love [being a CIT]. … [The campers] are so cute and they almost automatically love you. It’s just a good feeling when [they say], ‘Noa, hold my hand,’ ‘Noa, I want to sit on your lap.,” she said. These instances, Noa said, are not unique to her CIT job, as her passion for working with children has become an integral part of her life. According to freshman Emily Goetzler, Noa is extremely supportive, which she demonstrates through her work with children.

“I think she just loves to help other people,” Goetzler said. “She’s [very] caring. She’s always out there for others. She’ll always listen to what you have to say.” Noa also participates in Newton Youth Players, an acting program for elementary school children. Program director Melissa Bernstein said that Noa’s patient nature allows her to help others, even in difficult situations. “She is so nice and so calm. She doesn’t get ruffled by anything … [and] she is very even-keeled and very easy to work with. She is a real team player,” Bernstein said. Noa’s CIT director and English teacher Alan Reinstein said that Noa came to work each day with enthusiasm. “[Her attitude is] always positive,” he said. “That’s one of her greatest attributes — she just always has a positive demeanor.” Despite working as an unpaid CIT, Reinstein said that Noa fully dedicates herself to the job. “She loves being in the CIT community … [and] she wants to do a good job as a counselor or CIT with kids, and I really appreci-

ate that about her,” he said. “She and working at Newton Youth teaching,” she said. takes her work seriously.” Players, Noa extends her passion According to Reinstein, Noa’s leadership skills for working with children by Noa’s growth in the CIT program extend to her work at Newton tutoring and refereeing socis indicative of a successful beYouth Players, according to cer. Later this year, she plans to ginning to a career working with Bernstein. participate in a child developchildren. “She has got a lot of rement program and join the South Reinstein said that Noa sponsibility. She is really an assis- preschool program. has a lot of potential to become tant director for me. She is part of All of these experiences, a great counselor as well as a role all different aspects of putting on Noa said, contribute to her desire model for other children and a show,” she said.“She has really to pursue a career in education. CITs. become a leader in this program ”I want to be a teacher “[She has grown overall] rather than one of the children when I am older — English or in confidence,” Reinstein said. who are involved as actors.” math. Maybe high school or “I expect that next year she’ll be Junior Omer Sade, Noa’s middle school. I really just like even more of a leader.” brother, said that working as a CIT has allowed Noa to become more sociable and interactive, especially with children. “She’s a very outgoing girl,” Sade said. “There are some times when she just lets herself [go] and plays with all of the kids for their sake.” Noa said that she can see a difference in herself due to her CIT work. I had to adapt [because] sometimes [kids] don’t know their boundaries, [yet you still] have to be kind to them,” she said. photo by Kiana Lee In addition to being a CIT Noa hands a prop to a fifth grader, also an actor in “Annie Get Your Gun.”

page 20|NOVEMBER 26, 2014|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

sports

wresTLING senior CAPTAIN previews season PAGE 22

students gain experience coaching basketball pAGE 23

sports@thelionsroar.com|VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

CHANG’S

COURT

By Nathan Elbaum, Helen Haskin & Jack McElduff photo courtesy of Whittier Regional Technical High School

Junior Emily Chang shoots a three-pointer during a game against Whittier Regional Technical High School during the last basketball season, her third participating with South.

I

Junior Emily Chang verbally committed to Brown University’s women’s basketball team following her success in high school athletics

n February, 14-year old eighth-grader Zadock Dinkelmann of Somerset, TX made a verbal commitment to Louisiana State University for football. The quarterback had yet to participate in high school athletics. In a move slightly less extreme, junior Emily Chang, a three-year varsity basketball player, verbally committed to Brown University this past October. Thomas Chang, Chang’s father, said he noticed his daughter’s talent and dedication to the sport early in her athletic career. “Emily knew very young that she wanted to play college basketball,” he said. “[She] had great older role models in front of her that paved the path and really showed her that it was possible.” According to Chang, working with South’s head basketball coach Sam Doner while she was in middle school inspired her dedication to the sport. “He saw potential in me and taught me a lot,” she said. “In middle school I had the idea that I might be interested in playing college basketball. Once I got into high school I started to think about where I

wanted to go. My coaches have helped me learn what colleges like to see.” Chang’s teammates said she distinguished herself early by attending high school practices as an eighth grader and displaying both her talent and her dedication. “I started to realize she could play in college after seeing how hard she worked during clinics and practices throughout middle school,” senior Hannah Lass said. “She improved so significantly and so quickly, and [she] continued to work once she reached high school.” Senior Julia Hurwit added that Chang always prioritizes the team’s success. “She’s a great teammate,” she said. “She knows when to pass. If she has a shot, she takes it, but she’s not selfish and helps everyone be better.” Last year, Chang’s road to the collegiate level was impeded by a torn ACL during South’s loss to Franklin in the 2013 MIAA Girls’ Basketball State Tournament. Thomas said the path to recovery from the tear was more difficult than anticipated. “ACL injuries are an athlete’s worst fear,” he said. “We didn’t know how long it would

take Emily to recover, or if she would fully recover.” Initially, Chang was set back by the injury. “I didn’t believe it,” she said. “[But] I traveled with my team throughout the spring season and went to all the practices. Being there motivated me to get back as soon as I could.” One of Chang’s defining qualities as a player, according to Lass, is quick thinking within each game. “Emily is amazing at creating her own shot. She doesn’t need to rely on anyone else to get her open shots. She does it herself,” she said. “She’s really one of the most incredible shooters I’ve seen, especially from behind the three point line.” Chang attributes her individual success to the dynamics of her team. “We’re all really competitive. We all want to win, and in practice that helps a lot because we push each other,” she said. “[My teammates] do a great job of pushing me to do well as a player and improve.” Despite her success, Chang said she is still focused on the present competition and feels that the Lions have a strong chance of being the Dual County League

champions. “I think we’re going to go far,” she said. “A lot of us have been playing together for a few years, and we have a lot of talent coming up.” Chang said she wants to use her two years left on South’s team to implement changes that will continue to have an impact after she leaves. “I’m going to try to keep improving on skills and make everyone else better,” she said. “Leadership-wise, if someone’s not having a good shooting day for example, I can be that person to bring them up.” Thomas said that although it has been challenging to balance both Chang’s academics and athletics, her dedication proved to be worthwhile. “I’m very proud of Emily, because she made the conscious decision that she was willing to sacrifice many nights and weekends with friends to prioritize her time to basketball and school work,” he said. “Emily has been very responsible and has definitely had to work extremely hard in order to keep this dream alive — we are all just so happy it paid off.”

November 26, 2014|page 21

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|Sports

Shifting Focus to Winter Sports

NBA Predictions

Noah Shelton

sports reporter

T

photo courtesy of Jessica Landon

Senior captain Jessica Landon competes in an alpine ski tournament at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl in Hancock, Vermont.

By Josh Goldenberg and Jack McElduff

Alpine Skiing

From December through February, South’s alpine ski team practices for three hours per day at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area. According to team members, the focused structure of the team prepares them for advanced competitions like the MIAA State Alpine Tournaments. “The practices are practices. They aren’t always a time for fun [even] though we do get some free runs in during warm-ups,” sophomore Noah Dector said. “After that, it’s serious drills and races to get us in shape for games.” Outside of training, however, senior captain Jessica Landon said that the team has a more relaxed atmosphere to help them bond. “We get really excited about bus rides,” Landon said. “Even though we have to travel for an hour to practice, we make the bus rides fun, and they are now integral to our team spirit.” Despite the considerable success the team has experienced, the team has shrunk in membership from 35 students to 25 during the past three years, according to Landon. “[The membership] varies from year to year,” Landon said. “We just need more people to be enthusiastic.”

Nordic Skiing

South’s nordic ski team practices several times a week at the Weston Ski Track, a course that sits on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course on the Charles River. Like the alpine ski team, skiers are looking to qualify for New England Regional Nordic Ski Tournament after 2014 graduate Sophie MacArthur did last season. With considerably fewer members than the alpine ski team, nordic skiing is one of the smallest programs at South, according to senior captain Sam Noymer. He said that he has been addressing this issue through advertisement. “In the past–and at the moment–it’s a very small team,” Noymer said. “[We were] looking to get the numbers up, so we put up posters.” Noymer said the team has built a tight-knit community that is essential to the sport. “It’s very tough,” Noymer said. “We ski uphill, but it’s a lot of fun because of the kids you’re with. It’s a great group of people.” Senior captain Dezso Wyner said that although it will be difficult to make strides at the races due to low membership, he hopes to foster a sense of dedication within the team. “We always push ourselves and strive to do better,” he said.

Indoor Track: Concerns over Lost Athletes Sam Detjen Sports Reporter

Last year, South’s indoor track team won the Dual Country League meet. Most of the athletes who participated on this victorious team, however, have graduated from South, raising worries about this year’s potential success. According to team captains, distance running and shot-put are the two events of most concern. The top competitors in these two categories were among those who graduated last year. “We lost big point scorers from last year, like Thomas Stephens and Omri Cohen,” senior captain Ben

Cooper said. “We also lost a lot of other distance runners.” Senior Ben Weingart agreed, but said he believes the younger athletes will fill the roles of graduates. “It’s going to be tough, but I trust my fellow distance runners to be up to the challenge,” he said. Junior Jake Epstein and senior Noah Shuster said that the track program’s success in its sprint programs will balance the loss of distance runners. “It helps for distance running that we have a really strong sprint unit and program this year,” Epstein said. “As a sprinter, I feel like the sprinting core this year has a lot of depth, and it will be important for racking up points at our big meets,” Shuster agreed.

Aside from distance running, junior Phillip Batler said he is concerned for the shot put event, noting the loss of 2014 graduate Ryan Kim. “[Kim] was a guaranteed win, and it will be extremely hard to get over that loss,” Batler said. Like Weingart, Batler said he believes that the young shot putters will help compensate for the loss. “We have some good shot putters, like George Morgan,” Batler said. “These young shot putters will need to step up in order to replace Ryan Kim. Although the team is facing the absences of key senior athletes, the team still anticipates success. “Our expectation this year is to be a DCL powerhouse,” Epstein said.

Shelton’s corner

he 2014 NBA season kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and as a sports enthusiast, I cannot help but make a few predictions for the rest of the season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, during the offseason, brought back Kevin Love and hometown hero Lebron James. Accompanied by star point guard Kyrie Irving, this trio has the skills necessary to become the league’s new “Big 3.” With their starting five including the three all-stars, the Cavaliers have a lineup superior to that of the Miami Heat, which went to four consecutive championships and won two of them. This was when James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh made up their own “Big 3”. We’ll see if the Cavalier’s “Big 3” can bring Cleveland its first major championship since Cleveland Brown’s NFL title in 1964. The young-gun Washington Wizards are hoping that their drafting of John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. will pay off. Last year, Wall had a spectacular season, and he is looking to prove himself as a number 1 pick in 2014. With the addition of former Celtic Paul Pierce, the Wizards can boast a lineup that is young and fast, but also wise and time-tested. The third powerhouse of the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls, looks feisty and ready to bring home its first post-Jordan championship. Derrick Rose, the starting point guard and 2011 regular season MVP, is determined to show Chicago that his two ACL tears are behind him and that he can lead like Jordan did. If Rose can finish the season injury-free, the Bulls will have no trouble making a deep playoff run. Finally, we arrive at the city that bleeds green. With the sixth pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, the Celtics selected Marcus Smart, who has a huge physical presence at 6’4” and 225 pounds. Ultimately, it will come down to whether or not the Celtics are ready to move forward by trading Rondo and promoting Smart to the starting point guard position. With all this considered, I expect the Celtics to struggle, but, in the weak East, a playoff berth is never out of question. In the Western Conference, we see the reigning NBA Champions, the San Antonio Spurs. We keep expecting this team to get old and retire, but veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili always find a way to spark this team. Led by legendary coach Gregg Popovich and the new star forward Kawhi Leonard, this team of fundamentals poses a definite threat in the league. With its strongest bench, the Spurs are looking to steal one more ring before the older players are done. The reigning NBA regular season MVP, Kevin Durant, is looking to earn his first ring. Unfortunately for Durant, his foot fracture is keeping him out for the first few weeks of the season. Russell Westbrook is likely out for the season as well, having undergone surgery for a hand fracture. The Oaklahoma City Thunder, however, have Serge Ibaka, who can block multiple shots per game, and 3-point threats like Nick Collison all over the floor. As long as they can take appropriate risks on the court and not force passes or shots, the Thunder are certainly capable of marching to the NBA Finals again. All this excitement is worth the wait. We’ll see which teams will earn their way to the playoff berths.

page 22|november 26, 2014

A Convenient Choice Andy wang & sumit hariawala sports columnists

I

working it out

s fast food really bad? Everyone says that you should avoid fast food because it is detrimental to your health, but there is certainly one obvious but frequently overlooked primary benefit — time. Why not consider fast food if it is much more convenient? At an average sit-down restaurant, food can take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to arrive. Fast food restaurants, on the other hand, require customers to wait for a few minutes at a time, which is why students who have free blocks during the day typically go out and grab fast food. This time crunch makes fast food an appealing option for many students. Contrary to popular belief, fast food — when eaten in small amounts — can be the best selection for students who need something small to eat before a practice, game or after-school activity. Typically, people associate fast food with dense, unsatisfactory foods that have a high calorie count. We have noticed that peers who choose fast food for lunch buy more food than they need nutritionally. They bring back orders of large fries, several cheeseburgers and 20-piece chicken McNuggets, finishing every last bit of the food. It’s no surprise that such meals leave students feeling bloated and regretful; these combinations can add up to about 1,900 calories, only 100 calories short of the recommended 2,000 calories for a day’s worth of food. Instead of such nutritionally poor options, a small sandwich would be enough to fuel your body, leaving you satisfied without the guilt that accompanies the heavy calories. For example, you can get a premium grilled chicken sandwich from McDonalds, an order of small fries and a fourpiece McNuggets for under 800 calories — a stark contrast to the 1,900 from the previous example. Combinations like these are endless; it’s up to you to make the decision on how many calories you intake at once. You can think of the number of calories you should be consuming as a daily allowance. Like money, you would not want to spend more than what you have. A Big Mac may seem more appealing than a grilled chicken sandwich, but you have to consider the consequences of your fast food selection. People who fail to keep track of the calories they are consuming will inevitably face weight gain and other serious, healthrelated consequences, which can adversely affect athletic performance. If you down a large Sprite, a Taco Bell Dorito’s Locos Taco and a Wendy’s Frosty half an hour before your game, you will likely not be able to perform as well as if you had a light sandwich from a fast food restaurant instead. We urge you to be smart about the choices you make regarding your body. Fast food may serve to your benefit in terms of saving time, but only if you are being reasonable about the selection you make.

sports|THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM

Q&A

CAPTAIN CATCH-UP By Helen Haskin

Senior captain Zach Nislick shares his insight on the upcoming wrestling season photo by Alexa Rhynd

1

Why did you join the wrestling program at South?

Coming out of a gymnastics career at the beginning of high school, I wanted to try something new. Wrestling was the first thing I tried, and I enjoyed it. Even though I broke my arm freshman year, I continued with [wrestling]. There are a lot of similarities between gymnastics and wrestling.

2

What is the team doing to prepare for the upcoming season?

Preparing our underclassmen is definitely a big priority. Just from last year, they show a lot of promise and determination to put in their best effort, which is exactly what we need to accomplish as a program and to be successful. It’s not always about the skill set that you have because most wrestlers entering high school don’t know what they are doing going into the sport. It’s really just about having the will to work hard. If you put in the work, the result will just come.

3

What is the hardest part of being on the wrestling team?

I think probably everyday when you’re wrestling someone in practice who is dedicated 100 percent. They’re working just as hard as you, and you’re just pushing yourself to the absolute limit every single day. It’s tough physically and mentally draining to prepare yourself for a match. It teaches you a lot and it’s really rewarding.

4

What is the best part of the wrestling team?

When I’m on the mat, everyone is focused on you. Everyone’s yelling, and everyone is amped. I’m anxious while I’m on the mat, but it’s really just invigorating. You’re pumped and emotions are flying. It’s an experience you couldn’t really have if you weren’t a wrestler.

5

What are the team’s strengths this year?

We have a lot of seniors who are really committed to the program. We have a lot of strong wrestlers in our heavyweights – Liam Brandel and co-captain Adam Josephson. All around, upperclassmen show a lot of leadership, determination to win and a good example for the younger players. We can show the younger kids how the program works and what works well. I think that will make us a strong program this year. Also, Coach Rotatori is really a great guy and makes the program enjoyable.

6

7

Is staying within your weight class difficult?

It depends what weight you’re at. Most kids on our team aren’t cutting weight as much. It’s definitely difficult. Cutting a couple pounds isn’t that much but, four or five pounds before a meet is definitely difficult. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and not too many carbs is key. Eating meats and pasta is good, I think. It’s really individual, rather than a team thing. The coaches expect you to be on your weight.

8

How do you feel about being a captain?

I think being a captain is a big role to fill. I feel like I need to set a good example for the team. It’s all new to me, but I’m really excited to take on the role with one of my good friends — Josephson. I’m excited to lead our team to a victorious season, hop efully.

What is the most difficult part of a wrestling match?

The most difficult part is that you don’t get to hydrate before a meet. Water weight is probably the heaviest of anything. You get to do that in most other sports, but in wrestling you don’t get to hydrate which has the most impact, on me at least. It doesn’t seem that long for two minute periods in a six minute match, but it’s really a long time when you’re on the mat.

photo by Alexa Rhynd

november 26, 2014|page 23

THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|sports

SEASON REVIEW

Boys Cross-Country Girls Cross-Country Record: 1-5 Record: 2-2 Tournament: All-State participant Tournament: All-State Participant Season Highlight: The team participated in the 2014 MIAA Eastern Mass Divisional Cross Country Championship on Nov. 8. The top five athletes for the Lions in the 5-kilometer race were Ben Weingart, Will Rhatigan, Gal Fudim, Pat Mahoney and Matt Shaughnessy.

Boys Soccer Record: 5-12-1 Tournament: Did not qualify

Season Highlight: The team participated in the 2014 MIAA Eastern Mass. Divisional Cross Country Championship on Nov. 8. The top five athletes for the Lions were Rebecca Grusby, Clare Martin, Alana Winston-Khan, Matia Whiting and Rachel Boisclair.

The Roar looks back on how the eight fall sports teams fared this season

Season Highlight: Although the team did not fare as well as it had hoped, it started the season with a 2-0 record with wins against Everett and Weston.

By Jack McElduff

Football record: 6-5 Tournament: lost to haverhill in division 2 north quarterfinal

Girls Soccer Record: 9-8-2 Tournament: Lost to Whitman-Hanson in Division 1 South First Round

Season Highlight: The team beat the Acton-Boxborough Colonials 32-28 on Oct. 2, the Lions’ first win over A-B since 1989.

Season Highlight: The Lions closed out the regular season by beating Westford 3-2 on Nov. 4 and earning a spot in the playoffs.

Girls Volleyball Record: 4-8 Tournament: Did not qualify

Season Highlight: Despite a slight dip in success from last year, the team won the Massachusetts Division 1 sportsmanship award on Nov. 15.

Field Hockey Record: 1-13-1 Tournament: Did not qualify Season Highlight: The team beat Waltham in its final game on Oct. 24, securing its first victory since 2011.

Golf Record: 5-5 Tournament: 10th place at Div. 1 north State Golf Tournament Season Highlight: The team upset Acton-Boxborough 106-86 on Oct. 9 to qualify for the state tournament.

Students gain leadership experience coaching basketball Ryan Boey & Yu-En Chang

lar setting. “Most often the team will be quiet, but if you open up and talk to them about their favorite foods and sports, the whole team will get involved,” he said. “I learned to make kids pay attention by giving them incentives. When my coaches tried negative things, it failed to make them listen. With incentives such as knockout or candy, kids tend to listen more.” Stein said that facilitating team unity through whatever means is the most important role

and improve on their weaknesses,” he said. Jeff Hecht, the NAA coorSports Reporters dinator, said high school students Junior Guy Stein watched become better leaders through from the sidelines as his team of 10 coaching young athletes. middle school athletes practiced the “Through coaching, they drills he had created. He scanned the learn how to communicate as court, noting the struggling students an adult — to push, teach and and mapping out the next team nurture the kids,” he said. “As they practice. teach and become adults of the This experience has become a team, they learn how to be a role weekly activity for students like Stein model and effectively lead chilwho coach youth basketball in the dren by setting examples.” Newton Athletic Association (NAA), According to the student a local athletcoaches, ic organizatheir active Through coaching, [the students] learn how to communicate tion that has roles in gained popuas an adult — to push, teach and nurture the kids. the prolarity since gram have - Jeff Hecht, NAA All-League Coordinator its inception encourmore than 25 aged them years ago. of a coach. advocate for changes within the Although the league attracts “I try not to raise my voice, program that would improve the athletes primarily from the local elbut rather make funny jokes and league. ementary and middle schools, it also cheer them up,” he said. “By doing “I think that the evaluation offers South students the opportunity that team chemistry improves, process should be improved to to coach their own teams — an experiand the team benefits.” make more even and fairer teams,” ence many said has played a large role Sophomore Noah Winer junior Kyle Brooks said. in the development of their leadership said coaches also have the responLee agreed and added that skills. sibility of making sure that each he finds the process of improvJunior Matt Lee said that player gets equal playing time in ing the experience for students because the program includes kids games, which he said contributes rewarding. as young as eight years old, he often to a positive team atmosphere. “Not only do you get to struggles to get his players to focus “Giving kids a fair amount learn how to become a leader, but during practices. of playing time will lead to less when you win, you feel like you’ve Lee, however, said he has fooling around. If you give everyaccomplished something, and it developed teaching strategies that one a fair chance at running plays, feels good to make kids happy,” he have been effective for this particuthey can build on their strengths said.

photo by Cael Howell

A student coach guides two young athletes during a practice.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.