“Some of the News That’s Fit to Print”
October 1, 2012
The VA Voice Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, Vermont 05154 “Discere verba et opera Dei”
2012 Sabin Award: Trustee & Alumni Weekend
By: Eamon O’Keefe Member of class of 1957, Art Kelton, won the 2012 Florence Sabin Award in a special ceremony held on Friday, September 28th in The Horowitz Auditorium during Alumni and Trustee Weekend. Mr. Brennan opened the ceremony with inspiring remarks regarding the limitless potential of every VA student. Then, senior Ross Holzschuh gave a speech reflecting on the life and acomplishments of Art Kelton. Kelton was born in Peru, Vermont, and went to school in a one room school house before attending Vermont Academy. He then went on to play a leading role in real estate development in the Colorado area, and was specifically involved in the ski industry. Mr. Kelton then gave a short but heartfelt speech about his life. He talked about all the oportunities Vermont Academy had offered him, and he recalled fond memories of his time at VA. Kelton recognized the past Florence Sabin Award winners in the audience, and concluded with a recital of The Road not Taken by Robert Frost. This event marked a broader Trustee and Alumni Weekend that, despite the weather, was a great success. The Trustees visited campus to continue to try to improve the school. Alumni from various classes flooded the campus, but surely the 35 members of the class of 1967 was a highlight. Another prominent event during the weekend was a mentor program that introduced successful alumni to the juniors and seniors. The speakers included Sean Bersell, Mark Smith, Rick Moulton, Sarah Weilbrenner, Mark Zayac, and Dave Pye. The speakers spoke about their various careers in law, government, business, and fasion. The speakers inspired many of the VA students to make alumni connections. The weekend was a great success with various football and soccer games keeping the alumni involved in Vermont Academy and all the great traditions that bring alumni back year after year. Picture Courtesy of Vermont Academy
Volume 17, Issue 2
IN THE MARGIN NFL Referees Return to Football Referees in the NFL returned from a strike demanding better pay. They were replaced with refs that were widely criticized for poor calls. The refs signed an 8 year contract, and they returned to a Baltimore versus Cleveland game with much applause. Bank Of America Settles Bank of America settled with its investors on Friday for a total of $2.43 billion dollars for the allegations of misleading investors during its rushed takeover of Merryl Lynch in 2008. The settlement marks one of many law suits that have been aimed at Bank of America over its operations during the heart of the recession and banking crisis. Obama Makes UN Address President Barack Obama made an address to the United Nations on Tuesday with a clear message against the tyranny in Syria and Iran. Some have criticized his perceived lack of support with Israel.
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The VA Voice
October 1, 2012
Mr. Hearon’s Top Ten (Eleven) Fake Band Names What do all these ridiculous band names have in common: The Dirty Projectors, Jethro Tull, The Police, and Jatoba? They are all REAL names of bands! No lie! Therefore, in honor of Spinal Tap, the ultimate faux-band, this week’s “Hearon’s Top Ten” list goes to 11. The other day our advisory had a heated discussion as we tried to create the greatest rock group that never lived. It was blissful as we spent the sacred H period in the Greatest of Rooms creating a list of epic imaginary bands. We had two criteria in mind when we generated the list: a)The attraction of the band based simply on its name. As in…how would it sound if all your friends texted you and said: “Dude, we are going downtown to see this amazing band, The Metrics, want to come?” (insert name of fake band here). b)The mystery of the history. As in…how ridiculously far down the wormhole can you go with these invented bands? For example: Can you come up with the title of their chart-topping debut album? Can you name their dead keyboardist? What is their http://looksharpdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/this-is-spinal-tap.jpg best song to drive to? Drum roll, please: The Top Eleven Fictitious Band Names 11. If you’re looking for a great new indie band, check out Super Barley. Like a blend By: Mr. Marks of Bon Iver, Dr. Dog, and Arcade Fire, Super Barley cranks out hit after hit with pow“Until the color of a man’s skin is of no erful lyrics and great acoustic guitar jams. On their first album “Waking Up On Cloud more significance than the color of his 9”, they really set the tone for what is to come. Their lead singer/lead guitarist, Michel McNamara, is the genius behind this group and he says their new album “Pavlov’s eyes – me say war.” – War by Marley “Mellow is the man who knows what Dog” will continue to bring their fans what they want. 10. Meatball Rage – We had to include a girl band and a food group, so Sarai Moore’s he’s been missing.” Over the Hills and fantastical creation fit both perfectly. Think punkish power ballads and cheesy (no Far Away by Zeppelin I juxtaposed these two lyrics because pun intended) Eagles covers. 9. Scratched Cornea – It seemed like body parts were a big part of our discussion they both consider unpleasant ways of and this was the only PG-13 band name that we could share with you. Sorry, but they being and, potentially, the alternative. Marley’s lyric, actually an adaptation would be fun in concert. Acoustic show, of course. 8. Muddy Laces – Faith and Ross are convinced that these crazy gents from Albuquer- of a speech by Emperor Haile Selassie, que are the next big thing. Their new album, “Tangential like you wouldn’t believe,” talks about one of the major reasons is a revelation. for people fighting people – differ7. Dag Hammarskjold – Modern day krautrock aficionados should flock to hear these ence. People will continue to fight, Bavarian philosophers wail. Lead singer, Gustav Fechner, and guitarist, Georg Hegel, one on one and nation on nation, until together with bassist, Albrecht Dürer, form an intricate mélange of musical mastery the perceived significance of superfion their new album, “Trends of Convergence.” cial differences such as skin color is 6. The Predicament – Winner of the “hey, want to come downtown tonight and...” completely discounted. People take award. Supposedly, an amazing horn section and tight percussion. Could go viral with notice of eye color, even have personal their hot new single, ”Forever sounds just fine to me.” preferences on which eye colors are 5. For number 5 we offer you Five Faculty/Students and their legendary back-up more attractive or desirable. But that’s bands (loosely based on great bands like, Elvis Costello and the Attractions). You it. Rarely, if ever, is a person judged, could go all night, but a quick tour of the thriving underground VA music scene: Jim imprisoned, or executed based on eye Frey and the Funky Physicists, Pat Bart and the Head Band, Mary Hepburn and the Smokin’ Kilns, Marta, Blanca and the LaSalle Invasion, Kathi Perkins and the Qua- color. Difference is a given. It is common to take notice of difference, and dratic Equations 4. Recycled Spider – Salty feels that these guys are ready for the big time now that to place a subjective aesthetic value on superficial differences. But until huthey have honed their thrash metal appeal to teenage fans all across the Bible Belt. mans take the care and responsibility to 3. Wingless Pterodactyl – Connor Brown claims that these guys will have incredible draw a line, to understand that only so album art and really fascinating t-shirts for purchase at their laser-filled arena sellmuch value can be placed on the way outs over in Luxemborg. 2. Horrabad – Maybe not the best group to ever come out of Detroit! Michael Reilly a person looks (and very little, at that), then we will continue to argue, kill, and states for the record: “These guys aren’t horrible, they’re horrabad.” 1. Sinpatch – Quite simply a legitimate name for my next band. That would be my destroy. first band, but who is counting. Mysterious, edgy, and major potential for a double Zeppelin’s lyric is one that I did not unlive album somewhere down the proverbial road to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. derstand during high school, the peak
Writing Prompt: Lyrics
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The VA Voice
October 1, 2012
Striking NFL Referees Return After General Outrage By: Matt Gendron
This last Sunday, The National Football League replaced the normal pro football referees after they went on strike for better pay. These referees made some very controversial calls that day. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell later said, “We’re sorry to have to put our fans through that.” The Seattle and Green Bay game came down to the wire, and it ended with a very difficult call. The ball was thrown into the end-zone with more Green Bay Packers players than Seattle Seahawks players. The call got reviewed, as all scoring plays do, and the referees called it a touchdown even though many of the fans, at home and at the game, noticed that it was a pass interference on the part of the offense. If the play was called correctly, it would have ended and the Seahawks would not have won the game. This, as you may know, caused a huge uproar from the fans, coaches, and players. But fortunately on the night of the 27th the original referees were restored for another 8 years. Commissioner Goodell said, “This has gotten a lot of attention. It hasn’t been positive. We had to work through it to get to an eight-year agreement.” This has surely given the owners a wakeup call for the importance of high quality refereeing, and will ensure that these refs get paid well in the future.
Admisions Visitors
By: Kevin Corkery Thursday 10/4: Gunnar Carlson; 9Rbb; Cornwall Bridge, CT Connor Lemieux; Guilford, CT 9BB Friday 10/5: Katheryn Tremblay: 11RBG: Dollard des Ormeaux, QC Nina Davidson: 9BG Saturday 10/6: Nora Bright: 9DG: Saxtons River, VT Ryan Alpert: 10BB; Pound Ridge, NY
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GSA Promotes Athlete Ally Pledge By: Melinda Prevost
The Athlete Ally Pledge is an organization to help eliminate the use of homophobic comments during athletic events. Homophobic language has been a problem that affects athletes on and off the sports field around the country. Along with the efforts of the GSA to raise awareness of the language used in casual or competitive conversations, some select students at VA aim to make all athletes feel comfortable and accepted on sporting teams. In regards to the theme of the year , “The Power of Language,” the Athlete Ally pledge is the ultimate challenge to step out of comfort zones and try to reduce the homophobic comments that many say unconsciously. Battling homophobia and the use of homophobic slurs is one of the many projects the GSA has undertaken this year. The Gay Strait Alliance at Vermont Academy wants to spread equality and diversity at Vermont Academy and uphold the highest level of comfort for all students. A leader of the organization, Ari Beauregard, said, “I would like to eliminate most of the [homophobic] terms used around campus, and I think that with the captains and coaches sort of taking a leading role it will cause a ripple effect.” The efforts are designed to eliminate foul language at sporting events; we also hope it will help bring together each team here at Vermont Academy.
Guess that Quote????
By: Salty Pennington FitzGerald “Safety first, then teamwork.”
Picture Courtesy Of Salty Pennington FitzGerald
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The VA Voice
October 1, 2012
Athletes of the Week
By: John Scoby Every week The VA Voice will ask questions of the athletes of the week. This week the two athletes are Connor Brown and Ari Beauregard.
Connor Brown:
Favorite Pro Athlete: Terje Hawkinson Favorite Food: London Broil Super Power: Shape Shift Unlimited Money: I would pay off the national debt. Make donations towards a cure to cancer and to orphanages etc.... Buy a lot of cool toys.... vroom vroom. Most Memorable VA Sports Moment: My most memorable VA sports moment was when I received the John H Lucy award for football my freshman year.
Ari Beauregard:
Favorite Pro Athlete: Genevieve LaCasse Favorite Food: Baked Mac and cheese Super Power: Brick wall on command Unlimited Money: I would buy new goalie gear and prob a house then put money in the basement for later use. Most Memorable VA Sports Moment: A couple days ago my fh team did an amazing job against Brewster. It was the best game they’ve ever played; I was happy to be a part of it.
Mehmet Thoughts:
Writing Prompt Cont.
of my Zeppelin listening. And the fact that I did not understand underscores exactly what the quote is getting at in the first place. For me, as it is for many, high school was a time of uncertainty and self-doubt. I could see what other people had going for them, whether it be grades, or cars, or girlfriends, or a certain knack for holding their liquor, and I often questioned why I lacked these things or could not do them as well. The result was often a feeling of anxiousness, far from mellow. As I listened to Zeppelin, this song in particular, I remember not being able to comprehend the lyric, nevermind relate to it. Now, 16 years later with a wonderful wife, brilliant son, and career that I love, I am well aware of what I have, what I have had, and what I have missed. I have little to no regret in life and am grateful for the mellow that I feel. Can music change the world? I don’t know. The world is always changing, for better and for worse, and who could say what is responsible. I don’t even know if I would go so far as to say that music has changed me. But as I have grown and changed, and listened to music along the way, the thought and understanding that goes with that experience has sparked some meaningful reflection on who and how I want to be.
Mehmet lacked any original thoughts
this week so this is last week’s:
“People often make life a lot more complicated than it really has to be. Don’t over think things. Do whatever makes you happy and don’t worry what other people think. Just make sure you’re happy with the decisions you’ve made now ten years later.”
Making Friends with Mac Haddad
“Standing by the seal is a great way to meet new people since a lot of traffic passes through there. Try going up to someone and break the ice by telling them a joke. Making people laugh with a good joke will put you in their good graces.
Picture courtesy of Mac Haddad
VA VOICE STAFF Editor Eamon O’Keefe Student Contributors Matt Gendron, Mehmet Eroglu, Mac Haddad, Mike Reilly, Brittany Allard, Carly Radovich, Erik Nielsen, John Scoby, Ari Beauregard, Melinda Prevost Faculty Contributors Mr. Hearon, Mr. Corkery, Mr. Marks
Picture courtesy of Mehmet Eroglu
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Frey, Dr. Cohn