The Blade, Vol. 113, Issue 1

THE

B L A D E

THE PLACES THEY WENT

1

Letter

- from the -

Editors

The editing dream team, plus Jason, is back for the 2015-2016 school year.

This issue is about looking back.

Many people sent in stories about what made their summers. From camping, to concerts, to travel to service work, people did amazing things this summer. Others, we imagine, did nothing, but that’s okay too.

We also focused on students from the past, like Delino DeShields.

Think anyone will write an article about you because of anything you accomplished? Probably not, but hey, you can always lie at the reunions. We, however, did not forget about what students are doing now, because what good story about the past doesn’t include the present?

Remember, we’re always open to pieces from the student body. If you want to write a piece for us or have some pressing issue that you feel

2

must be written about, please feel free to email us at wastpress@gmail.com.

Also, visit us at woodwardblade.com for daily news stories. Lastly, check us out on Instagram and Twitter @ wastpress, where you can see Jason try to be funny but fail since the man is keeping him down. Thanks!

-Aditya, Olivia and Jason Volume 111 | Issue 1

The Blade is a publication of the Woodward Academy Upper School and is distributed free of charge. Publication is funded through the student publications account. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the Woodward Academy administration, student body or of The Blade.

The Blade welcomes editorial comments and letters to the editor from students and Academy staff. The Blade is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Southern Interscholastic Press Association and the Georgia Scholastic Press Association.

@ wastpress

www.woodwardblade.com

Editors-In-Chief Jason Seeb ‘16 Aditya Singh ‘16 Olivia Hehir ‘16 Staff Maddie Ledet ‘18 Erin Harris ‘17 Erin Edwards ‘17 Nija Packer ‘18 Zach Levin ‘16 Garret Oberkfell ‘17 Andy Sun ‘17 Aly Shakoor ‘18 Woodward Academy 1662 Rugby Avenue College Park, GA 30337 Advisers: Rebekah Goode-Peoples and Nicholas Widener

Table of Contents

4 14 26 30

18

10

22 3

on the fence

Author | Garrett Oberkfell

Photographer | Nicholas Huey

On winter uniform days, you see many students in their red letter jackets and many students in their navy blue blazers with the Woodward patch on their chest. You can mostly tell who are athletes and who aren’t athletes simply based on their outerwear.

Andy Sun ‘17 wears a navy blue blazer over a longsleeved oxford shirt. Based on his uniform, Sun does not participate in any sports. However, in the United States, Sun is a top fencer for his age group.

4

Andy Sun wears his custom American mask.

Andy Sun wears and His hisCustom customAmerican AmericanMask mask.

5

F

or those who do not know, fencing is fast and athletic, and one must be in elite athletic shape to compete. One must have endurance, strength, and agility.

Contrary to what you see in the movies, fencing is a high-paced sport fought on a 6-feet-by-40-feet strip.

The matches are fought at such a high speed, it is scored electrically. A light flashes when Sun hits an opponent with his sword, or when Sun gets hit by his opponent. Sun fights in the sabre type of fencing, opposed to the foil and épée types. The foil and épée fencing involves hitting with a point, but the sabre fencing has slashing involved. “ It is completely different from the other forms of fencing and does not fit the stereotypical image of fencing,” Sun said. The first fencer to reach 15 points, or hits, wins the match. One cannot imagine the pressure and the difficulty of this unique sport.

When Sun was 9 years old, his mother read in a local Chinese newspaper about a 10 year old, Erwin Cai, winning the 10-year-o l d n at i o n a l c h a mp i o n s h i p f o r fencing. “In the picture, [Cai] looked a lot like me at that time,” said Sun. His mom asked, “if he can do it, why can’t you?”

Sun began to fence at a local recreational club. “After six months, I realized it was really boring because I was going once a week for two hours,” Sun said. “I switched to my current place in January 2010, and I’ve stayed there ever since.” Sun’s club he refers to is Nellya Fencers Club, a top fencing club in the country.

Sun’s new club has a much more intensive training regimen than his first club. He arrives to practice early

“

to get about a half-hour strength workout in before practice starts. Sun and his fellow fencers do about an hour of running, sprinting and other exercises to warm up. After thirty minutes of footwork drills, Sun fences for about two hours, before finishing with some stretches to prevent injury.

Nellya Fencers Club expects more than the two hours a week required by his old club. Sun said his training requires three practices a week, two other times a week he goes to the gym

When it’s 14-14 in a very

important bout, the amount of pressure is overwhelming.

Your coach is yelling at you, and everyone watching is yelling. It’s crazy.

6

traditions and rituals before fighting.

“I enjoy watching horror movies the day before the tournament because it gets my mind off of competing and I feel less nervous.” Sun also takes electrolyte pills to prevent cramping because fencing is both an aerobic and anaerobic sport. In between fights, Sun uses a rumble foam roller to prevent muscles from tightening up. The routine before and during tournaments is very important to Sun. With the amount of time he devotes to fencing, it would be very easy for Sun to get behind on schoolwork, but he takes all honors or AP level classes. He has straight A’s. “I try to do my work ahead of time. I try not to procrastinate, although I generally do a lot. I’ll do work in the car, at practice in the breaks.

Probably the main way I get by is not sleeping. I generally go to bed at 1 AM or 2 AM. I wake up at 5:30 because I live so far away from Woodward. I do homework on the bus or sleep.” However, “Fencing kind of helps me focus my energy on school also because if I’m just sitting at home for six hours, I probably won’t do much work anyways. But once I come back from practice I feel more motivated to work,” said Sun. Sun’s mother did worry about his schoolwork when he first began fencing at Nellya Fencers Club. “First semester of 7th grade, his grades steadily came down. At winter break, we talked about his options. School is absolutely number one priority. If he wants to keep fencing, he has to figure out a solution.” Sun started to focus on school more, and he started utilizing his time more efficiently. He kept his grades up and his mom never worried about his academics after 7th grade.

Like many of his peers, Sun wants to pursue athletics in college. “I want

and one time a week he goes to his trainer. Sun said he works out six days a week because he likes to have a rest day. This training schedule pays off for Sun. He is second in the nation in the 17 and under men’s group.

Sun misses a lot of school traveling for tournaments. He competes in many different tournaments as close as Cobb County and as far as Uzbekistan. Sun said his favorite American destination is Richmond, Virginia. “I have some good memories, and that is where I first won the Junior Olympics. ” He said his international favorite competition is Budapest. “It is a beautiful city, with a lot of tourist destinations, too.”

Sun has many pre-tournament

Andy Sun wears his favorite uniform.

7

Andy Sun Lunging to Attack Andy Sun lunging to attack.

8

to fence Division I. I will start talking to coaches next summer, and then I will be going through the recruiting process and hopefully I will sign next year.” Sun works hard and is willing to take the next step in his fencing career.

Sun believes his fencing experiences teach him many valuable skills he can utilize in life. He said he thinks fencing helps him act under pressure. “When it’s 14-14 in a very important bout, the amount of pressure is overwhelming.

Your coach is yelling at you, and everyone watching is yelling. It’s crazy.” In a sport where every point matters, one point can make a huge difference. For Sun to make the national team, he had to finish above another fencer in the fencing rankings at the end of the year. “I had 2500 [points], and the guy below me had about 2430. I had beaten him twice in bouts earlier that year, one of which was 15-14 and one was 15-12. That kind of pressure, especially when it’s one point from making the national team or not, is crazy,” Sun said.

Those few points throughout the season caused pressure on Sun, but he now has the skill set to deal with pressure throughout life, which is very important to him. Sun’s mother agrees fencing has taught him valuable lessons. She said Sun learned how to earn an opportunity, how to compete with friends, and how to face failure.

Sun believes fencing is not different from any other sport. “It still requires all the athleticism, skill and mental mindset.

I guess the only difference is what it is, but it isn’t very different from any other sport.” Some states such as New Jersey and New York have high school fencing, Sun said Georgia should have fencing teams, Sun said, “yeah of course. I want a letter jacket, but in Georgia, it is not big right now because we have one big club, which is my place. And not a lot of schools are into it.”

Although Sun does not have the red leather letter jacket, he is still a top athlete that wears his blue blazer with pride.

9

UP, UP, AND AW Author | Aly Shakoor

Photographs | Noah Henry

Cruising at a thousand feet in the air with no help but a pair of wings. For Noah Henry ‘19, flying like a bird through the sky becomes a reality every time he steps into his glider.

10

WAY

11

After countless training flights, Henry finally got his student’s pilot license this summer and can now fly alone in gliders. On July 17 he flew solo for the first time, marking a huge milestone in his aviation career.

Henry first became interested in aviation at the age of 8, when his parents took him to the TigerFlight Foundation, an organization in Rome, GA, that gives 8 to 14 year olds an opportunity to fly in a small, noncommercial plane. He received a very basic aviation lesson and then accompanied an experienced pilot in one of the Tiger planes. “That first flight was more of an orientation, an introduction to flying,” Henry said.

Henry’s formal training began at Southern Eagles Soaring, a private aviation club based at the Roosevelt Memorial Airport in Warm Springs, GA. He completed countless training flights with an instructor in addition to learning much more about the physics behind flying.

After concluding his training in Warm Springs, he traveled to Tennessee last summer to participate in a solo program at the Tullahoma Regional Airport. The training was hosted by the Southeast Region Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. He attended the week-long glider’s academy with four other experienced cadets, culminating in his first two solo flights.

Although his training might seem straightforward, Ms. Anu Bielfelt, sponsor of the Aviation Club, is nothing short of impressed. “Not many freshmen know exactly what they want to do with their lives, and here was Noah with a goal and a defined plan as to how to meet that goal,” said

“

12

Bielfelt. “At 14, this kid knows more about what he wants to do with his life than most twenty year olds.”

Henry flies in both powered airplanes and gliders. Powered airplanes have engines — these are the normal kind at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Gliders, on the other hand, lack an engine and are instead towed up into the air. “[Towing is] when you’re connected to another airplane, a powered airplane of course, by a rope, and then you’re released from the

It’s relaxing, extremely relaxing, especially when it’s a smooth day with no rough air. It’s majestic.

It’s perfect. rope when you’re at a predesignated altitude,” Henry said. Compared to powered airplanes, gliders travel at a relatively slow speed of 55 miles per hour, and flight times range from a few minutes to a few hours.

Staying up in the air for more than a couple minutes can be tricky in a glider. Powered airplanes can increase thrust to overcome air resistance, or drag. Without the luxury of an engine, gliders must use the laws of physics to stay in the air. To remain aloft, gliders generate an upward force called lift, which can come from a variety of sources.

The most obvious source is gliding, the aircraft’s namesake tool. It works by pointing the nose of the plane

slightly down, creating an upward force in exchange for a little altitude.

Depending on location and weather conditions, the pilot might also be able to use natural updrafts to create lift. If the lift is strong enough, it can overcome the altitude lost from gliding and significantly lengthen flight time.

The key to the effectiveness of gliders lies in their thin, light wings, which can significantly minimize drag as well as efficiently harness lift. If the glider is constructed properly, the wings can be so effective that, when being towed, the glider takes off before the tow plane itself gets off the ground.

Henry’s new student pilot certificate allows him to fly a glider on his own, but he is still subject to several restrictions. “I get endorsed by an instructor. He signs on the back and puts down his information.

He allows me to fly solo in a certain type of airplane. Every time you’re flying, you have to have the certificate and your log book inside the airplane,” Henry said.

He has definitely taken advantage of his new license, completing fifteen flights in the last month alone. To put that in context, only thirty-five flights are necessary to get the license. He usually flies much less frequently in his hockey season during the fall.

Flying an aircraft might seem like a nerve-racking and even terrifying experience, but Henry cannot get enough of it. Besides a little anxiety during his first solo flight, he has always felt at ease. “It’s relaxing, extremely relaxing, especially when it’s a smooth day with no rough air. It’s majestic. It’s perfect. It’s extremely relaxing,” said Henry.

Bob Hoover, an airshow pilot known for his astounding aerobatic tricks that seemed to defy the laws of physics, has been a role model for Henry. “He could do all these tricks.

He pushed the limits of airplanes. He took a massive four-engine aircraft and did a barrel roll while pouring a glass of orange juice,” Henry said.

Hoover also served in World War

Henry taxis on the runway of the Tulahoma Regional Airport.

II as a decorated fighter pilot for the Air Force under famous Brigadier General Chuck Yeager. Hoover personally knew other greats such as Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong and Yuri Gagarin. Many other pilots besides Henry consider Hoover to be one of the greatest pilots of all time.

Henry has plenty of advice for others looking to start their aviation careers. “First, get an introductory flight, whether powered or glider. Join a flight school or club. Continuously work hard. Read material, anything that comes in the mail or books that you have. Read anything about aviation,� said Henry. The FAA estimates that there are over 100,000 active student pilots, though that number has dwindled each year for over a decade. Regardless, there are plenty of programs for anyone interested in starting their aviation careers whether it be professional or

simply recreational.

The next step in Henry’s career as a pilot is to obtain a private pilot license which would release him from most of the restrictions of his student license.

With a private license, he would not have to be endorsed by an instructor every time before a flight, and he would also be able to carry a certain number of passengers. This also means he must fly the plane privately, meaning without any commercial purpose.

He can obtain the private license when he turns either 16 for gliders or 17 for powered airplanes. For both licenses, he will have to complete forty hours of flight time, although it usually takes much more practice to master. After obtaining the licenses, he hopes to continue his aviation career by serving as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.

13

Dr. Merrill The Road to the Ph.D.

Author | Andy Sun Photographer | Nic Huey After three years, two classes a week, constant studying, a 170-page paper, a full time job, and a family, Mr. Jonathan Merrill became Dr. Jonathan Merrill

M

14

r. Jonathan Merrill decided to pursue a Ph.D. in education three years ago. He knew the journey would be long and arduous, but he felt he would benefit his school and community by being a Doctor of Education. Merrill received his Ph.D. leadership from Mercer College, just before the 2015-16 school year began.

“I chose this school first of all because it is in Atlanta, but also because of its cohort model,” said Merrill. The cohort model is one that fosters progress in an academic environment, while also focusing on collective work. A student takes preselected classes with the same group of people, allowing personal relationships to be built with those in similar fields and with similar interests. This cooperative process also allows for degree completion in three to four years instead of eight.

After completion, Merrill received his Doctorate of Education, preparing him to conduct research into educational policies here, as well as allow him to pursue

further administrative roles. The tenacity and dedication required to receive a Ph.D. cannot easily be understated.

“The hardest part was the GRE, which is the graduate equivalent of the SAT,” said Merrill. The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is administered as a standardized test required for applicants to attend graduate schools in the United States. The exam measures critical skills not specific to any field.

Merrill had not prepared for a standardized math exam for over twenty years, so he had to work very hard to prepare for the GRE. Merrill studied Kaplan preparation books and attended a preparatory class. He also wrote an essay and was interviewed by an admissions officer at Mercer. The application process was difficult, but it was only the beginning of the doctoral journey.

Graduate school is both a physically and mentally tough task, and Merrill emphasized the importance of his family’s support. His three kids and

Merrill received his Ph.D. from Mercer College after three years of intense studying.

wife understood the time commitment Mercer required and encouraged him throughout the entire process.

His colleagues, Dr. Stuart Gulley and Dr. Chris Freer, were also ver y understanding, having gone through similar programs themselves. They understood Merrill would occasionally have to miss work but knew the Ph.D. would benefit him, as well as the school.

Both Dr. Gulley and Dr. Freer gave great support to Merrill, and the school even provided financial support to cover part of the Mercer tuition.

Gulley said he supported Merrill because he knew how beneficial to the school Merrill’s Ph.D. would be. “A doctorate degree has a lot to do with persistence and making certain that you keep your ultimate goal in view,” said Freer. Both Dr. Freer and Dr. Gulley were able to alleviate Merrill’s work burden with financial support and time. Freer also strove to be someone for Merrill to bounce ideas off of.

Considering the time commitment

and hard work required outside his normal teaching duties, Merrill needed a lot of motivation and determination in order to pursue a Ph.D. “I was at a crossroads in my career.” He considered his career as both an educator and a coach. He had achieved his goal of becoming an educator and already had his masters degree, so the next step would be to obtain his Ph.D. in order to enhance his educational qualifications and gain a stronger foothold in the field of education administration.

Making this decision inaugurated his three-year journey through graduate school. “The toughest part was class every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 to 9:30 for three years, including summers,” said Merrill. He managed his time between class, his career and his family. With class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he said he reserved Friday nights for family time, and he spent Saturday attending the kids’ basketball and soccer games. This way, he did not miss spending time with his children 15

“

Research will be done behind every policy change and decision.

Merrill became the Upper School Assistant Principal in 1996, and he maintained this role while enrolled in graduate school.

16

-Dr. Jonathan Merrill

even while he was enrolled in school.

Merrill’s wife, Amy, also remained positive and supportive throughout his graduate school experience.

“Jonathan was amazing during the entire process and easy to support because I always thought that our family was his priority,” said Amy. Merrill always spent time with his family despite his studies. During the week he would always eat dinner with his family if he was not in class, and he would read to his kids before bed. He saved his research until after everyone else had already gone to sleep.

His management of time was extremely impressive considering most graduate students spend all of their time devoted to their studies. Average people in graduate school enroll as fulltime students because of the sheer time commitment. “The work load and rigor of a Ph.D. program, especially when you have a family and work full time, is very demanding and intense,” said Gulley.

Students have to pass multiple exams and

conduct years of research in their fields.

Merrill navigated his studies in school while maintaining his role here as Assistant Principal and at home as a father.

“I am so fortunate that Jonathan had the discipline to put a plan in place from the beginning, so he was one of the few who finished his Ph.D. within three years but didn’t miss out on life in the process,” said Amy. All of his work at Mercer culminated in a dissertation, a researched academic paper written on a particular subject as a requirement for a Ph.D. Merrill’s dissertation investigated the effectiveness of student evaluations of teachers.

Most college classes provide a student survey at the end of every semester in order to gauge the students’ reactions to the professor and the course.

Analyzing student reviews can help to improve the experiences of both the professors and future students.

Merrill’s dissertation used a survey in college and high school courses from the teachers’ perspectives.

“

Teachers rated how effective they thought student evaluations were to schools. His final dissertation was a whopping 170 pages. “It was honestly short for a dissertation,” said Merrill.

He also said that one of the more pleasant parts of the dissertation process was being able to choose his dissertation advisor. He chose Dr. Kevin Jenkins, who helped him through the whole process.

“I now consider him a friend, and we often have dinner together,” said Merrill.

After obtaining his Ph.D. this summer, Merrill began to transition back to school. “Instead of just thinking about decisions, research will be done behind every policy change and decision,” he said. Merrill plans to bring his hard-earned knowledge to the school community and change the general mentality toward implementing changes.

Transitioning back to his role as Assistant Principal, Merrill’s new Ph.D. will change the way he runs policy and administration. His research during graduate school was in the field of education, and his knowledge will

be used here to improve teaching and learning. “Ultimately, the purpose of any professional development including graduate school is to help us be better teachers and to help students learn,” said Freer. Merrill will also be able to apply his educational theories to current organizational and administrative programs.

Dr. Merrill’s newly obtained doctoral qualifications will aid in improving our school experience as well as the school’s administration policies. “I am confident Dr. Merrill will help us become an even stronger institution because of his doctorate,” said Gulley.

Considering the lows and highs of his journey, when asked if he would pursue another Ph.D. in another field, Merrill adamantly, yet humorously, declined. “No, absolutely not. I am completely done with school.”

Merrill’s 170-page dissertation was the final requirement for obtaining his Ph.D.

I am confident Dr. Merrill will help us become an even stronger institution because of his doctorate.

-Dr. Stuart Gulley 17

lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • ansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • novillero • lansquenet • novillero • arboretum • nightingale • laysa sangfroid • engastrimythic • orchesis • panophobia • sanguiolent • stygian • trophallaxis • grosgrain • myrmecology • lansquenet • 18

The Buzz

By Maddie Ledet Hard classes.

Difficult words.

Many coaches.

True grit.

Mona’s Journey to Scripps National Spelling Bee. 19

The Buzz

20

Dead silence engulfs the room, except for the crackly voice saying “lansquenet.” From the stage, Monisha Mahadevan ‘19 looks out on the large, anxious crowd. She thinks back on all her training for this very moment and to all her sacrifices. Each letter rolls off her tongue, and as soon as she is finished, a burst of applause explodes throughout the room.

Mahadevan won the state spelling bee.

It is a tradition in the Mahadevan family to compete in school spelling bees. “It was like a rite of passage,” said Mahadevan. Both Mahadevan and her brother have succeeded in the spelling bee community.

Mahadevan only began to pursue spelling bees in the sixth grade but already knew a lot about the process. “My brother was the one who discovered spelling, and I just followed in his footsteps,” said Mahadevan. She was accustomed to studying word roots around her kitchen table.

Over the past three years, Mahadevan not only improved her spelling ability but also discovered her love for etymology, the study of language and word roots. “The English language is a puzzle of other languages. I learn word roots to help me be able to understand what the words mean without having to memorize them.” Word roots are usually Latin and Greek words, which comprise the majority of the English language. By knowing common roots, Mahadevan was able to piece together words on the spot. During the state competition, Mahadevan’s favorite moment was when the judges presented her with a word she did not know. Mustering up all of her foundational knowledge, she was able to pull together the word successfully.

Mahadevan’s journey was not an easy one. Without the help of many

teachers, the process would have been much more difficult. One of the most valuable people on Mahadevan’s team was Mrs. Carolyn Kramlich, her seventh grade honors English teacher.“From the first spelling bee [in Woodward North’s fourth grade class], I could tell Mona was a contender, but even though she lost that bee, she was out-spelling people in the fifth and sixth grade.”

Mahadevan continued to do spelling bees until the seventh grade when Kramlich helped her to become more serious. Kramlich became Mahadevan’s advocate for school and spelling bee work which helped her find her balance within all of the chaos of the process.

“

The English language is a puzzle of other languages.

After all of her training, Mahadevan stepped on stage for the State competition in March. Georgia only has one representative for the National Spelling Bee, Scripps.

Desiring to be the only representative fuelled Mahadevan to do well at the state competition. 285 competitors participated in the state competition.

She was able to outspell all of the others through twenty three rounds of dificult words. Mahdevan won the title of Georgia’s best speller.

Along with the award, her spelling journey would continue to Scripps National Spelling bee from May 26-28. Her spelling abilities were put

to the test as she contended against the top spellers in the nation. The national spotlight did not phase her, and she made it to the semifinals.

Mahadevan’s journey ended when the panel gave her the word “rollmops,” a word describing a pickled herring roll. Mahadevan placed 22nd in the nation.

Mahadevan excels in school and is enrolled in many honors courses.

Juggling classes and spelling bee studying proved to be difficult for her, but she finished the school year with all A’s. Not only did Mona develop as a speller and a student, but she also became a more polished speaker. “Grace under pressure would describe Mona’s stage presence.

Many other school sponsors always commented on Mona’s maturity and control while she was on stage,” said Kramlich.

Mahadevan had community support to celebrate her accomplishment and to help her on her journey to nationals. In her honors English class, her classmates made her a long list of difficult study words. From the Primary School to the Middle School, students cheered on Mahadevan by giving her inspirational drawings and giving her moral support.

Mahadevan no longer is able to compete in the Scripp’s spelling bee because she is too old. Although it is the end of her spelling career, after having such a wonderful experience, Mahadevan hopes to share her knowledge and spelling wisdom with future spelling bee students.

“R-O-L-L-M-A-P-S.” The last S rolls off her tongue, and she stands waiting to hear her fate. Even though she misspelled the word, Mahadevan accomplished an incredible feat.

Bringing pride to the school and her family.

Scripps Stats

an insight into the nation’s biggest spelling bee Mona’s Words in the World 02) Nightingale: a small thrush Origin: United Kingdom

01) Lansquenet: a card game Origin: Germany

05) Laysa: not yet Origin: India

03) Novillero: a young bullfighter Origin: Spain

04) Myrmecology: entomology dealing with ants Origin: Greece

Grade Demographics at Scripps National Spelling

Out of the past 17 years, 13 of the winners have been of Indian American descent.

Third Graders 0.4%

Fourth Graders 1.8% Fifth Graders 8.4%

Eighth Graders 41.5%

Sixth Graders 20.4% Seventh Graders 27.5%

In the past 17 years of Scripps National Spelling Bee, 13 of the winners are of Indian descent.This pattern is no coincidence. The North South Foundation created a spelling bee that only allows Indian Americans to compete. All of the proceeds go to help fund orphanages in India. The spelling bee allows for more practice and opportunities nationally for the Indian American population. The extra practice seasoned the spellers for the Scripps National spelling bee.

Past winners such as Vaysa Shivashanka,who was the winner this year, have competed in the bee for years. The North South foundation promotes not only spelling, but other subjects such as geography, math, and history in the Indian American Community.

Two hundred and eighty-five spellers competed for the title of the National Spelling Bee Champion. Out of the hundreds of spellers, only one speller has returned five times. Only one to two spellers a year are third graders. The reason for the age range lies within state districting. In Georgia only one speller can go to Scripps National spelling bee. The entire state competes for the ability to go to the bee. On the contrary, other states such as Kansas, compete in the district level. Smaller districts have a smaller amount of spellers. Vaysa Shivashankar, the 88th champion, lives in Olathe.The Different regulations allowed for her to attend Scripps for five consecutive years.

21

o h c o l S

a e Y

22

oad br

ar A

Author | Jason Seeb Photos Courtesy | Kate Johnson and Samantha Smith Studying abroad is usually something that students wait until college to experience.

However, School Year Abroad (SYA) gives students a chance to do just that in high school. Last year Kate Johnson ‘16 and Samantha Smith ‘16 took advantage of this opportunity and studied abroad for their junior years.

23

Samantha Smith ‘16

Studying abroad has always intrigued Smith, even though she never expected to actually do it until college. When thinking about what culture she wanted to experience, there were a few factors that dictated Smith’s decision. “I chose Italy for the food but mainly the history and the art that it holds,” said Smith.

Although she had two classes in English with American teachers, most of Smith’s classes were taught by Italians in Italian,.

The schedule at her school in Italy was also different. She was on a block schedule, with six periods four days a week. During lunch, Smith left the school to eat at local cafes, where she met students from local Italian schools. She even attended one of the Italian high schools for a week, getting a chance to experience the differences between high school in Europe and in America. She described these as substantial, On Fridays Smith and her friends would travel to another part of Europe for the weekend, or stay in their town of Viterbo, which is between Rome and Florence. She went to museums, watched Italian movies and experienced the town’s culture.

In addition to the expected experiences like meeting new people, eating incredible food and, as Smith said, “learning about the masters of art and architecture,” Smith learned things she did not foresee. “The best part of this experience was learning more about myself and my culture versus the one that I called home for a year. How daily tasks became small victories was another thing I learned.

For example, a day could be easily made better by a small conversation with complete strangers at a coffee bar or just being able to navigate transportation during a strike,” said Smith.

Smith’s favorite memory came from one of these small victories.

While staying in Lucca, which is in Tuscany, Smith and six of her friends

decided they wanted to shop for and cook their own Italian dinner.

“In general the idea was good, but after a six mile walk to the one grocery store in the pouring rain and hours of cooking, we ended up on the rooftop in the dark with some candles eating probably the worsttasting make-shift fried rice. But we all laughed and talked and ate lots of zucchini instead. Later at midnight,

“

24

Daily tasks became small victories.

we decided we would search the town for gelato, and we met a really nice guy in a really small gelateria,” Smith said.

Smith said she wants to study abroad again in college, and she is even applying to some schools in Europe to attend college there. Smith recommended that anyone who has ever been even a little bit interested should study abroad. “Just do it,” Smith said.

In addition to her academics, Smith had two major takeaways from the experience. She got a clearer idea that she wants to study art in the future, and she also witnessed first hand the similarities and differences between the people and cultures of Italy and America.

Overall, Smith had an excellent experience. She said, “I’m glad [I did it] because it might not have been what I expected or what I wanted it to be, but I think it was what it was meant to be or what it needed to be.”

Kate Johnson ‘16

Johnson studied in a small town about two-and-a-half hours from Paris called Rennes. There, she studied French literature, French language, science, government and politics, English and math. Even though she was with all American students, the classes were taught in French.

Despite not being a traditional American school, the academic environment Johnson was in was still very rigorous. “I was with a bunch of northeastern boarding school kids, so it was supercharged in terms of academics, in terms of the general vibe of the school. However, I met a lot of really cool people, both American and French,” said Johnson.

In addition to her other classes, she also took art history, which was her favorite class. Getting a unique opportunity to study art in France, Johnson discovered a new passion.

“I figured out that I wanted to help run museums and galleries. When I got home, I actually got an internship at an art gallery because of the class,” said Johnson.

Johnson was motivated to study abroad since she wanted a change in scenery. Although academics were a major part of her year abroad, she also got to experience French culture and meet new people. “I felt like it would be a really great opportunity to leave Atlanta. I have lived here my entire life. I knew I wanted to leave the south for college, so I figured I might as well start early,” she said.

For someone who was motivated to leave Atlanta, Johnson got what she bargained for. While in Rennes, she hung out with her new friends, explored the town, hung out in parks and squares and visited local shops.

A short train ride would bring her to Paris, where Johnson experienced the capital of France and everything it had to offer. She also visited the northern coast of France, touring the once bloody battlefields of the Normandy beaches. Johnson visited

“ the beaches on the south coast of France as well. In addition to France, Johnson also got to visit the rest of Europe. Hungary, Spain and Portugal were just some of the countries she visited. While learning academic subject matter in the classroom, Johnson also gained hands on experience through immersion in different cultures around the world.

Extracurriculars were also a part of life abroad. In addition to taking extra art classes, Johnson explored other areas of interest. “I was coerced to join a dance team,” she said. While she was

in school much of the time, Johnson also built up her independence, as she was often on her own. She explored cities and went out for meals with only her fellow students. For Spring Break, she even rented a house on the beach in Portugal, cooking her own food and living self-sufficiently.

Studying abroad changed Johnson’s view of home. “It seems a lot different.

In a way, it seems a lot better than from when I left to when I came back. I feel I know a lot more, and I understand people a little bit better,” said Johnson.

“I would definitely recommend other

I feel I know a lot more, and I understand people a little bit better.

students study abroad in high school.

I think it’s a great opportunity. I think you learn a lot about the world and how it works. You learn about yourself. You learn about what you can and can’t take. I think it’s a really great lesson in tolerance.” Johnson would like to study abroad again in college, although in a different Frenchspeaking country.

25

PLAY BALL!

26

Author | Zachary Levin Photo Courtesy | Woodward Academy

On a hot day in the middle of June, thousands flocked to see a Major League Baseball game as they tried to fill the void of the dog days of summer. In this matchup between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals in Arlington, Texas, a rookie stole the show with a 3-3 day and two runs scored in a 5-2 win for the Rangers. This rookie was Delino DeShields, a 2010 graduate.

DeShields did not start in the MLB. It was a process that began at Woodward. DeShields had a fantastic senior season for the War Eagles, hitting a .415 average and stealing 29 bases. This helped lead to DeShields’ decision to declare for the MLB draft in the spring after graduation.

In the 2010 MLB draft, DeShields was selected by the Houston Astros as the 8th overall pick out of 1,525 selections. DeShields was selected in the same draft as fellow MLB stars Bryce Harper, Matt Harvey, Chris Sale and Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

After being drafted, DeShields played for a number of various minor league teams in the Astros association, becoming one of the top prospects. DeShields was selected by the Texas Rangers in the Rule 5 draft a separate draft from the regular MLB draft stoping teams from stockpiling players in the minors and allowing them to be drafted by other teams who will play them in the majors. He was selected as the 3rd pick of this draft.

DeShields was first called up to the majors on April 8, 2015, the Opening Day for the Rangers.

“It’s awesome. It’s really a dream come true,” said DeShields. “It’s something I worked so hard to achieve ever since I was a kid playing backyard baseball with my

friends, and to be here is truly a blessing.”

Woodward baseball benefited DeShields’ growth as a player. “It gave me an opportunity to play in good environments and gave me an opportunity to play the game I love,” said DeShields.

DeShields still keeps in touch with friends from Woodward who helped him along the way. “I regularly talk to Joanna Griffin. She’s been one of my best friends since middle school,” said DeShields. “Tanner Case as well, he’s like a brother to me.”

DeShields said he did not have any rituals or superstitions when it comes to the diamond. “I’m not really superstitious. I could be biased when I say this, but I feel like that’s a college thing,” said DeShields.

DeShields has met countless baseball players in his career and many of them had some weird supersitions. “A lot of people who I’ve met throughout my career who went to college do some of the most ridiculous things,” said DeShields.

“I never went, so I never grew any ritual habits. I just go out and play.”

While he may not have crazy rituals, DeShields still sticks to a daily routine. “I think it’s very important to have a routine and to stick with it. Whatever it takes to help you prepare at the highest level for the game mentally and physically,” said DeShields.

DeShields had a fair amount of media attention when, in a minor league game, he was struck by a 90 mph fastball in the face. When a picture of the swelling surfaced a few days later, it showed up on some major media outlets such as Bleacher Report. “I didn’t really feel it at first. I guess the shock took the pain away. The day after hurt

worse than the initial impact,” said DeShields.

Now in the majors, the life he lives is the life he loves. “The whole experience [is the best part about the major league].

Chartered planes. Catered food,” said DeShields.

DeShields has used his opportunity in the MLB to do some good off the diamond. “I love the platform it gives me to reach out to young aspiring kids to reach their dreams, especially in the African-American culture,” said DeShields. “[I’ve learned] that it is possible to do anything you want if you’re committed to it and believe that it’s achievable.”

DeShields had big goals for the season. “[My goals are] just to be productive when given the opportunity. And just help the team win. At this level that’s what is all about,” said DeShields. “There’s goals I wish to accomplish, but given my position on the team, who knows what can happen.”

This season was full of teams who had rookies with great expectations.

MLB rookie sensation Kris Bryant, also named rookie of the year, was one of the breakout stars this season. “I couldn’t tell you [who is better]. But I bring more to the table than he does that’s for sure,” said DeShields.

While DeShields believes he can outcompete other rookies in the MLB, when it comes to Coach Jim Minor, varsity baseball coach, DeShields did not have as good a record. “I’m pretty sure Coach Minor has struck me out during BP (batting practice) before,” DeShields said.

But DeShields conceded, “I’m not going to compare my game to his. It’s all love, and it’s a different generation.”

27

“ 28

It’s something I worked so hard to achieve ever since I was a kid playing backyard baseball with my friends, and to be here is truly a blessing.�

DeShields isn’t the only athlete in the family. The family genes just seem to produce athletes. His father, Delino DeShields Sr., was a second baseman in the MLB for 13 years.

Delino’s sister, Diamond DeShields, who also went to Woodward up until ninth grade, plays college basketball for the University of Tennessee and is considered by experts to be among the best women’s college basketball players in the country.

DeShields had lots of practice in basketball against his sister, but against Dean Thomas, Deshields said his sister would be a worthy opponent. “Basketball really isn’t my thing but if my sister diamond were to play him, she’d give him a run for his money,” said DeShields.

Whether it is a game against Dean Thomas or a MLB game, DeShields always takes one piece of advice into his games. “Our manager, Jeff Bannister, always tells us to ‘Be where your feet are.

Don’t look back in the past don’t look ahead in the future. Focus on where you are right now,’” said DeShields.

DeShields was a force throughout the season, as he won the Rookie of the Month award for the month of May. This award is one the likes of MLB greats Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and former Braves closer Craig Kimbrel have won in the past, and it is a huge honor.

The Texas Rangers made the playoffs behind DeShields’ leadoff hitting in this year’s postseason.

The Rangers fell short of the goal of the World Series by losing to the Blue Jays in the American League Divisional Series 3-2. The Rangers will look to bounce back next year with DeShields and possibly win the World Series.

May 2010: DeShields Graduates from Woodward

June 2010: Drafted eighth overall by the Houston Astros

Summer 2011: Starts his minor league career with the Greenville Astros

April 2014: Hit in face by 90mph fastball

Winter 2014: Selected by Texas Rangers in Rule 5 Draft

April 6, 2015: DeShields starts on the Opening Day roster for the Rangers

29

Over The Summer...

Over the summer, I did many things. I worked as a camp counselor read six books, visited my grandparents and toured some colleges. But the best thing I did over the summer was taking a week-long trip to Wyoming, where I stayed a week at the 7D Dude Ranch. About an hour outside of Cody, Wyoming, population downwards of 3,000.

There was no internet, no cell service, and close to no electricity. It was the most fun I’ve had in my entire life.

Several families were staying the week, each in their own log cabin of four rooms with three bedrooms and a bathroom. There was no air conditioning and no heating, except for an iron stove in the corner of the master bedroom. The only lights were single lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling, one per room. I loved it.

Every morning I woke up at 7:00 am for breakfast and ate in a central building, the Lodge, which was nothing more than a communal dining room connected to a rustic living room, with an old piano, several couches and chairs, and multiple 30

deer and elk heads hanging from the walls—there was even one bison.

Usually after eating breakfast with all of the ranch’s guests, we would all go straight out to the corrals, and be given a horse to ride for the morning.

Everyone rode the same horses for the entire week, and mine was a beautiful stallion named “Red Baron.”

Objectively, without any personal bias whatsoever, Red Baron was the best horse anyone was given that week. Several mornings took me over several trails, all of which showed the beauty of the west, reminding me how powerful and immense nature can be.

During one of the morning rides, my group was caught in a hail storm (in the middle of summer!) and we had to dismount and walk for part of the trail.

The storm ended quickly, though, and we were all grateful for it. None of us would have wanted it any other way.

After each morning ride, we would all go back to the ranch for lunch and eat as quickly or slowly as we wanted.

The chef on staff made amazing sandwiches, and his cookies weren’t half-bad either. The afternoons were

a bit more varied than the mornings, with only one of the afternoons being dedicated to horseback riding.

During the other afternoons, I fished, went hiking, and even shot skeet out in a field behind one of the trails. I actually did pretty well with skeet, only missing the doubles, when two targets were launched simultaneously. When we went fishing, we went to a lake about a half an hour’s drive outside the ranch, hoping to catch trout with our fly rods. My brother found a spot where the current was strong and managed to float his fly straight into the mouths of eight fish, while I only managed two, but they both put up good fights!

There was only one day where I deviated from the above schedule, and that’s the day that I went to Yellowstone National Park. My mother and I went alone with my cousin as a guide. I don’t think I mentioned before now, but Adam, my cousin, had been working on the ranch all summer long. In fact, he was the reason we had heard of the ranch! The park was beautiful, another example of nature’s amazing sights and creatures. I didn’t

I... see Old Faithful on that trip, since it was on the opposite side of the park and a two-hour drive away, but to be honest, I don’t think I needed to see it to see the full beauty of the park.

Yellowstone Lake is more than sufficed for a tranquil, awe-inspiring sight.

Speaking of amazing views, one day I even woke up at three o’clock in the morning in order to go on a hike.

Why would I subject myself to such sleep deprivation, the bane of every teenager’s existence?

For the amazing sunrise I could see from the top of the mountain we climbed. It wasn’t too hard, with only a few real uphills, but the length of the hike was tough, not to mention my body was still half-asleep at the time.

The sunrise was more than worth it. I would gladly give up a few extra hours of sleep to see and do that again.

And of course, back at the ranch, when I was between activities, I didn’t remain idle. The other guests were fun to talk to, and it was fascinating to hear about how far everyone had traveled, one group was from Florida, and how far in advance they had

Author | Sam Lefar Photographs | Sam Lefar

planned it. Another group was three years in advance! Some afternoons I would play on the piano in the lounge, practicing new songs and keeping busy with something I liked, and others I would retreat to my cabin to read summer reading—”The House of Silk” was a very good book!

The best part, though, was the dogs.

There were three ranch dogs that lived there, plus two more that belonged to the employees and sometimes were brought to the ranch to visit. Cash was a recalcitrant old coot who wouldn’t let anyone too close, while Zeke, his practical twin brother, was the most loyal dog you could ever hope to meet. Dinga was the manager’s black lab and a real sweetheart, and there was one golden retriever whose name I never actually learned. The best dog, though, was just a puppy: Dakota, the cutest dog in the world, ever, and I’ve had two dogs! Dakota was a bit nippy, she was still teething, but her fluffy coat, combined with her irregular fur spotting, boundless energy, and just a hint of baby fat, made her too adorable to ignore!

I never did find out what breeds she was a mix of, but I never asked. But that’s ok, because she’s still the cutest dog alive!

All in all, it was a good trip. I had to come home eventually—I don’t think I could take too much pure nature without my sense of self-worth imploding from sheer amazement, but I thoroughly enjoyed the week out west, and I would go back again next year without hesitation if I was able. It was amazing.

The 7D Dude Ranch is located 50 miles northwest of Cody, Wyoming. The ranch is in the heart of the Absaroka Mountains.

31

2