Thursday, October 20, 2016
Westminster School Simsbury, CT 06070 www.westminster-school.org
Vol. 106 No. 1
Fall Snapshots
COURTESY OF WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY
New Faculty Interviews
John Morello: Dirt
by E L E N A L I E-A- C H E O N G '17 & G eena k im ' 2 0
A One Man Show of Substance Abuse and Making Choices
Getting to know Westminster’s New Faculty Members ARTS EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR
MS. STEPHANIE RIEFE
New faculty portrait. Westminster News had the pleasure of interviewing Westy’s new faculty. Answers varied, and some certainly surprised us, but when asked the question, “What aspect about Westy speaks to you?”, they all agreed that Westminster’s welcoming community made them feel comfortable and at home.
INSIDE
Ms. Morgan: Q: What do you teach and/ or coach at Westminster? A : I te a c h Frenc h a nd Spanish and am the Assistant Coach for Girls’ XC. Q:W here d id you work
before arriving on the Hill? A:Immediately before coming to Westminster, I worked at the Watk inson School in Hartford. But in my former life, before I became a teacher, I was a fashion merchandise planner for ASOS.com. Q: What aspect about Westy speaks to you? A: I love the spirit of community at Westminster. It really does feel like one enormous family! Q: What do you like to do in your free time? A: Reading a novel always feels really luxurious. I love catch-
New International Students Interview Soccer at Westminster Ask A Senior: Sam Monte
page 5 page 7 page 8
ing up with family and friends whenever I get an opportunity. I also love exploring new places and learning new languages! Q: What is something that no students know about you? A: In my past life, I was a violist/violinist and my former chamber group even performed at Carnegie Hall. I also was a serious dancer in high school, racking up 25+ hours of training a week. I used to dance for the Alabama Contemporary Dance Company and guest starred with the Chuck Davis African American Dance Company. I wanted to dance for Alvin Ailey! Q:What was your favorite class back when you were a student? A: French and Spanish obviously! I was also a really big math and science student. Ms. Barillon: Q:What do you teach and/ or coach at Westminster? A:I teach French (3 Honors, AP, and independent study). Continued on page 2
by F iona fan '18 COMMUNITY CO-EDITOR
Born in Detroit and raised in Boston, John Morello has been on stage for fifteen years as an actor and comedian. Despite being a high-school dropout, he obtained his BA degree in Theatre Arts, and has been traveling and performing around the country for twelve years. Morello considers himself a survivor of a “highrisk” childhood, during which he was exposed to friends and family members who struggled with substance abuse and addiction. Additionally, as a teacher in a treatment centre, he witnessed many students battle self-harm and self-medication. His response to these experiences was to give a voice to these people’s feelings on a stage where everyone can connect and feel less alone on their journey through life. This past month, Westminster had the pleasure of hosting Morello’s critically acclaimed one-man show “Dirt” in Werner Centennial Centre. Through the portrayal of relat-
Insights into Travels done by a new freshman!
able and memorable characters, Morello explored challenges and decisions that young people face on a regular basis. “Dirt” got to the heart of difficult issues, including bullying, drugs, and self esteem, in a way that was real and meaningful, yet comedic at the same time. More than just a “motivational” presentation, this show inspires people to ref lect upon the choices they make in their daily lives, not only about how they treat their peers, but also about how they treat themselves. Everyone in the Westminster community thoroughly appreciated “Dirt,” as it took them on a rollercoaster of emotions, causing laughter at some points and tears during others. In lieu of preaching, teaching, or lecturing, Morello took the audience on a powerful journey that will undoubtedly resonate in students’ and the faculty’s minds alike for a long time.
BLACK LIGHT DANCE PHOTOS PAGE 4