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The W ck Volume 68, Issue 1
Tuesday, OcToBer 2, 2012
Rallying and Traditions
p. 5
Photograph by Julia Davis ‘13
Index
Westover Meets Paul McCullough.........................1 Politics at Westover ................................................2 Abby Luke ‘15 .......................................................2 Westover Then, Now, and in the Future.................3 Alexia Byusa ‘13 .....................................................3 Online School for Girls .........................................3 Dear Wendy.............................................................3 Music Column........................................................4 Westover Welcomes the Aussie Gappy.................4 Rallying and Traditions......................................... 5 Photos of the Month..............................................5 Faculty Crossword..................................................6 Traditions Crossword Puzzle................................6 Westover Club Information ..................................6 Meet the WICK Staff ..............................................6 Note from the WICK Staff.......................................6 WICK-er of the Month..........................................6
Westover Meets Paul McCullough Chae-Young Uhm ‘13
Westover’s newest faculty member, Paul McCullough, has been receiving attention of both Westover faculty and students since his arrival at the school in early September. How did he end up at Westover, and what does he add to Westover’s community? Paul grew up in northern California and influenced by his mother, a professor at a California state school, decided to attend school in California. Paul majored in English and Philosophy at Cal Poly, San Luis Obiso, voted as one of the happiest schools in America. After he studied at California, Paul went straight to graduate school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, “a great place to work for literature.” There, Paul concentrated in both the 19th century literature and interdisciplinary philosophy programs. During his studies, Paul argued that books were sometimes limited; he commented that they sometimes do not have life-changing impacts as some people expect them to have. After his second year in Iowa, Paul transferred to Yale University, graduating the Divinity School with a Master of Art and Religion. At Yale Paul also worked as a teaching assistant and worked at the Yale Art Gallery. Through Paul’s ventures out east from California, he managed to have a background with Westover before his acquired position this fall. While he was at Yale Art Gallery, Paul toured Westover students on an arts field trip in 2011, taught by Sara Poskas. Paul suspects that Westover hired him
when his boss recommended him to the school after the students’ visit. On his first visit to the school, Paul found a girl with a flowerpot hat on her head making announcements in the assembly. Although Paul did not know that one of the heads of school were selling flowers to raise money for the seniors and could have been rather shocked, Paul took the flower pot hat as a good sign and liked the casual aura of the school. Outside of teaching English at Westover, Paul loves reading books and writing poetry in his free time. Though, he loves teaching the most. With his passion for teaching, Paul finds Westover a “perfect fit,” because he can not only teach and converse with intelligent students, but also can devote time to researching. For example, preparing for a fall term elective course, 19th Century and Modern Poetry, Paul had an opportunity to research into the literature of the time and learn more about the period. So far in his first few weeks at the school, Paul enjoys teaching the students. Paul appreciates all the opportunities to be able to exchange ideas with the students and have in-depth conversations about words. Paul also loves the faculty at the school. He feels that by being able to “surround himself with the best educators,” he can become a better teacher in general. Paul is excited about the rest of the school year and hopes to carry out “big Westover plans in the future.”
Photograph by Julia Davis ‘13
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A Scope of Politics at Westover
THE WICK
percentage of faculty said they did not identify themselves with on political party, unlike the student survey, which had a significant number of people who did not identify themselves with one party.
About 60% of faculty Lauren Danielowski ‘14 members While it may not seem so, November is fast surveyed approaching and the 2012 Presidential Elections thought that the are upon us. Our two candidates are current President Barack Obama and his Vice President economy, healthcare, education, and social issues were equally important. However, the Joseph Biden and Republican candidate Mitt remaining 40% all place one issue above the Romney and his Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan. National Public Radio says, “this fall’s others, whatever issue that may be. But, they also make it clear that the presidential debates could attract the largest economy is a very significant issue for this elecviewing audience of any televised campaign tion. This would be accurate to the views of othevent.” America, it seems, has never been more ers outside of Westover. With a 15 trillion dollar attentive to their presidential candidates and national debt, speculations of the cost of Obama the election itself. According to a recent survey, Care, and an unemployment rate above 8%, the Westover also proves to be very attentive to current politics. Students and faculty alike were economy is certainly a huge factor to consider asked about their political affiliations, what they when voting on November 6th. When students were asked what they believe to be the most important issue(s) for the thought was the most important issue for the upcoming election, and whom they believe will upcoming election, like the faculty, the majority win the election. considered all of the above and the economy to be the most important issues. Since the Students, when student body does not pay taxes or hold asked which jobs with an annual political party they identified salary like the faculty, it is interesting to see how they still chose the themselves economy as an important issue. Given this, it is with, the 92 who responded safe to say that the issue of economy affects all were relatively people, including the portion of the population split between Democrats versus Republicans. that is age 18 and under. When the students were asked if they With an approximate difference of 4.4%, identify themselves with the same political Westover’s student body seems neither more party as their parent(s), the vast majority said left wing nor right wing in their political affiliations. This statistic may surprise some readers yes. One would think that as a child, your parent’s political since it has been said that Westover’s student identity becomes body consists largely of Democratic supporters. yours seeing that If we look at this statistic in comparison to the your parents are a rest of America, 37.6% of America’s regisparticularly large tered voters are Republicans, and only 33.3% influence on things are Democrats as of August 2012 (“Partisan like opinions, political stance, and moral and Trends-Rasmussen Report”). This is also an religious upbringing. There were also some that approximate difference of 4%, but in favor of said their parents had split opinions. Having the Republican party. This is a testimony that parents with split opinions can quite possibly the political climate at Westover is extremely be an enriching experience because one is more similar to that of the rest of the country. None 4% When the faculty were exposed to both sectors of the overall political asked the same question, it atmosphere. When the faculty were asked the same is clear that the majority of question, it is obvious that the majority do not our faculty identify themshare the same political selves with the Democratic views as their parent(s). Party. With a striking near It is important to take 30% difference in favor of the Democratic Party, it is apparent that Westo- into account that the ver’s faculty are not nearly as split as Westover’s ideas that accompany student body. Also, presumably because political the political parties parties and politics in general appear to most to tend to evolve as time have a greater impact on adults, a much smaller progresses. The political parties that the parents
Abby Luke ‘15
the teachers are nice and so are all of the girls”. When speaking with her I felt as though she had forgotten about her old life until she Addis Fouche-Channer ‘13 said: “I miss home sometimes, but I talk to my If you gave her one glance, you wouldn’t parents every two or three days. I miss my dog and the freedom of Facebook whenever I want. be able to distinguish this Australian from the I can’t watch the tv shows that I like to watch new pack on American friends until you heard either”. her accent. Blending very well into Westover Abby chose to apply to go on exchange life, Abby Luke has had a great influence on our to the United States because she had gone to community albeit she has only been here for less than a month. “I’ve had a great time here so far; the same school for her entire life and wanted a
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 of the faculty supported faced some different issues of their time that influenced their choosing of one political party or the other. As these issues evolve, the political parties change as well, prompting people to have opposite politi cal views as their parents.
The faculty of Westover is very diligent in staying educated in current political situations. The majority said they keep up most of the time with current politics. This particular question serves to validate every other question in the survey since choosing a political party and deciding which issues are the most important cannot be done unless you do research in order to make an informed decision.
Westover’s student body also proves to keep up with current politics, the majority saying they moderately keep up with the country’ s current political environment. While not as religious about reading up on current politics, Westover’s student body does make an effort to make informed decisions when offering up their opinions about politics. Unlike the faculty, however, there were some that responded by saying they never keep up with current politics. One possible reason for this is that the younger generation does not feel an obligation to be informed, while the faculty feels it is their civic duty to be responsible and learn about up and coming politics and politicians so they can make a responsible decision when voting for a candidate. It also seems that the faculty and students of Westover share the same opinion on who will be the winner of this presidential election. Given the intensity of this presidential debate, the students and faculty were asked the question on everybody’s minds, “Who will win the presidency of the United States?” The response from both the students and the faculty was clear. Of the faculty, 77.8% think that Barack Obama will be elected for a second term, while 22.2% think that Mitt Romney will take the election. Of the students, 67.0% also think President Obama will be reelected, and 31.9% think Mitt Romney will be elected into office. While no one can truly predict the outcome of this election, it is clear that Westover’s students and faculty pay close attention to America’s political environment. Within Westover, there are diverse opinions, but the results between faculty and students are similar on many important issues surrounding the elections. bit of a change. “There are definitely differences between here and [Australia]” Abby gushed, “ Firstly, calling teachers by their first name was weird. And the huge amounts of grammar in English class, and the freezing cold weather!” If you want to get to know Westover’s newest addition before the term ends, you can find her participating in the Glee Club, Spanish Club, Dance Ensemble, and the fall musical. “ I mostly just want to be involved in everyday life here. I wish I could never leave.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 THE WICK
Dear Wendy
Westover Then, Now, and in the Future
Dear Wendy, How can I tell my roommate she is too messy? Thanks for your advice, Tidy Tanya
Julianne Brown ‘16
Westover was established in 1909. 103 years. Did you ever wonder what some of the first students and teachers at Westover thought would become of our beloved school? Did they think it would stay exactly the same? Did they think it wouldn’t even exist anymore? The girls probably never imagined that
to class? Could they have even wondered about adding amenities such as the LBD, FAC, library, and science labs? Or were they dreamers? Did at least one girl or one faculty member believe that one day we would have a stage, a gym, electric boards, computers, and we could wear what we want to class? Did they ever want to be a part of making that possible for us? Maybe they came to study science and math to try to create new technology. They could have wanted to become architects and design new buildings. Someone was possibly sickened by the thought of uniforms, and decided to design clothes in the hopes we would one day wear them. Photograph by Brittany McDonald ‘16 Now what one day we would have the technology we use, do we, the current students and faculty think such as smartboards and first class. They probwill become of Westover in 109 years? Will ably never even thought about what technology Westover need more buildings? Will Westover we would have, as they were just developing add the use of more technology? Will we even indoor showers in those days. Did it ever occur need schoolbooks anymore? Will the girls be to them that one day the uniforms would beable to wear jeans, or will those be SO 100 years come outfits for special ceremonies and formal ago? And, most important, which of these girls dinners, and not be the outfit we had to wear will help improve our beloved school?
Alexia Byusa ‘13 Addis Fouche-Channer ‘13 Alexia Byusa ‘13 of Kigali, Rwanda is one of Westover’s most amazing students. Not only can she make you laugh even at your lowest, but she can also manage to make time for everyone. Luckily I got to sit down and talk to her one-on- one! Alexia misses the food from home, and her father the most. “He’s coming for Parent’s Weekend, maybe you’ll run into him”. During her free time, she likes to bother her best friend since the sixth grade, Noella Photo by Alyssa Wolak ‘16 Museminali ‘13; spend time with her roommates; and take naps. “I love Westover because of the people, everyone is just so nice! I also love the Student Center!” Alexia loves the food here, and loves to chat with her classmates in the dining hall. Having Noella here at Westover has really made her feel at home, and with the addition of Nicole Mazoera ’14 has made Byusa’s life at school must easier. “My favorite class is math, having Veronica McMahon this year and last year has been great. She’s my favorite teacher.” Alexia Bysua, a wise individual, says that future Westover girls should appreciate the opportunities around them, and to work hard if they want to have a lot of free time to hang out. “One thing that I’ve learned here is how to work efficiently, and how to manage my time better. It’s a process you have to work through.”
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Dear Tanya, Obviously, you don’t want to be mean about it, and you’re just trying to be a good roommate. If she is the reason you’ve been getting lower grades on your room check, you might want to set aside a time where you can both clean, so it doesn’t seem like you’re targeting her. Maybe during in-room you can each pick up your side of the room for 15 minutes. If that doesn’t work, you might just have to tell her plainly. Don’t be insensitive about it, but just make sure she understands that she needs to make a change. I’m sure she’ll understand! Sincerely, Wendy Dear Wendy, How do I tell my roommate to stop borrowing my clothes without asking? Help me! Heather Here’s your Help, Heather!: If this is a common thing for her to do, you really just need to sit her down and talk to her about it. If you don’t mind her borrowing your clothes as long as she asks, just tell her that. Some people are just used to sharing clothes with their friends, and she might not understand that you would like to keep tabs on them. Make a rule that if she borrows your clothes, she has to wash them. Also, ask her how she would like it if you just took whatever you wanted from her. She might look at the situation differently if she was put in your shoes. Hope this helps, Wendy
Online School for Girls Sierra Blazer ‘13
Photograph by Julia Friedman ‘13 Although it was at first difficult to find the time and organization for my Online School for Girls class, Genetics has proved to be both interesting and rewarding. Because there isn’t an obligation to be in class at a certain time, it is easy to make other classes a priority over this class; it’s up to each student to plan her time to watch lectures and complete homework. However, once one learns how to plan her time wisely, it’s easy to become engaged in the material, making the work more appealing and less challenging to find time to do. Taking a class online is a new experience for me. Lectures are recorded by teachers and posted online where students’ questions can be asked via webcam and left as comments; group activities amongst the other students take place in discussion boards; girls in my class are from all around the country, as far as Hawaii. However far apart we are, the one thing we all have in common is that we attend all
girls schools and appreciate the value of a girls education. One of our first assignments was to discuss what life would have been like before the scientific revolution for us as women. My classmates all admitted that they sometimes take their privileges in education for granted; we all marvelled in the thought of how taking a class online, specifically for girls, differs so greatly from anything we would have been doing in the time period of the scientific revolution. It was refreshing to remind ourselves how fortunate we are. So far lectures, taught by the lovely Heather Nuzzo, have been a review of biology with a focus on cells and cell functions to refresh our minds before we start learning new material. Even though this class has just begun, I’m already looking forward to delving further into the topic of Genetics and taking advantage of the opportunity to further my education through this online class.
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THE WICK
Music Column
tuesday, october 2, 2012
Emily Johnson ‘13
When September approaches and we’re unpacking our bags into our new Westover closets and packing our summer playlists of pop songs good-bye, we search for the newest artist to start the year off right. So where do you find it? You can look through iTunes’s top 10 songs, but you’re usually going to find songs that have been popular for the past few weeks. Luckily, because most people have become professionals at Youtubeto-MP3 and proceed to blast music from iHomes, we get our music fixes. Personally when I’m at Westover, I find myself opting for two different kinds of music: chill music to listen to while doing homework and loud, pump-up music not to listen to while doing homework! So, these are my personal playlists: Emily’s What Will Get Your Creative Juices Flowing (Homework/Chill Playlist): 1957 – Milo Greene Blood – The Middle East Farmhouse – Phish YEM – Phish Weekapaug Groove – Phish Heavy Things – Phish The In-Law Josie Wales – Phish Heartbeats – Ellie Goulding (cover) Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez Crosses – Jose Gonzalez Photograph by Julia Davis ‘13 Emily’s What Will Get You Up and Dancing (Fun Playlist): Now or Never – Outasight Oblivion – Grimes Automatic – Nicki Minaj Spectrum – Zedd feat. Matthew Koma Atarax – Project 46 Two Million – Avicii Daydreamer (Henry Fong Remix) – Flux Pavilion feat. Example Siren (Just One) – Milo & Otis Rise and Fall (Stars Above It) – Adventure Club feat. Krewella Voodoo (Beats Antique Remix) – Bassnectar Youngin’ On His Wife – Mover Shaker Midnight Life – The White Panda Wait – Adventure Club Bangarang – Skrillex feat. Sirah Tora Coursey, a senior boarder from Cape Cod, is a lively girl, so her music describes her perfectly. Noted as a “music guru” by yours truly, Tora was kind enough to let us get an insight into what she listens to when she turns on her computer: Tora’s “Good for Everyday Life” Playlist: 1976 – RJD2 Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis I’m Into You – Chet Faker What I Want – Bob Sinclair Fantasy – Breakbot Call Me Greyhound – Kap Slap Crystalfilm – Little Dragon
This is My Life – My Name is Kay Lasso – Phoenix It’s Real – Real Estate Prisencolinensiaainciusol – Adriano Celentano I Look to You – Miami Horror feat. Kimbra Little Yellow Spider – Devendra Banhart Rebecca Rashkoff, a sophomore boarder from Connecticut, thinks lyrics are just as important as the actual music, so she listens to songs with powerful words. Rebecca’s “Thoughtful Lyrics” Playlist Re: Stacks – Bon Iver National Anthem – Lana del Rey The World Is Watching – Two Door Cinema Club feat. Val entina It’s Not You Its Me – Coconut Records Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear Thinkin Bout You – Frank Ocean Junior Stuart Lemay, a boarder from Cape Cod, is an active girl, so she likes music that can keep up with her bubbly personality: country.
Stuart’s Country Girl Playlist: 5-1-5-0 – Dierks Bentley Springsteen – Eric Church Cowboys and Angels – Dustin Lynch Cruise – Florida Georgia Line Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye – Luke Bryan Take a Little Ride – Jason Aldean Time is Love – Josh Turner Wanted – Hunter Hayes Home Sweet Home – The Farm We Got Us – Canaan Smith Hard to Love – Lee Brice This Ole Boy – Craig Morgan Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band Angel Eyes – Love and Theft Runaway – Love and Theft
Star cross-country runner Addis Fouché-Channer, a boarder from Brooklyn, shared the music that gets her through those grueling runs. Maybe if we listen to her playlist, we’ll run just as fast! The “How to Run Like Addis” Playlist: Respect My Conglomerate – Busta Rhymes Go Hard – Kreayshawn Killin It – Krewella Riff Raff – Bobby Raps Theraflu – Chris Brown Lightspeed - Grieves Nuke ‘Em – Datsik Countdown – Beyonce
Westover Welcomes the Aussie Gappy! Stephanie Sorosiak ‘13
On Thursday, September 13th, I had the pleasure of talking with Natasha Harrison, Westover’s Australian “gappy” for this term. We refer to these students as gappies because of their completion of school in Australia, but still studying abroad at Westover. An 18 year old from Perth, Australia, Tash decided doing an exchange was going to be a good experience. “I didn’t know what I wanted to major in at Uni (university), so my principal said I should do exchange, and my year was planned around it.” Schooling in Australia is a tad different from the way school is scheduled in the US. Because of their opposite seasons, meaning our summers are their winters, graduation for year twelve students is earlier in the year; therefore, doing exchange to Westover is the “gap” year between high school
and college. Thankfully, Tash is loving her time here. “I love the traditions; they’re so different from Australia.” She also expressed her love of the campus and free time. “But I don’t like how Facebook is blocked! I feel like seniors should get the privilege, ya know?” For this term, Tash is taking Algebra II, Arts of Spain, European History, Spanish I, Ceramics and running cross country. When I asked if she missed home, although her answer was yes, she explained how amazing this experience is. “Do it! (going on exchange) is such a good time!” This is Tash’s first time in the US, and so far she’s enjoying it, especially because our houses are “very classical American.” There was also mention of our red Solo cups, the ones “in those American parties”, and our obsession
with peanut butter. Tash explained to me how much the US influences Australia. Some of her favorite music and television, like Vampire Diaries, comes from here. On a side note, today happens to be Natasha’s birthday!
Happy Birthday, Tash! Photo by Addis Fouche-Channer ‘13
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012 THE WICK
Rallying and Traditions
“The crowd surfing was unique to this Rallying, it was so much fun..I felt like such a rockstar.”
Story and Photographs by Julia Davis ‘13
On September 9, two hundred girls decked out in red, green, and blue gathered in Quad, chatting and taking pictures, waiting for the new Wests and Overs to come pouring in, beginning the tradition that is Rallying. With the cheers echoing throughout Quad, a fun time was had by all. As students, we always hear about the traditions at Westover. We hear how, years and years ago, young women like us sat in Red Hall, went to Chapel, and participated in Dirge and Rallying. We are united by these actions; every Westover student and alumna has been to Dirge, has sung the songs and has watched the boats float on the black water. When we partake in these traditions, we partake in the sisterhood that is Westover.
Frances Delfin ‘13 Heads of School (Left to Right): Noella Museminali, Alisa Tiong, Jen Zdon, Jane Funk, Alexia Byusa, Frances Delfin, Chae-Young Uhm Senior Proctors (Left to Right): Sunah Hong, Joon Choi, Amber Shelton, Kate Scott, Noella Museminali, Ailsa Slater
“When you’re a senior at rallying, it finally hits you that this day of tradition is meant for you. In many ways, rallying was the day I finally realized my seniority.”
“I’m on a different team now. Being a senior itself is unique. I’ve been waiting for this time for three years!”
Stephanie Sorosiak ‘13
Chae-Young Uhm ‘13 and Stephanie Sorosiak ‘13
Sunah Hong ‘13
“I think Westover has held on to this tradition after so many years because it brings the whole school together and all their spirit for one event, and everyone just has a lot of fun being a part of their spirit team and having friendly rivalries.” Jen Zdon ‘13 and Chloe Eggert ‘16
Jen Zdon ‘13
West & Over Heads from 2011-2012 with current W& O Heads
Photos of the Month by Catherine Caroe ‘14
Senior Co-Captains, #8 Sierra Blazer & #9 Amber Shelton, go up for a block.
The senior captains pose after a victory against Miss Porter’s, the first time in their four years.
“Beating Porter’s was honestly like reaching that goal you never thought you could achieve but kept trying anyways. Since Freshman year, Sierra and I have heard how beastly and unstoppable Porter’s and their sports program were. Now, because of our short, little team who wouldn’t give up, we’ve beaten the unbeatable.” -Amber Shelton ‘13
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THE WICK
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
Faculty Crossword
WORD SEARCH
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Jane Funk ‘13
AA GERMANS COLORES GERMANS LANTERN RING WESTS CANDLELIGHT GRADUATION OVERS SENIORS CHAPEL DORCAS INITIATION RALLYING WALSA
Westover Clubs & Events Contact a WICK Staff Member to place a club or event ad in next month’s issue!
COLORES Festival!
What?: food, music, decorations, A BOUNCE HOUSE, student, faculty and guest performances, as well as other cool activities! When?: Sunday, October 14th, from 1-5PM Where?: Quad. Who?: TP, South Kent, St. Thomas Moore, Salisbury, Avon and Choate.
Staff Writers & Contributers: Sierra Blazer ‘13, Julianne Brown ‘16, Lauren Danielowski ‘14, Julia Davis ‘13, Addis Fouche-Channer ‘13, Jane Funk ‘13, Emily Johnson ‘13, Stephanie Sorosiak ‘13, Rachael Shurberg ‘14, Chae-Young Uhm ‘13 Photographers: Catherine Caroe ‘14, Julia Davis ‘13, Addis Fouche-Channer ‘13, Julia Friedman ‘13, Brittany McDonald ‘16, Alyssa Wolak ‘16
Faculty Advisor: Last year was a blast, and this year will be even Kati Eggert better! All clubs are encouraged to set up a table and represent their organization. Attend a WALSA club meeting at 5:25PM on Mondays, or Contact you can contact your WALSA heads: Jehiza Feliz, Addis Fouche-Channer and Frances We hope you like our first Issue of the year! We plan to provide you with a publication on evDelfin. ery first Tuesday of the month! If you have any comments or opinions of any of our articles, Relay For Life Kickoff Event! or questions for our advice columnist, please Where?: Trinity-Pawling contact Wendy Westover at Wwestover@westoWhen?: Saturday, October 20th, 7PM verschool.org . We’ll publish your comment or What?: Desserts and Relay Registrations, and opinion in next month’s issue! Any questions the first walk on the RFL 2013 course! directed to Wendy will be anonymous. If you’d Who?: Westover, TP, and Miss Halls! like to suggest article topics, these requests also Contact Kati at keggert@westoverschool.org go to Wendy! We look forward to hearing from or Tiffany at tchao@westoverschool.org you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
To You from Us
Clues
1945-52 cover title
1952-53 cover title
WICK-er of the Month Name: Julia Davis Class: 2013 Birthday: May 3 Home State: Connecticut Favorite Color: Blue Pet Peeve: Slow walkers Cake or Ice Cream?: Ice cream! Circles or Squares?: Squares Photograph by Driving or Flying?: Driving Alyssa Wolak ‘16 Book or Nook?: Book Skiing or Swimming?: Swimming Favorite Song: Here Comes the Sun, the Beatles Favorite Movies: the Princess Diaries, The A-Team, High Society Favorite TV Shows: Teen Wolf, Gilmore Girls, Common Law Favorite Dessert of Robert’s: Magic Cookie Bars Best Memory at Westover: Birthday dinners with my friends at Pies & Pints Favorite Westover Tradition: Candlelight Favorite Class taken: James Joyce’s Ulysses