Atlas, Volume IV, Issue 5

Features Poetry Out Loud Rocks Page 3

Commentary Can You Phone A Friend?

Page 2

Arts Irish Cranberries, Yum? Page 5

Community Love in The Theater Page 6

Sports Still Victorious With No Snow

Page 8

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

TLAS

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Volume IV, Issue 5

The Global School ®

April 2, 2012

So Little Time, So Much to Do

By MARIA WASLICK ‘13 Staff Writer

For the 2012-2013 school year, classes at Wilbraham & Monson Academy will begin on August 27, which is twelve days earlier than the beginning of the current school year. This early start means that there will be more days in the school year, and therefore more class time. However, the school year will still end the last weekend of May, as it has in the past.

The new start to the school year is one of several significant changes in the school calendar and weekly schedule that are under consideration by the faculty and the school administration. Although any changes to the schedule are still under review and have not been fully decided and approved yet, Ms. Norman was able to explain the new scheduling plan for the beginning of the year.

In the 2012-2013 school year, there will be no preseason sessions for any fall sports teams.

Registration, orientation, matriculation, and convocation will be held on the weekend of August 25-26, and classes will start on Monday, August 27.

The school board and administration have made these changes because WMA’s classes meet for less time than many other New England private schools. WMA does not offer Saturday classes, unlike most private boarding schools in the area, which puts us at a disadvantage in competition with other private schools. The Academy staff is looking for a way to offer more class time without having class on Saturdays, and one solution was to start the school year earlier.

Fall athletes will not lose practice time; they will begin their usual preseason activities after school on August 27. However, they will only have one practice

per day, as opposed to the two or three practices that they would normally have during preseason.

Most faculty members feel that this is beneficial to athletes, because double or triple sessions can cause strain, exhaustion, or even injury. The greatest difference that students will probably experience in August is the early start to the year, and all students, whether they play a fall sport or not, will start classes at the same time.

Wilbraham & Monson is also looking into changing the weekly class schedule. Math and science teachers want longer blocks; AP math teachers want more class time, and science teachers need more time to do

Wilbraham, MA 01095

labs. Some faculty have suggested taking away the eighth block, having two lunch periods instead of three, and even starting the school day later. However, none of these changes have been officially confirmed.

WMA faculty members have already been surveyed on which changes they feel are best for the school schedule, and Mrs. Norman is currently finalizing a student survey.

Ms. Norman shared the survey with the student government, and brought the different proposals to a student advisory meeting for discussion. The students at the meeting, for the most part, supported the current schedule with minor changes. Students were in favor of keeping the mid-morning daily X block and having some activities meet at night.

The primary aim of the upcoming changes is to improve academic success while still letting students participate in extracurricular activities.

Separated at Birth: A Korean WMA?

By ARNELLE WILLIAMS ‘13 Staff Writer

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is working with a Korean development group to investigate opening a sister school on the Jeju Island of South Korea.

The Academy, already noted for its long history of educating Korean students, has been selected to be a school of choice for the Island’s institution search. The new campus in Korea represents a significant opportunity for WMA to expand its global presence. The Korean government will allow the Academy to maintain its current education policies. This project, if carried out, will be the foundation that would move the global mission forward.

South Korea’s aim minimize the brain drain of students to schools in the U.S. and Europe and to provide a Korean alternative to its current education model that focuses on tests scores rather than life learning. To accomplish this,

the government has looked at various private school models in the West, including schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. The North London Collegiate School, whose home campus is in London, U.K. and the Branksome Hall School school, which is based in Toronto, Canada have already established campuses on Jeju Island.

Because WMA has such a strong reputation in South Korea, the Government approached the school about the idea of opening a sister school on Jeju Island. WMA is one of a number of prestigious private schools, including the Hunn School in New Jersey and Perkiomen School in Hawaii, to be approached regarding the project on Jeju Island.

Officially known as Jeju Global International City., Jeju Island is a planned mixed-use development that currently includes the two established private schools from London and Toronto, corpo-

rate office parks, residential living, and hotels and resorts. Jeju is a beautiful island and that is known as “the Hawaii of Korea” because of is southern location and tropical climate. Once these educational campuses from these institutions prove to be successful, the addition of residential living, resorts, and a corporate park, will be implemented.

Mr. Swanson, head of the Center for Entrepreneurial and Global Studies (CEGS), visited the island during spring break to get a closer look at the proposed campus and to meet with officials from the South Korean government. He received a valuable insight on the development process as he spent several days on the island.

Mr. Swanson said the South Korean government is providing funds to build several schools that might include a Korean version of WMA. In the end, WMA will know if it is chosen after a competitive bidding process. However, before WMA will commit to the

project, the school plans to conduct due diligence before determining whether the project is something the school wants to actively pursue.

Mr. Swanson also met with South Korean government representatives and they specifically discussed what they are looking for.

In addition, he met in Seoul with alumni and parents to hear their feedback as well as their opinions about this potential project. Mr. Swanson says, “When an opportunity presents itself for WMA to expand its global mission, we have to thoroughly explore it.”

There are other private high schools that have established an international presence with satellite schools in other countries. For example, the Chadwick School in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California has their own twin school, Chadwick International in Songdo-dong, Incheon, South Korea. How cool would it be to have a win school?

Very cool, and it will prove to be beneficial for WMA and its community.

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Commentary

Phone-A-Friend

ATLAS Staff

The so-called “smart phone” is the defining piece of contemporary innovation. What is essentially a hand-held computer grants us the opportunity for incredible productivity in nearly any place at nearly any time. The smart phone facilitates effortless long-distance communication as well as nearly instantaneous retrieval of information from the Internet. It is the primary tool of modern man, a tool to hold a sacrosanct position in the pantheon of the greatest technological innovations of all time.

The wide availability of the smart phone, however, is a double-edged sword; while the working man or woman can easily obtain a smart phone for his or her business, so can the student, though for less productive uses.

With an exorbitantly high population of smart-phone armed students here at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, our technological policy must be tailored appropriately to our community.

For quite some time, the WMA phone policy has been rather absolutist: no phones were allowed to be on during the Academic Day. During a time when handheld phones were just that,

(i.e. portable telephones) this plan served a useful purpose. In the olden days of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the limited functions of cellular phones ensured that they were unnecessary during the academic day; however, changes in technology have expedited the need for a change in policy.

Until recently, the policy did not change with the times.

Because phones today serve far more functions than simply making and receiving calls, not allowing them to be on during the academic day seems impractical. For example, under the old policy, a student could be punished for simply checking the time. The new phone policy, however, liberates students from needless castigation and faculty from needless disciplinary action.

And to the truly deserving, punishment is surely given.

For all the leniency given towards phone-users during the academic day, punishments have been made sharper for those caught using phones in class. If one cannot be bothered to pay attention in class, then a temporary forced sabbatical from one’s phone might be a useful disciplinary and reformatory technique. Indeed, WMA’s new

regimen of phone policy amendments has generally improved the general state of our community.

In general, the new phone policy has been a boon to the WMA community; however, I feel that the phones, not the policies, are a great issue for our school.

Where the students of this academy once hunched over printed volumes, reading and learning, they now flick their thumbs idly across a screen, doing the same repetitive actions ad nauseam, with little to no regard to their surroundings.

How many young individuals now close off their ears to the world and flood their consciences with the cacophonous discord of obnoxious dubstep music? In this age of information, such over-use of technology should be expected; however, that does not make it “acceptable”.

Our new phone policy deals well with the use of technology on campus. It allows for an appropriate level of phone use during the day, and ensures that punishments are doled out only where appropriate.

As an admitted Luddite, I have a personal bias against technology. I admit that my bias may now be unpopular; however, I truly think the school would be a better place with, perhaps, a little less phone use.

committee discusses various real or imaginary global issues. It is up to each student to speak on behalf of his or her country and to try to express their country’s views in the resolution created by their committee by the end of the conference.

WMA has a long history of attending the Harvard Model UN. Mr. Cook has been the faculty advisor of Model UN since the program debuted at WMA in 1990, and was joined last year by Ms. Markowski.

Mr. Cook said that this year’s group of Model UN students had, “really strong senior leadership, with students who knew what needed to get done.” He says that

this is largely due to the fact that there were many three-year seniors in the group this year.

Students really seem to enjoy their time at Model UN. Jack Viens ’13 calls it a, “unique experience.” Jack said that it gave him “a chance to solve current problems,” and it illustrated that “a solution to a problem may not be beneficial for all countries involved.”

Jack’s opinion is shared by many who attended the conference.

Julia Beech ’13 and Kaylee Walton ’12 were part of the Futuristic Assembly. The difference between this assembly and others, according to Julia, is that, “We did not debate current topics but rather future topics, putting ourselves in the year

2020.” The topics that they discussed were genetically modified foods from Thursday to Saturday, and climate engineering from Saturday to Sunday.

Julia says that she really enjoyed her time at Model UN. When asked about most rewarding part of the conference, Julia said that, “My favorite part of the whole experience was meeting kids from all around the world. In and out of committee sessions, I met new people from a multitude of countries that I would never have had the opportunity to meet elsewhere.”

HMUN is one of the most exciting activities at WMA. Mr. Cook says that it is a, “unique intellectual experience, there is nothing like it until you go.” For students that are interested in participating in Model UN next year, Mr. Cook encourages them to ask current Model UNers questions.

Mr. Cook is looking for sophomores to join Model UN next year so that they can have the full threeyear experience.

By NICHOLAS JALBERT ‘12 Department Editor

Editors-in-Chief Teresa Kennedy ‘12 Austin Little ‘12 Sara Tardiff ‘12 News Editor Eva Landers ‘12 Production Editor/Photographer Sarah Goolishian ‘13 Department Editors Nicholas Jalbert ‘12 (Editorial) Nora Harrington ‘13 (Arts) Staff Writers Stephanie Reeves ‘12 Nicole Robitaille ‘12 Arnelle Williams ‘13 Mia Konstantakos ‘13 Issa Best ‘13 Kelsey Gomes ‘13 Molly Moran “13 Maria Waslick ‘13 Nick Gilfor ‘14 Brian Kennedy ‘15 Faculty Advisor Timothy Harrington Additional Photography Matt T. Risley Risley Photography

HMUN 2012, Ethiopia Edition

By AUSTIN LITTLE ‘12 Co-Ediotr-In-Chief

On January 26, 2012, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy delegation departed for Harvard’s Model UN Conference. The students represented the country of Ethiopia, and participated in a variety of committees where they discussed global solutions to real world problems.

Model UN is one of the most popular activities at WMA. Every year, students look forward to the weekend when they are able to travel to Harvard and participate in the actual event. This is a weekend full of thought-provoking discussion, political debate, and of course some good old-fashioned fun.

Each school that attends Harvard Model UN represents a specific country, which is assigned by the Harvard staff unless a school specifically requests a country. Once countries are assigned, each student is delegated into a different committee. Each

Features

Planning for Next Year...Valentines Day!

By STEPHANIE REEVES ‘12 Staff Writer

Not sure what to get your sweetie on Valentine’s Day? Confused as to what he/she might like?

Feeling uncreative or uninspired?

If so, try some of these gift ideas for your friends, parents, pets, teachers, or loved ones.

Homemade gifts are always a plus because they are personalized. There is something special about knowing that someone took time out of their busy day to make something for you; it shows that they care.

For example, if you know he/she really likes blankets, make them one! Visit a fabric store and ask for two sheets of felt-material.

When you get home, find a pair of scissors, line the two sheets on top of each other and cut parallel slits on the edges. Then, tie the strings together and you’re set.

This next idea is great if you have a lot of inside jokes and/ or pictures of the two of you. First, print out your favorite pictures, and write down your favorite memories; arrange all slips of paper onto a colorful piece of construction paper. If you’d like, you can make this into a card – it is up to you.

If you’d like to give a friend or sibling something, try making a coupon book. The principle is simple: slips of paper that

Or, if you REALLY want to go all out, make your sweetheart a book. Yes, an actual book. Just go to blurb.com and download

can be “used” to get a free hug, or a trip to the movies, or a night out where you can wear their clothes.

The coupons can consist of anything you think they would like.

Again, you have choices.

If you’re a great artist, paint a picture of them! Or better yet, make a scrapbook of pictures of the two of you with funny captions; encompassing your own artwork here would not be out of the question – the more pictures the better.

the free software. You can publish the “Story of Us” complete with artwork and all.

If you’re not into Arts & Crafts, try to bake a cake or arrange decorative cookies on a platter. Homemade gifts are not about the final product – the greatness is in knowing that your recipient will have something one-of-a-kind.

Another idea for Valentine’s Day is treating your loved one to a nice dinner (or lunch –

Kelly, and Mr. Wheeler. This annual competition was hosted by none other than the incredible Mrs. Dziura who brought this national competition to WMA three years ago. The Poetry Out Loud: Recita-

Contestants can draw from a list of about 600 poems on the Poetry Out loud website to recite from memory. Qualifying contests are held at the level where each

whatever works) and movie date.

Buy tickets to a romantic movie in the theaters (The Vow, anyone?) and treat yourself to a relaxing night with your sweetheart.

If the movie theater isn’t your thing, another option is simply to stay home: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be something fancy or expensive, sometimes staying at home can be a nice change from the busyness of everyday life.

This idea is a particularly smart if your “significant other” is a boarder. Chances are, if you think you will enjoy it, then chances are they will too.

Of course, there are always the traditional gifts: chocolates, balloons, teddy bears holding red hearts, roses, carnations etc etc… but there are always other alternatives than the norm.

There are millions of ways to show your love on this holiday – make a CD, write a song, or invite them to your basketball game; do not limit yourself.

And above all, enjoy it.

This holiday can be a drag, but even if you’re single, it doesn’t have to be. Everybody has someone to love, and Valentine’s Day is simply a way of showing it.

Poetry Out Loud: Gilfor Makes it to States

By ISSA BEST ‘13 Staff Writer

“These poems these poems these poems she said . . .”

This is the opening line is in the Robert Bringhurst poem, “These Poems, She Said,” which was recited by Nicholas Gilfor ‘14, during Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s annual Poetry Out loud contest.

On February 1st, students, faculty members and parents gathered in the campus center to hear six English 10 sophomores recite a few beautiful lines of poetry for the schools third annual Poetry Out Loud contest.

The dynamic poetry reciters included Michael Fabrizi, Justin Forstmann, Joey O’Connell, Mitch Pastore, Kristin Reeves, in addition to Gilfor, the eventual winner.

English 11 teacher and contest judge, Mr. Harrington, said: “ This is yet another reminder of why it is great to be a Titan!”

Other contest judges included Dr. Gorski, Mrs. Hutchinson, Ms.

tion Contest was created in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation.

The contest was created to increase awareness of the art of performing poetry, with substantial cash prizes awarded to schools that participate.

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For the school wide competition the structure goes as follows: a separate competition is held in each Sophomore English class. The winners of each class go to a headto-head competition in the Campus Center judged by a panel of faculty members.

Nicholas Gilfor won with his remarkable reciting of the contest poem, “These Poems, She Said” by Robert Bringhurst. When asked why he choice this particular poem, Nick jokingly said, “It was short and easy to remember.” (It’s not).But despite his alleged reasons for selecting the poem, he did it justice drawing on his natural acting ability to convey the emotions of the poem. Mike Fabrizi finished a close second place with his compelling performance of “New Moon Floods the Memory of that Night.” Kristin Reeves was right behind in third place with her reading of “The Poet at 17.”

On March 5, Nick was a student performs two poems. The finalist in the Western Mass. compefinalist from each school moves to the state level where they perform tition in Springfield, which won him three poems, and the state finalists a chance to compete in the states in later perform the same three poems Boston on March 11 -- the farthest at the nationwide competition held any WMA students has made it in the competition. There he representin Washington D.C. during the ed us well, but did not win. second week of May 2012.

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Arts

Isn’t it Romantic?: Our Top Eight Date Movies

By NORA HARRINGTON ‘13 Arts Editor Amélie Amélie is a gorgeous French “comic book that moves”. It depicts how beautiful life can be when you strive to make it better through small gestures. Amélie is an introvert who discovers love through helping everyone around her. This sweet romance movie has will entertain even the most rigid viewers with this fantastical trip to Paris.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind This insanely creative romance movie centers on Joel and Clementine, two former lovers. The movie answers the question: “What if you could surgically remove your ex- relationship from your memory?” The movie takes viewers on a quirky journey

through Joel’s memories of Clementine. The non-chronological order proves to audiences that this seemingly mismatched couple is truly meant- to-be.

Titanic Rich Rose and poor Jack manage to meet on the ill-fated ship, where Rose is contemplating a jump off the ship, partly due to her engagement to Cal. In spite of coming from two entirely different worlds, the two strike an immediate, passionate connection that survives even the worst possible tragedy.

Casablanca The romance between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman leaves viewers breathless.

Will they resume their romance, husband and war be damned? Or will the affairs of the world take precedence over affairs of the heart? “The problems of three people don’t amount to a

hill of beans in this crazy world,” Bogie declares, but the genius of Casablanca is that it makes you feel that the problems of two lovers, caught in the machinations of history, are all that matters. They’ll always have Paris—and we’ll always have this perfect Hollywood ode to the heart, to heroism and sacrifice.

Wall-E Set in a post apocalyptic wasteland eons after the abandonment of our planet, Wall-E reminds viewers of the purest of needs: companionship, protection and trust through the romance between two robots.

Say Anything He’s a trench-coat-wearing misfit who kick-boxes. She’s the school valedictorian heading off to college and if I had a dollar for every man who has hoisted a boom box playing “In Your Eyes” above his head to win back his girlfriend after the release of this movie, I’d be a millionaire.

The Princess Bride The Princess Bride is the tale of Buttercup (Robin Wright), who falls in love with farmhand, Wesley (Cary Elwes).The Princess Bride is everything you could want in a movie: A princess, sword fights, giants, an evil prince, Fred Savage and yes, Twue Wove.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s This classic movie is based on a novella by Truman Capote. Paul (George Peppard) is a struggling writer who moves into a New York apartment building, and is captivated by his quirky, free spirited neighbor Holly Golightly. Breakfast at Tiffany’s features an enchanting Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in her iconic role as a phony, naïve and fashionable New Yorker.

Ask Atlas: Spring is in the Air

By MIA KONSTANTACOS ‘13 Staff Writer Dear Atlas,

Spring romance is in the air and I have not found my Juliet. All my friends have girlfriends, and I feel left out. I really want one!

This is prime wooing time, and I do not want to miss out.

Signed, Spring Fever Dear Feverish,

Just because it’s Spring doesn’t mean you HAVE to have a beau! This season can be just as fun without a lover! For instance, you can send yourself dozens of roses, make them from a secret admirer, and look more loved than a lot of your friends! Also, you don’t have to stress about asking her to prom! Make it a time just about you; find a new hobby or get outside and take in the beautiful springtime weather! You may not have a girlfriend, but at least you don’t have to worry about the disappointment from one! Don’t miss out of the nicest time of the year just because of a girl. Besides, girlfriends are such work!

Dear Atlas, One of my close friends has decided that I am too care free, and has taken it upon himself to teach me lessons. He is acting completely like a parent. For instance, yesterday I accidently forgot my backpack in the dinning hall. What did he do? Instead of calling me and saying he found it, he took it back to his dorm! So naturally when I was retracing my steps looking for it, I couldn’t find it anywhere! He then called me and informed me that I need to be more responsible, and that he in fact had my backpack. I really enjoy his friendship, but I can’t take these “mom-like” sermons anymore! What do I do?

Signed, I May Be Careless, But I Care

Dear Carelessly Caring, Although your friend may seem extremely annoying, you have to look at it from his perspective. It is quite difficult having a friend who loses everything; it adds extra stress to their life, too! When it comes down to it, your friend really does care about you, and is

just trying to help you out! If this really bothers you, you should talk to him about it. Tell him that although you appreciate him caring about you, it is still very frustrating to have your friend act as a parent.

Put in the form of a parental lecture and he will definitely get the point.

Dear Atlas, I found out that someone sent me a rose. I did some detective work and traced it back to one of my close guy friends. We are really good friends, but I feel uncomfortable being more than that. At the same time, he could totally be joking.

I don’t want to make him feel bad, or to make it awkward. What should I do about this?

Signed, Just Friends Dear Just Friends, PROCEED WITH THE UTMOST CAUTION -- many a platonic friendship has been ruined by love and many a pair of happy lovers began as platonic friends. Depending on what you want, this could go very, very good or very, very bad. First, wait until you actually

get the rose in the off chance it’s not from him. When you get the rose, you should look at him for his reaction. If he laughs, it must be a joke. If not, then it appears you have a SITUATION on your hands.

If you don’t want to lose his friendship, don’t be rude about it. Decide what you want -- escalation or deflation. If the latter, let the poor guy down easy and you may still preserve your friendship.

Dear Atlas, I did something bad. Something very, very bad. I think I am going to run away.

Signed, Already Gone Dear Goner, Take a deep breath. Relax and calm down for a second. Are you sure what you did is so bad that you have to run away? What you did may seem very bad now, but there are many ways you can make any problem better. Think about other solutions to your problem rather than just running away from them.

There is always another side to your problem!

Arts

The Cranberries, Sweet or Sour?

By SARA TARDIFF ‘12 Co-Editor-In-Chief

It has been over a decade since The Cranberries released an album. The Irish rock group’s newest musical installment, Roses, debuted on February 27, 2012, receiving inconsistent reviews all around.

Their newest album gravitates farther away from the Eurorock genre they built themselves on and nears a combination of both folk and indie pop. As band members Dolores O’Riordan, Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler have grown up together since The Cranberries formed in the late 1980’s, so has their sound.

The Limerick natives have adopted a new laid back vibe to match their newfound maturity and confidence.

“Conduct”, the album opener, is beaming with classic Irish influences in the form of dreamy instrumentals and lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s Gaelic-drenched vocals. It was an ideal track to start up Roses because it provides old fans with the type of poised, somber piece that original

Cranberry fans fell in love with at the start, but also exposes their newly refined alternative side.

Granted the track is an unnecessary five minutes long (a solid three minutes would suffice), “Conduct” paints the perfect picture of what Roses represents: the beautiful collision of new and old.

The album may start off slow but there are a few rock(ish) songs included too, for those who miss The Cranberries’ younger, http://bsides.myx.tv/ wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cranberrriesnewsinglealbum.jpg more energetic days.

“Schizophrenic Playboy”, a warning against sexual predators, is as colorful as its title and practically begs to be sung along

to while being played live. It was definitely written to be a crowd pleaser, but it isn’t nearly as bad

as “Show Me”, which is beyond radio-friendly. In fact, I wouldn’t even like it if I heard it on the radio. This track is boring and repetitive and doesn’t show off O’Riordan’s vocals properly.

“Astral Project” is where The Cranberries really play up their new indie front. Their signature huge chorus plays out against wistful verses throughout this

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song. All the elements are really there, with soothing percussion and punchy guitars. The whole experience is like a dream. Another breezy track, “Tomorrow”, is a bit of a stylistic throwback to the old Cranberries. Old here is not necessarily bad, I would consider it more of a classic.

The Cranberries just know that when it comes to their fans, they cannot go wrong with some crisp guitar picking and a nice Irish twang. The concept of the track, however, is something newer and edgier: kick angst to the curb and seize the day. See, old rocker Cranberries were all about the angst!

This old school Irish band has moved with the times, from rocker to indie pop, and the only thing holding them back is their fans’ hesitancy.

The Cranberries’ Roses was greeted by reviews on both extremes; to most it was a huge hit or miss. Is maturing as a band really that awful?

If it involves cooler concepts and updated instrumentals, yet keeps around O’Riordan’s golden voice, then consider me a supporter of their indie cause.

Griffin and Sabine, a True Love Story

By NICHOLAS GILFOR ‘14 Staff Writer

The Griffin and Sabine Trilogy, containing Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence, Sabine’s Notebook, and The Golden Mean, is a series of bestselling epistolary novels written

by Nick Bantock. The ‘epistolary’ portion of the books means that the story is told through letters between the two characters. Some of these are postcard glued within the book, and others are actual envelopes inside the book with letters that must be taken out and read.

The physical act of taking out and reading the letters, combined with handwritten fonts and intentional typos, adds a voyeuristic intimacy to the story that many normal books lack. The story also features a vast amount of beautiful yet occasionally disturbing artwork in the form of decorated postcards and envelopes.

The Griffin and Sabine trilogy follows the titular Griffin Moss and Sabine Strohem, two artists living on very different parts of the world. Griffin lives in London, Sabine in a group of (fictional) islands known as the Sicmon Is-

lands.

The book begins with a postcard written from Sabine to Griffin, telling him that she is so

sponse, and as the two get to know each other through letters, they discover a hidden, possibly magical bond between them.

glad to finally get in touch with him, and that she is a fan of his work. Nick, not knowing who Sabine is, sends a letter back in re-

Griffin and Sabine is worthwhile for its quirky layout and fantastical plot, but what overrides all of that is the love story.

Griffin and Sabine is not just a strange book about hidden worlds and letters, but also a book about simple, meant-to-be love.

As Griffin and Sabine talk to each other, it becomes more apparent to both of them that they are in love and are meant for each other. The urge to someday see one another and live a life together is felt by the reader, as is the frustration that arises with each failed attempt (all shown through mailed messages, of course).

Reading Griffin and Sabine isn’t like reading a love story; it is like discovering evidence of two people falling in love. The reader feels almost like an archaeologist, gingerly opening and unfolding each letter to find out more about Griffin and Sabine’s relationship, and all the while hoping it will end happily.

Griffin and Sabine’s original layout, enchanting story and poetic romance make it a perfect series for Valentine’s Day, or any day. The books are short enough and captivating enough to hold even most non-readers to the ambiguous ending. The Griffin and Sabine series is a treat, even if it isn’t chocolate.

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Features

WMA Makes West Side Story Sing

By MOLLEY MORAN ‘13 Staff Writer

the lovers Maria and Tony, who are forced apart by the two gangs.

It takes an entire cast to cre Wilbraham & Monson ate a beautiful musical such as this Academy’s Academy Players per- one. The quality of the production, formed West Side Story for backincluding sets, lighting and sound, to-back weekends starting on Feb- was among the best we’ve seen in ruary 10th and ending on February the Fisk black box theater in recent 19th. Tickets were hard to come by years. Mr. Wheeler, Ms. Cole, and for some, as the popularity of the Tech Crew helped organize it all, show let to sell-outs very quickly. and did a phenomenal job in porWalking through the doors of the traying the urban New York City Founders Theater, you could feel setting. Will Awad used his lighting the excitement. expertise to bring the full effect of

West Side Story is a popu- the show to life. lar musical drama that is based on Ashley’s voice was absoShakespeare’s tragic love story lutely outstanding! The audience Romeo & Juliet. The musical was agreed; the duets between Ashleigh written by former New York and John were romantic and excitPhilharmonic director Leonard ing.

Bernstein with lyricist Stephen

Jessica Smith, as Anita, was Sondheim, and was first performed sassy and sophisticated throughout on Broadway in 1957. the play. Her lover, Issa Best, did

The lead rolls were played an amazing job recreating the charby Ashleigh Morris (as Maria), acter of Bernardo. He was enthuJohn Lee (as Tony), Jessica Smith siastic, serious, and romantic all at (as Anita), Nick Gilfor (as Riff), the same time. and Issa Best (as Bernardo). The

West Side Story is the clasidea of the Sharks and the Jets sic story of lovers being kept apart. is based on the feud between the On the west side of New York City, Capulets and Montagues who pre- the Jets are Italian immigrants vent Romeo and Juliet from being and the Sharks are a Puerto Ritogether. In West Side Story it is can gang. Both factions hate each

other, and are battling each other for the neighborhood territory. At a gymnasium dance, Tony, one of the founders of the Jets but who is now out of the gang, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader Bernardo, see each other across a crowded room and fall in love on their first sight.

This love is the final issue in the Sharks and Jets conflict.

They decide that their rumble needs to happen. Maria wants Tony to make peace between the Sharks and Jets. However, when he arrives at the rumble he is unable to control the situation. Bernando kills Riff, prompting Tony to kill Bernardo. In the end, Chino kills Tony in a planned event. But the love between Maria and Tony never dies.

The supporting cast from The Sharks included Mary Callahan, Kristen Reeves, Lin-Hua Chen, Amber Williams, Nora Harrington, Kristen Klebart, Madeline Duke, Ryan Robitaille, Andres Fang, Gabe Awad, Jacob Royal, and Daniel Pippin.

The feisty Jets included James Kim, Jackson FrenchRobitaille, the small but tough Ben

West Side Story in Action!

Ochola, Jack Viens, Adam Maciaszek, Malachi Shy, Sarah Goolishian, Arnelle Williams, Emily Carson, Alina Shirley, Sarah Cui, Maria Slater, Gillian Smith, Caroline Hancock, Rachel Walsh, and Lauryn Picknelly.

The Adults who tried to keep order during the conflict included Nicholas Jalbert, Hunter Donovan, Danielle Pytko, and Jonathan Vogt.

The solo ballet performed

by Kristen Reeves and Malchi Shy was beautiful and symbolized Maria and Tony’s love for each other.

The performance by the Wilbra ham and Monson Academy Players of West Side Story was a great success. The choreography, singing talent, and overall passion made this play worth watching over and over again (like some people actually did).

“It is a challenging musical and a Broadway classic, but with hard work, the talented group pulled it off,” said Issa Best. Mrs. Dziura along with her talented group of students did a wonderful job showing the community the passionate story of love and tragedy, West Side Story.

Make your voice heard!

Write a letter to the editors and you could be published in our next issue!

Austin Little Teresa Kennedy Sara Tardiff alittle@wma.us tkennedy@wma.us stardiff@wma.us

7

Community

Around the World and Back

By TERESA KENNEDY ‘12 Co-Editor-In-Chief

After their respective trips to the Orient, everyone on the Wilbraham & Monson Academy campus breathed a collective sigh of relief on the return of Mr. Easler and Mr. LaBrecque. Mr. Easler travelled to Dubai with Mr. Sparks before meeting Mr. Labrecque and Mr. Rogers in China a few days later.

Mr. Easler and Mr. Sparks were the first to depart WMA at very short notice: their departure for Dubai was scheduled for Sunday, but when Mr. Easler found about a huge rugby festival that would take place there on Tuesday, a few changes were made, and he and Mr. Sparks left two days later, arriving on Friday morning.

After settling in, they went to Sevens Stadium, where the Dubai Sevens rugby team plays and spent all day Friday and Saturday there meeting with students and families. WMA distinguished itself as the only school present.

Mr. Easler reports that, “There were a few families interested in coming here, mostly ex pats involved in the oil business.”

It was a great recruiting

opportunity for WMA to expand its global horizons, opening up the potential for the school to acquire students from a new part of the world. Because the rugby festival was such a large event, people came from all over the world to attend. Mr. Easler said, “There were people from everywhere; Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia.” This part of the trip, according to Mr. LaBrecque, has already resulted in three applications for the 20122013 school year.

After two sunscreen-less, umbrella-less days under the hot, U.A.E. sun, Mr. Sparks and Mr. Easler were pleased with the idea of spending time in Dubai with Mr. Easler’s friend Amet, who took them deep sea fishing for barracuda, and to an amazing catch-yourown-dinner restaurant. They also had the chance to swim in the Gulf of Oman.

Mr. Easler spent a few more days in Dubai after Mr. Sparks returned to the United States, mainly “catching up on work and hanging out” until he flew to Seoul to meet Mr. LaBrecque and Mr. Rogers a few days later. There were several underlying purposes behind the trip to China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, namely fundrais-

ing, “friendraising”, networking, recruitment, and cultural understanding.

Mr. LaBrecque says, “The engine that drives the school in terms of extras, such as the turf field, the Spa, the Shenkman Trading Center, and the addition to the gym, is gifts: these costs are not part of the operating budget.”

For this reason, the development office and Mr. Labrecque, as Head of School, go to raise money from WMA’s alumni and parents. This fundraising is “an essential part of running WMA.”

This year, Mr. LaBrecque has already visited Florida, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., and San Francisco to consult with domestic alumni and parents. He does the same with local parents to try to raise money for WMA. Therefore, it is only natural that he should visit Asia also to try to raise money among a different pool of alumni and parents.

The purpose of these trips, however, is not purely for monetary reasons. They also serve to keep people knowledgeable and enthusiastic about WMA, and to recruit students. A personal visit from Mr. LaBrecque, Mr. Easler, and Mr. Rogers helps WMA to

Skiing Without Snow?

By BRIAN KENNEDY ‘15 composed of Christina Wakefield Staff Writer ’14, Carla Dippe ‘14, and Allie

Cerpovicz ‘13. The Boys team was

The New England area composed of Ben Soder ’15 and experienced one of the mildest Max Zelinski ’14. winters on record and one of the

The only two returning side effects members to was a paucity the team were of snow. There Hjarne and really wasn’t Wakefield. any snowfall at Last season, all this winWakefield inter. As many jured her knee people may and was unremember, the able to actumost snowfall ally go skiing that the Wilwith the team. braham area has had in the “snow” season of Risley Photography “The the year was during the October team is storm. really close this year due

While very few of us to having a smaller team. complained about the mild winter We have some skiers -- especially after last year’s record who have not ski raced snowfall -- the loudest complainers before but they have were the members of the Wilbraskied. They are learning, ham & Monson Academy ski team, so by the end of the ski who had the challenge of training season, they are going and competing in a world without to be better racers.” said snow.

Wakefield.

This year’s ski team was

The Blandford ski area, composed of six members. The where the ski team practiced, had girls’ team was headed by captain about 8 to 16 inches of snow, but it Emma Hjarne ’12 and was also was mostly man-made snow, which

is much less desirable for skiing than natural snow. Wakefield said, “The lack of snow makes skiing harder, but other than that it’s fine.”

The first skiing event of the year was a giant slalom at Berkshire East on January 11. “There was no natural snow but, unfortunately, it’s out of our control, as the temperature has to consistently be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for it to snow,” said the team’s coach, Ms. Gaw. “All we can do is hope that the conditions will improve.”

A few years ago, there was a similar problem with there being no snow, but this year is much worse,

Risley Photography

as there is practically

no snow at all.

The team did not usually go

connect with current parents, since they are not able to visit campus often—in some cases, only for Commencement. The physical presence of the school officials is highly beneficial, in that they can actually meet parents and personally answer any questions that parents and alumni may have.

Mr. Easler discussed how he, Mr. LaBrecque, and Mr. Rogers hosted receptions for WMA parents in Beijijng, Shanghai, and Seoul, to name a few places. These visits also gave them a chance to interview a few potential students for next year, such as the acquaintances of current parents and students.

Though the reception and meeting-filled days are exhausting, they are highly lucrative.

By visiting with families from other nations and experiencing the native cultures of many WMA students, our school administrators can better understand the backgrounds of WMA’s students.

This provides them with valuable insight on how to make WMA a safe and comfortable environment for students, no matter where they come from.

skiing on Wilbraham and Monson Academy’s campus anyway, so the lack of snow on campus hadn’t affected their season too much. They usually did strengthening, running, watch film of slalom and giant slalom races, and tune their skis in the basement of Smith Hall.

The girls’ team recently participated in the New England Prep School Class C Alpine Ski Championships, finishing ninth overall in the slalom category.

Dippe finished 29th in the slalom with a total time of 86.58 seconds.

Hjarne finished 30th in the slalom with a total time of 90.05 seconds.

Also, Cerpovicz finished the slalom with a time of 106.78.

In the grand slalom, Hjarne led the team with a finish in 18th with a total time of 75.08 seconds.

She was followed by Wakefield, who finished in 21st with a total time of 77.46 seconds. Dippe finished in 35th with a total time of 85.57 seconds. Cerpovicz finished in 48th with a total time of 105.71 seconds.

After a very “interesting” snowless season, the ski team still managed to find success, despite the lack of snow.

8

Sports

Girls Swimming Takes New Englands

By NORA HARRINGTON ‘13 Arts Editor

The first weekend of March, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Titan swim team traveled to Deerfield Academy for the Division III New England Swimming Championships.

The girls’ team came away with an exciting victory while the boys’ placed in a close second behind Eaglebrook. WMA sent 24 swimmers to the meet and 20 out of the 24 placed in the top 16 with the majority of them placing impressively in the top 8.

In addition to their exciting victory, most of the team dropped significant time in their events. The Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay team comprised of Anna Misiewicz, ’12 Maddy McCloskey ’15, Kaylee Walton ’12 , and Meg Harrington ’15 started the meet off by finishing second in the event. The team had three of the top eight finishes

in the 50 freestyle Meg Harrington ’15 in sixth place, Anna Misiewicz in fifth and, Ivy Durepo ’13, fin-

ished first.

In the Girls 100 Butterfly, Meg Harrington took six seconds off her 100 Fly time in the qualifying and final heats that day to finish third overall. In the 100 Free, Ivy Durepo and junior Mia Konstantakos ’13 finished second and third, respectively behind one of the top swimmers in New England.

In the 500, sixth grader Jesse Sands finished seventh overall, an impressive feat considering her young age and her new place on the team. Eva Landers ’12 took

nearly 15 seconds off her time to place sixth and Maddy McCloskey finished third.

The 200 Freestyle relay team of Durepo, Harrington, Konstantakos and Misiewicz finished in second place. In the backstroke, WMA again had three of the top eight finishers, Eva Landers took three seconds off her time to end in the top eight, Anna Misiewicz finished sixth and Mia Konstantakos finished fourth.

CJ Woloshchuck ’13 also finished second in diving, a new addition to the Titans’ strong swimming program.

In the final event of the day, the girls 400 free relay team finished second enabling the girls to clinch the Division III New England Championship title!

The Wilbraham & Monson Acadent boys’ team also had an impressive and exciting meet.

The boys team captured the New England Championship runner up trophy, which is especially remarkable given that the boys team did not win a head to head meet during

the previous year). Kevin Lambert ’13 finished in first place in the 200 Freestyle. Siyuan Ding ’14 and fellow sophomore Michael Caine ‘14 dropped significant time in the 200 IM, and they both moved up into the top eight.

Ben Marcus ’12 improved his time by nearly half a second in the 50 Free. Kevin Lambert won in the 100 Fly, and Elijah Barrows ’12 finished second in the 100 Free. A pair of freshman, Andrew Faulstich ’15 and Austin Fabbo ’15 dropped time in the 500 to finish in the top eight, and the 200 Freestyle Relay team of Elijah Barrows, Siyuan Ding, Kevin Lambert and Ben Marcus finished first and broke the school record in a time of 1:37.83.

Stanford Ho ’12 ended his career with the Titans by coming from behind to finish first in the consolation heat of the 100 Breaststroke. Siyuan took forth in the 50 Free and second in the 100 Breaststroke. Despite several top swimmers suffering from the flu, the meet was a success with a victory for the girls and a second place finish for the boys, in addition to a lot of best times and a new record.

The WMA Titans victories were are great end to a triumphant season!

Monson placed 22nd out of 47

teammates Carrick and Ryan for making it to Nationals.”

Nationals are held annually at Lehigh University in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. This year, Carrick and Ryan represented Wilbraham & Monson Academy well amongst many other schools.

Unfortunately, Ryan lost two tough matches, and Carrick won one match and lost two. Despite these losses, WMA ended the season on a high note; qualifying for nationals is an accomplishment in itself.

As for the future, Mr. Hsaio is hopeful for next year’s group of wrestlers. Although quite a few members of the team are graduating this year, underclassmen such as captain Joe Thibault, will return to lead and mentor the new team.

With so many successful first-year wresters, there are high hopes for the newcomers to continue winning matches in the future.

If all goes well, Wilbraham & Monson Academy will have a strong team in 2013.

Wrestling: Driscoll & McLarney go to Nationals

By NICOLE ROBITAILLE ‘12 Staff Writer

The Wilbraham & Monson Academy wrestling team competed at the annual Class A Wrestling Tournament held in Maine. In this competition among over 15 different schools, WMA performed well.

With two third- place finishes by Captain Ryan McLarney and Carrick Driscoll, and three fifth-place finishes by Captains Max Rankin and Joe Thibault and first-year wrestler Wing-Ho Chan, WMA sent five students to compete in the New England tournament at Northfield Mount Herman the following weekend.

The season was not perfect, but rather filled with ups and downs. The team lost some important recruits and suffered from multiple injuries. In particular, Captain Max Rankin’s leg injury proved to be a huge challenge for him this season. But despite these adversities, the team fared well.

And in the words of Mr. Hsiao, “the new wrestlers really stepped it up...In general, first

year wrestlers are lucky if they even win a match,” admitted Mr. Hsiao.

This year, however, new additions to the team did exceedingly well and won out on some tough battles. This season, first year kids won some pretty impressive matches, such as Wing-ho Chan who received 5th place in the Class A Tournament.

Other wrestlers such as Sasha Kondratev and Zafar Mirzaliev also won an impressive number of battles for first year wrestlers.

At the New England tournament at Northfield Mount Hermon, WMA athletes continued their hard work and ended up sending two wrestlers to Nationals. Carrick Driscoll and Ryan McLarney both placed 3rd in New Englands.

Unfortunately, the season ended for Max, Sasha, and Joe, who also competed in the New England tournament. Although WMA did well, it was tough to compete with larger schools with more wrestlers. Wilbraham &

Risley Photography with a score of 35 points. NMH won the tournament with a final score of 143.5.

Captain Max Rankin commented: “ It was such a privilege to be a part of a big competition like New Englands. It personally meant a lot for my career after suffering from my torn meniscus. After my surgery, I put in a lot of hard work and came back mid-season to wrestle in New Englands. I am so proud off my