Whittier Awards 2015

The Awards 2015 Since 1884

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Wilmington Friends School's Community Newspaper

Mendinhall Award Well-Earned by Kohli Allie Fulginiti‘17 Awards Writer Congratulations to Meera Kohli for receiving the Mendinhall Award! This award is granted to a Wilmington Friends student each year, in memory of John Marshall Mendenhall II, class of 1939, to recognize “the senior whose ideals and service to the School make her or him an outstanding member of the graduating class” and one “who is considered to have done the most for the school.”

John Marshall Mendinhall II devoted his life to serving our country. When he lost his life during World War II in May of 1945, his fellow classmates decided to create an award in honor of his life’s work. Although Mendinhall was a star athlete, the award acknowledges a “broader scope” of his and the recipient’s activities and contributions to our community.

Meera has enriched our school community with her service, dedication, and leadership. She is the president of two clubs, was elected Communications Clerk for the Business Meeting team, served as co-editor for the Whittier’s Entertainment section, took part in school productions, and became a captain of the volleyball and tennis teams. Meera also organized the successful B+ Dance-a-thon, raising over $28,000 for the B+ Foundation

this year alone. Meera has applied her leadership and service beyond the school community, volunteering for over 90 hours at AI Dupont Hospital and 50 hours at the Hindu Temple.

Meera makes leadership look seemingly easy. Dean for Students, Lynne Puritz-Fine, describes Meera’s leadership skills and commendable confidence: “Although you'd never know it, the last thing that Meera ever wants to do is to speak in front of a group. It would be hard to ascertain that from the poise and confidence she exudes when she's doing it, but it is purely her belief in the cause and in the importance of the event that helps her to surmount that frequent challenge with such grace.” She consistently acts above and beyond in helping others, even if that means exiting her comfort zone. Spanish teacher and Senior Advisor, Behnaz Varamini, recognized Meera’s sustainable contributions to the community: “Meera's service to the school community will have a lasting impact on our community long after she is gone. I think that's what the senior class saw in her when voting for her.”

Meera’s presence and contributions to the school are undeniable. We want to wish her good luck in her new adventures and projects that she will take on next year, and we cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sheppard and Blumberg Share Starkweather Abby Kleman‘18 Awards Writer At Wilmington Friends School, community service is valued for its demonstration of the Quaker tesistmonies.In addition to meeting the academic demands of senior year, some strive to exceed the required amount of service and further contribute to their communities. The Starkweather Award, named after Howard W. Starkweather, Jr. ‘44 for his exceptional dedication to community service, honors students who choose to go above and beyond their expected contributions to their community. This year, the award is presented to seniors, Julia Blumberg and Macon Sheppard.

Julia Blumberg ‘15, who will be attending Highpoint University next year, demonstrated her love of service through her work with organizations including Best Buddies and Special Olympics, where she helped disabled children participate in enjoyable games and competitions.

Julia applied the same diligence in helping others as she did to her work for the B+ Foundation and the Ronald McDonald Charity House. Julia also participated in the Costa Rica service trip. Her efforts led her to a nomination for a Government’s Service Award. Julia’s energetic attitude in helping others has made high school even more

enjoyable for her, and she has undoubtedly inspired others to approach service with the same kind of enthusiasm.

Macon Sheppard ‘15, who will be attending the New York University this fall, also surpassed the required amount of service. The focus of Macon’s service was working with children. This included his contribution to the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, which creates a safe environment for young kids to learn and reach their full potential as caring citizens. Macon stepped up as a compassionate leader of the club in Delaware by organizing a fundraiser to keep the club in business. His investment in the organization earned him the 2015 Youth Volunteer Service Award. College Guidance Counselor Kathleen Martin noted, “It is really inspiring to see an intellectual share his passion for learning with children.”

Macon's enthusiasm for sharing his passion allowed him to thrive as a leader for younger kids.

Julia and Macon both made commendable impacts on the community. Their remarkable efforts exemplify the purpose and true rewards of community service. Behnaz Varamini, service coordinator, states, “I hope that younger students will this see dedication to service and strive to inspire others.” We hope that they do not stop here with their passion for strengthening the community.

Gehret Given to Erskine Alice Irwin‘18 Awards Writer Nearing the end of each year since 1992, one or more Wilmington Friends Upper School students are chosen by the Mathematics Department to receive the Gehret Mathematics Award. The Gehret Math Award is granted in memory and honor of Amanda Spackman Gehret, ‘51. This award is a representation of a student who has demonstrated tremendous development of ability and commitment to the math experience as a whole. The department has determined the 2015 recipient of the Gehret Award to be senior, Jake Erskine!

Over the course of the last four years, Jake has been taught by Ildiko Miller, Head of the Math Department, and Steve Jennings. When asked about Jake, both of his teachers had numerous qualities to characterize him as a student. The most common trait used to describe Jake was an ‘outside of the box thinker’. “Jake has been totally engaged in the study of mathematics; he is an original thinker, his solution always has a little twist in it,” explained Mrs. Miller. Agreeing with her, Mr. Jennings said, “it is true that some students are attracted to

mathematics for its precision, but not Jake. He is attracted to mathematics for its modeling. He enjoys the puzzle that mathematical modeling presents.”

Jake’s understanding of the study of mathematics still seems to amaze his teachers. “Jake does not do ‘cookie cutter’. I often found myself looking at his answers and asking myself ‘What? How?’. There was always something different, something unseen, and unheard of in his work,” recounted Mrs. Miller. Translating his understanding to the math classroom experience, Jake again had left his teachers in awe. Mrs. Miller commented, “his brain is always working; his thoughts are always steps ahead of the class. Correcting his tests always took me much longer than correcting his peers’ tests.” Jake’s comprehension of the subject was acknowledged once more when Mr. Jennings added, “he can blend in the nuances of algorithms while interpreting computational results in a search of a solution of a complex. Jake's understanding is organic.”

Jake Erskine’s evident devotion and mathematical achievements during his time at Wilmington Friends Upper School have proven his well deserved earning of the Gehret Mathematics Award, and are destined to take him far. Congratulations Jake!

Wilmington, DE

Ruhl and Conces Accept Bush Award Caroline McGinnis‘17 Awards Writer As students prepare their final projects and study for finals, May becomes very busy and exciting. One of the anticipated events is the announcement of this year’s award winners. The Bush Award, named after former principal Charles W. Bush, is given to the junior boy and girl who most exemplify the Friend’s school ideals of scholarship, character, and service. This award is given to someone who has shown significant leadership in multiple, if not all, categories of school life. The Bush Award is one of the most prestigious awards given at Wilmington Friends, as it is awarded to a well-rounded student who provides significant enrichment to the school.

This year’s female winner of the Bush Award is Demetria Ruhl. Demetria has demonstrated tremendous leadership in her time at Wilmington Friends School.

In the words of Bradey Bulk, 11th grade Dean, “She is the model of a servant-leader who always puts others before herself.” Her quiet, sincere, and kind gestures towards others are a testament to the Friends School ideals. Demetria participates in all different categories of the school. Her participation in the arts includes her status as a positive and cheerful member of the Chamber Singers choir. As a link crew leader, Lynn Puritz-Fine said of Demetria: “Demetria's generosity of spirit and genuine care for others spoke to who she is as a person.” Demetria also takes this care to sports. Not only is she a terrific athlete, but she is a leader on the team as a varsity swimmer and varsity lacrosse goalie.

Her persistently upbeat attitude is a great addition to every team she is on. Demetria is also very dedicated to her life as a student. Bulk said, “Demetria is a young woman of sterling character who takes her career as a student very seriously.” Overall, Demetria has enriched the lives of students and faculty at Wilmington Friends through her countless contributions to the school.

The male winner of this year’s Bush Award is Andrew Conces. His leadership in the classroom shows through his actions as a thoughtful and reliable student.

He has gained the respect of the faculty through his devotion to his studies and great attitude. Andrew’s earning of the Business Meeting Secretary position indicates the admiration of his peers. Hardworking and supportive of his teammates, Andrew leads by example on the sports field. Andrew has shared his passion for sports by collecting and donating used baseball equipment to kids he met on the Dominican Republic DREAM trip. Andrew’s passion for service doesn’t end there. As a mentor at the Boys and Girls club, he created a long lasting relationship with inner-city kids.

He also participated in the Appalachian Service project, building and repairing houses for those in need in West Virginia. Andrew explained to Spanish Teacher Behnaz Varamini: “This trip helped me be more grateful for the opportunities that I am given.” His passion for service and mindfulness of others truly epitomises the Friends School ideals. Andrew has also been a positive member in the arts community, participating in many musicals.

Though he played minor parts, he was a productive and respectful member of the cast. Andrew’s leadership in all areas has proven himself an enhancement to the community. Bradey Bulk commented on these attributes, “He has garnered the respect of his peers and teachers through his understated leadership.”

In their past years at Friends, Demetria and Andrew have excelled in every aspect of school life.

They have served as excellent leaders to the community, enriching the lives of teachers, students, and teammates.

There is no doubt that these two will continue to have a positive impact on those around them in their senior year.

Is it Possible To Be Fully Immersed and Lost in the Crowd? in America. We have a tendency of giving kids a feeling of ‘you’re special’ and it is strange to go to a country like China where it feels like you could get lost in the crowd China is a huge country. Ranked fourth in the world so easily. It is a reminder that the world is so much bigger in terms of land size, and first in terms of population, than we realize, and it can make you feel very small.”

China is the epitome of large. Yet despite its size, China One aspect of China that none of us were prepared remains one of the most ambiguous countries in the world, for was the censorship. We were cut off from most known mostly in the minds of Americans for its communist forms of social media and Google while there. When I government. This stereotype displays the image of an asked one of the Chinese high school students what his oppressed and poor population. This is the danger of a views on censorship were, he told me that he thought single story for us as Americans, because China is much the government was just protecting them. He explained more than that stereotype. that they have their own forms of social media that This spring break, along with three other WFS prevent them from seeing material that could be possibly students and the upper school Chinese teacher, Xiaohong dangerous. It is an interesting perspective that the Xu, I travelled to China for a ten-day experience. We participants of our trip had a hard time grappling with visited Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai: three major cities because of our predetermined definition of true freedom in a major country. The purpose of this trip was not to be that comes from being an American citizen. a tourist; the purpose was to experience ‘the real’ China All of our interactions with Chinese people were so that we could have a better understanding of how 1.3 polite and hospitable, something that eased the cultural billion people live. barriers. On our third night, we drove two hours outside of This immersion was not easy because of the many Beijing to stay in a rural village in a local family’s home. differences between Chinese life and American life. To The kindness that we were shown was tremendous. The start, China is very crowded; Beijing’s population of 11.5 ‘mother’ of the house and her friend cooked us a huge million people can be very overwhelming. On our first day and delicious meal, which introduced us to the spicy food in China, we took the subway to go visit a school where common in Sichuan Province that was to come. Imagine we would be spending time with Chinese students. In the spiciest thing you have ever eaten, and then multiply order to get into the train car, we had to elbow our way it by a hundred. The first time I tasted spicy food of this through. Jammed into the car with absolutely no space, I caliber, I thought I had just eaten some sort of chemical was thanking fate for giving me the height that stopped cleaner, and my whole mouth went numb. Another culture the impending claustrophobia. As I was trying to position shock of traditional Chinese living was the beds. These myself with the most space possible, our teacher said to beds were simply wood planks with a blanket on them. us, “This isn’t even crowded!”

Chinese people sleep on hard surfaces because they believe Kelly Hartwick ’16, one of the four students on this that this will give them better posture. As we got ready for trip, noticed the larger population as one of the main bed in the bitter cold we were skeptical of any comfort differences between the two countries: “One thing that that night. Our hosts, aware of how cold we were, came struck me about China was the sheer number of people. and brought us one of their few archaic heating lamps.

At times it was very overwhelming, but it also gave me Although we were afraid that this lamp might set the house a larger world perspective that I don’t think we are given on fire, it was an act of generosity that I am sure saved us from freezing overnight.

The village that we stayed in was right next to a portion of the Great Wall, which was called the ‘Wild Great Wall’ by locals.

The Completely different than the section that attracts tourists, due to its restored state in Beijing, this section of the wall was deemed too dangerous to climb by the Chinese government. Despite this warning, Founded 1884 we climbed it anyway. This was one of the scariest experiences of my life. The climb Volume CXXXIII, Number VI was practically vertical rock climbing, Awards, 2015 except the bricks that we would grab Editors-in-Chief onto would occasionally fall out when we Jodi Lessner ’16 touched them. This, coupled with the fact Alex del Tufo ’16 that there was nothing to protect ourselves from a sheer drop into nothingness added Awards Editors Sports Editor an element of danger that I was not Sadie Proud ’17 Matt Tornek ’17 expecting. Despite its danger, the climb Katrina Skibicki ’17 was completely worth it once we got to Features Editors the top. The view was the most spectacular Entertainment Editors Sarah Gooderham ’17 sight I have ever seen. A sense of freedom Maddie Ireland ’16 Chris Stanborough ’16 came over me, to know that I had just done something that was one in a million. This Photo Editor Copy Editors climb showed me how diverse China can Megan Flanagan ’17 Merritt Gates ’16 be. One minute you can be packed on the Chloe Hudson ’16 subway, and the next completely alone on Fact Checker top of the world.

Evelyn Wakeley ’17 There were many different forms of culture shock on this trip, but the biggest Staff surprise came when I discovered I was Blair Atkins ’17 Charlotte Donoho ’16 Abby Kleman ’18 an outsider.

As a tall, curly-haired, white Katie Bodycot ’17 Emilio Ergueta ’16 Alice Irwin ’18 female, I stuck out. In the subway car, my Matt Byer ’18 Hareena Houston ’18 head was above the rest. When I walked Robert Baldwin ’18 Maya Johnson ’16 down the street, people would stare.

Allie Fulginiti ’17 Maggie MartelliOftentimes, people would unabashedly ask Leah Johnson ’18 Raben ’18 to take a picture with me, or better yet just Emilio Ergueta ’16 Miles Katzen ’16 take a picture of me from far away. These Thomas Hilder ’17 Marley Morton ’18 photos were taken everywhere we went; Quinn Kirkpatrick ’16 Natalie Szumel ’16 even while eating dinner in a restaurant.

It Caroline McGinnis ’17 Lindsay Weber ’17 is an overwhelming sense of otherness to Julia Delzingaro ’16 Nolan Delaney ’16 understand that no matter how hard you Advisor try, you will never fit in. But this did not Daniel Scott stop me from immersing myself as much

The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school as I could. And at certain times a feeling of year by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, inclusion would fall over me and I could 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier not help but think about how much I had Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.com. fallen in love with a culture and place completely different than my own.

Jodi Lessner ’16 Co-Editor-in-Chief

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02

Community

Are You There God? It’s Me, Alex.

Alex del-Tufo Co-Editor-in-Chief Growing up with little religious influence, I feel as though I have had the ability to recognize the beneficial aspects of many religions. Although disagreements over religion influence many conflicts and war, it is also the power that holds many groups together for centuries.

Having never been told what I should believe, or who I should say my prayers to, I began to slowly develop my own opinions. I think that this has been both a burden and a freedom. I remember being ten years old and begging my mom, “Please, please, please, can we just be Catholic?”

I wanted simple. I wanted to be able to go to church on Sunday with my friends and know which guy walked on water and which one parted the seas.

My mom considers herself a Unitarian Universalist, which, to a young child, was not a simple enough answer.

Unitarians believe in an individual’s search for religious and spiritual meaning. Being a young kid, I didn’t have a whole lot of individual opinion on my spiritual/religious endeavors. Having only the influence of a generally inactive Unitarian to guide my religious journey, I was pretty lost. I believe that if I had grown up in a religious home, I would have shut myself off from all the potential beliefs I could have, or not have. Although I have not come to a distinct conclusion on my personal religious and spiritual beliefs, I have discovered aspects of certain religions I agree with wholeheartedly.

A religion that I admire, and believe has been portrayed in an inaccurate light, is Buddhism. Before researching the beliefs and basis for the religion, I could only correlate it in my mind with the Monks in Bulletproof Monk or slightly pretentious hipsters. Although it is only a fraction of the worldwide population, there are an estimated 3,000,000 Buddhists living in the United States; too many to only consist of hipsters and monks. It would take a novel to summarize all the interesting and significant aspects of the Buddhist religion, so I will highlight some of my personal favorites. I think that a unique part of Buddhism is Dukkha, a term closely translated to ‘suffering’ or ‘pain.’ This term is one of the Four Noble Truths, stating that a fundamental component of being alive is suffering.

Another Buddhist term I correlate well with is Anatta.

This is one of the “three marks of existence” and claims that oneself is never stagnant, always changing. These theories may appear simple, but I think their placement in Buddhism contrast that of many other religions. I think that Buddhism is wildly underrated and has developed an ill-fitting reputation in present-day society.

The second religion I have found an interesting connection with is Islam. I found that my relationship with this religion came as the most of a shock to me. Islam has been characterized in America, and more specifically through the news networks, as an entirely violent religion.

I disagree with this characterization, although there are definitely aspects of Islam, and every religion, that I disapprove of. I thought the more positive parts of the Muslim lifestyle were extremely captivating. As my IB History of Europe & the Middle East class discussed, there are several contrasts between Islam and many other religions. A contrast that I noticed as particularly interesting was the structure required for Muslims: there are no intensely strict guidelines in the Islam religion due to the belief that everyone involved in the religion is doing it for the sake of their own devotion. It is also relatively easy to become a Muslim, requiring only a simple prayer to join and the promise to fulfill the Five Pillars of Islam.

I think the beginning of my personal religious investigation has helped me begin to determine what I believe, and what I don’t. There are many aspects of several religions that I have pieced together as significant in my life, yet I still have not found a religion that fits. I believe that there are religious people, spiritual people, and a combination of both. I think that while religion brings comfort, and spirituality brings freedom, there is a balance of both. I believe that for anyone who doesn’t have an understanding of their religious beliefs, and even for those who do, acknowledging and understanding other religions is vital in getting to the root of the conflicts that face us on a daily basis. There are many wars and conflicts that are caused by disagreements over religion. If people are given the chance to open themselves up to the ideas of other religions, many of these conflicts could be prevented.

The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

Matt Byer '18 Awards Writer

As the year comes to a close, students at Wilmington Friends have the opportunity to reflect on achievements and experiences that have occurred over this school year.

The Eden Wales Freedman ‘99 English Award recognizes a student’s exceptional ability in the field. This year, the honor has been awarded to Senior Shannon Skibicki. The award was designed last year to acknowledge a junior or senior who makes charitable and positive contributions to his or her English classes, exhibits skill in both literary analysis and writing, as well as appreciates and understands literature as an art. The consistent laud from her teachers and peers regarding her efforts make it easy to see why Skibicki was selected for the award. Daniel Scott, Whittier Advisor and 9th Grade English Teacher, commented on Shannon’s achievements, “I always found intellectual curiosity alive and busy in Shannon, no matter what the task, and that curiosity was paired with innate compassion and consideration for others.” Tenth and Twelfth Grade English Teacher, Lauren Gutstein, added, “Not only is Shannon incredibly hard working, but her curiosity for the subject and ‘out of the box’ thinking really set her apart.”

Shannon has also demonstrated willingness to push new boundaries and explore the subject. “Shannon’s eagerness to learn extends in every direction, and as a result, she responds very positively to being pushed to work or think in new ways. Her willingness to ‘get it wrong’ often meant that she ‘got it right’ in really interesting and important ways,” elaborated Scott. Shannon’s success in bringing this intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic over to the history field earned her an additional recognition for her efforts: the Jordon Wales ‘97 History Award! WFS presents the award to an upper school student that has demonstrated a distinctive mastery of skills in historical research, analysis and interpretation, debate, and writing, while acting as a leader in the classroom and establishing an awareness of societal issues and consequences relating to historical events. The History department recognizes the student’s achievements and contributions at Wilmington Friends, and also the student’s promise in future study of history and application of its lessons toward the common good. Head of History Department Scott Clothier discussed the department’s consideration of Shannon’s qualities earning her the award: “Shannon, as a History student,

excelled in a variety of areas that we find important as a department,” Clothier continued, “These include, but were not limited to, her ability to examine, interpret and analysis both primary and secondary sources and with her mastery of research which culminated in investigations for both 20th Century World History Topics and World Religions.” Clothier also recognized the writing skills Shannon carefully applied to her work, explaining, “Her writing style is clear, concise, and articulate. She remains objective while driving to the heart of matter.”

Skibicki has established herself as a scholarly student, capable of achieving great things. Her teachers have praised her skillful contributions to their classroom and we are sad to see her go. Shannon’s momentous achievements are only the beginning of a long road ahead.

Similarly, the Upper School Foreign Language Award recognizes focus, commitment, and passion for learning.

Developing a mastery of a foreign language is not a task that comes effortlessly. However, Chloe Hudson and Emilio Ergueta, recipients of the award, prove that with patience and determination, it can be done! The Upper School Foreign Language Department looks for junior students who, in the study of language, demonstrates both a distinctive level of proficiency and a passion for learning. This student serves as a mentor and inspiration to classmates. In character as a learner, the student further demonstrates cultural openness and appreciation.

The accomplishments of both Chloe and Emilio were so significant that the Foreign Language Department thought each student deserved an award for their efforts.

Bradey Bulk, Head of the Foreign Language Department commended the recipients, “Emilio [French] and Chloe [Spanish] stand out from the rest because apart from their superior levels of proficiency, the foreign language department sees them as models of cultural openness,” She commented, “In addition, they are both generous and patient mentors in the classroom and beyond. Neither is content to rest on their laurels; they each avidly continue to learn and improve, taking advantage of every opportunity to do so.” Chloe and Emilio have dedicated their time and efforts into acquiring exceptional skills in the subject of foreign language. Both students have made such substantial contributions to their learning environment and WFS refuses to let their efforts go unnoticed. We can not wait to see what these two will accomplish in the future.

Congratulations, Emilio and Chloe!

Thompson, Trainer, Brennen-Martin and Harper win Wyeth Brothers Award

manuals for everyone to use, and taking inventory of everything being done.

The Visual Arts Department chose to award both Sarah It’s awards season at Friends School! The Wyeth Brennen-Martin and Molly Harper for their tremendous Brothers Award is presented to students who excel in the commitments to the arts at Friends. Sarah Brennen-Martin Performing and Visual Arts Department at school. This joined visual arts major during her senior year, although she year, there were two students chosen for both the visual has pursued her interest in visual arts during all 4 years of and performing aspects of the award. These four students high school. When asked what prompted the department are leaders in their field and exemplify the value of the to honor Sarah, Ms. Mellow stated: “As a major, the work visual and performing arts at Friends. that Sarah produced equated a high level of commitment The Performing Arts Department decided to honor and skill. This is particularly highlighted by the fact that both Wyatt Dylan Thompson and Phil Trainer for their she worked many hours outside of her coursework on outstanding contributions to the performing arts scene at visual projects.”

Friends. According to Mrs. Butterfield, Wyatt “has been Sarah is particularly committed to her interest in heavily involved in the music program at Friends and is fashion, particularly textile design. For one of her projects a leader in the chorale group.” this year, she created a textile He has been in every musical design, printed and designed a production from his sophomore dress with it. According to Ms. to senior year; including lead Mellow, “although she has a quiet roles in a Sound of Music creative presence, the energy that and Once Upon a Mattress. she shows in her work definitely Additionally, he brainstormed, demonstrates her skill.” Molly planned, and produced the Harper was the second recipient school’s first student run of this award. She has been in the production, Three on a Bench.

IB program for 2 years and was Even when not on stage, he has fully committed to the rigorous been involved in various middle curriculum, gaining more and school productions and some more confidence in her artistic behind the scenes work. “He has abilities throughout her time gotten to know the performing involved. She often has had an arts scene at Friends from a wide underlying component in her variety of perspectives,” stated Top: Brennen-Martin, Dylan Thompson (artwork) projects that deal with her interest Bottom: Harper (artwork), Trainer Ms. Butterfield. Phil Trainer, the in current events and ecology/ second recipient of this award, environmentalism. “She is just has been involved in every almost Friends production for very committed in her visual research and was consistently the past four years, including middle and lower school engaged, really going beyond even traditional media in productions. According to Todd Tyler, “he has been crucial her work. She challenged herself and was a responsible in the behind-the-scenes action in just about every role art student,” Ms. Mellow commented. possible - running the show, rigging, working the spotlight All four of these students have made exceptional and sound, and more.” In addition, he has helped with a contributions to the Visual and Performing Arts Program good number of the concerts and is clerk of the lighting at Friends. We are sad to see them go, but wish them well and sound committee. For his senior exploration, he did in the next chapter of their lives. We know that they are more work for the theater at friends; setting up, making all destined for great things!

Artwork photgraphs:Sadie Proud, Portraits: Yearbook

Alice Irwin‘18 Awards Writer

The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

Cat Clark Wins Hukill Science Award Leah Johnson ‘18 Awards Writer The Hukill Science Award is given to the student who stands out in their love for science, and through their excellent work ethic, participation, and understanding of their science courses. The award is presented in honor of Robert P. Hukill who was in Wilmington Friends Class of 1949. Mark Schmittle, Science Department Chair and Chemistry teacher, remarked on the award, “The award recognizes the spirit of innovation and creativity, particularly in the applied sciences. The award is conferred annually on the junior student who develops practical solutions to common problems, has the potential for leadership, and has demonstrated knowledge, skills, and excellence in the sciences." This year’s award is being awarded to Cat Clarke for being a great role model in the classroom and her love of science.

Cat Clarke distinguished herself from other students with her work ethic, problem solving skills and innovation. Mark Schmittle says of Cat that, “She demonstrated all those qualities and a love of science.” One of Cat’s qualities when she is working in science class is her enthusiasm for the subject. She is an engaged student, who actively makes connections with the material and whose willingness to learn has distinguished her from other students.

Yearbook

Freeman Wales, Wales, and Language Award

Award Winner Cat Clark (Pictured with Jackie Conner) Jason Rauscher, Biology teacher, shared, “As a teacher who is passionate about science, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing a student who is genuinely curious and enthusiastic about what we are learning in class. Cat is one of those rare students who is not afraid to show her enthusiasm. She is actively engaged in what we are doing, frequently asking questions and seeking out connections between her own experience and the new things she is learning. When, after a long search through protozoan-filled pond water, she and her lab partner finally discovered a tardigrade or "water bear" under the microscope, they shared it with the rest of the class and video taped it - it was the first time any of us had seen such an unusual creature, and no one was more delighted by this discovery than she was. Cat is a very strong biology student and has had a positive impact on the whole class. She is truly deserving of this award.” Cat Clarke has made an impact on her teachers through her hard work and dedication.

Cat’s experience with the science department has been a little different than most Wilmington Friends students. Mark Schmittle said, “I taught her as a freshman because she took chemistry early to accelerate the ninth graders in science. She was a freshman in a class of sophomores, and a very strong student. Cat had a strong ability with math and problem solving. She did not just look out for herself, but for other people too. She was an outstanding science student and went on to take Advanced Chemistry [as a sophomore] and HL Biology in her Junior year.” Cat’s grade was the last grade to be given the option to take Chemistry as a ninth grader. Despite being a year younger than all of her peers, Cat distinguished herself and left an impact on her teachers and peers.

In the past three years, Cat Clarke has shown her teachers her love of science, her enthusiasm, and her dedication. She is respected and admired by her peers in school and in all arenas. Cat’s teachers look forward to seeing her progress and accomplishments as a senior next year.

03

Features

Seniors Explore Teachers Say Goodbye to WFS New Horizons Hareena Houston ’17 Features Writer

Julia Delzingaro ’16 Features Writer

Each year during the month of May, the seniors of Wilmington Friends are given a unique opportunity that allows them to take part in an experience known as “Senior Exploration”. The purpose of Senior Exploration is to give seniors a chance to use real-life skills beyond the small community here at Friends.

The seniors are able to base their explorations off of any interests that they may have, which allows for a diverse range of possibilities to choose from. Although the explorations can be nearly anything, each must follow a guiding question that they are required to come up with and answer while completing their study. Students must also find a mentor to help them develop a plan of action for their exploration. After each student has completed their investigation, they will then write an essay and make a presentation recapping their experience. This year’s senior explorations range from physical activities like yoga and cultural studies, such as examining the architecture of cities.

This year, Meera Kohli ’15, plans on doing yoga for her Senior Exploration. She will be taking classes at the HAC to complete the required 50 hours. Kohli’s mentor for her senior exploration is the yoga director at HAC, Maria DiCamilio. While working on her project, her guiding question that she has planned is “How can yoga help me connect with my mind and body?” When asked why she chose to focus on yoga for her Senior Exploration, Kohli replied, “I’m really doing it because I think it’s a great way to become more peaceful and centered, especially for athletics and just in general.” Just like Kohli, many other students in this year’s graduating class are taking on new challenges.

Amanda Ramos ’15 expects to have her senior exploration take place outside of the United States.

She is heading to London for a week in late May to study the impressive architecture and the extremely diverse culture the city offers.

Another reason Ramos thought London would be a great place to visit is that she has never visited another part of the world outside of North America.

Ramos feels that heading to London will help her get a feel for whether or not she might want to study abroad during college. Fittingly, Ramos’s guiding question is “Would I like to study abroad during college? What are the different challenges that I may face when studying abroad, and how does overcoming them help me to become more independent?” Ramos’s mentor for her exploration is a man named Peter Hood, a family friend of hers that lives in Oxford, an area right outside of London.

Overall, seniors like Ramos and Kohli show that no matter what one’s interest may be, he or she can pursue it throughout the Senior Exploration. Many students that have done the exploration in the past have had nothing but good things to say about their experience.

For example, Maria Rizzo ’14, from last year’s graduating class, said, “My senior exploration with the New Castle County police was an overall incredible experience. With everything going on currently pertaining to issues with the national police force, I am glad I got to experience firsthand some of their work and try to understand some of the decisions they make.” Rizzo was able to follow policemen around to all the interesting things that go along with police officers, like investigating burglaries and looking at crime scene photos. Rizzo is now a double major at the University of Delaware for criminal justice and sociology. Rizzo also said about her positive experience: “I think the Senior Exploration is an invaluable experience and should be used as so.”

Rizzo’s experience shows just how life-changing it can be to explore something that interests you.

It is also great for students to be able to see if it is something they would want to do in the future, which is why Senior Exploration is such an rewarding opportunity to have at Wilmington Friends.

04

Over the years at Wilmington Friends, there have been many amazing teachers who affect their students’ lives in great ways. Teachers at Wilmington Friends are always hard working and dedicated to their subjects. We are sad to see four of our devoted high school teachers leave the school after this academic year. All of the teachers that are leaving this year are leaving behind great legacies and will be sincerely missed.

Steve Jennings, a math teacher at Friends, is retiring after the 2014-2015 school year. On the topic of math, Jennings says, “I was in ninth grade when I realized that I wanted to become a math teacher because I could explain what we were learning at the time better than the teacher could.” When asked about some of his favorite memories of teaching at Friends, he recounts the times he spent discussing mathematics with curious students and fellow teacher Ildiko Miller. Jennings shares what he will be doing during his retirement: “I am looking forward to spending time with my wife, children, and grandchildren, and also hope to be able to play more golf and tennis.” All of the students at Friends will miss Jennings, and wish him well in whatever may come his way after his time here.

Behnaz Varamini, WFS Spanish teacher and Service Coordinator, is also planning on leaving Friends after this spring. Varamini shares about when she began teaching at Friends: “I wanted the language classes that I taught to be fun, engaging, and structured for all of my students.” She says that, although she wanted her students to respect her, she also wanted them to know that she was someone they could trust and talk to. Varamini also enjoyed helping with the Service Committee and seeing how doing service can help a student grow and learn. She loved working with the Boys and Girls Club: Mike’s Team, and seeing how all of the students changed after their experiences mentoring the children. After leaving, Varamini will be attending Stony Brook University in Long Island to obtain her PhD in Spanish Literature, after a taking a semester to tour Asia and Europe with her fiancé. We at Friends wish her well in all of her travels, and for continued success with her career and studies.

Scott Rhodewalt, an Upper School Peace and U.S. History teacher, is retiring from the school after this academic year as well. When Rhodewalt first began teaching at Friends, he was very excited about returning to another Quaker school, as he had taught at two others before. “I like the different atmosphere at Quaker schools, and I’ll miss being able to walk into school and feel the difference,” Rhodewalt comments, “I like being able to work with students and teachers with similar feelings and outlooks as me.” When asked about his favorite memory at Friends, Rhodewalt shares: “I really enjoyed watching the growth of my students throughout the year of my teaching them.” For example, he enjoyed discussing India towards both the beginning and end of the year to see how students’ viewpoints changed. He refers to it as a “crescendo” throughout the year. After he leaves Friends, he says, “I am excited to be able to reconnect with my family in New England. My wife and I are looking forward to being ‘righteous troublemakers.’” Everyone at Friends wishes him utmost happiness in his future endeavors.

Lastly, after only a year at our school, Kate Zipin has positively touched many people’s lives. One of her students, Lizzie Kane ’18, says: “Ms. Zipin is a great teacher, but it’s the energy she brings into the classroom that makes everyone want to do well and pay attention during classes.” When she began teaching, Zipin’s goal was to expand her students’ knowledge of chemistry, as well as her own mastery of it, as this was her very first year teaching it. Zipin expresses that she has enjoyed getting to know all of her advisees and students this year, and that she will miss them greatly when she leaves. She explains, “Each of my classes had a different personality, and I really enjoyed being involved in everything.” After she leaves Friends, Zipin is excited to dedicate more time towards her spiritual journey in Florida. Zipin will be missed, and we at Wilmington Friends wish her well and hope that her journey is very rewarding.

Each teacher has left some sort of mark on the school and will not be forgotten by their students. They have led inspiring lives here at Friends, and we expect them to continue to impact everyone they meet and help. WFS wants to wish you all the best, and know that you will be dearly missed by all.

Business Team Building Dreams Miles Katzen ’16 Quinn Kirkpatrick ’16 Features Writers

In the spring, the members of the Nominating Committee sit down and discuss potential candidates for next year’s Business Meeting Team. The Business Meeting Team is considered to be the Quaker school equivalent to a student government, but in our case, all students have an equal say in what happens in our community. Five people are selected to lead Business Meeting, but the meetings are fueled by the proposals and issues that students bring to Agenda meetings. After weeks of meetings, the Nominating Committee selected Jack Prendergast as Clerk of Business Meeting, Jessica Saunders as Clerk of Agenda, Maddie Ireland as Communications Clerk, Christian Stanborough as Treasurer, and Andrew Conces as Secretary.

Jack Prendergast came to Wilmington Friends School in ninth grade from St. Ann School in Wilmington. As Clerk, he will be required to work with others, guide the Business Meeting, and find the sense of the meeting. He feels that being Clerk is important because it is considered the head position of the student body. He shares, “I hope to get a wide range of opinions.” Prendergast is invested in where the money from the budget goes; he wants to make sure that people know that the main purpose of the money is to fund student clubs, activities, and fundraisers, and help support new ones. Prendergast is prepared to follow in the footsteps of Tommy Rhodes ’15 and ensure the business meeting remains productive and appropriate, while still making it something students look forward to.

Jess Saunders is one of the most outgoing students in the Class of 2016. Not discouraged to talk to Saunders, underclassmen love how friendly she is, making her a great choice to take the place of Martha O’Brien ’15 as Head of Agenda. If she were to describe herself in two words, she shares, “I would probably say hardworking and easily approachable, but that’s kind of three words.” Saunders

is an active member of both Yearbook and the women’s tennis team. As Head of Agenda, she is responsible for leading Agenda Committee and planning each Business Meeting. When asked what she is looking forward to as a member of the Business Team, she replies, “I think for next year I’m just really looking forward to getting everyone’s voice heard and making sure Agenda Committee deals with anything the students want to discuss!”

Like Prendergast, Andrew Conces was new to Friends in ninth grade. As the secretary, Conces will take note of what is discussed during every Business Meeting, and briefly recaps the previous meeting’s minutes at the beginning of every meeting. In his free time, Conces watches sports, hangs out with friends, and plays the guitar.

He describes himself as hardworking and kind. He is most looking forward to working with the rest of the Business Meeting Team next year, and keeping the school running as smoothly and productively as possible.

Maddie Ireland, the Communications Clerk, plays an integral role on the Business Meeting Team. Much like the job title suggests, Ireland is in charge of all things communications-related, which includes running the WFS students Facebook page. Ireland’s easygoing personality and constant smile will serve her well as she takes on the newest position of the Business Meeting Team.

As Treasurer, Chris Stanborough is in charge of all the budgeting for proposals and keeping track of the balance once proposals are passed. Like all treasurers before him, Stanborough will read the budget at the beginning of each meeting and make sure everything stays on track financially.

After much deliberation, the Nominating Committee feels confident in the Business Meeting Team they have selected for the 2015-2016 school year. All five members are qualified and serve as great representatives for the student body. The team is excited to lead Business Meeting and continue to grow with the school community. It should be a fun experience joining them in making decisions this upcoming year!

The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

Maggie Martelli-Raben ’18 Entertainment Writer Be it about a girl and a glass slipper or a maiden and seven dwarfs, Disney films have always provided a presence during childhood. The animated films have gained so much popularity since the 1937 debut of Snow White, that they have undoubtedly been dubbed as classics. The movies that fill the imaginative heads of the youth with dreams of the future are known as fairy tales, and these fairy tales often star a lady ravishing in appearance, wearing long, colorful gowns.

These leading ladies today are known as the “Disney Princesses.” Whether it is because the Hollywood industries are lacking ideas, or because people are thirsting for a vigorous twist on some of these stories, live-action recreations have dominated the box office in recent years. Disney characters, from the legnedary animated Disney Princesses to talking animals, are being plucked out of their classic tales and placed in a colorful, more modern world.

On December 25th, 2014, a similar style movie, Into the Woods, was released. People looking into this live-action movie may be surprised to learn that the movie weaves together the plots of four different classics, including stories beloved by children but not written by Disney. The film is a modern take on Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. In 2010, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland was released and received extremely high box office earning.

This film, unlike Into the Woods, followed the original storyline of Alice in Wonderland pretty closely, but did include the twistedness that audiences have come to expect from Tim Burton. Regarding Burton’s live-action remake, Cat Clark ’16 exclaimed, “I love live-action Disney remakes! Alice in Wonderland is probably one of my favorite movies.” A number of other students agree with Clark that live-action Disney movies are fun to watch, find it difficult to adapt to the change in the Disney classics. Exchange student, Frederikke Johansson ’16 said, “I personally always remember loving to sing along to the Little Mermaid and the Lion King so it just seems weird for these movies to be made with real life people.” Following the success of Alice in Wonderland, a Cinderella movie was released on March 13th, 2015, the second remake of the same movie within six months. The blonde princess in blue has proved to be the most popular of the selection of princesses, and even has a movie-like model built of her castle at Walt Disney Studios. However, a new report states that the castle could transform into Elsa’s castle from Frozen, demonstrating the newfound interests of the young generation.

The upcoming live-action remakes to be released soon include recreations of The Jungle Book (1967), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and Beauty and the Beast (1991.) Two out of the three involve Disney Princesses, which seem to obtain the greatest interest, particularly from girls. Anna Erskine ’18 said, “I love the princess movies, but always wondered what they would look like as real people, so it’s kinda cool to get to actually see that.” She is not the only one who is excited for these new releases, River Harper ’18 agreed, “I personally am excited for the Jungle Book release because it’s one of my favorites, and it will be awesome to see it come to life.”

There appears to be no stopping the production of Disney remakes as more Disney live-action films are released each year. This could suggest that as advancements in technology are made, the movie industry tends to want to modernize famous classics, in the hopes that the movies will exceed their original success. It is safe to say that there are mixed reactions regarding the live-action remakes of Disney movies; however, the act of watching live-action Disney movies does not mean that one must forget the animated classics in their totality. Jessica Saunders ’16 commented, “I think live-action Disney movies are pretty cool, but I hope that kids will still watch the original animations.”

While live-action remakes seem to be making more of an appearance in movie theaters, it seems the original animated Disney films will forever remain classics.

The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

to offer items at a lower price and shared, “I think it’s good that expensive brands are branching out so that everyone who wants to wear the clothes can [wear them].” Since the Lilly Pulitzer, a company which is now regarded as Lilly Pulitzer for Target line was so successful, shoppers the quintessential American fashion brand for all that is can most likely expect more high-quality brands to reach preppy, all started with a juice stand in Palm Beach. Since, out for a relationship with Target.

Lilly Pulitzer, commonly referred to as “Lilly,” began in Although Target sold Lilly Pulitzer products at lower 1959, it has delivered a wide variety of bright, colorful prices, has it really made the brand more accessible? Kate patterns that can be seen in the forms of dresses, pencil Mraz ’16, who frequently sports Lilly Pulitzer, stated, “I cases, and day planners. What began as a hardly well- think the idea would have been better if the stock wasn’t known brand has spread across America and is viewed by so limited. People cleared the shelves before anyone else many Friends school students as the uniform for events could buy the products, and many Target stores have not such as Point to Point, final assembly, and graduation. The yet restocked. What made it even worse was that people bright patterns and simple cuts of the dresses make them sold what they had bought on Ebay for elevated perfect for summertime prices, which defeated the celebrations. purpose of trying to make Lilly Although Lilly items Pulitzer more affordable.” An have traditionally example of the inflated prices as been highly priced, the result of the limited release the brand recently of the brand includes a dress joined with Target to originally sold at Target for forty produce a new line dollars now on Ebay for twice of more affordable as much. Now, shoppers are products. Hundreds conflicted because they cannot An advertisement for the Lilly Pulitzer line at Target of peopel waited with decide if they should risk overpaying anticipation in the lengthy lines when Target opened on for the Lilly Pulitzer for Target clothes or if they should the morning of the brand’s release. Within hours, shoppers just splurge on the higher-quality Lilly Pulitzer clothes. had cleared the racks of all of the items, which included Many Lilly Pulitzer fans were ecstatic when they nail polish, dresses, coffee mugs, hammocks, bathing suits, heard about the relationship between Lilly and Target, and other miscellaneous goods. Although Lilly is a classic but it seems like the companies benefitted more than and beloved brand, the new relationship between Lilly and shoppers did. Since the demand for the less-expensive Target sparked a lot of controversy, especially regarding Lilly Pulitzer clothes is so high, it has been suggested whether or not Lilly is truly being made available to more that it would appease more costumers if both Target and people.

Lilly Pulitzer extended the release of the clothing line in A normal Lilly Pulitzer shift dress is priced between order to produce more goods. Because of the success of eighty to three hundred dollars, but the Lilly Pulitzer for the Lilly Pulitzer for Target line in stores, shoppers should Target line sells dresses that are below fifty dollars. This expect the Lilly line to stay in stores for the long term, reduction in price has made the dresses more accessible and for other designer brands to partner with Target to try to shoppers who cannot afford the higher priced dresses. and copy the Lilly for Target model, making high-quality Sammie Conner ’18 is happy with the company’s decision clothes fashionable and affordable.

Charlotte Donoho ’16 Entertainment Writer

http://www.thefashionablewife.com/lilly-pulitzer-x-target/

Disney Films Come to Life

Entertainment Lilly Pulitzer Comes to Target Stores

Cyberbullying Dilemma Persists

Natalie Szumel ’16 Entertainment Writer With the increased usage of social media among teens, cyber bullying has become a prevalent issue in American culture. Cyberbullying is the constant bullying or harassment of someone using any form of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). One of the key differences between cyberbullying and bullying is that with bullying, the victim has time away from their attacker; this is often times because the victim only sees the bully during school. However, when someone is being cyber bullied, the victim does not have the same safe space because the bully may now continue the harassment long after school hours, leading to emotionally challenging days.

Heartbreaking stories of many teenagers taking their lives as a result of cyberbullying have increased dramatically. In late February of this year, 14-year-old Carla Jamerson from Las Vegas committed suicide.

Jamerson endured relentless cruel comments for years, but eventually the comments began to weigh heavily on her. Jamerson’s mother was interviewed about the tragedy. She described, “She had been getting bullied for a long time, to the point where the happy, bubbly girl that I knew changed…They hacked into her email and they created a Facebook page and they massacred her.”

The most distressing part of Jamerson’s story is that no one listened. When the Jamerson family met with the school (on multiple occasions) to discuss the bullying, the school redirected them. Her mother comments, “The school police told me that because it was not on school campus, but after hours, I needed to call the regular police…The regular police told me, ‘You need to call the school police.” Her daily struggle became a battle that she was forced to fight on her own.

Aside from reporting suicides, the media has begun to show the world how difficult it can be to fight your own battle. Released in mid-April, the movie Unfriended is quickly gaining popularity, partly due to its interesting subject: cyberbullying. After a shamefully scandalous Youtube video was anonymously posted featuring teenager Laura Barns, she is harassed constantly over

every form of social media. Her classmates send her messages telling Laura to kill herself, and unable to handle the embarrassment and hate, Laura publically does just that. Sarah Balick ’17 shared, “The main point of the movie is sad, but I’m glad the message is getting out about cyberbullying.” Balick reminds us that although it is not easy to learn about some of the tragedies that are going on, educating ourselves on the topic is important if we want to end it.

At Friends, there is not much talk of cyber bullying.

Whether it simply does not occur or the painful truth has yet to be discovered, it is important that the issue remains in our minds. Terrence Dai ‘15 shared his opinion on cyber bullying, calling it, “the silent killer of people’s state of mind and life on the internet.” Dai continued, “No one should be bullied online or in real life.” Dai reminds us that the issue is very dangerous because few speak up about the problem and even less are actually listened to when they share. Dai also makes it clear that he believes it is not right for anyone to have to undergo this type of treatment–a view everyone should share.

Jakob Katzen ’16 added his thoughts on cyber bullying within our Friends community. He stated, “I believe Wilmington Friends handles cyberbullying well and tries to prevent its students from using it as a means of communicating in a harmful and insensitive manner.

With this being said, I think students are encouraged to resist the temptation to cyberbully as it not only goes against the core values of the school, but also the Quaker philosophy.” On the surface of our community at Friends, it seems there are little to no problems that have to do with cyber bullying, but if someone were to dig deeper, what would they find?

Whether it be schools or police departments, there needs to be more emphasis placed on the terrible consequences that can result from cyberbullying. A great way to begin the fight against cyberbullying is to shut it down within WFS. It is important to remember that what is said over social media can be interpreted in many ways; something meant as a joke can always be taken negatively. Despite the intention of one’s message, it is crucial to remember that there is another human being on the other side of the screen.

05

Sports

Blair Atkins ’17 Sports Writer

Wilmington Friends School

Many dream of the opportunity to reach victory just once, but Annie Jaskulski ’15 has had the chance to reach victory twice. A two-time state champion and team captain, Jaskulski has not rested on her laurels. Instead, she uses every day as an opportunity to reach a new level of greatness.

Taking her game to a whole new level in college means increasing her fitness and practice time. Jaskulski takes her career to a new heights by practicing on the Annie Jaskulski getting ready to serve court for one and a half to three hours every day. She then does sprints, weights, high intensity interval training circuits, and finally yoga to prevent injury. Although tennis takes up a lot of her time, her parents chose to keep her in school, unlike many of her teammates who decided to get homeschooled.

Jaskulski first picked up a racquet at the age of eight. She was not playing for a team then, but just going to local parks or just hitting around with her dad. She started to take tennis seriously at the age of thirteen, when she focused more of her time on competing in tournaments. Since most of Jaskulski’s teammates are homeschooled, it is very hard for her to keep up with their intensity and competitive level.

She refused to stop playing because of her love of the game. She explained, “When I play tennis I feel as though I can forget any problem that I’ve had that day.

Whether I’m worried about how I did on an exam, or if I got in a disagreement with a friend, I know that when I’m on the court I can forget everything that’s happening and just focus on hitting the ball.” It is very hard to find a sport or activity that gives an outlet, and tennis seems to be a great way to let Jaskulski channel her feelings.

After discussing her tennis career, Jaskulski shared some of her greatest experiences. A memory that she will never forget was during her sophomore year. Jaskulski shared, “I would say that a specific memory that I have from tennis was the first time I won States as a sophomore. I was playing a senior that everyone expected to win and I was able to prove that age doesn’t matter when it comes to tennis.” Jaskulski is very determined to do well in tennis, and prove she is not the underdog. WFS tennis player Joslyn Gardener ’16 commented on what she thought would separate Jaskulski from other players. She said: “I think Jaskulski’s mental toughness will separate her from other collegiate players. Jaskulski is so focused and determined to win every single point.

Tennis is not only a game about skill, but also about having a good mindset, and Jaskulski has both.

Co-captain, Meera Kohli ’15, commented on her leadership skills as a captain. She said; “Jaskulski’s definitely a really good role model for everyone. She’s obviously the strongest player on the team but she also always genuinely encourages everyone during practice and shares advice on how to play better.”

After winning the State championship twice, Jaskulski has decided to commit to University Of Delaware. Jaskulski chose Delaware not only because of the way the players welcomed her and treated her, but also because of the academic program Delaware has. She was not only a motivational captain for her team, but also an amazing tennis player. All of her teammates at Friends school are pushing her even more to do well in college and the rest of her career.

06

How Realistic is a 2016 Spring Golf Team?

Nolan Delaney ’16 Sports Writer

As spring transitions into summer, students are anxious to put down their backpacks and pick up their golf bags. Students today must typically wait until the summer to play golf, because of intensive schedules and commitments to alternative spring sports. Many athletes wish to employ their passion for golf competitively and represent Wilmington Friends School, yet do not have this opportunity as WFS does not offer a golf program. A Quaker golf team has been proposed in the past, yet never implemented. These prior attempts, however, do not hinder the optimism of aspiring WFS competitive golfers. Golf could be the first new sport added to the WFS athletic program in years, but the question remains; is it logical and what are the rewards?

The benefits of a golf program, foremost, is to answer to the popular interest of the student body. Varsity wrestler Alex Trudel ’16 shared his thoughts as to why he feels the school would benefit from adding a golf option to the athletic program, commenting; “We don’t have a lot of skill sports, [the sports options] are all very athletic or physical, and golf would diversify the athletic options for students. Considering how it is a sport that can be played by at all ages, the school would have the opportunity to develop a lifelong passion in students around being active.

It is even a skill that can utilized in the business world.

I know many students, including myself, have dreamed of making a putt to seal a million-dollar business deal.”

In a High School golf tournament, six students play nine holes and the best four scores are counted towards the score of the team. Therefore, fielding adequate numbers for a golf team is certainly feasible, and would require only one coach (the normal athlete to coach ratio is 10-1).

A golf program’s small size would minimally affect the roster numbers of other sports, and would promote unique forms of teamwork that demand individual and collective support in addition to confidence. All other teams in the conference successfully field golf programs, except for St. Andrews, despite having small student bodies like WFS. This sets up great inter-conference competitions for a Friends golf team to dominate.

Mr. Kittle was able to interviewed about the potential program. He expressed that his primary concern was whether a golf program could fit in the school budget; he was not aware of the exact cost for a High School team to practice and compete at one of the many local courses nearby WFS. A critical impediment in the process regarding Mr. Kittle’s financial concerns is that the school meets and plans the budget in April, so the budget has been mostly laid out without consideration of a potential golf team. Although this does make the process more burdensome, he did not feel this ruled out the possibility of a golf team in the spring of 2016. To ease the financial burden, he noted, students could possibly design and purchase their own uniforms, and supply their own clubs. Additional financial and liability concerns would be transportation and coaches. Mr. Morton, who in the past has been a favored potential golf coach, responded to such rumors saying: “I have interest, which does not necessarily mean it is a position I definitely want to fill.

I have requirements that would need to be reached. One of which is, being that I am from the Friends Football tradition, [establishing a golf program] would need to be done right. We would be wearing uniforms representing the school, and I would want to represent the school well.” Mr. Morton’s expectations are not only fair, but summarize well the required organization involved in establishing a golf program.

The school is undergoing an exciting period of change in the classroom as renovations and additions sprout around the campus, and continue a broad range of athletic success including that of coach Tattersall’s undefeated regular season and the one hundredth goal of multiple girls lacrosse players. While the school has so much positive momentum for change, now is as good of a time as any to establish a golf program; thus inviting not only current, but potential WFS students who can fruitfully represent the school through golf’s unique public environment unparalleled by other sports. If the requirements established by Mr. Kittle and Mr. Morton are met, proud students may be able to expand and represent their WFS experience, not only in the classroom, but in the thriving local golf community; all while enjoying the comradery and tranquility which golf exercises.

Remaining Phaithful to the Phillies

Megan Flanagan ’17 have really helped their season. A player that has helped Sports Writer Many people know of the baseball pun, “I wondered them in particular is Ryan Howard. He has been with the why the baseball was getting bigger, but then it hit me.” Philadelphia Phillies since the start of his career in 2001.

Ever since its creation in the 1860s, baseball is a sport The Philadelphia Phillies have been successful because of that many Americans have come to love. The sport began talented players like Howard, who keep the fans assured in New York, but there were other variations around the that the season will bring more wins.

Although the Phillies may not be having their best country. The New York style of baseball became popular before the Civil War, when middle class amateurs decided season, there are a few students who still show support for to pick up the sport as a hobby. As the sport grew, the the team. One student in particular, Will Bodycot ‘17, has number of teams and the level of competition increased been a huge fan his entire life. When he was talking about as well. Over the years, cities have developed teams that the 2015 Phillies season, he shared, “The season so far attract huge crowds that show their support on game days. hasn’t been that much of a surprise due to the Phillies being A team that is held dearly in the hearts of people around in a process. I looked forward to seeing the development our community is the Philadelphia Phillies. The team was of prospects over the next couple of years in hopes that the Phillies can build a founded in 1883, one hundred winning team.” Another and thirty two years ago, but student who is very has only spent the past twelve at interested in baseball, Citizens Bank Park; their home Mikayla Echevarria field. Although they have only ‘18, expressed, “The won two world series, their most Phillies seem to be recent being in 2008, the team making some positive still has a fanbase that supports things happen, but then them through both the good start to slack off again seasons and the bad seasons. throughout their season.

The Philadelphia Phillies Hopefully, they will and their fans hope that their only have positive and season will turn around as soon Ryan Howard takes a swing, July 2014. motivated mindsets as as possible. Although it is early they head towards the in the season, the Phillies have playoffs.” Even though a 11-22 record. It may be a losing one, but the team has had points in their season the team is not having their best season, there are still many when they have had a few game-winning streaks, which loyal fans that hope things will turn out for the better in provides hope for their fans that their record and season the future for the Phillies record.

Overall, the Philadelphia Phillies have been a team will hit a turning point and start to improve. The team played their biggest game of the year against their rivals, that has had the support of many local Philadelphians and the New York Mets. Although they lost, the Phillies still Delawareans that continue to stay with the team despite hold onto hope for their future. Even though the team is their rocky start. The fans are hoping that the Phillies will going through a year of rebuilding the team after losing find motivation within their community and from their some major players, they still have some old timers that constant support. www.baseballhq.com

Jaskulski Takes the Tennis Title to College

The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

Community

European Football: What’s the Fascination?

The Union of European Football Association’s announcement of the host country for the 2020 European cup came as a surprise to many people, perhaps because it isn’t really a country; it’s all of Europe. The cup will be held in thirteen European cities each of which is located in a different country as far west as Dublin, Ireland and as far east as Baku, Azerbaijan. Though this can been seen as a great show of the unity brought about by the European Union, it can also be seen as a reflection of the soccer fever that has gripped the continent since the game came into being in 1683.

The United States has always been a country of many sports. Every major city in the US has at least an American football team, a baseball team, a hockey team, and a basketball team, each with their own dedicated fanbase. In Europe there is only one sport: soccer, which clearly towers above the others. Imagine if in a city like Philadelphia, all the Phillies fans, the Flyers fans, the Eagles fans and the 76ers fans put on their soccer jerseys, layered on the face paint, and got out their flags to go to the same stadium every weekend. The sheer number of fans also means that every game has an unimaginable level of excitement and hype. Even in the city of Montpellier, where I spent the last year, which is infamous for poor attendance at games, has roughly 10% of the city’s population sitting in the stadium’s seats on a Sunday afternoon.

Children start to play soccer at a very young age.

Every village or neighborhood has a youth soccer club

where kids can train starting at age four or five. These youth clubs serve as a recruiting ground for regional teams which in turn supply players to the training academies of professional teams. Soccer is such a simple game, with no requirement for expensive equipment, that there are

vs. girls games the girls would frequently beat us.

Even people who are not fans of the game know all about it. In Europe, soccer is discussed as often as the weather. Every morning at school I remember seeing groups of kids huddled around debating about the game last night and what that meant for their favorite teams.

The players themselves are idolized at a level we don’t see in the United States.

Just for comparison: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid’s leading goal scorer) has over thirty times the facebook fans as Tom Brady. The short distances and cheap transport in Europe mean that supporters can easily travel to support their teams when they play away games. This is why thousands of Bayern Munich fans from southern Germany were present at the Champion’s League semi final in Barcelona.

American soccer, however, is on the rise. Though Wilmington Friends may not yet have seen the full effect, everywhere in the United States soccer is gaining popularity. Just last year, Bayern Munich announced its commitment to extending its youth academy in the United States, a decision which would give 55,000 American kids the same kind of chance that their European peers have to train and grow as players. Through the establishment of the new Major League Soccer (MLS) the United States finally has a serious league with games that draw more and more spectators every year.

Although I must admit that the atmosphere at a Philadelphia Union game is not quite at the same level as at Camp Nou in Barcelona, I can say that soccer mania is slowly grabbing a hold of the United States. www.herald.co.zw

Emilio Ergueta ’16 Freelance Columnist

Lionel Messi from Barcelona Scores a Goal

many rags to riches stories, and any kid feels like they have the chance to make it big. Pick-up soccer is played almost everywhere, and every day at school just feels like a long wait for soccer playing time. I remember when, in 2007, I went to Spanish summer camp and every day we would play soccer till our legs gave out! Being young and inexperienced I was amazed at the level of play. I also noticed that the love of the game was in no way limited to the boys in my class because when we would play boys

Whittier Summer Wish List 2015

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The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

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Have a picnic Read a book on a hammock Take a long bike ride Try a new flavor of ice cream Go fishing Play with water balloons Write poetry Volunteer Drink a lot of water Make lemonade popsicles Make a smoothie Go stargazing Play miniature golf Visit colleges Hula Hoop Go on vacation Go to the drive-in movie theater Play frisbee golf Make s’mores on the beach Drive with the windows down Go to an amusement park Finger paint Have a Marvel marathon Go zip lining at Lum’s Pond Paddle board Go barefoot Dance in the rain Go on a slip and slide Learn new words

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Catch lightning bugs Go camping Do something for someone else Eat watermelon Make a short film

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Swim in a lake Eat fresh fruit Ride a scooter Do a Color Run Go to concerts Sweat Get lost Stay in your pajamas all day Adventure with friends Get a pedicure Eat lots of salads Pick your own strawberries at Linvilla Orchards 90. Lose your phone 91. Stay off social media all day life.time.com

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Firefly Music Festival Thrasher’s fries on the boardwalk Old Barrell Music Festival Horseshoe crab spawning Crab Taxi on the Riverfront Sleeping in until noon Italian festival Rita’s Water Ice Tan lines Swimming in outdoor pools Canoeing and tubing on the Brandywine Walk the labyrinth at the Delaware Art Museum Try surfing Go to a water park Listen to summer music Get a flip flop tan Have a summer job Get an Internship Try a hotdog wrapped in a donut at a Blue Rocks game Forget how to do math Go somewhere tropical Get exercise in the sun Test all the ice cream flavors on the boardwalk Crack and eat steamed crabs Wear lots of colors Rock climb in Alapocas Cruise on the Kalmar Nyckel Shopping at the outlets Take a day trip to Philly Segway around Philadelphia Test out the Cookie Dough Café Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Read trashy novels on the beach Listen to country music Find beach glass Run a half marathon Watch the fireworks on Lewes Beach Borrow bikes and ride around Cape Henlopen Build a sandcastle Wear cute summer clothes Learn to skateboard Go parasailing Grow a garden

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92. Do yoga 93. Learn to meditate 94. Keep a journal 95. Read paper books (no kindles) 96. Discover a new band 97. Go on a hike 98. Don’t text all day 99. Get sunburnt on the beach 100. Paint your nails a bright color 101. Make your own ice cream 102. Drink iced coffee 103. Go to the zoo 104. Visit the aquarium 105. Go on a road trip 106. See a shooting star 107. Dive into a lake 108. Make friends with a stranger (stay safe) 109. Visit someplace new 110. Listen to your parents 111. Set off floating lanterns 112. Learn how to skip rock

113. Go on a waterslide 114. Summer romance 115. Eat Chinese food 116. Catch a lightning bug 117. And/Or a ladybug 118. B uild a fort in the woods 119. Blow a bubble 120. Make salsa 121. TRAVEL 122. Not get sunburnt 123. Grow your hair out 124. Buy new clothes 125. Get in shape 126. Dye your hair 127. Crowd surf 128. Swim in a marsh 129. Dont swim in a marsh 130. Make a music video 131. Be in a flash mob 132. Just dance 133. Find yourself 134. Experience nature 135. Hike a mountain 136. Save an animal 137. Buy Starbucks 138. Dispose of the E-HEM wikispaces 139. Listen to gut instincts 140. Get a henna tattoo 141. Go vegan!

142. Get corn rows 143. Don’t get corn rows 144. Avoid seagull poop 145. Go on a boat 146. Don’t fall off a boat 147. Eat fish 148. Grow your own lettuce 149. Watch the sunrise 150. Watch the sunset 151. Get frozen yogurt 152. Learn to sail 153. Scuba-dive 154. See a psychic 155. Go to Ocean City 156. Come up with Whittier Summer Wish List ideas

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Community

College List: Class of 2015

University of Southern California

Jackie Aerenson..........................................High Point University Travis Aerenson..........................................Colorado College

Hana Arai....................................................The George Washington University Julia Blumberg............................................High Point University Sarah Brennan-Martin...............................Pratt Institute

James Carney..............................................Tufts University

Hannah Caspar-Johnson............................Georgetown University

Andrew Conner...........................................West Virginia University

Tianqi Dai....................................................University of California, San Diego Johns Hopkins University

Scott Davis...................................................University of South Carolina

Daniel Depaulo............................................Pennsylvania State University, University Park James Erskine.............................................Clemson University

Benjamin Fischer........................................Wake Forest University Madeline Fruchtman..................................Towson University Ian Furman..................................................Elon University

Jacob Gagliano............................................Northeastern University

Grace Gannon.............................................Johns Hopkins University Connor Ganse..............................................University of Pittsburgh Meryl Gatti..................................................University of Delaware

Northeastern University

Johns Hopkins University Nicholas Granda-Stone...............................Vanderbilt University

Spencer Hall.................................................University of Virginia

Molly Harper................................................Saint Joseph’s University

Kelly Hodge..................................................Rochester Institute of Technology Jeffrey Hollingsworth..................................Loyola University of Maryland Elijah Jabbar-Bey........................................Pomona College

Annika Jaskulski.........................................University of Delaware

Joanna Kalaitzoglou....................................Saint Joseph’s University

Amanda Kielhorn........................................University of Delaware University of Southern California Meera Kohli..................................................University of Pennsylvania Jacob Leviton...............................................University of Pittsburgh Steven Ly.......................................................University of Delaware Mary Martelli-Raben...................................University of Miami Cassidy Martin.............................................Bates College

Evan Martinez..............................................University of Miami

Arielle Mobley..............................................University of Delaware

John Napoli...................................................University of Delaware

Logan O’Brien..............................................Wake Forest University Martha O’Brien............................................University of Virginia

University of Virginia

Benjamin Para..............................................Pennsylvania State University, University Park Claire Pearce.................................................Wake Forest University Patrick Pearce...............................................Ithaca College

Amanda Ramos.............................................College of Charleston Thomas Rhodes.............................................Duke University Rhiannon Rostami.........................................Cabrini College

Julia Russ.......................................................Tulane University

Clayton Scott..................................................Pennsylvania College of Technology Kerry Shay......................................................Susquehanna University Macon Sheppard............................................New York University

Shannon Skibicki...........................................University of Southern California

Wyatt Thompson............................................The Catholic University of America University of Pennsylvania

Philip Trainer..................................................Savannah College of Art and Design Margo Tschantz..............................................Wake Forest University

Myles Wilson...................................................Indiana University at Bloomington

Brooke Winfield..............................................Sewanee: The University of the South Jane Yeatman..................................................University of Pittsburgh Brian Zittlau...................................................Lehigh University The Whittier Miscellany Awards 2015

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