The
Whittier Miscellany
SINCE 1884 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE • AWARDS ISSUE 2017
Swedish visit is a successful cultural exchange This May, eight students from Calmare International School (CIS) in Calmare Sweden, Anna Nyteg, Ida Kandenäs, Ronja Kandenäs, Philip Thorsell, Axel Palmqvist, Stina Gardesten, Matilda Wikman, and Agnes Lindblad, arrived at WFS to learn about the school, connect with American culture, and meet the pen pals with whom they had been corresponding for the past few months. For the Swedes this trip was the culminating experience of their Americans Studies course in which they studied American history, literature and culture. When asked why she entered this course and chose to go on this trip, Ida Kandenäs replied, “I guess I wanted to experience everything and see if it lived up to my expectations (and if it was like all the movies I have seen, which it wasn’t).” Wilmington Friends School has hosted students from CIS in the past and this exchange originally grew out of the sister-city connection between Wilmington and Calmare. The trip was coordinated by Mr. Morton, U.S. History teacher, who commented on the purpose of the trip, “The idea is to support our commitment to Global Education/Learning. The hope is that by a face to face exchange with other students (in this case, students from Sweden) that our own students will gain perspective, and become more culturally literate.” The Wilmington visit for the Swedes began with an overnight host stay, followed by a visit to the school on Friday and goodbyes Friday evening. The overnight stay was different for each of the pen pal groups because of the different interpretations of what an ‘American evening’ truly is. Abby Kleman ’18 commented, “My Swedish pen pal, Matilda, had told me that she really enjoyed going to the gym, so I decided to take her on a tour of the athletic club where I work as a lifeguard. After that, we went to Woodside to get ice cream and made brownies which we shared with my math class the next day. It was a great bonding experience!” Woodside ice cream was a popular activity amongst the hosts and Gustavo Silveira ’17 described his experience, “After meeting Axel Thursday afternoon, I drove him to the Woodside Farm Creamery (a.k.a. world’s best ice cream, according to Axel). I then drove him to my house, from where we biked around my neighborhood (Axel commented frequently on the omnipresence of greenery this time of year; common here, rare in Calmare). We discussed the nature of the Swedish alphabet and the translation of random animals’ names, rode back and ate dinner, all the while talking about our respective families, cultural backgrounds, and typical foods (kroppkaka and lingonberry jam standing out among these).”
Many of the hosts commented that the overnight stay was the best part of the experience because of the opportunity to learn about the culture of a country that is both similar to ours and very different. However, a significant part of this night was not just about cultural exchange, but getting to know teens who (in many ways) are very similar to their American hosts. One amusing memory of the extraordinary similarities between the hosts and guests was when Gustavo and Axel were packing up and the group discovered they had almost identical leather jackets. The similarities and differences between cultures and people were further explored during the in-school visit on Friday. The Swedish students were particularly interested in seeing how the WFS classes were different from theirs back at CIS. Cecilia Ergueta ’18 commented, “Anna was really surprised at the amount of intellectual independence students had in the classroom. For example, she was blown away by the student leadership in English classes; in Sweden, students, it seems, are taught by the
Abby Kleman remarked that Matilda, “was incredibly surprised to see how many people here are comfortable talking to people whom they do not know. She said that people here are very friendly and are very open to meeting and talking to new people.” This comment was rooted in the friendly classroom atmosphere that WFS students created by asking questions and going up to introduce themselves. The Swedish students were similarly surprised at how talkative people in America were. Philip shared a Swedish proverb over dinner Thursday night: “talking is silver, but listening is gold.” He went on to explain that in Sweden, a greater value is placed on listening, and this is very different from what he has seen so far in America. Small cultural exchanges like these were what got at the core of this trip’s purpose. Ultimately, this opportunity was designed for our Swedish counterparts to learn about America in a way that is different from watching a movie or reading a textbook. The American students were similarly impacted, and many hosts admitted that they knew almost nothing about Sweden or Swedish culture before that week. Three o’clock became the dreaded hour, marking the start of the sad goodbyes between people who had quickly become friends in the short time they had known each other. However, the leaders of the trip told the students they had the evening to themselves, so all eight Swedish students and four American hosts decided to extend the day to dinner and a movie. Half of the group went to Takumi, a sushi restaurant, and half to Rasa Sayang, a Malaysian restaurant, both in Independence Mall. This dinner gave the students the opportunity to compare the activities of teenagers in their respective countries and hang out like old friends. The time finally came for the Swedes to return to their hotel, and goodbyes were exchanged in front of the school. Despite the sad occasion, Gustavo commented that the goodbyes were actually his favorite part of the exchange. He remarked, “At that moment, I realized everyone felt as I did: as if we were old friends that had somehow met each other the day before. The friendship pervading those moments when we said goodbye was tangible, felt lasting. It was, I think, a moment of inspiration, to maintain that connection and continue to learn from each other, which made me immeasurably happy.” The sense of friendship that had taken hold of the group was astounding; hosts and Swedes alike were surprised at how close they had gotten in just 24 hours. American hosts wished their new friends a good rest of the trip, which included trips to Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York City. After exchanging contact information, the Swedes waved a final goodbye from their vans and then drove back to their hotel. Mike Benner
Leah Johnson ’18 News Editor
Swedish Students Arrive at WFS and connect with hosts
teacher exactly what to think by books that are hundreds of years old. This is very different from Friends.” This sentiment was echoed by all of the Swedish guests. Ida commented after a Math Methods class with John Roskovensky, “[The class] was so cool and so much better than in Sweden! I swear, if I had your math teacher and the equipment you have, I would have loved math.” While walking between classes, Ida and Philip explained that they had some teachers who conducted active classes, but many others who opened textbooks and read them out loud for three hours straight. Friends School students balked at the concept of a three hour class however the Swedes shrugged and said that over time it becomes natural to have just two long classes a day. In addition to the academics, our guests got to meet and talk to other students throughout the day.
COMMUNITY
Poetry out loud: a memorable experience for all Out Loud was created in 2006 by the National EndowAfter formal social events such as the meet-andment of the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Stephen greet and welcome banquet, students found themYoung, the foundation’s program director, shared his selves sticking together to chat, laugh, share poetry, A solitary microphone stands, positioned center motivation for POL: inspiring and challenging stu- and explore the city for the three days of the compestage. A single blinding spotlight casts a circle on dents. “We wanted to give teachers a new way to teach tition: “My favorite moment throughout the course of the bare floor. The room hushed, all eyes focus on poetry. Instead of asking students to read a poem and the competition was probably exploring D.C. with our the teenager striding evenly from the velvet-curthen write a paper about it, this contest emphasizes little pod of East Coasters the day of Semifinals... it tained wings. Across the country, 3 million involved the pleasures and the sounds of poetry. It requires no was thrilling to just enjoy the city for what it was and students recognize this defining image of Poetry Out less analytical skill than writing a paper to decide how whatever came to us. It’s funny, but my most memoLoud, a national poetry recitation competition. This you’re going to recite a particular line or what intona- rable moments come from being off-stage, just spendyear, I was fortunate enough to participate for the tion is called-for here, ing time with my felfirst time, entering what would become an unforwhat emphasis do you low state champions,” gettable experience: I moved on to become the 2017 want there.” The high shared Dancy (NC). Delaware State Champion, proceeding to the Nation- regard POL holds One moment that al Finals in Washington, D.C. along with 52 other for its participants is was perhaps particstudents from the US states and territories. demonstrated in the ularly revealing was Poetry Out Loud “encourages students to learn organization’s genon the final night: about great poetry through memorization and recita- erous rewards; each after two days of potion” through its pyramid structure, which narrows year, a total of $50,000 etry-packed comdown the final champion from the classroom, school, is awarded in school petitions, the prizes regional, state, and national levels. Students select stipends and awards. already awarded, the three poems from the Poetry out Loud anthology post- As State Champispeeches held, stued online that fulfill different criteria (one less than on, I earned $200 for dents gathered of twenty lines, one written before the 20th century, one myself and $500 for their own accord to Cecilia Ergueta ’18 competing in Poetry Out Loud free choice), and are assessed on specific evaluation Wilmington Friends hold a private poetry criteria (including physical presence, voice and artic- to buy poetry books, slam-- because what ulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of under- in addition to the all-expense paid trip else would the country’s 53 top poetry reciters do on standing, overall performance, and accuracy). Poetry to National Finals in Washington, D.C. their night off? The poems shared, most written by On April 24th, 53 students from the reciters themselves, were raw, intimate, and powall American states and territories erful: “My favorite part about POL was when people (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin presented their own poetry. A lot of the poems were Islands, and Washington, D.C.) gath- extremely personal, and I felt like I got to know a lot ered in a room to meet each other. of people through their art,” mused Jessica Howard, Right off the bat, one thing was clear: Virginia State Champion. By the end of the evening, everyone was there because he/she students felt they had shared more than their art; they loves poetry! “The kids that compete had shared themselves, forming an intense bond with in POL aren’t just doing it to add to people who they knew could appreciate their gift. their list of high school accomplishOf course, in between exploring the city, sharing Abby Kleman ’18 ments or casually mention it in a col- our own poetry, and exchanging cultural differences, lege essay. They actually CARE about there was still the competition itself, which was, in a JUNIOR EDITOR: Mike Coons ’18 poetry and understand its power on word, inspiring: “An exciting competition brings the NEWS EDITOR: Leah Johnson ’18 both an individual and societal lev- poems to life--and the communal experience of sharSPORTS EDITOR: Alice Irwin ’18 el. I think that’s what I loved most ing emotions that these poems stir up, that communal ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Matt Byer ’18 about my experience with POL this experience makes poetry’s importance tangible, real,” FEATURES EDITOR: Connor Miller ’17 year-- the passion and spirit that shared JoAnn Balingit, Delaware Poetry Out Loud each state champion brought to the State Coordinator and Delaware’s 16th Poet Laureate. PHOTO EDITOR: Evie Kortanek ’18 table,” shared Iman Dancy, North On the first day, student performances were divided COPY EDITOR: Evie Kortanek ’18 Carolina State Champion. The stu- into three regions (East Central and Northeast, MidWEB EDITOR: John Blackwell ’18 dents who ascended to the national west and South Central, and Upper Northwest and FACULTY ADVISOR: Daniel Scott level each had their own story; while West). At these Semifinals, students recited two rounds some had backgrounds in theater or of poetry and were whittled to the final nine of each ENTERTAINMENT STAFF literature, others stumbled upon the region. After a final round of poetry at the Semifinals, Maggie Martelli-Raben ’18 NEWS Emma Landis ’19 opportunity: “When I heard the an- the final three moved on to compete all three rounds Hareena Houston ’18 Olivia Ivins ’20 nouncement that my school would be the following day in the National Finals. This year, I Olivia O’Donnell ’18 Anna Fahey ’20 having a poetry recitation competi- proceeded up to the final nine of my region, which is SPORTS Nick Urick ’20 tion, I said, ‘why not?’ It wasn’t until only the second time anyone from Delaware has made Bella Stuccio ’19 Carlin Beskrone ’19 I started the competition process that it that far. This means I had the privilege of reciting I realized how serious and legitimate all three of the poems I had prepared, which was a FEATURES Addie Trudel ’19 POL actually is,” related Dancy (NC). truly special experience. The next day, all remaining COLUMNISTS Krystal Xu ’19 “When I was a freshman, I watched State Champions attended the National Finals, this Cecilia Ergueta ’18 Lucy Knudsen ’19 kids at my school compete, and I just time as audience members. I expected some students Marley Morton ’18 Olivia O’Donnell ‘18 wanted to be like them” confided Si- to be disappointed at not being on stage, but this was mon Rabatin, Rhode Island State not at all the case; excited and proud, students bet on The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school year Champion. The students who showed and rooted jubilantly for their regional champions. “I by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, up were passionate about poetry, think this shared passion we all had for the power of 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier but just as eager to learn about each poetry made the entire experience feel less like a cutMiscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.com. other and connect with like-minded throat competition and more like a congregation of peers: “I was surprised about how people that just love poetry! We all genuinely enjoyed Check Whittier Miscellany online for Weekly Updates! inviting and friendly all the people seeing each other perform and succeed,” expressed were. Everyone was so kind through- Dancy (NC). At the end, the competition was just anThe Whittier Miscellany welcomes responses in the form of letters out every level of the competition, other poetry slam for students to enjoy each other’s to the articles, editorials, and features of this paper. and that made performing much less unique and powerful contributions: “No one actedContact: wfswhittiermiscellany@gmail.com nerve wracking,” added Emily Frie Continued on page 8 ‘Like’ Whittier on Facebook at ‘WFS Whittier’! drichsen, Vermont State Champion. poetryoutloud.org
Cecilia ergueta ’18 Columnist
The
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Awards ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
awards
Sullivan impacts the community Two to receive freedman award nic urick ’18 awards writer
Since 1946, the Wilmington Friends School has used the John Marshall Mendinhall II Memorial Award (otherwise known as the Mendinhall Award), to honor a member of each graduating class who is considered to have done the most for the school. This year, the winner of the Mendinhall Award is Margaret Sullivan ’17, a devoted student and a well deserving recipient of the award. Congratulations Margaret! At Wilmington Friends School, contribution to the community is inherently important and viewed with great value. 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. Since then, the graduating class of Wilmington Friends, along with the members of the faculty have continued to honor a student in their grade who they collectively believe did most for the school in their time there. Throughout Sullivan’s time at Friends, her accomplishments have been significant and above expectation. Sullivan served as a crucial and enthusiastic member of the Robotics team, Clerk of the Student Disciplinary Committee, as well as a valuable member of LINK Crew. She also took the position as the Clerk of business meeting, and was an integral member of the Science Olympiad team. Along with this, Sullivan consistently worked hard in her academics, and served as the captain of the cross country and basketball team. Mrs. Zug, Head of Upper School, commented that “Margaret was very invested in making the school a stronger place. She was very involved in Robotics and would even come to admissions open houses at Friends and discuss her passion for Robotics. She was always very comfortable with herself, and very giving to the school.” Sullivan has long been known for enthusiasm and leadership throughout all of the activities in which she participates. Along with her academic and extracurricular ac-
complishments, Sullivan has been a vital member of the community. From her enthusiasm on the Robotics team, to her hard work on both the Student Disciplinary Committee and the LINK Crew, Sullivan has never failed to impress. Zug continued that “She led Senior week in terms of negotiating different themes. She really took it upon herself to organize and have consistent and positive tones of senior week. She was a crucial member of SDC, which is a very important role in terms of the core values of the school and helping students who come to SDC reflect on their actions.” Sullivan is a dedicated and positive student whether she is in the classroom, in a club, or simply in the community. Over time, Sullivan has made herself an integral part of the robotics team and helped the team to a successful appearance at the state competition- an outstanding accomplishment. Matt Cauchy, the faculty sponsor of the Robotics team, commented, “Margaret has done robotics for four years. What sticks out about Margaret is her energy, enthusiasm and leadership.” Many members of the faculty have applauded Sullivan for her leadership. Cauchy continued by stating, “Margaret makes what she does a fun experience for everyone. From a leadership standpoint, she always made sure things got done.” It is clear to see why Sullivan has been awarded the Mendinhall award as she’s positively impacted the school in almost every department she participated in and impacting several sports teams. Looking forward, Sullivan’s future is looking very positive. She will be entering the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next fall. She will inherently continue to be an enthusiastic leader and role model at MIT, as well as in her future career. This has been reassured by many previous examples. Zug also noted that “Margaret was contributing in every arena of the school in terms of both students and faculty.” Sullivan’s accomplishments and leadership have greatly impacted the school, and everyone in the Wilmington Friends community! Once again, Congratulations, Margaret! You will be missed.
lucy knudsen ’19 awards writer The The Eden Wales Freedman Award is given to the student who, in the study of English, 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. This year, the award goes to both Gustavo Silveira ’17 and Hannah Kushner ’17! The student(s) who win this award represent what it means to be an outstanding English student at Friends. These two stand out from the other English students for their high marks and passion for learning English as a skill and an art. Jake Rashkind, head of the English department, comments: “They’ve both demonstrated clear excellence in the classroom and have really put a lot of their energy into the poetry speaks group. These are students who excel in a variety of disciplines, but they don’t consider themselves just science math or history people. They are really dedicated learners who have demonstrated a real appreciation for the power of words”. Silveira is known for his poetry recitation. He has performed on multiple occasions for the school, and students enjoy experiencing his passion for poetry. Mr. Rashkind said: “Gustavo was two times the school’s state representative in the poetry out loud competition, he and Hannah clerked the group Gustavo graciously stepped aside this year, paving the road for Cecilia Ergueta, who actually won the state competition”. Silveira having
Hanson and kortanek Share bush award anna fahey ’20 awards writer
The Bush Award, established by the board of trustees, works to recognize students who most distinctly displayed the values of character, scholarship, and service. Usually, a junior boy and girl each receive one of the most distinguished awards given at the school and are honored by the Head of School with a personal letter and plaque. This year, the faculty felt that Evie Kortanek ’18 and Jack Hanson ’18 most strongly demonstrated the three values that the Bush award stands for. Congratulations to them both! One of the most essential parts of the Quaker education at Wilmington Friends School is to instill the values of service, scholarship, and character into each student. We strongly believe that these help shape them each into passionate, independent, and creative individuals. Out of these ideals comes the Bush Award, named after former principal Charles W. Bush, who served at Friends from 1922 until 1935. Their names are also engraved on the Bush plaque, which hangs on the wall of the main hall. Kortanek has gone above and beyond the expectations set for a WFS student in her hard work to improve the school to help others. She has taken a major role in planning the WFS ‘Dance Louder and Prouder’, which will help bring the WFS community and the broader Wilmington community together in a space where LGBT+ students can feel safe and enjoy themselves. “She’s a phenomenal student,” says Kortanek’s
interim advisor, Paul Sharp. “She has impressed me with everything she’s done since I’ve been here”. Kortanek is very involved in PRISM, and is clerk of the Art and Activism club. Her work for art advocacy shows a maturity and sense of character that is integral to her being chosen for the award. “There is a unanimous appreciation for her intellectual curiosity,” Mrs. Zug says. Kortanek is also enrolled in the full IB diploma, but Mrs. Johnson states that it’s not just her love for learning inside the classroom that shines through. “She shows how she loves to learn new things in class but even more impressively in her life... the core piece of this award is the character. Character flows into service, character flows into scholarship, and that’s completely true for Evie. That’s what stands out.” Hanson has been described as compassionate, kind, and sensitive to the needs of those around him by multiple different teachers. He also helps others whenever he sees that someone struggling. His advisor, Mrs. Kenney, spoke about his sense of humor and maturity. “He’s willing to laugh at himself and recognize his own flaws, but also work on them”. Hanson is incredibly involved with the school and multiple different programs and clubs. He runs Cross Country, is in LINK Crew, and is a very talented singer and actor. He’s been in a variety of WFS productions and is a valued member of both Chamber Singers and AllState Choir. Along with Emily Rossi ’17, Hanson sang at Governor John Carney’s Inauguration and recently sang the national anthem with his fellow Chamber Singers at a naturalization ceremony. Some of the pro-
awards ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
ductions that Hanson has been a part of include The Princess and the Pea, Kiss Me Kate, Into the Woods, and the student-run production Making A Horseman. “Jack really cares about what he’s doing,” says Sharp. Along with his multiple activities outside of the classroom, Jack has taken on six majors for his junior and senior years, speaking to his genuine interest in learning. Mrs. Kenney states, “His level of commitment says a lot about his integrity - he has it not just here but out in the world as well.”. Hanson’s consistent work ethic and dedication to his activities and to those around him show the quality of character that is deserving of this award. “He’s the kind of kid that does the right thing even when no one’s looking,” says Mrs. Zug, Head of Upper School. “Jack is respected by peers and adults alike”. Hanson and Kortanek have both been model students in the Wilmington Friends School Community. Students are excited to see what they will accomplish in their senior year, as they will definitely create an even bigger impact as the eldest of the school. Of both students, Mrs. Bulk, the 11th grade Dean, stated, “The faculty felt that these two rose to the top especially in terms of character. We very much appreciate and recognize their love for learning!”. As we recognize these two phenomenal students for their achievements so far, we wish that they have just as much success heading into their final year at Friends. Hanson and Kortanek truly embody the values of character, scholarship, and service that make up the Bush award. Congratulations to the two!
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awards (continued from page 3) already proved his poetic prowess, decided to give someone else a chance. Because of his selflessness, another Friends student was able to succeed in Poetry Out Loud, too. Kushner also contributed greatly to the Poetry Out Loud club and the wider community. Instead of competing, as she did last year, Hannah emceed the competition. As Mr. Rashkind said: “Hannah took a real leadership role and really went beyond her comfort zone in emceeing the poetry out loud comp. It’s really been impressive to see how much she has grown in the area of public speaking”. It is so great to see students like Hannah pushing themselves to grow and spread the love of words to the greater community. Silveira and Kushner were given this honor because they not only excel in their learning of English, but share this knowledge with others. As Jake Rashkind put it: “It’s an award to honor a student who has a passion for literature and whose enthusiasm for literature makes them an asset to their classes and to the larger community”. Furthermore, Mr. Rashkind elaborated on their contributions to the school: “Under their leadership, the poetry speaks group has created an anthology of poems and has been instrumental in initiating an upper school wide poetry recitation project for next year. Despite the fact that many students have contributed positively to their English classes, these two have gone above and beyond in spreading the word and their love of literature”. Because of their excellence in and out of the classroom, the two students are the perfect candidates for this award. As Silveira and Kushner go off to the University of Delaware and Lehigh University, respectively, it can be expected that both will continue striving to learn more about the language and share their love for literature with others.
Gehret awarded Emma landis ’19 Awards writer
Each year, beginning in 1992, the Mathematics Department of Wilmington Friends School has selected an Upper School student to receive the Gehret Mathematics Award. This year, the winner of the Gehret Mathematics Award is Ted Ganter, class of 2017! The award is presented in memory of Amanda Spackman Gehret, Class of ’51. It recognizes a student who manifests outstanding mathematical achievement through the development of ability and commitment to the experience of the whole class. Ganter has excelled in math throughout his high school career. John Roskovensky, his advisor and his math teacher this year, commented that he was “one of the top [math] students in the senior class, if not the top student”. But that’s not why he won the award; in all classes, but especially in the class of 2017, there are many people deserving of the Gehret Mathematics award. Ganter won the award not only due to his great talent at mathematics but also due to his exemplary leadership and problem-solving skills. Commenting on Ganter’s problem-solving skills, Roskovensky said: “He can look at a problem he’s never seen before and be able to formulate a solution.” These problem-solving skills proved helpful in the classroom throughout his high school math career. he factor that truly made Ganter shine in math was (continued on page 6)
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Gooderham and Rossi Take a Bow Bella stuccio ’19 Awards writer
The Wyeth Brothers Performing Arts Award, given annually by the Performing Arts department, is an award given to two seniors who are thought to have shown dedication, enthusiasm, leadership, artistry, and scholarship in the arts. This year’s recipients are Emily Rossi ’17, and Sarah Gooderham ’17! Both students have done amazing work in the arts and have contributed an immense amount of talent to the school community. These two students have brought artistic life to the school community, and have also devoted themselves to the learning experience of their peers throughout the Friends community. The recipients consistently have striven to perform to the best of their ability, and demonstrate an interest in building their quality and skill. Emily Rossi has had a huge influence in the performing arts program, especially through her performances in the school’s musicals and plays. She starred as Fred in “Once Upon A Mattress” when she was a sophomore, and played a major role as Cinderella in the past year’s musical, “Into the Woods,” as a senior. Emily is also a member of the Chamber Singers, has directed two different student-run productions, and is in the IB HL music program. “[Emily’s] been involved in the arts all the way through her time at Friends. She’s been in all of the musicals and has had significant parts in all of them. I wrote her college recommendation letter and what I said was that she had been the lead in the previous year and had had a smaller role the next. Her commitment to the ensemble and the success of the show was the same, no matter the size of the role, ” recounts Margaret Anne Butterfield, Head of the Upper School Performing Arts Department. Gooderham, who has also been involved in the musicals and Chamber Singers, has also im-
pacted the performing arts community at Friends through her positivity and skill. In the past year, Gooderham participated in the Upper School musical, “Into the Woods,” in the lead role of the Baker’s Wife, as well as acting in the student run production this past winter. “Sarah comes to every artistic endeavor with a strong sense of purpose. She’s committed to whatever it is, be it the musical, Chamber Singers, or even her year in chorale, and comes to it with the most positive attitude. To say that she is a leader is an incredible understatement. She learns so quickly, she’s innately talented, she has perfect pitch, she has a great musical sense. I have to admit there have been times at auditions when she has brought a ‘wow’ factor. Beyond that, after ‘Into the Woods’ the stage needed to be painted black. Sarah showed up. She takes every aspect of the show and gives equal weight and care to it. She was that way in Chamber Singers too. She’s not bossy about it , she’s very encouraging and inspiring. There’s an incredible sense of positivity that radiates from her,” Butterfield narrates. Both Gooderham and Rossi have worked extremely hard and are well deserving of the Wyeth Brothers Performing Arts Award. They have brought even more life to the performing arts community during their time here at Friends. Butterfield shares, “I know that [Emily’s] going to University of Mary Washington and has been accepted into their theatre programs. If it’s not her vocation, it will most certainly be a significant part of her future! I’m sure that wherever Sarah goes, she’ll find ‘her people.’ I know that music and theatre will not be her vocation, but I know that she will not walk away from these things.” The Friends community cannot wait for what these students will do next during and after college. As actors on the Friends School stage say before a performance, “once more unto the breach dear Friends, once more!”
Kleman proficient in Spanish Lucy Knudsen ’19 Awards writer
The Upper School Foreign Language Award is given to the junior or senior who demonstrates exemplary proficiency and passion for learning in their respective language study. This year, the award goes to Abby Kleman ’18! Kleman not only excels within the classroom, but values and accepts other cultures. The student who wins the award demonstrates proficient skills in the language he/she is taking. Kleman stands out from the other language students for her stellar grades and interest in learning about the cultures of different Spanish speaking countries. Brady Bulk, Head of the Foreign Language department, comments, “Abby deserves the award because she is always deeply curious, a sincere learner, and wants to know more. To qualify for this award, one must not just have success or capacity to learn language, but is also generous with their fellow students”. The qualifications for this award are impressive proficiency in Spanish and helping the community learn. Abby was clearly a good choice for this award because, as Ms. Bulk noted: “Abby took it upon herself to organize study sessions before tests, which helped other students in her class. She also went on the El Paso trip and was able to interact deeply with some of the immigrants she met there, which made a profound impact on her.”
Helena Cochrane, Kleman’s Spanish 4 teacher remarks, “It’s great that there is a language award for a student who is a great scholar and contributes to the tone and morale of the class. We were really specific about contributing to the Spanish learners in the class. One thing that Abby does that is so special and unique is that she organized tutoring sessions for Spanish students and underclassmen”. Abby’s contributions to the education of her peers set her aside from other language students. Ms. Cochrane went on: “She was very helpful to her classmates who might not get things as quickly as she does. It’s great that in a Quaker school where we don’t want to distinguish people too much, there is still an inclination to reward a student who is so obviously doing much more than just learning. The award was created because year after year there is one special student in the class who ‘lifts all the boats’ in the water and helps everybody else to be strong learners, too”. Because Kleman was such a charitable teacher and learner, she deserves to be honored for her efforts. Kleman was given this honor because she not only excels in her learning of Spanish, but shares this knowledge with others. She has done incredibly well for herself in class, and helped others to do the same. Because of her efforts, Kleman is a great candidate for this award. Being a junior, Kleman has one more year of Spanish classes. It is exciting to think of what she will do as a language student this next year at Friends and beyond!
Awards ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Science award goes to adebi addie trudel ’18 awards writer The Robert P. Hukill Science Award is given to a member of the junior class who shows an immense amount of innovation and creativity in the applied sciences. This year, Daniel Adebi ’18 will be the recipient of this prestigious award due to his commitment to expanding his knowledge in the applied sciences! The award is in memory of Robert P. Hukill, a Wilmington Friends alumni from the class of 1949. The Upper School’s department of science determines the recipient each year. Every year, the science department is faced with this tough decision while looking at many spectacular and talented students for the award, but this year Adebi was the clear choice. This year, Adebi showed initiative both inside and outside of the classroom when it came to the applied sciences. He has numerous accomplishments such as showing leadership in Science Olympiad and the robotics team, doing independent studies in math, computer science, and astronomy, and showing a high level of interest in chemistry and physics. “Daniel is an excellent student who shows extra curiosity in science,” stated his teacher Matt Cauchy who has worked very closely with Adebi this year. Adebi has showed that he is very hard working and devoted to learning. He took Malone School Online Network classes to expand his knowledge in math, astronomy, and computer science. Adebi goes above and beyond with what he does. This year, he was able to compete in a Science Olympiad competition for astronomy and came in 2nd place out of fifty-one teams in the Delaware competition. This was the highest placed event that Wilmington Friends school competed in this year. He also worked in the design lab with the 3D printers to make different models. Mar-
garet Sullivan ’17, last year’s recipient of the award, stated, “The future of science at Friends is going to largely involve the Design Lab and 3D Printing, and it’s an amazing experience to be a part of.” Adebi is a student who shows exceptional skill and passion in what he does. Although Adebi’s strong points are math, science, and computer science, he has a lot of balance in his life. Not only is Adebi a scholar, he is equally well versed in athletics. He has contributed to both basketball and football varsity teams which both made to the state tournament. He has a vibrant personality and is able to converse about many things, not just science. It’s no surprise that he is a valued teammate whether it's on the athletic field, or in a science competition. Adebi owes his success to his ability to adapt to new material and to learn such material quickly. His advanced chemistry teacher, Sarah O’brien, expressed, “Daniel picks up concepts very quickly in advanced chemistry. The class has a joke: whenever someone is feeling particularly good about their understanding, they will say, “I am feeling like Daniel!”. There is nothing holding Adebi back when it comes to learning. Adebi spends most of his time in the Design Lab working on new projects and expanding his knowledge. He is a knowledgeable student who is capable of changing the world of science in the future. With the intuition that he has showed, there is no doubt that Adebi will continue his hard work in the future. Whether he pursues astronomy, mathematics, computer science, robotics, or any field in the applied sciences, Adebi will continue being successful in what he does. He is a model student who has a passion for learning and can adapt to any curriculum. It is easy to say that he more than deserves to receive this award due to his innovation and creativity that he has showed. Adebi has showed passion, innovation, and creativity and will continue to do so in the future.
Making school a masterpiece Bella stuccio ’19 awards writer
The Wyeth Brothers Visual Arts Award is given annually by the Visual Arts department to a student or group of students whose portfolio of artistic work shows a focused attempt, using visual expression tools, to investigate and promote respect of self, others, and the world. After careful consideration, this year’s recipients are Alyssa Nathan ’17, Myla Brilliant ’17 and Evelyn Wakeley ’17! These students have shown that their work goes above and beyond the goals presented in coursework. Each student has demonstrated immense commitment to the arts, and thoroughly deserves this award for their dedication and skill mastery. These three students’ artwork is on display in the school gallery, outside the band room. All three students are also in the IB HL Art Program, which focuses on not only creating art, but also studying art history and different forms of art around the globe. “One of the things the award allows us to do it to have multiple people. What identifies these three is that they have all been very involved in visual arts and idea through their artwork, much of which is built within the IB curriculum,” reflects Cynthia Stan Mellow, Head of the Upper School Visual Arts Department. Joining the IB HL Art Course is not only a huge time commitment, but also an incredible devotion to learning
and improving one’s mastery of the visual arts; a devotion that all three of these students have shown over their time in the program. “Alyssa has been involved in the arts all throughout her upper school career even in scheduling electives beyond the required. She is a young artist who really searches for message in her images through analysis,” comments Mellow. “Evelyn has dealt with beauty and how a visual image can work with beauty in abstraction. One of Myla’s visual works deals with the place of arts in the community. It’s not just a form of self-expression, there is much more behind all of this.” Mellow is right; art is not only a form of self-expression for these young artists. Myla, Alyssa and Evelyn have all incorporated art into their everyday lives. Each student has chosen a type of artistry for her senior exploration as well. Evelyn is working with the Lower School art teacher Teal Rickerman in teaching, Myla is practicing photography, and Alyssa is working with an architect. When asked what she hoped for the three artists “ in the future, Mellow said unhesitatingly, “Success. Happiness. Creative energy. Continuing their directives of importance of arts and design in our world today. All of them I feel have experienced that, so I hope they go out in the world and spread it.” The three recipients of this year’s Wyeth Brother’s Visual Arts Award have clearly demonstrated that they are proficient in the arts, faithful to their craft, and ready to show the world what they can do!
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awards
Going down in history Carlin beskrone ’19 awards writer
The Jordan Wales ’97 History Award is presented to the student or students who have contributed the most to the school’s history community. This year, the faculty chose Gustavo Silveira ‘17 and Cecilia Ergueta ’18 for their hard work in the field! In order to be considered, the candidates, as Donald Morton History Department puts it, need to demonstrate “a mastery of research, analysis, and interpretation [of historical material]. We also look for students who are involved with history-sponsored events like History Bowl, Geography Bee, etc.” Candidates are also expected to be leaders in their history class discussions and show an awareness of social issues, both community and globally related, and then show the historical roots of these issues. The History Department makes their decision based on the student’s contributions to the school’s history community and the promise they show to apply these lessons to the benefit of the world. Silveira and Ergueta were selected because of their outstanding work in the Friends School history community. Betsy Cepparulo History Department commented: “I think both Cecilia and Gustavo are phenomenal in so many ways and both provide such a service to our community in terms of clerking clubs helping to start the diversity club, MOAS, QYLC, and History Bowl, being role models for younger students, and needless to say being truly outstanding history students, in every sense of the word. Because they do so much, both apart and together, we felt like the both deserved the award equally.” They were both heavily involved in the history community, both in the classroom and outside. Ergueta does a service to our school with the work she does. She is a fantastic history student. Scott Clothier History Department commented: “Cecilia has already taken SL World Religions and she is in the midst of taking HL history. She wrote a tremendous religious investigation as a 10th grader. Her question was why is meditation central to the Self Realization Fellowship. She is also currently working on her history extended essay.” Silveria has similarly done many things to enhance his own learning of history and those around him. Javier Ergueta History Department commented: “Gustavo has extraordinarily high standards for academic work. I think it’s notable that he won this award despite the fact that his intellectual and career interests are in the science and math area. Nevertheless, the major research work in History HL, his historical investigation, was without a doubt the best in his class. It would do well if submitted even in a college class. In addition, he is exemplary in his citizenship. Applying the lessons of history to his conduct at school, leading significant efforts to raise the level of our communities awareness of historical events, some of which we are living through right now. One example if this is that he single handedly orchestrated the mock election and ran it very effectively.” This year’s Jordan Wales ’97 History Award winners are outstanding. They both have enriched and enhanced the historical community at Wilmington Friends School. These two students both live up to the expectation that if they were to continue in this field, they would be very successful.
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Entertainment (continued from page 4) his leadership in the classroom and in other mathematical activities. When asked what makes him such a great leader, his advisor replied he is “a successful captain because he brings a sense of great skill to the team and a sense of partnership, leadership, confidence, and helpfulness”. Ganter has never acted supercilious about his talent; he only helped others find the same success that he had. Not only did Ganter excel in the classroom, but he also served as the team leader of Wilmington Friends for Moody’s math challenge, an out of school math competition. Ganter’s talent and leadership skills were a huge asset to his team. Ganter showed the true spirit of the award by using his incredible math talents to help others achieve success whilst bettering his own knowledge throughout his year at Wilmington Friends School. He is not only extremely capable, but also helpful, resourceful, and very “easy to get along with”. Ganter has shown exemplary strengths throughout his math career and will go on to do great things in the future! Congratulations, Ted!
Starkweather carlin beskrone ’19 awards writer Congratulations to Mike Coons ’18, Jack Coons ’18, and Hailey DiCindio ’18, this year’s winners of the Howard W. Starkweather Jr. ’44 Community Service Award. This award is given to the student or students who contribute the most to the greater community of Wilmington, outside of just the Friends School community. DiCindio and the Coons brothers were perfect candidates for this award. Ildiko Miller, the Service Program Coordinator, commented “The three candidates have gone beyond the required service hours. Not only that but their commitment to service is ongoing and sets an example for those around them. Whether it’s the Ronald McDonald House, AI Children’s hospital or the LLS of DE (and the list could go on) Hailey, Jack and Mike are always to help. They are students who are willing to quietly assume responsibility and work in the trenches expecting nothing more than the sheer pleasure derived from knowing they have helped someone out.” vvvvvv
13 reasons why... or why not? Olivia O’Donnell ’18 Entertainment writer Viewers gaze at their screens hesitantly, watching as a teenage girl named Hannah Baker recounts her final days on earth through cassette tapes. Baker, a newcomer to a small Californian town, endures months of public humiliation and battles her inner anxieties, marked by sexual assault and a failure of others to notice her cries for help-- all leading to her untimely death. Netflix devotees, hooked by her tale, either gasp, “This show could push a child over the edge,” or, “Their depiction of suicide is necessary… it needs to be discussed.” Netflix’s hit series 13 Reasons Why, based on Jay Asher’s novel, ignites a fire within WFS students and other viewers globally, begging the question: Should high schoolers watch a show enmeshed in death and bullying, a show that breaks free of all barriers as it openly discusses teenage suicide, harassment, and rape? Student Emma Davis ‘18 shared her belief that the show fails to discuss suicide in a way that could save lives, and the show instead depicts the act as the only option for struggling high school students: “While it tackles the issue of suicide head-on, it fails to address it in a beneficial manner. The show depicts suicide as the ‘only way out,’ which I fear could add fuel to the fire for some viewers. It would be different if Hannah lived, showing that there is so much more beyond current stresses and problems, but that is just not what happened. For all of its influence, I wish they could have addressed the topic better.” This opinion, held by other concerned individuals, objects to the inaccuracies and glorification of 13 Reasons Why’s portrayal of suicide. According to Davis, by presenting severe self-harm as the ultimate way to handle issues, the show harmfully promotes suicide to the young audience. However, others argue that the show sheds light on a topic rarely discussed. Student Louisa Spinner ‘18 admitted, “This is a discussion that needs to be had. This show isn’t just about suicide—although it largely centers around the reasons leading up to the act—but it is about the quintessential high school life: drama,
a social hierarchy, and struggle. The show also talks about rape and its very real consequences, how a victim tries to maintain a strong front but in all actuality is crumbling on the inside. A show that encapsulates all of this... Well it seems unprecedented. I think that is what they were going for, drawing attention to these topics that are usually deemed inappropriate for a high school audience.” Spinner does not stand alone, as some students share similar sentiments in regards to the depiction of typical high school life, often plagued with jealousy, anxiety, and hurt. Yet, the problem of teenage suicide still remains. Baker is not alone in this seemingly lonely battle-- thousands of teenagers experience similar issues that cause irreparable damage to their mental health, leading them to take their own lives (according to the Jason Foundation). While viewers brim with emotion and questions, the most common being why, producers of the Netflix series have accomplished in propelling this conversation forward in an attempt to spark change-- and with great attention comes great care. Lynn Puritz-Fine, Upper School Dean for Students, underscores the importance of facilitating insightful conversations between adults and children to ensure the safety of the WFS student body: “When we learned that some of our students were watching 13 Reasons Why, our first response was to make teachers and parents aware of the series: to provide teachers with strategies to answer student questions and to provide a resource that parents could use to make decisions about how to handle the topic or process conversations in their own families. If their child had already or was watching 13 Reasons Why, we encouraged parents to watch at least some of the episodes, preferably with their child. We felt that watching it together could provide an opportunity for parents to have conversations with their children around these difficult and emotionally painful issues.” On behalf of the WFS faculty, Puritz-Fine acknowledges that this show, in combating difficult topics, can create confusion. She believes that discussing this topic requires thoughtful discussion with loved ones in order to highlight that no one is ever alone. It is important to remember that this series was produced with the intention to inform its audience.
Bush Cassette Chinatown fall firefly gehret hukill Lacrosse Mendinhall Poetry starkweather PAGE 6
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Sports
Athletes UTILIZE SUMMER to PREPARE for the fall As summer quickly approaches, so does the arrival of the upcoming fall sports season. With the end of Spring sports, WFS students are already preparing for the fall and look forward to a new year of sports. The fall teams demonstrate their enthusiasm and dedication by practicing throughout the duration of the summer. Cross Country is one of the fall sports that many students look forward to. “Preseason is always going to be hard because the runners need to get in shape and speed up. I usually progressively add pressure to the training,” comments Paul Nemeth, Head Coach. However, preseason is not just for physical preparation; it is also a time for team bonding. “We have a lot of fun events during the preseason. Last year, our team went to the beach house, which was really fun. I think this year we are going to the Brandywine and will host other events there,” Nemeth added. While preseason may initially have a negative connotation, the fall sports at WFS also utilize this time to build relationships across all ages within the Upper School. In addition to girls Cross Country, there are two more sports offered for girls during the fall season. “I am doing Field Hockey during the fall season next semester. I have played for years and
I love the sport and the team. It is really fun playing with friends. Even though we usually run a lot, it is always fun when you are doing it with friends. I love Field Hockey because I can spend time with my friends while also getting to know people I have never talked to before,” Emma Landis ’19 remarked. Despite the continuous
play in the beginning, but everyone was so nice and taught me the basic skills, which helped me grow,” says Una Winn ’19. Similar to the other teams, the Volleyball team also takes part in team bonding events such as sleepovers and team dinners. The frequency of team bonding activities during the fall season allows student-athletes to develop their athletic abilities while simultaneously building relationships with teammates and coaches that will last throughout Upper School and beyond. The boys at WFS are just as excited as the girls for the upcoming fall sports season. “I look forward to Soccer season already. We run a lot during preseason, but it’s in our best interest because speed is crucial in Soccer,” notes Timmer Farley ’19. The various fall sports teams share several similarities, especially in regards to their summer training and eagerness to begin the season. “It is also the same in football’s preseason - everyone is excited to be with their friends, get in shape, and prepare for games,” Nathan Crock WFS Field Hockey 2016 won a summer league championship. ’19 explained. The boys’ fall teams are ready to train throughout the course of hard work, these efforts made over the summer the summer in hopes to thrive in this are rewarded through the bonds formed between new year of sports. teammates and the success of the team during the With all of the teams’ determination, next regular season. school year’s fall sports season is sure to be a sucThe Volleyball team is yet another team to cess. The community as a whole cannot wait to experience this: “I joined the Volleyball team see what the next year of student athletes has in last year and I loved it. I didn’t know how to store. Meg Erskine ’83
Krystal Xu ’19 Sports writer
wfS Students Help the Ferris lacrosse Program As Lacrosse spreads across the country, it has made its mark as one of the fastest growing sports. However, many were still pleasantly surprised at the success of the new lacrosse program at the Ferris School for Boys in Wilmington, Delaware. The new program, along with the support of the WFS Boys Lacrosse team, has made an incredible impact within the state of Delaware as well as the entire Lacrosse community throughout the country. The Ferris School for Boys is a correctional treatment facility for boys aged 14-18. At Ferris, young men come and go, cycling through a rigorous rehabilitation process. After their stay, the boys are able to finish High School. While at Ferris, the boys can participate in extracurricular activities including sports every season; they can play Football in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and now the boys are able to participate in Lacrosse the spring. Several members of the Friends community have helped develop the new program. Players on the Upper School Boy’s Lacrosse team have attended some of the practices and games. One of the students involved is Jack Coons ’18, who has been very active in the program from the beginning. “We don’t look at any of the kids at Ferris differently. They’re all kids trying to have a
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good time. I’ve become friends with a lot of the guys, and this experience and the opportunity to make a difference in these people’s lives has been very eye-opening,” Coons reflected. Along with Coons, River Harper ’18 and Owen Ganse ’17 have been helping to coach the players at Ferris. The Ferris lacrosse team is not just a Delaware sensation; the team is also present in the
cons Lacrosse team may not have been possible. All of the hard work and effort of the players stems from the energy put into the program from the coaching staff. Lee Powers, WFS Assistant Lacrosse Coach, has been the backbone of this coaching staff. He partnered with Emmanuel Carlis, Ferris Head Coach, and Kalyn McDonough, Drexel University Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach, in order to provide the best experience possible to the kids at Ferris. “This year we had the opportunity to help start a team at Ferris School for Boys. My wife is a psychologist for the state and works at Ferris and she suggested that they start a Lacrosse team when she was tasked with increasing safety at the facility. Since January, the team has participated in clinics and practices. Players from Friends run drills and help encourage the Ferris players along the way. For me, the most rewarding part is the partnership formed between the Ferris and Friends. I am proud of the players for stepping up to bring a positive experience to the boys at Ferris,” Powers commented. Powers has created a strong foundation for the team and it will be great to see how the program continues to grow with the help of Powers and the other coaches. The involvement of Friends students fostered an encouraging learning environment for the Ferris boys and an appreciation of community and stewardship for all.
pixabay.com
John Blackwell ’18 Sports writer
A goalie attempting to save an oncoming shot.
national news. Ferris is the first ever Juvenile Detention Center to have a Lacrosse team in history. This has also been recognized by various Lacrosse organizations, including US Lacrosse, which generously donated equipment for the boys to use. Without the help of these organizations, the formation of the Ferris Fal-
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Community
poetry out loud (Continued) like it was a competition. We were all long lost friends who just happened to compete against each other,” shared Howard (VA). Whether as first-timers or lifelong poetry lovers, everyone who went through Poetry Out Loud felt deeply touched by the power of poetry. Already from the beginning, students are impacted by the poems they learn. JoAnn Balingit, who in addition to being Delaware’s Poet Laureate from 2008 to 2015 has worked as a POL coach, judge, and state coordinator, shared her experience helping students prepare: “By far the most fulfilling and fascinating role is coaching students as they perform a poem. To see someone love and identify with a poem, first of all, is a beautiful thing. It’s that sacred conversation between the artist and the art lover, the poet and her reader, happening live! Humans communicating beyond the physical restrictions of time and space… And then there are the fun geeky things in loving language and wordplay-helping students to tinker with individual words and delivery.” This love for language was echoed by Samara Huggins, Georgia State Champion and 2017 POL Champion in an interview: “It’s a different language. It’s different from prose or spoken word. The poet has to use the least amount of words possible and follow a structure; that makes every word even more important, every piece of punctuation that more necessary. It communicates an emotion. It communicates an idea, a thought process, a feeling, and those are all really important for us to understand in poetry.” Many students see poetry as a powerful communication tool: “I think poetry is an exceptionally expressive vein of literature-- and I’m all about expression,” shared Rabatin (RI). “Poetry, as a creative outlet, allows writers to explore themselves on a deeper, emotional level, expressing and reflecting on topics that they couldn’t delve into as deeply in other areas of their lives. After dissecting and embodying poets’ experiences through my recitations, I can understand their journeys in a way I don’t think I could before POL. And I think that’s what poetry is about. Connecting human beings despite, or perhaps, as a result of their vastly different realities and perspectives,” proffered Dancy (NC). Poetry advocates such as Balingit argue vehemently that we, as humans, all need poetry: “It’s especially important to connect young people with poetry because we need ways to keep our connections with each other open, meaningful and honest. Describing how we feel is so hard to do! And poetry gives us the best language for doing so, teaching us that with imagination and practice we can create our own best language for articulating how we feel and what we believe in. Language is power.” For many, stepping into the world of Poetry Out Loud is a necessary escape, providing a crucial way of experiencing life through art: “Our world is so fast-paced and driven by instant gratification; poetry holds this unique capacity for getting us to stop, look around, pay attention, and truly be in the moment,” expressed Jake Rashkind, WFS Poetry Speaks club sponsor and Head of the English Department. With similar urgency, Balingit expressed that to her, the most important goal of the POL competitions was “introducing young people and their families to the art of poetry- -to what a vital art form poetry is.” At Wilmington Friends School, poetry has had a transformative effect-- which will only be increasing in years to come. The Poetry Speaks club, which was founded in 2015 by Hannah Kushner and Gustavo Silveira, started off as a grassroots effort to create a space for like-minded individuals. Slowly, members trickled in to form a small, but passionate base: “One thing that struck me was the diversity of students who got involved. When we asked why people joined, many
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reported having a moving emotional connection with poetry or a specific poem, but others simply stated that when their English teacher announces a poetry unit, they cry ‘yes’ while everyone else cries ‘no,’ expressed Hannah Kushner ’17, former coClerk of Poetry Speaks. Throughout my experience of ascending the levels of competition, the Poetry Speaks community was supportive and enthusiastic; from the very beginning, at the school-level competition last year, they overrode my hesitancy and goaded me into competing, for which I will be forever grateful! Now, as co-Clerk of the club with Bella Stuccio ’19, we are eagerly working with the WFS English Department to expand poetry’s influence at Friends by creating a school-wide competition: “We want to challenge each rising high school student to learn one poem from the POL anthology, giving each student the opportunity to find a connection with some poem and perform it for their peers,” announced Rashkind. Through conversation with students at the national and regional levels, I had already discovered on my own the power for schoolwide competitions to involve the entire school in a celebration of poetry, often inspiring unsuspecting students who then discovered their secret talent for the art form. Whether he/she ascends to become state champion or not, every student takes away valuable lessons from developing such an intimate connection with a poet and his work: “We have the strange notion that poetry can only be ‘done’ by those who are committed full-time, and those who possess an extraordinary artistic talent; I firmly believe that few activities are so intensely human as sharing poetry,” shared Gustavo Silveira ’17, former co-Clerk of Poetry Speaks. “I think the upcoming program will help a lot of students who have a connection with, and talent for, poetry that they haven’t yet recognized in themselves,” agreed Kushner ’17. I feel an immense personal gratitude to Poetry Out Loud for providing me this opportunity. Naturally averse to athletics and aggressive competition, this was the first time I have been recognized at such a level, and I couldn’t be happier that it was through poetry. As Delaware State Champion, my experience didn’t stop at the competitions. At a time when the arts are threatened economically with budget cuts and culturally with underappreciation, I was called on to advocate for poetry and the arts in person through performances and meetings with my Senators, Governor, and State House of Representatives. I was invited to share personal poems alongside other Delawarean poets at a gallery opening, connecting with artists to whom poetry is everything. I was encouraged to share my poetry through radio interviews, classroom recitations, and private performances, spreading my pieces of art to the world. Poetry is more than acting and it is more than literature; it is a way of defining an artist’s work through your own interpretation, choosing a skin to slip into and meld into your own, surrounding yourself with words and images and sounds that you can claim ownership to by sharing them with others. Meeting with other teens in Washington, D.C. who were motivated by the same passion but interpreted it in countless unique ways of their own was surreal; I’ve rarely been so inspired as I was by the pure talent and unimpeded artistic zeal demonstrated by those 50 individuals. My future doesn’t explicitly include poetry. I’d like to write, travel the world, and study sociology. But even without the microphone, the spotlight, and the velvet curtains, I know poetry has entered my life-- and I don’t plan on letting it go.
college list Christina Aleman- George Washington Blair Atkins- Franklin and Marshall Sarah Balick- James Madison University Theresa Beardell- Connecticut College Justin Beneck- University of Delaware Piara Biggs- Middlebury College Katherine Bodycott- University of Delaware Will Bodycott- Pennsylvania State University Nick Brennan-Martin- Champlain College Myla Brilliant- Mount Holyoke College Anthony Burgos-Harris- Cabrini University Jordan Carter- University of Delaware Anna Cauchy- UD Honors Program DeVonte Church- University of Delaware Sean Cochran- Washington College Isabel Crowther- Boston University Zach Cutler- George Washington U. Remy Davis-Tinnell- William and Mary Matt Denney- University of Delaware Paisley Dianastasis- Franklin and Marshall Peter Durgin- Hobart and William Smith Megan Flanagan- Boston College Alyssa Fulginiti- Villanova University Owen Ganse- UNC Wilmington Edward Ganter- University of Pittsburgh Will Gatti- University of Delaware Nicholos Gauthier- Columbia University Henry Gise- University of Pittsburgh Sarah Gooderham- Occidental College Daniel Goodman- University of Delaware Elizabeth Halpin- Colby College Ian Hartley- Eckherd College Matt Hinderhofer- Hampshire College Zach Horowitz- George Washington U. Andrew Jaworski- Colgate University Jayna Jones- Swarthmore College Jennifer Kielhorn- Bucknell University Elena Kirifides- Catholic University Ryan Kirkpatrick- University of Maryland Hannah Kushner- Lehigh University Chris Lee- University of Tennessee Brianna Lloyd- University of Delaware Drew Mangan- Pennsylvania State Caroline McGinnis- Claremont McKenna Ethan Moser- University of Delaware Alex Musi- Dickinson College Alyssa Nathan- Swarthmore College Kalyn Nix- Princeton University Jake Nolen- University of Delaware Jordan Perkins- Gwynedd Mercy University Sadie Proud- Haverford College Rachael Ramirez- American University Erica Rodi- University of Pittsburgh Emily Rossi- U. of Mary Washington Kathleen Shannon- William and Mary Sarah Shaw- Northeastern University Owen Sheppard- Elon University Gustavo Silveira- UD Honors Katrina Skibicki- University of Miami Andrew Slomski- UD Honors Gregory Smith- University of Delaware Margaret Sullivan- MIT Arthur Surmont- Gent University Alicia Thompson- UD Honors Matt Tornek- University of Pennsylvania Lena Urick- Bucknell University Simone Veale- Williams College Evelyn Wakely- St. Olaf College Christopher Wallace- University of Miami Lindsay Webber- Macalester College Lydia Yeatman- Pennsylvania State
Awards ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY