The
Whittier Miscellany OCTOBER 2018 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
TOK AROUND THE WORLD: JAVIER ERGUETA’S SABBATICAL This past summer, ninth through twelfth grade Javier Ergueta, history and Theory of Knowledge teacher, and club advisor has been travelled to Europe for a year-long sabbatical. This trip, as he explained to his students upon sharing this exciting news, will be valuable for him in that he gets the chance to explore Europe with his family, and will be exploring Theory of Knowledge courses around Europe. With many IB diploma candidates every year here at Friends, this will be helpful in ensuring that the school provides the best TOK courses possible. In an email sent to students and advisees, Ergueta wrote, “My summer started with a study trip to Japan for teachers sponsored by a foundation and UPenn. For two weeks I toured historical and cultural sites with other lucky teachers, most of them much younger than me and from very different schools than ours. I took a similar trip to South Korea three years ago, and again I was thoroughly excited to find myself in another world of assumptions about what is important to remember about the past and how to see the world. I’m particularly fascinated by the intertwined influences of Confucianism, Buddhism and animism (like Shinto), all so different than the Judeo-Christian-Islamic “Abrahamic” religions in the West, on East Asian societies. My reading of several detailed histories about Japanese history and culture helped me to appreciate the many different sites we visited.” He continued, saying, “In the last half of August we flew back to Madrid and then drove first to Porto and then to Lisbon in Portugal. We rented a small apartment just across from one of the iconic churches in Porto, a stunningly beautiful
city built on the side of a cliff overlooking a river. Portugal is still recovering from a deeply damaging dictatorship that dominated its twentieth century, but in the 1500-1800 it ruled a global empire that included colonies all over Asia (including today’s Indonesia and parts of India, China and Japan), Africa and of course Brazil. This is reflected today in many originally Portuguese words and practices that we erroneously attribute to other cultures. For example, the Japanese
preparation of our trips for later in the year: communicating with TOK contacts, investigating the most economic transport and lodging options, and reconnecting with European friends. We also took advantage of our location in Spain. It turns out that Spain can boast of twenty-five Unesco World Heritage Sites, the top accolade that can be earned by a community based on its cultural and historical interest, and five are in the area of Madrid! In addition, our location in the mountains just north of Madrid puts us close to numerous picturesque hiking trails. We have enjoyed many excursions, and in several, we engaged knowledgeable guides, to try to get beyond the usual superficial touristic level. This has not always been fully successful.” He continues, “As I write this my wife and I are on an overnight bus from Madrid to Paris, where we look forward to seeing many old friends from the eight years we lived there. About a week from now, we’ll head to the Amsterdam area, where I have been invited by the IB TOK strand manager worldwide to participate on a 3-day planning meeting with senior TOK examiners and four other teachers from around the world, to help define the changes that will be made in the TOK curriculum as of 2020. We’ll then cross over to the UK, where I’m scheduled to visit three leading IB schools in England, including two very traditional ones which have a very Hogwartsian feel. Update: Upon arrival in Paris, we learned that tonight would be the opening night of a Victor Hugo play at the Commedie Française, France’s most prestigious national theater; I leaped at the opportunity, and it was stellar!” We are so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Ergueta is bringing back home, and the wonderful adventures he is having along the way!
Photo contributed by Javier Ergueta
ELEANOR BRADLEY ’19 NEWS EDITOR
Ergueta and his group in front of the entrance to a Buddhist shrine in Tokyo
arigato (thank you) was the Portuguese obrigato, and tempura was a Portuguese food taken up by Japan. Portugal too learned the hard way that what goes up can come down a long way, but the country today reflects humility, modesty, a willingness to work hard, and a lasting appreciation for culture and beauty.” Ergueta wrote more about his travels in Spain. “In September and during the school days, my wife and I undertook various activities. Many days were invested in further planning and
COMMUNITY
Op-ed: Knee-Jerk Reactions in the #MeToo Era cusers appear in conservative media. Although I realize that sexual assault is not an inherently bipartisan topic, it seems that the majority of liberals take one side and the majority of conservatives take the othToday as I was scrolling through the opinions secer. Therefore, for the purpose of this essay, the term tion of the New York Times online, I made a strik“liberal” refers to those who are faster to side with the ing observation. Over 40% of the articles I saw on the accusers, and “conservative” refers to those who are first page were about sexual assault. It is clear that the faster to side with the accused. #MeToo movement has taken the internet and the inI hear both sides of the argument. The liberal side ternational conversation by storm, and there is one claims that victims have been silenced for too long. Up question that everyone claims to have a different anuntil the past few years, sexual assault has been a miswer to: “How quick should we be to side with either nor component of the worldwide conversation. Liberthe accusers or the accused?” Essentially, there are two als understandably declare that now is the time to lissides to the debate: trust the victims, or question the ten to those who have been wronged, since there was accusers (notice the difference in the objects of each little space for listening in the past. Another key point sentence). is that accusers have nothing to gain from making acUnfortunately, I personally know both men who cusations of sexual assault. In fact, many who make claim to have been falsely accused of sexual assault these accusations end up being threatened, degraded, and women who claim to have been sexually assaulted and tired of having their credibility questioned. What (though I know far more from the latter category). So bothers me about the liberal side of the argument is you can see my dilemma. I wish to trust both sides. Of the people who will believe the alleged victim without course, just because one person was sexually assaulted question. For example, as I was driving down 202 this does not prove that another was not falsely accused. afternoon, I saw protesters with signs that read: “BlaOne case does not affect another. Both accusers and sey Ford, we believe you 100%” painted in large letters. accused can lie. That being said, it seems that in this Although I found Ford credible during the hearing, I past year the liberal side of the media has rallied bedo not think I would make such a bold claim (espehind any given accusation (this is especially apparent cially on the side of the road). Though I believe her, in posts by activists and liberal young people online). how could I be “100%” certain without any proof? On the other hand, warnings against manipulative acWhat bothered me about this particular response to the Kavanaugh hearings was that those who defended Ford wholeheartedly seemed to condemn those who had doubts. I saw several posts online shaming people who questioned Ford or defended Kavanaugh. I wondered: How can you hate someone for having their own ideas about a case that no one can prove either way? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Connor Miller ’19 How can you claim moral and ideological superiority when you do not have NEWS EDITOR: Ellie Bradley ’19 any better information? However, critSPORTS EDITOR: Carlin Beskrone ’19 icisms aside, I definitely lean toward ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: James Butterfield ’20 SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR: Elise Johnson ’21 Olivia ivins ’20 PHOTO EDITOR: Lilia Machado ’20 Community writer COLUMNISTS: Lucy Knudsen ’19 & Nic Urick ’20 WEB EDITOR: Honor Dearlove ’19 Each year, WFS holds a school-wide FACULTY ADVISOR: Daniel Scott service day dedicated to the effort of improving our own community and other STAFF Connor Rosas ’20 organizations in the area. Advisories are James Tallman ’19 assigned an activity to complete either Matt Bell ’20 Dylan Roskovensky ’20 on or off campus in the morning. At the end of the day, the upper school comes Oliver Gooderham ’20 Kyle Nisbet ’21 together to reflect as a community. Olivia Ivans ’20 Henry Wieman ’21 This year, the school helped by packing meals for the Food Bank Of Delaware, Craig Lyttleton ’20 but it was only one of the many orgaDylan Roskovensky ’20 nizations that were helped. Other tasks assigned for service included cleaning, Nick Redd ’20 gardening, and even posting flags for parking for an event. Service day is not Stay alert for the new Whittier podcast, dropping October 20th! only a way for students to get involved The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school year in the community, but an opportunity by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, to interact with organizations outside 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier the classroom. Service day is a great Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net. addition to the school year by inspiring students to volunteer while having fun Check Whittier Miscellany online for Weekly Updates! with people you may otherwise not see in your day to day schedule. The Whittier Miscellany welcomes responses in the form of letters Every two years, students receive a to the articles, editorials, and features of this paper. new advisory in the Upper School. ErContact: wfswhittiermiscellany@gmail.com ica Childs, upper school advisor and ‘Like’ Whittier on Facebook at ‘WFS Whittier’! math teacher, noted, “My freshman adLucy Knudsen ’19 Columnist
The
Whittier
Miscellany
the liberal side of this argument. The evidence against Kavanaugh seems stacked against him, and I generally believe that, in general, there is little to gain from making accusations. I also understand those who are wary of false accusations. Many of the fears from this group are valid. Those who are falsely accused of sexual assault can be dragged down by the internet and the media. Regardless of their innocence, accusations of sexual assault tarnish the reputations and careers of the accused. However, the notion that people make accusations of sexual assault for financial gain, political strategy, or revenge does not make sense to me, as the lives of the victims are torn apart when they relive the trauma of their assault under the public eye. What is even harder for me to understand are those who defend accused sexual assailants regardless of whether or not they are exonerated. These people seem to defend sexual assault all together. They will ask: “What is the point of reporting something that happened 30 years ago?” The response from the left is that decades-old sexual assault can have lasting impacts. When the group in question says that the assault was “only 20 minutes, tops”, the left responds that 20 minutes can change the course of a lifetime. When the group says: the accusations will end the assailant’s career. One bad choice should not ruin an education, a career, and a family, the left responds that one bad choice is indicative of a larger issue. People do not simply commit sexual assault by mistake. It is because they truly believe that they are more valuable as human beings than their victims are. To circle back to my original question: “How quick should we be to side with either the accusers or the accused?”, I see the value in both the cynics and the believers. I also see the danger in the knee-jerk defensive reactions on both sides. Ultimately, my response to sexual assault accusation is the same as my response to religion, as unsatisfying as it may be. I know that I know nothing, but I am open to hearing what others think. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to hear other’s perspectives.
Service day: another success
PAGE 2
visees were able to bond and collaborate while helping at Hagley while doing service.” With distinct instructions for the day, students found themselves working with others they usually would not know. Remy Stewart ’20 stated, “I received a new advisory this year and during service day I got to know my new fellow advisees better. I do not have classes with some of them, so I felt like I got to know some of the people that I do not know as well.” WFS is a small community, but through service day, students are able to leave their comfort zone and do something new with new people. Service day helped dozens of organizations, but service does not stop there. WFS students are required to complete a certain amount of service hours to graduate, so this day helps students narrow down their choices. Miles McCoy ’20 mentioned, “My advisory went to the Clothing Bank of Delaware which I had heard of but had not been there before. It was moving to see all the clothes being donated and the amount of people that were in need of them. It definitely opened my eyes to the amount of men, women, and children in need.” In just one day, the upper school made a tremendous impact in the Wilmington community. This year’s Quaker Spice of choice is community. WFS students and faculty showed their value of community by extending our beliefs to others. This strengthened the WFS community while also supporting another. Service day promotes the effort of WFS students to hold this Quaker Spice close to heart and exemplify it in all areas of one’s life.
homecoming issue 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Community
Feeding our community: one meal at a time The Emmanuel Dining Room, operated by the Ministry of Caring, helps alleviate the immediate needs of Delaware’s hungry and underprivileged population by providing nutritious meals at no cost. The venue is a clean and welcoming dining room with meals served restaurant style. Anyone who comes to the venue is welcomed with cheer and provided with a nutritious meal for themselves or their family. Recently, the Devoll family, along with many other families at Friends, has been participating in volunteering at the dining hall. Participating with the Emmanuel Dining Room is an amazing way for our school to live the SPICES that the Friends community holds to such importance. Volunteering at the Emmanuel Dining Room emphasizes the Community and Stewardship SPICES. For a decade, every month, families from Wilmington Friends School help those in need at the Dining Hall by cooking a main dish, a side dish or a dessert in their home, and delivering it to the dining hall. The Devolls often provide recipes, and everyone participating makes a part of the given recipe. During a conversation about his family’s service, Teddy Devoll ’21 commented, “I enjoy mak-
ing desserts every month and having the opportunity to serve at Emmanuel Dining Room. I’m also impressed with the people that work there; everyone is polite, appreciative and kind.” Clearly, Devoll has felt benefits from his service there and appreciated the
Hall. During a conversation about his service there, Ryan Evans ’20 commented that “I really have enjoyed my time volunteering with the Emmanuel Dining Room. It is a great service opportunity that allows me to reach out to the community of Wilmington in a very direct way.” The Emmanuel Dining Room has three locations in economically depressed areas of Wilmington and New Castle. Therefore, it allows for large groups of people to participate in their service opportunities. According to the Emmanuel Dining Room website, each month they need about twelve to fifteen people to help provide the meal and serve it. Usually, the meals consist of four to five main dishes, three to four side dishes, four desserts, and three to four servers. Therefore, the Emmanuel Dining Hall has proven to be an effective way to integrate the Friends community into various service opportunities. It’s a family and community bonding experience that has become a valuable way to contribute to the less privileged areas of Delaware. Additionally, Ruth Hazzard ’19 commented: “The organization has proven to have complete its mission of keeping the Wilmington community adequately fed and taken care of. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to work with them.” The Ministry of Caring has continuously conveyed that they always welcome new families hoping to help out and has demonstrated to be an exemplary service opportunity. Christina Devoll
Nic urick ’20 Columnist
Students stand proudly behind the food they prepared.
opportunity. Additionally, many other members of the community have been able to volunteer with the Dining
New clubs impacting the wfs community
With the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, a variety of new clubs have been introduced into the ever growing collection that has been available for students. Clubs are an integral part of our school community, giving us as students a chance to come together during lunch or other periods to meet new people and share our common interests. Although the number of clubs is less this year, we still welcome new clubs such as Let’s dance, Mountain Biking club, WFS for Our Lives, Chess club, Cheese club, Turtle Totes, a club named ‘???’, and Animal Alliance, to name a few. Unfortunately though, every year getting the information out to potential club members remains a challenge. Raising awareness is something that’s important for club attendance, but also so students will not miss out on anything. This is applicable to both new students coming into our community and those new to high school, the freshman. Junior Weldin Dunn ’20, clerk to the pre-existing movie club, emphasizes the importance of getting the word out in saying that, “One of the most challenging things about being a clerk is making sure people are interested in what you are doing–you can’t very well have a club with no people.” New to this year, along with our new clubs, was the introduction of the club fair, as well as the introduction of using the Math Hallway as club bulletin board space. Both of these have become new approaches to enhance club awareness through more effective communication. The club fair, happening in late September of the school year, became a seven day event in which students could attend workshops pertaining
to the clubs, hosted by the clerks, to determine their interest. Although the fair accomplished its intended purpose, it has been criticized for its time management. Ildikó Miller, new Dean for Students and organizer of the new experiment, stated that, “Dragging it out for seven days was too much,” and that, “The club fair should be earlier next year.”
always been some hesitation revolving around starting up a new club, but all it really takes is the right people with creative ideas. The process basically boils down to having interested people, a classroom, and faculty advisor. Junior Hannah Blackwell ’20, clerk of the new Ski club, talks about her experience of starting up a new club: “It was a little bit intimidating to start it because we have some pretty big goals. We want to organize a ski trip for upper school students. Luckily, our first meeting got a lot of attention because there are no clubs that are trying to make a ski trip like us.” A new mystery club, aptly named ‘???’ is all about mysteries. Olivia Finizio ’19, co-clerk of the new club, explained it’s philosophy: “‘???’ is all about mystery. We’ll be doing puzzles, riddles, and scavenger hunts. One key component of ‘???’ is that each meeting will be in a different location, and a riddle will be sent out the day before giving clues to where that location will be.” Finizio continued on why her and friend/co-clerk Ali Miller ’19 started the club: “We came up with the club as a joke at first, but then as I was speaking with a couple of my friends, we realized it could actually be a really fun addition to the WFS community and add a bit of excitement to the club scene. Expect lots of fun solving mysteries and possible prizes for participants in the future! With 55 clubs in the WFS community, there is something for every student to pursue. Whether you’re interested in law and diplomacy, volunteering, biking, support the medical community by giving blood, chess, philosophy, or even cheese, you will find a place for you. In the end, it’s safe to say that these new fun and diverse clubs will allow our community to become even more interwoven! Suchat Pederson
Oliver Gooderham ’20 Community Writer
Students participating in the walkout ran by the new WFS for Our Lives club.
In addition to the club fair and bulletin board space, a more direct way in which students can find out about clubs they’re interested in is by locating their respective community pages, found in the clubs and committees directory within the school website. Here, each club has a community page they’re required to maintain that is able to provide curious students with the proper information, ranging from the room location to the club roster. Clubs can be started for various reasons, either to just have fun or to be able to accomplish something you want to see happen in the community. There has
homecoming ISSUE 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
PAGE 3
News
Midterms: the impact of youth in america
Friends that are trying to inform students of political issues and encourage them to be active. When the upper school was surveyed concerning the Midterm On November 6th, 35 senators in 33 states and 435 Elections, while only 6.7% of the 90 people who rerepresentatives from every state will be voted into ofsponded are able to vote in the coming election, 88.2% fice. These are the “Midterm Elections”, general elecsaid they would vote if they could, a number far above tions held every four years near the midpoint of the the national average for our generation. Senior Danny president’s term in office. Nakamura ’19 is 18, and plans to vote in this year’s In Delaware, Incumbent Sen. Tom Carper is runMidterms. Nakamura commented, “I think they are ning against Robert Arlett, and Incumbent Rep. Lisa important because it affects who is in our governBlunt Rochester is challenged by ment.” Scott Walker. Across the country, Concerning the upcoming elecmany states are holding their local tions, senior Anna Baldwin ’19 is a elections on the midterm schedule, clerk of Current Events, a club that too. In Delaware alone, 10 of the 21 focuses on spreading awareness and state Senate seats and all 41 state knowledge on politics and topics House seats are up for grabs, as are important to today’s discussions. the positions of state Attorney GenBaldwin mentioned, “In our current eral, state Auditor, and state Treaclimate, staying politically aware is surer. The coming midterm looks to crucial in making sure you’re using be an important election for many your influence as best as possible.” groups. Baldwin continues, “Knowledge is These elections are important for power, and with knowledge we can students, and change the Senate’s make better informed decisions that and House’s priorities and level of lead to positive change.” cooperation with the White House. Classes like Global Peace & JusCurrent polling says that there is a tice also delve into political issues 77.0% chance that Democrats will and promote awareness and pogain a majority in the currently Relitical activity in its students. This publican-controlled House of Repclass covers many issues that fall resentatives, and a 27.6% chance under the public eye, such as gun that Democrats could take the Senviolence and police accountability. ate from the Republican majority. Peace is taught by Betsy Cepparulo, A change in the House majority an ardent supporter of one’s voice in could heavily affect how our counsociety. “My goal is for my students WFS alumni marching in Washington D.C. for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism try goes about many issues, includto engage in researched debate, adConference. ing, healthcare, gun control, climate vocate for what they believe in, and change, and the Drug War. make informed voting decisions in Despite the importance of these elections and poThis midterm, however, millennials are expected the future,” Cepparulo says. sitions, however, the youngest generation has always to have a historically bigger turnout due to increased Midterm Elections give way to important political struggled with being active in political campaigns, political activism and social awareness around issues shifts and changes that can affect the country and even and turnout among millennials has been appallingly such as school shootings, the environment, and the the globe, but are all too often not taken seriously or low in the most recent elections. Millennials (18-35 #MeToo movement. With Brett Kavanaugh’s recent even outright ignored. At Wilmington Friends, howyears of age) have been voting since 2004, and during appointment to the Supreme Court, Democrats and ever, the community is supported and encouraged to general elections coinciding with the presidency the even Republicans are upset, which will bring more get involved and pay attention to the world around generation’s turnout has gone from 46% to 49% ac- people to the polls. them. The general consensus of the WFS body is nercording to the Pew Research Center, far beneath the However, there are groups here at Wilmington vous optimism for November.
national average that has gone from 63% down to 61%. However, turnout for midterms has historically always been lower than general elections. In 2014, only 16% of people ages 18 to 29 voted, and that age range hasn’t been more than 20% since 1986. In fact, the Midterms are always less popular than presidential elections, with the national average being 35.9% in 2014, and hasn’t gone over 45% since 1970. This is often referred to as “midterm falloff,” and 2018 is predicted to fall into the same trap.
http://www.k12academics.com
henry wieman ’21 news writer
PRICES OR QUALITY? WHAT STUDENTS WANT Kyle Nisbet ’21 news writer
The subject of cafeteria food at WFS is a controversial topic. There are many aspects of it that the students love, like muffins, paninis, and buffalo chicken, but many aspects that the students despise, like the quality in relation to the pricing. This general school feeling was shown when sophomore Lucy Taylor ’21 was asked what she thought of the school food. She said, “There are some great menu items, but I feel that the food’s quality is not up to par with the price. If it were, I would certainly buy the food much more.” One main reason that the school doesn’t lower prices might be because they think that if they do, they would lower the profit that they make off the food. An anonymous survey was sent to the upper school which shows that the average student only eats school food less than half of the days, and the average student rated the pricing a 2.6/10. That data shows that if the pricing became lower, then many more kids would buy lunch more often. Some of the extra comments at the end of the survey complained
PAGE 4
about prices: “THE PRICES ARE TOO HIGH” and “Food is way too overpriced for the quality of it.” With all that said, making a profit shouldn’t be the problem in this situation. Another one of the core reasons that the students complain about the cafeteria food, in addition to the pricing, is the quality. As sophomore Luke Munch ’21 says, “I don’t eat the cafeteria food, it makes my stomach upset and makes it impossible for me to run at practice.” The average WFS student rated the quality of the food a 4.5/10. Students want more money to be put into the cafeteria. Even though many students focus on the negative aspects, there are still many positive aspects that they said they enjoy. One of the more positive students was Honor Dearlove ’19 who stated, “I always enjoy eating a nice Java Nook muffin during break.” It is important to note that students generally complain about the cafeteria, not the Java Nook. Paninis and sandwiches were a new addition to the cafeteria last year which have become very popular. Students can order a panini during their morning break and it will be hot and ready at lunch. One anonymous student mentioned, “I always love to have
a freshly made panini for lunch.” Nate Rashkind ’21 was one of the harsher critics of the cafeteria and commented, “The food is pretty mediocre, but the prices are unbelievably exorbitantly expensive and unfair. Overall, it’s a controversial topic that much of the student body wants dealt with; over 60 students responded to an anonymous survey on this topic in under an hour. As Zareef Khan ’19 said when asked about the food and the article, “I do doubt the power of the press, but I really hope something can get done in relation to the food.” The goal of writing this article is to have it come to the school’s attention that everyone can have an amazing option of school food for them whether they like to buy food, forgot their lunch, or want to just spice up their day a little. One student went against the majority of the responses of the anonymous survey. This student rated the quality a 6 and the pricing an 8. The student commented, “I disagree with the majority of students on the cafeteria pricing. All hot meals are under five dollars, a price you can’t beat at most restaurants.” It is important to remember that there will always be someone complaining.
homecoming ISSUE 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
sports
a welcome back to WFS fall sports: an overview One rainy afternoon during soccer preseason, captain Evan Arai was on a breakaway. The only thing between him and the goal was the keeper. Arai maneuvered and bypassed the goalie, but touched the ball a little bit too far. He had to stretch and put himself in an off balance, precarious position to get the shot off. Stunned teammates watched him as he miraculously made the shot, tripped, and fell directly into a metal bench that was on the side of the field, lacerating his knee and fracturing his patella. For everyone other than Evan Arai, fall sports are up and running. Each team has begun their season well. Both Soccer and Field Hockey are off to great starts to their season. Football beating their rival Woodbridge. Connor Nisbet setting a course record at the White Clay Creek Classic. Volleyball’s younger players are making an impact on the court. It appears that every team is well on their way to accomplishing their goals. Speaking of goals, the Wilmington Friends soccer team has scored plenty this season, and they are off to a phenomenal start. One of the captains this year, Sully Connors ’19, commented on the team’s goals entering the season: “My main goals for the team are to get further than last year in the playoffs, getting past the first round, and to also build team chemistry. And of course beat Tower Hill twice.” The team is already halfway to achieving one of those goals with a big 2-1 victory against rival Tower Hill back on the 25th of September. He also commented on the team’s hot start to the season: “It’s great, the
Varsity team is undefeated, and JV is doing very good as well. We have been working really hard in practices, and hopefully we can win the conference and even make it to the championship.” Field Hockey also had a strong start to the season, winning the first two games of their season, and bouncing back after a tie and a loss with a big win against Archmere. Coach Scott Clothier commented on his goals for the season: “Our goals are always the same: to always improve, positive team chemistry, and taking it one game at a time. Rather than the long
you look away or count someone out, that’s when you can get beat.” That philosophy has worked so far and hopefully will continue to do so with plenty of games left on this young season. The fall season also brings with it Cross Country. As always, this teams lively spirit has translated into success on the course. Hannah Blackwell ’20 commented on this season and what her aspirations were for the team: “The goal for the team was to become more competitive with other teams, especially in our conference. My goal for the season was to provide leadership for the new runners, especially because I was a captain this year.” Blackwell also talked about why she was so excited towards her third cross country season. “I was most excited about how many new runners we got this year, it is a very large team compared to my freshman and sophomore year.” The jump between Sophomore and Junior can lead to a role with more responsibility. Blackwell’s goals fit that mold very well, and hopefully they will continue build on the success of previous years. Like cross country, Football is also trying to build on the impressive seasons they have had the last few years. They are off to a good start by beating their newly found rival, Woodbridge. In the rematch of the 2016 Division 2 State Championship, the Quakers got their revenge, winning 24-21, where kicker Jacob Jaworski ’20 kicked the game Volleyball team celebrating a play made by one of the teammates winning field goal. The fall season is well underway and so is school. It is clear to see the view, we take the short view. We have so much going sports are an important part of the student-athlete’s on in school, and this seems much more manageable, lives, and their goals give them something to work and we believe the results will come from that. High for. This season will surely be something to rememschool sports and especially in this conference, when ber. Dani Nathan
Dylan roskovensky ’20 Sports writer
A historic rivalry: how the rivalry between Friends And tower Hill came to be Craig lyttleton ’20 sports writer For years, Friends School’s storied athletic rivals have been the Tower Hill Hillers. For all sports at all levels, no matter what other goals have been set for their seasons, beating Tower Hill is always high on the list. No matter who else the teams play, the atmosphere leading up to these games is always one of energy, excitement, and school spirit. But where did the rivalry start? According to Quakers head football coach, Bob Tattersall, Friends School first met the Hillers in the fall of 1924. The Hillers blew them out, winning 520. They would continue to triumph in following seasons, and held a 13-32 record against the Quakers up until Coach Tattersall stepped into the position of head coach in 1968. When asked about his fondest moment of the rivalry, Tattersall remarked, “There are so many. One is 1982, Sam Brickley kicked the
PAGE 5
game winning field goal with fifteen seconds to go. He’d just came back from being in the hospital. He hadn’t kicked all season but with the game on the line, that’s who you wanted to kick it.” Coach T is the winningest coach in Delaware high school football history, and received his 300th win during the 2015-16 season against Morrisville. Although the rivalry originated from football, it extends to all of the teams at all levels of play. The history of this rivalry and the familiarity it breeds allows for these games to be more energetic. Denzel Dixon ’20 commented on what the rivalry brings to the game: “They’re always the most intense games. Everyone knows it will be a good game because of how familiar both schools are to each other. I felt the rivalry as young as eighth grade when we beat them under the lights at their field.” The level of competition created between these teams allows for play and a more enjoyable game for the fans. Another aspect of the rivalry is that these games are often very well attended. Games against Tower Hill are exciting to watch because the level of excite-
ment among the players translates over to the fans and vice versa. The overall level of energy is higher at these games. Dani Nathan ’19 commented on the experience of playing against Tower Hill: “It’s fun to play them because the whole school comes out. Games against Tower are intense, and we play better because of it.” The fans and the players work together to make the experience an enjoyable one for both those who are playing and those who are watching. Despite the rivalry and level of emotion shown during each game, both teams line up at the end of each game and shake each others hands, showing the mutual respect each team has for one another. Even after originating so long ago, Friends students still continue to adopt and gravitate towards the rivalry. The games between the Wilmington Friends School Quakers and the Tower Hill School Hillers continue to draw big crowds that energize the players, and the level of competition continues to electrify spectators. It stands the test of time, and still remains apart of Friends culture and will continue to be for a very long time.
homecoming ISSUE 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Entertainment
Out-of-school opportunities in the arts With Wilmington Friends School’s upcoming musical of Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, all eyes are on how the cast and crew can best last year’s fantastic performance of Damn Yankees. Theatre has a unique ability of being able to transcend the community in which it is performed and puts all its members in one worldwide association filled with disciples of plays, musicals, and performing arts. WFS acts as a portal, sending students off to perform and understand theatre far beyond its own community. In mid-September, Friends students taking art or music classes had the opportunity to watch the opera Lucia di Lammermoor at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. WFS attempts to bridge the gap between its activities and the ideas which permeate the world. Students who went on the field trip saw the impact that it had: “I feel like being able to participate in theatre and music at friends helps us be able to connect with other people who also appreciate music and theatre,” explained Miranda Peak ’19. Theatre and the arts have a community in which people enter and never leave. Students are given the opportunity to become involved with theatre outside of school, as well as in school. Theatre can only be explained by those who are a part of it. Abby Vandenbrul ’20 has been a part of
biased, but they are so incredibly open-minded and accepting and loving.” Within the area around WFS, there are numerous places to become involved in theatre. All of them have a similar feel to that of WFS, and the WFS community is in touch with them. People at Friends partake in theatre for various reasons, yet Mr. Tyler, computer support technician, describes the spirit of theatre as “an open venue where any misfit can find their place and contribute in their own unique way to make something that is greater than merely the sum of those parts.” Opportunities to become involved with theatre outside of friends are plentiful: many WFS students take advantages of programs such as Delaware All State Theatre or going to see local shows. Reasons for getting involved in theatre can range from wanting to preform, to trying to overcome a great fear. These motivations resonate with students and are what push them to go beyond what WFS has to offer and outside of the community. There, students are able to spread their skills, talents, and charisma to even wider audiences. Others are able to engage with this and An outlook on the Wilmington Friends School theatre gain insights into the world. Outside of Friends, there are many opportunities to come family; however, that became easier to deal with when I started to do shows here at WFS and I found get in touch with theatre and the arts. Even though the that the cast was like a family, and the theater became theatre, the people, and the set pieces may be differmy home. I truly think people involved with theater ent, the heart of WFS theatre is the heart of any other are the best people in the world, and of course I am theatre. twelve shows, many at WFS. She explained that “theater has changed my life so much for the better. Whatever organization I was doing a show with gave me a family and a second home. When I did shows at Garnet Valley, my old school, I was spending twenty to thirty hours a week at GV theater, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was really hard for me to give up doing shows at GV because, not only was my actual family involved, everyone I worked with had be-
www.ediscompany.com
James Tallman ’19 Entertainment Writer
overview on the upcoming fall musical Nick Redd ’20 Entertainment Writer This fall semester, on November 10th, the upper school performing arts department will be performing A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum, written by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove, two famous and award winning playwrights. In the musical, protagonist Pseudolus is the laziest slave in Rome. He has one wish, and that is to purchase his freedom. Unfortunately, he is a poor slave with no money so he resorts to any type of trickery to free himself. He lives in the house of Senex with his owner Hero, who yearns for the beautiful Philia. Hero becomes so desperate for Philia that he decides to make a deal with Pseudolus: he must help him win Philia, and in return he will receive his freedom. Obviously this might sound easier than it actually is, but Pseudolus has his hands full the entire play. The play is also filled with many twists and turns with a plethora of comedic scenes and lines. The cast of the play fits right into the comedic feel of it.
PAGE 6
Brandon Williams ’21, a new student to the sophomore class this year, plays the lead role and had this to say about his part: “I’m excited to be playing the lead role. I think I can bring my musical talents to the stage and make a good first impression on the Wilmington Friends School community.” In the musical, senior Fawn Palmer ’19 plays one of many courtesans that serves Marcus Lycus for life, and she had this to say about the upcoming play: “The funny nature of this play is really something to look forward to. There are a lot of goofy scenes and so far doing them on stage has been really fun. We also have a few dance numbers so I’m excited to see how they go and how the play all comes together at the end.” This production is bound to be a spectacular performance, with such a remarkable cast and crew. Margaret-Anne Butterfield, the chorale, chamber singers, and IB Music/music major teacher, has been directing the musical around ever since she started teaching at WFS. It almost always seems that every time she assembles a cast and crew, the musical will always be successful and a hit in our community. She had this to say about the upcoming musical: “This is truly an ensemble piece, so my expectations are that everyone
will be able to work together, to create a unified piece of work. There is a lot of bawdy humor so, this will be a ton of fun to work on, but it’s also challenging not to get wrapped up in the humor of it. What I really love about the way were approaching it this time is that the stage director, who happens to be an alum, has had extensive stage experience. He is bringing in some more educational elements to this. Instead of just putting on a show, we’re actually learning a little bit more about the craft, so its a true and educational process.” What really makes this musical so special is the fact that a recent alum has come back to give his time to the WFS community by helping with directing the show. Wyatt Thompson ’15 was in both IB Music HL and IB Visual Arts HL, and always participated in the school plays and musicals. On top of all of that, he even directed one of the student run productions when he was a student. Overall, the musical, A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum will be very special one. The outside-of-school performances are on the ninth and tenth of November. Everyone is encouraged to go see it and support the cast and crew!
homecoming issue 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
A NEW CHALLENGE FOR wfs RoboTICS team In today’s day in age the internet is exploding with new movie trailers and posters, but just last month, arguably one of the most exciting videos of the year was released. On September 8th, First Tech Challenge (FTC), released its video introducing the 2019 “Rover Ruckus” rules and challenges. The “Rover Ruckus” theme was teased last May, and now teams are able to specifically gear up their robots for the new game. Last year’s challenge was called “Relic Recovery,” and was based on the foundation that the competing robots were explorers or treasure hunters. The robots competed to collect jewels (red and blue balls), move glyphs (foam blocks), and place the relic (a plastic replica) in a certain location. Last year, WFS put forward two teams (divided by Freshmen/Sophomores and Juniors/Seniors) and competed in the state tournament. This year, in the “Rover Ruckus” game, teams prepare their robot to act like a rover on a different planet. On the gamefield, which acts as the planet, there are white balls and yellow blocks which act like silver and gold respectively for robots to collect in their designated areas. Other challenges include the initial landing where the robot can start hanging from the lander and placing a “marker” (a small object de-
signed by the team) in an area to claim it. WFS will once again put forward two teams to compete. When asked what he thought about the competition, Samuel (Jenks) Whittenburg (Upper School Computer teacher) explained, “I like this year’s competition because it seems to be a combination of aspects from competitions in the past. So instead of having to do one thing really well, you have to do many things well. It will be challenging for our team to spread ourselves that thin and master all of those
leOp, teams are allowed to use a remote to control the robot. The autonomous section of the game is generally the hardest, and WFS teams have not always had the best showing during this section. This year however, the game focuses heavily on the autonomous section, and teams have to be able to successfully compete in both areas to receive enough points to win. Sander Katz ’21 noted that, “Last year was definitely a learning experience for the Freshman/Sophomore team and we’re really looking forward to putting forth a competitive robot to represent Wilmington Friends School.” When asked what he specifically hopes to contribute to the team this year, Katz explained that he is “one of the main designers and builders of the robot. We decided fairly early on that we want to make a whole new robot this year. I also do a lot with 3D design for the robotics team, meaning I can make a 3D model of the robot on the computer before we even build it. One of the tasks this year is to make a “marker” to claim an area of the field, and I am in charge of designing that.” Both the Freshman/Sophomore team and the Junior/ Senior teams are excited for a fresh start and a brand new game to prepare for. The official competition will happen sometime in February and various scrimmages will take place in between now and then. If you are interested in watching the video, visit the FTC website at https:// www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc or better yet, go to a robotics meeting which take place on Sundays from 12-3 in the design lab. www.flickr.com
Elise Johnson ’21 Science and Technology Editor
Robots compete in the FTC competition from a couple of years ago.
little things.” In general, there are two parts of the game: Autonomous and TeleOp. In the autonomous, teams pre-program the robot to complete certain challenges without any help from the driver. In Te-
NEW opportunity: COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR Connor Rosas ‘20 Science and Technology Writer With so much to learn about computers and so little time, WFS is now offering a Computer Science major to help students get the full experience of the Computer Science program in one class. The Computer Science major will fast track the content that gets covered in other classes that Samuel Whittenburg teaches such as programming concepts, interactive systems, and smart machines. This class covers the different key concepts in each class, but at a much faster pace. To summarize, these computer classes are meant for you to design and experiment with computing. This may be in the form of a software that you may have to download like Arduino for robotics or Scratch to learn programming. Whittenburg states a brief summary of what the class will be in each semester, “The first semester is focused on programming and learning how to program. It is also about creating a major project by the end of the semester. By the second semester, as a whole, we learn how computers talk to each other how companies go about creating applications, products, and things like that.” Whittenburg also expresses why he wanted to make a Computer Science major in the first
place, “Because when you teach an elective it only meets 3 times a cycle with early dismissals and other interruptions, it’s really hard to teach programming, for the same reason that foreign language is. Teaching a major to allow for more time to work allows students to become much more interested in learning.” Students are able to get the full experience of these electives, as well as being able to dive deeper into the material covered. Whittenburg’s prior statements seem to correlate with other students of Wilmington Friends as well. Ryan McWalter ’20 stated that in his opinion, “It is a good class, but it is fast paced and challenging.” McWalter says that he enjoys that challenge of the major and that it gives him joy whenever he goes to this class in particular. When asked if the class is worth the time and effort that comes with taking a full year course, McWalter responded that in all honesty, “I don’t know yet because I haven’t finished the course.” McWalter was also able to give an insider view to what the class is working on at the moment, “We basically are using loops in coding to make visual displays.” He also described that on a daily basis they, “Devote one class to one topic, one topic per day. The next day if we need to, we also go over homework he assigns us.” This student loves the class, and he’s not the only one that thinks so positively of the new major.
HOMECOMING ISSUE 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Mark McMillan ’20 responded when asked if he would join the class with, “I would but I’m also working on some other stuff right now, I like the concept though, and would definitely join if I had more time.” This class, like other majors is a big time commitment. Students receive between 15 to 20 minutes of homework per night, and are expected to work diligently in class and treat it like any other major. However despite this, it is no secret that the new major is a complete hit and will hopefully be here to stay in the upcoming years for anyone interested. In fact, another anonymous student “Looks interesting, a couple of my friends are doing it and they say that it’s fun, a good course to pursue.” Students are spreading the news of this new course, and it looks like, so far, it has been positively received. The new Computer Science major is something that anyone with an interest in programing and designing should invest their time in. This is a rewarding course, and what you put in is what you get out. Already, it has had a very highly praised from the community. This class is not only a great learning experience, but it’s also, simply put, a neat experience that gives one 21st century skills needed in the jobs of our society. Computing skills are a necessity and that’s exactly why it makes for one of the best new additional majors that Wilmington Friends School has to offer.
PAGE 7
Sports
Jacob jaworski ‘20 wins kicker of the week On Friday, September 21, the newfound rivals Woodbridge High School and Wilmington Friends High School faced off on the football field. In the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, the game was tied, and Friends was making a push for the goal line. With 25 seconds left, it was fourth down. Coach Rob Tattersall was tasked with making a difficult decision: does he go for it on fourth down and risk a turnover, or does he rely on #80 Jacob Jaworski, a former soccer player turned star kicker. In the end, Coach Tattersall decided to rely on Jacob, and he made the 28 yard field goal, sealing the win for the team. This game winning field goal caught national attention later that week, when it earned him the position as Kohl’s Kicking National Player of the Week. This award is given to a high school kicker who exhibit tenacity and give outstanding performances in high pressure situations. The Quakers starting quarterback Wyatt Nelson ’20 commented on the intensity of that kick in an interview with the News Journal’s Brad Myers: “I was nervous. I was wiping my hands on my towel, just thinking ‘man I cannot be the part to mess this up, but no… I just fo-
the goalposts, find my spot in the sky. I take my steps, rely on my snapper and my punter, sing a good song in my head. I just really focus, settle down… just find my happy place and ignore everything around me. I just trust my process and find a way though those goal posts.” He later elaborated that the song he was singing was “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt. You have to do what works. One aspect of this kick that made it so impressive is the rivalry between Friends and Woodbridge. Over the past several years, rivalry has developed swiftly due to the intense state championship game that both teams were involved in in 2016, which Woodbridge won 14-9. Coach Rob Tattersall commented on the relationship between the two teams: “I’ll tell you, this is a great rivalry. I think both teams have a lot of respect for each other, and we’ve had a lot of battles over the years. I like Coach Manlove [coach of Woodbridge] and what he does, and they’ve built a heck of a program down here, and they beat us three [games] Jacob Jaworski ’20 at the Kohl’s Kicking facility, the organization in a row… so this is a big that gave him the award one for our guys, but it’s one of nine for us, so we’re Throughout sports, each athlete has a strategy going to keep going ,and we’re going to enjoy this… which allows them to center and focus on the task at this was a hard fought football game.” The history that hand. After the game, in an interview with The News these two teams have makes this kick all the more speJournal’s Brad Meyers, Jaworski elaborates on his tech- cial. Congratulations Jacob! We are all proud of you! nique: “I Definitely take a deep breath, look through cused on receiving the snap, putting the ball there, and using Jacob’s leg. We all know he can make that field goal.” Despite the gravity of the situation, everyone there had faith that Jacob was going to follow through and do his job.
http://www.k12academics.com
carlin beskrone ’19 Sports editor
A homecoming wordsearch: see if you can find all these words and phrases!
PAGE 8
homecoming issue 2018 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY