Whittier Homecoming 2017

The

Whittier Miscellany Evie Kortanek

OCTOBER 2017 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

What to make of the Iraqi-Kurdish dispute

If someone asks just about any American what they think about independence, they will respond with resounding support. However, if you ask a Friends student what they think about Kurdish independence from Iraq, their face will probably go blank. For the many who do not know, Kurds are an ethnic group that reside in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Armenia with their own language, culture, and history. The majority of them are Sunni Muslims. According to CNN, there are about 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 of them in the Middle East, but they have never had a permanent nation-state. The conflict between Iraqi and Kurdish peoples began with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, when borders had to be re-drawn all over the region.

The Kurds were unable to establish an autonomous state, which isolated them from the neighboring groups, especially Iraq.

The strife has manifested with conflicts such as the aptly named First Iraqi-Kurdish War, The Second Iraqi-Kurdish War, and the Iran-Iraq War, in which the Kurds conspired against Saddam Hussein. On paper, the warring ended with the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, but tensions remain high even today. Of registered voters, 72% appeared at polls on September 25th to vote for or against independence from Iraq, according to The New York Times. The New York Times also reports that 92.7% of Kurds voted in favor of independence. This doesn’t mean that there will be a declaration of independence any time soon, but it will trigger a series of advances toward the establishment of a Kurdish state.

Before they take radical action, they must first negotiate separation with Iraq. Iraqi leaders have refused negotiation, as they have deemed the vote illegal and decided to ignore the results. The Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider al-Abadi, declared to Parliament that he would not negotiate with the Kurds unless they dissolved the results.

The tensions continued to rise as al-Abadi called

Iran to “coordinate military efforts”, despite his earlier statement that he wanted “no fighting among the people of the country”. Iran’s military is likely to comply with this request due to its concern that its own Kurdish population will revolt. Additionally, the US, the UK, and the United Nations warned the Kurds against the referendum. These global powers believe that independence will distract from the campaign against ISIS, and further destabilize the region. Conversely, the Iraqi government has continuously oppressed the Kurds with acts of genocide and war. Despite the se-

hostility between the opposing sides. An example of this could be the initial separation of India (Hindu majority) and Pakistan (Muslim majority) along with other conflicts between the parties afterwards, as the tension and hostility between the two nations still lingers.” Khan underlines the duality of the conflict and the potential for increased hostility if the issue is not handled properly.

Hannah Blackwell ’20 also recognized the complexity of the matter. She emphasized the longevity of the connection with her remarks, “The conflict is very multi layered, and it seems like there is still historical malice between the two groups.” Hannah notices the intricacy of the conflict. She doesn’t arrive at a decisive solution, which mirrors the sentiments of many members of the Friends community: empathetic to the cause, but at a loss for what steps need to be taken in order to ensure a peaceful and timely resolution.

Lilia Machado ’20 saw a more clear solution: “The Kurds deserve separation from Iraq because of their history of being tortured by the Iraqi government and wanting independence for their people.” Machado can empathize with the humanitarian side of the Kurdish argument. She believes these are people who have endured many hardships, and are entitled to make a stand for autonomy.

Friends school students have varying opinions on this conflict. Some can relate it to other historical events, some note its duality, and some have more decisive views. It is hard to say what will happen with this conflict in the more distant future, but for now it seems like the progress will be slow. For the Iraqi Kurds to gain independence, they must first convince the Iraqi government to let them secede, which does not seem likely to happen any time soon. President Trump’s last decision regarding this issue was to assist in arming the Kurds. However, since then, his position has been ambiguous. Other American government officials have spoken out against the referendum.

It is crucial that Americans stay informed and hope that no more blood is shed over this issue. https://commons.wikimedia.

Lucy Knudsen ’19 News writer

Soldier disrupts life of rural Iraqi citizen.

verity and longevity of the conflict, the Friends community has revealed itself to be fairly uninformed.

However, three students did express their sympathy with the conflict.

Zareef Khan ’19 stated: “The United Nation’s advising the Kurds against independence in current day context is a good idea, but it appears to not be that simple for the citizens, despite the need for union.

Tensions between the Kurdish Iraqis and Iraq are still likely going to be present regardless of whether or not there is any active campaign for independence, which while helping to re-focus efforts towards the threat of ISIS, would not really bring a true union between the Kurds and Iraq. However, the advice of the UN makes a lot of sense because besides the fact that independence will further divide the region, a separation has the potential to lead to violence and to enduring

COMMUNITY

will journalism survive the modern world? ence, I was aware of something I hadn’t fully realized video works primarily in the emotional sphere, before: journalism is in grave danger. limiting critical thought, and preying on our basest Contrary to what you might expect, not one of human urges. Ominously, author and social critic “You are the future.” Whether spoken half-jestingly, our activities during the conference involved dis- Marshall McLuhan declared fifty years ago that “the proudly, emphatically, or even desperately, these words cussing newspaper layouts, attending a print run, or medium is the message.” Video not only shapes how grew to become “old news” at the 2017 Al Neuharth even glimpsing a sheet of paper. The reason for this we consume news, but which news stories are proJournalism and Free Spirit Conference. The five-day was simple, and nonetheless trumpetconference assembling the most promising student ed frequently: print is dead. Of the few journalists from each state in the nation’s capital was people who actually read newspapers the brainchild of Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today regularly, a paltry number do so in and the Newseum. Walking in the footsteps of many print. According to the Pew Research Friends students before me, I was treated to five days Center, the number of U.S. adults who of jam-packed events, including sessions with famed get their news online is nearly doujournalists, editors, and activists; outings to studios, ble of those who often read print. The news headquarters, and government buildings; inter- most heartbreaking moment of the active experiences at the Newseum itself; and at the conference was when Susan Goldberg, end of the day, bus tours around the DC memorials, editor-in-chief of National Geographic an awards banquet, and a night time river cruise. and a revered figure among the student Through it all, we were charged to stride forth and body, told us frankly that the organizaembrace the multi-faceted role of a journalist today: tion was struggling. While the NatGeo an activist who fights tenaciously to expose the truth, Instagram has 81 million followers a warrior who battles corruption, an entrepreneur and the brand is as respected as ever, who exploits every opportunity to get ahead. I saw those two accomplishments garner Chuck Todd from “Meet the Press” at NBC speaks with Free these figures in the brilliant speakers we met and the exactly $0 in sales. Meanwhile, the orSpirit Scholars eager students soaking in an experience many of them ganization’s most significant revenue would later say changed their lives. However, the more source, magazine subscriptions, is declining at a fast moted. You can’t expect “NowThis News” (a leading I learned about journalism, the more my excitement clip. In a hushed room, the editor-in-chief of Nation- agent in the video clip news industry) to reel out a shifted to intense unease. By the end of the confer- al Geographic explained bluntly that she didn’t know video of the complexities of the Syrian refugee criwhere the organization was headed, sis, including history, contending viewpoints, and but at this point only a major change political implications. You can however expect it to could save it. We delude ourselves if post the video of Omran Daqneesh, a dirty, woundwe think this does not apply to other ed, sympathy-inspiring five-year-old Syrian sitting papers and magazines, big and small. in an ambulance, an image that soared across the The monumental landscape of the internet and stoked political ire. If you think those two video accounts are in any way comparable, you printing world is shrinking, and fast.

So what is rising in its place? “Vid- are mistaken. As Val chatted excitedly about how eo!” exults Val Hoeppner, media mo- the rise of digital journalism could mean a more gul. Referenced as a digital trailblaz- personal, intimate, engaging experience for conAbby Kleman ’18 er by media representatives from all sumers than ever before, I looked around baffled. rungs of the press hierarchy, it’s hard As much as any journalist, I recognize the power JUNIOR EDITOR: Mike Coons ’18 to tell whether Val believes this bodes of personal anecdotes and emotional engagement.

NEWS EDITOR: Leah Johnson ’18 well for journalism as a whole. In the But we risk a perilous fate if we equate and possibly SPORTS EDITOR: Alice Irwin ’18 moment, she’s too busy teaching us replace journalism with flashy sensationalism.

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Matt Byer ’18 It’s not just the content itself that is worrying; it’s how to annotate film to create a clip FEATURES EDITOR: Connor Miller ’19 perfectly engineered to generate the the platform too. I’ve written before about the soPHOTO EDITOR: Evie Kortanek ’18 new currency prized in the media: cial perils of consuming news from Facebook feeds COPY EDITOR: Evie Kortanek ’18 views, likes, comments, and shares. (something a shocking 40% of Americans do). As You can’t blame her (a common theme our eyes soak in the partisan, emotionally-charged WEB EDITOR: John Blackwell ’18 in this narrative is that individuals video clips shared by our friends, we unwittingly FACULTY ADVISOR: Daniel Scott are not the problem, which makes brick ourselves into the ideological silos shaping ENTERTAINMENT it all the scarier); in a heartbeat, Val our political landscape today. Acknowledging the STAFF Jack Coons ’18 can rattle off a plethora of statistics social ramifications is one issue; however, the new NEWS Emma Landis ’19 demonstrating the rising role of video hub of news consumption has a huge effect on jourEllie Bradley ’19 Honor Dearlove ’19 Lucy Knudsen ’19 in the journalistic landscape. Clearly, nalism as a whole. Facebook’s most successful artiNick Urick ’20 “journalism” is being replaced by a cles are eye-catching, charged pieces, not found on SPORTS Carlin Beskrone ’19 flood of sound bites, catchy headers, respectable news sites, but rather on sites subsisting Dylan Roskovensky ’20 and emotionally charged stories. If entirely off gullible Facebook traffic, sites embodyFEATURES you cannot tell already, let me outline ing the simultaneous root and product of the sysElise Johnson ’21 to you why this is troubling. Maybe tem. It’s a landscape in which thorough journalism COLUMNISTS Jimmy Butterfield ’20 you believe a two minute video (usu- from the Wall Street Journal has to contend with Cecilia Ergueta ’18 Marley Morton ’18 ally without sound, due to the settings salacious half-truths from Buzzfeed (not to menOlivia O’Donnell ‘18 of most digital platforms) can convey tion thousands of actual fake news sites), and it’s the depth, nuance, and intellectual not a surprise who wins. As traffic and ad revenue The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school year rigor of a two page article. You should flow to myriad sketchy news factories, the pillars of by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, not. Just consider the implications of real reporting, analysis, and substance suffer-- and 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier how very few words can flash on a with it, our society. Social media platforms faciliMiscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.com. screen in a given time: What mental tating “news” consumption, such as Snapchat video space is left for critical examination stories and Twitter trending sidebars, may claim to Check Whittier Miscellany online for Weekly Updates! of evidence, or the development of encourage awareness among younger audiences, reasoned argumentation? Indeed the yet they merely contribute to a delusion of being inThe Whittier Miscellany welcomes responses in the form of letters very visual, emotional impact of vid- formed. In the meantime, the institutions designed to the articles, editorials, and features of this paper. eo “news” should make us suspect its primarily to inform (not to entertain, like social Contact: wfswhittiermiscellany@gmail.com credibility. Approaching the viewer media) are thoughtlessly abandoned.

‘Like’ Whittier on Facebook at ‘WFS Whittier’! continued on page 7... with an entirely visual experience, Courtesy of the Newseum Institute

Cecilia ergueta ’18 columnist

The

Whittier

Miscellany EDITOR IN CHIEF:

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Homecoming issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

news

Saudi Arabian Women driving to the future On September 26th, 2017, the King of Saudi Arabia announced that the country would finally allow women to drive, which ended a long standing policy that has limited the freedom of women all throughout Saudi Arabia. This long awaited change will take effect in June 2018, and according to The New York Times, the decision was announced both on State TV, and via an international media event in Washington. This decision was the result of the government attempt to clear up their international reputation, help the economy by increasing women’s participation in the workforce, and overall improve their women’s rights.

This decision has led to much turmoil in the country and many doubt whether the government has made the right decision. Clearly it will take more than just the government overturning the law to make women driving an accepted practice in the country. According to ABC News, some still say that “it’s inappropriate in Saudi culture for women to drive”, or that “male drivers won’t know how to handle having women in cars next to them”, and that “allowing women [to drive] will lead to promiscuity and the collapse of Saudi family.”

During a conversation with Izze Rios ’18 about the change in the law, Rios commented that “I think it’s great that the country is taking one step forward towards equality for women. Although it still might not be perfect, it will universally help women’s rights. It’s really great to see the country making so much progress in the right direction.” Although there are still some cultural norms present in Saudi Arabia that could possibly make the change more strenuous on the government and difficult for the people to accept, the Wilmington Friends Community had a very different perspective.

Along with the positive benefits this change in law brings for women, it has been noticed that it will ben-

efit the country in other ways too. Not only does it inherently bring more freedom to half of the population of Saudi Arabia, it comes with immense economical benefits as well. More women will be able to drive themselves to work, rather than have a male relative drive them or have to hire a private chauffeur.

According to CSM News, since public transportation in Saudi Arabia is very limited, an estimated 800,000 private chauffeurs have been hired by Saudi Arabian families to drive female relatives around. Other families use ride sharing, but both are very costly for middle class families.

www.commons.wikimedia.org/

Nick Urick ’20 News writer

Saudi Arabian President pictured above shaking hands with prominent leaders of western governments.

Ruth Hazzard ‘19, discussed the positive benefits of lifting the ban, and commented that “I really do believe that this small change will bring such huge benefit in and out of Saudi Arabia. I think that with more job openings and freedom, the quality of life of the Saudi Arabian people will definitely improve. This is a big step forward for the country in international relations as well, because so many countries have just

been waiting to see Saudi Arabia make the right move towards equality.” Lifting the ban on women driving is also bound to create additional employment opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia. According to CSM News, the lifting of the ban will bring women driving instructors, administrators, and even traffic cops. Along with this, once families are no longer in need of chauffeurs, ride sharing jobs will open for men and women in Saudi Arabia.

The removal of the ban on women driving clearly will be beneficial for the country, but some are worried about ulterior motives for lifting the ban. There are fears that the King may have just lifted the ban for the country’s possible economical advances, and improvement in public image, rather than for women’s rights.

Others believe that lifting the ban may have simply been a publicity move in a time of trouble during the country’s issues with Yemen. News sources however, like The Telegraph, argue that Saudi Arabia allowing women to drive is a major milestone for the country and that although life may still not be easy for women living under Saudi Arabia’s society, progress has been made.

When Remy Stewart ‘20 was asked what she thought about women being allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, she answered positively. Stewart said that “I think this is a real step forward in the general freedom in Saudi Arabia. Although there is obviously still some issues, this really shows that the country is putting an effort forward.” Stewart’s response towards the law being changed was yet another example of a positive outlook regarding the conflict from the Wilmington Friends Community.

There are still mixed opinions on the motives of the lifting of ban and the lifting of the ban itself. However, whatever the motive, as long as this decision is enforced, it is inarguably an advantageous next step for the country. The removal of the law prohibiting women to drive could possibly be a huge step towards freedom, gender equality, and societal modernization in Saudi Arabia, but only time will show it’s success.

Escalation of tensions: North korea vs. U.S. Ellie Bradley ’19 News Writer Both the nation and the world watches fearfully as Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, trade insults. As the most powerful nation in the world rubs against the most unstable, it leaves people hoping that tensions will not escalate to the point of war. As of now, nothing has come of these violent threats, but the future is uncertain due to the unpredictability of both leaders.

While there have been tensions between North Korea and the United States for many years, recent events have only soured them further. The imprisonment and tragic death of university student Otto Warmbier has increased national disgust and distrust of North Korea. Kim Jong Un and Trump’s battle of insults began in early September of this year when North Korea decided to “test” missile bombs. Although they defended that it was only practice and nothing would come of it, it is illogical to assume that the testing of that magnitude of weaponry really is “nothing.” Many believe that North Korea is training for a real situation, and that these are the first signs of an oncoming war. These missiles were long distance, and because of that factor, the US and Canada immediately felt threatened. In response to the threat, the United Nations took action

by imposing very strong sanctions on the country, although Trump had wanted further measures to be taken. As part of the precautions against North Korean aggression, the UN put a cap on crude oil imports and textile imports, as well as inspecting ships that are entering or leaving North Korean ports.

President Trump has also taken action, although the complexity of this international crisis limits his available options. Despite sanctions against North Korea, attempts to apply diplomatic and economic pressure have failed to prevent the development of weapons of mass destruction within North Korea. Recently the US used a virus called Stuxnet to shut down some North Korean computers and were able to destroy some centrifuges that were connected to masses of uranium; however, this is hardly a long term solution.

Previous administrations have forestalled threats, but soon the North Korean question will come to a head, and it might be up to Trump to work with the international community to deal with the oncoming crisis.

The US is not alone in this fight; other countries such as Russia and China are threatened by North Korean aggression. Sanctions and sabotage have been the US’s weapons to prevent war from breaking out, however the testing of these missile bombs indicates that escalation is sure to come, and it is true that now, more than ever, the world needs a strong United States that

homecoming ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

is united behind this issue. While this threat may seem pressing, many don’t believe that it is the number one danger to US public safety, and a frightening amount of people know very little about the particulars of the crisis.

Upon asking students in the sophomore and junior classes what they know about the conflict, their responses were varied. Kiera Patterson ’20 remarked that she knew “that there’s a dictator, Kim Jong-Un, who is ruthless to citizens and has threatened to bomb the US. He probably has nuclear weapons. No one is brave enough or has tried to stand up to him, because everyone he doesn’t agree with, he kills.” By contrast others added, “Nothing. Literally nothing. Wait, Kim whatever his name is. Jong-Un,” or “that they are both angry at each other and are going to nuke each other,” or “I know that Trump was undermining Secretary of State Tillerson’s trip over Twitter, but it’s hard to sift through Twitter noise.”

The students were then asked whether they believed North Korea was an immediate threat to our country and answered: “I think it’s a threat but I don’t think it’s the number one threat” or “Yes. No. Is it? I don’t know.”

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FEATURES

Reactions to The new locker Assignment The week before upper school started, upper school dean for students, Lynn Puritz-Fine, sent a message to the upper school about the new locker situation. In an attempt to reduce noise and hallway congestion, specifically what used to be the freshman hallway, the faculty has tried a new model of assigning lockers alphabetically, which will integrate the grades, with the exception of the senior lockers.

Upon questioning Puritz about the situation, she said that hallway noise and traffic has been a problem in the upper school for about a decade. She also stated, “The noise level has gone down, along with hallway traffic, which was the original goal,” Puritz continued, “students have said that they’ve met people in other classes whom they like.” When asked about any complaints or suggestions that have been made concerning this system, Puritz claimed that the only complaints that she has received were about how siblings (excluding senior siblings) are next to each other.

Puritz explained, “We didn’t consider the fact that siblings would be right next to each other, and that doesn’t have to be, so next year we won’t have that issue.” There is a slight hint, intended or not, that either the system will change or be abolished next year, but what seems most likely is that siblings might get slightly switched up as the new system has seen success.

After confronting Ross Clark ’19 about his thoughts on the new system, he confirmed, “I liked the old method. Now I am back in the freshman hallway which was unfortunate because I missed having peo-

After asking Sarah O’Brien, whose classroom is outside the old freshman hallway, about the effectiveness of the situation, she answered, “In the past, the freshman hallway has been super noisy and rowdy, and lunch and people would have food and occasionally spill it on the floor. At lunch when I was working, it has been very disruptive, but this year’s method has been a lot more effective. The objective of creating a quieter hallway environment outside this classroom has been achieved.” She also said how she “prefers the environment that is happening in this hallway now. I can’t say because the lockers were mixed up because of that, but I like it a lot better,” and” would like the peaceful environment outside of [her] classroom to stay.”

When talking with Courtney Thompson ’20 about the alphabetical system, she reflected a disliking towards it. When asked about her preference regarding the new and old methods, she replied, “I prefer the old organization method because I was closer to all of my friends and if I had a question pertaining to my grade there would be someone right next to me.” Regarding the effectiveness and whether this method should stay, she said that, “people still group up in the hallways by their friends lockers,” and how she believes that we should return to the old organization method.

Students from different grades pictured in the math hallway While many people have different opinions about the new year. It didn’t turn out as bad as I thought it would so I locker situation, it is important to understand the indon’t see any problem with keeping it, but I also think tentions behind this system and recognize the signifithe people would be more than happy to return to the cance of sparking appropriate, yet lively conversation. old method.” ple in my class on either side of me,” Clark goes on to say, “it (the alphabetical system) seems to have worked, at least in the sophomore hallway. I never see people sitting on the floor and blocking the path like we used to. The freshman hallway kind of became that, though, since that hallway is usually crowded after lunch.” After asking him about whether or not said method should stay, he said, “I wouldn’t really care because either way because I’m with my own grade next

Photo by Evie Kortanek

James Butterfield ’20 Features Writer

Steminists work towards a better future Women in STEM, also known as the “Steminist Club” is a new club at WFS where people, specifically women, talk about different ways to be involved in the STEM world. To be clear, even though the term “steminist” is a play of off the word “feminist,” which typically involves more women than men, the Steminists welcome everyone in order to provide a greater understanding of STEM for all. This club is working towards creating more opportunities and spreading new ideas within the Wilmington Friends School community.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, but with each category comes so many more different options besides just the usual jobs associated with STEM, such as programming and accounting. The Steminist club is sponsored by Sarah Stock Patterson, upper school math teacher, and is co-clerked by Olivia Finizio ’19 and Alonia Needs ’19.

When questioned about the purpose of the Steminist club, Finizio who said that it was created “in hope that the ideas we bring to the upper school community will empower everyone, especially women, to not only pursue a career in STEM, but to discover options that are outside the general ideas of what the field has to offer.” The Steminist club is an important group which

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provides a better understanding of the world of STEM and empowers those who are apart of it.

The Steminist club is beneficial to the school in particular because it helps to close the gender gap that can be seen in many classes and clubs. Sarah Stock Patterson explained that, “The more we can promote differences of opinion in STEM related to or in any field that Photo taken by Evie Kortanek

Elise Johnson ’21 Features Writer

The Steminist Club clerks at work

is not as balanced as it could be, you just bring in the opportunities for more creativity and more ideas, and bringing more females into STEM-related interests in high school would get them into more jobs, and again promote a broader diversity of thought.” The Steminists are actively working to improve gender diversity at Wilmington Friends School to provide more opportunities to young women who are interested in a ca-

reer in STEM or just interested in learning in general.

As Needs said, “We just wanted those women to get a chance in a club where it was mainly women to feel free to express their interests for STEM, since many of the science clubs at our school tend to have more numbers in men than women… The club is all about trying to get more women interested in the STEM fields so that we can have more females in society who can prove that they are just as great/equal as men are.”

The Steminist club is focused on the future of women by working with the young women at our school to become more involved in different activities. In life at and beyond WFS, there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of gender equality, and the Steminist club is determined to help bring about that improvement by providing information about the field of STEM that will hopefully guide its members towards a career that is perfect for them.

In STEM Club, one would be able to learn of different job opportunities, meet other students who are interested in STEM, and develop a greater understanding of the entire field. The Steminist Club also helps to bring young women together in an effort create greater gender equality. The club plans to bring in speakers to talk about STEM. The Steminist Club meets on Day 1 in room 152 at Lunch!

homecoming ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

FEATURES

Freshman workshop: opening doors for discussion On October 4th, 2017, Wilmington Friends School hosted the annual Freshman Family Workshop, an event that focuses on the risks of drugs and alcohol.

This was a mandatory learning experience for all freshmen and their families. Lynn Puritz-Fine, upper school Dean for Students, organized the seminar, which took place in the upper school library from 7-8:30 pm. Credible speakers provided informational and personal presentations, while students and families participated in interactive workshops to further understand the depths of drugs and alcohol.

In the letter sent to freshmen parents regarding the workshop, Puritz-Fine wrote that the goals of this event were “to facilitate more comfortable/informed conversations between parent and child about substance abuse, enhance the comfort level between home and school around issues of substance abuse, encourage students to communicate their needs/concerns/issues around substance abuse to caring adults, and support students who are making healthy decisions about substance abuse.”

Puritz-Fine also included that a main goal of this experience was to provide information to families about pro-active, preventative parent to parent advice, the current drug and alcohol environment here in Delaware, the emotional and physical consequences/tolls of substance abuse, and the processes/policies currently in place concerning substance abuse at WFS.” The panelists at this event included Devon Adams, Certified Athletic Trainer at WFS; Julie Reinke Hazzard, former worker at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, former substance abuse counselor at the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia, and now works for Fairville Friends School; Susan Janes Johnson, a Content Strategist with EY

Intuitive in Philadelphia and Wilmington Friends School Trustee; Andrea Rocanelli, a judge in the Delaware Superior Court, who was a leader in the Court of Common Pleas’ Drug Diversion Program and now serves as the presiding judge of the Unified Mental Health Court; Christine Storm, Regional Director of Student Assistance Program in the Greater Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas; as well as Lynn Puritz-Fine herself, who teaches Decision Making to 8th

and support each other from the beginning. It also gives us a chance to talk about school rules with freshmen who are new to the upper school, as well as legitimizes those important conversations between parent and child. The ride home is almost as valuable as the workshop itself - we take care to provide families with a query in order to continue the conversation.”

While one of the objectives of this event was to inform freshmen about the risks of drugs and alcohol, another intention was to establish safe spaces for discussion. Puritz-Fine added, “There are stats regarding all high schools in the US - 50 percent of all students experiment with drugs and alcohol and 50 percent do not. No matter your choice and who you are you, will have friends who feel differently that you do. It is good to validate that situation and put it on the table; it’s also important for parents to understand that even though we are a private school, our kids can still make bad decisions - that’s just life. We are not immune to problems of addiction or self-medication. But it’s important to underscore that no one ever got into trouble for telling us they have a situation - we are a resource for help, and the path of discipline is very different from that of support.

It is important for freshmen and their families to recognize that Wilmington Friends School provides an environment where students are encouraged to talk.

The Freshman Family Workshop allowed families to come together for the purpose of education, motivation, and inspiration. Wilmington Friends School hopes that students and families alike will remember this workshop as a positive experience that opened the doors for colloquy and acceptance. Thank you, Lynn Puritz-Fine, all of the speakers, and freshmen families who made this night possible! tdtalks.com

Abby Kleman ’18 Editor in chief

Five figures resemble people having a discussion

graders.

When asked about the importance of exposing freshmen to this mandatory workshop, Puritz-Fine commented, “It is important for freshmen to attend this event, because they are already being exposed to making such decisions. Inevitably, their social worlds are expanding. In addition to educating and informing our new high school students, we want to bring parents together because it is good for them to meet

wfs students trick-or-treat for unicef With Halloween rapidly approaching and pumpkin season in full bloom, halloweeners are getting their costumes ready for the big night. Although most kids go around their neighborhood in search for candy, one Friends students seeks to make a change.

Olivia O’Donnell ’18 is bringing WFS’s attention to UNICEF’s trick-or-treat campaign, where in addition to trick-or-treating for candy, you can bring an orange box with you and ask for donations to go directly to UNICEF. As O’Donnell explains, “This event is super cool because it is able to involve younger children, not just teenagers and adults, to raise money for those in need.”

O’Donnell urges all trick-or-treaters to collect an orange box from her and help raise money for those without ample financial resources to have all of their basic needs met. O’Donnell mentioned, “All of the proceeds go to UNICEF for children affected by recent tragedies.” This includes children recently affected by the ravage of hurricanes and provides supplies and materials for impoverished children in school.

According to UNICEF’s website, “$1 can buy pencils for a class of 30 students, $8 gives a UNICEF kit that provides clean water to a family, $15 sends a box of 5 mosquito nets to protect kids from deadly malar-

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ia, $55 gives a box of 150 food packets to save a malnourished child, and $210 buys a School-in-a-Box to help 40 refugee kids learn and heal.” It is reassuring to know how far a little bit of money can go to help children and their families.

Helena Cochrane, faculty sponsor and Spanish IV Photo by Evie Kortanek

Connor Miller ’19 Features Editor

Students holding UNICEF and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF flags in preparation for the event.

teacher, also believes in UNICEF’s continuing effort of aiding children. Cochrane expressed, “With Trickor-Treat for UNICEF, we want to raise not just money, though we do want to collect at least $100, but we also want to raise awareness about the dangers kids face all around the world.” Spreading awareness for the event has just as much of an impact as raising money

because it brings more people’s attention to the issues that UNICEF is trying to solve. Cochrane concluded, “We look forward to a year of service that could connect our WFS population to agencies that help children around the world.”

UNICEF is a great foundation whose purpose is to help those in need, whether it is by donating school supplies, providing clean drinking water, or helping to repair buildings. O’Donnell believes that vast opportunity inequality for children in particular is a problem in this world, so she organized this event for kids at WFS to participate. “The purpose of this event is to show kids that there are other children out there who need more than candy.”

Halloween is a time usually for trick-or-treating with your friends to see who can get the most candy in one night. O’Donnell believes that by combining free candy with important donations to a social cause, “it also highlights one’s privilege and helps to combat against this disparity in a fun and creative way.” It helps to connect our neighbors and our community to other communities outside of the United States.

This Halloween, think about the kids who are not as fortunate as you; step up and grab an orange box and ask for a donation to go straight to those in need.

Happy Halloween!

homecoming ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

Sports

Creation of the WFS cross country adjusts to new club ,“Super fan” change with a winning mentality doing well, and this year we have Ross Clark, so we can’t lose,” Nisbet explained. The team appears to be headed for a season as good or possibly even better than the year before.

11 months ago, the Wilmington Friends School cross One thing the cross country team is going to have to country team concluded an amazing season, finishing face is that this is the first time since 2014 that the team fourth in the state for Division II with two All-County run- will be running without Andrew Slomski, one of the two ners, one All-State runner, and one runner finishing with All-County runners last year. He was an asset to the team, the fastest time in the state of Delaware. This year, the team posing one of the fastest times in the county, even as a sophplans to continue with their winning mentality and improve omore. Nonetheless, there are several rising stars who show from last year’s impressive season. potential to live up to Slomski’s legacy. Sophomore HanDespite last year’s success, the team has not become nah Blackwell posted one of the fastest times in the councomplacent. Their mentality is always forward thinking, ty as a freshman. New recruit Ross Clark, though he has looking to improve. “Last year we finlittle formal training, is showing ished third in the guy’s side for discs, tremendous development in his so we hope to equal that performance. skills. “Our performance through On the girls’ side, we had a dual meet the last month has been stellar, with Tower Hill, and they got us this top in the state. We’re just trying time, but we plan on getting them at to grind away, work hard and stay Discs in two weeks,” commented cross humble,” Ross Clark ’19 added. country coach, Alex Hallenback. The Despite graduating several seniors, cross country team is looking to build the younger runners show a lot of on previous years’ achievements and potential and everyone believes continue their winning trajectory. they can fill the vacancies that the Members of the WFS cross country team Thus far, the cross country season celebrate win against Saint Andrew’s School seniors left. looks promising. The varsity runners The 2016-2017 cross country have three wins against Wilmington season was superb, and the 2017Christian, Caravel, and St. Elizabeths. “It’s been going well. 2018 season is on track to be just as strong. With the emerWe haven’t had any big Delaware meets, but yesterday I gence of younger runners like Hannah Blackwell, the introwent to Cary for the Great American Cross Country Festi- duction of new runners like Ross Clark, and the continuing val where I got 8th place, posting the fastest time run by a ability of returning runners like Connor Nisbet, this fall is Delawarean this year. As a team, we are probably going to going to be an exciting time for the Wilmington Friends have one of our best years yet, with all of our varsity runners School cross country team.

Carlin Beskrone ’19 Sports Writer

As it is currently a busy time for upper school students, it becomes difficult to get out and support the sports teams. However, this year, Carson Davis-Tinnell ’19 and Jay Handwerk ’18 have created a club called “Super Fan” that will allow students to be proactive and find ways in which they can support WFS athletics.

Super Fan’s purpose is to support the sport teams by decorating or making signs to promote school spirit and sending out a school message about important games to get students to attend. “We want to use the club to provide structure for the community so that they can become more aware of the each team’s events and to generally be more supportive of the sports teams throughout the school year,” explained Davis-Tinnell.

Last year there was a similar club in place called ‘Got Spirit?’ which did not fully live up to its leaders’ aspirations. “A large part of why the club ‘Got Spirit?’ was unsuccessful last year was due to a lack of communication about our purpose. As a result, we lacked motivated members and support. However, due to our current partnership with Spirit Committee, Super Fan will be able to reach out to a similar demographic that would most likely be interested in joining us to continue to spread school spirit after the main activities of Spirit Committee have ended,” reflected former clerk of ‘Got Spirit?’ Handwerk. Super Fan hopes to redirect the potential of ‘Got Spirit?’ and channel the community’s school spirit toward supporting WFS athletics throughout the year.

“I think the difficulty is that the Homecoming events become so big and complicated that Homecoming ends up seeming like the most important source of support for the teams. I think Super Fan Dylan Roskovensky ’20 will change this mentality and motivate people to Sports Writer support the teams over the course of the whole year,” One year ago, Jake Elliott was the starting kicker on the added Spirit Committee advisor, Gregg Miller. Ultimately, the intentions behind the new club Super Memphis Tigers college football team. He would soon kick Fan show signs of being well-founded and beneficial a 61 yard game-winning field goal in the NFL and have an NFL Quarterback offer give him a game check of $100,000. to the community as a whole.

At Memphis Elliott never missed an extra point, his field Some have questioned goal percentage was why the clerks do not just at around 78%, and implement this as another he ended his college feature of Spirit Committee, career with a total but the clerks of both clubs of 445 points. These agree that it is important to totals, compared to remain true to each of their even NFL kickers, are purposes. “Spirit Commithigh. tee and Super Fan appeal to Elliott was evendifferent aspects of school tually drafted in the spirit - Spirit Committee orfifth round of the ganizes all that is going on NFL by the Cincinnawith Homecoming and spirEagles players celebrate after Elliot’s game-winning kick. ti Bengals, however, it week, etc. while Super Fan throughout this year’s will emphasize the imporpreseason he was in tance of supporting the sports teams throughout the year,” noted Davis-Tinnell. Therefore, Super Fan has competition with veteran Bengals kicker, Randy Bullock. not officially met as a club yet since the focus is on Elliott ended up falling short to Bullock after missing a Homecoming activities through Spirit Committee, 50-yard field goal and an extra point in a preseason game. so once Homecoming is over they will become more Elliott was then waived by the Bengals and was resigned to the practice squad. active.

However, soon arose an opportunity for Elliot in PhilOn account of Super Fan’s current collaboration with Spirit Committee, the club has yet to launch. adelphia. After week one, the Eagles learned that their However, after Homecoming, Super Fan will meet starting kicker, Caleb Sturgis, would be unable to play for every Day 2 at lunch in the Library. Clerks Da- several weeks with a hip flexor tear. This meant that the Eavis-Tinnell and Handwerk look forward to seeing gles needed a replacement, and after a few days Elliott was those who would like to support the sports teams signed by the Eagles and got his second chance.

“He had a great college career at Memphis and was and show their school spirit!

Photograph by Paul Nemeth

Alice Irwin ’18 Sports Editor

philly.com

Wentz donates his game check to a charity of Elliot’s choice

PAGE 6

drafted in the fifth round which is pretty remarkable because kickers do not really get drafted that often. Since he missed his first field goal against the Chiefs he has been great and has a big part of the Eagles winning streak,” commented Middle School Mathematics teacher, Jerry Taylor.

A week following his NFL debut, the Eagles faced the Giants and this division match-up had been a close game until in the tail end of the fourth quarter. “He’s a hero if he makes this … I’ll give him my game check. I’ll give him my game check if he makes this,” vowed Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Carson Wentz before Elliott attempted the 61-yard, potentially game-winning field goal. Once he made this game clinching field goal, Elliott instantly became a hero to Philadelphia - it was the longest, game-winning kick since Matt Bryant of the Buccaneers kicked a 62-yard field goal against the Eagles on October 22, 2006.

After the game, Elliott and Wentz addressed Wentz’s promise. Elliott declined to accept Wentz’s game check and thought it would be better suited as a donation to a charity of Elliott’s choice. Elliot selected Canine Partners for Life, an organization that provides trained dogs to people with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities or who are in other situations of need. Wentz promptly donated $120,000 to the organization, which was actually more than his weekly game check. “It speaks to character of Wentz and Elliott as he declined to keep the game check for himself. It was a pretty admirable thing to do,” added Taylor.

Jake Elliott may not be in Philadelphia for much longer since the Eagles’ original kicker, Caleb Sturgis, is expected to return in the upcoming weeks. This could mean the release of Elliott, but he has definitely left his mark in Philadelphia.

“It was pretty incredible, as it was the Eagles’ longest kick ever in history of the team,” stated an anonymous student.

The fans will clearly cherish his time with the Eagles as he continues his NFL kicking career in the years to come.

homecoming issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

community

will journalism survive the modern world? continued from page 2...

One of the most inspiring aspects of the conference was hearing the stories of real change-makers in the journalism industry. One such was David Fahrenthold, a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist who undertook the arduous, months-long task of tracking down all of Donald Trump’s alleged philanthropy, and sharing in real time the shocking disparity between what Trump claimed he donated versus what he actually did.

In the process, he discovered and published the Billy Bush Hollywood Access Bus tapes, in which Trump flippantly boasted about committing sexual assault. Another was Sara Ganim, who won acclaim for her socially conscious work, including exposing a child sex abuse scandal at her alma mater, Penn State. Another was Martin Baron, editor-in-chief at the Washington Post and winner of this year’s Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in The Media, who exposed a record of sex scandals in the Catholic Church (as shown in the film, Spotlight) and made the final call in publishing the Edward Snowden leaks. These figures made real to me the true impact of journalism as a field whose aim is pursuing truth and holding powerful Journalists forces accountable. But who will be the next powerful voices in journalism? As established news sites’ budgets shrink, the first cut made is to staff. According to the Pew Research Center, drastic newsroom cuts leave a workforce that is 20,000 positions smaller than 20 years prior (that’s a 39% drop). To a paper, this means fewer foreign correspondents, fewer opinion writers, and overall reduced diversity. But I think the problem runs deeper than that. In a future where staffs are kept at bare minimum, what editor would allow writers like the ones mentioned to spend months tracking down what might not even amount to a story? “Newspapers receiving revenue means allowing journalists like me the time to conduct long, tedious, but worthwhile in-

vestigations,” attested David Fahrenthold. As big papers become less secure financially, they will become less bold intellectually. Journalism is the social conscience of our society; by allowing it to expire, we are suffocating ourselves.

“But Cecilia. Surely seeing the next generation of aspiring journalists restored your faith in the future of journalism.” It is true that I left the conference buoyed by the spirit of my fellow journalists, and impressed by their accomplishments and admirable convictions.

Caller, told us, journalists aren’t wasting time obsessing over Trump’s latest tweets because they want to.

So why is our news scene dominated by such stories?

Because our audiences’ new circumstances allow them to indulge their biases and relish in pointless partisan squabbling. Because newspapers’ statistics inform them that this is what readers want. Because the nature of news consumption forces small newspapers to cater to what their statistics tell them to write about or risk termination. This is not the weapon of truth and light journalism could be-- is meant to be. And this is what I fear will greet the young journalists who courageously followed the dream.

Here I am, a seventeen year old making doomsday predictions as to the future of one of the key pillars of democracy! I recognize this might not be what was intended when the Al-Neuharth Free Spirit program asked me to write an article about my experience at the conference. I hope I will not be misunderstood; I remain awed by the power, nobility, and achievement of the torchbearers in journalism, and the conference taught me more than anything to dedicate myself to the common fight for truth, thought, and justice I see waged every day in the haven’t changed-- but the journalistic landscape has journalistic field. It is out of my greatest respect and concern for the field that I voice these concerns, because I do not Some felt empowered to fight for the relief of cen- hear them voiced elsewhere. What can we do? The fact sorship at their schools in accordance with their first that you the reader have made it this far into the artiamendment rights. Others came away encouraged to cle is already encouragement. We need to read more. beat the odds and ascend to the level of the journalists We need to support our major newspapers because we met. If it were up to this group of students, I would they are the lifeblood of worthy journalism. We need think the future of journalism in shielded, capable to wake up as a society and demand substance over hands. But in the face of the trials I have enumerated, brevity, considered thought over emotional bait, truth they are not enough. I do not doubt the ambitions and over convenience. No one can pretend today that the capabilities of our future leaders. I believe they will world is in a perfect state. We need journalism more fight for their visions-- and will find a world that, even than ever to question existing structures and stimuif it values them, is unable to offer them a paycheck. late thought. Writers are eager to rise to the challenge; Like Vince Coglianese, editor in chief of the Daily what they need now are readers. Why not you?

Courtesy of the Newseum Institute

Cecilia ergueta ’18 columnist

opinion piece on daca - dreamers deserve freedom ly in a state of significant political divide, it is crucial that we Americans try to understand one another’s opinions and views. We must learn to coexist with each other in order to reach a progressive outcome. In

In June of 2012, former American President Barack Obama established an immigration policy titled “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.” This policy ensured that children who came to the United States illegally would be able to stay in the country to work and gain their freedom. In September of 2017, current American President Donald Trump revoked this policy, leaving 800,000 child immigrants in danger of being deported. These immigrants, otherwise known as Dreamers, had made this journey with their families to escape violence, oppression, and inequality. They aspired to find work and integrate into a culture founded on principles of liberty, justice, and equality.

Now our president wants to send them back to a place they have never known. We, the citizens of the United States who represent the American dream, must fight for the Dreamers to have equal Americans around the country protest The DACA Repeal opportunity. While the United States is current-

homecoming ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

abby Kleman ’18 editor in chief

the case regarding DACA, we must demonstrate that Dreamers are human beings who deserve a chance to live in, and contribute to our society.

How does America embody freedom when our current leader does not support the freedoms of childhood immigrants? In the summer of 2016, I took a trip to El Paso, Texas with some of my classmates.

We stayed in a house with immigrants of all ages who were seeking asylum. During the week, we immersed ourselves in the Spanish culture and integrated with the house’s inhabitants. We cooked, cleaned, ate, and played with our house mates in order to better understand their daily lives. At the end of the day, no matter their citizenship status, the immigrants who shared their house with us are human beings whose parents wanted freedom for them, and who now want freedom for themselves and their children. Even though these individuals have not had the easiest lives, they were thankful for our help and for the asylum they originally sought.

continued on page 11...

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Entertainment

club spotlight: spirit committee speaking up: emma landis ’19 Spirit Committee, commented, “I want to keep ‘Role entertainment writer Call’ because it’s fun, and I want to have it when I’m club spotlight a senior. I think we should change who is involved The clubs and committees at Wilmington Friends have been incredibly active in both the school and the greater Wilmington community. A club this year at Wilmington Friends that looks to make an impact on the students and faculty is the Arts and Activism club, clerked by Evie Kortanek ’18 and Maddie Malone ’18. The club, as its title implies, has a primary focus on current global issues and expression of ideas for change through art. When asked about the club’s ambitions for the year, Malone stated: “our goal as a club is to express our beliefs on modern issues that continue to disrupt society, through different medias.

We have a website for people to view the art, and even though it may not be seen by many, we are displaying our different opinions.” The club spent much time working on an installation. “We have an installation that we have been working on for the past year,” says Malone. She also states that the installation “highlights things such as the Quaker values” and that they “feel that this is a simple representation of what the school stands for, in regards to having different opinions, and respecting each other’s thoughts and ideals.”

The installation is nearly complete, is currently in the art room, and is available to all students.

Students are encouraged to visit the installation, even if they are not in the club or an art class.

If students are unable to see the installation in person, they can check out the Arts and Activism website where it will be posted once it is completed. More information about the club and its gallery can be found at http://www.artsactivism. com. The ability to voice one’s opinion and respect the diverse opinions of others is something at the core of Wilmington Friends School.

Another club that allows for students to speak openly about controversial global topics is the World Affairs club. This club allows students to engage in debates that not only allow for two different perspectives to be heard, but are also a great way of spreading important ideas through the entertaining medium of debate. The majority of the high school normally attends these debates, which increases the discourse between diverse opinions before, during, and after the event. The club, proctored by history teacher Javier Ergueta, and clerked by Grant Sheppard ’19, Natalie DePaulo ’18, and Izze Rios ’18, has seen debate after debate filling the library with eager spectators. When asked about the value of a club like World Affairs at Wilmington Friends, clerk Sheppard said: “the value of [World Affairs Club] is that it educates the Wilmington Friends School community by showing multiple perspectives on issues facing both our country, and the world.”

Sheppard also believes that “in an ever more divided political climate, [World Affairs Club] debates allow us, as students and faculty members, to come together and listen to one another.”

The back and forth nature of the debates, coupled with students’ questions directed toward the debaters, both allow the community to walk away with a different viewpoint and understanding of the opposing viewpoints. Both of these clubs serve as shining examples of Wilmington Friends’ pursuit of allowing students to both learn about and express interest in conflicts that affect the community, nation, and world.

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As Wilmington Friends School’s Homecoming approaches, the members of Spirit Committee are working hard to plan the many events that Homecoming entails. Spirit Committee is one of the most popular clubs in the WFS upper school, run by many clerks due to the large amount of factors that go into planning Homecoming. Not only is there the day of Homecoming, consisting of sports games and activities, but there is also “Spirit Week,” the entire week of school leading up to the day of Homecoming, as well as the Homecoming dance held the night of Homecoming for 9th-12th graders. Since Friends has been around since 1748, naturally WFS has their share of traditions that students and parents look forward to every year. While the clerks of Spirit Committee must organize these, their hardest job is creating new and fun ways to expand on Homecoming, while still reaching back to WFS’s roots and celebrating the old traditions. It is important for the clerks to find a healthy balance between age-old traditions and new ways to make Homecoming enjoyable for everyone involved.

This year, Spirit Committee’s clerks are Alice Irwin ’18, Jay Handwerk ’18, Katrina Nix ’19, Alonia Needs ’19, Emma Landis ’19, Carson Davis-Tinnell ’19, Honor Dearlove ’19, Olivia Finizio ’19, and Dani Nathan ’19. While there are many clerks, there are also many jobs to do, decisions to make, and goals to achieve. One significant source of controversy is the “Role Call,” often performed at the Middle and upper school pep rally. The “Role Call” consists of calling out the names of each varsity sports captain, followed by a joke or clever line about the person.

It is put to a rhythm and has been a part of the pep rally for a long time, except for last year. Its controversy centers around the fact that it does not include everyone, and most middle schoolers do not relate to it. Alonia Needs ’19, co-clerk of Spirit Week for

in it to get more people to participate and show our school spirit. I think it’s a great way to get the school excited about the games on Saturday!” One of the main goals of Spirit Committee meetings is to settle controversies like these, because many people have strong and varying opinions regarding such traditions.

Another common topic around school right now is the Homecoming dance. In the past, students have shared diverse outlooks about the dance. Nix explained her viewpoint on the differing opinions: “I know in past years people haven’t come [to the dance] for various reasons. We want to make a more interactive theme so everybody will have a good time. We want to improve aspects [of the dance], but we made sure to keep what worked such as the food, the photo booth, and the games last year.” Nix and Nicholson are approaching the Homecoming dance planning in a way that will hopefully allow all those attending to have a fun time and look forward to Homecoming dances in the future. They are dedicated to not only bringing in new additions that will contribute to the overall enjoyment of the dance, but also continue on the things that have worked in the past. Spirit Committee is making the effort to reflect on the feedback they have received about previous Homecoming dance experiences so that they can hopefully make this one the most successful dance yet.

This year the ambitious group of clerks of Spirit Committee, along with the members, are putting together an exciting week of events characterized by inclusive and engaging activities and themes. Everyone in Spirit Committee is working hard to make this possible, so make sure to show school spirit and come out on Saturday, October 28th!

lunch and learn with cartoonist rob Armstrong honor dearlove ’19 entertainment writer

struggles he went through to be the successful man he is today. Now, looking at his experiences and books that he published, one would never expect the perseverance that he needed to gain the credibility that he has today. Coming out of college, where his talents as a cartoonist were fully recognized, Armstrong was hit with the harsh reality of the publishing industry. Going from publisher to publisher, he was repeatedly shut down, and where many people would give up and choose a new career path, Armstrong stayed true to his passions and did not quit until he was finally published. This kind of perseverance was pivotal in shaping who Armstrong is today and one of the most crucial lessons he emphasized during his speech.

This September, Wilmington Friends School welcomed cartoonist and motivational speaker Robb Armstrong to hold a Lunch and Learn. Armstrong is a successful cartoonist, well known for his creation of the comic strip “JumpStart.” In recent years, he has branched out from just cartooning, writing a selfhelp book and memoir titled Fearless: A Cartoonist’s Guide to Life, and speaking everywhere from schools to TEDx Talks. However, he was not always so successful, and the lessons he learned along his journey are what led to his talent for motivational speaking. During the A photo of Robb Armstrong Lunch and Learn, he shared these lessons with students.

Armstrong gave background on himself and the

http://web.gocomics.com-

john coons ’18 entertainment writer

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homecoming issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

Entertainment

Wilmington friends will put on “The crucible” Cries of hidden witches and devils behind pointed fingers pervade a town gripped by hysteria and vengeance. This is the world of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” a dramatized and partially fictionalized retelling of the Salem Witch trials during 1692-93 with perceptible political undertones. A majority of the WFS community is familiar with the piece, for it has been taught in middle school English classes, but now comes an opportunity to see it performed on stage–– for it’s this year’s upper school drama!

There is much excitement surrounding the play this year, especially from those working hard to make the show a reality. Palpable enthusiasm comes from the cast who recognize the play as a powerful and challenging piece. Jay Handwerk ’18, who plays the role of Reverend Samuel Parris, gave his reasons for joining the production: “I thought it was an interesting play and definitely, being one of the last years I have here, it’s one of my last chances to do a show, and I thought this was a very good show to go out on,” he says, “I thought it was an interesting play and definitely, being one of the last years I have here, it’s one of my last chances to do a show, and I thought this was a very good show to go out on.” Ryan Wolynetz ’18, who has the role of Reverend John Hale, expressed similar sentiments when asked why he wanted to be a part of the drama: “This is a play that I’m somewhat familiar with; we read it in 8th grade and it’s very exciting because now this is the first time I’ve been in a play that I’m really familiar with.” Wolynetz went on to say, “and don’t get me wrong, I loved being in others. I’ve been in three other plays before this one, and they were all really great, but this one I think gives me a more challenging part, and for me, that’s exciting.

I’m excited for this production.” The cast is not only thrilled to experience “The Crucible,” but hope that their peers are as well.

“It’s a fun cast. [People should come see it] because we all have fun in it, so we want to share some of that fun with [the WFS community]!” said Casey Tyler ’19, who plays Giles Corey, after being asked why those inside and outside the WFS community ought to watch it. Wolynetz also promoted the drama: “it’s a very powerful play. It’s a timeless classic by Arthur Miller. Very well-written.” Naturally, the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming performance extends to the directors themselves. They emphasized the importance of the piece. Lisa Osicky, English Teacher and Director, stated: “I think that it has a really important message for today’s audience. It’s about the Salem Witch Hunts, but there have been different kinds of witch hunts over and over and over again, back to McCarthyism, and even now we keep looking for the witches.” Lauren Gutstein, English Teacher and Director, also provided her opinion on the show’s significance and why the student body should watch it. “It’s gonna be great, and we worked really hard, and it’s a show that is important,” she says, “I think [“The Crucible”] speaks to our times today, and I think that most of the student body has read the play and should take this chance to see it come alive––with our wonderful students in the roles!”

With excitement running high, those involved in “The Crucible” have been working tirelessly to make the production the best it can be. They aspire to do justice to a remarkable drama that has stood the test of time, so go out and support them! Students, faculty, families, and friends are all welcome to this year’s upper school drama which is sure to impact the heart and mind alike.

homecoming issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY

continued from page 8 After telling the story of what he went through to become the successful cartoonist he is today, Armstrong spoke more on other issues, namely the importance of diversity in America.

Due to Armstrong’s speaking ability, he was able to make his message clear. Robb Armstrong’s Lunch and Learn portrayed strong messages of great importance relating to perseverance and diversity in an interesting and engaging way, filled with anecdotes and The cover page of one of the subtle humor.

Students had an incredible response to this Lunch and Learn. Ellie Bradley ’19 had this to say about the speech: “I learned how we shouldn’t give up no matter what, even if our goals have a lot of obstacles in the way, because

Robb Armstrong was able to persist through people telling him he wasn’t good enough, and look where he is today!” Nearly everyone left the speech talking about how motivated and inspired they were

by Armstrong to go after their goals even though it might be difficult. Additionally, students loved Armstrong’s use of cartooning to tell the story of his life. Ruth Hazzard ’19 spoke fondly of this aspect of his Lunch and Learn. “It was so interesting,” says Hazzard, “to see him actually drawing the characters as he was telling stories about them!” This hands on approach to the speech was extremely appealing to students, keeping them “JumpStart” collections engaged as they saw Armstrong’s cartooning talents come to life. Unsurprisingly, Armstrong has become such a popular and passionate motivational speaker, because his ability to teach important lessons in an engaging way helped his message to resonate with the student body here at WFS! https://www.amazon.com/

Matthew byer ’18 entertainment editor

“The crucible” word search

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news

Where does our community get their news?

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He described how Ailes used interesting graphics and an integration of sound and music to make his shows more appealing to the audience. When MSNBC copied his strategy, they found that their prime time rating soared by more than 50 percent.

This “entertainment-ification” of TV news shows is dangerous to their quality.

If these networks are more focused on viewers, they place more value on how entertaining the show is rather than how accurate. They do this because it is what appeals to viewers, who are so immersed in sources of information; in order to distinguish themselves they need to be attention-grabbing. Information has become so easily accessible that, like any commodity that is easy to come by, it has become devalued. Why should people pay for information when they can just search on the internet and see what people are saying about it? While this has had a disastrous effect this on newspapers, leading to major downsizing and budget cuts, it also has a disastrous effect on society as a whole. In his book, Brave New World, written in 1939, Aldous Huxley describes a society that has become so apathetic that there would never be a reason to ban a book because no one would ever want to read one. In this world, the truth becomes irrelevant because people don’t care. The view of the future that Huxley describes in his dystopian novel is perhaps more dramatic than our society can expect, but presents justification for concern.

Ultimately the news is important because it is how people fight off apathy and inertia in order to get involved in the system that governs them. The power of the media is that it empowers the people. Dissolved interests in current events and the world is a relinquishment of that power.

Poll conducted amongst students at Wilmington Friends School on the form

people reported getting their news largely from word of mouth and what they heard other people discussing that day. This was the fourth largest percentage reported, and was only a little over one percent smaller than the number of people who reported getting their news from TV channels.

The second part of the poll asked WFS students

Leah Johnson

Why should people read the news when in many cases it does not affect them and often makes them feel powerless to fuel change? Every day it seems as if there is a new natural or man made disaster wreaking havoc over unsuspecting people or a horrible attack being perpetrated against unarmed civilians.

Wars rage on and refugees are forced to leave their homes for a foreign land that is not always welcoming, and it makes us want to tune out for a while.

So why should we train ourselves with dogged resolve to read reputable news sources and be informed about the global community? Because the people’s right to know is the foundation of our democracy. It is the media that has historically been the voice of the people and, in many senses, the fourth branch of government. It is important to make the connections between current events and past events so as to understand not only what is happening, but why it is happening.

How the American people have received news in the past is radically different from the technology-driven consumption of today, but concepts like fake news were around long before 2016. Before technology, most people received news and information from newspapers, books, and word of mouth. This limited access to information, which meant that news was primarily valued by its accuracy.

In the 1600s space in a newspaper was prized because printing one was so expensive, therefore articles getting published went through a rigorous review process for factual accuracy. The primary difference between news of the past and the news of now is the abundance of information at humanity’s fingertips. Instead of reading through a book, the internet is close at hand with a speedy answer. In order to state an opinion one no longer needs to be published in a newspaper or journal, but only post on Facebook or create a blog. This has fundamentally changed how the American and global society perceive information, and by extension, news.

The growth of technology has made the world smaller. It enables people to communicate across long distances which has led to an interweaving of politics, culture, and economies across the globe. It also means that anyone can express any opinion and have it broadcast to millions of people with little to no filter or review process. When asked what she thinks about the growth of technology on our news, Bella Stuccio ’19 responded, “Growth of technology has made it easier to receive news, but it also means that not all the news people receive is accurate. This is especially true for social media. It can be a good thing and a bad thing.” It also has changed the media with which Americans get their news. Previously newspapers were predominant; now, a poll by the Pew Research Center in February of 2016 reports that 57% of adults often get news from TV, while 38% get news from online (social media, websites, apps, etc). This demonstrates how influential technologies such as the internet and televisions have become with regards to how Americans get the news.

A recent poll at WFS asks a similar question: How do students in our community get their news? This

poll revealed that of the 145 student responses, 38.6% learn about the news from social media, which is eerily close to the national average of adults. The other noteworthy revelation from this poll was that 15.2% of

Leah Johnson

Leah Johnson ’18 news editor

Poll conducted about informed students at WFS feel about the news.

how informed they feel about current events. Most of the responses indicated that students felt fairly well informed.

When asked whether this surprised her, Hailey DiCindio ’18 commented, “It doesn’t. A lot of clubs and committees contribute to that, and teachers make an effort to bring up current events; like when Mr. Rashkind related the Las Vegas shootings to what we were learning about in English class. Basically everyone in the class had something to say about the Las Vegas shooting, so that indicated that people generally knew what was going on.” This suggests that wherever students are getting their news, they feel fairly well informed by those sources. When looking at the top three percentages, which are 38.6% for social media, 22.8% for online newspaper, and 16.6% for TV news, it is important to consider just how reliable those sources of news are.

Social media is notorious for feeding its consumers with news that fits their personal point of view, which is expressed in their media presence. TV news, however, is more interesting because it has a more reputable reputation, but considerable drawbacks. In the New York Times article by Dan Abrams called “What is Was Like to Compete Against Roger Ailes and Fox News,” which was published in July of 2016, the author examines how in order to compete with Fox News, he, the Network Manager for MSNBC, had to make his network more attention-grabbing and entertaining.

continued from page 3 However an anonymous student did express concern when remarking, “Yes, because I guess Kim JongUn is pretty crazy and you can’t really trust him.” Others still expressed confidence in our nation’s ability to handle the threat and commented, “Not really. If they attack us, they’re done.”

Finally, they were asked if they feel the conflict personally affects them and the WFS community directly.

Their answers were consistently “no.”

The danger of Kim Jong Un should not be underestimated: his actions have clearly indicated that his goal is to harm the United States and his treatment of his country demonstrates his cruelty. It has been decades since the US was attacked on US soil, and students and even adults these days have trouble conceiving what that would be like. To US citizens, war and destruction are dangers of far away places. In a situation like this, perhaps we won’t really feel in danger until that danger is immediately upon us. It is more important than ever to have a strong, united White House that has a plan for how to defend the country. However, right now there is only a president who made false promises to his supporters and a turbulent White House that has failed to be the leader that the world needs. As a result of this, we may not fully understand the danger the US is in until it hits us, literally.

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Community

opinion piece on daca - Dreamers deserve freedom (continued) While we participated in an incredulous amount of tear-jerking experiences, such as an emotional court case and a personal story from a new mother, we also shed many happy tears. My favorite part was undoubtedly the informal concert that we attended with the “Abuelas” (Grandmothers) of the house. We all danced, sang, and laughed together. Nobody thought about the color of our skin or where we came from.

In that moment, nothing mattered except unity. This trip truly provided an eye-opening perspective that peaceful coexistence is the answer to oppression and equality, especially for minors who came to the United States with their families.

Now, the Dreamers of America will soon be thrown into the vast unknown purely out of hate and ignorance. When President Trump revoked the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted on September 5th, 2017, “Brought by parents, these children had no choice in coming here. Now they’ll be sent to countries they’ve never known. Cruel.

Not America.” We must remember that the Dreamers did not choose to come to America; they have no other home. Biden emphasizes these two key points, as he suggests that Trump’s revocation of DACA is “Not America.” This further begs the question: “What is America?”

When I was a sophomore, I remember learning about how the United States is a “melting pot.” The online definition of the figurative term “melting pot” is, “A place where different people or different cultures all come together and begin to merge and mix.” America is an example of a melting pot where immigrants and people from all over the world visit, live, and share thoughts and ideas to create a new united culture.

Now, I do not believe that the United States is a

melting pot. I do not believe that the United States embodies acceptance. I do not believe that the United States truly manifests the idea that “all men are created equal.” However, I do believe that we have the ability to change the status of our country, a country that supposedly symbolizes freedom and justice for all.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” If we truly wish for America to live up to its melting pot status, then we must spark the change. We must band together to show that the Dreamers deserve to stay in the United States; they deserve to stay in their home. Over time, I have learned that simple gestures go a long way. One of the most important things that you can do is read the news and

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, “Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom,” he powerfully stated, “I am convinced that for practical as well as moral reasons, nonviolence offers the only road to freedom for my people.” King was an advocate for peaceful protest, and I believe that we can still benefit from his advice in 2017.

In the Women’s March of 2017, between 440,000 and 500,000 people in Washington, D.C. participated in this peaceful demonstration for important causes, such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and immigration reform. An estimated amount of 5 million people marched worldwide. When individuals come together to peacefully fight for human rights, they educate others about significant causes, and they allow people to hear their voices and feel their energy. Your voice can be heard too; join a peaceful march or organize one with people who want to share your same message. Power truly lies within the people, and when enough people come together to fight for change, bonds are formed and hope is born.

I am thrilled that QUEST has decided to take another trip to El Paso, Texas this upcoming summer. Donald Moron ’94, upper school history teacher, reflected, “QUEST has made the decision to travel to El Paso again as we continue see the southern border as central to both American politics and national security. The WFS students that travel to the border this summer will understand the challenges of international boundaries in a way that can only be experienced first-hand. We are excited to partner with the World Leadership School again this year.” I hope that the people who embark on this journey will see the world in a new light. I hope that they will see why the Dreamers were given this name in the first place. Above all, I know that they will spark change. You can too.

Nbcnews.com

abby kleman ’18 editor in chief

People peacefully protest Trump’s DACA revocation

educate yourself about current events; once you create your stance on an issue, then you can take initiative.

E-mail your State Senator, your Governor, or even the President himself. Also, peaceful protests and marches are sparks which can ignite the flames of change.

opinion: Jemele Hill, ESPN, and the NFL controversy Marley morton ’18 columnist Jemele Hill, an ESPN personality SportsCenter host, was suspended for two weeks over a tweet. Hill, who is a 41 year old African-American woman, was already forced to apologize earlier this fall after calling President Trump a white supremacist on Twitter -- to which the White House called for her firing. In addition to Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders calling Hill’s statement a “fireable offence,” ESPN rebuked Hill, saying she crossed a line, and Donald Trump blasted the network itself over Twitter.

This time, the tweet that went against ESPN’s social media policy and guidelines was in response to Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, who wrote that he would bench any players who “disrespect the flag.”

In reply to this, Hill suggested that any fans who disagreed with Jones should boycott Cowboys advertisers.

“Change happens when advertisers are impacted,” she wrote, “If you feel strongly about JJ’s statement, boycott his advertisers.” Hill later clarified that she was not calling for an NFL boycott, but was pointing out the “unfair burden” of the players.

Soon after, ESPN released a statement saying Hill

was suspended for a, quote unquote, second violation of their social media guidelines: “Jemele Hill has been suspended for two weeks for a second violation of our social media guidelines. She previously acknowledged letting her colleagues and company down with an impulsive tweet. In the aftermath, all employees were reminded of how individual tweets may reflect negatively on ESPN and that such actions would have consequences. Hence this decision.”

Hill, along with her co-host Michael Smith who is also African-American, did not appear on the following episode of SportsCenter. Matt Barrie hosted alone, on a standard set missing the SC6 branding that usually accompanies the Hill and Smith show.

Whether good or bad, it’s safe to say that most football fans have an opinion on Hill’s suspension. If not that, it’s the players’ right to protest during the anthem.

Trump has criticized the NFL for allowing their players to kneel or sit during the playing of the national anthem. Vice President Mike Pence even walked out of an Indianapolis Colts vs San Francisco 49ers game after around two dozen players knelt during the national anthem.

He later tweeted, “I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.”

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To make things clear: The NFL players who refuse to stand for the anthem aren’t protesting the flag or the anthem; they’re objecting to the ridiculously high number of unarmed black people victim to police brutality and death in United states. So what Jerry Jones is really saying when he says that players can’t be “disrespectful,” is actually that black people aren’t supposed to complain or protest the hard fact that we are killed by the police -- even when unarmed.

Anchors who are not black, who are not women, who say things more offensive, only get a tiny slap on the wrist. A little while back, ESPN faced criticism for a lack of diversity -- female anchors and people of color were just not in front of the camera. Black women certainly were not lead anchors on their shows. Jemele Hill and Michael Smith were part of the network’s change, hosting SC6 or SportsCenter. Smith and Hill mix in pop culture with their opinions, differing from the standard. Hill has always had opinions and has always expressed them either on air or on the website, even going as far to question professional athletes.

51 percent of Americans believe the NFL protests are appropriate, yet we are apparently expected to give ESPN a pat on the back for suspending an anchor who resonates with over half of the pool. The future of America is in the people’s hands now.

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Olivia o’donnell ’18 columnist “Yale, where do you stand?” the stark white letters brazenly read.

Unlike the various other posters hung one after another on a noticeboard at the university’s campus, this perfervid question demanded to be viewed.

While posted in 2015 in response to racial intolerance exhibited by students and faculty/administrators, the momentum of such a query has not slowed-instead injecting itself into conversations beyond Yale’s borders.

Throughout the U.S. research centers have consistently demonstrated the political ignorance of American voters. A 2016 survey from University of Pennsylvania’s Annenburg Public Policy Center showed that 31% of Americans cannot name the three branches of government; a 2012 report done by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, or ATCA, declared that less than 20% of American college graduates could identify the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. On the global scale, Pew Research Center determined that only 37% of participants knew the name of the recently-elected President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

At face value, it may seem insignificant that most Americans cannot recite the words ‘legislative’, ‘judicial’, and ‘executive’ without utilizing their Google search engine. However, after further inspection it is clear that these statistics signify something far worse than failing to recognize a few facts--they shed light on the pervasive problem of civic illiteracy and disempowerment.

In an interview with a Forbes writer, Professor and author Ilya Somin addressed this indisputable issue, “No one survey question is all that important by itself. What matters far more is the cumulative weight of widespread political ignorance across a wide range of issues… the fact that most people do not know is a strong indication of their ignorance about politics and public policy generally.”

He continued, “While political ignorance is often rational behavior for individuals, it can lead to terrible collective outcomes. It does not matter much if any one voter is ignorant, but it does matter if we have an entire electorate that is that way.”

Widespread voter ignorance continues to serve as a detriment to our democracy; when people fail to educate themselves, they strip themselves of their power and cause harm to all people who suffer from the consequences of their decisions. Thus, voter education is necessary to combat the inevitably poor decisions made by uninformed voters. Understanding governmental policies, foundations, and views opposite of one’s own provide a holistic approach to determining who gets one’s vote or when one should reach out to his or her local representative to oppose this or that bill. Picking a candidate is like label-checking an item of food: if a bag of chips contains garbage, 0% intellect, and the idiocy to start World War III, would you eat it? Probably not. So why pick a candidate with this ingredient list?

Still, whether or not one can vote should not stop one from staying informed. While voting can provide the opportunity to exercise one’s knowledge, it should not be the reason anyone refrains from understanding current events. Everyone has the power to stimulate change, especially through knowledge accumulated from multiple perspectives. All people should possess political consciousness to avoid inflicting ignorance unto others. “Where do you stand?”

PAGE 12

spotlight on the wilmington friends school boys’ soccer team tain Chad Connors ’18, citing him as an inspiration for the younger players, “I swear, sometimes I believe the flash is on my team. I see a streak of red as Chad The boys’ soccer team at Wilmington Friends Connors goes flying by, hustling after the play.” It is School has always been known as an enjoyable team clear that the entire team respects their hard-working to join in the fall. In the past it has been stereotyped seniors, as the seniors mutually honor and push their as one of the less serious teams, fueled more by a teammates to reach their goals. This shared attitude strong team bond than by winning records. With all has allowed for new players to flourish over the past of the hype four years, surrounding becoming some of the state-reother fall nowned playteams, the ers. Danny soccer team Manley ’18 sometimes is a perfect slips into the example of back of many the team’s students’ success. Alminds. Usualthough Danly, this is the ny did not dangerous start playing place when soccer until a team’s 8th grade, his performance teammates’ suffers. This encourageyear, the ment has The Wilmington Friends Boys’ Soccer Team cools down after a soccer team pushed him game has refused to be the to accept this, player and ditching old role model stereotypes he is today. and replacing them with impressive wins in and out Max Pickles ‘18 has seen him progress as a player, of the conference. The boys’ team has turned around and is nothing short of impressed by his teammate, the momentum of unsuccessful seasons, and over the “Danny's work ethic is incredible. The kid never gets past four years has consistently improved to reach tired. He does the work of three players, earning him the point which they are at now. They have earned recognition as third team all-state last season.” their place in the Delaware soccer spotlight, and have The boys’ team has not performed in a playoff for made the entire community proud of their constant nearly ten years. With records steadily improving effort and sportsmanship. over the last four years, this team is showing promise While the stereotypes of losing seasons and lackaas the one to end the drought. daisical attitudes have been abandoned, the team has Narrowly missing the playoffs last season motivatembraced the notion of being a fun, inclusive team. ed the seniors to try even harder in their last opporTwo-year captain Max tunity at a postseason Pickles ‘18 observed, run. As of now, the “We have a really coteam has recorded five hesive dynamic on the wins, three more than team, while we push they accumulated in each other on the field, their entire freshman we indulge in friendly season. Their final banter off the pitch. We five games have been include every grade in described as winnable our antics, which has by many players, giving brought everyone on hope for a strong finish the team together. We to an impressive seahave the best starting son. The end of their record since I started season will be highplaying, and the potenlighted as they play tial to have a winning against St. Andrews on season.” While having Homecoming. Tradifun on a team might tionally St. Andrews Max Pickles ’18 is a Captain of the WFS Boys’ Soccer Team be associated with lack has one of the stronof discipline and drive, gest soccer programs the soccer team has found the perfect balance of hard in the state. Instead of looking at this looming oppowork and lighthearted moments. nent with fear, the seniors see this as an opportunity One of the key differences about this season is a to showcase how far they have come as a team. strong core of seniors that have been playing on the Even though the soccer team has been out of the varsity squad for four years. They have found this spotlight in past years, this year’s team has demandbalance of fun, and are now leaders on a team which ed their place through hard work, success, and a embodies an exciting spread of old and young talent. strong team dynamic. Regardless of how their season This group of seniors is not only setting the bar high plays out, the entire Friends community is proud of with their notable performances; they are also raising the leadership, respect, and spirit that the team has the bar for talented younger players for seasons to shown this year. come. Jack Taylor ’20 spoke about the hustle of capmike coons ’18 junior editor

Photo by Debbie Ross

the importance of politics

Larry Kuhn Photography

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