The
WM
hittier
Welcome Issue 2015 Since 1884
iscellany
Wilmington Friends School's Community Newspaper
Capturing the Class of 2016: Senior Edition Alex del Tufo '16 Editor-in-Chief
Let’s all give a warm welcome to the Class of 2016, the class least defined by one adjective. When searching for a word to describe this senior class, very little came to mind. We are not the “genius grade” or the “troublemakers.” We don’t all fall under one umbrella of “wild,” “motivated,” or “athletic.” When we leave this school we won’t be stealing an entire sports team, or all of robotics. We will be graduating this school with an opera singer, a world traveler, a computer savant, a D1 athlete, and a handful of straight-A students. The students of the Class of 2016 are diverse in the most simple definition of the word: “very different.” We are different from one another and from any class before us. This year’s seniors will not be remembered for their insane senior prank, or their senior week spirit. The Class of 2016 will be remembered by all we accomplished. We will be remembered for the troublemakers and the rule followers, for the athletes and the bookworms. We are a class made up of bookworm athletes. When talking about the Class of 2016, Dean of Upper School, Lynn PuritzFine says, “This is a class whose members truly let their lives speak across the board in service and innovation throughout our classes, fields and courts, our stage and beyond in the greater community.” We will be remembered by the unique mosaic pieces that add up to the beautiful, flawed, and random masterpiece that is our class. It is all the obscure and diverse characteristics of our students that make the Class of 2016 special. Like any grade we’ve got the students that say athletics is what gets them through the day. Varsity Soccer Captain, Patrick Haubert ’16 says, “[Soccer] helps form part of my identity, but being a student at WFS, it's just a part of who I am. Soccer is what I look forward to every day.” Along with the athletes we’ve got our musicians. Ciara Graves ’16 is both
involved with the school’s traditional Jazz band as well as a more unique musical hobby, “I like to make my own electronic dance music using a software on my computer as well as make remixes and mashups.” Graves is not the only one in our grade with a unique music talent. Joslyn Gardner ’16 has a not-so-secret talent as well, “I love singing! I think it's a great way to express emotions, and to convey a story. I get to become a different character which is probably why I do the musicals and dramas. I really have a passion for the theater.” Not only does Gardner have a passion for theater, but the even more impressive art of opera singing. A few of our students broadened their communities recently, traveling across the globe. Olivia Garber ’16 was involved in the School Year Abroad program in France for the 2014-2015 school year. When talking about the experience she says, “I learned a lot about myself and a new culture. I learned that there is no ‘baseline human’. People are different in France, and things we consider as important values here don't translate on the other side of the world. I learned to put aside my expectations and embrace the unexpected.” In addition to our class’s involvement in SYA, many of our classmates traveled over the summer. Julia Delzingaro ’16, one of the students that attended the Dominican Republic trip, says, “[The trip] changed me by allowing me to be more open to opportunities like where I felt comfortable going.” From experiencing different lifestyles to different cultures, the Class of 2016 has seen a lot. This year’s senior class is less of a smoothie, more of a fruit salad; and sometimes a little cheesy. We aren’t a blended concoction producing one result; we are a combination of different tastes ending in a divided, yet coexisting treat. The student body can look forward to a school year led by the best and the brightest from every category. Let’s have a round of applause for the Wilmington Friends School Class of 2016!
Recap of the Summer's Biggest News Stories Jodi Lessner '16 Editor-in-Chief
With the summer of 2015 at a close, here is a look back on important world events that took place: Charleston Shooting continues discussion on race relations: On June 17, 2015 nine African Americans were murdered in a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the man accused of this crime, Dylann Roof. This shooting comes amid a summer filled with racial tension over police brutality and Black Lives Matter protests. SCOTUS rules YES on gay marriage: On June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision to allow same-sex marriage in every state. This ruling is the culmination of years of protests, pride parades, legal cases, and the advancement of equality in America. 2016 presidential race heats up: The 2016 presidential race has been a hot topic this summer, with over a year left until the election. The Republican Party has dominated headlines this summer after their first debate on Fox News, as well as controversial statements made by its eighteen candidates vying to have their name on the top of the ticket. Businessman Donald Trump has been leading the pack amid offensive comments directed towards Mexicans, women, other politicians, and more. On the other side of the aisle, Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton is leading most of the polls despite the scandal revolving around her use of a private email server during her time as Secretary of State. Close behind Clinton in some states is the more liberal leaning Bernie Sanders. Iran nuclear deal will go through: President Obama has gained enough votes to be able to sustain a veto so that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect. The United States and five other countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, and Germany, reached an agreement at the beginning of the summer with Iran to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. In the deal, Iran promised to limit their production of materials that could make a bomb. In exchange, the other countries in the agreement will lift
economic sanctions. This deal is very controversial: some people think that this deal is the only way to slow down Iran’s access to nuclear weapons, while others think that the agreement is not strong enough to prevent an eventual acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. Mass shootings continue: Gun violence continued this summer with mass shootings all over the country. In July, a man in Louisiana injured nine and killed three in a movie theater using a legally purchased gun. In Tennessee, a gunman wounded four and injured three people outside of a military recruiting center, also using mostly legally purchased guns. Recently, James Holmes, the Aurora County, Colorado movie theater shooter was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. In Wilmington, gun violence continues to be an issue, according to the News Journal, with twenty-seven people shot in August alone. Migrants and refugees stream across borders in Europe: Thousands of refugees have streamed across borders all over Europe with the hopes of fleeing their war-torn countries, such as Iraq, Syria, and Libya. Migrants and refugees have been turning to smugglers to get them into Europe, a dangerous and expensive method. Some European countries are allowing some refugees to resettle in their countries, while other European countries have not made it easy for these refugees and migrants to cross their borders by putting up fences, shutting down train services, and denying access to their countries. Chinese economy affects world economy: August started a downward trend for stock markets around the world after Chinese stock market values fell dramatically. The fall of the market happened due to overvalued stocks in a heavily invested market. To combat the decline, the Chinese government devalued their currency, the yuan, with hopes that this will encourage Chinese citizens to buy more products locally, specifically Chinese products. ISIS destroys ancient ruins in Palmyra, Syria: In August, ISIS militants destroyed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dating as far back as 44-103 A.D. The destruction was a part of an effort to eliminate ‘pagan symbols’ built before the creation of Islam.
Wilmington, DE
New GLC and Library Open Maddie Ireland '16 News Editor The first day of school is always a day of change. Students are returning to their old ways of waking up early and doing homework until going to bed. Students must learn new locker combinations, meet new teachers and students, and memorize new schedules. Unlike previous years, however, students must also face a new kind of change in the form of a new wing and renovated library. The Global Learning Center, otherwise known as the GLC, began construction in the spring of the 20142015 school year, in the hopes of establishing a more convenient language wing for high school students. While the third floor was traditionally used as the upper school language wing, it will now be used as the language wing for only middle school, one of the many perks of the GLC. The GLC provides entirely new classrooms and study spaces for students and teachers to take advantage of, complete with solar powered lights, new desks, and new Smartboards. The GLC also extends to the “junior lounge”, for which new furniture has been provided on which students can relax and study during their free time. While attending classes in the GLC is an adjustment for students, taking Spanish, French or Mandarin classes in the new wing makes class that much more interesting. Jeffrey McAbee ’19 says, “I would say that the new classrooms in the GLC are definitely amazing, and are very comfortable and spacious, making it easier to learn.” Despite recent excitement about the GLC, it is not the only new building students are talking about. Also new to the building is the library. While technically the library has been around for years, it is almost unrecognizable since undergoing renovations last spring. The library now contains three glass cubicles, nicknamed “Ice Cubes” available to students for group projects, to practice a presentation, or even work in a quiet, more individualized space. Speakers are also located all around the walls of the library and a projector and screen have been installed for students to watch a movie for a class or do major presentations. However, one of the best features of the library is the one that is the least changed: the balcony. Library Media Specialist and Quakerism teacher, Mary Woodward says, “My favorite feature is that the balcony will be used by students again.” Once used by students many years ago, the library balcony became closed to off to students until the recent renovations. Although it is still being decorated, the balcony is expected to have carrels so students can study in a more solitary space. A new staircase was added, providing students with access to the balcony, as well as a sitting space to study, relax, or hold class meetings. The GLC and new library are certainly different than the spaces were this time last year, making students excited to learn more about the new facilities. Marie Devoll ’19 says “I feel like it looks so good that it could be a part of a college campus. It makes me want to hang out there more!” Devoll is not the only student who is excited to explore the new spaces. Patrick Haubert ’16 says, “I'm really excited to be able to use the GLC. The new classrooms are a huge upgrade from the old third floor ones and the new library is really cool too.” Despite the stress that comes along with change, the new facilities have brought about the best kind of change that can come with a new school year. Students are generally excited to experience the Global Learning Center and newly renovated library for themselves. For some students, this may include testing the new cubicles, or taking a class in the GLC. For other students, it might be enjoying the surround-sound speakers in the library or studying on the balcony. The Global Learning Center and library are just two reasons for students to be excited for the rest of the 2015-2016 school year; reminding students why studying and learning can be captivating.
Community
How WFS fulfills Forming Friends in Foreign Lands the “S” in SPICES Christian Stanborough ’16 Features Editor
Matt Tornek ’17 Sports Editor This Friday is service day at Wilmington Friends School. Service day is an annual opportunity for upper school students to bond in their advisory groups while doing good for the community. There are many organizations in the area that can always use some extra help. Instead of simply doing bonding activities at school, advisees have the chance to come together over a worthy cause. When asked about service day, Andrew Slomski ’17 commented, “I think it’s a good opportunity to get to know your advisory better and help other people at the same time.” One place that is always in need of help is the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provides housing for families whose children are being treated for serious illnesses at the hospital nearby. In many instances, these families have to travel long distances to get to the hospital and stay for long periods of time, and can’t afford to live in a hotel or rent a house. Every year, WFS holds a drive to collect basic necessities for families who stay there. Another worthy cause, the Clothing Bank of Delaware is an organization that provides free clothing for people in the communitty. Because there is so much clothing to sort, and a limited staff, the Clothing Bank of Delaware always needs the help of volunteers. Friends has gone for the past couple of years to help lighten the burden for the employees, and help the community as well. “Doing service with my advisory was great because I got to talk with my friends about what everyone did over the summer,” said Eleanor Napoli ’16. Last fall, she worked alongside her advisees to clean up and maintain the grounds at the Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery, a local cemetery with a 170-year long history. Napoli expressed that she greatly enjoyed the experience: “It was really chill and fun, especially because we were also working with another advisory, and we got a chance to bond with them, too.” This year, students have an opportunity to continue helping preserve a graveyard with deep roots in the Wilmington region. The Hagley Museum and Library has been another service destination for Friends. Hagley is a local museum that works to educate the community about the history of the Brandywine Valley, and hosts many events, annually, which bring the community together. Wilmington Friends students who volunteer at Hagley work to bring to life the families who lived and worked there and the technologies they used in the past, as well as maintain the grounds and equipment. Another organization that Wilmington Friends has become very involved with is the Boys & Girls Club, with students participating in afterschool volunteer programs and a club dedicated to organizing events and fundraisers. During the school year, students at WFS have an opportunity to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club as part of Mike’s Team, an academic mentoring program which benefits young kids. Friends students will go to the H. Fletcher Brown location from 3-6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year to mentor inner-city children. Students and kids do activities, homework, and play games together. This year on Service Day, advisories will be doing service at three locations around Wilmington: the H. Fletcher Brown, Clarence Fraim , and New Castle Boys & Girls Clubs. At the end of the second week of a new school year, taking a day off from normal school work to get to know and catch up with fellow advisees after an eventful summer is a welcomed break. With a diverse list of service destinations, many of which are connected in other ways to Friends School, everyone is sure to have fun bonding with their advisories while working to better the Wilmington community. The Whittier Miscellany Welcome 2015
WFS summer trips are an excellent way for students to not only form bonds between their fellow classmates, but to create lasting friendships and develop an understanding of cultures all over the world. This past summer, Friends sent a group to Paris, France and Cabarete, Dominican Republic. In mid-June, the school sent students down to Cabarete to assist at a literacy camp for young children. The camp is split into three sections: art, English, and athletics, so our students split themselves into different groups accordingly. The education system in the DR is one of the poorest in the world, so it was beneficial for the kids to learn from an outside source. The local kids were always excited to see their friends return to the camp every day. Trip participant Andrew Jaworski ’17 said, “My favorite part of the trip was when we were able to see the children smile and interact with us through our language barrier. They didn’t want us to leave on our last day.” In addition to teaching local kids, Friends students learned about DR culture through experience. Jaworski mentioned his reaction to the road rules in the DR, or in this case, the lack of them. As they shuttled between their different locations, students would often see up to four cars passing each other on a two lane road. People never wore helmets when driving their motos, a cross between a dirtbike and a motorcycle. In their spare time, the students often went back to the hotel they were staying in. They also had opportunities to go on both a boat tour and a horseback riding trip during the week. Most importantly, they spent time with the locals. When asked about the local interactions, Julia Delzingaro ’16 responded, “I was not expecting everyone to be so kind and happy, especially because we were in a place where the people didn’t live in such great conditions.” Clearly the conditions in Cabarete were bad, but poverty is not the only issue the locals were dealing with. Currently there is much controversy over a recent law change in the DR, which states that a child is not a Dominican citizen if both parents aren’t originally from there, despite being born in the country. This law is specifically targeting Haitians, many of which were at the camp. Rebecca Zug, Head of the Upper School and one
of the faculty members on the trip, said, “The government was going to do a major sweep with the police right around the time of our trip to find and deport Haitians without papers. The local community was all abuzz about it and when I got home I saw several new pieces in the New York Times on the issue.” Even in the face of tremendous hardship, the kids seemed to always find something to be happy about, and our own students came back with a new perspective. When discussing the end of the trip, Jaworski added, “I feel a lot more fortunate to have the things that I have here, because most of those people don’t have the privileges that we have.” Meanwhile, across the world, seventeen students and three teachers set out for Paris. Similar to the school’s Costa Rica trip in 2014, the main purpose of this trip was to immerse students in the French culture. The group spent their first couple days sightseeing, visiting places such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and L’Arche de Triomphe. There was a slight bump in the trip when the majority of the students discovered that they had gotten fleas from the hostel they were staying in, but they were quickly treated. They then visited the town of Arles for a music festival, before staying with host families in Carcassonne. There, the students had opportunities to improve their language skills, as their families only spoke French. Rebecca Sakaguchi ’16 said, “After spending a few days with my host family, I could feel myself thinking in French. For example, I was sending a little update text to my dad in English, and my brain suddenly switched to French! A lot of my thoughts used French expressions, and it was pretty crazy how just being with my host family did that!” During their stay with host families, the students continued to visit many different sites including le Palais de Papes, les Baux de Provence, and also had a beach day. When they returned to Paris for the last night, they took a boat ride on the river Seine. On the trip overall, Evelyn Wakely ’17 shared, “Besides my tired feet and my itchy flea bites, I had a great time and tried to get everything out of it that I could, because I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Whether it was teaching kids about reading comprehension in the Dominican, or stumbling upon a wedding in front of a town hall in France, WFS trips always seem to leave students with a better sense of the world around them.
Preseason 2015: Off and Running Sadie Proud ’16 Katrina Skibicki ’16 Entertainment Editors
Although preseason is widely recognized as the most physically draining time of the year, many studentathletes cherish the camaraderie established as teams come together in the last few weeks of summer. Each sport enjoys its own bonding activities and traditions, such as sleepovers, t-shirt making, group skits, spontaneous water balloon fights, and lunch runs to Wawa and Trolley Square. Cross country captain and varsity runner Eleanor Napoli ’16 reflected on both the physical and teambuilding components of preseason, “Not only do we get to get in shape together, but we get to bond before the school year which makes it much easier for freshman, specifically, to transition into high school.” When asked about his thoughts about preseason, starting quarterback Justin Beneck ’17 replied similarly, “Pre-season is very important in my mind. It helps freshmen and kids new to the school feel like part of a group and make friends right away.” Field hockey captain Jackie Connor ’16 agreed with many of the other captains about the benefits of preseason, adding, “It’s amazing to have teammates and coaches who show up to practice everyday and encourage each other to be better athletes, mentally and physically.” Tough practices and extensive bonding have left our teams feeling prepared and excited for a successful fall. The girls volleyball team believes that their work ethic reflects their primary goal of winning the DISC Conference title. With two play-days under their belt, the team feels more prepared to dive into difficult matches. The play day schedules included 30 minute scrimmages with Tower Hill, Padua, and more. Alyssa Nathan ’17, captain, described the benefits of the team’s chemistry,
“I think that this volleyball season will be really great not just because we have a lot of volleyball skill but also because this long preseason has given us time to really bond as a team.” Hard work and determination are common themes in Wilmington Friends athletics. Members of the football team agree that this preseason was the most challenging but simultaneously most rewarding one so far. Soccer captain Patrick Haubert ’16 commented on his team’s effort during preseason, “We are already seeing results of our hard work, as we tied two playoff teams in scrimmages. It’s just going to come down to how focused we can stay as a team throughout the season and whether we can perform when it really matters.” Beyond the training and team-building benefits, the Quaker football and cross country teams decided to use this past preseason as an opportunity for service. After a week of excruciating two-a-day practices, football players dedicated their time to the annual Special Olympics Day. As they have for the past few years, the team hosted athletes from Special Olympics Delaware for a day of mini-games and drills. Captain Steven Maguire ’16 views the day not only as an opportunity to give back to the community but as a day for the whole football team to bond over something bigger, saying, “It really helps to bring the team together.” The cross country team followed suit, spending part of their preseason coordinating volunteer efforts in support of the ForeverStrong 5K. Cross country captain Katie Zucca ’16 believes that,“Service 5Ks give the team an opportunity to come together while fulfilling the Quaker values of Friends. ” All of the captains have high hopes for this year. When asked what he thought of the football team’s potential, Maguire enthusiastically replied, “We goin’ to state!” Good luck to all Friends teams in their upcoming seasons!
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