Tatted Up the Quaker Way
Lucia Cericola ‘25 Editor-In-Chief
Darío Lizancos-Robles has his first name tattooed on his forearm in swirly letters.
The IB Spanish professor faces no shortage of comments from his students, poking well-intentioned fun at the curious reasons behind his artistic choice. One WFS student remarks that “Darío must have chosen to tattoo his name on his arm in case he forgets it”. Gabe Fletcher ‘25 jokes, “Maybe he didn’t know what to put there, so he went with his name.”
Despite an onset of light-hearted teasing, Darío has not shied away from allowing his tattoos to be seen by students. After all, he
was our age when he received his first tattoo at the pinnacle of early adulthood.
Darío says, “I have three [tattoos]. The first I got was my name on my arm when I was 18.”
The tattoo Lizancos-Robles speaks of is the student-renowned forearm tattoo, featuring his first name in a large, cursive-esque font. The reason behind tattooing his own name on his arm? A resolution to an identity crisis.
“Fue un momento de reconectar con mi identidad,”
says Lizancos-Robles. “I had an identity crisis, where I didn’t like
GO BIRDS!
40 - 22
“A smackdown of all smackdowns,” says Logan Scott ‘25.
my name. Thanks to my mom, who explained to me the origins of my name, and why she named me that, and I came to like it a lot. And so, I tattooed it on my arm.”
Daríos second and third tattoos also portray an expression of his identity. His second (and most painful) tattoo was a group tattoo decided on by a circle of tight-knit friends. It features the landscape of his home city in Granada, Spain. “We tattooed our city together in 2016,” says Lizancos-Robles. The third is of his dog, Willie, a “super chill greyhound”.
Despite being ridiculed as a young adult, Lizancos-Robles believes that the stigma around having tattoos is changing.
Continuedonpage3
Red Means Love, and White Means...Friends?
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Staff Writer
A recent survey of upper school students at WFS revealed varying opinions on Valentine’s Day. Almost everyone ranked the holiday differently on a scale from one to ten. When students were asked who they received the most valentines from, the results were surprising. Despite Valentine’s Day being known as a holiday of romance, an overwhelming majority said they get valentines mostly from friends, then family members as a distant second, and finally crushes or partners as dead last.
Continuedonpage3
The Dangers of Political Apathy
“Cabaret”anditsRelevanceToday
Paz Becker ‘28 Staff Writer
The musical “Cabaret” (based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Christopher Isherwood, Goodbye to Berlin) tells the story of a society on the brink of chaos in 1930’s Berlin during the rise of Nazism. The narrative revolves around a group of hedonistic characters and the sleazy ‘Kit Kat Klub’.
The majority of the story follows the American writer Clifford Bradshaw and his risque relationship with the English singer Salley Bowles. There is also a doomed side plot relationship between a Jewish fruit vendor, Herr Shultz, and a German boarding house owner, Fraulein Shneider, whose love is directly tested by antisemitic violence. Throughout the show, the Emcee (or
master of ceremonies) guides the story and the Kit Kat Klub, which serves as a metaphor for the growing political tension of the time, and the rise of Nazism.
At its core, “Cabaret” is about the distraction and denial of dark political realities. The most prevalent example of this is the main female character, Sally, who lives in the moment, and denies the somber truth of Nazism. In opposition to Sally’s willful ignorance, Clifford, her romantic counterpart, is far more aware of the dangerous political landscape, and is rightfully concerned. This conflict of attitude is a direct reflection of the theme, how apathy in the face of fascism can be dangerous.
Continuedonpage4
Cartoon by Micah Davenport ‘27.
IB Spanish Professor Darío Lizancos-Robles. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25.
Famous Self-Titled Tattoo. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25.
What’s Your Resolution?
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writer
Many people have heard of Quitter’s Day, a national day on the second Friday of January. This day was identified in 2019, marking when approximately
A Platonic Valentine’s Day
Though Valentine’s Day is typically regarded as a holiday for romantic love (and corporate sales), celebrations aren’t exclusive to couples.
WFS student Juli Buersmeyer ‘28 says that she celebrates Valentine’s Day platonically, and that this year, she’s “making little boxes of goodies to give to [her] advisory.”
The tradition of gifting to Buersmeyer’s advisory brings her joy. “I think it’s just something I do every year,” she says. Buersmeyer additionally shares funny memories she has garnered through Valentine’s Day. “Last year Emma Furman gave our friend group duck pins,” she says.
Katy Kenney speaks to the family celebrations found in Valentine’s Day. The 9th-grade English teacher thinks
80% of people who create New Year’s resolutions give up on them.
Excited about the new year ahead, many are ambitious with their resolutions, leading to a massive drop in motivation after the initial weeks of the new year. Creating resolutions for a new year still has benefits, but how one intends to pursue or complete these goals is important. Resolutions typically focus on improving health, bettering mindsets, or creating stronger habits.
How ambitious should our resolutions be? How effective are resolutions? Can they have longterm changes? Faculty and students at Friends shared their resolutions in an attempt to answer these questions.
Numerous WFS students see the new year as an opportunity to create resolutions and goals beyond academics.
Vincent Jackson ‘27, says, “I think it’s a good idea for people to have resolutions, because it gives them something to strive for in life…My main New Year’s resolution is getting a main role in a show.” Vincent’s love of theater led him to choose a resolution that focuses on his interests outside of school.
Students take different approaches with resolutions, as some, like Vincent, opt to create a resolution with a set goal that has a single objective and a clear finish. Alternatively, resolutions can be a process that progresses throughout the year and can eventually become a long-term habit.
Vincent says, “Finding a sport that I enjoy has become a habit, because now I play tennis.” From a resolution a few years ago, Vincent found what has
of Valentine’s Day as a family holiday. “We celebrate my daughter’s birthday,” Kenney says. “She’s in college, so we’ll probably Facetime. We’ll talk and have her open gifts…Since she was born, it’s been more of a family celebration than a romantic one.”
Kenney goes on to say, “Before we had kids, we would go out to dinner…but [my husband] still buys me roses, and we exchange gifts.” The one exception is the year Kenney gave birth to her daughter. She says, “I don’t think either of us even realized it was Valentine’s Day until after the birth.”
Kenney says that although she is grateful for the roses on Valentine’s Day, they hold less importance to her. Kenney says, “[My husband] also brings me flowers on the eighth of every month for our anniversary, so that’s more special to me than Valentine’s Day.”
Amelia Rolls ‘25 celebrates Valentine’s Day both romantically and platonically by spending the holiday with her girlfriend, and baking sweets for friends. She explains that since she and her girlfriend are long-distance, this year, they’ll call each other.
Amelia loves to bake and frequently brings in baked goods for her friends and school clubs. She says, “Most times I bring a Valentine-themed sweet to school on Valentine’s Day.”
turned into a long-term passion.
Creating resolutions that are measurable is vital to the process of self-improvement. Motivation to pursue a resolution can come from envisioning a feeling of satisfaction after completion. Research shows that setting New Year’s resolutions is a positive way to start the year. The ‘Fresh Start Effect’ is a psychological phenomenon that motivates people to work on their resolutions after a considerable holiday, like the beginning of a new year. Studies have shown that the ‘Fresh Start Effect’ has allowed many to let go of past mistakes, and to set goals that they stick to; a new mental time period creates positive growth.
Leon Jackson ‘27, an avid supporter of making New Year’s resolutions, says, “I recommend that people make resolutions, because if you follow through with them, it feels really good, and you feel accomplished.”
To be satisfied, a person must know what they have done to complete a resolution.
Avery Krasulja ‘26 says, “I want to be open-minded and try new things this year.” She continues by explaining the importance of creating a measurable goal that can form daily habits. “A small resolution I made a long time ago was making my bed every day. That is now a habit and part of my morning routine,” says Krasulja.
Recent research shows that only about 30% of adults consistently create New Year’s resolutions. Within that demographic, New Year’s resolutions are most popular among young adults, with 49% of 18-29 year-olds making resolutions. So what’s up with adults and their goals?
Continuedonpage3
Though Amelia celebrates Valentine’s Day platonically by bringing in Valentine’s themed baked goods to her friends and advisory, she shares that she doesn’t typically celebrate with friends.
Em Rissolo ‘26 says that on most Valentine’s days, she thinks of the holiday as a normal day and doesn’t do anything special.
As a clerk of GSA, she is very involved with the club. She says that one year, the club threw a mock spring fling. She remembers, “GSA did a spring fling around Valentine’s Day, with a different name.” Rissolo comments that the dance was both fun and memorable.
Em remembers attending another dance when she was younger. She says, “We had the Happy Hearts Dance at my old school.” She remembered her and the other kids having an enjoyable time.
Like Buersmeyer ‘28, Emily once had a friend who made her a basket of treats for Valentine’s Day. She says, “One friend made me a basket with a giant candy bracelet, a stuffed animal, and chocolates.”
Nora Abd El Kader ‘27 says, “For Valentine’s Day I’m planning on spending the day with my friends. I haven’t decided what we will do yet but we are either going to go out for brunch or dinner, or we might bake treats together,
and eat dinner at someone’s house.”
Abd El Kader says, “Normally I would go out with friends and have a ‘Galentine’s Day’ celebration or spend the day with my family.”
Abd El Kader ‘27 also celebrated Valentine’s Day when she lived in Germany. “A few years ago I spent Valentine’s Day with my family and another close family in Paris,” Abd El Kader says. “It was super fun, but very crowded.”
Nora also celebrates with her family. She says, “For my family, I usually give them chocolates and flowers, but my mom always gives my sister and I bigger gifts, and we return the favor for her.”
Although Valentine’s Day can still be a romantic celebration, many students and teachers show that it can be just as fun when celebrated platonically with friends and family members.
Gavin Gray ‘28 Staff Writer
Close Friends Erin Brobyn ‘26 and L-T Alleyne ‘26.
Close Friends Greta Slease ‘25 and Lauren Toner ‘25.
Avery Krasulja ‘26 has a New Year’s resolution: trying the new stuff. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25.
Tatted Up the Quaker Way
Lucia Cericola ‘25 Editor-In-Chief
...Continuedfrompage1
“When I got my first tattoo, people told me, ‘you’re never going to find work’. But this was many years ago… Depending on the job, there’s more freedom,” says Lizancos-Robles. “After a year in this job, once people get to know you as a person, I think it’s possible to teach [about your tattoos].”
Although remnants of bias against tattoos continue to pervade the workplace, recent research depicts a trend downward from workplace opportunities hindered by tattoos. A 2018 study conducted by the University of Miami concluded that out of the 2,000 individuals that participated, those with tattoos were just as likely to receive employment as those without.
However, some with tattoos still opt to keep them on the low, at least until getting to know a group better. “I know that if I were to interview for a job, I wouldn’t wear my arms completely covered with tattoos. Miramira,tengotatuajes,contratame. No es asi,” says Darío. Lizancos-Robles shares that his hesitancy to speak openly about his tattoos to the WFS community partially stems from the running joke about his famous self-titled tattoo. “Tampocomegustahablartantode ello,porquetodoelmundodiceunabroma.” Lizancos-Robles then says mockingly, “‘It’s so you don’t forget, or because you don’t know your name’...so I don’t tell everybody about it.”
ing of his 18th birthday. “I got a piece for my grandfather on my arm. It has his name, and the dates that he was born and passed away,” says Jones. “There’s some clouds…I guess you could say the clouds are a symbol for the afterlife.”
Despite initial nerves about the pain of getting a tattoo, Jones was quickly overcome with awe during the ink process. He recalls the experience of watching his ideas fully come alive as “incredible”, and “so cool”.
“When I got it, it was a milestone. I guess I was thinking, ‘Man I’m actually 18, I’m an adult’…It’s a bittersweet thing,” says Jones. “It’s like, I’m 18! But also, my childhood is coming to an end. It’s a good thing, but it’s scary as well.”
To Jones, finding the perfect balance between embracing childhood while accepting responsibility is key, particularly in the process of getting tattoos, where decisions create permanent markings. Jones says, “The world would not go around if people were Squidwards all the time. You need some Spongebobs in your life.”
What’s Your Resolution?
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writer ...Continuedfrompage2
Sara Woodward ‘12, a WFS science instructor, says, “I previously made resolutions about cooking for myself instead of constantly ordering takeout.” Like many, Woodward has made resolutions that will positively impact her health. However, she’s honest about the occasional ambitious nature of her resolutions.
Woodward is not alone in WFS faculty, as Katy Kenney, 9th grade English teacher, additionally notes that she makes resolutions, but is not always devoted to keeping them.
Kenney says, “I like to call them intentions instead of resolutions…One of my resolutions is to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art every month.” Resolutions that allow one to spend time doing something they love, or that encourage self-care are always important.
Kenney goes on to say, “A few years ago, I intended to read for an uninterrupted hour on weekends, without my phone, or any other distractions.” Now, she never goes through a weekend without a dedicated hour of reading.
each school year. However, Kenney says, “Winter break is also a great time [to set teaching resolutions], because it is structurally built into the calendar.”
Winter break can be a valuable time to reassess, but summer provides a similar oppurtunity, according to Woodward. “I think summer is a great time to set personal goals since that is when I have more free time,” she says.
However, Woodward emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and, “creating goals that align with your values.” She mentions how social media may intertwine with resolutions, saying, “People set fitness goals because of an ideal body that they saw on social media, instead of prioritizing fitness because of its benefits on your health.”
Even if resolutions for some have become a New Year ritual, where a person sets one or two generic goals, resolutions allow for reflection and a challenge. Both faculty and students at Friends create resolutions to build habits, improve on habits from the past years, or achieve a personal ambition.
Similarly to Darío, Brandon Jones ‘25 received his tattoo in a ‘coming-of-age’ transition to early adulthood. After nearly two years of patient yet restless waiting, he scheduled his tattoo appointment the morn-
However, Jones also offers some candid advice on the experience of getting inked up. “Make sure that you KNOW you want to get a tattoo,” says Jones. “I would say for younger people, make sure you understand the consequences, and the stigma of having tattoos in the work world, and the world in general. People may judge you. You need to understand the maturity a tattoo holds.”
Red Means Love, and White Means...Friends?
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Staff Writer
...continued from page 1
WFS celebrates Valentine’s Day with the annual Random Acts of Kindness carnation sale. Upper School students can purchase a flower in one of three colors: red for love, pink for liking someone, and white for friendship. RAK members deliver the carnations during the advisory closest to Valentine’s Day.
Juli Buersmyer ‘28 points out this tradition may also cause problems. “It may be awkward if you send someone a pink flower or something, and they send you a white one back.”
The way Valentine’s Day has been celebrated at WFS has evolved over the years.
According to Terry Maguire, the head of the school’s archives, upper school students used to meet in the theater and walk around, handing out valentines to each other. However, some people would end up with lots, and others, with none. So, they made it a rule that everyone had to get at least one Valentine. Even
Woodward also successfully implemented a measurable New Year’s resolution into a habit. “I wanted to spend less time on my phone before I go to bed, which I have been strong with since I started plugging my phone across the room,” she says.
Additionally, both Kenney and Woodward set teaching-based resolutions at the beginning of
still, the problem remained, and the whole Valentine exchange was done away with. Today’s carnation tradition also can result in students ending up empty-handed.
Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday acknowledged worldwide to celebrate love. But how did it start?
According to History.com, one possible origin of the holiday traces back to a man named Saint Valentine, a priest in ancient Rome. According to legend, Valentine helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. Eventually, he was imprisoned himself and befriended his jailer’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his execution, he wrote her a letter and signed it, “From your Valentine,” a phrase that continues to be used in Valentine’s Day messages today.
Valentine’s Day is about all kinds of love, not just romantic. Remember that you are still loved even if you’re not in a romantic relationship.
Resolutions typically go on the back burner or are entirely forgotten after January. However, when created effectively and realistically, New Year’s resolutions have the potential to achieve true growth. Despite the symptoms ‘Quitter’s Day’ discouraging new resolution-makers, these goals still provide encouragement and motivation for future accomplishments.
Emma Larsen ‘25 and Scarlett Burleigh ‘25 sell Valentine’s Day carnations in the cafeteria. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25.
SOS Deluxe: LANA Review A Growth Mindset
Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ‘28 Staff Writer
SZA’s newly added tracks to her album SOS, now SOS Deluxe: LANA, show her newfound growth and maturity. The lyrics in each of her songs reveal that SZA has gathered an understanding of her feelings and emotions, while she looks ahead to better handle experiences that come along.
The first track to her new album is called, “No More Hiding.” SZA sings about wanting to be her true self through experiencing what’s real in life. SZA expresses that she just wants to be herself, feel her feelings, and not worry about the opinions of others. She’s done putting up a fake facade.
In “No More Hiding”, SZA sings a repetitive verse where she makes a plea for “anything real.” In this verse, she adds different examples of all the parts of life she wants to experience. “Searching for real, trying for real, familying for real, lost in the real, hurting for real, chasing a real, anything real.” Her maturity and introspection is shown through the lyrics, “Cut myself open to see what I’m made of.”
The second track is “What Do I Do.” Though this song is on the more repetitive side, its beat is strong and likeable. “What Do I Do” could be relatable to many, as SZA sings about her relationship with someone she had romantic feelings for, and how it has made her feel “so screwed up.” She sings about getting emotional and having difficulty letting go, but her maturity shines as she understands that, “it’s too late, it’ll never be the same again.”
SZA says, “and I can’t let down my guard –told you I need honesty, but you want that old me,” which implies that she will no longer be blinded by her romantic feelings. Instead, she reason what is best for her, more than following her emotions of attraction.
The third track in the album is called “30 for 30”, and features Kendrick Lamar. The track features a catchy beat, along with a compelling vocal performance from both Kendrick and SZA; this is the kind of song one could be productive to.
It seems that SZA is all about putting 100% into a relationship, but dipping if the other person is not reciprocating as much love. She sings, “Only want your love if it’s solid – and that’s the way I like it.” Her growth is shown in this song, as she literally says in the beginning of the song, “I used to think about immature things.” She then goes on to say that dwelling on the thought of whether someone wants you or not is immature.
The tenth track in the album is called “Crybaby.” This song has a slower beat compared to other songs, but it sounds lovely with the dynamics of her voice. SZA sings about her mistakes, and the issues she has caused.
She shows her maturity through the lyrics, “If I stopped blaming the world for my faults, maybe I could evolve.” After listening and reading the lyrics in this track, it’s very clear that SZA is understanding how her bad habits and past mistakes have made a long lasting and repetitive impact on her life.
While the original SOS album is relatable and catchy, SOS Deluxe: LANA expresses a stronger message to young people. The newly added tracks, filled with beautiful melodies and lyricism show the artist’s growth as a singer, and as a songwriter.
The Dangers of Political Apathy
“Cabaret”anditsRelevanceToday
Paz Becker ‘28 Staff Writer ...Continuedfrompage1
The show includes musical numbers that are threaded with dark irony which serves as commentary on a rapidly derailing society. On a literal level, the musical ends with Cliff leaving Berlin. Sally stays in the city, choosing to live in escapism. “Politics…what’s that got to do with us?” she says in reference to the Nazzis.
The Kit Kat Klub is a space where the citizens of Berlin can escape from their dark reality. The performances are sexually charged, unrestrained, and boisterous, providing a space for the escape that characters crave. Sally Bowles can be seen as a characterized symbol of this kind of escapism. She performs at the club even as her personal life and the political climate worsens, as a way to ignore the consequences of her actions.
WFS student Ali Sanfrancesco ‘25 comments on the enormous parallel can be drawn here to American contemporary society; a world engrossed in consumerism, online distractions, and short term pleasures.
“The main point of each Cabaret ending is to hold audience reflection. So I think if anyone does go see Cabaret, please research anything you’re confused about,” Sanfrancesco says.
tory executive orders signed by President Trump, some WFS students have expressed for the future that lies ahead of them.
“Hate groups becoming more bold makes me scared for the future of the US”, says Sage Miller ‘25. “It makes me worry if there will even be a future...But I have hope, and that’s important.”
News outlets and citizens have likened the salute performed by Elon Musk during the celebration of President Trump’s inauguration to the well known and recognized Nazi salute, but some disagree.
“The message is really important. It encourages people to take action, and it’s so important today in our society to take action, and realize what’s happening around us in politics.”
Online spaces where many hide from the pressing political and societal issues can be considered the modern Kit Kat Klub. The steady rising of American extremism pervades American democracy, despite those who have turned their heads against it. Between the emboldening of Neo-Nazi groups in recent months, the rising of anti-semitism, transphobia, racism, and recent discrimina-
The themes of political apathy, escapism, and opulent distraction present in Cabaret create an uncomfortable cautionary tale that warns its audience against watching from the sidelines as an authoritarian and fascist society is created. Cabaret invites audiences to think about moral responsibility, and what political apathy can lead to in times of crisis.
“We’ve strayed so far away from politics, and some people don’t think it’s important anymore” Ali Sanfrancesco ‘25 says, when commenting on the lack of interest in the 2024 presidential election. “They don’t feel the need to be involved in it, but in reality, it affects us all the time, every day, everything we do is rooted in politics”.
Cabaret paints a picture of enticing facism can be, as Sally and Cliff watch Berlin fall farther and farther into chaos. In a similar extreme manner, U.S. far right movements have increasingly grown in prominence in politics, normalizing anti-immigrant and nationalist ideologies. Cabaret shows that by the time people recognize harmful patterns, it may be far too late. For a better understanding, it is extremely helpful to complete individual research and viewing; there is a full version of the show that can be found freely on YouTube, featuring Alan Cummings as the Emcee.
Though the political agitation in America is not yet close to the violence of Nazism, certain growing themes of extremism are difficult to deny.
35-year old Grammy award winning RNB artist SZA takes the stage. Photo:https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com.
Social Media Erupts Over Luigi Mangione and CEO Shooting
In the age of instant communication, social media platforms have become a powerful tool in shaping public opinions, particularly when it comes to high-profile criminal cases. The recent case involving Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, highlights the tension between criminal justice and social media interactions.
As more details of the case were publicized, social media platforms became filled with misinformation, heated debates, and emotional reactions, further complicating the process of seeking justice.
The incident occurred in Manhattan on the morning of December 4th,
WFS History
2024, outside of a Hilton hotel on West 54th Street. Thompson had been walking into the hotel for an investor meeting, when a man wearing a mask and hoodie shot him three times. The suspect, who had been identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, evaded police for five days until being found in a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Mangione was found with a handgun, a suppressor, ammunition, a fake ID, and a handwritten note in which he seemed to take responsibility for the killing. He wrote that he saw the shooting as an opportunity to retaliate against the healthcare industry’s “corruption”.
He currently faces multiple state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as four federal charges. He pleaded not guilty to the murder and terror charges when he was arraigned on December 23rd. His next appearance in state court is scheduled to be on February 21st.
Law enforcement agencies kept most information under wraps to protect the integrity of the case. However, the scarcity of official updates did little to stop online speculation. Within hours of the shooting, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram exploded with accusations, theories, and emotion. Rumors spread rapidly, and hashtags such as #JusticeForBrian and #FreeLuigi began circulating around posts to express either outrage or support.
Many people sympathized with Thompson, a 50-year-old father who is survived by his wife and two sons, and believed the shooting to be unjustified. However, many people also felt the same anger towards the healthcare system as Mangione and supported the killing. For
Teachers Hope
For the Best, With New Age of the Russia-Ukraine War
As the Russia-Ukraine War continues to escalate and with a new administration in office, WFS history teachers have their eyes on the conflict.
John Schropp has been teaching high school history for 29 years. “Russia is a huge country, Ukraine is a big country, and the longer this continues, the more displaced people there are, the more deaths, destruction,” Schropp says. “That’s what the scary thing is.”
Nick Childers, ninth grade Global Peace and Justice teacher, is concerned about civilian casualties. “War ultimately affects civilian populations to a much greater degree than the militaries that are fighting them,” Childers says.
In his re-election campaign, Trump expressed that he would withdraw American financial and military aid from the war, which would basically collapse the Ukrainian economy. Trump also claimed that he would aim to forge a peace treaty.
Scott Clothier has been teaching history for 26 years between Mount Pleasant and WFS. “I think that we have to give any incoming president time to truly
example, “Free Luigi” T-shirts were made, and a crypto coin was named after him. When asked if Mangione’s potential conviction could spark protests and activism, Matthew Fineman ‘26 said, “I think it will be due to the controversial nature of the case and how many young people are idolizing his actions against large corporations.”
The amount of understanding and support that Mangione received for the shooting illustrates how much violence has been normalized in the United States.
When asked what the future could look like based on the shooting, Mr. Schropp said, “I think that extreme events like this will continue to occur. I have been in education for 30 years, and I have seen horrible events like mass shootings become more and more common.” He believes that social media encourages the spread of extreme opinions, and violence can form from those strong emotions.
A major consequence of the frantic spread of information online was that it created a sense of urgency and uncertainty among the public. People immediately began to form strong opinions surrounding Mangione’s alleged involvement in the shooting and pick sides or jump to conclusions based on incomplete or biased information.
Leyla Medford ‘26 says, “People are already choosing sides, and it feels like the legal process doesn’t even get a chance to do its thing. Everyone is making judgments before they know everything. It’s like people want to “solve” the case before it’s even fully investigated.”
Additionally, misinformation heavily influenced public perception on the case. For instance, someone photo-
learn about a situation,” Clothier says. “What a presidential candidate says prior to election is often quite different from what they do once in office.”
How the War Started
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, creating the largest war in Europe since 1945. Vladmir Putin, president of Russia, claims that the goal of this war is to ‘demilitarize and denazify’ Ukraine, following false statements that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis who harbored hostility towards Russians. Putin says that the war is needed to “protect the people” of the Russian-controlled breakaway republics.
A History of Tension
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia began long before the start of the war. “This is the largest and bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II,” says Childers. “It can be traced back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea.”
More than a century after annexing Crimea in 1783, Russia gave its territory to Ukraine in 1954. Decades later, Russia is looking to win Crimea back because of its strategic value. Crimea has ports to the Black Sea, which allow easy access to the eastern Mediterranean and to the Middle East, both of which could be useful to Russia.
Under Biden’s Administration
The United States and Ukraine have been close allies due to American support for Ukraine's demo-
shopped Mangione into a scene in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the day of the shooting in attempts to give him an alibi. False reports also emerged that he had been in a gang-related dispute with Thompson, despite no evidence to support this claim. The lack of clarity from law enforcement combined with the publics’ hunger for answers allowed these rumors to fester. Social media has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to raising awareness and spreading information. On the one hand, it provides easy access to information and creates a space for everyone to voice their opinions. On the other hand, it can host lots of misinformation and tension. So, it is crucial to be wary when reading online about extreme or controversial events like Mangione and the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.
cratic values and valuable trades, such as big oil.
“The U.S. has continued to maintain its support of Ukraine, for democracy, the European Union, NATO, and the rules-based international order,” says Childers.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the United States spent $175 billion under Biden’s administration to assist Ukraine with military equipment, financial and humanitarian aid.
No End in Sight
Even if this war could be put to a halt, there could still be the possibility of Russia attempting to take control of other nations, due to their geographical placements and resources.
“[Russia] has always felt at odds with western Europe, and wants to secure as much protection as it can for itself,” says Schropp. “If the war ends, peace may be only temporary. Russia may once again act on its desire to possess Ukraine and other former Satellite nations. Whether that happens in a year, ten years, who knows.”
A peace treaty between the two countries, or a win for Ukraine, would also be in the best interests of the US.
“A big country with a fair sized economy. It may be in our interest to see a successful Ukraine,” says Schropp. The United States would most likely gain from the resources that Ukraine has to offer, and their shared democratic ideals.
Continuedonpage6
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Staff Writer
Kylie Poole ‘28 Staff Writer
Poster of Luigi Mangione, likening his ideology to that of Karl Marx, writer of The Communist Manifesto. Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org
Luigi Mangione. Photo: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com
WFS History Teachers Hope For the Best, With New Age of the Russia-Ukraine War
Kylie Poole ‘28 Staff Writer
...Continuedfrompage5
North Korean Complication
Recently, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has confirmed that North Korean troops are stationed in Russia. There are an estimated eleven thousand Korean troops that will be accompanying Russia in the fight against Ukraine.
“If there is international confirmation that North Korean troops are being deployed inside Ukraine, it certainly would indicate an escalation of the conflict and increased cooperation between the autocratic states,” says Childers. This could affect the United States and other countries supporting Ukraine. Schropp agrees. “It’s creating some dividing lines for the world.”
Clothier finds North Korean involvement hard to predict. “As a rogue state, it is rather difficult to predict how the global community will react to almost anything that North Korea does,” says Clothier.
The Associated Press recently reported around 300 North Korean fatalities, along with another 2,700
soldiers injured.
“From what I read, North Korean troops have been getting hammered pretty good,” Schropp says. “We may find that the North Korean pipeline for troops to Russia has dried up.”
The Impact of US Aid
Childers is concerned about the current Executive order that has stopped US aid from providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The withdrawal will likely hurt Ukraine in the long-run.
Though President Trump has made it difficult for USAid to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, the US public can still raise money through the media to support Ukraine in the war. “I think that the US public can still offer support through community outreach,” says Clothier.
WFS Teachers Hope for an End to the War Schropp fears the ineffectiveness of the war. “The other worry is, [will this] turn into a war that continues on and on and on, that America funds for huge stretches of time, that seem to be unending?”
Climate Change: What Do We Know?
Julia Provo ‘28 Staff Writer
Many people have different opinions and feelings about climate change. United Nations Climate Action says, “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.”
But how does our school community feel about climate change?
WFS faculty sent out a survey to the student body, asking students to share their beliefs on climate change. The first question asked how well informed students felt about climate change. Options for response ranged from one to five, with one being “not well informed”, and five being “very well informed.” Not a single student selected one, but 20% of students responded ‘two’.
The largest percent of students (36%), selected 3, and 32% selected 4. Only 12% of students said that they felt very well informed. These statistics show us that students feel relatively informed about climate change, but are insecure about their knowledge.
The second question asked students how often their friends discussed climate change. The options for response again were a scale of one to five, with one being never and five being every day. 36% of students selected one, and 36% of students selected two. The remaining 28% of students chose three. No one selected 4 or 5.
“I hope the current administration is able to bring an end to the violent and costly conflict in Ukraine,” says Childers. Though he hopes the administration can do so while defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in accordance with international law.
None selected five. Students were also asked how often they heard about climate change on social media, with the same 1-5 rating options. 24% of students selected onw, 32% of students chose two, 24% of students chose three, 16% of students chose four and the remaining 4% of students chose five. This shows that students do not hear much about climate change in the media and news.
When asked, “Do you think the global climate is changing?”, 100% of students said yes. When asked if human actions are responsible for climate
This shows that the majority of students are not accustomed to talking about climate change with their friends very often.
The next question asked students how often their family talked about climate change, with the same range from one to five. 28% of students selected one, 44% selected two, 12% selected three, and the remaining 16% selected four. No one selected five.
The next question asked students how often they heard about climate change in the news. 24% of students said one, 24% of students selected two, 40% of the students selected three, and 12% selected four.
change, 96% of students said yes while the remaining 4% said no.
The next question asked participants if they think climate change is hurting other species. Again, 96% said yes while the remaining 4% said no. The next question asked students if they think climate change will harm future generations, and 100% said yes. This shows that an overwhelming amount of students believe that humans are responsible for climate change, and that it will affect future generations.
In addition, students were asked if they think
climate change would affect them personally. Of those who filled out the survey, 72% of students said yes, that it would affect them. The remaining 28% selected no. When asked if they had ever seen or experienced effects of climate change, 80% of students said yes and 20% of students said no. Students were then asked, “If yes, what effects of climate change have you observed or experienced?” One student said, “The tide rising and less snow in the winter.” Another student said, “Sanibel, which used to be a place my family vacationed at and I have a lot of memories of, getting hit by the hurricane.” These responses show the personal effects of climate change, and how global change is affecting our own community.
The next question asked, “What do you think is causing climate change?” One student replied, “The CO2 that cars are emitting, the destruction of forests, and the big corporations like amazon that manufacture goods.” Another student said, “Carbon emissions that derive from human output.” Four students said that the cause was humans. The last question asked students, “How would you define climate change?” One student said, “Climate Change is the alterations of the temp and weather patterns of the earth, caused by human activities.” Another student replied, “scary”. This shows that students have a good understanding of climate change, but that it is a scary issue in our world today.
To end on a happy note, there is hope for stopping climate change! The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, “EPA’s Clean Air Act requirements for the oil and natural gas industry help combat climate change and reduce emissions of other harmful air pollutants,” As the previous student stated, climate change can be scary. But we can work together to make Wilmington Friends a more eco-friendly school, and work to support the slowing of climate change.
2022 protest against Russian invasian into Ukraine. Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org
A Quaker Classic
Liza Green ‘27 Staff Writer
Throughout the winter sports season at Friends, many fellow Quakers find themselves at both boys and girls basketball games. The fun, and competitive environment is often enjoyed after school and on weekends; students love to see their friends play against rival schools. One of the most exciting aspects of the basketball season at Friends is the Quaker Classic tournament: a series of games that allow our school’s basketball teams to compete against teams outside of our conference, inside our home gym.
This year, the girls basketball team was able to play Red Lion and Seaford High School. After their game against Red Lion, a field hockey recognition ceremony was held to acknowledge their accomplishments during the season, and making it to the state championship.
The basketball games often feature a fundraiser, including bake sales hosted by the Prom Committee. These events are enjoyed by many students, and help to foster a strong sense of community at school. Girls’ Basketball Team Captain Ryan Weigand ‘26 says, “The Quaker Classic brings a lot of support every year, because it is super fun, and convenient to be able to watch both the girls’ and boys’ teams play in the same place.”
The Whittier Miscellany Valentine’s Issue 2025
Seaford in the Quaker Classic, and then met them again in the first round of the tournament.” says Weigand ‘26. “This was really beneficial for our team, because we were able to face competition outside of just our conference which is super helpful for tournament play.”
provided the players with opportunities to get to know other teams. Coach Tattersall (Coach T) says that the tournament has always had many benefits for the players, athletic organizers, and spectators alike. These benefits include getting a few extra games in, and bringing the number of games per season from an estimated sixteen to twenty games.
Coach T also says that the timing of the Quaker Classic tournament aligns with the time most families and alumni are home for the holidays, and allows for a larger spectator turnout, and for siblings home from college to watch exciting games.
Winchell ‘25 says “The Quaker Classic attracts more fans than usual as we tend to have lots of younger kids, families, and friends come to watch. There also tends to be more hype around the tournament since we are the school hosting it which I think brings our school community together as a whole.”
The WFS Sports Department always works hard to create fun environments that foster community within the students at Friends.
Not only does the Quaker Classic highlight our school’s community, but it also allows for the players to play teams that they might be up against again in the state tournament. “Last year we played
Boys Basketball Team Captain Joey Winchell ‘25 says, “We played Glasgow and MOT Charter, which are two competitive teams that could potentially be in the state tournament.” Because of the Quaker Classic, players are able to gain experience with specific in-state teams.
The Quaker Classic has been a tradition at Friends for many years, and has a rich history of showcasing our schools sportsmanship and competitiveness. Since its establishment, the games have
Not only does the Quaker Classic allow for fans attending the games to have an enjoyable time, it also provides a climate for both Boys and Girls teams to support each other and build camaraderie.
“Both boys’ and girls’ teams that play in the Quaker Classic cheer each other on, and this helps build our community, even beyond basketball,” says Girls’ Basketball player Sylvia Green ‘27. In review, the Quaker Classic games garnered much support from students and faculty at Friends, and provided the players with many opportunities.
Football & Superstition Culture
Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writer
There is Monday night football, Thursday night football, and obviously Sunday. Philadelphia fans are seen as the ‘craziest’ by many, from climbing lampposts, to worshipping players.
In many ways, sports are becoming a religion in it of themselves. Some believe that sports teams and major players can make an impact on current events, because of their large followings. Those big fans might do similar things with their favorite football player or team that others would do with their religion. Looking at some of the superstitions here at Wilmington Friends School, the devotion to sports is apparent.
Jake Mahashawari, a sophomore at Wilmington Friends School, is a big-time Buffalo Bills fan. He shared some of his traditions and superstitions. Mahashawari says, “First, you always have to wear zubaz on game day. They are unique pants that only real fans know.”
Friends School, is a big fan of the Eagles. Chuma believes in superstitions. He says, “I have a pair of pants that I wear every game after we make the playoffs.”
Many people have different superstitions based on their favorite team and how big of a fan they are. These superstitions and traditions are starting to create a new culture surrounding sports, much like how religion is a form of culture.
is a community.
Another thing Mr. Schropp said about sports becoming a religion is that, “Some people can certainly build their lives around a team and season, they can become extremely important.” This shows how sports are very important to certain people depending on how much of a sports fan they are.
For everyone who doesn’t wear Zubaz, they are fun pants that are special for Bills fans to wear on game days. Another thing Maheshwari 27’ wears on game days is certain jerseys. Depending on if the game is home or away, he matches the color of the player’s jersey to his own.
Similar to Mahashawari’s 27’ superstitions, Chuma Chukwuocha, a sophomore at Wilmington
Mr. Schropp, one of the history teachers at Wilmington Friends School says, “Teams and athletics can lift people up during really hard times, at a high school level, success can lift a school up, a unifying element.” This presents the idea that sports can bring together a group of people. Whether it’s a high school or the NFL, football and sports can unite people. Sports can be like a community, just like how religion
Mr. Schropp says that as coach, he doesn’t really have superstitions, but focuses more on developing a routine. “We eat at the same time, get out on the field at the same time, warm up the same way, and go through the same routine every time.” This would apply to the whole team. When teams have routines and traditions, it strengthens the community they have built, and their bonds to each other grow stronger.
Even some players and coaches have superstitions. Stone Davis ‘26, a football player at Wilmington Friends School, has many traditions and superstitions of his own. He says, “I don’t eat two hours before a game.” Davis also says, “I wear the same undershirt every time.”
Ryan Tattersall ‘25, the quarterback for the Friends football team, says, “I listen to music, usually the same music.”
Each person and team varying from high school to the NFL, have superstitions and traditions that help them play better and shape the community they are a part of. These practices bring people together and create a sense of faith much like religion. Whether sports or religion brings people together, a community is built either way.
Boys Basketball Celebrates Victory. Photo: Elizabeth Pisano ‘25.
2025 Superbowl Stadium. Photo: LoganScott‘25.
A Blast Into the Pixelated Past
Ethan Halaby ‘27 Staff Writer
No matter how much one chooses to invest themselves in video game culture, they still, in some capacity, have had an influence on our lives. Characters like Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Pac-man have likely crossed our paths, as we become accustomed to seing these vibrantly fun characters in the media and pop culture.
Similarly to music, video games can take people back to certain times in their lives when that particular game truly meant a lot to them. They can be a window into the past, letting us revisit some of our most treasured childhood memories with friends and family. So which video games are most nostalgic for highschool students nowadays?
As it turns out, the video games we hold near and dear to our hearts are the subject of nostalgia for hundreds of millions of kids around the world, and throughout WFS.
Video game nostalgia often starts in childhood. Many students can still recall their first experiences with certain video game consoles, or arcade gaming systems. These memories often lead back to reminiscing about playing these games with loved ones. Ryan Tattersall ‘25 says, “Fortnite is... a game that’s pretty nostalgic for me. It was the first game I played with all of my friends online. During Covid, It gave us something to do other than just FaceTime”. The accessibility of online video games made them a very popular way to connect with friends, especially during the COVID-19.
Jack Seiff ‘28 says, “My favorite video game as a kid was Splatoon. I got a Nintendo Switch in third or fourth grade, and when I got home, I always played that game. The flashing neon colors were always fun for me”.
Seiff goes on to say, “I met so many new people who shared similar interests as myself”.
Upper school computer science teacher Mr. Ordway also comments on the sense of community built through video games. He says, “As a kid, I often played online video games with friends, but also by myself too, where I met other random people”.
students to share which video game triggers the most nostalgia for them. Accumulated fifty-seven responses, this poll provides a better look into the minds of students on this topic.
Roblox, a platform with a plethora of games and ways to connect, came in third place. Its variety and versatility made it very appealing to young people since day one. The game has had fifty six million downloads since its release in 2006.
Second and third place were neck and neck, with only one vote separating them. In second place, was Wii Sports. Wii sports is a classic game that simulates and digitizes popular sports, selling eighty million copies since its release in 2006. Many students added additional comments about how this game shaped their childhoods.
Remeniscing on nostalgic games. Cartoon: Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25
With bold colors, fun music, and memorable characters, many students still have a clear picture of exactly what their favorite games looked like, and how it made them feel.
He continues by saying, “When I was a kid the internet was a little different.There were no issues, because everyone simply wanted to play the video game. There weren’t any youtube tutorials back then, so we all shared advice on how to play the game. It was community building”.
So what is the most nostalgic video game among Friends? A poll was sent out to the upper school, asking
ChocolateGanacheFilledStrawberryCupcakes(12servings)
Ani Siedl ‘26 Staff Writer
These delightful cupcakes are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day! Made naturally pink with fresh and freeze-dried strawberries, they’re filled with a simple, yet delicious chocolate ganache, and topped with a light and fluffy strawberry whipped cream. They truly make a wonderful gift for your loved ones!
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup cane sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 oz freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup small diced fresh strawberry
Ganache
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
StrawberryWhippedCream
1 oz freeze-dried strawberries
1 ½ cups Heavy cream
1/2 cup Powdered sugar
4. Construction
1. For Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line your muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Using a blender or food processor, blend 2 oz of freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until combined and fluffy. Then, add in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla then mix again.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two parts, mixing in between. Add the milk then mix again.
- Next, fold in diced strawberries and freeze-dried strawberry powder, and then fill the cupcake liners a bit over 3/4 of the way full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a fork comes out clean. Set aside to cool while you make the ganache and whipped cream.
2. For Ganache
Add chocolate and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 35 seconds. Whisk until fully incorporated then set in the fridge to cool.
3. For Whipped Cream
- Blend 1 oz of freeze-dried strawberries as you did for the cupcakes and set it aside.
- Using an electric mixer, in a large bow beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, add powdered sugar and strawberry powder and beat until fully incorporated and stiff peaks form.
- Use a small knife to cut a small, circular hole in the top of the cupcakes, making sure not to cut through the bottom. The piece you remove should be cone-shaped. Slice the point of the cone off so you can use the leftover round piece to cover the filled hole. Using a small spoon, fill the hole with ganache, then cover the hole with the round piece of cupcake. Repeat for all cupcakes.
- Fill a piping bag, equipped with a star tip, with your whipped cream, then use a swirling motion to frost all of your cupcakes.
One student writes, “Every year I go on a beach trip with my cousins. We would play Wii sports all the time, so I have a lot of memories from when I was younger spending time with my cousins that way”.
In first place, the most nostalgic childhood video game among Friends students, is Minecraft. Minecraft is a game that video game designers call a “sandbox game”. This term refers to a game that provides players with a great deal of creative freedom, usually without any predetermined objectives or restrictions. This imaginative gameplay made Minecraft extremely popular among kids, selling over thirty million copies since its creation in 2009. The game’s creative freedom and easy mechanics allowed for children to make the game whatever they wanted it to be.
Video gameshave a special way of taking people back to a time in their lives when life seemed simpler. As technology continues to evolve, the games loved by growing kids will only become more and more nostalgic.
Between the stress of being a highschool student, juggling sports and extracurriculars, it is comforting for students to know that they can always go back and revisit their favorite pixelated memories.
The Whittier Miscellany
2024-2025 Masthead
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Lucia Cericola ‘25 & Anya Agarwal ‘25
FACULTY ADVISOR: Carrie Simpson
COMMUNITY EDITOR: Emma Lavelle ‘26
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Scarlett Murphey ‘27
NEWS EDITOR: Gianna Cottone ‘26
SPORTS EDITOR: Cora Lokhamp ‘26
SCI & TECH EDITOR: OLIVA AGNE
COPY EDITOR: Emma Larsen ‘25
STAFF WRITERS:
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Paz Becker ‘28
Micah Davenport ‘27 Brianna Fang ‘28
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Gavin Gray ‘28
Liza Green ‘27 Ethan Halaby ‘27
Gabby Hamilton ‘27 Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25
Cooper Jones ‘25 Temi Lufadeju ‘25
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27
Kylie Poole ‘28 Julia Provo ‘28
Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Ani Seidl ‘26
Abigail Terrell ‘27 Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ‘28
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Brina Abere ‘25, Elizabeth Pisano ‘25, Morgan Kim ‘27
CARTOONISTS: Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25 & Micah Davenport ‘27
The Whittier Miscellany is published five times during the school year by high school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net.