The Postscript March 14, 2012 The Park School of Baltimore | P.O. Box 8200 Brooklandville, MD 21022 Volume 72 Issue No.6 Young activists start new club by Sarah Cohen ‘14

A new endangered species club has transformed an eager group of Lower School students into a band of wildlife preservationists. Student interest fi rst cropped up last year when Hailey Smith ’20 organized an after-school event devoted to the red panda, a small Himalayan cat classifi ed by the IUCN as “Vulnerable.” About sixty kids showed up to the event, which in- cluded an information session about en- dangered species, and various fundraising opportunities. Inspired by the program’s success, the student attendees hungered for more and, Catherine Ambler, Lindsey Hendricks, Angela Doyle, soon after, they expressed interest in form- ing a club. history science math The club currently has around 15 Low- photos by M. Plakotoris ’12 and S. Weintraub er School students. So far, the students have been working on their club’s Wiki Page, each of them researching and writ- School launches search to replace three teachers ing about an endangered animal of their by Hannah Sibel ‘13 Catherine Ambler will be leaving after to school,” she said. “I feel like I have choosing. “The kids are really doing this her fi fth year of teaching history at Park. learned a lot teaching at Park but there’s on their own, and I think that’s great,” said It is not uncommon for a teacher to “My fi ancée Tyler [Brown], will be something to be said for being a student Lower School librarian Twig George, one leave a school to pursue other endeav- fi nished with medical school in December again.” of the club’s faculty advisors. ors, but this year three female teachers— of this year and so I always knew that the Although Ambler is excited about Looking ahead, she’s enthusiastic Catherine Ambler (history), Lindsey year after this one he would be looking moving abroad she is sentimental about about the future of the club—potential Hendricks (science), and Angela Doyle at residency programs and that we might what she will leave behind. “I knew I endeavors include organizing a Lower (math)—have decided not to return. have to move,” Ambler said. would love learning while teaching, but I School assembly focused on endangered Each department has initiated searches The couple has decided to make the didn’t anticipate how much I would love species, taking a trip to the Baltimore zoo, for replacements; candidates began ap- move this summer because Ambler’s fi - the students and the people that I work and working on a project with the Upper pearing on campus starting March 6 to ancée would like the opportunity to work with,” she said. “At Park I constantly School CCCP. “I think it’s a great example meet with various administrators, teach abroad for six months before he starts his want to do my best and I really care about of how one kid’s idea can turn into a huge a short lesson to a class, and talk with residency program. the people here.” thing,” George said. “And the kids are students. As of now Ambler and her fi ancée are “She [Ambler] has been incredible,” all so gung-ho about it. It’s really just a To maintain the existing ratio of males deciding between moving to either Thai- said history Department Chair John Kes- great group.” to females, each department is placing a land or Switzerland. “We both have work singer. “She has so much energy, connects high priority on hiring female candidates. we could do in Thailand,” Ambler said, really well with the students, and is ex- “While it would be preferable to hire a who has also spent a total of six months tremely smart.” female, our fi rst priority is fi nding a quali- there over the course of three summers. A newcomer to Park, Lindsey Hen- fi ed candidate who satisfi es our needs,” Their plans for Geneva are not as con- dricks, has also decided not to return next said Elliot Huntsman, the science Depart- crete and Ambler is unsure about what year. ment Chair. she would be doing if they were to move Hendricks joined the community when “We are placing a greater emphasis on there. They are waiting to hear back from the last-minute departure of science teach- gender in the hiring process in the Upper a few places in relation to Brown’s job er Dr. Hadiya Woodham left a vacancy in School given the departure of three stel- prospects before they decide. the department. Hendricks had studied at lar female teachers,” Associate Head of After they return, Ambler will apply to Goucher College and was familiar with School Betsy Leighton said. graduate schools in the same cities where the area, and she’d previously taught with photo by M. Plakotoris ’12 Leighton coordinates hiring with prin- Brown applies for residency programs. Teach For America in Harford, CT. Librarian Twig George works with a student. cipals and department chairs school-wide. “I am really excited about going back Teachers leave cont’d p. 5 INSIDE THE POSTSCRIPT NEWS EDITORIAL COMMENTARY ARTS SPORTS Robotics Team Competes Hire Some Females Google’s Privacy Policy Isn’t Protective Student Boys’ Lax Fields Raw, Young Off ense Pairing with Dulaney Students weigh in on hiring female Google collects tons of information Directed Plays Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse uses a com- High School, the teachers to replace those who are about one’s location, search history, in- Evan Semenza bination of returning and new play- Bruins’ Robotics team leaving. PAGE 2 terests. Where is all of that in Google’s ’14 and Emma ers to replace Keiser ’11, Freedman experiences its most OP-ED new privacy policy? PAGE 6 Krasnopoler ’15 ’11, and Kolodner ’11. successful season yet. critique the three Diversity Week Would Work FEATURES PAGE 4 student-directed Spotlight on Tech Crew Jack Califano ’12 argues that all plays, which ran students need an experience like the The Upper School Tech Crew works hard this past month in recent SDLC week, an immersive from backstage to make assemblies and the black box. productions run smoothly. and personal discussion. PAGE 3 PAGE 9 PAGE 13 PAGE 15 Editorial The Postscript, March 14, 2012 2 Gender matters It was only a few weeks ago when With the loss of three young female word fi rst got out that three Upper teachers, the fact of the matter is the School teachers would be leaving Park opportunity for students, and particu- in June . News traveled fast and by the larly girls, to have female role models end of fi rst period, everyone was talking is actively diminishing. It’s important about it. Further, with our wonderfully in a high school or any school to have perceptive students, it wasn’t long be- teachers that students can relate to and fore everyone noticed a common thread feel comfortable talking to. among the teachers choosing to leave. Often times, although not always, fe- Female and young. The three women males feel more comfortable confi ding departing, one each from history, sci- in females because there are just some ence and math, are all under the age things that only women can understand. of 30. And if you’re reading this and The same goes for men, yet there is no don’t really think this is a big deal, you shortage of males in the Upper School. should. The demand is for female teachers and If you look at the numbers and the especially young ones. ratio, however, it may not seem critical, Many students had extremely tight but at worst, we could end up with an bonds and almost “big sister” relations Upper School with eight more male full with some of the teachers leaving and it time teachers than female. is a shame the girls are losing teachers And that’s signifi cant. A faculty with with whom they feel so at ease. “I think eight more males than females isn’t we should replace [the female teach- balanced. Still, it really becomes about ers leaving] with females because the more than merely the number break- teachers leaving are some of my favorite down—it comes down to students’ female teachers,” said Maddie Tracey opinions and many students feel it is ’14. “I don’t know. I think that having important to not only have a balanced really smart and fun female teachers is faculty, but to have teachers that all stu- an important thing for our school.” dents of different genders and races can To be clear, this isn’t a critique of identify with. the hiring process currently under way “I think that they [the void positions] and we wholeheartedly acknowledge should be replaced with females that are that the departments are looking at more diverse,” said Kyree Jones ’12. “I both male and female teachers for the think the Upper School is pretty domi- positions. Further, departments should nated by white male faculty. It would not hire females for the sake of hiring cartoon by Katie Posner ’12 be good to have more female teachers females if there is a more qualifi ed male around that would keep the ratio the candidate. The quality of our education same but also provide students with a always comes fi rst; but to those of you in The Postscript female to talk to or just have a bond or the position to hire teachers, you should The Park School of Baltimore connection with.” know that gender really matters to us. P.O. 8200 Brooklandville, MD 21022 Tel. 410-339-7070 Do you think the school should work hard to re- parkpostscript.com March 14, 2012 place our female teachers with females? Why? Volume 72|Issue No. 6

Editors-in-Chief Ellie Kahn, Leah Shapiro, Daniel Stern “I would love to have more female teachers that I can talk with, like people were able to do with Angela, Cate, Lindsay, etc.” News Sports Arts —Brianna Rifkin ’15 Hannah Sibel Reid Danels Mai Asmerom Jake Max Tara Wendell Photography “Yes. Defi nitely. Especially young female teachers. It’s just good to Eric Sussman Julia Gross, Asst. Mark Plakotoris have people to talk to especially in math and science because those are two subjects that tend to be dominated by boys. There should Features Commentary Cartoons be equal opportunity for kids to have male and female teachers.” Sophie Neiman RJ Gitter David Agronin —Anna Rose Schenerman ’12 Jeremy Cohen Samantha Max, Asst. Katie Posner Quinn Salditch Faculty Adviser Online “I think that they should actively search for women, but not deny a Baylor Knobloch, Asst. Susan Weintraub Jeremy Cohen man the job simply because of a ratio.” —Sean Simon ’13 Policies We welcome signed letters to the editor, unsolicited op-ed pieces, and other con- “The candidate shouldn’t be chosen solely on their gender, the most tributions. Please send work to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for language and length. Submissions are published at the important factor being their teaching abilities. But I would like to see discretion of the Editors. more female teachers in the faculty to create a more gender diverse Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus faculty.” High School Newspaper Service. —Ali Balachow ’14 “I think a big part of the total high school experience is preparing you Visit us at The Postscript for the real world, and in the real world there are more than just a www.parkpostscript.com. DIGITAL or download our iOS app. few females and a lot of males; it’s an even split.” —Philip Middleton ’12 The Postscript Op-Ed March 14, 2012 3 Time to talk: lessons from Immersion Week We need to take two weeks each year to engage social and pedagogical issues through open dialogue by Jack Califano ‘12 Leadership Conferences (SDLC), serve ‘If we...do not demand that students and faculty deal with as excellent examples of how to create I will be the fi rst to admit that, like issues of sexism, racism, homophobia, self-segregation, and direct and meaningful dialogue between many Park students, I fi nd it very diffi cult community members that might not oth- to slow down and listen to my peers—to other problems...how do we expect our students...to handle erwise have the opportunity to listen to take the time to put down whatever it is those problems now or once they have left the school?’ one another. I am working on and engage them in an I had the pleasure of experiencing such an activity a few weeks ago in the SDLC authentic way that leads to genuine under- ment upon a broken system is successful munity. Immersion Week activity. For six hours a standing and empathy. Between essays, “progressivism” is a slap in the face to My image for this dialogue is simple: day, over the course of four days, I gath- tests, college apps, clubs, sports, home- all of the wonderful, brilliant faculty and two weeks where students and faculty ered in a room with 14 students and two work, and breathing, expending time and students who make their living here. gather together to discuss their experi- faculty members and discussed everything energy to engage my friends beyond the These issues which I have mentioned ences at Park, and in the world at large; no from gender dynamics in the faculty to point of “How was your weekend?” sim- are real, serious, and affect the lives and writing assignments, no projects, no tests, parental attitudes towards sex to episodes ply hasn’t been possible. well-being of our students and faculty ev- no distractions of any kind–just a physi- of racism. Through a combination of open There are more important things to be ery single day, and our refusal to deal with cal and mental space where all members ended, organic group discussion and more done, says Park, and it makes that clear by them in an honest, open, and accepting of our community have a chance to slow structured activities like speed dating and valuing almost exclusively (through the way is a HUGE problem. down, listen, and refl ect upon their experi- stoop stories, our group became engaged use of grades and required assignments) If we as a community do not demand ences and their community; a time to ac- to the point where everyone was skipping the ability to produce and engage with that students and faculty deal with issues knowledge the complexities and tensions lunch in order to stay in the conversation. intellectual materials of the timeless va- of sexism, racism, homophobia, self-seg- found within our experiences at Park and What’s more, the conversation was not riety – to write essays and take tests about regation, and other problems now, how do to deal with the real, honest issues—both only engaging – it created change. Over Shakespeare, Calculus, Biochemistry, and we expect our students (and our faculty, social and pedagogical –which affect our the course of those four days, I saw stu- Colonialism. These things are undoubt- quite honestly) to handle those problems community and make our lives more dif- dents of wildly different backgrounds and edly valuable, but our curriculum’s focus now or once they have left the school? fi cult and unpleasant than they have to be. experiences open up about their experi- is too narrow—in our desperate rush to The obvious answer is that they will The particulars of how to conduct this ences and actually change the way the fl ex our intellectual muscles for colleges, not be able to, and it is for this reason that process successfully are by no means a other saw the world, something which I we have lost sight of the big picture. we, as a school, must open up a genuine secret: Park’s Diversity Night, and the have never seen in a classroom before. That is to say, there are issues and prob- and sustained dialogue about this com- national and state level Student Diversity lems present here at Park, and these are I can honestly say that the four days I problems as serious and important to deal spent in that room were the most valuable with as any that we might fi nd outside of and inspiring days I have ever spent at the school. Park School. The value of what happened These issues range from questions there cannot be ignored. of educational pedagogy to problems of This is why I am writing here. As a stu- self-segregation to the unacknowledged dent who has truly come to love this place episodes and attitudes of discrimination and the people I have met here, it pains against gays, women, blacks, and other me to see us dismissing serious problems groups here at school. as if they were necessary and untouchable Even if some of these issues are dis- parts of our lives. cussed in one form or another, the con- I believe it imperative to the success versation about them always ends in the of the school as a social institution that same place—we aren’t perfect, but we’re time be set aside each year to open up a good enough, and we’re certainly better school wide dialogue where we can lis- than other schools. ten to and acknowledge the tensions and This attitude has been nothing short of anxieties that each of us face, and take infuriating for me in my experience as a meaningful steps towards understanding and changing our systems and behaviors Park student. photo by O. Chalkley ‘13 Yes, we are better than many other so that we might make this school an even Participants in the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) Immer- schools—but better doesn’t mean good, better place for everyone. Let’s start the sion Week activity enjoyed a rare commodity: time for open-ended group conversation. and to pretend that our partial improve- discussions on a wide variety of topics. Kinigopoulos delivers dynamic presentation to US assembly by Jack Feldman ‘15 captain of the Pikesville High basketball brilliant points. And as rewarding as that ken about intriguing material, but many team—Kinigopoulos certainly wasn’t is, such dense and intellectual content can of them presented without much emotion lacking in personality. become boring after a while. As a speaker, or energy. Not only did Kinigopoulos have a Kinigopolous was able to stimulate Upper We are a school with smart teachers strong presence, but his talk was also fi lled School students’ attention in a way that and students, as well as many opportuni- with interesting content. He spoke about many past assembly speakers have failed ties for incredible scholars and speakers to his current documentary on Matisyahu— to stimulate it. come and present at our assemblies. How- noting he didn’t have the warmest feelings The atmosphere that Kinigopouplos ever, I think it can all get a little bit stale. Stephen Kinigopoulos, a Baltimore towards the Israeli singer—and showed us created was one in which high school Kinigopoulos’s speech at assembly was local and the second speaker in the Hel- one of the music videos that he’d directed. students could have fun and laugh—one a refreshing break from our ordinary as- lenistic Speaker series started by Niko Ar- Still, I believe what made Kinigopoulos’s that I hadn’t seen before. He was willing sembly rut. From calling on students by geroplos ’13, gave a speech that brought assembly truly interesting was the way to answer questions about his career, but addressing them as “my man,” to telling light to a sometimes-dim assembly room he presented: his style was certainly a re- also able to respond, with a smile, to a us about his college partying experiences, on February 15. freshing change from the typical speaker. question about how much he could bench Kinigopoulos gave us a break from the As a recently-out-of-graduate school Kinigopoulos was easy to connect press. (The answer to the latter question, same old routine, and instead gave a talk fi lmmaker—with both a Greek and Jew- with. Normally at assemblies, we have if you’re curious, is 420 pounds). Yes, it that was relaxed and fun to engage. For ish heritage, and experience as a former very intelligent speakers who bring up is true that our other speakers have spo- that, I was very appreciative. The Postscript News March 14, 2012 4 by Melanie Weiskopf ’15 team had been picked two years and Jeremy Cohen ’12 ago, but not last year. “We’re Club faces off in defi nitely hoping to make it past News in The Robotics Team advanced the qualifi cations,” team member weekend robotics to the semifi nal round of the Ches- Hannah Block ’15 said before the Brief apeake Regional Competition last tournament. weekend. After performing well in the competition Each year, the team’s objective qualifi cation matches with their Amnesty International joins is to build a robot that can play top-notch basketball shooter, the marathon to help refugees Robotics Club pairs with students a specifi c game. In this year’s team was selected to join an al- The Amnesty International from Dulaney High to form full team game, “Rebound Rumble,” Team liance with nearby Boys’ Latin. club led by Sophie Neiman ’13, 1719’s robot needed to accurately The alliance won its quarterfi nal Victoria Brown ’14 and Adam shoot basketballs into hoops and round and advanced to the semi- Lessing ’15 will participate in a balance on a see-saw. fi nals, where it lost. Still, Team marathon March 31, sponsored After spending Thursday 1719 was ecstatic, as this was the by Back on My Feet, an orga- practicing and fi ne-tuning their fi rst time that it had ever made it nization, which helps homeless robot, teams play “qualifi cation to the semifi nal round. people in Baltimore. matches” Friday and early Satur- “The competition is tremen- “Our entrance fees supported day to establish their ranking in dously rewarding for the students them, but we also plan on asking the tournament. After qualifi ca- at many levels,” said Mike Dennis, people to sponsor us per mile,” tion matches, the eight top-ranked the team’s adult leader. “Beyond Neiman said. teams at the competition each the fun and challenge, we hope All of the money from the selected two other teams to join that the students gain an apprecia- sponsors will go to the Interna- their three-team “alliance” for the tion of their ability to solve tech- tional Rescue Committee, an or- photo by D. Stern ’12 elimination round. nical challenges that will inspire ganization, which helps refugees, Brandon Sloane ’14 is one of the members of the Ro- The goal of Park’s Robot- them to seriously consider techni- both in Baltimore and abroad. botics Club, which participated in a local competition, ics Team was, at a minimum, to cal fi elds for their educational and Anyone interested in participat- March 8 to 10, at the Baltimore Convention Center. be selected for an alliance. The career options.” ing needs to register online in order to do so. “The idealist in me sees us making a difference, Arts department hires new part-time replacements however small. I really hope the by Julia Gross ’14 somebody with her degree of experience man’s position then spent half a day at Park students and teachers will who is fl exible enough to teach the course Park where they did a teaching demon- lend us their support ,” Neiman While three other Upper School depart- one semester at a time and who is fl exible stration, had lunch with students, and met said. ments are currently in their hiring pro- enough to come in second semester.” with the both the arts department and Up- cesses for next fall, the arts has already “Terry’s plan is to come back each se- per School Principal Daniel Bergman. welcomed new faculty into the classroom mester in the fall and then Rice will teach “[Looking for a temporary replace- this semester. second semester every year from now on,” ment for Tillman] was really different Seniors earn art and writing Collin Lidston will take over for Upper Sutton added. “We are really lucky.” from looking for a long-term sub—and awards from national contest School art teacher Christine Tillman when “I like [Rice’s Photography I class],” we’d expected it to be different,” Sutton she goes on maternity leave and Janna Three seniors have been Kelsey Parks-Smith ’13, a student current- said. Rice is the spring semester new Photo One recognized by the Alliance for ly enrolled in Rice’s class, said. “Janna’s “What happened was we found can- instructor. Young Artists & Writers. ways of teaching photography are a lot didates who had great academic training, different from Terry’s: test sheets have really great studio practice, but not a lot Maddi Wyda ’12 earned a Rice replaces Lansburgh Gold Key—the organization’s turned into test strips—and that saves pa- of teaching experience; they were fairly highest regional honor—for According to Director of Arts and Up- per—and we have switched to a different recent out of graduate school. We knew her art portfolio. Daniel Stern per School arts teacher Carolyn Sutton, brand of paper and fi lm that saves money the minute we looked at Collin’s portfolio ’12 earned two Gold Keys, one Upper School art teacher Terry Lansburgh for other needs in the darkroom. Overall, that he could cover the classes that Chris- for a dramatic script that he’d announced at the end of the 2010-2011 I think Janna is a wonderful addition to tine teaches with no problem in terms of written in Howard Berkowitz’s school year that he wanted to retire. the arts department.” knowing the content of the material; he Playwriting course and one for “He said it with a tear in his eye and a According to Rice the semester has was also the oldest of the candidates we a journalistic work that he’d sadness on his face that made us all under- been going well so far. “It has been really brought in and he really understands the written in Kevin Coll’s Writing stand that he did not really want to retire, nice and everyone has been very welcom- culture of independent schools.” Life Stories course. Jack Cali- he just did not want to work all year,” said ing,” Rice said. “Park reminds me a lot of In preparation for his stint, Lidston fano ’12, fi nally, was awarded Sutton. “So we asked him if he would be the college experience because its really started shadowing Tillman at the end of an Honorable Mention for his art interested in teaching just the fi rst semes- up to the student but I’m here as a men- February to ensure a smooth transition portfolio. ter and we could fi nd a good teacher to tor and to encourage the students in their into her classes once she goes on mater- teach the second semester who would be nity leave. Gold Keys are awarded to ap- Lidston fi lls in for Tillman proximately seven to 10 percent able to come back year after year.” In addition, Lidston has also been of the applicants from a region, Lansburgh agreed to this and, at the photography and in their art.” teaching some of the after school fi gure while about 15 to 20 percent earn start of the 2011-2012 school year, a fac- The second newcomer to the arts de- drawing classes. “It became clear that I honorable mentions. Gold Key ulty committee, made up of all members partment is Lidston. Lidston fi lls the void could not teach my after school fi gure portfolios and pieces are for- of the visual arts department, narrowed left by Upper School arts teacher Christine drawing class,” Tillman said. warded onto the national com- down the potential candidates for the Tillman—Tillman is currently on a mater- “Being on my feet for fi ve and a half petition, and winners of national second semester Photography I teaching nity leave which began March 10—and hours a day was becoming a problem, and recognitions may have pieces position and brought two fi nalists onto his hiring came as a result of a search led my doctor said that a substitute teacher published or included in the Al- campus where each met with a student by Tillman and Sutton. for my class would be very good idea. liance’s exhibitions. committee and participated in a teaching “I was looking for someone who So, Carolyn and I agreed that we should “I’m just amazed that I won demonstration. was not only strong in observation- bring Collin in.” the award,” said Wyda. “To me Before Winter Break, Sutton offered al painting and drawing, but would “One of my primary goals is to make it just meant that no matter how the position to Rice, an applicant with also work with kids around ideas, and sure that the direction that the classes take crazy what I’ve been working on years of university-level teaching expe- jump between media, helping kids make sense in light of what Christine did can seem, it made a difference rience: “I think she is terrifi c,” Sutton think and brainstorm,” Tillman said. while she was here,” Lidston said. “There to someone. It gives me a lot said. “She has tons of experience both “Junior Portfolio and Illustration are much might be some things that I want to do in more confi dence in myself and as a darkroom teacher and as a digital more thinking-oriented classes, and so we the course, but, for the students, I really my ideas.” photography teacher. She really under- needed someone who could do both.” want to make sure that the semester as a stands the darkroom. It’s unusual to get The three fi nal candidates for Till- whole makes sense.” The Postscript News March 14, 2012 5 After 25 years, Keith decides to call it quits Helen Keith has announced her retire- by Tara Wendell ’13 in and see her every so often; it was fun. She got to know my friends really well.” ment from running the School Store Helen Keith, who has been operating the “It’s not going to make a big difference at this bookstore and school store since 1987, will re- point,” she said. “I very rarely see her [Keith] at tire at the end of this school year. school, but it is nice to now she’s here, I’ll miss Keith joined the Park community in 1983 having her around.” Now, Hickok said, she’ll have when she enrolled her daughter Kara Keith to make a few more trips to Keith’s house. Hickok ’95 in fi rst grade. Hickock is now a Keith has been contemplating retirement for the physical education teacher and coach of JV La- past few years and thought now was the right time. crosse and Varsity Field Hockey teams. “I think I have places to go and people to visit,” Keith chose Park because she thought the she said. Keith hopes to visit Europe, but also add- environment “was the kindest sweetest way for ed that she’d like to see the states as well. She’ll kids to adapt to school,” she said. “They were spend time in her garden and doing projects around so happy.” By 1987, after involvement in the the house. Parents’ Association, Keith was being offered Though Keith is looking forward to retirement, jobs at school, and agreed to work in the school she will also miss Park. Some of Keith’s closest bookstore, then a small closet. friends are on campus, and she has loved watching Keith has been close by her daughter since her students grow up through Park. “I really stayed fi fth grade year. “I love her being around,” Keith much longer than I intended and the biggest rea- said, “and that’s one of the true gifts of being in son is because of the kids,” she said. “I will miss this school, I got to watch her grow up.” them terribly.” Having her mother around has “always been “I wouldn’t have been on this campus for al- part of my life, so I’ve never thought much about most 30 years if the ride wasn’t worth it,” said it,” Hickok said. “I still love being able to pop Keith. Students React: ‘She was always really understanding when I forgot to bring my lunch card with me. We’re really going to miss her.’ —Stefania Gheorghiu ’13

‘She remembers my name which shows that she cares about the students.’ —Henry Villacorta ’12

‘Nooooooo. —Mark Rothleitner ’12

photo by M. Plakotoris ’12 ‘Helen Keith, for the time I’ve known her, has been incredibly helpful: no matter how Helen Keith has begun to train others to work in her post long the line is, she’ll always do her job quickly, while still managing to talk to you and as manager of the school store. Keith has been considering get to know you on a personal level. She’ll be missed.’ retirement in recent years and has, this year, decided to step down. —Niko Argeroplos ’13 Ambler, Hendricks, Doyle decide to leave Park

Teachers leave cont’d from cover deeply,” said Hendricks. Her husband, who is a teacher at Loch respectively, Doyle and her husband are “I love Baltimore and I just moved Raven Technical Academy, has not left hoping to move to a city that excites both Hendricks is exploring two main op- back but I think it’s really important to try his job yet and doesn’t plan to do so until of them. They don’t know where they will tions. One is moving to Spain where her new things and I am excited to do some- Doyle has secured one for herself else- end up but California or somewhere in the boyfriend currently lives, and the other is thing for me because it has been a really where. South are their top prospects right now. fi nishing up her Master’s degree at Uni- long time since I have done that.” “It just felt like it was time for a Doyle is not even sure she will con- versity of Maryland, Baltimore County. Third year math teacher, Angela Doyle, change,” Doyle said. “I didn’t come to tinue teaching although another profes- If she were to remain in Baltimore has also chosen to leave at the end of this Baltimore to settle. We are both just ready sion could require additional schooling. and devote all of her time and energy to school year. “I am looking for other jobs to live somewhere different and do differ- “I would love to try something other school, she could complete her Master’s but I currently don’t have one lined up,” ent things.” than teaching and maybe even go back degree in a year, which would allow her Doyle said. From Pennsylvania and Minnesota to school,” she said. Doyle, additionally, to teach at a variety of schools. “Wrapping expressed interest in working on curricula up my Master’s would be a good pathway within schools but not necessarily in be- to getting my career going in the right ing a teacher. direction,” she said. “I am really going to miss the laid back If she were to move to Spain she atmosphere and the relationships I have would most likely be a science teacher with students,” she said. “Park students at a bilingual school. Another possibil- are really up for anything which allows ity is assisting in an English class in a me to constantly try new things in the public school. “A lot depends on hearing classroom as a teacher.” back from specifi c opportunities but I will And, certainly, Doyle’s departure will be able to fi nalize my plans sometime in be felt: “Angela really has the ability to April,” Hendricks said. connect with every student that she teach- “I will miss a lot of the kids because all es and she brings an awareness of class of the kids at Park are so nice and it has photo by S. Weintraub and gender issues for the department to also been great working with colleagues According to Math Department Chair Mimi Cukier, one of Angela Doyle’s strengths focus on,” Math Department Chair Mimi who constantly think about education so is her ability to build strong personal connections with her students. Cukier said. Commentary The Postscript, March 14, 2012 6 Google makes vague promises to protect privacy by Christopher Mergen ’14 The language of the actual policy that they retain. Google’s main ternet is being erased. More and different from other companies, is conversational, but the policy “privacy tool,” called the Google more often, we’re being asked to but because it’s so similar. This past Thursday, Google is almost deliberately vague. For Dashboard, displays almost all trade our privacy, ostensibly for As much as I would love updated its privacy policy. For instance, in one section it states of the data associated with your the ability to share more informa- to assume that Google has my many, privacy policies are a nui- that “when you use a location-en- Google account in one place, and tion with our friends – informa- best interest at heart, I don’t feel sance, something that, along with abled Google service, [Google] looking at it is not for the faint tion that we probably wouldn’t comfortable enough to do that. the Terms of Use and License may collect and process informa- of heart: have shared 150 years ago. The At this point, though, I’m in too Agreement have to be scrolled tion about your actual location, Google knows who knows information that we share sticks deep. In fact, all of us are. Luck- through to get to the “I Agree” like GPS signals sent by a mobile who I contact the most (because around for a lot longer, too, and ily, it’s within our power to pre- button. They can seem about as device…” of Gmail), my calling and tex- everyone knows juicier bits of it vent it in the future: if we take an helpful as reading the bottom of Besides not being particularly ting history (because of Google have a strange tendency of turn- interest in how our data is used, a Kleenex box. clear about when the information Voice), what my friends look like ing up at inopportune moments. (and yes, actually read privacy Privacy policies initially don’t is being collected (for there is no (because of Picasa Web Albums), Right now, the companies policies), perhaps things will appear to have any bearing on mention of which of its services what I’ve written my term papers holding that information seem begin to change. I’m moving how the service that they apply are “location-enabled,” which is on (because of Google Books), benevolent, but if the number off of Google this month – it’s to works. If you’re not doing more of them than you’d think), what videos I’ve watched (be- of times Facebook has been in something I’ve been meaning to anything scandalous, how much lines like this don’t explain what cause of YouTube), and every the news because of privacy in- do for a long time – and I plan could any privacy policy ever af- Google is going to do with that search that I’ve made (because of fringement is any indicator, that’s on fi nding someplace that won’t fect you? data – it claims it will use the Google Search History) among changing. Google’s privacy pol- make me pay for the use of its But, privacy policies really information it collects to do ev- many other, equally stalker-ish icy is striking – not because it’s services with my privacy. do matter. Ironically, most pri- erything from “…fi guring out things. vacy policies aren’t in defense basic stuff like which language Regardless of valuing privacy, of users’ rights. Instead, they’re you speak, to... [learning about] it’s creepy that any company can documents that companies (of- which ads you’ll fi nd most useful know so much about you and tentimes grudgingly) produce or the people who matter most to be so vague about what it does that explain the data about users you online.” with that knowledge. If people that they collect, and what they Since Google makes its mon- get nervous when I tell them I’ve do with it. Unless you live in a ey by selling advertisements, found their address on Veracross bubble, this does indeed matter. having information like this on or have been reading their Twit- Google’s new policy seems at fi le is a potential goldmine, al- ter, the Dashboard should give fi rst to be a revelation of simplic- lowing them to deliver advertise- them a severe panic attack, or at ity – according to their website, ments of eerie relevancy. least make them want to delete the new policy replaces 60+ But the location collection their Google account. separate policies that applied to alone isn’t the most worrisome We’re living in an age when different Google services and is thing about Google – it’s the the line between our real lives “a lot shorter and easier to read.” sheer amount of information and the lives we live on the in- Sheneman/MCT It’s time for Obama to gear up to get re-elected by Andrew Bahl ’14 care reform, pulling out of Iraq and doing all, the most admired women in America) his audience at the same time. his part to reform unethical practices on and would help bring back some much Obama should also spend time prepar- While the Republican race has been Wall Street. While Obama seems to be needed energy. ing himself for the sure barrage of Repub- getting the lion’s share of election cov- in the driver’s seat in the race to get re- Perhaps more importantly, it would lican attacks that will certainly be arriving erage in recent months, there is a guy elected, there are actions he should take in help avoid the power vacuum in the Dem- on August 31, the day after the Republican currently sitting in the White House who order to strengthen both his and his party’s ocratic Party after Obama leaves offi ce. Convention, if not sooner. Obama needs is gearing up in order to get re-elected. chances for November and beyond. Clinton would also be a more compe- to show the country he is a strong and While things have been rocky at times One of the fi rst things Obama should tent VP than Biden. She has more than forceful leader, but he should take the high for President Obama, I think he has had do is jetison Joe Biden and make Hillary held her own as Secretary of State, was road and keep the overall message of his a fairly successful fi rst term. Clinton his Vice President. Doing this a formidable candidate for President in campaign positive and not engage in a He wound up delivering on many of would strengthen Obama’s campaign, as 2008 and has developed politically since back and forth fi refi ght that he is sure to his campaign promises; passing health Clinton has a mass appeal (she is, after then. The only danger in making her VP lose. would be the awkward dumping of Biden, He has shown that he is more power- a process that, if botched, could be a night- ful and engaging when he is delivering a mare that would do more harm than good. message of hope and inspiration than one But the rewards of such a move would of anger and criticism. Since he is the be great. incumbent favorite, he needs to avoid say- Campaign funding is obviously a nec- ing anything that could be embarrassing cessity and Obama needs to start ramp- or harmful, though the Republicans will ing up his fundraising efforts in order to go all out to bait him into doing just that. compete with the seemingly bottomless A positive message is also what our Republican super PAC’s. Obama has a country needs. Obama was so good at ral- well documented need for cash (he shat- lying us around a common ideal: that with tered the previous record for campaign the right guidance and policy, America spending in 2008) and it’s time for his could be great again. Part of what at- re-election team to get serious about the tracted us to him was his youthful energy fundraising side of things. and his dynamic personality. Obama 2012 also needs to get creative Through the everyday grind of being about ways to reach the public with his president, he has lost some of this. If Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT message; the majority of TV ads are inef- there is one thing he must do before hit- U.S. President Barack Obama speaks, fl anked by Secretary of State Hillary fective at best. Using things like social ting the campaign trail, it is regaining the Clinton, left and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, right, during a Cabinet media will allow Obama to tap into his things that we loved about him the fi rst meeting in the Cabinet Room January 31, 2012 at the White House base of youth supporters while expanding time around. The Postscript Commentary March 14, 2012 7 There’s no such thing as ‘separate but equal’ by Daniel Moskowitz ’15 of the prayer area an evil stare. arousal by the opposite sex. Jerusalem Post, El Al, Israel’s national Ever since I started at Krieger Schech- These two reasons are understandable airline, considered going to the extreme Tania Rosenblit boarded a bus in Israel, ter, the place I looked forward to visiting because they are true. But nowhere does of separating men and women on some from Ashdod to Jerusalem, and sat in the most in Israel was the Western Wall. But it suggest that this separation should be fl ights due to requests by ultra-orthodox seat right behind the driver. Soon after, what I have found is with each visit I no- unequal. In fact, the separation is intend- Jews. she was told by an ultra-orthodox Jew- tice, and I am angered more and more by ed to be “separate, but equal.” Does this It would be one thing if men and wom- ish man that she had to move to the back the separation of men and women. As a phrase sound familiar? It was a phrase en were to be equally separated, but is because Jewish men cannot sit behind a result of this, the excitement of returning used in the U.S. prior to the civil rights a whole different story when men treat woman. An argument ensued, forcing the becomes less and less. era to write off racial segregation as con- women as inferior to them. We all know bus driver to call the police. Orthodox Jews believe that in times of stitutional. how “separate, but equal” turned into Does this story sound familiar? Rosa prayer, men and women should be sepa- As a conservative Jew I believe that something closer to “separate, but Parks, maybe? Yes, except that this oc- rated. Fine, except that the women’s side much of the not equal” prior to the civil rights curred in December of 2011, not Decem- of the Western Wall is about a quarter of separation that era. ber of 1955. This is just a part of a danger- the size of the men’s, and unlike the men, occurs today is The separation of men and ous precedent being set by some Jews. they have no indoor area. more like seg- women in the ultra-orthodox com- On our latest trip to Israel, this past Stephanie Summerfi eld ’15, who vis- regation; why munity in Judaism is headed on the December, my dad, tour guide, and I went ited Israel on Krieger Schechter’s eighth should women same path as the racial segregation to the Kotel (Western Wall--one of the ho- grade class trip, said, “Because it’s [the be treated as less that occurred in the U.S., but on a liest places for Jews) on Friday night for women’s side of the prayer area] so small, than men? A much smaller scale. This is history a service to welcome the Jewish Sabbath. it’s really crowded and there are too many woman is not re- repeating itself. For me, this was a particularly interest- people trying to get close to the wall. So fusing to sit near ing experience for many reasons. First you end up being pushed around.” a man, it’s just off, I am an atheist. I didn’t want to pray As a male, my experience was differ- the opposite. If so instead I looked through the prayer ent; there was no pushing to get close to the man has a book published by the Kotel called The the wall; I even had choices as to which problem sitting Kotel Siddur. piece of the wall to walk up to. near a woman On the back cover I found something The origin of gender separation in Ju- then he is the that stood out to me. It said, “All stand daism comes from two main ideas. First one that should equal in front of God by the wall.” I being that keeping men and women to- move. Accord- looked up and to my right, and gave the gether while praying could cause distrac- ing to an article wall dividing the men and women’s side tions. The second reason is to prevent from 2009 in the Rush Limbaugh’s hateful attack on Fluke goes beyond words by Sophie Neiman ’13 and erode women’s reproductive health rights.” Said Elizabeth Li- On February 23, Sandra ebow, a Park Parent and Maternal Fluke, a third year law student and Child Health Specialist with at Georgetown University, came the Infectious Disease and Envi- before the Senate to testify in fa- ronmental Health Administration vor of President Obama’s plan, at the Maryland Department of making it mandatory for employ- Health and Mental Hygiene. ers and insurance companies to Plenty of people don’t see it provide contraceptive coverage. this way though. Conservative Only Catholic agencies are ex- talk show host Rush Limbaugh empt, but their employees can immediately fi red back, with an still access contraceptives, at no abhorrent response to Fluke’s added cost, from separate insur- comments. “What does it say ance companies. about the college co-ed Susan Fluke, who actively supports Fluke (he didn’t bother to learn women’s initiatives on campus, her name), who goes before a had been barred from testifying congressional committee and in front of an all-male committee, essentially says that she must be lead by Republican Congress- paid to have sex, what does that man Darrell Issa of California. make her? It makes her a slut, Sheneman/MCT Fluke explained how diffi cult right? It makes her a prostitute,” control. He also creates a ridic- tice safe sex, or even just access courses at Park, and at other in- it is to attend a Jesuit school with said Limbaugh. “What does that ulous double standard. “Rush birth control for other medical dependent schools. “The fact that an insurance plan that does not make us? We’re the pimps.” You and Newt Gingrich can play the reasons, is now branded as slut. that concept is still a part of our cover contraceptives. The added should be appalled. Limbaugh studs, marrying again and again Yes, Limbaugh may lean to the culture, and that many people cost of coverage is about $1,000. also said that if Fluke was ask- until they fi nd the perfect, ador- far right, but that doesn’t make don’t grasp how it automatically This should shock you. It’s 2012 ing taxpayers to cover the cost ing, young wife,” wrote op-ed his words, or the lack of a le- makes girls and women second and not 1950; contraceptive of birth control, she should pay columnist Maureen Dowd in the gitimate response from the Re- class sexual citizens, is the big- health care is a basic benefi t, no them back, by posting videos March 3 edition of the New York publican Party any less terrify- ger and more powerful story.” different from any other type, to of herself having sex. Now you Times. President Bill Clinton ing. What it signifi es is war on It’s hard to swallow the fact which all women are entitled. should be really appalled. had an affair with an intern and women’s most basic rights and that hateful comments, such College students should not have Limbaugh’s second comment John Kennedy had many mis- dignity as well as step back for Limbaugh’s, can be made so cav- to pay $1,000 out of pocket to probably constitutes sexual ha- tresses. Of course, it’s fi ne for the feminist movement. alierly. Limbaugh’s comments protect themselves. rassment and defamation of char- men to have multiple partners, “People are decrying the lan- don’t seem like something that “It’s a sad time for our nation acter. The fi rst one is just inac- but heaven forbid a woman ask guage he used, but I don’t hear should be said at all, and particu- when political and/or religious curate. Under the proposed plan, for the right to protect herself. people decrying the concept of larly not in this day and age. Any ideology are allowed to trump companies, not taxpayers, would The main issue, however, is ‘slut’ itself,” said Debbie Roff- woman—no any person, should access to health care services have to cover the cost of birth that a woman who wants to prac- man, who teaches sex education be absolutely livid. Features The Postscript, March 14, 2012 8 the dorm, for example, or which advertis- in the back lot... which is kinda cool. Oh ing slogan will play on the radio. And yeah, one more very important observa- of course, there’s the dreaded snow day tion about the culture or atmosphere Catching call. I used to be able to blame that on here: we all get to eat an awesome Dr. Jackson or Dan Paradis, hot lunch together every day. but now it’s all up to me. There’s nowhere Q: What’s the best/ Up With: most rewarding part to hide. On the eve of what about your new job? the meteorologists prom- A: I love the diversity of Mike McGill ised would be Seattle’s fi rst my days—it feels as if there storm, my son Gabe got haven’t been two alike since Former US Principal Mike dozens of texts and Facebook I started. Two highlights McGill left last year to take a posts urging him to persuade come to mind. First, I’ve job as Head of School at The me to “make the right call.” already traveled to Korea, Chi- Unfortunately, I’m afraid he let na, and Taiwan to visit our sister schools Northwest School in Seattle, folks down since Northwest was the and meet with the Parents’ Associations WA. McGill talked with The only school to open on time and stay open in those countries. Postscript about his and his all day… By 1:00 that afternoon, there Closer to home, I’m really excited was a petition circulating to help me, um, about a new building we’re designing that family’s transition to Seattle. better understand the dangers of keeping will include a black box theater, a gym, school open any longer. It made me feel a kitchen/dining hall, and a rooftop turf Q: How was your move and transi- Q: What do you miss most about right at home! playing fi eld. tion to Seattle life? Both for yourself Baltimore? and your family? A: Lots! First and foremost, though, Q: What’s the atmosphere like at Q: How are your new students/the A: In most ways, it’s gone really we miss our friends and the deep sense your new school? student body? Do you have a lot of in- smoothly. We’re still adjusting to a house we had of belonging. It’s hard to A: In the most important ways, The teractions with them? that’s about half the size of the one we had imagine I’ll ever be more fortu- Northwest School feels like A: Aside from the fact that many of in Baltimore, but we love our neighbor- nate in this regard. it could be Park’s satellite them come from abroad and that they play hood: we can walk to Lake Washington There are a bunch of sec- campus in Seattle: it’s a Ultimate Frisbee instead of lacrosse, the and half a dozen restaurants, and we’re ondary, more transitory long- warm, friendly, informal kids here are very much like you. I try less than 10 minutes’ drive to school. ings, too, like knowing how place with a reputation for really hard to be present and engaged with I’m especially proud of how well to get everywhere, a house being an intellectual, art- them, especially this fi rst year while I’m Gabriel (my ninth grade son) has negoti- with closets, The Ambas- sy, and (politically) liberal learning about the school. ated all of the change. He’s doing well sador Restaurant, Hamp- school… Sound familiar?! I’ve been visiting classes pretty regu- academically, has played JV Ultimate and den, the city’s proximity When students here ask me larly (though closer to three a week in- Basketball (soccer is a spring sport here), to D.C., the Preakness, to compare the two schools, stead of my one-a-day regimen at Park), and sings in the Northwest equivalent to blue crabs (or the ritual of eat- I tell them that if they were to attending theater performances and con- Vocal Chords (though it’s a co-ed group). ing them, anyway), the absence of Wire move to Baltimore, they would certs, and going to as many games as I In fact, that group will be opening the an- jokes/ assumptions, AVAM, The Charles end up choosing Park and being really can. I’m also a member of an “Environ- nual independent school conference that’s Theater, and earthquakes (just kidding). happy there. ment Team,” a group of seven or eight being held here in Seattle at the end of If you were to wander into Northwest students (and one faculty), led by a senior, February, warming up the crowd of 4000 Q: What do you miss most about on a school day, you’d notice students that’s responsible for cleaning a part of the for the keynote speaker, Bill Gates. Park? sprawled on the fl oors in the halls (often school every Monday, Wednesday, and A: Unquestionably the people. The playing music...or cards), the absence of Friday when, for 20 minutes or so, the Q: What’s the best thing about Se- campus. Advisory. Assemblies (or at bells, and obviously comfortable, natural whole school stops what it’s doing and attle? least most of them). Lower schoolers. conversations occurring between students cleans (and recycles and composts). I A: Without a doubt, the physical beauty Laura Schlitz’s snow-day missives (copies and faculty. help my team vacuum, dust, and sweep of the area. On clear days—and there are of which I’m hoping to receive in time for There are some pretty important dif- the “South Stairway.” many more of them than the natives want the next Seattle blizzard). Shakespeare. ferences, though, too. Like many other And fi nally, you’ll be relieved to know you to know—I can see the sun rising over GoldSoundz. Blammo and Faculty Death independent schools in the Seattle area, that I’ve continued the cookie Lake Washington and the snow-capped Match. Bees. Postscript’s April Fools Northwest has no lower school, jar tradition. That’s been Cascade Mountains to the east as I start edition. “The Philosophy,” especially the just grades 6-12; we have an an interesting experiment, my drive to school, and then, as I crest a oft-quoted passage about “positive expec- international population of 75 though. It’s the sixth and hill heading west, the Olympics appear, tations,” on which I continue to rely. students, 40 of whom live in seventh graders who are looming over Puget Sound. a dormitory across the street; most comfortable coming You can be hiking, camping, or Q: How was the transition from we’re 30 years old (in fact, I took in for their Oreos or Chips skiing in those mountains principal to head of school? Is it over from one of the three found- Ahoys; I think the older within an hour of leav- what you expected? ers; a second is the science depart- students are still try- ing the city. (In fact, the A: Actually, there haven’t ment chair!), so we don’t have the ing to fi gure out what’s school runs a ski bus to been that many surprises, which kinds of resources that Park does, up—it’s almost as if they’re one of the resorts every I guess makes sense since I’d especially in terms of endowment. suspicious about my motives. Friday afternoon.) The cy- watched three heads at Park Perhaps most obviously, instead of a cling, sailing, and kayaking pretty closely for over a dozen 90-acre campus of woods, playing fi elds, Q: Anything you’d like to say to Park are all great, too. years. I am slowly getting multiple gyms, two theaters, and a pond, students? Other cool things? Seattle accustomed to the fact that we occupy a single large historic building A: Yes: don’t take the faculty for Sounders soccer games, which I have to be very careful what I in the middle of the city. We sit (all 500 granted! Park is blessed, really, with a are packed and rowdy—as a say—as head, I can’t necessarily toss out hundred of us) on the Commons fl oor for spectacular collection of superbly talent- fan, it feels like you’re watch- an idea or a tentative, unformed thought our Community Meetings (the equivalent ed teachers. You’ll certainly realize this ing a game in Europe or South America. because people hear things much more of Park’s assemblies) and most faculty when you get to college, but why wait And I couldn’t talk about Seattle without acutely when they come out of my mouth. don’t have offi ces. until then to appreciate and take advan- mentioning the metropolitan beverage-of- I’ve also learned that there are certain On the other hand, I can walk to three tage of their wisdom and passion? I miss choice. It’s no coincidence that Starbucks decisions—even seemingly insignifi cant coffee shops, a yoga studio, and a handful you all—even the lax sticks in the halls was founded here: people are really crazy ones—for which no one wants to take re- of restaurants in the time it used to take and the occasional awkward (i.e., taste- about their coffee. sponsibility: choosing the color to paint me to get from my offi ce at Park to my car challenged) assembly. The Postscript Features March 14, 2012 9 Tech Crew plays critical role in productions by Baylor Knobloch ‘14 Block, R. Lessing, and Adam Lessing ’15 were all active in this group during their They are the unsung heroes of our Middle School days, and then made the school, the artists whose work doesn’t transition into Upper School stage crew. have a plaque, and the performers who Then, there is the type of detail-ori- don’t have their own time in the spot- ented person whom tech crew attracts: “I light—perhaps because they are too busy have always been intrigued by how things actually positioning that spotlight. They work,” Himmelrich said. “Whenever I are the Upper School tech crew. would go to a show with my parents, I On the technical level, theater produc- would always be looking up at the lights to tions are almost entirely designed and see what was happening with them instead run by students themselves. A core group of watching the actors.” of tech crew members, which comprises Himmelrich, who attended Middle eight students and is led by set design School at Krieger Schechter, found his teacher John Trout, meets every Saturday way into the tech crew through Trout, for a four-hour work session. who also happens to be his adviser. Trout In addition to this, the members come knows better than anyone that tech crew to the Macks-Fidler Black Box theater requires a certain personality. “It attracts during lunches when they are available, the type of person who, when the curtain and work on props, set design, lighting, goes up, says, ‘Whoa, I want to do that,’” and sound. he said. If you can’t name the members of the “I’m really interested in using techni- crew off of the top of your head, maybe cal elements, like set design, sound ef- that’s a good thing. “In many ways, when fects, and lighting schemes, to help tell people don’t notice we’re there, it’s the a story or to affect a person in a certain best compliment we can get,” crew mem- way,” Block said. And with this artistic ber Ryan Lessing ’13 said. and emotional process, Trout really gives Running a show is much like adminis- photo courtesy Brownie his students the freedom to create their trative work; its facilitators are concerned own work, as well as develop and adapt with events going smoothly, but receive Tech crew members, with the guidance of set design teacher John Trout, their ideas to overcome obstacles. very little face time. “‘Techies’ are back- meet every Saturday for four hours, as well as during various X blocks, to “Unlike in many of our classes, where stage for a reason,” crew member Drew work on props, set design, lighting and sound for upcoming shows. everything we’re doing could be done by Himmelrich ’14 said, “but it wouldn’t as it is for others,” Eli Block ’12 said. form. the teacher, at tech we really need to fi gure hurt, however, for people to know just And although it can be hard to work “There was a pretty good relationship out how to do things and work together to how much work and time we put into so tirelessly and never get to take your between people backstage and people on get them done,” Block said. these shows.” own bow, crew members fi nd gratifi cation stage when I fi rst came here, but I knew This idea of the students being needed This group is not exactly a club, but in other ways: “The reward is when the that it was good when actors and stage to innovate ways to do the production more like a following of extremely dedi- lights come up and the audience enjoys a crew could mix because they are really seems to be at the center of tech crew, cated students who love their work. The fabulous show, and everything goes off working on the same project,” Peter King, and perhaps it’s why the members of the members of tech crew put in anywhere without a hitch,” Emily King ’12 said. head of the Upper School theater program, crew enjoy their work so much. from four to 10 hours of work per week, This sentiment of selfl ess devotion to the said. “John Trout and I encourage the kids “We all collectively think about ways although these hours can easily double production is echoed unanimously by to do both acting and stage crew, and it to do different effects,” Himmelrich said. or triple when a show is fast approaching other members of the crew. creates a wonderful environment.” “We have to design them and engineer or is in production. “The week of a show, Jesse Berns-Zieve ’15, the group’s Now, cast members must attend a num- them ourselves. There is a lot of brain- with rehearsals, it can easily be over 30 newest member, found his way into this storming involved, and John really lets hours,” Lessing said. niche with this fall’s musical production. ‘I’m really interest- us step up and come up with our own But for them, it’s all worth it. “A lot of “During the wild rush before Oliver!, ideas instead of just having us do mind- the work I do at tech is as much for myself Drew [Himmelrich] Facebook chatted ed in using technical less work.” me and asked if I would be interested in P. King, too, spoke very highly about helping out,” Berns-Zieve said. “I was a elements, like set de- the amount of freedom and autonomy that little tentative because I already had more Trout gives the group: “I think John Trout things going on in my life than I could sign, sound effects, has done a really wonderful job letting easily handle, but I decided to at least help the kids own their work,” he said. “By out. As we fi nished up Oliver!, I was al- and lighting schemes, owning it, they learn more and gain more. ready hooked.” The kids love going there because he lets There seems to be a no-looking-back to help tell a story or them wrestle with the problems, come up attitude amongst the die-hard members with answers, and really just take over.” of tech crew. “I’m in too deep to get out to affect a person in a As a product of this freedom and the of it at this point,” Andrew Bahl ’14 said, ownership that Trout grants his crew “and I love it.” certain way.’ members, he fi nds himself with a surplus “The real thing that compels me most of innovative ideas on their part, and he — is that it is fun for me—it’s addicting,” Eli Block ’12 marvels at their abilities. “A lot of these Himmelrich said. guys can come up with really amazing Some have found themselves involved ber of Saturday hours to help the stage solutions to these things,” Trout said. with this work through their interest in crew with the shows in which the actors Along with being passionate about acting. Among the members who are ac- will be performing. their work, the crew members feel a bond tors-turned-techies are Josie Verchomin Of course, not all techies have found to one another and share a sense of pride ’12, Block, and Berns-Zieve. their way through the path of acting. Some among the group. “Being a part of the “Because I love theater so much, have been involved in stage crew since team is an incredible feeling,” said Berns- photo by S. Weintraub I eventually got involved behind the Middle School. Zieve. “Seeing the throngs of people [in scenes,” Verchomin said. Being involved “Most kids come into sixth grade the audience] and knowing that, without A. Bahl ’14 and A. Lessing ’15 work in both major aspects of the theater gives just dying to see the backstage,” Middle tech crew, that really wouldn’t happen— together on the scaffolding to hang students a broader perspective of the art School Drama Chair Gina Braden said. it’s an incredible feeling.” lights. The Postscript Features March 14, 2012 10 Immersion Week 2012 The Upper School participates in a week of outside-the-classroom experiences Learning to shoot guns, kindle fi res by Victoria Brown ’14 good aim afterwards. We had the most gorgeous weather that you There’s something completely could ask for; it was truly an mesmerizing about staring into a amazing experience. roaring fi re—a roaring fi re start- ed with only one match, a roaring fi re that you helped kindle to life. In the class entitled “How to Be Badass Girl,” there was never a dull moment. I got into a fi ght with Bob Peck, learned how to wrestle out of a bear hug, and had a great time swapping gory fi rst- aid disasters with school nurse Jan Brant. Later in the week, we shuttled up to John Roemer’s house in Monkton and learned how to properly shoot some fi re- arms. I had a great time aiming at Arizona Iced Tea cans, which photos by E. Flanagan ’13 all bore the marks of our group’s Female students had the opportunity to learn life skills like self-defense, how to properly shoot a gun, tie knots, and do fi rst-aid. Making progress on the yearbook Backpacking through the Shenandoah Valley by Nikku Chatha ’12 ing hiking and the communal School, free from smart phones by Mollie Selmanoff ‘13 Besides having a substantial banter around the campfi re, and and shampoo bottles. I wanted to amount of time to work on our By some meteorological the view it brought put me in a stay up on the Knob forever with As a co-section head of the sections, we also had the oppor- fl uke, I had signed up for the transcendental state of mind. I the company of my fellow hik- clubs section of Brownie, I tunity to do a critique with Co- winter backpacking trip and was in the Great American Out- ers, cracking jokes and admiring dedicated my time during im- Director of College Counseling ended up instead on a summer doors, a world away from Park the balmy winter sunset. mersion week to working on the Tina Forbush and math teacher excursion. It was the afternoon yearbook, which included fi gur- Tony Asdourian, which was in- of the third day, and our group ing out which clubs and activities teresting and benefi cial because (seven students and two teach- are still active. they were able to look at our ers) was perched on Duncan’s I sent out numerous emails, work with a fresh perspective. Knob, a high rock that loomed and then began to lay out the We also had one student work- over the Shenandoah Valley. My spreads. ing with us during the week, who overcoat and gloves I had left in I wasn’t sure what kind of is not a Brownie staff member, our camp 50 feet below—there experience to expect given that which I thought was amazing. was no need for heavy clothing. this is my fi rst offi cial year on the It was very brave of her and we Today was the hottest yet of three Brownie staff, but it was incred- thoroughly enjoyed having her beautiful warm days. Several ibly fun. there to help us and weigh in on boys and I were stripped from We blasted music and worked our decisions. our waists up working on our on the pages while sporting The week was well-utilized. tans. Snuggies because the basement Because we don’t have senior In front of us, the sun was offi ce is so freezing. editors with free blocks, having sinking behind the ridgeline of We all even went out to lunch this week to work on the book the Massanutten trail, miles of at Stone Mill Bakery one after- was extremely valuable. a serrated stone edge fl anked by noon, to get a break, where I was We made a lot of headway af- tall oaks. The Shenandoah Val- almost forgotten about and left at ter starting the year slowly, and ley spread before me its Arca- the restaurant. (I wasn’t, thank- are now on track to publish right dian splendor. This time of day, photo by O. Chalkley ’13 fully.) on time. in between the hypnotic morn- A group of nine set out to explore the Great American Outdoors. Enduring hardship to survive in a nail-biting variation of the CBS reality show by Ian Simon ‘15 peting in an intense game of laser style of the reality show, and the tag. My favorite challenge—the footage is currently being edited For my Immersion Week fi nal challenge—began with run- to produce one coherent, engag- activity, I chose Survivor led ning around the school and ended ing episode of Park School-style by Jessie Lamworth ’14, El- at the Quarry’s Subway. This Survivor. lie Stern ’14, and math teacher particular challenge involved a Angela Doyle. We tried to make series of hints and clues hidden our activity as much like the CBS around the school, the last of reality show as possible—with which directed us to the Quarry. all the drama, character clashes, We were instructed to buy—and and hardship. We participated in eat—a Footlong from Subway. a wide variety of challenges— Jake Abrams ’12 swooped in to ranging from cooking food with claim the title of the ultimate nothing but scraps, to petitioning Survivor in this thrilling and photo by O. Chalkley ’13 Inner Harbor visitors for signa- suspenseful competition. The Students competed for the title of the ultimate Survivor in a tures and endorsements, to com- entire activity was fi lmed in the series of tests of physical and mental strength. The Postscript Features March 14, 2012 11 Alumni pursue art in college Olivia Chalkley ’13 checks in with arts majors Lindsey Moskowitz ’11 (Syracuse University) and Blake Pruitt ’11 (NYU) about their current projects, and what they’ve grown to miss about Park

What’s your favorite thing about college? LM: Living in the same place as all my friends. Where I live right now, we’re all on the same fl oor. Also, being an art major I’m always with a lot of people who share my interests and focuses. BP: This may be specifi c to art school but I love liking all the work I’m doing. Last semester I enjoyed the work I did for all my classes. I also like that my professors know me for my fi lm work.

What’s your major? What are you being trained for? LM: My major is industrial and interaction design, which is designing objects with functions. Everything functional has to be designed by somebody: chairs, cars, table objects, shoes, packaging. BP: My major is fi lm and television production. photo courtesy Lindsey Moskowitz ‘11 What do you love most about your major? Lindsey Moskowitz ’11 and Blake Pruitt ’11 have LM: Right now I haven’t really started my major yet. pursued the arts post-high school. All art majors have to take foundations, like general art end of my senior year. I can walk anywhere, or take a and design classes. I have 4 required studios now so I 30-minute subway ride at most. Being able to go out and literally spend all my time in the studio. The fl exibility of photo courtesy Lara Blackman get food whenever I want is great. Also, the people. I feel studio electives is also great. I just took a screen printing like a lot of New Yorkers have this particular mindset, NYU student Blake Pruitt ’11 has made the most of and it’s hard to describe, but I feel like it’s something we studio elective that was awesome. living in New York City. BP: It’s great being with professors working in the all have in common. fi lm industry and coming from a place of experience. perclassmen fi lms, along with script supervising. I’m It’s great being with hundreds of other kids who love also working on a Medicaid documentary. I also had a What is your favorite thing you’ve done this fi lm as much as I do. I was afraid at fi rst that this would two-minute short fi lm in the Tisch 48-hour fi lm festival. year? make the atmosphere competitive, but it’s actually much They gave us a prop and a line of dialogue and we had LM: I just bought two fi sh named Renoir and Monet. more supportive. I’ve realized how many areas of fi lm 48 hours to make a fi lm in less than three minutes. It’s They’re beta fi sh, so I can’t put them in the same bowls. and television there are, and that not everyone wants to called Farm House, and it actually won fi rst place, which Sometimes I put their tanks together and they try to attack do exactly what I want to do. is pretty amazing because everyone working on it was a each other through the glass. freshman. We were in no way expecting that. BP: My intro to animation class. It’s not something What are some of your most recent projects? I necessarily want to pursue, or something that I’ll ever LM: For my 2D design class, I had an assignment that What’s something you think you’re getting out do again, but learning the basics of that and working in involved using only natural materials so I did a photo of art school, besides just skills in your art, that you those styles was great. Besides that, Farm House. series with tons of fl owers covering different parts of didn’t get at Park? peoples’ bodies, like faces and arms. I was thinking of LM: I go to an art school within a university. So there What do you miss most about Park? the idea of natural beauty, and how people tend to cover are 2000 people all interested in art. It’s a big community LM: I miss Park all the time! I miss the art department themselves up with makeup etc. In my 3D class, I had of artists and designers, which is different from Park. a lot. I always brag to my friends about how great the art an assignment to design a box of chocolates made out of BP: The networking aspect, which is important in fi lm department at my high school was. It’s also been harder plaster, which I love. We had to base the chocolates off and television. There’s a balance between studying and to develop the student teacher relationships I had at Park. the style of a specifi c designer, so I chose Karim Rashid, worrying about the business side of things. People you I’m pretty close with my 3D teacher because she brings who’s a fairly successful industrial designer. Oh, and my meet -- classmates or professors -- are half the battle. It’s her dogs to class, and I used to do that all the time. But weaving class is doing projects with recycled materials part of the education. it’s not really the same. I also miss having a studio full so I’m weaving with bubble tea straws. of free supplies. Now, if I don’t have something I have BP: I’ve been a production assistant on a couple up- What do you think the “cutting edge” is in your to go out and buy it. particular art form and are you on it? BP: I miss the teachers. I defi nitely haven’t formed the LM: The thing about industrial design is that we’re relationships here yet like the ones I had at Park. That’s constantly surrounded by it. There really are so many just starting to happen. applications to it. We design everything from cars to shoes... it’s such a broad fi eld. So what I’ll be doing is What was it like to come back and visit? designing the world around us. LM: It’s weird to realize you don’t go there anymore. BP: My professors have been talking about the power It was also weird to realize that my whole grade will of television and, in the last fi fteen years, the blow up of probably never be together in one place again. It was cable TV—HBO, Starz, Showtime, AMC. Some of the great to see all my teachers, and my little brother in high best writing period is on TV. If I had to pick one thing to school. do right now, it would be writing or producing television. BP: I’ve been back three or four times, and each time it felt a little less weird. I know it’s cliché, but I realized What’s it like living in NYC/Syracuse? that Park goes on without us. LM: Honestly, the area of Syracuse isn’t that great. The one cool thing is that all the design buildings are Do you miss The Postscript? downtown, and I have to take a bus there. There’s an LM: Of course. I haven’t even seen the student paper Urban Outfi tters and some cool restaurants in the center here yet. But now I have the Postscript app on my phone! of town, so that’s nice. Also it’s not too hot, and there’s BP: Yes! I miss doing the paper. We have two papers usually snow. here and I just don’t have the time for them. I miss sit- Lindsey Moskowitz ’11 designed this cupcake, origi- ting in the pub, and I miss the environment and sense nally in pink, for a class at Syracuse University. She BP: I love not having to drive everywhere. I had a plans to major in industrial and interaction design. really long drive to Park, and I was so sick of it by the of community. Arts The Postscript, March 14, 2012 12 Goldsoundz produces electric energy by Mai Asmerom ’13 fl oor stood on the sidelines and among which was “The World spilled out onto the corners of has Turned and Left Me Here” From Monday to Thursday, the stage. by the Slim Kiwis and “Islands” you can count on students hang- The energy was electric. by the XX. ing around the school until four When Danny O’Rourke ’15 Jake Max ’12, one of the fi nal or even fi ve in the evening, doing dedicated his song to, “the beau- acts, performed “Where Is the homework with friends, attend- tiful Miss Danielle del Rosario,” Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas, ing sports practice, or involved the audience cheered for a solid supported by his younger sister in some other after school extra- fi ve minutes before letting him Samantha Max ’14. The last act, curricular. begin the performance. When Nikku Chatha ’12, closed out Fridays, however, are com- freshman, Micah Saltzberg ’15 the show with some original rap, pletely different. By 3:40, Park and his friend, Nathan Block bringing the remaining members school hallways become a ghost from Pikesville High, announced of Goldsoundz to their feet at the town, and by 6:00, the upper and their instruments, saxophones, foot of the stage. lower lots are almost vacant. and their band name, Casual Sax, Goldsoundz is messy. It fl ies This phenomenon repeats itself the laughter was immediate and by the seat of its pants and counts week in and week out -- with one noisy. And after hosts Lindsay on performers who readily ad- notable exception. photo courtesy Brownie Baer ’12 and Noble Ingram ’12 mit to forgetting the lines of their Last Friday, crowds of stu- Emma Krasnopoler ’15 and Danielle del Rosario ’15 per- announced the upcoming acts in songs and forgetting the chords dents were gathered in clumps formed “Little Black Submarines” by The Black Keys at Gold- the style of the Oscar-winning of their songs. But what it lacks in the Commons, the library, and soundz March 2. fi lm, The Artist, by acting them in technical precision, it more the Arts Center, all waiting for at hearing the show would last changes are sharp, the actors are out silently, the audience played than makes up for in heart. one uniquely Park event: Gold- a full three hours, running until poised and ready, the audience along, guessing, with catcalls, The energy of the room, the soundz. 10:30. How can three hours of is silent. each of the names. appreciation of students for their It was my fi rst time at the music by high school students be At Goldsoundz, the perform- There were many stand-out fellow peers, and the infectious oft-lauded musical night, and I any good? I wondered. ers were sometimes poised, performances. attitude that everyone present is wasn’t sure what to expect. Dur- I was completely wrong. sometimes nervous, sometimes A light-hearted rendition of fully engaged with what is hap- ing the three years I’ve been a As an actor, I’ve been in the both. The audience was loud, “Cough Syrup” by Young the pening on stage is hard to over- part of the Upper School, I’ve black box many times for re- raucous, and chatty. The crowd, Giants, sung by Ellie Cody ’15 look. always brushed off Goldsoun- hearsals and plays, but that Fri- which must be seated during a was quickly followed by Vocal For those, like me, who have dz announcements, promising day night, I was treated to a com- play, was scattered around the Chords member Alex Kalvar ’15 never taken the time to attend a myself I’d go to the next one, pletely different, and in some ground, leaning on top of each in a duet with Ben Miller ‘13, Goldsoundz, try one. For every- but never actually following ways superior, experience. Part other, backpacks strewn here and doing “Your Body is a Wonder- one who performed at the last through. This time I bought my of the allure of watching a Park there. The black box was fi lled to land” by John Mayer. Hilde Wulf Goldsoundz, well done, and to ticket well in advance and came, play is how perfectly polished capacity and then some. People ’13, supported by the full band those who plan to appear in fu- promptly, at 7:30, after cringing all of the players are. The scene who couldn’t fi nd seats on the behind her, sang a selection, ture ones, thanks in advance. Vocal Chords seeks new management by David Agronin ‘13 of work needed to make the group function is largely under- Next year, with the depar- rated.” ture of Paul Hulleberg, Middle Miller proposed that rather School music teacher, the Vocal than a teacher leading the group, Chords face an uncertain future. there would be a faculty spon- Adele Dinerstein, music depart- sor. “Arranging the songs,” (the ment chair, wouldn’t yet disclose transcription of pop or other formal plans for next year’s all- songs into an a cappella format) male a cappella club without he said, “[would be] a large part addressing the group fi rst, but [of the job], but also handling all said, “The goal is to keep up the the ‘class’ related aspects.” integrity and talent of the group Miller’s response brings up with as smooth a transition as another concern regarding the possible.” Dinerstein will make group’s future: Vocal Chords is an announcement just prior to or a class. Members of the group following spring break. receive grades for each semester Hulleberg founded Vocal of work, grades that appear on Chords in 1994 after Dinerstein a college transcript, and earn an and another faculty member sug- arts credit for each year of par- gested he form a male version ticipation. of the Eightnotes, the female a If the group were entirely cappella group. student led—another idea pro- photo courtesy Brownie Without knowing what will posed—the members would face The Vocal Chords, Park’s all-male a cappella singing group, serenaded students and teachers happen next year, members of a different set of challenges. with “Valentine-o-grams” this past Valentine’s Day. the group are considering sev- “Currently, most of the student would probably require a smaller the speaker, and the computer “We get opportunities to perform eral options. arrangements end up being ed- group of more active members.” every practice.” that we otherwise wouldn’t. We “I’m anticipating increased ited [or] enhanced heavily,” “The resource of having a Acheson also noted the expe- have a teacher who’s committed student leadership,” Ben Miller Miller said. “There aren’t many teacher with a room is huge,” Vo- rience of being in the group as to putting in work for the group, ’13 said. “I think the students students capable of doing a per- cal Chords leader Gabe Acheson whole, and possible consequenc- who works for hours and hours in could manage it, but the amount formance quality arrangement. It ’12 said. “We use the projector, es of losing faculty leadership. preparation for each rehearsal.” The Postscript Arts March 14, 2012 13 Student Directed Plays light up the black box This season, instead of a winter production, three seniors di- The Clean House rected plays that debuted in the Macks-Fidler Blackbox Febru- The Clean House by Sarah for her in secret. They then dis- ary 22 to 24. Evan Semenza ’14 and Emma Krasnopoler ’15 Ruhl and directed by Ellie cover that Charles, Lane’s hus- Kahn ’12, was as funny and band (Danny O’Rourke ’15), checked them out. witty as it was emotional and who we have yet to see, is cheat- intense. The play focused on ing on her with another woman. the struggles within an affl uent From here, the play focuses on Ordinary Days American household, from the Charles’s spontaneous relation- maid’s hatred of cleaning to the ship with his mistress and patient The musical Ordinary Days homeowner’s faltering relation- Ana (Mai Asmerom ’13). In the by Adam Gwon, directed by ship with her husband, and even last scenes of the play, Lane for- Josie Verchomin ’12, and mu- to deeper issues such as adultery, gives Ana and offers to treat her sically directed by Becca Lane illness, forgiveness, and loss. breast cancer, which Ana refuses ’12, provides an interesting and The main character, Matilde and instead asks Matilde to kill comical look into the parallels (Zoe Feldman ’15), came to her by telling her the funniest and contrasts between the lives work in America after both of joke in the world. of two pairs of young people – her parents died in Brazil. She is The play is consistently pow- one couple, and one set of ac- employed to clean the house of erful and intriguing and leaves quaintances united by chance two very busy and often absent the audience waiting to see what – trying to make their way and married doctors. Matilde com- will happen next. It is admirable struggling to fi nd their ‘big pic- forts herself by telling jokes but how Kahn and the actors took ture’ in a big city. photo by L. Silverberg ’12 this distracts her from cleaning on such a diffi cult and elaborate The play begins with the char- Adam Gwon’s Ordinary Days places equal emphasis on all which Lane, the woman of the play and yet played their parts acter Warren (Noble Ingram ’12), four characters to show that they’re all just ‘ordinary’ indi- house (Stefania Gheorghiu ’13), convincingly. The contemporary a publicist for an unknown and, viduals living in New York City. complains about to her sister, style of the play was hard to fol- at the time of the play, jailed art- Deb and Warren grows through- sort of spacey ambience. Virginia (Emma Saltzberg’12). low at times with its complicated ist. He seems content with the out the play, another couple In addition to the quality of To relieve her own boredom, plot and fast-paced scenes, how- presumably low-paying job of works to maintain their relation- the soundtrack, each actor’s Virginia comes to Matilde and ever it was executed impressive- handing out fl yers with sayings ship. Claire (Lindsay Baer ’12) voice seemed to match the per- insists on cleaning Lane’s house ly and was entertaining to watch. whipped up by the artist to peo- and Jason (Ben Levitsky ’13) sonality of his or her character ple on the streets of New York struggle to fi nd common inter- very nicely. City and taking care of the art- ests and opinions in a seemingly The actors occasionally fell ist’s cat and apartment. loving relationship. off pitch while singing, but this He’s content , that is, until he Being a musical, the did not take away from the musi- meets Deb (Leah Shapiro ’12), soundtrack and voices of the ac- cal atmosphere of the play. Over- a graduate student also trying tors were obviously an extremely all, the cast performed well both to fi nd her place in the world at important part of the play, and vocally and with their actions on which point it becomes apparent neither disappointed. The musi- stage. that Warren’s priorities and life cal accompaniment was surpris- The only major issue with the direction need a little reorganiz- ingly full-voiced considering it play was a technical one: many ing. was played on only a piano. times, the piano was too loud The two meet after War- The music paralleled the and drowned out the vocals to ren fi nds a notebook contain- emotions of each scene very the point where they couldn’t be ing Deb’s thesis notes and the well, with themes varying from heard. two arrange to meet to return upbeat, blocky pop tunes that All small critiques aside, the book, marking the start of sounded like they came straight the performance offered an ex- photo by E. Kahn ’12 a quirky friendship that builds out of a ‘90s sitcom to dark, sus- traordinary take on what is for In Sarah Ruhl’s The Clean House, sisters Virginia and Lane re- slowly over time. tain-rich abstract pieces that gave so many in the Big Apple, just alize that the best cure for familial struggles, heartache, and As the relationship between the theater and the performance a another ordinary day. loss, is a really good joke. Apocalyptic Butterfl ies sickeningly sweet in a childish manner. Apocalyptic Butterfl ies by The main focus of the play However, the actors did a su- Wendy MacLeod and directed by was on Hank (Noah Sakin’12) perb job delivering lines intend- Tess Langrill-Miles ’12, focused and Muriel (Ellie Cody ’15), ed to be funny in a lightheartedly on the struggles of a lower-class who attempt to make their way comedic, yet not forced way and, couple dealing with the burdens through the ups and downs of a on the other hand, acting out of the early stages of marriage marital relationship hanging by a more serious parts of the play and life with a newborn child thread. While the couple at times with genuine emotion. in late twentieth century Maine. cherish their relationship with The play was crisp and fl owed The play, which deals with con- each other, it seems to be bro- well from start to fi nish, with fl icts of adultery, parenting, and ken beyond all repair when Hank the actors and stage crew mak- other familial issues, took a co- is caught cheating with another ing smooth and quick transitions medic angle in shedding light on woman named Trudy (Read Cul- between scenes to the tune of such sensitive topics. len ’14), until he ultimately begs cheerful bluegrass and country The actors did a fi ne job play- forgiveness by cutting off his toe. music. ing the roles of characters much This brings the play to a satis- Well-rehearsed and tightly more mature in years and expe- fying end when Muriel accepts run, the play was completed riences, especially Sean Simon this gesture of repentance, and without any major slip-ups, only ’13 and Sophie Neiman ’13 who the couple fi nally fi nds a way to the occasional stumble in a line portrayed an older couple very live happily together. photo by R. Kohn ’12 here or some lighting glitches realistically with their quirky The means by which this there, none of which took away Wendy MacLeod’s Apocalyptic Butterfl ies leaves the audience with a fi nal image of a trailer lit up with Christmas lights and actions, wilted posture, and the peace is achieved, however, from the overall enjoyment of the butterfl ies, and Hank standing in the snow with a bleeding toe. delivery of their lines. are somewhat predictable, and performance. Sports The Postscript, March 14, 2012 14 Boys’ Varsity bows out in semi-fi nals against St. John’s

photos by M.Plakotoris ’12 Boys’ Varsity Basketball entered their semi-fi nal match up with St. John’s hoping to avenge their Feb. 3 Program Night loss, but the team fell short once again. By Nick Rickman ’15 tive appearance in the semifi nals—this There was much more optimism sur- the whole game,” said Phillip Middleton time against Beth Tfi loh. “We kept it pret- rounding this year’s semifi nal matchup ’12. “We just began to see our champi- Varsity Basketball’s last three seasons ty close,” said graduate Daniil Llalko ’11, than the ones in years past. Since Park onship [opportunity] slip away and we have formed an unfortunate trilogy of “but we just couldn’t break their press, had already won at St. John’s, there was lost our composure.” With many basket- near-misses. The playoff struggles began which really took a toll on us, and in the no doubt that it could be done again. But ball accomplishments already under their two years ago during the winter of 2009- long run cost us the game.” after what seemed to be a Bruins victory belts, the Class of 2012 and the Varsity 2010 with an intense loss to Chapelgate in But some would say that this year in the third quarter, St. John’s began to team, just couldn’t get it done this year. the semifi nals. This loss was particularly was different, when the Varsity team fi - play shut down defense and scored con- “The past three seasons have all felt devastating due to fact that the team put nally made it past the semifi nal game. sistently. With the clock winding down, like they’ve been cut short,” said Cap- up such a huge fi ght for three-and-a-half Many people had reason to believe the Park began to foul. The gap between the tain Michael Ginsburg ’12 who has been quarters, and even took the lead once in team stood a chance since it was, in fact, two scores began to grow, and eventually a part of the three semi-fi nal eliminations. the fourth quarter. a weathered playoff team consisting of passed the point where a comeback was “There obviously isn’t a solution to mak- The trend continued the following year seniors who won the B conference cham- possible. ing the championship game but having when the team made its second consecu- pionship during their freshman season. “We had been playing our hearts out missed out three times really hurts.”

Baseball adds new players, new fi eld by Zach Wetzler ’14 this year; we’re going to need to work hard to get to where we want One year after winning the MIAA to be.” B Conference, the Varsity Baseball The rejuvenated team will now team desperately scrambled to fi eld have the luxury to play on an NCAA enough players to defend its title. caliber fi eld. Park and Stevenson This year, however, there was no University have formed a partner- need to race around; the freshman ship to share the baseball diamond on class alone provided the team with 11 Sugar Campus for the next 99 years. new players. “We have a great group “The new fi eld is incredible,” said of freshman this year,” Drew Him- Berner. “We’re all excited about it. melrich ’14 said. “and most are really It’s a little more diffi cult now that we experienced.” There are high hopes have to split time with Stevenson, that the added depth and talent can but it’s all worth it to play on a fi eld help the Varsity team improve and this nice.” build upon last year’s 1-14 season. Abrams worries that the split “I really like our team this year,” might be unequal. “Sharing the fi eld Captain Jake Abrams ’12 said, “so has its pros and cons,” he said, “but obviously I’m hoping that we can it feels like Stevenson is getting it win a championship. That said, much more than us.” though we’re really talented, we’re Other members of the team feel also really raw.” that the new fi eld will not only “[Last year] was a diffi cult time, improve the atmosphere of home but it gave the underclassmen a games, but also will help to draw chance to get some good reps in and larger crowds. photo by M.Plakotoris ’12 the upperclassmen were endowed With several new beginnings The Varsity Baseball team, which is contractually bound to share its new fi eld with with a sense of urgency,” Captain highlighting the start of this year’s Stevenson University for the next 99 years, has high hopes for its 2012 season, with a Max Berner ’12 said. “We know baseball season, the team is excited new set of underclassmen that is expected to re-energize the program. nothing is going to be handed to us to start conference play. The Postscript Sports March 14, 2012 15 by Sophie Bailowitz ’15 ist at all. The number of girls interested in playing was Sports Commentary: barely enough to make up a suitable team. In second grade, I discovered how much I enjoyed Many of the new players had either never tried soft- Middle and Lower playing softball as soon as I picked up my fi rst glove ball before or, like me, had never before had the chance and bat. Just weeks later, I decided to join my local rec- to play at a more competitive level than in a rec league. School students reational team. Fortunately, the juniors and seniors, who had been dedi- Two years later, when I reached fourth grade—the fi rst cated members of the team for years, were ultimately need opportunities year that sports were offered to Lower School students able to fi nd enough girls so that the team could survive. after school—I was disappointed to learn that softball In my opinion, however, the whole situation could have to play softball was not offered as an after-school option. While my been easily avoided in the fi rst place if certain changes friends engaged in their favorite sports like soccer and were made to the sports programs in Lower and Middle lacrosse, the sport to which I was most dedicated was School. not an option for me. As of right now, there is talk of an after-school softball Regardless, I continued with softball outside of school clinic for Middle School students to stir interest and give all throughout Middle School and I excitedly awaited the girls some experience before they head to Upper School, years when I could fi nally play in Upper School. Still, I which is defi nitely a step in the right direction. However, was confused and annoyed as to why there was no op- I don’t see why softball shouldn’t get the same treatment portunity for me to play earlier. as other sports. Since many other girls’ sports were offered and the Girls should get the chance to start playing as early as boys’ baseball program was successful, I saw no reason fourth grade, just as they can in fi eld hockey or lacrosse that softball couldn’t receive the same treatment. When or basketball. Instead of just a clinic, a real team with I was in seventh grade, I, along with several other girls practices multiple times a week and games against other who played softball elsewhere, started a petition saying schools led by experienced coaches should be formed. that we would be committed to a softball team at school. This way, girls wouldn’t have to seek out rec teams in However, when the document was handed to the ath- order to play, and the option of softball would be as letic department, nothing was done. Two girls in my available and convenient as any other sport at school. photo by M. Plakotoris ’12 grade even decided to play on the boys’ baseball team With these opportunities accessible to girls earlier, because they wanted the chance to be engaged in the they would have much more experience and skill head- Sophie Bailowitz ’15 shares sport they loved. ing into Upper School softball. This way, they would be anecdotes from her MS and LS This year, as a ninth grader, I couldn’t wait to fi nally able to support the program by ensuring that there were begin softball at school. I soon found out, however, that always prospects for the team, both interested in and with experience, and off ers solutions there was a large possibility that the team wouldn’t ex- more background in softball. Squash team competes at Nationals by Reid Danels ’13 always felt more like an individual sport, but when we were at the tournament—actually competing This past season, the Bruins’ Squash team re- together against other schools, it felt more like a turned to the U.S. High School Squash National team experience. Championships at Yale University in New Haven, One of the more exciting parts of the trip was CT, for the second straight year. the fact that last year’s team was featured on the Last year, the Squash team won the nationals cover of Squash Magazine, and that picture was in the sixth division. This year, the team played in posted everywhere; even on the main entrance to the fi fth division and did not have as much success. the tournament, the picture featuring a few Park The team went 1-3 overall and fi nished in eighth Squash athletes was enlarged for everyone to see. place out of 16 teams. The players that attended this year’s tournament Despite not winning the championship, it was were Katz, Kohn, Nick Halle ’12, Alex Kouwen- still a great experience for the team. “We had a lot hoven’13, Max Buchholz ’13, Matt Stefanak ’15, of fun,” said Captain Andrew Katz ’13. “We won Zach Wetzler ’14 and Mike Tipper ’13. Of all of our fi rst match against Darien, and then lost to those players, only Halle is graduating this year. Malvern Prep, Milburn, and Packer. This year we In that sense, the youth of the team really makes played better competition and had a hard-fought the future look promising. battle in every match.” Katz is, himself, optimistic about the season to photo courtesy A. Katz ’13 “I thought the experience was great—actually come: “Our team’s goal [next year] is to make the Last year’s sixth division U.S. High School Squash National going somewhere and competing as a team,” A.J. playoffs for the fi rst time in Park Squash history,” Champions traveled to Yale University, and competed in the Kohn ’14 said. “When we were in Baltimore, it added Katz. fi fth division, fi nishing eighth. Varsity Tennis team makes cuts; not enough players for JV by Eric Sussman ‘13 to be made. During his freshman year— of three returning varsity play- tance of practice. Playing around “We were ready for a JV his fi rst time playing tennis ers—four freshmen and one JV 20 hours a week, Sugarman has While others pick up their team,” Athletic Director Ridge competitively—he honed his call-up, none of whom are se- mastered his skills from practice bats, sticks, and racquets this Diven said, “but the numbers skills as part of the number one niors. both on the team and outside of spring, there are a select few who just didn’t pan out.” According doubles team on JV. Since then, “Since I don’t have as much school. have been denied the opportunity to Diven, 14 students would have he has joined Varsity, playing practice this year,” said Graeme With no JV team there is “less to participate in interscholastic needed to try out for a JV team doubles for each of the past two Frost ’13, who was one of the of an opportunity for kids who athletics. to have been an option. seasons. members cut this season, “it don’t train outside of school to In light of limited participa- For Niko Argeroplos ’13, The JV team is “benefi cial will be way more diffi cult next make the varsity program,” Sug- tion and strict roster regulations, the dissolution of the JV team because tennis is all about rep- year to challenge players who arman said. three players were cut from the was a disappointment. Over the etition and form,” Argeroplos have been competing at a varsity With an inadequate number of Boys’ Varsity Tennis team this years, Argeroplos had moved up said. “And that’s what the sys- level.” players trying out for the team, it season, with no JV option avail- the ranks of the tennis program, tem gives you, and that’s what Although number one singles was obvious that changes had to able. progress that he attributes to the you need to compete at the var- player Sam Sugarman ’13 has be made—appealing or not. “We With only 11 players trying preparation he gained while on sity level.” never been part of the JV team, simply made the best of an un- out for eight open spots, cuts had the JV team. The team currently consists he still understands the impor- fortunate situation,” said Diven. Nonprofi t Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1262 Sports Baltimore, MD The Postscript, March 14, 2012 Page 16 Faces in the Crowd Sports to the Max

by Sam Sugarman ‘13 Ian Simon ’15 by Jake Max ’12 During the spring, many students at Park play Since I fi rst started playing tee-ball sports such as Frisbee, lacrosse, baseball, and tennis; at the age of four, I’ve spent count- but not Ian Simon ’15. Ian plays golf outside of school in the less hours on the baseball diamond. I spring. “I’ve been playing for fi ve years,” said Simon. “I play at never even considered playing another Hayfi elds Country Club and I also take lessons at Woodholme with sport in the spring. Many of my friends Bernie Najar,” he said. tried lacrosse or tennis, but I stuck with Simon has become a great talent by dedicating as much time to his sport baseball, and I loved it. as spring students at Park do to their sports. “In the summer I play every day Don’t get me wrong, I still love for about six hours, and during the school year it’s about two to three hours baseball, but I’d like to humor myself daily,” he said. with a what-if that I certainly will nev- With a large commitment invested, Ian attempted to bring back the golf team, er know the answer to. As I begin my which last existed three years ago. “I talked with Mr. Diven, and offered up my fi nal season as a high school baseball player, I’m left wondering what would mental coach as a coach for the team,” said Simon, “Mr. Diven said that he have happened if I hadn’t decided to was totally behind it as long as I found the people for the team.” play baseball freshman year. With only six students necessary to fi eld a golf team, Simon did whatever What if I had decided to play golf? he could to reinstate a sport he loves. “I put an announcement in, and a Unfortunately, Park no longer has a signup sheet on Mr. Diven’s door, and we got four people.” While the golf team, but back then they did. I’m deadline for an MIAA registered team has passed, Ian Simon has not exactly a great golfer; I struggle not stopped working. “I’m about to email Tracey B and ask to break 100 even on a good day, but her to do another announcement,” he said. If a squad that’st not the point. were to be formed they would still be able to get I started playing golf when I was 11 valuable practice and repetition. oro 12. My dad got me a kids’ set for mmy birthday and he took me out a few timest that spring to hit balls or play ninen holes. At that point I didn’t really carec for golf. In fact, my favorite part ofo playing was when we stopped to get pretzelspr and soda after the fi fth hole. As I got older and started to hit the ball farther, I began to appreciate the game more. Off ense lags behind defense on Boys’ Lacrosse While I was away at summer camp by Eric Sussman ‘13 I’d bring my clubs and I’d go out with my friends to the local course to play. Generally, heading into a Boys’ Varsity I will always cherish these midsum- Lacrosse season, there’s some uncertainty mer memories, when we’d venture to about the talent of the defensive unit. This “Tee’s Golf” and hit balls off of the year, there’s no such uncertainty; the de- cliff at the end of the seventh hole. fense returns three quality upperclassmen Nevertheless, golf remained a ca- starters—Drew Goldfarb ‘12 and Randy sual hobby for me. I never spent much Conney ‘13, as well as all-MIAA goalie time practicing or had much ambition Ham Sonnenfeld ‘12. This year, because to improve my game. the defense is largely returning, the big- So in ninth grade I didn’t think gest question marks arise from the youth twice about what spring sport I would and inexperience of the offensive group. play. I picked baseball and spent two Even though only four seniors gradu- years doing book before I got a chance ated from last year’s team, younger play- to step out on the fi eld. ers must fi ll a huge offensive void for this My dad always tells me the story year to be successful. about how he started playing golf. “We lost our fi rst and third leading When he was in high school he got cut scorers,” Seth Danels ’13 said, referring from the JV baseball team (he swears to Brandon Keiser ’11 and Emmett Freed- he should’ve made it), so he decided to man ’11, respectively. join the golf team. It was there that he In addition to losing their most potent made some of his best friends in high offensive weapons, the team also must school and learned how to play a sport photo by M. Plakotoris ‘12 learn a new system from a new coach. that he still enjoys today. “We scrapped all of our old plays and This year’s Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse squad features a largely new midfi eld and at- Now, as winter turns to spring and started with a basic dodge and dish sys- tack core, and its coaching staff has also changed considerably. the days become more and more beau- tem,” Francesco Porcarelli ’14 said, “[the much different from the old one: “We do He later added the new system is also tiful, I can’t help but wish I had given new offensive coach John Ciccarone] is the same things; it’s just a lot less struc- easier for younger players to learn. golf a chance. Maybe it’s just me, but very smart and already knows each play- tured,” he said. “It gives us more freedom And with practice this should happen. there’s something about getting out of er’s strengths even after a few weeks.” to dodge and other guys to cut off of him “We have a good young team, and it gets school at 1:00 to play nine holes of golf For Danels, the new system isn’t that and score. It’s creative and fun.” better every day,” Danels said. that sounds extremely appealing.