Thursday, March 5, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 6 www.thekonews.org

Playwright Sarah Ruhl rules KO at last by Cici Chagnon ’21 the podium to introduce Ms. Ruhl. ences with the passing of loved During the presentation, Ms. ones. “Art is a way of making a On Tuesday, Feb. 25, play- Ruhl read from her book “Letters little bridge to them,” she said. wright Sarah Ruhl visited KO as from Max,” a compilation of Sophomore Elsa June Ciscel the 37th Baird Symposium author. correspondences between herself wanted to know where the inspira- Ms. Ruhl’s visit was met with and her student Max, who passed tion for “Melancholy Play” came much anticipation following its away from cancer around three from; Ms. Ruhl replied that she postponement in December, and years ago. She describes the book wanted to comment on how our both the Symposium class and the as “part letters, part dialogue, part culture views depression, and how whole community were eager to poem, part nonfiction.” She paused melancholy is distinctly different. finally welcome her to campus. to discuss different aspects of her History teacher Stacey During her visit, Ms. Ruhl relationship with Max, as well as Savin asked about playwrights attended a dinner and masterclass to read his poem “Scan” about that inspire her. “The whole world with the Symposium students, an MRI scan. Her reading ended is in Shakespeare,” Ms. Ruhl said. Ms. Ruhl addresses the community at assembly. Photo by Jacqueline Pisani. a dinner with faculty, as well as with a bit of the epilogue of the “Everything you could ever want to writing style also set her apart. “I plays are supposed to be watched a lunch with students selected novel and then moved onto ques- know is already in Shakespeare.” chose Sarah Ruhl because her style and experienced,” he said. “While by their English teachers. She tions from students and faculty. English teacher Michelle is totally different than those other reading her plays, I have consid- also spoke at two assemblies: Questions ranged from Caswell, who chose Sarah Ruhl playwrights,” Mrs. Caswell said. ered how I would experience and one for the Upper School and inquiries about her writing process as the Symposium author, felt “It’s kind of like magical realism interpret things differently if I one for the Middle School. to her favorite type of soup; that having a playwright made and really surreal sometimes and were in the audience watching it.” The Upper School assembly while potato leek and chicken this year’s Symposium unique. creative and humorous and light, Senior John McLaughlin was opened by English Depart- soup were the first to come to “I wanted to choose a writer who and it’s really accessible language.” said he agreed that studying Ms. ment Chair Catherine Schieffelin. mind, Ms. Ruhl couldn’t pick a wasn’t a novelist because I feel like Symposium students agreed Ruhl has been a unique experi- After providing some history on favorite. “I like equal opportu- we’ve done prose writers the last that Sarah Ruhl is unlike any ence that he’s enjoyed. “I person- Warren Baird’s creation of and nity as far as soup goes,” she said. few years,” she said. “I thought it’d author they’ve studied before. ally enjoyed studying a playwright vision for the Symposium, Ms. Junior Ahana Nagar- be interesting to look at a contem- Senior Benjamin Zamstein said rather than a novelist because there Schieffelin described the assembly katti asked Ms. Ruhl why she porary playwright.” Not only the class forced him to consider are multiple media through which as a large story circle to “revel in so often writes about love and was Ms. Ruhl the first playwright writing in a different way. to consume her work,” he said. ancient forms of communication.” death. She replied by touching Symposium author since Tony “Studying a playwright has been Senior Alma Clark said her Senior Cai Kuivila then took to on some of her own experi- Kushner in 2013, her distinctive different because unlike novels, Continued on page 9. Seniors receive Cum Laude award by Sloan Duvall ’21 the senior class, and that’s deter- community their entire time at KO. Kumar, Matthew Marottolo, with sports and other commit- mined by GPAs. The primary This year, 19 students were John McLaughlin, Ethan Pinkes, ments. Each of the Cum Laude On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 19 component is academics, but inducted into the Cum Laude Yusuf Rashid, Spencer Schaller, inductees had various methods seniors gathered in the Conklin another component is citizenship, Society: Jenna Blocher, Aiden Hannah Shames, Brandon that led them to success; however, Library to be inducted into the which we take very seriously.” Borruso, Alma Clark, Joey Fago, Stake, and Nicholas Traver. they all stressed the importance of Kingswood Oxford chapter of According to him, some research Molly Jones, Esha Kataria, Kush These students worked determination and perseverance. the Cum Laude Society. These is required to confirm the student Kataria, Luv Kataria, Lily “Cai” incredibly hard to maintain honors Senior Molly Jones cred- students enjoyed an evening with has been a good member of the Kuivila, Juliana Kulak, Vishal level work and balance school ited some of her success to taking family and friends and spent advantage of resources. “I met time celebrating their impres- with my teachers and formed sive academic records at KO. good bonds with them so they According to the Upper could help me if I was struggling School Handbook: “Cum Laude with a certain topic,” Molly said. Society is the independent school Senior Brandon Stake equivalent of the collegiate Phi mentioned how his in-class partici- Beta Kappa Society.” Seniors pation led to his academic success. are eligible to become members “During class, I always take the of the Cum Laude society at the time to understand whatever I closing of the first semester. am learning and make sure I am English teacher and Secre- not just memorizing it,” he said. tary of the Kingswood Oxford Spanish teacher and Presi- Cum Laude Society Ronald dent of the Cum Laude Society Monroe is a part of the selec- Brenda Semmlerock, alongside tion process. “It’s pretty straight other faculty members, organized forward,” Mr. Monroe said. “We the dinner; the event was designed basically take the top 20% of This year’s 19 senior Cum Laude recipients smile for the camera in the Conklin Library. Photo by Jacqueline Pisani. Continued on page 9 What’s Inside this Issue: OPINIONS ARTS FEATURES IN-DEPTH SPORTS A path to the Dr. Gleason shows Mrs. Pomp-Shine Multiple cases of Boys and girls presidency off style on saxo- promotes girls in vandalism shock varsity swimming page 4 phone sports the community take first page 11 page 13 page 16 page 24 Thursday Thursday 2 March 5, 2020 News Editorials March 5, 2020 3 Chris Herren educates audience by Kathryn Westrick ’20 why some people felt like his approach was aggressive, but I think that’s what makes it On Tuesday, Feb. 4, former NBA so effective,” Ethan said. “Sometimes that’s basketball player Chris Herren visited the best way to get the point across, espe- Kingswood Oxford to speak to the cially regarding such an important topic.” community about his personal battle Other students had a different with substance abuse, prevention educa- perspective. “I found it to be very thought- tion, and the disease of addiction. provoking,” senior Juliana Kulak said. “But The star of Durfee High School in his I wish he focused more on the nicotine home town of Fall River, Mass., Mr. Herren industry and how it is manipulating high was named All-American and scored over schoolers because I think that is something 2,000 points. He began his collegiate career more of us can relate to. Still, he was a capti- at Boston College but later transferred to vating speaker who definitely connected California State University in Fresno, Cal. with the audience on an emotional level.” for a fresh start after failing drug tests. Dean of Students William Mr. Herren’s first two years at Fresno Gilyard said that it is important for KO were very successful as he was named to to bring in speakers like Mr. Herren. the All-WAC first team in 1996 and 1997; “I received many phone calls and however, halfway through his junior season Chris Herren shares his experiences speaking around the country. Photo by Jacqueline Pisani. letters from parents about conversations he publicly announced that he needed with the support from his family and his presentation, Mr. Herren emphasized the they had with their kids,” Mr. Gilyard to take time off to undergo treatment for friends, Mr. Herren is now 10 years sober. importance of the first day over the worst said. “Even if only one person comes his ongoing struggle with substance use. The road to recovery was long and day to explain the process of addiction. away with something then that is enough Despite these setbacks, Mr. painful, but Mr. Herren turned something Mr. Herren also warned the audience to make Mr. Herren’s visit worthwhile.” Herren achieved his dream of playing bad into something good. In order to spread about how our choices affect the people Guidance Counselor Chasity Rodri- in the NBA when he was drafted by the awareness, Mr. Herren now travels the world around us. He explained how he tore his guez said she believes that the most impor- Denver Nuggets in 1999. He was then sharing his story. His goal, according to family apart, and how he disappointed team- tant part of this assembly was that it gave traded to the Boston Celtics in 2000. HerrenTalks.com is to “challenge audiences mates, coaches, and fans who believed in him. students a moment to reflect on how they Unfortunately, during this time, to uncover their ‘why’ and to look within to Finally, Mr. Herren encour- are self-medicating. “Teenagers do not Mr. Herren started to use prescrip- create change.” Through Herren Talks, he aged students who have personally need substances to have a good time or to tion painkillers such as OxyContin and has spoken to over 1 million people including been affected by substance abuse or be their true selves,” Ms. Rodriguez said. eventually became addicted to heroin. high school and college students, profes- who know of someone who needs Due to the gravity of Mr. Herren’s A serious injury eventually sional athletes, and members of the military. help to have the courage to speak up. talk, many students felt like there should ended his NBA career but Mr. Herren In addition to public speaking, Mr. He talked about how the culture of have been advisee group after the assembly. continued to play basketball in Turkey, Herren founded the Herren Project in 2011. peer pressure that surrounds substance “It was hard to immediately refocus Italy, Poland, Iran, and China, where he According to HerrenTalks.com, the nonprofit abuse is dangerous, and the ways in which on school because a lot of people had ques- continued to struggle with addiction. organization “empowers schools and teenagers can make healthy decisions. tions,” Juliana said. “I was supposed to When Mr. Herren stopped playing communities to make healthy choices, while Mr. Herren’s message had a powerful have a test the next period, but my teacher basketball, he ended up living on the streets. also guiding families through recovery.” impact on the KO community. “This cancelled it. We ended up spending the He was charged with a DUI and overdosed Mr. Herren also founded Herren was one of the few assemblies that I can whole time talking about the assembly.” several times. His fourth overdose caused Wellness, a rehabilitation program that remember where everyone was silent for People continued to have these his heart to stop for 30 seconds before helps patients overcome addiction by the entire time,” senior Sophia Kaufman conversations weeks after Mr. Herren left. paramedics were able to revive him. When helping them lead substance-free lives. said. “He was really engaged with the According to Mr. Gilyard, KO plans to he woke up from this near death experi- During his presentation at KO, Mr. audience and grabbed your attention.” continue to bring in more speakers like Mr. ence, he left the hospital and decided to Herren showed an ESPN video entitled Senior Ethan Brown said he agreed Herren in the future in hopes of educating make a change. With hard work coupled “Chris Herren: The First Day.” Throughout that the assembly was impactful. “I can see and inspiring students to lead healthy lives. Empowering girls through sports The highlight of the event was the by Cici Chagnon ’21 positivity of the staff and students, which Kingswood Oxford hosted their third made for a great experience for participants. annual Girls in Sports Day on Feb.1, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event took place in the Field House, where girls ages eight “It’s important for to 14 participated in 40 minute sessions with KO coaches and student-athletes. them to learn the value The third annual Girls in Sports of being a part of a Day was a success; the day was filled with 11 different sports as well as a team- team and they need to building session, trivia, and a spirit contest. know that there is no “I’m a big believer limit to what they can that we need to educate do.” and give opportunities —Rinese Sterling to young girls to have Athletic Director Debbie Fiske speaks to participants in the Field House. Photo by David Newman. role models.” “It’s fun that our coaches and student- that we need to educate and give opportuni- made space for the event possible, the athletes are apart of putting smiles on those —­Debbie Fiske ties for young girls to have role models.” student athletic advisory council (SAAC) participants’ faces,” Ms. Fiske said. “I just Ms. Fiske went on to say that helped plan its first year. “SAAC and all the like the energy that you can see with the while there are a lot of male role models girls’ sports really got behind it and it was a girls learning the sports and being taught.” in sports, hosting events such as Girls big success that first year,” Ms. Fiske said. Girls in Sports Day wouldn’t be Sports offered included soccer, in Sports Day presents young girls Each sport had student-athletes possible without the help of the athletic softball, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, with role models that they can relate to. volunteering to help make the day staff: Equipment Manager Matthew Kocay, track and field, tennis, field hockey, The event is run entirely by the special for participants. These students Head Athletic Trainer Steve Cannata, agility and performance, and yoga. athletic staff, coaches, and student-athletes. shared Ms. Fiske’s sentiments. Administrative Assistant Joshua Bala- Director of Athletics Debbie Fiske “I also like the idea that it’s a way for our “It’s great that I could pass my knowl- buch, and varsity girls basketball Assistant brought the idea of hosting Girls in Sports own student-athletes to give back to a sport edge of weight training and track and field Coach Terese Cerins all put in a tremen- Day to KO after initiating it at her previous that’s been good to them,” Ms. Fiske said. onto young girls,” junior Rinese Sterling said. dous amount of work into the day. “A employment. “One of the things about KO’s student-athletes were key to “It’s important for them to learn the value of huge thanks to our coaches and student athletics is that we need to empower girls starting Girls in Sports day as an annual being a part of a team, and they need to know athletes because that’s a Saturday morning through sport,” she said. “I’m a big believer event. Ms. Fiske says once the Field House that there is no limit to what they can do.” that they’re giving extra,” Ms. Fiske said. Thursday Thursday 2 March 5, 2020 News Editorials March 5, 2020 3 TheThe editorials belowbelow represent represent the the collective collective opinionopinion ofof thethe members members of of the the KO KO News News A Wyvern’s Tale EditorialEditorial Board:Board: Jaden Benjamin DiMauro, Waldman, Esha Kataria, Kate Betts, Alyssa head of opinions Eliza Charette. It would be here, for the next MackenziePilecki, Juliana McDonald, Kulak, Ishaa Noah Sohail, Stanton, Cici Chagnon,Kelly Malo - year, where I would not only hone ney,Kush Alec Kataria, Rossi, Madeline Lauren Arcaro, Barnes, Sophia Gwyneth Kaufman, McDon Luv- my opinion-writing skills, but also Kataria, Niki Taylor, Bella Leuschner, and Alma Clark. develop a love for the KO News that ald and Sasha Bash. would only grow in the coming years. When it came time to apply for by Jaden DiMauro ’20 new positions, I decided to come up with End of a staff, end of era a bold new proposal: a reviews section. One day we’re walking onto campus it. It has allowed us to discuss mammoth Well, this is quite surreal. It seems like For years, the KO News consisted for the first time, nervous, but excited to see issues within our own community, and just yesterday that I was starting my first of the same six sections: news, arts, sports, what the next four years have in store. The we have been able to start dialogues editorial as Editor-in-Chief with that same features, opinions and investigative. next we’re walking across the stage and into with the administration at KO regarding sentence, brimming with excitement for my I felt that there was a new niche the next phase of our lives. As the class of different aspects that we can improve upon. new position and the opportunity to make my that could be taken advantage of, espe- 2020 waits for graduation, we ponder our Most notably, we wrote an editorial at mark on the organization that had brought cially given the newly christened legacy, and as an editorial board, we reflect the start of the year that detailed our views on me so such joy over the past three years. website, with content that was more on our past year on the KO News. We are the unclear nature of the harassment policy So now, as I sit here watching Saturday engaging for a high school audience. incredibly proud of the progress we have in the student handbook. Since then Mr. Night Live, with the prospect of my last News I went to Ms. Schieffelin, who passed made and excited for the future of the paper. Gilyard, Dr. Gleason, and Mr. Dillow have Day in the morning looming, I’ve decided to my idea on to the seniors, who decided to give Over our time on the KO News, made significant changes and improvements write from the heart, share some memories me a page of my own to do with as I wanted. we have made strides to move the news that clarify the consequences of harassment and experiences from my nearly four years I was still dead-set on creating into a more inclusive and innovative and have added to preventative measures. on the KO News staff, and thank some of the the reviews section, so after pestering direction. Most notably, we instated the This is one instance of us using our voices people who have had a special impact on me. Ms. Schieffelin for a while, I Reviews section, organized a community to address “an elephant in the room” that As my regular readers will expanded my single page to three. event, and added an online version of the many people don’t want to talk about. know, I would never have been a part This meant that I was essentially doing newspaper. It has been incredibly impor- Adding an online version of the news of the KO News in the first place had the work of an entire section by myself every tant for our staff to create an environ- was also a major step we made in efforts to it not been for a scheduling error on News Day. And I loved it. Every second of it. ment that fosters students’ creativity and keep the KO News as current as possible. the first day of my freshman year. However, going on like this for interest in journalism, while also moving The website Alma Clark created allows I had signed up to take studio art as my another year was simply unpragmatic, the paper as a whole in new directions. easier access to our newspaper for alums, first semester elective, but the class had been so before we left for the summer, I Our main goal has been to avoid stag- prospective students, and parents. Through left off my schedule, and was already filled up. was given three applications for asso- nation, and through these efforts we hope our web staff, we have featured online exclu- So I had to choose a different elective, ciates and was told to choose two. that we will leave a legacy for the paper. sive articles and other content that would not and, at the suggestion of my mother (thanks Ultimately, Mrs. Schieffelin and I As fake news and biased journalism grow have been possible if not for this platform. Mama), I settled, begrudgingly, on journalism. decided that the best course of action would in popularity, honest journalism is crucial. As many of us are now leaving, I had always been an avid reader, and be for me to take all three, due to the rapid We want to combat this both on large and we hope to leave the KO News in a posi- had always been opinionated, two things pace at which my new section was growing. small scales, starting with our own campus. tion to continue this progress. With the that typically go along with “likes to write.” At the start of the new year, I finally got The KO News vs. SGA basketball game support of the staff, Sloan Duvall ’21 However, I had never really enjoyed to put faces to the names of my new associates. was one way we tried to build excitement was able to create the speaKOut column it, and so, understandably, was rather irri- One, Bella Leuschner, I already knew. for the KO News. Many students attended, to focus on the experiences underrepre- tated at the prospect of having to spend However, the other two, new sophomores and this excitement for the news carried sented members of the community go a semester doing nothing but writing. Madeline Arcaro and Niki Taylor, I did not. on throughout the year. A volleyball game through. Sloan hopes that this can increase As the class progressed, Little did I know that over the next is currently being planned for the spring. discussions about diversity and inclusion. something strange happened: I half-year, we would form an incredibly close Additionally, we wanted to create We are excited to see what the new was starting to enjoy the writing. bond (our group chat is still regularly used excitement about news in the commu- staff will bring. We cannot fully express our I found that the style of journalistic two and a half years later), and make count- nity. Journalism is one of the most impor- gratitude towards the KO News for fostering writing, particularly opinions writing, gave less memories, from Madeline committing tant freedoms we have in our democ- our visions and supporting our journalistic me a conduit through which I could articu- the cardinal KO News sin, printing out the racy, and it is important that we value efforts both in and out of the KO community. late and share thoughts, ideas, and opin- entire paper, on her first ever News Day, to ions I otherwise would have kept inside. Niki spilling coke everywhere during a plan- As a result, becoming a part of the KO ning meeting, to Bella’s unfortunate title pun. News, something I would never have dreamed So when I found out, in the February of doing just a few short months prior, was of my junior year that I had been chosen to be now something I was eagerly anticipating. the new Editor-in-Chief, I was thrilled, but I I still remember the moment was far more proud of my three associates, I walked into Mr. Kyff’s office after all of whom had been made head editors. school and found out that I had been In my time as Editor-in-Chief, I made made an associate opinions editor. a concerted effort to move the paper in a Like most new associates, I progressive direction, reforming and modern- was thrilled just to have a position izing our use of technology and our website, on the staff and was brimming with using the paper as a medium to promote excitement as I walked into the Math civil discourse among the student body, and Center for my first planning meeting. encouraging new ideas from staff members. I stood around, like a deer in headlights During my tenure, our staff for a few minutes until one of the upper- swelled to the largest it has ever been, classmen asked me what section I was in, with 44 total members this year. and brought me over to the opinions section. Despite all these accomplish- At the time, the section ments, it is the little moments, the jokes An original cartoon by Alma Clark ’20 detailing the rise of the inevitable epidemic of senioritis. consisted of Maeve McDonald and Continued on pg. 4 KO News Editors 20192017 – 20202019 Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief KO News JadenEditors DiMauro ’20 2013-2014 Hannah Bash ’18 Managing Editor ManagingEditor-in-Chief Editor Managing Editor Sports Editor ManagingNews Editor Editor for News, Sports and for PhotographyReviewsMaddie andPazzani EditorOpinions for Features and Arts FeaturesManaging Editor Editor Arts Editor Kush Kataria ’20 forCici News, Chagnon Sports ’21and Investigative Journalism DeputyAngieJuliana Editor-in-ChiefDeLucia Kulak ’20’18 Alyssa Pilecki ’20 Sophiafor Features,Kaufman Arts ’20 Luv Kataria ’20 Investigative Journalism Esha Kataria ’20 and Writing Coach and Opinions Associate Sports Editors Associate News Editors Managing Editor for Multi- Associate Features Editors Associate Arts Editors Apara Kashyap ’18 Web Editor/Cartoonist AssociateMary PhotographyLessard Photography Editor ManagingGabrielle Editor Ruban ’18 Keegan McMahon ’21 Sloan DuvallManaging ’21 Editor platform Communications Braeden Rose ’21 Jamie Amell ’20 Alma Clark ’20 Editors Aiden Borruso ’20 for Opinions and Nick Traver ’20 Aidan O’Loughlinfor News and ’20 Sports Investigative IshaaManaging Sohail Editor ’20 Emma Levinbook ’22 Samhita Kashyap ’22 Nat Bates ’18 Associate PhotographyInvestigative Journalism ConorNews Caneday Editor ’21 KathrynSports Westrick GraceEditor Jarmoc ’20 Journalism Editor for Features and Arts Features Editor DavidArts Shi Editor ’22 Opinions Editor Associate Web Editors Ali Meizels ’19 Editors BenjaminJaden Weinstein Small ’19 ’21 MarrichKyle Zimmerman Somridhivej ’18 ’22 Adam Ovian ’18 Sarah Gianni Neil Hemnani ’18 Alayna PuttermanOlivia Rossi ’18 Eliza Charette ’18 Rinese Sterling ’21 Benjamin Baby ’22 Hunter Meschanic ’21 Teddy Crowther ’22 Cartoonist Opinions Editor Reviews Editor Associate News Editors Amelia Boardman ’20 Bella Leuschner ’20 Christian Pedro ’22 Associate Sports Editors ThomasFaculty AdvisorBetts ’19 Associate Features AssociateNiki Taylor Arts ’21 Editors Associate Opinions Karlton Gaskin ’19 Amelia Levine ’20 Sean James ’19 Cathy Schieffelin Editors Luv Kataria ’20 Editors Haley Gervino ’18 Kush Kataria ’20 SophiaJane LiangKaufman ’21 ’20 AssociateNell Opinions Schwartz Editors ’19 AssociateJaden Reviews DiMauro Editors ’20 Investigative Esha Kataria ’20 John Leuschner ’18 Faculty Advisors TalineCecilia Norsigian Wang ’20 ’19 MadeleineIshaa PelletierSohail ’20 ’20 ShreeyaMaeve Chalikonda McDonald ’21 ’19 Journalism Editor Web Advisor Lian Wolman ’19 Esha Shrivastav ’20 Rob Kyff Emma Smith ’18 Olivia Reynolds ’22 Joey Fago ’20 Madeline Arcaro ’21 Heidi Hojnicki Cathy Schieffelin Sam Merkatz ’22 Aakash Gunturu ’22 Thursday Thursday 4 March 5, 2020 News Opinions March 5, 2020 5 Students can opt into English classes by Teddy Crowther ’22 either English 5 or English 5 AP, process differs slightly aspect of the history depart- Ruhl taught by English teachers Ms. from other grade levels. ment, and there’s no waves about Continued from page 1 Over the past few months, the Frye, Ms. Hojnicki and Dr. Wayne. Seniors choose from a that. So we’re bringing that favorite part of Ms. English department at KO has made variety of electives for the first idea to the English department Ruhl’s visit was the master- changes to the student placement semester, and for the final quarter. and there’s a good chance that class. “The masterclass was process for the next school year. “This process The third quarter is specifi- pretty epic because she prepared Previously, the department requires more cally reserved for their senior thesis. a couple of writing games for had used a teacher-placement However, many seniors “While [the us to do, so we made a bunch model but is now switching student reflec- will be placed into one of the of ‘Mad-Libs’ style soliloquies to a student-decision model in most selective classes at KO. student-decision which was very fun,” she said. hopes that students can recog- tion, and I’m all The symposium class process] takes Senior Esha Shrivastav nize their needs for an English consists of around 30 students particularly enjoyed the dinner class and choose accordingly. for carving out each year, and examines the longer, it puts with Ms. Ruhl and her fellow English Department Chair work and portfolio of one author. Symposium students. “We Catherine Schieffelin and the more opportuni- That author will then more ownership just asked her a series of ques- English department made this ties for students come to visit KO, as seen tions about her writing process, change to better allow for the with playwright Sarah Ruhl’s in the student’s where she gets her inspiration student to dictate their English track. to pause and take visit on Tuesday, Feb. 25. from, and life events that have Ms. Schieffelin said she While the search for a new hands, and the affected her writing,” she said. believes that student reflection is a stock of their own author is still not complete, next student gets to Ms. Ruhl also offered critical part of this process, and that year’s Symposium class will advice to any aspiring writers this reflection will benefit students. growth.” hopefully be a hit, following have a say.” or poets, saying that poetry will “This process requires more years with visits from Peter always have a purpose so long student reflection, and I’m all for –Ms. Schieffelin Heller, Colson Whitehead, –Dr. Gleason as it makes the author happy. carving out more opportunities for and most recently, Sarah Ruhl. Students and faculty shared students to pause and take stock According to a letter sent the reaction of the Symposium of their own growth and areas “Differing from previous out to families by Ms. Schief- in a year or two, it’ll be seen as students; although most students where they still need to improve years, freshmen and sopho- felin and the English department, totally normal,” Dr. Gleason said. only attended the assembly, so they can be more intentional mores will be able to dictate the Symposium class will be The new method, which Ms. Ruhl’s visit was equally in their education,” she said. which English class they take moving away from teacher place- would allow students to choose impactful. “She was eloquent in For the English depart- next year. This process has been ments into the class, and instead what class they take next year, everything she said, held the audi- ment, options are open for all changed mainly to allow the accepting applications consisting is in hopes that it will allow for ence accountable for taking away three rising grades: sopho- student to decide their future. of an essay, literary analysis, and more students to find success in the meaning, and overall her reading mores, juniors, and seniors. “While [the student-deci- an interview with two members classroom and grow as students. of ‘Letters from Max’ was unex- Sophomores will rise sion process] takes longer, it puts of the English department. “Students can determine pectedly beautiful,” junior Snehaa to either English 4 or English more ownership in the student’s The English depart- their own path in English now, and Ram said. “It was a refreshing year 4 Honors, taught by English hands, and the student gets to ment is the second department we may have even more students for the Symposium assembly.” teachers Mr. Monroe, Mr. Biondi, have a say,” Director of the Upper to switch to student decisions, challenging themselves and Despite scheduling Ms. Schieffelin, and Mr. Martino. School Daniel Gleason said. with the first being history. growing more as readers, writers, setbacks, the 37th annual Juniors will move onto For seniors, the “Students appreciate that and thinkers,” Ms. Schieffelin said. Symposium was a huge success. Dillow outlines strategic design Cum plan in state of the school address Laude by Aidan O’Loughlin ’20 and no shortage of articles and a video on the future of work). wanted to highlight the hard work Continued from page 1 posting about things going on at Then senior Remy McCoy being done behind the scenes to celebrate the students’ On Friday, Feb. 21, Head school, this was a chance to give sang a song from this year’s to make the State of the Union efforts and officially induct them of School Thomas Dillow an official state of the school.” musical “Thoroughly Modern Address so special and effective. into the society. Students and their delivered a State of the Union While the idea of the event Millie,” and the event ended “I outlined the whole strategic families witnessed an induction Address to around 150 involved was to allow Mr. Dillow to deliver with Mr. Dillow sharing the design process,” Mr. Dillow said. ceremony led by Mrs. Semmel- members of the KO community. the information of the strategic future vision of the school. “I have had focus groups, and rock, a speech from alumni and The goal of this new event design plan, it also gave a chance Overall, the event got a great a lot of data collected that have Cum Laude society member Jessica was to communicate with parents for Mr. Dillow to highlight some response. “The feedback has been helped produce this. This was a Anavim, and enjoyed a delicious about what has been happening on of what is happening at KO. “The very positive from people that collaborative process. I simply dinner provided by Sage Dining. outline of the talk was on the one were there,” Mr. Dillow said, “so get to be the one that shares it out Jessica Anavim ’09 was hand to celebrate the many accom- another memorable part of the “The outline of plishments and things going on evening. Senior Hannah Shames at the school,” Mr. Dillow said. especially appreciated her speech. the talk was on “And to talk about the school in “She talked about her the one hand to the context of our history and core values that have helped her market, but most importantly this to find success,” Hannah said. celebrate the being the first chance to share with “She gave really good advice for our families the results of the stra- seniors that are a few months away many accomplish- tegic design process.” from graduation, and her speech While this specific event gave me a lot to think about.” ments and things will not be an annual occurrence, Molly also said she found Mr. Dillow hopes to continue her speech to be impactful. “She going on at the to hold more frequent events to reminded us that it is okay to fail, school inform the community. “This which is something that I person- became an opportunity to share ally need to remember,” she said. –Mr. Dillow with the families,” Mr. Dillow Overall, the students said. “This was the first time we had a memorable evening that did it, so it will probably evolve in left them with a great sense campus, the results of the strategic the future, but I do want to do this of pride and accomplishment. design plan, and other exciting annually or at least bi-annually. Senior Ethan Pinkes aspects of what is going on at In the future, it can be a form of Members of the community listen while Mr. Dillow gives his State of the reflected on Cum Laude KO. “The purpose of the talk was communication out to families School speech on how KO will move forward. Photo by David Newman membership and had some to create an opportunity to come and an update to where we are in I look forward to doing this again. and promote it.” The State of the advice for hopeful inductees. together as a community,” Mr. achieving our strategic vision.” Families appreciate it when their Union address gave the commu- “As Mr. Dillow stated in Dillow said. “I think it is impor- The night started with an schools are transparent and truly nity comfort in having a good the beginning of the year, have tant that the school is communi- introduction by Board Chair bring the families and the parents sense of the schools direction as intellectual curiosity,” Ethan cating out to our families. While Bradley Hoffman, followed by in conversation about the direction well as things to look forward to said. “Pursue your passions we have the Wyvern Weekly, a a 45-minute long presentation of the school. “While Mr. Dillow for the coming years and future in and out of school and good monthly letter that I send out, by Mr. Dillow (which included has garnered the spotlight, he also of Kingswood Oxford school. things will come in the future.” Thursday Thursday 4 March 5, 2020 News Opinions March 5, 2020 5 A path to the presidency Wyvern’s Tale by Jaden DiMauro ’20 fiscal policies, but when given the option ever presented to them, Continued from pg. 3 Days, post News Day lunches, extent of his infractions, won’t be they may just find Trump’s car rides, or texting rants a joy. As the Democratic able to align themselves with his agenda isn’t as enchanting on News Days, the late Madeline and Niki, primaries begin to pick up steam, questionable sense of morality. as they may have thought. night FaceTimes and texts that Words can’t express how the political and media focus on Additionally, this strategy forces As the last election proved, I will hold with me forever. proud I am of both of you. President Trump’s impeachment Republican pundits to defend the Democrats can’t win by continuing Finally, there are some Not only for being made has waned. As a result, much of President’s actions rather than to capitalize on the same base of people I would like to acknowl- managing editors, but also for the the pressure on the president and focusing on substantive policy voters they have relied upon for edge before I say my final goodbye. amazing people you’ve become. his reelection campaign has been ideas. Ideas that may very well the past 70 years. In order to win First to Mr. Kyff. Your You’ve come such a levied, with many claiming that end up deciding the election. elections in the modern political class, and you’re palpable passion long way since that fateful a Trump victory in November is Along this same theme, climate, they must persuade for journalism created within me first planning meeting. now inevitable. However, as the Democrats must focus on substan- traditionally Independent and a love of writing that I will carry When I was reading those smoke begins to clear around tive policy issues rather than Republican voters that their with me for the rest of my life. applications, I never would have what has been a viciously chaotic getting bogged down in Trumpian values and agenda represent a I can’t underestimate the imagined that those three people democratic primary, I believe there name calling, bullying, passive stark contrast to the continued impact that your class and you would end up as forever friends. to be a clear path to victory that aggression. First of all, they chaos of a Trump presidency. have had on not only my KO Speaking of forever democrats must follow if they won’t win. Trump is a master of And finally, in conclusion, News career, but also my life. friends, I met one of those in are to defeat President Trump ad hominem attacks, and appears Democrats must -- for at least Next, to Ms. Schieffelin, Ishaa Sohail, on the paper. The first step on this path to be invulnerable to any sort of this election cycle -- avoid the who joined the KO News as From our first journalism is and should be self-evident. political retribution as a result. word “socialism” like the plague. faculty advisor the same year I did. class together freshman year, Whoever the Democratic nominee Therefore, taking the bait While the phrase “Demo- When I first started on the in which I apparently “talked ends up being will be facing off will not only allow the Trump cratic Socialism” has gained signif- paper, I was quite scared of you. about Latin way too much,” to against the most vulgar, obtuse, campaign to justify his behavior icant traction in terms of public However, as I got older, and our last News Day together, our and offensive incumbent in recent with the platitudinous quibble opinion recently thanks to the likes less skittish, I came to realize not laughs, jokes, and arguments political memory. While some that “both sides are doing it,” of Bernie Sanders, the term still only how amazing of a teacher are memories I will never forget may argue that addressing these but additionally alienate unde- carries heavy Cold War stigmati- and supporter, but person you are. Lastly, I want to qualities in the President reduces cided voters who may not zation thanks to a relentless stream Whether it be coming in at thank my managing editors, the height of the candidate’s inev- approve of Trump’s twitter antics. of conservative propagandism. 8:00 on Sunday News Days with Ishaa, Esha Kataria, Alyssa itable moral high ground, doing In conjunction with this No matter how popular bagels for everyone, or our count- Pilecki, and Juliana Kulak. so will, in fact, do the opposite. policy focus, a potential Demo- socialist ideas may be amongst less meetings and text conversa- Without the four of Despite the extreme dualism cratic nominee must appear on young voters, the Democratic tions, the KO News would certainly you, I never would have been of the current American political Conservative media such as Party must recognize that their not be able to function without you. able to survive this year. climate, the moderate population Fox News, and on non-main- only hope of defeating Presi- Thank you for everything Your skill, enthusiasm, remains robust (as evidenced by stream media outlets. Much of dent Trump in 2020 lies with the you do, and will do. It’s appreciated. and joyousness make the KO Joe Biden’s powerful showing Trump’s base watches exclu- Moderates and the undecideds. Finally I would like to News the amazing experi- in South Carolina, and his recent sively Fox News, meaning And while this may very thank my peers. First and fore- ence it has been for not only surging in the polls). These they are only exposed to the well be the last election in Amer- most, the original reviews myself, but for countless others. moderates -- many of whom singular ideology Fox espouses. ican history in which that is the squad, Bella, Madeline and Niki. So on that final note, voted for Barack Obama in 2016 If a candidate approached case, it must be recognized now, You guys really and truly it is with a very heavy heart and President Trump in 2020 -- them, offering an alterna- or else Democrats can already made every moment I spent with that I say my final goodbye. may be drawn to the president’s tive to what may be the only start looking forward to 2024. you at planning meetings, News Thank you, and I love you all. The high price tag of fast fashion by Olivia Reynolds ’22 celebrities and influencers not legally obligated to provide Growing the cotton to is causing Americans to to promote their products. decent working conditions. produce only one simple jacket throw out their clothes faster. Over the past 30 years, However, The New York Factory workers make could easily take 10,330 pounds The average American fast fashion has become a global Times published an article less than minimum wage and are of water; synthetic fabrics (poly- throws away 80 pounds of clothes force to be reckoned with. exposing that their factory held under short term contracts. ester, spandex, nylon) use almost per year. If everybody wore their Companies like Zara and workers in Los Angeles were Their brief length means 342 million barrels of oil per year. clothes for just nine months longer, H&M have overtaken pre-existing paid illegally low wages. the company can terminate their Yes, that means your favorite it would reduce the carbon footprint companies such as Gap and Levi’s employment at any moment, Lulu Lemon pants are made from oil. for that garment by more than 30%. in terms of revenue, reaching which makes them less likely Reading these statistics Be a proactive shopper. almost 30 billion dollars in 2018. It’s worth it to to report the abuses they suffer and facts was shocking to me. Research what those labels mean! However, fast fashion pay extra for under the poor working conditions. After learning of what Companies use ambiguous comes at a high price. The risk is even the industry does to the envi- language without a set defini- The industry detrimentally clothes in order to worse for females. ronment and its workers, I will tion to placate shoppers into affects the environment and furthers They tend to hold the manu- no longer support businesses thinking they’re going green, the unfair treatment of workers. help the environ- facturing positions while males such as Romwe and Shein. and therefore feel no guilt Personally, I bought items ment and society hold the managerial positions. about buying their products. from Romwe a few years ago. I This imbalance of The rush to Comedian Hasan Minhaj thought being able to buy shirts in the long run. power puts them at a greater researched the true meaning for only $7.99 was a deal I just risk for physical abuse. produce relevant of companies’ “green” labels, couldn’t pass up. Their ads that Many of the workers are The factories of fast and found that the sustainable promoted cheap prices and free undocumented, leading them to fashion are usually located in clothing takes fact advertised applied to only shipping, that I’m sure many of you be hesitant about speaking up. Asia, but where the clothes 1-5% of the product’s material. have seen at one point, hooked me. Abuses like this run go when they’re discarded a huge environ- He compared it to I was disappointed when rampant in the industry. is another concerning story. Sunny D orange juice: 4% I received the clothes in the Fast fashion earns revenue Large corpora- mental toll. juice, 96% orange product. mail, due to their poor quality. by making cheaper versions of tions sell their excess waste The same concept I’ve recently learned expensive, name brand clothing. to developing countries. Now, you may be thinking: applies in terms of sustain- that quality was not the only In order to keep up with the The amount of discarded what can be done to help? ability to the fashion industry. thing sacrificed to produce demand and new styles, stores products is so great that they occupy Thrifting, another prac- In all, sometimes it’s worth clothing at such a price. receive garment shipments almost a great portion of their landfills. tice that has recently become it to pay a little extra for clothes My experience buying every week, as opposed to the Furthermore, harmful popular, is very beneficial. in order to help the environ- clothes shows how social large seasonal drops of the past. chemicals can be dumped in KRON4 News reported that ment and society in the long run. media is only promoting the The rush to produce rivers that local citizens previ- if every American bought just one Researching this article rise of the fast fashion industry. relevant clothing takes a ously used for resources, cutting article of used clothing, it could made me a more informed Sidebar ads and popups don’t huge environmental toll. them off from their natural supply. remove six pounds of CO2 emis- shopper and I will definitely tell the whole story, yet provide In order to keep up with the The Citarum River in sions from the atmosphere, which be more careful with where I enough information that shoppers demand, the industry relies on Indonesia is now poisoning is the equivalent of taking half a invest my money in the future. purchase clothes from their brand. outsourcing and subcontracting. many of its residents, even million cars off the road for a year. I encourage everybody to For example, Companies outsource their causing small children to have Additionally, the low do the same, and find out what look at Fashion Nova. production to Tier 1 supplier firms liver problems and experience quality material and constantly their favorite clothing brands They use a network of in developing countries, which are other detrimental health effects. changing trends of fast fashion to buy from truly stand for. Thursday Thursday 6 March 5, 2020 Opinions/Reviews Reviews March 5, 2020 7 Greta Thunberg undeservedly targeted by Niki Taylor ’21 that such an act was insinu- being objectified in such a way. Climate change is an especially when it comes to trying ated in the piece of advertising. Thunberg’s response to issue that many, including our to prevent the inevitability of being Swedish 17-year-old climate At this point in time it the sticker just proves further very own president, believe to worthless objects in the eyes of men. activist Greta Thunberg has been blows my mind that graphic that she is the type of leader, be “fake” or “unimportant.” Rape culture begins and on everyone’s radar for a little images insinuating the sexual and person in general, that Thunberg is trying to expose ends with the rapist. End of story. over a year now in response to assault of an underage female future generations need, that the truth behind the tragedy that “Propaganda” such as the oil her activism and blunt way of are still being created and distrib- the world right now needs. climate change truly is and to be company sticker involving Thun- speaking about the environmental uted in a genuine attempt at While many hate on rewarded with hate like this is berg lights the fire of the objec- issues the world is currently facing. just disappointing at this point. tification of women that doesn’t Thunberg has faced Just because she’s out seem to have an end in sight. While major backlash due to her age, there doesn’t mean she deserves Thunberg handled the situation in the fact that she deals with to be hated and judged by butt- an extremely mature and digni- Asperger’s Syndrome, and, in hurt white men (don’t come at fied way, she shouldn’t have had my opinion, the fact that she’s me, that’s the majority and you to deal with it in the first place. smarter than quite a lot of poli- all know it) who don’t believe It’s about time people ticians and leaders out there. women can actually accom- took responsibility and began Recently, an oil company plish or be right about anything. taking steps towards a future that in Alberta, Canada has created This issue regarding doesn’t involve a 17-year-old girl and distributed a sticker that sexism in not only politics but in being publicly humiliated on the appears to depict Thunberg general has been a problem for daily by those who just want to being sexually assaulted with centuries and it makes me ques- bring her down and prevent her the company’s logo on it. tion the direction we’re actu- from actually helping the world. The reason it’s widely ally headed in when incidents believed to be Thunberg is due like this continue to happen. Thunberg is to the fact that the sticker spells Additionally, this blatant out “Greta” along the woman’s World-renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg sharply addresses political promotion of rape culture also trying to expose naked back and depicts that leaders and condemns their lax attitudes. Photo courtesy of Google Images. confirms the fact that the respect we woman with two braids, a hair- advertising for a company, but Thunberg for her stance on think we’re gaining as women may the truth behind style Thunberg frequently wears. I really shouldn’t be surprised. climate change and the role not be as full as we thought it was. Not only is this piece of Thunberg handled the situa- she has taken in raising aware- Of course there will always the tragedy that “propaganda” a disgusting promo- tion with grace and strength as she ness on it, I cannot imagine the be people like this, that’s just tion of sexual assault, it also depicts took to Twitter to write her response kind of hatred that would fuel human nature, but the never- climate change a minor involved in said act. which read, “They are starting to someone to create such an image. ending continuation of the subjec- truly is. The RCMP has offi- get more and more desperate… I, personally, feel as though tification of women no matter cially stated that the sticker This shows that we’re winning.” Thunberg has done nothing but what they do just keeps the It’s also about time the doesn’t qualify to be consid- Women, underage or not, great things for the world thus match of sexism burning bright. objectification of women, ered child pornography, but climate change activist or not, far, and my full support lies with The thing is, women especially underage women, that doesn’t change the fact should never have to deal with her in whatever she does next. shouldn’t have to do anything, ended once and for all. Bay’s Blast Flora is Fantastic by Ben Baby ’22 and the movie because we saw Four by Shreeya Chalikonda ’21 rants on the shore that usually a lot of food. I was barely Aakash Gunturu `22 jumping around a lot, even if have an upstairs seating area. able to make a slight dent. Michael Bay returns to he didn’t do it in the finale. Hidden in the corner of the Our server was very For being completely organic his action-packed movies in “6 The movie follows a parking garage in West Hartford nice. I had never been there and vegan, it is surprisingly filling. Underground,” a new action similar pattern to all Michael Center is a small vegan restau- before, so he did a very good We also got an avocado movie starring Ryan Reynolds. Bay movies, lots of explosions rant — Flora. It is located directly job explaining everything I bowl which is another entrée Released on Netflix, the movie and action, with big set pieces. across from the Whole Foods needed to know about the menu. that is made with cashew tomato is fun to watch, but if you’ve The final set piece of the parking lot and would prob- He also asked if we had farro (grain), kale, zucchini, watched movies by Michael Bay, yacht was pretty interesting, ably be missed upon first glance. any allergies, especially to nuts and other healthy additions. you know what is going to happen. but my favorite was the pent- Flora is a vegan restau- because most of their dishes have I’m usually very picky, The cast is headlined by house in China, where the rant that focuses on a healthy cashews and other nuts in them. and this was my first time eating Ryan Reynolds, who does a good crew had to rescue Rovach’s and balanced diet. Even if To start off with drinks, my vegan food. Because it was vegan, job portraying One, the billion- younger brother, who is more you are not vegan you can it was an interesting experience. aire playboy leading his crew of friendly, and believes his country choose some meat options Our server was I liked the food, but it six of the best at what they do. should become a democracy. which they call “viable fauna.” wasn’t over the top amazing. All of the crewmembers Michael Bay is a director You can add shrimp, very nice. I had It was pretty average. have one major thing in common, who doesn’t like to develop chicken, salmon, or steak to any Of course, I don’t have any the world believes they are all dead. his characters as much as other dish for an extra charge. They also never been there other vegan restaurants to compare The rest of the cast directors, preferring to let the have special dishes, including it to, but in general it didn’t blow do a good job, mainly Five, stunts and action carry the movie. those meats if you prefer that. before so he did my mind. The menu was also played by Adria Arjona. Out of all the characters, One We went for lunch and were very intimidating and confusing. The rest of the six are had the most development, with on a time crunch so we were worried a very good job I’m not a very healthy played well, with Corey Hawkins the others being pushed to the side. about it being a sit down restaurant. explaining every- eater and their menu just as Seven, Dave Franco as Six, “6 Underground” is an When you walk in, there threw combinations of vege- Ben Hardy as Four, Manuel entertaining movie, funny at is a cute little seating area with thing about the tables at me and I did not know Garcia-Rulfo as Three, Mélanie times, loaded with action and a large sign that says Flora and what would taste good or not. Laurent as Two, and Lior Raz stunts, but if you want to watch some cool moss like wall decor. menu. It was kind of a shot in the as Rovach Alimov, the dictator a movie with more plot and Interestingly the restau- dark so I just decided on the Mac and villain of the movie. development, this is not for you. rant is on the second floor. After friend ordered an almond joy milk- & No-Cheese because I assumed “6 Underground” had Michael Bay does what walking up the stairs, there was shake which she really enjoyed. It’s it would be hard to completely some very well done stunts he does best, and there are a little side that had some glass very healthy and tasted good, too. veer off of the traditional Mac & and props, with Four’s stunts talks of a sequel in the works. tanks where they grew their Since we went for Cheese. I wasn’t wrong, appar- being the most interesting. I think the sequel could own plants. That was unlike lunch, the menu was slightly ently as it tasted pretty similar. He was the “Skywalker’’ of be enjoyable too, but I don’t any place I had ever been. compressed. I ordered the Mac Overall, the experience was the group, nicknamed for his think it will be a box office We were seated quickly & No-Cheese, which is appar- really interesting and fun. I found ability to climb buildings and hit, especially since the movie as there was plenty of it. ently the best mac and cheese ever. it so cool that they had so many jump between them with ease. is released on Netflix, which They had restaurant style To make it vegan, they use things that were not in common His stunts were performed a lot of people already have. seating as well as a bar. a cauliflower puree and truffle with a lot of other restaurants. by a parkour group called Storror. Unless Netflix releases They had large glass oil to give it a cheesy texture I might go back again, All the jumps were real, although the movie in theaters before- windows and since we were on the and taste. It was made with but I definitely need to read they did wear cables and took hand we won’t be able to see second floor it was a different view elbow pasta and had mushrooms over the menu beforehand safety precautions when filming. how much interest is really from most traditional restaurants. and crispy onions on it as well. so I have time to figure out This was my favorite part of there in “6 Underground.” It kind of reminded me of restau- It was $18, but it was which would taste the best. Thursday Thursday 6 March 5, 2020 Opinions/Reviews Reviews March 5, 2020 7 Taylor Swift ruins her ‘Reputation’ by Shreeya Chalikonda ’21 approval rating. I disagree. While she was on stage her during a meet-and-greet. so scared to come out and tell First off she starts by giving her acceptance speech This was a very powerful people they had been sexu- Going into writing this talking about how her life’s moral Kanye took the mic from her segment where she really ally assaulted because for review and before I watched “Miss code is to please others, which and said, “Yo, Taylor… I’m described what it felt like to be some it is very traumatizing. Americana,” I was convinced that I think perfectly explains her. really happy for you. I’mma let in that courtroom, knowing full Having such a famous influ- all I would talk about in this article When she was popular, she you finish, but Beyoncé had one well that you are in the right ential person come out about that is how horrible Taylor Swift is. was creating so much music that of the best videos of all time!” but being accused of lying. makes it much easier for others to. I was so excited to watch the was good and then one scandal You can just imagine Additionally, she mentioned Finally, she talked about show to figure out how one of the happens and she disappears off the how speechless Taylor her political views in a segment most famous and talented artists face of the Earth and breaks down. Swift probably was. I thought was way too long. She became one of the most hated I thought it was very She was young, this was Her ideas really expressed her dislike for Tennessee people in America – especially brave of her to share that and her first claim to fame, and senator Marsha Blackburn as well following her absolutely devas- admit that in the documentary. this huge star who she looked resonated with as Donald Trump in an Instagram tating role in “Cats,” which was Especially because it is up to just told her she didn’t post she was anxious to share. on track to lose about $100 million. definitely something that hits her deserve the award she just won. me, and it seems She received backlash from After watching the docu- hard and she struggles with it. In the documen- President Trump; however, about mentary, however, I was shocked. It then backtracks tary she admits this was the that she really 50,000 new voters registered to vote I have a new perspective on into an overview of her life lowest point in her career. cares about issues just 24 hours after she had posted it. her that I didn’t have before. starting from when she was 13. I thought she was again very That shows you she has a “Miss Americana” was By the time she was 16 brave to include this part; however, like that. lot of influence, but of course her released as a Netflix documen- she had written over 150 songs she really just skimmed right over it. outwardness about her political tary on Jan. 31, 2020, after and put together an album. That’s the case with most stance probably did not sit well it premiered at the Sundance When she was 19, her of the issues she addresses in how seven people had seen it with some people in her fan base. Film Festival on Jan. 23, 2020. songs became so popular she the rest of the documentary. and there was a photo taken Throughout the docu- It is about the details was thought to have changed the Like if she’s going to talk and yet they still put up a fight. mentary, there are scenes of her of pop star Taylor Swift’s life, whole country genre of music. about them she might as well Imagine if it was a woman’s word in the studio recording songs rise to fame, and downfall. Contrary to popular at least go somewhat deeper. against a man’s. There might for her newest album “Lover.” This was not her first feature belief, Taylor Swift actually Another thing she talked not always be solid evidence. All of these show on Netflix as she had previ- included a segment about the about was her mom’s cancer Her ideas really resonated a positive side of Swift. ously released her “Reputation Kanye West issue which people and how that affected her. with me, and it seems that she She is portrayed as a hard Stadium Tour” in December 2018. thought she wouldn’t address. It was truly sad, really cares about issues like that. worker and dedicated artist. Her stadium tour Netflix At the 2009 MTV Video but she spent a good five Obviously, a common Overall, the documentary was special received a lot of praise Music Awards (VMAs) Taylor minutes on it and moved on. theme throughout is her bravery insightful but not thorough at all. from critics. “Miss Americana” Swift had won the Moonman for A portion of it was dedicated to include all of these scenes, I felt like it definitely is “certified fresh” according to Best Female Video for her music to her sexual assault allegation and that stays true in this one. took courage to release it, Rotten Tomatoes with a 92% video of “You Belong With Me.” against a radio host who groped So many women are so I applaud her on that. Academy Awards make history by Niki Taylor ’21 the show itself; I was just very sad daughter, “Hair Love” undoubtedly The three biggest awards of with love and peace will follow.’” that I didn’t get to see my celeb deserved to win in this category. the night were announced at the end. Despite the relatively The 92nd Academy Awards, husband that night, and that I didn’t Something I certainly wasn’t The first was Best Actor. The common view that actors more commonly known as the get new red carpet photos of him. expecting to happen occured around nominees included Jonathan Pryce should skip the talks about poli- Oscars, took place on Sunday, Another big award, Best the midway point of the show. (“The Two Popes”), Adam Driver tics and current issues while Feb. 9. The ceremony once Supporting Actress, was also They were showing a video (“Marriage Story”), Antonio at awards shows and such, again lacked a host in hopes of announced relatively early on in of iconic songs that were made Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), Phoenix’s speech was memo- continuing the rise in ratings the the program, going to Laura Dern for films when all of a sudden, Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), and rable, important, and a much- show has seen in more recent years. for her role as divorce lawyer Nora as a clip from the 2002 film “8 Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once needed wake up call for many. Janelle Monae kicked off Fanshaw in Noah Baumbach’s Mile” began playing, the video Upon a Time in Hollywood”). The second to last award of the show with an absolutely Netflix film “Marriage Story.” cut to a live performance from Taking home the gold was the night was for Best Actress. The amazing performance featuring This win also pleased me as I’m none other than Eminem himself. Joaquin Phoenix for his role nominees were Charlize Theron Billy Porter. She began the a big fan of the film and loyal He sang his Oscar winning as Arthur Fleck in Todd Phil- (“Bombshell”), Cynthia Erivo performance with an ode to “A supporter of Dern and her career. hit “Lose Yourself” and as the lips’ renowned film “Joker.” (“Harriet”), Renée Zellweger Beautiful Day in the Neighbor- The winner for Best camera panned to different celeb- In his acceptance speech, (“Judy”), Saoirse Ronan (“Little hood” and then transitioned into Animated Short Film was also rities in the audience, their expres- Phoenix focused on bringing Women”), and Scarlett Johansson a more upbeat and energizing act. another great moment in the sions were full of shock and excite- awareness to issues such as (“Marriage Story”). Renée Zell- The dancing, singing, and show. “Hair Love,” a short by ment. I’m still unsure as to how climate change and social justice weger took the award for her depic- performance as a whole set the former NFL player Matthew A. the Academy managed to keep and enunciating the importance tion of Judy Garland in the biopic. mood for the rest of the program Cherry and co-produced by Karen this performance a secret, but of second chances and kindness. The final, and biggest, award in a wonderful way, leaving of the night was for Best Picture. the audience wanting more. Nominations went out to “1917,” Following Monae, Kevin “Joker,” “Ford v Ferrari,” “Once Hart and Steve Martin, both upon a Time in Hollywood,” former hosts of the Oscars, “Parasite,” “The Irishman,” opened the ceremony by cracking “Jojo Rabbit,” “Marriage jokes and establishing a light- Story,” and “Little Women.” hearted, fun tone for the night. The award went to Bong Joon Humor, being a common theme Ho’s South Korean film “Parasite.” among most presenters, nomi- Also winning the awards nees, and winners, allowed for for Best Director, Best Inter- the entertainment to never cease. national Feature film, and The first award of the night, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, went to “Parasite” swept through the Brad Pitt for his role as Cliff Booth Oscars, leaving an everlasting in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once mark on the world of cinema. Upon a Time in Hollywood.” The 92nd Academy Awards Personally, I quite enjoy was a much needed improvement looking at Brad Pitt and thought in regards to past ceremonies. his performance in the film Eminem performing “Lose Yourself” in Hollywood at the 92nd Academy Awards. Photo courtesy of Google Images. By incorporating exciting was spectacular, so I wasn’t performances, thoughtful trib- unhappy with these results. Rupert Toliver, is about a black I’m very glad that they managed Finishing off his speech with a utes, and enthusiastic presenters, One thing I was particularly father who must learn to do his to do so. It brought an element of quote from his late brother, River, the 2020 Oscars was certainly a unhappy about, however, was the daughter’s hair for the first time. excitement to the program, some- Phoenix said, “When he was 17, step back in the right direction extremely noticeable lack of Chris A heartwarming story about the thing to keep viewers engaged my brother [River] wrote this for the show to regain the reviews Evans. This has nothing to do with relationship between father and and willing to continue watching. lyric. He said: ‘run to the rescue and viewers it used to receive. Thursday Thursday 8 March 5, 2020 ArtsReviews Arts March 5, 2020 9 Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ sticks its landing by Isabella Leuschner ’20 and does not care about any of acters each are very different her even more. Morgan is defi- episode from her overbearing their feelings when it comes and have a wide range of skills, nitely the weakest of the five that parents. Gabi is a very unique For as long as I can to making tough decisions. but just like everyone else they I previously mentioned, which person; she has her days where you remember, I have always heard At first you are a bit taken have one goal, being on the mat makes her the underdog, and who like her and days where you don’t. the words “Cheerleading is not back by Aldama and her coaching at Daytona. The rules in the doesn’t love a good underdog. Jerry is by far the most a sport.” Well, after watching style, but it also explains why they NCA are that only 20 people can The next member is Lexi. amazing person on the team. Netflix’s new docuseries have won 14 National Champion- perform on mat at the National Lexi is a very antisocial girl who is He, just like Morgan, was not on about a small junior college in ship titles in the junior college Championships in Daytona. absolutely insane at tumbling. She mat the previous year, so he is Navarro, Tex., I certainly beg to division since 2000, as well as Aldama has a 40 person is the only girl on the team who can constantly trying to prove himself differ. Netflix released a brand winning the “Grand National” team so just in case someone is tumble like the boys, and the flips to Monica and asks how he can new series in January called title five times. You take one look injured they have an automatic she throws are absolutely ridicu- improve. He is always the most “Cheer,” and it has completely at Aldama and think that she is backup. Which happens a lot. lous. Lexi is definitely the black excited one on the team and is swept the internet by storm. just some washed up cheerleader Each episode someone is either sheep of the team; she is constantly constantly happy even though The show has become so using her former skills to coach. concussed, is dropped in a stunt, or shown vaping and she has a sour he has been through so much. popular that it has even become If you assume this, you injures an ankle or all of the above. attitude towards a lot of the team Finally, La’Darius, by far the its own trend on the famous are certainly mistaken, Aldama The hardest part about rituals when she first arrives at biggest personality and diva on the social media platform TikTok. not only has all of these titles watching the kids find out who Navarro. However, after learning team. He has this super-ultra funny The show is not dissimilar to to prove her work, but she also made mat is that Navarro is only more about Lexi and how difficult personality to him but he constantly Netflix’s other famous docuseries received a business degree from a two year college, which means her life has been, she begins to gets frustrated with his teammates. “Last Chance U” which followed the University of Texas at Austin. some kids will go to this school be someone you want to root for. He, out of the five, definitely the lives of football players at a She coaches at Navarro to train only with Aldama and Gabi Butler is the star of the has the most growing up to do. community college in Mississippi. because she is from the town not even make the mat once. team; she has a massive following This show will make you “Cheer” follows the lives Corsicana, where Navarro is, and The five members of the team on social media, constantly is fall in love with the kids on the of many different kids on the that is where she and her husband all come from completely different doing photoshoots for cheer maga- team and will have you holding team, such as the star athletes wanted to raise their family. lives. Morgan is at Navarro for her zines and has devoted her life to your breath during their entire as well as the kids who are still The show follows the life second year and did not make mat cheerleading. She does every Daytona routine. The series is trying to prove themselves to of Aldama, as well as five of her her first year. The Netflix crew single part of the routine perfectly only six episodes long, and they their coach, Monica Aldama. athletes: Morgan, Lexi, Gabi, goes into Morgan’s heartbreaking every time. Gabi is shown to are one hour each. “Cheer” is Aldama is tough as nails Jerry and La’Darius. These char- backstory which makes you love be under a lot of pressure every available to stream on Netflix. Five star CycleBar ‘The Witcher’ wins by Madeline Arcaro ’21 friends who go for the first time by Benjamin Baby ’22 The casting of Anna In my opinion, the second to sit in the front where I like Shaffer as Triss Merigold caused episode was the slowest, but Everyone who has talked to to sit. Bikes 28-30 are right in Netflix released all eight some unrest, since Triss is in it was also very important me even once knows my obses- the middle so you can see the episodes of season one of “The both the books and the games, because it introduced the audi- sion with Cyclebar. I don’t keep it instructor, but it’s the second row Witcher” last December. It turned someone with auburn hair ence to the new characters, a secret. I’ve been going at least so nobody is really looking at you. out to be as popular and over- and pale skin, while the show including Yennefer and Jaskier. four times a week now for eight The class went really well. taking as “The Mandalorian,” completely changed the character. This episode also months, and I don’t see myself The music that was played wasn’t the most popular on-demand Even though this is a big showed Geralt’s persua- stopping anytime soon. So when as good as it has been during past TV show in the world. detachment from the character, siveness and compassion. Bella and Shreeya agreed to go classes, but the “vibes” in the room The plot of “The Witcher” the actress herself did a good My favorite episode, with me, I was ecstatic. Most of my were great and you could tell that revolves around the titular char- job, but she only had a some- however, was episode four. friends do not want to go with me. everyone was having a good time. acter, Geralt of Rivia, a mutant what large role in episode three. This episode was not only fun I like to think it’s because they’re That class was also one of who hunts monsters for hire. We In the first season of “The to watch, but it was also the intimidated by me, but that may be the harder classes I’ve been to, and meet Geralt as he is fighting a kiki- Witcher,” the main plot of the show funniest episode and had an epic my own pretentiousness speaking. Shreeya and Bella both did great for mora, a large, spider-like creature. is shown through Ciri’s perspec- A great first class is the their first time. It’s definitely hard Although the first episode tive, at least up until episode seven. Saturday at 10:45 a.m. class, which to keep up during your first class: does not give us much information Then, the timelines begin to merge. Some people always has the theme “Hip Hop it’s a lot of cardio and strength about Geralt himself, we discover Episodes one through six vs. EDM.” This is the class that I training, and if you’re not used to that witchers are monster hunters, of “The Witcher” mainly show have called it the make sure I go to every week. It’s it, it comes at you fast. I was really and discriminated against by many. how Geralt works, his compan- very rare that I’m not there, usually impressed with how they did, espe- The casting of “The ions, his personality, and his next “Game of sitting front and center. The music cially because neither of them have Witcher” was very well-done. success and failures as a witcher. Thrones,” but I is pretty friendly, and it’s songs that had any experience in spin classes. Henry Cavill, who stars in “Justice The first few episodes of people either already know going And that’s the beauty League” and “Mission Impos- the season have been described think we should in, or end up liking by the end. of Cyclebar: they make it sible: Fallout” did a very good as confusing, with multiple jumps It is taught by John Jack- easy for a beginner to come job as Geralt, quieting any doubts between timelines. I personally acknowledge opsic, who graduated from KO in in once and do well, and end people had about his casting. He thought it was fine since you 2011. He is one of the most popular up wanting to come back. was very energetic in his portrayal were able to distinguish the time- “The Witcher” as Cyclebar instructors, and for good One of the downsides is of Geralt, and outside of the show lines from episode three onwards. reason. He’s easy going (although the pricing. It’s extremely expen- in interviews, he displayed a The episodes do not its own personal his classes definitely aren’t easy) sive. While you can get your first large interest in the character. completely merge into the show. and many people find themselves ride free, each individual class His accompanying actors present timeline until episode coming back again. The playlists is $25. They offer packs of four, are not completely outshined eight. However, the rest of the he makes are always great, and that eight, and 10 which expire over by him. Anya Chalotra did a episodes are well written, giving fight scene. This also explained specific class is always my favorite. one-three months if you don’t great job portraying Yennefer of information about each of the Ciri’s relationship with Geralt. The worst part about it, go super often. But if you’re Vengerberg, and Freya Allan was characters, developing them and Season two of “The Witcher” however, is that he turns the air someone like me who goes about successful in portraying a 12-year leading to each of their moments is expected to be released early next conditioning off. It’s horrible. six times a week, the unlimited old Ciri. Joey Batey was very of triumph in episode eight. year. Some surprising actors have I usually go through a ton of pack might be the way to go. good as Jaskier, singing his own Yennefer is also shown expressed interest to join the series, water by the end of the class. This costs $159 per month. songs as well as being a humorous growing into a powerful sorceress, and Kim Bodnia will be joining The class is always completely However, if you’re going to 24 travel companion for Geralt. with the other side characters as Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor. full, and it’s so hot that the classes in that one-month span, Cavill put great effort into being slowly developed through Until then, Witcher fans mirrors usually end up foggy. each class is a little under $7. It acting as Geralt, learning how to the series. During episode eight, have to settle for rewatching season Both Shreeya and Bella boils down to how much money ride a horse, how to fight, and he the timelines finally merge, and one, reading the books, listening were new riders, and they set you can/are willing to spend. had to stay still for hours as the Geralt and Ciri finally meet. to the soundtrack, or playing the aside lockers for them from Personally, I think it’s worth makeup team created his persona. It was very interesting how games. Some people have called the very beginning (which is the money, but that really is the Additionally, he demon- they decided to intentionally keep it the next “Game of Thrones,” awesome, because they always fill only way I work out. If you like strated his interest in “The the timelines indistinct, with no but I think we should acknowl- up fast, and I can never find one). a variety of workouts, I recom- Witcher” series outside of the real way to tell that they are sepa- edge “The Witcher” as its own Bella and Shreeya decided mend something like Edge Fitness, show, explaining that he had played rate until episode three, where personal show, and should not be to let me choose their seats, and which has spin classes offered as through “The Witcher Three: Wild King Foltest, who Geralt is talking compared to “Game of Thrones.” because I’m the nice person that well as a gym environment. If you Hunt” numerous times as well as to as an old man well past his 40s, Both are great shows, I am, I chose 28 and 30, and do want to just spin, I believe that having read a few of the books the appears at a ball in Yennefer’s but one has ended, while I sat in 29. I usually force my Cyclebar is definitely the way to go. games and show are based off on. perspective around the age of ten. the other has more to offer. Thursday Thursday 8 March 5, 2020 ArtsReviews Opinions/FarewellsArts March 5, 2020 9 ‘Sayonara’ to Shreditor-in-Chief by Niki Taylor ’21 quite a collection of contro- of Editor-in-Chief in the final the newspaper to succeed, such with tremendous joy to know versial articles, many of which months of his junior year, Jaden as expressing his opinions well that Jaden understands my sense Coming in a solid six foot he is extremely proud of. gained a lot of power. I’m still and leading and managing others. of humor and reciprocates it. four, 190 pounds, senior Jaden Looking back, Jaden not sure if giving this man power It has been one of the He has brought his conta- “Shreditor in Chief” DiMauro ends considers his favorite ones to be was a good idea, but it worked greatest privileges in my life gious energy to every meeting and his time as Editor-in-Chief of the about kneeling in the NFL, the out pretty well for the newspaper. thus far to get to know Jaden has managed to make everyone feel KO News after almost four years on Kavanaugh controversy, and his Jaden claims that he doesn’t and be able to spend one Sunday instantly comfortable among the the staff. As graduation approaches, editorial on feminism from earlier have a specific favorite memory of morning every month with him as growing staff of KO News editors. I have to come to terms with the this year. In addition to his time his time on the KO News; rather, we bond over our mutual love for For this, I could never repay him, fact that bullying Jaden will no spent on the KO News, Jaden is also his favorite “memory” includes Earl Grey tea and our superiority. and I’m sure everyone would agree. longer be part of my daily routine. part of a few clubs around campus. all of the News Days and Plan- It’s also been an honor to I’m not necessarily known Starting his career off strong One of his biggest successes ning Meetings spent with the be able to unapologetically roast for my ability to be super sappy as an opinions associate during the in high school, and dare I say his Reviews Section squad, AKA his Jaden for absolutely everything and emotional, but it certainly has second semester of his freshman life, is the formation of the Chess best friends in the whole world. he does, with the knowledge been shown to the public before. year, Jaden furthered his interest Club. Along with the creation of He may not know where that he loves every second of it. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as in journalism and grew as a writer the Political Discourse Club and he’s going yet, but I have no doubt Whether it’s a comment about a surprise to many when I say and leader. Accidentally being being on the executive committee in my mind that wherever Jaden being vegan, a quote from one of that I love Jaden with all of my thrown into the journalism elec- for Shield and Dragon, Jaden has goes he will do amazing things my infamous lists of concerning heart and I’ve never wished more tive is probably one of the best certainly made his mark on KO. and incorporate all of the skills things Jaden has said, or simply happiness for anyone in my life. things to happen to him thus far, Earning his current title he has learned by being a part of a stab at his existence, it fills me I truly have no idea what being that he wishes to study some I’m going to do when he leaves form of writing, whether it be me alone with Madeline and, journalism or English, in college. quite frankly, I don’t think By moving up to Head of either Madeline or myself will Reviews, a section Jaden actually be able to function. Catch me created, at the end of his sophomore bawling my eyes out at gradua- year, Jaden was given the chance tion; it’ll be a sight that I’m sure to meet who would soon become Jaden will make fun of me for. his favorite people on the planet. All jokes aside, Jaden has An iconic and unforget- made an unforgettable impact on table group was formed out not only KO or the KO News, of myself, Jaden, senior Bella but everyone around him as well. Leuschner, and junior Madeline We all wish him the best as Arcaro. We instantly clicked and he continues his journey beyond became Jaden’s favorite part of the walls of the library at 8 a.m. not only the KO News, but just on Sundays every month, and we KO as well. Or so I like to think. cannot wait to see what he does next. Over his time as a writer, Thank you for everything Jaden has certainly written Senior Editor-in-Chief Jaden DiMauro and his sister Jordan DiMauro ’23 pose while shopping for Christmas trees. you’ve done for us. We love you. False equivalencies ~Juliana Kulak~ by Juliana Kulak ’20 misconduct. While having a by the U.S. Government Account- by Emma Levinbook ’22 work on a space in the paper private email server may have ability Office determined that that was distinctly opinionated Ever since the impeachment been questionable, there was no President Trump’s actions violated As a member of Shield and and allowed for a dialogue.” and acquittal of Donald Trump, I evidence that any of the emails established federal law. That action Dragon, the Creative Director of It was through watching have been hearing the same argu- being sent to and/or from it had itself is reprehensible, but the the yearbook, and a Model UN numerous news sources that ment from the televised hearings any detrimental impact on national terms in which Donald Trump did chair, senior Juliana Kulak is Juliana first became interested in in the Senate to the classrooms security. Moreover, it was some- this only add to the severity of it. certainly an important member of journalism. “News sources really of KO: even if Donald Trump thing that was not uncommon in The framers of the constitu- the KO community. However, she inspired me to get involved in some did withhold congress-approved prior administrations and Trump’s tion warned of the dangers foreign is also well known for her work as sort of way,” she said. “Journalism aide to Ukraine so they would own administration has been interference posed for democracy. the Managing Editor of Opinions and having a free press is incred- investigate presidential candi- proven to have done the same. It is ridiculous that anyone could and Reviews of the KO News. ibly important for the democracy date Joe Biden, he was right to Clinton may have engaged rationalize Trump’s actions here; Juliana has been on the in our country, and with fake news do so because of Hunter Biden’s in a questionable practice (as however, by using false equiva- KO News since her sopho- becoming more and more promi- supposed involvement. These false did previous administrations) lencies, Trump and the media more year. She began her tenure nent, I wanted to get involved in equivalencies are nothing new in while Trump gloated on tape have convinced a large portion working on the Opinions and any way I could to combat that.” regards to the Trump administra- about causing harm to women, of people that his actions were no Reviews section, because she Juliana’s best advice for tion. Since Donald Trump started yet the media and his staff used different than any other politicians. loves that the section allows indi- current and future members of running for president, his campaign false equivalencies to manipu- False equivalencies result in viduals in the KO community the KO News is to enjoy their and administration, the media, and late the people of this country bad behavior being perpetuated: to be able to share their ideas time on the news and to really his supporters have been making into thinking these incomparable those who are doing great wrong and thoughts on topical matters. become a part of the KO News false equivalencies to normalize instances were equal and even are incentivized to continue to do “I am very politically active community. “I have made some and minimize his wrongdoings. that Hillary’s actions were worse. so because they face disproportion- ,and I love being able to express incredible friends through the A false equivalency is a This strategy of employing ately lower consequences. This has my own opinions on current KO News and being a part of logical fallacy made when one false equivalencies to downplay been the issue with Donald Trump events while also being able to this community has been such a attempts to compare two incompat- the atrocious and illegal actions and his whole team, and it is why find people in the community wonderful experience,” she said. ible arguments as if they are equiv- of Donald Trump is dangerous for we as a nation should be scared. with different opinions to under- Through her work with the alent when they are not, and it is a the sanctity of American democ- The weight and serious- stand their perspectives,” she KO News, Juliana has learned the trademark of the Trump adminis- racy. The possibility of a sitting ness of Trump’s actions are only said. “My favorite part of being importance of working with others tration going all the way back to president attempting to extort a growing because he has gotten involved with the Opinions and and being a member of a team. his campaign in 2016. In 2016, foreign power in efforts to inter- away with so much before: Trump Reviews section has been being “The KO News is a giant opera- the media and Trump supporters fere with an election is terrifying. bullied a disabled individual, he able to hear a diverse range of tion that would not be possible compared all of Trump’s uneth- However Trump’s team admitted to the assault of women opinions on various topics.” without collaboration,” she said. ical actions to Hillary Clinton’s and right-wing media have used in a 2005 recording, he referred Starting off as an Asso- Next year, Juliana will be use of a private email server false equivalencies to argue to white supremacists as good ciate Editor of Opinions, Juliana studying at New York University, to diminish their significance. that Trump acted reasonably. people. And now he has been was eager to eventually hold the and she plans on getting involved Megyn Kelly even compared Regardless of any possible impeached due to abuse of power position she has now, for she is with a news publication there. Trump’s sexual misconduct to suspicious financial involvement and obstruction of Congress very passionate about journalism “I’m not sure about after college, Hillary Clinton using a private Hunter Biden had in Ukraine with almost no consequences. and believes it is important to but journalism is definitely a email server in a Fox News (which has been disproven) If the media doesn’t stop have strong opinions shared. passion of mine I want to continue broadcast. Those two arguments Donald Trump refused to give using false equivalencies, and if the “Currently, one of the in the next few years,” she said. are not even close in severity: financial assistance to Ukraine that American people don’t see through biggest problems in the media Whatever her future Trump admitted assaulting women was already approved by Congress these fallacies in time for the 2020 is opinionated journalism that holds, the KO community is and, at the same time, was being which isn’t even a power he has as elections, Trump poses a grave presents as unbiased news,” she certainly excited to see what great accused by 24 women of sexual President. In fact, an investigation threat to American democracy. said. “I really wanted to help things are in store for Juliana! Thursday Thursday 10 March 5, 2020 Farewells Farewells March 5, 2020 11 KO News says goodbye to seniors Amelia likes photography as raphy recreationally and has taken nication and management skills. to have that opportunity,” he said. Cecilia Wang a hobby and takes pictures when Photography I and II. Taking photos “It’s been a great being For example, on the by David Shi ’22 she travels. “I enjoy taking pictures for KO News has also helped her a part of something with so KO News, he has had to work in museums because it is really develop her photography skills. many dedicated people working with many people in order While senior Cecilia fun to play with lighting.” Some “I have learned how to together to make something to successfully do his job. Wang’s time with the KO News of her favorite photos that she has take portraits of people without cohesive every month, and you “I really enjoyed working has been brief, it’s certainly been taken have been at Lake Cham- it being awkward, which has learn to do your role well within with [senior] Jaden DiMauro sweet! Cecilia has only been on plain at skating competitions. been very useful when I need to that organization,” she said. because I’ve had to coordinate with the KO News staff for one year, “I’ll go out on the lake when it’s take portraits for an article, which Alma is currently not decided him for a lot of different things. as an associate photography frozen and take pictures,” she said. happens frequently,” she said. on which college she is going to, He’s really easy to work with and editor her junior year, which also Amelia takes landscapes In addition to being a part of but she expects that she will work is very confident,” Aiden said. happened to be her first year at KO. as well portraits and hopes to be KO News, Amelia is also a part of with her college newspaper, on In addition to the paper, She says her favorite part able to continue photography and Model UN. “I think learning about anything from the web to cartoons Aiden has been a part of the tech of her position is being able to figure skating in the future. We issues I didn’t know about before- to writing. “I’d love to keep crew for the fall play every year capture all the incredible moments wish her the best of luck at college hand and educating myself on pursuing creative arts and music and plays squash and hockey. that happen on campus. “I enjoy and will miss her very much! them is really important,” she said. and writing in college,” she said. He is also an EMT and my position the most because I Amelia has had a fantastic Alma has been an important volunteers at Hartford Hospital. get to take pictures and record time working on the KO News. face on the KO News for a long “I have an interest in all the wonderful things students Luv Kataria It has allowed her to meet time, and we’re sad to see her go. medicine, and it was a great and faculty have been doing and talk to people that she We know she’ll do great, wherever option for me. I got to work by David Shi ’22 at/outside of KO.” she said. wouldn’t normally interact with. life takes her. Good luck Alma! with med students and profes- Cecilia first got into For three and a half years, She has also made friends sionals, and it really helped me photography at age 13 when the KO News has had the plea- on the KO News that makes her focus my interests,” he said. she got her first Olympus sure to have senior Luv Kataria as time there more enjoyable. “I’ve Jamie Amell Aiden is headed camera from her sister as a gift. a hardworking editor and writer really enjoyed working with by Aakash Gunturu ’22 to Cornell next year to “It was the first time I owned for the paper. Luv was origi- [senior] Aiden Borruso because at pursue biological science. a personal camera since previ- nally an Associate Arts Editor his planning meetings we don’t have Senior Jamie Amell began “I can’t wait to go to college ously I only got to borrow my freshman year and has been Head much to do so we just talk and his time on the news junior and experience new things. I’m parents’ cameras,” she explained. of Arts after his sophomore year. laugh the whole time,” she said. year, after yearning a new style really excited,” Aiden said. We “The Olympus camera has been During Luv’s first semester This fall, Amelia is headed of writing. He then found jour- wish Aiden the best of luck at accompanying me on every one of of his freshman year, he decided to to William and Mary to major in nalism which led him to the news. Cornell and will miss his sarcastic my vacations since then and has take the journalism elective with something related to biology. “I Jamie has been part of the KO and witty comments that always become a very nostalgic symbol Mr. Kyff to expand his horizons might continue taking photos for News for two years. He first started bring smiles to everyone’s face. of memories for me.” Cecilia says and try something new. “It was news in college, but I am plan- out as Associate Sports Editor, and when Ms. Schieffelin sent an email a really fun course,” he said. “It ning on joining the sailing club, he is now an Associate Arts Editor. looking for photography editors, was very different from what I had squash club, the tribe adventure “I wasn’t enjoying the repet- Alyssa Pilecki she thought it would be the perfect imagined, but still very enjoyable. program, a sorority, and what- itive nature of sports writing,” by Madeline Arcaro ’21 opportunity to further develop her ever else interests me,” she said. he said. “As a result, I trans- After taking the course, Mr. Kyff With a contagious smile photography skills and contribute really pushed me to join the news We wish Amelia the best of ferred to the Arts section, where to the school community. luck at college and will miss the I was offered more variety.” and a warm personality, senior which honestly was one of the Alyssa Pilecki sadly leaves the At KO, Cecilia stays active best decisions I’ve ever made!” energy she brings to every planning He said that in his time as in all facets of student life, as meeting and News Day! William an arts associate, his favorite KO News. As the Managing Editor Luv writes, edits, and revises for Features and Arts, she touched a member of several music articles for the Arts section and and Mary is lucky to have her. article was a piece on Mr. ensembles such as Outlook and Mitchell and his Nightfall Concert. all of the people she managed is given the unique opportunity as well as those who she didn’t. Voce. She is also Editor-in-Chief to write articles about the Musi- He said it was inter- of Epic and the yearbook, and Alma Clark esting to hear about how Mr. Alyssa has had quite cian and Artists of the month. an unusual KO News track. is part of the musical as well. by Braeden Rose ’21 Mitchell created the commu- While his role as a head editor Alyssa has been on the paper After graduation, Cecilia can be laborious at times, he’s nity event with local performers. Senior Alma Clark has since she was a sophomore, but will be furthering her academic grateful for the experiences he’s Jamie has loved working played a significant role in the KO she’s been attending the meet- career at Tufts where she hopes to had as part of the News. “It’s been with his peers on the news, News as Head Web Editor since ings since she was a freshman. continue as a photography corre- interesting for sure,” Luv said. specifically senior Luv Kataria, her sophomore year. In addition, It was at that moment she spondent or writer for arts in the “I’ve been head editor for who Jamie describes as fun, Alma built the website herself. decided she was going to write for school newspaper. In college, she two years, so I’ve had several productive, and encouraging. “I took journalism as a the KO News, thanks to KO News also hopes to continue singing groups of associates. While the “I have learned to appre- sophomore in the spring, and I faculty advisor Cathy Schieffelin. and further develop her artistic work can be difficult and News ciate the challenges of profes- started, very briefly, as a writer for “She convinced me to write skills. While her time with us Days can be especially hectic, being sional journalism and the diffi- Features, but I quickly switched for the news and take journalism has been short, it will certainly part of the KO News is rewarding culty of always telling the truth tracks when I heard that the KO my sophomore year,” Alyssa said. be cherished as we all wish and fun in it’s own unique way.” in a story even if it doesn’t make News had just been approved to Though she initially didn’t her the best of luck in college! Luv said that his favorite somebody look good,” he said. make their own website,” she said. like news writing, Alyssa knew type of article to write is about Next fall Jamie will be She then applied to be the Head she belonged on the KO News. faculty artists and musicians. attending Connecticut College, Amelia Boardman Web Editor and has been serving “I hated news writing, but I really “I get a unique perspective of where he will swim. Although by Samhita Kashyap ’22 that role since her sophomore year. he is not sure if he will write for loved features. I knew I wanted the lives of the faculty, aspects to be an Associate Features Senior Amelia Boardman “Sophomore year, Ms. the school newspaper in college, that most in the community Editor,” Alyssa said. “Features has worked on the KO News since Schieffelin also spotted a little he will use the tools he’s gained may not know about,” Luv said. was really tight that year, but I her freshman year. She was initially comic I had doodled on the back during his time as a writer. “My favorite part is being able got it and I was super happy.” a writer and became an associate of a test paper (she was my English to learn more of what they do .” Her next year, she wanted photo editor in her junior year. teacher) and asked if I wanted to be The KO News certainly to stay an associate or potentially Amelia took journalism the cartoonist for the news, and I’ve Aiden Borruso will not be the same without become Head Features Editor. because she was interested in been doing that ever since as well.” by Samhita Kashyap ’22 Luv’s diligent work. We will When she walked into the meeting, improving her writing skills. “I One of her favorite memories miss his contributions to the though, she was completely taken really enjoyed working with Mr. was when she got to see her first- Senior Aiden Borruso paper and wish him the best. aback when they offered her Kyff in journalism class,” she said. ever comic get published! It was currently serves as the Head Photo the position of managing editor. I think he has a unique perspective a one-panel gag for the Thanks- Editor on the KO News. He decided “At first I was like, ‘yes of on how it all works, and he really Amelia Levine giving issue. Two characters are to apply after creative arts teacher course, this is probably no biggie,’ helped me improve my writing.” by Samhita Kashyap ’22 standing in front of a KO crest Greg Scranton recommended it. but as I got further along, I real- In addition to playing defense with a turkey instead of a Wyvern. Aiden has taken Photo I and ized it was a biggie. Even so, on the varsity field hockey team, Senior Amelia Levine They are horrified because II and considers photography a I was extremely happy to take she participates in out of school has worked extremely hard as they roasted a Wyvern. “I’ve hobby. “I would carry my camera it on,” she said. And everyone sports, specifically figure skating. an associate photo editor at the always loved reading and drawing around and take pictures of pretty is very happy that she did. “I compete and perform in KO News. While being a photo comics, so being a real news- much anything,” Aiden said While she’s not sure where shows for skating with my club, editor can be challenging, espe- paper cartoonist was the biggest At the KO News, Aiden she’s going to college yet, she and it has been something I’ve cially since finding time to meet deal,” she said. “I still have that has had many opportunities in knows that she wants to write enjoyed for a long time,” she said. with people to take photos can comic cut out and up on my wall.” leadership. “I think being able to for her school paper. We were so She has skated since be difficult, she has always She said she learned a lot delegate and leading a group of lucky to have you, Alyssa, and first grade and hopes to found a way to get them done. of technical skills from being a people in a task is a good experi- we wish you the best of luck. continue in the future. Amelia also does photog- Web Editor, as well as commu- ence to have, and I’ve been able Thursday Thursday 10 March 5, 2020 Farewells Farewells March 5, 2020 11 KO News says goodbye to seniors has a love for opinions and reviews, a lot of work into what they do.” Sophia Kaufman and wants to take this passion One of the most valuable Joey Fago Esha Kataria by Olivia Reynolds’ 22 even further than KO. things Kush has learned during by Braeden Rose ’21 by Cici Chagnon ’21 Senior Sophia Kaufman The entire KO News staff his time on the KO News is how Senior Joey Fago has been For three years, the KO has been an integral member of will miss Bella as she continues a to conduct an effective interview. writing for the KO News since his News has had the pleasure of the Features department for the career in marketing at Penn State. “At first I was scared to do inter- junior year as an associate reviews working with senior Esha Kataria. past four years. She joined the views, but once I started doing editor. He said that every review he From associate news editor paper in the second semester of Nick Traver more, I became integrated into the wrote interested him in some way. her freshman year, to head of the her freshman year as an Associate by Aakash Gunturu ’22 community more and I learned “I would say I learned a lot section, and finally to Managing Editor for Features, following in While senior Nick Traver how to ask good questions,” he about how to critically review some- Editor of News, Sports, and the footsteps of her older sister has dominated on the field and in said. “Interviewing became a thing and, most importantly, lay out Investigative for the 2019-2020 Isabel Kaufman ’17. For her the pool as a tri-varsity athlete, sort of networking basis for me.” a page of the paper on InDesign,” issue, Esha has certainly made final year at Kingswood Oxford, he has also played a key role in Kush said that upon gradu- Joey said, referring to the software a lasting impact on the paper. she served as Head Editor of the KO News, writing detailed ating, he is going to miss the that the KO News uses to arrange Esha first decided to take Features, which she found to be and exciting sports articles. collaborative aspect of the KO articles for the newspaper copy. journalism with her two brothers a very rewarding position. She’s Nick has been a part of the KO News the most. “We have a good When he came to KO sopho- at the suggestion of their family been able to make connections News since his sophomore year group of people on the staff and more year, he looked to get involved friend, Janvi Sikand ’19, and attri- with her associates, specifically as an Associate Sports Editor. even though being on the news in clubs and extracurriculars. butes her passion for journalism sophomore Emma Levinbook. He took the journalism elec- is hard sometimes,” he said, “ it’s Joey said he has always and her interest in the KO News A moment of pride for tive on a whim, simply to fill his fun hanging out with everyone enjoyed writing, and the idea to her freshman journalism class. Sophia was when she saw her first schedule, but quickly found a great on News Day and in meetings.” of having articles that he wrote Her favorite articles article published in the paper during interest in writing for the news. Kush advises students on the published for the KO commu- include chronicling Head of her freshman year. Since then, As a talented athlete and KO News to write what they are nity was something that School Tom Dillow’s transi- she went on to write Fashionista member of the varsity soccer, passionate about and to explore really interested him, so he tion to KO because it forced her of the Month for several years. swimming, and lacrosse teams, new ideas and different types of decided to join the KO News. to step out of her comfort zone. Writing this piece has as well as SAAC, his love for writing. “Go out for that leader- Joey has also been an integral Esha’s favorite aspect allowed her to meet new class- sports is apparent and has greatly ship position you want, have fun, part of Model UN and the musical of her experience on the mates that she wouldn’t have met influenced his choice to work for and represent KO well,” he said. “There was no doubt KO News is the lessons she otherwise. “The topic of fashion the Sports section of the News. In college, Kush hopes to that I would get involved in learned about leadership. is not thought about by many “While sports writing is very keep writing and hopefully join the musical coming from a “I think I’ve really devel- in the community, so it often simplistic in nature, it’s so fasci- the school newspaper if time performing arts school freshman oped patience and an ability to catches people off guard when nating in its own unique way,” permits. Kush will certainly be year, as well as theatre being communicate effectively and they get selected for the fash- Nick said. “As a writer, you get a missed by all of the KO News a part of my life for as long as I be a good leader,” she said. ionista of the month,” she said. better perspective of the triumphs staff for his great leadership and can remember,” he explained. Esha will miss angrily Sophia firmly believes that and achievements of students all for his contributions to the paper. Joey will be attending texting Aidan O’Loughlin, her time on the KO News has around campus that you probably Northeastern University in Boston laughing with the Sports section greatly enhanced her communi- wouldn’t have known otherwise.” Ishaa Sohail next year. He plans on going into and fixing their mistakes. Between cation skills. “I have learned how Despite the challenges of by Cici Chagnon ’21 college with an open mind and if her Editor-in-Chief position on to communicate with totally new contacting coaches and the hectic Since her freshman year, a club or extracurricular interests EPIC, and playing both volley- people instantly,” she said. “I can news days, Nick says that the senior Ishaa Sohail has worn many him, he will definitely try it out. ball and tennis, Esha always take this further into life when News really helped him develop KO News hats: Associate Arts Thank you, Joey, for your hard made time for the KO News. I need to do interviews, make as a writer as well as a person. Editor her freshman and sophomore work and commitment to the KO Esha, good luck with connections, and meet new people.” “One of the main things years, Head Editor of Investigative News. Good luck at Northeastern! all your college endeavors! Sophia plans to attend the I’ve taken away from my time her sophomore and junior years, school of Arts and Sciences at at the news is to write quickly and most recently, Managing Editor Madeleine Pelletier Aidan O’Loughlin Syracuse University in the fall. and efficiently,” Nick said. “But, of Multi-Platform Communication. by Braeden Rose ’21 by David Shi ’ 22 She hopes to continue writing more importantly, I learned to Ishaa is also a dedi- Joining the KO News her The KO News has been for her school’s newspaper, as communicate effectively and cated member of Model junior year as an Associate Opin- lucky to have senior Aidan her time on the KO News has work to solve problems as a group UN, Shield and Dragon, the ions Editor, senior Madeleine O’Loughlin as a writer and editor fostered her love for journalism. as a result of my experience.” Wyvern Rundown podcast, and Pelletier has written excellent for the paper. Since his sophomore We wish you the best in your After graduation, Nick manager for varsity lacrosse. opinion pieces and broadened the year, Aidan has been part of the new endeavors next year, Sophia! plans on either studying Ishaa said her love for jour- perspective of the KO community. News section as an associate which economics or finance in college. nalism stemmed from her desire to When Madeleine came he greatly enjoys, as it allows him Bella Leuschner He is not sure yet if he will try new things when starting KO. to KO in her junior year, one of to interview all sorts of different by Madeline Arcaro ’21 continue working with his school’s “I just knew I wanted to the first electives she signed up members of the KO community. Senior Bella Leuschner newspaper, but he hopes to become be part of as many extracurricu- for was journalism so that she Aidan first took the jour- is known as one of the biggest involved in other academic oppor- lars and activities as I could be,” could write on the KO News. nalism course as a way to prac- personalities on the KO News tunities on campus. Nick will she said. “I had [Rob Kyff] for “I have always been tice in improving his writing. “I and she has made an impression be dearly missed in the Sports journalism, and it was his last passionate about writing, espe- wanted to get more experience and on every person who has been department and on the paper as time. I just loved his apprecia- cially outside of the typical essay improve as a writer,” Aidan said, lucky enough to be on the staff a whole, and we all wish him the tion for journalism and the way format in school,” she said, While the workload with her for the two years she’s he taught. I also loved that jour- “so I thought it would be fun as an editor for the news can been on the paper. Bella started Kush Kataria nalism came in different forms.” to join the newspaper and have often be overwhelming, Aidan off as an associate for the Reviews by Emma Levinbook ’22 One of Ishaa’s favorite more freedom in what I write.” has a very positive outlook section during her junior year. Since the spring of his articles to write was her inves- She began writing opinion on his time in the KO News, This past year she became freshman year, senior Kush Kataria tigative piece on snow days; pieces about topics that were “I have always really enjoyed Head of Reviews, where she’s has played a significant role on the article she is most proud of, important to her, ranging from the News Days,” Aidan explained. constantly found laughing with the KO News. Kush was origi- however, was “Unite Against importance of horror movies in Aidan also is grateful for his her associates and making sure nally an Associate Sports Editor Assault and Harassment at KO,” pop culture to the student climate experiences on the news, as he feels that her section is in great shape. during his sophomore year, and he an editorial she worked on with strikes happening across the world. that he has learned so much from “The reviews section when served as the Head Editor of Sports the other managing editors and “I didn’t know it at the his time working for the paper. “I it first started was a close little during his junior and senior years. Editor-in-Chief Jaden Dimauro. time, but many of the ideas that have learned a lot working on the family,” she said of her section Kush said he originally Some of Ishaa’s favorite KO I explored in the climate strike KO News about interviews and the last year. “We were totally became interested in the KO News memories include “scooting” article have carried over into my structure behind articles.” Aidan’s dysfunctional, but the four of us News after he was urged to take around the library, fighting over senior thesis topic,” she said. commitment to the Mock Trial had this great dynamic going.” journalism by a previous KO munchkins, wearing pajamas to On the KO News, Made- club has been tremendous, where Her favorite Reviews student. “It was really interesting News Day, and taking the KO News leine said she learned how to he has spent seven long years as a memory came from one of the to partake in a new style of writing, varsity basketball team photo. write articles that were thought- key part of the team. While Aidan News Days last year, when the and I’ve just stuck with it,” he said. Her peers all agree that Ishaa provoking and significant. doesn’t exactly plan on writing for three associates had never had any Kush has always loved will be missed. “Ishaa is the best Madeleine is committed to his school newspaper in college, KO News experience. “It was when being a part of the Sports section. thing to happen to me in seven the University of Wisconsin , where he intends to branch out and try [Madeline Arcaro] deleted her “I am very interested in sports, years,” senior Aiden Borusso said. she plans on majoring in English all sorts of new things in college. entire page, printed out an entire and I felt that it was always the Ishaa, thank you for all with a focus on creative writing. Aidan’s enthusiasm for blank paper twice, and then left.” right department for me,” he said. your hard work for the KO Regardless if Madeleine writing and hard work will Though she is the only “I enjoy highlighting athletic News and your ability to make decides to write for her college’s certainly be missed by all of us member of the original Reviews accomplishments of those in the everyone laugh at 8:00 a.m. Best paper, the KO News staff wishes here at the KO News, and we wish section who is still a member, she KO community because they put of luck in college, we’ll miss you! her the best in college and beyond. him the best of luck in college! Thursday Thursday 12 March 5, 2020 Arts Features March 5, 2020 13 Gleason's stellar sax talents by Samhita Kashyap ’22 abilities. He participated in the was in a separate band with his at bars with friends in Edinburgh. together and hang out. “I played band from sixth grade through high friend who played the trumpet, After college, Dr. Gleason music with people and we would Head of the Upper School school. “The band was run by a as well as with other musi- got a job in Japan teaching end up at Denny’s for dessert at Dan Gleason is well known very devoted college jazz instructor cians; they played at local cafés. English to students. He played in midnight and it was always really in the KO community. What who worked with us on improvisa- Dr. Gleason attended different bands and performed at fun,” he said. Dr. Gleason also spent many don’t know is that he is an tion. I learned almost all the music Pomona College, where he played several concerts. The big bands time in San Francisco, playing at avid saxophone player and has theory I learned for him,” he said. at college parties and events. His were very polished and making a wine bar, and he later moved to performed all over the world. During high school, Dr. band also had the opportunity to the melodies and heads sound Chicago, where he and his trum- Dr. Gleason started playing Gleason transitioned to playing the open for many popular groups such perfect was something that the peter friend played some events. the alto saxophone in fourth tenor sax. As a part of the concert as “Jurassic 5” and “The Alco- director really emphasized. In Chicago, Dr. Gleason grade. “I was only ten when I band and jazz band, he played at holics.” While studying abroad After practices, Dr. Gleason taught at a school where he also started playing and I thought it school concerts. In addition, he in Scotland, he continued to play and other musicians would get participated in talent shows and looked shiny and cool,” he said. taught jazz improvisation classes. In elementary school, he “It was a great way to connect with took saxophone lessons with the students. Music is like communi- school. “I remember that my math cating in a different way,” he said. teacher was upset because I had to While it has been some be pulled out of math occasionally time since Dr. Gleason last for my lessons,” he said. Starting in performed, he has practiced a middle school, Dr. Gleason joined little with the KO jazz band.“It the band and played the alto sax was really surprising because he while continuing to take lessons; doesn’t talk about playing often, however, he didn’t practice regu- but he is phenomenal. He is really larly until he reached high school. good at listening and building on “It was really a matter of others,” said senior and tenor saxo- finding intrinsic motivation and phone player Elan Stadelmann. for me it happened in high school Recently, Dr. Gleason has when I suddenly wanted to play also gotten back into practicing, more and get better. Once I found using play along tracks made by that, everything changed,” he said. Jamey Aeberssold. He hopes to be Dr. Gleason’s saxophone able to practice more with the jazz skills were largely impacted by a band in the future. “What makes boy scout troop that was also a big playing the saxophone fun for band person that he played with. me is when I play jazz, there are He wasn’t affiliated with the boy a lot of creative liberties that can scouts but remained a saxophone be taken and I enjoy that freedom player, continuing to refine his Head of the Upper School Dan Gleason smiles for the camera with his saxophone in hand. Photo by Jane Liang '21. to stretch out and improvise.” Sydney's story- David's symphony of telling sketches spectacular cello skills by Jamie Amell ’20 by art teacher Scott McDonald. by Luv Kataria ’20 big range so you could play a lot,” said. “That’s why once I saw that Sydney said that while he said. Right now, the orchestra improvement, I invited him to Junior Sydney Dwyer working on portraits, she focused Sophomore David Shi has has seven cellists and is led by the West Hartford Symphony.” has grown to be a talented and on a sketch of an eye using charcoal made his mark as an exceptional music teacher Richard Chiarappa. David was also part of the creative artist at KO. She first and has been working on details musician early on in his KO career. David has gotten to know regional orchestra last month, became interested in art in Middle and realism. “Although the project His talent on the cello Mr. Chiarappa well over the past a selective group of musicians. took a long time, I am happy with has been on display since he years, since not only is he the “It was pretty fun, there how it turned out,” Sydney said. was in middle school. Coming conductor of the KO orchestra, were a lot of people, definitely a “[Sydney] is not Sydney especially enjoys to KO in seventh grade, David lot of people better than me, so afraid of a chal- using different mediums to create played the cello in the Middle it was good seeing how much her art. She said that she really School orchestra, but there was further I could go,” he said. lenge and likes loves using acrylic paint and a shortage of cello players in the Earlier this year and last charcoal. “Even though char- year, there has been a Wyvern projects that will coal is really messy, it offers an “[David's] String Quartet, a very selective opportunity to go back and fix group in which only four people push her...she parts of a piece,” Sydney said. personality has are chosen to perform. David Mr. McDonald was able has been chosen to hold the cello jumped in the to see her grow as an artist been great to part, and Mr. Chiarappa said that self portrait unit and as a learner in the first he has played that part very well. semester, “Sydney is a great work with along “He’s easy to work with, he that way because artist because she uses realism the way.” takes advice and follows direc- to tell stories with interesting tions very well,” he said. “His she wanted to ideas, all based on using tech- –Mr. Chiarappa personality has been great to work nical skill,” Mr. McDonald said. with along the way. I’ve enjoyed hone her drawing “She is not afraid of a chal- Upper School, so he played in the Sophomore cellist David Shi is a working with him, and getting lenge and likes projects that will Upper School orchestra as well. part of various community orches- to know him and his family.” skills.” push her," he continued. "For Overall, this is David’s tras. Photo by Jane Liang ’21. David said he plans to keep –Ms. Burnett example, she jumped in the self fourth year of playing cello but he also of the West Hartford playing the cello and growing portrait unit that way because she in the orchestra. However, he Symphony orchestra, which David as a musician throughout his School, and although she does wanted to hone her drawing skill,” started playing the cello when joined last year. Mr. Chiarappa time at KO. Even though it’s not not have a favorite artist, she is Sydney always sets a great he was around five years old. has been working with David something he wants to pursue captivated by realistic drawings. example for her peers. “She is a He said that he used at every step of his time at KO. as a career, it’s something he As a sophomore, Sydney very hard working and supportive to only play classical music, As Mr. Chiarappa reflects hopes to continue for a long time. took a drawing class with art teacher classmate that inspires people in but as he got older, he started back to David’s music when he was “I want to keep [it] with Katie Burnett. One of her pieces the art room,” Ms. Burnett said. trying different ranges of music. in middle school, he’s noticed that me forever; I can’t imagine not was chosen to represent KO at the “She is very self motivated David has also been taking David has gotten so much better at having it with me,” he said. annual Avon Old Farms Dreams art and an incredibly patient artist," private cello lessons since first his playing and reading in music. Evidently, David has exhibit in the Ordway Art Gallery. Ms. Burnett added. "She can focus grade, and he even played piano “In Middle School, he had to a unique passion for cello In the first semester of on a piece of work for a long period for a few years, before shifting his work hard on working on tempo and that keeps him motivated and her junior year, Sydney took of time, which is an amazing focus to the cello. “There is a lot rhythm, and those have continued practicing. We look forward the Portfolio Prep class taught talent for an artist to have.” to like about [the cello]. It has a to get better year after year,” he to his future performances! Thursday Thursday 12 March 5, 2020 Arts Features March 5, 2020 13 Fashionista of the KO’s third Girls in Sports Day month: Tim Cotter created by Mrs. Pomp-Shine by Sophia Kaufman ’20 nities to show his windbreakers off. by Isabel Berckemeyer ’21 sity. This supreme court case won. tors playing squash against five Due to the daily dress However, this was not women (all champions– they Fashionista senior Tim code, though, he usually must 2020 marks the 33rd how the law was supposed to trashed each of us unmercifully), Cotter certainly shows off his veer away from streetwear and year that National Women in be interpreted and Ms. Pomp- and it was followed by many well- tremendous style everyday. Tim instead wear flannels, bean boots, Sports Day has taken place. Shine, who was working for known stars visiting different loves to shop at several stores, and several different Khaki pants. Kingswood Oxford School has Senator Bob Packwood, would grade or high schools around the including Urban Outfitters, Tim explained that even been celebrating this day annu- not let it go down this way. area, then a news conference”. Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Pacsun. though he dislikes the dress code ally for the past three years by Packwood and Senator Evidently, Mrs. Pomp- Some accessories that and usually dresses casually or hosting young girls from neigh- Kennedy argued against the idea shine’s actions in the 80’s culmi- Tim owns that he considers his comfortably, he does like dress boring towns to participate that institutions only had to obey favorites are his Louis Vuitton up days. “Since coming to KO I in several athletic activities. the law in one department of an It is obvious that belt, two chain necklaces, have found an appreciation for However, not many are entire university. They amended and New Balance sneakers. formal wear. I enjoy dress-up days aware that KO’s very own Title IX to make it clear that if Cathleen Pomp- From his other clothing and I truly believe in the ‘look senior Mai Lin Pomp-Shine’s a school gets public money, options, he can most likely good, feel good’ saying,” he said. mother generated this national then the entire university must Shine has not be seen wearing red, blue, Tim has several recom- holiday and historic achievement. comply with the Title IX statute. and other multicolor arrays. The creation of this day The law was finally only changed Although Tim loves to make stemmed from Title IX, which restored to its original intent. history forever, fashion statements at school, he was a law that required public At this point, Ms. Pomp-Shine said he often feels restricted by schools to offer equal opportuni- wanted to take another stand but influenced the dress code. That’s why outside ties to both boys and girls. Title IX specifically for girls in sports. of school, he likes to show his focused on federal money, saying “One day I was sitting at Kingswood appreciation for street clothes to that if an institution receives my desk and I thought, ‘One thing help feel relaxed and satisfied. federal money, then they cannot that my parents agree on (who Oxford to honor Tim’s risky fashion sense discriminate on the basis of sex. are different politically) is girls is inspired by several rappers In order for institutions to in sports, and who can argue with this day... that are constantly searching comply with Title IX, penalties that?’” Mrs. Pomp-Shine said. nated in a significant achievement for new looks and trends. needed to be established. There- She then finalized her that has now improved the lives Some rappers that he looks up fore, it was decided that if public idea for National Girls in of millions of girls in the nation. to include Migos and Drake. schools did not create equal oppor- Sports Day to bring public More recently, Mrs. Pomp- Tim would consider himself tunities for females and males, attention to the discrimina- Shine has talked about how she is to be a trendsetter, especially then federal funds would be with- tion occurring nation-wide. so glad that she now has a daughter in the windbreaker category. drawn. Despite this, many schools Mrs. Pomp-Shine got at KO. Mai-Lin is a stellar athlete “I love to wear windbreakers Tim Cotter poses on senior green. still have not abided, which together a lot of famous athletes and varsity squash player, and because of their good storage and Photo by Cecilia Wang’20. is why it is still a battle today. and brought them to the senate because of her mom’s work they keep me insulated,” he said. mendations for people in the This is where Mai Lin’s to have a big press confer- with Title IX, has been allowed “They are also comfortable community that have trouble mother Cathleen Pomp-Shine ence, so that senators would to participate in so many sports. and I have a good variety of colors putting together outfits. comes into play, as she was working be pressured to pass the bill. It is obvious that Cath- so I can wear them with anything. One strategy he uses is in the senate in 1983, around This was achieved and leen Pomp-Shine has not only I am a walking Yeti cooler.” to stay true to one’s self and the time Title IX was created. Bob Packwood even wrote changed history forever, but He can often be seen dress the way you want to. In 1984, many universi- a letter home to Mrs. Pomp- influenced the community of wearing windbreakers from brands Tim has shown six years ties were arguing that if they got Shine’s parents explaining the Kingswood Oxford to honor this such as Nike and Champion. of growth and amazing styles in federal funding for their science amazing celebration day that day on the behalf of all females. In addition, he loves the fall the fashion world. KO, keep an department, then only the science Mrs. Pomp-Shine designed. Thank you so much, time because the temperature is eye out for his bold statements department would have to obey by Packwood wrote, “She Mrs. Pomp-shine, for cool so he has plenty of opportu- and fashionable windbreakers! the law and not the entire univer- started it off with five sena- your incredible work. Sarah surely did rule KO by Ishaa Sohail ’20, Juliana Crediting her desire to be Matilde, the main character in her about ethics, demonstrating what said. As a result, Ruhl said she tries Kulak ’20, Esha Kataria ’20 a writer to her family’s appre- play “The Clean House,” originated it means to make a good life. not to read anything about herself On Tuesday, Feb. 25, KO ciation for theater and literature, from a conversation she overheard Yet, she doesn’t always strive to online or give in to the negativity. students had the opportunity to Ruhl explained that her mother at a cocktail party. Ruhl recounts have a central message or lesson. When asked about her hear from renowned playwright was an actress so she spent that a woman was ranting about “There’s sometimes a writing process, Ruhl said that and author, Sarah Ruhl. She was much of her childhood attending her cleaning lady being depressed, pressure writing plays to get an she likes to keep it simple; tea is originally scheduled to come on rehearsals and performances. and Ruhl was so intrigued that extractable thesis,” she said. “I essential, as is quiet solitude. Thus, Dec. 6, 2019, but due to the world Ruhl originally wanted to be the wheels continued to turn in think I write much more with she writes from about 10 a.m. to 2 premier of her latest play “Becky a poet and it wasn’t until she took a her head, long after that party. a view towards experience or p.m., when her kids are at school. Nurse of Salem” and the premier at class with critically acclaimed play- On the other hand, catharsis. I would love audi- Currently, Ruhl is working the Los Angeles Opera of an oper- wright Paula Vogel that she saw a mythology has also influenced ences to be able to feel some- on her next book “Smile,” a atic version of her play “Eurydice,” future for herself in playwriting. the character development of thing deeply or be deeply amused memoir about her experience her visit was pushed back. In addition to being a writer Ruhl’s protagonists. For instance, when they watch my plays.” having facial paralysis after giving The three of us were lucky and mom, she teaches a class Ruhl explains how mythology She also said she sees art birth to her twins. Ruhl states, “It’s enough to sit down with the once a week at the Yale School of presented her with the “grooves” as a gift of giving, and that is about the experience of the body distinguished author and hear Drama. Ruhl started teaching eight for her character Eurydice, the reason why a lot of her plays and the emotions and what happens her thoughts on her writing, her years ago, when she first offered from which she could just build. are dedicated to the people in when your inner life doesn’t match process, and her life in general. to substitute a class of Vogel’s. Along those lines, Ruhl her life. For example, she wrote your face, and also what it’s like to Ruhl was born in Chicago, Writing continues to be her said that her favorite piece of “For Peter Pan on her 70th be a woman if you can’t smile.” Illinois and lived there until she main MO, though. Besides her literature is Ovid’s “Metamor- Birthday” for her mother, and “The She said that this book has attended Brown University for family and Vogel, Ruhl draws phoses,” which she describes as Oldest Boy” for her babysitter. been a way to process the phys- both her undergraduate and grad- inspiration from many other facets a great mythological storehouse Ruhl said that the riskiest ical challenges and health issues uate degrees. She now resides of her life. For instance, director and timeless source of inspiration. part of her job was dealing with she’s been through, and a way in Brooklyn, New York with her Joyce Piven’s work showed Ruhl Beyond the intricacies of the fear of public humiliation— of balancing the needs of her husband Anthony Charuvastra that she didn’t need to have a big each character, Ruhl also has the possibility that her audience body with her family and writing. and three children, eldest daughter set, lengthy dialogue, or even natu- developed a profound and distinct could be disgusted or that she Her final thoughts were a Anna and twins William and Hope. ralistic elements to make plays sense of style. She said she contin- could get excoriated in the press. piece of advice for KO students: She is the recipient of the magical. Instead, Ruhl claims she ually finds herself interested by In fact, she admits that there “Read as much as you can,” Helen Merrill Emerging Play- learned that she could create all that the themes of love and death, and was a bleak period over the past recognizing that there is a wrights Award, the Whiting Writers’ she needed through the language. courageously backs away from three years where her writing culture in which people want Award, the MacArthur Fellow- For the creation of her char- realism and the comfort of it. received some negative reviews. to put out and not take as much ship as well as a Tony nominee acters, Ruhl said she draws from She said that in her writing, “It was dispiriting to see the life of in. She encourages students to for her play “In the Next Room.” past experiences. For instance, she tends to make a statement those plays getting strangled,” she find a community and cherish it. Thursday Thursday 14 March 5, 2020 Features News March 5, 2020 15 Madeline’s spin certification by Alyssa Pilecki ’20 thought she’d get to the point the whole time, and if you want Even so, Madeline said “Bring a lot of water to the class; where she is today. “Before my first to maximize the benefits of your she recognizes that there are I usually go through 32 ounces What do you do in your free class, I never thought I’d enjoy it,” workout, you just have to listen.” those out there who prefer each time,” she said. “Cycling time? Read books, listen to music, she said. “Even though I felt like I A typical spin class looks focusing on strength more than takes a lot of energy so it’s nap, binge-watch the latest Netflix was going to die, I loved it so much something like this: it starts with a cardio, so cycling may not important to fuel your body both shows, take up a new sport? For I went back the very next day and warmup that consists of riding to be the best option for them. inside and outside of the class.” junior Madeline Arcaro, none of have been continuing the classes the beat of two songs, then riding Additionally, serious She warned against going these hobbies really cut it for her. about three times a week,” she said. “in saddle” or “out of saddle” athletes may not want to into a class with a full stomach. Instead, if she isn’t studying Madeline is committed to (which means standing up or overdo their workouts so as “Do not eat anything heavy right at school or sleeping at home, her spin routine. “If I find myself before the class,” she said. “If you there’s a 99% chance that she’s with a lot of free time,” she need to, have a light snack, other- at CycleBar, a popular fitness said, “I will push myself to take wise, you will get sick or throw up.” center in Blue Back Square even six classes a week, some- Furthermore, Madeline that specializes in spin classes. times two or three in one day.” said that mental preparation is In case you do not know Madeline’s dedica- also key to a successful workout. tion to cycling is so stead- “Go in with a posi- fast that she is hoping to tive attitude because it makes “Before my first become a spin class instructor. a big difference,” she said. class, I never She recently took a special She explained that test, and luckily for her, she passed! thinking about things other than thought I’d Now that she is offi- cycling or constantly looking cially certified, Madeline said at the clock only brings misery enjoy it. Even she is looking to find work instead of fun and enjoyment. at a spin center close by. “If you have a good atti- though I felt like “I’m probably going to tude and are still not enjoying start teaching teen classes in the Madeline is happy to be celebrating her 50th ride. Photo courtesy of CycleBar the class, though, make sure to I was going to summertime and ideally, I’d like sitting down), sprinting, climbing, not to injure or tire themselves. give your instructor some feed- die, I loved it so to keep it as a side job throughout lifting weights, cooling down, For those who are inter- back and constructive criticism,” college,” she explained. and ending with a final stretch. ested in taking up spin classes, she said. “Tell them what you much.” “One day, I want to find a Madeline said she recom- Madeline said there are a few did and didn’t like because it profession that I can balance with mends that everyone try spin steps to take before beginning a goes a long way, and they might –Madeline Arcaro cycling somehow, although I don’t classes at least once in their life. cycling workout. “First, for what end up changing what they do.” know what that would be yet.” “It’s a really good workout you wear, I definitely would say to CycleBar is located at 55 what it is, a spin class is basically According to Made- that isn’t super draining, and it wear leggings. It doesn’t matter if Memorial Road, West Hartford, riding a stationary bike indoors for line, there are various types of works for many different types you’re a girl or a guy, leggings will CT 06107 and is usually open 7 30-60 minutes while focusing on spin classes. The one that she of people; for athletes, it helps just make the workout so much days a week (times and dates vary). endurance, strength, and intensity. usually takes and is planning on with stamina and endurance while more comfortable than shorts,” The spin center can be There’s always an instructor teaching is called rhythm riding. for non-athletes, it’s extremely she recommended. “Second, wear contacted at 860-206-6923 or who yells out commands to the class “At CycleBar, these are typi- beneficial and healthy in all a loose tank top because you will [email protected]. for when to increase or decrease cally 45 minutes long, and as the aspects of your life,” she said. be sweating a lot and you want to Feel free to reach out to speed, resistance, or incline. name says, you literally ride to “Who knows, once you give yourself room to breathe.” Madeline for more information Having first started her spin the rhythm of the music playing try cycling out, you might As for nourishment, she about cycling, contact CycleBar class journey about nine months in the room,” she said. “The end up liking it so much said to drink plenty of water about schedules and pricing, or ago, Madeline said she never instructor will tell you what to do you’ll keep doing it, as I did!” before, during, and after the class. look up other spin classes near you. speaKOut: junior Jane Liang by Sloan Duvall ’21 How do you self identify? about how Chinese people are Back in Beijing, my parents generally good at math. They think What is one thing you SpeaKOut is a monthly I am Chinese. That is are working super hard to fight that it’s normal for international wish people would know column focused on diversity where I come from and that is the problem and they have sacri- students to do well in math and about being Chinese? and inclusion, meant to bring probably where I will end up. ficed a lot of their time for it. that we don’t have to think about it. new voices into the KO News. My mom is a doctor, so However, we know that Just because we are Chinese, Through interviews with Have you ever seen offensive she has been in the hospital is not true; we are not naturally that doesn’t mean anything. It students outside of the domi- images or comments online– 24/7 for the past month. smart. We get there because we doesn’t mean that we don’t get nant culture at KO, speaKOut possibly posted by members There is a shortage of work hard. It can be annoying at jokes or that we don’t get pop strives to raise awareness for of the KO community– that supply masks, so she has been times because if you ever get the culture. We are not naturally how we can make KO a more target your ethnicity/race? wearing the same mask and same grade as a non-Asian kid, good at math. It doesn’t mean supportive community that the same suit for days in a row, they will say, “I worked so hard that we are nerds. Don’t believe celebrates our differences. There are a lot of posts on which you’re not supposed to do. for this grade, it just came naturally stereotypes. There are so many For my second interview, I the internet blaming China for the For my dad, his company for you.” That is just really unfair. types of Chinese people out there. sat down with junior Jane Liang. spread of the coronavirus – Insta- told him to stay home and work. Jane is a member of Forensic gram memes and TikTok videos At our apartment building, there Can you think of an instance Overall, do you think KO has Union, a photo editor for the KO especially. Some of them can be are people at the door who prevent when you have felt uncom- been successful in creating a news, Shield and Dragon tour really offensive to me. People people from coming in and out. fortable at KO due to your diverse community that respects guide, member of the swim team, will say, “You just don’t get it. He has been in our room race/religion/background? and celebrates its differences? and a Chinese international student. It’s just a meme,” but it’s actu- for the past month. Overall, it I was interested to hear what ally very hurtful because that is has been really difficult for my When I first got to campus, I would say that Jane had to say in light of the what my country is going through. family and friends back in China. people had a very difficult time KO has improved a lot. current global coronavirus crisis. I can see that they don’t I believe that all types of telling the difference between Learning about the lunar Jane has family back post them to be racist, but there viruses or infectious diseases are me and other international new year was a big step. Cele- in her hometown of Beijing, will be posts that say, “We know problems for us humans as a species. students. In class, people would brating other cultures, not just China who have had to change coronavirus won’t last long There’s no such thing as “a always call me Stacey, the name Chinese, but also Korean culture their daily life due to the because it’s made in China.” disease for a country,” and I just of another international student. and other Asian cultures is some- outbreak of this deadly virus. Coronavirus is a very wish people would be aware of that. That was just not okay with thing I am very glad to see. With a spike of Chinese serious problem, and I don’t think Especially at this stage, it’s really me because I know we are both There is still space for racism in the US as well as the anyone should be making fun of it. not a time for racism or hatred. Chinese, but we look different. improvement. I think it could recent college scandal regarding When you correct people, they just be a good idea for speakers to a coronavirus-themed party, I Can you elaborate more on Have people ever cracked say, “Oh, I’m sorry. I just can’t tell come in and talk about diversity. reached out to Jane to get her how the coronavirus crisis has jokes based on your race/ the difference between you two.” There are a lot of perspective on what it is like to be a impacted you? Has it affected religion/background? I understand that it’s hard speakers who talk about drugs Chinese individual outside of China any other aspects of your life for people to tell the difference in or alcohol, but that is not the during the outbreak of this virus. besides social media use? People like making jokes how we look, but it is still rude. only problem in high school. Thursday Thursday 14 March 5, 2020 Features News March 5, 2020 15 Warren Baird Blood Drive saves lives

by Marrich Somridhivej ’22 students may not meet. Although mom donates blood often. She chairs greatly. Donors were given step outside of their comfort zones. many students were eager to wanted to donate blood but did snacks and drinks after their “A lot of the students donated for On Monday, Feb. 24, donate, most underclassmen and not meet the requirements, so she blood was collected in order to the first time because they just Kingswood Oxford hosted the juniors were not eligible, due to decided to volunteer instead. “I stay healthy and hydrated. Once became eligible to donate and Warren Baird Memorial Blood the age restriction being 17 years. volunteered last year and loved the blood was collected, it was some of them felt a bit nervous,” Drive in the Soby Gym, where Junior Madeline Arcaro is it,” Madeline said. “So now, as given to the Red Cross, where it he said. “There were some people volunteers from the commu- a chair, I want to do something was distributed to hospitals around who couldn’t donate but went to nity gathered to donate blood. good for the blood drive even if Connecticut. The majority of the support their friends, and people A total of 41 people donated, “It’s a great it’s not donating,” Madeline said. blood collected at KO is given to felt good about themselves only six less than their goal. The opportunity for Senior Chair Cai Kuivila the Yale Medical Center in New when they left which was good.” student chairs also came close wanted to become a chair for the Haven. “This drive was particu- Senior Aiden Borusso to their goal of collecting 80 KO students blood drive because of her passion larly important because supplies donates blood often. “If you are pints of blood, matching the for the health sciences and commu- have been extremely low at local eligible, there is no reason not to number of last year’s donors. to get involved nity service. “I get to see the inner hospitals, and blood is used for donate blood,” he said. “It only The blood drive was workings of a non-profit, such as both emergent and scheduled takes 30 minutes of your time.” named after Warren Baird, a because they the Red Cross and work closely procedures,” Cai said. “Blood Madeline is glad that she former English department chair with them while also getting donation is so important to the can do something meaningful and faculty advisor for the KO brought it right to involved in the community and health care world and without for other families by chairing News. He passed away in 2000 our campus and I promoting a great cause,” she said. donors many procedures and and volunteering for the blood after being diagnosed with a rare The blood drive’s success operations wouldn’t be possible.” drive. “Someone from the Red blood disorder. Donors must be probably wouldn’t this year partially stems from the Senior Kush Kataria thought Cross came to KO to talk with the 17 years or older and in good student chairs’ efforts. Madeline that donating to the blood drive chairs and told us that a lot of the health (meaning that the donor have the opportu- and fellow chairs, senior Ethan was a good way to support a good blood and platelets donated actu- is not sick), and cannot have low Brown, Cai, and junior Shreeya cause. “It was for a good cause ally go to cancer patients, most of iron levels or other serious health nity to donate to Chalikonda helped to spread the so I thought, why not donate,” whom need a lot of blood when issues. The reason for this is to word by putting up posters around he said, “It’s a great opportunity going through chemotherapy ensure the health and safety of blood drives off West Hartford with the time, for KO students to get involved treatments,” she said. “On top of donors. For high school students, campus.” date, and location. In addition to because they brought it right to our this, one in three people will have there are additional height and this, Madeline told her parents campus, and I probably wouldn’t cancer in their lifetime, which is weight requirements. Hosting a ­—Kush Kataria to tell their friends to donate. have the opportunity to donate a scary statistic. Almost everyone blood drive at KO offers students Adult chairs Dean of to blood drives off campus.” will know someone with it. Though the chance to donate because one of the student chairs of this Students Will Gilyard and Director Sophomore volunteer Ben I can’t do it yet, I’m excited to blood drives outside of KO have year’s blood drive. She wanted of Teaching and Learning Jane Baby said he thought that the donate blood knowing that it could more requirements that high school to become a chair because her Repp also assisted the student blood drive allowed students to really help someone who needs it.” KO Mock Trial Forensic Union hosts team advances successful tournament

by Marrich Somridhivej ’22 nents,” senior Co-captain and by Kathryn Westrick ’20 storm topics and ideas,” junior school. Science teacher Lisa lawyer Aidan O’Loughlin said. Christina Lu said. “I also proof- Bailey, history teacher Ted Levine, On Friday, Feb. 28, eight A skill Aidan thinks that Forensic Union hosted read their essays and gave them and English teacher Cameron teams including the Kingswood mock trial allows people to prac- a successful public speaking suggestions on their delivery.” Biondi were faculty judges for KO. Oxford Mock Trial team partici- tice is to think on their feet, which competition at KO on Sunday, Scores are based on several compo- pated in the elite eight in the Civics can be used outside mock trial, Feb. 9. Ten schools were invited nents: identifying problems, effec- First CT mock trial competition at such as when analyzing a text. including Choate, The Windsor “This helped me tiveness of solution, knowledge of the Middletown Superior Court. “Lawyers need to think on your School, Roxbury Latin, St. to develop critical topic, use of evidence, clarity of KO is one of the 10 teams from feet a lot, and if you are defending Sebastian, Taft, Northfield thought, structure, and delivery. the previous round at Hartford objections, there is a lot of memo- Mount Hermon, Stoneleigh thinking skills Overall, the competition was Superior Court on Friday, Feb. rizing questions too,” he said. Burnham, Buckingham Browne very successful. “I was really proud 7, where the defense beat Conard He added that being a witness & Nichols, and Joel Barlow. and organize my of the solid performance put in by High School, and the plaintiff requires good acting skills. “For a This was one of the largest our entire group,” faculty advisor side knocked out Ellington High witness you have to really be quite competitions that KO has ever language.” and English teacher Michelle School. The team is coached by a good actor because you have hosted. “This was a big accom- Caswell said. “Everyone worked Middle School Journalism teacher to basically memorize an entire plishment for us because we —Frank Pu hard and supported each other.” Lynne Levine, as well as KO person and all the facts that they had 70 competitors this year, Hosting the tournament parents including attorney Theresa know and play as that character.” whereas last year we only had required a lot of hard work and Ravalese, Judge Matt Budzik, Prior to the competition, 30,” faculty advisor and English The structure of the competi- organization. Both Dr. Wayne and attorney Melinda Powell. Aidan was hoping that the team teacher Heather Wayne said. tion was divided into four rounds. and Mrs. Caswell were facili- This year’s case is about could work hard to advance to the For this specific compe- There were two rounds of after tators for the competition. a high school track athlete’s next round, ultimately win the state tition, KO assembled a novice dinner and persuasive speeches; Additionally, Dr. Wayne mother who is suing the school competition, and advance to the team. This gave the new these categories are open ended ran the tab room, which kept because of a possible overdose; final. “We hope to win the competi- members of Forensic Union a and prepared in advance. There track of all of the logistics such she claims that the team encour- tion this year and attend nationals,” chance to practice their skills. were also two rounds of impromptu as score cards, room assign- aged her son to use steroids. KO’s he said. Last year in the final four, “We have a lot of enthu- and ethical dilemma speeches. ments, judges, and time. Mock Trial team represents both we felt that we should have won a siastic novice public speakers During these categories, Since the competition sides of the case. Each member trial that the judges scored incred- and debaters, so this was a students are given a random topic lasted for several hours, Sage of the team knows the case and ibly close but in favor of the other great opportunity for them with two minutes to prepare for Dining also set up a brunch for their role well as they have to team. This year we are up against to practice,” Dr. Wayne said. a three to five minute speech. people to enjoy throughout the memorize their lines, instead of that same team in the elite eight, These competitors included According to Frank, his day. “Thanks to all of my offi- being able to read off a script. and hope to take them down and freshman Arav Kumar, sopho- favorite category to compete in is cers as well as the volunteers who The team worked hard finally win our states competition.” more Shumayl Syed, sophomore persuasive speeches. “At the begin- helped out,” Mrs. Caswell said. every practice in order to prepare The KO plaintiff side Minseo Kim, freshman Jaeden ning, it was stressful to write my Forensic Union meets themselves for the upcoming knocked out their opponent, Old Curcio, freshman Manu Nara- speech, but I learned to be brave on Tuesday nights, and meet- competition. “We have been Lyme High School on Friday, simhan, and freshman Frank Pu. on stage,” Frank said. “This helped ings are open to anyone. working on polishing our perfor- Feb. 28, at the Middletown Supe- More experienced debaters me to develop critical thinking “I would encourage mance, being more natural, and rior Court. They will advance to helped run the competition skills and organize my language.” people to try Forensic Union using our superior knowledge of the final two, where their oppo- and advise newer members. Competitors were scored because it has taught me a lot the law to the best of our ability nent will be a strong Weston “I didn’t compete, but I by a panel of judges consisting about public speaking and it’s in trial to shut down our oppo- High School team, on March 30. helped the newer kids brain- of students and faculty from each also really fun,” Christina said. Thursday Thursday 16 March 5, 2020 MSInvestigative News MS NewsMS March 5, 2020 17 Vandalism leaves school scandalized by Madeline Arcaro ’21 “[The kids feel] angry wrong, but that the benefits for the Ms. DiSanto shares some “The question would be and confused,” she said. “This community outweigh the conse- fears: “Counseling is the most how do they make amends. Aside On Tuesday, Feb. 11, creative happened in a space where quences for the individual. “Fear important thing. I am worried about from whatever discipline, is it arts teacher Scott McDonald got up they feel safe and comfort- is an emotion that we all under- the emotional state of the person monetary?” Mr. Gilyard said. during assembly and gave a heart- able, and this act tainted that stand. There are a couple of fears first and foremost,” she said.“We “Is it a combination of things, felt speech about two cases of space. They are confused about that I want to share with you... cannot take this community for monetary and an apology? I’d hurtful vandalism on campus. This the objective of this person’s because I think this is a place that granted, because when there is a sit down with the team and stirred up drama in the community actions. Why go after robotics?” is phenomenal,” he started. “So major problem in this community, really think about it, and talk and brought an air of sadness to Ms. DiSanto noted the I fear that the person or persons we will not avert our eyes. We will to the kids, asking them ‘what the school, where the environment oddity of this situation: “I feel who committed this vandalism stare into it and say ‘well this is us, do you want to have happen?” had previously been peaceful. like this event is quite different is fearful of getting help because so together we have to do some- Jaden just wanted to under- A week later, on Wednesday, from ‘traditional’ vandalism,” they’re fearful of facing the conse- thing about being better.’ We will stand why someone would do Feb. 19, Dean of Students William she said. “It’s odd to deliberately quences. Or maybe they have been say to the person or persons who this to a piece he had worked so Gilyard mentioned two more inci- destroy student work. I feel like asking for help and we haven’t did the vandalism that you have to hard on. “I was disappointed and dents of vandalism: one in the whoever did it may be really heard them or given them the do what’s right. You have to face a little upset that someone would Robotics room, where students’ suffering and I hope whoever help that they need.” Mr. Gilyard the consequences. But we will still seemingly needlessly deface projects had been soldered it is finds the help they need.” strongly advised that if a student love you. All of this is true at once. something that I had worked hard together, and one in the aviation on,” Jaden said.“If the person is club, where the glass on their found, I’d like to have a conver- flight simulator was broken. All sation with them to talk about of these incidents have been a why they would damage some- recent occurrence, and students thing someone had worked hard were shocked to hear about this. on, and maybe get an apology.” The first thing that was Many people believe vandalized was a chess board that this should be treated the created by senior Jaden DiMauro same as any other problem at for “Outside the Box,” the art school. “As far as punishment, I class he takes this semester. It is would just like to see the person not complete yet. Jaden decided to follow the disciplinary process do a chess board because he likes of the school,” she added on. chess and wood carving. He made Even people whose work one when he was in eighth grade had not been vandalized under- stand the severity of the situa- tion. “ It’s a shame that people’s “I fear that the hard work is getting ruined,” said sophomore Emma Levinbook. person or persons “I agree that it’s sad that people don’t have enough respect for their who committed classmates to leave their artwork alone,” said junior Cici Chagnon. this vandalism is As for what this says about the school community, Mr. Gilyard fearful of getting doesn’t think that it is reflective of help, because what the school is and stands for. “I don’t think it has an overarching they’re fearful meaning about our KO commu- nity, it just means that they need to of facing the Senior Jaden DiMauro’s chess board was vandalized by someone scraping the design off the top. Photo by Jaden have a place for people to come out and admit what they did wrong.” consequences. The third incident was with does need help, that they should I ask you all to be culture creators.” If this is a mental health issue, the aviation club: the glass that was reach out to guidance counselor As for punishments, Mr. faculty advisors urge students to Or maybe they screwed down had been shattered, Gilyard mentioned that it would be try to get help, and say that there have been asking and Mr. Gilyard suspects that it a discussion between faculty, Citi- are better ways to get attention. was either someone screwing the “[The kids zenship Committee (CitCo) and the Teachers and students believe that for help and we glass too tightly, or taking another feel] angry and person whose work got vandalized. vandalism is not the way to go. screwdriver right to the glass. haven’t heard “Either way,” he said. confused. This “It’s hurtful to the club.” them, or given Together, Mr. Gilyard and happened in a some other faculty members them the help that talked about short-term plans on space where they they need,” how to make sure events like this feel safe and don’t happen again, especially This is a developing –William in Robotics. All of the doors in comfortable and lower Roberts have now been Gilyard locked, said Mr. Gilyard during this act tainted story. If you or someone his assembly announcement. “This isn’t a place where we that space. They you know has vandal- want to lock doors up,” he said. and wanted to make one again. “But this is bigger than just these are confused This one, which was more detailed, incidents. We need to get better.” ized something, please was unfortunately vandalized. During his announcement, about the objec- The piece was gouged with some Mr. Gilyard pleaded to students, tive of this reach out to Dean of sort of instrument and took Jaden asking them if they did one or about an hour to fix. “I wasn’t any of these incidents, or know person’s actions. Students William Gilyard angry really, just annoyed,” he who did do them, to please reach said. “It was slightly aggravating.” out to someone on the faculty. Why go after at gilyard.w@kingswood- The next incident was “I know it can be hard to vandalism in the Robotics room. come out and admit to some- robotics?” Science teacher and thing you did wrong, but this oxford.org Robotics faculty advisor Kath- is the real life stuff right here. –Kathleen leen DiSanto said that it wasn’t a If it affects one of them, then DiSanto specific project that was tampered it affects all of us,” he said. with, the project that was ruined Mr. Gilyard understands was just closest to where someone that people are afraid to come out was using a soldering iron. and admit something that they did Chastity Rodriguez immediately. Thursday Thursday 16 March 5, 2020 MSInvestigative News MS NewsMS March 5, 2020 17

Mock trial has its day in court by Charles Simons ’24 able to work together, and it been working on the same case. normally do on a sports team, plaintiff. “I feel like the first trial allows students to showcase their During competitions spec- ” Madeline said. Competitions went really well, I mean, sure my When people think of a skills in front of people, such as tators such as parents watch and only last through the end of March, team actually only tied, we actu- trial, they think of lawyers and volunteer lawyer Co-coach Mrs. marvel at what their children have and it’s a learning experience ally thought the results would be witnesses dramatically sentencing Theresa Ravalese, P ‘15, ‘17 and learned about the law. “There involving acting, public speaking different than they were,” he said. someone to jail for the heinous ‘20, who plays the role of the are so many benefits of doing it, and thinking on one’s feet. Middle school team crimes they’ve committed. judge during practices. During the there’s a lot of acting involved, and Eighth-grader, Toby Van members meet every Thursday Students at Kingswood Oxford winter, the team competes against it’s a good way of working with Wilgen enjoyed participating in from 4 to 5:30, and sometimes are a part of a case about negli- other middle schools that have the team in the way you wouldn’t his first trial as a witness for the more often closer to the competi- gence in a camp setting, causing tion dates. Eighth-grader, Jacob a young girl to come down with Mapp attends nearly all of these a horrific case of Lyme disease. practices and understands the Before people become importance of each aspect of a trial. concerned, they should know “We go through every- that it isn’t a real trial; instead, thing, starting from our directs, it is a mock trial, and it’s a our crosses, our openings, and popular club among both high closings. We basically just go schoolers and middle schoolers. through the trial, but we get In Mock Trial, students tips and pointers so we can play all roles in the trial other do better next time,” he said. than the judge, according to During the course of their junior Co-coach Madeline mock trial experience, students Arcaro. “Three lawyers and three will continue to grow in confi- witnesses on both sides, pros- dence and improve, especially ecution [or plaintiff] and defense if they do it the year after this replicate a real case,” she said. one. This year’s mock trial team For around four months, involves 12 members working the team prepares to do this by together in a close environment practicing with their teammates for nearly five months, which on the opposing side. Mock lets everyone become friends and trial is fun because friends are The Middle School mock trial team after the first trial. Photo courtesy of Leah Van Wilgen. end up having a good experience. Azul Montiel performs in ‘Matilda’ by Meghan Jo ’25 of them except her teacher. Soon, the beginning of the school year, she discovers her powers of tele- and she has been dancing for “Azul did great Many people have a hobby kinesis and uses the powers for much longer. Despite the length that they can’t live without. For of time needed to learn her part, in the play; it was some people it is soccer, while Azul believed the effort was worth for others it is swimming. Some “It was hard it. To rehearse for “Matilda,” awesome.” students have less common Azul spent at least four days a hobbies like music-making and work but really week practicing with the cast. “It –Rachael Lantner dirt biking. For seventh-grader was hard work but really fun.” Azul Montiel, it is theater. fun. I would do it she said. “I would do it again.” Recently, Azul has been again.” Being a part of “Matilda” very active in theater outside was a great experience for Azul. mance and were immediately of school. This year she was in –Azul Montiel She loved spending time with her hooked, especially seventh-grader the musical “Matilda” as part new friends and pretending to be Rachael Lantner. “Azul did great in of the ensemble where she did someone that she wasn’t. “It’s the play; it was awesome,” she said. a lot of dancing and acting. revenge on her tormentors. Azul really fun for people who like West Hartford and “Matilda” is a musical based said she enjoyed the plot of this being on stage whether they like a surrounding towns have theater on the novel by Roald Dahl, about story because it was fun to act out. big part or a small part,” she said. groups that people who are inter- a bright girl growing up in a family Performing in musicals The musical experience was ested can join. Even though acting who doesn’t appreciate her gift. All takes time and effort that most enjoyable not only for the cast, but in a musical takes a lot of effort, it of the adult figures in her life are people don’t have. Azul has been also for the audience members. is a lot of fun to make new friends Azul, in the “Matilda” ensemble. cruel to her and her friends—all rehearsing for this musical since Theater-goers loved the perfor- and perform for an audience. Photo courtesy of Azul Montiel Thursday Thursday 18 March 5, 2020 MS News MS Features March 5, 2020 19 Seventh grade travels to Vermont by Charlotte Sorensen ’24 us out of our normal environment, four-day program that would do been,” Lia said. While the seventh people around us,” he said. Lia put us in a different environment everything we wanted to do and grade students were away, they found that she could enjoy being In past years, sixth and that most kids aren’t used to and have team building 101,” he said. completed various team-building with anyone in the form. “You eighth-graders have gone off expose them to different activities, Seventh-graders Hadley Crowther, activities. Graham enjoyed the really have to make the most out campus on overnight trips for of your group. You might not be bonding and helping the students with all of your friends but some become more unified. However, of the people who were in my the seventh grade has only had group were really cool,” she said. the opportunity to enjoy a day program in Beckett, Massachusetts involving various team-building ““The blind walk activities. That was unfair to the seventh-graders, so the form deans at night was my changed that this year. Form Dean favorite thing... Clayton Miles decided that the students in seventh grade also We didn’t know needed a longer trip. According to Mr. Miles, the school has been where we were Advice to the next going and we had year’s seventh to trust the people graders includes around us.” dressing warmly -Graham Wiggen- and having fun. hauser

A group of Seventh graders warm up together at the fire in Fairlee, Vermont. Photo courtesy of Clayton Miles searching for an overnight program Mr. Miles considered the trip a for a long time and finally found outdoor hike, and night walks,” Lia Arnold, and Graham Wiggen- night activities. “The blind walk good success and plans for next Hulbert in Fairlee, Vermont he said. It was difficult to find the hauser all said they agreed that at night was my favorite thing we year’s seventh-graders. “Going in which is just what he and the perfect program; Mr. Miles spent a Hulbert was a great time. “Hulbert did at Hulbert. We were blind- November made it more of a chal- other teachers had been looking long time looking for one. “It was was very fun most of the time but folded and we had to go down a lenge,” he said. Advice to the next for. Mr. Miles chose Hulbert for hard to find a challenging program there were some times that weren’t path, we didn’t know where we year’s seventh graders includes a specific reason. “It was to take but not over the top, a three to as engaging as they could have were going and we had to trust the dressing warmly and having fun. Octopipers/F2B Students adjust to a by Christian Chin ’24 group of middle school girls who can’t get enough singing Do you like to sing? Chorus during the regular chorus practice. teacher Steve Mitchell loves Seventh grader Meghan Jo new key card system to sing and teach kids singing. enjoys Octopipers. Her favorite He enjoys teaching part is singing with other girls by Jack Decker ’24 them every day and wishes and the chance to perform more to continue working with his popular music. “We have not This past October, students wonderful students every year. done many songs, but probably had to make a large adjust- Two of his middle school Roar is my favorite,” she said. ment while traveling around small group ensembles are Octo- F2B is a small group of campus. However, most people pipers for girls, and F2B for middle school boy singers. Eighth feel that the campus as a whole boys. “The kids are talented and grader Cole Banning enjoys is safer than it was before. outgoing, they love to sing and the people in the group and the Key cards were provided I am grateful to have such an songs they practice and perform. to each middle and upper school amazing group of girls and boys,” However, Cole wishes student at Kingswood Oxford. he said. Mr. Mitchell is a very he could change the time F2B These are used for opening doors busy person outside of school. meets. “I wish it wasn’t after around campus in order to improve He sings for a group called school because I am busy with safety and prevent strangers Concora outside of school. sports and school work,” he said. from walking into a building. Mr.Mitchell enjoys what he Cole has been singing in Current Head of School does and avidly shares with the choir group since the sixth Thomas Dillow wanted to explore kids his passion for singing. grade and F2B for the past two several options that would keep Octopipers is a singing years. “I love to sing and I enjoy the students and faculty safe. being with the group,” he said. Middle School Admin- Both groups rehearse istrative Assistant Ms. “I love to sing weekly after school and are Britanny Dix made this clear. open to seventh and eighth “The key cards came about and I enjoy being grade students even if they are when Tom Dillow started, he not in the larger chorus class. wanted a safer environment for with the group” Mr. Mitchell welcomes all of the students,” she said. all young singers who are in Some students like the -Cole Banning other music groups, but espe- addition of the key cards, while cially anyone who loves to sing. others don’t. Eighth grader Scott Eighth-grader Alex Levin using his key card to enter one of the Middle School Taylor thinks that the key cards are main entrances. Photo courtesy of Jack Decker. just an unnecessary new feature. keep us safer, and it is also kind of get.” Students, if you have lost your “The old system was convenient because we can get into key card, make sure to contact a a lot more freeable, you buildings that we need to,” she said. faculty member as soon as possible. could go wherever you want The cards are run Many students agree with without having to worry about through a computer system the addition of key cards, while locking yourself out,” he said. that allows them to be disabled others think that it is just a pain. There are students who like if they are lost. Ms. Dix said, It helps ensure the safety the new system, however. Eighth “Kids lose them often, and of students and faculty on grader Alexa Prahl believes that depending on if they tell me they campus, and for the past four the key cards are important and lost them, there could be a card months has been working Octopipers at the January choral concert. Photo courtesy of Christian Chin. helpful. “I think that it’s useful to lying out there that someone could smoothly around the school. Thursday Thursday 18 March 5, 2020 MS News MS Features March 5, 2020 19 Memories of Madrid Mr. Miles’ unexpected talent by Elijah Wells ’24 easier for the reader. “She writes by Cole Banning ’24 creating new objects. “Mostly I books about communication and did projects in our house. I built There is no better way to meditation along with [conducting] KO students know Mr. our TV cabinet in our entertain- bond with a friend and enjoy many workshops,” he said. Clayton Miles as a Form Dean, ment room in our house,” he said. amazing views than going on a hike. All in all he loved a science teacher, a swim “I built a good amount For Form Dean writing the book and hiking coach and a sports photogra- of wiggie chairs which I have Charles Macksoud, hiking the trails with his friends. pictures of, and pretty much is one of his passions. “I think that it’s important any basic carpentry in our When he lived in Madrid, he to do things that you like doing “I started wood- house I have made,” he said. hiked all around the mountains and because if you don’t like doing Mr. Miles also makes items different scenic places, and wrote a it, then you’re gonna give up,” he working when I that he uses daily. He enjoys book about it. Mr. Macksoud lived said.“But if it’s something that you having them around the house. in Spain for two years to perfect like, you are going to want to keep was eight or nine, Mr. Miles works with a variety his Spanish speaking ability. on going no matter the setbacks.” of different woods and enjoys the He also wanted to learn If people are interested in and I got my first challenges each one provides. “I do more about the history and culture. writing or hiking they should a lot of building my wood [picture] “To me it’s special to be consult with Mr Macksoud. 35 millimeter frames. They are made of hard- in a place where big history “He is a lot of fun wood, soft wood, or barn wood that has taken place,” he said. to hike with,” said jour- camera in seventh Mr. Miles displays his impressive Mr. Macksoud loves nalism teacher Lynne Levine. carving skills on his famous wiggie hiking for many reasons. “I just grade.” I built a good chair. Photo courtesy of Mr. Miles. think it is a good way to get – Mr. Miles made with people other than his fit; if you’re spending the day amount of wiggie family. Despite his skill at building, with someone it’s a good way chairs...and pretty Mr. Miles acknowledges that he can to get to know them,” he said. always learn more about his craft. Mr Macksoud enjoyed pher. However, what most don’t much any basic “I just love figuring stuff the process of hiking and then know is that he has another out and working with my hands, picking what routes to put hobby, which is woodworking. carpentry in our and looking at the final project. in the book with his friend. Mr. Miles has been making I wish I was better at finishes “[I love] just thinking items out of wood since he was house I have like varnishing and staining about some of those laughs that very young.“I started wood- and all that which is some- we had on those days,” he said. working when I was eight or nine made. thing I don’t know much about. Mr Macksoud was not the and I got my first 35 millimeter –Mr. Miles “Also I wish I had a nice only one to write the book; he also camera in seventh grade,” he said. table saw which I don’t,” he said. worked with his friend, fellow Mr. Miles lives in a house Mr. Miles has benefitted American Cynthia Kane. Mr. Macksoud enjoys memories of that is close to 120 years old. I normally keep for myself or I give from his passion for woodworking. He felt that Cynthia helped hiking and exploring Madrid, Spain. He takes pride in the projects he them away as presents,” he said. He recommends it to anyone who organize his words and make it Photo courtesy of Elijah Wells. builds and repairs, and enjoys He often shares what he has enjoys working with their hands. Music drives the Middle School by Kelly Stepnowski ’24 compared to other styles. “Don’t “Music is very important music. Especially before middle speaks to me,” she said. judge anyone because of their in my life because it helps me school A basketball games, Adam Ariana often listens to Students and teachers preference on music,” she said. accomplish a lot of goals, such enjoys rap music to pump him up. her when she is doing home- in the KO community usually James Livingstone loves as preparing me for an athletic “If it’s not a bop work since Billie Eilish helps spend their days talking all genres of music. He espe- event and helping me focus don’t play it,” he said. her calm down and stay focused. about sports or academics. cially enjoys listening to Florida on academic tasks,” he said. Eighth-grader Ariana Sixth-grader Lindsay Step- However, a huge part Georgia Line when he is doing Another music lover is Whalen loves Billie Eilish. nowski listens to music every day. of students’ lives is music. his homework and Trippie eighth-grader Adam Merrit. “She makes me so “I listen to music to help Redd before a sports match. Adam loves all types of happy and her music just me focus or help me succeed “I’m always in my hockey games,” she said. Lindsay especially listens listening to to music with her friends. music, at home, at “Music is very school, in the car, important in my I love music.” life because it –Mr. Chapman helps me accom- Music is something that plish a lot of both students and teachers rely on to help enhance their moods. goals, such as English teacher Kyle Chapman loves music. “I’m always listening preparing me for to music, at home, at school, in an athletic event the car, I love music,” he said. Mr. Chapman enjoys and helping me listening to music to help him when working out or when he is grading focus on academic papers. It is a large asset to his life and can’t imagine life without it. tasks.” Eighth-grader Alex Levin also enjoys music. –James Living- “I listen to hip hop and stone rap before sports games to improve my adrenaline and get me ready to perform,” he said. It’s a way for all of He does this before every them to have fun together. sports match, and he believes it Music is prevalent in the helps him tremendously. lives of both students and faculty. Eighth-grader Alisa Ruban Without music, their likes to listen to electronic music. daily routines would be less She enjoys its unique qualities Eighth-grader James Livingstone studies in the Middle School, listening to music. Photo courtesy of Kelly Stepnowski. interesting and rewarding. Thursday Thursday 20 March 5, 2020 MS Features Sports March 5, 2020 21 Wyverns help younger wyverns by Rayyan Haider ’24 “We have lots of students Eighth-grader Alexa Prahl Student tutors are sometimes “My best topic is and Adam Meritt ’24 who end up having to work outside sometimes visits Wyverns Helping better at one subject than others. Spanish, but usually, we can Kingswood Oxford of school with tutors and organiza- Wyverns to finish her homework. Because of this, tutors often help with any subject,” said offers programs to benefit tional specialists, and I thought that “We are given snacks that focus on one or two subjects. junior Brandon DeLucia. students’ experience. it would be a good opportunity for are used for motivation, but they “There are different kids that One of the ways Wyverns One of these can help kids to be able to have that some only give it to you after you specialize in different things who Helping Wyverns is effec- students navigate a challenging of that work done here,” she said. do a certain amount of work or help in these subjects,” said Alexa. tive is by matching students to school environment by assisting Students who attend have done work for a certain However, students from the right upper school student. them with their academics. Wyverns Helping Wyvern amount of time. And in the end, the upper school try to help with Wyverns Helping Wyverns, enjoy snacks that are used to they remind us to do certain any subject that the younger or WHW, is a program where encourage them to do their work. things or give us tips,” she said. students may have trouble with. Students who students from the Middle School attend Wyverns can be tutored by upper school students with work that they need Helping Wyvern help with or don’t understand. enjoy snacks ... students from that are used to the Middle School encourage them to can be tutored do their work. by Upper School “Sometimes teachers assign students with students to Wyverns Helping Wyverns because they know work that they they can be helpful,” said Alexa. Success at school depends need help with or on understanding the home- work and teachers’ expecta- don’t understand. tions. Upper School students Wyverns Helping Wyvern understand the teachers’ require- was started by the Director of ments because they have gone Learning Mrs. Jackie Rubin. through Middleschool already. Mrs. Rubin was moti- Middle Schoolers might want vated to start this program because to go check out Wyverns Helping she believed many younger Wyverns not just for the snacks, students could use the help. Sophomore Halle Stolzenberg shows Eleanor Farquhar the French past participle. Photo courtesy of Madeline Arcaro. but also to get some work done. Field day festivities Spring break by Sophia Radmanovich ’24 “I really like dodge- of Field Day is team bonding by Georgia Louis ’24 tournament,” Mr. Chapman said. ball and flag tag, they are both and coming up with a cheer. James also enjoys March The middle school is really fun,” eighth-grader The teams also make Whether it’s traveling some- Madness. “I look forward to filled with many exciting days, James Livingstone said. flags to represent their team where tropical or staying around playing basketball and watching but Kingswood Oxford’s Field Field day is not during the day even though home, everyone in the KO commu- the NCAA tournament,” he said. Day is something every student only for the students; it it’s very time consuming. nity looks forward to March break. Others travel and teacher look forward to. also involves the teachers. “Although I think we While some students and Field day is an annual event The adults play a big role should make them before the their families like to travel some- No matter what held towards the end of the school during the day, whether it is actual Field Day, and some people where warm, others enjoy spending year, and is filled with many games helping to keep track of the points aren’t in the mood to make the time with family around the home. they are doing, and team-building activities. or leading their sub team to a win. flags, it’s pretty fun,” seventh- No matter what they are doing, everyone appreci- everyone appreci- ates the two week vacation from their daily school life. ates the two week Eighth grader James Livingstone and English teacher vacation from Mr. Kyle Chapman share the their daily school same love of spring break. They also share a life. passion for basketball. with their families. Eighth grader Emma Barringer defi- nitely prefers traveling. “I look forward to the Florida trip, I always go with my family,” she said. Some students look forward to hanging out with friends. Eighth grader Erin Westfall loves to go to Vermont with her horseback riding team. “I make so many memories with my friends in Vermont,” she said. Jacob Joseph ‘23 signals a hard-fought victory for Team Red during the 2019 Field Day events. Photo courtesy of Students and faculty Clayton Miles. also enjoy having two Field day has become a “I like the excitement,” grader Hadley Crowther said. solid weeks of vacation. popular institution. Instead of Choir Director Steve Mitchell said. Initiated in 2008 by then “The fact that spring classes, students enjoy a day partic- “The kids are really excited Student Government President break is two weeks is ipating in a big competition among and they are really competitive. Samantha Udolf, ‘12, Field glorious,” said Mr. Chapman. four teams that include the whole It’s kind of stressful, but it’s also Day has been run by the student Eighth graders Emma Barringer and Whether KO community middle school. Some of the activi- the same thing the kids are excited government to give students some- Erin Westfall are ready for break! members are traveling or staying ties include anything from kickball for. It’s a fun day.” thing different and exciting to look “I love staying home and at home, March Break is some- to Chicken in the Hen House. A tradition on every morning forward to in the school year. watching the start of the NCAA thing everyone looks forward to. Thursday Thursday 20 March 5, 2020 MS Features Sports March 5, 2020 21 Boys basketball fights for a tough winning season against opponents

by Conor Caneday ’21 the season has gotten progres- big men on the court. In addition to major injury with a broken nose. comes to a close, the Wyverns are sively more challenging as we H. Meshanic, Griffith continues to “It was hard to not have Carter saying goodbye to four seniors: The varsity boys basket- played tougher competition,” be a dominant force on the court. on the court,” Schwartz said. “He Nick Cannata, Calvin Schumacher, ball team finished with a winning junior forward Jake Schwartz His athleticism and talent make is a huge part of the team and Jordon Walker, and Jackson Wolff. season, going 12-11. This is an said. Most recently against Mill- him one of the team’s best players. one of the major scorers.” Since Each senior has had a significant improvement from last year’s brook, the Wyverns struggled Throughout the season, getting injured, C. Meshanic impact on their team and will be record. The Wyverns have played to pull out a win, losing 83-53. the Wyverns have experienced has made a full recovery and is missed. “I will miss not having their hearts out this season, domi- The Wyverns played with setbacks. Junior guard Carter back to dominating on the court. someone above me that I can nating against many of their Millbrook for almost the whole Meshanic recently suffered a Finally, as the winter season look up too,” H. Meshanic said. opponents early on in the season. game, but Millbrook broke away Schwartz said he agreed that the “We came out strong in the in the last few minutes of the game. seniors will be greatly missed. “I first half of the season,” manager After the Wyverns fell behind, will miss their willingness to help Chris Morris said, “The new they sadly couldn’t come back. younger players and their ability to players on the team helped to Even though the Wyverns bring the team together,” he said. contribute to the team’s success.” lost, Griffiths played a great game, The Wyverns played their Two of these new players, leading the Wyverns on offense last two games on Wednesday, junior point guard Ben Merrit and and playing a tremendous game Feb. 26, against Canterbury freshman forward Gavin Griffiths on defense. “Griffith has been a and on Saturday, Feb. 29, have had stand-out seasons. Merrit consistent player throughout the against Williston. The Wyverns has been a constant contributor season,” junior forward/center struggled against Canterbury. to the team’s success, control- Hunter Meshanic said. “He is “Canterbury is the best ling the court as well as being a always ready to come out and play.” team in the league,” Manager consistent scorer for the Wyverns. Before playing Millbrook, Chris Morris said. “Despite this, Griffiths has also had an the Wyverns pulled out a victory we still played a great game.” amazing season, making a name against Kent. The Wyverns domi- With Williston, the Wyverns went for himself as one of the best nated Kent, winning 52-42. The back and forth with their oppo- freshman in the league. His energy Wyverns had two main stand- nent all game until a few lucky coupled with his height as well as out players: H. Meshanic and shots allowed Williston to break shooting ability makes him a force Griffith. H. Meschanic was an away. The Wyverns sadly lost to be reckoned with on the court. amazing shooter, sinking shot 53-45. Overall, the Wyverns had The past few games after shot. In addition to his an excellent season with a winning have been up and down for the shooting, Meshanic was excellent record, and we look forward to Wyverns. “The second half of on defense, being one of the best Junior guard Carter Meshanic catches a hard pass. Photo by David Newman. seeing them dominate next year. Squash pushes for a strong finish

by Christian Pedro ’22 it has affected their play this their overall depth throughout the During practice, players Recently, the team competed season. “We’ve played a lot of whole ladder from top to bottom. rotate between different courts at nationals and although they did After a season of competing really strong teams this year, “A lot of teams tend to have participating in several drills not achieve the end result they against tough opponents and top- including Suffield, Loomis, and a strong top of their team that as well as competing in live hoped for, many players played notch performances, the KO boys AOF,” Krieble said. “With such a tapers off towards the bottom,” play with their teammates. hard, and there were several varsity squash team hopes to finish young team, many of the players Krieble said. “However, we’re Throughout all the drills, standout performances. One of out the season strong going into a haven’t had the experience needed a strong team all the way until the boys work on both their those showings came from sopho- big New England tournament. to battle through close matches.” our last player. This has helped offensive and defensive tech- more Teddy Keegan, who won The boys squash team However, they make up for us pull out wins numerous niques which has contributed all his matches of the day, an started off the season strong with their youth with their talent and times throughout the year.” to their success this season. impressive feat for a young player. a 7-0 home win against Williston Something that the boys Northampton School, and a 5-2 struggled with this season was road victory against Millbrook mental preparation before matches. School. Following those two “One thing that was challenging matches the boys suffered a loss this year was going into matches against Suffield Academy 4-3, with the right mindset since for but bounced right back with a a lot of kids, it was their first strong 4-3 win against fellow year on varsity and they some- Founders League competitor times got nervous,” Choo said. Westminster School. The team’s “However, that is something wins over Westy, Millbrook, that comes with more practice and Williston were especially and experience at that level.” exciting considering that they Some of the team’s lost to all three of them last year. most impactful players this Senior Co-captain Nick season were Choo, Krieble, Choo applauded the squad’s dedi- and Dillow who consistently cation and drive throughout the won matches regardless of season this winter. “I was really how tough their schedule was. impressed with the overall matu- Krieble had high praise for rity and desire to work hard that the Dillow’s big strides of improve- whole team showed this season, ment from last year to this year. especially underclassmen Aidan “Aidan Dillow has really Dillow and Henry Pelletier, who stepped up this year,” Krieble said. both competed in the top half of “He handles playing a the ladder this year,” Choo said. higher level of competition incred- Unfortunately, KO ibly well and has also contrib- was unable to prevail in the uted a lot of wins to the team.” next two matches losing KO boys squash hopes to 7-0 to Avon Old Farms, and end the season on a high note at falling 7-0 to Kent School. New Englands and looks forward Junior Co-captain Henry to next year, as they are only Krieble commented on the team’s losing four seniors and will retain challenging schedule and how Senior James Ravalese swings his racquet in a tough match at the Wyverns’ home courts. Photo by David B. Newman. most of their players this season. Thursday Thursday 22 March 5, 2020 Sports Sports March 5, 2020 23 Girls squash swings to success, closing out season with very impressive wins by Keegan McMahon ’21 Amelia Levine and Mai Lin Pomp- Championships and placed sixth in their National division. While end, the girls are all happy with Shine. Standouts from the game overall in Division 4. “This was overall the team played very cohe- their performances, leadership, As the Lady Wyverns were junior Sloan Duvall and big for us considering we moved sively and showed great support and team chemistry. “Histori- approach the end of their freshman Amrita Natarajan who up division,” Chalikonda said. for each other, and a particular cally we played some super season, they reflect on an overall each won three straight matches. The girls were Division 5 cham- standout that day was Berck- tough teams that we play every successful season with a record Both Alleyne and Chalikonda won pions last year and this year the emeyer who won most of her season, and this year we really of 12-3. The squash team is 3-0, helping the Lady Wyverns to Wyverns moved up a division and match and had a great weekend. stepped up to each challenge,” led by junior Captains Sydney a clean sweep over Berkshire. were seeded number two overall. The team faced many Head Coach Cameron Biondi said. Smith and Izzy Berckemeyer. This past weekend the At New Englands, the team challenging teams this year and He also cited the team’s The Wyverns have upset girls headed to the 2020 Head took sixth place out of eight, set goals for the season. As the comradery as a contributor to many strong teams this year and U.S High School Team Squash beating the number one finisher 2019-2020 season comes to an their success. “There is so much had a great season with many support on the team and within players growing in every aspect of matches,” Coach Biondi said. the game. The girls played a tough The team is such a positive Miss Porter’s team but came up group of girls, and they are all hot with a 7-0 victory. “Last year very close despite the age gaps. was a much tighter match, and Smith said she agreed that we played great this year,” Smith the team has grown so much. said. Standouts in the match were “We are always trying to cheer freshman Ely Alleyne who won for each other every practice her match and senior Amelia and game no matter if we are Levine who won her match also. winning or losing,” Smith said. The varsity girls squash Looking ahead, the Wyverns team won against a tough Berk- are losing two key seniors who not shire Bears, 4-3, on Feb. 12. This only work their hardest in practices was a true testament to how far the and games but also show great team has come from the begin- support for their fellow teammates. ning of the season. “It was one of The Wyverns have a bright future our biggest wins of the season,” if they keep working hard and stay junior Shreeya Chalikonda said. together as a team. Coach Biondi It was also a big match because has no doubt that they will be a of Senior Day, celebrating seniors Senior Amelia Levine prepares to swing for the ball against her opponent. Photo courtesy of Amelia Levine ’20. force to be reckoned with next year. Boys squash looks strong as they head into postseason competition by Kush Kataria ’20 against Kent School in overtime. Coach O’Brien further and that is an excellent aspect of work with one another. “I think Senior captain Angelina Maselli commented on the impact Maselli our team” Coach O’Brien said. we have a genuine respect for The girls basketball team led the team with 26 points, has made on the team. Not only Coach O’Brien also said that how hard everyone works and came into the season with the atti- resulting in a final score of 66-60. is she the team’s leading scorer, he is very pleased this season due to what they sacrifice to be a part tude of proving themselves after Though the team may not have the but she also is a great leader. the team’s main strength: camara- of the team,” Maselli said. “That a rough season last year. They best record, they have come a long He also mentioned that captain derie. “Our team has a great culture helps us play and brings out the faced tough competition, but they way from last year as their record Molly Jones is the team’s leading and sense of togetherness and all of best on both ends of the floor.” battled through adversity and never at this time last year was 0-16. rebounder, Perry is leading the that credit is due to our players,” This supportive culture threw in the towel. This determi- “I am not sure anyone thought team in steals, and seventh-grader Coach O’Brien said. “The culture is helps the team overcome their nation and grit made the team so we would turn things around Emily Knowles is the team’s best whatever they choose to make it.” biggest weakness, which is successful this season, finishing completely in one year, so I am shooter percentage wise. “On Maselli said she agrees shooting. The team on the court with a final record of 7-14. very pleased with where we are any given night, we may have a that the team’s strength is their has found it difficult to shoot well The team had a two game right now,” Coach O’Brien said. new high scorer or contributor unity and how well the players consistently, but they have found winning streak versus Westmin- other ways to combat this problem. ster on Feb. 1 with a score of “While that would normally lead to 66-25 and then Watkinson on blow-out losses, we have remained Feb. 3. with a final score of 53-41. in games and given ourselves This winning streak chances to win that we would ended their six game losing normally have no chance in if not streak, winning their first for our competitiveness, tenacity games after winter break. and morale,” Coach O’Brien said. Sophomore Kameryn Maselli said she agrees Perry was the leading scorer in with the team’s competitive those impressive wins, contrib- nature as she said that the team uting heavily to the team’s wants to win more and they success in those games. “Our outwork most teams. They just leading rebounder was Molly need to sustain that mentality Jones, and our leader in assists throughout the whole game: “We was Angelina Maselli,” Head need to work on playing a full Coach Quinn O’Brien said. 32 minute game,” Maselli said. The team then lost a very The goal of the team as close game at home against Mill- they enter the final stretch of brook School on Wednesday Feb. the season is to give it their 5, with a score of 50-42. Unfortu- all in the final few games. nately, the team then continued to “As we enter the final lose their next three games against stretch of our season, the main Greens Farms Academy, Choate goal, as always, is to find ways Rosemary Hall, and Pomfret to constantly improve,” Coach School with final scores of 59-39, O’Brien said. “We just want to be 61-43, and 47-64 respectively. playing our best basketball at the But the team turned it around on end of the season and the let results Saturday, Feb. 15, with a huge win Senior Captain Angelina Maselli dribbles past a defender into the open court. Photo by David B. Newman. figure themselves out after that.” Thursday Thursday 22 March 5, 2020 Sports Sports March 5, 2020 23 Players of the Moment by Jaden Weinstein ’21 and Kush Kataria ’20

Senior Cai Kuivila digs in deep during a meet Junior Wil Elliot skates down the ice backcheking during at Westminster. Photo by David Newman. a home game. Photo by David B. Newman

Cai Kuivila Kuivila said. “I tried my best to swimmers as well as two new Elliot has been playing Not only is Elliot a great set a good example all season: divers,” Kuivila said. “The greater hockey for a total of seven years, hockey player, but he is also a great You may have seen her coming to practice everyday, numbers helped us fill events starting when he was 10. He has teammate. “He is a very funny outswimming her competi- doing the work, supporting my and therefore earn more points.” played right wing, left wing and and positive guy and he creates tion in the 100 and 50 free. The teammates during their races, Senior year brings a lot of center. Since last year, Elliot has many strong bonds with his team- Player of the Month is senior and of course, fostering a positive stress and responsibility, but despite improved his play a lot and has made mates,” sophomore Sean Gilland girls swimming Co-captain Cai culture. I joined the team last year this difficult time of year, Kuivila a great contribution to the team. said. Elliot also created bonds Kuivila. She has been outstanding so it was a challenge moving into a always brings a positive attitude to Elliot has improved his with the new freshman on the throughout the whole season. leadership position, but the team is practice, bringing a smile to every game by playing on a club team team and helped welcome them. One of the biggest reasons genuinely like family and the boys meet. She is a great motivator outside of school: the Spring- Elliot mentions that his she is so crucial to the team is and girls all support one another.” and knows how to get the team field Pics. His team practices five favorite game of the year was when her great leadership skill. “She She is one of the team’s riled up for the upcoming meet. times a week and works out two the Wyverns faced off against St. is a team leader in practice,” strongest swimmers, and it will “She is very excited for times a week. The players on his Luke’s on Feb. 5. “It was a very Head Coach Alex Kraus said. be interesting to see her perfor- championships and she has been club team are very skilled, and intense game, but we ended up Girls swimming and mance in the postseason. “She getting the girls excited for New they challenge him to get better winning in overtime which was a diving Assistant Coach Megan is the team’s best swimmer in England Championships this everyday, which has formed highlight of the season, challenging Farrell also commends Kuiv- the 50 freestyle and the 100 weekend,” Coach Farrell said. “She him to be a skillful player. such a good team,” Elliot said. ila’s fantastic leadership. freestyle,” Coach Kraus said. brings a positive attitude to every Elliot positively Head Coach John Hissick “The girls look up Kuivila said she definitely practice and encourages her team- contributes to the team with describes Elliot as being a great to her, and she leads by had a great season so far. She said mates at every meet and practice.” his many great attributes. contributor to the team. “He is example,” Coach Farrell said. she was very consistent this year “I am a very hardworking a very hardworking player, and Cai said that she loves the and placed well in the 50 and 100 Wil Elliot player who never gives up, and a great team player. He always close culture of the team. “As a free at most meets. She also swims also I have good rink vision which does his job and what the team captain, I hope that I have helped the 200 and 400 A freestyle relays. You may have seen him allows me to make the right pass needs for him to be successful,” the younger kids adjust to the team “From a team perspec- flying through the rink and and set people up,” Elliot said. Coach Hissick said. “If he and learn to navigate the stressors tive, this year was incredible. connecting many passes; the Elliot has great aware- needs to score he’ll score and of swimming while also keeping The girls team won four meets, February player of the moment ness on the ice, which allows if he needs to pass he’ll pass. the season fun and exciting.” and we welcomed lots of new is junior wing Wil Elliot. him to make the right pass. Will has a complete game.” COTM: girls squash Coach Cameron Biondi helps team achieve success by Hunter Meshanic ’21 and he knows a tremendous drastically, even on the varsity However, he does his best to season, so when I’m not in the amount about the game,” she said. team. “Our biggest challenge find ways around it. “One partial court with them working on it, they February’s Coach of the Coach Biondi also talked is meeting with everyone at the solution we’ve thought of is to can drive their own growth and Month is the girls squash coach about some of the challenges he same time, while they’re all at have each player set a specific goal learning during practice,” he said. Cameron Biondi. He has led faces are. The skill level varies different skill levels,” he said. to work on throughout part of the Biondi’s favorite moment the girls team to a 12-3 record this year was the teams 5-2 this year, most recently beating win over Kent. “We had some Greens Farms Academy 6-1. pretty spectacular 3-2 indi- Coach Biondi brings a vidual matches that pushed us similar strategy to every prac- to the win. It’s always great to tice, and it shows that it’s paying see the team show their resil- off through the team’s record. ience against an opponent when “During the middle of it could go either way,” he said. the season, most practices run Biondi continues to coach in a similar way, with drills and squash for a couple of reasons. “I more technical work for the first like seeing players, after putting 30 minutes and game-like situa- a lot of work into a specific shot tions for the last 30 minutes,” he or movement, use that shot confi- said. “During particularly busy dently and intentionally in a match weeks or after tournament week- and celebrate the result,” he said. ends, we have to keep our endur- Junior Izzy Berkemeyer ance in mind, and we sometimes described her favorite parts about have more relaxed practices to having Biondi as her coach. “He’s recover for the next match.” always super supportive and posi- These efficient hour long tive with us,” she said. “He’s also practices both keep the team extremely helpful between sets focused on getting better while when we are trying to determine also not retiring them which is how to adapt to the opponent.” important if they have a game Biondi brings out the best or challenge match the next day. in the girls, ensuring that they Junior Sydney Smith praised always compete at practice, in Coach Biondi and his coaching challenge matches and especially style. “He always gives us great in real matches. This is why he is feedback during our matches, Head Coach Cameron Biondi coaches the girls varsity team for an upcoming match. Photo courtesy of David Newman. this month’s Coach of the Month. Thursday 24 March 5, 2020 Sports Swimming and Diving prepares for New England Championships by Nick Traver ’20 Kingswood Oxford traveled boys team won 102-82. with a time of 1:42.81. Layden boys team faced the probable D-3 to Kent School on Wednesday, Senior Co-captain Cai swam in the next event, winning champions, and were in it until For the girls and boys Feb. 5, where both the boys and Kuivila and Layden captured first the 200 freestyle and junior the very end. If one or two more swimming and diving teams, the girls teams had dominating wins. place in the 50 yard freestyles. Felix Fei posted his first sub two events had falled the Wyvern’s month of February can feel espe- The girls and boys teams The boys team won this match on minute time in this race. Amell way, then KO would have won. cially long. The teams endures won with scores of 86-71 and account of their depth, as despite also won the 100 breastroke and The swim team trav- numerous meets in addition to 98-74 respectively. Sophomore St. George having a few excep- the boys team placed first in both eled to Miss Porter’s School on practices becoming even more Allie Wildstein won both the tional swimmers, the Wyverns the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Saturday, Feb. 29, for the Found- grueling. Nonetheless, the teams 200 and 500 yard freestyles, and were able to place third (in addition “This is a great indica- er’s meet. The teams that KO finished their seasons strong, sophomore Stella Risinger won to first or second) in most events. tion for New Englands,” senior competes against in Founders gaining confidence before heading the 200 IM and 100 butterfly. On Wednesday, Feb. 12, Co-captain Marwynn Somrid- are Loomis, Choate, Hotch- into the major meets of the season. On the boys side, the the Wyverns traveled to West- hivej said. “It’s going to be close kiss, Westminster, Kent, AOF, The girls team finished Wyverns won every single event. minster School. The girls team and we’re going to be ready.” Ethel Walker, and Miss Porters. their season with a 4-6 record, a The boys also placed second lost 90-82, while the boys team KOSD ended their season However, the diving compe- significant improvement from in a majority of events, and lost 94-86. The girls swam a with their senior day against tition took place a few days their 1-11 record last season. obtained the three top places on strong 500 freestyle, as junior Hamden Hall Country Day earlier on Wednesday Feb. 26, The boys team posted a .500 multiple occasions. The Wyverns Co-captain Risha Ranjan and School on Saturday, Feb. 15. The and Brandt started the Wyverns record for the season, concluding also sweeped diving as both Risinger finished first and second. day started with a ceremony for off on the right track, taking dual meets with a 5-6 record. freshman Eli Brandt and freshman The boys team was competi- the team’s nine seniors. The girls first place over the course of his The waning months of Charlotte Eberle placed first. tive from the start, as the opening team ended their season with a impressive 11 dives, setting a the season give a good indica- On Saturday, Feb. 8, the medley relay composed of Layden, 63-26 victory while the boys record for the first time a KO diver tion of how the respected swim Wyverns hosted St. George’s Amell, junior captain Walter Kraus, team lost by a score of 93-83. The has ever won the competition. teams will perform at New School. The girls team fell and senior Ben Zamstein broke the girls team won every single event In the swimming portion Englands, especially for the boys short, losing 97-78 and the record for the 200 medley relay except the 100 breastroke. The of the meet, the girls team placed team which are in the position eighth while the boys team placed to compete at New Englands. fifth. The boys team compiled The Wyverns swam against three medals, two gold medals Williston Northampton School by Layden in the 100 freestyle on Saturday, Feb. 1. Williston and backstroke, and one bronze Northampton is the favorite to medal in the 200 freestyle relay win New Englands for the boys composed of Marwynn Somrid- this season, and Williston’s girls hivej, Marrich Somridhivej, Kraus, team placed second in New and senior Co-captain Nick Traver. Englands the previous year. Overall, many swimmers set The girls lost this meet new personal records. Zamstein with a score of 99-79, while the dropped over half a second in boys lost 95.5-84.5. Senior Will his 100 butterfly and 10 seconds Layden placed first in both the in his 500 freestyle. Freshman 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Mason Zimmer saw an eight Senior Jamie Amell also placed second drop in his 100 breastroke. first in the 100 breastroke. “For some people, this was their The girls team also showed last meet,” Marwynn Somrid- the strength of their Middle School hivej said. “And for everyone program as sixth-grader Abby else, we have one more chance.” Wildstein, and seventh-grader Jo KOSD is preparing for Meghan helped the girls team in New England Champion- both individual events and relays. ships, which will take place on After these tough losses, Junior Co-captain Walter Kraus swims hard against tough opponent at Founders. Photo Courtesy of David Newman. Saturday, Mar. 7, in Vermont. Hockey reflects on hard-fought season by Jaden Weinstein ’21 The Wyverns played against to a win,” sophomore forward out a close victory, winning 8-6. goals,” Gilland said. During the Hamden Hall on Feb. 12. “This was Sean Gilland said. Throughout On Feb. 19, the Wyverns game senior forward Karstian Varsity ice hockey a very close match, but we stayed the whole game the score was faced a challenging opponent Lang scored a hat trick, sophomore fought through a hard season, focused and did not give up, leading very close, and the team squeezed with the Harvey school. “They Will Berckemeyer scored two, securing many great wins were a very skilled team, but I and both junior forward Mitchell against challenging opponents. think this game really helped us Autorino and freshman Ben The team ended their impres- in the way that we were able to Margolis scored one. The team sive season with a 8-9 record. learn from our opponents” Elliot had a great last game to end the “Since the beginning of the said. Being down 8-0 in the third season with a final score of 7-1. season, we have really started to period, the Wyverns did not give Head Coach John Hissick work as a team and stepped up our up as Elliot had a break away in is very impressed with the success game which really led us to many which he shot low left bunker, that the team had this season. “At of our wins” junior forward Wil making the final score of the game first the kids were playing as indi- Elliot said. KO had a solid end 9-1. On Feb. 22, the Wyverns viduals, not passing much, but as to their season, winning three of battled against South Kent. “In the season progressed they started the last five games they played. our game against South Kent, chirping pucks and passing the On Feb. 7, the team played we really demonstrated our hard puck into areas where guys can run against Wooster. The boys were work that we have put in during on,” Coach Hissick said. The senior off to a rough start after the second our season to get to this point” players of the team including Aiden period, down three goals. In the Elliot said. According to Dawson, Borruso and Marchand playing third period senior defender Aidan the Wyverns were connecting defense, Dawson playing center, Marchand scored two great goals, many passes and taking many Co-captain John Mclaughlin ultimately ending the game at a smart shots, which ultimately lead playing goalie, and Lang playing score of 3-2 Wooster. “Although them to their victory winning 9-0. forward all had tremendous contri- we lost the game, we fought our KO battled against Forman butions to the team, helping win hardest, and that is the mentality school on Feb. 26. “During this many valuable games. The team that has led to the success of the game we did a very good job of wishes the best of luck for the team,” senior center Co-captain connecting all of our passes, and graduating seniors and thanks them center Shane Dawson said. Senior Goalie John McLaughlin stops a hard shot. Photo by David Newman. we were able to have many great for being such great teammates.