Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Washington DC Address Service Requested The Augur Bit Permit No. 8073 theaugurbit.com Volume XXXIII, N°1 Georgetown Day High School September 2019 The Hop Shop is Hopping into a New Era

whatever it takes to make their in- by tabitha lynn vestment of faith worthwhile.” As you walk into the GDS For customers, this change Internet Cafe this fall, among the means an increase in formality bustling students and the looming and organization. This will in- threat of deadlines, there is one clude an increase in security, mean- thing that won’t fail to catch your ing snacks are no longer an arms eye: the new Hop Shop storefront. length away. Tucked into the corner of the “Sorry, but we actually pre- Internet Cafe stands a one-door fer it if you’d not steal from us and structure complete with a grass- take away profits that would go to hopper mural. What started as a charity,” COO Emily Scarrow said. small variety of snacks during A permanent storefront also exam week in 2018 has evolved means better deals on inventory. It into a staple of the GDS commu- allows the Hop Shop to keep track nity. Now, it finally has a storefront of inventory more efficiently and Leah Snider with cross country coach Anthony Belber Source: Leah Snider '12 whose appearance matches its huge increase daily profits. This will reputation. make room for more sales and CEO Jonah Docter-Loeb first promotions. From a Dozen Lone Runners to an Army drafted the idea for the new store- For The Hop Shop employees, front during exam week in spring this fall will bring a more struc- of 70: How Anthony Belber Built the of 2018. It was clear by the first tured operation with a routine, a couple months of 2019 that ma- schedule and an organized space. GDS Running Program jor changes were necessary for the “This means no more last min- by amelia myre new runners the team is a place for traditions that the team holds dear. Hop Shop to last. ute scrambling to find workers, no Cross country and track coach them, no matter their skill level. “When an older runner can When Docter-Loeb and Soph- more unsupervised store, no more Anthony Belber has been a pillar The expectation set by Belber en- stand up at the senior campfire omore Aidan Kohn-Murphy first beings sold out of important items, of athletics at GDS for 20 years. courages seniors to create a posi- and talk about the meaning of the submitted the scale model of the and so much more,” Scarrow said. Belber took on the team in a dif- tive community for younger run- team, then a younger runner can storefront (complete with textured In the future, Docter-Loeb ferent era when there were merely ners in practice and on the course. understand that this is a place for walls, a place for a gumball ma- wants The Hop Shop to become a dozen runners practicing without Without the fear of failure, many them as well. This team is more chine and a hand-carved trim all more involved in the GDS com- a track. Today, he has transformed new runners have a space to grow than just performances, times and designed by Kohn-Murphy at 2:30 munity. Docter-Loeb has many the team into a fiercely competi- and feel comfortable with discom- results; this team is about commu- am), they were highly doubtful that ideas, including Hop Shop break- tive 70-person unit that regularly fort in an emotionally and physi- nity,” Belber said. anything would become of it. This fasts, movie nights, establishing an produces college runners and is cally taxing sport. Only once the Throughout the night this year, summer, however, Assistant Prin- apiary and selling trees. grounded in a positive culture es- team establishes that kind of com- there was a theme. Nearly every cipal for School Life Quinn Killy As Docter-Loeb enters his fi- tablished by seniors and coaches munity does the team have the po- senior mentioned the welcoming and the administration worked hard nal year at GDS and with the Hop many years ago. tential to succeed. environment and uplifting spirit to adapt the design into something Shop as a student, he has one pri- Belber has led the team to When asked about his great- of Anthony. more realistic and to get construc- mary hope for the legacy he will numerous ISL and MAC league est achievement as a coach, Belber “Throughout my 17 years I tion moving. Now, the storefront is leave behind. championships, but he is a strong did not mention the fact that he has have played many different sports, complete with a mural painted by “My only hope is that The believer that the success of the led the team to place consistently and in every single one of those seniors Kierstin Oliver and Halle Hop Shop maintains the princi- team is a byproduct of a sheer love among the top three teams in the sports I have been more useful McLean. ples I attempted to instill within of running. Belber has fostered a ISL and MAC for the last decade. to that coach in terms of scoring “I cannot stress in words how it, acting as a vehicle for the pur- community that welcomes every- He did not mention the success of points,” senior Talia Rodriguez grateful we are to all the admin, suit of future passion projects of all one to run. many of his runners who went on said. “However, Anthony has cared the maintenance team and Quinn students,” Docter-Loeb said. “The Belber grew up in DC and at- to run in collegiate national cham- about me more than most of those for making this happen,” Docter- Hop Shop must be a force of good tended St. Albans and was famil- pionships. coaches, even though I will never Loeb said. “We are so excited for in whatever form the community iar with the area when he became Instead, he said, “Being able score a point or win a race on the the year to come, and are doing needs it to be.” a coach. Inspired by his coach at to compete against some of the top cross country team. What defines Haverford College, he sought to schools in the area in track and Anthony as a coach is his ability to bring in runners from all different cross country is very satisfying. make meaningful connections with backgrounds. The teams traditions [Winning] is not our number one every single member of the team and light-hearted energy drew all objective. We have never been a no matter their skill level. I am so sorts of athletes to the team — team that has been about how fast thankful to have had Anthony as a from runners who had never run in or strong we can be. But, we are coach because he taught me that I their lives to ones training for half fast, strong and competitive when can be a runner.” marathons since middle school. we develop what is important — “I had been thinking about “I love that we have a large people that are committed to the what to say at the campfire ever team. When I got to school, there program, people who train hard, since I was a freshman,” senior were about a dozen runners who push themselves and take on chal- Oliver Satola said. “The class of did cross country. And that number lenges. The winning has been a by- 2017 was just such a powerhouse grew because the athletes who did product of building a good team group of leaders and role models. it understood it as a team sport,” culture.” I felt I had a duty to fulfill such a Belber said. “The most exciting Every year the cross country great role, setting the tone on the thing for me as a coach is how team attends a pre-season camp in last night at camp.” many people get to experience run- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. On Although the runners are still ning and enjoy it as more than just the last night, seniors stand around without a track, the traditions and an individual pursuit.” a campfire and give speeches about spirit of the team carry the cross Belber sets a positive tone for their experiences as a runner on the country team to victories time and Students buy from the new Hop Shop storefront the team early on. He assures all team and regale stories of the many time again. Source: Abby Murphy IN THE NEWS FEATURES OPINION ARTS SPORTS Missing the Class of Let's talk about free black & white Looking ahead 2019? speech GDS’s very own Brion Whyte ‘19 releases Preview the NFL season with Alex Rubinson Abby Murphy celebrates their legacy. Jonah Sachs discusses censorship. his most successful music yet. PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 9 2 The Augur Bit September 2019 School Will Start Late on Mondays and Fridays This Year To make room for the changes, by nathaniel rosenberg for each of the eight periods, one Every day, students rush into class period per week will be short- the high school at 8:14 am, drowsy ened to 60 minutes, as opposed to but anxious to make it to their the typical 65-minute-long classes. classes before the late bell rings. These shortened periods will occur But this year on Mondays and Fri- on Mondays and Fridays. In addi- days, this 8:14 am ritual will be a tion, Monday Meeting has been little different. It will happen thirty shortened to 15 minutes, Friday minutes later. Mini-Break to 10 minutes, and Fri- On June 8, Head of School day lunch to 50 minutes. Russell Shaw emailed his end-of- This change was an often-cited the-year letter to GDS parents. At goal for students, discussed in a the bottom of the email, there was variety of student-run spaces — Source: Time Magazine a link to High School news, and from the Student Staff Council to past that, another link highlighting the Student Mental Health Collab- SAT “Adversity Score” Replaced After that, looking ahead to the 2019-20 orative. school year, the high school would The schedule change largely Mounting Criticism have a “Focus on Wellness.” There, spawned from the High School’s the email announced the high administrative team and input from still engaged in the process of un- executive of the College Board, school schedule will be altered to by will olsen High School faculty and students. derstanding context of their appli- said last week in a statement that accommodate late starts on Mon- The College Board, the non- Shaw also pointed to the Challenge cants. But in the end, the more se- the Board had heard the criticism days and Fridays this school year. profit organization that administers Success Stanford Survey, a survey lective a college is, the more likely and planned to address it. He said In an interview, Shaw said ad- the SAT exam, has scuttled its con- taken by all 5th through 11th grad- it will enroll students from the most that the company had always be- olescents are “wired to go to sleep troversial plan to include an “ad- ers, as a source for the schedule affluent classes in society.” lieved that students should be a little later and wake up a little versity score” on student test re- change. The survey gave faculty The adversity score’s re- judged by more than a number. later.” The administration's goal sults after facing criticism from insight into aspects of student life placement, Landscape, improves was for students “to get a little bit students, parents and educators. such as students’ mental health, on flaws pointed out by critics, but “The College Board extra sleep.” The adversity score, originally sleep and homework time. it maintains the same base prin- In addition, Shaw pointed to announced last spring, aimed to scores achievement, Shaw said “this is being con- ciple as the adversity score. The the future campus unification as quantify the level of hardship a sidered a pilot” and further expan- Landscape tool will provide ad- not adversity” a large contributing factor to the student faced growing up by av- sion is “certainly possible,” but it missions officers with information schedule change for High School eraging two scores: one for the stu- would be contingent on the suc- about the quality of the student’s “I think it is a retreat from the students. dent’s school environment and the cess of the program. high school and the relative afflu- notion that a single score is bet- “If you have eleven hundred other for the student’s neighbor- “I am excited to see you well ence of the neighborhood. Addi- ter,” Coleman said. “So in that kids all arriving at once, it creates hood environment. The official an- rested,” Shaw said in the interview. tional neighborhood factors, such sense, we’ve adopted a humbler one set of traffic issues. If you nouncement was met with a wave Trust us at The Augur Bit; we are as college attendance, household position. That’s admitting that the spread it out over a little bit more of criticism, calling it an overreach excited too. structure, median family income, College Board should keep its fo- time, it can be more manageable,” by the College Board and an effort housing stability, education lev- cus on scoring achievement. We Shaw said. to score adversity the same way it els and crime are all considered have acknowledged that we have does academic achievement. as relevant data points, but Cole- perhaps overstepped. Seniors Use New College The College Board decided to man said the data points will not “The College Board scores eliminate the single hardship score, be given a score. achievement, not adversity,” Cole- part of a more extensive rating sys- man said. Admissions Tool tem called the Environmental Con- "I don't think they “I don't have a strong opinion It is unclear how the new by oliver satola text Dashboard. It will rename the way of scoring hardship will af- about Scoir — I have not turned dashboard tool “Landscape.” The exectued well even if The college process formally to it for help at all, unless I was fect GDS students, many of whom board also said that after this year, the intentions were come from affluent families and begins in January of junior year at prompted by college counselors to it would report school and neigh- the gradewide college office work- play around on the website,” senior good" neighborhoods. borhood scores to students and Coleman defended the overall shop. There, juniors are introduced Sasha Freedman said. families. This information is cur- to the tools that will guide them However, Freedman acknowl- The adversity score imme- goal of the tool. The thinking, he rently shown only to colleges — diately became part of the debate said, was that if a student overcame through the college search and ap- edges its potential to be useful. another aspect of the score that plication process. “On the plus side, I think that over the fairness of college admis- economic or other challenges, that drew public criticism. sions. In the past year, federal pros- information should be known by One such tool is SCOIR (pro- it is a well organized and fairly “I don't think they executed nounced “score”), a website that comprehensive website. I guess ecutors exposed a national college colleges. Admissions officers lack well even if the intentions were admissions cheating organization, high school information on about helps students “explore and dis- I just don't find myself needing good,” said Jenni Ruiz, Co-Di- cover colleges that fit [their] unique to look at it or wanting to use it,” where wealthy parents pled guilty 25 percent of applications, accord- rector of College Counseling at to paying bribes to have their chil- ing to the College Board, and the interests.” Its mission is to trans- Freedman said. GDS. Ruiz also pointed out an- form the college process from “a Duncan Edwards agreed. dren’s test and sports credentials goal of the new tool is to provide other flaw in the adversity score, falsified. this information. short-term, quantitative transaction “SCOIR is something I've found saying, “Regardless, colleges are to a long-term, qualitative engage- very helpful in the college pro- David Coleman, chief ment.” SCOIR creates a network cess because everything you re- between students, counselors, par- ally need is right there,” Edwards ents and the colleges to which stu- said. “It is also really helpful be- dents are applying. In contrast to cause it is linked to the Common other services like the Common App,” he added. Application or The Universities and Colleges Admissions Ser- “SCOIR is something vice (UCAS; the UK equivalent I've found very of the Common App), SCOIR is helpful in the college not composed of actual applica- tions. It instead focuses on improv- process..." ing students’ access to colleges’ in- Meanwhile, others have had formation. very little interaction with it and This is the first year that the do not consider it an important part college counseling office has used of their process at all. SCOIR. Because it is new, there Josh Marchand went as far as are a few kinks to figure out. “I to say that he had “never been on would say that we need time be- it.” fore we can assess it,” College Regardless of public opinion, Counselor Jenni Ruiz said about SCOIR remains a significant part the website. Ruiz also noted that of the college search and appli- seniors are in the same boat. “Se- cation process. It places a multi- niors have never been through the tude of services and organizational process, so to them, it's all new.” tools at the fingertips of seniors im- At the same time, there is sig- mersed in a stressful and confus- nificant debate in the senior class ing process. It simply needs more over whether or not the website is time to be figured out by students actually useful. and college counselors alike. Students in the College Counseling Office. Source: Abby Murphy September 2019 The Augur Bit 3 A Dedication to the Class of 2019

by abby murphy and the crisis week was the Class of 2019’s editorial board introduction into life at GDS. The Class of 2019 entered “When we came in freshman high school in much the same way year, there was a lot of controversy as any other group of timid ninth going on in the school. Being a graders unsure of what lies ahead. freshman and kind of understand- During their freshman year, they ing that something is happening, worked to adjust to the ways of life not really understanding why, not at the High School, admiring their really understanding what exactly seniors and waiting for the chance is happening— that was sort of our to one day make it to the Senior experience of our first year,” school Corner in the Forum. They didn’t president and member of the class come to the High School as lead- of 2019 Shonali Palacios said. ers of any clubs or sports teams; But Palacios thinks if there Source: Jason Putché they came as followers, waiting were another so-called crisis week, to grow old enough to be the peo- her grade would be able to handle ple inspiring the younger students. it much better than the first crisis American Flags Wave in Hong Kong During the next four years, they week was handled. them, democracy is necessary. said once, “All the work of the by nick penniman emerged as talented artists, activ- Meanwhile, in the United party’s media must reflect the ists, athletes, singers, musicians, The senior class... “Man’s capacity for jus- States, we seem to take democracy party’s will.” In 2018, he elim- actors and much more. exited the school as tice makes democracy possible; for granted. After all, only about half inated term limits on the presi- The Class of 2019 was a class but man’s inclination to injustice of Americans vote in elections. Fif- dency; he will, most likely, con- full of unique personalities willing kind leaders invested makes democracy necessary.” - Re- ty-eight percent is the exact number tinue to rule until he dies. Our inhold Niebuhr to come together to solve issues at in their legacy and of voting-eligible Americans who own president calls the press “the GDS as a united front. voted in the 2016 general election. enemy of the people.” He tram- Twelfth Grade Dean Anna their impact on the Since June, millions of pro- Forty-nine percent voted in the 2018 ples democratic norms and stan- Howe said when she was orig- testers have joined together in the midterms, and that was the highest dards and compliments authori- inally getting to know the Class school. streets of Hong Kong to defend de- midterm turnout since 1914. tarians. “The mainstream media of 2019, “what really struck me is mocracy. They have been met with More shocking: According to a is not free speech,” he tweeted in how kind they are.” Howe said the “Maybe we’d have heated tear gas, water cannons and rub- 2017 poll, conducted by UCLA pro- July. It is “crooked” and “dishon- class was very conscious of their conversations amongst ourselves, ber bullets, used by the city’s po- fessor John Villasenor, 44 percent est” and “to me that's very dan- decision for the run-in on the first but it wouldn’t get out to the rest of lice. President Trump has called of college students believe that the gerous speech.” day of school. the school, and [I hope] we would the protests “riots.” The Chinese First Amendment does not protect Democracy is slipping “Their biggest concerns were be able to keep that united front. I government has called the protest- hate speech, and 16 percent don’t around the world, and President scaring underclassmen and being think part of that is that there are ers “terrorists.” Nearly a thousand know that it does. It does. Accord- Xi and President Trump are do- seen as an exclusive force, rather a lot of people in our grade who I have been arrested so far. Some of ing to the 2016 World Values Sur- ing nothing to save it. than inclusive. And I’ve just never trust to organize a conversation like the protesters believe in using vi- vey—an annual study conducted by In Tiananmen Square, 30 heard so many members of the se- that and who I trust to lead a con- olence, but the vast majority are leading social scientists around the years ago, student activists built nior class be concerned about oth- versation like that,” Palacios said. peaceful. world—only 30 percent of Amer- a replica of the Statue of Lib- ers when it came to the run-in,” And when the school did face The majority were also peace- icans born after 1980 believe it is erty out of paper mâché. In Hong Howe said. conflict last November when swas- ful in 1989, when the government “absolutely essential to live in a de- Kong, protesters wave American Overall, Howe said the senior tikas were found at GDS, the senior cracked down on nonviolent mocractic country.” flags and sing the United States class “has been a little bit of quieter class wrote a letter to the school to pro-democracy protests in Bei- By these numbers, one might national anthem. The Statue of leaders than the class before who demonstrate their “unanimous and jing’s Tiananmen Square. As many expect a young American to turn to Liberty in Tiananmen Square was had been a little more radical and unequivocal condemnation” of the as 10,000 citizens died. The threat the Hongkongers and sigh, “Well crushed by tanks. more ready to push back. There are drawings. of another crackdown hovers. The no, we don’t think democracy is re- And so the question turns different ways to lead, and there The senior class, although recent withdrawal of the contro- ally that important.” It seems we to us—is democracy necessary? are different ways to enact change. originally characterized as timid versial extradition bill that initially now choose comfort over commo- As E.B. White wrote, This senior class believed in work- and confused freshmen, exited the started the protests has proved too tion. But the revolutionaries in Hong “Safety is all well and good: I ing with administrators and with school as kind leaders invested in little, too late. The protesters in Kong care little for comfort. prefer freedom.” teachers and partnering with the their legacy and their impact on Hong Kong are not relenting. For Chinese President Xi Jinping school. They’re kind. They want to the school. partner. They have a quieter revo- “The people have found their lutionary spirit. They’re more into voice and begun to be comfortable reform, rather than revolution.” with the school, and I think there’s The Class of 2019’s freshman this level of comfort and familiar- year was a year writhe with conflict ity, which has allowed more people among GDS students. What is now to become leaders in the grade,” commonly known by students as Palacios said.

Citizens of Hong Kong protesting with American flag Source: AP Photo/Vincent 4 The Augur Bit September 2019

Adetu attended and sued Sidwell Friends School. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sidwell Student Fails to Have Her Case Heard by the Supreme Court

applied,” according to Adetu’s Su- by will olsen preme Court petition. In the wake of the na- Adetu attended Sidwell from tional college admission scandal 2000 until her high school gradua- and the departure of their entire tion in 2014. In her junior year, she college counseling staff, Sidwell and her parents filed a claim with Friends School again finds itself the D.C. Office of Human Rights in the midst of a college admission (DCOHR), alleging discrimination controversy. A former student sued and retaliation, mainly related to the school, alleging discrimination her math classes. This complaint that undermined her chances for was filed only two years after college admission. The DC Court Dayo’s older sister Lola had also of Appeals and the Supreme Court, filed a discrimination claim against however, have rejected her appeal. Sidwell to the DCOHR. Dayo Adetu and her parents, Titilayo and Nike Adetu, said the Adetu had failed to private school breached a settle- ment with the family after it al- show “any adverse legedly discriminated against Adetu by purposefully grading her action taken by more harshly than her peers. Adetu Sidwell” in the college claimed Sidwell breached the set- tlement by tampering with her col- admission process. lege admissions. “Sidwell has long been per- Dayo Adetu’s complaint spe- Source: The Daily Beast ceived as a ‘feeder-school’ to Ivy cifically accused math teachers of League institutions and other top allegedly using “biased, improper of the teachers want the Adetus the Adetus filed a complaint to the beyond Adetu’s own speculation” universities,” Adetu wrote in the scoring” to grade Adetu’s tests in Supreme Court petition. Adetu, gone, gone, gone from the School,” D.C. Superior Court. They alleged and that there was no meaningful her sophomore and junior year and and that “non-retaliation [against that Sidwell had breached the set- breach of the settlement. however, was not offered uncon- one math teacher of having “stead- ditional acceptance from any uni- Dayo] is now off the table.” tlement by failing “in good faith” Adetu appealed to the D.C. fastly refused” to make accommo- Sidwell and the Adetus then to timely recompute Dayo’s Math Court of Appeals, which also ruled versity during her initial round of dations for her athletic commit- applications. entered into a settlement agree- II and Calculus grades and by fail- in favor of Sidwell, finding that ments while doing so for other ment that dictated the school would ing to timely provide the mandated Adetu had failed to show “any ad- Adetu applied to Princeton, students. Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Cor- pay the Adetus $50,000, recalcu- written explanations for the grade verse action taken by Sidwell” in According to Adetu’s petition late Adetu’s grades in Math II and changes. the college admission process. nell, Penn, Duke, Johns Hopkins, to the U.S. Supreme Court, “As the CalTech, MIT, UVA, McGill and Calculus and not retaliate against The D.C. Superior Court Adetu again appealed, this Parents advocated against discrim- Adetu. ruled against Adetu, finding that time to the U.S. Supreme Court. Spelman. She “was the only stu- inatory or retaliatory treatment of dent in her graduating class of 126 After Adetu’s senior year at she “cited no evidence that Sidwell However, on June 17, the Supreme Dayo, the retaliation intensified.” Sidwell and no offers for uncon- made negative comments about Court rejected the appeal without students who did not receive un- Allegedly, during a meeting, conditional acceptance from any ditional acceptance from the thir- her or otherwise interfered with comment. the Head of School, Thomas Far- teen universities she applied to, her college admissions process, educational institution to which she quhar, angrily blurted out, “All September 2019 The Augur Bit 5 omedy How to Have a “Hot GirlC Semester”: Flexing All That Time

by ej joseph clocks. 10 Tips for the Class of 2023 The COO of a successful busi- Along with harder classes and Is your Biology 9 textbook Here are some tips for ness, Helen Montana chases down by miriam akhmetshin more uncomfortable social situa- too heavy? Don’t worry, just turn behavior during assemblies with freshmen foolish enough to come and stella tongour tions, there comes a new change it into a VSCO hangout! Everyone high-profile speakers! to school early. You can hear the Being a freshman can be for the school year… flex time. in your Bio class will instantly Ask QUESTIONS!! Be sure deafening cries of “will you work intimidating, especially this year GDS students often express want to become friends with you. to assert that you know better than at The Hop Shop?” throughout the with the abundance of ‘23 jokes the common sentiment: “What is Additionally, write a lab report the speaker! Make it clear that even Freshman Pit. on the internet. The beginning flex time?” on your exciting VSCO project. though this speaker has spent all An anonymous ceramic prod- of high school will inevitably be “It’s a time to flex your better BioBill loves when his BioBunnies of their professional life studying igy uses the extra time to throw overwhelming, but these ten tips sleep schedule on everyone else,” get creative! and learning everything they could clay against the walls and cry. will set you up for a lot of clout said an anonymous senior. about their field of expertise, you, If you hear screams from room in your first semester, and that’s While many students use the DO NOT raid Area 51 on a high school student, know more 307, don’t be alarmed. The newly on periodt. extra 30 minutes to get some much- September 20th; this will simply than an accomplished professional! founded Crying Club meets there needed sleep, many others do much distract you and cause you to get If you don’t want to ask a four- every Monday during flex time. Reply all to every single all- more during their flex time. These behind in your classes. Instead, minute-long question, get right to The research methods class stud- school email, even if it does not are their stories… raid the Hop Shop’s inventory. the point and ask to shoot a Tik ies Crying Club, while researching apply to you. Trust me, this is the Richard Long, a junior start- You may be concerned that you Tok with them. They’ll love that! the benefits of daily crying. As they best possible way to get involved ing his journey to completing the are stealing from charity, but Aidan say, a tear a day keeps the crippling with GDS culture and make all the double-period AP science trifecta, Kohn-Murphy, the Special Projects Always use the elevator. anxiety away. upperclassmen love you. Replying uses his flex time to go to an empty Attention Manager for the Hop Even if you’re staying on the Administrators at Sidwell all will allow you to stand out, and room and scream away his stress. Shop and the editor of this article, same floor, just take the elevator Friends School report that a re- the whole school will admire your Although he could be using it to doesn’t care and thinks that you to a different floor and come back. cord-high number of Sidwell stu- proactive attitude. study for AP Chemistry or AP Bi- should go for it! Upperclassmen hate it when you dents are leaving for Georgetown ology, Long prefers a good mental crowd the stairwells and would Day School due to the new flex When Russell Shaw extends breakdown to start his day. Is your friend sleeping in appreciate if you used the elevator time. We may never know all that his hand to greet you as you walk Dr. Loeb, an esteemed profes- class after staying up all night to get from floor-to-floor. Also, if happens during the phenomenon into the school, ignore his gesture. sional in the GDS community, uses working on their FReP? Be a there are any upperclassmen in the known as flex time, but we’ll keep Instead, give him a big hug and his flex time to “do important busi- good classmate and be sure to elevator, tell them to leave. When on flexing until we have abs like kiss on the cheek. Administrators ness stuff,” while impulse-buying wake them up by dropping your you demand someone to take the the Rock. love affection! Hydro Flasksksk on top of them, stairs, it shows that you care about or pretend to choke them with their physical fitness. Make a Puka shell necklace one of your many multicolored out of your airpods! It is such a scrunchies! If you’re in Topher’s Hopefully this list has cute look, and it goes with any class, feel free to tell this story, prepared you for a great Freshman outfit. One downside is that you or a different, more personal one, year! Always remember to keep will never get to send an email to while Topher is teaching! He loves these ten steps in mind, or else “HS Lost and Found” about lost to have his lessons interrupted by everyone will think that you’re airpods again. long, convoluted, unrelated stories! a clown. Remember to use your

metal straws, sisters!! Try to keep Need an Instagram photo? If your mom took your Juul your crocs on during the lock-in (so Don’t be basic like everyone and you’re going through nicotine to speak), and have a great year! else and go to the good stairwell. withdrawal, you can always make Instead, boost your likes by getting a stop in Quinn Killy’s office. He up on the crane and taking your will let you take a hit of his. Hope photo up there. Tag your photos you like crème brûlée!! with #augurbitsentme. SSC President Gigi Silla Announces 2020 Presidential Run decide when they go to sleep, espe- should be disappointed in himself.” Ms. Silla’s name, she seems to be candidate herself, did not respond by aidan kohn-murphy cially not an elitist like Silla. Gigi, The Shop’s endorsement is a highly popular among the Democratic when asked for comment. Even Last Tuesday, SSC President stop interfering with Americans’ coveted achievement, at the level caucus, with recent polls finding with this response, Silla dipped in and senior Gigi Silla announced her constitutional rights.” of Jim Clyburn in South Carolina that she has more support than the polls, with Monmouth Univer- expected run for president. Silla has One common concern about and Chris Christie in numerous Ap- Steve Bullock, Andrew Coleman, sity finding that 99.43 percent of been at the center of political con- Silla is that she’d face similar prob- plebee's restrooms. The Silla camp Franklin Glover, Tom Steyer, Gavin voters felt very uncomfortable with versation since January after an- lems to that of Secretary of State received some exciting news on Miller, Tim Ryan, Warren Suther- electing an actor as President of the nouncing that she was mulling a Hillary Clinton. According to a re- Wednesday after former President land, Phil Newman, Wayne Mes- United States, with many saying possible 2020 run. While this is no cent poll conducted by Quinnip- Barack Obama tweeted a German sam, Joe Stesak, and Thomas Lang- that they are untrustworthy, and 100 surprise, Silla has raised criticism iac University, 79 percent of voters flag emoji, as well as grasshopper don. Of those 11 people listed, five percent saying that they could ‘eas- from fellow 2020 competitors. consider Silla to be a “career politi- emoji. Many took this as a sign of them are real people running for ily fake out the world in a missing Frontrunner Joe Biden called cian.” Students think her three years that President Obama is consider- president. Can you figure out which president situation, a la the movie the 17-year old class president out spent on the Student-Staff Coun- ing endorsing Silla due to her profi- ones are real? Most pundits thinks Dave. on Twitter, saying that her plan to cil, serving as both secretary and ciency in German her high school’s the odds of Silla making the Octo- Despite these many shortcom- “replace APs” (as stated in her re- vice president, has left her with- mascot. This possible endorsement ber debates are likely, if not guar- ings, Silla is considered a frontrun- leased platform), would not play out a proper view of the lives of came as a shock to many pundits anteed. ner in the race, expected to put up a well in the Midwest and would lead “real Americans,” and has made who expected Obama to endorse his Silla experienced a slight dip strong showing in early states such Wisconsin voters to “give the coun- her lose her drive for public service. former Vice President, Joe Biden, in polls when a video, obtained as Iowa and New Hampshire. When try four more years of Trump.” Many worry that her long tenure in although it seems like even former by the Association of Republican reached for comment, Silla only Fellow candidate Michael student government has led her to presidents have succumbed to Sil- Lamp Makers, RightsForLights, said, “I’m in this race to win. And Bennet, who is a real person who value cash over her constituents' la-Mania. was released, seemingly show- for my college application.” is running for president, had sim- needs. Many have used this statis- Silla recently got caught up in ing Silla laughing at a man cutting ilar concerns, saying that her goal tic as proof that Silla is unelectable one of President Donald Trump’s off his own foot while watched by to “make schedules that maximize to the “heartland” and would strug- Twitter rants, with President Trump hundreds of paying sycophants. Editor's Note: It should be sleep and reduce stress” would be gle in must-win states such as Wis- tweeting, “I’m hearing a lot of this Georgetown Day School theater noted that the journalist covering “unconstitutional.” The Colorado consin and Pennsylvania. so-called Gigi Silla. She seems to director and fellow Presidential Silla’s campaign, Aidan Kohn-Mur- senator, who is, once again, a real Silla is coasting off the en- be talking a big game, but every- candidate Laura Rosberg quickly phy, is also running for president, candidate, went on to say, “While dorsement of the Hop Shop, a GDS one I know refers to her as Pee Pee came to the defense of her former although this should not interfere Silla’s plan to give the country student-run store that has been en- Gorilla! Do you really think Amer- pupil, saying, “While Ms. Silla and with his coverage. more sleep is an admirable goal, I dorsed by fellow presidential can- ican voters will want a President I are both competing for the Dem- would point out that the American didate Pete Buttigieg. Mayor Butt- named after urine???? SAD!!!!” ocratic nomination, it should be citizens are guaranteed the right to igieg lashed out at the Hop Shop While Trump’s comments may known that the video released by Principal’s Note: It should be decide their OWN sleep schedules, on Twitter after the endorsement, seem crass, YouGov/ Economist RightsForLights shows Ms. Silla noted that the editors of the Au- as spelled in Section Four of Arti- saying, “I was under the assump- Polling found that 96 percent of acting in a high school production gur Bit, Abby Murphy and Amelia cle Two of the Constitution. I sup- tion that my endorsement of the Florida voters feel uncomfortable of Metamorphoses, and all foot Myre, are both running for presi- port American freedom and don’t Shop would transmit to their en- having a president whose name so cutting was administered by both dent, although this will not impact think that the midwest wants to dorsement of me. Disappointing, closely resembles a bodily function. me and our tech director, Christal the incredible editorials that you see elect someone who would like to to say the least. Jonah Docter-Loeb Despite the controversy about Boyd.” Boyd, a fellow Presidential every month in the Bit. 6 The Augur Bit September 2019 Opinions Let's Talk About It began to compile a list of every by jonah sachs What ever happened to the word found offensive or uncom- saying, “sticks and stones may fortable by any individual, our vo- break my bones, but words will cabularies would be that of a third- never hurt me?” It seems in to- grader. When people feel as if their day’s modern apocalyptic hells- thoughts and feelings are unmen- cape of social media and sensitiv- tionable, that uncomfort leads to a ity, a large percentage of issues lack of conversation and, instead, originate through one simple ves- turns into a one-sided barrage of sel, words. Problem after problem opinions. A prime example of this arises not through war, violence, phenomenon occurs at GDS, where or any physical means, but purely the vast majority of individuals are through the enunciation of one syl- left-leaning, and where all oppos- lable after another. ing viewpoints are almost always In its earliest days, America shunned and disregarded. If we are was founded not on censorship, unable to consider the opposing but on the belief that any individ- side’s viewpoint, how do we ex- ual could say whatever they want, pect our politicians to? whenever they please. Whether it The inability to listen across was the colonists speaking out the aisle is rooted in our failure to against King George, or simply create an environment where all somebody tweeting their latest can speak their mind without the experience today, the foundation prospect of social isolation or re- of our nation is based upon free- jection. Nobody should ever be dom of speech, and the ability to made to feel uncomfortable in- speak up. tentionally, but on our current Throughout all of history, trajectory, the political spectrum there have been a fair amount of will split further and further, until words that have been molded by a middle ground is nothing more societal bounds into unmention- than a distant memory. We need ables. These select few words to produce an atmosphere where strike a heavier place in our hearts all feel comfortable to speak their and souls. Someone using the mind because that is the soil our words hold no motive other than nation is based upon. to hurt and to offend. As time has When our founding fathers gone on, this collection of words wrote the First Amendment, they has expanded further and further envisioned a nation where all were The Newseum’s Closure: until it has congealed into the po- free to express themselves, whether litical correctness we know today. it be through religion, press or A Blow to the First Amendment We have reached a point where the speech, so why have we abandoned intent to offend has merged with those ideals today? To save our na- by liana smolover-bord “Congress shall make no law… to undermine freedom of expres- a general ignorance and where tion, we must create an atmosphere where we are able to communicate abridging the freedom of speech, or sion in the US – essentially de- we are continually censoring our- The Freedom Forum an- and find that middle ground, and of the press.” This statement comes claring war on the First Amend- selves, even if our intentions are nounced on January 18th that the the only way to reopen that portal above and before all other amend- ment.” In her article, Bechtold pure. Newseum will be closing at the end is through the use of our words and ments, and yet the one museum in argued in a “normal” political cli- Freedom of speech is not of 2019. The museum, founded pri- the principle of freedom of speech our nation’s capital that celebrates mate, Trump’s attacks on the First rooted in what we should say, but marily by Freedom Forum, was no as a whole. it is closing. Not enough people Amendment would be called out instead what we can say. If we longer able to sustain itself at its want to go to a museum dedicated from both sides of the aisle, but Pennsylvania Ave. location. Conse- to free press and free speech for the these are not “normal” times. As quently, Freedom Forum has come establishment to stay alive. So why the American people are pulled Brandy Melville’s One-Size to an agreement with Johns Hop- is that? Is it because of the allega- from every limb to yet another na- kins University to sell the property tions of “fake news” coming from tional atrocity, our most fundamen- for $372.5 million. the president and his office? Are we tal freedom is being threatened. Policy Harms Teenagers Jordan Fischer, a journalist for as American people so dispassion- While students can not save store is made up of teenage girls WUSA90, described the Newseum ate about journalism and the right the Newseum from closing, we by sasha freedman who collectively suffer some of as “an institution dedicated to ed- to criticize our government? Or do can be vocal defenders of the First From a distance, the clothing the highest rates of body dysmor- ucating the public about the im- we just collectively take the rights Amendment, freedom of the press, store Brandy Melville seems per- phia, eating disorders and general portance of a free press and the promised to us in the First Amend- and free speech. Supporting local fect. The clothes are trendy, the dissatisfaction with self image. In First Amendment.” In an era lit- ment for granted? If the latter op- journalism and national newspa- prices are low and it is incredibly fact, according to the Park Nicol- tered by constant attacks on the tion is true then we are all in for a pers and holding our politicians popular among teenage girls. The let Melrose Center (an organiza- media and free press the closure terrifying surprise. accountable for treading on First brand, which only began opening tion that helps treat eating disor- of the Newseum should make us Eliza Bechtold, a journalist for Amendment rights are all neces- stores in 2009, has quickly grown a ders), 53 percent of 13-year-old all nervous. The Conversation, said, “US presi- sary countermeasures for us to take large following with stores world- American girls are unhappy with The First Amendment of our dent Donald Trump is engaged in a to combat the encroaching attacks wide raking in huge profits annu- their bodies, and 78 percent are un- national Constitution promises that deliberate and insidious campaign on our rights. ally. Yes, the store is incredibly happy with their bodies by the time profitable — but it is also highly girls reach 17. selective in its customer base. Of course, the pressure to Brandy Melville stocks cloth- look skinny doesn't just come ing in one size only, and this size from Brandy Melville. As a soci- is equivalent to a size small or ex- ety, we have been spoon-fed this tra small in other stores. The deci- message our whole lives through sion to only stock one size of cloth- social media and advertisements. ing sends an explicit message to However, at least in my experi- the customer base: It teaches im- ence, the message to look a certain pressionable teens that there is only way is especially poignant when I one desirable body type and im- go into Brandy Melville and find plies that if someone doesn’t fit that that I cannot fit into the majority of body type, they aren’t welcome to their clothing. I feel like I am be- shop at Brandy Melville. ing made to criticize my body be- “I always think about going in cause it doesn’t fit a certain ideal. there, but I know that it will only “The whole one size fits all make me feel horrible about my policy is teaching teen girls the nar- body,” said GDS senior CK Zaki. rative that the people who fit their This platform of “one size clothing are the only people that only” is especially dangerous con- matter,” GDS senior Emily Axel- sidering the target audience for the rod noted. September 2019 The Augur Bit 7 Opinions In Dress Codes, Safety Should Bit-Doms Outweigh Everything students are capable of engaging by abby murphy do that by simultaneously allow- ing students to express their be- and arguing with one another in GDS incorporates flex Schools should not restrict liefs and protecting students from productive ways. Clothing that pro- students from displaying political unsafe situations. motes argument is not distracting; time into the schedule. messages on their clothing, so long Students’ votes are the na- it is preparing students for a polit- We only have 30 minutes of flex time, as those political messages do not tion’s future. They have opinions, icized world where they need to but Taylor Brown is flexing all day. include identity-based hate speech. and their opinions should be en- communicate and listen to people Such hate speech includes ra- couraged, not silenced. from other backgrounds. cially charged language, homopho- Encouraging political dis- But there should be an excep- bic slurs and a collection of other course will foster a generation of tion when the clothing can lead to language that creates an unsafe Americans capable of understand- a dangerous situation. A California environment for students. Hate ing each other's opinions. The school’s 2014 decision to prohibit Pete Buttigeig endorses speech targets students’ identities share of Americans belonging to students from wearing American the Hop Shop. and their existence. For instance, a major political party who have flag shirts on Cinco de Mayo was His endorsement of the Shop the n-word enforces notions of very negative opinions of the op- valid. Schools should not regulate white supremacy and should not posing party has more than doubled students’ clothing, but there is a has caused his standing in be worn in school. in the last twenty years, according difference between oppressive reg- the race to plummet. But MAGA hats, Bernie to the Pew Research Center. ulations and regulations designed shirts, Pete stickers, NRA brace- Political discourse can help to protect students from dangerous lets — these all appear harmless Americans understand one another. altercations. This California school and should be protected. On the And that understanding should be- believed the shirts could result in other hand, with a political organi- gin in school. Politically charged substantial disruption, according zation like the NRA, students im- clothing can lead to conversations to the Washington Post. The crane is coming down soon. pacted by gun violence could feel and (possibly) less polarization. Schools should be a place GDS loses its messiah. targeted by an NRA sticker. Stu- That means that the day after where students feel safe to engage dents’ safety should trump their Trump’s election, when students in political discourse, and loose right to wear whatever they want. wore MAGA clothes to GDS, stu- dress codes create that safe envi- However, that safety also includes dents had the right to be upset. But ronment. Safety should outweigh their safety to express political be- students also had the right to wear any other factors in a dress code. liefs. Dress codes should ensure the clothes. Students need to understand that students feel safe in school, Some high school students are each other, and that understand- The class of 2023 joins the high school. regardless of their backgrounds old enough to vote, and the rest of ing comes from a community that or political beliefs, and they can them are a few years away. Thus, encourages speaking up. And I oop-

The women’s cross country team pleads for new members. Please join. Love, Augur Bit Editor-in- Chiefs and cross country runners Abby and Amelia

Source: Vox Media Arts Behind the Scenes of Black & White

by annie rosenman Apple Music. We live in the age of the infa- This tape was unlike any type mous Soundcloud rappers; there’s of music Whyte had ever produced, one at virtually every school, and and he described it as more per- GDS was no different during the sonal, “real, raw and full of emo- 2018-2019 school year. About tions.” a year ago, Brion Whyte, class “Some of my earlier pieces of 2019, posted his first track ti- were just products of me wanting tled Infinity (888) Remix on his to rap” said Whyte. “From now on Soundcloud page, called ASTRO a lot of my music is going to be me & APOLLO. The remix received trying a lot of new things,” he wrote over 2,400 views, marking the be- in a text message, comparing his new music in black & white to his ginning of his Soundcloud artist ca- When asked what his inspira- Despite his success, Whyte re- Whyte has graduated, but he previously released tracks. reer that he continues to pursue in tions were, Whyte mentioned some members a time when he was at the continues to encourage students Though writing and listening college at the University of Wis- big artists, such as the late XXX- beginning of his career. His advice who are interested in producing to music is a pastime many of us consin - Madison. Since his first re- Tentacion, but also other artists not to anyone who is aspiring to be in and writing music to reach out to enjoy, producing his music proved lease, Whyte has uploaded 13 new as well known but worth listening his position is short, yet powerful. him for any advice or anything else to be difficult, not only in leasing tracks to his page. to, such as Goldlink, Tame Impala “All I’ll say is don’t stop...Believe they need. His Instagram account the beats, but creating the best prod- This summer, Whyte took on and Still Woozy. “A lot of people in yourself and speak your success is @theworldofapollo, and you can uct he could. “I was always creating the biggest project of his career so critique me for being inspired by out in the universe and it will come find him on Soundcloud and other and thinking there was something far; on July 26, 2019, he released X, but honestly, his work ethic & your way,” he wrote. “Never give music platforms under the name wrong with the track,” he said. “No his debut tape, black & white, onto message to the youth is something up and surround yourself with gen- ASTRO & APOLLO, and when matter how many people told me it Soundcloud, and it is now also worthwhile reading on, despite his uine people who want to win with you get the chance, give black & was good, I wasn’t settled.” available on Spotify, Youtube and past,” he replied. you. They’re out there.” white a listen. You won’t regret it. 8 The Augur Bit September 2019 ports AndS Now, We Dance: How the Nats Season Miraculously Turned Around

by micah hurewitz all recorded 200 strikeouts, becom- 131 runs in 14 games thanks in part and Parra have arguably made the ing the first NL triple threat to do The Sluggers: to Rendon’s consistent and clutch biggest contribution to the team Early in the season, the Wash- so in fifty years. Without Bryce Harper in the hitting (he broke the team record in a place they needed it––off the ington Nationals were prepared to lineup, the Nationals still have for RBI with a month to play), he field––come late May. You know show their strengths in the post- The Bullpen: managed to score runs at a his- has made a strong case for MVP, your team is rolling when al- Harper era. After some glimpses of It’s always bad news when toric rate. The consistent play of and of course, a long-dreaded mega ways-calm players like Ryan Zim- dominance, including an incredi- it concerns the Nationals bullpen Trea Turner and Adam Eaton at the contract extension. merman and Stephen Strasburg say ble extra-inning comeback win in isn’t it? The negative trend contin- top of the order has made life at the their only nerves come when they Philadelphia in April, the offense ued well into the 2019 season as plate easy for Anthony Rendon and The Baby Shark: round the bases and have to de- stuttered in slumps and injuries to the bullpen was constantly men- Juan Soto. Who saw this bizarre craze cide how they will bust down in third baseman Anthony Rendon tioned as “worst in baseball his- These guys have played with coming in April? A wretched start the dugout. and shortstop Trea Turner piled up. tory.” an “anything you can do I can do to the season in San Francisco for Most notably, the bullpen wasted The offseason included moves better” attitude, leapfrogging each veteran outfielder Gerardo Parra The Playoffs: winnable games in the eighth and to acquire Trevor Rosenthal and other for the team lead in home left him available. The Nationals It is truly remarkable that we ninth innings. Kyle Barraclough––two that runs through much of the season. scooped him up on May 9, and in are even talking about the play- By late May, fans and report- would combine for a––hold your As Mid-Atlantic Sports Network his first at bat with the Nats, he hit offs for a team that kept finding ers speculated the future of Dave breath––9.84 ERA. They eventu- color commentator F.P. Santangelo a monster grand slam to send the new ways to lose. Holding a top- Martinez, Max Scherzer, and An- ally cleared waivers to move to put it, “they’re playing H.O.R.S.E.” Nats to victory over the Dodgers five best record in the NL, the Nats thony Rendon, implying a major another team by August. Enter- After a torrid stretch for both Ren- in L.A. have a slight buffer keeping them rebuild was looming. ing September, only two of the don and Soto in late August, they Like no other player in the in the playoff picture. Friday, May 24 was a seem- original members of the Nats re- entered the month of September league this season, instead of a There is still time for anything ingly ordinary day, and the Nats lief corps remained on the roster: batting .337 and .294, with 31 and more, say, traditional walk up to happen, and even with the Nats’ (19-31) were hosting the Marlins, Sean Doolittle and Wander Suero, 30 homers, respectively. song, he went with the well known amazing run they unfortunately a matchup between the two worst neither fantastic through the long While the twenty-year-old kids song “Baby Shark.” Game by haven’t gained any ground on the teams in the National League. The grind of the summer. Doolittle had Soto is putting together an epic game, Nats Park filled with thou- first place Braves. However in the bats finally came alive, and they ups and downs all year, culminat- encore to his phenomenal rookie sands of fans with their arms ex- wild card race, the Nats have held a would go on to win 12-10. This ing with brutal ninth inning implo- season in which he was overshad- tended, clapping vertically like a lead against the NL Central’s sec- was the magical date when the Nats sions against the Mets on August 9 owed by reigning Rookie of the shark chomp. A Nationals legend ond place Cubs. Hold on to this season turned around. and the Brewers on August 17 (4 Year Braves outfielder Ronald was born. top spot, and the Nats will host the runs allowed in each). Acuna, by September 1, the young- Though his numbers took a hit win-or-go-home Wild Card game This was the magical Several new arms arrived at sters were easily comparable, with late in August during an extended at Nats Park on October 1––with Nats Park during the season includ- Acuna slugging just six more home slump, his several clutch hits, de- the winner likely heading to Los date when the Nats ing young flamethrower Tanner runs with a lower batting average fensive play, passion, and crowd Angeles. season turned Rainey, whom the Nats acquired and with 83 more plate appear- involvement has made Nats home With the current rotation and for Tanner Roark, and veteran arms ances. As Acuna snuck into the games enjoyable for the fans and lineup strength, analysts as well around. Javy Guerra, 43-year-old Fernando MVP discussion with teammate the players alike. as manager Dave Martinez have Rodney, Bryce Harper’s archnem- Freddie Freeman, Soto and Rendon As a bench player, his most made clear the Nats are the team esis Hunter Strickland (everyone came rushing in with what many notable contribution is energizing to watch come October when ev- The Starters: in DC should be excited for their would say are stronger cases. the dugout especially after team- ery game matters. Through Sep- The Nationals went 18-8 in head-to-head matchups later in All most fans needed to see mates’ home runs. Instead of high- tember the Nats may run a six- June, thanks mainly to incredible September), Daniel Hudson, and was April to decide the MVP fives, he along with Anibal Sanchez man rotation to give the top guys starting pitching led by Max Scher- Roenis Elias. The bullpen has race was between Dodgers’ Cody created the “dugout dance party” some rest, but in the playoffs, a zer. In the first two months of the shown drastic improvements and Bellinger and Brewers’ Chris- that has featured players riding on Scherzer-pitched wild card game season, the Nationals had won only a reduced sense of confusion re- tian Yelich. But with the Nation- coaches’ backs, coaches riding on could propel them into a series two of the twelve games Scherzer garding bullpen roles thanks in part als climbing out of the cellar and players’ backs, salsa dancing, tight- with the Dodgers matching Stras- pitched. The three-time Cy Young to the hiring of ex-minor league then going on an MLB-best 57-27 rope walking, and lots and lots of burg, Corbin, and Scherzer against winner set all sorts of records in coach Paul Menhart as the head stretch (.679 win pct.), as well as a twerking. The I-wear-my-sun- Hyun-Jin Ryu, Clayton Kershaw, his six starts, going 6-0 with a 1.00 pitching coach. span in August where they scored glasses-at-night duo of Sanchez and Walker Buehler. We’ll just ERA and 68 strikeouts. have to wait and see. Scherzer did not pitch with- out getting roughed up, however. As he continued to improve his non-pitching contributions to the lineup, a bunt in batting practice ricocheted off and broke Scher- zer’s nose, leaving him with a nasty black eye with which he would pitch a gem––the very next day. With Scherzer, Stephen Stras- burg, and offseason acquisition Patrick Corbin each playing his best baseball, the bottom of the rotation needed to step up as well. In Anibal Sanchez’s 11 starts af- ter a trip to the injured list in May, he was unbeaten with a 2.52 ERA. The fifth starter spot was cause for question since the beginning of the season, mostly occupied by Jeremy Hellickson until an injury sidelined him for three-plus months. Pitching help suddenly be- came desperately needed. Out of the bullpen came Erick Fedde and Joe Ross, and from Triple-A Fresno came Austin Voth. The trio deliv- ered solid efforts, but Joe Ross be- came the surprise of the summer, pitching in place of injured Scher- zer (back), to the tune of a 3-0 re- cord with a dominating 1.05 ERA in August while creating weak con- tact off a revamped slider. On September 1, the Scher- zer-Strasburg-Corbin combo had Juan Soto skipping through the dugout after a home run in August. Source: Wendell Cruz - USA Today September 2019 The Augur Bit 9 Sports

Source: Getty/AP Images/Ringer illustration Culture Changes in NFL Leads to a Promising Season: 2019 NFL Preview Despite all their big additions, shock waves throughout the entire tuned to see whether the players the bumps were precancerous. Wil- by alex rubinson it’s a Browns player entering his NFL. Luck finally had a complete or the teams cave in first. liams is currently healthy, but he Will the New England Patri- second year that is getting all the team, but it was too late. Injuries, is displeased with the team med- ots repeat as Super Bowl champi- hype. Their first-round pick from including a lacerated kidney, shoul- For now, however, ical staff. His holdout has no end ons? Can Patrick Mahomes dupli- 2017, quarterback Baker Mayfield der surgery and a recent ankle in- before the season in sight, as Williams has requested cate his 2018 MVP performance? set the record for most touchdown jury, had already taken a toll on his a trade, but the Washington orga- Will Andrew Luck’s sudden re- passes by a rookie, and is now go- body, and he couldn’t take it any- kicks off, all 32 teams nization has denied that request. tirement doom Indianapolis? The ing to get a full season under first- more. Many doubt whether backup With injured QB Alex Smith out 2019 NFL season is sure to be an year Head Coach Freddie Kitchens. QB Jacoby Brisset will be able to can hope to achieve for the season, either week one exciting one as a trip to the Super Add Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb fill Luck’s large shoes. their perennial goal starter Case Keenum or their top Bowl in Miami is wide open. Be- along with highly touted rookies Other teams’ seasons may draft pick Dwayne Haskins will tween now and then, there’s a full like Mack Wilson and Greedy Wil- be shaped by whether their best of winning the Super need QB protectors like Trent Wil- season to play. So, let’s dive into liams, and the Browns are primed players even touch a ball this year; liams to turn around their fortunes some key storylines. to make a playoff run and chal- three stars might be watching the Bowl. this year. lenge the Pittsburgh Steelers for beginning of the season on their In Houston two weeks ago, it For now, however, before the As the Browns the AFC North crown. couches. Running backs Melvin was the team that caved: Texans season kicks off, all 32 teams can As the Browns fortunes are Gordon of the Chargers and Eze- defensive star Jadeveon Clowney hope to achieve their perennial goal fortunes are looking looking up, another team’s fans kiel Elliot of the Cowboys held out had been holding out all offseason of winning the Super Bowl. What up, another team’s are suddenly facing the shock of for new contract extensions, El- and had been hoping to be traded. is going to make this season a lit- losing their biggest star. In years liott receiving a huge contract days With almost a week left before the tle different -- and so much fun to fans are suddenly past, Andrew Luck had carried prior to week one. Gordon has one Texans kickoff in week 1, a block- watch -- is that there are no AFC the Indianapolis Colts to the play- year on his deal left on his current buster trade took place, the Tex- or NFC teams that are expected facing the shock of offs. Under GM Chris Ballard, deal. The Chargers have report- ans sending their star defensive to clearly dominate, making any losing their biggest the Colts shored up the offensive edly offered Gordon $10 million end to the Seattle Seahawks for a team viable in their respective con- line to keep their QB healthy, and on a yearly basis. Gordon is hop- third round pick and two players. ferences. However, as long as QB star. improved the defense by drafting ing for the $13 million per year Clowney’s preferred destinations Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill 2018 defensive rookie of the year range. For comparison, Cardinals were the Seahawks or the Phila- Bellick are in New England, the These stories began in early Darius Leonard. Many believed running back David Johnson and delphia Eagles. Due to the fact that Patriots will be the favorite in most March with a blockbuster: the NY that in 2019 Indianapolis posed a Jets running back Le’Veon Bell are Clowney didn’t sign his franchise people’s eyes and deservedly so. In Giants traded star wide receiver threat to the Brady-Belichick (and each making around $13 million tender, he had significant leverage the NFC, the New Orleans Saints Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleve- now Antonio Brown) Patriots’ lock per season. Gordon has requested in determining where he would end have been eliminated in heartbreak- land Browns. Then the Browns on a Super Bowl berth, while also a trade if LA refuses to give him up. ing fashion two years in a row. -- who were not known for bold- giving the Kansas City Chiefs’ Pat- what he wants. With Cowboys QB One other holdout that’s rele- With Drew Brees at quarterback, ness -- also acquired defensive end rick Mahomes a run for his money. Dak Prescott and WR Amari Coo- vant to our area is Washington left they also have a strong chance to Oliver Vernon and controversially Then everything changed in the per heading for free agency next tackle, Trent Williams. Williams’ reach the Super Bowl this year. If signed star running back Kareem last week of August when ESPN’s year, Elliott carved a huge chunk holdout has nothing to do with his we were to see a Saints-Patriots Hunt, who was temporarily out of Adam Schefter reported that the of the Cowboys’ future spend- contract situation. Last season, he Super Bowl, the combined quar- the NFL on an eight-game suspen- Colts former number one overall ing money. As with the full-sea- discovered bumps on his head, but terback age would be 82-years- sion. For the first time in a long draft pick -- the past and expected son holdout last year of Le’Veon the team medical staff said that old. All in all, it sounds like the time, it seems like the Browns’ future face of the franchise -- was Bell, Gordon is willing to miss there was nothing to worry about. 2019 football season is going to faithful have a lot to be excited hanging up his cleats at the age of games if that’s what it takes to get After the season, he met with his be a good one to sit back, relax about. 29. Andrew Luck’s retirement sent the new deal he is seeking. Stay personal doctors who told him that and enjoy. 10 The Augur Bit September 2019 The Augur Bite

Photo credit: The Pioneer Woman Watermelon Granita 6-8 leaves fresh basil, plus it chill for two hours. by dora hauache some more for garnish. If you de- Once the liquid has started Why not extend the joys of sire a crispier granita experience, to set, remove the pans from the summer? This recipe helps keep try using mint leaves instead of fridge and use the tips of a fork to the summer spirit in your house. basil. quickly scrape the top layer, cre- The leaves may be changing color ating flakes of ice. in the next few weeks, but they do Instructions Return to the freezer, and con- not have to stop you from cook- Add half the watermelon tinue to scrape the top layer ev- ing with a lightness reminiscent cubes, lime juice, sugar and basil ery one to two hours. Stop scrap- of summer. Enjoy this refreshing leaves to a blender. Puree the in- ing when new flakes of ice have watermelon granita. gredients together until smooth. formed. The granita should be fully Pour the mixture into a bowl and frozen into flakes and resemble the Ingredients repeat with the other half of the wa- consistency of a snow cone. 8 cups of seedless water- termelon cubes, lime juice, sugar Before serving, make sure melon, cut into one-to-two inch and basil leaves. to scrape the mixture again with cubes (about half of a large wa- Pour the pureed mixture into a fork to ensure there are no big termelon) two small (~9x13 inch) baking blocks of ice. 1 juiced lime dishes. The idea is that two small Garnish with basil leaves for ¼ tsp. lime zest baking dishes would fit your a fresh look and eat immediately. ½-3/4 cup granulated sugar. freezer better; if a larger dish Enjoy! Adjust the quantity of sugar ac- works, feel free to use it. cording to the natural sweetness Place the baking dishes or of your watermelon. sheet pans into the freezer, and let

Hello From The Other Side: West Coast Restaurants

famous tea leaf salad made with tea with a bright and flavorful broth, the dish. The complexity achieved by leah belber leaves, sesame seeds, diced toma- which is, unbelievably, vegetarian. in such a simple dish awes me ev- Twice a year, when my fam- toes, a little bit of shredded lettuce The incorporated cabbage, curry ery time, not only because of how ily and I visit other relatives in San and tons of toasted nuts and spices. leaf and lentil add their own spe- deliciously creamy it is, but also Francisco, we make sure to have Mixed and dressed at the table, this cial texture and taste. because it is a star in itself, instead Mandalay a meal at our favorite restaurant. salad is filled with bright flavors and The rest of the meal contin- of the expected one-toned carb to 4344 California St It’s not Central American, Chinese does not lack any depth. Next ar- ues to impress and delight our support the main dishes. San Francisco, CA 94118 or California cuisine classics, but a rives the crispy pancake with a curry taste buds with a noodle special, The meal is rounded out with Burmese restaurant. The two Bur- dipping sauce, named balada. This dry fried string beans and a myr- refreshing drinks, like freshly Burma Superstar mese restaurants we choose from buttery, toasted pancake resembles iad of perfectly flavored chicken squeezed mint-ginger lemonade 309 Clement St are located within blocks of one an- a scallion pancake, but the flavors and beef curries. My favorite of all and the traditional young coconut San Francisco, CA 94118 other. Burma Superstar is more fa- do not compare. It goes perfectly the dishes is not punchy or intense: juice served inside a coconut. For a mous and often has a long line to with the spicy, sweet yellow curry. coconut rice. The rice is cooked in taste of Burmese food here in DC, wait, while Mandalay has a quieter, The samusa soup is dished up next, coconut milk to achieve a deeper check out Toli Moli in Union Mar- more traditional feeling. brimming with small chunks of po- flavor, and it is topped with freshly ket or the brand new Thamee. The meal starts with the tato. Falafel-like samusa overflows toasted coconut shreds to elevate September 2019 The Augur Bit 11 Editorial Looking Back on Four Years: What I Wish I knew as a Freshman

helping keep our school clean and 23rd at the high school. I would en- I took Drawing and Painting will watch our phenomenal girl’s by amelia myre be conscious about what you and courage you to spread the word by with Michelle Cobb amidst the soccer team, dominant volleyball As I reflect on my time at GDS your friends leave behind in the telling a friend attending an invited chaos of my junior year. It served team, and record setting track and at the start of my senior year, I re- forum. high school to sign up. Throughout as a therapeutic space to seek ref- cross-country teams in action. member parts of my highschool the year, there will be numerous uge from the AP and SAT talk of experience that changed my life. I Take advantage of opportunities to march with fel- the forum. I recommend taking art am offering suggestions about how low classmates to show support for classes every year, regardless of Smile, put your to best make use of your time that the social justice causes in the nation’s capital. Use the requirement. If you don’t think may seem infinite as a freshman. your voice as a student and show painting is for you, support the art phone away, and ask As I look around and see how my opportunities at GDS. up when there is an opportunity department by admiring the Iden- people how they are classmates have made an impact to support a cause you care about. tity show and ceramic sculptures. on the community around us, I en- The most important way to The performing arts shows and doing. courage younger students to take Take advantage of the social use your voice this year is to reg- classes can expose you to a new the lead early. justice opportunities at GDS. Ap- ister to vote if you are of age. If hobby or further your skills. If you From the moment you walk plying for the Policy Institute is a you can’t, double check with your only go to one dance performance Having close relationships into the front doors on your first great way to get your foot in the siblings and family members, es- in your life, make it Fata Morgana. with teachers is the pinnacle of at- day of classes, thank your parents door at numerous nonprofits in pecially those that attend college The electric energy of the black tending GDS and the reason why I for the sacrifices that they have to Washington. The Life Resettled or live in key swing states, no mat- box with your peers performing decided to come. As you stroll the make to send you to GDS. While track with Meg Blitzer taught me ter their political stance. Living in their self-choreographed dances hallways on your first days, smile receiving the education we can how to work with a team in a pro- Washington is not something that is must-see GDS production. At- and look up from your phone. It seem normal within the GDS bub- fessional environment, take action should be taken for granted. We tend the spring musical and One- will still be there in a few min- ble, it can be easy to forget what on issues I cared about, and net- live in a city rich in culture and act performances to commend the utes. Stop to ask renowned En- a privilege it is we are fortunate work with refugee resettlement booming with organizations work- tireless work of the theatre depart- glish teacher, John Burghardt, what enough to go to a school that sup- agencies, Senate offices and actual ing to solve the issues for which ment. Make an effort to wake up a he read this summer. Ask Quinn ports us and cares deeply about our immigrants affected by Trump’s we march. Apply for summer in- few minutes early for the Student about upcoming assemblies and success. I wish I had slowed down limiting refugee policies in 2016. ternships through Leigh Tate in Staff breakfast to grab a free bagel think of one fascinating person to better appreciate all of the daily The Policy institute track, “Pre- the spring and research local cam- and be serenaded by the the a-cap- you would like to invite yourself. rituals we take for granted, like venting Sexual Assault and Con- paigns that give opportunities to pella groups at the in the forum. In many cases, our teachers spend walking into a clean forum every sent” hosts an annual summit ev- young people passionate about There is nothing like join- more time in the classrooms with morning.Thank the security guard ery year with workshops to educate politics. Download a news app ing the fan section of the boys us than they can with their own sitting at the front desk protecting students from local schools about so you know what is going on in and girls teams and exchanging children. Thank them. us. Find out his name (hint: they assault at the high school level. If the world. Use that knowledge to friendly banter with Sidwell. Ar- Smile, put your phone away, are Steve, Nick, and Tony). Thank you can’t commit to four weeks discuss with fellow classmates at rive at the field at 9 make all of and ask people how they are do- the maintenance team for spend- in the summer, it is worthwhile to Student Voices during Wednesday the sports games on the spring and ing. And finally, write for the Au- ing early mornings and evenings spend your Saturday, November lunch in room 104. fall Sports Saturdays. There, you gur Bit!

Senior Run-in, Class of 2020. Source: Danny Stock 12 The Augur Bit September 2019

Editor's Note

Dear Hoppers, Our names are Abby and Amelia and we are the editors-in-chief of The Augur Bit. We both joined the staff during our freshman year, and we have grown to love The Augur Bit during our time at GDS. Now, as seniors, we hope to impart our love for The Bit onto new writers. We encourage each and every one of you to try your hand at writing. It may seem daunting, but we do our best to help you through every single article. We publish two to three times per semester, and we announce mass meetings each edition. Come to a mass meeting to try out writing, photographing, designing or cartoon-making. We hope this edition of The Augur Bit served as a good introduction into life at GDS, es- pecially into life on The Augur Bit staff. Thanks for reading this edition! The Augur Bit would not be possible without all our readers. Good luck this semester.

Sincerely, Abby Murphy and Amelia Myre

Augur Bit editors Amelia Myre and Abby Murphy at the club fair. Source: Danny Stock

The Hopper Crossword

ACROSS DOWN 1 This room has new (mostly un- 2 These don't mix well with hole used) sound-proof chairs. punchers. 6 This team (cult?) needs more un- 3 Mini breaks and longer Friday derclasswomen. lunches were replaced with these 7 Seniors did this activity during free periods. Katie's speech. 4 The college counselors' favor- ite tool 5 This student-run business now has a storefront.

The Augur Bit “A very auger bit will now be turned into your souls until your honesty is proved” Arthur Miller, The Crucible Editors-in-Chief Abby Murphy '20 and Amelia Myre '20 Business Manager: Sophie Leviss '20 Copy Editor: Mica Maltzman ’20 Social Media Manager: Abby Brickman ’20 Sports Website Manager: Dora Hauache ’20 Augur Bite Manager: Dora Hauache ’20 Faculty Advisor: Julia Fisher Layout Editors: Vidya Bhargava '20 and Ana-Sophia Mostashari ' 20 Photographer: Margaux Van Allen '20 Features Editors Sports Editors Abby Brickman ’20 and Mica Maltzman ’20 Micah Hurewitz ’20 and Mimi Koenig ’20 Associate Features Editor Arts Editors Tabitha Lynn ’21 Oliver Satola ’20 and Annie Rosenman ’21 Opinions Editors Comedy Editors Liana Smolover-Bord ’21 and Will Olsen ’21 Aidan Kohn-Murphy ’22 and Stella Tongour ’22