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Vol. CXXXIX No. 19 awrenceJanuary 10, 2020 thelawrence.org L Students Advance to Woodrow V Formers Notified about Senior Project Status Wilson Speaking Competition Lina Olazabal ’22 Vitebsky, who first worked with Staff Writer the USSR team and then joined V Formers received news last the Ukrainian team through the Semifinals Friday on their Spring Term Senior Lawrenceville alumni network. Project proposals, of which 33 were Facing anti-Semitism, the Olym- submitted. While only one propos- pic medalist reflected on his expe- al was rejected last year, a handful riences in fencing and life through were rejected this year, primarily poetry, also writing a short book because specific colleges do not al- in Russian on how to be a good low students to drop classes during fencing coach and the psychologi- the V Form Spring Term. Other cal aspect of the sport. Through reasons for this disparity included her project, Baziuk will work with proposed costs, unavailability of History Master Cara Hyson P’14 the right advisors, or histories of ’16 to translate the book to Eng- academic or attendance struggles. lish. According to V Form Level Di- “For me, this project is about rector Jason Larson H’03 ’19, who making an impact,” Baziuk said, reviews proposals along with Dean “I think translating this book will of Academics David Laws P’21 ’23, allow other fencers to read it in “the point of the senior project is the U.S. and learn from it. Senior to give the seniors a break in the projects are an opportunity to do Spring Term to pursue something something for a greater purpose. that they are passionate about. It’s something I wouldn’t have There is a broad range of senior been able to do within our cur- Students selected from the classroom rounds of the speaking competition par- Divya Sammeta ’20/THE LAWRENCE projects going anywhere from riculum because [the project] is so ticipated in the quarterfinals held in Memorial Hall. teaching assistants (TA)… [to] interdisciplinary in nature.” video documentation of students’ Carolyn King ’20 will serve Kyle Park ’23 it’s something every student does,” unlike me. It led to this perception mental health on campus [and] ad- as a TA in the Video Journalism & Sabrina Yeung ’22 Christoffersen said. of myself and my ethnicity that was vice for rising seniors.” course, taught by Visual Arts Mas- News Associate The competition originated in the skewed.” On his experiences with the ter and Videographer Gil Domb The quarterfinal rounds of the English department because it served Wang believes that the most senior projects approval process, ’17. She chose to pursue this proj- annual Woodrow Wilson Public as the only department in which every meaningful aspect of the speaking Larson said, “Early on, I am always ect because Video Journalism was Speaking Competition were held this student took a course. Soon, hosting competition is not “just talking” about hesitant to give the green light on “one of [her] favorite classes, and past Tuesday and Wednesday in the the competition’s initial round in a topic that students feel passionate these projects because it frees up a it’s been a passion of [hers] to Woods Memorial Hall classrooms. an English class became a tradition. about but rather “the thinking that lot of time for the seniors, and as learn video editing and improve.” Judges selected 14 semifinalists this While the competition initially comes before it.” Level Director, you think that more Drawing from her experiences in year: Awo Addo ’23, Kelsie Choi ’22, begins in English classes for each On the self-reflective nature of free time results in kids getting in L10, King believes that Adobe Elyssa Chou ’20, Zach Finnachio student, Christoffersen believes that the competition, Wang continued, trouble, but that’s not the case. The Premiere Pro, the application uti- ’21, Caitlin Gu ’21, Stephanie Kim it is a “school wide project,” as judges “When you’re forced to come up with most rewarding part by far is the lized, can be “pretty intimidating ’21, Deven Kinney ’20, Anjali Kumar come from every department. something to argue about, you start night where they do their presen- to learn as a newcomer,” and she ’21, Alex Liang ’21, Jack Patel ’23, On the importance of the competi- digging through your life. You look tation. In late May, there is a night would like to provide mentorship. Summer Qureshi ’22, Tesia Thomas tion to student growth, Christoffersen through things that are important to in the Kirby Arts Center (KAC) On her future collaboration ’22, Chelsea Wang ’21, and Michael said, “In almost every part of your you, and you organize your experi- where all the senior projects are on with Domb in the course, King Zhang ’21. life, there is a need to… stand up and ences into coherent thoughts.” display, and it’s really rewarding to said, “We’re excited to put our Students who participated in the speak to people and hold their atten- Like most students, Chou per- get to see the kids’ work come [to] brains together and come up with quarterfinals were voted by their tion.” From her perspective, “the most formed her classroom speech for the fruition.” new projects while providing more peers and English teachers to move interesting speeches are the ones that quarterfinal round. The speech served This year, Emily Matcham ’20 feedback since I’ll be an extra set on from the initial round after giving are partly personal, but go beyond just as a component of the final exam for will paint the inside of the KAC of hands in the classroom.” the best speech in their respective telling a personal story—they have an the Science and Literature course, shop with a saga of all the shows She added, “I think the senior English classes. Ultimately, five final- argument to make… and sometimes reflecting on human consciousness. since 1987. “It’s going to be puzzle project is a very cool opportunity. ists will speak at school meeting to there’s a little bit of a switch or a twist.” On how the speaking competition pieces that fit together to see what I think seniors should not only determine the winner of the speaking Opening her speech by singing enhanced the class’s learning, Chou shows the School has done. I am think about what passions they competition. Mama Mia!’s “Thank You for the said, “I was able to draw together all going to leave space so that in the would like to take further in their The Woodrow Wilson Public Music,” Kumar’s speech focused on the readings throughout the term and coming years, people can continue last months of Lawrenceville, but Speaking Competition began about the wellness benefits of singing. share things from outside class. Even it.” also if they can do so while giving 25 years ago when former School “I was a little nervous at first, but though we were answering the same On the greater goal for her proj- back.” Head Master Josiah Bunting voiced since it is something I love to talk question, we all had different takes ect, Matcham said, “I hope to use Mullika Sahrawat ’19 conducted that “public speaking was an im- about, it didn’t really feel like a speech,” and built on the classroom material.” this to create a legacy for Periwig a senior project last year in which portant and overlooked part of a Kumar said. As a V Former who has competed students. When you’re backstage, it she directed a 60-minute outdoor Lawrentian’s education and story,” She believes that overall, the all four years, Chou believes that the can be daunting to see all the work play, which built on her work with according to the coordinator of competition “gives students a plat- speaking competition has helped her ahead of you and frustrating when the Performing Arts Department the speaking competition, Chair of form to share important messages” strengthen her public speaking skills: you’re leading up to tech week and throughout her Lawrenceville the English Department Miranda and “lets students get to know their “I like to look back on the speaking trying to finish everything, but I years. She offered advice to V Christoffersen P’14’18. peers better.” competition every year and see that hope that seeing these paintings Formers who have received news Over its history, the competition Wang spoke about her experi- I’ve grown a bit. Freshman year, I on the wall will inspire people and on their project proposals: “Get has evolved: “In the first couple of ences with representation in children’s was shaking as I stood in front of show them that they are part of an ahead of the game. The spring is years, the School really had to work literature and how we can work to my 12-person class. This year, I felt amazing community.” super busy. If you can get ahead on getting kids to buy into it. They promote inclusivity: “I read a lot of more calm going into it.” Marta Baziuk ’20 was inspired before the term even starts, you did not want to do it, and it was not books when I was young and looked up The upcoming semifinal round to pursue her senior project af- can set yourself for an easy term, normal in their experience… Now to characters that looked completely will be held in the Ambrecht room. ter meeting fencing coach Josiph and your project will go well.”

A Crossroads in Iran Hidden Rooms, Girls Swimming Captains Profile Thacher Smith ’20 discusses Eerie Typewriters, how the strike on Soleimani and Chapel Ghosts Grayson Miller ’21 high- puts more Americans in lights the captains of the danger. Isabelle Lee ’21 explores Girls Varsity Swimming Lawrenceville’s urban team and discusses their legends that have developed goals. over the School’s 200 year history. Page 2 Page 5 Page 7 The Lawrence - Page 2 Opinions January 10, 2020

TClass of he1968 Fund in Honor L of Edwardawrence A. Robbins H’68 ’69 ’71 - Nicholas G. Ifft ’ 44 Fund - The Princeton Packet Fund (Denise L. and James B. Kilgore ’66) - Michael S. Chae ’86 Editorial Jefferey Cai Editor-in-Chief Evaluating Our Education ur tour guides certainly have that they have a deep passion for. To within the departments. From here, Shriya Annamaneni much that they can boast put this into perspective, the English students continue on along the cur- Managing Editor about when talking about Department of my hometown school riculum pathway, taking a course in Gabriel Gaw Lawrenceville. As one emerges from district’s public high school offers United States history along with a Anika Bagaria Eric Zhu Eric Morais OPop Hall, it may be the stunning six courses for seniors, while Law- three-term sequence of IV Form En- News Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editors new Gruss Center for Art and De- renceville offers 42 V Form English glish. As a result of this rigid three- Deven Kinney Shreya Kumar Arts Editor Features Editor sign, complete with its state of the electives, excluding interdisciplinary year foundation, many students find art technology and glistening glass courses. Yet, of these 42 courses, most themselves with just one year to pur- Avigna Ramachandran Jasmine Zhang exterior. For another, it may be the Lawrenceville students will only ever sue courses on topics that genuinely Copy Editor Copy Editor strength of our students’ House spir- have the opportunity to enroll in interest them. This time constraint, Areeq Hasan it—pride that, for many, endures long three. compounded with an underlying Web Editor after graduation. For some it may The current curriculum pathways pressure for many to take full-year Divya Sammeta Jeffrey Tao be the opportunities students have that exist at Lawrenceville, specifi- courses that seem more rigorous than Photo Editor Graphics Editor to explore the world through our cally within the English and History electives, significantly limits students’ Faculty Advisors Harkness Travel Program. As a tour Departments, stifle students’ abilities ability to explore Lawrenceville’s aca- Mr. David Figueroa-Ortiz P’18 Dr. Marta Napiorkowska P’19 guide, I’ve always made a concerted to truly take advantage of the rich demic breadth. effort to emphasize the breadth of In these foundational classes, course The Lawrence, the weekly newspaper of The Lawrenceville School, is published during the school year except for the periods –––––––– of Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, by the students of The Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main Street, Lawrenceville, New academic course offerings that we content itself is not as much of a fo- Jersey 08648, with offices in room 027 of Father’s Building. The current curriculum Typesetting and layout is by the students of The Lawrenceville School. Printing is by Epoch Press, Inc. Opinions expressed on have. “You could spend an entire day cus for teachers as are the skills built the Opinions pages do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Lawrenceville School or The Lawrence. The Lawrence reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and opinions. reading through the topics of study pathways that exist at along the way. Thus, new III Formers Readers interested in subscribing to The Lawrence should contact the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]. Letters to the editor should be mailed to the address above with C/O David Figueroa-Ortiz or emailed to [email protected]. The that Lawrenceville students have ac- could still develop the necessary skills Lawrence may be accessed online at www.thelawrence.org. Lawrenceville, specifically cess to,” I’ll often joke to prospective introduced to II Formers in spite of students and families. In fact, it could within the English and material adjustments. The III and IV Corrections History Departments, stifle Readers who notice errors should contact the Managing Editor at [email protected]. take years for a Lawrentian to expe- Form English curricula could easily rience the entirety of Lawrenceville’s students’ abilities to truly be condensed and merged into a sin- curriculum. gle III Form course, while the skills POTW: Lawrenceville Goes Rock Climbing Unfortunately, though, our 79- take advantage of the rich developed in II Form Humanities - page Course Catalog is one of the array of academic offerings Cultural Studies could be transferred most underutilized aspects of the that the School provides. to Forces that Shaped the Modern Lawrenceville experience. While World and built upon in a United high school students across the coun- –––––––– States history course during the III try find themselves loading their array of academic offerings that the Form year. By following a structure schedules with as many AP courses School provides. The primary pur- similar to that of the Science Depart- as possible, we here at Lawrenceville pose of these foundational cours- ment, which offers a two-year foun- are in an incredible position to ex- es—II Form Humanities - English dational course sequence rather than plore fields of study that many will and Humanities - Cultural Studies a three-year one, the English and not have access to until late in their along with III Form English III History Departments would bestow undergraduate years. While many and Forces that Shaped the Modern upon students a significantly greater teachers outside of Lawrenceville are World—is to introduce and develop capacity to design an academic ex- forced to meet governmentally set ac- critical writing, reading, and verbal perience uniquely tailored to them, a ademic benchmarks, our faculty have skills that the discipline requires in currently lost characteristic of a Law- the ability to create, design, and teach order to prepare students for suc- renceville education. courses on topics of their expertise cess in the more advanced courses - DK A Crossroads in Iran How the Strike on Soleimani Puts More Americans in Danger Thacher Smith ’20 Major General Qasem Soleimani, cate him in the deaths of hundreds of in which an October 2019 survey by Soleimani, especially considering their Senior Columnist widely considered the second most American citizens. While Solemani’s the University of Maryland found 82 scramble to save face after criticism for powerful figure in Iran. As the nation crimes and depravity are undeniable, percent of Iranians viewed Qasem the attack came in droves from experts e it through the news, discus- awoke to learn of the attacks that they do not strategically justify his Soleimani favorably. Until his death, it and allies alike. Even Israel, perhaps sion around campus, or the day, the White House and other murder. Herein lies the threat posed by was widely circulated that he may very Iran’s staunchest enemy in the region, barrage of memes fortelling administration officials conveyed that the president’s choice to kill Solemani. well have been the nation’s next leader. sought to distance itself from Solei- an impending draft for a third world Soleimani’s killing was to prevent an On With this in mind, his killing becomes mani’s killing in a statement given by B imminent attack. While more details pa- per, far more complicated. There’s no doubt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. war, you would be hard pressed to have missed the situation that has have yet to be revealed, Secretary of the that he had American blood on his If you still believe that President been developing in Iran over the past State Mike Pompeo confirmed that hands, but that doesn’t change the fact Trump made the right call, consider week. While you can rest easy knowing the attack was not intended to that his death could this: Both Presidents Obama and Bush the return of the draft isn’t coming take place on American soil. all too easily start a had numerous opportunities to take anytime soon, the crisis in the Middle Although details on this war. If that concept out a then less powerful Qasem Solei- East facing our nation presents serious alleged attack are sparse, there seems hard to un- mani. However, during the height of cause for concern. In this past week, has been no shortage of celebration derstand, consider this: Russia the War, President Bush decided we have witnessed the most serious from Republicans in Washington who and are also responsible to hold off, knowing that such danger- escalation in the region since the 2003 have been quick to paint Soleimani’s for the deaths of Americans, ous action would likely result in an all- invasion of Iraq—an action which death as an American victory, touting but the very thought out war with Iran. While the President spawned a war that continues to this his responsibility for the deaths of of assassinating their and his aides have been quick to assert day, more than 16 years later. hundreds of Americans as justification choice leaders at will is out- that their action was anything but an Given the complexity and misin- for his assasination. However, through seems rageous. While act of war, the facts speak otherwise. formation surrounding recent events, this argument, the true complexity justified. the White After vowing revenge over the it’s understandable that many around of the situation reveals itself, as like The notion House may have you weekend, Iran retaliated on Tuesday campus and throughout the nation most matters in international politics. that he killed believing that the killing evening, launching ballistic missiles don’t understand the true gravity of the Ultimately, the choice to kill Solemani Americans of Qasem Soleimani was at a military installation in Iraq where current situation. However, through is far less cut-and-dried than Republi- so therefore Raniah Shah ’23/ transactional, international Americans were staying, marking the partisan spin and 24-hour news cans would have you believe. he should THE LAWRENCE relations are never that simple. one of the first actions in a conflict cycle that have shaped the public’s It’s important to get one thing be punished Just as it would be the case for that shows no signs of slowing down perception of the relationship between straight: No American should mourn might appeal to a sense of strong the murder of any world leader, Solei- anytime soon. American wars in the the U.S. and Iran, a chilling truth the death of Qasem Soleimani. He was international presence, but it fails to mani’s death will likely have severe against far less formi- emerges. We, as a nation, are far less nothing more than a ruthless murderer capture the potential diplomatic and repercussions. dable enemies have been long and safe than we were a week ago and in and a terrorist. In his role as the leader military consequences of such a brazen Given the Trump administration’s bloody, and we may very well have just all likelihood, America stands on the of Iran’s notorious Quds Force, Solei- move. recent track record in the Middle East stumbled into another one. While the brink of war. Here’s why. mani commanded international para- While the president would have with disastrous moves like abandoning future of the region has never been While tensions with Iran have been military operations, funding and train- you believe that his death is being our allies, the Kurds, and inviting the more obscure, one thing is certain: brewing since the 1970s, the most ing Shia militia groups like Hamas lauded throughout the Middle East, Taliban, our enemies, to Camp David, Americans are not safer now. recent escalation occured on January 3, in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. it has only furthered anti-American it stands to reason it likely didn’t when a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian Conservative estimates directly impli- sentiment, most notably within Iran, appreciate the consequences of killing January 10, 2020 Opinions The Lawrence - Page 3 Playing the Believing Game Promoting Civil Discourse Through a Mindset of Understanding Cherie Fernandes ’21 it a valuable tool. However, when we of men’s rights as threats to women’s confront her biases by trying to see “it’s not my job to educate you” and Opnions Associate consistently use the doubting game, rights. One example she provides the world through different eyes and view extremists with—completely we might shoot down good ideas reads: “One would say to me, ‘Men entreats her audience to do the same justifiable—hatred, but Davis had a find myself somewhat amused to that are simply being argued poorly are far more likely to lose their child by listening to with the intention to level of compassion and courage to realize that my biggest learning or within a moral framework we in a custody battle.’ And I would understand rather than contradict, a meet his enemies and change their experience of 2019 has its roots personally do not subscribe to. Thus, counter: ‘It’s because women are practice that falls nicely in line with minds by opening dialogue. Iin Dr. Von’s Intro to Ethics course— we should also consider playing the unfairly expected to be the caretaker. Elbow’s theory. Now, while I hardly expect to be before we even cracked open the believing game, wherein we simply It’s discrimination against women This struck a chord with me, and Daryl Davis, I find that I can push textbook. Rather, it was the first listen to others’ ideas and actively that they get custody more often!’ by the time I found Daryl Davis’ myself to be better at listening and homework assignment, a relatively try to understand and see why they Yes. I’m not proud of that.” However, story, I was consciously trying to do what I can to create spaces that short reading titled “The Believing may be believable. In doing this, we –––––––– apply “listening to understand” encourage it. In this day and age of Game—Methodological Believing” challenge our own biases by trying to After some reflection, she to every controversial opinion I hyperpartisanship, we all should by Peter Elbow. Now, it’s one thing consider things from other points of encountered. What I didn’t realize is –––––––– learned that while she to complete a grade-wide reading for view. that it can not only be an excellent In this day and age of a class, but to see it so enthusiastically While this concept initially didn’t agree with all that way to challenge your own biases, hyperpartisanship, we all endorsed by a teacher is enough to seemed at odds with the a philosophy they said, she could see the but invite others to challenge of actively encouraging a good fight theirs. In 1983, Davis, a black jazz should do our best to receive –––––––– legitimacy in assertions at the Harkness table, I soon realized musician, sought out Roger Kelly, different ideas or at least We should also consider its applicability when we began that there are issues that the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) leader understand where they’re playing the believing game, moving through course material that disproportionately affect of Maryland and approached him featured vastly different ideologies, with a genuine question: “How coming from and avoid wherein we simply listen men and recognize that most of which would be considered can you hate me if you don’t know dehumanizing the source. to others’ ideas and actively outlandish by today’s standards. many mens’ rights activists me?” Davis asked the man about his –––––––– try to understand and see We were encouraged to try and simply want to add to opinions, attempting to understand. see the merit in each philosophy, This isn’t the believing game, exactly. do our best to receive different why they may be believable. from Hobbes to Nussbaum, and I the gender discussion, not Davis rightly did not bend his views, ideas or at least understand where –––––––– personally came out of the class with override a wmen’s voice. but he did create an environment they’re coming from and avoid pique your curiosity. And so, armed both an ongoing existential crisis and –––––––– in which Kelly felt humanized and dehumanizing the source. As we with a blue highlighter, I set to work. the “Believing Game” filed into the heard. They established a rapport to see in Davis’s case, this doesn’t I’m sure academics at Lawrenceville back of my brain. in her role as a documentarian, Jaye the point where the Imperial Wizard necessarily mean compromise, but have brought many of us into contact I next encountered the concept was forced to listen to the people of the KKK was regularly coming to it almost always means positive with the concept of “the believing a few weeks later, when I stumbled she was interviewing in order to this black man’s house, meeting his change. I think the whole thing game,” if not Elbow’s paper itself. It upon Cassie Jaye’s 2017 TED Talk. represent their argument. After some friends, and dining with him. And sounds simple; it’s among the basic asserts that in evaluating arguments, A lifelong feminist and filmmaker, reflection, she learned that while ultimately, Davis says, “because I principles of Harkness, after all, that listeners default to what Elbow calls Jaye originally took up a project she didn’t agree with all that they was willing to listen to him, he was there’s value in listening, but we’re “the doubting game.” The form of to document the Men’s Rights said, she could see the legitimacy in willing to listen to me.” Davis later all prone to getting overly attached thinking most prized in our culture, Movement with the intention assertions that there are issues that managed to talk dozens of Klan to our existing beliefs and making the doubting game is the practice of exposing an anti-women disproportionately affect men and members, including the Imperial villains out of those who threaten of being as skeptical and analytical agenda. Initially, Jaye describes her recognized that many mens’ rights Wizard, into leaving the hate group. them. This year, I learned that the toward new ideas as possible. In confirmation bias getting the best activists simply want to add to the Individuals from marginalized first step should be admitting that doubting ideas, we can find holes of her perception, as she would gender discussion, not override groups often adopt an attitude of tendency, encouraging others to do and faulty arguments, which makes continually take statements in favor women’s voice. Jaye was able to the same, and making a concerted Why Your New Years Resolution Won’t Work Changing Oneself Through Gradual Exposure to New Experiences Alistair Lam ’23 subconsciously. Rather than a lot and was able to share photos gradually accumulated, and I missed out on so much if I had dramatic resolution written on and memories with my friends sparked a new-found interest not made the decision to take hile listening to the paper, the decision that changed and relatives both here and back in sustainability, working with up Lifetime Farming. Upon radio during winter me the most last year was the at home. the sustainability council to reflection, I’ve realized that this break back in Hong choice to do Lifetime Farming. Each new experience spearhead brand new recycling principle of taking advantage of Kong, I took note of an interesting As a II Former new to the didn’t change me in and composting initiatives for the opportunities applies to all other W School last fall, I was in a mire of the way, say, a community. aspects of life. Stepping out of statement discussing the New Year. “Our new year resolutions new experiences, trying out every sudden We often think that change my comfort zone in and outside are often unaccomplished goals new extracurricular. However, I for ourselves has to come in a of class rewarded me with many that we chose to procrastinate was still undecided about which dramatic sweep. Maybe a sudden unprecedented experiences. on.” The statement sounded odd sport to take on for the resolution to go to the gym I don’t have anything in mind to me. New Years is often framed fall. Since I grew more often, or read a book for my New Year resolution, only as a time of self evaluation and up in , a day. However, we should a readiness to be open to change. change, but I’d never thought a metropolitan view changing ourselves I see the New Year as merely an of it as an excuse. Upon further area of high- as more of a natural and arbitrary way we categorize our –––––––– rise skyscrapers, gradual process. In –––––––– I decided that it farming, I didn’t Ultimately it is up “Our new year resolutions wouldn’t hurt to anticipate the are often unaccomplished venture into the change I to us—our constant goals that we choose to world of agriculture. was going willingness to take Since joining, I’ve to make, and advantage of opportunities procrastinate on.” had the opportunity was merely open –––––––– to drive a tractor, to new experiences. and experience new reflection, I realized it was at least extract honey from Over the course of things—to bring genuine true for my life. The truth is that a honeycomb, build the fall term, I gradually improvements to our lives. the changing of the calendar, more shelters for sheep, feed changed. In contrast to than anything, is an arbitrary way compost to pigs, set up New Year resolutions that are –––––––– for us to categorize our lives into a field for crops, pick often deliberate and forced, lives, as it alone cannot inspire segments. In turn, we pick the peppers and tomatoes, it is apparent that the change us to create changes. Ultimately, beginning of this new segment in and more. I learned you accumulate gradually over it is up to us—our constant our lives as a time to bring change. how and where the food a year is more significant than a willingness to take advantage When I reflect on the I had every day at Irwin Ria Patel ’23/THE LAWRENCE sudden resolution. of opportunities and experience previous year, I changed the Dining Hall came from, commitment to go the gym My biggest change reflecting on new things—to bring genuine most not from conscious and this made me cherish my would. There was no explicit end 2019 was not a resolution I made, improvements to our lives. With spurts of self improvement, but food as never before. Although I goal for the person I wanted to but simply a new experience I this passion to explore in mind, through gradual accumulation was the only freshman working at become as a result of farming. chanced upon as a result of new the year 2020 and beyond would of experiences affecting me the Big Red Farm, I enjoyed it a However, these moments opportunities. I would have be much more rewarding. The Lawrence - Page 4 News January 10, 2020 Tunes for St Judes to Host Benefit Concert En Corps Hosts Spring Christine Cheng ’21 Chen founded the TSFJ club on & Ellie Shin ’21 campus. As one of the few hospitals in News Associates DanceTiffany Yeung ’22 Concertfor… who has really good energyAuditions their teams after sports practices the country that does not require News Associate and who looks excited.” or with members of their House. The Tunes for St. Jude’s Club families to pay fees for any treat- Sweeney also mentioned that Layla Shaffer ’22, a member of (TSFJ) will be hosting its first ben- ment not covered by insurance, [St. This past Monday and Wednes- one of her goals for SDC this year the Carter House and the Big efit concert at 6:30 PM. next Fri- Judes] relies on donations to help day, En Corps Council, a group as a co-choreographer, alongside Red Girls Varsity Ice Hockey day in the Clark Music Center to provide for all of its patients and of School dance representatives, fellow co-choreographer Lily team, auditioned this past Mon- raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s fulfill its mission to “advance cures held its annual Spring Dance Murphy ’20, is to try a new style, day. Hospital. Tickets will be sold in the and means of prevention for pedi- Concert (SDC) auditions from “step out of her comfort zone, “I was kind of nervous going Irwin Dining Center next week atric catastrophic diseases through 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the stage and stick with the new idea and into it because I have absolutely for $4.00 and at the concert door research and treatment,” according in the Kirby Arts Center. Largely not take the easy route out.” no dance experience, but being for $6.00. The concert will feature to its website. because of athletic conflicts that From a dancer’s perspective, on the hockey team, I felt that a variety of student performances While the concert will feature a prevented many students from member of the Lawrenceville a lot of us just wanted to go out ranging from a dance performance variety of musical talent not lim- attending, an additional SDC by Evelyn Dugan ’21 to singing ited to instrumental music, Chen audition night was organized this performances by co-ed a cappella hopes that this platform can help past Thursday. Students learned group The Larries. The Internation- promote instrumental musicians a short dance routine and then al Baking Club will also be baking on campus. performed for all SDC choreog- complimentary desserts to support “I think that there could be raphers multiple times in an au- St. Jude’s during the concert. more attention brought to dif- dition process that took approxi- On the importance of collabora- ferent forms of music on campus, mately 15 minutes. tion between community service such as instrumental music. When This year’s SDC is especially clubs, President of International I thought of this event, I thought of notable, since it will celebrate 20 Baking Club Stephanie Owusu not only helping St. Jude’s but also years of dance at Lawrenceville ’20, who has organized events with being able to shine more light on by bringing alumni back to per- other student organizations includ- instrumental music at Lawrencev- form. ing Prevention by Attention and ille,” Chen said. SDC representative Evelyn the Sustainable Solutions Club in On highlighting the arts on cam- Dugan ’21 said, “SDC is an op- the past, said, “The essence of com- pus, Chen continued, “We have so portunity for all students at munity service is that regardless of many talented students on campus, Lawrenceville, regardless of their the different causes we are trying to and I thought a benefit concert dance experience, to work with Students of varying experience levels gath- Ankita Suri ’21/THE LAWRENCE ered this past Monday, Wednesday, and help, change and trying to make a would be a great opportunity to student choreographers to create Thursday to audition. difference is what we’re aiming for. show off student talent while also dances and movements. We all So, if you are able to collaborate, supporting an organization with an work together. It is the biggest School Dance Collective and there and show what we have. I the net positive difference is greater important goal.” event on campus in regards to Lawrenceville Dance Team Isa- was excited for that because I had because not only are you showing In the future, she hopes to con- how many students participate.” belle Lee ’21 said that the audi- nothing to lose,” Shaffer said. support for your peers and unity in tinue fostering a love for music on Izzy Sweeney ’20 has been tion process is “really short and Victor Park ’22 also auditioned the school environment but also… campus while supporting St. Jude’s, choreographing dances for SDC simple.” She added that she en- this past Monday. “The low-pres- that service is not an individual ac- and she is currently exploring other since her III Form year. With joys SDC as a whole, especially sure environment also persuaded tivity but rather [it] serves to con- musical options for fundraiser ac- regards to the auditions, Swee- because “SDC is a way for dance me to audition for SDC,” Park nect people.” tivities. “I’d love to make [the ben- ney said that choreographers to speak on campus to get its rep- said. “I heard from others who “Music is such a big part of my efit concert] a yearly event,” Chen “get the second end of the stick. resentation…and it’s a way for did SDC in the past that they life, and I’m really passionate about said. “After I graduate, it’d be great We’re waiting inside as other dancers to utilize this opportu- had a great experience bonding it,” President of TSF Jacqueline if someone else could keep it going people from the dance program nity to showcase what we have to with their dance group and form- Chen ’21 said. To combine her love because it’s a great cause and a fun are helping outside, so we see the the community.” ing other meaningful connec- for music and community service, way to raise money.” final product. We do the scouting Many students auditioned with tions.”

ChrisFinaliststine Cheng ’21 of Poetry Out Loud Announced Tatum, also a finalist, selected & Ellie Shin ’21 News Associates the poem “There Are Birds Here” by Jamaal May because he enjoys Lawrentians competed in the picking the poems of authors semifinal rounds of the annual “who look like [him] or have gone Poetry Out Loud (POL) com- through similar experiences” as it petition this past Tuesday and helps him better connect to and Wednesday in the Heely Room. express the poem. The poem uses The finalists are Kelsie Choi ’22, birds as a metaphor for children, Kate Feiner ’22, Bernice Hight- specifically children of color, and ower ’21, Natalia Ibarra ’20, Eleni highlights how they are trapped Lefakis ’21, Delaney Musgrave both in certain physical locations ’22, Ayan Schwartzenberg ’22, and by the societies they live in. Kylan Tatum ’21, Asmat Taunque As a IV Former, Tatum decided ’21, Francesca Weil ’21, and Aaron to participate in the competition Zander ’22. again to delve in deeper to poetry. The selected winner from Law- Tatum said, “I write poems my- renceville will move on to compete self, and I typically only have the at the regional, state, and national opportunity to create them, but 11 students will advance to the final round of the School’s Poetry Out Loud Pashmina Khan ’21/THE LAWRENCE with Poetry Out Loud, it is really rounds. Through this competition, competition. Lawrentians have the opportunity interesting for me to be able to to grow their love for poetry and Three judges were present at lish classes. Class winners moved mance. see another side of poetry, spoken to challenge themselves by per- each semifinal round and four will onto the semifinal rounds, while Feiner said, “I felt really ner- word, that I have less experience forming in front of a live audience be present during the final round. IV and V Formers were only re- vous prior to the semifinal round with.” and judges. In addition, Spanish Master Ali- quired to sign up in advance to because I didn’t have much expe- Because Tatum did not struggle Reflecting on this mission, co- son Stewart y Fonseca P’12 will participate. rience reciting poetry, but once as much with the memorization ordinator of the Lawrenceville check for accuracy of the poem Participants first selected a people started to perform, it was aspect, the main areas he focused POL event and English Master recitation. While Magnuson rec- poem of their choice from the really awesome to be a part of it.” on during his preparation were Jessica Magnuson said, “Recit- ognizes that “there are a lot of POL website. They then recited To Feiner, poetry is intriguing “balancing [his] vocal expression ing a poem is a great skill to have, nuances to how [students] are the poem in front of an audience “because of the power it has to to make sure [he] was not over- as it helps build confidence and judged” and “it’s a relatively com- of judges and students. According evoke emotion whether or not we expressing or under-expressing” present yourself in front of a large plicated process,” she believes the to rubrics, all performances were understand the literal meaning,” himself. He also worked on group of people. It offers the op- overall competition has a lot of judged based on physical pres- so it was very enjoyable to see highlighting the nuances of each portunity for students to be vul- value. ence, voice and articulation, dra- “how others chose to interpret and poem, including how to properly nerable and put themselves out III Formers qualified through a matic appropriateness, evidence of convey that meaning throughout use hand gestures or tonal inflec- there.” selection process from their Eng- understanding, and overall perfor- their recitations.” tions to best express the poem. January 10, 2020 Features The Lawrence - Page 5 Hidden Rooms, Eerie Typewriters, and Chapel Ghosts Exploring Lawrenceville’s Urban Legends Isabelle Lee ’21 zone, a 1939 issue of The Lawrence wrote. His tale remained unverified Although nowadays, many Lawren- for many years until the 1963 sum- tians rarely raise the topic of urban mer issue of The Lawrentian pub- legends, there are still parts of our lished an image of “an ancient bottle campus that most of us, if not all, of sherry and two packs of equally avoid because of these myths. These aged cigarettes dating to the 1890s” stories of haunted buildings and su- whose owner was unknown, and for- perstitions can influence our lives on mer Hamill House resident R. Nor- campus, and there are certain places man Caine ’38 claimed to have redis- where we certainly would not go, such covered the room where these items as the Woods Memorial Hall base- belonged. Caine apparently scruti- ment or some parts of the Chapel. nized the House’s architecture and, Many of us have heard rumors about along with the help of two house- the ghost living in the graffiti-smoth- mates, broke through a wall that was ered basement of Woods Memorial “heavily reinforced with solid wood, Hall, but there are also other areas of sheet metal, and wooden slats” to that building that seem downright discover the “Holy of Holies,” Caine eerie, one of them being the cellar recalled. Evidence of the room had that directly connects to a rusted Left: Percy Robert Colwell. Right: Kennedy “smoking room,” 1927. Courtesy of The Lawrence 10/2/1919 and 11/20/1964 issue seemingly been overlooked when chimney. According to English Mas- a stairway was installed in 1914. ter Champ Atlee ’62 H’74 ’75 ’79 concern the lives of faculty members. of former Kennedy Housemaster campus, but Lawrenceville is also a Similarly, former Lawrentians Mike ’83 ’84 ’87 ’89 ’06 P’92, some believe In 1970, former Dean of Students Percy Robert Colwell after revisit- remarkably historic school that has O ’Neill, Pete Criswell, and Bob that the ghost of a former Lawren- and History Master Frank Heyniger ing campus to attend his funeral in experienced many significant events McEwan discovered an attic-like tian, who attended the School in the mysteriously passed away at his sum- 1919. Colwell supposedly “slipped in history, such as the American Civil room in the Kennedy House dating 1970s, still climbs up and down the mer home in South Dartmouth at in his bath, fell, and died” after only War, the World Wars, and the Cold back to the 1920s. According to a smokestack. The boy, who belonged the age of 53. He, along with his wife recently assuming his role as the new War. Myths of gathering spots for 1964 issue of The Lawrence, the se- to the Woodhull House, where Atlee Adelaide Cole, their two children, Housemaster. Ramsey, who called secret societies underneath build- cret club, known as “The Hole,” was a served as a former Housemaster and his mother, were all victims of a up a friend living near campus, was ings during these war-torn times, designated “smoking club.” The walls from 1969 to 1978, “was very much a terrible incident of which he was the met with an “astonishing sight” when sunken tunnels linking the Lawrence of the isolated room were draped loner and didn’t have much friends,” only non-survivor. Prior to his death, he walked past the Kennedy House Township Presbytarian Church with with banners and the floor was scat- Atlee said. On occasional days, he one aspect he loved about Law- after leaving his companion’s house taverns across the street, and spine- tered with empty packs of cigarettes would visit the chimney by himself renceville was his house on campus— that evening. Looking into the win- tingling cisterns in mysterious loca- and film magazines when it was re- just to scale the chute; although he the Heyniger House, the official resi- dow of the dorm, “with the same tions have spread from one person to discovered in 1927. After “The Hole” was lonesome, nobody suspected dence of the Dean of Students. The crooked stance [Ramsey] had al- the next. According to the 2017 Is- marked the second finding of a pri- anything askew in his life. However, legend goes that sounds of his type- ways known, and with the same dirty sue of The Lawrentian, author Owen vate room on campus, many groups when a set of electrical scales was sto- writer still echo throughout the halls white flannels he had always worn Johnson alluded to a hidden cham- began to search for similar places at len from the chemistry lab—which at night. The children of preceding on winter afternoons, stood Percy ber called the “Holy of Holies” in other locations. However, while these costs around $1,500 to $2,000—and Deans tell “convincing stories of hav- Colwell, whose grave had yawned the northeast corner of the Hamill seekers may or may not find any- the Lawrence Township Police in- ing seen [his] jolly, spectacled ghost,” beneath [Ramsey’s] feet but six hours House in his 1911 book The Tennessee thing, The Lawrence warns them to vestigated the case, they discovered current Dean of Students Blake El- before,” Ramsey wrote in the maga- Shad, a volume that belonged to his “beware!” These student archaeolo- that the boy not only had the scales dridge ’96 said. Although he himself zine. He later added that “on his face larger series called The Lawrenceville gists may have a great chance of dis- but was also an active “participant has not witnessed the apparition, he was a wry, sad smile, as if to say, ‘Isn’t Stories. Johnson, who was a former covering something terrifying that’s in the drug trade on campus,” Atlee “has, on a number of occasions, heard that tough? I’ve just been given this Lawrentian, wrote many literary unknown to the public. No further said. He was soon asked to with- what sounds like a typewriter in use.” House, and now, darn it, I’ve got pieces about a fictional character context was given to this statement. draw from the School and when he Another ghost story tells the tale to leave it.’” Before Ramsey could Dink Stover and his adventures at Although the truth behind these passed away, some believed that his of the return of a Housemaster who say anything, the ghost vanished, Lawrenceville. Apparently, the room myths may be obscure, these urban ghost started lurking around the died of a rather pitiful death. Ac- and he bolted back to his room “in served as the secret destination where legends undoubtedly contribute corners of Woods Memorial Hall. cording to the 1939 summer issue of a minute under world record time.” boys “used to smoke,” and there were to Lawrenceville’s unique culture While some Lawrenceville legends The Lawrentian, Guy Ramsey ’1917 Undoubtedly, there are a multitude “several chairs, some cushions, and and traditions on campus, an inte- concern campus buildings, others recounts the story of seeing the spirit of ghost stories circulating around hanging lamps inside” the lounging gral part of Lawrenceville’s history. Religious Life Leader Profiles: Rabbi Lauren Levy H’97 ’01 P’01 ’02 ’09 Daniel Zhu ’23 After studying religion as both an Grant Shueh ’23 undergraduate and graduate student, she began working in Campus Min- If you ever take a class in the Reli- istries at Rutgers University. During gion and Philosophy Department or this time, a former rabbinic colleague attend Friday night Kabbalat Shab- suggested coming to Lawrencev- bat, you might have the opportunity ille part time. Levy immediately felt to meet the only full-time rabbi at a connection to the students here. a non-denominational independent However, this was still not a full time school in the world. As a Religion commitment until Martin Gruss ’60, Master and the School Rabbi, Lauren the benefactor of the Gruss Center Levy H’97 ’01 P’01 ’02 ’09 has been for Art and Design, created a unique teaching at Lawrenceville for 32 years. full-time position, a teaching Rabbi, She grew up in a Jewish household through an endowment. “I realized surrounded by people with a wide the uniqueness of my position… variety of faiths, and as a young It’s hard to hobnob with my fel- adult, she knew she wanted to study low wizards because there’s nobody all religions. For example, her best else that has this position,” she said. friend growing up, who lived across After settling into Lawrenceville, the street from her, was a Method- she eventually taught a course titled ist Christian, and she would often ask Great Jewish Books. Inspired by one if she could go to church with her. of the required reading books in the However, she did not consider be- course, Sholem Aleichem’s Tevye the Rabbi Levy reading the Old Testament with students. Courtesy of The Lawrenceville School coming a Rabbi until she was in high Dairyman and The Railroad Stories— school. After a Jewish youth group which features a Jewish man who and Kaifeng in China. There, Levy be helpful to people as long as they Levy’s role in academia also makes meeting, her high school friend men- rode the trains of Eastern Europe learned about the spiritual iden- don’t...create divides because of it her an integral part of the commu- tioned that he was planning on be- and interviewed people—she also tity of Chinese citizens who claim but rather use it as a bridge to better nity. Occupying a position as both coming a Rabbi. Though at first she embarked on a journey throughout Jewish ancestry from the eighth to understand people,” Levy said. She a Rabbi and a Religious Master al- was surprised, it expanded her view Eastern Europe and Western the ninth century in Kaifeng and also shared that when she was go- lows her to intellectually challenge on what she could do with her life. on a train. Along the way, she also Nanjing and visited the enclave ing through medical complications herself. On her interest in academia, When she decided that she wanted to talked with many people in hopes in that had been occu- last year, many students and fami- Levy said, “I love being asked ques- become a Rabbi herself, she was torn of getting a better understanding pied by Jews during the Holocaust. lies of Lawrenceville reached out to tions. I love to think. I love to en- because she didn’t necessarily want of their religion and background. This international exploration of her sending their prayers. Before her courage my students to think [and] at to lead a congregation and was much Later, on a separate itinerary cre- other religions deeply impacted how temporary departure, she hosted one the same time experience, so it’s not more interested in education, which ated by a former student during an she views spirituality today—she last Friday night Shabbat where they just promoting good thinking— it’s was one of the factors that ultimately independent study, Levy and the feels that religion is too often viewed collectively sent out a prayer—a show encouraging the process long after lead to her job at Lawrenceville. student went to Shanghai, Nanjing, as divisive.“I think that religion can of true family and spiritual unity. they’re going to interact with me.” The Lawrence - Page 6 Arts January 10, 2020 Separating Together: The Complexities of Divorce inMarriage Story for both parties. By the time the film No moment feels out of place as Santi Parra ’20 ends, viewers have seen both Char- every line of dialogue and every There’s nothing better than an lie and Nicole at their best and at character interaction feels authenti- emotional movie. I can watch and their worst. cally natural and emotional. While rewatch movies like Inside Out, The Marriage Story’s editing and writ- Charlie and Nicole do have minor Green Mile, and Life is Beautiful ing also create superb pacing within scuffles throughout, there never is a and still break down every time. the film. Every moment lasts for full-blown argument between them However, few movies showcase the the perfect amount of time, and no until late into the movie, a showcase level of raw, unfiltered emotion in scene seems to either rush or drag, of masterful acting from Driver and the ways that Marriage Story does, exemplified by the lead up to the Johannesson that brings to light the making it one of the best films of final confrontation between Char- severe emotional trauma the family the year. lie and Nicole. The rising tension has suffered through this divorce. Marriage Story stars Adam Driv- between the protagonists is mas- While many critics have argued er and Scarlett Johannesson as terfully woven into the timeframe. that Marriage Story fails to con- Charlie and Nicole, respectively, a celebrity couple that tries to keep its family intact amid a painful divorce. While the premise of this movie may seem simplistic, Marriage Sto- ry’s writing, pacing, and acting turn this emotional divorce into one of the most powerful dramas of 2019. What separates Marriage Sto- ry from many other marriage and Adam Driver plays Charlie, a successful Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times divorce films is that it manages to theater director in . accurately portray both partners equally through its masterful writ- ing. Instead of the classic protag- tribute nuanced commentary to mances that elevate Marriage Story onist-antagonist trope that many the complexities of divorce as other to its maximum potential. Both ac- films use,Marriage Story portrays movies have done, in reality, it seems tors express such vulnerability that, both Charlie and Nicole as incred- that Marriage Story never intended at times, it feels as if they aren’t even ibly flawed. Both protagonists are to add any commentary to begin acting. Driver’s performance, in par- written to display these shortcom- with. The movie was written to fo- ticular, was captivating throughout. ings subtly (and later, clearly) so cus on the relationships between Widely known for his role of Kylo that there is no real hero in the film, the main characters, Charlie, Nicole, Ren in Star Wars and Oscar-nomi- a choice that consequently gives the and Henry, rather than the divorce nated portrayal of Flip Zimmerman audience a sense of realism this process itself. While the divorce is in BlacKkKlansman, one of Driver’s portrayal of divorce. Both Charlie certainly core to the plot, it instead best performances to date could and Nicole want the same thing: a serves as a backdrop to the slow easily be Marriage Story. The same better life for their child. However, collapse of Charlie and Nicole’s re- can certainly be said for Johanes- their conflicting interests create two lationship rather than its driving son as well. Marriage Story, through distinct visions of what this “better force. it’s tremendous acting and polished life” should entail. In spite of this, However, the movie’s fantastic writing, creates a viewing experience script alone does not sell itself, and that is down-to-earth, realistic, and though, the film is written in such Scarlett Johanesson has received acclaim Courtesy of illinoistimes.com a way that you can’t help but root for her performance in Marriage Story. the lead actors give stellar perfor- most importantly, cathartic.

So You Think You Can Dance... Bharatanatyam? formed at two music and dance Kate Ge ’21 festivals, one in Bangalore and one Many may recognize Kajal Don- in Chennai. She also participates in gre ’22 from her performances on competitions and performs in sev- campus with LKR3W, Lawren- eral temples throughout the year. eville’s hip-hop dance group that Aside from her arangetram, an- she leads, or as a dancer in Nachale other memorable moment in her and Tour De Force. You may even dance career was this past summer see her in dance videos on your when she participated in a two-day Instagram page or in a Winterfest intensive called the Galen Hooks production. As a current III For- Method, a jazz funk and modern mer, Dongre participates in many dance intensive in New York where extracurricular activities on cam- she was the youngest of 14 dancers pus, including the Periwig Club (most of them over the age of 20). and Mock Trial, while still finding There, she was afforded the chance time to pursue dance. to perform challenging choreogra- Growing up, Dongre danced phies in the presence of artists she Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian has looked up to. classical dance. While she initially In the future, Dongre hopes to planned on pursuing another style continue creating choreography of Indian classical dance known and teaching Indian classical and as Kathak, her teachers informed western styles of dance. Dancing in Los Angeles is also an import- her that, at age five, she was too In December, Dongre traveled to India to perform at two music and dance festivals. Ankita Suri ’21/THE LAWRENCE young. Instead, Dongre chose ant goal of hers; she would like to Bharatanatyam. “I don’t entirely has received her diploma and is and creatively express her ideas and in Nachale, Tour De Force, and spend two or three weeks taking remember why dance appealed so now qualified to participate in pro- beliefs. In spite of her versatility in LKR3W. LKR3W has become an classes with choreographers that much to me,” Dongre said, “Hon- fessional level performances. She dance ability, she always seems to especially important project; since she has followed over the years. estly, my biggest inspiration to pur- continues to study Bharatanatyam return to Bharatnatyam. “ It is one Lawrenceville previously lacked a She also seeks to train further in sue dance is my passion for it. I’ve rigorously, but has also broad- of my biggest connections to my group devoted to street styles, she the styles of hip hop and jazz funk found that I’m at my happiest when ened her horizons to hip hop, heritage, and I think it is so beauti- decided to create a group where while simultaneously spreading I’m dancing, whether it’s perform- jazz, and jazz funk, taking classes ful to watch and is very demanding she could explore and pursue un- appreciation for Indian Classi- ing, rehearsing, choreographing, or at the Broadway Dance Center in to perform. It requires strength, der-represented non-ballet and cal dance. “Everyone knows what just for fun.” New York City. One of her idols grace, an understanding of Indian classical styles within the dance ballet is and understands the work The summer before coming to is Jojo Gomez, a jazz funk dancer culture, and serious dedication,” program. Off campus, she contin- and difficulty of it, but most people Lawrenceville, Dongre performed and choreographer based in Los Dongre said. ues to perform Bharatanatyam. In have no idea what Indian Classical her arangetram, or graduation, in Angeles. Dongre loves that dance Since coming to Lawrencev- fact, Dongre spent the past De- dance is. It’s something that I really Bharatanatyam, meaning that she serves as a platform to artistically ille, Dongre has been involved cember in India, where she per- want to bring on campus one day.” January 10, 2020 Sports The Lawrence - Page 7 NFL Playoffs: Storylines by Divisional Matchups

Michael Sotirescu ’22 may not be as dominant as their strong records suggest, as Seattle struggled to The NFL’s 100th season featured a close out games while Green Bay failed Wild Card Weekend for the ages as to show up against top-tier competition all the contests were one-possession such as the 49ers. Ultimately, Rodgers games. Highlights from these tight and the improved roster around him on battles included two walk off overtime both sides of the ball will outduel the wins and two six seeds upsetting three Seahawks in a down-to-the-wire finish. seeds. After such a thrilling start to the Final Score Prediction: Packers 23 - playoffs, NFL fans cannot wait for the Seahawks 15 intriguing divisional round games com- ing up this weekend and the ensuing Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers storylines. 6 seed vs 1 seed This game features two unexpect- AFC ed contenders, who many pundits did Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs not predict to play deep into January. 4 seed vs 2 seed The Minnesota Vikings were massive This American Football Conference road underdogs against the New Or- (AFC) battle comprises of a rematch leans Saints last week but pulled off between two of the most dynamic an upset thanks to the play of receiver quarterbacks in the NFL. Houston’s Adam Thielen and running back Dal- Deshaun Watson is the ultimate X Fac- vin Cook. However, they have perhaps tor, meaning that Watson’s performance the toughest task of the season against will be the biggest factor behind wheth- one seed San Francisco, whose running er Houston advances. Watson’s clutch game and defensive line has catapulted performance rallied the Texans from a Courtesy of Sportsnet.com them into the Super Bowl conversation. 16-0 deficit against the Buffalo Bills last Given the 49ers’ 4-12 record last year, week, but the team was in that position to the Championship Round. running back Derrick Henry, and break- NFC few foresaw San Francisco rebounding in the first place because he struggled Final Score Prediction: Chiefs 35 - out rookie receiver A.J. Brown makes Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers so rapidly before the season. Despite in the opening half. Watson has many Texans 31 Tennessee a dark horse to reach the 5 seed vs 2 seed tearing his ACL early in their disas- weapons at his disposal, namely All-Pro AFC Championship, however, their re- This rematch of the classic 2014 Na- trous 2018 season, quarterback Jimmy receiver DeAndre Hopkins and 1,000- Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens surgent season will come to a bitter end tional Football Conference (NFC) title Garappolo has proved himself wor- yard rusher Carlos Hyde. Houston will 6 seed vs 1 seed against Baltimore’s lockdown defense. game features two teams who had a thy of his enormous contract with his also get deep threat receiver Will Fuller Although the seeding between these Aside from their All-Pro laden second- knack for winning tight games in the play throughout the year. Although back from injury to complete their of- two teams is lopsided, this game fea- ary, Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh regular season. Packers’ quarterback San Francisco is heavily favored in this fense. Although Houston’s offense will tures an exciting battle between Coach has spurred Baltimore’s record-breaking Russell Wilson carried his team to an game, an upset is brewing in the Bay certainly put points up, they will not of the Year candidates and dominant running attack this season, led by Most 11-5 record this year with his MVP Area. The 49ers were often reliant on keep up with Kansas City Quarterback rushing attacks. The Titans are far from Valuable Player (MVP) frontrunner caliber play for most of the year. On narrow wins by the end of the season Patrick Mahomes’ high-flying attack. a typical six seed as they dethroned the Lamar Jackson. The only worry for Bal- the other side, the Seahawks’ defense due to a boatload of injuries. These Mahomes’ explosive arm strength is defending Super Bowl champion New timore is potential rust from Jackson as is filled with game wreckers such as tight escapes will not cut it against bat- complemented by playmakers such Patriots, possibly ending the he has not seen the field since Week 16. defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The tle-tested and talented Minnesota, who as track star receiver Tyreek Hill and most dominant dynasty in NFL his- However, Baltimore’s excellent coach- Packers went 13-3 this year through a has momentum on their side after the reliable tight end Travis Kelce. This tory. Tennessee’s performance to this ing and dominance in all phases of the balanced roster that complements for- thrilling win in New Orleans last week- is a rematch of the Week 6 shootout point has been a testament to Titans’ game has the Ravens poised to advance mer MVP Aaron Rodgers. Although end. Quarterback Kirk Cousins will between these two squads, and fans head coach Mike Vrabel’s impact, who to the AFC Championship. his numbers were pedestrian in the once again exceed expectations on the should expect nothing different this has made the most of the talent at his Final Score Prediction: Ravens 38 - final stanza of the season, his arm-tal- road and come up with another upset, time around given the offensive talent disposal. The offensive trio of veteran Titans 28 ent was complemented by breakout this time against the NFC’s top seed. on both teams. Kansas City will flip the quarterback Ryan Tannehill, dominant running back Aaron Jones. Both teams Final Score Prediction: Vikings 29 - script from their Week 6 loss and return 49ers 26 (OT) Girls Swim Captains: Sara Ptaszyńska and Miranda Cai Grayson Miller ’21 her III Form year, Cai persevered and From practices to meets, “it’s always Staff Writer finally broke through in both events. a team effort,” Cai said, “it’s my role In the 100 meter, she broke the as a captain to set an example for the This year, the Girls Varsity record in the morning preliminary team and lead from behind, whether Swimming and Diving team is led swim and once again that night in it be cheering for other swimmers or by Co-captains Miranda Cai ’20 the A finals, the most prestigious hyping people up to try and create and Sara Ptaszyńska ’20. Cai, who and competitive heat of the event. the best team dynamic for every has been a four-year member of the The next morning, Cai broke another swimmer.” As a captain, Ptaszynka varsity team, swims the 50 and 100 record in the 50 meter sprint. hopes to “help welcoming others to meter Freestyle and set the school Ptaszyńska also benefited greatly the swimming family in the ways record in both events during last year’s from the team’s comradery, as she others did for her,” which includes season with times of 23.98 and 52.65, immediately noticed Lawrenceville’s working a lot with the boys team as respectively. Ptaszynka, who came to team focus from her first day on well as the girls team to make sure Lawrenceville as a new III Former, the team as III Former, saying “the the team is one unit. also specializes in the same events. swim team has felt like a welcoming Individually, Cai hopes to break Cai started swimming when she family to me.” Another advantage both her school records again this was six years old for the Peddie of Lawrenceville’s swimming year and work towards breaking the Aquatic Association. While she also program for Ptaszyńska has been longstanding 200 Freestyle relay played tennis growing up, “swimming the opportunity to experiment with school record. Cai commented, “We was always [her] first priority,” Divya Sammeta ’20/THE LAWRENCE other sports. Back home in Poland, have a ton of great sprinters this especially when Cai switched to most sports are affiliated with the year, and I think if we all train hard, X-Cel Swimming, a club team based she joined a club swimming team, swimming for a club team.” One of school one attends, making it very we have a shot at taking this record in Princeton, New Jersey. On her she gave up both skiing and diving Cai’s favorite parts of swimming for difficult to play a sport outside of down.” Another goal, Ptaszyńska Ashley Warren ’20 in action for Big Red. club team, Cai practiced six to seven due to her team’s time commitments the team is the tradition and team school. “I love that I don’t have to said, is to “help everyone do even days a week, sometimes even twice and school work. comradery, like when the boys team pick one sport or the other here. better than they did last year by a day. Cai commented that for club As both swimmers progressed paints its chests for the girls team’s It has allowed me to explore other working to hype everyone on the swimming, the only focus was her and dropped time throughout their state meet or when everyone rallies sports outside of swimming, like crew, team up. The team feels really strong own individual performance; whereas seasons at Lawrenceville, their love behind a certain swimmer or relay while still training at a high level,” this year, so hopefully, we can go in high school, the team focuses on for the sport and more importantly at Easterns Invitational, the biggest Ptaszyńska said. and win some medals at Easterns.” scoring more than the other team. their team members grew. Ptaszyńska meet of the season. This past year Although the boys and girls teams Although Ptaszyńska is finishing On the other hand, Ptaszyńska only said, “as I have gotten older on the at Easterns, Cai broke the 50 and are scored separately at meets, both her swimming career this year, Cai started swimming competitively at 12 team, I have been able to get to 100 meter Freestyle school records. teams practice together, making has plans to go on to Massachusetts years-old after a friend of hers invited know so many kids on the swim Coming into Lawrenceville, Cai was Cai and Ptaszyńska not only the Institute of Technology to continue her to a swimming practice. Growing team…the bond [every swimmer] only a half second off the record times. co-captains for the team but for her swimming passion in college. up, Ptaszyńska also skied, but once has is something you could never get Although her times plateaued during the swimming program as a whole. The Lawrence - Page 8 Sports January 10, 2020 When Sports Transcended the Playing Field in 2019

Andrew Lee ’22 Catalysts for social change impressive victory drew the eyes potential Hall of Fame career. He inspiration to athletes all over the Staff Writer This February, in a game between of many viewers around the world stated, “I haven’t been able to live globe. the University of North Carolina and brought into light the debate the life I want to live. [The inju- One of the years most heart- 2019 was a remarkable year for at Chapel Hill (UNC) and Duke over fair compensation for women ries have] taken the joy out of this felt moments came in April when sports across the world. Every year University’s men’s basketball teams, athletes. Despite its dominance and game.” Though football has long Tiger Woods won the Masters we expect athletes to break records Zion Williamson, basketball phe- greater revenue compared to the been known as a dangerous sport Tournament in famed Augusta, and make highlight plays, and 2019 nom, ripped his shoe mid-play United States Men’s National Soc- with many former players develop- Georgia. Due to DUI issues, reha- did not disappoint: Kawhi Leon- and thus injured his knee in front cer team, they claim they are con- ing degenerative brain diseases, his bilitation for sex addiction, and a ard hit the shot of a lifetime in the of millions of viewers. Though the sistently paid less than their male candid retirement has heightened slue of back injuries, many thought Eastern Conference Finals; Andrei injury was regarded as a freak ac- counterparts. While more change the discussion surrounding players’ Tiger Woods would not return to Svechnikov trademarked the “la- cident, the controversy of collegiate is needed, their efforts have sparked mental health. his former heights. Even though he crosse style goal” in hockey: Andy managed to get one victory in 2018, Ruiz Jr. stunned the heavyweight the first in five years, he was not se- champion Anthony Joshua; Lamar riously considered to win any major Jackson obliterated ankles en route championships going forward. But to breaking Michael Vick’s season Tiger Woods pulled it off in the rushing record. Though these plays most important tournament in golf, and moments are undoubtedly ex- winning his 15th major champion- citing to watch, 2019 will best be ship, the first one in over a decade. known for athletes redefining their Tiger Woods overcame a mountain respective sports at young ages, of adversity to reach the sports pin- bringing political issues to atten- nacle once more, establishing him tion, and cementing their own leg- as the greatest golfer of our gener- endary legacies. ation. Though Dwyane Wade’s retire- Young Stars ment was inevitable, “flash” marked This year’s Wimbledon tour- his “last dance” with style. Game 60 nament highlighted Coco Gauff, of the Miami Heat’s 2018-19 regu- a 15-year-old, defeating her idol, lar season against the Golden State Venus Williams, in her Wimble- Warriors came down to the wire. don debut. Though Gauff ulti- Miami was down 123-125 against mately lost to Simona Halep in reigning champion Warriors, and it the round of 16, Gauff managed struggled to find a shot in the last to win three qualifying match- 10 seconds. Finally, it managed to es and three matches in the main kick the ball out to Dwyane Wade draw. Throughout the tournament, at the top of the key with just two she demonstrated her power serve, seconds left. Though his first shot agility, and grit; in proving her skills was blocked, he quickly grabbed at the young age of just 15, she has the ball mid-air, re-adjusted his foot cemented a bright future in wom- outside the three-point line, and en’s tennis. chucked up a prayer that banked Last January, the world saw Pat- in while the buzzer sounded to seal rick Mahomes dominate at the the game for Miami in its home quarterback position with his un- crowd. As Dwyane Wade sprint- orthodox throws and pinpoint long ed down the court, he leaped onto bombs while going toe-to-toe with the announcer table, faced the Mi- Tom Brady in the American Foot- ami crowd, and pounded his chest, ball Conference Championship Courtesy of SB Nation serving as the iconic moment in (AFC) game. His ability to make athletes not getting compensated critical funding and sponsorships Old but Gold his “last dance.” Although Wade’s passes on the run redefined what was brought back to the spotlight. to the National Women’s Soccer Though Eliud Kipchoge was career would shortly end, avid fans we thought of the quarterback po- Many argued that Williamson, League. already undisputedly one of the got to relive one final vintage Wade sition, resulting in a Most Valuable who was undoubtedly going to get Merely weeks before the NFL greatest marathon runners ever, his moment. Player (MVP) trophy for Ma- drafted first overall into the NBA, regular season kicked off, Andrew sub-two-hour marathon in Octo- homes’ sophomore season. Another had no reason to risk injuring him- Luck shocked the world when he ber ditinguishes him as one of the 2019 was an exhilarating year for breakout star from the NFL’s 100th self without compensation when in abruptly decided to retire. Not only greatest athletes in sports history. sports, and with the 2020 Tokyo season has been the quick and agile a couple of months, he would be was it shocking, as Andrew Luck Despite the fact that it is not an Summer Olympics around the cor- 23 year-old Lamar Jackson. Though making millions. This debate even- was predicted to have a successful official record, running a marathon ner, there is no doubt that 2020 will many had doubted Jackson’s pros- tually led to congressmen in states season and lead the Indianapolis under two hours was previously see athletes and teams make high- pects as a successful NFL quarter- such as California passing legisla- Colts to a divisional title, but also conceived as impossible. Kipchoge light plays and perform unforseen back, he led the Baltimore Ravens tion. his retirement brought further averaged an astounding pace of upsets. As 2019 demonstrated, the to a league-best 14-2 record and In the 2019 FIFA Women’s awareness to player safety and lon- 4:35 minutes per mile to run the sports’ impact will continue to tran- is on his way to an MVP award World Cup, the United States gevity in football. Behind a porous 26.2-mile marathon in 1:59:40. scend merely beyond the playing like Mahomes did in 2018. The Women’s National Soccer team offensive line early in his career, Simply put, Kipchoge’s crowning field, and the world will have to NFL’s future is secure with these asserted its dominance again, this Luck’s nagging injuries and the achievement helped him redefine tune in to 2020’s major sporting game-changing stars at the helm. time led by Alex Morgan, Megan grueling rehabilitation that came centuries-old notions on the hu- events to see what sort of themes Rapinoe, and Lindsey Horan. Its with them ultimately derailed a man body’s limits and become an sports will highlight. Boys’ Housemasters’ Picks Mr. Simpson Mr. Cuniff Ms. Guido Kennedy Mr. Inzer Mr. Flaherty Cleve Griswold Woodhull Mr. Wallis Hamill Raymond

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