STUDENT LIFE COLOR WARS OP-ED SPORTS Anika isn’t Camera Shy p.2 Class Warfare p.4&5 Deconstructing Triggers p.7 VGB Gets Bite Back p.8 The Paw Print IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL • VOL. 15 • ISSUE 2 • FEB 2020 Irv Adds Anonymous Alert App by Lily McInerney Last Wednesday, Dr. Harrison sent out an email notifying the dis- trict that Anonymous Alerts would be introduced to the Middle School and High School on Monday, Janu- ary 27th. Anonymous Alerts is an app- based reporting portal where one can report concerns without reveal- ing his/her identity. “I never want for a concern for the well-being of a student or the safety of students and staff to go un- reported. The anonymous reporting will allow those who are hesitant to come forward to share a concern that we can investigate,” said Dr. The Class of 2020 celebrate its victory in Irvington High School’s annual Color Wars. Harrison. Dr. Harrison stressed that the sys- tem is completley anonymous un- less one desires to reveal their iden- Seniors Win Color Wars tity in the app. by Dani Heller denim day, punk vs, prep day, zoo Anika Manchanda created an “Reporting something in person By the end of this year’s Color day, and ended with jersey day. opening video that was broadcast can be very anxiety provoking. I Wars competition, the Class of 2020 The seniors won the points for their on the auditorium screen, depicting think an anonymous method will let (vision) saw themselves to victory grade with the most spirit. scenes from various Irvington High people be more honest and can im- over the Junior Jaws, the Sopho- Lulu Forte, Yamilet Ulerio, Aidan School activities with the Office prove the issues in our community more Snow Day and the Freshmen McClure, Julia Martin, and Stefanie theme song in the background. This in a more efficient way,” said Sara of Bel-air. But the surprise of the Brinkerhoff won an award for the was concluded with a video of ce- Takiguchi, senior at IHS. day -- besides the lockdown drill most spirited outfits throughout the lebrity Kevin Malone from the pop- A concern that comes along with that forced a on-the-fly schedule week. Additionally, the sophomores ular show, The Office. adjustment -- was the second-place won points for the best painting of After the spelling competition, The anonymous reporting sophomores who snowed the ju- the rock on the school hill. students paid tribute to this year’s will allow those who are niors in tug-o-war and managed Each grade had the chance on retiring teachers. Coach C, Ms. hesitant to come forward to edge them out overall by four Tuesday night to decorate a part of Cella, Ms. Dupre, and school coun- to share a concern that points. their hallways according to their selor Ms. Rodriguez were all cele- we can investigate,” The day ended with the seniors in theme and color of their team. The brated for their many years of hard -- Dr. Harrison. first with 69 points, and the soph- senior class won this event by us- work and dedication at Irvington omores followed them in seconds ing green decorations, spray paint- High School. Seniors greeted these Anonymous Alerts are false reports. with 50 points. ed posters, eye doctor charts, and teachers with heartfelt messages, If this occurs, the Irvington Police The juniors came in third with 46 glasses hanging from the ceiling. graduation caps, flowers, and life- Department will be notified and in- points, and the freshman came out To start off the Color War events, sized headshot photos of them. vestigate the matter. last with 30 points. the juniors beat the freshman in Throughout the day, the sopho- Dr. Harrison made it clear that Junior Allie Rosenberg who said volleyball. Next, the sophomores mores excelled in academic chal- Anonymous Alerts should not stand she had a great time at Color Wars played the seniors in a close game; lenge, women’s spike ball, and the in place of 911 in the case of timely said, “I think that Color Wars is all however, the seniors pulled through spelling bee. The juniors won the emergencies. about the school coming togeth- winning 15-13. Tik Tok dance competition and re- You can find the portal here: er. This is why it is not actually a During the middle of the vol- lay race. The freshman had a sur- https://report.anonymousalerts. big deal that the sophomores were leyball games, the school was in- prising win against the juniors in com/irvingtonufsd. ahead of us because it’s not about formed of a lockout due to police the game of tug-o-war. The seniors winning. It’s about the time that we activity near Mercy College. Be- won the spirit week participation, share together.” cause of this, the student council volleyball, Name That Tune, the art To start off Color Wars, each worked together to reorganize the competition, knockout, Darth Vad- grade dressed up for spirit week to schedule so that the gym activities er, and men’s spike ball. Color Wars get points for their team. The spirit could take place during the time The class of 2020 was very happy Photos week themes were pajama day, de- that students were supposed to be in about ending their high school ca- pages 4 & 5 cades day, cowboys vs. aliens day, the auditorium. reers with a Color Wars victory. Student Life Finding Focus through a Camera’s Lens there every single day of block. According to Anika, she had just like a community of people I the week. But as I got more to rediscover her original passion had never been a part of. Because serious about it, I didn’t re- about filmmaking without losing I think that’s just one of the weak- ally like the film school it- the formative experiences. It was nesses in the freelance world, that self because the kids there about having the right mindset, she you’re doing everything on your just weren’t interested in it said. own. It can feel really lonely and and it was also more Hol- Anika emerged from a creative just being with your own people lywood, narrative-based rough patch with a video of a wed- who are so like minded was a really style filmmaking,” she ding in North Carolina that she says amazing experience.” said. she is “most proud of.” As for her future, Anika is in- Senior Margot Gordieni- “I hadn’t really come out with terested in taking a gap year after er attended the film school any videos in a long time and I was graduation to explore more free- at Jacob Burns with Anika. at a low point in my creativity, kind lancing opportunities and do more “I thought that Anika of like stuck. And I was like it’s a work-related traveling.” was really inspiring and family event, it’s low pressure, I’m “I love any sort of sponsored cool to work with. We did not getting paid, let me just see based travel because I’ve had a cou- a film together at Jacob what I can do with it. I kind of just ple of those and those are just really Burns a few years ago and gave it my all and it was really cool incredible.” I found that she was really because I had just really been grow- College isn’t off the table - per by Adama Ahmed commanding as a director ing and honing in on my skills for a mently, but surprisingly, she isn’t IHS junior Anika Manchanda is and was able to kind of create an long time and taking a little break really interested in going to tradi- one with her camera. atmosphere where everyone could from the freelance area.” tional film school. “I started probably when I was play a part in the film,” said Margot. Anika also had the opportunity of “If I do go to college, I definite- eight years old just kind of playing “She really had a vision of what going to Iceland last September and ly won’t do it for filmmaking just around with iMovie [and] my par- she wanted her film to look like. I working with some other filmmak- because I don’t want it to limit my ents’ iPhone camera, just little stuff think she is really impressive and ers. options further and I know that my like that.” definitely very skilled.” “That was just such a cool expe- time would be so much better spent Then after a visit from Jacobs As a freshman, Anika created rience because I got to see them in just getting out in the industry for Burns [Film Center] to elementary a company, in her name, to work their element and became friends four years as opposed to staying in school, she found it to be that she freelance film gigs: weddings, pro- with them. I just felt like these are college for four years.” was really interested. motional shoots, etc. my people, and it was such a cool If you want to see Anika’s work, “That’s when I realized I’m good But it has not always been smooth onset filmmaking experience.” check out her website (www.anik- at this. You know? Directing people sailing. She added, “The actual produc- amanchada.com) or her Instagram around, making little iMovies. And “When I first started out filmmak- tion was so inspiring and it was (@anika). I told my mom I wanted to take ing, I was always all in and so ex- classes there, so she said okay.” cited to do everything. And I really Anika took film classes at Jacob kind of reached the point where it Burns for six years, figuring out was really hard for me to go for- what she liked and what she didn’t ward because I felt like I created a about the industry. reputation for myself that I had to “I went there for about six years uphold.” maybe until ninth grade when I was Yet she had a cure to her writer’s Sophs Fundraise for LLS by Jaleel Moody Last week, sophomores Sydney our community have suffered from Birkhahn and Amanda Gilbert par- Leukemia. Both have shown such ticipated in the second week of the courage in fighting the disease, liv- Leukemia and Lymphoma Soci- ing life to its fullest and adding so ety’s (LLS), Students of the Year, much joy to everyone around them. fundraising campaign. We are so proud to be fundraising in The two have been fundraising to their honor.” help support blood cancer research Sydney and Amanda held a fun- and the mission of LLS. The goal drasign event called, “Chuck a is to find a cure and ensure access Puck.” They offered pucks with to treatments for blood cancer pa- numbers on them and then held a tients. raffle. This also plan on selling can- “Amanda and I have several dif- dy grams for Valentine’s Day. ferent connections with LLS and Please find time to visit their fund- other types of cancer that motivated raising page to donate and share us to participate in this campaign,” this information with your friends said Sydney. “We have both lost on social media and throughout the loved ones to cancer who have community. taught us to fight for what is right You can find the link here: https:// and to make a positive change in the events.lls.org/ctwhv/CTWH- world. In addition, two students in VSOY20/tbigchange A Unique Vantage Point: Anika discovered an abandoned bridge while shooting one day near the Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge. Student Life IHS Grad Leads Harvard-Yale Game Protest by Lily McInerney The traditional Harvard-Yale football game wasn’t so traditional the. Students at Yale and Harvard Uni- versity stormed the football field protesting the use of endowments toward fossil fuel investments. Students rushed onto the field car- rying posters and soon the expected 150 protesters grew to around 500. One of these students who helped lead the protest, Caleb Schwartz, is a graduate of IHS. “The mood was exuberant,” said Schwartz, senior at Harvard Uni- versity. “Only 150 people were trained for ers with disorderly conduct. In a statement Planto wrote, “It ditions to send our urgent message the protest and in the initial groups Other fans booed these protesters is regrettable that the orchestrated made sense. I love the Harvard who occupied the field, so when an and eventually administrators came protest came during a time when community and believe that its pro- additional 350 students ran onto the to the field to persuade students to fellow students were participating fessors, students, and alumni do a field to support us, students around return to their seats. in a collegiate career defining con- lot of good for the world (for the me were crying. It was a beautiful The students persisted for about test and an annual tradition when most part), but this does not excuse moment. On the field, we chant- half an hour chanting, “divest” and thousands gather from around the its administration’s complicity in ed energetically and linked arms. continued to do so from outside of world to enjoy and celebrate the the climate crisis.” There was also some fear, since we the gates. storied traditions of both football Schwartz believes in youth activ- were ready to risk arrest for this Matthew Planto, an Ivy League programs and universities.” ists and encourages students who cause and weren’t sure how the po- spokesperson, told the Harvard In response to this, Schwartz said, care about any issue to act now. lice would respond.” Crimson that he supports the right “Harvard and Yale are stuck in the He questions potential young Along with these students came to protest, but believes that the past and destroying our future, so leaders by prompting the question, police officers who charged protest- game was not the right place. disrupting one of their oldest tra- “If not now, when?” Should I Interview or Not? by Adama Ahmed The college application process is “They let the college know more Science a lengthy and extensive one which about you and your personality in- most seniors undergo each year. A stead of just reading the essay.” Beyond the component of this process is the col- Senior Andie Leitner felt differ- lege interview. There is a lot of con- ently after recently having had an troversy as to whether the interview interview conducted at the Black Classroom plays a real role in being admitted Cat Cafe. by Dani Heller to college. Could this one interview “No, I don’t think it really makes For the past four years Irvington “make or break” your chance of at- that much of a difference. It was a High School has partnered with the tending your dream school? good opportunity to practice inter- White Plains Hospital to offer an These interviews are often con- views because you have to do that experience for High School Stu- ducted by alumni or admissions in the real world, but I don’t think dents to explore robotics in the field representatives and are held at the they actually hold much weight in of surgery. college itself or a nearby cafe. The the application process. Even my This two day workshop took conversation can range from any- interviewer at the end said, ‘I’ll be place on January 28th and 29th. 12 the program was filled with hands- where between 15 minutes to an sure to put in a good word but I’m students, grades 9-11 were able to on activities in a real life setting. hour. not really sure how much weight participate in this program by writ- The students were able to make The interview is supposed to pro- that holds.’” ing an essay application. virtual sutures and see the robot in vide a deeper understanding of the Andie’s experience is not uncom- The first day of the program the action, as if it was about to perform student and answer any of the ques- mon, according to Ms. Colman. students received a rundown of surgery. tions which they hold about the col- “An interview with an admis- the way that surgery has advanced Irvington High School Junior, lege and the college process. sions rep in an office on campus since egyptian times. Maddie Monness, was one of the “Colleges are actually pretty might have a different impact than They watched a series of Youtube 12 students who participated in this good about communicating the lev- an alumni in a Starbucks down the videos that showed the progression program. el of influence that it will have on street. Just for the purpose that the of surgery throughout history. This “I learned a lot and was able to your application. So there are some admissions person might be the first led to the present time where they experience one of the most ad- schools that do not look,” said IHS person reading your application.” learned about robotics and other vanced technologies in the surgical guidance counselor Ms. Colman. Current seniors and rising ju- technology used in surgery today. field. Not only did we learn about “There are other schools, espe- niors should be paying attention Specifically, they focused on the the robot, but we truly got a hands cially ones where demonstrated in- to whether or not their schools are Da Vinci Robot, a robot used for on experience,” Monness said. terest is a factor, those schools that considerate of interviews. minimally invasive procedures The program was an amazing have interviews may use them more “[The interview] is not the thing which is controlled by a surgeon real world opportunity and she rec- in their process.” that’s going to make or break an ap- from a consul. ommends this program to anyone Xavier James, IHS senior felt that plication. It’s an added piece to the After learning the basics of the interested in pursuing a career in a interviews demonstrate interest. puzzle,” said Ms. Colman. Da Vinci Robot, the second day of medical or robotic field. Color Wars Color Wars Editorial Trigger Effects by Lily McInerney I want to create a only effective way is to take action The Editor’s space where I could in terms of gun reform, but I think Corner deconstruct my it’s a combination of things. Men- thought processes tal health and school safety are also and engage in conversations with useful. Nothing is going to get done others regarding issues that they or work if people are using the one may not have a direct stance on, but way or the highway mentality. We would like to gain some clarity on. are not going to be getting the best I think this is possible by leaning on solution in terms of anything if we the various viewpoints and experi- are stuck on one side.” ences of others as well as question- -- Zoe Gordon, senior at Mar- ing our own beliefs. jory Stoneman Douglas High In today’s world everyone is so School The cast of Broadway’s rivial of West Side Story (playbill.com) quick to jump to one side or another on a particular topic or issue. As for THE EVENT some of these issues I will discuss Two weeks ago, I attended the here, I may never be able to take a play West Side Story. Near the end WHAT DOES IT MEAN? clear stance on them. However, I of the show, the lead actress pointed I was immediately pulled out of Zoe revealed that many things are hope to gain a better understanding a gun at the audience unexpected- the experience of the show rather triggering, things that remind her of of them through the testimonials ly. I felt a collective cringe from the than being pulled in. Or was I? Was guns are triggering to her and her and experiences of others in ways audience as people who sat in the the whole purpose of the scene to friends. She also said that having a that I could never begin to compre- front row were squirming in their reflect back on our own lives and gun being pointed at her would be hend through my own limited expe- seats. I was locked into looking into reach out to others affected by gun the biggest trigger. riences. the fake barrel of the gun. violence? She brought up a valid point: as After the play, I couldn’t stop I think that the purpose of art is well. Before the show started some- THE WITNESS talking about how uncomfortable I to inspire action, this proved true one should have prefaced that there “After the shooting my school be- was with this. Last summer I attend- because I reached out to my friend would be a potentially disturbing came very political. I have friends ed a journalism institute at SUNY Zoe after the play. This moment in use of a gun in the play that had the who are liberals and conservatives Stony Brook University and met a the play led to another conversation potential to trigger individuals who and people are so quick to stand by Zoe Gordon, a senior at Marjory about the world. Maybe the scene is have had traumatizing experiences their side. People constantly look Stoneman Douglas High School. doing its job. Some art is supposed with guns. for the best solution without realiz- She helped me to push my think- to make us feel uncomfortable. For Zoe the solution to the prob- ing that a solution could be a com- ing and encouraged me to examine But to what extent? I feel like this lem lies somewhere in the middle. bination of many things. Guns are varying topics. I imagined what she crossed a line, but I struggle be- This is what I want this column to especially prevalent in my school would do or how she would feel if cause I also see the artistic purpose accept and deconstruct. and people are always talking about she were sitting next to me, as she behind it. Zoe also revealed that if she were the most effective way to combat had been through a traumatic expe- I couldn’t help but wonder: What there with me that she would have gun violence. People say that the rience involving guns. would Zoe have done if she was sit- had to leave. When I was watching, ting next to me at the play? Leave? I didn’t have the urge to leave be- Or place an artistic purpose upon cause I didn’t endure the experienc- the scene? es that she had. Although I didn’t 2019-20 Paw Print Editorial Staff have the urge to leave, I had the THE INTERVIEW urge to discuss, examine, and listen. I decided to ask her a few ques- tions to find out. Editor in Chief: Lily McInerney FINAL THOUGHTS “Ever since the shooting guns In this day and age so many peo- have been a trigger,” Zoe said. “If ple experience harmful events and I Student Life/News Editor: Jackie Pollack I had been there I probably would think it should be the common goal have walked out. If a gun was point- of everyone to make these groups Arts Editor: Reinesse Wong ed at me I feel like that would be the feel safe and comfortable. I’m not biggest trigger. A lot of things are saying that we should stop talking triggering now. A fire alarm is trig- about guns or alluding to them in Entertainment Editor: Adama Ahmed gering, but I imagine that would be music and plays because guns are a the biggest. There was a shooting part of life that need to be discussed. Op-Ed Editor: Rachel Musman at a movie theater and I think about We can’t shy away from the un- that a lot. [The West Side Story di- comfortable things in life. We have Sports Editor: Sydney Birkhahn rector] should have prefaced what to engage in necessary conversa- they were doing before the show. tions to understand these topics There could have been war veterans from others’ points of view that Podcast Hosts/Editors: Dani Heller and Laila Zukerman in the audience and other victims ours would be unable to compre- of school shootings in the audience hend in certain ways. I think that’s Columnists: Ben Hymowitz and Kevin McLaughlin as well. If you have epilepsy they something that we as a world need usually tell you if lights will be a to work on today. Reporters: Anton Dedvukaj and Jaleel Moody disturbance so they should definite- Am I against the pointing of the ly do that if guns are going to be gun at the audience at a broadway used. I imagine for myself and other show? I think I am, but I’m also Additional Contributors: IHS Paw Print Club victims of school shootings that it still honestly not sure. I’m taking as would be a fight or flight moment.” much as I can into account. Sports The Dangers of Achieving a Sports Dream by Jaleel Moody Many of us dream of joining pro- be a very demanding experience fessional sports teams and compet- due to balancing large workloads ing on the most elite level with the with team commitments. The pres- best coaches and trainers. For Mary sure is amplified when considering Cain, this dream came true. Run- that students need to also prepare ning for Bronxville High School for their upcoming ACT and SAT, from 2007 to 2010, Cain broke or consider the possibility of play- multiple school records and quali- ing in college during the strenuous fied to compete in the IAAF World application process. Championship in Athletics. She be- As an Irvington athlete, I can attest came the World Junior Champion to the difficulty of making commit- in the 3000 meters. She already had ments to my team and maintaining an extremely impressive career in decent grades in school. Often lead- high school and she was recruited ing to stress about if I would have for Nike’s Oregon Project profes- enough time to complete my home- sional running team. work if I would have to stay up late However, under the mentoring of to study for a test the next day. controversial coach Alberto Sala- Mr. Christopher Barry, history zar, Cain underwent multiple cases teacher and coach for the Irving- of abuse while training with the Or- ton track team, saw Cain in action egon project. during her prime. He believes that Barry believes that it’s about main- to Mary Cain is atrocious but pro- She starved herself to meet her mistake was due to skipping taining a balance between a healthy vides a helpful warning about the weight goals, she faced public straight to the professional level. typical teenage experience while dangers of getting involved in pro- shaming when she failed to meet For Cain, it was the pressure to motivating athletes to perform fessional sports without fully think- the, and she was pushed by Salazar maintain the title of the fastest girl their best. Previous Irvington ath- ing through the consequences. to take birth control pills and diuret- in America. letes like Zoe Maxwell and Luke For any Irvington athletes con- ics to aid her unhealthy weight loss. “When I first arrived, an all-male Carminsino who were exceptional sidering going into the professional Stress experienced by athletes is Nike staff became convinced that in their sports are doing extremely level or even struggling currently prevalent not only on a professional in order for me to get better, I had well due to their ability to balance to juggle all of their commits at the level, but at the high school level to become thinner and thinner and their sports and social lives. high school level, they should first as well. thinner,” said Cain, in her video ed- Coach Barry said, “We want to focus on making sure they enjoy Being both an athlete and a stu- itorial for The New York Times. win, but we also want to have fun.” what their doing. If you’re not hav- dent of Irvington High School can For Irvington athletes, Coach What Nike’s Oregon project did ing fun, then what’s the point? Ava Franks Swims into a Bright Future By Laila Zukerman dividual medley, and first in state Ava said her final swimming sea- Schilling, as she values the bond Ava Franks does it all. As a se- for 200 yard freestyle along with son of high school has been some- they have formed. nior, all-American varsity athlete three other Edgemont swimmers on what bittersweet. Her love for her “I really want to give a shout out and Yale swim commit, she ended her relay team. high school teams, coaches, and to [coach] Schilling. She’s amazing her high school swimming career Her 200 yard freestyle relay also successes allow her to feel accom- and she has always had my back. with some huge successes. Franks won the state meet last year. Ava plished as she leaves Irvington High With me moving schools to ending qualified for states early in the sea- was named MVP of the meet out School, but sad that it is all over. my season here she has given me son, working to improve her time of all of the girls in section 1 and Franks specifically emphasized nothing but support and she’s just and seed in the bigger league and she received the most points out of her appreciation and love for coach really awesome.” sectional meets. any swimmer. Ava was also voted Franks began swimming for team captain for the state team of the Marlins in Chappaqua in third section 1 along with another senior grade. As she continued her jour- from Edgemont. Franks also has the ney, she joined the Empire Swim- chance to be a two year all-Amer- ming Club, swam for Horace Gree- ican high school swimmer, a title ley High School, and finally, ended that is extremely commendable. her high school career at Irvington Although swimming tends to with the SHEDI (Sleepy Hollow, be an individual sport, the SHEDI Hastings, Edgemont, and Irvington) team has had an extremely success- swim team for the past two years. ful past two seasons. The team won Franks loves her SHEDI (Sleepy the league championship and sec- Hollow, Hastings, Edgemont, and tional championship two years in a Irvington) team and coaches and row. The section that SHEDI com- credits her success to their support petes in won the state championship and motivation. Her regular season this year. was very successful, but what sep- Irvington teacher and SHEDI arates Franks from others was her coach Ms. Schilling reflected on extreme success in multiple events the season as a positive atmosphere in the state tournament. with a tight knit team despite the In the state meet, Franks placed fact that they’re all from different second in state for 100 yard breast- schools. She was very proud of Coach Schilling and Ava Franks at a recent swim meet. stroke, third in state in 200 yard in- their accomplishments. Sports VGB: Can They Win It Again? by Kevin McLaughlin and to step up and lead the team in the Sydney Birkhahn postseason. After a rough start to the season, Conklin, who achieved her with injuries from four girls on the 1000th varsity career point against team, including starters Grace Thy- Harrison on January 29th, is ready bulle and Abby Conklin, the Bull- to finish off her high school career, dogs have finally gotten their bite before she goes to Fairleigh Dickin- back, heading into sectionals with son University where she will con- a full (uninjured) team back on the tinue her basketball career. court. “It’s more of a variety of fresh- Legendary coach Gina Maher and man to seniors, and I see different the rest of the Bulldogs are ready to people taking on different roles and embark on their journey to strive doing it in a really good, positive for another section title. way,” Coach Maher said. “And I Heading into sectionals, with think that’s really, really important.” hopes to lock in the 3rd or 4th seed, However the question that every- the Lady Bulldogs have a 14-5 re- one is asking; can the girls repeat cord. their success from last year? After losing three starters to col- Conklin is confident and optimis- lege, the 2019-20 team consists of tic about their chances. Senior captain Nikki May guards Hastings in December. (lohud) only two seniors. Coach Maher is “With everyone back and healthy, looking to her two senior captains the team is very positive and excit- -- Abby Conklin and Nikki May -- ed for the upcoming games.” IHS Grad Maxwell Leads Brown to NCAA playoffs Flanagan’s Big Strides by Jackie Pollack Zoe Maxwell (class of ’18) has she is impatient to get back onto harshly. He continued to improve been a tremendous asset to the the field to compete in this one of a from the beginning of the season to women’s soccer team at Brown kind environment. the very end with help from coach- University since she graduated Though the official soccer season es Mr. Barry and Coach Thorton. IHS. Her team had a fabulous sea- came to an end, the team still has de- Although cross country is an in- son after winning the Ivy League manding practices during the week. dividual sport, Ryan looks back at title and advancing to the NCAA The practices average two hours the season stating he always ran for Tournament. long, but become less frequent out the team. Unfortunately on November of season. Balancing school work Coach Barry referred to Flanagan 22nd, Maxwell’s season came to with soccer is not too troublesome as a quiet but incredible leader, who an end after losing to the defending due to Maxwell’s strong support is humble, fiercely determined, and champs Florida State University in system. consistently an MVP. the second round of the tournament. She said, “My team is full of the During the state tournament, Fla- The team ended their season with sweetest, funniest, and most hard nagan recalls the cold weather. With a record of 15-2-2 and set a new bar working people I have ever met. a 15 degree day at the start of his for the program. Maxwell believes Everyone is on the same page of race, seven inches of snow on the by Laila Zukerman her team definitely exceeded expec- what our goal is and how we’re ground, and swamp-like grounds, As the year progresses there are tations on how far they would ad- going to get there. I think our suc- he faced one of the most important many IHS athletes who have made vance in comparison to last season. cess this year was due to everyone athletic competitions in his life and notable accomplishments. Maxwell said, “From the very first wanting the best for each other and handled it well. The day before the Ryan Flanagan, IHS senior and practice we had during the preseason, for the team as a whole- everyone competition Flanagan jogged the cross country runner, was the only I had a good feeling that we would played their part.” course that was originally planned student from the 2019 Fall Cross attain a lot of success this year.” Zoe’s mentality has greatly im- only for it to be changed the follow- Country Team to go to the state In the first round of the NCAA proved from last season as she ing day due to the weather. championships. Tournament, Brown defeated Mon- gained more confidence from each Flanagan was the third race of the Flanagan began his running career mouth University in penalty kicks. game. Her grace and effortlessness day, allowing the track to become as a freshman on spring track with Despite this great victory, Brown with the ball has only improved more muddy as the day progressed inspiration from his aunt to pursue had to combat Florida State Univer- this year, while she averaged eighty and more difficult. Flanagan felt it. Flanagan only started cross coun- sity in the second round. four minutes on the field per game. confident going into the race and try junior year and although he was Ending with a score of 2-0 in Maxwell’s favorite moment of ended up finishing 30th. Although late to the game, his effort and pas- favor of the Seminoles, Maxwell the season was on senior night it wasn’t the place he hoped for it is sion pushed him to surpass expecta- said, “Florida State is a very good when they clinched the Ivy League extremely commendable due to the tions. After finishing 26th last year, team, and they out possessed us. We title after beating UPenn. obstacles he faced. Flanagan returned to states this year struggled with our unforced errors “Having our whole team storm Teammates Henry Demarest, in second team all county. in our defensive box and sparking onto the field and hearing the crowd Aidan McClure, and Ronan Cypher “He is a talented runner, who al- successful counter attacks. If we go crazy after we won was an amaz- were all very prominent in motivat- ways is very smart and always does improved on those aspects, the re- ing feeling, and definitely one of ing Flanagan to achieve success. what he is supposed to do,” said sult would have been different.” the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Flanagan is motivated and inspired Coach Barry. The end of the season was bitter- said Maxwell. by past teammates such as Luke As Flanagan reflects on the - sea sweet for Maxwell, but she was glad She looks forward to next season Carmisino, Scotty Mitchell, Aidan son, he says it was overall incred- the seniors finished their careers in and hopes to advance to the NCAA Denahy and John Powers. ible despite the fact that it ended an outstanding manner. However, Tournament again.