Applause Volume 19, Number 6 School of the Arts, North Charleston, SC April 2018 soa-applause.com The Fashion Show Issue

SOA grad continues to make waves in the fashion world (13-14) Learn the history behind the Fashion and Design Major (8) Meet some of the key players of the SOA Fashion Show (17-21) Students exercise free speech with National Walk Out Day (5) Page 2 Patrons April 2018

PEARL RUBY Addison Adams GARNET Colleen Aponte The Abedon Family Christine Bednarczyk Elizabeth Atkins Cindy Branscome Leilah Baird Alan Brehm Lauren Bas Dr. Shannon Cook Miley Hallen Design Ivy Bradly Danielle DeTiberus Ashley Bryan Natasha Fields Brenton Burbage Elle Cooper AMETHYST Robin Grieg Jordan Douglas The Brown Family Rutledge Hammes Simone Foster Beth Hart Ella Foy The Cusatis Family Martin Garcia Mary Kassinger Gracie Gordon Logan Murray School Nurses Izzy Gustafson The Wohlscheid Family Kevin Short Kiley Hallen Laci Heinrich Lexie Jones TOPAZ Maddie Kelley Caroline Baker Erica Kremer Hayes Martini Debra Benson TURQUOISE Burton McCulley The Bride Family Chevelle’s Scholarship Fund Sutton Meyer Susanne Drennan Robert Grant Michael Morelli Courtney Moschella Antoinette Green The Elliott Family Samantha Moultrie Ann Marie Fairchild Darcy Jackswhich Ellisyn Poland Sarah Fitzgerald Jannie L. Mack Michal Segle The Gillard Family Shannon Mahoney Henry Segler Christopher Selby The Griffin Family Joseph Naas Alyssa Nestman Bill Smyth Luna Steedly Paige Horschel Katherine Owensby Brett Johnsen Tara Steward Nathaniel Robinson Sr. Kathy Traylor Beth Lasley Molly Scofield Ava Trolley Brandon Lyons David Southwick Braedyn Wasserman Heath Orvin Rachael Stallsmith Rachel West Eyamba Williams Kathryn Sullivan Susan Pace Andrew Wise Meghan Slowey Cameron Wescott Peyton Woodall David Thornburg Cynthia Wescott Lola Woodall April 2018 News Page 3

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, Applause since 1999, the official student I would like to take this opportunity to address recent national events, particularly the school shooting publication of that occured in February at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Growing up in a School of the Arts generation that is increasingly desensitized to school Founded in 1995 by Rose Maree Myers shootings, it can be difficult to emotionally register another tragedy. But this is not the new normal, and it is Editor-in-Chief: imperative that it not become the new normal. Applause Patrick Wohlscheid stands with the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Web Editor: News Editor: and as a student, I personally hope that the actions of Jada Orr Taylor Kahn-Perry many of the students at SOA and AMHS speaks for itself and makes an impact far louder than simply thoughts Feature Editor: Sports Editor: and prayers. Courtney Wickstrom Julian Griffin On a lighter note, only two more months of school remain. Think about Business Manager: Circulation Manager: that. As we approach the end of March, I am left to ponder how it is that time has Haley Swittenberg Finian Butcher gone by so quickly. Seniors are itching for the ever-approaching May 31st, theses are being finished and performed, and SOA begins the excitement of the fourth Staff Writers: quarter and all the events that it has to offer. Bailey Abedon Caleb Smith One of the most exciting events, one that has become an SOA staple over Malachi Jones Haleigh Markham the last several years, is the SOA Fashion Show, sponsored by the Fashion and Maggie Robinson Jayla Sanders Design majors. In honor of the major and upcoming Fashion Show, this issue of Jessica Bride Mosiah Williams Applause is giving you all things Fashion and Design. From interviews with Senior Carson Peaden Graham Martini designers and Paul McCrae, the first Costume designer at School of the Arts, to a Cora Schipa Alec Pourmoghadam special feature on an SOA alumna, Louisa Ballou, making a splash in the fashion Mary Grace Hutzler Jessica De La Cruz world, Applause has it covered. Thank you to all of our patrons and advertisers for supporting Applause John Cusatis, Ph.D., Adviser in its endeavors, and thank you to you, our readers, for giving our publication a Charleston County School of the Arts 5109-B West Enterprise St. purpose and an audience. North Charleston, SC 29405 Until next month, SOA, soa-applause.com Patrick Wohlscheid, Editor-in-Chief Table of Contents News: 4-7

Provided Sign of the Month Features: 8-21 Ian Greig (left) and Ms. Congratulations: 22-24 Robbie Amick (right) teach us how to say “I love you.” Reviews: 25-26 Student Work: 27 To sign “I Love You,” put your Opinion: 28-29 thumb, index finger and pinkie finger up. Keep your ring finger and Novelties: 30-31 your middle finger down. Hold out Question of the Month: 32 your hand, and move it back and forth.

Cover by Halle Garrett Page 4 News April 2018 love of dance with people across the world. train at an arts conservatory and now SOA Dance alumna She has been to Japan, Taiwan, Mexico and devote my career to the arts,” she said. returns as guest artist most recently, Montreal. “Traveling is one In late January, Emily came of the greatest highs for me, and seeing the back to SOA, not as a student, but this by Mary Grace Hutzler world only makes you open your awareness time as a guest artist for the Dance about yourself Department. “I actually felt a little and the vastness of imposter syndrome, like ‘who am Hundreds of of arts, culture, I to be coming back and teaching or talented individuals come language and choreographing on these students?’ through SOA each year more,” she says. because I am still pretty young in my and upon graduating, While career.” many go into a career traveling the To her, it was a chance to be a in their art major. Since world and resource to any students interested in graduating from SOA in performing in performing professionally. During her 2012, former dance major New York is very week long residency, Emily brought a Emily Hart has made eye-opening lot to the high school dancers as she leaps and bounds in the and rewarding, taught contemporary, modern, urban professional dance world Emily will jazz and improv concepts. not only domestically, but always value her In addition to teaching every internationally. After four time at SOA. She day, she also set a latin inspired years of undergraduate is appreciative contemporary piece on the sophomore study at University of of the chance class which they will be performing at North Carolina School of she had to the annual Dance Departmental show. the Arts, Emily graduated practice her art When asked what advice she with a B.F.A. in dance. every day and all has for the students of SOA, Emily She took off on her own the guidance her put an emphasis on how important and moved straight teachers gave it is to enjoy yourself in high school: into the heart of the her. It had a big “Definitely work hard and have performance world: New influence on her chosen line of work, as she ambition and all that, but don’t put York City. There she began her career as a was able to practice creativity and learn new too much pressure on yourself. You professional performing artist and dance/ movement in an open environment which are young and have the rest of your life fitness instructor. “Life after school has made her enjoy her education much more. to be an independent, self-sufficient, been the biggest learning curve of my life successful adult. You only have your so far, which is definitely invaluable and Emily was a very active student, always essential to personal growth,” Emily said . taking a hold of opportunities by going to adolescence once.” After only a year in the city, Emily dance festivals and participating in the school is performing for three professional musical as well as learning and performing companies, teaches dance and fitness outside of school with The Charleston Youth soa-applause.com classes and does freelance work in music Company and DanceFX. “If it weren’t for videos, and film. She started as an apprentice those experiences and instructors serving for a modern company called Gaspard & as my training grounds, I probably wouldn’t Dancers and decided she wanted to expand have gone on to desire to Picture Credits: Provided her repertoire and do more commercial and theater work in several different styles. She now performs with Cirque du Nuit, an interactive, immersive theater company, where she gets to take on many unique SOA, led by the Visual roles performing for lavish NYC events. Arts department, created In addition to this, she performs with an urban contemporary company strings of 1,000 paper called Gotham Dance Theater and cranes to send to Marjory occasionally a dance fusion company, Stoneman Douglas High Reaction Dance Company. When not rehearsing or performing, Emily teaches School as a symbol of regular fitness classes and, whenever she rememberance and a gets the chance, dance classes. Among the wish for peaceful healing. many opportunities New York has brought her, she most values being able to travel and share her April 2018 News Page 5 SOA and AMHS students and our actions will not be forgotten. Years but you would never guess that from now, this demonstration will be a part watching them play. They have all participate in National of history and we can proudly remember been working hard since August School Walkout having been involved in it. as they basically had to start from scratch and have come so far since by Mary Grace Hutzler SOA Symphony previews then. performance for national The game was stagnant for the first half, with both teams making festival good progress, but ultimately just by Finian Butcher moving back and forth. It was a close call until the last few minutes On Thursday, March 1st, the SOA of the second half when Co-Captain Symphony Orchestra showcased the piece Graham Wilson threw a wide pass they will be taking to the national festival to senior Caleb Smith, who then this year in Atlanta: the first movement from plowed through the intimidating Tchaikovsky’s first symphony. The Symphony opposing players for 30 meters to Orchestra demonstrated both their masterful score the game-winning try. As the ability and professionalism. players came off the field, ecstatic, The orchestra was preceded by Senior

Provided jumping up and down, some even in Luke Ablonczy, playing a Mozart violin tears, they lined up to face their eager At 10am, students from School of the Arts and concerto with the Sinfonietta. The second Academic Magnet walked out of class and to the soloist was Adam Beall, who played an fans. “I can’t wait for the rest of the flagpole, many of them carrying signs, for 17 interpretation of the first movement from season. We are on the way to get that minutes of silence and a march around campus. Elgar’s cello concerto that could be compared ring!” said Co-Captain, Seungkyo to Jaquelin Dupre’s. The final piece of the Jung. The Ravens continued their night was “Symphonie Espagnole,” by Lalo, On March 14th, one month after the played by Elliott Weeks with a passion that winning streak the next weekend Parkland, Florida shooting, at 10:00am epitomized SOA strings. beating James Island with a final thousands of students across the nation The next night, the Sinfonietta took to score of 53-0. They played Irmo High walked out of school. The #ENOUGH the Gaillard to perform on a balcony before National School Walkout was organized by School the last weekend of February a performance by the Charleston Symphony and although they didn’t win, it the Women’s March Youth Empower as an Orchestra. The Sinfonietta played Mozart’s initiative for students to speak up against ended in a close score of 34-21 . This violin concerto with Luke Ablonczy, as well as was impressive considering several gun violence in schools. SOA students, a few other pieces before the young musicians both high school and middle school, stood took their seats to watch the Charleston players were injured and they played in solidarity with Academic Magnet and Symphony perform “Ein Heldenleben.” the second half of the game with only observed 17 minutes of silence, recognizing Once again, the School of the Arts 13 players as opposed to the other those killed in Parkland. “It is time that we, Symphony Orchestra is on track to live up to team’s 15. those who have potential, those who are the its status as the best high school symphony in Most recently, the Ravens took future, make change today. Instead of being the nation. Everyone is encouraged to come on the Wando B team in a rough Friday sitting targets, let us be standing voices.” said out to the final concert on May 11th. night game. With a score of 13-10, the Academic Magnet senior Elise Blackburn, in her powerful speech. second half started and within the Students proceeded to march around Ravens Rugby season in first five minutes, Caleb Smith took a campus holding handmade signs and big tackle, breaking his leg. The whole chanting, “This is what democracy looks like” full swing team was understandably shaken up, and “No more silence, end gun violence.” but they went back and finished the Many students and several teachers wore by Mary Grace Hutzler game. The match ended 13-10, as no orange, representing gun safety, or black in one scored in the second half. Make memory of the lives lost. It was inspiring to The Ravens rugby team took the field sure to send well wishes to Caleb as he see such a large group of young adults from playing their first official game on February begins the grueling recovery process. all different stances coming together, not just 10th. On the opposite side of the field, in crisp, The team continues to train hard each to honor the victims, but to influence change green and white uniforms, was the Bishop week in hopes of working their way in our laws. We are very lucky to be a part of England rugby team. Despite the substantial back into the championship. Come on a school that not only allows, but encourages size difference in players, our Ravens held us to use our voices and our art to express out and watch them dominate the field their own making tackle after tackle. The at Wando on Saturday March 24th at our concerns. While some will criticize this team definitely came to impress. This year it movement, but our voices will not be silenced 11:00am and at Bishop England on is comprised of primarily new players, March 31st at 12:30pm.

Page 6 News April 2018 Applause to sponsor Mrs. Zerbst steps into Spring Showcase to Rolling Stones tribute new role as Interim exhibit the best of SOA concert Assistant Principal by Bailey Abedon by Jessica Bride by Patrick Wohlscheid Patrick Wohlscheid SOA’s annual Spring showcase With the quickly changing popular will be held on April 12th, from 5:00 to taste and demand in music, it can be 8:00 pm this year. Come enjoy fantastic extremely difficult for an artist or group to student performances, delicious food remain relevant for an extended period of trucks, and a silent auction, all while time. However, every so often, a band comes supporting SOA. along that does exactly that and more. Earlier Arrive at the school where there this month, the Rolling Stones extended their will be two ticket entrances, one at the current concert tour further into the summer front of the school and one at the side of 2018. For a band formed in 1962 and entrance by the box office. Admission having over 240 million albums sold as well is $20.00 per family or $5.00 per as almost 50 concert tours, the Stones remain individual and both cash and credit extraordinarily popular, bringing along cards will be accepted. older Classic Rock fans as well as younger audiences energized by the extensive and hit- Colored wristbands and program filled catalog developed over the last 55 years. schedules will be provided at the ticket Applause is proud to announce a When Dr. Perrineau left SOA to tables. Auction items will be displayed concert dedicated to honoring the Rolling become the Interim Principal at Military in the breezeway, where bids can be Stones, as well as the 75th birthdays of Magnet, the administration was left placed until 7:00PM. Winners who are with the daunting task of finding a new present will be awarded their auction founding members Mick Jagger and Keith Assistant Principal late in the school year. Richards. Drawing inspiration from 2016’s Wanting to find someone who knew the items and can pay by cash, check or “Busy Being Born,” a concert celebrating the inner workings of SOA and fit the school credit/debit card. 75th birthday of Bob Dylan, “It’s Only Rock culture, the search turned inward. Mrs. Booster Clubs will be providing N’ Roll” will take place on Tuesday, May 22nd Zerbst, who earned her administrative food. In addition, food trucks will at 6:30pm in the Rose Maree Myers Theater. degree in 2015 and had been helping line up at the car rider line starting at With performances of classic Rolling with scheduling and other administrative 4:15PM. Students who are performing Stones songs such as “Satisfaction,” “You Can’t work for the last several years, seemed should bring money and eat at this time Always Get What You Want,” and “Sympathy like the perfect fit. Remarking on her for the Devil” by SOA and Academic Magnet goals in the new position, Mrs. Zerbst to be ready for 5:00 PM performances. students and teachers, “It’s Only Rock N’ expressed the desire to simply “help make For additional information please Roll” is sure to be a fun night. SOA run as smoothly as possible.” “I took contact Jules Shores at julesshores@ the promotion,” she says, “because rather The concert is free, and all donations gmail.com or text 843-200-6441, or than helping students one year one or two Sylvia Edwards at sylvia_edwards@ will go towards the Rose Maree Myers times, this way I can help all students all Scholarship, which will be presented at the the time.” Congratulations to Mrs. Zerbst charleston.k12.sc.us concert. on her new role at SOA and best of luck to Dr. Perrineau. AUTOMOTIVE RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL “WE HOLD THE KEY TO YOUR PEACE OF MIND.” 843-572-2220 April 2018 News Page 7 SOA students fight for Charleston Police Departments,” said to initiate a process to both implement Adam. and evaluate the identified best social justice with local This year, CAJM’s work centers practices,” reads CAJM’s website. At organization around affordable housing. “There are far too this event, the Charleston community many people in Charleston being displaced turns out in numbers ranging from by Taylor Kahn-Perry by the rampant processes of gentrification happening on the peninsula,” said Adam. 1,500 to 3,000 and openly requests that public officials adopt the policy This year, SOA students Adam “Charleston is a very different place now than ten years ago.” CAJM’s consensus is changes CAJM researched and Krassnoff and Finean Williams have that Charleston’s rapid growth affects low- organized that past year. joined the front lines to income citizens at fight for social justice issues While the Nehemiah Action disproportionate is an exciting event which produces throughout Charleston. Both rates and is serve as Team Leaders for beginning to pose tangible results to CAJM’s work, Adam the Charleston Area Justice serious health think it’s important to remember that Ministry, commonly referred issues for those “real change occurs over time.” to as CAJM. living in far less Ultimately, CAJM’s goal is to CAJM is a diverse than optimal “make the Charleston area a more just network of faith-based conditions. place,” said Finean. Despite the long As the year organizations in the process which comes with social justice Charleston area united for the progresses, Adam and Finean, as well advocacy, Finean is driven by “a sense purpose of tackling the social as their student of purpose that comes with making justice issues which most teams, will be significant changes for the betterment affect the local community. involved in CAJM’s of the community.” “Although comprised of research efforts religious institutions,” surrounding pointed out Adam, “it is a affordable housing, secular organization.” ultimately For more information or As Team Leaders, preparing Adam and Finean work to for CAJM’s to get involved with the recruit and engage other culminating event Charleston Area Justice students in CAJM’s efforts on Monday, April Ministry, contact Adam to advocate for social justice Community members at CAJM’s 30: Nehemiah annual Nehemiah Action Action. Krasnoff at adamjk999@ issues. They urge any SOA “Every April, gmail.com students interested in CAJM to thousands of reach out to them. Charleston-area residents gather under the “Almost all of CAJM’s power comes banner of CAJM to meet with our public from people,” remarked Adam. “It’s really officials and secure public commitments Picture Credits: Google Images important that we do a good job of recruiting. The more people we have behind us, the more public officials are likely to pay attention to what we’re saying.” Congratulations to Not only does CAJM harness its power Freshman Baron from public participation, but it also builds Nick Tuemler (far its yearly blueprint through community left) and Baroness Abby Gardner feedback. CAJM’s work starts with local (left), as well as house meetings, where community members Sophomore Duke respond to the question, “What keeps you up Noah Lyons (far at night?” From there, organizers consolidate right) and Abril these responses and the CAJM network Castillo Acosta ultimately selects a particular issue as that (right), crowned at year’s focus. the Winter Dance on “In the past few years, we have worked February 9th. to lower suspension rates in schools, reclaim stolen wages, and perform an external audit on racial bias of the Charleston and North

Page 8 Features April 2018 Applause to welcome “I think that almost anything can be made She earned a National Endowment into a poem,” says Duhamel, “because I think for the Arts Fellowship, was a finalist distinguished poet for that the point of view and voice are the most for the National Book Critics Circle National Poetry Month important.” Perhaps the best example of how Award, and has been featured in point of view and voice inform Duhamel’s Best American Poetry a total of nine by Taylor Kahn-Perry work is her series times. In 2013, she had the honor of serving as the guest editor for Notable in the of “Barbie” poems the anthology, selecting all 75 of the realms of feminist, comic, which form her 1997 poems which formed the collection. and performance poetry, collection of poetry In the 2015 edition, Duhamel’s poem nationally recognized, Kinky. Throughout “Fornicating” was featured alongside award-winning poet this collection, she SOA Creative Writing teacher Denise Duhamel will uses the commercial Danielle DeTiberus’s poem “In a visit SOA on Thursday, figure of a Barbie Black Tank Top.” April 19, and Friday, doll as a means to Of her creative process, Duhamel April 20. discuss society, admits that “you can’t really have an Duhamel’s visit, commercialism, and intent when writing poetry, because which is sponsored by writing poetry is a way to discover Applause, will include womanhood in an often satirical manner. what the mind is thinking.” It is during classroom workshops revision that Duhamel actively seeks to and a public reading in Other works of portray how both tragedy and comedy the AMHS Lecture Hall Duhamel’s explore inform the human experience, sharing on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. childhood. “To that “being open to those two impulses The Fighting Gnomes become again like is what I’m aware of in revision.” will open the reading with children is very In terms of poetry as an art form, an improv performance. Duhamel. important for poets,” Duhamel admires the lasting power Admission is free, but Duhamel told SOA. “This idea poetry has to affect change. “What donations will be accepted for of the child being pure joy, pure wonder, poetry does is allow people who aren’t the Rose Maree Myers Scholarship Fund. seeing things for the first time, seeing things represented in our culture at large Duhamel’s work is likely to resonate with in a very unusual way… that’s what poetry is, to speak, and everyone has a voice. students, as Duhamel “is part of a broad- Everyone is saying something unique,” based movement to reintroduce poetry looking at the world anew, taking mundane things and making them exceptional through Duhamel says of the relationship into the everyday world,” writes scholar between poetry and society. “So, in Tasia M. Hane-Devore in the Dictionary of language.” that way, I do think poetry can change Literary Biography. Accessible language and Duhamel has explored these themes people and change the world for the humor often characterize Duhamel’s work, and others throughout her prolific collection better.” allowing her poetry to reach readers across of published works—Heaven and Heck backgrounds while simultaneously grappling (1988), It’s My Body: Poems (1992), Smile! with intense subject matter—gender, politics, (1993), Kinky (1997), Queen for a Day: consumer culture, sex, censorship, and love. Selected and New Poems (2001), Ka-Ching! For those interested “A self-described post-confessional (2009), and Blowout (2013), to name a few. in participating in poet,” Duhamel “combines the Her newest book, Scald, published autobiographical with imagined events and the Interns that Work details in her poetry,” writes Hane-Devore. in February 2017, is separated into three Post-confessional poets follow suit of well- sections, each devoted to a female figure from program for the 2018- known confessionalists such as Sylvia Plath, the twentieth century—Shulamith Firestone 2019 school year, Mr. “as both are perceived to feature personal, (1945-2012), Andrea Dworkin (1946-2005), autobiographical speakers who at times and Mary Daly (1928-2010). “I am wrestling Smyth will be in the divulge intimate, sometimes unflattering with these foremothers and visionaries as information about themselves.” I try to understand our cultural moment,” breezeway at lunch Duhamel is unafraid to derive her Duhamel told writer Julie Marie Wade every Thursday during poetry from personal experience, even when interviewed about Scald. “While there if the subject matter becomes taboo or are many amazing feminist foremothers to April and May to speak controversial. “I’m sort of a sponge,” Duhamel choose from, the big three that cast their with students about told SOA’s AP Literature class in a March 2012 presence over the poems in Scald are the ones phone interview. “I feel so open to anything. registering. I feel open to my own life experiences—I who formed my own feminist awakening guess that would be the confessional or post- when I was younger.” confessional mode—but also pop culture, Duhamel teaches creative writing and history, the news, current events.” literature at Florida International University. Picture Credits: Google Images April 2018 Features Page 9 Guest Writer Interview: me....Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath were clarinetists attended the Midwest both in the same class studying with Robert Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Denise Duhamel Lowell. He told them there might be room They were personally invited by a for ONE female poet in the publishing world, well known clinician to play a piece Before the reading next month, Applause but definitely not two. This is a horrifying in front of thirty thousand people. writer Taylor-Kahn Perry talked with story on so many levels....but mostly because This was an exciting time for SOA poet Denise Duhamel about gender equality, It created an unhealthy competition between her writing process, and advice on a career Plath and Sexton. This would never (I hope!) band and the clarinet’s honored at in writing. happen in a classroom today. the convention. Tiamoni said “I felt accomplished and was excited to play Taylor Kahn-Perry: How would you TKP: You’ve produced an extremely in front of some of the world’s best describe the relationship between prolific collection of works over the musicians.” She explained that the your career as a poet and your career course of your career. Is there a clarinets “weren’t nervous a bit” as as a teacher? How do your interactions particular book you have published they had prepared heavily and were with students inform your creative that holds special significance to you, process? ready for their performance. and why? Throughout high school, Tiamoni has been a staple and go to Denise Duhamel: As a teacher, I am DD: That is a great question, but it is like always teaching students the poetry I love so player for chamber groups. But she asking a parent to name a child who is more couldn’t do it all alone. “I love my sometimes I do the assignments alongside significant than the others. I guess on some them. I don’t bring my poems to class or days it would be KINKY as this book about band friends,” says Tiamoni, “they anything like that, but I find that when I Barbiehas had more impact that I ever could make everything about music even am asking my students to write, let’s say, a have imagined. But then other days it might better.” villanelle it is because I am also interested in be BLOWOUT as that was the most difficult Tiamoni’s love for dance began revisiting the form in some way. My students book for me to write and I still kind of can’t when she wanted to find a hobby. She at FIU also introduce me to younger poets believe I wrote though that pain. was just nine years old and decided through chapbooks or new literary magazines to take a few dance classes. She fell in they are reading. Exploring the Arts love and has continued it since. She TKP: What advice would you have for actually loves dance more than band young artists about pursuing art as a SOA is a school filled with talent. Some as she is “pretty darn good at it.” career? students go above and beyond and pursue Tiamoni dances constantly outside talents outside of their major. This month, of school and has countless trophies DD: I would advise them to take the long view Applause’s Haley Swittenberg sat down from almost 10 years of competitions. of things. Most artists must work some kind with senior band major Tiamoni Garner “Dance really helps my work ethic,” of job to support their art. I teach, but other to see what she’s up to when she’s offstage. says Tiamoni, “I love being able to poets work in advertising or arts management Provided push myself beyond what I thought or even 9-5 banking jobs. Sometimes there is Many I was capable of. She loves using a rush to publish--I had the same urgency as know dance as “more of an outlet” for a young person. But now I realize it’s good Tiamoni as whatever may be happening in her to hold out for strong literary magazines and an amazing life. She hopes to continue dancing presses. I would also advise poets to write clarinet player every day--even if it’s for ten minutes. It’s and musician. in college, although she is unsure if easy to let creative work slide by the demands She began she will continue playing clarinet of life. playing the after graduation. clarinet in the Tiamoni will attend the TKP: Over the course of your career 6th grade, as University of South Carolina this fall as a poet, what have been the most she had been to receive a degree in nursing. Her significant changes you’ve seen in the playing piano dream job is to become a neonatal fight for gender equality, and how but wanted to nurse, but hopes her love of music have these developments influenced try something never dies, even if she stops playing your writing? new when clarinet or dancing. coming to SOA. DD: I had no female creative writing mentors Throughout in high school or as an undergraduate. It middle and wasn’t until grad school that I was able to high school, study with women poets. Now I am teaching she has soa-applause.com undergraduate writers. More and more excelled at clarinet earning the kudos of her women are editing magazines. There is a directors and peers. story the poet Jean Valentine told In December, Tiamoni and her fellow Page 10 Features April 2018 Meet the Teacher: Mr. AB: St. Gregory’s School in Albany, NY Junior Visual Artist earns spotlight in arts Barr MW: What were some of your earliest jobs? What did you learn from them? and culture journal Applause writer Mosiah Williams sat down with Mr. Alan Barr, the long-term by Mosiah Williams substitute teacher for SOA’s AP World AB: I was working when I was six years History and AP Psychology, to learn more old. I cut grass, collected cans to recycle, Applause writer Mosiah Williams about his life before SOA. painted fences, raked leaves, worked retail, sat down with Junior Visual Artist Leo worked loading and unloading cargo from Horton to discuss his featured artwork Mosiah semi-trucks, and many other manual jobs. I and interview with VSCO. Williams: What classes learned to get ahead you have to do the jobs you don’t like in order to earn the jobs you Mosiah Williams: What do you do, will you be and why do you do it? teaching do like. Leo Horton: I constantly am working this year? on a ton of weird, trippy illustrations and MW: Is there any story you’d be graphic design projects. I can’t really say Alan Barr: willing to share that stands out to why I do it I usually just show up in art AP World class and really have nothing better to History and AP you as one of those “this is why I do what I do” moments? do. With all that time everyday I usually Psychology. just draw whatever I want to, and that leads to some pretty strange art. I do a lot MW: Did AB: Yes. It’s a long tale, but the main point of freelance work and work with a lot of you grow was I was a constant advocate of a student musicians on album covers, tour posters up in the and shielded him from negative perceptions and flyers. I’m doing a whole collection Charleston area? If not, where did of posters for the rapper Raury (Featured you grow up, and what attracted you developed by teachers who simply did not know or understand the student. on Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book to Charleston? And why SOA? for all the middle schoolers). Apart from that I have some record designs and AB: I was born and raised in Richmond, MW: What do you want students to album covers coming out throughout Virginia. It’s Charleston, what’s not to love? take away from your classroom? spring. I love the beach and being near the water and also great food. Charleston has all of that. MW: What is VSCO, and how did SOA has a great reputation in so many areas. AB: Confidence in: themselves, their skin, their voice, their opinions, their approach to you come about being interviewed I was drawn by the emphasis on arts which by them? leads to creativity and innovation. I am an reason and conclusions. LH: VSCO is a photo-editing app that innovative teacher. has some social media aspects to it. MW: What interests do you have You can alter and edit photography MW: Where did you attend college inside or outside the subject you and artwork in the app and then post, and what degrees did you earn? teach, and to what degree are you share and like them. The community able to pursue them? also features occasional interviews and AB: I graduated from Hampden-Sydney articles on happenings in the fields of art College, one of the last two single gender and photography. They emailed me and colleges in the country. I graduated with AB: Inside: I read a lot of historical fiction said they really enjoyed the art on my a Bachelor of Arts degree in Managerial and non-fiction. Outside: I haven’t had account and wanted to write an article Economics. I got my Masters of Science time in the past for my pursuits but hope to on me, followed by a set of questions. I from Longwood University in Education guess they just liked my stuff and wanted Leadership. now that I am here in Charleston. I enjoy fishing, the water, kayaking, and gardening. to hear some of my thought processes and history behind it. MW: How did you become involved in education as a career? MW: Is there anything else you’d like MW: What do you plan on gaining SOA to know about you or any advice from this interview? AB: I changed my career to teaching because you’d like to offer students? LH: Hopefully I can get a little more I believed I could be successful at it. I define clout in the art world and be able to success as being fulfilled in my work. AB: I will be here a very short amount of share my work with more people from this interview, I’ve got a lot more fans of MW: Where did you work prior to time but hopefully also here at the start of my work from this feature so it’s working coming to SOA? the next school year. so far. April 2018 Features Page 11

one thing. I love designing wedding dresses JDLC: Tell me some fun facts Where Were They Then? because I love to see a girl transform into about yourself. This month, in honor of the SOA Fashion a bride. I love the thrill of helping her find Show and Fashion and Design major, herself in her dress. I CB: I am a car guy...I Applause writer Jessica De La Cruz sat innately like to help love old muscle cars. down with Fashion and Design teacher so wedding gowns Ms. Caroline Baker. are pretty fun for I grew up driving 1964-66 Mustangs. Jessica De La Cruz: Where were you me, but the dresses born and raised, and what did you themselves are not enjoy doing for fun? all to me. I am a I have had every Ms. Caroline Baker: I am from Lady’s BIG math nerd so hair color, length Island, just south of Beaufort, SC. I grew up pretty high on the and style you can in the woods, which was pretty magical. I list of things I love imagine. enjoyed walking in the woods, mud-bogging, about design is the marriage of right and building forts, having rotten tomato fights in Reading is one of my our garden and making things. left brain thinking. I love taking a favorite pastimes. JDLC: As a child, what was your beautiful, 2D idea dream job? and making the I like my dogs more CB: As a child I wanted to be a fashion numbers work so it than is OK. designer and a pilot. I would still love to get exists in the 3D and my pilot’s licence. fits perfectly. I also really love having a I just had a baby boy JDLC: If you could meet your teenage product. I also love and I have an 8 year self, what advice would you give her? draping. I also love old son and 10 year CB: This is so easy and complicated. I would sewing. I also love... old daughter. design. I think I may As a child, Ms. Baker was involved sing her some Bob Dylan (“I was so much in many outdoor activities on Lady’s older then, I am younger than that now”) love design more than clothing and Island. I love stand-up and tell her that she can relax because it [life] [comedy]. is going to be awesome! Although, quick certainly more than fashion. caveat, I am not sure it would have turned out so awesome if my teenage self had relaxed. I JDLC: How did you end up teaching at I hope to adopt more dogs and children. think she launched all the great things that SOA? followed. CB: I started out volunteering. I read an I love pretty much anything outside. article that SOA was starting the program JDLC: When did you become interested and I heard a clear voice in my head/heart I am a pretty good shot. in fashion? Who inspired you? that said, “You can help with that.” I had CB: I am the youngest of three so my been trying to do these little “giving back” interest in clothing bloomed from trying to projects here and there, but it felt disjointed I am really good friends with my family. figure out how I could look like myself in my and not impactful. I wanted to do more. sister’s ultrapreppy hand-me-downs and my Then I met Mrs. Nichols and Mrs. Miles I love math. brother’s shredded jeans. I was always re- and, of course, I loved them so I started inventing and upcycling things into clothes. helping them with whatever they needed I was a writer in high school. My interest in sewing came from my father’s mother, Maude. She inspired me and taught in starting the program. It was not until me a lot. My interest in fashion came, oddly that first audition as an adjudicator that I am pretty much always up for a road enough, from my other grandmother, Dot. I realized that teenagers are so much fun. trip. She LOVED clothes. I mean she really loved Before volunteering, I thought I just really clothes. She had six closets filled to the brim liked my niece and nephews because they My husband is 6’6” and my brother is with clothes and she was so generous. I lived are so awesome (which they totally are); but 6’7” (my children are also giants). in those closets and drank in the stories of the after working with Mrs. Nichol’s students I clothes with histories in her own Chicago and realized that teenagers are pretty hilarious the places she had been in them. I think her (and I love to laugh). I started teaching very I think the world is amazing...everything closets hinted of the possibilities that had not part-time and it just sort-of crept up to full inspires me. formed in me yet. time over a few years. Looking back, I can see how much I wanted to teach before but it I am an introvert. JDLC: What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer? was not something I was fully aware of until I CB: Hm. I really like it all so it is hard to pick started and met the amazing students. Jesus is my homeboy. Picture Credits: Provided Page 12 Features April 2018

Where Are They Now? PW: What, if anything, did you PM: Be educated not only in the learn/take from your costume design fundamentals of garment design and This month, Applause Editor Patrick experience at School of the Arts? construction, but also in the world Wohlscheid sat down with Paul McCrae, around you. You as a Costume/Fashion the first Costume designer at SOA, to see PM: For my senior year, Mrs. Nichols and I Designer will have a platform from waht he’s been up to since graduation. formulated an independent study for me in which to express your own perspective Costume Design. That was the very beginning and ideas. Go and experience life, Patrick Wohlscheid: When you were of SOA’s Costume/Fashion Design program. form opinions, empathize with the at School of the Arts, how did costume It gave me a chance opinions of others, and fashion design play a role in to learn the basics of and use your artistic the arts/school culture? What were garment construction and technical skills some of your favorite productions or and an opportunity to reflect that. Art costumes that you worked on? to build a competitive imitates life…so have portfolio for College/ one. Paul McCrae: I graduated from the University applications. I would say School of the Arts in 2003. Actually, it This, along with my nearly 75% of my wasn’t until 2001 (my junior year) when I Visual Arts training, gave job happens in my assisted Mrs. Nichols in the design and me a huge advantage head. There is a very fabrication of costumes for the school’s over the competition. academic side to production of Peter Pan that Costume/ Costume/Fashion Fashion Design entered my life. One of my PW: What are some Design. A great favorite design projects was The Addams things you have done deal of reading and Family Musical at Theatre Memphis. It is since graduating research is required such a wonderful, light-hearted show and from the School of to be successful. I had so much fun re-imagining that iconic the Arts? There is also a great family and their ensemble of dead ancestors. deal of Project Management and Another would have to be The Boy From PM: I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Production Budget Management Oz at Theatre Memphis. This production (BFA) in Costume Design & Technology from that will be required of you. It is was quite a challenge due to the sheer size The University of North Carolina; School of a business after all. Try to train of the cast and the demands of the script. I the Arts; School of Design & Production in yourself to always think/plan at least believe there were around 2,200 costume 2007, and have since been fortunate enough 10 steps ahead. This will streamline pieces that I was responsible for designing to have been employed with companies such your productivity, making you more and fabricating….stressful to say the least. as MTV, Nickelodeon, The Los Angeles Opera, marketable as a Designer and thus However, the satisfaction of seeing the final The Santa Fe Opera, Spoleto Festival USA, making your life less stressful. It’s not product on stage as well as the audiences’ Ford’s Theatre, Theatre Memphis, and The a glamorous profession. Ironically, the reaction was well worth it. Probably the most Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I Entertainment and Fashion industries star-studded project I’ve ever worked on was have also served as a Fashion Stylist/Designer have portrayed themselves as such, the MTV/Nickelodeon “2008 Kid’s Choice for an international clientele. At various but until you reach Colleen Atwood Awards” in Los Angeles. venues and events I served as a Dresser for or Donatella Versace status you will The Naked Brothers Band, James Earl Jones, struggle for jobs, you will struggle for PW: What do you enjoy most about Richard Thomas, Kelsey Grammer, Charles money, and you will struggle to retain costume design? Castronovo, Mariusz Kwiecien, Katie Couric, your passion for it all. However, if you Audra McDonald, and Bernadette Peters. love it…you love it. I certainly don’t say PM: Collaboration. Honestly, the two things this to deter anyone, but I just want I enjoy most is working through the script PW: What are you currently up to everyone to be prepared. It is a very alongside the Director in order to fully or pursuing artistically and career- hard lifestyle, but it is very rewarding. develop a cohesive design plan, and working wise? Never give up! I’ve had times with the performing artists to determine what where I was working on multiple their needs are and how, through costuming, PM: Recently, I’ve been dabbling in Interior productions simultaneously, cutting I can help them do their job. The last thing Design and designing/building my own out garments on the floor of my you want is for your designs to hinder a custom projects for clients. However, I’ve rather unfurnished studio apartment performance or to distract from the integrity always got an eye on the horizon for the next at 3:00am after a full day of work, of a production. The greatest compliment possible venture…or…adventure. only to discover the next week I was I’ve ever received was from performers who working backstage alongside Orlando told me that my designs helped them find PW: What advice would you give to Bloom and Johnny Depp. Don’t get their character or movement/body language. those attempting to pursue a career in discouraged…you really never know My job is to help tell the story. costume/fashion design? when something amazing will come your way…and it absolutely will. Picture Credits: Provided

April 2018 Features Page 13 grade she was learning to sew. “Clothes movements and proportions. It SOA grad Louisa Ballou always bugged me,” Ballou says. As a result, allowed Ballou to recall the bodies makes waves in the world Ballou’s mother let her dress herself. An early presented in her mother’s art books, experimentation of style of comfortability. and her long-held gripe with how of fashion design Her interest in fashion design was established uncomfortable clothes seemed. “You during this time and would mature some years can tell when someone’s uncomfortable by Malachi Jones later. Ballou didn’t know it, but the active role in what they’re wearing and it doesn’t her family played in her growing ambition look good...the clothes are wearing Every artist who stands tall has a set a standard she’d the person.” By sturdy foundation beneath them. For former practice going eighth grade, it was visual artist Louisa Ballou, her foundation forward. It’s that cemented that fashion is a makeup of unconditional support, past desire met with design was what she opportunities, and mentors. Since leaving action goes very far. wanted to pursue. SOA, she’s pursued fashion design at a level In turn, Ballou was Advocating for her that only the best in the world are afforded. primed and ready for was Ms. Nichols, As of recent, Ballou graduated from the her arrival at School who recognized prestigious, yet rigorous, Central Saint of the Arts. Ballou’s eagerness Martins (CSM), and soon after, Vogue Italia Though her to participate in featured her newest collection—inspired elementary years costume design by her love of surfing the Charleston coast. were made of up of when Ballou was still The influence of her colorful parents and the art classes, Ballou in middle school. mentorship from Ms. Nichols are invaluable, admits, “I don’t Always reassuring she says, but these feats are reflective of think I knew how to that costume shop her own character as well. She graduated draw until I came to would be something salutatorian of her class at SOA, while SOA.” But for what Louisa loved. And creating pieces for the CSM’s application she lacked in skill she did. Ballou process and AP Portfolio. It is her foundation she made up for speaks of Ms. Nichols and unwavering hunger to create that has with drive. At first, being an “incredible” propelled Louisa Ballou quickly forward— School of the Arts instructor who with supporters running to keep up with her. was intimidating allowed her extra To say Louisa’s childhood was filled for Ballou. For five time in shop, with color goes beyond bedroom walls years prior, she had Ballou models Christopher Kane for CSM’s opportunities to and crayons. Being a gardener, Louisa’s attended an all-girls student magazine, 1 Granary. work on the school mother saw the bloom of many shades and preparatory with musical, getting palettes, giving her “an eye for color that’s uniforms and traditions that yielded “less outside seamstresses to work with amazing.” And this fine taste of beauty and pronounced” creative expression. SOA’s her, and more. “She was crucial,” color influenced the entire home. The house campus and environment came in to contrast Ballou acknowledges, “I love her.” She was stacked with art books: architecture, with her idea of what school was. It was a extends this sentiment to her other design, botany, Michelangelo, Monet, and coed environment where arts and academics visual arts teachers, Ms. Cimballa Rothko. Today, Ballou’s love for abstract bolster each other. And with eight—now and Mr. Moore as well. expressionism stems from flipping through nine—majors to audition for, students were But inspiration wasn’t drawn those books and paintings. It was an exposure allowed avenues of daily expression they from art classes only. Aside from the that young Louisa took to with ease and her wouldn’t get elsewhere. With all that in mind, challenges and support from teachers, parents began to nurture it early on with Ballou nervously auditioned and stepped Ballou see’s her academic experience regular art classes. Summer art camps crowd into the visual arts room her sixth grade year at SOA as invaluable to her growth her earliest memories, and by third anyhow. “I had a hunger for art,” she reasons, in design. Teachers like Mr. Brehm and Dr. Cusatis, she says, taught and has kept that hunger up to her subjects that relied on thinking her high school graduation. At differently than expected, or analyzing the time costume design was in specific ways. Ballou took those Schatmeyer Team only available as a high school Carolina One Real Estate thought processes and integrated elective, so Ballou’s hand-on them into how she formulated her Kristin and Simon Schatmeyer fashion work wouldn’t come future design pieces. “It’s not the simon.schatmeyer@ until her freshman year. material,” she says, “It’s the way you carolinaone.com Leading up to that point, the approach something. When her senior (843) 697-7347 interest was still very much year arrived, Ballou revisited figure alive and developed. Learning drawing in her AP portfolio. figure drawing resonated the “Relocation Specialists, Full-Service Real Estate Team most with her because of its for Buyers and Sellers all over the Tri-County Area” focus on the human body’s Continued on Page 14 Picture Credits: Provided Page 14 Features April 2018

“I figured that the more I know about the Charleston’s environment body the more it’s going to benefit me as a had been taken for granted: fashion designer.” This also gave her an “I didn’t realize how much opportunity to build her application for the the colors and being on the extremely selective Central Saint Martins. coast and growing up in Ranked as the #1 fashion school by Business this tropical climate would of Fashion, fashion designers Alexander influence and inspire me.” McQueen and Christopher Kane graduated The clothes Ballou made from the London college, and for upcoming stay true to her philosophy fashion designers CSM is a once-in-a-lifetime on fashion: people need opportunity. “Getting into that school was to wear the clothes not really hard. They want all your sketchboard, the other way around. She all your research, and how your ideas were assures that each cut was developed,” Ballou stresses. Her in-person made for comfortability interview took her and her work to New York not design. Her completion

City in a glassed in lobby of the Rockefeller Provided of the final collection was Center. Her talent and intelligence was heard Ballou’s final collection at Central Saint Martins. a success in itself, but just in the conversation, seen in her sketchbook, a year after graduation and materialized in her work. Weeks laters she design, and creation but under a very broad Ballou’s swimwear pieces received her acceptance. But before leaving context. “They never gave us a theme to were featured in Vogue Italia. SOA, Ballou gave a speech at graduation as work on. It was always our own research and That opportunity wasn’t just the well-deserved salutatorian. The speech, ideas,” Ballou says. How, what, and when a given though. Ballou had graduated using Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” as a guide, designer made their designs was completely and had a few desires: “I wanted to focused on how SOA nurtures creativity and personal. Success at CSM is anchored in self- make more swimwear and I want works towards the respective strength of the discipline and self-drive because instructors make a collection and I wanted to students. Ballou took advantage of all SOA don’t cuddle designers. A thick-skin would work with photographers and pitch to had to offer her and excelled on both fronts. also be developed because critique was brutal a magazine...so that’s basically what I Her efforts took her across the pond to the but always honest. “If you’re not a hard did.” Ballou finished another collection, United Kingdom. worker, you’re out. You don’t get a gold star teamed up with fellow CSM alumni “I knew it was going to be a totally for working hard. It sounds silly because photography duo Reece and Dean, shot different world.” Ballou had become an it’s fashion design school,” Ballou jokes, but the pieces, and sent them to Vogue expatriate but the expected culture shock reaffirms that it’s a passion taken seriously. Italia. She says it proves how small London didn’t affect her really. She knew Self-drive wasn’t something Ballou lacked, the fashion world really is and that what she was getting into. Just as she had so she thrived with the time given to her. At exposure from it has been great. Her done as a sixth grader, she wouldn’t let slight CSM, she donned the cover of the school’s future plans involve working with more discomfort interfere with her path. She also magazine 1 Granary wearing Christopher swimwear, photographers, stylists, and happened to be the only American in her class. Kane. The majority of her third year was the business of luxury fashion. While most would see this as a disadvantage, spent in Paris interning at luxury fashion Since Louisa Ballou’s graduation, Ballou embraced it fully—enjoyed it. To have company Loewe, owned by the LVMH group SOA has added the Fashion and so many international students converge in who also own luxury brands such as Louis Costume Design major. In the few years one city at one school displayed a unity in Vuitton and Dior. She had seen for the first of existence, student designers have art that intrigued Ballou. Her peers would time the collaboration and tension that prospered in being some of the most be her competition but also critics with comes with running a fashion company, from creative minds at SOA. Their concepts varying insights she’d find valuable. The only design concepts to sales department. Ballou are hallmark in school musicals and the obstacle, she jokes, is the conversion to the recounts the experience as a major influence annual Fashion Show is an end of year metric system. “I had, again, that hunger, in her career aspirations and is hoping to staple. that drive, to do what I was doing. That was break into the business side of luxury fashion Ballou’s talents have brought always the loudest voice in my head.” as well. amazing opportunities, but her self- After her Foundation year, a year of Her final year at CSM was dedicated drive will surely continue to propel her classes all CSM students must take, she went to creating six looks for her final collection. career. And so too will the support from into a four-year Bachelor’s program of Fashion The vibrant collection was inspired by home. Her mother still gifts her art and Design in Print. The open interpretation surfing and contains bits of swimwear, but fashion books every Christmas, and that the degree lent to the ambitious fashion standouts with her choice of patterns and Ballou continues to “go to them all the designer gave her the chance to explore. prints. Ballou cut apart wet suits to look at time for research.” She thanks her visual The next four years dropped a load of the materials and note the physicality tied arts teachers Ms. Cimballa, Mr. Moore, opportunities at Ballou’s feet. The first two with surfing. The body-focused seams revisit and Ms. Nichols for their framework years she was given projects, or briefs, where her Charleston home where she often surfed lessons that she still uses. SOA wishes she would go through the process of research and even competed for a short time. Ballou the best and more for Louisa Ballou as admits that she paints the globe red and gold.

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Provided Thesis Highlights which focus on the community around This month, Applause writer Mosiah them. Williams sat down with Senior Creative Each Monday, the club meets in Writer, Applause writer, and Scholastic Mr. Lindgren’s room. The officers then National Writing Gold Portfolio winner update members on upcoming projects Malachi Jones to discuss his thesis, and assign leadership roles, which help inspirations, and creative process. transition students to become officers. This year, they organized a service Mosiah Williams: Please describe banquet for those who received the your thesis. SOA Diploma with Distinction and Malachi Jones: Basically my thesis is started Art Outreach, where students anchored in the Black identity-the American in Jefferson’s Club meet with kids from Black identity. I’m exploring it in different Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary School. avenues and outlets. In the sense of the Black Right now, they are planning identity in Christianity, or the Black identity Art Camp. Over spring break, kids from in religion as whole. I’m going to talk about local Title 1 elementary schools are Jones the Black identity in the family aspect— exposed to the arts offered at School of because that’s usually touched upon, and MJ: I’m excited to reveal this to my family the Arts. Each kid chooses a major and just the world really. I’m using a mixture of because they don’t really know what’s then for three days, they participate nonfiction from my own life, and research happening in it. I mean I’m sure some of in activities to prepare them for a from other things to get a point across. the of the opinions I have in there are going performance on the final day. to surprise them, especially concerning Jefferson Service Club President MW: What inspirations do you draw religion and like the Black family in America. Frances Hart, finds the whole on for your thesis? So that’ll be interesting. But I’m very eager to write it, just gotta get through it. experience to be incredibly rewarding. MJ: Definitely Between the World and Me, “I love being able to spend time with because it reinforced this idea that you really MW: What has been the biggest kids in the area. We’re able to create can make a bigger statement from your own challenge concerning your thesis? great relationships with them because life. The Autobiography of Malcolm X-- we see them year after year.” definitely one of my most favorite books. And MJ: Sitting down and having to put myself in Art Camp will be held at North just the fact that I haven’t ever dived this deep the stories that, you know, may not lend itself Charleston Creative Arts Elementary into my own life before, I’ve always written to automatically to that. With certain ideas I School. If you are interested in around it or through little aspects, but now have to go through my whole memory and participating and need pre-approved I’m kind of going for it. also like confront those, I guess. Especially service hours, contact Frances Hart for when I’m writing about family, just the whole more information. MW: How does your thesis reflect putting myself out there like that. Provided current events? So it’s an uh, daunting process— emotionally draining process. MJ: I mean that’s sort of the basis for my thesis, or at least what inspired me too. In it Club of the Month: I’m going to talk about like, right now this idea that Black Christianity is dysphoria, I think Jefferson Service I’m also going to talk about the popularity of Club black movements like Black Lives Matter— there’s disagreement occurring now and it’s by Carson Peaden fairly new which probably isn’t good for a new movement, especially when it’s Black Lives Sponsored by Mr. Matter. I also want to touch on not voting, Lindgren, Jefferson’s Club and kneeling, and stuff like that. celebrates another year of giving back. Throughout the year, the MW: What are you most excited about student run service club engages in concerning your thesis? several service projects, most of Members of SOA Jefferson Service Club accept the Students in Action Award for 2017.

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one iron and ironing board I brought from eighth grade class or help out with The rich history of Fashion home, and we had the old room that the vocal some outfits for dance performances. and Costume Design at students were not using at the time. For the fall semester we actually got to change the HM: Was it difficult to get SOA students’ schedules so they could come Provided Design developed into a major? and work on the Fashion and Design has costumes in third MN: It was kind of an uphill battle. had an interesting journey block rather than at SOA. Applause writer Dr. Cook was very supportive with having to come after the idea, but the district was not too Haleigh Markham sat school. I told all the down with former SOA Visual wild about it. They told us to wait students and parents a year, but the Post and Courier Arts and Fashion and Design to scavenge at home teacher Ms. Marie Nichols, came and interviewed us about it for anything Western and said it was starting to become a that we could use in thing, so we just went ahead with it. HM: How did you come the play. We altered to work at SOA? We ended up starting the major in things and pinned 2014-2015, which was my last year it up on students. I teaching here. MN: I had actually heard would sew everything about the school in the because no one knew HM: Do you have any students newspaper. At that time, I how to sew at the was living in Florence. I heard doing fashion outside of their time but me. major? the school was being made We only had a by Mrs. Myers, who was the musical every other principal at the West Ashley MN: We have two right now working year, and the years on internships, both working over at school, Ashley River Creative we didn’t, we would Arts Elementary. I already the Silver Thimble. Mrs. Baker helped go on field trips to them with it. Nadja McGlone and knew who she was because European countries my school in Florence was Maggie Tennant are working there such as Italy or as professional seamstresses. The trying to get an award called France. So we only Palmetto’s Finest, and ARCAE Silver Thimble is a place that works Nichols had Costume Design on wedding dresses, altering and had won the year before. We every other year at this had gone to interview her and sometimes even making things from point. For the second production we could scratch. They do all sorts of things, get some ideas on how to incorporate the arts not get the schedules changed for students into our curriculum. When I heard that the and these two have gained a lot of because the school had grown, and that made skills there. They’re both planning school was going to be moving here, I applied things more difficult. But some students for the job and got it, and I have loved every on going into careers in Fashion and would come after school and help design, and Costume Design. single minute of it. I have come to substitute we would make new things and recycle old a bit once I retired. I’ve enjoyed filling in for clothes made for the other productions. Mrs. Baker while she is on maternity leave Guys and Dolls was the second this year. I will always substitute and help out HM: What would you production, and then it was Peter Pan. For consider your most important this school because I enjoy it here. Peter Pan we had 15 students actually wanting responsibilites to the school? to help out with the costumes. They would Haleigh Markham: When did students meet almost every lunch as well as after school. MN: Definitely the students-- begin to work in fashion design at SOA? Mrs. Myers gave us a portable classroom, and West Ashley High School donated a few old learning and getting to know the Marie Nichols: It was Costume Design first, Singer sewing machines. students. It is very rewarding and it was my first year here, 1997-1998. It was We had a few more students interested watching them grow and to see all the third year the school was open and the first in sewing but Paul McCrae was a junior and their interesting thoughts in either year the school was doing a musical, which was was the first one that came to me and said that Visual Arts or Fashion Design. I Oklahoma. All of the art teachers were asked he wanted to do his AP portfolio in Costume have always enjoyed working with what role they would take for the play. I saw no Design. students, and I think that is the main one had chosen costumes. I have sewn all my This was right after the Peter Pan reason that I became a teacher. life and said I would love to do that. It’s funny production, and I had just recently taught him though because all the students that I had for how to sew. Sewing became the initial elective help with the costume design were the kids that class, and Paul McCrae was my only student had not chosen something else to do with the for the first year. Then, I slowly started getting soa-applause.com musical. more students interested in Costume Design. We had a small budget. We had some On the years we did not have big productions, money from Mrs. Myers to buy fabrics for the we would help design clothes for Mr. Younts’ costumes. We had one sewing machine, April 2018 Features Page 17 collection about a man and woman Inside Look: SOA Fashion Show who fall in love and the man begins This month, Applause writers Graham over you, when really the goal is to be in to sort of subdue the woman. At a Martini, Cora Schipa, Maggie control of your own industry. certain point she realizes she needs Robinson, Haley Swittenberg, Alec to escape the man so she kills him, Pourmoghadam, Jayla Sanders, Caleb CS: What is your favorite thing about becomes remorseful and is visited by Smith, and Haleigh Markham sat down modeling? the devil and spirits that represent her with some of the designers and models for conscious. the upcoming SOA Fashion Show to discuss AD: My favorite part of modeling is how their themes, influences, and aspirations. empowering it is. I love traveling and that’s CS: What are your biggest Picture Credits: Caleb Smith and Provided partly why I started in the first place. I’ve fashion influences? also met so many people that have taught Arden Dodge me lessons whether they were from toxic SG: I try not to get influenced by other experiences or smooth sailing ones. One designers because that can become thing I also adore about modeling is the fact Cora Schipa: unoriginal, repetitive, and not very What is your that the model stereotype is actually very experience inaccurate! Of course there are people who fit fun so I try to take inspiration from with the that position, but most models are intelligent literature, painting, and art as well as SOA fashion and have something to say. fashion history. I try to stay away from show? contemporary fashion. CS: Is modeling part of your future Arden career plans? CS: Do you practice any other Dodge: art forms? Honestly, out AD: I plan right now on taking a gap year of the shows between senior year and college to travel to SG: I used to be in the Visual Arts major I’ve walked in New York where the real industry is. I’ll be which was super fun. I’m still doing all, I’ve really applying for college senior year, but I’m going two separate 2D AP art portfolios: one to request deferment. New York City is where enjoyed the is art and one is design. All the pieces SOA show it’s booming right now, and I want to figure as one of my out what I want to do before I go into school in them were created last year when I favorites. There’s something about having for a degree I’m not sure I care about. I’ll also was in Taiwan. all your friends around you learning to walk be able to work another job and save money and gaining confidence just in those few because I’ll be paying half of my tuition. I’ll CS: What was your experience in practices. Also, rehearsals are much more be able to travel to different fashion weeks Taiwan? fun. In freshman year I modeled for Galen and go to different countries, and that’s a Berger whose theme was feminism! This dream of mine. SG: I learned the language and a lot year I’m modeling for Quinn Burgin. Her about the culture. It’s a whole different theme is manipulation of the female body. perspective on the world; you have to Sasha Gregorieff get used to everything being different. CS: What is your experience with Cora Schipa: Also, my host family was really mean modeling outside of SOA fashion so I had to learn to be with people like shows? What is your theme for that. AD: My experience with modeling is very the fashion interesting. I had to fake confidence for a show? CS: What are your future career while until I finally got where I am, and I plans? still have trouble with all the competition. Sasha You meet a lot of funny people and you also Gregorieff: It’s SG: I want to do fashion as my career. realize that certain features about you are complicated. It Next year I’m planning on taking way more important than you could have began as how a gap year and doing some fashion our perception imagined. For instance, I’ve met with agents internships in New York or London. before who have put their hands up to my jaw of death, life, the afterlife, and After that, I want to go to Central St. to measure it, so I had a bunch of hands all Martin’s in London. over my face and body. That happens a lot. religion make It can be bizarre, but you learn that being how we treat our modest isn’t an option. You also can’t take it everyday lives too seriously or it will affect you negatively! differently. But then it mutated into how love Continued on Page 18 Once you let call back denials affect you, you can be corrupted. I’m now telling a narrative give the modeling industry that much power story with my Page 18 Features April 2018 NM: Fabric HS: What are some of your career Graham Martini manipulation aspirations? Mosiah through Williams: backpacks EB: I don’t really have a dream job. I just What are & clothing. I want to be happy. some art got really into areas or backpacks HS: What is your favorite show/ people that during piece you’ve ever walked in? inspire sophomore your year, and EB: Walking for Creatures of the Wind work as a Junior I began was probably my favorite experience designer? incorporating because it was all bigger and more intense backpack than my other shows. GM: I try not attributes into to have any clothing. HS: Do you have any advice for influences. someone wanting to enter the world MW: Do you have any career of modeling? MW: What interest in the fashion or design are some world? EB: You have to have really thick skin and recurring themes in your fashion not take things to heart. You’ll get ridiculed work? NM: I want to work in fashion and but the only thing that matters is if you’re design, and eventually start some sort happy with yourself. GM: I like to repeat the forms and tones of entrepreneur practice. the human body, and try to mesh the model with the piece. MW: What has influenced you as Caroline Dukes designer? Haley Swittenberg: What are MW: Do you have any career interest some of your inspirations for your in the fashion or design world? NM: Accessory wear & backpacks. designs and patterns ? Hardware from construction clothing (like GM: I like to keep my options open, so I functional/purposeful clothing). Caroline don’t know. I’m going to go to art school and Dukes: I draw take a bunch of fashion classes and a bunch inspiration of art classes and if I like it I might do it. Eliza Black from both older European styles MW: What has influenced you as like the colors designer? Haley from baroque Swittenberg: and rococo GM: Definitely organic shapes and What’s your styles and the tendencies of the human form. favorite silhouette from a more Victorian MW: What about the human form thing about style. Other excites you? modeling? influences are Korean and GM: The natural lines and the fullness. EB: It might be the Japanese street style social aspects of it. You meet so many HS: What are some of your career cool designers and aspirations? Nadja McGlone people and you end up having a lot CD: My dream job would probably Mosiah Williams: What are some be a mad scientist, who engineers and art areas or people that inspire your of time to talk to them. accidentally releases the virus that creates work as a designer? the zombie apocalypse, and then move to Alaska, living out my days in a tiny cabin Nadja McGlone: Iris Vanherpen—her HS: Who are some models who by the sea. Practically I’d love to be a clothing isn’t wearable, but is more for inspire you? biomedical or agrobiotech engineer. looking and finding influence. EB: Alek Wek is probably one of the MW: What are some recurring most inspiring models to me because she Continued on Page 19 themes in your fashion work? overcame a lot to get where she is and broke a lot of boundaries. April 2018 Features Page 19

HS: Who are some of the most HS: Who are some of the most counts, then yes! influential designers to you? influential designers to you? MR: What is your theme for the CD: I wouldn’t say I have specific designers MT: Some of my most inspirational fashion show? who inspire me, but one of my all time designers are Michele Clapton, Ann favorites is the Victorian designer Charles Maskery, and Christian Dior. ML: My theme is global warming. I Frederick Worth. didn’t know what to do at first, but I HS: What experiences outside of was certain that I was going to include HS: What experiences outside of school/the design room inspire you? something about nature. I decided I was school/the design room inspire you? going to focus on certain effects of global MT: My boss, Sig at the Silver Thimble, warming: droughts, ice melting, forest CD: I cosplay a lot in my free time, so anime is also one of my inspirations because she fires, polar bear extinction, and flowers and video games inspire me alot! started her own alteration shop and creates blooming early. I usually get inspired lots of Victorian costumes. when I go searching for fabrics or when HS: What’s the theme for your I see certain colors and shapes that showpieces/senior thesis/AP HS: What’s the theme for your remind me of something in nature, and portfolio? showpieces, senior thesis, and/or AP that’s when I start designing an outfit. portfolio? CD: My thesis is based on a Japanese story telling device called the Hanahaki Disease, MT: My theme for the fashion show/senior which is the Flower Lung/Coughing disease. thesis is quirky vintage where I take vintage Ele Fish To sum it up, if an individual is in love and styles from the 60s/70s and put my own that love is unrequited, then flowers bloom twist on them by using complementary Alec Pourmoghadam: What is the in their lungs and they cough up flowers, as prints and colors. inspiration behind your designs? it progress the afflicted suffocate and die. If victim communicates with their unrequited Ele Fish: love then the flowers can dissipate. There’s Malena Lisanti I like to no set origin time or place for the story. It design symbolizes the toxicity of miscommunication. Maggie Robinson: collections Who/what is that Maggie Tennant your fashion optimize inspiration? comfort and style. Haley Malena Swittenberg: Lisanti: My Streetwear What are biggest fashion as well as some of your inspiration has artistic inspirations always been fashion are for your Fendi and my main designs and Chanel, because inspirations. patterns? I love their use of simple styles MT: I have and colors. AP: What is your theme for this always loved year’s fashion show and how did vintage styles, MR: What are your career you come up with it? so I just wanted aspirations? to put my own EF: This year, my theme is psychological twist on 60s and ML: I plan on becoming an interior 70s looks for my decorator, but obviously I’m going to manipulation. I chose this theme senior thesis. continue fashion projects on the side. I love because we had to pick something in the designing and sewing clothes, but more for realm of manipulation and I thought HS: What is your dream job and some fun. it would be interesting to explore of your career aspirations? the different types of psychological MR: Do you have any experience in manipulation. I am representing these MT: My dream career is to become a costume Fashion and Design outside of SOA? designer after getting into my top school categories somewhat abstractly through UNCSA. I believe this dream will come true ML: If cutting up fabrics around the house fabric manipulation and imagery. for me. and making doll clothes when I was little Page 20 Features April 2018

Alec Pourmoghadam: What are your ZJ: As of now, I am pretty unsure of what CS: Who career goals and aspirations? I would like to focus on for a future career, are some although I am leaning toward marine of your EF: I am undecided on what I would like to do biology, environmental sustainability or biggest as a career. Right now, I am not planning on migration studies. influences? pursuing a career in the fashion industry. I’m very interested in studying foreign languages AP: How would you say being a EP: Jeremy and cultures. I hope that whatever path I end Fashion and Design major has Scott. up taking will allow me to have an impact on contribute to your life? the betterment of society. CS: What ZJ: While I’m rushing to finish garments would you AP: After SOA, how do you feel you and fit models for upcoming deadlines it’s say is the will incorporate your major into your a little hard to see all of the benefits that main goal life? comes with the show each year. But I do of your know that I would not have been able to work? EF: Fashion has taught me skills such as take ideas and turn them into tangible, attention to detail and perseverance that I wearable art, without this major, let alone EP: Making a statement, I want my think will help me in any field that I enter alter my own clothes. clothes to speak to the masses and I’d into. like to bring out different things about protests. Jada Orr Zola Jay Caleb Smith: Grace Earle Alec Pourmoghadam: What is the What is your inspiration behind your designs? theme for Carson the fashion Peaden: ZJ; I think that show? What the majority of is your my inspiration JO: The theme comes from manipulation of for the current events stereotypes. fashion and topics show? around the CS: Who world, which are some of Grace explains why I your biggest Earle: am always so influences? Perception. scattered from year to year. Jada Orr: Marc CP: What Jacobs, and RAF Simmons. are some AP: What is of your your theme CS: What are your career goals and sources of inspiration? for this year’s fashion show and how aspirations? did you come up with it? GE: I am inspired by strong, powerful, JO: Basically everything that has to deal successful, courageous women. ZJ: My theme this year is called ‘Borders,’ with writing. I want to work in journalism Women that stand up for what they and through it I attempt to encourage in media but also like write a bunch of believe and have a true purpose for the conversation around immigration and the literature and surrounding like political work they do. Women like Michelle unimaginable struggles immigrants face issues and cultural issues and also like play Obama, Kerry Washington, Judy with the current policies that are in place. around with editorials and publishing. Smith, Hillary Clinton, Diane Sawyer, I have been thinking about portraying and Oprah Winfrey. this topic through the fashion show since sophomore year, but with so many new laws Erin Porter CP: When did you first become surrounding immigration in the US and in interested in fashion and design? other countries, and after writing about women immigrants in Morocco for one of Caleb Smith: What is your theme for I fell in love with sewing when I was my college essays, I was so strongly drawn the fashion show? little and I would watch my granny to do it this year. Erin Porter: The manipulation of protest. AP: What are your career goals and Continued on Page 21 aspirations? April 2018 Features Page 21 sew, but I really fell in love with design when been a part of many local fashion design and Keeping up with their academic, I was in middle school. I was in Theater, fashion photography events. The two sisters artistic, and athletic work ends up being and I eventually realized that I enjoyed the have been runway models for Charleston very difficult for students. “This is my costumes and the design aspect of theatre Fashion week for the past three years. This first year running high school track,” more than performing. event is especially exciting because models says Vigi, “and I can definitely say that get a chance to wear designs created by CP: Who are some designers that professional designers. Models have to go managing my time and making sure inspire you? through a series of practices in which they are I’m balanced with track and school is taught proper form for walking and general difficult.” “Some days I have to miss GE: I absolutely love Monique Luhillier, look and expression. practice for a graded performance or Coco Chanel, and Giorgio Armani. Monique Amber and Cora have also been a part some other band function” Vigi says, Luhillier designs the most beautiful gowns, of the annual wedding week event. There, “other nights I’m up until midnight which are my favorite things! Coco Chanel they wear custom made wedding gowns for making sure other academic work is and Giorgio Armani pioneered fashion with catalogs and for an intimate runway style getting taken care of.” However, Son- peices that we consider staples today such as show. The Art Institute of Charleston also has ja says that there’s a plus side to all the little black dress, or the pantsuit. I love a fashion program in which volunteer’s model these hardships, “it teaches you time the way they can turn a simple garment into a for school organized programs. Cora and management skills, so if you conquer fashion movement and change history. Amber have also been known to participate that you’ll be fine.” in these. When asked what the positive aspects When it comes to goals for the SOA seniors utilize of the modeling industry were, Cora stated team, Son-ja hopes “to bond together that,” (modeling) is a way to empower and make it to state.” Vigi hopes that professional experience the model and to be a part of a creative she and her team can “improve our on runway community.” To contrast, she said that technique and shorten our times though modeling can empower the model it this season and not only growing by Graham Martini can also belittle the individual and worsen individually, but as a team should.” issues of self-confidence. Despite the struggles of the industry, Cora and Amber love to be a part of the fashion SOA’s PTSA is and design community and to contribute to raising money a creative endeavor. Be sure to watch the for our school two sisters in this year’s SOA Fashion Show through the wearing designs by Nadja McGlone. national Boxtops for Education program. SOA Sports Update Boxtops can be found on the packaging of many by Julian Griffin commercial food items. Each Boxtop is worth 10 cents for SOA. Students As spring turns its head and flowers wishing to participate can deliver begin to bloom, the spring sport season their Boxtops to the collection also starts up. Freshman Band major Vigi containers in the following areas LeBlanc and Senior Vocal major Son-ja around campus by Monday, April 9 to raise money for SOA: Jones run for Stall High School. Practice for Vigi and Son-ja seems to Cafeteria (2 containers) be tough, but enjoyable. “It’s probably the highlight of my day after hours of academic Ms. Summey’s desk Cora (left) and Amber (right) bring a plethora classes,” says Vigi. “Workouts are fairly hard The sign-in desk of modeling knowledge and experience to the on Monday’s and hard on Wednesdays and SOA Fashion Show. Fridays if we don’t have a meet that day or Any high school English teacher’s the following day,” Vigi says, “Tuesdays classroom The annual SOA Fashion Show and Thursdays are mostly saved for block Any middle school Science teacher’s features designs worn by students who work and short sprints, but overall practice classroom want to try their hand at runway modeling. is great.” For Son-ja, who’s throwing and Teachers working the car line will A few students have expressed special sprinting for her team, she starts practice collect interest in modeling and have pursued it with “2 laps around the track, next we either in their time away from SOA. do drilling or glute activation exercises, then Homeroom teachers will collect Amber and Cora Schipa have we will branch off to practice our events.”

Page 22 Congratulations April 2018

Kelsey Hansen Marie Cecil

Go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals. We are so proud of you, Marie, we are proud of you! Keep shining Kelsey Hansen! on the inside and out. We love you very much! Love, Love, Mom, Dad, Colin & Ryan Mom, Dad, Emily & Henry

Haley Swittenberg Jada Orr

Congratulations, Jada Flawed and fabulous...because perfect on your doesn’t exist and normal is boring. Final Fashion Show! So proud of all you have accomplished! We Love You to the Moon & Back! Love, Mom Mom and Dad April 2018 Congratulations Page 23

Caitlin Brennan Helen Izzo

To Helen, our beautiful creative designer, “Because of your smile, you make life more We are wishing you a wonderful fashion beautiful.” show this year. Your designs will rock the -Thich Nhat Hanh runway! Love, Mom & Dad

Hunter Garner

Hunter, you were the child that was so hard to make smile as a baby. Now you light up in front of the camera! We are so proud of you. Love you to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, and Ellie

Page 24 Congratulations April 2018

Isabelle Chuy Ele Fish

Haute Couture at SOA?! Wear it Gracie Girl! Have fun on the runway, Isabelle! Good luck from your Rents! Congratulations, Ele! Your perseverance has led to considerable accomplishments. We admire your sincerity, decency, strength, and humor. As your future takes shape, remember- the best is yet to come! Love, Mom and Dad

Hannah Bendure “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”-Michelle Obama Hannah, You are an amazing actor and a beautiful model. You will Applause congratulates go so far. everyone involved in the SOA Fashion Show, and With love, wishes you best of luck on Your Family Wednesday.

April 2018 Reviews Page 25 Classic album review: the title song, she speaks about the Congratulations to the winners of the SOA’s greatness of and pride in her talents and PTSA Reflections contest as judged by our Young, Gifted, and Black esteemed judges: by Aretha Franklin (1972) Middle School Visual Arts 1st. Savanna Jones by Maggie Robinson Honorable Mention. Ben Huston Everybody understands the Middle School Dance feeling of not getting needed recognition, 1st. Sophia Katsibis and Natalia Benton and Young, Gifted, and Black is the 2nd. Laci Heinrich 3rd. Emma Cannon Davis embodiment of deserving more. It was lost between Aretha Franklin’s more Middle School Literature popular releases in the early seventies 1st. Henry Monteith and late sixties. In a way, it’s a hidden 2nd. Sydney Lee 3rd. Jessica Johnson gem. The time of this release was around Honorable Mention. Caitlin Sandifer Franklin’s prime time, only a few years after her hits like “Respect.” It was High School Photography looked over and still is. 1st. Leah Heneck 2nd. Jenna Flaherty Young, Gifted, and Black has a 3rd. Nicole Dawson beautiful mix of sounds. All the songs Honorable Mention. Carson Stehling have a beautiful backup choir and, of course, Franklin’s unmistakable vocals. Even after upbeat songs, she goes back Esteemed Judges to a slow tempo with ambience and hints culture. “Border Song (Holy Moses),” of blues and gospel. first recorded by Elton John, is similar, Literature- Mr. Smyth (retired SOA At first listen, it may not calling for a change and to spread love for teacher) all people. The rest of the album follows Photography and Visual Arts - Sara Frankel, immediately stand out as the best. (Professor and Department Chair Drawing Afterall, how can anything compete the same tone, which has inspired many and Painting, College of Charleston) with “Respect”? However, many argue modern day artists, especially women, Dance - Gretchen McLaine, Associate that Young, Gifted, and Black is Aretha to pursue a musical career. My favorites Professor Dance, College of Charleston are “Day Dreaming,” “April Fools,” and Franklin’s best of the best. It’s dynamic “Border Song.” The teacher with the most entries, with and powerful, mixing multiple genres t 13, was Creative Writing teacher Ms. Beth Especially in Webb Hart. Picture Credits: Google Images

370 Remount Road Suite B, North Charleston, SC, 29406

Page 26 Reviews April 2018 Hip Hop music review: not recognized as an independent Contemporary Album album, has worked wonders for the Black Panther: The Album film. Review: Crush EP by Ravyn by Kendrick Lamar Lamar incorporates various Lenae A-list musicians. Among these are by Caleb Smith by Maggie Robinson SZA, Anderson .Paak, Travis Scott, Swae Lee, and James Blake. This soundtrack is the introduction to a new way of incorporating music into cinema. I feel fortunate to live in a time where I can see one of the groundbreaking artists that I admire the most create music for a film that will be a cornerstone in my culture for a lifetime. Some of my favorite tracks on this album are “Big Shot,” “The Ways,” and “King’s Dead.” Although I have recognized these to be the top tracks for me, the whole collection is one that I would put above other

Picture Credits: Google Images independent albums from other well Are there any hotter releases than Crush As the film Black Panther continues known artists. I have listened to this right now? Nope. Not even close. The nineteen to dominate in the box office and break collection continuously for the past year old Ravyn Lenae, within just a few days records, it is worth noting that one of the months, and I do not see myself since her EP’s release took the music industry most appealing aspects of the movie is the stopping in near future. by storm. She released it on February 9, just soundtrack. Spearheaded by the notorious in time for Valentine’s Day with her modern- Kendrick Lamar, the soundtrack, which is soul love songs. After touring and working with artists like SZA and Noname, she’s finally making her own ripple in music. The EP kicks off with my favorite track, “Sticky.” It’s a bit more funky than the other songs, more upbeat. But she transitions into many different sounds with the rest of the songs, sharing her dynamic taste. I’d also like to dedicate this review to just her voice: it’s adaptable and takes on lots of ranges and styles. Both airy and strong, Lenae’s voice takes on a personality with each new track. What I really like about Crush is how self-aware it is. Lenae goes through the music trying multiple styles without ever overdoing it. Oftentimes, an artist’s first big release tries too hard, but Crush is the outcome of when an artist experiments without getting too far ahead of themselves. Ravyn Lenae also understands exactly what she’s singing about, what she’s creating. She shares her messages of self-love for the world, and can bring a positive light to anybody’s day. Usually I choose my favorite songs off whatever album I’m reviewing, but I can’t decide on this one. Give it a listen to see for yourself.

April 2018 Student Work Page 27

Found: Her Genesis by Sophia Cosentino

She took some and ate it. The earth found enmity; Eve found pain in the earth.

We sprung up like plants; We have made thorns and thistles grow out of the ground. Wild by the sweat of your brow, Eve, you are free of command; We are free of command. Eve, desirable like gold, runs along the river; takes the dust with her, Sophie Heinold, Freshman. takes the entire land Mixed media. in her hands and runs

like wind on her face as she runs. Gaining Wisdom as the tree that must grow, Eve was the first wild woman of earth.

Braedyn Wasserman, Freshman. Watercolor.

Submissions of creative writing, visual art, and fashion and design Shelby Ayers, Junior. pieces can be sent to Watercolor and marker. [email protected]

Page 28 Opinion April 2018 someone who “just found this really cool SOA kid. But she was right. Perhaps Fashionably Unfashionable: underground bar you should check out”, the someone’s individuality does not come the origins of SOA edginess word used to have a different connotation. from labels like “hipster” and “edgy”, Someone who struggled against the flow but rather the traits of the individual of the mainstream, or at least tried to. So, itself. by Bailey Abedon Whatever the origin of this in accordance to his era, Austin was the debated phenomena, whether one I recall the moment I got my first pair of quintessential hipster for his time. calls SOA’s culture edgy, grunge, black skinny jeans. On a cold winter afternoon “I wanted to be just like the poet hipster or emo, it is undeniably unique in the year 2010, I looked down at my yellow Tristan Tzara. Otherwise I looked up to my considering the Southern environment capris and had a fleeting moment of horror as I other favorite poets at the time: Whitman, we are otherwise growing up in. Maybe realized something. They were ugly. Into Urban Rimbaud, Ginsberg, and Brautigan.” Classic we conform to a certain “art kid” Outfitters I went, and selected the stiffest pair I responses. I ask him what he thought made persona, but we push the boundaries could fine. Oh joy! Oh sorrow! Oh assimilation! SOA kids unique from other schools. “SOA within our community, constantly as a whole is far more ‘out there’ than other questioning authority, and the way we I was overwhelmed to near tears. So this is how are expected to live our lives in general. to rebel I thought. schools. I recall that while still in high school my friends were throwing experimental To all you SOA students out there, keep This isn’t a real memory. Truthfully, I being you. could not track the specific moment in which music house shows. I’d certainly never I adopted the aesthetic of thrifted clothes expect that from, say, Magnet students.” and caustic smolders so common in the halls And what is Austin up to now? He Sass Attack of School of the Arts. I forget when I stopped is travelling to Ireland soon. In regards saying my favorite color was yellow, or when I to how he has changed since high school, by Alec Pourmoghadam started feeling unreasonably angry at things as he says he “can hardly recognize the high trivial as pencil breaking or a tapping foot. school Austin, while still knowing him all As we gear up Like many things in life, it just happened. too well. It’s difficult to approach this non- for the fashion It is true that many at our school have reasons to philosophically. I can say simply that I’ve show, a thought be angry. Here we sit, enter and exiting classes learned, with much difficulty, that one must crossed my we do not care about, riddled with existential love others. As for not changing, I have to mind. Why does dread, sitting despairingly in our bathrooms admit (especially to the Creative Writing each gender have stalls covered in graffiti pulled right out of a teachers) that I’m still pretty disorganized.” specific fashion teenage movie. The angst festers within us like There is no question in my mind that guidelines to a sore. But rather than choosing to heal this SOA is different than Academic Magnet. But follow? Fashion wound, we protect it. It is a part of us. The SOA I decided to get some insight from my older is an amazing student thrives off the idea that, in some way or sister Zoe, who is currently a junior at Duke art form that can be displayed in another, we are a vital part to the counterculture University. Her immediate response was a many different ways. I feel that in the movement. Do we function this way because justified scoff. “But that’s just an artsy kid fashion industry, gender shouldn’t of our creativity? Are we just like the next thing in general though. I don’t know if it’s exist in the form it takes in other facets art kid fallen victim to a society which values some phenomenon.” Oh. She had a point. of society. As the times change, so STEM over the arts? Does any of this mean But can it be that simplified, I asked her. Is does the fashion industry. More and anything? And this all begs another question. there nothing that sets the “SOA kid” apart more, we see concepts like androgyny Is counterculture really counterculture when from the next woeful artist? and gender fluidity welcomed in the everyone’s doing it? “There’s definitely the illusion of fashion community. To answer this, I embark on a quest to SOA existing as some sort of outlier because At SOA, we see a boy walking find the origins of SOA “edginess.” Together, we the students are drawn to aesthetics that down the hall wearing heels and don’t will delve into the minds of our past edgy icons. let the world know they’re interested in art think twice, but much of society finds So take my hand, and let us cringe together. and therefore “not like other high school it repulsive or socially unacceptable. Edginess was not always referred to as students” but as far as really “pushing Since when did heels become and stay edginess. We might once have referred to it as the envelope” goes you don’t get much of a girl thing? Historically, men started goth, then scene, then hipster. But since then, that. We were conforming to a different wearing heels as a sign of strength and those labels elicit an immediate cringe. We idea of what’s cool, yes but it was certainly power. think of MySpace, and tragic early 2000 bands conforming nevertheless. Being immersed As time changes so do our such as My Chemical Romance, etc. in an artistic environment does inspire opinions and views. These views help We begin with Austin Worth. You curiosity and acceptance of a broader range shape fashion. It’s 2018. It’s time to might have known him as the kid with the of experiences and interests, which shouldn’t accept the fact that it’s okay for gender (possibly?) ironic lip ring. Austin was a Creative be discounted… but an arts high school only stereotypes to be crushed and broken. Writer here at SOA, during the time when serves to plant the seeds of tendency. The We are here for a changing generation the phrase “hipster” was relevant Though the real exploration and formation of the self from close-minded stereotypes to current generation of teenagers a hipster as a comes later.” acceptance. As feminist queen Reese Well then. Zoe brought up a profound thirty something with a neatly tied man bun point in an exceptionally pretentious way, Witherspoon once said, “Being true to and perfectly trimmed mustache, which ironically, is a notable quality of an yourself never goes out of style.”

April 2018 Editorial Page 29

pride and accomplishment brings the teacher, core academics. Children learn to rely Fashion Show and Spring students, and parents together. The arts on themselves and trust in their talents, Showcase embody the can connect people in ways core academics abilities, and dedication to excel in cannot. arts classes rather than instruction by value of arts education Another important event to everyone the teacher or note taking. The arts is the annual Spring Showcase. Each major help children to better understand Walking into the administration has different times and places around the different cultures while providing building at Charleston County School of school to put on performances for fellow them with a safe space to express their the Arts, one is almost bombarded by art. students, parents, and the community. It is emotions in a healthy, productive way. The walls and glass cases are filled with a very meticulous process to coordinate and It can also help those with mental and paintings, drawings, and sculptures while is planned throughout the year as each major physical disabilities find confidence fashion design forms draped with handmade shows their progress. Theater students are in their abilities to complete tasks on garments line the halls. This isn’t typical at singing Broadway songs in the black box while their own and motivate them to push most high schools. But, then again, SOA isn’t the band plays in the auditorium. Creative themselves further in the real world. your typical high school. writers are holding readings in the Pegasus As school, college, and the Founded in 1995 by Rose Maree Myers, Garden while piano majors are perfectly real world seem to loom over high SOA is the 2nd highest rated high school in executing Mozart in the breezeway. Students schoolers constantly, the arts provide a the state. Born from an old recycled building want to share their talents and work hard to sense of confidence in decision making with trailers, it has turned into a one of a kind, put on breathtaking performances. In other and perseverance. This translates state-of-the-art campus. Each student has schools it can be hard to find a community excellently into having that same an hour and half long major class everyday like the one at SOA. Everyone works hard confidence for in-school assignments, ranging from music to drawing to writing and passionately on their art to make it the homework, test and quizzes, and to fashion design. This is recognized as one best they possibly can. teacher and peer interaction. An early hears Tchaikovsky burst from the Symphony So how does a school founded in arts education can provide someone room and sees student writing lining the trailers become one of the most revered in the with skills they will use their whole walls. Some may think that this time distracts state? The arts interconnected in academics lives. Without the arts aspect of SOA, from the ever important academics of high creates the perfect learning environment. In you would find normal kids with school but it’s actually a unique and powerful a study by the Association for Supervision normal goals. But the arts encourage form of motivation. Students must maintain and Curriculum Development results kids to push themselves beyond the a C average or above in their major and good show that arts education brings positive normal. This is what puts SOA’s grades throughout the year to continue to emotional development, deep learning alumni in some of the most esteemed attend. This pushes students to put as much engagement, motivation to learn, decreased arts jobs in the entire world. School time and energy towards their artistic passion disciplinary issues, self awareness, concept, of the Arts is a living instance of the as their academics. In a normal school, an and expression as well improved self-efficacy arts helping children to go beyond the extracurricular such as band or art may be and self-confidence. An arts education adds typical and inspiring them to achieve taken away if the student does not excel at something fluid and creative among the their full potential in all aspects of life. academics. But at SOA, excellence must be seemingly “right or wrong” attitude of most maintained around the clock in order to keep the standards as high as possible. There is clearly a feeling of passion and love of art in students at SOA. This creates AP Chemistry an environment like no other and produces experiences distinct to the school. A perfect students perform example of this is the annual School of the analysis on blue Arts Fashion Show, which brings together standard solutions students and teachers from every major to prepare and put on a modern production with a new showcasing the talents of the Fashion Design spectrophotometer. major. Designers create up to 10+ designs for The results this the show depending on their grade level. They then pick students to model their looks on the year are far more runway, while another student provides the accurate than with music. Yet another serves as emcee while one the older borrowed provides lighting and sound. Many help to set up the stage while others work on hair and machine from makeup. These students come from all grade years prior. levels and majors to make the production run seamlessly. After the show, the energy of the room is electric, each member of the show proud of their contribution. This sense of Page 30 Novelties April 2018 April Spotify Playlist April Horoscopes Spotify In the mood for some new music? Head to @cusatisoa on Spotify to Aries (Mar. 21- Apr. 19): Don’t be afraid of hear the staff’s favorite fashion related commitment. Whether it’s deciding on a college jams. or solidifying plans with a friend, be more open to opportunities. “Fashion” by David Bowie Taurus (Apr. 20- May 20): Try not to jump “Suit and Tie” by Justin Timberlake into conflict that isn’t warranted. Talk out “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat” by Bob Dylan your problems with the other parties involved, making sure to stay calm and collected. “Supermodel” by RuPaul Gemini (May 21- Jun. 20): Your pride is “Vintage Clothes” by Paul McCartney getting the best of you. Focus less on yourself, and be mindful of others around you. “Always True To You In My Fashion” by Ella Fitzgerald Cancer (Jun 21- Jul. 22): You might be craving “Vogue” by Madonna adventure this month. Get out of your comfort zone, and explore some of those feelings. “Touch the Hem of His Garment” by Sam Cooke Leo (Jul. 23- Aug. 22): If you don’t put effort into your studies, you might not get the “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Elton John results you’ve been hoping for. Turn in those assignments on time. “Fashion!” by Lady Gaga Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22): Cut out your bad habits as soon as possible. They may just drain your wallet. SOA Sudoku Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22): You hardly have time to breathe this month—don’t try to add a relationship into the mix. Focus on sorting out everything you have going on. Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov. 21): Don’t give in to your desires. Although you may think it’s what you need, these actions might lead to unintended consequences. Sagittarius (Nov. 22- Dec. 21): That upcoming event that you’re nervous about will be a success. Don’t let your doubts get the best of you. Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan.19): Try not to be so hard on yourself. Do your best and the results will surprise you. Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18): Keep any promises you make this month. If you don’t, you might disappoint someone you care deeply about. Pisces (Feb. 19- Mar. 20): Your empathetic side will show itself this month. Embrace it by giving back to the community and the people you love.

April 2018 Novelties Page 31

The Trivia Challenge 6. Who was the first black woman billionaire and the current by Cora Schipa richest African-American woman? 7. What was the name of the female punk rock group who It’s March, which is National Women’s Month, and what better blended together music, art and consciousness-raising into a way to celebrate women than to remember the ones who changed reformulated brand of feminism in the early 1990s? the course of history? This issue we have two-time champion and 8. What was the date of the Women’s March, the largest single Senior Creative Writer Mosiah Williams up against Senior Fashion day protest in US history? and Design major Jada Orr for the March Trivia Crown! 9. Who was the first female Speaker of the House? 10. What was the name of the landmark decision issued in Questions 1973 by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of the constitutionality of laws that criminalized or restricted access 1. What year did American women gain the right to vote? to abortion? 2. Where was the first Women’s Rights Convention held in the United States? 3.Who was the first African American actress to win the Academy Award? 4. Who is the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mosiah Williams Jada Orr Washington, D.C., which she designed when she was only 21 12th Grade 12th Grade Fashion years old? Creative Writing and Design 5. Name one of the four women who were part of the Women’s Rights movement during the late 19th century, traveling across the country for 40 years lecturing and organizing. 1. 1918. 2. Seneca Falls. 3. Patti Labelle. 4. I don’t know. 5. I don’t know. 6. Oprah. 7. TLC 8. January 21st, 2017 9. Nancy Pelosi 10. Roe v. Wade 5/10 1. 1920. 2. Seneca Falls. 3. Cicely Tyson. And Mosiah retains his throne! 4. I don’t know. After a hard fought battle, Mosiah 5. Eleanor Roosevelt will return to fight for his Crown in 6. Madam C.J. Walker Applause’s Graduation issue! 7. I don’t know. 8. January 28th, 2017

Answers 9. I don’t know.

10. Roe v. Wade v. Roe 10. 10. I don’t know.

9. Nancy Pelosi Nancy 9.

8. January 21, 2017 21, January 8. 2/10

7. Riot Grrls Riot 7.

6. Oprah Winfrey Oprah 6.

Sojourner Truth. Sojourner

Anthony, Lucy Stone or or Stone Lucy Anthony, If you would like to compete in next

Stanton, Susan B. B. Susan Stanton, month’s Trivia Challenge, please

5. Elizabeth Cady Cady Elizabeth 5. contact [email protected] 4. Maya Lin Maya 4.

3. Hattie McDaniel Hattie 3.

2. Seneca Falls Seneca 2. 1. 1920 1. Picture Credits: Cora Schipa

Page 32 Question of the Month April 2018

“Oprah Winfrey.” “My grandmother. She “Michelle Obama.” “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie served in World War II.” because of her unifying -Mrs. Greco, Guidance - Yorasia Randall, 9th character.” Counselor -Ronan Kotz, 7th grade grade Vocal Piano -Jo Edwards, 12th grade Dance Who is a female figure you look up to?

“Nancy Hamrick. She was a by Caleb Smith and mentor for me when I was a “My mom because she gets young woman and taught me a lot Graham Martini me through hard times.” about grace, forgiveness, and how Picture Credits: Caleb Smith to react to adversities in life.” -Michael Bendure, 6th grade Theater -Mrs. Crawford, Spanish teacher

“Maya Angelou.” “My girlfriend, because I love “Beyoncé, because she’s “My mother because she’s her.” queen.” worked as a teacher for 40 -Sophia Leonardi, 8th grade years.” Dance -Zachary Shirley, 11th grade -Bethany Weeks, 10th grade Vocal Fashion and Design -Ms. Mortensen, Science teacher

Page 38 Senior Surveys June 2018

Gracie King: Throughout the last 7 years, piano family everyday. Jonathan Stone: I will miss my I have formed relationships with many Grace Rauton: My friends are the things Republican friends the most. students and teachers. Having a small, school I will miss the most about SOA. I have Haley Swittenberg: Mr. Kerr, the environment has definitely contributed to the become especially close to my fellow dance bandroom, and my beautiful baby bass level of closeness the student body has and majors over the past seven years, so it is trombone. will be something I will miss as I move on to going to be very hard to leave them. Cecile Thomson: Being in the the real world. Nick Remington: My Republican friends symphony orchestra. Erica Kremer: I will miss all the friends I I sit at lunch. Keegan Vath: The ease of meeting up have made at SOA the most. Elise Richardson: I will miss some of with the friends and teachers that I love. Jordan Le: The activities. the most genuine friends that I made here. Elliot Weeks: Dr. Christopher Selby. Megan LeBarron: I will miss going to band Anna Ritchey: I’m definitely going to Maeve West: Dr. Selby. every day and seeing the same kids that I’ve miss the amazing friends I have made and Cassandra Whiteside: I will miss been with since 6th grade. I’ll miss Mr. Kerr’s all the memories we have together the SOME of the people. long anecdotes that only sometimes relate to most. Courtney Wickstrom: Creative what we are doing but always entertain. Maggie Robinson: Dr. Teseniar. Gotta Writing, without a doubt. Jessica Leiker: I will miss my classmates love the guy. I’ll probably grow up to be Quinn Wilder: I’ll miss my friends the the most. some strange mixture of him and Mr. most. They are a special group that has Caroline Lloyd: I will miss the gross smell Orvin. made me into the person I am today and in the hallways. I know I will never smell it Morgan Roddey: The closeness. We are I can’t believe I will continue life without anywhere else :( all a family and the thought of not speaking them by my side daily. Damon Lockwood: Playing basketball at to some of my classmates and teachers on Cayman Williams: All of the people lunch. a daily basis makes me really upset. I’ve grown close to and the family we’ve Abbie Long: I will miss being able to say ‘hi’ Tianai Rong: The whole 90 minutes of made in Dance. to everyone when I walk down the hall. doing art everyday. Mosiah Williams: The people that Eli Lyons: Having my theater family to Brianna Samonte: I will miss the have believed in me. laugh with and support each other through constant exposure of the different forms Patrick Wohlscheid: I will miss all the social experiments we are required to in order to express creativity. The constant Adobe InDesign causing my computer put ourselves through. exposure inspired me to convey my art in to crash every ten minutes at the most Andrew Macchia: Walking out the door at multiple ways. inconvenient times. 3:25. Maggie Scapellato: The hand soap Mark Wolfe: I think I will miss my Betty Manaris: I will miss my friends so smells phenomenal. I really will miss that. Theater family the most. much. Amber Schipa: The windows. Lance Wylder: My TRUE friends. We Carson Mann: I will miss the Strings Cora Schipa: Creative Writing, for sure. all watched each other grow from little department the most. Trevor Scott: The friends I have made sixth graders to seniors, and it has truly Graham Martini: The people I have come since coming to SOA in 6th grade. been a long journey with my best friends. to love. Taylor Seel: My Vocal family and the Bethany Yeung: Being able to play in Nadja McGlone: My friends. Obviously. trips we would go on. an orchestra with all my friends. Walker Menkus: The Strings program. Hunter Simes: Being Adrianna Mitrano: I will miss my surrounded by people opportunities and experiences that SOA with that have the same Son-Ja Jones wins 9th Annual RMM provided me with. passions and mindset of Scholarship at Stones Tribute Courtney Morrow: Watching the snakes myself. slither through the halls. Caleb Smith: My major Jackson Morton: My close friends. and all of the hopefully life Lily Murchison: The security of fairly easy long friendships I have classes. made over the course of Joshua Nell: Strings and friends. these 4 quick years. Dionte Nelson: Friends. Denver Smith: The Lian Norris: I will miss my friends, because easily made friendships after spending seven years together it’s weird and the teachers who are to think that we are all going our own way. out there to help students. Jada Orr: My friends. Elizabeth Snyder: I Karlee Parshall: I’ll miss the friendships will miss the multiple the most. piano classes with my Mollie Pate: The looming fear of never fellow piano majors and graduating. the Jefferson Service Carson Peaden: I’m definitely going to miss Club. my Creative Writing friends and teachers. Rose Stark: I will miss Other than that, there are not a lot of other everything about the Senior Vocal major Son-Ja Jones was this year’s winner things I’m going to miss. Theater program; all the of the Rose Mare Myers Scholarship for Artistic Excellence. Alec Pourmoghadam: I will miss my people, the teachers, our The award was presented at the Rolling Stones tribute, “It’s friends for sure. I have grown so close to them performances, and the Only Rock ‘n’ Roll,” sponsored by Applause and performed through crazy classes, my major, and general amount of opportunities by SOA and AMHS students and faculty. Above: junior Joey SOA stress. for outside theater events. McGuinn (l) and senior Jalin Williams (r) jam on the Stones Virginia Quarles: I will miss seeing my hit “Emotional Rescue.”