THE June 6, 2017 theP park schoolOSTSCRIPT of baltimore | 2425 old court road, baltimore, md 21208 Volume 74.1 Issue No. 9

May Day 2017

photo by N. Blau ’18

photo by N. Blau ’18 After handing off leadership to fourth graders in the form of handkerchiefs, the fifth grade class begins its annual maypole dance to music while parents and students from all divisions look on. Held on May 19, earlier than previous years, the weather cooperated for the outdoor event. Mock Trial brings home Gordon and Mbengue to leave US fourth state championship by LEAH GENTH ’18 and will leave the modern language and resonated so well.” ZACHARY STERN ’19 athletic departments after seven years Many of Gordon’s contributions by JACK SHEEHY ’17 ins’ 2004 state championship team, As the school year comes to a working as a French teacher and the will still influence students and fac- agreed to assist and share their legal close, two Upper School teachers head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Soc- ulty long after he has left. He was With a winning history and three expertise. who have each had a lasting impact cer team. chosen by former Head of School previous state titles, the Mock Trial “In the end, being the coach when on different parts of the school are Prior to joining the math depart- Dr. F. Parvin Sharpless to serve as a team’s state championship win on Tina had left was initially a little bit leaving. Dr. Marshall Gordon, or ment in 1985, Dr. Gordon served as a member of the committee that revised April 28 may have come as no sur- intimidating, and the kids could have “Dr. G,” as many call him, will re- professor at Stony Brook University the school’s philosophy in 1990. Ad- prise. The 50-45 victory over Balti- taken a very different approach. They tire after 32 years of teaching in the and the University of North Carolina ditionally, Gordon facilitated the re- more City College in the Maryland could have been like, ‘well this isn’t math department. Malick Mbengue at Greensboro, as well as the principal model of the Upper School’s previous Court of Appeals capped a successful Tina,’” Asdourian said. “But they of a small independent high school. math curriculum, shaping what is cur- season that seemed unlikely a year took the opposite approach. They Seeking an opportunity to return to rently in place. ago. decided to be really generous. And teaching math—which he much pre- Gordon’s philosophy and love The departure of the team’s long- they decided to embrace the idea that ferred to his administrative duties as of education have manifested them- time head coach, Tina Forbush, a there would be these four coaches, a principal—Gordon applied for a selves in his classroom and in his lawyer-turned-history teacher and and embrace the whole new way the teaching job at Park, where he was work with students. “He really liked Co-Director of College Counseling, experience went.” offered a position to teach and chair to engage with students, and he really left the Mock Trial program with no Once tryouts concluded and the the math department immediately fol- loved teaching in so many ways,” for- coaches holding law degrees and an initial team was formed in November, lowing his interview. He accepted, mer advisee and student of Gordon’s, uncertain future. the group began to work on the 2016- and has stayed ever since. Peter Coulson ’16 said. “He really “Going into the year, we were all 17 case, which all Maryland teams Greatly influenced by American wanted [his students] to succeed and really unsure of how it was going to argued from the county preliminary philosopher John Dewey, Gordon has do well, and he wouldn’t accept the go,” co-captain Paige McDonald ’17 round through the state finals. always firmly believed in progressive idea of giving up or not being com- said. This case, resembling the Flint, and collaborative education; it’s part plete.” Tony Asdourian, the Upper School Michigan water crisis, is about a fic- of what brought him to Park. “The “Marshall tries to help the stu- math teacher and dept. co-chair who tional school superintendent who is university setting didn’t lend itself dents understand that what they need had served as assistant coach for six charged with reckless endangerment to the dialogue that I like to have. to know, and what they need to learn years, stepped into the head coach- and misconduct in office for allegedly You end up professing a lot, which is how to solve all kinds of problems ing role. failing to take sufficient measures to photo by N. Blau ’18 I wasn’t too pleased about,” Gordon beyond high school,” fellow math Guido Porcarelli and Jim Wyda, address lead-contaminated school Long-time mathematics teach- said. “[Park] was exactly the right teacher Arnaldo Cohen said. both parents of alumni, and Matt drinking water. er Marshall Gordon will retire place for me because the philosophy Rogers ’04, a lawyer on the Bru- See Teachers, p.3 at the end of the semester. See Mock Trial, p.3 INSIDETHE POSTSCRIPT COMMENTARY FEATURES ARTS & CULTURE SPORTS Bennett Demsky ’18, inspired by the re- Long-time teachers Emily Biscoe, Nancye Freshman-sophomore play She Kills Mon- Olivier Knopp ’19 argues that the Bruins cent attack on journalist Ben Jacobs ’02, Hesaltine, and Jo Anne Yamaka will retire sters offers a wacky and wonderful journey must begin recruiting athletes in order to discusses freedom of the press in America. this year. into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. stay competitive. PAGE 7 PAGE 8 PAGE 11 PAGE 14 Editorial // The Postscript June 6, 2017 2 Remembering Obi Okobi The Postscript turns 75 Former fourth grade teacher Obidimma Harvard University. She returned to Baltimore Last year, in the May 31, 2016 issue of tree from outside the Middle School, and the Okobi, known as Obi Okobi to her colleagues as the principal of City Neighbors Hamilton Postscript, the previous editors wrote a new addition of the turf field. and students, died April 3 from pulmonary em- School, a position she held until her untimely mission statement: “The Postscript is com- As we watched the fifth graders partici- bolism. Okobi taught at Park from 2006 to 2011 death at age 40. Two of her fourth grade col- mitted to publishing truthful, objective, and pate in the annual May Day maypole dance, when she left to attend a graduate program at leagues write about Okobi. high-quality content that informs the broad- it was hard not to reflect on just how dif- er community,” which of course is still true. ferent the celebration was since we partici- by ALI BARAN There are, however, aspects of The Post- pated, only six years ago. FOURTH GRADE script that we want to change in the coming The four maypoles we danced around year. now number only three, and none of the fifth It is still hard to fathom that Obi Okobi is We are all living in the midst of change: grade teachers who taught us stood this year gone—she was someone who was just so alive the political world, the environmental world, at the base of the maypole. and who has done a world of good, in her too the economic world, the educational world; Yet, the overall feeling of the celebra- short of a life. it’s all changing at a rapid pace—Park in- tion remained the same. We felt the same I feel so lucky to have started my career at Park School working with Obi on the fourth cluded. sense of tradition, the same school-wide grade team. She taught me a lot about teach- While change is inevitable in any school unity, and, of course, we enjoyed the same ing challenging topics relating to social justice as students graduate, faculty leave, and lemon sticks. and racial equality issues. She was so smart, so new ones take their place annually, we’ve Even as students, teachers, and class articulate, and so thoughtful! slowly learned to embrace certain aspects sizes change, the core values of the school Obi's words packed a powerful punch. of change. remain constant. She was committed to helping her students This issue we feature numerous teachers Every year the new editors-in-chief succeed and she definitely did not shy away that are leaving. Jo Anne Yamaka (kinder- change something about the paper: the by- from voicing her opinion. Obi was determined, garten), Emily Biscoe (fifth grade), Nan- lines, color scheme, text size, or headline strong, and brave and her presence was always cye Hesaltine (Lower School art), Marshall fonts. felt deeply. Gordon (Upper School math), and Malick As we consider how to leave our mark When Obi decided to leave Park, and go into Mbengue (Upper School modern language) on The Postscript, we still remain aware of an educational leadership program at Harvard, I was not surprised at all—as it was definitely won’t be returning. how lucky we are to lead a paper as unique her calling. Throughout her life, whenever Obi In recent issues, we covered the planned as ours. wanted to do something, there was nothing that departures of Twig George (Lower School Even with some of the changes we have could stop her tenacious spirit. courtesy Brownie librarian) and Lisa Gottlieb (Librarian and already made—a new byline style, for one— I will never forget the time Obi encouraged Obi Okobi, 2008. MS language arts), as well as Carolyn Sut- our promise to you for the following year me to run my first half-marathon. When we ton (K-12 Director of Arts). is to deliver high-quality content, important went to the “Charm City Run” together, she We are saying goodbye to teachers who news articles, and honest student opinions stood by me as I signed up for a training group. ‘Obi’s words packed we had in all three divisions. that make The Postscript an important part Once the day of the race had arrived, I felt very We’ve also watched numerous physical of community life. nervous. At first, while I started running, my a powerful punch.’ changes that took place throughout our years We look forward to keeping these tra- mind was not in a great place. I was in the pro- here: paint colors in the cafeteria, the library ditions alive, and are honored to run The cess of asking myself, “What were you think- renovation, the courtyard, the removal of the Postscript in its 75th year. ing?”, until I heard someone say, "Hey stranger! left me in the dust. Mind if I run with you?" I will always wonder what her next chapters It was like she had read my mind. For the would have looked like, I will always hear Obi's The Postscript duration of the race, Obi stuck with me, and encouraging pep-talks, and I will always hold ran by my side, even though she could have dear that infectious laugh of hers. The Park School of Baltimore

2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 Tel. 410-339-7070 by JENNY HARBOLD Parkschool.net/news/postscript FOURTH GRADE June 6, 2017 Volume 74.1|Issue No. 9 I only worked with Obi Okobi for five of my Editors-in-Chief 19 years at Park, but she left a deep and lasting Lizzie Kane, Spencer Levitt, Montana Love impression on me. Commentary I clearly remember the day she came to News Arts and Culture Eli Asdourian interview for the job. She did a great lesson, Leah Genth Ben Cohn connected well with the students, and spoke in Bennett Demsky Ethan Harrison Harry Levine that enthusiastic, commanding “teacher voice.” Cici Osias Branch Seidenman, Asst. Anton Shtarkman, Asst. The students and the adults knew immedi- Cartoons ately that we had found the woman for the job. Sports Features Tyrese Duncan-Moore Obi proved to be a wonderful teacher and Zachary Stern Dakotah Jennifer Josie Renkwitz colleague. She delighted especially in exposing Ethan Busch, Asst. her students to diverse literature which led to Rachel Miller Anton Shtarkman rich discussions of relationships, equity, and Ian Greenberg, Asst. Photography Faculty Advisers Noah Blau social justice. Jon M. Acheson She was masterful at reading aloud, and Susan G. Weintraub when my room was quiet, I often enjoyed hear- ing her dramatic reading from next door. 829 210 School Population: Students— ; Employees— Obi had a great zest for life. Distributed to Mailboxes of Upper School Students and Employees, and Lower and Middle School Students by Faculty Request That included her relationships with fam- Mailed to Current Parents by Letter Perfect ily, friends, and students, sports (both as a fan Copies Printed—1400 and a competitor), art and design, beautiful Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Assn clothes, great food, her schools, and her dog, courtesy Brownie Ambi, who once escaped from her classroom POLICIES and led Obi and her 4th graders on a chase across WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, UNSOLICITED OP-ED PIECES, AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. PLEASE SEND Obi Okobi, 2006. WORK TO [email protected]. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR LANGUAGE AND campus. LENGTH. SUBMISSIONS ARE PUBLISHED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITORS. She was always traveling somewhere to visit her many friends and relatives. The Postscript is a wholly extracurricular publication of the Upper School committed to ‘She was a true citizen She was a true citizen of the world. publishing truthful, objective, and high-quality content that informs the broader community. Our It has occurred to me that Obi lived her life purpose is to hold the school and the administration accountable, and if we make an error, we of the world.’ like someone who was aware that life is short ask you to hold us accountable, too. We encourage all members of the community to contribute and we must make the most of it. Perhaps this is to the paper by writing letters to the editor. the most important thing we can learn from her. 3 News // The Postscript June 6, 2017 US to lose Mbengue and Gordon Group sponsors Teachers, from p.1 In his first year at Park he coached the Mid- leadership event dle School boys’ team, and led them to an un- “He teaches the students to develop skills and defeated season. The following year he stepped for black male abilities that they can use when they leave the in to the Girls’ Varsity position with his friend school,” Cohen said. and colleague, Upper School science teacher students Gordon exclusively refers to the subject he Jeff Jennings. His love of watching professional teaches as “mathematics,” never “math.” He soccer and playing weekly pick-up games have by ETHAN HARRISON ’18 often compares algebra to kumquats, stating kept his coaching skills sharp. that one day, years in the future, you might try Mbengue is excited to transition to Webb. Upper School’s Black Male Forum a kumquat and enjoy it, subsequently asking “The school is very similar to Park,” he said. (BMF) hosted the 2017 Black Male Lead- yourself why you hadn’t eaten the fruit your “Great traditions… very progressive. One of the ership Institute (BMLI): Building Blocks, whole life. Gordon doesn’t give quizzes in his reasons why I kind of fell in love with [Webb] Breaking Molds. The conference took place classes, but “question and answer opportuni- is… because it has a similar culture and com- Saturday, May 13, and was organized by this ties.” Each week he writes up a quote about stu- munity as Park’s, where people almost feel like year’s leaders of HUSTLE BMF. dent self-development (often from John Dewey) they live at school.” (BMF has recently adopted an additional in the top left corner of his white board; he fre- Mbengue, who is originally from Senegal, acronym to their name: HUSTLE. Director quently discusses his fascination with architec- also noted that he was drawn by Webb’s “inter- of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Courtney ture (particularly Frank Lloyd Wright); and, any national component,” he said. Approximately Rollins said, “At the beginning of the school student of his will recall being prematurely con- 40 percent of the student body comes from year, the BMF decided to adopt the name gratulated for one day going to college. Many outside of the U.S. HUSTLE which stands for honor, unity, things make Dr. Gordon and his classes unique, “I’m going to miss the Park community the scholarship, trust, leadership, and equity.”) but above all are his unparalleled devotion to most,” Mbengue said, reflecting on his seven The club was very eager to create a hands- education and his love of teaching. photo by N. Blau ’18 years in Baltimore. Both the diversity of Balti- on project. Due to unsuccessful events in the It’s teaching and working with students that more, and the student relationships he’s culti- French teacher Malick Mbengue has past, they wanted to do something big. “I felt he’ll miss the most. “I’ll miss the interaction vated through teaching, advising, and coaching taken a post at the Webb School in that we did not really do anything tangible with the students, hearing their thinking, and are aspects of life he will remember the most. California next year. last year,” club member Isaiah Hug ’17 said. sharing their questions,” Gordon said. “Having Malick as an adviser has been “This year in Black Male Forum we decided In retirement, Gordon plans to write, perhaps foreign language conferences. great because he’s always willing to help and we wanted to leave an impact of some sorts.” tutor middle schoolers, and read a whole lot “Malick has had a huge impact on the mod- he makes individual students feel important,” The leaders and members of BMF set more Dewey. “There’s a publishing discount ern language department… he gives his students Becca Overton ’18 said. forth several goals for themselves this year. house: Abebooks. Their prices are wonderful, the opportunity to understand the French-speak- Mbengue, a colleague who, according to “HUSTLE BMF has three main objectives: and you can hardly tell that the books are used,” ing world beyond France by exposing them to Sorel is “easy to work with, non-judgmental, to provide a space for authentic connections he said. an array of cultural materials and authentic re- calm, willing to collaborate, willing to work among members, to discuss issues relevant Malick Mbengue will move this summer sources,” Modern Language chair Jenny Sorel independently, generous, and good-spirited” to the black male experience, and to make to Claremont, California, where he will teach said. will be missed by students, players, advisees, an impact within and outside the Park com- at The Webb School, a boarding school with a The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, which won and colleagues alike. munity,” Rollins said. progressive mission that is similar to Park’s. He a conference championship under Mbengue’s “Park will surely not be the same without To accomplish these goals, the club mem- and his wife, Megan, parents of one-year-old coaching this past fall, is sad to see him go: him,” Cunningham said. bers wanted to revitalize BMLI. “The Black Samba, are looking to move closer to family “Malick is the type of soccer coach you love A search committee has formed for a math Male Leadership Institute is not a new thing on the west coast. to play for; his passion and love for the game teacher to replace Gordon, but has yet to select but rather a revamped one,” Hug said. Mbengue has been involved with many fac- translate into every practice and game,” senior a candidate for the position. Sophia Park, who “The whole purpose of BMLI was to get ets of school in his time here including teach- captain Brooke Cunningham said. “I’m glad is currently teaching at a school in Texas, will kids from all over Maryland, specifically Af- ing, coaching, leading FACAs, starting Soccer we could give him a championship before he join the faculty this summer to fill Mbengue’s rican American males in private and public without Borders club, and attending state-wide leaves.” modern language teaching position. schools, to come together to discuss their ex- periences,” club member Oluwatoni Elewa- Gidado ’18 said. Mock Trial team wins fourth state championship Throughout the day, participants enjoyed both fun, and engaging games and activi- Mock Trial, from p.1 served as a confidence-booster. “I knew we had The Bruins clawed forward through the one- ties. “They were able to practice yoga with Park finished the Baltimore County pre- a really, really good team this year the whole match, inter-county regional round and into the Black Male Yoga Initiative, engage in a liminary round 1-1, falling to long-time rival time, but when we beat Franklin, that really felt the state final four in Annapolis. In the state Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminar, experience the Franklin High School in the team’s only loss of like a turning point,” McDonald said. semifinals, Park, arguing the defense side of the Outdoor Ropes Course led by Will Weiskopf, the season. After making cuts and role adjust- “I knew when we beat Franklin that if we case, defeated Winston Churchill High School play basketball, take advantage of the photo ments, the team had a new structure, with co- were willing to put in the time, that we could by one point in a match Asdourian said was booth, and create gifts for Mother’s Day or captain Mollie Eisner ’17, Spencer Levitt ’18, get better and better,” Asdourian added. “very technical.” their special someone,” Rollins said. Montana Love ’18, and Zach Stern ’19 serving And put in the time they did. By the time the Facing City College in the championship But also there was time for meaningful as lawyers, while others, including McDonald, Bruins beat Towson in a close county semifinal round, the Bruins again presented the defense’s conversations that aimed to inform all in at- were witnesses. match and Notre Dame Prep in the county fi- case, this time in the Court of Appeals. “Being tendance about leadership and break apart With the revamped eight-member active nals, hard work and commitment had long been in that courtroom was weird because we’ve all society’s stereotypes of African American team, the Bruins headed into the single-elim- hallmarks of this group. “I think the main thing seen the videos of other [years’] competitions, male students. “The effect of BMLI is ac- ination county tournament, first winning ver- that made this team strong is just how dedicated but actually being there was sort of surreal,” tually really amazing,” Elewa-Gidado said. sus Harford Tech and then handily defeating everyone was,” McDonald said. “Even though McDonald said. “There were kids there, who had been McDonogh. it’s always been sort of a requirement that you Levitt delivered the opening statement, through some pretty rough things,” he said. “As we started to progress through the are willing to dedicate time to the team, this Eisner made the closing argument, and Love Elewa-Gidado said that one of the stu- rounds in the Baltimore County circuit, we year we had to convince people not to practice.” served as the third attorney. McDonald, Stern, dents at BMLI shared the story of how he were certainly putting in more and more hours “As we got further and further in the com- and Rachael Devecka ’19 served as witnesses. tried committing suicide three times, but preparing because we started to see that we had petition, [team members would] just come to Ultimately, the judge found in favor of the de- after his three failed attempts realized that a chance to continue on to the next round, and practice,” Asdourian said. “They weren’t re- fense and the attorney-scorers determined that he had a purpose in life. “BMLI helped him when you see that opening in the door you just quired to stay the whole time, but they wanted Park had won by five points. learn that purpose in this world,” Elewa- want to walk right through it,” Porcarelli said. to be there, and they wanted to help.” “The final match went about as well as I Gidado said. That mentality proved to be essential for the Through all of the elimination rounds, the could have hoped for,” McDonald said. “Ev- The event was a huge success, accord- county quarterfinals, when Park faced Franklin team practiced up to five times a week, often eryone really stepped up and worked through ing to the leaders and faculty advisers of again, and this time came out on top – by one for three or more hours at a time. Although all the nerves. By the end, I thought we had put HUSTLE BMF. “Most importantly, for the point. “The kids wanted to practice six days coaches were always present, leadership from everything out on the table.” club it acted as a way to legitimize us, and in a row to get ready for Franklin,” Asdourian upperclassmen was important, too. “There were The coaches, too, were proud of the perfor- prove that, yes, we do do things in Black said. “I asked them at the end of the season, several members of the team that were experi- mance and ecstatic about the victory. “I felt a Male Forum,” Hug said. ‘what was your toughest match of the whole enced,” Porcarelli said. “Whether they were an lot of pride during the finals,” Asdourian said. In addition to current students and faculty, season?’ And they still said Franklin. From the official captain or not, that experience trans- “On that occasion, they played their best match. several alumni returned to campus to partici- first minute to the very end it was completely lated into leadership in different forms. And that They were able to bring up that level and show pate in the leadership institute. These black back and forth, and it was very hard to know was clearly one of the many keys to having a poise and show presence of mind, and change male graduates engaged with the younger who won that match at the end.” successful year when you can have folks with strategy when necessary.” males offering useful advice and perspec- The win against Franklin not only advanced experience step up to the plate and help fellow “I basically started crying when they won,” tives. the Bruins into the county semifinals, but also teammates to deliver their best performance.” he added. News // The Postscript June 6, 2017 4 Plough named Arts Director RECORD 98 FRESHMEN TO he came here, he was so engaged with ENROLL IN UPPER SCHOOL by DASHA KHRISTICH ’19 the classes and all the kids.” “Both students and teachers, just Among the cohort of new faculty felt that John had the energy, the en- handled this increase differently. “It who will arrive on campus this sum- thusiasm, and the demeanor to take by ARENAL HAUT ’20 has required some creativity,” Dick- mer will be incoming Director of Arts on this job. If there’s something he son said. Math and English are hiring John Plough. Plough is currently Arts doesn’t understand, he’s not afraid There are 98 rising ninth graders new full-time teachers, while other Director at Frederica Academy in St. to ask. This guy is a real 21st cen- currently enrolled for next fall: 79 departments are adapting. Simons, Georgia. tury thinker. He thinks deeply,” Sut- current students and 20 new to Park. In modern language, Paul The process for finding a new ton said. These new students are coming from Villmoare will become department Director of Arts started when a list- Plough’s work with the expansion 15 different schools. 10 students from chair so Jenny Sorel is able to teach ing was posted around Thanksgiv- of the theater program at Darlington independent schools, five from pub- another section of French, while sci- ing. A search committee of four School, where he was before Frederi- lic schools and five from parochial ence is having Maggie Mahmood faculty members, Christine Till- ca, will prove to be an advantage with schools. The Upper School will also teach another section of physics. man, Gina Braden, Chris Peterson, the new position. His qualifications, welcome five newly enrolled 10th Some upperclassmen are con- and Peter King, Associate Head of including a BA in Electronic Com- grade students and one newly en- cerned that the large rising ninth School Priscilla Morales, and three munications and Multimedia, gave rolled 11th grade student. grade class has led to fewer electives. students, Karinne Summers ’19, Ben Sutton hope for his ability to lead the Though the 20 new freshmen In fact, there will be two fewer elec- Cohn ’19, and Elijah Asdourian ’18, arts department with its technological are within the typical range of 15- tives in the history department, but looked over more than 100 resumes pursuits. 25, the current eighth grade is very Dickson assures that change across that were submitted. From there, a “We are probably the most tech- large, leading to a class of 98. The other subjects will be minimal. smaller group of four finalists visited nologically active department in the typical range is between 80 and 90, “If that is the case, it’s maybe so campus to talk to the committee be- school, and that is only going to im- with the classes of 2018, 2019, and in one department, so that’s part of fore Plough was chosen. prove with him,” Sutton said. “He is 2020 having 87, 93, and 83 students, the reason we’re hiring across several “I thought the search committee deeply familiar with theater and mu- respectively. different departments,” Dickson said. was fabulous. I thought the kids and sic technology, whereas I am deeply Director of Admissions Ruthie Dickson sees this large incoming teachers were great, and I had noth- familiar with visual arts technology, Kalvar said the size of the current class as a great sign. “This is a time ing to do with it,” outgoing Director but we are all embracing technology eighth grade class affected the admis- when a lot of schools are really strug- of Arts Carolyn Sutton said. “That’s as an important part of our classes. sion process. “[The class of 2021] is gling to fill their classes,” she said. how it should be. When someone is I’m very happy that he will be the full of strong and talented students “We have so many students interested retiring from this school, their voice one leading that.” with a great sense of community,” in coming to Park [and] so many cur- should be out of it, and it should be up Along with his involvement with Kalvar said. According to Kalvar, rent eighth graders [who] want to stay. to the people who are going to work technology, Tillman has high hopes these talented students helped attract It’s incredibly exciting,” she said. with the new person,” she said. for his ability to represent the arts de- many students to join the rising ninth Both Dickson and Upper School Even before Plough visited, the partment in the school. “We wanted photo by N. Blau ’18 graders. Dean of Students Traci Wright are committee was already impressed to have someone who would be able Kalvar does not plan on having looking forward to getting to know with his writing and resumé. to communicate for the arts, and be an Future Arts Director John such a large incoming ninth grade the ninth grade. “I think it’s exciting “His writing was creative, clever, advocate. This person needs to have Plough made a preliminary class every year, but “[for this year] to have new students because they’ll and engaging. It was clear he had an a good relationship with students, a visit to Park May 22. we wanted to make sure that we had bring their interests and their talents interesting voice, and something good relationship with the adminis- the flexibility to seek out and enroll and it just helps us to broaden our way good to say. Peter King was really trators, facilities, the business office, paperwork,” Sutton said. “My job is a reasonably sized cohort of new stu- of thinking,” Wright said. struck by his sense of humor,” Till- the athletic department, and he will be to make sure that everyone else’s job dents who would be able to add their “It should be affirming and it man said. “I remember Peter holding able to negotiate all of that. I’m really runs smoothly. I have to navigate with gifts and talents to the Upper School should be something that we as an up his resumé, and saying ‘This guy’s interested to see what he’ll bring to all the powers that be, whether that’s community,” Kalvar said. Upper School really celebrate and got a great sense of humor, you can Park,” Tillman said. facilities, or the tech people. John is This flexibility required a con- take pride in because it means we’re see it in this!’” Plough will also teach a class smart and calm, and you need to have scious decision and financial com- doing something well as an upper Plough then talked to the commit- each semester: Film Studio, formerly those qualities to do this job well.” mitment by the administration. school community,” Wright said. The tee through a Skype call, and arrived taught by Peter Warren in fall, and an “The job is massive, and over the For the other grades, core classes whole school should be happy “that on campus a few weeks later to meet Audio Production and Podcast class 17 years that Carolyn has been here, (such as history, English and sci- this is a community that more people with students and teachers. in spring. we know that no one is going to be ence) each have six sections, but for want to be a part of,” Dickson said. “A large part of the choice had to “I’m excited for him to be in the able to step in her shoes. John seems the class of 2021, that will increase Kalvar also points to the possi- do with his trip to Park. On the call, classroom. With this job, the one temperamentally suited to figure out to seven. bility that one or two more students he was very personable. He listens so thing that keeps you balanced is being what he needs to do with this job, and Upper School Principal Nancy might be added over the summer if well,” Summers said, “and then when a teacher. The rest of it is just a lot of doing it his way,” Tillman said. Dickson said each department has families relocate to Baltimore.

Sarah Schwartzfall and spring to semesters. join The fall electiveEnglish is “The emphasis department on student engagement to- next year by LANCE ROMBRO ’19 entitled Gender Trouble and focuses on the wards the material is crucial for me, and Park categorization of gender, by reading narratives stresses this idea throughout each and every one The English department is expanding, and and watching movies that involve “abnormal” of its classes,” Schwartz said. has hired Sarah Schwartz as a new full-time relationships. The spring elective, Reading for Speaking pedagogically, she said, “Essen- teacher starting next fall. Creative Writing, includes reading short stories tially, I’m a tool for you to use. I help your ideas “We are growing in size, and in order to and poetry. The writing aspect of the class incor- come through, so that you can be successful.” accommodate the incoming ninth graders and porates model writing, where students integrate “Sarah is always trying to engage with her to maintain our ideal class size of 14-16, we the writing techniques from what they’ve read students on a positive note,” Solomon Stephens requested adding a teacher to the department,” into their own writing. ’18 said, who was part of a group of students English Department Chair Patti Porcarelli said. Schwartz initially gained insight about Park who met with all of the candidates. “Naturally Currently enrolled as a graduate student at from Upper School English teacher Max Wig- there is a hierarchy between students and teach- the University of California Irvine, Schwartz is gins, who Schwartz met and became friends ers, but Sarah wants to build a connection with on track to receive her Master of Arts in English with in graduate school. Two years ago, she her students outside of class in order to assist by the end of this semester. visited one of Wiggins’ classes, where she pre- them, which helps to destroy the hierarchy.” In 2010, Schwartz received her Bachelor of sented some of her own poetry and observed “When I learned that students had a role in Arts in English from Pomona College, and in how the class was conducted. From that mo- the application process, I was simply blown 2012, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry ment forward, she was convinced that Park was away,” Schwartz said. “Knowing students are photo courtesy Sarah Schwartz from Brown University. a unique place. “What amazed me [about Max’s a part of the process makes me feel so much Sarah Schwartz joins the English Dept. Schwartz taught at a talent-developing pro- class] was his relationship with the students, more comfortable, I feel like I’m entering a about every step of her lesson along the way... gram at U.C. Berkeley, where she designed an as well as the quality and complexity of their welcoming community,” she said. not only to how the lesson is structured but also intensive summer literature course for gifted discussion,” she said. Something else that stood out about to why the lesson is structured in a particular high school students. She felt an immediate connection to the Schwartz was that, according to students, she way,” Porcarelli said. “She was very attentive Next year, Schwartz will teach two sections school, and applied for the job opening last had good insights and thought about her ap- to the class, and how she wanted to get students of ninth grade English as well as one elective year when Wiggins informed her about the op- proach to each of her ideas during her interview. involved. She was very excited about teaching (offered in two different blocks) during the portunity. “Sarah talks about her lesson, and thinks and being with students.” Commentary // The Postscript June 6, 2017 5 Understanding of privilege is hard work, but essential

by DAKOTAH JENNIFER ’18 claims full awareness of his own privilege, but even if it’s the privilege of not knowing. The responded gave some version of “I don’t know” the data suggest many others aren’t. I believe people who understand their privilege (if those when asked how POC are treated at Park. So In the May 1, 2017 issue of Postscript, Ben- that being unaware of privilege is prevalent people exist), are not the ones who need the a sizeable number of people don’t know how nett Demsky ’18 wrote the article, “Guilt is not among white males in America today. community walk. It’s the people who don’t un- POC are treated at Park; how could you know constructive in conversations about diversity,” Demsky focused his critique on the commu- derstand who need it. how privileged you are if you don’t know how and stated that he was “afraid to write [it].” I’m nity walk, noting that “most white people were Demsky claims that “the people who fin- others are treated? afraid to write this article too. I’m not afraid up front, men were further up from women,” ished towards the front [of the community walk] The truth is, people at the back of the com- of backlash per se, but of people who won’t leaving white males at the front, and mostly were aware of [their privilege].” To assume that munity walk felt bad, too. Like Demsky, I was appreciate the point of this article. ones who are athletes. In a community walk, everyone completely understands their privi- not surprised at the results, but instead of guilt, Recently, I sent out a survey to all 346 Upper each person steps forward or backward in re- lege is detrimental and untrue. One anonymous I felt something else: hopelessness. Is this feel- School students and faculty, about diversity at sponse to questions to visually illustrate differ- survey-taker expressed concern: “I imagine that ing productive? No. But the point is everyone Park. Trying to make sense of the data led to ences in privilege levels of members of a single people in positions of white privilege believe has feelings they’d rather push away. Not only what I believe are some interesting conclusions. community. they are doing what they can to include and white males. People who ended up at the back Out of 68 people who responded to the After reading Demsky’s article, Jack Kalvar accept those of color. However, if you are not of the gym are cognizant of the fact that we survey, 33 percent thought the treatment of ’18 was concerned. “I think assuming that other a person of color, I don’t believe you can truly were the least privileged people at Park—not people of color (POC) in the United States people understand their privilege is super harm- understand how it feels to be in the minority,” “at times” but always. We all have feelings we was either “Ok,” “Good,” or “Great.” This is a ful,” Kalvar said. they said. have to face in order to make change, not just problem, mostly because there’s an abundance My survey revealed that 44 percent of white Some of the responses to the question: How the majority privileged group, but also the mi- of evidence to suggest otherwise. According to males believe that the treatment of POC in the do you think people of color are treated at Park? nority groups. the New York Civil Liberties Union, in 2016, United States is “Ok” or better. According to were essentially “I don’t know.” Being unin- There’s a trend of invalidating or belittling 10,171 people were stopped and frisked in Demsky, the white males at the front of the line formed is part of the problem. We prize educa- the struggle of POC amongst people who are New York, and more than 50 percent of them understand their privilege, yet 44 percent of tion on race, gender and sexuality, and assume more privileged, people who perhaps feel guilt. were black and 2 percent were Hispanic/Latinx white males at Park don’t understand how POC that everyone understands our views; but the But instead of using that guilt in a productive with only 10 percent being white. This does are treated in the US. This indicates that maybe reality is, there are people who don’t understand way—chipping away at it with community ser- not reflect New York’s population, which is 58 they don’t actually comprehend their privilege, and don’t want to. One in seven students who vice or working towards change in some other percent white, 14 percent black and 18 percent way— they may wallow or complain. The point Hispanic/Latinx. is that we need to learn about our privilege and According to a Pew Research Center Study, work together for change. Not understanding 67 percent of black, American-Indian people your privilege is a part of the problem. Prior to and a quarter of Asian-American people have the community walk, even I did not understand received poor service because of their race; that I had privilege by having over 50 books in and according to the New York Times, between my house. Finding out what counts as a privi- 2014-2015, hate crimes against Arab people lege can raise awareness of differences. went up 219 percent in the US. The point of activities like the community A plurality of 47 percent of the people who walk and Diversity Day is for people to see their answered my survey, said that the treatment of privilege and not run away from it, to make ef- POC was “Not very good” or worse. My issue forts to improve diversity at Park and educate is not directly with these respondents, but with people they know about privilege and how to those who do not understand the reality of the understand it. lives of POC in America. National statistical Making change isn’t easy, and there aren’t information suggests that a third of the respon- perfect ways to do it, but giving people a reason dents from Park don’t see or experience the to shy away from understanding themselves reality of discrimination for many Americans isn’t the answer either. Confronting problems of color. like white privilege, male privilege and socio- graphic by D. Jennifer ’18 “I don’t believe that all people at Park who economic privilege are necessary. I came away enjoy privilege are cognizant of their privilege,” Data from a recent survey of 68 student respondents reveals a range of opinion from the community walk with new knowledge, Mahey Gheis ’18 said. In Demsky’s article, he on the degree to which the issues of diversity are important. and it’s now my job to share and learn from it. Traditional gender roles resurface when prom rolls around other day of the year. Typically, prom The educational experience at by OLIVIA SUN ’17 means more for females than males. Park has made it crystal clear that tra- Prom favors a dangerous gender While that statement may make ditional gender roles in any sense are binary, and the infamous domination some feel uneasy, it’s a fact that not necessary at our school, and, in a by the male sex is both obvious and many girls at Park feel an unneces- larger sense, is slowly in decline. This overdone. Despite the clear issue that sary sense of pressure surrounding is a statement to which most, if not all the gender binary poses, students can prom. And they do so, for months, students agree with, myself included, still be easily blinded by sweeping long beforehand. but does not carry the same weight as maxi dresses and the fantasy of hav- “I began to think about prom at it should in discussions about prom. ing a handsome somebody to take the beginning of the year,” Maddie Onto the second issue: the exhi- pictures with. Willis ’18 said. This is not an iso- bition of wealth becomes obvious For upper schoolers, prom pro- lated experience. “I feel a substantial at prom. Although it is typically an vides individuals with an opportunity amount of stress surrounding dress unspoken and unimportant aspect to showcase their money and social shopping,” Bethany Wright ’18 said. of a person’s identity, in our school, success. Wright doesn’t have Facebook, and being rich does not elicit the same It’s a night that provides invali- is therefore unable to be a part of the sense of privilege that it might at dated females with the unparalleled Facebook group where junior and se- other schools. feeling of a boy calling you pretty; nior girls post their dresses to avoid Competitive talk about clothing for awkward, pubescent boys it’s matching with someone else. brands and accessories isn’t typi- a chance to take hold of their love Additionally, Wright addressed cal, at least not in the way that I’ve lives—to ask the girl they’ve been the added panic of having to find a witnessed at other high schools. For cartoon by Anton Shtarkman ’20 crushing on out on a date. short dress because she’s a junior prom, however, it’s normal for girls to behavior surrounding prom. Prom’s wants to be said gender” psychology, A traditional archetype such as (apparently only seniors wear maxi spend hundreds of dollars on getting exception to the rule, its potent halo which, to reiterate, is the opposite of this couldn’t possibly exist at Park, dresses). their hair, nails, and makeup done. effect, stems from the fact that it is what Park stresses. Ironically, it may right? Wrong. Boys recently (early April) asked In addition, girls purchase dress- Park’s one formal dance of the year. well be that the dilemma prom cre- Even at a school like Park, which about prom said that they hadn’t re- es, while boys buy or rent expensive Thus, this beloved spring dance is one ates for us can be solved or alleviated prides itself on progressive thinking ally thought about it at all. Indeed, suits. Corsages and boutonnieres of the only avenues to express tradi- by planning more dances that are all and social awareness, prom serves some credit does go to the ladies of are professionally done, and silent tionalism at Park, a secret wish for Upper School inclusive. Perhaps we as gender and social validation for of Park for breaking another stereo- comparisons are often made of the a bigger population than most may need to reevaluate the attitude and many people. type: waiting to be asked to prom by amount of “fluff” one’s date was will- realize or admit to. Through prom we virtues surrounding prom. More spe- The first obvious paradox of prom a boy. When asked if they would feel ing to pay for. become a typical high school and it cifically, we need to have the diffi- is the promotion of the gender binary comfortable asking a boy to prom, as Park’s core culture of social un- gives us a sense of normalcy. Prom cult but necessary conversations that that we make sure to denounce every many girls said yes as no. orthodoxy is undone by our own contains the whole “said gender just frame the philosophy of our school. Commentary // The Postscript June 6, 2017 6

Schoolingenvironments interferesfoster actively engaged with my educationductive idea if homework were not by LIZZIE KANE ’18 citizens. But my question is this: do the default,” Warren said. “Instead As the year comes to a close, I can today’s high schools create actively of saying ‘I assume I’ll give some now testify, alongside many others, engaged citizens by assigning work homework for this class,’ a teacher to the fact that junior year is indeed in an appropriate manner, and is the would ask ‘Is there a reason for giv- horrific. Within the last few weeks work appropriate in the first place? ing a homework assignment and is of school, I had a portfolio and final Teachers began a discussion about that reason something other than that project in Spanish class, a last proj- the pros and cons of homework last it will make my next day easier.’” ect in math, two biochem tests and summer in a FACA (Faculty and The College Board reaches into a PowerPoint about fetal pig body Curriculum Advancement Program) the lives of children too; instead of parts, the responsibility of leading grant. “It’s impossible not to be con- knowing what decisions Donald a discussion and writing a paper in scious of the feeling among many, Trump and Mike Pence are making English class while finishing the class many students that they are overbur- in regards to my reproductive rights book, editing over 50 photos in Junior dened; their lives have a lot more than and many other things, I am studying Portfolio, two history presentations, just their academic classes,” history for a standardized test that colleges and to top it all off, the SAT on June 3. teacher Peter Warren, one of the use to determine whether or not I am Junior year has gotten in the way FACA participants, said. qualified to attend their school. Col- of my learning. More specifically, ju- “I’m not even just speaking about leges and the College Board need to nior year has made me a less actively theater or athletics, or activities like think about why SATs and ACTs are engaged citizen. Postscript, I’m also speaking about adequate judgements of a person’s “An informed public constitutes home life. One of the writers we read intellectual capabilities. There is a the very foundation of a democracy… made the point that there is no other growing list of test-optional schools, [Free societies] must ensure that citi- endeavor that assumes it can reach but in reality, these tests are not op- zens have the skills necessary to par- into the life of a child and say ‘You’re tional themselves. ticipate in the democratic process,” going to deal with me,’ and because All institutions should want ac- former president of the American school is mandatory, what is that say- tively engaged citizens not citizens Library Association Nancy Kranich ing about our role in your home life?” who master standardized tests and are said in “Source A” of the Advanced Warren said. weighed down by homework. I wish Placement (AP) English Language As a current junior balancing that I had less homework so that I and Composition test. homework, softball practice, extra- could focus on the world I am liv- For those unfamiliar with the test, curriculars, family commitments, ing in today; it is important for me the first essay is a compilation of six APs, SATs, and life in general, I to know about current events because sources, and students are supposed to have lost important time that allows they involve me, whether that is di- use those sources to argue a particu- for me to be an actively engaged citi- rectly or indirectly. lar standpoint on an issue. The goal zen; junior year is the source of this Schools cannot avoid giving of the 2017 essay was to “develop a problem. homework entirely during eleventh position on the role, if any, that public Keeping up with the news is key cartoon by Josie Renkwitz ’18 grade, but I would encourage teach- libraries should serve in the future.” to being a participant in our democ- ers to make an effort to coordinate I find it ironic that an AP test racy. It is crucial to know what is them until long after the news breaks. ordinate major projects, assignments, scheduling major assignments so talked about the need for our coun- going on around you, whether that I remember hearing about the scandal and tests across all disciplines so that that students can complete all of their try to “ensure that citizens have the is news regarding the firing of Direc- with Bill O’Reilly, but it wasn’t until they are not piling the work on at the work with integrity. Teachers also skills necessary to participate in the tor of the Federal Bureau of Investi- weeks after that I was able to sit down same time. Junior year is the dreaded, need to keep in mind what makes an democratic process” when AP tests gations James Comey, or the news and read about it. highly anticipated year in high school actively engaged citizen, and make themselves are a barrier to students’ of the elite boarding school Choate Relating this back to Park and because of the increased work load, time to talk about what is going on involvement in said “democratic pro- Rosemary Hall’s various teacher to the world of education in general, I and the additional pressure that is in the world around us. cess.” student sexual assaults. believe teachers and educators need induced by standardized tests and Junior year, as currently con- For the test, I argued that librar- Something that upsets me is that to take a hard look at why they as- college. ceived, is a flaw in and of itself, and ies should play an important role in I hear about a lot of these big stories, sign all the homework that they do. “One of the takeaways [from the I think it is important that it be ad- the future of our society because their but I don’t get to read in depth about Additionally, our teachers should co- FACA] was that it would be a pro- dressed.

Taking up the option of pass/fail can be a progressive choice teacher Liz Hirsch. because grades serve a purpose in progressive 60 out of 100, and an average satisfactory grade Because pass-fail electives are “not the education, that of encouragement. “Students is above 80 out of 100, then taking a class pass- by OLLIE THAKAR ’19 norm,” college admissions officers could have are motivated by grades,” history department fail would alleviate at least one fourth of the Like some students, I feel overwhelmed some “doubts about a student” who enrolled in chair John Kessinger said. “And for students work load, which is a significant amount of while scrolling through the Program of Studies many pass-fail classes, Hirsch said. who continue to work hard, I would like to dis- work reduced. every March—so many fascinating electives to In addition, some institutions consider a pass tinguish them by giving them an A.” In addition, scheduler and physics teacher choose from. Even worse, I sometimes experi- to be the lowest passing grade, a D, which could The Park Philosophy, however, also contains Sean Lally enjoys, “the idea that taking a pass- ence doubts about enrolling in some courses be a lower grade than what students would have sections referring to the benefits of offering fail class is learning for the purpose of learning, —would I succeed? Would I get a grade that I received had they opted to take a class for a classes pass-fail. which is a progressive ideal.” would be happy about? letter-grade instead. A reason for opting pass-fail is to reduce the The reason that Middle School teachers do There is, surprisingly, a solution to my Pass-fail classes are “generally discouraged” stress of grades. not give letter grades is just this: they value dilemma. Hidden near the beginning of the “A student might be reluctant to explore a learning for the goal of learning more than Program of Studies is a paragraph that reads, subject matter if they might not get a satisfac- learning for an external motive. There’s no “though generally discouraged from doing so, tory grade,” Kessinger said. Having pass-fail college admission hanging over eighth graders. students may, with cause, elect to take a course should be a way for some students to become Taking many classes pass-fail would have pass-fail (instead of for a grade).” more experimental and take more academic negative consequences to a student’s college The paragraph continues to describe that stu- risks. application. However, taking only one or two dents may take at most one course pass-fail per Unfortunately, grades can have a dampening would not result in severe consequences at all. semester, but that course, “cannot be a gradua- effect on students. “We have had instances of Furthermore, taking a class pass-fail is consis- tion requirement.” students who have expressed interest in taking tent with the Park Philosophy’s belief in learn- The pass-fail option is discussed rarely, Anatomy, but believed it to be too difficult,” ing for learning’s sake. and its “general discouragement” is inconsis- Hirsch said. Although pass-fail classes every semester tent with some tenets of the Park Philosophy, Taking pass-fail classes to reduce stress is might have, “ramifications for the college ap- for in reality, taking a pass-fail class has many also in agreement with the Park Philosophy, plication process,” according to Lally, the op- benefits. which reads, “however rigorous, schoolwork portunity to enroll in a class pass-fail is certainly The reason that the pass-fail option is dis- need not be alienating or painful.” an idea deeply rooted within the tenets of the cussed rarely is mainly associated with the On the other hand, Hirsch believes that, Park Philosophy. college application process, according to Co- “taking a class pass-fail will not alleviate much Rising seniors, especially, should consider director of College Counseling and English of the work or the stress.” But, if a pass means taking up this option. Commentary // The Postscript June 6, 2017 7 Alum’s altercation highlights danger to democracy

Jacobs asked the question, Gianforte Now, Gianforte’s victory, despite now literally. And when the President doesn’t like. Principal Nancy Dick- by BENNETT DEMSKY ’18 declined to answer, and when Jacobs the assault, does not automatically decides he doesn’t like a story or a son doesn’t body slam writers when On May 24, Guardian reporter pressed the issue, Gianforte grabbed mean that people overlooked the news outlet, he decrees it to be “fake they ask her tough questions. If a high Ben Jacobs ’02 was body slammed him by the neck, forced him to the altercation when they voted. This news.” This inhibits the news media school can treat its student journalists by then Montana Congressional can- ground, and punched him. The next specific election makes things a lit- from doing their job, a job which is with the respect they deserve, why didate Greg Gianforte. The assault day, Greg Gianforte won the election. tle bit more complicated. A majority essential to our democracy. can’t the United States government came after Jacobs asked a question He now holds Montana’s sole seat in of the votes had already been cast The press is the keystone of do the same thing? about the Congressional Budget Congress. when this incident took place. Be- American politics. Created to “serve This really isn’t about Greg Office’s (CBO) assessment of the There is something profoundly tween one-half to two-thirds of total the governed, not the governors,” in Gianforte slamming Ben Jacobs to American Health Care Act. Gian- disturbing about this incident. A votes were cast in early or absentee the words of late Supreme Court Jus- the ground. An adult doesn’t punch forte had dodged taking a concrete candidate for office assaulted a jour- balloting, so people weren’t able to tice Hugo Black, the press is what’s another adult over a CBO score un- stance on the bill for several weeks, nalist, with hardly any repercussions. change their vote in response to the known in political science as a link- less they’re a little bit troubled. This and Jacobs wanted to know what Yes, Gianforte has been charged with incident between Jacobs and Gian- age institution. It links the American is about the normalization of attacks Gianforte thought about the bill be- misdemeanor assault, but he won the forte. The other candidate in the race people with their representatives. It on the media. This is about a presi- fore the following day’s election. election. was perceived as inexperienced, and lets voters know what’s going on. The dent and a nation that needs to recog- Montana is a traditionally Republican ability of the press to inquire, investi- nize the vital role that press plays in state regardless. The argument here gate, and publish freely is one of the making sure the people know what’s is not that Gianforte’s victory was largest and most profound checks on going on in halls of power. This is surprising. The argument here is that government, perhaps second only to about ensuring that the press is re- Gianforte’s disgusting treatment of a voting. If we don’t have a free press, spected and untouched (in terms of reporter is indicative of a broader and we don’t have a democracy. both credibility and now, apparently, more sinister trend in the politics of Nowhere is this more apparent physically) by those who hold office. the United States. than at Jacobs’ alma mater, The Park In his last White House Corre- This was not an isolated inci- School of Baltimore. The Postscript spondents Dinner, President Barack dent. The words of President Donald is able to publish stories that are criti- Obama said this of politicians and the Trump, it seems, have taken root. cal of the administration, and that press: “We have always shared the Trump’s statements have fundamen- isn’t frowned upon at all. The fact same goal—to root our public dis- tally altered the way the public sees that students are able to read transpar- course in the truth; to open the doors the media. These statements have ent and realistic coverage of school of this democracy; to do whatever also changed the way politicians in- policy and processes is what makes we can to make our country and our teract with the media. When Presi- Park a school with such an engaged world more free and more just.” Greg dent Trump calls the news media “the and empowered student body. Kids Gianforte would do well to remember enemy of the American people,” it don’t get in trouble for writing critical that the next time he has to answer a empowers people like Greg Gian- articles. Head of School Dan Para- tough question from a journalist. So forte. It gives them license to bash dis doesn’t call The Postscript “fake too would the President of the United cartoon by Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News the press, both with their words and news” when we publish an article he States.

Advanced Placementand highly selective colleges look to examsAmerican Government, do we’re going more good than harm by ELI ASDOURIAN ’18 and AP courses as a measure of academic to study, and we’re going to take it.’ MONTANA LOVE ’18 rigor. At a school like Park, which I think that’s pretty cool.” does not offer any formal AP courses, This aspect of AP exam-taking For two weeks every May, teach- many students feel that AP exams can aligns perfectly with the school’s ers are forced to halt or slow down serve as proof of the level of difficulty philosophy. Progressive education is classes for students taking Advanced of Park courses. The validity of this deeply rooted in individual students Placement (AP) exams. These tests claim is still in dispute: “I do think following their passions. last between three and four hours and that [AP exams] can help you [with Many people think that AP exams a number of students take multiple the college admissions process], but I are very demanding. Those people are exams. For a lot of kids, the weeks don’t think that they’re the only way correct. Most AP exams include both leading up to APs are filled with to get into highly selective schools,” a demanding multiple choice section hours of studying and stress. This Co-Director of College Counseling and a long essay section, requiring leads many faculty and students to Matt Hannibal said. students to know both a lot of infor- question the value of AP exams in Aside from the college process, mation and be able to think critically the first place. However, APs offer AP exams also give students a chance on a topic. a myriad benefits to Park students. to test their knowledge in a certain In short, doing well on an AP The original idea behind AP exams subject area. English Department requires a student to know a lot and was to give students who excelled in a Chair Patti Porcarelli prepares a be able to create cohesive arguments given subject area the opportunity to number of juniors each year to take from what they know. receive college credit for accelerated the English Language and English What better way is there to dive high school courses. Many colleges Literature AP exams. deeply into a topic? allowed students receiving a “4” or “I would say that [the English Moreover, the exams can help “5” out of “5,” to skip or place out of APs] align with the values and ac- juniors feel more comfortable in the the corresponding course in college. tivities that we do in our English stressful environment created during cartoon by Tyrese Duncan-Moore ’18 This opportunity traditionally enticed classes,” Porcarelli said. “The exams standardized tests. ambitious students to take multiple ask students to do the things that we “I think that in general standard- each May. The strain that pressure for the great many students who ab- exams at the end of their senior year, ask them to do [in class]: read closely, ized tests are a bad thing,” Jack Kal- puts on our school is extremely ir- solutely hate standardized tests, the and still applies to many seniors. be able to read in context, identify var ’18 said, “but the APs did help me ritating, and could cause some people APs provide great practice, and of- With the rising cost of college tu- terms, and understand audience and practice for standardized tests like the to overlook the benefits of AP exams. ten give students the chance to write ition, students who excel on a number purpose.” SAT and ACT.” Still, the benefits are real. on interesting subjects, making for a of AP exams may be able to receive Porcarelli spoke most specifically Even if AP exams tire many ju- For students who will have trouble more enjoyable experience than the enough credit to drop a semester of on the English APs, but also spoke niors for two weeks, they may be able affording college, doing well on APs hours and hours of multiple choice college, easing their financial burden. more broadly on the value of studying to come out of them more relaxed can reduce the cost of attending. on the SAT and ACT. In the college process of today, for an AP as a way of pursuing a topic about testing than before. “I do think For students applying to selective For these reasons, we hope that larger, state schools offer credit for and acquiring knowledge. that kids who sit for a bunch of APs colleges, showing that they can do when next May rolls around, and doz- AP exams, but there are still smaller “I was proctoring a test and one are eventually more able to say ‘no well on AP exams helps prove the ens of juniors turn into tired, irritable, colleges that will allow students to student said, ‘Well, I wanted to learn big deal,’ [about standardized tests,]” academic rigor of their high school pathetic, helpless, crying, miserable, reap benefits from having scored well the material. I don’t know how well Co-Director of College Counseling transcript. tortured, broken, abused, outcast, va- on the tests. I’m going to do, but I wanted to learn Liz Hirsch said. For students who really just want grant, ungrateful, rude, weak, sickly, Over the years, however, APs have the material and challenge myself.’” There’s no denying the pressure to learn a lot about a topic, the de- depraved, angry, cynical, zombie-like also begun to play a more subtle role Porcarelli continued: “I really do put on faculty who proctor AP exams, manding nature of AP exams requires shadows of their former selves, you in the college admissions process. appreciate the students who get to- the teachers who lose students during both a substantial amount of knowl- can take a step back to see what lies Many students believe that selective gether and say ‘We’re going to learn classes, and the students taking APs edge and depth of knowledge. And, ahead for them. Features // The Postscript June 6, 2017 8 Biscoe, Hesaltine, and Yamaka to retire the third and fifth grade had much in appropriate’ come to mind. Jo Anne by LIZZIE KANE ’18 common; we shared ideas and learned models continual education, balanced DAKOTAH JENNIFER ’18 from each other. She has supported with core academic building blocks, and LEAH GENTH ’18 me and guided me through the fifth and common sense,” Stierhoff said. grade curriculum throughout the last “She’ll never be outdated!’” The Lower School year ends this four years, and I will be forever in Yamaka’s dedication to her kin- June with the retirement of three her debt.” dergarteners and their learning expe- veteran classroom teachers: Emily Pula agreed. “I am going to miss rience is what has made her class a Biscoe, Nancye Hesaltine, and Jo the conversations that we have had fond memory for many current Up- Anne Yamaka. Together they have late into the night over the last 34 per School students. “Jo Anne would given well over 75 years of service years,” Pula said. “We often talked light up the room when she walked to the school. Many former students about children, and how they think, in,” Lauren Singer ’18 said. “She just have already expressed their thanks to and what excites them; and with a had this levity about her that made Biscoe, Hesaltine, and Yamaka, and progressive mindset, what should our everything fun. She used to tell us these three will take with them fond practice look like.” when we would complain about nap memories of Park. Pula, her husband Thad, and Bis- time that we would miss it when we coe and her spouse Andrew McBee, photo by N. Blau ’18 were older… nothing has ever been Emily Biscoe are all close friends. McBee, diag- Nancye Hesaltine will miss her art students and colleagues, more true!” nosed over three years ago with ALS, and looks forward to starting a new chapter of her artistic life. Since Yamaka’s favorite thing Currently teaching her final week taught for three years in Park’s fifth about kindergarten is “the kids,” it of fifth grade, Emily Biscoe taught grade, and helped develop the origi- lives of many students and faculty makes sense that they will also be one third grade for 30 of her 34 years here nal Middle Ages curriculum along- throughout her time at Park, and the Jo Anne Yamaka of the things she misses most: “Of and shaped much of the current cur- side Sharen Pula, and former fifth community is certainly going to be course, I’ll miss the kids, [it goes] riculum. She is leaving so that she grade teacher, Julie Gill. After his different without her. Jo Anne Yamaka’s favorite thing without saying,” she said. can take care of her husband, Andrew time in the Lower School, McBee led about teaching kindergarten is “the Kindergarten classrooms, which McBee, who has Amyotrophic Lat- the outdoor education program in the Nancye Hesaltine kids, the kids, and the kids.” Yamaka usually have two or three teachers eral Sclerosis (ALS). Middle School; he built parts of the has worked in Park’s kindergarten each, provide lots of opportunities to Some of Biscoe’s favorite class- Challenge course that are still used Lower School art teacher Nancye for 23 years, but even before that, work closely with colleagues. “I’m room memories include building to this day. McBee went on to teach Hesaltine is retiring after 17 years. she worked for nine years at Park going to miss my colleagues. They shelters in the woods, going on the writing and theater at Baltimore City Hesaltine is leaving a second home, trip to Jamestown with the third College and retired in 2015. but will miss her students most. “[I’ll grade, making structures, and the A unique quality that Pula men- miss] the everyday interaction with performing of Laura Schlitz’s mono- tioned about Biscoe is her ability to students,” she said. “I tell them that logues in the fifth grade. stay with an argument. “I think that is they inspire me, and they look skep- Biscoe has also loved working a really important quality, especially tically at me and I say, ‘it’s true!’” with many different colleagues. “I in a progressive school, that sort of Her favorite aspect of creating art was Rosie Max’s mentor when she mindset in terms of following through with students involves using imagi- first came to Park, and I miss teaching on inquiry and questioning,” Pula nation. “I love the ability to wonder with her in the third grade,” Biscoe said. Pula said the Lower School with children and ask questions and said. “We taught together for many is going to miss Biscoe’s “wit and not have to have answers,” Hesalt- years in rooms right next to each oth- humor,” along with her attention to ine said. “Asking questions leads to er and had a lot of fun. I have great detail “to getting things right.” these places that are unexpected and memories of those years in the third Biscoe’s students will miss her, interesting.” grade.” too. “Ms. Biscoe definitely pushed Hesaltine is still puzzling out all Now that she teaches fifth grade, me to challenge myself very much, she wants to do for retirement. “I Biscoe also enjoys working with Shri especially with math,” Sonee Goles want to have a vision for what the Puri. “I love working with Shri. She ’20 said. “I absolutely loved building next decade looks like,” she said. was my intern when she first came to structures in the woods in her third Hesaltine has some ideas about what Park, and I’m glad I helped launch grade class, and I miss sitting in a she wants to accomplish: “I want to her career. It’s wonderful to see the circle with my classmates on the rug speak Spanish fluently, I want to paint superb teacher that she has become,” in her classroom while she read to and draw every day, I want to spend photo by N. Blau ’18 Biscoe said. us.” time with my partner, I want to enjoy Jo Anne Yamaka, retiring from teaching kindergarten, is off “She helps a lot of kids do their my exceedingly happy 11-month-old One long-time colleague stands to Barcelona this summer to spend time with her daughter. out. “Most of all, I am going to miss work like our structure and museum golden retriever named Finn, and I teaching with Sharen Pula,” Biscoe [projects],” Daniel Wolf ’24 said. want to be there for [my parents],” Camps and as a Lower School sub- are my family. [They are] wonderful, began. “We were friends for years “She’s not a teacher who gives us she said. stitute, making this her 32nd year at fabulous people: intelligent, thought- before I started teaching fifth grade really easy work; she challenges us Leaving will be hard, but Hesalt- Park. This summer, she will retire in ful, creative; I feel so honored to have and have always spent hours after because she wants to prepare us for ine has made her mark on students. order to spend more time with her taught with them,” Yamaka said. school talking about children and middle school.” Juniors Emily Drachman and Lauren daughter, Sarah Yamaka ’96, and her Stierhoff, one of Yamaka’s long- pedagogy. The core curriculums of Emily Biscoe has touched the Singer both had art with Hesaltine in daughter’s family who currently live time colleagues having taught with first, second and third grade. Both are in Barcelona. her for 16 years, had similar things to now in Gallery Committee, working Throughout her time in Park’s say about working with her: “Jo Anne with and exhibiting art, and Drach- kindergarten, Yamaka has worked ‘has your back’ in life,” Stierhoff said. man is in Junior Portfolio, preparing hard to keep the kindergarten tradi- “Jo Anne cultivated strengths I didn’t for Senior Studio. tionally free of mandated curriculum. even know I had…[she] is an extraor- “She was a great teacher, all of Recently, she described, there’s been dinary human being, because she her projects had some form of acces- a trend toward “‘push-down’ curri- lives what she teaches...grounded, sibility for all students. They were cula, where kindergarten looks like civilized, behavior, which extends to whimsical and always fun, no mat- first grade used to.” people of all ages.” ter your preference and skill towards Yamaka has tried to maintain a Yamaka will certainly miss the art,” Singer said. balance of creative classroom activi- people (adults and children alike) “In Lower School,” Drachman ties. “We still have blocks, they paint, that have been part of her kinder- said, “I always looked forward to we have Playdough,” Yamaka said. garten classrooms, but she will also art. I loved being in Ms. Hesaltine’s At the same time, Yamaka is all about miss other aspects of her teaching classroom and being able to use all using “developmentally appropriate” life at Park. “I have appreciated the the different materials.” academic components, such as pho- freedom, the autonomy, the respect In all, Hesaltine will miss her nological awareness activities. that I’ve received. We’ve been free work immensely. “Look what I’m “Jo Anne comprehends the de- to teach the way we know is right leaving! Students, a room that has a velopmental, social, and emotional for young children,” she said. “I ap- abilities of children, especially our photo by N. Blau ’18 beautiful view, tools, and authentic preciate every day driving to work, materials, beautiful art books,” He- younger ones,” kindergarten col- working in this space. I’m one of the Emily Biscoe began working at Park in 1983 as a third grade saltine said. “It’s very, very hard to league and Development Associate luckiest people in the world.” teacher. She retires having taught fifth grade for four years. leave.” Liz Stierhoff said. “The words ‘age Features // The Postscript June 6, 2017 9 Summer camp Working cats join facilities team Puri takes over by LEAH GENTH ’18 work, so they came up with the cat solu- I can tes- tion.” tify to Coco’s few weeks ago, I walked up the For the past three months, Coco and friendliness, stairs to the Upper School in the Mojo have lived here, getting to wander and I hope A morning to find a calico cat ca- campus during the day, and staying in people take sually wandering the area around student the shed at night (it has a cat door the opportu- mailboxes. It seemed a little bit lost, but for them). They were given to nity to visit comfortable enough, nonetheless, to rub its the Facilities Department by the cats, or head on chair legs and go where it pleased. a Park employee, having at least pet I wondered if it was a faculty pet that had previously lived them if they just misplaced its owner. together as see them As it turned out, the calico cat’s name is indoor/out- around cam- Coco, and she has a brother named Mojo. door cats. pus. hey both live in the shed towards Although the back of the school that belongs they have Upper School Tto the Facilities Department, and a job to do, faculty and students their primary job is to kill mice that like to they spend may have read emails sent this eat the grass seed and other grains that are time with spring that asked drivers to slow stored in the shed. members of the down along the back driveway to “Mice just love [the Facilities Depart- prevent possible accidents. seeds],” As- ment and are very In addition to the prevention of ac- sistant Di- friendly. cidents, the reason people must obey the rector of “[Coco] likes to give 15-miles-per-hour speed limit set on campus Facilities kisses,” Facilities Department Dino Profili member Kim DiGiorgio said, said. “Last adding that they often come in- photo by N. Blau ’18 year, [facili- side to spend time with the Facilities Depart- ties] had a ment and that they “listen very well when Shrijana Puri, fifth grade teacher. big problem you tell them to do anything.” with [the oncerning the morning that I by IAN GREENBERG ’19 mice], and found Coco exploring the Upper mouse School, DiGiorgio said, “it was is because of Coco and Mojo. As the school year comes to a close, it is C almost time for Park to transition from a serious traps an accident that Coco got out… we quickly “Tell people that they need to drive didn’t apprehended Coco and brought her back.” slowly on the driveway,” DiGiorgio said. academic institution, to the fun, more relaxed, but active environment of Park Camps. However, Profili added that “[Students and “If they’re not worried about taking out the Every summer, Park Camps does a great job teachers] can always stop by” to hang out people… maybe they’ll care more about the providing kids ages three years old to 17, a vari- with the cats. cats.” ety of activities ranging from leadership training to the “Cubs” program for preschool-aged kids, sports activities, to a “STEM Focus” program. STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN FIFTH ANNUAL BALTIMORE HACKATHON But starting this summer, Park has decided to employ longtime teacher, Shrijana Puri, who currently works in the fifth grade, as the new PALUMBI ’20 WINS AWARD FOR HISTORY APP director for Park Camps. “I am very excited Freshman Bella Palumbi and another tech- invigorating and intellectually stimulating. to see how everything that has been planned nology enthusiast, Claire Smith of Parkville, “The Baltimore Hackathon was an amazing since early September is finally going to play took second place in the Hardware Track at the blend of fascinating ideas, creativity and tech out when kids are here,” Puri said. 2017 Baltimore Hackathon with a hardware de- knowledge,” Rubin said. “With all those skilled “It is very satisfying to have everything sign called “History Fl!p.” Palumbi and Smith people working together for three days, many completed, and finally come together,” she won $1,000 in prize money at the event held at cool projects were created that helped the com- added. She also went on to explain that one of the end of April. munities nearby.” the most pleasant, yet challenging parts of her Three Park students competed at the technol- Palumbi and Smith’s work, “History Fl!p,” new job is meeting and interacting with people ogy innovation event which took place at two is an augmented reality history education de- that she has never met before as a teacher here. locations in Baltimore City. Quintin Forrer ’19 vice. The award-winning project involved Puri mentioned she would like to make a few and Benny Rubin ’20 both developed an Atari building an app which can be used when view- changes within the operations of Park Camps Emulator at the Hackathon. “Atari Pi” was de- ing the souvenir object of Fort McHenry. The in the future. However, since it is only her first veloped so that old arcade games from the Atari flip side of the souvenir viewed through a cell year as the director, she wanted to keep many 2600 machine, originally released in 1977, can phone camera shows an animated version of the aspects the same, for now. “I would have to ex- be played on a small computer located inside original War of 1812 flag waving over the fort. perience [the job] before we really think about the original cartridge. “Originally, I planned to make an Android making changes,” Puri said. Rubin found the Hackathon experience app with Android Studio and use Open CV “We have made a few changes in the pro- (computer vision) for image recognition, [but] grams we are offering, but mainly, we want after hours of struggling, I decided to try to to wait and see how things run, and see how use Unity instead. I implemented Vuforia, an we can make it better next summer,” Puri said. augmented reality platform, with Unity to build Puri has worked at the camp in previous an Android app from scratch,” Palumbi said. photo by B. Palumbi ’20 years under the leadership of Linda Butler who On one side of a wooden square base is a On the back of a plastic model of Ft. is stepping down from the Director position. 3D printed model of the fort. “On the other McHenry, Palumbi and Smith created Overall, Puri is very excited and happy to side is a laser cut outline of the fort which can an augmented reality device. take on the role as the Director of Park Camps. be scanned with the app,” Palumbi explained. “This new job has been a huge learning experi- “When the app detects the image, the augment- people [can] take back home and share…with ence. As a director, I have had to many deci- ed reality is shown.” their friends and family in an amazing way.” sions, and I think it has helped me grow both Her fellow designer, 17 year-old Claire The vast majority of the teams Palumbi, professionally and personally,” she said. Smith, wants their project to “reinforce the idea Smith, and Park students Rubin and Forrer Despite the numerous job applications to of why this particular place was chosen to be a competed against were adults. The Park stu- review, and the copious amounts of planning photo courtesy smithsonianmag.com monument or a National Park.” dents worked out of the offices of Open Works she has to do in order to prepare for this coming Smith, who is home-schooled, added, “We on Greenmount Avenue. summer, Puri and the rest of the Park Camps The original star-spangled banner wanted to make everyday history magical and Palumbi is working on hosting a Hackathon faculty to be very well equipped and ready for photographed in 1873. powerful, as well as a neat experience that at school next year. this season of camp to begin.

Features // The Postscript June 6, 2017 10 SENIOR EXPERIENCES Seniors engage in a variety of projects by RACHEL MILLER ’19 girl from the north; I spend a significant amount Doyle ’17 worked with Aaron Henkin on his of time grappling with really complex questions WYPR show, “Out of the Blocks,” a documen- This year’s batch of senior projects are about race, economics, geography, culture, and tary series that focuses on Baltimore residents unique from those of years past—the intern- stereotypes.” and their stories. ships are taking place as close as at Park, and Timmy Barrick “Approaching strangers on the street and as far as Mississippi. The projects are six weeks ’18 undertook a asking them for deeply intimate details of their long, and they provide an opportunity for se- project a little lives has been something I’ve always dabbled niors to try something new. closer to home: in, and I saw this as a perfect excuse to do that Rebecca Margolis ’17 worked at the Rose- shadowing Dr. Ed- in a more meaningful capacity,” Doyle said. dale Freedom Project (RFP), a non-profit af- ward McFarland, Doyle learned there is much more to each ter-school/summer leadership and educational an orthopedic sur- person he interviews than one might expect: enrichment program for middle and high school geon at the Johns courtesy B. Curley ’17 “Every person, regardless of who they are, is students in the Mississippi Delta. Margolis Hopkins School filled with a thick, emotional custard. Sort of helped to organize the reading curriculum for of Medicine. “Be- B. Curley worked at Girl’s Life maga- like an emotion donut. And I want to rip them the middle school students who spend their fore I started my zine writing online articles. apart, like donuts, and put their custard into summers at a program run by the organization. project, I was not articles for their website, which mostly caters the airwaves.” “The opportunity to learn the ins and outs of very interested in to 11-14 year-olds. “The most rewarding part is Overall, Margolis, Barrick, Curley, Hulit, grassroots organizing is invaluable. On a daily medicine, but I courtesy T. Barrick ’17 having my articles published online, and seeing and Doyle were challenged in new ways and basis, I am learning what it means to initiate chose to shadow a the positive comments from the readers. Middle enjoyed their senior projects, while at the same T. Barrick in the O.R. surgeon because it school can be such a lonely, frustrating time, time, achieved the goal of the projects in gen- would be a great opportunity to see what that and it’s nice to think that I’ve contributed to eral: to learn more about life beyond academics. type of career would be like and if it actually something that’s fun for kids going through is something I want to pursue,” Barrick said. those difficult years.” The project gave Barrick insight into a topic Jacob Hulit ’17 worked at Hickory Ridge that he had not had the opportunity to see up- Animal Hospital and Small Miracles Ani- close: “I really like being able to observe sur- mal Rescue. “I’ve always had an interest in geries; modern medicine plays such a critical animals…really, what kid hasn’t? The passion role in our lives, and if I didn’t do this for my came first semester senior year when I took project, I may never get to see how surgery Anatomy and Physiology with Dan Lopez and actually works.” Animal Behavior with Jeff Jennings. I was cap- Projects can also help seniors move out tivated by the content of the classes, and com- of their comfort zones in different ways; for bined with my love of animals, this [project] Bridget Curley ’17, who worked at Girls’ Life seemed perfect to me.” (GL) magazine, this meant changing her writing Hulit lives with two patients from the hos- style to match the style the average GL reader pital: his two rescue dogs, Tank and Bailey. “I courtesy R. Margolis ’17 would recognize. have been volunteering at Small Miracles since “I’m used to formal, academic papers; I’ve The entrance to Rosedale Freedom January, so interning there seemed like a natural always tried to make my spelling and gram- transition… I’m actually making a difference in Project in the Miss. Delta where Re- mar error-free. The editors at GL will alter my the business,” Hulit said. “Whenever I think of becca Margolis worked as a teacher. sentences to sound more relaxed and conver- interns, I think grabbing coffee or putting paper community based change,” Margolis said. sational,” Curley explained. “They use a lot of in the printers. At the hospital, since I’m 18, I Margolis found RFP after visiting a related slang and acronyms like ‘BFF’ for best friend, am capable of doing jobs or providing assis- courtesy J. Hulit ’17 organization, the Sunflower County Freedom and ‘fave’ for favorite. They like to call things tance that vet technicians can do; I am gaining Project, on the Civil Rights Trip last year. “It ‘fab’ and ‘gorg,’ which is probably not some- real knowledge in a practical field.” J. Hulit worked at Hickory Ridge Ani- is challenging—in an amazing way—to come thing I would say, or write in a paper at Park!” Other projects can help make longstanding mal Hospital and Small Miracles Ani- into this small, tight-knit community as a white Curley, on an average day, wrote four short habits into a more sustainable activity. Ben mal Rescue. Seniors Lowe and Pickering elect to take a gap year

by MONTANA LOVE ’18 and the only AAA team in the state. having participated in tournaments in “[My uncle] always has projects gap year. The team travels far to play games, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and and is building stuff so I’m going to Although both seniors will grad- Two current seniors, Devin Lowe Massachusetts, as well as beyond the be helping him with that and he’ll uate a year behind the rest of their and Lincoln Pickering, have slightly United States in Canada. give me a place to stay,” Pickering class, their experiences will certainly different plans for next year than most “I’m really looking forward to said. shape their time in college and be- of their peers. Both plan to take a gap [the gap year]. It’s called Junior He has also looked into some pro- yond. year for the 2017-2018 school year to Hockey and it’s between club and grams at national parks that he could pursue non-academic interests before college hockey. It’s a thing that a lot do during the summer, including an beginning college in the fall of 2018. of hockey players do whether or not opportunity to work as a riverboat Lowe’s gap year will consist pri- they’re going to play at the college guide. marily of playing high-level hockey level,” Lowe said. Pickering is excited by the oppor- in the hopes of continuing to play the He plans to play for one of the tunity to become a ranch hand, to be sport at the collegiate level once he top three Junior Hockey leagues in completely on his own and fend for matriculates back into school. Lowe the country, all of which are tuition himself as he approaches the begin- first picked up the sport at the age of free. Lowe was already drafted in the ning of his gap year. Getting a solid four, and playing in college has been second round for a Connecticut-based break from academics is something a lifelong goal for him. team in one of the leagues, but he will he’s discussed with his parents for “For college hockey, most of the make the final decision regarding over a year now. time the coaches want the kid to take which team he will play for in the Being outdoors is something Pick- another year or two to develop more near future. ering loves. He spent spring semester physically and get better,” Lowe ex- Pickering, on the other hand, junior year away from Park in Ver- plained. will spend the majority of the year mont at the Mountain School. During the year, Lowe plans to in Montana experiencing life as an “I think I’ll probably be more ma- enroll in a few courses and possibly adult for the first time. Alongside his ture and in a different headspace than work a part-time job, but the major- dog Tosca, who will accompany him being fresh out of high school; I hope courtesy R. Pickering ’19 ity of his time will be spent on the courtesy D. Lowe for the gap year, Pickering plans to to meet some interesting people, to L. Pickering and his dog ice. He currently skates for Team D. Lowe plays for Team work chiefly for his uncle who owns get out of the Park bubble,” Picker- Tosca will spend next year in Maryland, a tier-1 club hockey team Maryland. a farm in the western ranching state. ing said of the benefits of taking a Montana. Arts & Culture // The Postscript June 6, 2017 11 She Kills Monsters, strange and wonderful

by BEN COHN ’19 when Tilly was alive,” she said. A demon sits by a television, a can of Cheez Most of the story is about Agnes and Tilly’s Whiz in one hand, a stick to press the buttons relationship, both the one they lacked when Til- on the TV in the other. Suddenly, two sword- ly was alive and the new one they form within wielding heroes fly into the scene, trying to save Dungeons and Dragons. “A lot of the play is a soul from someone who turns out to be the about Agnes’s struggle to deal with Tilly’s former king of the underworld. When they try to death. She wants to go on this adventure to get force the demon to give them the soul, he admits to know Tilly,” Summers said. that he lost it, but offers to watch TV with them, The play also explores the effects that Ag- eliciting big laughs from the audience. There are nes’s quest to discover more about her sister many of these moments in She Kills Monsters, has on her surrounding relationships. Her boy- the freshman-sophomore play, which ran from friend, Miles, takes a while to fully understand May 18-20. She Kills Monsters is offbeat and what she’s doing and why, but by the end he strange, but it’s also a lot of fun. realizes that she was just trying to form a bond Two years before the beginning of She Kills in any way possible. “He realizes that Agnes Monsters, the main character, Agnes (Karinne never really got over the death of her family,” Summers ’19), is orphaned on the night of her Anderson said. college graduation. Both of her parents and her The world of She Kills Monsters is also sister, Tilly (Abi Klos ’19), were killed in a car populated by some even stranger characters. crash, leaving Agnes alone. As Agnes is get- “Chuck is the dungeon master, the guy who ting ready to move in with her boyfriend, Miles rolls the dice. He also helps Agnes decipher (Owen Anderson ’19), she goes through the the book,” Patterson said. “He’s an interesting things left in Tilly’s room. There, she discovers character because he comes off as both powerful a Dungeons and Dragons module, an individual and very meek.” story written by her dead sister Tilly that can In addition to the real-world humans, the be played through. Agnes recruits Chuck (Sam play also has a few otherworldly beings, like Patterson ’20) to help her play through the mod- fairies. “My character is Farrah. She seems cute, ule, and on the way, she forges a relationship but she’s not,” Noam Fox ’20 said. In addition with Tilly. to fairies like Farrah, there are elves, ogres, “Tilly is a little weird. She’s not alive, but demons, and dragons, each threatening in their her character in Dungeons and Dragons is own way. alive,” Klos said. “She’s a paladin, and at level As the play progresses, Tilly’s module be- photo courtesy Jason Lee 20, which is really high. She doesn’t really like gins to feel less like a fantasy and more like a L. Hodge ’19 battles with M. Jacoby ’19 on stage. her sister that much since Agnes ignored her reflection of the real world. Tilly’s bullies and crushes show up in various forms, each still relationship and its inevitable end. The fact that with a magical twist. Agnes slowly learns about Agnes’s relationship with Tilly can only last intimate aspects of her younger sister, facts she as long as the module’s story becomes abun- did not know, that are equal parts exciting and dantly clear, and to devastating effect. She Kills heartbreaking. Monsters surprises with a deeply sad ending, She Kills Monsters not only supports this unexpected for a play that has gelatinous cubes story with strong performances, but also with and dance battles to the death. great costumes and lighting. “Through lighting, She Kills Monsters is very funny, but it also you have the sense of two different kinds of packs a punch. It’s about our own personal fan- worlds: the real world and the Dungeons and tasies and how our pain invades them; the fic- Dragons world,” tech crew member Seth Hudes tions we write about ourselves may not remain ’20 said. Five colorful dragon heads, designed safe havens. It imagines a world in which a by Meg Jacoby ’19, are integral parts of the play relationship can be saved after death, something finale. “Since they appear at the end, I wanted that seems great but can be just as painful when them to wow,” Jacoby said. that relationship can’t be sustained. Despite its In the end, She Kills Monsters hits an emo- silliness, these are the parts of She Kills Mon- tional peak and finishes with an epic action se- sters that are most memorable. It’s certainly quence, impressively staged in the black box one the strangest plays Park has produced, and photo courtesy Jason Lee theater’s small space. The play ends with a final that’s part of what makes it great. In equal parts K. Summers ’19 talks game strategy with S. Patterson ’20 and O. Anderson ’19 in reckoning for the two sisters, in which both heartbreaking and hilarious, She Kills Monsters the play She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, a comedic romp through 1990s pop characters are forced to come to terms with their is a production that no one will soon forget. culture. 1980s-themed Goldsoundz a resounding success to be a part of the show and engaged in a cre- sion. He played the intro of both Star Wars and before. This might be a surprise to some, but I by ANTON SHTARKMAN ’20 ative way: between songs, there were several Super Mario Brothers on the machine, and it don’t really know that much about ’80s music. spontaneous Mad Libs sessions where people was amazing to see such a mechanism produce The concert was such an eye-opener, however, The 1980s-themed Goldsoundz was certain- in the crowd would fill out Mad Libs sheets, music; he somehow brought his expertise in that I decided to listen to each of the songs listed ly a blast from the past. When I first scanned the and then act them out. robotics into the show, which was impressive. in the program note. When I did this, my head room, I noticed how many people were actually It was funny to watch my friends improvis- The choice of music was perfect for the type could not stop bobbing, and it felt so natural to there—it was a full house of students, teachers, ing in the spotlight. In addition to this, we were of instrument. dance. For this reason, I think that the set list and parents. Straight from the get-go, I knew all able to take part in an ’80s workout—this Some of our teachers also participated. Math was expertly chosen because the entire audience that it was going to be a very special and en- was a great touch, making the event even more teacher Mimi Cukier and history teacher Jon was up on their feet. tertaining show. interactive. Acheson played the violin and guitar, respec- In addition, all of the parents felt nostalgic, The concert, located in the black box theater, It was a great ensemble of routines, but, with tively, on “Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful and I could see some lip-syncing to the music. opened with the debut of the Freshmen Females, that being said, there were some standalone Dead. “Steven Villacorta [’17] chose the song It was a great concert for all generations. the 9th grade band who masterfully executed acts. Xandi Egginton ’18 and Harry Levine and asked us to back him up,” Acheson said. Goldsoundz was a time for people to dance, Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” Their weeks ’18 had a memorable scene with their “spoken “It was great having Mike [Fishman ’17] and socialize, and ultimately get closer with their of practice paid off, and I would not be the first word” act. It was not only refreshing to hear Daniel [Nieman ’17] play with us too.” friends and teachers. With fantastic performanc- to say that they were exceptional. something other than music, but it was also Not only was it awesome to see the teach- es, great comedy, original acts, and a delicious The gig, as a whole, was very professionally simply hilarious—the dynamic duo received ers grooving with the students, but they also snack, it was an amazing evening. done: there was stunning lighting work, and a countless laughs. The jokes told, combined with sounded really good. Cukier expertly incorpo- If you have read the morning announce- great track list. their usage of the stage, reminded me of classic rated violin medlodic lines, an instrument that ments, you might have noticed that the last What stood out the most, however, were the Seinfeld episodes. wasn’t included in the original recording. Goldsoundz will be on Thursday, June 8. I’ll very original (and somewhat unconventional) Aaron Eline ’17, with a performance using Lastly, the ’80s theme was fitting for me certainly be there on June 8, because April 28 moments. For example, the audience was able floppy drive pitches, made a wonderful impres- because I got to listen to songs that I never heard was a night to remember. Arts & Culture // The Postscript June 6, 2017 12

WHAT IS BLUE? All school art show presents colorful theme

by DASHA KHRISTICH ’19 “On the seniors’ last day, we drew After last year’s themeless All hundreds of papers full of inked blue School Show, the Upper School’s lines, and we put them up in what Gallery Committee decided to bring was going to be a wave, but then a theme back. This year, a new and ended up being more like a net. It’s exciting show has gone up that has far more sculptural—it’s not what we filled the walls of our school with one planned or expected, but it’s equally simple color—blue. super beautiful,” Tillman said. “I’ve “Gallery Committee meets and we caught many people taking selfies in throw out lots of different themes. We front of it.” probably had about 40 ideas in the Another group that has work fea- beginning, and from there, we used tured in the show is a group of third approval voting to narrow it down to graders in Nancye Hesaltine’s class. the ones we were most excited about. They have displayed collages that Then, the arts department decided describe their own “wide, wild blue Clockwise from top left: Groups and in- from five or six ideas. We all voted, yonders,” according to Hesaltine. dividuals contributed to the blue-themed and blue was the winner,” faculty ad- “There were weeks of lead up to all-school art show: Drawing class’s blue viser of Gallery Committee Christine this project. I did a brainstorm with net, third grade collages, a book by Brigitte Tillman said. the children. When you hear blue, Grover ’18, and junior Felice Falk’s trip- “All four of my classes are in the what do you think of? They were tych. photos by L. Kane ’18 show. My drawing class actually got thinking broadly, about feelings and to put their best work up, and this music. There were a lot of ideas,” ings up and used parts of them for taught them a lot about the difficulty about the process of collage. show acknowledged more of what Hesaltine said. their collages. of creating art. Many of her classmates nod- was actually happening in classrooms At first, the class only used cool “I am swimming in artwork,” He- “If you plan on doing something, ded along, agreeing that this project because it’s so easy to add blue,” Till- colors in their paintings, learning saltine said. it probably won’t turn out that way. forced them to be open to the idea of man said. about how artists show time of day The third graders described their Something is going to spill or happen, making mistakes. Her Drawing class also put up one in their work. They read several work as dimensions to different por- and you’re going to be disappointed, “I accidentally splattered some- of the largest and most eye-catching books to inspire them, trying new tals. Their art has the ability to take but once you start adding on, and thing on my paper, but I thought it installations of the show: a large blue techniques and learning more about you away into their own worlds of doing other things, it can end up be- looked cool so I kept doing it. I really 3-D net. making art. Later, they cut their paint- blue, and this project seems to have ing amazing,” Katie Renick ’26 said like it now,” Nico Doyle ’26 said. Mix of suicide with romance a poor choice for controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why also rationalizes it. Dhruv, they wrote, “Here at school, by CICI OSIAS ’19 As Tracey said, “suicide is definitely there is an increase in casual conver- not a common response in any way or sation about self-injury and suicide The show 13 Reasons Why was re- form to the challenges of life and ad- as a result of this show’s popularity.” leased on Netflix on March 31. Since versity. But [the show] made it seem There are a multitude of ways in then, it has caused plenty of contro- like if all this happened, that would which 13 Reasons Why is a problem- versy. The show, which is based on be a reasonable exit. And the truth is, atic show, but that did not stop Netflix the 2007 novel by Jay Asher, tells the suicide is never a reasonable exit.” from announcing that they plan to re- 13 reasons why the main character, This series also depicts Baker lease a second season. Hannah Baker, killed herself. While talking about her rape and thoughts of Although based on a harmful an interesting premise for the plot, suicide to a school counselor—who premise, this show still drew a large the way the show portrays suicide is legally required to report that in- following. I think the show’s popu- is extremely problematic, especially formation—yet he fails to do so. The larity can be attributed to the hype for those suffering from depression counselor’s lack of action has been a around it, whether positive words or suicidal thoughts. courtesy affinitymagazine.com particularly controversial part of the from teens, or criticism from adults In 13 Reasons Why, Baker makes Katherine Langford plays Hannah Baker in Netflix’s concerning show: it is my opinion that it will give worldwide. 13 cassette tapes, each listing the and controversial series, which has been renewed for another kids the impression that there is no The show uses the element of ways in which people in her life season. benefit in talking to a trusted adult. suspense around certain characters to wronged her. By distributing the Counselors at schools around ensure that viewers will still be drawn tapes, Baker succeeds in finally get- cizes suicide, which I wholeheartedly depression, and it doesn’t portray the country, including at Park, have to watch a second season. ting the attention she sought while agree with. The show uses complex either of those things realistically or warned parents to talk with their kids While I will be tuning in to see alive. When she slits her wrists and love and friendship interests as part in a good way,” Kim Fox ’19, who about 13 Reasons Why, noting an how the series plays out, I will be bleeds out into her bathtub, she seems of the plot to keep viewers hooked, watched the full season, said. increase in talk of suicide and self- watching the show with a very criti- peaceful; the act looks almost pain- while also making it seem as if sui- “Suicide is never heroic; it’s never harming behaviors in the days after cal mindset, and being aware of any less. The show contains many graphic cide is a viable way to get the atten- a romantic act,” Middle and Upper the show’s release. inaccuracies depicted. As Fox said, depictions, including multiple rape tion of a suitor. School Guidance Counselor Dave In a letter sent out to Middle and “There are better ways to inform scenes. “The show could give a lot of Tracey said. Upper School parents by school yourself on these issues than watch- Many feel as if the show romanti- wrong impressions on suicide and Along with romanticizing suicide, counselors Dave Tracey and Krista ing a Netflix show.” Arts & Culture // The Postscript June 6, 2017 13 Lamar’s DAMN. is damn good it into a moving song, with lines like “I got loy- by HARRY LEVINE ’18 alty/got royalty inside my DNA”—conveying a more positive message than other popular hip What does Kendrick Lamar fear? A common hop songs like Future’s “Mask Off,” or XXX- answer to this question is “fear itself,” or maybe Tentacion’s “Look at Me!” Towards the end of God, but Kendrick doesn’t actually fear fear. the track however, Lamar ramps up his aggres- Kendrick Lamar does fear God, but on DAMN., sion, with the help of Rick James screaming, his biggest fear becomes apparent: nothing. On “Gimme some ganja!” Here, he confronts his DAMN. (and throughout his discography), La- fears, attacking Geraldo Rivera of Fox News, mar conveys his fear of fearing nothing, with telling him that his DNA is “an abomination.” complacency and blind trust being the result. This conflict comes at a price though: the attack- To Kendrick Lamar, fear sometimes can ing of the fearless makes himself vulnerable. An be a good thing, restraining us from our most example of this is in the fact that he’s rapping indulgent urges. On the 12th track, “FEAR.,” over the“Gimme some ganja!” sample. This Kendrick illustrates how this fear was instilled shows that in the back of his mind, his fears in him by his mother, and how it made him are always lurking. borderline paranoid by the time he was famous. In “ELEMENT.,” Lamar mimics Drake’s He is unwilling to spend money even on the style, another guilty party of putting out me- lower rungs of luxury. In the song, a Lexus, a diocre, lazy work with millions of adoring fans car available to most upper-middle class people, regardless. At the end of “ELEMENT.,” he goes through fear, is unattainable for the multi-mil- at “wack artists,” saying, “it’s a difference be- lionaire Kendrick is. tween black artists and wack artists.” But this is a good thing! Lamar has covered On DAMN., Lamar, in fact, strikes fear into a lot of ground on the plight of the black celeb- his contemporaries, but not because he wants rity, with tracks like “For Sale? - Interlude” and to, but because he has to. The future of hip hop “Wesley’s Theory” chronicling his difficulties relies on pure emotions, expressions of ideas with fame and the difficulties of other black that make you unique. Lamar does this through celebrities before him, like Wesley Snipes. This 14 tracks, asking us if his lust, his pride, his ego, fear has in some way saved him from anything his fear, and so on and so forth, is the product resembling financial insecurity, but this has of God’s strength or his weakness. consequences. The answer to this question doesn’t mat- On “FEAR.,” he details how his past ex- ter. It’s the fact that Kendrick has navigated courtesy genius.com periences in Compton have forever changed his fear in so many ways to make songs that go him, his fear robbing him of all humanity, The cover of DAMN., Kendrick Lamar’s latest album was released April 14, 2017. beyond hip hop, with songs like “PRIDE.” and putting him on high alert. He mentions that from sinning in a plethora of ways. One way he stoops to their level. It’s also a continued “LOVE.”—both examples that carry the torch. if he could “smoke fear away… I’d take two is that in his music, fear does not make him look inward, examined in songs like “LUST.” Here, he tells his colleagues, and those with puffs, I’m high now!” This is of note because complacent—never allowing him to accept that how fear has paralyzed him and prevented him power, that they cannot be complacent, and on “m.A.A.d. city,” he remarks, “They wonder his fans will love whatever he puts out, even if from taking action. catering to trends only perpetuates dangerous why I rarely smoke now/Imagine if your first he cares or not. One of the many threads snaking through- cycles. Lamar tried to break them on TPAB by blunt had you foaming at the mouth.” In this However, there are others that do not share out DAMN. is the idea that minorities are the crafting a radical sound, but with DAMN., he line, and other times on good kid, m.A.A.d. city, this sentiment with Kendrick. In fact, what La- true Israelites—being punished by God because makes the popular sounds (lo-fi, trap, etc.) into he talks about how the blunt was actually laced mar may see is that many of the people around they have strayed from his path. Whether or his own, taking his message not just to his city, with PCP, which doesn’t just mean a betrayal him have no fear, allowing themselves to be not you agree with this, it seems plausible that Compton, but across the world. of trust among Lamar and his friends, but also content—doing whatever they want, regardless Kendrick’s crusade to make more commercially DAMN. proves that fear has consumed a consequence for smoking in the first place. to what the fans may think. In this way, DAMN. friendly music could be tied to this. “DNA.” Kendrick Lamar for the benefit of everyone So, to Lamar, fear is what keeps him away is an attack on those who do not fear because flips a banger-type beat on its head, and makes but himself. Moore ’17 switches from acting to writing for senior project

by NAOMI CARPENTER ’20 scripts for plays before, and is in the Other members of his team in- process of writing three other play clude Middle School Drama teacher Connor Moore ’17 is well known scripts outside of his senior project. Gina Braden, former Upper School as an exceptional actor, most recent- The most fleshed-out of his plays,To English teacher and playwright How- ly playing lead roles in The Sound My Wife, centers around the death of ard Berkowitz, Middle School sci- of Music and Antigone. However, Moore’s grandfather and the subse- ence teacher and playwright Richard Moore’s senior project highlights quent process of grieving his family Espey, and the artistic director of another one of his artistic talents, went through. the Center Stage theater group, Sir namely, writing. The second, The Talk, focuses on Kwame Kwei-Armah. A year ago in former history a teenager coming out to his family Moore originally wrote The Situ- teacher Naadia Owens’s Femi- during the holiday season. The third ation as a play, but after receiving nism class, Moore began writing is a stage adaptation of Neil Simon’s feedback from his team, decided that his screenplay, The Situation, with Murder by Death. what he wanted to convey would be the intention of breaking down the With his busy schedule, Moore more effective in film. “Plays are gendered stereotypes that remain a struggled to find time to buckle down more about character and relation- constant presence in literature. “The and finish his script for The Situa- ships, and I realized what I was writ- concept of [the screenplay] is that it tion. “Regardless of what I did for ing was more about statement and transcends gender,” Moore said. “All my senior project, I knew I wanted spectacle,” Moore said. the characters are written as gender to write this [screenplay],” Moore Moore will put on two closed said. “I thought this would be a good read-throughs of The Situation in the neutral.” photo by N. Blau ’17 The premise of the film focuses on opportunity to commit myself to one second-to-last week of his project in a series of terrorist attacks ten years in C. Moore ’17 played Capt. von Trapp in the fall 2016 production thing.” the Ries Conference Room. the future and how America responds of The Sound of Music. Moore will attend the Univ. of Tampa. Moore relies on a team of people In college, Moore intends to major to them, a hot-button issue in modern “I wanted to make the statement of sions: performing onstage, working to help him hone his script, including in theater at the University of Tampa American politics. “I wanted to show these powerful people being seen as on classwork, singing, and writing. his project supervisor, Theater Direc- where there are four main stage pro- these high profile political officials in genderless. I thought that being in a Choosing solely to write for his se- tor Peter King. ductions each year: two musicals and a high-pressure situation, and thought high pressure situation would height- nior project gave him a chance to ex- “[King] was the one that helped two plays. While acting he hopes to that an act of terrorism was the best en this effect.” pand on his interest in writing scripts. me formulate the project and helped be able to also pursue theatrical writ- way to go about this,” Moore stated. Moore is used to juggling his pas- Moore had written several short to bring it together,” Moore said. ing. Sports // The Postscript June 6, 2017 14 Sports commentary If we want to be competitive, we must recruit back and wait to win the lottery we by OLIVIER KNOPP ’19 will never be able to keep up with the other schools who recognize that Park is, undoubtedly, academical- We could get recruiting is a must. ly focused. When it comes to athletics Many of the schools that we have among independent schools around better at Park traditionally competed with have Baltimore, Park is not the first school seen an uptick in their athletics in that comes to mind. Bigger schools by just getting recent years. with more money, who invest more “ Friends, for instance, has seen resources in their sports programs, our name out increasing success on the soccer will always be the schools you think field, making the MIAA B Confer- of. there...” ence playoffs for seven straight years, Times are changing, though: the while advancing to six semifinals, and Gilmans, McDonoughs, and Notre Robin Lowe ’84 one championship. Additionally, its Dame Preps of the MIAA and IAAM basketball program was able to bring are no longer the only schools who with our school. in a Division 1 college recruit, Myles recruit. In recent years, many B Con- The approach we currently take Douglas, who committed to play for ference schools, who are in the same with potential athletes, however, is the University of Central Florida. conferences as our teams, have be- much more laid back, and, beyond Furthermore, schools like Gerstell gun to invest more in their athletic that, it is not sustainable if we want Academy have committed to show- programs, encouraging—sometimes to be competitive. casing their athletics more overtly monetarily—better athletes to attend “Instead of looking specifically and have even offered scholarships their respective schools. Therefore, for an athlete and then determining and other incentives to potential ath- if Park sports wish to remain com- if he, she, or they are an academic fit letes. petitive, it is crucial that the Athletic for Park, we showcase our athletic Even if it is not our goal to com- Department begins to recruit better program in a pointed way after a pete with A Conference schools, athletes. student expresses interest in Park,” competing with rival schools will High school recruiting is often Director of Admissions, Ruthie Kal- continue to become more challeng- misunderstood. Athletic scholarships var ’85 said. “This includes (but is ing if they continue to outwork us in are not the only form of recruiting. not limited to): setting up meetings the front office. cartoon by Anton Shtarkman ’20 “There are a couple different layers,” with coaches and athletic directors, Realistically, no blue chips are Girls’ Athletic Director Robin Lowe arranging shadow dates with fellow coming to Park solely, or even pri- schools is not exorbitant. late: winning four championships ’84 said. “We could get better at Park athletes, and also extending invita- marily, because of our athletics. It is Although these athletes may not this year is certainly something to be by just getting our name out there by tions to observing practices and/or obvious that the consistently strong come in the shape of the traditional proud of. wearing Park apparel at club games, games.” education that is offered here is the Park student, if they are willing to But imagine how many champi- engaging people in conversation who This means that we simply wait most alluring quality of our school. adapt to our school, we must be will- onships we would have if we pulled approach us, and, if they ask about for talented athletes to initiate the We need to promote this specifically ing to adapt to them—if we are truly in some more strong three-sport ath- Park, telling them about the school admissions process. There is a prob- to talented athletes, so that they might serious about having a competitive letes. Maybe we could even jump and encouraging them to come and lem with that school of thought: Park decide Park is a better fit than Notre athletic program. By adding a quota some teams up to the A Conference. see our admissions office.” does not have the esteemed athletic Dame Prep or Boys’ Latin. of stellar athletes for every year, To make sure we build on recent A lot of “recruiting” is simply reputation that other Baltimore-area It is also important that the outside our athletics would benefit without success and stay competitive, we getting out into the Baltimore com- private schools enjoy, so waiting for community know that our athletics changing the culture of the student must stop waiting for athletes to come munity, identifying athletes worthy distinguished athletes to fall into are taken seriously, and that the ath- body. to us, and start making a bigger effort of recruiting, and familiarizing them our laps won’t work. Thus, if we sit letic tradeoff between us and bigger Sure, we have had success as of to recruit for our athletic programs. Baseball misses playoffs Softball on the rise winning four of our last six,” senior captain share of injuries, but it didn’t hold them back. by ETHAN BUSCH ’19 Zach Charles said. “Although the start of the by ETHAN BUSCH ’19 In fact, they embraced them. “A great highlight Baseball season has come to an end for the season was frustrating, I’m glad we got to play A semifinal loss has ended the Varsity Soft- was that we have some great injury stories,” Bruins. Finishing their season at 5-9 after barely at a pretty high level in the end.” ball season. With a new coach, players were op- Margot Bailowitz ’17 said. One particularly missing the playoffs, the boys in brown had With this season over, the team is looking timistic but unsure of where this season would brutal injury came when Mollie Post ’19 was hoped for more. forward to next year to have another shot at the take them—and it ended up taking them pretty hit over the eye with a ball during practice. She Though this was an improvement from last playoff spot that eluded them. far. They entered the playoffs in third place, was driven back to campus by her coach and year’s record of 4-9, the team had many strong Losing this year’s group of seniors will be with a conference record of 4-2. After winning Bailowitz. “It was a setback, but the team was returning seniors who had aimed to finish their strongly felt. Holes in the roster, however, bring its quarterfinal against Oldfields School, the extremely supportive,” Post said. high school careers with a deep run in the play- opportunities for younger players to step up. Bruins playoff run came to a close against Mt. Like on most successful teams, the players offs. “We’re losing a big part of the team includ- Carmel. had a lot of fun while winning. “I already miss From the very beginning of the season, the ing five seniors who made up a lot of the starting The success that the girls experienced this getting together with everyone on the team ev- Bruins did not get the start that they had hoped lineup. The juniors and underclassmen will need season was not entirely expected. In fact, this ery day. I’ll definitely be coming back to visit for. After losing four consecutive conference to step up,” Charles said. Next spring, the team was the first winning season for the team since next season,” Bailowitz said. Bailowitz is one games to start the season, they finally pulled will look to current juniors and underclassmen, the softball program was reinstated in 2014, of several future alumnae on the team who will out a win, shutting out Annapolis Area Christian just like Charles mentioned, such as Daniel indicating that the new coaching direction may carry fond memories of their time in the Park School 5-0. Cody ’18, Ryan Gilbert ’18, Jonathan Kaplan already be taking the team in the right direction. athletic program with them after graduation. Unable to sustain a win streak, the Bruins ’19, Spencer Levitt ’18, and Owen Sahnow With strong wins throughout the season, one Those same alumnae are also certainly proud lost another four games, putting their playoff ’19 to plug the holes left after the departure highlight was a win that came against Friends: of the show they put on this season. hopes in jeopardy. of seniors. after going down 8-1, the Bruins managed to The Bruins are not complacent with just The team regrouped, and rallied to win four Despite suffering some disappointing losses, come back to get the victory in a dominating making it to the semifinal game, though; hopes of their last six games, ending strong to close there were highlights this season. After beat- fashion, winning 18-8. “Breaking the Quakes” are high for next season. After a stronger finish out the season. ing rival Friends 14-4 at home on a Friday, the seems to be a habit across Park athletics this than was initially expected, and a first playoff The very last game came against a strong Bruins traveled to Friends on Monday to beat year. win for the team, they will be looking to im- first place Boys’ Latin, with Park playing for its them again, 12-5 this time. That wasn’t the only impressive victory this prove on their success. With strong juniors and last chance at a playoff spot. Unfortunately, the The team also had a lot of fun outside of year for the team. In the quarterfinal game, the underclassmen, like Bernie Berner ’20, Lizzie Boys’ Varsity Baseball team ended their season practice. “The best part of it was just hanging Bruins shut out Oldfields 21-0, and it nearly Kane ’18, and Montana Love ’18, the future with a loss at Sugar Campus. out with the guys, going to Buffalo Wild Wings shut out Beth Tfiloh as well, beating it 17-1. seems promising for the Bruins, especially for Many players thought that the team was or Pepe’s.” Cody said. With many resounding victories, it’s no surprise the upcoming season. going to do much better. “It felt like we only Next year, the Bruins hope to make a suc- that the team went far. Next year, the Bruins will be hungry not just saw our true potential deep into the season. We cessful run at the playoffs, and, of course, have Often times, injuries can cause disappoint- for a playoff spot, but also for a C Conference turned it around in the last stretch of games, fun along the way. ing seasons. This year, the Bruins had its fair championship. Sports // The Postscript June 6, 2017 15 THE 2017 BRUINS

photos by N. Blau ’18 Top: the crowd reacts after Girls’ Varsity Soccer wins the championship. From left to right: T. Kees ’19 goes up for a layup for Girls’ Varsity Basketball. B. Abrams ’17 receives a pass from L. Bannon ’18. A. Leder ’17 plays defense for Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse. T. Barrick ’17 runs in the Boys’ Varsity Cross Country championship meet. Two senior athletes look back on their athletic experiences The athletic community hot weather? How many sprints can a human jitters I get on game days, and Varisty Lacross during school. When you come out here you do? Were the seniors going to haze us? The Coach Robin Lowe’s motivational emails af- come to learn.” night before pre-season began, I couldn’t sleep ter lacrosse games. Most importantly, I’ll miss He was right. Every day, practice became by ANNA-ROSE LEDER ’17 because I was so nervous. In middle school, everyone who was a part of these teams and a place where I learned difficult lessons and My parents never signed me up for rec or while teams were made up of multiple grades, everyone who made these amazing experiences built character traits that have served me on club teams as a child, so the first time I was on the people weren’t all close friends. But when possible. and off the field. Upperclassmen brought me a sports team was at Park. It was Lower School I came out to play the next morning, everyone into the world of varsity sports and taught me gym teacher Stradine’s after-school hour(ish) was so nice and really supportive. My preju- Beyond the classroom how to stay tough when things go south, and long field hockey program for fourth and fifth dices regarding how seniors were going to treat how to take criticism without getting down graders. Needless to say, I had no idea what freshmen were thankfully not true. Everyone by BENNETT ABRAMS ’17 on yourself. These fundamental lessons have I was doing with my hand-me-down, blue, wanted everyone to do well and succeed. We When people ask me what I like to do in been what I’ve tried to pass on to my own wooden field hockey stick, but I still had a were really a team. The seniors, while intimidat- my free time, “sports” is the first answer out teammates as a senior and captain. good time with my friends. After two years of ing, were positive and motivating for younger of my mouth every time. Being an athlete is While so much of my sports experience has this, I decided to continue with field hockey in players. the most fundamental aspect of who I am, and been defined by what happens outside of the the fall mostly because that was the only sport This was true through all the sports I played I would not be who I am without Park athlet- game, my most profound memories will al- I had “seriously” ever played. in high school.The friendships I made with up- ics. ways be of those which happened on the field. In middle school, I joined the teams that perclassmen made me feel comfortable and safe Having spent my whole life at Park, I have Making it to the JV soccer championship my friends were on: field hockey, basketball, in the hallway that I thought would be so ter- been through the full cycle of Park athletics. freshman year; making it to the lacrosse semi- and lacrosse. I never felt fully connected to the rifying. The juniors and seniors who were on From that very first day of lower school soccer, finals sophomore year; my game winning goal Park athletic community, but these three years my teams when I was a freshmen pushed me to to my last varsity lacrosse game, Park athletics to beat Boys’ Latin at home in soccer my senior hooked me on sports. I learned the fundamen- do my best because we all had the same overall have been a constant in my life, and have taught year; these are all moments that I will cherish tal skills of catching, throwing, passing, etc. goal: end the season with a win. me life lessons I never would have learned in a forever. I learned what being on a team means. And I As my senior year comes to an end, and I school classroom. Words will never be able to truly capture learned how much fun sports can be. I never reminisce about Park athletics, I can’t help but My first day of JV soccer freshman year, I the effect that sports have had on my life. For considered myself an athlete until this point. feel grateful for my coaches and teammates. walked out onto the field shaking with nerves. me, the field has been where classmates turn While I had these experiences under my belt, They taught me to be a leader on and off the Our coach, Chad Joseph, was infamous for into family, where lessons are learned through coming into the Upper School was a complete field by giving me their trust and always believ- strictness and short temper, and I, a goofy, ner- both incredible victory and devastating defeat, culture shock. ing in me. vous freshman, had no idea what to expect. and where boys become men. I remember it was mid-August and my Going off to college next year, I’ll miss the At the beginning of the practice, Chad had I am so grateful for the bonds I have built friends and I were all anxious about freshman anxiety the night before pre-season, dancing to us huddle together, and he pointed to the whole and the brotherhood I have been a part of dur- year, especially pre-season. What was it going music on game days in the locker room, sing- field and said, “Do not be mistaken. This field ing my time on the field, and I will miss it to be like? How do people play sports in such ing on long bus rides. The nervous, but excited is a classroom just like any other class you take every day for the rest of my life. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Sports Permit #1262 Baltimore, MD The Postscript June 6, 2017 FEATURED ATHLETE: KATELYN MANN ’20 Kick Zach by ETHAN BUSCH ’19 Freshman Katelyn Mann is an Mann was one of the leading goal cessful for the freshman. “It was a & relax exceptional multi-sport athlete. Not scorers as a midfielder for the Girls’ really small team, so we had to work only did she make waves as a start- Varsity Lacrosse team, while manag- together, but we also bonded a lot ing center back on the championship ing to scoop up an impressive num- and had a lot of fun,” Mann said. Publicizing stats would Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, but she ber of ground balls and get many Teammate Sydney Lowe ’19 spoke has been a standout player for the defensive stops on the other side of highly of Mann, too. “Katelyn is re- attract more student fans Girls Varsity Lacrosse program as the field at the same time. ally great to have on the team, she by ZACHARY STERN ’19 well. It is usually pretty easy to spot works hard at practice, but she’s also Mann keeps busy with sports, Mann on the field: she’s the girl run- really nice off the field,” Lowe said. With dirt cheap tickets in addition to playing two varsity ning circles around everyone else. In Girls’ Athletic Director and Girls’ and ample parking, you’d sports in her first year of Upper addition to speed, Mann has years of Varsity Lacrosse Coach Robin Lowe think that more students School, she also plays club lacrosse experience, having started to play ’84 was also impressed by the show would make the three for the Redshirts Lacrosse Club, and lacrosse for Kelly Post in kinder- put on by the freshman this season. minute walk to Kelly club soccer for Lutherville-Timoni- garten. “I think we’re only beginning to see Field to watch our um Soccer Club (LTSC). This season proved to be suc- what she can do,” Lowe said. photo by T. Kahn ’17 home games. As evidenced by the Boys’ Varsity Tennis ends its season in the semifinals lack of non-parents who regularly attend our teams’ games, however, we still struggle season served more as a year for said, the fact that this young group “I’ll remember how good our to create and maintain dedicated fan bases. the team to grow. won their final two regular season attitude was regarding results, by ZACHARY STERN ’19 This is because students feel discon- In its second season after be- games and beat Beth Tfiloh in the whether it be a win or a loss,” ju- nected from our teams. As we have mul- Following back-to-back win- ing relegated to the B Conference, quarterfinals—a school they had nior captain Vance Thomas said. tiple teams playing each season and because less seasons in the A Conference Boys’ Varsity Tennis ended with lost to earlier in the year—dem- The sheer number of play- nearly half of our teams’ already small num- in 2014 and 2015, Boys’ Varsity another exit in the semifinals. onstrates the team’s development ers that Boys’ Varsity Tennis ber of games are played more than 30 min- Tennis dropped down into the B This year, the squad was de- over the course of the year and the will retain next season from this utes away, fans are incapable of watching Conference last year. feated in the penultimate round potential they have for 2018. spring’s squad should bring some every game, and thus, they are incapable The need to do so was obvious: by eventual champions, Severn There were certainly compli- optimism. Eli Asdourian ’18, Max of maintaining familiarity. Unless ESPN fi- at the beginning of the season, few School. cations that the Bruins faced this Shockett ’18, and Thomas, all nally buys out our broadcasting rights, that players from last spring’s group Tennis underwent a number season; the team had to adjust to served as captains of the team this problem isn’t going to be resolved. had ever experienced a tennis team of changes that indicated that this a new head coach without having year and should return as seniors. The question then becomes: how do we victory, and nobody in the entire would be a rebuilding year: the loss any seniors. No one from this group graduated, garner sustainable interest in teams that our program had come close to a win- of last year’s seniors Aaron Pomer- A four game losing skid in the and, assuming full retention, next fans are unable to watch on a consistent ning record for a season in nearly antz and Ross Greenberg, and the middle of the season, including year’s team will field ten experi- basis? In professional and college sports, a decade. head coaching change from Bren- multiple close finishes, was, with- enced upperclassmen, including fans maintain involvement with teams— The 2016 team, however, ac- dan Travis to John White. out a doubt, frustrating, but the five seniors—along with the return even when they can’t watch the games—by complished such a feat, finishing As expected, the team took a team chemistry remained strong no of new head coach John White. checking scores and looking up statistics second in the conference with a 6-1 step back this season, going from matter what, and no players ever The Bruins should be able to and standings. I’d affirm that if we want to record. Though the Bruins hoped a conference record of 6-1 in lost their composure following dif- pick up next season exactly where keep our students connected, then we need to build on this achievement, this 2016 to 3-4 in 2017. That being ficult matches. they left off. to give them the same resources. All of our teams have managers who take Boys’ Lacrosse drops quarterfinal Girls fall in semifinal game individual and team stats during games and then report those to the athletic department. by SPENCER LEVITT ’18 by ETHAN BUSCH ’19 What’s actually done with these stats, how- The 2016 season ended with lack young talent. “Although we The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse of adversity this season. Depth ever, varies entirely from team to team. For a tough loss to Friends in the are losing key players at all parts season has come to a close. After proved to be a difficulty for the Boys’ Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse, the de- MIAA B Conference quarterfi- of the field, our future is bright,” a strong 10-2 conference season, Bruins: with only two subs, the partment collects the season totals each year nals, and with a final conference Ryan Kalata ’18 said. the Bruins were tied for first, but team needed to stay in shape in and keeps track of individual records, but record of 4-4. This season, in Preparing for the loss of Cord- were seeded second due to tie- order to maintain its success. this kind of record keeping is not practiced coach Josh Davey’s second year ish, freshman Jordan Blum worked breaker rules. Another key to the team’s vic- to the same extent for any other teams. And, with the team, the Bruins finished hard behind the scenes at the goal- The team showed strength tories was its chemistry. “I think most importantly, the department does not even again with a 4-4 conference keeper position. Freshman Ian throughout the season, winning our team chemistry was great. As actually publish this information or make record. And just like in 2016, the Zumpano is also a standout under- several games by eight or more a team we were all very close and it easily accessible to students for any of Bruins’ season ended again in the classman, armed with impressive points, and it was hoping to chal- spent lots of time together. Props our teams. quarterfinals, this time, dropping a stick skills. lenge first seed Mercy for an IAAM to the captains for keeping us to- We have low attendance rates at games home game to Saints Peter & Paul. In talking about next season, B Conference championship. gether and being great leaders.” because students don’t feel attached to our In regular season conference Kalata spoke highly of his junior Unfortunately, a hard-fought Lowe said. teams, so why don’t we try to bridge that gap play, the Bruins let in the fewest counterpart Ben Askew. “Next home loss against rival school Chemistry, conditioning, and by making our scores, stats, and standings number of goals out of nine teams year, Ben Askew will be one of the Friends in the semifinal, elimi- raw talent were all emphasized readily available to them? If the athletic de- total. This is in no small part due best players in the league,” he said. nated them from championship throughout the season. partment simply published the information to the play of University of Penn- Off the field, the Bruins have contention. Even though the loss of the it already had (or could easily obtain) onto sylvania commit Sam Cordish ’17. great team chemistry. “The team The team’s only regular season seniors will be felt, the team still a Park sports website, for example, students Cordish directs the defensive unit environment and the camarade- losses were both against eventual expects for another playoff run could easily follow our teams and, conse- and comes up with outstanding rie that comes with being on the champion Mercy. next season. quently, feel much more connected. saves. lacrosse team is like nothing I’ve Other notable games included Mann, a standout freshman, is If we want students to buy into our teams At midfield, Steven Villacorta ever experienced before,” Askew an overtime win against Friends among the players with a promis- and be involved with our program, then we ’17 was a force to be reckoned said. “We love to have fun together School, with a goal scored by ing future, and will need to play need to give them more ways to follow with, winning many face-offs for outside of lacrosse, but when it’s Katelyn Mann assisted by Sydney a big role for this team to have along and become informed. Imagine the the team. In fact, against Glenelg game time, we can all get serious Lowe ’19. success. attendance at Kelly Field if students knew Country School, Villacorta won a and focus to get a win.” In a win at Annapolis Area With young stars like Mann and that an athlete was on the brink of breaking whopping 80 percent of faceoff Maintaining the team’s unity Christian School (AACS)—where Lowe, as well as Boston—who is a school record, or if a longtime coach was opportunities. next season will certainly be im- senior captain Michelle Pais scored committed to play lacrosse at Yale approaching 100 career wins. With the cur- The Bruins will lose a core portant in order to have success. five goals, with Mann and Kenya after she graduates—the future of rent system in place, however, there’s no group of seniors for next season; Even though the Bruins lost in the Boston ’18 scoring four apiece the program seems secure. way of knowing. this includes captains Bennett quarterfinals this season, the team as well—the Bruins dominated Next year, the team looks to end Let’s do a better job of keeping stats and Abrams ’17, Villacorta, and Cord- looks forward to getting right back AACS 22-9. its season on a win and bring home making them easily accessible to our fans. ish. The team, however, does not in the playoffs next year. The team had its fair share a banner. Maybe then ESPN will finally give us a call.