Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street Wallingford, CT

VOL. CXIII · NO. XII FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THECHOATENEWS.CHOATE.EDU

Library Hosts SCHOOL UNVEILS PLANS FOR Paleography Contest By Alexis Lien ’23 instruction and digital services, and HILL HOUSE RENOVATION Reporter assistant librarian Ms. Stephanie Gold, the planning process for the Every day last week, the An- contest at Choate included deci- drew Mellon library hosted the sions about which archives to use, Paleography contest, which chal- the creation of advertisements for lenged students, faculty and staf the event, and a submission format to transcribe manuscripts from that was accessible to the commu- Choate archives. The transcrip- nity. The contest allowed students tions included manuscripts from to discover people with unexpected P.T. Barnum, Joseph Conrad John connections to Choate. F. Kennedy, John Dos Passos, Ms. Gold said, “The frst day and Rosemary Hall alumna Helen on Monday was a P.T. Barnum Wiseman. To win, contestants had autograph and we got the ques- to fll out a transcription submis- tion, ‘What does P.T. Barnum sion form for each day of the con- have to do with the School?’ and test. For students, Lucas Eggers the answer is, we have an auto- ’21 won frst place, and Athena graph collection in the archives Liu ’23 came in as frst runner-up. that was donated from a parent For faculty and staf, Technolo- of an alum, which is unknown to gy Procurement and Budget Ad- many of our [participants].” ministrator Ms. Tracy Peters won The contest also served as a frst place, followed by runners-up means to connect the Archives to chemistry teacher Ms. Julie Ox- the library and provide a fun com- borough-Yankus and Website and petitive activity for the commu- Electronic Communications Man- nity. The student prize was a $20 ager Mr. Todd Jaser. Cafe Ra gift card, and the student Paleography involves analyzing runner-up prize was a $15 Cafe Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News A significant expansion of Hill House will restore symmetry to the building. ancient forms of handwriting. It in- Ra gift card. The faculty and staf cludes the ability to comprehend, prize was a $20 Library Wine Bar By Henrik Torres ’22 building include redesigning layout possible, and it will be slight renovations. Before Col- date, and certify old manuscripts and Bistro gift card. The library Associate Editor the foyer, restoring the college implemented in the renovation. lege Counseling moved into the — an important skill for histori- aims to continue this event in the counseling office, creating a “Coming out of the dining hall, space and a fake floor was put in ans. Today, paleography serves as future to help raise more aware- At School Meeting on Tues- faculty lounge, and redesign- you used to see the fireplace order to level the entrance, the an essential tool for uncovering ness for paleography and the day, February 11, Head of ing the Hill House dorm. and around it. We love this, facility used to be a few steps the past. The techniques that are School Archives. School Dr. Alex Curtis unveiled The original layout of the and when I talk to alumni and down from the foyer, so reno- required aid one’s ability to synthe- Ms. Jaser said, “We are trying plans for the renovation of Hill Hill House entrance, built in faculty who were here, they all vations plan to raise the ceiling size information and to put things to do more programs like [this House after the building was 1911, featured a lone-freplace talk about how welcoming that and allow for a level entrance. into context to form more educated contest]. We are doing the March damaged by a fire last summer. with walkways on either side, living-room area was and how it Before the fire this past conclusions. Eggers said, “We need Madness reading book program Though the fire, which be- allowing students to see directly was a central space on campus. summer, the entrance to the to make sure that our history keeps next month. We like the idea of gan on July 22, was contained into the dining hall. After being We are trying to make that en- Hill House dormitory was sit- up with our present.” doing more competitions, getting to a relatively small area within renovated in the 1990s to bring trance a gathering place again uated behind the fireplace and The idea for the event was students interested in the archives, the building, extensive water the building up to fre code, for all types of different oppor- could be seen when one exited sparked by a museum in the Neth- [the] library, and reading.” damage has led to plans for a however, this open-concept en- tunities and experiences,” said the dining hall. Since the fire- erlands that hosted a paleogra- full-renovation and rebuilding trance was lost. Dr. Curtis. place will be returning to its phy contest. Led by librarian Ms. Alexis Lien may be reached of Hill House, both inside and According to Dr. Curtis, new College counseling will Courtney Jaser, who specializes in at [email protected] out. Planned changes to the technologies will now make this remain the same, except for See HILL HOUSE, Page 2

Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street THE CHOATE NEWS Wallingford, CT A Speculative Look into our World 30 years in the Future

VOL. 143 · NO. 12 February 28, 2050 thechoatenews.choate.edu

See page 4 for the editors' note on this special issue

CHOATE ACHIEVES NET-ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS

By JeeHwan Kim ’51 ly costly and inconvenient, many rides, seven of which were virtual, “Although we might be net-zero en- Associate Editor members of the community believe and 10 food trucks, seven of which ergy, I think we should strive to do that the discomfort paid off. provided entirely vegetarian menus. more so that we can continue to de- During last week’s school meet- “I can’t believe that we’ve fnal- Six of the ten environmental clubs on liver a positive message to our neigh- ing, the frst school meeting in Colo- ly reached this goal. Although global campus hosted their own booths to bors and peer schools. Together with ny Hall since the building was closed warming is still getting worse — and raise money for future events. the administration, we are constantly two years ago to allow for the im- there’s just so much more that peo- “I’m glad that the School decided discussing the next steps we can take plementation of more solar panels ple could be doing — I’m glad that to throw a carnival. I really think that to help this community and the plan- on its roof, Head of School Dr. Va- Choate is doing the right thing and this is a gigantic accomplishment, and et,” she said. nessa Rivera announced, “Choate investing in renewable energy sourc- it’s defnitely worth celebrating in this The next step will likely be the Rosemary Hall has fnally reached es,” said James Duran ’50. way,” said Andrew Zheng ’51. “I didn’t addition of solar panels to the two net-zero energy.” Choate is the frst Although the student body re- expect the carnival itself to be net-ze- dorms — Archbold and Logan Mun- boarding school in New England to sponded positively, some expressed ro energy because so many people roe — that do not yet have them. Al- have reached this status. frustration that they were unable attended, so I’m really impressed that though this might temporarily affect To celebrate this milestone, the to use Colony Hall for the past two the School managed to make it that.” student housing, the School plans School hosted a net-zero energy car- years. “I’m participating in Arts Con, Refecting on his 15 years at Cho- to implement the change within the nival on the Great Lawn last Friday. but it’s been so hard to practice my ate, Mathematics and Computer Sci- next two years. For decades, Choate has worked harp. There aren’t really any practice ence Department Head Mr. Bryce Although Dr. Rivera is extreme- to make its campus more sustain- rooms in the PMAC, so most days I Perez said, “It’s crazy to see how ly proud of Choate's net-zero sta- able. Beginning with the construc- just practiced using my virtual harp much Choate transformed during my tus, she hopes that others around tion of the LEED Platinum Kohler in my room, but the sound quality time here. When I frst came here, the state and country will follow Environmental Center in 2012, the just isn’t as good. I’m really happy the Student Activities Center was the Choate’s example and make more School has constructed only LEED that we can fnally use Colony Hall only LEED Gold building — there was significant efforts to convert to Gold buildings. Most are now LEED again,” said Alice Benett ’52. only one LEED Platinum building.” renewable energy. Platinum, powered by solar en- The net-zero carnival on Friday Although the School is now ergy and heated with geothermal saw high attendance, with approxi- net-zero energy, Dr. Rivera still has JeeHwan Kim systems. Though the Colony Hall mately 500 people present the entire more plans for the future on making may be reached at renovation process was extreme- night. There were 15 solar-powered Choate’s campus more sustainable. [email protected] PAGE 2 || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  According to Dr. Curtis, Hill House this design of multiple com- Continued from Page 1 IN ANNUAL STEVENSON LECTURE, MS. HEATHER mon rooms will be similar to original appearance with walk- that of the Kohler Environ- MCGHEE EXPLORES R ACISM'S MANIFOLD COSTS ways on either side of it, the mental Center, which already dormitory staircases will also has a main co-ed common return to their original posi- room and two smaller common tion on either side of the door rooms on the separate boys’ to Hill House. and girls’ floors. Additionally, The faculty offices that design teams will incorporate were situated in the corridor small kitchen areas, laundry, leading to Andrew Mellon Li- and single-use bathrooms. brary will be relocated and “We’ve really tried to think replaced by a faculty lounge. about questions brought up by “When we think about this as students and faculty on how to the lounge of the school and create a dorm for all students the student center being there and try to test some things out and near to the dining hall, we to model on other dorms go- wanted to do the same for our ing forward,” Dr. Curtis said. faculty,” Dr. Curits said in his On the upper floor, the facul- school meeting announcement. ty apartments will be enlarged Since this faculty lounge will and given private entrances. replace the old Dean of Facul- The dorm renovation, which ty offices and the corridor to aims to incorporate new fea- the library, a walkway will be tures while maintaining a simi- added behind Hill House and lar number of available beds, the connect it to the breezeway. north side of Hill House will be This same structure was add- expanded by two window arches. ed behind Hill House after the The symmetry was previously construction of St. John Hall, lost due to the development of ex- so this addition will mirror its pansions and renovations to the

Photo by Jenny Guo/The Choate News construction and connect the building on the south side. With Ms. Heather McGhee called on students to think about what it means to form a more diverse America. complex to the library. the shortening of the breezeway By Nick Visuthikosol ’22 on a book about the personal, eco- as the Adlai Stevenson Junior Fel- framing abstract policy issues in- Two rooms will be added from Hill House to the Library, Staf Reporter nomic, and societal costs of racism low. This year, Roshni Surpur ’20 volving inequality and racism in near the entrance of the dining the symmetry of the building will to American people. was the Junior Fellow, recognizing accessible anecdotes.” hall to serve as private dining once again be achieved. On Tuesday, February 25, Students in history classes are Adlai Stevenson’s achievements Nahshon Miller ’21, who at- rooms where classes or clubs The Hill House fire shifted Choate welcomed American po- required to attend this lecture. throughout his political career in tended the lecture, said, “I think can meet and bring in dining the renovation of the building litical commentator and strategist Previous speakers have also been the realm of international relations the biggest issue in our world to- hall food. “We don’t really have to the top of the administra- Ms. Heather McGhee to discuss asked to engage with students in and inequality. However, Surpur day is the lack of knowledge. One space to do it in the regular din- tion’s priorities, and it is part racial prejudice and the challeng- less formal settings than the key- expressed criticisms of Steven- statistic that really stood out to me ing hall, but these rooms will of a larger renovation scheme ing paradigm of racial competition note address. Ms. McGhee dined son's position as a segregationist was when she said that only 10% be better versions of the Head’s involving several buildings in the U.S. as part of the annual with a group of students from the in the aftermath of Brown v. Board of public high school seniors knew Study to enable that,” said Dr. around campus. Although the Adlai Stevenson Lecture Series. John F. Kennedy ’35 Program in of Education and his insensitive the reason behind the civil war.” Curtis. In addition to these two administration has not yet an- The Adlai Stevenson Lecture is Government and Public Service comments about women as Smith At the end of her speech, Ms. new rooms, single-use bath- nounced the timeline for fu- named after the Choate alumnus, as well as other students pursuing College’s commencement speaker McGhee emphasized that the rooms will be added. ture projects, the Dean of Fac- two-time presidential candidate, Capstones in areas that are con- in 1955. youngest generation will be tasked The Hill House dormitory ulty offices are set to be moved and former United States ambas- nected to Ms. McGhee’s work. Ms. McGhee’s lecture stressed with forming an America that will will be renovated in an adap- to Archbold, and the former sador to the United Nations. Each Mr. Jonas Akins, HPRSS teach- the importance of accepting one’s be more diverse than ever. Thom- tive fashion to allow for any Student Activities Center will year, a guest speaker who shares er and organizer of the lecture, said, own prejudices and fnding ways as Barton ’22 said, “After the talk, sort of housing, whether it be be renovated to house the Ad- Stevenson’s values and has made a “I’ve seen her speak to high school to learn more about one another. I really thought about what I can single gender, binary gender, missions Office. Planning for a major contribution to public life is students in the past, and she was Ms. McGhee thinks that under- do about this issue as a whole. I or all-gender with a shared renovation of the Paul Mellon invited to campus. engaging, insightful, and inspiring standing one another through believe the best thing I can do is to common space. There will be Arts Center will begin within Ms. McGhee joined Demos in — all qualities that drove us to seek sharing cultures is the best way be as inclusive as possible.” 32 new beds and a separating the next few years. 2002 and served as the think tank's her out for this year's lecture.” to unravel racism. HPRSS teach- common space as well as small- president from 2014 until 2018. The Stevenson Lecture also er Mr. Ned Gallagher said, “I Nick Visuthikosol may be reached er common spaces within each Henrik Torres may be reached Ms. McGhee is currently working celebrates a student who is chosen thought she was very eloquent in at [email protected] side for flexibility. at [email protected] SCHOOL NEWS PAGE 2 || THE CHOATE NEWS February 28, 2050

CHOATE MORE RACIALLY DIVERSE IN NUMBERS, INCLUSION EFFORTS CONTINUE By Claire Yuan ’51 Associate Editor Over the years, Choate has been actively supporting students of all racial identities through- On Monday, February 21, 2050, out their journey at the School. Dean of Faculty Mr. Brian Moore Faculty also engage in diversity made an announcement to the and inclusion workshops regularly School that this year more than to ensure that their teaching prac- half of the Choate community, tices are supportive of all students. both students and faculty, iden- However, the School still hopes to tifes as a person of color. This do more for inclusivity on campus. increase in racial diversity on cam- One ongoing initiative is the diver- pus marks an important milestone sifying of curriculums; for instance, for the School in its goal to create English teachers have been actively a more inclusive community. incorporating more authors of According to a survey conducted color into their class reading lists. in October 2049 by the Offce of Sophomore English teacher Mr. Institutional Research, of the 1,187 Dinesh Aggarwal said, “I always students and faculty on campus, like to expose my students to a 38% of faculty and 66% of students variety of writers because I believe identify as a person of color or in- Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr it is an important aspect of learn- ternational. The rest either identify The School announced the 2049-2050 school year fgures for racial and ethnic diversity. ing literature. Authors of all racial as white or declined to respond. very few faculty who identifed as signifcantly less likely to drop out of identities have played major roles These numbers are in large contrast Asian. Many of my senior advisees high school, and both girls and boys in writing and literature, and I think to those reported 32 years ago, in have expressed that they have felt were more likely to go on to attend we need to always keep an eye on 2018, when 20% of faculty and 55% more represented in the faculty college. Researchers suggest that the potential for a whitewashing of of students identifed as a person of over their years here.” students are more inspired by role our English curriculum.” color or from a country other than Ms. Hornsted emphasized the models they can relate to and that Despite how far the School has the United States. importance of the greater diver- teachers with similar identifers are come in improving racial diversity Director of Equity and Inclusion sity on campus, saying, “I think able to present material in a more on campus, Ms. Hornsted believes Ms. Emily Hornsted said, “This is it’s so important to have a diverse culturally relevant way. By hiring more can still be done. “Just be- a milestone for the School. Back community so that the teaching more faculty of color, Choate hopes cause our community is much more when the Pathways Program was and learning we do can be framed to elevate students’ experiences in racially diverse now than it once was founded, in the early 2000s, white in that context of understanding. the classroom and across campus. doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue students and faculty still made up The students can be exposed to Still, students and faculty alike to fght for equality,” she said. the majority of our community. many cultures, backgrounds, and do not think these statistics signify She went on, “This also applies Since then, we’ve been slowly experiences, whether through wholesale victory. Ms. Hornsted to communities outside of our own. working toward building a more interactions with their peers or said, “Choate has seen a great im- Often, we are so wrapped up in racially diverse community.” faculty — and they can gain greater provement in diversity on campus, Choate that we don’t realize we Many faculty on campus, both empathy for people who are differ- but in some ways those are only can take what we’ve learned here those who have worked at Choate ent than they are.” numbers. In conjunction with in- to reach out and help other com- for many decades and those who Research has shown that it is im- creasing diversity on campus, we munities. I hope our students will have only been here for a few years, portant for students to have teach- also need to continue to focus on one day take this experience within fnd the School’s increasing racial ers with whom they share common inclusion. We’ve taken a great step this diverse community and make a diversity inspiring. Science teacher identifiers. According to a study in bringing students and faculty of a difference elsewhere.” Ms. Helen Padhanapan, now in her conducted at American University, variety of racial identities into the 20th year at Choate, recalled, “I’m when black children were taught School, but we need to do every- Claire Yuan impressed at how much diversity by black teachers between third thing we can to ensure that they feel may be reached at we have. When I frst came, we had and fifth grade, the boys were welcome here.” [email protected] FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 3 RESTAURATEUR TO Public Health Committee FUNDRAISE FOR HIV/AIDS Advances Vaccination Exemption Bill By Isabelle So ’20 soliciting donations from pass- By Stephanie Chen ’23 Reporter ersby. During her restaurant’s Reporter business hours, she will also sell This summer, Ms. Amy For- cards that customers can place On February 19, the Connecti- tin, owner and chef of Center along the restaurant’s walls. cut General Assembly held a pub- Street Luncheonette, will bike Additionally, on March 6, Ms. lic hearing for the recently-intro- 545 miles from San Francisco to Fortin will sell the 30 items of duced Bill 5044, a public health Los Angeles as part of the AIDS/ Harley-Davidson clothing she proposal that would prevent par- LifeCycle cycling tour. has acquired over her years of ents from using religious reasons The annual event, which will motorcycling in an event she is to exempt their children from be hosted in early June, is orga- calling “From Leather to Race.” vaccinations. The Connecticut nized by the San Francisco AIDS Making the decision to partici- Department of Public Health's organization and the Los Angeles pate in AIDS/LifeCycle was not out current policy allows parents to LGBT Center. Since its inaugu- of character for Ms. Fortin. Every do so if they provide a statement ration in 1993, it has raised more year, she sets a major goal for her- that immunization would violate than $200 million. self as part of a long term self-im- their religious beliefs. According to the event’s web- provement journey. For her fftieth During the hearing, Connecti- site, donations are used to “fund birthday, she lost 50 pounds. Last cut Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS-related services and year, she learned how to scuba Commissioner Renée Cole- bring to light the fact that HIV/ dive. “When I do things, I tend to man-Mitchell testifed in favor of AIDS is still a devastating di-sease jump, and I always jump in with the bill. “I think I can safely say in our society, particularly among two feet,” said Ms. Fortin. “That is that we all want the same thing: the LGBT community and commu- how I live my life.” the good health of our children nities of color.” Ms. Fortin wants to demon- and our communities,” she said. When the thousands of par- strate that you don’t need to be Ms. Coleman-Mitchell explained ticipants are not biking, they will personally afected by a cause in that vaccination exemptions in- camp, eat, and socialize with one order to support it. “I don’t know crease the risk of disease for all another at temporary camp sites anybody with AIDS. I don’t know children, both vaccinated and set up along the route each day. anybody that has HIV. But I love unvaccinated. “Public health is The event requires that everybody, and I am trying to show about every child, not one child or Photo courtesy of Hartford Courant all participants raise at least that,” she said. “That is what this community,” she said. Hartford residents protested Bill 5044 during a 20-hour public hearing earlier this month. $3,000 in support of AIDS/ ride is all about.” Connecticut’s Department sand demonstrators opposing in a free country, the govern- duct and all the negative things LifeCycle. To do this, Ms. For- of Public Health recently re- the bill. Many of the anti-vacci- ment should be allowed to inject of a product.” tin plans to ride a stationary Isabelle So may be reached ported that nearly 1.8% of nation organizations which ra- anything into your body that Historically, the Nuremberg bike outside of her restaurant, at [email protected] new students have enrolled llied in front of the Connecticut you don’t have control over. It’s Code has never been signed in schools with a religious ex- State House had also engaged that simple,” he said. or ofcially accepted as law by emption, the highest percent- in protests in New Jersey ear- Mr. Bigtree believes the bill any nation. And, while the code age in over 20 years. As of Oc- lier this year which led to the violates the Nuremberg Code, emphasizes the principle of in- tober 2019, the CDC reports defeat of a similar bill. a set of ethical research tenets formed consent, it does not state that Connecticut’s kindergar- One of the leading voices established after World War II. that all efects of a product must ten vaccination coverage is of the opposition was Mr. Del “The Nuremberg Code was a be known before use. 95.9%, a percentage that has Matthew Bigtree, founder of promise that we signed with ev- Despite pushback from sev- decreased by 2.6% since 2009. the anti-vaccination group In- ery other democratic nation in eral parents and politicians, the The CDC recommends a 95% formed Consent Action Net- the world after Nazi Germany,” Public Health Committee ad- minimum vaccination rate for work. During his testimony at he said. “All the free nations vanced the bill on Monday with kindergarteners to maintain the State House, Mr. Bigtree in the world said never again a vote of 14 to 11. The bill is now herd immunity, so the rising argued that the government has will a nation be allowed to just headed to the House of Repre- exemption rates are cause for no right to require vaccinations test or put medical products sentatives for the next vote. concern within the community. and that the bill infringes upon into a person without informed However, the hearing attrac- freedom of speech and freedom consent, meaning you have to Stephanie Chen may be reached Photo courtesy of Paso Robles Daily News Cyclists ride in a AIDS/LifeCycle Fundraising Event. ted a crowd of over one thou- of religion. “I don’t believe that know all the benefits of a pro- at [email protected] LOCAL NEWS February 28, 2050 THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 3

CLIMATE CHANGE-INDUCED HURRICANE HANNA DESTROYS WALLINGFORD

By Linda Phan ’52 Staff Reporter

Hurricane Hanna, a category fve hurricane, has been terrorizing the Northeast for the past month, devastating New England cities and communities. Winds reached record- breaking speeds of 210 miles per hour, and many areas received more than 20 inches of torrential rain. Although the storm did not pass through Wallingford, its nearby presence resulted in severe storms that knocked down trees and power lines throughout town, causing a blackout that lasted for fve days. Locally, flash floods inundated the North Farms Reservoir, Ulbrich Reservoir, and MacKenzie Reservoir as days passed without any sign of sun. Photo courtesy of Go Green Restoration With storm surges of 10 to 12 feet Hurricane Hanna has left hundreds of local residents homeless. along the coastline, town residents were advised to evacuate Wallingford National Oceanic and Atmospheric however, many citizens are still left floods. Rainfalls have also become before Hurricane Hanna's arrival, Administration (NOAA). “If this without the support they need. more intense, leading to the frequent and the Wallingford Public Schools trend continues, we’re looking at “I’m one of the lucky ones,” said fooding seen last year. Board of Education placed schools hurricanes that are regularly reaching Ms. Sandra Carter, a local resident Rising sea levels have also on an indefnite hiatus. category fve wind speeds.” who has been homeless since a exacerbated these floods: “With Although no casualties have During the now two-week-long lightning strike burned down her higher sea levels, storm surges will be been reported in Wallingford, closure of Wallingford Public Schools, apartment building. “Since the storm stronger. Combined with hurricane approximately 250 homes have the Wallingford Board of Education ended, the government has been winds that are pushing water ashore, been severely damaged. Moses Y. has been busy organizing repairs that providing food , shelter, and medicine the fooding will be dealing a lot more Beach Elementary school, currently need to be completed prior to the for my family.” damage,” said Dr. Degas. Coastal being used as an emergency Red students' return. Head Chair of the Other local residents are not as towns like Key West, Florida, and Cross shelter, is housing more Wallingford Board of Education Dan satisfed with the government’s aid Santa Monica, California, have lost than 100 displaced residents from Berger said, “We have quite a few thus far. “I’ve lost everything. Books, more than 50% of their land since the Wallingford and neighboring towns. schools that have been deemed as photos, furniture. The government beginning of the century. Hurricane Hanna is the third unsafe for students. As of right now, hasn’t reached out to me once. I As temperatures continue to hurricane that the Northeast has it is quite likely that some schools don’t even know what I’m going to rise, the frequency and intensity of experienced within the past year. may not even reopen until this fall. do,” said Mr. Richard Givens, who is hurricanes are expected to increase. Almost all members of the scientifc It’s heartbreaking.” currently seeking refuge with family The state government advises residents community have reached consensus Following the hurricane, the in New York. “It’s quite frustrating to to be prepared for future hurricanes on the cause of the recent trend in U.S. Department of Housing and see some people get pampered by the by stockpiling emergency food, water, extreme weather patterns: global Urban Development (HUD) and The government while the rest of us are and equipment. Homeowners should warming. “Warmer sea surface Federal Emergency Management scrambling to fgure out our lives.” highly consider food-proofng their temperatures and the rise in sea Agency (FEMA) have been working As global temperatures have risen homes in the coming years. levels cause hurricanes that are more to provide assistance to the families 6.4°F over the past three decades, frequent and more intense,” said Dr. whose homes were destroyed during warmer ocean air has fueled larger Linda Phan may be reached Gina Degas, a meteorologist from the the storm. Due to limited funding, hurricanes with stronger winds and at [email protected] PAGE  || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY , 

The ChoaTe News Letter from the Editors

VOL. CXIII TH  MASTHEAD NO. XII A Glance Into 2050 Grace Y. Zhang ’20 Derek Z. Ng ’20 It is our parting goal as a masthead to call attention to the Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor future. Climate change. Political polarization. Digitization of society. We Dear reader, are at a pivotal point in history, one in which headlines bring new sur- prises every day. We hope that our fnal issue will inspire our readers School News Local News Opinions Brandon Zhang ’20 Will Zhu ’20 Ariel Kim ’20 By now, you’ve probably noticed the unique design of this not only to create the world we hope to see but also to take meaningful Esther An ’21 Alexandra Alkhayer ’20 issue of The Choate News. The bottom half of each page has an action against the one we fear. entirely redesigned layout, featuring dark blue backgrounds, Turn to School News for a preview of a net-zero campus. Flip to Features Arts & Leisure Sports Victoria Esquibies ’20 Deanna Tan ’20 George McCabe ’20 sans serif fonts, and articles that seem, at first glance, to make Local News or Features to consider the impending efects of climate little sense. You might be wondering: Why? change on life in Wallingford. Read over the Arts and Sports pages for All of the articles in the redesigned bottom halves of pages be- predictions of how campus life will change — an expanded a cappella Photography Graphics Layout Ryan Kim ’20 Chandler Littleford ’20 Kiki Kim ’20 long in 2050 — that is, they are news articles as we envision them program, a new state-of-the-art athletics facility. being written exactly 30 years from today. We asked our reporters As we, the 113th masthead, move out of the Newsroom and into — all young people preparing to inherit the world — to envision a senior spring, we want to call your attention to the future. We’re future they predict, fear, or want to live in thirty years from now. hopeful; we’re anxious; and we’re thinking — actively and deeply Social Media Layout Multimedia Sabrina Kim ’21 Laura Jiang ’21 Khushi Tyagi ’20 Whether extreme weather will ravage New Haven county or wheth- — about the world we’re soon to inherit. We’re concerned with the Rhea Shah ’22 Andrew Lee ’21 Gretchen MacLean ’22 Henrik Torres ’22 Linda Phan ’22 er Choate will introduce virtual reality in place of outdoor activi- problems that will likely emerge, yet we remain optimistic that our Jessica Wu ’22 Online Business ties, one thing remains true: at the rate today’s world appears to be generation can create the world in which we want to live. We hope, Magazine Jerry Wang ’20 Caroline Rispoli ’20 changing, anything — miraculous or destructive — seems possible. after reading our fnal issue, that you will believe this, too. Ami Hoq ’21 Nico Campbell ’21 Bella Capuano ’21 Lara Selçuker ’21 Ho Jin Jang ’21 Adviser Amanda Li ’21 Nathan Lang ’22 Mr. Mike Peed

/choatenews @choatenews @choatenews

Email us: [email protected] || Call us: (203) 697-2070 || Find us: thechoatenews.choate.edu CORRECTIONS School News ...Going on 114 A School News article on February 14 about the College Counseling Office con- tained several errors. It misstated the number of counselors; there are sev- The ChoaTe News en, not ten. The article also misstated the number of students assigned to each VOL. CXIII TH counselor. Most counselors are responsi-  MASTHEAD NO. XII ble for 36 students, not between 20 and 30. Additionally, the piece misstated the Claire Yuan ’21 Niki L. Gummadi ’21 Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor number of students in each of the coun- selor's seminars. Most seminars have 36 students, not between 25 and 30. School News Local News Opinions Esther An ’21 Peter DiNatale ’21 Rachel Pittman ’22 JeeHwan Kim ’21 Amanda Li ’21 Bianca Rosen ’21 The Choate News regrets these errors. Features Arts & Leisure Sports Henrik Torres ’22 Tony Lee ’21 Greer Goergen ’21 To submit a correction, email [email protected]

Graphics Layout Sesame Gaetsaloe ’21 Laura Jiang ’21

Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News OPINIONS CAMPUS

PAGE 4 || THE CHOATE NEWS February 28, 2050

Dear iDiary: Inside the Mind of a 2050 Teen By Rachel Pittman ’52 Thursday Associate Editor I can’t breathe. My lungs have collapsed! Who did it? Who plugged Monday in the vacuum? Who stuck its nozzle Today after my Java 750 class I was down my throat? Who fipped the walking to Journalism in a Paperless switch? Who turned the volume up World 200 when I realized that I that loud? And who can give me a forgot a citation in my essay. My hand? iDiary, I’m scared, I don’t think hands started to shake. Every nerve, I will breathe again! The air is too muscle, tendon was electric as if thick. It gets stuck in my throat and trying to defy the suppression of futters out in protest. Its fag faps in my skin. It reminded me of what I the wind. (“Do you hear the people read in history, about how kids used sing?”) And I bite the air, teeth jagged to play a game called “tug of war.” and desperate. I am a barking dog They would pull backward on a rope, to a deaf person. I claw at my chest, feet digging into the sand, the syrupy skin under my fngernails, desperate blackness of the night air laying a for space in my lungs. But it doesn’t delicate flm over the moment. Their work, and I’m still not breathing. Does pruney fngers would slip and rip as that mean I’m dead? Who dictates one team plunged forward, and the these gray matters? Who and who other landed on the damp sand with and who… chuckles. That’s what my hands were

doing today: tugging and warring. Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News SOS, Except the light crack of guffaws Pixel Pittman were replaced by my overwhelmed said it’s so that we can focus. the square.” I think back to my yelps. The sparkling, soupish air by After the meeting, I caught some studying last night/this morning the assaulting daylight. As my hands of the reactions to the new policy: (thank God study hours have been Friday began to shake more vigorously, “I’m glad we’re finally focusing on extended to allow Wi-Fi and extra Something scary happened today: I appearing on the verge of snapping what’s important at this School. help 24/7). How do I complete the breathed again. It wasn’t dramatic off from my wrists, knuckles fying like I can’t believe they didn’t do square again? B divided by two like I’d hoped it would be, like when buttons on a too-tight shirt, I fnally away with that hobby nonsense squared? B. B… P. Pee. I need to you fnally burp after the pressure in reached Humanities and ran into the earlier.” I’m going to be forced pee. Not now, Rachel. B divided your chest becomes unbearable. It bathroom. A wall between myself to sell my iFrenchHorn and my by two squared. Pee divided by wasn’t like that at all. I was trying to and the eyes of my schoolmates, I virtual softball bat soon. I’m going two squared. Pee! I. Need. To — memorize an acronym for PV=nRT could panic in solitude. to have to start hiding you under Focus, Rachel! Why do you need when the air slipped in again and my my bed, iDiary, so you’re not to pee anyway? You’ve only had lungs tiredly responded, “Okay, air. Convulsing in CT, confiscated too. I hope you won’t five cups of coffee the past two Truce. I’m too tired to fght. Too Pixel Pittman be insulted. Maybe this policy days. You shouldn’t need to pee. tired to care.” I didn’t wash the skin will stop my hands from shaking. Urination is for the weak! Now, from under my fngernails before I Without the distractions, I can complete the square. I feel a laid down to sleep. I forced myself Tuesday focus on what’s important. warm, stinging sensation trickle to lie perfectly still, to blend in with Today at School Meeting, the down my leg. My pride stains my the thick gray of night, hoping for Administration announced that A newly focused, pants, but as I sign the Honor the sweet tide of sleep to wash over “to ensure that each student Pixel Pittman Code like the students before me and pull me under for a while. produced from this fine institution me — “fidelitas et integritas” — is well-equipped to face the I am proud. At least I completed The full empty glass, demands of the real world, Wednesday the square. Pixel Pittman Choate will be disbanding all clubs, During my math test today, I wet ensembles, and non-academic my pants: I sat there staring at Dishonored honor student, Rachel Pittman may be reached organizations on campus.” They the first problem. “Complete Pixel Pittman at [email protected] FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE  Hope Lies in Mayor Pete Buttigieg By the editors of The Choate News We need to defeat Trump. while a Telemundo poll showed In the three years as our na- that only around two percent of tion’s leader, President Donald Latinx voters support him. And, in Trump P’00 has spread propagan- terms of serving in public ofce, he da, promoted extremism, attacked is inexperienced compared to other career civil-servants, and discredit- candidates — his prior involvement ed the journalistic institutions that is limited to his mayorship of South attempted to hold him account- Bend — and is thus less attractive able. These actions have all con- to voters who view extensive ex- tributed to the growing polariza- perience in government as a nec- tion of American politics, enabling essary qualifcation for president. a political environment where even Buttigieg is making strides to rem- the most well-intentioned politi- edy both situations. For instance, cians have no chance at carrying he has proposed his Douglass Plan forward their agendas. In a politi- on his website, which will “imple- cal climate like this, we cannot af- ment a health policy package that ford to choose our next Demoratic emphasizes anti-racism and is sup- candidate based solely on policy. ported by a corresponding invest- We need somebody who can bridge ment in education and sustainable the gap between conficting ideolo- infrastructure to enable it all.” gies, speak for the common Amer- As high schoolers, our voices ican, and adapt to our ever-chang- Photo courtesy of Mother Jones are often pushed aside. Butti- Pete Buttigieg speaks at an event in South Carolina. ing world. Only then will we have gieg is a break from a long line someone who can go head-to-head is not Elizabeth Warren, whose single adults, paving a path to his platform is his idea of “gen- of old, inefective leaders who with Trump and come out on top. anti-corruption plan is infexi- citizenship for undocumented erational change.” He strives to have proven to be incapable of Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the ble and extremely progressive, immigrants, and instituting a pave the road for an era of polit- employing initiatives to solve one to do so. which will only dissuade swing single-payer health care system ical activism and discussion that the issues that afect the gen- At 38, Buttigieg is the young- voters and Republicans disillu- which he’s coined as “Medicare encourages new, diverse voices erations that follow them. He est and frst openly gay candidate sioned with their party. He is not for all who want it.” He address- in politics — a feld often dom- is charismatic, articulate, and, for the Democratic nomination. Amy Klobuchar, whose campaign es arguably the most pressing inated by older, rigid, and nar- maybe most importantly, young. A Rhodes Scholar, Harvard grad- efort — while promising — has issue of our generation: envi- row-minded politicians. We trust that he will combat uate, and the current mayor of remained small and relies on sup- ronmental sustainability, laying Buttigieg acknowledges that his partisanship in government and South Bend, Indiana, Buttigieg port from voters in the Midwest. out a “Green New Deal” which ideas cannot all be accomplished in reestablish American commit- has launched a competitive cam- He is not Michael Bloomberg, includes a goal to reach net-zero four years, and many of the issues ment to justice. paign so far, earning the most whose credibility as Mayor of emissions nationwide by 2050. he hopes to tackle, such as climate It’s time to support a candi- delegates in the Iowa and New New York is often overshadowed What's more: he aims to change, require drastic structural date who acknowledges the in- Hampshire caucuses. by his stop-and-frisk policing. tackle sweeping institutional tox- overhauls. But he will set a tone terests of the collective, whose While Buttigieg’s policies Although it is easy to see ins that undermine our democra- and establish crucial precedents for moderate stance will heal our speak to the needs of our genera- Buttigieg as a moderate in com- cy, including an expansion of the coming generations. polarized political environment, tion, his biggest asset is his elect- parison to some of his more Supreme Court to eliminate par- Of course, Buttigieg is not the and whose electability will dis- ability. Buttigieg is not Joe Biden, left-leaning opponents like tisan rulings and the dissolution perfect candidate. He remains band President Trump’s intoler- who has historically launched Sanders, the policies he has pro- of the electoral college. His ideas largely unpopular among people of ant administration. Buttigieg is competitive presidential cam- posed are far more progressive are undeniably progressive, yet color in states like South Carolina a spokesman for young genera- paigns that lost momentum over than those supported by presi- he appeals to voters on all ends or Nevada, whose African-Ameri- tions and the candidate that will time. He is not Bernie Sanders, dential candidates of the past. of the political spectrum and is can and Hispanic voters generally stand the best chance against whose proposal for an extrem- Among other socioeconomic thus capable of striking a balance support long-standing, familiar Trump’s reelection. It is for ist Medicare for All policy will policies, he has endorsed in- between clashing viewpoints. politicians like Biden or Sanders; these reasons that the editors of only exacerbate the political di- stating a $15-an-hour federal As a young politician, Butti- a Quinnipiac University study The Choate News endorse Pete visiveness brought about by the minimum wage, quadrupling gieg can be the voice of our gen- showed that he was polling at less Buttigieg for President of the Trump administration. Buttigieg the earned income tax credit for eration. A central component of than one percent with black voters United States. OPINIONS NATION/WORLD

February 28, 2050 THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 5

President Christopher Florris Turns A Blind Eye

By Sabahat Rahman ’51 shift catalyzed by the 2047 fooding get ice cream with friends, see a realize what many Americans have Opinions Staff Writer in Louisiana, informally referred movie, and bike to school. Today, known for decades — our arcaic to as “The Return of Hurricane I’m scared to go to the supermarket gun policy has simply been outrun President Christopher Florris Katrina.” The casualties were alone, and I’m 40 years old. I can by violence. is stuck at a crossroads; if he has cataclysmic: 500,000 people hear gunshots from my house in the In 2037, Florris said, “Despite any hope for reelection in the had their homes ravaged and middle of the night. I don't recognize recent hardships, I remain hopeful 2052 Presidential Elections, he destroyed, 6,000 people died, my neighborhood anymore.” — no, certain — that one person must radically shift his policies and the economy crashed. Even In response to the high crime alone can make a difference.” This to appeal to public interest. By three years later, Louisiana is still rates, corporations such as might have been true when Florris taking initiative in the climate reeling from the disaster. The Amazon have expanded. Their was a young adult, climbing his crisis, steadily demilitarizing the food changed Americans' attitude delivery services have adapted to way up the ladder in the world of United States, and tackling the towards global warming, once accommodate Americans who live technology and business. However, outbreak of gun violence, Florris ridiculed as “liberal propaganda.” in areas where it’s too dangerous to as president of the United States, can tip the political balance in To reach voters, Florris must go outside. Since his election, Florris Florris is the person who can his favor, and bridge the rapidly push forward proposals limiting has exacerbated the issue, ignoring “make a difference.” Florris has widening gaps between different carbon emissions and adequately gun violence and instead directing so far not shown a desire to enact political parties’ ideologies. preparing Americans should more his attention towards letting these the meaningful changes Americans When Florris was elected in natural disasters arise — as they corporations grow, bolstering the need. Looking to 2052, he must 2048, he broke all past precedents, are expected to do. economy at the expense of American start focusing on the issues that advertising himself as both America’s Additionally, all Americans, lives. Limitations on gun ownership are most important to Americans. frst Libertarian president and the regardless of their political stance, still remain a deeply partisan issue. world’s youngest billionaire as of are calling for global nuclear Historically, Libertarians have not Sabahat Rahman 2025, after developing the top demilitarization. The nuclear wanted to place harsh regulations may be reached at social media platform: Split. Critics incident of 2045 — when North on gun ownership, but Florris must [email protected] speculate that Florris's social media Korea launched a nuclear missile outreach got him into offce: he at the island of Kahoolawe, a spent $600 million dollars funding speculated “test run” before they campaign ads through Split and would move on to attack Israel — other networking apps, reaching is still fresh in the public’s mind. a worldwide audience. His natural Looking ahead, if Florris wants to charisma and familiarity with the be reelected, he needs to lead the business world made him beloved nuclear demilitarization movement by many industries. However, in both the United States and Green, Democratic, and Republican abroad. As empirically shown, this voters were hesitant, and continue can be done: France and Britain to express concerns about his were able to abolish 100% of their legitimacy in offce. Without their weapons ten years ago. votes, Florris is in no position for Finally, Florris must address gun reelection. violence in the United States, which In our polarized political is at an all-time high. In 2049, more climate, it’s diffcult to fnd common than 65,000 Americans died from ground between the goals of the gun violence, and studies show that Green, Democratic, Republican, over 50% of the American public and Libertarian parties. However, is terrifed to leave their homes. the climate change crisis has Andrea Smith, born and raised in moved to the forefront of each New Haven, Connecticut, spoke party’s agenda. This is a relatively on the issue: “When I was growing Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News new and, for some, unexpected up in New Haven, I’d go out and President Christopher Florris has divided the United States. PAGE  || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY , 

Students for Students Fund Divides Senior Class By Natarsha Yan ’21 ant. Laura Solano-Florez ’20, Staf Reporter a member of the Philanthropy Council, said, “It helps finan- This year, fundraising for cially-burdened rising seniors the Senior Class Gift Cam- remove financial difficulties in paign, which asks members their senior year.” These costs of the current senior class to can include team items, week- donate money as a gift to the end trips sponsored by the School, ran from February 5 Student Activities Center, and to February 14. The campaign, Last Hurrah tickets. given the name Pay it Forward “I think that this fundraiser 2020, was organized by Ms. is an important tradition with Sheldon Keegan, Assistant the intention of bringing the Director of the Annual Fund, senior class together. Choate and the Choate Philanthropy seniors put a lot of work into Council, a group of 15 seniors the Philanthropy Council, and appointed by the School. it is important to support your Since 2014, the Senior peers,” said Solano-Florez. Class Gift has been one source Raine Williams ’20, anoth- of donations to the Students er member of the Philanthropy for Students fund, which was Council, agreed. “It’s just to created in the 1980s to support help others,” she said, “so even students who need assistance a little amount can make a dif- with extracurricular costs. ference. It’s better than not do- The money that Students for nating at all.” Students receives from sixth- Many other students have formers will support current stood up in defense of the fund fifth-formers next year, when and agree that class participa- Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News they themselves are seniors. Seniors debate the purpose of the Students for Students fund: Should it be based on participation or amount raised? tion should be emphasized in More than 85% of the Class order to promote a sense of of 2020 donated to the cam- donate. Some students reported participation and not enough perversion of the campaign’s of the Philanthropy Council unity. To them, this spirit ex- paign, a decrease from the being labeled as “ungrateful.” about the importance of actu- purpose. to emphasize to their class- ceeds the value of the actual Class of 2019’s participation “I think that the fund is an ally donating.” “There are many factors mates the importance of par- money raised. rate of 97%. important step in showing that that go into whether or not ticipation over the amount of “It is the intention, and not During the campaign, some students want to help their someone wants to donate, not dollars donated. She also told the value of the money, that is members of the senior class fellow students with any ex- just if they believe in the fund them to readily accept no for most important,” Solano-Flo- questioned the campaign’s tra expenses they may have,” "It is the intention, or not,” Goodman said. “They an answer. rez explained. purpose and its participa- Abraham Goodman ’20 said. simply might not have enough According to Anjali Mangla Williams added, “This fund tion-based philosophy of do- But, he added, “the focus [be- and not the value of money to give, or maybe want ’20, a member of the Council, is not just about donating for nating. Sixth-formers were en- came] tearing down our fellow the money, that is to give the money directly to the students trying to persuade participation. It’s about do- couraged to donate any amount students instead of coming to- most important." someone they know needs it.” their peers to donate were nating as a community effort to fund, no matter how small, gether to help the next class.” Laura Solano-Florez '20 He continued, “And even if not officially affiliated with to give to those in need. It’s to as long as they did, in fact, do- Luis Romero ’20 agreed. the reason for someone not do- the campaign. “Interestingly show unity as a class.” nate. The goal was to achieve a “The fund has the potential to nating is because they dislike the enough, I don't think the peo- In the end, Solano-Florez 100% rate of participation. be a super helpful fund that fund, that is their own opinion. ple pressuring students to do- says she is “very proud of our Some sixth-formers saw can support younger students,” Romero said that some I am not going to try to force a nate were even on the Council, form for being able to reach that approach as detrimental he said. “However, the way that students have donated in the student to donate to something which is why I was confused as around 85% participation.” to school spirit, largely because it was advertised achieved the name of others who conscious- they do not support.” to why it escalated,” she said. they were criticized by their complete opposite. There was ly chose not to contribute. To Ms. Keegan said that her To many sixth-formers the Natarsha Yan may be reached classmates after declining to too much emphasis on class Romero, this exemplified a office instructed members campaign is critically import- at [email protected] FEATURES PAGE 6 || THE CHOATE NEWS February 28, 2050

LOST TRADITION OF SENIOR SLEDDING RETURNS IN DIGITAL FORM

By Bianca Rosen ’51 raved about by alumni teachers. the event, said, “The combination of Dr. Reynolds explained the basic Associate Editor Even so, said Larry Nelson ’50, the suits, gloves, and goggles allow instructions. Within five minutes, students “always heard whispers students to feel connected to their seniors had their goggles on, hands On February 19, 2050, Choate about senior sledding someday environment. Ideally, they are able to poised over their consoles, and were revived the long-cherished senior returning, especially because of the touch the snow, feel the wind as they ready to launch into the simulation. sledding tradition through Virtual new VR technology announced by are sledding, and are transported to Students were transported to a Reality (VR), a tradition lost to M.A.G.” (M.A.G. was created in the moment. Students have enjoyed digitally-rendered version of the feld the climate crisis of the 2020s that 2030 when the merger of Microsoft, our cybernetic implants for virtual at Gunpowder Creek, where senior caused global snow loss and raised Apple, and Google monopolized the entertainment, but we are hoping sledding used to take place. The seawater levels. technological world.) that this event will allow for all sky was bright blue and the sun was The VR industry has gained When Saturday rolled around, community members to immerse shining. It was 25 degrees Fahrenheit momentum over the last 30 seniors trickled into the KWC at themselves in the extinct New — a temperature unheard of since years, and it has come to define noon. “When I walked into the England winter.” the year 2035 when all the ice the cornerstone of American life, common area, I saw rows of shiny Brimming with excitement, seniors caps offcially melted. Birds were vastly influencing entertainment, bodysuits, gloves, and goggles,” said made their way up to the second foor chirping, hidden under the shroud of medical, and technological industries. Anna Lucas ’50. The gear was central of the KWC. Instead of the usual the trees, and the air was crisp and Choate’s emphasis on adopting the to enhancing the three dimensional reading pods and couches, black smelled faintly of the holidays. “It newest technologies to optimize experience for students. leather seats and game consoles was straight out of a fairytale,” said students’ academic and interpersonal Dr. Elisa Reynold, the leader of were arranged in perfect rows. As Grace Meridin ’50. experiences has been a core element the KWC and mastermind behind students prepared for VR immersion, Seniors were shocked by how of the School’s philosophy, tracing “real” the experience was. “I could back as early as 2012 with the debut physically touch the snow, feel of the one-to-one iPad program. my stomach fip as I slid downhill, Now, the VR initiative expands and gawk at the mountaintops upon those core ideals. Working in encircling us. I was mind blown, tandem with the newly constructed and so was everyone else,” said Kennedy Wellness Center (KWC), Mark Robin ’50. Choate hopes to bring back this Adding on, Ella Lang ’50 said, ancient tradition for students to “Erin [Thornton ’50] jokingly threw enjoy and destress. According to the a snowball at me and I couldn’t help School Archives, the last real-world but scream — not because of what senior sledding occurred more than she did, but because I felt the burst three decades ago, in 2018. of cold when the snowball collided When Dean of Students Ms. with my skin.” Alice Chang announced on February “I’m glad the students enjoyed 15 that Choate would bring back the experience,” Dr. Reynolds senior sledding by investing in VR said. “We want Choate to headsets, the student body couldn’t utilize technology like this in the believe it. “I was so excited. I’ve future. By using VR, we hope never been sledding. I’ve never not only to teach our students even seen snow!” said sixth-former a comprehensive view about the Adam Ross ’50. “I was born and past but also provide them with raised in Connecticut, where the more opportunities to focus on temperature is never below 70 their own personal wellness in an degrees Fahrenheit.” uncertain world.” Most Choate students have never experienced winter, and senior Bianca Rosen may be reached Graphic by Elton Zheng/The Choate News at [email protected] sledding was merely a faded dream Choate used Virtual Reality to bring back senior sledding, a tradition last seen on campus in 2018. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE  SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS AT KENNEDY CENTER, NEW FUND TO SUPPORT ORCHESTRAL TRAVEL ANNOUNCED By Lara Selçuker ’21 Though he initially thought Mr. Michael Welles ’72, Reporter that there would be concerts Ms. Mari Jones, and Ms. Leslie all weekend, Mr. Ventre was Welles played crucial roles in On Presidents’ Day, the pleased to fnd out that the per- establishing the fund. To en- Choate Rosemary Hall Sympho- formance was just one day long. sure the fund remained a sur- ny Orchestra (CRHO) traveled The day-long performance gave prise, those involved kept it a to Washington, D.C., to perform students the opportunity to secret from Mr. Ventre. at the John F. Kennedy Center sightsee. Many students visit- After the announcement, for the Performing Arts. The ed the Lincoln Memorial and Mr. Ventre shared his great ap- CRHO was one of four youth or- Vietnam and Korean War Me- preciation for the Welles fam- chestras performing in the Capi- morials before heading to the ily for their continued support tal Orchestra Festival, an annual concert venue. of the orchestra. Mr. Michael event organized by Music Cel- French horn player Jayden Welles was also invited to play ebrations International (MCI) Khuu ’21 said, “We spent around as a guest artist for the French featuring prominent youth or- an hour visiting four memori- horn section during the perfor- chestras from across America. als. It was pretty eye-opening mance at the Kennedy Center. At the concert, the maestro and it was very touching to see “The French horn players love meticulously planned his reper- the Lincoln Memorial when we him!” Mr. Ventre said. toire to celebrate the birthdays were playing a piece dedicated Along with the support of Ludwig van Beethoven and to his life in public service.” from the Welles, the fund was President Abraham Lincoln. set up by trustees Ms. Buffy The orchestra played Aaron Co- Cafritz, a member of the Rose- pland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” and mary Hall Class of 1947, Ms. Beethoven’s “Symphony No. Performing at the Jacqueline Mars GP’18, and 5.” Choate alumni, family, and Kennedy Center will be the Jones family, Mr. Ventre teachers reunited for the monu- an "eternal memory." believes music tours are im- mental performance, including portant because they contrib- Mr. Phil Ventre Reginald Bradford, who taught Orchestral and Jazz Ensemble Director ute to the orchestra’s legacy, in the Visual Arts Department at and hopes that his choice of Choate for 38 years, who returned songs for the repertoire have to narrate “Lincoln Portrait.” strengthened CRHO as a group. This year marks Mr. Ven- Students, families, and “I felt really comforted and tre’s 50th year at Choate as alumni gathered for an alumni grateful to fnd out about the Ven- well as the 50th year since the luncheon at the Kennedy Center tre Fund. I had an incredible ex- founding of Choate’s Sympho- after the performance. In recogni- perience in Italy so I was very glad ny Orchestra. The CRHO’s rec- tion of Mr. Phil Ventre’s devotion to hear that many more students ognition as one of the four best to the school, Ms. Kalya Yannatos, will be able to experience what I high-school youth orchestras Director of the Arts Department, had,” Khuu said. at the Kennedy Center can announced the establishment He told the symphony or- be attributed to Mr. Ventre’s of the Ventre Fund during the chestra players that the experi- half-century of dedication. luncheon. The fund will provide ence of performing at the Ken- Head of School Dr. Alex every child who wishes to go on nedy Center will be an “eternal Curtis announced the Kennedy a tour the opportunity to do so, memory.” Mr. Ventre’s passion Center trip to students after the regardless of which ensemble or and dedication for nurturing Orchestra’s fall concert. MCI’s what fnancial situation they are Choate musicians year after invitation recognized CRHO in. The fund was established to year will alwats be remem- as one of four best high school broaden accessibility to more bered through his namesake youth orchestras in the United students who hope to partici- Ventre Fund. States. “I responded without pate in the musical tours. “Now hesitation,” Mr. Ventre said. “Of they don’t have to worry,” Mr. Lara Selçuker may be reached Photos by Derek Ng/The Choate News course, what an honor!” Ventre said. at [email protected] The CRHO was one of only four elite youth orchestras invited to perform at the Kennedy Center. ARTS AND LEISURE February 28, 2050 THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 7

FIESTAS & SIESTAS: A CAPPELLA IN 2050

By Tony Lee ’51 I hope Aca-Fiesta and Aca-Siesta can Associate Editor wrestle some popularity back from having fun with technology to doing Fed up with the limited a cappella things in person,” Guo said. performances during the school year, Aca-Fiesta will be followed by the a cappella groups on campus re- Aca-Siesta, a slumber party where cently coordinated with Director of a cappella groups sing lullabies to Student Activities Ms. Alex Long to drowsy students studying in the library create a two-part event: Aca-Fiesta during the Wednesday overfow block. and Aca-Siesta. Scheduled for March According to Wheeler, Aca-Siesta will 1 and March 3, 2050, the two perfor- be a quiet, distraction-free event that mances will aim to join the ranks of Wheeler said, “will really let our lip- Parents’ Weekend, Holiday Program, sync and dance skills shine.” and Acapalooza as the most cele- Black Velvet, a new a cappella brated a cappella events on campus. group that COSA has denied offcial Kicking off the upcoming win- status from due to their use of music ter term-end experience during backtracks, also fully supported the the Monday reading period will be introduction of Aca-Siesta. With a Aca-Fiesta, when a cappella groups focus on performing KPop songs, Black Graphic by Sage Setty/The Choate News will perform EDM songs in the main Today, holograms are vital to a cappella performances. Velvet has consistently drawn the lobby of the SAC while head-bashing lowest number of viewers on the iPad and engaging in intensive choreogra- Newly established a cappella Students for Holograms. streaming app, which Co-President of phy, according to Ozzie Potter ’50, group Silent Night, which has re- “Everyone just wants to stay in Black Velvet James Yan ’51 attributed President of the British internation- ceived criticism from the Arts de- their room and be on their comput- to new tastes in technological music. al students-only group Óctaves. partment as well as COSA for its er or iPad. Not only are people not “People are always telling me Potter said, “We’re trying to avoid unique approach to a cappella with showing up as audience members, that they think KPop is so bor- it looking like a SAC dance where only minimal singing and heavy emphasis but our own group members don’t ing that they want to go to sleep seven people show up. After dedicat- on miming, dancing, and lip-syncing, want to come perform either,” whenever we perform — they want ing months to grueling practices in spearheaded the event planning Wheeler said. “We’re trying to extremely bass-boosted songs with the PMAC, I have fnally managed to process for Aca-Fiesta. make physical attendance in per- all sorts of newly developed sound count the number of members in our President of Silent Night Melon formances mandatory, but we’ve effects used in all the high-tech group, and I can confdently say that Wheeler ’51 said, “Dance and EDM been facing a lot of backlash from music studios,” said Luna Li ’51, our Aca-Fiesta performance will at are where we shine. Whereas for students. Until then, we have to the other Co-President of Black least resemble a SAC dance where Parents’ Weekend we really have use hologram substitutes for group Velvet. “Our performances can’t eleven people show up.” to stick to conventional ideas to members.” shine when we’re competing against Sam Guo ’51, the other Co- what a cappella is, we have found Guo revealed that attendance all the snazzy new song genres, but President of Óctaves, added that a way to break the mold and defy has also been an issue for Óctaves, now we can embrace our calm, ret- Óctaves will not attempt any form society’s defnition of a cappella in and referred to the short-lived Aca- ro music in Aca-Siesta.” of organized choreography and that this new Aca-Fiesta. We will dance Field Day — an annual spring term Black Velvet has been banned members are instructed to “dance like so hard that people won’t even event where a cappella groups com- from Acapalooza in recent years for your dean pushed you onto the dance know what song we’re performing peted for the title of Most Athletic persistent usage of voice-enhance- foor during Hol Ball.” — they can just interpret from our A cappella Group in games of three- ment and auto-tune mouthpieces. Li Óctaves plans on taking full ad- movements.” legged-race and pin-the-tusk-on- promised that the group will refrain vantage of the iPad live-streaming Silent Night also led the move- the-boar — as an example of school from using such equipment in Aca- app to broadcast the groups perfor- ment on campus for the use of holo- events that have been canceled due Fiesta or Aca-Siesta. “We do use a mances. Because of a sharp decline in grams in a capella performances due to low student participation. little auto-tune here and there. But student interest in attending perfor- to the student body’s lack of interest “Why play feld games when you hey, it’s 2050!” Yan said. mances in-person, a cappella groups in physical activities, borrowing can play on your phone? Why walk like Óctaves rely heavily on technol- technology developed by members across campus to see a cappella groups Tony Lee may be reached ogy for publicity and outreach. of the student organization Choate perform when you have the Internet? at [email protected] THE CHOATE NEWS

VOL. CXIII • NO. XII FRIDAY, FEBRUARY , 

VARSITY SQUASH VARSITY SWIMMING DEFEATS HOTCHKISS COMPETES IN NATIONALS By Alex Skrypek ’23 By Sam Anastasio ’23 captain Aurelie Temsamani Reporter Staf Reporter ’20. “It was especially impres- sive for Nicolina to play num- During their senior day last On Saturday, Choate Boys’ and ber one in the Westover match, weekend, Boys’ and Girls’ Var- Girls’ Varsity Squash competed in and even though she lost, she sity Swimming and Diving beat the U.S. High School Team Squash played very well.” the Hotchkiss School. Both Championships. The boys traveled The boys’ team, which had a Choate teams had winning re- to Wesleyan University and placed record of 10-13 before Nation- cords entering the meet, and 8th in the Division III Champion- als, were looking to advance each wanted one more victory ship. The girls went to Trinity Col- deep into the tournament. “We before heading into the end-of- lege, where they placed 15th overall expected to do really well at Na- the-season championships. in Division I. tionals. Every year we thought “Our senior day really couldn’t The girls’ team has had an we would do really well and win have gone any better,” said Assis- exceptionally good season so far, but anything can happen.” said tant Coach Abby MacCarthy. “Ev- entering Nationals with a record captain Sam Curtis ’20, who has eryone swam very well — especially of 12-2. Strong performances been sidelined the whole season all of the seniors in their last meet.” from players Meagan Best ’20 and with an ACL injury. The meet started of excep- Nicolina Tessitore ’21 led the team The weekend started of well tionally well for the girls’ team, as from the frst two spots on the for Boys’ Varsity Squash, with a they placed frst and second place ladder. However, two days before 5-2 win against Blair Academy. In in the 200 Medley Relay event. the tournament, the team learned the second round, the team faced The winning team of captains Sam that its number four player, Ra- a tough opponent, Harriton/Low- Scott ’20 and Isabelle So ’20 with chel Miller ’23, caught the fu and er Merion, and lost 4-3. The team Zoe Tray ’21, and Mealy Cronin ’23 could not play. This meant players then fell to Noble and Greenough claimed a new school record in the 5-7 on the ladder would move up School 5-2 in their 3rd match. “If event with a time of 2:03.63. The one spot, and the players at the we had played the two teams on boys also had a successful start to Photos courtesy of Sam Brown bottom of the ladder now had to any given Saturday or Wednesday the meet as they claimed frst and Scott '20, So '20, Tray '21, and Cronin '23 set a new school record in the 200 medley relay on Saturday. play tougher opponents. we would have beaten them but third in the 200 individual medley ond, and ffth place, putting them of both boys’ and girls’ 100-meter In the last event of the meet, In the frst round, Girls’ Var- after playing a couple of matches (IM) Relay. well ahead of their competition butterfy and 100-meter freestyle. the 400-meter freestyle relay, sity Squash lost to the Lawrencev- it’s hard to stay focused and not be In the next event, the 200-me- ending the half. The boys fnished In the longest event at the the Choate girls’ team was able ille School 3-4 and faced more fatigued,” Curtis said. ter freestyle, Grace Zhang ’20 second, third, and last place but meet, the 400-meter freestyle, the to fnish in frst and third, while hardship when their number one In the end, after sufering an- and Martha Chessen ’22 placed still held a sizable lead of eight Choate girls fnished frst, third, the boys’ team took second and player, Best, got diagnosed with a other loss to the Tabor Academy frst and second. The boys faced points over Hotchkiss. and fourth, continuing their streak third place. concussion, sidelining her for the Boys team, the team placed 8th tougher competition, but Andrew Hotchkiss had strong divers of frst-place fnishes. The boys The meet ended with Boys’ tournament. Everyone on the lad- overall. Although both teams Chang ’21 swam a fast second half on their girls’ team and earned managed a third, ffth, and sixth- Varsity Swimming winning 99- der moved up one additional spot, expected to perform better, they of his race to win the 200-meter frst and third place, but freshman place fnish. 84 and Girls’ Varsity Swimming leading to a tough 5-2 loss against both had some strong show- freestyle for Choate. Catherine Cronin ’23 secured sec- With frst-place fnishes in the winning 100-78. The swimmers the Pingry School. ings throughout the weekend, In the 200-meter IM event, ond for Choate. On the boys’ side, 200-meter freestyle relay, Cho- will use these positive results as They then played the William even when plagued by illnesses Choate took home frst place for Choate swept in diving, receiving ate cemented its victory. The girls’ momentum as the team prepares Penn Charter School in which they or injuries. With New England both girls and boys after strong frst, second, and third place. relay of Allison Opuszynski ’20, for the Founders League and New lost, 6-1 but won a close contest Championships this weekend, swims from Tray and Ben Cho ’22. Going into the second half of Zhang, Claire Yuan ’21, and Ches- England Championships on Feb- against the Westover School, 4-3. both teams will look to rebound In the fnal swimming event the meet, both Choate teams were sen and the boys’ relay of Parker ruary 29 and March 7 - 8. “It was disappointing that and fnish the season strong. before the diving competitions, securely ahead of Hotchkiss. How- Scott ’20, Chang, Jack Sun ’21, and we lost two players for the tour- the 50-meter freestyle, the Choate ever, the Wild Boars didn’t slow Cho both beat the Hotchkiss teams Alex Skrypek may be reached nament, but I’m proud of the Sam Anastasio may be reached girls managed to pull of frst, sec- down and won the next four events by several seconds. at [email protected] way everyone stepped up,” said at [email protected] SPORTS PAGE 8 || THE CHOATE NEWS February 28, 2050

RONEY EFORD ATHLETIC CENTER OPENS IN PLACE OF WJAC

By Greer Goergen ’51 Associate Editor

This weekend, the Roney Eford Athletic Center will open, hosting a variety of new features with the purpose of making fitness more accessible to the entire campus. This marks the latest edition in a series of new athletics facilities over the last few years including new indoor and outdoor rinks and an indoor tennis court facility. These new facilities have been constructed in response to students’ concerns over the disconnect between sports and the rest of campus life. To address these issues, the School incorporated new facilities into the complex, including a vastly expanded space for exercise equipment and machines. This new space comes with a robust team Graphic by Stella Dubin/The Choate News of individual personal trainers The new athletics center includes a virtual reality Erg Room and Golf Simulator. who are available to guide Choate reality into workouts. Athletes can level will have access to the room, practice in, but I’m afraid we’re missing students in developing their ftness now use VR erg, which simulates as well as those who wish to play out on some of these interpersonal plans. They aim specifcally to cater rowing on an actual lake with for fun in their spare time. The experiences which are especially to students who don’t consider temperature, humidity, and wind simulator will be particularly useful important to sports teams.” themselves athletes. controls. “The new rooms will “when the weather conditions The new facilities also “I’ve never been very good at be very helpful for students to outside are not agreeable,” said demonstrate the School’s sports, but when I came to Choate, practice techniques, especially the coach, which makes this commitment to athletics at a I was really determined to make my when we don’t go out on the technologically-advanced form of time when some prep schools physical ftness a priority. I went water,” said Choate’s Head Crew golf all the more needed. are devaluing the activity. In the to the gym during my frst week Coach Ms. Eleanor Sato. “But I am While many rowers and golfers past few years, other NEPSAC of school, but it was intimidating a little concerned about how large enjoy the convenience and effectiveness schools like Hotchkiss and Loomis and a little discouraging having to a role technology has come to play of the new, technologically advanced have added esports to substitute work out around all these varsity in athletics — especially as we all facilities, some athletes are wary about traditional sports as afternoon athletes that seemed to know their know how addictive technology their implications in the direction that activity requirements. Those way around the machines much can be. Students already spend the sports are moving. “The VR erg is schools made the decision to do better than I did,” Poppy Milton ’52 enough time staring at pixels on fabulous — very realistic ... But I can’t after esports have surpassed the said. “Now, I feel more confdent a screen, and now, even sports — help but feel a little nostalgic for when popularity of conventional sports exercising with the help of the which we all typically think of as freshmen were introduced to rowing like football and soccer. Through training staff.” a screen-less activity — involves for the frst time on the actual water. the new buildings, Choate wants all The complex features several technology so heavily.” Some of the best bonding times on the students — not just varsity athletes high-tech improvements to give Co-captain of Choate’s Varsity crew team for me have been when I — to participate in athletics and Choate athletes a competitive Golf Team Felix Fairchild ’50 said was a new rower and helped carry experience the benefts of exercise. edge. Rowers can expect vast that the team will greatly beneft the boats with my teammates.” said improvements with the new erg from the new golf simulator. Both Eden Sasani ’50. “With all this new Greer Goergen may be reached room, which incorporates virtual the girls and boys teams of every technology, we can get a lot more at [email protected]