The Walrus The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things: Of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings. - Lewis Carroll Vol LXIII, No. 3 St. Sebastian’s School December 2009 The Christmas Auction: Junior Class Descends On A Great Success Nation’s Grand Capitol BY EDMUND MURPHY ‘11 havoc…while learning! a “veteran” at the Vietnam memo- The first stop was George rial, who told a few heart-rending From November 15-17, the junior Washington’s home sweet home, stories about his tours in Vietnam, class of 2011 embarked on an Mount Vernon. We were anxious dur- but we later found out he wasn’t real odyssey of epic proportions, only ing the bus ride, however, because from another tour guide leading a paralleled by Odysseus’ great jour- the road to Mount Vernon was the group behind us, which really let ney home to Ithaca. As each of us legendary spot where last year, the the wind out of our sails. Then, with experienced our own Schell-esque bus driver just about managed to our bodies limp with exhaustion, we “Heroic Minutes” (the minute you run the vehicle off a bridge. Despite made our way back to the Keybridge decide to unwrap yourself from your our heavy concerns, we relaxed, Marriot, just a stone’s throw from sanctuary of covers and step onto sang songs out loud as a group, and Christian Venditti’s home-to-be, the cold, unforgiving bedroom floor yelled at Patrick Wallace. We eased Georgetown University. This night, to begin your day) in the wee hours up though, because you can never there were many failed attempts at of the morning, our minds wan- stay mad at a sweet-laxer. in-room dance parties and mid-hall dered to our New York trip of fresh- We arrived in once piece and quickly raves. The tomfoolery was actually at man year. If we were as heinous and charged up the hills and mounds an uncharacteristic low this evening; obscene as freshmen, what would of the estate, seeing Washington’s after watching Bill Belichick throw be our great potential as juniors? We grave and the stunning backyard the game for the Pats in Indianapolis, found out in a matter of three days. view he had of the surrounding we were speechless, and soon sound D.C. wasn’t ready. woodland. Next came a very moving asleep. As we boarded the luxuri- stop at Arlington National Cemetery, In our second day, we were ous Jet Blue aircrafts (how ah yah where Nick Chappel and Alex Spear, woken by the sudden rappings of personal TV screens?) our hearts our class vice president and presi- Mr. Sullivan’s knuckles on our doors, were laced with high hopes for a dent, respectively, laid a wreath on to which we promptly responded, legendary expedition, and our iced the tomb after a Changing of the and once downstairs in the lobby, coffees were laced with too much Guard ceremony. Later that night, our entire contingency was marched sugar. We shook the cobwebs from after eating an absolutely divine din- down the avenues leading from our Schola and Mass Ensemble greets people at the Auction with carols and Christmas cheer. our eyes, sipped our beverages, and ner at Phillip’s restaurant, with sea- hotel to the nearest subway station. for the entirety of the hour flight, food served up right by the water. Our class enjoyed a feast at the Su- night of Christmas cheer. Sounds of BY DOUGLAS KINGSLEY ‘12 school. Here, the most eventful part joked to our friends sitting next With our stomachs full of crab and preme Court’s basement restaurant Christmas caroling emanated from of the evening took place. In this to us while making Mr. Simoneau shrimp and yes, a little lobstah, we to start off our day, and then trekked the choir and drifted throughout tent, everyone ate, drank, and was proud by watching rugby on our TV were ready for the nighttime tours across the mall to the grandiose The weather outside was frightful as the school as the Schola sang their merry, before the live auction began. screens (though I did see someone of the monuments of Washington. Capitol building, housing the Senate parent and teachers alike poured into hearts out for the first hour of the The live auction is one of the most watching Dora the Explorer explain A tour guide entered each bus (I’m and House of Representatives. After Ward Hall for the annual Christmas night. Many of the guests enjoyed eventful parts of the night, and it to Boots in eloquent detail how to not sure what would possess an touring and watching an informa- Auction and Dinner on Saturday, De- the caroling and began to join in is the time in which the guests are instruct a very uncooperative koala innocent tour guide to ride on a bus tive video, we had lunch at Union cember 5, 2009. The Christmas auc- singing everything from “Frosty the able to bid openly to an assortment bear to climb down from a tree, with 30 high school junior males on Station, a huge conglomeration of tion is the most anticipated event of Snowman” to “The Little Drummer of items which are announced by an in Spanish). With all the airplane it), and gave us the brief histories vendors who will literally pay YOU to the school year as the school changes Boy” as they meandered past the auctioneer. This year, just like in the shenanigans behind, (including An- of the Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, eat their food. The wrap-sandwich into a Christmas wonderland for an front hall and into the bright and past years, the auctioneer was Scott drew DeMatteo’s chastisement of a World War II, Korean War, and Viet- place was overjoyed that they were evening. It is hosted by the Guild of welcoming Ward Hall. Wahle, a parent of a 06 graduate, a flight attendant) we touched down nam memorials as we walked their getting all our business, however, St. Irene and the Mens’ Association Sparkling snowflakes were hung and is the largest fundraiser for the former media celebrity, and an alto- at Dulles Airport, geared to wreak parameters. We were approached by Continued on page 2 from the ceiling with care and led gether very funny guy. Some of the school. Each year the St. Sebastian’s the way toward Ward Hall which was mothers work countless hours, deco- items that were auctioned off that growing more and more crowded night consisted of, tickets to a Red rating the school in festive attire, and with every wave of guests who accumulating items to be auctioned Sox Game with Headmaster Burke arrived. Ward Hall was a constant and his wife, a trip to Las Vegas, and off to the highest bidder. This year, scene of activity as parents made the decorating committee from the a summer home on Marthas Vinyard turns about the room to make bids for a week in 2010. Each item is Guild did a fabulous job transforming on Silent Auction items such as the the entry way and entire first floor generously donated to the school by “senior trunk”, an assortment of parents and friends of the school, in of the school into different scenes. items which seniors may need des- These scenes included a forest with order to raise money for the school, perately when they go off to college and other important aspects of the snow covered trees, which ornately next year. Some other key items adorned the hallway of the Math de- school including financial aid and consisted of gift baskets, video game renovations. partment, and a St. Sebastian’s-esque systems, and even some of Father locker room in Mr. MacArthur’s Room. Overall, the auction was a complete Arens’ paintings. Moving from the success, and everyone who partici- Not only was the math department Hall and into the Math Hallway the transformed into this winter land- pated in the event had a wonderful decorations were a sight to see and time. However, this auction never scape, but the front foyer also was Mr. McArthur’s room was a key spot decorated with an assortment of tall would have been as sucessful as it to stop and stare, as the scene of the was if it were not for the help of all Christmas trees, boughs of winter sports locker room was depicted in greens, and many beautiful lights the parents and sponsors of the St. what once was a Math Classroom. Sebastian’s community who planned witch illuminated the entire room, (This transformation could not have giving it a warm, welcoming appear- and executed this wonderful night. been possible if it were not for the Imparticular we would like to thank ance. help of the decorating committee). To add to the already sensational and the members of the Guild of St. Irene As the silent auction ended, and especially Maureen Abelson and festive decorations of the front hall, the guests began to disperse, they the St. Seb’s Schola and Mass ensem- Ann Chase, Charlie Lampmen, and meandered through the winter the entire dinning staff who did such ble, under the direction of Mr. Meyer wonderland forest, and through the Chambers, welcomed the nearly four a great job planning the Christmas transformed classroom into a large Auction. hundred guests into the school for a tent, which was erected behind the

An Evening in the These dour Elves were clearly sent by the Grinch to eliminate joy at the Narnia Semi-formal

towards ward hall. A wall of ice cov- the food table with an assortment of tables. The teachers watched on in ered the wooden wall where giant dipping foods such as strawberries, Magical World of Narnia pineapples slices, rice krispie treats, amazement. snowflakes fell. Illuminated snow- Eventually the night came to an students and their dates had no idea wardrobe opened, and the students flakes sparkled the walls. Ward Hall and marshmallows. A few sopho- end. The unhappy students wan- BY CHRIS MOSES ‘11 what to expect, but they were in for made their way through the fur truly became a winter wonderland. mores dressed as elves catered the event by carrying around platters dered out of snowy Ward Hall and On Friday December 11, 2009 Saint a surprise. coats, which eventually progressed Really bringing home the theme of of delicious foods. A student could made their way home. This semi Sebastian’s hosted the classes of 2011 Upon entering the school by the to branches, then trees, and finally Narnia, a giant lion perched on the really feel the chill of the winter won- truly might be the best one Seb’s and 2010 for the junior-senior winter front office, the students greeted the a snow covered ward hall. Snow library balcony over looking Ward derland with a blue slush. has ever seen. The decorations and semi-formal. It was perhaps the best teachers and strutted down to the blanketed the floors while snow- Hall; the balcony was decorated with After students and their dates filled set up were magnificent. I’d like to one yet. No matter what the theme student lounge to take a picture in flakes fell from the ceiling. It was as if snow-covered garland. their stomachs, they made their way think all of those that helped set up is the student council and teachers front of a snow covered backdrop. a squalid snowstorm ripped through The food was amazing, as it always to the dance floor. The DJ played hit for the semi, the student council, always do an excellent job setting up. Next, they made their way to the Ward Hall. is. Joe and Raffi prepared a turkey songs while the students danced Mrs. Atwood, Mrs. Callini, Fr. Arens, I’ve been to many themed semi’s such wardrobe. In the actual movie the After walking through the ward- feast with finger foods such as away. One crazy girl even did back Mr. Palamaccio, Mr. Burke, Joe and as Tropical, Hollywood, Burger King, characters enter a giant wardrobe robe, the students walked through chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, flips across the dance floor. The the chefs, and the many others that and now Narnia. It was a very creative that eventually opens up into a snow a snowy pathway lined with snow and cheeseburger sliders. There were dancing continued throughout the assisted. Without them, it would not and applicable semi theme because covered land, just as it did in Ward covered Christmas trees. The signa- also spicy Cajun fries. An overflow- night while others socialized at their have been such a huge success. of the winter scenes in the film. The Hall. The two wooden doors of the ture lamppost stood in the pathway ing chocolate fondu bowl decorated NEWS SPORTS

How Do You Tree? Madden Tournament We Wrap Up The Fall Sports... Check out page 6. Does Not Appear In Photo Check out page 7. Page 2 The Walrus: School & National News December 2009 Prospective Families Flock Quotes of the to Curriculum Night BY NED KINGSLEY ‘10 workshops: Faith & Reason, Writing for Mathematics at the Mathemati- & Speaking, Mathematical Reason- cal Inquiry Session. Gathering in the Every year, the St. Sebas- ing, and Scientific Inquiry. During McCullough room, alumnus David tian’s Admissions Office is over- the sessions, faculty members, Gusella ’06, Phi Tran ’11, Connor Month whelmed with applications from current students, and alumni spoke Wiik ’11, and Joseph “Pip” Mears ’15 prospective students seeking a about their respective programs and reminisced about their classes with “If a shooting star came by and I had one spot among the chosen. As mem- discussed opportunities available to “Restie and the gang”. Mr. Rest did a bers of this year’s senior class find students at St. Sebastian’s. great restraining his enthusiasm, as themselves immersed in the college In the first session, ad- it was obvious that he was looking wish, I would wish for it to come down and process, we are reminded that all dressing Faith & Reason, families forward to the Narnia Semiformal around Massachusetts, 6th, 7th, and gathered in the chapel to hear about the next evening. hit Kinlan.” 8th graders are struggling to com- spiritual development at St. Sebas- Finally, the best show of plete their applications to this pres- tian’s. Topics addressed all facets of the night took place in the three tigious Catholic independent school. St. Sebastian’s life, including various science classrooms, where Physics, -Mr. Wu to his Calculus class Without fail, St. Sebastian’s is able to academic departments, religious life, Biology, Chemistry, and the other market itself every year due to the community service opportunities, Science classes made a number of efforts of those in this community; all focused on the goal of “pursuing presentations in Scientific Inquiry. Open Houses traditionally draw the truth through faith and reason”, as Mr. Wilbur and Mr. Ryan, along with largest crowds, but only slightly less Mr. Burke often reminds us. Father Severin Chambers ’10, Ned Kingsley “I run the show.” well attended is the famed Curricu- Arens and Mr. Jack “The Hammer” ’10, Andy Wadsworth ’10, and Tom lum Night. We were happy to host Goulet were the faculty moderators, Smail helped with various physics -Greg Kinlan our Curriculum Night this past week, while Max Kingsley ’10, Tom Keefe demonstrations including mouse- on Thursday, December 10th, in the ’11, and recent graduate Michael trap cars, video presentations, and year of our lord 2009. Foley ’09 gave heartfelt talks reflect- a motion detector test. Mr. Joyce The evening opened for a ing on their time at this school. stood around and looked intimidat- reception in Ward Hall to start the At the Writing & Speaking ing. In the next room, Ms. Byrne and evening at 7:00pm. After an opening display, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Drum- Ms. DiBlasi displayed the various prayer by Father Arens, Mr. Burke mond gathered in the back of Ward opportunities available to seventh “Halle Berry.” offered a few brief remarks. The pro- Hall to discuss the relative merits and eighth grade students, including spective families were then treated of the English, Writing, and Chapel the Robotics competition with an all- -Deric McCottrell ‘11 to performances by Kenny Chen ’13 Speaking departments. Alumnus An- out display. Chemistry and Biology on the violin, Marlon Matthews ’14 drew “Deuce” Conway ’09, along with worked with Mr. Kittler showing off with his beautiful singing voice, and Julian Matra ’13 and Matthew Blue various labs and experiments to all Tom Nunan ’11 accompanied them ’15, spoke about how the strong interested families. both on the ivories. Writing program here has helped Overall, it was a spectacular “Get away from me, you grubby little The families were split develop their ability to articulate evening that helped sell the school into four different groups, and thoughts and has prepared them for for all prospective students and throughout the night they would all their future endeavors. families. We thank all those who germy boy.” cycle through the four academic Mr. Rest displayed his love helped make it so. -Colonel Richter to Conor Dillon ‘10

“Wait, I need to check my Farm.” -Joe Albanese ‘10 to Jack Supple ‘10 concerning his Facebook “Farmville”

Juniors Travel to D.C. more fugitives, and then closed the Continued from page 1 Georgetown behind, we made our door behind me. After visiting the walk back across the bridge to our Newseum, a fascinating compilation I thought I saw the owner of the hotel, where, on a ridiculously high- completely empty sushi place next of interactive movies, 4D shows tak- numbered floor of the hotel (a luxury ing you inside the history of news, to it throwing paper cups in disgust. suite, of sorts), we were greeted I felt bad. photographs of historic figures and by Headmaster Burke and other athletes, a giant glass elevator, and However, I digress; we munched esteemed St. Sebastian’s graduates on some great local food, and then an enormous archive of newspapers working or attending school in the marking important dates in world moved on to the Holocaust Museum, D.C. area. The panel of alumni gave a sobering experience that opened history, we were overwhelmed by well-spoken presentations about the awing experience. The Smithson- all our eyes to particulars we had their lives since Seb’s, and how our never studied pertaining to that hor- ian, our next stop, provided some school has prepared them for their outstanding and interesting exhibits, rific act of inhumanity. Our moods life’s work. We were then treated were soon lightened, though, as as mostly all of us visited two or to an ice-cream Sundae bar before three. The Air and Space was a favor- we made our way to Georgetown’s heading back to rooms for the John O’Connor ‘10 and his gang work a chemistry experiment for prospective families. M Street for our evening. Students ite though, as the flight-simulator night. Some used the pool down- rides turned out to be the attraction scanned the endless rows of cloth- stairs after retiring to our third floor ing and shoe stores, and ate at shops of a lifetime (the current record is 3 jungle, some hid in my room from rides, costing about 24 dollars…). like Chipotle and other original other bloodthirsty and vengeance Georgetown restaurants. The major Before we knew it, we were off to the -driven students (all in good fun…), airport already to depart for home. purchase of the entire trip for many and some again refused for their students was a new pair of glistening We had come together as a class dream of having dance parties in the in Washington to develop some of kicks. One shoe store was so popular S-C-A-N-S room to be defeated, and amongst us that two students even the best memories we will have as The Walrus thus, blasted hip-teen music and bought the same pair! (The D.C. a class, and our chaperones, Mrs. sophisticated jazz into the hallways. Callini, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Burke, and A St. Sebastian’s Publication Swagger-Jack Controversy). Also, However, after a hectic evening, you may have seen Deric McCottrel’s Mr. Curran, made sure our trip was we decided to call it a night, and enjoyable as possible, and helped Senior Editors: Brendan Ecclesine ‘10, Ned Kingsley ‘10, Edmund Murphy ‘11, vibrant fluorescent green high-top once again rested for the day of our Nike Dunks with a bright yellow us to see the great city of Washing- David Ruffolo ‘10 departure. ton and appreciate its history. What stripe, which were purchased for a We awoke on December low price at D.C. rapper Wale’s favor- ultimately resulted was a mosaic Apprentice Editors: The elves...the elves! 17th as Michael Scott likes to do: to of legendary moments we all carry ite shoe store, The Commonwealth. the smell of bacon. Our hotel pre- Head Writers: Joe Albanese ‘10, Chris Marino ‘10, Chris Moses ‘10, They can now be seen blinding with us, and will continue to, in our pared bacon and scrambled eggs for remaining time at Seb’s. Having Mike Sanderson ‘10 (Feature Writer) students in the hallways. us after we somberly packed up our Sad to leave our “free-time” in spent three days there, our class can rooms. I checked my closet for any firmly say that D.C. wasn’t ready. CONTRIBUTORS: Joey Kelly ‘10, Will Connolly ‘10, Dillon Eccelsine ‘11, Sam Racine ‘11, John Barrack ‘11, Mike Sanderson ‘10, John Kavolius ‘10, Joe Albanese ‘10, Lou Heck ’11, Will Vietze ‘12, Ryan Kilcullen ‘10, Luke Sullivan ‘09, Chris Stadtler ‘12, Scott Neuberger ‘10, Chris Moses ‘10, Peter Cimini ‘12, Alex Spear ‘11, Brendan Ecclesine ‘10, Tom Hoff ‘11, John O’Connor ‘11, Ryan Bacic ‘11, Andrew DeMatteo ‘11, Brad Walker ‘10, Ricky Mulroy ‘10, Tom Nunan ‘11, Tom Keefe ‘11, Nick Chappel ‘11, Jared Chase ‘11, Ben Thai ‘12, Lucas Mykulak ‘11, Will Adams ‘11, Ryan McCarthy ‘10, Chris Picher ‘13, John Donovan ‘12, Kevin Wolfe ‘12, Chris Nadeau ‘12, Joe Dudley ‘12, Matt Fechtelkotter ‘12, John Cheever ‘12, Bobby Wright ‘12, Sean Frazzette ‘12, Michael Hoff ‘13 Editors Emeritus: Derek Morrison, Tyler Smith, Brian Walker, John Wolfe Faculty Advisor: Mr. Dan Drummond The Walrus is the official student newspaper of St. Sebastian’s School. The Walrus seeks to provide news and entertainment for the St. Sebastian’s community, as well as to provide an open forum for students to offer opinions on issues related to world, na- tional, and school affairs. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect opin- ions of the faculty advisors or senior editors of The Walrus or of St. Sebastian’s School. Correspondence to The Walrus should be addressed to The Walrus, c/o St. Sebas- tian’s School, 1191 Greendale Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. Senior Editors and produc- tion staff reserve the right to reject, edit, or admit any or all submissions. To submit an Senator Paul Kirk ‘56 greeted the Class of 2011 during their visit to our nation’s capitol. article, email it to [email protected]. December 2009 The Walrus: School News Page 3 Chess Team Improving The Blanket Drive Hero: Coach Cressotti Seeks New Members Patrick Rivard ‘14 Mostly consisted of fresh- played one, Ben Thai ’12 two, Ike Ok- BY PETER DEMATTEO ‘14 blankets men, sophomores, and eighth grad- werekwu three, Kevin Patterson four, Over the past couple of weeks, some ers, the inexperienced team has, in and Zach Chambers ’14 rounded Q: Thats pretty impressive. Now St. Sebastian’s students have attempt- its first two matches, been smoked, out the fifth spot. The cookies and where do the blankets go after St. ed to play chess against a couple of with the lone win in each match be- the Dover seniors were too much to Sebastians? Is there an organization other Eastern Massachusetts schools ing Freshman Kevin Patterson at the overcome, and besides Patterson’s you donate them too? without much luck, despite strong ef- fourth spot. Not counting inevitably lengthy victory and Ike’s stalemate, fort and Mr. Cressotti’s fierce dedica- gained experience, which was the it was as much of carnage as a chess A: Yes I donate them to the St. tion. Mr. Cressotti has increased the lone bright spot, as the rest of the match could be, to the point where Vincent de Paul Society. This is a organization of the club in an attempt team lost (with the exception of in despair, Mr. Cressotti turned to widespread organization devoted to to bring about a win for the first time Freshman Ike Okwerekwu who had read a book. helping the needy. At the end of the in almost two years. Besides compil- a stale mate) in differing time frames The second match, which drive, we gather up all the blankets ing a won-lost record to determine and by different amounts. In this was in Brockton, was faster and a lot and deliver them to the Boston pub- which student would play what num- regard, the team is starting off better worse for Seb’s. A menacing team of lic library, where they are distributed ber chess board, he has corrected than last year when it did not when a fifteen kids obliterated us, with Pat- to those in need. the young team during in team play single game in its first two matches. terson again the only one to come to increase the ability of Seb’s kids The match that kicked off away with the victory. A change in Q: What steps do you plan on taking to checkmate opposing kings. Mr. the season was an away at Dover- line up didn’t help as Kevin Martin in years to come in order to improve Cressotti’s devotion has also led to Sherborn, where the team arrived ’12 took Ben Thai’s place; it was still the Blanket Drive? the team’s first trip to Brockton, which late after getting lost on the back horrible. Despite the early season has in prior years been viewed as too roads of Dover. Upon arriving, the setbacks, the young chess team A. I am hoping that I may be able to far away. So far, however, it has not opponents slyly put out cookies, hopes to pick up the pace and set a expand it to other schools within allowed the team to achieve its first pretzels, and other refreshments that Seb’s chess record with three wins, or the ISL and to work harder so that win, although the young team is giv- effectively distracted the Seb’s team. at least get the first victory in awhile. more blankets are donated. I also ing its best. In this match, Peter DeMatteo ’13 plan on consulting major store man- agers such as Job Lot, Bed Bath and Patrick Rivard ‘14 spearheaded the Blanket Drive this year Beyond, and Target, in order to see if they would be willing to help out those in need. Movies with Mike: opportunity to sit down and have a BY BOBBY WRIGHT ‘12 small Q and A session with my friend Q: What's it like being known as the Patrick, in order to learn more about We all know him. We all love him. Blanket Drive boy around school? He's the blanket drive boy; none the Blanket Drive: ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ other than St. Sebastian's own Pat- A: Well I guess it's better than mini Q: So Patrick, what made you de- rick Rivard. Through his own kind Curran (no offense Mr. Curran) but cided to start up the blanket drive BY MIKE SANDERSON ‘10 heart, this pint sized hero has es- all in all, I feel it is something to be tablished what is now known as the here at Sebs? I know what you’re thinking. I thought proud of. Blanket Drive. For two years, this the same thing, to be honest. I took a Q. To wrap it up, what would you say young man has encouraged his A: Well I was really touched by the quick glance at the title, and decided to a student thinking about donat- schoolmates to donate blankets to poverty stricken and homeless in this was definitely not a movie I ing to the Blanket Drive in years to people in need all around Boston, Boston and decided that there was a would ever want to see. Then I heard come? in order to keep them warm during desperate need to help our unfor- it was an animated feature adapted the harsh New England winters. It's tunate neighbors out. I imagined from a children’s book by Roald A. Do it. often easy to forget how harsh pov- myself being in their shoes and Dahl, and my interest in the film only erty has stricken the United States. how if I were homeless, I would do diminished. It wasn’t until I started Patrick Rivard is an in- In a recent poll by the National Law anything to receive a warm, comfort- seeing glowing reviews pouring in spiration to us all. He has taken it Center on Homelessness and Pov- ing blanket. that I really gave the movie some con- into his own hands to help out his erty, it was estimated that between sideration. The recurring theme was neighbors in need, and has made a 2.3 and 3.5 million people are Q: How has the turn out been these that they were pleasantly surprised huge contribution to the homeless homelessness, 42 percent of which past two years of the Blanket Drive? at how well the movie appealed to population within Boston. Although are unsheltered. This poll shows he is physically half the man I am, his adults, while also capturing the fickle A: Well the first year the turn out was that the homeless need our help heart is twice the size of any man I interest of children. I guess you can a bit shaky, but this year we raised 50 more than ever. I recently had the will ever meet. add me to that list. percent more, coming out with 122 As I mentioned, the movie is based on an allegedly popular children’s book by Roald Dahl. I had never heard of the story before, and neither has anyone else I’ve spoken Mr. Albertson Dominates 4AP to, but evidently a lot of people read it growing up (I was more of a Matt Christopher guy myself). That being the highest total in recent history; can honestly say that my Latin has said, I can’t speak to exactly what ANDREW DEMATTEO ‘11 many years only have around eight gotten exponentially better due to the plot of the book was. However, Mike Sanderson gives “Fantastic Mr. Fox” 4.5 out of 5 stars. Everyone always hears bad things students. This attests to the current taking the class, and Mr. Albertson is I have learned that the book wasn’t about Latin. The students who take junior class’ dedication to the sub- a great teacher. terribly long, being a children’s book, ject. If I were to make a guess, the There have been some nary. Bill Murray is hilarious as Fox’s A moment like this would likely be Spanish always see that their Latin and didn’t inherently lend itself to a class has some of the highest grades memorable moments in that class closest friend and voice of reason, lost on children, but the adults can counterparts have more and more full length feature film without some ever in the class. however. Particularly when Mr. Alb- a badger aptly dubbed Badger. My appreciate the tragedy and vulner- difficult homework. It is thought to significant revision. Director Wes When I first I was first faced ertson found out that someone stole personal favorite character was Fox’s ability Mr. Fox expresses here, or at be common knowledge that Latin Anderson plugged in a lot of plot with the choice of Latin classes for his Holy Cross banner that hangs petulant teenaged son Ash, voiced least I did. is a much harder subject. One class points that were totally absent from my junior year, I had two options. from his desk. There have been by Jason Schwartzman, who is not There are precious few in particular seems to prove this the original book, while managing to The first was to go the easy way and some funny moments in the Latin, nearly as famous as he should be. He legitimately great family films out point: Latin 4 AP. Without a doubt, maintain the core of the story. go with Latin 4 honors. The second such as the single exposed breast of steals every scene he is in, and his there, but Mr. Fox is right up there. It it is one of the hardest classes in the The basic plotline is that was to go with Latin 4 AP. I was ad- Penthesilea, the Amazon queen. For constant struggle with living in his hearkens to such Pixar Classics as Up, school. Junior Scott Smith claims Mr. Fox was once a thief, a famously vised strongly by some of my peers those who are unaware of the con- father’s imposing shadow is fodder Wall-E, and Finding Nemo in that it that “I want to shoot myself when I skilled one at that, known as the Fan- to take the easy way out and go text, Amazonian warriors cut off the for both great comedy and drama. so brilliantly enthralls both kids and enter the class.” However, Phi Tran, tastic Mr. Fox, but after his wife got with the honors class, but I did not other one so they could draw a bow Owen Wilson and Willem Dafoe both their parents. I would say it stands another junior in the class asserts, pregnant he promised to go straight. respond well to peer pressure, and more accurately. Another humorous have surprisingly brief cameos, but, apart from those great films though, “It’s easy. Their just wusses.” Either Being a fox, he had no need for decided to go with the more difficult line, is “virginis arma” (Aeneid 1:315), as with every character, are great. as while a PG movie, this is decid- way, it is an extremely rewarding jewels or money, and instead became AP class. Over the summer I began “the virgin arms”. The stellar voice acting edly geared primarily toward adults. experience to immerse yourself in the the bane of farmer’s everywhere, to mistrust my choice, and dreaded There is no guarantee that is far from the only bright point, When I went to see it, there were Latin language, and without a doubt, pilfering their most prized hens in the coming of school. To try to the practice of just reading the same however. Another aspect of the film very few children in the audience, you will come out of the class with a order to feed his family. Anyway, he remedy my fears, I reviewed as much book will continue. Recently the that makes it innately appealing is and rightfully so. It’s not inappropri- much better understanding of Latin scrapes by on a meager existence of the vocabulary from the Aeneid, College Board removed the Latin the stop motion animation. Similar ate for kids or anything, but I think as before you took the class. There as a newspaper columnist, and for as I could find. It did not help nearly Literature AP exam and rumors have to the Claymation made popular by the particularly young ones would is much to be gained from reading a time he lives a boring, normal life. as much as I thought it would, as I circled as to whether they mean Wallace and Grommet and Chicken maybe not be mature enough to ap- a single book by one author for an Mr. Fox is an intensely prideful man, forgot everything that I had learned to combine the two classes. As Run, the filming process is impos- preciate it. And there are some dark entire year. It is highly unlikely that and can’t stand the thought of his within a day of reviewing it. When Mr. Nerbonne said, “We are closely sibly, painstakingly, maddeningly themes, with the distant relationship after this class, anyone will ever take family living in a hole, and decides school started, I was shocked by watching the developments with the slow. The filmmakers were literally between Fox and Ash, the fact that a class on a specific book again. The that he will enact one last big score. the speed which we started trans- College Board’s revisions to the AP forced to move the figures about these farmers go to great lengths to class as a whole is character building, The proposed score is, of course, lating. The first few days of school program, and we will be monitoring a half inch or so, take a still frame, actually murder Mr. Fox, his family, as students must always work hard to of epic proportions, sure to restore were hard, translating about three out offerings based on it.” Hopefully then do another, and another, FOR and his friends. I applaud the film- keep up with the work. Mr. Fox to his former glory. Mr. Fox’s times as much a night as I had the there will be no changes to the Latin THE WHOLE MOVIE. It takes literally makers for that boldness. At the risk This year’s Latin 4 AP class home is conveniently located within previous year. It took a while to get 4 AP class, as it is a great class and years upon years to complete a film of sounding like my grandfather, is particularly special. There are tunneling distance of the farms of the acclimated to the work load, but I a unique opportunity to read one like this; an entire day of work could kids these days are too soft. I am of twelve students in the class, which is three most successful, and notori- author for the whole school year. provide maybe 30 seconds of actual the mind that children should not be ously wicked, farmers of his time, film. I can’t offer an explanation as coddled, and they frankly deserve Bunce, Boggis, and Bean. As is to be to why this medium is so appealing, more credit than we sometimes give expected, all does not go well, and but it fits especially perfectly with them. I’ll let you find out the rest when you this film. In summation, this re- see the movie yourself (which, by the This also has to be one of ally is a masterful film. I appreci- way, you really should). the best written movies I’ve come ate it because it is as funny as and Perhaps that plot summary across in a while. It is a deft fusion even funnier than the (pardon my alone doesn’t jump out at you as ter- of pervasive, riotous comedy over a sacrilege here) somewhat overrated ribly spectacular, but there is so much serious analysis of human (animal, The Hangover, and this movie didn’t about Fantastic Mr. Fox that really sets technically) nature and relationships. have to resort to “working blue” as it apart and makes it a truly remark- There were so many great lines in they say. that is to say that I enjoyed able film. For one, the voice acting is the film, but I think a lot of them are Mr. Fox because it was brilliantly tremendous, with a sensational cast. only funny/poignant in context. The witty, whereas most movies these George Clooney is absolutely perfect one that I will lay on you is spoken days are just over the top stupid. as the dashing, charming, and all at by the man himself, Mr. Fox, in one I’m tempted to give Fantastic Mr. once deeply flawed Mr. Fox. Clooney of the quieter moments of the story. Fox five stars, because in writing once again proves that he is in a class It is a shining example of how the this review I realized how low my of his own, whether in drama, com- writers manage to lace thought expectations were and how bril- edy, or in this case both. Meryl Streep provoking dialogue with an endear- liant it turned out to be, but the “5 provided the voice of Mrs. Fox, but I ing charm and humor. He asks, “Why star” label is something truly sacred, feel like she was underutilized. Her a fox? Why not a horse, or a beetle, held only for films such as The Dark character isn’t nearly as interesting as or a bald eagle? I'm saying this more Knight, Requiem for a Dream, or V Clooney’s, and while she does as well as, like, existentialism, you know? for Vendetta. I can’t really point to as expected in her somewhat limited Who am I? And how can a fox ever any major flaw with the film though, role, her character didn’t give her be happy without, you'll forgive the and would label it an absolute must Last year’s Latin 4AP class survived; here the students are being grilled by Professor Thomas a chance to do anything extraordi- expression, a chicken in its teeth?” see. 4.5 stars out of 5. Page 4 The Walrus: School News & Entertainment December 2009 All I Want For Christmas is... Gift Ideas for the Christmas Season By DAVID RUFFOLO ‘10 (Spence told me the name of that AIDS balloons for my birthday—I’ll shampoo) bring in the balloons to show you… These Seniors were all interviewed 4.For Ryan Kilcullen to have more you’ll understand for their lists. The lists represent solely self-confidence in his bigness Conor Dillon the intentions of those interviewed 5.For John O’Connor to prove that 1.For one day where nobody ridi- and in no way reflect the views of the he has a girlfriend and, if he does, to cules me about my hair color Senior Editors: bring her out in public 2.For Bobby Sugrue to come back John Kavolius Owen Ortiz and help out the hockey team 1.A new Elantra 1.A nuclear powered submarine 3.For an upper body like Taylor Peck 2.Another riddle book (that’s all I capable of hyperspace…Russian 4.For the lounge to become a “safe wanted last year) 2.The power of the geas to give me texting zone” 3.The game Stratego (I lost my old world domination 5.For my girlfriend’s hand in mar- one) 3.A warthog. The car. Not the animal. riage 4.Straight cash With hydraulics and power windows Tom Gregg 5.New sneakers 4.To own Area 11 (Japan) 1.A pony Ryan Hayes 5.A succubus 2.The FAO Schwartz teddy bear 1.Stonehill swagga’ gear (I gotta look Ryan Coffey 3.My other lacrosse glove good for the ladies next year) 1.More ice time 4.Snow 2.LeBron shoes 2.A car 5.For the ponds to freeze 3.A book 3.For everyone to stop talking about Joey Kelly This is probably one of the movies that the Spanish Department will show in the near future. 4.A southern accent like Mr. Jenkins college 1.Zane Stanton’s used tooth brush 5.Billy Mays’ blue balls (…what?) 4.For Mike Green to stop talking 2.Mr. Ryan’s beating heart Joe Bergeron about fantasy football 3.Seconds from Sharon (like c’mon 1.A decent meal Tommy O’Regan now lady) Join the Spanish Department 2.A place to sleep at night—I am tired 1.Electricity 4.A pet scorpion named Amadeus of the dumpster 2.Uggs Me 3.To get off the streets 3.For Greg Kinlan to call me back 5.A full zip up one-piece snakeskin For its Awesome Film Series 4.Bail my parents out of jail. after a lovely evening sweat suit 5.A possum named Larry 4.A toaster strudel Brad Walker By DAVID RUFFOLO ‘10 language and the culture. In these For the second quarter, the Spanish Mike Falb 5.Greg Kinlan’s retainers 1.Szzzzurp movies, the students are able to step department has chosen the movie, 1.For my butler Jeffery to add more John O’Connor 2.For John Kavolius’ skin suit The Spanish department continues into the lives of the characters while “Carlitos y el Campo de los Sueños” bubbles in my bubble bath 1.Assassins Creed II 3.New braces its tradition of showing a movie after testing their conversational Spanish translated as, “Carlos and the Chance 2.Another centerfold for me and my 2.To get an A in math 4.For Fiskio, Reddish, Balanda, Gibso, school once a quarter. The movies skills. of a Lifetime”. This movie is about family in the Vineyard Vines catalog 3.The new Slipknot CD McCauliffe, Fowksey to come back in are open to any student in the school, In the first quarter, the Spanish an 11 year old orphan who has to 3.A new Cadillac Escalade, I’m tired of 4.To stop running into doors my life but are particularly beneficial to stu- department displayed the movie, “¿Y decide between either getting ad- my Audi S4, it’s for poor people 5.For Nichol to die 5.For Enrique, my dead pet iguana, dents taking Spanish. The movies are tú quién eres?” translated as, “And opted or playing soccer. It looks like 4.To not have to pay my girlfriend as Greg Kinlan to come back shown entirely in Spanish, but also who are you?”. This movie was about a very interesting movie full of jokes, much to come over on weekends 1.I wish my dad did not have white Mike Ewing have English subtitles. an older person named Ricardo drama, and action. 5.The respect of my peers hair at 30 1.For Jimmy Fitz to get into college These movies can help each student whose mind has deteriorated and As a Spanish student myself, I urge Jake O’Malley 2. For my crazy hairstylist to stop 2.For Christian Venditti to stop driv- in a variety of ways. First off, the he becomes forgetful. Ricardo is each Spanish student in the school 1.A shirt for Peck that he will actually using the buzzer for everything—it ing my car movies are for extra-credit, so if any diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to go watch the Spanish movies keep on creates bad haircuts 3.For Kevin Lynch to stop dapping student needs a boost to their grade, and is sent to a sanatorium. At the each quarter. They are both educa- 2.For Burke to send one text to 3.For the Brazilian cleaners that work everyone and everything they can simply attend the movie sanatorium, Ricardo meets Andres, tional and entertaining. It is a good J-babes without saying I love you… at my house to stop making fun of 4.For Chris Sullivan to find some- and fill out the questionnaire at the a man very much like him with a break to watch a movie in another twice me thing that he is good at end to receive extra-credit. Also, the surprisingly enormous imagination. language every once in awhile be- 3.A lock of Greg Kinlan’s smooth, 4.Sugar-free Donuts 5.For Brian Strachan to have more more fulfilling reason is that the mov- With the help of Andres and his cause you become more aware to sleek, Pantene Pro V groomed hair 5.For my Aunt to stop giving me friends his own age ies are a very good way to become granddaughter Ana, Ricardo fights many different aspects of varying immersed into the Spanish language valiantly to ward off this terrible cultures. On behalf of the entire and culture. It is one thing to learn disease. The movie was a very good, Spanish department, I urge you to Spanish in a classroom, but the only touching movie that fully demon- go see “Carlitos y el Campo de los true way to fully understand another strated the effects of a life with the Sueños” during the second quarter. language is to continually absorb the Alzheimer’s disease. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. NHS Helps Community With Service Drives their foodstuffs exhausted from the about all of the good that we are By RYAN BACIC ‘11 Thanksgiving food distributions, this able to do by simply bringing in As our familiar school motto goes was one of the most important times a few canned goods or a pair of here at St. Sebastian’s, “The order of of the year to donate food, as our mittens and a wool hat. While the day is to love God, work hard, and donations were extremely vital to these things might seem like fairly take good care of one another.” What restocking the food pantry’s shelves. commonplace, simple necessities, some people may not often think The Seb’s community did not disap- the truth is that this is not the case about, however, is that our commit- point, as with the donations we for everyone. To those that we are ment to this task does not cease as were able to fill two SUV’s worth of able to help through the Thanksgiv- soon as we step outside the familiar food to be delivered to the pantry, ing Food Drive and the Christmas confines of 1191 Greendale Ave. which was around the same amount Warmth Drive, these things are Rather, we must dedicate ourselves to as the school’s production last year special privileges that they consider the fulfillment of this mission outside as well. The fact that we are able to themselves highly blessed to be able We can only hope that Santa Claus will heed some of the requests of our Seniors this year. of the school, meaning that we must consistently generate this stagger- to have. not take care of only our fellow Ar- ing number of donations year in and Thinking about this reality for a rows, but also all of those who need year out is a true testament to the second has a multitude of benefits, our help wherever we or they may be. generosity of those at our school. but there are two that I focus on the Thanks to the work of the With the Thanksgiving Food Drive most. First, we should be thankful National Honor Society in conjunc- over for this year, NHS refused for all of the opportunities that we tion with the Catholic food pantry to take a break, as the Christmas have been given in our lives. We Albanese Gives Poignant Our Daily Bread—located in Dorches- warmth drive picked up soon after must realize that we are in a very ter— the ease with which we are able the previous drive’s conclusion. Be- small minority of people who are to serve others has been significantly ginning on December 4th, the drive able to have the things that we do, increased. Towards the end of each will continue right up until we get and it is nothing more than dumb Veteran’s Day Speech calendar year, NHS organizes and out for Christmas break on Decem- luck that we have been born into By NED KINGSLEY ‘10 a scarce man, and brave, and hated Whether or not you agree with our runs two key drives, the Thanksgiv- ber 18th. As with the Food Drive, the the privileged families which we and scorned. When his cause suc- current campaigns in Iraq and Af- ing Food Drive and the Christmas Warmth Drive is exceedingly impor- have. The next time you go to a “Standing among them, can anybody ceeds, the timid join him, for then it ghanistan, the fact is our troops are Warmth Drive, to benefit those who tant, as there are so many through- soup kitchen or an impoverished deny their fortitude? Hearing about costs nothing to be a patriot.’ still there. How can we do anything are most in need of our assistance. out the Greater Boston area who are area nearby and see a kid our age, their sacrifice, who could match their “We show gratitude to those patriots but admire, support, and pray for The Thanksgiving Food Drive officially homeless or otherwise lack heated whose circumstances are vastly dif- devotion? Living without them, as for this reason; since the burden of the brave patriots in harms way who kicked off on Friday, November 13, homes and rely on the donations ferent from your own, just think for a they lead and serve across the world, all of our freedoms is placed on their have so selflessly responded to our as NHS members decorated and of others in order to stay warm dur- second about the fact that you could could we even begin to thank them vigilant shoulders, though good nations call? brought in cardboard boxes that ing the long Massachusetts winter. just as easily have been born into enough?” times and bad. Each and every one “Today is a day when we reflect two weeks later would hopefully be Each year that we do the Christmas his situation, and he into yours. Be This past Veteran’s day, St. Sebastian’s of them sacrifices their lives, not only and remember- and give thanks. completely stocked with an assort- Warmth Drive, we are able to supply thankful for the privileges you have, senior Joe Albanese gave a speech through death, but because of all America, from its inception, stands ment of canned goods, pasta, and hundreds of people in need with and in recognizing your blessings, I at Needham High’s Memorial Field in the time they have given up in the on the shoulders of those that have cereal. Thanks to the generosity of the the attire we donate, and those who ask you all to donate to and partici- honor of the men and women who call of duty. The months for which stepped up, and put their country St. Sebastian’s community, over 100 receive our donations are always pate in such great causes like this have served in our Armed Forces. they are away are precious. They rep- first. We must acknowledge them, families were supplied with food the tremendously thankful. that we do here at Seb’s every year. Joe, whose father is a recently retired resent patriotism so great, that they appreciate them, and support them, week after Thanksgiving. With most of It is a truly amazing thing to think Besides the NHS drives, we have also Captain in the United States Navy, willingly leave behind their ordinary for where would we be without participated in the Blanket Drive (en- spoke both eloquently and pas- lives for an extraordinary calling. those who go into the line of fire, gineered by Patrick Rivard ’14), had sionately before a crowd of roughly “I remember the feeling at the age of some of whom making the ultimate regular service opportunities with 100 veterans, police men, senior 15 when I first learned that my dad sacrifice? Montrose School, and have a group citizens, and various men and women would be deployed overseas, that he “Our deepest gratitude is not travel down to New Orleans every representing local politicians. Also himself would be one of the many enough; we owe our lives to them. March break to completely give of present were Headmaster Burke, Mr. thousands called to duty. The many To all you heroes, all we can say is themselves for one week to benefit Nerbonne, Chris Marino ’10 , Ned months for which he was gone were thank you, and may God bless you those who are in dire need of our Kingsley ’10, Severin Chambers ’10, a strange time for me. My only con- all.” help still, even this many years after and Zach Chambers ’14, who gath- tact with him was through phone Joe perfectly articulated Hurricane Katrina. I am very grate- ered in support. calls and the occasional video chat the essential importance of our cel- ful—and I think we all should be—to Just a few weeks earlier, Assistant on the computer. ebration of Veteran’s Day. The next be a part of such a generous school Headmaster Mr. Nerbonne was “What especially struck me during week, at the Trustee dinner honoring community like we are here at Seb’s. approached with a request for St. my father’s absence was that the Mr. Fitzgerald ’79 and Bishop Boles In closing, I encourage you all to Sebastian’s to partake in the Veteran’s situation for my family was similar to ’47, Joe opened the proceedings by participate in whatever way you can Day ceremony. At the suggestion of that of thousands upon thousands giving his speech once again and to help others in need. Whether it is Mr. Nerbonne, Joe obliged to deliver of families across the country. It is reminding us all of the debt we owe simply dropping off canned goods a speech. Thus on November 11th, at such a testament to our soldiers these men and women. for the food drive or making the trek 11:00am, Joe spoke before the gath- overseas that they will not only We thank Joe for his words, down to New Orleans, every little ered audience—here is an excerpt liberate millions of people from and by fully engaging in such events thing that we do makes a difference. from his speech: murderous tyrants, but that they can as Veteran’s Day, we honor the com- “Mark Twain once said that ‘In the continue to stay and rebuild those mitment of our men and women in The National Honor Society serves our community. beginning of a change, the patriot is entire countries from the ground up. uniform. December 2009 The Walrus: School News Page 5 Celebrity Look-A-Like Senior Retreat Bonds Double Feature! Class Together ter was an area filled with houses, beginning of a tragic Patriots game, BY JOE ALBANESE ‘10 since for some reason the locals everybody made their way back to decided to live in an area where the house, but not before yours truly On a cloudy Sunday morning in different groups of school-age kids smoked Ned Kingsley and Scott Neu- November, seniors arose from their were constantly coming into the berger in a front-seat brawl, coming beds and left their various towns on a center. How this could possibly be out with only minor wounds of the path due south. They were meant to conceived as relaxing for the locals face. converge in the Craigsville Confer- is certainly beyond me. One thing As seniors shuffled upstairs ence Center in Cape Cod by 11:00, is for sure, the people who lived to their rooms, the real antics of although it became clear that even there had less of a presence than the night came underway. The less such a task could be considered a the guests. Had we not been making than steady framework of the house hefty responsibility. Although direc- our own noise, the center would be became painfully evident, as seniors tions to the center were handed out, dead silent, which certainly explains throughout the entire second floor many seniors either lost them or why some would seek it as a place of reverted to tackling each other on resolved to make their way without peaceful retreat. beds or wherever there was a pile them. The first great success of the Seniors found different of kids. This horseplay manifested trip was that everyone managed to modes of entertainment as they itself, among other things, as at make it through the many question- were let on their own for a bit: least a dozen different pig piles on able routes. When the last of the playing football or going down to Severin Chambers at different times seniors finally rolled in a little after the beach. The beach was secluded and a violent pillow fight in one noon, the scene was set for the an- Mr. Jack Doherty Mr. Larry David and hidden from the street by a big room, which probably constituted nual Senior Retreat in Cape Cod. The wooden building. Needless to say, borderline assault. Even the con- tradition of the trip promised to be a the time was filled with scenes that stant pleas of teachers seemed to mixture of fun, relaxation and spiri- could be described as interesting at be insufficient, as so many different tual contemplation. best and bewildering at worst. Once situations were unfolding in various We arrived at an old wooden students got their fill of venturing rooms. Finally as things began to house, secluded among the other into cold, cold water, and fighting settle down, sleep was the one thing buildings of the conference center. As in the sand, among other things, on everybody’s mind, even while it the cars pulled in, kids grabbed their everybody congregated back at the was near impossible to find for some various possessions and rushed up house. who were unpleasantly informed the rickety stairs to claim their rooms. Throughout the retreat, we about the heinous sleeping habits of Undaunted by the flimsy-looking were given various opportunities to their peers. structure of the house, the shenani- reflect on family, friends, God, and The next day was met at gans almost immediately began as a an issue which was on everybody’s the ungodly hour of 8:00 as seniors near brawl broke out all over the sec- mind in one form or another: col- forced themselves to roll out of bed ond floor to claim a limited number of lege. The first reflection period was for breakfast, and delicious, delicious beds in order to avoid being ban- the morning of the first day, where hot cocoa. Throughout the day there ished to the floor in a sleeping bag. seniors were told to bring something were some more sessions of reflec- There would be no opportunities for that symbolized their St. Sebas- tion. In one exercise, the seniors switching-off sleeping arrangements tian’s experience for them. By the discussed their own memories about since this year the trip was condensed end of the exercise, the table in the their family life, their St. Sebastian’s from a few nights’ stay in the Cape to middle was filled with items: St. Sebs experience, and especially their a simple overnight endeavor. After clothing, photos, jewelry, and other preparations for the college life the house withstood the rampage of things. Students talked about their which would be fast upon them. kids upstairs without collapsing, the triumphs and trials at Sebs, from Another activity later in the day was first meeting took place in the living their athletic careers to their aca- perhaps the favorite of the retreat. room downstairs. Mr. Deschenes at the Narnia Semi-formal The White Witch from Narnia demic endeavors, and the memories Seniors were told to pick songs from Mr. Nunan, along with which surrounded all of them. their ipods which was important Father Arens and Mr. Goulet, gave The next exercise came to them, either because they were the seniors an overview of how the later in the day, when seniors were meaningful, or because they were day would look- with time set aside International Club Update challenged to spend the next hour just good jams. The majority repre- for meals, reflection, and meals. The in complete silence. No cell phones, sented the latter. The playlist started countries. Using the organization group was also joined by Mr. Chris transporting students from the con- no conversation, nothing but their out with “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow BY NICK CREEGAN ‘11 “Hands Across the Water,” the club Lynch, Mr. Cleary and Mr. Sullivan fines of the McCulloch room to the thoughts. At this point, the peaceful- Medicine Show, to which everybody was able to donate a record amount who came down to the Cape later majestic mountainside of luscious ness and utter silence of the retreat enthusiastically responded. The of books to underprivileged stu- Sunday and on Monday. From there As Mahatma Gandhi once Peru. center kicked in, and the serene music progressed with other songs dents across the world. The Interna- we went on to the dining hall of the prophetically stated, “No culture can Later in the year, the students were nature of the conference center such as “Party in the USA” by Miley tional Club truly takes advantage of conference center where we were live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” Our also presented with the opportunity allowed for deep contemplation Cyrus, “Tick Tock” by Kesha, “Fifteen” every opportunity to benefit foreign welcomed by the staff. The staff in- world is one rich in cultural diversity; to participate in a foreign exchange into the past, present and future. by Taylor Swift and lots of country. necessities. Finally, at parent-teacher troduced themselves, along with the the fascinating and telling way of life study, through the organization Some seniors went off on their own, As the final reflections conferences, the group was able to rest of the groups in the dining hall in America is only a miniscule fraction “Learning Programs International.” exploring the different parts of the ended, the seniors went out for one raise even more money for further with us: a Jewish children’s group (a of the customs that are commonplace Participants in the club were told by center; some wandered around in last game of football, or down to the donation. Representatives from rare sight to behold in the middle of around the globe. a representative about the sensa- droves to the beach or different beach. There was another lunch at the club sold advent calendars to a Christian conference center), and a At St. Sebastian’s, it is desir- tional chance to spend a summer parts of the center; some just sat in the dining hall, where the staff gave student’s parents, with which they group of excessively excited girls from able to use education not only for in Spain, Italy, France, or England, solitude or in a group, as thoughtful their farewells and a concluding raised about $300 dollars to donate a Church group, who easily creeped written facts and figures, but also furthering or starting language skills companions in silence. mass in the living room of the house. to the club’s foster child in Bolivia. the seniors out with their jubilance, in an effort to broaden perspec- and beginning an extensive study of From there students With that the seniors went their The club opted to support a poor having heard from the staff that an tives and gain appreciation for the an unknown area. Furthermore, in a returned to the house to attend separate ways back home from the child in Bolivia through “Child Fund,” all-boys group was on the premises. world around the common student. seasonal celebration of the worldly mass in the living room, conducted Cape. By Monday night, everybody formerly known as “The Christian By the time a sketchy old Luckily, this daunting task is not one connections of the school communi- by Father Arens. With the conclu- was feeling refreshed and grateful Children’s Fund.” The $300 that was man in a Santa suit came bumbling which must be faced individually, ty, the club hosts an annual Christ- sion of that, seniors packed into cars that they could be part of the retreat. raised in effort to fund this child is into the room, the seniors made it a but can instead be accomplished in mas party, in which they can explore and went off for dinner at the 99 They had been given a period to enough to provide for the needy point to get out of there as soon as the International Club, an extracur- the cuisine and recreation of exotic Restaurant. The dinner progressed reflect, learn more about their class- juvenile for an extended period of possible. From there we went back to ricular opportunity to delve into the traditions. Hosted on the night of with great food, a well-placed movie mates, and have a welcome break time. Furthermore, the club raised an the house and we were a few hours’ expansive foreign cultures of the Tuesday, December 15th, the party quote by Joe Bergeron (“CRAB- from school work in this busy time additional $300 to donate to “Project worth of free time. Kids immediately globe. Branching beyond the com- offers club members a recluse from CAKES AND FOOTBALL, THAT’S of their lives. Even though the trip Bread” by selling holiday cards. The went off on their own to explore the monly misconceived “Spanish scholar the stress of the school week, in WHAT MARYLAND DOES!”), and the was a shorter one than in years past, club truly took advantage of the area. The Craigsville Conference Cen- exclusivity,” the International Club is which they can enjoy the delicious it was a huge turnout about half the impressive generosity of the school a fantastic chance for St. Sebastian’s foods and entertaining games that senior class attended, and certainly community in order to provide for boys to learn things that they would they would not experience on a daily almost every student that was in- individuals abroad and in our own be hard-pressed to discover in their occurrence. quired about it attested that “it was native land that are in dire need. own neighborhoods. While the club does indeed a time.” Mr. Nunan was impressed The International Club truly takes ad- The club has an impressively seek to increase their awareness of by how the class “came together” vantage of Mahatma Gandhi’s vital busy schedule, participating and foreign culture and opportunity, it and “cooperated” with a sense of truth: culture is a necessary and criti- hosting numerous events in the com- also works to contribute to interna- camaraderie, having accomplished cal part of all people’s lives. Culture munity that work for the common tional charity efforts. In light of the so much, even though it was unfor- has the power to influence, dictate, goal of extending curriculum to a conditions and wealth of the United tunate that it was reduced to a one and teach, all of which are taken beyond-the-classroom experience in States, the International Club works night stay. I highly encourage next advantage of by the International foreign culture. The club initiated the to spread opportunity for others year’s senior class to take the oppor- Club at St. Sebastian’s. The students year with a group viewing of “Aguirre,” across the country and the globe. At tunity to become more connected wish to broaden both their horizons, a German made film describing the the beginning of the year, the club with their peers and take stock in and provide opportunity for the less conquest for the legendary Peruvian organized a school-wide book drive, how lucky they are to be at St. Sebs, fortunate, both of which are accom- city, El Dorado in the 16th century. in which they compiled more than especially during such an exciting plished by the collective efforts of The movie combined beautiful cin- 700 books to contribute to schools and momentous time in their lives. ematography with English subtitles, and libraries in underdeveloped the club and all of its participants. The Craigville Manor House--home of the Senior Retreat

’14, and Tom Gregg ’10. See, cool I found myself on top of my chair them in the hallways, give them a To Be, or Not to Be? kids do Shakespeare too. when he had finished. I was amazed pat on the back and say, “Nice job Anyway, the competition at how he had almost become Mac- on all your hard work and weeks of BY JOHN BARRACK ‘11 theater in New York. Second place to see Joe Dudley ’12, Sean Frazzette started and I was called up first. To beth. My only thing I would say to planning that went into you speech!” receives $1000, third receives $500. ’12, and Bobby Wright ’12 waiting for avoid any sabotage or “Tom Fool- Mike is don’t spit so much, my shirt is I would like to say congratulations to On the 1st of December 2009, the I know what you are thinking and I the competition to begin. I sat down ery” as said by our very own Tom still at the dry cleaner’s. Zach and Michael and good luck to St. Sebastian’s English department would aim for second place too. next to Sean and asked him what he Kelly ’10, the students who were And if you by chance see either of Mike on January 30th at Babson. gave host to the 2009 Shakespeare The winner of the middle was doing for his monologue. not performing were asked to leave Competition. school section receives a few good “I’m doing Oberon King the room until it was their turn to For those who don’t know, the words and a pat on the back. of the Fairies from A Midsummer step up to the plate. I performed my Shakespeare competition consists of As a thespian and Shake- Night’s Dream!” he said grinning. monologue, scaring Mr. Drummond two sections, a middle school and a speare enthusiast, I signed up for “Oh, I’m Richard III, I got in the process. No really, he was high school section. Each participant the 2009 competition and eagerly crazy and kill everyone.” That shut standing up in his chair frightened is asked to memorize, recite, and act awaited the day of my recital. The him up. of how well I represented the former twenty, or less, lines from any one of day finally came and, after find- The judges all came in one King of England. My part was over, William Shakespeare’s plays. ing out about my mousetrap car at a time. They consisted of Mr. Rog- so I called Sean Frazzette in and I left The winner of the high school section and several tests the that day that ers, Mr. Drummond, Mr. Deschenes, with my chin held high. is sent on to Babson College for the I hadn’t studied for, I made my way Mr. Richter, Mr. Burke, and last The next morning, I came next round. The winner of that round down to Mr. Rogers’ Drama room. but certainly not least, Seb’s most to St. Seb’s eager to see who won. is sent to the next one in New York I came about ten minutes early to eligible bachelor, Mr. Nerbonne. Mike Healey won the upper school City. And the winner of that round is explain that I had to go first as the The students filed in as well. Among and Zach Chambers won the lower sent to Washington D.C. and finally, bus for the swim team left shortly them were Mike Healey ’10 (who had school section. Confused, I asked the winner of the entire Shakespeare after the competition began. When a Macbeth monologue all ready), Michael later that day to perform his competition receives a full paid I entered the room, I was surprised Zach Chambers ’13, Pat McGowan monologue for me. He complied and tuition to the Summer Shakespeare Page 6 The Walrus: School News December 2009 POINT - COUNTERPOINT: Which Christmas Tree? REAL TREE FAKE TREE

of the ice caps melting. As a result, fires annually, 6 deaths, 25 injuries, SEAN FRAZZETTE ‘12 BY MARK CUNNINGHAM ‘12 these fake tree purchasers not only and over 6 Million dollars in prop- Christmas time is here and everyone kill their children, but also the polar When pondering the decision to get erty damages. In an experiment and his mother are starting to look bears. What did the polar bears ever a real or a fake Christmas tree, one with a real tree fire by the U.S. Fire for a Christmas tree to decorate their do to you? Overall, the use of arti- usually strays toward a real Christmas Administration, it took just over forty house. And, of course, with this frantic ficial trees is and awful practice for tree, making the wrong decision. seconds for an entire room to be en- search comes the annual debate: both tradition and the environment. More than 33 million people make gulfed with deadly toxic smoke and which type of tree is better, a real The use of real trees, un- the decision to get a real Christmas oxygen is depleted. Christmas tree authentic evergreen, or an ugly, fake, like their plastic counterparts, have tree according to the U.S. Fire Ad- fires are usually caused by electrical plastic or metal knock-off? Those who plenty of upside. Already mentioned ministration. Each of those 33 million shorts or open flames, but well-wa- buy the cheap counterfeits always were the rich tradition of tree shop- must lug the Christmas tree from the tered trees are not a problem. Due to have the same excuses for their ping and the lack of environmental location which they got it from into the fact that well-watered trees are ridiculous purchase: “It’s requires no damage, but what about the other their house. The average Christmas not a problem, more people try to clean-up,” “It looks just like a real tree,” facets of real trees? The smell of tree is 6-7 feet tall and from personal consistently add water to their trees “It’s the idea that counts.” False. pine needles spreads through house experience it is very hard to carry not only to make the tree stay fresh, Christmas is a time of tradition, and creating the natural aroma of the inside my house. The process of find- but to keep it from being a fire haz- one of the oldest traditions is the Christmas season. Also, every year, ing a tree is always agonizing as my ard, just adding to the work of a real family event where everyone piles one can vary the size, color, and type father and I can never agree on a tree. Christmas tree. With a fake Christmas into the car and heads on over to of tree (from a seven-foot green I always end up wasting a Saturday tree, you only have to assemble the wherever they sell Christmas trees. Madden Tournament Douglas to a ten-foot Blue Spruce) because I had to pick out the “perfect tree and then put ornaments on it The little kids run around in the the variations are endless. Once a tree”, carry it into the house and then and nothing else has to be done, magnificent forest of giant pine trees, family buys an artificial tree, they put it in the stand. My father and I no watering or trimming. Most while the parents search for the per- usually do not purchase a new one go through a lot of trouble each year fake trees are created from flame (gasp) CANCELLED! fect tree, just the right height, just the for years, resulting in zero change. to put the tree in the stand, trim the resistant materials to increase safety right width. After the family settles on Another common misconception is bottom of the tree in order to fit the according to www.artificialtrees. big #79 David Leith would have their choice, they bring it home and that artificial trees are cheaper than proper height of our ceiling, and com. Overall, fake Christmas trees easily taken home another trophy set it up in the house. For years this DILLON ECCLESINE ‘11 authentic evergreens. This belief is then we have to make sure the tree are much safer than real Christmas to his room. The winners of Madden has been the tradition, but, especially completely false, for a real tree costs is straight so it won’t fall over. With trees. Tournaments are immortalized in in recent years, people have begun The school was introduced to quite from twenty to one hundred dollars, a fake Christmas tree, there is no As we are in this economic decline, history, and this year many young to replace these actions with the a shock one Monday morning, when while the metal trees range from problem with having to get a perfect every penny matters, and buying a amateur Madden Players were hop- heading down to Wal-Mart, throwing Mr. Chambers announced that this two hundred to four hundred dollars tree, or make it look straight, because fake Christmas tree rather than a real ing to leave a lasting impression at a cheaply built, fake tree into their year’s MPA madden tournament was usually. An authentic tree can even it is already straight. Every year I ask one is guaranteed to save you some St. Sebs. trunk and setting it up in the house. cancelled. People sat in their pews be obtained for free at most stores my parents to buy a fake Christmas pennies. Although the initial cost of So many people dedicate Boring. Where’s the excitement? The dejected, wondering what possible if one waits until Christmas Eve. The tree because they weigh less and a fake tree is more than a real one, it their entire lives to the Madden tradition? Out the window, appar- madness had brought this about. possibility of obtaining a real tree we can just store it in the base- adds up year after year, not having Tournament, as you have seen with ently. David Leith ’11 was seen crying on for free means that those who are ment and not have to carry a heavy, to pay for a Christmas tree. I know David Leith. However, there are Not only is this practice his neighbors shoulder in sadness. less privileged can celebrate the natural Christmas tree. St. Sebastian’s my parents pay…. for our Christmas others out there who have been pre-boring and lacking the Christmas When addressed later on about this Christmas tradition without having own Danny Beam made the switch tree year after and the cost adds paring for quite some time. Conor spirit, it can also be detrimental to the experience, David had a few words: “I to spend any of their hard earned from a real Christmas tree to a fake up. Also we pay a lot of money for Dillon ’10 gave a chapel speech on environment. A common stabilizer was terrified. I have spent the entire money. So while fake trees are busy Christmas tree a few years ago and ornaments to put on these trees. the Madden Tournament one year, in artificial trees is the highly toxic year preparing for this tournament, killing kids and polar bears, real trees he has no regrets. He said about his Real Christmas trees do not have and he was recently seen studying element lead, meaning that your and now it’s been taken from me… are benefiting the poor. Why is there fake Christmas tree, “It doesn’t shed the strongest branches because film in the library with a headset on. environmentally sound tree is pure this was my entire life. I was plan- an argument again? needles, and it doesn’t get brown, it the wood can get weak over time. Even Father Paris got into the right poison. As the little children sit and ning on investing the prize money to The change to artificial ev- is always green. I can assemble it all Because of this, many ornaments spirit when he was seen drawing open their presents under the metal make my fortune in life. Now I have ergreens is one that even President by myself and I don’t have to put it on periodically fall off of trees, leading up his own playbook. The Madden heap, they are exposed to deadly nothing except my ability to actually Barrack Obama does not approve top of my car.” Danny also added that, to the breaking of these ornaments. Tournament is something that af- materials. Therefore, those who buy a play football…But I guess I can still go of, as the White House just put up “Those little needles always got stuck From personal experience there are fects everyone, and it gets everyone fake Christmas tree are replacing the professional in that.” Poor David. their new, authentic Christmas tree. in my rug and I had to vacuum them some valuable ornaments on trees into a great mood for the upcoming burden of having to clean up loose But on the other side of In fact, it has been tradition for years up.” Danny also stated that he just dis- that mean a lot to families such Thanksgiving. pines after Christmas with slowly the coin, this madness was partially to light a real tree right outside the assembles the tree, which is a quick as religious ones passed down or However, even with the killing their children. Good choice. brought about by the student body. White House, as well as Rockefeller and easy process, sticks it in a box and delicate ones their children made in recent cancellation, there are some Also, the killers who buy these knock- Not enough people actually signed Center, our own city of Boston, and stores it in the basement. This saves elementary school. With a fake tree, hopes. Now people seemed to have offs try to defend themselves with up for the tournament, and not many other cities. The beauty and a lot of time, time that could be used the limbs are much stronger and learned a lesson, and I highly doubt the claim that at least they are not enough consoles were brought in for sweet smell of authentic, evergreens to shop for gifts over this agonizing made out of more durable material, that it will be cancelled next year. killing trees in the environment. Only use. Big shout out to Ned Kingsley and Christmas trees are a tradition holiday season. Even though the fake so the ornaments do not fall off very The student body has seen the prob-an artificial tree buyer could come ’10, who promised he would bring throughout the country, celebrated Christmas tree may not be as authen- easily. The clear decision here is to lems that have resulted because of up with as ignorant an argument as in a system, only to let down the by people of all genders and eth- tic but you can still put on your every- pick the fake tree over the real tree, the lack of the Madden Tournament, that. Every tree that is cut down for entire MPA. And the entire student nicities, and the poisonous, environ- day ornaments, but the tree does not because of the fire hazards and the and we will not be so quick to make Christmas is replaced by a new tree, body. And David Leith. Sweet work, ment-destroying fakes are ruining shed needles and you do not have to hit to the wallet one takes year after the same mistake twice. Although so there is no true environmental Johnson. But seriously, in order to the Christmas season. In as season consistently water it. People have to year, buying a real Christmas tree. terribly distraught at first, David damage. However, there is serious have the tournament take place with about giving, why give toxic fumes water the Christmas trees in order to Don’t buy a fake Christmas tree be- Leith is beginning to look on the environmental damage involved 64 people, we need an ample supply to the environment and lead poison- keep the tree from “turning brown” cause of the credible reasons I have bright side, as we all should. David with the creation of plastic and metal of consoles, which just was not there ing to children? Instead, give the as opposed to fake Christmas trees presented, but because Danny Beam shared these positive comments trees. These trees, the majority of this year. So for all you people out smell of pine and spirit of Christmas which are “always green.” told you to and you probably do not during his interview: “I know at first which are made in China, are created there with an X-Box 360 at home, to the household, and carry on the There are also fire hazards that come want your living room to be lit on I was terrified, but I’ve begin to look in large factories that use cheep labor thanks a bunch. rich tradition of the greatest holiday about with real Christmas trees. fire and covered with toxic smoke in at the glass half full. I know I still and emit poisonous gases into the The Madden Tournament of all. According to the U.S. Fire Administra- forty seconds. have next year, and I’ve already been is a time of great joy for the school, atmosphere, destroying our ozone tion, Christmas trees account for 200 to get everyone excited for the preparing.” Good attitude David, layer and speeding up the process Thanksgiving Season. The winners and I know that everyone will be all of the tournament have gone down the more excited for the Madden in history, most notably Adebayo Tournament next year, as long as Owolewa, a former teacher who, with everyone does their part. (Let it be the Philadelphia Eagles, took it home known that David Leith has begun to a few years ago. David Leith, however, receive looks from several colleges was not a part of the tournament that for his Madden abilities, including, year because he lost his money on but not limited to, Vanderbilt and the way to school. Had he entered, Mass Maritime Academy). The New and Improved 2009 Yearbook Arrives presented with the first distributed BY TOM NUNAN ‘11 copy of the yearbook. A major event at St. Sebastian’s on This year’s recipient was Mr. The age old question--which Christmas tree will most people choose to put in their living room for this year? the day preceding Thanksgiving is the Denis Cleary, faculty member and distribution of the yearbook (known history department chair. He is obvi- ously very surprised and grateful to as The Arrow) commemorating the recommendations for members of misplaced sentence fragments that gratulatory messages and personal have received the honor, telling me everyone looks much younger than previous school year. Each student that class, which creates a special traditionally populate this section photographs put together by the in a recent interview, “I was stunned. we remembered. Homecoming, in grades eight through twelve races bond between the teacher and the can be hard to digest, sincere grati- seniors’ families in appreciation for I can think of ten or fifteen deserving Grandparents’ Day, the Seventies to the bookstore to retrieve his copy students.” tude and many nostalgic memories their sons, which provide even more people to whom the yearbook could Dance, and various athletic contests when the earliest opportunity to do Following the dedication abound here nonetheless. In their opportunities for laughter and remi- have been dedicated.” The Class of are all displayed well. so arises. The previous year’s seniors to Mr. Cleary is the section in which paragraphs, as well as in their se- niscence. 2009 displayed their gratitude for The next section is devoted return to school to pick up their cop- photographs of faculty and staff lected quotations and photographs, The latest yearbook is Mr. Cleary on the dedication page of to the various teams and clubs ies as well, and enjoy a reception in are displayed. Quite a copious, the seniors express a palpable indeed a worthy assortment of the yearbook, but Mr. Cleary further available at the School, and virtually the McCulloch Room, during which well-done collage of faculty and degree of joy for having attended memories and stories concerning expounded on his relationship with every sport and activity receives a they are able to reconnect with their staff “candids” precedes their more St. Sebastian’s, and their words help the 2008-2009 school year. Also, its last year’s seniors: “I had two AP space in the yearbook. Here the in- former classmates and teachers. formal photographs. Teachers and those of us not yet graduated from unusual color and texture compared Government sections last year and credible depth of extracurricular of- Before delving into the staff members are shown in action St. Seb’s to see anew the virtues with years past further distinguishes two sections of a brand new course ferings which St. Sebastian’s affords actual contents of the latest edition at an array of events and presenta- of our School. The Class of 2009 is it. Our School owes its thanks to that I had introduced, called Ad- its students is on display, lest anyone of The Arrow, it is important to note tions—some of the moments serious well represented pictorially by more faculty advisor Ms. Payne, editor- vanced Topics in US History. I taught was in doubt. The members of each the School’s tradition of dedicating and others more amusing—like the “candids” pages, as well as by photo- in-chief Mike Sanderson ’10, as well nineteen of the students when they of the many clubs, from Drama Club each new edition to a member of the Christmas Program, Talent Show, graphs from their at-school celebra- as staff members Jack Crowley ’09, were in Honors US History as juniors, to MPA to Robotics, receive recogni- community. The senior class votes New Orleans Service Trip, and Cur- tion of Halloween (very funny) and Tom Gregg ’10, Tom Harrington ’10, and it was great to see seventeen tion of membership. Likewise for to determine the person to whom riculum Night. their prom. Brian Horne ’09, Ryan Kilcullen ’10, of them continue on to take his- the athletes of each sport, who are their “swan song” yearbook will be Next come the well-known Many photographs of and Andrew Spencer ’10 for laboring tory as seniors, even though they shown competing in fine fashion. dedicated. The dedicatee is revealed “senior pages”. While the abun- underclassmen (both formal and to create an excellent edition of The weren’t required to. I think I wrote The Arrow closes with con- following Thanksgiving Mass, and is dance of inside jokes and seemingly in-) follow. As is always the case, Arrow. twenty-four or twenty-five college December 2009 The Walrus: School News & Sports Page 7 College Football Update

BY PETER CIMINI ‘12 picked. Which conference a team the Mountain West Conference, and plays in is a huge factor because of are assumed to be worse than Texas because of this. Also, Cincinnati and As the College Football regular sea- the competition the team has to Boise St. are undefeated, but will not son comes to a close, the controver- face. Usually the best Conference is have a chance also. This system has sy is once again brought up about the Southeastern Conference (SEC) no qualifications, and should be re- the bowl postseason, and lack of a followed by the Pacific 10 (Pac-10) placed with a playoff system, similar playoff format. The Bowl Champion- or Big 12, then the Big 10 and the to the Basketball March Madness ship Series, or BCS, is a series of 5 ACC, and last the Big East. These tournament, very soon. bowl games, The Rose Bowl, Fiesta conferences are usually called the In other news, the Boston College Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and 6 major conferences, or BCS confer- Eagles finished the season with The National Championship Game, ences because their conference an 8-4 record and will travel to the in which the “best” teams play in the champion gets an automatic bid to Emerald Bowl in San Francisco. How- Div.1 postseason. The BCS is made a BCS game. This leaves the Non- ever, their opponent is 8-4 USC. USC up of computers calculating the BCS conference teams with a worse started the season ranked 4th in the best teams and by human polls that chance of playing in a BCS game just country, but have struggled mainly vote for who they think the top 25 because of their conference. This is because of the inconsistency of true Fall Sports Wrap-Up teams in the country are. These five in no means fair. Also, this system freshman quarterback Matt Barkley. games, along with numerous not has no way of knowing which teams USC is one of the best football pro- ball, especially on the defensive line. tie. as important bowls, make up the are actually the best. grams in the country, with one of the BY CHRIS MARINO ‘10 Once again, Kingsley, Connolly and In the last match of the sea- postseason format of Div.1 Bowl sub- For example, this year Alabama and best college, not pro, coaches -- Pete senior Andrew “The Plug” Phillips son, the Arrows faced another dif- division (formally Div. 1 A). Instead of Texas are the top two teams in the Carroll. BC, a team that was much The St. Sebastian’s fall sports were dominant, completely stop- ficult adversary in Thayer Academy. having a playoff system, this format BCS standings playing in the Nation- better than expected, will have their teams all completed their seasons on ping the run offense of the Tigers. The Arrows struck first with a goal is used to lessen travel and allow for al Championship game. Alabama hands full with a talented USC Team. high notes. Each team worked hard Due to the high score, the usual by senior Chris Dillon, who scored more teams to play in a marquee is the undefeated SEC champion In other local college football through the end, and was rewarded starters were taken out of the game on a well played assist by junior match up against teams they usually with huge wins over Florida, LSU, news, Northeastern no longer has with good results. to watch the underclassmen take the Dillon Kerr. Unfortunately, the only don’t play. In an ideal circumstance, Auburn, and Virginia Tech. But, Texas, a football team. The school cut the The Varsity Football team field. This was certainly a “passing of scoring for the rest of the game was the top two teams would play each also undefeated, has played in a program citing costs as the major ended its season with the goal of the torch” moment, as the future of for the Tigers. Within the end of the other in the National Championship sub-par Big 12 conference and their reason, also they weren’t very good “running the string,” as it has in years the program was in clear sight. The second period, Thayer scored two game, but this is not always the case. best win is against a 9-4 Nebraska at all. Meanwhile, Harvard beat Yale past. This year resulted in complete 2009 Arrows did a fantastic job, end- goals, winning in the final minutes. Because there is no playoff, team. There are also 3 other unde- in the annual Harvard – Yale game. success as the Arrows won each of ing at the top of the league with a Although the team did not make the teams have to be judged by comput- feated teams that will not even get Holy Cross finished the season with its final games in convincing fashion. 6-2 record. The players and coaches playoffs, it played very well, especial- ers in a variety of categories such as a chance to play for the national a 9-3 record, and UNH made it to the First, the team travelled down to St. worked hard all season long, and it ly down the homestretch. The 2009 Strength of Schedule, Wins, Losses, championship. TCU is 12-0 and has Div. 1 AA playoffs, but were beat by George’s in Rhode Island, earning paid off with solid performances. soccer team may have been the best and which conference they play many more quality wins, over BYU, Villanova. a 34-8 victory. Junior quarterback Moving on to the pitch, in the program’s history, and the in. In this way, the “best” teams are Utah, and Clemson, but they play in Brian Strachan opened the game the Arrows soccer team had its best players certainly represented the with a 57 yard touchdown run (due season in the program’s history with school well. in large part to solid work by the a record of 9-3-5. With strong senior The 2009 cross country offensive line), and the Arrows never leadership, the team set out with team saw a major loss of seniors Father-Son Service Project looked back. On the defensive side, the goal to make the playoffs, and since last year. However through the the passing game was not safe for certainly had the talent to do so. leadership of captain Ricky Mulroy the Dragons as senior Peter Burke (2 The last three games of the season and a team of determined under- interceptions) and sophomore Jack proved this, as the Arrows faced classmen, the team had success Connolly (1 interception) were unable some of the league’s top competi- throughout the season. The team to be stopped. The pass rush was tion. did especially well at its new home highlighted by several backfield plays The team had a successful course at Caryl Park in Dover. Mulroy from senior Ned Kingsley. Junior trip to Groton, highlighted by solid holds the current record for the Charles Conigliaro and senior Jake defensive play. The first goal in the course, running it in 18:04 minutes. O’Malley finished the scoring through 2-0 shutout was scored by junior Under his example, the team was a run and punt return respectively. Charlie Callanan due to some great bound for success. In the next matchup, the Ar- passing from junior Dillon Kerr and At the ISL Championship rows continued their dominance with senior Andy Wadsworth. Senior race held at Middlesex, Mulroy led a 41-13 win at Groton. Senior captain goalkeeper Tom Gregg did solid the way, placing sixth out of all the Mike Ewing certainly earned MVP work in the net, making some nice runners with a time of 16:32. Junior honors for the days as he gained 171 saves and controlling the tempo of Robbie Spencer had the team’s rushing yards, along with 3 scores. the game well. He was supported second best time at 18:15, and the Peter Burke also had another tremen- from great plays by senior defense- team as a whole came in eleventh dous game with 125 rushing yards men and captains Peirce Daly and place out of for the championship. and 1 touchdown. Jake O’Malley, Nick Jacoby, as well as senior Dave Similarly the cross country team however, had the play of the game Ruffolo. competed well in the New England by jumping over his defender to The next game saw one Division III Championship at Groton. reel in a 35 yard pass from Strachan. of the toughest matchups on the Once again, Mulroy was one of the Defensively, Christian Venditti led the schedule. Roxbury Latin was at the leaders in the pack, coming in fourth Fathers and sons pull gigantic tarp full of leaves toward an unsuspecting leaf bin way with 13 tackles, along with solid top of the league, and had one of place with a time of 16:54, and junior performances by captains Max Kings- the most prolific scorers. By the Will Adams also had a great race, many of us, when we first arrived at time a person would most likely ley and Will Connolly on the defensive end of the first half, despite solid coming in twenty fifth with a time of BY MICHAEL HOFF ‘13 these houses, the job seemed harder wake up on a Saturday, and with line. play, the Arrows were down by two 18:30. The team had great success On Saturday morning, November 21, than expected. There were massive experience working together, ev- The final game of the season goals. However, upon returning to against the other schools, placing over 35 students, with their fathers amounts of foliage at every house. eryone became more efficient. After saw the final day of football for the the field, the team turned its energy ninth out of thirteen teams. Both and relatives, traveled to homes to Armed with rakes, tarps, and large each house was completed, a sense class of 2010, as well as the future of up another notch. Senior Ryan championship races were success- rake the yards of elderly people who brown paper bags, we began raking of accomplishment, felt by everyone Arrows football. The team faced Thay- Hayes did a great job of keeping the ful, seeing as the team consisted of needed help. The event was a service and removing the leaves. Corral- involved, was accompanied by a er Academy, dominating form the first Arrows in contention by creating mostly underclassmen, making the project organized by the Men’s As- ling the leaves onto large blue tarps feeling of a good deed being carried snap, and ultimately winning 49-0. opportunities and taking opportuni- future of the program sociation of St. Sebastian’s. Students or into brown paper bags, the first out. Both offensively and defensively, the ties away from the Foxes. Finally, Overall, all three teams had and fathers arrived at the adminis- lawns started to look a little cleaner, The owners of these homes Arrows were working on all cylinders. senior Chris Dillon scored the team’s successful seasons. Every coach and tration building at 8 a.m., and after and what was a chore started to were tremendously appreciative Ewing, Burke, Conigliaro and Strachan first goal, instantly putting pressure player put in the utmost effort each some coffee and donuts and brief seem more like what it was: honor- of the students and fathers of St. were given plenty of space to make on Roxbury Latin. Quickly after that, day. Special thanks should go out organizing, we were ready to start able service. Sebastian’s. Our hosts were so plays, and they responded with quick- junior Charlie Callanan scored to tie to every coach, as well as the train- the day’s task. At one home in Natick, which had grateful that they went out of their scoring possessions. The team was the game up. After a period of great ers, for their work throughout the Andrew Bartlett ’03, who is As- a large back yard bordering a small way to provide us with a selection of punishing on the other side of the defensive play, the game ended in a season. sistant Director of Alumni Programs, wooded region, we racked large snacks that included munchkins, hot had worked with officials in the piles of leaves onto a blue tarp many chocolate, juice, and cookies. The towns of Natick, Wellesley and Sher- times, dragged it up a hill into the gratitude that our hosts shows why Swimming (2-0) Preview born to identify elderly homeown- woods through the trees, and depos- St. Sebastian’s has these service proj- ers who needed our help and who ited the leaves to degrade back into ects, for St. Sebastian’s wants to help were delighted that St. Sebastian’s the soil. This approach was the most the people who don’t have what BY WILL ADAMS ‘11 provided this community service. effective and environmentally sound many of us have, and to help those Students and their fathers were way to move the leaves off the yard who can’t do what they used to. Coming off an undefeated organized by grade, with each grade of that home, and each of us took Every new house brought a different season last year, during which five being assigned to multiple homes in turns dragging that tarp up into the yard, different trees, and a differ- swimmers also competed at the New a particular town. The students and woods. ent owner. Each house came with England Prep School Swimming fathers headed out together to their As the day moved forward and one thing in common, however. Championships, the swim team assigned houses and started raking each group of students and fathers The common thread was a sense of entered this season with very high the leaves of these thankful home- chipped away at each front, side, duty, for at the time, we were serv- hopes for continued success. They owners. and back yard, the leaves seemingly ing our school and our neighbors, won most of their meets last year The elderly residents of these homes started to disappear. It wasn’t rainy and each house became a task that because the other teams just did not had been unable all season to or windy that day, and as the day was needed to be completed. St. have swimmers to compete, but a engage in the work of raking leaves. moved along and we could see what Sebastian’s preaches Catholic values, core group of seniors that led those Because autumn is coming to a we were accomplishing, everyone and on that day, members of the St. victories during the previous season close, the leaves had piled up. For began to work faster. The morning Sebastian’s community practiced are no longer with the team. Never- was creeping closer to a more the what St. Sebastian’s preaches. theless, the team returned most of its serious swimmers from last year’s team and was supplemented by of improvement to be competitive, Varsity Team would have applied to and Vandini, while the Arrows other the first event after the break, W. Arrows victory and third place in the many new, young faces. rushed the swimmers through vari- increased the amount of effort put relay team of Alex Hunnewell ’11, Adams won the 100 yard butterfly 400 yard freestyle relay at the end of Practices began for the ous sets, and crammed many weeks forth exponentially, according to the Sean Sullivan ‘11, Will Supple ’15, in which Joe Tamburello ’13 and the meet, the outcome was official. team on Sunday, November 29, with of technique training into just six coaches. The stronger swimmers and Brad Walker ’10 finished third W. Supple came in third and fourth St. Sebastian’s had smoked Berwick two sessions at Dana Hall. It opened practices. The swimmers, especially also put forth more effort so as to set in the event. J. Supple followed the place. Then J. Supple won the 100 Academy to post a record of 1-0. with a video on basic swimming the new ones and the unmotivated an example for their teammates. relay with a second place finish in yard freestyle, and Vandini and Ricky Mulroy ’10, John Van- techniques, and was followed with seniors, were also pushed towards When the day of the first the 200 yard freestyle, and Spencer Cam Kelley ’14 also finished strong. esse ’10, Lou Heck ’11, Paul Lee ’11, some pool time to practice those a better work ethic because of the meet arrived, the Arrows swimmers and Joe Burgeron ‘10 finished third Walker finished in a respectable sec- and Marlon Matthews ’14 were un- fundamental tasks. When in the threat of a Junior Varsity Swim Team. piled into a bus with the Dana Hall and fourth in the event. W. Adams ond place in the tough 500 yard free- able to attend the opening meet of water, it quickly became clear that a The coaches saw that the team girls and headed up to the Univer- finished second in the 200 yard Indi- style. The 200 yard freestyle relay the season, but they will be there to good portion of the team had either certainly had enough participa- sity of New Hampshire to compete vidual Medley by just 0.09 seconds, was the next event, and the Arrows’ help the Arrows to another victory in never swum before or at least had tion to split the team into Varsity against Berwick Academy. Captains followed by W. Supple and Tom relays swept the top three places. their next race. The Swim Team has not even looked at pool for a few and Junior Varsity, and believed the Jack Supple ’10 and Andrew Spencer Kelley ’10 in third and fourth place. J. Adams, W. Supple, Tamburello, meets on Wednesday, December 9 months The team struggled through creation of such a team would be ’10, led the team through their first J. Adams followed his brother’s race J. Supple finished first; W. Adams, and Wednesday, January 13, both at both of the practice sessions, but the next logical step for advancing warm-up at a meet while head coach with a victory in the 50 yard free- Hunnewell, Barrack, and Burgeron 4:00, both at Dana Hall. Whether it the athletes emerged with an idea of the prestige of the Swim Team at Matt Craven and Ms. Calini and Mr. style, and Tom Kelley ’10 and John finished second; Sullivan, Walker, C. be to watch Mr. Jenkins stroll around the effort it would take to match last St. Sebastian’s. This rumor of Junior Jenkins helped set up the meet. The Barrack ’11 grabbed fourth and fifth Kelley, and T. Kelley secured third. the deck in his crocs or actually year’s success. Varsity made the swimmers realize Arrows started the meet with a bang place in the event. J. Adams then finished first in the cheer the Swim Team on to victory, The first meet of the season that a Varsity letter would not just when Matt Vandini ’13 chased down At the intermission of the 100 yard backstroke followed by C. the swimmers would greatly ap- was scheduled for Saturday, Decem- be given to those who showed up a Berwick swimmer in the final leg meet, the Arrows had a solid lead Kelley and Walker. Sullivan, Vandini, preciate everyone’s support in their ber 5, just six days after the first prac- to practices and meets, but that of the race to capture first place for over their competition, but there and W. Supple also finished high in quest for back-to-back undefeated tice. And so, the coaches, noticing Letter would now have to be earned. the 200 yard Medley Relay of Jack were still many events to come. In the 100 yard breaststroke. After the seasons. the team needed to undergo a lot The swimmers to whom the Junior Adams ’15, Spencer, Will Adams ’11, ARROWS SPORTS

Vol LXIII, No. 3 St. Sebastian’s School December 2009 Wrestling Looks To Build on Last Year’s Surprising Success BY JOHN DONOVAN ‘12 their opponents, St. Paul’s School. St. volve close-contact; the satisfaction Paul’s has an equally strong wres- of defeating one’s opponent over- The wrestling team is off to a fan- tling program as St. Sebastian’s, they comes any shyness. Andrew Sullivan, tastic start this year. Shortly after didn’t appear to be as tough. The Class of 2013 and two year wrestling Ryan Kilcullen ‘10 looks for the open man on the court against Holderness last year. fall sports concluded the wrestling Arrows seemed to dominate their vet, says when asked about the team was training and preparing for opponents in almost every match sensation of winning, “It feels great the upcoming match at St. Paul’s. wrestled. In fact, the Arrows would when you finally win a match and all The team this year is extremely have defeated St. Paul’s if it weren’t of your hard work in practice pays We Playin’ Bas-ket-BALL for the fact that we forfeited more young and appears to have a off.” Mr. McCarthy constantly iterates promising future. Composed largely than four weigh classes. The rest throughout practice to motivate that of middle schoolers, the wrestling of the season appears to be very everything done on the mat, all the We Love That Bas-ket-BALL team is a force to be reckoned with promising, and the Arrows will most blood, sweat, and toil, is completely especially at lower levels. likely win many of their upcoming worth it when the referee raises your team will lose 8 players to college. M. FECHTELKOTTER ‘12 there are also two seniors who The first three weeks of the sea- matches. hand above your head marking you joined the team this year. Therefore, In the Arrows first game son of the season composed of At the moment the team, as the victor. It is well known that all & DAN AISENBERG ‘11 the Arrows Varsity Basketball team against Kingswood-Oxford, a very intense physical conditioning despite the teams’ massive middle the students at St. Sebastian’s school has a total of 8 seniors. talented team, which contained which stressed all the members of school population, is greatly lacking are highly competitive and have a As the football pads, soccer cleats, Two other key additions to multiple players who could leave the team. However, after pulling in upper school varsity participa- hunger for victory. Wrestling is the and running shoes are put away. The the Arrows Varsity Basketball team the backboard shaking after making through Sarge’s (Coach Ryan) boot tion. At the moment there are about ultimate task in which one can prove Air Jordan’s, the LeBron Air Max’s, or this year are assistant coach Sedale a windmill slam dunk, they met a camp, which consists of jogging 11-12 members Freshmen Year and oneself physically able. any other type of basketball sneaker Threatt Jr., and Patrick Durgan. Se- few of these goals. Despite a slow dozens of laps around the field, above. I encourage anybody to join I say once again as I do at began to be more abundant in the dale Threat, graduate of St. Sebas- start, in which they gave up a few bounding up and down stairs, exer- the team. Although everyone says the end of every article, support all lockers in the athletic building. For, tian’s School in 2003, who went to deep threes, had a few consecutive cising with Coach Suavulin, etc., the “the conditioning is impossible” and the teams, there are so many espe- the winter sports season has begun. play football at Lehigh, but also dur- turnovers, and the shot blocking wrestling team was ready for their “It’s such an awkward sport,” both are cially in the winter. Skiing, Squash, The Arrows varsity Bas- ing his time at St. Sebastian’s, he was abilities of one of the Kingswood- first match. The team clambered on false statements. First, the condition- Hockey, Swimming, Basketball, Wres- ketball team is looking foreword to a member of the Varsity Basketball Oxford starters who prevented the the rickety bus and travelled over ing is not impossible because clearly tling, Dodgeball, and of course the another successful season in the sixth team. The other new coach, Pat- Arrows from making many close to BB&N, where they would meet all of us on the team endure it ev- Chess team (pride of St. Sebastian’s season under Head Coach Morelli. rick Durgan, has a lot of basketball shots, the Arrows were able to give eryday. Second, all the sport does in- Athletics). GO ARROWS! About half of the team is made up of experience. He was previously the Kingswood-Oxford a good game. returning players, including senior Assistant Coach at Bentley Univer- The Arrows will look to co-captains Ryan Killcullen and sity, which has been very successful continue to improve and compete in Ryan Hayes. However there is also a in recent years, making it to the elite their ISL and home opener against great deal of new players who could eight of the NCAA Division II in both St. Georges on Wednesday Decem- contribute greatly to the varsity bas- 2007 and 2008. Both coaches will ber 9, at 5:15. They also are looking Squash Team Looks ketball team. For example, Quandel defanatly bring a great deal with him foreword to playing in the River’s Johnson came in against Kingswood- in helping coach the Arrows. tournament, which begins on De- Oxford when senior foreword Chris All of these people are part cember 17 through the 19. The team Dillon got tired. of the Varsity Basketball team be- also hopes to win their own tourna- Other key members of last cause they will help the team reach ment, the St. Sebastian’s tourna- years team who are returning are their goals for the season; which, ment, which is January 2 and 3. The New and Improved Derric McCottrell, who is expected according to Coach Morelli, are that Arrows are also looking foreword to to slam home more alley-oops than they want to compete in, and of big games against winning ISL rivals last year; forewords Charlie Allen and course win, league games. They are like St. Marks, who they play at home BY CHRIS STADTLER ‘12 feet off the ground. Then the next Squash with an opened mind ready player must do the same without for my first practice with Mr. Moore Kevin Lynch; and shooting guard Jake also striving to get better as the sea- on February 10, at 4:30, and Belmont What is Squash? I asked myself that letting the ball bounce twice. A as coach, who is self proclaimed O’Malley. With the exception of Derric son goes on. This will be especially Hill, who they also play at home on question about 3 weeks ago, when match includes 3 games each to be the “best squash coach this McCottrell, all returning players from important for the 5 underclassmen January 9, at 7pm. Regardless of Mr. Moore challenged the entire played to eleven and the first player school has ever seen.” When this in- last year’s team are seniors this year. on the team, for next year. They will whether the Arrows are home or school to join his group of dedicated to win 2 of these three games is formation is relayed to Mr. Webb, the In addition to the returning seniors, need to step up next year, for the away, I strongly encourage students players. All I knew about squash was the victor. In essence, that is the previous coach, by pigeon to Peru, to go to the games. that it was the sport that John Cheev- rules of squash, but some other the possibility looms of him making er had dominated. Despite my lack of rules due apply. Those rules include the long awaited return to battle for knowledge, I decided squash would interference, serving protocols and supremacy in the octagon against Hockey Looks To Stay be my sport this winter by default. boundaries. Mr. Moore. Mr. Moore, who played club More than half the team A few fellow teammates Squash in college, explained to us the at the meeting had never played and I arrived at Nobles at around commandments of Squash, later at squash before. Andrew Bono 6:50 for the 7:00 practice. With my Competitive in Tough ISL practice. He elucidated that squash is proposed tryouts. This notion was played hard and tough, but it is hard has they take on Brooks and look for Prince racket in hand I invited John a game played in a cube with slanted quickly shot down, as it was agreed BY CHRIS WARNER ‘11 to win games early in the season their first home win of the 2009- Cheever, the number one seed, for edges on two opposing sides, and first everybody should learn the when about half of the previous 2010 season. After Brooks, the Ar- a friendly volley, only to realize that two other strait edged sides with one rules and have some experience The fall season is over and it is official- team graduated. However, the rows will host their annual Christmas there was no such thing as an ami- being seven feet tall and the other before vying for the chance to be ly the time for the winter sports to be- Arrows are not going to dewell on Tournament from December 18-20 cable volley in squash. I rammed into about 25 feet tall. A player must hit apart of the Squash 09’ experience. gin. However, this year, St. Sebastian’s the lost suffered last Saturday and and then play Catholic Memorial in the boards twice and three times the largest wall above a red line three The next week I entered has some new faces around the rink. are focusing on their next opponent the Mutch Cup at Harvard University whiffed so bad one might think I was Head Coach, Mr. McCann, is new to BB&N who the Arrows will faceoff on December 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. trying to fan myself. St. Sebastian’s this year. Mr. McCann against on Saturday, December 12, Although the Arrows are off Hereafter, the situation was previously the assistant hockey 2009, at BB&N. I am sure the Arrows a slow 0-1-1 start, they are looking to began to change; after a quick jog, coach over at Harvard University and will do better there. get a win against BB&N and Brooks Mr. Moore took everyone new aside is excited to coach at St. Sebastian’s. Varsity Results and explained the rules to us. With In addition to such a new and go into the winter break with St. Sebastian’s also has a lot of new team, another obstacle to Arrows the record a solid record of 2-1-1. I our new knowledge, we could finally players on the team. With only five must face is the fact that their first believe that the Arrows will become play the game without having to seniors returning, a lot of young three games are on the road. The Ar- a lot better as the year gets old and concoct rules to fill in the wholes of players were able to make the team. rows first home game is Wednesday, they work out all the kinks that come this alien game. The team is quite young, but that is a December 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. The along with a new and young team. The next three practices of good thing. Returning seniors, Ryan Arrows will be taking on The Brooks The Arrows will definitely be one of Varsity Hockey: the year soared by, as all included Coffey, Mike Ewing, Peter Burke, Rob- School. I strongly urge all students the stronger teams in the ISL as the improved in a wide arrange of ways. bie Dunahoe, and Tommy O’Regan to come out and support the team year progresses. Style happened to be one upgrade, will take on the leadership positions as practices progressed. Chris on the team and help the new players Rivers T 2-2 Nadeau most recently sported mid adjust and become better hockey calfs - which have become an inte- players. gral part of one’s squash attire - , one The Arrows’ first game Milton L 7-1 arm sleeve and a white bandanna ended in a 2-2 tie against The Rivers to cap it all off. Rail shots, which is a School in Weston, Massachusetts. shot down the boards, were a main Although dominating most of the focus and in a short time. Many game, the Arrows still found them- succeeded in obtaining a quality selves down going into the third Varsity Basketball: rail shot that often can put away period. However, two third period opponents or put him in a difficult goals, one by Ryan Coffey and the situation. other by Tommy O’Regan tied up the Overall squash has been a game and prevented a loss for the Kingswood-Oxford L 73-54 rewarding experience. Never have visiting Arrows. Also, Donny McGuirl I left a practice thus far thinking, “I had a solid game between the pipe St. George’s W 57-51 really wish I didn’t waste that time” stopping 16 of 18 shots. Despite the or “that just wasn’t fun.” Each practice tie, the Arrows were in control most brings another battle, a great laugh of the game and had a lot of shots with teammates or the inevitable against the Rivers’ goalie, but were improvement in your game. not able to slip any by until the third Varsity Wrestling: For all students still without period. Although the Arrows were something to do this winter and did not get the win, which they would sick of wasting all that time getting have wanted, they team should be St. Paul’s L 56-22 dominated by some random guy proud of how they battled back and living on Modern Warfare two (your got the tie. still 15 hours of wasted time away The Arrows’ most recent from him anyway). Join Squash and game was December 5, 2009 against give something new a try. Modern the Milton Academy Mustangs. Warfare three or four will be better Unfortunately for the Arrows, they time spent anyway suffered a brutal 7-1 loss. The team Don McGuirl ‘11 guards the net against incoming pucks