Come to Gargoyle’s Volume 101, No. 1 HADY SID Production of One Flew Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Pittsburgh, PA SNEWSE December 5-7 No lights, no school By Mahima Chablani Junior Katie Foster entered her local Target and screamed, “I see the light!” From the night of September 14, Foster, as well as many other Pittsburghers, had not seen light for hours, days, and for some, even a week. Amidst the nonstop rain, thunder, and vigorous winds of September 14, studious Shady Side Academy students were finishing their last minute home- work by means of candlelight. The phone chain began at 6:00 AM and students woke up to discover that school was closed for reasons other than Christopher Columbus’ landing in America and George Washington’s birth- day. Junior boarder Olivia Seecof remarks, “It was a bitter-sweet surprise to wake up to screaming freshmen just to learn that school was canceled. It was even better when school regained power at 9:00 AM and I could use my straightener and hit up the mall!” Similarly junior Jesse Scalo, was simply filled with “exu- berance and joy.” Because many people did not have power, they were unable to receive a Photo courtesy of Shady Side Academy phone call informing them that school Members of all three schools gathered October 10 to form the number 125 signifying the 125th anniversary of the Academy. was closed. Junior Delia Loughrey was reluctantly on her bus to school. As her bus neared the house of a freshman who was not coming out of his house, Delia Shady Side Academy Celebrates 125 thought, “Come on! I’m going to be late By Alex Levy cultural as opposed to reflecting culture alumni, faculty, and some local politi- nally written in the 1950s, will be pub- to school!” Within a few minutes, how- Since 1883, Shady Side Academy and traditions, making everyone feel cians. lished this year as a gift from the class of ever, she discovered that school was has been a major part of the city of comfortable.” Anniversary banners have been hung ’49 and other donors. closed. The bus drove her all the way Pittsburgh. Half as old as the city itself, He also said, “It is great for the around campus, and a picture collage has This updated book was written by back home, where she had gotten her Shady Side has made a huge impact on community because Shady Side helps been composed to be displayed in the Mary Brignano using research by power back. Others, however, such as the people of Pittsburgh, and on many individuals learn, develop, and reach Hillman Center to celebrate the event. Jonathan Silver, who researched the his- senior Meredith Lackey, a Fox Chapel people who now live all over the world. high standards in a way of learning that An updated version of “So Stand tory of Shady Side for his doctoral dis- resident, did not get their power back This year marks the one hundred best helps each student.” Throughout the Years,” which was origi- sertation at CMU. until Friday of that week. twenty-fifth year of the Senior School, When long-time faculty member Jo- Although most students went shop- the hundredth of the Junior School, and seph Felder was asked why he chose to ping, slept, or simply relaxed on their the fiftieth of the Middle School. It is work at Shady Side as opposed to a day off, Dean Dave Szlachetka remarked, also the thirty-fifth year of coeducation different school, he said he works at “The power outage didn’t stop me from at Shady Side Academy. Shady Side for the students, alumni, and working.” Several members of the fac- On October 10 the celebrations were faculty. He said he loves Shady Side ulty, members of the maintenance staff, kicked off with a photo taken of the because the students care. They care and electricians still came to school. entire three school community on the about him, and about their work. The day off from school was a reju- renovated McKelvey field at the Robert He also described how proud he felt venating and relaxing personal day. In a J.Grandizio Athletic Complex. To com- to see his children as seniors, especially school centered around Smartboards, memorate the anniversary, almost twelve his son who played for the football team computers, clocks, and lights, having hundred people spelled out the number in 1998, the last time Shady Side football school would have been nearly impos- 125. won WPIALS. sible. Sally Gumberg nicely sums up the On Homecoming, October 11, The other major celebration will be power outage: “As cheesy as it sounds, alumni, faculty, students, and parents this year’s Gala. David McCullough, I felt somewhat like a pioneer. I reflected joined the celebration. class of ’51, will be the featured speaker. on the evolution of technology and how When asked how the school has He is the well known author of 1776, our society is so dependent on cell evolved throughout the years, besides Johnstown Flood, John Adams, the phones, alarm clocks, television, and the through its physical moves from a one- Pulitzer-Prize winning Harry Truman, internet, that sometimes we forget to room schoolhouse in Shadyside to Point among various other history books. simply kick back and enjoy the natural Breeze and Fox Chapel, Jeremy LaCasse This event, to be held in the McKnight Photo by Kimberly Flit world. Furthermore, as hypocritical as said that the school is now “counter- Hockey Center, will include parents, 125! President Southard, Senior Sean Hannon, Headmaster LaCasse I may sound, I enjoyed going shopping!” SSA goes to Chiapas, Perez Perez visits the Academy By Andrew Ellis and Peter Ellis felt it was their duty showed their that baffled us the most. Antonio Later that night was the gradua- World Languages Department great generosity. Their hospitality took us out of town and up into the tion party at Antonio’s house. Most Chair Carol-Jean McGreevy-Mo- was over the top and at the same mountains to Orlando’s village to of the family was there, in addition to rales, Economics teacher Guido time, quite admirable. That night, meet the rest of his indigenous fam- a few of Orlando’s good friends. We Giuntini, my brother Peter, and I the four American citizens that were ily. After driving for two hours on sat down next to the man of the hour, began a four day trip to Chiapas, staying in San Cristobal de las Casas dirt roads up and down mountains, Orlando, and enjoyed the chicken Mexico, September 11, 2008. The dined at a local café because all of we arrived at their “neighborhood.” with rice meal that the women of the purpose of this trip was to attend the the food in Antonio’s house would From the local school, it is a mile family prepared and served to us. graduation ceremony of Orlando never satisfy our hunger. hike through the rocky corn fields to They were incredibly busy, and Perez, a Mayan student for whom The next day, Orlando took us to get to the three wooden huts that wanted nothing short of perfection the Chiapas Connection club raised see the school he has been attend- fifteen members of Orlando’s family for Orlando’s big night. At the end money to send to college. ing with Chiapas Connection help live in. Imagine squeezing fifteen of the meal, we gave Orlando a Kobe When we finally arrived in the for the last several years. During the Shady Side students into three small Bryant jersey, courtesy of Chiapas town in which the family lived, we several hour drive over the neigh- huts. Connection, which he immediately got settled into our hotel and then boring mountains to his school, After introductions, the family recognized and loved. His brothers, went to meet Orlando and his family Orlando read a book about how to welcomed us into their kitchen hut also huge basketball fans, were in- at their house about a half mile away. learn English, just so he could speak where we were offered a corn drink credibly jealous. Arriving was nerve racking; we had with us a little bit. His enthusiasm to refresh ourselves. This drink Orlando made the joke that he no idea what to expect. Antonio and showed just how much he appreci- consisted of plain mashed corn that was going to have his new jersey Margarita Perez Perez, Orlando’s ated us coming to see his school and had yet to be cooked. It was not very blessed by the priest, or “Padre,” Photo by Suzanne L. Belles uncle and mother, greeted us and how badly he wanted to share his tasty to us, but it was all they had to and he didn’t take it off for the rest Perez Perez with Andrew Ellis. ushered us into his living room. Salu- experience with us. offer, so of course we drank it. of the night. During her stay in Pittsburgh, tations were exchanged between Once we arrived, he was eager to Their gratitude and excitement to During this trip, especially on the Margarita sold weavings and Doctora and her long time friend, show us the whole school, from his meet us was obvious and was last night, there were events that we bracelets made by Mayan women Antonio. classroom to the cafeteria where he enough to make anyone feel like will never forget. We hope that this It was not long before Orlando ate, proving to us how much the aid Mother Teresa. Good byes were article might convey a little of the and children, and spoke to Econ and his family set the table in front of we have given meant to him. While said after the children and an incred- hospitality and appreciation that we and Advanced Spanish classes us to eat. We had not even men- each day brought new and special ible 80-year-old grandmother had received from such grateful friends about the economic organization tioned eating, but the fact that they experiences, it was the very next day walked us back the mile to our car. of Shady Side Academy. of the Mayan society. Shady Side News 2Opinions Tuesday, October 28, 2008 SSA News celebrates its centennial Lockers by Cup teams By Justine Kim By Haley DeJulio As we celebrate the one hundred and twenty The first issue of the When you walk into a room and bring Now the lockers by SSA CUP Teams five years of Shady Side Academy’s impressive “Shady Side Academy up the topic that the lockers were dis- are simply acting as an inconvenience to history, traditions of old, forgotten and remem- Newspaper” came out tributed according to SSA CUP Team everyone. People will “bond” with this year, you will immediately receive whom they want to “bond” regardless of bered, are being recognized. Each carries with it a on September 23, 1895 responses like “It’s so stupid,” “I’m not who their locker is next to. sense of pride, recognition, and unity. with Southard Hay as a fan,” and “Well, I don’t think it’s really Last year, I could simply walk across Founded in 1883, the Academy has since then Editor. Since then, more encouraging bonding.” the hall to the other second floor locker accumulated a number of traditions ranging from than one hundred vol- Basically, Morewood and Aiken are pod or remain in my second floor locker formal and ceremonious to casual and relaxed. The umes have been pub- in the basement locker pods, Bayard and pod to find the people I was looking for. Ellsworth are in the second floor locker Now, I am in Morewood, so my locker longtime seniors’ Graduation March, students lished, made up of ar- pods, and the freshmen remain with the is in the basement, and most mornings, dressed in navy and white with bagpipe in the lead, ticles written by a spec- other freshman in the blue lockers down I get my books out of my locker, and then never fails to inspire awe in the audience. trum of students and in the science wing. go up to the second floor locker pod An example in the opposite direction, the Shady faculty. As a sophomore, I was hoping to anyway, despite what Morewood up- Side Cup that is just two years old in name if not in One of the most have a similar locker arrangement to last per classmen may have been purposely year, with most of the people in my placed in my locker pod downstairs. theory, encourages teamwork in academics, arts, amazing and passionate professors of his time, Alfred grade nearby. Some may argue that In fact, in my opinion, this locker and athletics. The colors in this case encompass a Clare Dickey, joined the Academy on January 4, 1895 having your friends from your grade in arrangement is having the opposite ef- crazy combination of purple, yellow, green, white, and taught until his death forty-eight years and eight lockers close to your own discourages fect it was intended to have, and as blue, orange, red, and black. Individual traditions months later. He was featured in, wrote for, and helped inter-grade bonding, but I disagree. Manasa Reddy puts it, “In protest of impart memories and history lessons that provide out the News, in some cases from his hotel while he By separating the lockers into CUP the fallacy of organization of locker Teams so that you may have your locker pods based on CUP Team status, I do both amusement and school pride. was away on his many travels. No longer writing, next to or above a sophomore, junior, or not even go to my locker anymore.” The Shady Side Academy newspaper itself has faculty members do, however, continue to preside as senior’s locker, you are only encourag- The only change in our Shady Side been a part of SSA history since 1895, an era pre- advisors for the News. Both current faculty advisors, ing bonding for the few minutes a day sense of community these lockers by “Shady Ladies.” Although not so much a tradition Suzanne Belles since 1990 and Angela Irvine since you actually spend at your locker. Oth- CUP Team has implemented is just that, as an extension of the school, the News provides 1973, show the same dedication and enthusiasm, erwise, if your locker is not near your the organization of our lockers, and most friends, you will simply go to their will tell you “It is wrong on so many coverage of the ongoing activities of the Academy although from a lot closer to home. locker pod to hang out with the people levels that they can’t even be counted on including foreign exchanges, athletic games, the The News is a written history of Shady Side Acad- from your grade anyway. my hands (Manasa Reddy).” Hillman performing arts series, and perennial favor- emy from the unique perspective of students. This ite “Man on the Street.” long-held tradition holds records of past faculty mem- Initiated by a group of “Shady Side men,” the bers, photos and articles alike, the memorable achieve- Who are the men News has developed with each generation, from ments of former students, the prior locations of the Aiken Avenue to Fox Chapel Road. Publishing Academy, the numerous versions of the “Shady Side behind the curtain? articles on construction specifications of the new Song,” among other recollections and pieces of our By Zack Myers We all know the names Barack Obama and John Mccain. We have seen them stumping school buildings on the country campus and print- history. all over the country. We have seen two Conventions and too many advertisements, in which ing annual photos of the faculty members has since Only one of many traditions that continue within they tell us what they are going to do. But in reality, as we have learned from George W. Bush “evolved” to publications of Rowe green-themed Shady Side Academy, the News represents the value all too well, the President is often simply the mouthpiece for the administration, spitting out reconstruction and interviews, with headshots, of in creating, sharing, and passing along the aspects of the message that someone gave him ten minutes earlier. In reality, the people who really affect our common lives are people whose names we don’t even know. new faculty members. The changes correspond the community that contribute to the making of our Who are the men behind the curtain, the men who truly make our nation’s policies and with the times, yet the similarities exist. history, unification, and school pride. decisions? Every four years, as one administration moves out and another moves in, the president selects his cabinet. These men and women serve “at the pleasure” of the president; they are not elected and as we have seen they are not always competent to handle the great decisions which accompany their post. Bankrupting the My Sister’s Before Katrina, had you ever heard of Michael Brown, let alone the organization he was supposed to be running, FEMA? In 2003 President Bush appointed Brown to be the Director of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Brown, a long time friend of George Keeper W., had no experience in managing national crises. When Katrina devastated New Orleans, American Dream Brown had no idea what to do. Perhaps we should not have been surprised, since this is the same By Chad Rosenbloom By Olivia Seecof man who was fired from a job as the commissioner of the International Arabian Horse The theory and practice of free rations run into trouble, the govern- Jodi Picoult is an author who writes Association.1 market capitalism lies at the founda- ment bales them out with taxpayer with deep emotion, and keen insights to After the hurricane hit, with tens of thousands of people trapped in the New Orleans tion of American society. Our culture money. This has disturbing implica- the hearts and thoughts of real people. Convention Center without food, water, or medical services, Brown was shocked during a TV is defined by it; the information we tions for our democratic institutions. She develops her characters so that read- interview with Paula Zahn, exclaiming, “Every person in that Convention Center, we just When decision-making power is di- ers feel like they have known them their learned about today…Paula, the Federal government did not even know about the Convention receive is filtered through it, and the 2 consequences of its dominance can be verted from the public arena to the whole lives. Center people until today.” Newspapers had been reporting on the problems of the people felt worldwide. private arena, that’s when genuine de- In My Sister’s Keeper Picoult writes in the Convention Center for days. Obviously, Brown was not the man for the job, and his incompetence cost over 1300 people their lives. This is a machine without any moral mocracy begins to deteriorate. It’s at about the life of a family and its struggles, The current financial crisis is another blatant example of how the bumbling of men in these that junction in human society where the life of a lawyer and his ex-girlfriend, conscience to speak of, a machine that key positions can directly impact Washington, Wall Street, and Main Street. Granted, men and the life formed by their crossing only cares about one thing: the pursuit some people start having to make dif- like Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson are in a different league than the Michael Browns of and consumption of profits. It is a ficult choices: whether to pay for phar- paths. the world, but where have they been all this time? How could a nation as great as the United system that is morally and ideologi- maceutical drugs or your next meal, The story is told from different States of America be on the brink of another Great Depression? cally bankrupt, its basic presupposi- whether to pay the rent or pay for gas. people’s point of view, but is mainly Over a year ago, Jim Cramer, TV host of Mad Money, went ballistic raving that something tions only sustainable through deceit When so many people are strug- centered on the fact that Anna, a sister had to be done immediately, or companies like Meryl Lynch and Bear Sterns would be bankrupt and mis-education. gling for the necessities, theorizing in the family, has hired a lawyer to win within the year. Cramer was ostracized by some and praised by many for his “Rant heard ‘round Modern capitalism may prove to about freedom and socialist democ- her medical emancipation from her par- the world,” crying that we were in the midst of an economic “Armageddon” and that if no action be the real demon of our era. While racy is unfortunately beyond their ents. She wants this because her whole were taken the 7 million people who took piggy-back or teaser rate mortgages “will lose their issues such as terrorism, nuclear war, temperament. life has been centered around keeping her homes.”3 How then, does Paulson appear on TV saying we have a crisis that has to be resolved and oil addiction are currently the cen- Many conservatives and right-wing sister Kate from dying of leukemia. within the week, when he should have taken action at least a year ago? Maybe Jim Cramer ter of political discourse in our nation, economists believe, or claim to believe, Throughout the novel, issues such as ought to have been Bush’s pick. the fundamentals of the American way that privatization and the “free mar- creating the perfect child, following your When Venture Capital companies decide to make an investment, one of the single most of life are rarely questioned. What has ket” are what is best for the common heart, and making life altering decisions critical criteria is the quality of the management team. It is not enough to have one great proven itself to be a wholly destruc- person. They complain that the cost are examined. Through these issues, visionary CEO and have no COO to drive operations. Nor is it enough to have someone who tive, inhumane system persists. of universal healthcare and other pro- Picoult portrays the way every person is great at managing relationships, without a Chief Financial Officer to assure that there is enough The fact of the matter is that the gressive reforms would be too high for involved deals with them. money to afford her next plane ticket. Some argue that what America needs is a great business term “capitalism” itself is misleading. the nation. After reading six of Picoult’s 22 books, leader, not just a great politician. I argue that what America needs is transparency so that we aren’t just electing the mouthpiece, but we have a voice and an understanding of who the brain The societies described by many clas- This is a very bold position, con- My Sister’s Keeper is ranked at about 3 would be, too. Let’s have our next President bring all of his supporters out on stage at the next sidering these are the same individuals (out of 5). I liked how I felt that I was sical as well as contemporary neo- convention, pull back the curtain and we will finally see the mad wizards whom he would make going through the things each narrator liberal economists have never existed. who advocate keeping the military kings. “Capitalism” as it is used today really budget at over $300 billion a year. If spoke of. It was a little hard for me to 1 http://thehill.com/josh-marshall/bush-tore-down-the-fema-that-clinton-built-up-2005-09-08.html means socialism for the rich. we can spend that much money on imagine what it would be like to have a 2 http://www.truveo.com/CNNs-Paula-Zahn-interviews-FEMAs-Mike-Brownie/id/2246656221# 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWksEJQEYVU In other words, the only real capi- killing people, we can at least spend a sick sister because I do not even have a talists in the United States are small little on keeping our own citizens healthy one. However, I have a best friend who is like my sister, so I imagined All the news businesses because they have the free- healthy. Designed with HADY SID dom to go bankrupt and out of busi- (Please see American Dream, her in the place of Kate. I understood Adobe Pagemaker 7.0 that fits, ness. On the other hand, when corpo- Page Eight) where Anna was coming from, not want- on an IBM S E we print ing to give her kidney away, but I could not fathom having my best friend die if NEWS I could have given her another chance. Published by Shady Side Academy The ending of the book was remark- 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 TEL: 412-968-3000 able. I was on my way home from a soccer game, and as we pulled into SSA The Shady Side News welcomes responses and opinions from students, faculty, I had five pages left. The bus driver and readers. All letters must be signed. News reserves the right to edit for content asked me if I wanted to be dropped off if libelous statements are involved. If necessary, letters will be edited for length. at the dorm and I said no just so I could finish the book. I usually do not cry Editors-in-Chief...... Justine Kim, Lizzi Diggs, Olivia Seecof while reading books, but the ending of News Editors...... Anna Sabo, Zach Myers My Sister’s Keeper brought tears to my Features Editors ...... Rekha Toshok, Pooja Tripathi eyes. Opinions Editor ...... David Jimenez Everyone has heard of chick flicks Asst. Opinions Editor ...... Noah Schoen that every girl has to read, but I think Sports Editor...... Jen Cozen Photo by Kimberly Flit Photography Editors...... Kimberly Flit, Nick Gasbarro Never forget. A banner crafted by students hangs on there should be a category of books that every girl should read, and My Sister’s Art Editor ...... Nick Barnes Morewood porch in remembrance of September 11, 2001. Keeper should be at the top of the list. Faculty Advisors...... Angela Irvine, Suzanne Belles Shady Side News Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Election ‘083 Political Profile: Joe Biden Governor Sarah who? By David Jimenez McCain’s campaign ads. During the By Jenna Hebert Just ten months ago, Joe Biden was primaries, when describing Barack The Republican Convention was the barnstorming, literally, across the corn Obama’s recent entry into the cam- stage for a powerful speech by a politi- fields of Iowa, not for Barack Obama but paign, he said in an interview, “I mean, cian who has all the political pundits and for himself. Despite his likeability, you got the first mainstream African- journalists very excited – Sarah Palin. strong debate performances, experience, American [to run for president] who is Presidential candidate John McCain and the endless optimism of the under- articulate and bright and clean and a nice- announced this beauty queen turned dog, his campaign fell into obscurity, looking guy . . . I mean, that’s a storybook, politician as his running mate on August and, after a poor showing at the cau- man.” 29, 2008 to much enthusiasm and con- cuses, he dropped out. But his fate was When asked why schools in Iowa are troversy. not yet sealed and now, only a few statistically better than those in the A high school basketball star and months later, he is campaigning for the District of Columbia, he told the Wash- winner of the Miss Wasilla Crown in vice presidency and might very well be ington Post, “There’s less than one per- 1984, Palin is used to being center-stage. a heartbeat away from the Oval Office cent of the population of Iowa that is Initially a sports anchor on a local tele- come January. African American. There is probably vision station and once-active member For political pundits and observers, less than four or five percent that are of the PTA, Palin’s life took an unprec- Obama’s choice was a brilliant move. It problems. For some, it would be hard minorities. What is in Washington? So edented turn when she decided to enter was a clear appeal to working-class for Obama to run as a candidate of real look, it goes back to what you start off the political world and landed a seat on Democrats and Catholics, whom Obama change but have a Washington insider as with, what you’re dealing with.” the Wasilla City Council. Dissatisfied sponded by saying, “Well first, we are had great difficulty courting in the pri- his running mate. Biden’s Catholic faith In the 1990s, Biden brought up ques- with how the city’s money was being friends of Israel, and I don’t think we maries. and his pro-choice positions bring back tions about sexual harassment against handled by John Stein, Wasilla’s mayor, should second guess the measures that For many, it provided assurances for the Eucharist question that haunts the now Supreme Court Justice Clarence this fierce fiscal conservative went after Israel has to take to defend themselves those wary of Obama’s lack of experi- Democratic Party, or the “party of death” Thomas during his confirmation hear- his office in the 1996 mayoral election. and for their security.” Gibson asked the ence; after all, Biden has served for according to former Archbishop ings, which infuriated conservatives and After that victory, she ran against and question twice more, trying to get her to thirty-five years in the Senate and is the Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis, and which Thomas described as a “high-tech defeated Tony Knowles, becoming gov- elaborate, but each time she responded current chairman of the Judiciary and which played a major role in John Kerry’s lynching.” ernor of Alaska in 2006. with a variation of “We cannot second Foreign Policy Committee. He has problems with Catholics and Evangeli- While these issues are being rela- Now a mother of five, a lifelong guess Israel.” The governor appeared to played an active role in most of the major cal voters in Midwestern swing states. tively ignored in the light of Sarah Palin’s hunter and member of the NRA, Palin have been briefed before the interview policy issues of the past few decades, Among many other Catholic leaders, recent interviews and gaffes, they raise has graduated from city council member on public and foreign policy matters, from the war in Bosnia to violence against Bishop Joseph F. Martino of Scranton, questions on his ability to handle many to the first woman to be selected as the such as the bailout plan and Israel. She women, and is respected on both sides Biden’s hometown, told a local newspa- sensitive racial issues as Vice President. vice presidential candidate for the Re- did not demonstrate mastery of these of the aisle for his extensive background per, “No Catholic politician who sup- Historically, vice-presidential can- publican Party. She calls herself a complex concepts; in fact she tended to in international affairs. ports the culture of death should ap- didates play little role in how people “Washington outsider” who doesn’t have recite stock phrases when she heard Biden’s struggle with the death of his proach Holy Communion,” the bread vote. But, in 1864, Lincoln’s selection “allegiances to the powerbrokers” or “to certain key words. In addition, many first wife and son in a car accident and his and wine that Catholics consider to be of Andrew Johnson united Unionists the lobbyists.” political pundits have ventured the opin- dedication to his surviving sons (unlike the literal body and blood of Jesus Christ. across the North; in 1972, the McGovern Although many voters are ecstatic ion that McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin most senators, he commuted from his Catholics this year are a crucial vot- campaign’s failure to fact check Mis- about Palin, some are skeptical about as his VP is a shallow attempt to court home in Delaware every day by train to ing bloc: they are generally economically souri Senator Thomas Eagleton’s men- McCain’s choice of running mate. Some former Hillary Clinton supporters. spend more time with them) demon- liberal and historically Democratic but tal health resulted in embarrassment for question her experience and ability to Many voters, however, couldn’t be strates great personal character. He is social issues shifted many to the Repub- an already lackluster candidate. In a time take on the responsibilities of vice presi- happier about McCain’s historic pick. certainly no limousine liberal and can licans in recent elections. While eco- of such partisan divide and economic dent or, quite possibly, president. Her Her strong pro-life record has thrilled hardly be accused of elitism, given his nomic issues continue to dominate the anxiety, the No. 2 on the ticket can make responses to foreign policy and eco- Evangelical Christian voters. Many of working class values and background. headlines, it would be very naive to think a difference, either as an assurance or nomic questions in her interviews on Palin’s socially conservative blue-collar He is more socially conservative than that the issue of the unborn will sud- even a reason to reject the candidate. ABC and CBS might justify those female supporters, who have been tagged many of his Democratic colleagues: he denly disappear at the voting booth. Polls and the consensus-building qualms. When asked by CBS’s Katie “Sam’s Club Republicans,” feel they favors the death penalty, tougher prison Biden’s numerous verbal gaffes may pundits on the main networks can tell us Couric why it isn’t better to spend $700 can identify with this self-proclaimed sentences, and some abortion restric- also create problems. Biden’s past criti- very little about how people can or will billion helping middle-class families “hockey-mom.” This demographic pro- tions. cism of Obama’s lack of experience in vote in the end; we may know soon, rather than bailing out the big corpora- vided the much-needed enthusiasm and Yet the Biden selection poses some the debates is now being used in however, if Biden makes a difference. tions that got our economy into this the resulting bounce in McCain’s poll mess, Palin responded with empty state- numbers. According to a September 10- ments like, “But ultimately what the 11 Newsweek poll, now that Palin is on bailout does is help those who are con- the ticket, 71% of McCain voters say Obama: Messiah or Politician? cerned about the healthcare reform that they support the ticket strongly, up By David Jimenez and accepted $105,000 from Freddie If two major social justice move- is needed to help shore up our economy from 39% before the convention. This America has always been a very Mac, one of the many mortgage compa- ments, the pro-life and anti-poverty helping the – it’s got to be all about job means that not only does she attract new individualistic nation, celebrating the nies that caused our current economic movements, demonstrate anything, it is creation, too, shoring up our economy voters, but she also brings increased power of one man, voice, or person over chaos in the first place through its ma- that candidates are willing to manipu- and putting it on the right track,” and, enthusiasm, which draws more volun- the collective. Perhaps it comes from nipulation of hardworking but naïve and late, lie to, and exploit caring, moral, and “…we’ve got to see trade as an oppor- teers and donors to the campaign. our lack of history; we are not bound like confused homeowners. He has flip just people for votes. Despite years of tunity, not as a competitive scary thing.” Whether your reaction to Sarah Palin Europe in a past of ethnic, religious, and flopped on dozens of major issues, from rhetoric and emotional propaganda, abor- Another questionable moment oc- is admiration or disdain, no one can deny class struggle. Our emphasis on the the Cuba embargo to public financing for tion rates have not decreased signifi- curred when ABC’s Charles Gibson that her candidacy as the first female vice power of the singular has produced great campaigns to decriminalizing marijuana. cantly under Bush’s administration and asked, “What if Israel decided it felt presidential candidate for the Republi- leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Susan During the Pennsylvania primary, a conservative Supreme Court. Even if threatened and needed to take out the can Party has brought us one step closer B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King. while claiming not to take money from Roe vs. Wade is overturned, as Repub- Iranian nuclear facilities?” Palin re- to shattering that glass ceiling. But it can also mislead us and, in this oil companies, Obama took $213,000 licans promise they will do, it will only election, perhaps at our own peril. from oil company employees and has go back to the states, and the ones with We have seen in this election so far accepted thousands of dollars from disgustingly high abortion rates, such as Pennsylvania, New York, or California, Election ’08: Overview that the Obama campaign, and the greedy oil company executives who By David Steiner McCain camp to a lesser extent, have are not going to ban the procedure any raised it indirectly for him. Despite their According to CNN.com, as of October 20, it is expected that 272 electoral votes made their candidates into messianic like time soon. Despite this clear fact, Re- opposition to much needed reforms that will go to Democratic Candidate Barack Obama, while 174 electoral votes will go figures: it is this man, and this one only, would save our public schools, Obama publicans have been willing to exploit to his Republican counterpart, John McCain. That leaves 87 electoral votes up they tell us, who will bring change, end has cuddled again and again with teach- this pro-life issue year after year for the corruption, destroy the powers that votes. As for the anti-poverty move- for grabs, and 270 electoral votes are needed to win the election. Rasmussen ers unions even when common sense Reports shows that Obama was up 50% to 42% in the September polls in be in Washington, and protect us. Some demands otherwise. ment, we have seen that the Democratic of these images have dangled narrowly Party, Obama included, rarely address Pennsylvania. Furthermore, it would be foolish to It is important that voters know where their presidential candidates stand on close to the point of sacrilege for the the plight of our inner cities, even as they think that somehow all of these major the key issues with Election Day only eight days away. more religious among us: shining posters economic problems started under Bush. spiral into a living hell of moral deca- On government spending, McCain said that he’d consider a spending freeze of Obama over the banner of HOPE, for Did Bill Clinton, another “change” can- dence, self-destruction, drugs, gangs, instance. In all of this rhetoric, we find poverty, hopelessness, and despair. on everything but defense, veterans’ affairs, and entitlement programs in order to didate, make any major impact on global cut back on government spending. Obama agreed that the government needs to that Americans are falling for the same warming or health care? While I recog- I am not saying that McCain is any old gimmick: one candidate, one man, better; I will support Obama this year, cut spending in certain areas, but he said that other areas, such as early childhood nize Bush’s conservatism, has the Demo- education, need more funding. one president will change the country. albeit very reluctantly. Because, de- cratic Congress really tried to make a As for Iraq, the next president will have some decisions to make, such as when Of course, looking back at history, significant breakthrough on any of these spite his poor judgement, flip flooping, and how the US should leave Iraq and what will be left behind. Obama feels that we find this not to be true. The Civil major issues? The answer is no; voting and the cult of personality surrounding Rights Act did not come along when his campaign, I feel that ultimately we should concentrate our efforts on Afghanistan, but McCain feels that Iraq is for one party or candidate is never where our efforts should be focused. Americans politely voted for JFK; it change. If Obama is elected, we should McCain would set America back an- came through protests, marches, and other fifty years. Obama is not the While the candidates of both parties disagree on a multitude of issues, one that not suddenly forget politics and hope he they do agree on is that FDIC insurance should be increased from $100,000 to demonstrations. In other words, we, the savior of America or the Second Com- will turn things around. $250,000. Obama feels that increasing deposit insurance coverage “would boost people. Lincoln would have been per- ing; he is a politician, and a shrewd one fectly content to retain slavery or a de at that. small businesses, make our banking system more secure, and help restore public facto version of it after the Civil War But Americans must recognize that confidence in our financial system.” were it not for the activism of abolition- real change, substantial change, comes Perhaps this is a way to persuade lawmakers who voted against the $700 billion ists and Radical Republicans. Whether from social movements, from the com- economic bailout plan to change their minds. Obama blasted Congress for not at first passing the bill, while McCain and his campaign accused Obama and we feel Obama is sincere in his words or munity and not self-appointed leaders. Democrats of putting “politics ahead of country.” The bill failed by a vote of 228- merely using them for moral posturing, Americans must pressure the next presi- he is human nevertheless: he will have dent to bring change, not hope that he 205, with the majority of Republicans voting against it. After some modifications, to bow to the same people and the same does. When candidates like Barack the bill ultimately passed with enough support from both parties. special interests that have put us on the Obama, and even John McCain, make Under Obama’s economic plan, 95% of the population would receive a tax cut verge of economic havoc in the first themselves into national saviors, we and taxes would be raised only for those making over $250,000 a year. Under McCain’s, businesses would receive tax cuts because he feels that individuals and place. should be very wary. Even for the non- corporations are establishing their businesses elsewhere than the US because we I am not trying to be cynical in religious, the Bible can give us a telling anyway; but a person who sees Obama example: when Jesus and the anti-Ro- currently have the second-highest business taxes in the world. as this god-like figure is gravely mis- man rebel leader Barabus are presented Also agreed on is that an Iran with nuclear weapons is a tangible threat to the taken and leading America to a road of by Pontius Pilate to the crowd, the State of Israel and could set off an arms race in the Middle East. The difference totalitarianism, if not dictatorship that people choose to free Barabus, the false between them, though, is that if McCain was president, he would not sit down with the leaders of Iran without preconditions established, but Obama would. undermines the foundations of our Re- prophet, the fraudulent political mes- Both candidates feel that Russia should have shown more restraint, should not public. Just look at Obama’s connec- siah. One can only hope that Americans tions to special interests. He received Oba-maniac, Manasa Reddy will not do the same, whoever it may be. have invaded Georgia, and that its actions were unwarranted and unacceptable. Shady Side News 4School News, etc. Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Molly Wilson Rachel McCool Jonathan JohnsonDaniel Kriebel Elyse Zheng Mark Skinner Wendy Skinner Julie Heitzer Tom Colt Senior school sees influx of new faculty faces By Elizabeth Diggs official title is college counselor so I Mr. Skinner: Well, we were moving to ing in the athletic department. Mr. Kriebel: I was a pretty serious This year the academy was thrilled work with Mr. Rossi and Mr. Colt to Pittsburgh and I have been a teacher for Mr. Kriebel: I didn’t teach in this setting soccer player. I ended up playing divi- to welcome nine new faculty members. help with the seniors and finding the a long time. There was an opening and before so some of that stuff has been sion I soccer in college. I also played After an unusually large amount of de- college that is the right fit for them. I love teaching Physics so here I am. new. I was a TA in college previously basketball and lacrosse. I was a member parting faculty last year, almost every Mr. Colt: I work here in college counsel- Mrs. Skinner: I was excited to come to but adjusting to Pittsburgh has been of student council. I also started bible department and even some administra- ing. I work with seniors. I have just over a coed day school that had five day much easier than it was adjusting to club in my high school which was actu- tive positions needed a few fresh faces forty seniors that I am working with this boarding. I liked the size, the students China so everything is sort of relative. ally a pretty big deal because I was in to fill the imposing gap. fall helping them to pair their college list I met when I was here on campus, the Mrs. Zheng: I used to teach public school public school. I think the club is still in Additions to the history department down and add schools if necessary. I faculty that I met on campus when I and I taught middle school kids so this existence but I’m not sure. include Molly Wilson, an avid musician also write recommendations for the stu- decided to teach here. Before I came to has been a big change but all for the Mrs. Zheng: I did tennis but I stunk. I and faculty dormer, and Rachel McCool, dents that I work with and helping them campus I read about the guiding prin- better. Public school is a little surlier. I stink at sports in general. I was always a native Pittsburgher and previous Home- and their families with the college pro- ciples and thought that was interesting used to have one hundred and fifty one of those offbeat kids so I did a lot of town High-Qer. Jonathan Johnson, al- cess. and I am excited to come to a school that seventh graders and now I have sixty animal rights clubs and stuff like that. I ready the Boys Prep ice hockey coach agrees on certain principles. juniors so this has been amazing. Every- also did math club and science club. I was began teaching World History I this Q: Why did you decide to come to Mrs. Heitzer: Well, I was previously one wants to learn and it’s a lot of fun. a big nerd. year. Shady Side? working as a college admissions repre- Mr. Skinner: Shady Side seems like a Mr. Skinner: I played football, ran track, Joining the world languages depart- Ms. Wilson: When I was in high school sentative and while working at that job really excellent place. I have worked a and was a member of the math team. ment is Daniel Kriebel, a multilinguist I was in a program called the Maine I realized that I like working with stu- bunch of other independent schools and Mrs. Skinner: I played soccer, I swam, and former inhabitant of China. Coast Semester. Shady Side was one of dents rather than the college side of it shares similarities with a lot of them. and I played lacrosse. Two faculty members were added to the founding schools of the program so things so I was excited to come to a high It seems like a very vibrant community Mrs. Heitzer: When I was in high school the science department: Elyse Zheng, a there were some kids and teachers there school where I could actually meet stu- and it’s a really wonderful place to work. I was involved in the student council. I self-proclaimed nerd and Carnegie who had connections with Shady Side, dents and work with them on a more Mrs. Skinner: I have mostly worked at was in the French club, dance team, and Mellon graduate, and Mark Skinner, so I had heard of the school although I continual basis. I was really excited all girl schools in the last two years. The I was in symphonic band. I played the another faculty dormer and physics had never been to Pittsburgh before. I when there was an opening here and I thing that surprised me the most was flute. enthusiast. came to visit and I just thought Pitts- was able to come to Shady Side. how much the boys in Croft can eat. I Mr. Colt: I was in cross country and Mr. Skinner’s wife, Wendy Skinner, burgh was cool. I really like the five day Mr. Colt: I had worked at a bunch of am continually interested in how boys track. I played trombone in the band and also joined Shady Side as the head of boarding as well because it has got a good schools in different parts of the country are different from girls. pep band. I also sang in the choir. I am residential life and new dean. balance between the residential life and most recently in Charlotte, North Caro- Mrs. Heitzer: So far it’s more hectic than ready for the teacher talent show. Bring The college counseling office received kids get to be with their families. lina at a place called the Providence Day I realized than I thought it would be. it on! two new members, Julie Heitzer and Ms. McCool: Well, I thought it was a School. I got married this past summer There are always students hanging out in Tom Colt. Both are dedicated to making great opportunity. I am originally from here in Pittsburgh. My wife is from the college counseling office and it’s Q: Can you please finish this sen- the college process as smooth and stress- Pittsburgh so I wanted to get a job back Pittsburgh and she had been living up busy but I really like it. I think it was tence?: It may surprise you that… free as possible. here so I could move back home and I here and we had been dating each other very welcoming from the students to the Ms. Wilson: I play the Irish harp. I interviewed all nine teachers and think Shady Side is a great school. in a long-distance relationship and it just parents to the staff. I really feel like I am Ms. McCool: I was on Jeopardy when displayed their responses below. Mr. Johnson: Actually I came last year made sense for us to get married and for welcomed here so that has made the I was in college. and primarily came for hockey pur- me to move up here. Shady Side fit in transition a lot easier. Mr. Johnson: I have four kids. Q: What do you teach at Shady Side? poses. They recruited me to come and perfectly. Mr. Colt: The adjustment for me has Mr. Kriebel: I am likely even more impa- Ms. Wilson: I teach ninth and tenth grade coach hockey here. The fact that they been great. I feel like it has been pretty tient than you are. World History. I co-advise Model UN needed someone in the history office Q: How has the adjustment been? smooth. Although the upper school Mrs. Zheng: I am a snake person so to and I live in Morewood. this year turned into a little bit of a Ms. Wilson: It’s pretty different from campus is split up from the middle move here I had to get rid of thirty Ms. McCool: This year I am teaching bonus. It’s nice to be in the classroom Boston just because I have to drive school and junior school, Shady Side is snakes. I used to breed them and do all two sections of World History II and again. around in a car now because there is no overall the same size as the school I am sorts of stuff. two sections of U.S. History. Mr. Kriebel: Lots of reasons. The overall public transportation I can use. The coming from. Mr. Skinner: in high school my summer Mr. Johnson: Freshman history and feel I got when I visited the school and hardest thing has been figuring out the job was as a bike messenger in Washing- hockey. the accessibility to administration was eight day cycle that just seems wacky to Q: What sports, activities, or clubs ton, D.C. Mr. Kriebel: I am currently teaching also a big thing. I really liked the foreign me. did you do in high school? Mrs. Skinner: my father is a mime. French and Spanish and there is a strong language department and the people that Ms. McCool: Well, it has been quick Ms. Wilson: In high school, I was on the Mrs. Heitzer: at 5’8", I am the shortest possibility I will teach Chinese next I met in the department. Mr. LaCasse since I didn’t have all summer to pre- math team. I was really into the math member of my immediate family. year. was also another big reason I decided to pare. The schedule is a little odd to team. Mr. Colt: I can juggle a basketball, a Mrs. Zheng: I teach four sections of come to the school. adjust to. It is not something I am used Ms. McCool: In high school, I was in the penny, and a scoop of ice cream all at biology so mostly juniors and seniors. Mrs. Zheng: I went to school in Pitts- to, but so far it has gone pretty well. marching band and I was on the varsity once. Mr. Skinner: I am teaching two sections burgh for college at Carnegie Mellon and Mr. Johnson: When you are not teaching tennis team at Woodland Hills. I also did Whether the transition has been easy of Concepts of Physics. I met my husband here and we love there is still a lot you don’t know that Hometown High-Q and the literary or difficult, or whether the teacher can Mrs. Skinner: I teach French I, run the Pittsburgh. I moved back to Philadel- you think you know so it’s nice. It has magazine. juggle or play the Irish harp, SSA is residential life program, and I’m the phia for a couple years and we both been good to be back in a classroom and Mr. Johnson: In high school, I played happy to welcome all to our ever- dean. decided we would move back here. When to be teaching again. It’s nice to know hockey, ran track, and played a little growing family. They will help to main- Mrs. Heitzer: Well here at Shady Side I I interviewed here I really loved it. I love kids on a different level and I probably baseball. I was also in the senior high tain our high level of academic excellence am in the college counseling office. My the people and the campus is beautiful. know more kids than if I was just work- chorus. and make this year more enjoyable. Parkin fellows return enriched Fashion forward: By Aurelia Henderson The Parkin Fellowships are for sophomores and juniors who want to what’s in store for spring take a part in a service or environmental By Lynn Nguyen and Gauri Joshi project over the summer. With a chill creeping into the air and In Paris the shoes Alumnus Fred Parkin, class of 1959, the leaves on the trees beginning to fall, were dressed with generously donates money for travel there is no doubt: time for the Spring vibrant colored prints, expenses for several service projects 2009 Fashion Shows. that are brought in front of the voting For the past three weeks, the biggest and bows. board, which consists of President Tho- names in fashion have been showing off that gave a deconstructed exo-skeleton mas Southard and the previous year’s their Spring 2009 lines. Designers pre- look and had shoes featuring electrical Parkin Fellows. pare all year for the catwalk down the wires as straps. Their finale evening Of the more than twenty applicants runway in the fashion capitals of the dresses were skillfully draped and played last year, eight were selected to receive world. on the dyed colors in the fabrics. financial aid for their trips this summer: This year Marc Jacobs featured Vera Wang, inspired by the French Sonum Bharill, Kathryn Vincett, Basyl metallic colors, plaid, tank dresses, and artist Niki de Saint Phalle, added sparkly, Stuyvesant, Logan Handelsman, Aurelia high waisted skirts, mixed with Asian chunky, long necklaces over sheer flowy Henderson, Elizabeth Diggs, Katherine Aurelia Henderson poses with rescued trafficking victims In Italy. influences. dresses. Many of the pieces had the de Brill and George Domat. Dsquared, showing in Milan, went Saint Phalle’s influence in the graphic Students traveled to Africa, Italy, have a lasting impact for generations to Italy. Aurelia said, “I liked the idea that for a throwback seventies look, citing panels in tops and on skirts. Costa Rica, Italy, the Dominican come.” my passion was a source of hope for Charlie’s Angels as their inspiration. The biggest trends of the season are Rebublic, China, and Australia and New When the fellows met for breakfast them.” They also opted for the high waisted chunky jewelry, plaids, and ruffles. Zealand. towards the beginning of the school Logan Handelsman will end the pre- look, but implemented it in both their Mixing colors is very “in,” but the main The trips ranged from working in year, the response to their adventures sentations in December, just in time for skirts and pants and incorporated jew- colors of the season are blue and beige. orphanages to constructing buildings was nothing but positive. Everyone had this year’s sophomores and juniors to elry into their evening dresses. Oversized handbags that look big enough for indigenous people. For example, a few travel problems and no trip was work on their own applications. Rookie fashion phenoms, Rodarte, to carry a baby have been replaced with senior Basyl Stuyvesant taught English exactly what the traveler expected it to The Parkin Fellows have done a lot wowed the fashion community again oversized clutches. to children in Bali India, while junior be, but this year’s group really made an of good in several places around the with their line inspired by the futuristic At the Milan fashion show the shoes Lizzi Diggs helped to build a women’s impact. world, and are now looking forward to world of Star Wars and x-rays of the were the biggest show stopper. Chunky community center in the Dominican Re- The first of the Parkin Fellowship doing good here at home in their own human skeleton. platform pumps and sandals, beefy public. Lizzi said, “ It is comforting to presentations took place October 14 community. Although it does sound like a strange brogues towering wedge style, and ankle know that all of the manual labor and with Aurelia’s power-point on human As Basyl Stuyvesant says,”Its easier combination, their collection was beau- length stiletto boots made the looks sweat that I put into that building will trafficking and prostitution in Padua, tomake a difference than you think.” tifully done with light whimsical fabrics tougher. Shady Side News Tuesday, October 28, 2008 News 5 FEMA finally succeeds Yale welcomes SSA Debate Team By Ann Tumolo in hurricane relief SSA Speech and Debate team started By Olivia Seecof the season strong at the Yale University Tournament. Hurricane Katrina made landfall as a Louisiana, said that after the storm hit, The Yale tournament was run by category 4 storm in New Orleans Au- “Everything we did was on our own.” Shady Side graduate Grant May, also gust 9, 2005. Hurricane Gustav made FEMA did not respond to the primary the founder of SSA’s Speech and Debate landfall as a category 2 storm in New crisis in the country in a timely manner. Team. It was comprised of many na- Orleans September 1, 2008. According After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA was tionally ranked competitors from New to the Washington Post, the death toll for looked at differently. Despite their York to Florida. Katrina stands today at about 1,100 apologies, the American people still felt A group of four debaters: Josh Kalla, people, while Gustav stands at about that if a natural disaster occurred in their Frankie Costa, Joe Tumolo, and David 100 people, according to the New York city no one would be there to help them. Jimenez, as well as five members of the Times. So what was different when Hurricane speech team: Mikaela Brown, Priyanka These two hurricanes, although three Gustav hit the same region? Srinivasa, Richie McLaughlin, Manasa years apart, both made landfall during Disregarding the fact that when Hur- Reddy, and Ann Tumolo were accom- the peak of hurricane season and in New ricane Gustav actually made landfall it panied by coach, Mary Krauland. Orleans, LA; however, they have a large was only a category 2, it still did its share Priyanka Srinivasa advanced to quar- difference in death tolls. This is partially of damage. However, in the city of New ter finals in Prose/Poetry Interpreta- because Katrina was two categories larger Orleans, the levees had been not only tion. When asked how she felt when she than Gustav, but I believe that the work repaired from Katrina, but built to with- knew she would be advancing in the Photo courtesy of Ann Tumolo FEMA, the Federal Emergency Man- stand stronger storms. Also, a manda- tournament, Priyanka said “My heart Speech and Debate. Mikaela Brown, Ann Tumolo, Manasa agement Agency, did to prepare New tory evacuation was enforced, and stopped and I started jumping around Orleans for Gustav’s hit was a factor in FEMA supported the city the whole Reddy, Priyanka Srinivasa, Frankie Costa, Josh Kalla, David and said ‘I win!’ repeatedly.” Jimenez, and Joe Tumolo relax after their competitions. the significantly lower death toll. way through the storm. Debate partners Frankie Costa and The country as a whole felt that Hurricane Gustav was the first test achievements at Yale with some of the McLaughlin, and Dave Kalla for accom- Josh Kalla, who maintained better com- country’s best, proves that they will be panying us, coaching us, and providing FEMA did a poor job before, during and the post-Katrina levees had to face. posure, also advanced to the quarter after Hurricane Katrina. The levees Some water went over the walls of the looking forward to a very prosperous moral support. With their help, the SSA final rounds of Public Forum Debate. year. Speech and Debate team is sure to have failed, people did not evacuate, and it levees, but they withstood the 110mph The SSA Speech and Debate team’s took many days for FEMA to get to winds. The fact that only some flooding Thanks to Mary Krauland, Richard a successful year. New Orleans to help with the aftermath. occurred is actually a good sign. It shows It was well known by many govern- that FEMA learned that the levees had ment agencies, including FEMA, that to be stronger, and that they took the MASS Ensemble hits it up at SSA the levees in New Orleans were in need action to build them the way they needed By Pooja Tripathi of repair, and would not be able to to be. The levees did not even need much To many of the faculty and students withstand a major hurricane. New Or- repair after Gustav. Since the levees watching the show, MASS Ensemble, leans had been lucky in the past that no prevented even more water flowing which stands for music, architecture, major hurricane had hit the below sea- through the streets of New Orleans, sound, and science, was very different level city. However, by not taking the fewer houses were completely flooded, from past Hillman Center performances. proper actions to repair the levees when thus leading to fewer people drowning. This innovative group had a unique stage there was time, the city suffered unnec- As soon as FEMA understood how presence in which they utilized the char- essary damage. serious Gustav could be they ordered a ismatic effects of music, dance, inven- FEMA also failed by not telling the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans. tion, and design. residents of New Orleans in advance to FEMA developed road and air routes Instead of playing traditional instru- evacuate. By the time people were told that would provide the opportunity for ments, MASS uses the original creations they needed to leave the city, there was every person in the city to evacuate. The of their artistic director, Bill Close. Some an abundance of traffic on the highways evacuation occurred with plenty of time of these include the “Drumbrella,” “Vio- and limited other routes of travel so that to get everyone out who wanted to get lin Jacket,” “Drum Cloud,” “Aquatar,” only a small fraction of the people could out safely. There were the people who and, of course, the “Earth Harp.” actually get out. With millions of people refused to leave their homes, but FEMA The Earth Harp is their most re- stuck in the city to survive a category 4 made clear that they were responsible nowned creation, and transforms the- hurricane on their own, it is no wonder for their own lives. aters and even outdoor locations into an the death toll was so high. FEMA was involved with the city instrument. In the past, it has been When a category 4 hurricane hits a the whole way through Hurricane strung on many scenic and important United States city, it is logical that the Gustav and was able to take the proper locations including the Seattle Space government would have crisis response actions to respond to the damage done to Needle, the World Financial Center in groups stationed in the city during the New Orleans. New York, the Colosseum, and a moun- hurricane. Even if this couldn’t happen, I believe that the death toll after tain peak in the Santa Monica mountain they should definitely be there immedi- Gustav was 11 times lower because of range. ately after the worst of the hurricane FEMA’s actions. They learned from As a part of the Hillman Center passes. their major mistakes with Katrina and Performing Arts Series, MASS per- With Katrina, FEMA took much proved through Gustav that they are an formed both for the school and for the longer than necessary to respond to the organization meant to help the people of general public. crisis. Ben Morris, the mayor of Slidell, the United States after a natural disaster. There were a variety of responses from viewers of the program. According to junior Nicole Wei, “MASS was one of Photo by Kimberly Flit a kind with its aesthetic; they seemed to Creative instrumentation. Rauh theartre turns into “Earth Harp.” Res Life incorporate a lot into their program. I By Matthew Hacke especially enjoyed their many varia- ments that they used were very creative Ballet Theater gave an evening perfor- Spirits are high and there is a lot of tions of a simple drum.” and entertaining.” mance combining classical ballet with excitment for the upcoming year. The Many seemed to think that the most The first installment in this year’s more modern choreographers. “Morwoodians” and “Crofties” are ready valuable element of their program was Performing Arts Series was quite a suc- Your next chance to check out the to see what Wendy Skinner, the new the instruments. cess, and we anticipate great results for Hillman Arts series will be Saturday, Dean and Director of Residential Life, As sophomore Christina Pollicastro the next few, so make sure not to pass November 15, when the Scottish band has to add, along with the new families put it, “The music and dancing was them up. Bodega (winner of BBC Radio’s Young who moved on to both the senior and interesting, but the sculptural instru- Friday, October 17, the Pittsburgh Folk Award in 2006) performs. middle school campuses. There are 17 new underclassman this year. The world famous Andrew Kharma says, “It’s going to be great to have so MOS: What’s the best Halloween many freshmen to boss around!” There are also four new dorm parents. Compiled All the new faces on campus are great costume you’ve ever worn? by Anna Sabo additions to the fun atmosphere of the dorms. Senior prefect Ian Knepshield says, “The boarding community will be a lot more fun due to so many new people. It is so easy to get a classic game of capture the flag going.” The boarders have kicked off the fall with many activities on and off campus. They attended Wicked at the Benedum Center, held an iron chef competition in the Dining Hall, battled in laser tag and bowling at FunFest, ate around 100 boxes of cereal, and to top it off made two trips to the Pittsburgh Mills. The prefects for this year, Shviam Gosai, Sujay Busam, Brett Provance, Ian Knepshield, Olivia Seecof, Megan Achille, Morgan Polley, and Raediah Lyles have been planning for this year “I suppose my fondest memory is since the summer.They will continue to from college and going as a punk rock work hard to plan events and meet “When I went shopping for a Hal- singer with a sweet black fishnet shirt, “Definitely the cheerleader out- everyone’s expectations. loween costume one year, all the other tight leather pants, a long black hair wig fit I wore in 6th grade because it New freshman Erin Caplan says, “I costumes were sold out so I had to be a and of course the requisite long dangling revealed my midriff, so it was a think it will be amazing.” She is right, French fry.” skull earrings (two of them, to be ex- little risky for middle school, but I this year is going to be great! – Pooja Tripathi, Form V act!).” – John Landreth loved it.” – Sean Hannon, Form VI Shady Side News 6Sports Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Football: SSA reloading Swinging High: Girls’ Tennis By Billy Rutherford By Jen Cozen The last time Shady Side football The Girls’ Tennis season started out started 7-0, Ric was the San Doval with a bang as the team, led by senior wearing number 32, legendary head coach captains Alexis Georgiadis and Meredith Art Walker held the reigns of the pro- “Mery Had a Little Lamb” Lackey, gram, and current coach Chuck DiNardo went undefeated and took home the first was a player on the 14-1 team that made place trophy from the Peters Township it to the state championship game in Tournament. 1998. In the process, the girls beat tough The 2008 SSA team looks to head teams of Peters, Upper St. Clair, and down a similar path. “Our goal coming Sewickley. into the year [is] to be champs. First of Captain Meredith Lackey recalled the conference, then the WPIAL, then the Peters tournament, and said, “We the state,” says senior captain Tim Giel. were all on top of our game that day, and People are in a fine fettle with an as an added bonus, the team bonded over attitude that has been developed since a lunch of Panera sandwiches, salads, head coach Dave Havern took over in and cookies… and pickles.” 2004. So far the team has upheld the strong The team has improved every year tennis tradition created over the past under Coach Havern, from 2-7 his first few years, even after the loss of three year while working with just 18 varsity valuable seniors. Sophomore S. Perelman leads the Photo by Kimberly Flit players, to a 9-2 season and playoff Photo by Nick Gasbarro victory against South Fayette last year. Where do you think you’re going? M. Giel grabs ahold of opponent. team at number one singles, followed by Ace! Meredith Lackey warms up. The 2008 players began early this senior M.Lackey, and junior A.Rath at season with winter minicamps and work- cess to defensive coordinator Coach have been even more open than last number three. Just last week, the girls captured ing out four days a week with each other [Dave] Szlachetka. The time he spends year.” At the head of the doubles lineup are their third consecutive WPIAL champi- during the summer. preparing for the opponent is invalu- After wins in consecutive weeks two newcomers, Lisha Gu and Alexa onship with an impressive 3-2 victory “I think the turnaround is based on a able.” against quality opponents Ford City Miller. At number two, is the senior- over rival North Allegheny. few tenets,” says Coach Havern. “[One] Running backs San Doval, junior and Valley, the misprized Shady Side junior team of Alexis Georgiadis and Jen Prior to the WPIAL championships, plank of the platform is the commitment phenom Brian Nickel, and Pete Dieseroth lineup looks to gain the status of an elite Cozen. Captain Alexis Georgiadis said, “I think that most of our players have made to off have been following the dominant block- team in the WPIAL. Coach Havern Number three doubles, received great we are capable of winning the WPIAL season conditioning.” ing of linemen Sam Collets, Jeff Shogan, says, “Beat some of the big dogs and contributions from Devon Roeshot, and state title again, but we all have to be The strong initial play of the team Andy Giesler, Nick Rossi, and Nick we’ll be considered big dogs.” Rachel Diehl, Mahima Chablani, Lind- at the top of our game to do it.” With has been driven by a defense led by Ciesielski, as well as tight ends Tim Shady Side’s true Western Pennsyl- say Cozen, Camille Scanga, and Alex Alexis’s words still in mind, the team has senior linebackers Roman San Doval, “The Professor” Giel and Mont “The vania smash mouth style of play is not Koi. high hopes for the state tournament. Dave Brown, and Robbie Ruffner. They General” Pooley. exceedingly flamboyant but finds its posted shutouts three of the first four Senior quarterback Billy Nickel says own panache in running the ball down games, and their rushing game has been this unit is the reason for the success of the opponent’s throat. Boys’ Golf focuses unstoppable as of late. the ground game. “Our line was under After losing twelve seniors to gradu- By Brian Gross can really play. Senior captain San Doval says, “I fire coming into the season, but they’ve ation, Shady Side isn’t rebuilding- they’re If you were to ask the average person Many coaches have said over the would credit most of the defensive suc- come through for us. The running lanes reloading. what he thinks about golf as a sport, the years, “There is no ‘I’ in team,” and this usual response would be that you whack year, the Boys’ Golf team has truly around a tiny white ball and try to put played as one. The first true test as a it into a little cup. team came against Fox Chapel in a Ryder While those are the essentials, at Cup format match. Shady Side Academy, there is a lot more This means that pairs from each team to golf than that. compete in two matches: alternate shot For the past twelve years, the Boys’ and better ball. Although it came down Golf team has had great success and an to the very last putt, it was carded for a undefeated record in the section for loss. There is nothing better than being nearly thirteen years shows this. able to root on a teammate in a sport For nine of those years, head coach known for being so focused on indi- Phillip Beard and his sidekick Jim vidual play. “Butch” Sterner have led the team with In the end, it proved to be much more great enthusiasm. fun for the team to play in such an event. “The guys on this year’s team get In the words of Coach Beard, “No one that,” says Beard. “Yeah, they’re work- really thinks of golf as a ‘team sport,’ but ing hard to go as far as they can go in the all you have to do is watch the Ryder WPIAL individual tournaments, but Cup to know how much more fun it is to their focus all year has been on an unde- play as a team than as an individual.” feated season, and on preparing for the Although there have been several team playoffs.” high points as a team, there has also been Photo by Kimberly Flit The leadership of captains Beau a fantastic individual representation thus Rotate! Badminton players A. Tumolo, D. Block and M. Soffer enjoy the new senior created game. Bergman, a four-year varsity player, far. Beau Bergman, Eric Bucklew and all and Eric Bucklew, a truly “steady” four juniors qualified to represent Shady player, has set the tone for the season. Side at the WPIAL individual tourna- Badminton...New game: Rotate! They have had plenty of help from two ment. By Aurelia Henderson other quality senior golfers, Mark Simon Robbie Denove brought home the section championship and has joined Another great year of Shady Side around-the-table ping-pong, but with tion around one’s own court in an effort and Craig Pentrack. Beau Bergman and Brian Gross in quali- Academy’s V.I.P. sport, badminton, is rackets and a shuttle and a much greater to get more exercise. While on the senior This year, juniors Robbie Denove, fying for the individual finals. in full swing. This year has brought risk of physical injury. court one day the idea hit them; if we can Todd Berglund, Jon Halpern and Brian On a whole, this year has proved about the addition of several power- The founding members of the first Gross have also stepped up to the chal- rotate on our own side, why not rotate thus far to be a great one and in the words house freshmen, making the competi- ever rotational badminton team are se- lenge and have contributed to many on both? of Coach Beard, “No one is expecting us tion for the supreme king/queen of the niors Sonum Bharill, Marina Soffer, Katie victories. And thus rotational badminton was to compete this year, but I think we’ll shuttlecock title tighter than ever. Sasinoski, and Aurelia Henderson. born. And the spark that these four The depth of the Boys’ Golf team surprise some people.” But what has been the greatest addi- Sonum says of her new favorite sport, started was instantaneously contagious. does not end here. Freshmen Ryan With the WPIAL team tournament tion to this year’s badminton training is “It’s a great way to run around, have fun, For weeks, there was a line to get in Mengel and Brenden Gramely have been improving their games and showed in a in the near future everyone believes the the use of the once senior badminton and play badminton. You all should on the game. To some it was a riddle to stellar victory over Highlands that they best is yet to come. court. A completely new sport has been expect to see it in the 2012 Olympic which only four held the answer. To invented by a few senior veterans of the Games. It’s that good.” others it was an initiation rite. badminton program. The idea was sparked from some- It is the talk of the courts and possi- The game, since you ask, is called thing that had been occurring between bly a tradition which will live on for Hockey takes the field rotation badminton. Think of it as two of the seniors for a long time: rota- years to come. Boys’ XC races to early success By Jake Bajada Led by captains Charlie Rosenthal, The Shady Side boys’ cross country Kevin Lemon, and Josh Kalla, it is clear team started their 2008 season strong as that there is an overall improvement in they showed great improvement from the team’s optimism. As junior Asher last year. Saperstein put it, “We actually might Despite early losses to out-of-sec- win a few times this year.” tion Penn Hills and Fox Chapel, the boys After decades of success, Shady Side went on to dominate their section with legend William McConnel passes the significant wins over rivals Kittanning, torch to now head coach Paul Ejzak, who Ford City, and Elderton. shows clear signs of coaching the team to While two varsity seniors were lost future winning seasons. Photo by Nancy Jones Photo by Kimberly Flit Lynn, Run! Girls’ XC from last year’s team, the addition of The boys’ cross country team hopes Girls’ Field Hockey players take a quick breather on the three quality freshmen, including top to continue the success they experi- Sophomore Lynn Nguyen sideline. This year the team’s record is an impressive 10-3. All runner Jack Bagamery, have paved the enced earlier in the season as they begin home games have been played on the new turf of McKelvey field. sprints to the finish line. way to multiple Shady Side victories. to participate in more competitive races. Shady Side News Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Sports 7 Girls’ soccer steps up By Katie Prochownik competition, including Freeport, Burrell, This year, the Girls’ Soccer team had and Springdale. a promising start with a win against Kay Bitzer, a senior and varsity Ellis.This was the first SSA match on the starter, was aware the team needed to new turf. A new excitement engulfed step it up in order to pull off some wins. the girls as they kicked off the season “When we made it to double overtime with several new additions. Not only against Burrell, we became confident,” was the Girls’ Soccer team the first SSA she says. “We knew then that we could team to play on the turf, they were the hold our own against Springdale.” Shady first team at Shady Side to play under Side did hold their own against the lights. Along with the field, there Springdale, resulting in a 4-1 loss com- were new faces joining the team this pared to a dominating shutout by year. “Last year was a rebuilding year Springdale last season. for us,” says senior and starter Laura Senior captain Maria MacPherson Allen. “New freshmen and varsity play- agrees the improvement in the team’s ers have really stepped it up and have defense has resulted in better scores. filled some important spots. It’s going “We have a much stronger defense from to be a great season.” last year and our transition be lookin’ In the beginning of the season, the rull good.” Photo by Judy Hannon team knew they were up against strong However, even with the new im- Winners. The Boy’s soccer team poses with trophy after winning the Ambridge Soccer Tournament. provements, the team must continue working on certain techniques. “I’d say I’m optimistic, but we need to get our Boys’ soccer makes playoff run scoring situation straightened out,” says By Sean Hannon team is very young this year. There are Sophomore Noah Schoen, who senior and captain Anna Brill. The Shady Side Boys’ soccer team is three true freshmen starting this year. started as a defender at the beginning of Others agree that in order to win having another successful season. The Mike Holzinger is starting alongside the year but later unfortunately broke more section games, the girls have to team is 16-1-1 heading into the playoffs Sunshine Swarts at forward, while Sascha his arm, is now back. continue putting the ball in the net and and they have captured their fifth con- Demetris and Jack King are starting at Luke Racek, Will Mauser, and Ethan continue to play their game. secutive section title. The team’s only defense. Reynolds also add depth to the team. Returning coaches Caswell Nilsen, loss was to Springdale, in its third game When talking about Holzinger’s play Luke has scored a handful of goals, Will Michael Hoover, Eileen Cunningham, of the season. But they avenged that loss this year, Tim Egan said, “Mike is a great has been great in controlling the game in and goalie coach, Jerry Hare have similar with a 1-0 victory over the Dynamo later complement to Sunshine up top with his the middle, and Ethan has played very views as the players on the team’s on in the season. speed. He has had a great year so far, and well in goal with a few shutouts this improvement. The team is led by senior co-captains he has scored in some big games for us. year. “We wanted to become more of a Tim Egan and Sean Hannon, who have He had the game winner to beat Riverview, Jon Chu, Dan Rua, Phillip Elias, and passing team and are excited about the kept the winning tradition of Shady Side which was a huge game for us, and we are Sam Leff round out the team and have progress we’ve made in this area,” says soccer alive. Head coach Harry hoping that he will continue to play well provided great support all year and Mr. Nilsen. “If we’re going to win the Photo by Kimberly Flit Fleishman said, “Many teams thought in the playoffs.” performed well in the games. section, we are going to need to play Cut that ball! Senior Captain that this would be an off year for us since Stewart and Brendan Scott anchor Asked what was most memorable intelligent ball, smart passing, good traps, Maria Macpherson steals ball we lost seven starters off of last year’s the defense and have helped guide Sascha this year, Sam replied, “Hands down, it and thoughtful soccer.” from a defender on Homecoming. team, but the seniors have shown great and Jack along this year. was at Elderton when I scored my first leadership and have taken control of this Even though Brendan is a senior, this goal ever in soccer and my fellow goalie young team.” is his first year playing defense. He was Sean Hannon scored his first varsity Pens ready to win Cup Christian Petredis and Sam Swarts, a goalie his freshman and sophomore goal. Let me tell you a bit about my goal. By Sarthak Dighe along with Hannon and Egan, are the years and missed out on last year’s Well, I made a nice move to beat the Capitals), Eric Godard (Calgary only returning starters. Goalkeeper Sean season to focus on swimming. How- defender, used my speed to beat him to Three short years ago, the Pittsburgh Flames), T.J. Kemp (Edmonton Oil- Hannon noted, “Tim, Christian, and Bo ever, Brendan is back in his short shorts the ball, juked the goalie out, and put it Penguins went 22-46-14, last place in ers), Joey Mormina (Carolina Hurri- [Stewart] have dominated the middle of and playing well. in the back of the net. If I had to rate that the division, and nowhere near making canes), Bill Thomas (Phoenix Coy- the field all year. They posses the ball Bo Stewart, the only defender with moment on a scale of 1 to 10, I would the playoffs. The next year, a tremen- otes), Adam Henrich (called up from very well, have great foot skills, and prior varsity experience said, “We have have to say it was the best moment of the dous turnaround occurred. They scored minors), and Danny Richmond (Chi- open up opportunities for other players looked good this year. We were not sure season.” 105 points in their season but were left cago Blackhawks) to their organiza- with their passing. Those three have how things were going to work out, The team won the Ambridge Tour- hanging with an early exit in the first tion. been dominating the other teams with having three new defenders this year, nament for the second year in a row, round of the playoffs, losing to the A lot of people see the Penguins their sorcery and nutmegs, and they are but they have all played well and they beating Burrell 2-1 in the first game and Ottawa Senators. Then last season, taking a step back before leaping for- a huge reason why we have been so have rose to the call.” The team has only trouncing Ambridge 5-0 in the Champi- they breezed through the Atlantic divi- ward once more. However, many more successful this year.” yielded 10 goals this season and it is in onship game. sion and went on to dominate in the people believe just the opposite. Age, Senior Dan Ament and sophomore large part to the tough defense. The boys look to continue their regu- playoffs. However, a six-game loss to a enthusiasm, and most of all, talent is on David Currie join Egan and Petredis in The bench, which has been a weak- lar season success into the playoffs. The superior Detroit team in the finals taught their side. A second straight trip to the the midfield. Tom Sochacki, assistant ness in the past for the team, is now team finished second two years ago and the Pens that there is one more hurdle to finals is definitely in their reach. coach and former star of the soccer team, much improved. Sophomore Grant De- third last year in the WPIAL, and is clear. Lately, ticket sales haven’t been a said, “Danny and Currie have really mand is in the action every game coming looking for its first WPIAL champion- As Sidney Crosby took on the team problem. The Penguins announced that learned how to play their positions off the bench. ship ever. The boys then went onto the captaincy in just his third season, Evgeni the October 11 home opener against better this year. They are thinking more When talking about Demand, assis- State playoffs where they lost in the Malkin provided plenty of leadership New Jersey is already sold out, along while on the field, and so they are not tant coach Dan Kriebel said, “Grant is a quarterfinals to the eventual state cham- himself. Even the third year goalie, with a large handful of other games wasting their energy by just running up versatile player. He can play forward pion both years. Marc-Andre Fleury showed immense throughout the season. “We continue and down the field. They are in the right and midfielder and because of that he is Christian said it best, “We will ac- improvement in just about all statistical to be pleased, amazed and humbled by position a lot more and they are making our first sub off the bench. He is a natural cept nothing but a WPIAL and State categories. the support and enthusiasm of Pen- much smarter runs this year.” goal scorer and he is great winning head- championship. We just need to remem- However, the biggest hero of last guins fans,” team president David As Fleishman mentioned above the ers in the air.” ber rule number one and we will do.” season, without a doubt, was Pens gen- Morehouse said. “Our players always eral manager, Ray Shero. Last year he comment about how exciting it is to brought in reinforcements in sharp- play in Pittsburgh before the best fans shooter, Marion Hossa and defensive in the NHL.” Ultimate Frisbee is a real sport! expert, Hal Gill. This year provides new The Penguins opened the season in By Rob Belles challenges as it started with a turn for the Stockholm, Swedenwhen they played You run down a playing field that worse. First of all, Hossa and backup the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Oc- resembles a narrow soccer field and goalie, Ty Conklin left through free tober 4. “We’ve gotten to play in some quickly pass the frisbee to your team- agency to the Detroit Red Wings. Then, pretty cool events like the Winter mate. He quickly passes it back, al- Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts were Classic, and now we’re here,” Crosby though a little bit too high, forcing you traded to the Tampa Bay lightning for said after the team’s first European to make a jump for it. You take a daring two draft picks. Two ferocious defend- practice at venerable old Hovet Arena. mid-air shot and GOAL!!! What sport ers, JarkkoRuutu and Georges Laraque, “We’re pretty fortunate to be chosen. could you possibly be playing? You’re left the Pens organization as well. It’s going to be a great experience.”Other playing Ultimate Frisbee. Despite losing players, the Penguins highlights of the season include the “Ultimate Frisbee is a real sport,” also added new young talent. The Pens rematches between the defending comments Matt Weiss, history teacher imported Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit at SSA, as well as the head coach for Fedotenko (previous team: New York Red Wings in November and Febru- Ultimate Frisbee. “We have two teams, Islanders), Matt Cooke (Washington ary. Let’s Go Pens! one in the fall and one in the spring. Most people choose to play in the fall, how- ever, because it gives them one of their Photo by Kimberly Flit Undefeated Girls’ Golf required athletic credits, whereas play- XXX anticipates a pass from his teammate. ing in the spring does not. ally somewhere between forty and fifty will give them the opportunity to get But what most people don’t know is kids. Sometimes, we even have enough some playing experience against other wins WPIALS, regionals that the spring team that allows you to for a J.V. team,” says Mr. Weiss. teams.” get actual playing experience. SSA be- And what do you do to condition for “Ultimate is a fun sport that allows For the first time in the short history and then our win at regionals, we have longs to the Pittsburgh High School Ultimate Frisbee? “For the first few you to spend time with your friends,” of girls’ golf at SSA, the team is unde- surpassed all expectations.” Ultimate League, or PHUL for short. weeks, the more experienced (usually quotes Connor Hannon. “It’s just a feated for the season. Tremendous help came from two There are forty teams in this league, returning) players go off on their own really, really fun sport to play, and it lets Captains Senior Brittany Andrews talented freshmen, Kendall Allen and and we usually do pretty well. Last year, with our captains, while I work with the you spend time with your friends,” says and Junior Lauren Laufe led the team to Michelle Bucklew. Both show great we made it to the quarter finals, and the new players and teach them the basics of Max Kaplan, “There’s not much else to fourteen victories including two against promise for the future of girls’ golf here year before that, we made it to the Ultimate. After they learn the basics, we say about it. It’s just fun.” arch rival Fox Chapel High School. at Shady Side. semifinals.” start having practice with the entire The expectations are high, and the Senior Justine Kim comments, “Our After winning regionals, the top four But just how many kids actually team, and primarily do more advanced team hopes to pull off the PHUL cham- initial goal was to beat Fox Chapel and players from the team will continue to play Ultimate Frisbee? “We have a drills and small sided games. Hopefully, pionship and bring home a trophy for we did, twice. After our win at WPIALS the state tournament. pretty good turnout for Ultimate, usu- if these kids come back for the spring, it SSA. 4 Shady Side News 8Homecoming, etc. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Welcome to the Jungle: what a bunch of animals! By Katie Prochownik The sounds of the jungle arose as the and alumni an extra boost of energy. animals within awoke and crawled into This year, Shady Side celebrated its the night. Well maybe not legitimate 125th annual Homecoming event. Being animals; but for some students, the theme such an important year for all of those was taken quite literally. connected with the school, this Home- Representing the “Welcome to the coming felt even more meaningful than Jungle” theme, Shady Side students ar- previous years. Dean David Szlachetka rived at the Homecoming dance, Octo- agrees that this year is unique. “It is a ber 11, 2008 dressed in a medley of tiger landmark celebration for the school,” he stripes, cheetah spots, and safari guide says. “This year, we celebrate the thirty outfits. The dance was one of the many years of co-education which was an highlights of Shady Side Academy’s important step for our school. This annual Homecoming week. Homecoming is something all of us, “We need to continue this spirit year especially the seniors, can look back on after year, and the main way we do that and say we graduated during that land- is by continuing the traditions,” says mark.” Senior and President of Student Council, With alumni returning and athletic It’s a Jungle out there! Juniors V. Merlot, D. Roeshot, M. Go SSA! Radiah Lyles paints a Junior Sean Hannon. Sean, who embraced the games occurring, memories are brought Mason, M. Costa, L. Bernstein, & French guest,O. Ayroles. Schooler’s face at the Kid’s Carnival. school’s spirit at the dance by showing back and new ones are made. Many of off his lion themed outfit, believes that the alumni revisiting enjoy watching the part of the spirit from Homecoming athletic games. “Everyone is so sup- Week stems from the fact that we get to portive of the teams playing on Home- dress down. coming whether they like the sport or Sean said,“Monday is always Pa- not,” says senior and Vice-President of jama Day, Wednesday is Wacky sudent council Alison Mears. “Nor- Wednesay, and Friday is Spirit Day, and mally at other schools, football is the having these constants year in and year only Homecoming game attended, but out allow people to increase their spirit people at our school seem to go to the all since they know what they can wear for day affair on Saturday.” nearly all of the days.” For many stu- This spirit, which celebrates the re- dents, Spirit Week is the most exciting turn of many alumni, also encourages and eventful week throughout the year. students to gear up for the rest of the For senior Andrew Ellis, Spirit Week year. Sean, an ardent supporter of Set, Hike! The Frosh get their Flashdance on. is one of the most uplifting and animated Homecoming’s tradition, knows how times for Shady Side. “Spirit week significant Spirit Week is to our school. energizes the students because it gives “The most important thing that we can them a little change and excitement to do to continue raising spirit is to have the week of school. Personally, I have Spirit Week every year for as long as the a blast every minute of the day seeing school is here.” So whether one likes how creative some of the students are tiger stripes, cheetah spots, or a safari with their outfits and who can come up guide outfit, anyone can get in the spirit. with what.” There is no question that Lets keep the spirit “roaring” for an- Spirit Week offers the students, faculty, other 125 years.

Students, faculty and alumni jump start the Homecoming celebration by running the Shady Stride together. Photos by Bushra Hashmi, Lindsay Bernstein, Kimberly Flit, Kelly Marous, Olivia Seecof, and Makenna Krebsw F. Brown manifests Wacky Wednesday. Children’s Play Pen Enough said. Shady Side gets new sports facilities Classes go to court By Tess Rosenbloom night games,” Mr. Grandizio said. Now, the Robert J. Grandizio Athletic Com- By Pooja Tripathi divorce to a law and order type drug case. Robert Grandizio, Jr. the Assistant about 60 years later, SSA is fortunate plex. Captains of teams and other sports Every year, students of United States According to junior Liesje Steenkiste, “It Athletic Director and varsity baseball enough to have its own set of lights. members will run the building, and staff history learn about the three branches of was very interesting to see how the law- coach, talked with me recently about the The company, Musco, from which will operate the ticket booth. government and how important each yers set up their appeals; some were very new athletic facilities at the Senior School. the Academy purchased the lights is not The proceeds will go towards teams one is to the functionality of our coun- clever. Also, it was nice to be exposed to Coincidently, the artificial turf multi- only environmentally friendly, but has and repairs needed for the facilities. The try. Invited by Judge Jacqueline O. so much legal jargon.” purpose McKelvey field is housed worked with organizations including structure will be officially complete by Shogan of the Superior Court to the After the appeals, students were within the newly designated Robert J. NASCAR and the NBA. the next fall season. courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh, introduced to one of the judges, who Grandizio Athletic Complex named for SSA first had to get permission from Ideally, the concession building will two of Michele Greene’s sections ob- explained the styles of various other his father, who was a football coach at Fox Chapel Borough; it is the first time be open for all sporting events taking served a session of appeals, a sentenc- judges in the court house, calling one SSA for 25 years. an independent school has installed this place on the turf field, Mr. Grandizio ing, jury instruction, and closing argu- “the Lord of Darkness” because of his The turf field has taken four months kind of major lighting in the area. “They says. ments for a case. They were able to see strict command of the court room. The to finish, due to setbacks from the are state of the art lighting,” says Eugene The last question I asked firsthand how the justice system works students sat in on a jury instruction weather. The field is now complete with Deal, who is head of the Athletic De- Mr.Grandizio was if there are any other in Pennsylvania. followed by a sentencing. After the case the relaid Posner all weather track, field partment. ideas or projects that are going to take The first event they attended was the was over, students excitedly discussed goal posts, and discus facility. The field But the McKelvey field is not the place in the future. “Though there are appeal session. After receiving a personal their opinions and what they thought can now accommodate more spectators only new innovation SSA has planned. tons of ideas, the problem is making sure welcome from one of the judges, the the outcome would be. Junior Maria than ever possible before, according to As many may have already seen, an academic needs are met first. For in- students sat in the back row to watch. Natoli stated, “I was flabbergasted at the Mr. Grandizio. entire concession building is being con- stance, the Junior School is in need of They were informed that the panel was splendor of our country’s judicial The other significant new aspect to structed. It will be complete with hot restoration. But we hope sometime in fully comprised of women, making it the branch.” The trip was clearly a riveting the field is the sports lights. “A couple food, drinks, restrooms, a ticket booth, the future to renovate the pool and fourth all women panel, and the session experience for the students and a great times in the 50’s, lights were rented for and a light control system, all a part of obtain a new gym,” he replied. proceeded to start with the first of about way to make US history more relevant. six appeals. These cases ranged from Non Profit Org. Bankrupting the American Dream SHADY SIDE ACADEMY (Continued from Page Two) Pittsburgh, PA For the past several years the conse- oners. That means about nine million realities of xenophobia and racism, insti- 423 Fox Chapel Road US Postage quences of our rotten system have be- Americans are currently locked up, many tutionalizing themselves in what many Pittsburgh, PA 15238 PAID come impossible to ignore. for non-violent offences. activists call “apartheid policing.” Permit No. 609 Wages have gone down, working The jails themselves are owned by The United States continues to pur- hours have gone up, the housing foreclo- corporations, making the imprisonment sue an imperial agenda on a global scale, sure crisis has left millions of Americans of human beings (predominantly blacks ignoring international law and breaching in desperation, and the prices of food or Latinos) actually profitable. human rights over and over again. and other necessities such as pharma- Big businesses can dish out ciga- In light of all this, one can easily ceutical drugs and gasoline have increased rettes and liquor like they were finger understand why Gandhi, when asked significantly. sandwiches and fruit punch, yet mari- what he thought about western civiliza- America now has about 5% of the juana is still forbidden. tion, is alleged to have said that he world’s population and 25% of its pris- Immigrants still struggle with the thought it might be a good idea.