Students Begin Receiving Coronavirus Vaccinations

THE

April 30, 2021 POSTSCRIPTTHE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE | 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore MD 21208 Volume 78 Issue No. 7 Students begin receiving coronavirus vaccinations by LEAH PICKUS ’22 Many Upper School students are cele- The main drawback students noted Vaccinations brating a small step toward normalcy. On was the wait time. “My appointment was and weekly April 5, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan at two o’clock and I didn’t get vaccinated testing have announced that all Baltimoreans ages 16 until four o’clock. I was waiting in line allowed and up are eligible to receive the Covid-19 for a really long time,” Taneya Dove ’22 for more on-campus vaccine, and students have already be- explained. Additionally, Baran mentioned, events. A gun to take advantage of this opportunity. “Since there were a lot of people, the peo- concert was Whether they have already received the ple working there definitely seemed a little held on first vaccine or are planning on receiving bit stressed.” Although there have been in- April 27 for all Upper it soon, Upper Schoolers are excited to conveniences, these will hopefully be re- School vocal make a difference in the fight against the solved as the process improves over time. groups. pandemic, and see the effect that it has on “Overall I’m really happy I got it,” Dove It drew their lives and the school year. said. students and families “It was really amazing seeing all the Along with the benefit of contributing from all people that were there,” Julia Baran ’22 to the end of the pandemic comes the in- different said after receiving her first vaccine at creased level of safety that will bring us grades. M&T Bank Stadium. “It felt super reward- closer to a normal school year. “It made Image courtesy S. Solomon ’22 ing because I know I did my part to try to me super confident that we’re going to get get us back to that state of normalcy.” back to that sense of normalcy soon,” Ba- sure of the exceptions to the plans. Teach- is still important to stay cautious. “I do feel This is a feeling that is shared among ran said. ers will be expected to return in person.” safer now... but I think definitely once we many students, as they rush to make ap- The vaccine is giving students and Although she mentioned that she is reach herd immunity I’ll feel way safer,” pointments as soon as possible. For the teachers who were previously virtual a uncertain whether the vaccine will be re- Baran explained. most part, the process has been quick and chance to attend school in person, increas- quired for all students, the progress that is In the coming months, the positive ef- efficient, with some students getting vacci- ing the chances of a normal school year currently being made will play a crucial fects of the vaccines may begin manifest- nated within days of scheduling their ap- in the fall. Upper School Principal Patti role in making sure students and faculty ing in the community as more students pointments. However, because getting the Porcarelli offered what she knows about can safely begin to return to life before the receive them. Even more students will be vaccine is an experience that is still being the 2021-2022 school year, stating, “The pandemic. able to get vaccinated soon, as the Pfizer perfected, it doesn’t always go according administrative team is preparing for a full While the vaccine is a significant step vaccine is expected to be available to 12- to plan. Upper School return next year, but I am not toward reducing the spread of Covid-19, it 15 year olds in the near future. Cohen departs US math department after 21 years by MAX MILLER ’21 “Welcome to the Future.” got to see the fun side of Cohen by playing Wii bowling These are the words that greet Arnaldo Cohen’s calcu- Cohen is with him. “The AP weekends helped me prepare well for lus class every school year. It is such a simple phrase, yet retiring to the AP and bond with Arnaldo,” Ethan Adler ’21 said. spend more it holds such colossal implications for a math class. How time with “Without the help, I would not have felt nearly as ready can you make math go beyond consolidated theories and his for the test as I did ... One of my most beloved moments of equations? family. He high school was playing Ping Pong with Arnaldo. In some For Cohen, calculus isn’t about applying memorized has two small way, it added extra motivation for me to do my work young formulas, but rather, it is about learning how to think as grandsons in Calculus.” While Cohen has a more playful side, his a calculus student. Learning how to conceptualize instan- living locally seriousness has allowed students to consistently perform taneous rate of change as the slope of a tangent line, for in Baltimore. well on the AP tests. example, is much more important to him than memorizing Even though a poster of Cohen–designed by Adler–re- derivatives and continuing on with the rest of the syllabus. mains on the wall in room 363, Cohen’s presence and wit This is an integral part of building “the Future.” Cohen will be missed by students and teachers at Park. The whole writes “Welcome to the Future” because it is the exact rep- Park community wishes Cohen the best. And Arnaldo, resentation of the goal of his class: to inspire a new gener- from all your students: ation of thinkers. This mentality is why Cohen is a staple Image courtesy A. Cohen Welcome to the Future. of Park’s education. After 21 generations of challenging students to think beyond the literal, Arnaldo Cohen is re- the phrase bank are “short yes or long yes,” “hot or cold,” Cohen tiring from Park. and “clear or dark.” and his Aside from his passion for teaching math, Cohen spent Former students will also recall more terminology like family have his time at Park hosting the Universe Club, theorizing the “Silver Key,” “Golden Key,” and the infamous “Cal- been active members about philosophy with anyone who would listen, mento- culus Bible.” Cohen had a creative way of customizing his of the Park ring students in mathematics, and eating bananas and fish classes. “My favorite memory of Arnaldo was when he ran community in the math and science office. “He is always ready to help across the room to teach us speeding up/slowing down,” since 2000. any student who needs it,” Anthony Dender ’21, a teaching Dani Vicente-Gallegos ’21 said. assistant in one of Cohen’s classes this year, said. In addi- Another way Cohen expressed his passion for education to his willingness to help, Cohen has a gift of sensing tion was hosting weekly “AP Weekends’’ for his calculus hesitancy with material. “Whenever I had a longer ‘yes,’ students, taking the time to meet with them over the week- Arnaldo knew that I wasn’t confident in my answer and end to help them prepare for the Advanced Placement that he needed to help me more,” Jocelyn Pickard ’21 said. (AP) Calculus AB test. Last year’s calculus classes had Cohen instilled a system to make sure students were fol- the honor of hosting in-person AP Weekends, and after an lowing along with the material. Some notable mentions in hour of thorough learning and preparation for the AP, they Image courtesy A. Cohen EDITORIAL Goodbye. This year we are in the unique position by ADDIE FLEMING of having the entire management team of THE It is hard to put into words how thank- the Postscript depart at the same time. Not ful and how fortunate I feel to have been only will the three of us be closing out our able to attend Park for the last 13 years. time at Park at the end of the year, but so POSTSCRIPT This school has shaped me in more ways will our faculty advisers, Jon Acheson and The Park School of Baltimore than I can truly comprehend, and I feel Leela Chantrelle. In our last issue together 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 lucky to have been a part of a commu- we wanted to use this space to reflect indi- Tel. 410-339-7070 nity that is passionate and dedicated to vidually about what Park has meant to us, Parkschool.net/news/postscript one another. Park has molded me into the experiences we’ve had here, and what April 30, 2021 a person who questions and challenges we hope to see changed and shifted within Volume 78 | Issue No. 7 the world around me. This year we have this community. written editorials about trust, about hon- Editors-in-Chief by CALLIE KROSIN esty, and about accountability. We have Addie Fleming, Callie Krosin, Liza Sheehy challenged the administration, students, We have learned this year that there and faculty to think harder about sexism will always be people who are critical of and bias, about transparency, and about News Features Commentary the press and will attempt to censor it. their willingness to act when faced with Sr. Jacob Hirschhorn Sr. Aaron Hirschhorn Sr. Ethan Adler Instead of dwelling on that fact, I would tough problems, not just talk about them. Sr. Lilah Lichtman Sr. Jesse Feller-Kopman Sylvie WolFF like to take this opportunity to thank We have taken the skills that this school John Apostolo Samantha Solomon those who have embraced the paper this has taught us, and turned them back Alex Norbrook year. There has been support especially around onto our own community. To in the digital format that I cannot ignore. me, this is a beautiful phenomenon, but Sports Faculty Advisers Arts and Culture To those who have allowed and creat- often it has felt like the administration Sr. Lucy Demsky Jon Acheson Sr. Darya Zarfeshan ed a community where a paper like this would rather have its students remain si- Sr. Quinn Seidenman Leela Chantrelle Alina Glass one could thrive above adversity: thank lent than speak up and demand change. Will Peres Eric Smith you. I am so fortunate that this year has I hope that in the coming years the ad- taught me to be critical and make judge- ministration can reevaluate its stance on School Population: Students—806; Employees—200 ments. I am appreciative of those who student advocacy and welcome it whole- Distributed to Mailboxes of Upper School Students and Employees, have applauded these efforts, and my heartedly, rather than brushing it off. and Lower and Middle School Students by Faculty Request hope is that the community welcomes Students have valuable things to say. We Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Assn. Alina Glass and Samantha Solomon care about this school deeply, and we with equally open arms. want to push it to be better. Administra- tors, and the school as a whole, would POLICIES by JON ACHESON benefit from not just listening, but act- WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, UNSOLICITED OP-ED PIECES, AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. PLEASE SEND ing on students’ concerns, thoughts, and WORK TO [email protected]. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR LANGUAGE AND I once wrote an article for my col- LENGTH. SUBMISSIONS ARE PUBLISHED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITORS. lege newspaper about the anti-Sandi- suggestions. If Park is going to teach nista campaign the Reagan administra- students to advocate for themselves and tion was secretly up to in Nicaragua. I others, then it better be prepared for that was incensed with the insensitivity and advocacy to come knocking at its own failure of the media to pick up on this doors. This push for change comes from It’s Earth Month: What can you do? a place of love and a place of hope, not American crime. Determined to inform by HARPER McLEMORE-SMITH ’29 my fellow college students about why a place of pure criticism. I hope that after we leave, this school will continue the Nicaraguan cause was just, and why You can help planet Earth. I know what you are thinking; but how? How to grow and change for the better. We the Ambassador John Negroponte and can I help planet Earth, person-who-is-writing-this? Well, there are a couple should not settle for being stagnant. President Reagan were, at best, delu- ways. One is picking up trash. That’s what I’m going to talk about today. All sional, at worst evil, it was great to walk by LIZA SHEEHY you have to do is put on some gloves, take a trash bag and walk around your the campus and see people reading it. neighborhood picking up trash. It’s that simple. So do me and the fish a favor Afterwards, my history professor To be an editor of The Postscript this this fine Earth month and pick up trash. Let me tell you why you’ll be doing asked me to discuss the article at great- school year was both a blessing and a the fish (plus dolphins and whales) a favor. First, let me ask you something. er length. That conversation may have curse. No matter how prepared I thought Have you ever seen or heard of a turtle choking on plastic. TRASH! Many been the moment when I first saw the we were, every issue presented a chal- more species of sea animals are choking on plastic. Still more are dying be- real power of essay writing, and thought lenge, some big and others small. I am cause of it. Trash by the gallon-full is being dumped into the sea. As Harper maybe I could either be a journalist or proud of all that we accomplished to- Mclemore-Smith says, “Justice for the fish! (plus dolphins and whales).” But a history teacher. And so it was with gether, and was lucky to work alongside if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, here are some other ways to help delight that I accepted the invitation to Addie Fleming and Callie Krosin. the Earth. You can use reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones, so that help out with The Postscript five and a In the first semester of this school less plastic and trash ends up in the ocean. And that’s only two of the ways half years ago, returning to that old mo- year, I took an English elective called to help save the planet. You can reduce (use less plastic and other harmful ment of empowerment not as a writer Psychology and Literature, where I materials), reuse (use more things you can use over and over again), and re- but as an adviser. wrote a paper on how educational en- cycle (Put aside glass, paper, cardboard and even plastic. Send the materials Park students, out of love of lan- vironments impact personality develop- to an organization that makes them more suitable for reuse). The three R’s guage and the desire to make their voic- ment. In my research, I studied the Park can make all the difference. Use them, and you can save our planet, piece by es heard, are attracted to the newspaper. School philosophy, and was remind- piece. It’s Earth Month: what can you do? Long may that continue. Volume 79 ed of the part of the mission statement starts in September. I won’t be here but that reads: “We support young people the paper will be, and 79 years makes in becoming confident questioners and by LEELA CHANTRELLE The Postscript not only a tradition but responsible citizens of the world.” Does one of the oldest and most successful the school live up to this? high school newspapers in the country. Given the events of this past year, When I was asked to join the Postscript team, I was told that it was a place of mythical My thanks go to all 17 EIC students I we as editors were compelled to ask Park school excellency, and what I have experienced over the past two years has been have worked with closely, Leela Chant- tough questions, and were not always exactly that. I am honored to have published the questions and ideas we did over the relle, and Susan Weintraub. We share supported in this by school leadership. past years and to have worked with the embodiment of passion at Park. Though like that powerful feeling of publishing work So instead, I thank Park School for the school, the Postscript is not as beautifully Black as the city that houses us, I too, that informs the community and stim- challenging me to become a “confident hope that this team, and its future members continue to question that reality. If this ulates debate, giving voice to students questioner,” and for giving me the space school is to change, which it will against itself, it will do so thanks to these students and the school’s collective future. to be critical of a place that I love. and to the voice this genius newspaper and its staff provide. NEWS 3 News In Brief byHoitsma ADDIE FLEMING ’21 anddeparts LUCY DEMSKY ’21 Lower School Bands for Brains benefits the Brain After 27 years in the Lower School, Ellen Hoitsma will ability work that I’ve done and that the third graders have retire at the end of this school year. Hoitsma is known best managed,” Hoitsma said. “I think it’s brought some im- Injury Association of Maryland for her unwavering dedication to the environment, her un- portant changes to the school in terms of idling and waste conditional love for her students, and her drive for social collection.” by RILEY GRANEK ’22 justice. She spent time teaching first, second, third, and The impact of Hoitsma’s actions and dedication was fourth grade, but eventually found a permanent spot in the felt deeply in the Lower School. “Ellen sees endless po- Bands for Brains is a virtual concert (free but ticket- third grade. “I’ve been home in the third grade for about tential in everything and everyone. She’s an enthusiastic ed, with donations greatly appreciated) to raise money for a dozen years,” Hoitsma said. In the third grade Hoitsma driver of change, and works tirelessly to ensure that the brain injury research. The concert takes place on May 15, has been able to explore her love for sustainability and the strengths of individuals, at any age, are utilized to enhance 2021 at 7 p.m. EST on the Bands for Brains YouTube chan- environment, as well as her interest in history and social and benefit the collective,” Lower School Assistant Princi- nel. The event is organized by Riley Granek ’22, whose justice. “What’s made it even richer is that I’ve really been pal Matt Doyle said. mom acquired a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and re- able to make this curriculum my own,” Hoitsma said. “On Hoitsma’s former student Jacob Peres ’21 echoed this mains in a minimally conscious state. All revenue that this top of that, to have all this green space and all these woods sentiment. “Ms. Hoitsma cares so much about each and event generates will be going directly to the Brain Injury to play in, and explore in, and build shelters in, I’ve just every kid. Her kindness will surely be missed,” Peres said. Association of Maryland (BIAMD). Granek has brought loved that.” Hoitsma has decided to leave Park at the end of this together some amazing musicians who have generously The third grade curriculum centers around studying the year to spend more time with her family and her three- contributed their time and their talent, and they will be per- three cultures present in the Chesapeake Bay area around year-old grandson. She also hopes to explore new places forming some really great sets curated just for this show. the 1500s: Native American people, enslaved African peo- around the world and spend more time in nature post-pan- Bands include Grumpster, a three piece punk band from ple, and European colonizers. A large portion of the curric- Oakland, California; Dogbreth, a guitar-driven power pop ulum is based on exploring the natural world. Hoits- band from Arizona featuring singer Tristan Jemsek; Sar- One of the ways third graders do this is through build- ma loves chasm, who make music about mountains and friendships traveling ing shelters in the Park woods. It has traditionally been one and enjoys gone wrong; Pleasure Venom, an experimental garage of the most cherished and special moments of the year. “I spending punk band from Austin, Texas; with more bands joining love the memories of shelter building, all of the shelter time out- the lineup in the weeks ahead. Park students, teachers, and building hours, where you guys worked things out, yes doors. She families are invited to attend the concert and listen to some brings her about building the shelter, but how to work as a team, that creativity to great music, for a great cause! For tickets and more infor- was foundational I think,” Hoitsma said. “There was bar- the world mation, please visit www.bandsforbrains.com gaining, there was trading, there are so many lessons to be and into her learned in shelter building.” classroom. Shelter building is one of the unique facets of the third grade curriculum that Hoitsma has been able to explore. Over the years she has shaped the curriculum for her classes in many different ways, creating class experiences that were hands-on and specialized to the group of students she had. “I can take what my grade-level team and I decide is right for the children, and figure out ways to do it based on what we are learning as we explore in a bigger way about Image courtesy Ellen Hoitsma that larger topic,” Hoitsma said. “It seems as if we are able demic. “I love adventure and travel. There are so many to take a deeper dive than a lot of other schools can be- more places to see,” Hoitsma said. cause we focus on the Chesapeake Bay three cultures all “I will miss my colleagues big time. I will miss the leadership. I love Malika Delancey and Matt Doyle, I Image courtesy R. Granek ’22 think they’re a great team,” Hoitsma said. She hopes that Hoitsma in the coming years the Park community will return to always has a smile on her some normalcy and that the community will remember the face, and lessons taught throughout the Lower School: caring for the Prom to be held outdoors approaches environment and caring for others. “Hold fast to caring by ZOE PICKARD ’23 learning for the earth and our planet. There’s so much positive en- with a passionate and ergy at this school, some of it untapped,” Hoitsma said. Park’s 2021 prom will take place on May 22 from dedicated “It’s really important for the little ones at least to see the 7-10p.m. if the weather permits, and on May 23 if it does mind. big kids helping them with their projects. I hope that those not. The prom will be outside in the main parking lot, connections between lower schoolers, middle schoolers, which will have white and gold decorations. There is a and upper schoolers can be renewed because that’s one of possibility that there will be tents and a dance floor in the the things that Park School does so well.” lot to avoid the oncoming group of cicadas. It has been Hoitsma will be missed dearly by all of her students, announced that attending seniors are permitted to bring the faculty, and the community as a whole. “Simply put, out-of-school dates who are fully vaccinated. Taharka Image courtesy Ellen Hoitsma Ellen has a heart of gold that leaves others feeling stronger Brothers has been confirmed as the ice cream vendor, and year long. And that’s just beautiful.” and empowered. Park students, families, and faculty are Dough Boy Fresh Pretzel Co. as a second vendor. Gabe One of Hoitsma’s favorite parts of teaching has been all better for having spent time soaking in Ms. Hoitsma’s Collazo ’20 will be DJing, and the playlist has been com- letting students drive their own exploration of the topics rays,” Doyle said. The impact she made on her students piled by the prom committee. and ideas central to their curriculum. “At Park School we and the love she brought to this school will last for years Prom is one of the learn to let you guys bring out the wisdom and we learn to come. many events to be how to let you guys ask the questions. That’s so much fun. held in the main It’s so much more fun to teach that way. Progressive teach- Several years lot at the front of ing totally rocks,” she said. ago one of the school. Last Hoitsma’s week, the Spring Hoitsma has passed her love for the environment down classes built concert was held a longhouse to her students and has let them take over the management modeled off here. of several recycling and sustainability initiatives that she of the Native American brought to the Lower School. Several years ago, Hoitsma cultures they began Lower School TerraCycle collections for items that studied. This is one can’t be recycled traditionally, and it has since grown into example of a school wide collection. Recently she and her class be- the creativity present in gan an initiative to stop idling in the carpool lines and a her curricu- plastic collection for a business called Trex, which builds lum. outdoor decks out of plastic waste. “I really hope there Image courtesy Ellen Hoitsma will be somebody who wants to take on the whole sustain- Image courtesy S. Solomon ’22 COMMENTARY 4

Disciplinary system Carbon neutrality plan necessary now by ALEX NORBROOK ’22

must be revised Throughout my time at Park, teachers have drilled into energy efficiency in its buildings. But as is, we don’t really Areas of improvement obvious my head that we only have until 2030 to fight against our know the best course to take because we simply don’t have climate emergency and avoid its most catastrophic effects. a plan of action to achieve carbon neutrality, or even a date in light of recent events If nothing changes, we will have over a billion desperate by which to do so. That needs to change. by MARGOT KOHN ’24 climate refugees by 2050, 50 percent of all animal spe- Transitioning to carbon neutrality will save money for cies will never be seen on the face of the planet again by Park. Solar and wind energy is now, on average, cheaper Recently, the Park community has been plagued 2070, and rising oceans will claim the homes of over half than fossil fuel energy, and the return on investment for by many forms of harassment. A few weeks ago, two a billion people by 2100. A third of all the ice in the world installing rooftop solar panels becomes greater every year. Instagram accounts, @allmyhomieshateblackatpark could disappear. These grave statistics are etched into my Energy efficient devices are cheaper over time, even if and @whiteatpark, were created. These accounts are mind, and they add up to form a disturbing picture that I their installation cost can be higher. believed to have been made in response to the Ins- try to avoid thinking about at all costs. Moreover, Park must stop emissions since we, as a pri- tagram account @BlackatPark, an Instagram page Despite the grim outlook our planet faces, and despite vate school in the suburbs with a wealthy student body that allows current and former Black students to news that teachers from all of Park’s divisions have de- overall, hold a large portion of the responsibility to stop share experiences they had while at Park. spaired over with their students in classes, the administra- the impending destruction of our natural world. We emit In the same week, an email was sent to a student tion appears not to want to drastically change its polluting disproportionately more than less wealthy, urban school with derogatory and harmful language. These events practices–at the expense of its entire student body. I can’t communities. To make matters worse, we shirk the con- made it clear that the disciplinary systems that Park see how the school wants to set up the next generation to sequences of our sky-high emissions. Because Park has a has in place for harassment and cyberbullying are succeed if it doesn’t have a plan to achieve net zero carbon large forest and highly climate controlled buildings, our not working. emissions at any point in the near future. Our school must school will feel the effects of climate change far less than Park’s progressive ideology is important in how create a promise to achieve carbon neutrality (a situation schools in the city that lack clean drinking water or ade- the school disciplines students. As outlined in the where we would not emit more carbon than we take in) – quate air conditioning and heating facilities, and which are Student Handbook, “Park takes a holistic approach the sooner, the better. The consequences of inaction will situated in heat islands. to discipline, operating within an educational frame- be dire. I write this all with the caveat that we, as a small school, work, with the goal of fostering personal growth.” Right now, the school is letting its students down by produce an essentially infinitesimal amount of carbon. One This approach to discipline can be effective, as not seeking to save the Earth we will inherit. To be fair, hundred companies cause about 70 percent of emissions it gives students second chances. “When we have a Park’s so-called green practices are important first steps worldwide. Park, on the other hand, produces even less discussion with a person who has gone against the in achieving carbon neutrality. But they are not nearly than a thousandth of a percent of emissions. However, as Community Agreement, it’s not a light thing. What enough to offset the environmentally destructive policies long as Park perpetuates a system of environmental mis- we’re trying to do is work towards self-reflection, of the school. They reflect an outdated view that “steward- management through its continued reliance on fossil fuel and that can be difficult and time intensive,” Dean of ship” is the most important green value. Park often likes infrastructure, the school prevents the adoption of urgent- Students Traci Wright said. to show off its composting and recycling programs–pro- ly-needed green practices. Even though I dislike the idea These self-reflection based activities can be any- grams necessary to reduce the school’s waste footprint. that individual actions are all that’s needed to stop climate thing from writing a paper to doing community ser- Yet we have a long way to go if these basic necessities change–a notion perpetuated by corporations seeking to vice. One issue I have with this method of discipline, are thought of as crowning achievements when it comes avoid the consequences of their climate inaction–it is true however, is that it focuses more on the assailant than to sustainability. that because our administration directs a privileged and the person who got hurt. A significant proportion of Park’s “green practices” are disproportionately-emitting school, its actions can make a The handbook goes on to mention that, in rarer spearheaded by a few teachers like Sarah Howell and El- meaningful difference. cases, students may be expelled or suspended. I take len Hoitsma, and carried out by the student body. Howev- With a deadly pandemic raging through America, it can issue with the fact that this section does not give er, they are not backed up by the administration. Hoitsma’s seem ludicrous to create a plan to stop net positive emis- specific circumstances of when these harsher disci- environmental initiatives are almost exclusively carried sions at Park. But Covid-19 is a pertinent reminder that plines should be used, leaving it to administrators to out by third graders, and don’t extend much into the Mid- when we don’t drastically change our behavior as soon as determine when to implement them. dle or Upper School. When our current teachers who lead possible in response to impending catastrophe, the conse- One idea is that the Student Handbook could environmentalist efforts leave Park, the momentum on quences get out of hand. Even though we have a president be revised in areas such as sexual harassment and green practices will diminish precisely because there is lit- who has started to act on climate change, we need more racism, while keeping Park’s ideology of second tle real environmental momentum elsewhere. than the federal government to act. Everyone needs to cut chances alive. Another idea is the creation of a Jus- Park has certainly made progress. Despite a lack of carbon like their future depends on it–especially corpora- tice Board of students that reviews cases of students administration support, Facilities has found many ways tions and wealthy, privileged institutions like Park. breaking rules. to reduce the entire school’s carbon footprint behind the I hope that in 50 years, students going through Upper A Justice Board would allow the students to feel scenes by increasing building efficiency over time, install- School science classes at Park will understand that the more supported by the community and be more ac- ing energy efficient lights with timed light switches, and school helped to bring about a green economy, and that tive in helping uphold the Community Agreement. reducing usage of heating and air conditioning. despite the horrors of the climate crisis, the school did all “I think that a Justice Board would be helpful to both Imagine what we could achieve with backing from the it could to lessen its impact. The only way for this hope to the students and the faculty. It would create a system administration. We could start installing more solar panels, be realized is if Park decarbonizes. Park needs a plan to that was less based on one person and more based on buying electricity from renewable sources, rolling out a achieve carbon neutrality, and it needs one now. the community,” Molly Ross ’24 said. practical yet ambitious bus system, and further bolstering In my opinion, the disciplinary committee would not create a tattle-tale culture, where students are The third grade “ratting each other out.” It would also not be creat- has spearheaded ing a system that rewards students for “telling on” many environ- their peers. Instead, it would help everyone involved mental initiatives understand the school’s boundaries more clearly. such as the push to end idling, but “Of course, if we did create a Justice Board, there more compre- would have to be large amounts of trust from both hensive efforts the student body and the faculty in the students who are yet to come. are elected. Those students would have a confiden- The majority of the momentum tiality agreement,” Upper School history teacher for environmental Grace Gahagan said. causes is creat- “There should be a lot of student input. We should ed by the third be talking with other students who are not in the grade. discipline committee and doing a lot of research on what students want to happen. We need to be having these conversations,” Nora Budavari ’24 explained. The bottom line: Park students and faculty must work together to create a new disciplinary system where everyone feels heard and safe. Image courtesy Communications COMMENTARY 5

by ZARA CHEEK ’24 Since 1987, America has At the end of Haut’s article, celebrated March of each year “My freshman year, my first introduction to high school was a boy shar- she states, “The senior girls as Women’s History Month. ing graphic sexual information about me without my consent to a sports of the Class of 2020 will not It’s a time dedicated team. The same person BEGGED me for sexual favors and harassed me be silenced. The following to recognize women’s are a selection of comments contributions to society and as young as sixth grade about sending videos to him of me engaging in from current female students, culture throughout history, sexual acts with other women. Needless to say, this made me extraordi- teachers, and administrators. whether it be in science, narily uncomfortable, but the male sports environments, in particular, Take note, and make a change. technology, engineering, made me too uncomfortable to talk to anyone. It’s only recently that Maybe this will be the turning mathematics, the arts, sports, I’ve begun to recognize these experiences as harassment. I was told my point for our community.” advocacy, religion, teaching, Unfortunately, this change has or motherhood. freshman year by multiple peers not to bother trying out for the Mock yet to be seen. Sexism is still It is a time to remember Trial team, as I am ‘too emotional,’ and lawyers ‘don’t behave like you in our hallways, classrooms, the women of our country and think they do from TV.’ I’ve been called a whore. I’ve been called a fem- athletic teams, and social communities. inist as an insult. I think this all boils down to the male sports environ- media platforms. Park has In the era of the “Me ment at Park, to be perfectly honest. I want middle and lower school shown no response. Too” movement, it is This year, a microphone vitally important that Park sports and gym classes to be gender-integrated. I want greater consent has been handed to all Upper acknowledges this month. education in Human Sexuality classes, and I want male sports teams to School students, 8th graders, I was disappointed when be provided easy access to counseling services. Most boys would benefit and Upper School faculty. I there was little to nothing done from therapy.” sent an anonymous survey to celebrate and recognize Aidan Connors ’22 to the community, inviting women this year. them to share a time they The women and girls at our have experienced sexism or school are deeply appreciated harassment at Park School, by students, parents, and and what change they want to faculty, so they deserve to be see surrounding the issue. recognized and represented by Below is a compilation of our school community just as responses. women are by the rest of the “During class I asked for a student’s help, and they touched me in a way To everyone who reads nation during March. I was incredibly uncomfortable with. I was in shock and froze up. They this: Listen. Listen to each The lack of representation kept doing it and I became super embarrassed about it. I told two teach- and every voice that speaks I saw last month, along with ers and after that, absolutely nothing happened. I had to make sure I up about this issue. Listen a history of sexism at Park, is because they all have concerning. had people sitting on either side of me because the teachers, knowing something to say. Listen so Sexism at Park is an issue what happened, did nothing. I felt like I was being over dramatic be- that your friend, sibling, child, that students and faculty have cause if teachers did nothing then it must not be a big deal. I felt guilty student, teacher, coworker, been grappling with for years. because I feel like I should’ve done something for myself. I forgive the classmate, teammate knows In November 2019, after person who did this because maybe they didn’t understand what they that you care. Listen, and do the Senior Girls’ Lunch, an something about this. This editorial titled “To all the were doing but, I’m still working on forgiving myself. I want teachers to fight has been going on for girls at the Park School of know the proper procedures for situations involving harassment.” years, and we are tired. Baltimore” was published by Anonymous freshman These are just a few of the Talia Kolodkin ’20 and Bella 30 submissions that I received Palumbi ’20. from students in classes 2021- In that same issue, Arenal 2025, as well as Upper School Haut ’20 wrote the article: faculty members. “Sexism Still Reigns Here.” People in the Park In this article, she quoted community have had these many senior girls and female experiences, fears, and self- faculty members about sexism “During a basketball camp hosted by Park, I was the only girl, and the doubts manifesting in their at Park. minds. Almost nothing has Additionally, she coach singled me out and gave me easier workouts than other students been done to address the referenced many articles present. I was not the best on the court, but by far not the worst. It was concerns, issues, and emotions on the topic from previous humiliating, as he also expressed surprise and congratulations every of those who have come years, such as: “Senior Girls time I did something on par with the rest of the group. No one in the forward. Gather and Discuss Sexism group said anything–I was the only person who spoke up and asked to This lack of action instills in School,” by Felice Falk fear and breaks trust in our ’18 in 2017, “Objectification be given equal tasks to the group, and I was laughed at by the coach school. of Women Happens Here,” (who is not a teacher at Park). As an experienced and capable athlete, Whether it be sexism and by Clare Peyton ’17 and both this experience and Park's PE unit were discouraging and made me harassment from students, Atira Koikoi ’17 in 2016. second guess both my abilities as an athlete and my want to participate teachers, or displayed online, Haut also wrote, “In 2014, in sports. These feelings and bias left behind in myself and others have those with power in our an assembly held by Isabel Upper School have not been Ingram ’15, Nikki Haririan not changed, and I still find myself having moments of low confidence in listening. ’15, Nile Fossett ’16, and my athletic abilities. I was extremely disappointed that those unaffect- Listen to those who have Gabby Reamer ’14 addressed ed by the PE unit and those on that basketball court said nothing and taken the time and built up the feminism. Synopses of their did nothing.” confidence to tell their story in statements appeared in the Violet Garibaldi ’24 this article. It is not easy to do, Postscript.” and it cannot be ignored. FEATURES 6 LS incorporates DEI work into curriculum by NORI LEYBENGRUB ’21

The Lower School has begun integrat- Lives Matter movement. It’s in the same The Lower School ing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work brass. It’s not a special, unique, or extraor- is taking a closer into the academic journey of its students. dinary thing, it’s what we learn at Park.” look at how students Teachers and administrators have mean- A group of fourth graders, excited for can examine topics surrounding ingfully adopted Park’s mission towards Black Lives Matter (BLM) At School Diversity, Equity, and anti-racism into supporting the thinking of week, came to DeLancey’s office to show Inclusion at a young young students. her videos they made and what they had age. Kindergarteners A new goal for the Lower School fac- learned of the importance of the BLM have started to talk about police ulty is the use of the Teaching Tolerance Movement. brutality, even Social Justice Standards and Anti-Bias The fourth grade curriculum has been without naming it. Framework to map out a lower schooler’s entirely refocused in the past few years, journey. switching from Ancient Egypt to an ex- The aim is to create a comprehensive ploration of the story of America, and the Image courtesy Communications document that allows adults to track the role of African Americans in that narrative. think that’s a little too deep, but it makes centered on race?” social justice education of a Lower School A precursor to that is the third grade cur- sense and the kids get it. They understand Younger kids still get a lot of their in- student at Park, allowing faculty to better riculum, which is centered around asking that people of certain skin colors at one formation from their parents, so they have visualize any shortcomings. “hard questions about culture, and class, point during history were treated different- enthusiastically joined conversations and Teachers are diving deep into develop- and social status, and our nation’s history,” ly and still are.” embraced learning too. ing themselves, as well as students, to be third grade teacher Ellen Hoistma said. First grade teacher Tracy Baker-Sims DeLancey has begun to host Diversity, more culturally responsive, conscious, and Their inquiry has led to lessons involv- added that “kids are not inhibited by trying Equity, and Inclusion workshops every fluent in matters of identity, in order to be ing an examination of offensive sports im- to make sure they sound politically correct. month for the adult members of the com- better attuned to social justice in the lives agery, or contemporary indigenous bead- And they don’t know that that’s even a munity. of their students. work sold through social media. thing… it [creates] a great opportunity to Teachers have also been part of the ef- This mission starts before students even In both unplanned and planned conver- clear up misconceptions and explore with fort to encourage the continuation of con- step into the classroom. Teachers meet sations, “we explore the idea that racism is them who they are and who their class- versations at home, extending support if with families for “Get to Know You” con- a white problem and that it is the responsi- mates are.” needed. ferences to establish a trusting relationship bility of the majority to make things better, DeLancey is hopeful that the early ef- This work is ongoing, and the Lower with the family, and to ensure their student both at Park and in the wider community,” fect of frequent racial conversation will be- School reflects that they are far from done. is represented in their studies. fourth grade teacher Jenny Harbold said. come a backbone for students to possess. In undertaking any plan like the Anti-Rac- Lower School principal Malika DeLanc- Incorporating these conversations in Prompted by the fifth grade teaching team, ist Action plan, DeLancey emphasized that ey recalled that she is impressed with how Lower School classrooms is made easier students are engaging and developing this we must “first look in the mirror, and not ordinary conversations and vocabulary of with the flexibility of the day’s schedule. backbone as they mature. point fingers at anyone else, but to say, race and social justice are for Park stu- Kindergarten teacher Christina Cubera ’10 They recently analyzed “The Protest ‘how am I in this? A part of the problem, dents. “It seems as if it’s just a natural part shared that in her class, they have talked Songs of Bob Marley,” a TED Talk about or a part of the solution? If I’m part of the of what they’re learning,” DeLancey said. about police brutality, without naming it as microaggressions against Black women, solution, how can I continue to be?’ If I’m “They may come into my office and tell me such, and white privilege. and Toni Morrison’s response to the ques- part of the problem, you have to name it, about a poem they read, or about the Black She understands that “some people may tion, “Will you ever write a book that isn’t and recognize it.” Two juniors form Student Leftist Coalition by LUC KRISHNAN ’22 Meeting weekly during X blocks since and examine their own political stances, imperialism, economic oppression: it’s Female Forum, [and the] POWER club,” January 13, the newly formed Student more generally defining terms such as all tied together,” said Connors. In the said Norbrook. “Maybe [we can] even do Leftist Coalition (SLC) is led by juniors “leftism” and “socialism,” or providing club’s meetings, students are often eager to some social action and activism outside of Aidan Connors and Alex Norbrook. The a space to discover and digest economic discuss this intersectionality. Discussions school, but that will come once we have a club aims to “build the foundation of and social theory, SLC meetings are set that start from a purely economic standpoint more established body, which we’re doing education for later action, to understand up with the goal of being informative often circle back to other social issues now.” some complicated economic and social to all who attend. “Our conversations too, highlighting a wish by Park students Between the mission statements given theories about liberation, and about leftism, aren’t just ‘we’re gonna abolish money,’” to explore these complex connections. by the SLC’s founders and its projected so that that can inform our practices later Connors said. “It’s also, ‘here’s the history “Because leftism is so broad… it requires action plans, which call for a turn of focus on,” Connors said. In addition, they aim to of slavery that Angela Davis has written a comprehensive understanding of many outward to the Park community, it is clear help students better understand their own about that we didn’t really discuss in our societal issues, which all, I would say, base that the club wishes to avoid becoming an stance on social, political, and economic history classes.’” themselves, not necessarily in capitalism, echo chamber, without compromising its issues, according to Norbrook. Currently, the club’s format consists but are very present in our capitalist focus. “One day,” Norbrook said, “we just of a reading selected weekly by club society today. To unpack that, we need to “[The SLC] is a way to discuss the realized there’s a need for discussion members, followed by a meeting to discuss form a diverse, inclusive, comprehensive issues in our society through a leftist around, not just finance and the stock the reading and any related concepts. The coalition,” Norbrook said. lens. And I think to conservatives and market and investment, and not just around club has thus far discussed excerpts from Moving forward, both leaders want the people who are on the right, or even in individual experiences about race in texts such as Women, Race, and Class by Upper School to engage with the ideas that the center at Park, a discussion with that affinity groups.” Angela Davis, Doughnut Economics by SLC explores at a greater depth, regardless in mind, with the principles of leftism: Norbrook added that: “We like to be Kate Raworth, Fossil Capital: The Rise of club membership. “Maybe next year, we equality, responsibility, et cetera… is super informed by history, and by philosophy, in of Steam Power and the Roots of Global can do a little bit more, start some more important, and [students] can gain new our analyses of our society, and we’d like to Warming by Andreas Malm, and more. conversations at Park,” said Connors. perspectives on issues, or opinions that share in that analysis with other students.” Many of the readings dive into social class While the focus of the club is currently on they may not agree with,” Norbrook said. According to the co-founders, the and capitalism, which are commonly seen education, the club’s leadership can agree Though the compromise between club’s current format is centered around as the foundational issues of leftism, but that, as membership grows, this education keeping the SLC’s leftist lens and its goal “education,” but the education it provides many also explore the intersections of those will also be supported by action from the of education for all willing students might can be different for different people. topics with issues such as gender equality, Park community and beyond. “In the future, be difficult, the coalition’s leadership is Whether it’s filling in a perceived gap in racial equality, the criminal justice system, as we are a coalition, we hope to branch ready to work with students to make it the Park history curriculum’s coverage of a and global climate change. out and collaborate and discuss with other happen, for the remainder of this year and societal issue, helping students re-evaluate “Racism, gender liberation, xenophobia, groups like the Black Male Forum, Black beyond. ARTS & CULTURE 7 Beabadoobee’s new album is masterfully balanced by LUCIA KELEMAN ’24

Indie-rock artist Beatrice Laus, or bea- the blunt nature of grunge as a whole, but grunge-like vocal style in today’s musical standing introduction to the record. badoobee, gained mainstream recognition also the lyrical staples of the famous grun- environment would likely not garner as The differences between these styles in 2019, when the hit single “death bed” ge group, Nirvana. Many of Kurt Cobain’s much acclaim as it would have in the peak are numerous, but this record challenges by Powfu sampled a line from her song lyrics center around irrational acts fueled of grunge music. our musical biases, and shows that grunge “Coffee.” by an emotional instability, like the men- Another brilliant combination of each and indie pop can benefit from each other if The indie pop-emo rap fusion grew fa- tion of shaving one’s head in “Lithium.” genre is audible in the record’s first track, done properly. The flaws that once plagued mous on the social media app TikTok, and Laus’ Nirvana-esque, defiant lyrical style “Care,” where bedroom pop’s simplistic current indie-pop are, for the most part, quickly achieved internet virality. In the is extremely unique compared to most melodies and grunge’s fierce instrumen- erased with the presence of a more intense wake of her first charting single, beaba- mainstream music, and her honest words tation collide gloriously. After a suspense- sound, and the issues that haunted grunge doobee has released her fifth album, Fake are performed in a manner that speaks to ful sonic “build up” during the track’s pre are less significant with a softer flair. “Dye it Flowers, which combines two vastly younger musical consumers. chorus, all of the tension is then released it Red’’ is a sublime example of how the different genres: the recently revived grun- Instead of imitating the vocal technique with clash-like guitar chords, and Laus’ overused grunge tone can be replaced with ge, and the simplistic, intimate, “bedroom used by countless grunge artists, Laus de- soft voice repeating a two-note chorus. The the “bedroom pop” vocal style, allowing pop.” While staying faithful to the influ- cides to take on a distinctly indie tone for instrumental clamor of this section is sim- there to be variation throughout the track. ences on which Fake it Flowers depends, her performance of “Dye it Red.” This ilar to a handful of the sonically extreme The song’s blunt lyricism demonstrates beabadoobee also expertly integrates as- style, known as the tone that bedroom pop hooks that tend to appear in early grunge that indie-pop can take part in commu- pects of grunge and indie to create an en- up-and-comers Arlo Parks and Clairo have tracks. However, the bedroom pop-in- nicating angrier messages. Likewise, in tirely new hybrid. adopted, has recently dominated the in- spired melody in between these chords “Care,” juxtaposition proves how instru- The evocative track “Dye it Red” ex- die-pop scene and forever left a mark on solidifies the song’s originality. Although mentals with more intensity add depth to plicitly demonstrates how beabadoobee musical culture itself. Within “Dye it Red,” some may see the chorus’s structure as too the indie sound, and how grunge tunes with combines bedroom pop’s trademark vo- the tone can be most easily discerned in the simple for enjoyment, the juxtaposition of simpler melodies are easier to process. cal tone with grunge’s angry lyricism. song’s verses, as Laus sings “And if you Laus’ minimalistic two-note phrase against During this age in which stylistic fu- This song depicts Laus rebelling against say you understand/You don’t, you don’t its overwhelming backing track is utterly sions are rising in popularity, Fake it Flow- a manipulative person, most likely a ro- you don’t.” Laus’s tone perfectly balanc- fascinating. The transition between each ers should become the model for musicians mantic partner, and she conveys her frus- es the bitterness of the track’s lyrics, and sound quality is much too jarring to be ig- who wish to take risks. Through exposure tration with the desire to dye her hair red. helps the song radiate a comfortable famil- nored, despite there being issues with the to this record, artists will learn the true na- “So let me cut my hair/And dye it red if I iarity despite also seeming rebellious. Her minimalistic melodic structure exemplified ture of sonic balance, and how to trust that want to.” Laus’ descriptions of impulsiv- decision also communicates a deep under- in the boring “How Was Your Day?” Final- audiences could listen favorably to experi- ity throughout the track emulate not only standing of musical trends. A traditionally ly, the contrast in “Care” serves as an out- mental tracks.

The Scarlet Letter is a must read by ERIC SMITH ’22

The Scarlet Letter is considered to be ministration takes pity on her and demands Forced to wear her mark of shame outside ardly to confess to his parishioners his sins a foundational text in American literature; that she wear a woven scarlet ‘A’ on her of her bosom, it was a necessity of surviv- and instead lets the undying guilt caused one of the first “classic” novels to be writ- bosom for the rest of her life. She protects al to lock away all tenderness in her spir- by the hypocrisy of the situation utterly de- ten by an American author. the identity of the partner to her illicit love it to live through a new harsh reality. The vour him. Unlike Hester, he does not have At less than 300 pages, it is shorter than affair, the beloved Reverend Arthur Dim- fruits of this labour has bestowed upon her the fortitude to leave and start life afresh. such great novels as Middlemarch and mesdale, and of her deceived husband, the a powerful force of character. She has the He is too constrained and enslaved to the Anna Karenina, and even shorter than the physician Roger Chillingworth, who seeks strength to convince Dimmesdale to leave confines of eternal guilt and rigid Puritan more “accessible” classics of Emma and revenge on the man who has made him a Boston and start a new life. She is the liv- society. Even the mere thought of leav- Jane Eyre. cuckold. As an eternal gift and punishment, ing embodiment of the quote from Gone ing for a new life leaves him temporarily The length, however, does not betray Hester gives birth to her child Pearl, a wild with the Wind, “With enough courage you without decorum. Defying conventions of the raw intensity or sublime emotion that American-born spirit who brings great joy can do without a reputation.” Hester has today and of her contemporaries, Hester makes a book like Emma seem almost friv- as well as suffering to her life. transcended from the terrestrial into the was led to sin by Dimmesdale, not the oth- olous in retrospect. The power in this novel resides not only celestial. er way around. The Scarlet Letter focuses on the life in the analysis of guilt, sin, and redemp- Dimmesdale, on the other hand, is on The resplendent dive into the morality, of Hester Prynne, a 17th century Puritan tion, but also in the contrast between how the complete opposite side of the spectrum. virtue, and a falling from grace renders this woman who has been arrested for the sin of Hester Pryne and Arthur Dimmesdale cope He hides his scarlet letter figuratively and book absolutely necessary for anyone who adultery in Boston. While the typical pun- with their suffering. literally on the inside of his bosom by con- wishes to understand the strength and vital- ishment would be death, the colonial ad- Hester deals with her emotions outright. tinually scratching his skin. He is too cow- ity of a scorned soul.

Show support for Infinity Train Book 4 by BRANDON ZAYON ’22

I was always ecstatic when a new sea- After spending years apart while Ryan They accomplished this with Book 4: The biggest flaw with this season is the son of Infinity Train came out. The show is busy with his rock and roll “career” Duet. The interactions between Ryan and fact that it is the finale: it leaves you with was one of my favorites, and it consistently and Min-Gi is preparing for college, the Min-Gi are amazing, and Kez is probably questions that could have been answered in delivered. Book 4: Duet is the unforeseen two meet back up. However, Ryan is not my favorite side character out of the en- the next two seasons. last season of Infinity Train, as the show so happy about Min-Gi’s decisions in life tire show. The story and character growth The creator stated that he planned eight was recently cancelled. This cancellation and wants Min-Gi to join him on the road. are top notch, and as always, there are full seasons, and that he has a finished was due to a lack of appeal to six to 10 After an argument, they wind up on a mys- still enough dark moments to remind you script for season five. However, because year old kids (according to the creator of terious train created to help them work out what show you’re watching. The season it’s a cartoon for teens, it was cancelled be- the show Owen Dennis’s recent Ask Me their issues. They are accompanied by an is hysterical; every character got at least fore he could finish. The only way for this Anything (AMA)). extremely apathetic and sometimes helpful one pure belly laugh from me and none show to continue is if enough people show The worst part about this cancellation is bell named Kez. of the jokes fell flat. Individually, episode support for it. Despite this probably being that viewers were expecting a riveting fina- The last seasons of Infinity Train have one is probably the best episode of the en- my least favorite season due to circum- le, and Book 4: Duet doesn’t deliver. been extremely dark, so the creators want- tire show. However, the rest of the show stance, I still wholeheartedly recommend This book follows two best friends ed to take a break and make something blends together and feels unnecessary until it. While it may be a 6/10 as a finale, it is named Ryan and Min-Gi. more lighthearted. the ending. still a 9/10 in terms of quality. SPORTS 8 SPRING SPORTS UPDATES On the by WILL PERES ’23 Seidlines As both the 2019 and 2020 sea- Dear Future sons concluded with a disappointing Bruins Athletes: ending, Boys’ Varsity Baseball has looked to change the tides this sea- by QUINN SEIDENMAN ’21 son. This letter is for Bruins who are After moving down from the somewhere on the journey between Maryland Interscholastic Athlet- learning shapes and calculus. If you ic-Association (MIAA) “B” Confer- are still unsure about circles and ence to the “C” conference, the team squares, I am surprised that a student is excited to have a more competitive from one of our rival schools is read- season than in the past. ing a copy of The Postscript. If you Captain Quinn Seidenman ’21 have mastered senior-year math topics has played for the team for all four at Park, congratulations, but you prob- years of high school, experiencing ably already know everything in this the ups and downs of the Bruins’ letter. past few seasons, and is very excited GIRLS’ LACROSSE You’re going to learn a lot on the TENNIS for what this new conference has to fields and courts at Park. You’re going by LIZA SHEEHY ’21 by WILL PERES ’23 offer for the team as a whole. to quickly realize that Park is not an “We’ve played really well as a “It’s a battle,” Girls’ Varsity La- athletic powerhouse in Maryland, no After the abrupt end to last year’s team so far, and I’m excited to build crosse Head Coach Robin Lowe ’84 matter how good you think your grade spring season, Boys’ Varsity Tennis some momentum and make a run,” said. The Interscholastic Athletic As- is in gym class or rec-league sports. To was ready to bounce back into the Seidenman said. sociation of Maryland (IAAM) “B” be more direct, you’re probably going first competitive sports games of the With eight games remaining on Conference is a competitive group to lose a lot of games. Sometimes year. The Bruins are expecting a big their schedule, the Bruins are plan- of teams, of which the Bruins have it’s going to be utterly embarrassing, season after having only one senior ning to make a strong push towards been a top contender, and will wrap and other times it’s going to be heart- graduate in last year’s class of 2020. the playoffs. up the regular season with a winning breakingly close. That is okay, and it’s This year’s team is not only look- record. precisely what makes Park Athletics ing to win matches, but also mentor The 2019 season ended with a special. the younger players who will lead BASEBALL tough 13-12 loss in the Semifinals, Just like in the classrooms of the the team in the future, especially as and Covid-19 then took away any school, athletics culture at Park is this is the last season for the senior hopes of revenge towards Mercy not consumed with an obsession over Hirschhorn twins, first seed -dou High School last season. “There quantitative results. Wins and losses bles players and team captains, who has always been heated competition are far less important than the lessons have been playing varsity for all four between us and Mercy,” senior cap- learned on the field, so I’ve been told. years. tain Becca Frank said. “After they We still play to win, but the difference Starting the season with three knocked us out in the 2018 champi- is that we fight for our friends and wins in a row, two of which came onships and the semis the next year, classmates more than anything else. out of conference, the Hirschhorn our team has always looked to beat On the best teams at Park, the players captains are looking to bring yet an- them.” would go to war with their teammates other championship back to the den. If the team can again knock because they’re family. Even during “We’ve had a great start to con- off both Annapolis Area Christian the toughest of losses, I wouldn’t have ference play so far. We have a really School, and St. John’s Catholic Prep wanted to play for any other team. talented team and I think we can go in their final two games of the sea- Most importantly, enjoy your time far this year,” Jacob Hirschhorn ’21 son, Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse will land as a Park athlete. You never know said. in the number two seed. what’s going to be your last dodgeball game at gym class, and it’s impossi- ble to predict whether a pandemic will by CALLIE KROSIN ’21 SOFTBALL cancel your final Rivalry Day. We all With only six teams in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland’s (IAAM) have a limited amount of time in the “C” Conference Softball league, Girls’ Varsity Softball has played only three conference Brown and White, and although our games so far this season. The Bruins are a young team, composed of 11 underclassmen uniforms are subpar, (why do our base- and led by a core group of six seniors. With the loss of last year’s spring season, sopho- ball uniforms have so many pawprints more pitcher Tori Garbarino has finally made her conference debut and is a strong asset on them?) I am devastated that soon I to the team. “Tori continues to impress with her unwavering hard work and courage on will have to turn them back over to the the mound,” Head Coach Brenna Nation said. “She’s a fighter and a fair competitor from Athletic Department for the last time. every angle.” As an avid consumer of the Post- Girls’ Varsity Softball is a strong contender in a small but competitive conference, and script sports column over the years, has high hopes for the playoffs. “We have an extremely tight-knit, and talented team this I always read the sappy farewell col- year,” senior captain Katey Cooney said. “We have our eye on the championships for the umns with a lack of awareness that it third season in row, and we definitely have the skill to make it there.” would someday be my grade playing out our final seasons for Park. Some- how, in-between some marathon Park Bruins baseball games, time truly BOYS’ LACROSSE by QUINN SEIDENMAN ’21 does fly. Always strive to live in the Playing a shortened schedule compared to previous seasons, Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse moment, even when the moment is (1-3) has struggled to find their rhythm. The trademarked low-scoring brand of Park punitive conditioning for losing to a Boys’ Lacrosse, comparable only to Virginia Men’s Basketball, has not yet been estab- significantly better opponent. lished this season. Lastly, you will truly be blessed by The Bruins have struggled to possess the ball offensively so far this season. Lack of great coaches, teammates, classmates, depth at critical positions has forced players into new spots. A prime example is captain and supporters at this school. I know Jacob Peres ’21 stepping in as the goalie.“We’re a pretty young team, so a lot of people that I was. There are so many amaz- who don’t have any prior Varsity experience will be key contributors. The conference is ing people who will be invested in wide open this year, so I think we have a really strong chance,” Peres said. your success both within and outside Loaded with athletic talent, the hope is to gain momentum as players gain experience of the athletics program. Never forget playing at the varsity level. The Bruins are scheduled to play the three schools directly the fans who drive to Saints Peter and ahead of them in the standings, which likely represents an opportunity to control their Paul for your team. And remember, if playoff destiny. All images courtesy photographer Jay VanRensselaer nothing else, please beat Friends.