WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY December 2013 | VOL. C : NO. 3

Seminars: Saturdays Well Spent? “Eggplant” Covers Exam Week ‘12 Days of Christmas’ at WRA The longest-running Junior Anna McMurchy discusses the Humorous graph displays the typical ways Counting down the days before the glorious newspaper in historic need for Saturday Seminars Reserve students spend their Exam Week Holiday Break

PAGE 2 | OPINION PAGE 3| COMMUNITY PAGE 4 | CENTERFOLD Hudson, Ohio Vespers ’13: A New Spin Morgan Leaders, Sophomores Partner for Projects on an Old Tradition by Kevin Yang ’15 by Tricia Cunningham ’14 The Morgan Leader Association is the bridge between administration and students. As such, the Grammy award-winning conductor and projects of the Class of ‘14’s Morgan Leaders en- James L. Knight Fellow Vance George joined compass a wide variety of goals so that everyone can the WRA community from San Francisco profit in some way. The Morgan Leaders are col- this year in the production of the annual Ves- laborating extensively with this year’s sophomores pers Concert. For years this WRA tradition to bring projects into fruition that not only create has epitomized the winter season and the unity in our student body, but also benefit those holiday spirit that takes over campus. Under outside of our school community. Morgan Leaders George’s direction, the WRA choir and or- and sophomores have divided into four groups and Photo provided by Moore by Photo provided chestra transformed classic Christmas Carol- created four distinct projects. ing into a stunning performance including year is a very important year,” says Campana, “and The first of these comes from the trio of Ann Yu musical pieces from around the globe. Songs we hope to make sure that they are having a great ’14, Alex Fellows ’14, and Lily Liu ’14, and it deals ranged from the winter classic ‘Jingle Bells’ experience thus far.” But it is not always easy for with something few can resist--food. Their project a freshman to talk to a senior. Taking this into ac- to an intricate African version of ‘Noel’. Fac- has two parts, the first of which is to resurrect the count, to ensure a successful first year, they have en- ulty members stated that one of their favorite food drive. The second part is called “Cookie Tues- listed the help of sophomores (since they are closer parts about this year’s Vespers was that even days.” “ We recognize that Tuesday’s long blocks can in age) to talk to the freshmen about possible class though the format changed, the audience be hard to get through and a bag of baked goods bonding activities. “The sophomores working with was still engaged and participated vocally can really help,” says Liu. “Similar to crush-o-grams, me have already talked to several freshman about in most of the carols. Mr. Will Talaba and bags of baked goods can be pre-purchased by stu- activities they would want to do as a class and are his introduction of drums and dancing into dents to be distributed to their loved ones on the filling me in on what those activities are and how the performance was a highly liked addition first Tuesday of every month with lovely notes.” The their conversations are going,” says Campana. “We across the student body. Excitement rang proceeds from both of these projects will go to the hope to get the event organized in the near future.” through the chapel as the sound of the pipe Akron Food Bank, which student volunteers partici- Finally, building upon the popularity of “Humans organ filled the air. Each and every person sat pated in during previous community service days. of New York,” a photoblog documenting the lives of in silence and awe as the thunderous sound The tag team of McKenna Polak ’14 and Annie various New Yorkers, the team of Mitch Pollock ’14 overwhelmed the night. Although many say Carter ’14 proposes a campus-wide scavenger hunt and Abby Hermosilla ’14 plans a “Humans of Reserve” that this new, and more diverse version of for the students of Western Reserve Academy. Polak project. “The sophomores will be doing their own Vespers is the best that they have ever attend- says that they hope to “get as many students as pos- photojournalism projects having to do with WRA, sible to participate to help build some school spirit, ed, a few old traditions were dearly missed. which will eventually end up in a blog or maybe even and to show people some things they may not have Some of the missing favorites include the in the Moos Gallery,” says Pollock. Wherever the proj- Continued on Page 2 noticed on campus before.” Through their project, ect is exhibited, it is sure to be a refreshing interpreta- they will not only to provide a fun, engaging activity tion of the assortment of lives of Reserve residents. for the school, but also bring awareness to otherwise Under the guidance of the Effective Leadership Acade- overlooked sites on campus. “So far we’ve been really my, the Morgan Leaders and sophomores will collabo- impressed with some of the ideas the sophomores rate with one another throughout the year to complete have come up with,” says Polak, “and we’re really look- these projects. The projects will bring our communi- ing forward to coming up with a finished product!” ty closer together and improve the world outside our The third project comes from the duo of Alex campus, in addition to being testaments to the cre- Campana ’14 and Jack McKenzie ’14. Their fo- ativity of our many leaders and soon-to-be leaders. cus is unity among the freshmen class. “Freshman Photo by Andersson Knight Fellow Vance George Leaves Legacy Red Kettle Decorates Hud- by Trevor Levin ’15 and Harrison Ahn ’17 giving the audience a preview of Vespers. Be- On Tuesday, December 3, the 2013-2014 fore previewing an African carol, he asked son as Charity Takes Off Knight Fellow, Vance George, spoke to the percussion teacher and interim band direc- by Ketty Nolan ’15 tor Will Talaba to explain the various drums student body. George, the conductor emeri- It all started back in 1891 when Joseph McFee of the used in the piece. It made for a highly en- tus of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Salvation Army was stricken by the amount of homeless, tertaining, if somewhat free-form, speech. had guest-directed the student chorus and hungry individuals in San Francisco. Captain McFee re- Raised in rural Indiana, George realized his orchestra for three intermittent weeks dur- alized that these people couldn’t enjoy Christmas with as passion for music early in life. “It was always ing the fall leading up to the annual Vespers much comfort as most people. Western Reserve Academy music, for me,” he said. George studied under performance. George gave a rather uncon- student Morgan Lightcap ’14 says, “Most people forget Mary Hoyer, a profound musician and teach- ventional “lecture”: rather than an organized how fortunate they are, and just a small act of kindness er; Margaret Hillis, the founder and conductor speech, he loosely worked off audience ques- can make someone else’s holiday a little brighter.” Be- of the Chicago Symphony Chorus; and Robert tions, citing his tendency to “get nervous” lieving in this same principle, McFee set his sights on Shaw, founder and conductor of the Cleveland when asked to do a formal presentation. one goal: to provide a free Christmas meal to the people Symphony Chorus. He became the director of Though George first appeared on campus starving on the streets. But where would he get the mon- the San Francisco Symphony Chorus in 1983 in October, he did not address the student ey? He decided on placing two red kettles on street cor- and remained there for 23 years. His work there body until the students’ first day back from ners where people could donate spare change. That year, earned him international recognition as a top Thanksgiving Break. He discussed the im- Red Kettle allowed him to feed 1,000 people living in conductor, and the chorus won four Grammy portance of engagement, of happiness, and poverty, and it soon affected the lives of tens of thousands Awards under his leadership. He plays the pi- of the arts. He occasionally paused to direct of people not only across the nation, but also the world. the chorus and orchestra to illustrate a point, ano, organ, french horn, and a “bit of tabla”. Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 2 2 Reserve Record Opinion December 2013

anyone ever makes you grip quarters in your fist and these seminars provide a perfect place for them. Let’s Change Busy Work then asks you what you are doing, the answer is – Finances are a good place to start, but let’s learn to Productivity grab your hot stakes, everyone – embracing change. about income taxes, mortgages, and student loans. by Anna McMurchy ’15 After that, I was done. I think my brain imploded. Politics would be an excellent subject to teach, as Class seminars. Are they a waste of time devised to In the junior year, the seminars focus on the col- many Americans remain ignorant about today’s na- haul our miserable, already over-worked butts out of lege process. An excellent idea, considering this huge tional affairs. I think self-defense and survival skills our comfortable beds, or are they genuinely neces- decision is fast approaching, and I do not have a clue would make fantastic seminars. One day, one of our sary, profitable learning experiences? Naturally, the what anything involving college means. I am still alumni may need to fend off a rapist or a rampag- school wants us to adamantly proclaim the latter. half under the impression that one day a letter will ing black bear, and it will be much more helpful We should all rouse our well-rested selves out of bed show up in my mailbox from University X saying, to have learned a simple kicking maneuver than a on a Saturday morning with big smiles plastered on “Congratulations, your test scores look good; you can worse-than-awful pun (although your attacker might our faces and skip off to our predetermined destina- show up on Monday, free of charge.” The seminars just keel over and die on account of how bad it was). tions whistling the seven dwarves’ tune from Snow about college have provided no helpful new infor- White, right? Wrong. While some of the seminars mation. How can I possibly find the perfect college really do contain precious nuggets of maybe use- from all the thousands in the world? What can you ful information, others are just downright tedious. do during a gap year, and is it a good idea? What the This new Saturday system has only been around heck is a FAFSA? Farting Alligators Form Silly Acro- for less than two years, so I understand that it might nyms? You bet they do, but that still does not help not be perfect yet. At this point, however, it often me with the college dilemma. Please, someone help feels like we are simply doing busy work. I believe last us all by sitting us down and going through exactly year’s seminars for my grade were supposed to focus what one must do to A) find a suitable college that on money or something. All I remember from those meets all one’s needs, B) earn as much financial aid seminars was this one speaker who made a pun so and scholarship money as possible, and C) fill out

bad I immediately looked around for the nearest hot all the seemingly endless forms in a timely manner. Andersson Photo by stakes to plunge into my eyes. For future reference, if As for the real-world skills that we need to learn, Owe The Credit Which Half-Credits Are Due Vespers cont. by Trevor Lin ’15 mances which, despite being thoroughly Continued from page 1 It has been a requirement for as long as gratifying for both performers and spec- handbells—as well as ‘Carol of the Bells’—as they were always anyone can seem to remember; students tators, often require us to surrender even a crowd pleaser. Although there were many changes to the Ves- must complete a set number of arts courses more of our precious out-of-class time. pers Concert, it was still a show that reminded us all that holi- in order to graduate from Reserve. While Don’t get me wrong; speaking as a mem- days are near and brought the much spirit to campus as motiva- some of our peers detest this obligation, ber of the orchestra, there is no time I en- tion to survive the weeks left until that glorious Holiday Break. many of us seem to embrace the oppor- joy in the school day more than that which After the concert, student and families were invited to the din- tunity to partake in any of the plethora I spend making music with my peers. But ing hall for a traditional seated meal which always promises to be of arts options offered by WRA. These the many, many hours of extra rehearsals the best of the year, and this year did not disappoint. And after the classes are enjoyed as they provide a cre- used to prepare for the Vespers Concert meal was finished, a special visitor decided to join the group. San- ative outlet for stressed students with only with guest-conductor Vance George were ta Claus was around yet again this year encouraging the students ½ the weight of an academic grade ap- tiring and stressful for many members of to join in singing some of their favorite Christmas carols around plied to a student’s GPA. Most of these the choir and orchestra. Naturally, it is the piano in Elsworth. This has always been a tradition for the din- courses meet 2 or 3 times a week and do somewhat defeating to see that we are not ner, a chance to sing some of the songs that were included in the not compare to normal academic classes in rewarded any more than if we had spent a Vespers show. Mr. George has done a wonderful job of continuing terms of workload and course expectations. few classes a week in the art room. What the holiday traditions on campus while bringing in his own twist. There are a few arts courses, however, would be a sensible and reasonable solu- Red Kettle cont. which harbor significantly higher expec- tion to this problem? Quite simply, offer Continued from page 1 tations for their students when compared students of these classes one full credit. to the rest. Consequently, it would make In order to make a change like this work, Today, Red Kettle collects money for the Salvation Army to help more a lot of sense to count these courses as 1 certain adjustments would surely have to than 4.5 million people during the holidays. They enlist anyone who full credit instead of the aforementioned be made. Perhaps grading more strictly, wants to volunteer to ring the bells at the kettles at their local shops ½ credit that arts courses traditionally more concert critiques, and more practic- and stores. This year, WRA had several students, faculty and families receive. I am referring to the Choir, Or- ing would be in order. Many musicians, ringing the bells during the week. “I saw bell ringing as an opportu- chestra, Band, and Dance classes. These 4 singers, and dancers would surely be mo- nity to get involved with something bigger than myself and Reserve,” courses meet 4 days out of the week- just tivated to perform better if they knew says volunteer Angelle Henkelmann ’14. “By donating just a little time, as often as your Math or English class. a full credit was at stake. Who knows? we were able to make a difference in a way that will impact people Just like their academic courses, the artists Maybe that extra motivation would even not just in our community, but across the country.” The holidays are spend 225 engaged minutes in these classes lead to noticeable improvements in our all about giving, and ringing the Red Kettle bells at Acme this holi- every week, working tirelessly towards the concerts. (As if that were even possible!) day season has helped many of WRA’s students understand the im- excellence that we are expected to strive portance of giving back to the community. Senior Class Dean Annie for as students of The Academy. Further- Neill says, “It is impossible to encapsulate all the benefits of why high more, students are obligated to spend time school students should volunteer briefly, but I believe that, at the core, outside of class practicing their dances, is hope. Hope for a better you, a better community and a better world.” songs, or pieces. For those of us who are Have a crossword clue to share? Want to write a review? Notice an error? Email the Reserve Record at: subject to this obligation, it is comparable to the homework we constantly receive [email protected] in our other classes. The efforts expended towards these classes culminate in perfor- Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @wrarecord Photo by Andersson Photo by

Editors-in-Chief: Abby Hermosilla, Mitch Pollock man, Tricia Cunningham, Erik Gross, Trevor Levin, Trevor The opinions expressed in the Reserve Record do not Managing Editor: Nate Lund Lin, Timmy Lund, Anna McMurchy, Niraj Naik, Ketty necessarily represent those of the administration, trust- News: Rylee Nelsen, Kevin Yang Nolan, Simon Ong, Alec Rhodes, Connor Semple, Gabe ees or student body. The editors assume full respon- Opinion: Hannah McKenzie Skora, Kevin Yang sibility for the contents of the publication and invite Centerfold: Max Forsyth community responses. Community: Nate Lund Faculty Advisor: Russell Morrison Please address any concerns, comments or requests to: Entertainment: Simon Ong Arts: Abby Hermosilla The Reserve Record is the student-run, monthly news- The Reserve Record Sports: Charles Pearlman paper of Western Reserve Academy and the voice of Western Reserve Academy Additional Formatting: Max Borrmann and for the student body. It aims to educate its staff, 115 College Street Crossword: Alex Wheaton writers and photographers on journalistic style, format, Hudson, OH 44236 Comic: Timmy Lund ethics and excellence, while entertaining and informing [email protected] Photographers: Lisie Andersson, Joshua Estrada, Maya the student body and providing its readership a forum Greenwald for community expression and discussion. The editors Writers: Harrison Ahn, Arthur Aubergine, Morissa Clay- and staff have worked on every facet of this publication. 3 Reserve Record Community December 2013 Toys For Tots: Com- TGI-India: Bringing Culture to The Green Key by Niraj Naik ’16 nan ’16 says, “I really think that we will be making a munity Comes Together On Friday, December 6, Indian Club sponsored bigger impact on the community this year. Everyone For The Greater Good their 2nd Annual “TGI-India” in the Green Key. Stu- who shows up to the meetings seems to be really com- by Morissa Clayman ’16 dents were able to listen to some Indian tunes and mitted to the program!” When asked about the green Every October, November, and December grab some authentic Indian food. Along with food and key event, club leader Nishika Raheja ’14 said this, “I the Marine Corps collect toys for less for- music, several students including Victoria Hearin ’15, was really satisfied with the turnout to the event this tunate children in our communities across Chloe Cusimano ’14, and Miranda Fetterman ’14 even year! The music and food definitely improved from America. Their work “delivers a message of dressed up in traditional Indian clothing for the event. last year.” She also hinted at a possible Holi celebra- hope” to children during the holiday sea- Indian Club was started last year by recent alumni, tion during the Spring Season. Indian Club will be son. Here at Western Reserve Academy, Sithara Thalluri ’13 and Azziz Qadri ’13 and faculty making a presentation about Indian Culture at Cul- the REACH team organizes the annual member Dr. Sita Swami. Although the club was rela- ture Night this year. Club leader Varun Chalasani ’14 candy cane sale, or rather competition, be- tively inactive last year, club member Neel Ramakrish- says to look for a booth with delectable Indian Treats! tween the classes for a dress-down day. Miranda Fet- Candy canes weren’t the only treats around, terman '14 (left) the Thursday cookie and hot chocolate re- enjoys a playlist ception brought everyone to the Library. of modern Since 2005 WRA has generously donated Indian dance music. Chloe 4,160 toys to the program. This year had a Cusimano '14 great turnout, with a little over $3,000 raised (right) draws in just three days! A grand total of 5,624 candy henna along canes were bought by our community of about wrists. 500 people. With this money the members of REACH went on a Target shopping spree for toys, 13 whole cartfulls to be exact. 513 toys Photos by Andersson were given to Toys for Tots this season from Vance George cont. Emmanuel” and “Silent Night” and the jubilant chorus our community, and with each one a child’s Continued from page 1 of Bach’s “Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen”; they sang along Christmas morning will be so much brighter. During his guest directorship of the chorus and the to “Jingle Bells” and “The First Nowell” and moved in orchestra, George has inspired students with his their seats to the rhythm of the African carol “Noel”. expertise, teaching student vocalists new techniques George identified happiness as a theme in his life; when and imparting his musical philosophy to the students. asked during the assembly what his greatest accomplish- “[Vance George] helped me to think about the music ment was, he responded, “Being happy.” When asked

Photo by Andersson Photo by beyond what’s written on the page,” says violinist to advise WRA’s aspiring musicians, he said, “Have Trevor Lin ‘15. great passion for making music, for doing your very George’s residency has resulted in several changes to best. Learn to read and learn many styles from music. the traditional Vespers performance. In addition to fea- Be in the best ensemble you can possibly find. Just con- turing multiple new pieces, including several in foreign stantly push yourself to be the best. You will find your- languages, and dropping others, this year’s Vespers re- self very happy and joyous just simply making music.” placed the usual handbells with the orchestra and was performed on both Saturday and Sunday, making for Computer Club Hosts an event unique in recent memory. The hundreds in the Bi-Annual LAN Party Chapel heard the hushed sounds of “O Come, O Come, by Niraj Naik ’16 On November 16, the Computer Club host- The Eggplant* Presents: Exams? What Exams? ed it’s bi-annual LAN party. The location of by Arthur Aubergine the event was the Riflery Room in the Mur- The Eggplant recently conducted a survey dough Athletic Center. The LAN party had about what students were doing to prepare three projectors playing FIFA 13 and 14 while for the upcoming exam week. Exam week one projector could be used by anyone for any can be a very stressful period for students; games they wanted to play. There was also al- especially for those experiencing the horror ways a game of League of Legends going on. and immense boredom of preparing for five Each team played from the opposite side of a 2 hour exams for the first time. The results room. For almost four hours, the room buzzed of the survey were very interesting. Many with excitement. As the night progressed, the students appeared to be unaware that there cheers of victory and cries of defeat grew loud- were even exams coming up. Others, likely er and louder. By the end of the night, Grant veteran survivors of exam weeks past, were Macpherson ‘14 was crowned the victor of the already making plans to get through one FIFA tournament. MJ Lee ’15 had this to say more alive. about the event, “Many people came out to *The Eggplant is a mock news article, based on The participate in the tournaments and to hang Onion, in which certain issues at Western Reserve out with friends. We were glad to host such Academy and other relatable topics are inflated an event where we can all put aside the stresses and contorted. Its sole purpose is to entertain of our academic lives and have fun!” The next the reader and it is not meant to be offensive. LAN party will take place in May of 2014.

Comic by Timmy Lund ’16 4 Reserve Record Centerfold December 2013 “12 Days of Christmas” at WRA As the winter season beckons the end of another year, holiday spirit dazzles campus. The Record presents an arrangement of twelve aspects of the holiday season at Western Reserve Academy illustrated by photographs taken by Lisie Andersson ’14 and artwork by Max Forsyth ’15.

Three Cups of Hot Chocolate One Messiah Sing Two Vespers Performances Four Brick Row Buildings

Six Ugly Sweaters Five Minute Study Break

Happy Holidays

Eight College Applications Seven Carts of Toys for Tots

Eleven Missing Hats Nine Trays of Cookies Ten Slippery Stairs Twelve Adirondack Chairs December 2013 Entertainment Reserve Record 5 A Changing Game: Music Review: 's The Case for the Wii U by Alec Rhodes ’14 The much awaited release of Arcade Fire’s by Simon Ong ’15 new album Reflektor has made for some Let me start by clearing mixed reviews from beloved fans and music up some confusion: most connoisseurs alike. Upon first listen, most of you have a Wii, cor- experienced Arcade Fire fans will surely rect? If not, you certainly be surprised by the new incorporation of know what a Wii is and 80’s style synth and drums and maybe even why it is unique. Well, let me then ask you, what is a Wii U? shocked by the disko-like feel of the entire I already know your responses are more uneasy. The Wii U is album. The band’s older tunes aimed sim- not a portable Wii nor is it an optional Wii Add-On similar the ply to harmonize with overpowering vocals, Wii Motion+. The Wii U is its own console entirely different the consistent agenda of the band’s other from the Wii; the next generation of Nintendo Gaming. Set- popular albums like Funeral, , ting apart the Wii U from other gaming consoles is the Wii U and . Yet, like most indie rock Gamepad: no different from your standard video game con- bands reaching peaks in their modern ca- Reflektor, Arcade Fire's latest album's cover art. troller except for the fact that it has a large touch screen on it. reers, Arcade Fire tries to reinvent their sound In an attempt at brevity I shall jump to the point and tell as more rhythmic and music-oriented than their older more drawn out instrumentals. you why you should be excited for the Wii U this coming holi- The Canadian group consists of husband and wife and Régine Chassagne, as well as day season. It’s no secret that the Wii U is struggling in sales , William Butler, , and . The band is known for it’s but, Nintendo is continuing to innovate the video game market especially eclectic arrangement of instruments, even for an indie group. Instruments such as the in the way they always have by testing boundaries and taking glockenspiel and hurdy-gurdy used in many of Arcade Fire’s work. The group has won many awards risks. The Wii U is by no means similar to other next genera- for their studio work including a Grammy for album of the year for their first album: Funeral. tion consoles hitting the market this season such as the Xbox Despite Reflector’s new sounds, the indie giants have managed to put together a few One and PlayStation 4. However, that is why you should be tracks that have already become smash hits. Songs like “It’s Never Over” and “After- most excited for it. With gameplay mechanics that are different life” have many of the same characteristics, such as powerful vocals, as the group’s from anything seen before, one would wonder why they wouldn’t want a Wii U. With a strong barrage of first-party games hit- older material. Other songs like “Normal Person” and “Here Comes The Night- ting stores within the next year (Super Mario 3D World, Donkey time” give listeners a new, more upbeat feel featuring catchy riffs and shifting rhythms. Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Arcade Fire has arisen through the indie music hierarchy all the way to the top with the Bros.) adding to the already diverse game library (New Super Ma- help of their innovative and often influential music. The band will be on tour showcasing their rio Bros. U, Pikmin 3, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker )HD new album starting this January in Australia. The tour will conclude next August in their na- the reasons to seek out a Wii U seem to outweigh any argument tive Montreal. Arcade fire will be making their rust belt stop this March at the Quicken Loans to go for the less innovative and more expensive competition. Arena in Cleveland.

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 67 Bingo card 1 Remember to forget center 5 Pageant contestant’s wear 68 Working time 9 Burnt color 69 Unit of film 14 Fork prong 70 Stack of cards 15 Foil’s cousin 71 Brainy bunch 16 Pasta draining device 72 Husky’s burden 17 VCR insert 73 Knight Center focus 18 Indian head, once 19 Laundry woe DOWN 21 Siddartha Gautama 1 Swimming mammal 23 Devoted following 2 Where LeBron took 24 Marriage, or one his talent 26 What Homer Simpson 3 Keypad function says 4 Driver’s aid 28 Non-revenue ad 5 Not of the church 29 School canceler, except at 6 Copied Reserve 7 iPhone command 31 Slay like Gimli 8 Eighth Hebrew letter 34 Napoleon’s downfall 9 Ship initials 37 Geologic time period 10 Record Co-Editor-in- 39 Wheels of fortune? Chief 40 Miner’s find 11 French “handsome” 41 Sailor’s hello 12 What superheroes 42 Half the integers fight 44 Faith 13 Musical of “La Vie 34 Take a bride 54 Build, as a monument 47 Fox hole Boheme” 35 Prayer closer 55 Offends the olfactories 48 Shelled desserts 21 Legally stolen item 36 Evil twin in “Star Trek” 56 Micro or micro ender 50 Boolean operator 22 Fuss to Shakespeare 38 Sets of socks 57 Tylenol target 51 ACT alternative 25 “The Jungle” author 39 Christmas light alt. 58 Splints locale 52 Member of Santa’s team 27 Be in the red 43 Balneotherapy venue 60 New Testament book 56 Court suit 29 With “eye,” public woes 45 List by value 61 Snowman material 59 Worthy of worship 30 Vespers call 46 Cattle prodder 62 Gardener’s tool 63 Synonymous sin 31 Santa call 49 Oft-misspelled possessive 65 Arrival at CLE 64 Ancient pigment 32 Mr. Ong’s class 51 Peasants of yore 67 U.S. health agency 66 Persuade gently 33 Question of motive 53 Resume reader 6 Reserve Record Sports December 2013

WRA Sports’ Hidden Gem, Photo by Estrada Cleveland Caveliers: Fans Fencing Team Advances Hold Hope For Playoffs Photo provided by bleachreport.com by Connor Semple ’15 Univer- Unseen by many members of the WRA com- sity fenc- munity, a tightly-knit group of 13 swordsmen ing team. gathers each day in a hidden corridor of the Bringing Murdough Athletic Center, laboring to per- 38 years of fect an ancient military art: fencing. A display experience of gentlemanly combat, a traditional fencing to his stu- bout occurs between two combatants who at- dents, Nagy tempt to score points by striking their opponent currently with the tip of their weapon, known as an epee. travels the A WRA fencer in action. Dating back to 15th century Spain, fencing is Greater Cleveland area working as a professional deeply rooted in European history and remains fencing coach. There is no doubt that the team will A shot from the November Cleveland Cavs vs. Chicago one of only five sports to be held in every edi- benefit from the insight of Nagy, who commented Bulls game. tion of the modern Olympic Games. When that in a technical sport like fencing, “there is not by Gabe Skora ’15 asked about his motivation for joining the team, much luck involved in winning. Skill and experi- When the Cavs secured the No. 1 pick in the 2013 sophomore Mike Zeleznik (who can frequent- ence win most every time.” When asked about his NBA Draft, and later acquired Andrew Bynum, ly be seen in the MAC slicing his opponents to goals for the organization, Nagy said that although fans felt hope. Hope had been hard to find in the ribbons) replied that he first considered fencing the team has yet to participate in formal compe- stands of Quicken Loans Arena since Lebron James because “it was something that I’d never done titions, “with the support of Mr. Haller, I hope left Cleveland for his new home in South Beach. Al- before and it sounded interesting. For most to eventually get the students to compete in the though a championship still seemed far beyond of us, WRA is the first experience that any of annual Ohio High School Fencing Champion- reach, fans were given hope of improvement. Hope us got, so we all started at the same skill level.” ship.” Until that day comes, the members of the that maybe the Cavs would find themselves play- The squad is commandeered by head coach Tom fencing team will continue to meticulously hone ing in the postseason for the first time since 2010. Nagy, a former member of the Cleveland State their skills in anticipation of future competitions. Now, one month into the season, the Cavs are 5-12, and they look nowhere near a playoff caliber team. Wins Fresh Face as WRA over Brooklyn, Chicago, and Minnesota gave fans a spark of hope, seeing as those teams were all labeled preseason Swimming Coach playoff contenders. Unfortunately, those teams are dras- by Erik Gross ’17 tically underachieving as well. In fact, none of Cleveland’s Photo by Andersson Photo by Mrs. Katie Monroe was born in Philadelphia, 5 wins have come against a team with a winning record. Pennsylvania and moved to Aurora, Ohio at the Several factors may be to blame for the underachieving age of six. In high school, Monroe was very Cavs. They have a new coach, Mike Brown. Brown, while athletic and participated in many sports such as no stranger to Cleveland, brings a system that is the polar basketball, volleyball, and swimming. After high opposite of Byron Scott’s offensively focused game plan. school, Monroe attended college at Muskingham Gone are the days of a free flowing offense and virtually University in New Concord, Ohio where she WRA swim coach Mrs. Katie Monroe no defense. Unfortunately, despite Brown’s emphasis graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. on defense, the team is no defensive behemoth., The After graduating from college, she began teach- lifelong exercise and something you do not need Cavs are allowing 100.8 points per game and are ranked ing at the Hudson Montessori School in Hudson, a group of people to do. It is a low impact sport 19th out of the league’s 30 teams in points allowed Ohio where today she teaches Physical Education and so very good on your joints and body.” In addition to the new system is the failed draft pick. to students in preschool through the eighth grade. When asked to share something about herself The Cavs shocked the world when they used the first At 15 years of age, Katie began teaching swim- that we may not know, she responded that she overall pick on Anthony Bennett, an unproven forward ming and spent her summers guarding, teaching, and her husband John have four children and from UNLV. The 6’8” swing forward made sense on pa- and coaching swimming. Katie states, “I knew all four children graduated from WRA. Three per, filling one of the teams immediate needs. In reality, I wanted to teach and coach when I left college of her children were members of the swim team. Bennett has done very little to help the Cavs in the quest and after experiencing many different coach- Monroe continues to teach swimming les- to reach the playoffs. He averages 2.2 points a game, a stat ing styles in many different sports, my goal as a sons on the weekends in addition to coach- line we are more accustomed to seeing from a player on ing swimming at WRA during the week.

coach is to teach the love of the sport as well as Photo by Doe a 10-day contract than from the number 1 overall pick. teach the skill and technique in the water that is So, is there hope? If you were to ask the typical needed to be efficient in the water. Swimming is Cleveland fan, even after years of disappointment, such a fantastic sport – I love it because it is a they would surely say yes, the Cavs can still make the Photo by Andersson playoffs. Andrew Bynum just put up 20 points against the Bulls, Mike Brown is slowly but surely figuring out a rotation, and Kyrie Irving (a slightly more suc- cessful No. 1 pick than Bennett) will only get better as the season goes on. It is common for a team un- der a first year coach to struggle early. While the first month has been, in a word, disappointing, there are four and a half months left in the season for the Cavs to turn things around. Fans must be patient and wait until the end of the season to craft their judgements. job to become the school’s ping pong champion. Ping Pong Hits Reserve This year is not Shu’s first year of coaching, but our team is very different from any other one he’s coached. as Winter Sport Option Shu notes, “The improvement is obvious. After just by Timmy Lund ’16 learning how to serve, some students were already very When Mr. Herbert Haller made the morn- competent in playing.” Shu hopes that in the com- ing meeting announcement that ping pong would ing years, the WRA ping pong team will be able to

be a winter sports option this year, a collective compete in matches against other schools in the area. and Davies Greenwald Photos by laugh rumbled through the Chapel. Sure, it might Shu stresses the health benefits of ping pong as seem funny to the common Reserve student, but much as the techniques. There is a whole slew to Mr. Andy Shu, ping pong is a serious sport. of health benefits from playing competitive ping Jae Hwi '17 Shu began playing ping pong when he was seven pong: improved agility, reflexes, coordination, eye- (bottom) years old and has been playing ever since. He learned goes for the sight--even memory. Shu loves ping pong because hit at an most of his skills from a relative, but he has also a 5 year old can play it, but so can a 85 year old. afternoon had many coaches. As a teacher at a Chinese com- This year, the ping pong team aims to partici- ping pong munity college, Mr. Shu met another teacher who pate in some great exercise while still enjoying practice. had trained with the Chinese national team. Mr. the health-benefitting discipline of table tennis. Shu sharpened his skills while keeping up with his