Shady Side Academy News May 2020 GOODBYE TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Letters From Sean and Molly

By: Sean Kelley one. For most this would be a mundane purchase of As I have ended the little significance, but to last Zoom call of my high me, this desk was a gift for school career, I am sitting the person I was committed staring at the computer to becoming at Shady that has been my window Side, one who would be back into normalcy. I end burdened enough to need now with writing this final the space of its surface, thank you and farewell to one who studied with the school that has meant persistence and would so much to me and the look at ease taking notes people that I will carry and reading upon such with me wherever I go. a beast. And it’s in me Firstly, thank you to Molly cleaning out its innards Skvorak. My partner in in preparation for my crime and a lifelong friend. family’s move this July that We were so lucky to have memories are overflowing had such complementary like that of the papers personalities, and I am stuffed in her cabinets. truly going to miss her next All the hastily year. Thank you also to Mr. written English exam Green, the advisor of our notes, the problem-based wonderful Student Council, math questions that and of course thank you to were completed but Tanner, Elizabeth, Arusha, not understood, the Katie, Jack K, Porter, Jack mascot presentations, H, Andy, Hailey, Elaine, the environmental club Liam, and Logan. I could initiative announcements, Sean and Molly, Student Body President and Vice the student-council spend the rest of the lines thanking President, leading our last virtual assembly every teacher and student at Shady election speeches, and assembly notes, Side that has helped form me into the and its individuals have accomplished. composed and practiced pacing in this man that I am today, but alas I am I will be a kid with ND on his chest, but now barren room, one by one were allotted a certain number of words. SSA in his heart. Glory to Shady Side. recalled with ease as I pulled them from My goal when I started this year as these drawers. Yet during this parting president was to humanize our group. hour, as the desk has little time before By: Molly Skvorak I wanted to make sure that people it is disassembled and presumably did not think of us as individuals on a While I was excited for much upon donated or discarded, I’m filled not with pedestal, but peers in the community, first moving to Fox Chapel from Canada sadness. Our parting of ways serves as ready and eager to help with any three years ago, amidst the fresh starts a much-needed reminder of how lucky problems. My favorite memory of and new opportunities, the prospect I am to have gone to such a school and this year was walking into the gym that I was most looking forward to was to have grown in the ways that I have. before Homecoming and seeing that that of picking out my own desk. I had And I’m making way for the memories my Student Council was hard at work wanted one that an ostentatious lawyer to come, such is the progression of life. along with help from our school would for a peculiar amount of time, As the saying goes, time waits mates. This meant the world to me and with the move, progress towards for no one, so don’t allow that that everyone was willing to help out. achieving such a dream was rapidly which you have left among friends, The days this year were long, but the advancing. Inside the used furniture teachers, and members of the greater year was far too short. I will carry store I was immediately hit with the SSA community to slip from your Shady Side in my mind and my heart smell of fresh varnish and old men. It grasp before you appreciate it for as I head to South Bend in August. was in this cloud of cigar smoke from what it is: joyous and fleeting. I am humbled and blessed by this such gentlemen that I saw her. Almost Thank you Shady Side, it’s been opportunity to lead our community. I six feet in length, and three wide, with real. And feel free to reach out if look forward to coming back to see all multiple mug watermarks on its old you are in need of a new desk or of the amazing things that this school ambered surface, I knew this was the a conversation with an old friend.

Layout by: Gabi Jegasothy 1 An Address from our New Student Body Leadership

By: Jack Keating and Katie Sparvero page for what our return should and repetitive, but it is never easy getting a will look like. It’s hard to say whether crowd’s attention at 10AM and keeping As you probably gathered from our our return to traditional learning will it for 25 minutes. However, we believe byline and the title of our article, we are mean that all of our routines, habits, that we can make improvements to Student Body President Jack Keating and practices will return too, since hopefully attract everyone’s attention and Student Body Vice President Katie an important part of returning to as much as we can. To start, we believe Sparvero. It’s a little odd to be greeting traditional learning will also be taking we can make things more interactive. all of you through a pdf newspaper lessons from our time on Zoom. We Having speakers who won’t just lecture, rather than face to face at assembly, promise that the work we do on our but bring students up on stage and get but we’re still thrilled to be able to transition back to “real school” will us all to play along. Kahoots and online communicate with the student body. be informed by conversations with games of that nature can also make We’re thrilled to have the chance to faculty and by research and facts. Most us as the student body listen and care work for and with all of you in the next importantly, though, our work on the about the message being delivered. school year. In our two years on Student transition away from distance learning CMOTW and jokes every Monday and Council, we’ve learned how Friday are fantastic, and they best to serve the many needs help us feel more connected of our community. We know to the people speaking. In that, despite the uncertainty addition, doing a highlight of of this all, we can apply the the week in regards to a play lessons we’ve learned and be during a sporting event or a the leaders our communities solo at a concert would be a need. We hope this article really cool way to share the can help pull back the exciting things our talented curtains on what we hope community is doing. These to achieve this next year. small things can add up to We all know that returning have us all enjoy Mondays from distance learning to and Fridays at 10:05 just a being on campus, whenever little bit more. If any student that may be, will be a difficult has an idea that they think transition for us all. During would be fun, ask us, because our time learning over Zoom, we would love to hear it! we’re all developing new For all that we’ve said so far, habits and practices, which we by no means can know for will be challenging to unlearn as we and back to what we’re all used to — certain what the next school year will return to having three to six classes a sitting in classrooms with our friends bring for us. We don’t know if we’ll be day, as opposed to two. All of this is — will be to help all of you, and that back on campus, getting to see you all made harder by the fact that no one means that we will be consistently in person, or if we’ll still be in virtual knows exactly when we will return. We present and open to all of you. What’s classrooms. Regardless, we couldn’t feel the uncertainty we know you’re most important to us is making sure be more excited to build off of what feeling, and that’s what makes a smooth that you’re getting the best experience Sean and Molly have done this year. and well-planned transition back to possible, and that comes from good The coming school year brings with it traditional learning so important. In planning and better communication. immense possibility, and we hope to be order to achieve this, we’ll start working Through the past three years at Shady the best leaders we can be. If you ever with Mr. Green, Mrs. Sabundayo, and Side, we have heard people complain have an idea or simply want to reach out Mr. Griffith as soon as possible so that about assembly. Some of the things to us, never hesitate to do so! Until next students and adults are all on the same we’ve heard is that it can be boring or year, this is Jack and Katie signing off.

Personally, I have some ideas that I think would bring us together as a student body. Many of the things I think we can change have to do with assembly, Jack’s Plan which I have covered in another paragraph. Other than that, I believe my biggest emphasis on the year will be supporting each other’s passions and endeavors. Every one of us at this school has something we are passionate about that we work so hard on. Whether that be your favorite sport, the club that you are the president of or just love in general, your part in the play or musical, or your instrument or voice in a concert, it is so important that we bring people out to see you demonstrate your efforts. So that may mean pep rallies can be brought back, videos played in assembly previewing the upcoming event, or even more people getting up and rallying the students in support! Whatever it may be, let’s make this year one that makes us all feel included and excited for one another. It is amazing being in a school that has so many options and freedoms, so let’s embrace that and go support one another.

I completely agree with all of Jack’s ideas regarding increasing school spirit and making sure our community is a supportive and welcoming place, and Katie’s Plan I think that having all of us having as much of an input in the goings on at school as possible will help our community grow stronger. One way to do that is to make the Student Council process more transparent. I’m sure you’ve all seen the emails, every Wednesday, telling you what Student Council discussed in a given week, but emails can only tell so much. As such, I believe that having at least one Student Council meeting a month be open to every member of the student body would give everyone that first-hand look at how the sausage gets made. But, in all seriousness, being able to communicate openly and frequently with student leaders can help to effect important and necessary change, and opening the doors to all of you and welcoming you in means that we also get to hear all of your great ideas from you in a setting specifically designed for the sharing of ideas. Additionally, I want to work with Mr. Green to establish a constitution of sorts surrounding Student Council. By putting into clear words whatLayout we do by: (and Gabi don’t Jegasothy do!), how 1 we’re elected, and other important ideas, Student Council can become a more accessible and more equitable service for all of you. Leadership works better when everyone has a voice, and making sure that we hear your voices is incredibly important to us.

Layout by: Gabi Jegasothy 2 MEET MS. SABUNDAYO The New Senior School Head By: Gabi Jegasothy before returning to Marin Academy, I was a student in art or a student where she taught for nearly 15 years, studying in India or a teacher teaching As many of you know, Ms. Trixie serving as dean of the sophomore class, in India that all of these experiences Sabundayo will be our new head of chair of the English department, and have really kept me learning and the Senior School for the 2020-2021 then dean of equity and inclusion. She alive in those particular ways.” school year. Ms. Sabundayo, was kind finally moved to New Jersey to be the She credited her decision to move enough to sit down with me for a virtual head of the upper school at Princeton to Pittsburgh and take the job as the interview earlier this month. Ms. Day School before taking the job as Senior School head to this love of travel Sabundayo said she knew she wanted the head of the SSA Senior School. and experience new things. She also to be an educator from a young age. In Ms. Sabundayo’s love of travelling said that she was drawn to Shady Side’s high school and college values and community, she acted as a coach as well as its focus on during summers, which equity and inclusion. she said lit a passion for Her excitement teaching inside of her. to interact with and “I saw education as an encourage her students opportunity to cultivate was immediately apparent the whole person,” she to me: despite running a explained. “To me being school, navigating remote a teacher was not just learning and taking care about the life of the mind, of two young children all but it was also about the day, she responded to my life of the heart and of initial emailed request for the community… it was an interview in less than 15 important for me to think minutes. Her willingness about how I could help to speak with me and young people feel good, answer my silly questions be good and do good. about who her celebrity [Teaching] felt like the crushes are (for the right sort of life calling to record, she likes Brad Pitt, be looking at how we can Idris Elba, Daniel Craig create stronger, ethical, and Jack Johnson) shows critically thinking, a true desire to engage kind communities.” and build relationships She began teaching with the community. right after graduating Outside of school, Ms. from college at Johns Sabundayo most enjoys Hopkins. She first activities in which she can interned at the Gilman make something with her School in Baltimore, at hands. She enjoys painting, which Mr. Griffith also cooking, knitting, and taught after her departure, gardening, and told me she and then taught at schools has a secret dream of being in the Bay Area and New Orleans. She stems from her love of learning: “I a woodworker after having successfully took a break from teaching to pursue really like to travel, to put myself built a 6 x 3 x 3 compost bin that she art in Manhattan, then moved back in uncomfortable or unfamiliar built with her friend at her last house. to San Francisco and taught at Marin circumstances, because I do think Her kids Teaghan, 9, and Academy. Ms. Sabundayo decided that it allows me to see so much about Quinnie, 4, will be attending Country to move to India for a year in order myself, my shortcomings and my Day in the fall. We look forward to study yoga, but returned to the strengths… the most consistent thing to welcoming Ms. Sabundayo, her US to finish her masters degree. She has been my work as an educator, or, children, and her husband to the resumed teaching in Los Angeles actually, life long learner. Whether Shady Side Academy community!

A collection of some of Ms. Sabundayo’s paintings Layout by: Gabi Jegasothy 3 An Interview with President Griffith

By: Katie Sparvero visits to the other three campuses, mascot, Mr. Griffith spent much Mr. Griffith has been highly visible of the year working with a small When Bart Griffith firstat the Senior School, where students student-led group on conversations introduced himself as president at can often find him when walking surrounding the mascot and its the beginning of this school year, it to class or eating in the dining hall. future. Still, it is “connecting was in a bright yellow suit, meaningfully with a range standing on stage, not on of people at SSA and the senior quad, but in “Confidence, a willingness to make decisions doing [his] part to keep the Rauh theater. It was that are uncomfortable and unpopular, the community together an unexpected beginning and the ability to listen and trust in and learning through the to a first year unlike any COVID-19 crisis” that other. On that morning, others.” Mr. Griffith is proudest no one could possibly - Mr. Griffith on how he makes decisions of in a first year that he have predicted that Mr. calls simply “inspiring.” Griffith’s first As spring turns year would to summer conclude and the 2019- with students, 20 school year faculty, and comes to a close, administration Mr. Griffith alike only being is turning his visible to each attention to the other through next one. His computer main goal is to and phone “continue to screens. Still, in promote SSA’s reflecting back growth and on his first year development as president, in an uncertain Mr. Griffith time for all of sees the future us.” It’s hardly with optimism. an easy goal, Unlike many but he will rely other presidents on the example of schools, Mr. of his father, a Griffith returned His introduction surgeon and physician who serves to his alma mater, of an assembly as a model of “leadership as a kind of which reminded segment entitled service that spans decades.” He says him that “there’s “Ask the Prez,” that his decisions will all be made no place like where Senior with “confidence, a willingness to home.” He never School students make decisions that are felt that he had to could submit uncomfortable and unpopular, “[figure] out what questions as and the ability to listen planet [he had] banal as “what and trust in others.” To the class of landed on,” but is your favorite 2020 as they depart for their next rather that Shady food” to “what endeavors, he reminds them to Side provided him are your plans stay in touch with the Shady Side with “the support community, and of a network of to the returning relationships and students, he asks histories that them to look to helped [him] to the example set right away have Mr. Griffith , SSA class of 1993 by the graduating trust in others and class, both inside [his] place in the community.” In surrounding the and outside the returning to his home, Mr. Griffith mascot” and have four walls of a came to Shady Side with a sense the chance to hear classroom (and of confidence that allowed him to the answers at four sides of effectively lead the community, assembly, allowed a computer). through normal and abnormal days. for a look into Thank you to Beyond managing the school the governing Mr. Griffith for through a pandemic, Mr. Griffith processes in a taking the time has also had to build effective more relaxed out of your day communication with students, setting. And, to do this faculty, and staff at all fouron questions interview! campuses. In addition to frequent surrounding the

Layout by: Amy Yu 4 A Final Look at Distance Learning

By: Paige Shea the computer. For many of us, remote not meet as often and the interruptions learning meant more homework than of working from home proved to be As we approach the end of an before, as homework was assigned very distracting. The pass / fail grading unconventional (to say the least) whenever class did not meet. Obviously, system and lack of final exams certainly school year, we are left with many watching long videos and completing made the process much easier, but that new experiences that reflect these worksheets and packets is a lot less in itself was another large adjustment. unprecedented times. One of the biggest engaging and interesting than having However, moving things online adjustments to our everyday life has class discussions, and becoming wasn’t all bad. Many clubs kept doing been online school, remote learning, exhausted and having a headache from activities as they had been before, or “Zoom University” as the internet the computer screen by the end of the and our usual school-wide assemblies has dubbed it. Without the face to face day were unavoidable occurrences. simply moved to online videos. conversations, being able to sit around Normally impromptu meetings with Advisory groups and clubs still met SSA’s round, wooden tables and have teachers had to be pre-arranged, and once a week, and SSA’s social media insightful discussions, and accounts became more active having the ability to stop by than ever. Even though Zoom a teacher’s office and ask a “I found that the lack of spontaneity class cannot replicate real quick question, are we really was something that I took for granted, class, it was still refreshing getting the same experience and enjoyable to see people’s out of online school? The short both in the classroom and the social faces, even if it was through the answer is no, we are not, but aspect of school.” computer screen. Being able there is still something to be to converse with classmates said for distance learning. and teachers gave a sense of For the first week or two, distance many of us found that class discussions normalcy in a situation that has been learning was definitely an adjustment. were far less relaxed than usual. I very difficult and unexpected for all of us. Even though we had two weeks of spring found that the lack of spontaneity was The effort that SSA has put into keeping break to clear our minds and become something that I took for granted, both the sense of community and inclusion accustomed to the quarantine lifestyle in the classroom and the social aspect has certainly been comforting for all before distance learning began, it was of school. We all got used to our new of us, especially in a difficult situation still a sudden change. Meeting times reality as the weeks went on, and our like this one, and having a tight-knit and technical difficulties had to be distance learning schedules began to community makes this all much better. figured out, and students and teachers become our normal routine. However, On the chance that this continues into alike were getting used to the newfound it was almost impossible to get through next school year, we will definitely all awkwardness of conducting class over everything as planned because class did be well equipped to handle it again.

Layout by: Gabbie Bernier 5 COVID-19 and the College Process

By: Caroline Green plethora of colleges have become test- and the SSA college counselors have optional for the 2020-2021 admissions been holding true to this belief with It’s right there in SSA’s Wikipedia cycle in response to the cancellation of weekly emails (with themes like “it’s entry: Shady Side Academy is a college standardized testing dates, and no school going to be okay!” and “webinars preparatory school. Especially at in the country will require SAT subject of the week”) and frequent activity the senior school, college admission tests, although a few ultra-selective on the college counseling Instagram drives much of what happens on schools will be recommending them. page. For seniors, a May 1st virtual and off campus. So, as COVID-19 While SATs and ACTs have been college decision celebration was held. changes the college process, SSA canceled through the beginning of As for the fall, much is still students will certainly be affected. June, Advanced Placement exams will unknown. Current juniors will be As for the senior class, college still take place - at home. The College applying to colleges, some submitting applications had already been Board has designed 45-minute open- standardized test scores, and some submitted by the time the pandemic note, free response tests that students not, and colleges will be evaluating made significant landfall in the US, will view and upload online, as well the applications in a new and different with most regular decision deadlines as hours of video content reviewing light. But for current seniors looking being in early to mid-January. for these exams. The tests, which towards their freshman fall, more is However, this is not at all to say that begin May 11th and continue through arguably up in the air. College will the college process finished up as usual May 22nd, will be very different certainly look different in the fall, for these students. Acceptances and in format than past years, but the but it is still unknown how exactly it rejections were received from living College Board is confident that scores will. A May NPR article outlined six rooms, and as colleges have shifted will accurately represent the level of possibilities, ranging from completely to online instruction for the spring student knowledge. The College Board virtual learning to partial virtual and have closed their campuses, has also assured students that colleges learning to either limited groups or

accepted students could not visit will award credit for high scores, as limited interactions on campus. It also campuses in order to make their final usual, on this year’s exam. In an AP mentioned the possibility of a delayed college decision. May 1st, the typical information presentation, Vanderbilt start or a switch to “block” classes, decision day, quickly approached as University, Brandeis University, and where colleges would have more seniors were tasked with making the Boston College are just a few of the flexibility with constantly changing already difficult choice, determining schools quoted saying they will award schedules. With financial concerns where to spend their next four years, credit, and NYU has also posted on looming, most schools are hoping to while hunkering down at home. their website that they will grant credit. safely open - at least partially - in the Consequently, some colleges have Colleges have also issued fall. The University of Pennsylvania’s adapted. A fairly long list of schools statements to reassure students, website explains that science will extended their decision deadlines, most parents, and counselors that they will drive the school’s decision about the for an additional month, including be accommodating and understanding fall, but they hope to be open with George Mason University, Macalester of academic and extracurricular significant health and safety measures University, and Williams College. changes occurring during this time. taken, like a system for isolating Colleges have shifted to online Haverford College recently announced COVID-19 positive individuals and communication with students in the via email that they “will be fully a way to maximize single bedroom form of information sessions and supportive of students with pass/fail dorms. They also mention that they admissions interviews on Zoom, virtual grades, whose curricula are changed or “are planning for a likely combination college tours, and amplified resources disrupted,...who are experiencing fewer of in-class and virtual teaching” in the to “chat” with current students or opportunities to pursue their non- coming semester. But, as the message, admissions officers. Helpful in the academic interests” as well as facing posted on April 27th, closes out, it research of both prospective juniors and additional difficult circumstances. states that more information is needed accepted seniors, these online resources At Shady Side, the college counseling and no decision can be made just yet. have been useful in bridging the physical office has also adapted to the changing As with most aspects of life divide between college and home. atmosphere. College counseling nowadays, time will tell. For now, For juniors, spring is notoriously meetings now take place over Zoom, college applicants are told to be a time of standardized testing and and daily office hours are also being patient (and fill their time with academic stress. However, this too has held on the platform. Communication virtual college info sessions on Zoom been affected by the coronavirus. A is proving to be key during this time, and virtual tours on the websites).

Layout by: Gabbie Bernier 6 Please Join us in Saying Goodbye to our Departing Faculty MRS. LAU in her beloved s’mores bars. have her as my advisor. Her wisdom has By: Maevis Rosengart Many people may assume Mrs. Lau not only helped me gradually develop One of my favorite moments as an has a serious personality because of better studying habits, but she was able advisee of Mrs. Lau is the sheer amount her role as the head of the entire senior to give me and the rest of our advisory of excitement that fills everyone in school, but once you get to know her, advice on how to handle nearly any our DR when she brings in a pan of you will realize quite the opposite. If possible situation. Her continuous her famous s’mores bars. While these you have ever walked by the academic support has been the glue of the SSA treats always outdid everyone else’s office during DR and heard waves of community, the graham cracker snacks, they are not only emblematic laughter, it was most likely due to Mrs. crust that holds the bar together. of our Wednesday meetings at 10:05, Lau delivering another one of her jokes. Although it is heartbreaking to but of Mrs. Lau as a person. The Her commentary on popular television see one of the core elements of Shady layers of marshmallow, chocolate, and shows and movies is a recurring topic Side leave, everyone at Lincoln School graham cracker crumbles symbolize during our DR conversations. Though is so lucky to have Mrs. Lau as their the kindness, humor, and support Mrs. Lau has said that her favorite new leader. We wish you nothing but that she brings to the SSA community. memories from her time at SSA were the best in your future endeavors! Mrs. Lau has always spread being an advisor and helping to develop kindness throughout her time at the McIlroy Center and Glimsher Shady Side, whether showing it Tech and Design Hub, I hope that our through greeting students at the advisory discussion on Matt Bomer and front of Rowe as they shuffle hastily his acting in White Collar is on that list to their first period classes or during too. Her sense of humor undoubtedly her speeches at assembly. As students motivates those students who are still arrived at school this past Halloween, tired from the “unreasonably early” start they were greeted by some of the to the school day, as does the sugar in faculty dressed as characters from the chocolate layer of her s’mores bars. Sesame Street. Mrs. Lau’s entrance It was daunting for me to enter as Big Bird is just one of the many our DR room on the first day of examples of how she brings lightness sophomore year. I perpetually feared and happiness to our community. that, by revealing my keen ability Through her kind demeanor towards to procrastinate on homework students and other faculty, Mrs. Lau assignments and projects, I could embodies the warmth and sweetness potentially get in trouble. Yet, I would of the layer of roasted marshmallows soon realize just how lucky I was to MS. SEWCHOK By: Makenna Wolfanger Hired in 2017, she has always been impressed with how focused SSA Ms. Sewchok departs Shady students were on their academics. One Side Academy after serving as our of her major contributions she made community’s registrar. Always while working as the registrar was to welcoming, she has helped students create an online process for advisors enroll for our classes, made any to help students track their graduation necessary changes, and kept our requirements. Each year, she has academics records in order. In looked forward to hearing about the addition to her primary duties, she creativity and accomplishments that also helped in the Glimcher Makers students made during their Senior Space to teach students on the sewing projects. She plans to continue machines. Ms. Sewchok also worked teaching and finding creative ways to with Mrs. Lynch’s advisory group, engage with students in the future. while she was on maternity leave. We will miss you Ms. Sewchok!

Layout by: Julia Roupe 7 MR. AIKEN sports. He has been an advisor for all classes. Along with their fellow senior By: Julia Roupe forms and the faculty advisor to the class Lifers, each daughter traveled As a member of the class of 1979, Yearbook and Lifers Club while also with me to the junior school to help run Mr. Aiken has been a member of the serving on a number of committees. the traditional Lynne Voelp Reed Day Shady Side Academy community He has also coached 16 different celebration. Of course, I will forever since he began his education here athletic teams and PE programs, cherish my memory of each daughter in kindergarten. After graduatingincluding soccer, golf, tennis, baseball, walking across the Senior School from Shady Side, Mr. Aiken attended ice hockey, lacrosse and bowling. graduation stage proudly holding Denison University, and, just a few The SSA community will be forever a Shady Side Academy diploma!” years after graduating in 1983, he grateful to Mr. Aiken and all he has Finally, I asked him what it was returned to SSA as a member of done in his years as a faculty member. that he would miss most about SSA. the faculty. I had the pleasure of Mr. Aiken has so many fond memories “Most of all, I will miss teaching and interviewing Mr. Aiken a few weeks of working at Shady Side over the coaching all of the terrific students ago to reflect on his time here at SSA. years, including “making numerous and athletes, and interacting with When asked why he decided lifelong friendships, working with wonderful colleagues, staff, coaches, to come back to Shady Side after outstanding teachers, coaches, and maintenance personnel, and Metz college, he answered, “I met with SSA mentors, … making a grand entrance workers on a daily basis. I will also miss President, Dr. A. Emerson Johnson to a 1960’s-theme Scholarship Fund guiding my freshmen advisees in their III, who enthusiastically talked to me Dance in Curry Gym on a motorcycle, transition to the Senior School, and of about the merits of pursuing a career … floating in a hot air balloon over course, teaching in the BVAC every in teaching at SSA… While I initially campus during Homecoming, … day alongside Mr. Goodwin and Ms. chose a different path, I soon found building up the 3D art program, Batch. Although I am retiring, I don’t myself drawn back to Shady Side when being the SSA Homecoming Artist in feel like I am saying “Goodbye” to I applied for the position Shady Side at all. Instead, of Alumni Coordinator. after spending nearly After interviewing, I was half a century at SSA as informally asked if I could a student, administrator, commit to SSA for at least teacher, coach and two years if I was offered parent, Shady Side has the position. My answer become my second home, was “yes,” and, needless and I will still remain a to say, I kept my promise familiar face on campus thirty-three years later!” in the years ahead!” Though Mr. Aiken I had the pleasure started out in the Alumni/ of taking Mr. Aiken’s Development Office, he ceramics class in the was still able to express spring of 2019; though it his passion for art by was only a term class, his teaching a weekly pottery constant encouragement class. Five years later, he and positive attitude began co-teaching two definitely impacted me. more art classes with his I know I am not alone former teacher, Mr. Phil in saying that I will miss Joyce. “I was honored to seeing Mr. Aiken in the work with the legendary Mr. Joyce, 2005, establishing and developing a dining hall, and waving to him when and I could not have asked for a more highly popular glass fusing program, I walk into the BVAC. Mr. Aiken, talented or better mentor! The next organizing and promoting student art you will be missed by the entire SSA year, Phil invited me to teach two shows, being the lead artist for two community, and we all wish you of my own art classes ... This set the Carnegie Museum dinosaurs (one of the best of luck in your retirement! wheels in motion for a career change.” which resides in Rowe Hall), receiving In 1995, then current SSA President a Farrell teaching award, … attending Mr. Aiken would like to Dr. Peter J. Kountz and Senior school events with my wife, Mary, School Head Dr. Sarah Eldridge both who has worked in the SSA junior give a special thanks to the encouraged and helped Mr. Aiken to school library for the past fifteen years, following people: become a full-time art teacher. Reflecting [and] having the privilege of teaching Phil Joyce, Buddy Hendershot, on this decision, Mr. Aiken said, and coaching literally thousands of Harry Fleishman, John Knepper, “While I thoroughly enjoyed working incredible SSA art students!” However, Bill Tadler, Angela Rumble/Irvine, in the Alumni/Development Office and Mr. Aiken says that his best memories Richard Gable, Bill Sayles, interacting with so many incredibly of Shady Side are of his daughters. “I Carol-Jean McGreevy-Morales, kind, generous, and dedicated alumni, was always the happiest and proudest Dennis Thimons, Ben Sauers, choosing to teach art full time was person on campus when my daughters Bob Stiffler, David Gross, the best career decision I ever made.” stopped by to visit me in the Art Walter Jones, Bob Kaelin, In addition to being a member Department, waved to me from across Joyce Evans, Alex Howsen, of the Alumni/Development Office the quad or at an assembly, joined me Stephen Davis, Carl Walzer, and Art Department, Mr. Aiken for lunch in the dining hall, spent time Bill McCabe, George Kasunich, has positively impacted Shady Side with me at school dances when I was and Richard Gregory through his dedication to clubs and chaperoning, and enrolled in my glass Layout by: Julia Roupe 8 MR. Logue And That’s a (Turkey) Wrap! — Saying Goodbye to Mr. Logue the premise that my grade would suffer. By: Amy Yu Spoiler alert: it worked. I bet he regrets When you first see him, you would that considering how “disruptive” think of Mr. Logue as the towering- I am now in his Calculus class. over-everyone, scary-until-you-meet- Mr. Logue isn’t just changing him football coach. However, if you get students’ lives in the academic aspect, familiar with him, you will be like most but also other elements of the SSA people to recognize Mr. Logue as the go- community. In the fall, you can often to guy for lunch decisions, math help, or catch Mr. Logue on the turf coaching just life advice. That’s the process I went football. In the spring, you can see through with getting to know Mr. Logue. him on the track instead, coaching team growth and success over the I first met Mr. Logue in my fearful throwing. After athletics, Mr. Logue years. He hilariously remembers the freshman year when I had him for Math heads up to his apartment in Croft and Dean of Students’ reaction to the II. I was new to SSA at the time and later, the dining hall. On Wednesdays, 2016 senior class prank with a smile. mostly quiet, so having the intimidating he can be found eating and talking to I assume that the SSA sandwich bar is Mr. Logue for math class didn’t help everyone around him at Community an important landmark for Mr. Logue, my shyness. Mr. Logue did just the Dinner for boarders including me. where he has been getting the exact opposite. He helped bring me out of my When I asked him to reflect on same wheat-turkey-lettuce-tomato- shell by “encouraging” me to put my his past six years at SSA, Mr. Logue mayo wrap for lunch for four years. homework problems on the board under particularly finds pride in the football’s In the past, when I heard other students praise how a teacher changed their lives, I never had a similar experience until I met Mr. Logue. My classmates and I were saddened to hear about his departure a couple months ago (some people even cried in class). His presence will truly be missed next year at the football field, Croft, the math office, the sandwich bar, and of course, by all SSA people. On behalf of the entire SSA community, good luck in the Golden State, Mr. Logue! MS. Ament take classes again to become a teacher. to work hard even though they are By: Gabbie Bernier She then joined the Math Department having trouble with the material. It’s at SSA. In addition to being a math when students are excited about teacher, Ms. Ament has been a student learning new things. This is what council advisor, head form advisor, Ms. Ament will miss the most, as she led the Service Learning Club, coached explained. While she will definitely badminton, served on the Admissions, miss spending time with her amazing Disciplinary, colleagues and Diversity as well as Committee, preparing for and helped her classes, out with the Ms. Ament Math Club. said she will One of the most beloved When I immensely teachers at Shady Side, Ms. Ament, asked Ms. miss the is retiring this year after 24 years Ament what special Shady of teaching at the Senior School. some of Side students Before teaching at Shady Side, her favorite that make Ms. Ament majored in chemistry at memories at the school Carnegie Mellon University; however, Shady Side were, she had a difficult so great. Ms. Ament has been she enjoyed her math classes much time deciding on just one. Instead, she an integral part of the Shady more than her chemistry classes. After explained that it’s not just one moment Side Academy community and college, Ms. Ament became a computer that makes Shady Side great; it’s all the we will all miss her next year. programmer at hospitals, helping them time spent with students. It’s when Ms. Ament, We hope to convert from typewriters to computers. a student is having a hard time and see you around campus every Even while doing this, she was drawn then they finally have that light bulb once and a while and we wish back to her love of math. She decided to moment. It’s when a student continues you the best in your retirement!

Layout by: Amy Yu 9 Señora Alvarez

By: Melody Yuan part of their life. When I go to a new school, I will miss having that Azucena Alvarez has been background with the students.” She working at Shady Side Academy will also miss the extreme kindness since 2012 as a Spanish teacher of all of the students. She described and dorm parent. She is moving all of the students as “wanting to to a Dubai American school where learn and better themselves” and she will teach Spanish, to not will miss the “sense of kindness just only high schoolers, but also to because it’s the right thing to do.” 7th and 8th graders. There is not Since Senora Alvarez is also a dorm a boarding program at the school parent she fondly recalled, “I will that she is going to, so Senora also miss the girls in the dorm. This Alvarez will be a day teacher. is something I’m already missing I was able to interview her last and it’s the giggling. In the past I’ve week and was able to gain insight been in my [third floor] apartment into her thoughts on her time at and I could hear girls giggling on Shady Side Academy. The greatest the second floor from my desk and learn from your students and my lesson that she learned from being I would laugh. I would have no idea students have taught me more than at SSA was how high school isn’t “... why they were laughing but it was I’ve taught them.” She said, “I am all about grades. Instead, it’s about contagious and I will miss that.” so incredibly thankful to have had developing a good character.” She She also said, “I understand now the opportunity to become a better explained that “I went to a public how seniors are feeling - that they teacher. I have received so much love high school in Spain and I always don’t have a proper graduation, over the years and I went to work thought that high school was just they are not able to say goodbye happy every day. It’s very hard to a place to learn information to do to people. And I feel the same say goodbye to a place that has given well on a standardized test. Here, I way - I can’t believe that I can’t you everything. I’m so thankful learned that it’s not entirely about say this stuff to people in person!” to have worked here and for the grades and an SAT score, instead Finally, I asked her what message administration, my colleagues, and it’s a place to learn and grow.” she would like to say to the Shady the students.” Finally, she stated that, Senora Alvarez is going to miss Side community to say goodbye. “I will always think about Shady Side many aspects of Shady Side Academy, This warranted a flurry of answers and have it in my heart. Wherever I especially the connections with and a few tears. She expressed that go, if I ever see a SSA graduate, it students. She said, “When students “everything I have learned as an will always be like family for me.” have an older sibling, I know the educator, I learned here at SSA. The entire Shady Side Academy name of their sibling, I know their They have always supported me and community will miss you, Ms. parents, I know where their older been extremely kind.” In addition, Alvarez, and we all wish you siblings are at college, I feel like a she learned that “you can always the best of luck moving forward! A Final Letter From Your Editors

The editorial staff would like to thank everyone for a great year, even if it didn’t end the way we expected! We fully intend on providing hard copies of the newspaper again next school year, given that the situation allows us to. If we are still doing distance learning, then we will continue to publish the newspaper online until we are back in school. We hope that regardless of the format you have all enjoyed reading the newspaper this year, and we can’t wait to continue making more issues. Stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

Your editors, Gabi Jegasothy, Paige Shea, Julia Roupe, Gabbie Bernier

Layout by: Paige Shea 10