Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street Wallingford, CT

VOL. CXIII · NO. XI FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THECHOATENEWS.CHOATE.EDU Choate Robotics Partners with Professional Hockey Team By Alexis Lien ’23 By drawing a large crowd laborating with the Wolf Pack Reporter to the game, the robotics team will enable the Wired Boars hopes to increase publicity for to buy sufficient materials for In December, the sec- both itself and the Wolf Pack. robot-building as well. “Every ond-ranked team in the Atlantic Jamie Shin ’20, member year we push our budget to the Division of the American Hockey of the Wired Boars and the max to pay for the expenses of League (AHL), the Hartford Wolf Advanced Robotics Concen- the robot, and those expenses Pack, reached out to Choate Ro- tration and a co-president of tend to pile up pretty quickly,” botics to propose a sponsorship. Lilith, said, “The success of said Krauss. The Wolf Pack game, which this event would help us propel Although the sponsorship will take place on Sunday, and plan future collaborations was offered late in the hock- March 1, will raise funds for with other sports teams, which ey season, the relationship Choate’s robotics team, the would definitely be amazing.” between the Choate Robotics Wired Boars. In the spring, Wired Boars Co-Captain Team and the Hartford Wolf the team will compete in com- Nate Krauss ’20 said, “I [think] Pack is one that both teams petitions hosted by the For it [is] a cool opportunity for hope to maintain in the future. Inspiration and Recognition Choate students to see some- “I’m hopeful for what is to of Science (FIRST) Robotics thing outside of the Choate come for whoever comes after company. Tickets are on sale community, to have them see a me and see if they can build a in the dining hall for $25, and hockey game not between Cho- stronger relationship with the if the Choate Robotics Team ate and Deerfield but one of Wolf Pack and make an even sells 100 tickets, Lilith, one of the best teams in the American larger event,” said Krauss. Choate's a capella groups will Hockey League.” Member of the Wired Boars perform during the mid-game The sponsorship was partly Max Zhang ’22 looks forward to free period. driven by the need for fund- promoting the team: “I think it is The sponsorship process began raising, which is critical to good to raise awareness for the after Wolf Pack player Nick Gir- the success of Choate’s robot- club. People might enjoy a good ouard approached the Wired Boars, ics team. Krauss explained hockey game, but they also get to starting with an in-person meeting that one possible use of the learn about Choate Robotics.” about Wolf Pack’s ofer, which in- money from the promotion of Photo by Renee Jiang/ The Choate News cludes an opportunity to showcase the game is to cover the trav- Alexis Lien may be reached Afer 40 years at Choate, Ms. Madeline Perkins is retiring from the Deans' Ofice. See Page 2. the team’s robots in the atrium. el costs of competitions. Col- at [email protected]

CHOATE TAKES PRECAUTIONARY AUTHOR MARIA SEMPLE ’ ANNOUNCED MEASURES AGAINST AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER CORONAVIRUS By JeeHwan Kim ’21 spring term abroad trip to China and Linda Phan ’22 was ofcially cancelled on January Associate Editor 29. Ms. Carol Chen-Lin, co-direc- and Reporter tor of the term abroad program in China, recalled that discussions On January 28, Medical Di- about cancelling the trip began rector Dr. Miriam Cohen alerted on January 24 among teachers, members of the Choate commu- students, and parents. “We talked nity to the 2019 novel coronavi- to our co-director in Beijing and rus (COVID-19) outbreak during gathered information from the School Meeting. The COVID-19 World Health Organization as well belongs to a group of coronavirus- as the Center for Disease Control es whose symptoms are similar to and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Cohen those of a regular cold. “Once in was part of the discussion too,” a while, a virus in this family can said Ms. Chen-Lin. cause more serious illnesses and Conor Brown ’22, one of can be transmitted from person the students planning to study to person: COVID-19 is one of in China this spring, said, “Ini- these viruses,” said Dr. Cohen. tially, I was really sad — we had “Healthy people generally get planned out so much, and it all a cold,” said Dr. Joseph Vinetz, went down the drain. It’s def- an infectious disease specialist nitely appropriate, though. Chi- and clinical instructor at the Yale na is being quarantined by pret- School of Medicine, “However, ty much every major airline, and those with relatively weaker im- the U.S. government is being mune systems, such as the elder- pretty clear that it’s a massive ly, infants, and patients sufering risk to go there.” Photo courtesy of The Stranger from respiratory illnesses, are Although students who have Ms. Semple's novel Where'd You Go, Bernadette was adapted into a movie starring Cate Blanchett. more likely to develop vulnera- been accepted into the program ble to severe symptoms, such as cannot go to China this year, By JeeHwan Kim ’21 York Times Book Review. The Where’d You Go, Bernadette. do it, it was a lot of work to get a bronchitis and pneumonia.” they will have the option of going Associate Editor novel is currently being adapted The narrator of the book, speaker because they didn’t un- Capturing the media's atten- next year. “The students are very for television by HBO. Julia Rob- 15-year-old Bee Branch, is a derstand the importance of it and tion in 2020, COVID-19 originat- disappointed,” said Ms. Chen- On Tuesday, February 11th, erts plans to star in her frst-ever Choate student who is sent they didn’t know Choate.” ed in the city of Wuhan, China, in Lin. “However, change is always Head of School Dr. Alex Cur- TV series through this show. to the School early after her He continued, “It seemed the Hubei province in December part of our lives, and we need to tis announced that this year’s Dr. Curtis made the an- mother, Bernadette, mysteri- particularly the right time be- before spreading to more than be able to handle plan B. I think Choate Rosemary Hall Alumni nouncement to the sixth-form ously disappears. She is later cause of all the work she’s done 20 countries and afecting some some of the students will serious- Award winner and Commence- class after School Meeting. In expelled from Choate. recently. I think a lot of our 30,000 people. With a death toll ly consider going next year. How- ment speaker will be author Ms. recent years, commencement In a tradition that began last students will either have read that has surpassed 1100, a num- ever, some of them are juniors al- Maria Semple ’82. speakers have included former year, the Commencement speaker [Where’d You Go, Bernadette] or ber greater than that of the dead- ready, so next year they will most Ms. Semple is the author of NASA astronaut Catherine Cole- has also been the recipient of the seen the movie.” ly 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory likely prefer to stay during senior international bestseller Where’d man, Olympic Hockey Player Choate Rosemary Hall Alumni Inviting a graduate of the Syndrome (SARS), 72 countries, spring. Meanwhile, some of the You Go, Bernadette. The book has Hilary Knight ’07, and Holly- Award. Initial recommendations School, Dr. Curtis explained, al- including the United States, have rising juniors may have other been praised in more than a doz- wood Film Producer Lorenzo di for award recipients made by the lows students to see at least one implemented new safety measures choices,” she added. en year-end best books lists and Bonaventura ’76. Alumni Relations ofce are passed of the many possibilities that in airports and other entryways. In order to gain a better un- received the Alex Award from the After graduating from Cho- to a small group of administrators await them after Choate. He Because of the intensity of derstanding of the situation in American Library Association in ate Rosemary Hall, Ms. Semple who make the fnal decision. Ms. said, “We hope that the alum- COVID-19 in China and the U.S. China, Ms. Chen-Lin and one of 2013. The book was adapted into attended Barnard College, where Semple has agreed to come since ni speakers will together form a State Department’s Level-4 “Do her classes talked via video con- a flm that was released in August, she majored in English. She then last fall, but the announcement group of people who will be of Not Travel” advisory, Choate’s ference with a prospective host 2019. Ms. Semple also wrote To- moved to Los Angeles, where was made only recently after en- interest and add inspiration in day Will Be Diferent, published she wrote for screenplays and suring her availability. some way.” in 2016, which also became an TV shows, including 90210 and “The speaker was very thrilled international bestseller and was Arrested Development. In 2008, to do it,” said Dr. Curtis. “Espe- JeeHwan Kim may be reached See CORONAVIRUS, Page 2 reviewed on the cover of the New she moved to Seattle and wrote cially before we had an alumni at [email protected]

A Midsummer Night's Dream College Student at 66 What’s Inside The production of Shake- Author Joyce Maynard picks School News...... 1-2 speare's comedy, adapted to Local News...... 3 up where she lef of at Yale. Opinions: Campus ...... 4 the 1920s, opened last night. Opinions: Nation/World ...... 5 BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY Local News • P3 Features ...... 6 Arts and Leisure • P7 Arts and Leisure ...... 7 DELIVERY AVAILABLE Sports ...... 8

Lonely Hearts Club 1,000-Point Club Read it, then recycle it. Join the 113th's masthead's Jordan Obi ’20 joins the ranks of Choate's most prolific scorers. search for love on Valentine's Day. Visuals by Curbed SF, Sports • P8 Brandon Zhang, Wikipedia, Features • P6 and Choate Flickr. (203) 269-9507 WWW.COLONYDINER.COM

PAGE 2 || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY , 

After 40 Years at Choate, Choate Ethics Bowl Wins Big at Regionals Ms. Madeline Perkins Retires

By Joy Bang ’22 By Claire Yuan ’21 just so thorough with everything Reporter Associate Editor and saw every detail,” he said. “She was terrifc to work with. We On Saturday, January 25, On January 31, Ms. Madeline just made a good team.” Choate’s Ethics Bowl team won Perkins retired from Choate after Third Form Dean Ms. Emily first place out of the 13 teams dedicating 40 years to the School. Osterhout said, “In the short time participating in the Connecti- Throughout her career, Ms. Per- that I worked with Ms. Perkins, it cut Regional High School Eth- kins has taken on various roles in was obvious through her stories ics Bowl at Yale University. the Choate community: she start- and experiences here — every- The Ethics Bowl team began ed as a part-time interior design- thing that she’s seen and all the rigorously preparing for this er, worked with the Choate Icahn people she’s met — that people see tournament at the start of the Scholars Program, and spent her her as a kind heart, really and truly school year. The cabinet initial- last years on campus as the Third caring for other people. I think she ly worked with less experienced Form Deans’ Assistant. No matter invested herself in others’ lives, members to teach them ethi- the job, one thing remained consis- and they became her family. She cal frameworks and theories, tent: Ms. Perkins’s love and dedica- was always such a huge help to me, outline the competition proce- tion to the community. being new in the deans’ ofce. I’m dures, and hold general discus- “I hope that I have helped Cho- going to miss that.” sions of ethical cases from the ate students navigate their way Ms. Fran O’Donoghue re- official National High School through this wonderful School in called of her own time work- Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) case set. a positive, nurturing way,” Ms. ing with Ms. Perkins: “She was These cases are presented to Perkins said. “I’ve always felt more always very nice, happy, and teams during regional com- [like a] mother than [an] assistant, friendly. She never seemed to petitions. Toward the end of giving hugs and encouragement have a bad thing to say about fall term, the cabinet members along their journey.” anything or anyone, and she finalized the two competing As Dean of Students Mr. Mi- was always very professional teams, the Jets and the Sharks, chael Velez ’00 said at School whether we were dealing with through an in-house tourna- Meeting on January 28, “While a tough situation or something ment. In the winter term, the Ms. Perkins’s roles at Choate where we didn’t really know newly formed teams devoted an Photo courtesy of Ms. Amy Foster changed over the years, what how it would turn out. She al- average of ten hours each week With a regional win, Choate Ethics Bowl takes one step closer to Nationals. always mattered to her most ways had a positive attitude to- to working with specific cas- cord. The Jets, formed by Will off on the day of the tourna- qualifiy to compete in Nation- were her family and you — the wards it, and she always knew es, polishing structuring and Greve ’20, Anya Miksovsky ’20, ment as they won in the end als, which will be held at the students, faculty, and staff who if we worked together, we could speaking skills, and undergoing Tyler Neri ’21, Carmen O’Con- by a slim but clear margin of University of North Carolina — made up this community for solve any problem.” practice rounds. ner ’21, and Isabella Grau ’22, two votes in favor and one vote Chapel Hill in April. the past four decades.” Going into her retirement, In an ethics bowl competi- entered the finals undefeated. as a tie. Isabella Grau ’22, one Ethics Bowl Vice President Mr. Velez frst met and grew Ms. Perkins plans to travel with tion, teams are presented with For the finals, the case that the of the newest members of the Neri said, “I am looking for- close with Ms. Perkins in the fall of her family, spending time at her cases entailing complex ethical team was given dealt with the team, said, “My first experi- ward to the upcoming compe- 2005 in Memorial House, the old house by the shore and on her dilemmas around which they ethical dilemma of donating to ence with an Ethics Bowl was tition. It is exciting because location of the third form deans’ boat: “As far as transitioning build their arguments. Ethics the reconstruction of Paris’s amazing. The first round I got it is a new team we have not ofces. “Particularly last year when goes, I am so looking forward Bowl differs from the tradition- Notre Dame Cathedral after its to go [to] was most memora- yet faced. It is also exciting I was serving as one of the third to spending more time with my al style of debate competition destruction from fire last year ble, and winning the competi- compared to other competi- form deans, [we would have] a lot grandchildren Kaya, London, in the sense that competing while overlooking the needs of tion made my experience even tions because the winner of of casual conversations, talking and Camden; children Carrie, teams do not have to stand on people in warstruck or impov- more exciting.” the competition will be de- about things other than our jobs. I Derrick, and Timothy; and hus- the opposite sides of the issue erished areas. The essence of The journey of the Ethics termined in just one round, think in a lot of ways, Choate was band Perk. A cruise awaits us but rather advocate for what- the case challenged the mem- Bowl team continues as it be- while most competitions offer an extended family for her, and all on the horizon!” ever argument they believe in. bers to define the value of art, gins to prepare for a virtual a chance to recover even if we I think she applied the same care “I shall miss Choate great- Demonstration of the ability to history, and culture. The team competition against The Lin- lose one round.” to her responsibilities at Choate as ly — that’s a given,” Ms. Per- defend the team’s stance with argued that although these el- coln School in Rhode Island. Ethics Bowl is in the midst she did to her family.” kins said. “I’ve made so many thoughtful reasoning and re- ements allow human beings Members of the team aim to of reviewing feedback and com- Mr. John Ford, who worked friends here and have met so spect toward all participants to live a fulfilled life, the basic continue growing their skills. ments from this past tourna- closely with Ms. Perkins when he many special people, students, determines the winning team. needs of humans must be ad- “I am looking forward to gain- ment in preparation for this was a Third Form Dean, agreed faculty, and parents alike. I’ve At Yale, all teams partici- dressed before rebuilding No- ing more experience and im- pivotal upcoming competition. that Ms. Perkins took great care loved my time here.” pated in five rounds before the tre Dame. proving my public speaking in her work. “She just did every- two finalists were determined The hard work of Ethics skills,” said Grau. The winning Joy Bang may be reached thing so neatly — she dotted every Claire Yuan may be reached through their tournament re- Bowl’s members indeed paid team of this competition will at [email protected] 'i' and crossed every 't'. She was at [email protected]

Novel Coronavirus Compels Choate To Take Action

Continued from Page 1 Sunday morning, but everything cal supplies for medical frontline seemed to be potentially danger- workers in Wuhan, China. Khuu family in Beijing on Friday, Feb- ous, even the hotel’s continental summarized the issue’s role on ruary 7. “We talked about how breakfast oferings.” campus: “For Choate, I think this is their lives are right now, in what The lack of any ofcial an- a pivotal issue to support as there way [the coronavirus] changed nouncements left many students is a sizable Chinese population their lifestyle. They seemed confused. Gaby Nirmal ’23, an- on campus, whose families and to be very peaceful and calm, other Choate delegate present at friends at home are vulnerable to which is good. We ended our YMUNC, said, “Yale should have COVID-19. The community’s sup- conversation by reciting a poem clarifed the cancellation immedi- port does not only help the medical together, called ‘Yellow Crane ately. Social media only added to workers at risk, but also shows Chi- Tower,’” said Ms. Chen-Lin. the hysteria, adding more rumors nese students that the community “We read lots of online materi- with no evidence.” Hours later, cares and they are not alone.” al, but it’s good to have a family the campus informed advisers The organization Chinese Stu- who’s right in front of you.” and students of the reason behind dents in North America reached The host family is looking the sudden decision — a delegate out to Jiang about their Fight for forward to receiving students in from China was hospitalized with Wuhan movement after noticing 2021. “Although we were able to the fu and was undergoing tests a forum that she and her friends ask questions that helped us un- for the COVID-19. Yale released a from other boarding schools were derstand how the virus has afect- statement saying, “Yale regrets that running about high school experi- ed their lifestyle, it was also clear the participating MUN students ences in America. After confrm- that this family was very well-of will not be able to complete their ing the legitimacy of the organi- and therefore could aford ser- conference’s program, we feel it to zation, Jiang and Khuu began a vices like hiring cleaning staf, be in the best interest of those stu- sub-fundraiser on their platform. paying for delivered groceries, and dents and of the Yale community to The fundraising process is entirely not worrying about the missed take this precaution.” transparent; all receipts, messages time at work,” said Stephanie Su Although most students un- between coordinators and hospi- ’21, a student who was present for derstood the safety measures tak- tals, and daily fundraising cata- the call. Unfortunately, many oth- en, many felt the abrupt end to the logs are published so that people er families are not so lucky. conference could have been han- can trace how the money is used The cancellation of Choate’s dled more appropriately. “Yes, we in Wuhan hospitals. term abroad trip to China is just were coming from twenty minutes Although the coronavirus is one example of the safety mea- away,” said Nirmal, “but others in the international spotlight, sures taken by numerous institu- were coming from as far as parts Dr. Cohen directed the Choate tions around the world. Yale Uni- of Asia.” As students left Yale’s community’s attention to the fu: versity took a similar approach in campus, the Chinese student was “Right now in the U.S., our great- late January when a high school released from the hospital but re- est risk [of] infection is from in- student from China fell ill during mained in isolation until the test fuenza.” According to the CDC, the Yale Model United Nations results returned. Not far away in there have been 15 to 21 million Conference (YMUNC). Middletown, Conn., a Wesleyan cases of the fu in the United When YMUN announced the University student was also under States since October 1, 2019 and sudden cancellation of the sched- speculation of having contracted well over 8,000 deaths. Dr. Co- uled events early Sunday morning, COVID-19. Both students tested hen said, “Please visit the health 1,800 high school students from negative for the coronavirus. center if you are sick, especially if more than 40 diferent countries At an all-School meeting last you have a fever.” had to depart from their assigned Friday, Laura Jiang ’21, Claire hotels while remaining unaware Yuan ’21, and Jayden Khuu ’21 JeeHwan Kim and Linda Phan of the situation. Lucas Eggers ’21, announced a joint fundraiser by may be reached at one of Choate’s delegation lead- Chinese Club and Choate Public [email protected] and Graphic by Chandler Littleford/ The Choate News ers, said, “I tried to stay focused Health to raise money for criti- [email protected] Choate's spring term abroad program to China was cancelled due to coronavirus. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 3 Community A 66-YE AR-OLD LOOKS BACK ON LIFE Calendar By Bianca Rosen ’21 Associate Editor

Plenty of college students take time of from school. But FEB. 14, 2:00 p.m. few can match the nearly 50 years St. Valentine's Day Tea that Ms. Joyce Maynard, now a Enjoy an afternoon of Val- entine's Day tea, treats, and 66-year-old sophomore at Yale, trivia. took between her frst and second years in college. Bristol Public Library Free admission; no registration A renowned American novel- required; $29 car ride ist and journalist, Ms. Maynard began her career writing frst for Seventeen magazine and eventu- ally the New York Times, contrib- uting personal essays and feature articles while living in New York, New Hampshire, and California. But it is her essay titled “An 18-Year-Old Looks Back On Life,” FEB. 14, 7:30 p.m. published in the New York Times Atlantic Broadband Magazine in the spring of 1972, Garde Cinema Series: The Farewell for which Ms. Maynard remains View a Valentine's Day screen- best known. (“As some people ing of The Farewell, a come- prepare for their old age, so I dy-drama following a Chinese family saying goodbye to its prepare for my 20’s,” she writes terminally-ill grandma with a jaundiced eye.) The essay caught the attention of author Photo courtesy of Jim Barringer Garde Arts Center, New Lon- Afer a 48-year-long hiatus, writer Joyce Maynard returned to Yale this past fall for her sophomore year. don; $12 admission; $69 car J.D. Salinger, himself famous- ride ly disillusioned, who wrote Ms. alone. She ate meals in her dormi- a magazine article in 1972 was,” tion called the book a “tawdry, load and is auditing many of her Maynard one letter and then an- tory. She woke up every day at the Ms. Maynard said. “There was boudoir confession.” classes. She is able to sidestep the other. Ms. Maynard wrote him crack of dawn to write to her fami- no internet, and there was no so- “I did not anticipate that it anxiety of grade-point averages back, and what started as a mail ly. She felt defnitively disconnect- cial media. Everybody saw just a would be such an outcry against and grad-school applications. But correspondence evolved into an ed from her classmates. (“The idea handful of things, and the New me,” Ms. Maynard said. “It was she listens attentively to lectures, afair. The relationship lasted is not to care,” she writes in the York Times was one of them. I a moment when I had to really takes notes, and completes the only about a year, but the expe- essay. “I feel it most of all on Sat- got hundreds of letters and all reassess who I was. I had always readings. rience of dropping out of Yale to urday morning, when the sun is the kinds of ofers that my moth- been a very good girl, and I cared “When young people at Yale, live with a celebrated writer and shining and the crocuses are about er would have wanted for herself a lot about pleasing and accept- specifcally women, ask me why I FEB. 15, 8:00 a.m. fabled recluse came to defne Ms. to bloom and, walking through the or for me, and that I wanted. But ing. I followed Salinger’s rules, left, I will give them the short an- Eagle Watches on the Maynard’s career. corridors of my dorm, I see there there was this one letter that was but I broke them when I was 42 swer: I left for love,” Ms. Maynard Connecticut River Trek along the Connecticut Today, Ms. Maynard has re- isn't anyone awake.”) totally diferent. It wasn’t that it years old. I told this story, and I said. “I might as well say that I left River to view North America's turned to New Haven, re-enroll- Ms. Maynard may have been was written by J.D. Salinger that was not a good girl anymore.” because I got the measles.” The largest predator in its natural ing in the Ivy League university outwardly reticent at Yale, but moved me. It was just the voice She went on, “I could either Yale that Ms. Maynard attends in habitat she left nearly fve decades ago, she was learning to be bold in her in that letter that seemed to know adopt their — the New York 2020 is worlds away from the Yale 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison taking classes and learning to live prose. While at Yale, she regularly me in a way nobody had.” Times’s and the critics’ of just she attended in the 1970s. She is $25 admission; must register as she might have had her life tak- took the bus from New Haven to Salinger and Ms. Maynard about every newspaper in the not only struck by how much stu- online; $35 car ride en a diferent course. New York to meet with the editors began to correspond regularly. At country — view of me, or say, dents now depend on their devic- “I probably will never get a of Seventeen. At one point, she sug- the end of her freshman year, Ms. ‘Well, I’m not going to take my es — during lectures, in the dining degree,” she said recently. “But I gested a piece on the Miss Teenage Maynard met him in person. She defnition of who I am from them,’ hall, on the walkways — but also will learn.” America Pageant. Seventeen liked soon left her summer job at the which is what I chose to do.” by a seismic shift in their attitude Ms. Maynard’s singular jour- the idea but wanted her to write New York Times and withdrew Because of the criticism sur- toward love. “When I was at school ney began in the small town of from the perspective of having par- from Yale to move in with Salin- rounding the book’s publication, in the 70s, it was a very romantic Durham, New Hampshire, where ticipated in the contest itself. Ms. ger. “I left the world,” Ms. May- the memoir failed to gain signif- and passionate time,” Ms. May- she grew up carrying the weight Maynard had no inclination to be a nard said. “I didn't think about cant traction in the literary world. nard said. “You never see that on of her parents’ expectations. Her competitor, so she called the head how he’s 53, and I’m 18. I just Years later, Ms. Maynard was this campus anymore.” FEB. 15, 10:00 a.m. mother had earned a Ph.D. in En- of the pageant in Fort Worth, Tex- thought ‘Oh, I’m at home now.’” surprised to fnd that Ms. Anne Ms. Maynard has also had to Stories of Resilience: En- glish from Radclife College, but, as, and asked to be a judge. She added, “I really did believe Fadiman, a nonfction writer and learn to become more collabora- countering Racism as Ms. Maynard explained, sexism “I few to Fort Worth and that I would be with him forever.” Yale professor, was teaching At tive at Yale. She has long been ac- Explore photographs, arti- facts, and video testimonies and anti-Semitism precluded her wore my evening gown, as the Almost a year after they had Home in the World in her writing customed to working on her own. showcasing local residents' from securing a job. judges did,” Ms. Maynard said. been living together, Salinger workshop. Ms. Maynard wrote to But when a play she wrote was experiences and stories related “She did what a lot of wom- “I got to judge all these girls who abruptly asked her to clear her Fadiman and ofered to visit the recently chosen for a campus arts to systemic racism. en in that generation did — put were my age, but a diferent kind things and leave. “If some man class as a guest speaker. festival, she essentially turned the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New their hopes on their daughters,” of girl from me — the girls that I said some of the things Salinger In 2015, Ms Maynard began production over to her director. “I London Ms. Maynard said. “I became very kind of envied in high school — had said to me now, I would think visiting New Haven once a year didn’t even go to the rehearsals,” Free admission; no registration required; $88 car ride ambitious for her. I wanted my and I wrote my piece.” When Ms. much less of the man.” But, as a from her home in California. As she said. “I let go of it, and it was mother to know success through Maynard later read the published teenager, Ms. Maynard said, “you Ms. Maynard recalled, “When I huge for me. A lot of this experi- me.” Throughout high school, Ms. article in Seventeen, she discov- think less of yourself.” came back to New Haven, Anne, ence is about letting go.” Maynard submitted her work to ered that editors had removed her In the following decades, Ms. who is exactly my age, said ‘You Ms. Maynard grew up quick- Scholastic writing competitions distinctive tone and wit. Maynard moved around, mar- have unfnished business at Yale,’ ly and publicly. Before she had and came to write regularly for Ms. Maynard mailed the fled ried twice, had a family, and kept and I just laughed. ‘Me, go to col- graduated from high school, she Seventeen. version of the article to the editor publishing (including a 1976 lege now? At this age? I’m still was publishing in magazines and In 1970, Ms. Maynard left her of the New York Times Maga- piece in the New York Times on paying of my kids’ college, so I seemed destined for literary star- local public school and entered zine, with a letter asking if she the recent merger of The Choate didn’t think I’d ever do that.’ ” dom. Today, as an undergradu- FEB. 15, 2:00 p.m. Phillips Exeter Academy as a se- could write for the publication. School and Rosemary Hall). She Her perspective changed, ate, Ms. Maynard is fnally having Wallingford Writers Com- nior and a member of the insti- She soon received her frst assign- rarely spoke about her afair with however, when her husband died the college experience she missed, munity tution’s frst crop of female stu- ment: write about what it’s like Salinger. But when her daughter of cancer, in 2016. “Suddenly, I immersing herself in interesting Learn from local writers at the Wallingford Writers Commu- dents. (“Here someone else was to be an 18-year-old in America. turned eighteen, in 1996, Ms. thought, well, ‘Who am I now?’ classes, going to club meetings, nity's monthly meeting. the newspaper editor, the year- When “An 18-Year-Old Looks Maynard felt compelled to break So, I decided to apply to Yale,” acting in a play. She’s also using book boss, the actor, the writer. Back On Life” — a funny, clear- her silence. In 1998, she pub- Ms. Maynard said. this time to focus on herself and Wallingford Public Library Free admission; no registration I was the girl,” she writes in “An eyed, and stunningly precocious lished a memoir, At Home in the Ms. Maynard, now in her sec- on personal projects. Eventually, required Eighteen-Year-Old Looks Back.”) essay — was published on April World, which discussed the rela- ond year as a Yale undergraduate, she said, she will write all about it. A year later, when she began 23, 1972, it changed her life. tionship. Literary critics pilloried is still doing things diferently her freshman year at Yale, Ms. “It’s hard for someone in this Ms. Maynard for exposing Salin- than the typical Yale student. For Bianca Rosen may be reached Maynard spent much of her time era to imagine what the impact of ger’s idolized life. One publica- one, she is not taking a full course at [email protected]

Local Nonprofits Promote Youth Development By Amanda Li ’21 is a regular struggle. “Low house- to ensure children and households addition to healthy meals, GROW Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, advocate against drugs. We’ve Associate Editor hold income, access to employ- have access to a reliable, monthly ofers fnancial and nutritional Wallingford’s branch of the Boys & hosted a few visitors who inform ment opportunities, and education resource of fresh produce, health- education. Families participating Girls Clubs of America, addresses the students on the dangers of drug Much of today’s youth faces and training for parents prevent ful grains, dairy products, and in GROW may attend a workshop another crucial issue: academic op- use and how to manage stress in formidable challenges like fnan- families from being able to meet proteins.” The program uses local about food nutrition and fnancial portunity. Ofering homework help healthy ways,” said Alexandra Tor- cial instability, food insecurity, and basic needs,” said Ms. Stephanie pantries, mobile farmers’ markets, literacy, in which they learn how and educational seminars, the staf res, a student volunteer who has substance abuse. In Wallingford, Decker, Marketing and Communi- or other local programs to deliver to save on groceries and build a supports local students by nurtur- been involved in the organization a variety of local organizations has cations Manager of the Connecticut resources that are tailored to each healthy meal, among other skills. ing curiosity and exploration. “Club for ten years. “We’re able to help worked with the Town Council to Food Bank. neighborhood’s needs. “For this program, we use an evi- programs and services promote parents out by keeping the kids create initiatives and programs to The Connecticut Food Bank “We send diferent foods dence-based curriculum taught by and enhance the development of here and keeping them safe at an prevent unhealthy behavior and has created initiatives such as the to diferent communities, so if nutrition educators,” said Dr. Fos- boys and girls by instilling a sense afordable price,” said Torres. provide Wallingford’s youth with Child Hunger Impact Program there's a high Latin American pop- ter. GROW trucks are partnered of competence, usefulness, be- These nonprofts plan to con- opportunities and resources for (CHIP) and the Grocery on Wheels ulation and we know foods like with local schools and funded by a longing and infuence. The Ulbrich tinue expanding their programs personal development. Program (GROW) to support rice and beans will move, we will grant from Stop & Shop. Boys & Girls Club is a safe place to to increase the impact of their According to the 2018 Five- low-income households with chil- send those there. If it's a commu- Master’s Manna, a Walling- learn and grow, all while having work. The Connecticut Food Bank Year American Community Survey dren. “Children who are exposed to nity where we know frozen pro- ford food bank, also aids low-in- fun,” the organization’s website recently launched a research in- Profle of Wallingford, conducted hunger and food insecurity are less teins don't move, we won't send come families with its Family Din- states. Around 70 kids participate stitute that will utilize consumer by the National Census Bureau, likely to do well in school and are those there,” said Dr. Foster. Many ing Center and Master’s Manna in the club’s daily programs. feedback to determine its future around 9% of minors in Walling- less likely to graduate high school, of the pantries set up through this Market. The Family Dining Center As communities across the agenda and goals, and the Ulbrich ford live in families with incomes and they're more likely to be program are located at schools so provides nutritious meals three country battle an opioid epidemic, Boys & Girls club opened a new below the poverty line, and 17% of low-income as adults,” said Dr. Jai- that parents and students can con- times a week to anyone who walks organizations like the UBGC are branch located in North Haven households receive benefts from me S. Foster, Chief Programs Of- veniently access the produce. in. Master’s Manna Market pro- striving to turn teenagers away this past October. the Supplemental Nutrition Assis- cer at the Connecticut Food Bank. GROW also provides families vides household necessities from from substance abuse. tance Program (SNAP). For these As the Connecticut Food with nutritious food, but it delivers school supplies to hygienic prod- “We create a community of Amanda Li may be reached families, putting food on the table Bank’s website puts it, CHIP “seeks its goods through grocery trucks. In ucts and clothing. health and support, and we always at [email protected] PAGE 4 || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBURARY ,  The ChoaTe News VOL. CXIII TH YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU EAT  MASTHEAD NO. XI By Rachel Pittman ’22 sionate about physical health — pounds lighter, insecurity is still a severe acne, was the tallest one Grace Y. Zhang ’20 Derek Z. Ng ’20 the salad bar is popular, and the challenge and will manifest itself in in my class, and wore extra large Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editor gym is often packed. Yet, many some other physical trait, creating a men’s T-shirts to mask my chang- re you really going students’ fitness goals have dangerous cycle of external renova- ing body. It was midway through School News Local News Opinions to eat that pizza?” harmful motivations. In line tion as a cure for an internal battle. the year that I realized if I didn’t Brandon Zhang ’20 Will Zhu ’20 Ariel Kim ’20 Esther An ’21 Alexandra Alkhayer ’20 “AMidway through with conventional beauty stan- This issue is exacerbated by the look in the mirror, none of these my second slice, my gaze set on dards, many female students unique circumstances we experi- realities would exist. I brushed Features Arts & Leisure Sports a third, I looked up to catch my want to slim down, while many ence as boarding school students. my teeth in the dark. I had a sixth Victoria Esquibies ’20 Deanna Tan ’20 George McCabe ’20 friends engage in an all-too-fa- male students want to bulk up. Not only are we bombarded with sense for refective surfaces and a miliar conversation. First and foremost, body pressure from the media to “Go knack for casually avoiding them. Photography Graphics Layout “Yeah?” said my second friend. shape and size do not necessar- For That Beach Bod In 50 Days Or The ghosts of these insecurities Ryan Kim ’20 Chandler Littleford ’20 Kiki Kim ’20 “Are you even dedicated to ily correlate to health. A woman Get Your Money Back!” but we also still haunt me. But after fve years our diet? If you eat that, you may be technically “overweight” eat every meal together and share of struggling, I’m slowly learning Associate Editors can’t come to the gym with me and still have a lower heart rate, the same gym. In such a close envi- to love myself and my body. Esther An ’21 Niki Gummadi ’21 Bianca Rosen ’21 Peter DiNatale ’21 Laura Jiang ’21 Claire Yuan ’21 anymore,” said the first friend. blood pressure, and cholester- ronment, comparison is inevitable However, Choate’s ftness JeeHwan Kim ’21 Sesame Gaetsaloe ’21 Rachel Pittman ’22 I sat back, shocked. This con- ol level than someone half her — and that breeds insecurity. culture has proven a difcult ob- Greer Goergen ’21 Tony Lee ’21 Henrik Torres ’22 Amanda Li ’21 versation was undoubtedly toxic, size. Similarly, the standard of For me, the emphasis on di- stacle to overcome in this process. but it’s not like this happens often, what is considered “healthy” is eting at Choate, especially among It is hard to remind ourselves to Layout Social Media Andrew Lee ’21 Multimedia right? Wrong. After this conver- different for everyone. female students, has sent me back take care of our bodies because Sabrina Kim ’21 Linda Phan ’22 Khushi Tyagi ’20 Rhea Shah ’22 Rose Shen’22 Gretchen MacLean ’22 sation in October, I began to pay Still, many students aren’t ac- a few steps in my own body image we love them, not because we Henrik Torres ’22 Alyssa Jaster ’23 Jessica Wu ’22 more attention to the diet culture tually seeking a healthier version of and ftness. I’ve been on a body hate them, especially when stu- Online Business on campus; the more I looked, the themselves when they go on a diet image journey since ffth grade, dents only allow themselves to Magazine Jerry Wang ’20 Caroline Rispoli ’20 Ami Hoq ’21 Nico Campbell ’21 Bella Capuano ’21 more frightened I became. or workout. Instead, they are in when I stopped looking in the mir- have a “cheat day” if they’ve done Lara Selçuker ’21 Ho Jin Jang ’21 Nathan Lang ’22 Adviser Amanda Li ’21 On the surface, it seems like pursuit of a prettier, and therefore ror. I went through puberty earlier a certain number of curl-ups. It Mr. Mike Peed Choate students are simply pas- happier, version. But even thirty than many of my classmates: I had is hard to forgive ourselves for Staff Reporters eating what our body tells us to Bella Capuano ’21 Calvin Walker ’21 Richard Chen ’22 when full body pictures get more India Lacey ’21 Natarsha Yan ’21 Praj Chirathivat ’22 Christopher Lin ’21 Tony Zhou ’21 Abby Lu ’22 Instagram likes. It is hard not to Max O’Connor ’21 Alex Aronov ’22 Nick Visuthikosol ’22 Harry Chen ’22 cry over the number on our jeans when we are constantly compar- /choatenews @choatenews @choatenews ing ourselves to someone who wears a smaller size. It is hard to Email us: [email protected] || Call us: (203) 697-2070 || Find us: thechoatenews.choate.edu like what I see in the mirror when I had three slices and my friend was ridiculed for eating one. We all have insecurities, but comparing habits to others or MY JOURNEY projecting insecurities onto oth- ers should never be the answer to these struggles. It is such a mira- TOWARD CULTURAL cle that we have beautiful bodies that allow us to make the dread- COMPETENCE ed trek from Lanphier to Steele, to create music, to be. Let’s eat By Amanda Li ’21 tables that had people I already healthy and exercise to celebrate Associate Editor knew. I could see friend groups this miracle, not to squash it. starting to form, and I still didn’t ontrary to what you may see my place in any of them — I Rachel Pittman is a fourth- have learned in physics, didn’t know how to start conver- former from Cheshire, Conn. Chuman nature negates the sations with people with whom She may be reached at phrase “opposites attract.” In my I felt I had nothing in common. Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News [email protected] experience, humans tend to build Slowly, I came to realize that connections through the discov- my fear of being viewed as an ery of similarities that make them outcast was unfounded, and that feel united. Typically, whether people who I may have never talk- they fnd common ground re- ed to before were willing to ask garding personal identifers, ex- about my day. Choate, in fact, was periences, or beliefs, humans feel not full of rude Draco Malfoys Forgiving Myself for Striking the Wrong Key more comfortable seeking agree- and snobby Blair Waldorfs. ment rather than dissent. For In this welcoming community, instance, when I started making I have been able to form strong By Ashley Jiang ’22 If you are a pianist older like to turn pages for me at the twenty gifted kids, people didn’t friends, I immediately drifted to friendships with people that are Opinions Writer than five, it is no joke to for- concert tonight?” she said ca- hold things against me. The those who looked like I did. from a diverse array of cultures. get your piece. It becomes a sually. I turned my back to see hardest part is forgiving your- Growing up in a commu- We may not always share the trudged my heavy feet up nightmare that you can only if she was addressing someone self. With the support of my pi- nity with many Asian Amer- same interests, classes, or identif- the stairs of the conservato- pray does not befall you. Luck- else. “Me?” I asked sheepishly. ano teacher and peers, I surpris- icans, I never felt like a mi- ers, but learning about their ideas Iry hall. Although it was ex- ily, this nightmare rarely hap- That night, at her cham- ingly managed to recover from nority. There was no sense of and values has brought us closer. tremely hot, my hands were freez- pens. Really, it wasn’t that it ber concert, I turned pages for the experience pretty quickly. oppression and no desire to I take them to get bubble tea at ing, my body shivering. My heart happened, but that it happened her, and we discussed nothing Yet, the ultimate test for assimilate to a mainstream Vivi’s and explain why watching felt uneasy as I sat down in front at an exotic music festival in more. We did not have another me was the final chamber culture that I wasn’t a part of. Chinese TV shows reminds me of of the massive concert piano and Spain where a new teacher exchange until our next lesson concert: my last chance to re- I became friends with the Lius, home, while they share with me looked to the panel of seemingly brought me as her only student. three days later. Throughout that deem myself. I was scheduled Wangs, and Zhaos instead of their experiences living on a dif- unfriendly teachers. They gave This was 2017. I cannot lesson, I waited for her to explain to perform on the same stage the Smiths, Jacobs, and Ander- ferent continent and describe to me the signal to start my piece. describe the desolation I felt. to me what a failure I was and where I had previously choked. sons. We talked about things me their favorite homemade meal. As any nervous pianist I was sure that I would have how it was utterly unacceptable Surprisingly, I didn’t feel ner- we had in common, like the joy They’ve helped me realize how does, I told myself everything to quit piano and head back to do this kind of thing at my age vous. My failure could not have of having homemade dump- limited my worldview once was was fine; it was been worse lings for lunch or the stress and how my own self-doubt pre- five minutes of than before, of Saturday Chinese school. vented me from gaining cultural my life that I so I felt that I It was easy to consider these competency. I’ve been able to de- probably would could only re- friends as family and to believe velop an appreciation for cultures not remember deem myself. our connection was authentic. that I have never been exposed to, past this per- For the first The idea of trying to befriend and I am now better at empathiz- formance. I time in my life, somebody who was diferent ing with others and being able to forced a smile I was excited. than me was a scary concept. listen and carefully consider per- on my face, I was thrilled Would taking that frst step out spectives diferent than mine. then started to by the prospect of my usual friend bubble ulti- Of course, I’m still learning and play. Instead of performing mately result in rejection any- maturing. Though I'm a junior, of the smooth beautiful music way? Although I knew that their there are still classmates that I’ve melody I as- and pleasing friendship would probably have never spoken to. But I am no longer sociated with a crowd. My much to ofer me, I was unwill- unwilling to step out of my comfort the Haydn so- passion and ing to let myself be vulnerable. zone. Although I celebrate little nata, I had no excitement res- It was like playing poker: I had victories, like greeting somebody clue what I was onated with my convinced myself that I would new on the path or sharing what playing, and I piece, and my lose, so instead of betting more, I feels like a bold opinion in class, I could feel my performance chose to fold and walk away. also still see people sitting with the face beginning was exactly as This mentality stuck with me same friends at lunch, walking to to turn the I dreamed it until I arrived at Choate. Coming classes with the same group, and most violent would be. The in as a Pathways student, I was im- sitting at the same table in classes. shade of red. I highlight was mediately made all too aware that I’m guilty of all these things, too. hadn’t forgot- when my pia- I was part of a cultural minority. I Outside of Choate, the world is ten my piece, no teacher told didn’t ft in with the internation- much more intimidating, making per se; it start- me afterward, al Chinese students nor with the it difcult to challenge biases long ed with a ca- Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News “The teachers American-born Chinese students established by people in power. cophonous chord, then I found home, never to bring up this and skill level. Instead, she said said you are really talented. that grew up in big cities like New Many times, all that I can do is to myself playing the piece com- incident again. Yet, I couldn’t to me, “Oh, honey, Efrem told They didn’t think that before.” York or Chicago. My frst night on make sure I don’t contribute to the pletely wrong. At that point, I leave without facing my piano me what happened. Don’t worry, The only way to move past campus, I checked the directory normalization of discrimination. recognized there was no point teacher. I thought it was all it happens to the best of us.” Just your mistakes is to forgive and to see if there was anybody in my As I take more leaps of faith and exacerbating my embarrass- said and done: I would have to like that, the topic fell away. forget. Through this experi- grade from the same state, a simple break down more of my personal ment, so I stepped off the explain to her my terrible mis- Eventually, I learned to for- ence, I learned that even if a identifer I could start a conversa- barriers, I hope that others will, stage and the stunned teachers take and she would start — and give myself and to forget about situation seems too daunting to tion over: the answer was no. too, and that we can form deeper handed my book back to me. never stop — yelling at me. the experience. The students move past, it’s still worth a try. Feeling lonely and lost, I was connections with those around us. I nodded my head while try- The next time I saw my pi- who watched the episode did as thrown into a hectic school en- ing to evade their questioning ano teacher, I tried to hide be- well. I got to know them, and Ashley Jiang is a fourth- vironment. During the frst few Amanda Li is a fifh-former from eyes. I hid backstage, a small hind a column because I could they understood that I was over- former from Homdel, New days, I stayed stuck in my old Potomac, Maryland. She may be but empty room filled with not bear the shame. She saw me come with nervousness and got Jersey. She may be reached ways, cautiously sitting at lunch reached at [email protected] string instruments. and smiled widely. “Would you unlucky. Even in this camp of at [email protected] FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 5 Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights Democrats Must Unite to Humanity's Best and Worst Support Bernie and His Electability By Niki Gummadi ’21 and congressional elections. War- Associate Editor ren, who has been seen as a more moderate version of Sanders, lacks The year so far has been kind the ability to win over voters in to Senator Bernie Sanders and his “Trump country.” Warren is not presidential campaign. With 99% popular in smaller, more rural ar- of precincts reporting, the results eas in Massachusetts, the same ar- of the Iowa caucus showed Sand- eas that Trump won in 2016. The ers winning the popular vote in the Democrats need someone that can state despite receiving one fewer take votes away from Trump, and delegate than Mayor Pete Butt- Warren has yet to prove herself as igieg did. According to the New that candidate. York Times, Sanders is currently In contrast, Sanders has a his- leading in New Hampshire and is torically good record at winning set to overtake Former Vice Pres- over traditionally conservative ar- ident Joe Biden in national polls. eas. His political career began in If Sanders continues at this rate, Vermont at a time when the state he has a great chance of clinching had a political environment that the Democratic nomination, so the was much more conservative than Democratic Party must begin rally- it is now. Even today, Sanders per- ing around him. forms well in districts that voted This is not an endorsement of for Trump, which is evident in the his views or policies but rather of results from his 2018 senatorial his electability. In his 2016 presi- re-election campaign. Sanders has dential campaign, Sanders strug- also proven his electability over gled to garner support among com- Biden, beating him by more than munities of color, but he has found 10% in Iowa, a state that consists Photo courtesy of The New York Times a way to remedy this. His campaign largely of working-class white vot- More than 1,000 people in mainland China have died from the coronavirus. Researchers are working to develop a vaccine, but the process could take years. staf is much more diverse than it ers — a group that Biden’s cam- By Jay Zhou ’21 nate media and news headlines. After the World Health Or- to ensure that all humans are on was four years ago, and Sanders paign heavily depends upon. Opinions Writer I wasn't too concerned about ganization declared the virus the same side, and that we foster has focused more on community Not only will Sanders be able these reports until my mother a Public Health Emergency of a united global efort in combat- outreach in black and Latino com- to convince Trump supporters to Lunar New Year, corre- told me to order some medical International Concern, many ing the disease. munities. A recent CNN poll found vote blue in 2020, but he will also sponding to the cycle of the face masks for my family be- countries around the globe To be sure, there have been that Sanders is beating Biden 30% be able to garner votes from Amer- moon, is the most festive hol- cause they had sold out in Chi- closed their borders and banned countless heartwarming mo- to 27% among non-white voters, icans that usually do not turn up iday of the year in China. The na. A few days later, they were Chinese visitors from entering ments that reflect the innate who will account for a third of the at the polls. Sanders is especially 2020 Lunar New Year will be out of stock in the U.S. too. The the country. Many airlines also kindness of humanity. Japan, electorate. The Democratic Party attractive to young voters, a group one of the most memorable hol- panic spread rapidly as quar- canceled all fights to China un- a country that typically has a needs a candidate that appeals to that historically has low voter turn- idays for my generation, not be- antine zones were put in place til late April. These measures are tense relationship with China, every type of voter and is willing to out. If Sanders were the nominee, cause of its festivity but because and all public transportation understandable and necessary to donated more than a million do the work necessary to do so. he would be able to draw youth vot- of the plague that has cast a from Wuhan, where the disease contain the disease. However, in medical masks. There have While Sanders’s major oppo- ers to the polls. In fact, he already shadow over the country — the originated, was stopped. Un- regions without modern and fair also been billboards support- nents — Biden, Buttigieg, and Sen- has. According to The Washington coronavirus. fortunately, it was too late, and media coverage, there have been ing the global effort in fight- ator Elizabeth Warren — liken their Post, 25% of the people that attend- Although living in a coun- people who were infected but voices criticizing the Chinese ing the disease in many coun- moderateness to electability over ed the Iowa caucuses were young- try half a world away largely without symptoms were already government for being incom- tries, as well as movements in Sanders, the electoral track records er than 30. Forty-eight percent of reduces the concern of getting across the country. petent in dealing with this out- Florence, Italy offering hugs of these four candidates tell a dif- these voters preferred Bernie over infected, the outbreak of the My city, Shanghai, is a break. Some more radical views to Asian people to soothe an- ferent story. As a candidate whose the other Democratic candidates. disease has still profoundly nine-hour drive from Wuhan, have used this event to empower ti-Asian sentiment. only experience running for public Throughout this election cy- affected every aspect of my and its leaders still responded their Sinophobia. For instance, Although nations are al- ofce includes a failed campaign cle, Sanders has been marketed by daily life. to the outbreak with utmost the Wall Street Journal pub- ways in constant economic for Indiana State Treasurer and the his opponents as too radical to be In mid-January, though, urgency. Most of the public lished an article on February 3 conflict and warfare against mayoral campaign for the position electable, but both his record and I didn’t yet know how much facilities have closed, and all headlined “China Is the Real Sick one another, humanity is what he currently holds, Buttigieg is un- his campaign have proven this la- coronavirus would impact me. the stores, restaurants, and Man of Asia” and Sydney Daily always brings people together tested on the national stage. There bel wrong. If those running for the There were a few reports about theaters have been shut down. Telegraph published another at a time like this. Building a is no way to tell how he will stack up Democratic nomination truly want the new virus then; everyone I video chat with my family titled, “China Kids Stay Home.” community with a shared fu- against President Donald Trump P to defeat Trump, the best way for was looking forward to the up- every day, and they’ve shared The virus is not related to eth- ture for humankind is the kind ’00 in a general election, and that is them to do so is to back Sanders. coming Lunar holiday, so few that Shanghai is the quietest nicity, so naming it the “Chinese of spirit we all need. not a risk the Democratic Party can people paid attention to the they’ve ever seen it. My grand- virus” is discriminatory. No one aford to take. Niki Gummadi is a fifh- precautionary tips. It wasn't parents have not gone outside calls “Vache Folle” the “virus eu- Jay Zhou is a fifh-former from Sanders, on the other hand, has former from Ocala, Fla. until January 20 that articles on in ten days, and it seems that ropéen” or “virus français.” At an Diamond Bar, CA. He may be a long history of winning a variety She may be reached at the new virus started to domi- the entire city is in a slumber. urgent time like this, it is critical reached at [email protected] of elections — including mayoral [email protected]

A REFLECTION ON TRUMP'S TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN PROMOTES NATIONAL SECURIT Y AND AMERICAN PRINCIPLES STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS If this newly extended policy vast majority of Americans agree By Sabahat Rahman ’21 Trump when he bashed their speech send to U.S. citizens By Marcus Amine ’22 were predicated on racially dis- should be pursued; the Pew Re- Opinions Writer proposed healthcare bills: and other nations, other than Opinions Writer criminatory sentiment, it would search Center revealed that 78% “One hundred thirty-two law- one of hatred and contempt? target a specifc group of people and of Americans support encouraging What I took away from makers in this room have en- I’m a student with a conserva- aim to prevent that specifc group’s the immigration of highly-skilled President Trump’s State of the dorsed legislation to impose 3. Listening to others is tive political stance, so my support entry into the United States. How- people into the U.S. Even among Union speech: a socialist takeover of our important, especially when of the existing and recently expand- ever, the only thing these nations those who believe very few immi- healthcare system.” But this their views oppose yours. ed travel ban enacted by President have in common is the fact that grants should be allowed into the 1. I’m often too quick to was expected, and their anger Representative Alexandria Oc- Donald Trump P ’00 may be con- they failed to meet multiple immi- country each year, 63% say high- criticize President Donald is certainly understandable. In asio-Cortez tweeted before the strued as coming from a racist and gration criteria and pass security ly-skilled immigrants should be en- Trump’s P ’00 abilities as a this situation and other similar State of the Union address: “After xenophobic perspective. However, stress tests. These countries will couraged to immigrate to the U.S. president. I think there’s un- ones, Democrats’ less-than-en- much deliberation, I have decid- there are legitimate standards for be continuously monitored by the Today, two-thirds of immi- doubtedly a lot to criticize when thusiastic attitude served to ed that I will not use my presence immigration policy that our nation Department of Homeland Security, grants to the United States are ad- we’re looking at the president’s make a point: they didn’t like at a state ceremony to normalize needs to uphold in order to create and if countries improve their secu- mitted on the basis of family ties, character. The things he says and their ideas being insulted. Trump's lawless conduct & sub- truly efective reform. rity and cooperation with the U.S., and only 15% on the basis of skills. the things he does are, in the best But some of the night’s version of the Constitution. None The six countries recently add- they will be removed from the list, A skills-based point system, which of times, questionable. At the events were on the fine line be- of this is normal, and I will not ed to the ongoing travel ban list are as Chad was in 2018. can be added to the current diversi- worst, they’re abhorrent. tween making a point and be- legitimize it. Consequently, I will Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Ni- The existing travel ban is not ty lottery program, would be a ma- Although President Trump ing disrespectful — like when not be attending the State of the geria, Tanzania, and Sudan. While a “Muslim ban” either. Trump’s jor incentive for people around the may lack presidential demeanor, President Trump refused to Union.” At frst, I thought some- a permanent travel ban would be “policy covers just 8 percent of the world looking to work and make a he has had some positive impact shake Speaker of the House thing along the lines of, “Wow! inherently detrimental to our na- world’s Muslim population,” Chief better life for themselves. Not only on the United States (how much Nancy Pelosi’s hand, and when That’s pretty brave and admira- tion’s economy and highly uneth- Justice John Roberts observed in would this improved policy boost positive impact he has had is Pelosi ripped up her copy of ble.” But as I refected upon the ical, citizens should support the Trump v. Hawaii. If this policy was diversity, but it would also help the another question). For instance, the speech at the end. Yes, the tweet, I realized that I wish Oc- Trump administration’s current truly created to deter the Muslim United States fll open skilled labor his State of the Union address two have had their fair share asio-Cortez had attended. Per- travel ban as there are genuine na- population from entering the Unit- positions and maintain its compet- was full of statistics, which, no of arguments and Twitter bat- sonally, I don’t agree with many tional security concerns that must ed States, it would be quite inef- itiveness in the global economy. matter the party you support, tles. However, I don’t think it of President Trump’s policies or be addressed prior to the reautho- fective. Indonesia and Pakistan, I, along with the vast majori- indicate that the economy has was reasonable to bring social decisions. However, I think it is rization of immigration. the two countries with the highest ty of Americans, want our nation been strong during his presiden- media feuds or even politi- still imperative to listen to his We must ensure that those Muslim populations in the world, to be as secure and as prosperous cy. Take this statement from the cal feuds into this prestigious speeches. Through listening to immigrating into our country will were not placed on the travel ban as possible. President Trump’s speech: “The unemployment rate event. President Trump and the president’s viewpoints, I gain respect, uphold, and abide by the list. That’s because they passed the newly expanded temporary trav- is the lowest in over half a cen- Nancy Pelosi are both work- a better understanding of what crucial security laws and principles security tests and met the safe im- el ban reinforces our national tury. And very incredibly, the av- ing in the White House for the he is trying to say. Senators and that help to maintain the economic migration criteria. security and ensures that more erage unemployment rate under same goal: to protect and im- representatives, regardless of opportunity that our nation ofers. If countries meet the security skilled, highly-motivated, and my administration is lower than prove the American nation. No their political parties or personal The aforementioned countries requirements Congress and the Ex- qualifed workers are immigrat- any administration in the history matter how different Trump beliefs, are invited to the State of did not demonstrate a willingness or ecutive branch deem necessary, no ing to our country. We must of our country.” Donald Trump and Pelosi’s methods may be the Union address, and I would full capability to hand over all docu- matter the culture, religion, or race, prioritize and protect the safety spent much of his speech shar- for achieving this, the reality have liked to see Alexandria Oc- ments relating to criminal history their citizens should be granted fair of our own citizens at all costs; ing a myriad of facts like these, is that the State of the Union asio-Cortez attend. Her presence records of their citizens and possible access and the opportunity to en- our outdated system is decided- all pointing to one conclusion: address is one of the most im- would have demonstrated to her terrorist networks that may be pres- ter the United States after the next ly fawed and must be updated. during his presidency, the econ- portant speeches in a presi- supporters and other Americans ent in their nations. The State De- DHS reevaluation period. This new framework will serve omy has steadily improved or dent’s career. It should not be that she is willing to hear her op- partment stated that the countries Moreover, Trump is support- as a foundation for bipartisan re- maintained a stable condition. tainted by the president or by ponents’ side of the argument. on this new list further displayed an ing a more merit-based immigra- form of our immigration system. his Speaker of the House, re- “unwillingness or inability” to ad- tion system over the current diver- 2. There’s a fine line be- gardless of what tensions exist Sabahat Rahman is a fifh- here to “baseline” security criteria. sity lottery program, in which more Marcus Amine is a fourth- tween making a point and between the two. Finally, what former from Dhahran, Saudi Thus, these bans stem from clear qualifed and skilled workers are former from Greenwich, being disrespectful. Demo- message did refusing to shake Arabia. She may be reached national security concerns, not from given priority for visas over those Conn. He may be reached at crats didn’t clap for President Pelosi’s hand or ripping up the at [email protected] a nativist or xenophobic ideology. who are not. This is a policy the [email protected] PAGE  || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  Pictures, Posters, and Polaroids: Three Approaches to Room Decorations By Tony Lee ’21 Grace Zhang '20 Associate Editor A fend for grapes and chicken nuggets, Grace is looking for a Crocs-wearing partner. Must have an afnity for “Love Boarding schools are often called mini colleges because they ofer the experience of studying and living away from home. Island,” horrible dancing, and threats Boarding students can customize their living spaces to suit their individual lifestyles, creating a peaceful refuge for solitude of poking herself with 75 toothpicks. Be and power naps or a bustling social hub ft for sleepovers and late nights with friends. Choate is no diferent — through var- prepared to carry her on your back as ious decorations and furniture arrangements, students have personalized their rooms to be their home away from home. she has permanently weak ankles. Archbold Fifth-Form Single Room Three-year ffth-former Supriya er, a little more mature colors like black, Derek Ng '20 Chang ’21 has a reputation in her dorm for white, and beige,” she said. Now two-time lonely heart looking for someone who can endure his fakiness having a charming and tastefully decorat- While many people admire the dedi- and sassiness. Always “too busy,” Derek ed room. A neatly aligned mosaic of black- cation and creativity that goes into creat- can be found reading or watching “The and-white photos and printed quotes ing an aesthetically pleasing room, Chang Ofce” alone for the seventh time in CK. greets visitors as they step through the stressed that functionality is her top pri- Also, he knows some Greek, if that helps doorway. Adjacent to the picture spread is ority. She wanted her room to be both ap- (it doesn’t). a small alcove for clothes where Chang has pealing to the eye and practical, which is hung a full-length mirror with warm lights refected by her furniture layout. Brandon Zhang '20 wrapped around the white frame. “The way I position and organize A simple man often featured on Choate’s Chang’s room decorations have had everything makes my daily routine a newest ftness account, JAT Lifts. If you much lighter color schemes in the past lot simpler,” she said. “When I wake up are looking for deep talks with a sensi- tive soul, this is not your man. He pre- two years but have slowly evolved as her in the morning, I get dressed and pick fers ignoring people, walking slowly, preferences changed. “The color scheme my jewelry out right across from the buying expensive clothes, or watching I’ve had for my room had always been mirror. When I leave for the day, I can professional League of Legends. more childish colors like mint green and quickly glance and make sure every- Photo by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News pastels. But now I tend to opt for classi- thing matches and looks good.”

Tenney House Sixth-Form Single Room Esther An '21 Precocious junior section editor looking Head Prefect John Wilson ’20 has a What distinguishes prefect rooms for an environmenally-conscious com- room that boasts a large blue couch and from others is the privilege of being able panion willing to have cofee in a Hydro- posters of hot sauce and Spongebob. For to have mini fridges. According to Wil- fask mug at all times. Hoping someone Wilson, meticulous organization and son, the hard work and commitment will ~run~ into her life, but preferably not exceed her mile time. Ability to visu- matching decorations is less of a pri- that prefectship entails is compensat- alize the ffth dimension a plus. ority than creating a comfortable and ed with this special privilege. In dorms approachable space. without fridges, prefectees may ask “It’s important for me that my room their prefects to store food and drinks is somewhere that my prefectees feel wel- in their personal mini fridges, leading Will Zhu '20 Quiet Local News editor looking for a come to come and talk to me at any point,” to more frequent casual conversations companion who can wake him up before he said. “In terms of decorations, my ap- and check-ins. Likewise, because sixth- his 8:00 a.m. classes. Must be able to proach hasn’t really changed since fresh- formers are allowed to have video-game patch the doggy-sized hole in his heart man year. The things I put in my room consoles in their rooms, prefects and by regularly sending him puppy memes. are just things I like. They might be a little prefectees have more opportunities to mismatched, but it’s not a big deal to me.” talk and bond over gaming. Photo by Amanda Li/The Choate News

Bernhard House Fifth-Form Double Room Jenny Guo ’21’s room features her a good way to get your mind in an orga- Ariel Kim '20 Gentle but powerful lifelong learner and her roommate’s desks by the two nized mindset for the rest of day. I also seeks fellow native speaker of Latin to windows in the center of the room, have a clock on my desk to constantly elope with during senior winter. A rep- fanked by a bookshelf. Glow-in-the-dark remind me of my deadlines and keep me utation as an adorable, hardworking stars hang above her bed, and a colorful focused and on the grind.” little mochi ball required. A penchant variety of sheet masks can be seen in an Sharing a space with a roommate for show-stopping dancing a plus. open drawer. With the exception of a few often entails dealing with differenc- decorations, Guo’s half of the room is es in lifestyles and cleanliness. “The minimalistically clean and tidy. first few days I lived with my room- Guo prides herself on maintaining a mate, we had a good talk about keep- Alexandra Alkhayer '20 Curly-headed cutie looking for some- neat and organized space at all times; for ing our room clean. Although it’s a one to get late-night boba tea with. She her, minimalism and healthy habits limit shared room, we still respect each hopes to bump into her other half while distractions and increase productivity. other’s personal space, and we agreed reading every novel in the Barnes & No- “Having less stuf in general means to keep our belongings on our halves ble bookstacks. Bonus points if you’re a there are less distracting things in your of the room,” Guo said. Manchester United fan. room, and you can focus more on home- work,” Guo said. “Also, every morning, Tony Lee may be reached Photo by Jenny Guo/The Choate News I make it a point to make my bed — it’s at [email protected] Victoria Esquibies '20 Exuberant Features editor seeking an ar- tistically-inclined companion who will arrange songs and choreograph danc- es with her while binge-watching “The Bachelor.” She asks that her special A LOOK INTO THE COLLEGE someone harbors a deep appreciation for her 5-star Uber rating and the fact that Justin Bieber follows her on Twitter. COUNSELING PROCESS AT CHOATE By Brian Harder ’23 met around every two weeks, but apply to in January, fnishing that Doing some planning and Reporter senior fall, we would meet around list by early December is fne.” college research beforehand Deanna Tan '20 every week,” said Esi Dunyoh Students applying for early may prove useful because, Obsessed with Nutella and celery juice, Once again, the winter term ’20. Additionally, group seminars decision, however, decide on their most students acknowledge, an Arts editor known for posting her has brought in a new class of stu- consisting of 25 to 30 students college list earlier. Other principal the college process is a lot of vacation photos during the middle of dents into the College Counseling introduce students to the college aspects of the process in senior work. “You might be interested senior winter. On the hunt for some- one who shares the same infatuation for Ofce (CCO). Although the col- counseling process and provides fall include teacher recommen- in something niche, and that Post Malone and Timothée Chalamet. lege application process can be students with advice on research- dations, including one from your might be good to look into,” lengthy and stressful, the CCO ing possible colleges. counselor, and essays. Dunyoh remarked. remains a profoundly helpful re- As every sixth-former source, helping juniors dive into knows, it is paramount to take it George McCabe '20 the college process prepared and slow. Rushing through the pro- On the ice with Choate’s hunkiest student -athlete George McBabe: Future Duke confdent. The CCO assigns one cess increases stress and can walk-on basketball player McBaby is of their 10 counselors to a group ultimately decrease the quality looking for someone to share spicy Sage of 20 to 30 juniors. Throughout of one’s application. While the bufalo wings with. Despite his shiny the school year, students attend process is all but guaranteed to 5head, he’ll love you 4ever. college seminars with their group induce stress, one should try to and have one-on-one meetings relax and plan ahead, especial- with their counselors regularly. ly in the beginning. Ryan Kim '20 College counselors are in- The more anxiety one feels, Photography editor desperately searching for a League of Legends duo partner un- vested in getting to know the the more difficult the process der 5’5”. Candidates must have equally students they are working with. becomes. Moreover, taking full basic taste in music. Attraction to pur- Before the college application advantage of one’s counselor is ple Crocs and black-and-white photos process begins, every junior extremely beneficial. Dunyoh spamming your feed a plus. Must con- writes a personal narrative about said, “Talk to your counsel- sider doordashing McDanks and reading romance novels a date. Always prepared their character, interests, and or about how you’re feeling.” for the food! accomplishments at Choate. By They are there to help and are reading these essays, the college Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News valuable resources. counselors are able to get a bet- College tours usually happen While students can cer- Ms. Marcia Landesman, Chandler Litleford '20 ter sense of what each student’s during spring break of a student’s tainly begin writing their ap- the Director of College Coun- Charming Graphics editor often looking goals are and which colleges junior year and the summer be- plication statements over the seling, said, “Because our col- for food or a place to nap. Hallmarks of her presence include statement earrings would suit them. fore senior year. Choate hosts a summer, their counselors help lege counseling is tailored to and high-heeled goth-reminiscent boots One-on-one meetings happen college visit trip during spring to ensure that the process runs meet students where they are, — not made for walking. Looking for a tall, regularly from late junior winter break, but students also organize smoothly throughout the ap- Choate college counselors can curly-haired Madison native. until the student is admitted into a tours on their own. By holding col- plication season. adjust their approach to help university. In these meetings, top- lege information sessions and fairs While most students agree students work through what- ics such as one’s list of preferred during senior fall, the CCO hopes that this overall structure is ef- ever part of the process they colleges and standardized testing, to put students directly in contact fective, many would also love find to be difficult.” By taking Kiki Kim '20 Fun-size senior seeks seductive sweet- among other things, are discussed. with the admissions staf of sever- for the entire college counseling full advantage of the CCO’s re- heart to praise her skills in archery However, each student can decide al universities to allow colleges to process to begin earlier. Saba- sources, Choate students can and layout. This San Francisco native the frequency of their meetings. know them personally. hat Rahman ’21 said, “It could have a successful, more relaxed enjoys sunny weather, succulents, and During senior fall, students “The college fair is set up in the have been nice if in sophomore college application experience. science. She is also in search of a Last Hurrah date — does anyone know if Lu- often choose to have one-on- Athletic Center, and you go around year they had told us a little cas Sim is available? one meetings more frequently. giving colleges your email,” Dun- about testing. I feel like I’ve Brian Harder may be reached “During [junior spring], I’d say we yoh said. “For schools you want to saved it all for this year.” at [email protected] FRIDAY, FEBRUARY ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 7

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM EXPLORES Inside the Dodge Shops: GENDER ROLES AND THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY The Work of Mr. Aaron Sober By Adrienne Chacon ’22 Staf Reporter

Ceramics teacher Mr. Aaron Sober does not confne his ar- tistic talents to his classroom. Since high school, Mr. Sober has dedicated himself to mak- ing pottery and has familiarized himself with the craft. In addi- tion to teaching students the fundamentals of pottery, he sells his own ceramic artwork. Mr. Sober had a very infu- ential pottery teacher in high school who showed him the beauty of the art form. Through his teacher’s guidance, Mr. So- ber was inspired to pursue ce- ramics. His teacher was an artist Photo by Jenny Guo/The Choate News that spoke while he worked, a Ms. Tracy Ginder-Delventhal's production highlights women's sufrage and gender identity. practice that signifcantly im- By Angel Guo ’22 To construct a set of props parts of the stage to guide the audi- pacted the students’ learning ex- Reporter in theme with each specifc play, ence’s line of sight. perience. Now a teacher himself, Ms. Ginder-Delventhal looks for To enhance the contrast be- Mr. Sober employs the same A Midsummer Night’s Dream imagery that matches her percep- tween the confning, constricting teaching style. will be performed in the Paul Mel- tion of the play. In this case, Ms. palace and the mythical creatures Being a teacher has affect- lon Arts Center from February 13 Ginder-Delventhal examined pic- in the forests, Mr. Gostomski de- ed Mr. Sober’s artistry. “I like to 15. Because Midsummer takes tures of English and cottage gar- signed distinct color palettes for to be in an active space that is place in a male-dominated society, dens and Art Deco. “It’s like build- each world. Toward the end of busy with people making art Ms. Tracy Ginder-Delventhal, act- ing a puzzle — each element that I the show when the palace and the and learning. It’s motivating to Photo by Ryan Kim/The Choate News ing teacher and director of the play, fnd will lead me to fnd another el- woods merge, Mr. Gostomski cre- have a lot of activity in the cre- Mr. Aaron Sober's inspiration stems from his former ceramics teacher. wished to also portray the strug- ement until I could create a unifed ated another palette that blended ative space,” he said. tion as household items. Fur- styles. Other artistic disciplines gle for women’s sufrage and the piece,” she said. the two worlds together. Leading by example, craft- thermore, because Mr. Sober’s such as basketry, woodblock process of fnding one’s authentic Although the process of creat- “We are constantly retrospect- ing alongside students, and work is an extension of him- printing, street art, and Japanese identity and voice in it. ing the play starts with the imagi- ing on our designs: how do we cre- guiding beginners help Mr. self, giving away his pottery is calligraphy also infuence his pot- While Ms. Ginder-Delven- nation of Ms. Ginder-Delventhal, ate each element to tell the story but Sober keep in mind the im- especially intimate. tery. Even items not necessarily thal tailors the design of sets, the immersive world of the play is also not have it [be] muddy? How portance of persistence and “Having the regular objects considered art are present in his soundtracks, and props to suit in- created collaboratively by a team does the bright and dark lighting humility. “I try to show the people use be handmade is a artwork, such as tools associated dividual plays, the general process of various faculty and students. react to all the characters on stage? students that failure is some- small, important, intimate way with manual labor like wrenches, remains unchanged from play to For Midsummer, Sparks Mellon Are we actually presenting the sto- thing that doesn’t stop after to slow down and be present,” scissors, and even silos. play. Ms. Ginder-Delventhal pre- (the set design team), and Ms. ry that we wanted to convey?” Mr. you get better. I’ve been doing Mr. Sober said. “Everyone’s Mr. Sober also fnds a great fers to frst immerse herself in the Ginder-Delventhal worked togeth- Gostomski said. “We spend a lot of this for 25 years, and every day artwork is unique to them and deal of inspiration in nature and time period in which the play takes er to highlight the contrast between time doing little adjustments to en- I make mistakes,” he said. “I it is impossible to remove your stories. To him, stories that ex- place by listening to music that life in the palace and life in the sure that the stories are as clear as fail, which is a super important experiences, personality, and pose both strength and vulner- “feels to me like how the play feels woods. For Ms. Ginder-Delven- we make them.” part of the art-making process emotions from what you make.” ability in their characters are to me.” She then applies the ap- thal, Midsummer is a portrait of fe- Theater, as Ms. Ginder-Delven- that should be embraced rath- As a beginner, Mr. Sober motivational. And in the natural propriate music to specifc scenes. male imprisonment and freedom, thal beautifully put, “is a collabora- er than resisted.” was driven to create pieces world, “the way animals survive In Midsummer, she uses popular as shown through the controlled, tive art” that involves all of the di- Although Mr. Sober has in order to improve his craft. in nature, their little victories music from the 1920s for scenes male-dominated palace and the rectors, designers, crew, and actors been teaching consistent- Now, after 20 years of working and defeats are inspiring.” in the palace and music by Lindsey liberated, open forest. who support and complement each ly throughout his career, he and developing his skills, it is Mr. Sober’s life has been Stirling, an American violinist, for The lighting group, led by other. Through Midsummer, Ms. has always mainly sold, not second nature to him. dedicated to the creation and those in the woods. Technical Director of the Arts Mr. Ginder-Delventhal and the produc- taught, pottery. “That’s all I’d “There is an old expression artistry of pottery. Since tak- In addition, Ms. Ginder-Del- Mark Gostomski, also helps to tion staf hope to emphasize “em- ever wanted to do. From high that ‘art is part of life, and craft is ing that fateful pottery class venthal researches art forms such bring the story to life through color- bracing your identity regardless of school, I thought that would life.’ Craft becomes a part of your in high school, ceramics has as fashion from the play’s time ful lighting. When Mr. Gostomski what those around you may think be the best job imaginable: to everyday [life]. It doesn’t feel like become Mr. Sober’s dream and period, to ensure that the play has a particular idea, he meets with or may say. We hope that people make a living from selling pot- discipline anymore because it profession. Now, as an educa- showcases historical accura- Ms. Ginder-Delventhal to ensure can walk away from this play being tery,” he said. has become habit,” he said. tor, he hopes to spark the same cy.“Costume design is particularly that their visions are cohesive. The more willing to live outside the box People bring the items he Mr. Sober has numerous love for pottery in today’s stu- important because clothing de- lighting process, as Mr. Gostomski and being less judgmental of peo- makes into their homes and sources of inspiration, ranging dents and be a mentor to to- fnes the way people move, and described, is a part of the storytell- ple who are brave enough to do so.” lives, so in a small way he is from Asian forms such as Jap- morrow’s artists. behavior is generally refected in ing process achieved through color also welcomed into their lives anese, Chinese, Thai, and Viet- the clothing,” Ms. Ginder-Del- choice, specifc lighting of charac- Angel Guo may be reached as well. His works, though per- namese pottery to American, Adrienne Chacon may be reached venthal said. ters, or deliberate focus on certain at [email protected] sonal and beautiful, also func- English, and Native American at [email protected]

SENIORITY NOT A FACTOR IN PRODUCTION CASTING, CHOATE THEATER DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS By Tony Lee ’21 tage over their peers. In contrast, Associate Editor she revealed that the majority of students who are disappointed Imagine that you’re an aspir- with casting are Arts Concentra- ing student-actor, entering Choate tion members. brimming with passion but lacking Ms. Ginder-Delventhal any experience. You muster up the shared a story in which she courage to audition for the musical cast Choate graduate Betsy or play, but when you fail to make Lippitt ’05 as Juliet in Romeo it to the cast list, you pour your and Juliet for embodying the grievances out to your friends and role the best, even though she blame bad casting. received backlash for casting Each year, the casting process a fourth-former in a lead role. for theater performances can ac- The following year, despite company tension and fnger-point- Lippitt’s acceptance into the ing among students, from dismiss- Arts Concentration program, ing roles as guaranteed by seniority Ms. Ginder-Delventhal did not to frustrations over the same few cast her for any role in The Di- people landing lead roles. ary of Anne Frank. The term “seniority” is often “I remember she came to me Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News tossed around to explain casting clearly sad and confused, and I of upperclassmen who some stu- The idea of seniority suggests that as students come closer to finishing their time at Choate, they should receive more opportunities to perform. told her that I have a responsibil- dents perceive to be less talented but my friends and I can say that ly harder to compete if you start but they’re trying really hard, are able to do what the show re- ity to keep opportunities open to than other candidates. The idea of it hasn’t been the case for us.” theater at Choate.” then they can still be an under- quires of them.” everyone,” Ms. Ginder-Delven- seniority suggests that, as juniors Instead, she mentioned the Di’Anna Bonomolo ’20, who study or part of the ensemble.” Ms. DeRiu hopes that the au- thal said. “She was in Arts Con at and seniors approach the end of disparity between Theater Arts was cast as a part of the dance Acting teacher and director ditioning and casting process will that point, and two other Arts Con their time at Choate, they should Concentration members and oth- ensemble for Disaster, believed of Disaster Ms. Deighna DeRiu, remain positive experiences for all kids who weren’t cast made a de- receive more opportunities to per- er students in terms of experience that neither seniority nor advan- always hopes to cast as many students. “Even though some stu- cision to group direct and act in a form onstage. and prior involvement in theater as tages from previous experience people as possible for each per- dents do get roles more often than three-woman play — a play that Kathryn Phillips ’20, who a bigger factor in casting. Accord- are pressing issues, and that formance, evident in Bring It others because they are more ca- isn’t often done, and a play they has been consistently audition- ing to Phillips, Arts Concentration there are many layers to cast- On’s no-cut ensemble. pable or they can embody certain would not have been able to do if ing for performances since her students often begin acting and ing. “While I think that factors However, for shows in characters better, we really do our they were cast for The Diary of freshman year, disagreed that singing as early as elementary or and biases shouldn’t ever be ac- which cast cuts are inevitable, best to keep opportunities open to Anne Frank.” so-called seniority is prevalent middle school, leaving less expe- counted for in theater — and that she assured students that the as many people as possible. Every Ms. Ginder-Delventhal contin- on campus. “There have been rienced students at a disadvantage also goes for the future in the faculty disregards past experi- time I do a show, I try to include as ued, “How do you use the opportu- only two instances where I have right from the start.“Auditioning real world: Broadway won’t care ence or training. “I never look many new people as I can so they nity from not being cast? You create been cast for the main stage per- for roles isn’t exactly where anyone about how old you are — the fact at twelve years of experience have the chance to fall in love with a piece, you get involved with crew, formance — Bring It On, where who is interested can try and will that Choate’s a high school does and value that. If it’s a musical, this art form,” she said. you audition again, and you audi- no one was cut, and The 25th get a role, but that’s of course un- make things diferent,” Bono- singing is important, and if it’s Echoing Ms. DeRiu’s stance on tion again and again. I hope kids Annual Putnam County Spell- derstandable. People who start- molo said. “High school’s the a dance show, then dance is im- external factors, acting teacher and don’t become discouraged with not ing Bee — and this term, I was ed taking lessons before Choate time when you should give peo- portant,” Ms. DeRiu said. “Sim- director of A Midsummer Night’s being cast but instead transform it cast as only an understudy in the become more talented. Some of ple more chances to try diferent ilar to how some people are on Dream Ms. Tracy Ginder-Delven- into a learning experience.” ensemble for Disaster,” Phillips them get into Arts Con, and they things, but you should also prep the varsity football team for all thal said that involvement in the said. “Seniority may apply for get more roles because they’re them for the real world. I think four years, some people are cast Arts Concentration program does Tony Lee may be reached some people in some situations, capable,” she said. “It’s slight- if someone’s not ftting the role, for multiple shows because they not provide students any advan- at [email protected] THE CHOATE NEWS

VOL. CXIII • NO. XI FRIDAY, FEBRUARY , 

FIELD JORDAN OBI ’20 JOINS EXCLUSIVE 1,000 POINT CLUB REPORT By Greer Goergen ’21 Mr. Davidson said, “She’s very pri- Associate Editor vate and thoughtful, and she has Choate Winter Record gradually become more expres- Jordan Obi ’20, a four-year sive. I don’t think it’s easy for her 94 - 114 - 7 member and current captain of to be a team captain, as she’s not Girls’ Varsity Basketball, joined ‘ra-ra’ and in the face of others.” Varsity Saturday Games the acclaimed group of stu- Mr. Davidson said she leads dent-athletes who have reached others by example and by what’s the 1,000 point milestone. Obi she’s able to do. After coaching Girls’ Basketball (12-6) accomplished this feat at The Eth- her for four years, Mr. David- beats KO, 61-43 el Walker School on January 18, son can confdently say her big- when Choate walked away with a gest improvement is how she is 58-47 win. much more able to take advan- “I feel like it’s an incredible tage of her physical tools, like accomplishment, and I think it’s a her height and strength, and Girls’ Hockey (8-8-1) big deal I get to be a part of a group she’s now much more able to beats Milbrook, 2-1 of people that have also reached utilize her skill set and not just this goal,” Obi said. settle for outside shots. She now Obi didn’t know she had hit attacks the basketball hoop and 1,000 points until after the game. has improved her passing. He Boys’ Squash (7-10) Head Coach Mr. Donta Johnson said she is better able to fnd falls to Exeter, 0-7 told her at a practice, a few days af- others on the foor, and she’s ter the game against Ethel Walker. also improved her overall ftness “No one really knew it would hap- and strength. J.V. Saturday Games pen at Ethel Walker,” Obi said. “I Obi’s teammates note that was never thinking about that, but she is a dedicated, skilled player at the beginning of the season Ali- who puts in a lot of practice in the Photo by Amitra Hoq/The Choate News Girls’ Basketball (6-3) ya told me I was 220 points away In January, Obi became the ninth Choate basketball player to score 1,000 points in his or her career. of-season. Norah Salujah ’23, a falls to KO, 33-46 from 1,000, but I didn’t know if I new addition to the team this year, could reach it or not.” (Until this ner in the gym. Assistant Coach were four-year players, and David- Obi is modest but has played added that Obi is a role model for season, Ms. Aliya Cox was the Mr. James Davidson, who has son emphasized that the historical a huge role in Choate teams for all her and other young players and team’s head coach.) been with the team for more than signifcance of joining others on four years. She says when she was that she is very excited for her. Usually, most athletes know 35 years, coached the frst-ever the list is impressive since less a freshman, more players on the Betsy Overstrum ’20, the Boys’ Hockey (8-3-2) before they’re going into the game, athlete that reached 1,000 points: than ten Choate players have ever team had aspirations for playing team’s other co-captain, said, beats Hamden Hall, 10-1 but Obi says not knowing allowed Jeanne Hennessy ’76. done it. Obi is also among the top in college and the team was slight- “Jordan has been an amazing her to focus more on playing. “It “I've seen everyone on the list,” fve performers for points in a sin- ly stronger. She said, “Watching co-captain, and it’s so exciting was one of my several team goals Mr. Davidson said. “The frst was gle game, which Obi marked at 33. captains from my freshman year to see her achieve this milestone. heading into the year, which in- Jeanne Hennessey, who had a lot Obi has played basketball compared to being a senior now I’m really glad I’m able to sup- Girls' Hockey (1-3) cluded beating Loomis and win- more points but played on less tal- competitively since third grade and not having as many people port her and celebrate her in- beats Taf, 3-1 ning the Founders League,” Obi ented teams with fewer games — it but became serious about the who want to play in college — it’s credible accomplishments.” added. She was especially driven was a much diferent day and age.” sport in the fifth. Obi men- diferent. It’s being a leader in con- After Obi graduates and to the goal after witnessing two of There were no three-point tioned that she moved to Japan text, and it’s a diferent approach leaves Choate this spring, she will her former teammates, Sam Gallo shots when Davidson started for sixth and seventh grade, to being a leader.” continue playing basketball for ’19 and Jocelyn Polansky ’19, reach coaching, and it seems the overall where she vastly improved her Mr. Davidson has known Obi the next four years at the Univer- Boys' Squash (9-4) 1,000 points last year. quality of the teams has improved, game. She then played for a for fve years. They met when Obi sity of Pennsylvania. falls to Exeter, 1-8 In 1976, after a Choate play- making it harder in recent years to high-level Amateur Athletic was playing intramural basketball er frst reached the 1,000-point reach 1,000 points. Union (AAU) basketball team during Choate Summer Programs mark, Choate decided to put the All of the girls who reached the in eighth grade before coming the summer between Obi’s sev- Greer Goergen may be reached Varsity Wednesday Games names of these players on a ban- historic landmark of 1,000 points to Choate. enth and eighth grade years. Mr. at [email protected]

Boys' Basketball (6-11) falls to Williston, 55-61 WRESTLING Boys' JV Hockey Dominates PLACES HIGH Hamden Hall, 10-1 Boys' Hockey (2-12-4) ties Pomfret, 2-2 AT CLASS A OURNAMENT ByT Sam Anastasio ’23 “This year has been a very Girls’ Basketball (13-6) Reporter good learning year for the beats Berkshire, 43-22 team,” said Head Coach Mr. Over winter long weekend, Erik Freeman. “They learned Varsity Wrestling traveled how to wrestle a lot better to the Hyde School in Bath, overall. Most of our wrestlers Maine, for the annual New this year are new to the sport Girls’ Hockey (8-9-1) England Independent School and have had to learn every- falls to Williston, 0-3 Wrestling Association's Class thing from scratch.” A Tournament. The tourna- Unlike other teams at Cho- ment consisted of wrestlers ate, like the basketball or foot- from prep schools across New ball teams, wrestling has trou- Girls' Squash (8-1) England competing in a dou- ble relying on athletes coming beats Hotchkiss, 6-1 ble-elimination bracket. Over- to Choate who have wrestled all, the team performed well, in the past. Instead, experi- Photo courtesy of Danielle Capri with captain Holden Zerega enced teammates and coaches Daniel Altschuler '22 scored his first goal as a Choate hockey player last week against Hamden Hall. ’20 taking second place, Edwin have to dedicate a lot of time to By Robert Goergen ’22 The home team quickly went freshman year.” Boys’ JV Hockey Lopez ’23 taking fourth place, teaching new athletes the com- Reporter on a scoring run, with Henry Kops then ended the period with a se- Boys' Swimming (5-1) Charlie Katarincic ’22 taking plicated rules and techniques ’22 and Cady putting two more in ries of solid shots on goal but was beats Hopkins, 100-86 fifth place, and Sam Schamis of the sport. Boys’ JV Ice Hockey added the net. However, towards the end unable to increase its lead as the ’21 taking sixth place in their Since it is already February, another victory to an already suc- of the period, Hamden Hall took game headed into the third period. respective weight classes. the team has only two more cessful season on February 8 with some momentum from Choate Choate continued the scoring The tournament was the weeks of training left. Zerega, a 10-1 home win against Hamden and threatened to score. Goalie run in the third period. In the Girls' Swimming (3-3) first major competition for Lopez, and Katarincic were Hall Country Day School. Charlie Tait ’21, unwilling to con- frst few minutes, Cady scored beats Hopkins, 93-85 many of the wrestlers, and it the only Choate wrestlers who Going into the game, Choate cede a goal, positioned his body again, giving Choate a 7-1 lead. was a worthwhile learning ex- qualified for the Varsity New boasted a strong record with eight and saved several shots by Ham- Cady’s goal was immediately perience. “We learned resil- England Championships this wins, three losses, and two ties. den Hall’s ofense. At the end of followed by another goal from J.V. Wednesday Games ience,” Zerega said. “We had a weekend, February 14 and 15, The team had a rare loss to Hotch- the period, Choate held a com- Bradley Wang ’21. few hard matches in the begin- held at the State Armory in kiss a few days before the game manding lead of 3-0. With two minutes left, Choate ning with some hard losses, but Hartford. If Zerega, Lopez, or and wanted to revive its winning At the start of the second pe- scored twice to put the fnishing Girls’ Basketball (7-3) the wrestlers really bounced Katarincic were to place sixth streak against Hamden Hall. riod, Choate kept up their ener- touches on the game. Ultimately, beats Hamden Hall, 38-10 back.” The team was especial- or higher at New England’s, Choate played hard for all gy with another quick goal from Choate prevailed over Hamden ly proud of the high finishes of they would qualify for Nation- three periods, getting every play- Yowan, making the score 4-0. Hall by nine goals, which also Lopez and Katarincic, who are als, which would take place the er involved on both ofense and Hamden Hall was fnally able to marked the team’s largest winning both new to the team this year. following weekend, February defense, and achieved its goal. “I sneak one by Tait to put them- margin of the season. The results from the Class 22, at Lehigh University, in thought our guys did a nice job of selves on the scoreboard with Thomas Barton ’22 said, Boys’ Basketball (0-13) A Tournament marked a high- Pennsylvania. All of the other getting of to the right start,” Cap- six minutes left. Altschuler and “We started out fast and contin- falls to Williston, 25-41 point in the team’s season. wrestlers on the team who did tain Jonah Feldman ’20 said. “It's Mark Hong ’23, fueled by the ued to compete until the end of Last year’s team consisted of not qualify for Varsity New En- always fun when we are playing opposition’s goal, each scored a the fnal period.” a strong group of seniors, so gland’s will travel to JV New well and we get the win.” goal during a minute and a half, Boys’ JV Hockey wants to end the newcomers this year have England’s, which will also be Choate started the frst period to put Choate up 6-1. Altschul- their season strong. The team’s Girls’ Hockey (2-6) had to compete in higher divi- held that day. with good scoring opportunities er’s goal was especially mean- game against Loomis Chafee on sions. However, since the team All of the wrestlers look to car- from Hugh Zanelli ’20, Daniel ingful as it marked the frst of February 26 will be especially im- falls to Berkshire, 3-7 currently only has one active ry their momentum after a Class Altschuler ’22, and Mac Cady ’23, his Choate career. portant, as the schools will play for senior, it has a lot of room to A Tournament showing to both but the team was unable to sneak Altschuler said, “I got a good an orange trafc cone at stake each improve. “Going forward, we Varsity and JV New England’s. one by the Hamden Hall goalie. pass from Dallyn Rai [’20] and year in the “Grim Cup.” definitely have the potential to However, with 12 minutes on the simply put the puck on net. It felt Boys' Squash (10-4) grow the team and rebound,” Sam Anastasio may be reached clock, Patrick Yowan ’21 managed good to fnally get that monkey of Robert Goergen may be reached beats Taf, 8-1 Zerega said. at [email protected] to score the frst goal for Choate. my back after not scoring all of my at [email protected]