The Postscript November 6, 2012 The Park School of Baltimore | P.O. Box 8200 Brooklandville, MD 21022 Volume 73 Issue No.2 Camps go Perkins on hiatus visits as for 2013 Centennial by Julia Gross ‘14 Scholar by Hannah Sibel ‘13 For the first time in more than 50 years, there will be no camp- The Centennial year began ers or counselors, no setting up with balloon animals and car- of tents, and no busy swimming nival rides, cupcakes and aerial pool. This summer, in short, photos, marching bands and there will be no Park Camps. parades. But celebration of an Head of School Dan Paradis academic institution required, has suspended the program for a according to Centennial plan- number of reasons, and shared ners, an opportunity for further the news with faculty and stu- learning and self-evaluation. dents on October 15. “Ultimately The solution was to invite Da- it was my decision, but I consult- vid Perkins, senior professor of ed with the administrative team, education at the Harvard Gradu- Mrs. Leighton [Associate Head ate School of Education, to spend of School], Ms. Weber [Director photo by L. Shoenberg ‘14 three days on campus lecturing of Finance and Operations], the Having been trimmed numerous times, and with its branches bound, the cherry tree will be and observing. principals [June Bennett, Josh chopped down during winter break. The decision to bring Perkins Wolf, and Kevin Coll] and with arose from deliberations by a the executive committee of the Courtyard grove to be cut down subcommittee of the main Cen- board of trustees,” Paradis said. tennial planning group. “I also invited faculty to sit down Dead and dying trees will be gone in one fell swoop “When we look back at the and discuss the future of Park other celebrations in the history camps with me further.” by Melanie Weiskopf ‘15 ity to use the courtyard,” said think I will miss the cherry tree of Park, every celebration we Paradis said that this year was fifth grade teacher Jennifer Lee. when it blooms in the spring be- have had has had a special aca- a good time to reflect on the qual- The fifth grade courtyard will “They never even entertained it cause it’s awfully pretty,” said demic or intellectual element,” ity of the camp while the admin- soon receive a drastic makeover. as something anyone wanted to Lee. said committee member Cathy istration was still in the process After much deliberation over the do. So to realize that conversa- However, according to Brein- Perkins continued on p. 4 of searching for a new direc- past few weeks, the facilities de- tions about removing all the trees ing, it’s not in very good shape tor after the departure of Matt partment has decided to remove had taken place and decisions either. “The cherry tree is very Trump, Director of Appalachian all of the trees in the fifth grade had been reached just surprised old and right now it has bands Challenge and Director of Park courtyard. A contractor has been me a little bit.” holding the limbs, but it would Camps and Summer Programs. hired and is scheduled to come in The ginkgo tree isn’t the only need to be re-banded,” she said. “We have heard concerns from over Winter Break. tree that needs to go. “The pines “Instead of doing one tree at a parents that perhaps it wasn’t re- Both teachers and students are strangling themselves. They time, we wanted to do them all.” ally reflecting the school’s phi- were surprised upon first hear- killed themselves because they After the space is cleared, the losophy,” Paradis said. “We’ve ing the news. According to Eliot didn’t have anywhere else to go community will have the oppor- Camps continued on p. 4 Smith ‘20, the fifth grade stu- besides off the building,” Direc- tunity to work together to plan dents spend a lot of time in the tor of Facilities Lorraine Brein- a new layout for the courtyard. courtyard. “We can use it for our ing said. “There’s something about the free time and sometimes we do “We’ve also had problems opportunity to re-envision that classes outside,” he said. with the birch tree. The roots space that’s kind of exciting,” Although the decision to take found their way into the drain said Lee. down all of the trees seemed that goes from our boiler room, “It’s really great when I see sudden, removing certain trees so when it rains we have a lot of students out there leaning on the photo by L. Schoenberg ‘14 was necessary. “We’ve talked heavy water that backs up into bench and eating their lunch, or David Perkins, co-founder of to them for years about remov- it.” seeing the fifth grade practice Project Zero at the Harvard ing the ginkgo tree because the The courtyard is also host to a there,” Breining said. “I’d like School of Education, spent fruit is so obnoxious smelling, beautiful cherry tree, which will to see just more use because it’s three days on campus as the which kind of affects our abil- be lost in the removal as well. “I a great space.” Centennial Scholar. INSIDE THE POSTSCRIPT NEWS EDITORIAL COMMENTARY ARTS SPORTS Westheimer Prize What Girls Wear Today is Election Day Fall Production Girls’ Soccer Heads to Finals Today Two students present Why does the school have a double Juniors Daniel Nemirovsky and Andrew Preview Though held scoreless in the second photos from summer standard for practice uniforms? Bahl face off on their choices for Presi- Fiddler on the half, Girls’ Varsity Soccer won its travel funded by a grant PAGE 2 dent of the United States. Roof makes its semi-final game 2-0 against Glenelg. from Pat Westheimer PAGE 6 first appearance OP-ED ‘61. on the stage of FEATURES Distracted Driving the Meyerhoff Debbie Roffman Maryland law states that texting is Theater beginning illegal, yet parents regularly disre- Nationally recognized sex-ed teacher November 14. gard both the letter and the intent of Debbie Roffman talks about her new book. PAGE 5 the law. PAGE 3 PAGE 9 PAGE 13 PAGE 16

Cover.indd 1 11/5/2012 3:03:36 PM The Postscript Op-Ed November 6, 2012 3 The Postscript, November 6, 2012 2 Editorial Parents driving on campus The Double Standard model dangerous behavior On a 90-degree day with high humidity, to neck” policy. by Thuy Langrill-Miles ‘15 an electronic device in moments a small action—meant to beat the heat— “I don’t think running without a shirt of boredom, like when stuck in elicited an unforeseen response. is inappropriate, especially for guys,” said I’m sure many people are fa- morning traffic. During an afternoon preseason practice, history teacher John Kessinger, head coach miliar with the “morning rush” Normally my parents and I try all but two members of the Girls’ Varsity for Boys’ Cross Country. “The whole knees entering and exiting the school to avoid the “morning rush” by Soccer team opted to cool down by tak- to neck thing is a double standard. If it’s from Old Court Road. Cars can getting to school before eight. ing off their t-shirts and playing in their hot and the girls want to run in sports bras, get backed up all the way from However, one day we were run- sports bras. they should be able to.” the light at Falls Road and Old ning late, and I noticed that in the “I did not feel pressured to take off my Women’s Athletic Director Robin Car- Court Road to the entrance to long line leaving school, at least shirt,” said Emily Berner ’15, who decided din Lowe disagrees. “The field is an exten- school, and a typically 20 min- 15 of the cars had drivers that keep her top on. “I think we should be able sion of the classroom. You wouldn’t sit in to practice without our shirts if we want to. math class without a shirt on so why would ute ride to work from school can were either on their phones tex- It isn’t a big deal if we are all wearing our you practice without one?” become an hour long. Most of ting, calling without Bluetooth, sports bras.” The team’s four male coaches But, in fact, the girls weren’t really that time is spent practically at reading the newspaper, reading did not question the decision at the time shirtless. Sports bras are meant to be worn a standstill. a book, or doing work. and practice went on. as outerwear. There isn’t much to do in a car One woman was transferring The next day was also unbearably hot, This single example of sexism is indica- when you are the driver. How- her schedule from her phone into so many team members decided to practice tive of a greater divide. We pride ourselves ever, with the increase in smart her paper agenda. One bus driver shirtless again to keep cool. But, on the on our progressivism, and are distinguished phone and tablet use now, idle was even on her phone, either way to the field, the girls were stopped by from our competitors in a variety of ways, time can be spent playing games, texting or looking up something. cartoon by Tymani Ratchford ‘14 one of coaches. He insisted that the team one being that we lack a dress code. Yet, reading, checking the weather, This is the example being set practice fully clothed, fearing that not do- we are more conventional when it comes Editor’s Pick: stocks or news, or even surfing for teenagers: it’s okay to be on ing so could cause controversy. He also to women’s issues, the case in point being the internet. our phones when in slow traffic. pointed out the proximity of the parking lot that female athletes are forced to put on A delightful and afforable eatery These devices can cure bore- Yet, there are numerous oc- to the field and said that onlookers could shirts, while boys aren’t. dom, but more than that, we have casions in which people get into cartoon by Sasha Fishman ‘14 easily see the team practice. Furthermore, inside the classrooms Mekong Delta—at 105 Saratoga $7.75 or the grilled tofu with peanut sauce become dependent on them. It’s accidents while in slow traffic like this. A driver, usually behind been outlawed in Maryland as away. All of this happened with little explana- and hallways, it is always girls who are Street—doesn’t look like much. In fact, for $4.50. Feeling adventurous? Order a not just teenagers and kids who due to a driver paying attention them, is distracted by his phone well as many other states. Still, if your eyes aren’t on the tion or discussion. The girls were simply judged because their shorts are too short the restaurant is a hole in the wall, with bowl of pho—a Vietnamese style soup. have become attached to their to his or her phone instead of the or something else and accelerates It is hard to keep away from road in front of you, and you are told what to do--no disagreement or ques- or their shirts are too low cut. Specifically, steep steps, gray carpet, and a kitchen The warming food is paired with an even iPods, iPhones, iPads, Kindles, road. Many of my friends and mistakenly, thinking that the car the distractions when in traffic otherwise preoccupied, then you tions allowed. on Brown and White days past and present, that blends into the tiny dining area. But warmer ambiance. Dine there more than and Nooks. Adults have become family have either been in, or in front of them is moving. For as horrid as the carpool rush. are not driving safely. The decision was overtly sexist. The male members of the junior class often run despite its unassuming appearance, Me- once, and the owner—who also waits ta- just as reliant. People have known someone who has been this reason, talking and texting Once you have become attached Try listening to the radio in- Boys’ Cross Country team practices shirt- through the hallways shirtless, and no one kong Delta is charming and offers both bles—will remember you and your order. formed a habit of reaching for in an accident due to situations on your phone while driving has to your phone, it is hard to keep stead. less everyday. They not only run through seems to notice. Instead, complaints and authentic and Americanized Vietnamese Perfect for diner or lunch, Mekong the woods, but also up Old Court Road attention are focused on the girls’ attire. dishes, at prices that can’t be beat. Try Delta is a genuine find and lovely place and around Girls’ Varsity where the Field In a sense, we must change the very the lemon grass beef with vermicelli for to spend a relaxing evening. The more things change... It could happen to anyone Hockey team plays. Members of the Boys’ culture of our school. It is imperative that Reprints from the Postscript archives that cover topics familiar by Daniel Moskowitz ‘15 At the time, I was unable to compre- Varsity Soccer team practice shirtless as girls at Park be treated equally to boys. hend the possibility of my cousins’ house well, and as do boys in Ultimate Frisbee. Despite the support we felt at the dinner Letter to the Editors: to current students What may have been no more than a burning down. Even my aunt, who made Why should Girls’ Soccer be any differ- for female faculty members and senior and March 25, 1966. Note that Pat Westheimer ‘61 was adviser. “hurrication” for many Park students was sure to water her plants before she evacu- ent? What makes running in a sports bra freshmen girls, and the existence of such actually a “frankenstorm” to people living ated— knowing it could be a long time be- for girls worse than running with no shirt classes as Imagining Women, and Gender Fight the Taliban with education in New York and New Jersey. Hurricane fore they would get watered again—was at all for boys? and Sexual Diversity in Literature as well On October 9, in the village of Swat Malala became an international hero Sandy took many of their homes. How- unable to come to terms with the possibil- Though no official policy for practice as 2-1-2 activities focused on female ath- Valley in Pakistan, a masked gunman when news of her attempted murder be- ever, for most Marylanders, losing power ity that she might lose her house. attire exists, it seems that many coaches letes, we do not feel fully equal—be it on stopped a school bus and asked for a came public. Her ongoing defiance of the was the worst thing Still, many people saw the number of and athletes adhere to an informal “knees the sports fields or in the hallways. 14 year-old girl by name and then pro- Taliban required unbelievable courage, that happened as a homes that were destroyed in this wildfire ceeded to open fire, shooting her in the and inspired Pakistanis to speak out in result of the storm. as nothing more than a statistic—right- head and neck. This is the story of Malala support of the education of girls. But Ma- The Postscript Sandy was only fully so; the 347 homes destroyed com- Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Tali- lala is not unique. Every girl under Taliban The Park School of Baltimore one of the many prise less than one percent of homes in ban because of her ongoing advocacy of rule who gets up in the morning and goes P.O. 8200 Brooklandville, MD 21022 natural disasters that county. For most people, the fires girls’ rights to attend school in defiance to school is demonstrating bravery and is Tel. 410-339-7070 to have occurred were hundreds if not thousands of miles of the Taliban ideology. Despite severe carrying Malala’s torch for equality. parkpostscript.com in the past six away. And for many people not living 6 2012 injuries, she is currently recovering from The importance of girls’ education in November , months. Over the summer, we saw the on the east coast, the destruction caused Volume 73|Issue No. 2 surgery with hopes of ultimately returning the Middle East is critical to American for- west plagued by what seemed to be an by Hurricane Sandy is also nothing more Editors-in-Chief to school. eign policy. In the October 22 presidential endless number of wildfires. than a statistic. At the age of 11, when the Taliban debate, both candidates highlighted the Sophie Neiman, Hannah Sibel, Tara Wendell One of these fires gave me perspective But, between the wildfires and Hur- forced the closure of all girls’ schools in issue: Romney described his plan to help about only having to deal with a couple of ricane Sandy, people across the United Swat Valley, Malala began writing for a the world reject the terrorists as entailing Sports hours without power during the hurricane. States now have a more personal connec- News Cartoons BBC blog. She documented terrors of liv- better education and gender equality, and Reid Danels “Fire has jumped the ridge and about tion to destruction as a result of a natural Julia Gross Sasha Fishman ing under Taliban rule, such as burning Obama stressed that “these countries can’t Eric Sussman 1000 yards from the house. We have disaster. Quinn Salditch Tymani Ratchford schools and throwing acid on girls seeking develop if young women are not given Zach Wetzler, Asst. evacuated. We may be screwed,” my And sometimes it is not until you have Sophie Bailowitz, Asst. to study. Malala organized demonstrations the kind of education that they need.” Melanie Weiskopf, Asst. Commentary Photography uncle wrote in an email to my family on this connection that you realize how much and even started a fund for the develop- Last year alone, the U.S. committed $2.4 Features Andrew Bahl Liza Schoenberg the evening of June 26. He was referring you take for granted. Whether it’s some- ment of girls’ schools in Pakistan. billion of military aid to Pakistan to sup- Sarah Cohen Samantha Max to the Waldo Canyon Fire, which was the thing as small as electricity, or big as your The Taliban, claiming full responsibil- port their efforts in fighting the Taliban. Baylor Knobloch Daniel Moskowitz, Asst. most destructive in Colorado history. home, this storm made lots of Americans ity for the attempted murder of Malala, But Malala and her friends still struggle Hannah Blau, Asst. Arts A couple of hours later, at 9:23 p.m., realize how quickly their things can be justified the attack stating, “Malala was to attend school, when their education is Mai Asmerom Online my uncle sent us another email, writing: lost. using her tongue and pen against Islam the only weapon that will end Taliban’s Faculty Adviser David Agronin Ryan Lessing “We evacuated as the flames were coming Luckily, most Marylanders made it and Muslims, so she was punished for her tyranny. Susan Weintraub Evan Semenza, Asst. down the hill. Got a call from the alarm through the storm without severe dam- crime by the blessing of the Almighty Al- Contribute to organizations dedicated Policies monitoring company for fire. Pretty sure age to their homes. So maybe next time lah.” They vowed to try again to kill her if to building schools in Pakistan: Develop- We welcome letters to the editor, unsolicited op-ed pieces, and other contribu- we lost the house.” you complain about how slowly BGE tions. Please send work to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit she survives. The Taliban’s fear of some- ments in Literacy (dil.org) and The Citi- My uncle and his family’s home was restores your power, you will remember all submissions for language and length. Submissions are published at the discre- thing as simple as a young girl attending zens Foundation (tcfusa.org). tion of the Editors. one of the 347 homes destroyed in the that you still have a house to have power school shows how tenuous their political Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High Waldo Canyon fire this past summer. restored to. School Newspaper Service. power and control really is. --Jessie Lamworth ‘14

Pages 2 to 3.indd 1-2 11/5/2012 3:04:02 PM The Postscript News November 6, 2012 4 The Postscript News November 6, 2012 5 Paradis cancels camp program for summer 2013 Westheimer 2008: Campus continued from p. 1 Summer Programs for over 30 people.” years, proposed that then-current The camps took the school’s Summer in Tokyo seen over the years fewer and current summer program, A Sum- philosophy to a different level be- fewer Park teachers participate mer Lab for Young Scientists, be cause the focus was on learning by Bradley Williams ‘09 in the camp program, and as a turned into a camp. In 1970, the ‘outside of the school.’ Accord- Tokyo is a strange place. There are theme parks in the middle result of that we’ve had almost Park School summer science ing to Howard, the camps took of the city, but there are temples too. Most people are usually exclusively outside teachers and camp opened. The camp relied outdoor learning to the extreme dressed for work during the week in a shirt and tie, but everyone administrators coming in to run heavily on resources nearby such by including white water rafting, else is wearing costumes. The Japanese have deep roots in their the program. That’s not neces- as the Moores Valley Stream and hiking on the Appalachian Trail, past, but collectively look to the future with a truly inspiring pas- sarily a bad thing, but I think the woods on campus. studying biology in the Moores sion. Japan was all I imagined it being plus so much more, and that it raised questions for me “The camps were incredibly Valley stream, and canoeing on I never would have gotten the opportunity to go if it weren’t for and for others about whether the popular,” Howard said, “and I the Potomac. the Westheimer grant. I can confidently say that my trip to Japan program really reflected Park’s think the reason for this was be- “There were things that I was is a huge part of who I am today. philosophy,” he said. cause we tapped every resource hearing that were disappearing It has been over four years since I took my trip, but I relive my In 1969, Jim Howard, former at our disposal including highly from the early years,” said How- time there almost everyday. From my charmingly unassuming Director of Academic Support creative faculty from Park and ard. “Archery went; the horses neighborhood in Ichikawa City, to the lustrous glow of Tokyo at Services, Challenge Director from other schools, and highly went, which was a big part of night-- I feel as if I was just there. and Director of Park Camps and motivated and energetic young the school year program and a Standing on the top of Mt. Fuji may have been the highlight. It very big part of the camp. I also photo by S. Neiman ‘13 was as if I was living out something I had imagined 1,000 times, heard that some of the white wa- A map in the Upper School hallway shows where Westheimer grant winners have travelled or something that I had been practicing for my entire life. When ter events on the Potomac got since 2006. J. Chiosi ‘14 stayed in a village in Thailand this summer. courtesy Park School Archives I took that last step and reached the top of the mountain, I just scaled down,” he said. The camp staff published a newsleter, The Smoke Signal, ev- stood there. I looked down at my feet in amazement and disbelief After Howard stepped down Westheimer prize offers travel ery Friday. In this edition from June 28, 1974, note that for- that they had brought me this far. I looked up to see the radiant from Park camps in 2003, there mer camper and current MS teacher Pelle Wertheimer passed her sun closer than I’d ever seen it. I looked around to the smiling were a series of new directors, swim test that week. experiences that last a lifetime faces of perfect strangers who almost seemed as if they had been and, according to Howard, some rience at Park,” Paradis said, riculum Advancement [FACA] with normal Thai people,” said Hecner and her grandmother waiting for me all those years when I was trying to find my way. of the vision of the camps may “and that they come away with programs will not have an activ- by Quinn Salditch ‘13 Chiosi, “so I went on a trip with stayed with their extended fam- Then, like a scene out of a movie, all of the workers at the peak have been lost during the con- some appreciation for how we ity at school for their children. Patricia Westheimer, an alum- 14 other people to experiment ily. of Fuji-san clapped and cheered for me, and I smiled the biggest stant change in leadership. work with children and how we, Camp has traditionally been na from the Class of 1961 who with international living.” After Hecner befriended one of the smile I could fit across my sun burnt face. I had finally made it all The Arts and Pioneer pro- during the school year, believe tuition-free for faculty children went on to teach English at her spending a few days in Chiang only girls who spoke English because of the Westheimer, and I don’t think I even have enough grams have also changed over children are best supported and if their parents participate in alma mater, including serving as Mai, the largest city in northern in the town and became good words to describe how thankful I am for that. time. “I think the fact that there challenged.” FACA. adviser Postscript, has always Thailand, she traveled to Baan friends with her. She learned were no faculty in the five-and- This summer a committee will “Last summer, having camp believed that traveling abroad is Pa Sak Ngam, a small village, for about the culture, including the a-half to seven-and-a-half age work on improving the camp’s for my kids made it possible for integral to a student’s education. a home stay. While there, Chiosi fact that high school students group, which is called Pioneer program. “There are faculty and me to participate in a four week After moving to Lisbon, Portugal learned how to weave baskets graduate after sophomore year camp, was a bit of a disaster,” staff who have agreed to be apart FACA about Smartboard tech- in 1991, Westheimer decided that with families, built dams to help and go to college, and that in camp counselor Mollie Sel- of some planning sessions this nology,” fourth grade teacher Ali she wanted to give students an prevent flash floods, played with Ukraine an amusement park with manoff ’13 said. year,” Paradis said. “I anticipate Baran said. opportunity to travel abroad, and children in the village, and taught only three rides is a great park. “Also, the Arts camp was gathering a small group of fac- “Summer camps are extreme- established a fund to do just that. them English. Throughout her trip, Hecner turning into something that ulty and staff this summer to do ly expensive around here and I The Westheimer Prize has She also learned how to ride learned a lot about the agricultur- wasn’t very artsy. When I went to some more intensive planning would not have been able to par- been awarded to two students a bike. “Three days into my trip al work of the town. Most of the camp here we had a lot more arts for several weeks, and that will ticipate if Park Camps was not each year since 2006 who wish in the village, I ran into a pack time, people did not work out- classes. We had clay and theater, put us into the position to reintro- available. There are FACAs be- to travel during the summer, of five stray dogs while walk- side of the family; instead they and the culmination of our work duce the camp next fall.” ing proposed for this summer in working on service or academic ing around and exploring,” said farmed their own food. Potatoes in theater was a musical produc- According to Director of which I would love to take part, projects. The prize is currently Chiosi. “After that I thought I are a staple in the Ukrainian diet tion that we put on, not Park’s Safety and Security, Transpor- but we would have to see what worth $6,500 per student, and is had to learn how to ride a bike.” and Hecner’s family had mul- Got Talent where everybody got tation, and Auxiliary Programs affordable options are out there granted to applicants who might Coming from a family of 10, tiple fields full of potatoes so to do a skit,” she said. Bob Peck, also a former camp for my kids,” Baran said. not otherwise be able to travel Chiosi couldn’t have more grate- that they could harvest and eat Looking forward, the next director, there have been mixed Howard is positive about the without financial support. ful to receive the Westheimer them throughout the year. Hecner step is to improve the program feelings about the issue. “Some future of the camps program. Although students—limited prize. After her trip, she was in- spent a lot of her time doing ag- and Paradis’ goal is to have the people view this as a new begin- “I have every confidence in the to rising sophomores and ju- spired to be a part of the 2-1-2 ricultural work with her family, camp reopened in summer 2014. ning and some people see this as world that Park school has the photo courtesy Bradley Williams ‘09 courtesy Park School Archives niors—must complete an appli- group that is talking to refugees including weeding and peeling “Most important to me is that a shock,” Peck said. talent to come up with something “I relive my time there almost every day,” Bradley Williams An advertisement from 1981 gives a picture of what the camps cation giving details about their in Baltimore to learn more about peas. offered. Jim Howard, a long-time administrator, and originator families who are here in the sum- Without the camps, faculty very creative and very much in ‘09 said in this reflection on his trip to Japan in 2008. One travel plans, and a budget, the their cultures. Hecner appreciated the oppor- of the summer program, was in charge at the time. mer have a really positive expe- working on Faculty and Cur- need of by the students of today,” of the highlights was reaching the summit of Mt. Fuij. grant is awarded in a random In an effort to explore her tunity to meet her family through drawing. family history and understand the grant and she now feels more Williams is a senior majoring in Music Business Management at Centennial Scholar David Perkins spends time with all divisions This past summer, juniors her culture, Hecner traveled to connected than ever to her his- Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fine and Performing Arts. He has continued his study of Japanese language throughout his Perkins continued from p. 1 Jewel Chiosi and Alicia Hecner Ukraine. Hecner doesn’t speak tory. a number of us knew him from school, spent time with Lower teaching and understanding,” held a small discussion with stu- much Ukrainian, so she brought Initial applications for sum- college career. Currently he helps run Columbia College’s student Schmidt, a Middle School traveled to Thailand and Ukraine, Project Zero.” School faculty, and then ad- Ford said. dents from four different 2-1-2 respectively, after the drawing. her grandmother, who used to mer, 2014 are due to Kevin Coll organized record label AEMMP and has also started an independent social studies teacher. Upper label called Absolute Color Space Records. Project Zero is an education dressed a full faculty meeting On his last day, Perkins gave groups. “I wanted to be able to interact live in Ukraine. While there, by December 7. School Principal Kevin Coll re- research group at the Graduate after school. an Upper School assembly en- “Throughout the assembly ferred to this piece of the celebra- School of Education at Harvard The next day was devoted titled, “Thinking Twice: Our Two and the student-only discussion, school. of the highest recognitions that Club plans conference Florida. tion as the “intellectual spine.” whose mission is to “understand to Middle School, followed by Minds and How They Work To- I was thoroughly intrigued by Flik, the company that man- you can be awarded in the com- Black Male Forum, an Up- The Black Male Leadership “A concern for the Centennial and enhance learning, thinking, an evening public presentation gether.” He discussed the con- the ideas he presented about the News in ages the cafeteria, gave Ramsey pany,” Ramsey said. per School club, is planning Summit will focus on a variety steering committee was that we and creativity in the arts, as well entitled, “Educating for the Un- cepts of the fast mind and the duality of the mind,” Lorenza their President’s Award in ac- “Dawn has by all means a summit on leadership this of issues that affect young black not have sort of a drive-by resi- as humanistic and scientific dis- known.” slow mind, articulating how they Ramirez ’14 said. knowledgment of her hard work earned this award,” co-worker February to coincide with the males in today’s society. Club dency where somebody would ciplines, at the individual and “David Perkins led with a re- can work together. “He presented Perkins concluded his stay Brief and the initiative she has taken Michelle Kenny said. “She has first anniversary of the death members plan to invite black come for one day and wouldn’t institutional level,” according to markable slide that featured Eu- us all with an interesting per- with an all-division faculty meet- Dawn Ramsey honored in creating educational pro- always worked diligently with of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed students in grades eight through interact much with the commu- the project’s website. gene Randolph Smith’s central spective, and was a captivating ing in which he shared his opin- grams for students. no hesitation. I am so very proud African American teenager who 11 from public and independent nity,” Coll said. “The idea of Perkins spent three days on questions about learning. How speaker,” Sean Simon ’13 said. ions about the school in terms of Cafeteria manager Dawn “This year, for the first time, to be working with such an hon- was fatally shot by a neighbor- schools in the Baltimore area. David Perkins came up because campus for the so-called Centen- striking that decades later, these Perkins visited Upper School what he had observed during his Ramsey has won national rec- my boss nominated me for the orable woman!” hood watch coordinator named The date and program have not he is one of the foremost educa- nial Scholar Event. On Monday are still the essential points we, classes during the day, had lunch visit. “To me it was like having a ognition for her work here at President’s Award, which is one George Zimmerman in Sanford, been finalized. tional thinkers in America and October 22, Perkins toured the and others, continue to ask about with Upper School faculty and rock star come,” Coll said.

Pages 4 to 5.indd 1-2 11/5/2012 3:04:30 PM Commentary The Postscript, November 6, 2012 6 The Postscript Commentary November 6, 2012 7 Voter identification laws serve to exclude minorities Head to Head by Peter Coulson ‘16 the Association of Community Orga- only lead to a waste of time, money, and compared with 9.9 percent of Caucasians. nizations for Reform Now (ACORN) is resources that could have better uses. In addition, Hispanics, who are believed conspiring with the Democratic Party to Juniors Andrew Bahl and Daniel Nemirovsky share This is a historic election in many re- However, this isn’t what proponents of to be the fastest-growing voting bloc, have “steal” the presidential election. spects. One thing that especially stands voter ID would like you to think. a poverty rate of 26.6 percent. The proponents have neglected to re- opinions on the upcoming election and debate out is that this is the first election where According to Pennsylvania state Is it at all a coincidence that, in 2008, voter identification laws, or voter ID, will search their claims. In fact, the Depart- Barack Obama got 95 percent of the black which candidate should lead our country come into play. “ Voter ID laws will only ment of Justice discovered that, out of vote and 57 percent of the Hispanic vote? Thirty-three states currently have laws the 300 million votes cast nationwide United States Attorney General Eric requiring some kind of identification in only lead to a waste of between 2002 and 2007, only 86 were Holder put it best when he compared voter order to vote. The strictest states will only fraudulent. In addition, in the 331-year ID laws to the poll taxes once used to dis- woman. I agree that his “47%” fundraiser main focus of this article. It is fair to say time, money and resources accept a photo ID, such as a driver’s li- history of Pennsylvania, nobody has ever enfranchise African-Americans. Mitt Romney speech was bewildering, but he’s not the Barack Obama that Obama’s first four years have been a cense or a passport. that could have been put to been prosecuted for voter fraud. Voter ID is not only pointless, but also first politician to make such a gaffe. mixed bag when it comes to our economy. In others, citizens who don’t have a Furthermore, many people would be counterproductive and harmful to the by Daniel Nemirovsky ‘14 Romney has spent almost all of his life by Andrew Bahl ‘14 It is also fair to say that he had a mess better uses.” photo ID must meet other requirements, prohibited from voting simply because democratic process. Four years ago, in front of a colossal in business, helping to create over 100,000 The upcoming November election is of epic proportions to clean up, left be- which vary. Only 17 states, including they do not possess a photo ID. For exam- Really, it is just a solution in search of crowd of passionate supporters, a man jobs as a venture capitalist investor at Bain about choosing between two very differ- hind by his predecessor, George W. Bush Maryland, have no voter ID laws in ef- ple, low-income Americans are not likely a problem. It disenfranchises those who named Barack Obama was sworn in to the Capital. Furthermore, Mitt was also the ent paths for this country. No matter how (whose economic policy bears, in many, reprsentative Mike Turzai, “It is unfortu- fect. to have the required forms of identifica- are most likely to vote for the opposition; highest and most honorable position in the Governor of Massachusetts, where he many times Mitt Romney and Barack ways an uncanny resemblance to that of nate, but there has been a history of voter Quite simply, there is no evidence tion, such as a driver’s license or passport. in this case the Democrats. country. We, as a nation, faced with eco- worked with a predominately Democratic Obama have repeated this phrase, and no Mitt Romney). fraud in Pennsylvania.” Many right-wing whatsoever that there is widespread, According to the University of Michi- Therefore, voter ID has no purpose nomic havoc and malaise needed a strong legislature. He reached out to both sides matter how cheesy it may sound, it is still But in reality, the economic path of websites have gone even further and sug- rampant voter fraud. Voter ID laws will gan’s National Poverty Center, 27.4 per- in the United States, and existing laws figure to rally around. He would lead a of the aisle and put his state’s well being true. No two candidates have ever been so our country is based on far more than tax gested that the defunct advocacy group, cent of African-Americans live in poverty, should be repealed. new type of government; a transparent, in front of politics. divided in their views of how to address rates and the Dow Jones. It is about the efficient and bipartisan one. His policies, such as lowering the cor- the problems that plague our country. growing inequality that exists between the With unemployment at 7.9% and the porate tax rate, are extremely pro- busi- While the Romney/Ryan campaign rich and the poor. Reversing this trend stock market falling deeper and deeper ness. A Rice University study deemed has presented an approach that may seem requires the continuation (and in some in- into a hole, we eagerly let Obama take the that Mitt’s plans, including his “5 Point different or appealing to many, I believe stances, expansion) of social services and Presidential and vice presidential debates lack substance reigns. These promises, combined with Plan,” would raise the GDP level and cre- that this path is not the right one for our investment in education, health care, and his love for Big Bird, the Obama cam- two years of guaranteed Democratic con- ate seven million jobs. country. It is one that will lead to a worse infrastructure. This will cause our econ- by Sophie Neiman ‘13 paign launched an attack ad claiming, trol of the House and Senate, had Ameri- This is exactly the type of man we need United States of America; one that it is omy to grow. Jobs will be created. From “Mitt Romney knows that it’s not Wall cans hoping for a new path forward. to be our Commander and Chief in a time divided, uncompetitive globally, and that Obamacare to Race to the Top, from the The presidential and vice presidential Street you have to worry about. It’s Ses- The President promised to cut our defi- where we need jobs, growth and prosper- will harm those who aren’t like Romney expansion of Pell Grants to tax breaks for debates are always amusing and at times ame Street.” cit in half by the end of his term, and to ity. You won’t hear “Hope and Change” or Ryan: a white, straight, well-off male. the average American, it is clear to me that even comical. In fact, come election year, A major theme at the Republican Na- get people working again. Instead, we got from the Obama campaign anymore be- While the economy is probably the Obama will fight this divide, which will I look forward to watching them more tional Convention in August was, “We an unpopular health care bill instead of a cause that cannot be offered with cred- biggest issue and was the subject of a create a better America in the long term. than almost anything else. Built It.” This was based on a single line jobs plan, a stimulus package that spent ibility. But Mitt can, and will, help us all. contentious first debate, it will not be the I am proud to support a man who has During the 2008 debate, Former Alas- from an Obama speech, talking about upwards of 800 billion dollars of money helped fight against inequality, something ka Governor Sarah Palin’s many gaffs American Ingenuity and the fact that the we didn’t have, giving billions of dollars that is not confined to socioeconomic sta- kept me entertained. This year, I enjoyed aid the government provides—through to fiscally irresponsible energy companies tus. In the year 2012, our nation still stifles counting the number of times Governor roads, bridges, and education— helps such as Solyndra and Ener1. But it was women and minorities. Obama has signed Mitt Romney interrupted the moderators small businesses. going to be alright the President claimed. into law the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and watching Vice President Joe Biden President Obama claimed that busi- Even though we had to borrow more which inhibits the discrimination of wom- smirk every time Congressman Paul Ryan nesses are not successful because of in- money, the stimulus was going to get us en in the workplace, such as unequal pay, spoke. dividuals alone; rather we live in a country back on our feet. Unemployment was to be challenged and eradicated. He also Still, amid laughter and anger pro- that supports human effort. going to be below 6% a couple of years signed the Matthew Sheppard Act, which voked by the arguments, I couldn’t help Robert Duyos/Sun Sentinel/MCT Nonetheless, the single line “you didn’t after the passing of the bill, according to expanded the federal definition of a hate noticing that these debates have become build it,” provided fodder for attack ads Joe Biden, and there was going to be a crime to include crimes motivated by more a fast paced television and internet President Barack Obama speaks during a debate with Republican Presidential and even campaign themes. “recovery summer” when the economy perceived gender or sexual orientation. spectacle and less a cerebral exercise. In candidate , Mitt Romney at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida on October Speeches are reduced to sound bites would drastically improve. Obama also repealed Don’t Ask Don’t essence, however fun to watch, content 22. Bob Scheiffer is the moderator. and twitter becomes a forum for political Ladies and gentlemen, we are three and Tell, allowing LGBT soldiers to serve is lacking. And, “My friend=I would poison your times? We live in a world where it seems expression. This is wrong. In such a criti- a half years past that point. Unemploy- openly in the military, and in May lent While Biden and Ryan slugged it out, coffee.” well and good to reduce complicated is- cal election year real, long form discus- ment remains the same with less full time his support to same-sex marriage. Twitter comments flashed across the bot- In addition to quotes, ABC posted sues such as the economy, bipartisanship sions are essential and a deeper thought jobs and an even lower labor force. Our Eric Paul Zamora/Fresno Bee/MCT More recently, he passed the DREAM tom of the screen. These included: trending twitter topics, which ran the gam- and the situation in Syria to 140 charac- process imperative. debt has increased by six trillion dollars (it Act, which created an avenue for children “How great would it be if @joebiden bit from Kofi Annan to the jobs crisis. A ters. We eliminate substance. So, get off twitter and facebook and President Barack Obama speaks during dedication of the Cesar E. Chavez is worth remembering Obama called Bush of illegal immigrants to remain in the had said ‘you’re an idiot & have no idea section of CNN’s website is dedicated to This isn’t just happening on Twitter. actaully think about the issues. Don’t post National Monument in Keene, California, October 8. unpatriotic for adding to the debt), we still country and have a more promising future. what you’re talking about’ instead of say- what the news organization sees as being Both candidates tend to fixate on single a funny status. borrow from China to pay for our expen- Mitt Romney as president would cause ing malarkey?” the funniest debate tweets. statements. After Romney’s threat to cut Instead, have a passtionate (but polite) ditures and have an economic growth per- all of these positive steps to disappear. “Martha Raddatz for president 2016.” What does this say about our political the Government subsidy to PBS, despite conversation. centage stagnant at 1.3, compared to 3% More drastic steps could even be taken, as during the Reagan administration. Romney would have the power to appoint But I am not here to argue that Obama Supreme Court justices who would be in is the worst President in the last century or favor of repealing Roe V. Wade, causing that we should hate the man and what he a massive step backwards on the subject Witty, silly, funny and ridiculous: the debates in 140 characters stands for. In fact, the president is a great of women’s rights. We cannot allow this role model, a fantastic family man and to happen. Sorry, that was Obama spending five seconds arguing that he’s owed five more seconds to argue #debates an embodiment of the American dream. When asked why I support Obama, I Unfortunately, it’s time for some hope, refer to a speech he gave in Ohio, where I kind of feel like Joe Biden is Kanye and Paul Ryan is Taylor Swift. Candy is pro Obama. Cutoff Romney and attacked him all night. Awful mediation. and a little change. he said that “If people ask you what this Mitt Romney is not a killer, a tax cheat campaign is about, you tell them it’s still The Presidential #Debates are happening, which explains why everyone on Twitter is suddenly an expert on macroeconomics and geopolitics. or a felon. He pays more than his fair share about hope. It’s still about change.” I of taxes. According to Politico, Romney firmly believe that this is true, that of the I feel like Obama’s staff stabbed him in the chest w/ the adrenaline needle from Pulp Fiction. THAT DUDE IS AWAKE! donated a higher percent to charity (30%) two candidates, Barack Obama projects Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT than Joe Biden, Paul Ryan and Obama more hope. Hope for a better economy, Both candidates’ use of the numbers 1 through 5 underscores the importance of keeping Sesame Street. #debate combined. Romney is a good man and Republican presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney greets the crowd yes, but more importantly hope for a bet- somebody who cares about every man and during a campaign stop, October 9, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. ter tomorrow for every American citizen. America, if all you want is a president whose policy is “go after the bad guys”, my 6-year-old stands ready to serve. #debate

Pages 6 to7.indd 6-7 11/5/2012 3:04:59 PM 8 The Postscript Centennial November 6, 2012 9 Homecoming Weekend The School We Have in Mind Called “2-1-2” because of its format—2 days in the fall, 1 in the winter, and 2 in the spring—this The Parade unique program provides an opportunity for students and faculty to reflect on the Following an assembly, the Wetzler boys, descendants of one of the school’s co-founders, school’s past and envision a place more in line with its initial ideals. led an all-school parade from the Athletic Center to Tompkins Field Two students write about the first two days of their projects. by Alexandra Benjamin‘14 My group, “The Park Play,” found pieces of Park’s history to reenact in a 10-minute production. Our play spans Park’s existence, focusing on the 1920s, 1960s, and the current day, featuring solely student characters to show how they have changed over time. On the second day, we did an improvisational exercise in which we acted as we thought people from the past would have. We had casual conversations and discussed the issues of the time—particularly war during the 1920s and racial equality during the 1960s. From this exercise, we got con- versational material that we hope to use in our final script. At the end of our second day, we started writing out the script. On the winter day, we plan to continue working on our scripts and on the next few 2-1-2 days, we will prepare for the final performance. photo by S. Weintraub

C. Simon ‘16 and G. Branam ‘16, participants in the “Druid Hill Park Connection” group, sit in the living chair created by Friends of Druid Hill Park, an organization that helps to main- tain the Park. The group may take on a similar project in the coming 2-1-2 days.

by Sam Imhoff‘14 its start at the second grade pod to its end My activity, “The Woods as a Re- at the Girls’ Varsity Field. In addition to source,” was both fun and productive. making the trail, our group also decided Initially, we planned to focus on improv- to make a bench and a workout station Top Left: M. Wetzler ‘22, A. Wetzler ‘17, and Z. Wetzler ‘14, great-great- ing the quality of trails that already existed along the path. grandchildren of Judge Eli Frank, co-founder of Park, lead the parade On September 28-29, Park celebrated its 100th birthday with on campus, but after seeing the progress After only one day of work, we man- alongside Head of School Dan Paradis and Lower School Principal June Ben- aged to clear the path for almost two thirds nett. an all-school Brown & White Day, a parade complete with cupcakes, and a carnival another group had made in clearing a new Bottom Left: Students in Jenn Lauder’s First grade class wait in line for trail, we decided to work with them in this of the trail. We were all proud of our work Centennial-themed cupcakes on the Tompkins field after the parade. endeavor. and I really enjoyed the experience. Every Middle: The Class of 2013 brings up the rear of the parade with a banner Once completed, the trail will go once in a while it’s nice to get outside and displaying its own version of the Centennial logo. through the woods behind school, from do some productive manual labor. Right: Girls in Becky Bloom’s First grade class carry their sign for the pa- Birthday in the Park rade, while wearing festive decorations. photos by T. Wendell ‘13 The September 29 fair included rides, games, and a Goldsoundz Preview Concert Brown & White Day Far Left: Children compete in a va- riety of carnival games like horse The real Brown & White Day starts with juniors racing, basketball shootout, and decorating the school. This year’s theme: ring toss. Middle Left: Kids playing clown “Welcome to the Stone Age” racing are focused as they com- pete for prizes. Middle Right: Students of all ages enjoyed the spinning chairs ride. Far Right: A child choses her prize from an array of stuffed animals at an arcade game. photos by T. Wendell ‘13

by Peter Califano ‘14 & tant to call the Centennial event a Gold- The location of the stage, at the end of man, started off the night with a cover of Kyle Tribble ’13. The vocals throughout Max Gold ‘15 soundz at all, due to differences between fair, meant that the concert was far away “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera. the set were surprisingly strong, especially On Saturday September 29, the Cen- the events. “I requested that the Centennial from the center of the carnival. There also One of strongest performances was from a band which has struggled with sing- tennial Committee held an Upper School event be called a Goldsoundz preview,” was not enough open space for a crowd to Ellie Cody ’15 and emcee Isabel Ingram ing in the past. Their set, featuring three Goldsoundz Preview Concert as part of she said, because, “Goldsoundz is an op- form, and fewer than 30 people gathered. ‘15’s acoustic rendition of “Anna Sun” by original songs, provided a strong, lively the Brown and White Day Birthday Week- portunity for student performers with a These issues lasted for the duration of the Walk The Moon. Their strong harmonies finale to, at no fault to the performers, an end festivities. The high quality of the per- designated space, and wonderful sound concert, making the atmosphere under- made them one of the more impressive vo- unenergetic concert. Their final song, a formances set this concert apart from most engineers, [and] I knew those things would whelming. As it got darker, there were cal performances of the evening. Another cover of “All Along the Watchtower” by other Goldsoundz. The event also differed be missing from the Centennial Weekend.” no lights for the stage, so it was difficult notable set was performed by Baird Ache- Bob Dylan, was the best song in the set. from the Friday night concerts students Additionally, while the Black Box is to see the performers. This was unfortu- son ’15, Ben Miller ’13, and Jay Miller Semenza’s vocals were vibrant, and the are used to in to in terms of logistics and often overflowing during Goldsoundz con- nate, as all of the performances were well ’13. Among the songs they played was song ended with an energetic guitar solo even its official name. certs, there was no way to draw the crowd above par. “Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix. The guitar by O’Rourke. But could this concert even have been towards the stage at the centennial event. A small benefit was that during normal work, excellent throughout the set, was Overall, despite issues with the small called a Goldsoundz? While Music De- The concert was at an inopportune time, Goldsoundz, the underclassmen tend to especially strong on this number. crowd and lighting, the concert was a partment Chair Adele Dinerstein usually in between the carnival and homecoming be less comfortable on stage, so the small Undoubtedly, the most impressive set success. Everyone played well and the photo by T. Wendell ‘13 organizes Goldsoundz, the Centennial dance, which meant there were drastically crowd at the Centennial Concert allowed of the night came from Jump The Shark, a atmosphere was casual and relaxing, and A small crowd gathered to enjoy Jump The Shark, Concert was arranged by the Centennial fewer people than when the carnival was the younger performers to relax. Olivia band comprised of Danny O’Rourke ’15, the strong finish sent viewers to the home- an Upper School student band at the Goldsoundz photo courtesy Carolyn Summers Committee. In fact, Dinerstein was hesi- in full swing. Sellman ‘16, the only performing fresh- Roy Aizen ’14, Evan Semenza, ’14 and coming dance happy. Preview Concert at the Birthday in the Park fair.

Pages 8 to 9 V2.indd 10-11 11/5/2012 3:05:25 PM The Postscript Centennial Features November 6, 2012 10 The Postscript Features November 6, 2012 11 Issues of the past: the Park School Prayer Q & A with Debbie Roffman on her newest book This past summer, Park’s Are there other books like last ten years. It is nothing like by Eric Sussman ‘13 The Park School Prayer resident sex-ed instructor Deb- this out there? it used to be. Sex has become an bie Roffman released her latest Yes, there are some, but not intrusion into our daily life. It’s everywhere you turn. A 1912 invitation to dis- Our Father, we Thy children come before Thee book, Talk to Me First: Every- a whole lot. Some of them are cuss the founding of “The Park thing You Need to Know about very different from my approach. this day with humble hearts. What’s your role in this new School University” describes the Becoming Your Child’s “Go-To” For example, very few really culture? school as “strictly nonsectarian.” Person about Sex. Impressed by deal with gender issues on any My job is to help parents get Park was conceived as a place, We thank Thee for Thy mercies and pray that Thou her accomplishments, and the deep level. And that is something through their discomfort. Some- unique among Baltimore area national recognition she has that’s vitally important. Your wilt so help us, that those around us today times they have relief systems private schools, that would give garnered for her work, we sat gender is the most fundamental that get in their way, like “Oh, students of every religious back- may be a little happier and a little better down to talk with her about her part of who you are as a person, you can’t tell children too much ground a place to learn and grow. for our influence. new book, her unique approach because it is announced the mo- too soon or else,” and really What’s surprising is that, despite to sexuality education, and, ulti- ment you are born, if not before, they don’t feel that way about this clearly secular approach, mately, her hopes for the future and affects how people see and any other information. So I want the school once had an official We ask Thy guidance in all the duties and the of the field. treat you. them to think about this informa- school prayer, recited daily by pleasures of the day, and Thy blessing when tion the same way they do about teachers and students alike. Has there been a lot of re- Do you think that’s what The day is done. everything else. The prayer was written by first cent buzz about your newly pub- makes your book different from head of school Eugene Randolph anti-prayer movement, the Head it appeals to a supreme being. lished book? others on the market? What have been your per- Smith, who also wrote the Park of School defended the prayer Others may argue that no non- I just came back from book Yes, I think so. Another way sonal goals in your writing? School song. on page 2 of the June 16, 1967 believer is forced to say it. The events in Chicago and San my approach differs is that my All of my writing is about giv- After more than 50 years as issue of Postscript. “Students Supreme Court has ruled that Francisco, where I was working primary focus isn’t really sexual- photo by L. Schoenberg ‘14 ing back, to parents and teachers, an integral school tradition, the are confused when they equate even though public school stu- at schools. It was just so much ity but developmental processes. Classes taught by nationally recognized sex-ed teacher Deb- all of the things I’ve been so priv- prayer ended in a dramatic way. ‘non-sectarian’ with ‘non-reli- dents do not have to say the 23rd fun. It’s so gratifying to be able Who are children at a particular bie Roffman are a normal part of the US curriculum. ileged to learn about kids for the Its demise started with an amend- gious’ or ‘non-spiritual.’ Park is Psalm, if an atheist is in the same to have your life’s work out in age and how do they think? What How have you seen the dif- feel as if they can’t compete with last 38 years here. This school ment, proposed by Edward Wit- a non-sectarian school, i.e., not room when the Psalm is read, he the public. In fact, I’m always can they understand? What kinds ficulties your book addresses that. What they don’t realize is expects me not to just teach a ten ‘68, to the newly-passed committed to the doctrines of a is being subjected to it. The court amused when people come up of questions are they asking? change over time? that they’re the ones that their specific curriculum, but to have school constitution. Had it been particular religious sect,” said ruled that at a public school, the and say, “Oh, would you mind Then, I worry about the particu- First of all, many parents are kids are looking to, and kids only a partnership with kids based on accepted, the amendment would Robert A. Thomason, the Head Psalm could not be read. At Park, autographing my book?” To me, lars after I see what their needs not any more comfortable dis- look elsewhere if they don’t feel what they need and want to learn. have eliminated any religious of School. “No one is required the Prayer should not be read.” it is the best thing in the world. and interests are. cussing the subject with their they can talk openly with their functions at school—specifically, to recite the prayer,” he added. In Warning, Witten wrote, kids today than they were years parents. What are your hopes for this the school prayer and the Christ- “[A student] may remain silent “Non-sectarian, in the context of Have you written other books What gap do you feel this ago, since many of them did not The other pressure is the con- book? mas assembly. if his convictions do not permit education, must mean not merely in the past? book is bridging? grow up with role models to certed effort by marketers over My hope is that it’s somewhat When Witten’s proposed him to participate.” non-discrimination in favor of an This is my third book, but I So much has changed in our show them how to talk to kids the last 10-12 years to retrain lighter in weight and in tone than amendment was overwhelmingly But this provision was not individual religious group: it im- haven’t written one for several culture in the last 10 years. I’ve about sex. adults and kids in terms of how Sex and Sensibility. I think that defeated, a group of eight stu- enough for the dissenters. In plies also the refusal to sponsor years. The first book was called always written for parents. That’s But today, there are two added we see and understand children may garner a larger readership dents drafted a petition, threat- that same issue of Postscript, or indorse religious precepts.” In Sex and Sensibility, and it was because decades of research pressures—and really sources of in our culture, in order to suc- eventually, and that means that ening to walk out of the closing the leaders of the anti-prayer the following paragraph of the for parents of children of all prove that it’s parents who re- competition. One is screens of cessfully market more and more I’ll be reaching my dream to exercises when the prayer was campaign wrote a full page article, he states, “Several cen- ages. The second one was called ally make the difference in young all kinds, that everybody—in- adult-oriented products first to support parents to communicate recited. The petition read: “We, spread to promote their cause. turies ago, Madison wrote that But How’d I Get in There in the people’s lives. You can have a cluding teenagers and younger teenagers, and then to middle more. The subtitle is How to Be the undersigned, believe that The spread was formatted into religion and government will ex- First Place?, and it’s for parents fabulous program at a school, Postscript archives: June 16, 1967 kids—are engaged in all the time school kids, and then to even Your Children’s Go-To Person, the school prayer has no place three sections: Apology, Defense, ist in greater purity as they exist of children seven and under. This but it doesn’t in any way replace Numerous articles in the June 16, 1967 issue of Postscript that deliver a huge number of younger kids. and that’s my goal. Research in a non-sectarian institution. We and Warning. In the Apology in greater separation. The senti- new book is more similar to the what parents can and, what I be- addressed the school prayer controversy. totally out-of-context messages Those are the big challenges shows that open parents make believe, further, that the spon- section, writer Steve Snyder ‘68 ment applies equally to religion first one, which I published ten lieve, need to be doing in kids’ years ago. lives. about sexuality. Many parents that I’ve been hearing over the for the healthiest kids. sorship of religion in any form apologized for the harsh nature and education, and for the same During the following year, a “It was a goofy bit of non- contradicts the Park School phi- of the initial petition, but also reasons.” faculty committee studied the sense,” Clay Andres ’70 wrote in losophy. For the school adminis- declared his continued support The editors of Postscript also problem and concluded that the an email, “and quite meaningless tration to sponsor religious func- for the movement itself. “Athe- addressed the conflict in an edito- prayer could be used on formal to the student body of the late Theater and food clubs add to long list of extracurricular activities tions is to admit that it is either ists are accepted at Park the same rial. “The prayer issue must go occasions. Eventually, it disap- ‘60s, which isn’t too surprising.” by Sheridan Merrick ‘15 and we also play some really se- sentials and building onto them. unable or unwilling to live up way Protestants are at Catholic into hibernation for the summer, peared altogether. “I think people are surprised rious games that teach us things She understands that first you to Park’s principle. […] We call schools,” he wrote. “They are but it will certainly emerge next “It fit the philosophy then,” when they first find out that Park Walking into the Upper about power, relationships, ob- have to learn the concepts and upon all those who believe in the tolerated, but their beliefs are year. Let us hope that the pro- said Larry Gilbert ’67, “[but I’m] once had a school prayer,” Up- School commons, it’s hard to jectives, and tactics (…) and we dwell on them for a while before strict exclusion of religion from not given equal respect.” ponents of the prayer’s abolition not sure if it fits today.” Accord- per School Principal Kevin Coll miss the poster advertising all of have a lot of fun doing it.” you can apply them to a scene,” the schools, and who wish Park Senior Neil Warres’ Defense will not use tactics that will only ing to him, the prayer wasn’t said, “but their opinions might the current clubs and activities. Having run an “improv” club said Philip Merrick ’15. to abide by its own principles, to picked up right where Snyder’s arouse the wrath of the adminis- very controversial before the change after hearing it or reading The poster reads, “What are you last year, Miller thought that run- As for the future, “[We] hope support us in so doing,” (Post- Apology left off. “Some people tration and by-pass any remain- sixties, but the sentiment shifted it. It is certainly an attempt at as doing today?” and lists the clubs ning a theater club would “be a to be able to perform at assem- script, June 16, 1967, p.1). may argue that Park’s prayer is ing vestiges of democracy in the during the Vietnam era. “Things broad an understanding of prayer by their day of the week, encour- great opportunity to shift over to blies or scene nights. We also In response to this burgeoning not religious. The fact is that School Government.” had to be changed,” Gilbert said. as possible.” aging students to get involved. more acting and serious theater.” want to see some plays outside Most of the clubs are familiar And it sounds as though it of school and support all of the c and have been around for years, has been successful. “Right theater activities at Park.” Students School day Tuition but if you take a closer look, now we’re developing our skills The Theater Club meets week- e enrolled: began: was: you’ll notice some new and ex- and developing a common vo- ly in the Black Box Theater on n citing activities. cabulary, but soon we’re going to Tuesdays during X Block. 1912 1912 1912 One such activity is The move to some more scene work,” Another new club is Park t Theater Club. Led by Melissa Miller said. Eats, which is dedicated to cook- photo by Alix Hyatt ‘12 the Miller ’14, this new club offers “We try to focus on the in- ing food and writing about it on Faculty adviser Anna Marmor (dressed as a square root for numbers an opportunity for students to get terests of the group, and it’s fun their blog, “Park Eats.” Halloween) and leader V. Brown ‘14 set up a taste testing n 98 9:00 $160 involved with and learn about because I get a chance to test out The club is led by Victoria activity for Park Eats members. 2012 2012 2012 theater during their spare time. my teaching abilities and get to Brown ’14, who, according to to school.” the parents and show them that i “We learn about theater bring something I love to the Annika Saltzberg ‘15, is “a ge- “I really love food and it’s a food is a beautiful and wonderful a through games,” Miller said. school I love.” nius. She’s always been really passion of mine, and so I really thing,” said Brown. “We play some silly games that “Melissa is good with the interested in cooking and bak- wanted to share that with my l 850 8:30 $25,420 have nothing to do with theater learning process of taking the es- ing and she brought that passion classmates and the school and Clubs continued on p. 12

Pages 10 to 11.indd 1-2 11/5/2012 3:07:43 PM The Postscript Features November 6, 2012 12 Arts The Postscript, November 6, 2012 13 New classes enliven a rich curriculum Theater department presents Rowling strays far from Potter Fiddler for the very first time in adult novel Casual Vacancy by Sabina Diaz-Rimal ‘15 for Fiddler, agrees. “We are definitely be- by Josh Schwartz ‘14 yond schedule. If anything, we are ahead,” This year’s Upper School Fall produc- she said. Even though I had been telling myself tion will be Fiddler on the Roof, written Dinerstein went on to say that putting for months not to, I had a lot of precon- by Joseph Stein with music by Jerry Bock on a production about a Jewish family for ceived notions diving into The Casual and Sheldon Harnick. The story, based the Centennial isn’t a coincidence. “The Vacancy. I thought that I wasn’t going to on Tevye and his Daughters by Sholem origins of the Park School were that it was like it. I have been a Harry Potter fan for a Aleichem, takes place in Tsarist Russia the first private school to admit the Jewish decade; how could I not be nervous about in 1905 and focuses on a Jewish family community. It was a safe haven for them,” J.K. Rowling’s new book? Yet, I ended up facing the tensions between love and tra- Dinerstein said. loving The Casual Vacancy because of its dition in a changing world. “It resonates with Park’s own history,” jarring portrayal of very real issues, plot, “The main themes in Fiddler are said Peter King, the dramatic director. and, as always, wonderful writing. change within a traditional society and “But in bigger terms, it resonates with any This new adult novel, by the most af- balance between faith and progress,” community and its traditions and how it fluent author of all time, succeeds. It is Sheridan Merrick ’15 said. Merrick and changes and evolves.” both well written and expertly plotted, Hanna Blau ‘15 are the play’s stage man- Beyond its thematic significance, this using a man’s death to dig into the lives agers. production is unique because of the stu- of the residents of Pagford, a small, idyl- The plot centers on Tevye (Ben Lev- dents working behind the scenes. “What’s lic English town. The book opens with itsky ‘13), a traditional father living with been really great this year is that we have the death of Barry Fairbrother, a mem- photo by J. Mountain ‘12 his wife, Golde (Portia Boston ‘13), and a team of student designers,” King said. ber of the local Pagford council, whose Students in Iman Sheybani’s “Islamic Civilizations” class tried on traditional their five daughters. The eldest, Tzeitel Two juniors, Elana Liebow-Feeser and now-vacant seat creates a heated political Islamic attire after discussing the controversy surrounding the hijab, a reli- (Perry Schuster ‘13), is of marrying age, Rebecca Shapiro, are choreographing the election. It is soon apparent that Pagford gious head covering worn by some Muslim women. so Yente (Melissa Miller ‘14), the village musical as well as acting in it. “I think it’s is not idyllic, but a village in turmoil both of view, not only between chapters, but photo by S. Neiman ‘12 matchmaker, finds her a wealthy butcher politically and socially. by has introduced a class called “Modern sic teacher Adele Dinerstein is teaming up been a really good learning experience, sometimes between paragraphs and sen- named Lazar Wolf (Ian Simon ‘11) to wed. The Casual Vacancy touches on a mul- English teacher Angela Balcita assures her class that the compare and con- India.” The course covers everything from with Lower and Upper School art teacher because Rebecca and I have to interact tences. Rowling’s experience with the is- trast essay she has just assigned does not need to be very long. As the musical continues, Tzeitel and titude of tough, moral issues, including political history to religion. Additionally, Susan Brown to teach a course titled “A with the other students both as peers and sues addressed in the book is apparent, her sisters, Hodel (Hilde Wulf ‘13) and as teachers,” Liebow-Feeser said. poverty, domestic abuse, self-harm, pros- have a competitive mindset,” said Andrew the students will read Hindu scriptures, Century of Change,” to be offered during and this came across with gritty realism. by Hannah Blau ‘15 Chava (Alexandra Benjamin ‘14), fall in “They’ve done tremendous work,” titution, drug abuse, and rape. It’s strange Katz ’13. study Bollywood films, and even learn the second semester. Through the exploration of the issues pre- love with untraditional men – Motel (Ben King said. “They’ve created really great to hear Rowling’s literary voice talking Because Park prides itself on strong At the other end of the hallway, first how to play cricket. “Susan and I have wanted to work to- sented, Rowling poses many philosophi- Miller ‘13), a tailor and childhood friend choreography that tells the story of the about these complex topics when you electives and passionate teachers, the year English teacher Angela Balcita is of- “I love India,” said Jacoby. “The more gether for a long time,” said Dinerstein. cal, political, and moral questions. of Tzeitel’s, Perchick (David Agronin musical.” compare it to her wildly successful series. school is constantly trying to enhance its fering a course called “Art of the Essay.” I learn, the bigger it gets. As a teacher, “We will be concentrating on art and That’s not to say the book isn’t without ‘13), a communist, and Fyedka (Joseph Andrew Bahl ’14 and Drew Himmel- Not only was Harry Potter a children’s curriculum, and expand the program of An essayist herself, Balcita is an expert that’s really wonderful.” music in the past 100 years, and how art its flaws. Because of the huge cast of char- Walker ‘14), a Christian Russian. rich ’14 are designing the set, which has book, but it is hard to write sexual content studies. Accordingly, as the Upper School on the subject. This class focuses on craft- “I talked to Mr. Jacoby last year about has shaped our lives, and how our lives acters, it was hard to figure out who was Tevye wrestles with his strong belief in a “revolve,” a turntable made of plywood into fantasy without it seeming ridiculous. begins another year, many students are ing personal essays, and is meant to “help doing an independent study about India, have shaped it. We are also going to in- who for the first 200 of the total 500 pages, Jewish traditions, and must either choose and wheels. As Rowling said in an interview with the enrolled in new classes. students write more artistically about how so we worked on developing the course clude some highlights of Park’s history, and some of the characters were not fully to accept the desires of his daughters’ “The rest of the stage is built up to the New Yorker, “You don’t have sex near A new math class, “Combinatorial their mind works,” said Balcita. together,” said Lizzi Woodson, ’13. “We and how it fits into its historic background developed. A few didn’t seem real and hearts or to protect old customs. revolve,” Himmelrich said. “It will be a unicorns.” Games and Game Theory” taught by first “I’d like my students to be able to find tend to focus on American, Westernized and reflects the times.” fell flat, remaining lifeless on the printed Blau and Merrick, who schedule, at- typical Russian house during the early Rowling has certainly proven herself year teacher Anna Marmor, is an advanced a voice in which they can express their history here, so it’s important to see what page. Although this may have been true tend, and take notes at every rehearsal, 1900s spinning at the center of the stage a gifted writer with her previous books. year-long elective that focuses on two- ideas, thoughts, and reflections artistically the global issues are.” for some, many felt vividly imagined. think the musical is right on schedule. “It’s to accommodate the scene.” The question was whether Rowling, as a person games in which both players know in a way that is not only logical, but also Another new class in the history de- Once I no longer mixed up the char- coming along. It’s still a little rough, but Upper and Middle School students will writer, would be able to translate her tal- the outcome and chance is not a compo- entertaining and interesting,” she said. partment, “Islamic Civilization,” is an acters, the book became a well-written we are at a good place,” Merrick said. “We perform Nov. 14 at 3:30, Nov. 15 at 7:00 ents to an adult audience. In The Casual nent. A very simple combinatorial game An additional English class is “Gen- elective being taught by first year teacher page-turner, with all of the characters and are chugging right through it.” pm, Nov. 16 at 8:00 pm, and Nov. 17th at Vacancy, she proves that she can. is tic-tac-toe. der and Sexual Diversity in Literature,” Iman Sheybani. This is Sheybani’s area of threads coming together in a brilliant and Adele Dinerstein, the musical director 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. Rowling skillfully switches points Marmor chose to teach the elective be- taught by Howard Berkowitz. Two years expertise, and her former professor wrote thoughtful ending. cause she finds it interesting. “I like play- ago, Berkowitz received a grant from the textbook she chose to use for the class. ing games myself,” she said. the Faculty and Curricular Advancement “I think there is a difference between Pitch Pefect: an inside look at the competitive world of college singing groups The goal of the class is to understand (FACA) program to research the subject knowing about something and knowing game rules and strategy. “The skill is re- over the summer, and since then, has con- something,” said Sheybani. “You need to by Samantha Max ‘14 Perfect. The movie is fairly though was the music. There is ally about being able to have a logical vi- sulted many people about how to structure immerse yourself in the world view.” Thanks to Glee and The Sing- predictable and could easily be something about a capella that sion of the game,” said Sofie Rudin ’13, the course. In the class, students are looking at the Off, show choirs and a capella dismissed as a cheesy romantic just makes my skin tingle. The a student in the class. “Gender and sexuality is another lens “principles and practices of Islam and the groups, who sing with no instru- comedy, filled with characters groups featured in the movie sing And it’s no easy skill to master either. in which to see literature,” said Berkowitz. relationship between Islam and the west,” ments, have taken the country by spontaneously bursting into a mixture of both old and new For example, Mancala might seem like “Gender is something I’ve been inter- said Sheybani. “People don’t understand storm in the past few years. song. Pitch Perfect, however, music, sometimes even combin- photo by R. Lessing ‘13 an easy game, but “people have written ested in, and taking the class is a way to how vast Islam really is.” I have been singing in choirs is so much more than that. It ing the two. All of the singers in books about the mathematical theory of keep talking about it,” said Abi Colbert- And of course, a class was introduced Students in “Combinatorial Games since I was seven years old, and is hilarious, heartwarming, and the movie have excellent voices, Mancala,” said Rudin. Sangree, ’13. this year in correspondence with Park’s and Game Theory” play eachother in watching choral music’s rising even ridiculous at times, but still and many people in the theater No matter what, in the end, “It helps to In the history department, Daniel Jaco- centennial anniversary. Upper School mu- a two-person game called “Clobber.” prominence in society really relatable. actually got up out of their seats strikes a chord with me. The While the storyline lacks any and danced. most recent installment of a ca- unexpected plot twists, it still As an aficionado ofa capella, pella music in popular culture is stays engaging. Every scene and music in general, it was re- Clubs add drama and spice to lunch block offerings the musical comedy, Pitch Per- contains at least one outrageous ally exciting to watch a movie fect. punch line that left me laughing all about something that I love. This movie tells the story out loud in the theater. There are countless good mov- Clubs continued from p. 11 In the future, Park Eats is also inter- Featured on the blog already are food en- and you can teach us things,” said Brown. of an all-girl collegiate a ca- The characters in Pitch Per- ies, television shows, and books ested in going to restaurants together and tries such as “Baked Chicken with Olive If you’d like to join the club, or simply pella group, the Bellas, as they fect, each with their own quirky about sports, crime, and doctors, The technology and media aspect of writing reviews. The club aims to “let Tapenade and Thyme” and “Super Easy write an article for the blog, the activity struggle to achieve success in personalities, burst to life on the but I get especially excited when, the club, a necessary component for the people know about all the cool food that’s Tortellini Soup.” meets weekly in room 346 on Wednesdays the highly competitive college a screen. I couldn’t help but be every once in a while, something blog, is headed by Matthew Singer ’15. out there,” Saltzberg said. “You can come [to Park Eats Club] during X Block. capella world. enticed by the eclectic cast and comes along on one of my favor- photo courtesy mockingjay.net “He made the twitter and the blog, so he’s If you’d like to take a look at the blog, and have never cooked an egg before “A-ca-awesome” is the only cheer them on throughout their ite things—music. about music and sing in a capella characters, I highly recommend the one that got the blog up and running,” you can find it at parkfood.blogspot.com, and that’s great, because you have a lot to word I can think of to accurate- failures and triumphs. I felt a genuine bond with the groups just like me. If you also this movie. It unites the three in Saltzberg said. or follow them on Twitter at @ParkEats. learn. Or you could be a cordon-bleu chef ly capture the essence of Pitch My favorite part of the movie characters, who are all passionate like music, comedy, and vibrant perfect harmony.

Pages 12 to13.indd 10-11 11/5/2012 3:06:26 PM

Sports The Postscript, November 6, 2012 14 The Postscript Sports November 6, 2012 15 Cross-country teams prepare for championships A great season for girls’ team ends with 12-2 record Young Boys’ Cross Country team has bright future Faces in the crowd by Reid Danels ‘13 “This is the strongest girls’ cross by Justin Wyda ‘15 mitment and signs of maturity when it country team since 2001, and with 20 comes to improving their running.” people we’re also the biggest,” Wulf said. The team is extremely focused on this “This is the most competitive team I season and is also looking to a bright fu- Rebecca Shapiro Drew Himmelrich ‘14 have had in a decade,” Walker said. ture. “The goal is to win as many meets ‘14 The team carries a large number of as we can, and we want to show improve- There are many sports Park athletes par- strong runners, but due to the effects of ment throughout the season, and gain ex- Rebecca Shapiro ‘14 enrolled in her ticipate in throughout the year, but a rarer one is Hurricane Sandy and other factors that perience for years to come,” Kessinger first dance class when she was eight years old, fencing. Drew Himmelrich ‘14 has been fencing since limited running location possibilities, the said. which is surprisingly pretty late for the dance he was seven years old, and participates in many tour- open championship race—for runners “We are a very talented team for how world. The class was focused on hip-hop/jazz naments each year. The sport relies on a lot of mental who do not rank in the top seven—has inexperienced we are. In the coming years dancing, and she fell in love with it. As a result quickness and physical strength and therefore it has often been cancelled. we will be an even stronger team,” Imhoff she decided to join a ballet class, but didn’t enjoy been referred to as physical chess. “In fencing you need to This means that only the top seven run- said. it nearly as much as the hip-hop class. However, think quickly about how you will attack and defend in an ners from each school will participate in He is not the only optimistic runner. Shapiro quickly changed her mind about ballet instant,” Himmelrich said. He fences for the Baltimore the championship race. Sophie Bailowitz “I think having this young a team will and her affection for dancing has only in- Fencing Center and placed second in a recent tour- ’15, Margot Kahn ’15, Jessica Kalata ’14, be good for the future because many of creased from there. Now, Shapiro takes nament. Himmelrich, who usually fences once a Judith Pickering ’13, Maddy Riorda ’13, the younger players are good runners and classes in ballet, pointe, modern, week, has had to take some time off as a result Jordyn Seidman ’15, and Ellie Stern ’14 will become leaders within their careers,” tap, and hip-hop/jazz. of a broken ankle. But, he plans to resume will represent Park. Danny O’Rourke ’15 said. fencing after later this month. “I am really uncomfortable with only photo courtesy Nancy Kokinakis The sole senior on the team is Kyle Mollie Selmanoff having the top seven runners participate Tribble ’13, who is not only the team’s ‘13 M. Singer ‘15 returns as a strong in Championships this year. This goes runner. most experienced member, but also their photo courtesy Nacy Kokinakis against a lot of what we have worked for Every Friday morning, rain or shine, leader, and most talented runner. Tribble Though afraid of heights, Selmanoff fell in love with a sport in which confronting her fear is in- Sophomore M. Kahn, who will com- as a team, such as trying to get everyone we can see the Boy’s cross-country team is also planning to continue running cross pete in the Championship edges out to feel valued,” Pickering said. “Some of trekking down Falls Road, shirts off and country in college. “Most of the guys on evitable. “I love that I face my fear of falling from heights an opposing runner. our most dedicated runners won’t get a chests bared. It’s a tradition. the team are running with us for the first every day and that I am constantly trying to overcome it,” she chance to show everyone what they’ve time this year, and, being the veteran, I said. Selmanoff was first introduced to rock climbing through The Girls’ Cross Country team has This year’s team, however, while still accomplished throughout the season and feel like I have particularly big shoes to birthday parties when she was 8 years old. When she was 12 she enjoyed a great season, boasting a 12-2 shirtless, is different from past teams in I don’t think it’s fair at all.” fill,” he said joined a recreational climbing team and tried out for a competi- record in the IAAM C conference. Its re- important ways. “One difference between “I feel kind of left out,” said Olivia Despite the pressured leadership role, tive team the next year. Selmanoff now competes in the USA cord reflects the development of the cross this team and previous years is the experi- Sellman ’16, who won’t be allowed to run Tribble is enjoying himself just as much climbing association and participates in climbing and boulder- country program and the improvements ence level. “We are very inexperienced,” in the Championship. “I feel great for the if not more than in previous years. “It’s ing on the advanced team through Earth Trek’s. The other that have been made since last year. Head Coach John Kessinger said. “We girls [who will be running] but not getting definitely been a surprisingly awesome, members of the team range from eight to 18 years old and One of the big changes that’s contrib- graduated five seniors from our top seven to run in the Championship is kind of a and enlightening experience so far... it’s a the team includes three other Park School students. This uted to the team’s success is the runners’ runners last year, and this year we have let down.” team I love, and I’m proud that I’ve been past summer, Selmanoff placed 17th in speed climb- commitment to the sport. Much of this only one senior.” given a chance to help the guys along on ing at the National Competition held in Geor- comes from Coach Kent Walker, who of- Thus, many crucial roles are being their individual running journeys,” he gia. Now, Selmanoff is searching for ten reminds his team that running is 90% played by underclassmen. “On Thursday said. colleges with climbing pro- mental, 50% physical and the remainder [October 4], three of our top six runners The boys will run their championship grams. is hills and guts. Walker has devoted were freshmen,” Kessinger said. “Of the meet tomorrow at Oregon Ridge. many hours to the Girls’ Cross Country 12 guys who have raced this season, [we program. have] one senior, four juniors, four sopho- “He has been coaching forever,” Mar- mores, and three freshmen.” got Kahn ’15 said. “He is really energet- As a result, there are obstacles to over- ic, experienced, and he absolutely loves come. “We are a very young and inex- coaching.” perienced team,” Sam Imhoff ’14 said, Ravens must prove they have an elite offense This year’s senior captains, Eavan Fla- “which means that people are new to the experience of running in meets, and the nagan, Judith Pickering, and Hilde Wulf, by Graeme Frost ‘13 themselves as the team to beat Ray Lewis, and one of the best To put it lightly, the Ravens the earliest. And yet, even after also reinforce the importance of dedica- competitive aspect of running.” This year, the team also lost long-time in their conference. But they’d young cornerbacks in the game, blew their chance to prove them- only having practiced for three tion to members of the team. Entering their week seven have to find a way to do it with- Lardarius Webb, who were both selves as the top dog. They need- days with the team, he played 30 “In the past, Girls’ Cross Country has coach Paul Hulleberg. “Paul’s enormous impact on the program and on me as a game against the Houston Tex- out ironman middle linebacker lost for the season. ed their defense to hold back one snaps, and recorded four tackles, struggled with its reputation in terms of ans, the Ravens had a lot of of the league’s top running backs, a sack, and batted down a pass. being thought of as a ‘legitimate’ or ‘seri- coach will continue on for years to come, even though he isn’t here anymore,” said questions to answer. Their once Arian Foster, and keep quarter- While the humiliation at the ous’ sport by team members as well as by daunting defense is ranked 28th back Matt Schaub in check, but hands of the Texans was tough, classmates,” Pickering said. Kessinger. Math teacher Tony Asdourian is assist- in the league, and struggled to instead they gave up 420 yards Baltimore had a bye week to pre- “We as captains have worked to make defend an ailing Cowboys of- and 43 points. pare for a Cleveland team that sure that everyone is taking practices ing Kessinger. “Being new to the team,” photo courtesy Nancy Kokinakis he said, “I am very impressed by what a fense the week before, giving up The offense didn’t help much they had difficulty beating early and meets seriously to ensure that we 481 total yards, and 227 yards either; quarterback Joe Flacco this season. are pushing ourselves to be the best that J. Seidman ‘15 finishes a race, as on- friendly and hard-working group of guys photo courtesy Nancy Kokinakis Sole senior and captain K. Tribble who rushing. and company only managed 176 Although any divisional we can be as individual runners and as a lookers cheer her and other runners we have. Although many of them are quite to the finish. young, they are already showing real com- joined the Park community in tenth Luckily, the Ravens escaped yards, and gave up the ball twice. game is tough, the Browns have team,”she said. grade, is a large assest to the team. with a win after Cowboy’s wide However, there was one bright the 26th ranked defense and the Girls Boys receiver Dez Bryant dropped a spot to the Raven’s loss since Ravens need to prove to both Cross-country Soccer game-tying two point conver- outside linebacker and reigning themselves and their fan base C-conference C-conference Cross-country sion, and placekicker Dan Bailey defensive player of the year Ter- that their offense is elite and that B-conference missed a game-winning 51-yard rell Suggs was back on the field. they can stop a rookie led Cleve- Keeping 7-2—3rd place 13-2—2nd place 3-7—8th place Championship November 5 Championship November 6 field goal following an onside The fact that Suggs was land attack with their depleted Championship November 7 kick. playing was nothing short of a defense. Field Hockey Tennis Soccer After their sloppy win against miracle, he had surgery to repair After jumping out to a 14-0 score B-conference A-conference B-conference the Cowboys, the Ravens’ game a partially torn Achilles in July, lead against the Browns, they 7-3-1—3rd place 4-5 8-7-1—5th place against the Texans was a perfect Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/MCT and wasn’t supposed to make gave up 15 unanswered points, Lost in quarterfinal to Maryvale (0-1) Quarterfinals November 6 opportunity for them to prove Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco is sacked by the Texans. it back until mid-November at before pulling away 25-15.

Pages 14 to 16.indd 14-15 11/5/2012 3:06:54 PM Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1262 Sports Baltimore, MD The Postscript, November 6, 2012 Page 16 Team chemistry: the key to success Sussing out sports The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team will play in the Championship match today. by Eric Sussman‘13 When people picture high school by Idris Mitchell ‘14 adjustments as the season progressed. selves with the possibility of facing only sports, they think of Friday night foot- Back in September, about 30 individuals teams they had decisively beaten in the ball games under the lights. They picture Chemistry. It is the elusive quality that tried out, and a JV and Varsity team were regular season, until the Championship the home team facing off against a bit- every good team and most certainly every formed. Over time, however, both Var- match. ter rival in a championship game; the championship-worthy team should have. sity and JV teams experienced injuries, The team lost its home field advantage crowd roars after the winning touchdown I’m not talking about stoichiometry, ion some major, most minor. Given the the for the quarterfinal match due to the ef- is scored, rushes the field, and carries the charge, or noble gas, but instead a stead- situation, the coaches decided it would fects of Hurricane Sandy, and was forced Senior quarterback off on their shoul- fast unity among athletes. Chemistry is a be best to merge the two teams into one to play at Loyola University’s Ridley ders ending his high school career on “team-first” approach that can take years Varsity team. Athletic Complex, where they were able that magical game winning pass. Do you to build – yet moments to break. Chem- Still the Bruins have taken these to practice the day before. Despite this think this atmosphere is even possible istry is just what the Girls’ Varsity Soccer changes in stride, growing stronger and setback, the girls played brilliantly in their at Park? team has. closer. It’s no wonder they were tied for November 1 quarterfinal match, dominat- Although school spirit is now an ex- What built this chemistry? It certainly first place with Mount Carmel by the end ing Baltimore Lutheran in a 7-0 win. tremely hackneyed concept at Park, it helps that only three seniors left the team of the regular season. Two days later, on a frigid Saturday still evokes a lot of fantasies. But when at the end of last season. But sometimes, The IAAM C conference is comprised afternoon, the team played its semi-final thinking about all the situations one is chemistry can’t be explained. Its roots of two divisions, the red and the gold. In match on the road versus Glenelg, the thrust into to score the winning goal, or can’t be determined. Simply put, these top seed in the gold division. to hit a buzzer beater, there is always a girls have a special dynamic that has uni- They won the semifinal game large group of spectators on the sidelines. fied them towards a goal, and contributed through its refined passing- Not only is the crowd overflowing, but to their success this season. oriented offense. “[The team] it is also completely united. The team has only lost two in-confer- can pass amazingly well, and This unity is why I believe we have ence games: one to St. Vincent Pallotti in we’re really good at keeping little school spirit. However, I think be- the first in-conference game of the season, possession,” said Nece Whye cause we do have school unity, we don’t but they later beat them at home. The sec- ’14. go crazy during every sporting event. ond loss was to Our lady of Mount Carmel During the November 3 One of the reasons why cities and in their last home game of the season. The game against Glenelg, the colleges take pride in their teams is be- team had beaten Mount Carmel on the girls performed like a well- cause teams represent citizens and act as road earlier in the season. oiled machine--controll­ ing a central point of unity between entire The C Conference team has also made the ball, executing passes, populations. While I may have differ- ent political opinions than other Ravens an impressive run against several B Con- and playing passionately to fans, we can both unite to cheer on our ference teams, beating and tying with St. secure a 2-0 win. team against the Steelers, however arbi- Paul’s School for Girls in two 20-minute On the same day, Mt. Car- trary our reasons for doing so are. games, beating Annapolis Area Christian mel played St. Vincent Pal- Bringing this all back, we don’t need School, and losing to Seton Keough by lotti in the other semifinal any common team to unite us. We are only two points. game, and won, making the already extremely accepting of each Head coach Malick Mbengue saw his Championship match Mt. other and we all take pride in our school team reaching the championship match photo courtesy Marcie Wendell Carmel vs. Park; Mt. Carmel whether we have success on the athletic from preseason. “Last year was my first will play as the home team. field or not. year of coaching them, so everything was S. Lessans ‘14, fights for the ball against Balti- Now one final match re- more Lutheran in the Quarterfinals. While I’m not saying that students new—my style, as well as how they re- mains for the team, and that’s who are trying to grow spirit are wasting acted to me as a coach. But this year they the red division, Park and Mount Cara- the Championship. What an amazing ac- their time, I do feel as though our defini- were more comfortable with the system, mel were tied for first place, in part due to complishment it would be for the girls tion of school spirit is too limited. When the style of play, and me as the coach. I the loss to Mount Carmel, while Glenelg Varsity soccer team to win it all this year, I talk to alumni, we don’t discuss sports also knew from the beginning we had a Country School proved itself the number no less the year of the Centennial. teams and impressive records, but rather good core of the team coming back, so I one team in the gold division. A coin toss It seems the girls have all the right they ask me which of their teachers are predicted we would go to a champion- settled the tie between Park and Mt. Cara- things going for them: experience, skill, still here, and then I listen to them remi- ship game this year,” he said. “Last year mel, and the Bruins lost, putting them in playmaking abilities, team chemistry and nisce about how much they loved and we were supposed to reach the champi- second place. an undeniable passion for the game, which cherished their time at Park. While this onships, but injuries eventually held us Some viewed the loss to Mount Car- is why many see the girls poised to take may not be school spirit in the traditional back, and that goal was never reached.” mel and in the coin toss as a blessing in the title. sense, we are not a traditional school and This year, however, the Bruins have been disguise, because it forced the only two The Championship Match is tonight at it is uncommon to find alumni as proud able to stay strong enough to muster up a teams that have beaten the Bruins onto the 6 p.m. at Stevenson University’s Owings of their high school as those who come 13-2 in-conference record. same side of the bracket, and eventually to Mills Campus. If there is enough intrest, a from Park. The Bruins’ team chemistry has also play each other in a semi-final game. The bus will likely leave campus between 5:20 Everyone can agree that more sup- allowed them to adapt, making necessary Bruins, on the other hand, found them- and 5:30 to take students to the match. port for their fellow classmates would be appreciated, but I don’t think that the way to go about establishing a greater sense of community at an institution like Park is by installing an artificial ‘rah-rah’ mentality. The sense of community that we are accustomed to is sometimes over- looked because it doesn’t seem as ap- pealing as one with much more athletic spirit. But a school where everyone feels comfortable and proud easily trumps any photo courtesy Marcie Wendell that can bring a crowd together for one The team regroups and discusses strategy while an injured Baltimore Lutheran player is taken off the field. and a half hours a week.

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