THURSDAY,Thursday, December Oct. 20 18, 2014 Vol. 3841 No. 24

Symposium author Egan opens window into her creative process by Jen Shook ’15 Squad”: Each chapter would center and Lina Volin ’15 on a different person, would stand Pulitzer Prize-winning alone from the rest of the chap- author Jennifer Egan visited KO as ters as its own independent story, the annual Baird English Sympo- and would feel like a “different sium author on Friday, Dec. 6, world” from the rest of the book with students and teachers alike with a different tone and mood. praising Ms. Egan’s presentation. “I wanted each chapter Ms. Egan addressed the to feel like it belonged to a student body in both Middle different book from the others School and Upper School assem- and yet to have them come blies, sharing insights on the together,” Ms. Egan said. She writing process involved in the likened the format to a concept creation of “A Visit From the album in the spirit of The Who’s Goon Squad,” “The Keep,” and “Quadrophenia” and “Tommy.” a myriad of short stories from She also spoke about her her “Emerald City” collection. inspiration for “The Keep,” which “Books come together originated with her visit to a through such a haphazard series of medieval castle in Belgium once events,” she told the Upper School belonging to the Frankish knight, assembly. “It’s something that can Godrey of Bouillon. This excur- be invisible in the final book.” sion, coupled with a journalism She used the example of story she was researching for “A Visit From the Goon Squad,” the New York Times about clos- Jennifer Egan addresses the Upper School during KO’s annual Baird English Symposium. Photo by Claire Halloran’15. saying the book initially arose out eted gay teens who were living of her procrastinating the writing thief posing as a fraud protection writing what would later become with form and style, Ms. Egan “out” lives via online chat rooms, of a different novel. After an specialist, Ms. Egan was inspired to chapter one of “Goon Squad.” decided on three rules that would over-the-phone encounter with a explore the viewpoint of the thief, In the midst of experimenting govern the structure of “Goon Continued on page 8 Trivia Night raises $1,800 for research by Joe Ravalese ’15 Bubble, Milk Duds and Jolly ance. Austin and Andrew’s mother so seize those opportunities now.” The Lemkuil brothers said Ranchers. Each team’s table was was diagnosed with a brain tumor The trivia portion of the the evening was a huge success On Friday, Nov. 21, the adorned with candy with a large while they were in the third grade. evening was hosted by the KO “There were probably close to KO cafeteria filled with students glass jar in the center filled with Austin introduced Jack faculty duos of Kata and David 130 people from six different participating in the school’s the team specific type of candy. Casey, who recounted his battle Baker and Jen and Jim Weeks. schools,” said Austin. “At second annual Trivia Night About midway through after being diagnosed with a brain Topics included sports, the end of the night we raised fundraiser for the Connect- the evening each team member tumor. “After being diagnosed history, music, celebrities, TV over $1,800 for the Connect- icut Brain Tumor Alliance. guessed the amount of candy in the my whole world took a turn and it shows and movies. At the end icut Brain Tumor Alliance.” Initiated and organized jar and the member with the closest really put my life into perspective,” of the night, the top three teams The Lemkuils have high by juniors Austin and Andrew guess took home the filled jar. he said. “After finding out I decided took home cash prizes up to $60. hopes for next year and are Lemkuil, the event drew a large Local establishments to take the trip of a lifetime with Senior Kennelly Aller- already planning to host KO’s turnout of students, not just from Naples Pizza and California Pizza my best friend to Ireland and it was ton’s team, the Skittles, finished third annual Trivia Night. KO, but also from a number of high Kitchen provided dinner to the one of the best events of my life.” in first place. “It was a really “We are hoping to get more schools in the Greater Hartford area, contestants, while A.C. Peters- “Do what makes you happy,” good time, the whole event was corporate sponsors, to raise more including Westminster, Conard, en’s provided ice cream sundaes. Mr. Casey told the participants. really fun and more importantly money, and to get more teams to Northwest Catholic and Hall. After dinner, Austin and his “Do the things in your life that you raised money for a good cause,” sign up,” said Andrew. “We plan Tables were arranged by father both gave short speeches have always dreamed of and, even Kennelly said. “There was also a on marketing more and spreading teams themed around different about the personal significance of though you are young, you never nice mix of categories with both the word and ultimately our goal candies, including Reese’s, Dubble the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alli- know what turns your life will take, easy and difficult questions.” for next year is 200 people.” What’s Inside this Issue: SPORTS OPINIONS ARTS FEATURES IN-DEPTH 52nd annual Missing you Candlelight A conversation A tale of two KIT begins already: saying concert echoes with Jennifer schools: Middle tomorrow goodbye to Hoj in Alumni Hall Egan and Upper Page 16 Page 6 Page 9 Page 11 Page 15 THURSDAY THURSDAY 2 December 18, 2014 News Editorials December 18, 2014 3 KO unveils details of renovation by Noah Stanton ’17 refurbishing the library into a Research Innovation Center, is not The KO “Master Plan” has quite as far along. But the focus of officially moved forward from this project will be to incorporate brainstorming to designing the both large, open meeting spaces plan’s three main phases: the as well as smaller, more quiet athletic facility, the Research conference rooms, much like the Innovation Center, and the new- ones currently in Chase-Tallwood. and-improved Roberts façade. “As long as I’ve been here, Head of School Dennis student space on campus has been Bisgaard said that KO has been a topic of discussion in a variety of working closely with James Rogers different ways,” Ms. McKee said. Architects to plan out a more “The library space and the conver- visual representation of the future sations that are happening there athletic center. “Now we are going are very exciting to think about.” from conceptual into the actual Mr. Bisgaard agreed. design phase,” he said. “It will be “Students seem to like to have a facility that everybody can use.” This image represents the future athletic center KO is planning to build. Photo courtesy of Kingswood Oxford School. smaller, private group rooms,” he An artist’s rendering was can be used for individual and early as 2016. “Within the next In addition to possibly said, which is why so many of them released on Monday, Dec. 8, team-based strength training. five years, we can probably printing a large-scale Wyvern will be included in the new building. portraying what the interior “It’ll be a multi-sport surface,” get all of this done,” he said. insignia on the large brick wall, So far, Ms. Demers has of the complex will generally she said. “It’s going to be an But the second phase of new connected glass doors will hosted two student focus groups look like, though this repre- amazing resource for all students.” the “Master Plan,” updating the be installed and covered by an about changes to the library, as sentation is subject to change. Assistant Head of School Roberts façade, is expected to awning. Directly inside, there will well as two faculty focus groups As of right now, the athletic for Student Life Carolyn Mckee begin in the much more imme- be a student lobby space to the and one meeting between students center will hold an updated lobby agreed. “With change comes diate future. “We could probably right and updated college advising and the architect on Tuesday, area, which opens up into the a lot of emotions,” she said, start the Roberts piece as early as offices to the left, so that, as Mr. Nov. 25. “We talked about what main compound that will feature “but I’m excited about that this summer,” Mr. Bisgaard said. Bisgaard said, they can be more people envisioned from that three basketball courts with drop- space as being multi-use.” The plan for the Roberts accessible to the student body. space,” she said. “Voice is just down hoops, several tennis courts, There are also plans inde- focuses on updating the school “We’re going to make it so important in this process.” indoor batting cages, and at least pendent of the master plan for entrance on Trout Brook, which into a much nicer entrance, a real Because this is such a one track lane around the entire installing six squash courts was originally intended as a back point of arrival,” he said. “You large-scale project, Mr. Bisgaard area for agility and speed practice. on-campus, most likely some- entry but, since the addition of the will probably see far more trees, said that acquiring the funds to Assistant Head of School where near the athletic complex. Middle School, is now where most so it looks and feels different complete it will call for some for Academic Life Natalie Demers Because the hockey rink of the students and faculty park. than just a big parking lot.” vigorous fundraising, but he said said that the complex will also will remain intact for two more Ms. Demers said that this Although the athletic he expects that everything will be include spaces for volleyball years, Mr. Bisgaard said that portion of the plan creates a new complex and Roberts façade are worth it. “In the long run,” he said, and indoor soccer, as well as a construction would hopefully entrance for the Upper School as both in more concrete stages of “I think that people will realize this glass-paned fitness center that begin on the athletic center as well as a college advising suite. design, phase three of the plan, is a good move for the school.” KO to host storytelling event on January 16 by Grace Amell ’17 which was the highly acclaimed seasoned and experienced ones that Nancy Solomon, and sophomore about something that happened to “Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.” do this all the time, and members Benjamin Coady were chosen to tell me is easier than talking about an KO will host a story- Mrs. Shea said that Mr. of the KO community,” she said. stories which they will be sharing unrelated and impersonal event.” telling event called Speak Up Dicks is an experienced storyteller According to Mrs. Shea, alongside Mr. Dicks and other Mrs. Dicks will be emceeing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, who has competed at in story- people who wanted to tell stories local storytellers. the event. Her duties will include in Roberts Theater. Eight local telling competitions numerous at Speak Up were required to Benjamin said he was introducing the storytellers storytellers, including a KO times. “Matthew goes down to submit their story to Mr. and Mrs. inspired by Mr. Dicks to tell a story and their backgrounds before sophomore and two KO teachers, New York City and participates Dicks in order to be chosen for the at Speak Up. “I am a madrichim they begin telling their stories. will tell stories about their own in the Moth StorySLAM,” she event. “They had to submit stories (classroom assistant) at my syna- The event will last approxi- lives that reflect the event’s said. “It is a competition where and Matthew [Dicks] went through gogue,” he said. “Matthew Dicks mately two hours. The doors theme of pride and prejudice. storytellers get up and tell stories them,” she said. “Then he chose came and spoke to the madrichims. open at 7 p.m. Tickets will cost The stories must take fewer and get voted on for a winner.” which ones were the best to tell.” He is an awesome speaker and eight dollars for KO students, than six minutes to be told, said Mr. Dicks has won the Applicants included KO inspired me to give this a shot.” parents, faculty, alumni, and Director of Summer Programs competition 13 times. The Speak Up students and teachers, who Benjamin will be sharing a friends of the school. Tickets and Facility Rentals Sheri Shea. event being held at KO is modeled submitted stories to Mr. and Mrs. story about a unique experience will cost 12 dollars for anyone Matthew and Elysha Dicks, after the Moth StorySLAM. Dicks. “There were about half in his life involving the event’s outside the KO community. who are both local schoolteachers, Mrs. Shea explained that in a dozen applicants for telling theme of pride and prejudice. “I Proceeds from the event organized the event with Mrs. total there will be eight local story- stories between both students am going to share my story about will contribute to paying travel Shea. In addition to teaching, Mr. tellers, including KO students, and and teachers,” Mrs. Shea said. correcting a map at the Metropol- costs for KO students who Dicks is a published author. He faculty members. “It will be a mix Middle School English itan Museum of Art in New York qualify for national and interna- has written three books, one of of some area storytellers, who are teacher Kyle Chapman, librarian City,” he said. “For me, talking tional public speaking events. SGA plans events, bids farewell to Hoj by J’Ron Barrett ’15 thing different this year,” said Jack. On Saturday, Feb. 7, SGA a big help,” said Jack. “At times as a “work in progress.” She noted Mrs. Hojnicki says that the is holding a Lancaster versus focus has not been the best, but that having a new portal page appli- As the close of the first representatives were forced to think York game night, consisting that comes with a group that feels cation was a key improvement. semester draws near, the Student creatively on their quest to make of both athletic and academic comfortable and ready to talk “It begins a wave of Government Association (SGA) events more appealing for students. games. These catagories have with one another, which I would communication improvements continues to plan more fun for On the community outreach been named “Brain vs. Brawn.” take any day over a group that for the future,” said Hojnicki. students and faculty to enjoy. side of things, SGA received People will sign up in stayed silent and didn’t speak up.” Mrs. Hojnicki reminded Spearheaded by senior many donations for the Fox advance for what games they want SGA is also planning students that SGA meetings are Speaker Jack Beckerman, and Elementary School. These dona- to participate in. There will be Valentine’s Day flower sales, a open to the KO community, Faculty Advisor and English tions included school supplies food catered, and the whole night is traditionally well-received event. for anyone who has any ques- teacher Heidi Hojnicki, SGA as well as holiday-themed items. completely free of charge. “We are The KO community can purchase tions, comments, or concerns. hopes to make these next few To brighten the average hoping we can get as many people flowers and send them to another As the community says fare- months as fun-filled as possible. KO student’s morning, SGA as possible because this should person at school with a little well to Mrs. Hojnicki, she said With the winter dance also restarted Thursday morning be a really fun night,” said Jack. message, whether that be a friend, she commends this year’s SGA scheduled after break, SGA hopes hot chocolate, available in Jack said the success of a teacher, or that someone special. members, calling them “fabulous.” the student attendance will exceed the cafeteria from 8:00-9:30. SGA this year finds its source in SGA is also working on “The leadership this year that of past years. “This is usually Student Government is the high energy and motivation at communication with students. Mrs. was amazing, and I will miss a dance with relatively poor turn- also looking to add competitions meetings.“Everyone is contrib- Hojnicki described the communi- each and every one of them out, so we are trying to do some- between Lancaster and York. uting from all grades, which is cation between students and SGA dearly,” Mrs. Hojnicki said. THURSDAY THURSDAY 2 December 18, 2014 News Editorials December 18, 2014 3 The editorials below represent the collective opin- ion of the members of the KO News A Wyvern’s Tale Editorial Board: Max Bash, Jen Shook, Lina Volin, Dylan Borruso, Jack Beckerman, Benjamin Wald- Treasure true man, Kate Betts, Emily Lowit and Reilly Callahan. gifts of season

by Max Bash ’15 we should all do something in that regard. Instead of complaining about the ‘What is a weekend?’ I want to preface this article by admit- little things, we should complain about ting that I am a hypocrite (the pot calling the greater injustices that go on around the – Dowager Countess of Grantham, Downton Abbey the kettle black if you will). Like countless world every day and take action. People others, I complain more than I should. I should try to complain only when they It’s been a long week. A hard week. puritanical day of rest, but we would like encourage everyone to join me in trying to have a meaningful complaint. Complaining One of those weeks that sparks a dangerous to have the possibility of some form of rest complain a little less and be more apprecia- to just complain should be frowned upon. urge to curl up in bed and sleep for an unrea- on Sundays. For the particularly involved tive of what we have. I certainly complain Complaints are a nice way to blow off sonable amount of time. The one thing student, activities like News Day for the about annoying homework assignments and steam on a bad day, but perpetually having keeping us going is a single comforting KO News or debates for Forensic Union other minutiae in my life, but in the grand them won’t change a situation. The only thought cycling through our minds on repeat or tournaments for Robotics can end scheme of things I, along with most people true way to change a situation is action. – after Friday, it will all be over (at least up taking over the entirety of Sundays. at KO, don’t have all too many legitimate We have to take these issues upon for a brief while). It’ll be the weekend! We Even a student who values his or complaints. There are people suffering all ourselves because no one is going to fix them can relax! We can curl up in bed and watch her sanity can end up whiling away a over the world and, even in our own commu- for us. If you want something to be changed, T.V. and give our brains a well-deserved rest. Sunday indoors, preparing for the collec- nity, and it’s very easy to forget about that. you can’t just sit there and expect something Except, as we have found during tion of tests on Monday or Tuesday, getting Getting caught up in mounds of home- to happen. People have to invest their time and our time at KO, this promised weekend through the busy work that somehow work, grading papers, or whatever it is that’s energy to solve the issues that bother them. rarely materializes. Oh, occasionally our ends up accumulating every weekend. on your plate distracts us from appreciating If every single person at KO did fantastically lucky selves will come upon After hearing that one student at KO the daily miracles that occur each day. something to try to solve a problem they a relatively commitment-free, home- had spent 21 days on campus in a row (a “Miracle” can be a hyperbolic term, and cared about, a lot can be done to make work-light weekend. But by far the most statistic echoed, to a slightly lesser degree don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the world a better place. You don’t have common weekend is one that involves by several members of the KO News someone holding the door open for you to have fame and fortune to make lasting school commitments to an unhealthy extent. staff), we thought it would be an oppor- is a miracle, but there are plenty of things change in the world. Anyone, and I mean Saturdays are spent, per the sports tune moment to remind everyone involved that go on each day that are indeed mira- anyone, can do something to make the requirement, either at KO (the slightly in extracurriculars that KO is, in fact, not cles; we just don’t recognize them as such. world a better place, whether that means better option) or at a school two hours a boarding school. We’re not supposed Every day that we wake up and get giving up a Saturday to work at a soup away (the infinitely worse option). to be here all weekend, every weekend. to spend another day on this Earth is a gift. kitchen or doing something else is up to you. Depending on the sport, this can take up Sometimes, all we need to recharge Having family and others who care about People should continue to try to fix the an entire Saturday – at the very least, it for the school week ahead is some time to you is a gift you receive everyday. Health is world beyond community service require- will be a sizable chunk of the weekend. ourselves. The quantity of (often unneces- yet another gift that every day we can take for ments when possible. Community service is Sundays are more open-ended, but sary) homework assigned over the weekend granted. There’s so much to be thankful for about more than just trying to get into college. still a far cry from the day of rest that coupled with athletic and extracurricular every day, and we all can lose sight of that. It’s about trying to do whatever we can do in used to be enforced by law. We’re not commitments infringes on the opportu- As the holiday season closes in upon our lives to improve the human condition. suggesting a reversion to the very strict, nity to recalibrate, reprioritize and refocus. us, we should take time to reflect on how The world may appear to be a very dark, we’re all so fortunate and lucky in various cruel place, but if everyone at KO did even ways and can do something to help those who a little something to make it a better place Teaching outside the bubble are less fortunate. One of KO’s core values is to live, there would be at least 500 reasons We, the editors of the KO News, would We just feel that teachers and adminis- “caring beyond self,” and in the coming year why the world would be a little bit brighter. like to take this opportunity to thank all of trators should recognize that being educated the teachers and administrators at KO who doesn’t necessarily mean completing have chosen to directly address the protests all the material on an AP syllabus with and demonstrations currently occurring enough time to do a week of review. It throughout the country as a result of accusa- means being aware and well informed on tions of racially influenced police brutality. an issue that has the potential to persist KO tends to exist as a kind of well into our generation’s adult lives. academic bubble where students become We know that not every faculty so centered on continuous cycles of home- member and student in school has the same work, tests, sports, extracurricular activi- views on what is happening in our country, ties, eat, sleep, repeat, that what exists and that’s fine. We’re not demanding that outside of the protected world of KO can teachers and students all reach the same seem beyond our scope. However, when conclusion. We’re just asking that teachers an issue is as big, as all encompassing, and students have an open dialogue as the protests that have proliferated about a series of events that have been throughout our nation, it only makes sense disorienting and upsetting in equal part. for a matter of such great consequence It’s not about everyone agreeing Cartoon by to be openly discussed in the classroom. or disagreeing. It’s about recognizing Evan Kelmar’16 We’re not asking that every class in that this is real, it’s happening, and it school have an open forum for discussion. deserves a few minutes in the classroom.

KO News Editors 2014 – 2015

Editor-in-Chief Max Bash

Managing Editor Photography Editor Managing Editor for News, Sports and Claire Halloran for Features, Arts Investigative Journalism and Opinions Jen Shook Associate Photography Lina Volin Editors Lydia Bailey News Editor Sports Editor Investigative Features Editor Arts Editor Opinions Editor Lexi Banasiewicz Dylan Borruso Jack Beckerman Journalism Editor Kate Betts Emily Lowit Reilly Callahan Benjamin Waldman Technical Editor Associate News Editors Associate Sports Editors Dhruv Sheth Associate Features Associate Arts Editors Associate Opinions Sophia Harrison Corinne Florian Editors Aly Brown Editor Online Editors Cartoonists Joe Ravalese Kelly Maloney Isabel Kaufman Gwyneth McDonald Sasha Bash Kate Betts Anya Delventhal Noah Stanton Dan Miller Mackenzie McDonald Dhruv Sheth Sarah Zahidi THURSDAY THURSDAY 4 December 18, 2014 Opinions Opinions December 18, 2014 5 Merrill’s Minute: We asked 128 Fantasy football frenzy students: Will we by Alex Merrill player from three different sites, gods are fickle and treacherous, only to stand pat with Stedman and yet somehow I can’t get My name is Alex and I have Bailey, a player who will remain enough of their deceits. witness a white a problem. I’m addicted to fantasy ignominiously on my bench for I love the torture of the football. Go ahead and laugh if the duration of the season anyway. internal debate on whether to you want; it’s kind of pathetic for It’s normal for me to compul- commit 12 FAAWB dollars to Christmas? a middle-aged man to frantically sively refresh my browser on the Brandon Oliver or 13 (only to see refresh his browser every five Yahoo Sports Fantasy Matchup him go bust altogether three weeks minutes to see if Yahoo Sports has page to discover if my chances of later), to change out a worth- posted the Week 15 rankings yet winning a match-up have improved less backup tight end, Mychal 68% – cursing them for being slackers from 39 percent to 40 percent. The Rivera, for a tragically horrible for not posting it as early as they playoffs for my league start soon, defense that I will likely never did last week – feeling genuinely so I’m currently engaged in a long use (God bless the Titans). I love psychologically lost without it. slow panic attack (if that exists). staying up way too late to make But the NFL is my religion, And yet fantasy football sure that the kicker that I’m going fantasy my denomination, and my is one long, slow panic attack – against only scores five points, faith is strong. I worship every benching Brandon Marshall with not eight (as if I could affect it). 32% week from the hours of 1 p.m. to one minute to spare, then watching If you have a cure for this 11 p.m. on Sundays, and I always in helpless agony as he catches disease, if you know how to get dress up for it. There are no excep- three touchdowns, providing me to stop sinking endless hours tions – even if you are married to points that would have allowed into articles on even the most me or I spawned you. Sorry, ladies. me to win the weekly match-up. obscure players like Dri Archer It’s a normal phenomenon Then fast-forwarding two and Henry Hynoski, please let for me to spend an hour debating months later, starting him, only me know. Because I’m pretty frantically in my head whether I to watch him get kneed in the sure this condition is permanent, Let it snow! I don’t think so should pick up Marquess Wilson back and driven off in an ambu- and I’m loving every minute of it. or Cecil Shorts III off of the lance with two fractured ribs and waivers, reading articles on each a punctured lung. The fantasy Mr. Merrill teaches English at KO Human rights: all lives matter by Sasha Bash ’17 capability to have sexual feelings. from unsanitary tools (including in some communities FGM is so neck and chest compression during This practice is embedded objects like dirty shards of glass common that it seems normal. physical restraint by police offi- The Universal Decla- within gender inequality, and razor blades), extreme Therefore, it can seem as if cers. A grand jury also decided not ration of Human Rights was modesty, aesthetics, attempts to blood loss, and high infec- there is no other option, making it to indict the police officer, resulting adopted shortly after World control women’s sexuality, and tion rates are just some of the very difficult for girls to challenge in continued public protests, War II, reflecting the hope to try ideas about purity. Furthermore, physical side effects of FGM. these deeply ingrained traditions. demonstrations, and rallies to to put an end to such horrors. FGM is normally carried out The pain a woman endures FGM is just one example of fight against police brutality. However, there are many and initiated by women because from this procedure is commonly a global event affecting women Although this is just a human rights violations, racial they fear social exclusion. known as the “three feminine and girls of all ages that we don’t small perspective into human hate crimes, effects of media Failing to have their sorrows.” This describes her hear about enough in Amer- rights violations that happen suppression, distorted stories, and daughters or granddaughters experience during the day of the ican media. However, making every day, there are many more biased behaviors that still occur undergo this procedure could surgery, the night of her wedding, people aware of this atrocity is locally and globally. Overall, it is today. These happen all around result in the strong possibility of and the day she bears children. the first step to ending FGM. important that people remember the globe, although some of these being ridiculed and ostracized. This has lasting physical and The United States has that the idea of human rights atrocities fail to make the headlines Between 100 and 140 psychological effects on woman. also been host to human rights is one of the most fundamental we see here in the United States. million women and girls have Woman accepting the duties violations recently. Michael elements of human co-existence. However, this lack of had this surgery throughout the of carrying out this practice on their Brown, an 18-year-old African- All lives matter, despite coverage in the United States world, and 92 million of these daughters and understanding the American man, was fatally shot their locations, appearances, or does not make the issue any less females live in Africa. Egypt, social necessity to undergo FGM by a Ferguson police officer. personalities, and we should do pertinent. One recent issue that Ethiopia, and Nigeria have the are just enabling this vicious cycle. After the grand jury’s everything in our power to try and is possibly overlooked is FGM, highest amount of woman and Unfortunately, the fear of decision to not indict the police fix these issues. Unfortunately, I or female genital mutilation. girls currently living with FGM. exclusion creates huge pressure on officer, debate and protests find this is normally not the case. FGM is a destructive opera- FGM is normally families and communities to have have erupted over law enforce- Regardless of race, ethnicity, tion in which the female genitals performed without anesthesia or the procedure done on their girls. ment’s relationship with African- religion, nationality, sexual orien- are partially or entirely removed, a real doctor, resulting in extreme This fear often outweighs the cost Americans and police brutality. tation, gender, or economic injured, or destroyed with the amounts of pain and disease. of the “three feminine sorrows,” Furthermore, Eric Garner status, we should all value intent of inhibiting a woman’s The transmission of HIV thus they are still operating. Sadly, died in Staten Island, N.Y., from and support every human life. Holiday fun vs. loads of homework by Grace Amell ’17 to get around this homework rule. but they know that everyone will Some teachers disregard the backseat. For a high school student, The first (and most common) end up doing it over vacation rule entirely. They claim that we holidays are a time of brief respite When teachers asked me is this: “I am giving you home- because it would be stupid not to. won’t cover everything we need to when I can relax and not worry what I was doing over Thanks- work, and if you are unable to Another way teachers get learn unless we read an extensive about a test or essay coming up. giving break, I gave a normal do it because of a religious or around the no homework rule is if amount over vacation. So why is But when I have hours answer. “I’m going to my grand- family commitment, that’s OK.” a class doesn’t meet the day before doing homework over vacation of homework that need to be mother’s house in upstate New The thing is, it’s not OK. If we get out for break, teachers will such a problem? We do just as completed, I cannot enjoy my York,” I replied. But that ques- I don’t complete my assignment, assign homework on Monday that much on a nightly basis, after all. time off from school. There- tion really annoyed me. What my teachers aren’t very happy is due on Tuesday, even though the For me the issue lies in the fore, teachers should not assign did I want to say? Homework. (no matter what they say), and I class doesn’t meet, and they’ll say fact that we are going on break homework over a holiday vaca- It’s frowned upon for am behind the rest of the class. that they will check it after vacation. because of a holiday. Holidays are tion. The rule was instituted for teachers to assign homework over Some teachers assign bigger proj- They say, “It’s due on supposed to be with family, friends, a reason and should be honored. a holiday vacation, but that doesn’t ects, like lab reports and essays, Tuesday,” while making quota- good food, and happy spirits. A So, teachers, when you stop them. Somehow, I always have over longer breaks due on the tion marks in the air. But with holiday break is just that – a break. asked me what I was doing over hours of homework during break. second day that we get back. all the tests, quizzes, and essays Therefore, it is a break from home- Thanksgiving vacation, I told you There is also a rule against Technically, they are not that are due on the two days work to celebrate with family, the truth. I solved math problems, assigning work over shorter reli- assigning homework over vaca- before Thanksgiving, I don’t But when students are completed a French packet, wrote gious holidays such as Rosh tion because there is a class have time to do homework that assigned hours of homework over a lab report, and read 80 pages Hashanah and Good Friday, yet period between the break and is really due after break. So when vacation, catching up with family of the English book. Oh, and teachers have found multiple ways the day the assignment is due, do I do it? During vacation. and sharing holiday cheer takes a obviously I ate some turkey too. THURSDAY THURSDAY 4 December 18, 2014 Opinions Opinions December 18, 2014 5 Decision making at KO: Is change necessary or is it unfair? by David Marottolo ’18 “Ah,” you may say, “but scheduling experts. For such by Celia Jarmoc ’17 have made it obvious that this deci- why weren’t the players and their matters, we rely on the faculty and sion will not rest easy, and at no As an everyday KO families involved in the decision administrative branches of KO, On October 27, 2014, point will we give up the battle to student, it has come to my from the start?” Well, perhaps and they do a perfectly fine job. some crushing news took me prevent the ice hockey program attention that there are many they were not involved because, Ultimately, the overarching by surprise: The decision was from dissolving into nothing. complaints being made about ultimately, it was not their deci- question is not, “Why aren’t we released that KO would termi- In my opinion, KO should be certain recent changes to KO life, sion to make. The administration given the opportunity to give nate the ice hockey program in honored that they have a group of including the new schedule and and Board of Trustees are respon- our input?” but “How are we the near future. This news was kids who are so dedicated to a sport the surprising decision to termi- sible for deciding what is best for giving our input?” Whether our disturbing not only to me and the and who want to represent their nate the ice hockey program. the entire KO community, and complaints are justified or not, rest of my teammates, but also to school by putting on a KO jersey. Overall, there seems to they should be trusted to act in a large part of the KO community. Doing our best to set aside be a sense of disappointment in our (the students’) best interests. Alumni also felt the same shock. our mourning over this decision, our school’s decision-making To be honest, it would be This change has One would only wonder the ice hockey teams are coming process, as epitomized in the rather difficult (nigh impossible) for why a decision of this magni- out with full force this season. The article “Decision process seri- current team members to make an its quirks, but it tude was communicated so players on these teams, especially ously flawed,” published in the unbiased decision about this topic. poorly to the student body. How this season, consistently show up November issue of the KO News. Now, let’s move on to the is by no means could this heart-wrenching deci- to practice and games ready to There seems to be wide- example of the new schedule. unmanagable sion be made without seeking give everything that they have. spread consensus behind this Sure, on the surface the change the opinions of past and present This season we will be opinion that students are underrep- may seem confusing or unneces- for individual KO hockey players and parents? skating as if nothing has changed. resented or left out entirely from sary, but don’t many new things? Destroying the ice hockey More than anything though, we important decisions. Yet, I think that Not having known the previous students. rink will affect not only hockey will be skating for each other and we as students are naturally biased schedule, I personally find the players, but also the whole toward this perspective and should current system to be very efficient. the way these topics have been community. Ice hockey is a tradi- A large part of the consider the facts more carefully. Certainly this change has its quirks, discussed shows a lack of respect tion that brings the Wyvern Nation Let’s start with the conten- but it is by no means unman- for the choices and the concerns of together as one. From Hockey KO community . . . tious decision to eliminate the ice ageable for individual students. the KO administration and Board. Night to alumni free skates, rink hockey program and, eventually, Once again, the core of the While I may disagree with events will be widely missed. felt the same shock. the rink itself. While this may issue is in the making of the deci- opinions of the article mentioned Ice hockey is a unique part of seem upsetting to us now, espe- sion. I know that students feel that in the first paragraph, I am glad KO and gives the school an advan- this sport that means so much to cially to those who are a part of the schedule doesn’t serve their that the author chose to vocalize tage over local independent day all of us. Through this tough time, the current teams, it is also true interests and that it could have his feelings publicly through schools. A factor that influenced the Kingwood Oxford ice hockey that a new field house will be far been better designed if they had the KO News. This is an excel- my (and many other students’) community has come together as more beneficial to the entire KO been allowed to give more input. lent way to share opinions on decision about coming to KO, is one big family, fighting to carry community (as opposed to a single Well, firstly, there have these subjects, not to mention that we could play the sport that on the tradition of ice hockey. faction of the athletic program). been numerous opportunities that it’s far more respectful (and we love while living at home. Regardless of any deci- As to the timing of the to comment on various aspects effective) than the constant Doing away with the ice sions to be made in the future, decision, it is regrettable that of the schedule throughout the complaints of “It’s not fair.” hockey program will in turn take nobody can take away the laughs the news was leaked before year, from surveys to questions Don’t kid yourselves: at a huge toll on enrollment. To say in the locker room, the family- an official announcement was for the SGA to individual feed- KO, there are plenty of opportu- the least, the KO administrators like bond between teammates, made. However, is that really back from students and teachers. nities to make your voices heard. underestimated how the commu- and the life-long lessons learned the fault of the KO administra- Secondly, I would say that nity would react to this decision. from being a part of a competi- tion and Board of Trustees? none of us (myself included) are Parents, students and alumni tive high school athletic team. Tell ‘em why you mad Math Corner Santa’s elves have been given the task of testing ‘Because of January first.’ – Jen Shook out the sleigh and preparing the reindeer for their big journey across the world. Ko-Ko is going to join them this year and spread some holiday cheer. Because Ko-Ko wants to help out, the traditional ‘I missed John Obi Mikel scoring on command.’ – Joe Ravalese reindeer line-up needs to change. There are nine of- ficial reindeer on the team: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Ru- ‘I got charlie horsed in my game.’ – Isabel Kaufman dolph. Your task is to figure out how many different ways the reindeer, plus Ko-Ko, could line up in a single-file formation.

‘Trees.’ – Dan Miller Look for the answer in the next KO News!

Cartoon by Anya Delventhal ’15 THURSDAY THURSDAY 6 December 18, 2014 News News December 18, 2014 7 Fast-paced culture consumes us by Reilly Callahan ’15 Now, in 2015, seven years only played music? – so “Amer- their cell phones. Not that surpris- of the characters mentions that he later, I doubt any “American ican Idol” isn’t the only one. ingly, making or receiving phone is more comfortable messaging his Flashback to elementary Idol” voter has any trouble As a member of the AP calls doesn’t even make the list. friend than talking to her in person. school: me sitting crisscross- calling in, finale or not. So what Senior Seminar class, I had the Text messaging comes in at These characters were set applesauce in front of the TV set on happened? Maybe people stopped privilege to dine with author number one, followed by activities in the future, where technology Tuesday nights, anxiously waiting watching when judges Simon Jennifer Egan. During the meal, such as accessing internet, checking has even a firmer grip on our to know which David would take Cowell and Paula Abdul quit. we began discussing technology email, downloading apps, getting lives. But the sad part is that I’ve the title on “American Idol.” Maybe all my friends and its impact on our lives. directions, listening to music, even felt that way before with My elementary school just grew out of it. Maybe Some of the seniors in the video calling, and “checking in,” certain people – having perfectly was split into two fandoms, one the show just wasn’t fresh class mentioned that they can’t meaning sharing your location normal conversations over text following winner David Cook or new enough anymore. even work in the same room as (mostly through social media). and Snapchat yet painfully and another praying for runner- Don’t get me wrong; if you their phone – in order to focus, People are so attached to awkward interactions at school. up David Archuleta. In prepara- still sit down on Tuesdays to watch their phone must be turned off and their phones that one-third of Maybe I’m the only one tion for the season seven finale, this singing competition, props in another section of their house. cell phone internet users prefer to who misses sitting in front of girls made T-shirts with David to you. I’m just curious when Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter go online on their phones over a the television watching the Cook’s face ironed onto the front. and why the masses lost interest. ...It’s almost hard to imagine our desktop or laptop, and almost 70 entire hour of “American Idol.” That night, as I sat down Maybe the right answer is lives without our smart phones percent of people find themselves Maybe I’m the only one who to watch the finale, I already that the songs you like are only a full of social media and virtually checking their phones for messages isn’t thrilled by our fast-paced, knew who I was voting for – their click (and $1.29) away. You don’t devoid of both missed and received and calls even without a ring or social media-fueled society. performances in the past hour have to wait up to 50 minutes to calls (I don’t know about everyone vibration. It’s muscle memory. All I know is that I am going were irrelevant to me. Unfortu- hear the one thing you tuned in for. else, but easily 90 parents of my Sure, technology is unbe- to try to limit myself, because, to nately, when I dialed on my house But there are other trends recent calls are from my parents). lievably convenient, but what be honest, I’m not even sure if I phone (I had yet to convince my becoming more and more In May of 2013, Pew happened to face-to-face conversa- can go 24 hours without looking parents to give me a cell phone) obsolete as the years go by – Research Center conducted a survey tion? In one of Ms. Egan’s works, at my phone. And, personally, to vote, the line was blocked. remember AIM and iPods that asking Americans how they use “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” one I’m a bit ashamed to admit it. Providing support, laughter, tea – and a safe place for everyone Safe travels, Hoj; we will miss you by Lina Volin ’15 classes: by sitting with her Adams, president of the GSA. “I Lydia Bailey, remembers last by their arguments. She trans- students, she makes each class think it’s really important there’s year’s junior AP English class formed her office into a safe space I was a nervous wreck: a community, encouraging a place like that on campus.” throwing Hoj a surprise party for students to talk through what- a freshman about to enter her conversation rather than lectures. In addition to this extracur- during a free period after realizing ever is bothering them at the time. first class on her first day at a She intersperses the ricular involvement, Hoj takes Hoj’s birthday was over break. Cole reiterated her will- new school. It was Period One classic, analytical essays with an active interest in her students’ “We were all really close ingness to talk to students at any English (back when periods were creative projects (including the time at KO, extending beyond the with Hoj, and we wanted to time. “When I first came back numbered, as opposed to lettered) famous “Catcher in the Rye” year she teaches them directly. celebrate it,” Lydia shared. “It to Connecticut, she was always and taught by English teacher posters lining her classroom’s Since freshman year, I wasn’t just about her birthday. It checking in with me, making sure Heidi Hojnicki, known to most walls) and a massive research have trailed into her classroom was about her being awesome.” I was all right,” he said. “I just of her students as Hoj. I couldn’t paper, which, in retrospect, at various points, either seeking It is clear that Hoj is one really appreciated it. It’s some- have chosen a more perfect class was very good for me, though a quiet place to work or someone of those teachers a student can thing I’ll always remember.” to embark on my time at KO. it didn’t feel like it at the time. to talk to. Hoj always delivers. feel completely comfortable It is clear her move to India My first surprise upon But what makes Hoj I can’t count the number talking to, pairing serious topics over break will be felt across entering her classroom was the stand out in a community full of of times I found Hoj’s door open with a quirky sense of humor campus. SGA and GSA will be large Harkness table dominating terrific teachers is her presence and commenced an hour-long (and an infectious laugh to boot). without one of their leaders; the room: where were the rows outside of the classroom. She conversation (complete with tea, She intertwines her lessons students will lose a fantastic of orderly desks? Where was has advised a number of clubs thanks to her office tea kettle and of centuries-old literature with English teacher capable of revolu- the teacher’s desk? I took my during her time at KO, including well-stocked box of tea), just current issues (a particular tionizing both how they approach assigned seat (happily, assigned the Gender and Sexuality Alli- catching up and receiving advice episode comes to mind, in which literature and how they write. seats phased out after freshman ance (GSA) and the Student I often didn’t realize I needed. Stephen Colbert made an appear- I will miss her fabulous year) and received my second Government Association (SGA). My experience is not ance in a “Huck Finn” discus- tea collection, her open office surprise of the day. My teacher “She led courageous discus- singular; in fact, it is echoed by sion). She has put up with years door, her collection of borrow- sat just two seats away…at sions and provided a safe place for many of her former students and of students insisting she read the able books…and, most of all, the the table…with her students. kids to come and be honest and advisees. One former student Harry Potter series and (to my conversations that made my days This setting defines Hoj’s be themselves,” said senior Cole and current advisee, senior knowledge) has yet to be swayed at KO that much more meaningful. Trio Russian Circles melts faces by Greg Scranton So if I may, I would argue Brodsky vehicle, Mutoid Man. on the floor behind each performer, ridiculous (2003) hi-hat patterns. that there should be a system in I wore an ear-to-ear smile creating an almost Fritz Lange-like The sonic barrage was relentless, Since the turn of the century, place to allow bloggers to use for the entire set as I watched atmosphere for the performance. continuing with “1777,” “Station,” the generally accepted phrase- this term once a year, perhaps rows of rabid fans in the front row Cast in deep German “Geneva,” and “Mlàdek.” They ology of live music reviews has employing a punch card system bang their heads, pairs of index Expressionistic shadows the trio closed their set with the anthemic seen quite an evolution. The most akin to collecting stamps or fingers and pinkies thrust into the ripped (2001) through tracks fan favorite “Death Rides a Horse.” notable instance, of course, was the hole punches to receive a free air, and, of course, the insanely from all five of their albums. As an artist and art teacher, decision to drop the once ubiqui- coffee or hoagie, only in reverse. talented trio as they shredded They opened with “Deficit” I tend to value content over tous term “face melter”(2004) After seeing band Russian through a set that essentially from their latest release, “Memo- form more often than not, but and its variations from the list Circles this past Thursday night, covered all of their debut album rial,” and followed with “Carpe,” this show reminded me just how of go-to phrases to describe the consider my 2014 hole punched. “Helium Head” along with covers off of their debut album “Enter,” amazing it is to watch a master raw musical fury of a given band. Russian Circles, for of Black Sabbath’s “Falling Off the and then landing somewhere technician at his or her craft. Urban Dictionary defines the uninitiated, is an instru- Edge of the World,” and, I’m not in between with “309” from Each member was in the term as “a heavy metal solo mental post-metal trio from making this up, The Marvelettes’ “Empros,” released in 2011. full control of the sound; each that is so awesome and powerful, Chicago featuring Mike Sullivan “Don’t Let Me Be Misunder- As soon as the crowd was contributing to the sonic it causes one’s face to melt.” (guitar), Dave Turncrantz stood.” If I am to borrow another heard the opening tom rolls and fabric cast over the crowd like While I acknowledge (drums), and Brian Cook (bass). passé term, it was epic (2008)! rim shots of their fourth track of a blanket. In short, Russian that this term had indeed run They kicked off the Needless to say the the night, they responded with Circles killed it (2006). its course and needed to go, I most recent leg of their tour crowd was more than amped wild applause and howling. do occasionally lament its loss at The Ballroom at The Outer (2003) and ready for Russian Among their most iconic from the relatively shallow bag Space in Hamden, Conn., with Circles to take the spotlight. tracks, Harper Lewis showcased of idioms we have to draw from, support from the ever-enter- However, there was no spot- Sullivan’s artful finger tapping Mr. Scranton is a creative arts particularly in this instance. taining ex-Cave In Stephen light, just a pair of work lights set technique and Turncrantz’s teacher at KO. THURSDAY THURSDAY 6 December 18, 2014 News News December 18, 2014 7 Students learn computer language during last week’s ‘Hour of Code’

by Charlie Bonetti ’17 we wanted to do it on a school wide students. “It wasn’t gender neutral, basis,” said Ms. Sciglimpaglia. and the games targeted the inter- Scores of KO Upper School Head of School Dennis ests of 8-year-old boys,” she said. students participated in an online Bisgaard also took part in Junior Lexi DeLucia said she introduction to programming in an the Hour of Code. “I found it wasn’t that excited to code because event called “The Hour of Code” really fascinating and I found there weren’t enough programs that during PLB on Friday, Dec. 12. it very, very cool,” he said. she was interested in. “I didn’t like The students used a website During PLB, coding sites how there wasn’t a wide variety of called code.org to experience were set up in various sites different things to code,” she said, programing through designing around campus such as rooms in Even though KO students enjoyable computer games. Roberts Theater, Chase-Tallwood gave the Hour of Code mixed “It’s about exposing students Math and Technology Center, and reviews, it still provided students to coding, in showing that it’s not Tomasso. At these sites, teachers with exposure to a new aspect of some scary impossible thing,” assisted in helping students under- technology that they’ve never expe- said Creative Arts teacher Greg stand programming on code.org if rienced before, said Mr. Scranton. Scranton. “This event was used to Math teacher Will Gilyard helps students in Tomasso Hall use the website they couldn’t grasp the concept. He also said that he is hoping some demystify KO students’ perception code.org to program games during PLB. Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. Even though the Hour of students may pursue programming on the difficulty of programming.” students’ intellectual abilities to Junior Nick Giamalis Code was a great introduction to as a career in the future because Students programmed games help transition them to learning also said he enjoyed learning programming, some experienced computer science majors are in such as Angry Birds and Plants vs. about coding, said Ms. Sciglim- how to program. “It was a KO programmers thought code. high demand on the job market. Zombies, that were aimed to teach paglia. “It’s thinking, it’s problem really exciting and fasci- org was very basic and not repre- KO was not the only the basics of coding in an amusing solving, it’s trial and error. At nating experience,” he said. sentative of actual coding. “It school to participate in this event. way. “It’s a fun, easy way to get first it is simple, but gets progres- This was not the first time was rather simplistic for people Throughout the second week of students introduced to the basics of sively harder and harder,” she said. KO participated in this event on the with people who’ve experienced December schools from all over computer science,” said Academic Freshman David Maratollo education of computer program- coding before,” David said. took part in learning about coding Dean of Science, Math and Tech- said he thought code.org did a great ming. “Mr. Scranton’s class and Freshman Apara Kashyap from code.org, said Ms. Sciglim- nology Ann Sciglimpaglia. job teaching him how to code. “It’s a few teachers participated in an said she thought that code.org didn’t paglia. “It’s so cool to participate The programming games a good introduction for people who intro to coding last year. It was do a good job teaching program- in something that’s happening on code.org also helped use have never coded before,” he said. such a success with his class that ming, specifically, to high school around the world,” she said. Girls tennis star Melissa Blast from the past: Freshmen Lord signs with Stanford by Sophia Harrison ’15 interested in Brown, where her study ancient Greek culture sister Dayna plays, and North- by Neil Hemnani ’18 epic written by the poet Homer. all live in a dramatic world.” On Friday, Nov. 14, western. “I wanted to take my Next, they learned about the In Ms. Dean’s class, students senior Melissa Lord signed her own path,” she said, “because in All freshmen participated economy and history of Athens, learned about philosophy. This commitment to Stanford Univer- high school I was always referred in “Greek Week” during the week an ancient Greek city-state. covered mythology and, of sity’s womens tennis team. Last to as ‘Dayna’s little sister’.” of Nov. 17, going to three classes Finally, students assumed course, Greek philosophers. summer, Melissa reached out to Initially, both Melissa’s with new teachers and other the roles of ancient Greek citizens Freshman Jake Kulak said the Stanford tennis coach, who coach and father wanted her to stay students. This is the seventh year at an agora to view Greek life he enjoyed learning about Greek showed a significant amount of close to home, but she said that that the History department has from their perspective. An agora, philosophy. “I think it was inter- interest back. “We emailed back she did not have a preference. “I’d organized and operated this inter- esting that there were so many and forth quite a bit,” she said. come home for Christmas break disciplinary project for freshmen people,” he said, “and they all This past March, Melissa at any college, and would miss Freshmen, who take “Western society had these different ways to live Empires and Republics as their life and achieve happiness.” history course, could choose from traces its roots Mrs. Watson and Mr. Baker one of four electives: “Alexander back to Greece” said that they have been thinking the Great: The Man, The Myth, of solutions to the problem that The Legend,” taught by history - Mr. Baker not all of the students got to be teacher David Baker; “Wheeling in their first choice of a class. and Dealing,” taught by history Some even got their third choice. teacher Stacey Savin; “Greek the center of a Greek city-state, is Mrs. Watson said they Theater,” taught by history also the marketplace for the Greek. will try to have more courses teacher Tricia Watson; and “Greek To emulate the agora students in the future. “It would need Philosophy,” taught by classical pretended to trade commodities to have another teacher,” she languages teacher Jenny Dean. such as olives, fish and goats. said. Mrs. Watson said another In Mr. Baker’s class, students Ms. Savin said it was member of the history depart- Melissa with her family as she signs her commitment to Stanford in the focused on aspects of Alexander important to learn about “The ment could teach a course or Nicholson Conference Room. Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. the Great, the king of the ancient Iliad.” “That’s their (Ancient they could bring someone in. went for an unofficial visit spring break because that’s tennis Greek kingdom Macedonia. . Greeks’) Greek Bible,” she said. Mr. Baker said it was to the campus and said that season,” said Melissa. “They Mr. Baker said that it was “It was their shared touchstone.” tough to place students she fell in love. “I loved the were pushing towards the Ivy important to learn about Alex- Mrs. Watson’s class because of the new schedule. campus and really bonded with League, but eventually they were ander, and ancient Greece in studied theater in Greece. First, Another problem students a girl on the team,” she said. very excited about my decision.” general. “[Alexander the Great] they learned about “Antigone,” mentioned is that Greek Week Melissa said that the whole On the day of her accep- did something remarkable at a play written by Sophocles. was too short. Humza said process is a waiting game. “I had tance, Melissa received a phone a very young age,” he said. Mrs. Watson said they he would like the event to be to wait until junior year was over call from the head coach, which she “Western society traces its roots really got into the story. “We two weeks or even a month. for grades and standardized test unfortunately missed. “I listened back to Greece, and he spread watched a modern clip of ‘Anti- But Ms. Savin said that scores,” she said. She expressed to the voicemail she left saying the culture; he spread that life.” gone,’” she said. “We also read devoting a longer period to Greek gratitude to her college advisor ‘I have good news for you’,” said Freshman Humza Zaidi, the first couple of chapters.” Week would disrupt the flow of Amy Swords and to English teacher Melissa. “I immediately called who was in Mr. Baker’s class The class also made Greek her Empires and Republics course. Meg Kasprak. “I couldn’t have back and she told me I was in.” for the week, said he enjoyed masks, which involved the students’ “I wouldn’t want my students done it without them,” she said. Melissa will be heading it. “I liked the content,” he using wet material and working as away for two weeks,” she said. But her biggest thanks went to Stanford at the end of June said, “and I liked the change.” partners to mold the material to The teachers all agreed to her coach outside of school, Phil 2015 to start some classes. In Ms. Savin’s class, their faces. Later on, they had the that Greek Week was once again Gordon. “He’s the reason I got to Melissa is excited to start and “Wheeling and Dealing,” students opportunity to paint the masks. a big success despite the chal- this level. I’ve worked with him says that she isn’t nervous. accomplished a lot in their Mrs. Watson said it’s lenges of the schedule change. since I was five,” said Melissa. “I know the two other three days of class that week. important to learn about “It was out of the norm,” Mrs. If Stanford hadn’t worked recruits in my year going,” she In this class, students learned Greek theater. “It connects to Watson said. “We had so much fun out, Melissa was also really said, “so it’s not as nerve-racking.” about “The Iliad” a famous Greek modern times,” she said. “We and we learned so many skills!” THURSDAY THURSDAY 8 December 18, 2014 News Arts December 18, 2014 9 Egan illuminates writing process

Continued from page 1 write the things I can’t think of.” tions behind Ms. Egan’s novels. Once she handwrites a first “It was cool to experience how secret lives on the Internet, sparked draft, Ms. Egan says that all her she came up with her ideas,” he the idea for what would become books go through an intense editing said. “I really liked her story about “The Keep.” Compelled by the process, involving outlines, reading getting robbed in New York.” idea that these teenagers were aloud to her writing group, and as Other students were more living online lives that felt more many as 70 different revisions. conflicted in their praise. Senior “real” than their actual lives, Ms. While Ms. Egan’s personal Julia McGowan said that while Egan decided to juxtapose this experiences often inform her she found Ms. Egan’s presenta- modern transcendence of reality writing, she says she never tion entertaining, she wished that with the medieval gothic genre. writes autobiographically, mainly she went into more detail about Although her inspira- because she finds it to be “boring.” certain aspects of her books. tions range from incidences of “The fun of writing is related to “I thought it was very inter- identity theft to trips to Belgian the fun of reading,” she said. “It’s esting to learn about who she was, castles, Ms. Egan said she always having a secret life that doesn’t but it was very simplistic,” Julia begins writing her stories the have to do [with my real life].” said. “I really liked ‘The Keep’ same way – by anchoring them Ms. Egan also said she Jennifer Egan signs books for students. Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. and I wanted her to get into the in a specific time and place. hasn’t always wanted to be an themes of it, like being trapped.” After determining a setting, author. As a child, she wanted to and made me happiest,” she said. City” collection, which she said Students in the AP Senior Ms. Egan writes her fiction by hand be a doctor, then an archaeolo- After graduating from the was drawn from a story she had Seminar class enjoyed Ms. Egan’s on a legal pad, a quirk she says is gist. It wasn’t until she spent a gap University of Pennsylvania, Ms. heard from a friend about a boy visit as the culmination of a semes- associated less with an aversion to year traveling through Europe that Egan moved to New York City to who had accidently hit his mother ter’s worth of studies. modern technology and more with she decided to become a writer. begin her writing career and ended while driving a car. She said that “She was so well-prepared a belief that, due to her nearly illeg- During this gap year, Ms. up taking a writing class while she wondered about how that boy for what we were asking her to ible handwriting, writing by hand Egan said she began experi- working as a personal secretary had felt and how he had dealt with do during her time here and she helps her tap into her unconscious. encing panic attacks and wrote for the Countess of Romanones, a the experience after the incident. really knew her audiences,” said “I don’t want to write the in a journal to cope with them. job she credits for giving her the In addition to the Upper and AP Senior Seminar teacher Ron things I think of,” Ms. Egan told “Writing was the thing that ordered time to write. It was in one of these Middle School assemblies, Ms. Monroe. “Both the content and the Upper School. “I want to the world for me, anchored me, writing classes that Ms. Egan read Egan also partook in other tradi- tone of her delivery were perfect.” aloud one of her first successful tional Baird English Symposium Senior Claire Halloran short stories: “One Piece.” activities, including a dinner and said the class’s dinner with Ms. She closed by advising master class with the AP Senior Egan was the highlight of her December Playlist students not to give up on their Seminar class that had spent a Senior Seminar experience. “It writing, to revise and edit their semester reading her works and a by Claire Halloran ’15 , Max Bash ’15, and Jen Shook ’15 was crazy actually getting the work. As a writer, she said she well-attended question-and-answer opportunity to have dinner with needs to give herself “permission session with KO students and this author, who you’ve been Something Old to write badly.” She concluded faculty during period E. Students learning about for half a year, with her writing credo: “Write and faculty members had the oppor- studying her works,” said Claire. often, write badly, fix it.” tunity to get their books signed Moonage Daydream – David Bowie Ms. Egan said she enjoyed At the Middle School by Ms. Egan after this session. the experience of being KO’s Allison – Elvis Costello assembly, Ms. Egan focused on Ms. Egan’s visit was well- Symposium author. “It’s unique. many of the same topics. She told received both students and faculty. Dancing In The Street – David Bowie & Mick Jagger I’ve never felt a student body, the Middle School students about Sophomore Noah Hawks-Ladd especially this age, extending The Town Called Malice – The Jam the inspiration for her short story, said that he was interested to to this young, really engaged “One Piece,” from her “Emerald hear about about the inspira- with my work,” she said. Something New Runaway – Galantis Model UN plans for The Wolf (Original Mix) – Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike and Ummet Ozcan Urban Assault – Elektrify 3 upcoming events Stay Awake – Heartfelt by Mark Sheehan ’15 UN Human Rights Council, and traveling through Spain’s autono- regional bodies, such as the Euro- mous community, Andalucia. Something Borrowed KO’s Model UN (MUN) will pean Union and the Arab League. KO will be the only American send students to three events this Most KO students have school represented in Madrid. Fuel To Fire (Byrth Remix) – Agnes Obel year, one at Yale University, one been assigned Russia or Sweden, Junior Benjamin Waldman, in Madrid, Spain, and one hosted but some will represent Indo- who will be participating in Spain Bad Boys (Major Lazer X Gianni Marino Bootleg) – by KO for the Middle School. nesia, Zimbabwe, and Pales- as a member of the Supreme Court Major Lazer X Gianni Marino MUN is a world-wide tine. History teacher and MUN committee, also went to a MUN Bad Girls (Bobby Puma Trap Remix) – M.I.A. program started by the United Faculty Advisor Stacey Savin conference in Budapest, Hungary Nations. Each participating student said she was pleased by the last year, which he described as Take Me back (CRNKN Remix) – LO’99 & Marshall F assumes the role of a diplomat country assignments, particularly an “eye-opening experience.” from an assigned country and with Russia. “It’s very powerful KO also hosts the only participates on a mock version of a and much in the news,” she said. MUN conference for middle Something Blue real UN committee. Specific topics The Yale conference is schoolers in Connecticut. This are addressed within these commit- attended by over 1,500 students year, the conference will be held tees that parallel those of the UN, from over 40 different countries. on Sunday, March 22 and will be Last Goodbye – Jeff Buckley such as humanitarian intervention, In the past, KO has frequently attended by 17 schools and over Satellite of Love – Lou Reed nuclear warfare, and economics. won awards at this conference. 200 students from all over the state. Students research their Senior Denizhan Kara, Ms. Savin said she is New Slang – The Shins country’s views on their assigned who will attend Yale as a Pales- looking for volunteers to help Gold Dust Woman – Fleetwood Mac committee prior to conferences, and tinian representative in the run the conference, an activity during the conferences, they use Arab League, said his interest in which counts as community the rules of parliamentary debate speech, debate, and political affairs service. Those interested in All songs can be found on Soundcloud to negotiate and draft resolutions. led him to participate in MUN. volunteering should contact her. Each year, KO participates Additionally, KO will send Ms. Savin said that MUN and/or Spotify at a MUN conference at Yale, 17 students along with Ms. Savin “complements our curriculum which this year will be held from and Assistant Head of School here, which focuses on inter- https://soundcloud.com/ko-news/sets/ Thursday, Jan. 22, to Saturday, for Student Life Carolyn McKee national issues.” She said that Jan. 24. KO’s 43 participating to Madrid, Spain, to attend she believes it gives students a december-mix students have been assigned to 25 Harvard Model Congress Europe. chance to employ their knowl- separate committees, including In addition to participating edge outside of the classroom, general assemblies, such as the in MUN activities during this adding wryly, “The real UN should World Health Organization and the trip, students will spend four days be as successful as Model UN!” THURSDAY THURSDAY 8 December 18, 2014 News Arts December 18, 2014 9 Candlelight concert ignites night by Tara Kilkenny ’17 this year,” said Mr. Baker. “It grader Julia Deitelbaum on harp, the concert with two songs Concerts, but this year, elec- was a big, full sound, and and Mr. Baker as a vocalist. from the movie “Frozen.” tric candles replaced real ones. Musical sounds filled it was really great to hear.” “The three accompanying “We ended the first concert “Fake candles were Alumni Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7, Each concert consisted soloists made it more enjoy- really well with our pieces from used for the first time because as select choir groups and orches- of a busy program that featured able for the orchestra,” said ‘Frozen,’” said sophomore Ryan of the fire code and safety in tras performed at KO’s annual numerous musical groups. The Orchestra Director Richard Albanesi, a member of Outlook, Alumni Hall,” said Mr. Baker. Candlelight Concerts. This year’s combined choir groups were Chiarappa. “The orchestra knew “and we stayed concentrated during In previous years, a candle- concerts were distinguished by a followed by the Middle School the pieces well, and I was very the second concert, so we were able lighting ceremony has some- new introductory performance, as String Orchestra, which played happy with their performance.” to focus and get the job done well.” times been a part of the evening. well as a new source of illumina- two songs, then the Upper School After the orchestra Besides the addition of an Nevertheless, the candles tion, slightly changing the usual String Orchestra, which performed played, the faculty choir sang, opening song featuring both choral were an essential part of the tone and setting of the concerts. six pieces. Three of the Upper then the individual choir groups, another major change was setting and event. “Although The evening’s events School’s pieces included solo- groups performed separately. instituted this year. In the past, battery-operated candles were included two concerts, with the ists, including senior Lindsey Voce sang three songs, and real candles have lit Alumni Hall used, setting up candles on the first performance at 4:30 p.m. Paszczuk on oboe, eighth- Outlook sang five, concluding on the night of the Candlelight window sills gave the whole thing and the second at 6:30 p.m. Both such a nice holiday feel,” said shows drew strong turnouts. “The Technical Director Mark Kravetz. concerts were packed with a ton of Mr. Kravetz records the people,” said Choral Director David concerts on video every year, so Baker, “especially the first concert, he was present for both shows. which was standing room only.” “Alumni Hall is the perfect venue The evening began with for strings, as it has an echoey hall the combined select choirs, Voce effect,” said Mr. Kravetz. “The Novissima and Outlook, as they balances of sound and different sang an opening song together. The harmonies were all really great.” song, “A Ceremony of Carols,” Overall, the well-attended featured a procession of the choir Candlelight Concerts were a hit members, which provided a once again this year. “I enjoy the strong introduction to the evening. Sunday concerts,” said Mr. Baker. “We combined Voce “They’re really great, and it’s a and Outlook for the first time Outlook sings in harmony at heart-warming Candlelight concert. Photo by Claire Halloran ‘15. nice way to end the weekend.” OMG: ‘Legally Blonde’ hits KO stage by Hannah Bash ’18 Woods, a seemingly superficial and Taylor-Windham. As the musical I have one solo song,” said Ricky. this musical because it is a very materialistic California girl who is progresses, Emmett’s character Freshman Gabby Ruban, colorful romantic comedy with KO students will present desperately trying to be accepted helps Elle greatly, said Mr. Feder. who is playing a sorority girl, catchy songs that are familiar to three performances of the into Harvard Law School so she Sydney will play Paulette, a said that she appreciates how everyone in the audience,” he said. musical comedy “Legally can win back her ex-boyfriend, divorced manicurist at a local salon, well the cast was chosen. The actors rehearse every Blonde” on Friday, Feb. 27, Warner Huntington III, after who very quickly becomes friends “I think the casting was day after school for three months. Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, he broke up with her at UCLA. with Elle. Throughout the musical done very well and everyone is Even though this is a lot of time, March 1, in Roberts Theater. Along the way Elle learns they frequently help each other out. able to play their part really well, most all students said that the All KO students will attend that she has her own girl power, Ricky will play the role of even though it doesn’t match rehearsals are extremely fun and the Feb. 27 performance, while and that she is strong and smart, so Warner Huntington III, the boy their real personality,” she said. aren’t too much of a high demand. the latter two performances will she doesn’t need a man in her life. who broke up with Elle before Grace also agreed with “There is always such great be open to the general public. “Elle is so fun to play since he went to Harvard Law School Gabby and said that this musical energy during rehearsals because The cast comprises 33 she has such a cheerful person- because he thought she wasn’t drew a big turnout of auditioners. the cast is so excited about students (11 boys and 22 girls). ality!” Grace said. “She also serious enough for him. While at “We've only had a few this musical,” Mr. Feder said. Director of the musical and math really cares about people, which I Harvard Law School, he proposes rehearsals so far, but I already Ricky said that rehearsals teacher Joshua Feder said he love about her. Although she may to another student there, Vivian love it, and I think the cast is are never really stressful. “We thinks they all have great poten- seem airy at first, she has a lot Kensington, played by Carolyn. working really well together,” have fun rehearsals that are low tial on stage. The leads are seniors of knowledge and spunk in her.” At first Vivian despises Elle, but Grace said. “I'm really key,” he said. “Also, everyone Grace Gentile, Casey Barter, and Casey will be playing as the musical progresses they excited that a lot of people are wants to be there and for it to Sydney Legagneur, junior Ricky Emmett Richmond, an associate both begin to grow on each other. doing it this year,” she said. be a success, so that brings a Ferris, and sophomores Carolyn attorney of Professor Callahan, “I’m very happy with my Mr. Feder said he chose this good attitude to the rehearsals.” Mckusker and Connor O’Loughlin being played by Connor. Both are part and kind of nervous to perform particular musical because of how Carolyn said actors can skip Grace will be playing Elle on the legal team defending Brooke because this is my first musical and, familiar it is to all students. “I chose some rehearsals because not every scene is practiced each day. “Most days we are working on specific ‘Mockingjay: Part 1’ merely OK scenes or songs, so there are days when we get a break,” she said. by Emily Lowit ’15 as the mockingjay, the face of the been a smart financial deci- able whether it would have been In the auditions Mr. rebellion, she will be helping Peeta. sion for the movie company, better to just put the entire story Feder said everyone had to Over the last few years, “The Katniss ends up filming T.V. audiences are not digging it. together into one film (instead come prepared with a few short Hunger Games” series has taken commercials that the rebels push Unlike the first two films, of making us wait another year passages from songs to sing and the movie industry by storm. The through so that all the people of which are action-packed and just to see how everything ends). a short scene from the musical. newest installation to the series, Panem are able to see them (which keep you on the edge of your Although the film was still a When people were called “Mockingjay Part 1,” has already is actually the funniest part of the seat, “Mockingjay Part 1” drags. little slow, it still was very enjoy- back, they would preform earned close to $265 million since film because Jennifer Lawrence During the entire movie, audi- able. All of our favorite characters specific scenes from the musical. its release in late November. has to act as someone who is ences are waiting for something return, (including, of course, Prim Rebecca Urrutia, the director Basically following the bad at acting . . .funny, right?) extremely exciting to happen, and her cat). But if you are in need of Voce Novissima, Oxfordians, second movie, “Mockingjay” is Although the series has but it never really comes. of a Katniss-Peeta love fix, you and concert choir, helped with about Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer experienced overwhelming overall And, right when there is won't get it here. If you are a fan of the auditions and will continue as Lawrence) being mad at the success, “Mockingjay” has earned finally some really good keep- Gale (played by Liam Hemsworth) the music director in rehearsals. world for rescuing her and not mixed reactions from audiences. you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat and Katniss, this is the film for you. Mr. Feder said that she will Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson). Senior Reilly Callahan said action, THE MOVIE ENDS. So, overall, although teach the music, rehearse it, and put But since Katniss originally she feels ambivalent about the film. Although I would not clas- I would say that this film is together the band for the musical. started the rebellion in the first “I think it wasn’t as action packed as sify the film as anticlimactic, it worth seeing, it is pretty much Most students, actors, and film when her and Peeta refused the first two,” she said, “but if they sometimes feels as if the movie is a set up for the second film. faculty members have said that to die, the rebels need her help. were in the arena a third time, all unnecessarily long. Since they did If you are at all a “Hunger they are looking forward to the It takes about half of the the movies would feel repetitive.” split “Mockingjay” into two films, Games” fan, have seen the first musical with great anticipation. film for President Coin (Juli- The book “Mockingjay” it can almost be said that the only two movies, and want to see the “I’m excited for the produc- anne Moore), the rebel leader, to has been split up into two purpose of the first film is to set up second part, make sure that you tion, and I think it will turn convince Katniss that if she acts films. Although this may have the second film. And it is question- watch “Mockingjay Part 1” first! out really well,” Carolyn said. THURSDAY THURSDAY 10 December 18, 2014 Arts Features December 18, 2014 11 Band concert highlights whole school by Emily Lowit ’15 hire musicians to come to their music because that is really hard.” stuff that we are doing tends to be wind ensemble, I took some of my chambers to play for them so This year’s concert band heavy and fast,” said Mr. Millen. best players and pulled them out On Thursday, Dec. that would be chamber music.” has been playing a mix of music. “The number of drummers we of band. But [senior] Jess Joyce 11, the Upper School Band, The band has adapted this “It’s a nice variety of styles,"”said have this year necessitated things has taken over the flute section, Wind Ensemble, and Middle year to accommodate the more Mr. Millen. “It has been nice to be heavy and fast since, out [senior] Dan Miller has really School Band performed in advanced musicians. “Most of because band is now a full-credit of the 36 Middle School band stepped up as a leader, and I am their annual winter concert. the new stuff is all of the wind class, so we are meeting twice members, there are 11 drummers." really happy across the board. All three of the groups, ensemble,” said Mr. Millen. “That as much, so we are getting a lot Mr. Millen said he was also Everyone made a difference. directed by Creative Arts group I’m using as a chance to take more in-depth things done." very happy with the Upper School Dan agreed. “The trombone Department Chair Todd Millen, the students who are really serious The Middle School band concert band. “I’ve been really section, seemed to have more performed several songs, while about music, push them and make had a very unique sound, he said. happy with how some people precise playing and was better the wind ensemble featured a them do something really diffi- “The general impression this year have stepped up leadership wise,” as a whole than it has been in my smaller group of musicians. cult. Thus I chose the chamber for Middle School is that all of the said Mr. Millen. “When I started past four years here,” said Dan. “There are a total of 12 selec- tions,” said Mr. Millen. “There were three pieces by the Middle School band, three by the Upper School band, and six by the wind ensemble, with two large group pieces and four small group pieces.” This concert season, KO has adopted its first wind ensemble, performing chamber music. “Chamber music has small instru- mentation, usually five or fewer people performing together," said Mr. Millen. “Chamber music comes back from the days in the 17th century when there was no radio,” he said. “People had to The Upper School Band plays in its entirety at the recent concert conducted by creative arts teacher Todd Millen. Photo by Lydia Bailey ’15. KO to host a cappella festival January 10 by Gwyneth McDonald ’15 “It is a rare and unique event in a cappella music, the voices competition. “This group has is missing, it’s not the same.” because we are raising money for become the instruments and had tremendous growth this year This is junior Lauren The KO a cappella groups, a really great cause while we are nothing is between you and the and overcome many obstacles”, Barnes’s first year in Oxfordians, Crimson 7 and Oxfordians, will also reaching out to the rest of audience. Senior Max Obourn she said, “I believe that with our and she said she cannot wait to be be competing in the seventh the Connecticut music commu- said that he had so much fun upcoming rehearsals we will be a part of it. “I have watched the annual Wyvern Invitational A nity and celebrating ingenuity last year just as a viewer, so this able to do something magical.” WIAF for a few years now and am Cappella Festival from 6:30 and creativity that is involved in year being a real part of it will She said she is excited to super excited to be a part of it this p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, a cappella music,” he said. “It’s a be an experience like no other. see what the other groups have year,” she said. “I am definitely Jan. 10 in Roberts Theater. big production and a great opportu- Oxfordians director to offer. “It is such a unique looking forward to seeing all the The competing a cappella nity to hear what other groups are Christen Hernandez is a new opportunity that brings together groups perform and to compete groups will be from public doing, share what we’re doing, and teacher this year at KO and has different groups and different with so many different schools.” and private schools from all it raises a lot of money for Tobatí.” a lot of experience directing schools,” she said. “The crowd Junior Josh Pugliese, a over New England. The three Crimson 7, KO’s male a singing groups in competition. will be one of the largest and [it’s member of Crimson 7, said he judges are university profes- cappella group, is singing two She coached one of the wonderful] getting to see them is really looking forward to the sors from all over Connecticut. songs. The first song is “Trouble winning groups at the first WIAF have this amazing opportunity”. WIAF because C7 is a great group Tickets, which are almost Maker” (originally sung by Ollie competition. The group was called “The other ensembles have of guys that is going to have a lot sold out, are $15, and the Murs) featuring senior soloist Voce which was the female group more people which can be a good of fun up on stage. “I think both proceeds benefit Team Tobati. Christopher Giottonini, and the at Hall. “I have experience prep- thing because they can make more groups will be successful in their Crimson 7 Director second is “Problem” (originally ping groups before,” she said. sound, but the strength of our endeavors,” he said. “Overall David Baker said he is about by Ariana Grande) featuring She said that she sees a group is that each person brings a I think the night is going to be excited about collaborating junior soloist Jimmy Woods. lot of potential in this group and critical piece to the success of the fun both to perform for everyone with groups from other schools. Mr. Baker said he likes that, the strength to do very well in whole group. If even one person and to listen to other groups!” Artist Profile: Jackie Raymond by Aly Brown ’15 “I’ve taken introduction to studio ties are always on her terms. art, drawing, and portfolio prep.” “I’m not a fan of 100 percent The spotlight artist of the Even though she loves these charcoal drawings because I month is junior Jackie Raymond. arts classes, Jackie said that she find it really messy,” she said. Her extensive work on her art likes to make art only when she Creative arts teacher Scott projects in and out of KO has wants to. “I’m not interested in McDonald said Jackie is a very proved worthy of this recognition. things that are really structured creative and talented artist. “What Jackie said that when she because, if someone tells me to makes Jackie’s art work so excel- was younger, she had this same draw a self portrait and I don't lent is the pairing of her impressive love for art. “My grandmother want to draw a self portrait, it technical skill with drawing and was an artist and she worked a will look bad or I won’t be able the interesting ideas she communi- lot with oil paintings, and it got to finish it for a while,” she said, cates through her images,” he said. passed down to my dad and he “If I’m interested in it I’ll do it.” When talking about the taught me,” she said, “I took on Recently she has been future, Jackie said that she defi- his perfectionist sense, and it was working on a picture of her dad, her nitely wants to major in art. “It something I always liked doing.” brother, and her. “It is from when would be something really fun. I She mentioned that she we went to Mexico and were just don't have anything in mind profes- worked on art projects even when sitting there,” she said. She is also sion wise, but I think it would she was little. “When I was in working on little sketches.What be really fun to do it,” she said. pre-school, all I would do was Jackie says that she wishes for Junior Gwyneth McDonald draw and paint and it went on her skill set is that she could draw said that she often stops in the from there,” she said. Jackie said nicely on command. “I don’t like hallway to admire Jackie’s work. that she never took art in middle drawing self-portraits,” she said. “It’s stunning and always catches school. “I figured I would do it “They always come out worse than my eye,” said Gwyneth. “The mix here [at KO] for the credit, but if I was drawing someone else.” of blue and black colors she uses Junior Jackie Raymond has found success as an oil painter and drawer. Photo I ended up loving it,” she said, Jackie said her art abili- in her recent pieces is beautiful.” by Lexi Banasiewicz ’16. THURSDAY THURSDAY 10 December 18, 2014 Arts Features December 18, 2014 11 Q & A: Jennifer Egan sheds light on writing, reading and literature During author Jennifer Egan’s visit to KO, two AP It’s equally mind- Senior Seminar students and KO News editors, Jen Shook and boggling to think Lina Volin, had the opportunity to conduct a question-and-answer that every person session with her. An edited version of Ms. Egan’s responses on this earth to questions ranging from her personal writing preferences to has an inner life her thoughts on reading’s role in that’s like ours, society are presented below. that is as complex Do you have a particular preference for writing as ours and yet short stories versus novels? totally different. No, I really like them both equally. They’re very different just It’s just stunning because of scale. Even though I Jennifer Egan conducts a master class for AP Senior Seminar. Photo by Claire Halloran ‘15. in its enormity. approach them the same way, the difference of scale becomes With “Goon Squad,” I defi- you’re trying to become an expert many times. There are many, kind of a difference of kind. nitely want to return to it. I hope very quickly and convey that many drafts before I even sell There’s something I can make it work. My standards knowledge in an accessible way and then, once I’ve sold the book, – Jennifer Egan wonderful about the brevity of a are pretty high. The only way to an audience. With fiction, the I do a whole set of revisions. story. You don’t feel like you’re I’d want to publish another book writing actually creates the world. Then it goes through copy- encompassed and lost in it forever related to “Goon Squad” would editing and two sets of page- Shakespeare, who did it all and as you do in a novel. Often at a be if I were able to find a way to What’s the difference in experi- proofs, at least. By the time it’s better than anyone has since. A lot certain point in a novel you think, use some of these same people ence for you in writing fiction actually published I have most of that is part of my literary DNA. “I can’t go on with this,” and yet but more peripheral people and do and nonfiction? likely weighed every word I love experiencing other the way back feels just as long something completely different. in the book to some degree. art forms when I’m working on as the way forward. The sheer I’m not going to write I find fiction a lot harder but [Going back] doesn’t feel fiction, like visual arts and theater. girth of it can be overwhelming. another book about time and also more rewarding – although like a good use of my time. I really For some reason, museums and On the other hand, with a music. If I can manage to pull that I’ve never written a nonfiction feel it’s much more important to galleries can be really helpful story you have very little margin off, I think that’d be so cool. We’ll book, and that’s a different kind move forward and move on. I don’t to me if I’m trying to wrestle for error because it is short. In see what happens…to revisit, the of undertaking. It may be that that feel drawn to changing what I’ve with something. I’ll bring a a way, they are like little math hope would be that it should be would be a new kind of challenge. done. I think it’s unlikely I could little notebook and just go look problems. Pretty early on in a better than the original, definitely Journalism is daunting. really do that much of a difference. at things that are non-verbal. It story, I will know whether it’s not worse. That’s so hard to do. The responsibility for journalism all feels very enriching to me. going to work or not. A lot of It’s hard for a sequel to be better. is something that I always have Do you ever feel a sense of self- what makes me know that it could to think about, especially when consciousness when you write, Why do you think we read? work is a feeling of compression. I’ve noticed a common theme you’re writing a cover story for knowing that some people are To work, a story has to in your writing is that, as the New York Times Magazine going to read it someday? I can only speak person- really work whereas with a novel, people, we tend to be really about people’s lives and compli- ally. To me, it actually satisfies a you can have a few false moves, self-contained, and we don’t cated issues. I’m often very aware Yes, I feel that a lot now lot of really basic human wishes. some fumbling and bumbling. see things from other people’s of the necessity that no one get because “Goon Squad” was so One is to transcend our lives, If you’ve got a strong voice and perspectives, don’t realize other hurt by what I’m doing because successful. It’s a very unhelpful to live in another world at the same the basic thing is working, you people’s lives are as complex as they are very widely seen. That’s feeling, something to be banished time we’re living in our world. can sort of get away with that. our own. an added pressure to journalism. from one’s mind, but it’s very hard That’s a very old human longing. The intensity of the research to do that. I imagine people saying: In some ways you could say there’s Do you have a preferred place It’s such a fallacy. How is also something that can be “This is not very good. Her last a spiritual component to that. The to write or a preferred time of could it be? How could all these grueling, to really speak as an book was really good.” Talk about whole idea of heaven, a world that day to write? people be living a life as complex expert about something in the an unhelpful thought to be having! looks like ours but is better…to me, as mine? It’s strange to think. paper of record, which becomes We all experience self- they express the same longing that Morning is definitely my It’s one of the big mysteries. It’s part of the historical record. I consciousness to some degree as is somewhat satisfied by reading. best time. I can do things late at shocking. It’s almost like looking feel that pressure profoundly. we write. Even bringing a story There is also the wish to night, but not generally right. In the up at the stars and thinking On the other hand, fiction into a workshop can make you feel dissolve the boundaries between old days, before I had kids, I really those are all spheres in outer is so fundamentally mysterious. like someone is reading over your ourselves and someone else. would start writing before I did space. We can’t really believe it. There really are no rules and, on shoulder. In the end, those voices It’s very hard to achieve that, anything: straight from dream to It’s equally mind-boggling some level, no one can help me. have to be silenced in order to do and yet I think reading comes writing. Now, that’s kind of impos- to think that every person on They can tell me what’s working stuff that is really going to be good, the closest because, first of sible. I look forward to someday this earth has an inner life that’s and what’s not, but they can’t so it’s a challenge. It’s a high-class all, you are literally inside the working in the old way again. like ours, that is as complex as do it for me, so it’s very solitary. problem, but it is a challenge. mind of the writer. Literally. I don’t like to sit at a ours and yet totally different. As a journalist, you You are thinking their desk. I write by hand. Once I’m It’s just stunning in its enormity. always feel you have a support Who are some other authors thoughts as you read. If the work in the editing phase, I can do it system around you. It doesn’t who have really stayed with is good, you’re coming as close anywhere. I’ve literally worked Does your experience writing have the feeling of being alone you and influenced your as you can to experiencing life in an elevator. I’ve pulled out journalism inform the way you in a void that fiction can have. writing? from a different point of view. work and made notes on an esca- write fiction? I think that, in the end, Nothing else comes close to lator. I bring it with me always. although there are several grueling Edith Wharton, definitely, achieving that. A movie cannot Even if I can’t get to The writing of the two is aspects of journalism, fiction is especially her novels set in New do it. There’s nothing quite like it. it, I have it with me. I just very different. In journalism, I do harder. Making it up is harder. York. She wrote some quite bad I feel like I want people remember that it’s there and a huge amount of research over books, which in a way is sort of to understand that more, that it needs to be attended to. some months. Once I achieve Do you ever wish you could heartening…I love Henry James. and I don’t know how to a state of really knowing what go back and revise published I love the 19th-century gener- make them [understand it]. I was struck by idea of world- I’m talking about, which can work or do you have more ally, the Russians, Dostoevsky, There’s all this talk of building in your work, espe- take a long time, then I can often of a “what’s done is done” Tolstoy. I love the way in which “will people still read,” and I cially with “Goon Squad” in write it pretty quickly. In fiction, mentality? serialization affected fiction so I feel like I haven’t seen anything which several different people the act of writing itself is what love Dickens with all the subplots. that can really replace it that are connected. Do you ever seems to reveal the story to me. I am really pretty fussy, They are the qualities we love in accomplishes those two basic want to return to that world? With journalism you’re so by the time something is serialized TV now. I very much things. Until something does, I dealing with an external world that published I’ve been through it respond to that…going back to think people will keep reading. THURSDAY THURSDAY 12 December 18, 2014 Features Features December 18, 2014 13 Literary life at KO: how Students follow English texts are chosen alum parents’ paths by Kathryn Adams ’16 of education they did. “I always by Lauren Barnes ‘16 the books chosen. Mr. Hild said mandatory readings, “[there knew I was coming to KO,” Isabel that the goal of the course is to is] a lot of individual choice “My husband and I had said. “My parents met here, my Junior Matt Goldman build skills for the freshman. for the teacher,” she said. a great education at KO,” said older sister graduated from here is reading “Hamlet,” while Books for that course include English Department Chair Carolyn Gitlin, a 1985 KO graduate last year, and all of my cousins junior Gwyneth McDonald is “The Odyssey” by Homer, “The Meg Kasprak said she was really and the parent of two KO graduates on my dad’s side also came here.” reading “A Streetcar Named Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” committed to some of the books in and a current KO student. “It gave Both Will and Jack have Desire,” and junior Nicole by Mark Twain, “A Midsummer- the Form Five course. “In all the us a great foundation for college. found their experiences to be similar Demers is reading “The Keep.” Night’s Dream” by William Shake- years that I’ve taught,” she said, It remains a special place to us and to those of their parents. Jack said While all three are taking speare, “The Piano Lesson” by “I’ve been really committed to ‘A we wanted our kids to go there.” he is reminded constantly by his Form Five English, a course called August Wilson, and “The House on Farewell to Arms’ and ‘Hamlet,’ Like Mrs. Gitlin, many KO history teacher, Dr. Ann Serow, “Voice and Vision,” the materials Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. all years in other schools too.” alumni choose to have their chil- that his father was her student each class is currently reading vary. Form Four’s curriculum For Form Six, the books dren follow in their footsteps and 40 years ago. Like his father, The English Department has is named “Challenging Conven- depend on the fall and spring attend KO too. Their children often Jack also plays basketball and is a unique way of hand-selecting tions.” Ms. Appel said,“[Students electives that students choose. participate in the same sports and a member of Shield and Dragon. works for each class. English will have a] life-changing expe- Ms. Appel’s course for students activities and sometimes even have Will said having the same Teacher Asha Appel said that rience with one of these books,” is ‘The Literature of Survival.’ the same teachers their parents did. teachers his parents did can some- teachers of Forms Three, Four she said, “when they find the book “[The goal is that] students Senior Jack Beckerman, times seem strange. “It can be and Five choose the books they’ll that speaks to them and for them.” learn to recognize common themes whose father, Rick Beckerman, pretty weird when some teachers teach each year themselves, based The content for the course in the books through careful and graduated from KO in 1976, talk about having my parents in on the themes of the course and has been fairly static, she said, analytical reading,” she said. said that his parents gave him their class and what they were like a few mandatory core selections. adding, “I love 10th grade. I She said the books change a choice of whether he wanted when they were my age,” he said. Additionally, course- think it’s the best curriculum.” each year based on the kids in to come to KO or other schools Isabel and her older sister, work varies by level of the Some of the books read in the class. “[The goal] essen- in the area. “Having my dad Caroline Kaufman ’14, have had class.“There are some differ- sophomore year include “The tially is to catch all phrase for graduate from here was a factor six teachers in common with their ences in Forms Four, and Five Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel the books I love,” she said. for me,” Jack said. “It made me parents including history and with honors vs. regular,” she said. Hawthorne,” “Extremely Loud Ms. Kasprak teaches an more comfortable with KO.” English teacher Rob Kyff, history In these forms, the teachers and Incredibly Close” by Jona- elective on Shakespeare that In other instances, the chil- teacher Ted Levine and Spanish arrange meetings every couple than Safran Foer, and “The Great includes many of his plays and dren of KO grads have less of a teacher Brenda Semmelrock. of years to discuss which works Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. their on-screen adaptations. She choice. Sophomore Will Gitlin, Isabel said she finds her KO should be continued and what In Form Five, the only said she really loved “Extremely for instance, said he knew his experience to be almost identical they can do to improvethe difference is that the teachers have Loud and Incredibly Close,” but parents wanted to share their of that of her parents. She plays diversity of the curriculum. some flexibility in their selections. she does not get to teach that book. experiences with their children. soccer, basketball and lacrosse, all English Teacher David Hild English Teacher Heidi “I would really love to “I came to KO in sixth grade, sports that her parents played here, said that the department chair and Hojnicki said that the teachers teach that in conjunction to and I always knew I would come and is an editor of the KO News, teachers of the grade choose the only have a core selection of “Hamlet” because they go because both my parents and my following in her father’s footsteps. books for the forms. “Teachers texts that they have to follow. really well together,” she said. uncles all went here,” Will said. Though there may be a [of each grade level] assess what The required selections are Given the diversity of Like Will, sophomore Isabel 30-year difference between alumni we’re trying to accomplish with a Tony Morrison novel, a senior electives, Matt, Gwyneth Kaufman, daughter of John and and their children, many students that group of students,” he said. 19th-century book, a Hemingway- and Nicole will almost certainly Charna Kaufman’85, said that her are following their parents’ path, The theme of Form Three selection, “Hamlet” and poetry. find themselves reading different parents wanted her to continue a and finding their KO experiences is storytelling, which influences Other than these few books next year as well. tradition and receive the same type very similar to those of their parents. Students, faculty discuss political, social awareness at KO: Is enough being done? by Kate Betts ’16 his subjects with the events. students who elect these classes Students, and other clubs that time in the average KO student’s “We took about 20 minutes and that not every student might handle current political, social, day for reflection and activism.” The past few months have in both AP U.S. History courses have same level of understanding. and economic issues, opportuni- But some students don’t brought important social and to discuss the implications of “AP U.S. History students ties for students to get involved think that just occasionally political discussions to the fore- these events and the connections are older students who are and to become aware are present. mentioning controversial events front of U.S. current events. The to U.S. history. I also talked to generally interested in polit- But, while small groups in classes is enough, since it recent deaths of unarmed black both journalism classes about ical and social history to begin of students are having discus- doesn’t force students to really Americans at the hands of police the role of the media in covering with, and journalism students sions, there is little campus-wide achieve a depth of understanding. officers in Missouri, Ohio, and these events and to what extent the are likely to be more cogni- discussion or action. “I have to “I know at some assemblies, New York, have become the latest coverage was accurate,” he said. zant of the media,” he said. say I was surprised that there some current issues are occa- tipping point in this country’s Upper School History Dr. Serow agreed that the wasn’t some attempt among sionally mentioned,” junior Ben long history of racial tension. Department Chair Ann Serow students who become involved in students to mobilize, at least to Sullivan, founder of the Political As protests, marches, believes that a productive and classes and other campus activi- discuss these issues as an entire Affairs Club, said, “but it would die-ins, and sit-ins have swept meaningful way to discuss ties related to current events are community,” Mr. Kyff said. be beneficial to everyone, even the nation for months and have current events in a learning ones who already have an interest, While the majority of those who don’t have any interest, particularly gained traction in the setting is to talk about them in while those who aren’t as politi- student-led protests have been if we were more exposed to them.” past few weeks, the conversation the context of historical events. cally aware usually stay that way. on college campuses, many This is where Diversity, and controversy surrounding these “The beauty of history “Perhaps we, on this high schools across the nation Inclusion and Cultural Competency events has been slow to reach the in high school is that, instead campus, are a mirror of society. have held forums or even had Advisor Joan Edwards believes KO KO campus. But, as the coverage of dealing with these issues as Some people are very aware die-ins related to the contro- can improve. “It would be great if of these injustices and the subse- current events, we deal with them and even involved, some people versy over police brutality. we could as a community have quent civil unrest has increased, through the lens of history,” Dr. know some things and keep up a Despite the importance of that conversation with all of the awareness has begun to spread Serow said. “Sometimes a history little bit, and others are apathetic. social and political awareness, the Upper School students, she said.” Recently Head of School curriculum is actually a better way Maybe that’s a representation demands of life at KO often get in “Just in the students Dennis Bisgaard delivered a of talking about the current issues.” of broader society,” she said. the way of exploring these issues. I’ve heard in United Students, passionate speech about racial Mr. Kyff said that students “I would not say that’s “Students are aware of this it’s extremely helpful to have justice to an Upper School participated thoughtfully in these good or bad. People choose their issue, but I think that the students, some kids go, ‘Wait a minute; assembly, and many teachers have discussions, “In general, students own degree of awareness and like the teachers, are frantically what’s going on?’ in the same chosen to facilitate class discus- were not only aware, they were involvement. The key is, if they trying to do their school work, room as kids that’ll say, ‘Well, sions related to these matters. eager to talk about these issues and wanted to become involved, and prepare for class, and study I’ve read up on it; I’ve had History and journalism to share their feelings,” he said. could they? The answer is yes.” for tests, and appear in plays and conversations about it, and I teacher Rob Kyff was one of the He acknowledged that Between Political Affairs concerts, and play on sports teams,” teachers who decided to connect this might simply be due to the Club, Forensic Union, United Mr. Kyff said. “There is not a lot of (Continued on Page 15) THURSDAY THURSDAY 12 December 18, 2014 Features Features December 18, 2014 13 Brilliant brains, memorable moments of Symposiums past by Vivian Goldstein ’17 debate once and for all. Mr. Dorris responded, as Mr. Hild The Warren Baird English paraphrased,“When I was a Symposium is one of King- kid on the lake we had a yellow swood Oxford’s most beloved raft. The yellow raft is just traditions, and over the years a yellow raft.” Students and the program has given the KO teachers were chagrined at their community enlightening expe- obvious over-analyzation of Mr. riences, rib-tickling times, and Dorris’ work, Mr. Hild recalled. touching tales to recall fondly. In another episode, Sympo- Some of the visiting authors sium author Alice Childress was have been best remembered by their talking beyond the allotted time, writing. John Updike, who came in so Symposium teacher Robert 2004, was a “phenomenal writer,” Googins approached the stage grad- according to Upper School English ually from the side until Ms. Chil- Department Chair Meg Kasprak. dress saw him and got the message. “The kids really understood, The close connection forms even at the level of the sentence, between the KO Community and how finely crafted his stories Arthur Miller, Symposium author in 1995, is presented with a drawing by renowned artist Benny Andrews, created for its visiting author each year. For the Symposium dedicated to him. Photo by Rob Kyff, courtesy of Kingswood Oxford Archives. and language were,” she said. English teacher Heidi Hojnicki, Some of the visitors’ appeal and we were on his level.” but when faced with the Middle good, and in between over reading 2009’s Symposium to students and teachers lies not Of course, what quali- School, she lost her composure. the years, humor has been author Julia Alvarez influenced in their writing, but in their visit fies as an “unforgettable” visit That evening, Ms. Oates told KO a constant in KO’s interac- the naming of her child, Chetan. to the campus. Authors like Nick varies, since memorability is English teachers that her Middle tions with Symposium authors. Musically talented junior Hornby (2010), Tony Kushner not always a positive thing. School experience was “a lillipu- In 1994, for instance, when Nick Giamalis said he became (2012), and this school year’s English teacher David tian nightmare. She apparently felt students were reading the novel, more appreciative of musicals author Jennifer Egan, appeared Hild could only describe 1997’s she had “nothing to say to these “Yellow Raft in Blue Water” after reading Mr. Kushner’s to have resonated with their Symposium author, Marge Piercy, kids,” Mrs. Kasprak recalled. by Symposium author Michael “Caroline or Change.” The awed audience due to their speeches’ as “not a gracious guest.” The After locking herself in Dorris, many debated the signifi- look on Mr. Kushner’s face when being candid rather than canned. importance of the Symposium an office, Ms. Oates was even- cance of the color yellow. Some he saw the artwork dedicated “I remember that Kushner program to the school appar- tually coaxed out and spoke. believed it to be a symbol of to him will never leave English was really informal, and he just ently did not resonate with her. Still, the debacle was etched on cowardice, and others happi- Teacher and Director of Academic answered questions the whole In another unfortunate event, many people’s memories. “That ness, and these opposing view- Skills Jacquelyn Rubin’s mind. time,” said senior Cole Adams when Joyce Carol Oates came story will be handed down for points were highly contested. These lasting effects are happily. “He was just treating in 1989 she gave an excellent many eras,” said Mrs. Kasprak. When Mr. Dorris arrived what make the unique Symposium us like we were ordinary people speech to Upper School students, Through all of the bad, a student asked him to end the program such a treasure in KO life. Unconventionality Senior brings ‘Petal Power’ in the KO classroom to homeless, battered women by Mackenzie McDonald ’16 Max Obourn, another teacher- by Alec Rossi ’17 bring color to the apartments.” lots of lilies and roses during slash-innovator is new math Sydney approached the Valentine’s day,” she said. From the revolutionary teacher Will Amarante. “Oops a daisy!” exclaimed staff at My Sisters’ Place a little While the women at My new changes to the schedule or “Mr. A is a super chill guy,” senior Sydney Legagneur as a over a year ago and asked if the Sisters’ Place have been battered the removal of peanut butter from said Max. “After he teaches cloud of hydrangeas, roses and woman there would appreciate and even homeless, they said they the cafeteria, one thing is clear: us the lesson for the day, he’ll lilies flew from the West Hart- receiving flowers. They responded find solace in Sydney’s generosity. KO is constantly innovating. sometimes let us out of class a ford Whole Foods into a nearby with a resounding “Yes!” “My daughter loves the But who is responsible bit early. I think he understands dumpster. She wondered why Sydney also asked Whole flowers; she always asks when they for the innovation? Often, that kids can’t sit still for that such beautiful and still fresh Foods to assist her in collecting are coming,” said one woman at small changes to daily class- long and still be attentive, so flowers were being thrown out. and storing the old flowers, and the My Sisters’ Place. Another said, room life are an important he uses his time effectively and When Sydney discovered food chain was more than happy to “They smell awesome; when I’m part of changes on campus. then rewards us with free time.” that Whole Foods composted help. “Whole Foods loves it, and down, [they] make me feel better.” Across campus, various Junior Kate Betts is a the flowers they did not sell at it is good publicity,” Sydney said. Another woman agreed. faculty innovators spice up the student of French teacher Jona- the end of the week, she decided A floral associate from Whole “[The flowers] make my apart- learning experience for their than Briggs. Like Mr. Amarante, someone might enjoy the flowers. Foods named Danielle said that ment feel like my home,” she students by bringing a unique Dr. Briggs is a strong believer in So Sydney, her aunt and her they have a wide variety of slightly said. “I wish it was more often.” twist to their classrooms. the brevity of classroom time. mother talked it over, and her aunt old flowers available for donation. While Sydney graduates Junior Lauren Barnes is a “Dr. Briggs doesn’t have us suggested that the three donate “We call Sydney when we this upcoming May, Petal Power student of Spanish teacher Juan do busy work in class,” she said. these flowers, deemed “too old to have buckets of flowers full,” will not leave with her. She has Martinez, and in her opinion, “Generally, we learn concepts be sold,” to people staying shelters. she said. “It is always different a sister in the Middle School, Mr. Martinez’s unconventional and have discussions in the begin- So Sydney, an affable scarf kinds, from sunflowers to palms.” seventh-grader Trinity Hudson, choice to play music during class ning of the period, and, after aficionado with a contagious Danielle said Whole Foods who plans to take over leadership adds to the classroom experience. he’s gauged our understanding, chuckle and smile guaranteed to fully endorses the project. “We of Petal Power when she arrives “When Mr. Martinez plays he doesn’t hesitate to send us brighten anyone’s day, created are really supportive of her at the Upper School in 2016. music in class, it adds another off to do work on our own.” a club at KO called Petal Power. project because we know that In the year between, a element of the Hispanic culture Math teacher Joshua Feder “We take [the flowers] it goes towards women who member from the club will continue to our curriculum,” she said. also incorporates fresh touches to to homeless and battered have been victims of abuse, and with the donations. Sydney said “He explains the history his teaching style. Junior Andre woman’s shelters to brighten we all personally have been she even hopes to create her behind the songs, and how they Jett fondly remembers a project their days,” said Sydney. through different kinds of abuse own non-profit organization. are important even in the present he did in Mr. Feder’s Advanced Director of Program and can relate to it,” she said. Sydney’s fellow students day. Mr. Martinez is passionate Algebra class that challenged Services at My Sisters’ Place in Sydney’s Petal Power said they are very impressed with about the culture, which adds students to apply the algebraic Hartford, the appropriately named Club delivers flowers from her project. “It is remarkable to our Spanish experience.” concepts they learned in class to Rosemary Flowers, said Sydney’s Whole Foods to St. Mary’s to see someone so young make Another student of Mr. develop a level for the popular donations have made a difference. Shelter, Loaves and Fishes, and such a profound difference in the Martinez’s, junior Hayley Eicher, smartphone game Angry Birds. “The flowers really lift the My Sister’s Place on Fridays life’s of the women of Hartford,” agreed. “The music makes “It was super cool,” he said. woman’s spirits and make them during Personal Learning Block. sophomore Ryan Silvers said. class more interesting. It’s a “I loved combining my math smarts feel like people really do care Sydney said that the Senior Emily Lowit lot better than straight lecture.” with my advanced artistic skills. I about them,” she said. “The ladies types of flowers they receive agreed. “She is a great person,” According to senior thought it was funky and fresh.” really love the flowers and [they] vary with the season. “We get she said, “and her project really THURSDAY THURSDAY 14 December 18, 2014 News Under the Radar December 18, 2014 15 Final Hockey Night January 9 will bring end to cherished event by Sophia Harrison ’15 Mr. Garcia said he is also and 7,” he said. Doing so, he said. the team, being a part of the last it the best one yet. All year, kids planning some form of social media would accommodate the teams Hockey Night, is going to push have been talking about it, and On Friday, Jan. 9, the KO advertisement to get alums to fill who have staggered late practices themselves as hard as possible to it will be a night that nobody is community will gather in Brayton the stands and go for a record atten- such as squash and basketball. make it a night to remember,” she going to forget,” Tristan said. rink to experience the 15th and dance. “There’s a huge number As usual, there will be said. “In preparation, we will condi- Chris added that they will final Ryan Gordon Hockey Night. of alums who are going to come, food set up and a series of ice tion hard coming back from break.” try to win by as big a margin as “This is going to be the since it’s the last one,” he said. games during both of the games. On the boys team, senior they can to make the last hockey biggest, greatest, rowdiest, most In order to get more fans, Mr. All proceeds will go toward the Captain Tristan Morin and sopho- night memorable for everyone. “I insane hockey night of all time,” Garcia said he is hoping to change upcoming March Team Tobati trip. more Captain Chris Adamsons think this year it will be more of a said Spanish teacher Ronald Garcia. the start time of both the girls and Both the girls and boys said they’re very confident they team effort instead of individuals Mr. Garcia said he is planning boys game so people don’t miss will be playing Rye Country Day will take home a win. “Hockey leading us to the win. We are going on getting long-sleeve shirts that them due to practice. “I’m trying to School. “I feel confident that we Night is obviously a very popular to show the KO community that say “The Final Hockey Night” in move the girls game to 6 [p.m.] and can win,” said junior girls hockey school event, and we are going we should still have the hockey order to fundraise for Team Tobati. the boys game to 8, as opposed to 5 player Erin Persico,. “Everyone on to do everything we can to make team in the future,” said Chris.

Kingswood Oxford players line up before their game at the 2012 Hockey Night, preparing for what would unknowingly be one of the last Hockey Nights ever. Photo from the KO website. New debators excel in Hot cocoa social set for February GSA thrives by Aparajita Kashyap ’18 lunch to make students aware of Forensic Union events Coming Out Day. According to Ms. After participating in two Hojnicki, the GSA gave out around by Alec Rossi ’17 sophomore Noah Stanton in their Marottolo did very well at his events in 2014, KO’s Gender- 90 ribbons. “I remember we kept first advanced debate led to a finish first novice debate,” she said. Sexuality Alliance (GSA) has running out of ribbons,” she said. After KO’s Forensic Union three points shy of third place. David and freshman Apara- begun planning events for 2015. The GSA also participated in notched a second-place finish for “That’s really impres- jita competed on Sunday, Oct. On Friday, Feb. 6, the GSA the Transgender Day of Remem- an American school at the Inter- sive, to be that close on your 12, at St. Sebastian’s Novice will be holding its annual ‘Hot brance on Thursday, Nov. 20. national Independent Schools’ first advanced debate,” said Parliamentary Extempora- Cocoa Social’ after school in the While the GSA did not organize Public Speaking Championship sophomore Adam Kim. neous Debate. The two had the Commons room in Seaverns. This any celebrations, Cole made an in Hong Kong, the team has been Junior Mark Sheehan highest team score out of all gathering invites local schools’ announcement at the assembly training novices and leading three placed second in the advanced the KO novice teams, 14 points GSAs, including those of Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 18. He said new debaters to the advanced level. division at Stoneleigh-Burnham ahead of the second-place team. High, Conard High, Miss Porter’s, that it was important to show “The year has been going on Sunday, Oct. 5, for his after- Before coming to KO, Ms. Ethel Walker, and Loomis Chaffee. that there are people who support swimmingly!” said first-year dinner speech. “An after-dinner Whalen had no prior experience The schools mingle and discuss those who are transgendered. Forensic Union Advisor and speech tries to make a point in debate. “There was a learning LGBTQIA issues over hot cocoa. The inner workings of the English teacher Sarah Whalen. Due by being satirical,” said Adam. curve adjusting, as I had to learn The GSA also plans to GSA have also changed. It now to high participation this year, the the art of debate,” she said. “Lina, participate in the Day of Silence boasts about 30 student members, team has been able to attend every Katie, Jess, Cole and Areesha have on Friday, April 17. Organized according to sophomore member debate they’ve been invited to. “The year has taught me so much. I don’t know by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Shelby Fairchild. “We at least “We have so many under- been going swim- what I would do without them.” Education Network (GLSEN), doubled, if not tripled,” she said. classman who just joined,” Ms. Whalen said that her GSA President senior Cole Adams There is also a GSA daily Ms. Whalen said. As a result ingly!” theater background and organi- said that this national event asks post at the bottom of the bulletin, of this, the team has had full or zational skills have helped her students to choose not to speak which is updated a few times per nearly full rosters, with up to 16 – Ms. Whalen in running Forensic Union. “Ms. for the school day. “They do week. It introduces terms, such as students competing at one debate. Whalen is very good,” Lina it to mirror the silence forced “transgendered” and “queer,” that While in Hong Kong with said. “She has a background in on LGBTQ people," Cole said. relate to the LGBTQIA community. history teacher and Forensic Union Senior Zach Mendolovici acting that has been very useful.” But not everyone sees The GSA has also been Advisor Theodore Levine, senior performed well on Sunday, Sept. Ms. Whalen said her theater the point of the Day of Silence. discussing the issues faced by Zach Mendelovici placed fourth 21, at Roxbury-Latin, placing background gives her the ability English teacher and GSA faculty transgender people more often. in Extemporaneous Speaking. As sixth overall. “Since then we have to help students overcome stage advisor Heidi Hojnicki said that “A lot more students have had a a result of this, he qualified for been breeding lots of novices,” fright and improve debaters’ there are students who make much more difficult time being Worlds this spring in Hong Kong. said Ms. Whalen. In addition to diction and persuasiveness. fun of the participants and try transgender,” said Ms. Hojnicki. Junior Evan Kelmar won Noah’s and Isabella’s reaching Forensic Union will travel to get them to talk. “Some The GSA will be switching the Phil Hampten Award for the advanced division, junior to Hotchkiss School in Lake-ville, people use this as an opportu- leaderships with the departure of epitomizing the spirit and friend- Joanna Williams has as well. Conn., on Sunday, Jan. 11, and nity to be jerk pants,” she said. Ms. Hojnicki to Bangalore, India liness of the tournament, an This year, the team has a week later to Loomis Chaffee, Coming Out Day was on in 2015. Math and creative arts award given to him by his peers. gained a lot of novices. “The which is a prepared, Oregon Saturday, Oct. 11, which was also teacher Joshua Feder will be taking The team’s last debate was at novices have had a great time,” cross-examination debate. “An the KO’s Hewett Day and Home- on the role of the GSA advisor. Choate Rosemary Hall on Sunday, said senior Lina Volin. “Freshmen Oregon-style debate is when coming. So, the GSA decided to “I am not planning any Dec. 7. Although the team did David Marottolo and Apara- debaters prepare both sides to an call it “Homecoming Out Day.” changes at all,” he said. “It is my not win any awards, the pairing jita Kashyap have done great.” argument and then find out which On Friday, Oct. 10, the GSA goal that we grow as an accepting of sophomore Isabella Pratt and Ms. Whalen agreed. “David side they are on,” said Ms. Whalen. gave out folded rainbow ribbons at and safe community at KO.” THURSDAY THURSDAY 14 December 18, 2014 News Under the Radar December 18, 2014 15 KO: a house divided? by Benjamin Waldman ’16 the new Upper School culture. Additionally, he said that Sometimes, KO feels like the different Middle Schedule two separate campuses. In one (a “block format,” with classes corner, there’s the Middle School assigned to an A or B block Estes building, completed in 2003, which meet five times in the which houses almost every Middle two-week cycle) presented School classroom. The rest of a few scheduling conflicts. campus contains primarily Upper “Meeting with Mr. Clapp School buildings, a few of which would occasionally get difficult, were built in the 1970s or earlier. and, if the class met during a free It may seem to Upper period, I often didn’t have that,” he School students that the only said. “Especially on Wednesday, interaction the Middle and occasionally I would miss English Upper Schools have is the class, and I never got to go to Diver- common lunch block throughout sity [a Middle School workshop].” the week. For example, clubs promoted in the Club Fair rarely include Middle School students. “We want to Yet, beneath the surface, students from both assuage fears schools interact in a myriad of ways, including socially, about everything academically and athletically. being different or Eighth grader John Hagberg participates in a recent Upper School varsity swimming meet. He joins several Middle First, there is a group of School students who are Upper School athletes. Photo by Kate Betts ’16. Middle School students who everything being Caroline Percival is taking lessons often greet him in the lunch- about everything being different or take Upper School classes each from varsity coach Andy Carr, and room and ask him if he wants everything being the same in the year, most commonly advanced the same in the she made varsity the team this year. food from West Hartford Center. Upper School,” Mrs. Repp said. math and language courses. Both Stuart and Caroline The relationship between Recently, Director of This program was made Upper School.” stress how fun and helpful this the two schools does not stop Teaching and Learning Asha Appel feasible by the movement of experience has been for them. at academics and athletics. called a meeting of Form Two and the Middle School to the same - Mrs. Repp “It’s been really fun playing with For example, there is a Senior Form Three teachers to discuss how campus as the Upper School upon the other guys and getting much Advisor program, through which these teachers can best communi- Estes’ completion; previously, better, but also interacting with Upper School seniors become cate to streamline the transition. the Middle School campus was A Middle School student them in the lunchroom or when part of a sixth-grade advisee Ms. Appel said that the first where Bristow Middle School is taking an Upper School math class we’re not on court,” Caroline said. group to help ease students’ meeting was very productive. now, near KO’s Coolidge House. isn’t a rare occurrence, however. “A lot of them have a lot transition into the school. “We talked about, developmen- Jane Repp, the director Ryan said that, when he was in more experience than I do,” she Upper School students assist tally, what it means to an eighth of the Middle School, believes eighth grade, there were six other said, “and so they give me tips in Middle School Diversity work- and ninth grader, and the transition that this program has been an students in Upper School math, when I’m playing. Sometimes in shops, and there has been a Middle between the capstone of the Middle annual success: “I’m always from Geometry to Algebra 2. Middle School sports, sometimes School tutoring program with School and the entry point of the impressed by how well it works,” Finally, Ryan says that you see people don’t want you Upper School students in the past. Upper School,” she said. “The she said, “[and] how welcoming he believes all these students to get better because they want All of these interactions goal is to make ninth grade appro- Upper School students are to the had experiences similar to his: to get better themselves, but in raise the question of the Form priate for developmental needs Middle School students in class.” “[Upper School] students were high school, everyone wants you Two students’ readiness to transi- while still meeting the varying A credit to this system, Mrs. respectful to us and treated us to improve as much as they want tion into Form Three. Mrs. Repp academic needs of students.” Repp believes, is that it allows like average students,” he said. themselves to improve because believes all of the connections It’s clear that the Middle students to join an existing class The issue of crossing they want to improve as a team.” described by Ryan, Stuart and School and the Upper School are with students with similar abili- over from the Middle to Upper Both Stuart and Caroline Caroline translate to an easier not merely two separate world ties, rather than being forced School is not limited to students. noted that scheduling can be transition into the Upper School. occupying the same campus; to self-study the material. In fact, a large feature of the difficult, with both early prac- To assist in this transition, there are crossovers in assem- new Upper School schedule is tices that start before the Middle the Middle School hosts events blies, in the lunchroom, in the that it allows for more efficient School day ends and late practices. throughout each year to enable classroom, and on the sports “In high school, student and teacher crossover. They agree that this expe- eighth grade students to become field. And educators from both Mrs. Repp says this has had rience has given them a larger acquainted with Upper School sides of campus are beginning everyone wants a significant effect: “[Crossing friend pool around campus. students, faculty and buildings. the conversation about how to over] has changed for the good Stuart said that his teammates “We want to assuage fears make them be even more in synch. you to improve in that Upper School and Middle as much as they School classes are more the same rhythm,” she said. “It’s been nice to want themselves have a more similar ebb and flow.” KO discusses current issues There are many teachers who (Continued from Page 12) that’d be a great spot for topics not doing it as one whole.” to improve.” instruct in both schools, including of discussion for an hour that Part of KO’s mission -Caroline Percival language teachers such as Erika can answer your ques- people can choose to go to.” statement is to teach students Costantini and Kate Reigeluth, tion.’ That is much more of She also understands that, to “lead lives of integrity and math teachers such as Natalie a full, courageous conver- as Mr. Kyff said, students and involvement,” and the school’s Lynd and English teachers such sation than when it’s just teachers’ time and energy are core values state that students Freshman Ryan Goss, as Lynne Levine, who teachers adults talking at students.” limited, and often people choose should “demonstrate honesty, an alumnus of this program, Public Speaking in the Upper Opportunities for such to prioritize other things. Ms. integrity and respect.. passion agrees with Mrs. Repp. “I really School. In all, there are more than conversations are few and Edwards said her question now is, and perseverance.. intellectual enjoyed [Geometry],” he said. 10 crossover faculty members. far between, however, since “What can I do to make it easier for curiosity.. Care beyond self.. “[Faculty emeritus Jonathan] Another way Middle School the new schedule leaves few them to get information so they can Take personal responsibility.. Clapp was a great teacher, students interact with Upper times where the entirety of the have an informed conversation?” take risks, become involved.” and I loved my classmates.” School student is in athletics; school is simultaneously free, She said that these issues If KO’s goal is having As for the effect of taking a a few Middle School students and every club on campus is are being addressed in classroom students emerge into the world freshman course in eighth grade, participate in varsity sports. vying to use these times to meet. discussions, club meetings, and as global citizens of integrity Ryan said it allowed him to expand For example, eighth grader Ms. Edwards acknowl- the Vincit Qui se Vincit seminars willing to get involved and take his social horizons. “I see a few Stuart Carlisle has been playing edges that time and place is for the freshman class that discuss personal responsibility for soci- friendly faces from my class that I on varsity squash for two years. a challenge here.“We need to current events and try to teach ety’s issues, some students and can relate to when I’m not with my Since he started playing be able to master that in order these young students the skill teachers say that facilitating freshman friends,” he said. “It’s squash when he was 4 years to have these civil, informed, of how to get accurate informa- these important conversations more comfortable because I knew old, he has been taking lessons and ongoing discussions,” she tion on news. “There are threads and emphasizing social and them from the previous year.” recently from varsity and said. “I personally would like chipping away at this,” she said, political awareness should be at But Ryan also said that it JV coach Robby Lingashi. to use PLBs better. I think “but as a school community we’re the top of the campus agenda. took time to become adjusted to Similarly, eighth grader THURSDAY THURSDAY 16 December 18,19, 2014 Sports Sports December 18,19, 2014 17 Players of the Moment: Seniors Joe Ravalese and Sophia Harrison by Dan Miller ’15 Varsity squash Captain Joe Ravalese. Varsity squash Co-captain Sophia Harrison. and Corinne Florian ’15 Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. Pugliese said. “He gives pre-match is a great attribute to have.” College, and that really raised better over the years,” he said. Joe speeches and he keeps practices Coach Lingashi said Rava- my level of play significantly. I Harrison is now playing No. fun and entertaining. He is defi- lese brings tremendous leadership stuck with squash because I was 1 on the ladder. “She has really Ravalese nitely the best man for the job.” to the team, and his presence makes able to pick it up pretty quickly, gotten to know the game well,” Senior Captain Joe Ravalese Senior Ryan Wetsman said practices that much better. “He and I really didn’t like basketball said Coach Carr. This season the served up his squash career after he couldn’t see anyone else fitting is a good person and a very nice and fell in love with squash.” team has had some early successes deciding to try something new in the role as captain better than he did. person to be around, which adds to Freshman year she tried including a win over Ethel Walker the Middle School. “I wasn’t really Ravalese’s strengths our practices as a whole,” he said. out for varsity and made the team on Saturday Dec. 6. Harrison won a fan of competitive basketball, and include the ability to control What Ravalese enjoys about playing No. 7. “She did a great in three games 11-3, 11-2, 11-3. . I had never heard of squash before. the of the middle of the court as the sport is the ability to play year job her freshman year handling “We graduated five seniors I just knew it as a vegetable, so I well as volleying a lot of shots. round, and the opportunities to the big jump to varsity, and last year,” Harrison said. “But decided to give it a try,” he said. improve year by year. “You can placing fourth at New Englands” we have a lot of good eighth Now in his fifth and final play with all sorts of different said Head Coach Andy Carr. graders and sophomores that season of squash at KO, Ravalese “He is definitely people,” he said. “You don’t have She said she had a lot of give the bottom our ladder a is playing at the No. 1 seed, which the best man for to be of a certain age. Anyone fun on the team during freshman chance to have great success.” is a very competitive and difficult can be good at any age. It’s just year and felt she improved a Her ability to step up against number to play. “Unfortunately at the job.” how much work you put into it.” great deal playing on varsity. tough competition was high- the No. 1 seed, you face the best of Ravalese exemplifies great “Her sophomore year,” lighted in a recent match at Suff- the best in every match you play,” – Josh Pugliese sportsmanship, Coach Lingashi Coach Carr said, “she made ield. “I started a bit slow, losing said Head Coach Robby Lingashi. said. “There is really nothing bad the jump to No. 3 and had the the first game 11-3, but gradu- But playing against the about him,” he said. “When he is second most wins on the team.” ally improved as the match went best players in New England Coach Lingashi said he has upset, he doesn’t throw a fit. He Harrison won the most improved on. I lost the last game 11-9.” has helped Ravalese to improve been improving on his game carries himself as a gentlemen. player for girls squash in both her Harrison is an intense his squash game throughout the throughout the years, and he is You don’t want someone who freshman and sophomore years. competitor, and her teammates see years, “Playing against people very impressed with the accom- throws their racket and throws a During junior year she athat whenever she plays. “She is that are a lot better than me has plishments he has made as a player. fit when they aren’t doing their made another jump to No. 2 a really dedicated squash player,” helped me tremendously. Our “I started to improve a lot best. You want someone like Joe.” on the ladder, and she also was said senior Co-captain Corinne previous coach was the number and it came fairly naturally to named Co-Captain. “She has Florian. “She always pushes herself one at Trinity, which has the best me,” Ravalese said. “It didn’t take Sophia improved, not only as a player to play the best that she can every college squash in the county, a huge period of time and dedica- over her four years, but also as match and she always steps up to and our Coach Lingashi was tion to get better, but it’s harder Harrison leader on the squad,” said Coach the skill level of her opponents.” ranked No. 1 in Africa,” he said. now to improve at the top level. Carr “Each year she has had a big Harrison’s squash future Ravalese said that he Even though it is individual, there Senior Co-Captain Sophia jump to make and handled it well.” is a bit uncertain, “I didn’t want enjoys squash because it is a is still a team aspect. You get to Harrison began her squash career Harrison is very committed to go to a NESCAC school, one-on-one sport, so when he is know everyone really well by in eighth grade, after realizing to improving. Last summer, which are the main recruiting playing there is no one else he playing one-on-one in practice,” basketball was not her sport. “I knowing that she would probably schools for squash” she said. can put the blame on if he makes Senior teammate Dan Miller broke my wrist playing basketball, be playing No. 1 this season, she This may be her last season a mistake. He said he also enjoys praised Ravalese’s size and skill. and I wasn’t very good at it, and did everything she could to make playing squash, so she hopes to getting to play the whole game “Joe does a good job combining Mr. Carr asked if I had considered sure that she would be ready for lead the team to a strong season and every match,. “You’re never just his physical ability and height playing squash,” said Harrison. this season. “I went to two squash a strong finish at New Englands, sitting on the bench,” he said. with great racquet skills, which She played her first season camps over the summer, with where the team finished second last Junior teammate Josh makes him a solid number one in eighth grade on the Middle a lot of top players, and many year. “The team has a lot of depth Pugliese says Ravalese inspires player,” Miller said. “He also School team. “I wasn’t as serious college coaches,” said Harrison. at the bottom of the ladder,” said and entertains other players. plays hard, even when he plays about squash then, but, after Coach Carr has noticed Coach Carr, so the team is hoping “Joe has been my captain for two a match against someone who eighth grade, I began playing with the results. “All of her shots to move up to the B bracket for New years. and he is a great leader,” is ranked in the country, which a woman who played at Trinity have gotten significantly Englands at the end of the season.” THURSDAY THURSDAY 16 December 18,19, 2014 Sports Sports December 18,19, 2014 17 Boys basketball hopes to rebound at KITs this coming weekend by Gabe Wolman ’16 want to be the best that we can has with each other are something Most sports teams have other, including Coach Adams. be, individually and collectively.” no other team has,” said Nesbit. at least one player who stands I see improvements every day The varsity boys basketball Coach Adams said one of “We know each other very well, out among the rest, but that isn’t in practice, and each guy pushes team has had a challenging start to the team’s strengths is the diver- and that helps us know what style of the case for this basketball team. one another to get better. Once we the season with a 0-2 record against sity of skill sets each player brings. play each person has and what their “We don’t really have that pull everything together, we can two very talented teams on the road. “Everyone on our team has strengths and weaknesses are.” one player that stands out versus compete with every team we play.” In the Wyverns’ most recent unique talents, and each player Although the team has many everyone else,” said Nesbit. Next up, the Wyverns, game, they lost to Avon Old brings something different,” said strengths, Nesbit commented “Each guy on the team has they play Hamden Hall Country Farms 68-49. on Friday, Dec. 12. Coach Adams. “We ask that every on some vital improvements a role, and they know that role. Day School in the KO Invi- Although it was double- player contribute what he can and the team needs to make to be Some people are better at defense, tational Tournament at 8:30 digit defeat, Head Coach Garth that we play for and support each successful. “The team’s biggest and some are better at offense, but p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Adams stayed positive. “Our other as we work toward our goals.” weakness is transition defense overall we are at our best when we The Wyverns are not guys did some nice things and and ball control,” Nesbit said. work together as a team and not only looking to win their competed well in spots,” he said. “Everyone on “We turn the ball over too focus on ourselves as individuals.” first game but also hope to Senior Co-captain guard much, and let up too many easy Although there are no win the whole tournament. TJ Nesbit said that, although the our team has baskets. If we can cut our turnovers current stars, it appears there will “This is our tournament and team played better than at the and the opposing team’s transition be one not so far in the future we will compete hard, but that is season opener against the Noble unique talents, points in half, we are right in the with eighth-grade guard Nick no different than how we will play and Greenough School, which game with any team we play.” Bray showing great potential. every game,” said Coach Adams, the team lost 66-29, it still wasn’t and each player One of the major changes the “Being the youngest “We talk about playing the what the team was looking to do. Wyvern boys basketball team has member of the team, he has game to a standard, not to the He said the final score brings something experienced is a coaching change. shown no fear nor hesitancy in quality of the opponent, the setting doesn’t communicate the whole different.” Fortunately, Coach Adams practice or the games,” said Nesbit. or the score. That being said, we story of the game against the had coached at KO previously “He is one of the top guys expect to put ourselves in a posi- Noble and Greenough School, as – Coach Adams and said it has been an easy on the team, and I’m excited tion to be the 2014 KIT champion.” the Wyverns were within striking return. “The transition back to KO to see how he improves his Nesbit said the team can distance at halftime and only has been seamless,” said Coach skills and knowledge of the win the tournament and use the fell behind in the second half. Coach Adams said another Adams. “I know the school very game in the coming months.” energy from the enthused home Although the season strength is the team’s commit- well, and everyone has been very Even though this team crowd to propel them to victory. has gotten off to a rocky start, ment to improve. “Our guys are welcoming. It is great to be back.” remains winless and has yet to “The KITs are always a fun Coach Adams said he still has very coachable and take instruc- Nesbit commented play in a competitive game, Nesbit time of the season because every- high standards for this team. tion well,” said Coach Adams. on the great job Coach said he firmly believes this team is one’s friends are there, and the gym “We have talked a lot “Every player has Adams has been doing. much better than last year’s team. is packed,” Nesbit said. “But new about approaching practice as committed to what we are doing, “Coach Adams has done “This year’s team is much guys can sometimes be nervous a process of improving each and I am so proud of how hard a great job with the team so stronger than last year,” he said. playing in front of so many people day, trying to get better and we are working. I can feel far,” Nesbit said. “He won’t “About half the team has been they know. I hope we can use that competing in games,” he said. us getting better every day.” let us skip over the details and playing with each other for a few energy to fuel us. Every game we “Our expectations are high Nesbit said the team’s makes sure we have everything years now, and some guys since play is a very winnable game. and, for ourselves. We have a standard greatest strength was their team down pat to build the foundation middle school. Overall we have with a stronger team this year, that we are trying to achieve. We chemistry. “The bonds everyone for what we are trying to do.” a stronger connection with each I hope to come away with a W.” Girls hockey falls to Vermont Academy on disputed call in OT by Kelly Maloney ’16 possession and puck support are improved team chemistry,” said game and Vermont up 5-4, Georgia the two areas of our game that Demers. “We are a passionate Kraus scored from a pass from “This year I Having faced tough compe- were not strong last year,” Head team with a lot of heart who want Demers to send the game into OT. tition and one overtime defeat, the Coach John Hissick said. “They to make most of our final season.” In OT, the puck was covered want the team to girls ice hockey team has started have been a point of emphasis by senior goalie Marisa Henry the season with a 0-3 record. from the very beginning this year.” when a Vermont skater stabbed at improve consis- To kick off the season, The team has also been “It takes time to her glove to knock the puck out of tency and play girls hockey faced three hard- doing the Russian mile consis- it in what KO players said should fought games against Taft, West- tently for part of their conditioning. fully understand have resulted in a stoppage of play. every minute of minster, and Vermont Academy. The Russian mile is a timed, sprint and be able to Unfortunately, the ref did Despire these difficult losses, skate for a little bit under a mile. not stop the play, and the Vermont every game as junior forward Co-captain Nicole “We are timing ourselves execute consis- skater put the pick in the net, ending Demers said the team will continue to track the progress for the year the game with a score of 6-5. hard as we can.” playing as hard as they can through in Russian mile,” said junior tently.” “Although we didn’t win every game. “This year, I want center Co-captain Erin Persico. our last game versus Vermont – Nicole Demers the team to improve consistency After the Taft game, the – Coach Hissick Academy, I was very proud and play every minute of every team lost 6-0 to Westminster of the fight and determination game as hard as we can,” she said. School, a Division I Founders that they showed,” said Coach time she on the ice,” she said. The Wyverns held Taft to a League team. “We fought hard. Last Wednesday the team Hissick. “That passion and fight Persico said the team 0-0 score in the first period. But We picked it up in the third and played Vermont Academy, along with being successful looking forward to Hockey Night. during the second period, Taft didn’t let a goal in,” said Demers. which ended with a heart- are very encouraging to me.” “Having a crowd is always better. came out scoring three goals. Coach Hissick said the breaking 6-5 loss in OT. Coach Hissick said many When the crowd gets hyped, But the team didn’t give up. youth of the team has sometimes The first goal was a combi- players have showed great effort we get hyped,” Persico said. In the third period, junior Ali Klute been a factor in the losses. “We are nation of an assist from eighth and leadership, citing Demers, They said they are also scored a goal, making it a 3-1 loss. very young, so we are learning new grader Georgia Kraus to her Persico, Klute, and both Krauses. excited about their upcoming “It was a disappointing systems and strategies,” he said. “It sister junior Ellie Kraus who “Dakota McMahon and Georgia Canterbury game because KO loss because we know we could takes time to fully understand and put it in the back on the net. Kraus, though young, have been big lost to them in OT last year. have played better in the second be able to execute consistently.” A couple of minutes after- contributors,” said Coach Hissick. “I want the girls to period and prevented those Both captains agreed ward, Vermont scored a goal, tying Demers agreed. “Georgia enjoy the experience. If we are three quick goals,” said Demers. that the team chemistry has a the game at 1-1. It went back and sees the ice well, makes plays prepared and execute well, we This year the team is great effect on their progress forth like that for the whole game. happen, and is very smooth. will be fine,” said Coach Hissick. focusing on certain skills. “Puck so far. “We have tremendously With 13 seconds left in the Dakota gives 100 percent every THURSDAY THURSDAY 18 December 18, 2014 Sports Sports December 18, 2014 19 Boys hockey skates to success vs. St. Luke’s in home opener by Ryan Nesbit ’16 team will likely depend on some of their key players. Adamsons said With a big win over St. Luke’s that Morin and senior Nick Bridges under their belt, the boys varsity will play big roles this year. hockey team (1-2) looks to make “Morin’s ability to score their last season one to remember. and Bridges’ goaltending will be Sophomore Co-captain huge for us this year,” he said. Chris Adamsons said that every- Adamsons also said body has a positive attitude going that seniors Bryant Alyward into this season. He said that the and Evan Sliker, as well as realization that this is the team’s the goalies, will all be vital to last season of existence has the team’s success. changed everybody’s mindset. Morin added that, even “There was some arguing though there are some individual last year, but you won’t see that this players, being a team as a whole year. It’s just different,” he said. is more important.“Especially this Senior Co-captain Tristan year, it is a team effort and if we all Morin said he can tell that there do our jobs we can do well,” he said. is an incredible work ethic Coach Adams expressed a throughout the team this year. similar philosophy to Morin’s. He “Everyone is working hard to make said that, while the team will look it a good last season,” he said. to lean on their scorers and goalies, Head Coach Ben Adams it is mostly a team effort. “We’ve said that knowing this will be Junior Jared DeFlippo receives a pass from a teammate while preparing for upcoming Hockey Night. Photo by Sophia changed our scheme up a little the hockey team’s last season Harrison ’15. bit this year, and it’s important adds a different variable, but for everybody to buy in,” he said. he said he doesn’t think it will contest of the year by a score of said. “That’s way too many.” Westminster squad 13-1. Morin said that success this set in until later in the season. 9-0. Junior Kyle Keenan said that In the second game of the Keenan said that Westmin- year will be solely a team effort, but “We have 24 games,” he said. Kent was a very tough matchup but season, the Wyverns cruised to ster came out of the gates ready to he thinks it can be accomplished. “I don’t think it’ll really hit them added that there were some posi- a 7-2 victory over St. Luke’s play. “We got smacked right in the The team looks for success until that number starts decreasing.” tives to take from the game. “We School, behind the scoring of mouth the first period,” he said. in the upcoming annual Brooks/ Coach Adams said that he battled,” he said. “At the end of Lantieri, senior Sam Kelly, senior They Wyverns fell behind Pingree Tournament Friday, is optimistic about the upcoming the day, that’s all you can ask for.” Justin Genga, junior Ben Steele, 6-0 after the first period and Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. season. He said that the team has Coach Adams said that the and freshman Mitch Nenninger. were unable to recover. While 21. The team will play Rye very good chemistry and that he score doesn’t entirely reflect how Junior Zach Hoffman Adamsons did put one in the Country Day during Hockey was impressed with the intangibles the game went. He said that KO had said that St. Luke’s was a weak net, the Wyverns still lost 13-1. Night on Friday, Jan. 9, an event after their first game of the season. several scoring opportunities and team and the score should have The boys handily won a that always draws a big crowd. “There were prom- that three KO shots hit the posts. been higher. “We didn’t put scrimmage against Conard High Sliker said he’s looking ising attitudes and effort Junior Brendan Lant- away all of our chances, but it School by a score of 8-3. Lantieri, forward to it. “I love the brother- after the first game,” he said. ieri admitted that penalties was still a good game,” he said. Kelly, and Adamsons all contrib- hood of being with the boys and the The Wyverns were shut were a problem. “They scored In the team’s third game, uted two goals and Steele added one. excitement of stepping on the ice out by Kent School in their first five power-play goals,” he they lost to an overpowering As the season progresses, the with all the fans cheering,” he said. Where are they now?: Cioffi ’14 settles in as starting QB at Union by Jack Beckerman ’15 after the fourth game and fourth under 400 yards, and six touch- “He made my job a lot easier.” to balance the workload with loss, Cioffi’s chance of playing downs, the most touchdowns By the end of the season, football during the season. Dante Cioffi ’14 is no and possibly starting skyrocketed. in one game in Union history. Cioffi had the best QB efficiency “I did well this semester, stranger to entering a school with “They put the second- “It was Senior Day,” he on the team at 111.54, over even on top of football,” he said. a struggling football program. string quarterback in for the said, “so we really wanted to 1,000 yards passing in just four “Let’s just say that I wouldn’t When he first arrived at KO, the next game,” he said. “He didn’t win and give our seniors some- games, and seven touchdowns, be as strong academically if I football team was coming off its play too well, and, after our thing to remember. We had a Within the first few weeks hadn’t come to Kingswood.” He third consecutive winless season. fifth loss in a row, the coaches solid game plan going in, and on the team, Cioffi said he noticed added that his football experience But three short seasons later decided to give me my shot.” their defense basically gave us numerous differences between at KO also helped prepare him Cioffi was leading the Wyverns Cioffi started the next four all we could have hoped for.” the high school and college level. some aspects of the college game. to a 7-2 record and a share of the games earning a 2-2 record and He added that, although he For one, the speed of the He said his ability to hold Fairchester League Champion title. leading the team to the only two broke the record, the player of the game increased dramatically, which himself accountable, his ability Maybe that’s why, when games it would win that season. game in his mind was wide receiver necessitated much more mental to lead a team through struggles Cioffi’s current team, the Union The starter came back for their Kyle Reynolds who caught four of preparation before each play. in their season, and his work College Dutch, got off to a rocky last game, the rivalry game his six touchdowns for over 200 “Everyone on the field was ethic in practice – working 0-5 start, he was able to keep his against Rensselaer Polytechnic yards, “He was on fire,” said Cioffi. one of the best players on their as hard as he possibly can to composure, work hard in prac- Institute, but, after the starter’s team in high school, so there is become a better player – are tice, and earn the position as mediocre performance through really no easy game,” he said. all points that KO Head Coach starting quarterback as a freshman. the first half, the coaches elected “It takes much “Everyone understands the game Jason Martinez and the rest of the On day one of pre-season, to put in Dante for the second. more focus and on a lot better, so it takes much more coaching staff molded into him. Cioffi was one of seven quar- Cioffi threw for 136 yards focus and on-field preparation With the starting quarterback terbacks on the team, and, with on 11 completions and a touch- field preparation between plays to ensure I make graduating in the spring, Cioffi is freshmen automatically placed down, but fell short of completing the right decisions. In other words, hopeful but still unsure about what at the bottom of the contenders, the comeback, as the game between plays to there is a lot less room for error.” will come of him next year. “My he had a long way up before he ended with a 31-28 Union loss. When asked how KO goals are to learn the playbook could even play, nonetheless start. Cioffi’s best game of the ensure I make the had helped him on and off the better, and to just keep working By the first game, Cioffi season was his record-breaking field, he immediately mentioned hard,” he said. “I’m excited to had earned a third-string position, performance against the U.S. right decisions.” his academics, stating that see what role I’ll play next year.” and, after the starter went on the Merchant Marine Academy. In – Dante Cioffi without coming to KO, he prob- But, after this season, it’s safe injury reserve with a concussion a 59-32 win, he threw for just ably wouldn’t have been able to say that his role will be significant. THURSDAY THURSDAY 18 December 18, 2014 Sports Sports December 18, 2014 19 Girls basketball shoots for big improvements, preparing for KITs by JJ Dominick ’18 Glemaud notched a solid 18 points, to go along with seven The girls varsity basket- rebounds. Freshman Skylar ball team has begun the year Barron created a spark for the with enthusiastic efforts, but they team, scoring five quick points have yet to find their first win and off the bench in the first half. currently have a record of 0-4. Coming up in the next The girls are creating a new week, the girls will play a slew foundation under the watch of first- of games during the Kingswood year Head Coach Jim O’Donnell. Oxford Invitational Tourna- In previous years, Coach ment (KIT) and want to show O’Donnell, who is also KO’s the school what they can do. director of enrollment manage- “It is definitely in the back of ment, coached basketball at other our heads,” said Carucci. “We have schools and has also assisted the been thinking about it. We want to boys varsity team at KO in the past. put on display what we can do.” So far, the players have But, before the KIT, KO really embraced Coach O’Donnell. faced another tough oppo- “He is a great coach who nent on Dec. 13, Choate Rose- has stepped in well so far,” Maddie Kalkstein ’17 dribbles aggressively against Berkshire School on Dec. 10. Photo by Claire Halloran ’15. mary Hall. Without starting said sophomore guard Kelly point guard Carucci, Choate Carucci. “He is teaching us With only two upper- many signs of what is to come. Saturday, Dec. 6, the girls lost to proved to be too much to over- new skills and other things that classmen on the team, Coach In a 51-36 loss to Taft on Williston Northampton, 55-22. In come, and KO lost 52-32. will allow us to build a founda- O’Donnell leans on senior Wednesday, Dec. 3, the girls the game, they played hard together Overall, the start of this tion for future years to come.” forward Meghan Kennedy refused to go down without a as a team, but the Wildcats’ fero- year is the beginning of a new Coach O’Donnell said his and junior Kelly Maloney. fight. They played team basket- cious defense, led to the loss. foundation for the Wyverns, one goal for the team’s foundation “Meghan and Kelly have ball on both ends of the floor The girls had to move on they are working hard to establish. does not apply only to the varsity. taken leadership roles very well and put out a valiant effort. quickly, as they played the Berk- “The girls are and have He said he wants everyone and have made things for the Leading the team was shire School on Wednesday, Dec. been giving me everything from the girls B team in the team fun,” Coach O’Donnell said. sophomore Kayla Glemaud with 10, and lost 69-36. It was a tight every day, and I am grateful Middle School to the varsity “They have emphasized hard 11 points, four rebounds and first half, with both teams’ defenses for it,” Coach O’Donnell said. team to know that they are a part work. I haven’t really thought or five steals. Carucci added 10 playing stoutly and smartly. “They are turning a collection of a foundation of the future. gone toward captains yet. I think points, five rebounds and four The Wyverns got the lead of players into one, whole team, Part of that future, he all the girls show good leadership.” steals. The girls played as a team, down to seven by the end of the and I am very proud so far.” said, is having older players In the first games of according to Coach O’Donnell. first half, but the Bears went on a lead the younger ones. the year, the team has shown In their second game, on long run to seal the win for them. Boys squash drives for success with strong tournament results by Noa Silverstein ’15 Senior Captain Joe Ravalese he said, “we have improved a lot. well was we kept our mental played No. 1 last season, as well We have a very strong line-up this toughness because that is a huge “Squash is not a KO boys squash has a lot as this season. “We just want to do year. I think we showed that at our part of squash,” Pugliese said. to look forward to this season. as best as we can. We have some first tournament where we placed “We have some people on the game where you Unlike most teams, they did tough competition this season,” second overall, so I think we defi- team, including myself, who some- not lose any seniors, making it Ravalese said. “We have a young nitely strengthened as a team.” times give up on points, when we can expect results possible to be stronger than ever. team, but we do have a lot of are down or make mistakes, so in a week or two... Boys squash had a shaky talented players, and we do play “We have to I think we did that really well. ” season last year, but, this year, against a really tough schedule. Mental toughness is a big it is going to take has already emerged as a strong We are just going to do as best as become more aspect of the game, he said. Players team. The same line-up returned, we can and compete with some of need to be able to look at the a little bit of time with additions that only serve the best players in the country.” complete players, game in the big picture , but also to make the team stronger. The boys squash program see it on a point-by-point basis. for everybody “The whole team, where competes with top teams in working on every On Saturday, Dec. 6, the we started and where we are at, the country like Avon Old team played in the Hopkins to improve as a it is totally different and a totally Farms, who were the best in aspect of our Tournament, where they placed different ball game right now,” the country last year, Deerfield fourth out of eight teams. Seventh program.” Head Coach Robby Lingashi Academy, and Loomis Chaffee. game during grader Matt Lazor, senior Ryan said. “When I got here a year “We have to become more Wetsman, and Albanesi all came – Coach Lingashi ago, I just established the impor- complete players and we just practices.” in second in their respective draws. tance of practice, and it was hard need to work on every aspect of – Joe Ravalese “This is a strong result for for the kids because they had the game during practices,” Rava- us. considering that this is the games to seal the victory for KO. to adopt to my philosophy of lese said. “Whether it be fitness best we have finished at this tour- “Squash is not a game coaching squash, and now they or the individual techniques, just The team has performed nament in the past four years, where you can expect results in get it, and it is fun for them.” improving your shots and getting well at their early season tour- and that we were missing two a week or two,” Coach Lingashi Coach Lingashi was once them closer to the wall, getting naments. On Wednesday, Dec. players that usually play in our said. “For somebody who has ranked among the top 60 squash the deeper into the back of the 3, they played at the WALKS top seven,” said senior Dan Miller. been playing a long time, this players in the world by the World court, drop shots that are tighter scrimmage against Westminster, Next, the Wyverns trav- makes a lot sense. From where Squash Federation and is a 10- and lower to the tin. By taking Avon Old Farms, and Loomis. eled to Deerfield on Wednesday, we are at as varsity, it is going to time national champion in his advantage of all this in practice, They came in second Dec. 10 for their first match of take a little bit of time for every- native country of Zambia. Coach we will improve our consistency.” finishing above Westy and Loomis. the season. They won 4-3, with body to improve as a program. Lingashi became the head coach Junior Josh Pugliese, who Sophomore Ryan Albenesi had a strong wins from Wetsman, Lazor, This year as a season, I think for the boys squash program plays No. 4, said the team has strong performance, defeating and sophomore Ben Putterman. we are going to do really well.” last season, and he said he improved. “From the first year I both Westminster and Loomis. Pugliese played an extremely close The team resumes its season regarded it as a rebuilding season. played on the team to this year,” “One thing we did really match at No. 5, winning in five against Westy on Saturday, Jan. 10. THURSDAY THURSDAY 20 December 18, 2014 Sports Sports December 18, 2014 21 Swimming soaks competition at KO Invitational last weekend by Ryan Albanesi ’17 1-1 record and is looking more Barry said. “As the season goes to improving the skillset of on, I’d say we will become a lot Competing against eight their young squad, rather than stronger in general just because the teams at the KO Invitational on expecting the same tournament lack of experience will improve.” Saturday, Dec. 13, held at Trinity success seen in previous seasons. Coach Baker agreed. College, the girls swimming and In the first meet of the year, “[Cooper] has done an amazing job, diving team tied Milton Academy at Hopkins School on Wednesday, being new to the team last year and for first place (200 points), and the Dec. 3, the team could not manage still being elected as captain, which boys team took second place behind to edge out a victory. But, because speaks to how natural it is for her to Milton (228) with 213 points. this meet occurred early in the be a leader,” she said. “She’s been For the girls, senior Tri- season and Hopkins is such a fabulous with the team dynamics.” captain Lauren Cooper took first strong team, KO swimmers still Shea said the youth of the place in the 100-yard freestyle viewed this meet in a positive light. squad could be a strong point. “Yes, and 100 backstroke. Third-place “We are one of the first it’s a really young team,” she said, finishers were junior Olivia Shea teams in New England,” Head “but there’s also a lot of potential in the 200 individual medley and Coach Kata Baker said, “to actu- Junior Tri-captain David Lessard freestyles his way to victory against Wilbraham in both the boys and girls teams.” 500 freestyle, sophomore Amanda ally have a meet at that time of and Monson. Photo by Kate Betts ‘16. She said Petit, sopho- Civitello in the 100 butterfly, year, which I sort of love because times, but I know it can get even still do very well, even with the large more Emma Fisher, freshman sophomore Grace Amell in the when you get kids on the blocks better for all of us . . . even after number of first-time swimmers. Noa Boyd and freshman 100 individual medley, Civitello, and racing, it makes practice more we lost a lot of key components As the season progresses, Harry Krause have already Cooper, Shea and junior Jackie meaningful moving forward.” of the team from last year.” Coach Baker said it is the respon- helped out the team in meets. Raymond in the 400 freestyle relay, Even with a loss, the After seniors such as Callie sibility of the captains and the Head Coach Alex Kraus said and senior Katie Smith in diving. team still discovered areas of Miles and Sam Pinkes graduated, more experienced swimmers to the hard work he has seen displayed For the boys, junior strength at this early stage of both of whom played large roles help their younger teammates. in practices has already been Andrew Zimmerman, sophomore the year. “Everybody did really in the team’s fantastic season last Luckily for the under- translated into success in meets, Jack Barry, eighth-grader John well, considering it was a lot of year, the squad hopes this year’s classmen, the tri-captain team of specifically in the squad’s victory Hagberg and junior Chris Caran- people’s first meets ever, and we seniors and upperclassmen can Cooper, senior Jack Reich and over Wilbraham and Monson gelo took second in the 400 free- had a pretty-hard fought loss,” guide the young team to even junior David Lessard seem to be up Academy on Saturday, Dec. 6. style relay. Third-place finishers sophomore Amanda Civitello said. more success in future years. to that task. “We just want to make “The biggest weakness to were Zimmerman, Carangelo, Civitello swam a 2:26 in “We lost Callie and Sam, this a team where anyone could feel this team is thinking that they can’t junior Jack Wolf and freshman her 200-individual medley race, who were both fantastic sprinters,” welcome, that can bond together, do something,” Coach Kraus said. Tim Petit in the 200 freestyle while the relay team consisting of said Coach Baker, “That said, we even with the many different “If I tell someone they are ready relay, Zimmerman in the 100 Civitello, sophomore Laura Polley, do have a lot of people who are levels of experience,” Cooper said. to swim a race, even though they and 200 individual medleys, and Shea, and Cooper swam strong starting to step up to fill their place.” For many members of the might not feel ready, they are Carangelo in 50 and 100 freestyle. 200- and 400- freestyle relays. By relying on the more team, this goal seems to already ready, and they can certainly do it,” In dual-meet competition “Many of us did well at experienced upperclassmen and have been achieved. “There’s The team will continue their the KO boys and girls swim- Hopkins,” Polley said, “and captains, the team’s coaches said already been great team leader- season at Northfield Mount Hermon ming and diving team sports a I improved personally on my they believe this year’s team can ship from our captains for sure,” School on Saturday, Jan. 10. Youthful girls squash serves up 1-1 record as promising year begins by Austin Lemkuil ’16 is a rebuilding year, considering great job as captains and leaders that the team only had four returners of the team. He added that senior The girls varsity from the 10 who played last year. Noa Silverstein has also stepped squash team has served up a “It’s hard to know who into a leadership role this season. great start with a 1-1 record. other teams are returning and “We lost a lot of seniors, The team officially opened to set a goal for where we’ll be so this year we’re trying to be in up their season on Saturday, in New Englands,” Coach Carr the B bracket for New Englands,” Dec. 6, with a huge 7-0 victory said, “but we still have the same said Harrison. “Our Nos. 6 to over Ethel Walker School. The goals we have every year: to be 11 are equal in strength so we Wyverns won all seven matches competitive with the teams we play have a lot of depth this year.” in their successful season opener. against and to improve every day.” With a trio of eighth graders, “Almost everyone won With only four upper- four sophomores, a junior, and three straight games,” said Head classmen, the Wyverns have a very four seniors, the girls squash team Coach Andy Carr. “We swept just young team including three eighth has assembled a strong corps of about every match, and it was a graders: Caroline Percival, Amara dynamic and competitive players. great way to begin our season.” Haider and Ananya Alleyne. “Even though we lost a Senior Co-captains Sophia “Having a young team great amount of seniors, the Harrison and Corinne Florian led is good to build on for the new players on varsity have the team to victory, both winning future,” said Harrison. “We really stepped up and I’m really three games straight. Harrison have a lot of potential to have a impressed with the improvements won 11-3, 11-1, and 11-4, while strong bottom of the ladder.” everyone has already made so Florian won 11-3, 11-2, and 11-2. Coach Carr said that the top early in the season,” said Florian The Wyverns also played five spots are set, but that there Senior Noa Silverstein sets up backhand hit against Suffield Academy Coach Carr said the squad well in the WALKS Tournament is a lot of flexibility at the No. Photo by Lauren Barnes ’16. is focusing on skills. “Right now, at Westminster on Wednesday, 6 and No. 7 spots. Sophomores and Florian, who also played well said Coach Carr. “Suffield’s one we’re trying to improve consis- Dec. 3. Although the meeting Faith Pease and Rose Essel- in a close match to a tough oppo- of the tougher teams we play tency and getting good shots,” said was just a scrimmage, the team styn rotate in those positions. nent. Also, Percival won 3-2 in a this year, so our strong perfor- Coach Carr. “The seniors are setting showed a strong effort, beating The Wyverns lost 6-1 in a great game in the No. 7 spot, and mances should be a confidence- the tone and helping everyone Loomis and Westminster. “The match at Suffield Academy on Harrison won with an 11-9 game. builder for the rest of the season.” play to the best of their abilities.” scrimmage was a huge accom- Wednesday, Dec. 10. Despite “Anytime we win a close One of the most important The team will play Mill- plishment for us because they are the loss, there were some strong game to a tough opponent like qualities of the team is its strong brook on Saturday, Jan. 10, looking usually strong teams,” said Florian. performances, including that of Caroline did, that gives us a lot leaders. Coach Carr said that to pull out a win, as they did against Coach Carr said that this year Pease, who won her match at No. 8, of confidence moving forward,” Harrison and Florian have done a them at New Englands last year.