friends’ central school FOCUS Volume XXXVII, Issue IV 1101 City Avenue Wynnewood Pennsylvania 19096 January/February 2012 FCS Confronts Bullying By OLIVER GOODMAN ‘13 In This and STEFAN SULTAN ‘15

Issue: rom the graph to the right it is reassuring to know that Fof the 332 (85% of the Upper School) of Friends’ Central How much of a problem is bullying in our Upper School? students who took the bullying survey last April, only 7% of them thought bullying to be a major problem in our commu- 7% Student Jobs nity. In comparison a national bullying survey found that 68% pg 3 of students saw bullying as a major problem in their schools. 18% Additionally, 53% of students at FC reported bullying to be a A big problem small problem. But what exactly counts as bullying? I'm not sure Alumni Dr. Sternberg, the school psychologist, defines bully- 53% Not a problem ing as “behavior that is intended to harm or hurt others. It is A small problem Athletes when one individual or a group of individuals purposely mis- 22% pg 4 treats another. It can be done directly (to a person), or indi- rectly (about a person).” Shockingly enough, many people who took the survey Fashion reported that the majority of the bullying they had encoun- pg 2 tered was happening in the classroom. To see what teach- At Friends’ Central we are lucky to be well ahead of ers thought of this, the perspective of grade dean Mr. Buck, the national average in students who say bullying is not a big as he explained it, is, “I see very little [bullying]. I hear about problem, but how exactly can we bring that 59% of Friends’ Comedy From it often but rarely witness it.” From the perspective of new Central students who say bullying is a problem (7% big prob- teacher Ms. Kelleher, “[Friends’ Central] is a pretty respect- lem, 52% small problem) down to 0%? Oliver ful school. I’ve been in schools where students were a lot less pg 3 Stefan and I sat down with Dr. Juliet Sternberg and tolerant.” After journeying through the FC Middle School, she shared these tips: Stefan Sultan ‘15 commented, “There was a small amount of -Condemn the bullying behavior/make it “uncool”. bullying in Middle School and it only affected a few students. -Stand up for the person being bullied. From what I have seen so far, bullying in high school is al- -If you can’t help the situation, tell an adult. most the same as in Middle School.” -Comfort or reassure the target. Continued on page 2 Students Push Politics By BEN FOGEL ‘13 McCain received last year). The remaining 30% of students said they were undecided or support- hile the Mayans predicted that the Earth television and Internet) while a surprising 19% ing another candidate for the 2012 election. Of Wwould end this year, we know for sure that admitted relying on someone else (whether par- all these students only 40 (29%) will be eligible political rhetoric and the material for the likes of ents, friends, or other) for their source of news. to vote, with most of them saying they will vote. Steven Colbert and John Stewart will not be end- Not surprisingly, 68% of respondents Students were then asked to rate Barack ing any time soon. The recent Republican prima- identified with the Democratic Party, while 19% Obama’s performance as president on a scale ries have drawn a lot of attention, as the Republi- identifying as Independents, 6% as Republicans from 1-10 (with 1 being extreme disappoint- cans prepare to choose their candidate to face-off and 6% as other (responses ranged from Con- ment and 10 being exceeded expectations). against Obama in the 2012 election. Recently, I stitutionist, Libertarian Socialist, Centrist, Nei- For this question, the most common rating sent a political survey to the entire Upper School ther/None, “i don’t know, haha” and “upset with was a 7, with 31% choosing 7. The median of and while the survey had a few surprises, it was the American 2 party system”). It is clear that this data set was a 6 rating, but 30% of respon- fairly consistent with the voting record one might the majority of Friends’ Central has identified as dents gave Barack Obama a 5 rating or worse. expect from a suburban high school like Friends’ either a Democrat or Liberal. When referring to Out of the Republican candidates, 33% of stu- Central. the 2008 election, an overwhelming 85% of re- dents said they would support Mitt Romney, It might be best to start off talking about spondents reported supporting Barack Obama, 19% for Ron Paul, 12% for Jon Huntsman, with demographics. This survey was taken by a total of while only 4% supported McCain and the other Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry, 139 Upper School students. A little more than half 11% supported neither or other. This is interest- Michelle Bachman, Buddy Roemer and Gary of the people who took the survey were male and ing in contrast to who students say they will sup- Johnson, rounding out the pack in that order. with the exception of slightly more responses to port in the upcoming 2012 election. While there There are still 11 months until the election, and the survey from the 11th grade (33%), responses is still a little less than 11 months to the election, the Republican parties have seen their fair share were fairly spread out between the grades (9-12). 70% of students reported already having made up of diverse candidates. From Herman Cain to Students remained neutral on how closely they their decision for the election. Three years later, Michelle Bachmann, to the Anybody-But-Rom- follow politics. Most students admitted that they the number of supporters of Barack Obama has ney vote (literally, everybody but Romney), the only occasionally follow American Politics (27%) decreased by 21%, with only 64% of students re- Republican voters are still split on which candi- while the rest were split with 37% saying they fol- porting support of our current president (with date they support. With Romney winning Iowa low politics a good amount or on a regular basis 64% still remaining a majority, the amount is and New Hampshire, he aspires for winning the and 36% saying they follow it a little or not at all. much slimmer). Already in January, 6% of stu- nomination, but who knows, there’s still time left Students reported using CNN, NBC and the New dents have decided to support one of the Republi- and Vermin Supreme and Stephen Colbert have York Times for their main source of news (both can candidates (the same amount of support John just announced their candidacy for this race.v Page 2 January/February 2012

From Bullying on Page 1 Model UNderstood -Distract from the bullying behavior. By CHIARA NEILSON ‘14 -Be sure not to participate. Another potential solution would be a school-wide honor Are you hungry for history? For heat- gates, argued points from the position code. A Friends’ Central honor code would act as a blue print on ed debates? For meeting new people? of South Korea. The team’s job was to how students should deal with delicate situations such as: bul- Then Model UN packs in just the right study the country’s viewpoints on lying, cheating, stealing, and other disruptions throughout our amount of flavor for you. Model UN is certain issues and eventually present community. There is a new club devoted to the honor code called, a “simulation of what the United Na- them to the conference for three days The Honor Code Committee. Their job is explore other schools’ tions does....Clubs, colleges, and high and three nights. The goal is to try honor codes and to eventually draft our own. The honor code is schools run them all over the world,” and compromise with other “coun- planned to go into effect next school year. We look forward to Mr. Nicolai told me with excitement tries” or schools. Mr. Nic mentioned what Friends’ Central’s Honor Code has to offer and encourage pouring out of every word. He is the that the meetings can go late into the you all to do the same. head of the program here at FCS. In night; and so for three full days the FC is leading the way for lack of extreme bullying, but fact, he said that when “I came to this Model UN team was completely en- there is still some of it going on in our community. Please do your school in 1984, I brought Model UN gulfed in the conference. One of the part to ensure that the next time the Friends’ Central Census rolls with me.” Mr. Nic did Model UN at his seniors on the team, Bill Fedullo, re- around, the bullying survey reports 0%. v own high school and even in college. marked, “I don’t like winning itself. His love and passion for it has not I won this past year, but I was actu- changed; it might have even grown. “I ally really surprised by that...I like the feel that it is very important for kids to adrenaline. A conference is seriously learn the goals and aims of the United incredibly exciting.” Enriched by Ms. Richman Nations. People have to work togeth- The tension and excitement By ANNA SORENSEN ‘15 er, not tear each other apart.” Mr. Nic builds as delegates begin the long ally Richman, the newly appointed interim Upper School of- really pinpointed an important part process of compromising with other fice secretary, will be occupying the office until March 2012. Al- of students’ education: learning how countries on issues that they have S though this is her first time in the Upper School office, she has been to work together. “You have to be able spent a lot of time researching in or- a substitute at the Lower, Middle and Upper schools for years. When to talk; its not just knowing history,... der to accurately represent their na- her daughter Emma Rich- it’s about how you relate to people,” tion’s viewpoint. Does Mr. Nic think man ‘10 started at Friends’ he told me simply. that this years’ team was successful? Central in first grade, Ms. There are over 2500 high “Some schools are into it for the win- Richman fell in love with school students from around the ning...the recognition. It is very com- the community and as she world who participate in the particu- petitive. This is hard for me because explains, “the wonderful at- lar Model UN conference our school I want them to learn and care about mosphere.” She likes work- attends. It is held by the University of other people and their ideas (not fo- ing here because she can see Pennsylvania and took place just this cus on the awards). And to learn the all the teachers and people past weekend in Philadelphia. This goals of the United Nations, brother- again since Emma is now in year our team, comprised of 19 dele- hood and peace, and what the United college. Ms. Richman loves being in the office, and can’t think of any- Continued on page 5 thing better than helping people all day, every day. “It’s great! I love it!” v Hot Fashions in Cold Weather

By ARYANNA POLLACK ‘15 ally, we love this trend and have seen a lot of people as boys wearing this jacket at Friends’ Cen- and HANNAH KAMINSKY ‘15 around Friends’ Central wearing the infinity scarf. tral. A great thing about trench coats is that you have the ability to either dress it down, It’s a new era in fashion - there are no rules. “It’s all about the individual and personal 2) Boots by wearing jeans and boots, or dress it up by style.” - Alexander McQueen. There are many different types of boots throwing it over a dress. As well as looking At Friends’ Central there is no short- that are in this season, such as Combat boots, cute, the jacket keeps you very warm for the age of people expressing themselves through Riding boots and the classic Ugg boot. Recent- winter or the cooler days in the fall or spring. fashion. We have seen many different trends, ly, we have noticed people at FCS peaking a being interpreted in many different ways, little bit of their leg warmers or high socks out 4) Feather Earrings throughout the Friends’ Central community, of their boots. This adds a very cute touch to Feather ear- and we love the way that anyone can add his/ the outfit and make you look more put together. rings are basically her own touch to any outfit. We have noticed On those cold winter days when you want to be colorful thin or thick several trends racing through our commu- cozy and cute at the same time, Uggs are per- feathers that are put nity, and we have broken them down for you. fect! They are lined with soft sheep skin to keep on an earring for a your feet warm, but still compliment your outfit. care-free and bohe- mian vibe to your 1) Scarves This season scarfs have been really pop- look. If you don’t feel ular. There are many different types of scarves, like having a feather but the newest and the most popular this winter hair extension sewn is the infinity scarf, or the circle scarf. Basically, or clipped into your hair, instead you can just the scarf is a circle that you loop over twice to cre- wear these earrings to create the illusion that ate a very comfortable yet stylish look. Person- you have one in. It is a great way to spice up any outfit, and personally we love this look.

5) Sweaters Loose wool sweaters are in! The hot garment goes along with the crop-top trend, and looks really cute with a comfy pair of boots. There are many different types of sweat- ers with different details, such as having rips down the back. Sweaters are perfect for those 3) Trench Coats snowy winter days when you want to look Trench coats have become very popular cute, comfortable, and warm all at the same this season, because they give a very classic and time. We both love this trend, not only be- polished look. We have seen many girls as well cause its functional but also is very trendy. v January/February 2012 Page 3 Part Time Jobs for Full Time Students By SAOIRSE HAHN ‘15

hough it may come as a shock, many FCS students are bringing home was interested to know if the long, eight-hour workdays affect her academ- Tthe bacon with part time jobs during the year. Often, working teenag- ic or social life to any extent. Meghan replied that “getting my work done is ers go unrecognized for the copious amounts of time they put in to both of never too much of a problem, and I only really miss out with my friends on their jobs, as an employee and as a student. Throughout the entire Upper Saturdays, but I work with a lot of people with whom I’ve become very close.” School, there are interesting kids with even more interesting jobs. Focus has taken the liberty to talk to a few of them about life as a working stu- Of all of the jobs you see kids having these days, working at a veteri- dent. nary clinic is not one you hear about very often. Sarah Katznelson (’14) has recently started experiencing what it’s like to be a vet at the Aston Veteri- Emilia Weinberg (’14) currently works part time at Styche, a nary Hospital. Though many of us (when we were seven, at least) claimed women’s boutique in Ardmore. She has had the job for over a year and a to want to be a vet, Sarah half, and does everything from helping customers, to working the regis- was one of the few kids ter, to restocking racks. Emilia re- who actu- ally meant ally enjoys working at a clothing it. Work- ing Saturdays, store because she has “always been from 8 am-2 pm, Sarah gets interested in clothes”, and now she to learn firsthand what comes with being a veterinarian. She does every- gets to work first hand with them ev- thing from cleaning the kennels, feeding the dogs, and sitting in on appoint- ery Sunday. One of the drawbacks ments with patients. Sarah says that the job “gives me an inside view of of the job, she says, is that since it is how a vet clinic works, so I can see if this is a career I may want to pursue.” a store for older women, Emilia ex- plained “working with adults as a Finishing off our line up, Jesse Cooperman (’12) has been work- teenager can be intimidating and dif- ing as a food runner at Gullifty’s Restaurant for roughly two years. Jes- ficult.” As a working student, Emilia says that her five hour work days ev- se explains that the biggest reason behind him getting a job is the “sense ery Sunday does not seem to take too much of a toll on her life as a stu- of independence; I didn’t want to have to rely on my parents for money.” dent, although “getting all of my work done in time can be a struggle.” However, it is no coincidence that he ended up in a restaurant. Jesse says Another student, Meghan Cartafalsa (’12) works three days a week that he has “always been very interest- for the Philadelphia Union soccer team as a ed in food and the restaurant business” sales associate in the apparel shop. It was no and what better way to experience it surprise that this soccer playing senior would than a behind the scenes look. Work- want to score a job working for one of her ing roughly seven hour weekends, al- favorite teams. Meghan has had the job for though the timing can be tricky, Jesse around 3 years, working mostly in the fall and explains that “it doesn’t affect my school spring when the stadiums are packed. When work at all, I have plenty of time to get all of my work done while work- asked about the perks of the job (besides the ing at Gullifty’s.” Unlike many students at FCS, Jesse also volun- cash, of course), Meghan said that she “gets teers as an EMT observer for Radnor Township. He explains the job as to meet the players and goes to the games for “scary at times, but it’s a great and gratifying way to gain experience.” free,” no doubt a dream for a soccer fan. Focus v Jonathan Adler Heads Pranks on a Plane to the Mountains By OLIVER GOODMAN ‘13 By NOAH SILVESTRY ‘15 very year from December 26 to December 31, Friends’ Central ou may know him for his astound- weekends, so Jon won’t be completely EAquatics trains with Germantown Academy in Orlando, Florida. Ying musical talent, or you may deprived of music while he’s gone. This was my first year on FCA’s training trip and from what I heard have simply heard of his nickname, The student body at The Moun- of the brutal 3 hour 6am practice followed by an impossible 2 hour “Sharkey.” What you may not know tain School is quite small, consist- practice, I knew I would have to bring along some pranks if I wanted about Jonathan Adler is that he will be ing of around 45 students, so there is to make it home alive. leaving Friends’ Central for the rest of a very tight-knit community. Jon is After 28 hours of swimming and somehow surviving what I the school year to pursue an interest- excited to enjoy the smaller, more in- have now declared to be the hardest days of my life, I was amazed that ing opportunity. Jon is going to The timate community at the Mountain I even made it back on the airplane and in a mere two hours I would Mountain School, and not for the rea- School. It was Jon’s uncle who origi- be home, safe, in my cozy townhouse on the outskirts of Central-Phil- sons you might expect. nally informed him of The Mountain adelphia. Best of all, I would not have to wake-up to a swim practice The Mountain School is a one School, as he runs the maple sugar- every couple hours. semester program for high school ju- ing program there. Jon had visited the Of course while in Florida I had pulled some small pranks. I niors only. It is an outdoors-oriented school a few years ago, was struck by had Jell-Oed Marielle’s goggles, I had dropped water balloons in Ger- program with rigorous academics as his surroundings, and began to con- mantown Academy’s lanes (so strange shapes and colors appeared to well. Jon will be living on a working sider applying for the program. “The be floating around the pool), and I had even hidden rubber snakes and farm that is the source of all his meals. Mountain School seemed like a very frogs in the carry-on compartments on the plane ride down. Howev- In addition, students at The Mountain unique opportunity for me to experi- er, none of these would compare to my final masterpiece. School will be going on weekly hikes, ence this in a place where everyone I summoned my remaining strength, reached up, and pressed taking a 3-day solo camping trip, and is new and mostly everyone is trying the flight attendant button. A woman with short, dirty blond hair came over to me and smiled, “Good evening, what can I help you with?” doing some maple sugaring in March. things they've never done before.” v Academically, Jon will be tak- I glanced at Allegra Armstrong and smiled back at the flight ing a unique environmental sciences attendant, “We’re traveling with our swim team and today is our course, which is the main difference coach’s birthday.” from FCS in terms of his classes. Jon, a talented member of our instrumen- tal ensembles, won’t be focusing as intensely on music during his time at The Mountain School, although there is a piano on the campus that students are free to play. It is com- mon for students there to give perfor- mances during coffee houses on the

Continued on page 5 Page 4 January/February 2012 Alumni Athletes By DANIEL YAHALOMI ‘14

riends’ Central has always taken pride in believe that FCS is a nurturing place, sometimes it school. That’s because college is a fresh start to a Fbuilding strong student-athletes. FCS alum- can be too nurturing for what the semi-real world, new chapter in your life, and sports is no excep- ni Olivia Gillison ‘10 and Daniel Segall ‘11 are college, is about. But the better side to that is that tion. No one in college cares what you did in high two great examples of student-athletes who af- college prepares your for the actual real world. school; indeed, many a high school athlete who ter graduating from Friends’ Central continue Overall though, FCS does a great job at preparing were once big fi shes in small ponds, so to speak, to work hard at dual passions - academics and you for making the decision on whether or not you typically fi nd themselves overwhelmed in a much sports. I had the opportunity to speak to both of want to continue your athletic career in any divi- larger ocean at the start of their college career. them and ask them about their experience of be- sion of sports for college. Personally, my fi rst year Many can buckle under this pressure, and it takes ing a college athlete, the diff erences between col- was rough due to an injury but this year has been commitment and passion beyond anything you’ve lege and high school sports, and how FCS pre- much more enjoyable and positive after having likely ever done in high school to not only stay pared them for college athletics. surgery. I don't think I can say that I would want on the team, but to excel. At the end of the day to change any of the decisions that I've made.” though, being a collegiate athlete, regardless of Olivia Gillison, a sophomore at Ohio whether it’s at DI, DII or DIII level, is a source of Wesleyan University, swims for their varsity Daniel Segall was a star runner at pride. For most it is the last vestige of organized Division 3 program. Olivia, who is the Friends’ Friends’ Central. He graduated with 12 var- sports in one’s life before reaching adulthood, League record holder in the 200 medley relay, sity letters and a host of accomplishments in- as very few collegiate athletes do in fact go on to 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, and 400 free- cluding 7 Time All Friends' League 1st Team, 2 become professional ones. As such, one displays style relay, is continuing to make a big impact in Time Honorable Mention, 2nd Team All State one’s team issued gear proudly whenever they the pool at the collegiate level. She has swam the Cross Country, School Record Holder in vari- wear it, and when they’re on the fi eld/court/track, fastest 50 freestyle on her team so far this year.* ous relays (4x800, DMR, 4x1600). Daniel is they give it their absolute best because they know now a freshman at Wake Forest University. every single one of their teammates are doing the exact same thing, not only because they have to, In speaking about what it means to be a but because they want to, because they need to.” college athlete, Daniel told me, “My brief experi- ence with college sports has given me a new found respect for the term “student athlete”. Sports, at the D1 level, in college can be all-consuming, turning sometimes into a daily grind of waking up, practicing, eating, going to class, practicing again, doing homework, then sleeping; leaving very little time for socialization except amongst one’s own teammates. To me though, the most important distinguishing aspect between college and high school sports is the sense of family that permeates the team atmosphere. Even in my one Olivia told me, “Being a division three college ath- semester I’ve seen teammates come and go, either lete is a lot like playing sports at FCS, in that you from the team, or from the school entirely, all for still have time to succeed academically and join various reasons. Regardless of where one is cur- other clubs/organizations. I have found that most rently or where one ends up, however, the fact of the coaches want to push you to do well in your remains that if you were once on the team, you Olivia and Daniel are representing sport but they also understand that you choose will always be on the team, and you are as much a Friends’ Central well in the class, in the pool, and division three because you want to put academ- part of the family as anyone else. Though I think on the the track. We wish them continued success. ics fi rst. In my time here, the biggest diff erence is Friends’ Central prepared me well to handle the being responsible for your own success. No one is physical and mental challenges associated with *http://www.collegeswimming.com/team/409/ going to insist that you come to practice on time college athletics, that does not mean that the tran- mod/teamtimes v or try 100% at practice, but you'll also fi nd that you sition between both levels is an easy one, regard- may not get put on the A line if you don't. While I do less of one’s level of athletic achievement in high

Phoenix in the Fast Lane By ISABEL NARDI ‘14

Maria Conyers-Jordan

f you walk into a Varsity Girls’ basket- and off -season has paid off tremendously Iball game at Friends’ Central, your eyes making her one of the team’s captains for will immediately be drawn to the bright the 2011-2012 basketball season. “Ma- blue shoes of Maria Conyers-Jordan. ria is a great leader and brings so much However, that is not the only thing that energy to practice everyday. She also has will grab your attention about her. Maria’s a knack for creating her own shot”, says ball skills are just as noticeable as her fellow captain Meghan Cartafalsa. So far shoes. “Her ability to handle the ball, pull the girls are playing well and are currently up for the jump shot, attack the basket, de- undefeated in the league. This is in large fend, and rebound are quite impressive.” part because of the great play of Maria. FCS Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, Phil Maria has been a huge asset to the team Annas compliments Maria. He also add- this season and thankfully we will have ed, “I have never seen a player improve her as part of the team next year too. v more within two years then I have with Maria.” Maria’s hard work in the summer January/February 2012 Page 5 Meet McConnell

By EMMA XU ‘14 ing Unbroken by Hillenbrand. It’s about a pilot s everyone should know, Ms.McConnell is the who was captured in WWII and stayed in a Japanese AWomen’s Athletic Director for our school. I had POW camp. He was a former athlete in the Olympics. the opportunity to interview her and get to know the woman outside of our beloved sports teams. FC: Have you read any books like Harry Potter or Twi- light? Focus: What is your favorite kind of music? M: I never liked them. I tried to read Harry Pot- Ms McConnell: I like to listen to VOXPN or 88.5 ter once, and I wasn’t surprised that I didn’t like it. on the radio. They often introduce singers and songs that are more obscure. I like to listen to new FC: What kind of movies do you like best? groups and people. I used to be a big fan of country music, but right now I like a lot of different kinds of M: I like a mixture of movies. I don’t like stand up music. I sing in my church choir. I love doing that. I comedies such as Mr. Bean. I like to laugh more spon- also enjoy the school concerts every year. The dif- taneously. I don’t like Sci-fi movies at all. I am looking ferent vocal groups in school are really fun, too. forward to the new movie called Iron Lady, which is about Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister FC: What kind of books do you like? of the United Kingdom. Yep, I like historical movies. v

M: I like to read historical novels. I am now read-

From Model UN on Page 2 From Pranks on Page 3 Nations strives to do for our world.” This hardwork- She lit up, and handed me a napkin. over the loudspeaker, “Good evening folks it ing Model UN team did in fact make an impact at “Oh!” She exclaimed, “I know just seems we have a...” this years conference. It was Maya Rosenberg’s first what to do! Will you write down your coach’s and she paused. I waited to hear year at the conference and she came back very excit- name on this napkin?” “problem,” but instead she screamed, “a ed: “Model UN was an extremely unique experience Holding in my giggles, I scribbled birthday! Coach Anderson? Where is Coach and one of the coolest experiences of my life. I will down, “Happy birthday, Coach Anderson, Anderson?” always remember my first conference, and I can’t Love, Friends’ Central Aquatics.” I handed Two-hundred heads turned towards wait to participate again next year.” v the flight attendant the napkin, faced to- the back of the plane to see a very confused wards the window and cranked up Hoodie man raising his hand. The flight attendant Allen on my iPod. had the entire plane sing a very monotone After about half an hour we began Happy Birthday Coach Anderson as each to experience some turbulence, and I was passenger flicked his or her cabin lights as to sure we were going down. I seriously feared simulate birthday candles, all the while Al- I would not live to see my prank through. I legra, Jerry, and I were laughing uncontrol- SPIRIT WEEK watched as the flight attendant crept up to lably. the front of the plane and suddenly the lights Coach’s birthday isn’t until February. GO FCS!!! in the cabin shut off. Her warm voice cracked v

HAVE FUN SOLVING THIS WORD SEARCH!!!

T L D Q T R O K Z U W M S S X W O P H Y E A K X Z M L I N V Y K D L W V C R Y S K R G Y R W B K V U R E I S B B W J K D WORDS L T E M S W M A I O G V A J K A Z U T H L N V R O U K Y W L I S P R B F O C U S phoenix F E X O L Z K R U M H F G A B W C K B M blue G C D C V Y E X I I V Z W L R O D Q V S grey white P S Q Z C K J W M S U T S U F T O C C F quakerworks Y D N X A F E A Z J W K A J R T A K K M quake Q N O U J A D B L M W G P W N A J D G K friendscentral Q E Q B L A C K B U R N H G F V U E A O shimada B I E V A Y T I C L L H O N J H K T G C wood blackburn K R Y U C E S S P A U G E G E A K I R J FCC E F U I A E J C K B S E N H U S J H E S focus F R F P O R E H E D C K I Q D N L W Y O yearbook V B V U W S K K G I P W X R R V R E F U cityave T I K V U Y H A B Z Y B E B U T R E F Z T J I Z Q I A N H R I T L A B M O W G B U L T B M R J M P M X F O G S P L S G J E U H R G Z X Q J W Y X R U V N B Z M E Page 6 January/February 2012 Bakers in the Kitchen By EMILIA WEINBERG ‘14

Jake Bessen Tess WEI,Tara JUST Wolfson A JUNIOR,

always believe in the saying ite thing to bake but one of my IS I "go hard or go home" when biggest ‘crowd pleasers’ seems it comes to baking.” This is cer- to be my famous ‘s’mores bars’ A tainly the case for Tara Wolf- ”. Next time you are at a bake- son ’13, whose baking is well- sale, keep an eye out for Tara’s known throughout the Friends’ work! v Central community. Tara start- ed baking at age 4 and re- turned to the hobby dur- ing her freshman year. “[I] noticed no one really had lockers to decorate or those of us who have gotten sponsibility until they either fail or for birthdays, so I fi gured Fthe opportunity to eat at Chef prove themselves to be a success- I would bake for them... I Marc Vetri’s Osteria we ate a fan- ful member. Chef expected for me, could never settle to give tastic meal and then went home, like any other new employee, to brownies from a mix for a never once, unless we were lucky, fail. So I worked hard every night, friend's birthday. ” Now, getting the chance to talk to the for 11 hours at a time, never sitting along with starting the chef himself. This was not the case down, getting yelled at.” It is hard Baking Club this year, for Jake Bessen ‘13. “I began talk- not to be impressed by Jake’s pas- her baked goods are also ing to Chef Vetri about food, and he sion for what he does. Luckily his sold during fundraisers off ered me an internship or as it’s dedication does not go unnoticed. around campus. Though known in the food world, "stage" He was lucky enough to have a Tara considers baking to (pronounced sta-juh).” Jake has salad of his own creation featured be a hobby, she also fi nds secured his spot in the restaurant on Osteria’s menu for a day. If you it to be a good stress re- by working hard. “The way hir- ever have the chance to eat some of liever and source of fun. ing in a restaurant works you give Jake’s food, I would defi nitely take “I can't quite say I have a favor- the person increasingly more re- it! v FOCUS Rushin’ EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sami Resnik ‘12 By NOAH SNYDER ‘15 Keira Sultan ‘12 Jamie Ulrich ‘12 Eleventh grade student Bobir Atakhanov is living in Philadelphia with his uncle Sharaf who graduated Layout Editors from Friends’ Central in 1999. Bobir lives in Russia and went back to visit over the winter holidays. The following are his observations, reported by Noah Snyder, about the current political scene there. Jordyn Karliner ‘14 Max Luzuriaga ‘14 Photographers hings are really heating up in Russia. The speculate that although Dmitry is president, it still Bobir Atkhanov ‘13 TRussian presidential elections are coming up feels as though Putin is in charge. Marielle Greenblat ‘13 this spring, and the announcement of Vladimir The protests against Putin build up every Arts Editor Putin running for a third, non-consecutive presi- day, with tens of thousands gathering in Moscow Hilda Njanike ‘13 dency has sent the Russian public into turmoil. to protest. Other political parties in Russia, such as NEWS EDITORS Many people in Russia are frustrated by Putin’s the Communist Party, have been gaining support, Ben Fogel ‘13 announcement, but Bobir Atakhanov’13 is ex- diminishing the Jack Kornblatt ‘13 cited about it. Bobir thinks that Putin is the only power of the man for the job, and wonders why anyone wouldn’t United Russia COMEDY EDITOR want him as president. When we asked Bobir Party, and thus, Oliver Goodman ‘13 about the public’s apparent dislike of Putin, Bobir the power of Pu- SPORTS EDITORS responed,“No no, People like Putin”. tin. Although Max Ginsberg ‘14 Despite Putin’s very strict past presidency, Putin has up- Daniel Yahalomi ‘14 he was able to see the Russian economy through the set many people STAFF WRITERS global recession and he was able to even invigorate with his choice, Daniel Banko ‘13 the economy. Even when Putin was forced to step the question is, Ian Cruiess ‘14 down from his presidency in the 2008 elections, he does the major- Peter Dissinger ‘14 was still elected as the Prime Minister. Although ity of Russia still Kate Forrest ‘14 Putin’s party still holds the majority vote, they hold like Putin? v it at only a slight margin. The current president, Marissa Gratz ‘15 Dmitry Medvedev, is closely linked to Putin, and Saoirse Han ‘15 although he is more lenient, he does not have the Hannah Kaminsky ‘15 same charisma as Putin. Many people in Russia Sophie MacFarlane ‘15 Isabel Nardi ‘14 Chiara Neilson ‘14 Noah Silvestry ‘15 Come to the HOMECOMING Anna Sorenson ‘15 Emilia Weinberg ‘14 SEMI-FORMAL DANCE! FACULTY ADVISORS Marilyn Lager Saturday, February 4th Steve Patterson