Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street Wallingford, CT

Vol. CXII · No. 7 Friday, December 14, 2018 thechoatenews.choate.edu

A Winter Intermission Not on the Horizon

By Siri Palreddy ’20 gram similar to InterMission Copy Editor after the fall term. In fact, Mr. Deron Chang, Director of While retailers break out Curricular Initiatives, recalled holiday tunes and Christ- that the idea came up during a mas decorations, many Cho- faculty retreat dedicated to in- ate students are anticipating vestigating curriculum chang- the upcoming holiday break, es. The biggest beneft from which starts next Wednesday, such a change, Mr. Chang said, December 19. However, be- is that it would “give students fore the holidays can begin, further choice and give facul- students have to get through ty more freedom to be creative the three and a half weeks be- with their teaching.” tween the end of Thanksgiving Though a program like Break and the start of Winter InterMission could provide a Break. welcome pause to hectic Cho- This period is too short to ate life, there are reasons why be meaningful academically it would not be feasible with and has become an obstacle the School’s schedule. Cho- between breaks. Erica Vanden- ate runs on a trimester-based bulcke ’20 said, “This awkward school year, meaning there are stretch makes students less approximately 30 class meet-

Photo courtesy of William Karl Valentine motivated because people are ings in a given term, evenly Brent Valentine '19 battles during Boys' Varsity Hockey's game against Deerfield Academy. For a preview of more winter athletics, see PAGE 8. constantly thinking about the distributed through the fall, fact that Winter Break is com- winter, and spring. If an in- ing.” Lara Selcuker ’21 added, termission were introduced, it “I think that people don’t feel would take classes away from like this time is important be- the winter term and make it GENDER-INCLUSIVE DORM PLANS ANNOUNCED cause it’s so short, so there’s impossible for one-term win- By Grace Zhang ’20 If the all-gender housing pro- lowing the lead that some of those SPECTRUM, the gender and sex- just less motivation.” ter courses to exist. The only Copy Editor gram is approved, Choate will be other schools have set up for us.” ulaity alliance. Some private schools, viable solution would be to the ffth institution in the Eight The dormitory is intended Gingher continued, “I am part though, have transformed this switch to a semester-based The landscape of Choate’s res- Schools Association to embrace as one more step in a larger ini- of the LGBT community, and I period into a more experi- system, as Miss Porter’s has, idential system is on the brink of gender-inclusive housing. Phil- tiative toward gender inclusiv- feel that I, as well as some other ence-based program instead of which would completely transformation. For the frst time lips Academy in Andover, Mass., ity on campus. Recent chang- seniors that I’ve talked, to would a regular academic schedule. change Choate’s current year- in its 178 years, Choate is forging and Phillips Exeter Academy in es include de-gendering form be interested in it.” Notably, Miss Porter’s School long schedule. a path toward ofering all-gender Exeter, N.H. are both in their dean assignments and expand- Connor Barnes ’19, Co-Pres- in Farmington, has a pro- Additionally, having an housing for its boarding students. second year with such housing, ing the way the Admissions Of- ident of SPECTRUM, agreed. “I gram called InterMission. This intermission would be similar Spearheading this initiative are and Northfeld Mount Hermon in fce collects information about was really happy,” he said. “I’m program actually takes place to having an academic break Dean of Students Mr. James Mount Hermon, Mass. and The applicants. In recent years, the kind of sad that I won’t be here for when students return from from Thanksgiving to after Stanley, Director of Residential Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, School has installed lockable it. I would want to prefect or live Winter Break, but it allows the New Year’s. “For sure, having Life Mr. Will Morris, and Fourth- Conn. are each running pilots this single-person bathrooms, foor- in it. It’d be fun.” inter-break period to be more an intersession of sorts is on Form Dean Mb Duckett-Ireland. year. to-ceiling stalls, and separate Faculty have also shown sup- focused on culmination activ- our radar,” Mr. Chang added, According to Mr. Morris, af- changing areas for showers. port. “I think that this campus ities and fnal exams, as Miss “but the logistics of something ter surveying third-, fourth-, and I'm excited to see that “This fts in with the broader is really open to these things, Porter’s Fall Semester ends like this is not something we ffth-form opinions, the three will Choate is... pushing picture of trying to build a com- and I think that the student just before the school’s Winter [the School] would venture take the idea to the senior admin- towards a campus that munity that is as inclusive as it body would fully support it and Break. into without really thinking istration of the School and then can be,” Mr. Morris said. “Chang- get behind it,” said Mr. Deron Each grade does a difer- long and hard about its im- to the Board of Trustees. He said, is more inclusive. es related to gender inclusivity are Chang, Director of Curricular ent activity for InterMission: pacts.” “There’s a lot of enthusiasm and Max Gingher '19 happening on a bunch of levels.” Initiatives, who is in his 23rd freshmen work on local com- Mr. Kevin Rogers, Director support for this idea, so I’m very The community reacted pos- year at Choate. “It certainly munity projects, sophomores of Studies, said, “While it could optimistic that we will be able to itively to Mr. Morris’s announce- doesn’t hurt anybody. It’s only have an outdoor adventure do a lot of good, overall, an in- get the approval that we need.” “We are beneftting tremen- ment of the all-gender housing an inclusive thing to do.” program in the Berkshires termission would provide few- All-gender housing is intend- dously from collaboration with initiative at School Meeting in Mr. Morris said that even of Massachusetts, juniors go er grading opportunities, and ed for non-binary or gender-non- the Dean of Students ofces of mid-November. “I’m excited to parents have expressed their abroad, and seniors have in- a semester-based year would conforming students and their those other schools in terms of see that Choate is hopping on the support. “We’ve had parents who ternships or job shadowings. lead to fewer electives. It’s an allies. All students, regardless of learning lots of lessons about set- bandwagon and pushing towards have reached out and said, ‘We These activities last for three enticing option, but right now, their gender identity, would have up and how you go about collect- a campus that is more inclusive,” have a child at Choate and that weeks every January. it’s really hard to ft in.” the option to apply to live in the ing information,” said Mr. Morris. said Max Gingher ’19, Editor of Choate has discussed the See Page 2 all-gender dorm. “We’re really benefting from fol- Voices magazine and a member of GENDER-INCLUSIVE, concept of instituting a pro- See INTER-BREAK, Page 2

The Truth About Wi-Fi and Network Policies on Campus By Brandon Zhang ’20 drew Speyer, Director of Infor- honestly I notice no difference Staf Reporter mation Technology Services between the two when I switch (ITS), put these rumors to rest. between them on my iPad.” Wi-Fi and cellular net- “CRH and Choate are both Both CRH and Choate are works are now an integral part connected to the same net- part of the Connecticut Ed- of our everyday lives. Students work,” he said. “The only thing ucation Network (CEN), a rely on these networks because that is different about them is service provided by the state they rely on smartphones, lap- that they have different net- government that ensures re- tops, iPads, and other devices. work authentication. CRH is liable, high-speed internet to Choate students often express the newer network that we its members. Choate is among their opinions and voice their launched this summer, and 100 other institutions, both complaints about these ser- it uses 802.1X which allows public and private that use this vices. This contentious issue you to login to the network service. seems to have two major com- using only a username and The CEN allows the Choate ponents: Wi-Fi speeds on cam- password. Choate is the older and CRH networks to oper- pus and Wi-Fi shut-off times. network, and it used an older ate at a 1 GB download speed, Wi-Fi speed is measured network authentication that which is very fast compared through both download speed required a long set of steps to the sluggish 100 MB to 200 and upload speed. Download that was simply outdated. The MB download speed of Cho- speed is the speed at which only reason we have not com- ate Guest. Less than ten per- data is sent from the inter- pletely gotten rid of Choate yet cent of the state has access to net to your device, while the is that some android devices download speeds of 1 GB, ac- upload speed is the speed at are having troubles with con- cording to InMyArea.com, a which data is sent from your necting to CRH.” website that compares differ- device to the internet. At Cho- Olly Copplestone ’21, who ent Wi-Fi and cellular plans ate, there are often rumors owns an Android, said, “There and their speeds. Mr. Speyer and theories about which net- are some difficulties in con- said, “Choate Guest is com- work, CRH, Choate, or Choate necting to CRH on my phone; Guest, is the fastest. Mr. An- however, I just use Choate and Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News See Wi-Fi, Page 2

Goodbye, Boathouse Thoughts on 2020 What’s Wallingford will soon As the presidential election Inside School News...... 1-2 demolish Choate’s former looms, students share their Local News...... 3 Opinions: Campus ...... 4 crew boathouse. ideal candidates. Opinions: Nation/World ...... 5 Features ...... 6 Local News • P3 Opinions N/W • P5 Arts and Leisure ...... 7 Sports ...... 8

Choate's XC Prodigy Read it then recycle it. Welcome to Winter Mustafe Dahir ’19 finished 30th A reminder to stay well during at the Foot Locker National the coldest term. Cross Country Championships. Visuals by Aaron Xing, Ross Mortensen, Houston Style Opinions Campus • P4 Sports • P8 Magazine, and Mustafe Dahir. SCHOOL NEWS Page 2 || The Choate News Friday, December 14, 2018 Gender-Inclusive Dorm Opening Planned for Fall Continued from Page 1 While there was no specifc event that sparked the all-gender child is cis-gendered, so I’m not housing initiative, there existed as interested about this for my within the community a senti- current child at this school. But, ment that the current system you know, one of their siblings lacked gender-inclusivity. “I’ve is transitioning, and we’re so had kids who defnitely are un- By Grace Zhang ’20 glad to hear that this is some- comfortable about the infexibil- Copy Editor thing that the school is support- ity, not only in mindset, but also ing.’ So that’s really afrming,” in architecture,” Mr. Chang said. Student Council passed one he said. Mr. Chang indicated how proposal and discussed a variety At the same time, parent open-mindedness about gender of goals in their frst meeting of the concerns are one primary chal- identity has implications far be- term. Fifth-form President Vikram lenge of the all-gender housing yond student housing situations. Sharma ’20 reviewed his ongoing initiative. Mr. Morris said that “Simply having this be a signif- proposal to allow boarders to get the idea, in part, stems from “a icant acknowledgement by the permission to ride in day student broader societal conversation institution, I think it goes a long cars. Boarders’ parents or guard- about gender and gender iden- way toward universal acceptance ians would complete a permission tity, which is actually a highly of this idea that the binary sys- form in the beginning of the year politicized and contentious con- tem is an old way of thinking listing specifc day students with versation. Choate taking this about things. And I think that whom the boarder could ride. This step is not going to be without its shifts everyone’s mindset, not list would be available on boarders’ critics.” He admitted that some only about being non-binary in REACH accounts, streamlined with parents have reached out with terms of your gender, but also house logs, day, and overnight per- questions and concerns. about thinking about how pretty missions. With Sharma’s proposed Mr. Chang said, “The only much everything in this world is system, day students could drive thing I could imagine would gray and to think that anything boarders during designated hours be difficult are the parents. If a in this world is black and white is with adviser and parent permis- student wants to be in this open an absurd way of thinking.” sion. The Student Council unani- house, and the parents don’t Barnes agreed. “I hope that it mously passed Sharma’s proposal. want the student to be in that breaks away barriers in the sense The Council discussed several open-house situation, that’s go- that there aren’t any real, prob- ideas to adjust the Boar Pen ap- ing to be problematic.” lematic diferences between the pointment system, such as form- The School plans to official- sexes,” he said. “We’re all just wide voting. Sixth-form Repre- ly communicate the details of people living in the world." sentative Arjun Katechia ’19 said the initiative with the parents he found “no problem” with the after it completes the initial Grace Zhang may be reached at [email protected] current system, but if compromise Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News phases of the proposal. was necessary, the School could institute a form-wide nomination system for Boar Pen rather than the current system in which only the current four Boar Pen members Debate Team Excels at STUDENTS OPPOSE WI-FI CURFEW have the fnal say on the next year’s Continued from Page 1 extends Wi-Fi, people will Isabelle So ’20, who lives group. Fifth-form Representative Recent Competitions struggle more to go to sleep and in Bernhard House, said, “The Will Robertson ’20 said, “Histori- pletely different than the other maintain their self-control.” first floor of SoHo is the one cally, Boar Pen has been very ath- two networks: it is not part of The rules aren’t deter- that has the major cell service letically focused, but if you want to the CEN and is a Wallingford mined solely by ITS. Mr. Spey- issues. Because it’s kind of focus on arts events as well, moving Comcast Network. What this er said, “I don’t make policy, built into the side of the hill, forward you can’t only look at who means is that it is part of the I just follow it. However, I it is basically like a basement goes to sports games.” Zachery op- municipal Wi-Fi system and would like to point out that and gets no cell service. I per- posed the discussed changes, main- operates at the same speed of students should not be using sonally have AT&T and some- taining that those who attend sports a typical residential household Choate Guest at all, especially times I can get one bar on the games often have a better sense of in Wallingford. This is why the to bypass the network shut- second floor, but most of the who would be best suited for Boar network is supposed to be used ting down.” time people with Verizon get Pen. The Council voted informally for guests, not students trying no service.” on Katechia’s system: eight were in to access the internet at 2:00 A lot of people already So also reflected on how favor and four abstained. a.m.” This seems to be one of don't follow the rules, this could be a problem for Sixth-form Day Student Rep- Photo by Praj Chirathivat/The Choate News the only times students try to members of the dorm in terms by using VPNs or resentative Matt Anastasio ’19 Conor Brown '22 qualified for the U.S. National Debate Team. use the guest network, when of getting work done on time: suggested granting day students they are trying to work around personal hotspots, so “I know that now as juniors, access to vacant dorm rooms. By JeeHwan Kim ’21 stay at St. Paul’s for the awards the Wi-Fi shut off. why doesn't the school we stay up until midnight be- Robertson mentioned his goal of Staf Reporter to be given out, and I didn’t This leads to another sec- just make it equal for fore the Wi-Fi shuts off, but making Arabic available to third- think I did that well, honestly, tion of the Wi-Fi debate: the because we are so busy with formers, and Fifth-form Represen- At School Meeting on No- so it was a very nice surprise. On current administration's reg- everyone by extending work and other commitments, tative Caroline Rispoli ’20 shared vember 20, the Choate com- the bus ride home, the captain ulation of Wi-Fi in each form. the Wi-Fi for everyone? it's often hard for us to get all her progress on attempting to in- munity learned just how well told me, ‘Hey, I got a text from There was a range of student Ahmed Wise '20 of it done. Like on Thursdays I stall printers in dorms. The Coun- the debate team performed this a friend saying that some guy opinion on this issue, with dif- have swim practice until 7:30 cil believes that many of these season. Charlie Yockey ’19, pres- named Conor from Choate won.’ ferent proposals for change to p.m., which gives me no time ideas will evolve into full proposals ident of the team, proudly told I wasn’t sure about it yet because the current set of regulations. Mr. Speyer went on, “We to start work.” as the winter term unfolds. the school to “congratulate this the ofcial word wasn’t out, so The most popular opinion have done a lot to combat the Many students seem to man,” as he pointed to Conor I was very nervous — when the among both sophomores and problem of students access- echo these sentiments. Aidan Grace Zhang may be reached Brown ’22, who has qualifed email came through that I won, juniors is that after freshman ing Choate Guest at night. We Marzeotti ’20 argued, “I think at [email protected] for World Individual Debate I was very excited.” year, sophomores should have have taken away the guest log- that the school Wi-Fi is fine, and Public Speaking Champion- The debate team’s tremen- Wi-Fi until midnight and ju- in, changed the layers of secu- but I really think that the ships (WIDPSC). The team has dous successes can be attributed niors should have unlimited rity, and I have sent out many school shutting it off for ju- had “the most successful season to the members’ unfaltering mo- Wi-Fi. Ahmed Wise ’20 voiced nasty emails to students at niors at midnight is unwar- in the past ten to ffteen years,” tivation and solid preparation the main justification for this 2:00 a.m. in the morning.” ranted. I think they should un- Transforming Yockey said. for each competition. Yockey argument. He said, “A lot of Choate sits in a valley be- derstand the amount of work Last term, the team com- said, “I think it’s a combination people already don’t follow the tween two hills, one marked we have and the amount of the Inter-Break peted in seven tournaments, of new talent.” “This year, we’ve rules, by using VPNs or per- by Hill House, the other by the time we have to do that work. I with strong results each time. had many freshmen and sopho- sonal hotspots or just using cross country course, so the understand that they are con- Yockey mentioned that at ev- mores come in who really knew Choate Guest, so why doesn’t school has long had below-av- cerned about our health and Period? ery tournament, somebody in what they were doing and had a the school just make it equal erage cellular service. Further- our sleep, but some people the advanced division either lot of enthusiasm, and we’ve also for everyone by extending the more, many of the cell towers with access to VPN and cellu- Continued from Page 1 placed best two-person team or had higher attendance in meet- Wi-Fi for everyone?” from the major cell providers lar data are already bypassing four-person team, and the team ings than we’ve ever had.” Charlie Schoninger ’20 ar- are far in town, with Verizon’s that. I think we should level During Miss Porter’s Inter- was able to win the best school Will Flamm ’21, who joined gued the opposite view. “I think near Vinny’s Deli on Christian the playing field.” Mission, each student partici- award at St. Paul’s, after having the team last year, agreed that most people that want to work Sreet. Many campus buildings, pates in a grade-wide activity. been consistently placed in the people have been attending after the Wi-Fi shuts of can use including Bernhard, Tenney, Brandon Zhang may “It feels to me,” Mr. Chang stat- top three. Pods, which are training ses- Personal Hotspots and VPN’s,” and the Lanphier Center, often be reached at ed, “that for a school like Cho- “We’ve had multiple novic- sions, diligently and have been he said. “However, if the school have limited or no service. [email protected] ate, it would be better to have es place in top three individual working hard. “We were worried fexibility regarding what spe- speaker categories, and, as for because we lost a lot of great se- cifc programs students choose. the advanced division, we have nior debaters,” he said, “but the We already have a curriculum had somebody place in top three debate team really has done bet- that puts students in courses at almost every tournament this ter this year. I think we’re a team based on their form, and that’s year,” he said. The team has on the rise.” something I’d want to get away clearly dominated each round, Looking to the future, Yock- from during an intersession.” and, of course, there is one ac- ey wants to ensure that debaters While students have ex- complishment that cannot be have a strong framework to work pressed interest in an inter- overlooked: Brown’s victory at of, since the team is making mission, the logistics of such a St. Paul’s, which qualifed him great progress in competitions. program like InterMission here for the United States national “Right now we’re trying to cre- at Choate proves difcult to in- team. In April, Brown will rep- ate a YouTube channel, which tegrate into the current sched- resent the U.S. at the WIDPSC, has model debates and teaches ule. Adding an intermission held this year in Toronto. debate theory, so that it can be would most likely result in add- “At Choate, I decided not to a lasting store of values for years ing more days to the end of the join debate immediately,” said to come.” school year. These three weeks Brown, who started debating He went on, ”We’re also try- may be hard to get through, but two years ago in Los Angeles. “I ing to cultivate community in after December 19, the Choate went to Young Republicans and order to make the members feel community can take a well-de- Model UN, and after doing a lit- like they’re part of something served break until 2019. tle bit of that, people convinced greater than just an extracurric- me to join the Debate Team.” Siri Palreddy may be reached Brown says that his victo- JeeHwan Kim may be reached at [email protected] ry was unexpected. “We didn’t at [email protected] LOCAL NEWS Friday, December 14, 2018 The Choate News || Page 3 Community WALLINGFORD WINDOWS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER Calendar By Amanda Li ’21 Reporter

During the holiday sea- DEC. 15, 9:00 a.m. son, beautiful window displays line the storefronts through- CitySeed Outdoor out downtown Wallingford as Farmers’ Market the Annual Holiday Window Local growers ofer a range of Display Contest kicks of. This fresh produce and other food is the third year this competi- at the market’s Wooster Square tion, hosted by the Quinnipiac location. Chamber of Commerce, has helped to boost holiday spirit Wooster Square, New Havem and promote local businesses. Free admission; $27 car ride “We were trying to think of a way to highlight our local businesses, and we have such a lovely downtown center in Wallingford, so we thought this was the perfect way to do that,” DEC. 21, 7:30 p.m. said Ms. Dee Prior-Nesti, Exec- utive Director of the Quinnipiac New Haven Symphony Chamber of Commerce. Orchestra Holiday Running from November Extravaganza 30 to December 20, the event Join the New Haven Symphony The Choate News kicked of with a Holiday Stroll Gaetano’s Tavern on Main, a restaurant on North Main Street, welcomed the holiday season with a sleigh scene. Photo by Amitra Hoq/ Orchestra for an evening of that highlighted the 15 busi- selfe “votes” wins. Participants Although there is no ofcial people and an uplifting mes- photos in front of it. We have holiday favorites. nesses participating this year. of the selfe contest are also au- theme, many stores have put sage for the holidays.” such great exposure here.” To enter the contest, a formal tomatically entered into a rafe their own spin on the contest. The Wallingford Flower The diverse window displays 500 College Street, New Haven registration must be submit- for a gift card from participat- The Victorian Inn, another frst- Shoppe, last year’s Best Over- always bring the stores plenty of Tickets start at $15, $22 car ride ted to the Quinnipiac Chamber ing businesses. time participant, chose a theme all winner, chose Mary Pop- positive feedback from the com- of Commerce, along with a gift Prizes for window displays surrounding ’Twas the Night pins-themed decorations, a munity. “We’ve gotten loads of donation of some kind to be include a Chamber member- Before Christmas, including signifcant change from their compliments in person and on rafed of to support the Cham- ship as well as many oppor- sugarplum fairies, Santa, and traditional holiday living room social media,” said Mr. Greco. ber’s scholarship fund. tunities for exposure. “We “come-to-life” toys like a Jack- theme last year. Some business owners say The ofcial judging will take do free online ads and mass In-The-Box. Even though the contest is they’ve received holiday cards JAN. 3, 12:00 p.m. place on December 20 to decide emails and Facebook posts, so The Dressing Room want- relatively new, many partici- from residents who used their the winners of three awards: it’s just a lot of marketing and ed to spread a clear message pants are seasoned decorators. window display as a backdrop. American Red Cross Best Overall, Most Creative advertising opportunities,” of positivity and has done “We’ve been for 67 years,” said As Ms. Prior-Nesti put it, Blood Drive and Innovative, and Design said Ms. Prior-Nesti. that by decorating with color- Mr. Sal Greco, owner of the Wall- the Holiday Window Display Donate blood at this local drive and Decor. A fourth award, “It’s a great way to get cus- ful tapestries that say “Small ingford Flower Shoppe. “But it’s Contest “really helps to make held just a few minutes from the People’s Choice, is deter- tomers to notice you and your Acts of Kindness Change The always fun to participate in any Wallingford shine around the campus. Call or visit mined through a selfe contest store,” said Mr. Mark Puglise, World.” Ms. Christine Rinere, sort of community contest.” holidays.” redcross.org to schedule in which locals send in selfes a diamond specialist at frst- co-owner of the store, ex- Ms. Rinere explained, an appointment. with their favorite storefronts time contest participant Craig plained, “There has been so “We’ve been decorating for ten to the Chamber, and the busi- Jewelers. “I’ve received lots of much stress in the world, so years, and it’s been a tradition Amanda Li may be reached at Wallingford Public Library ness that accumulates the most compliments.” I wanted to be a reminder for for people to come and take [email protected]

Connecticut Company Assists Mars Landing Aerospace, “NASA would come to and the instrumentation that us and tell us what the weight of we’re trying to get to Mars.” their lander is and the entry con- The location and size of the ditions in regard to Mach num- parachute envelope can signif- ber, altitude, etc. Based on our cantly afect how the parachute analysis and calculation work, we is deployed. design a parachute to meet those InSight was not the frst requirements.” NASA project Pioneer contrib- Originally, the car airbag uted to. Pioneer has been de- industry catalyzed the inven- veloping parachutes for NASA tion of the software used to since 1996. In fact, Pioneer built By Peter DiNatale ’21 and vegetarian pastas. The design the parachutes. In the the parachute used by the Mars Columnist pizzas range from margherita designing process, Pioneer Pathfnder and Sojourner rover, to Hawaiian. The restaurant’s Aerospace creates several pro- the frst rover to ever land on Wallingford is home to a va- kitchen is visible from the seat- totypes, which the company as- Mars. In total, Pioneer has de- riety of pizza restaurants, but a ing area, and the dining room sesses through a variety of aer- signed six successful parachutes new addition opened its doors features Italian artwork and ial tests, such as releasing the for NASA spacecrafts. on November 8. Jimmy’s Pizza, exposed brick. parachute from a helicopter. The next Pioneer parachute a family run business, ofers All of the food at Jimmy’s These aerial tests usually occur to be deployed is attached to several types of brick oven pizza Pizza is cooked with passion as at high altitudes to mimic the the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. along with many classic Italian well as clear attention to favor thin Martian atmosphere. This spacecraft arrived at its menu items. Mr. Lulzim “Jim- and seasoning. The several op- The parachute itself is 11.8 target, an asteroid named Ben- my” Lena, the owner of the res- tions for toppings, both sweet meters in diameter. Although the nu, on December 3. After col- taurant, origi- and savory, en- Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Lockheed Martin parachute is quite similar to the lecting an asteroid sample, the nally opened hance the favor of Pioneer Aerospace worked with NASA to create a parachute for the Insight lander. parachute used on NASA’s Phoe- spacecraft will return to Earth up a small pizza Jimmy’s Pizza the brick-oven pies. By Will Zhu ’20 Martian atmosphere. nix lander, which landed on Mars in 2023, again using Pioneer’s restaurant with The Hawaiian pizza Copy Editor The parachute decelerated in 2008, the diferences in the parachute. his brother in 20 Ives Road is a top choice and a the InSight spacecraft from al- conditions of the InSight lander On the day of the landing, North Haven. recommended op- About 100 million miles most twice the speed of sound had a signifcant impact on the the staff at Pioneer Aerospace As the business Open every day for tion for adventur- away on the surface of Mars at 11 kilometers above the Mar- parachute’s design. observed the successful de- grew, he de- lunch and dinner. ous customers. The sits a 19.7-foot wide robot. This tian surface. At one kilometer “It always starts out with the ployment of their parachute. cided to bring meatball grinder is robot, named the “Interior Ex- above the surface the craft was customer saying, ‘I want one “We had the opportunity to his pizzeria to a another chef-rec- ploration using Seismic Inves- moving at only 218 kilome- just like the other one,’” Mr. watch the live NASA stream larger location, ommended option. tigations, Geodesy, and Heat ters per hour. The deceleration Rowan said. “But then they fnd here at work on the confer- now located on Ives Road. “I It is topped with just the right Transport (InSight) lander,” caused by the parachute is es- out their conditions are a little ence room TV, and the whole opened the restaurant because amount of sauce, and the bread touched down on the surface of pecially impressive consider- bit diferent, or their lander staff was pretty much gathered I love the town of Wallingford, is toasted just enough to give of Mars a few days after Thanks- ing the extremely thin Martian weighs a little bit more. Or per- around it,” Mr. Rowan said. and I wanted to keep busy do- a robust favor. giving, on November 26. But atmosphere. Safely sitting on haps the same materials aren’t “Of course, the parachutes are ing what I love,” said Mr. Lena. Jimmy’s Pizza is conve- remember, dear reader, this is the surface of Mars, the InSight as available as last time. This always designed to work prop- The Jimmy’s Pizza menu niently available for dining, a local news story: one of the lander is now collecting data results in changes in the struc- erly, but there’s always the is packed with an impressive takeout, and delivery through- most important pieces of equip- about the planet’s interior. By ture of the parachute.” unknown unknowns. There’s selection of appetizers, pizzas, out Wallingford, at a mini- ment for the Insight lander’s studying the seismology and Fitting the parachute into Murphy’s Law.” salads, grinders, and pasta. mum price of fifteen dollars expedition, the parachute, was heat fow of Mars, scientists the spacecraft is one of the He went on, “Our applause The fried calamari is a popu- per order. With a wide selec- designed and constructed by hope to better understand the greatest challenges. Parachutes usually comes a little earlier than lar choice, served with house- tion of Italian choices for both Connecticut’s own Pioneer formation and tectonic activity are often designed to ft into the the landing. As soon as we hear made marinara sauce. The lunch and dinner, Jimmy’s Aerospace Corporation, located of rocky planets. unused portions of a spacecraft. the signal for good chute deploy- grinders, available in both hot stands out among pizzerias in in South Windsor. Constructing a parachute of According to Mr. Rowan, “Of- ment, that’s when we celebrate.” and cold options, are also a Wallingford. The parachute, made of nylon this caliber is no easy task. Ac- tentimes we’re just left with the favorite. As for vegan and veg- and Kevlar, was deployed during cording to Mr. Jerry Rowan, Di- volume that’s left between all Will Zhu may be reached at etarian options, Jimmy’s Pizza Peter DiNatale may be reached at the lander’s descent through the rector of Engineering at Pioneer the propulsion, the equipment, [email protected]. ofers a wide variety of salads [email protected]

FORMER BOATHOUSE TO BE DEMOLISHED By Victoria Esquibies ’20 er, from 1921 to 1963, Mr. Austin When asked about any er’s son rowing for The Gunnery, Staf Reporter Meeks taught a variety of classes, memories of the boathouse and so we had some fun with that.” including English, history, geog- Community Lake, Mr. Jonathan When, in 1979, the Commu- The Town Council of Wall- raphy, and science. Meeks mentioned that there nity Lake dam broke and the lake ingford is planning to demol- Meeks Boathouse could ac- was a “horrible smell all of the disappeared, Choate relocated ish a 5,361-square foot building commodate up to 100 rowers time.” Community Lake was sub- its crew program. The boathouse on Washington Street that has and featured a cottage for the ject to pollution from the silver was no longer used, and, in 2015, been unused for nearly 40 years. full-time caretaker, Mr. Domonic companies along its banks. Mr. Choate gave it to the town of Wall- Though the structure is covered “Skipper” DeBaise. The build- Jonathan Meeks does, however, ingford in exchange for a section in grafti and its windows are ing housed six four-seat boats, have some fond memories “going of Beaumont Avenue. Unfortu- boarded up, its demolition brings six eight-seat boats, two singles, down to the boathouse and the nately, what was once a state-of- the destruction of a piece of Cho- one pair, one rowboat, and two lake on weekends,” cooling of the-art boathouse now stands as a ate history. From 1937 to 1979, coaching launches. Many of with his dad on hot days. decaying building subject to van- the building served as Choate these boats now hang from the Mr. Jonathan Meeks was a dalism and other problems. Crew’s boathouse. walls and ceiling of the former Choate faculty child, but only After the demolition of Meeks The boathouse was a gift Student Activities Center. attended the school for a small Boathouse, the Spanish Commu- from Class of 1937 alumni, and, “Inside of the boathouse now amount of time before leaving nity of Wallingford hopes to use in 1971, was named after Mr. — it’s really sad,” said Mr. Jona- to attend The Gunnery in Wash- the new space to expand their Austin Meeks, class of 1916, a than Meeks, the 77-year old son ington, Connecticut. During his building, which is also on Wash- revered Choate crew coach and of Mr. Austin Meeks. Although he time at Choate, he participated in ington Street. Ms. Adriana Ro- teacher. now lives in Vermont, Mr. Jona- the crew program that his father driguez, SCOW interim executive Mr. Austin Meeks was a than Meeks visits Connecticut helped to improve. Mr. Jonathan director, told the Record-Journal, member of the crew team during annually and has seen the run- Meeks turned his familiarity with “SCOW is excited with the idea of his time as a Choate student. Af- down boathouse. “I don’t know Community Lake into an advan- expanding the space to ofer more ter graduating, he attended and what happened.” he explained. tage after he left Choate. “I was afterschool programs to serve rowed for Yale University. After “There was a trophy room with on the crew at The Gunnery,” he children and youth of all ages.” college, he returned to Choate, a lot of plaques and trophies in explained. “One of the things I determined to improve and in- glass cases. I have no idea what knew was the course very well. Victoria Esquibies crease the size of the crew pro- happened to those. Some had my We managed to cream the Choate may be reached at Photo courtesy of Aaron Xing gram. During his time as a teach- father’s name on it.” crew. They had the Choate teach- [email protected] Meeks Boathouse once housed the shells now displayed in the old SAC. Page 4 || The Choate News Friday, December 14, 2018

The ChoaTe News Gender-Inclusive Housing Will Forge The Future VOL. CXII th By forced to choose between a compassion, and what could Currently, only a few pri- NO. 7 Ariel Kim ’20 112 Masthead Opinions Staf Writer male or female dorm. Many honor these values more than vate boarding schools in the gender nonconforming stu- embracing the identities of our U.S. — Phillips Exeter Acad- J. Alex Yoon ’19 Vincenzo DiNatale ’19 few weeks ago, the stu- dents don’t feel comfortable in fellow students? The decision emy, Phillips Academy An- Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor dent body received an our current housing options. to implement gender-neutral dover, Hotchkiss School, and A exciting announce- Not only will gender-neu- housing attests to our commu- Northfield Mount Hermon — School News Local News ment: Choate will likely have tral housing provide a space nity’s respect and compassion have gender-inclusive dorms. Owen Collins ’19 Abigail Chang ’19 at least one gender-inclusive for many students to feel a for difference. Joining the forefront of the Joseph Coyne ’19 dorm next school year. I sense of belonging and inclu- For the first time in his- movement will inspire other Opinions strongly support this decision. sivity, but it will also increase tory, many across America institutions to adopt this cru- Features Audrey Powell ’19 Christine Mason ’19 Derek Ng ’20 This monumental imple- the visibility and represen- are changing their long-held cial policy as well, fostering mentation is of particular im- tation of this part of the LG- notions of gender. And so we tolerance not only in our stu- Arts & Leisure Sports Jeanne Malle ’19 Daniel Brockett ’19 portance to Choate. Our stu- BTQ+ community. Truthfully, must consider the precedent dents but, more broadly, in dent body is composed of a a gender-safe space is a basic we are setting, for other insti- our entire generation. Photography Graphics diverse and tolerant group of necessity. Choate prides itself tutions, for our nation, and for Of course, this dorm will Pinn Chirathivat ’19 Chandler Littleford ’20 individuals; there exists a broad on integrity, the wider world. not be different from any oth- spectrum of ethnicity, race, respect, er on campus. It will still Layout Online Madeleine Horn ’19 Business sexual orientation, gen- and be made up of members Bekah Agwunobi ’19 Nicola Sommers ’19 Kailey Marottolo ’19 der, and religion here. of the Choate com- Zhi Wei Gan ’19 Because of this munity. The same Ted Wilson ’20 Social Media Multimedia Nico Campbell ’21 Raddin Ivanov ’19 Brent Valentine ’19 diversity, the im- students we know Shade Mazer ’19 Khushi Tyagi ’20 plementation of will sleep there, Video all-gender hous- study there, and Matthew Lee ’20 Copy Production Staf Liam Podos ’20 Alexandra Alkhayer ’20 Charlie Schlager ’19 ing is necessary. hang out there. Siri Palreddy ’20 Elaine Zhang ’21 Kate Spencer ’20 This decision Everything Advisers Grace Zhang ’20 Circulation acknowledges will be the Mr. Mike Peed William Zhu ’20 Caroline Rispoli ’20 that not every- same as before Dr. Cathryn Stout Esther An ’21 Nico Campbell ’21 one identifies as — except now, Staf Reporters either male or fe- everyone will John Buckholtz ’20 Anjali Mangla ’20 Camille Grant ’21 male, and it takes feel safe and in- Victoria Esquibies ’20 George McCabe ’20 Greer Goergen ’21 Ariel Kim ’20 Kathryn Phillips ’20 Niki Gummadi ’21 the necessary and cluded. Isn’t that Eliana Kim ’20 Elizabeth Quinn ’20 Tony Lee ’21 progressive step what we wanted Kiki Kim ’20 Isabelle So ’20 Max O’Connor ’21 Ryan Kim ’20 Deanna Tan ’20 Calvin Walker ’21 required to create a for the community Ethan Luk ’20 Peter DiNatale ’21 Allen Zheng ’21 safe, inclusive space for in the first place? all members of our com- /choatenews @choatenews @choatenews munity. This change, more-

Email us: [email protected] || Call us: (203) 697-2070 || Find us: thechoatenews.choate.edu over, signifies a concrete Ariel Kim is a fifth former step by Choate to help forge from Seoul, South Korea. a more open-minded future. She may be reached at Gender non-conform- [email protected] EDITORIAL ing students should never be Winter, Work, and Wellness Congratulations on making it through the fall term, and welcome to winter! As new students brush off the novelty of attending Choate and returners head into another winter term, it falls on all of us to embrace the season and its of- ferings. Naturally, the winter season opens up many opportuni- Above: Graphic by Elaine Zhang / The Choate News The Choate Vote / Responses collected via Instagram. Vote at @choatenews. ties unseen in the fall. The winter athletic season, of course, has commenced, ushering in an array of winter sports. The season also presents new theatrical opportunities, includ- ing the chance to act in the Choate Fringe Festival and SDLC: MOTIVATING, BEAUTIFUL, SIGNIFICANT Student Directed Scenes. For some, even just living in this By Camille Grant ’21 as progressive as we are. I spent students that did not have gay- note” was — how should we work snowy environment is new. Opinions Staf Writer most of the conference listening straight alliances or any afn- together to build harmony? Har- Yet the season can also get tough. As Dr. Curtis hinted intently. Many students lamented ity groups at their schools. They mony is the product of acceptance, at a recent School Meeting, it will only get colder from here. past and ongoing oppression from felt alone. It opened my eyes to I suppose. So at Choate, we must After all, New England winters are notoriously long and their school administrations, fac- Choate’s privilege. Take a look continue to work toward being an snowy. Last year, temperatures in Wallingford dropped as ing roadblocks like inaccessible around your dorm, classroom, or accepting and nurturing environ- low as negative three degrees. Some days had less than ten buildings, Eurocentric curricula, sports team. You are surrounded ment, whatever that may mean. hours of daylight. or transphobic teachers. The resil- by people who think and identify As progressive individuals, Especially for those who are new to this environment, ience of these students was incred- diferently than you do. Isn’t that it is our job to consider where such conditions may be hard to adapt to. After all, many ibly moving. I left feeling proud incredible? Choate isn’t the quin- in this cycle we can make a dif- students have never wintered in such cold weather before. of the work that Choate has done tessence of diversity, but we are ference. Should we target the So it becomes a matter of wellness. We, the 112th mast- in support of diversity. Still, we certainly very, very lucky to be media and the roots of these ste- head of The Choate News, cannot emphasize enough the aren’t perfect. As we progress, we where we are today. reotypes? Or should we work to importance of staying healthy in the upcoming season — must remain vigilant so that our During the conference, we ensure that prejudice isn’t insti- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, this message is wo weeks ago, fve of my resources aren’t taken for granted. were encouraged to explore love tutionalized? There is no wrong reiterated time and time again on campus, but it is an im- peers and I joined 1,700 SDLC focused on eight core and forgiveness. When former answer, of course, for there are portant one nonetheless. Tother independent school identifers: race, gender, sexual- neo-Nazi Mr. Christian Picciolini so many ways in which we can From our experience, simple practices like getting students in Nashville, Tenn., for ity, socioeconomic status, ability, spoke, these lessons felt especially make a diference. enough sleep or observing mindfulness can make a big dif- the two-and-a-half day Student family arrangement, and age. In pertinent. Mr. Picciolini was The “cycle of liberation” ference. Doing so may seem obvious, but trust us: they re- Diversity Leadership Confer- the days that followed, we ex- indoctrinated into the Ku Klux proved to be one of the more ally matter. Maintaining a steady, healthy mental state can ence (SDLC) hosted by the Na- plored the intersections of these Klan when he was in high school. actionable portions of the only help. tional Association of Independent identities. One activity, “Silent Eventually, he left to start a con- conference. According to Dr. And when the work picks up, remember to strike a bal- Schools (NAIS). This year’s theme Movement,” prompted seated sulting group that rehabilitates Glasgow, liberation is the re- ance. After a long day of work or practice, give yourself a was a nod to the Music City — participants to stand up when white supremacists. In graphic sult of action enacted by orga- break. Hang out with friends, take a walk, play ping pong at “Listening For The Grace Note: their identifers were announced; detail, Mr. Picciolini described nized, empowered individuals the SAC, or grab a meal at a local restaurant. It’s good to get Finding Harmony Amid Ca- all were asked to refect on the an assault he committed against — an environment that I hope a change of scenery from time to time. cophony.” SDLC brought in three signifcance of the positions they a black man — chasing him and to see at Choate. In the same way, look out for those around you. You fascinating speakers: Lisa Ling, occupied. Through identifying then kicking him at length. I re- All in all, SDLC was an in- won’t be the only one dealing with stress in the coming few a journalist; Christian Picciolini, myself, I found the empowerment coiled in my seat. credibly motivating, beautiful months; everyone else will be, too. It doesn’t take much to an activist and former neo-Nazi; that I had come to SDLC to fnd. A fellow attendee pointed out experience that I feel lucky to check in on your friends once in a while. You never know and Professor Marc Lamont Hill, Such an exercise would not be that Mr. Picciolini was being paid have taken part in. Choate still how much a simple greeting can lift someone’s spirits. a former CNN contributor. The practical at School Meeting, but I to talk about his time as a white has work to do — don’t wait, act. We hope you’ve made the most of these three weeks — the rest of the time was spent either in implore all students to take time supremacist at a diversity confer- “winterlude.” But while keeping up with school is important, “family groups” (randomly select- to recognize and appreciate the ence. In response, Mr. Picciolini Camille Grant is a fourth we urge you to also make an active efort to stay healthy. ed groups of around 50 students) diversity within our community. said that his entire fee went to his former from Oak Park, IL. or regional groups. At SDLC, I met students that rehabilitation eforts. She may be reached at As one might deduce, tons of were the only Asian kid or the In all, his speech caused me [email protected] independent schools aren’t nearly only black kid in their grade, and to reconsider what that “grace

In Rome, I Learned and Lived Latin By Natarsha Yan ’21 bled golden streets, accompanied explored fuorescent caves in the paths carved by the statues Opinions Writer by the chirps of the migrating Atrani. There wasn’t a weekend and relics frozen in time. swallows and the cool, calming when we weren’t going some- In Classical Greek and Ro- our summers ago, I opened silence of absent trafc. where to explore a new place or man Studies, after having read my frst book of Latin. Be- Rome waking was a difer- further immerse ourselves in The Aeneid, we went to the Villa Ffore long, I was in love. ent world to the Rome we knew Italy’s culture. Vergiliana, a house dedicated to I was in love with the lan- during the day. A few weeks be- The school I stayed at was the memory of Vergil situated guage’s hard, detached conso- fore the end of my time there, I called St. Stephen’s. Located at near the bay of Naples. There, nants and the yawning, rolling signed up for a 15K race around the very heart of the city, we were, we visited an archaeological site vowels. I was in love with the the city center, a race I would quite literally, living our studies. in Cuma, the town where Book 6 puzzles found in its texts and the never have considered a year My Latin class took place of The Aeneid is set, and we ven- elation that came with solving ago. It was a race that pushed inside the Classics Tower, the tured into deep caverns “which them. I was in love with the city me to my limits, a race that highest point of the school lead a hundred wide mouths, a behind the language, the rich and taught me to grow, a race much building, and out of the room’s hundred gateways, from which frenzied culture of an ancient civ- like the city it coursed through. window I could see the ancient rush as many voices, the answers ilization rising from the shadows ruins of the Roman Forum set of the Sibyl,” and we translated of the seven hills of Rome. against the curved shadows of Latin texts carved in stone. Last year, I began my ofcial Located at the the Palatine Hill. When we read I was in Rome for a short study of Latin, and this fall, I was about Caesar and his tragic three months, a period of time lucky enough to spend my term very heart of death at the steps of the temple not long enough for me to have living Latin in Rome. I went to the city, we of Pompey, we went to the site even witnessed the falling of the Rome for the language — to pur- itself to perform Shakespeare’s russet leaves or the bare white sue my studies at the root of its were, quite famous lines. When we learned glow of the winter branches. existence — but I left the city with literally, living about the technological ad- Yet, I had learnt so much and so much more than that. I found our studies. vances of the classical ages, experienced so plentifully, liv- Corrections new passions in Rome, a home, a we visited the ancient Roman ing each moment to its very School News community. They say Choate is a aqueducts, monumental struc- fullest. These past three months A school news article last week incorrectly identified a photogra- place of many paths, and Rome Throughout my term abroad, tures spanning the vast green in Rome were not the end of a pher as Katherine Phillips. She is Kathryn Phillips. was the one I followed. I explored not only Rome, but fields outside the city center. chapter in my life but the begin- There was never a slow or also many of the towns and cit- It was a tour through the rem- ning of a new one. Mille viae Sports boring day in Rome — there was ies around it. During my three nants of a bygone time. ducunt homines per saecula A sports article last week on the evolution of ice hockey incorrectly always something to do, some short months in the country, I In Art History, we learned Romam. They say that Choate stated that the frst interscholastic hockey team was organized in the place to discover, or someone to travelled with the boarding com- about paintings and mosaics is a place of many paths, and all 1930s. It was, in fact, organized in 1911. The article also stated that meet. I took up running there, munity to busy Naples and blue- and frescoes and friezes, and of them lead to Rome. the Hemenway Rink was built in 1966. It was, in fact, built in 1953. and three mornings a week, I tinged Sperlonga, to quiet Elba as we studied them, we went headed out with an adviser and a and the beautiful Amalf Coast. to the actual sites where the Natarsha Yan is a fourth The Choate News regrets these errors. group of students to explore the We picked olives and enjoyed art was created. We wandered, former from Shanghai. To submit a correction, email [email protected] ancient city in the budding rays fresh cheese in a farmhouse in too, through the ivory gardens She may be reached at of dawn. We ran all over the cob- Umbria; we swam in the sea and of the marbled Villa Borghese, [email protected] Friday, December 14, 2018 The Choate News || Page 5

Potential Presidential Election Candidates nation’s attention initially, but has rallied protests against fam- is pro-life, he stated that his per- so I feel that he should speak Beto O’Rourke it is his progressive policies and ily separation policies and advo- Mitt Romney sonal beliefs should not get in the more on this issue in the com- Democrat refreshing demeanor that made cated for easier citizenship paths way of federal law as it is not the ing election cycle. O’Rourke the face of the blue wave. for those crossing the border. Republican government’s place to intrude His big slogan in 2007 In the era of Trump, America on abortion rights. If he were was “strong military, strong has become increasingly isolated elected in 2020, abortion rights economy, strong families.” I from the international communi- would be secured. agree with this sentiment, but In Beto O’Rourke, ty — controversial foreign policy, I would argue his defnition of protectionist intentions, and in- We need an family. As he grew in political the country has fammatory immigration conver- afuence, his stance on gay found an answer. sations only scratch the surface. economically marriage has altered. He origi- Combined with growing domestic driven president. nally supported a 2007 Consti- divides and political polarization, tutional amendment declaring the country is in dire need of gen- Mitt Romney marriage a union specifcally O’Rourke intends to meet the uine national unity. American ex- can be that between a man and a woman, needs of a changing workforce ceptionalism seems increasingly and in 2012 he stated that by investing in training, certif- hollow; the founding principles president. civil unions, but not marriage, Photo courtesy of Houston Style Magazine cation programs, and education of unity and morality that once Photo courtesy of TIME should be legal for gay couples. By Kate Spencer ’20 to promote domestic and high- guided the leaders of this nation By Ellie Feltovic ’19 Romney earns most of his I do not agree with this stance, Copy Editor level jobs. For low-income com- have diminished to mere sug- Opinions Writer income through stocks, which but if he were elected, he would munities, he proposed increases gestions. In Beto O’Rourke, the is concerning because he can most likely focus on other is- n unsuccessful bid for the in federal funding towards edu- country has found an answer. He he 2020 presidential elec- seem detached from the work- sues more pressing to him, and Senate rarely results in a cation. Although he hails from has proven that he can connect tion looms closer than ing class, but his entire 2012 the legality of gay marriage Anation-wide wave of sup- a fossil-fuel focused state, his with more than just Democrats Tever. Donald Trump will be presidential platform centered would not be overturned. port, much less status as a front Senate campaign promoted re- — his bipartisan precedent and the Republican candidate of this on building the economy by The U.S. would beneft runner for upcoming presidential newable energy and disagreed mitigating political demeanor is election, as he confrmed his bid creating jobs and decreasing from Mitt Romney as president elections. Yet El Paso democrat with Trump’s decision to with- reminiscent of 2007-era Obama, for re-election in 2017. However, spending. He supports “Rea- diplomatically, economically, Beto O’Rourke has managed to draw from the Paris Climate Ac- only complemented by support I would like to see Mitt Romney ganomics,” developed by for- and potentially environmen- create an impressive political nar- cords. O’Rourke is a longtime from a historically conservative run for president in 2020. mer President Ronald Reagan tally. We need an economically rative that inspired millions of supporter of abortion rights and Texas. His policies are strong and Though Mitt Romney feeds during the 80s. In 2002, Mitt driven president — who doesn’t Texans to vote in his favor. Even the Afordable Care Act, and increasingly relevant. The Ameri- into the privileged white male Romney announced that if tweet all of his thoughts — to more spectacular is his ability to he recently opposed legislation can people should and will look to stereotype, he has frequently he were to run for president, restore the sanctity of the exec- gain fnancial support, raising that would defund low-income O’Rourke as the restorer of a truly spoken for women’s rights. In “clean environment” would be utive branch. Mitt Romney can $38.1 million in his fnal quarter family planning programs. Yet united democracy. 2012, Romney declared that ev- a signifcant campaign theme. be that president. — a greater single quarter record perhaps what O’Rourke is most ery woman in America should We did not see this in 2012, and than any other Senate candidate passionate about lies in immi- Kate Spencer is a fifh former have access to contraceptives he has yet to make a frm stance Ellie Feltovic is a sixth former in history. Perhaps his incredibly gration reform, as he is strongly from San Clemente, CA. She may be and that it should be illegal for on environmental protection from Simsbury, CT. She may be well-funded campaign drew the against Trump’s border wall. He reached at [email protected] states to ban them. Though he unrelated to big corporations, reached at [email protected]

steer America in a better direction adapt her views for the people who may lack is a strong ability to it is evident that he success- Kirsten Gillibrand for all of the people. live in her state; this is a strength John Kasich appeal to the people, which ulti- fully kept his promises and Democrat Gillibrand’s political views have she could apply to a greater con- Republican mately led to his defeat in 2000 fulflled his goals as governor. evolved radically since her initial stituency as president. and 2016. However, he may be Despite his past failure in pres- election to the House in 2006. Dur- While Gillibrand has devel- able to act as a rallying cry for idential elections, Kasich has ing her frst few terms in Congress, oped her opinions on some is- all Republicans. always been honest when mak- she positioned herself as a relatively sues over time, there are others in Since Donald Trump’s in- ing promises to the people. His conservative Democrat, voting in which she is deeply rooted. One auguration in 2016, Kasich has time as Ohio’s governor shows favor of acts to increase border con- of the issues she is most widely become concerned with the his ability to work with his ad- trol and maintaining a 100% ap- known for is sexual assault, often future of the GOP. In Kasich’s visors to fulfll obligations to proval rating from the NRA for her being called “The #MeToo Sena- view, the election of Trump his constituents, which will anti-gun control viewpoint. tor.” She has been outspoken on represented a widespread aban- make him a potential threat to this issue for a long time, much donment of good American val- the current president in 2020. Gillibrand isn’t before it came into the national ues. By running, Kasich hopes spotlight with #MeToo. Gilli- to reestablish the meaning of Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times afraid to voice brand isn’t afraid to voice her Photo courtesy of New York Magazine American ideals and save the Kasich has her opinion on opinion on matters related to this GOP’s reputation. To do so, By Kate Bailey ’21 issue, even if her sentiments stir By Alex Coletti ’20 however, he needs funding. In always been Opinions Writer matters, even if up controversy; in fact, she led Opinions Writer the 2016 election, Kasich only honest when her sentiments stir the charge for Al Franken’s resig- raised $37 million (four times irsten Gillibrand is becom- nation in 2017 and believed that ohn Kasich — who is cur- less than the next candidate). making promises ing one of the more talked- up controversy. Bill Clinton should have resigned rently fnishing up his sec- Thus, Kasich must boost his to the people. Kabout names for the upcom- over the Lewinsky scandal. Oth- Jond term as Ohio’s gover- funding greatly if he wants to ing 2020 presidential elections. However, upon being ap- er issues that she has stood her nor — “is seriously considering” compete with Donald Trump. Though the incumbent democratic pointed to the Senate, Gillibrand ground on include transparency running for president in 2020. Despite a signifcant un- Although his chances at de- New York Senator has neither con- began to adopt more liberal, popu- and accountability; she publishes Although he was unsuccessful in derperformance in the polls feating Trump in the GOP race frmed nor denied her candidacy, list views that represent the whole her daily schedule in Congress winning the GOP candidacy bid during the 2016 presidential are slim, there is no doubt that her visits to rallies in states all over state of New York, and as of late, along with annual tax returns. in both 2000 and the most re- election, Kasich has been an Kasich will campaign to restore the country and fundraising on her the whole country. She was the America needs a leader like Gil- cent presidential election, noth- overall success for his home the American values he believes reelection campaign indicate that frst senator to call for the abol- librand who is unafraid to not just ing is stopping him from making state Ohio. Kasich was elect- Trump has ignored — don’t be she may be seriously considering ishment of ICE and is now much share their opinions but also act another attempt at the presiden- ed governor in 2010, and surprised to see John Kasich’s running. Gillibrand is a Senator more supportive of gun control. on them, all the while taking into cy. His long and successful po- throughout the campaign name on the ballot in the 2020 who is true to her constituency but She recently voiced her support for account others’ viewpoints. litical history certainly qualifes process, he made promises to presidential primaries. outspoken on issues of personal a new tax on stock market transac- him for president, and his open expand gun rights, phase out value. With these qualities, she tions — a radical stance in a state Kate Bailey is a fourth former criticism of the Trump’s pro- personal income tax, and raise Alex Coletti is a fifh former from could become an honest, driven heavy with Wall Street investors. from Charlotte, NC. She may be ductivity will certainly stimulate education standards. As he ap- Madison, CT . He may be reached president with the potential to Gillibrand shows a willingness to reached at [email protected] competition. The only thing he proaches the end of his tenure, at [email protected]

TEAR-GASSING AT THE BORDER:

By Alexandra ANOTHERAlkhayer ’20 REASON FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM Copy Editor

n November 25, Border Patrol agents teargassed OCentral American asylum seekers at the Mexican border. Though it was reported that the migrants rushed the border and may have thrown objects at the border patrol, using teargas to deter them despite the pres- ence of countless infants and innocent individuals was sim- ply unacceptable. The migrants, escaping violence and poverty in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador (the “Northern Tri- angle” of Central America), trav- eled together in a large group to increase chances of safety, only for this to be exploited by President Donald Trump as riot-control agents inhumanely endangered the health — and in the case of children, the lives — of the migrants. While it’s im- portant for national borders to be respected, this gross cruelty will not resolve the question of Photo courtesy of The New York Times immigration; what is needed is A migrant family flees from the U.S.—Mexico border on November 25 afer being tear-gassed by American border patrol oficers. serious immigration reform. which is a miniscule fgure in future, with asylum claims con- President Trump should work them to avoid waiting for months For the United States to Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary the face of thousands hoping to sidered more quickly, fewer mi- with Central American countries in often dangerous settings. At decrease the rate of illegal im- of Homeland Security, asserted cross the border. The capacity of grants would try to illegally enter to develop conditions that ac- the same time, the government migration, the government that the tear-gassing was neces- the United States to process asy- the country, and the government commodate citizens’ needs and should work with international must give migrants better, sary “to ensure public safety in lum claims must be increased to would not need to spend so much give them the option to safely re- organizations, such as the United and more, options. It should response to large numbers of allow more Central Americans money on federal troops at the main in their homelands. Nations High Commissioner for be recognized that migrants migrants seeking to enter the to legally apply for sanction and border. Likewise, the United Assistance from the United Refugees, and the Mexican gov- are seeking escape from deso- U.S. illegally.” Yet if the United potentially have it granted in a States must address and act on States centered on job creation ernment to provide migrants on late conditions and danger in States accepted more legal mi- more timely manner. the conditions in Central Amer- and the strengthening anti-gang Mexico’s southern border with their home countries — and grants in the frst place, fewer Moreover, Trump’s deploy- ica that create such great num- and anti-violence programs in food and shelter. Andrés Manuel the United States must work to foreigners would fnd them- ment of troops at the border bers of migrants to begin with Central America is crucial. The López Obrador, president of Mex- establish itself once again as an selves in a situation so hopeless cost $210 million, some of which — namely violence and economic United States should also ex- ico, recently expressed interest in asylum for humankind. that they must break the law. could have been better spent hardship. Rather than threaten pand its refugee programs in the Mexico becoming more involved U.S. ofcials say only 100 ap- hiring asylum ofcers to handle to cut aid to Guatemala, Hondu- Northern Triangle so citizens can in the economic development of Alexandra Alkhayer is a fifh former plications can be handled each asylum claims. This would serve ras, and El Salvador in retaliation apply for refugee status while in the Northern Triangle, which the from South Windsor, CT. She may be day at the San Ysidro crossing, as a long-term solution; in the for not preventing the caravan, their home countries, allowing United States should encourage. reached at [email protected] Page 6 || The Choate News Friday, December 14, 2018

CATCHING UP WITH THE CLASS OF 2018 By Lizzie Quinn ’20 decisions about what I spend Staf Reporter my time doing.” The transition from being Alumni from over the years the eldest grade to entering swarmed Choate’s campus as the youngest is also quite on Saturday, November 10 to daunting, as noted by Henry, participate in alumni activities, “After changing a lot in high catch up with past and present school, it’s nice to be in a more Choaties, and witness the mature setting.” athleticism of the current As a whole, coming back to student body. Last year’s a place where the Class of 2018 senior class — the class of 2018 called their ‘home away from — showed up in particularly home’ was a surreal experience, large numbers. They sauntered as Lacey, Carmichael, around their old stomping Tumendemberel, Henry, and grounds and expressed the Harding all put it. Harding added, same awe from the rapid growth “It feels surreal [to be back on of Colony Hall as decades-old campus]. I don’t even know how alumni. The “School Upon the to explain it. Fifty percent of me Hillside” is ever changing, but feels very at home, very familiar, retains its tight-knit community as if I never left. And then the atmosphere, which continues to other half is like, ‘What is this be a part of the lives of alumni. place?’ Coming from a diferent The thoughts of the class of headspace and being here, it’s 2018 refect what it’s like to very weird to be back. But it’s come back to a place that they also very nice. I have been getting called their home for so long. emotional being back and seeing Matt Lacey ’18, New York the place that was my home for University ’22, missed the a good portion of my life. It’s “community and sense of very overwhelmingly emotional familiarity” most about Choate. — a good kind of emotional.” Gabby Henry ’18, University Although at Choate for just four of Connecticut ’22, shared years, they all vocalized that similar feelings of nostalgia Photo courtesy of Annett Ho they changed, not just in terms about being back on campus Cheering on current Choaties on Deerfield Day, Choate’s Class of 2018 demonstrates their everlasting Choate spirit. of maturity but also in that they after completing a term at is transitioning from. Baji the teachers than I am about ’22, enjoys in college “the that while college does have found themselves. Choate’s college. “I miss the community Tumendemberel ’18, Yale a lot of the students. But don’t freedom and definitely the more time constraints, she curriculum and plethora of that we had here because I University ’22, added to Henry’s get me wrong, obviously, I want real world experiences, enjoys putting together her extracurricular activities give go to a public university, and point, saying that he defnitely to see the students, too. I don’t the opportunities.” own set of courses and choosing students the ability to fgure out there’s an amazing amount of misses his friends from Choate, know any of my teachers [at Tumendemberel observed not the times to take those courses. their passions in a trial and error students. There are so many, “not just individual people, but college] personally. I don’t see only the greater independence “My favorite part of college fashion. This liberty in one’s so coming back here and seeing also the sense of community them around. The only place that comes with adulthood is being able to completely teenage years is intermingled people that I didn’t even know that we all had, ’cause college is I see my teachers is in class. but also the increased number make my own schedule, not with a rigidity that still gives the but I knew of simply because super big. So it’s kind of hard to There are no teachers in the of responsibilities. “There’s be restricted to any particular transition to college an increased we’re a school of less than 850 have that community aspect.” Dining Hall.” a lot of more self-advocacy layout of a schedule like it is independence. Even with so kids, you know? It’s beautiful.” Looking at the community Aside from the closely knit that comes with being on your here [at Choate]. I can go to much change occurring over the Even though both boarding atmosphere between students community of students and own, and that’s pushed me to class at like 6 p.m., 8 p.m. if years, alumni can always look to school and college share an and faculty, Zara Harding ’18, faculty that colleges seem to be more mature, but it’s also I wanted to. I can stay up late the tight community of students away-from-home feeling, the Columbia ’22, looked forward lack, the Class of 2018 shares put me in a lot of places where however long I want to. That’s and faculty at Choate as a jump from high school to to seeing her past teachers. “I their new opportunities and I feel unsure of myself, but I a big adjustment for me. So I constant in their lives. institutions of higher education said to my friends, like when liberty that lie ahead. Calvin think that’s just a natural part think that has been one of my is still massive, regardless of we were coming back [that] I’m Carmichael ’18, University of going on with your life.” favorite parts: just being able Lizzie Quinn may be reached what type of high school one feeling more excitement to see of Southern California Harding specifically realized to be independent and to make at [email protected]

Check out our facebook /choatenews or instagram @choatenews Crosswords!By Will Zhu ’20 Copy Editor this afernoon for answers!

Graphic by Senching Hsia/The Choate News By Ho Jin Jang ’21 go and listen to the playlist I’ve heard. It’s sometimes cringey, Reporter made. Listening to holiday but the song is very uplifting. Across 4. Loud, chaotic noise music makes me very happy. I could honestly listen to this 1. Required to take three of these 5. Black gold With December a month full Christmas is the best time of the song in August, but I usually 4. Facsimile 6. Plum’s title in Clue, abbr. of festive celebrations, ornate year, and I listen to Christmas start listening to holiday 8. Large strips of land 7. Two-masted sailboats trees and decorative lights are music while I study to make it songs around mid-October. I 14. Ghost from Mario 8. Stationary part of an electric motor popping up in neighborhoods less depressing. A memory that once asked Bellacanto if they 15. Currency of Turkey 9. Early 2000’s Emmy-winning political drama all across the world, and, I have with Christmas music could perform this song, but 16. IT enthusiast 10. Body pain indeed, at Choate Rosemary is that I listened to these bops I was rejected. They said that 17. One-story house 11. Son of Odin Hall. This time of the year is with Niki Gummadi ’21 during they would perform anything 19. Whales die when they wash _____ 12. Employ widely believed to be “the most Mb Duckett’s public speaking but that. So, that’s a specifc 20. Mr. T’s crew 13. Soothsayer wonderful,” largely due to a class in my freshman fall. memory I have.” 21. Brown-noser 18. A school of whales wide selection of jolly music. Mb banned us from listening Wilson Wang ’19 23. Delivered on the Mount 22. Most commonly used conjunction In preparation for the festive to Christmas music for the “‘Feliz Navidad’ by 25. “Let it _____!” 24. A gullible person holiday season, some members entire term because we would Pentatonix is my favorite 26. Poetry with a beat 27. “Gangnam Style” YouTube sensation of the Choate community took a randomly play the music. ” holiday music. I know it’s a 28. Running with the ball in soccer and basketball 29. Thrown by Zeus moment to share their favorite George Trammell ’20 weird choice. I think ‘Feliz 33. “Oh well, we tried” 30. Donkey cry holiday music. “My favorite holiday song Navidad’ is one of the most 37. Orbiting outpost 31. Dafy Duck’s speech impediment Aidan Concepcion ’21 is probably ‘Let It Snow’ — a beautiful phrases on this earth. 39. Water wheel that raises water from a river or stream 32. “At _____, soldier” “My favorite holiday song classic, I know, but it’s a song Also, I love the arrangement by 40. What Sherlock uses to focus on his evidence 33. Surrounded by, at the center of is probably ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ I always used to dance to when Pentatonix. This song makes me 44. North American indigenous tribe that resides in ig- 34. Pool or highway division because I sang this song in I was younger, and it defnitely so happy and festive. My holiday loos 35. Archaic term for malaria chorus in third grade. I have got me into the Christmas spirit. season really starts around mid- 45. Dungeon for day students 36. Cut quickly with scissors or shears just loved the song since then. Along with pretty much all December. So I start listening to 46. Push buttons on a keyboard 38. Ice Age sloth Christmas music, in general, other holiday music, I can’t help holiday music probably around 47. Marianna Trench, Lake Baikal, and Congo River to 41. In programming, a loop does this makes me jolly. You can quote but smile thinking about going then. I don’t have a specifc name a few 42. Government organization headquartered in Fort me on that. I know my mom home for the holidays, drinking memory I associate with 50. Club for drivers and small battery size Meade hates ‘Jingle Bell Rock,’ so it hot chocolate, and watching this song, because my family 52. _____ Paul, Republican senator with Libertarian 43. Pleased is always very funny to see the snow. I try my hardest not doesn’t speak either Spanish or views 48. “_____ frst!” her reaction to when I cue the to start listening to Christmas English.” 54. Single and sad 49. Wile E. Coyote’s favorite compound music. I think anytime after music before Thanksgiving 59. From now on 51. “At this time of year? At this time of day? In this part Halloween is the time for ends, but when it snows before Although many Choate 64. Political campaign event of the country? Localized entirely within your kitchen?” Christmas music.” the end of November, it’s hard students’ favorite holiday songs 65. Drug derived from poppy 53. Free trial of a game (plural) Mirielle Ma ’21 to resist. I have no specifc are Christmas related, Choate 66. Federal holiday for honoring fallen soldiers 55. Scratch or dent “My favorite songs are traditions with this song in students are also excited for 68. Currency of spies 56. Carried on or pursued a trade ‘Someday at Christmas’ by general, but whenever I get back various other upcoming holiday 69. What oxygen, nitrogen, and helium lack 57. Make happy The Jackson 5 and anything home for winter break, I walk celebrations. Blake Migden ’19 70. When a plane is supposed to land 58. The fve best rappers of all time according to a Cha- Christmas by Pentatonix or in the door with holiday music commented, “Emerson, Will 71. _____-weensy pelle Show character Mariah Carey. I start listening playing.” Kanders, and I are working 72. Beverage with several regional names 59. Parasite’s home to Christmas music around Naomi Koo ’20 on the Hannukah song for the 73. Unit of Cub Scouts 60. Largest and heaviest type of fencing sword the beginning of October, so “My favorite holiday music special Holiday Program, and 61. Essential Chinese dish October marks the start of the is ‘Text Me Merry Christmas’ we’re really excited for it!” Down 62. Gain through hard work Christmas season! I have a by Straight No Chaser and 1. President of the Palestinian National Authority 63. Ctrl + Y playlist on Spotify. It is called Kristen Bell. This song is one Ho Jin Jang may be reached 2. Winding roads in Pokémon 67. Mathematical operation that fnds the remainder af- Very Miri Christmas. You should of the cutest songs I have ever at [email protected] 3. Always seems to be empty in printers ter division Friday, December 14, 2018 The Choate News || Page 7

BLACK OUT: Social Media(rt): Employing FOR LACK Instagram As Artistic Outlet OF A BETTER WORD By Ethan Luk ’20

Photo courtesy of Ethan Luk Students such as Ethan Luk ’20 use Instagram to express their artistic selves. By Deanna Tan ’20 like how my Instagram is right perimpose or After Light to cre- I’ve taken of others and not ones Staf Reporter now because it’s a combination ate layered or collaged pictures of myself. It is a way for me to be of both my personal life and my or incorporate other efects like present on social media without Likes, Followers, Comments, photography.” In a diferent style adding a Polaroid border.” being vulnerable and open about Ratios. These are all words as- than Luk and Phillips, Zou said, Zou commented, “I usually me and my life.” sociated with Instagram, a social “I’m aware that many artists post upload anime doodles to my art Luk started his account in media app that seems to domi- their art on Instagram, so since I account, because I love anime. ffth grade because of infuence nate the lives of many Choate draw, I just decided to create an Most of these doodles are either from his cousins. “I thought it students. For some students, art account. Also, by creating an my own characters or fan art. was the new cool thing to do. I however, Instagram serves as a art account, I am able to interact There isn’t really a lot of process immediately became obsessed. platform to present personal art- with people who have similar in- involved in this because I just pe- I followed all the big names in work. Ethan Luk ’20, Jacqueline terests and produce fan art.” riodically upload my doodles to the Instagram world and I tried Zou ’20, Serena Sandweiss ’20, Each artist has a diferent the account.” to emulate their style as much as and Kathryn Phillips ’20 share style of art and enjoys highlight- Sandweiss said, “Most of the possible. I am still trying to fnd their experiences through art- ing diferent features in their content on my Instagram is from my voice in photography, but I inspired Instagram accounts. posts. “I pay a ton of attention my experiences traveling. I fnd am defnitely closer than I was a What inspired these students to color, as it’s the frst thing that I take the most pictures on couple years ago,” he said. to start their accounts? “I created that speaks to me. Normally, if vacation and away from home. There are many diferent my Instagram with the intention the picture contains some pop Other pictures are from photo- deeper meanings to the posts Poem: “make mistakes successfully and use words to influ- of using it as my main social me- of color or some really cool use shoots I’ve done just for fun. I that these artists publish onto ence the limits of doubt.” From Choate Student Handbook’s dia account and not one for art. of complementary or primary try to get creative with what I their accounts. “Yes, the serious Rules and Regulations section, Page 11. I created my account when I was colors, I will post it,” said Luk, do, like using colored lights and pieces of work I make are related 12 and it gradually turned into a continuing, “I love seeing a feed makeup.” to environmental protection, I always saw the Student Handbook as the ultimate text creative outlet where I presented where the colors mesh together Phillips, on the other hand, however I never upload them of authority that delineates exactly what students should and my art. It just felt natural to use well because it works really well enjoys taking portraits. “I try to to my current art Instagram be- should not do. I wanted to play with this idea and instead offer social media — which I wasn’t in catching someone’s attention. do them as often as I can. I do cause they’re not anime, [which some hidden advice within the words. The first phrase in the very comfortable using to show I also use diferent editing apps not intentionally photograph for is what my account is designated poem means a lot to me. As teenagers, making a ton of mistakes pictures of me and my life — to to create my pictures. I mainly the Instagram. I photograph for to.] The other account for the en- is the only way we can grow, but at Choate there can sometimes display my art,” Phillips said. use VSCO [a photography app myself and post whatever I want vironmental works of art is in the be an unhealthy, high-stakes atmosphere that misdirects people Luk had similar feelings: “My where one can upload and take as added fun,” she remarked, process of being created.” Zou into feeling that there is no room for error. I wanted to remind Instagram isn’t really an ‘art ac- photos, edit and add flters, and continuing, “My Instagram is the said. people, especially during such a sensitive time, that making mis- count’ per se, but I do spend a share them with other VSCO us- account I’ve had since middle takes is a precedent for success, and you should always advocate lot of time thinking about the ers] for the frst round of editing, school. The only things I feel Deanna Tan may be reached at for your own voice. overall aesthetic of my feed. I then I’ll move onto apps like Su- comfortable posting are pictures [email protected]

SENIORS REFLECT ON YEARS STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHED IN CHAMBER CHORUS HOWCASE REMIERES By Yolanda Wang ’20 experience with Chamber Cho- Shraya Poetti ’19, also a se- S P Reporter rus Volfson said, “At the end of nior, described the preparation the day, I think I can speak for process of Lessons and Carols As the weather turns brisk everyone when I say that it’s and her impression of the tradi- in the busy beginning of win- something that we look forward tional show. She said, “We sing ter term, several artistic Choate to because it’s a place of refec- songs every year to the congre- student groups prepare special tion where we feel secure.” gation, but there is also a new events for the holiday season. Another four-year member piece that we prepare, so it’s Specifcally, the choral groups of Chamber Chorus, Annika like a service as well as a perfor- will keep up their tradition of Chiang-Boeckmann ’19, feels mance. In preparation, we basi- performing Lessons and Carols, strongly about having gained the cally rehearse carols, practicing an annual religious service in sense of a diverse family. “What and improving on the newer the chapel during which the Fes- made me want to stay was be- pieces that we will be perform- tival and Chamber Chorus sing ing a part of a community. As ing.” According to Poetti, Les- hymns and traditional songs a freshman, it was nice that I sons and Carols has not changed amongst candlelight. Several got to meet seniors and juniors much over the years. She said, seniors shared their experiences because sometimes it’s hard for “I kind of appreciate that about over the years of Chamber Cho- new day students to form con- it. It’s pretty consistent in how rus and Lessons and Carols. nections,” she said. Now that it is. It’s defnitely diferent to Alice Volfson ’19 has been Chiang-Boeckmann is older, see how it feels from a Festival in Chamber Chorus since her she feels more responsibility Chorus perspective versus a freshman year. She said, “Cham- to make sure that the younger Chamber Chorus perspective. ber Chorus is very special be- members feel welcome. The se- In Festival Chorus, we sing on cause it’s a small community. nior afrms that besides singing, the balcony, whereas in Cham- In my freshman year, I looked the Lessons and Carols program ber Chorus we sing on the stage. up to many people in it because includes readings from the Bible Otherwise, everything else is I hadn’t really sung in such a and Buddhist meditations. She pretty similar which makes it high-level choir. Now, I have said, “Since it’s open to the pub- special as it’s an event to look the honor of being that to the lic, the Wallingford community forward to.” younger students by being the really appreciates participating Although every member’s assistant conductor of Festival in it. For us, it’s a fun experience experience of Chamber Chorus Chorus.” Being a part of a com- because the Christmas songs varies, it can safely be said that munity that’s always there for that everyone sings together the close-knit group has devel- Photo courtesy of Tippa Chan one another has greatly helped are very pretty and touching.” oped enduring friendships over Jana Godbole ’19 and Anna Ely ’19, organizers of SCS, prepare for the show. Volfson grow as a singer and Chamber Chorus has long be- the years and an environment in develop a sense of self. For the come a cherished activity and which singers can grow from be- By Grace Zhang ’20 actions: “They were impressed closeness between the perform- upcoming Lessons and Carols irreplaceable part of Chiang- ing young and inexperienced to Copy Editor that we only had around fve re- ers and the audience not typi- event, Volfson said, “We’re do- Boeckmann’s Choate experi- being mentors. The Choate com- hearsals to come up with a huge cally experienced when dance ing our traditional hymns like ence. She mused, “We’ve created munity should defnitely attend The frst ever Student Cho- showing.” Ollie Chessen ’19 was events are held in the PMAC,” ‘Silent Night’ and other sacred a community that’s more than this year’s Lessons and Carols, a reographed Showcase, or SCS, one of these fans, and stated, said Chessen. works.” Since they have only had just a group that sings together. celebrated holiday season tradi- premiered last Friday, Decem- “SCS was dope. It was efciently For the dancers themselves, a few rehearsals for the event, We’re almost like a family, and tion and one of the most magical ber 7. Previously, dancers at run, and the choreography was SCS provided an opportunity Chamber Chorus is still fnal- I like having a safe space where spectacles of the year. Choate had only one opportu- impressive.” for more personal collaborative izing the details, but most of I can escape everything and just nity to showcase their work for The scarce opportunities for work with one another. “My fa- the group’s pieces are classical sing with the people that I really Yolanda Wang may be reached at the entire year — the annual rehearsal proved a challenge vorite part was probably the fact works. Refecting on her overall care about.” [email protected] Spring Dance Show. That is that the dancers managed to that I was able to work with two until seniors Anna Ely ’19 and overcome. “It all came together or three people. For example, Jana Godbole ’19 were inspired and went from really fragment- the duet I did with Anna was to fnd a way to focus on under- ed beginnings all the way to one of my favorite pieces. The represented styles of dance as a fully produced and well-re- one with Maddy Simms [’19] well as to provide more oppor- ceived performance,” said Ely. and Heather [Shao ’19] was one tunities for dancers to perform. Many audience members of the only times I got to work Ely and Godbole immediately enjoyed watching diferent with just them two. And because brought their idea to the Arts styles of that are usually not they’re seniors and they’re leav- Department Head, Ms. Kalya showcased in the Dance Show. ing, that’s really nice,” said Yannatos, and realized the ini- “It was really cool how they Bonomolo. tiative this winter with her sup- mixed contemporary and hip The future of SCS looks port. hop. It was interesting to see bright, and this year’s dancers According to both spectators two diferent dances fuse to- are hopeful about its potential. and performers, SCS was a ma- gether as two dancers collabo- “We’re hoping that the under- jor success. “We both thought rated,” said Madeleine Horn ’19. classmen will keep it going and it went really well, and we’re Another aspect of SCS that bring it to the next level,” said super proud of the dancers that quickly became a fan-favorite Ely. Promised Bonomolo, “It’ll contributed. We got really posi- was the location itself — the be better next year. It’s only go- tive feedback about it which was dance studio in the Athletic ing to get better and better!” really nice,” said Ely. Di’Anna Center as opposed to a stage. Bonomolo ’20, another dancer “The choice of performing in the Grace Zhang may be reached at in the show, received similar re- dance studio created a feeling of [email protected] The Choate News VOL. CXII • NO. 7 SPORTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018

A PREVIEW OF VARSITY WINTER SPORTS FIELD By George McCabe ’20 a strong season. Sprinters Ben Staf Reporter Cho ’22 and Parker Scott ’20 will be reliable contributors to the REPORT Archery: With nine new ar- team. Co-captain Matt Anastasio chers, the archery team looks to ’19 said, “I think that the more Varsity Games have another strong season. Co- we practice, the stronger we will captains Will Wu ’19 and Kiki Kim look, and the boys’ team has a ’20 will lead the team this year. lot of potential with new swim- Wu said, “We will be paying a lot mers.” This team could possibly more attention to handling stress, win the Founders League and Boys’ Basketball (3-1) and, hopefully, we would have a place highly at New England’s. stronger mindset when competing Girls’ Swimming: Af- beats Kent, 59-42 in Nationals this February.” If the ter defeating a fast Andover newcomers reach their potential, squad on Saturday, December this team should be able to live up 1, Girls’ Varsity Swimming will to expectations. look to carry the momentum Boys’ Basketball: After throughout the season. The winning the Class A New Eng- team is filled with talented Photo courtesy of Ross Mortensen land Championship last year, the Varsity Wrestling is of to a strong start and looks to improve over the course of the season. swimmers like Sam Scott ’20 team looks to repeat last season’s Diving: All signs point to the ning their frst three games al- and a drop-of in the bottom.” The and Zoe Tray ’21, who will be success. The team returns key diving team being a dominant ready, Girls’ Varsity Hockey is of team should defnitely impress on consistent contributors to the Girls’ Basketball (3-0) contributors from last year and group during the season. Kobe to a strong start. The team has the courts this winter. team all year. Laura Solano- beats KO, 56-22 brings in dynamic post-graduates Tray ’19 looks to continue to domi- experienced players, such as Liza Girls’ Squash: Usually one Florez ’20 said, “I think we are Aaron Gao ’19, Andrew Kenny ’19, nate the competition and compete Difey ’19, Kaitlyn O’Donohoe ’19, of the most successful teams on looking pretty great because and Chuma Azinge ’19. Senior co- for his fourth-straight New Eng- and Kaleah Haddock ’19. How- campus, this year’s team is ex- we beat Andover, who is con- captain Hunter Jameson ’19 said, land Championship. Nicole Wein- ever, it also has lots of young tal- ceptionally talented and will look sistently one of the strongest “We are looking to have a strong rauch ’20 will place highly for the ent, like Morgann Skoda ’22 and to be one of the best high-school teams in New England.” This upcoming season. We are hope- girls. The combination of skilled skilled goalie Lexington Secreto squash teams in the nation once team has the potential to have ful to continue last year’s success.” divers on this team should trans- ’21. This team has leadership and again. The team is headlined a special season if it continues Overall, this is a team packed with late into victories this season. lots of room to improve as the sea- by newcomer Meagan Best ’20, to outwork every other school. talent that should compete for an- Boys’ Hockey: Despite hav- son progresses. The combination who participated in the Youth Wrestling: Varsity Wres- other championship. ing a disappointing season last of experience and youth on this Olympic Games this year, and tling has talent across all weight Boys’ Hockey (0-4) Girls’ Basketball: Girls’ year, Boys’ Varsity Hockey hopes team should result in the team be- also boasts skilled captains Hope groups, which should result in a Varsity Basketball brings back an to bounce back by having a strong ing able to make a run to the New Worcester ’19, Mia Krishnamur- successful season. Early season re- falls to Deerfield, 3-4 experienced squad ready to win season and possibly earning a England playofs. thy ’19, and Samantha Stevenson sults look promising, as the team New England’s. The team is in- spot in the New England playofs. Boys’ Squash: Unlike years ’19. Worcester said, “Girls’ Varsity fnished third out of 13 schools credibly accomplished with seven New-junior goalie Tyler McDer- prior, this year’s squash team has Squash is looking really strong in a tournament, with frst-place seniors and post-graduates. Joc- mott ’20 will be a reliable force exceptional depth across the lad- this year. This will defnitely be fnishes from Jack Fiala ’19 and elyn Polansky ’19 and Sam Gallo in the net, and forwards Chris der, which should hopefully lead the strongest team I’ve played on Cameron Polemni-Hegarty ’20. ’19 will lead the teamr. Polansky Guyette ’19, Zach Yokoyama ’20, to a successful season. Jei Ho in my four years, and it’s really Co-captain Tommy Wachtell ’19 said, “We have a completely new and John Russo ’20 will provide ’20 and post-graduate Ben Gold- exciting to have so much poten- said, “The team is looking pretty dynamic this year. We have a team a scoring punch on the ofensive stein ’19 give the team elite talent tial.” The team will certainly look good for our upper weights, and flled with talent. Three of our end. Guyette said, “In general, we at the top. Jonathan Lin ’19 said, to fulfll its potential on the courts we have a group a new kids that Girls’ Hockey (4-1) starting fve players are commit- are excited for the season ahead. “What is diferent about the team this winter and compete for an- are working really hard.” As the falls to N&G School, 1-3 ted to continuing their academic Both the coaching staf and play- this year is our ladder depth. Our other National Championship. season progresses, look for posi- and basketball careers at the Divi- ers are focused on getting better entire team is extremely capable Boys’ Swimming: Even tive results from the team. sion 1 level.” This team has a high every single day.” The team should of challenging each other dur- though the team lost some fast ceiling, with the potential to grab a improve greatly upon last season. ing practices, rather than having swimmers last year, Boys’ Varsity George McCabe may be reached at New England Championship. Girls’ Hockey: After win- a strong upper half of the ladder Swimming will still look to have [email protected]

PLAYER PROFILE Mustafe Dahir ’19 Competes at Boys’ Squash (3-3) beats Loomis, 7-0 On the Court with Foot Locker National Championships Mia Krishnamurthy ’19 That’s basically a program that introduces squash to underprivi- leged communities. I love getting to share the sport that I love, so getting to do that and know those kids is probably my favorite part about squash. (2-3) GG: What are your personal Wrestling or team goals for this season? finishes 2nd out of 4 MK: We’re looking at a really strong team, probably the stron- gest team in my time at Choate, so I’m super excited. We fnished Photo by Jenny Guo/The Choate News tenth in the nation last year, so By Greer Goergen ’21 top ten again this year is our goal. J.V. Games Staf Reporter GG: What is the most dif- cult thing for you about squash? Mia Krishnamurthy ’19, Girls’ Why? Varsity Squash captain and three- MK: I would probably have year senior from Westport, CT, is to say the mental aspect of the Boys’ Basketball (1-3) committed to play squash at Cor- game. It is an individual sport, falls to Kent, 34-39 nell next year. She was the top so sometimes after matches I feel ranked player on the team last mentally beaten down. You have Photo courtesy of Mustafe Dahir season, and she looks to continue to be so hard on yourself because Mustafe Dahir ’19 competes in the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships in San Diego. her dominance on the courts this there’s nobody else on the court year. Krishnamurthy was kind with you. Sometimes out there I By Allen Zheng ’21 fnished 20th place at the North- played an enormous part in his enough to take some time to sit have to play girls that are top fve Staf Reporter east regional race last year, I elite running ability. Boys’ Var- down with staf reporter Greer in the country, and it’s really dif- trained specifcally for this meet.” sity Cross Country Coach Mark Goergen ’21 to talk about how she fcult to deal with. It is no secret on the Cho- He continued, “Seeing that hard Gosztyla said, “The quality that got into squash, her goals for this GG: What lessons have you ate campus that Mustafe Dahir work pays of is very rewarding has most contributed to Mus- season, and the lessons she has learned from squash? ’19 has been an integral part of and satisfying.” tafe’s success can be illustrated Girls’ Basketball (2-0) learned. MK: It has taught me that the Choate Cross Country pro- by an anecdote from this fall: af- beats KO, 32-29 Greer Goergen: When did you have to just keep pushing gram over the past few years. A I am eternally grateful ter getting out-kicked by Hotch- you start playing squash? yourself, and it’s not about the decorated runner who currently for everything my kiss’s top runner in our dual meet Mia Krishnamurthy: I’ve destination; it’s about the jour- holds the school record on the coaches have taught with them this season, Mustafe been playing squash since 7th ney. It’s all about getting your- Choate cross-country course, was visibly frustrated by how the grade, so about fve or six years. self to the destination and then Dahir has accumulated an im- me; I wholeheartedly end of the race unfolded.” GG: How did you get into continuing to keep training. mense number of accolades over appreciate the sacrifices He continued, “But after he playing squash? GG: Is this year diferent the past two years, including All- they made. had fnished his cool down run, MK: My dad introduced from other years given that you NEPSAC honors this year. Dahir he came up to me, and began our me to the sport because he had are a captain this year? placed 2nd in the 2018 Founders’ Mustafe Dahir ’19 post-race conversation by saying, picked it up a little bit. When he MK: I think that there’s League Championships, as well ‘I learned a good lesson today.’” Boys’ Hockey (3-0-1) was in college, he started play- more responsibility that comes as 4th in the NEPSTA Champi- The journey to the champi- In San Diego, Dahir com- beats Deerfield, 6-3 ing for fun. Then, one day, he with being a captain. You have onships. onships was no small feat, as Da- peted against the top high school brought me onto a court and to help manage the team. It’s However, this past Saturday, hir took on some of the region’s cross country runners in the na- taught me how to play. also hard because squash is a Dahir achieved a feat that few best runners in the Foot Locker tion, placing in the top 30 with GG: What is your favorite team sport, but it’s also an in- runners are capable of reach- Cross Country national semi- a time of 16:18.30. There is no thing about squash? dividual sport, so players are ing, competing in the 2018 Foot fnal event, in which he placed doubt that this extraordinary ac- MK: I think defnitely the ranked based on their ability. Locker National Cross Country ninth, with a time of 15:39.10, complishment demonstrates the friendships and the squash com- It’s defnitely important to man- Championships at Balboa Park enough to earn him a spot in the excellence of Dahir and the suc- munity as a whole. I’ve made so age that and make sure every- in San Diego, California. It marks championships. cess of the Choate Cross Country many friends from school squash one feels comfortable. the frst time a Choate Cross Though there are a number Program as a whole. Boys’ Squash (2-2) and tournaments, but I’ve also Country runner has qualifed for of reasons that Dahir has been so finishes 2nd out of 3 developed great friendships Greer Goergen may be reached this event in the 16 years it has successful, there is no doubt that Allen Zheng may be reached at in the urban squash program. at [email protected] been around. Dahir said, “After I his perseverance as a runner has [email protected]