Portsmouth Abbey School • 285 Cory’s Lane • Portsmouth, RI 02871 he eacon VolumeT XVII, Number I BFriday, October 20th thebeacononline.org Assembly Dissassembled? McDonough and Paula Wal- ter Director of School Life, is Theodore Anderson that it is an easy way to get Editor-in-Chief the students to connect with their advisors more frequent- ly without disrupting the cur- rent horarium. It came as a shock to many students and On September 10th, the even to former students who students received this email: found out the news. Hi all, We will sitting by ad- Jake Mercier ‘16 said visory at assembly tomorrow. “People seldom consider the Thank You. impact the smallest respon- sibilities of prefect- ship has on a young I’ve completely“ lost my man or woman. Ev- ery Monday and Fri- dorm identity. day it was my job to make sure that my brothers were being ” respectful and rep- Joe Breen VI’s New View Durring Assembly resenting St. Aelreds well. It

was more than taking atten- Taylor Lough ‘15, said that relationship with advisors the boys who I don’t have the And just like that a tra- dance, and I am shocked that she loved those Mondays and and students. It just has no same schedule as. Mondays dition cherished by nearly they made that change.” Fridays where “for five min- effect.” and Fridays used to be my fa- every single student— gone. Connor Baughn ‘17 had utes I got to let go entirely of Henry Wilson VI, Preston vorite time of the week.” Many students were confused similar words, “I loved those the work and just enjoy my Kelleher VI, and five other Changing assembly seat- by the change. In fact, mov- young men. With underclass- best friends.” sixth form day students were ing might be trivial but it ing the seating arrangement men it’s hard especially, but With the new change, Fos- in complete agreement when certainly prompts discussion was described as not a move it helped me understand re- ter Davis, VI does not feel Henry remarked “I’ve com- of whether or not students re- against students being dis- sponsibility and how to act any more connected with his pletely lost my dorm identity. ally have a say in affairs big- ruptive during assembly. The as a man more to make sure advisor, “Assembly is fine. Assembly used to be where I ger than student weekend ac- official reasoning according that St. Hughes was inline But it definitely doesn’t do could connect with brothers to both Headmaster Daniel CONTINUED TO PAGE 7 during assembly.” anything to help with the in Aelred’s, now I rarely see Exclusive: Michael Behan ‘08 Talks Root Capital, New Project “Njabini”

a strong business entrepre- neur from Kenya, took her James Brower first business loan from Root Staff Writer Capitol to buy sorghum, a wheat like plant, from thou- sands of local farmers which she sold in various markets Michael Behan, from the and festivals. The farmers class of 2008, joined Root and citizens all benefitted Capitol four years ago to from her program which took boost small farms in Africa. many business owners out of Root Capitol aims to help Mike started Work for the Non poverty. Her business today rural, poor areas in Latin Profit in 2013 has reached the top of her America and Africa by pro- After graduating nine viding funding, finance class- years ago, Mike claims that es, and marketing connec- “ the Abbey’s moral base tions to growing agricultural She now leads an taught through philosophy businesses as well as coffee industry dominated and religious teachers in- Behan with Root Capital in 2011 shops and clothing lines. Root spired him to take the path Capitol, a nonprofit corpora- by men he chose. The new fund he es- tion, has donated about 150 tablished in sub-Sahara Afri- million dollars just last year ” ca that brought hundreds of to various product coopera- businesses out of debt ful- tives that supply funding for fills his longtime desire to industry and she overcame thousands of small business help Africa and struggling the gender struggle women owners. The small entrepre- farmers. He advises current face in her country, making neurs use the money donated Abbey students to choose a her a role model for her com- for supplies to boost their lo- career path that they truly munity. Mike also started a cal companies. The company aspire to take part in and to clothing line in 2012 called transferred Mike to thirteen take risks along the way as Njabini Apparel that gave African countries since 2014 it can lead to true happiness. disabled Kenyan woman, and currently requires him to He reminds, ”It’s important who aren’t allowed any jobs spend over six months a year to keep in mind how privi- A Bracelet Made by the Kenyan Mothers in Njabini as most work requires farm to interact with farmers and leged we are to be able to de- labor, work that gives them other small business own- cide what we want to pursue income four times the nation- ers. He claims, “In this time, in our lives and never take al economy of Kenya. one story stands out.” Ruth, that for granted.” 2 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon Chicago, New York, DC... On Sunday?

ego to spend about sev- en hours enjoying the Harry Skakel sights, if you’re willing Staff Writer the spend the money. For the frugal adventur- ers, they could board a six-thirty Peter Pan bus What if you could have to New York from Prov- lunch in Chicago on a idence and spend about Sunday and be back for seven hours wandering evening Mass? Or see a through the sky-scrap- play on Broadway and be ers to arrive back at the back for study hall? Al- school from their venture though these prospects at about nine-fifteen. sound cockamamie for Places like Toronto or the Abbey weekend, i.e., Pittsburg also are avail- from 4 pm on a Saturday able from Providence or to 8 pm on the following Boston Airport, respec- Sunday, if you’re excused tively. A student could from your obligations, it endeavor to Newport, is in fact possible to get a thirty minute drive largely due to the lack farther from the island with moderate traffic, of activities in Chicago than you’d think. With with heavy traffic; the compared to Newport. If enough endurance and student would be better a student per say want- willingness to run to air- on flying to Chicago for ed to get to Washington ports, trains, and cabs, it leisure. Despite the in- D.C. in a Sunday, he or would be possible to the- terest in a Newport bus she would have to (if he oretically go or she really in- as far as Ice- tended on seeing land to enjoy the city and not a Pan-Fried just driving the Ocean Perch 12 hours round at Fiskfe- trip to the city) lagid, a local board the six-fif- seafood spot teen flight from in Reykja- Providence to A Map of some of the Various Places one Could Go on the vik. Or travel Ronald Reagan Weekend to the great National airport and would arrive tional to board a flight cumstances due to its Salt Lake A bus one might take from New York to Providence arriving dangerous nature. City to have a at about seven-for- ty-five. He or she at seven, leaving a whole ski day and be back for seemingly every week- hour to get back from church the next day. In end, there has been little would have ample time until five when they’d the Abbey. The student fact, you could get just to no interest for a Chi- would however, never about as far as San Di- cago bound Airbus A380, have to drive to Wash- ington Dulles Interna- use Über under any cir- Witness to Venezuelan Politcal Unrest

ulent election. Another major she has seen people looking protest was in January 2017, in trash bins for food, when Ella Souvanavong after the court tried to dis- she hadn’t seen that before. solve the National Assembly, Federico says that Mad- Staff Writer which is led by Maduro’s op- uro’s declarations of war position. Protests have led to against Americans weren’t the deaths of more than 140 taken seriously, since “Mad- Venezuelans in 2017 alone. uro and his people lost their President Trump has just Amnesty International and credibility…to at least 75% listed Venezuela on his re- Human Rights Watch accuse of Venezuelans.” Part of the vised travel ban; President Venezuelan police of human reason Maduro is so antag- Maduro of Venezuela calls rights abuse of protestors, onistic towards the United this a declaration of war. such as “live ammunition use States is because both he Currently only Venezuelan and torture of arrested pro- and Chavez, Maduro’s pre- officials and their families testors”. decessor, had contempt for will be affected by the ban, While this violence is very American capitalism and but it may be only the first prominent, the everyday imperialism. Maduro blames step in further restrictions. It struggles also have an im- capitalist pressure for their is a part of a policy of sanc- mense and devastating im- failing economy, claiming tions against Venezuela, pact on Venezuela. A study that the US specifically is such as not purchasing oil published earlier this year waging economic war on from their state run oil com- by Fox News reported that Venezuela. While the gov- pany. Venezuela has been “roughly 75 percent of Vene- ernment is claiming they suffering political unrest and zuelans lost an average of 19 will go to war the U.S., many major shortages of food, med- pounds in the last year due to citizens, as Gabriela states icine, and other basic neces- food shortages.” Federico Vol- “think that if U.S intervenes sities since 2010. President lmer, class of 2017 and Vene- in Venezuela, in one hour Maduro has also been trying zuela native, relates his per- they would get all the nar- to gain more power for him- sonal experience, saying “you co goverment people.” And self and his party and turn- can’t go to the grocery store while she does think that ing the government into what with a list” because of the American restrictions are many call a dictatorship. scarcity of so many common putting pressure on their Trump stated that “We can- items and that “the price of government, they are also Frederico Vollmer‘17 takes a Picture of not stand by and watch,” and the products is high and un- trapping Venezuelans be- Thousands of Protesters in does not seem to be backing affordable for most Venezue- cause airlines are pulling out Venezuela in 2017. down from putting pressure lans.” Gabriela Lopez, a sixth Venezuela and flight prices on Venezuela. former from Venezuela, talks are rising. The difficulties in Venezu- about the rationing system Both Federico and Gabri- selves freely and not fear could be more active in forc- ela started with the falling saying “you can only acquire ela have participated in po- their government. She says ing the end Maduro’s dicta- price of oil and socialist eco- the product that is available litical protests and they both that she wants “Venezuelan torship. nomic policies. These strug- in that day if your ID finish- call Maduro a dictator. Fed- society back”. gles got much worse as the es in the number that corre- erico said that he protested The economic downturn government refused aid and sponds…my ID finishes in because “I want a future in which was worsened by po- tried to keep hold of power 0 so I can buy products on my country, I want it to be litical corruption has com- by tyrannical means such as Fridays and Sundays” and prosperous. I also protest pletely changed Venezuela, arresting political opposition. says that even on the desig- for all of those Venezuelans making Federico and Gabrie- Mass protests have been held nated day, lines are so long that suffer all that drama ev- la grow up in a seeming dys- frequently since 2014. The that some people have to ery single day, including my topia. While the government largest protest in Venezue- wait overnight or can’t afford parents” and he hopes that denies it, the Venezuelan la’s history, with 3% of the to wait. Both Gabriela and their government is totally people desperately need and population estimated to have Federico have seen the peo- changed. Gabriela protested want help. Though President been involved, occurred in ple around them increasingly to show that she wants the Trump’s foreign policy is gen- September 2016 after Madu- facing hunger. Gabriela men- government changed so that erally more aggressive than ro was reelected by a fraud- tions how, in the past year, people can express them- necessary, if anything he 3 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon Defining Student Council The Beacon 2016-2017 Mauricio Gojon Staff Writer

Editor-in-Chief

Kate Hughes VI, the Head Theodore Anderson Girl describes the main duty of the student council “to maintian and boost school spirit, it’s definitely a big Associate Editor part of student council. We Emma Ventura try to keep the year going; keep everyone excited.” As a leader however the Head Boy and Head Girl are Staff Writers the bridge between the ad- ministration and the student James Brower body. They are elected by Thomas Teravainen the students but very much Head Girl Kate Hughes VI Taking a Selfie with the Seniors in Preseason Scarlett Shin responsible to the school ad- Ella Souvanavong minutes long, spirit week comparison to SOCO, where waste their time trying to ministration. It is a fine line Harry Skakel was very short, no one knew several events have been explain to a council mem- between appeasing the stu- David Sun dents and cooperating con- what the themes were, and carried out already, there is ber that they had no where Evelyn Long structively with the admins. they just saw them as anoth- a lot to expect from the stu- else to go. Or if a student felt “We have similar traits er dress down day.” dent council. that there were not enough Mauricio Gojon with SOCO, not as much Kate is adamant that they The easy answer to give a opportunities to join a club Katie Ritchie as weekend activities, but are taking steps to address student with a serious con- because a club was wrong- more, overall, themes of the this pressing issue. “We don’t cern regarding school life is fully excluding people, many year and how the campus want student council to be to go to the student coun- would not feel comfortable runs. Anything that needs this mysterious group where cil, and every administrator voicing this to the student to be adjusted from like the one doesn’t know what we agrees that this is the pri- council. cereal in the Dining Hall to do. We want to make clear mary function of the student Mrs. Walter wants the Faculty Advisor the closing times of build- to the student body to know council. Many students how- students to know that if they ings or spirit week, student what we do.” ever do not feel as though have a concern, that she and Donald Cowan council handles all of that.” As ambitious and exciting they know anyone on the the student life committee is said Kate when asked about as these plans sound, being council beyond Tommy and more than willing to listen. SOCO and STUCO’s differ- 5 weeks into the school year, Kate. In addition students Is the students’ fear of ences. the student council has not feel that if they were to go speaking with adult admin- Some students would have materialized much. “We ha- to a member of the student stators the issue? Or is it the Distribution Process it that the student council is ven’t done much yet, we’ve council their words would be students believing in the stu- only had one student council quickly forgotten. If a stu- dent council? acquiescent and uninvolved. is handed out To this Kate remarked, “I meeting so far.” As a matter dent has a serious issue with The Beacon feel last year student council of fact, all they have secured not having a space to work at the end of assembly on let everyone get to them and with the administration is on a Sunday afternoon, they the date of publication. gave up.Assemblies were 3 the Spirit Week days. In feel like that they would only Abbey’s Youngest Entrepreneurs The Beacon serves the Ports- mouth Abbey community program officially sponsored qualified products vary from peting team to tackle poten- with the latest news, both by MIT, at Abbey. online platform to connect ed- tial challenges. In fact, they online regularly and in print David Sun The Launch Club focuses ucators to Eco-friendly water see this club as a perfect six times per year. The Beacon Staff Writer on helping students to learn bottles. This year, the Abbey place for improving them- about entrepreneurship and team is currently planning to selves in all aspects. “By join- staff is chosen by interview competing in the Launch X construct a contraption that ing this club, I not only made and assessment of writing program by designing a real an average family can own a lot of new friends, but also ability. Despite the feverish interests start-up that solves a real and operate that digests food learned different skills like expressed by many students, need. The students have waste and produces gas and communication, marketing, business and entrepreneur- to investigate the market, liquid fertilizer. This con- and knowledge about busi- ship have been extremely identify opportunities, cre- traption would allow individ- ness. During the whole pro- inactive and silent topics in ate real prototypes, build fi- ual families to utilize their cess, the Launch club works The Beacon is student run by Portsmouth Abbey. The only nancial models, and project food waste to cook or gener- as a whole, where people can two editors. However, there related course or activwities revenues. With the online ate more food. listen to different opinions or is also an advisor who acts are a single-term economics mentor and resources pro- Many students find this club ideas from the other, which as a consultant and liason to class and a rather inactive vided by MIT, each team put very intriguing, challenging, would allow me to learn new the administration. investment club. Therefore, together strenuous works and beneficial for their po- things from different fields. in order to promote the en- and submit their product to tential future development. This program can also help trepreneur culture and pro- MIT in spring to qualify for “the program goes extremely me accumulate experience vide students opportunities the final pitch by competing in depth on what is involved for my future career,” says to learn about business at with more than 500 schools in starting a business be- Ken Zheng, a current sopho- Abbey, three juniors, David from different states and yond just the basic idea, and more. Sun, Jason Lim, and Da- countries. Each school can teaches all aspects of found- With a group of dedicated vid Sozanski, founded the also enter multiple teams in ing a company, such as fi- and enthusiastic people, the Launch Club, a student-run the competition. In the past, nancial projections, market Launch Club is thriving and research, and product looking forward to a brighter development. it pro- future. Since this is the first vides students with a year for the Abbey Launch perfect place to learn Club to compete, it will be what is needed to suc- concentrated on acquiring ceed as an entrepre- experience while attempting neur, in a fun and in- to qualify for the competition. volving atmosphere,” Instead of aiming for a single David Sozanski, one competition, the founders of of the co-founders of the club intend to establish the club, comments. a club that will continue to Although the Abbey thrive in the future like Mod- Launch Club can only el UN and Botball. “In the enter one team in the future, we want to have more competition this year teams with diverse ideas to due to the limitation enter the competition so that of funds and cautious- we can develop an active ness, a good number and creative entrepreneurial of dedicated students culture at Abbey,” says Da- stay in the club and vid Sun, the founder of the The logo for Launch Club designed by Jane Dwares 19’ pledge to help the com- Launch Club. 4 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon The Hardest Class to Talk About understanding of why and think discussing other reli- Co Authored by how Christianity exists.” gions is necessary.” Theodore Anderson/ “It gives a good funda- “Its gotten in the way Harry Skakel mental base for religion. I’m of other math and science more engaged in Church classes that I otherwise with the readings.” Said would have taken, and in a Taylor Yates VI lot of instances applying to Christian Doctrine, or Ryan Donovan VI, said, colleges it would look better CD, is a tremendously dif- “The CD classes at Ports- to have the option take more ficult class to teach because mouth Abbey have real- academically challenging the course’s content is not ly made me contemplate classes.” said Henry Wilson necessarily objective. CD meanings and purposes of VI. is unique in that a teacher religion that I haven’t be- But these kids are only cannot say well God exists fore.” in their earliest days of re- because that is what the On the other hand, Jo- ligion, what about those text says, if that was the who have gradu- case it would called histo- ated, and gradu- ry class. Even at a Catho- “ ated college, The- lic school, kids just do not It can be very polarizing resa Lonergan '11 trust the material with any between those who are remembered the form of certainty. The world passionate and those who Abbey’s CD as a comes at the high school are not. continuation of her student from so many dif- already existent ferent directions that for CD knowledge. “ many, it is quite difficult to I did not come out weed through it and deci- ” more or less spiri- pher truth. nas Echeandia IV believes tual than before and that is Dr. Blake Billings, the to the contrary, “I believe okay. From a general stand- head of CD at the Abbey, that, in my time here I’ve point, fifty percent came out spoke about the curriculum gotten a simple and basic more or less the same, twen- as a whole in his definition idea of what the bible lit- ty five percent, including a of Reverence, “for me, it's erally says, and not a lot few of my closest friends about understanding the more. Faith and church has turned out actually very, teachings of Christ… it’s a good intentions, yet it does very anti religion, and an- panorama of courses that not help me to pursue the other twenty five came out Mere Christianity is read Fifth Form Year touch on basic moral and 3 R’s, or at least my under- more religious, in fact some theological questions, com- standing of them.” are now heavily involved in heavy doses of vigils and tory. The general consensus parative of the world's reli- In a more blunt remark, the Church.” CD did not aid in anyway of the students is that the gions.” Erik Herrera IV said “It Six people cannot speak their spiritual health, is not Monks have nothing to do CD begins with basic [CD] hasn’t really changed for an entire community of good. For young kids on the with this, they are in fact theology in the third form, my views or given me any current and past students, brink of adulthood with lots amazing individuals with a touches on religion in the new ways of looking at reli- but these general senti- of pressure to succeed in the lot to offer, and the students Humanities in the fourth gion.” ments do identify that more classroom, athletically, and appreciate the prayers the form, and transitions to Others seem more pas- evaluation should go into socially, Christian Doctrine Monks do every day for the Faith and Church and Faith sive than anything else, this question. There are a lot and all of the vigils and students. and Life in the fifth and Ally Ponte VI remarked “I of students who are grate- masses that accompany it sixth form, respectively. do not have a strong opinion ful for the CD classes and can be overwhelming. Many The question raised many on CD, yet it certainly can feel that yes the CD works, feel that CD is important, times is; does this work for be very polarizing between however, any number of yet they wish it was not pre- the students?” those who are passionate students feeling as though sented in such an intense Some students would say and those who are not. Re- religion had been forced on time of their life or even yes, Jake Horoho VI, re- gardless of your belief I them, or that the Abbey’s something that is manda- marked “It gave me a better “Streaky Friendships” Evelyn Long IV Wins NYT Editorial Contest

Nearly every single teen to be an apocalyptic event. result of Snapchat’s rising tenance of meaningful ing human emotions, com- has the app “Snapchat”, yet Snap Inc.’s “Snap- popularity among young friendships, quantifying pared to students who few understand the effects streak”, the number that users, Snapstreaks have relationships in this way spent hours everyday on Snapchat has on the user. represents the consecutive increasingly become the has negative effects. Ac- electronic devices. Noth- Evelyn Long of the fifth days a user chats with a digital bonds that connect cording to Bloomberg, us- ing can replace personal form recoginzed this and friend, is meant to be a fun many American teenagers. ers spend an average of 25 connections that are built decided to write an article way to illustrate online re- Abby Rogers, a 15 year- to 30 minutes a day on face-to-face, and such mo- about the false friendships lationships. Nevertheless, old from California’s Bay Snapchat, chasing a vir- ments should not be quan- formed from Snapchat and this “fun” feature develops Area, states that “It’s how tual number. Snapchat tified. submit the piece to the New users’ compulsive fixation we stay in contact.” cultivates a sense of ur- If young Snapchatters York Times Student Edito- on the application, to Snap In their social lives, ad- gency to this task, placing truly value their relation- rial contest. She won Hon- Inc.’s profit. The grow- olescents seek intimacy an hourglass emoji next to ships, they should devote orable mention in 2017 and ing obsession with Snap- and fear separation. Snap- a friend’s name if a streak more time to engaging her article was published streaks among younger us- streak reassures teenagers is about to end. As stated with others in person, out- in the Times. ers reveals a greater desire by reinforcing the feeling by Nancy Colier, a psy- side of the virtual world. to reinforce their relation- of belonging to particular chotherapist and author Genuine friendships are ships. However, this reli- social groups. “Streaks of The Power of Off, Snap- so much more than emojis ance on digital rewards for provide a validation for the treaks become a psycho- and meaningless numbers, Evelyn Long socialization impairs the relationship,” said Emily logical burden for many and they should remain so. Staff Writer ability to build and main- Weinstein, a doctoral can- people, a source of social tain meaningful relation- didate at Harvard Uni- stress. ships, as well as capacities versity, who studies the Essential social skills for empathy and face-to- intersections of pubescent are eroded by this creep- “OMG, you lost our face communication. behavior and social media. ing dependence on virtual streak!!!” Dozens of In the five years since it “Attentionto your streaks friendships. A 2014 shocked, sad selfies bom- has been launched, Snap- each day is a way of saying UCLA study found that barded my Snapchat ac- chat has accrued over 150 ‘we’re OK.’” sixth-graders who spent count, after I forgot to re- million daily users, thanks While some may find five days without smart- ply Snaps for two days. For to users younger than 25, that maintaining a robust phones or other similar many adolescents losing who make up 60 percent of Snapstreak fosters the devices performed sub- their Snapstreaks seems Snapchat’s user base. As a development and main- stantially better at read- 5 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon The Lecture Series

PRO CON

Emma Ventura Theodore Anderson Associate Editor Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Marc Genest lecturing on Revolutionary war Strategy in January 2017 Abbey students treasure their Cardinale with his “Everest and Be- Anyone who says the lecture before he wen on to remind the sleep-ins—and after almost a week of yond” lecture. He was able to speak series ought to be removed be- audience that he went to Princ- long class days, practices, and games, to his active lifestyle and the many cause they find them boring or eton, then okay, your offensive it’s understandable why. That’s why trips he’s taken around the world groans soon follow the news of an up- climbing mountains. He also men- too long really is not listening to is justified. Despite this, not ev- coming Thursday lecture. However, tioned his work on The Human Out- the lectures at all. The problem eryone is supposed to like the lec- while sleep-ins are admittedly great, reach Project, which helps fund or- with the lecture series is not in ture, what makes a lecture series lectures are extremely beneficial for phanages in Tanzania and Peru and their length or their ability to worth while is what the students Abbey students. Often, they allow also helps provide food and clothing reach the audience, rather it is take away from it. What should students to hear about things they’ve to other places. the content of the lectures and the students take away from a learned about in the classroom from These people are only two of the the platform the school presents lecture on “Pirates in Newport” an expert in the field. Other times, many that’ve come to the school and them. Simply put, students are that devolved into the lectur- they just allow students to hear shared their wisdom with the school. less inclined to pay attention if a er going on tangents about her stories from people who have lived They’ve helped to add fresh insight to amazing lives. Abbey students and hopefully caused lecture takes their sleep-in away. cats. The school should take the For example, last year the school them to want to promote change as Furthermore, for those who actu- time to listen to past lectures of had Alison Wright, a photojournalist well. Without the lectures, the stu- ally listen to the lectures and ask the lecturer, find out their mes- who’s traveled the world, come and dents would probably never have questions, the lectures just do sage, and decide if its worth the speak. It was an extremely engaging heard of these people or the work not always teach anything to the time and effort. Finally, why not lecture that featured her photogra- they’ve done. While the lectures do students. If some were offended hold lectures in a less disruptive phy. She was also able to speak to her take away precious sleeping time, by the most recent lecturer who block. Perhaps instead of class on activism for women’s health care and they allow students to hear new per- trashed on URI (the alma matter Saturday, or do not have home- their right to an education around spective and learn from people that of several faculty members, par- work on Friday nights so there the globe. It was truly inspiring for are active and engaged in the world the Abbey students to hear. Another and their fields. ents, and siblings) and the Rhode could be a lecture after sports. great lecture was provided by Dean Island Public School system, all A New Science Building, Now What? more needs to be done. However, according to Jo- Emma Ventura nas Echeandia, Form V, the Associate Editor training room needs to be expanded. During all ath- letic seasons, many injured athletes will be cramped This year, thanks to the in there together, trying to vibrant and innovative ef- get the attention they need. forts of the school and the The space itself is small benefactors, work started and needs new equipment. on the Abbey’s newest proj- In addition to the Music ect, the science building. Wing and training room, The science building will the Student Center has of- solve many issues with the ten been brought up when current facilities, and the discussing needed improve- school could not be more ments. Many students love excited or grateful for the to hang out in Tuck during project. Students now have their free periods and after the question; what is next? school, but often remark Understandably, the sci- on its deficiencies. Though ence building will take the the school did make several spotlight over the other fa- changes in the building last cilities, the students want year, students still want to express what they feel more. Tatum Bach-So- might next on the radar rensen, Form V, is one of for the development office. these students. According Many notice that other to Tatum, there are cookies rooms are also in need of buried in between the seat updates. Others buildings cushions and there is just might look outdated in an overall need for change. comparison. This causes At many other schools, a lot many to wonder what the of money is invested in the next project will be, each Student Center as it’s the having their own opinion main hub for student life. on what it should be. To make it an even more For example, Jessica popular place, where stu- Yang, Form VI, believes dents can get to know each that the next project should other and school spirit can make updates in the Mu- be built, improvements are The Trainers Room Filled with Students in Line Waiting to get to Tape from Mr. sic Wing. Jessica says that needed. Ryan Dolan the Athletic Trainer they’ve recently added new chairs and stands but much 6 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon New Faces, New Energy Father Dom Francis

ambassador to Japan. De- spite his great success in Mackenzie Macomber Japan, Francis remarked Staff Writer “Something in Japan did not feel right.” Francis returned to the The Abbey welcomes Fa- United States and fulfilled ther Francis, a new monk his calling to God and to the brother and the Ab- joined the Clergy. He at- bey community this year. tended seminary school in Francis grew up in St. Lou- Washington DC and the is before studying biology day of his ordaining was at University of Missouri the best day of his entire Columbia. Throughout his life. Shortly after becoming life he felt a God calling a monk he went to school him to the clergy, yet he at Webster University set this aside because he where he was a student as feared that he might miss well as a monk. As this po- out on living his life to the sition, most were open ac- fullest. Amidst his studies, cepting but some criticized Francis decided to study him because he was differ- abroad abroad in Japan for ent.Some years later, then a member of the benedic- tine Abbey in St. Louis, “ Missouri, Francis visited He soon Became United Portsmouth Abbey with his brothers while on a States ambassador to Japan. trip. Immediately, Francis Father Francis and Edward Bier IV at the International Student Dinner felt a presence of God in him, through his superior, gent and I love that the fac- and brother, then return to Portsmouth and asked his ” to live and teach there. Fa- ulty really cares about the the St. Louis Abbey. superior that is there was ther Francis exclaimed, “I students and making this an opportunity to stay three years at Sofia Uni- am so impressed with the the best school for them.” longer then he would glad- versity. After these three students I have met, they Francis plans to stay at the ly fill that position. Two years, he decided to return are friendly, they are fun- Portsmouth Abbey for one summers later, the Ports- to the United States and ny, they are very intelli- year as a theology teacher became the United States mouth Abbey then invited New Assistant AD, Whitney Jones

things. She serves as the assistant athletic director, Julia LaMarre an assistant houseparent Staff Writer in St. Benets, and both a field hockey and hockey coach. Her highlight of the day is typically out on the Many people who grad- field coaching the girls. uate from boarding school Jones explained, “I have are often drawn back to one always wanted to coach a quite similar. Ms.Whitney to team to share my experi- Jones is from Sudbury, ences with. I am so excited Massachusetts and attend- to teach girls what I have ed The Brooks School for learned: such as work hab- her high school years. Like its and how to push them- many of the students here, selves. But I also want to her favorite part of board- show them the lifelong ing school was living with friendships they can make her friends. While there, with their teammates.” In she was a three sport ath- talking about the current lete playing field hock- field hockey season, she ey, hockey, and lacrosse. noted the strength of this Brooks recruited her for year's starting lineup. It her hockey, but she devel- is a pretty small team, but oped a true passion for field that allows for a close knit Emma Stowe. New junior, hockey during her time group and lots of commu- Ginny Haggerty is an es- there. She decided to pur- nication and fun. “I work sential part of the defense, sue field hockey in college them hard, they are chal- with freshmen Delaney and she ended up commit- lenged both physically and Shaw and Ella Stookey ting to Colgate. In her col- mentally during practice.” being great new assets as lege process, she knew she Jones also mentioned how well. Ms. Jones loves the wanted a small school with impressed she is with how girls on her team and is a community similar to the girls are all adapting excited to develop close Brooks. But she also want- to a new coach. Within bonds with girls in the ed “D1 athletics and D1 ac- the past three years, there dorm too. She loves being ademics,” and Colgate met has been a new field hock- a houseparent because she all these needs. At Colgate, ey coach each year. She can get to know more girls highlighted “how great she was a key player on on a different level. Ms. Whitney on the field as Captain of the Colgate Varsity Field they move the ball down the field. Ms. Jones had a Jones is excited for her up- Hockey Team Last Year good eye for the game and the field.” She also - men coming years at the Abbey always remained positive. tioned how many different and looks forward to get- At Colgate, she earned a players have had scoring ting to know more people double major: in psychol- opportunities. There are each day. ogy and education. Ms. many key returners, but Jones is more than excited we can expect big things to be back at a boarding from the captains, Jane school on the other end of Janotta, Tyler White, and 7 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon Dr. Marc Lavallee pital in Siteki Swaziland. Lavallee uses the “flipped (Africa) Three months lat- classroom method,” which Julia LaMarre er, he began working for his essentially means things Staff Writer Phd at Boston University. you typically do in class, He graduated in 2013 and you do at home, and vise was immediately offered a versa. At night, students tenure track job at Barry will read and write, as well One can find him in the University in Miami. Dr. as listen to lectures. He classroom, on the JV Soc- Lavallee said “That was records lectures with his cer field, and especially the golden ticket, the goal narration or has students hunting for deals in J.Crew was to graduate and get a listen to a TED talk or oth- and Charles Tyrwhitt. Dr. tenure track job.” At Bar- er speakers. Dr. Lavallee Lavallee not only exudes ry, he taught all levels of does not see his role as a great style but overflows students and was the di- teacher to simply fill stu- with energy. Original- rector of the doctoral pro- dents with knowledge but ly from Cranston, RI, Dr. gram of theology. In 2016, rather to allow student dis- Lavalle has returned to he deservingly won the cussions. “I like to ask stu- Portsmouth Abbey with “Community Engagement dents what they want to his wife, Katie, son, Henry, Educator” award for his do or want to learn. They and his dog, Stella and cat, outstanding work in ser- are the owners of their own Donut. vice work and community learning.” He strongly en- After graduating from engaged research. courages students to bring Saint Anselm in 2001, he While in Miami, he kept in their personal experi- taught humanities at the in contact with the Bo- ences. His ultimate goal is Abbey from 2004-2005. nin’s, later expressing in- to “hone his teaching and Lavallee returned to Saint terest in returning to New learn from the students; A’s to enter the monastery England as both him and what works best for them.” where he remained for his wife were from the area He is always willing to three years. Although he and with the birth of their make adjustments to fur- was young when he began son, Henry. Mrs. Bonin en- ther shape his class. He is his practice as a monk, he couraged Lavallee to email so excited for the upcom- enjoyed the wide variety Headmaster McDonough, ing years at the Abbey and of books and the silence of which he did. Within 5 will be a full time teacher the monastery. The only minutes, Mr. McDonough in the Christian Doctrine novice monk at the time, returned his email asking department next year. Dr. Lavallee completed if he was in town for them A fan of slimmer fits and hard labor during any “free to meet. He left Miami in mid century/modern styles, time.” He described a typi- June and settled into St. Lavallee left me with some cal day as “eat, sleep, and Hugh’s in August. Dr. La- fashion advice: “It is not pray.” Deciding the monas- vallee noted the full load about style but about fit. tic life was not for him, La- here at the Abbey as a You’ll always look good if it vallee left for Yale Univer- coach, teacher, and house- fits well. Even the cheap- sity, where he received his parent, but truly likes est suit could look pretty Dr. Marc Lavallee before Class in a full J. Crew Suit masters degree in religion. teaching at a residential good, if it’s tailored proper- In 2008, he worked with school with kids who live ly to you. people who had HIV, AIDS, and work together. and tuberculosis at a hos- In the classroom, Dr. Sleep is for the Weak Assembly Disassembled CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to bed at one or two am doing homework. John nastic, and educational life. Scarlett Shin Stookey sixth form agreed, Yet if the administration is “Wednesday nights are Staff Writer making decisions based on the worst because after the results of other schools, an away game I get home the beloved uniqueness is di- at around 10pm in some luted. cases. Then I do work un- Students were most con- Students have less and til two, only to wake up at fused by the need to connect less time to sleep than ever 6:30 and do it all again.” with their advisors more with the near elimination According to over ten when they are no longer re- of evening masses. Last National Institute for quired to attend advisory in year held both morning scientific research and the spring of their sixth form and evening masses but Health studies, teenag- year. This fifteen minutes of this year the school only ers need more than eight free time does not allow for holds mass in the evening hours of sleep to allow more sleep, time to study, or for special occasions. Dr. for proper brain develop- connect with friends. Blake Billings, the head ment. Cognitive function, Will Ensign ‘17 remem- of Christian Doctrine de- athletic performance, and bered not having advisory in partment, insists that this success in the classroom the spring as “just an awk- change in mass schedules are all reliant on adequate ward fifteen minutes where are revised in response of sleep. I sat on my phone with my discussion with a group friends in the dorm.” of students on various as- Do the students need an- pects of spiritual life. other faculty member to con- The Seating Chart For Assembly Controversy among the nect with, or is it just a tool students prompted the tivities. The administration Donough urges the students to keep students on the right students to ask find the track on their path to college reasoning for this change. however does not view this to express their opinions in as a drastic change, “This is this year’s survey. acceptance? Most students Students describe the believe it to be the former change as a “major issue not a major issue.” remarked While most students have McDonough. adapted to the change easi- and even thoroughly their among the schedule which advisors, yet if the students does not allow us to catch Students would have it ly, nearly all agree that their otherwise, a large group of input would have been valu- no longer need to go right af- up for lost sleep during the ter they just got accepted into week.” Said fifth form stu- fifth form girls agreed that able to working out a better “This is a big deal for us. As- solution to connect with their college then is it the latter? dent Patrick Flanagan. Is there something sacred For the students, flex sembly was one of the only advisors more. Perhaps the forums for the school to show most disheartening justifi- about sitting with 30 other blocks on Thursdays which boys or girls in a row, it is a are commonly replaced their full spirit.” cation for the change is that The students were not other schools sit this way and brotherhood? Prefects, who with a Thursday II sched- once sat at the end of each ule eliminating their sleep asked if they need more from therefore its fine for us to do advisory. In fact, the school the same. row taking responsibility for in, are just not enough. their peers, feel as though Taylor Yates a sixth form seldom asks the students While Walter agreed that what they think. is “was no reason to make their duty is belittled. Fur- day student said “I feel thermore, the students feel terribly for those boarders McDonough remarked that a change”, McDonough re- “the survey we hold every two marked that “waited until they are not involved enough who never get a chance to in major decisions such as truly to sleep for 9 hours.” years, which you filled out, is many schools had done this, one of our main sources of and the results were positive this. In short, students feel Students need at least 9 that a one line email regard- hours of sleep in order to student input.” The keywords so we went ahead and did it.” in this sentence, “every two For many, six days of class ing a major change is an inad- make up for Monday, Tues- equate way to have a better day, Wednesday night, etc years.” A lot can change and are worth it because of the be forgotten in two years. Mc- truly unique community, mo- relationship with the student where most students go and the administration. 8 THE STUDENT PUBLICATION October 19th, 2017/The Beacon CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

“Air Kreinz” Logan Kreinz VI Hurdles a Defender in Victory of Kents Hill Academy

Athletic Director Alfred Brown with Brown Lacrosse Coach Mike Daly on Campus with the Harlem Lacrosse Program

The Whole School Watched While the Heads of the School and the Science Department Broke Ground on the New Science Building