theheraldDecember 2, 2016 Volume 24, Issue No. 12 Credit: Kent Hoshiko Food by Irma The Person Behind the Fish Tacos

by Meg McEwen

When Irma Rodriguez completed the online appli- Credit: Evie Fordham cation to be a dishwasher at It’s A Wonderful Ball PHC, she did not expect to cook, and she certainly did It’s A Wonderful Ball not foresee students begging for more of her ethnic dish- PHC Celebrates the End of the Fall Semester With the Annual Christmas Ball es and calling her the “Mi- chael Jordan of the kitchen” Christmas classic that nearly decorations, I would do pro- months later. These days, by Beth Bergstrom everyone loves, and it takes us motion, Danielle would get a students at PHC cannot get back to our childhoods to re- facility, and Blaire would do enough of Rodriguez’s fla- PHC hosted the annual mind us what Christmas is all food. We picked the theme vorful, authentic Mexican Christmas Ball last night. It’s about,” explained Blaire Bayl- early on, so once Danielle dishes that she makes in A Wonderful Ball was held at iss, a member of the Christ- nailed down a facility, I went PHC’s global food center. the Bush Tabernacle Skating mas Ball planning committee. to work designing posters and “God just put it on my Rink. “I wanted to do something a tickets,” said Becca Samelson, heart because I wanted to After deliberation on a little different from the usual a committee planning mem- serve, and I know that you theme, the planning commit- ‘snow’ and ‘trees’ themes, and ber. “Brenna talked to Dean guys study God’s Word and tee selected It’s A Wonderful I thought this might be some- Corbitt to get our money so that really drew me because Ball. “We really wanted to do thing new and fun to try!” we could buy decorations and I did not even know that something a little different According to the commit- food and to see what types of PHC had a kitchen,” Rodri- from previous years, some- tee planning members, a profit decorations we had access to. I guez said. thing that would capture the was made from presale tickets. then picked people to sell tick- Rodriguez grew up cook- nostalgia and joy of Christ- “In September, we divided mas. It’s a Wonderful Life is a up roles: Brenna would do continued on page 3 continued on page 3 theherald volume 24, issue no. 12 thestories socialmedia embassy dinner page 4 For more, find us on social media. Facebook: Herald Media tree of life page 4 Instagram: @heraldmedia mental health open letter page 5 Twitter: @heraldmedia harmonicomedy page 6 poet lauren mitchell page 7 contribute kondak market page 7 Notice an error? Interested in submitting an editorial? christmas top ten to-do page 8 If so, contact Beth Bergstrom at: young engagements page 10 [email protected] profile: luke shanahan page 12 disney karaoke page 13 studentgovernment profile: aaron k page 14 The Fall 2016 Chapel Assessment Commis- snow page 15 sion Report was amended and passed unani- profile: sarah pensgard page 16 mously by the Student Senate Wednesday basketball page 17 night. One of the primary recommendations dr. spinney’s bible study page 17 is the development of an alternative punish- review: fantastic beasts page 18 ment for students who skip chapel 10-15 opinion: santos debarros page 19 times in a semester. Rather than completing two hours of community service, the report recommends that students listen to the themasthead chapel they missed and write a response or re- editor beth bergstrom flection paper on the chapel, like the assign- layout editor evie fordham ment for students who miss Faith & Reason copy editor rebekah jorgensen lectures. backpage editor giovanna lastra On behalf of Student Government, enjoy staff writers harvest prude an extended break away from the stress of meg mcewen coursework, and have a Merry Christmas. leah greenwood We’ll see you back here in January. victoria cook -Tim Kocher, Senate Speaker bruce truax theherald 3 Students Dance the Semester Away continued from cover portant to enjoy the time spent not just with your date but with the group you go ets, wrote a chapel anouncement, picked a with and everyone else at the ball,” said date for the anouncement, then watched Danielle Fife, a member of the planning the drama unfold.” committee. “Go, eat good food with your As dates were made, dresses bought, date and the group you go with, have fun and meals planned the annual Christmas at the dance, and go out after if you want. Ball came and went. It is all about forgetting about the loom- “I think there is this expectation that ing finals and how you are going to fin- the night needs to go perfectly and that ish everything with just a week left in the Credit: Evie Fordham nothing can go ‘wrong.’ I think it is im- schedule.” s Freshmen Leah Widener and Leo Briceno

A Passion for Service and Authentic Flavor continued from cover made Mexican clothing and jewelry. Her “I’m a senior, and I can say with abso- ing meals for herself and her family in store closed six years later, and Rodriguez lute certainty that some of the dishes Irma Mexico City. “My mother used to give decided that she wanted to serve. When- has made have been the best food I have me 20 pesos to go to the market and get ever Rodriguez drove by PHC, she wanted ever had in the dining hall. Her style is something to eat. So I went home and I to work here but did not even know that also something very different from the made us fish or I made us salsas,” Rodri- PHC had a kitchen. One day she checked usual fare, so the new option is heavily guez said. She only planned to leave her the website and noticed that the school appealing to students,” Santos DeBarros collegiate studies in Mexico and help her needed a dishwasher. Even though Ro- said. sister in America for six months, but she driguez knew that her skills lay in the “Irma is like an onion. She has many forged a life for herself here and remains culinary department, she decided to ap- layers. Every time I come to the dining 35 years later. ply. Michelle Del Mundo told her that a hall I find a new delicious layer she has Rodriguez worked with computer tech- position had just opened up at the salad prepared for us,” sophomore Cooper Mill- nology for the government for 17 years un- bar, and she officially joined PHC’s staff house said. til her office shut down. She opened her on July 1. “Living in Southern California and own retail clothing store and sold hand- Rodriguez thought that the menus having spent a week in Mexico, I can could use a little Mexican spice. On a positively say that that is quality Mexican whim, she asked the chefs if she could food. It’s great to have food that isn’t just make a small addition to the menu. She decent, but restaurant quality,” sopho- cautiously put together tostadas with left- more Elias Gannage said. over ground beef and a moderate amount At first, Rodriguez only had the ingre- of salsa, not expecting students to like it, dients at hand ordered by Bon Apatite. as her kids were not enthusiastic about Gradually, she began requesting for spe- ethnic food. To her astonishment, posi- cific ingredients or donating her own to tive review cards began flowing in and the cause, like corn tortillas or dry hot lines started forming behind the food bar. peppers for the salsa. One time Rodriguez “They were shocked because one time did not have avocados for a dish she was I was making quesadillas I had a line of making, but she knew that the combina- students… and then everybody was crazy tion of jalapenos and a lot of cilantro about the fish tacos and I was like, ‘What? tastes like avocados, so she supplemented That’s so simple!’” Rodriguez said. Soon, those ingredients in the recipe. “I think the new Global Food Center at PHC’s din- the secret of all the dishes is the salsa that ing hall opened, and students responded you put on or the combination that you with overwhelmingly positive reviews. put in,” Rodriguez said. s Credit: Becca Samelson 4 theherald Christmas Dinner at Pakistani Embassy Masih reached out to Josiah by Evie Fordham DeGraaf, president of PHC’s All Neighbors Loudoun County is Jim Elliot Club, for help re- seeking volunteers for its first Christmas cruiting students as volunteers and Happy Holidays Celebration Dinner to set up and attend the ban- at the Pakistani Embassy on Dec. 9. The quet. DeGraaf attended All free event will include a speech from Paki- Neighbors’ Easter celebration stan’s Ambassador to the United States, in March at Eagle Ridge. Both Jalil Abbas Jilani, and a traditional Paki- programs have similar struc- stani meal. Ilyas Masih, who grew up in tures. Pakistan, founded and directs All Neigh- “The Easter dinner was re-

bors. He is expecting around 250 Muslim, ally neat,” he said. “The first Courtesy: Ilyas Masih Hindu, and Christian guests at the din- half was in an auditorium. The Ilyas Masih and family ner. Statesmen sang, Pakistani kids When appropriate, you can talk about “My goal for this program is to help danced, and there were some local politi- your faith,” he said. “A lot of the time col- our non-Christian friends understand cians giving speeches encouraging unity. lege students get involved with short-term that Jesus came not only for Christians,” The dinner was in the school cafeteria mission trips and miss the opportunity to Masih said. “He died for everybody - Mus- at these long tables, and we were encour- reach non-Christians here.” lims, Hindus, Christians, everybody.” aged to get to know the people around us. Masih plans on filing for 501(c)(3) non- Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn The people I met were from Pakistan and profit status soon. All Neighbors not only hosted the Christmas dinner in years past India, and some were Christians. It was needs short-term volunteers for its events until Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the Embassy’s a great way to meet people I otherwise but also volunteers to develop its online Deputy Chief of Mission, attended in wouldn’t have.” presence. “These days, because of what’s 2015 and offered the Pakistani Embassy DeGraaf plans on leading a group of going on in the world and the terror at- as a venue. PHC students to volunteer at the din- tacks, a lot of our Muslim friends are dis- “God answered my prayer of the last ner, tentatively departing for the embassy heartened,” Masih said. “As followers of three or four years,” Masih said. “I have around 4 p.m. in the afternoon of Dec. 9. Jesus Christ, this is a good time to show always had a heart for the embassy. It’s the “You’re mingling with people, meeting them the hope and peace we have.” s headquarters of Pakistan in the U.S.” them, and enjoying fellowship with them. PHC Partnership with Tree of Life Ministries provide gifts to go under the trees which will be presented to the families. Each by Leah Greenwood the faculty and staff members are prepar- family will also receive a Bible and a Chil- ing. Mary Haynes has made contact with dren’s Bible Story Book, provided by Pres- This Christmas, the faculty and staff each family and has given the teams some ident and Mrs. Haye. of PHC have partnered with Tree of Life basic information on the families, includ- RA Julia Tomaszewski is glad for an op- Ministries to help six local families in ing how many children are in each family, portunity to get involved with and show need. Instead of having a normal faculty the age and gender of the children, and God’s love to the community. “It makes and staff Christmas party, where the fo- what the families’ needs and wants are. you feel good to know you’re doing some- cus can easily be self-centered, President “We want to reach out to the com- thing for others,” Tomaszewski said. Jack Haye wanted to take this opportunity munity and let them know we are here,” “I think it’s a really cool opportunity to to bless the community and give to other Haynes said, adding that many of the fam- be able to bless people in the community people. During their annual Christmas ilies are very grateful for whatever they who don’t really have a lot,” fellow RA party on Friday, faculty and staff members receive. Sarah Geesaman added. At collge, Geesa- will spend their time wrapping presents Each team has received a budget of man said, it is easy to quickly become and decorating Christmas trees to give to $50 to buy items such as clothing, canned self-centered when everything is focused these families. goods, living essentials, and toys for the around getting good grades and figuring Six teams, each led by a staff member, families. Students can choose to spend out future jobs, so it is important to be have been formed. Each wing has been more on the families if they desire. able to turn the focus onto other people placed on one of the teams and assigned Elise Kersey will be renting a U-Haul who are in need because it matters more to one of the six families. The wings will truck, and on Dec. 5, the gifts and trees in the long-term. s theherald 5 Open Letter On Mental Health The seventh piece in the Herald’s Mental Health Series

easier to pretend that everything was fine. Men suffer from depression. Men suffer by Beth Bergstrom I chose the mental health series be- from anxiety. And men suffer from eat- cause the easier option in the short term ing disorders. Earlier this year Joey Julius, Some people have expressed concerns can cause unthinkable long-term dam- the kicker for the Penn State University about the Herald’s series on mental health age. It is easier to think that depression football team, opened up about his eating issues this semester. Some said it was too is merely a temporary sadness that afflicts disorder. dark. Others suggested that discussing the college students when they become over- There aren’t flashing neon signs sur- problems would only make them worse. whelmed. But that is not depression. rounding those who are dealing with Clearly, these were some dark and in- Depression is being completely unable mental health problems. It would be easi- tense subjects, but we do believe the series to get out of bed day after day. Depression er to help those who are struggling if there was worthwhile, and we trust that it ben- is doing everything right and still feeling were. efited the campus community. What we like a failure. Depression will never be Mental health needs to be talking described is reality for many—not all, but beaten by ignoring the issue. The reality about. Discussions will not always be neat many—students; we told the is, many people who suffer or pretty. truth as we understand it. from depression try to pre- I was never oblivious to mental health “We as a com- And if we as a community tend like it doesn’t exist. And struggles. But last winter I could no lon- cannot address these subjects munity need to yet, they still suffer. ger avoid having intense conversations openly, if we pretend they come together Anxiety is not being ner- about mental illness. don’t exist, how will things and say that vous about an exam; it is the We need to talk about mental health improve? Where does that mental health is crippling fear of walking into so that our friends aren’t struggling in se- leave those who think they a serious topic. the dining hall alone. cret. We need to talk about mental health are alone in their struggles? We need to prac- Eating disorders are not so that they know there are options. We This summer, someone just dieting; they are be- need to talk about mental health so that it close to me took her own life. tice loving our coming physically sick when doesn’t force someone to hit rock bottom Everyone pretended that the neighbors.” you try to eat, because the before we pick them up. Talking about depression was situational, thought of gaining any more mental health won’t magically cure anxi- and that it would get better weight becomes harder than ety, depression, or eating disorders; how- - until the night it finally became all con- forcing the vomit. ever, it may convince somebody that they suming. She ended her suicide note say- There is no easy answer. I would never aren’t alone. ing, “If you want to do something, find a pretend that there is. But I can tell you In working on the series I have had way to raise awareness and find support what it does not look like. It does not conversations with student life about the for those who need it. Depression kills!” look like pretending the problems facing mental health policies. They want a con- Depression and mental illnesses do students are unreal. It does not look like versation. They don’t want any students kill. telling someone they just need to control feeling so lost that they cannot see a way I really don’t think that PHC experi- their emotions better. It does not look like out. They want us to seek help when we ences a higher ratio of students who suf- telling someone who is struggling that need it. fer from mental health issues than other they just need to pray more. If you’re reading this as you watch a college campuses. On a smaller campus, We as a community need to come to- friend struggle know that it will all be we’re just more likely to know those who gether and say that mental health is a seri- okay. It is not your job to save anyone. It suffer. ous topic. We need to practice loving our is your job to show Christ’s love to our It is easier to pretend that issues don’t neighbors. We cannot continue thinking neighbors, not save them from themselves. exist. But history has shown us that ignor- that the length of a girl’s skirt matters Whether you’re a friend or the one ing problems rarely results in resolution. more than the scars on her wrist. struggling, you are never alone. When a close friend of mine attempted The sources used during the mental suicide, that person told everyone she was health series were all women. However, Sincerely, better. Later I found out that she was al- that is not representative of those who suf- Beth Bergstrom s ready thinking of another way. But it was fer with various mental health problems. 6 theherald Blast from the Past: Past Acts of Harmonicomedy

by Giovanna Lastra

At the end of every semester, students look forward to the comic relief of the Harmonicomedy show amidst the pres- sures of finals. With this year’s show set to take place tonight, it’s a good time to look back on some of the best performances in Harmonicomedy history. Seniors Luke Thomas and Philip Bunn

recalled the Who’s Line is it Anyway? Courtesy of PHC Communications PHC Edition skit that was done Fall Matt Boles and Mikayla Feil 2014. The skit was conducted like a game jumped on stage to rap Nikki Minaj’s fea- mysterious liquid. show with now seniors Andrew Kelly and ture on the song. “I really liked the dance numbers be- Drake Jones as hosts. The contestants “It was great because it was so unex- cause they were always different. It really were current senior Jesse Eastman, alum- pected,” junior Kent Hoshiko said. “Town incorporated the arts which is something nus David Fullerton, and former students Hall went through the roof! It was the I loved seeing done during the show,” Sam Scarlett and Creighton Deems. Oth- loudest I’ve ever heard it. And the mark alumna Christine McDonald said. er than the prompts given by the hosts, of true genius is copycats. It feels like Har- Last but certainly not least was Andrew the skit was done completely impromptu monicomedy is all lipsyncs now.” Bambrick’s performance of Matt Lowry’s by the contestants. Students and past alumni also enjoyed Some other Time, Some Other Place in Fall “One of my favorite parts was when the the song parodies performed by alumnus 2015. In the performance, Bambrick sang hosts asked, ‘What do you not want to see David Fullerton throughout his time at a duet with himself, placing a wig on his freshmen doing?’ and Creighton got on PHC. In the Fall 2013 show, Fullerton head when singing the female part. The one knee and pretended he was propos- and now seniors Stan Crocker, Andrew crowd went crazy during the performance ing. A few questions later, the host asked, Kelly, and Luke Genter performed a par- and it remains a favorite amongst those ‘What is one way you should not ask a girl ody version of Billy Joel’s Piano Man. In who were there. to the Christmas Ball?’ and Creighton the song, Fullerton sang about late night “I could not stop laughing during the once again pretended he was proposing. It paper writing. performance! It was one of the best come- was so funny,” Bunn said. “When David Fullerton did his first dy sketches that I’ve seen at Harmonicom- During the Spring 2015 Harmonicom- cover with Stan and Luke, that was pretty edy,” alumnus Matt Boles said. edy, students did a Lip Sync Battle skit cool. It was always a cool moment whenev- This year’s host, Brooks Freeland, performing popular songs in competition er someone got recognized for their talent shared that he and Kelly are revamping against one another. Students performed for the first time,” alumnus and past Har- the Harmonicomedy show. “We’re switch- songs such as Price Tag by Jessie J, Better monicomedy host Ben Williamson said. ing up the format of the show a little bit Than Revenge by Taylor Swift, Beauty and a Another skit performed in past shows this semester and making it more of a talk- Beat by Justin Bieber, and Let It Go from were the dance numbers done by senior show styled event. Kelly and I are hoping the movie Frozen. Alumni Mikayla Feil’s Thaddeus Tague and alumnus Tim Hsu. to be more involved with the show, includ- performance of Beauty and Beat was espe- Spring 2016 the two performed a dance ing doing some of our own acts.” cially exciting for students who were sur- number about pulling an all-nighter, then Harmonicomedy will be held tonight prised when now alumni Matthew Boles getting a burst of energy after drinking a in Town Hall at 8 p.m. s A Correction on the Luke Thomas Profile The last issue of the Herald contained to have discussions on movies. His first a movie” out of Thomas’ film, but there a piece on Luke Thomas. The following experience with film was not the script he were personal circumstances that kept it offers clarifications or corrections on the showed his roommate. Ian Reid was not from immediately being a reality. Thomas article. Thomas was not teased for trying unable to guarentee that he could “create also does not own 80’s canvas shoes. s theherald 7 Lauren Mitchell Publishes Book of Poetry said. “If you can’t empathize with a hurt- by Beth Bergstrom ing generation, and walk in the shoes of PHC senior Lauren Mitchell’s self-pub- the lost, how are you supposed to show lished book of poetry, Tsu-Nami, is now Christ’s compassion to them?” available for preorder on her website. It Mitchell aims for readers to gain one is written for the slam poetry community. thing from her poetry. “It’s okay not to be The title is a play on the Japanese mean- okay! PHC student, If you’re reading this, ing. “In the book’s namesake poem, I ex- pretending that your life is perfect, trying plain it with this line: “When (tsu) means to be what everyone expects, I see through harbor and (nami) means wave, how can you. I know that you aren’t. I know that you tell a refuge from a storm?” Mitchell you struggle, that you’re human, and that said. you desperately want someone to see you Mitchell has been performing poetry for who you truly are - and to love you since her mom stuffed her in a pea cos- regardless,” Mitchell said. “Well, cue Lau- tume, put a bow on her head, and re- ren. Cue the cumulation of everything

corder her as Mitchell performed “I Eat Lauren’s short life has taught her about Courtesy: Lauren Mitchell My Peas With Honey” with her best friend pain, about friendship, about love, and my book can be that friend, instead.” Christina. about hope. I’m here to be a friend to The proceeds from the December book For Mitchell, poetry is an exercise in those who are tired of pretending. And if sales will go to the Children’s Miracle Net- empathy. “I want to understand,” she you’re too shy to admit that need, maybe work. s Christmas at Kondak’s Market Kurt to buy the business. by Vienna Jacobson Eighty-hour workweeks became the norm for the next five years, but Beth For most people, the Christmas season became grateful for the long days. “It was is filled with bustle and holiday gather- nice because I learned pretty much ev- ings. While the Kondak family partici- erything about the business,” Beth said. pates in these traditional activities, much Experiencing these strenuous days also of their Christmas is filled with stocking gave Beth context for the long hours that fruit baskets and keeping their family Kurt would spend during the Christmas market running. season, especially when she became a stay- Kurt Kondak, sophomore Erin Kon- at-home mom. dak’s father, worked for two Italian broth- Once the five Kondak children were ers straight out of high school, and they between the ages of two and 13, their par- groomed him to take over the small gro- ents began teaching all of them to work cery business that would eventually bear in the store. Things went smoothly, until Courtesy: Erin Kondak his family name. Six years later, the young- suddenly groceries and cash began miss- The Kondak’s building er of the two brothers passed away unex- ing. Just before Christmas of 2007, the pectedly from a heart problem, leaving Kondaks realized that seven out of their “We felt not only devastated, but also Kurt in charge of the store sooner than he 10 employees were stealing from them. betrayed because they were stealing from had anticipated. Using a little video camera, Kurt soon us,” Kurt added. In September of 1988, Kurt married caught each employee loading up on Slowly, the store recovered from the his wife, Beth, and together they took groceries and taking cash. He soon real- hit, although it never regained such a over the store. “Because Christmas is such ized that the employees had grown bold large staff. However, the family was never a big part of our business I knew I needed enough to steal when he was just down- quite the same, and the store remains a to be there full time,” Beth said. stairs in the office. significant part of their life. For the next five years, Beth and Kurt “I remember thinking, ‘How could The Kondak family hopes to go on the worked endless hours, pouring their lives people I knew so well turn around and do mission field once they sell Kondak’s Mar- into their new venture. Kurt’s parents something like that?’” Spencer, the Kon- ket, first starting with short-term trips and even mortgaged their house in order for dak’s oldest, said. seeing where God leads from there. s 8 theherald Merry & Bright: The Best of the Season PHC’s Top Traditions During the Christmas Holidays

by Rebekah Jorgensen

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Students return from Thanksgiving to find the BHC transformed into a Christmas wonder- land, and thus begins the countdown to finals and the upcoming break. In the midst of exis- tential crises over papers and grades, campus still finds time to come together for time-hon- ored traditions, with DC even offering some treasures of its own. Lessons & Carols This is a PHC classic. The events team transforms the gym into a nighttime con- cert venue, and the chorale puts together a show-stopping performance of both old for an evening! Ladies don cocktail dress- stair banister, or Mount Vernon quite lit- and new holiday music, interspersed with es and men polish their shoes, with most erally decking the halls with trees, lights, readings of the Christmas story. To close couples heading first to the BHC to have and red bows, each of the dorms puts their out the evening, all audience members are Christine McDonald snap a few photos own spin on their decorations. It’s always given a candle, and the chorale closes out under the twinkling lights before heading a treat to visit the lobbies, steal a candy the evening with a participatory singing of out to dinner. During the ball, partners cane, and admire the Christmas cheer. “Silent Night.” This year’s Lessons & Carols participate in swing competitions, casual Reading of A Christmas Carol will be held on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. waltzing, and Nathan Jacob leads a group With his soothing voice and gentle Christmas Ball in breaking it down to the Wobble. All in manner, Dr. Veith used to host an annual This tradition almost goes without say- all, the Christmas ball is always one of reading of A Christmas Carol in the lounge ing, but the Christmas Ball deserves its everyone’s favorite nights of the semester. of Montpelier. However, since Dr. Veith’s place in the annals of PHC history. Af- Dorm Decorations retirement, President Haye now carries on ter all, it is the first dance of the year in Whether it’s Red Hill stringing some this tradition. Make sure to trek on down which freshman guys have to ask girls out tinsel and a few ornaments down their to the couches of D3 to enjoy some hot All Photos Courtesy: PHC Communications theherald 9

chocolate and a classic story! Christmas in Middleburg dorm pool their wing money to fund the Handel’s Messiah at the National Ca- If you have never experienced Middle- party, complete with hot cider, cookies, thedral burg, now is the perfect opportunity! Mid- and candy. D4 musicians head to the sec- While not a PHC-specific tradition, dleburg is well known for its equestrian ond-floor balcony to lead rousing Christ- many students enjoy making the trip into background, and every Christmas they mas carols, heralding the triumphant en- DC to hear Handel’s Messiah performed host a town festival. This year’s events try of Santa Claus. Grab another brownie at the National Cathedral. Pro tip: if you fall on Saturday, Dec. 3. Join the town for and settle into the lounge for Santa’s read- buy tickets far enough in advance, you can shopping, decorations, and more! ing of The Night Before Christmas, and if get a student price of only $10 per person. D4 Christmas Party you’re a very good boy or girl, you may The vaulted ceilings and stellar choir How many people can fit into the lobby even get to tell Santa your Christmas wish make this a night to remember, especially of Oak Hill? Roughly three-quarters of the list! This year’s D4 Christmas party will be if you have never before heard the entire entire campus, as is evidenced every year held on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. s Messiah in its entirety. by its Christmas party. The RAs of the 10 theherald

Young & Engaged Growing up Together Courtesy of Sequoia Poths ber Break was the surprise. But when he their 20th birthdays. It’s a month before by Harvest Prude handed her the rose, she began suspecting Belle turns 20—exactly the age her dad that a far larger surprise was in store. was when he married her mother, 21 at Just before Bryan Leines took a knee Sequoia followed the trail of flowers to the time. When anybody brought up the and proposed to Sequoia Poths, Belle the other hotel room, picking them up as topic of marrying young, he always said, Tague stood in the hotel room fiddling she went. Arms full, she walked out onto “Never do it. It’ll ruin your life.” with the lighting and camera settings on the balcony. There was a familiar scrap- Marriage wasn’t on Belle’s radar. Noth- her iPhone. She wanted the pictures to be book waiting. She’d given it to Bryan, ing serious was, until one day as she sat perfect. She knew how special this mo- half-full of pictures she’d printed off for in the coffee shop and watched Seth walk ment would be; her fiancé, Seth Mitchell, his birthday. Slowly, she flipped through into the BHC lobby, pushing both glass had proposed just several months earlier. it. Bryan had filled in the other half with doors open in one confident motion. She By the time Sequoia came in and pictures or a handwritten note. On the watched fiery sunlight pour in behind crossed the floor strewn with pink rose last page, a simple scrawl: “Will You Mar- him and, “I melted,” she said. “I just fell petals, Belle was hidden behind the door. ry Me?” in love.” “I have two requests,” Bryan had told This barely registered when Bryan It didn’t take long for mutual interest Sequoia a few minutes earlier. “Follow the came out onto the balcony. Sequoia hard- to spark, and they started dating. Seth roses, and read to the end.” ly noticed Belle in the background, furi- visited the Tague family in California this He then handed her the first white ously snapping pictures. She said yes. summer. They spent one whole day beach- rose. Both couples are planning their wed- hopping up the coast. Sequoia had thought the trip to Harp- dings for June 2017. At one point, standing outside the car, er’s Ferry with a couple friends for Octo- Seth and Belle will both be nearing Seth asked; “Hey, why don’t we get mar- Courtesy of Sequoia Poths theherald 11 ried sooner?” Sooner as in the summer of 2017. After a few weeks of dating, they’d discussed getting married after Belle, a current junior, graduated. But this new plan just worked. They talked to her par- ents that day. “They both understand how young we are, and know that it won’t be the easi- est thing in the world, but they also know that we’re right for each other,” Belle said. “Having their blessing means a lot.” Not everyone has been encouraging. Young engagements aren’t always typical. Many people associate a longer period of being single, particularly in one’s twen- ties, with figuring out how to be indepen- dent on live on one’s own before getting married. It’s easy to be skeptical. “It’s kind of like a lot of people are holding their breath,” Seth said. But they’d far rather grow up together than do it apart. “We’re still growing up right now,”

Belle said. “There’s an element that is sort Courtesy of Belle Tague of nerve-wracking, but it is comforting Seth Mitchell and Belle Tague knowing that we’re doing it together. I’d living together before marriage also push- ing for this or not?” Spinney said. “With- much rather be doing it with Seth than es back marriage. Similarly, shotgun wed- out someone driving the process, without by myself.” dings, a couple getting married when a someone leading, the process slows down Bryan and Sequoia, who are both 20, woman becomes pregnant out of wedlock, dramatically.” echo this sentiment. “When you’re young, are not givens. Literature professor Dr. Steven Hake you have the opportunity to get mar- College also pushes off the time before stressed that the enormity of marriage ried and grow together and figure out, people start doing their “lifework.” This should not be taken lightly. “The decision what does buying a house look like? Just can mean that financially, it can take a to marry a certain person at a certain time random firsts,” Sequoia said. “We get to few years to be comfortable post-gradua- is a big deal. Second only to, who am I go- spend all the rest of our lives together and tion, particularly if young people start off ing to serve in life?” Hake said. do all the firsts.” at a lower level job and work their way up. “The only real question is—does God According to history professor Dr. While a delay in marriage does not want you to get married?” Spinney said. Robert Spinney, the real anomaly in necessarily mean delayed maturity, Spin- “To some people that sounds mystical. Of America and the West is later marriages. ney does think some things typically pre- course it sounds mystical. We’re in a reli- Historically, younger marriages (late teens cede marriage. “People want to know who gion, aren’t we?” and early twenties) were the norm. Spin- they are—it seems to me [that’s] taking lon- Bryan said that while he doesn’t feel ney believes several factors, many of them ger than it used to,” Spinney said. “Find- old enough to be on the verge of marriage, due to the cultural climate, have pushed ing yourself used to be in the teen years. he has felt peace at every step of their re- back the median marriage age. Increasing people are finding themselves lationship. With higher divorce rates and fewer in college.” “It was completely different than any- people growing up in intact families, sub- Spinney’s added than heightened con- thing I had planned for my life but so sequent generations have become more fusion over gender roles slows down the much better,” Bryan said. s cautious about getting married. Couples process. “Is this a date or not? Am I pay- Courtesy of Sequoia Poths theherald 12 Life in the Kart: A Freshman’s Racing Career

by Carrie Durning Lining up in the starting box, the sound of thousands of horsepower pound- ing into the track as 350 engines start up is nearly drowned out by the anxious driv- er’s pounding heartbeat. Sitting in the for- mula kart with the engine running, the fuel sloshing around, and the engine kart shaking, Luke Shanahan narrows his eyes as he peers through the window in his hel- met at the heat rising off the track around his competitors, his gaze falling on Colby Yardley, his biggest rival of the weekend. As the clock ticks down to the start of the final event, Shanahan puts his head down and visualizes the upcoming race, Courtesy: Luke Shanahan blocking out the sound of the engines and decision put his racing life on hold to at- “The scariest thing about witnessing a any thoughts of Yardley; he pictures him- tend Patrick Henry College. crash directly ahead of you in a race is, self pulling the clutch in, and placing the For the past four years, Shanahan has first, maneuvering through the pileup of kart in neutral, keeping the engine warm raced formula karts in most of the ma- karts, and then the instinctive thought of as the clock ticks down to ten seconds be- jor cities in the west and central United ‘that could be me. I could be in the next fore the start. Opening his eyes, putting States, competing with drivers from all kart piled up on the side of the track,’” the kart into first gear, and holding the around the world through Pro Tour and Shanahan said. “But it is also one of the clutch in, Shanahan watches as the start- U.S. Open. Since first competing at age most accomplishing feelings, maneuver- ing lights flash red, red, red, green. In the 15, Shanahan has won or placed top five ing through a pileup of karts ahead of you anxious seconds he has left to wait for in numerous races, such as the US Open to take the lead.” the final light to flash red, Shanahan says national championship, the US Open of Shanahan has won many races by one final prayer, knowing that he has no Colorado, and the Pro Tour World Finals finding the gap between the wreckage control over what happens once he dumps in Las Vegas. Since first driving a kart at and committing to it, safely taking the the clutch. Ahead of him, the final start- age 12, Shanahan has never lost his pas- lead. “By far the worst wreckage to drive ing light flashes from green to red, and sion for racing, even while taking a break through is when [someone’s] engine blew releasing the clutch, Shanahan launches from the tracks while attending Patrick up and the smoke is so think it is impos- into the race. Henry College. Shanahan’s racing career sible to see through it,” Shanahan said. After a strong rivalry all weekend be- has been one of perseverance and endur- “In that situation, I put my foot down and tween Shanahan and Yardley, Shanahan ance, with his failures only helping him am entirely guessing at an opening while finished first of 350 drivers in the US improve. going 100 miles per hour. It’s insane.” Open of Colorado in Grand Junction in “Luke has always been one to endure, In one situation, Shanahan was the 2016. From this competition, Shanahan no matter the task at hand,” said his fa- kart to avoid as he spun off the track. At went on to place third in the national ther, David Shanahan. “Seeing him con- the US Open of Dallas, Shanahan started championship in Las Vegas later that year, tinue with his passion of racing even after in the front row, a guaranteed safe start. this being one of the final races before his a few discouraging races and unfortunate But in the opening corner, the kart in setbacks has been such a delight.” third ran into the back of his kart, send- In the racing world, emerging from four ing him spinning to the back of 35 rac- years of racing with only some sprained ers. Although now in dead last, Shanahan ankles and wrists is a rare thing, although didn’t give up. an injury of any kind is considered a set- “As soon as the last kart passed me, I back and is discouraging no matter what. launched back into the race,” said Shana- Despite these injuries, Shanahan con- han. “It was so satisfying to pass 30 out tinued to train and compete. Although of the other 34 drivers and finish in fifth Shanahan left the track mostly unscathed place, ahead of the kart that put me in

Courtesy: Luke Shanahan each race, others have not been so lucky. last.” theherald 13 Shanahan Puts On the Brakes for College

continued from pg. 12 The biggest setback Shanahan had to overcome as a beginner driver was to not let his thoughts of what was taking place all around him consume him as he raced, especially when in the lead. “When I would take the lead, I would become so obsessive about the drivers behind me that I would lose focus, and sometimes lose my position in first,” Shanahan said. “The goal once I take the lead is to block out any thoughts of what is going on be- hind me and only focus on going as fast as

possible without overheating the kart, so I Courtesy: Luke Shanahan can keep my position.” Luke Shanahan, second from left “Racing is both a mind game and an “I give the race up to God, because I Still, Shanahan hasn’t forgotten about art form,” Shanahan said. “It is a fine bal- have no control over what happens next,” racing. “It’s obvious that racing is his pas- ance between control and pushing the Shanahan said. “I am going to do what I sion,” said Blake Harp, a close friend of limits, all the while acknowledging the can to the best of my ability, but I cannot Shanahan’s. “He can talk about racing for only thing in your control is yourself and control the outside elements. Only God hours, and is constantly going for drives your kart.” It didn’t take long in Shanah- can do that.” After six years of continu- to clear is mind.” an’s racing career for him to acknowledge ous training and racing, Shanahan put his In coming to PHC, Shanahan aims to he didn’t have control over all situations. life in the kart on hold to join the class of obtain a profession that will support his For this reason, Shanahan has made the 2020 at Patrick Henry College, deciding it love of racing in the future. final seconds before the start of any race a was time to aim higher than just racing. “I fully intend to continue racing when time to talk with God. In the 30 seconds “I miss racing, and everything that went I’m not here at school,” Shanahan said. he has between pulling up to the starting along with it, but had to make the deci- “Racing is my passion, and I can’t imagine box and shifting the kart into first gear, sion to come to school,” Shanahan said. my life without it.” s Shanahan hands over whatever is about “Racing isn’t a profession, but a profes- to happen in the next 45 minutes to God. sional skill.” PHC Presents Disney Karaoke

by Marquis Gough

For the first time in forever, Thadd and I will be hosting PHC’s first semi-annual Disney Karaoke Night in the coffee shop this upcoming Monday, December 5th at 9pm. Why Disney Karaoke? A better question is: why hasn’t Disney Karaoke become a thing sooner? Most people close to us could tell you that Thadd and I are huge Disney fans! Thadd saw Frozen Credit:Disney in theaters six times, including the sing their studies and come enjoy the company to sing for our chapel announcement, along edition, whereas I still watch my fa- of their fellow PHC students. But even we’re awful, yet we’re the ones co-hosting vorite Disney film, Robin Hood, to this day more importantly I’d encourage them to it! So PHCers, put aside finals and your and know nearly every line by heart. let it go and sing a song, even if they’re self-esteem for an hour or two, come be I’d just like to encourage people to terrible because that’s what karaoke is. I our guest, and let us show you a whole take a break, even if only a brief one, from mean come on, you saw Thadd and I try new world, which includes free pizza! s theherald 14 Aaron Kamakawiwoole: PHC’s Modern Cowboy Fortunately, another rejection turned by Heather Faison into a new career path. Kamakawiwoole applied to work as a data coordinator for Knees locked, the angular man shuf- PHC’s admissions office. Someone else fled toward the table. “There is no need filled the position, but the admissions of- to run,” he rasped to those seated. “Stand fice advised that Kamakawiwoole apply to and pray, mortals, for the Spectral Army become an admissions counselor. descends, and you may still be granted In spite of being the dark horse candi- mercy.” Suddenly, Aaron Kamakawiwoole date for the position, he made it to the relaxed, breaking the spell of his immer- second round of interviews, a simulation sive storytelling and explaining to the role of a conversation with an applicant’s fam- players gathered around the table that ily. He was the only candidate to bring a they had the option either to join the un- slideshow presentation to the interview, dead army attacking their city, or try to and put in about 20 hours of research in flee to a safe location. order to prepare. He got the job. To many on campus, “Aaron K,” as he Kamakawiwoole is not certain what he is commonly known, is a beloved admis- wants to do beyond admissions. He has sions counselor. To others, he is the de- considered several careers, from teaching signer and leader of the Warriors of Zurn rhetoric to hunting pirates. But instead of role-play game groups. But he is someone determining what he wants to do, Kamak- Courtesy: Aaron Kamakawiwoole who can swoop in and help people, both awiwoole prioritizes determining who he on and off campus, and he has put in a wants to be. “You can apply that no mat- Camp a few years ago, and when Eden great deal of effort to live up to that ideal ter what your vocational occupation is,” Troupe’s costume department told him since coming to work at PHC. he said. Kamakawiwoole aspires to be a they were swamped, he was more than Kamakawiwoole had looked at a few dependable, loyal man of integrity, with willing to help with the armor. other colleges, but wanted to go to PHC. a good work ethic, and a good member of Jane White, one of the students in- “That was my life’s dream,” he said. He his church and his family. volved with both the play and the armor was accepted, and initially chose a Gov- Until a few yuears ago, Kamakawi- crafting, said that Kamakawiwoole made ernment major with several literature woole considered helpfulness a hobby most of the leather armor, using strips of classes on the side. rather than a lifestyle. One of the reasons faux leather riveted to a t-shirt. The armor However, an intern- he bought a truck was be- was durable enough to protect student ship at ParentalRights.org cause most people at PHC actor Nathan Karnes from injury when taught Kamakawiwoole “Aaron has do not have a vehicle with fellow actor Jimmy Waters accidentally that government is not his shaped the at- which they can move large stabbed him in the chest with a practice calling. “It was a lot of fun,” mosphere of the items. sword during rehearsal. Kamakawiwoole he said, “and I learned a college by being “The four words that are also helped choreograph the fight scenes lot, not the least of which here and by being my Achilles’ heel are ‘I need of the play, many of which involved large was that I hate politics. I’m somebody that I your help,’ and that’s okay, numbers of actors in combat at once. glad the Lord showed me because that’s who God Kamakawiwoole also sees his roleplay that before I decided to try know cares.” made me to be,” Kamakawi- game, The War-riors of Zurn, as a means it as a career and burn my- Jane White woole said. of being helpful. Zurn was formed in sev- self out on it.” One of the ways Kamak- eral dreams that Kamakawiwoole had as The only job he could awiwoole has been able to a child – he did not so much create the get was working with his grandfather put this into practice recently has been land of Zurn as he woke up in it. The building a house and garage, which taught helping Eden Troupe with their produc- game is not intended to be a form of es- him many skills he could later use to help tion of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The play capism; rather, it is a chance to become a friends. However, building houses didn’t involves many soldiers and fights; soldiers hero and go on adventures, with plenty of create a steady flow of income. So after his need armor to fight, and the costume de- opportunities for both the character and graduation from PHC, and after a great partment needed armor for the soldiers. the player to grow along the way. “It is de- deal of prayer and job hunting, Aaron Ka- Kamakawiwoole had learned to make signed to help you learn about yourself,” makawiwoole had no plan for his future. chain mail in preparation for a Teen Kamakawiwoole said. He plans to launch theherald 15 See a Need; Fill a Need continued from page 14 an email. “It was like I was talking to a helping them fulfill their dreams of com- the game into a national company, as well friend, and that allowed me to associate a ing to the college, by helping out students as fund a Zurn Foundation scholarship friendly, helpful person with the school.” in need, or by fixing wobbly tables in the for PHC. Will McManus described Kamakawiwoole dining hall with a wrench that he keeps Kamakawiwoole has influenced many as “a modern cowboy from Hawaii,” add- in his office for just that purpose. “He has students, both in and out of the admis- ing that Kamakawiwoole likes to associate shaped the atmosphere of the college by sions process. White said that since he with “sensible nerds.” being here and by being somebody that I was available to talk on Facebook, she Kamakawiwoole has impacted many know cares,” White said. s didn’t face the pressure of composing people on PHC’s campus, whether by Snowflakes Bring Memories and Unity pulled out of coat pockets and enjoyed mester. “I was so excited about it that I by Marjorie Pratt over warm drinks. Upperclassmen scare thrashed through the snow and basically freshmen with Snowpocalypse horror sto- bounced around for a week,” she said In the past weeks, the temperature has ries, relaying the creeping feeling of cabin Philip Bunn and Luke Thomas stayed been falling, rising, then falling again. fever, the torture of digging cars out of off-campus at Jesse Eastman’s house dur- Winter coats have woken from hiberna- the snow, and the sight of dirty snow that ing the Snowpocalypse, not expecting tion and gloves have emerged from their clung around for ages. it to snow as much as it did. The three hiding places in sock drawers. After a Sophomore Elias Gannage believes found themselves stuck in the house fairly warm afternoon, PHC experienced that the winter and snow-time festivities through the weekend, living on cookie its first snow flurries on Nov. 19. Senior bring people together. “When it snows, dough and cereal. “The snow was so deep Elisabeth Wilk announced the first snow- you see strangers playing together,” Gan- in the yard that we could actually jump fall via an email to the student list, and nage said. Whether students love snow or off of the back deck into the snow,” Bunn Rachel Stahr, another senior, followed up hate it, all can enjoy a good story or a silly said. After the trio ran out of milk, they with another email explaining the tradi- ritual that snow brings about. finally decided to shovel themselves out. tion post-snow proposal email. “When Two students eventually replied to Because they only had one snow shovel, the first snow falls,” Stahr wrote, “a se- Wilk’s snow email. Gabriella Johnson and they used a large mixing bowl to “exca- nior girl sends out an email announcing Mikey Pozo shared their poetry skills for vate” their cars. After three hours of dig- it. All the underclassmen are supposed to the General Student List to enjoy. John- ging, they drove to the store and prepared respond with poetic marriage proposals.” son expressed affection for her friend for a large meal. Bunn declared it, “one Since the flurries on Saturday, the with a Roses-Are-Red-type poem while of the best weekends I’ve had during my snow has been a hot topic on campus. Pozo shared his thoughts in lyrical form. time at school.” Stories of “Snowmageddon 2010” and Clare Downing, a sophomore from “Snow is the great unifier,” alumnus “Snowpocalypse” of last semester, along Florida, experienced her first winter with Aaron Kamakawiwoole said. s with stories of winters at home have been an appearance of Snowpacalypse last se- Courtesy: Rebekah Jorgensen 16 theherald Finding God Through Anna Karenina to search for the truth of how we ought by Danielle Fife to behave in the world. It was also in this environment that Sara and David met for Like most couples, Sara and David the first time. In their co-ed dorm, David Pensgard spent long hours of both day was a senior when Sara came in as a fresh- and night while at Northwestern Univer- man. “He was automatically the coolest sity discussing life and their future. As guy in the dorm,” Sara said. their relationship became increasingly se- “I was coming down the stairs to meet rious, they began thinking more seriously all the new freshmen and stopped in at about their future, and the idea of mar- the girls’ floor to get a rubber band to tie riage came to the table. back my hair,” David said, remembering There was just one problem for Sara a day when his hair was much longer. He and David’s future: David was a Christian stopped in the only room with an open and was worried about being unequally door, which just happened to be Sara’s Courtesy: David Pensgard David and Sara Pensgard yoked with Sara, an unbeliever. David room where her family was helping her knew this would be a problem when he get settled. orthodox church played in the culture. first asked Sara out, February of her fresh- “I suddenly appeared in the doorway He had a keen realization that most of the man year of college, but he had hoped to and asked for a rubber band and met her students did not understand the culture convert her. and her entire family. They all stared at or Christianity, and took the time to ex- Sara remembered first bringing up the me silently, perhaps in shock,” David said. plain these elements. topic of marriage. “David said ‘I love you “No one moved and Sara looked like a It was March 8, 1996 and Sara was sit- very much but I cannot marry someone deer in headlights.” ting in the little tan chair next to her bed, who is not a Christian,’ and I said, ‘We’ll David was one of those people who reading Anna Karenina when she found a see about that,’” Sara said. “Of course, I liked to engage in deeply intellectual din- character, Levin, who reminded her a lot was thinking that I would convince him nertime conversations. of herself. As she neared the end of the to change his mind, and God was think- “He very quickly showed me that I had book, Levin had an epiphany that God ing that he would change me.” no grounding for my ideas of what was is great and that he is the creator of the Sara Pensgard, the Director of the Pat- right or wrong or how the world ought to world. “I had this realization that God is rick Henry College Library, was uniquely function,” Sara said. David brought his Creator, and he has the right to decide converted as an adult and through a Rus- Christian faith to their dinner time con- what is good and right and the right to sian literature class. “It is an amazing versations and pushed Sara to question judge us if we don’t live up to that,” Sara thing to be converted as an adult,” Sara her own beliefs until she narrowed her said. recalled. “It is very visceral – emotionally religious quest to the question of Chris- She began crying tears of joy as she re- and physically – it involves your whole tianity. alized that God is in control of everything self.” It did not take long for Sara and David and that he is real and that he did want to College years found Sara and David to realize that they had more in common communicate with her. Pensgard both attending Northwestern than intellectual curiosity, and they be- “I felt like it wasn’t real until I prayed University in Evanston, Illinois. While gan dating in February of Sara’s freshman with David,” Sara said. “David prayed for Sara originally intended to study the sci- year. me and then I prayed this rambling prayer ences, she ended up gravitating towards That summer Sara was working shelv- to claim God as my own.” In that mo- economics and Russian language studies. ing books at the college. Each day as she ment, Sara’s life was never the same. She Sara’s love for the Russian language wandered the isles of the library shelving saw her grades getting dramatically bet- came at a young age. “Probably about books, she prayed. “I would ask God if he ter, her anxiety levels dropping, and her fifth grade the Latin teacher left the pri- really existed,” Sara said. “I asked Him if church participation increasing. vate school I was attending,” Sara said. he wanted to communicate with me, and Sara was baptized in the fall of that “One of the moms knew Russian, so she asked that he would reveal himself to me.” year and has been learning and growing stepped up and taught us Russian for a Second semester of her sophomore in faith with David ever since. couple years.” year, Sara delved back into her Russian “My parents were constantly in prayer While at Northwestern, Sara and Da- studies with a Russian Literature class for me that I would find a good Christian vid lived in the Residential College of taught by Dr. Gary Morrison. While wife,” David said. “I am sure that my par- Culture and Community Studies. It was Morrison was not a Christian, he clearly ents’ prayers were effective in Sara’s con- in this environment that Sara truly began understood the culture and the role the version as well.” s theherald 17 PHC Men’s Basketball Begins Season lacking explosive talent. The areas that Sentinels. Practice officially starts at 5:30 by Bruce Truax we can control and win are loose balls, a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Fri- turnover margin, defensive and offensive day. “Getting up literally causes most play- The PHC men’s basketball team lost rebounds, and general conditioning.” ers to go through each and every day tired the first game of the season by 18 points, “The first game was an absolutely phe- and sore in some way, its very difficult not but refused to let another disappointment nomenal start of the season,” junior An- to sleep sometime later in the day,” Shep- dampen their spirits too much. After all, drew Shepherd said. “I was pleased with herd said. they were down only by eight points at all the young players stepping up their Team members also feel a lack of sup- halftime, and were also missing some key game and really contributing well on of- port from PHC’s community. “Being on a players. fense and on defense.” sports team in college is a highly valuable PHC did not have a single win last year “I was encouraged by our performance extracurricular activity and I would love but the team is confident that they could in the first game,” Ness said. “My opti- for it to be supported,” Ness said. “The have a strong season, even if their record mistic goal for the team this year is three basketball players are learning valuable doesn’t improve much. wins. Realistically, I am hoping for us to life lessons like teamwork, physical and “My strategy is to win the ‘hustle’ cat- win one game, and that is our last game mental determination, how to win or lose egories,” Coach David Ness said. “We do of the year at Appalachian Bible College.” with grace, and what it is like to get up at not have many players that have been play- Whatever the goal of this year’s sea- 5:00 a.m. for practices.” s ing basketball all their lives. We are also son may be, it is going to be tough on the Studying Scripture with Dr. Spinney book of the Bible. The in-depth discus- emphasize that the Holy Spirit indwells in by Victoria Cook sions that follow have helped build better believers and givers them both the desire “Would you be willing to start a Bible characters amongst the guys that attend. and the power to do what God instructs study, Dr. Spinney?” a student asked. “Dr. Spinney has challenged the group in the Bible,” Spinney said. From that question on, the yearly tra- in a lot of different ways. He’s not focused “When men are in a Bible study, I dition of a male PHC student asking Dr. on a particular schedule, so he’s willing to think they realize that it really isn’t that Robert Spinney to lead a Bible study was take time to focus on what the students hard. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to born. The group is an opportunity for want to talk about,” freshman Andrew work through passages slowly,” he said. students to have fellowship and delve into Shelton said. Shelton started coming ear- For one Bible session, a student asked the Word in an open yet more intimate lier this semester and finds the hour of Bi- about the difference between joy and hap- atmosphere. The group currently consists ble study to be refreshing and insightful. piness. The next week, Spinney and the of 13 students who are reading through For senior Josiah DeGraaf, going to the rest of the group took a detour from the Colossians. study group almost did not happen due scheduled text to discuss the difference. Jordan Hughes has ensured the group’s to a busy schedule. After attending regu- “It opened my eyes to some things that I continuation for the past two years. “My larly, DeGraaf was able to understand 1 had been wrestling with and how I could freshman year, my RA encouraged me to John and take away some personally rel- clarify those things by knowing the dis- keep it going when he graduated,” Hughes evant truths. 1 John 3:16 particularly in- tinction between happiness and joy,” said said. “I ask [Spinney] at the beginning of spired him to love the people around him senior Graham Jackson. every semester if he’s willing and able to through service. “Often I’m happy to help Spinney sets the example of a godly continue and he always accepts. He puts someone when it’s not much of a personal Christian. “If he believes that something a surprising amount of time and thought cost to me; so, it was a helpful reminder is true and clearly stated in Scripture but into it.” that if I really love someone, and not just it is inconvenient to do, he still does it Spinney’s teaching method for the my friends but everyone, I should be look- anyways, because he wants to follow what group is precisely focused but open ing for opportunities to be sacrificial,” De- the Bible says,” sophomore Michael Pat- enough for students to ask questions. He Graaf said. ton said. “There are not enough Chris- and the students read through a passage Spinney’s hope is that the men who tians who live with that type of abandon; and then slowly break down the verses come to the study learn that understand- they read things in Scripture and have a to uncover the meaning. They often can ing the Bible is not something only a predetermined level of what their commit- spend a month to a year going over a short “super-Christian” can do. “The Scriptures ment is.” s 18 theherald Review: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

by Jared Midwood

“Yesterday, a wizard entered New York with a case. A case full of magical creatures. And unfortunately, some have escaped.” Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them prominently features a briefcase with contents that are whimsical and im- mersive. This magic briefcase is momen- tarily confused with another, far more Credit: Wikimedia Commons. User: Gage Skidmore The Cast of Fantastic Beasts at Comic Con San Diego ordinary briefcase that contains freshly baked bagels and donuts, products of a Director David Yates (Harry Potter and and supportive at first and menacing and “no-mag” (commonly referred to as a Mug- the Deathly Hallows) took a supporting role scheming at the end. The whole Farrell- gle in Harry Potter) who is applying for a to J.K. Rowling on this one. She doesn’t turned-Johnny Depp Easter egg sets up a government loan to open a bakery. The disappoint. Fantasic Beasts largely picks sequel (or four, as it so happens) nicely. other, fantastic briefcase is stuffed full of up visually and cinematically where the Fantastic Beasts (rated PG-13 for some the magical creatures that fans of the wiz- eight-part HP movie series left off. Rowl- fantasy action violence) touches on social arding world have come to know and love. ing infuses America with the same magi- issues in a sneaky and subtle way. The The briefcase mix-up helpfully leads cal vigor and fanciful characters of Harry characters at one point lament that magi- into the meeting of Newt Scamander (Ed- Potter. cal humans and non-mag individuals are die Redmayne) and Jacob Kowalski (Dan That being said, the locale is decid- prohibited from developing a romantic re- Fogler). Newt is coming to the United edly less scrumptious than Hogwarts. lationship or marrying (uh-oh for one of States to seek a breeder of some rare crea- Compared to the drab and sometimes the main characters). However, the poli- tures for his work back in the magical lifeless streets of New York City, Fantas- tics are momentary and repressed, and do world of Europe. Kowalski feels he is wast- tic Beasts falls short. But the film doesn’t not overwhelm the action in the slightest. ing his life in a factory, so he is trying to have any trouble blowing up the city with Perhaps the thing that was most ex- open a food service business but is denied all the Marvel-esque CGI it can muster, or pected as a leftover from the original a loan by the state, having to get creative rebuilding in inverse-Inception like fantasy movies, but also the thing that caught the to make his dreams come true. sequences. most people by surprise about Fantastic Redmayne’s Scamander is the chosen In Fantastic Beasts, Yates and Rowling Beasts, was the strong element of darkness protagonist. “You’re an interesting man, instead take the summer blockbuster ap- and malfeasance that runs through the Mr. Scamander. Just like your suitcase, I proach of blowing up anything and every- world of man. The Second Salemers are a think there’s more to you than meets the thing in sight. The film virtually starts secret witch hunting society, whose head eye.” Percival Graves sums up what the with the Obscurial, raging underground lady beats her children regularly to instill viewer already knows: Scamander is not and obliterating everything in its wake. fear of the dark side in them. The LOST- here to find a mythical breeder at all, but By the end of the film there are enough ish black smoke that tears up a subway rather to return magical beasts to their crumbled buildings, displaced cars, and station and ultimately gives force to the happy environments. He is minding his presumably dead citizens to make Cap- final showdown of the film will be scary own business in a world of wizards whose tain America and Iron Man proud. Re- for younger viewers. Fantastic Beasts is not first rule is also the first two rules of Fight grettably lost is the familiar man vs. man fantastically violent or dark. What it does Club: “You do not talk about ...” An in- conflicts that made Harry Potter such a joy do, however, is give visual representation fringement on the silence law is punish- to read and watch. to the malice haunting New York. Many able by execution. That being said, there is a decent bit throughout the film discover this prin- It is largely impossible to place Fan- of character development in this film. ciple firsthand. tastic Beasts in a cinematic context with- Kowalski bumbles around the screen Fantastic Beasts returns the magic out examining it in the larger multiverse falling in love and eating magical food, of Harry Potter to the big screen, with am- of Harry Potter. Comparisons are in order, getting chased by a bulbous rhinoceros ple room for improvement. Luckily for us, and helpful. There is much spillover be- and being struck speechless by the world we have at least four more franchise films tween the two stories. The original series he is not supposed to see. Colin Farrell to look forward to. s is a causal cornerstone for the new film. (The Lobster) plays Graves to a tee, warm theherald 19 Opinion: Why PHC Sports Matter week during classes, in addition to time serve our respect for the sheer amount of by Santos DeBarros taken up for traveling to and playing their time and effort they put in when faced games. with the difficult academic workloads that When was the last time you worked in- It’s like taking a six-credit class that we face here at PHC. So when we make credibly hard on something? Was it that you don’t get a grade for and prevents fun of them, we’re putting down all of the 30-page paper you wrote the other week? you from working on homework, papers, work that they’ve put in. Or that hour-long group presentation? I’m and any other extracurriculars. I bet Eden We’re putting down all the time that sure you were proud that you had finished Troupe participants can empathize with they have sacrificed. If we’re going to show it, especially if it meant a lot to you or this. Christian love and support to our broth- your grade. So how would you feel if you I understand that it’s not a secret that ers and sisters, the biblical way to do this heard people trashing all the hard work our sports teams have not been incredibly would be to support them uncondition- that you put into your project? successful for the past few years. But our ally. You can imagine it: knowing that athletes continue to get up early in the We’re not a big school, which limits people are badmouthing you, being hy- morning, go out late at night, and hit the our pool of potential players. We don’t percritical or overly cynical of individual court and the field in order to improve offer athletic scholarships. But we have performance or the group’s. And all the and stay sharp. This is something that we teams of dedicated players who deserve while you can’t really do anything about should respect as fellow students. our unrelenting support when they hit the it. That’s what student athletes at PHC go Our athletes understand they are not field or the court. through all the time. likely going to win every single game they I’ve seen us take home multiple victo- You’ve heard the play. However, they continue to ries over the last four years. There’s noth- jokes about the basket- push forward and practice so ing quite like it. I hope you’ll join me in ball teams and the soc- “We don’t offer that they can be competitive ev- the stands as our teams fight hard for the cer teams. You’ve seen athletic scholar- ery time they go out. love of the game. s the one-liners online, Beyond that, these athletes on Twitter and PHC ships but we deserve our support as PHC Family. And yet most have teams of students, their friends, and A Notice from students aren’t affected dedicated players fans. Admission to our games is by it, simply because who deserve our 100% free, and yet attendance they aren’t on a PHC unrelenting sup- has steadily gone down over the Bookstore sports team. But what port when they time. Perhaps this is a reflection about the individuals on an imbalanced emphasis on who are? hit the field or the academics over everything else The men’s and wom- court.” (but that’s a discussion for an- en’s soccer teams as well other day). as the men’s basketball But ultimately, if we’re going team have suffered teasing and ridicule to discuss PHC sports in a positive way, I from the student body, and it’s time for would hope that you’ve at least attended this pattern to end. These are men and games in the past or plan to in the future. women who sacrifice their time and bod- Your fellow students need your support. ies to exercise, workout, and train them- It’s disheartening to play your hard- selves. est and then hear or read other students The men’s basketball team got up at talking trash about your performance. Ul- 5am three days a week during preseason timately, this comes down to the Golden to practice, and then practiced again on Rule: “Do unto others as you would have Thursday nights. They have games to trav- them do unto you.” el to and play. The women’s soccer team We all have hobbies and activities that practiced twice a day during the preseason we enjoy and participate in. We’ve all suf- and three times a week during the regular fered the misfortune of having our chosen season. So did the men’s soccer team. hobbies made fun of. So let’s not do it to For comparison to your classes, the soc- others. cer teams practiced around four hours a These people work hard, and they de- theHERALDbackpage

PHOTO OF THE WEEK #trendingatPHC “My favorite Chrismas movie is The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. For me, it just has timeless Christmas humor. I can’t watch it or think of it without laugh- ing. And people always recognize it when I quote lines from it.” -Marquis Gough

“My favorite Christmas movie is the classic version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. My dad intro- duced it to me and my siblings when we were little. It was a tradition of ours to watch it every Christmas for several years. Everytime I see it now I think of home

Courtesy: Rebekah Jorgensen and the people I love.” Students decorating ornaments during the Christmas tree lighting event -Kendra Olson

“My favorite Christmas movie is Christmas in Con- necticut, because it’s a classic Christmas story with both romance and satire, and the house that most of the movie takes place in is so cozy.” -Carrie Durning Upcoming Events Eggnog & Awesomeness D4 Christmas Party Dec. 2 Dec. 4 9 pm Lessons and Carols 8 pm Disney Karaoke Night BHC Student Lounge Dec. 3 D4 and Pizza Party 7 pm Dec. 5 BHC Lobby 9 pm BHC Coffee Shop

“I am still too quick for you, even in death.” -Hailey Kilgo

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