The PANTHER POST GRAB, READ & PASS ALONG! Volume 2 Issue 3 “Our School

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The Official Student Newspaper of Good Hope ABSOLUTELY FREE! Country Day School The PANTHER POST GRAB, READ & PASS ALONG! Volume 2 Issue 3 “Our School. Our Paper.” May 31, 2019 GHCDS’s New Orange, White and Blue Day Champs! Student Congress: What You Need to Know By Carolyn Grimm

t seems that GHCDS students are starting to gain a little more power in Itheir school. Ms. Grey has recently instituted a new Student Congress - comprised of two students from each Upper School advisory - so that the student body has a designated space to voice their con- cerns and ideas surrounding student life. For example, Ms. Grey called for a meeting to discuss a “wellness week” so that students can destress prior to finals. The meeting served as a place for members to inform Ms. Grey of their fellow advisees’ thoughts and opinions about what wellness activities would be the most beneficial to them. Some of the ideas included a hosting “puppy day” (à White Team members pose on the upper field in celebration of their hard-fought victory after the eggman la HOSA’s puppy day last year), institut- relay race during the annual Orange, White and Blue Day competition held on Friday May 24th. ing no-homework rules for that week, Grey stated that no such uniform would But for the time being, at least we might and starting later in the day so students be instituted next year. get to sleep in before finals week. can sleep for longer. As for how much influence the Have an idea you want to discuss The group also serves as a way Student Congress will actually have on in Student Congress? Let your advisory’s for Ms. Grey to inform students directly school policy or events, it’s hard to say representatives know so they can bring it about Upper School decisions - for ex- right now. Hopefully, the group will up to Ms. Grey in the next meeting. ample, when members mentioned want- serve as an effective way for students to ing to talk about the uniform issue, Ms. voice their opinions and truly be heard.

Interview with Mr. Bugg Ask Alexis Rainbow Crosswalk Debate Our new HOS weighs in...... page 6 Her Last Advice Column...... page 20 PRISM Proposal Denied...... page 8 2The Panther Post Est. 2017 Founding Editors WHAT’S INSIDE Jade Bryan, Nyama Gibbs, Carolyn Grimm

- 2018-2019 Leadership -

Editor-in-Chief Carolyn Grimm EDITOR’S CORNER...... page 4 HEALTH & WELLBEING ADVISOR’S CORNER...... page 5 Ask Alexis...... page 22 Staff Writer...... Josie Calhoon Staff Writer...... Layalie Washshah Staff Writer...... Alexis Matarangas-King SCHOOL NEWS POETRY & CREATIVE WRITING Staff Writer...... Brennan Gorman Interview with Mr. Bugg...... page 8 Haiku About Autism...... page 24 Staff Writer...... Avery White Staff Writer...... Savanna Capdeville Moot Court Champs...... page 10 Mr. Loya’s Legacy...... page 11 DEEP MUSINGS Faculty Advisor / Layout Editor Captain Marvel: The New Wonder Mr. Lewis-Gonzalez Fletcher EDITORIAL & OPINION Woman?...... page 25 ______Patio...or Landfill?...... page 14 - Contributers to The Cause - Let the Virgin Islands Vote.....page 15 CARTOONS & GAMES Brice Richards Maya Acosta Submit of Fight...... page 16 Try not to laugh!...... page 26 Luca Gruber Tsehai Alfred The Most Efficient Way of Ridding Crossword Puzzle...... page 27 Ms. Banwaree And everyone who participated in our surveys! the World of Oppression...... page 17 Safe and Legal Abortions...... page 18 5 QUESTIONS Toxic Masculinity in the Caribbean David Conhoff...... page 29 and at GHCDS...... page 19

How to join our awesome team: If you are a Good SPORTS Hope Country Day School student interested in ENTERTAINMENT Basketball in the U.S...... page 32 contributing to The Panther Post on either its news reporting or editorial teams, please email either the Horoscopes...... page 20 JV Soccer Champions...... back page Editor-in-Chief or Faculty Advisor, or just stop by the PUB room and inquire face to face! THE PANTHER POST Editorials and Letter to the Editor Policy: For over a year, the opinion pages of The Panther Post have - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE - served as an open public forum for the exchange of Mission: The Panther Post was established in the fall of 2017, and is the student-run newspaper of Good Hope Country Day comment and criticism in a well-written and thought- School. ful manner. These pages are open to students, staff, We hope to serve two main functions on this campus. parents and others interested in GHCDS. To have an As an open community forum, we faithfully aim to both announce editorial or letter printed in The Panther Post, please quality news about the GHCDS community, and present thought- limit your piece to 600 words. Editorial submissions ful analysis of issues pertaining to this campus and the world at must be emailed to [email protected]. large. We hope to be a comprehensive source of information as Please include your full name and title (such as grade well as a site for dialogue and discussion. The editors are partic- ularly interested in social and political commentary and analysis level or position in the school). Letters will be pub- related to campus events and global issues. We know that The lished in the paper as spacing allows. Anonymous Panther Post will function at its best when its connections with submissions will not be published. Letters should not staff, faculty, students, alumni and student groups are strong. include any personal information pertaining to other Thus, we hope to use The Panther Post to present the voices of people unless it is relevant to the topic at hand, which a diverse cross section of Good Hope Country Day School as we will be decided at the discretion of The Panther Post’s aim to be as open and inclusive as possible. This is, we believe, managing editors. All letters will be edited for style an integral principal of journalism that must be upheld both at this school and beyond. and grammar. While we strive to print as many letters We aim to include (albeit not exclusively) political writ- to the editor as space allows, we also reserve the right ings, pop culture commentary, and writings from those traditional- not to print any letter. ly underrepresented within the media. The Panther Post aims to publish online as well as 2-5 substantial print issues a semester. Advertising Policy: The Panther Post will not accept As one of the few outlets for students to explore their advertising that the staff believes to be: factually in- interests in journalism while at Good Hope Country Day School, accurate, designed to mislead, deceive or defraud, we hope to work with students at any point in their career here. The Panther Post will gladly work with any interested writers, containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated photographers, graphic designers, multimedia artists, and web attacks, offering goods and/or services illegal for teens designers. We hold regular staff meetings that are open to all to possess, buy or use, libelous, obscene, or certain to members of the GHCDS community. create imminent danger or disruption to the educa- The views expressed in The Panther Post do not nec- tional mission of GHCDS. essarily reflect those of the paper, its staff, or Good Hope Country Day School. All content is copyright 2018-2019, The Panther Post. Thank you in advance for following these guidelines. All rights reserved. Revised September 2018. FOR THE RECORD The Index! 3 A Collection of Quotes From Around Campus, the Territory, the Country and the World ______“It is we children and future gen- “Elders are those qualified by the 1 erations that are going to suffer wisdom of life experiences – not Numbers of seniors who earned a perfect score on Mr. Fletcher’s Macroeconomics the most from these consequences simply by years lived – and who Final Exam. have demonstrated a willingness if we fail. It should not be up to us to 4 to usher the extended family and The number of public school buildings on take responsibility, but since most St. Croix the local government has aban- world leaders are behaving like community through life’s passages. doned since 2015. Elders offer guideposts for building 70 children, we have no other choice. Percentage of American citizens polled and navigating sustainability in our whom expressed enthusiasm or comfort- The older generations have failed ableness with a LGBT presidential candi- communities.” date, according to a new NBC/Wall Street us. Our political leaders have failed ~ Tahirah Abu Bakr, cofounder of the St. Journal poll. This marks a big shift since Croix Council of Elders, on how elderhood 2006, when 53% said they’d be “very us. Our political leaders can’t seem is perhaps the last and most important stage uncomfortable” or have “reservations” about a gay or lesbian candidate. to think beyond the next election, of life. 181 electoral votes and that must come to an end. This “You know, being just a little kid The representation by a multi-state compact to guarantee that the winner of the ongoing inaction of people in pow- in 7th grade, I never would have national popular vote becomes president. It would only take effect once 270 elec- dreamed that I’d be up here, Captain toral votes are represented. Twelve states er and the companies responsible and the District of Columbia have joined will, in the future, no doubt be re- of the White Team, being victorious. the compact so far. And it wasn’t me, - it was every single 12,000 membered as a crime against hu- Total hours of rehearsal time for this one of you, that pushed yourselves. year’s spring musical production, Mama manity.” Mia! ~ Youth climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16, in a May 20th speech at the R20 Austrian Everywhere I went, you guys were World Summit in Vienna, criticizing world $60,000 leaders and “older generations” for their in- pushing yourselves. No matter what Annual salary floor for public school action on climate change. teachers (tied to cost of living, couplied event it was. And I can’t thank you with a boost in the above-the-line tax deduction for out of pocket expenses on “We’re moving backwards intead guys enough for what you’ve given supplies), as proposed by independent Vermont Senator and 2020 presidential me, and for what you’ve given your- candidate Bernie Sanders in his 10-point of forwards .” education plan introduced on May 18th. ~ Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Represen- Sanders also rolled out a plan to offer tative, on continuing U.S.-China trade ten- selves.” ~ Angelo Capriola, Senior and the 2019 universal free meals to public school stu- sions, as the U.S. prepared to increase tariffs White Team Captain, at the Crowning Cer- dents. He called for free breakfast, lunch on Chinese goods. emony of Orange, White and Blue Day. This and snacks year-round and an incentive marked the 17th victory for the White Team program to provide the food from local since 1981. sources. He also called for an expansion “I feel American.” of after school and summer education ~ Tanitoluwa Adewumi, 8-year-old Nigerian programs, promising to spend at least $5 refugee and New York State chess champion- billion a year. ship winner. 4 Even More of The Index! From the ______Editor 1 vote Measure by which a Medicaid expansion vote failed in the Kansas Senate May 3rd. Kansas is one of the 14 states that has not made more low-income people eligible for the government’s low-cost health care.

4 Months that a Mississippi prison has been on lockdown due to a shortage of corrections officers. Most of the inmates are locked in their cells for 23 hours a day and not allowed visitors..

ey there, Panthers! to outright hilarious. Avery, you were 6 So we made it. It’s fi- only with us for a short time this year, Number of months of life expectancy that makes a person eligible for physician-as- Hnally the end of the year. In but managed to put together some sisted suicide in New Jersey, the latest all honesty, I’m writing this the night wonderful and timely articles (espe- state to legalize “aid in dying.” Seven before this issue’s release, while also cially about the patio - it’s nasty, and other states have similar laws.. suffering from a massive headache somebody needed to say it). You’ll be (that’s just finals week talking). It’s greatly missed, but I know you’ll do 80 been a long year, but a good one - es- amazing things in college! Keep writ- The number of years it will take to repair pecially for the Panther Post, which ing! more than 47,000 structurally deficient bridges in the U.S., according to a new has certainly grown and gained much Finally, I would like to thank report. more solid footing, thanks to the help all of the people who’ve urged me to of our wonderful staff. As per usual, use this platform as a way to shine a $32 million to any students reading this, I strong- light on important issues. I know that Average amount the United States has ly encourage you to consider writing this newspaper has the potential to spent on war per hour since 2001, accord- for the paper, or even just sending in be something amazing, and it truly ing to estimates by the Costs of War proj- ideas of what you’d like to see next means the world to me that so many ect at Brown University’s Watson Insti- tute for International and Public Affairs. year! individuals believe that, too. That’s I would like to thank Mr. why I’ll never stop encouraging stu- $350 million Fletcher, who’s been unwavering in dents to write for the paper, because I Money that Purdue Pharma, the manufac- his support for my (sometimes cra- truly believe that it has power. turer of OxyContin, and the company’s zy and always ambitious) ideas and That’s all for now! We’ll see owners, the Sackler family, have agreed endlessly dedicated to the paper since you next year - hopefully better than to pay Oklahoma to settle an opioid law- its founding last year. You rock, and ever! Have a great summer - and do suit. It will be divided between the state, cities, counties and a new addiction treat- your journalism students wish you the your summer reading early. That has ment and research center at Oklahoma best on your next adventure in North nothing to with the newspaper, it’s State University. Carolina! just generally useful advice. Trust me I would also like to thank the on this. $2.3 billion graduating seniors on our staff, Alex- Thanks for an awesome year, Worth of Australian currency that was is and Avery. Alexis, your advice col- readers! printed last October with a typo that mis- umn has been a smash hit this year, spells the word “responsibility.” and you’ve contributed so much qual- ~ Carolyn Grimm, Editor-in-Chief ity material - ranging from thoughtful 5

- Think. Write. Share. Repeat. -

n my last column, I wrote about conversations with strongly voiced Sadly, this will be my last col- the power of student journalism. opinions, to say nothing of what is umn as the Faculty Advisor, as my II’d like to continue in a similar shared on social media. But not a lot wife and I will be moving to North spirit for this issue. of this actually gets written down. If Carolina in just a few days. It has Just look how far this student even a fraction of the daily conversa- been a tremendous honor assisting in publication has come in the last two tions with friends, classmates, school the establishment of this paper, men- years: six issues encompassing over faculty and staff, family and commu- toring writers and editors alike, and one hundred pages of timely and in- nity members were transcribed, edit- I can’t wait to witness its continued teresting material, dozens of submis- ed and submitted to The Panther Post, growth and institutionalization over sions representing a wide cross-sec- our pages would be literally overflo- the coming years. In closing, I want tion of the student body, and, like the winng with material - and we would to leave you with the words of Czech- Student Congress, another new and publish with much greater speed and born British playwright and screen- important medium for student en- frequency as a result. writer Tom Stoppard: “I still believe gagement. Truly, this is a new institu- I challenge you, dear reader, that if your aim is to change the world, tion we should all be proud of. to ask yourself: ‘when was the last journalism is a more immediate short- But a student newspaper, es- time I took a risk to pubicly share my term weapon.” May your continued pecially in a small school such as personal opinion?’ Then, follow that dedication to objective journalism, ours, also demands a willingness to up with: ‘what’s stopping me from promoting an inclusive open forum, actively put one’s thoughts down from broadcasting my opinion to the and spirited but civil dialogue, dis- in writing. Every day in each of my wider community?’ I firmly believe cussion and debate continue well into classes, I am fortunate to hear and that the more this publication contin- the forseeable future. ALL POWER learn from a rich assortment of young ues to grow and expand, and the more TO STUDENT JOURNALISTS! individual minds with an even rich- student pieces get published and read, ~ Christopher Lewis-Gonzalez Fletcher er variation of divergent outlooks then the more willing others will be FACULTY ADVISOR and philosophies, and outside of the to in turn follow suit. Think. Write. @Fletcher_USVI classroom I also constantly overhear Share. Repeat. 6 SCHOOL NEWS PRISM’s Rainbow Crosswalk Request Denied: Why It Matters By Carolyn Grimm

n May 15, GHCDS’s Gay- been other clubs that have done this reason for the denial. Straight Alliance club, already.” Wylie went on to cite efforts “The third reason was that OPRISM: Queers & Allies, made by groups like the National political issues would arise… They submitted a proposal to the adminis- Art Honor Society and the numerous asked us what it stood for. I replied tration to paint a rainbow crosswalk murals they’ve painted around the that it stands for, like I said before, in- on campus. According to the club’s school. clusivity and equality. Then Ms. Grey leader, Senior Wylie Crowther, “We Wylie also mentioned an ex- went on to question, ‘But what does it wanted to do a rainbow crosswalk to ample Ms. Grey provided that greatly really stand for?’... This is a lot more promote inclusivity and equality in upset him. “Ms. Grey said that, ‘What than just the LGBT group… The rain- the school.” However, the administra- if there was a conservative club and bow stands for so much more.” tion denied this request, bringing up they supported the keeping of 2nd How does the administration feel questions about the true motives be- Amendment rights and they decided on the matter? The Panther Post sat hind their decision: well-intentioned they wanted to paint guns all over the down with Mr. Loya to discuss the is- or homophobic? school?’ Which was very insulting. sue further. Mr. Loya and Ms. Grey gave The rainbow flag stands for so much On the maintenance side, Mr. three reasons as to why they denied more than the LGBT group. It stands Loya is unconvinced that PRISM the proposal: the paint would be diffi- for inclusivity and equality amongst would truly continue to maintain the cult to maintain, the crosswalk would all people, no matter your gender, crosswalk, citing past experiences set precedent for other clubs to create race, no matter what. It’s been seen with groups that have volunteered to similar permanent installations, and across all religions; it’s a peaceful maintain their projects and then not its message would be too politically symbol. Comparing it to a club paint- followed through. “People say that, charged. Wylie was certainly unsatis- ing guns everywhere is just upsetting and then a key person leaves, and fied with the reasons. because that is completely opposite of things fall apart... So ultimately, there “It was a little insulting… The what the rainbow stands for.” is one person responsible for main- first reason was a little upsetting be- As Wylie said, the rainbow taining things on this campus. That’s cause they said it would be hard to is representative of far more than our Director of Facilities, Mr. Lima… maintain… but this wouldn’t even just the LGBTQ community. It has One of the things that we have tried be a permanent thing because you symbolic significance in several dif- to do is figure out ways that we can can either paint or pave over it… It ferent religions and cultures, includ- reduce maintenance.” Mr. Loya used wouldn’t be for the maintenance team ing Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, the entryway in front of the office as to care of. This is a PRISM project, and several different Native Ameri- an example of how the school has so everything would be covered by can cultures and religions (as well as attempted to reduce maintenance by PRISM… we would take full control many others). For some, it represents installing reflectors that require zero over it. a sign or message from a higher be- upkeep. “The second reason was that ing, while others see it as a symbol It’s unclear whether or not his opin- it would open new avenues for oth- for the earthly elements: water, fire, ions would shift if PRISM created a er clubs to install permanent projects earth, and air. more permanent (and thus, much less on the school campus, which doesn’t Ms. Grey compared it to guns. maintenance-heavy) installation, like make any sense because there have Wylie also elaborated on the third a completely repaved crosswalk (the club’s sponsor, Ms. Wilson, previous- to suspend a student that was using thing like that, because they’re gon- ly mentioned that she has the connec- that symbol with some language in a na have different views, and they’re tions to completely repave the cross- negative, teasing way. Those two are gonna associate this not with general walk with rainbow colors instead of very carefully linked.” inclusivity, [but rather] on a hot but- simply painting the road). This statement in particular ton issue,” Mr. Loya said of the cross- As for the installation setting brings up questions that go far be- walk. precedent for other groups on cam- yond a denied project request. Part of PRISM’s job is to pus, Mr. Loya stated that the murals GHCDS is home to advocacy inform people who perceive the created by NAHS were an exception, groups like PRISM, but also to blatant LGBTQ community as a “hot button not a rule. Mr. Loya also noted that acts of ignorance and homophobia issue” - and clearly, their presence is the painted trash cans near the office severe enough to warrant a student’s more important than ever. The denial and lower field were allowed due to suspension. What does this say about of PRISM’s request echoes a larger their relative neutrality: the mindset surrounding inclusivity at problem at GHCDS - there are mem- “[The panther trash cans were] the school? bers of our community who are ho- aligned with some of the messages we The school’s mission reads, mophobic, unaccepting, and would want out front - things that are related “Good Hope Country Day School cul- consider a rainbow meant to symbol- to panthers… Schools generally have tivates reflective, creative and - com ize inclusivity and diversity as radi- their mascot, their name, their colors passionate students who are critical cal. [displayed around school]... The one, thinkers prepared to excel in college This rainbow crosswalk is so if you call it an ‘exception,’ is the Na- and empowered to better their island much more than paint on the road tional Art Honor Society, whose ex- and the world.” Mr. Loya pointed - it’s a symbol for how far we, as a plicit purpose is to create art.” out that the school cannot take a per- school, still have to go. Education is Though PRISM says their in- manent position on the matter in the about more than memorizing dates tended message with the crosswalk form of a crosswalk because inclu- or formulas. It’s about becoming is to promote inclusivity, Mr. Loya sivity is not mentioned anywhere in well-rounded and knowledgeable in stands firm on the fact that many the mission statement, but should it all areas of life, not just the liberal members of the community would have to be stated clearly? Shouldn’t arts. Learning to accept and embrace strictly perceive the rainbow as a inclusivity and acceptance be a given others, regardless of what they look symbol of gay pride with too polariz- at any institution, especially a school? like or who they love, is a major coming of a message. That’s why clubs like PRISM are so ponent of that. Perhaps the admin- “With high school students important on campus - they ask these istration and other members of the [and] adults, it’s very clear that a rain- tough questions and advocate for peo- community don’t see that - not yet, bow, in certain contexts, has a main ple whose unchangeable identities are anyway. With groups like PRISM meaning, and that’s a position on one “controversial,” even when the great- making noise and kickstarting im- particular issue… I’ve never heard er community doesn’t necessarily portant conversations, regardless of anyone use [the rainbow] as the rep- have their backs. how uncomfortable they may be, the resentation of their cause, except for “I know that there will be people in future seems as bright as a rainbow. one group, which is really around gay our community that would, in fact, rights… Four weeks ago here, I had come to me if we were to do some- 8 SCHOOL NEWS An Interview with Mr. Bugg By Carolyn Grimm

ne of the biggest controver- School for my last three years there. sies this year has been the de- Then we moved [to a town] outside Obate over the Head of School of Cleveland - Hudson, Ohio - and I decision. The last issue of the Panther was the Assistant Head of School at far for GHCDS? Post covered this controversy more in Western Reserve Academy. Then we My most important plan right now depth, but to briefly summarize, the moved to Vermont, where I’ve been is to do a ton of listening… I don’t Board made the decision to hire Mr. the Head of Thetford Academy for know enough yet. This is my second William Bugg from Vermont as the the last seven years. It’s an interesting trip to GHCDS, and my real intent new HOS over long-time GHCDS school because it’s private and public this trip is to try to understand where Lower School Dean, Ms. Blanch- at the same time. people need help, where programs ette. In order to follow up on our last ______need attention. One of the questions piece, Panther Post writers Carolyn I’m asking all the teachres and staff Grimm and Nati Kuipers sat down here is “What hopes and dreams do with Mr. Bugg during his March visit “My most important you have for the school? What hopes to St Croix in hopes that our readers plan right now is to and dreams do you have for your own will get to learn more about him. The do a ton of listening… career in education?” I’m really just following are his answers to ques- trying to understand the lay of the tions that students told the Panther I don’t know enough land… I have some vague ideas, but Post they wanted to ask. yet. This is my second they’re really vague right now and I trip to GHCDS, and need to do a lot of listening. What are some of your qualifica- tions? my real intent this trip What drew you to this school in I’ve been a teacher for a long time. I is to try to understand particular? taught Latin, English, ancient history, where people need That’s a good question… I like the journalism, graphic design, mytholo- idea of a self-contained island and the gy, etymology, and one time I taught help, where programs idea of getting to really know and un- Earth science. Oh, and I have taught need attention.” derstand the cultures, the people, and AP European History. But a lot of ______how this kind of microcosm works. those things I’ve just taught once or On a personal note, though, we are in twice, and mostly what I’ve taught a one of the least diverse states in the lot of is ancient history and Latin… At How does that work? country in Vermont. While our school the school I’ve taught at for the lon- It’s a private school, but we serve as is socioeconomically diverse, and we gest, Darlington School in Georgia, the town’s designated public school, have about 20% of students in pov- I also served as Director of Publica- so we have all the kids. We’re pub- erty, some in serious poverty… in tions. I had all the student journalism lically funded but we also do fund- terms of ethnic diversity or linguistic stuff, but we also did the alumni mag- raising and we make decisions like a diversity, there’s just not any. So, the azine and the parent newsletter… So private school does… I’ve loved get- possibility of coming to a place where then I moved on to become a Dean of ting to understand [kids from less for- many languages are spoken, many re- Students. Then, I served as the princi- tunate backgrounds] because I’ve al- ligions are practiced, where there are pal of a school in South Carolina, and ways been in kind of a private school people from many different countries, then I became Assistant Head of that [setting]. ethnicities, and races, that kind of di- school. Actually, I became Head of Do you have any specific plans thus versity, I’m really excited about being a part of and learning [about], and [for] my kids to have that opportunity. 9

A lot of people have heard that your current school is having financial issues. Is that true? So, Thetford Academy is the oldest school in Vermont. We just celebrat- ed our 200th birthday on February 8th of this year, believe it or not… I already told you a little bit that it’s an independent school with a public purpose, that’s part of its mission. So, the number of kids in the area is the number of kids we have to draw from, and so we’re heavily dependent on demographics. We’re the designated school for the town of Thetford, and about two-thirds of our kids come from Thetford. There are a lot of little towns around us that don’t have ______

“I think it’s really important for me to listen and understand, and not come to pre- William Bugg III, who has been selected as the new GHCDS Head of School, to begin mature conclusions during the summer of 2019 or judgements. I real- ______ly don’t want to spec- New England are doing what demo- thing I’m confident of is that Thetford ulate on what I might graphics in some places in Europe are Academy is, in my opinion, the best doing. People are aging, they’re not school in the area, and I think it’ll be do. I want to learn.” having children, and the population fine in time. ______is shrinking. Back in 2007-2008, our [Mr. Bugg also noted that Thetford school had almost 400 kids. We now Academy is very transparent on have 300, and so there’s just been this school matters, and that more infor- downsizing that not only our school mation can be found at www.thetfor- a high school, and they have school has done, but every school in the area dacademy.org under the menu called choice. Wherever the families decide has had to go through. Some schools “TA Today.”] to go, the tax dollars follow them, and have closed. Last year, a school called there are about 12 schools in the area. Chelsea High School closed, and we Finally, when you come here full There’s too many schools. They’re have 12 of their students now, which time, do you plan to tread lightly or all kind of competing for those kids is really helpful... The answer is that are you willing to “rock the boat” in the choice count. We literally have the demographic situation has just when it comes to making decisions? kids that come from an hour south or been up and down a lot, and frankly, it I think it’s really important for me to an hour north in Vermont. We have will continue to go up and down a lot. listen and understand, and not come kids who come from New Hamp- Until probably a couple more schools to premature conclusions or judge- shire… The problem with the area as close, there’s not gonna be a kind of ments. I really don’t want to speculate a whole, demographics in Northern right sizing of the other schools. One on what I might do. I want to learn. 10 SCHOOL NEWS

Panthers Excel at 25th Annual Appellate Moot Court Competition By The Panther Post Staff

ongratulations to the three-student team whom recently took on Cthe attorney’s mantle and compet- ed at the 25th Annual Virgin Islands High School Appellate Moot Court Competi- tions. The GHCDS team was coached (From left to right) Seniors Nayan Bansal, Avery White and Lailoni Canton pose with their tro- by attorney and Federal Public Defender phies alongside their coach, attorney Michael Rogers. ______Michael Rogers, whom has coached the a Facebook post she wrote: “while this ment building skills!” school’s team the last four years, in addi- experience was extremely challenging I The first Moot Court contest was tion to the faculty advisory Ms. Thatcher. highly recommend it for all high school held in 1994 by the then Territorial Court There were two different rounds students, it’s so enriching and will help in collaboration with the VI Bar. - the district level and territorial level. you with your public speaking and argu- At the district level, the students tackled a difficult hypothetical case regarding asylum and removal of an immigrant to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Citing cases and code, student delivered oral arguments before a three judge panel. GHCDS won first place at the disrict level, and Avery won the 2nd place oralist distinction and Nia won the 3rd place oralist distinction. According to Ms. Thatcher, “both girls were counseled well by Nayan, who is a veteran on the team who held the important position as the alternate this year, responsible for knowing all arguments for both issues of the case.” In the territorial championship, conducted at the VI Supreme Court in St. Thommas, Senior Avery White captured the honor of “Best Orator,” awarded to the student with the best overall perfor- mance as an attorney. Reflecting on the Smiles all around during the National Honor Society-sponsored snacktime givaway of process of participating in this event, in donuts and tarts on Wednesday May 22nd in front of Room 2. Photo by Mr. Fletcher. “A man who gets things done!” 11 Reflections on Mr. Loya’s Legacy By The Panther Post Staff he end of the 2018-2019 school But what exactly are some of these things leadership void last December—we have year brings not just relief that that he has gotten done in the past four systematically moved the school forward final exams are over, as well as years? Several examples can be found to ensure stronger infrastructure, pro- T contained within the April 10th “GHCDS grams, and personnel than in 2015. We excitement over the long-anticipated start of summer break, but also pause Academic Leadership Model Update” have renovated the pavilion, main office, email to parents sent by Mr. Loya, in library, and front entry way; eliminat- as we say a number of goodbyes, which he stated: “Despite extraordinary ed flooding; established back-up pow- most notably to our outgoing Head of challenges over the last three and half er for 15 of 17 buildings; and upgraded School, Kari Loya. years—a smaller student population with and expanded the wireless network. We At a recent GHCDS Board an expanding range of needs and learning have vertically aligned our K-12 math Meeting, past Boardchair John Harp- styles, arguably the toughest St. Croix curricula and K-8 writing program, and er joined others in attendance in pay- economy in decades, back-to-back Cat- we have begun investing in quality pro- ing tribute to Mr. Loya, describing egory 5 hurricanes that caused a third of fessional development to ensure effec- him as “a man who gets things done.” our families to leave, and an unexpected tive implementation. We have increased faculty compensation three consecutive years (the first raises in half a decade), hired talented new team members, and provided faculty with laptops. We have also published the school’s first annual reports, hosted the school’s first off-island alumni events, and secured the two largest gifts in the school’s history.” As a followup to this communi- cation, The Panther Post approached Mr. Loya this week to pick his brain about his impending transition elsewhere, and he readily agreed to sit down with us to answer our questions, which are as follows (in bold):

Which memory of GHCDS will remain your fondest? Reopening the school on day 9 after hurricane Maria snd seeing the sacrifices that people were making - faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees - in order to make that happen. And the positive impact that had on the overall island’s recovery. And two words: WE LED!

What were the top three challenges you faced as Head of School at GH- CDS? Number one: having to make significant budget cuts in week 5 of my tenure at GHCDS. It’s no fun to start in a crisis. Number 2: rebounding and recovering from Maria, but BAM! We are better after Maria. Numebr 3: keeping our school moving forward this year, when Decem- ber events destabilized us operationally, 12

and emotionally. Everyone needs a sum- the power grid once and for all, by going school itself is in a better place to sur- mer vacation to rest, recharge and heal. solar. That will save the school money, vive this beautful yet brutal environment. save the school time and put our students He’s also been very proactive in address- How have you grown as a person and faculty in the forefront of important ing problems that have plagued us a through this role? conversations around the globe on STEM school since I was a teacher here, such I’m better at separating my individual and sustainability. as the environment that students work opinions and goals from my institution- in.” Ms. Grey went on to continue with: al responsibilities in terms of thinking What do you hope the next Head of “I think he’s really tried to help us be- about the institution. Every decision is School will be able to achieve during come more systematic in the way that we about serving the institution and our stu- their tenure? do things [especially] more streamlining dents. That’s one, and the second is that I hope that Bill is able to strengthen the and greater conistency across divisions, I am better at living the Serenity Prayer: sense of community in a place where with more alignment and cross-divisional God, give me grace to accept with se- people have gone through significant tur- collaboration. Through him, the concept renity the things that cannot be changed, moil the last couple of years. And then I of self reflection on one’s practice has courage to change the things which hope he can get everyone alligned around increased, as he has modeled that right should be changed, and the wisdom to a few key long-term goals that they iden- on down through the entire organization,; distinguish the one from the other. tify. I think he’s changed the culture in that regards, certainly in the Upper School What do you think will be your great- eflecting on the impact of Mr. division. I think he has fostered the idea est legacy at this school? Loya’s tensure, Head of Upper that it’s important to learn from others - I hope it’s what we can do in the next RSchool Ms. Grey recalled: “I he has faciliatated different teams visit- four weeks - sign an agreement to get think one of the biggest changes here has ing other schools [to be able to] learn and Good Hope Country Day School off of defintely been the physical plant - the collaborate and share and receive ideas, and that’s something that he has pro- moted consistently. I think he’s certainly the brand, black and gold, in terms of a marketing perspective, he’s helped to so- lidify our brand, the gold tree, in presen- tations, etc, in terms of making us more marketable in the digital and social media realms. And also data - he’s been very data driven. He’s been pushing the teams to acquire and update the data in order to inform decisions, even coming up with a budget for the Upper School, and ap- proaching it in a logical way, analyzing trends over time, etc….and that kind of strategic approach to problem solving, I wards, elaborated further, stating: “Kari’s leadership can best be summed up with 13 one word. Intensity. I marvel at his stamina in handling complex issues faced by the school community. Budget shortfalls, back-to-back hurricanes and the after- math brought challenge after challenge. We would not have had the growth and success we enjoy now with out his intensity, stamina and ability to lead and that is what a Head of School does every day: lead with focused intention to getting needed work done. Our school is a stron- was able to experience that first hand in ger, richer place for students and families us open 9 days later.” looking at various aspects of the Upper from his leadership and we all owe him Spanish teacher Ms. Capriola School under his leadership. And he’s a great thank you as he heads off to new recalled one instance in which Mr. Loya modeled for me what is means to be a opportunities. With all the challenges personally assisted her family: “he also mentor, and I have grown considereably have also come great joys, learning and helped us when [my son] Mario got because of him. And his willingness to a sense of place that I know he will car- stranded after the storm - he talked to share ideas and force me to think outside ry in his heart about us, this great school people there and helped him finally get the box, from a wider perspective. And and community, all the days of his life. here. He was very supportive of a moth- for that I’m very grateful for.” He will be missed.” er’s concern.” Testimonials from members of Art teacher Ms. Banwaree Also related to the recovery the Board of Trustees echoed that of the seemed grateful for one thing in partic- process after Hurricane Maria, Upper administration. Attorney Nesha Chris- ular: “Thank god he got our generators School Math teacher Ms. Baker shared tian-Hendrickson (CDS Class of 2000) - because that’s always been an issue in how she appreciated the picture he post- noted that: “Kari is a powerhouse! In his the art building. We’d be jealous hearing ed of his lawn after the storm, in which tenure as Head of School, the generator for the Admin building go he had arranged a series of stones to spell ______off but we’d be without [power].” She out a message that could be seen from further waxed nostalgic for his presence the air, and which was aimed at President at key events throughout the year, for Trump: “it helped us bigly.” “Kari has been a light example how, during Halloween, “he Finally, from our incoming Head during some extreme- would dress up in these crazy costumes of School Bill Bugg: “Kari has been a - one year he was a genie, another a glad- superb advisor throughout my transition, ly difficult times. We iator. He always gets into that stuff. And and as a result I will begin my work at are BAM ( Better Af- all of his Orange, White and Blue Day GHCDS understanding many of the sys- speeches, which are so theatrical, like tems and processes through which our ter Maria) because of Braveheart.” school operates. Kari has done so much Kari.” Upper School English Teacher for the school’s educational programs, Ms. Croney recalled how: “When we physical plant infrastructure, financial ______first came to campus after the storm, the wellbeing, and advancement efforts over next morning, first being relieved to see the last four years, and GHCDS is a much he has led with determination and vig- the roofs on, how (he had insisted on new stronger school as a result. Kari, best of or. His effervescent spirit motivates the screws for the roofs)” and for him to get luck in your future endeavors.” Board and myself to dig deeper and do more for this amazing institution. During his leadership, we have been able to fine tune our challenges. Kari has been a light during some extremely difficult times. We are BAM ( Better After Maria) because of Kari. I can not thank him enough for his energy, enthusiasm and drive. He has made a positive mark on Good Hope Country Day and the Virgin Islands. He will be missed.” Another Board member, Cala- bash Real Estate President Honnie Ed- 14

Patio...Or Landfill? By Avery White

ccording to the V.I. Department March in Ms. Wilson’s classroom, which carelessly the high school students litter, of Agriculture, there are two rat shares a wall with the Snack Shack. what impression will that leave? We are Aspecies found in our territories: Around the carcass was an abundance of extremely lucky to go to school on such the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and rat droppings and rat urine; its odor was a beautiful campus. Since we spend so the Black rat (Rattus rattus). These rats extremely foul. The rat either died of an much time here, we should always put in first arrived as stowaways on boats and illness or from being trapped behind the an honest effort to take care of it. Various were eventually deemed a harmful, in- ______students have tried to make the argument vasive species. They can carry damaging that it’s the cleaning ladies’ responsibili- bacterial diseases such as typhus, trich- ty to pick up their garbage, but this claim inosis, salmonellosis, hemorrhagic fe- “As emerging adults, is unreasonable. The cleaning ladies have ver with renal syndrome, leptospirosis, we should try to leave many other responsibilities at GHCDS. rat-bite fever, tularemia, and the plague. They are not here solely to pick up after Throughout this school year, numerous an area cleaner than the us like our mothers would in kinder- dead rats have been found inside and we found it. Having garten. As emerging adults, we should try around the high school’s Snack Shack. nice outdoor seating to leave an area cleaner than we found While the causes of death are unknown, it. Having nice outdoor seating is a priv- what we do know is that they must be is a privilege and peo- ilege and people should not be afraid to nesting in the vicinity if they’re con- ple should not be afraid eat at Snack Shack because of the sloppi- tinuing to raid the food stock at night ness of a small group. Wild rats are very and over holiday breaks when no one is to eat at Snack Shack unsanitary, and if they’re constantly dy- on campus. Their presence has been a because of the sloppi- ing, they must be carrying some sort of pressing concern, as rat diseases spread ness of a small group.” illness. Although this school year is com- through their urine, and it’s highly proba- ing to an end, it isn’t too late to practice ble that they’re peeing in the areas where ______cleanliness. food is stored. The last dead rat was found in cabinet. The reader may be wondering, “Why have there been so many rat problems this year?” The general consensus is this: the food and trash that’s always littered around the patio attracts them. If someone went to the patio at any point of the day, it’s guaranteed that they’d find wrappers, half-eaten sandwiches, chips, and mysterious, sticky substances on the tables and floor. Despite there being a large black trash can conveniently located at the corner of the patio, the students that make use of the area continue to leave their trash on the ground so that it sits there or blows into the grass. Either way, the infected rats find the scraps, eat them, and then return for more the next day. Not only does the trash around the patio attract unwanted critters, it also looks disgusting. If a new family is tak- ing a tour of our campus and they see how EDITORIALS 15 Let the Virgin Islands Vote By Brice Richards

he Twenty Sixth Amendment of prove the Virgin Islands status and value lies, the right or privilege to vote should the United States Constitution as a territory is allowing us to have repre- not be that big of a deal to give to its own Tstates that all citizens of the Unit- sentation and a voice on topics and issues territories. The average voter turnout in ed States that are over the age of eighteen through voting. the United States is notoriously low and shall not be denied the right to vote. Con- The residents of the United more citizens voting especially from a sidering this why can’t the citizens of the States Virgin Islands cannot currently territory as diverse as the United States United States Virgin Islands vote? individually vote because we are not a Virgin Islands could help the voting av- The people of the United States state. The United States Virgin Islands erages and create a better election pro- Virgin Islands should be able to vote in has a delegate to the United States Con- cess. There are around 105,000 citizens United States elections. The residents of gress, Stacey Plaskett, however, she does in the United States Virgin Islands. Only the United States Virgin Islands cannot not even have a vote. The Virgin Islands a small fraction of these people have the currently vote on issues that affect their has to follow the same federal laws as the ______lives. The allies or friends of the United rest of the United States so shouldn’t we States seem have a bigger impact on the along with the other territories get to vote country than its own territories do. The on who gets to make and enforce these “The Virgin Islands has Virgin Islands is not currently seen a rules? The United States gives so much to follow the same fed- part United States by other countries or to the rest of the world, and in compar- even residents of the United States even ison to the billions of aid and financial eral laws as the rest of though it is. An effective first step to -im support the United States gives to its al- the United States so shouldn’t we along with the other territories get to vote on who gets to make and enforce these rules?” ______

right to vote and that number is miniscule in comparison to the 328 million resident United States citizens that live on the mainland. However, a small amount of people can very easily sway election. In 1880, James A. Garfield beat Winfield S. Hancock by a meer 7 thousand votes (Infoplease, Infoplease, https://www.infoplease.com/history-and-government/ us-elections/closest-presidential-races). Election races are becoming closer and closer . The process of amending the constitution to allow territories to vote would Got an opinion on something important? be long, difficult and complicated but representation matters. This issue is too Submit an editorial to The Panther Post! big to ignore any longer especially with territories beginning to need more and Email to [email protected] more from the United States with climate change and the increase in hurricanes. sion carried out by the ANC did play and Russia, violence was introduced 16 a major role in anti-apartheid efforts, to the struggle for freedom after years and the eventual dismantling of the of oppression, though South Africa’s system. violence was more organized. Both While ultimately the use of vi- caused issues with the government olence did not end the apartheid sys- militaries, but in South Africa, the tem, the armed struggle, combined issue was that there were not enough with other strategies, was necessary soldiers, whereas in Russia, the issue to the revolution’s success. The in- was the soldiers’ collective hesitation ception of the ANC’s militant wing, and mutiny (Watson 2005). Despite a huge shift in policy, was largely a their differences, the use of armed result of desperation. After years of aggression in both South Africa and Submit or Fight peaceful protests, little progress was Russia proved effective in the - for made and oppression continued. This ward movement toward a seemingly By Maya Acosta seeming hopelessness led the ANC better future for the people. leaders to turn to a new method: sabo- A limited armed struggle can hen faced with severe op- tage. From then on, violence in South be justified when there is no other oppression which peaceful Africa grew to unprecedented levels. tion and the violence used is effective Wprotest has failed to fix, a The South African police and military in eliminating widespread injustice. limited, armed struggle may be neces- forces were stretched thin, forcing the This means the positive results out- sary. Such struggle should only serve ______weigh the necessary violence. In a to accompany peaceful protest and case such as South Africa’s anti-apart- can only be justified when it results heid revolution, certain, organized in the lasting freedom of people and “Many years of chaos aggressive tactics we acceptable. This improved quality of life. This strug- had passed, but finally was a struggle for freedom that seem- gle should not include any violence the ANC’s efforts began ingly faced a dead end and needed the that targets innocent civilians, or does to pay off. This could not extra push to ultimately claim victo- not advance an agenda aimed at a fu- have happened without ry. In the words of the MK, “The time ture of peace and universal equality. the aggression of the comes in the life of any nation when As Susan Farbstein, the co-director of there remain only two choices: sub- the International Human Rights Clin- oppressed.” mit or fight,” (Watson 2003). ic said, “We may have to face the re- ______ality that sometimes there are govern- Works Cited ments that are just so cruel, so evil, so government to recruit blacks, mean- unjust, that people may need to resist ing the apartheid system was under- HLS staff. “In Honor of Nelson Mandela: by force,” (HLS staff 2014). going major changes. The violence When, If Ever, Is Violence Justifiable in In the case of South Africa in persisted until a state of emergency Struggles for Political or Social Change? (Video).” Harvard Law Today, The Presi- 1961, armed struggle was a useful tool was called. The state of emergency dent and Fellows of Harvard College, 28 but was not the reason for the forward attracted international attention, lead- Mar. 2014, today.law.harvard.edu/hon- political and social progress. Under ing other countries to impose sanc- or-nelson-mandela-ever-violence-justifi- Apartheid, South Africans were This tions, isolating South Africa from the able-struggles-political being said, not all struggles in South rest of the world. The economy was -social-change-video/. Africa were alike. Certain actions crumbling, which applied pressure to taken by the PAC were not justified the South African government. Many Watson, Thomas J. Freedom in Our Life- as they harmed innocent white civil- years of chaos had passed, but final- time: South Africa’s Struggle. Watson ians, such as the two young girls who ly the ANC’s efforts began to pay off. Institute for International Studies, Brown were found camping and then hacked This could not have happened with- University, 2003. to death by members of the PAC’s out the aggression of the oppressed. Watson, Thomas J. The Russian Revo- militant wing, Poqom (Watson 2003). The event in February 1917 in lution. Watson Institute for International This was an unnecessary evil that Russia similarly shows how the use of Studies, Brown University, 2005. did not promote freedom or equality. violence can be a step toward victory However, the more organized aggres- in a revolution. In both South Africa The Most Efficient Way of 17 Ridding the World of Oppression By Luca Gruber

partheid in South Africa was progress in ending apartheid using a humanitarian abomination. violence. On November 22, 1962, AThe lives and people who the Poqo staged an attack on police were ruined and character assassinat- stations, homes, and shops. The mob ed will live on, but what was the most was armed with household weapons efficient method to rid South Africa such as axes, tools, and other home- and other countries of apartheid and made weapons. The outcome was the oppression? A common philosophy death of two whites. (Frans Richard is that violence is not the answer, and and Rencia Vermeulen) A year later, that it only leads to conditions worse on February 4 1963, Poqo staged an than the former, and ultimately more attack on a group of white campers. violence. I guess nobody told the Said campers were hacked to death French that violence was not the an- in their caravans. Sabotage warfare British annulled the document, the swer in the 18th century. Imagine tell- is used by Poqo proved to be much stage was set for the Boston Tea Par- ing the people of Venezuela to protest more effective than any other means ty, and later, the American Revolu- subtly and not be violent, as military of ending the oppressive apartheid. tion. This is extremely similar to the tanks run them over in the street. The Although it is ruthless, it is still much anti-apartheid struggle in South Afri- APLA, formerly known as Poqo was more effective than peaceful protest. ca. The document the Americans sent the military wing to the PAC, the When protesters demonstrated peace- the British was a peaceful protest of Pan African Congress was founded fully, they showed weakness, so the the ways the British taxed American during the 1960s and was known for government reacted in a violent and colonists. When it was annulled, the its aggressive, violent sabotage cam- hostile manner, such as the Sharpe- Americans turned to what they knew paign, Poqo made no effort to -pre ville Massacre. In the new world in would work: armed struggle. This is vent the loss of life.. The PAC was 1765, the foundation for the Amer- similar to the anti-apartheid struggle a violent organization that expedited ican Revolution was built with the in South Africa, demonstrators would results in the anti-apartheid move- Stamp Act Riots. The controversial protest, get killed by the government, ment. In 1960, the oppressive South Stamp Tax resulted in violence and and then they turn to armed struggle, African government opened fire on riots in places such as New York, such as Poqo. Although peaceful pro- unarmed protesters. This is known as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and test looks better on paper, it is not the the Sharpeville Massacre. This mas- Philadelphia. These constructive riots most effective method of protest. All sacre was nothing but the South Af- resulted in the Stamp Act Congress. in all, it seems time and time again rican government showing peaceful This congress, composed of Ameri- in history, demonstrators start with anti-apartheid protesters rules. Once can lawyers and politicians, drafted a peaceful protest, then when all else the ANC started to use Poqo’s sab- hostile document directed at the op- fails, they turn to armed protest. otage warfare, they started making pressive British tax laws. After the is an extremely dangerous, life-threat- It is argued that abortions can 18 ening, self-induced procedure that is result in medical complications later in completed under unhygienic conditions. life. However, a vast majority of women In parts of the world where abortion is (88%) have abortions during their first illegal, botched abortions cause about 8 trimester. First trimester abortions are to 11 percent of all maternal deaths, or one of the safest medical procedures and about 30,000 each year. Is it okay to deny carry little to no risk, with only .05% of women’s access to abortions when they them having major complications. could end up dead? As a country, we should recog- Many pro-life solutions to end nize women’s rights to abortions. Crim- abortion is to make it illegal, but an- inalizing women for terminating their ti-abortion laws don’t stop women from pregnancies does not result in having fewer abortions. Instead, it takes away Should women ______their human rights. Women should have have access to access to safe and legal abortions. “Criminalizing women Works Cited safe and legal for terminating their pregnancies does not “Induced Abortion in the United States.” abortions? Guttmacher Institute, 14 Feb. 2019, by Tsehai Alfred result in having fewer www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/in- abortions. Instead, it duced-abortion-united-states. he debate on whether abortion should be legal or not has divided takes away their Collins, Gail. “Trump Chooses No Tthe country for years, even after human rights.” Choice.” The New York Times, The New Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in all 50 York Times, 6 Apr. 2019, www.nytimes. states in 1973. Some states are passing ______com/2019/04/05/opinion/sex-women- laws that criminalize women for hav- abortion-heartbeat-bills.html?rref=col- having them. The rate of unsafe abortions ing their pregnancies terminated with lection/timestopic/ are highest in countries with the most re- life in prison or even the death penalty. strictive abortion laws. According to the Laws like these are highly hypocritical, Goldberg, Michelle. “The Abortion Guttmacher Institute, from 2010 to 2014, because people who are against abortion Divide Gets Deeper.” The New York 36 abortions occurred per 1,000 women usually use the claim that abortion is Times, The New York Times, 29 Mar. in countries where abortion is illegal, murder, but the death penalty is actual- 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/ compared to 27 in countries where abor- ly murder. Women should have access to opinion/abortion-heartbeat-ban-georgia. tion is legal. safe and legal abortions. html?rref=collection/timestopic/. The 14th Amendment guar- antees the right to privacy. Therefore, women should have the right to privacy when deciding to have an abortion. The ability of a woman to have control of her body a critical civil right. In cases of rape or incest, forcing a woman to have a baby made by a violent act would be unjust and cause further psychological harm. Ultimately, it’s a woman’s choice to decide if she is financially, mentally, or physically prepared to raise a child, but new laws are popping up that are making it harder for women to have that choice. In countries where having an abortion is illegal, women are still in situations where their only reasonable option is to terminate their own pregnancies. Because of that, a woman may end up having a back-alley abortion, which 19

Toxic Masculinity, the Caribbean, and GHCDS by Savanna Capdeville

he linkage of toxic masculinity and the historically homophobic cul- Tture of St. Croix may be a foreign concept to many, however its effects are Ideas of masculinity have changed yet toxicity stays the same. Photo by Sundry Photography/Shutterstock. all around us. The negative perception of ______gay men and the use of the word “gay,” While talking to the handful or sneaky equivalents as insults by teen- of openly gay young men at GHCDS, age boys is no secret at GHCDS. Words “The negative percep- I learned that for the majority of them like “fruit,” “bulla-man,” “anti-man,” these jokes can be uncomfortable, how- and “sauce,” circulate the campus, pre- tion of gay men and the ever they don’t significantly affect the sumably creating an uncomfortable envi- use of the word “gay,” LGBT culture at GHCDS, which they say ronment for many LGBTQ students and or sneaky equivalents is very accepting. But what is the cause allies. However do these slurs—loosely for these jokes? One factor is the social labeled “gay jokes,”—highlight a lack of as insults by teenage and cultural pressures of Caribbean, and acceptance for LGBT students at GH- boys is no secret at specifically Cruzan, cultures that push CDS or something deeper, the pressure young men in our society to conform to of toxic masculinity and cultural expec- GHCDS.” societal expectations of masculinity. As tations on male students? ______various LGBT identities, namely that of gay males, often clash with these cultural expectations, these jokes are told to make sure that these lines of masculinity and femininity are not crossed.

What Is Toxic Masculinity?

“Toxic masculinity is what can come of teaching boys that they can’t express emotion openly; that they have to be “tough all the time”; that anything other than that makes them “feminine” or weak. (No, it doesn’t mean that all men are inherently toxic.)”(Salam, 2019). 20

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — In means that you’re going smell like the hottest Friday of the month, your a rare alignment of Mercury (Hg) and meatballs all month, a bunch of peo- textbooks will all be in Chem Lab the new planet Avogadro, your dog ple are going to block you on Snap- jail and some birds are going to get at will eat all your Chem notes the day chat, it won’t really matter because your lunch. It looks from my reading before the next exam. Sorry! you’re going to drop your phone in like someone is going to steal your the bathroom (NOT saying where!) parking space. Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — Due and... yeah. There’s no good news to the confluence of Venus in Canis here for you. Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — Major, Mr. Fletcher loved the design Just when you think you’ve found for your money so much that he is Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — The your own true love this month – printing some off to use at the next planets Jupiter and Venus are aligned BAM! – the planets have a very dif- Jump Up. Good job! The bad news? this month and this means a rare com- ferent plan. The stars say you should The stars are saying that the Se- puter virus is going to eat your senior visit to the Animal Shelter – a puppy cret Service will be looking for you. thesis. And any emails about your is always faithful. Something about money counterfeit- thesis. Sad! ing? Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — Libra While this is generally a lucky month Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — is usually full of balance but not this for you, the way that Mars is winking Because Pluto is moving backward month! At least once you will trip on at Saturn means that you shouldn’t through the heavens this month, it ap- the stairs from the computer lab to the drive, or ride in a car, or get in a plane. pears that your bookbag will develop upper school. The stars are showing Really, you should probably just stay a tiny black hole. Stuff that goes in, that you are going to be the person in bed. But on top of the covers might won’t come out. Don’t blame me – behind the person who gets the last be safer. Don’t touch anything with a that’s what the stars are saying! piece of pizza at Snack Shack. Time lithium battery. to work on your karma! Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — With Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — You the Sun in Cancer this month, you Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — will forget your calculator in a class- will be a shining star. There are only Scorpio has a rising moon this month room only to find that someone has good grades, extra study halls and which means that you will forget any- reprogrammed it so that when you long lunches in your future! You’re thing you read for a class. Right away. press the multiply button, it will only the best! So, really, why bother? Don’t try to add. You will have to add and add and cheat the stars! add for that next math test. But the Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — This was Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — stars say you will be the best adder a tough reading – Leo is in retrograde, This month Sagittarius is in the sec- ever. (Did you know an adder was a and usually this would be good news, ond house and that means that you are kind of snake?) but the retrograde means, well... It going to get those tardy detentions on Question of the Issue: 21 STUDENT What Do You Think About The SURVEY! PRISM Rainbow Crosswalk Proposal? GHCDS PRISM is saddened and disappointed to report that a proposal submitted by our group to promote diversity and inclusivity was denied by Mr. Loya and Mrs. Grey.

Assorted Upper School student responses to the Friday May 17th Question of the Day located outside Room 5. ______22 / hang out with him as a friend for a ASK ALEXIS year or two. If you feel like you’re Advice Column really starting to form a connection with him and that he is showing signs that he wants to get to know you as Dear Alexis… more than a friend, that’s when you know that you’ve transitioned from “How do I get my homework done the friend zone to a non- platernal, on time? How do I get better grades, or loving relationship. If you want A: *puts on shades* And that’s the how can I study better?” the guy to notice you as just a friend, tea! A: Don’t procrastinate and wait last however, continue to hang out with minute to get your homework done. him, and, so he won’t confuse your “Vaping or Alcohol...Which is the When you procrastinate and wait till platonic intentions for romantic ones, new wave? Cool or Kool?” the last minute, you’re just gonna remind him on occasions how much A: The new wave? Are some people waste time, not get anything done,and he’s your “bestie” or “bro”. REALLY seeing vaping and alcohol stress yourself out. To avoid procras- as a trend now? Drugs and Alcohol tination, go to a quiet room, work at a “What teachers would you love to aren’t exactly a “good time”, over- desk, drink coffee to stay awake, and see debate and why?” dosing on them is just as dangerous NEVER have your phone next to you A: Since we’re studying Conformity as eating a Tide Pod, (Still can’t be- when doing homework. As for how to in Literature, U.S History, and Psy- lieve that was a thing back in 2018... get better grades? Turn in/complete chology, it would be pretty interesting Wow...Just...Wow), and could lead to your homework or projects on time to see Mr. Canning, Mrs. Croney, and serious health risks and fatalities. Say and practice, practice, PRACTICE! Mrs. Guerra debate on their thoughts no to drugs and Alcohol! Just because The more you study, the more the on conformity in the United States. Walter White on Breaking Bad and all work pays off. And if you don’t suc- these other drug dealers in media are ceed the first time? Try again! “No… “How do I lose weight and stay made out to be “cool” and “living the Do or do not...for there is no try” healthy?” good life” through using and selling (Yoda) A: Dance! Dance like no one’s watch- drugs, doesn’t mean they are not a ing for and hour a day or take part in living nightmare in reality. “How do I get rid of toxic friends?” a sports activity, (Badminton, Bas- A: Delete them from your contacts, ketball, Football, etc...), and you’re unfriend them on social media, and bound to get results. Don’t overwork just ignore them. If that toxic friend , fast, or pressure yourself too much still tries to peer pressure you or hang though. You don’t want to exercise ADVICE COLUMNIST NEEDED! out with you, come up with excuses to “ make yourself beautiful”, you’re for why you can’t hang out with them beautiful just the way you are, inside and walk away from the situation. and out, whether you’re skinny or Once you’re out of that toxic friend- rubenesque. You want to take part in ship, don’t be afraid to make new this new lifestyle to feel good about friends. You just might find these new yourself and stay healthy. Another friends will respect you and treat you thing that helps too is going on low/ better than your toxic ex friend ever no carb meal plans such as Keto and could. Atkins. First, we had Dear Jenna. Then, we had Dear Alexis. Now, the torch is ready to be passed on....to some- “ How do I get a guy to notice me?” “Top High School Couple?” one else with a passion for answer- A: First off, if you want a guy to notice A: Two or three couples come to ing random questions in a thought- you, don’t go the desperate Yandere mind… ful and honest manner. Do you killer route while screaming “Notice Kermit the Frog: love giving advice? Ready to take over one of the most heavily-read Me Senpai!!!”. Just be yourself and sections of The Panther Post? If don’t hesitate to socialize with him. this sounds like your calling, then Start out as friends and get to know please contact our Editor-in-Chief. HEALTH & WELLBEING 23 24POETRY & CREATIVE WRITING

Your Symbol Is A Puzzle: A Haiku About Autism by Alexis Matarangas-King

Some look at you and think that you are broken, incomplete, like… an unfinished puzzle.

You see the world in a different light, a colorful light… “You live in a fantasy…”

You express your emotions differently and“it’s too much”. You socialize differently and “it’s just weird...”

Your personality is labeled as a “disability”, a “curse”, when really… Your personality is an ability!

The greatest minds in existence… like you, were thought of to be broken… As an incomplete mind…

The greatest minds in existence… like you, had a different mindset, and now? They are considered brilliant minds…

The greatest minds in existence… like you, expressed their social skills and emotions differently... And it’s beautiful, so beautiful…

So if you’re reading this… Remember that you are not broken. Remember that you do matter. Do you love creative writing? Remember that your mindset is a gift. Remember that your emotions matter. Remember that you are never alone. Are you a budding poet? Remember that you’re seen and heard.

And we love you for it. We love you for you, for you... Have you begun drafting a novel are not a monster, you...

Are not a freak, you… that is going to take Are extraordinary, brilliant, talented.You are not… A curse, but a gift to this world. the world by storm? Your symbol is a puzzle… Not because you are broken, but because you can solve problems… with your brilliant mind, imagination, and heart. Then submit your writing to The Panther Post! DEEP MUSINGS 25 Philosophy relates to the study of, and attempts to understand, the root nature of reality, existence, and knowledge. There are many questions in life for which there are no set answers, or such diverging opinions on answers that just raise more questions. Each issue we will ask members of our community one such profound question, in order to illuminate each other in the pursuit of wisdom.

QUESTION OF THE ISSUE: Captain Marvel: The New Wonder Woman? Female Empowerment Keeps Getting Marvelous!

By Alexis Matarangas-King tain Marvel , We asked Marvel fans on Female empowerment is trending in the Instagram and on Campus for Deep superhero movie industry, and it’s never Musings their thoughts on the represen- felt so MARVELous! Captain Marvel tation of female empowerment in media not only made more than a billion dollars and Captain Marvel as a movie of female at the box office, surpassing “The Dark empowerment, and here’s what they had Knight”, but was the first Marvel movie to say... to have a super heroine as its lead character. The movie centers on Carol Dan- N Long: Although sometimes I feel like vers, an airforce pilot whose life is turned they overdo it like a tiny bit, I love all upside down when a military experiment the female empowerment for superhero goes horribly wrong and she’s granted movies! I loved Captain Marvel and I’m super abilities that are out of this world... sure Dark Phoenix will have a good fe- literally! Throughout the movie, she is male villain. put down by her peers for her “emotions” and wanting to take action/ do more for Lucia: I think Captain Marvel was an ex- her community. Despite this, Carol ig- cellent movie of Female Empowerment! nores the discrimination from her peers and saves Earth from an intergalactic war Savannah:The Representation of Female ver’s mentor, was a great example of a by following her heart and her instincts. Empowerment in movies is getting bet- character that shows female empower- The star-studded cast of this mega hit in- ter! Captain Marvel was a good movie of ment. It’s also great to see Jude Law play cludes Brie Larson, Kong: Skull Island, female empowerment, But I would like the bad guy role in movies. Samuel L. Jackson, Avengers, Pulp Fic- to see more Marvel Movies centered on tion , Lee Pace,Guardians of the Galaxy, Female Superheroes. Well, you’ve read it here folks! Jude Law, Rise of the Guardians, Sher- Marvel fans and feminists alike are cap- lock Holmes, anc Clark Gregg, Marvel’s Sam: I think it’s great that we have more tivated by where the direction is going so Agents of Shield. female empowerment in movies! Mar- far with female empowerment in mov- To Celebrate the release of Cap- vel’s Black Widow is in the works, so ies and female superhero movies as a I can’t wait to see that movie released whole!With the hype train fully loaded soon. for Dark Phoenix coming in 2019 and Is there a serious, thought-provoking Black Widow, DC’s Birds of Prey, and concept or idea you’d like us to write Gabe: It’s good that we’re seeing more Wonder Woman: 1984 coming in 2020, strong female characters and that we’re the female superhero movie/female em- about? Interested in philosophy and breaking away from the damsel in dis- powerment trend in media doesn’t seem the meaning of life? Then submit your tress stereotypes in movies. to be going anywhere anytime soon! This writing to The Panther Post! is Alexis Matarangas-King giving you Mrs. Baker: I think Marvell, Carol Dan- the scoop from the Panther Post! 26 EDITORIAL CARTOONS CROSSWORD PUZZLE 27 26 Crossword Puzzle Answer Key (we know you got them all correct the first time and are just checking!)

In addition to The Daily Dog News, I also read The Panther Post...do you? 5 QUESTIONS Q: What was it like working with your Lip Sync Rival, An- 29 PERSONAL PROFILE drea, behind the scenes? A: It was a lot of fun working with David Conhoff (Class of 2019) Andre, even though we were ri- By Alexis Matarangas-King vals, we got to know each other very well, and she was a lot of fun to work with. Even for a senior cit- Q: What inspired you to pick an izen, she still had a lot of spunk! iconic song like “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner for the Lip Sync Q: Was “Proud Mary” your Battle? original choice for the Main A: When I was first introduced Challenge or were there any oth- Q: After going through that ex- to the lip sync battle and being er songs you had in mind before perience, do u imagine yourself one of the finalists for it round 2, settling on that particular song? participating in future Lip Sync we were told it was comprised of A: Before Proud Mary, I was giv- Battles? a bigger number and we would en the option of Yeah by Usher, A: Absolutely, I had a lot of fun have backup dancers. They give and another song, and out of those participating in the Lip Sync Bat- us three songs to choose from and three, I chose Tina Turner. At first, I tle and I want to give a shout out they ran us through how each song was a little nervous about the song, to my senior class and you for sup- would look on stage. So we had as I would be dressing up like Tina porting me in this Lip Sync Battle three songs to choose from and Turner, but, in the end, I’m glad I and being a supporting audience. they showed me the Tina Turner chose her song. song Proud Mary. They said in the beginning of the song, I would be dressed in a black suit and it would be slow...and at the end of the song, I would be dressed like Tina Turn- er. I chose Proud Mary because I thought it would be fun for myself and for the audience.

Q: How were you able to re- hearse with the back up dancers with the limited days you had to practice for the contest? A: I had a schedule given to me the day I won auditions, and on the schedule, it told me I had a dress rehearsal saturday about 3 hours before the actual show, and during the dress rehearsal, I was introduced to my backup dancers. They showed me the stage , how the night was going to go, what I was going to do, and from there, it was up to me to know my songs . David Conhoff and Alexis Matarangas-King ______30 Class of 2019 College Matriculations By The Panther Post Staff

MAYA ACOSTA: Virginia Com- NIA CANTON: Virginia Com- monwealth University - Honors monwealth University WYLIE CROWTHER: University College of Illinois at Chicago ANGELO CAPRIOLA: The Unit- ALEX ADAMS: University of ed States Air Force Academy JOHN DAVID: Roanoke College Miami, Architecture Program NIA COATES: Roanoke College INARI ENCARNACION: Gap NAYAN BANSAL: University of Year Georgia/Costa Rica Miami SAM COLE: The University of the Virgin Islands DAHLIA FERROL: University of JONATHAN BERRY: University the Virgin Islands of the Virgin Islands DAVID CONHOFF: Calvin Uni- versity NADIA GARRIGA-CERNI: CHLOE CAMACHO: Temple Northeastern University, Bouve Col- University NAYLA COUREUR: University lege of Health Science of Houston Clear Lake

Members of the Class of 2019 pose on the steps to the library in attire representing their respective future academic homes. ______ALINAH HAMED: Allegheny RIDER ODOM: Old Dominion ETHAN STAMPER: Virginia College, Honors Program University Commonwealth University 31

TAYLOR HASSON: College of GEORGIA PORTER: University ISAIAH STEVENS: Texas A&M Charleston of Florida University

KAHLEED ILES: University of DOMINIC PUGLIESE: Colorado CHRIS TIRADO: Liberty Univer- Huddlesfield, UK Mesa University sity

ALEC KUIPERS: The United NATHAN RODRIGUEZ: Univer- LAYALIE WASHSHAH: Queens States Merchant Marine Academy at sity of the Virgin Islands University of Charlotte King’s Point MAYAH RUSSELL: University of AVERY WHITE: Connecticut ALEXIS MATARANGAS-KING: Central Florida College, ED Emerson College VINCENT VON SCHILLING: TARIQ MOLLOY: University of Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Tampa Netherlands 32 BASKETBALL AROUND THE U.S. By Brennan Gorman

o far, this NBA season has been a blast to watch and has been Svery entertaining to many fans across the world. All of the trades, free agencies, picks, new players and even the drama is always super fun to watch. Especially things like: who Kevin Durant is going to sign with next season, what the Rockets are going to do, and teams like the Nets or the Knicks that might have potential with the upcoming draft. Some of the new prospects that are coming into Zion Williamson makes a play during a game. Photo by Sean Rayford/Associated Press. ______the draft include Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett. Most of these Zion is he is very humble and when- huge and even for his team the Duke players come from high-leveled col- ever someone tries to take his role Blue Devils. what is crazy is that on leges, and they are ready for what the from him he shows why he is there. his team there is so much star power NBA has to bring. For example, Tako Fall a 7 foot 7 that could be seen but some of it al- What I want to talk about is Center that is new to the scene around most gets outplayed because of how really just the hype that Zion William- ______good he truly is. There is probably 4 son is getting through his career so “Most people think to 5 great stars on that team and ob- far in college, and what you can bring viously shooters who get outshined to any team that comes in and signs that Zion will be some- every night by Zion and you have to him to the NBA under their name this thing big in the NBA be the best to try and put up with his season. He is obviously the biggest close to even a LeB- numbers offensively and defensively. hock in the NBA draft because of his height, weight, vertical reach, athleti- ron or Kobe status...” cism. All of his potential is very crazy ______to watch; someone like this just grow- ing up and being able to be something college, had an elimination game bigger than what they were. Many against Duke when Zion was play- people are relating him towards a ing in his prime on most after his in- modern-day Shaq, and some are com- jury. What happened was Zion truly paring him to even better than that. showed why he was the best. Most The level of potential that someone of people think that Zion will be some- this weight and athleticism has is very thing big in the NBA close to even a rare and would be bad if he were ever LeBron or Kobe status but also there to get injured. It almost seems like are people who think that he might everyone across the globe knows who just be a bust obviously because of he is and he has made college basket- past injuries and sometimes his de- ball such a huge thing for everyone to cision making. I believe that he is be able to watch. going to have plenty of potential and One thing that I like about what he did for college basketball is Not only is he known as an offense of player but at the same time could 33 be a defensive presence throughout a game. All of his offense of highlights sometimes may outshined the defense of highlights but he has the capability to dunk on you and also go and block your shot on the other end of the court. it is so crazy how some people are so athletic with the build that they have. Zion has a close to 40 inch vertical and maybe over which is crazy to see someone of his weight and build in this sport. In the second part of this arti- cle I would like to talk about what free agency is looking like for the NBA and the most recent news for it. The main stars for free agency or players like Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, some Rockets players, and even some Giannis Antetokounmpo was too late to stop Kawhi Leonard. Photo by Associated Press. new players to the league. Recent dis- ______cussion has been that Rockets players James Harden and maybe give Chris them but I believe that quiet Leonard and GM Daryl Morey Has been will- Paul another chance but if you look at is doing much more. Now personally ing to trade everyone on the team ex- the ratings the Rockets were only beat I would like to finally state that I be- cept James Harden for a roster change by a average of six points against the lieve James Harden is still the NBA for the upcoming season next year. Warriors in the second round during MVP again this year because of what Some sources have even stated that this playoff series this year which is he has done and what he has shown she is willing to trade James Harden extremely impressive knowing you the NBA. Everyone knows the in- but we are not sure what he is intend- are going up against the champs. Now credible player he is and he should ing to get for him or what he could another thing I want to talk about is get awarded for it. get for him. In my personal opinion Kawhi Leonard making his new case I believe that he should not trade for for maybe an MVP. Now everyone knows that it has been Harden vs Gianni’s for the longest time maybe with a little spice of Stephen Curry or Paul George but Kawhi Leonard has been on a complete tear throughout the playoffs. Leaving the rafters to the NBA finals, hitting clutch shots in game seven, putting up numbers offense of Lee and defensively, and being just a all-around team player and a superstar. The level of talent that this goes towards someone is huge especially knowing that they just came in this year and were injured most of the year before. Kawhi Leonard is doing what DeMar DeRozan could never do the Raptors in the many years he was with the organization. He is happy for The Panther Post

Junior Varsity Soccer Champions! By Coach Amy

hree cheers for our Ju- Tnior Varsity Soccer Champions! They had an unde- feated season, and finished with a 6-0 win over Arthur Richards. Many thanks to Coach Daryl Rogers, who not only teaches soccer, but disci- pline and commit- ment. Our players and coach appreciated the support from parents and fans all season, too!

Do you absolutely love sports?

Want to help us cover the GHCDS Athletic Department’s events, and various happenings on the track or field, in the pool, in the gym or on the ocean?

Then come join our team and showcase your sports writing in The Panther Post!