Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street Wallingford, CT

VOL. CXII · NO.  FRIDAY, APRIL ,  THECHOATENEWS.CHOATE.EDU

Photos courtesy of Ross Mortensen (Lef), Nate Krauss (Top Right), and Jonah Feldman (Bottom Right) Flip to page 8 to follow Choate Crew, Lacrosse and Baseball teams on their Spring Break preseason trips.

HOATE OSTS TH NNUAL PECTRUM ONFERENCE CBy Claire Yuan ’21 gatheredH to listen to three guest10 periences people A of color face, the New EnglandS area such as Campbell ’21, anC officer on the This conference has been Copy Editor speakers: New York City drag religious resistance, the fght Lawrenceville, Andover, Exeter, SPECTRUM cabinet, said, “I’m the main focus of SPECTRUM queen Ragamufn, actress and for rights, and even a session Hotchkiss, Miss Porter’s, Taft, really excited because it’s a fun since winter term, and the On March 31, Choate’s up- transgender activist Shakina allowing conference attendees Walnut Hill, and Williston. experience. It’s pretty mean- members worked hard to make per campus saw a furry of activ- Nayfack, and photographer and to participate in a drag make- Piper Connelly ’19, co-pres- ingful to get all these people it a unique and rewarding ex- ity as Choaties and visiting stu- activist Lola Flash. These speak- up and fashion workshop. Most ident of SPECTRUM, added, together to discuss these topics perience for all. In prepara- dents attended the SPECTRUM ers shared their personal expe- of these workshops were based “We also extended an invitation that you don’t get to discuss ev- tion for the conference, SPEC- club’s 10th annual interschool riences with the audience and around discussion, but the drag to Lyman Hall, which is a Wall- ery day that are really relevant TRUM spent all of winter SPECTRUM conference. The discussed how their line of work queen workshop with Ragamuf- ingford public school. We did to your life.” term talking to potential guest event took place in Ruutz-Rees relates to LGBTQ+ activism. fn was interactive and involved that to break down the elitism Medha Illindala ’21, a member speakers, planning out work- and began at 9:30 a.m. The con- Following the speakers, the costumes and makeup. around LGBTQ+ activism be- of SPECTRUM who attended the shops, and sending out invita- ference was open to all Choate conference participants split This year, Choate hosted cause we have a lot of resourc- conference, explained, “It’s im- tions to other schools. students, and no registration into smaller groups to engage more than a hundred visiting es, and we’re aware of it.” portant for younger queer kids to Campbell explained, “The was required to stop by and en- in workshops based on topics participants in addition to mem- In the days leading up to be able to connect with one anoth- hardest part is [planning] the gage in discussion. related to the LGBTQ+ expe- bers of the Choate community. the conference, the excitement er and form a larger sense of com- workshops; we’ve spent a lot For the frst activity of the rience. These workshops cov- Many of the participants came- felt by members of the Choate munity, especially since teenagers day, the conference participants ered topics including the ex- from prep schools all across community was palpable. Nico feel quite lonely sometimes.” See SPECTRUM, Page 2

Film Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura ’76 WIFI HOURS EXTENDED FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH FORMERS To Speak at Commencement By Tony Lee ’21 there are some nights where Staf Reporter this is just not possible.” Sharma believed that busy During last week’s school meet- schedules and heavy workloads ing, Dean of Students Mr. James prevent the majority of students Stanley announced a tentative from completing their home- change to the school internet poli- work before the Wif shut-of cy: ffth and sixth formers will now time.“Many students are in- have all-night access to school Wif. volved in a variety of interscho- Previously, the internet shut-of lastic sports, arts, [and] extra- time was at 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. for curriculars that often have them ffth and sixth formers, respectively. starting homework very late, es- Former Student Body Pres- pecially if they also are in clubs. ident Itai Mupanduki ’19 and This is especially true when peo- current Student Body President ple have away games and do not Vikram Sharma ’20 introduced get back to campus until late. In the proposal for this policy these cases, sometimes it is just change. According to Sharma, not possible to get work done ffth and sixth formers have much before the internet shut-of,” more work than underclassmen Sharma said. Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter and need to work past the inter- The old internet policy pre- Lorenzo di Bonaventura '76 will share on his Choate experiences and his film expertise at Commencement. net cut-of time. sented an issue of inequity for By JeeHwan Kim ’21 Award. di Bonaventura will de- vard University and a Master’s the President of Worldwide “Itai and I proposed this students from diferent socio- Copy Editor liver his speech on May 26. of Business Administration Production. In 2002, he start- policy change because we saw economic backgrounds, accord- In his announcement, Dr. from the University of Pennsyl- ed his own production compa- that for many Choate students, ing to Student Body Vice Presi- On March 26, 2019, Head Curtis provided a summary of vania’s Wharton School. ny, di Bonaventura Pictures, the workload dramatically in- dent Will Robertson ’20. of School Dr. Alex Curtis an- Mr. di Bonaventura’s career, In 1989, he joined Warner based at Paramount Pictures. creases when they become up- “The most compelling reason nounced this year’s Commence- noting his myriad achieve- Brothers, at which he was in- There, he gained even more perclassmen,” Sharma said. for this change was the issue of ment speaker: Choate alumnus ments. After graduating from volved in productions such as success, especially through the “While some may be able to equity. What happens with a lot of Lorenzo di Bonaventura ’76, a Choate, Mr. di Bonaventura re- The Matrix (1999) and Harry Transformers series. In 2011, alleviate the problem of staying juniors and seniors is that so many renowned movie producer and ceived an undergraduate degree Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone up at night doing homework recipient of the 2019 Alumni in intellectual history at Har- (2001), and eventually became See COMMENCEMENT, Page 2 by allocating their time better, See WIFI, Page 2

Robotics Rookies Write and Direct What’s Choate Robotics makes an Tyler Redlitz ’19 and Inside unexpected comeback at the Simi Sachdeva ’19 craf plays SchoolNews ...... 1-2 LocalNews ...... 3 regional tournament. mirroring their experiences. Opinions:Campus ...... 4 BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY Opinions:Nation/World ...... 5 Arts and Leisure • P7 Features...... 6 DELIVERY AVAILABLE Campus News • P2 Artsand Leisure ...... 7 Sports...... 8

Choate Teams Go National I'll do it later... Read it then recycle it. How students are normalizing From Nevada to Florida, Choate teams sharpen skills during self-sabotage through Visuals by Nate Krauss, procrastination. pre-season trips. Trello Blog, Jenny Guo and Sports • P8 David Schamis (203) 269-9507 Opinions Campus • P4 WWW.COLONYDINER.COM

SCHOOL NEWS PAGE 2 || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL ,  2019 Commencement "HACKABILITIES": HOW CAN YOU HELP? Speaker Announced Continued from Page 1 that we hope will be interest- ing to the students primarily, he started di Bonaventura Pic- but also to the faculty, staf, tures Television, which was the parents, and the alumni based at ABC Studios. that are in the audience. Any- Mr. di Bonaventura is thing that someone has done currently on the Board of at a high level that is interest- Directors for the American ing, inspirational, and provides Cinematheque, the Board of food for thought would have a Advisors for Claremont Grad- good message for the class.” He uate Colleges, the Board of continued, “Students may have Trustees for Emerson College, seen The Matrix or not, but The and the Honorary Committee Matrix was a groundbreaking of the Epilepsy Foundation of movie. Some of the questions it Greater Los Angeles. poses [have] actually impacted In order to select this year’s teaching but also movies and Commencement speaker, the popular culture.” Alumni Relations ofce curat- Dr. Curtis expressed his ed a list of appropriate speak- hope to have recipients of ers from which senior ofcers the Alumni Award as Com- made their fnal decision. Ms. mencement Speakers moving Monica St. James, Director forward. He said, “The thing of Alumni Relations, said she about graduation is you’re be- reached out to Mr. di Bonaven- coming an alum of the school. tura back in August: “He wasn’t And so one of the things we the easiest to get a hold of, but want to do is highlight what Photos by Jenny Guo/The Choate News Students participated in various design challenges at the Rothberg Catalyzer Hackathon's introductory meeting. a certified letter that you have you have to look forward to to sign for does the trick — just and honor those that have By Nick Visuthikosol ’22 he has always “wanted to have a team to create a better world a more inclusive and accessible two of them had to be sent. been in your seats before. We Reporter an event for the students of Cho- and work with physical objects.” future for all.” Participants formed So they got through to Para- hope it’s also inspirational for ate to use the i.D. Lab and their Last year, on April 1, Choate teams of four to eight students mount, and then his assistant the current students to see This past Saturday, March 30, wide-ranging knowledge to create hosted its frst Rothberg Catalyzer and started to brainstorm ideas called me. He is very pleased what the goal is and what it Choate students gathered togeth- amazing things that address re- Hackathon. Its main goal was to for products and systems that can to get the award.” can lead to. The student body er in the i.D. Lab for an introduc- al-world problems.” create emergency disaster relief provide those living with a disabil- Dr. Curtis and Ms. St. is looking at the seniors hav- tion to the school’s second annual Dr. Feldman continued, “The systems. During their frst meet- ity greater access. Tomorrow, on James are both excited to have ing achieved one goal; they Rothberg Catalyzer Hackathon. hackathon will be a very special ing, students brainstormed ideas Saturday, April 6, participants will Mr. di Bonaventura as this also see an alum who’s in var- The hackathon is a competition and unique experience because it for solutions to current disasters. reunite with their groups to start year’s speaker. Ms. St. James ious different ways reached in which students are challenged utilizes artistic, mathematical, sci- One of the teams’ creations was an working on their ideas. said, “I think he’s going to be other goals.” to “hack” new ideas and create entifc, creative, and engineering emergency bear that could provide Dr. Feldman stated, “Of course wonderful. I really wanted He continued, “When we something unique that addresses skills, [and] Choate students have children comfort and medical data students should join the Hack- the students to realize that we have an alum that can relate a certain societal issue in a limit- to design solutions that address collection. This team consisted of athon, because it is fun. But more have an alumnus who is of his to the students — ‘I lived in ed amount of time. Unlike other important human needs, medical Mitch Jones ’18, Sabastian Chacon importantly, the fun helps you stature and at the top of the one of those dorms,’ ‘I played events and competitions hosted challenges, and social problems.” ’19, Esther An ’21, and Aarthi Ka- discover your talents, abilities, and world in his field.” She added, on that rink,’ or ‘I was on by Choate, the hackathon allows The hackathon gives stu- takam ’21. One of their “hacks” in your superpowers.” He strongly “It’s interesting that Lorenzo that stage’ — ‘and these are students to show up without any dents the opportunity to plan, the bear included a pulse sensor to urges Choate students to use their di Bonaventura’s work has im- the things I did afterwards’ background knowledge, create design, and build something inform rescuers of the child’s heart extensive classroom knowledge by pacted — I bet — every single — I just think that’s really new teams, and develop a revolu- entirely from scratch. Sabastian rate and health status. applying it to real life situations. student in the school because exciting. So, the last couple tionary product. Chacon ’19, hackathon partic- During last Saturday's infor- “Everyone has their own super- of The Matrix and Harry Pot- of years, we really have tried The Rothberg Catalyzer Hack- ipant and leader of Choate’s mational session, Dr. Feldman and powers and abilities, but they don’t ter; I can't imagine that we all to move to people who have athon is an event that was original- Maker Club, stated, “The hack- members of the Hackathon Orga- know it until they are in a team sit- haven’t seen every Harry Pot- achieved things, but also as ly run at several colleges and was athon is a diferent experience nization Committee — Kevin Xie uation. That is what the hackathon ter [movie]. And he’s respon- alumni, who have had a sim- proposed to Choate last year in the that doesn't come by too often. ’19, Knute Broady ’19, Tilden Jack- gives you,” he concluded. sible for bringing those to the ilar experience and can relate fall term by Jonathan Rothberg, Usually, there are verbal com- son ’21, Esther An ’21, Aarthi Ka- film industry, not to mention to our students.” father of Choate alumnus Noah petitions like debate, but the takam ’21, and JeeHwan Kim ’21 — Nick Visuthikosol the Transformers series.” Rothberg ’17. Director of the i.D. hackathon is unique because it's introduced this year’s Hackathon may be reached at Dr. Curtis mentioned, “We JeeHwan Kim may be reached Lab Dr. Travis Feldman said that for people who want to work in theme: “Hackabilities: Designing [email protected] always try to fnd someone at [email protected]

SPECTRUM MIXED RESPONSE TO WIFI CHANGE Choate Robotics Kicks Off CONFERENCE Successful Competition Season By Chris Lin ’21 ed resources, and an intense six- SPARKS Reporter week time limit for building. When asked about the benefts COOPERATION Last weekend, the Choate of competitions like New England Continued from Page 1 robotics team culminated an in- Regionals, robotics coach Mr. tense six-week build session with Kyle Di Tieri said, “Competitions of time researching. For exam- the New England Regional Tour- bring out good stress in students, ple, for the resistance workshop, nament at the Western New En- as there are certain factors you we’ve done a lot of research about gland University in Springfeld, cannot simulate when working in how policy change has been done Massachusetts. Competing in a lab.” The students faced many in the past and ways to spread qualifying matches with students unexpected situations at the com- awareness and infuence smaller from 30 other schools, this was petition. During the frst practice communities like Choate. A lot the frst time the team was able match, the robot fell over, which of it’s just preparing good topic to compete with their robot from had never happened in the lab. questions to facilitate strong and build season. The team had an The six-week build session in-depth conversation.” impressive showing at the tour- leading up to the competition Over the years, SPECTRUM, nament, making it into the play- consisted of intense 15-hour currently led by co-presidents of rounds even as a FRC rookie weeks involving game analysis, CJ Barnes ’19 and Piper Con- team. Each robotics team was strategic design, prototyping, nelly ’19 and advised by Ms. Mb paired with two others in groups assembly, test runs, program- Duckett Ireland, has been work- called “alliances.” After compet- ming, and a process of commu- ing hard to facilitate discussion ing in a practice and qualifying nicating with and scouting out about diferent aspects of the rounds, the Choate team, which other teams. queer experience. was new to the competition, For the competition, Cho- For example, earlier in the wowed the others with their im- ate’s team was picked by an al- school year, SPECTRUM hosted pressive robot and was picked liance without much variety, as the schoolwide ally week event, to complete the seventh alliance all three of their robots had very during which SPECTRUM met of the competition. One of the similar strengths and weakness- with other clubs on campus such Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News team’s most notable accomplish- es. This lowered the team’s ex- as Young Democrats, Young Re- The School will monitor Internet activity afer midnight to examine efects of the change. ments was winning a match in the pectations going into the compe- publicans, the Asian Student Continued from Page 1 don’t think Wif hours should be portunities with the Wif staying quarterfnals against the second tition. Winning the quarterfnals Association, the Body Project, extended for underclassmen be- on for students to do that, I think seeded alliance. match gave the team a huge mo- and Christian Fellowship to kids need to stay up past twelve to cause third and fourth formers the beneft for the kids who actual- As one of the last competitions rale boost for the remainder of discuss how the experience of fnish their work, but they can’t have enough time during the week ly need that work time every now in his Choate career, this experi- the competition. “Winning the being queer applies to diferent because they don’t have the mon- to fnish their work if they manage and then is going to overweigh ence meant a lot to Knute Broady quarterfnals was defnitely the circles, including religion, race, ey to pay for an internet hotspot their time efectively.” the handful of kids that might not ’19. “As someone who doesn’t play highlight of the competition for politics, and more. on their phone,” Robertson said. In the announcement for the have stayed up late before.” varsity sports, [robotic] competi- me. The whole team went crazy,” Although SPECTRUM is “However, other kids who have new policy change, Mr. Stan- In practice, though, it seems tions are a cool experience that said Alex Du ’21. a club based around support- the fnancial means to aford a ley also addressed a potentially that most students are using the allow me to travel and compete As he refected on this year’s ing the LGBTQ+ communi- hotspot may be able to. So you abusable faw: students will have extra Wif hours as originally in- with my closest friends. While we season, Mr. Di Tieri remarked, ty, members do not need to have kids who are able to spend unlimited internet access for tended, opting to sleep instead had a really rough start, we recov- “Generally speaking, the robotics be openly queer to attend. more time on their work and get non-academic activities. Accord- of wasting time online. “Initial- ered and ended up performing team, especially the drive team, Connelly urged, “We want to more homework done simply ing to Ms. Kyra Jenney, HPRSS ly, it was a little distracting, but impressively towards the end.” was put into hard scenarios. I open up a welcome to allies because they have the fnancial teacher and a faculty adviser even by now I’m already used to The competition was orga- want to say to all members that and lessen the stigma of be- means to pay for a hotspot.” of the student council, some it, so I’m able to get more done nized by NE FIRST, the operation- they have done a great deal of ing a club member. The goal A specifc aspect of the new students will be unproductive and just go to sleep. I don’t use al partner of the FIRST Robotics work, and no matter what comes is to promote an environment policy that has not gone unnoticed and procrastinate, regardless of it for other purposes, really,” Au- Competition, and supported by out of the next tournament at where people can be interest- is the fact that the extended hours changes to the WiFi hours. drey Powell ’19 said. “I think it’s ingenuityNE, a non-proft public Hartford, I want them to know ed in queer culture without apply to only upperclassmen. “Students are already gaming just helped me to be a little extra charity in Connecticut. This com- that they have grown tremen- feeling pressured to come out, While some say that this is not fair, too much and staying up late and productive while also having fun petition was designed for teams to dously, and I am proud of every even if they are not queer.” many third and fourth formers procrastinating, so I’m not certain during senior spring.” build and program industrial-size one of them.” agree that longer Wif hours that this proposal is going to make robots to play a simulated game Claire Yuan may be reached would not beneft the underclass- that worse,” Ms. Jenney said. “Al- Tony Lee may be reached against other robots. The teams Chris Lin may be reached at [email protected] men. Taylor Mitchell ’21 said, “I though there might be more op- at [email protected] worked under strict rules, limit- at [email protected] LOCAL NEWS 3 FRIDAY, APRIL ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE

ALLINGFORD LAY EADERS ELEBRATE IFTH W P R C F Community ANNIVERSARY WITH TRIBUTE TO PLAYWRIGHT NEIL SIMON Calendar By Amanda Li ’21 Reporter

On the frst Tuesday of each month, the Wallingford Public Library Play Readers gather at APR. 5, 10:00 a.m. the WPL to do read-throughs Exhibition Opening, of popular plays, monologues, Art in Focus: Blue skits, and even movie scenes. To Join Yale student curators in celebrate their ffth anniversary the opening of the exhibition Art in Focus: Blue. and as a tribute to Neil Simon, who passed away last year, the Yale Center for British Art, WPL Play Readers chose for this New Haven month’s show, which took place Free admission; this past Tuesday, to perform fve $24 car ride scenes from Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor (based on works of writer Anton Chekhov) in a stage reading with costumes and props. The scenes chosen for this performance featured a diverse APR. 6, 11:00 a.m. selection that focuses on difer- ent seemingly mundane but cre- CT Science Center’s NASA ative interactions. The involve- Space Day ment of light-hearted comedy in Explore hands-on activities, live science demonstrations, each scene promotes its appeal and Astronaut Boot Camp. to the community and is sure to increase audience involvement Connecticut Science Center, during the performance. “The Hartford Audition,” starring Neel Pizinger General admission: $17 and Terry Remeika, showcases (youth), $24 (adult), $22 the comedic dynamic between a (senior); stern casting director and a na- $42 car ride ive, rambling young girl. It is full Photo courtesy of Julie Rio of laughs and simplicity, while The Wallingford Play Readers perform script-in-hand plays on the first Tuesday of each month. “The Governess,” featuring Renee Geiger and Helen Miller, seems the Wallingford Public Library. know the people, and it speaks to aloud — I love the voice and tem- accept what people are willing to have a hidden lesson behind “We’re very fortunate to have this the human condition, all its hits po changes. I just got hooked,” and able to ofer. We’re not pro- it that leaves the audience still facility. We owe the town of Wall- or misses, glories or losses,” con- said Carol Buongirno, a Play fessionals. We’re not trying to APR. 6, 1:00 p.m. searching for answers. As a spe- ingford and the library for this tinued Helen Miller. Readers member of almost four be professionals. We just want cial, the cast has also included the performance,” continued Mr. Al This unique group of a dozen years. “I’m also part of a banjo to have fun,” conveyed Mueller. YMCA Egg-Stravaganza famous routine “Who’s on First,” Mueller, one of the frst members or so locals formed fve years ago group and I love the attention, the Working together to determine Search for candy-flled eggs at YMCA’s annual Easter egg presented by Eddie Morales and of the Play Readers. Addition- after a couple of members met reaction from the audience that blocking, timing, and stage ef- hunt. David Andrews, which provided ally, the Play Readers only had through an acting workshop. you get from performing,” added fect, the members communicate the perfect lively and energetic two rehearsals to prepare for the What is especially unique about Joe Bertini, a retired math teach- and collaborate in a respectful Wallingford Family YMCA, ending to a fabulous evening. The show, but the actors have been this organization is that their pri- er. For Terry Remika, this group and positive environment as they $5 admission for non-mem- performance provided a wonder- able to dig deep into the mindsets mary mission is not to showcase gives her the opportunity to pur- are brought even closer together bers; $7 car ride ful opportunity for the commu- of their fascinating characters. “I their work for others but rather sue a dream that she wasn’t able through their mutual love and nity to appreciate and honor the like to deal with characters and to appreciate the literature that to before. “I always loved actors in interest in their art. Renee Gei- work of a prominent playwright getting into the feelings of the they are reading. “We read for movies and radios and plays and ger, a performer whose involve- all the while supporting the hard person. You read the lines and ourselves. We want to use our never had the nerve to get up in ment in drama goes back to when work and efort of a local group. you get an idea of how that per- voice to create characters that lift front of anybody, but after getting she was just 21, said, “Even just APR. 7, 2:00 p.m. Getting this show organized son might say it,” commented the words of the page and make through cancer a few years back, I [those] couple hours, one day a Wallingford Symphony and approved was a difcult task Ms. Remeika. “Simon seems to them as real as we possibly can,” started thinking about the things I month — it’s fulflling. Not only Orchestra Concert that was greatly aided by the li- have a real knack for creating explained Mr. Mueller. always wanted to do but never got do I like to do my parts, but I en- Hear the Wallingford Sym- brary staf. “The library helps to characters and dialogue. He was From retired teachers to to,” she refected. joy hearing the others; there are phony Orchestra perform The provide the space, secure licens- obviously a very prolifc and tal- Shakespeare afcionados to long- Although meetings are only so many talented people in this Planets by Gustav Holst ing rights, design promotional ented writer; the characters are time performers, the participants monthly, this group has been group that hearing them is like Paul Mellon Arts Center fiers, and print photocopies of very true to life,” complimented have a variety of background ex- able to form a tight bond with going to a play for free.” $15 (high school students), the script,” explained Ms. Julie David Andrews, a frst-time read- perience and performance styles, one another that fosters con- $25 (adults) Rio, the Adult Programming and er of Simon’s work. “For a good but all have a passion for theater. structive feedback and encour- Amanda Li may be reached at Community Services Librarian of play [like The Good Doctor], you “I love to perform. I love to read agement. “We don’t criticize. We [email protected]

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO BAN SINGLEUSE PLASTIC BAGS

By Peter DiNatale ’21 serving style. Mr. Zhuo decided holidays, Pacifc Bufet remains Copy Editor to specifcally focus on Asian food open, unlike most restaurants in for his bufet because of the strong Wallingford. The bufet holds spe- A wonderfully unique addi- passion he gained for the Asian cial events during every holiday tion to Wallingford’s myriad of culinary arts. He grew up in China except Thanksgiving. restaurants, Pacifc Bufet & Grill, and moved to the United States in Unlike stereotypical cheap or simply, “Pacifc Bufet,” ofers his early teenage years. bufet style food, the items pre- a selection of Asian cuisine in a In addition to a large selec- pared in Pacifc Bufet are cooked bufet style fashion. The owner tion of Asian food, Pacifc Bufet with extravagant favor. The pork and manager of the restaurant, hosts special schedules, such as and broccoli, macaroni and cheese, Tommy Zhuo, is known in Wall- and sushi stand out the most at the ingford for his work with both restaurant. Pacifc Bufet perfects Pacifc Bufet and Funju Noodle the freshness aspect of seafood by Bar. His restaurants are located Pacifc Bufet & Grill having sushi chefs prepare meals Graphic by Elaine Zhang in the same plaza, making it con- 20 Ives Rd., Ste. 301C directly in front of the customers. Connecticut may become the second state to ban single-use plastic bags. venient for Mr. Zhuo to manage Open daily for The pork and broccoli, another them simultaneously. For both of lunch and dinner interesting and popular item on By Abigail Chang ’19 The bill, if made into law, still only applicable to certain his restaurants, Mr. Zhuo works to the menu, is smeared in a sauce Local News Editor ’18-’19 could have a significant im- types of merchandise bags, achieve the same mission: to serve that delivers the perfect amount of pact on Connecticut’s waste. and there is some concern quality food at an afordable price. sweetness while also maintaining On Monday, March 25, the While a statewide waste char- that it will only increase usage Pacifc Bufet opened roughly serving lunch earlier on Saturdays a savory favor. Environment Committee of the acterization study conducted of paper bags, though the pa- ffteen years ago with two loca- and Sundays. The restaurant also While it is not easy to manage Connecticut General Assem- by the Connecticut Depart- per bags will have to be recy- tions in Hamden and Walling- aims to recognize all of its custom- two restaurants at once, Mr. Zhuo bly approved a bill that seeks ment of Energy and Environ- clable if the bill becomes law. ford. Mr. Zhuo opened both of ers’ needs, regardless of their age. maintains his well-prepared food, to eliminate single-use plastic mental Protection in 2015 did According to the Connecticut the restaurants with his father, In fact, it ofers senior specials for afordable prices, and spectacular bags across the state. If it is not list plastic bags as one of Food Association, paper bags who shared Mr. Zhuo’s passion those who are 65 and older. Senior customer service. Pacifc Bufet is passed by the state legislature, the most common forms of are about five to seven cents for food. They decided on the customers are treated with cof- open every day of the week for all the proposed bill would take waste in the state, it did list more expensive for stores to name “Pacifc Bufet” because of fee or tea at the end of the meal three meals, serving all-you-can- efect on January 1 of 2020. that the state had accumulat- purchase than plastic bags. the type of cuisine they serve. The as well as a discount. For younger eat Asian food! Many towns in Connecticut ed over 16,000 tons of waste Wallingford’s town web- restaurant ofers a wide selection customers, the fve chefs at the res- have already placed individual in the form of plastic grocery site delineates the modes of of Asian food including several taurant also serve pizza, a popular Peter DiNatale may be reached restrictions on plastic bag use, and merchandise bags (A sin- recycling for many different dishes of seafood, all in a bufet dish among children. During the at [email protected] and Westport and New Ha- gle plastic grocery bag weighs common household materi- ven have even implemented about four or five grams). als such as newsprint, card- plastic bag bans, though New In addition to reducing board, and beverage contain- Haven’s was later dissolved. landfill waste, many are op- ers, which can all be recycled However, statewide bans are timistic that the ban could through the town’s recycling still relatively uncommon, and have a positive impact on lo- program. However, “plastic the Connecticut Mirror names cal ecosystems. Many plastic film,” the plastic grocery bag California as the only state to bags end up in Connecticut’s material, can only be recycled have enacted such a ban. waterways or entangled in at local grocery store loca- The bill is one of several its wildlife. Professor Travis tions such as Shoprite, mak- that passed through the Com- Wagner from the University ing recycling single-use plas- mittee on March 25, including of Southern Maine explained tic bags a bit more of a hassle a ban on single-use styrofoam to the Connecticut Mirror how than most items. The bag ban containers. It is also only one plastic bags break down into approved by the Environment of several bills to pass through microparticles and are con- Committee could help prevent the Committee since the begin- sumed by aquatic organisms. such bags from being dumped ning of 2019 designed to place “A couple of studies sampled in Wallingford residents’ restrictions on plastic bags. seafood and shellfish, and trash cans. Governor Ned Lamont suggest- they found plastic debris in The single-use plastic bag ed his own plastic bag bill on their digestive tract,” he said. ban bill still has a long road February 20, proposing a fve- “What does that mean? We’re ahead of it and must face further cent charge for plastic bags to not sure, but it certainly rais- scrutiny from state lawmakers be given to the government as a es concern.” before it can become law. part of a plan to mitigate a po- While the bill approved Photo courtsey of Jim C. tential budget defcit, accord- on March 25 could taper the Abigail Chang may be reached at Pacific Bufet & Grill’s wide variety of dishes includes ribs, fried chicken, fried shrimp, and mac and cheese. ing to the Hartford Courant. disposal of plastic bags, it is [email protected] PAGE 4 || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL ,  The ChoaTe News An Endless Pursuit of Art VOL. CXII By Abby Lu ’22 that maybe art just isn’t for me. TH  MASTHEAD NO. 14 Opinions Staf Writer I tried to hate art. But no mat- ter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. Grace Y. Zhang ’20 Derek Z. Ng ’20 hen I was little, my I never once hated the infamous Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor mother warned me technical drawings. I never once Wagainst becoming the hated art history, nor did I ever swimmer who drowned. She fnd it dull. I loved every crooked told me, “The swimmer drowned line of every picture. To me, ev- School News Local News Opinions Esther An ’21 Will Zhu ’20 Ariel Kim ’20 because she overestimated her- erything is a masterpiece. Brandon Zhang ’20 Alexandra Alkhayer ’20 self. She was overconfdent.” For Even now, when I pick up a years, I believed the moral of the pencil, I often set it back down Features Arts & Leisure Sports story was to stray away from ar- within the second. Fear of in- Victoria Esquibies ’20 Deanna Tan ’20 George McCabe ’20 rogance. However, upon further competence proves stronger than refection, I realized that it was the moment of inspiration. Even not the excess, but the lack of con- so, like so many others, I push Photography Graphics Layout fdence that killed the swimmer. through. Van Gogh started paint- Ryan Kim ’20 Chandler Littleford ’20 Kiki Kim ’20 While I’m not the artist whose ing at the age of 27. I am not too pencil stabbed her to death, I am late. I draw for myself, not for the still insecure, even when it comes Photo by Abby Lu/The Choate News scrutinizing eyes of the public. I Online to the thing I love most: art. Even wish I had realized this sooner. Layout Jerry Wang ’20 Business Abby Lu ’22 demonstrates her artistic ability through paper cutting. Nico Decker ’20 Nico Campbell ’21 Caroline Rispoli ’20 though the pencil didn’t kill me, Even so, I still can’t shake the Laura Jiang ’21 Bella Capuano ’21 Elaine Zhang ’21 Ho Jin Jang ’21 it did a very good job trying. ostracized from society like my fessional artists told me to pursue crippling voices of discourage- Linda Phan ’22 Multimedia Amanda Li ’21 I love art. I pride myself in idols: Van Gogh, Utrillo, and Ji- something else. They told me to ment from my mind every single Khushi Tyagi ’20 seeing the beauty in anything ang Zhaohe. These people em- stop being childish. “Wait a few time I pull out the sketchbook I Video Copy and everything. braced art, yet were repaid with more years,” they said. “See if carry everywhere with me. Matthew Lee ’20 Student Council Kate Bailey ’21 Liam Podos ’20 Tony Lee ’21 Peter DiNatale ’21 Growing up, my mother, who insidious backlashes. They gave art is your true passion.” They From my own experience Niki Gummadi ’21 went to art school, discouraged themselves to the world, which told me not to start too early and with art, I can say this: the pencil Advisers JeeHwan Kim ’21 me from making that decision took advantage of their vulner- to think carefully because once I did not kill me, though it nearly Social Media Mr. Mike Peed Claire Yuan ’21 Jessica Wu ’22 Dr. Cathryn Stout Rachel Pittman ’22 for myself. Everybody told me ability and destroyed them. I was started, there would be no turn- did. I was not the swimmer who that artists did not make money, afraid of getting hurt. ing back. So, I waited. And I real- drowned from overestimating and that they were not taken se- When I brought my work ized that art is my true passion. A my own ability. Instead, I sank Staff Reporters riously by others. They said art- to people as a young child, they few years later, when I went back temporarily from my lack of Eliana Kim ’20 Yolanda Wang ’20 Calvin Walker ’21 Ethan Luk ’20 Greer Goergen ’21 Natarsha Yan ’21 ists lived hard lives. Because of praised me. I was labeled the “art- and told them of my epiphany, confdence. However, I am not Anjali Mangla ’20 Camille Grant ’21 Allen Zheng ’21 this, I suppressed my love for art. sy one” in primary school. Some- they asked me why I didn’t start the only one sufering from this Elizabeth Quinn ’20 Max O’Connor ’21 Abby Lu ’22 I tried to pour myself into other times I wondered if that was the my pursuit earlier. particular aching. Here’s to the pursuits in an attempt to ft a only reason people cared for me “You’re too late,” I was told. doubtful: don’t doubt your own /choatenews @choatenews @choatenews mold too big for my body. When at all. What was the point of ap- The same artists interrogated ability; there’s nothing much you people asked about my interests, probation, of building my hopes me and asked me what I was can do about that. What’s holding Email us: [email protected] || Call us: (203) 697-2070 || Find us: thechoatenews.choate.edu I always told them that they were and dreams up, only to have them thinking, wasting all that time you back is most likely your lack “mathematics, biology, econom- later shattered by lectures of real- on other things. In other words, of confdence, so don’t be afraid to ics…” — feeting interests that I ity and responsibility? It’s like a they told me to give up again. take that leap into deep water. merely thought sounded good on perfect porcelain pot cracked on I don’t remember how many EDITORIAL an application or to the ears of the ground. What was the point of sketchbooks I have thrown away Abby Lu is a third former an adult. I was afraid of appear- perfecting it? When I was young, out of spite, or how many years from Hong Kong. She may be Why We #ChoseChoate ing as the meek artist, someone my family friends who were pro- I have spent lying, telling myself reached at [email protected] Welcome! If you’re reading this on a Spring Visit, congratu- lations! You stood out among more than 3,000 applicants from across the globe and earned yourself a spot at Choate Rosemary Hall. Maybe you’ve already made the decision to spend the next Judicial Committee Hearings Must Be Made Public years of your life with us at this “School Upon the Hillside” — a fne choice, in our humble opinion. Or maybe you have a dif- By Calvin Walker ’21 lem, however, is that this rule Imagine if court records in times, disciplinary process. cult decision to make in the coming weeks. What you decide will Opinions Staf Writer prevents anyone outside of the the United States weren’t pub- But the ridiculous secrecy shape your next few years (and, potentially, the rest of your life). JC and the involved students lic. There would be a lot less of JC meetings makes it im- Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should come to arlier this term, I voted from knowing what really hap- trust in our judicial system and possible for students to hold Choate. We have a very lax dress code — yes, you can wear sweat- for my form’s repre- pens during hearings. our government as a whole. By their representatives ac- pants to class. We’ve won Deerfeld Day fve out of the last six years. Esentatives on the Judi- How are we supposed to keeping hearings private, the countable. When voting for The bagels in our dining hall receive stellar reviews from students, cial Committee. During their vote for representatives if we JC encourages distrust. If the our JC representatives, all faculty, and parents. We have what is essentially our own Starbucks speeches, the candidates don’t even know what the JC School’s rules are being en- we can do is make our best — the Lanphier Café, at which you should grab a cofee or frappé made a variety of arguments does when they meet? How forced correctly and fairly, why guess and hope that they do while you’re here. Our football team hasn’t lost a game in fve years. for why they should get our are we supposed to know if can’t the JC share transcripts of a good job. We have half-days every Wednesday, a sleep-in every Thursday, and vote. While some pointed out representatives on the JC their discussions? So make JC hearings pub- no Saturday classes. And we even have a surprise day of cancelled their prior experience, others are even doing their job? Increased transparency from lic. Only then will the true in- school each year, afectionately known as President’s Day. shared anecdotes in an ef- How are we to keep them ac- the JC would also beneft aca- tentions of the JC be fully un- In all seriousness, though, Choate is a place where students fort to illustrate that they are countable? We simply can’t. demic integrity at Choate. If stu- derstood and recognized. By form their sense of selves and discover their passions. Our variety both honest and trustworthy. To fix this, transcripts of JC dents were able to read JC cases, better understanding the role of signature programs — including the John F. Kennedy Program But just like last year, it was hearings should be made they could gain a better under- of the JC and its representa- in Government and Public Service, Science Research Program, hard to differentiate between public to any student who standing of not just the School’s tives, students will not only be Environmental Immersion Program, Arabic and Middle Eastern the candidates because I, wants to view them. rules, but also the true signif- able to cast better informed Studies, Advanced Robotics Concentration, Arts Concentration, along with almost everyone The obvious problem with cance of the honor code. When votes for their future repre- and Study Abroad — provide students of all interests with the else who was voting, have no publicizing transcripts from students are able to trust that the sentatives, but also hold their unique ability to immerse themselves in their felds, gaining real- basis for judgment. JC hearings is violating stu- system is fair, they are less likely newly elected representatives world experience they can’t fnd anywhere else. JC hearings are private. dents’ privacy, but I think to disobey the rules. This trust, to higher standards. With one Our faculty are world-class. Many of them are experts in their Members of the committee are there’s an obvious solution however, can only be earned by simple change, the JC can be felds and have dedicated their lives to teaching. They advise in not allowed to discuss cases to that problem: redact stu- making these hearings public. much more efective than it dorms, coach sports teams, lead extracurricular groups, and partici- outside of hearings in order dents’ names from the public At the end of the day, the already is. pate in committees such as the Diversity Education Committee, a fac- to protect the privacy of any document. That way, students JC representatives are here ulty group dedicated to discussing the issue of equity and inclusion on students involved. Someone’s will be able to understand to represent the students. Calvin Walker is a fourth Choate’s campus. The intellectual bonds you’ll form with the adults personal mistake or miscon- what happens during hear- The JC is supposed to give former from Rhinebeck, here are unlike those you’ll fnd at any other school — we promise. duct should not be made the ings without anyone’s person- students a voice during the NY. He may be reached at Choate doesn’t lean any one way. We celebrate competitive aca- talk of the School. The prob- al privacy being sacrifced. rule enforcement and often- [email protected] demics, sports, arts, and clubs. Everything we do, we execute with pride and passion; in honesty, the passions of our peers fuel our own. It’s hard to label us or put us in a box. There’s no such thing as a “typi- cal Choate student.” We’re not known as a “sporty school” or an “artsy school” or a “preppy school,” and we like it that way. PROCRASTINATION IS SELFSABOTAGE Each student pursues his or her own path on this hilly cam- pus: buzzing, alive, dynamic. The current seniors will graduate in By Camille Grant ’21 long-term project. These people from home, and we are under a son who isn’t neglecting an im- two months never having gone through a year at Choate when a Opinions Staf Writer neglect fguring out what re- lot of stress. For many of us, the portant conversation that they new building was not under construction — the campus is con- ally troubles them. Others pro- only people really keeping us in have to have with themselves. stantly adapting to the ever-changing needs of students. Our ’ll do it later.” On several crastinate in more “unhealthy” check are our teachers and deans. Although we acknowledge buildings are both traditional and modern, sleek and comfort- occasions, many of my ways by playing video games, The efect of this cannot be un- procrastination and even make able. You’ll walk the paths each day breathing sighs of wonder at “Ifriends skip both break- scrolling through social media, derstated. Our brains are particu- jokes about it, we’re not actu- the beauty that surrounds you, much in the same way that we do. fast and lunch in order to cram or watching Netfix; they admit larly malleable at this age, and, ally having the conversations All this being said, we want to be honest with you: Choate more work in. Kids stay up un- that they’re self-sabotaging. for boarders away from home, the that need to happen. Instead of isn’t perfect. You can’t wear a hat in the dining hall. Some under- til 4 a.m. multiple times a week There are also those who pro- development of our self-care hab- focusing on the actual causes of formers living on their own for the frst time don’t know how to because they’re putting of work crastinate but don’t realize it. its is left up to us. We stay up and procrastination, we tend to fo- use a microwave, and fre alarms ensue. Sometimes our bananas until the last possible second. They spend an hour “working,” procrastinate because it isn’t so cus on time management strat- are green. One of the dining hall toasters has a sign with a gram- Students here at Choate are un- but mentally zoned out. difcult to pull of here, but it can egies. By allowing our friends matical error. With luck, none of these are deal-breakers for you. der massive amounts of stress Procrastination can also re- produce negative consequences in to procrastinate on their health At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not Cho- and oftentimes can’t cope, re- sult from someone having legiti- the future. Choate is an extremely and psychological safety, we ate is the place for you. We hope you’ll take our input into account — sulting to procrastination. The mately no interest in their own stressful environment, so in the are normalizing an especially the positives and the negatives. Though any choice you make, we’re normalization of procrastina- work. In that case, it’s benefcial absence of healthy coping mecha- dangerous form of covert self- sure, will be a great one, we really do hope you’ll choose Choate. tion at Choate is incredibly dan- for them to assess what they’re nisms, it makes sense why we can harm. Academic and personal gerous, and we are not properly doing and why they’re doing it. fall prey to procrastination. excellence should not come at addressing this problem. the cost of our wellbeing According to — a fact that is forgot- Charlotte Lieber- ten by most people man of The New on this campus, my- York Times, serial self included. It’s procrastination is not enough to point caused by unre- out this contradic- solved emotional tion here. confict. To cope Too often, we are with mental anguish, told that the key to we gravitate towards overcoming procras- what will bring us tination is a better, immediate gratif- more detailed calen- cation, deliberately dar, but it is crucial inficting harm onto to frst alleviate the our future selves — Graphic by Chandler Littleford/The Choate News root emotional and that’s the defni- cause behind tion of self-harm, according to This seems obvious, but you’d People don’t seem to rec- procrastina- Dr. Piers Steel, a professor at be surprised by the number ognize the need to address the tion. The New the University of Calgary. This of things people do everyday dangers of procrastination. York Times recommends prac- mental anguish may be caused — classes, activities, outings — That’s probably because — to ticing self-compassion, which CORRECTIONS by intense self-doubt, worry, that are unnecessary. Not every a certain extent — everybody not only decreases emotional or emotional trauma. Procras- moment of every day must be does it. Even if we’re meticu- distress but also actively boosts Features tination is an unhealthy coping signifcant, but we should try lous about our assignments, self-esteem and fosters positive A Features article last week miscredited Alondra Peza ’21’s email ad- mechanism, not some character to instill some meaning into it. there’s a solid chance that emotions like curiosity and op- dress as [email protected]. It is [email protected]. faw. It makes sense, then, why It’s cliché, but we should foster we’re procrastinating on man- timism. Though this is easier people seem to contradict their a genuine appreciation for the aging our personal wellness. I said than done, actively work- Sports goals and procrastinate during opportunities we have been af- wouldn’t categorize a Netflix ing to make this change will al- A Sports article last week about varsity sports teams miscredited a pho- times of extreme stress. forded. Otherwise, we run the break during studying as pro- leviate the danger of procrasti- to Ryan Kim ’20. It was, in fact, taken by Praj Chirathivat ’22. A Sports People procrastinate in risk of setting ourselves up for a crastination if I know that I nation for Choate students. article last week about Kobe Tray ’19 miscredited a photo to Praj Chi- diferent ways. There is what life devoid of meaning. can bounce back. Rather, pro- rathivat ’22. It was, in fact, taken by Ross Mortensen. people call “healthy procrastina- As Choate students, we are crastination is the undeniably Camille Grant is a fourth tion,” meaning completing low- particularly susceptible to pro- harmful, active neglect of our former from Oak Park, IL. The Choate News regrets these errors. level homework or chores until crastination for two reasons: we wellbeing. It piles up on all of She may be reached at To submit a correction, email [email protected] they’re motivated to work on a spend much of our time away us. I can’t think of a single per- [email protected] 5 FRIDAY, APRIL ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE

The Fight Against ISIS is For Shooting Survivors, Mental Far From Over Health is Too Often Neglected By Sabahat Rahman ’21 said it had killed a shocking that I wonder if we’ll ever feel Opinions Writer 12,000 fighters and detained truly free here.” several hundred more. And, She echoes the sentiments On Tuesday, March 19, the as U.S. military officials have of countless people who have U.S.-backed Syrian Democrat- surmised, nearly 30,000 ISIS been oppressed by ISIS. While ic Forces captured Baghouz, troops could still be lurking in the militant group may have Syria. Following the victory, the region. Some of these mili- been forced to flee its former they celebrated with a large tants have already regrouped home, those who have had to parade and a bright yellow flag in tosmall insurgent groups. suffer under its iron grip must — after more than four years, Hassan Hassan, who studies still fgure out a way to heal. ISIS has finally lost all of its the Islamic State at the Center This begs the question: what territory in Iraq and Syria. for Global Policy, cautioned, next? If ISIS members are still The Syrian Democratic “ISIS isn’t going to launch any at large, will the war ever be Forces have been battling the big surprises anytime soon, over? Will we ever fnd all of militant and terrorist group but what remains of it after its militants? The answers to ISIS for years in efforts to cap- the caliphate will still be a these questions seem bleak, but ture its territory. At the peak huge challenge.” there is much hope as well. For of the group’s reign in 2014, What’s more, ISIS has one, despite the fact that ISIS the Islamic State laid claim to truly become a global pres- troops are still at large world- an area the size of Great Brit- ence. The Islamic State has wide, they have lost their solid ain and to an army of around spread far beyond its original foundation. Without a region 100,000 people. However, centers in Iraq and Syria. In to call their own, the caliphate’s since then, ISIS has witnessed Afghanistan, ISIS continues to stability and even legitimacy its downfall in Iraq and Syria. grow. In the Philippines, many has been challenged. Addition- On March 22, Syrian Demo- youth are pledging their loyal- ally, President Donald J. Trump cratic Forces’ spokesman ty to the Islamic State. ISIS’s P’00 pledged in a statement Mustafa Bali tweeted, “Syr- territory in Syria and Iraq is to remain “vigilant by aligning ian Democratic Forces declare only one piece of the much counter-terrorism forces,” re- total elimination of so-called larger network the group has minding nations to unite in their caliphate and 100% territorial created, and the U.S. must eforts to destroy ISIS. Looking defeat of ISIS.” recognize that if we truly want forward, it truly does seem that

For now, the world finds to win the war against ISIS. countries are willing to invest in Photo courtesy of The Washington Post hope and solace in what ap- Finally, beyond the war, and dedicate time to eradicating On February 14, mourners remembered the victims of the last year’s shooting in Parkland, Florida. pears to be the end of the let us not forget the psycho- the extremist group. war against ISIS. In reality, logical impact that the ISIS Although there is still By Niki Gummadi ’21 health in this country, there What can we do to help though, taking the group’s ter- soldiers will leave on the ci- much work to be done in the Copy Editor was not; a report from the Na- those who have lived through ritory in Iraq and Syria is only vilians in Iraq and Syria. war against ISIS, the victo- tional Center for Education trauma to heal? First, Ameri- the first step in eradicating the Mahdiya, a 28-year-old Ya- ries of the Syrian Democratic For the past two weeks, Statistics disclosed that only cans must work to acknowl- Islamic State. zidi woman who lived under Forces and supporting U.S. people across the country 64% of schools have resources edge others’ pain, educate The battle in Baghouz, for the group’s oppressive rule, troops should not go unno- have been mourning the loss available for those struggling themselves, and seek profes- instance, displayed ISIS’s re- shared her lingering doubts ticed or uncelebrated. of three people to apparent from mental health disorders. sional help for those in need. maining military capabilities. and fears with the Washing- suicide, each of which seem to We cannot keep waiting for a While U.S. Pentagon officials ton Post: “They come to me in Sabahat Rahman is a fourth have one common factor: the tragedy to happen to open up had predicted some 2,000 my dreams; they come to me former from Dhahran, Saudi mass shootings that turned We cannot keep the conversation about mental ISIS troops to be in the village, when I close my eyes. They Arabia. She may be reached their lives upside down. Syd- waiting for a health only to drop that dis- the Syrian Democratic Forces took so much from all of us at [email protected] ney Aiello and an unnamed cussion when the world loses sophomore were both survi- tragedy to happen interest. To help these strug- vors of the shooting at Mar- gling survivors, Americans jory Stoneman Douglas High to open up the must actively advocate for School, in Parkland, Florida conversation about more accessible professional last year. Jeremy Richman help for those dealing with was the father of six-year-old mental health. mental-health issues. Avielle Richman, whose life As Americans, the fight was taken at the Sandy Hook over gun control in an attempt Elementary School shoot- The conversation about to prevent another school ing in Newtown, Connecticut mental health has stalled with- shooting proves distracting in 2012. While the victims’ in the United States because of in the aftermath of a tragedy. families mourn the suicides of the examples our leaders have We need to work on learning these loved ones, Americans set for us. Many conservatives to support those who have al- must re-examine how we dis- seem to only care about men- ready lived through one — it is cuss and treat mental health. tal health when they can use simply not enough to just feel The state of mental health it as evidence against the fight bad. Those of us that have not in our generation is rapidly for gun control. On the other been affected by a mass shoot- declining. As stated by the hand, many liberals become so ing have the luxury of even- American Psychological As- fixated on preventing another tually forgetting about it and sociation, “Compared with tragedy that they forget that moving on, but not everyone other generations, Gen Z is those who survived may need is so lucky. For the survivors least likely to report very good help healing. The result is that of mass shootings, and for the or excellent mental health.” mental health often takes a people they lost, we must keep The danger of the increasing back seat. Additionally, such the conversation about mental suicide rate among teens is deadly mass shootings are not health going, even after public compounded for people who, something that other genera- interest in the tragedy fades. like Aiello, have experienced tions have had to deal with. traumatic events. According According to Politico, the If you are having thoughts to her mother, Aiello suffered number of victims shot in mass of suicide, call the National from survivor’s guilt and was public shootings has reached a Suicide Prevention Lifeline at diagnosed with Post Traumat- 40-year high. Because of this, 1-800-273-8255, or visit Sui- ic Stress Disorder (PTSD) fol- younger generations have no cidePreventionLifeline.org lowing the Parkland shooting. one to look up to as they try to There should have been a sup- find ways to cope with the re- Niki Gummadi is a fourth port system in place for people alities of a world where mass former from Ocala, FL.

Photo courtesy of CNN like Aiello, but because of the shootings happen so often that She may be reached at Evacuated residents of Baghouz, Syria await processing at a reception area held by the Syrian Democratic Forces. stigma surrounding mental they have been normalized. [email protected]

JUSTIN TRUDEAU HAS BETRAYED CANADA’S TRUST By Kate Bailey ’21 and his 2015 campaign partly Copy Editor focused on indigenous peoples’ rights. Wilson-Raybould also For the frst time, Canada’s happens to be the frst indig- prime minister Justin Trudeau enous and the third female at- has found his name and “scan- torney general. Upon her ap- dal” in the same sentence. A pointment, she made for a nice month ago, former Canada At- feel-good headline and a boost torney General Jody Wilson- to Trudeau’s image. Raybould accused the prime However, it seems that be- minister of pressuring her to hind closed doors, the prime drop prosecution against SNC- minister pays no mind to his Lavalin, a prominent engineer- Twitter-friendly values about ing frm. The company, based strong female leaders. When in Trudeau’s home province of Wilson-Raybould stood her Quebec, is accused of bribing ground as Trudeau inappropri- Libyan government ofcials. ately pressured her, he simply Trudeau allegedly told Wilson- pushed her away, demoting her Raybould that, if convicted, to a lesser position in the Veter- SNC-Lavalin would be forced to ans’ Afairs Department. Later, cease operations, causing thou- she resigned. So did another sands of Canadians to lose their prominent female cabinet mem- jobs — and, most likely, caus- ber, Minister of Health Jane ing Trudeau’s Liberal Party to Philpott. Trudeau cannot possi- lose votes in the upcoming fed- bly still claim to be a feminist or eral elections. supporter of women in politics if The so-called scandal might he is going to go against what he seem rather benign to Ameri- claims to support as soon as he cans, but in Canada, it’s caused thinks nobody is watching. a national crisis. To date, three These allegations hurt. They ministers have resigned over the hurt the Canadians who once afair, including the initial whis- believed in Trudeau. Honestly, tleblower, Wilson-Raybould. they hurt me — I, too, fell un- Canadians across the country der the spell of this charismatic, have all but lost faith in their Photo courtesy of The Washington Post progressive leader across the once-golden prime minister — Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent corruption scandal has divided Liberals and has decreased the likelihood of his reelection. border. But now, the man who and rightly so. If these allega- nadians that he would, as his under Stephen Harper, leader would stop scandals like the one could Trudeau not expect his once pushed for “sunny politics” tions are true, Justin Trudeau campaign slogan put it, make of the Conservative Party and in 2011, in which Harper was once-loyal supporters to now is no better than the cold politi- is not the game-changing politi- “real change.” He claimed that prime minister at that time, accused of covering up voter turn their backs on him? cians he criticizes. If Trudeau is cian he says he is. His promise change would come in many the government had grown suppression, are now right Another good example of not held accountable soon, his to “do politics diferently,” his forms: the legalization of mari- secretive and closed-of from back to where they were before Trudeau’s wayward values is his image will be tarnished forever charismatic speeches, and even juana, enhanced international Canadians. In a turn of events, Trudeau was elected: living un- treatment of Wilson-Raybould. — including when it’s on the bal- his bright, family-flled Insta- relations, and equality. But and perhaps a change of heart, der a potentially corrupt and Trudeau’s progressive views lot again in a few months. gram page are slowly but surely no hope of his was as promi- Trudeau now fnds himself in tight-lipped government. How when it comes to social issues falling apart. nent or radical than his vision his predecessor’s shoes. could Trudeau turn his back so are part of what made him so Kate Bailey is a fourth former Four years ago on the cam- of government transparency. Canadians who thought quickly on an idea so central to well-loved by many Canadians; from Charlotte, NC. She may be paign trail, Trudeau told Ca- He claimed on his website that they were voting for a party that his campaign? Moreover, how he is a self-proclaimed feminist, reached at [email protected] PAGE  || THE CHOATE NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL  , 

A Sneak Peek into This Year’s Capstone Projects By India Lacey ’21 interested in pursuing a career Reporter in their topic, like she’s doing. “It’s such a rare opportunity Imagine the ability to de- that I believe all rising seniors sign your own Signature Pro- who are interested and pas- gram in almost any of your sionate enough about a certain academic interests. That’s the topic should apply. You can do Capstone Program. Designed it on anything, you just have to for flexibility, the program make a plan,” she said. allows hard-working and de- Karas’s project is quite dif- voted students to delve deeply ferent, focusing on how hotels into a topic of their choosing create brand harmony through with the guidance of a faculty the synergy of design, market- member. This year, 25 stu- ing, and operational systems dents are researching topics through a consumer and orga- ranging from brand harmony nization psychological lens. in hotels to satirical plays. To structure his time, Here is a sneak peek into the Karas works on his Capstone projects of three seniors, Em- for at least ten to fifteen min- ily McDermott ’19, Arsh Sek- utes every day. He uses this hon ’19, and Evan Karas ’19. time to “read, write notes, or For her project, Emily Mc- develop surveys.” He also re- Dermott ’19 researched Choate ceived guidance from his ad- female authors and read five viser, Ms. Tiffany Kornegay, different books, each from a and the other faculty members different writer. She explained, in the HPRSS Department “I am analyzing how women such as Ms. Nicholas Paul and are most commonly portrayed Mr. Jim Davidson. in literature and how these The Capstone process has Choate authors are unique in been very informative and their portrayals of women.” exciting for Karas, especially One of the books she read was because he’s always been in-

His Favorites by Kate Walbert Photo by Praj Chirathivat/The Choate News terested in the hotel industry ’79. McDermott is making sure The Capstone Program allows for students like Emily McDermott ’19 to delve into an academic topic during their senior year. and psychology. Through his to see how each author, includ- project, he was able to connect ing Walbert, portrays women Although McDermott praised McDermott recommends thors and researchers who are gone from just a research proj- the two. He commented that in comparison with each other. the independence the process the Capstone program for any experts in the topic to help her ect to a full blown social jus- “the coolest part was reach- McDermott drew inspira- gave her, she appreciated the student who has a particular better understand aspects of tice, educational project that ing out to General Managers in tion from her interests: lit- help from faculty, specifically interest in a specifc feld and is her project. So far, she’s done I’ve used to educate others,” Bhutan, Cambodia, and Chile.” erature and writing. However, her adviser Dr. Cathryn Stout. willing to dive deeper. a workshop for the Seeking she shared. Her adviser, Ms. Karas, like McDermott and she did not settle on a topic “The program itself is rela- Sekhon is also in the pro- Education Equity & Diversity Amy Howland, was a great help in Sekhon, highly recommends until the fall term of her se- tively unstructured, and it is cess of completing her Cap- (SEED) faculty group based on the process, as well as the teachers the Capstone Program to stu- nior year. “When I originally up to you and your adviser to stone but is taking a different her topic and the psychological on campus who teach courses re- dents who are very interested came up with the idea for my monitor your progress and set route. Focusing on the inter- aspect of it. Now that the end of lated to her project. in a specific topic. Make sure project, it was very broad, goals and deadlines for you to sectionality of racism, the law, the academic year is approach- From the beginning, Sek- to see all of the students in the which was a good jumping off meet.” She continued, “Dr. Stout and social justice in the United ing, she’s working on putting hon enjoyed the “flexibility program present their final point,” she explained. “I knew has been instrumental in narrow- States, Sekhon spent the sum- her final presentation together. and freedom” the program al- projects in May! that I wanted to analyze how a ing down the scope of my project mer before her senior year do- The process of Sekhon’s lowed her. She recommends group of people are portrayed and providing structure for such a ing research by reading and project, like McDermott’s, has the program for any dedicated India Lacey may be reached in American literature.” long and fuid process.” studying. She contacted au- been gradual. “My project has students, especially if they are at [email protected]

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY... Hydro Cup Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Encourages Water Conservation By Sabrina Kim ’21 prizes range from a pizza party to because not a lot of people on cam- Reporter an ice-cream party, depending on pus are completely knowledgeable 14 15 16 how the the dorm places. about how fortunate we are to have Although the Choate Green The Hydro Cup Challenge lasts access to clean water,” said Brooke 17 18 19 Cup Challenge came to an end for about four weeks. This may Wise ’20, another C-Proctor. during winter term, many Choate seem like a long time for a compe- “I think Hydro Cup really students continue to save energy tition, but it’s a great way for Cho- brings attention to the day-to-day 20 21 22 23 24 after the competition’s culmina- ate to get accustomed to continu- ways in which we can conserve tion. This year’s Hydro Cup Chal- ously conserving water. as much water as possible,” said lenge, which started on Wednes- C-Proctor Gina Driscoll ’20 Alondra Peza ’21. “When every- 25 26 day, March 27, will teach students said, “The objective is to teach one in the dorm participates, we how to conserve water both on and good water conserving habits. It is all help keep each other in check.” 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 of campus and to keep up these aimed to teach students that tak- Peza hopes she can make an efort habits after the competition ends. ing shorter showers, using the cold to help use less water alongside the The annual challenge is organized wash function for your laundry, C-Proctors living in her dorm. 34 35 36 37 by the C-Proctors and their faculty and turning of the sink when you Since 2000, Hydro Cup has adviser, Ms. Katrina Homan, the don’t use it will help save fresh wa- been one of the biggest and 38 39 40 41 School’s Director of Sustainability. ter at Choate.” most successful events hosted During the Hydro Cup Chal- Last year, the KEC, Chapel, by the C-Proctors. Not only lenge, Choate’s dormitories com- Spencer, Quantrell, Nichols, and does it act as an educational 42 43 44 pete against each other to see who Pitman saved the most water event, but it also brings the can save the most water. When it among the school’s 22 dorms, cut- Choate community together to comes to competitions on campus, ting their water usage as a group by think about issues beyond what 45 46 47 48 many dorms go all out in order approximately 27%. students often refer to as the to win the prizes awarded by the The C-Proctors hope that this Choate bubble. 49 50 C-Proctors. For this challenge, year, the water usage will go down prizes are given to all dorms who even more. “Hydro Cup needs Sabrina Kim may be reached decrease their water usage. The more awareness around Choate at [email protected] 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

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By Ula Lucas ’21 Q: What is your favorite sport to Q: What was your frst job? Reporter play, and what is your favorite A: The frst paid job that I did Across Down sport to coach? was to move sand in wheel- 1. Piece piece? 1. Ofce of a Disney villain Last week, I sat down with be- A: Coaching, no doubt, is soccer, barrows from a pile of sand 6. Coca 2. Fitness center for women loved faculty member Mr. Deron and to play, if I was any good at that was about 150 meters 10. Drop 3. Gene Kelly’s favorite weather to sing in! Chang, Choate’s Director of Cur- it, would be baseball. away from the beach. It was 14. Well-informed 4. Anger management ricular Initiatives, in order to learn the restoration of the beach. 15. The Weeknd 5. Relating to the neck a little more about him. “Chang” Q: If your life was a song, what I was probably doing it at 12 16. Holding Van Gogh’s fowers 6. Monte ____ simulation (as he is more commonly known) would the title be? years old, and I probably got 17. Much cooler 7. Almost a Tony is a biology teacher who has been A: “It’s Okay to Be Ridiculous.” paid dirt. 18. I’m just here for the ____ 8. Lightbulb alt. teaching at Choate since 1996. 19. French fashion magazine 9. American guitar manufacturer Mr. Chang is also the head coach Q: Who would you want to write Q: What’s your favorite ice- 20. Competed in a race 10. Overachievers do this of Girls’ Thirds Soccer and Girls’ the foreword to your biography? cream favor? 21. Lowland, to poets 11. Milkshake variety JV Softball and is the father of A: My F-Block biology class. A: Cofee-Oreo. 23. Post-____ 12. Small island former Local News Editor Abigail 25. Typical dog name 13. Abound Chang ’19. From his passion for Q: What’s the next book you plan Q: What is your favorite country 26. Bloom-to-be 22. Citrus drink sufx teaching to his comedic fare, on reading? to visit? 27. Before reuse and recycle 24. Not “Us,” “Get ____” Mr. Chang is defnitely a Choate A: World Class Learners, by A: France. 30. You’ll fnd many on The Bachelorette 27. Write a review on Amazon, say student favorite. Yong Zhao. 34. Aesop’s marketplace 28. Bird near the water Q: If you could go to any con- 35. Fashion designer Jacobs 29. Floral mat Q: What is the story behind Q: What is your favorite thing cert, past or present, what 36. One of Santa’s helpers 30. Purple and healing your name? about teaching? would it be? 38. A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B, A 31. Craving A: Deron is my English name, A: Seeing “Aha!” moments in my A: The concert in Central Park 39. See 51-across 32. Movie theater chain so [my grandfather] decided students. with Simon and Garfunkel. 40. Sarcastic ergo 33. What Michael Jackson was to the rhythm to make sure that my Chinese 42. Slithery shocker 35. Popsicles in the hot sun name sounded like Deron, and Q: If you taught in the Humani- Q: What’s the best gift you’ve 43. Rachel Berry’s time to shine 37. Creme caramel dessert the Chinese words that sound ties Department, what would ever received? 44. Underrated tropical fruit 40. Sufered most like Deron are “dà rén” — you teach? A: My Keurig cofee maker. 45. Despots 41. What kings do on the throne “big man.” The crazy part is that A: English, Creative Writing. 48. Villain of seasonal allergies 43. Rough and twisted for so much of my life, and even Q: If you could have one super- 49. Nixon’s clean water org. 46. Pass down a story now, I am not a big man. Q: What is a quote everyone power, what would it be? 50. Size of John Robert’s posse 47. A human is a great one should hear? A: The speed of The Flash. 51. With 39-across, hidden yard treasure 48. Sty resident Q: What are you most excited A: “Democracy must be reborn 54. Punk rock band minus Arizona 50. Of his rocker about these days? with each generation and edu- Q: What skill are you learning 55. Sleep stage 51. ____ - a- Sketch A: Whether the Red Sox can re- cation is its midwife. - John right now? 58. Decorate at Christmas 52. Base times height peat as World Series champi- Dewey, 1916. A: Coding for making iOS apps. 59. Common action in Fortnite 53. Order in a bear market ons and ... restructuring our 61. Former name of the DRC 54. Lunge curriculum. Q: What is your favorite restau- Q: Do you have any words of 63. They’re made of organelles 55. Friendship freezer rant in your hometown? wisdom? 64. Revise’s partner 56. Sal’s Canal Q: What’s your favorite exercise? A: Sirinan’s in Wallingford. A: Force yourself to be creative on 65. Keebler-esque? 57. Word before room or wear A: Cycling on my Tadpole Trike. a daily basis. 66. Don’t wear your hats in here! Q: Who would play you in the 67. Gainsay Q: What’s your favorite TV series? movie version of your life? Ula Lucas may be reached 68. OkCupid meetings A: “The West Wing.” A: The Asian Paul Rudd. at [email protected] FRIDAY, APRIL ,  THE CHOATE NEWS || PAGE 7

Redlitz’s and Sachdeva’s Senior Plays: A Window into Their Souls By Adrienne Chacon ’22 Reporter ing people that helped her: Director of the Arts Ms. Kalya Yannatos, Acting teacher Ms. Their plays may be con- Deighna DeRiu, and Acting ceived, written, and directed teacher Ms. Tracy Ginder- by just one person, but they’re Delventhal. Sachdeva also anything but one-dimension- thanked her friends who audi- al. Tyler Redlitz ’19 and Simi tioned for her play, as well as Sachdeva ’19 have been build- the general theater community ing their own plays, titled “The at Choate. Doors Left Shut” and “Forty For Redlitz, one of the limi- Minutes” since their junior tations of not having an entire springs, respectively; now, crew was having very little these two playwrights are pre- available to him in terms of paring to present their work to props and costumes. However, the Choate community. Redlitz felt reassured once he Redlitz designed his play realized he will be putting on as a Capstone project, for he the show in Gelb Theater, a had known for some time that theater with great setups like he wanted to create something lighting and sound, for putting other than “the typical poster on a show. board.” He proposed his own The biggest parallel that ex- project but had not known what ists between the two shows is specifc actions he was going their meditation on character. to take. He had not known he Sachdeva’s “Forty Minutes” en- wanted to direct or write his own compasses everything she has project until junior winter when learned as a student at Choate. he directed for the Fringe Fes- Redlitz’s play examines how peo- tival. He took a creative writing ple react unconventional circum- course during his freshman year, stances. The story is less driven a playwriting and screenwriting by plot or narrative, and more by course in his junior year, and a the character’s actions and how summer writing course the sum- their actions decide the path the mer going into junior year. story takes. Redlitz linked this On the other hand, Simi Sa- idea to the poem “The Road Not chdeva is an Arts Concentration Taken” by Robert Frost. “The student. She has been planning poem has to do with trying to her ArtsCon fnal project since Photo by Jenny Guo/The Choate News cope with regret and the thought junior spring. She has acted for Director and playwright Tyler Redlitz ’19 instructs his actors in the Gelb Theater. that we did not make the right seven years at Choate, directed expression, and how the people in a scientifc and serious tone, but out in subtext or dialogue, and what she’s learned. “This play is decision,” said Redlitz. for Student Directed Scenes and her life have afected her. there’s some ignorance and irony that’s a fantastic thing, that com- kind of like my child,” she said. Throughout the casting Fringe, and produced her own Though their plays are very in that.” His opinions drove him bination of challenge and enjoy- Redlitz saw what he was pre- process, Sachdeva and Redlitz One-Person Play. She has also diferent, both Redlitz and Sa- to frame his play as a comedy. ment and the process of thinking senting as a “vehicle to advance searched for actors and ac- studied creative writing as a stu- chdeva stress the importance of The play was a way of com- about it kept me coming back to [his] own thinking.” He did not tresses that were patient, dent at Choate. “The PMAC has artistic expression in their lives. bining his ideas with his writing theater,” Redlitz said. write his play for the advance- eager and engaged. Both Sa- been home,” Sachdeva said when “I do a lot of theorizing,” Redlitz experience. “I’m often consumed It is clear that both directors ment of anyone else’s thoughts chdeva and Redlitz devoted thinking about the road that led said. The principle concept for The by thinking about stories — sto- see their plays as extensions of or even for their entertainment. their hearts and souls into her to creating her own show. “I Doors Left Shut is part of a greater rylines that present themselves themselves. “It’s a version of “I wrote this for me, and not for their plays, and they hope the can’t imagine my life without the- conversation about human irra- in everyday life.” Creative writ- myself, and I don’t think I’ve anyone else,” he said. performances will reflect their ater.” Forty Minutes is a drama tionality — that is, how people at- ing was a challenge that he loved created a piece of performance These plays are created hard work and bring their vi- about a girl named Joy who, when tempt to rationalize the irrational. because it allowed him to dive art that is more wholly me,” from start to finish by one per- sions to life. the play begins, will graduate high “It deals with something into the introspective side of ex- Sachdeva said. The girl in her son. “I am the one leading it, school in forty minutes. In the that’s relatively serious,” Redlitz pression. “In theater, the intro- show is derived from her ex- but I am definitely not alone,” Adrienne Chacon may be reached play, Joy refects on art and self- said. “It could be talked about in spective side of writing is played periences with herself, art, and Sachdeva said, after thank- at [email protected]

YALE’S T WELFTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS FOR NIGHT INSPIRES A RTS CONCENTRATION PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS ON SPRING VISITS By Skylar Hansen-Raj ’20 Night’s costumes and set de- Reporter sign were incredible. During the performance, I saw each On March 27, Arts Con- actor combine the embodi- centration students went on a ment of their characters with field trip to the Yale Repertory the elaborate set before them. Theatre in New Haven. While For me, I learn the most the main purpose of the field about my characters when I’m trip was to watch a produc- blocking, and Yale’s blocking tion of Shakespeare’s Twelfth surprised me because they Night, students from all areas used different areas of the of the Arts Concentration Pro- stage I wouldn’t expect, but it gram, not just those involved worked. So for my future per- in theater, attended. The formances, I want to explore choice to include all students utilizing the whole stage with was to encourage bonding all its set pieces.” within the Arts Concentration While the theater students community. were able to appreciate the The Repertory’s version of more technical elements of Twelfth Night is a new take on Yale’s production, the general an old story left a lasting im- beauty of the production did pression on the students who not fail to impress students in saw it. Yasemin Cobanoglu ’21 other areas of the Arts Con- said, “The Repertory Theater centration Program. Visual made the Shakespeare play Arts Con student Jeanne Malle modern and contemporary by ’19 stated, “I really enjoyed the adding songs and technologi- play because it was so unex- cal aspects. Seeing a classic pected. I had seen other mod- play with a new perspective re- ern productions of Twelfth minded me that as a director/ Night but this one was by far writer/actor you can always the most original.” make a play your own.” The most important take- Yuting Wang ’20 said, “I away from this field trip, how- think it was kind of surprising ever, was the community’s to me about how modern tech- chance to bond with one an- nology can have such a huge other. A lot of students in the impact on a play, especially Arts Concentration Program for a Shakespeare piece.” One have expressed difficulty with compelling aspect special to getting to know people from the play, she added, was the different areas of study. This use of costuming. field trip was an opportunity Iris Parsons ’21 also no- for those in a particular con- ticed the significance of the centration to be able to meet costumes. “There were a lot others with varying interests; of really beautiful sets and the students also went out to Photo by Ryan Kim/The Choate News the costumes were amazing,” dinner after the play. Matt Symphony Orchestra performed “La gazza ladra” this Monday in the Chapel. Parsons said. “It was really Lee ’20, Visual Arts Concen- cool to see how they used the tration student, said, “There By Kate Bailey ’21 efervescent overture featuring and we’re playing music only at someplace else, they come technology with the original definitely is difficulty get- Copy Editor the entire orchestra. It’s really by Italian composers,” Mr. here instead. It’s happened Shakespeare. I think it would ting to know people in other quite wonderful.” Ventre said. “What fun!” many times.” be interesting if Choate used concentrations. But being This year, prospective stu- Mary Gorman ’19, who plays Historically, these per- To be sure, these perfor- more technology and futur- with varied people and seeing dents coming to campus for the French horn, said, “It’s a formances have had a pro- mances don’t only appeal to istic types of sets in their them at the field trip opens us revisit days are in for a treat. pretty fun piece to play. There’s found impact on prospective future .scholar-musicians. productions.” The costumes up to each other.” As is tradition, the Choate a lot of very big, dynamic con- students, especially those Chang said, “I think that mu- combined contemporary and Eliana Kim ’20, a Music Symphony Orchestra is per- trast, going from loud to quiet.” interested in playing in the sic, even if you aren’t a musi- cutting edge design with his- Arts Concentration student, forming a bright, upbeat piece This isn’t a piece you ofen orchestra. Eliana Kim ’20, a cian yourself, can really have torical influences. expressed a similar apprecia- for families — one that they’ve see played by your typical high concert mistress and violin- an impact. I hope that the new For theater students es- tion for the get-together. “It is been perfecting all year. These school orchestra, though. In- ist, said that the performance students who are coming this pecially, the field trip to the hard for music, dance, visual, performances, which have oc- stead, the piece is usually seen will “give a lot of sense to the year and revisiting will really Yale Repertory Theater was a and theater Arts Con students cured on all three revisit days, in the stands of professional incoming students, especially enjoy and see how much effort remarkable opportunity to ob- to bond because each con- are sure to be a memorable part musicians. However, this level if they’re interested in music: we put in — even if they don’t serve and learn from actors in centration meets at different of prospective families’ visits of difculty doesn’t faze stu- what it’s like to be part of the play themselves — just to see a professional play. times, and the things we do do to Choate, if not a key factor of dents. “I think at the beginning Choate orchestra, how high a how hardworking and pas- Parsons also noted how not overlap except during se- these students’ decisions. it was really hard, [but now] I level we’re playing at.” sionate we are as students.” impressive the actors were. nior recitals,” she said. “Being This year’s piece is a crowd think we’re really excited. We In fact, just the phenom- The performances aren’t “It was really interesting to able to bond in different areas pleaser. Mr. Phil Ventre, Con- work super hard, and we’ve enal orchestra program alone just for prospective families. see how involved everyone of concentration will strength- ductor of the Symphony Or- been working on this piece for can be a deciding factor for The entire Choate community was with what was happening en our passion towards the chestra and Jazz Ensemble, the past year, so we’re pretty musically-inclined prospec- is encouraged to come sup- onstage,” she said. “Even if it arts more and will hopefully said, “We’re going to be playing confdent,” said Supriya Chang tive students. Mr. Ventre said, port the orchestra in the Cha- wasn’t that actor’s moment, bring more attention to the the Rossini La gazza ladra over- ’21, who plays the oboe. “Oftentimes, when they hear pel. “I hope to see everyone they were so involved and in- arts department.” ture, which means ‘The Thiev- The orchestra is also plan- the orchestra and they talk to there, even students,” Kim ex- terested in the scene.” ing Magpie.’ It’s based upon an ning to play the piece as a part me personally, we have long claimed. “Come see us!” The actors’ abilities also Skylar Hansen-Raj opera in which a magpie steals of its upcoming concert tour. conversations after the sec- inspired Brennan Connell may be reached at information from people who “We’going on our sixth con- ond visit. This changes their Kate Bailey may be reached at ’20, who observed, “Twelfth [email protected] are corrupt. It’s a wonderful, cert tour to Italy this June, mind — if they were looking [email protected] THE CHOATE NEWS VOL. CXII • NO.  SPORTS FRIDAY, APRIL , 

WILL WU ’19 COMPETES IN ATHLETICS EXCITES PROSPECTIVE ARCHERY NATIONALS STUDENTS ON SPRING VISITS By Pranav Pendri ’22 they’re already looking at if you’re constantly spending Reporter boarding schools; that’s key, time talking about the other because then, you’re the only schools, that’s all the kid’s go- Spring Visits week is an an- one in the market.” If a person ing to think about.” nual event for the Choate com- with a friendly face and voice For smaller sports teams, munity, and for many current reaches out to them and sug- eforts remain similar, albeit on students, the week is full of ex- gests Choate, these prospective a smaller scale. Sam Stevenson citement and energy as they try athletes are much more likely ’19, a captain of the Girls’ Var- to attract as many accepted ap- to choose Choate if accepted. sity Squash team, explained that plicants to Choate as possible. “Squash is kind of unique ... be- For athletic teams in particular, cause the squash world is very the tactics used to draw prospec- We don’t really talk that small, and therefore everyone tive students involve a varied much about football, knows each other. So, the great and complex process, requir- because most of the time thing about it is that almost all of Photo courtesy of Ross Mortensen ing copious planning and great the prospective students we have Will Wu ’19 holds at full draw at a Choate Archery practice. they know what we’re amounts of spirit from players coming in, a member of the team doing when it comes to By Derek Son ’20 each day. Unfortunately, Wu had Wu additionally spoke of the and coaches. knows somehow.” Familiar faces Reporter to take all 120 shots in one sit- unique bond that members of Planning reaches as far football, so they want to from club squash tournaments ting, all over the course of eight Choate Archery have formed and back as December, when Mr. know more about how stand out — recruitment is there- During Choate’s spring break hours, so he could make it back highlighted a specifc story. “It LJ Spinnato, Assistant Director we do our day-to-day fore easier because prospective earlier this month, Will Wu ’19 to Choate on time to attend class. was the end of the practice, and of Admissions and Head Foot- students and Choate recruiters attended the 50th U.S. National Despite the time constraint, Wu I thought [the coach] blew the ball Coach, instructed the play- activities. already know each other. Indoor Championships for Ar- broke his personal single-round whistle, so I was walking down ers to send emails to prospec- Clay Zachery ’19 Although the Spring Visits chery in Fiskdale, Massachu- record, scoring 265 out of 300 the fring range. All of a sudden, a tive athletes, making sure that allow potential student-athletes setts, and won frst place in his points and shooting an average bunch of people started yelling at their questions were answered 2018 Boys’ Varsity Football to better understand Choate ath- division. With an average score of score of 8.83 per shot. me to get out of the way because and that they felt welcomed. captain Clay Zachery ’19 ex- letics by talking to coaches and 8.50 points out of ten points per Wu has been competing in there were still people shooting,” Tactics can also include physi- plained the process further. So- players, the days also give stu- shot on 120 total shots, Wu took archery for four years. “Before Wu said. “It was a really scary cally searching for athletes who cial media, he said, plays a huge dent-athletes a broader under- frst place in the Recurve Men Choate, I had no experience with moment because I totally almost would be a good ft for the foot- part in drawing students to standing of what it’s like being a Junior Guest Division, which archery at all,” Wu said. He cited got shot, but now we use this sto- ball team by combing through Choate; the football team uses student at Choate. “We usually consists of men aged 18-23 who the DC Comics character Green ry in the team to educate people websites with clips of their it regularly to reach out to pro- just play some clips from the sea- are not from the United States. Arrow, a superhero who uses about safety.” performances, sending play- spective students. Accounts like son and just talk to the kids about This annual tournament, held his archery skills to fght crime, Concerning his future plans ers to scout for students during Choate Football on Instagram what we do at Choate,” Zachery from December 28 to February as his inspiration to join the Ar- in archery, Wu is confdent that football camps, and examining are actively posting clips of the explained. “We don’t really talk 25, enabled hundreds of accom- chery team during his freshman he will continue the sport well followers on Twitter for athletic football season, and all Choate that much about football, be- plished archers from around the year at Choate. into college. “Archery is an ex- and academic performance. sports teams have large social cause most of the time they know United States to ofcially com- Wu’s performance at the pensive sport, and I have in- Coach Spinnato also re- media presences. Also, kids are what we’re doing when it comes pete amongst one another. championship serves as a tes- vested a lot of time and money vealed that waiting for stu- assigned in groups to each foot- to football, so they want to know Although the tournament is tament to the diligence he has into it, so I’m going to shoot at a dents to come to Choate on ball player. Their responsibility more about how we do our day- an open invitation to all archers, put into his training the past club team in college,” explained their own is inefficient com- is to reach out to them through to-day activities.” Choate’s archery team typically few years. “[During] Thanksgiv- Wu. “I’ll also begin to transition pared to making the effort to calling and texting. Coaches and players alike allows only experienced mem- ing and Christmas break of my from indoor to outdoor [shoot- introduce students to Choate. What’s important, Zachery put in diligent effort from the bers, who have been a part of the sophomore and junior year, I ing]. Choate only has an indoor He explained, “If a student has insisted, is that athletic teams winter until Spring Visit days team for two or three years, to would always bring my bow with range, but outdoor is actually decided to apply to Choate, never trash-talk other schools. to recruit the very best ath- attend because of the competi- me and shoot at the ranges near more difcult.” then chances are that he or she “I remember when I was go- letes in football, squash, and tive nature of the tournament. my home,” Wu said. He also ac- Wu’s story of archery is evi- has applied to Andover, Deer- ing around to schools, all they other Choate athletic teams, The tournament is comprised of knowledged the importance of dence that a student can acquire field, Exeter, and other similar would do is trash Choate for but they also aim to provide four rounds of thirty shots each. the more experienced members a new talent at Choate and end top schools around the coun- some reason,” Zachery said. prospective students more in- The competitors typically split of the team. “We rely on older up pursuing it at a high level. try.” However, he clarified, “I feel like you’ve just got to formation about Choate. the workload of 120 shots be- members of the team to really “You can go out and attract forget about the other schools tween the course of the two-day give advice and cultivate our Derek Son may be reached at people to Choate specifically and just try to promote Cho- Pranav Pendri may be reached at weekend event, by shooting 60 younger members.” [email protected] because of you, not because ate the best you can, because [email protected]

FIELD 2019 Preseason Trips: Intense Preparation and Team Bonding By Rachel Pittman ’22 REPORT Copy Editor

While most Choate students Varsity Games relaxed over their spring break, athletes preparing for the up- coming spring season trained Boys’ Lacrosse (1-0) all over the United States. From Florida to Nevada, spring beats Lawrenceville, 12-7 sports teams, including Girls’ and Boys’ Lacrosse, Girls’ and Boys’ Crew, Boys’ Baseball, and Boys’ Tennis, used preseason training trips both to improve athletic skill and to get a head- start on team bonding. Girls’ Lacrosse (1-1) Girls’ Lacrosse had a suc- falls to Exeter, 10-17 cessful preseason in Mesquite, Nevada. There, they completed preseason training through Tril- ogy Lacrosse, an organization that runs many camps. They Photo courtesy of Nate Krauss participated in two practices and Members of Boys’ Varsity Crew row on the Tampa Bypass Canal during their preseason trip. one scrimmage each day. Girls’ Girls’ Sofball (2-0) Lacrosse captain Julia MacKenzie the Canal, and the team practiced pieces where it’s focused on time called, “Vero works well for and make great progress towards beats Green Farms, 17-0 ’19 explained, “Kayla O’Connor, from 7:30 to 10:00 in the morn- rather than going far distances.” us because of the outstanding our regular season schedule.” a professional women’s lacrosse ing, until it came time for them Although the 30,000 meter row- weather and the ability to play Boys’ Tennis headed to Sad- player, was a guest coach for that to eat lunch at the University of ing routes and practice pieces other, very competitive teams dlebrook Resort in Tampa, Flori- week and led some practices and Tampa. After a short break, the honed the rowers’ endurance, from around the country.” da, for their spring break. “While helped us with our stick skills.” team was back on the water, row- perhaps just as valuable as the The team competed in games it’s a resort, it’s also a tennis acad- Also, because of the their ing from 2:00 p.m. until dinner time on the water was the bond at the Historic Dodgertown Base- emy where several pro players go unique location in the Southwest- time. After practices, the team the team developed. The team ball Complex, the same facil- to train. The team has gone to Sad- ern United States, members of the bonded over dinner at UTampa participated in a donut night, a ity that the Los Angeles Dodgers dlebrook many times before, so it Boys’ Volleyball (0-1) team took advantage of their sur- and nearby restaurants. water pong night, a movie night, used to work out in during past was an easy choice to go again,” falls to Andover, 0-3 roundings and visited the neigh- Girls’ Crew also headed to the a giant team hangout, dinner spring trainings. Conveniently, said captain Parth Mody ’19. The boring states of Arizona and Utah. University of Tampa, where they at a market place, and a speech the Dodgertown organization ar- team played for three hours in the At diferent locations, they took a shared space with the Canadian night during which captains gave ranged all games and practices. morning and two in the afternoon. break from lacrosse to hike at out- National Rowing Team. The girls speeches to their teammates. The gorgeous complex is also The hot and humid conditions did JV Games door parks in the area. participated in early morning and Sekhon explained, “This year, close to where the team stayed. not allow the team to play more On the other side of the na- afternoon practices at the same I think the preseason trip really The team woke up to breakfast in than that, but the practice time tion, Boys’ Crew visited Tampa, location as the boys’ team, a loca- put the team on a high for the sea- the hotel, practiced from 10 a.m. was valuable, nonetheless. Of the Boys’ Lacrosse (0-1) Florida, for one week. Notorious tion that happened to have alli- son. Everyone is just so happy to to noon, and fnished with a game court, the team bonded over din- falls to Litchfield Hills, 3-10 for their grueling practices and gators. During breaks, most girls be around each other. Crew has in the afternoon. ner and enjoyed the resort’s pool. tight-knit team atmosphere, Cho- rested and hydrated after practic- always felt like a tight-knit fam- When they weren’t on the Choate’s spring preseason ate Boys’ Crew worked hard to ing in the draining heat. Co-cap- ily, almost ‘cult like’, but the team feld, players and coaches went trips allowed teams to sharpen hone their skills and forge a team tain Arsh Sekhon ’19 explained vibe both during preseason and to the pool and the beach. They their skills and bond as a team. bond to carry themselves through that morning practices were dedi- currently is just incredible, on a even attended a Major League The hard work athletes put in the season. The team rowed on cated to longer, steady paces of whole new level.” Baseball spring training game. over their spring break will hope- the Tampa Bypass Canal, a long, distances around 25,000 meters. Boys’ Baseball returned to Wosleger said, “Overall, the fully pay of in the season ahead. Girls’ Lacrosse (1-0) fat stretch of water, twice each She noted, “We focused a lot on last year’s preseason location: amount of baseball we get in day. Their day began at 6:45 a.m. technique. In the afternoon, we Vero Beach, Florida. The team’s Vero Beach allows us to improve beats Miss Porters, 10-5 Rachel Pittman may be reached when they left the hotel to drive to would do more competitive race coach, Mr. Scott Wosleger, re- our skills, evaluate new players, at [email protected]