Service
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Introducing ‘Hutchison Serves’ BY: ISABEL RISCH ‘16 It’s 3:30 PM, and I’m sitting in the Head of School’s office. Afternoon sunlight filters in through the windows, illuminating the cheery yellow walls and colorful upholstery. Dr. Smith is beaming. “I’m very excited about this, as you can tell,” she says. No, I’m not in trouble. I just asked about Hutchison Serves. “We’re really honoring what our girls have done for decades,” Dr. Smith says. “Service has always been a big part of Hutchison. It’s not like, ‘Oh, a new program is here!’ It’s a recognition of what you all are doing and are so passionate about. It’s putting those pieces together and saying to you, ‘Here are chances, here are opportunities. Make a difference in the world.’” Hutchison Serves is the newly-introduced sister program to Hutchison Leads; it was made possible by a generous endowment by Kirby Dobbs Floyd, a Hutchison alumna, and her husband Glenn Floyd. Where Hutchison Leads focuses on honing girls’ leadership skills, Hutchison Serves will focus on fostering a dedication to community service throughout students’ time at Hutchison. “Hutchison Leads was the beginning,” Dr. Smith says. “Now it’s Hutchison Serves. And they’re linked. Really effective community service means
mobilizing people, and you have to have leadership skills to mobilize people.” Because Hutchison Serves is an endowed program, many people compare it to Wilson Society; however, Mrs. Rachel Frank, the Hutchison Serves director, is quick to correct that comparison. “Wilson Society is under the umbrella of Hutchison Serves,” she says, and adds that Wilson is for Upper School students only. On the other hand, she says, “Hutchison Serves is a school-wide program. It involves divisions from Early Childhood completely through Upper School.” That word—umbrella—is probably the best descriptor of Hutchison Serves. The program is a unifier that will connect all the pre-existing community service branches at Hutchison. “Before, there was community service happening in all these different pockets,” Mrs. Frank says. Now,
“Hutchison Leads was the beginning...Now it’s Hutchison Serves.”
“That word-umbrella-is probably the best descriptor of Hutchison Serves.” Wilson Society, the Heart and Soul Talent Show, the DeNeuville auction, the St.
SIGNPOST Senior Editors Maggie Loftin ‘17 Isabel Risch ‘16 Staff Writers Sarah Beth Bland ‘19 Avery Boals ‘19 Corrina Brown ‘18 Paige Champlin ‘19 Lucy Fiedler ‘17
Junior Editors Abigail Gray ‘17 Sam Tancredi ‘18
Grace Galler ‘19 MacKiah Hoff ‘19 Whitney Jordan ‘19 Ally Krasin ‘18 Callie Lannin ‘19
Jude Trike-A-Thon, and even the Upper School Service Learning Committee will all fall under the domain of Hutchison Serves. Additionally, Hutchison Serves has revamped the tenth grade class trip, which was previously a repeat visit to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. The trip is now focused on service learning. For the trip’s inaugural run this past September, the sophomores went to Grundy County, the poorest county in Tennessee, to do home-repair work. On the way home, they stopped by the University of the South for a college tour. As for the creation of the trip, Dr. Smith says, “The stars aligned. It’s the poorest county in the state. It’s easy to get to; it’s a four hour bus ride. There are wonderful places to stay… Mrs. Frank went to Sewanee, and Mrs. Jasper worked at the episcopal sleep-away camp in Sewanee for many years, so they are very grounded in that area.” The refurbished sophomore trip is just one example of the ways in which Hutchison Serves hopes to integrate service learning into students’ education at Hutchison. In addition, Hutchison Serves will focus on
creating cross-divisional connections and ensuring that lower- and middle-schoolers
Photographic Editor Jasmine McGill ‘17
The Signpost staff strives to practice ethical journalism and to promote integrity in its work. The editors and staff reserve the right to publish only those articles which they consider accurate and not injurious. All articles must meet these criteria in their inception and execution. The opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, faculty, students, or administration.
Jianna Plescher ‘18 Jospehine Redd ‘19 Sky Stubbs ‘18 Ellie Weeks ‘18
Signpost wants to be inclusive of the entire Hutchison community, and we welcome submissions from faculty, students, and alums. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at efaber01@gmail.com. We do not guarantee that every article will be published. Every article sent is subject to be edited for content and size.
SIGNPOST IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF THE CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS OF MOLLY MCCONNELL ‘59, WHO SUPPORT STUDENT JOURNALISM AT HUTCHISON IN HER MEMORY.
Service
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One of the homes on the 10th grade Service Learning trip. The class of 2018 worked on homes in Grundy county during their trip.
Photo courtesy of Grace Galler
are just as involved in the community as the older girls. Mrs. Frank will act as a resource and coordinator for the younger students, who will create their own community service projects based on whatever subjects they are studying. Dr. Smith says she hopes that these projects will help connect the four school divisions and foster unity. Younger girls will plan and organize their community service projects, but they will need the Upper Schoolers’ help to implement those projects. Take a food drive, for instance. Dr. Smith says that although eighth graders may organize the project, they will still need a way to transport the food to a food bank. “Maybe they have to ask the Upper School or Wilson Society girls to see if some of them need service hours and can drive their food,” Dr. Smith says. “They have to interview Upper School girls, recruit Upper School girls to do that for them. They have to pack [the food] so the
girls can pick it up. It’s a whole different level than… adults coming swooping in with all the solutions.” This emphasis on service as something self-initiated and collaborative is the core of Hutchison Serves. The program is meant to teach girls that service should stem
thinking about service.” Dr. Smith also mentioned that in addition to Hutchison Leads and Hutchison Serves, there’s a third program in the works— one that she says will focus on “creative entrepreneurship and financial literacy.” She wants all three programs to tie in together: Hutch Leads will provide the girls with the leadership skills they need to carry out community service and entrepreneurial projects, while the entrepreneurial projects will often have service elements. The symbiotic nature of the three programs will make Hutchison stand out even more in a culture that often treats service and entrepreneurship as separate entities and writes off “leadership” as something that can’t be taught at all. As for now, Hutchison Serves is already changing Hutchison for the better. And this is only the beginning!
“Service should stem from one’s own desire to help others- it shouldn’t be something students are forced into.” from one’s own desire to help others– it shouldn’t be something students are forced into by teachers or that they grudgingly do to fulfill a certain number of hours. “That’s the old way of thinking about service,” Dr. Smith says. “I want this new way of
Success Stories
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Company D
BY ABIGAIL GRAY ‘17 AND JASMINE MCGILL ‘17 The Center for Excellence is inviting successful women of Memphis to share their stories in the “Secrets of our Success” series. On Friday, September 11th, Company D founder and and artistic director Darlene Winters visited with the Hutchison Digital Media class to share her story as a beginning to this series. Company D is a dance company specifically for individuals with Down Syndrome. Ms. Winters was interviewed by junior Jasmine McGill in front of the rest of the class. Jasmine asked her a variety of questions ranging from the development of her company to her personal journey as a woman in the workforce. At the end of the interview, the girls in the audience were allowed to ask Ms. Winters questions.
my dancers will have Down Syndrome,” or thought that wonderful things would happen. It was just a process. I was
Jasmine: Do you mind telling us a little bit about your career before you founded Company D?
actually called to produce two dance pieces for a celebration and afterwards, I just said, “Let’s keep doing this,” and it just happened. It started growing and became this journey for me. It still is a journey for me.
Darlene: I always wanted to be a speech language pathologist. I actually nailed that in 8th grade. But I always continued to take dance lessons in high school and college and part of it is that I’ve just been fortunate in my life and work situations that I’ve been in. As a speech language pathologist, I’ve been able to speak my art with my professional skills. J: What inspired you to start Company D?
mission [for the program], which was to be the equivalent to a pre-professional dance company for these people and to give the dancers an experience to receive the same proper training as their peers. In the beginning, we started underneath another non-profit company and people began saying “you need a website” or telling us “you need to be your own nonprofit.” Those were some of the things that weren’t a part of the artistic, but the business side of the company. There’s been other challenges too with growing the company but, you know, it is what it is.
Photo courtesy of Grace Galler
J: What is the process of selecting dancers for your company?
J: What barriers did you face in the development of the program?
D: Personally and spiritually I believe that every single person has a gift or talent or inherent aptitude. So, over the years that I’ve worked with special needs I’ve learned how to be pretty astute in my observations. So typically, I ask the dancer and their parents to come in and watch the highest level of dancers that we offer so that they they can see the focus, vision and growth process. Then, the dancers are sometimes invited to participate in that class before they are selected into their appropriate class level. It’s a trial-based observation/ feedback process. At this point, those who have come to me already know what my company is about: commitment.
D: From the beginning, there was a
J: What is your favorite part of the day?
“As a speech language pathologist, I’ve been able to speak my art with my professional skills.”
D: That’s a long answer… I had a history of about thirty years of working within the community with children and adults that had special needs. When Company D evolved, it’s not like I woke up one morning and said, “I’m going to have this dance company and all
Success Stories D: Teaching dance. I love that part. J: Where do your dancers usually perform? D: In the beginning there were just about 7-8 dancers in the company. I had one mother who was on board with me and we only had about two pieces in our repetitions, and I think we added a third. This mom was going around and getting us all of these gigs at church festivals, bars, etc. So I like to say we were dancing from ballrooms to bars-- the Wild Saloon in Nashville, TN is very famous. People in the community, mainly other non-profits, would invite the dancers in to perform. However, as the program grew, the artistry of the dancers has grown also. With a few very strong mentors behind me, I felt it was time to put on our own annual show. In the midst of our journey, since 2008, the dancers would travel to Nashville and other various places to dance. We even went to New York City to perform and I can say it was an official Broadway debut; it was a sanctioned sight-- Dicapo Opera Theatre. We were selected by the International Festival of Arts to go to Washington through the Kennedy Centers for our performance. The interesting part is that I’ve never really sought out performances other than our last four annuals.
J: What is your vision for the dancers by the time they leave the program? D: It’s interesting, because people always ask me, “Is there an age cutoff?” and there’s not. I’ve found out that as they get older, they get better, and continue
Page 5 growth in those areas too. J: Could you share a view of your favorite memories with us? D: I should write all these down. There are so many beautiful experiences with the dancers. When the dancers were younger, some of them still in high school, they talk about not being able to wait to get their rings and get out of high school. With the Down Syndrome, there are different levels of how they communicate. Sometimes, they aren’t always understandable, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t holding on to every single word and dance move and processing it in their brains.
“They learn to be supportive of each other and patient with one another.”
J: What genre of dance does your company mainly focus on?
to learn. However, being a part of the program, we teach many life skills. We’ve specifically focused on being committed and showing up for the classes. They learn to be supportive of each other and patient with one another. It’s a team collaboration, so if and when they leave, they will be leaving with those life skills. I think it goes without saying that the performing arts has an element of confidence that comes from those life skills. The younger dancers will often say “I’m nervous” before their first
J: Is there any one dancer that said something that stands out to you? D: One dancer came to me after going through some tough choreography, put his head up against the wall, and I asked “what’s wrong?” He just shook his head and said “ugh.” I asked “are you okay? Do you need to sit down?” and he said “no, I’m fine.” I asked if there was anything I could for him and he said “no, it’s just my brain. I can’t remember.” I just so identify with that because I still take dance classes today and can relate to him. Winters’ success story not only enlightens all whom she speaks to, but also the greater community. By helping individuals with Downs Syndrome, she aids both the Memphis and greater community through her work. While breaking stereotypes regarding Downs Syndrome, Company D brings the joy of dance, both classical and modern types, to the world around her. We offer our utmost thanks to Ms. Winters for sharing her and her students’ stories with us, and we cannot wait to see where Company D goes in the future.
“Ballet.You have to have ballet...although... it is very important to know the other forms of dance.”
D: Ballet. You have to have ballet. It’s a very strong foundation, although I do think it is very important to know the other forms of dance. Modern dance teaches the dancers another way of cognitively processing the movements of the body such as swinging and releasing. Musical theatre-- they like that, too, but ballet is the foundation. Also classical jazz, which is historically based in ballet.
big performance, and just to see them grow is a joy. J: How has Company D benefitted the greater community? D: ...it gives the community the opportunity to see that just because these people have an extra chromosome, it does not make the individual void of learning. Knowing their own art form and how they socially and cognitively present themselves, there is a
Service
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Helping hands nationwide BY SARAH BETH BLAND ‘19
Over the past three summers, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve nationwide with some of my best friends in the Christian community through Group Mission Trip Workcamps. Their goal for every Christian camper is to create a long-lasting relationship with God and also to strengthen their relationships with their youth group. My youth group, Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Collierville, has attended the Workcamp session for many years, and it has become tradition. Workcamp is centered on Christ and on serving the small, poor community we are in, whether it is towns like Middletown, OH, Chandler, OK, or Springfield, IL, all of which I have visited. Springfield, IL was this past summer’s camp location, and the communities and neighborhoods needed our service to help update and restore the homes where paint and construction were not taken care of, and homes that were deteriorating on both the inside and outside. Workcamp is structured so that the campers of youth groups all over the country stay in a local school in the city we are serving in, and within the school, the staff provides and leads all meals, morning and evening programs, and activities. We serve with a crew composed of four or five strangers from other youth groups at a local home in need of repairs, paint jobs, construction, and anything else that the family living there needs. For example, this past year in Springfield, IL my crew was responsible for repainting the entire exterior of a small home and refinishing the resident’s two doors. The home had been horribly chipped and had been in need of repair for many years. After a long day of work, each crew returns to the school and the campers individually have the rest of the day to roam freely: meeting new people, making friends, and taking much needed
showers! Campers enjoy this time because they can make bonds with other youth groups that will last for a lifetime. Once the afternoon is over, and dinner has been eaten, is time for evening program! Evening program is the most influential part of the trip for me because it is valued time to strengthen my relationship with God. Every Workcamp year has a
his plans for our lives are. These times every night of every year have each had a specific effect on the way I live my life in Memphis. For example, as I listened to what God had to say about my future, I heard that all I had to do now, as a high school girl, was to live my life worry-free. Since I got home, I have lived life thinking positively and knowing that whatever comes next is what is planned for me. My life as a Christian grows and strengthens with every Workcamp I go to, not just because of the programs but because of the service. My first year, I was different theme that the camp has us focus terrified and was not looking forward to on in order to help us grow as servers having to work all week with people I and Christians. The theme for this past had never met, and I was honestly scared summer was ‘Reframe’. The goal of to face the roots of my faith. It had never Reframe was to change the way we see been very strong, and I was scared to things in this world: our vision of Christ, admit that in front of the older and more ourselves, and those around us. Each night experienced campers. However, the first at evening program, every youth group camp was the most influential camp on comes together in an auditorium for the my life for personal faith reasons, and it lesson of the day, where we worship and made me want to come back to as many pray with every camper in the school. Workcamps as possible in my years as a However, even though the worship has youth. In addition, the feeling I get from such an emotional effect on me because serving the communities most in need of our help and seeing their happy faces after their homes are renewed is one of the happiest feelings I get. Being able to serve outside of Memphis is important to the nation’s poorest communities, and I am very thankful for the opportunities that affect me personally as well. Serving outside of the country is a bit out of Photo courtesy of Susannah Bland my comfort zone, and of the power the number of campers came I am proud to say that I, a Hutchison girl, make, the most influential moments of can serve around the United States and each program are the times we get to change my own life as a Christian while spend alone with God. For example, this changing the lives of many others. year on Wednesday night, we were given time to spread out in the room and take some time to reflect and ask God what
“the feeling I get from serving the communities ...is one of the happiest feelings I get.”
Saving our society
Service
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BY LUCY FIEDLER ‘17
Even though there is a lot of impoverishment within the Memphis community, this does not mean that nothing is being done to combat the scarcity some fellow Memphians face today. In 1986, Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee launched Service Over Self (SOS). During an eight week period during the summer, churches from all over the countries are invited to Memphis for one week each. This organization gives people from all over the country the opportunity to help meet the needs of some of our city’s most vulnerable homeowners, who do not have the resources or capability to fix their own homes, by bringing in volunteers to fix their house free of charge. Through this service effort, the underprivileged citizens in Memphis are able to live in a safe environment. In these service groups, everyone is assigned a team leader who is a part of the SOS staff, and a leader who comes from their individual church. During the week, church members stay in the SOS building and work on their assigned house from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. SOS is a Christian based organization, so during lunch each team has a devotional at their designated worksite. After they are through working for the day, all of the teams go back to the SOS building to have dinner, chapel, and free time. SOS operates as a non-profit organization and has repaired over 900 homes with 24,000 volunteers in inner-city Memphis. SOS serves within the Binghamton and Orange Mound communities, which are two low-income neighborhoods in Memphis. Many people in these communities do not have stable living situations, so this is where SOS comes in. SOS’ goal is to make the citizens of Binghamton and Orange Mound’s home lives better by reconstructing their houses. Serving and
helping others while spreading Christianity to the homeowners and people living in the neighborhoods is a key component of this experience. The SOS website states: “Service Over Self exists to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed through urban home repair camps” (SOS Memphis.) I have been attending SOS for the past five
needs to be for everything that they have. I first went into SOS five years ago only thinking I would be working on a house in the Binghamton neighborhood. What I did not know was that I would be building relationships with the homeowners and the other members of my team. While I was there, I got to learn about the family’s backgrounds and religious views, and I began to realize that not only are we changing their lives, but they are changing ours. Teams are at the work site for many hours each day, making it easy to bond with the homeowners and with their neighbors. You begin to see how happy the people of each neighborhood are with so little, and until we put ourselves in their shoes, we cannot judge their lives. This shows that the society that we live in is remarkable and that everyone can be happy, even with the little they have. After seeing how thankful they are for what we are doing for them, it made me open my eyes to see how fortunate we are and how we take so much for granted in our lives every day. After the seven to eight weeks of service with the churches invited to Memphis from all over the country are over, there are dozens of newly shingled roofs, Photo courtesy of SOS Memphis and work has been done on the outside and sometimes the inside summers and have loved the opportunity to of houses for members of the Binghamton serve my community. I have also seen the community. The homeowners are so poverty in the neighborhoods we work in grateful for everything we do for them. and have realized how grateful I am for They love to have conversations with us the life I have been given. Working at SOS while we are taking breaks from the hot sun, gives people the opportunity to volunteer and some of the neighborhood kids want to for others and learn how to put others above help out and get on the roofs with us. Even themselves. The opportunity to help people though there is so much work to be done gives many of SOS’s volunteers a feeling all over the world in very impoverished of happiness and joy. Many team members countries, SOS has proven that people of all realize the huge impact they make on ages can help out the community one step someone’s life by simply helping restore at a time. Many people take trips all over their house. Doing something so great for the world to help out global communities, your community changes the way you act but what about helping out in your own and the way you treat people, especially city? Together we can change the Memphis since you realize how grateful everyone community one street at a time.
Travel
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Overseas and over barriers BY MACKIAH HOFF ‘19 This summer, I ventured out of my comfort zone and into the diverse and unique culture of southern Europe. Surprisingly, the commencement of my trip begins not in the United States or Europe but on a remote island in Belize. Coincidentally, my mom, dad, brother, and I became extremely close friends with a native Barcelonan family while vacationing in Belize. For about two weeks, we spent time together on the island and quickly learned about each other’s lives. By the end of the trip, we were all dreading our departure. We had grown so close, and it was an emotional goodbye. Although the amazing Belizean experience quickly came to an end, an even greater adventure began. On the last day in Belize, Fransesc, Miriam, Judit, and Martina – the Barcelonans – invited me to come live with them and their two daughters in Spain for a few weeks and travel alongside their family to France. I was shocked – the opportunity to live in a foreign country, by myself, with an amazing family, for two weeks – yes please! I begged my parents to allow me to embark on this wonderful journey, but it was not until about two years after Belize that they finally agreed. Still, I was amazed that they were consenting to letting me travel as an unaccompanied minor through the biggest airport in the world and beyond to Spain and France. My only conclusion as to why my parents allowed me to leave home for that long and live with a family over 4,500 miles away is that two families snorkeling together daily can be a massive bonding experience. On July twentieth, my adventure began. After saying goodbye to my family, I made
known as Catalonia, which was originally an independent country but has struggled for complete freedom since as far back as the fifteenth century. Patricia and I talked about our basic schedules and routines during the summer, including activities such as spending time with friends or watching television. On the and Spanish, as did almost everyone. It plane, there were movies available to was truly eye opening to see how dedicated watch for free, and while we both saw The people were to knowing and understanding Hunger Games, I saw it in English while English in Spain compared to my weak and she watched it in Spanish. I was impressed limited Spanish vocabulary. The family I by how much influence Western culture stayed with was actually trilingual; they had in France and especially in Spain. spoke English, Spanish, and Catalan. The Although in Spain most movies and shows region where they live in Barcelona is were spoken in Spanish, they were the same ones I would watch at home. Throughout the trip, we were always listening to the most recent music, movies, and television shows from America. In fact, some of the songs I heard in Barcelona I originally thought were only played in Spain. However, when I came home, I heard the same music. Another sign of Western influence was the clothes and common products I noticed people wearing or using. On the plane, Patricia was carrying a Nike backpack, Gap sweatshirt, and typical iPhone – all common products in Memphis and Barcelona. Once I arrived in Barcelona and met with the family, Fransesc, the father, acted as a tour guide on the way to their home. He described the culture of Catalonia and the independence they so desperately seek; Photo by Mackiah Hoff my way through the airport and onto the plane. I sat next to another “unaccompanied minor” from Barcelona named Patricia, who was leaving the United States after visiting her cousins. She spoke English
“An even greater adventure began...the Barcelonans invited me to come live with them.”
Travel he pointed out the Catalan flags, which could be seen hanging from countless balconies. The girls pitched in too; they told me all about the story behind the flags I saw everywhere – La Senyera and L’Estelada. Legend states that La Senyera,
as octopus, squid, clams, and oysters at the restaurants. Each meal was nutritious and delicious, served with bottled water only. The water was always placed in a large glass bottle in the middle of the table, and each person had his or her own glass. Snacks did
Page 9 in the same apartment. Cousins and other family members were constantly visiting and joining us on trips. While I was there, I met every single relative, on both sides of the family, directly related to them, except one. I was amazed at how close everyone
Photo by Mackiah Hoff
a flag with alternating yellow and red stripes, was designed during battle. The Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer II, was fighting alongside the leaders of other Catalan territories, Guifré el Pilós (translated to Wilfred the Hairy) and Carles el Calb (Charles the Bald), against the Moorish Governor of Lleida, Lobo ibn Mohammed. As Wilfred was seriously injured, and Catalonia did not have a flag, Charles plunged his hands into Wilfred’s wound, aiming for the area around his heart, and wiped it across a golden shield. To this day, the four red stripes on the golden background of La Senyera are known as Els Quatre de Sang or The Four Fingers of Blood. L’Estelada has a far less interesting story, but it is equally as important. This flag is used to show support for the independence of Catalan, with the same yellow and red background but possessing a blue triangle with a white star on the top. It was inspired by the stars on the Puerto Rican and Cuban flags, both countries who gained independence from Spain. Everywhere we traveled, we always ate healthy meals; a good nutrition and diet are a crucial part of Catalonian culture. For almost every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we enjoyed “pa amb tomàquet” or bread with tomato. The toppings for this signature appetizer included olive oil, which was also used as salad dressing, and fuets, or sausage. We often enjoyed seafood such
not exist; you were expected to eat when served and eat until you are completely full. Although everything was extremely healthy, dessert was a part of every meal. Every McDonald’s in Barcelona was forest green instead of bright red and yellow, as they are in Memphis. Fransesc explained that he believed McDonald’s was trying to appear more healthy by changing their theme colors to appeal to a healthier audience. Overall, meals, unlike clothes, were very different from Western culture. Family is also a large part of their culture.
“Catalonia...is rich in culture... Their flags, food, and family life set it apart.” Wherever we went, it was always a family occasion. Even seeing sights such as the Sagrada Familia or le Chateau de Carcassone was a family event, where the history behind these beautiful buildings was discussed by the whole family. When we traveled to Coasta Brava, we stayed with three generations of relatives who all lived
was, and although they fought constantly, every person, young or old, was included and deeply loved. In L’Estartit, the entire village consisted of multiple relatives but mostly close friends who played together at night during the “fresca”. Although girls and boys separated during the day, nighttime was the perfect time for the entire village to get together. One night, the two most notorious children challenged me to a race. They heard I ran cross country, so I could not turn the contest down. We sprinted down the streets and back again, but after a victory, they demanded a rematch. I said it would have to wait until tomorrow. The next day, every family in L’Estartit knew about it. All of the children raced the following night, cheered on by parents who lined the streets. It was a wonderful family event. Catalonia, which is more formally referred to as Spain, is rich in its culture and in its people. I enjoyed every second of it. Their flags, food, and family life set it apart from any other country. However, the Western influence made me feel at home and showed me the impact that the United States has on countries across the globe. I am greatly impressed with Spain’s unique traditions and even more unique people. From Belize to Barcelona to back home, I was able to better appreciate different cultures and understand our dissimilarities.
Civics
Page 10
A change in the Ninth Ward
BY MAGGIE LOFTIN ‘17
When I think of New Orleans, I think of music, of the French Quarter, of the Café du Monde. I think of all the summers I spent visiting the city with my family. I think of the warm sun beating down on my back when I walk down the street, trying to soak up all of the culture I possibly can before I have to leave. But recently, the first thing that comes to my mind is
considered to be the safer, more prosperous area of the Ninth Ward and the Lower to be less so. Crossing the canal is St. Claude Ave., which separates the “good” and “bad” parts of the Upper Ninth. The part of the Upper that is closest to the Mississippi River is considered to be the safest, while anything north of St. Claude is much more dangerous. Steve Smith, a Hutchison
A new park in the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods along the levee. It should eventually connect to the French Quarter.
Photo courtesy of Steve Smith
gentrification. Gentrification is the arrival of middle class or more prosperous people accompanying reconstruction of a poverty area. This increase of more prosperous people moving in to such a region tends to displace the previous, poorer residents of the area. Gentrification is rapidly changing the face of both the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. Think of the Ninth Ward as you think of Orange Mound in Memphis. If you walk down the street, you are in danger. This is not to say that some of each area isn’t safe; in fact, parts of the Ninth Ward are very secure and have very little crime. But as a whole, it’s not a good idea to walk down the street at night. That’s just asking for trouble. The Ninth Ward is divided into two sections, Upper and Lower. Industrial Canal runs through the middle of the Ninth Ward, creating this partition. Gentrification tends to bring to mind the Lower Ninth Ward; however, it has affected the Upper Ninth just as much. The Upper is generally
teacher from 1981-1982, now resides in the Upper Ninth Ward, south of St. Claude, and about 10 minutes from the French Quarter. His neighborhood is called Bywater. Smith sums up the Upper Ninth in one sentence: “I can look across [St. Claude] and there will be police lights and there’s been a shooting and I feel perfectly safe.”
Claude and altering that area. There seems to be a growing fascination with the Ninth Ward, and it’s causing many new people to move into the area. Smith revealed that new people are coming in the area because it’s the new, hip area, sort of like Overton Square has become in the past few years; however, Overton Square’s change has not been near as drastic as this. The value of Smith’s house has tripled in value, and there are several popular and upand-coming restaurants in the area. Cabs bringing people to these restaurants are now a common sight. Ten years ago, this would have been rare. This change is causing tension between long-term residents and newcomers. Many old residents are apprehensive and anxious about the influx of strangers. While this is not unexpected, some residents of the Upper Ninth have acted out against the new arrivals. Smith talked about a farmer’s market that had been abandoned for years. It’s recently been completely restored, but “three months ago, it was vandalized… they wrote there, ‘hipsters go home.”’ It has been ten years since Katrina devastated New Orleans. Many people are not over it. Most places have not recovered. And now, new people, strangers, are moving into different areas of the city. These areas, especially both the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward, are having their societies altered, whether it is for better or worse. Reactions differ from place to place, but tensions are escalating.
“I can look across [St. Claude]... and there’s been a shooting... I feel perfectly safe.”
Before Katrina, Smith states, “The other side of St. Claude was the hood…now more artsy people are moving across St. Claude.” He also mentions that about two streets past St. Claude, it has become safer. The more well-off people that previously lived in Bywater can no longer afford the properties in that area. This is pushing former Bywater residents north of St.
Gentrification has occurred in nearly every city across the United States, but in New Orleans, things are different. In the past 30 years of Memphis history, Overton Square has changed drastically. It went from being a respectable and artistic to being more dangerous. In the past few years the area has made a comeback with the influx of hipsters. This is being replicated in the
Civics
“A homeowner had a metal sculpture built over their “X” to commemortate the hurricane. Smith described it as “artwork out of disaster”
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One of the trendy restaurants that has recently come to the Bywater. It is called Maurepas Food.
stated, “A barge actually went through the Lower Ninth. It was like a monster’s hand.” Much of the focus on the gentrification of the Ninth Ward has been surrounding the Lower Ninth Ward. Though the society in the Lower Ninth has not recovered as much from Katrina as has the Upper Ninth, much of the area that seems to be “restored” or “recovering” is not the same. This is not to say that no progress has been made; rather, much of the area has been revived. But remnants of the flood still exist. When people came checking for dead bodies of either humans or animals, they would mark an “X” on the outside of the house if it was clear. Many in both the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward kept these markings to represent the damage that was done. Change is coming to the Ninth Ward. With new people moving in, society is changing. This could alter the way in which the
Photo courtesy of Steve Smith
society in this area works, and change the relations between different ethnicities. As of now, everything is relatively relaxed, but this could change in an instant. It takes just one spark to ignite a wildfire, and the Ninth Ward may be flammable.
“They would mark an “X” on the outide of the house if it was clear. Many... kept these markings.” Photo courtesy of Steve Smith
Photo courtesy of Steve Smith
Upper Ninth Ward, but tensions may change the outcome. What will happen when current residents get more frustrated as more newcomers filter in? What will happen if crimes defacing newly-renovated areas turn more violent? What will happen if attacks against the newly renovated farmer’s market become more serious than some broken windows and graffiti? The Lower Ninth is not without a change in its society. It, too, has been affected by gentrification. After Katrina, this part of the Ninth Ward was the most devastated. Smith
New constriction in the Bywater has to conform to the existing architecture. It is regulated by the Historic District Landmark Construction.
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Student Life
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
BY ELLIE WEEKS ‘19
During September our 9th grade class went on a trip to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, Arkansas where we got to experience each other’s company in a beautiful and exciting environment. On our trip, there were four activities that we all got to participate in with our assigned groups. One of these activities was the zip line, which ranges almost half a mile long and reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. It was amazing to help encourage each other to face our fears and experience the excitement and beauty of the wide open canyon when you are flying through it. Next was rock climbing: not like your normal rock wall, but real rock climbing. This allowed us to trust each other as we had to belay one another and also push each other to try harder courses and reach the top. Another one of the activities was one called the Via Farrata, where we did all of the following at the top of the rocky cliffs over-looking the valley: a giant swing out from the side of the cliff, a drop-zone, along with a side-ofthe-mountain climb that included venturing through a cave during this rock climb. The last of the activities we participated in was horseback riding, in which we got to ride down a scenic trail through the canyon valley and rocky mountains. During this activity we all had to execute our skill of following directions and also trust our safety and ourselves. Before going on this trip, our grade was all told by older classes and the teachers that this was one of the best times you have with your class and was extremely fun and exciting. Though being excited upon hearing this, we were all still a little unsure of what we were expecting to find when we arrived. In my opinion along with many of my peers, Horseshoe Canyon was different
from every trip we had been on with our class previously because on this trip we had a lot more freedom that therefore allowed us to grow closer to one another on our own. We were in an environment that brought us to adventure and somewhere much different than places we normally
go. Though some students were nervous about these adventurous activities, we were able to help each other and encourage our peers to overcome their fears. Some of our previous trips had allowed us to do this as
“We came together as a whole through this bonding.”
well, but this trip was different in the way that we were not told this by the laws of our teacher; instead we encouraged one another on our own which made it more special to us. Being away from outside distraction and so many exciting things to do, everyone in our grade pursued each other in our adventures. Also being in groups with different people allowed us to
get closer with them during the activities, but then hang out and do fun things later in the day with people who were not in our group. With so much more freedom, we wanted to hang out, be with each other, and have fun. This trip was special to me because it allowed me to feel like I was at summer camp again. I had just as much fun as I do at camp, and even during this short period of time, I felt like I knew my friends even better than before just because we made such amazing memories Many of our class of 2019 also go to camp,and this was a fact that many of us Photo by Avery Boals kept bringing up when we discussed why we enjoyed our trip to Horseshoe so much. Anna Kate Nearn pointed out the following idea to me during a talk we had as we reflected on the trip: “Even though our grade is very diverse and has many different types of people that enjoy different things, we came together as a whole through this bonding at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and broke the social barriers because the activities were so daring and strength building.” Both of us also agreed that something cool about Horseshoe was that, even though we might not have all been doing the same things at the same time together, we all did the same things throughout the trip and we all had our own fun stories to share with each other. Each group would come back from trail rides or fun activities up in the mountain, tired after such excitement and momentum, but always blabbing away to each of our other peers about how much fun we had and would encourage our classmates to look forward to the other activities. Class retreats always leave our grade
Student Life content and motivated, but always ready to come back to reality and get away from each other. After this retreat, many of us felt that we were not ready to leave this relaxed environment where we truly enjoyed being together. Though some people complained about not having our cell phones on the trip, it really made our experience more enjoyable when we were not worried about everything else around us. Many girls swapped game skills and played card games like speed, War, and even poker. Others played Horse and Pool on the billiards table, and teamed up to challenge their classmates at foosball and ping pong. The camp’s original games “hunker down” and the spinning of the tire were ways to have a camper both challenge and rely upon their peers, and led us to form
more trusting relationships. These games were ones that we normally would not have chosen to do, but our grade all actually had a lot of fun doing other things with each other. In our cabins we were put with lots of our friends and sometimes people that we were not as good of friends with before the trip, but came home with many new memories made in our fun nights at Horseshoe Canyon. Overall, the memories at Horseshoe Canyon have helped us by making us feel comfortable together in a school environment because we had the opportunity to make many memories through our adventures. Through all of our exciting activities we were able to encourage each other, trust each other, and learn more about each other in the time
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we spent zip lining, climbing, and riding. The freedom we were given to explore and participate in our own fun activities during the night gave us the opportunity which we fulfilled to have fun and create and strengthen relationships with our class altogether in the beautiful scene of the canyon. This trip was unlike any other in every way, and brought our class together through every funny and astounding memory we made as a class. Horseshoe Canyon was one that would not have been as fun if we did not open up, pursue, and trust one another to make this trip the best yet.
10th Grade service trip
BY ALLY KRASIN ‘18 AND JIANNA PLESCHER ‘18 On the first night of the tenth grade service trip, a representative of the Mountain TOPS service organization taught us about the four connections that they strive to make daily to with those they serve: spiritual, emotional, social, and physical. The tenth grade was able to form great relationships with those whom they served as well as gain stronger ties with one another through one common goal. Girls were able to help the community by painting, gardening, building, and even demolishing a shed. The groups faced occasional adversities but were able to persevere in order to accomplish their tasks. It was eyeopening to
many girls to see how generous the families were for how little they had. One woman was anxious to have her garden completed and ready by fall, so she could give back the food she grew to the nearest food bank. The people were so caring and concerned for the girls; they would often leave their houses to check on them, and one woman even bought a cookie cake for
the girls working. The students certainly did not expect to receive any sort of treat while painting a shed, but they were so gratefully to gain that recognition. Students were even able to reach a more intimate level of trust when they had the opportunity to pray with the family that they served. They prayed about the work that they wished to complete as well as the relationships they formed throughout the whole experience. One girl said that praying with her family made her very happy, and she left knowing that she had made the woman happy and pleased. The lives of the families were discovered to be not significantly Photo by Grace Galler different from
Category
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those at Hutchison. Although their housing and monetary circumstances differed from the students’ lives, they learned that these peoples’ life goals were not too different from those of the students. One family was sending their daughter off to college, and other families were able to spark up conversations about the family pets.
The similarities between their lives and the students’ were strikingly similar and comforting. As a grade, the girls were able to work together flawlessly as they formed greater relationships with one another, resulting in the unification of the grade as a whole. The new setting and the projects they were
given allowed them to be grateful for what they have as well as to understand the impact they can have on the people around them. They gained so much more insight as a result of their service.
Cartoon women BY PAIGE CHAMPLIN ‘19 Most of us remember being cemented in front of the television, staring up at the flashes on the screen. We enjoy looking back on our memories, the countless episodes of everything from Tom and Jerry to The Simpsons. Dora taught us Spanish, Fairly Odd Parents showed us to be careful what you wish for, and SpongeBob… well, I’m not exactly sure what SpongeBob taught us. The point is this: cartoons play a big part in the way we grew up, and the way future generations will too. So why are women, who take up more than half of the people on this planet, so poorly represented in them? Now, before you put this down because of the extreme feminist connotations of that statement, hear me out. Just think about the women in cartoons. Think about how girls are presented to the public, even when they are little kids. Nearly any example that pops into your head is in the show strictly because of her direct involvement with a male character or to appeal to one. Daphne and Velma from Scooby Doo, and Patti from Doug are some you might recognize; Timmy Turner from Fairly Odd Parents even had two love
interests all to himself. Apart from these shows, I believe that there are certain gems that stick out. Shows that premiered ahead of their time and paved the
like Rugrats (although in the later series, “Rugrats: All Grown Up,” the whole plot rotates around who’s-dating-who drama) and The Simpsons were the gatekeepers to a new type of cartoon g e a r e d towards equality. Long before these standards were seen way for the turning point we have reached. as common, purposefully problematic These are the exceptions to the rule and the humor was a fairly common type of first generation of cartoons that showed comedy in many cartoon episodes. We all us, from a realistic perspective, where remember Looney Tunes, right? They still continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable with Bugs Bunny c a r t o o n s . Remember Pepe Le Pew? Yeah, he was pretty shady, always creeping around that cat girl. He would push her around and kiss her without her consent. This may seem like a harmless joke, but if this is what young girls see as acceptable, how do you think they are going to behave when boys attempt Photo by Paige Champlin to force them into unwanted women stand. The Powerpuff Girls, My situations? It can also put the idea into Life as a Teenage Robot, and family shows young boys heads that they are entitled to
“Why are women, who take up more than half the planet, so poorly represented?”
Category kissing girls, even if they don’t want it. If this is not the kind of message you would want kids taking in, then these cartoons need to make some serious changes. Thankfully, some of them have. Three successful shows have shown the world the effect of feminism on cartoons in a way that the public seems respond positively to. One of them, Bobs Burgers just finished off its fifth season on Fox with an average of over 2.5 million viewers per episode. Lacey Green, amateur sex educator and low-key feminist icon, has called the show a “feminist masterpiece,” a title it rightfully deserves. The show stars Bob, owner of his own burger restaurant, and his quirky family of four through various antics in their town. In a specific episode, Tina, the oldest of the three, wants to get her legs waxed. In order to help her conquer fear of it, he gets his own legs waxed as well. After the session, his son Gene wants to get his legs waxed as well, and he has no problem with it so they go back. By letting his kids do what makes them happy and not abiding by the ‘unspoken rules’ of gendered products, Bob is really showing off what equality is really about. Winner of the 2014 Peabody Award, Adventure Time is one of the most beloved cartoons of all time. The faces of the show, Finn the human and his best friend Jake the dog, are both male, but a colorful, diverse supporting cast highlights areas within many groups needing representation. Opposed to the stereotypical “unhappy princess in distress,” Princess Bubblegum (AKA P.B., AKA Bonnibel, AKA Bonnie) is a smart, tech savvy science gal who is not at all afraid of her vibrant shade of hot pink. She
though they are brief and short-lived. P.B. decides that she does not really want to pursue him, which ultimately makes their friendship a little awkward, but they end up better off because of it. As a matter of fact, all of the shows’ relationships have arcs that take places in a very respectful, complex way. Finn’s other love interest, Flame Princess, is the ruler of the flame kingdom, and their relationship simmers down as well. Even Tree Trunks, the kindhearted grandmotherly elephant character, has gone through a fair number of divorces. Rather than sob and look for a new love, she takes her love life in stride and discovers the joys of pie baking. The aspect of maturity makes show a lot more
Page 15 half-Gem-half-human boy, Steven, who lives in Beach City with three of these Gem warrior women who call themselves the
“no one should have to be weighed down by a relationship that’s only together out of obligation.” Crystal Gems. They live to defend Beach City and the entire Earth from their home world, and serve as Steven’s guardians. The fantastic thing about the show is that it touches on almost every principle of intersectional feminism, including representation of powerful women of color and LGBTQ+ characters, showing people of different body types, and the exclusion of unnecessary macho characteristics of men. After all, the character who cries the most in the series is Steven himself. He also strikes up a friendship with an Indian girl named Connie, who helps him on his journeys to learn about his Gem powers. The show is spectacularly put together, with stunning images and color schemes, as well as characters with unique personalities and complex storylines. The creator, Rebecca Sugar, actually used to work on Adventure Time. She made a huge impact on the early development of the show, and it in turn has shaped her and her view of world building and integration of strong women into cartoons. Ultimately, the integration of women’s rights into cartoons lies with us. In our day and age, it should be more common for representation of minorities and women to be present in popular media. We, as a collective generation, are getting better, but this is about where we lack. Finally, children are growing up with these lessons, so instead ofw being winfluenced negatively by their environments, we have types of media for children that foster equality and self-love, even unintentionally. If we start creating and supporting more environments like these in the modern world, we will be able to change things for the children of tomorrow.
“the integration of women’s rights into cartoons lies with us.” complicated, telling people that sometimes things just don’t work out. It teaches its viewers that no one should have to be weighed down by a relationship that’s only together out of obligation. My personal favorite cartoon is Steven Universe, a show about a world identical
“The show is spectaculary put together, with stunning images and color schemes, as well as characters with unique personalities.” actually ends up helping Finn out more than he can help her. There are romantic elements between them in the beginning,
to ours, but with a species of alien women who protect the Earth called Gems – sounds crazy, I know. It follows a young
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American idols
Sports
BY WHITNEY JORDAN ‘19 On September 20, 2015, I attended one of the United States’ Victory Tour games vs Haiti with a few of the girls on my competitive soccer team. I had been looking forward to the day when I could finally see the team I have always dreamed of being a part of play right in front of my eyes. Like me, many young girls around the United States who play soccer look up
lobby, escorted by the police. Again, a look of horror, shock, and excitement crossed my face, only to realize that men were getting out of the bus—it was not the women’s team. The men were wearing the signature while pullover, however, so there was a shred of hope left for me. Then, the most amazing thing happened. Abby Wambach casually walked out of the bus
members of the team, and like the others, they treated us with kindness and gratitude. As Carli Lloyd, the last player to get off the bus, walked past me, I realized that I had just seen the whole United States Women’s National Team with my own eyes, and the players had actually acknowledged me. I can easily say that this was the best day of my life, and I know that I will be saying Photo by of Whitney Jordan
to the girls on the team and view them as role models. When we were leaving our hotel after arriving in Birmingham, AL, a black SUV pulled up to the lobby. To anyone around me, this was just a normal car, but when people got out of the car in the signature USA black warm-up pants and white pullover, I stopped dead in my tracks. As the team’s coach, Jill Ellis, stepped out of the car, a look of horror, shock, and excitement crossed my face, and to be honest, it felt like I was about to pass out. To the people around me, it was just an ordinary lady who got out of that car, but to me, she meant everything. Jill walked right past me into the hotel, and I realized that this was a once in a lifetime experience to meet her. So, as I was trying to gain my composure, my mom went into the hotel lobby and politely asked Coach Ellis if she had time to take a picture with me and my friends. Coach Ellis was kind enough to take a few minutes out of her day to take the picture I so desperately wanted, and for that, I am grateful. Making things even more exciting, a Mercedes-Benz bus pulled up to the hotel
while texting on her phone. She walked into the hotel lobby, all while I was trying my best to wrap my head around what
“I had just seen the whole United States Women’s National Team with my own eyes.” was happening. Then, players like Megan Klingenberg, Megan Rapinoe, Shannon Boxx, and Morgan Brian exited the bus and looked at us with a smile and a wave. Then came Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo, Julie Johnston, and the other
this for a long time. On Sunday, September 20th, I was fortunate to yet again meet the players that I have looked up to for so long. While sitting in a restaurant in my hotel eating lunch before the game, I saw a girl walk into an elevator with a pile of her clothes, hiding her face with the hood on her jacket. Freaking out, I ran to elevator after convincing myself that it was a player on the United States Women’s National Team, and when I made it to the elevator doors and saw that it was Alex Morgan, I got too scared to get in the elevator, and the doors closed. After this experience, I then decided to wait by the elevators in the lobby to see who else would walk by, and my friends soon joined me. I saw Morgan Brian stroll through the lobby, go outside, and then make her way back to the elevator with a pile of clothes. I then decided that I would sit by the elevators for as long as I needed—the players would have to come down sometime, and when they did, I would be there to see it. I was freaking out by this point. I looked up and saw midfielder Megan Rapinoe on the second
Sports floor of the hotel, and doing something that my shy, nervous self wouldn’t normally do, I made my way up to the second floor without hesitation. With another girl from my soccer team, I sat by the elevators on the second floor, anxiously waiting to see the players. As I waited, I saw numerous players get off of the elevator, ask how I was doing, and act as if they were just normal people, not spectacular athletes on the best team in the world. Hope Solo walked past me in the hallway and minutes later, came to the elevators. She asked if we had rooms on this floor, and we replied that we did not, so we ended up on an elevator with Hope Solo riding down to the lobby, and I was able to have a conversation with her. She was kind and genuine, and as she ran off the elevator when it came to a stop, she gave us a quick wave and a smile and was gone. Due to our
encounter, this made Sunday even greater than the day before, and soon after that, I managed to see the whole team for a second time. I went to the game with my friends and family, and it was an experience that I
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valuable lesson: The amount of times that the girls on the U.S. team made mistakes was more than one would think, and I realized that if the best players in the country mess up, I can, too. I also discovered the reward of hard work and dedication. Putting in the work now will pay off in the end. The players had to put in so much effort to become the soccer players they are today—their skill didn’t just magically come to them one day. Through my experience surrounding the United States vs. Haiti soccer game, I learned many things that I will bring with me not only onto the soccer field but in my community. The lessons I learned about hard work and dedication will make me a better person. I am so proud of the United States Women’s National Team’s season so far, and I cannot wait to see what their future holds.
“I looked up and saw midfielder Megan Rapinoe.” will never forget. I was able to see the team that I love play right before my eyes. Being a shy and sensitive person, I do not like to let people down. I feel as if by messing up, I will hold the team back and keep us from winning. I soon learned a
Varsity soccer rivals BY JASMINE MCGILL‘17
The weekend of September 11th -13th, Varsity soccer participated in the Rivals tournament. The team began the tournament on Friday, at Houston Middle School, as they competed in a very rainy and stormy game against Ensworth, where they unfortunately loss ,2-0, as a result of two late goals. Saturday the team played Cookeville High School, at Briarcrest Christian School, in which the resilient team went on to tie Cookeville 1-1, with a great goal from Hutchison Junior Jasmine McGill. The team then played an early match, Sunday
morning, against Munford High School. The Sting earned this 4-0 win, thanks to stunning goals from Hutchison Senior
Tillmans, and Hutchison sophomore Kalin Halbach. The Sting ultimately ended the Rivals Tournament with 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 tie, which gives them a current record of 2 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties so far for the season. The next scheduled game the team will have is against Battle Ground A c a d e m y on Saturday September 26th on the Dobbs field. Then the sting will go on to compete against one of the big time rivals, Photo courtesy of Jasmine McGill St. Mary’s, on September 29th. Make Allie Herring, Hutchison Junior Victoria sure to come out and support! GO STING!! Kennedy, Hutchison freshman Nora
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Ni hao from Nanjing
Language
BY ABISOLA JAMES ‘16
I spent most of my junior year wondering if I was going to receive the NSLI-Y state
of stairs and walked all the way to the subway station. On my way there, I was the subject of numerous
Photo by Abisola James
department scholarship to study Mandarin in a Chinese city. It was an extremely long process, full of applications, interviews, and tests, but it was well worth all the trouble. After I was accepted, I constantly worried about what the program had in store. I often found myself wondering, “How hard would my Chinese classes be?” and “Would my host family accept me as part of the family for 6 weeks?” Looking back on it now, I really don’t understand why I was so nervous. My trip to Nanjing was filled with amazing experiences. I made friends I will never forget, and met another family that I can’t wait to see again in the future. My time in China was filled with excitement. A typical day started off with my waking up and heading off to school at Nanjing University where I studied Mandarin alongside the other American high school students. My commute to school was honestly one of the best parts about living in China. Every day I walked down almost a hundred flights
bewildered stares and pictures, but I knew people were just not used to seeing a foreigner walking through such a small Chinese town. I went to Zhonghuamen station and got on the subway headed to Gulou.On the subway many people stared,
“He was so excited I found interest in his culture that he got up and insisted I take his seat.”
smiled, and talked to me. One man in particular even saw me struggling while simultaneously standing on the moving
Photo by Abisola James
train and doing my Chinese homework. He was so excited I found interest in his culture that he got up and insisted I take his seat. At school we studied many different aspects of the Chinese language, while also taking classes such as Tai Chi and Chinese Calligraphy. I developed an extremely close bond with my fellow students and my teachers, and I will never forget everyone I got the chance to know during the 6 weeks. After school, my friends and I would go to many different cultural sights and fun places around the city, such as Fuzimiao, which is one of the most famous Confucius temples. The finest time was spent with my host family, doing homework together and slowly learning more and more about their lives. My host family and I had an amazing bond and every day I look forward to returning to my favorite city.
Arts
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Bending and snapping in a theater near you... BY SAM TANCREDI ‘18
Annually, Hutchison’s fall musicals are dramatic hits, and this year will indubitably follow the successful pattern with the production of “Legally Blonde.” The storyline follows Elle Woods, played by Hutchison senior Keevie Smith, as she is searching for love both educationally and emotionally. The musical entices a broad audience; Jay Rapp, the director, confirms, “There is someone for everyone to relate to in this musical…that is why we chose it and what makes it so special.” Before the musical comes together, the setdesign process begins. Nathan Rivera is a new member of the Hutchison staff who leads the Stage Craft class in the Upper School. He has worked closely with his students to build pieces that will find their way on the stage, and Rivera himself will assist with any major sets assigned by Rapp who greatly appreciates the help he receives from Stage Craft. “They are not only learning, but they are also doing a phenomenal job and are truly helping us out.” Help will also come from Louisa Koeppel who is lighting director. She works behind the curtain and will be sure to highlight the classic “bend and snap” from the light booth. Theater director Anne Marie Caskey is sewing several costumes and will organize the rest with clothing the theater already has. For Elle Woods’s fanatics, rest assured; Rapp states, “There will be lots of pink.” A talented cast will walk the finished stage together wearing their full costumes this November. Students in the production range in grade levels from freshmen to seniors with the majority being from Hutchison. Starring with Keevie Smith, Virginia Strother, playing the role of Paulette Bonafonté, and Lydia Fisher, playing the role of Vivian Kensington take leads.
Male roles will be played by Christian Brothers High School students; while they
“There will be lots of
PINK.”
the ticket office or can be bought at the door on the day of the performance. Both Koeppel and Rapp encourage everyone to attend Hutchison’s “Legally Blonde” to see everything that is onstage and behind the scenes; they agree, “These girls are working so, so hard…each and every one…I hope that students, families, and friends come out to support.”
have been outnumbered on the Hutchison campus, they have hilarious roles in the musical. Everyone has worked extremely
Photo by Lucy Fiedler
hard and has put in the time to perfect their skills whether they are singing, dancing, jump-roping, or debating in court. So when can you see it? The musical will premiere both Friday November 16th and Saturday the 17th at 7:00 p.m. and the final show will be Sunday November 18th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased before the show by calling in to
“There is someone for everyone to relate to in this musical.”