Please see ACES IN SYNC on

LM’s commencement is returning to Saint Joseph’s University (SJU). The ceremony has been traditionally held on SJU premises since 2008 when Villanova University’s pavilion was being renovated. LM then pronounced SJU as its location for commencements, allowing Harriton to use Vilanova’s grounds. But the past two years, of course, have been different. As a result of COVID-19, the senior class of 2020 graduated online and received their diplomas isolated from their fellow classmates, while the class of ’21 had their ceremony on Arnold Field. But, the evening of June 8, the commencement will be back to normal. Does the venue of the ceremony affect its overall significance? Can the importance of the soon-to-be graduates’ accomplishments be enough on their own? “The location doesn’t matter to me because it’s really just a place… but I am excited for the adventures after graduation, and to see what it all holds for me,” comments Zach Brownstein ’22. In contrast, history teacher John Grace states, “The location is special, when there is a community consensus that it is the right place.” Returning the ceremony to SJU can give some a sense of contentment, knowing the long road is coming to an end. For many, graduation is the bridge to new adventures. As one grows into adulthood, one often reminisces on the times of adolescence. For some alumni, graduation holds some of their most unforgettable memories, and for others, it remains one thing to always feel a little nostalgic about. “It felt more like an ending than a beginning,” recalls Liz Tiley ’94. “I just felt like it was weird to have all of that end in just one afternoon.” And yet, certain people, such as Megan Gilbert ’94, do not recall much. “I don’t remember anything except what I wore. A long black crocheted dress.” As years go on, one may take a trip down memory lane and reflect on one’s youth, to remember the good and the bad. However, not everyone is fond of the high school experience. “I tried to make the best of it…I felt the biggest sense of relief because that chapter of my life was over,” recalls Audrey Price Gornish ’96. “You’re so focused on your name being called, walking up there, and receiving your diploma.” Everyone’s experience during their academic journey differs, but each and everyone can remember and reflect. Teachers, throughout their careers, attend many commencements, carrying their most cherished junctures with them. “There are several moments at graduation I so enjoy, every year,” remarks Grace fondly. He explains one of his most treasured times during the ceremonies is the end, and “the joy of accomplishment shared by everyone.” Countless people come together to watch their loved ones receive their diplomas in honor of their achievements. In the near future, seniors will say goodbye to their high school careers,

Graphics by Emmi Wu ’23/Staf

Continued from ACES IN SYNC... on page 1

Bickell explained how helpful all of the activity leaders were in creating posters, decorating, and learning the lyrics of the song. Additionally, choosing a song for ths year's Lip Dub took awhile. A form was sent to all of LM from the student council, asking for song suggestions. “Can't Stop the Feeling” was finally chosen as the main song. Bickell said, “My favorite part however is the song we’ll play during the credits, ‘This is me.’ It was one of Hughes favorite songs that he would play during graduation. We wanted to honor him by playing that song in the video.” To finish the video, students gathered in the Kobe Gymnasium where star basketball player Demetrius Lilley ’22 dunked. Ace the Bulldog was in the gym as well as two cheerleaders who did back handsprings. Bickell said that when choosing the dubbers the student council sought out “officers and captains of LMs clubs and sports teams.” This, Bickell said “would be the best way to show how spirited each organization at LM is!” Elias Dutwin ’24 was the videographer for the project. His “camera expertise was muchneeded and played a huge role in how the lip dub came out,” said Bickell. To assist in the filming, Dutwin brought his “high-tech” camera gear from home. LM’s student council worked hard planning the event and even provided dubbers with t-shirts saying “Lip Dub” and Hughes’ catchphrase— “Character Counts”—to wear in the video. Much of LM enjoyed making the Lip Dub and hope that people will donate to the Sean Hughes Children’s Trust because of it.

Photo by Logan Hall ’22

Photo by Aiko Palaypayon ’23/Staf

On April 18, the newly established LM Conservative Club welcomed Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R) to speak to club members and interested students about various topics, ranging from bipartisanship to the Ukraine conflict. Fitzpatrick had a lot to say about the importance of diversity in our discussions of political issues, especially amongst our generation. He used an analogous example from his time in the FBI, a kidnapping case, where bringing people of all different disciplinary backgrounds to the same table helped the law enforcement team gain productive insight into the scope of the issue and how best to address it. He championed diversity of thought in particular, reiterating the mantra that such was a “strength to be harnessed, not a weakness to be criticized.” Fitzpatrick also recounted stories of his time on the Hill, which ranged from disillusioning to reassuring. He imparted an important lesson through one anecdote, in which he recalled a colleague who initially agreed with a policy and sought to support it until he discovered who’d drafted and sponsored it. Why? “Because I don’t like that guy,” said Fitzpatrick, reciting what he’d been told by the obstinate congressperson. In regards to this pervasive pathogen of polarizing partisanship and intense divisiveness, Fitzpatrick shared: “that’s what children do, that’s not what leaders do.” Additionally, Fitzpatrick referenced an infrastructure bill that he authored in conjunction with West Virginian Senator Joe Manchin (D), who throughout recent weeks has come under tremendous fire from both the left and the right for his refusal to support the Biden administration’s Build Back Better bill. Fitzpatrick praised Manchin for his bipartisanship and decisiveness in ensuring that their bill successfully passed in both congressional houses. In the wake of the Ukrainian crisis and the “global attack on democracy.” Fitzpatrick repeated fierce pro-democratic and patriotic sentiment. “We all love our country, we all want to sustain it…our country is the best in the world, that’s why everyone wants to come here.” Club co-founder Jack Shapiro ’22 asked the Representative about the distinctions between the “humanitarian” no-fly-zone Fitzpatrick advocated for and the typical NATO no-fly-zone. Fitzpatrick stated that his “humanitarian” no-fly-zone would call on the U.S. government and other NATO nations to supply Ukraine with the necessary weapon reinforcements that President Zelenskyy requested to institute and enforce their own no-fly-zone without requiring NATO boots on the ground. Senior and club co-founder Henry Bard raised questions surrounding the threat Rep Fitzpatrick believed China posed to Taiwan and how the country could settle that impending crisis; Fitzpatrick’s response was similar to his previous answer: weapons aid and defensive reinforcement. The meeting was well attended, though demographically some hold concerns. Some attendees felt that those present didn’t adequately represent the diversity present at LM; the very diversity Fitzpatrick championed. Following this meeting, many Aces hope that the Conservative Club holds true to their goals of promoting diversity of thought and creating space for ideological differences.