A-Z Files 2022

A-ZFILES

The A-Z Files is founded in memory of Zach Levy (1985-2011), Class of 2000. All those who knew Zach came away smiling. He was warm, charismatic, and fiercely witty. He had a big heart and is remembered well for his generosity. Between his lifelong passion for writing and love of kids, he’d be happy to see this publication born in his honor. We all miss him very much.

EDITORS

Kerim Eken ‘00

Jonathan Klebanoff ‘00

DESIGN

Caitlin Mulcahy Eken

A-S ADVISORS

Benjamin Neulander

David Kersey h’98

ALUMNI DIRECTORS

Liz Roberts

Jennifer Ziplow

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Adam Levy ‘97

Michael Levy

Helen Levy

Kerim Eken ‘00

Jonathan Klebanoff ‘00 Peter Haarmann

INSIDE COVER ART COVER ART

Reflection

Charles Greenwald ‘23

Unicorn

Sawyer Kaplan ‘25

Copyright 2022 © The Allen-Stevenson School

Produced by Action Graphics, Inc. 800 365 6687

“Every moment is a fresh beginning”

-T.S. Elliot

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword Kerim Eken ‘00 pg 10

The Spring Charles Greenwald ‘23 pg 12

Where I’m From Micheal Ganitsky ‘24 pg 13

Flooding Downtown Jack Deblinger ‘24 pg 15

Reflection Charles Greenwald ‘23 pg 16

Where I’m From Finn Baker ‘24 pg 17

The Subway Maurya Srivastava ‘22 pg 18

Untitled Joshua Salama-Caro ‘23 pg 21

Rustic Winter Charles Greenwaldl ‘23 pg 22

Moonfall Aadi Mullan and Cooper Corleto ‘23 pg 23

Swirly Staircase Xander Goodman ‘22 pg 27

Breaking News: Aadi Mullan ‘23 pg 29

Street Ben Harris ‘23 pg 30

My Connection to Germany Through Music

Alexander Diefenbach ‘23 pg 32

Ball Ben Harris ‘23 pg 34

Lord Of The Flies Alexander Diefenbach ‘23 pg 40

The Natural C Charles Greenwald ‘23 pg 41

Lovers Charles Greenwald ‘23 pg 44

The New York Mask Andreas Loucopoulos ‘23 pg 46

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Home Is About The People Charlie Sossen ‘23 pg 50

Venice in Florida Charles Greenwald ‘23 pg 52

Helping Legacies Persevere Grant Ferguson ‘23 pg 54

Desert in Abu Dhabi Atri Midha ‘24 pg 56

James Webb Space Telescope Julian Lin ‘24 pg 59

Origin Of April Fools! Jackson Hong ‘25 pg 60

Over Sebby’s Shoulder Ben Harris ‘23 pg 62

Religion Lives On Joshua Salama-Caro ‘23 pg 63

Cape Carl Graham Winfrey ‘98 pg 66

Teeth William Jokela ‘21 pg 76

Morning Glare Gregory Stone ‘19 pg 80

Science Fair Peter Haarmann pg 81

Three Way Guitar Trey Patrick ‘23 pg 85

Frozen Waves on The Top of Mantanuska Galcier

Gregory Stone ‘19 pg 88

From The Fishbowl Jenny Bruce pg 92

The Snowman Jenny Bruce pg 93

Acknowledgements pg 98

Donors pg 99

FOREWORD

Kerim Eken ‘00

Annual rituals are ways to revisit traditions - they give us time to stop, reflect, and be thankful as we continue to move forward.

We do this by celebrating holidays, birthdays, the solstice, championships, anniversaries, etc. They give us structure in an ever-changing world, country, state, city, and home. Knowing what is ahead is comforting. Change can be hard, scary and unknown but it can also be exciting, innovative and impactful.

The A-Z Files began as a place to archive creative works in honor of our dear friend Zach Levy who passed away 11/15/2011. The publication reflects two of Zach’s most distinct featureshis big inclusive heart and his creative writing talents.

Now ten years later it is part of the school’s fabric, encouraging you to create and share and others to join. We have had nothing to do with this - it has evolved naturally over the years because of you and the students that have walked the halls before you. Today, it houses work from students, alumni, parents and faculty, and includes photography, illustrations, foreign

language poems, movies, video games, mystery stories, and even sheet music to an original string quartet to name a few examples.

Although the A-Z Files is an annual ritual it has undergone an evolution through some of the most joyous and most trying times of our lives. We hope there is comfort in knowing that your creativity has a home where it can live and flourish. Regardless of the challenging and exciting things that go on in life, the journal lives on and we should all be proud of that. I know Zach is.

Like the seasons, life progresses through cyclical change. Inevitable ends lead to new beginnings. Each school year we pack up and return in the fall, rested and ready for the challenges each new grade brings. We don’t come back to repeat, but to grow through new tests that shape our character. We are already looking forward to the 11th edition and all the original work that will live within and between these pages.

Cheers to rituals and cheers to change!

Kerim Eken, class of ‘00, is the co-founding architectural principal of the firm, Eken Design, an architecture and design studio. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and Pratt Institutehe attributes his love of learning to his time at Allen-Steveson. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters.

The Spring

Charles Greenwald ‘23

WHERE I’M FROM

Micheal Ganitsky ‘24

I am from the city that never sleeps, The buildings that don’t stop growing, The streets that never stop barking, like The rush in Times Square on a Monday morning, The dogs on 3rd avenue that bark as loud as an announcer at a Knicks basketball game.

I am from the generation that will change the future, The family that lives from the big apple to Soda city,

The family that reads from the torah when they are 13, and

The family that cooks hispanic fiesta ses when we visit.

I am from the family that never forgets anything about you like,

When we look back at the past and remember when we were in Miami and go see our great grandpa for dinner at our grandparent’s house, A house that watches over the pear leading to the unknown,

We eat pasta con pollo, rice, and other foods you would find in South America, They find these recipes passed on generation to generation, and

The food originated from Bogata, Columbia where my family lives today.

I am from the room that builds legos and that will one day build houses

The basketball lays under my bed that bounces as high as the moon,

The morning greeting from the doorman that I get to start my day,

I live on the 6th floor only 6 floors away from my grandma,

I have lived in this house that has comforted me since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital.

I am from the generation that has survived a global pandemic.

I am from the generation that will solve some of the greatest problems.

Reflection

Charles Greenwald ‘23

WHERE I’M FROM

Finn Baker ‘24

I am from the city and from the woods, from the dancing orange and red that warms my soul. (Welcoming me when I come home.)

From the soft sofa in the living room.

I am from the honking horns of angry drivers, and the river birch tree in my garden. From the cool morning dew that makes the grass wet under bare feet.

I’m from skiing on soft snow to scuba diving in warm water. From jumping into Little Rock Pond, (It is liquid glass) after a long hike in the Green Mountains.

I come from Liz and Wayne, Granny and Grandpa, my brother and Teddy, all of whom I love.

I’m from Mom’s marvelous macaroni and bread and butter pudding (We have it at Christmas.) that tastes like gold.

I am from Gilbert & Sullivan, from repelling down Deer’s Leap in Vermont and whittling wacky weapons with wood. From the epidemic that I will never forget. From the photos on phones, and the pictures in my mind. These are many memories that make me, me.

THE SUBWAY

Maurya Srivastava ‘22

Some people hate the subway. They complain about the grime that coats every wall, floor, and ceiling like peanut butter on the roof of your mouth; the smell of thousands of people mixed with the unbearable heat; and of course, the inevitable delays. As one of the millions of New York City subway riders, I can attest to the great displeasures one experiences as a daily punishment when on the train, which is, of course, only for the measly price of 2.75. Only in New York would people pay and tolerate such trouble just to get to their destination.

Despite this, in the decade I have spent riding the subway, in the seemingly endless stream of people pouring into each and every door in that unbearable heat, in that dirty smell, and on that floor probably covered with every disease known to man, I have learnt that there is something to be appreciated amidst the chaos. For me, to ride in the subway is to witness the real New York - not the city that surrounds Allen-Stevenson, lined with fancy cars and elegant stone buildings - but rather, the city where people new and old, rich and poor, White, Black,

Latino, Asian - somehow manage to coalesce into one subway car with just forty-four seats. The city where a beggar will always get money from someone in the train car; where I have witnessed two men physically fight and no one could care less, and where I have made new friends, while forging stronger bonds with old ones. There’s something authentic about the subway, something almost magical - whether it be the lady selling churros on Roosevelt Avenue or the man playing the drums on a Home Depot bucket at Fulton Street; or something entirely different - that feeling that this only happens in New York, only in the subway, really warms your soul knowing how fortunate you are to be surrounded by so much history, so much culture.

As for me, I recently witnessed that culture. The other day - at around 3:45 pm as I was coming home from school, two men, dressed in identical red and green jumpsuits, stepped in the half-full F-train car. One of them was carrying a boombox, the cheap kind with the LED lights, probably one you might find at a PC Richard and Sons (Are those even around anymore?), and it was connected to his iphone. Immediately, he and his partner cranked up the music and began dancing, doing elaborate somersaults and spinning around the metal poles. This lasted for a minute or so, and eventually I noticed that everyone’s eyes

were fixated on the duo, almost in harmony. When the performance finally ended as the brakes of the train began to screech along the age-old rails, everyone, including me, rose and gave them a standing ovation. The pair didn’t even ask for money - but were still given it because people had been so moved by their performance. You see, this is the kind of thing that only happens in the subway - and that wasn’t even everything - as the doors opened and the performers stepped onto the platform of East Broadway, bound for another car, the echoes of classical music from a violin filled our ears, flowing through the doors like we had just turned on a faucet and let all the water out in a smooth stream. Then, in what seemed like a split second, it was gone, drowned out by the familiar beep of the doors closing and the electric hum of the train.

It was then that I realized how much I had longed for that music to continue, for those performers to keep on dancing, and for that multitude and flow of expression to keep on… happening. It was then that the uniqueness of New York made its way into my heart and soul and

burrowed into a place that will never disappear. It was then that I realized that the Subway is what makes New York, New York.

Untitled Joshua Salama-Caro ‘23

Rustic Winter Charles Greenwald ‘23

MOONFALL

Aadi Mullan and Cooper Corleto ‘23

London, England

March 10, 3023

11:00 AM

Taking in the sunshine as I walked through the park, I realized something was off, as if something had happened that I was unaware of. The streets were vacant, and the only sound for miles was the sound of the church bell, indicating that the clock struck 11:00. I’ve lived in London my whole life, 14 years, and never have I seen the streets this empty. The only other time London was this quiet was when the Moonwar started. No one can be sure of who struck first, but we do know that around four years ago, resources such as the hardest metal known to man were found on the moon. Everyone was shocked. Almost at once, it seemed every nation in the world was sending dozens of spacecraft to the moon in hopes of obtaining these resources. Within a few weeks there wasn’t a single speck of Vibranium left. Then, after about a year of digging, NASA, which is part of the USA, suddenly discovered a huge vein of Vibranium deep in the core of the moon. The news of this got out rapidly, and worldwide

commotion erupted. Almost every individual country was desperately seeking the forbidden metal, and would stop at nothing for it. Before long, nations sent battalions of soldiers to try and gain the Vibranium. Eventually, England did the same, sending many soldiers, including my father, Jamie Atkinson. At this point, the war had been going on for months, and it looked like it was coming to an end. Over 185 nations had brought their troops back home. But it didn’t look like anyone had “won”. Desperate to get their hands on the metal, the USA decided to nuke the surface of the moon to try and make extracting the metal simpler. But that didn’t work. Instead, the USA’s nukes ended up breaking the moon into many pieces, causing worldwide chaos. For the past four or so years after this all happened,

scientists have been saying that the moon will crash into earth. And now, here we are, in the present day, awaiting for the moon to crash into the earth and kill all of us. Currently, NATO, along with many other national organizations, have come up with a plan. They are making a spaceship that can hold 1000 people. We are expecting over 500 spaceships to be made within the next few months. Right now, we have 100 made and ready to go, with more coming on the way. And as of yesterday, I am going to be on one of them.

London, England

April 2nd, 3023

8:30 AM

I throw everything in my large Patagonia bag. Per NATO rules, I’m only allowed to bring two shirts, two pairs of pants, two pairs of socks, and one pair of shoes. Since there aren’t many things in space to possibly get my clothes dirty, I don’t have to worry about my clothes getting ruined. I am leaving early tomorrow, at approximately 7:30 AM local time, to go to a confidential location. Apparently, no one going to space is allowed to know where we are going because NATO is scared that we will leak the information and 10 billion people, all desperate to leave earth, will show up at the location of departure. In fact, I haven’t been allowed to leave the house since March 20st because of this reason. So for the last two weeks, all I’ve been doing is watching TV, playing video games like FIFA Version 2.23, and kicking the ball against the wall. Whilst doing all these things, my brain is going crazy, fixed on the fact that I am going to leave earth for the first time ever very shortly.

London, England

April 3rd, 3023

6:45 AM

“Honey, breakfast is ready!” says my mother. “Coming mom,” I responded. As I walk to the dining room, the hallway feels bare, as all our pictures have been taken down and given away to less fortunate families. Arriving in

the dining room, a lovely smell hits my nose. “ I made pancakes,” my mother says. I throw both fists in the air. My mom chuckles. “Viens chérie,” my mother says. I took a seat at the table and devoured my delicious pancakes so fast I nearly puked. In the car on my way to the space shuttle, I take one last look at my beloved home city of London. So many good memories and good times. Filled with nostalgia, my eyes start to tear up. My father puts his hand on my shoulder, reassuring me that everything is going to be ok.

As we near the airport, I see our plane. A sleek black private plane with the UK flag on its tail. It looks glamorous in the sun, but instead of being excited to board, I glumly stare at the UK flag, reminding me of my childhood and growing up here in London. On the plane, I kinda just fool around, trying to take my mind off the current situation. My father is staring into the distance, clearly a bit dazed and confused. My mother has a half-read magazine lying on her lap, but she is sound asleep resting her head on my father’s shoulder. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep, dreaming of advanced mars houses and special alien food. I woke up to my father nudging me. “ Wake up sleepyhead, we’re here. Say hello to Bettembourg, Luxembourg.” he says. I grudgingly wake up and start to exit the plane. When I step outside, my mouth drops in

a combination of awe and disbelief. A giant, shiny space shuttle looms in the distance. When we board the spaceship, many people are sitting all around us, and it is very cramped. There are many familiar faces, as most people aboard are world leaders, but there are also a lot of just super rich people. We all get a spacesuit, listen to a funky, small, middle aged man give a safety speech, and then we all board the spaceship, breathing in our last breath of Earth.

“Takeoff in 10, 9, 8, 7, - Ding!” Everyones phone makes a sound at once, moments before takeoff. In a state of confusement, I check my phone, along with pretty much everyone else on board.. Slowly, my face crumples, my eyes begin to tear, and I go into full panic mode. The notification reads, “Breaking News! THE MOON WILL NOT FALL! A series of studies from the world’s finest scientists have proved that the moon will not fall.” Unfortunately, it’s too late to stop now, and the spaceship takes off into the air. “Crkkkkk, crkowokkk, boom!” As I look out the window, smoke covering my vision, I catch a glimpse of red, and then I can’t see anything anymore. Nor can anyone else.

BREAKING NEWS:

Aadi Mullan ‘23

Kim Kardashian Changes Dog’s Leash From Leather to Nylon

CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA- According to sources, Kim Kardashian has changed her dog’s leash from a leather one to a nylon one. Sources confirm that Kim’s dog Sushi, a whitish Pomeranian, has had her leash changed. Sushi has been part of the Kardashian family which she purchased for Kim’s then 4 year old’s birthday. Since 2017 Sushi has been see a lavish $50 belt from Gucci’s “Pup” winter line. The belt’s elegant leather has slowly wo since 2017 and Kim has finally pronounced that she will change Sushi’s leash. Kim was seen at Petco buying a 20 inch nylon leash with her daughter. Today Sushi was seen wearing th when taken out for a walk. When asked about this on “Keeping up with the Kardasians”, said that “ changing my dog’s leash is not a big deal” before rolling her eyes and storming out of t room. Sources close to Kim have confirmed that she is ignoring all questions about the has led to speculation about Kim’s future.

Ben Harris ‘23

MY CONNECTION TO GERMANY THROUGH MUSIC

Alexander Diefenbach ‘23

I’ve always felt a connection to Germany, especially through music; my cello connects me to my cultural heritage. Music in my German family is very important. My entire family on my Dad’s side goes to concerts or the theater. My cousin on my Dad’s side, Anna, plays the bassoon, which has such a warm and welcoming tone. We always travel to Germany in the summer and for Thanksgiving; my German family visits us in New York as well. When we are together my cousin Anna and I play music together, which is fun and exhilarating. Every vibration of the string is a new marvelous feeling. Having a family in Germany that also plays an instrument improves my connection and bond with them. When I grow up I want to preserve and honor the cultural heritage that comes from my father’s side of my family through music. I always knew that music and my German culture were important to me, but until now I never thought about how they were connected.

Cello is one way I connect to my German culture. Every time I perform my cello either here or in Germany I feel a burst of excitement. Although playing an instrument isn’t exclusively a European tradition, I still feel a special connection to Europe because of the composers

Beethoven and Bach, two very famous composers who

were both born in Germany. Mozart was born in Austria, but he also studied music in Germany. Having this special connection with these composers even if they were born over 300 to 400 years ago is very fascinating. Music is a very important part of German culture even today. Sometimes when I walk in the streets of Frankfurt, or Memmingen I hear people playing classical music and it really lifts the spirits of the streets. In the United States, you rarely see people playing instruments, and when you do, it’s almost always modern music and not classical. In this age of pop, rap, and rock music, classical music is dying. Not many people care about “old music.” As a classical musician, I feel it is my duty to make sure this marvelous style of music does not die. When I was young and traveled to Germany with my German nanny Petra, it was always so easy to rent a cello because there are so many music schools willing to rent instruments to traveling children. The fact that I could rent a cello on a different continent made me feel so at home because the cello is so important to me. I am also so grateful that Petra was always there to practice with me both in Germany and here. One of the most prestigious orchestras in the entire world is in Berlin and although I have never seen them perform live, I always enjoy listening to them. The goal of a section in an orchestra is to be perfectly synchronized; the Berlin Philharmonic masters this synchronization beautifully. Even when I am not in Germany I

Ball

Ben Harris ‘23

still perform my cello. A week ago I performed for the people at All-Souls. My mom always tells me that I was given a gift, and part of that gift is to bring joy to people who have none. There are many aspects of Germany that I love. I love every second of playing cello with my cousin, every note played by the Berlin Philharmonic, every smile my nanny gives me when practicing with me, and every emotional comment my parents give me when I finish my performance. I love my father for sharing his traditions from his culture and childhood with me. When I grow up I want to be the dad to my children that my dad was to me and make sure that our special heritage and connections are not forgotten. I finally understand that my connection to music and my German culture are connected. To me, Germany will always have a special place in my heart, but I think the thing besides my Dad that connects me most to Germany is music. Next time you see your parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, ask them about your heritage and maybe you’ll learn something new.

Reflection

This essay was very hard for me. At the beginning of writing this essay, I had too much information and had to narrow down my focus; this was the hardest part of writing this essay. I would like to thank my mom and my dad for helping with the ideas and proofreading. Most of the topics mentioned in this essay weren’t too new to me. What I did learn was how connected my German

roots and music are.

Essay Rough Draft

When I hear the words “roots” I instantly think of my father and his ties with Germany. I’ve always felt a connection to Germany, whether it’s through Music, Traditions, and Sports. All of these topics are important to me and every time I’m in Germany with my family, I feel a burst of excitement. I was born into two cultures, the American one that surrounds me and the German which comes from my father. My father was born and raised in a small town outside of Frankfurt. He came to America when he was 25 to study psychology. I always enjoyed how he shared his traditions from his homeland with me; that’s what I want to do with my future children. I would want my children to learn another language, play an instrument, and understand the special relationship we have between Germany and European culture. When I grow up I want to preserve and honor the cultural heritage that comes from my father’s side of my family through Music, Traditions, and Family. One of the ways I connect to my German heritage is through the cello. Although playing an instrument isn’t a European tradition, I still feel a special connection to Europe because of the composers. Beethoven and Bach, two very famous composers, were both born in Germany. Mozart was born in Austria but studied music in Germany. I am also so grateful that my guardian Petra was always there to practice with me, and when she wasn’t there I would mostly practice

with my mom. I always enjoy performing and entering competitions. Something else that makes my connection to music special is my cousin. My entire family on my dad’s side is in Germany. My cousin Annie. Annie plays the Basson and when she comes to visit us in New York, we play together. Having family in Germany that also plays an instrument improves my connection and bond with them. The cello will always have a special place in my heart. Every Thanksgiving my family and I go to Germany after we have Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunts house. Flying on Thanksgiving night is a great time to fly because there is almost never traffic and only international flyers are at the airport so it makes it much less crowded. We land at the Frankfurt airport and spend some time with my cousins on my dad’s side. One of my favorite parts about visiting Frankfurt is the Christmas markets. Even though it is only November I am always surprised by how cold it is and the amount of Christmas decorations are up. Some of the Christmas stands serve hot apple cider and it makes you feel so warm inside, especially on a long day. The cider makes you feel so calm and relaxed and it is just breathtaking. After visiting Frankfurt we drive to Gießen, a city 40 miles north of Frankfurt. Here we spend a couple of days with my cousins on my dad’s side. Sometimes I play soccer with my cousins and it is exciting. Even though there much older than me and better than me I always enjoy facing them

because I love challenges. Something else we do sometimes in Frankfurt and Gießen is watch the Bundesliga. The Bundesliga is a german football league and my team Bayern München is the best in the league. Watching the Bundesliga and playing soccer with my cousins when in Germany will always have a special place in my heart. After we’ve spent some time in Frankfurt we go to a small town about two hours away from Munich called Memmingen. Memmingen is a town in Bavaria and is the hometown of my loving nanny Petra who has none since I was 12 hours old. When we are in Memmingen we spend time in the town and go to restaurants. My favorite meal is Wiener Schnitzel. Schnitzel is breaded veal served with lingonberries and it is delicious and full of flavor. One thing we did new this year was visit the Schwarzwald. The Schwarzwald is a place in southern Germany full of mountains and in the winter it’s all covered in snow. Being born in a family of hikers, hiking is something we do there regularly and once we get to the top the views are breathtaking. At the Schwarzwald, they serve the best sausages and the cakes there are outstanding. My Uncle makes the best schwarzwälder kirschtorte, and the best part is I help him with it. The schwarzwälder kirschtorte is a cherry cake with a lot of schlagsahne (whipped cream) and a chocolate filling. The best part is the cherries on top. Although we celebrate other traditions like Easter egg hunts or Christmas tree decorating, going to Germany during Thanksgiving will always have a special

place in my heart.

All of these topics mentioned are important to me and these topics are my culture. I love all of the customs and traditions we do on the holidays, every second of playing soccer with my family, Every step taken on the mountain until you can see that breathtaking view, All the delicious foods that I taste when I’m at my second home. I love my father for sharing his traditions from his culture and childhood with me. When I grow up I want to be the dad to my children that my dad was to me and make sure that our special heritage and connections are not forgotten. To me, Germany will always have a special place in my heart.

LORD OF THE FLIES

Alexander Diefenbach ‘23

Imagine you’re on an island with a group of teenage boys. Stranded. What would you do? Would you be a leader like Ralph, a follower like Roger, Sam, and Eric, or would you be like Jack? The Lord of the Flies starts when a group of students who are on a plane crash onto a remote island. They eventually get together and thrive, but eventually, they encounter chaos. Although the Lord of the Flies portrays human nature as savage I believe otherwise. What makes a group of stranded people savage or civilized is the will to work together and the leadership the group has.

In chapter eight “A gift from darkness,” you see Simon speaking to the Lord of the Flies/ the Beast. Golding portrays human nature as savage because of the beast inside of us. The Lord of the Flies’ physical form is a pig head on a stick. Its real form however is a beast born from darkness. The beast is the imaginary creature the boys feared from the beginning of the book. During the book people can’t tell what the beast is, some people believe in it, others don’t. Simon at first didn’t believe in the beast but after a while, he started to believe. “Maybe

there is a beast, ... Maybe it’s only us.” I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Simon was the only person that knew what the beast truly was and was the only person who could communicate with it in Chapter eight. “Fancy thinking the beast was something you could hunt and Kill!” said the head ... “You knew didn’t you? I’m a part of you? Close, close, close!” (Golding 143.) After reading this quote many times, I came to the conclusion that Golding thought that human nature was savage. This is proved by how Golding writes there is a devil inside of us “Close Close Close!”

Since The Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel, that means it’s not real. The Lord of the Flies is just Golding’s imagination. There is a story about a legendary explorer named Ernest Shackleton that was similar to Lord of the Flies yet completely different. The story of Shackleton and his crew are legendary. How can a group of explorers survive in a cold wasteland -- Antarctica -for over two years? Shackleton was exploring Antarctica with his crew when his ship -- The Endurance -- was entrapped in ice. For over nine months they survived on the ship, they had food, supplies, and everything they would need to survive. They hoped the ice would break off and the ship would be free but the worst thing happened; The ship was crushed and sunken by the ice. Shackleton and his crew made it off the ship safely but didn’t

have many supplies left. They survived two months on a glacier where they hunted and shared the supplies they had. Shackleton even gave his mittens to his photographer so he wouldn’t get frostbite. This kind of gratitude by their leader boosted their morale and eventually, they made it to Elephant Island in Antarctica. Once they were on Elephant Island Shackleton went on a smaller expedition back to the mainland to get help. His crew survived five more months on Elephant Island and eventually after over two years of being stranded in Antarctica they were safe. Every time I read this story I am amazed how not a man died even though they were stranded in Antarctica for over two years. This is similar to the scenario in Lord of the Flies yet different. Shackleton and his men were stranded for longer and in much worse conditions. Shackleton’s leadership skills and the will to work together with his crew kept them alive. Although the boys were younger in Lord of the Flies they didn’t have good leadership or the will to work together as a whole group. Shackleton’s scenario is very civilized and completely different than the Lord of the Flies scenario. The boys descended into chaos, but Shackleton’s crew didn’t. Golding portrays human nature as savage with the beast and Lord of the Flies, but that is also fiction. Shackleton’s scenario actually happened and was very different.

Lovers

Charles Greenwald ‘23

Everyone has opinions, Golding wrote Lord of the Flies based on his opinion. Shackleton’s story was not opinion-based because it was nonfiction. I think you can’t necessarily say human nature is savage or civilized because that implies everyone. The one part that was similar between these two scenarios is that both groups were stranded. One group had a good leader and had morals and the will to work together, they were civilized. The other group didn’t have a good leader and didn’t want to work together, they were savage. The will to work together and the leadership is what makes a group of stranded people civilized or savage.

THE NEW YORK MASK

Andreas Loucopoulos ‘23

New Popular College Degree Offered - Percentage of students failing is increasing

Thousands of colleges and universities in the US have been offering a new degree following COVID guidelines. This is a response to some of the newest COVID regulations dictated by many government officials. These rules can be confusing and hard to follow, so the government decided that people who understand these rules deserve a college degree. Therefore, when these people graduate, they can brag to their kids how smart they are because they were part of history-but by that time, these alums will be able to teach a history class about these rules because these rules change weekly.

According to the CDC, the rules this week include rules such as the following:

- Everyone in the US except for New York and California who is taking a test during the period 9:30 - 11:45 is REQUIRED not to wear any face covering.

- Everyone in the US except for New York and California who is writing essays after 1:30 pm ET is REQUIRED to wear AT LEAST three face coverings to protect the unvaccinated.

- Anyone in the US who is vaccinated is required to wear one mask at all times due to new concerns about how unvaccinated people may react to germs from vaccinated civilians.

- Due to lung capacity and limited oxygen in certain facilities, anyone over the age of 1 second must socially distance themselves by their height.

E.g. if you are 6 ft, you have to social distance 6 ft.

Professor Irie Kirving has had a great deal of experience with these types of rules and is teaching the leading COVID class at Harvard. Irie Kirving was a 7 time NFL All-Star but dealt with issues about choosing not to get vaccinated. Kirving was told he was not allowed to play, but he could watch the game on the sideline with his team because playing would affect his team even more. This rule is perfect and makes total sense for the NFL. He later did an interview with the “New York Mask,” and stated the following:

“I thought the rule was thoughtful. It is ethical and completely solves the problem. I wanted to learn more about these kinds of rules, and want to teach in the future.”

Irie Kirving realized how much the US would fall without these rules and if more players who aren’t vaccinated would not play, it would help the environment we live in massively. The New York

Mask has also interviewed a former Harvard Law school graduate, Amar Smith, who has chosen to change his career and will try to get a Ph.D. for the degree of the COVID restriction at his SECOND attempt. He claims it will be a tough but valuable year. In an interview with Amar, he stated the following:

“I have had experience and completed many challenging things, some of the hardest things I have ever imagined, but I have never seen such a confusing and challenging degree such as this. I know I failed the first time, but I have faith and know I can at least come very close to passing this term. These rules are clever but confusing, and I wish luck to any student willing to take on this challenge with me,”

During the interview, Amar also explained that many students have been having an increased rate of depression and anxiety studying these rules. We have interviewed many historians and people who were survivors from the beginning of COVID, and they tell heroic stories about many of the early rules. Many such as: if you are sick, put a mask on, or anyone in an indoor facility is required to wear a mask. It is amazing and impressive how people have survived these rules with what we know now. These survivors had to have been the luckiest people I have met!

interview with Amar, he following:

COVID to some officials. hard decided rules

Therefore, can they are history--but be able these rules the for New taking a - 11:45 face for New writing

experience and many challenging of the hardest have ever imagined, but seen such a and challenging degree this. I know I failed the but I have faith and at least come very passing this term. These clever but confusing, luck to any student take on this challenge

Professor Irie Kirving has had a great deal of experience with these types of rules and is teaching the leading COVID class at Harvard. Irie Kirving was a 7 time NFL All-Star but dealt with issues about choosing not to get vaccinated. Kirving was told he was not allowed to play, but he could watch the game on the sideline with his team because playing would affect his team even more. This rule is perfect and makes total sense for the NFL. He later did an interview with the “New York Mask,” and stated the following:

interview, Amar also students have been rate of depression studying these rules. interviewed many people who were beginning of COVID, heroic stories about many

REQUIRED coverings

“I thought the rule was thoughtful. It is ethical and completely solves the problem. I wanted to learn more about these kinds of rules, and want to teach in the future.”

Irie Kirving realized how much the US would fall without these rules and if more players who aren’t

HOME IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE

Charlie Sossen ‘23

Home is wherever you make it. My nonna (grandmother in Italian) gives me this message all of the time in her slight Italian accent when we talk on the phone, because this applies so deeply to her. My nonna lives in Florence, Italy for half of the year; but my nonna is technically not Italian. When my nonna was much younger she traveled back and forth between Italy and America for years, until one day she decided to move to Italy; she was so in love with Italian culture that she dropped everything to live there. For most of my childhood I thought that she was crazy to do this, and I wondered why she lives in Italy if she is not Italian.

A few years ago I went with my mom to Florence to visit my nonna. Instantly, when I stepped off the plane and felt that Italian air I knew that this was going to be a memorable trip. During the days following, I did many noteworthy things that I will never forget, with the first being one that you would expect when you go to Italy, the food. We were able to go to some of the best restaurants in Florence, because my nonna knows everyone, so much so that everytime we walked around the corner it felt like I heard “ciao” (hello) from a

person walking in our direction. This made me laugh inside because before this I thought of nonna as a foreigner in this country, when in reality this is home for her.

We went to many restaurants over the trip, but my favorite was Cinghiale Bianco which is right in nonna’s neighborhood. We sat in a corner seat that was surrounded by bricks, resembling an old fashioned pub. I ran my finger through the gap of the bricks, like many kids do, and impatiently waited for the ravioli. When it arrived, I was blown away by how incredible it looked. I had to take a photo of it. The four separate pieces of ravioli were laid perfectly one on top of the other; and it had three leaves of basil placed on the top. The taste did not disappoint either, creamy yet savory. Everytime I look at this photo it reminds me of my nonna’s Italian life and how I am so lucky that she introduced me to her home so we can share Italy together. Later in the trip we went to see one of the greatest pieces of art of all time - The Statue of David. The statue was incredible, but the thing that I was most surprised by was our tour guide. Our guide was one of my nonna’s close Italian friends, which baffled me. My whole life I did not think that nonna knew that many people in Italy, and was lonely in this big country. I saw that her Italian friends were like a second family to her; and that a connection to a place is not only that you were born there, it is the people that make it home.

Venice in Florida

Charles Greenwald ‘23

My trip to Italy completely shifted my view on what my Nonna did years ago. Her secret Italian life that I assumed to be crazy now did not seem crazy in the slightest. Now that I have seen what she loves so much, it made me want to move there with her, which I never thought I would have said before this trip. I have all of these memories in a country where I am technically not from. Now I look at the question: What do you consider your ancestral or ethnic identities? Throughout this experience of looking back on one of my favorite trips of all times, I have learned that humans have a tendency to make home wherever they are: whether this is at school, at camp or in a different country, you can make home wherever you want it to be. But, even if you make a place your home it can not truly be your home if you do not have great people around you - which I can see nonna definitely has many great people around her in Florence.

HELPING LEGACIES PERSEVERE

Grant Ferguson ‘23

Perseverance: A will to keep going no matter what adversity life throws at you; to keep on going even though it seems like there’s no hope. One of the greatest stories of perseverance is my great-grandmother’s. She survived the Russian pogroms and the Holocaust. Sometimes it seems easier in life to just give up, but if you give up the second you face adversity you will never achieve anything. My great-grandmother’s story taught me the importance of perseverance; she has more perseverance than anyone I have ever known. Chana Shapiro was born in 1914 in a small town in Lithuania. Chana’s uncle had moved to South Africa when she was young and made a lot of money. Most of Chana’s relatives moved to South Africa to escape the pogroms, but she had to take care of her dying mother in Lithuania. After her mother died, she moved to Kovno, now called Kaunas, with her two cousins that stayed in Lithuania. Life under the Russians was hard, but they got sufficient food and clothing. Chana could have taken the easy way out and fled to South Africa, but she persevered and stood by her dying mother.

In 1941, the Germans took Kovno, and Chana was placed in the Kovno Ghetto. Later on, Chana was

moved to the Slobodka Ghetto, also in Kovno. Chana said that ghetto life was intolerable, and they were practically starved and given no respite. According to Chana, worst of all was the continual sorting out of the aged, the helpless, and the unfit to be eliminated by the Germans. On October 26, 1943, the children were forcibly separated from their parents to be taken away in vans. Many mothers killed their children and themselves. This is truly horrible and in my opinion, this is the worst part of the story. Chana’s cousin’s family committed suicide, and, she could have killed herself with them but she persevered and didn’t give up.

In July 1944, just before the Russians came, the Germans burned down the Ghetto killing hundreds of Jews. Chana was shipped in cattle trucks to an all-woman death camp in Stutthof Poland. Five hundred people slept in one barrack on filthy straw for beds. If you were unable to handle the back-breaking labor, you were killed. Many diseases, like typhus, were very prevalent in the camp because there were no doctors. Chana constantly had a fear that she would die next and was prepared to die. She would stand for hours in line just for meager rations, and many people committed suicide on the electric fence. In winter, they still needed to work just as hard and were whipped if they didn’t. Again, she had an opportunity to end it all, but she still persevered and kept going.

Desert in Abu Dhabi

Atri Midha ‘24

In the winter of 1945, they were forced to march to Germany. If you fell down you were shot and many who got away died. During a snowstorm on the tenth night, Chana snuck away to the Polish village of Miarotki, which was still occupied by the Germans. After three weeks, the Russians came and gave her food and clothing. A Jewish Polish soldier took Chana to his home where she found out her sister was in England and her two brothers were in South Africa. In 1945, she was sent to a displaced person camp outside of Frankfurt where she met Eleanor Roosevelt. Chana moved to South Africa with her two brothers, but she always wanted to live in Palestine. Chana’s perseverance paid off – she survived the Holocaust, met her husband, and gave birth to my grandmother.

Helping Legacies Persevere

A legacy is the only thing you are remembered for; you build your legacy throughout your life. As time goes on, most Holocaust survivors are dying, and with them their legacies. The Holocaust was one of the worst events in human history, and we need to pass on and keep the stories of Holocaust survivors alive, so we can see how unjust it was and never do anything like it again. By telling my greatgrandmother’s story, I am honoring her legacy. Chana’s story is a very sad story but is also a story of great bravery and perseverance. Chana kept going no matter how much adversity she faced, even in one of the worst events in human history - the Holocaust. I take this as

a lesson to never shy away from a problem and never give up. For example, I used to have average grades but then I made it a goal to have great grades and after much hard work I did it. By sharing Chana’s incredible story, we can continue to remember her and help her legacy persevere; I know I am honoring my roots.

James Webb Space Telescope

Julian Lin ‘24

ORIGIN OF APRIL FOOLS!

Jackson Hong ‘25

It was March 31st, and my friend April was in town. Now, I hadn’t seen her in a while, so I wanted to give her a nice surprise, in the shape of a prank. I was determined to make her look like a fool, in front of my other friends who were also coming for a visit. So I gathered all of the other people who were also coming, and I asked them to help me gather the materials for the project. They all agreed and we set out to buy everything that we needed. Our plan was when April opened the door, it would set off a tripwire that would eventually make a balloon pop right in front of her face. I was so excited and helped set up the entire project. Finally, at around 11:47 PM the night before, it was complete. We were all so excited for tomorrow, and we couldn’t control ourselves from laughing. We all went to bed with a plan. My friends would arrive early in the morning, and call me until I woke up. Then, I would let them in through the back door, so we wouldn’t mess up the contraption. Then we would eat breakfast, and get ready for the day. Besides our prank, we made the house feel super welcoming for April.

12:00 PM. *knock knock knock*.

We heard the knocks on the door. We were all uncontrollably laughing as I let her inside.

I quickly stepped aside, and when April stepped into the house, BOOM! The balloon had popped! She was so shocked and her jaw fell! My friends and I were laughing so hard, I was afraid we were going to choke! We then told April about it and she just laughed it off. But I had different plans… I had a brilliant idea to do this every single April first, and everytime, get more and more people to help make more and more elaborate pranks! After many many April firsts, eventually, the news spread everywhere about us doing huge pranks on April first! Other people started making their own pranks on April first, and eventually, everyone in my town was doing it! From there, the news just kept spreading, and spreading, and spreading, until everyone in the US knew about it!

Over Sebby’s Shoulder

Ben Harris ‘23

RELIGION LIVES ON

Joshua Salama-Caro ‘23

My heritage is not something that I have put into words before. However, on talking to my parents and exploring some of my past, I came across an interview my mother had done with my maternal great-grandmother in 1993 about her experiences in the Holocaust. Although I knew quite a bit about this subject, it was amazing reading it in words and this really made me start to think about who I am. The thing that really stood out was how important my religion is as it has survived and lives on today despite such horrific times in the past. The story made me feel emotional and helped me to pinpoint my religion as a key part of who I am; understanding more why my parents strongly believe in keeping lots of Jewish customs that our ancestors started. My Jewish heritage is a big part of who I am and who my family is. My maternal great-grandmother was from Germany and she lived at the time of WW2. Since she was Jewish, her parents sensed danger before the war and sent her away to a boarding school in Switzerland. She had no contact with her family during the war and did not know whether they were alive or dead. Her parents and brother remained in Germany as the school could not accommodate him and were

hidden from the Nazis by a kind Catholic family. Unfortunately one day they were found by the Nazis and taken together with the family hiding them to a concentration camp. On the way, my great-great-grandfather saw someone else bribing the driver with gold coins to be let off. By luck, my great-great-grandfather also had some gold coins in his pocket and managed to get off the transport with his family and the other family. They then spent the rest of the war safely in hiding.

Jewish traditions are what make having a religion feel meaningful to me. One particular tradition is Jewish boys and girls celebrate turning 13 and joining “Jewish adulthood” with a ceremony called a bar or bat mitzvah. Recently I had my bar mitzvah which was a lot of work and effort and at times I felt reluctant to study and angry about the time commitment. However, the day was very special and memorable, repeating what my ancestors had all done for many years previously. Additionally, all of the learning involved taught me so much more about why we do certain things in Judaism which has helped me appreciate more the meaning behind particular customs and where they originate from. Having a religion I think gives you a special identity and in some ways has helped me build connections and make friends after moving countries; it really is a key part of who I am deep within me. Being Jewish continued to be important for my parents and they even met at their synagogue many years ago! As well as my Jewish history,

being English is also important to me as I lived in England until I was eight; for example, I have made an effort to keep my English accent as much as possible. I hope I will be able to carry on feeling English for many years to come as it is something I personally identify myself with in addition to my religion. Interestingly, my great grandparents originate from a number of different European countries and North Africa which of course have very diverse cultures of their own. However, the customs of Judaism are what have survived over the generations in my family rather than the specific customs of these countries. I think it is important to continue practicing religion even though it is sometimes a little inconvenient to follow the rules, as otherwise the customs get lost, and then having a religion can feel a little pointless. This would be very sad if the traditions were not passed onto future generations but this takes effort. I hope to be able to continue these traditions in the future with my family as it is important to understand where you came from and who you are; also for me, it is important to understand how my ancestors have suffered in order for me to be alive today.

CAPE CARL

Graham Winfrey ‘98

EXCERPT FROM CAPE CARL SCREEN PLAY EXT. HAVEN POINT BEACH - DAY

A secluded beach. Carl and Griffin are ankle deep in the water, skipping rocks.

Dan is sitting in the sand holding a beer in an All Cape Boat Rentals koozie. Carl skips a rock and looks back at Dan.

CARL

Hey Griff. I got a job for you.

GRIFFIN What?

CARL

I want you to bring me the biggest shell you can find, okay? If it’s a big one, I’ll give you a dollar.

GRIFFIN A dollar?

CARL Okay, five dollars. Deal?

GRIFFIN Deal.

Carl walks back to the beach. He sits down next to Dan.

CARL

How was Boston?

DAN (shrugs)

Tryna get this company to use our software.

CARL (looking at the water)

I need your advice on something.

DAN

Okay.

CARL

One of my clients is having an affair. (pause)

I can’t decide whether I should say something.

DAN

Is it the husband or the wife?

CARL

The wife.

DAN

How well do you know them?

CARL

Pretty well.

DAN

Is it Tricia?

CARL (fakes shock)

Why would you say that?

DAN Is it?

Carl doesn’t budge.

DAN (CONT’D)

Chip Crothers, right?

CARL (surprised) You know?

DAN

(looks down at the sand) Our marriage has been in bad shape for a while.

CARL How long?

DAN Few years.

CARL

A few years? Why are you still together?

DAN

We have a kid.

CARL

Dan, it would be much better for everyone, especially Griff, if you and Tricia separated.

Dan takes this in.

CARL (CONT’D)

Trying to stay together literally killed my parents.

Dan furrows his brows.

CARL (CONT’D)

I mean, obviously, my dad died of heart disease and my mom died of cancer, but, it’s all related.

Behind the Scenes of “Cape

Carl”

Graham Winfrey ‘24

Dan scoffs.

CARL (CONT’D)

Look, the best thing you can do for Griff would be to-

DAN (sternly) You’re not his father, Carl.

CARL (defensive) I know.

DAN

I appreciate you trying to help but I don’t wanna get into it.

Carl and Dan look at Griffin as the sun sets.

CARL Claire’s back in town.

DAN (surprised) What? (MORE) (pause)

What do you mean, back in town?

CARL

She’s staying at the McCormick’s.

DAN

Have you seen her?

CARL

I saw her this morning.

DAN

Jesus. How is she?

CARL (raises his eyebrows) Divorced.

DAN Oh god.

CARL What?

DAN

No wonder you’re so perky.

CARL Perky?

DAN

It’s just a little strange. I haven’t been allowed to say her name for 10 years and you’re like smiling right now.

CARL

I’m...not even remotely smiling.

Dan scoffs.

CARL (CONT’D)

And I never said you couldn’t say her name.

Dan shakes his head.

CARL (CONT’D) What?

DAN

I just hope you don’t do anything stupid.

Graham Winfrey ‘98 is a features editor at Inc. magazine and lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Meredith, and their son, William. He has written and directed two feature films: “Double Belgian,” which was released in 2020, and “Cape Carl,” currently in post-production.

TEETH

William Jokela ‘21

If you went to the pier on the east shore of Margot, you could see the lights from the unknown city. They rested in the haze but bobbed gently like in water — untethered buoys, fireflies, he couldn’t remember what he thought of. They didn’t really move though, not like Margot’s lights. It was just a trick of the eye. The lights in Margot were fish, glowing fish in water jars. The wives prepared the jars, the husbands caught the fish, and the children put them in every room and every window and fed them. Margot was built on a hill. There were three strata to the town. The docks below, the apartment sprawl at the center, and the house at the top. The pier was for fishing. There weren’t any boats. The lights in the haze were stars. You didn’t leave Margot. On the island, it rained freshwater — in the city, it rained salt.

TEETH, LEFT IN THE ARM OF MARGOT

Keir didn’t have a light in his window.

“I’m going to the market,” his brother said.

“Get eggs.”

“We have eggs.”

“I ate them.”

“Then you get eggs.”

“I’m not going to the market.”

“I don’t eat eggs.”

“Then I’ll go to the market.”

“I’m going to the market.”

“Then get eggs.”

“No.”

“Then I’m going.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be back.”

“Tell Frogman I say hello.”

“I will.”

“Hello.”

Keir put on his jacket and closed the door. His brother sat down at the window and rolled a cigarette. Their mother passed away during childbirth. A shard of bone grew from his skull — broke through right where his hair started on the top right side of his head. He lit his cigarette. Keir came back through the door. His brother jumped up and held the cigarette behind his back.

“Back so soon? Did you tell Frogman I said hello?”

“I forgot the teeth. Why does it smell like smoke? Are you smoking? Have you been smoking?”

“Of course not!”

“I believe you.”

The brothers stared at each other. They stared.

“Where are the teeth?” Keir asked. His brother took one hand from behind his back

and spit out four teeth and held them out. Keir stepped forward and took them from his brother.

“Thank you. I’ll be back soon.”

“Tell Frogman I say hello.”

“I will.”

Keir went back out the door. His brother kept still and counted to ten, then sat back down. He yelped and dropped the cigarette on the sill. It had burned all the way down. He brought his face down to his wasted smoke. He put the tobacco ash on his tongue.

Keir’s brother whispered, “Hello.”

Keir stepped out on the slanted street and walked to his bicycle. It often went missing, but that day, it was where he had left it, right in front of his apartment building. It was green and dripping with water and had seaweed hanging from its spokes. Keir wiped down the seat and peddled as hard as he could to get up the steep, curving street to the market. He moved quite slowly. At the top, two children were playing, but stopped when they heard the bicycle wheels wheezing, striking every uneven stone step of the street. They watched Keir come around the bend, breathing heavily and sweating. It took him some minutes to reach them, and when he did, he jumped off his bicycle and grinned.

“Wonderful morning, isn’t it?”

The children stood there; one dropped the ball they were playing with and it bounced down the hill and around the bend.

“The sky is so wonderfully blue today! The sun is shining, and the smell is just… wonderful!

Don’t you just love the summer air?”

“I like it,” one of the children said.

“Great! Just great!”

He walked his bike to the market and grinned all the way.

Margot’s second layer was built with stone of every color. The stone was dyed with fish — their blood or ground-up scales or meat — and they produced the most striking pigmentation. All the roofs were topped with orange shingles. Vibrant houses lined the cobble streets. The docks were mostly gray. The house — was… At night, the fish lit up in the windows and the water. The unknown city shined its tired lights. When it rained, the house’s windows glowed. The people went outside to feel what it was like to be rained upon.

Keir guided his bicycle into the town square. White canvas tents were arranged, protecting fish and their sellers from the sun. Keir rested his bicycle against a post and walked to Frogman’s stand.

“Hello, Frogman.”

Frogman croaked.

“My brother says hello.”

Down the winding street and up to the apartment, his brother, still seated at the window, whispered.

William Jokela ’21 is now a tenth grader at Trinity. He developed his interest in creative writing at Allen-Stevenson and over the years, was guided by his English teachers: Mr. Haarmann, Mr. Fennelly, and Ms. Lukas

Morning Glare

Gregory Stone ‘19

SCIENCE FAIR

Peter Haarmann

Chapter I

“All right, all right, that’s enough. I need you to take your seats. I have something important to discuss with you. That’s it. Theresa, place that back on the parts table. Jimmy, do me a favor and set up the smart board, please.”

Mr. Ruiz looks serious so we take our seats and pay close attention. He attaches his computer to the smart board, types a few words and a document appears on the board.

“ As you can see I have received an email from the science department. It concerns this year’s Middle School Science Fair. Terry, dim the lights, will you?” I step to the light switches on the wall and they dim, making the words on the smart board clearer. “Thanks, Terry, now read along as I read to you.”

Twenty-five sets of eyes are drawn to the image plastered on the board. In front of us are the rules and regulations for this year’s science fair at Knollwood Middle School. I sneak a look at Jack two rows over and one seat up. Sure enough, he’s riveted to the words on the screen. He’s been waiting an entire year for this to avenge last year’s “defeat” as he calls it. Reminding him over and over that third place cannot really be called a “defeat” hasn’t

changed his mind one bit. He wants first, the gold, the top prize. I watch as he takes out his notebook and begins writing all the information from the board. Luke taps me on the shoulder and points at Jack. He pokes me again and when I turn he points to Pep in the row next to the windows and starts quietly laughing. Pep’s balancing a pencil on his nose and twirling his fingers around his ears. For a second I wonder if this is Pep’s science fair experiment, but, hey, it’s Pep, so I chalk it up to the other one hundred things I will never understand about my buddy. If I ask him later what he was doing he’ll just go into some long explanation about the perfect symmetry of a No. 2 pencil and that to test the symmetry he wanted to see if he could balance the pencil on his nose for a period of time. Making believe I’ve accepted his explanation, I would ask about the circling fingers. To provide an equal amount of air and pressure from either side so the pencil doesn’t tilt too strongly to one side and therefore fall off, or something similar would be the response. I’ve learned to merely accept whatever Pep says. “You may want to take out your notebooks and copy down what you see here. Jack, I see you’ve beaten me to it. Looks like someone has his eyes on first prize this year, doesn’t it.

The letter begins:

KNOLLWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR FRIDAY, MARCH 16

Join this year’s Science Fair and discover more about your world, your universe, and maybe more about yourself, too. We are looking for a group of young Einsteins, right here at KMS to tackle the world of the known, the unknown and the unimagined. Are you curious? Do you have a deep interest in things scientific? Are there things out there you just have to know about? Well, then here is your chance to do something about that scientific itch that need scratching. Grab your telescopes and microscopes and get knee deep in the ocean’s tides, dig in the earth and clay, start investigating the woodlands and forests. There is a wide, wide world out there, a world of science and wonder awaiting all adventurous travelers.

“Enough, that’s enough. I realize Mr. Nelson gets a little carried away, but you get the point,” Mr. Ruiz silences the giggles and other noise. “Let’s resume.”

If you choose to participate there are a few rules and guidelines we suggest you follow. They are not all mandatory but since they are methods utilized by true scientists, it would be wise to adhere as closely to them as possible.

GUIDELINES:

1. Each contestant must choose a project that includes an experiment of some sort. The project is not merely research but one that can be proved or disproved through experimentation.

2. Therefore you must create and perform a lab experiment for the judges on the day of the Science Fair. A complete, detailed experiment form must be submitted showing your attempts and either your successes or failures. Follow the Lab Experiment Form that will be given to you by your homeroom teachers.

3. You must provide a poster board that illustrates the steps you take to complete your project. This is somewhat straightforward but there is room for some creativity here that may exhibit your group’s originality.

4. There are no limitations put on the project you choose as long as it is of a scientific nature. It would be wise to discuss your topic with your science teacher just to be sure, however.

5. Due dates –Project outline and rough sketches - Friday, March 2

Final project ( all portions compete )Thursday, March 15

Science Fair and Judging - Friday, March 16

Three Way Guitar

Trey Patrick ‘23

Good luck to all!

“The lights, Terry, again.” Our eyes adjust to the brightness once again. Jack is adding some last minute information into his notebook, at least he understood what was on the letter. I turn to look at Luke who appears to be as confused as I am. I don’t have the courage to check out what Pep may be doing so I face the front of the room as Mr. Ruiz begins to talk.

“Well, there you have it. I’m sure you have a million questions but for now I hold off until I can get some information from the science teachers. The announcement was very clear ( it was? ), and I’m sure you’ve already thought of some interesting topics to explore. Here’s what we’ll do. Jason, would you pass these papers out to everyone for me. These are the Lab forms they mentioned. Don’t lose them. I’ll give you about ten minutes or so to jot down some ideas so you can begin planning.”

“Jane, what is it?”

“May we work in groups”?

“Oh, yes, there was something about that in the notes they gave me. Let’s see, yes, students may opt to work individually or in groups of two, three or four. That’s it. Ok, you have about ten minutes, break up and keep the noise level down.”

Notebook in hand I grab a pen, poke Luke and go to the side of Jack’s desk. Pep has one foot on the windowsill and a ruler in his right hand measuring I am not sure what. I ask Carolyn to

call him and when she does the ruler goes flying out of his hand and directly into the garbage can. I can’t help laughing. The guy cracks me up. Jack sighs and asks if we think it’s a good idea to have Pep in the group. Pep is one of our best friends and of course he is in the group with us. Jack has this look in his eyes that makes me wonder. Pep strolls over and sits in Tommy Wilson’s vacated seat.

“Pep, where’s your science notebook”? Jack inquires.

“In my desk, should I get it?”

“No, listen we need to make a list of possible topics. The more the better.”

“Yeah, I have some great ones,” chimes in Pep.

“I had a million popping into my head while Mr. Ruiz was talking. How about this one - we discover whether there is a real Sasquatch or not, or I was thinking we could always change that to the Loch Ness Monster if we want –whatever you guys want. It’s just that I’m not such a great swimmer and I think it could be more fun in the mountains looking for Sasquatch – but I’m flexible if you guys want to find the Loch Ness Monster.”

Jack stops writing and slowly lifts his head, first at me, and then at Pep. Pep’s all excited and even Jack doesn’t have the heart to go after him for his suggestions.

“You know what, Pep, not a bad idea, but we’re under a bit of a time constraint here and a trip to Nepal, or Tibet, or wherever it is that Sasquatch is believed to reside, is just a bit

Frozen Waves on The Top of Mantanuska Galcier

Gregory Stone ‘19

Gregory Stone, ’19 attends Choate Rosemary Hall in CT. He is very interested in the environment, conservation and sustainability. Following his AS passions, Gregory sings and performs in musical theater.

out of the question right now,” responds Jack. “Yeah, I thought that might be a problem, so that’s why my alternate is the Loch Ness Monster.”

Jack lifts his head again. “Well, Pep, another great idea, but that would mean a trip to Scotland for the four of us. Not sure about you, but my travel expenses have gotten a little crazy lately, so, not sure I could find the cash for a 3,500 mile trip at this time.”

“Don’t worry, Jack, like I said, I have a million of them.”

“That’s kind of what I was afraid of, Pep. Are they all similar to the others, by any chance?”

“Oh, no, some of the others are a bit out there, like a little wild actually.”

“ Some of the others are a little wild, did you just say?

Mr. Ruiz’ voice instructing us to take our seats may have been the only thing that saved Jack from a minor explosion. He suggests we all meet at the bike rack after school to complete the discussion. Before Pep walks away Jack calmly tells him not to tax his brain anymore thinking of any new ideas, that we’ll handle it until after school. Pep walks away, giving us all the OK sign with thumbs up, then proceeds to knock over the globe that sits on top of the spare desk. Above the loud racket it makes Jack turn to me and give me two Ok signs, but his thumbs are pointing downward.

Chapter II

“So, I guess you guys didn’t exactly like my first idea. We’re missing out on a great opportunity here. The first people in the world, kids no less, to verify the existence of “Nessie”. No, all right, I have this other idea, a bit far-fetched, but here goes. You know how Ben Franklin discovered electricity by flying a kite during a lightning …” “PEP!” we all shout.

You have to love this guy. He cracks me up.

I’ve been laughing since the day Pep, real name Pete Powers, came into our school in third grade. There is never a dull moment when Pep’s around. When he thinks of something he usually either says it or does it. You can imagine how this gets him into trouble sometimes. Take his nickname, for example. It comes from the time we were all in town at the local burger joint after playing some baseball last summer. Luke had ordered a cheeseburger with fries and went to the counter to pick it up when they called his number. Pep decided to play a prank on Luke by unscrewing the pepper shaker. He eased off the cap so that when Luke turned it over the cap would fall and … A perfect plan! What Pep hadn’t anticipated was that Jimmy Benson, the town tough guy and friend of Pep’s older brother Neil would come to the table reaching for the pepper shaker.

“No, don’t,” screamed Pep grabbing for the shaker.

“What,” said Jimmy, slapping Pep’s hand away.

From The Fishbowl

The Snowman (opposite page)

Jenny Bruce

Jenny Bruce, mother of two boys, joined A-S’s Communications Team in the summer of 2021. Passionate about creating, Jenny is an award-winning singer-songwriter and also loves blogging, videography, and photographing moments of ephemeral beauty in her native New York City and beyond.

“Are you saying I can’t have your pepper, kid? Let go.”

“No, I just wouldn’t if I were you.

“Well, kid, there’s the beauty. You are not me, and I am certainly not you. Hey, Neil, what’s up with your little brother? He’s denying me some pepper. You need to set him straight before this gets ugly.”

Pep’s brother grabs Pep by the arm and says, “Pete, give him the pepper or mom and dad will be minus a son, you got me?”

“But you don’t understand. I’m saving it for Luke.”

“You know what, when your little friend gets back here, you just send him over if he wants a little pepper,” threatened Jimmy. The walk away laughing and pointing back at us as we sat there counting the seconds before Jimmy Benson pours a mound of pepper all over his burger. Pep is sweating and about to head to the door when he rams into Luke knocking his food to the floor.

“AHHHH, Pete, what are you doing. My food!” Luke looks like he lost his best friend.

“Sorry, Luke, I gotta go.”

“Little Powers, where are you going in such a hurry?” Jimmy reaches the door before Pep.

“I have to get going. My mom said to be home no later than 4:00. Right, Neil, you heard her.”

If Pep was looking for any help from his brother he was seriously barking up the wrong tree.

“Now come back here and sit down with your brother and me. I’ve got something I want to

discuss with you. No, no, over here, closer to me. Your friends can wait until we’re done. That’s it; make yourself comfortable. Good. Now I was just saying to your brother here about how skinny you’re getting. I have to be honest; it’s got me a little concerned. Wasn’t I just saying that, Neil?” Pep’s brother nods and grins.

“Well, actually, Jimmy, I’ve put on a few pounds lately. I know I shouldn’t eat so much, but the food is sitting on the plate and then I …”

“Uh, did I ask you a question? Listen here, kid, I’m the one doing the talking. You are the one doing the listening and then very shortly you will be the one doing the eating. Like I said, I’m worried about you. And as anyone around here knows, I don’t like to worry. It upsets my thinking if you know what I mean. So, I’d like to offer you my burger here to make the both of us feel good. Here you go, just the way you like it.”

Pep stares at the plate. As much as he tries, he cannot see a burger anywhere. What he does see is a pile of black pepper sitting on top of an open hamburger bun rising about three inches in the air. He looks from the plate to Jimmy, then to his brother, then looks over at us. Sensing the inevitable, he looks once again at the plate and obediently picks up the burger.

“That’s right, buddy, it’s all yours. Enjoy! Now show me how thankful you are by eating the whole thing. You don’t have to say a thing, your enjoyment will be my thanks.”

“But the pepper…”

“What’s that you’re saying, pepper, you’d like some pepper. No problem. Here let me help you.” With that, Jimmy grabs the shaker and pours the remainder on the burger.

“No, there’s already too much pep, pep, pep, pepper on it,” is all Pete can say. Let’s just say Pep tried every trick in the book but he still ended up eating the entire thing. From that day forward the nickname just kind of stuck.

“I don’t want to hear the rest of that one, Pep. I don’t want to hear you suggest that we stand out in a lightning storm with a kite imitating Franklin’s electricity experiment. Again, Pep, a brilliant idea, but a bit risky. Now, before anyone says another word,” Jack stares directly at Pep, “ let’s all go home and give this some serious thought. We’ll meet tomorrow and share our best, you got that, our best.” Again he stares directly at Pep, but Pep doesn’t notice. He’s sitting on the ground trying to balance a pinecone on a small branch. Jack looks at me, I shrug my shoulders, hit Luke so he can see Pep and we all crack up.

“What, what’d I miss. What are you guys laughing at?”

“Pep, are you paying any attention to me?” Jack asks.

“Yeah, we’re going home and tomorrow we’re gonna share our best ideas. I heard you.”

“All right, see you guys tomorrow. Terry, let’s go.”

Jack and I head up Harding Rd. while Luke and Pep stay on Rock. We take a shortcut through O’Leary’s yard to Ashton and cross Ackerman to Warren. Jack has not said a word the entire walk home until we reach my house.

“Terry, it has to be good. Think hard.”

“Don’t worry, Jack, we’ll come up with something. There are four of us; we’ll come up with a winner. Hey, and if not, there’s always the Loch Ness Monster.”

Jack grabs a bunch of pinecones and hurls them my way. “All right, see you in the morning. 7:45.”

I watch him as he crosses my yard and races up the steps to his front door. I can’t stop smiling. I haven’t seen him like this in almost a year.

Pete Haarmann taught English at Allen-Stevenson for twenty-seven years retiring in 2021. He is an avid reader and has enjoyed his relationship with Kerim Eken and the A-Z Files these many years.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We could never have imagined the variety of impeccable work that would find its way into the A-Z Files for the past ten years. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and talent into making the A-Z Files part of the school’s ongoing story. Thank you to David Trower - he was the first hand we shook to start our academic journey, the same hand each new student shook for 32 years. As we start a new chapter in the school’s history, we want to personally thank Mr. Trower for steering this institution through numerous milestones that changed the world, the city, and the school house that we live in. Endless appreciation to David Kersey for guiding multiple generations of students and leaving a lasting impression on all of us - we will forever be grateful to him for directing us to produce the first edition ten years ago. Special shout-out to Mr. Haarmann whose tireless efforts helped shape it into what it has become. Even though he is no longer teaching at Allen-Stevenson, he continues to review the submissions and I am excited to share that for the first time some of his original work is included in this edition. We can’t thank him enough for the heart he showed us dating back to when we were sixth graders and continuing to this day. And finally to the Levy Family: Helen, Mike, and Adam, we greatly appreciate you allowing us to share the spirit of Zach with a future generation. A heartfelt thank you to all!

We would also like to take a moment to welcome Duncan Lyon as the new headmaster at Allen-Stevenson. After seeing the enthusiasm and fresh perspective he brings each day we know the institution we love is in good hands as it embarks on its next big chapter.

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