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Volu m e 6 7 , Issu e 3
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
O c tob er 4 t h , 2 0 1 8
Mr. Schneider Settles In New Headmaster Adjusts to Life on Campus
Above: Incoming headmaster Mr. Schneider poses for photo in front of the MacPherson room.
By Thomas McEvoy ‘19, Nicholas Daley ‘19, and Matt Goguen ‘19 Panel Staff For each of the past 25 years, the Belmont Hill community watched Dr. Melvoin climb the steps of the chapel podium and deliver a back-to school address. This year, however, students and faculty saw a new face surveying the crowd, and heard a new voice projected by the microphone. Whether you’ve
seen him peeking into a classroom, perusing the Morse corridors, or taking in an athletic contest, new Head of School Mr. Schneider has certainly made an effort to get to know you. If not via a personal conversation, then perhaps he’s seen your face amidst his stack of flash cards, a pile containing the name and ID photo of each and every student, Forms I-VI. For longtime attendees of Belmont Hill, the absence of Dr. Melvoin from his lunch table or his spot at the chapel lectern still feels unfamiliar, but students are quickly getting used to his successor. “First impressions of Mr. Schneider have been overwhelmingly positive,” says School President Shane Rockett, “He has a personality that fits Belmont Hill. In school he was heavily invested in athletics as well as
music, and he embodies the traits of not letting people put you into a box. For all of us who haven’t seen the school under anyone other than Dr. Melvoin, it will be very exciting to see which way Mr. Schneider takes the school.” Mr. Schneider’s position in Belmont Hill is certainly a unique one. While at ease with the power and authority of a headmaster, the former Head of Berwick Academy in Maine recognizes that he is also a “new guy” of sorts. When asked about balancing his prominent role at Belmont Hill with the relative youth of his tenure, Mr. Schneider reflected “I think it is an advantage. On the one hand it is overwhelming, but on the other hand you have the gift of fresh eyes.” A Nobles alumnus, Mr. Schneider also noted that he is coming
in to an institution that holds a strong sense of tradition. Hoping to bring in experience and expertise he acquired at Berwick while making sure to keep Belmont Hill’s current culture intact, Mr. Schneider also notes that a “bigger group of new employees” has helped ease his transition into the community. In reflecting upon his plans for the remainder of the school year, Mr. Schneider revealed that he believes relationships hold tremendous value, saying “I am a believer that relationships have to come before tasks.” Hoping to establish such relationships with due haste, Mr. Schneider aims to hold a half-hour, one-onone conversation with each member of Belmont Hill’s faculty and staff by Thanksgiving. Continued on Page 2
By Nicholas Daley ‘19 Panel Staff
basketball, and lacrosse. She focused especially on tennis, playing all year round outside of school and earning a full schol-
The first director of Belmont Hill’s brand new Health and Wellness Program, Ms. Rupley found her current career path practically by accident. While working at Milton Academy a decade ago, Ms. Rupley, whose welcoming and easygoing nature is readily apparent in any conversation, saw her role advising students on athletics and extracurriculars in the Student Activities Office evolve into what she describes as “informal counseling,” in which students would come to her and ask to “just sit and talk.” Inspired, Ms. Rupley pursued a masters in counseling while continuing to work at Milton and started down a road that has led her to Belmont Hill. Ms. Rupley grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and attended the Lincoln School, a private, all-girls school with a graduating class of 31 in Ms. Rupley’s year. Much like many boys at Belmont Hill, her high school years were consumed by sports, as she participated in tennis,
Ms. Rupley has taken a winding road to the Hill
arship to play at Boston College. Looking back now, Ms. Rupley sees her time playing college tennis as a crucially formative experience in her life. “I can’t recommend college sports enough,” she declares. Through college tennis, says Ms. Rupley, she learned discipline and organization and traveled to colleges all across the country. But what she loved most was the lasting bonds she built. Whether with teammates, coaches, or even opponents, she always found ways to connect with people. After BC, with “still lots of questions” about her future, she drove crosscountry to find her way, settling in Los Angeles as a tennis pro. While she cherished her time on the West Coast, she soon returned east and briefly took a job in medical sales, where she put her ability to talk and build relationships to good use, but felt the job was “not all that fulfilling; it still felt that something was missing.” Thinking back to her time in high school and teaching tennis in California, Ms. Rupley made the decision that would draContinued on Page 3
Ms. Rupley Eager to Lead New Health & Wellness Program
belmont hill news
Pa g e 2
Vol. 6 7 , Is su e 3
Mr. Choi Signs on as Computer Science Teacher Ms. McMahon Joins
Alumni House Team
subsidiary of Raytheon. There, he spe- to translate new languages. These projcialized in Research and Development ects are often commissioned by either as a “Senior Scientist.” While working the government or the intelligence comon many projects, he engaged with “ma- munities. While he had worked on some By Aidan Donnelly ‘20 A graduate of MIT, Mr. Choi is chine learning,” which relates to coding extremely valuable products, Mr. Choi Panel Staff teaching Third Formers Introduction a machine to think as a human would. grew tired of his work not being utilized. to Computer Science and Sixth Formers This interesting research can be used for Therefore, he sought a new chalOne of the newest members of the Advanced Computer Science Principles. automatic speech recognition, machine lenge and, in coming to Belmont Hill, he Belmont Hill community is Ms. McMaOriginally from Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. translation, and video analytics. One of has found it. Along with teaching classes, hon whose title is development associate. Choi attended two high schools growing his favorite projects from his time there Mr. Choi will be working in the Drama de- Throughout her life, she has been truly up: DuPont High School and Kentucky revolved around speech analytics and partment, will manage the iLab, and will connected to private schools. As a child, Country Day, a charter school similar to testing how fast computers can learn also operate as a Sixth Form advisor. ☐ she lived on the New Hampton School’s Belmont Hill. As a student there, he comcampus and eventually went to high school peted on the math team and quiz bowl there. She then went on to college at Fairteam. He also played violin in the youth field University where she got her degree orchestra. He went on to study at MIT, in Human Resources and health studies. By Chetan Shukla ‘20 Panel Staff
“He went on to study at MIT, where he mastered in Computer Science. While there, he maintained an extracurricular presence through the songwriting club and the drama club.” where he mastered in Computer Science. While there, he maintained an extracurricular presence through the songwriting club and the drama club along with writing arts reviews for the school paper. After graduating, he worked in the private sector for BBN Technologies, a Mr. Choi Reviews Code With Michael Piazza ‘19 in the iLab
Ms. McMahon outside the Alumni House
After college, she decided to go back to where everything started, The New Hampton School, where she similarly worked as a development associate. She decided to leave her familiar place for Belmont Hill because she wanted Amherst he captained the soccer team, tween the words was dramatic, but to the something different and new in her life. which ended up winning both the NES- students, it was subtle and almost unrecShe came excited for a new chalBy J. Charlie donahue‘20 CAC and DIII National championship. ognizable. This experience led him to the lenge. At Belmont Hill, Ms. McMahon Staff Writer Along with his athletic commit- realization that not everyone learns things passionately works with the young, reThis year Belmont Hill welcomes ment, Mr. Khan majored in Psychology the same, and you have to mold your ways cent alumni, specifically those classes new faculty member Aziz Khan who with a pre-med emphasis. One invaluable of teaching based on the student. He graduating between 2009 and 2018. ☐ has joined the science department. He lesson he learned from his time at Am- gained the ability to see things from the teaches both Science 1 and perspective of the students IPS, and although he won’t in order to find solutions. Continued from Front Page be an advisor this year, he This lesson has made Since July, he has already completed will be working with other significant impacts on his 85% of his goal. Noting that Dr. Melvoin teachers to lead the First teaching style. He went on to has handed him a “a very powerful strateForm. In another area of work at the BU orthopedic gic vision,” Mr. Schneider also aspires to Belmont Hill life, Mr. Khan surgery department where hone his own vision before his first year is also an assistant coach he studied many mecha- on the Hill is up, although he knows he for the Varsity soccer team. nisms that promote fracture does not have “all the answers” just yet. Mr. Khan was born in healing, and he worked in Harkening back to the headmaster search the U.S. but grew up in The the Medical Research Unit process, Mr. Schneider conveyed a great Gambia, West Africa with where he assessed and diaga family of 14 in which he nosed patients dealing with “Mr. Schneider’s enthusiasm for was the only son! He went Mr. Khan comes to campus after working at the BU orthopedic department infectious diseases. Overall, his new job is unmistakable. to high school at Lawrence Academy herst came during his first teaching ex- Mr. Khan is an accomplished man and He describes his impressions of where he played soccer, track & field, perience. While teaching students his na- has learned many valuable lessons that he the school as “even better than and also participated in the chorus. tive language of Wolof, he realized many brings with him to Belmont Hill, but above Once he graduated from Lawrence, he of them were struggling to differentiate all, he brings his desire to impact the lives expected,” enamored with the went on to Amherst College. While at certain words. To him the difference be- of the people around him positively. ☐ “energy and sense of purpose”
Mr. Khan Joins Science Department and Varsity Soccer
Cont’d: Schneider Settles In
Mr. Zellner Arrives on the Hill from Bedford High
of the students.”
deal of gratitude towards his predecessor, opened at Concord High, he took it. He is exposing students to new information explaining “Dr. Melvoin was an amazBy Jackson Riffe ‘20 instantly loved teaching and eventually and events. At Bedford, he also coached ing mentor and friend to me over the Panel Staff taught at Bedford High. He taught fresh- football and lacrosse. He met Mr. Trautz past year.” He added that Dr. Melvoin is men, sophomores, and seniors in a vari- through Bedford youth sports, which is “one of the most ethical, honest people Mr. Zellner, one of this year’s ety of classes like Global Voices, African how he learned about the position here. you will ever meet,” and that he aims to faculty members, diligently engages American Literature, Film Analysis, and This is Mr. Zellner’s first experi- emulate Dr. Melvoin’s ethic and devoin many tasks at Belmont Hill, teach- Journalism. His favorite part of teaching ence teaching middle schoolers and he tion to the school in the years ahead. ing in the Middle and Upper schools as has embraced the challenge. In addition Mr. Schneider’s enthusiasm for his well as coaching on the field. Mr. Zellto enjoying his middle school classes he new job is unmistakable. He describes ner is a busy man on campus. Coming loves coaching freshman football. With his impressions of the school as “even from a family of educators, his path to a propensity for travel, Mr. Zellner ea- better than expected,” enamored with teaching at Belmont Hill was circuitous. gerly anticipates the Form II Washington the “energy and sense of purpose” of the Mr. Zellner grew up in many placDC trip and has ambitions to someday students, adults, and alumni. “It is such es. He was born in Philadelphia, then lead a trip of his own. No matter where a dream opportunity to get a chance to moved to Boston and lived here up he goes, Mr. Zellner enjoys photogra- lead a place as great as this that you have through middle school, then attended phy as a hobby. His classroom is deco- to remind yourself it’s happening,” he high school at The Stony Brook School rated with photos from Alaska, New says. Carrying himself with the humilin Long Island, New York. His journey York, Boston, Europe, and East Africa. ity he spoke about in his opening Chabrought him to Wilshire University and In his first month at the school, Mr. pel talk, Mr. Schneider enters his tenure Emerson for his undergraduate degree, Zellner has really appreciated Belmont with a reverence for his surroundings and and then to graduate school at Tufts. Hill’s sense of community. He notices an eagerness to lead them forward. ☐ Right after college, while living in the students’ work ethic and appreciates New York City, Mr. Zellner worked in IT their eagerness and honesty in class. He during the dot-com boom of the 90s. Alenjoys seeing the same students on the though it paid the bills, he didn’t love this athletic side of campus too. We are exwork. When a substitute teacher position Mr. Zellner on the quad cited to have him in the community. ☐
O c tob er 4, 2018
BELMONT HILL NEWS
Pa g e 3
Ms. Wu Joins as Head of Kitchen in Effort to Improve, Diversify Lunches
of students. For Ms. Wu, the most reward- Moving away from the fast-paced, high- joy and how to improve other dishes. This ing aspect of her career at BU was running energy kitchen of a university, Ms. Wu has includes a bit of creativity as Ms. Wu poses new questions; for instance, every TuesSharon Wu joins the Belmont Hill day the cafeteria provides lean protein, but team this year as the new Director of Dinwhat are interesting ways to incorporate ing, heading the kitchen and utility staff such a meal? “You can’t just have chicken while making sure that students receive healthy, tasty food. Originally from Seattle, “She wants to communicate Sharon attended Plymouth Salem High with the students to find out School, as well as an international school what meals they enjoy... You in Taiwan. At the University of Michigan, can’t just have chicken over and Sharon majored in Economics with a miover again! ” nor in Japanese Language and Literature, and later on, she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Beginning over and over again,” she said with a laugh. her career as an investment banker, Ms. Ms. Wu also wants to incorporate Wu transferred into hospitality when she new foods to the menu, as well as include began to work at Craigie on Main in Camethnic celebrations in the dining schedule. bridge as a line cook, then rose through the By working with the students and student ranks as she arrived at Kirkland Tap and Ms. Wu Brings Her Expertise to Belmont Hill Dining programs, as well as attempting to creatively Trotter in Somerville as the lead prep cook. better the menu at Belmont Hill as a whole, Sharon then became the Food Service the student union location and employ- several goals for her time at Belmont Hill. Ms. Wu wants to make the school dining Director at Boston University, working for ing many students, as she enjoyed mentor- Primarily, she wants to communicate with experience memorable, and we look forthree years to prepare meals for thousands ing them and hearing what they had to say. the students to find out what meals they en- ward to seeing what she is cooking up. ☐ By jack weldon ‘20 panel staff
Ms. Lyman Takes the Helm of English I, Sailing Team
Cont’d: Ms. Rupley
English. She will also be coaching the al- sophomore, enrolling in St. Paul’s School in Continued from Front Page By Charlie Booth ‘20 pine skiing and sailing teams. She brings New Hampshire for the remainder of high -matically alter her career. “I felt bepanel staff a creative spark to the English depart- school. Following her graduation, she went ing in a school was where I needed to be,” Recently, I had the opportunity to sit ment, and will undoubtedly inspire many to Harvard University, so all you seniors be says Ms. Rupley, citing the “deep, rich” perdown with Ms. Lyman, one of the recent more students to get involved with sports sure to ask her how she got in. At Harvard, sonal connections fostered in school setadditions to the teaching staff at school. they might not have otherwise considered. she majored in History with a focus on In- tings, whether with students or colleagues. Ms. Lyman hails from the Big Apple, ternational Relations. Post college, she had She has taken on the always interesting After Milton and her graduation from task of teaching two sections of Form 1 but made the wise move to New England as a a series of incredible experiences including the masters program, Ms. Rupley worked traveling around South America as well as in a hospital as a counselor for adults with working at both the American Embassy in mental health and substance use disorders. the European Union and the Super Bowl She describes her work as “an incredibly in Detroit. Subsequently, she attended eye-opening experience” and reflects that Georgetown Law School and worked as she “grew more in the one year at the hosa corporate lawyer for several years be- pital than in four years of grad school;” yet fore coming to teach at the Belmont Hill. she still wanted to return to a school. So she Her athletic credentials rival her aca- moved to the Fay School and then to Austin demic ones, especially when it comes to Prep when she heard about an opening at sailing. She grew up on boats, sailing in the Belmont Hill. Building a program and worksummers before taking on the challenge of ing in an institution she calls “so impressive Varsity sailing at Harvard where she was a in so many ways” was too great an opportunational champion all four years and cap- nity to pass up. Ms. Rupley now runs classes tain of the team in her senior year. She has for Forms I-IV, where she and her students sailed around the world, spending two and discuss “what’s most pressing in kids’ lives,” a half years on three different boats before from stress relief to relationships. She hopes settling back on dry land, for now anyway. eventually to add wellness programs for We look forward to a great year both students and faculty, seeing mental with Ms. Lyman at the helm of the sail- health as key to succeeding in school, at ing team, as well as her roles in the Eng- work, and in relationships. Already fully lish department and skiing team. ☐ immersed in her new job and community, Ms. Rupley is right where she feels she wants to be. “I feel very fortunate,” she says, “to Ms. Lyman looks forward to coaching the Varsity Sailing team this Spring do what I love in a setting that I love.” ☐
Mrs. Parris and Mrs. Albin Join Belmont Hill Academic Support Office New Jersey, Mrs. Parris attended Bucknell excels at teaching study skills. Mrs. Parris Mrs. Albin grew up right here in University and Douglass College of Rut- moved to Watertown to be with her daugh- Belmont, next door to Charles Jenney, a gers University. Before coming to Belmont ter, husband-in-law, and granddaughter, former Belmont Hill teacher and writer of Belmont Hill has recently bolstered its Hill, Mrs. Parris founded and directed for and although she was not seeking out a the iconic First Year Latin textbook which is Office of Academic Support Services with 27 years the Academic Support Program at job, Ms. Richards persuaded her to come still used at Belmont Hill. After a brief stint the additions of Mrs. Parris, who arrived Phillips Exeter Academy, where she worked work at Belmont Hill. So far, Mrs. Parris in dentistry, Mrs. Albin received a degree in the spring of last year, and Mrs. Albin, with her husband, a math teacher at Exeter. is liking life working at Belmont Hill and in education from Boston University. Since who just started this fall. They are working Mrs. Parris also knows several languages and feels welcomed by our students and faculty. college, Mrs. Albin has done many different with Ms. Richards, Director of jobs, including working at Rivers (at Academic Support Services, and the same time as Mr. Armstrong), they will be coming to school at working at Concord Academy, and different times to tutor students. running a private tutoring practice. Mrs. Albin is especially adept “Mrs. Albin and Ms. at helping students with dyslexia, as she has studied the Orton-GillParris have had a great ingham Approach, a strategy for start with Belmont tutoring students with dyslexia. Hill... Hopefully, they Mrs. Albin, as with Mrs. Parris, will continue to enjoy has had a great start with Belmont their time at Belmont Hill aside from the challenge of orienting herself to her new school Hill, and we are lucky and describes her experience as to have them.” “wonderful: wonderful people, terBoth Mrs. Parris and Mrs. Alrific boys, great faculty, great staff.” bin have a great deal of experiHopefully, Mrs. Parris and Mrs. ence and will be great assets for Albin will continue to enjoy their the Belmont Hill community. time at Belmont Hill, and we are After growing up in Ms. Albin (left) and Ms. Parris (right) look forward to helping students of all forms certainly lucky to have them. ☐ By William LaFarge ‘19 panel staff
belmont hill news
Pa g e 4
Vol. 6 7 , Is su e 3
Mr. Harvey Signs on as Teacher of US History, Economics By Preston Adams ‘20 Staff Writer Mr. Harvey grew up in nearby Westboro, Massachusetts, where he attended Westboro High School. He played football, tennis, and lacrosse, and he was an active participant of the Student Council. Following high school, Mr. Harvey attended Catholic University in Washington D.C,
“At Belmont Hill, Mr. Harvey will be involved with the Podium, teach A.P. U.S. History, U.S. History, Global Economics, and World Issues. He will work with Varsity Football as a Linebackers and Offensive Lineman coach, and then JV Tennis in the spring season.” where he played four years as a Defensive End and Defensive Tackle for the football team. While attending Catholic University, he became interested in teaching History and earned his B.A. in History and and an M.A. in education with a social stud- Mr. Harvey, seen here with his children, grew up in Westboro, Massachusetts
ies concentration. He also coached football for one year as a Graduate Assistant. Mr. Harvey taught World History and U.S. History at Holy Redeemer, a Catholic School in Maryland. After 3 years in Maryland, he accepted a position at Malden Catholic where he taught U.S. History, A.P US History, AP Government, and was the Department Chair of History. He also coached Football and Lacrosse and was the faculty member in charge of the Model Congress Club. At Belmont Hill, Mr. Harvey will be involved with the Podium, teach A.P. U.S. History, U.S. History, Global Economics, and World Issues. He will work with Varsity Football as a Linebackers and Offensive Lineman coach, and then JV Tennis in the spring season. Currently, he lives in Woburn with his wife, two kids (Mckenzie, age 4 and Emersen, age 2) and enjoys reading and running in his free time. Mr. Harvey looks forward to getting to know students outside of the classroom. ☐
Outdoor Enthusiast Mr. Phinney to Teach Gov’t, Work in Admissions By Jackson Riffe ‘20 Panel Staff Brian Phinney, the newest member of the Admissions team is excited to make his mark at Belmont Hill. While Admissions in and of itself is a big responsibility, he is also taking the role of a Form Two advisor and teacher of Form Two Government. He went to high school at the Hotchkiss School, a board-
“[Mr. Phinney] went to high school at the Hotchkiss School, a boarding school in Salisbury Connecticut, and even sometimes played Belmont Hill in soccer. He then went off to Middlebury College, majored in History and played hockey and lacrosse.”
College, majored in History and played hockey and lacrosse, two sports which he will be coaching at Belmont Hill. After spending some time in Europe, he came back to UMass Amherst where he got an M.S. in sports management. Working first at Salisbury School, a private all-boys boarding school, he found his calling in Admissions, directing that as well as financial aid, and running their leadership program. He also coached soccer and hockey. After a brief stint coaching at Middlebury College, he has now arrived here, at Belmont Hill, where he says he is excited to be back in the small classroom, all-boys environment. Growing up in rural Vermont, throughout his childhood, Mr. Phinney cultivated a love of the outdoors. When he’s not working, or with his wife, who works at Phillips Andover, and their 3-year-old son, George, one would likely find him outside, camping, fishing or hiking. ☐
ing school in Salisbury Connecticut, and even sometimes played Belmont Hill in soccer. He then went off to Middlebury Mr. Phinney, who grew up in Vermont, enjoys skiing, camping, and fishing
Mr. Conway Becomes New Assistant Director of Drama Program By Yazeed Dahleh ‘21 and Sreetej Digumarthi ‘21 Panel Staff We recently interviewed Mr. Conway who is less than a month into his tenure at Belmont Hill. He grew up just twenty minutes away from here with his sister, in Reading, MA, and first learned of his passion for theater dur-
“Currently, Mr. Conway teaches three sections of English (one Form III, two Form IV), is the assistant director of the drama program, is a Form IV advisor, and is the faculty advisor for the Drama Club.” ing a summer program when he was in middle school. He later attended Reading Memorial High School where he was on the executive board of the draMr. Conway studied history and theater at Williams and Yale ma program, a highly-selective pro-
gram comprised of around 250 students. After high school, he went to Williams College, earning a double major in history and theater. Mr. Conway then went to the three year Master’s program at the Yale School of Drama which he finished this past May. There, he worked at the Yale Repertory Theater, graduates of which include Meryl Streep. In his free time, he enjoys reading, theater, and watching sports, and he feels lucky to be paid for doing some of his hobbies. Currently, Mr. Conway teaches three sections of English (one Form III, two Form IV), is the assistant director of the drama program, is a Form IV advisor, and is the faculty advisor for the Drama Club. Although he is uncertain of the opportunities yet to come, Mr. Conway hopes to bring a new spark to the theater program and raise interest in it. ☐
O c tob er 4, 2018
belmont hill sp orts
Athlete of the Issue: Leighton Dolan ‘19
Pa g e 5
BELMONT HILL VARSITY SCOREBOARD TEAM
W
L
MAIN RIVALS
CROSS COUNTRY
8
2
MIDDLESEX, RL, TABOR, ST. MARK'S
SOCCER
4
2
MIDDLESEX, ST. SEB'S, MILTON
FOOTBALL
1
1
BB&N, ST. SEB'S
Dewey Jarvis ‘13 Earns Spot on Falcons’ Roster By John Gaudian ‘19 Panel Staff
placement classes. He chose to accept an offer to play at Brown University because he believed it would give him the opportunity to shine in athletics and academics. There, he was able to play the sport he loved while working toward a biology degree. In his freshman season at Brown, Jarvis received playing time on special teams but a nagging knee injury forced
A 2013 graduate of Belmont Hill, Richard “Dewey” Jarvis was recently signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent to play outside linebacker. After an impressive preseason where he recorded 7 tackles and 2 sacks, Jarvis was able to secure a spot on the Falcons active roster. He became one of a very select few Belmont Hill “He was a well-rounded Belgraduates to make it to the NFL, joining most Leighton Dolan ‘19 fights for the ball against Bridgton Academy mont Hill student, playing recently Corey Gatewood ‘07, who briefly the piano, basketball, running from Italy. He is now retired, but his jersey played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. track, and taking multiple adAfter Jarvis’s signing, head football was my first soccer jersey ever. He is one By Matt Goguen ‘19 vanced placement classes.” of my role models because he stayed with coach Mr. Butler remarked on his achievePanel Staff one club his whole career, AS Roma. In an ment, saying, “This accomplishment A natural leader and skilled soccer era where most players switch teams every comes from much hard work that began him to redshirt his second season. He was player, Leighton Dolan ‘19 has called the few years just to chase money, I think Totti at Belmont Hill and continued through unable to play and underwent tibial tuberBelmont Hill pitch his home for 4 years. sends a strong message for people to stay his days at Brown University, and as an cle osteotomy to improve kneecap stabilundrafted free agent for the Falcons. He is ity. In his second full season, he led the Ivy Prior to entering Belmont Hill in Form I, football player and an even bet- League with 18.5 sacks for a loss and was Dolan started his soccer career in his home“It didn’t take long for Dolan to atertalented person. I am so proud that Dewey has honored with First Team All-Ivy and the town, Belmont. He picked up the sport in second grade and played in a small pick-up make an impact for the soccer reached the NFL as a member of the At- All-New England Football team. In his fileague. After excelling that year, he gradu- team. His acceleration, ability ated to club soccer and continues to play to chase defenders, and his leftfor his team the Boston Bolts. After a few footed shot made a strong imminiscule setbacks in the middle school, it pression on Coach Montoya...” didn’t take long for Dolan to make an impact for the soccer team. His acceleration, ability to chase defenders, and his left-footed shot loyal and that will make you a hero to others.” made a strong impression on Coach MonFor the upcoming season, Dolan betoya in his first few days of tryouts. Dolan lieves that the team is destined for an ISL and made the team as a sophomore and current- New England championship. Besides winning ly starts at striker for the team. He’s partici- championships and setting records, Dolan pated in two successful campaigns as both plans to attend a NESCAC school to conyears the team has made the prestigious New tinue his playing career. He believes that “the England tournament. Over the offseason, competition is second to none and a lot of the Dolan has continually worked to improve teams for soccer in the NESCAC are ranked nationally in the top 25, unlike most sports.” In addition to loving the sport it“For the upcoming season, self, Dolan admires the competition aspect Dolan believes that the team of the game. He believes that soccer brings is destined for an ISL and New out the heart and sacrifice for the team and Dewey Jarvis ‘13 makes a tackle in a preseason game. England championship. Besides also praises the game as being on the more winning championships and challenging side: “Soccer is also the hard- lanta Falcons. It is a well-deserved honor.” nal year, he finished with 17.5 career sacks at sport I have ever played in my life and Jarvis started playing football his Brown (the 2nd most all-time at Brown) and setting records, Dolan plans est creates a challenge for me every day to ninth grade year, at Belmont Hill, and had was selected to the esteemed Senior Bowl to attend a NESCAC school to work on some aspect I can improve upon.” a very successful season, playing wide reWhen his name wasn’t called on continue his playing career.” Although the team is known to ceiver, linebacker, and tight end. His senior NFL Draft night, his mother thought that catch the injury bug from time to time, year, he was named All-League First Team, he would be pursuing his medical dehis right foot skills, especially in tight spaces. Dolan believes that the team has the depth All-New England Class B First Team, and a gree as she had hoped. But when an agent As Dolan sets to lead the Bel- and talent for a championship run. His ad- team MVP. As well as being an exceptional called, Jarvis made the decision to try mont Hill squad to its third consecutive miration for the game, hard-working men- football player, Dewey Jarvis excelled in the to pursue his professional career. While New England tournament, he still ad- tality, and exceptional leadership rub off on classroom. He was a well-rounded Belmont Jarvis chases his football passion in Atmires his past role models. “My biggest his current teammates as all of them strive Hill student, playing the piano, basketball, lanta, he still dreams becoming a doctor role model is definitely Francesco Totti for the two championships in November. ☐ running track, and taking multiple advanced after completing Pre-Med at Brown. ☐
belmont hill sp orts
Pa g e 6
Vol. 6 7 , Is su e 3
BH ALUMNI FALL COLLEGE ATHLETES
Class of 2015: ❍ Ian Arthur - Middlebury Football
❍ Robert Caputo - Bowdoin Football ❍ Emmett Gordon - Northwestern Soccer ❍ Harry Kraft - Dartmouth Football ❍ John Lazor - Dartmouth Golf
Class of 2016: ❍ David Perdoni - Amherst Football ❍ Preston Hall - Dartmouth Rugby
Class of 2017:
❍ Bradley Hart - Dartmouth Rugby ❍ Chris Kingston - Bowdoin Soccer ❍ Nate Miller - UPenn Football ❍ Pete Tamasi - Williams Football ❍ Jamie Feinberg - Pomona Football
Class of 2018:
❍ Jake Bobo - Duke Football ❍ Isaiah Collins - Bentley Football ❍ Maahin Gulati - Trinity Golf ❍ Quin McGaugh - Middlebury XC ❍ John Pappo - Tufts XC
O c tob er 4 , 2 0 1 8
Belmont Hill Arts
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Artist of the Issue: Kerby-Louis Roberson III By Charles Mullaney ‘20 Panel Staff For many students at Belmont Hill, the pressures of academic life are enough to fill their time. For others, like KerbyLouis Roberson III, it is just a portion of their workload, as they have to balance their time between school and their musical careers. Kerby, who has played the violin for 13 years, practices from one to two hours a day on average and devotes much of his free time to programs that
help promote classical music in communities of color. By managing his busy schedule and participating in multiple orchestras, Kerby has risen to be one of Belmont Hill’s most talented artists this year. Over the past few years, Kerby has been involved in numerous orchestras, allowing him to showcase his musical talent with many other artists. While home, he plays with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra under the famous conductor Ben Zander, which Kerby describes as a “transformative experience.” Kerby spent his junior year in France at School Year Abroad
Kerby Roberson ‘19 outside the Prenatt Music Building (Photo by Abe Tolkoff ‘21)
and brought his musical talent to the Rennes help people of color get into the classiOrchestra Symphonic, where he played as cal music industry. By providing lessons the assistant concertmaster. This experi- in the Boston area at an affordable rate, ence greatly helped him overcome the lan- project STEP recognizes the imbalance of guage barrier and assimilate to the local racial and ethnic diversity in the classical culture since he was constantly surrounded music industry and works hard to change by brilliant musicians who spoke nothing it by training musicians of color, yielding but French. Even while he was abroad, over 1500 in the past 35 years. One hunKerby maintained his outreach program, dred percent of project STEP graduates offering support in any way he could. De- have gone on to either college or conserspite his achievements in France, the most vatory. By devoting countless time to his impressive work he does is back at home. craft and communal interests like Project When Kerby is not playing or study- STEP, Kerby Roberson has earned his spot ing, he is working with project STEP to as Belmont Hill’s Artist of the Issue. ☐
Kerby, age 12, performing one of Dancla’s Airs variés.
Brother P and the B-Flats Look Forward to a Strong Year By James Markis ‘20 Staff Writer Mr. Patterson, more commonly known around the Belmont Hill Campus as “Brother P”, is once again leading the B-Flats. Belmont Hill’s sole vocal group, the B-Flats are a staple at Chapel meetings, Alumni Events, and all throughout the community. Meeting four times a week, the B-Flats have 17 members in this year’s choir. This year will be a difficult one for the group as six seniors graduated from last year, but with 10 new singers joining the group, it will take time to form a cohesive unit. President Luca Pontone and Vice President Rishi Banerjee have already seen this unit starting to form. Now in his 12th year as head of the B-Flats, Brother Pat-
“We already have an extremely cohesive group and show that we can work really well together. It should be a great year if we are able to build upon our already strong foundation, and I think we will be able to do that.” - Luca Pontone
“Of course I had great relationships with the previous seniors, but I’m ready to reboot and it is refreshing to see so many new faces. It is similar to an athletic team, captains graduate, but other players are ready to step up.” - Brother Patterson terson has grown accustomed to this annual change; he is ready to embrace the challenge. Despite his generally optimistic outlook, Mr. Patterson does get frustrated with certain limitations imposed by the schedule. Many new faces in the B-Flats begin to find their new identity (Photo by Abe Tolkoff ‘21) “Some of our brothers from previous years and some new brothers were not able to join us this year due to scheduling conflicts, and obviously there needs to be some fixing to the schedule to allow as many people to join B-Flats as possible.” The B-Flats will be performing throughout the school year Editors-in-Chief Faculty Advisors Executive Editor including one performance at the Veterans Nicholas Daley ‘18 David Hegarty Thomas McEvoy ‘19 Day Breakfast in Belmont, and concerts in Matthew Smith‘18 Juliette Zener the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Brother P enArts Editor courages anyone who loves music, laughCopy Editor News Editor Andrew Jonghyun Lee ‘20 ter, and some beautiful melodies to come Matt Goguen ‘19 Charlie Booth ‘20 and hear the B-Flats perform this year. ☐
Sports Editor John Gaudian ‘19 Photo Editor Abe Tolkolff ‘21 Back Page Editors Lawson Morris ‘19 Leighton Dolan ‘19
Brother P practices with the B-Flats for an upcoming performance (Photo by Abe Tolkoff ‘21)
Assistant Editors William Lafarge ‘19 Tyler Forg ‘21 Streetej Digumarthi ‘21 Henry Moses ‘21 Jackson Riffe ‘20 Josh Fairman ‘19 Yazeed Dahleh ‘21
Opinion Editor Chetan Shukla ‘20 Online Editor Jack Weldon ‘20 Graphics Editor Elias Hyde ‘20
Social Media Editor Charles Mullaney ‘20
The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill and Winsor schools. The Panel is the voice of the student body. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong solely to the authors and editors and do not necessarily represent the student body, faculty or administration of either school. Any comment about the content should be addressed directly to the editors. The Panel encourages responsible opinion in the form of Letters to the Editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright 2013 The Panel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Published by the Belmont Printing Co., Belmont, MA 02478.
Belmont Hill Arts
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Vol. 6 7 , Is su e 3
Playlist of the Issue: October 2018 Get the full playlist on Spotify - @bhpanel
Playlist of the Issue:
October 2018
Since its first appearance in The Panel almost two years ago, “The Playlist of the Issue” has become a customary article for the print publication. Not only does it provide a great opportunity for Panel staffers to write about their favorite songs, but it also exposes Belmont Hill students to new music genres. For those reading The Panel for the first time, “The Playlist of the Issue” features two authors who each pick five songs which they feel deserve recognition and write about them. For the 2018-2019 school year, Matt ‘Goot’ Goguen ‘19 and Matt ‘Smoot’ Smith ‘19 will continue to curate “The Playlist of the Issue.”
GOOT
SMOOT
"CAROUSEL" - Travis Scott
"One Day" - Logic, Ryan Tedder
One of the most anticipated albums of the summer, Astroworld by Travis Scott received mixed reviews regarding the artist’s style on some of his songs. Personally, I enjoyed the album; Travis Scott isn’t one of my favorites, but he produced some solid songs on his latest track, such as “Carousel.” Scott does his usual style in this song, and it doesn’t disappoint. Alex Manioudakis, this one’s for you.
Logic is back! No, don’t groan. Since his last album, Bobby Tarantino II, it appears that the Maryland rapper has taken a page out of Chance the Rapper’s playbook, postponing another album in favor of multiple collaborative singles, including “One Day.” Featuring the melodic voice of Ryan Tedder, lead singer of OneRepublic, “One Day” mixes Logic’s standard verses about inclusivity with enthusiasm for the future. It shatters all my past conceptions about and expectations for Logic and leaves me wanting more.
"Sandra's Rose" - Drake
"Come Back to Earth" - Mac Miller
Yes, I have a Drake song on here. And let me make it clear, I don’t think his album lived up to the hype. But “Sandra’s Rose” is one of the lone bright spots in Scorpion. Drake brings out his emotional side on this track, and the song itself isn’t a “banger,” but brings out the feels.
On September 7th, 2018, Mac Miller sadly passed away due to a drug overdose. Just over a month before his death, the rapper released a new album, Swimming, which included a song entitled “Come Back to Earth.” This somber and calming song expresses the sad sentiment shared worldwide about the death of Miller and memorializes his life of achievement. He will be missed. RIP.
"We Don't Care" - Kanye West
"Magic In The Hamptons" - Social House, Lil Yachty
Throwback Kanye! From his first studio release, The College Dropout, “We Don’t Care” is classic Kanye. The track has a solid beat, deep lyrics, and a catchy chorus. One of the more forgotten songs from early Kanye. Show some respect to this song, it won’t disappoint.
Released in June 2018, this debut single by Pittsburgh native duo Social House might have been the song of summer this year if not for major releases by artists like Drake and Travis Scott. The lazy party anthem gives off serious Yachty vibes, which makes sense considering it features the hit rap artist. Listening to it on my way home washes away all my worries, including the seemingly endless lines of traffic on I-95.
"Gimme Shelter" - Rolling Stones
"Jump" - Van Halen
To continue the tradition of adding a classic to my playlist, I decided to choose “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones. If anyone has seen the classic movie The Departed, “Gimme Shelter” was the opening song, and it set the mood perfectly. Overall, the Rolling Stones are an unbelievable British band and “Gimme Shelter” is only one of their greats.
This rock classic from 1984 oozes nostalgia with its catchy and upbeat synth chords and blazing guitar solo. Featured in the book-to-movie adaptation of Ready Player One, the song reminds me of the once colorful and lively arcade stores, which peaked around the same time as its release. It inspires optimism and positivity, making it a heavy hitter in any playlist lineup.
"Better" - Khalid
"Changes" - DeJ Loaf
Can you tell that I think Khalid has the voice of an angel? His new single, “Better,” is simply a beautiful song. Khalid has been featured in many recent songs and he has only begun what seems to be a successful career. “Better” displays the iconic vibe of Khalid, relaxed and deep. He truly is an amazing artist. Sorry for the bias.
Released in 2017, “Changes” delivers a triumphant hip-hop hoorah. Carried by its strong horn section, the song has helped me celebrate my successes and regroup from disappoints and defeats. Written and performed by little know rapper DeJ Loaf, it emphasizes the come up and overcoming overwhelming odds.
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Belmont Hill Opinions
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Dining Hall Extension Receives Warm Welcome from Students and Faculty By Jack Weldon ‘20 Panel Staff Over this past summer, the Belmont Hill dining room and library underwent a transformation. With the wall that separated the upper level of the library from the dining hall knocked down, the new design expanded the eating area to include more tables for lunch. Along with the expansion, air conditioning was added to the dining room, a welcoming change in the often oppressive heat and humidity of early September. The idea to use existing library space to enlarge the cramped dining room was efficient and allowed for the timely completion of the construction project. Although I was initially concerned that this project would subtract from already limited study space, the upper level of the library is still free to use outside of Upper School lunch, thus retaining its original size. I appreciate the expansion and the redesigned eating space; the lunch room as a whole appears sleeker. But while the change is mostly a positive one, I do have a few gripes about the new dining hall. First, the goal of the project was to allow for all students to fit within the main lunchroom during Upper School lunch, without having to sit in the back room. However, I enjoyed my time in the back room last
year, as it had a more laid-back atmosphere than the main room. Also, the placing of the new salad bar on picnic tables between the new and old lunch areas stands out as a bit unfinished when contrasted with the modern design of the expanded room. Finally, some of the lunch tables in the new area are the same tables which furnished the upper library last year. While this makes sense from a studying perspective, the different table and chair design stands out as incongruous with the rest of the dining hall.
“The idea to use existing library space to enlarge the cramped dining room was efficient and allowed for the timely completion of the construction project... I appreciate the expansion and the redesigned eating space; the lunch room as a whole appears sleeker.”
Photo Above: View from inside extended dining hall (Photos By Abe Tolkoff ‘21)
As a whole, the project to expand the lunch room is a success, adding muchneeded air conditioning and expanding the dining room to include all students. Although I personally have a few complaints, they are outweighed by the overall efficiency and design with which Belmont Hill accomplished the project. ☐ Photo Above: View from downstairs of Byrnes Library
Moral Dilemma: Freedom or Security? Ms. Rupley Leads New Health Class By Charlie Booth ‘20 Panel Staff In the wake of Russian interference in the 2016 election, social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are facing pressure from Congress to monitor the content and apply content restrictions on their platforms. Many Congress members are now openly blaming the media companies themselves when inappropriate content is published. We at Belmont Hill perhaps believe that this is far removed from our lives and therefore have nothing to worry or even think about. This is a classic “slippery slope” as crime, social justice, and ethics collide. Can we all agree that we don’t want ISIS using Facebook etc. to recruit suicide bombers? Can we all agree that we don’t want Russian government agencies using Facebook in order to influence our elections regardless of whether it is legal? But what about US government agencies using Facebook in order to
Illustration by Elias Hyde
undermine the Iranian or Syrian governments? What about that guy next By Sreetej Digumarthi ‘21, Henry Moses ‘21, and Tyler Forg ‘21 door who keeps saying that the HoloPanel Staff caust never happened? Or that idiot on Fox News who keeps saying children should be armed? Or the girl in CaliforThis past year, Belmont Hill crenia who says that marijuana is good for ated a new position -- Director of Health you even though my parents say it is not? and Wellness. Ms. Rupley, the new diWe have all seen things online that we rector, has begun teaching weekly health believe should be removed – Membean classes to students in Forms I-IV. Each is an obvious one. But how far will we Fourth Former will attend a weekly go and where should we draw the line? health class for one season. Ms. Rupley, If there was a clear answer to these a veteran health and wellness educaquestions, the team of philosophers and tor, hopes these classes will improve the lawyers who are thinking about them overall well-being of the student body. would have come up with it by now. The class will focus on important This, like many other issues in philoso- topics which include mental health, phy and law, is a question of values. We mindfulness, and issues that are relevant need to ask ourselves as a society: “how to fourth formers. This is an entirely new much we value our freedoms of expres- program at Belmont Hill. Previous prosion and privacy when compared to our gramming was sparse, including the Secsecurity?” We sacrifice personal freedom ond Form health class (sex education) in exchange for the ‘greater good’ all the and periodic meetings with Will Slotnick time, but never has that issue been so in Form III (drugs, alcohol, and imporprevalent, or so personal as it is now. ☐ tance of sleep). As a result, Ms. Rupley has the opportunity to significantly increase student exposure to health-related topics. In the first three weeks of the program, students have learned a lot about
mental health issues, which affect one in five people in America. Videos about Dan Harris, an ABC news anchor who had a panic attack on live television, conversations about mindfulness, and clips of Michael Phelps talking about his battle with depression have emphasized the importance of mindfulness and seeking aid. Later in the course, students will learn about health issues that pertain to fifteen to seventeen-year-olds, which include safe driving habits among other topics. This class is a vital addition to the Belmont Hill curriculum, giving students more information about issues that they will encounter now and through their lives. Hopefully, the Form IV class, along with the other parts of the health and wellness program, will encourage students who face such challenges (or who have friends or family contending with them) to each out for guidance and support. ☐
Mrs. Rupley teaches Form IV students in new health class
Belmont Hill Opinions
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Vol. 67, Issu e 3
Debate of the Issue: Is a Poptart a Ravioli?
In this issue of The Panel, we continue our featured debate series between two students with opposing beliefs. This debate revolves around a question plaguing the masses today. Should Pop-tarts be considered a kind of ravioli? The following articles choose a side on this debate and argue their case. Kevin O’ Neill ‘19 and Joshua Fairman ‘19 will serve as regular writers for “The Debate of the Issue.”
Pro-Poptart
Anti-Poptart
as a company to redefine the ravioli? The dough.” Pop tarts do not have any pasta By Joshua Fairman ‘19 ravioli was created before the Pop-Tart was in them, and the gooey inside certainly Panel Staff ever considered, and now that a new comcould not be considered a dumpling. Most I know what you’re thinking. How pany came along and unknowingly comObviously, a pop tart is not a ravi- of Pop Tart’s popular flavors involve some could this kid ever argue that a Pop-Tart™ mercialized the traditional Italian dish, oli. When anyone thinks of a ravioli, they kind of sugary fruit filling. After trollis a form of pasta? Listen, a ravioli can be they believe that they get to decide what is think of a cheese-filled pasta dish. No one ing through their website, I can say with a type of pasta, but is not defined solely as and what isn’t a ravioli. They simply do not in their right mind would ever consider a the utmost certainty that Pop Tart does a form of it. Ravioli, simply put, is a dish want to be considered as a form of pasta pop tart to be a ravioli. The pop tart comin which two pieces of dough are con- because they believe that it would inhibit pany even tweeted, “Pop Tarts are not ravi- “No one in their right mind would consider a pop tart to be a ravinected at the edges, and are usually filled their sales, but the fact of the matter is this: oli!”. I’m pretty sure if the company that with either meat or cheese. Similarly, Pop- Pop-Tart accidentally created the dessert creates a product says something about oli...Wikipedia defines “ravioli” as Tarts are made of two thin pastry crusts pastry form of the ravioli, and after realiz- how they define their product, it’s com- “a type of dumpling composed of with a sugary filling inside. Both ravioli ing what they did, tried to redefine the um- ing straight from the horse’s mouth, and and Pop-Tarts are often found in rectan- brella-term that they fell into. Sorry, Kel- that’s gospel. Wikipedia defines “ravioli” a filling sealed between two layers gular shapes and served in multiples. Yes, logg’s: whether you like it or not, Pop-Tarts as “a type of dumpling composed of a fill- of thin pasta dough.” Pop tarts do ravioli is often served in a broth or sauce, are ravioli, and there is no denying it. ☐ ing sealed between two layers of thin pasta not have any pasta in them, and By Kevin O’ Neill ‘19 Staff Writer
the gooey inside certainly could not be consideered a dumpling... If pop tart were to make a pasta-based pastry, it would definitely taste horrible, and they would be made fun of the world over. I believe that everyone but contrarans would agree with me.”
“Pop-Tart accidentally created the dessert pastry form of the ravioli, and after realizing what they did, tried to redefine the umbrella-term into which they fell. Sorry Kellog’s. Whether you like it or not, PopTarts are ravioli” but is not required, thus not being a defining characteristic of the debated cuisine. I believe that during Kellogg’s creation of the Pop-Tart, they did not have the ravioli in mind, but subconsciously created a quasi-dessert-version. Pop-Tart’s twitter has stated that they are not a form of ravioli, but who are they to decide what and what is not a ravioli? Based on the definition of what a ravioli is, a Pop-Tart falls under the category. So who are they
Illustration by Elias Hyde
not sell savory goods, only sweet pastries. Besides, their entire market is essentially bakeable breakfast meals; a savory pop tart just would not go over well with their consumers. If pop tart were to make a pasta-based pastry, it would definitely taste horrible, and they would be made fun of the world over. I believe that everyone but contrarians will agree with me when I reaffirm: a pop tart is not a ravioli. ☐
Should Students be Allowed to Create New Sports?
dent Irishman Mr. Hegarty? Thus, adding easier intramural sports as an to f lag football. Furthermore, with By Andrew Jinhee Lee ‘20 and Andrew sports provide a way for students option, students would settle on sig- the addition of superf luous sports, Jonghyun Lee ‘20 to explore and express cultures. nificantly less challenging options there would be more division among Panel Staff Though f lag football is as Ameri- for their seasonal sport rather than younger students, prohibiting them New sports provide a means can a sport as they come, in supfrom developing on-field friendfor exploring many different pas- porting it the school has shown its “by adding easier intramural ships outside of the classroom. Alsions. Whether it be ultimate fris- support and openness. By allowing the creation of legitimate sports, students would settle though bee, f lag football or even quidditch, students to create new clubs and not sports would be encouraged, there sports provide students an outlet stick to the tried and true B elmont on less challenging options for are plenty of options for students their seasonal sport.” for physical and competitive ener- Hill roster of sports, the school is to attempt new sports and discover gies, an opportunity to gain new supporting diversity, student pasother interests. Sports at B elmont skills, and a chance to just have fun. sions, and good clean athletic fun. participate in competitive athletics, Hill have always been a highly enWhen schools prevents students Although new sports may offer which may encourage younger stu- couraged method for enjoyment and from starting new sports, they re- students a greater variety of options dents to play more varsity sports as competitiveness. By deviating from strict students’ creativity and en- each season, creating too many op- they grow older. For example, many B elmont Hill’s athletic ideals, we trepreneurial spirit. Thus, B elmont tions may limit a student’s athletic players, who formerly had played would merely be tarnishing its great Hill’s support for the newly-imple- exposure at school. For example, by football, switched their fall sports tradition of competitive athletics. ☐
“Thus, Belmont Hill’s support for the newly-implemented flag football club represents institutional support for student initiative, individuality and playful, lower-stressed competition.” mented f lag football club represents institutional support for student initiative, individuality and playful, lower-stressed competition. Sports hold cultural meaning beyond exercise and skills development that extends to culture and diversity. Sports introduce student athletes to different countries and cultures. What do you know about cricket? Or rugby? In India, New Zealand, and England, sports fans are as fanatical about these sports as the most diehard Pats fans. And... have you ever talked soccer or gaelic football & hurling with our resi- While varsity and JV teams practiced on a recent rainy day, intramural football stayed inside (Photo by Abe Tolkoff)
O c tob er 4, 2018
BELMONT HILL OPINION
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Facing the Kavanaugh Scandal as an All-Boys School of the world in 2018. The allegations news outlets have been perpetuating ste- many decades. Jesuit schools, Georgetown against Judge Kavanaugh are said to have reotypes about boys’ schools. That school Prep among them, have been working tooccurred in 1983, when the taboo on dis- has been accused of allowing a culture gether since the 1970s to address these It would have been almost impossi- cussing sexual assault was even higher, of alcohol abuse and sexual violence, issues.” It went on, “It is all too easy to ble over the last week and a half to ignore misogyny was more rampant, and social as well as of being a playground for the paint malicious stereotypes about a group the drama that unfolded in Washington media was nonexistent. They are only elite. It has made many associated with of people based on assumptions about D.C. Last Thursday, the Senate Judiciary allegations, and yet they are having tre- boys’ schools look inward, but it has also their gender, ethnicity, or their station in Committee heard the testimonies of both mendous consequences. When many of been tremendously unfair not only to the life. Part of our educational foundation is Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett us reach Judge Kavanaugh’s age, allega- school but to its many hard-working stu- the continued evaluation of everything Kavanaugh on Dr. Ford’s allegation that tions of this kind will have a higher chance dents, faculty, and staff who exemplify that we do, personally and institutionJudge Kavanaugh sexual assaulted her of being corroborated with evidence. none of these things. In a statement it ally, that we may live most fully the comFor your own sake, I hope you released on September 26th, the school mandment to love God and neighbor.” while they were in high school. These For the sake of our nation, we sinhearings were broadcast, and many of you will be mindful of what you do. Do not wrote, “The problems and abuses of alsaw all or part of them. Setting politics allow a “five-second decision” you make cohol and drugs, sexual assault and mis- cerely hope the allegations will be fully aside, we at The Panel feel this national today to destroy years of hard work and conduct, emotional and physical violence investigated and that this will be resolved story has special relevance for our cam- your reputation later on. Also, I hope we toward others are real; educators at ev- in such a way that is fair to both Dr. Ford pus. First, the outcome of this nomina- are all innately good enough not to want ery institution of primary, secondary, or and Judge Kavanaugh. Here at school, tion could sway Supreme Court deci- to cause another human the kind harm higher learning in our nation face these everyone should take the opportunity sions for generations. Closer to home that has been done to Dr. Ford. Further- problems every day. Serious educators to discuss and reflect on the themes and though, this situation has fostered im- more, we will go forth in the world as flag- in public, private, religious, and secular implications inherent to the allegations. portant questions about boys’ schools bearers for this school. Represent it well. schools, as well as parents and families, Ideally, we can all emerge wiser and more Georgetown Prep has been slan- have been wrestling with the collateral thoughtful for having gone through this. ☐ and the culture that exists within them. We find this case particularly inter- dered in recent days in the media and damage of an out-of-control culture for esting because Judge Kavanaugh’s high school experience was probably quite similar to our own. He is now 53 years old and a federal Judge with 12 years experience on the nation’s second-highest court, but, in his younger years, he graduated from the prestigious Georgetown Preparatory School, as well as Yale College and Yale Law School. One of the most striking things about this case is that a man at the pinnacle of his career has had been reputationally damaged by an allegation about something he did at age 17 in high school. On the other hand, Dr. Ford, a distinguished professor and academic also in her 50s, has been haunted with anxiety and post-traumatic stress every day of her life since this alleged encounter some 35 years ago when she was 15. Dr. Ford ’s testimony was remarkably moving and also deeply unsettling. Some thought for sure Judge Kavanaugh could not recover his nomination process after that. However, he then delivered an impassioned testimony in an at- Brett Kavanaugh in his Senate Hearing (left) and Brett Kavanaugh at Georgetown Preparatory School (right) tempt to clear his name. While we can Name: be relatively sure Dr. Ford was assaulted, we are slightly less certain it was Kavanaugh who did it. Hopefully, the upcomComplete the crossword below ing FBI investigation, agreed to by Sen1 ate Judiciary Committee Republicans, will provide more info. That aside, this 2 historic and unprecedented nomination 3 process offers an opportunity for us as a good school committed to shaping mor4 al young men to begin a conversation. Alums of Georgetown Prep also include Supreme Court Associate Justice 5 Neil Gorsuch, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, numerous Congressmen, 6 Ambassadors, and business leaders. In sum, its graduates have gone on to do great things. So have graduates of our 7 school, and we are confident that many of us current students will go on to prosperous careers and great lives as well. With 8 great power though, comes great responsibility. If this story has shown us anything, it is that the consequences of our ac9 tions now as high school students matter. We hope this will shape the way we think and act with regard to girls. For argument’s sake, assume the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh are true for a moment. The encounter with Dr. Ford was in all likelihood not life-changing or even particularly memorable for him; however, her entire life changed that Created with TheTeac hers Co rner.net Cro s s wo rd Puz z le Generato r night. As men, we need to be mindful Across Down about how our behavior affects women, 4. Where did Mr. Conway go to College? 1. What pos ition does Leighton Dolan play? even when it does not seem to affect us. 5. What is the las t name of the famous conductor Kerby 2. Where was Mr. Zellner born? Our interactions with girls, and even inRobers on worked with? 3. Who is the new director of health and wellnes s ? sensitive comments with no malice be6. Where did Mrs . Parris work before Belmont Hill? 9. Where did Dewey Jarvis go to College? hind them but offensive nonetheless, will 7. Where is Mr. Choi from 8. What campus did Ms . McMahon live on? be immortalized through media both 9. What is the las t name of the Vice Pres ident of B-Flats ? social and otherwise. This is the nature
From the Desk of the Editors Belmont Hill Panel
October Panel Crossword
In a recent effort to taint Melvoin’s legacy, Mr. Schneider dug up His time capsule and attempted to Disseminate the contents. Here i s what he found: Bill McManus
Unidentified Nuclear Launch Codes
2 g's
Another sugar plantation bell
Golden Desert Eagle, engraved with nothing but “Slick”
A love ballad from the President of Harvard
A half-eaten Big Texas bun One nug of General Gao's, good kind