The Pharcyde, 42.4

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PHARCYDE

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

@thepharcyde_tbs

4875 Grandiflora Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

11 December 2020

@thepharcyde_tbs

Volume 41

Issue 4

Election 2020: A Nation Divided More Election 2020 coverage detailing Biden and Harris’ victory, Florida amendments, Senate and House elections, and other key ballot issues from around the country on pages 6 & 7.

Art by senior Kate Waxman

Semester Exams... A H (t)

Skyler Zur Co-Editor-in-Chief With COVID-19 continuing to affect students, teachers, and the world as a whole, last spring’s unique plans have become almost routine. Having spent the first semester operating with a mixture of live and remote learning processes, the School has decided that semester exams will take place in a completely remote environment this year to create the most fair testing conditions possible.

As in the past, exams will take place over a single week; in a change to tradition, there will be only one exam offered each day. Every department will offer its semester exams on specific days: Mathematics on Monday, English on Tuesday, World Languages on Wednesday, Sciences on Thursday; Social Studies on Friday; in addition, all conflict exams will take place on Thursday. Students will log onto the midterm Zoom link sent by their teachers on their exam day. To keep possible technological problems under control, students should plan to be in their Zoom waiting room 15 minutes before the designated start time of the exam. As usual, students will have a two hour period to take their exam and may log off after 90 minutes, after submitting their work.

Based on concerns from parents and students, the School is taking cheating very seriously. The Zoom camera must be on at all times throughout the test, and some subjects may require students to share their screens as an extra precaution.

If a student is caught cheating on an exam, he or she will receive a zero and face other consequences as a result of that decision.

It is clear that certain subjects are more prone to cheating than others.

History and English courses can give broad DBQs or open-ended essays,

formats that easily require thinking critically and more summarily. The administration understands that subjects such as science and math may present more challenges for teacher-test writers who seek to limit opportunities for academic dishonesty.

Upper School Head Mr. Fletcher Carr says, “My hope is that the faculty is communicating that the exam is a way to demonstrate mastery of subject matter hopefully in a synthetic and holistic way. We are working with teachers, talking as a faculty and departments, and there will be some level of monitoring and expectations outlined. In some cases, departments that are more anxious about academic integrity will have more proctors lined up to monitor for that.”

Upper School Dean of Students Kevin Jacobsen was part of the administrative team that made the decision to make exams virtual, and that decision was based on two main factors, health and equality.

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“What became obvious to us is that there is no way we can require students to take [midterms] on campus [due to] the health risk, and that the best way to make sure we had fair and equal treatment for all students for all tests is that we do them virtually,” he said.

As 15 percent of the overall semester grade, midterms and finals have a certain amount of stress attached to them, and the administration hopes that taking the exams from home won’t add any stress to the process.

“I think, when looking at exams that are such a big chunk of the grade, we just want to be as equitable as we can be.” Mr. Carr said. “I think people have done enough online, even last year with some experience, so I hope it is not a massive dislocation.

No one will become a valedictorian from academic cheating at home so we kind of have to say ‘we are doing everything we can be doing.’”

This year, many midterm exams in AP courses will take place through AP Classroom, which features a LockDown browser to counter attempts to cheat. In nonAP courses with semester exams, teachers will be proctoring assessments online via Zoom.

(Graphic by Evan Liberman)

Holiday Assembly 2020 Dazzles Nadia Poncy Social Media Director On Dec. 8, the Upper School held its annual Holiday Assembly, a spirited event that allows students and teachers alike to share about their family traditions and holiday customs.

Like most assemblies this year, the Holiday Assembly was held online. Due to this virtual environment, holiday messages and performances were pre-recorded. The result was predictably great to watch, but it did not allow for the communal, festive spirit that live performances have created years in the past.

Senior Michael Reznik said, “I was upset they couldn’t perform live this year for the Holiday Assembly, but it was still very fun to watch alongside my advisory at least.”

The idea to have a Holiday Assembly was first concocted by Chair of the Science department, Dr. James Haley, who believes that the assembly is a great way for students and faculty alike to share some festive spirit before winter break.

Haley said, “This was a tradition that existed at my previous school, and I looked forward to it every year.

It is a great opportunity for students and faculty to share holiday traditions as well as for students to showcase their talents through music or dance.”

Among the performances this year was a piece by the Dazzlers, a jazz dance called “Christmas Wrapping,” which was filled with kicks and tricks. With their moves and holiday attire, they helped brighten the holiday season.

The program also featured student speakers who shared their family’s holiday traditions. Among those who spoke was Senior Grace Myers, who shared details of her family’s Christmas celebrations.

“I presented how my family spends Christmas and some of the

The Dance Ensemble performed during the Holiday Assembly. Although the event was virtual this year, it was an important reminder to celebrate the holidays despite COVID-19 challenges.

(Photo Courtesy of Mr. Archer)

ways that the holiday is unique to us. I chose to participate because this is my favorite time of year so I was more than excited to share it with the school,” noted Myers.

Given this year’s circumstances, everyone is grateful to have had the opportunity to continue this annual tradition in celebrating this time of year.

Myers said, “This holiday season, I am looking forward to a bit of normalcy during this time of adaptation to Covid-19. I am glad to continue the yearly Christmas traditions, such as holiday decorations, christmas cookies, etc. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, as especially during this time of Senior Year, I have been overwhelmed with schoolwork and am looking forward to a break!”

Dr. Haley thought it was appropriate to still have an assembly this year as it provides a time for students to destress during midterms and finals. “With midterms imminent and a series of final papers and tests, this time of year can be stressful for everyone. It is important to take a step back and remember how special this community is and that there is life outside of school. It reminds us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

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11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Vaccines Renew Hopes For Pandemic’s End Tvisha Goel News Editor

COVID-19 has been more detrimental to the country than anyone could have imagined. After nine long months, finally, some good news has arrived. Researchers at two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have created two different, wildly efficacious vaccines for the virus. As the companies now await emergency FDA approval for distribution, Americans anxiously look toward a return to normal.

Pfizer, partnered with a German company, BioNTech, revealed its vaccine with preliminary results showing that it is more than 95% effective. In testing, participants were given either a placebo of salt water or the vaccine.

The latest results show that 170 participants out of the 44,000 have gotten sick with COVID-19. With 162 of those 170 participants given the placebo shot, the other eight were among those who were given the vaccine, hence a 95% efficacy rate.

Pfizer’s vaccine needs to be kept at -70º Celsius, which is colder than

winter in Antarctica, according to NPR. This makes it difficult for this vaccine to be distributed, and more expensive, but Pfizer has made calming claims by ensuring the public that they have made their own packaging with increased colder temperatures.

The Moderna vaccine has a reported 94.1% efficacy. Determined from 196 cases of COVID, of which 185 were given a placebo shot, a dummy medicine with inactive ingredients, and 11 had been given the vaccine. The Moderna vaccine also shows to have 100% effectiveness against severe illness due to COVID-19.

In contrast to the Pfizer vaccine, this vaccine needs to be kept at -20º Celsius. This is more accessible, as it is a simple freezer temperature. This temperature enables the vaccine to be distributed in a more traditional manner around the world.

Both of these vaccines require two doses. This means that someone would go in to get one shot, and then some time would pass, and one would go in again to get a booster shot. The booster shot is required in order to at-

tain immunity, though no one is sure how long this immunity will last.

The efficacy of both of the vaccines is far greater than what was expected by the FDA. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) had set a bar and expectation of 50% effectiveness for emergency authorization.

For comparison, the annual influenza vaccine is typically 40 - 60% effective.

The FDA is expected to make a decision on the Pfizer vaccine and whether to authorize emergency use on Dec. 10 and will make a decision about the Moderna vaccine one week after, on Dec. 17. The government has employed a federal program, Operation Warp Speed, to fast-track the vaccines’ development, testing, and regulatory approval, and distribution. There are federal guidelines for distribution, however, the current administration has mainly left it up to the states to decide who gets the vaccine first, as first doses are expected to be out by the end of this year.

According to an article on Today.com, polls have shown that people are, in fact, reluctant to take the

vaccine as they are concerned about the safety of it, and because of this reluctance, they would be delaying herd immunity. While the government cannot and most likely will not issue a nationwide mandate for the vaccine, as it is “unenforceable and inappropriate” according to Dr. Fauci, the government can compel the people to get a vaccine. One way

the government could do this would be to make it a condition for getting a passport.

Despite concerns for the vaccine, the FDA is required to authorize a vaccine only when they believe it will be safe to use. Many still have high hopes for these vaccines, seeing it as a way to get things back to normal, finally.

Former presidents, from left to right, Barack Obama (D), George W. Bush (R), and Bill Clinton (D) have agreed to take the COVID-19 vaccine. As a number of different organizations work to create an effective vaccine, there is hope that an end to the pandemic may finally be near. (Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe)

Mail-in Ballots Altered Course of 2020 Election Grace Kearns Features Editor The 2020 presidential election was arguably one of the most important elections in our nation’s history.

This year’s presidential election was impacted and altered by multiple different variables, perhaps none more so than the substantial increase in the prevalence of mail-in balloting.

In the 2016 election, just over 50 million mail-in and early voting ballots were sent in, while the 2020 election saw more than 101 million mail-in and early voting ballots.

Mail-in ballots allow people to vote without having to sacrifice their health, jobs, and time. The act of voting notoriously takes many people hours to perform and Election Day is constitutionally held on a Tuesday. This scheduling unfairly impacts those who have traditional jobs, as employers may not be willing to give time off during this day, or the employees find themselves struggling to leave for the amount of time it truly takes to vote at the polling stations.

While mail-in voting has always been seen as a reliable alternative to in-person voting, specific party affiliations for the in mail-in and early voter ballots greatly affected the impact it had in this election.

Voting by mail played a huge role in the 2020 election, as it provided a safe and healthy way to vote from home. Biden had a significant advantage as the number of mail-in voters largely consisted of Democrats. (Graphic by Evan Liberman)

Mr. Juan Alverez to Start as College Counselor Next Semester

Mr. Juan Alverez will be starting parttime as a college counselor second semester. Coming from UM, he has a great deal of experience and will bring important knowledge to Benjamin.

(Photo courtesy of the University of Miami)

Molly Fried Co-Editor-in-Chief Next semester, the Benjamin Community will be welcoming a new member to the College Counseling Department: Mr. Juan Alvarez.

When Mr. Darang departed at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. Fletcher Carr, Head of Upper School, filled in as a college counselor for the first semester for the class of 2021 in addition to his regular responsibilities as the Head of the Upper School. He will continue to work with the current seniors to help them finish out their year, but Mr. Alverez will start working with the juniors, so he is ready to take over fully next year.

Mr. Alvarez, who was born in Medellin, Colombia has a wife, Lori, and a ten-year old son, Michael, who will be starting at the Benjamin Lower School next year. Mr. Alverez who grew up in Rhode Island, will work part-time during the second semester before he transitions to a full-time employee in the 2021-22 school year.

Joining Benjamin after 25 years at the University of Miami (UM), Mr. Alvarez most recently served as their Senior Associate Director of Admission. While at UM, Mr. Alvez oversaw the application review process and was part of the team that

increased annual admissions from 11,000 to over 40,000. He also reviewed athletic files, which will help Benjamin athletes with goals to play in college. Before UM, he worked at Alfred University and Bryant University, which is his alma mater.

With Mr. Alvarez’s experience in recruitment and international admission, Head of College Counseling Ms. Anna Wright is excited to welcome him to the department.

“He has a vast network of friends and colleagues, along with his own invaluable knowledge, which will undoubtedly help us advise and guide our students through the ever-changing admissions process,” Ms. Wright said. “More importantly, along with being an expert in this field, Mr. Alvarez is one of the kindest and funniest people I know. Families and students are going to love working with him. He is going to be a huge asset to our program and we cannot wait to have him join us.”

Benjamin is excited to welcome Mr. Alverez to the community.

Due to more Democratic-marked ballots being returned than those marked for Republicans or candidates from other political parties, more votes for President-Elect Joe Biden were counted. 40% of Biden supporters, in states where written reasons were required in order to receive mail-in ballots, said they wanted to vote by mail, whereas only 10% of President Trump’s supporters said they wanted to vote by mail.

Among the many reasons for higher Democratic turnout via mailin ballots were unsubstantiated claims made by President Donald Trump against mail-in ballots. In attempts to convince voters that mail-in ballots aid in voter fraud, he frequently spoke about other cases where he stated that voter fraud was used in an attempt to win an election, using Republican Mark Harris, who ran for Congress in 2018, as an example.

However, if someone used voter fraud to influence a presidential election, he or she would likely be caught, as the election is so large and widespread that substantial cheating would be obvious.

Trump also tried to defame mailin ballots by speaking of the work of the United States Postal Service, claiming the USPS was incapable of

handling the many millions of ballots. This all occurred after a new Postmaster General was chosen; Louis DeJoy was selected for this position, despite having no prior experience with USPS and known for being a major donor for republicans like Trump. DeJoy planned to remove sorting machines and collection boxes, which would hinder USPS’ abilities to count ballots faster, all while the USPS was being underfunded.

President Trump also tried to shut down mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania after he began losing his lead in the state, even threatening to sue. This was declined by the state, with Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Wolf saying that “these attempts to subvert the democratic process are disgraceful.”

Protests occurred (and are ongoing) after the election was called for Joseph R. Biden. Many of the President’s supporters protested at state Capitols under the impression that the election was rigged and not over yet, using the slogan “Stop the Steal”.

Despite false claims, mail-in ballots historically increased voter turnout, showing how even in the midst of a pandemic, the US is capable of following through with its democratic process.

SAT/ACT Test Dates (January through May)

ACT February 6,2021 April 17, 2021 June 12, 2021 July 17, 2021

SAT March 13, 2021 May 8, 2021 June 5, 2021

Writers. Artists. Storytellers.

We are looking for new voices.

Visit student services to enroll in Expository Writing for Spring Semester.

With us, there is no telling how PHAR you’ll go

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Page 3

Looking back at the First Semester, Faus, Jacobsen Reflect Skyler Zur Co-Editor-in-Chief

Normally, when a high school hires a new administrator, the biggest challenge is his or her adjustment to a new environment; however, for Head of School, Mr. David Faus, and Upper School Dean of Students, Mr. Kevin Jacobsen, their first semesters have looked quite different.

COVID-19 posed a number of challenges, from designing and implementing a hybrid system of remote and in-person learning to adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Mr. Faus stepped in as the Head of School in July, and while he knew what he was stepping into, still had very little time to figure out a plan for the school year and get accustomed to the community.

One of Mr. Faus’ goals has been to work with the students and faculty to create a school community where everyone can voice their questions or concerns.

“I wanted to try to listen and to learn and to hear. A piece of this is taking information in and then for me, it is really important to validate what I think I’m hearing,” Mr. Faus said.

“I have been meeting with Seniors for lunch in their advisories, and I’m looking for themes and where there is a consensus so I can shape that and confirm that what I think I’m hearing is actually what is happening.”

In addition to working with the seniors, Mr. Faus has been splitting his time between the Upper and Lower School campus and while he enjoys working on both campuses separately, he wants to build a stronger connection in the future.

He said, “I love walking across

What’s New? Class of 2021: Most early decision and early action deadlines have passed. Students will start to hear back by mid-December for ED, and EA results vary among schools but tend to be released around January or February. As the regular decision deadlines are coming to a close in the next month, seniors are giving a final push to complete their applications.

Class of 2022: Currently, the College Counseling department is working on lengthening the amount of time that students are in their office by starting them earlier on as first semester juniors rather than later on in the year. Many students have had a positive response to this as it helps them cope with the stress of upcoming college applications as seniors.

Class of 2023: Sophomores have been receiving emails from The Benjamin School’s Alumni Association to help them get in touch with TBS Alumni for future connections and mentorship opportunities. This will make it possible to stay an active member of the Benjamin community, even after graduating high school.

Class of 2024: Freshman Natalie Cona was featured as a main character in the Drama Club’s movie production She Kills Monsters. She Kills Monsters was the first movie production made by the Benjamin Upper School’s Drama Club and was a huge hit. Despite COVID-19 challenges, Drama Club creatively performed their annual fall play, and it is a perfect example of finding the silver lining that comes from the pandemic.

Local Businesses: Small businesses, like Cathy’s Beach Connection, a family-owned restaurant on Ocean Drive, has seen a decrease in customers. Local businesses need more support than ever from local members of the community due to the challenges of the pandemic.

campus in the Lower School and having a kindergartener that I read to two weeks ago run up and literally hug me. We are committed to finding more ways in which we can intermix where senior leaders get the opportunity to be role models for those younger kids.”

When he first stepped on campus, Mr. Faus was surprised at the sense of warmth and community that he felt even on his first day, and throughout the semester, that feeling has only grown stronger.

“There is a friendliness here that I didn’t expect. People don’t know me, but to have adults and students stop and just say hello and it feels sincere.

The student population is also so resilient. We spent a lot of time worrying about how students would be able to adapt and I think the students have adapted even better than the adults have, and that resiliency speaks to who the student population is,” Mr. Faus explained.

Now, the trick is what we learn from it and what good comes out of a really challenging situation.

- Mr. Faus Dean Jacobsen had a similar experience when he first stepped on campus and was impressed by the dedication of the students and teachers even through such a difficult situation.

“My first impression was very positive. Given the year we are dealing with, I think what we have accomplished as a school, not only in the classroom but with drama, athletics, and everything else that goes on

on a daily basis, my first impression has been proven correct,” he said.

“With each day I’m learning more about the school and how incredibly capable the student body is.”

Dean Jacobsen has worked with students and faculty this semester to accomplish a number of goals: being able to eat lunch outside, not having to cancel any days or school due to the pandemic, and not having to go fully remote; however, he does have another goal for next semester.

“I want to create more unity with the dress code and having things look the right way,” he said. “We are such a high achieving school in so many different aspects, and sometimes I just feel like there’s a disconnect between what we are capable of and the appearance of the student body. The way you appear and present yourself does matter, and I think sometimes we just get a little sloppy.”

This year has been unpredictable and challenging, but Mr. Faus believes it is time to look forward to the future.

“I’ve been in school for 40 years and I’ve seen almost everything, tragedy, natural disaster, great successes.

I would have never guessed this. I was thinking about how we could have been better prepared, and I just don’t know. Now, the trick is what we learn from it and what good comes out of a really challenging situation,” Mr. Faus remarked.

Despite the challenges that came with COVID-19, the School has worked to create a safe and healthy environment for its students, and as Mr. Faus and Dean Jacobsen reflected on their first semester at Benjamin, they are proud of what they were able to accomplish.

Mr. Faus and Dean Jacobsen have had a very interesting first semester at Benjamin. Although this year has been unpredictable, both members of the administration are working hard to keep the School running smoothly and have important goals for second semester.

(Graphics by Evan Liberman)

To Infinity and Beyond: Math Department To Launch Multivariable Calculus Class Charlie Spungin Sports Editor Find the three positive numbers with product 27 which minimizes the sum of the third with twice the second with four times the first.

If a question like this fills you with excitement, as it may for current AP Calculus BC students, a new math course can satisfy your wants next semester. Multivariable Calculus will be a one semester course taught by the Head of the Math Department Mr. Michael Ruggie. The course will focus on topics beyond the AP Calculus curriculum such as three-dimensional spaces and vectors.

“We offered that course several years ago, and we thought it was important to bring it back because there were kids who were at that level,”

Director of Upper School Student Services Dr. Amy Taylor said.

Mr. Ruggie found that some students desired a course that covers the multivariable calculus material, and he is excited that is was added to the curriculum. “I had students come up to me and ask me if I would teach it for this year, and when I asked my classes who would be interested, there was a group of people who said they wanted to take it,” he said.

Because the class only has four students, it will be taught very differently than are other math classes.

“I’m going to be there facilitating, and [the students] will be kind of doing their own thing and working together as groups, so we’ll all be working together.”

Because of what is taught in the

course, it is very appealing to some based on their plans for the future.

Senior Brandon Davis plans on taking engineering courses in college; he believes that multivariable calculus will help enhance his knowledge and prepare him for these rigorous college courses.

“My previous calculus classes helped me understand and internalize different concepts in other STEM subjects, including chemistry and physics. I imagine that multivariable calculus will do the same, especially for creating another level of understanding in physics since it is based heavily on vectors. This, in turn, will help me succeed when entering freshman engineering.” he said.

Though Davis is taking the course to help prepare him for his college

courses, he is also interested in the prospect of learning more advanced math concepts.

“I am excited for the course because I get to learn more calculus to create new understandings and connections (a bit nerdy, I know). I always love learning math and science, so the course will allow me to learn more. Even though I will most likely have to take Calculus 3 in college anyway, the course will give me a chance to get a head start by familiarizing the concepts.”

The multivariable calculus course, though only being taken by a few students, presents many opportunities to these students, both to expand their knowledge of math in high school and also prepare them for higher level math courses in college.

Midterm Tips!

1. Make a study schedule 2. Turn your phone off to avoid distractions 3. Utilize in-class review days 4. Go in to see teachers with questions 5. Study with friends 6. Don’t procastinate studying until the night before 7. Compile all your notes for every unit 8. Make quizlets for vocabulary 9. For AP classes, use AP classroom as a review tool 10. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast

Mr. Ruggie will be teaching a new math course starting next semester, Multivariable calculus. As his AP calculus students know, he will enjoy teaching his students how to solve difficult math problems.

(Photo courtesy of Mr. Ruggie)

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11 December 2020

Student Voices

The Pharcyde

Student Voices

The Pharcyde

Students Need to Be Represented on the Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees is constantly making decisions to improve the School, but how can it make the best decisions to support Benjamin without any student or teacher representation?

The Board currently consists mostly of current and former Benjamin parents, which means that other members of the Benjamin community are not able to routinely and consistently provide other perspectives.

The Board should have members from the myriad of constituencies of the Benjamin community, including at least one student, one teacher, and alumni from many different graduating classes.

Including a student on the Board would bring another viewpoint that wouldn’t be available otherwise. He or she would be able to represent the student body. So many decisions revolve around students that having a student provide input, whether they are a voting member of the Board or not, would be valuable. Choosing the student would be simple; whether by simply appointing the leader of Student Council, the President of Honor Council, the President of NHS, or by holding a student election where interested members of the student body

run a campaign, there are a number of ways students could be selected to make important contributions to the Board.

Not only will this inspire more student leadership and give the students more responsibilities, but it will engage the student body in a way that isn’t otherwise possible. By participating on the Board, students may learn to be responsible and conduct themselves in a mature and composed manner while working to make decisions. It would allow students to have an idea of how much work goes into all the decisions that are made and would allow for all students, through their representative, to feel more involved in the School.

Having a role on the Board of Trustees can also prepare students for important roles that they will have after graduating high school. Learning how to collaborate and interact with a group of adults and to act professionally in a meeting will benefit students in the long run. When they go to college and beyond, they will thus better represent the ideals of a Benjamin graduate: strong communicator, community leader, and empathetic advocate for their community and for themselves. Being a part of the Board

may even inspire a possible career in politics or corporate governance.

According to a recent article, “High School Student Representation on the School Board for Okemos High School,” students on the Board “benefits a) the school board through input and reaction from the student body viewpoint; and b) the student body with direct information from the board and the experience of serving as a member of the board.”

Having a student Board member in high school will help students understand how to communicate with their student representative and the Board to have their voices heard, and since many colleges and universities have a student representative on the Board, it will prepare them for being part of a larger community. ACT.org explains that “student trustees can use their positions to address college affordability effectively. According to Brown, the first step student trustees should take is to ‘ensure that students’ perspectives and needs are part of the equation when decisions are made institution-wide.’ Like any other trustee, your voice can make a difference.”

There should also be a teacher on the Board. At the beginning of

We Need to Give Back It’s more important than ever during the Holidays

By Molly Fried Co-Editor-in-Chief

Every holiday season, many Benjamin students celebrate by surrounding themselves with family and friends in comfort, and now more than ever we should be using our privilege to help others.

Researchers from the University of California Davis estimated around 40 million Americans struggled with poverty this year and COVID-19 disproportionately affected those Americans. This holiday season, we should all do our best to give back and help others because we can, and we should not be waiting for others to take action first.

“Of course I feel guilty during the holidays,” one student, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. “It’s hard not to be. It is just a matter of finding ways to help others. And that may be a bad reason to do service, but I think anything that helps people shouldn’t be clouded judgement of motives.”

Recognizing the importance of giving, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, the CEO of the non-profit organization Feeding America, recently said the federal government has to do more to help the underprivileged, saying, “the simple truth is there’s no way the charitable food system can do this alone.” While that is certain-

the

PHARCYDE

Founded in 1980 as The Spectator 11 December 2020

Volume 41, Issue 4

The Benjamin School 4875 Grandiflora Road Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Contact Information Phone: 561-472-5998, ext. 2119 Fax: 561-691-8823 Advisor Dr. John Peruggia john.peruggia@thebenjaminschool.org

ly true, we should not rely on others to produce the change we want to see. Benjamin students who have the resources to help others should do so. We should be in the mindset of our food drive and toy drive all year round and use what we have to help underprivileged communities.

COVID-19, however, has interrupted common practices of volunteer work, so in order to truly help others this year, we need to find our own creative ways to give back because helping other people shouldn’t just be something we do in our free time; it should be something we intentionally make time for.

Benjamin students should decide with their families on something they can do to serve the community. Some popular projects at our school, such as making no-sew blankets and writing cards to veterans, can easily be done at home. If you can sew, there are hundreds of online tutorials for making facial coverings. Even something as simple as saying thank you to our frontline healthcare professionals is a step in the right direction to creating a stronger community.

In addition to the aforementioned ideas, here are some more things you can do to channel your privilege towards helping others.

Foster an animal. Shelters are being overwhelmed with animals and do not have the proper resources to

care for them. You can also take in an animal for a bit until they can find a permanent home.

Give blood. The American Red Cross is currently saying that it is critical for people to donate blood.

It is especially helpful if people with COVID-19 antibodies donate because it can help those fighting the disease.

Donate to charities. Sit down with your family and find causes you are passionate about, do research, and donate to organizations that utilize that money to create good.

Give food to a local food bank. It would be very beneficial for so many families if people could donate just ten dollars worth of food this holiday season.

Help small businesses. In order to keep more people above the poverty level, we should turn more attention to small businesses to keep them open.

Do research. Just because something wasn’t listed doesn’t mean it can’t be done!

As 2020 comes to a close, we should focus on ending this difficult year on a higher note. Helping other people through service is beneficial in so many ways, and we should put more effort into giving back. By encouraging each other, we can all work towards the goal of becoming a better community.

EDITORIAL BOARD

GENERAL

Molly Fried, Co-Editor-in-Chief Skyler Zur, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Liporace, Executive Managing Editor Tvisha Goel, News Editor Grace Kearns, Features Editor Evan Liberman, Photography Editor Charlie Spungin, Sports Editor

The Pharcyde, the Upper School newspaper of The Benjamin School, is published seven times a year. 1,200 copies of The Pharcyde are distributed to 398 students and 57 faculty members and are available in the Upper School office.

Nadia Poncy, Social Media/Breaking News Director

The Pharcyde encourages submission of Letters to the Editor. Send your feedback, criticism, or outside opinions in 150 words or fewer to skyler.zur21@thebenjaminschool.org or molly.fried21@thebenjaminschool.org.

STAFF WRITERS

The Pharcyde reserves the right to edit all letters for length, grammar, and clarity.

Gerald Bissell Catherine Civitella Matthew Marasco

each year, every teacher who does not have an administrative position should participate in a forum during which an election is held to select a representative to the Board. In doing so, teachers will be able to raise specific issues that directly affect them, yet which other groups (students, parents, and alumni) may not be aware of. With representation by teachers as well as students, the Board will take a broader perspective on the whole school rather than just a select group of people within the School, and as a result, they can make decisions that better reflect the whole school community.

A number of other schools around the country have taken this progressive approach, according to a recent article published by the National Association of Independent Schools, “Boardroom: Giving Students a Seat at the Trustee Table.” The Cambridge School of Weston, a high school for boarding students and day students, adopted a strategy of having student representation on its Board, and reported that “having a constant, engaged student presence on our board of typically 20 trustees has been one of the greatest, most rewarding assets of our school’s governing structure.”

Of course, there are some subject matters, such as legal problems or administrative performance, that are not appropriate for students to be a part of, and if that is the case, the Board should have a closed meeting process. In this situation, only high ranking members of the Board should be present at the meeting, but all members of the Board should still be informed that a meeting is going on. This will ensure that while certain people are not actually involved in the meeting, there is no secrecy as to whether a meeting is happening.

It is time for Benjamin to embrace this progressive approach. It will not only allow the students to feel more involved and provide important information, but it will also unite the School in a way that isn’t otherwise possible.

*The Editorial is the opinion of The Pharcyde and therefore does not have a singular name attributed to it.

Hanukkah During Midterms

This year, the typical routine for a person of Jewish descent during Hanukkah will consist of waking up at 6:30 in the morning, rushing to be on time for the midterm exam that has been causing stress, finally getting out of school, dedicating the night to studying for the next exam, and squeezing in maybe ten minutes to light the menorah and recite Hanukkah prayers.

While the School is generous enough to grant a day off during the major Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Hanukkah is a celebration in which Jewish students should be able to partake without the anxiety of what exams will bring and without the pressure from their families to dedicate less time to studying in order to spend time with their loved ones during what is supposed to be a joyous celebration.

Now, of course, it would be almost impossible for the School to allow a three week vacation to compensate for Hanukkah, but there are other actions the School can take to allow for students to be able to further spend their time with their families if Hanukkah falls during exams in years to come.

For example, there could be an alternative period for students to take their exams. There is almost a full

academic week before Christmas day this year where Jewish students might find it more convenient to take their exams. This would allow students to dedicate as much time to their holiday celebrations as want without having to worry about the pressure of midtern exams.

President of Jewish Student Union Eden Josza thinks an alternate time for exams would be helpful to students who want to prioritize their holiday.

“I think if exams were at the end of December it would allow a lot of leeway for those who celebrate Hanukkah because Hanukkah is usually during the last few weeks before exams or during exams. If they were later it would take off the time constraints and need to prioritize. Sometimes, I can get caught up in the holidays so much that I forget how important studying for exams is,” Josza added.

The first night of Hanukkah is the most important night where students would have a family dinner and attend virtual temple services, so even if the school could grant the first night off, it would be beneficial to students of Jewish descent. Katz Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton gives students first night of Hanukkah off, but continues to have classes throughout the rest holiday While Hanukkah is not the most important Jewish holiday, it can oftentimes be the most exciting and sentimental which is why it is so difficult for students to prioritize exams.

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By Sophia Liporace Executive Managing Editor

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OPINION

The opinion articles in this paper are the opinion of the writer or the majority opinion of The Pharcyde Editorial Board. They are not the opinion of The Benjamin School or our advertisers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Pharcyde is a student newspaper produced to foster an open dialogue about topics that relate to The Benjamin School. The issues that appear throughout our pages may be light-hearted or serious, but regardless we aim to reflect the diversity of opinion within our school that we value so deeply.

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If they would like to change their interview before the quote confirmations get sent out, they can contact the student who interviewed them and ask to redo the interview.

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11 December 2020

Page 5

Check Yourself or Wreck Yourself

By Nadia Poncy Social Media Director

Twenty possible moves exist when one first sits down at a chess board. Each of eight pawns can make two moves, as can each of two knights. The decision one makes opens the possibilities for one’s next move (there are 400 possible second moves). With each subsequent move, possibilities grow exponentially. Then why do so many view the choice of college at the age of seventeen or eighteen as one that immediately calls for a declaration of checkmate at the game of life?

Applying to college can be very stressful. Depending on where you are accepted determines not just where you may be for the next four years of your life, but where you can go for every year that follows. When students think of this they become very stressed and anxious. It’s a big decision. All students want to end up

as figurative kings (and queens) in life. What they miss is that there are multiple ways to get the crown. The college decision is not limiting, it is liberating. But why does it not seem so when you’re in the midst of finding your way into a “good” school?

Over the past few years, I have been working hard and pushing myself to try and get into some of the country’s best colleges and universities. What I have realized is that all the pressure, stress, and hard work for years is not really worth it. My application can be turned down in an instant. But a denial is a check, and not a checkmate. There are still moves available to me to make.

Students put too much pressure on themselves to get into “good schools” rather than trying to work hard and be successful on their own.

They memorize openings instead of mastering the game. Reaching your goals is tough; limiting the possible routes to them is stupid.

At Benjamin, one of our biggest

stressors is getting into the right colleges, and this narrow mindedness is doing more harm than it is good. With this unnecessary pressure and stress comes anxiety and, in some cases, depression. In fact, according to the National College Health Assessment, approximately 60-70 percent of college-aged students reported feeling lonely or overwhelmed.

I have witnessed the negative side effects of this way of thinking firsthand, as some of my friends and even I myself have had breakdowns over worrying about getting into one specific school or even competing with those closest to me for that mythologized single seat at a top school.

Some students are so worried about college that they will not tell people, even their best friends, where they are applying. When asking fellow students why they believe kids refrain from saying where they are applying, I received two profound answers.

One senior student said, “I feel

like students do not like sharing where they are applying or what resources they are using to get into college because we’re scared to disappoint and if we get rejected then it’s like letting everyone you told down.”

Another senior said, “Some kids do not tell others because they don’t want other students applying to the same schools and to have them possibly take their spots.”

When did people get so sensitive?

Aren’t friends supposed to be honest with each other and accepting? Why are friends withholding where they are applying from those who care most about them? It is foolish to think anyone can win a match without seeing all of the moves on the board.

Earlier this semester, The Pharycde sent out a poll to the Senior class regarding college counseling services; only 13 students responded.

While this may be due to the lack of participation in Pharcyde polls, I personally texted more than 13 students seeking a response to the poll. De-

spite assurances that poll responses would remain anonymous, several of my peers said they did not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Such ignorance, secrecy, and discomfort chips away at the foundation of community and family that the Class of 2021 has spent years building.

Great chess players don’t view the person on the other side of the board as an opponent but as a partner. The game is one built on the back and forth that happens when a relationship is built on respect and understanding. We need to stop viewing each other with fear, anxiety, suspicion, or guarded pride. There is only so much that can be controlled in the application process, but much to be controlled in our lives.

The fastest way to win a chess match consists of two moves. One must be playing black to achieve it.

The technique is called a Fool’s Mate.

Win in twice as many moves and it’s known as a Scholar’s Mate. Success can be quick. Respect takes time.

Tis the Season of Giving, the Season of Light There are 1.54 million families for whom this season of light is dimmer than last. Beneath their masks one may not find upturned smiles, rosy cheeks, or yuletide wishes. As a year marked by a global pandemic finally comes to an end, too many find themselves with an emptiness caused

by COVID-19. No perfectly-pitched carol, turkey dinner, or shiny wrapped present will fill the voids that have opened while the world awaits deployment of a successful vaccine.

Recent developments offer hope, but it falls to us to offer comfort. As we gather around tables, trees, and candles in the coming weeks, it is important to remember that the best presents we can offer to others are our selves.

While the pandemic has exacerbated the sadness this year, the holiday season is often very tough for a very many unmerry people.

It’s stressful. It can be cold. It can be lonely. It can be anything but the most wonderful time of the year. And yet, at the same time, the troubled can’t wait for the holidays to come round every year. It’s one of life’s most vicious incongruities.

For many, the Holiday Spirit has the ability to heal all wounds, to turn all frowns around, or to fill all hearts with warm cocoa and peppermint spice. But as too many know, some-

times when one loses the person in his or her life whom he or she considers to be the North Star, it’s hard to find one’s way back home. So, sometimes one has to just circle the metaphorical wagons and find a new guiding light.

For many who experienced loss this year, whether from illness, tragedy, or age, that light is often found in the company of friends, family, and familiar traditions. A personalized note, unexpected mid-day phone call, or quickly Snapped selfie provide opportunities to make someone feel connected to a community that he or she may feel cut-off from. Take advantage of BOGO sales to leave candies and snacks for a neighbor who may have lost the one they shared such deals with. Instead of playing the latest game on your phone with those you know, click the button to be matched with a random stranger.

You may be that person’s chance at feeling like a winner again.

The year families from Jupiter to Japan will find themselves looking back on how they’ve arrived here and asking themselves where they’re going to next. They will still exchange gifts, though the shopping list may be digital. They will still watch Frosty and Rudolph on television or AppleTV+, and they’ll still gather to talk about years that seem as innocent and serene as an undisturbed dream. Fam-

ilies will still find a way to keep the spirit of those they love very much alive in the ways they embrace the holiday spirit that seems to be carried in on the chilly winter winds that find them, even in South Florida. They will still make it a point, you know, to have a holly, jolly holiday.

These attempts at normalcy won’t just be undertaken by those who have lost loved ones this year. The events of 2020 have families facing high levels of stress and anxiety for a variety of factors, including economic insecurity, racial intolerance, immigration policies, family changes, educational expectations, and even quarantine-inspired fluctuations in weight.

According to Harry Reis, professor of psychology at University of Rochester, “This is a time of the year where people traditionally take a break from work and connect with people they care about, break their routine, travel, do those things. A large number of Americans won’t be able to do that this year.”

Around the world families are wondering how they will get through the holidays this year given so much uncertainty. Parents and caring adults who strive hard to shield children from distress and despair wonder how they will be able to maintain the spirit and magic of our much-loved

rituals and traditions when it seems they may not be able to celebrate as we have in years past.

How can the rest of us help? How can we become gifts? As with all holiday gifts, we can WRAP ourselves in the spirit of the season.

Wear your heart on your sleeve.

Many wrongly assume that this means to be in a happy, uplifting, positive mood. Instead, be yourself.

Laugh at jokes, deeply inhale when the cookies come out of the oven, cry when the guy holds up the poster boards with declarations of love during Love, Actually. Show your true colors-- red, green, blue, and white. You cannot inspire feelings if you’re afraid to show your own.

Respond to others. Being a good gift means being responsive to others’ needs. Instead of being a savior, be a helper. Start your service with a question: “What can I do to make this year special?” Ask others what their favorite memories from past years are, what they cherish most about the people, places, and events of the season, and explore with them new ways to celebrate. Spend time focusing on what remains meaningful, and reconnecting to the values behind the holidays: gratitude, kindness, charity, and hope.

Accept the sadness. Qi Wang, professor and department chair of

human development at Cornell University advises, “Americans tend to assume happiness is the norm, and unhappy means something is wrong.

Obviously keeping that mentality during the pandemic isn’t realistic.

It’s not about us, it’s just the situation.

We don’t have control of the situation.”

Prioritize patience. A gift waits to be opened. This requires patience.

Sometimes it takes time for someone to seek out the opportunity to unbox the source of their next smile.

This is the real point to the holidays: no one is alone. Not when we’re feeling like it, when everyone else in our world may seem different from us, when tears come quicker than giggles, when each of our parents want us to be at their house when we wake up and run down to find presents beneath the tree, when it’s New Year’s day and we’re just starting to tackle the pile of homework that some teacher decided to gift us, when we’re at our wits end, when we realize that the sweaters we’re wearing is being viewed as ugly even though we secretly think we look amazing in them.

When the season seems dimmest, we can glow the brightest.

You Lost. Who Cares? We All Do.

By Tvisha Goel News Editor

Plan ... Practice ... Execute ...

Lose. Not winning often leaves a person’s feeling as if he or she is a failure. Everyone understands the disappointment of a loss. This does not give one the right to become a sore loser. Just as students win with pride, they ought to lose with dignity.

What does it mean to lose with dignity? Well, first off, it means that someone who loses cannot allocate the blame to anyone but one’s self.

The only purpose of making excuses about why someone lost by saying it was because of someone else is just to make oneself feel better about one’s failure. That’s it. Though it may be cliche, losing and failing initiates learning, and if someone cannot own up to one’s loss, one will never even have the opportunity to understand why one lost, and improve oneself to be successful the next time around. Instead, one will only ever make excuses and put the blame on

others, rendering one at a standstill, stuck, while everyone else succeeds.

The other part of losing with dignity is to acknowledge the winner and be happy for him or her. Someone else may have won, but all that does is give the person another chance to get ahead. Opportunities are everywhere; dwelling on the loss of one will make the person miss the opportunities that remain.

This is why learning to lose with grace is so important for students, especially those in high school. From a young age, students are immersed in student elections from clubs to student council to something as simple as a sports game. Imagine a scenario where a student is part of a multitude of clubs and runs for the presidency in all of them. The votes come in for one of the clubs and this student does not win the position, and he or she chooses to be sour about it and make a ruckus due to the loss. Not only will that student be considered someone who cannot accept when things do not go his or her way, but it will reflect badly on all the other clubs that person is a part of and he or she may

end up losing his or her position in all of them. Dwelling on one loss when there are so many other options for the same position somewhere else is not beneficial to anyone. If that student had chosen to accept the results of that one club election and acknowledge that someone else may have been a better fit for that specific club, the student would have had a much better chance of winning in another election.

The way in which students learn this quality in high school is a mirror image of what can happen out in the real world. Someday, someone might lose his or her job, because it is all too common. In fact, the seven-month total in 2019 for job cuts was 369,832 jobs, a 35.8 percent increase from the previous year, which had a seven-month total of 272,301 job cuts. Losing a job is scary and depressing; yes, it is hard. But that cannot deter someone from picking himself or herself up and taking the initiative to look for a job somewhere else, because if one chooses to dwell on it and be constantly sad about it, one will be stuck with unemploy-

ment wasting away a life that had the potential to be so much better. On a smaller scale, the same applies to being passed on a promotion. Being upset and angry regarding that loss may cost someone their job entirely.

Not only will this quality affect yourself, but it can also affect everyone around you, possibly the whole country. On Saturday, Nov. 7, national media outlets declared a winner in the Presidential election, turning the former Vice President into President-Elect Joseph Biden. However, the incumbent, President Donald Trump, refused to concede the election. President Trump has since asserted that the only way President-Elect Biden could have won was if the election was rigged due to voter fraud. Despite the lack of credible evidence for this assertion, President Trump’s supporters have followed in his suit, protesting the outcome of the election. The President’s actions have become seriously detrimental to a democratic system, planting seeds of distrust that may fester for years to come solely based on the fact that he is a sore loser and cannot come to

accept that he lost.

Instilling a sense of distrust with the democratic system employed in our elections has put poll workers and other politicians in danger; they have begun receiving death threats simply because they have stepped up against Trump, claiming that it was, in fact, a fair election. Trump’s actions and false statements about voter fraud have affected the country as a whole, and if only he had learned to lose with grace and respect, the country would not be going through the power struggle it is experiencing right now.

Having or lacking the quality of sportsmanship and grace in the midst of failure can make or break the respect that someone holds in society and possibly even with themselves.

Hence, it is so important for children to learn this quality in school, which is exactly why clubs, student council, etc, are a lot more important than many people think as they reflect what can happen out in the real world.

Page 6

America Votes

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Biden and Harris Take the Win

Arizona: Arizona legalized Marijuana in the recent election. Sixty percent of people voted in favor of the change.

California: California’s new data privacy law will allow consumers in the state of California to opt-out of their information being sold to other companies. If companies impede on consumer information and fail to provide reasonable security practices, consumers have the right to sue those companies.

Assembly Bill 2800 in California creates the Climate-Safe Infrastructure Working Group, a group comprised of scientists, architects, and engineers tasked with finding ways of integrating climate science into state infrastructure, now permanent in a step to continue protecting the environment. Before the law, the group was set to expire in January 2021.

Colorado: Colorado proposed a ban on abortions after 22 weeks, but it was rejected by 60 percent of voters.

Florida: Florida passed an amendment raising the state’s minimum wage to $15/hour, an increase of almost $7.

Louisiana: Lousiana passed an amendment preventing the state government from funding abortions.

Maryland: Maryland passed legislation on fair housing which prohibits income-based discrimination when renting or selling property.

Mississippi: Mississippi voted on the right to medical marijuana, the amendment was passed with seventy percent of votes for it.

Missouri: Missouri voted on a Medicaid expansive initiative back in August where the majority of people voted in favor of the initiative.

Montana: Montana passed a bill to give the government or citizens the right to make a legal age to be able to buy marijuana as they also legalized marijuana in the recent election.

Nevada: Nevada passed an amendment to recognize all marriages no matter the genders of the couple.

Nevada also passed an amendment to remove slavery as punishment for crime from the constitution.

New York: New York’s Bail Reform will be enacted on Jan. 1, 2021 which will severely restrict the use of cash bail and force prosecutors to share evidence with defendants sooner.

Oregon: Oregon legalized certain psilocybin products including mushrooms and fungi, it will be regulated by the state and the consumer will have to be over 21. Psilocybin is a product that makes you hallucinate and is found in dried mushrooms and some fungi.

Texas: Texas had recently passed new legislation preventing individuals with state-regulated health plans from receiving surprise medical bills or outrageously priced bills from outof-network-care.

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Florida Amendments: Did They Pass?

Molly Fried Co-Editor-in-Chief On Election Day, Florida voters had the opportunity to vote yes or no to six different amendments to Florida’s state Constitution. In order to be passed, the amendment must receive at least 60% of the vote.

The first amendment, “Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections,” passed with 79.3% of constituents voting yes to 20.7% saying no. This amendment states that only Florida citizens can vote in Florida elections. Previously, the same requirements existed but this tightens up the wording from “every citizen” to “only a citizen.”

The second amendment, “Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage” also passed, but only by an .8% margin above the requirement. It ended up being 70.8% saying yes while 39.2% said no. The Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage Amendment calls that every year, the minimum wage shall increase by one dollar per hour, starting at $10.00 per hour on Sep. 30, 2021 until it reaches $15.00 per hour on Sep. 30, 2026. After that, the minimum wage will revert to being adjusted for inflation every year.

Amendment 3, “All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet” did not pass, with 57% approval and 43% voting for it to not pass. Though it did not pass, this amendment would have changed Florida’s closed primaries to a vote open to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. Both the Florida

Democratic Party and the Florida Republican Party opposed this amendment.

“Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments,” the 4th amendment, also did not pass, with 47.5% saying yes and 52.5% saying no. Currently, Florida Constitution Amendments are not passed unless 60% of the voters agree. This amendment would require all amendments approved by voters to be put to a revote, where if it once more reaches 60%, it gets added to the Florida Constitution.

The 5th amendment on the ballot, “Limitation on Homestead Assessments,” was passed with 74.5% in affirmation and 15.5% in negation. It allows people to transfer their “Save our Home” benefits within three years as opposed to two. The Florida House of Representatives put this on the ballot unanimously.

Amendment 6 is “Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities.”

It passed with 89.7% approval compared to 10.3% negation. It allows the surviving spouse of a veteran to receive an existing homestead property tax discount. Similar to amendment 5, Florida Lawmakers voted unanimously to put the amendment on the ballot.

The passed amendments will now be added to Florida’s official constitution. It is impossible to say how these amendments will change the state of Florida, but for now, there is a plan in motion to create positive change.

Biden Harris Election Analysis Tvisha Goel News Editor Grace Kearns Features Editor The presidential election has always been an eventful day for the American people as they await the results. However, this past election, considered one of the most important elections in history, was filled with worry and anxiety from both political parties, ending with Vice President Joseph R. Biden as President-Elect and his running mate Kamala Harris as Vice President-Elect of the US. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the controversial presidential election took place with expected results not being called until Saturday, November 7.

Some consider the election to be a landslide, as Biden won the popular vote by almost 6 million votes and counting, according to Associated Press. The electoral votes had a much smaller margin, with Biden winning the majority with 290 electoral votes as opposed to Trump’s 232, when media outlets declared Bident he winner. However, some states were still counting their votes, and most recently, Biden wont 306 electoral votes, with Trump at a standstill with 232.

As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris prepare to take office on Jan. 20, both made history when they won this election.

Joe Biden broke the record for most votes received by a president, amassing over 74 million votes.

This record was previously held by Barack Obama in 2008, when he received almost 69 and a half million votes, beating John McCain. This victory allowed for Biden to serve as Obama’s vice president for eight consecutive years.

In his victory speech, Biden thanked his supporters for having his back throughout the campaign, also speaking directly to Trump voters, telling them he understands the disappointment of losing an election. In his speech, Biden said “I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see red and blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.

For that is what America is about: the people.”

He also talked about making progess as a country. “Let’s give each other a chance,” he said. “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric. To lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again.

To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans.”

After being elected amidst a global pandemic, in a country fighting the virus and racial injustice, Biden also added that “this is the time to heal in America.”

With Joe Biden having “had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his vice president”, Kamala Harris was

able to make history, becoming the first woman to be in the second-highest office of the land. Not only is she a role model for young girls across the country, but also for people-of-color in the US. In her victory speech, she said, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.

Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities and to the children of our country regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see yourselves in a way that others may not simply because they’ve never seen it before.” Harris attributes her position and dedicates her success to her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who believed in “an America where a moment like this is possible.”

Unfortunately, Biden and Harris’ success had been undermined by the dubious allegations that their win was influenced by fraud.

President Trump accused the election, and its predicted results, of being falsified and incorrect, as he felt the mail-in ballots allowed for more probability of voter fraud. This occurance is improbable due to the fact that mail-in ballots are used every election, and no substantial evidence has been given to prove their claims of voter fraud.

Despite this overwhelming denial of the results, Biden, Harris, and their team have already begun preparing for their term, starting with a COVID-19 response plan.

Page 7

Groundbreaking Senate and House Elections Charlie Spungin Sports Editor

In an election with record-breaking turnout, both the Senate and the House had highly anticipated races.

All 435 House seats and 33 of 100 Senate seats were up for election.

SENATE

While most people focus on the presidential election, 2020 was also a major year for the members of the Senate who were voted into office.

Three states flipped from 2016 during this year’s election. Arizona’s Mark Kelly and Colorado’s John Hickenlooper flipped their respective states from Republican to Democrat, and Alabama’s Tommy Tuberville flipped the state from Democrat to Republican.

Georgia will have two runoff elections since no candidate exceeded 50% of the popular vote in either of the races. These runoff elections will occur on January 5. If the Democrats win both of these elections, they will split the Senate 50-50. This would be a big win for the Democrats, as the Senate has been Republican majority since 2015. If a tie occurs, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is the tiebreaker.

One of these runoff elections will be between Republican David Perdue and Democrat John Ossoff, while the other will be between Republican current Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock.

With Joe Biden winning Georgia as the first Democrat to win the

As of Nov. 20, the new Senate has 50 Republicans and 48 Democratics, with two GA seats to be decided in a run-off election. The House has 222 Democrats and 208 Republicans with 5 contests undeclared. (Graphic by Dr. Peruggia)

state in the presidential election since 1996, there is optimism that both Osoff and Warnock can win their races.

Because of how crucial the runoff election will be to how President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Haris, Republican pollster and strategist Frank Luntz called them “the most important Senate elections in modern times.”

HOUSE

The less glorified House of Representatives had their biennial elections this year.

The House was Republican during President Donald Trump’s

Election 2020

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the 2020 presidential election. Biden broke the record for the number of popular votes and Harris will be the nation’s first female vice president.

(Photo courtesy of ABC.net)

first two years in office, but it flipped to Democrat during the 2018 elections.

In this election, the House remained in the Democratic majority, but the margin has become smaller from this year’s election. Three seats flipped from Republican to Democrat, but ten flipped from Democrat to Republican.

Eight seats have yet to be called as of November 20. Democrats cannot possibly lose control of the House, but their lead there is shrinking. Because of this, Nancy Pelosi is still likely to be elected Speaker of the House.

Florida Reps Brian Mast (R)

Alcee Hastings (D)

Lois Frankel (D)

Electoral Votes Ted Deutch (D)

Trump/Pence 232 Biden/Harris 306

Twenty in ’20 Page 8

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

The year 2020 will forever be linked to the COVIDoutbreak.

million acres of land that were burned in the Australian forest fires.

The Upper School marked years on Grandiflora Road.

While it seems longer, it’s been only weeks since the faculty returned.

We used the time in quarantine to catch up on seasons of Criminal Minds.

14

Students gathered together to establish new clubs.

new students from faith-based schools put on their Benjamin skorts and shorts for the first time.

A th place finish for the Girls’ Cross Country team at States.

The Pharcyde

11 December 2020

Page 9

The Dazzlers lept through numbers at Groove Regional Dance Competition.

In May, Mr. Archer and Mrs. Osborne will mark their th year with the School.

The Volleyball team powered through tough matches.

All episodes of Tiger King were released.

A new schedule replaced most period days with block days.

The Football team played quarantine-era games. new faculty joined the Upper School.

7

4

The Guzman family welcomed a th child, Gabriel.

The nation survived its rd presidential impeachment.

Floridians survived months of stay at home orders. st We elected our female Vice President.

Page 10

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Highlighting Underappreciated Technology Department

By Evan Liberman Photo Editor Although COVID-19’s most noticeable effects were on the student body, administrators, and teachers, the pandemic also caused the often unseen technology department to shift its role on campus, garnering praise from students and faculty alike.

Even before the School was forced to transition to a virtual learning model last March, Chief Technology Officer Mr. Russell Tepper was hard at work.

“I spent the weeks running up to the closing researching the best ways to allow the school to continue to operate classes remotely. Changing to a completely online school for the end of the 2020 school year was a drastic shift for me,” he wrote in a Nov. 24 email.

Tepper’s new work continued into the summer months in order to ensure a smooth transition into this school year. “...[P]lanning for a hybrid classroom setup for the start of the 2020 school year meant changing all of my departments’ plans and focusing on creating and implementing that solution before school started,” he stated.

Tepper also noted that many of his employees’ roles changed and the difficulties associated with this transition. “[S]upporting a complete distance learning program and now a hybrid program has been a challenge for certain, but the technology staff has risen to that challenge as I knew it

would. Specifically, [its work has entailed] a lot more remote support [for] our at home students and their families… and providing training for the Connected Classroom solution we installed. Our faculty has been fantastic at adapting and we are happy to have helped them do so,” he wrote.

The hard work of the tech staff has been noticed by Upper School faculty members like French teacher Mme. Beverly Gustafson who said that “the tech department has been on alert, helping us out whenever we need it. I feel grateful for all the work they have done to make our teaching run much more smoothly despite our challenging and, at times, overwhelming circumstances.”

Math Department chair Mr. Mike Ruggie agreed with Mme. Gustafson.

“The tech department has been amazing. Whenever I have any issues managing Zoom, they have been in my room as soon as possible. They have a tough new job managing two

computers in each room and they always do a good job,” Ruggie said.

Upper School students like Junior Grady Wolf also felt that the tech department was effective in its new work.

“I think the technology department has been very resourceful and accommodating towards the Benjamin community during such a difficult time. The new system has been a major upgrade from last year’s makeshift online school,” Wolf said.

All in all, members of the administration team are pleased with the department’s uick transition last year and continued hard work despite COVID-19.

Mr. Carr said, “In a hybrid learning situation, out performance can only be as good as our technology.

Our tech team’s phenomenal planning and creation of a radically new learning environment -- in a short time and under very challenging circumstances -- has been incredible.”

Holiday Facemasks COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lifestyle. Now it seems strange to be closer than six feet away from someone or walk out of the house without wearing a mask, and that would not have even been a thought a year ago. However, with the holidays quickly approaching, the regulations associted with COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, can be adapted to

encompass the holiday Spirit. Companies such as Amazon, Red Bubble, and Fine Art America have chosen to get creative with their masks and rather than selling solid colored masks or simple designs, encorperated holiday themes to make their masks more interesting. Although wearing a mask is not a choice, the type of mask you choose to wear is.

Deer Face Mask: Fine Art America–$15.00

Mr. Daversa has been working in the technology department at Benjamin for a number of years. Despite his now working behind plexiglass and with a mask, students and faculty members know that’s on the front lines, with a smile, in a never-ending quest to help with all technological issues on campus.

Backdoor Cafe

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Annual Variety Show to be Made into Movie due to COVID-19

By Sophia Liporace Executive Managing Editor The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the School to get creative with how they choose to carry out traditions. As opposed to the typical Variety Show where hundreds of members of the Benjamin community gather together to perform, this year’s Variety Show will be presented in a movie format and filmed over the course of exam week.

In the past, the Variety Show has been a way for performing arts students, faculty, parents, and alumni of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools to come together and put on a show to help raise money for BASH, the School’s yearly fundraising gala.

Acts typically include performances from the band, dances from the middle school dance team the Sparklers as well as the varsity dance team the Dazzlers, music from the chorus, and skits performed by the Drama Club.

This year, however, all of these performances will have to be recorded individually and spliced together to portray a realistic and cohesive show.

Performing Arts Department Chair Sara Salivar will be overseeing every aspect of the process.

“The show is called Silver Jubilee, a Musical Review, celebrating our 25th Variety Show anniversary.

Unfortunately we will not be able to

perform live in Benjamin Hall, so the show will be in a movie format. We will show it on Saturday, January 6 at 7:00 pm under the stars. It will be a “flashback” of some of our favorite VS numbers and will include new numbers as well,” she said.

Due to the new format, some acts were unable to be incorporated into the show. The Lower School strings players and Middle School dancers will still be able to participate, but the production number comprised of students from each grade of the lower and middle school will not be happening due to the School’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Since this is the last variety show for the class of 2021, some seniors such as senior Briley Crisafi are reminiscing on their past experiences.

“The variety show is something I’ve looked forward to being a part of every year since coming to Benjamin.

It’s such an amazing example of the way that art can bring people together and deliver so much joy,” Crisafi added.

However, this is not the way Crisafi wanted to say goodbye to Benjamin Hall.

“I’m of course sad to know that the event won’t be a live show this year -- what I love about performance is being able to feel an energy from the audience. We’ve obviously had to adapt in some huge ways to online and pre-recorded mediums in these

past months, and I’m very interested to see how this will play out for Variety Show,” she said.

Even though this is not the usual Variety Show experience, the performing arts department has high hopes for this year’s show.

“Everyone needs to bring blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments

and we hope to have a great turnout.

We had a great experience with the Drama Club movie “She Kills Monsters” and we are doing a similar format with the Variety Show,” Mrs. Salivar said.

“I love variety. I love Benjamin. I will definitely be there,” said Sophomore Kaleb Rolle.

Page 11

Wedding Shells

Upper School Biology teacher, Ms. Katelyn Chellemi tied the knot with Mr. Aubrey Ballard in Juno Beach on Saturday, Oct. 24. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard celebrated the event at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Congratulations and best wishes from the staff of The Pharcyde!

Movie Roundup for the Holidays: What to Watch During Break Diwali Travel Mask: Chase for Adventure–$14.97

By Grace Kearns Features Editor As winter break approaches and festivities begin, holiday movies are a classic way to get into the holiday spirits this year. Here are ten holiday movies worth watching this December.

Celebrate the Arts

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the latest showcase of talent and achievement in the arts was sent out to Upper School students. Once again, the Backdoor Cafe offered musicians, writers, and other creative types the opportunity to share their gifts with the wider community. This edition of the performance series featured a variety of musical

Christmas Reindeer Mask (part of 10 pack): amazon.com–$20.99 for the pack

tributes and a slideshow from the Fine Arts department. If you haven’t watched it yet, be sure to click on the link that was shared by the event’s

This 1990 film chronicles 8-yearold Kevin McAllister’s attempts at protecting his house from robbers after he is accidentally forgotten by his family, who are on a plane to Paris.

co-coordinator, Dr. Nicholas Lockey.

This 1964 TV Special is about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, and his attempts to find his place in the world. Seen as outcasts, Rudolph and the elf who wants to be a dentist run into the Abominable Snowman and an island of misfit toys. Rudolph wants to help the toys, and on Christmas Eve, goes to enlist the help of Santa. However, it’s a foggy night and Santa needs Rudolph’s help delivering toys around the world.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 TV Special about Charlie Brown’s discovery that commercialism is negatively impacting Christmas and his attempt to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Die Hard is an unconventional holiday movie, as this action film is just that: an action film. On Christmas Eve, a holiday party is interrupted by a group of terrorists, who take hostages, and John McClane is the only person who can save them.

A young boy with a fleeting belief in Christmas is invited on a train ride to the North Pole, where he will meet Santa. During this journey, the young boy and his new friends also embark on a journey of self-discovery, where they learn that hope and belief can keep the wonder of life alive.

Yet another TV Special from 1964, Frosty the Snowman is centered around a group of children who build a snowman with a magic hat that makes him come to life. Due to the rising temperature and a magician who wants his hat back, Frosty must travel to the North Pole to avoid melting or becoming inanimate again.

This is another unconventional holiday movie, as it chronicles not a person’s belief in Christmas of their search for true happiness, but rather a group of Gremlins who terrorize a town on Christmas Eve, and the teenage boy who accidentally fed the gremlins after midnight.

Ding, Dong, Decorate!

For this year’s holiday festivities, the Student Council sponsored a Holiday Door Decorating Contest. Each advisory used its time and the decorations provided by the Student Council to decorate its advisor’s door.

One winner from each grade will be announced later today. The Student Council’s goal is to add happiness to the holidays and leave midterm stress behind.

“The Student Council thought that this could bring some team building within advisory groups as well as some holiday joy and destressing for the coming week of midterms,” said Student Council advisor Mr. Anthony Hoy. The Student Council has no big expectations for the contest except for advisories to have some fun and get excited for the upcoming holiday season.

Colorblock Hebrew Hanukkah Mask: Redbubble-$10.00

Happy Kwanzaa Ugly Sweater USA Made Face Mask: TeeShirtPalace- $13.75

Starring Will Ferrel and Zooey Deschanel, this 2003 film is about a man who believes he is an elf after accidentally being taken to the North Pole and raised as an elf. When he learns he is actually human, Buddy the Elf treks to New York City in an attempt to find his real father.

Tim Burton’s 1993 The Nightmare Before Christmas is about Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, who grows tired of scaring people on Halloween. When he accidentally falls into Christmastown, he falls in love with the Christmas spirit, and forms a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and gain control of Christmastown.

In the 2000 live-action adaptation of this Dr. Suess classic, the Grinch tries to ruin Christmas for all the citizens of Whoville by stealing anything holiday-related in the town. However, after meeting young Cindy-Lou Who, the Grinch’s plans are interrupted.

11 December 2020

Page 12

The Pharcyde

Pharcyde’s Restaurant Reviews Phall Into Fashion

By Evan Liberman Photo Editor

Leftovers Cafe

Want to eat an embellished fish over salad and get charged through the nose for it? If your answer is yes, Leftovers Cafe is the place to go.

Now, that’s not to say that my experience with Leftovers was a bad one. In fact, it was generally positive–with a few exceptions, all of which began before I even took a bite of my meal.

Although the buzzing of voices and clinking of glasses in the restaurant reminded me of a pre-COVID-19 world, I couldn’t help but notice that social distancing at Leftovers was an afterthought–imagine a sports bar the night of the Super Bowl. I seemed to be one of the few people opting to carry out.

After getting home and popping the container, a few first impressions settled in: I had been provided with a generous portion–comparable to something served at Chili’s minus the hasty plating and preparation. Additionally, the sweet potatoes meant to encrust the salmon were burnt, which

By Tvisha Goel News Editor In celebration of Thanksgiving, given the unusual circumstances the world is going through right now, Seasons 52 once again, as they do every year, held a special dinner.

The dinner consisted of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, which overall, was absolutely delicious.

Although COVID-19 prevented an overview of the environment in the restaurant, the food provided by Seasons 52 was phenomenal enough to overlook the lack of excitement that comes with dressing up, getting ready, and having a fun-filled night at the actual restaurant.

As per usual, the meal started off with a simple caesar salad. While simplicity can be seen as plain, sometimes even the simplest of meals can be overwhelmingly refreshing, giving a kickstart to what would be a flavorful and very enjoyable Thanks-

I would later discover was not the only negative aspect of the dish.

I began with the salad, which was flavorful, but perhaps to the point of over-exaggerating the dressing’s kick. The grapes and apples in the salad would be a nice addition in any other salad, but here they took on the role of ornaments that added nothing to the salad other than color. Word to the wise: either skip the fruits or go easy on the dressing. Doing so elevates the salad to a level where components like the oozing and sweet-smelling tomatoes, crisp green beans, and never-ending amounts of lettuce mix together to form a harmony of tangy and sweet.

I then moved on to the fish. On its own, it was cooked to a perfect medium rare, with meat so tender it came off with no effort whatsoever, vanishing as soon as you put it in your mouth. Yet, the sweet potato crust that was meant to provide a sweet accent to the fish taste was ruined since most of it was burned. The parts that I could salvage, though, worked well with the aforementioned fish in terms

Seasons 52 giving meal.

After finishing the salad came the main course of the meal. With the thinly sliced and perfectly cooked turkey came a multitude of sides, such as gravy, the classic cranberry sauce, blanched green beans, mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squat, and brioche and sage stuffing.

The turkey was very thinly sliced, making it easy to cut right through,

and the texture was just perfect. Obviously, the turkey was not eaten alone; the gravy poured over the turkey was savory, with a smooth and flowy texture making the turkey soft and flavorful as a result. The cranberry sauce, though meant to be sweetened to balance out the natural tanginess of

of taste, but they had the texture of a low-end string cheese that you would buy for your toddler.

I felt that the dressing for the fish was a bit too sharp considering everything it already had going for it. That is not to say it tasted bad, but I really wasn’t sure what I was tasting. And when I tried the fish with its sauce alongside the salad with its dressing, my mouth felt how Pompeii looked after the eruption of Vesuvius–scattered. Another piece of advice: stick to one dressing for this dish.

Finally, the price point has to be addressed. Although I understand that freshly caught fish comes at a price and that the restaurant has to make a profit, I feel that $27 is an exorbitant price to pay, especially considering that my meal was nothing overly exquisite.

Overall, the food I ate was not bad at all, but needs to be fine tuned in some areas and requires a knowledgeable consumer to enjoy it properly. Here’s what leftovers ultimately leftover: no empty space in my stomach, but a gaping hole in my wallet.

the cranberries, was a little too sweet.

When eaten with the turkey, the sauce overpowered every other flavor of the turkey. This side was the only downturn of the whole meal, however. The green beans, though simply sauteéd in garlic and olive oil, garnished with roasted almonds, felt freshly picked from a garden. The mashed potatoes were soft, despite some pieces of the potato left which delightfully added chewiness. The roasted butternut squash was a perfect side to add just the right amount of sweetness to the meal. And finally, the best part of the meal was the brioche and sage stuffing. Crusty brioche, softened by broth, with a slight crunch of celery and onions, with earthy and peppery hints of sage, the stuffing tied the meal together and made this dinner truly delicious and mouthwatering.

The River House

By Nadia Poncy Social Media Director As soon as you enter the River House, a local restaurant here in Palm Beach Gardens, you are faced with a simplistic yet elegant ambiance as the room is very open and perfectly lit for one’s moody yet exquisite dine.

When I went to the River House this past week, I was surprised by the inside as it was much bigger than the facade had me believing. In addition to the great furnishings, the restaurant is located on the water and next to a boat marina, a perfect location for boat lovers to walk around after having dinner. The staff was well dressed and friendly the whole time and seemed to enjoy being there. Furthermore, my server was extremely affable. The dinner menu was limited in terms of meals to choose from in

comparison to other restaurants in the area, but I appreciated it because it made choosing a course much easier to decide and added to the elegant nature of the place. I had to bistro chicken which came with a side of mashed potatoes and spinach. There was nothing special about the two sides even though they were very good, but I was nonetheless satisfied by them. Those who like simple yet tasty meals would appreciate this plate as it was not complicated whatsoever.

As someone that is particular about chicken as I myself am a picky eater, I ate the whole thing. The chicken was cooked very well and melted in my mouth. Personally, I believe it could have been seasoned a little bit more, but I prefer the less seasoning over too much. The price was more on the expensive side, but was ex-

pected as the restaurant is quite fancy in the local area. The price was well worth it as the dinner was delightful to eat and the setting was enjoyable.

For dessert, I got the Chocolate Chip which is a warm chocolate chip cookie baked within a skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream. I have had this dish before in other places, but it was truly decadent here as the chocolate has melted to perfection inside the cookie. The dish is the perfect size to share with another and will be fought over surely for the last piece.

If I were to have friends visiting in town, I would send them to the River House because the food was simple yet delicious, and the restaurant had a friendly yet special vibe. I will very much be venturing to the RIver House again in the future.

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

The Pharcyde sent out a survey where we asked all Benjamin students to fill in the blank for each category.

Here are the final nominees that students will vote on to win the first ever Phar Awards. Either cut out the ballot, fill it in, and deliver it to room 501, or scan this QR code!

⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Book Read in English Class Catcher in the Rye Old Man and the Sea Romeo and Juliet Best Movie Theatre

⭕ Cinepolis ⭕ Cobb at Downtown ⭕ Home

Vintage Clothes Are In

By Sophia Liporace Executive Managing Editor

As the warm weather season comes to a close, stores are restocking their shelves once filled with bikinis with clothes more equipped for winter, many of which are following a vintage trend.

Vintage crewnecks such as this one by Nike can oftentimes be thrifted for as little at $6. They add dimensions and variation to an outfit while being cute and comfortable at the same time.

Moving down the outfit, straight jeans are coming back into style.

Skinny jeans and mom jeans were more popular in past months but

these cropped, straight jeans are the current look.

These new balance so-called “dad sneakers” are making a comeback as one of the most popular streetwear shoe trends. While out of stock right now, they typically sell for around $90.

To finish off and accessorize the outfit, gold coin necklaces such as these add a somewhat dianty finishing touch.

This isn’t the only trend as winter approaches. Tennis skirts, sweaters, chain jewerly, and Air Force 1s are all becoming more prominent in the fashion world, and could make great gifts for the holidays.

Tiny Purses? Yes, Please

By Nadia Poncy Social Media Director The mini shoulder bag. The simple yet practical design allows the simple necessities like masks, cosmetics, and your phone to fit right under your shoulder rather than in the bulk of a big bag. Early 2000’s fashion has crept into today’s trends both in clothes and accessories, so it is no wonder that this style bag, a very popular style in the early 2000s, has also made a return. Prada released their Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini Bag that has been quite the rave on social media where nearly everyone has flexed either their having one or has expressed their need of getting one. Other brands have released their twist on the bag as well with more elaborate designs like Zara’s Leather Flap Shoulder Bag and Tory Burch’s Kira Small Convertible Chevron Quilted Shoulder Bag which both display unique designs to the trend.

The shoulder bag can be found in all levels of retail as retailers like Princess Polly offer cheaper options on the trend which still look very flattering. The reason for the bag’s current popularity is due to the need for practical yet simplistic looks in today’s

world. In the midst of a pandemic, individuals have kept their shopping to a low and only spending on what is needed. These simplistic bags are great neutrals for nearly every outfit and can be used on a daily basis.

Best Pizza Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza Big Apple Vinny’s

⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Lunch Vendor Chick Fil A CR Chicks Pizza

Best Vending Machine Snack Cheez-Its Kit Kats M&Ms

⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Favorite School Tradition Homecoming/ Spirit Week Lake Jump Senior pranks

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Biggest Rival Cardinal Newman Kings Oxbridge

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Favorite Upper School Event Homecoming Game Homecoming Week Male Cheer

Best Artist to Listen to in the Gym Drake Migos Nicki Minaj

⭕ ⭕ ⭕ Mini purses come in a variety of colors and styles, so they’re perfect for any outfit!

(Photo courtesy of Prada)

Page 13

Phar Awards Nominees Senior Athletes Officially Commit During Fall Signing Ceremony ⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Neighborhood/Community Admiral’s Cove Alton Jupiter Inlet Colony

⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Spring Break Vacation Destination Bahamas Detroit Ski Resort

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Best Off-Campus Study Place Home Panera Starbucks

Best Beach for Surfing

⭕ Juno Pier ⭕ Jupiter Inlet Colony ⭕ Pumphouse ⭕ ⭕ ⭕

This outfit is on-trend and could be a source of inspiration for your winter wardrobe.

(Photo courtesy of @hutchins5551 on Pinterest)

Best Golf Course Bear’s Club The Breakers PGA National

Best Place for a 1st Date Beach Mini Golf Movies

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Best Place to celebrate a Birthday Disney World A fancy Restaurant Home

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Favorite Social Media App Instagram Snapchat Tik Tok

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Best Local Gym LA Fitness Orange Theory Peak Performance

By Charlie Spungin Sports Editor

On Nov. 11, seniors Trevor Natalie and Molly Eversmann each signed a National Letter of Intent, a document indicating the intent of a high school athlete to participate in their respective college sport. Natalie committed to Jacksonville University for lacrosse, and Eversmann committed to North Carolina State for volleyball.

This year, due to COVID-19 protocols, the Signing Ceremony was held, audience-free, in Benjamin Hall. It was broadcast on the internet via BTV. Both Natalie and Eversmann were disappointed that a ceremony usually held in a gym filled with students, families, and friends was held in a far quieter space this year. Nevertheless, they are still happy that their families were present for the event.

For Natalie, the decision to play at Jacksonville was an easy one.

“I chose Jacksonville over other schools because I love the programs they offer like Marine Biology and a great business program,” he said.

Beyond academics, the school gives Natalie a chance to be close to home. “Jacksonville is the only Division I lacrosse program in Florida, and I didn’t have too much interest in going to the Northeast where a lot of my other offers were. To play high-level lacrosse in warm weather, be 10 minutes from the beach and be only 3 and a half hours away from home is truly amazing. I’m just really glad I got the opportunity to get to go there,” he said.

Benjamin boy’s lacrosse coach, Coach Peter Cordrey, has high praise for Natalie.

“Trevor brings selflessness, good character, and mental toughness to our program,” he said. “We ask the kids to create a reputation for our program as “hard-working and tough-minded.” Trevor does that very

well and then some. He is also physically tough, tenacious, and fearless on the field. He sets the example on effort and attitude.”

Just like Natalie, Eversmann believes that she has found a great fit for her in North Carolina State.

“I decided to go to [North Carolina] State because it was a huge school with a lot of school spirit that really appreciated it’s athletes. The ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) is also a great conference and plays at a super high level of competition that I couldn’t be more excited about. The coaches also couldn’t have been more welcoming to me and my family and took a genuine interest in improving me as a player and person,” she said.

Eversmann’s coach, Assistant Director of Upper School Athletics, Alex Clarke, speaks highly of her.

“Molly was a hard worker and always expected more from her teammates,” she said.

Best Airline

⭕ American ⭕ Delta ⭕ Jet Blue

Best Campus Bathroom Benjamin Hall DLC Bathrooms Gym Bathrooms

⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Classroom Decor Mr. Cramer/ Mr. Hoy Dr. Peruggia Sra. Tejera-Mede

⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Tutor for SAT/ACT Alex Damien Carol Worth Khan Academy

⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕

Best Florida College/University U Miami UCF UF Best Acai Bowls

⭕ 3Natives ⭕ Elements ⭕ Rock Steady

Best Study Spot

⭕ DLC ⭕ Picnic Tables ⭕ Teacher’s Room

Best Coffee Spot

⭕ Dunkin Donuts ⭕ Starbucks ⭕ Subculture

Seniors Molly Eversmann and Trevor Natalie signed to play collegiate athletics on November 11th in a broadcasted ceremony. Trevor Natalie will be playing D1 Lacrosse at the University of Jacksonville and Molly Eversmann will be playing D1 Volleyball at North Carolina State University.

(Photo courtesy of Benjamin Archives)

The Pharcyde Answers Your Questions Q: My best guy friend just admitted that he likes me. He is sweet, smart, sensitive and kind, but I don’t know how I feel about him. Sometimes I think I might have feelings for him, but I’m not sure, and I don’t want to ruin our friendship if we break up. He would make a good boyfriend, and my friends really want us to date, but I am just so conflicted with how I feel. Should I tell him I’ll go out with him to try it, or just remain friends? I don’t want either one of us to get hurt. ~Friend Zoned A: Hi Friend Zoned,

First, know that this is a common dilemma, especially for adolescents like yourself. Consider whether or not you can see yourself with him beyond the next few months and high school as a whole. Moreover, think about how he might take a potential denial or breakup in the future. If you feel that he will be able to handle rejection, that you can remain friends afterwards, and that this has the possibility of being more than a quick fling, then go for it. Concerning what your friends think, do you think it’s appropriate for your friends to decide whom you date? Obviously not. So don’t give into peer pressure, even if you and your friends’ interests align.

Q: All my parents care about are grades. Last report card, I got a C in math. I thought they were going to kill me. Whenever I try to talk to them about how I feel, they yell at me. My mom is not as bad as my dad.

I know they care about my education, but they hurt my feelings. ~The Average Child A: Hi Exceptional Child,

I am sorry that you are going through this experience. Many times, the only thing parents can understand is grades because they don’t really understand what actually goes on in the classroom. Because they cannot see first-hand the hard work you are putting in, the only way parents know how to measure success is through grades. Don’t let it get you down!

You got a C in math, but that just allows you more room for improvement! Keep working hard and doing your best. Set up a parent-teacher conference so that your parents can have another perspective other than just seeing a grade. Even though it can be upsetting when parents seem disappointed in you, they are only concerned because they love you and want you to do well. Prove to them that it isn’t for lack of trying that you got a C. If you are doing your best, that is all they can expect of you.

Q: My friend and I have been best friends since first grade. She recently told me her crush, and it happened to be the same guy I liked. I feel like I’m stuck in a movie! Of course, I’m not going to tell my best friend I like the guy she likes—I wouldn’t want to hurt her. I’ve been avoiding our mutual crush as best I can, but he and I still have one class together. All I can do is hope my feelings go away soon. What should I do? ~Netflixed and Frozen A: Hi there,

My two friends went through the same thing, and I watched it spiral into a competition. What caused the issue was them not being honest with each other. What I learned is that neither of you can control who you like. I think you should have a conversation with your friend and tell each other how you feel. I know you don’t want to hurt her, but keeping something from your best friend can be detrimental to the friendship.

For example, if the guy you both like ends up going out with her, you might end up resenting her, and vice versa.

It’s better she knows how you feel; she should be prepared for any possibility, but the most important thing is that you make sure a guy doesn’t get in between a great friendship.

Page 14

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

Boys’ Soccer Has High Hopes for Season Despite Multiple COVID-19 Setbacks

By Charlie Spungin Sports Editor Hours after running off the pitch and cooling down after a hard-fought match, the boys’ varsity soccer players found themselves quarantined.

In the midst of a season made unusual by the persistent effects of COVID-19, the team has high hopes as they resume play.

Head Coach Kris Steeves is in his first season as a Benjamin Buccaneer coach. Prior to coming to the Benjamin School, the Palm Beach Gardens resident was known to many players as coach for the U8-U12 boys’ teams of the Palm Beach Gardens Predators, a recreational and travel program. He last coached at the high school level for John Caroll in Fort Pierce in the 2015-16 school year.

Coach Steeves is aiming high for the postseason with the hope to at least reach regionals, and move on

from there.

“Being the first year [that] I am [the] coach, it would be nice to represent the school well in districts and hopefully beyond,” he said.

Coach Steeves brings a level of professionalism and a desire to succeed that the program has missed over previous years. “[He] is much more vocal than the last coach and all he wants to do is win, which is what we were missing in previous seasons,” junior Max Gelinas said.

Sophomore Owen Nutter, who has been coached by Coach Steeves on travel teams before, agrees with Gelinas.

“His coaching method is really what is needed at Benjamin,” he said.

“The method revolves around growing as a team and finding links with players.”

Unfortunately, as Steeves and

the team learned, there is no magical practice regimen or game plan that can stop the world’s current fiercest opponent: COVID-19. After their first game of the season against Miami Country Day on Nov. 18, the team was subject to a mandatory twoweek quarantine.

“The quarantine definitely slowed us down,” Nutter said. “It provided a hiatus from important skill development and team building.”

The team is on “day-to-day runnings and is ready to be flexible to the demands that COVID-19 protocols place,” according to Coach Steeves.

“COVID-19 has the potential to disrupt our season as it already has. We aim to adhere to these and be as safe as possible to minimize disruption,” he said.

The Bucs haven’t finished a season over .500 since the 2016-17 school year, but with a change at

The boys’ soccer team was sidelined with a two-week quarantine in November, but they are practicing hard to overcome the setback. The squad features a mix of veterans and fresh feet, not to mention a new coach.

(Photo courtesy of Erika Sousa)

With seven new freshman and three middle school students joining the squad, the 2020-2021 wrestling team has high hopes for this year’s season.

Head Coach Frederick German sees many positives for the team this year starting with the fact that the team has garnered interest from more than 20 students, including 11 returning varsity lettermen.

Furthermore, German said, “This year for the first time we have multiple returnees, a total of four who posted winning records the previous year.”

Among the squad’s veterans is captain junior Jareth Bucilli who will be entering his second year on the team. Bucilli hopes for this year to be just as accomplished as last year’s season.

“Going into last year I joined the team, and we hadn’t won a dual meet in almost seven years. By the end of the season, our dual record ended up being 8-3 with a huge win over Seminole Ridge who always has a solid team competing in 3A [division].

[In] our individual outings, we never racked up huge points in tournaments, but [last year] we always had a few placers at every tournament,” he said.

Of the new members on this year’s wrestling team is junior Teresa Tuong, the first female to be part of the wrestling program at Benjamin.

As her glass-ceiling-breaking season begins, Tuong admits that her anxiety is growing; “I’m really nervous and don’t know what to expect since I’ve never even seen a match before.”

Tuong decided to join the team as she was inspired by a fellow crewmate of hers from another school who is also the only female on her school’s wrestling team.

In regard to Tuong deciding whether to wrestle at Benjamin, Tuong said, “At first I didn’t really put much thought into it, but then just out of nowhere I told my friends I’m going to wrestle. Everyone was really supportive but mainly more surprised.”

I think it’s not so much that the guys that are intimidating, but thinking about getting cauliflower ears...

- Teresa Tuong

Tuong hopes to inspire other female students at school to participate in more sports. “I hope that one day it becomes normal for a female to join any sport without the fear or embarrassment of being judged purely for the fact that she’s a woman,” she said.

Regarding her presence in such a male-dominated sport, Tuong reflects, “I think it’s not so much that the guys that are intimidating but thinking about getting cauliflower ears. Overall, I’m pretty excited to see what I’ll learn and to meet new people.”

Tuong’s decision to join the team has had nothing less than strong support from her fellow teammates and coach German.

Bucilli who transferred from Wellington High School in his sophomore year is excited to have Tuong join the

squad as he has had a female on his wrestling team before. “My freshman year at Wellington we had an amazing team with a female on the team. I had practiced with her throughout middle school as well, and she was one of the best wrestlers I ever got to work with. She was a women’s state champ in high school my 8th grade year and went on to the biggest high school national tournament of the year in NC. As far as Teresa, I would love to work with her in practice and help her progress as a wrestler. Giving her the opportunity to wrestle as a sanctioned women’s wrestler will help bring in girls to promote Benjamin women’s wrestling for the future,” he said.

Coach German said, “[Teresa] deserves the recognition for trying a male dominated sport, and we are all looking forward to her being part of this great team.”

Other wrestlers Coach German

Page 15

Lady Bucs Anticipating Strong 2020-2021 Season

Senior Lucas Contronakis goes in for a layup against opponents from John Carroll High School. The team is hoping for a solid season despite the challenges COVID-19 has caused.

(Photo courtesy of Erika Sousa)

Boys’ Basketball Preview: Nothing But Nets for our Benjamin Ballers

By Charlie Spungin Sports Editor Among the sports seasons with the most games, boys’ varsity basketball is towards the top. With COVID-19 protocols in place, the team has been a step behind other programs. Regardless, there is hope for a successful season.

Despite a rough 9-16 season last year, the boys’ varsity basketball team’s expectations are higher than last season’s .360 win percentage.

Coach Brandon Arnette believes that the team this year will certainly be better. “[The] team this year will be much improved from last year,” he said. “We are returning our top three scorers and added a 6’10 skilled player in Gavin [Aydelotte], which will be a huge addition to our program.”

The top three scorers that Arnette is referencing are junior Mark Cueto (15.1 points per game), sophomore Darrell Sweeting (11.9 PPG), and junior Isaiah Nesmith (9.4 PPG).

The impact of COVID-19 has already been felt by the team. The usual preseason conditioning did not happen, and players who joined the team after finishing their football season had to quarantine for 14 days following their season’s end.

Arnette believes that with hard work and good leadership, the team can improve at a rapid pace.

“I want us to get better every day,” he said. “If we improve each day, we will be very competitive in our district. We have a tremendous junior and sophomore class and great leadership out of our seniors Lucas [Cotronakis], Nick [Anderson], and Cole [Jernstedt].”

Cotronakis, who is the team captain, has accepted the leadership role and has done his best to set an example for the underclassmen.

“I have tried to become a leader by being the first one in and last one out of the gym every day,” he said.

“I am a naturally quiet person, but I do my best to talk and help whoever needs my help.”

Players have noticed a large difference from last season, especially with the intensity of practices. “This season, there is more energy in practice, and it is more competitive in practice,” sophomore Carter Smith said.

“We are a lot more focused from last year,” Cotronakis added.

With top players returning as well as new additions, an improvement from last season is bound to occur for the boys’ varsity basketball team.

Wrestling Team Pins Hopes on First Female Wrestler

By Nadia Poncy Social Media Director

11 December 2020

The Pharcyde

expects to be making a mark this year include: sophomore Colby German (competing as a lower weight), senior Khani Johns (upper weight), senior Joey Shmidt (upper weight), junior Danny Gonzalez (upper weight), junior Gabe Griffith (upper weight), and junior Dalton Lyons (upper weight).

Due to COVID-19, the team will be competing in more dual meets compared to Individual Bout Tournaments (IBTs), a staple part of the team’s past, as IBTs are not allowed in Palm Beach County.

Fortunately, the team has already taken precaution on a school level to protect students from the spread of COVID. Coach German said, “We are taking many precautions; there will only be 10 wrestlers in the practice room at any given time. The team has been given a spot outside the wrestling

Last year’s wrestling team finished the season with an 8-3 dual record. Eleven members of that squad are returning to the mats this winter in hopes of improving on that, despite ongoing concerns about the impact of COVID-19.

(Photo by Erika Sousa)

room for conditioning to compensate for overflow. This will allow the lower weights to practice together and the upper weights to be together.”

Though this season will be different from previous years as COVID-19 mandates will be in effect, as well as a new lineup of wrestlers participating this year, the team still expects to compete well and accomplish new records at the school.

Coach German said, “The expectations for the upcoming season are very high. We will be competitive in all the dual meets that the team will be competing in. This year we will be wrestling some of the best talent in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie’s counties. I have created a tough schedule for the team and we are ready to roll.”

Cauliflower ear is a concern for wrestlers. If a wrestler gets hit and fails to address the injury right away, they may develop cauliflower ear, which could damage ear shape.

(Photo courtesy of Gracie Barra)

By Charlie Spungin Sports Editor A 104-32 record over the past five years is a great feat. That record is that of the girls’ varsity basketball team. Despite a loss of key players, winning remains the ultimate goal.

Head coach Willie Shelton and company have been a great team for multiple years, as their .760 winning percentage over the past half a decade is outstanding. Given this, the girls look to continue their success this season.

“Some expectations for our team is to win districts again and possibly states,” freshman and second-year team member Nandini Patel said. “I’d like us to go as far as possible.”

Other than the obvious COVID-19 impact, this season has been immensely different for the team.

The team’s top three scorers last season in Emma Laszewski, Dora

Redmon, and Casey Lewis departed via graduation or transfer.

“Losing [them] hurts, but it just means that some of us have to really pick it up. We all have to constantly work together and perform our best every game. Not just me, but all five of the returning players have all taken a step up in leadership,” Patel said on the matter.

The five returning players are Patel, senior Devyn Dyett, junior Jasmine Patrick, sophomore Tay Blackshear, and sophomore Ingrid Corpus.

The six remaining players are all newcomers this season.

Because of the change in scenery, the team’s playstyle and focus both offensively and defensively have also shifted.

“This year, we are a lot smaller than we were last year, so we’ve had to change the way we play,” Dyett said. “Our plays on offense consist of a lot of perimeter movement to create

outside shots, and defensively, we are playing more aggressive at the top on the guards.”

As the only senior on the team, Dyett has taken it upon herself to become a leader.

“As the lone senior, I have tried to get the girls acclimated to our more intense practices. It can be overwhelming for the middle schoolers, so I make sure to talk to them afterward to let them know that it gets easier, and we’re all in it together. I try to be a good role model by showing up to practice early, talking in drills, and directing things on the floor,” she said.

The girls’ will give full effort every game and do whatever is necessary to win their games.

“Our team is made up of a good core of girls who may not have the athleticism from last year but have heart,” Dyett said.

The girls’ basketball team is anticipating a strong season despite losing some key players. Senior captain Devyn Dyett is hopeful due to the amount of heart this team has. (photo courtesy of Erika Sousa)

Girls’ Soccer Preview: Young but Ready to Score

By Charlie Spungin Sports Editor

Hewitt Competes in Her 7th Ironman Sets New Personal Record

The girls’ varsity soccer team looks very different from last season in the construction of the roster, as ten of the nineteen players are in eighth grade or freshmen.

Captain and senior Emma Shirzad is the lone senior on the team, and with such a young team, she has looked to be a leader.

“Being the captain of such a young team, I’ve really tried to set an example for all of them,” she said.

“A lot of the younger classroom also play travel soccer, so all I’ve been trying to do is give them encouragement to build their confidence. I expect myself to set a positive example

for everyone so they can do the same when they are in my position.”

However, the youth of this team has not had caused the team to be worse.

“We have a lot more travel players this year so overall I think we have been able to work together better then years past,” Shirzad said.

Last season, the team went 6-6-2 and lost to Oxbridge Academy 2-0 in the District’s Championship game.

Shirzad expects that the team can make it farther into the postseason by winning districts.

Like many other sports, the team was subject to a mandatory two-week quarantine due to close contact with a player from an opposing school who

had COVID-19. However, the effects of the quarantine haven’t been harsh on the team.

“In times like this, we tried not to dwell over [the quarantine] and just looked at what we needed to do so it wouldn’t make that big of an impact,” Shirzad said. “We all worked out and got touches on the ball during the two weeks, and so far it really hasn’t shown any effects on our abilities as a team.”

The girls’ varsity soccer team may be young, but they are still looking to compete this season and for years to come. Rebuilding the team was the first step in their journey and they are ready for more challenges as the season progresses.

Games for the Week of 1/3-1/8 Girls Mrs. Hewitt competed in her 7th Ironman on Nov. 22 in Cozumel, Mexico. She beat her past time by over two hours, finishing in 13 hours and 25 minutes. (photo courtesy of Mrs. Hewitt)

By Evan Liberman Photo Editor On November 22, Mrs. Hewitt, Director of the Learning Commons, competed in a grueling Ironman race in Cozumel, Mexico. Her task was to swim for 2.4 miles, bike 122 miles, and run a marathon–all under 17

hours. She began training nonstop in January, and, despite most Ironman races being cancelled due to COVID-19, she persisted, a fact she says helped her beat her past Ironman time by over 2 hours. In the end, Mrs. Hewitt completed her 7th Ironman with a time of 13:25:32.

Boys

Girls Varsity Soccer Wed. 1/6/21 vs Pine Crest @ Pine Crest

Boys Varsity Soccer Wed. 1/6/21 vs Pine Crest @ Pine Crest

Thu. 1/7/21 vs Somerset @ Home

Thu. 1/7/21 vs Somerset @ Home

Girls Varsity Basketball Fri. 1/8/21 vs Atlantic Christian Academy @ Home

Boys Varsity Basketball Fri. 1/8/21 vs Atlantic Christian Academy @ Home

JV Teams Boys JV Basketball Wed. 1/6/21 vs Westminister Academy

Cross Country Season a Success With Visit to State Championships

By Matthew Marasco Staff Writer Despite the burden of Covid-19 precautions, the 2020-2021 fall sports season was a positive one for student-athletes. Among the teams that had the most success was the girl’s cross country team led by Coach Erica Lazarus. The team made it to States by winning three meets, including districts, out of six. The team was guided by rigorous practices, perseverance, and teamwork.

“The girls worked extremely well together, always encouraging each other and pushing each other to be their best,” said Coach Lazarus.

With athletes having to practice and compete amidst various local and state health guidelines, the traditionally long cross country season was significantly shortened. In addition, those races that did take place were noticeably different.

“Due to Covid the meets were much smaller but the girls were just

so happy to be able to race at all,” said Coach Lazarus.

This year’s squad featured many fantastic runners, including two standouts: eighth-grader Sydney Schiff and Junior Ali Brown.

“They trained well together and pushed each other at every practice.

Ali truly was a great mentor for Sydney and helped support and guide her through the season,” said Coach Lazarus The girls achieved their season goals while making memories that will last a lifetime.

“The best part of the season was watching the girls as they were waiting for the results to see if they qualified for States. When they heard Benjamin announced as a State qualifier they were jumping up and down and screaming; I was so happy for them,” noted Coach Lazarus.

The team achieved success not just on the clock and podium, but off the course as well. “It was a great

season and all the girls were so fun to work with. This is one of the best teams we have had in regards to character. The girls were all hard-working, positive, and supportive of each other, they displayed the true Benjamin Spirit,” said Coach Lazarus.

With many on the team making the transition to other sports and activities, they move forward with an eye on next year’s cross country season, especially as most plan on returning.

“I am hoping to massively improve my times and I hope that the team makes it to States again and that we win more of our meets,” eighth grade Sydney Schiff shares.

“My one goal for next year is to qualify for States again,” exclaims Junior Ali Brown.

Overall, the Lady Bucs had a great season, making it to States after again winning Districts; they look forward to continued success next year.

Junior and captain Ali Brown runs alongside 8th grade student Sydney Schiff.

After winning multiple meets, the Girls Cross Country team won first place at Districts and fourth at Regionals, securing a place at States.

(Photo courtesy of Emeline Smith)

the

PHLIPCYDE The Pharcyde Staff’s New Year’s Resolutions

đ&#x;šŤ

Naughty

Those who wear their masks beneath their noses

đ&#x;šŤ The Millions Who Didn’t Vote đ&#x;šŤ Plagiarists đ&#x;šŤ ZOOM Bombers đ&#x;šŤ Violent Protestors đ&#x;šŤ Semester Exam Writers đ&#x;šŤ People Who Name Hurricanes

đ&#x;Ž„

Nice

Dr. Fauci and anyone fighting the pandemic

đ&#x;Ž„

The artists behund Taylor Swift’s Folklore

đ&#x;Ž„ Designers of the iP-

đ&#x;Ž„

hone 12

People Who Socially Distance

đ&#x;Ž„ Front-Line Workers đ&#x;Ž„ Michael B. Jordan

“Make more time to take care of myself� “Pay more attention to my mental health� “Prioritize my family more� “Don’t get senioritis, stay focused on school� “Drink less caffeine� “Strengthen my work ethic� “Be the best possible version of myself both mentally and academically� “Eat healthier and work out�

Mug Cake Recipe This mug cake is the perfect treat for whenever you are craving something sweet that doesn’t take long to make.

As a fan of vanilla cake more than chocolate, I find that this recipe after trying numerous ones makes the best cake by far even if you are not a vanilla cake lover. I recommend everyone to tries it!- Nadia Poncy, Social Media Director Ingredients 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 4 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free milk) 1 1/2 tablespoons flavorless oil (sunflower, vegetable or coconut oil) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon Funfetti sprinkles

Directions In a microwavable mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.

Add in the milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until just combined. Stir in the sprinkles.

Microwave for roughly 45 seconds - 1 minute, or until firm to the touch (timing is based on my microwave which is 1200 watts, so your timing may vary).

Serve warm with frosting, ice cream, or cream. Enjoy!

Can You Draw a Holiday Wreath?

1: Begin by drawing a large 2: Draw a smaller circle with3: Draw a series of paralcircle to outline the outside in the first one you drew. lel-curved lines between the shape of the wreath. two circles you drew to show the ribbon wrapped around the wreath.

6: Draw a bow at the top.

7: Carefully erase the lines behind the bow.

4: With short, curved lines, 5: Carefully erase the guidedraw jagged points sticking lines of the two circles drawn out from the first circle, and in the beginning. towards the inside of the second, smaller circle of the wreath to make it leafy.

8: draw two ribbons connect- 9: Decorate your wreath with small circles all around the ed to the bow. wreath.

10: Add color!