The Blackfriar Chronicle - September 2016

EDITORIAL:

DEAR FRESHMEN

Our editorial board offers some advice to the Class of 2020.

55% OF THE CLASS OF 2020 IS CATHOLIC ...and 88% of the freshmen use iPhones. What else did we learn about the freshman class?

PAGE 2. ?

PAGEs 10-13

MEET OUR SIX NEW TEACHERS

Meet the new teachers, and learn about some of the staffing changes for this school year.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR FALL SPORTS?

LESSONS FROM CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Season previews from Friar coaches and players.

Senior reflects on his trip to the Dominican Republic.

PAGE 16 ?

PAGE 20 ?

PAGEs 6-7

September 2016

Transitions ahead for Malvern, Talbot

Volume 17, No. 1

Even though Mr. Talbot is set to leave after this year, the direction of the school and 21st Century Education will endure.

Tommy Pero ’17, Tyler Pizzico ’17 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF n the last day of August before his last school year at Malvern, Head of School Mr. Christian Talbot sat at a lime-cushioned high chair, clicking away on his new Surface Pro, and wearing Chuck Taylors.

His new office is on the ground floor of Tolentine, surrounded by counselors and fellow administrators, and immersed in the school community. Talbot said he made the move from the isolated top floor of Austin to Tolentine so that he could better interact with the entire Malvern community.

“I am regretful it took me this long to figure this out,” he said. “I wish I had done this four years ago.”

O H

is new office location isn’t the only thing different about this year for Malvern’s Head of School of four years.

On July 25, Talbot announced this school year will be his last as Malvern’s Head of School in a video that he tweeted out and emailed to the school community.

In the video, Talbot said the reason why he stepped down was because his long-time nanny became pregnant and would no longer be able to take care of his severely disabled daughter Julia. “[Julia] has a condition called microcephaly, which literally means small brain. We didn’t know that when she was born, and Kezie— our former nanny— actually started working for us when Julia was about three months old, which was actually before we know what was wrong,” Talbot said. “At that time, we thought things were a little off with Julia. She hadn’t met some of her developmental milestones, but babies are so variable that we didn’t think anything of it.”

Kezie learned how to care for Julia at the same time the Talbots did. Talbot even called her a third parent. Not many people have experience caring for microcephaly because of its rarity.

“The condition is so rare that you have a better chance of winning the lottery than of having a condition like this, at least Julia’s particular form of it,” Talbot said. “Actually, I think prior to five years ago, there were only ten documented cases in medical journals about this thing.” > PAGE 8

TALBOT WORKING WITH SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS (T. PERO), AT GRADUATION 2016 (MALVERNPREP.ORG), AND OUTSIDE HIS TOLENTINE OFFICE (T. PERO),

Welcome to #Fritown, Coach Mora New quarterbacks coach is fitting in nicely with his players and the rest of Friar Nation.

New grading system is learning experience

Patrick Ferraiolo ’17 SPORTS EDITOR oach Sam Mora is a long way from his hometown of Oakland as his regime at Malvern Prep begins as a quarterbacking coach.

But, despite being his first official year, he is no stranger to this campus.

“I have been around the Malvern football program and the school for a little under three years,” Mora said.

“I have always have taken a liking to it.”

This year, Mora will be a football coach, and also a long-term sub throughout the school day.

Before entering Malvern, he worked in San Diego doing NFL Draft Prep and collegiate offseason training, which is where he met Alex Hornibrook, Malvern Prep graduate and current Wisconsin quarterback.

“Alex and I still work out every offseason here at Malvern to improve his form,” Mora said.

Prior to coming to Malvern, Mora was the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Alameda High School.

Dan Malloy ’18 CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER or the second year in a row, Malvern is once again launching a new grading system.

MyMalvern, a personalized site for Malvern run by OnCampus, has replaced the grading system in place for only the 2015-2016 school year called Schoology.

According to a previous story by the Blackfriar Chronicle, the reasons for the switch included Schoology not syncing grades to Blackbaud, Malvern’s grading database, students not being able to download important files, and Schoology being unresponsive in dealing with these issues.

Associate Director of Technology Mr. John Street said that Malvern had to pull the plug on the old learning platform. “Schoology was not going to be able to do the things we needed it to for us,” he said.

Street said that the Technology Department started the process of transitioning to the new grading system back in the spring of 2016. The system is actually named OnCampus, but the Technology and Communications Department worked together to brand it “MyMalvern.”

The rollout of MyMalvern for the 2016-2017 school year has its kinks, but most of the Malvern community is excited about its potential.

C

F MR. SAM MORA / P. FERR AIOLO

> PAGE 8

> PAGE 14 @MALVERNPREPFB

OPINION

O

The

Page 2

Blackfriar

Chronicle

We offer our guidance and personal experience to ensure each freshman has the best individual high school experience possible.

Editorial Board he freshman class is the biggest in the school – and one of the shorter classes we’ve had. (See our survey results, page 10.)

Being such a small fish in a large pond can be hard. Freshman year is intimidating, stressful, and sometimes scary. You’ve already found your school, but now it’s time to find your place in the school.

The Editorial Board discussed what we did right in our freshman years and what we did wrong, and we compiled a list of things we want every freshman – scared or not – to do to have a great first year.

T

keep going.

Most importantly, take a risk. It might not work out, but you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process.

academics

MRS. HARRIET LAPPAS Social Studies Department Leader

“Get out of your comfort zone, and join things you would never join just to put yourself out there. Start to become a time manager, and get everything done on time, and get hyperorganized. I think it’ ll be the key to success at Malvern.”

Work together with others in your class and make study guides or work through problems.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop by Tolentine and talk to your counselor. That’s what they’re there for.

Academics may seem intimidating at first, but you need to find social what works for you. Decide your Lifers, get to know the non-lifers. academic goals and figure out the Non-lifers, get to know the lifers. amount of work you need to put in Go to homecoming, it’s a Malvern hallto get that goal. Use your study hall, mark. Go to football games. The student seccommunity time and break— or work before school or on the bus. tion is awesome. It’s also a great way to meet a girl you can bring activities Do whatever works best for you and find your groove. to homecoming. Empty Bowls, Speak-Up, and the Malvern The Editorial Board concluded No teacher is out to get you. They want Theatre Society are also great co-ed activities. that the single most important advice Meet as many people as possible. See what they’re into.

MR. TIM DOUGHERTY you to learn and you should want to learn— we can give you is to get involved in it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. They You don’t have to be friends with everyone, but don’t create any Dean of Students as many activities as possible. Yes, we will push you to your academic limits but conflicts.

"The one thing I would say know it sounds cliché, but it’s crucially ensure you don’t get too stressed out. You Eventually, you’ll find a group with similar interests as you. is take advantage of every opportunity. Especially those important. should be comfortable and open to discov- Do not just hang out with people in that group. Be friends with opportunities they may not In the first quarter, go to as many ering your academic aptitude because you everyone and talk to everyone. Try moving around lunch tables know. Seek someone out - seek something you have never done club meetings as possible. Actually lismight be smarter or a better worker than to get to know everyone. before. Try everything before ten to what they have to say and what you thought.

As a rule, be nice to everyone. If anyone does, they are actuyou deny anything” they do and give it a chance.

If you need extra help, don’t be afraid ally insecure. Just keep doing what makes you happy and find There is no reason to be scared of joining a club. It is so easy to ask a teacher for help or to meet at community to go over what you like. to surprise yourself and find an activity that you love that you something. They will help you. Khan Academy, Crash Course, previously never thought you would enjoy. and other great online tools are e have realized that, as freshmen, you Don’t fear upperclassmen; they embrace new members. extremely helpful too. are seeing everything for the first time.

BEN YANKELITIS '16 Malvern is a relatively small school, and most people realize that Organization is key. You can’t Seniors, on the other hand, realize that they are Editor-in-Chief 2015-2016 “Spend every Community each club or team needs as many people as it can get to continue expect to throw all your papers in seeing everything for the last time. The mixture Time with a teacher. Get to run well. You will find that upperclassmen you meet through your backpack and find them the of the two classes along with the sophomores involved in one activity that does not pertain to your clubs and teams will serve as great mentors and give you plenty next week when you have class, and juniors that composed this editorial have favorite subject. Also – say ' hi' of advice outside of just that activity when you need it. which brings up another point. extremely different perspectives on what the to everyone you see."

Don’t fear being judged by your peers for doing some par- For the past couple years, we have “normal” Malvern looks like. ticular activity; this is counterculture at Malvern. Malvern is adopted a block schedule. At times, However, there is one thing we could come renowned for its brotherhood. This expands to encouraging each it really gives you incentive to proto a conclusion on: it’s a pretty amazing school. other. Every Friar is just trying to find his place, and we respect crastinate. We recommend doing your homework the night it is Have fun with your time here. Use it to learn, laugh, have each other’s search. assigned. Pretend you have each class everyday and you’ll never fun, make friends, but most importantly, don’t waste a second of Even if there is someone who happens to jeer at you for doing fall behind. it. You probably don’t realize it now, but as you get older, you’ll some activity, it’s his problem and you’re doing everything right Malvern has a huge culture of academic collaboration. You realize just how fleeting and special your time here really is. Go and nothing wrong. Just ignore them, keep your head up, and will learn from your textbook, teachers, and fellow students.

Friars! ◊

W

freshman survey & more advice for the class of 2020 - pages 10-13

Remembering Jim Klinges ’13: Living life to the fullest Even while going through difficult times, Jim Klinges epitomized what it means to be a Friar.

Thomas Verdi ’13 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ’12-13 t was my first day at Malvern Preparatory School, and I had to ask my father to pull the SUV to the side of the road so I could throw up whatever was in my mostly empty stomach.

That’s how nervous I was. There were massive upperclassmen barreling down the halls, chants of “Leave the school!”—innocent and typical comingof-age guy stuff—and it was nice to finally enter the refuge of a classroom after navigating the swarm of bodies that were migrating up and downstream. That’s where I first met Jim Klinges seven years ago, around the same time of year that I’m now writing this piece.

I couldn’t tell you what classroom in Carney Hall it was or what we were studying—possibly English with Miss Walsh—but I’ll never forget the vibe emanating from him.

“We all knew him well. He was one of those kids in high school who was actually funny,” classmate Jim Kelly ’13 said.

Without ever socializing with him outside of Malvern events, I can honestly say that I knew Jim well. At Malvern we say we’re brothers, we proclaim the motto of “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas,” of Truth, Unity, and Love, and yes, it shines in times like these more than ever, but there existed something stronger within Jim. He had a way of captivating an entire room with the most inconsequential comment. A simple “What’s up, Verdi?” always had a way of freeing a smile from my face. One felt at ease merely by interacting with him and by being in his presence, such as when entering what used to be the retro-video-game-filled senior lounge. He always seemed to exude joy, perhaps even on his stressed-filled days.

The Hawk, the student news organization of Saint Joseph’s University where Jim matriculated, wrote that Jim “maintained his unique sense of humor throughout his illness.”

I

JIM KLINGES 2013 MALVERNIAN

I certainly did not through mine.

Stories and news surrounding cancer always hit me hard. I was there once, and by some miracle I was lucky enough to come out on the other side. It is devastating when these stories reside within our Malvern community, permeating and infecting bonds that have had lifetime impacts on me.

As stated, I did not hang out with Jim, and if asked, I would not have called him a close friend. He was a Friar, and he was a brother. That is why I found myself brought to tears six days ago when asked to write this article, why it took me six days to start writing anything.

Jim would not have wanted anyone to mourn, as indicated by the pastels worn amid his funeral services. I wanted to tell what little story I have of him—a small but colossal glimpse into his character that I’d gleaned from my time at Malvern. This character made me realize that the bonds could never be infected.

This column is not about cancer. It’s not about me. It’s not about death.

Really, it’s not about brotherhood, or Malvern Prep. It is about Jim Klinges and how he lived out each day with fortitude, optimism, and bravery—not just in fighting through disease, but in every day of his life, especially at Malvern, never afraid to speak his mind as I was in my underclassmen years.

Marty Farrell ’13, a friend of Jim’s, told The Hawk, “He always kept people honest. He would call you out if you were being an idiot or not being honest.”

Whenever I’d see pictures of him, I’d see him in the most ridiculous yet classy outfits—ugly Christmas sweaters, American flag slacks, flat caps, donned whether he was coaching a soccer game or just cheering as part of the student section. Even at his young age, I can tell that the man had a certain understanding of life and, as they say, how to live it to the fullest.

All lives are miracles, even if they are cut short far too soon.

Rest easy, Jim.◊

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 3

FL

FRIAR LIFE

The

September 2016

Maker lab replaced by is a monthly student-run publication at Malvern Preparatory School. Its online affiliate is the Friar’s Lantern (www. mpfriarslantern.com).

new faculty work space designed at Summer Institute

Mission Statement

The Blackfriar Chronicle and The Friar’s Lantern are the student-run publications of Malvern Prep. The principal goals of the publications are to provide accurate and relevant information to the Malvern community and to offer a forum for intelligent dialogue on all things Malvern.

The reporting for these student publications is conducted thoroughly and edited by student leaders to ensure this accuracy to the best of our ability. In order to fairly provide all points of view, contributions from all members of the Malvern community are welcomed and encouraged through letters of opinion, student reporting, and respectful commentary.

Student Council President Rich Heany shares an update on the Student Council.

A

Editorial Policy

The unsigned editorial represents the consensus of the entire Editorial Board.

As a team, we agree and stand behind every word. The Editorial Board is a group of students composed of The Blackfriar Chronicle editors-in-chief, managing editors, chief investigative reporter, section editors, social media editor, podcast editor, a representative of the freshman class, and a representative from the Diversity Awareness Club.

The group is meant to include a group of different students so all opinions and voices can be heard.

Submissions

Letters to the editor are encouraged, and may be submitted to Tyler Pizzico (tpizzico70@malvernprep.org), Tommy Pero (tpero70@malvernprep.org) or adviser Kate Plows (kplows@malvernprep.org).

Anonymous letters will not be published.

Editors reserve the right to contact writers or edit submissions for reasons of space or clarity. Our staff also welcomes feedback in the comments section of The Friar’s Lantern online, or via our social media. Each comment is subject to review by a moderator or an Editorin-Chief of the Black Friar Chronicle/ Friar’s Lantern. Commenter’s email addresses must be verified, and comments are reviewed for defamation, profanity, obscenity, libel, and invasion of privacy. Not all comments are published.

Joining our staff

New contributors are welcome throughout the school year. The Blackfriar Chronicle staff meets Tuesday and Friday each week at 7:45 AM in Duffy 118. Please contact any member of the staff listed below for the most up-to-date meeting schedule.

Editors in Chief Tyler Pizzico ’17 Tommy Pero ’17

Managing Editors

Print: Ethan Rowley ’18 Online: Jack Magargee ’18 Art Director: Chase Bennett ’19

Public Relations Editor Jack McClatchy ’17

Chief Investigative Reporter Dan Malloy ’18

Section Editors

Friar Life Michael Harrington ’19 Kyle Leonard ’19 Sports Henry Malone ’17 Patrick Ferraiolo ’17 Media & Culture -TBALocal/World News -TBA[Jack McClatchy ’17] Social Media Editor Eric McLaughlin ’18

EDITORIAL BOARD

All editors Member(s) of Class of ’20 Aidan White Aidan Gallary Member(s) of Diversity Club -TBA-

Michael Harrington ’19 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR t the beginning of this school year, the student council is already getting started on planning events coming up this year like D-schedule tournaments, Spirit Week, and the Cares Walk.

On September 14, the Student Council had their first meeting.

“We basically planned out what we’re doing at the beginning of the year,” Heany said.

According to Heaney, upcoming events include the freshman class representative elections, a D-schedule tournament, the Cares Walk, and possibly even the Color Run. “We're having our freshman count next Tuesday to see what freshman are interested in being on student council. That's upcoming,” he said.

“Then we are planning stuff out for Spirit Week, The Cares Walk, and maybe doing the Color Run.” “We're going to try to do that, but we’re not sure if we can. Then we have our first D-schedule that we're in the process of planning for the 30th. We think it’s going to be handball,” Heany said.

Because of his status, many seniors have been hounding him about bringing back a senior lounge, which is what he wants to implement most during his time as Student Council President.

“Well right now first thing is the Senior Lounge. It's still early, but we were doing some of that today,” Heany said. “That's what everyone wants right now, at least the seniors.”

Other events that he wants to see on the calendar are D-schedules that aren't completely focused on sports tournaments.

“As for everything else, we are trying to implement new stuff like new D-schedules that aren't all athletics. I'm pretty excited about that,” he said.

Heany thinks that his current staff of Student Council members are a great group of guys who can do a lot to make this a good year.

“I'm really excited about who we have, and I think we can come up with a bunch of new ideas and make this school year better than the last,” Heany said. ◊

MR. HAUS AND MRS. DOUGHERTY CONFERENCE IN KINDON LAB / N. LI

The Maker Lab has been repurposed for the 20162017 school year to be a work space for any faculty member on campus.

Dan Malloy ’18

together in teams, where it would be an organized space that would he Maker Lab in the Learning be a very positive environment,” Commons has been remodeled Giordani said. There would be a lot for the 2016-2017 school year of light, there would be a lot of usage to become a collaborative space for for it, and it would be accessible on teachers, faculty, and staff, known as campus.” the Kindon Lab. Talbot and Head of Middle This idea originated and came School Mr. Patrick Sillup were the to fruition at the 2016 Summer coaches of this team, meaning they Institute, a professional develop- gave recommendations and feedback ment program Malvern Prep designs to the group to guide them in this and runs each summer, according to process. Talbot said that the group Head of School Mr. ran into t wo main Ch r i s t i a n Ta l b ot . cha l lenges, one of "We kept saying Talbot said that groups which had to do with we want more connections at all of teachers at t he the group dynamic. levels. We want Summer Institute work “One of the main students to be together to improve challenges was actually more connected, anything at Malvern, who gets to decide if we want staff and one of the groups we move forward with to be more connected, we chose to redesign the this or not,” Talbot want people to be Maker Lab. said. “I asked this together more."

According to team, ‘Do you want to Mrs. Sue Giordani Talbot, the space is be decision makers on named the K indon this or do you want to Lab because Ryan Toland ’98 made be recommenders to me, Mr. Algeo, a financial donation to the school and and Mr. Sillup?’ They said they wanted to name a room in honor of wanted to be deciders and I would English teacher Mr. Leo Kindon. be a recommender.”

The group who worked on this The group moved forward with project included Social Studies the idea, but ran into another probteacher Mrs. Pamela W hitney, lem. Talbot said that students and Calculus teacher Mr. Kevin Moore, classes used the Maker Lab before, Director of School Counseling Mr. so where the displaced students and Paul Simpson, English teacher Mrs. classes would go was a concern.

Sue Giordani, and Chemistry teacher For the students, Talbot said Dr. Agnese Abate. Giordani said that the group identified a number that the team used design thinking of different underutilized spaces on throughout all stages of the process, campus where they could go and especially to identify their main area work. Those rooms included the first of focus. floor Duffy Center lobby, the second “We kept saying we want more floor Duffy Center lobby, the secconnections at all levels,” Giordani ond floor conference room of Duffy, said. “We want students to be more and others. Giordani said that their connected, we want staff to be more team is working on finding additional connected, we want people to be places for students so the Learning together more.”

Commons does not get too crowded.

Giordani said that there has Giordani said that the team never been a designated collabora- moved two tables and the corretive space for just faculty and staff, sponding chairs from the Kindon so they had the idea of transforming Lab to the main area of the Learning the Maker Lab to fit this role.

Commons, and that can be a place “ We’re working together in for classes going to the Learning teams, so we thought what better way Commons. to find a place where we can all work “Teachers can still come out and

T

CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

still partition a section of the like a little mini maker lab, so we didn’t think that would change,” Giordani said.

Talbot said that other changes from the Maker Lab to the Kindon Lab included new leather couches, carpeting, coffee tables, and a blue accent color to highlight the room.

Talbot said he likes to get over to the Kindon Lab at least once a day.

He noted that, in his experience, teachers have been responding positively so far to the new Kindon Lab. “The teachers I have spent time with in that space, I would say the first week or so of school I have probably hung out or connected with 7 or 8 different teachers in there,” Talbot said. “All of them appreciate the opportunity that is bright, visually open, that is visually connected to where the students are.”

Math teacher Mr. Tom Pannulla has enjoyed using this room as well so far.

“It provides a very workable area for us to get out of our usual spaces,” Pannulla said. “A lot of times I usually get caught up with hanging in the math office either by myself or with the same people every day, so this gives me an opportunity to see some different faces.”

Spending more time in the Learning Commons through the

Kindon Lab allows Pannulla to connect with his students in new ways.

“I’ve had a couple of opportunities to help kids that I probably would not have been had I not been in that space,” he said.

Junior Tim McLaughlin likes this new opportunity to connect with his teachers in the Learning Commons.

However, he liked having the old Maker Lab for students.

“It's harder for some kids to find a place to study together or do group projects,” McLaughlin said. “I also used to like having classes in the maker lab.”

McLaughlin also said that the Learning Commons can now get really crowded during Community Time.

Giordani wants this new area to be frequently used by any and all adults on campus.

“I want to see everyone using it,” Giordani said. “I want to see middle school teachers coming in here.

I just want to see it being used for its purpose. And then that way, it is a trickle effect. If students can see the productivity in here, it will happen out here as well.” ◊

FRIAR LIFE

FL

The

Page 4

Malvern Runs for Joy The Malvern community will remember Mrs. Joy Pancoast by running, just like she did everyday.

Tommy White ’17 REPORTER rs. Joy Pancoast, a beloved member of the Malvern community, passed away due to a horseback riding accident this past June. Malvern was shocked, especially Mr. Williams, the Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity.

“I have been very fortunate in life that I have not experienced very much loss,” Williams said. “So to have someone pass away so suddenly, that was one of the few people that for the past two years I walked by and saw every single day when I came into work, shook me and touched me emotionally in a way that I really wasn’t expecting.”

Williams always remembered seeing Pancoast everyday out his window, rain or shine, running or walking during lunch. She would even ski when there was snow outside.

“I thought what a nice thing and a wonderful gesture would it be to continue that on,” Williams said.

When Mr. Williams came up with his idea he approached Communications and Public Relations Coordinator Mr. Jim Mack about it.

“It just started out with some people in Austin Hall just going out and walking one day,” Mack said. “Then we got to the point where we should do one everyday. We brought it up at the advancement meeting as an interesting idea for the school community.”

In fact, Williams and Mack were not even prepared for the response they got. From just a few people in Austin Hall, Run for Joy transformed into a bulk of people both faculty and teachers from outside of Austin Hall as well as students.

On the first day Williams, Director of Student Life Dr. Jim Fry, School Psychologist Dr. Dorothy Sayers, and Advancement Coordinator Ms. Kate Rodgers were able to do nine miles collectively.

“Each day, Faculty and Staff are signing up to walk during that time because that’s when she would have walked during that time around campus,” Fry said.

On the spreadsheet, Williams has all dates and boxes designated for people to sign up. On days where no people are signed up, Williams as well as other volunteers will do it to ensure that someone is out everyday.

Williams has also decided to officially open up to students at the activities fair. Hosted by Fry, students will be able to get onto the spreadsheet and sign up to walk or run around campus during their lunch break. Students will also be able to take a selfie and put it on social media with #RunForJoy. “People are also able to write in and make comments about what they thought about during their walk or run,” Williams said. “We are also tracking the miles, too. Because at the end of the year, it would be nice to try and quantify the mileage that we as a community put together.”

The happiest memory that Williams had with Mrs. Pancoast was when they made the connection that Williams knew her son. They had been playing pickup basketball for months. But Williams did not realize that he was Pancoast’s son.

“That was a pleasant connection because that kind of linked us even more than just being colleagues,” Williams said.

Mack described her as steady, even-keeled and friendly.

“She was unfancy in a good way,” Mack said. “She seemed like a real normal person. In the real world people can be crazy. It was so comforting to know that she was there to help you.”

Fry remembers how much of a calming force Pancoast was.

“She always had a smile on her face no matter what was going on,” Fry said.

“She was just a very peaceful woman and I think for me that was the biggest memory of her. I felt like every time she put that smile on, she was giving you a hug at the same time.” ◊

M

Chronicle

Student of the Issue:

Patrick Keenan ’18 Junior Patrick Keenan is thriving both in and out of the classroom.

John McGlinn ’18 REPORTER eenan is in his third year at Malvern Prep and taking advantage of every moment in the classroom and in the boat.

Traveling from Bryn Mawr, the usual commute takes Patrick Keenan 40 minutes every morning. He had other closer options to choose from, but he chose Malvern Prep because he thought it would be the most beneficial and because he could give the most back to the community.

Keenan is a three year member of the rowing team, and is thriving under Coach Craig Hoffman’s vigorous schedule.

Keenan finished the season off right last year placing fourth in Scholastic Nationals in the lightweight quad, and well as finishing sixth in the lightweight double at Youth Nationals. His success continued throughout the summer placing second in the lightweight double at Canadian Henley, one of the largest regattas in North America.

“It was really unexpected,” Keenan said. “ I rowed with

K

MRS. ANN WUETIG-COIA, MRS. MARY-HELEN MCCULLOCH, MRS. KELLY BITTNER & MR. PATRICK WILLIAMS SHARE A #RUNFORJOY SELFIE WUETIG-COIA SOCIAL MEDIA, USED WITH PERMISSION

Blackfriar

Tim Scheuritzel from Haverford and we just PATRICK KEENAN went out and did our best.”

E. MCLAUGHLIN Keenan enjoys hanging out with friends, playing fantasy football, and watching basketball. He is also a contributing member of the Peer Educators Club and Diversity Club. “Crew takes up so much time each week so it is hard to get involved in other activities, but I like to try my best to do more than just one thing.”

His favorite subject in school is Physics.

“It just seems to work for me,” he said. “So far, I am enjoying all the formulas and different topics we plan on covering this year.”

His favorite teacher this year is Mr. Dougherty.

Keenan loves the enthusiasm Dougherty brings to class and his way of teaching in class.

Keenan hopes to continue his success both in and out of the classroom during junior and senior years.

“I’m enjoyed my time here so far,” Keenan said. “I just hope I can keep it going.” ◊

Election impacts Malvern curriculum Malvern teachers discuss how they will cover the presidential election with their students in their classes.

Dan King ’19 vs Donald,” Ostick said.

CONTRIBUTOR Ostick cited increased diversity from his Malvern ith the 2016 election coming to a wrap this classes to his college class as a factor in the results.

November, there is a lot to talk about when “This one here which is about fifty percent male it comes to an election like this. Malvern and fifty percent female coming in from really diverstudents will be experiencing this election in their sified backgrounds,” Ostick said. “Notice the college classes as teachers bring up the issues in discussions viewpoint, it's a little more broad base because of the and activities. diversity of the class that makes it up, I think that's Some teachers have already started their coverage the reason.” of the election where some plan to wait until closer to The results from his Malvern classes were not a the actual date of the election, November 8. surprise to Ostick.

One teacher who has already started “Obviously most people get their covering the election is economics viewpoints about things from their enviteacher Mr. John Ostick. In his classes "I have four ronment, from their school community, at Malvern as well as at his classes at St. classes, three from their parents, from their grandJoe’s University he had a mock election of them Trump parents, from whatever their religion where his students voted for one of the won, one class is,” Ostick said. “So Malvern prep being two candidates. Freshman social studies it was a tie." predominantly economically well, groups teacher Mrs. Pamela Whitney did a simMrs. Pam Whitney of people with economic well being and ilar activity in her Global Perspectives being all boys and such it appears to have classes. a more Catholic more conservative point Whitney said, “We did an activity these results kind of show that.” where everyone had to stand up, one side was Hillary Because of the added diversity, Ostick thinks his Clinton and the other side was Donald Trump, and college class will be a better representation for the actual I asked questions to see what they know about the election. candidates,” Whitney said. “Some classes knew a lot Some teachers are planning on waiting until the and some didn’t, but they definitely, from that activity, debates and the time right around the election to cover learned what they didn’t know. And then I asked at the the election, like United States history teacher Mr. very end who they would vote for.”

Andrew Burke.

As far as the results of the elections in Ostick and “We’re going to look at the map and swing states Whitney’s classes go, Donald Trump and we’re going to look at poll projections was clear winner in the majority of the and look at different paths to victory for "The best classes. However, in one of Whitney’s each candidate,” Burke said. “We’re also time to take classes there was a clear tie. going to be looking at the issues and what an economics “I have four classes, three of them resonating with voters, what are the key course: Trump won, one class it was a tie,” she issues that people are responding to. As during an said. “I just had the main two, but you we get through the election, we’ll be doing election year." could stay in the middle and not vote for that most Fridays for half of the class.”

Mr. John Ostick either of them, I had maybe like two per As teachers like Burke prepare for class in the middle. Usually one Hillary what they will do around election times, in each class, and that one was a definite tie, they went others like Whitney would love to continue covering to both sides.” the election but are focusing on getting through the Ostick had very similar results with his Malvern material for their courses until the debates are over. students voting for the candidates. In his four classes “We’ll do things, talking about the debates and Donald Trump won easily every time with only three they’ll have assignments to watch them and tune in, or four votes for Hillary Clinton versus Trump’s twenty but right now we’re kind of doing a pause,” she said. plus.

Ostick plans on focusing a lot of his time on the Ostick also teaches an economics class at St. Joe’s election as it directly coincides with his subject.

University where his results were very different.

“I’ve been teaching economics for almost 40 years,” “I had a class of 42 students do the same survey the he said. “And one of the things I always say to my stuother night, and you notice it's almost fifty fifty, Hillary dents on the first day of class, especially this year, is this

W

> PAGE 5

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 5

How is the new schedule going?

Malvern's upper school shifted to a new schedule again this year. We asked a few members of the Malvern community what they thought about the first few cycles of the new schedule.

SEAN RUSHTON ‘19

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I prefer this year’s schedule, but I feel that we should not have community time If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

We should just start fifth period right after fourth so we end school at 2:25 instead of 3:10.

NICK VILLANO ‘18

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I prefer last years schedule. Thirty minutes just doesn’t cut it (community time). You can’t talk to teachers for a really in-depth conversation.

It’s really hard to get that in. As well as clubs are really hard to fit it in.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would change the length of community time. This doesn’t affect me, but I find that other kids have trouble with having specialty homerooms at eight o’clock because they come into school and they can’t get anything else done. Like if they have to ask a question to a teacher and come in early, they have to rush.

MRS. SUSAN GIORDONI

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

This year. Much better. I like the fact that there are two breaks to the day and they are separated. That break and community time are not together. I love, love, love the fact that community time is towards the end of the day. Because kids instead of doing the work to get it done before class, they’re being proactive and doing it for the next class.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

So far nothing, I really like it.

JACK SWAN ‘19

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I liked the schedule last year because community time was in the morning after first period, so if I forgot to do homework for a class or I needed to print something out I had time in the morning before class to do that. Having community time in the afternoon, I feel like I don’t use it as much as I did last year.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would put community time back after first period and make all lunch periods 25 minutes instead of 30, because nobody that I know eats for all 30 minutes. People normally eat for 15 minutes, then they just sit around and talk for the rest if the time.

GAVIN MCGILL ‘19

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

Last year’s schedule, because I can’t focus on school work when it’s right before fifth period.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would either take out community time and get out early, or make it after first period again.

MR. ANDREW BURKE

BRANDON CHIAZZA '17

MRS. DIANE KIME

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I hate this year’s schedule. Last year’s schedule was a lot better - for the food staff especially. We have break way earlier that we have to be ready for just an hour after breakfast. Lunches are a lot sooner as well and it just seems we’re always crunched for time.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

Everything. I think we should scrap it and go back to the old schedule we had last year.

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I don’t really like this schedule.

I feel like a lot of the free time is wasted because it is spread out. I can’t dive into any of my work at open time because it seems as soon as I get my books out I need to repack and head to class.

If you could change anything about the schedule what would you change and why?

I would make community time the full 50 minutes again or do away with it altogether so students can get home faster to start their homework or get to away sports games and not miss class.

How do you feel about the new upper school schedule?

Let us know at mpfriarslantern.com

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I like this year’s schedule better.

I like the fact that we don’t have reverse C anymore, I did not care for them. I also understand that students are upset with community time being moved. I was able to use community time effectively, kids were able to take tests, get extra help, but I also feel that students waited to do their homework until community time that day. This year it’s not happening as much. It seems like kids are more prepared If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would either shorten homeroom, or change the way we do it – having more things happen during that period.

COLIN MCDONNELL ‘19

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

Last year’s, definitely. Last year we had community time after first period and community time after break. A ton of kids would go into Stewart Hall and do homework or hang out, then get a snack when break starts. But now, no one will go there because there’s no reason to without break after it. So now the LC and gym are going to be way too crowded. I also miss the reverse C. It was great getting that extra hour of sleep in the morning. This year’s schedule is still good, but I liked last year’s much better.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would definitely have the community time moved back to after first period. It’s just better for everyone, because if you’re struggling with a topic that you have third period you could see the teacher before. But now it’s much more inconvenient.

JACK LUDIN ‘17

Do you prefer this year’s or last year’s schedule and why?

I did really enjoy last years schedule, but this year’s schedule I do like because if I have a free period last period I can leave at two o’clock.

If you could change anything about the schedule, what would you change and why?

I would change community time because it should be after f irst period like last year. It helps kids get their homework done and do work for the day. ◊

-Rowan Cabahug-Almonte '20, Ashton Canavan '19, Tyler Pizzico '17

> ELECTION, 4

is the best time to take an economics course: during an election year.”

He plans on splitting his classes into groups and assigning each group one economic issue.

They will gather research on the issue and present it to the rest of the class. Outside of the classroom they will have a bulletin board set up where they can share their results with the entire student body.

One thing that is all teachers have in common is that there are rules set in place while doing these activities.

“I think the number one rule in class is and we did talk about this is that if you have an opinion or make a statement you have to be able to back it up,” Burke said. “You can’t throw an accusation at either candidate without having facts to say, ‘Okay, this is why I said what I did.’”

Ostick also stresses the importance of justifying beliefs..

“One of the things that is important is, I didn't want them to shed it off the block. I asked them to give their reasons for why they would vote the way that they did,” he said.

When discussing the election, he wants his students to focus on policy, not the personalities of the candidates.

“I gave the students a parameter and they kept it somewhat,” Ostick said. “I said, ‘Please steer away from that, I want you to talk about issues, income inequality, jobs, economic growth, those types of things, try to steer away from personality.’”

Whitney took a similar approach and made sure her students learned about the policy and ideas of the candidates. She had her students read an article on the candidates, and she asked them questions to see what they did and didn’t know.

“They definitely from this activity learned what they did not know,” Whitney said. ◊

The

Page 6

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Six new teachers join Malvern staff Our reporters talked to some of the new faces on campus to learn about their backgrounds, ideas about teaching, and what brought them to Malvern.

Ms. Valerie Gould

Mrs. Kathy Friend

MRS. KATHY FRIEND

Kyle Leonard ’19 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR rs. Kathy Friend looks to help students make friends with science as the substitute teacher in place of Biology Teacher Mrs. Anna Geider, who is currently on maternity leave.

Friend went to St. Anselm Col lege in Ma nc hester, New Hampshire, where she majored in Biology. She then moved to this area and received her Masters in Education at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania. She taught at Springford High School last spring, and prior to that, she helped run an

M

8th grade development clinic.

Mrs. Friend is ecstatic about teaching biology in Mrs. Geider’s absence.

“I’m excited to share science with other people,” Friend said. “I love the sense of discovery, and if I can get someone else to be interested or to look at the world in a different way, to me that’s very satisfying.”

Friend is also looking forward to getting to know the freshmen she is teaching.

“I am already enjoying the learning and interaction in such a warm and supportive atmosphere that we have here.” Friend said.

Outside of school, Friend is training to become a unit commissioner for the Boy Scouts to help different camps that need assistance.

However, her passions lie with her family, especially with her three sons, ages 12, 20, and 22. All of her sons are interested in the sciences, sharing interests with their mother.

“I tried not to influence them, but they’re all interested in discovering new things,” Friend said. “I thought that was pretty neat.” ◊

MS. VALERIE GOULD

Dan King ’19 CONTRIBUTOR s students, new and returning, come to Malvern for another year, they are welcomed by new teachers and faculty like middle school music teacher Ms. Valerie Gould.

Before coming to Malvern, Gould taught music in Delaware, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. She began her teaching career at a charter school in Delaware where she taught middle school students. Since then, she has been working in urban education.

“I did band, I did general music, I did choir,” Gould said. I’ve done everything from little guys— pre-k, like

A

Mr. John Hoey

Ms. Lori Trexler

MR. JOHN HOEY

MS. LORI TREXLER

Owen Preston ’19 CONTRIBUTOR s. Lori Trex ler joined M a l v e r n’s S c i e n c e Department this fall where she will be teaching middle school Environmental Science, and Ecology to 8th graders.

Tr e x l e r ’s a l m a m a t e r i s Susquehanna University. There, she received her undergraduate degree in Earth and Environmental Science with a Minor in Secondary Education. She later received her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins in Educational Studies with a focus on Earth and Space Science.

Trex ler explained why she became a teacher. “I always loved science and I wanted a way to share it with kids and others,” she said.

She taught for a total of six

M

years before coming to Malvern Prep. Trexler worked at the Howard County Public School System where she taught science, and she also worked and Longwood Gardens as the coordinator for school programs.

However, Malvern was attractive to Trexler. “I wanted to be involved in a student center of learning,” she said. “I also wanted to be a part of Malvern’s collaborative environment.”

Trexler said she is settling in nicely and that everyone has done a great job making her feel at home and comfortable. She also has some◊ goals for her students.

“I want to get my students excited about science and to get involved in nature,” she said.

two and a half years old— all the way up through college at some point.”

Now she is back teaching at the middle school level right here at Malvern. As a music teacher, Gould has a passion for her craft.

“I’ve been playing since I was in the fourth grade. I was 9 or 10 years old, so yeah you could say that it has always been a passion,” She said.

Her main instrument is the flute; however, she also admires the french horn.

“If I had an opportunity to do my music career all over again I would definitely pick the french horn,” she said.

“Once in awhile I think, hey I should learn bass guitar because I could be in a rock band.”

Gould played her flute in mass as part of the Middle School “God” Band. Although Gould has only been here for a short while she has expressed her love for the school and has really enjoyed her time. She enjoys the students and loves seeing them everyday.

“I love the kids, my students are very bright and eager to learn,” she said. “They’re very curious, they pick things up and play them. It has been really fantastic.”◊

Garrett Hallinan ’19 REPORTER r. John Hoey believes that his main job as the new sixth and seventh grade theology teacher is “trying to get students a little bit closer to God so they can discover His will in their lives.”

Originally from Drexel Hill and St. Bernadette’s parish, Hoey is the youngest of five. He has two brothers and two sisters.

“We all went to St. Bernadette’s, and we lived close enough to walk to school,” Hoey said.

As a kid, Mr. Hoey aspired to be a musician.

“I am a drummer,” Hoey said, “and I never wanted to be famous. I just wanted to play with other people.”

After St. Bernadette’s, Hoey followed in his brothers’ footsteps and went to Monsignor Bonner because of their strong, Augustinian tradition. After four years at Monsignor Bonner, Hoey went on to Villanova University where he received his degree in Religious Studies.

Throughout his days of high school and college, Hoey also studied music.

“I never wanted to teach music but I played music professionally for a long time,” Hoey said. “I have played for and traveled with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Russ Morgan Orchestra, and the Mills Brothers.”

M

Along with playing in these bands, Hoey has his own band band called the John Hoey Orchestra.

“My orchestra plays swing music from the 1930’s and 1940’s as well as rock and funk from the 1960’s and 1970’s,” Hoey said.

Going into college, Hoey’s intended major was Theatre and minor was Theology. After his first semester of sophomore year, Hoey switched Theology to his major and Theatre to his minor.

“I had a class that changed my life. It was called the Christ Question and the professor’s name was Dr. Emily Binn,” Hoey said.

In this class, Hoey asked many questions about Christianity and Jesus and learned many answers. It was this concept of inquiry and answer-seeking that Hoey really liked and that is what made him switch his major to Theology.

After college, Hoey played music full time and was a substitute teacher.

“Every once and awhile someone would call me and say, ‘We need a religion teacher, can you come in and teach for us if you are not on the road?’,” Hoey said. “So I did that a couple of times at St. Elizabeth’s down in Wilmington, West Catholic in Philadelphia, and Monsignor Bonner in Drexel Hill.”

Last year, Mr. Hoey was a substitute teacher at Bonner.

He liked it so much he was considering staying there if Bonner needed him. At the end of the year, they did not need him anymore. This did not stop Mr. Hoey from teaching.

“In August, this job as the Middle School theology teacher opened up,” Hoey said. “So I applied for it, and with the grace of God I got it.”

How does Mr. Hoey like working at Malvern so far?

“I love every aspect of it,” Hoey said. “I can’t wait to get here every morning and I really do not want to leave in the afternoon.” ◊

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

NEW TEACHERS

Mrs. Laurie Peslak

MRS. LAURIE PESLAK

Aidan Khalil ’19 CONTRIBUTOR Laurie Peslak will join Dr. Joan Dlugos this year as a new advisor for Student Council as well as teach physics.

Peslak will serve as a physics teacher and substitute biology teacher this year. So far, everything seems to be going well for her.

“My first week at Malvern was fantastic,” Peslak said. “I have really

enjoyed my classes and all of my new colleagues. Everyone has made me feel extremely welcome.”

Peslak formerly taught Physics at Rush and Henrietta, a school in the Rochester area for five years. She then moved to the Malvern area to teach at Valley Forge Military College.

Peslak grew up in Rochester, New York and went to Pennfield High School. Following graduation, she attended University of Scranton for her undergraduate degree and Saint John Fisher College in Rochester for her graduate degree.

Outside of school, Peslak ’s favorite things to do are spending time with her three year old daughter and going to amusement parks.

“I am looking forward to a great year— having fun classes where we can experiment a lot and try new fun labs and be as involved as I can in the entire Malvern Community,” she said. ◊

Miss Kim Sheets Nick Li ’17 REPORTER ew middle school social studies teacher, Ms. Kim Sheets has a goal for her time at Malvern. “I want to become a better educator, and allow students to get the skills to be able to survive in world,” she said.

The 2016-2017 school year marks Sheets’ second year teaching in the greater Philadelphia area. Sheets grew up in central New York and spent most of her life there.

For her collegiate studies, Sheets attended the State University of New York (SUNY) in New Paltz and received her undergraduate degree in MISS KIM SHEETS / Social Studies Education for grades seven through 12. After she received her Bachelor’s degree, Sheets pursued her Master’s Degree at SUNY Cortland in the field of Literacy Education grades five through 12.

Sheets first moved to the greater Philadelphia area because her family moved there. She spent her first year teaching middle school in the Rose Tree Media School District. Prior to Rose Tree, Sheets taught in New York state.

“I [first encountered] Malvern while working at United Sports last fall,” Sheets said. “I thought it was an awesome group of kids, and when I saw the job opening in the summer, I said, ‘Wow, they have really great experiences; I really want to teach there.’”

So far, Sheets said the year has gone smoothly. During middle school orientation, Sheets was able to get to know the kids. She was able to adjust to the new experience of being around all boys and was able measure each student's knowledge.

Currently, the 8th grade is studying the economy and consumption, and Sheets is making it a focal point of her class.

“I want to make the students aware of their consumption, and how things move through the global economy,” She said. “My goal is to have students build on their self-awareness skills, higher order thinking, depth of knowledge, and [in the end] to be better prepared for the real world.”

As for personal goals, Sheets wants to become a become a better educator. She considers herself a lifelong learner, so she is always determined to better her craft. She also wants to integrate herself further into the Malvern community. She would like to get more involved with service trips and other activities as time goes on.

Outside of school, Sheets loves to run. She participates in events such as half marathons and 15k races. In addition, she loves to go on hikes with her dog and hang out with family and friends. ◊

N

Page 7

Teachers change classes and grades The changes in teaching assignments align to new grade level teams.

Michael Harrington ’19 have affected her life at Malvern.

FRIAR LIFE EDITOR “There was more workload,” Lappas said. “Lots of any students regarded Mrs. Beverly Gordon meetings to go to, and every department leader in the as “the” sophomore history teacher, but she school is a member of the AAT, which is the Academic now holds the position of Dean of Faculty Advancement Team.”

Development and Coaching.

The AAT is made up of all the department leaders In her new role, she is now no longer teaching plus Head of School Mr. Christian Talbot, Gordon, sophomores.

Head of Upper School Mr. Ron Algeo, and “Here is the deal with that,” Gordon said.

Head of Middle School Mr. Patrick Sillup.

“It’s not as “Two things happened in the Social Studies According to Lappas, their main goal is try though we were Department in June. One, I applied for and to figure out the path that Malvern is going just assigned was awarded a new job... Now I'm Dean of to take as a community. This and managing these roles. It Faculty Coaching and Development.” her department are Lappas’ duties as departwas because we As a result of Gordon’s transition to her ment leader. saw them as an new role, her previous role as department Lappas said that Carroll and Mrs. Pam opportunity for leader in Social Studies opened up. Mrs. Whitney are now teaching the freshman growth.”

Harriet Lappas applied for and received that classes. Mr. Andrew Burke, who previously -Mrs. Gordon job. taught freshmen, is now teaching all of the “It's not as though we were just assigned honors sophomore classes that Gordon used these roles. It was because we saw them as an opportunity to teach. for growth,” Gordon said. “It's something we’ve wanted Mr. Robert Colameco and Mr. Tom McGuire are to do.” teaching academic sophomore classes.

Since her new role classifies her as Administration, According to Mr. Algeo, these teacher assignments Gordon can now only teach one class, junior and senior changing throughout the departments were not part of any level Academic Economics. intentional plan, and that it is not uncommon for teachers “I can't teach more than that because there's too many to switch classes. other things that I'm required to do. I cannot do this and “No, there was no intentional plan from the adminisdepartment leader at the same time,” she said. tration by any stretch,” Algeo said. “It’s not quite as rare Even though Gordon is excited about the new oppor- as you would think.” tunities that this new role brings, she said she loved teachAlgeo said that the faculty is focusing on building ing US History I. grade-level teams. "We've really moved much more along “In the purview of students that are here now, they've the spectrum of teacher-centered, so we've had a lot more only ever known me as teaching Honors US I,” she said. movement based upon departmental needs and team “I loved it, by the way. I didn't run away from it.” needs," he said.

With Lappas’ transition to a new role came a few more Teachers are now in teams by grade, so that they can changes in teaching responsibilities. work together to enhance the experience of each individual “I am the government teacher at Malvern, and nor- grade, according to Algeo. Teams are split up into 9th, mally I have 2 AP classes,” Lappas said. “This year I’m 10th and 11th together, and 12th. still teaching my 2 AP classes, but I’m only teaching one “We are trying to really focus on what the students, of my academic classes.” at that point in their Malvern career, really need,” Lappas The other academic classes were taken over by Mr. said. “That’s the biggest change that I see on campus.

Jeffrey Carroll, a teacher who started in Malvern’s middle Everyone is really actively thinking about their grade level school last year and moved to the high school this year. team and how they can contribute to that.” ◊ Other than her class schedule changes, Lappas’ responsibilities as department leader for Social Studies

M

Pokemon Go concerns fading Another timely distraction for students, or a distant memory?

Luke McClatchy ’19, Steve O’Meara ’19

T

CONTRIBUTORS he mobile game, Pokemon Go, released on July 6, has generated quite a buzz around the world, including Malvern Prep. Sad for some, the game may already be past its peak.

Pokemon Go is not like the ordinary Pokemon games, as it is not created by Nintendo. Instead, the game is run by developer Niantic, who are relatively new in the app department, only developing one other app, Ingress.

The game allows the user to create an “avatar” to their likeness to wonder the Pokemon invested landscape, according to the description on the app store. The app tracks the player via GPS, if they have their location turned on, and uses augmented reality to allow the player to become engrossed in the digital fantasy world.

Some teachers worried whether this new virtual game would deter students from doing homework and studying.

Freshman Literature and Composition teacher Mrs. Susan Giordani said her main concern with Pokemon Go was that it would distract her students throughout the day, and the students would wander off into the woods. “If kids are that excited about it, I'd love to incorporate the game into assignments,” she said.

However, she has already noticed a decline in the game’s popularity. “Kids don't seem as absorbed in

playing it now in comparison to when it first came out,” she said.

Theology teacher Mr. Drew Zagursky feels the game has really taken a hit with school starting, and the game is not much of a distraction as it would have been if school started two months ago. He has not witnessed any students playing the game on campus and believes it won’t be an issue on Malvern’s campus.

Middle School Social Studies Teacher Mr. Steven Swope thinks the game is just another outlet for students to not interact directly. He said that students these days don’t interact as much in person as they used to because of cell phones, emails, and texting.

“I feel that people will be looking down at their phones all the time rather than interact with people and the real world around them,” Swope said.

Sophomore Matthew Hopkins, a regular player, said that while it is fun and great for getting kids outside in the sun, there are some dangers to not being aware of your surroundings.

“During the summer, I was riding my bike and playing Pokemon Go, but I was too focused on the game to pay attention to where I was riding and crashed into a tree on my bike,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins said the game could act as a distraction to some, but not enough to be an issue at Malvern. ◊

The

Page 8 > 1, TRANSITIONS AHEAD

MR. JOHN STREET WORKS ON DEVELOPING MYMALVERN TRAINING / D. MALLOY > 1, NEW GRADING SYSTEM

“We wanted to brand it MyMalvern so everybody understands it is a portal inside with different products,” Street said.

Students, teachers, and parents can access MyMalvern by clicking a link at the top of the Malvern website. Inside, the Malvern community is exposed to a plethora of new features.

One of those features includes the interconnectivity of the different applications Malvern uses. Street said that students can get to academic and athletic schedules, transcripts, student progress, and important forms much easier than before.

“We have activity groups, athletic groups, calendar, all on that one central location now,” Street said. “Before, we were all over the place.”

Another part of this interconnectivity is the integration between MyMalvern and Blackbaud. Street said that last year, Schoology did not transmit grades to Blackbaud, which was a pain for teachers and the Technology Department alike who had to manually insert every single grade. Now, MyMalvern can sync grades and class changes to Blackbaud every 30 minutes because Blackbaud owns the company that owns OnCampus, making integration easy.

Street said that the Technology Department has been sending out emails to Malvern students and parents in order to get them up and running with MyMalvern. One problem he said students have been experiencing is viewing their gradebooks, an issue junior Casey Lauder is facing. “[MyMalvern] is not user friendly,” Lauder said. “It is hard to see your grades.”

Lauder personally liked last year’s Schoology better because it was easier to understand and access. Senior Andrew Paris also liked Schoology but thinks the new system has promise.

Paris liked to use Schoology’s mobile app, which sent notifications about grades, messages, and assignments right to his phone. He misses that feature, as he currently has trouble with seeing his assignments on time.

“I have teachers putting homework on the bulletin, but they told us to check the assignment center, so I’m not seeing stuff I’m responsible to do, which is a pain,” Paris said.

However, Street said that students can set up notifications to both their emails and by text messages on their phones. Students can do this by going to “Settings” under the “Profile" tab, then clicking the “Notifications” tab and setting up the feature. Street said that the Technology Department will be sending out an email with this information.

This communication between teacher and student is something that calculus teacher Mr. Kevin Moore is working on improving in his classes with MyMalvern. He likes MyMalvern so far and thinks it has a key improvement over Schoology for him.

“The benefit is that I can post an assignment to more than one class without copying it into the next one and the next one,” Moore said. “It’s all in the same window.”

Other benefits in Moore’s opinion includes the easy access to faculty forms and the combination of the school, athletic, and individual calendars all into one.

One thing Moore emphasized was that he is still very much in the learning process with MyMalvern.

“I think I have a base knowledge of it, but I do not think I will ever stop learning about this,” Moore said. “Maybe I could quiz on here, which is a neat opportunity.”

Given that Malvern has switched grading systems twice over the past two years, Lauder thinks MyMalvern may be on the way out after this year. “[Malvern] doesn’t stick with one thing,” Lauder said. “They are probably going to change it to something else again.”

Street acknowledged the fatigue over the multiple changes in grading systems but was confident that MyMalvern is a permanent solution.

“You never want to have to do that,” Street said. “But technology changes all the time, so however, I think in the long run this is going to be such a better fit for Malvern.”

Paris said that once everyone gets on the same page with MyMalvern, things will work out.

“I think everyone should give it a try and don’t bash it until you are familiar with it,” Paris said.

Moore said that MyMalvern will take time to learn and community collaboration is important to get the hang of it.

“I think it is important to recognize that not everyone will be perfect at it at one time,” Moore said. “We can all learn from each other.” ◊

Blackfriar

Chronicle

When the Talbots lived in Northern New Jersey before Prep Board of Trustees Mr. Steve Cloetingh, dismissed Talbot became Malvern’s Head of School, they lived near the notion, stating the average term is much less than we Talbot’s family, his wife Lisa’s family, and some of their may think. other friends.

“The process isn’t like it was years ago when Mr. “That was a really significant support network that we Stewart served twenty-five years as Head of School,” had,” Talbot said.

Cloetingh said. “According to NA IS [National When Malvern offered Talbot the position of Head Association of Independent Schools], the average tenure of School, the Talbots were concerned and asked Kezie for a Head of School is five to seven years.” to move with them.

Finding a new head of school is not like a typical job “It was not something we felt we could farm out to search. Today many independent schools hire search firms somebody else,” Talbot said. “It was very much a big deal. to connect independent schools with viable candidates.

Kezie agreed to move to Southeastern Pennsylvania “We are in the process of locating a search firm to help with the them, and everything went mostly well. take us to the next level. We work with them to identify In February of 2016, Kezie told the key characteristics that we would the Talbots she was pregnant. It took like to have in our leader,” Cloetingh “We will be very about three months for the Talbots said. “People are constantly moving transparent with the and Kezie to realize it was not going around and aspiring to find new posicommunity about the to work out and they needed to think tions to better their career, so there’s process moving forward. of a new solution. a large network of suitable candidates The paper is a voice at the “Around April, the three of us at all times.” school and it is very rare realized it’s gonna be a lose-lose,” Heading this process of f indthat an entire community Talbot said. “[Kezie] is going to be ing the new Head of School is Vice is listening all at once. unhappy. She’s going to be worried Chairman of the Board of Trustees Shame on us if we don’t about taking care of her baby plus Mr. John McGlinn II. “John is the use this time to tell the great story of Malvern our kids. We’re going to be unhappy best for the job because of the angle and all the wonderful because we’re going to be wondering he has at the school,” Cloetingh said. things happening here. [if] our kids are being taken care of.”

“He has a son there now and one that [This] platform is a way to The Talbots hired three differjust graduated.” coalesce the Board and the ent search agencies to find a qualiMcGlinn’s youngest son, John, community.” fied nanny to work with them. They is currently a junior. His sons Tait Mr. Steve Cloetingh interviewed about nine candidates, ’16 and Dan ’14 currently attend The Chairman, Board of Trustees and decided only one was a had the University of Notre Dame. experience to fit their circumstances.

Cloetingh assured that he is acting They offered her the job, and she accepted it. However, she free of internal biases to provide the best possible canfailed a drug test the agency had administered. didate for the entire school community by diversifying “Now we’re pushing up against the beginning of June, the board. and there’s the first board meeting of the year a couple days “As the head of the board, my role is to shepard. I later, and Lisa and I just looked at each other just like, don’t want to enact my own personal agenda but the real‘I don’t think is going to work,’” Talbot said. “In crisis ity of it is, I have to select the people I want to be on the mode, I might have to stop working. She might have to board.” Cloetingh said. “That is why in a letter sent to the stop working. It would be relatively easier for her to stop school community we asked for members of all different working than for me because the school can’t function backgrounds and ages so I can hear as many differing without a Head of School, and you can’t— in a crisis situ- opinions as possible.” ation— just throw someone into that role.”

Cloetingh said the the board makes the final decision They decided to finish the year in Pennsylvania. They about the new Head of School, but it does so in void of hired a new nanny to live with them for this year but don’t its own preferences. know if she will move with them after this year. In case “The board is the governing body of the school. That of an emergency, the Talbots would call their parents or means our primary job is to locate, hire, and mentor the friends for help.

Head of School,” Cloetingh said. “We aim to satisfy the Two years ago while the Talbot family was moving students first, then parents, then faculty and staff at the from Devon to West Chester, they had to do just that. school, then alumni, and finally us, the trustees. We are Talbot got a call from Lisa on his way into Malvern. volunteers simply here to serve the school to the best of “She says, ‘Come home right now,’’’ Talbot said. “Julia’s our ability.” tongue was swollen, so swollen that she couldn’t get it Cloetingh made it clear that ideas like 21st century back into her mouth. We have no idea what happened.” education and experiential learning will not leave with Talbot and Lisa took Julia to the hospital while Kezie Mr. Talbot. took care of Maxwell. Talbot had to call his parents to “Mr. Talbot’s 21st century education is our 21st cendrive four hours to take care of everything while all of tury education. We the board in our 2011 strategic plan their belongings were being moved. made the conscious decision that we were going to move “You can only do that so many times,” he said. academics in this direction,” Cloetingh said. “Christian After this year, the Talbots will move back to Northern may have brought his own energy and ideas, and people New Jersey. Lisa mostly works out of the Talbots’ house like [Head of Middle School] Mr. [Patrick] Sillup, but but intermittently has to commute into Manhattan. ultimately we hired Christian to do this for us and he has.”

A

t the end of last school year, former student William Beard ’16 sued Talbot, Malvern Prep, former Assistant Head of School Mr. Steve Valyo, Malvern Swim Association, and swim coach Peter Lee for alleged negligence, claiming the school failed to stop counselor and swimming coach Mrs. Emily Feeney who harassed him sexually for more than a year, according to Philly.com.

Talbot commented on the lawsuit’s effect on him and Malvern.

“I’m fine,” Talbot said. “I feel like it’s not appropriate to say anything other than I’m totally fine, on a personal level. But institutionally, we just need to kind of wait and see how it plays out.”

“There’s always going to be something like the lawsuit going on,” Talbot said. “Whether it’s the lawsuit or something else. You can fill in that blank with whatever you want. We can’t let things like that distract us from our long-term vision, purpose, and goal.”

As far as Talbot’s future goes, he does not have a plan or set idea for what comes next in his career.

“I’ll figure out something at some point,” Talbot said.

With former Head of School Jim Stewart serving for over 25 years, such a long leadership tenure might seem normal for Malvern. However, the Chairman of Malvern

T

albot said that his decision to leave actually reinforced the direction of the school.

“In some ways, it’s almost like [the Board of Trustees] is doubling down on [the direction],” he said. “I think my announcement was an opportunity for them to get cold feet.”

Cloetingh is excited to see the work that has been done in the middle school work its way into the high school, and he thinks the student body should be as well.

“You guys should be proud of this place but even more proud of it when you come back as alumni,” he said. “Mr. Talbot has done his part in the revamping of the school, but even with him leaving, it is full steam ahead.”

Even though there are no current candidates yet, Talbot is confident the school will continue to head in the right direction.

“There are a lot of leaders who are more than capable and more than ready to continue the work that I’ve done,” Talbot said. “Not that I’m sad about leaving— I am sad about leaving— It’s not that I don’t care, but I feel good knowing that I don’t need to be here in order for all the changes to continue.” ◊

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 9

Alumni of the Issue: Fr. Jason Buck ’03 A Catholic priest describes busy life at his local parish.

Ethan Rowley ’18 MANAGING EDITOR: PRINT f all the places to find God, Fr. Jason Buck ’03 realized his vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood while mowing the lawn.

“I was cutting the grass one day and I saw myself holding the Blessed Sacrament in my hands as a Catholic priest,” Fr. Buck said. “I just heard God say ‘What are you willing to give up to be a Catholic priest?’”

His response?

“I said ‘Everything,’ and shortly after that I broke up with my girlfriend, I quit my job, and I applied for the seminary,” Buck said.

Buck said he considered becoming a priest while at Malvern but put it off for a while.

“I considered, ‘Why not be a priest?’” Buck said.

“But I had plenty of other great things to do like sports, theater society, the different activities, friends, and even the idea was in the back of my head through college.”

The seminary takes seven years if you went to college before the seminary and ten years if you go to college through the seminary, as Buck did. Buck said that he studied many different subjects, including philosophy, sacred scripture, Spanish, Greek, Latin, history, the sciences, theology, and Christology.

“The seminary is a period to discern God’s call in a more intentional manner, so you live in community with other guys who are discerning God’s call,” Buck said. “You pray together every day, you go to mass every day, you’re secluded from the world, so you don't have the freedom to go out whenever you want.”

“You have the freedom to study, to grow in friendship, to grow in human formation, and to grow intellectually,” Buck said. “So you’re studying all types of topics that relate to our faith and

O

relate to our humanity.” to use all of your gifts and talents,” Buck said.

While in the seminary, Buck was sent on assignments to variBuck said that God is calling all types of men to consider the ous locations including St. John’s Hospice in Philadelphia, Mary priesthood, and he wants young men to pay attention to the call.

Mother of the Redeemer parish, and even a prison. “You get a “You have to think to yourself, ‘Is God calling me to be whole lot of experiences along the way before you a priest?’ and you begin to ask yourself that actually become a priest,” he said. question, maybe you hear it in your heart,” he “We need Today, Buck is assigned to St. Andrew said. “We need courageous young men who will courageous Catholic Church in Newtown, Pennsylvania. humbly lay down their life as servants and to be young men who According to its website, St. Andrew’s is coma heroic priests.” will humbly lay prised of over 6100 registered families.

“It’s a great adventure, you’ll never have a down their life Buck’s days at the parish are busy. boring day,” he said. as servants and “I wake up pretty early,” Buck said. “I Buck participated in many activities and to be a heroic start the day with morning prayer, the sports at Malvern, including the Malvern priests...It’s a rosary. I say Mass every day, so I get a Theater Society, soccer, track, and wrestling. great adventure, homily prepared to celebrate morning Buck was also a MECO leader. you’ll never have mass, from there I have appointments “I can’t say I had a favorite subject, but a boring day." for funerals, weddings, individuals. I just the entire experience was beneficial for Fr. Jason Buck '03 might do 3 emergency calls to sick and my whole life.” Buck said. “The teachers, the dying people… it’s a pretty long day.” friendships, the athletic program, the activities, Buck has many responsibiliit was just a phenomenal place to go to school.” ties at the parish. “It’s a whole assortment: Buck says he sings often due to mass, and he credits Malvern’s from giving the Sacraments, to meetmusic department with his abilities. ing families and people, to running the He said Malvern also gave him a work ethic and a desire to youth group, to running the school, to learn. visiting people with dying parents, “I think Malvern gave me the opportunity to learn about dying children - just seeing a little so many different subject matters and to learn about the world bit of everything in life,” Buck said. and to learn about my faith, where the possibilities were really Buck said that he hopes peoendless,” Buck said. ple describe him as, “a joy-filled Buck said he is grateful for his experiences a Malvern. “I can’t priest… a good worker, someone thank them enough for what they gave me, I’ll probably always be who is strong in our faith… someone indebted for all of it, I loved Malvern, I love Malvern,” he said. who believes that Jesus Christ is alive Buck advised today’s Malvern students to pray every day. and present and that he loves us.”

“There’s no reason not to,” he said.

Buck said that most priests do go to He offered a blessing and hope for Malvern students. college first like he did, and he thinks “I hope a Malvern student of today is an authentic reflection it is the right path to take. of Jesus Christ in the world today,” Buck said. “That they become “You’re going to have have so many the best in whatever subject matter, athletic, or activity, and that demands placed on you as a priest that in whatever they’re doing that they become a reflection of Jesus a good formation is necessary so you Christ in either that subject or activity or sport, and they make don’t fall apart, you don’t break, and present Jesus Christ’s love in the world.” ◊ you can be who God wants you can be,

Middle school deans adapting into new roles Mr. Robert Buscaglia, Mr. Jamie Wasson, and Mr. Leo Kindon are all part of the new middle school dean movement.

JOE LISTER ’21 leadership team, which includes the other two middle school MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORTER deans, the two middle school counselors, Head of Middle he middle school announced three new deans and they School Mr. Patrick Sillup and Middle School Coordinator are working to keep grades six through eight at a con- Mrs. Michele Lott. sistent flow.

“We’ll discuss what’s happening at the middle school level Eighth Grade Dean and Spanish teacher and plan out what we need to start doing Mr. Robert Buscaglia says it seemed natutogether to make the Middle School experi“It’s been a lot more ral to move from his position as a foundence work,” he said. than I thought it’d be. ing Sixth Grade Academy team member to “Most recently it’s been about looking But in a good way. another brand new position as the Eighth back at orientation,” Buscaglia said. “In the In addition to my Grade Dean. beginning it was planning for orientation, regular teaching load, As a part of his new position, Buscaglia coordinating who’s going to use what spaces now I’m supporting says he’s had to train two new teachers, Ms. and who’s going to be where at what time.” new teachers. I’m Kimberly Sheets and Ms. Lori Trexler, in Buscaglia said his new role has been helping to implement addition to being a part of the interviewing more work than he had expected. “But in a a new curriculum." process. good way. In addition to my regular teachMr. Robert Buscaglia “They’re fantastic, they came in and hit ing load, now I’m supporting new teachers.

Eighth Grade Dean the ground running. They’ve had to deal with I’m helping to implement a new curriculum,” a lot of new stuff and some pretty intense he said. change, and they have been great assets,” he said.

With all his extra work, Buscaglia says that his perspective But that’s only a portion of what Buscaglia expect he’ll has changed. “If you were climbing a mountain and you looked have to do. at your view, at the beginning of your journey you could see The middle school recently added a feedback block for its some stuff, but as you kept getting higher and higher your view eighth graders, which is time that can be spent in multiple would get broader and broader,” he said. ways. The entire grade is tracking the journey of a t-shirt from Mr. Leo Kindon is the Seventh Grade Dean and English Plymouth honoring a fallen officer. Buscaglia picked bought teacher. He applied for the job because he felt he could do more the shirt in a convenience store in Nicaragua. than what he was doing in the middle school.

The eighth grade teachers are working on several ongoing “I wanted to become a little bit more involved in working projects. “Continuing to evolve the feedback block system, with a specific group of kids,” he said. “So I applied for the that’s one thing,” Buscaglia said. “Another is to constantly seventh grade job.” clarify goals and where we’re heading as a team.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “It’s a little bit more responsibilAt least twice a week, Buscaglia also meets with the ity, and time consuming.”

T

Kindon says that he gets to campus early, so he uses that time to get his work done.

Kindon also thinks that he’ll be doing a lot of parent interviews, curriculum decisions, and extra things like tutoring in the middle school experiential learning block.

“I think I’m more aware of things,” he said. “I’d just ask people to be patient, not everyone can be treated at the same time, so we’ve got to have a little bit of patience.”

Mr. Jamie Wasson is the Sixth Grade Dean and English teacher, and he took on his job because, like Buscaglia, he felt it was a natural next step after his two years with the Sixth Grade academy.

Wasson said he and Kindon have been working together to facilitate both sixth and seventh grade meetings. Sixth and seventh grade teachers mix between the two grade levels, while eighth grade teachers only teach eighth grade.

Wasson says that he thinks most of his work coming up will have to do with continuing the academy approach and making sure that his kids get a good experience.

For Wasson, the adjustment from teacher to dean is “wonderful.”

“Kindon has taught here for a very long time and he mentored me as a young teacher,” he said. Wasson’s connection to Buscaglia through the Sixth Grade Academy founding team has strengthened their relationship, he said.

“The three of us really get along together and work well together,” Wasson said. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this and I’m excited to see where it goes.” ◊

The

Page 10

T

his year we conducted our second annual freshman class survey.

We’d like to thank the 83% of Malvern freshmen who took the time to complete the survey during orientation. On average, it took freshmen 5-7 minutes to complete the survey.

Each time we offer this survey, we hope to improve it with new questions and continual improvements to the survey design. Next year, we plan on having students taking the survey with the screens facing the wall so others can not see their answers. This will allow for more candid responses without students peering over shoulders for parents.

Even though two years doesn’t give us data enough to establish trends, it still is interesting to see the similarities and differences between the class of 2020 and 2019. Although there is much more to this class than the answers to 46 questions, we hope that these 24 graphs give a good snapshot of the Malvern Prep Class of 2020.

Tommy Pero ‘17, Tyler Pizzico ‘17 Editors-in-Chief

The vast majority of you use social media regularly, and this is a great thing. However, it can also be a problem if used irresponsibly.

Two years ago, a student was impersonated on Twitter, and the fake derogatory comments the account was producing temporarily ruined his reputation. It is important to know there are two different versions of yourself that people see: you in real life and you on social media. Make sure you give people a valid representation of the good person you are when you’re on Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat. Remember that nothing is truly private – screenshots get shared, and negative news spreads fast. You would do yourself an injustice if someone – say a college rep, future coach, or future employer – developed a bad perception of you as a person before they even meet you.

Around 20% of the freshman class stated that they have used alcohol at least once. Those who haven’t consumed alcohol are in good shape, and those who may have experimented at least can be honest. It is important to know your limits and look out for your friends who may make a mistake by abusing alcohol.

Counselors and Peer Educators are always available and willing to support you with help if necessary.

Just over half of the class has not had a concert experience. Probably Spotify users. The other 45% are living it up at festival pier. We do hope that if the Wiggles was an option, 100% of you would have said yes.

Sports was number one by a long shot. However, a lot of our incoming freshmen seem to keep up well with other news, too, which is awesome.

The BFC covers everything from campus news to sports to world affairs.

Many said they like to follow US politics or global issues. Come write for us, we’d like more coverage of politics and global issues.

Chase Bennett, Ethan Rowley Art Director, Managing Editor - Print

The apple with a bite in it seems to dominate this one. Even though the majority of you have access to smartphones, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy this year helps put everyone on a relatively equal playing field in terms of technological accessibility.

The favorite sport for the class to watch seems to primarily be football.

One of the best things about Malvern is friar nation because it gives everyone a chance to come support their friends in the various activities they participate in. That can be from the jazz band concert to the spring show to the lacrosse championship game. On a national level, sports games and SportsCenter are always on the flatscreens in Stewart.

43% of the class said that they would vote for Donald Trump which is very interesting.

His celebrity status and comedic personality might have played a big role in your decisions, but hopefully you can say you also agree on his policies. In second place was “I would choose not to vote.” What is that, Italian? That’s a really long name. Joking aside, Hillary Clinton was the second place answer that was actually a person at 10%.

Did you know that our very own Mrs. Nancy Gustitis, who works in the campus store, worked with Trump for over a decade? See our story at mpfriarslantern.com. (Former Malvern college counselor Ms. Lauren Randle worked on the Clinton campaign).

We feel that it’s awesome that students are getting their news from social media. With the times changing, news outlets have to stretch beyond tradition and reach people where they are, which is why the BFC staff is working hard on our social media presence. We just want you to make sure you are following reputable sources. Don’t go into history class after reading a TMZ article and say, “Kanye is going to be president.” Follow feeds that give balanced perspectives, because social media usually caters to your own biases. It is useless to only get one side of the story.

Blackfriar

Chronicle

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 11

A lot of you said you would have gone to Downingtown East or Great Valley, but St. Joe’s Prep was the number one answer. Did our beating them in football help you make up your mind?

Joking aside, like we mentioned in our “reasons for attending Malvern” graphic we find it interesting that St. Joe’s, another Catholic school, was the top choice yet only a small fraction of you said Catholicism was a deciding factor. Take a step back and reevaluate the many benefits of a Catholic education and how it would differ from a public school education. For the guys that come from a public school, think about how Malvern is different than your previous schools. For us, we can say it makes a huge difference.

There is a great diversity among the guys that answered. Math took number one in both favorite and least favorite which is incredibly interesting. Did people say math because that’s what everyone says when asked that question? We don’t want to make presumptions but some of that convention may have crept in. At Malvern, you will truly discover subjects you are passionate about so if you’re ever asked that question again, you’ll have a completely confident response.

English took second in least favorite. Those guys who hate English, come write for the BFC! You can improve your writing while impacting the school community.

Just under half of the class chose academics as their number one reason for coming to Malvern. A lot of students also recognize the strong social and athletic presence at the school which is awesome. Malvern really develops the whole person: academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually. It was surprising to see was that only 1% chose Malvern for Catholicism. The top school that students would have attended if not Malvern was St. Joseph’s Prep, another Catholic school. Faith may have played a bigger role in your decision than you thought.

Last year, 94% of students identified as Catholic or Christian. 5% stated they did not identify with a religion and there were no students that identified with Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism. This year we have much more diversity. Malvern may teach religion from the perspective of the Catholic Church, but it is accepting of all faiths. Our core values of truth, unity, and love break religious barriers and help to develop students of all faiths into the best men they can be.

Malvern is continuing to grow in diversity. In the current senior class, over 95% of students are caucasian.

That number has gone down by almost 10% in just 4 years. In 2013, Malvern announced a goal of 20% diversity by 2020.

This year, the school's website announces an enhanced statement on Diversity and Inclusion.

We hope to continue to spark conversation around this topic.

Bus and car riders take up about 80% of the class. Some take advantage of carpooling and older siblings giving them a lift while the remainder relies on the old fashioned locomotive.

Make sure if you’re getting dropped off by car, you don’t go into the bus line. Mr. Dougherty isn’t amused after the fifth time you do it.

Most of you are planning on playing at least one sport your Freshman year. Sailing, rugby, and weightlifting didn’t even have teams 5 years ago and now there is significant interest in all of them. Coach John Harmatuk is going to have his hands full with 48 basketball freshmen trying out for basketball...

May students have experienced the urge to peek on someone else’s test when they don’t know the answer, or copy last night’s homework when you were too tired to do it. Take it from us that cheating is not worth it. Even though Malvern is an incredibly forgiving school, there are serious consequences for academic dishonesty. One grade isn’t worth a strike on your permanent record for college.

As many times as someone says cheating and collaboration are the same thing, they’re not.

Seriously. Teachers DO encourage helping your peers out, but they DO NOT support giving out answers.

The

Page 12

Nearly half of the class of 2020 are coming from Malvern’s middle school.

It is really important for the “lifers” to get to know the new students coming in and vice versa.

Of course you can stay close with the students from your own school, but branch out and make new friends as soon as possible.

It is very nice to see that only a few freshmen have experimented with marijuana. With laws concerning the drug changing, it is likely to be more and more available. It is important for Malvern students to ignore the trend and keep a strong character. For those who have tried it, it’s not the end of the world – but you should review the six pages in our student handbook dedicated to drug and alcohol policies. In high school, you will be exposed to it more and more. Try to avoid those situations so you aren’t tempted, and help your brothers to do the same.

I

STUDENT SECTION

f you’re new on campus this year, you’ll find out pretty quickly that the student section is the place to be at all Malvern sporting events.

The student section can look kinda scary at first, but if you follow these rules, fitting in will be a breeze. ΟΟ Go to the games. There a great place to connect with your class and the rest of the school. ΟΟ Be aware of the dogpiles that will happen after every touchdown. ΟΟ Be aware of and follow the themes. Nothing bothers other members of the section more than the guy that didn’t wear white or a jersey (or whatever the theme is). ΟΟ There is a strict hierarchy when it comes to where we stand on the bleachers: Freshmen in the back, juniors and sophomores in the middle, seniors in the front. ΟΟ Remember for chants, we chant 3 times. Not 2. Not 4. 5 is out of the question. ΟΟ Be prepared to catch the energy orb and throw it back when we throw it up to you guys. ΟΟ Don’t try to be a hero. I’ve learned from experience that trying to start a chant as an underclassman is impossible. Let the seniors run the show. ΟΟ Get weird. ΟΟ Games against Haverford are a must-attend every year. ΟΟ Scream and shout as loud as you can during the game, especially when we’re chanting at the opposing student section. ΟΟ Encourage your friends to go to the games with you; the more friars we have up there the better.

-H. Malone

Blackfriar

Chronicle

From our perspective, it looks like many of you were spot on with your predictions of homework for freshman year. One to two hours probably is the average for each night, and a majority of you seem like you’re well prepared for that workload. To the students who said none, we’re sorry – there’s a little more work involved than that. To our brothers who spent four-plus hours in grade school, we’re even more sorry. That won’t happen until you get Mr. Roper in junior year. To the guys who will get Mr. Roper junior year, we can’t give you an accurate number. Legend says somewhere from 20-22 hours each night.

This year, the highest percentage of people identify as being part of the upper middle class. According to Pew Research in 2014, 51% of adults lived in middle-income households, 29% in lower-income households and 20% in upper-income households. We were curious to see how you described your family's socioeconomic class, without labeling any financial numbers to the categories. The average household income of a Malvern family is estimated to be $311,125, according to an optional, self-reported survey of current parents done by The Fidelum Group in 2015.

I

STEWART HALL

f you’re a newcomer to the Class of 2020 and didn’t go to the middle school or are a new face on campus and aren’t exactly sure how to act in Stewart Hall, aka the cafeteria, aka the caf, this is for you. ΟΟ Leave your backpack right in the area where you walk in (or outside if the weather is nice). If everyone brought their bags around with them during lunch, the place would be a mess.

However, during break or community time, when there are less people around, feel free to carry it with you. ΟΟ Seniors probably aren’t reading this but it is worth saying that you have to wait in the line to buy food if you aren’t a senior. ΟΟ During lunch, don’t leave the table you ate at looking like somebody emptied a trash can onto it. You will appreciate that one when you have caf-duty. ΟΟ It might be tempting, but nobody likes that guy who steals chairs at break when the owner of the chair is getting food. Just do us all a favor – walk 40 feet and get a chair from the stacks outside Mr. Gray’s office. ΟΟ Water is free at the fountain drink dispenser. I recommend you use this solely for the ice cubes because they are extremely underrated. ΟΟ Stewart Hall is open all day and before school for breakfast, but you can only buy food before school, during break, and during lunch. ΟΟ If the weather is nice, seniors go to the patio outside. Do not go there until you’re a senior. ΟΟ Try to stay in uniform while in the caf because Mr. Dougherty has been known to hand out break duties when he sees a sweatshirt. ΟΟ The water fountains next to the bathrooms are not magic. They just work on a motion sensor. ΟΟ Stack your chair after third lunch… or else.

-J. Magargee

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 13

A fifth of the freshman class love the collaborative feel of groups while a third would rather shrink that down to just a partner. The remainder do their best work alone. (“I have my headphones in, don’t talk to me right now.”) At Malvern, you are going to learn in all three environments so you’ll learn to be efficient in each - even if you still end up disliking it.

Three quarters of the class of 2020 are world travelers, while the remaining 25% like home sweet home - or have not yet had the opportunity to travel outside the US. Those of you who haven’t, don’t worry.

Your junior service trip provides a great opportunity. If you don’t feel like waiting for junior year, you can always contact Ms. Lohse to get involved with the global exchange program.

ΟΟ

ΟΟ

ΟΟ

ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ

This year the freshman class racked up just under 1000 books read, which is a substantial 17% decrease from last year’s bookworms.

At the time of the survey – less than a week before the start of school – 77% of freshmen reported they had completed their summer reading.

By our survey responses, the average freshman read five books for school and four books for enjoyment last year. However, we'd like to give a shout-out to the anonymous freshman who said he read 100 books for enjoyment and threw off the average. There are several Malvern English teachers who would like to meet you.

MRS. SUSAN GIORDANI

JUSTIN LEONARD '05

MR. JOHN BOHANNON

English Teacher

“The best advice I can give to any new student that comes to Malvern is to have fun and experience everything the school has to offer. Don’t just be content with one aspect of the school like sports or the fine arts. If you are an athlete, don’t be intimidated to try music or art classes, run for the student government or sign up for one of the many activities the school offers. Malvern Prep does not just prepare you for college, but it gives you the tools needed to be successful in life, so take advantage of every opportunity presented to you!”

English Teacher

“Try really really hard not to get behind. Stay on task. Be Proactive. Be preemptive.

Study ahead of time. Give yourself a little bit of time every day so that you don't fall behind. Try something new…

Reach outside of your comfort zone.”

T

We can’t call it a trend yet, but Malvern’s freshmen are shorter this year than last year. A full inch shorter than the class average from last year, and two and half inches shorter than the national average, the class of 2020 may be a little vertically challenged right now. Of course height isn’t everything – but it is kind of concerning when a third of the class wants to play basketball…

DUFFY CENTER

he Duffy Center is the place to be for more artistic Malvern students. Even if you don’t think you are artistically inclined, here are some ground rules that are easy enough to follow.

When there is an assembly for the entire Upper School in the Duffy auditorium, the freshmen get to sit up in the balcony. The view from up there is beat only by the seniors sitting in the front, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Also during an assembly, make sure you leave your bag in Carney or somewhere else, because it’s easy to be standing there looking for your bag in the lobby and holding everyone else up.

In Mr. Liga’s choral room, there are about a dozen acoustic guitars. If you want to play them, just knock on the door and ask if you can use them. Most of the time you’ll be able to then rock out in the lobby.

Don’t climb over the furniture in the auditorium. It’s easy to get hurt (I’d know) and to scuff the furniture. So just don’t do it. Or put your feet up.

You can’t have any food or drink in the auditorium. You’ll just have to finish your snack in the lobby.

When someone is trying to get past you in the auditorium, please stand up and let him pass through. It’s easier for him and for you then if he jostles you and steps on your toes.

Don’t touch the art up on the walls in the lobby. People worked really hard on those pieces and you don’t want to be the guy who ruins artwork.

Duffy is like a second home for some of your brothers, and if you want, it could be yours too.

-J. McClatchy

T ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ ΟΟ

“Get involved in as many different things as you can.”

HALLWAYS

he hallways are where you will be spending your time waiting outside of class or walking through to your next one. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.

Don’t stand in the middle of the hallway. You’ll just be making things more awkward for you and the kid who’s sprinting to class who bumps into you.

Always, and I mean always say hello and shake hands with Father Flynn if you see him.

Don’t make the bottom floor of Carney smell any worse.

If a senior is trying to get past you, get out of the way.

Carney has the worst bathrooms on campus. We recommend Duffy.

If you don’t lock your locker, someone might use it as a trash can.

LEARNING COMMONS

T

he Learning Commons is a great common area to learn and work with your fellow friars. It can be loud, but it’s a great place to collaborate with others and experience everything that’s going on with academics at Malvern. Here are a few tips. ΟΟ The “quiet room” is not quiet. Be careful when going, because it is currently the de facto senior lounge. ΟΟ Some time ago, legend says, there used to be a room for student learning and use called the “Maker Lab,” where the teachers currently have a lounge. But that is just a legend. That room is off-limits to students. ΟΟ You can write on the walls, just make sure it’s actually where the IdeaPaint is. ΟΟ You can check out rooms to use for clubs or other stuff.

Just talk to Mrs. Diane Dougherty. ΟΟ Be really nice and talk to everyone who works in the Learning Commons. ΟΟ Put Chromebooks back in the carts, and put chairs and tables back where you got them.

-T. Pero

SPORTS

S

The

Page 14

Friars committed over the summer to continue athletics in college Take a look where some of Malvern’s baseball and lacrosse players will continue their studies and athletics.

Eric McLaughlin ’18 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR he beginning of the school year is almost always a stressful time. Students are trying to shake off the cob-webs and fall sports are already in full swing.

For most students, the grades they get now will decide what college they will go to. But for many student-athletes that decision was made over the summer.

This summer, multiple Malvern athletes made commitments to continue playing sports in college. This included athletes playing a variety of sports, but in this article we featured lacrosse and baseball.

Senior lacrosse player Alex Reber decided to continue his lacrosse career next year at Swarthmore College. Reber plays defense at Malvern and is very excited about his commitment.

“I was really excited to finally make my decision and know that I will be able to play competitive lacrosse for four more years after graduating Malvern,” Reber said.

He said that he is also happy to be done with his college decision process and now just has to apply to one school. Reber played on varsity as a junior last year and also plays on a club team in the fall and summer.

“I think that playing for Malvern along with the Under Armour tryouts helped with my recruitment more than playing for my club team,” Reber said. “The Swarthmore coach contacted Coach McEvoy who put us both in touch.”

Reber said that he was considering some other schools such as Tufts, Williams, and Stevenson but he ended up choosing Swarthmore because of its proximity to home, great academics, and the positive atmosphere he felt when he was on campus.

Another Malvern student who verbally committed over the summer was Sophomore Chris Newell. Newell committed to play baseball at the University of Virginia.

“I felt a little bit shocked to find out that I received the

Blackfriar

Chronicle

The next chapter of Malvern Intramurals The program plans to initiate more interest in the student body with innovative ideas.

T

> 1, WELCOME TO #FRITOWN

ALEX REBER / E. MCLAUGHLIN

offer from UVA,” Newell said. “I’ve always wanted to go there. It is a great school with a top level baseball team.”

Similarly to Reber, Newell plays on a travel team throughout the year but UVA’s coach contacted coach Hilliard to talk about Chris.

Newell still has a lot of time before officially signing with Virginia senior year. He and Reber both need to keep their grades up, stay out of trouble, and continue with their success on and off the field. ◊

CHRIS NEWELL / H. MALONE

SENIOR GARETT MYERS HAULS IN A PASS DURING FOOTBALL INTRAMURAL PRACTICE T. PERO

Sean Ward ’17 REPORTER fter gradually decreasing in popularity over the past couple years, new intramurals faculty leader Mr. Andrew Burke says the intramurals program is looking to bounce back for the 2016-17 school year.

Three years ago, the majority of the student body showed up to watch the championship game of the fall flag football tournament.

Economics teacher and previous head of the intramural program Mr. John Ostick believes that the decrease in student turnout was due to the block schedule change instituted two years ago for the 2014-2015 school year.

With the school day ending at 3:10 it became much harder for students to participate because they had

A

According to his website (sammorafootball.com), he was “part of the teams that are trotting out a quarterback that is playing for them out of most prolific quarterback development teams in the West Coast,” and has necessity.” even had the opportunity to train Division 1 and NFL athletes, including “I think that we have three guys on our team that we can roll out there. I Jameis Winston and Logan Thomas. can literally go ’eenie meenie miney moe’ for a quarterback and feel confident But, Mora’s path to Malvern started back in July during a USA Football that we are going to win.”

Camp.

Outside of his coaching strategy, Mora’s ability to connect with his “I met Coach Mora for the first time this summer,” players is specifically unique. football head coach Mr. Aaron Brady said. “I had known “One thing that I have picked up on with being a “We have three great of him prior to that because he had worked with Alex football coach is to motivate guys the way they want to quarterbacks who are Hornibrook and also current Malvern quarterbacks.” be motivated, and not the way I want to be motivated,” capable of playing Brady was running a USA Football camp down in Mora said. college football. To Maryland when he was first formally introduced to Coach Throughout his coaching career, he has learned to see have a guy like [Mora] Mora, who was hired by USA Football to work the camp. what his players are into. He is constantly trying to get to to actually work with “He was currently looking for a job, and we needed a know his players: what they are listening to, what they are them and to train new quarterbacks coach,” Brady said. watching, and how they are dressing. them to keep going During the camp, Brady took a special liking to Current starting quarterback, Kevin Doyle, also thinks towards their goal is Mora’s ability to relate with the kids. that Coach Mora is a good addition to the coaching staff. just really fortunate."

“I watched him work, and the most impressive thing “He is a great addition to the team and is overall a great to me about him was how well he works with the kids. I guy,” Doyle said. “He makes everyone around him in a Coach Aaron Brady felt that the kids got better around him, but also enjoyed better mood by his lively coaching style, positive attitude, the experience,” Brady said. and great sense of humor.”

Only two weeks after the football camp, Mora was offered the position Currently, he has coined the term “Fritown” in an attempt to motivate and moved from his hometown to Malvern on August 7. his team. “I felt that it was a cool, goofy hip thing, that whether if you liked “When the opportunity to come here opened up, I knew I wanted to be it or laughed at it, it would get a reaction,” Mora said. a part of this program,” Mora said.

After he started to spread the brand of “#Fritown” on social media, he Mora’s job is to help prepare the Malvern quarterbacks for not only feared how much of a success it would become. gameday, but also for college.

“In all honestly, I felt that when I first started saying it, a lot of people “We have three great quarterbacks who are capable of playing college were laughing at it, but after that LaSalle game, I think everybody wants football,” Brady said. “To have a guy like that to actually work with them to be a resident of #Fritown.” and to train them to keep going towards their goal is just really fortunate.”

Overall however, Mora is excited and happy to be here at Malvern.

Throughout the week, Mora discusses with the quarterbacks what they “It is just a really nice campus and I have heard people talk about the are going to do offensively, and tries to put them in the best situation. brotherhood here and how great it is,” Mora said. “I mean, if you have an “I coach them up,” Mora said. “I try to teach them the tendencies the opportunity to be a part of something like that, it is really hard to say no.” ◊ defenses are going to do and how we plan on attacking and exploiting them.”

Mora has more than enough confidence in the three current Varsity quarterbacks, all of which are of high caliber.

“I am really lucky,” Mora said. “There are a ton of high school football

to catch a bus or go to other activities, he said.

Classes only go to 3:00 this year, but something more than ten extra minutes after school has to be done in order to get the student body excited about intramurals again.

Burke has some ideas.

He said the program plans to continue popular sports such as flag football, basketball, and handball, but with some innovative twists.

For example, handball will be switched to speedball, which is very similar to handball but “faster and more active” according to Burke.

Another idea that the program plans to institute is to have the championship of an intramural game played at half time of Malvern football or basketball games.

Burke said the program is also looking to expand to playing speedball to other schools, especially those in the Inter-Ac, in a championship style tournament.

“For example, Malvern would choose a champion through a play in tournament and then have an Inter-Ac championship,” said Burke.

He said schools like Episcopal, G e r m a n t o w n A c a d e m y, a n d Springside Chestnut Hill all play speedball already and love it.

These ideas were introduced to students Wednesday, September 14, at the annual activity fair and interest in the program is already rising.

Seniors Sam Rose and Garrett Myers, who have never played intramurals before, are planning on playing for the first time this year.

“I plan on playing football, basketball, and speedball,” Myers said after visiting the activities fair. He is also very excited by the potential opportunity to play against other schools in a tournament.

Rose is also excited by the multischool tournament idea as he would love to “smash Haverford.”

“What we’re looking to do is build upon the success of the previous program,” Burke said.

According to Burke, the two main goals of the program are to build upon its success in previous years and generate more success in the student body.

The flag football season begins the week of Monday, September 16, and with more than 20 teams signed up, the program is off to a good start in fulfilling its goals for the year. ◊

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 15

One last season with the boys This season will be a bittersweet one for senior Justin Titchenell as he looks to end his Friar career strong.

Henry Malone ’17 SPORTS EDITOR fter a breakout season in 2015, number 58 yearns to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines for one more year.

Standing six feet tall and 250 pounds, Justin Titchenell has the size necessary to play Defensive Tackle and anchor the interior of the Friar defense.

As defender on the defensive line, you need to be able to engage with the offensive lineman, read the play, and make a split second decision on where to go.

“There are three key things you need to play the position: Toughness, strength, and a mean streak,” Titchenell said.

And Justin has those three qualities in spades, receiving All Inter-Ac and All-Area honors for his play on the defensive line as a junior.

“Every play you have a collision, and every play you have to react to what happens in front of you on defense, and that’s what he’s best at,” Head Football Coach Aaron Brady said. “He’s very strong, he’s spent some time in the weight room.”

Titchenell’s personal football career can be traced back to the third grade, when he was only eight years old.

“I first started playing flag football when I was in third grade at St. Agnes, but I eventually started playing tackle football in 5th grade,” he said.

Brady not only lauded Titchenell for what he does on the field, but off the field as well.

“You’ll see him out there this past winter and spring in the morning running and doing extra work and working on his technique,” Brady said. “He’s definitely put in a lot of time into his craft in playing football and getting better at the little things.”

The praise for Justin doesn’t end with the coaching staff, however. He’s also received glowing reviews from his teammates.

“He’s the hardest worker on the field and you can always count on him to be there for you,” senior wide receiver Mike Fay said. “He’s super passionate about football and probably loves it more than anyone on the team.”

Although this will be his final year donning the Malvern Prep blue and white, Tichnell plans on playing at the collegiate level after graduating.

“He’s gonna play in college,” Brady said. “We don’t know where yet, but he’ll definitely play somewhere.”

Justin has mostly been getting looks from Centennial schools, such as Gettysburg, Johns Hopkins, Franklin and Marshall, and Dickinson, as well as a few FCS programs like Butler and Bucknell.

“Whether its Division III or I-AA… [he’ll play] Division 3 but with high academics,” Brady said.

However, Justin still has his focus on this season, and plans to go out with a bang.

“We want to win each game as it comes,” Titchenell

A

S

SPORTS

The

September 2016

Fantasy Football season builds unity, competition

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TOMMY PERO LOOKS AT JORDAN MATTHEWS’ STATS / H. MALONE

As Malvern begins its new school year, students are beginning their quest for a Fantasy title.

Brian Szipszky ’20 CONTRIBUTOR s people fold their beach chairs and purchase their school supplies, they only wish summer had lasted longer. For Fantasy Football fans however, this time of year couldn’t have come sooner.

Fantasy Football is especially popular around the Malvern campus: people will edit teams during lunch, Community Time, study hall, and in between classes. The hunger for fantasy glory fills students’ minds.

“Every year, I can not wait for the Fantasy season,” Jack Guardiola ’20 said.” I think it’s kind of fun that you can be in a league with your friends, and then I think the fact that you get to build your own team and have it be yours is very cool.”

Playing Fantasy with friends seems to be a common reason why people participate, as well as the experience of stepping into the role of general manager of your own made up NFL team. Owners can draft players, then edit their roster as the season progresses.

“I like the competition,” Jimmy Tegler, Jr. ’20 said. “I love being able to draft players as my own.” Tegler discussed how a team can really feel personally special to an owner, especially when that team is successful.

Since Fantasy Football typically involves at least 10 teams, it is considered a very social event. Fantasy Football can help strengthen the Malvern brotherhood - in more ways than you think.

Eric Villano ’20 talked about how Fantasy Football really brings people together, and that being in a league with other Malvern students helps him meet new people. Jack Guardiola, on the other hand, believes fantasy is the cradle of trash talk, banter, and bragging. “Making jokes about your friends’ teams actually helps you, you know, get closer to them,” Guardiola said.

Although it’s a bonding experience, the leagues are still meant to be competitive. Guardiola had some words of wisdom he wanted to share on how to edge out your opponent.

“Always pay attention to who is scoring on your team and adjust your rosters weekly,” he said. “Sometimes people forget and this can give you an advantage. I just hope I can follow my own advice this year.”

Even faculty know it’s that time of year. Malvern English teacher Susan Giordani shared her opinion on the yearly phenomenon.

“I’m in a league too,” Giordani said. “I have a positive perspective on fantasy football, but, you know, kids shouldn’t gamble.” ◊

A JUSTIN TITCHNELL / H. MALONE

said. “Our schedule for the first half of the season is probably the toughest in all of southeastern PA. We play powerhouses all across the area like La Salle, Gilman, Pope John Sparta, and Imhotep.”

Their main goal for this season, however, is the same as always. “[We want to] win the Inter-Ac and beat the Fords,” Titchenell said with a smile.

Along with his accolades, Justin’s favorite memory from Malvern also comes from his Junior year.

“My favorite memory would be beating the Prep last season,” Titchenell said. “We were the underdogs but we still came out with great confidence and executed our gameplan perfectly.”

Although that may be what Justin will remember the most, what he’ll miss the most is the Malvern football experience.

“Playing high school football is an experience like no other,” Titchenell said. “Everything we do is not always fun, but going out on the field on gameday makes the hard work and sacrifices worth it.”

“I will miss the O-line vs. D-line rivalries at practice, the excitement of gameday, but mostly my teammates and the coaches that have done so much in helping me grow as a person over the past couple years,” he said. ◊

Haines shows well at 2016 Crossfit Games After months of preparation, Evan Haines went to LA to try and gain the title “Most Fit Teen in the World.”

Kyle Leonard ’19 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR ophomore Evan Haines stepped out onto the big stage this summer in Los Angeles, California; however, he wasn’t in Hollywood for a movie. Instead, Haines participated in the Crossfit Games, the most prestigious competition a contestant can reach in the world of Crossfit.

Haines prepared for months to reach this competition, participating in many preliminary workouts and other competitions. The Crossfit Games only select 10 people to participate in Haines’s age group.

From July 19-21, Haines participated in one of the toughest, most grueling physical tests in the world, which challenged the competitor’s strength in all parts of the body.

Going into the competition, Haines only had one goal in mind.

“I really wanted to show up, do really well, and get

into the top 3,” Haines said.

At the Games themselves, Haines had a great time with the other competitors.

“The atmosphere was great,” Haines said. “It was fun, there were a lot of people, and the other kids in my age group were really nice and supportive. It was really cool being around top athletes from all around the world. It was great getting know the kids I was with.”

At the competition, Haines placed 6th out of the 10 competitors in his age group.

“I didn’t achieve my initial goal, but I thought I had a good performance,” Haines said.

Regarding next year, Haines is already working towards next year’s Games “I'm going to try and make [the Crossfit Games] for the years to come,” he said. ◊

S

COURTESY E. HAINES

SPORTS

S

The

Page 16

Blackfriar

Chronicle

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS What to expect from the Friars for the fall season

Championship goals for Brady and Friar Football Inter-Ac conference play looms as Friars start season strong with wins against high-caliber schools like LaSalle and Pope John Paul Henry Malone ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR ith a high-powered offense, and a stifling defensive presence, 2016 looks like the year the Friars could bring the Inter-Ac conference title back home.

The objective this season is the same as always.

“The biggest thing is to win our games at home, and win the league,” Head Coach Aaron Brady said candidly Although Malvern lost it’s inaugural game this season to the fellowAugustinians at St. Augustine’s Prep in New Jersey, Brady and the team bounced quickly with key wins over LaSalle and Pope John Paul.

It goes without saying that after the season, Senior leaders will graduate, and players in the rising class must step up and carry the torch. This year’s leaders seem more than up to the task of guiding the team to victory.

“Jake Glavin, Mike Fay, Justin Tichenell, Jerry Curran, and Zac Fernandez,” Brady said. “Those five guys, it starts right there,” he said.

Along with Brady, the Friars themselves believe that they can win the win the Inter-Ac this year and knock the Fords off their perch.

“We are really excited for Inter-Ac play to start,” Senior Matt Daller said. “But we have two big game this week and next week to deal with first,” Daller said.

W

Koenig’s Friars looking to take the next step After finishing 2nd in Inter-Ac play this season, the Friars hope to “run away” with this year’s crosscountry title.

Henry Malone ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR ast year didn’t end the way the team hoped, but with talent and speed from top to bottom, this year’s team can certainly beat last year’s finish.

“The expectation every year is to win the league,” Coach Mike Koenig said. “[And to place] top 3 at states,” he said.

Along with the shared goal of winning the league, each runner sets individual goals that they hope to hit as well.

“Once they have a couple of races under their belt we can start to figure out where they’ll be by the end of the season,” Koenig said. [Those goals] always operate within the framework of a team goal,” he said.

Senior Ryan Franks, for example, has individual goals set for himself, but keeps the team within focus.

“My goals this year were to be one of our top 7 varsity runners, break 20 minutes, and bring the Inter-Ac title back to Warren Avenue,” Franks said.

This year’s team, lead by Juniors Peter Borger, John Powers, and Danny Malloy, as well as Seniors Luke Matzke and Zac DeStefano, looks set to contend not only in the Inter-Ac, but in State competitions as well.

L

Every team needs a

CAPTAIN.

Every team also needs a

SPORTS BEAT REPORTER.

Interested in covering sports for The Blackfriar Chronicle?

Get in touch: Pat Ferraiolo pferraiolo70@malvernprep.org Henry Malone hmalone70@malvernprep.org

Friar Golf has tough act to follow Malvern Prep Golf will have their work cut out for them this fall having one of the best seasons in school history last year.

Henry Malone ’17 SPORTS EDITOR

E

ven though the 2015 Friars compiled an overall record of 39-2-1, as well as a league record of 29-0-1, the returning players this year are prepared to give this season their all, and try to meet their now lofty expectations.

“Our goal every year is to win the Inter-Ac team championship so this year is no different,” Head Coach Gary Duda said. “The PAISSA State Tournament title is also in our sights as we compete against the top private schools in the state of Pa in late October.”

Senior Captains Nick Miller and Gavin Sims lead the way for the Friars, with the rest of the team being rounded out by Juniors Matt Davis, Eric McLaughlin, and Griffin Kennedy, as well as sophomores John Updike, Matt Civitella, Andrew Curran and Kevin Hagan.

They currently sit at 5 wins and 2 losses, although both losses came in tournament play with multiple different teams competing.

“My hope for the remainder of the season is that all the members of the team will be able to play to the best of their ability,” Senior John Sudjian said, “and be able to achieve our goals for the year of winning the Inter-Ac and the State Championship.”

Despite the sky-high expectations this year, the Friars are determined to work as hard as they can to be the best team they can be.

Coyle, Pina, Albergo lead Friar soccer in 2016 Although losing key players from last season to the ever-inevitable graduation, Seniors Billy Coyle, Cullen Pina, and Nate Albergo are ready to move on from the past and into the future of Malvern soccer.

Henry Malone ’17 SPORTS EDITOR lthough the 2015 Friars aspired to win the Inter-Ac, the team’s season came to an end with a loss to Haverford, and a 2nd place finish in the conference standings. But this year’s squad is set on history not repeating itself.

“With the amount of talent we have, I expect to win the Inter-Ac,” Albergo said.

“We lost key seniors last year but we’ve had new arrivals step up, as well as returning varsity players.”

Although the team currently holds record of 3-3-1, the team beat The Kiski School, one of the best teams in Pennsylvania by a convincing 3-0 final score. Also, conference play hasn’t started yet, leaving the door wide open for the Friars.

In addition to this year’s team captains, Malvern has also been lifted by strong play from the underclassmen, specifically juniors Jake Hodlofski and Mike Castaldi.

A

Water Polo seeking Inter-ac four-peat Off to a great 5-0 start, the water polo team and continue to thrive under coach Jay Schiller.

John McGlinn ’18 REPORTER

W

ith several returning starters and a strong Junior class, the Water Polo team has a target on their backs.

Varsity Water Polo is looking to win their fou r t h c on s e c ut iv e Inter-ac championship and the odds are in their favor.

Led by senior captains Nick Calvaresi ’17 and Zach Maher ’17 the water polo team is currently 5-0 with big wins over several East Coast powerhouses including Loyola, and Calvert Hall.

The team started league play already with an 11-1 win over Friends Central. Isaac Salinas ’16 led the

charge with 6 goals while Seamus Glynn racked up 5 steals.

Juniors and returning First team all Inter-ac players Steve Salle ’16 and Isaac Salinas ’16 are both leading the team powerful shots.

Upcoming Juniors Seamus Glynn and Sean Oates help round out the team on defense. “We are getting a lot of production on defense from Seamus who leads the team in steals,” Sean said.

The question of who would play goalie after Rory Allen graduated, has now been solved. Both Griffin Delaney ‘18 and Jack Leyden ‘18 have shared the starting role and it will continue to play out this way for the remainder of the season, or until one of them steps up and assumes the entire role.

The team faces tough competition in the upcoming weeks with LaSalle, known for their competitive swimming and The Hill School, a boarding school in Pottstown.

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 17

• REVIEWS Retro Review: “The Shawshank Redemption” Before there was “Orange is the New Black,” there was this Stephen King adaptation.

Aidan White ’20 CONTRIBUTOR n a time where movie studios release only big blockbuster films, it is nice to take a look at a meaningful movie from 1994.

“The Shawshank Redemption” is a film that has withstood the test of time. It is considered by many to be one the best films ever.

We follow a lawyer named Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Rollins, who is falsely accused of killing his wife and her boyfriend. He is then sent to Shawshank Prison to serve two consecutive life sentences. The film chronicles his time in prison and his interactions with the other prisoners and the prison staff.

Viewers watch the story through the eyes and perspective of longtime prisoner Red, who is played by Morgan Freeman. The friendship that develops between Andy and Red is at the heart of the film.

Red has been in prison for most of his life and is able to smuggle items in from the outside to sell to the other prisoners. When Andy opens up to Red and asks for a rock hammer, the plot starts to get moving.

I love “The Shawshank Redemption,” I would consider it one of my favorite movies of all time. The movie is shot in a way where you can pause anywhere in the movie and just by the setting itself you can get a clear meaning

I

of what the tone of the scene is. The writing and acting are both phenomenal. Andy and Red, along with the supporting cast, both feel like real people. The movie is basically a jack of all trades.

While writing this article, I wanted to see what another student here at Malvern thought about the film. I tried to ask about what the other student disliked about the film rather than what they liked. “The only thing I disliked about the film was that time went by too fast.” Mani Venkatesh ‘20 said. “I liked the parts with the new guy, Tommy, the best.”

I also wanted to ask a teacher what they thought about the film. Malvern teacher Mr. Ostick says that one part of the film that he enjoyed was the parallels the story had to the Bible.

Although the Shawshank Redemption is a prison drama, it is not a depressing film. Prison life is depicted honestly and there are some horrifying scenes. But, the message of hope and the rewards of perseverance are strong themes. The film is shot with bright light in key scenes. This movie is for anyone who is interested in a thought provoking story. ◊

“Suicide Squad” turns itself in Although “Suicide Squad” was an okay, there were a few issues that couldn’t be overlooked.

Jack Guardiola ’20 CONTRIBUTOR Suicide Squad” is an okay movie if you have a few hours to spare on a rainy day. If you’re looking for something great, however, I would look elsewhere. It was on par with the previous DC movies, but worse than the standout Dark Knight Trilogy.

The plot of “Suicide Squad” is pretty simple. After Superman has supposedly died in Dawn of Justice, the US government decides it needs a fallback plan in case the next major super-powered person does not share the same values as Superman.

Amanda Waller, who leads up the operation, assembles a team of metahumans to combat any unnatural threats around the globe. One of the team’s members goes rogue, and the team must unite to defeat the defector.

“Suicide Squad” had all the resources to be great but the writing was what held it back in the end. Some of the characters were a little wishy-washy.

For example, Will Smith did an excellent job as Deadshot, but the writing held his character back. In the beginning of the movie, he said he would kill Rick Flag, but throughout the movie he was Flag's staunchest protector. We are also told Deadshot is a cold-hearted killer,

“

but he decides not to shoot Harley in exchange for everything he's ever wanted.

Writing like this holds the movie back. Viola Davis did an excellent job of portraying Amanda Waller, but it was too easy to catch her towards the end of the movie. Killer Croc and Harley were well portrayed and played their part in the Squad.

However, Captain Boomerang’s character was not true to character.

Boomerang must have thrown no more than three boomerangs throughout the entire movie, and his character was hard to read. When he first left the Squad initially, it makes sense. But when he returns almost immediately with no given explanation, it was hard to understand why he would return in the first place.

One character who was portrayed awesomely was El Diablo. He had internal conflict throughout the entire movie, had good character development, and played an awesome role in the ending.

Overall, “Suicide Squad” was an average movie with a better cast, but it suffered from poor writing. I'd give it three out of five Friars. ◊

Congratulations to

MICHAEL DROOGAN '16

Sports Editor 2015-2016 whose January 2016 story "Concussions give Malvern headaches" earned recognition as one of ten National Student Press Association 2016 Sports Story Finalists.

Read the story online at mpfriarslantern.com

MC

Media + Culture

The

September 2016

Best shows you missed this summer Summer time is the time for kicking back, relaxing, and watching some TV. This summer was a great summer for it.

Aidan White ’20 CONTRIBUTOR he only strange thing about TV this summer is how so little people are talking about “Bojack Horseman.”

T

“ Stranger Things” Twelve year old Will Byers went missing and it's up to his friends, mother, and brother to bring him back home to safety. One night while his friends were looking for him, they stumble upon a young girl who says her name is Eleven.

When they bring the girl back to their home it turns out that she has telekinesis and that she met Will. All she can say is that Will is in danger and that they need to find him.

From there on it's a frantic race against time to find Will Byers.

Among all this craziness, Will's mother starts to get phone calls of just breathing that she swears are Will’s. Is she crazy, or is Will trying to contact her?

“Stranger Things” is a television show that is greatly inspired by Steven Spielberg’s famous Sci-Fi movies. Whenever Eleven is on a bike you can't help but think of the scenes in “ET” and “Elliot’s Bike.” Whenever scenes with Will getting kidnaped are shown you can't help but think of the scenes in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” when the baby is kidnaped.

The show is also greatly inspired by Stephen King novels. Some scenes are almost shot for shot compared to some Stephen King movies.

This is good and bad for the show. Some scenes tap into memories of these older movies and when this happens the viewer can't help smiling. Other times the scenes feel cheesy and stupid. In the end, Stranger Things is a show I can see lasting a long time and because of that I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a show that you don't have to think much through.

“Bojack Horseman”

I don't know where to begin with “Bojack Horseman.” It is one of the best shows not only of this summer but in these past few years. If you have seen any of the advertisements for the show you would swear I was joking. But trust me, I’m serious.

Bojack advertises itself as another silly twenty minute animated comedy show with dumb cutaway gags and toilet humor. And despite a few diamonds in the rough, that's what the first season of the show is. But once the second season of Bojack aired, people were proven wrong about the silly nature of the show.

The second season has smart comedy and a surprisingly gripping story.

This summer Bojack's third season aired and it's probably the best season yet.

Bojack Horseman is about a television actor who played the main character on a 90’s sitcom like “Full House.” After staying out of the acting business for twenty years, Bojack is ready to step back into the business.

The only problem is that Bojack is an alcoholic and suffers from severe depression. Man, this is an elaborate plot.

The show focus on Bojack trying to have one person in his life who he likes and who can make him happy. As Bojack tries to connect with people he pulls them down to a point where they have to abandon him.

The third season of Bojack is about him trying to win an Oscar, but this mostly just pushes the story forward.

What makes Bojack such a great show is how the viewer relates with Bojack. Bojack is a horrible person who does horrible things to other people. Whenever Bojack does a horrible thing the viewer, though knowing that what Bojack did was wrong, relates with Bojack. Most times in Tv the viewer wants to relate to the main character, but in Bojack's case the viewer can't help relating with the main character.

With one of the best third seasons under its belt, I can hardly wait to see what Bojack does in his fourth season. I would suggest this show to anybody, as long as they would be willing to watch an animated tv show. ◊

NEWS

N

The

Page 18

Guide to Local Elections: Third Party Edition

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Don’t like Clinton or Trump? These parties might be for you.

Guide to Local Elections: Post-Labor Day Edition

Jack McClatchy ’17, Sean Upadhyay ’19 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR, CONTRIBUTOR his election season is unique due to the historical unfavorables for both the Republican and Democratic nominees for President.

It’s allowed for various third parties across the country to try and woo over uninspired Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. These are a few parties running candidates in the area.

Jack McClatchy ’17 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR ith each passing day, it gets closer and closer to November 8, where people will finally cast their votes for many different offices. These candidates are just a few of the many seeking to get your vote.

T

Libertarian Party

The most relevant of the third parties this election season, the Libertarian Party is the largest third party in the country, with over 400,000 registered members. Former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson and former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld SHAWN HOUSE make up the presidential ticket.

HOUSETOCONGRESS.COM Shawn House is the state chairman of the Libertarian Party and a candidate for the 16th Congressional District, which includes parts of Chester, Lancaster, and Berks Counties. He is running against Republican Lloyd Smucker and Democrat Christina Hartman. He is running on a platform of fiscal conservatism and social tolerance.

“We really abide by the Non-Aggression Principle,” he said. “It means that we believe in persuasion versus coercion with legislation. We respect that people own themselves, not the federal government.”

House said that he and the party supports ending the war on drugs, fighting the “surveillance state”, and having a strong national defense while at the same time not carrying out an interventionist foreign policy.

“The enforcement of this country’s drug policy has been selective,” he said. “And it is based in racism, going all the way back to Richard Nixon when he started this.”

House said that a decriminalization of all drugs is necessary, and that prohibition has failed in stopping drug abuse.

“These people need rehabilitation,” he said. “Not imprisonment.”

The Party also has Edward Clifford III running for US Senate, Paul Rizzo for Congress in the 15th congressional district, and candidates for the State Legislature in Carbon, Luzerne, and Northampton counties.

Green Party

The next most popular third party in the United States is the Green Party. The party is gaining a lot of traction from liberal Democrats and independents who are displeased with this year’s nominee.

The Green Party has representation in 45 states and has over KRISTIN COMBS BALLOTPEDIA.COM 13,000 members in Pennsylvania, according to State chairperson Kristin Combs. The Party advocates for a “Green New Deal”, campaign finance and electoral reform. Jill Stein is on the Green Party presidential ticket for the 2016 election, with vice presidential candidate Ajamu Baraka.

State chairperson and candidate for State Treasurer Kristin Combs said that the main difference between the Green and Democratic parties is that the Greens do not take money from corporations or political action committees.

“Our party is for the people,” she said. “Not for the corporate interests.”

Combs also said that there are many similarities in the Green platform and the platform of the Socialist Party of the United States, but the Greens have better infrastructure in Pennsylvania. “ We have forma l recognition as a part y in Pennsylvania, and the Socialist Party doesn’t,” she said. “And as a result a lot of socialists, especially in Philadelphia, are registered Green.”

The Greens are running candidates where Combs said they know they won’t win.

“People ask me that all the time,” she said. “There are more reasons to run than to win. We run to keep awareness for the Party and what it stands for, which makes it easier to get 5% of the vote nationally for federal funding, which is really important.”

Constitution Party

The Constitution Party is another third party with Darrell Castle and Scott Bradley are on the ticket for President. It has ballot access in 35 states, and is active in over 30 counties in Pennsylvania.

It is the most active in Warren, Lancaster, and Allegheny counties, and according to state chairDARRELL CASTLE CASTLE2016.COM man Bob Goodrich a tally in 2012 had over 4000 registered members.

“We’re certain the number has gone up since then,” he said. “We’ve been getting a lot of interest in the past two months, particularly in the Philadelphia area.”

The Party has seven central principles that guides the party’s policies: life, liberty, family, property, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, states’ rights, and national sovereignty. Goodrich said however that the Party believes in principle over power, preferring to lose with honor, than win with dishonor.

“Power shifts between the parties,” he said. “And if you sacrificed your principles for power, and lose that power, what will you have left?”

There are some similarities between the Constitution and Libertarian parties, but Goodrich said that there a few substantial differences.

“We have a lot of similarities with them,” he said of Libertarians. “We however have a focus on morality, especially when it comes to drugs and prostitution. You can be for freedom, but it seems to me that they border on anarchism with some of their policies. There has to be some restraint.”

The Party takes the Constitution seriously, and intends to reduce the federal government to its intended state.

“We misinterpret and misunderstand both (the Constitution and Bill of Rights),” Goodrich said.

“Especially the Tenth Amendment, which has given us unneeded government which is taking us in the wrong direction.” ◊

More features online at

mpfriarslantern.com

@mpfriarslantern1

@friarslantern1

facebook.com/ TheFriarsLantern

@friarslantern

It’s the home stretch for electoral campaigns across the country, and here are some to look out for at home

W

US Senator Pat Toomey (R): Running for reelection

Pat Toomey is a freshman senator representing Pennsylvania, and was previously the representative for Pennsylvania’s 15th congressional district from 1999-2005.

Toomey ra n unopposed in t he Pennsylvania primary, and is facing off against Democrat Katie McGinty, Libertarian Edward Clifford III, and Independent Everett Stern.

His campaign has raised more money for the race according to the most recent filing with the federal elections commission, raising $3.25 million and spending $4.7 million to have $7.7 million on hand compared to McGinty’s $2.9 million raised, PAT TOOMEY $1.5 spent, and $2.4 million on hand.

TOOMEY.SENATE.GOV McGinty, however, has a slight lead in the RealClearPolitics poll average of .2%. The most recent polls have them tied and Toomey ahead by 1%, well within the margin of error in polling.

A source in the Toomey campaign said that he has made over 50 campaign stops since July, and has just finished a 1,500 mile RV tour across Pennsylvania with his family, as well as releasing several ads, including one released last week slamming McGinty for tax increases on working Pennsylvanians.

Other ads released by political action committees have praised Toomey for voting for a bill to increase background checks for gun purchases, as part of a strategy of gun control lobbies to look at both sides of the aisle for support, according to the New York Times.

US Congressman Ryan Costello (R): Running for reelection

Ryan Costello is a freshman congressman representing the 6th congressional district of Pennsylvania, which includes parts of Lebanon, Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties.

Costel lo was unopposed in the Republican primary, and is running against Democrat Mike Parrish, who won the Democratic primary unopposed. The district has been labelled as a safe Republican district, with Costello winning his first election in 2014 by 13%.

General consultant and senior adviser Vincent Galko says that the campaign is feeling confident — but not “cocky” — about the race, saying that Parrish has no RYAN COSTELLO substance to his campaign.

COSTELLO.HOUSE.GOV “We honestly feel we are running the better candidate,” he said. “He has done a good job in Congress and as a candidate, while Parrish has a problem with his record.”

Parrish has made a name for himself touting his business record, but leaked Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee documents show a different story, citing over a dozen lawsuits and a bankruptcy filing for the company he worked for as president, according to the Daily Caller.

Galko said that Costello has not framed the race about the issues facing the country, but as a race of character.

“Costello’s main issue is representing the district,” he said. “He spends every moment he can in the district helping his constituents instead of Washington, and that has really paid off now.” ◊ The Blackfriar Chronicle also reached out to Democrats Katie McGinty and Congressman Bob Brady for comment. The McGinty campaign was unable to respond for comment by deadline and the Brady campaign did not return calls and emails.

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Page 19

Malvern alumni cover DNC

OPINION

While mainstream sources mainly covered the convention itself, two alumni covered the protests.

Ashton Canavan ’19 gets picked up in the media.”

CONTRIBUTOR Yankelitis said the majority n August, Justice Bennett ’16 of protesters wanted the same and Ben Yankelitis ’16 covered thing, but were protesting under the Democratic Convention different names and for different protests with USA TODAY organizations. reporter Natalie DiBlasio.

“The main protests were The former Editors-inpeople complaining about the Chief of the Blackfriar Chronicle political system,” he said. used Twitter and Periscope to These complaints were share pictures and videos of largely based on the corruption the protests as they were hapof the government, and how pening. Bennett and Yankelitis unfairly the two party policy shadowed DiBlasio, who has represents the people. assisted the staff of The Blackfriar “A lot of the Bernie supTWITTER / @_ JusticeBennett Chronicle with staff training for porters were frustrated that the the last several years.

DNC was trying to meddle with the primaries,” Natalie According to Bennett, there were a wide vari- said. ety of people protesting to get their views across at the DiBlasio said there were more protesters at the RNC Democratic National Convention. in Cleveland, Ohio, which she also covered.

Bennett said he talked to a police officer about protectPolice guarded the protests, with the Black Lives ing someone who was protesting against the role of police. Matter protests the most heavily covered. DiBlasio said An officer told him that he wasn’t protecting the protesters there was a large police presence that numbered in the but was protecting the right of free speech in America. hundreds. However, DiBlasio said there were more proBennett said most protestors wanted Bernie Sanders to testors at the RNC. be named the nominee, although there were some supportBoth Bennett and Yankelitis agreed that the proing the Green Party and Occupy tests had very little effect on the D.C. activists at the protests.

DNC. Bennett said the environ“The Democratic Part y ment was mostly people chanta lready had its platform,” ing and yelling, with no “actual Bennett said. learning” going on. “Anytime “People were very passionthere was a debate, people got ate about their beliefs and just in each other’s face and yelled at wanted to come to the city to each other,” he said. share their opinions,” Yankelitis Bennett said the event said. ◊ had an effect on his view of See more of Bennett’s convention protesters. coverage at JusticeBennett.com “I have a lot more empathy TWITTER / @Ben_Yank on what gets picked up in the news,” he said. “Only violence

I

Fashion/Uniform Review: Fall Edition Everything that is acceptable to wear from September to November.

Jack Magargee ’18 MANAGING EDITOR: WEB ow that school is in session and the student body is wearing a uniform every day, I’ve put together some thoughts and recommendations on certain fashion trends at Malvern.

A lot of stuff I’m about to cover is either relevant to Malvern’s student body or to the fall season. Fall is a good fashion season for a few reasons. One of those is that flannel is a timeless look that anybody can pull off. Another is that the color scheme for the whole season isn’t hard to work with.

One word, two syllables, and a whole lot of ugliness. It’s not that joggers are the worst pants ever made it’s just that they’re so noncommittal. If you want to be sweatpants and have a waistband, by all means, go ahead and be sweatpants, but whatever you do, do NOT try to say you’re dress pants.

Joggers are pretty much the only addition to the whole pants genre recently, it’s pretty sad.

Meanwhile, shirts are booming.

The classic blue/white Malvern polo has reached an iconic status at this point. There are newer, more comfortable shirts you can wear to school but the original is where it’s at. That’s not to say

N

dry-fits and the shirts you get for clubs are bad, they just can’t unseat the undisputed champ. Talk about legendary.

Per son a l ly, I ’m a wh ite polo guy. I like the look with darker pants and an undershirt.

Undershirts are a must, I don’t care how hot it is or what season we’re in, they are one step below being required. And by the way, don’t you DARE wear a blue/white classic polo on a Friday. Fridays have to be kept for special Malvern polos, they just do.

Next is socks. White nikes or ankle socks. End of discussion. I don’t care if they do it in the middle school, neon socks are never, have never been, and will never be cool so just keep it simple and easy.

Sagging pants haven’t been cool for five years now. Wear a belt.

Finally we get to shoes. Shoes are interesting because you see the same shoes on a cycle in your four years here. Those shoes would obviously be Sperry boat shoes, Chuck Taylor’s, and your classic Van’s. You can’t go wrong with any of these but shoes are where you get to experiment the most.

I’ve seen guys rock orange soles on the regular and it doesn’t look half bad. Personally, I stomp around in green, Oxford-style Timberlands and they have not led me wrong. ◊

Dress code changes to business casual Malvern dress code undergoes changes for the 2016-2017 school year.

Patrick Ferraiolo, Chase Bennett SPORTS EDITOR, ART DIRECTOR fter what he called a “successful” experiment last February, Dean of Students Tim Dougherty has implemented a new business casual dress code for the upcoming 20162017 School Year.

From November through March this year, Malvernians will have the opportunity to shed their coat and tie for a business casual open collar and quarter zip sweater.

According to Dougherty, this change is a direct result of the causal dress month during February 2016. “We felt that the experiment we held in February was extremely successful,” Dougherty said. “So we thought a change was in order.”

Dougherty estimated that 87% of students, 70% of teachers and 60% of parents voted for a change to casual dress from a survey after the experiment last February.

Despite the support for the change, there are some mixed feelings from parents and alumni.

“Ultimately, [the dress code] is an identity,” Director of Development Mr. Victor D’Ascenzo ’81 said. “I just think having it a little more formal is kind of what I’m used to at Malvern.”

At the same time, D’Ascenzo understands Malvern’s adaptation to 21st century learning, and how a dress code like this could help foster such a style.

“I can see the functionality of the new dress code because of the style of learning we have now - a lot of moving around, a lot of working in groups - so it makes it more easier and flexible.” D’Ascenzo said.

Track and Field Coach and parent Deborah Sutton has some concerns. “I have definitely seen a lot of dress code violations in my days at Malvern,” Sutton said. “I like it nice and neat and formal, like they used to have it.”

Many students feel the relaxed dress is more productive and a better fit for the school.

“The new dress code is a nice change,” Patrick Sayers ‘18 said. “It’s one less thing for me to stress about.”

A

Rhys Werny ‘18 thinks the new dress code is better because it allows the students to feel more relaxed while still wearing a uniform. “With a more laid back dress code,” Werny said, “I think students will be in attire more often.”

The new casual dress code does have some rules. Hawaiian shirts and flannels will not be allowed. There are designated “Formal Dress Up Days” on the school calendar for school masses and special occasions.

“I feel that students should wear a suit and tie at times,” Dougherty said. “You wouldn’t show up to your coach’s funeral in a hoodie,” Dougherty said. “You’d be mortified. The same respect needs to be shown for events like chapel.”

According to Dougherty, Malvern is an institution that embraces and accepts change.

“For example, only ten years ago, Malvern had a strict no phone and a short hair policy,” Dougherty said.

In the current dress code policy, hair must be “groomed and neat.”

Cell phones may be used in transition and in common areas throughout the day, and with teacher permission during classes.

Dougherty said that the administration is always open to change and suggestions, but for now, “The new dress code is here to stay.”

He is looking forward to watching the students adapt to the new change.

“It’ll be interesting to watch the interpretative dance that goes on between the dress shirts and sports coats this year,” Dougherty said.

However, Sayers isn’t confident in how well the change will be handled.

“I think it will be easier for students to stick to the dress code,” Sayers said, “But that doesn’t mean any more students will bother doing so.” ◊

Page 20

Perspectives

The

Blackfriar

Chronicle

I’m not with her, or with him Just because I won’t vote for Trump or Clinton doesn’t mean I support the other.

Jack McClatchy ’17 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR received my voter registration card in the mail a month ago.

The person I was in eighth grade would’ve been ecstatic. All I felt was disappointment.

There are two realistic choices for President: Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. I was never on board with Trump: I was frightened and disgusted by his rhetoric, and knew I would never cast my vote for him from the beginning.

Clinton took me a bit to mull over. Once I had gotten over the fact that she had won the Democratic primary, I was weighing whether or not I should vote for her. After all, Pennsylvania is one of Trump’s key states to win, so every vote against him counts, right?

It took me until the first night of the Democratic National Convention to decide I could not vote for Clinton. It wasn’t because of the DNC speakers, or the party’s platform and ideas — I agreed with a lot of them, like equality for LGBT Americans, fighting income inequality, and opposing voter ID laws. It was the Clinton supporters who did it.

I’d be lying if I said I liked Clinton at that point. The irony of her agreeing to raise the US minimum wage while fighting to lower Haiti’s was rich. I didn’t trust her not to get us involved in another Middle East war given her Iraq War vote, and her speeches to Wall Street for hundreds of thousands of dollars didn’t inspire my trust.

I was willing, however, to forgive all that to stop Trump.

Until that night.

I

I was watching the DNC on C-SPAN with my computer on a reddit thread discussing the convention. I saw the snarkiness when they mocked Bernie supporters. I saw their pretension when they denounced people disliking her for not being left enough.

That, and the general smugness of the convention turned me off of voting for Clinton.

They were acting like they had already won this election, and the next one too because of changing demographics that just had to vote Democrat.

So, with a sour taste in my mouth, I looked at third party options.

I knew none of them would win, but just maybe it would be easier to vote for them than Trump or Clinton.

Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee, supports having private industry deal with environmental damage and “phasing out” Social Security according to their platform, and I suddenly was glad I wasn’t really thinking of voting for him.

That left the Green Party as the last substantial third party.

I liked the message of Jill Stein, their nominee in both 2012 and in 2016. I liked reading about a 30 hour work week, paying

elected officials the average worker’s salary, and especially proportional representation and preferential voting.

Her running mate, Ajamu Baraka, seems a bit too radical for electoral politics.

This is a shame, because I agree with him on a lot, but it’s how things are in this country. The Green Party’s anti-nuclear energy stance and uncertainty about WiFi make me a little uneasy about the party.

So, I’m left without a party to emphatically vote for. I wish I could cast my vote for Hillary, but I feel that she’s just such a poor campaigner that she’s trying to push me away, and her supporters certainly finish the job with any push to the left. I looked at the Libertarians for about thirty seconds before moving on. I like Stein and Baraka, but some views are a little strange.

American democracy shouldn’t be like this. Out of the millions of incredibly intelligent, honest, hard-working, and caring people we have in this country, we narrow it down to these four, and realistically two people? If this election was supposed to give me hope in the system, it’s doing a poor job.

I don’t know whom I’m going to vote for, and as time goes on, I’m finding it’s not getting any easier. ◊

Improving the world (and ourselves) in the Dominican Republic Looking back at my senior Christian Service trip to the Dominican Republic, I realize we made a significant impact. I also realized it made an equally great impact on my life.

Nick Li ’17 learning how to shovel and pickaxe, the REPORTER villagers were going at it like pros. It was ’m going to start off by saying that I don’t think any amount of very humbling to see. words can describe the time that my brothers and I had in the A friendly face from the village that Dominican Republic. However, I will try my best to express will always have a place in our hearts is a my experience through these words. young man we called Lizard Guy. Lizard The ten days I spent in the Dominican Republic were some Guy was a 17 year old boy who helped us of the best days of my life. The whole experience and accompanied us while was not a cake walk. But the hardships were only a we worked. The other vilI knew from my part of a journey, and an experience, that allowed lager kids said he looked peers that it was going to be me to discover some of the greatest treasures that like a lizard, and the name a life-changing the world has to offer. just stuck. The rest of my event, but I Leading up to the trip, I didn’t really know what DR2 brothers will know didn’t really to expect. I knew from my peers that it was going who I’m talking about. He know how, or to what extent. to be a life-changing event, but I didn’t really know always had a smile on his how, or to what extent. face and was just a great When we arrived in the DR, the first thing that person to be around. struck me was how different everything was from home. Driving At the conclusion of the last day of through the towns to arrive at our destination in the mountains, it service in the mountains, most of us were was easy to see that this country was struggling. Everybody thinks relieved that we would be leaving this hard manual labor behind, of Punta Cana or other luxurious vacation but also saddened because we’d be leaving resorts when they picture the DR, but outthe village and the friends we made behind. side of that tiny area on the coast, there is a We didn’t know what was coming up in the country that is in need of help. bateyes, or sugar cane fields.

After arriving at the Baiguate Resort in The bateyes were a completely differthe mountains, we got settled. Staying at the ent environment. It was hot and sunny mountain resort first eased us into the realevery day. Compared to the Bateyes, the ity that was life in the DR. The resort had mountain was paradise. We did not have amenities that most people didn’t. We had the amenities that the mountain resort ping-pong, billiards, a swimming pool, clean had in our new home, the Ascala Center. water, and food for every meal. However, However, I think I can say with confidence, we did not have air conditioning, so it was that our experience in the bateyes was the nice and hot. highlight of the trip.

The service work that we did in the Our job in the bateyes was to help a mountains was physically draining. Our job family re-lay the flooring of their house and was to begin the construction of an aqueduct to build the foundation to another house. to bring clean water to a village that did not The work was equally as grueling as digging COURTESY N. LI have it. The aqueduct would start from the trenches on a mountain. Manually mixing village, and travel up the length of the mountain to the begin- cement and carrying buckets for over four hours a day can wear ning of the river. you down.

We spent three days digging up that mountain in the hot However, any amount of work would have been worth the sun. We worked with the people in the village. While we were reward that we got afterward. After completing our day’s work,

I

we were able to play with the kids of the village.

The kids of the village aren’t like the kids here at home. These children had nothing, only a few sets of clothes and none of the toys that kids have in the US. But, these kids were the happiest, most innocent, and most fun kids that I have ever encountered. The joy that these kids expressed when able to play with us just cannot be matched, and I don’t think an experience like this can really be recreated.

Shoutout to Pinto, Isabella, and Elian. Also shoutout to Tony. These were some of the names and faces that none of us DR boys will ever forget.

It was tough leaving the Bateyes. The COURTESY N. LI relationships that we had made had run their courses. We would never see any of the wonderful people of the Bateyes again, and it was sad.

But, getting to a hotel in the capital of Santo Domingo was amazing. We were rejuvenated by the hot showers, nice beds, and wifi that the hotel had to offer. It was nice getting back to reality and getting to enjoy a day in the city.

In conclusion, the trip to the Dominican Republic was an eye-opening experience that I and the rest of the DR boys will never forget. It reminded us that outside of our homes, there was another reality that people had to live through. One that included struggling to survive and laying everything out on the line for your family.

Like I stated in the beginning, it is hard capturing ten days worth of service and putting it into words. I skipped over many fun activities such as white water rafting, the beach day, and the flea market. If you want to see the full experience, the video is available on YouTube and the Malvern Prep Christian Service page of the Malvern website. However the service was the best part of the trip, and I felt that that was the part that I had to describe the most.

We will always remember the people, places, and experiences of the Dominican Republic. Nothing will ever be able to parallel what we got to experience. DR boys for life. ◊