2019 Upper School Vedette: Issue 2

The

Vedette

Up, up, and away!

Left to right: Fife Deck and Erich Marschall

Issue 1 July 19th, 2019

Hannah Wilkes-Null Lilliana Rivera, Deck 1

From Highland, Illinois, Hannah Wilkes-Null is a 1st classmen from Deck 3. Her birthday is on January 26, 2003. She is currently 16 years old and a soon to be junior at Highland High School. Something that Hannah likes to do often is drive around the city. She has big plans for herself. After high school, she hopes to go to Illinois State University, and she is going to study to be an architect or a psychiatrist. Hannah loves to design things and also works very well with others. She is a good friend who is always willing to give others advice.

One of her favorite things about Culver is the diversity and the people we have here; she has the opportunity to learn new things about others while creating friendships from all over the world that last a lifetime. Hannah is known as warm, funny, and kind-hearted person. Someone intuitive and nice.

Lilly Rivera Hannah Wilkes-Null, Deck 3

Lilliana Rivera (Lilly) is a Deck One 1st classman from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Lilly is 17 years old, and her birthday is on February 14th—Valentine’s Day. She currently attends Cypress High School in San Juan. Lilly is a senior and will graduate next spring in 2020. After High School, Lilly wants to go to college but isn’t sure which one. However, she does know she wants to study in the field of medicine when she decides which school is right for her.

In her free time, Lilly likes to play soccer and volleyball; she also enjoys hanging out with friends. Lilly’s favorite thing about Culver are the relationships she builds with the people who attend Culver Summer Schools and Camps. Her friends and family would describe her as funny, kind, loving, and positive.

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Matthew Mcclenahan Natalia Altuzar, Deck 3

Matthew is a first classmen at the Culver Summer Schools and Camps. He is from San Francisco, California and is a Senior at Drew High School. Matthew found out about Culver by searching for the best military summer camps in the country; he believed that attending one would not just look good on a college resume, but because of the experience too. He keeps coming back because of the people that he has met over the past three years.

Matthew is an only child. He works at Starbucks and plays tennis back in San Francisco. He also rides horses back home, and loves them, explaining why he chose his unit: Troop. Since Matthew is a first classman, that means that he is graduating this year. He is excited for graduation, but he is not excited about leaving all of the people that have become his family over the past three years.

Natalia Altuzar Matthew McClenahan, Troop

Natalia Altuzar is a 3rd Classmen in Deck 3 who loves to play soccer and is a goalie. She goes to Culver Summer Schools and Camps and was born in Mexico City, Mexico. When she turned 12, she moved with family to a new location. She now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She misses Mexico City; she also misses the food, the people, the family, and the weather. She is going into 9th grade.

Natalia prefers cold weather over hot weather, as she gets to wear a hoodie when it snows. Her favorite colors are black and green. While at Culver, she loves to wakeboard. Her favorite Culver class is Ledbetter. Natalia goes to Culver because it is a family tradition. She has six pets: three dogs and three cats. Her favorite season is Fall, because the temperature is more balanced.

Thats all folks!

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Culver’s Packing Checklist Lilliana Rivera, Deck 1

Since 1902, when Culver Summer Schools and Camps opened up, kids have been forgetting what they believe are “essentials” to survive six weeks in military camp. Coming to a camp like Culver is not like any other camp. We do not pack what others normally would. We don’t need to pack everyday clothes because we are in uniform all day, or electronics since they are not allowed. New incoming campers have no idea what to expect, and there is always something they didn’t think would be necessary to bring. Returning campers definitely come more prepared and sometimes even overprepare themselves, but even they forget some crucial things to pack for the summer.

Some examples of these vital things you should bring with you are Clorox wipes because campers are responsible to clean their rooms every day for inspections. Another example is white socks; we rarely use any other color socks other than white because it is part of the uniform we must be in.

Campers suggest you bring a watch, an alarm clock, an iPod, and your loved one’s phone numbers written down since we cannot rely on our phones. As campers, we are outside and physically active for most of the day, so some other key products to bring with you are Aquaphor, Neosporin, sunblock, and Aloe Vera in order to take care of your skin.

Also, as most of us know, we don’t have access to stores expect the snack bar known as “The Shack” or the Culver Campus Store, so bringing food like chips or food that can be cooked in a microwave is always a good idea.

What some campers believe is the most necessary thing not to forget is an airconditioner (not actually allowed). Campers in Argonne beg to differ since they already have the privilege to have air conditioner in their building. No matter what it is that you have forgotten though, there is always someone in your unit who will be willing to lend you whatever it is you need or will help you in any way possible.

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Victories Ben Seligson

They begin to run Faster and faster Past the woods Through the stream Across the beach And to the finish line.

I slow down.

Calm, hazy light filters through emerald leaves.

Cool, clear water flows around my ankles.

Warm, soft sand welcomes my feet.

I arrive at the torn, trampled ribbon long after everybody else‌ ‌But I win!

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Mud Run Ava Dunn, Deck 7

The mud run is an annual event meant for third classmen only. The run takes place on a trail in the woods where there is a whole lot of mud. The goal of the race is to pass all of the obstacles as a team, without leaving anyone behind. You must work together while you focus on your surroundings or else you may slip and get covered in mud.

Throughout the race, you will need to show teamwork and leadership skills, but more importantly, you need to have fun. Don’t worry about getting dirty; stay positive and focus on the team. This experience is a way for the new campers to make memories and build stronger bonds with the group.

I personally thought that the race was so fun and that being covered in mud from head to toe was hilarious. I guarantee you, you’ll have a blast and will probably have to take an hour-long shower after. You really do become thankful for the feeling of being clean.

Tatum Bryant from Deck 7 said, “During the mud run, everyone worked together to help each other out, mentally and physically. I had a great time.”

Riley Flenniken from Troop A said, “It was fun.”

Audrey Logan from Deck 7 stated, “I dropped our UC’s stretcher and fell down the hill. That was awesome.”

Bailey Veloz from Deck 7 said, “The mud run was a great bonding experience!”

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The Rug Suzanne Evans

Hold on to your mistakes, but do not let them define you.

Remembering the things you’ve done, good or bad, will benefit your future.

Be aware of what you did; use it as a lesson.

Do not sweep it under The Rug, or it will happen again.

You use The Rug as décor, something that is “cute” to hide your past— there is only so much dirt that can be hidden.

The Rug wasn’t made to be a mask.

If you sweep it everything under The Rug, what will happen when you flip it over?

The Rug’s bright purple patterns are no longer there, and all of your mistakes are being repeated.

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