DEVON DIALOGUE 2012-13, Issue 4

The Devon Dialogue

Volume IV, Issue IV | May 2013

proudly publishing for five decades

Devon Preparatory School

Rolling Tide

Devon Prep’s varsity baseball team makes it to district playoffs.

See Below.

Honorable Mention

Fifty-nine students are inducted into Devon Prep’s chapter of the National Honor Society. page 2.

Drone Warfare The launch of the X-47B drone ushers in a new age of drone development and may lead to a technological arms race. page 7.

Into the Fire We Go! Devon Prep puts on another incredible performance. See Page 2.

Tide Rolls into District Playoffs CJ Kohlbrenner ‘14

The Devon Prep Tide came out swinging and strong this baseball season. Led by seniors Justin Wright ’13 and Ben Jonik ’13, as well as helped by seniors Ian McConnell ’13, Brian Koskinen ’13, and Patrick Kinsella ’13, the Devon Prep varsity baseball team had a successful season, ending up with a record of 10-3 in the Bicentennial League.

The team’s successful season was a result of its powerful players. Zach Schellenger ’14 was named MVP of the league. Zach had a terrific season as pitcher for the Tide. Sean Phelan ’15 was another strong pitcher for Devon Prep. Both Zach and Sean contributed significantly at the plate as well. Sophomore Pat Rohr ’15 and freshman John McSurdy ’16 also got the job done when called to the mound.

Happily for the future, this year’s team was largely composed of underclassmen with five sophomores and two freshmen.

The team’s defense was bolstered by catcher Dom Hardaway ’15, Chris Bauers ’14 in centerfield, and infielders Eric DePietro ’15 and Matt Bevilacqua ’16. Grant Latran ’14 and CJ Kohlbrenner were valuable assets at whatever position they played. Bob Watters ’14 and Tyler Klicka ’15 contributed to the team in a wide variety of circumstances.

This year the team welcomed a new coach to the staff – Mr Patrick Kane. Coach Pat Kane was a great addition, and he came to the team with a lot of baseball knowledge and experience. The team worked very hard this season and finished up the season before heading into district play with two games against Malvern Prep and The Haverford School.

The entire team’s hard work and efforts have contributed to an overall great season. As the year closes, the team will head into the district playoffs hoping to emerge victorious……Roll Tide!

Why Host Exchange Students?

Fiore Schena ‘14

Ma ny fa m i l ie s s ay t he y c a n’t host e xcha nge st udent s b e c au s e “We a ren’t a go od host fa m i ly ” or “we have ne ver hoste d b efore .” Pe ople a s su me t hat t he y mu st b e out goi ng , t hat t he y ne e d to b e a fa m i ly t hat t r avel s a lot , or t hat t he y mu st b e a fa m i ly t hat go e s to mu s eu m s , e vent s , a nd ac t iv it ie s a l l t he t i me . T he l i st of “why we a re not a go od fa m i ly ” go e s on, but most of t he s e pre conc e pt ions si mply a re not ac c u r ate .

Is it n ic e to have a ne w pers on a rou nd for a wh i le? O f cou rs e , b e c au s e it i s f u n to sha re you r c it y, you r st ate , or you r cou nt r y ’s b e aut i f u l plac e s .

T he t r ut h i s t here i s no t y pic a l A mer ic a n host fa m i ly. De von fa m i l ie s a re not d i f ferent , e spe c ia l ly w it h t he De von Di f ferenc e on t hei r side .

A l l fa m i l ie s have a m i x of what t he y consider to b e t he nor m . T he y have dogs or c at s , la rge home s or sma l l one s . T he st udent s v i sit i ng w i l l have a l re ady b e en i n for me d of t he s e t h i ngs a nd w i l l b e more t ha n happy to st ay w it h you a nd you r re spe c t ive fa m i ly. Ma ny fa m i l ie s a re wor r ie d t hat t he y w i l l have to br i ng t hei r e xcha nge st udent s e ver y where a nd w i l l a lway s have to enter t a i n t hem .

Howe ver, t he fac t rema i ns t hat hav i ng

a ne w pers on a rou nd i s plent y of f u n.

T he st udent s a re more t ha n happy to b e com i ng to ou r cou nt r y a nd w i l l b e ver y ac com mod at i ng. Ma ny w i l l t r y to ge t to k now you b e t ter a nd f i nd out a bit ab out t he su r rou nd i ng a re a . I n t he end , t hou g h, t he y a re here to go to s cho ol, le a r n ab out ou r cou nt r y, l ive w it h a fa m i ly, a nd le a r n what l i fe i s l i ke for a n A mer ic a n te en. Most of t hei r t i me w i l l b e spent at De von P re p or a not her s cho ol, a nd by t he end of t hei r t i me w it h you r fa m i ly, you w i l l have come to enjoy t hei r compa ny a nd w i sh for t hei r re t u r n s o on to you r hou s e a nd to you r s cho ol .

T he ke y to host i ng a st udent i s not who you r fa m i ly i s compos e d of, but who you a re a s pe ople . G o od host fa m i l ie s a re pe ople who wa nt to sha re t hei r ow n c u lt u re a nd com mu n it y, a nd le a r n ab out s ome one el s e’s . G o od host pa rent s lo ok to g ive t hei r fa m i l ie s a g l i mps e of t he world a nd i nt roduc e t hem to ne w c u stom s a nd c u lt u re s .

Host i ng i s a g re at way to ac compl i sh t h i s a nd at t he s a me t i me to g r a nt t he abi l it y to you ng foreig ners to come to ou r cou nt r y a nd e x per ienc e it for t hem s elve s .

Zack Schellenger ’14 was recently named MVP of the Bicentennial League.

Middle School Recital Tim Crowe ‘13

This year our music teacher Ms. Michelle Tedeschi created a new event: the first ever Middle School Recital. Students from grades six through eight showcased their musical talent at this fantastic recital. Starting off the recital on a strong note was Brendan McGrath ’18 who played a wonderful piece called “Midnight Rhapsody” by Melody Bober on the piano. Next up was Connor Ryan ’17, who played a beautiful tune called “Journey of the Heart” on the piano. Sam McLaughlin ’17 followed with the classic Beatles song “Blackbird” on his guitar which sounded like Paul McCartney himself had performed it. Then the first sixth grader to perform, J.T. Tiglao ’19, played a great rendition of the song “River Flows in You”

by Yiruma. Next up was Alex Nawn ’17, playing the song “Cripple Creek,” an old Appalachian folk song, on his viola, a difficult instrument to play. The next song was “Paradise” by the popular band Coldplay, as performed by Seamus Slattery ’19 on the piano. Then, the president of the middle school, Ben Lubker ’17, performed another timeless Beatles song: “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” Next came the first group performance, which included Chris Rufo ’18 on guitar, Jacob Snyder ’18 on vocals, and Gus Thompson ’18 on vocals and guitar. The trio nicely performed the song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day. The next student to perform was Matt O’Brien ’18, on piano who played an elegant song called “Midnight Sonata.” Then James Costello ’18 performed the first exclusively vocal performance called “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. Gus Thompson made another performance, but this time solo performing “Limelight” by Rush on his guitar. Then Matt Siracusa ’18, performed “Your It,” on his alto saxophone, in a style reminiscent of a Louis Armstrong number. After that came Jacob Pabia ’18 playing “Prelude in C Sharp Major” on the piano. Paul Malikkal followed by playing a rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” on his ukulele. Last came a voice quartet comprised of Justin Chambers ’18, Caelan Coyne ’18, Chase D’Amico ’18, and Matt O’Brien. They performed the bright song “Paula the Koala.”

The first Middle School Recital was an amazing success thanks to all the brave and exceedingly talented students who performed and Ms. Tedeschi who did a terrific job organizing this show.

It would not have been possible without her hard work and dedication. Let us all hope that this will be a new tradition at Devon that will continue on

Dialogue News

The Pimpernel Leaves His Mark Patrick Shields ‘14

To say that the Devon Prep’s musical theatre program puts on a good show would be an understatement. Since 1996, Devon has put on some truly incredible musicals, including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and for the second time in a decade, The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Pimpernel is an exciting tale of adventure, romance, and secrecy set in England and revolutionary France, during the tumultuous period known as the Reign of Terror. The hero, Percy Blakeney, played by Brian Kozak ’13, is an English aristocrat who takes on the identity of masked vigilante the Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue innocents from the jaws of the French and their queen, Madame Guillotine. The antagonist of the play, Citizen Chauvelin, played by Justin Barker ’13, is an agent of the French Republic charged with catching the Pimpernel. Between the two of them stands Marguerite St. Just, wife to Percy but former lover of Chauvelin. Heather McConnell from Downingtown East and Lily Flashner from Mount St. Joseph were double-casted in the role of Marguerite, just as Bishop Shanahan’s Abigail Gorman and Country Day School of the Sacred Heart’s Gabrielle Gaeto were both casted as Marie Grosholtz, and Michael LaBella ’13 and CJ Nave ’15 were double-casted as Marguerite’s brother Armand St. Just, who joins Percy to fight the French. Also joining Percy in his task are some of his noble friends, the bounders, who were portrayed by Tim Crowe ’13, Patrick

Shields, Andrew Loper ’15, Eddie McGinley ’16, Joe Teti ’15, and Kevin Fulmer ’13.

The whole cast put in a tremendous amount of work to pull off four phenomenal and energetic shows from Thursday March 14th to Saturday March 16th. Just as important to the production as the students were the team of adult directors, including music director Doctor Valentin Radu and his wife Donna, who were essential to the musical element of the show, and Stage Director Paul Recupero, who supervised all of the acting and staging. Technical Director Barbara Medina, along with her stage crew, proved to be just as important to the show’s success as the cast. Gail Oldfield, former Rockette and dance choreographer, taught all of the dancing in the show, while fight director David Barker choreographed an impressive sword fight between Percy and Chauvelin.

Everyone involved put in a huge amount of effort, and the end result was another spectacular musical at Devon Prep. The cast of The Scarlet Pimpernel came together to create something outstanding, and their feelings of camaraderie could surely be felt by everyone in the audience at the end of each performance, with the closing number Into the Fire: “Never hold back your step for a moment! Never doubt that your courage will grow! Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go! Into fire, onward ho!”

A History of Summer Michael Lawrence ‘14

Here in the United States, we enjoy one of the longest summer breaks in the world. While most countries typically give less than two months of break between academic years, students in the States receive three months of break to unwind, let their brains atrophy, and well, do whatever they want! Summer vacation is one our greatest pastimes and is a testament to American individualism. High schoolers don’t need to be in school to learn; in fact, summer gives students an opportunity to expand their knowledge in other fields and learn the value of labor by taking summer jobs. This freedom does not exist in other countries which put extreme emphasis on

academia. For example, in Japan, most students are schooled for 240 to 250 days, as compared to our 180 days (or even less in private schools).

Whom do we have to thank for the gift of our extended summer?

Most people think that summer vacation is rooted in rural America. Farmers needed their children home to work on the farms during the summer. This is a misconception; in reality summer is a less labor-intensive season in farming than spring (planting time) and fall (harvest time). Summer vacation is actually rooted in urban America. Summers in cities were brutal before the invention of air conditioning and the

use of sewer systems and paved roads. Students were not able to focus and schools were exceedingly uncomfortable. The educational reformer Horace Mann postulated that over schooling could cause mental problems and insanity in students and proposed a long break to remedy the problem. It was only natural that the break would be placed during the hottest months when city schools had uncomfortable environments.

So this summer, we should give thanks to educational reformer Horace Mann who proposed our system of extended vacation during the summer and kept us all from going insane.

NHS Induction

A Concert to Remember

Patrick Shields ‘14, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect

Michael Horbowy ‘14

On T hu rs d ay, Ma rch 21, f i f t y-n i ne st udent s were i nduc te d i nto t he De von P re p chapter of t he Nat iona l Honor S o c ie t y. T h i s g re at honor i s g iven to t hos e st udent s who embody t he qu a l it ie s of s chola rsh ip, le adersh ip, s er v ic e , a nd cha r ac ter. T h i s ye a r, fou r of t he s e st udent s were s en iors , n i ne were ju n iors , a nd for t y-si x were s ophomore s , t he st a r t i ng g r ade for i nduc t ion .

A side f rom si mply b ei ng st udent s of g re at s chola rsh ip, le adersh ip, s er v ic e , a nd cha r ac ter, t he t a ng ible re qu i re ment s for t he Nat iona l Honor S o c ie t y i nclude a GPA of 3 .00 or above for t h re e s eme sters a s wel l a s e x a mple s of le adersh ip a nd s er v ic e w it h i n t hei r com mun it ie s . T h i s pre st ig iou s orga n i z at ion i s not si mply a n honor rol l, but pay s t r ibute to st udent s who a re wel l-rou nde d i nd iv idu a l s , i nside a nd out side of s cho ol .

T he ac t u a l c eremony be ga n w it h a Ma s s c elebr ated by Fat her Ja me s She a ’66 a nd conc elebr ate d by Fat her Jav ier Renter ia , Fat her Ba lt a z a r S a nche z , a nd Fat her R icha rd Wy z y k ie w icz ’61. A f ter t he Ma s s , t he i nduc t ion b e ga n . Fou r s en iors , A nton io Mu s c a rel la ’13, Ry a n Sha n non ’13, Tom S e y kor a ’13, a nd Ke vi n Fu l mer ’13, e ach br ief ly sp oke about t he fou r qu a l it ie s of t he Nat iona l Honor S oc ie t y. Fol low i ng t h i s , t he ne w i nduc te e s were e ach c a l le d up a nd g iven t hei r awa rd s , a s wel l a s ros e s to b e pres ented to t hei r pa rent s .

A l l c u r rent members of t he N HS , ne w i nduc te e s i nclude d , shou ld be proud of t hei r ach ie vement s . St udent s i n t he N HS a re a pa r t of a g roup of t he most e xc el lent st udent s i n t he cou nt r y.

On Track for Greatness James O’Shea ‘14 and Jackson Misko ‘14

T he De von Pre p Tr ack a nd Field Te a m ha s had a not her suc c e s sf u l s e as on, cont r ibut i ng to t he t r ad it ion of e xc el lenc e t hat wa s e st abl i she d by pre v iou s gener at ions . T he Tide plac e d i n t he top ten at t he Bic enten n ia l C ha mpionsh ips a nd s ent eig ht at h le te s to t he Di st r ic t C ha mpionsh ip. I n add it ion, t he te a m more t ha n double d it s poi nt tot a l compa re d to la st ye a r. S en ior Tom S e y kor a broke t he s chool re cord for t he 800 me ters w it h a t i me of 1:57.75. T he te a m a l s o s ent r u n ners to d i st r ic t s i nclud i ng s ophomore Luc a s Wat s on ’15 a nd ju n iors Jack Rot h ’1 4 a nd Ja me s O’ She a ’1 4 .

A f ter coach i ng for h i s f i rst f u l l ye a r, M r. Dave Ev a ns wa s more t hat ple a s ed w it h t he s e a s on’s outcome . S en ior c ap t a i n Tom S e y kor a ’13 s a id , “I wa s re a l ly i mpre s s e d by how t he te a m u n i f ied du r i ng t he late mont h s of t he s e a s on.

We were able to pu l l t h rou g h be c au s e we a l l rel ie d on e ach ot her.” T he te a m i s t he st ronge st it ha s be en for s ome t i me a nd ne x t ye a r w i l l prove to b e e ven st ronger.

On Thu rsday, Apri l 25, t he seniors bid t heir fa rewel l to t he Devon Music Societ y du ring t heir per forma nce at t he nineteent h a nnua l Spring Concer t.

A l l of t he concer ts a re a resu lt of t he t ireless work of Dr. Va lent in a nd Mrs. Donna Radu who put t heir hea r ts a nd sou ls into ensu ring a n excel lent per forma nce yea r a f ter yea r. In add it ion, Miss Ba rba ra Med ina coord inates t he events for t he Devon Music Societ y, a nd Mrs. Liz Lubker a nd Mrs. Ja nice Ru fo deser ve much pra ise for a l l t hey d id w it h commu nicat ion a nd set up over t he cou rse of t he yea r. As Michael Horbow y ’14 sa id, “Wit hout t hem, none of t he g roup’s achievements wou ld be possible. The Devon Music Societ y wou ld li ke to ta ke t his oppor tu nit y to t ha n k each of t hem.”

The majorit y of t he show is comprised of t he per forma nces by t hree ma in musica l g roups: Chora l Tide, R ip Tide, a nd Ja zz Ba nd. Chora l Tide per formed a l lt i me favorites such as “Put t in’ on t he R it z” a nd “Daddy Sa ng Bass.” R ip Tide da zzled t he aud ience w it h “Dona Nobis

Pacem,” a nd Ja zz Ba nd put on a stella r presentat ion of t he “New York, New York ” inst r u menta l.

Beyond t he g roup ef for ts f rom t he Tides a nd Ba nd, t here were a lso severa l solo per forma nces, notably “Ha rd to Say I’m Sorr y” a nd “Forever You ng” per formed by CJ Nave ’15 a nd Bria n Koza k ’13 respect ively. Bot h of t hese ta lented ind iv idua ls not on ly sa ng, but a lso played t heir inst r u ments w it h CJ on t he pia no a nd Bria n on t he g uita r. T here were a lso t wo pieces f rom t his yea r’s musica l T he Sca rlet Pi mpernel: “Fa lcon in t he Dive” su ng by Just in Ba rker a nd “Into t he Fire” su ng by Bria n Koza k a nd his “Bou nders.” As a lways, t he soloists a ma zed t he aud ience w it h t he most memorable acts.

T his yea r, t he seniors ga ined t he t it le by per forming “La ndslide” by Stev ie Nick s to say goodbye to Devon. T he song choice was appropriate a nd t he per forma nce itself was si mply rema rk able. T his is a t r u ly ta lented g roup whose absence w i l l def initely be not iced nex t yea r.

A Superb Scientific Symposium Chris McAlee ’17

On April 17, the Devon Forensics Team, accompanied by Ms. Annette Loutrel and Mr. R. Roger Mecouch, attended Penn State’s Forensic Science Symposium at Penn State’s main campus. Penn State has the highest-ranked Forensic Science program in the country. The team consisted of Shyamal Patel ‘16, Alexandru Damian ‘16, Andrew Barella ‘16, Mitchell Young ‘17, and Chris McAlee.

After a long ride to State College, they arrived at the campus and were introduced to the five stations at the symposium: DNA extraction and analysis, resumptive blood testing, and fingerprint and shoe analysis. At the dried blood analysis station, the students were taught the basics on how to take samples from dried blood, as well as what angle it came from and what weapon caused the bleeding. In DNA extraction the team learned how to extract DNA from peas by blending them, applying a chemical solution to the liquid peas, and taking the strands out with a pipette.

At the DNA station, they were taught how to find the odds of one person having a certain combination of traits using a computer and a

strand of DNA. At the fingerprint station, the team learned how to lift and dust for fingerprints using various methods. At the shoe print station, they were given a short lecture on the methods of identifying suspects by the shoe prints they left behind.

After visiting each station, the team was shown the two forensics cottages, where simulated crime scenes were set up. Teachers would create a fake crime scene, make up a scenario, and hide evidence around the cottage. Forensics students would then spend the day trying to solve it with any means possible. One cottage was rather simple, with simply-shaped rooms, bright walls and tile floors, making it easy to spot evidence. The other cottage was far more challenging, with bizarre room shapes, carpeted floors, plenty of nooks and crannies to search in, and ugly colors on the walls, making evidence, hair and bold stains difficult to notice.

The team had lots of fun learning about the science of justice, happy to go home armed with the new knowledge they had gained at the symposium.

Celebrating the Class of 2013

Dialogue Profiles

The Devon Dialogue staff sat down with the newly elected members of student council for interviews about their upcoming terms.

President Owen Phelan

Vice President Sean Bevan

James Stanish ‘14, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect

James Stanish ‘14, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect

Devon Dialog ue: W h at m a de you decide to r un for of f ice?

Devon Dialogue: What made you decide to run for office?

Owen Phel an: I rea l ly l i ke Devon. I’ve had t wo brot hers Sean Bevan: I really want to be able to improve this school and help out with everything. This year I helped out with everything but here a nd I t h i n k t hat I w i l l, w it h t he help of Mat t a nd next year I’ll have more of a power role and be able to actually Sea n, be able to ma ke Devon a bet ter place for ever yone run events like Battle of the Bands and SpringFest and actually w ho goes here. be able to get my name out there and make a reputation for DD: W h at do you see a s the role of your posit ion? W hat myself by putting my own spin on things. special talent s do you br ing?

DD: What do you see as the role of your position? What special OP: Wel l, I t h i n k a president shou ld be ver y ha ndsome talents do you bring? bec au se he needs to be t he face of t he school. On top of t hat I t h i n k leadersh ip a nd a love of Devon a re t he SB: I have experience with all the events we currently run so it’ll be easy for Matt, Owen, and me to get the events done and ma i n t h i ngs. T he job of t he president is to get k ids to increase attendance. I think we can get those events done and come to event s a nd get a s ma ny k ids at Devon i nvolved I can run them and then Owen and Matt can focus on the new a s possible. L a st yea r we had t he event s but not t he things. at tenda nce, so nex t yea r we’re goi ng to work on t he sa me event s w h i le t r y i ng to get a l l of Devon i nvolved DD: If you could make any change to Devon Prep what would it be? a l l t he t i me.

SB: I would make the communications, especially among the DD: If you could m ak e any ch ange to Devon P rep what student body, better because I feel they’re lacking. Sometimes woul d it be? the middle school is out of the loop and people don’t show up to events. I feel that the more people that show up the more we OP: I wou ld rea l ly l i ke to see ou r at tenda nce ex pa nd. I can give back to the student body, and the more free t-shirts t h i n k t hat Devon is a fa nt a st ic place a nd shou ld of fer and tailgates we can have. We need to get the communication w hat it ha s to a s ma ny k ids a s possible bec au se it ’s a n systems up so that we have more attendance by Devon kids at oppor t u n it y t hat not ma ny people get . I wou ld l i ke to events. ex pa nd en rol l ment bec ause t hat wou ld g ive more k ids t he oppor t u n it y to ex per ience w hat t he school is.

DD:

What is the first thing you plan to do when your term begins?

DD: How do you see your role in working with cl a ssroom SB: I strongly feel that we should have a high school field day. The repre sentat ive s? first thing I’m going to do is approach Mr. Iezzi and start the workings of getting field day back next year, probably in early OP: I t h i n k t hat it ’s i mpor t a nt to have a good cha i n of October or late September. com ma nd a nd to get t he word out to as ma ny k ids as possible. For ex a mple, i f Ms. Med i na g ives me a n idea, DD: At the end of next year what do you want people to remember I c a n tel l t he cla ss president s, t he class president s tel l about your term? What do you want your legacy to be? t he homeroom represent at ives, a nd event ua l ly w it h i n t h ree steps ever y body i n t he ent i re school k now s. So SB: I don’t really want an event as a legacy. I just want everyone to see me as someone who helped out with everything and was I tel l f ive or si x people, t he y tel l f ive or si x people, involved. t he y tel l ten people each, a nd t he ent i re school k now s t here’s a g r i l l-out t h is Fr iday or a t a i lgate or somet h i ng l i ke t hat . So I t h i n k my job is basic a l ly ma k i ng su re k ids a re get t i ng t he word out a nd hy pi ng st u f f.

Treasurer Matthew McDevitt Jackson Misko ‘14

DD: At the end of next year wh at do you want people to remember about your ter m? W hat do you want your Devon Dialogue: What made you decide to run for of f ice? legac y to be?

Mat t hew McDev it t: Over t he past few years here at Devon I’ve been ver y act ive in a ll of Devon’s act iv it ies and OP: I wou ld l i ke by t he end of nex t yea r t here to be a ever y t hing it has to of fer. I rea lly want to g ive back to rea l sense i n Devon t hat ever y body w as welcome Devon and play my par t as t reasurer. ever y w here. I w a nt ever y body to t h i n k to t hem selves “Dude do you remember t hose P it ga mes? T hose were DD: What do you see as the role of your position? awesome! Do you remember t he t a i lgate? T hat w as g reat ! Yes, we got k icked out, but it w as a good t i me”. MM: I want to get t he money to f inance t hings such as f ree t-shir ts and a ll t he dif ferent events we have planned for So I’d l i ke ever y body to look back on t h is com i ng yea r nex t year and ma ke t hem t he best t hat t hey can be. at Devon a nd say “Wow t he school rea l ly c a me toget her a s one ent it y t hat yea r ”.

DD: If you could make any change to Devon Prep what would it be?

DD: W h at i s the f irst thing you pl an to do when your ter m beg in s?

MM: The biggest change I wou ld ma ke is t he involvement of st udents here at Devon. Ever y tailgate we have t he same OP: I’m goi ng to order a ma rble bu st of my sel f c a r ved for few k ids who show up again and again. I want to branch Ca la sa nc t iu s Ha l l. out to t he midd le school and t he upper school and rea lly DD: W here in Cal a sanct iu s Hall? get ever yone involved nex t year. A lso, we have a lot of clot hing at Devon. Nex t year I rea lly want to focus on OP: I w a s t h i n k i ng by t he pia no but I’m not rea l ly su re. get t ing more qua lit y apparel t hat’s reasonably priced.

We cou ld a l most ma ke a n a lt a r to it, but rea l ly a ny w here work s. It ’s rea l ly just t hat I w a nt f rom my sold iers ju st a DD: At the end of next year what do you want people to ma rble st at ue of my sel f. remember about your term? What do you want your legac y to be?

DD: I think th at ’s a good u se of Devon P rep f und s .

OP:

Yea h, I def i n itely t h i n k so.

MM: I wou ld like k ids to act ua lly remember t he t reasurer.

Valedictorian Antonio Muscarella Andrew Bright ‘14, Editor-in-Chief Elect

Every year, the Devon family is united under an individual who has striven tirelessly in academics, extracurricular activities, and a Christian way of life and whose feats have inspired those around him to follow in his path. However, this year, we will not have one person to unite under; instead, it is a great honor to have three exemplary young men to lead us as ambassadors of the Devon way of life. Each has worked for the betterment of the school and community, strived to better understand the world in which he lives, and served as a model of Christ in a way that this article could never do justice. One of these individuals is Antonio Muscarella ’13.

Antonio has been a member of the Devon family since sixth grade, earning him a coveted spot in the “7-Year Club.” Throughout his time at Devon, Antonio has become involved in numerous activities. He has participated in Science Olympiad, a local science competition,

since ninth grade. He has been a member of the Academic Challenge Team becoming an integral part of the team and eventually captain in his senior year. Antonio is one of the founding members of the Solar Car Club and has been an active member since tenth grade. He has been involved in both Mathletes and Model United Nations since grade eleven and a member of the Devon Prep Environmental Society since grade twelve. He is also one of the two founding members of the Chemistry Club, a club whose bravado and sense of exploration emulates his own qualities. His literary talent as expressed through the Devon Dialogue has become a welcome facet to the Devon community and has earned him the position of Editor-in-Chief in his senior year.

However, it is not Antonio’s impressive accomplishments that amount to his legacy, but rather his disposition towards life, a disposition

summarized by Leonardo Da Vinci: “the noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” Antonio believes that knowledge can be one the most powerful forces of good in this world, an idea which he attempts to express in his everyday actions. Antonio is the epitome of a “Renaissance Man.” His wide array of skills and knowledge has been an important aspect of the Devon life and community.

As the year comes to a close, Antonio is preparing to make the leap from the domesticity of the Devon atmosphere to the great beyond.

Antonio will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, along with Tom Seykora ’13, another valedictorian. Although Antonio may be gone, he will not be forgotten. He has left an imprint on the Devon community and those around him. Devon wishes him, and the rest of the Class of 2013, luck in their future endeavors. It is up to them to allow the light of Devon to shine on.

Valedictorian Ryan Shannon Andrew Bright ‘14, Editor-in-Chief Elect

Every year, the Devon community selects a valedictorian to represent the best aspects of the Devon way of life. The Valedictorian is the father figure of the Devon student body. This year, the Devon student body shall have three father figures to unite under. One of them, Ryan Shannon ’13, is an embodiment of Devon itself and an exemplary leader and, to the Devon student body, a great friend.

As a perfect example of a “scholar-athlete,” Ryan has pushed the boundaries of his mental as well as physical self. Since grade eight, Ryan has participated in soccer and basketball, bringing a competitive as well as communal environment to the field and court. He has been an active member of campus ministry since ninth grade. Since his junior year, Ryan has

played an important role in both stage crew and Ultimate Frisbee. In addition, he has given back to Devon through the summer camp program since 2010. Ryan was also named Mainline Athlete of the Week in November of 2012.

Ryan has been a prolific writer for the Devon Dialogue since grade eleven and has been an integral part of the Academic Challenge Team since grade twelve.

While these accomplishments are highly impressive, the most striking aspect of Ryan is his personality and resolve. Ryan is motivated by a desire for competition, which is expressed in all facets of his life. In athletics, Ryan brings a fighting spirit unmatched by any competitors.

In academics, Ryan channels the same fighting spirit, striving to do as well as possible. To Ryan,

life is very similar to a soccer game: “We are all teammates trying to help each other succeed and reach the ultimate goal in life, heaven.”

Ryan’s desire to help others, an aspect of his altruistic personality, is best manifested in his career choice. Ryan desires to study bioengineering so that he can better help society’s growing health problems. As the fall approaches, Ryan will be heading off to Schreyer Honors College of Pennsylvania State University. With Ryan gone, Devon will have lost an important part of its student body. But, Ryan will not be forgotten. There is a Mae West quote that goes “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Ryan has lived through Devon, and shown that once truly is enough.

Valedictorian Thomas Seykora James O’Shea ‘14

Tom Seykora ’13 has always stood out among the best. After being named valedictorian, this year was no different.

First, there’s the obvious. Everyone who’s met Tom knows he’s intelligent, captain of the Academic Challenge Team, a member of the National Honor Society, a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a valedictorian. Tom is a stand-out student. His knowledge advances well beyond the math and science realm that Devon is often noted for; he truly enjoys all of his subjects and excels in each one.

But not so many valedictorians hold athletic records as well. Tom, a devoted track runner, set the school record in the 800 meter run with a blazing time of 1:57.75. His dedication to the sport and the team are unparalleled.

As a captain of the cross country, indoor, and outdoor track teams, Tom leads by example.

Although generally quiet, Tom inspired the team before every cross country meet with a fiery speech.

Tom’s attention to detail makes him an effective leader and contributor to society. Tom is also an Eagle Scout, the highest possible rank in the Boy Scouts. Tom has been a Boy Scout for over seven years, a true testament to his will and resolve to accomplish tasks.

While all of these accomplishments are very impressive to say the least, the most important thing about Tom is his character. Without this, all of the above seems trivial. What’s special about Tom is his outlook on life. He’s concerned about the community and wants to make a greater impact on it. He combines his passions and skills so that they benefit others. Tom is unselfish and puts others first. Most don’t know that he organized an entire track meet

for the blind children at the Overbrook School for the Blind. He truly wants to help others and his passion for what he does is contagious.

He’s down-to-earth, unpretentious, and simply put, really just a great guy.

Devon surely won’t be the same with Tom gone. But Tom will continue to impact those around him as a student at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Overall, Tom is a shining example of the Devon way of life.

Valedictorians Antonio Muscarella (Left), Thomas Seykora (Middle), and Ryan Shannon (Right)

Dialogue Editorials

Curtain Call

The Importance of APs

Ryan Mattox ‘13, Associate Editor for Entertainment Emeritus

Kevin Sheng ‘14

I’ve decided to recount my memories of the dramas here at Devon. Not broad memories or an editorial goodbye, just a story or two. I want to express what Devon was, what the experience was for me.

I began with a role in the drama my first year, The Matchmaker. It was a good role, and anyone would say I did a good job with it. So how did I absolutely ruin that first performance for myself and everyone involved? I took it far too seriously; I say that with no exaggeration. I f lubbed my lines that first night, missing a whole page of them in one of my first scenes. Now, looking back at that night, I have three dramas worth of experience to realize I was being stupid. But that night I felt justified in losing my cool at myself and anybody who tried to talk to me. That was the first lesson I learned from the theater at Devon: don’t be so serious all the time, especially when it gets you angry.

This leads right into my second tale, the following year’s drama. Woody Allen, thank you for living. Don’t Drink the Water was the most over the top play I’ve ever been in, and on opening night we were fantastic.

More than that, the very same people who gave me a wide berth just months ago at the spring musical Hot Mikado were chatting with me. These guys and girls would’ve been justified in avoiding me altogether, as I went crazy on them pretty bad the year before. But through Woody Allen’s play, which was all laughs all the time, I learned the second important lesson Devon taught me: first impressions are important, but they aren’t forever. It’s not hard to change someone’s opinion when you open up.

There were other things I’ve learned from the dramas, some just as important as those two lessons. But I won’t write them down, because they’re mine alone. Changes I had to make for myself only. They were good lessons and have made me the Ryan Mattox I am today. But those two lessons are for everybody who reads this, whether you need them or not.

Shakespeare, with whom I share a birthday, explains it the best. “All the world’s a stage, women and men are its actors…” I’ve heard this quote all my life and understand it now more than ever. Thanks for everything, Devon Prep.

A New Type of Drone Michael Horbowy ‘14

T he X-47B is t he f i rst u n ma n ned a i rcra f t to ta ke of f f rom a n a i rcra f t ca r r ier.

T he f ig hter-jet si z e pla ne was lau nched f rom t he USS George H.W. Bush on Tuesday, May 1 4 , 2013, wh i le i n t he Atla nt ic Ocea n. T he abi l it y of d rones to ta ke of f f rom sh ips w i l l be a n i ncredibly va luable tool. T hey w i l l be able to operate a rou nd t he world w it hout ot her cou nt r ies per m ission for a base.

T h is pa r t icu la r pla ne was desig ned speci f ica l ly for ta k i ng of f a nd la nd i ng on wa rsh ips. A lt houg h it d id not la nd on t he deck of t he sh ip, one of a nava l pi lot ’s most d i f f icu lt cha l lenges, it d id successf u l ly ta ke of f a n a i rcra f t ca r r ier. It is not cu r rent ly mea nt for operat iona l use, but i nstead for obta i ni ng v ita l i n for mat ion to help develop t he d rone prog ra m as it enters i nto a new phase.

T he X-47B is qu ite adva nced for a si mple test i ng du m my. It ca n reach a n a lt it ude of over 40,000 feet as wel l as t ravel more t ha n 2,100 m i les. It ca n not t ravel at supersonic speeds, but ca n get

close to t hem. T he a i rcra f t is a lso capable of f u l ly autonomous f l ig ht mea ni ng computer prog ra ms ca n cont rol t he d rone w it hout outside assista nce.

However, as t he prog ra m prog resses, t here is i ncreased pushback . Ma ny nat ions say t hat d rones cause w idespread a nd u nwa r ra nted civ i l ia n deat h. R at her t ha n debate t h is, nava l of f icia ls i nstead poi nt out t he posit ives, such as consta nt i ntel l igence, su r vei l la nce, a nd ta rget i ng capabi l it ies.

Cr it ics have ra ised concer n t hat t he d rone prog ra m, adva nced by t h is f l ig ht, w i l l create f u l ly autonomous a nd weaponi z ed u n ma n ned veh icles, decreasi ng hu ma n cont rol over lau nchi ng at tack s. L ast yea r t he Depa r t ment of Defense stated t hat it w i l l not pu rsue completely u n ma n ned weapons, for t he nea r f ut u re.

A lt houg h t he X-47B d id not la nd on t he ca r r ier, t he Nav y pla ns to conduc t such a test soon. T he X-47B ma rk s a new phase of d rone development t hat is bot h prom isi ng a nd cont roversia l.

So, why did we just spend $89.00 to take a three hour test? Why spend eight months studying and working nearly nonstop when we’ll just forget everything by the next year? To many of us, these courses seem unnecessary and superf luous. We take them only for those magic two letters on our transcript, and that number on our score report. However, contrary to popular belief, these classes we “waste” our time in actually do teach us important things, even if we don’t realize it.

We don’t necessarily take these high school classes to learn the material. In ten years, we’ll hardly be expected to know the stages of embryonic development or the last president during Reconstruction (unless, of course, you want to be a biologist or historian). What stays with us are the new ways of thinking and learning (yes, in high school, we learn how to effectively learn). We develop new approaches to looking at problems and interpreting passages. Something as basic as algebra, for instance, facilitates a logical approach to thinking and solving problems. We approach problems every day using skills developed by our middle school math courses. AP courses in particular develop our ability to understand and deliver arguments. Courses involving the humanities teach us how to effectively synthesize data, express a stance, and defend an argument. Traditionally problem-based STEM courses show us how to identify the problem, determine the steps necessary to solving the problem, and execute these steps to come up with a solution. The weight of the free response and essay sections of the exams is a testament to how integral these abilities are to the course. Acquiring these methodologies is the most lasting and significant result of the AP course.

These high school classes also impact our opportunities in college and our future careers. You should not shy away from math or science just because you plan on becoming a liberal arts major and vice versa. Everything we learn is interrelated. You’ll find yourself applying things you learned in human geography to biology, and things you learned in physics to calculus (hint, graphs are important). Everything we learn in high school is a foundation for what we do in college. Things you thought inconsequential in high school will return in college, even in seemingly unrelated subjects. What you learn in the future builds on what you supposedly learned in high school. These high school fundamentals are even more important if you don’t know what you want to do in the future. Not putting in effort to learn and understand this material can only close doors and block opportunities.

There are many reasons you should attempt to succeed in both AP courses and regular courses. Each Devon student has his own motivations, but it the end it can only expand your future possibilities and understanding of the world. And, of course, college credits are always nice.

The Devon Difference Antonio Muscarella ‘13, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

We of the Devon Community often joke about the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the school, qualifying them by the phrase “The Devon Difference.” Whether it be the fact that none of the clocks in the classrooms ever seem to tell the correct time, or the fact that most school deadlines for forms for special events are usually extended to the day of the event in question, “The Devon Difference” seems to accurately convey Devon’s unique customs in a simple three-word adage.

While we may laugh and joke about all of the peculiar things that happen here at Devon, there is truly something about this school quite unlike any other. There is a “Devon Difference” that pervades the community here at Devon Prep, and many of us tend to miss it, even though we are reminded of it every day we come to school. In the main lobby, on the wall right next to the door to the main office, there is a blue framed sign that proclaims the “Devon Difference.” It reads as follows: “Let it be known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school. The unseen but ever present Teacher in the classes, Model of its faculty, Inspiration of its students.”

This is the Devon Difference. Jesus Christ’s presence permeates these halls and inspires the minds and hearts of everyone in the Devon community. Because of Him, we all come to share in the community of love that is Devon Prep. We all see the presence of our Lord and Savior in each other, and we try to bring out Christ’s love in each other. Whether it is students, faculty, staff, families, or friends, we are all united in one community of Christ’s love.

Truly the teachers of this school follow in Christ’s footsteps. Their patience, kindness, devotion, and sacrifice are as abundant as they are admirable. While we lamented over the extra work that they gave us, our myopic perception of our teachers addled our ability to see the greater picture. Now, as the year comes to a close and we look back, we realize just how incredible our teachers are. They’ve spent countless hours both in and out of the classroom, devoting their lives to our education so that we may succeed. Their dedication and the knowledge they shared with us plays an invaluable role in shaping us into intelligent, confident adults.

And, of course, it isn’t just the teachers that make Devon Prep a special place. Each and every member of our community has played an integral role in bringing us here today: whether it be the administration, with Fr. Shea and Mr. Iezzi devoting countless hours, overseeing all that goes on at Devon; or Mrs. Real and all the office staff, who ensure every aspect of the school is running like clockwork; or Mr. Nattle and the maintenance staff, by whose countless hours of hard work have made Devon Prep into the beautiful place that it is; or Mrs. Kalivas and the kitchen staff who have prepared us delicious food each and every day. All of these people and many others are involved in keeping the “Devon Difference” alive in our school.

Just as Christ is the “Devon Difference” that radiates throughout the school and the student body, so too are the parents of Devon Prep like the Blessed Virgin Mary and her devoted husband St. Joseph. Within this Holy Family is the purest essence of parenthood. Such is the manner in which our parents love us, with an unwavering and infinitely great love. Love, in its purest form, is sacrifice. The perfect example of this is the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord, who loved us so much that He gave his own life to save us. This is love. And this is the manner in which our parents love us. They would do anything for us, and we have already seen how much they have sacrificed to fill our lives with hope and opportunity.

So the next time you hear the phrase “The Devon Difference,” think about what truly makes Devon Prep such a special place. The presence of Jesus Christ fills the hallways and classrooms of the school and the hearts and minds of all the students, teachers, staff, parents, family, and friends that are part of the greater Devon community. We are all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, and we all come to share in His love though the members of the Devon community.

College Highlights for the Class of 2013 Total amount of scholarships earned by the Class of 2013: $6,032,984 303 applications from the Class of 2013: 3 Early Decision 65 Early Action 44 Rolling 191 Regular Decision Institutions: Applied to: 112 Accepted at: 80 Enrolled in: 22 Most popular colleges applied to by the Class of 2013: Drexel University (23) Loyola University Maryland (15) St. Joseph’s University (11) University of Delaware (10) Institutions with the highest Class of 2013 enrollments: St. Joseph’s University (6) Rochester Institute of Technology (3) Drexel University (3) University of Pennsylvania (2) Penn State University (2) Loyola University Maryland (2) Fordham University (2) Gettysburg College (2)

Editorial Board

© 2012–2013 Devon Prep

Editor-in-Chief Elect: Andrew Bright ‘14 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect: Patrick Shields ‘14 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect: James Stanish ‘14 Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: Antonio Muscarella ‘13 Deputy Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: Michael Tolvaisa ‘13 Photography Editor Emeritus: Tim Crowe ’13 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Lawrence Theuer Assistant Photography Editor: Rafael Suero ‘13 Associate Editor for News: Patrick Shields ‘14 Associate Editor for Editorials: Sean Melvin ‘13 Associate Editor for Entertainment: Ryan Mattox ‘13 Associate Editor for Sports: Ryan Shannon ‘13 Associate Editor for Interviews & Polls: Kevin Fulmer ‘13 All photos, unless otherwise noted, taken by newspaper staff or Ms. Rose Lombardo, for Devon Preparatory School.

Special thanks to Fr. Shea for his tireless assistance and guidance