V36 Issue 3

Going green

Hydroshed built to educate science classes on soil-free gardening

BY | GRACE KNUDSON

SHEDDING THE OLD Fifth grade science teacher, Ellen Neill, helps install the school’s first-ever Hydroshed, an innovative approach to gardening. The construction ended after 3 days in July. “There are these black pots [of water] in there, so that water filters through the whole system,” Neill said. “During the summertime, there’s what’s called a swamp cooler—it’s sort of like an air conditioner that keeps the air flowing, so it can’t get too hot.”

To teach environmental science through hands-on learning experiences, a Hydroshed was placed next to the Swann Center and quarry in July.

I love that this is something kids have never seen—it’s showing them that there are different ways [to develop a plant]. That’s the fun part about this—it’s new and modern.

Ellen Neill Fifth Grade Science Teacher

Over the past five years, fifth grade science teacher Ellen Neill has implemented life and earth science curriculum in her classes by having students visit the greenhouse daily. The previous greenhouse started collapsing, so Neill and Science Department Chair Amy Henderson decided to replace it with a Hydroshed—a greenhouse specifically made for schools based in hydroponics. As a soil-free subset of horticulture, hydroponics uses mineral nutrient solutions in water to grow plants.

“The last greenhouse was great,” Henderson said. “But the wood was rotting, and we could do more with this Hydroshed. Ms. Neill and I have been growing a lot in there—it’s a very fast-growing system.”

The new planting system, housing tomatoes, leafy greens and zucchini, introduces a revolutionary approach to gardening.

“[The Hydroshed] is pretty simple,” Neill said. “There is hardly any maintenance. My kids and I have to make sure there are enough nutrients and fill the

water in. No bugs or critters can get in—it’s sealed well.”

Since the construction of the Hydroshed in July, Neil has planned seeds in the water pods. Her students visit it daily during recess and twice a week during class.

“There are so many new innovations,” Neill said. “This is something that is totally different. I love that this is something kids have never seen—it’s showing them that there are different ways [to develop a plant]. It’s keeping the water flowing and growing a

about soil, and we were like, ‘Eh, farming.’ But now that it’s hydroponics, it sounds cool. A lot of the fifth graders will be more interested in it.”

While hydroponics is the main focus of the Hydroshed, the department made sure to keep flatbeds to demonstrate why it takes longer for the plants to grow in the ground than through hydroponics.

“This is teaching the kids about the environment and different growing systems,” Henderson said. “We have flatbeds to do regular growing because of the different seasons. This [Hydroshed] gives the kids another view without soil— how the plant can sustain.”

THE LAST GREENHOUSE WAS GREAT, BUT THE WOOD WAS ROTTING, AND WE COULD DO MORE WITH THIS HYDROSHED—IT’S A VERY FAST-GROWING SYSTEM.

AMY HENDERSON, SCIENCE DEPT. CHAIR “

tiny seed into a big plant. That’s the fun part about this—it’s new and modern.”

Students appreciate the handson nature of Neill’s class.

“I remember when I was in fifth grade, Ms. Neill would take us out there,” sophomore Madison McCoy said. “It was kind of hard to learn because we didn’t care

The Hydroshed has given teachers the opportunity to introduce new research projects based on real life.

“Right now, there is a fungus that is on some of the leaves,” Neill said. “We are having to [do] research to find out about it. This [fungus] is new to me, and my students are helping me find out what it is.”

While students, faculty and staff members are able to take produce home, SAGE is unable to use the products for the dining facilities.

“SAGE loves to come look at it, but they can not take anything we grow just like a grocery store couldn’t take it from us either,” Neill said. “My students love to take the things we grow—we rotate on who can take them. We also give them to faculty members and the class pets.”

At the moment, the science department is looking forward to more grade levels using the structure.

“We are hoping when the Lower School comes, they can be involved in the system as well,” Henderson said. “Having the kids test the pH levels and electroconductivity of the water is great. We hope they will take this all in.”

Since the school owns an open lot at the end of Montwood Lane, Neill hopes to place a community garden there to offer the neighborhood local produce.

“Families could just come and get the produce,” Neill said. “It would be a great community service opportunity—North Texas Food Bank also does projects like this. Creating a community garden is my overall goal.”

photo by Grace Knudson

HYDRATION STATION During a Nov. 15 recess, fifth grade science teacher Ellen Neill shows her students how to test and adjust the water’s pH. Students visit the Hydroshed daily in order to maintain high quality produce. “It’s all aquaponics,” she said. “All very organic—very healthy.” photos by Grace Knudson (left, top)

Niche releases Dallas private school rankings

BY | LAUREN EGGER

The website Niche reviews cities, neighborhoods and schools nationwide and recently released the Best Private K-12 Schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. ESD was ranked fourth in this category following St. Marks, Hockaday and Greenhill.

Niche evaluates categories such as a school’s academics, sports and diversity using letter grades.

“Niche is an independent rating site,” Associate Director of Communications Katy Dailey said. “They have cleverly positioned themselves over the years by stuffing their sites with a lot of keywords that people are searching.”

The lowest grade given to ESD was a B- in diversity, whereas the schools ranked higher ranged from an A+ to an A- in the same category. But the site can vary on accuracy as the scores are mainly self-reported by parents, students or the school itself.

“There is a whole methodology as to how the rankings are compiled,” Dailey said. “Some of it is based on tests scores or where kids are going to college or the ratings that people are entering on Niche themselves, so, if there are some people that say, ‘We really love ESD,’ then we get a higher rating.”

While Niche is subjective, Dailey and Director of Admissions, Cindy Newsom, recognize its importance.

“It is a good checks and balances system for [the administration],” Newsom said. “[Diversity] is something we are working on, and I am proud of the efforts. But the best way to change that is for people to feel pride in their school and to want to share that with others.”

While the scores can be inaccurate statistically, they do portray a perception of a school within its community.

“We want to be ourselves and we don’t want to rely on other groups to define us,” Head of Upper School Henry Heil said. “Whether [a perception] is a reality or not, if there is someone [saying] we are not as diverse, then we need to figure out either how to better advertise or whether it is a reality.”

Director of Diversity and Inclusion Elizabeth Goatley recognizes the perception of ESD in the surrounding community.

“I do believe that there is a perception—specifically in North Dallas and among those who are familiar with a lot of our partnering schools—that ESD is less diverse than those schools,” Goatley said. “Do I necessarily agree that the rating should have been a B-? Probably not. We have room for improvement—I wouldn’t have given it an A like the other scores, but we consistently want to ensure that we have the most talented students at ESD and a student body that is representative of our community.”

The Diversity Club promotes conversation in the community.

“We recognize that while ESD is an incredibly open place, there are many issues that people are uncomfortable with,” club member and junior Sam Bhasin said. “Diversity Club allows people to have an open discussion about these issues and suggest ways to improve an already great school.”

Diversity levels are at 19 percent when looking at race.

Niche’s diversity category is based on individuals’ perceptions, which doesn’t necessarily mean skin color.

“When we give tours, the question of diversity depends on how you define diversity,” Newsom said. “It can be religious diversity or socioeconomic, which is a factor that people ask about and is hard to quantify, but we give out over three million dollars in financial aid, and that helps.”

The school’s top priority is to enroll the most qualified students, and the administration works hard to ensure the school accepts people of all backgrounds.

“We are partnering with Dr. Goatley, who has worked with some of the affinity groups, and [we have] some parents who are willing to work as parent ambassadors,” Newsom said. “We are going to train them in what we are looking for in applicants and hopefully get them to reach out to qualified students who they think would be great additions to ESD.”

GAME ON At Foster Elementary, sophomore Caleb Ainsworth plays a board game with students on Nov. 9. The English Conversational Class at Foster Elementary was started to improve students’ fluency in Spanish and English. “I like working with the kids and helping them learn English,” Ainsworth said. “It feels like I’m effecting a community outside of ESD.” photo by Grace Knudson

BOOKWORMS On Nov. 9, freshmen Reid Moorman and Emily Yancey read books to students at Foster Elementary. Freshmen have the opportunity to attend the English Conversational Class once a month.

“It makes me happy to see the smile on [the students’] faces when they learn something new,” Yancey said.

Spanish program partners with sister school, builds connection

Monthly mentorship program at Foster Elementary provides beneficial Spanish-English interactions

BY | JIAYING FU

Sounding out each word, Foster Elementary kindergarteners read books to Upper School Spanish V students. The high schoolers look on with pride. From being far behind in phonics to now being able to read books, the kindergarteners have improved significantly.

think of what’s happening [to others] and why.”

“

The Foster Elementary student mentorship program aims to improve Spanish and English proficiency among Upper School Spanish students and Foster Elementary students. It was inspired by a previous partnership with the North Texas Clinic, which was discontinued. Foster Elementary is a local public school where the majority of students are Hispanic.

JIAYING FU

There are two components to this year-long program. For the past four years, Spanish V students act as teacher assistants, assisting students in kindergarten through third grade by compiling lesson plans for teachers and reading books and engaging in conversation with students. Every

I KNOW THE SCHOOL, AND I KNOW THE LANGUAGE, SO WHY NOT DO IT? I FELT AN URGE TO GO GIVE BACK TO THE SCHOOL... JUNIOR JESUS DE SANTIAGO

sixth day of the rotating schedule, instead of going to Spanish class, they meet at Foster Elementary.

Spanish teacher Marcela Garcini was inspired to initiate the program in response to the community’s growing need of English proficiency and cultural unity.

“Having the opportunity to interact with another culture— another socioeconomic situation— opens [our eyes] to a lot of things,” Garcini said. “Why are you not going to be friends with someone different? You have to

“Getting to know the kids [is my favorite part] of the program because every time you walk into a classroom, they’ll give you big hugs,” senior Bella Scott said. “You know them all by name, and they know you.”

Many Foster Elementary fifth graders are new to the school and have little to no background in speaking English, so last year, Garcini created a second aspect of the program: the English Conversational Class. This program is open to all students and is especially encouraged

among Spanish II classes. Using specific lesson plans, these volunteers help Foster Elementary fifth graders improve their English vocabulary.

“The classes [at Foster Elementary] are mostly in Spanish, so having some background in English gives them an advantage in a way,” junior Jesus De Santiago said. “If you don’t have that [English background] going into middle school or to a different school, such as a private school, you [will be] really confused on what [people] are talking about.”

Once a month, around 20 to 30 kids visit Foster Elementary for an hour in the morning. Although De Santiago does not take Spanish as a course, he is a committed member of the English Conversational Class. The mentorship program strongly resonated with him, as De Santiago is a Foster Elementary graduate, having attended from pre-K to fifth grade.

“I know the school, and I know the language, so why not do it?” De Santiago said. “I felt an urge to go give back to the school...It’s not about whether you can pronounce certain words or not. It’s about making that little effort—a hour a month—just to go and put a little smile on [someone’s] face.”

photo by Grace Knudson

Cheer team performs on national television

15 cheerleaders fly to New York, walk in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

BY | AVA HEPPNER

Over Thanksgiving Break, the junior varsity cheerleaders performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“I was so excited for this opportunity,” freshman Juliet Heppner said. “Being able to perform on National Television alongside my closest friends was a memory that I will keep with me forever.”

The squad arrived in New York City on Nov. 17 and had their dress rehearsal on Nov. 20 in preparation to perform with 500 other cheerleaders from across the U.S. on Thursday.

“I had a great time cheering in the Macy’s Day Parade,” junior and JV Cheer Captain Kate Flanagan said. “It was unlike anything I had ever done for cheer before. We would have four hour practices which was a little crazy, but I had an amazing time.”

“I loved seeing ‘Aladdin,’” Heppner said. “The costumes were amazing, and the show was a lot of fun. I had a great time.”

By practicing in the Express Cheer gym leading up to the parade, the team has gotten to know the Express Cheer owner and varsity coach, Chris Henson. Henson choreographed the routine orchestrated for the total of 500 cheerleaders and asked ESD cheerleaders to participate. All ESD cheerleaders were invited, although only 15 took the opportunity.

“It was a huge honor to be the highlighted school, and we were extremely lucky to have this opportunity,” cheerleading head coach Megan Boyd ‘09 said. “It was an incredible experience.”

All of the cheerleaders

BEING ABLE TO PERFORM ON NATIONAL TELEVISION ALONGSIDE MY CLOSEST FRIENDS WAS A MEMORY THAT I WILL KEEP WITH ME FOREVER.

Throughout their time in New York, the cheerleaders got to visit tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. They also saw the Broadway musical “Aladdin” and the Rockettes.

performed a one-minute routine in their bright pink and green costumes on live national television. Although the cheerleaders did not have a lot of screen time, they walked the rest of the parade along with the

other performers.

This year’s Thanksgiving was the coldest on record temperature. For most of the cheerleaders and performers, this was difficult to deal with.

“The only negative part was

how cold it was,” freshman Ashley Jaynes said. “It was really cool to walk next to all the floats and be in the parade. The parade an amazing experience.”

Freshman Erika Batson cherished cheering in New York

with her friends.

“It was so fun to be there with my team because we were able to bond and share adventures in New York,” Batson said. “It was rewarding to perform on TV after practicing so hard.”

WELCOME TO NEW YORK On Nov. 21, freshmen junior varsity cheerleaders take a break from practicing their Thanksgiving day routine to explore New York. Fifteen ESD cheerleaders appeared on national television, walking and performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “It was so cool to wave to all of the people on the street and see the giant balloons fly in the air,” freshman Erika Batson said. photo courtesy of Spirit of America Productions

BRIEF

The National Honor Society organized a blood drive hosted by Carter Bloodcare on Nov. 26.

“There is no greater gift than trying to give people the gift of life,” NHS sponsor Lauren Redmond said. “There’s something about helping someone survive, whether that is giving food or giving blood.”

Carter Bloodcare takes the blood of donors to send to hospitals around the metroplex, which is used to help people in need of blood in the greater Dallas community. This year, NHS is hosting a drive in the fall and spring.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to help give something that we can spare,” NHS Community Service Coordinator McKinley Lawson said. “I’m hoping that people realize we’re lucky to be healthy and have blood to give.”

This was senior Lauren Shilling’s second year to donate blood.

“[Giving blood] is kind of nervewracking and a little scary,” Shilling said. “But it’s worth it to save three people’s lives for just an hour of my time.”

New tradition added to Lessons and Carols

The 38th Lessons and Carols will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 14 in the Competition Gym.

Celebrated every year since 1980, the ceremony features music from band, strings and choir interspersed with Gospel lessons. Senior Chaplain Amy Heller appreciates the religious significance of the tradition.

“The Incarnation is central to the Christian tradition,” Heller said. “Christmas—as well as Easter, to a lesser extent—best represents it. It provides Christian students an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God, and other students a chance to better understand their peers’ beliefs.”

Band and strings are preparing a Christmas carol called Wenceslas that they will perform together.

“I’m excited about hearing the two play together,” Band Director Cary Porter said. “[Wenceslas] will have a big effect in terms of audience enjoyment.”

Choir Director Joe Snyder feels that the event provides a valuable time for the entire school to come together in worship.

“It’s my favorite ESD tradition,” Snyder said. “I like that we can celebrate the holidays with both the Upper School and Middle School students together.”

JOHN CALVERT

Families bond on Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day was held for Upper School students on Nov. 15, continuing the long-standing tradition of inviting grandparents to visit the school before Thanksgiving.

“Students are always so excited to show their grandparents what they’re learning,” Director of Annual Giving and Special Projects Kathryn Bakewell said. “It’s a sweet event, and the grandparents love it.”

The event offers students the opportunity to show their grandparents aspects of their life they otherwise would not be able to.

“Grandparents Day is special because it gives grandparents a day to spend time with their grandkids,” sophomore Sophia Sinacola said. “I used to see my grandma a lot, but now we are both busy, so Grandparents Day is a set date where I get to hang out with her.”

Students and grandparents had their photo taken, attended a Chapel service and went to the last class of the day together.

“Getting to take photos with my grandma is the best part [about Grandparents Day],” Sinacola said. “It’s nice to have year-byyear photos of us growing up and getting older.”

Youth and Government delegates compete

On Nov. 10, the Youth and Government team attended the annual District Conference at Duncanville High School.

The team participated in sections such as Judicial, a mock appellate court, and Legislative and State Affairs, which require students to compete to pass an original bill.

Four of the participants received recognition, including junior Nikash Harapanahalli who received the Angie Baggott Character Award and was elected to represent the Dallas area at State in January as their candidate for State Affairs Officer. For the first time, junior Meera Gangasani won the Distinguished Delegate Award.

“Getting Distinguished Delegate felt really great,” Gangasani said. “Joining Youth and Government has taught me how to share my thoughts with other people while still being respectful of different opinions.”

Club Adviser Mark Oglesby is pleased with the results.

“All club members did great at District, and I hope they do just as well at the State Conference,” Oglesby said. “Democracy is something that has to be learned, and Youth and Government is very good at teaching the necessary skills.”

JOHN CALVERT

1

A-POSITIVE IMPACT On Nov. 26, senior

Will Minnis donates blood for the National Honor Society’s blood drive. NHS reached their goal of 51 donations from students and faculty. “[Donating blood] is a big help for someone else,” Minnis said. “I would want someone to do the same thing if I needed blood.” photo courtesy of Lauren Redmond

2 3 4

DECK THE HALLS At last year’s Lessons and Carols, the female choir performs holiday pieces. For Lessons and Carols, Middle and Upper School students unite to sing Christmas songs and watch fine arts performances. “I love singing for Lessons and Carols,” sophomore Kirsten Corona said. “I get to do it with the choir—we are a close group, so it makes it fun learning the music.” photo courtesy of ESD Communications

A GRAND TIME During Grandparents Day on Nov. 15, junior Rachel Morrow shows her grandparents the yearbook room. Students spent the afternoon touring their grandparents and introducing them to teachers. “My grandparents know I spend a lot of time in the yearbook room,” Morrow said. “They wanted to see what I do.” photo by Kate Flanagan

LAW & ORDER Junior Meera Gangasani wears her Youth and Government Distinguished Delegate Award. Eighteen Upper School students represented the school at the Nov. 10 District Conference. “Our hard work paid off,” Gangasani said. “I was super proud of our team and how far we have come along. [Youth and Government] has made me a more understanding and knowledgeable person.” photo courtesy of Mark Oglesby

RALEIGH TOLEDO

RALEIGH TOLEDO

All tied up

Each year, more seniors apply Early Decision to college in hopes of an increased chance of getting in

BY | VICTORIA WILLOX

“

I knew that my chances of getting in were greatly increased if I applied E.D., so I decided that it was the wiser decision for me in the long run.

Kathleen Hobson ‘18

Alumna

”

Every year, millions of high school students endure the complex college application process. One of the most impactful decisions is deciding whether or not to apply early decision to a school, but confusion surrounding E.D. is prevalent and causing students to make decisions some are not ready to commit to.

There are various terms that colleges use today to refer to decision types—early decision, early action and restrictive early action. E.D. is offered almost exclusively by private universities, and only a handful of private colleges offer early decision to their applicants. If accepted, E.D. requires students to withdraw all other applications.

toward other factors such as SAT or ACT test scores.

“There are certain schools that put a huge store [on] early decision,” Gonzales said. “These schools tend to be less competitive, and they see E.D. as the most serious possible demonstrated interest a student can show. However, if you go to a school that only accepts five of seven percent in regular decision, it doesn’t necessarily give you an advantage. You have to meet what their requirement is in test scores [and] in GPA.”

some students benefit from applying E.D., in general, it is not tailored toward the majority of applicants. Before applying, it is advisable to have calculated your possibility of financial aid on the school website’s net price calculator and come up with a plan for paying tuition.

“You have to know what the school costs,” Gonzales said. “It is essential that the student has many family discussions about how much your family has to afford that school because these private schools are often costly.”

students against one another, and at times, can value the status of a school over quality and personal fit,” Hobson said. “A system and decision that is meant to be personal has been brought to the public stage and forced peers to compare their applications and decisions to each other, which is futile because it offers no value to which decision is right for each individual student.”

Students and parents are highly encouraged to do research on the subject before deciding to apply. Despite these warnings, there are still cases where students apply E.D. and realize they cannot attend their chosen school.

percent of students have considered possibly applying E.D. seniors applied E.D.

percent of students believe the E.D. option makes the college application process unfair for those who cannot/ do not E.D.

* according to a Nov. 29 poll of 200 students 35 71 13

“If you apply to a college early decision, that means you’ve done your research, and it is your absolute first choice,” Director of College Guidance Chris Gonzales said. “You want to be there no matter what. You have done the necessary homework to know that you’ll be able to afford to attend that college, and you also are willing to not hear from other colleges.”

Alumna Kathleen Hobson ‘18 is a freshman at Duke University. Duke’s preference toward E.D. applicants influenced her decision to apply E.D., as they accept around 21 percent of E.D. applicants and only about seven percent of regular decision applicants.

“I decided to E.D. because it had a large impact on admissions for the specific school that was one of my top choices,” Hobson said. “I knew that my chances of getting in were greatly increased if I applied E.D., so I decided that it was the wiser decision for me in the long run.”

It is a rarity that applying E.D. to a selective school improves an applicant’s chances. On average, slightly less selective schools prefer E.D. applicants, as they value students who show demonstrated interest and are more lenient

“There are very few and unique situations where a student might have a viable issue to not accept their early decision,” Gonzales said. “At [this school], along with many private high schools in the area, we really strive to make sure our students and parents understand and honor the contract.”

E.D. does take some stress away for students who are certain they want to go to the university they applied early to.

The rise in private college tuition has increase to about $60,000 to $80,000 a year, meaning more students need financial aid. However, applying E.D. forces students to commit to a college no matter what, thus taking away the ability for students to compare financial aid packages between colleges and putting socioeconomically students at a disadvantage.

“Quite a few

As an alternative to the E.D. program, some colleges offer deadlines that are comparable to E.D. but are less serious and allow students to have freedom while choosing which college is best for them to attend.

“There are quite a few midrange schools offer early action as a way for kids to show they are interested, get their [applications] in early and to get the process out of the way,” Gonzales said. “When they get a decision back, if they are admitted, they [are allowed] to get back all their decisions, scholarships and financial aid offers, and in a perfect world, that’s the best way for a lot of kids to do it because then they are making an informed decision with all their information.”

IF YOU APPLY TO A COLLEGE EARLY DECISION, THAT MEANS YOU’VE DONE YOUR RESEARCH AND IT IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FIRST CHOICE. YOU WANT TO BE THERE NO MATTER WHAT. YOU HAVE DONE THE NECESSARY HOMEWORK.

CHRIS

“The stressful part of the E.D. process is deciding whether or not you want to, but if after going through that process you are confident in your decision, then there are many benefits to applying E.D.,” Hobson said. “It won’t allow you to second-guess yourself because the decision will be final. It also will help you receive and finish your college process much earlier, and that is a blessing.”

Gonzales believes that the financial aspect of E.D. is vital in determining if a program is the right fit for a student. Although

GONZALES, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE GUIDANCE

colleges will say, ‘If you apply early and get in, we’re going to give you as much financial aid as you demonstrate on the financial aid forms,’ but sometimes what those forms say you can pay and what your family thinks you can pay are two different things,” Gomez said. “That makes certain students and parents hesitant to use early decision because they are afraid that it won’t work out.”

In the Class of 2019, 35 seniors have applied E.D. In the Class of 2018, 32 applied, and in the Class of 2017, about 28 applied.

“[The college admissions process] seems to increasingly pit

Gonzales stresses that choosing to E.D. is not about getting into a school that is “on somebody’s top ten list” but is instead about what fits you and your family.

“The college that is right for you is about many things—not just gaming the system to apply E.D., thinking that will help you get in, which doesn’t work most of the time anyways,” Gonzales said. “What a college is ranked in a magazine or online has nothing to do with how successful, comfortable or happy you’ll be. You can go to the greatest school in the world, but if you aren’t making any friends and can’t find anybody to hang with, will it matter?”

GRAPHIC BY | EVELYN ZHAO

Holiday celebrations showcase culture through food

BY | EVELYN ZHAO

Whether it’s decorating a Christmas tree, lighting the Menorah or eating Chinese take-out on Christmas Eve, every household has unique traditions to join together during the holidays.

Every Christmas, Religion and World Cultures teacher Kimberly Rogers makes a traditional New Orleans dish known as shrimp creole. The dish, consisting of an array of vegetables such as onions, peppers, celery and tomatoes served over rice, is prepared the day before Christmas Eve. This tradition began when Rogers’ father passed away, and her mother and sisters chose to create a new family tradition.

“My mother, although she’s a brilliant artist, really isn’t much of a cook,” Rogers said. “The one thing that she made that we all liked was [shrimp] creole. We had so much fun sharing it with [others] that it became a tradition.”

Rogers now takes on the

responsibility of cooking shrimp creole, which was originally her grandmother’s recipe, on Christmas Eve. Although the complex recipe requires much time to cook, Rogers not only makes it on Christmas but also serves it during the year for various dinner parties.

“I always make it the day before [I serve it] because all the flavors melt,” Rogers said. “It’s quite delicious. My recipe is for 12, [but] you can double it easily, so if I’m having a huge party, that would be a good thing to make.”

Hibachi restaurant to feast with other Jewish friends and families.

In December, his extended family gathers together, which is one of the only times a year that he is able to see his grandparents.

“I love Hanukkah because I get to spend time with friends and family, especially if it happens to occur over winter break,” Kaplan said.

Every Hanukkah, Kaplan’s mother makes both beef brisket and a traditional Jewish food known

THE BEST THING ABOUT ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS IS SEEING ALL THE PEOPLE OF MY CULTURE COME TOGETHER AND SEEING ALL CULTURES SHINE THROUGH IN THAT CHURCH

For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, cultural traditions may last throughout the holiday season. Junior Daniel Kaplan celebrates Hanukkah, but every Christmas, his family goes to a

as kugel, which is a sweet, noodle casserole with raisins and apples. In addition, latkes, which are fried pancakes with shredded potatoes, are served.

“After you are done making [latkes], you can smell fried potato in the house for a week, but it

smells good,” Kaplan said. “My favorite Jewish food is still kugel, however.”

A new tradition Kaplan participated in last year was inviting his friends over to celebrate Hanukkah, where he introduced them to Jewish cultural foods, and everyone was able to light a menorah.

“I hope to do it again this year because everyone had fun last time getting to learn about Hanukkah,” Kaplan said. “I encourage everybody to go find a Jewish friend and have a Hanukkah party.”

Junior Selam MekbebGillett and her family celebrate Ethiopian Christmas, which occurs on Christmas Eve and starts at midnight, ending around 12 p.m. the next day. The celebration is held in an Ethiopian cathedral and starts with prayers and sermons, and at the end of the celebration, everyone gathers for Ethiopian dancing, singing and food.

“The best thing about

Ethiopian Christmas is seeing all the people of my culture come together and seeing all cultures shine through in that church,” Mekbeb-Gillett said. “To be a part of my culture like that and to really embrace it is a reminder for me and for my family [of] what my culture is and who I am.”

Traditional Ethiopian Christmas foods eaten included dora wat, a spicy stew made with either chicken or pork as well as onions, and an Ethiopian spice known as berbere, which is prepared days before the celebration. The wat is served with an Ethiopian spongy, pancake-like flatbread called injera. Instead of using utensils, people use their hands to scoop up the chicken stew with the injera.

“The spicy Wat is my favorite Ethiopian dish,” Mekbeb-Gillett said. “There’s so much food, and we have meats and vegetables and all of these different sauces and breads, but I get such a fun, community feeling when I gather with all the hundreds of Ethiopians in the cathedral.”

FURNITURE & DECOR

GRAPHIC BY | LIESL SMALL & JIAYING FU

Just keep spinning

Faculty, staff attend yoga and spin classes after school

BY | GRACE KNUDSON

Upbeat, Christmas-themed, artist tribute, current hits—Network Administrator Bryan Barnett and Junior Class Dean Claire Mrozek assemble workout playlists to pump up the middle and upper school faculty and staff spin class. Since the opening of the Athletic and Wellness Center a decade ago, the faculty and staff spin class has met twice a week to build endurance and speed.

Hosted by Barnett and Mrozek on Mondays and Thursdays, the spin class provides a social atmosphere to bond outside of the work environment. Barnett has participated in the class since 2009 and took over as spin instructor two years ago.

“When I started coaching rather than being a participant, I realized I liked it,” Barnett said. “As a group, we have gotten stronger on the bike.”

While Barnett enjoys the spin class, he started working out by also attending social runs. Barnett has competed in marathons and ultramarathons since 2014.

“For me, exercise is more of a social thing,” Barnett said. “People think [running] is more of a solo activity, but I like to do it with others. For spin, some friends and faculty were a part of it, so I decided to give it a try one day.”

“I have a lot of fun putting together the playlists and picking a theme for each class,” Barnett said. “Mrs. Mrozek is really good at figuring out the themes.”

In addition to cycling, yoga is also offered twice a week, which has been led by professional freelance and YMCA yoga instructor Dan Holman for the past decade.

“We call him Dan the yoga man,” Mrozek said. “He’s been doing it as long as I’ve been doing it. I like him because he’s very laid back. He gives you options on how you want to challenge yourself. We have pretty good variation of ability level and fitness in the group. It’s not hardcore—it’s a step above granny yoga, but I still think it’s worthwhile.”

The faculty yoga class consists of a mix of novice and seasoned

“next morning, I thought I had the flu—every muscle in my body ached. Later that afternoon, I went, ‘Oh, it was the yoga.’”

Religion teacher Kimberly Rogers has participated in the yoga class since she first joined the faculty 12 years ago and started cycling this year.

THE BEST PART OF THESE CLASSES IS THAT WE GET TO SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER. WE NEVER HAVE TIME TO DO THINGS IN THE SCHOOL DAY—THIS IS OUR TIME.

JOSEPHINE MUCCIOLO, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Like a DJ, Barnett lines up a unique queue every spin class with songs matching a particular theme. Although he tries to keep each class’ theme a surprise, faculty and staff members tend to pry Barnett to uncover the mystery.

participants. English teacher Greg Randall has participated in the exercise program since its creation and has had a passion for yoga since the age of 15.

“I’ve been doing yoga since the mid-sixties,” Randall said. “I found this [yoga] book in the book store and thought it was kind of neat.

One evening, I went through every exercise, and when I woke up the

“I don’t like to ride a bike,” Rogers said.

“Spin is different. You do weights, stand up and sit on the bike. It’s only 45 minutes and goes by really fast. The first time I ever did it, I died by the second song, but I kept on coming back. Every class, I see tiny signs of improvement.”

Unlike spin, the yoga classes offer participants a slow-pace activity to enjoy.

“The cycling class offers more of

a social aspect, but it’s very peaceful and relaxing,” Administrative Assistant to Head of Upper School Josephine Mucciolo said. “I thought it was strange, but more men go to the yoga class than the cycling [class]. We always say the best part of these classes is that we get to spend time with each other. We never have time to do things in the school day—this is our time.”

As teachers join the community, they attend these classes and find they enjoy the activities.

“When I started working here, I had never taken a spin class before,” Mucciolo said. “I was nervous at first, but now, it’s a lot of fun.”

Spin classes will continue until the start of exams and commence after Christmas break.

“I am deeply appreciative that ESD feels strongly that it’s important that their teachers stay in shape and provides opportunities for that,” Rogers said. “ESD values that we take care of ourselves.”

BREAKING A SWEAT On Nov. 15, Administrative Assistant Josephine Mucciolo, Upper School Learning Support Counselor Hilary Hodgson and Middle School science teacher Carson Krook spin to the beat of Network Administrator Bryan Barnett’s curated playlist. Music selections vary by class and offer something to look forward to. “[Barnett’s] themes depend on what’s going on—sometimes it’s Halloween-themed, back-toschool,” Mucciolo said. “He asks for feedback and does everyone’s favorites.” photo by Anastasia Sotiropoulos

culture CRASH

CULTURE CRASH is a compilation of significant pop culture events made by life editors Emily Delgado and Victoria Willox that highlight tech news & other short snippets of info regarding important people and events from around the globe.

DECK THE WHITE HOUSE HALLS

1

2

Every year, the nation eagerly waits to see how the First lady chooses to decorate the White House for the holidays. FLOTUS Melania Trump received backlash for the red trees that adorn part of the estate, claiming they look like blood. Better luck next time.

AMANDA, AMANDA

In her first full-fledged magazine interview after her infamous breakdown years ago, childhood TV star Amanda Bynes seems better than ever and announced her intent to finish fashion design school and return to acting.

3

AMAZON PICKS NEW HQ

Dallas was in the running to house a second headquarters for Amazon but lost to Brooklyn, NY, and Crystal City, VA. It’s an uncommon move for a company, but both cities offered heavy tax incentives to the tech giant.

THANK U, NEXT

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Ariana Grande’s new pop bop celebrating her failed relationships was also the base for a “Mean Girls”-, “Bring it On”- and “Legally Blonde”inspired music video that broke a YouTube record for the most views in 24 hours. Kris Jenner’s surprise appearance as the “cool mom” was a fitting casting, considering the role she plays as the head of the Kardashian clan.

COME TO LIFE

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The much-anticipated sequel to the popular 2000 movie “Life-Size,” which starred Tyra Banks and a young Lindsey Lohan, premiered on Freeform on Dec. 2. The sequel starred Banks as a doll come-to-life and Francia Raisa as a CEO in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. The movie included Banks’ new rendition of pop anthem Be A Star

IN MEMORIUM

a pilot license. “Taking off is the easiest part—landing is the most challenging,”

Sophomore works toward pilot license

Time-consuming hobby worth it for Preston Moderi

BY | ALAN BENÍTEZ

At age 15, sophomore Preston Moderi knew he wanted to get his pilot license after a plane ride with his dad.

On several occasions, Preston has practiced operating an aircraft with his father using a Cirrus SR20, which is a single propeller plane with a parachute on it.

“My dad was a pilot back in ‘93, so he introduced me [to flying],” Preston said. “I started flying more and more often, and I just fell in love with it. My dad is almost about to get certified, so I can fly with him as my instructor.”

Preston’s father David Moderi started his journey to get a private pilot license in 1992 when his wife bought him an introductory flight lesson, but he never had the time to finish the training because of work, family and other life commitments.

Thirty years later, he decided to continue his flight training

and asked his son if he’d like to join him in one of his lessons.

“After flying, Preston had the same exact response I had when I took my first flight: ‘That was awesome,’” David said. “Similar to my first experience, he had the opportunity to take the controls of the plane,

outside of flight school. He will need 40 flight hours and a passing grade on the Federal Aviation Administration examination to get his license.

“I read a book that helps me go through the right maneuvers, what all the instruments do, all the call signs, the phonetic alphabet— it’s just a lot,” Preston said.

THE SHEER FEELING OF PUSHING THE THROTTLE TO 100 AND PULLING BACK THE YOKE MAKES YOU WANT TO REPLAY IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. PRESTON MODERI

perform takeoffs and landings and just have fun flying.”

During lessons with his instructor, Preston studies the weather, plane instruments, how to maneuver emergency situations, landings and stalls. One of the most time-consuming aspects of the piloting process is the independent reading he does

‘Tis not the season

“The most difficult part is memorizing how to talk with air traffic control—there is a lot you have to talk about to with them in order to get in the air. While you’re in the air, there is a lot you have to remember, and you have to stay on script.”

When Preston cannot find the time to go to the Addison Airport airfield, he practices on a flight simulator that he has at home.

“Sometimes I can’t even go to the airport because I have

so much school work, but I just practice on the simulator because it has everything,” Preston said. “All the physics are [realistic] on it, so that’s why I practice on it the most. My mom just messes with it, but my dad likes to use it a lot.”

The first encounter with flying made him fearful, but having an instructor with him the whole time he was in the air changed the dynamic of his experience. Preston is not quite at the point where he can fly solo, but he will have more personal flying time after his father gets certified. Preston has thought about pursuing a career in flying and working for an airline but is still unsure about whether or not he will commit to it.

“Every single time I fly, I get this surge of adrenaline that is so addictive,” Preston said. “The sheer feeling of pushing the throttle to 100 and pulling back the yoke makes you want to replay it over and over again.”

Riley Breaux Photographer

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The nation, and especially Texas, mourned the passing of President George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94 in Houston on Nov. 30. A service was also held in D.C. to honor the 41st President, who died months after his wife, Barbara.

I walk outside on a cool October day and am immediately punched in the face by bright, blinking, obnoxious lights wrapped around trees. Lining every edge of the houses are inflatable reindeer and igloos. I struggle down the front steps, blinded by thousands of purple

dots. It’s not even Halloween yet, and some people have the audacity to set up Christmas lights. There are two holidays between mid-October and Christmas. Two. This is an epidemic. Decorations go up earlier and earlier every year. When you look at your phone, and it says Oct. 28, the thought, I should put up Christmas decorations should never cross your mind. Walmart started selling decorations in September. Every ad on YouTube is for the new Grinch movie. The half-witted Hallmark movies started airing in October,

Netflix just released another made-for-TV Christmas movie and the “Nutcracker” was recently made into a liveaction film by Disney.

Christmas decorations are meant for December. It is acceptable to put them up after Thanksgiving but no earlier. Just think about it: Would you put up 4th of July decorations in May or Halloween decorations in August?

I’m not trying to be the Grinch here. I enjoy the holidays, but wouldn’t it be more special if we reserved Christmas for December?

According to a Nov. 29 poll of

200 students, 87 percent agree that decorations should go up after Thanksgiving.

When is the right time to take Christmas decorations down? Many wait until midJanuary or even February, but the absolute latest time should be the weekend after New Year’s Day. Most people have New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day off, so there is no excuse.

There is just one rule for Christmas: Decorations should be up only from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. If everyone follows this rule, we can bring back the magic of Christmas.

FLYING HIGH Preparing for takeoff, sophomore Preston Moderi steers his plane onto a runaway. Moderi spent a year learning the basics of aviation in order to pursue

Moderi said. “You have to put this whole program into a computer, and it does all the routes for you. It’s really cool what pods can do nowadays.” photo courtesy of Preston Moderi

GRAPHIC BY | SUMNER WOOLDRIDGE

If I were to describe this quaint Japanese diner’s Hakata ramen in one word, it’d be simple. The porkinfused broth with Chashu, soft-boiled egg, green onion, black mushroom, bean sprout and garlic oil sounds flavorful, but just one slurp in, I discovered it to be remarkably bland. Thankfully, the broth’s lack of seasoning worked to highlight the thin, straight noodles and pork as perfectly cooked—not too stale, not too soft. A boiled egg should never be the highlight of a ramen dish, and yet for this Hakata soup, it was. The yolk smooth and decadent, the egg added a pinch of salt. Besides the egg, the sprouts also had flavor, but a bit too much. Stacked—not sprinkled—over the top of the noodles, most likely as decor, the bitter greens were an overkill and left me chugging the dull broth to neutralize the tartness. The aftertaste of the milky broth was similar to that of a protein shake, which wasn’t appreciated. All in all, the regular $9 portion was incredibly filling, leaving my appetite quenched with mediocrity.

—

Anastasia Sotiropoulos

Ten Ramen, a casual shop inspired by popular ramen stands in Tokyo, is the perfect place for a quick bite that doesn’t compromise quality or flavor. Though they have fewer options than most other ramen restaurants, the flavors they do offer are close to perfection. I decided to try the classic Tonkotsu ramen, which was originally a fast and affordable lunch option for fish market workers in Japan. When it arrived, the heavenly smell of the soup immediately enticed me, and the first bite did not disappoint. The homemade pork broth was bursting with flavor, and springy noodles harmoniously accompanied it, but it was the sprinkling of ginger, sweet corn and green onion that made the dish feel complete. The overall atmosphere of the shop is modern, but there is no seating inside, which isn’t ideal for cold or rainy days. Ten Ramen is a delicious, convenient option that serves arguably one of the best bowls of ramen in Dallas. — Victoria Willox

Oodles

of noodles

Ramen restaurants offer warm meals during cool winter months

Ichiro Ramen Shop offers countless styles of ramen that preserve traditional recipes while incorporating innovative, new flavors. Before coming to this restaurant, I had never tried ramen, unless you count the type you heat up in the microwave and add a flavor packet to. After looking over the menu, as a ramen newbie, I decided to play it safe and try the Shio, a traditional-style ramen. When it arrived, the huge bowl was warmed perfectly and filled to the brim with noodles, chicken broth, cabbage, bamboo shoots and topped with a soft boiled egg, green onions and an obscure item called a fish cake—although it neither looked nor tasted like fish. When I took my first bite, I was amazed by how flavorful this seemingly simple dish tasted. The combination of soft, perfectly cooked noodles was complimented by crunchy cabbage. However, the broth itself was too salty for me and lacked flavor, which was disappointing. Ichiro Ramen Shop completely surprised me by serving a comforting bowl of noodle soup ideal for warming up on a cold, wintry day and provided a suitable restaurant for an introduction to ramen.

— Victoria Willox

Salt. Salt. Salt. I get it. Miso is salty. But never should edible food taste like an accidental swig of ocean water. Soaked—no, drenched— in salt, what should have been sweet corn turned sour, enhancing the tartness. A dry strip of seaweed poked out of the broth. Ironically, the actual ocean element was the least bitter of them all. Aside from being a slab of salt, the pork also served dually as a lump of lard. Although it wasn’t completely fatty, the parts that were proved concerning. Some floating, black shreds of an unidentified species—maybe cabbage? maybe leaves?—were so acidic, I was left wondering if they were tossed in by accident. The waviness of the noodles added some texture, but there was no hope for a rebound. I asked for a soup bowl, not a fish tank.

— Anastasia Sotiropoulos

RAMEN HAKATA:

TEN RAMEN:

ICHIRO RAMEN SHOP:

MARU RAMEN:

PAGE DESIGN BY | VICTORIA WILLOX

BUZZ

JAMES CLICK

freshman

“I was about 7 years old and our neighborhood was having a secret Santa. One of the gifts I got was a pair of these tiny pink tennis shoes meant for a toddler. I was super upset because all of my neighborhood friends were getting basketballs and soccer balls, and I was stuck

Peculiar presents

From giant pickles to unneeded crutches, students and a teacher share the strangest Christmas presents they have received

BY | SYDNEY REZAIE & MELISSA RIVERA

LILY YANDELL sophomore

“A few years back, my mom put a ginormous pickle in a bag in my stocking. I was like, ‘What is this—you put a pickle in a bag in my stocking.’ I ate it. It wasn’t as good as I expected, but it was still a pretty fun gift. My little brother also got a pickle in a bag. My mom

ALEXANDER KONRADI junior KELSEY WITTMANN senior ANNEKE ALBRIGHT science teacher

“When I was 8 years old, I asked for crutches for Christmas. I was really excited and opened all my presents to find them. I almost started crying because I didn’t see them, but then my mom said she forgot one thing and brought out a pair of crutches from her closet. I was so happy. I didn’t need crutches at the time, but I really wanted them,

“When I was in seventh grade, my dad got me a bunch of new tools, like hammers and screwdrivers. Within two days, they were gone—my dad took them. I tried to take them back, but they would disappear again. I eventually just gave up. I couldn’t really use them, so it was just an excuse for my dad to get himself a present.”

“Every year, I do a Christmas White Elephant with my neighbors who I have known for 20 years. After the game, I ended up with this tiny little hand that goes on your finger. Everyone made me use the finger the whole night. All night, I was eating with a tiny hand on my finger.”

A

ghtingchance

ersonalstories,pathtorecovery

ALTHOUGH [A CANCER DIAGNOSIS] IS ONE OF THE MOST DEVASTATING [PIECES OF] NEWS THAT A FAMILY CAN RECIEVE, LOTS OF KIDS AND FAMILIES ACTUALLY COPE QUITE WELL. ELYSE HEIDELBERG, PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST

Oh, Christmas tree

Environmental impact causes some to choose a real tree

for the holidays

BY | EVELYN ZHAO

For many people around the holiday season, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a Christmas tree. But now, people have more opinions than ever when it comes to these trees. Real or fake?

Colored or fake snow? However, there is one factor that may need to be taken into consideration: the environmental impact.

According to a six-year study released by Canadian environmental consulting firm Ellipsos, for an artificial tree to be as “green” as buying a fresh-cut tree, it would have to be reused for at least 20 years. Research conducted shows that the annual carbon emissions of real trees were one-third the amount produced by artificial trees, and artificial trees were also shown to contain PVC, a synthetic plastic material known to produce carcinogens during production and disposal.

“We have too much plastic in this world to [begin] with,” English teacher and Environmental Awareness Club sponsor Gregory Randall said. “Sixty percent of the plastic that has ever been produced is scattered as trash across our land and water. We’re really bad about recycling, and a plastic Christmas tree is unrecyclable, so I don’t want to encourage buying plastic Christmas trees.”

contaminant, so you, yourself, would be destructing the environment.”

As a gardener, Randall buys potted, uncut trees, and after Christmas, clips off all the branches and cuts as much of the leftover tree as he can into mulch or compost. He finds various methods to incorporate the remaining tree trunk into his house or as a support for his garden so as to not waste any aspect of the tree.

“I try not to throw anything away,” Randall said. “I really think carefully about recycling everything that I have, but if you buy a cut Christmas tree, there are a lot of places where they’ll be put through a mulcher and will then be used in parks around the city, so the city does encourage dropping those trees off.”

Some people also believe a real tree is a prominent Christmas tradition, and they enjoy the fresh pine scent. In a 2017 survey conducted by the National Christmas Tree Association, 27 million real Christmas trees were purchased.

IF YOU GO OUT AND BUY A PLASTIC TREE, THAT CREATES A CYCLE OF PRODUCING PLASTIC THAT WE DON’T NEED IT JUST ENDS UP IN A DUMP.

GREGORY RANDALL, ENGLISH TEACHER

Randall, who uses a real Christmas tree each year, believes buying plastic trees will lead to their continued production and negatively impact the environment. After receiving an artificial tree as a gift five years ago, Randall convinced his family to return the tree.

“If you go out and buy a plastic tree, that creates a cycle of producing plastic that we don’t need,” Randall said. “All the plastic that we produce—if it can’t be recycled—just ends up in a dump. Even if plastic breaks down, smaller and smaller particles get into the food chain and [become] a

“My family always buys a real tree, and they love the smell, but it’s just the tradition that causes us to buy a real one each [year],” junior Alexander Konradi said. “It just feels more natural, and the plastic ones look cheap.” On the other hand, those who currently own artificial trees believe real trees leave too many pine needles on the floor, causing a mess and hassle to clean. In a Nov. 29 poll of 200 students, 40 percent buy real Christmas trees, whereas 53 percent buy artificial Christmas trees. Eight percent don’t own a Christmas tree.

“In the long run, with fake trees, [my family] doesn’t have to put lights on because they already come with [lights], which [saves us time],” sophomore Christopher Hess said. “[Fake trees] are also much easier to take apart, so it all comes down to convenience.”

Research published by the American Christmas Tree Association shows that 85 percent of American households reuse artificial Christmas trees for an average of 11 years. Hess’ family switched to an artificial tree five years ago, and they hope to use their current tree until it breaks or at least for another decade.

“If you cut [real trees], you’re causing less oxygen to be produced, but fake trees can last a long time, so as long as you reuse them, it’ll be fine,” Hess said. “In the end, fake trees look the same as real trees from far away, so it honestly doesn’t matter much as long as you recycle or reuse.”

GRAPHIC BY | MADISON WILLOX

STAFF STANCE | New exam,

Another year, another set of exams to cram for at the end of the semester. Two a day for four days in a row is a lot.

Prior to the insanity of the exam schedule, students have a few review days that used to include All Meets, slamming students will all periods in one day—this jam-packed schedule is too much for students and faculty.

The current exam schedule causes excessive stress— implementing at-home review days and having one exam every day for a week rather than two a day will decrease anxiety among students and faculty.

This year, the review days were changed to make time in the morning for students to meet with teachers and not have to go to every period in one day. This change is great, but we can do even better. At-home review days, where students could study somewhere other than school for a whole day, would be the most beneficial. This way, students could efficiently study in the comfort of their own homes or in a coffee shop instead of feeling the pressure within school walls.

John Calvert

digital relations

Blair Batson staff writers

Ava Heppner, Liesl Small, Raleigh

Several other private schools in Dallas, such as Hockaday and St. Mark’s, have exam schedules that differ from ESD’s. Instead having both midterm and final exams, Hockaday only has exams in March.

At Hockaday, on the Friday and Monday before exams, students have a review day in half of their classes, then, on Tuesday, the day before their exams, they have an at-home review day. According to a Nov. 29 poll of 200 students, 64 percent of students prefer to have at-home review days. At-home review

review-day

schedule would help students and faculty

days would allow students to more carefully review their notes and materials, eliminating the possibility of wasting time and getting distracted on campus.

At St. Marks, instead of having back-to-back exams, students have one exam every other day. Implementing this would mean that instead of studying for two exams the next day, students could focus on one subject at a time, which would likely lead to better performance on the test.

Another reason that the current exam schedule is insufficient is because only seniors can be

exempt from semester-long class exams. If someone has A or A+ in the class, must they be retested on material they’ve already proven to have mastered? They clearly know the material and should not be forced to take an exam that has the possibility to drastically lower their already stellar grade.

Sixty-three percent of upper school students agree that an A or A+ in a semester-long class should qualify any student for the option of exemption from the exam regardless of the student’s grade level.

Going forward, the

administration should make the exam schedule more studentfriendly to promote a healthy and happy learning environment. By changing the schedule to consist of at-home review days and only one exam per day, students will be able better manage their time by focusing on what they know they need to study, resulting in higher grades and less stress. This change has the possibility to not only benefit the student body but also the educators who work tirelessly to ensure student’s success with the highest possible performance on semester exams.

–

–

–

assistant editor-in-chief

Sydney Rezaie

GRAPHIC BY | SUMNER WOOLDRIDGE

letter to the EDITORS

RE: TheSoberTruthin Vol. 36, Issue 2

Let me start by saying that I support the First Amendment and am proud of the work you all do on the Eagle Edition. I always reach for the paper as soon as it comes out to make sure I am up to date on things around campus.

However, I must also say that I was extremely disappointed with the recent The Sober Truth article and what I feel was a very onesided, misleading and damaging representation of our community.

I received a phone call last week from a current ESD parent and was told of the impact the article had on a group of families who discussed it during their block party where most families had young children, several of whom have decided not to apply to ESD based on what they read about our school. The ESD family that was present during the discussion felt embarrassed and ashamed.

Teen drinking culture is a hot topic and one that is worthy of discussion. Not just a discussion of 240 respondents to an FCD Survey when there are 436 students in Upper School. Not just quotes from nine current and former students that are stating their own opinions as facts when there are 436 students in Upper School. Nowhere does the article represent or account for the students who are NOT drinking. There is no “discussion,” only shockworthy commentary and stats that are not representative of the entire Upper School.

Although I know this article won an award, I would like to ask you all to consider the consequences of the impact that will be felt by prospective families and alumni who read this article, in addition to the way it makes our current families feel about their school.

The Admission Office and Student Ambassadors work hard to represent our school in a genuine and authentic manner, and although we know teendrinking is unfortunately a part of our community, we feel that the aggressive nature of the article was unjust.

I love the idea of civil discourse that Mr. Heil spoke of at the beginning of this year and welcome a healthy debate on topics. However, I hope that future articles can provide balance in a discussion and consider the consequences that words and numbers without context can have on our community. I am not asking to cover up less-thanfavorable scenarios on campus or to only write about the positives. I’m asking that as ESD becomes One Campus, One Community, that the Eagle Edition staff be mindful of the scope of your audience in the news you report and to continue the tradition of excellence that the ESD

Aletter from the EDITORS

investigation into our student body’s culture—an investigation into how our students view their habits and those who enable them. Our quotes were never presented as facts but rather as what they are: opinions.

s a nationally award-winning paper, we pride ourselves on our commitment to covering the issues we know our community faces but is too uncomfortable to address.

We recognize that the content of our previous issue, The Sober Truth, may have been alarming, but as journalists with a thorough understanding of proper journalistic ethics, we do not believe that “concerning” can be equated to “shock-worthy.” We strongly refute any claims that we employed sensationalist tactics—using shocking language and data at the expense of accuracy—anywhere in our article or published distorted statistics.

Instead, over the course of two months, we met with administrators and interviewed a teen substance abuse doctor familiar with schools in our area. We did all this to ensure we provided a multifaceted discussion, demonstrating the principles outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists: Seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable.

In this specific instance with The Sober Truth, w e told real stories from real people. We minimized harm by protecting the identities of the students who bravely told

the truth. We acted independently by not letting any group dictate how we covered the story so to not risk the integrity of the reporting. And now, we are being accountable by answering questions about the reporting process itself.

While we have heard no other complaints about this issue, we knew The Sober Truth could surprise many adults. However, just because the facts in this article are difficult to swallow does not mean they are not true. Questioning the validity of data and interviews just to spin a more pleasing narrative undercuts the hard work of the staff and adviser.

This comes off the cusp of an event that deserves celebration: the paper brought home its first Pacemaker from the NSPA in early November for last year’s issues. The Sober Truth took home third place in Best of Show, placing us as the highest-ranking paper in Texas. We would like to focus on the positives, such as the support demonstrated by administration who understand the importance of a school newspaper that reports the community’s hard-hitting issues.

Not once did we form unsupported generalizations or explicitly state that our school’s drinking culture is worse than that of our peer schools. This was an

Ava Heppner Staff Writer

It’s that time of year when children start to make their Christmas lists for Santa. Most children I know are asking for a specific toy: a cell phone. They might already possess an arsenal of toys, but that isn’t enough. They want something new to play with.

A toy is an object with which a child can make memories and use their imagination. Cell phone games are the new “toys.” Sure, there are fun games on these devices, but phones are not doing anything to benefit the young mind. Therefore, children should not own cell phones until they are older, when it is actually necessary for them to obtain such a device.

An increasing number of young children have cell phones at school. According to an article published by Psychology Today, 93 percent of 6 to 12-year-old kids have access to some sort of smart device, and 66 percent

For example, when an anonymous student stated that she believes drinking heavily in high school positively prepares students for college, it was followed by a quote from the teen substance abuse doctor stating otherwise. We do strive for balance—balance that is anything but aggressive.

Including interviews from 436 students in a three-page story is impossible, but what isn’t is presenting every possible perspective through the voices of nine students, diverse in grade, gender and outlook. Our student demographic represents all grade levels and is split between five boys and four girls.

As an investigative reporting cover story, the article also entailed delving into our school’s drinking culture by administering a comprehensive poll. While 55 percent of the student body replied—one of the highest response rates we have ever obtained on a survey and a more than adequate sample size according to statistical theory—we still recognized that expecting 436 replies simply wasn’t

feasible.

To ensure that we obtained an honest reflection of the student body’s experiences, we were granted access to official FCD statistics by the administration, which polled entire grade levels. Because these stats supported our own data, we felt comfortable publishing our numbers knowing that our sample size provided accurate results. Rumors that our stats were exaggerated are not only blatantly false, but insult the integrity of our anonymous Eagle Edition-issued polls.

When developing story ideas, we always take our audience into consideration: the high school student body. Our mission lies in voicing their perspectives, not in painting a false narrative that our school is issue-free. Running multiple drafts through the school Executive Board, consisting of administrators such as our Head of School, we were cautious to receive their full approval before sending the paper to press. We understand that it’s important to be mindful of how the content we run affects the entire school community, and we believe that we were—executing a piece with the intent to raise awareness and, ultimately, incite change.

Anastasia & Madison, Editors-in-Chief

Younger children have no business owning a cell phone

have a device of their own. Most of them enjoy binging on video games and posting pictures on social media–but this exposes them to mature content at a young age.

According to an article published by NPR, a study found that teenagers are increasingly depressed, feel hopeless and are more likely to consider suicide. Although phones keep you busy, these devices can distract you from the real world and ruin childhoods by sharing information that could make you jaded. Childhood memories should come from playing dressup and building pillow forts, not staring at a screen for hours on end. Yes, cell phones can be very useful. These devices can help parents communicate with their children and distract them while they are waiting for an appointment. Cell phones are great for older kids to use for

homework and communication, but not for younger children. Children who have access to phones don’t realize what they are doing. Founder and director of the Technology Wellness Center Lisa Strohman said that “At ages seven to 11, children are still thinking very concretely, and they haven’t yet developed the ability to consider hypothetical situations. An eight-year-old girl posting a video about how to do her hair is just thinking, ‘My friends will see this, and it will be great!’ She can’t take that next step and think about who else might watch that video, write mean comments or even repost it and use it to sell hair products.” Today, our world is filled with technology. Cell phones open up a whole new world that children are not ready for. We should protect our youth—let them be kids—until they are ready for the realities of the world.

GRAPHIC BY | SUMNER WOOLDRIDGE

IS TODAY’S

TOO GORY? GAMING

PRO: Gaming, violence don’t correlate

A common misconception is that violent video games cause violence. However, that is not the case.

A study by the University of York helped shed some light on this topic, revealing no correlation between violent video games and violent tendencies. By filtering out those who already had a predisposition toward violence, a professor at Western Michigan University also found there to be no correlation between that violent games and aggressive behavior— gaming did not increase violent tendencies in people who did not already have them.

Yet another study by the Southern Economic Association found that the number of violent offenses actually goes down in the short-term following the release of a new violent video game. The study concludes that people are playing the game rather than participating in street community crimes—these games serve as an escape mechanism.

The primary opposing study is run by the American Psychological Association. Don’t be fooled: There are flaws in the study. For one, it fails to filter out people who already have a predisposition toward violence. Recently, nearly 240 scholars in the psychological community have come forward and formally requested that the Association retire its “outdated and problematic statements on video game violence.” Violent video games are not inherently bad—it’s how the user misuses the content that can make these games appear problematic.

Proper access to violent video games is a larger issue, as there is a reason age requirements, ranging from E for everyone to M for mature, exist to play certain games. For those unaware, this is a lot like how movies are rated from G to R. However, similar to movies, this is often circumnavigated by parents or siblings. If the ratings were followed, that would help mitigate issues with young children playing games containing content too mature for their age. Claims that these games mostly fall into the hands of children isn’t quite the case. According to the Entertainment Software Association, 72 percent of gamers are over the age of 18 and the average gamer is 34 years old.

Games, when used correctly, are a form of entertainment—nothing more.

37 percent of students do not believe violent video games desensitize players, according to a poll of 200 students on Nov. 29

BY | EMILY DELGADO

“Now I can be the former fatty who turned into a brain, or an athlete or a princess.”

Actress Debby Ryan first appeared in Netflix’s original show “Insatiable” wearing a fat suit. Her character, Patricia “Fatty Patty” Bladell, is bullied for her body size at school. After having her jaw wired shut during summer vacation, Patty returns to school with a slimmer physique. It isn’t until then that other students at her high school cease to bully her and begin to admire her. Fat shaming, the ridiculing of plus-size or overweight individuals by commenting

CON: Violent video games aren’t worth the risk

With violent video games taking over the lives of many teenagers, addiction—otherwise known as pathological gaming—has become a societal problem. Psychologists’ research has found the negative effects these games can have on teens, such as aggressive behavior, poor academic performance and physical health problems.

Researchers from the American Psychological Association have found that gory video games might be a leading factor in many of the violent acts that have become a trend across the nation. Their research shows that nearly 85 percent of video games on the market contain some form of violence, which is unsurprising, considering that many gamers have become increasingly aggressive. According to research from the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, teens who watch or play violent video games are likely to become desensitized to violence, causing them to have a higher chance of lashing out. Because of this surge in hostile behavior, video games need enforced age restrictions and time limits.

Increasing screen time among children between the ages of 13 and 18 has led to a decrease in academic performance because of a lack of focus and time spent working. According to psychologists at Vanderbilt University, the average 13- to 18-year-old gamer plays approximately 14 hours of video games per week—a clearly excessive amount. Not only is gaming affecting teens’ academic lives but also their social development. Spending too much time inside staring at a screen eats into time that should be spent meeting new people and developing socially.

Children who excessively play video games are at risk of obesity, harming their eyesight and causing discomfort in their wrists and necks, often referred to as “Nintendo neck” or “text neck.” According to a 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds are obese.

Violent video games leave lasting impacts on children’s behaviors. Although kids should have an outlet during their often hectic lives, doing so should not put their mental or physical health at risk. It’s simply not worth it.

31 percent of students believe violent video games desensitize players, according to a poll of 200 students on Nov. 29

Body positivity movement needs to spread to men, fat shaming must end

on their weight and self-worth, is strongly present in Netflix’s “Insatiable” along with several other television shows and movies.

By using lines such as “skinny is magic,” “Insatiable” is sending negative messages to teenagers that being slim is the ideal body type and that a fun high school experience doesn’t begin until you look a certain way. The show also uses the word “fat” in a negative manner, as if it were a terrible thing. Such statements can influence teenagers to develop body dysmorphia and dangerous eating habits, which should not be condoned in any way.

According to a Nov. 29 survey of 200 students, 59 percent of students believe fat shaming is an issue in our society.

A person’s self-worth is not determined by the number on a scale or by the size of their jeans. Society needs to stop labeling only slim individuals as beautiful.

Twenty-three percent of students said

they’ve been fat shamed before.

In 2014, clothing store Aerie launched their #AerieReal campaign where they chose to stop airbrushing and photoshopping pictures of their models. To promote body positivity, the company decided to use models of all shapes and sizes, regardless of their height, weight, tattoos or physical scars.

Similarly, in 2016, both Dove and H&M launched their own body positivity campaigns that not only celebrate women of all different body types but also empower young girls.

Although more and more body positivity campaigns have been launched in support of women, only a few have been launched for men.

Men and boys can be self-conscious of their body as well. To this day, many of the male models and actors on television and in advertisements are tall, toned and muscular. This does not represent all mens body types,

and it isn’t fair to young boys who see the models and wonder why they don’t look that way.

Although fat shaming is a prevailing major issue in our society, the body positivity movement is a step forward for women to combat the judgment and shame that comes with fat shaming. This movement, on the other hand, isn’t as inclusive and supportive toward men as it is for women, and that needs to change.

All body shapes and sizes should be represented and celebrated in the media rather than insulted and degraded. There is no perfect body type.

Twenty-six percent of students believe that the media is improving body positivity for women but not for men.

Clothing brands need to be more inclusive to all male body types and represent all shapes and sizes rather than simply tall, ripped or rail-thin Calvin Klein models.

Liesl Small Staff Writer

Alexander Konradi Guest Columnist

GRAPHIC BY | ANASTASIA SOTIROPOULOS

The

best and worst of the month, graded

The great divide in politics grows

CORNER HIGHS LOWS

An elephant-astic fundraiser

The World Wildlife Club brought Debra Stevens, founder of the Elephant Haven Wildlife Foundation in Botswana, to give a Chapel talk about her organization that strives to protect African elephants. After Chapel, the club held a bake sale, raising $1,200 to donate to the foundation.

B positive NHS hosted their annual Carter BloodCare drive on Nov. 26. Achieving NHS’ goal of 51 blood donations, the blood drive proved a big success. Hopefully, we will keep passing our record in the Spring with more faculty and student donors.

Corporate culture

The Latinos Unidos Club invited CEO of Vitro Glass Company Adrián Sada Cueva to come speak to them about the importance of diversity in the business world. His speech gave club members the opportunity to ask him for tips from his personal experience with entrepreneurship.

Hot cocoa craze

Sophomore Student Council officers had trouble getting Upper School students to participate in their latest promotion: the chance to win a full pitcher of hot chocolate mix and $20. Despite their low turnout, the proceeds from students guessing the number of hot chocolate packets will help fund the Sadie Hawkins dance.

SOCIAL STUDIES |

Not-so-grand Upper School Grandparents Day was on a Thursday this year, and although some grandparents showed up, the group could have been bigger. This lack of attendance was likely because of the timing of the event. Grandparents would be more inclined to show up if the event was on the Friday before the holiday break.

D+ D F

Midterm mayhem

The alterations to the winter exam schedule have students excited because it’s convenient. By giving students the option to meet with teachers early in the morning before school or sleep in until classes start, the exam schedule beats last year’s. However, most students would still appreciate an at-home review day.

Shave it for later

This year, Noshember was run a bit differently with the beard contest taking place before Grandparents Day in mid-November. Adminstration required participants to shave before November was over, not allowing enough time for them to grow their best beards.

Flooding

flunk

The intersection of Merrell and Midway has been flooding, causing a splashy turn into school. We don’t know what the culprit is, but we hope this water-wasting fiasco ends.

States need more power, politicians must stop attacking each other

BY

Y| JOHN CALVERT

ou have heard this spiel from me plenty of times before, but it bears repeating: American politics are going down the toilet.

This was a very messy midterm election. Between the caravan, the “MAGAbomber” and the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, there was no lack of controversy and certainly little, if any, cordiality between the two parties. The election was, after all, a referendum on President Trump’s brand of conservatism, and every politician in the country has, along party lines, altered their strategy to either embrace or confront it. American polity is at a Rubicon, and the decisions made over the course of the next few years will determine the nation’s direction for the foreseeable future. As such, it is understandable that the Elephant and the Donkey would do everything possible to ensure that their respective candidates take office.

Therefore, we should start being honest with ourselves and recognize the actions of our elected officials for what they are: partisan hackery.

The Florida recount was little more than an attempt by the left to minimize their losses in the key battleground state.

With the state’s governorship and single contested Senate

cultural commentary

seat going to Republicans, the Democrats needed a way to avoid defeat, so called the results themselves into question. For the sake of brevity, I will not go into Florida’s abysmal history with elections nor the sketchy details surrounding Broward County and its former Supervisor of Elections

Brenda Snipes, but this recount was highly suspect and, ultimately, changed nothing.

Subpoenas, investigations, recounts—all of these staple government practices have been subverted, transformed into sectarian weapons in this ongoing ideological war. Of course, our system has always had this issue, but short of the time surrounding the Civil War, I am hard pressed to think of when it has been more pronounced. How desperate have the parties become, how divided have the citizenry grown, that the means of justice have turned into a means of ruining one’s political opponents?

All of this is the result of widespread systematic failure.

The winning side, regardless of true popularity or veracity, has the ability to, more or less, force its will upon the losing side for the next few years. The Founding

Fathers left most everything up to the states, but centralization has hollowed out their legislative power, causing them to increasingly resemble a little more than glorified voting blocs. As the Federal government has grown, so have the stakes, the increasingly extreme parties are desperate to implement their ideas. Of course the Republicans and Democrats fight so hard—if they lose, they are helpless.

Furthermore, the American education system is rather lacking. Small, private schools like ours do a tremendous job at teaching students the values needed to be part of a thriving democracy, but the majority of public schools fail at this and thus impede the growth of a healthy sense of civic responsibility. Learning is key to a citizen-based system of government, and for the sake of a brighter future, the system must teach better. America is sick—few doubt that—and the best cure is to reform our political process, to bring it closer to what the Founding Fathers intended. Only through rebuilding what we have destroyed and inspiring positive action can we establish lasting goodwill and return statecraft to what it should be.

BY

| SUMNER WOOLDRIDGE

Varsity women’s soccer coach leaves behind legacy of 4 SPC titles, 10 years with program

BY | LAUREN WEBER

girls committed

years playing professional soccer

ARENSHAW

fter 10 years of coaching at the school, head varsity women’s soccer coach Mike Renshaw will resign at the end of this season.

“

Mike Renshaw has invested his time in every level of soccer at ESD, and in result, he has built up a successful program.

Gillian Campbell ‘18

Alumna

Initially, Renshaw started as the eighth grade and junior varsity women’s soccer coach in 2009. After three years, Renshaw was elevated to running the program, prior to the 2012-2013 season. Renshaw turned a team that had never placed higher than fifth in the Southern Preparatory Conference to a team with a fouryear streak of winning SPC.

“Coach Renshaw’s advocacy of our girls’ soccer program is to be commended,” Athletic Director Dan Gill said. “The time and resources he has invested in our program, including at the grassroots levels within our sports fellowship, demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the continued development of the game of soccer here at ESD.”

Starting out as new head coach in 2012, Renshaw faced difficulties with the pessimistic mindset of a team that was used to losing. He made it his mission to change their expectations and build up their confidence. Before Renshaw assumed the head coach position, the team had not beaten Hockaday in seven years.

“The biggest challenge I had was changing [my first team’s] mentality,” Renshaw said.

“The girls were told that they simply couldn’t beat Hockaday because they had too many girls. The biggest thing for me, my first year, was to change

that mentality. I did that by scheduling preseason games against teams I knew that we would smash, and we did.”

His tactic worked, and Renshaw’s first varsity team tied Hockaday their first time playing them and went 8-0 until the quarterfinals of SPC, where they lost to Hockaday in double overtime.

“After tying Hockaday, the girls were disappointed they didn’t win,” Renshaw said. “It was discouraging to me that they were upset, rather than ecstatic that they didn’t lose.”

Regardless of their loss, it was still the team’s first winning season in a long time. The next year in the 2013-2014 season, the team went on to defeat Hockaday and win SPC. Renshaw continued this winning streak until last year, when the team lost in the semifinals of the tournament. This year, Renshaw hopes the team places first.

“[Renshaw] always mentions teams in the past and how great they were,” senior captain Emma Viquez said.

“This season, I hope that he can develop the girls who need more help. We’ve had more club players in the past, so for this team, we need to work on weak points in practice and go from there. We need to start from the top, not from where we were

in years past.”

Renshaw has had a large impact on his players, teaching them methods that club soccer coaches often don’t emphasize. He constantly reminds his players of the importance of skill in the sport, rather than just advantages in strength and size.

“I hope future teams can take what Mike has taught them,” Viquez said. “The game is not always about how physically fit you are, it’s about skill. I hope future teams can see how intense and passionate he is about the game of soccer, and also find it fun to play.”

Renshaw has had a lasting impact on several players, many of whom are graduated and now play in college. Gillian Campbell ‘18, who now plays at Sewanee, the University of the South, was captain of the varsity team last year.

““ESD is not only losing a varsity soccer coach—they are losing a JV coach, a Middle School coach, and even a Lower School coach,”

10 years at ESD

[137] goals at ESD

in result, he has built up a successful program.”

Renshaw has impacted players old and young, and his dedication for the game and coaching is shown through his participation in all academic levels.

“My goal is to build and sustain the success of the program— that’s the whole idea,” Renshaw said. “Keeping the younger girls interested is important.”

Renshaw’s evident love of the game and the friendships that he has established with his players will make him hard to replace.

“I hope that the next coach who comes in cares about the team and wants to bring out the best in them,” Viquez said. “The girls need someone who will support them when they don’t know what to do or where to be.”

The athletic department is currently searching for a replacement who will continue Renshaw’s legacy.

COACH RENSHAW’S ADVOCACY OF OUR GIRLS’ SOCCER PROGRAM IS TO BE COMMENDED. THE TIME AND RESOURCES HE HAS INVESTED IN OUR PROGRAM, INCLUDING AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVELS WITHIN OUR SPORTS FELLOWSHIP, DEMONSTRATES HIS COMMITMENT... DAN GILL, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Campbell said. “Mike Renshaw has invested his time in every level of soccer at ESD, and

“Coach Renshaw has achieved remarkable success during his tenure here at ESD,” Gill said. “This is a great opportunity for us as a school community to celebrate his accomplishments. As for our next head coach, our priority remains to identify candidates who will continue to promote ESD’s mission and athletic philosophy in addition to understanding the importance of providing our student-athletes with a positive interscholastic experience.”

Crew team competes in Dallas for the first time in 5 years with new coach

BY | LIESL SMALL

The crew team participated in the first regatta in five years to take place at Bachman Lake on Oct. 27. Originally, the Pumpkin Head Regatta was going to take place in Austin, but because of the large amount of rain that Austin has received the regatta was moved to Dallas.

“The local coaches got together and decided we still wanted to have our kids race,” Head Coach Cameron Baxley said. “We performed very well against the other schools, and we have improved dramatically and have a good foundation heading into the spring.”

The Bachman Regatta was an enjoyable experience for the rowers because they had friends come out to support them.

Seniors Patrick Phillips, Patrick Kerrigan and Reece Breaux decided to support the team because it was the first regatta in Dallas.

“I knew this was the one time in high school I’d get a chance to go watch them race in Dallas,” Kerrigan said. “I thought the team looked great; we finished strong, and it was good seeing them.”

Baxley, the new crew coach, started rowing during his freshman year at St. Marks. From there, he was recruited to row at the Naval Academy.

schedule is crazy, but it’s still really fun.”

Baxley has provided his athletes with a new outlook on competing—it’s more about the process rather than the results.

“It doesn’t matter how many championships we end up winning if we don’t teach the kids anything or if the kids themselves don’t improve in their personal life, as well as in rowing,” Baxley said.

“

things that they can’t learn in the classroom.”

Practicing at Bachman Lake has been easy for the team, but the City of Dallas is planning to drain the lake in a few years, which will mean the team will need a new place to train.

“I like it because it’s super convenient with it being only a few blocks away from school and relatively close by,” sophomore Penelope North said. “Bachman isn’t the biggest nor cleanest lake. There’s this big island of trash, so it’s hard to row around, but we manage.”

WE PERFORMED VERY WELL AGAINST THE OTHER SCHOOLS, AND WE HAVE IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY AND HAVE A GOOD FOUNDATION HEADING INTO THE SPRING.

bodes well for the future.

“The most fun part of coaching and being an athlete is seeing those giant leaps forward in ability, communication and strength,” Baxley said. “The outcome is just the product of a good process—we are growing as a team.”

Instead of thinking of himself as a coach, Baxley likes to think of himself as a teacher. He believes that focusing on creating a culture of excellence and hard work is important.

“[The regatta] was fun because you can actually have people come out to watch,” senior Captain Christian King said. “We’ve never had a fan—never.”

“There were some great parts [about rowing in the Naval Academy], but in college, it kind of becomes a job,” Baxley said. “It’s the reason you’re at that school. There are expectations, and the training

CAMERON BAXLEY, CREW COACH

“Especially in the educational setting, the reason we do sports is so that we can teach kids

Although the crew team is fairly young, they performed exceptionally in recent regattas. The girls 2X finished first, beating the other teams by 16 seconds, while the boys 4X finished second by five seconds.

For Baxley, having a young team

“It’s about developing habits of discipline, instilling work ethic and learning how to fight through adversity because sports create this false intense adversity, which is really good for kids to learn how to deal with in a controlled setting,” Baxley said. “When you are an adult and something crazy happens, these kids will know how to handle the hard stuff.”

Editor finds balance between soccer, academics

I was too out of breath to notice that I was practically 100 yards behind the rest of my 20 and 30-year-old opponents.

As I reached the end of the 400 meter race, grasping for my inhaler, several seconds behind the rest of the runners, I thought, for the hundredth time, “Why did I just do that to myself?”

When I was younger, I ran track even though I hated running. I invested time running in competitive races against college kids and other young adults, but running wasn’t something I remotely enjoyed.

It stressed me out, triggered my asthma and bored me. I kept doing it because my dad is a marathon runner, so I convinced myself that I should run too.

It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I wanted to quit running. After qualifying a few times for the Junior Olympics and not caring enough to go, I realized that running wasn’t worth my time.

I starting playing club soccer when I was little, which entailed a lot of 8 a.m. games and latenight practices on weekdays. It was time consuming and forced me to decide between participating in other activities and playing soccer—the choice was always soccer. I never doubted my decision because I loved it.

I never considered the impact of the game on my life until I went to IMG Academy for camp the summer of eighth grade. I

dreaded going. I had no idea what I was in for. I arrived and only became more intimidated playing with girls almost twice my age.

Halfway through the week, the program director pulled another girl and me into his office, called our parents and offered us a position on the soccer team and full admission to the academy.

As I discovered the next day, going to IMG meant academics becoming second to soccer. The schedule was rigorous, and it meant traveling almost every week for tournaments, having early morning practices, long practices after school and constant exposure to college coaches.

The other girl who was pulled aside with me was ecstatic and talked excitedly about the soccer schedule controlling her whole life—she got me thinking. Choosing to quit running was never a hard decision for me, but soccer was something I loved.

My friend ended up taking the offer and loves it there, but I spent a while going back and forth. Finally, my parents asked me: “Would you be okay with soccer controlling your entire life?” I didn’t know, so I knew I couldn’t make a definite decision. I enjoy too many other things to choose one to take up all my time. Balance is really important in life, and finding one between sports and other conflicts is challenging. I believe that I made the right choice because I still get to play soccer, stay involved as Sports Editor and can participate in other activities.

KICKIN’

the

a home

the Home School Athletic Association. The Eagles won 5-0. “It was really encouraging to start the season out with a win considering we only had two real practices prior to the game,”

ROW ON Sophomores Lily Yandell, Laura Gillies, Kyndell Wolfe and Lucy Hagge row on Oct. 27 at Bachman lake. This year, the crew team competed locally for the first time in five years at Bachman lake, where the team also practices every day after school. “The race was tense, especially because we hadn’t practiced much together as a boat and we have a new coach this season,” Gillies said. photo courtesy of Paul Talbot

Lauren Weber Sports Editor

IT Sophomore Lauren Weber dribbles

ball in

game against

Weber said. photo by Sarah Smith

Commit to this: Part 1

Injuries threaten to derail college commitments for soccer players

The Eagle Edition will explore the process many injured players face to continue playing at the university level in a two-part series

BY | JIAYING FU

26 in a game against the Home School Athletic Association. Viquez has played on the womens varsity soccer team all four years of high school and contributed to their last two SPC titles. “I play soccer because it gives me a chance to play with people I Iove and care about,” Viquez said. “It’s a fun and positive outlet for my passion.”

As the blinding surgical lights flash on, senior Emma Viquez knows everything has gone wrong. Tears fall.

Day after day of training, practice and scrimmages under the hot Costa Rican sun—Viquez spent the summer after her sophomore year training with the U-20 Costa Rican National team, as they worked to qualify for the World Cup.

Viquez darts down the turf, her teammates cheering her on during her one-on-one against the senior national team keeper. Calculating her next steps, she tries to make a move, but her cleat gets stuck in the turf.

Her knee goes the opposite direction of her body.

She screams.

It was the day before they would leave to play in the World Cup qualifying games.

“I always saw close friends of mine getting terrible injuries that set them back,” Viquez said. “I never thought I could experience it myself—until it happened.”

An ACL tear in 2017 cost Viquez almost the entire recruitment process. While she recovered from the tear, coaches began to line up their final rosters.

not allowed to be discussed. Preferred walk-on status secures the student’s admission and a spot on the team, and signing a National Letter of Intent is a legally binding action that comes with a scholarship.

“I’ve seen verbal commitments work out for a lot of students, but I’ve also seen it hinder them from looking at other schools that might be better fits,”

Associate Director of College Guidance

Elizabeth Clark said. “When students commit as early as ninth grade, they don’t really have an idea of what kind of school they’re looking for, so it’s very hard to make an informed decision.”

Senior Lauren Marks, another seasoned soccer player, found herself in a situation similar to Viquez’s, but with one major difference. Although she tore her ACL her junior year, she had already verbally committed to Yale University the year before.

“I was stressed out because sometimes colleges retract their offers because

said. “[Verbal commitments] are like a security blanket.”

School resources can act as another source of support for players who lack outside help during the process.

“I had a hard time making my coaches reach out for me,” Viquez said. “It was only until I met coach Mike at ESD that I was able to see what my coaches weren’t doing for me.”

Although Viquez was unable to commit, she hopes to continue playing soccer in college as a walk-on, where the college will decide whether or not she can join the team after she is enrolled.

“A walk-on doesn’t get a lot of playing time their first year,” Viquez said. ¨I wish that I could be committed because I would know where my path would be going into college.”

Rather than having players sign a National Letter of Intent, Ivy League schools send out “likely letters.”

“When you receive a ‘likely letter,’ that implies that you have a very high chance of getting in based on your academic criteria and sport,” Marks said.

I ALWAYS SAW CLOSE FRIENDS OF MINE GETTING TERRIBLE INJURIES THAT SET THEM BACK. I NEVER THOUGHT I COULD EXPERIENCE IT MYSELF UNTIL IT HAPPENED.

The D1 coaches that once pursued her—TCU, SMU, Mississippi State, the Air Force—never looked back.

“The ACL tear was a slap in the face,” Viquez said. “I always had a lot of coaches interested in me, but I never pursued them because I always thought that I should look more into the school. I waited too long and doubted myself and my ability.”

There are three forms of commitment. Verbal commitments occur in earlier years where there is no formal contract, and scholarships are

some people aren’t able to fully recover from [serious injuries],” Marks said.” [However, Yale] was fine with it. They were more concerned that I got healthy and back into shape.”

Marks recommends that all athletes who are serious about playing at the collegiate level consider making verbal commitments in the earlier years.

“The longer you wait to commit, the fewer offers will be available later, and if you wait too long, they’ll give the offer to someone else,” Marks

After more than a year of recovery, Viquez was finally approved to start playing full contact. Despite the many challenges she has faced, Viquez will continue to let her passion for soccer guide her in deciding the next four years of her life.

“You try your best,” Viquez said. “You see yourself as the best. You’ve been told by players and coaches that you have talent, and you should be able to commit to college. But then, you’re not, and you’re just left there with low self-esteem and questioning, ‘Why you? Why didn’t you get picked?’ To all the guys and girls out there who are faced with this struggle: You are good, and you just have to believe in yourself.”

Why do you play soccer?

“I love soccer because it gives me time to forget about whatever else is going on while doing something fun. I started playing soccer because some of my friends in Arizona did, and then I joined the team because I played soccer there.”

What is it like to be starting goalie, and why did you choose to be goalie?

“I chose to be goalie out of necessity because when I lived in Arizona my old team needed a goalie, and I just so happened to be the better one on the team. When I joined a new team I kept playing and I like it more than other positions because I am better at it. It is more fun to score goals, but [being goalie] is something that needs to be done and it feels good to [help my team].

What is your favorite play you have made as goalie?

“[My favorite two plays] are, one, in freshman year when I played the last part of a pre-season game and had a nice save off a shot gong into the top corner. This is my favorite ESD play, but I also had a good save [this year] diving up and backwards fully extended and I hit the shot over [the goal].”

What does it feel like when you make a great save?

“[When I make a good save] it makes it easier to make the next save. A lot of time you don’t think about it and it just kind of happens and you just get up and keep playing.” A Q A Q A Q A Q

interviewed by Lauren Egger

EYE ON THE BALL Dribbling toward the goal, senior Emma Viquez prepares for a pass on Nov.

photo by Sarah Smith

New wrestling coach hired in full-time position

Kwinten Brown leads team, hopes to inspire athletes to join sport

BY | ALAN BENÍTEZ

Wrestling coach Kwinten Brown never expected to stick to the sport when he learned how to wrestle at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA.

Now he works as a campus security guard, on top of assistant coaching eighth grade football and coaching wrestling. He started wrestling after his high school history teacher, who doubled as the wrestling coach, told him they needed a student who could compete that weighed around 130 pounds.

“My teacher said, ‘Hey, Brown, come check this out. If you do this, and you stick it out, your D will become a B,’” Brown said. “And I was like, ‘Shoot, OK, I’ll try it out.’ I stepped out of my comfort zone because I was a football and basketball player. No one in my neighborhood was doing wrestling, and I had never even heard of wrestling before then.”

After given the incentive to participate in wrestling to improve his grade, he realized that he was not into the sport. Brown tried everything, even hiding in

the locker room, just to avoid going to practices. He thought ditching practices would get him enough unexcused absences to eventually get kicked off of the team, which never happened.

“I thought it was WWF—I didn’t know what it was,” Brown said. “When I started doing collegiate, or folk-style wrestling, I tried to quit every day, but my mom would not let me.”

He got over his misconceptions and started going to practices, which were brutal.

“After getting your butt kicked a bunch of times, eventually your fight-or-flight kicks in,” Brown said. “My fight kicked in, and I decided that I wanted to [improve] at wrestling, so I started doing camps and clinics.”

“

Brown worked summer camps to save up for college and ended up getting a wrestling scholarship to King University in Bristol, TN.

that his way into college would be football.

AFTER GETTING YOUR BUTT KICKED A LOT, YOUR FIGHTOR-FLIGHT KICKS IN. MY FIGHT KICKED IN, AND I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO [IMPROVE] AT WRESTLING.

KWINTEN BROWN, WRESTLING COACH

He was surprised. At 5-foot, 6-inches, he had always imagined

“I didn’t realize that I was too small,” Brown said. “Wrestling opened up a door that wouldn’t have opened up in any other sport for me, and I got a scholarship.”

Brown began his coaching career during college at the age of 19 when he helped out at a local high school.

Senior Christopher Talbot has wrestled for four years and has worked with previous coaches. He believes that Brown’s specific coaching style will benefit the team.

“I’m liking the new coach a lot,” Talbot said. “He has a good past record at his past school. I’m really looking forward to what he’s doing, and this year should turn out really well based on how he’s [preparing] us.”

Brown’s main focus is to see more students join wrestling, considering the group is currently at four athletes.

“I would say that the one thing that I want kids to take away is not being scared to try something different,” Brown said. “You can’t be worried about doing something you don’t think is cool—especially a sport like wrestling. Don’t be scared to try something you’re uncomfortable with.”

PUT ME IN, COACH Discussing different techniques while at practice in the wrestling room, coach Kwinten Brown gives advice to senior Christopher Talbot. Brown began his coaching career at the age of 19. “It was unfortunate that we lost our last coach so suddenly, but I couldn’t ask for a better replacement,” Talbot said. “Both coach Brown and the assistant coach do their best to push us to our limits in practice.” photo by Ava Heppner

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON Varsity basketball coach Corey Henderson looks on as point guard, freshman Colby Henderson, receives a pass during the game against Parish Episcopal School on Dec. 4. The team won 73-40 and will play Trinity Christian Academy on Dec. 11. “We played well because we wanted to show our community what kind of team we are and that we aren’t going to lose on our home court,” Colby said. “Our team chemistry was good because the bench stepped up.” photo by Lauren Egger

Father, son find common ground through basketball experience

BY | LAUREN EGGER

Freshman Colby Henderson, son of 16-year varsity basketball coach Corey Henderson, joined the team this season as a point guard. The father-son pair have played basketball together for the majority of Colby’s life.

“I have been working with him ever since he was able to walk, and he has always had a ball in his hand,” Corey said. “But, I will say I have spent a little less time with him than with my oldest, Corey Jr.”

Corey took a different approach in coaching Colby than his eldest son, Corey Jr., and let Colby decide for himself that he wanted basketball to be in his life. Now, the two spend hours at the gym every week working to improve Colby’s skills.

“In [Colby’s] earlier years, I didn’t spend as much time [in the gym] with him as I did my oldest…I feel like at some point, once he knows he loves a sport, I really think it is up to him to come to me and embrace it and say, ‘Hey dad, let’s go to the gym,’” Corey said. “When that happens, they are at another level in terms of learning, and it’s not me pushing them to go to the gym. It gives Colby the opportunity to put the ownership on him and to look at himself and ask ‘Do I really want to do this or not?’”

Colby agrees that his father did not pressure him to play and was naturally drawn to the sport.

“I have always wanted to play basketball just from seeing my brother, sister and dad playing it because it seemed like I would enjoy it,” Colby said. “[My dad] always told me, ‘you don’t have to play basketball, and you can decide to work on academics more if you want to be a doctor or a dentist or something.’ He has never pressured me to play.”

In middle school, Colby attended the Upper School varsity practice most days. For this reason, the sport has brought the duo closer.

““The first time I ever beat [my dad] in basketball oneon-one was a really

so they have a lot of chemistry,” Caitlyn said. “They have a strong relationship on and off the court, but basketball has made them really close. After games, they usually have a conversation about what Colby did well and what he needs to work on.”

To help enhance Colby’s skills and prepare him for varsity, Corey recommended he take up track. He ran track on top of practicing basketball in the gym.

“I did go to Colby and say, ‘I think that track would be something beneficial for you in terms of your overall body development,’” Corey said. “He embraced that, and he did that the last couple of years in middle school.”

Because Corey coached two of his children, he has had to make sure that he holds his kids to the same standard as the rest of the team. But having gone through this situation before, he isn’t worried about it.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH HIM EVER SINCE HE WAS ABLE TO WALK, AND HE HAS ALWAYS HAD A BALL IN HIS HAND. COREY HENDERSON, MENS VARSITY COACH

good experience,” Colby said. “I was in sixth grade, and that is probably the best memory I have.”

Corey’s only daughter, Caitlyn Henderson, sees how basketball has shaped her father and Colby’s relationship. She also plays basketball and grew up playing with her father and brothers.

“My brother has been coached by my dad for most of his life,

“With Corey Jr., there was no favoritism, but people did assume that because I am the coach, and he is my child that it was going to be an automatic that he was going to start or whatever the situation may be,” Corey said. “I have to treat [my kids] like everybody else and I have to treat everybody fair. If not, I am not doing [Colby] any favors, and I am not helping his career because it’s hurting him in terms of learning life lessons.”

When did you start singing? Q

A“I started singing about a year and a half or two years ago, but I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11.”

Is it hard to balance music with school and other activities?

MOOTY INTHEHOTSEAT VAL

BY | LAUREN WEBER

Q A

What has helped you find success with your music?

“I wouldn’t say [I’ve found] success just yet because I don’t think I’ve really put out a good song yet, but I have been working on a couple that I’m excited about. When I can listen to it more than five times without being annoyed by it, it’s a good feeling.” Q A

“There’s been a lot of school work, and doing homework is really difficult because recently, on the weekends, I’ve been playing shows and recording. I’m supposed to be writing as much as I possibly can, but I haven’t been able to because junior year is so timeconsuming, so I don’t get to practice as much as I would like.”

QWhen did you decide you wanted to pursue music in a more professional way?

A“I started playing these smaller shows, and I really enjoyed doing that, so it kind of just came. I never really [thought], ‘I want to be professional about this.’ As I kept growing and playing bigger shows, it came naturally to all the production and music stuff.”

QWhat are your goals for your music career?

A“I want to start putting out music that I like— which I’m doing a good job of working on right now—instead of putting out music just to put out music. I would say that’s my main goal. I feel like if people listen to my songs and can feel that I actually mean what I’m talking about [and that] I enjoyed making [the song], it wasn’t forced, the music itself will be a lot better.”

Q A

What inspired you to write “Home”?

“‘Home’ was written about past experiences of mine. I wrote it last summer while I was out of town, and I just wanted to be back in Dallas with my people.”

Food for thought

FOOD SCIENCE TEACHES HANDS-ON SKILLS THROUGH

COOKING CHALLENGES

BY | VICTORIA WILLOX

This year, chemistry teacher Anneke Albright took over the Food Science course and updated the curriculum by adding a cooking competition based on the popular Food Network show “Chopped,” which took place on Nov. 30.

The popular class focuses on cooking a new recipe each time they meet. So far, they have made jam, rock candy, pickles and bread. The “Chopped”style competition challenged students to make a dish from an assortment of mystery ingredients, which included mint, oranges and bacon.

Seniors Bella Scott and Jay Browne were awarded the title of “Chopped Champions” for their cheesy bacon wrapped asparagus dish, which featured an orange glaze.

“We didn’t think our recipe was complex, we didn’t think we could pull it off,” Scott said. “The fact that we won, wow. We have really progressed in what we were doing.”

HOME SWEET HOME Junior Val Mooty strolls outside while playing guitar, singing and filming his music video “Home.” “I like to write songs not about specific things but more about feelings,” Mooty said. “There’s a really relatable feeling about being away, so ‘Home’ is about that feeling.”

photo courtesy of Val Mooty

PHOTOS BY | SYDNEY REZAIE