Fourcast_April-2025

the

FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

11600 WELCH ROAD

ROCKING THE RUNWAY Hockaday community shares New York Fashion Week experiences Page 6

DALLAS, TX 75229

APRIL 15, 2025

MARVELS OF MARINE BIOLOGY Hockaday students work on the front lines of research Page 8

VOLUME 75, ISSUE 5

JFLEX MAKES YOU JACKED Juniors gain confidence due to P.E. options Page 16

CONSTRUCTING THE CORNERSTONES

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THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

news

Navigating the changing role of DEI Dallas DEI leaders grapple with rollbacks on policies and funding

By Alexa Munoz and Anjy Faidaro Copy Editor and Web Editor-in-Chief

A

t Hockaday. backgrounds, Hockaday strives Student Diversity to foster a climate where mutual Board. Affinity Council. respect catalyzes learning and 16 Upper School Affinity collaboration.

Groups; 65 percent of the student For senior Gabriela Gaona, body involved in at least one. founder of the Junior Latin and Alumnae Affinity Groups. The Hispanic Club of Dallas and Office of Diversity, Equity President of Latin and Hispanic and Inclusion.

Student Union, DEI initiatives are All-girls' school. intended to expand views of what Hockaday’s commitment success looks like. to diversity, equity and inclusion, shown in the School’s Strategic Plan for sustaining a culture of inclusion and belonging, displays the ideas that Ela Hockaday founded the school on.

Without her efforts, we wouldn’t be here today.

SASA Affinity group performs a dance.

Dr. Tracey Tevis, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion “Part of it is understanding that at Hockaday, defines DEI as the people who are successful, who acceptance and embracement look different than preconceived of our unique backgrounds, notions of what success should experiences, perspectives look like are successful because and identities. of the hard work that they've put “Each word means something in,” Gaona said. different,” Tevis said. “Diversity is At Hockaday, Gaona cultivates our differences, equity is making spaces where Latin and Hispanic sure everyone has what they students learn to celebrate their need to succeed, and inclusion is cultures and one another. making sure everyone is allowed "For me, it’s making sure, as to be their authentic self, free of a Latina, that Latina voices are judgment and fear.” being heard and seen," Gaona Prioritizing safety and said. "In the fall, I started our first comfort for students of all Independence Day celebration

for Latin American countries. This fosters a sense of community."

This climate is how Hockaday stood stronger than ever after Texas State Senate Bill 17 imposed a ban on DEI offices at Texas public universities and colleges in 2024. And now, as the nationwide politicization of DEI grows and funding for affiliated programs declines, Hockaday and the broader Dallas community continue to stand tall.

While Hockaday is generally unaffected by the rollback, Tevis believes that the path forward entails providing support for all faculty, staff and students.

“Achieving authentic diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging takes a village,” Tevis said. “It can’t be one person just doing the work, so it’s important to make sure everyone within our community feels supported and knows they can reach out if they have questions.”

City-wide Impact Outside of the privateeducation environment, Brittani Hite ‘05, Founder and Strategic Director of Ethos Equity Consulting, promotes equity through her social impact firm.

With strategic planning, event and project management, Hite highlights the importance of amplifying the experiences and

perspectives of those most impacted by social injustice.

According to Hite, DEI is about leveling the playing field and removing the systemic barriers caused by bias and discrimination. Through Ethos Equity, Hite established the Framework for the City of Dallas’ Racial Equity Plan, providing a nuanced approach to rectifying systemic issues related to environmental injustice, unhoused people, food insecurity and other roots for discrimination.

“Strategic DEI initiatives in business help everyone win,” Hite said. “The inclusion of diverse people and perspectives catalyzes innovation, growth, a larger consumer base and ultimately increased profits.”

As the climate continues to shape itself, Hite feels blessed to have clients in the corporate and nonprofit sectors who remain open to learning and making meaningful change.

“I feel very confident and optimistic that my work will not falter or cease during this time,” Hite said. “Through generations there have been roadblocks to justice, and still people persisted, which is something I plan to do despite the rollbacks.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANIKA SHAH

Classroom Crossroads

How Texas’ Pending New Voucher Law is Reshaping Education

By Amitha Nair JADE Editor-in-Chief

A new bill being considered in the Texas legislature could shift how families pay for education: Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 3. If passed, it could create a $1 billion voucher program allowing qualifying students to use up to $10,000 each in taxpayer funds to send their children to private or alternative schools.

“For those who support vouchers, they value that the program would make it possible for parents to remove their students from underperforming public schools and give children the opportunity of receiving a better education,” Emily Moseley, Upper school government teacher said. “They believe voucher programs could also increase the pressure on underperforming schools to improve, increasing the overall quality of education.”

While those who favor the vouchers focus on the education students could be getting with the extra money, the other side

is worried about the amount of government funding toward public schools.

“Much of the state funding is based on a per-student amount, so if the number of students in a district declines, the amount of funding they receive will also decline,” Moseley said.

Critics of the bill are also particularly concerned about its impact on the already-strained public school system.

“Texas public schools are already struggling to operate under their existing budgets,” Moseley said. “If the number of students in a district declines, the amount of funding they receive will also decline. Some fear that the more money going to support school choice programs, the less will be available for public education overall.”

The proposal has sparked debate across the state, especially

among students who are directly impacted by how education is funded and accessed.

“With this bill, not only will private school have a wider range of people of different social statuses but will also give a chance for those who do deserve to receive the same level of education as we do,” sophomore Sara Sakamoto said.

But not all students are fully convinced the bill would deliver the right kind of change.

“I think that if it suctions any money whatsoever from public schools, it’s bad,” freshman Savannah Simon said. “The amount of money allocated still does not allow for most underprivileged families to enroll their children in public schools, because it’s $10,000 per family and private schools usually have a minimum of $30,000 for enrollment.”

Geography is also a key issue.

“It is important to keep in mind that not everyone has access to a private school. For example, in rural Texas, there are less options within driving distance,” Moseley said. “It is also not a requirement that private schools take part in voucher programs, so not all private schools would accept funding from a voucher when admitting a student.”

As lawmakers continue to debate these bills, students and educators alike are waiting to see how the decision could reshape the education landscape in Texas—for better or for worse.

“I think this could give a lot of families opportunities they don't already have," freshman Kathleen Jiang said. "This would also help lessen the gap between poverty and those who are extremely wealthy. But, while it'd be great for certain people, this could mean a lot of taxes for those in the middle class and also I don't think $1 billion is enough money.”

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF AMITHA NAIR

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April 15 2025

Lock It or Lose It

Students strenghten vehicle security

By Leyah Philip and Siena Ebert Opinions Editor and Staff Writer

O

n a seemingly normal Friday night, senior Dithyae Devesh was having dinner with her friend at the Preston Forest ChopShop.

Suddenly, she noticed a stranger in her car, taking her bags. After searching and calls to friends, she was able to recover her bag, but not her wallet or her ID. Just a few months later, junior Jessie Moran was in the same parking lot getting her flu shot at the Walgreens nearby. She left her bag in the backseat of her car. By the time she returned, the backseat was empty, and her belongings had been taken.

Recently, car theft has been on the rise in the Hockaday community, as several students have reported their car or belongings stolen in the past few months. Consequently, many have been forced to improve their car safety habits.

“It was very shocking,” Moran said. “You don't expect something like that near Preston Hollow or Hockaday so you have to be vigilant and take precautions to protect your stuff because people will take it.”

Unfortunately, leaving your car unlocked, is a common habit among many teenagers, making them more susceptible to car theft. Especially in the Hockaday community, many students underestimate the risk of being targeted.

“I feel like people take it really lightly and you don't think you'll get robbed in a nice area, but it can happen to anyone,” Devesh said.

After their past experiences, both Devesh and

Moran have increased their safety precautions when going out. Regardless of the time or place, they make sure to hide their items and double-check that they’ve locked their cars.

“If I'm planning to go study somewhere after school, I always put my stuff in my trunk before I leave, so people don't see,” Moran said.

Self-defense teacher promotes car-safety To ensure students are well-informed about safety procedures, Hockaday requires a self-defense class for seniors, taught by Jessica Glover. In this course, Glover equips students with skills to protect themselves in various situations, including personal safety strategies, defense techniques and heightened awareness of their surroundings.

“Once you get to your location, get out of your car, lock it right away and go in,” Glover said. “When you get into your car, the first things you should do is lock the door and turn it on. A moving vehicle is a fantastic weapon, but if it’s not turned on, then it’s basically a death trap.”

Beyond individual safety habits, Glover teaches students to identify potential threats and suspicious activity, ensuring they can recognize warning signs before danger escalates. She stresses the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, as many attackers rely on the element of surprise.

“Generally, if somebody wanted to attack someone, they would wait for them at their car or follow them to the car,” Glover said. “If you

observe any strange activity, either go back into the complex you were previously in, or get in your car and drive away.”

Glover also stresses that car safety is not just about recognizing potential threats A car safety reminder sign but also about making smarter decisions when parking a vehicle. Although it might not be as convenient, parking strategically, rather than opting for the closest or quickest spot, can reduce the risk of potential threats and ensure greater personal security.

“Nighttime is when people are more vulnerable to car-related crimes, and depending on the location or the zip code, some areas are going to be more prolific for crimes,” Glover said. “The best thing to do is park near lights, where you have a direct line of sight to a door. Although it might not be the closest spot, if it’s in a well-lit area of the parking lot within a direct line of sight, then the chances of there being a car-related incident decrease significantly.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIENA EBERT

Breaking Boundaries

Johnson first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress to represent South

By Danya Risam-Chandi Co-Managing Editor

Rep. Julie Johnson has been involved in media coverage than national elections, and North Texas politics for more than five years, thus, get lower voter turnout. but this election cycle her campaign made his“It seems that in local races, there is a lot tory. Newly elected Congresswoman Johnson more door-to-door campaigning,” Blevins said. became the first “Oftentimes, openly LGBTQ+ the candidate person to represent themselves will be the South or Texas in out walking with Congress with her volunteers in these November 2024 local races.” election win.

Johnson’s Johnson hopes her campaign earned win will encourage endorsements other women and from many minorities to take a prominent North stand and advocate for Texas themselves. organizations “I never thought including The that as an out, LGBTQ Julie Johnson speaks at congress.

Dallas Morning person in Texas I could win an election, and I do News, The Dallas Police Association, and the believe that held me back,” Johnson said.

Texas Medical Association Political Action Elected to Texas Congressional District 32, Committee (TEXPAC).

Johnson now represents parts of Collin, Dallas Brianna Menard, staff director of TEXPAC, and Denton counties. Johnson strongly believes whose main goals as a political action that grassroots campaigning was the key to her committee are enhancing healthcare access, electoral success. ensuring practice viability and protecting “What really set my campaign apart was our physician autonomy., believes that Rep. commitment to the ground game,” Johnson said. Johnson’s campaign was important for the “We really made an effort to go door-to-door healthcare industry, particularly for medical care and talk to people in person.” in Texas.

Upper School economics teacher Kristin “We can trust her to make the right decisions Blevins thinks that local elections receive less for healthy Texans,” Menard said.

Johnson is married to Dr. Susan Moster, a gastroenterologist who practices in Fort Worth.

“As a spouse of a Texas physician, she [Johnson] is an advocate for protecting patient-physician relationships and reducing red tape and unnecessary regulations in healthcare,” Menard said.

Johnson acknowledges the urgent need for healthcare reform in Texas and hopes she will make a positive change in Congress, specifically regarding women’s healthcare.

“Texas leads the nation in some very undesirable healthcare statistics such as the highest maternal mortality and infant mortality rates,” Johnson said.

Beyond healthcare, Johnson is currently fighting against legislation which she believes could diminish women’s rights in the United States, including the SAVE Act, a bill recently introduced to the House.

“The bill says that voter registrations need to match people’s names on their birth certificates, which would mean many married women could be denied the right to vote,” Johnson said.

Johnson hopes her example as a legislator will encourage young girls, especially at Hockaday, to pursue their dreams.

“To the young women of Hockaday– your future is in front of you,” Johnson said. “You’re smart, talented, capable, and can do great things.”

PHOTO FROM JULIEJOHNSON.HOUSE.GOV

ARTS &LIFE

04 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

The Ultimate Guide to Spring and Summer Fashion

By Elle Myers and Larkin Clouston Managing Editor and Arts & Life Editor

$20-$50 Strapless Printed Tulle Dress

This adorable pastel pink dress is perfect for any spring or summer vacation.

At $49.90, this dress is more on the affordable side but still has a chic and expensive look.

Zara - $49.90

Floral Charm Hair Clip From White Fox, this flower hair clip is practical and stylish to pull your hair back during the hot summer months while still looking cute.

$50-$100 $100-$150 Karolina Tote Everyone needs a cute tote for all their beach supplies and this adorable bag from Revolve is perfect for that.

Micro Mini Stretch Skirt

This fiery red goes with any color and ANY occasion can require a mini skirt, so you might as well have this one in your closet.

Brandy Melville is stocked with everyday basics, but these overalls will make you look cute while running errands.

Brandy Melville - $45

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZARA, WHITE FOX, BRANDY MELVILLE

Starfish Clip Earrings For jewelry, these starfish clip earrings are great for summer and super unique to make a statement.

Kiesha Strapless Scarf Mini Dress

Every swimsuit needs a cute cover-up to match, and this one from Superdown is trendy and cute with crochet fabric.

White Fox - $40

Hayley Overall Shorts

St. Bernard - $149

Neiman Marcus - $100

Guizio - $78

Reza Sandals

These floral sandals from White Fox are so cute for dinner vacation outfits. We are so obsessed that we purchased them ourselves!

To wear at the beach, this colorful and embroidered straw hat is amazing to keep your face covered from the hot summer sun.

Revolve - $87

Capucine Mini Dress

White Fox - $8

Berta Palm Hat

Revolve - $68

Vinca – Votto Bikini

Whether on the beach or grabbing a quick bite to eat with friends, this mini dress can be styled up or down based on the occasion.

Peppermayo - $105

Mila Jean Short With the weather warming up, buy these versatile jean shorts that are the perfect length: not too short and not too long.

From our personal favorite bikini brand, the pattern is unique to counter the traditional cut.

Triangl - $99

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REVOLVE, GUIZIO, TRIANGL

Aritzia - $148

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. BERNARD, NEIMAN MARCUS, PEPPERMAYO, ARITZIA

05

April 13 2025

Underground country singers Returning to up-and-coming country singers’ roots

By Cece Johnson Opinions Editor

I

Ty Myers Born and raised in Austin, Ty Myers has been singing and playing guitar since he was 12 years old. He was so determined to follow his passion for music, he chose to be home schooled. His first song was officially released in 2023 when he uploaded “Tie That Binds” online and TikTok helped him grow. His most famous songs are “Ends of the Earth” and “Drinkin’ Alone,” both from his debut album, “The Select”.

He performs in Dallas May 9t at a concert for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can find him on all streaming platforms, as well as his TikTok account, which has approximately half a million followers.

Hudson Westbrook Another Texas native, Hudson Westbrook, is from Stephenville and attended Texas Tech. He went from writing music and working on a ranch to selling out Billy Bob’s within a year. He has one self-titled album released in 2024 that features his most popular songs, “5 to 9,” “House Again,” and my personal favorite, “Dopamine.”

He is performing at House of Blues in Dallas April Drake Milligan Drake Milligan was born in Arlington. He began his career playing Elvis on the TV series “Sun Records” in 2017. Shortly after, he auditioned for a

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CECE JOHNSON

and I know she’s planning on touring this summer.”

In her album, she covers everything from toxic relationships to backstabbing best friends. Moroney attended the University of Georgia and won the Miss Sorority Row pageant with her performance of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine.” Her inspiration for becoming a singer/songwriter started at 16 when she first learned to play guitar. She was influenced by many female Country artists growing up and started singing country with her dad and brother.

Her tour began on March 26, and she’ll be in Texas May 2-11 traveling to Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

f you’ve been on TikTok recently, you have definitely heard of one of the following artists.

Ty Myers, Hudson Westbrook, Drake Milligan, Tyler Halverson, Megan Moroney and Ella Langley are all up-and-coming country singers who are, in my opinion, severely underrated.

label. After initially rejecting him, BBR Music Group signed him six months later. July 2021, he released his first self-titled debut extended play. He and his band also appeared on “America’s Got Talent” on June 8, 2022, and received four yes votes. His debut album “Dallas/Fort Worth” was released in September.

2022.

Megan Moroney In 2022 Moroney blew up with her first single “Tennessee Orange,” and the following album “Lucky,” which was also released in 2022.

Senior Caroline Polosky says she found Moroney on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist.

“I love the whole ‘Am I Okay’ album,” Polosky said.

“I think Megan has been kind of teasing an album,

Country Singer Hudson Westbrook performing in Dallas

Graduation gift guide

Ideas on what to give your favorite 2025 graduate

By Elle Myers and Larkin Clouston Managing Editor and Arts & Life Editor

Air Tags

$29 It’s no secret that students lose their things all the time, so imagine losing a dorm key on a big campus. AirTags are perfect for college students to keep up with their belongings regardless of their location on campus. Additionally, AirTags can be tracked on your phone.

Monogrammed Shower Caddy Cosmetic Bag

$35 Every college freshman needs a small bag to carry makeup and toiletries. We personally recommend ordering these in bulk, but once monogrammed the bag is unique for the future graduate. Don’t feel pressured to buy from this brand though, Etsy has great alternatives if you want a different design or price point.

$39 This graduation gift is cute and practical for anybody planning to live in dorms next year, which will be most college freshmen.

At $39, this grad gift won’t break your budget but will still be perfect for any girls needing a place to carry their shower supplies to those crusty dorm bathrooms.

Pajamas

$118 These adorable pajamas with your college of choice’s colors are perfect for a graduation gift.

To make it even more personable, you can add their monogram to the pocket as well!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF APPLE, MARK AND GRAHAM. LOVE SHACK FANCY, KATIE KIME

06 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

ARTS &LIFE

Rocking the runway

Hockaday community shares New York Fashion Week experiences

By Lang Cooper and Anderson Rhodus Sports Editor and Staff Writer

N

ew York Fashion Week, colorful jewelry that you collect the semiannual event and place in one box.” where world class The road to creating each designers reveal their design and planning the show newest collections on topnotch takes a myriad of hours. From models. This February, New York makeup artists to photographers, Fashion Week showcased designers Imam’s team of more than 200 staff and models from the Hockaday must make sure the designs and community on the runway. models are ready for the show.

Designing the runway “My favorite part is seeing the Nardos Design, founded by dresses come to life, but I have to junior Elyana Brook’s mother think as a businesswoman too,” Nardos Imam, creates eye-catching, Imam said. “Issue number one luxury gowns and accessories is figuring how much money to that consistently leave customers invest, and issue number two is awestruck. Imam’s passion for deciding the venue, music, jewelry fashion is evident in every design. and all the other details.”

“When I was 22, I knew that I Although planning begins wanted to pursue fashion but didn’t months before each fashion week, know if I could make a last-minute changes career out of it,” Imam often take place. For said. “But my passion example, Nardos for it drove me to go Design uses a casting into the business, even director to hire models. though I thought ‘I’m So, when each model not going to get a job.'" arrives, Imam and her Attending Dallas team match them with College El Centro, Imam a design and then took fashion as well as choose a makeup look science classes in case and hairstyle. Once her career as a designer these assignments was unrealistic. have been made, Imam “In the middle of and her team make learning English as a last minute alterations second language and to ensure each dress taking other classes fits the model correctly.

One of Nardos' designs in science to maybe “Models can pull go into medical school, I decided out of the show last minute, so it’s I’m just going to try for fashion,” always a headache making quick Imam said. “I was so much more alterations,” Imam said. passionate about fashion that I Imam’s schedule leading up spent all my time studying this. I to fashion week consists of not was constantly buying materials only making final touches to her from Joann’s and sewing myself collection and last-minute plans little things.” but also meeting with clients.

After working her way through “Time is not on your side when the fashion world, Imam opened it’s almost show time,” Imam said. her first boutique in Dallas in 2016.

“I always hope to pick and order Six years later, Nardos Design each fabric earlier, but somehow it opened on Madison Avenue in always gets done.”

Manhattan. Her designs first hit the Imam looks forward to New York Fashion Week runway in September’s New York Fashion September 2023.

Week and another opportunity to This February, her collection was create and share her next collection. inspired by colorful, vintage jewelry.

“Every season when a fashion “I love color,” Imam said. “For me, show happens, I get stuck in the natural stones have the best colors beginning,” Imam said. “This year, that you can’t find anywhere else.

I was looking through this 1965 So, I took inspiration from all the jewelry book that was on my shelf and was struck with inspiration.

Fashion is my craft, and I’m always excited for my next collection.”

Walking the runway Involved in both pageantry and modeling, junior Lily Roberts made Nardos Design fashion show her Fashion Week

debut this February for fashion and footwear designer Marc Defang.

Robert’s sister, senior Emmy Roberts, was also selected to model for Defang.

“One of my family's close friends knows the designer and saw he posted casting calls on Facebook,” Roberts said. “All I had to do was submit some photos of myself, and then my sister and I were picked.”

So, the Roberts sisters along with other pageant friends traveled to New York for four days of runway practice, exploring the city, attending Broadway performances and the final show. Roberts went through many rehearsals with the other models to practice her walk.

Because of the limited spaces for fashion shows, Marc Defang was just one designer of many utilizing the same venue.

“Everybody was doing their runthrough at similar times,” Roberts said. “Since there were multiple

and the opportunity to meet other models from across the country.

“I would love to continue modeling,” Roberts said. “It was super fun to meet so many amazing people and partake in such a cool opportunity.”

Shipp walks the runway.

Roberts and Defang at the show

designers, the energy was very high, and the space was crowded.”

All of Defang’s collections were custom-made for each model, and Roberts got to keep the outfit from the show along with sparkly hats and robes. On the runway, Roberts rocked a hand-beaded white suit with confetti sparkles on the pants and jacket; her shirt had asymmetrical buttons on the front and a mesh back.

“Everyone loved my outfit, so I was moved to walk first,” Roberts said. “It was so amazing to open the entire show at my very first runway experience.”

However, Roberts also encountered the last-minute trials of being a model.

“I was told last minute that I needed to take off my jacket to show the back of my shirt,” Roberts said. “So, I had to master taking it off five minutes before, but it kept getting caught. It ended up working out great though, and I even got to model in front of Miss Universe.”

Roberts loved her experience

Shipp Shows Out Hockaday alum Ava Shipp ’24 made her NYFW debut this past September, modeling for a list of high fashion brands, highlighting Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Beginning her modeling journey during the summer between her freshman and sophomore years of high school, Shipp found it difficult to secure jobs before she turned 18.

“There are a lot of rules around age in the fashion world,” Shipp said.

“After I turned 18, I could work for anyone because the career forces you to be independent.”

Once fashion week arrived, Shipp’s schedule filled up fast; her days often starting at 5 a.m. with castings and ending the day late with fittings and rehearsals. Reflecting on this schedule, Shipp shares a common misconception about the fashion and modeling industry.

“Some people believe that modeling is not a real job; like thinking that I am living in a ‘la la land,'" Shipp said. “Modeling is a difficult world, and it requires a lot of hard work. There is a lot of waiting and not a lot of sleep.”

Shipp finds the shows and catching up with old friends to be exciting; however, the smaller things, like getting her eyelashes curled at 5 a.m., aren’t exactly “fun.” Overall, Shipp is grateful for everything that the modeling industry has brought her.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NARDOS IMAM, LILY ROBERTS, AVA SHIPP

07

April 15 2025

Daisy gardens

Teacher builds space for growth and sharing

By Katie Ma Staff Writer

T

en years ago, Lower School science teacher Lara Guerra had a vision and sought to incorporate gardening into the Lower School curriculum.

“Mrs. Rhodus really was the one that green lit this project. Dr. Fishel has supported it all the way along and social impact became a key player two years ago,” Guerra said. “It's just been wonderful and the community support from parents during our workdays in the fall is amazing. They are a lot of fun and it's just a great place.”

Her goal was to teach students the power of getting their hands into soil and interacting with nature.

“Everybody has the power to grow their own food,” Guerra said. “Everybody has the power to grow flowers and native plants that benefit the pollinators and enrich our local ecosystem.”

There have been several different gardens on campus over the years, but none were near the scale of the current one. The Lower School gardens are located on the east end of the Lower School, just beyond the green basketball court.

Lower School students' garden sections

“We had a music teacher, Danny Keller, who passed away and he loved to garden,”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATIE MA

Guerra said. “His dream was to restart a garden at Hockaday, so when he passed away, his friends gave money for us to buy some garden beds, and we put them in.”

At first, the garden beds were not used because there was not a budget for it. Then, Guerra, with her husband’s help, decided to take on the project of getting them back in shape.

“I said to Mrs. Rhodus, ‘we've got these beds. They're looking Social impact garden for Marcus Mart food pantry good. Do you mind if I take some and they also grew Asian vegetables like bok kids out?’ and she really supported the idea,” choy and tatsoi.

Guerra said. “That is when it got onto my schedule “Some of the veggies we use for cooking. as a teaching duty, and it took off from there.”

We'll take a day, and we'll do cooking in the Each Lower School grade has a special space in Lower School kitchen,” Guerra said. “We also the garden. have garden beds that are designated for PreK and Primer have beds for each class social impact. That food is harvested, and it is and record in journals their observations of delivered to the Marcus Mart food pantry.” what happens throughout the year. Each first Marcus Mart is a student-led food pantry at and second grader has their own square foot in Dallas ISD’s Marcus Elementary. Seniors Paloma the garden and gets to take home the veggies Duarte and Caroline Cohen run the Marcus that they grow.

Mart recurring program this year.

Third and fourth graders visit the garden as “We’ll go there once a week, usually on part of world language classes. Third graders Wednesdays, and give out food to the moms also participate in a science and social impact of the families,” Cohen said. “Periodically, class where they learn about food insecurity.

Ms. Laywell will send us an email saying the Guerra said students are always willing to Lower Schoolers have food for us, and we’ll help in the gardens. go pick it up.”

“If I have to pull weeds, then they'll want to Donations from Lower Schoolers have pull weeds too. They help move soil. They like included lettuce, onions, peppers, tomatoes to work hard,” Guerra said. “A lot of people think and other fresh produce. that kids don't like to rake or they don't like “It's a unique thing,” Duarte said. “Usually to move soil, but they enjoy activating those when we have the food drive, we just get muscles and doing all the work that's required.” donations like rice and beans, just things that During the winter, the Lower Schoolers last a little bit longer, but they [Lower Schoolers] typically grow kale, broccoli and radishes. This keep up with it pretty consistently, and it's a year, they tested growing spinach and carrots, special thing that they do.”

Upgrading uniforms

Hockaday students style and personalize their clothing

By Ai-Vy Ho Staff Writer

with and even strengthen our identities as Hockaday students.”

Similar to Mitchell, McShane has also approached fashion in a unique manner.

Starting in Middle School during quarantine, McShane created her first earrings. While the earring trend eventually declined, McShane remained a fan of jewelry and transformed her earrings into a way of self-expression.

McShane showcases unique earring design.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AI-VY HO

Despite wearing a uniform to school every day, senior Emily McShane and sophomore Carolyn Mitchell have used fashion to reflect their personal style.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, the fashionable Hockaday plaid inspired Mitchell to repurpose school skirts into leg warmers and longer skirts.

“I was trying to think of ways the uniform could be redesigned and reimagined because it’s a very versatile thing,” Mitchell said. “I kind of wanted to bring attention to that because there’s kind of this negative stigma around uniforms, and I just wanted to make it fun.”

With a sewing machine on the table and the Hockaday plaid cloth in her hand, Mitchell began experimenting with different ways to redesign the uniform. So far, the long skirt has been her favorite, but she believes that all her pieces allow her to express her personality.

“I think that the way we represent ourselves through our clothes is an important way that we express ourselves,” Mitchell said. “I think fashion at school is a great way for us to display and discover how our personal identities intersect

“The trend was over pretty soon, but I was really a fan of it, so I kept on doing it,” McShane said.

Observant to different art-making processes, McShane was able to discover how to make her own earrings without watching a video or taking a class beforehand.

“I thought that if I felt it out myself, I would eventually find a good way to do it. Luckily, that was like on the first try," McShane said.

Recently, McShane began exploring clothing and hopes to make jewelry to accompany her clothes. As a part of her college portfolio, she designed garments to represent her experience with European and Chinese culture.

“The overarching theme was the interaction between European culture and my identity as an Asian American,” McShane said. “I used different aspects of my experience to highlight parts of both cultures.”

McShane said her Hockaday experiences in Studio Art, Dance and Vibrato have allowed her to see connections across mediums.

“I don’t really put myself into one box or one medium as an artist,” McShane said. "I think that at Hockaday there’s a lot of opportunities for me to experience the intersection between arts.”

FEATURES

08 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Windows and mirrors

Community finds ways to battle book censorship

By Aneeka Tansen and Samara Bhatki Staff Writers

A

t the front desk of the Upper School Library, librarian August Rivers displays a sign that declares “READ BANNED BOOKS.” A skull lies beneath the powerful words, and flowers reach through its empty eyes, blooming despite their desolate surroundings. It is a dare, a plea and a rebellion in one not-so-covert package.

An avid reader and active advocate against book censorship, Rivers finds the effects of banning books significantly detrimental to education and perspective.

“Restricting access to knowledge and information is harmful,” Rivers said. “It impacts people’s understanding of the world around them, understanding of current events and understanding of more nuanced things that happen within a culture or society.”

According to PEN America, a non-profit organization focused on global free expression, over 10,000 books were banned in American public schools during the 2023-2024 school year, more than doubling the number of books banned in each of the previous three years.

Hockaday parent Katharine

Friguletto is the president-elect of the Friends of the University Park Public Library, which is a non-profit that helps support the University Park library through citizen volunteering.

Friguletto and her team devote the ALA’s (American Library Association) Banned Books Week in October to bringing awareness to books that have been banned or challenged. Challenged books, a term often accompanied with banned books, refers to any reading material that someone has attempted to remove from a public space because of the content.

“Authors, publishers and school librarians can designate what quality literature is,” Friguletto said. "I believe that their expertise should be relied on universally.”

For one week of the year, Friguletto displays banned or challenged books available for purchase, with all profits going back to the University Park Library. By bringing awareness to these books, she believes it makes more people aware of why these books might be rightfully or wrongfully banned.

As a parent, she also has an understanding of why some books are pushed to be chal-

PHOTO COURTESY ANEEKA TANSEN

lenged or banned.

“I think a parent should know what a child is reading, especially if they are topics generally in challenged books that, as a family, you care about,” Friguletto said. “But would they rather a child read a book about a topic that has been written by an author, edited Mx. Rivers's banned books sign by a publisher and the limitation of literary freedom, chosen by a librarian that is high but in the emotional and mental quality enough to sit in a library, effects that these restrictions or rely on the wild west of have on minority communities,” the Internet?”

Randhar said.

Dallas Youth Poet Laureate and These communities aren't able to sophomore Naisha Randhar also see themselves in their own stories battles against literary censorship and continue to read more stories through panels and performances. that they can't relate to, so they feel Since reading The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas, a novel banned invalid like they don't exist.”

“It’s important for people to in six states, fourteen-year-old read about different identities so Randhar’s perspective on censorship changed dramatically. Though that we don’t develop prejudices innately,” Randhar said. “If we the book is critically acclaimed, confront it head on, then we are it has been banned in several able to dismantle the prejudice schools due to mature content.

These topics, while uncomfortable, and understand that it exists in our society rather than ignoring it are real and tangible. and letting it fester.”

“The problem lies not only in

Distinctive degrees

Teachers follow different paths into the classroom

By Shreya Vijay Editor-in-Chief

“What are you planning to major in?” This question plagues many seniors.

While a tough question for many to answer, many Hockaday faculty shared their experiences in earning “unconventional degrees.”

feminist history and ended up focusing on that instead.”

Robb intended to pursue Caroline Robb ‘07 a career Mathematics Department in finance Chair Caroline Robb ‘07 and even earned a Master of Arts in Robb on graduation day interned at Joint Honors Mathematics Merrill Lynch.

Uland Modern History at the Univertimately, she discovered she was sity of St. Andrews in Scotland. not passionate about this career “For four years, I did only math and changed to education. classes and only history classes,” “It was a very valuable experiRobb said. ence because it made me pivot Robb was the only person in and go ‘oh this is not what you her graduating year to do that want to do,’” Robb said. “It really particular combination. showed me what I was meant to She was very interested in Reformation history, which is part do, which is teach.” of the reason she chose to attend the University of St. Andrews.

However, she ended up studying other fields of history as well.

“St. Andrews had a center for Reformation studies, which nobody else has,” Robb said. “The irony was I got over there and then I fell madly in love with the 1960s and

Brody Lyons Upper School Math teacher Brody Lyons considered engineering, history, political science and even the seminary before returning to his passion for mathematics. He received a degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin.

“When I started applying to

PHOTOS COURTESY ROBB AND BLEVINS schools, I leaned towards engineering,” Lyons said. “I got a little bit of cold feet, so I went the direction of political science, wanting to go to law school.”

Lyons eventually pivoted to study history with the intention of going to law school. After graduating, he took a gap year to move back home and said things shifted in his life during this time.

Blevins during her semester abroad “I started volunteering in and learned to speak a lot of Geryouth ministry and I was a man living with them. She decided substitute teacher at my local high to minor in German, but upon meetschool,” Lyons said. ing with her advisor, she discovered Lyons considered seminary that minoring in German would not school, but he eventually decided allow her to graduate, so she ended to go into teaching.

“I loved working with kids, and it up switching to a double-major in Economics and German. truly was my passion,” Lyons said.

Her study-abroad program was Kristen Blevins in Quedlinburg, Germany. Blevins Upper School History teacher learned a lot about the German Kristen Blevins earned a Bachelor language with her host family of Arts in Economics and German “Just doing daily things was from Texas Tech University. One of really helpful,” Blevins said. “My her friends studied abroad in Gerlanguage learning process sped up many and encouraged her to apply so much being immersed in it.” and earn her language credit.

“I just decided to go the next fall for the whole semester,” Blevins said. “I didn’t know any German.”

Blevins lived with a host family

09

April 15 2025

Expanding the arts

Fine Arts Board brings creative experiences to all with FAB Fest

By Emilie Illum and Aanya Naini Staff Writers

F

rom dazzling musical performances and carefully curated workshops, to masterfully created films and exciting secret talents, the spirit of creativity and collaboration seemed to shine in each activity of the day as students joined together to celebrate Hockaday’s second FAB Fest, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the arts.

Sponsored by the Fine Arts Board (FAB), FAB Fest began as a way to showcase the unique range of artistic interests held by students both inside and outside of school. FAB chair senior Saxon Moseley has been involved with the festival since the very beginning.

“We came up with FAB Fest as a way to show the Upper School what their fellow students were doing in the arts,” Moseley said. “It’s also just a way to bring the arts to the forefront of people’s minds, to allow them to try things that they don’t usually try.”

Tech Theatre representative senior Stella Monteiro further believes that the event is a way to preserve the necessity of the fine arts in the Hockaday community.

Juniors practice filmaking on their phones.

“Fine arts aren’t actually a cornerstone at Hockaday because when the school was founded, it was kind of expected that young women would participate in the arts,” Monteiro said.

“I think the cornerstones have become such a foundation here that sometimes the arts don’t always get the attention they deserve.”

Monteiro believes that the fine arts programs are crucial in allowing students to grow into well-rounded individuals.

“I know they’ve given so many people—me included—such a rich experience,” Monteiro said.

This year, FAB Fest took place during an X-day, and encompassed the entire Upper School as well as some Lower and Middle School students. An event of this magnitude requires months of planning, and the Fine Arts Board

sion, the board has further focused on expandbegan preparing in May 2024.

“We started setting dates and made sure that ing their repertoire of workshops. Students and teachers alike have a variety of outside artistic the board knew what was going on,” Moseley interests and many were represented at said. “Then, we’ve been working since the very FAB Fest. beginning of this year.”

“We have things like henna, Indian dance, FAB representatives spent the winter and Folklórico, beading, crochet and more as a way spring months leading up to the event meeting to integrate yourself in the arts,” Moseley said. twice or sometimes even three times a week Other workshops included a Rainbow to work on planning the festival. Managing a Loom workshop by junior Anaiya Saxena, a full day of activities for more than 500 students songwriting workshop by junior Jessie Moremains quite the challenge, especially when it requires balancing the necessity for students to ran, a book-binding workshop by senior Emily McShane and a spoken-word workshop by receive a well-rounded exposure alongside the senior Anjy Fadairo. limitations of a packed schedule.

“The entire point of FAB, this year and in “Putting all the advisories into time blocks, general, is to increase visibility for the arts,” that’s probably the hardest part,” Studio Art representative junior Nitya Yarlagedda said. “Other Yarlagedda said. “We want to make sure that than that, it’s just finding people for workshops, everybody gets a good variety [of exposure] and that they aren’t just sticking with whatever figuring out the materials we need and how they know.” much that’s going to cost.”

FAB representatives have already seen the Yarlagedda believes the FAB planning propositive impact this event has made, having cess has gone more smoothly in the second year since the board has a better understanding witnessed their peers both explore new arts and even remedy some of their misconcepof what the event requires. This year, the board tions. In the 2024 dance workshop, Ortega worked towards making sure stuwatched many students discover the hidden dents attend one mass communicanuances and technique hidden behind a danctions, one performing arts, and one visual arts activity, alongside at least er’s polished performances.

“They only see the final product,” Ortega said. three extracurricular activities which “So actually being in FAB [Fest] and actually encompass interests outside those getting to take a dance class, seeing what ballet represented at Hockaday. steps are, [and] how we correct technique is FAB has additionally worked really important because they get to see behind towards the inclusion of Middle the scenes.”

School and Lower School students Ortega believes that the understanding FAB this year, through their participation and performance in fine arts activities and workshops.

“We’ve been coordinating with teachers and recruiting people for workshops,” Moseley said. “I think it’s important for Lower and Middle schoolers to see what Upper School arts are capable of.”

Dance representative junior Ava Ortega believes that the festival provides the younger students with a valuable insight into the Upper School fine arts, which they rarely observe, and Senior Gabby Goana presents film principles. can even inspire or spark specific artistic interests. provides is valuable not just for dance, but for “I think it’ll be really cool for them to be able to see a lot of Upper School art and get to inter- every fine art at Hockaday, and she’s been able to recognize this firsthand through her collaboact with Upper Schoolers as well,” Ortega said.

“It’s kind of just a really big community bonding ration with her fellow representatives.

“It’s really cool to be able to appreciate and activity, and I think it's important discuss other people’s disciplines and to find for them to get hands-on experiways to kind of make a harmony out of all of ence and see what some of their them,” Ortega said. fine arts classes could look like.”

The Fine Arts Board remains hopeful that While the event showcases the event will grow in the future. Current reparts from across Upper School, resentatives are already developing ideas for this year, Middle and Lower future years, including collaborations with the schoolers were also given the St. Mark’s Fine Arts Board to the creation of a opportunity to demonstrate their school-wide collage or art project. own artistic talents.

“I hope for the future Fine Arts Board that “We want to be able to see FAB Fest feels like something big and exciting, what they’re working on,” Mobut not super daunting,” Moseley said. “We are seley said. “Hopefully, they’ll only in the second year, so there are a lot of want to continue to be a part things we’re still working through. It feels like a of the arts once they come to lot of work, but I’m so happy to do it.”

Upper School.”

Beyond the all-school inclu-

Students experience the Orchestra presentation.

PHOTOS COURTESY AANYA NAINI

10 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL BLUEPRINTS COURTESY OF JOAN GUZMAN

Introduction At Hockaday, countless changes and innovations have been made over the past century to meet the constantly evolving needs of its students. These improvements ensure that students excel in each of the school's four cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship and Athletics.

This commitment to adaption and growth is not only reflected in the curriculum and community, but the architecture as well.

Constructing th

By Jessica Boll | Web Editor-in-Chief and Audrey Liu | News Editor and M

Since Hockaday's origin at the original campus on Haskell Avenue (1913-1919), Hockaday has moved locations twice before finding its long-term home on Welch Road (1961-Present).

In this edition of the Fourcast, we explore how Hockaday’s architecture has adapted overtime, beginning from its founding in 1913 to its most recent expansions.

Specifically, this issue dives into the historical previous campuses,

LLARC, the science building and most recently added athletic complex.

Take a glimpse into the history of our school that continues to shape the Hockaday experience.

Main campus building in 1940

History 1913-2025 Original campus (1913-1919) Founded in 1913 by Ela Hockaday, The Hockaday School was created to provide quality education to girls. Lisa Culbertson (’96), Head of Upper School, provided insight into Hockaday’s founding.

“The same people who moved St. Mark's forward had daughters and wanted the same education for them,” Culbertson said.

After realizing this need, they reached out to Ms. Hockaday and The Hockaday School was born in just a few days.

On the first campus, Hockaday began putting an emphasis on its cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics. These concepts were support by the campus architecture and facilities. For example, according to the Centennial Anthropology by Virginia McAlester (’61), under the cornerstone of Athletics, a new swimming pool and basketball court was built in 1917 to broaden

the sports available on campus.

Greenville Campus (1919-1961) As the student body grew, so did the need for a larger space.

The school moved to the Greenville Avenue campus, where students attended school for nearly five decades.

It was at the Greenville Campus where the first issue of the Fourcast was published, and the academic and athletic programs expanded to welcome new additions.

One theme that is noticeable throughout how Hockaday has approached its campus design is flexibility and adaptability. When the Great Depression began in the early 1930s, a Junior College building was built on campus to support higher education for families who needed it.

Beginnings on Welch Road (1961-Present) When moving to the current campus, Hockaday began a new and modern approach to their

architectural design, featuring spaces. more harsh lines, which were in “Back when [Hockaday] was vogue at the time, while blending first developed, we weren’t really aspects of the school’s history, considering the students’ voice in featuring an art deco style. An this, but in our master increase in acreage also came with planning, our focus groups an increase in layout flexibility. included students at all levels,” “The oldest buildings on Culbertson said. “We talked about campus are the main building, what the students are looking for Hoak Portico and Biggs Dining and what they need. One of the Hall,” Culbertson said. biggest things that we developed These buildings have kept the in the master plan was thinking same general placement today, but about like where students can others, such as the Lower School, learn comfortably.". were initially constructed at what is now the LLARC. Another way Hockaday has changed since launching the new location in the 1960s is taking account of multiple perspectives when designOriginal Welch Rd campus in 1962 ing these new

Liza Lee Academic Research Center 2002 The Liza Lee Academic Research Center was completed in 2002 and received the AIA/ALA Library Building Award in 2003, an award developed to recognize and encourage excellence in the architectural design and planning of libraries. For the past two decades, the LLARC has been recognized for its architectural design, taking advantage of natural light and the preservation of three large oak trees in the center of Metzger Plaza.

Head Librarian Corey Lott said the architecture plays an important role in fostering a love of reading and research.

“A well-designed library—one with natural light, comfy seating, quiet corners, and study rooms—feels welcoming and inviting. An open layout with well-organized books and resources supports deep focus

and study, as well as curiosity and wonder,” Lott said. “At the same time, various spaces for group work will foster collaboration and connection.

Ultimately, a thoughtfully designed library is not just a place for books. It is a space that will inspire learning, creativity, and community.”

The three-story library was created for all students from Lower School to Upper School to ensure all resources are provided for academic success.

By featuring conference rooms and classrooms for a variety of classes including journalism and debate, it also facilitates collaboration, ensuring that growth happens together. The debate and journalism suites were added 13 years ago when the third floor was extended to accommodate the journalism suite.

“My favorite feature of the building

is the huge window – it’s like being in a tree house,” Lott said.

Although there are no renovation plans in the near future for the library, Lott shares what she would redesign.

“I would love to have a bridge that connects the science building with the library," Lott said.

Ultimately, the LLARC provides a reliable space for many students to work during the school day throughout the year.

“My hope is that students have plenty of different spaces to work, whether quietly at tables or in carrels, or collaboratively in the study rooms, depending on what they need.”

Student study together in 1931

11

April 15, 2025

he Cornerstones

Mary Bradley Sutherland | Photo & Graphics Editor, Social Media Manager

Margaret Doggett Crow Science Building 2013 Twelve years ago, Hockaday embarked on an ambitious project that would redefine science education.

With a generous donation from Lydia Hill (’60), the school set out to design a state-of-the-art science building tailored to the needs of its faculty and students. The process was a unique collaboration between teachers and architects, ensuring that every detail served a purpose. Now, students know this project as the Margaret Doggett Crow Science Building.

Biology teacher Brandi Finazzo, was one of the teachers were able to contribute to the building’s design.

“It was such a privilege to actually be able to sit down with the architects and tell them exactly what it is that we needed for our respective disciplines,” Finazzo said. “To be included in the conversation as the people who were going to live in this space every day, that was just such a blessing.”

Each science discipline—biology, chemistry and physics—had its own specific requirements which led to the current design of the building.

“We realized that what physics teachers and their labs need is totally different from what a chemistry lab needs and is totally different from what we in biology would want for our perfect lab," Finazzo said.

This led to separate consultations where each department could voice its needs. Biology emphasized storage

and lab hoods for experiments, chemistry required extensive gas lines and sinks at every station, while physics prioritized open space for experiments and equipment storage.

These needs also led to the current layout of having chemistry on the first floor, physics on the second and biology on the third.

"When you're building exhaust tubing to go outside the building, or you need to run gas lines, or you need to have running water and showers, we were told it's a lot easier, architecturally speaking, to do that on the first floor or on the top floor,” Finazzo said.

Beyond functionality, the faculty also had the opportunity to pitch creative, “pie in the sky” ideas— some of which made it into the final design, while others remained dreams.

“One of the things that we had suggested, which I’m to this day super disappointed that we never got, was a double helix staircase," Finazzo said.

The vision was for a DNA-inspired staircase with color-coded nucleotide steps, one pathway leading up and the other leading down. However, budget constraints and space limitations prevented this from becoming a reality.

Despite some compromises, many innovations made the cut after careful consideration. While not all suggestions came to fruition exactly as imagined, the results still reflected the

faculty’s input and vision.

"We asked for a pendulum, and we got it. We asked for a planetarium, and we got it. We asked for a green lab with a pond, and we got it," Finazzo said. "Physics wanted rulers on the floor for measuring experiments, chemistry teachers wanted a periodic table tiled into the floors, and in biology, we envisioned a timeline of life."

Additionally, the building features an Idea Lab, an open, flexible space designed for interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as engineering labs where students have power tools to conduct independent research.

Another innovative and much appreciated feature came from a physics teacher's suggestion: ceiling-mounted electrical outlets.

"If every classroom had outlets in the ceiling, we wouldn’t have people tripping over cords," Finazzo said.

The previous science building had been outdated and isolated from the rest of the campus, so the new construction also focused on integration.

"Part of the construction of the new science building was also to link it to the rest of the school, to link it to Fine Arts, to link it to the Upper School," Finazzo said.

The result was a facility that not only met modern scientific standards but also became a more connected and accessible part of campus. The project was an exercise in vision, creativity, and compromise, but above all, it was a testament to Hockaday’s commitment to science education.

"With a few exceptions, we got everything we asked for," Finazzo said.

"It was just really amazing to be a part of a process where people actually listened, and you actually got the things you asked for."

Science lab at Hockaday 1931

Athletics and Wellness Project 2023 One of Hockaday's largest and most significant campus updates opened to the community Aug. 29, 2023.

After only minor improvements to the athletic complex in the past decades, planning for the Athletics and Wellness Project began in 2018. The scale and the vision of this project exceeded any developments made to the athletics facilities ever before.

Joan Guzman, Chief Operations Officer, oversaw the planning and development of this grand design.

Guzman witnessed the approval of the Land Use Plan (LUP) in March of 2020 which evolved into what we know as the Athletics and Wellness Project (AWP). Coordinating with school leadership, the Board of Trustees and construction partners (HOK and Moss Construction), Guzman managed logistical and operational aspects of the AWP. “The school recognized the need to modernize and enhance its athletic and wellness facilities in order to better support student-athletes,” Guzman said. “The plan aimed to promote physical well-being, school spirit and competitive excellence.”

This large-scale project includes numerous features to accommodate

both students and fans.

The new green competition track, Gupta Family Track and Field and synthetic turf field allows Hockaday to host varsity-level track and field events and allows for improved training.

Soccer, field hockey and lacrosse athletes enjoy two new reconfigured competition and practice fields and a wall-ball wall for practices and games.

Other additions include an improved softball diamond, a 1.5-mile cross-country path around campus and multiple outdoor classrooms and community gathering spaces.

One of the standout architectural features of the facility is Cornerstone Plaza, the central gathering space.

Providing concessions rooms, team meeting rooms and athletic training spaces, Cornerstone Plaza remains at the heart of the new athletic facility.

“The AWP was designed to bring the community together by providing modern, student-friendly facilities that encourage participation, school spirit and a sense of pride,” Guzman said. “Events like Spirit Night and the Community Open House celebrated the opening of these new spaces, and Cornerstone Plaza was designed to become the heart of the facilities.”

In order to maintain aesthetic cohesion between campus buildings, the architects involved chose materials similar to those used in the current academic buildings.

“The design attempts to connect and reflect Hockaday’s traditional architecture while integrating new, contemporary athletic facilities,” Guzman said. “Materials like St. Joe brick, colors and layouts were chosen specifically for blending in with the existing Hockaday campus aesthetic while offering more modern and more high-performance sports venues.”

While cohesion was a major factor in the design, the team recognized the importance of sustainability and modern building practices. The team installed an underground storm water drainage system underneath the athletic complex; synthetic turf fields were chosen as environmentally friendly alternatives to the previous grass fields.

“The storm water drainage system diverts public storm water east to Bachman Creek, restoring approximately three acres of usable land,” Guzman said. “Synthetic turf fields were chosen for their durability and lower maintenance needs

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE SCHOOL: AN ANTHROPOLOGY OF VOICES AND VIEWS 1913-2013

compared to grass fields.”

The AWP team involved extensive community engagement when finalizing the design. Everyone from students, parents, alumnae, coaches, faculty and staff and the Athletics Department had a voice in shaping the vision for Hockaday’s new athletic facility, allowing it to serve as a source of pride for everyone involved.

Playing fields in 1919

12

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

FEATURES

Children create change

Center for Childhood Development fosters youngest students

By Sarah Moskowitz Features Editor

A

rriving at the Ann Graves Center for Childhood Development (CDC) at 6:30 a.m., Director Angel Duncan prepares to welcome the 44 students at 7 a.m. From making sure the cribs have clean sheets to helping the children transition into the school day, Duncan’s diverse roles reflect the resourcefulness of Hockaday’s CDC. After coming to Hockaday in 1997 and working in the preschool for one year, Duncan became the director for the Center when it opened in 1998. Starting with six children, the CDC is now licensed by the state of Texas and accredited by the National Association of Child Care to serve 66 children.

For Laura Laywell, Assistant Director of the Institute for Social Impact and mother to CDC students Jonas and Riley, the CDC made her especially excited to join the Hockaday community.

“The environment in the CDC is always so joyful, and my children are so happy when they arrive,” Laywell said.

Laywell emphasized how integral the institution has been in her Riley and Jonas's development.

“I think of the CDC as part of my family, and the teachers feel like they are partners in parenting,” Laywell said. “It is a joy to work

somewhere I know my children are safe, loved and cared for while being part of a community that wants all children to thrive.”

The daily schedule for the CDC’s youngest students consists of rotating from tummy time to nap and feeding time. With toddlers, their routine involves circle time, outdoor snack and playtime outside.

“We are on this beautiful 88-acre campus, and we can stroll children around,” Duncan said. “They get to see the students of Hockaday, which makes them really excited, and sometimes they get to see their parents, so those are fun adventures.”

Throughout her time as director, Duncan has been able to watch children progress while they are in the CDC and beyond.

“I love getting to see the children having that ‘aha moment’ when they learn how to write their name or recognize a color and see their personality development,” Duncan said. “I’ve had several students that have come through the CDC and graduated from Hockaday."

The CDC’s main objective is to teach their students how to be kind people.

“Our goal is to create good humans who take care of themselves, take care of their property and be kind to each other,” Duncan said.

“We hope that, along with Hocka-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY HUDSPETH day’s mission, we’re setting up for limitless potential with children who can make good decisions, be good human beings and make good contributions to the community.”

In January, Social Impact Board speaks to CDC students about the Food Drive.

Laywell valued the opportunity the Upper to combine Social Impact work School Social Impact Board visited the CDC to share information about with her children in the CDC. “From a parent perspective, I the food drive, which collected food want my children to learn about items to donate to Marcus Mart what is happening in their city, and Elementary’s food pantry. from a professional perspective, Social Impact Board Chair and Senior Jayna Khatti shared that So- drives and gathering items require context,” Laywell said. cial Impact Board hoped to excite As Form IV Social Impact Board CDC students about taking part in representative Hannah Coats the Food Drive. reflects on her 18-year Hockaday “We encouraged children to visit experience, she acknowledges her grocery stores with their parents and build empathy and help others gratitude for giving back to a community that helped raise her. feel loved by getting their favorite “I love getting to go back and snacks,” Khatti said. see the whole center and all of the Duncan believes that hearing programming that has developed,” from Hockaday students helps Coats said. “I think it is really imform connections. portant to spread the idea of com“When the big girls come down munity service and be a light in the and talk to our students, we get lives of other people to set them up to feel like we are contributing for success in the future." to the rest of the community,” Duncan said.

Marvels of marine biology

Hockaday students work on the front lines of research

By Anya Aggarwal Assistant Jade Editor

Returning from its annual trip to world-renowned Marine Biology Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole, Mass., Hockaday’s cohort of 18 juniors and seniors brought back a treasure of experience from one of earth’s most enticing places - the sea.

Since 2019, Hockaday has taken advantage of this collaboration with University of Chicago and MBL to provide state-of-art facilities and faculty mentorship to Upper School students. During the week-long residential program, students engage in hands-on research with marine organisms and gain invaluable exposure to 3D confocal microscopy, embryo dissection and gene editing.

“I absolutely love to play with some of the equipment they have at MBL and it’s priceless to see our girls explore it and make amazing connections to what they’ve learned back here at school,” AP Biology teacher Brandi Finazzo said.

Founded in 1888, MBL offers immersive experiences that allow high school students to engage in college or graduate level laboratory

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANYA AGGARWAL work and dive into scientific methods in a real-world setting. Its location in Woods Hole at the junction of two bodies of water, provides an ideal locus for access to an astounding variety of organisms.

“MBL’s focus has always been to pair research with education, so it continues to draw students and researchers from all over the world to collaborate in cutting-edge research and then promote it through teaching,” Director of MBL and professor at the University of Chicago Dr. Nipam Patel said.

Dr. Patel has taught the embryology course at MBL since 2001.

While he is known for his expertise in genetic model organisms, his butterfly collection of 100,000 unique butterflies is a highlight for MBL attendees. Patel has traveled to Costa Rica, Australia and Asian countries to diversify his collection.

“I began collecting butterfly wings when I was only 8 years old,” Patel said. “My mom would sew nets for me, and I would cut the heads off my dad's golf clubs to create makeshift nets to catch

them with."

This year, students reported some of the most fascinating experiences being seeing regenerative organisms and watching their own skillfully engineered phenotypes come to life. Many of the sea-urchin, MBL participants enjoy their polar plunge. squids, crabs and other species provide insight into Students also enjoyed walks human developmental biology and along the beach and indulging at its applications to treating develop- the Pie in the Sky coffee shop. mental defects as well.

Upper School science teacher “I didn’t know sea lampreys Jessie Crowley took advantage of could regenerate their spinal cords the views for bird watching. like that,” junior Pilar Hoitsma said.

“Any time I visit a new place, I “The coolest part was learning that always make time to sneak away this research could be applied to to add new species to my life list," help humans who have Parkinson’s Crowley said. “When I offered the and traumatic nerve injury.” experience to students on the MBL MBL students have access to trip, I couldn’t believe how many other features of the campus. The were interested since the best birdrare books collection houses 5,300 ing is early in the morning.” volumes of scientific books from the 16th through 20th century.

13

April 15 2025

Uncharted paths

Class of 2024 graduates experience unique college beginnings

By Melinda Hu Arts & Life Editor

W

hen it comes to college, many already have a predetermined image of what it may look like.

Graduate high school, have a great summer, start college in the fall and stay there for the next four years. However, many members of Hockaday’s Class of 2024 have strayed from this stereotype.

From opportunities to take gap years to summer lab work, students have the opportunity to enrich their learning before embarking on their college journeys.

Ryan Brown ’24 is one of those who decided to write her own journey. Instead of spending her freshman year on the main campus of Northeastern University in Boston, Brown spent her first semester in Oakland, California and the following semester in London, England.

Brown is a part of the Global Scholar’s Program at Northeastern which allows her to spend her freshman year abroad.

“I applied for the program because I was really interested in going to London since I’ve never been,” Brown said. “Since I’m a political science major and I want to do a focus in American politics, I thought it’d be easier to go abroad for my freshman year instead of going abroad later.”

Dong engages in lab work at Johns Hopkins.

In the Global Scholar’s Program students can choose their study abroad plan. Additionally, Northeastern has 13 different campuses across the U.S., Canada and England with Boston, Massachusetts being their main campus. Most students choose to spend the majority of their college career in the main campus. Brown plans to spend her last three years of college at the Boston campus.

“Academically wise, I felt well prepared. The only thing that I found kind of different was just the fashion style in college,” Brown said. “It’s different from Texas or SEC schools. I had to find good jeans that I’d be comfortable in all day.”

At the Oakland campus, Brown had assignments due every class, but at the London campus, she has assignments that are due on a weekly basis.

“Since I’m on the England schooling schedule now, my grades are only determined by midterms and finals,” Brown said.

As a liberal arts major, Brown’s finals consist of papers. Additionally, students get two weeks off for midterms, which allowed Brown as a

political science major time to travel around Europe during those two weeks.

“So far I’ve been to Morocco and Budapest, and I went to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day,” Brown said. “It’s really easy to get places in Europe and pretty cheap if you plan in advance. We also only bring a backpack.”

Before applying for the Global Scholars’ Program, Brown did a lot of research to ensure going abroad was what she wanted.

“My advice is to do a lot of research, go to the website, Reddit, social media, or anyone you know that Tarighi chose to spend her gap went to that program,” Brown enjoys free time in London. semester back home in Dallas. She Brown said. “Be open-minded and acknowledge worked as a server at Rise Soufflé and trained that going abroad is only tempofor a half Iron Man. rary.”

“That was my personal goal by the end of Another member of the class the gap semester, to be able to do that and of 2024 who took their own path is compete, ” Tarighi said. “I also did a little bit Angelina Dong. Once Dong got her of traveling too.” acceptance to Johns Hopkins UniThroughout Tarighi’s time between graduaversity in March 2024, she immedition high school and starting college, she was ately reached out to neuroscience able to prepare herself for this new chapter of professors with research projects her life. that interested her. Dong arrived to “The transition from graduating to going to college a few months early. college is really not a lot of time,” Tarighi said. “I Dong arrived at Johns Hopkins think the beauty of the gap semester was havMedical Institute. There, she assisting an opportunity to reflect and being able to ed in research related to the treatwalk into college with a sense of intentionality ment of malignant brain tumors. with what I wanted my experience to look like.”

“I wanted to get a head start Tarighi said she has quickly settled earlier and be able to get familiar into college life. with the Baltimore area,” Dong said.

“I was very privileged in the sense that we “The main benefit of going there had a big class of students from Hockaday goearlier was that it taught me ing to NYU,” Tarighi said. what lab op“They were very welportunity to coming and supportive look for that Don't be afraid of doing and made me feel very is best for my health something just because included and welcome to and schedule as New York.” a full-time student.” it's conventional. ” Tarighi is a huge adUltimately, Dong devocate for taking a gap cided the lab she worked Leila Tarighi '24 semester between high in over the summer was school and college as not the best fit. Her head she believes that everystart allowed her to have one is on their own path the time to make the deciand trajectory. sion to switch labs before “You will never be 18 the start of the semester. and have three months to just hang out with “Having time to make that decision and make yourself and do the things you have never had that switch was ultimately a great thing for me,” the chance to,” Tarighi said. “Don’t be afraid of Dong said.

Instead of starting college earlier, Leila Tarighi doing something just because it’s unconventional. For some people, some things come ‘24 started her first semester of college in Jansooner and for others it happens later. Recoguary. Her acceptance to New York University was for the spring semester, meaning she would nize that your time will come.”

"

take a gap semester.

“It wasn’t fully my decision and so at first, I was a little confused as to why I was starting in the spring as to the fall,” Tarighi said. “It ended up being great and now I’m making up the semester that I missed over the summer, so I’ll be in New York over the summer.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELINA DONG AND RYAN BROWN

14

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Breaking barriers in female scouting Michelle Mankoff ‘18 pushes boundaries for women in sports industry

By Juliette Friguletto Staff Writer

I

n a world traditionally dominated by men, Hockaday graduate Michelle Mankoff ‘18 is one of many women who are changing the dynamics of sports analytics, management and scouting. Mankoff now works as a pro and college scout for the Minnesota Vikings, after an intern year with the Buffalo Bills and attending the University of Southern California from 2018 to 2022. Hockaday is a key contributor to Mankoff’s confidence in thriving in the industry.

“All of sports is a maledominated industry. Hockaday couldn’t have been a better place to raise a strong-minded woman who is confident and capable of doing whatever job they want to do,” Mankoff said.

Mankoff works year-round to draft and trade for the top football prospects. She finds that Hockaday fostered the positive community in which she felt comfortable to step into such a male-dominated world.

“I got to do a column for 'The Fourcast,' and it was a sports column titled ‘From Michelle’s

Mind',” Mankoff said. “Doing those columns was when I really discovered how passionate I was for sharing my opinion. A lot of scouting is doing exactly that.”

Often, industries like sports, economics, business and government are widely labeled as ‘male-dominated,’ creating a stereotype that those who are not already naturally gifted, or born male, simply cannot make a living in that world.

“I was at Missouri State, and I met a sophomore who was an equipment manager for their football team. She came up to me and said ‘I really want to get into coaching- I didn’t know women could do that. But you’re here giving me confidence that I can',” Mankoff said. “Those relationships are really cool, and they stand out especially knowing the impact that you can make on anyone you see day-to-day.”

Mankoff said challenges and self-doubt are common, but she reminds herself how hard she has worked to advance in her career.

“There are times that I’m not sure my voice should be heard.

As I’ve aged a little bit, and experienced more, I believe that my opinion not only matters, but it can be an additive to the conversation,” Mankoff said. “All I want to do is help my team win a championship and to believe that I can actually have an impact on my team.”

Mankoff never takes being part of the NFL for granted.

“I am privileged to go out, show my face and guide women who want to work in football,” Mankoff said. “There are women entering every single aspect of sports. Yes, it is male-dominated. All we need is time. I believe that sports are better Mankoff with mentor Connie Carberg with women. We deserve a voice Mankoff, she was told that, to at the table. You can have a voice Burnett’s knowledge, there had that’s different than that of a male only been two women attending a superior and still be correct.” scouting session.

For the industry to keep “We were the only two there, expanding and changing in two women. She looked at me and fundamental ways, Mankoff says goes ‘This has never happened how important it is for women to before. There have never been two keep working to break down these female scouts at one time at one barriers, even if you face some school’," Mankoff said. “I’m just hardship in the process. walking through the doors that While meeting fellow female [people like Hannah] kicked down scout Hannah Burnett with the for us.”

New York Giants, who has been in the industry far longer than PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA GOSPER

Is Dallas a sports city?

Amateur and opinionated sports fan shares thoughts on Dallas sports

By Elizabeth Truelove Editor-in-Chief

Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia are credited as some of the best “sports cities” in our country, but why? Of course, it takes generational success, star players across all sports and strong franchise management, but, in my opinion, the most important aspect of sports cities is the fans’ culture.

In Philly, it’s the aggressive, arguably feral passion from the Eagles fans. For the Bostonians, it’s Bruins fans booing their own team after adding to their three-game lose streak. Up in the Big Apple, it’s the Yankees fans hating their oncestar player Juan Soto for switching sides to the Mets. Regardless of the sport, or the talent, the fans make the game.

So, why isn’t our very own Dallas up there as a prominent “sports city”? Though I’m no sports guru, I think there are a few things holding us back.

For America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, it’s management. If the General Manager of a football team appears more in the gossip column than the sport section, that should be an immediate red flag. Jerry Jones, after acquiring the Cowboys

in 1989, has become more and more disliked among fans as time has passed. From the feud with adored coach Jimmy Johnson to his most recent hush-money scandal, Jones remains one of the biggest roadblocks for the Cowboys.

Off the field and onto the court, the Dallas Mavericks, in my opinion, are the closest in our city to touching the superstar status needed for the title of a “sports city.” After the previous majority owner Mark Cuban bought the Mavs in 2000, the program has seen substantial increases in fans, viewers and key players that have helped change their success as a team. However, most recently, beloved player Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the decision was made after Cuban sold his majority ownership.

While trading Dončić severely affected the Mavs’ success on the court, the decision had much sharper repercussions off it. Dallas had been extremely privileged to have the star player in prime years of his career, so few people could ever imagine the franchise willingly trading him off to Los Angeles.

Now, personally, the most

underrated Dallas sports team has always lived in the Mavs’ shadow at the American Airlines Center: the Dallas Stars. Of course, no one expects a hockey team from Texas to succeed, but the Stars have proved themselves as worthy of respect from the Dallas sports fans.

Even just to hear the hockey lingo on their social media, I love following the Stars and proudly own my title as a bandwagoner. Ranked 2nd in their conference and 3rd in the league this year, the Stars would round out Dallas’ roster of sports teams, if only they had the fan count to match. After the loss of March Madness in early April, I highly recommend watching hockey’s perfect balance between brutality and skill as the Stars head to the playoffs.

Lastly, our 2023 World Series Champions, the Texas Rangers possess, in my opinion, every quality necessary to elevate Dallas to the status of a “sports city.” From recently winning the title to their newly renovated stadium, the historically-loved franchise brings generations of fans alongside some of the best energy in Dallas sports.

Though I agree that baseball can

feel much slower than the other sports I’ve mentioned, it makes every play, pitch and base stolen that much more entertaining, and the air-conditioned stadium definitely does not hurt.

As for the Rangers fans, I believe we are the best representation of true Texan energy. We use our manners to order some popcorn and a soda before the game but get rowdy when the umpire makes an outlandish call.

To me, that’s what defines somewhere as a “sports city.”

Dallas doesn’t need to match celebrity status of players in L.A., or the “do or die” nature of Philly, we need to represent the core of our city. After living here my whole life, I believe this means maintaining the fierce loyalty and almost arrogance we have as the Lone Star State, but not forgetting the southern charm while we remind everyone that Dallas can hold their own. So, while there’s a few apparent reasons for why we haven’t joined the likes of Boston or New York as a “sports city,” I don’t think we’re too far off.

GRAPHICS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH TRUELOVE

15

April 15 2025

Myth-ercise

Debunking common workout misconceptions

By Aadhya Yanamadala Features Editor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AADHYA YANAMADALA

"Get abs in a week!” “Do this to look like a model!” Social media is flooded with over-edited videos that each assert that they know the best way to get you looking and feeling your best. However, most of this fitness content is rife with misinformation and flashy promises that aren’t scientifically true. Hockaday Strength and Conditioning coaches Elia Stanfield and Jessica Glover debunk the most popular workout myths.

"Spot fixing"

Spot reduction training, colloquially known as “spot fixing,” refers to using workouts to tone or achieve subcutaneous fat loss in one specific area of the body. Many fitness influencers, such as Chloe Ting and MadFit, produce fitness and exercise videos that are advertised to tone and shape arms, legs or glutes.

Other websites suggest tricep dips for arms or Russian twists and side planks for oblique muscles. However, while these exercises are beneficial to overall fitness, they can’t slim any specific region of the body.

“You can’t target fat loss in a particular area,” Glover said. “Fat loss is different for everyone, but it is a total body thing. You can’t really control it to just the place you want.”

While spot fixing is a myth, it is more than possible to build different muscle groups through targeted exercises.

"You can target different muscles for hypertrophy,” Glover said. “That means that you are making the muscles larger by strength training."

"Weightlifting makes you bulky"

Studies have shown that one of the main impediments to women working out is their fear that lifting weights will make them gain too much muscle and look bulky.

“I used to avoid weightlifting,” sophomore Eres Stone said. “I thought it would make my arms and legs huge, so I just did cardio-respiratory exercises when I worked out.”

However, incorporating resistance is why men tend to get bulkier that females.

Equating weightlifting with bulkiness is not only false, but also a harmful myth that prevents women from doing types of exercise needed to keep them healthy.

“Women need to be doing weight bearing exercises, not just body-weight exercises,” Stanfield said. “It helps us accrue bone density, and we reach peak bone mass by age 30.

So whatever bone strength females can acquire now during adolescence through their early 20s is what can be maintained through adulthood. With early and continued weight-bearing exercise, we can reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.”

Bone density is important in preventing skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Thus, weightlifting, especially in high school and college, is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.

Littrell does a weighted squat.

"Abs in a week"

Similar to spot fixing, many influencers advertise abdominal workout videos that promise rapid results, swearing that users will be able to see a noticeable difference in just a week.

“I started doing the two-week Chloe Ting workouts during COVID,” junior Cata Littrell said. “And I know a lot of other girls did too. Even now, whenever I work out on my own time, I still like to do these exercises because I kind of play into the video titles.”

The titles, promising quick results, lure subscribers in but never produce the results it assures.

Building any kind of muscle, including those in the abdominal area, takes months of dedication—it can’t be accomplished in a week.

“Abs are made in the kitchen and the gym over a long period of time,” Glover said. “If someone wanted to build abs, they should eat nourishing, nutritious food and keep up with their cardio and resistance training.”

Littrell does bicep curls.

"Out-exercising a bad diet"

Littrell eats oranges.

Especially in a society that over promotes information about calories and calorie deficits, many young gym-goers believe that so long as they workout enough, it doesn’t matter what kinds of food they eat.

“That’s just not true,” Stanfield said. “Your diet does matter. Students should try to eat a variety of food for nutrition.”

While treats are good for the soul, they shouldn’t be over-consumed. Instead, they should be paired with a balanced meal. Stanfield believes that an easy way to be conscious of this is to be cognizant of the packaged food you’re eating.

“Try to eat as much food as you can that doesn’t come from a packet,” Stanfield said. “Even protein bars. Sure, they are a convenient way to get your protein in—and if that’s the only way you can meet the amount of protein you need, that’s fine—but it’s better to derive it from natural sources.”

16

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

JFlex makes you jacked Juniors gain confidence due to P.E. options

By Alina Zheng Staff Writer

O

ffered to juniors to fulfill their PE requirement, Junior Flex (JFlex) grants students the flexibility to craft, experiment and alter their independent fitness regimes, cultivating the pillars of accountability and responsibility.

Accommodating the busy schedules of juniors, a weekly JFlex workout consists of two to three 45-minute resistance training workouts completed in the Fitness Center and three 30-minute cardiorespiratory workouts completed at a location of the student’s choice. In addition, students must complete weekly journal entries to log their workouts and complete entries that keep them focused on their fitness goals.

Strength and Conditioning Coach Elia Stanfield reminds that, although the time commitment of JFlex is similar to a Physical Education class, discipline serves as the biggest difference between the two classes.

For example, senior Lila Noack credits JFlex for her routine weightlifting plan.

“JFlex made me consistently lift weights throughout school and summer, and after JFlex, I made my

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZHENG mom get me a gym membership, so I could keep working out,” Noack said. “It just made me realize how much I love lifting.”

Because of JFlex, junior Deniz Gurun heads outdoors to fulfill her cardiorespiratory weekly requirement and highlights the value of completing her workouts with her friends.

“I think it’s enjoyable to go outside and take a walk or a little jog,” Gurun said. “I love working out with my friends because time goes by so much quicker.”

Furthermore, junior Cortney Buford emphasizes JFlex has helped her establish a life-long exercise habit. In addition, because of the autonomy that accompanies JFlex, she believes the course has influenced her workout habits.

“After the first trimester, [Stanfield] sent me an email that said I had eight workouts left to complete in a week, and I was like ‘Dang it!’”

Buford said. “So, as time has gone on, I’ve held myself more accountable and made sure I work out two to three times a week, so I don’t have to do eight workouts in four days.”

Gurun completes a JFlex lift.

Yet, senior Gabriella Gaona found that the lack of structure in JFlex created an unneeded stress for her, catalyzing her decision to switch from JFlex to Physical Education.

“In PE, I didn’t have to think too much about what I was going to do,” Gaona said. “And there was no outside of class time that needed to be devoted to journaling, so it ended up being really great for me timewise.”

While students view JFlex’s freedom in various ways, ultimately,

Stanfield hopes for them to develop an understanding of their personal preferences.

“I hope that the students will learn about fitness regimens – how to develop them and stick to them, and if they enjoy working out on their own or prefer to work out with others,” Stanfield said. “I think that’s what is nice about having the flexibility with this course: to decide what, how, when and, with cardiorespiratory work, where to do it.”

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF ALINA ZHENG

opinions

April 15 2025

Letter from the editors Seniors say farewell in their final pieces for the Fourcast

By Elizabeth Truelove and Shreya Vijay Editors-in-Chief

Elizabeth Truelove Dear Fourcast, When I joined Upper School, I had my dream schedule down to a tee. I manifested nearly every class that I am currently taking. The only exception: Fourcast.

Ms. Quick’s Introduction to Communications class wasn’t even my first choice. Regardless, I sat next to the new girl, Jordan Lacsamana, and Lila Noack, and we had a ball learning AP Style, watching Hayden Christensen in “Shattered Glass” and creating spreads on InDesign. However, freshman Elizabeth had no clue that her future co-Editor-in-Chief and, more importantly, future close friend Shreya Vijay would be on the other side of the classroom.

We fell in love with journalism at the same time and followed that passion to Fourcast, the closest thing I can call home on campus.

While everyone can read the Fourcast, no one knows it like the staff. After cutting out nearly every student’s yearbook picture as a sophomore, to knowing each square inch of my pages intimately as a junior and finally being able to visualize the entire issue as a senior, the Fourcast is hard-wired into my brain.

Our mega-table, the singing birthday candle, computer number two and every part of room 305 has witnessed some of my favorite memories with some of my favorite people. However, I didn’t have the pleasure of leading as an EIC without any help.

To Ms. Quick and my Intro class, thank you for making my first impression of journalism amazing.

To Ms. Copeland and my first year on staff, wow, wasn’t that such a year. Thank you for teaching me how to speak up and have a spot at the table (literally). To the Class of 2024, thank you for teaching us the ways of InDesign and how to manage it all.

To the 2025 staff, I love you all and am so deeply impressed and proud of you every single day. To the juniors, I am going to miss you like I would miss my own siblings and Truelove with her jellycat am looking forward to the amazing things you’ll accomplish. To the seniors, we’ve truly been through it all and made it out as better

17

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHREYA VIJAY

reporters, students and people. in Intro was spent watching ABC I am so excited to visit and hear 20/20 videos with Amitha and about all the amazing things we Madison, I did actually do some will achieve in our future. pretty cool things. I interviewed To Ms. Rodgers, you have been a Hockaday alumna about her a confidant, a pillar of support and organization centered around a great mentor to me these past advocating for abortion rights. I years, and I’ll make sure you never filmed Jordan Lacsamana on a forget our class because we will Go-Pro swimming in the pool for a never forget you. video story. I learned about makLastly, to Shreya, you have ing graphics and even created my become one of my best friends, own spread on InDesign. and I truly believe I would not have I always liked writing more and success as a leader, both in and so, naturally, I decided to join out of Fourcast, if it wasn’t for you. Fourcast sophomore year. I sat at I have no idea what I did to get so the back of the table with Amitha lucky with my co-Editor-in-Chief. I and Danya and we eventually joke about my impending deparbecame our own little trio who ture from Fourcast, and you, all never got an ounce of work done the time, which admittedly I do to together. At the front of the “sophget you riled up. However, I do it omore side” of the table sat Elizbecause the hole that you, and the abeth Truelove, who would later rest of Fourcast, will leave in my become one of my best friends. heart next year will never be filled. Sophomore year, our little group Fourcast, and to everyone that of seven became quite close, as has been in that room or will be, we built our gingerbread house never lose the magic of our little together (I rigged the competition paper. Smile in your seventh hour by voting like 20 times sorry) and of workday. bonded over End your our fear of fifth email the Fourcast requesting seniors exan interview cept for Zoya with an and Ambyr. exclamaThen, tion point. my junior Never stop year rolled the endless around, and laughter Fourcast Truelove and Vijay have fun at Senior prom! during split into two each story discussion. Remember classes. In my quiet little G period absolutely everything and NEVER class, I got to meet some of my use oxford commas. new best friends. We would sit 4CAST 4EVER! in the back together, all ten of us, It’s been my honor, and I would have them work on Elizabeth Truelove my Opinions pages. Most of them Shreya Vijay are now expert “widow-catchers” It was my first day at Hockaday. when it comes to their own pages.

I remember climbing three flights While the majority of these girls of stairs and walking into the were also Spanish III Enriched surFourcast room for the first time, vivors, we bonded over our shared only to realize I was in the wrong passion for journalism, and it’s spot. Inside the room was Elle some of those experiences which I Myers, who was also in the wrong will never forget. place. The two of us, with the guidMy junior year, I had the opance of Mrs. Copeland, eventually portunity to write the Fourcast found our way to the Intro to Jour- 100-year anniversary piece. I got to nalism room and took our seats on speak with alumna who work for the left side. major newspapers in America, and A lot of interesting things hapI learned about how their initial pened in that room. I truly owe it passion for journalism started in to Ms. Quick, our Intro teacher, the Fourcast. This community is for helping me find my passion truly amazing, and it is one I will for journalism. I still remember always cherish. reading the Los Angeles Times Now, we return to my senior award-winning story “Snowfall,” year. Getting to serve as the which was the first time I realized Editor-in-Chief of the Fourcast I loved journalism and wanted to has been absolutely amazing. But pursue it further. now, as I reflect on the end of this While the majority of my time journey, it wouldn’t feel right con-

cluding this letter without thanking everyone who made this journey so memorable.

To my parents, thank you for driving me to so many Saturday 9 a.m. workday sessions throughout these past three years. Thank you for reading every piece I have written for the Fourcast. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will miss you both so much next year.

To Ms. Rodgers, Vijay with her jellycat thank you for being an amazing teacher. You have always pushed me to think outside of the box as an EIC. The Fourcast is lucky to have you. You are the only person truly deserving of having this big a classroom with these many windows.

To the section editors, I cannot even believe how far you all have come. Most of y’all started out not even knowing what AP style meant, and you have all grown into excellent journalists and leaders. I am so excited to see what you all will do next year. You all make me so proud.

To Elle, Danya, Alexa, Amitha and Anjy, we started this journey together three years ago, and I am so grateful that we did. The Fourcast is lucky to have you all, and I will miss you all so much.

And finally, to Lizzy, serving as an EIC with you has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

I will never forget our summer “debates” over colors and fonts (my fault sorry), our endless FaceTimes over pages and our countless laughs. You have become one of my best friends through this journey, and I cannot think of anyone better to have worked with over these past three years. I will miss you more than you know. Thank you for being the best co-EIC I could have ever asked for. This time, and I truly mean it, you really are awesome.

It has been my honor to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Fourcast, and I hope we were able to #MakeFourcastRelevantAgain.

Please mail me a copy next year. I will miss you all.

Yay Fourcast, Shreya Vijay

18 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Ding, drift, disaster

By Anika Shah News Editor

B

uzz. I look. Buzz. I check. Buzz. I cave.

I tell myself I’ll check my phone for a second. Just one notification, one quick text, one Instagram reel, and then I’ll get back to studying. But that “one second” turns into five minutes, then ten, and before I know it, I’m watching a completely unnecessary reel about the top hits of the ‘90s or the greatest Rafa Nadal tennis moments. My phone is supposed to be a tool to help me, yet it constantly feels like the biggest obstacle between me and my productivity.

The truth is, a phone is just an object. What’s addictive is the habit of checking it, the anticipation of a new message and the ease of distraction. Even when it’s turned face down or out of my sight, simply knowing my phone is nearby can make it harder to concentrate and focus.

Being on my phone before I start studying or during a break makes it even harder to focus.

The simple act of scrolling, checking messages or reading a fun news clip turns into a major time sink. I tell myself I’ll get back to work in a minute, but that minute never comes. It’s like I’m caught in a loop where the motivation to focus slips further

each time I pick up my phone, until I end up getting no work done at all.

Even when I do put it down, my phone still controls me. I’ll send a text and set my phone aside, determined to finish studying for my biology test or annotate a chapter of my English book. But five minutes later, I’m reaching for it again, checking if I got a response to my message, even if it’s not important. If I don’t see one, I’ll check again another five minutes later.

And again. My brain won’t let it go—I feel this need to know if someone has responded, as if my focus depends on it. And in that endless loop, my productivity disappears.

And let’s be honest, the content I get sucked into isn’t even worth it. Do I really need to see what the latest Nick and Cassie update is? Will my world collapse if I don’t reply to a text from my friend? Probably not. Yet, my phone lures me in every time.

The only solution I’ve found is distance. Turning on “Do Not Disturb” or setting screen time limits doesn’t cut it. The only thing that actually helps is putting my phone in another room. Out of sight, out of mind. At first, it’s uncomfortable, like I’m missing something important. But after a while, I realize that nothing urgent has happened, and I’m finally able to focus.

PRO

STAFF STANDOFF

Defeating distractions

By Emily McLeroy Sports Editor

I

know it’s happened to everyone: you’re capabilities, and it will become more unpractical to take studying when you hear your phone buzz, them away. check the notification and end up scrolling Instead of taking it away, find ways to deal with your for an our, studying forgotten. Although it may phone in your study environment. One way is putting it seem impossible to resist the pull of your phone, in Do Not Disturb mode. By customizing the setting, you I’m here to say that you can learn and be productive can avoid most notifications other than important ones with your phone near you, and you should. and almost forget that your phone is there.

Although the natural response to phone Additionally, another way to forget that your phone distractions might be to remove it altogether, is there is to put it somewhere you cannot see I believe it is more important to learn it, like inside a pocket of your bag, on top how to be productive with your of a shelf or across the room. Not phone near you. seeing your phone removes most First, phones aren’t the only of the temptation surrounding thing that can hinder learning it and allows you to learn and productivity. Even if no and complete work while one had their phone, there remaining distraction-free. would always be another Learning how to overcome kind of distraction, which the distractions from may be another device, phones is a better choice talking to another person than removing your phone and more. Taking away because it teaches you to stay phones does not solve the focused on one thing with many problem of distractions that distractions. Especially because prevent productivity. not all distractions will be as Additionally, completely removing controllable as a phone, which you can your phone from your environment isn’t just remove from a room. Developing the practical, because your phone is an important self-control to resist getting on your phone will allow tool for communication. Without your phone, you you to resist any other distraction when you need to may miss important or urgent notifications, which be productive. could have disastrous consequences.

It’s not easy to learn and get work done with your As technology improves, devices like phones will phone near you, and I’m not trying to say that I’m only grow to have more capability, becoming more completely immune to the distractions coming from my distracting, but also more helpful. It is important to phone. However, by learning to work with my phone learn how to adapt, because phones will continue near me, I’ve become more productive in general by to gain more importance through their new improving my ability to resist other distractions.

CON

ELLE, NO! Part IV: A final goodbye

I’m baaaaaack!!! Yes, the rumors are true, I’m back from the notorious Cabo trip, refreshed, tan and ready to spill. For the lucky few who know me personally, I am proud to say I was a very good girl on the trip, but it wasn’t the food or time by the pool that meant the most to me:, it was the time spent with my grade.

I’m sad to say over the last four years I haven’t really ventured out of my friend group and hung out with other girls outside of the classroom. Maybe it was not having the constant pressure of where to go to college or simply the fact of being in another country, it felt like the entire grade was one, without the competition I felt for the past years.

While I understand that many could not go on the trip because of the cost or simply not wanting to go because of all the “rumors,” I hope I will have the opportunity to get to know EVERYONE more as we go into the last days of being Daisies.

For readers who are underclassmen, I urge you to “squash the beef” from Lower School (come on, it can’t be that serious) and forgive and mend your friendships.

At the end of the day, I wish I didn’t waste all this time to meet people in my own grade.

As I go off to college (Thank God), I hope to nurture the friendships I’ve made in advisory, Fourcast and the Senior Commons.

It is because of those people that I am the person I am today.

Before I go, I want to take a quick second to thank Fourcast for giving me the opportunity to write for the past three years. If I didn’t choose to take Intro to Journalism freshman year with Ms. Quick, I honestly don’t know what I would be doing right now (I definitely wouldn’t be studying Journalism next year). Thank you, Lizzy and Shreya, for being the best EICs a writer could ask for and pushing me to write what I want. Ms. Rodgers, I appreciate you laughing at my jokes and giving me the constant vote of approval. Form III, you better step it up, you have big shoes to fill.

Goodbye my dearest readers.

F

19

April 15 2025

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Elizabeth Truelove & Shreya Vijay

MANAGING EDITORS

Elle Myers & Danya Risam-Chandi

COPY EDITOR Alexa Muñoz

WEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jessica Boll & Anjy Fadairo

JADE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amitha Nair

ASSISTANT JADE EDITOR Anya Aggarwal

NEWS EDITORS

Audrey Liu & Anika Shah

ARTS & LIFE EDITORS

Larkin Clouston & Melinda Hu

FEATURES EDITORS

Sarah Moskowitz & Aadhya Yanamadala

SPORTS EDITORS

Lang Cooper & Emily McLeroy

OPINIONS EDITORS

Cece Johnson & Leyah Philip

PHOTO, GRAPHICS & CASTOFF EDITOR Mary Bradley Sutherland

BUSINESS MANAGER Shifa Irfan

STAFF WRITERS

Caroline Ballotta, Sophie Cho, Jenny Chu, Siena Ebert, Mary Elise Estess, Elizabeth Farrell, Juliette Friguletto, Ai-Vy Ho, Emilie Illum, Katie Ma, Aanya Naini, Anderson Rhodus, Sophia Salem, Aneeka Tansen, Alina Zheng

FACULTY ADVISER Kristy Rodgers

EDITORIAL POLICY The Fourcast is written primarily for students of the Hockaday Upper School, its faculty and staff. The Fourcast has a press run of 500 and is printed by Midway Press. It is distributed free of charge to the Hockaday community. The staff reserves the right to refuse any advertising which is deemed inappropriate for the Hockaday community.

Opinions will be clearly marked and/or will appear in the views section. Commentaries are the expressed opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect that of The Fourcast staff, its adviser or any other member of the Hockaday community. The Staff Editorial on the Opinions page reflects the position of The Fourcast staff, but not necessarily the position Hockaday administration or community. The Fourcast staff determines the content of each issue and strives to work as independently as possible in producing the student newspaper, but the content is subject to prior review by the Head of Upper School, the Communications Director and other members of the Hockaday leadership team. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome and should be addressed to the editors-in-chief. Only signed pieces will be published.

Corrections and clarifications from previous issues will be found in the news section. Questions or concerns should be addressed to Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Truelove (etruelove25@hockaday. org) or Shreya Vijay (svijay25@ hockaday.org).

Influence turned toxic

Unchecked celebrity rhetoric can fuel hate online

By Sophia Salem Staff Writer

A

lthough the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech of any American citizen, what celebrities can and cannot say publicly has always been a much-debated topic.

Contrary to an average citizen, celebrities’ posts are seen by millions of people worldwide, whether it’s a political endorsement, advertisement or simply their personal beliefs.

And even though celebrities can use their platforms to spread good messages, they can also abuse their prominent media coverage.

This abuse usually takes the form of hate speech. But not only is it hate speech; it’s hate speech viewed by millions around the world. Not only do so many people see these posts, but many are also negatively influenced by the harmful messages.

Over the years, rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has posted dozens of comments containing hate speech and misogyny. He has even blatantly defended Chris Brown, who was on probation at the time for assaulting and hospitalizing his girlfriend, as well as Sean Combs.

“When a man truly loves a

woman,” Ye said in a now-deleted post on X, about Combs abusing his ex-girlfriend, “he may express it in rage.”

Because of his fame and

popularity, his continuous misogynistic messages were viewed by millions, influencing many. In a world that promises gender equality, celebrities should not be able to defend abuse and be able to convince so many others that it is normal.

Similarly engaging in misogynistic speech, popular

influencer Andrew Tate has taken to social media to spread these hateful messages. In many interviews, Tate has expressed his view on women, describing them as deserving of abuse. Not only that, but he also pushes the idea that women are limited to just their physical attributes.

“A woman’s value is tied to her beauty, youth and fertility,” Tate said. “If you are a woman over 30 who is not married and doesn’t have a kid, you are probably not doing something right.”

Not only do these ideas perpetuate existing stereotypes of women, but they radicalize Tate’s audience. Tate’s followers, members of “Hustler’s University,” are often young men whose minds are easily influenced by his words.

In no world can gender equality exist when celebrities are able to spread these malicious ideals online. And although free speech is still a right in American society, the ability to spread obviously destructive messages should not be. Since it is, however, it’s important to recognize what we can do today, such as reporting hateful speech or simply making sure to think critically about messages you see online.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF LEYAH PHILIP

April 15, 2025

CASTOFF

20

Spring Action: Mid-Season Check-In By: Mary Bradley Sutherland Photo and Graphic Editor, Social Media Manager

"I am really excited for my last season, and I think with every game I play, it gets more and more real that it'll be my last one soon," senior Sunnie Wang said (left). "I am just trying to enjoy one game at a time with my teammates before we leave."

"I've had so much fun this season and been able to PR in my hurdles and the high jump, which I am super proud of," sophomore Kora Thomas said. "Going to the Redondo meet in California with the team was great and I am looking forward to competing at SPC!"

"Everyone has been working very hard during practice and putting a lot of time and effort in," senior Gretchen Jones said (left). "We are all very supportive of each other and we have made a lot of improvements throughout the season."

"This season the Varsity Tennis team has been really good so far, and being a captain has been amazing watching the team grow," junior Anika Gopal (left) said. "I think SPC is going to be really fun, we are all very excited!"