Fourcast_Feb_2025

the

FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

11600 WELCH ROAD

COLORFUL LOVE The story behind the “Noon Nap” painting in Hoak Portico Page 3

DALLAS, TX 75229

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

THE HEART OF HOCKADAY Learn about Hockaday’s nurses, an integral support system here at school Page 12

VOLUME 75, ISSUE 4

THINK BEFORE YOU THRIFT The economy of fashion: Shop wisely to transcend trends Page 17

WAKING UP TO THE SLEEP CRISIS

Flip to pg 10-11 to learn the truth about sleep at Hockaday. hockadayfourcast.org

@hockadayfourcast

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THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Room-Roaming

Sharing classroom space has benefits and challenges

By Savannah Simon Staff Writer

Pushing carts of microscopes and science equipment through the Ownby Family Lobby, Science Department Chair Peggy Cagle struggles as one of the teachers roaming this year.

In another words, she shares a room with other teachers instead of having one to just to herself. For some educators at Hockaday, this shift has been beneficial, but for others, it’s been challenging.

Faculty who teach fewer than four classes may be "roamers."

Cagle, in her first year as Chair, leaves behind her familiar classroom for two newer shared rooms.

Cagle said that room-roaming has proven both challenging and rewarding. She lugs box after box of lab-gear from the upper levels of the science building to the first floor: over and over.

“It’s been busy,” Cagle said. “I don’t have the things I’ve collected in the two new classrooms, so I have to bring all the materials and set them up.”

Still, Cagle said that she sees benefits to sharing a classroom.

“It hasn’t been all challenges. Even though it's difficult sometimes to move everything around, I think that over time, I'll be able to get everything where it's supposed to be,” Cagle said. “It's nice because now we have more sections of science, which makes class

sizes smaller, so I think it is worth everything in the end.”

The challenges of room-roaming are not confined to the science department. William Stoker, an English teacher and Writing Center tutor, also roams.

Though he teaches in one shared classroom, his office is a desk in the Writing Center.

“I teach only a half load of English classes, and the full load is considered four classes,” Stoker said. “I have Mrs. Cagle, Middle School two. I mean, I think that's the non-physical objects, imagery, reason (for the switch): teachers clips, audio, that sort of stuff. I who have a full load of four have found that to be an effective sort their own room, and roamers are of alternative.” those teaching less than the Bethany Dies, Assistant Head full load.” of Middle School and For him, the room-roaming seventh and eighth grade Enhas been both useful glish teacher, creates schedules and limiting. for the Middle School and “Keeping our energy levels considers the amount of balanced and attention span classroom space needed to hold and stuff is where the classroom the courses. Depending on the really matters, because the year, the ratio varies, so teachers space you're in really influences who share now might have their how you really feel,” Stoker said. own classroom later.

Even without the ability to Additionally, Dies experiences decorate his own classroom, the change firsthand in her own Stoker finds ways to manipulate classroom. She shares her room the space. with two other teachers and “Not having the ability to believes the experience is mixed. adjust the physical space as “So practically, it involves a lot much is a challenge, but I think of figuring out how much wall it's sort of pushed me to realize space you have and what's fair what I can do,” Stoker said. “You to split up with people.” Dies know, the smartboard lets me said. “I definitely had to take a bring a lot of stuff like lot of my stuff off the walls to

make room for other teachers.

For example, so that they can put student work up from their classes.”

The pre-planning for the teacher who has the room next requires intense consideration.

“You also have to think about that you're not going to be able to leave stuff written up on the board,” Dies said. “So, if you have a class and you have a bunch of writing on the board, and you say to yourself, oh, I want my kids to see this tomorrow, or we're going to continue this discussion next time we meet, you have to remember that you can't leave all that stuff up.”

Alternatively, there are also strengths to this change.

“I think it's helpful because I get to greet colleagues and students that I would not otherwise see,” Dies said.

She is social and appreciates being able to greet learners and educators alike.

“A grade level may come in, and I don't teach those kids, but in the passing period, we kind of get to chat a little bit because we're all in the same room. It's nice to be able to get to know new people, see different teaching styles and things like that.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVANNAH SIMON

Dallas Icons Celebrate the diverse history & culture across the city

By Amitha Nair Jade Editor

The African American Museum (3536 Grand Ave.).

This museum houses an extensive collection of African American art, history, and cultural artifacts. Its exhibits highlight the contributions of Black Texans and beyond.

Nearby, the South Dallas Cultural Center (3400 Fitzhugh Avenue) is a creative hub for African diaspora arts, featuring performances, visual exhibitions, and community programs that celebrate Black culture.

The Juanita Craft House (2618 Warren) celebrates civil rights leader Juanita Craft, who played a pivotal role in desegregating Texas schools and buisnesses. Today, it serves as an educational site and is open by appointment only. Stop by to take photos and read the historical marker.

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (1309 Canton Street) is a powerhouse of creativity. This institution champions African American voices through electrifying performances, thought-provoking exhibits, and inspiring literary works.

Located near 75 and Lemmon Avenue, the Freedman's Cemetery (2521 N. Central Expressway) is a burial ground for early African-Americans. This area was once one of the largest segregated African American communities in Dallas.

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre (2400 Flora Street) is where movement tells a story. This renowned dance company blends modern, jazz and traditional African dance to celebrate Black heritage with grace and power.

Be sure to check out the murals near The African American Museum and South Dallas Cultural Center.

These murals celebrate and highlight Black African American culture, history and community.

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February 20 2025

Power behind painting

The story behind the "Noon Nap" watercolor in Hoak Portico

By Lulu Sporl Staff Writer

H

anging in the administrative hallway near Hoak Portico, the “Noon Nap” watercolor, donated in 2022, watches as students walk past daily without knowing its story.

The painting was donated by professional artist Henry Casselli, grandfather of Savannah Simon ‘28, who was impressed by the art decorating the halls during his Grandparents Day visit and decided that he would donate one of his works. “Noon Nap” depicts Savannah’s mom, Dana Simon, holding baby Savannah in her arms.

“I was there for the birth, there for the dirty diapers, there for ballet,” Casselli said.

“So, when Dana had the baby, it would only be natural for me "Noon Nap" hangs in Hoak to want to do a Portico. painting.”

His art studio was in the center of it all, where he was frequently surrounded by family while he worked.

This allowed his connection with his granddaughter to flourish and gifted him the ability to paint her at different moments.

“The actual painting happened immediately upon walking in the room and seeing them sitting there like that,” Casselli said. “It took 70 years to paint it. It is not something Casselli paints with his grandaughter Savannah Simon '28. you can just do.” ing to the necessity of running for a runner.

Caselli said his emotions and connections “It’s how I live and breathe,” he said. “It’s guided him through the artistic process, but my way of life, 24 hours a day, all day.” the watercolor also directed him. He said it Although his largest tool seems to be his was essential to not have full control over sketchbook, it appears that his greatest the watercolor. His understanding of his mapower is his heart. Casselli shares the secret terials strengthened his talent and caught to his talent and work behind “Noon Nap.” the attention of multiple historic figures, “It is made as much with love as it is with leading to his portraits of Muhammad Ali, paint,” Casselli said.

Ronald Regan, and three astronauts.

Casselli compared his devotion to drawPHOTOS COURTESY OF LULU SPORL AND SAVANNAH SIMON

Building up communities

Habitat for Humanity works to make a difference

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

For the past 18 years, Daisies have joined St. Habitat for Humanity not only gives families Mark’s students in volunteering with the Dallas a place to live, but also provides education to area Habitat for Humanity to build a house each ensure overall family success. year for low-income families.

“They go through courses about how to Seniors Kate Davidson and pay the mortgage and Charlotte Schultz currently provide for their home,” lead Hockaday’s efforts to Nguyen said. make a tangible impact in the Byron Harris, a donor community. and previous volunteer “I think their mission is for Dallas Habitat for very important. Not only do Humanity, has worked they help the families that closely on projects with the houses are for, but it also Hockaday and St. Marks helps the entire area around while also traveling the community,” Schultz said. internationally.

“For example, a lot of the “Everybody was homeowners have lowered there for a good reathe crime rates in their neighson. Nobody was there borhoods.” to not do good,” Harris By working together to said. “Everybody would build the homes, students are just pitch in and build a able to grow relationships house, and it was thrillMaddy Nguyen '26 volunteers at a build with each other while changing lives. ing to be in the Dallas projects.”

“You're doing it directly, not like donating or The impact seen within the community is the just logging your hours,” Davidson said. “You're product of decades of hard work across the oractually, physically doing something.” ganization. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Junior Maddy Nguyen has been volunteering who recently passed away, was a passionate for the Hockaday Habitat for Humanity chapter advocate for affordable housing and played a for the past two years. significant role in expanding Habitat for Human“Generally, we build houses for first time ity since 1984. homeowners who have never owned a house “Jimmy Carter did these mass builds where before,” Nguyen said. they would build 50 houses in two weeks and

thousands of people would come in and help,” Harris said. “Everybody who met him on a field said that he worked with everyone and sweated.”

Hockaday alumna Shea Duffy ‘20, who volunteered with Habitat, said meeting the future homeowners was a favorite memory.

“The family whose house we were building came to the site for a couple of days,” Duffy said.

“You can see who you were building the house for, which was very impactful.”

Seniors Jordan Lacsamana and Mae Flanagan participate in a build.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY BRADLEY SUTHERLAND

04 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

ARTS &LIFE

Rocking around Hockaday

Junior Jessie Moran starts music band social impact club

By Sarah Moskowitz and Ai-Vy Ho Features Editor and Staff Writer

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arefully tuning their instruments in Metzger Plaza, Rock-a-Day prepares for their first performance at the Social Impact Bazaar. After merging with the Modern Band Club at the start of this school year, Rock-a-Day began promoting the value of music education to the Hockaday community.

Founder and President junior Jessie Moran started the club as part of her Gold Award for Girl Scouts.

“I wanted to use this club to facilitate my project, and it has been going really well,” Moran said.

“The purpose for making Rock-a-Day was because Hockaday didn’t have a rock band.”

Moran hopes to use Rock-a-Day to connect with and expand the impact of rock music outside of Hockaday as well.

“I want our club to perform at DISD schools as well as partner with a specific school to try to build an after-school music program,” Moran said.

Thus far, Rock-a-Day has performed at the November Social Impact Bazaar. After breaking into small groups with a variety of musicians during their once-a-rotation practices, this performance served as the culmination of the 30 club members’ dedication and practice.

“Everyone has an opportunity to play, and people can be in multiple groups,” Moran said.

“Picking songs is difficult because there is a certain vibe, which included upbeat pieces that are feasible for the musicians to learn in a short period of time.”

While debuting their band at the Social Impact Bazaar, Moran felt invigorated to continue her work with Rock-a-Day after seeing the support from the Hockaday community.

For sophomore Member and Guitarist Hattie Bethancourt, the club has been a great way to bond with other Hockaday students.

“I was in a band at my old school, and it made me really happy,” Bethancourt said. “I like playing

music with other people, and it is a really good sense of community.”

In junior Drummer Georgia LaGrone’s experience, Rock-a-Day has provided a space to meet new students as they unite for their love of music.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF ALEX PABST

Rock-a-Day poster

“During practices, we can hear everyone trying new things and working together,” LaGrone said.

“It’s a cool experience to look around and see everyone in their element.”

On Feb. 16, Rock-a-Day will perform at the Battle of the Bands in Deep Ellum, which was organized by an Alcuin student and will include performances from St. Mark’s, Parish, Alcuin, Greenhill and Hockaday.

“A student from Alcuin reached out to me and asked if I would be interested,” Moran said.

“It is benefiting an organization that supports underserved youth in the DISD system, and because our club is social impact, one of our main focuses is to reach students through music and make an impact that way.”

Since founding Rock-a-Day, Moran has learned valuable lessons and skills while embracing a creative outlet for herself during the school day.

“I’ve learned organizational skills and how to embrace people’s talents while catering to unique abilities,” Moran said.

Bethancourt has learned to be adaptable and flexible throughout the process.

“I’ve learned to go with the flow, and when somebody can’t come to a performance, we just fill in,” Bethancourt said.

Moran values bringing musical students together with both collaboration and responsibility.

“I love seeing this creative side of students that I didn’t know before,” Moran said. “I love getting to play and jam with people who I probably wouldn’t have talked to before because our paths wouldn’t have crossed otherwise.”

For LaGrone, Rock-a-Day has helped her learn to overcome adversity while leaning into the sense of community the club has built.

“I like how every type of person in the school is in the practice,” LaGrone said. “It feels like a conglomerate of the school, and it is so nice to see everyone come together.”

For the future of the club, Moran hopes to build a relationship with DISD schools and bring Rocka-Day to ISAS. Rock-a-Day will also perform at Hockaday’s FAB Fest in the spring, and she hopes people will be encouraged to join the club.

“Our mission is to make music an open and inclusive community,” Moran said. “It feels like a little family, and if anyone likes to sing, they can always come to meetings and practice with us.”

The latest limelight

Mobile games have surpassed other sources of entertainment

By Juliette Friguletto Staff Writer Walking down the Hocka-halls, Upper-School students hear some of the following: “What’s your 'Block Blast' high score?”

“I am absolutely obsessed with playing 'Township'.'”

“What game are you playing? I’m going to download it right now.”

Mobile games have had a recent upsurge in player popularity and participation.

For example, the very popular mobile game “Block Blast” reached insuperable levels of player engagement over the past few months with more than 200 million daily players versus 40 million in 2023.

Mobile games provide quick and easy access, which makes the games straightforward and accessible to everyone. Although "Block Blast" and other mobile apps are exceedingly popular, card games and board games have also swelled in notoriety.

Strategic mobile games like “Township,” “Nonograms” and board games are examples of essential entertainment among Hockaday students.

PHOTO AND GRAPHIC COURTESY OF JULIETTE FRIGULETTO Freshman Briar Metcalf plays "Township" in her and after school. free time.

They provide “I play 'Township' for about 45 minutes per day on stress-relief and school nights,” Metcalf said. “I’ve had it since 2021, distract students and I’m on level 55, which isn’t even good for from academic how long I’ve had it. I play 'Township' when I pressures. want to think because it’s a very “I play most strategic game.” of these games Although generally less popular, strategic out of boredom board games are much like strategic online because honestly games. Many of these games require three I just randomly or more players, making them more family discovered them,” and friend inclusive than online games. sophomore Tari Some popular board games today include Agbeyangi said.

Mahjong, Monopoly, Risk, and Settlers “I just play Papa’s of Catan.

Games and Sophomore Anusha Chowdhary plays a 'Subway Surfers.'”

Sophomore Tari Agbeyangi combination of mobile and board games on However, the displays ‘Nonograms’ game. weekends and during her limited free time. appeal of traditional card games is decreasing with Although she appreciates both categories of both Generations Z and Alpha. games, she said the experiences that board “I play Texas Hold’em poker, but that’s really it for and card games bring resonate more. card games,” Metcalf said. “I don’t really play those “Me and my family love to spend quality games anymore.” time playing board games on the weekends,” Altogether, the love for mobile games has been Chowdhary said. “Even when my friends come over, inspired by the simplicity of the act. Opening the app my favorite thing to do is play board games and learn and playing for just five minutes can be the entire more about each other.” setup of a physical game. Even though the player Contrary to strategic games, simple mobile timeengagement for mobile apps may be increasing consuming games are popular during free time throughout the newer generations, the overall love for different types of games is still thriving.

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February 20 2025

3 ways for a perfect Galentine’s Day

By Elle Myers and Siena Ebert Print Managing Editor and Staff Writer

Galentine’s Dinner Heart Prosciutto and Honey Burrata Pizza

Rom-Com Movie Night

"Blended"

Salty meets sweet in this fluffy, flavorful pizza that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Recipe courtesy of Butternut Bakery.

Starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, this 2014 romcom follows two single parents who, after a disastrous blind date, find themselves stuck on a luxurious family vacation in Africa together. Love blooms in the unlikeliest places as Sandler and Barrymore deliver both humorous and heartfelt scenes, making “Blended” a must watch movie.

Valentine's Mocktails Enjoy this fruity and delicious drink along with your pizza and cookies!

Recipe courtesy of Healthy and Haute Living.

"She's The Man"

Kitchen Sink Cookies After the pizza and fuzzy drink, these cookies are a great way to curb your sugar craving. Recipe courtesy of Taffey Bakery.

Exchange Amuseables Val and Tina Love Locks Amuseables Coffee-To-Go & Amuseables Doughnut

Featuring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, “She’s the Man” tells the story of soccer superstar Viola who goes undercover as her twin brother to join his boarding school’s boys’ soccer team after the girls' team is cut. As Viola begins to fall for her charming roommate Duke, the film serves up a mix of humor, unexpected love and plenty of sports action perfect for a Galentine’s night in.

"The Wedding Planner" Led by Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, The Wedding Plan unravels the life of Mary, a careerdriven wedding planner, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she starts falling for her doctor, who happens to be the groom in one of her biggest weddings yet. This film delivers a blend of drama, emotional conflict and serendipitous love which makes it a timeless favorite for fans of feel-good rom-coms.

06 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

ARTS &LIFE

Dallas soundtrack

Famous singers from Texas and their rise to fame

By Cece Johnson Opinions Editor

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Post Austin Richard moved to Grapevine, Texas at nine years old. He began his career with an award-winning metal cover of “Umbrella” by Rihanna. After spending nine years in Texas, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in singing. He recently released a new album in August of 2024.

A Dallas-native, “Posty” opened a Post Malone-themed Raising Canes, located only 15 minutes away from Hockaday.

Senior Sofia Santellana attended the opening of his theme restaurant

Inside Post Malone's Canes

in October of 2023.

“It was pretty cool; we had to go inside because the drive through

line was too long,” Santellana said.

“It was all blue so that was another cool aspect.”

Although visiting the restaurant, Santellana said that she was not a die-hard “Posty” fan.

“I listen to his music occasionally so I would say I’m sort of a fan,” Santellana said. “I definitely learned more about him as a person, and I think it’s cool that we’re from the same town.”

The restaurant is decorated with some of Malone’s personal artifacts like jackets he wore on tour, guitars as well as Dallas Cowboys-related merch.

The Jonas Brothers, although all raised in Dallas, were not all born here. Nick is actually the only one

of the three who was born in Texas.

In 2005, the brothers released their first song, and Columbia records signed them as a group. As we know, the rest is history.

Alumni Harper Clouston ‘15 attended a Jonas Brothers concert in August 2023.

“My favorite part of the concert was when Nick walked out in the Texas Rangers T-shirt. I love the Rangers, and it was fun seeing him wearing it,” Clouston said. “There was also a good mix of old songs and new songs which I was happy about because I really went for the old songs.”

While Clouston said she doesn’t listen to the Jonas Brother’s much anymore, she still really wanted to go to the concert.

“They are super nostalgic for me, since I grew up listening to the Jonas Brothers and they were also on Disney Channel a lot, so I watched them in their TV shows and movies," Clouston said. "They were my second favorite behind Justin Bieber, and my favorite song was always 'The Year 3000.'”

Her favorite part of the concert

was listening to the songs that remind her of being in middle school and all the memories that come with that time.

“I always thought it was cool they grew up in Dallas and made me feel more connected to them,” Clouston said. “I love calling Dallas home, because I think it’s a cool city that is a good mix of [southern] and a big city. It has a good mix of cultures that made me a more well-rounded person with a lot of different influences.”

Nick Jonas wearing a Rangers shirt PHOTOS COURTESY OF CECE JOHNSON AND LARKIN CLOUSTON

How instant is Insta?

Mastering the details of creating aesthetic Instagram posts

By Alina Zheng Staff Writer

Instagram users can add flare and heighten the aesthetic nature of their feeds through archive posts.

Taking into account of various elements, users convey distinct and personalized feeds to capture their followers’ attention.

To archive posts, a user publishes a post, but then immediately archives it.

After waiting a few days (or months), the user unarchives the post. As a result, the post reappears on their profile without their followers noticing, For junior Megan Li, the photos that she chooses for her archive posts usually fall in the category of landscapes or photos that match her overall feed.

“For archives, I choose photos that I really like personally but may not want a lot of people to see or comment on, like landscapes,” Li said.

Similarly, freshman Amelie Fish-

er agrees that archives should stay consistent with the overall quality and vibe of one’s feed.

“I feel like the best photos for archives are the pictures with colors that blend well with your feed or act as a transition between posts,” Fisher said. “Normally I think that a picture without people works best, like a photo of nature, food or a location.”

Senior Jayna Khatti said the best archive photos are ones that she does not use as a regular post. “[You can] maybe [archive] post just things that are inside jokes or more genuine photos with your friends,” Khatti said. “Or nature photos that you’re not super confident about putting out, but you think are just really fun photos from vacations that you enjoy but just didn’t have the time to make a post in time.”

Though archive posts commonly

consist of solely one picture, regular posts in a user’s feed are comprised of a couple of pictures.

Li said that some of her posts are impulsive while she puts a lot of time and thought behind others, spending one hour on her most recent year dump post.

“It took a long time because I had to go through photos from the whole year and then select and edit,” Li said.

The process for crafting Fisher’s posts weighs various factors.

“First, I go through the picture and pick out my favorites and then edit them if the colors are dull,” Fisher said. “Then, I try to format the post together with favorites. Sometimes I use an app where I can preview what the post would look like on my feed which helps me decide which photos to use.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAYNA KHATTI, MEGAN LI AND AMELIE FISHER

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February 20 2025

AROUND

Dallas dirty soda shops offer a new type of refreshment

By Shreya Vijay and Aadhya Yanamadala Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor

“Dirty Soda,” soda with coffee creamers and syrups, is the latest beverage trend. With various stores opening up all over the Metroplex, the Fourcast decided to try and rate some of them!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHREYA VIJAY AND CREATIVE COMMONS

Swig, the dirty soda shop that made the drink viral, originated in Utah as a coffee-shop alternative for Mormons, who can’t consume caffeine. It became popular after various celebrities, including Olivia Rodrigo and the cast of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” were spotted flaunting the drink.

We tried “The Founder,” which has a base of Diet Coke, splashed with coconut syrup and cream and garnished with a lime wedge. While it met basic expectations, the syrup left a chemical aftertaste and overpowered the essence of the drink.

The cup is also poorly constructed, and soda spilled out of the lid on the drive back. Overall, Swig is a good one-time experience, but there are better and cheaper alternatives to fix your dirty soda cravings.

6.5/10 Located in Plano, Sip City is owned by influencer Brooklyn McKnight and her husband Dakota Blackburn. The store features several drinks which are named after various cities, continuing the “city name” tradition that McKnight and Blackburn have in their first names.

After trying “The Dallas,” we gave the overall location a rating of 8.5. The taste was incredible, and the soda was very crisp. The store did a great job balancing the sweeteners and the peach flavor with the crispness of Dr. Pepper. The cup itself was very simple, but functional. Overall, Sip City is a great place to get dirty soda, which is why it gets our highest rating and the title of best dirty soda shop in Dallas!

8.5/10 Sonic is the first mainstream fast-food chain to launch a line of dirty sodas. While a longtime vendor, selling the first “Ocean Water” drink in 1982, they began releasing new, seasonal flavors, such as Sparkling Sugar Cookie Dr. Pepper. They also have the cheapest dirty soda, at just $1.29 for a small size.

We tasted the “Ocean Water,” which is Sprite with blue Coconut syrup. The color is very vibrant, and the drink is refreshing, with a flavor similar to a Blue Gatorade. The classic crushed ice and sturdy cup make it a perfect drink to take on-the-go. Overall, the flavor is average, and it could have used a little more syrup. However, it is more convenient for people who live in Dallas, as the other dirty soda shops are in the suburbs, while Sonic is accessible for most residents.

7/10

FEATURES

08 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Scripting success

Hockaday's Writing Center nurtures tomorrow's writers

By Anya Aggarwal and Aneeka Tansen Assistant Jade Editor and Staff Writer

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fter 10 years in the making, Hockaday’s Writing Center opened its dedicated space for Upper School writing consultations in Aug. 2019. Hired specifically to spearhead this initiative, Writing Center Director Lisa Fisher has witnessed its development into an institution-wide support system that reaches far beyond its four walls.

“Each year, we’ve piloted new initiatives, making sure that our Writing Center evolves with our community and staying true to the ethos of preserving the integrity of our students’ work,” Fisher said.

“That’s what makes our Writing Center unique.”

Fisher recalls engaging the help of students to meet the immediate demand for appointments as soon as she joined Hockaday.

“We began offering Upper School students positions to help with tutoring right off the bat and

By popular demand, the Writing Center has now also expanded its services to include math and foreign languages.

“Interns in these added subjects are recommended by our own departmental teachers, which goes far in ensuring confidence and credibility,” Fisher said.

Importantly, the Writing Center has maintained a solid five-year streak of social impact through tutoring at Foster Elementary School, Senior Interns Laure Ghorayeb and Charlotte Schultz attend a presentation at the Conference. helping primarily Spanish-speaking students have had to make the Center’s Center at this age, which will make build skills in English system better.” them comfortable in high school writing and communication.

The Conference consisted of and college using those resources.”

“We didn’t skip a beat in that discussions that provided full Though the outreach only rework,” Fisher said. “In 2020, when coverage of any possible issues cently started, the Center is already COVID hit, we hopped on Zoom and solutions the Center can use to mentoring fourth graders and and continued strong.” reach a wider range of writers.

Pre-K students.

To share insights from this “Our presentation focused on “We began working with the

Writing Center Interns enjoy the first day of the Conference.

that has already expanded our staff from seniors to rising freshmen,” Fisher said. “Our next idea is to consider engaging with fourth grade students to help meet the needs of Lower School."

Overseeing this Middle School collaboration, Lauren Miskin, Middle School English Teacher, has already seen tremendous growth in Eighth Grade Interns who actively collaborate with other writers while employing the strategies and techniques taught in the classroom and reflect on their own writing in the process.

“It’s amazing how much clarity and intentionality one develops by seeing someone else’s writing as a third party and then bringing that perspective to one’s own,” Miskin said. “I know I benefit from that reflection in my own writing and it's so empowering for our students as they make their transition to high school.”

the summer workshops we do for incoming freshmen,” Chen said. “I know one group that discussed the interior design of the Writing Center and how that provides a welcoming environment.”

Senior Charlotte Schultz is working on widening the Center’s outreach to Lower School and Middle School.

The outreach program aims to reach young writers, making them feel comfortable seeking resources available to them.

“It’s really important for us to be able to reach out to writers at the beginning of their writing journeys,” Schultz said. “We want them to feel comfortable using the Writing

fourth graders twice a week in the morning in addition to our program ‘Dictation Daisies’ with the Pre-K students,” Schultz said. “We are just starting the initiative, so we are going to see how the first one goes and work from there.”

In addition to the Writing Center’s external benefits, the Interns also believe providing writing and math advice has helped them on their own academic journeys.

“Getting to know a lot of people in Upper School and Middle School that I would never normally meet and getting to hear about their ideas is truly inspiring,” Schultz said. “I’ve learned a lot as far as new ways to think about writing.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANYA AGGARWAL

journey with other schools, Hockaday hosted its first Writing Intern Regional Conference from Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

“We received participants from all over the region, including San Antonio, Houston and Little Rock,” Fisher said. “The current Interns have planned workshops, panel discussions and roundtables, all with the goal of sharing nuances of implementing pedagogical experiences in innovative ways.”

Participants discussed how to maximize the output of the Writing Center. Junior Kaitlyn Chen is an Intern at the Center who spoke at the Conference.

“The Conference was our chance to share all of the unique things we do at our Writing Center,” Chen said. “It was a really Deetya Dinesh presents at the Writing Center Conference. good chance to see what is working well for other people, and how to tackle problems that we

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February 20 2025

A "win" for WinFo

Looking behind the scenes of Winter Formal planning

By Melinda Hu Arts & Life Editor

A

daunting task with over 800 atAfter Student Council setendees, a budget to adhere to, a lected a theme, the Committee theme to choose and decorations started designing the Winter to choose and put up: Winter ForFormal shirts. Since Winter mal is no easy feat. This year’s Activities ComFormal is open to all Hockaday mittee Chair senior Zoe Heintges is well-versed students, the Committee’s main in the planning of Winter Formal. source of funding is the cus“The most important thing is the venue, so tom-designed T-shirts they sell we start looking for the venue in the summer,” to the student body.

Heintges said. “Then we start working “We all vote on the design of on the DJs.” the shirt,” Heintges said.

This year, Winter Formal was held at Gilley’s, Throughout the planning prowhere St. Mark’s Homecoming and Junior Symcess, an open environment is of phony Ball also took place. DJ Junk Food, who the upmost importance. Junior played St. Mark's Homecoming, Elyana Brook has been on the Activities Committee meets as they plan Winter Formal. provided the soundtrack.

Committee since freshman year. moms. Traditionally, freshmen arrive at the The most important step after the venue “Zoe is really good about getting everyone’s venue earlier to eat dinner as a grade with their and DJ is thoughts out and Ms. Dara is great at the theme. facilitating our meetings,” Brook said. “It dates. Working with the freshman moms in planning adds another layer of communication for “Everyone definitely feels like a community.” the Committee. Some of the dinner decorations wrote down every Dara Williams, Activities Committee idea they could sponsor, helped the Committee work out used at the freshman dinner are then reused for the dance. think of and the administrative details. Williams also “We use their décor to help us cut down on submitted it to an attested to the community atmosphere costs,” Williams said. anonymous form,” of the Activities Committee.

After planning and preparing for months, the Heintges said.

“Zoe wants to hear everything, and day of Winter Formal finally arrives. The Activ“I made a list of she gives everybody a voice and a ities Committee started their day at 10:30 a.m., all the ideas and chance in meetings,” Williams said. “EvCity of Stars decorations at Winter Formal. decorating and preparing the venue for the 8 then in a meeting erybody from freshmen to seniors feel p.m. arrival of the 800 guests. we narrowed it down to five.” very comfortable speaking up and “My goal this year was to make WinFo fun The final theme is voted on by the Activities giving their ideas.” because I feel like it gets a bad rep,” Heintges Committee and Big Student Council. This year’s Another important part of Winter Formal said. “I hope we can change the mindset around theme was “City of Stars.” is the freshman dinner, planned by freshman WinFo for the future.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELINDA HU

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10 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Waking up to th

Sleep. A blessing. A curse. To some, a steady companion, a welco the perfect day. Though both loved and hated, sleep represents a To scientists, however, sleep remains a complex mystery, of which life, yet there is no singu

By Anika Shah, News Editor, a

Debunking sleep myths Though science remains uncertain, sleep myths have perpetuated society at a rate that’s turned fiction into common fact, and many of these misconceptions contribute to problems caused by improper sleep.

MYTH: If you don't sleep enough, you can catch up on it later.

Upper School Neuroscience Teacher Dr. Katie Croft said that while taking short naps during the day can help with lack of sleep, quality sleep is non-negotiable.

“Short naps in your extra time can help, but you shouldn’t rely on them often,” Croft said.

“Sleep is critical, and if you don’t get enough sleep, it's going to have detrimental effects on your body and learning.”

Lack of sleep also causes memory loss. During REM sleep, the body sorts through your memories from the day, filtering out important memories and eliminating others.

Without this critical phase, memories remain fragmented and some are lost. Pulling an all-nighter can also prevent these memories from becoming consolidated, leaving students at a disadvantage when preparing for assesments.

“Let’s say you pull an all-nighter, and you don't sleep,” Croft said. “Then, you take the

test. How well are you going to do on the test? You might do fine on the test because it's all still in your short-term memory. But because now you're sleep deprived, all of that learning that you've just done is not going to get consolidated to long term memory for the future.”

MYTH: Your brain can adapt to chronic sleep deprivation over time.

“I don’t think there’s any truth to the fact that your brain can adapt to sleep deprivation over time,” Croft said.

At Hockaday, Upper School Learning Specialist Jennifer Spradley witnesses the cognitive impacts of chronic sleep deprivation first-hand in students.

“They become time-blind to where they're not even usually aware of what time it is,” Spradley said. “Let's say you're sleep deprived, and you sit down to take a math test with 30 questions.

Sometimes students will get to the end of the testing period and realize they've only answered like 15 or 16 of them because they weren't

aware of how time was passing.”

Sleep deprivation can also impact task initiation, which can cause workloads to feel overwhelming, making it impossible to focus on or to even begin a task.

While the daytime fatigue from chronic sleep deprivation can stabilize over time, the bodily consequences only accumulate, causing the onset of more serious physical and mental health problems.

According to The Sleep Foundation, longterm sleep deprivation can negatively impact various body processes and systems, including metabolism, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, hormone production and mental health.

Sleep deprivation is also detrimental to the emotional health of students and can lead to highrisk behaviors and mental health disorders.

“If you're not getting sufficient sleep, your brain's not getting enough downtime to be able to process things, and a lot of times things that have happened during

Tips to Improve Sleep 1. Wearing blue light glasses when looking at screens at night.

2. Sleeping in cold, dark rooms.

3. Cutting off caffeine intake at 2 p.m.

the day that have caused us some stress or anxiety are worked out through our dreams,” Spradley said. “If we're not getting enough sleep cycles to be able to get to that dream state, then we can wake up not fully ready for the day.”

MYTH: The older you get, the less sleep you need.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, teens actually need just as much sleep as children. Sleep plays a crucial role during adolescence, supporting the body through a period of growth and a second cognitive developmental stage. So, although many teenagers don’t feel tired at night, the reality is that their exhaustion simply hits later.

“Your circadian rhythm—your biological clock has shifted. That's just something that has happened to teenagers," Croft said. “When I get sleepy is not the same as when you all get sleepy, and when we’re ready to go to bed, you all almost get this second wind.”

The body’s melatonin production shifts to kick in at a different point in the night, meaning that teens are often restless and unable to sleep at the time that exhaustion typically hits for adults and children. While this means that teenagers can stay up much later, it doesn’t diminish the body’s exhaustion when it finally hits, or the necessary amount of sleep.

11

February 20, 2025

he Sleep Crisis

ome escape; to others, it remains but an elusive ghost, a limitation to a constancy and a unity amid the bustling and busy modern world. h little is actually known. Why do people sleep? Sleep is essential for ular explanation as to why.

and Aanya Naini, Staff Writer

Sleep culture at Hockaday At Hockaday, getting the eight to ten hours of sleep recommended for teenagers by UCLA Health is regarded as more of luxury than a necessity. With the never-ending pressure on students to excel in the classroom, on the field, in their communities and in other areas, many students wear their lack of sleep like a badge of honor.

In fact, 50.7% of Hockaday Upper School students say that competing over how little sleep they recieved in the classroom is extremely common. As exhaustion becomes a common experience among students, it's clear that the culture around sleep has shaped how students approach their daily lives—some embracing the hustle of sleepless nights and busy schedules, while others prioritize sleep, managing to perform well while keeping their physical and mental health in check.

Though most studies show that teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep per night to function optimally, complete enough sleep cycles and retain memories from the previous day, only a small fraction of students are actually able to meet that target and stay well rested.

Because of this lack of sleep, many students instead rely on caffeine and energy drinks to

compensate for their drowsiness and to keep them awake, which can have long-term consequences on both their physical and mental well-being.

Junior Ava Ortega prioritizes her rest and gets around eight hours of sleep per night.

“I try to go to bed by 10 p.m.,” Ortega said.

“No matter how much homework I have, I always get to bed on time because I cannot function if I don’t have a lot of sleep.”

However, other students like freshman Kavya Chava cut down on sleep to finish all of their tasks.

“I usually sleep around six hours a night,” Chava said. “But it’s negotiable, I definitely sleep less if I have to.”

Chava’s lack of sleep affects her energy and focus throughout the school day, causing her to struggle during class time.

“I definitely have to ask my friends for notes sometimes because I was fighting sleep during class,” Chava said.

Teachers have also noticed the

lack of sleep that students face, and many are sympathetic to their challenges.

Upper School History Teacher Lucio Benedetto said that he sees students trying to stay awake or fall asleep in class on almost a weekly basis—an issue that he attributes to the high level of student involvement in activities outside of academics.

Upper School Orchestra and History of Art and Music teacher Charlsie Griffiths ’98 agreed that there is a lack of sleep prioritization across students.

“I don’t think students value their sleep as much as they should,” Griffiths said. “I think students have so many different activities that they end up putting off a lot of assignments to the last minute to the point where they have to stay up and complete them late.”

Benedetto also believes students have a “competition culture” around sleep.

“One of the issues at Hockaday

that I think is not good is that if somebody starts talking about how little sleep they got one night, it becomes almost a competition,” Benedetto said. Like “‘I've only had three hours of sleep, and I had to stay up...,’ so it's almost like there's a badge of honor among students for sleeping as little as possible sometimes. I think this an unhealthy attitude because of the competition.”

96% of students have said they've witnessed this behavior, and over half believe it's constant.

Ortega believes that it’s not so much of a competition about lack of sleep but rather a generally normalized conversation.

"It's not like people are competing.” Ortega said. “Like, 'I slept this much' and others are like, 'oh, yeah, well, I didn't sleep at all.' I don't really think it's like that.”

The continued discussion of sleep shows how deeply embedded sleep deprivation is in the student experience. Whether seen as a sign of dedication or just an inevitable part of life, the sleep culture at Hockaday continues to shape student's routines and priorities.

And more tips!

4. Avoiding screens 30-60 minutes before bed.

5. Limiting daytime naps.

6. Getting morning sunlight

GRAPHICS COURTESY OF ANIKA SHAH, AANYA NAINI AND CECILIA CHEN

FEATURES

12 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Diving into the deep

"Into Uncharted Waters" gives students a voice

By Amitha Nair JADE Editor

F

reshman Anya Bohil is making waves with her podcast, “Into Uncharted Waters,” a platform designed to give a voice to high school students across the nation.

Covering topics from friendships to overcoming challenges, Bohil dives into the highs and lows of adolescence, providing relatable and insightful conversations for her peers.

“I originally created the podcast to be a platform for all high schoolers, specifically in America,” Bohil said.

The podcast kicked off with its first episode on friendships, a subject that Bohil believes resonates with everyone.

Her second episode, “Overcoming Challenges,” delves into how high school students can navigate and learn from adversity.

For this episode, Bohil invited her neighbor and the director of a recovery center to share their experiences with substance abuse and the personal transformations they underwent. The episodes reflect Bohil's goal of covering real,

relatable issues that resonate with high school students.

“When I planned the podcast, I sat down and wrote down ideas I wish I’d had insight on when I was younger,” Bohil said. “I also think about inspiring figures and how their experiences can relate back to high schoolers. Whether it's a celebrity or someone’s career path, I want to provide a perspective that’s relevant and relatable.”

Each episode takes significant effort to produce, with Bohil dedicating up to four hours weekly to planning, recording and editing.

Bohil interviews classmates.

She works closely with freshman cheerleading with her aspirations Avery Park, who manages social of becoming a criminal lawyer. media promotion and creates reels “I’m excited for the upcoming to reach a wider audience. episodes because we’re going to “Right now, a lot of the reels are be talking to people who are living shot on my iPhone, but Anya and I examples of how you can balance hope to start using higher-quality your dreams,” Bohil said. “We want equipment in the future,” Park said. high schoolers to understand that “It’s important to make the podcast they can have multiple dreams, and more than just a recording.” we want to help them see how they Bohil has already lined up can manage both.” a wide array of future guests, Bohil said Assistant Director including a Dallas Cowboys of the Institute for Social Impact cheerleader who will talk about Laura Laywell guided her through balancing her passions for the logistics of podcasting and

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMITHA NAIR

helped connect her with resources behind the scenes.

“She came to me with this incredibly thoughtful idea and a clear vision of what she wanted to accomplish,” Laywell said. “Anya outlined her episodes and knew exactly who she wanted to reach.

I helped reserve the podcast room and connected her with others who could support her.”

With plans to release one episode per month, Bohil and Park will continue to refine their craft and connect with peers.

The heart of Hockaday

Get to know our school's strongest support system

By Mary Bradley Sutherland Photo and Graphic Editor, Social Media Manager

The Hockaday Health Center serves as our strongest support system, yet it hardly receives the recognition it deserves.

With countless responsibilities, the four-woman team of nurses works together to support and collaborate with every member of the community.

Director of Health Services Nurse Erika Herridge grew up in a medical family with her mother, stepfather and uncles all performing jobs in health care.

As the oldest child, Herridge always took care of her younger siblings, fostering her passion for taking care of others.

Once she completed school, Herridge spent 15 years working at Children’s Medical Center. She took on many roles including working as a pediatric nurse, liver transplant coordinator and ended as a nurse practitioner as needed.

A family friend introduced her to Hockaday’s opening as Director of Health Services and Herridge joined in 2011.

As director, Nurse Erika manages the Health Services staff, including Nurses Katie Barnes, Amy Butler and DeNova "Dee" Pages, who was hired in

August 2023 as post-pandemic protocols led to the creation of the Lower School Clinic. This allows younger students to seek help in closer proximity.

“I love my job because I love taking care of people,” Herridge said. “We want our students to feel their best in order to do their best.”

On a typical day the Health Center sees an average of 3540 students and the occasional faculty or staff member. In the Lower School Clinic, Pages receives around 15 visits daily. Their care can include anything from providing injury care to rooms for quick naps with heating pads to medicine administration and even space for student telehealth visits.

In addition to physical ailments, Herridge said the Health Center works to provide students with mental health support.

“We have tried our best to remove the barriers between the Health Center and providing care for mental health, which we understand has various stigmas,” Herridge said. “We work closely with the Middle and Upper School counselors in order to get rid of misconceptions

surrounding mental health.”

The Health Center staff collaborates with other campus departments, including the guidance counselors and the athletic department.

Head Athletic Trainer Madissen Davis coordinates with the Health Center regarding concussion management, Erika Herridge, Director of Health Services student injuries and doctors' The nurses are responsible notes. These issues are often for communication with SAGE communicated to other Athletic Dining Services to manage lifeDepartment heads when PE threatening allergies. restrictions are concerned.

“Every year, we send SAGE a The nurses also manage the list of students with allergies and first aid and care provided on all stock EpiPens in certain areas all school field trips. For day trips, the nurses assemble and provide over campus for emergencies,” Herridge said. the responsible teachers with While Herridge said that stocked medical bags. When an the Health Center’s biggest overnight trip occurs, such as challenge is location, she the week-long sixth grade trip believes that the Center’s privacy to Washington, D.C., a nurse has its benefits. accompanies the traveling “We have such a great space students and teachers. down here, and we are able to Additionally, Herridge schedules CPR and AED training offer so much more than a smaller office could,” Nurse Erika said. for teachers and staff. She “Our main philosophy is trying our also hosts annual meetings to best to foster a non-judgmental educate them on all individual environment and supporting you student needs at the beginning all in any way we can.” of the school year and as necessary throughout the year.

13

February 20 2025

Decoding data science

AP Computer Science students partner with SMU

By Caroline Ballotta and Sophie Cho Senior Reporter and Staff Writer

E

ver wondered how wind speeds affect flight times? Or what time of day sees the least amount of delay?

As part of the Data Science Scholars Program, Hockaday students in AP Computer Science A are partnering with Southern Methodist University in a data science boot camp and receive training in how to clean and interpret raw data using Python, a coding language. Students can earn a micro credential in data science after completing the course.

Data science is a statistics-related subfield of computer science that focuses on processing raw data into various clean, readable formats.

Students in the program recently began to explore and experiment with data on their own, using raw information about flight conditions to draw correlations and plotting graphs to present their findings.

Sophomore Abigail Mau said the program has helped her to learn about the applications in computer science. “ There is data to be harvested from everything we do," Mau said. "Coding is one of the ways we gain meaning from it.”

Data science is applicable in various fields from medicine to flight planning.

Upper School Computer Science Teacher Karen Sanchez said it is important for students to be exposed to data science early-on.

“Data is everywhere, right? And so what I

Sanchez analyzes a section of code with her students.

think is happening now in the world is people are realizing that,” Sanchez said. “Every good business is going to want to analyze that data and ask questions about it.”

Since the expansion of AI is dependent on data, the ability to prepare and declutter data in its basic form is Students present their findings in graphs. essential to grow.

Not only does the program teach students the basics of data science, but it also shows them how to utilize and work with AI to prepare to code AI technologies used in the workforce.

One benefit is the enhancement of programmers’ ability to easily analyze and compare data.

“It's saving time,” Students use knowledge from the program to determine airplane delays by the hour.

Sanchez said. “In soon dive into analyzing trends found in the past, if you wanted to know how to do large datasets through linear regression and something, even just last year, for example, statistics. Sanchez hopes this program will you'd have to do research and figure out help more students discover a love for where to get the code and all that could data science. take 10-15 minutes.”

“We want to expose students to data In the Data Science Scholars Program, science so that they can see that it's an students use AI to help generate lines of option for them in college, or outside of code that they may not know how to code college and after college,” Sanchez said. on their own yet, such as creating code to PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANIKA make graphs comparing specific categories GOPAL AND SIENA EBERT of data. This makes it easier to pursue the connections in the data and to learn the coding by example as well.

“Ideally, what I want is for the students to be able to understand what the AI is doing in the code,” Sanchez said.

Now that students have practiced how to sort through and clean out data, they will

Behind the Scenes: Into the Woods

Senior Emily Yu does freshman Caroline Hayes' makeup

A crew member sets up a prop between scenes

PHOTOS COURTESY MAYA BAKSHI

Olivia Reagor enjoys a laugh with castmates

14

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Fueling for success

Student athletes improve performance through nutrition

By Sophia Salem and Alina Zheng Staff Writers

A

s an athlete, fueling your body is one of the most important things you can do, whether it is trying to hit a protein goal or ensuring enough carbs in your diet. But it’s not an easy task, especially during the strenuous sports season. With the need to balance academics and extracurriculars with their athletic life, student-athletes have come up with quick ways to support their athletic performance through their eating habits.

Junior athlete Vanessa Levy emphasizes the importance of fueling correctly.

"I think fueling is important for athletes because half of your performance is based on how you fuel your body, whether it's before a strenuous workout and you need to have some quick carbs to fuel your workout, or after a workout, when you need a high protein

meal to help promote your muscle growth and recovery," Levy said.

Popular breakfasts range from Think, Barbell and Power Crunch protein bars to bagels and bananas for energy. But the key to starting your day off with enough energy isn’t what you eat, but that you do eat.

“I know this is what people always say, but I feel like when I eat breakfast, I really notice a difference,” senior Varsity Cross Country and Track Co-Captain Laure Ghorayeb said.

“Eating breakfast really helps me feel more energized throughout the day.”

To maintain consistent energy throughout the day and during practices or games, athletes stress the importance of eating enough carbs to make up for burned energy.

“Especially during tennis season, I’ll make sure I have

something that’s going to give me energy, like carbs,” junior Co-Captain of the Varsity Tennis team Anika Gopal said. “If you want more energy, don’t focus on cutting calories: try limiting artificial sugar and processed foods.”

When it comes to lunch, student-athletes mostly rely on SAGE to gain nutrition in their diet. Especially for those with dietary restrictions, it can sometimes be difficult to find adequate protein.

“I would say, as a vegetarian, it’s already pretty hard to get enough protein, but SAGE offers a pretty good variety,” Gopal said. “Personally, I think I’ve always been able to find something that has some kind of protein in it on a daily basis that I can eat.”

However, when the lunch line does not seem appetizing, students like sophomore Shea LeRosen enjoy a quick meal from the salad bar.

Having been a part of the Varsity

Field Hockey, Swim and Softball teams, she tries to prioritize a mix of protein and carbs.

“If there’s nothing I really want to eat in the normal line, I’ll make myself a Cobb salad,” LeRosen said. “It has eggs, bacon and tomatoes, and I also toast a piece of bread for carbs, so I have everything.”

However, not all athletes are the same. While tips and tricks may help if you’re trying to start fueling your body well, it’s important to go through a trial-and-error process.

“Just find what works for you, because I feel like if I listen to the advice of a lot of people it might not work for me,” LeRosen said. “You have to figure out what works for yourself.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOPHIA SALEM

Dancing Daisies

Drill team choreographs performances for pep rallies

By Emily McLeroy Sports Editor

Twirling and leaping across the floor, the Upper School Drill team performs their routine at a pep rally after months of choreographing, technique workshops and early morning practices.

Created in 2019, Drill aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore new styles of dance and support Hockaday sports by performing at pep rallies and sometimes games. The Drill team combines different styles of dance with sharp, synchronized movements and is performancebased, meaning they learn their dances and then perform them.

Some students, such as junior Co-Captain Nadia Guevara, joined Drill team to learn about a different style of dance, as Hockaday’s dance classes do not teach this type of dance.

“I already love to dance, but drill was just something different and a new style,” Guevara said. “I also love how we learn the dance and then perform it, which is my favorite part about dance.”

Guevara shares her captaincy with junior Ava Ortega and seniors Ellie Nerenberg and Jane Taten.

Along with organizing practices and managing tryouts at the beginning of the year, the captains also choreograph the dances and

teach them to the team.

“My favorite part is seeing the vision of different parts of choreography come to life,” Taten said. “I love watching the idea in my mind become a reality during practice.”

To come up with the choreography, the captains split up the work, creating different dances for different performance dates, beginning to brainstorm for the upcoming year in the summer. Often, they build the dance around a song.

“Before school even started, we brainstormed any potential Juniors Nadia Guevara, Abby Snyder and Caiti Muller perform at the February pep rally. feelings or themes we want to and synchronization, they video country dance with cowboy hats, have this season, and which styles their practices to review after and and now we will have a pom dance of dance we want to incorporate,” find issues to fix. at the February pep rally,” Ortega said. “As we get closer to “I love seeing the progression Ortega said. performances, we already have the of dances, so I go back and watch To prepare for a performance, idea we want to build from.” all of the videos from our practice, ” they begin early morning practices Some practices the team works Ortega said.

“I like seeing how we a month before. Although the on technique, while sometimes get better and better with each one practices are early, they contribute they work on choreography. and just finding different things that to team building.

“During a technique practice, “I love the community and the we work on things like turns, leaps, we need to clean up, and then after we work on them, the dance just people that I’m surrounded by, and seconds, calypsos and more, and looks a lot cleaner.” the energy that gives me, especially during a choreography practice," In the future, the captains aspire in the mornings when the last thing sophomore Samara Bhatki said. to expand into more styles of dance you want to do is get up and go "We either learn, review or edit and perform at even more dance,” Bhatki said. “It starts your choreography to make sure athletic events. day off on a really good note.” everyone is really synchronized “We brought out hip hop at and clean."

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY MCLEROY our first pep rally, and we had our To improve their choreography

15

February 20 2025

From petals to prospects

Hockaday students, alumni walk on to sports teams

By Anderson Rhodus Staff Writer

R

emy Finn '22 hears the gun go off behind her as she runs down the University of Notre Dame track.

Unlike some other members of her team, she was a “walk-on,” a designation in athletic commitment that holds a different meaning.

“Competing in both local and conference meets just like the rest of my teammates, I am not hindered in my performance due to my walk-on status at all,” Finn said.

There is often a misconception about “walk-on” athletes in college-level athletics. Many people believe that "walk-ons" are not recruited when, in reality, most are invited to try out for the team. Despite not being granted athletic aid, their role on their teams is just as important and time-consuming as athletes on scholarship.

Throughout the past few years, many Hockaday alumni have walked onto college

Remy Finn sprints around the track.

sports teams. Finn currently runs Track and Field at the University of Notre Dame, a Division One school. Finn was a member of the Varsity Track and Field team during her freshman and senior years of high school.

“I was always interested in running track and field in college from the time I was a freshman,” Finn said. “However, my commitment to club soccer outweighed this interest until my senior year of high school.”

Once Finn realized that Notre Dame’s soccer program was too much of a reach to join, her previous goals of playing soccer in college shifted, and she solely focused on track and field during her senior season of high school.

“I found out I was accepted to Notre Dame in December of my senior year at Hockaday, so I decided to start training to try and walk on to the Track and Field team as a sprinter,” Finn said.

After a season’s work of races and training, Finn met Notre Dame’s three qualifying standards at the SPC Championship Meet that spring.

“I received a call from Coach Rodney Zuyderwyk while on the team bus home as we celebrated our SPC Championship

win,” Finn said. “He told me I’d made the team, and I burst into tears as the whole bus cheered me on. I truly will always appreciate my Hockaday teammates and their support during such a special moment as my hard work finally paid off.”

Reflecting on her Hockaday coaches, Finn emphasized her gratitude for Varsity Track and Field Coaches LaBoris Bean and A.D. Ebeniro for supporting her throughout the commitment process.

“They made me feel like the sky was the limit, and I will always be immensely grateful for their mentorship and encouragement,” Finn said.

Bennett Trubey '24 currently plays Division One Volleyball at Harvard University; however, her process looked very unique.

“Harvard had been my dream school for as long as I can remember, but I did not receive an offer from them initially,” Trubey said.

Trubey previously committed to Northwestern University and was very grateful to the coaches for offering her a spot on the team; however, the day before graduation, her Harvard application status changed from waitlisted; to admitted.

“Knowing that it had always been my dream, I withdrew from my previous commitment and received a call from the Harvard coach offering me a spot on her team quickly after I enrolled,” Trubey said.

Because Trubey’s commitment process was unique, she remarks upon her struggles with motivation in high school.

“It was difficult to find the motivation to keep playing volleyball because there wasn’t a guarantee that my athletic career could continue past high school,” Trubey said. “My commitment timeline was uncommon compared to other committed volleyball players on my club teams because most of them committed at the start of their junior year.”

Trubey thanks her Hockaday coaches for their support in her athletic journey, highlighting Head Varsity Coach Allison Curran.

“Coach Camp [Coach Curran] went above and beyond for me. She spent countless hours on the phone or at tournaments talking with coaches on my behalf,” Trubey said. “I am so grateful.”

Another Class of 2024 graduate, Emery Stehel, is now a Division One athlete on Boston University’s Lightweight Rowing Team.

Starting the sport as a high school freshman, Stehel knew that she loved rowing.

Despite her love for the sport, as junior year arrived Stehel struggled to decide whether she wanted to continue rowing on a collegiate level.

“I knew rowing was something that I enjoyed, but I also wanted to make sure that I

Bennett Trubey poses for her media day.

prioritized picking a school that would be the best fit for me academically because I put a lot of importance into that area of my life,” Stehel said.

When it was time for college applications, Stehel applied to schools she knew she would fit with her whether she rowed or not.

“Once I decided on BU, I realized that I did want to continue rowing, and this is when I reached back out to the coaches I contacted previously,” Stehel said.

Staying in the rowing world, Hockaday senior Persia Brown recently committed to row Division One at Northeastern University. Despite her love for rowing, she did not give much attention to the recruiting process her junior year, putting her academics first.

“I was not invested in the recruiting process to the fullest my junior year, so my goal was to get into the school first, then commit to row there,” Brown said. “But I was emailing schools throughout 2024, being sure to update them with my application process.”

Although Brown knows how much of a time commitment rowing will be, she remains determined and thrilled for the year ahead of her.

“I am so excited and proud of myself, but I need to remind myself how intense and big of a commitment rowing Division One is,” Brown said. “Boston is such a cool place and I'm excited to go into a city knowing a lot of people in my same situation at different schools.”

Reflecting on her commitment process, Stehel encourages athletes with an interest in pursuing college sports to be persistent.

“I know that the commitment process can be stressful and challenging,” Stehel said. “I want to remind every athlete that if you are determined to play on a team for your college, there is almost always a way to make that happen, and walking on can be a great option.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENNETT TRUBEY AND REMY FINN

16

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Fantasy football frenzy

Students and faculty comment on leagues' experiences

By Lang Cooper and Elizabeth Farrell Sports Editor and Staff Writer

F

or fantasy football Director of Debate and Forensics participants, Monday Chuck Walts said. “My favorite part night can mean one of is getting together for the draft two things: a victory and taunting one another for the dance or the beginning of a week choices we make.” of humiliation and ridicule from Drafting online in her league, competitor teams. Hockaday Upper School Technology students and faculty have Integration Specialist and firstexperienced both triumphant wins time fantasy football player and humbling losses determined Candace Townsley found ways by the success and failure each week to use artificial intelligence to her of professional football players. advantage, that ultimately led her Faculty leagues to victory.

In 2016, Upper School Dean of “I decided to make the draft an Students and former fantasy football experiment and used ChatGPT to champion Jordan Innerarity began tell me what players to draft, but it the very first Hockaday faculty gave me old information, fantasy football league. The so then I switched to original individuals in “The Google Gemini,” Killer Daisies League” began Townsley said. “It a tradition that carries on also helped to today.

“When I first came to Hockaday in 2014, I found other football lovers, and we talked about sports all the time,” Innerarity said. “Finally, after two years, I decided to start a fantasy football league and a lot of people throughout Hockaday me learn were interested.” everything Each year, interest in joining the about how league has grown; this year, three fantasy separate leagues were created football worked Killer Daisies' trophy to support the influx of faculty and eventually win.” wanting to participate. Each league Townsley, quickly learning tips differs in participation levels, draft and tricks from fellow fantasy day protocol and prizes for the football players in other leagues, winner. However, they all share was committed to the success of the friendly competitive spirit that her team. comes with playing fantasy football.

“Sometimes I had to go to the “On Monday mornings after bathroom during church to check if most of the football games have any of my players were out for that happened, I have had many quick game,” Townsley said. “One time, interactions with the person I’m I was ahead by 34 points but one playing against that week, and player on the other team scored 35 we have silly little taunts that points in one game, and I lost by ultimately build camaraderie,” less than one point.”

Innerarity said. “I have a reason to Although all participants may go seek out other admin or Lower not watch the live games of their and Middle School teachers that I players, many spend numerous may hardly see otherwise.” hours checking their players' For “The Killer statistics from Daisies,” drafting their games. happens in person, “I was typically at a watching the restaurant where news one day the previous year’s and they were winner shows off talking about a the prize trophy, football player which they custom whose house was decorate. This broken into, and year, the bedazzled I said ‘that’s my trophy shines with quarterback!’”

Hockaday green Townsley said.

Killer Daisies' final bracket and white.

“The players “Fantasy gives us a reason to become your players, and you get together and to socialize with recognize their names.” my colleagues rather than solely Student leagues focusing on work with them,” Throughout the Upper School,

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF SIENA EBERT students have participated in fantasy football leagues with friends and family. From avid football watchers to those participating just for fun, fantasy football players view the game with all levels of seriousness.

“My group of friends decided to start a league this year as a fun thing to do for our senior year,” senior and winner of her league Anastasia Romanyk said. “I became a lot more invested in football, because I wanted to win.”

Through the 18 weeks of matches, participants’ teams go through both highs and lows, as senior Rayna Li found out.

“The first few weeks I was winning, and some of my friends told me my Townsley's winning record team was stacked, so I keep it from creating a competitive stopped paying attention,” Li said. and exciting environment. Vranich “But some players got injured, and is also part of a second league because I wasn’t checking the app, with her cousins. my team took a downhill turn.”

For Vranich’s dad, who is often a Because of her last place finish, reigning champ in the Vranich family Li will perform an interpretive league, drafting is no small feat. dance to an unknown song in a “He studies a whole notes page costume chosen by the winner of he made if he’s winning a draft,” her league, Romanyk, at the next Vranich said. “He’s very into it.”

Lunch-Box event. Similar fantasy Despite winning one of her football punishments have gone leagues last year, she placed viral through social media. second in both leagues this year.

“Although I lost to all of the teams To heighten the competitive spirit in the last few places, my team of the game, each of Vranich’s pushed through family members in the playoffs,” places $20 into a Romanyk said. pot and the winner “Now my prize takes all. When it for winning is comes to creating getting to pick punishments for the the punishment losers, creativity has that Rayna no boundaries. must do.”

“In the league with For some, my cousins, the loser fantasy football has to get a buzz is less about cut,” Vranich said. the football “They’re mostly boys, games and so I’m glad I didn’t more about lose that league.” learning the Last year’s sport and punishment for competing the Vranich family Townsley's victory ring with friends. involved the loser “I didn’t really watch football getting into a cage and the other that much, and I wanted to be family members throwing syrup, exposed to stuff like this,” Li said. feathers and sand. Vranich has “I saw punishments on my [TikTok] experienced other punishments 'For You Page' and thought it as well. looked fun until I became the one “One time I lost, and I had to that had to do the punishment.” get on the tube at the lake by Apart from leagues with friends, myself, and my family got to whip students participate with family me around for 15 minutes,” Vranich as well. Sophomore Tatum said. “I fell off 10 times, so it was Vranich has been in her family’s rough. But my favorite part of fantasy football leagues since she fantasy league is that it’s a bonding was seven years old. Although experience and gives us something her main league of four people is to talk about.” comparatively small, that does not PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANG COOPER

February 20 2025

opinions

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Think before you thrift Shop wisely to transcend trends

By Alexa Muñoz Copy Editor

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or many teenagers and young adults, shopping at thrift stores presents itself everywhere in the social media algorithm, trending for being a financially responsible and environmentally conscious way to satisfy the craving for new clothes.

However, the videos that often receive the most engagement are those with titles that emphasize absurd overindulgence, in which someone shows off their 250-pound haul of second-hand clothes or “flips” thrifted garments to later resell them at a higher price without necessarily adding any value. While the obvious "red flags” of overconsumption and personal profit present themselves here, we've become desensitized to the true implications behind it. Close attention has been drawn to the possible impact that these tactics have on low-income communities, who may rely on thrift stores for basic necessities.

As someone who grew up slightly insecure about shopping at stores like Goodwill, Thrift Giant and Salvation Army for my staples, seeing thrifting’s upsurge in popularity among my classmates and the internet was personally both a culture shock and a sigh of relief. Suddenly, it was “cool” that

I’d bought most of my wardrobe second-hand, and going thrift shopping with my friends became a fun weekend excursion.

Reflecting on those moments, I'll admit that bringing my friends to my favorite thrift stores was a way of sharing a piece of my identity with them. I found joy in showing them the thrifting techniques my mother taught me when I was younger and

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXA MUÑOZ thrift shops receive far more donations than they can sell locally, meaning there should be enough resources to go around.

Additionally, she noticed a stark difference between what presumably higher-income loved shoppers seeing the were buying unique outfits they put together. and what her So, when I heard that excessive store’s social thrifting, without considering services clients the impacts on low-income were selecting, communities, may lead to price stating there increases and limited access to was no direct Buffalo Exchange in Greenville promotes sustainable shopping. essentials, I knew I had to take a competition step back, research and reflect. in the case of fill their carts with 250 pounds Was this increase in popularity immediate need. of clothing, it’s important to really so hurtful?

She concluded that the key understand that this is thankfully Here’s the answer I found: as to thrift shopping is to be smart. not the case for most consumers. long as thrift shopping with friends By using sustainable shopping As Wise said, think wisely about wasn’t happening in low-income practices, your shopping neighborhoods, it wasn’t harmful. like not decisions.

According to Leah Wise, a egregiously Continuing sustainability blogger and former over-buying and to promote thrift store manager, the concept of understanding the dynamics secondhand finds high-income shoppers snatching and mission of a buyer’s local will help to further destigmatize up all the good stuff and leaving shops, thrift shopping can be a secondhand fashion, making the less for those who need it is a positive experience for all. entire experience more fun myth, for two reasons.

While there will always exist and relatable.

In her blog, Wise details how a population of shoppers who

18 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Written in the stars

By Danya Risam-Chandi Managing Editor

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et me begin this with a quick preface: no, I do not believe that astrologer on TikTok who promises that you will meet the love of your life on Thursday night because you liked their video.

Astrology, like all religious and spiritual customs, can be misinterpreted and manipulated by people hoping to take advantage of individuals searching for guidance. However, I believe that astrology, when used correctly, can be a powerful tool.

Astrology is a historically-valued spiritual practice which has been documented in religions across the globe. The first documentation of astrology comes from Mesopotamia, the oldest known civilization.

From India to China to Mexico, countless ancient civilizations developed beliefs about how stars and planets affected life on Earth. In the modern world, with countless inventions and scientific discoveries, it might seem superfluous to base life decisions or personality traits on the position of the Earth in relation to other heavenly bodies. However, it's worth noting that many modern day religions still rely on astrology to mark holidays and

guide decisions. Hinduism, for example, relies heavily on astrology. Hindus, pundits and believers use Vedic astrology to gain insight into personalities, behaviors and life events.

It's actually a very common practice for Hindu couples to get readings done on the most opportune days to get married, buy a home or make important decisions. Islam and Buddhism also use astrology to mark auspicious days in the year. Millions of people across the globe celebrate on days which are based on astrological practices that go back thousands of years.

Even though we have scientific explanations for the natural phenomena which led to the development of astrology, it doesn’t mean we need to discard the practice entirely. Astrology has become a cultural force in many regions of the world, connecting people to their families, ancestors and identities. Now, maybe after hearing all this you aren’t convinced astrology is more than superstition. That’s okay!

Personally, looking to the stars, planets and universe for answers gives me a great deal of faith and security. I like to believe there is still a bit of magic in a world which so often seems formulaic and trite. Maybe that’s ridiculous, but at least I know that millions of people before me felt the exact same way.

PRO

STAFF STANDOFF Dangerous cycles of astrology

By Jenny Chu Staff Writer

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e both see them: the animals and constellations haunting your feed. The weird Instagram Reels that feel confident they can predict your entire personality from your birthday. What could I possibly be talking about besides astrology?

Astrology, known as star signs and horoscopes, is the belief that the behaviors of celestial bodies influence people’s lives.

I’m the first to say that astrology is fascinating, and oftentimes I’ll get a “What’s your star sign?” or “I bet you’re a Leo” (which I am) when talking to someone new. However, it absolutely baffles me how people can place so much faith and trust in where a few stars aligned on a completely random day.

Upper School Physics and Astronomy Teacher Steve Balog, a Taurus, explained to me a surprising difference between astrological fact and fiction.

He said that star signs are based on patterns from to Zoroastrian days and that there are 13 signs in the Zodiac. "(Your signs) do not match up with the signs then or now,” Balog said. “So, no one is really the sign they think they are but the one in front of it, except for Sagittarius and Scorpio as those may be the ‘new’ sign of Ophiuchus.”

Balog said the ambiguity of horoscopes allows for personal interpretation.

“Horoscopes keep the statements vague enough that the reader can

interpret them in many, many ways,” Balog said. “Besides, how plausible is it that eight billion people only have 12 personality types?”

Regarding the media, it’s often treated as nothing more than a fun way for you "interpret" yourself.

However, “I’ll break up with him, he’s a Scorpio” type “joke” videos are widely circulated on social media, which I genuinely believe is an excuse for people to dump someone they didn’t like that much anyway. For the people who say they’re just joking when they post those videos, I have two words: DIGITAL FOOTPRINT. Despite the inaccuracies behind astrology, there are still fervent believers whose passion far exceeds casual fascination.

Some make their livelihoods catering to those yearning for a sense of definition, not dissimilar to traditional fortune-tellers.

“Some aspects of astrology do have roots in astronomy, yet when Mercury is supposedly in retrograde it really won’t affect you,” Balog said.

Though it appears astrology’s core beliefs are here to stay, I’m going to reiterate that astrology has no roots in fact and should never integrate into someone’s decision-making processes and livelihood. If you’re delving a little too deep into rabbit holes, please keep it light with the BuzzFeed quizzes and perhaps an Instagram bio emoji. Your future self will thank you for being logical enough not to subscribe to a pseudo-scientific media craze.

CON

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February 20 2025

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Elizabeth Truelove & Shreya Vijay

MANAGING EDITORS

STAFF EDITORIAL The staff editorial is an unsigned piece representing a consensus of opinion among members of The Fourcast editorial board regarding a current issue.

The clock ticks for TikTok

App's return raises questions about its reliability

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es, it’s true, TikTok’s back! But don’t get your Alexa Muñoz hopes up just yet. Before WEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF you dive back into the Jessica Boll & Anjy Fadairo depths of the “For You Page,” it’s JADE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF important to understand how Amitha Nair ASSISTANT JADE EDITOR and why it’s back and what has Anya Aggarwal changed — for better or for worse.

NEWS EDITORS TikTok has come a long way Audrey Liu & Anika Shah since its beginnings as a lipARTS & LIFE EDITORS syncing and dance platform.

Larkin Clouston & Melinda Hu Nowadays, millions of people use FEATURES EDITORS Sarah Moskowitz & Aadhya Yanamadala the social media app not only for SPORTS EDITORS entertainment but also to express Lang Cooper & Emily McLeroy their opinions on topics ranging OPINIONS EDITORS from fashion and beauty to social Cece Johnson & Leyah Philip and political issues, with some PHOTO, GRAPHICS & content creators even using the CASTOFF EDITOR Mary Bradley Sutherland app as their main source of income.

BUSINESS MANAGER However, as the app continues to Shifa Irfan gain popularity, it begins to face STAFF WRITERS Caroline Ballotta, Sophie Cho, Jenny Chu, more scrutiny.

On Jan. 19, TikTok users opened Siena Ebert, Mary Elise Estess, Elizabeth the app only to be Farrell, Juliette Friguletto, Ai-Vy Ho, Emilie Illum, Katie Ma, Aanya Naini, shocked to find its Anderson Rhodus, Sophia Salem, Aneeka services unavailable in Tansen, Alina Zheng the U.S. due to a ban FACULTY ADVISER upheld by the Supreme Kristy Rodgers Court, sending the EDITORIAL POLICY online world into a The Fourcast is written primarily frenzy as influencers for students of the Hockaday Upper and other users School, its faculty and staff. The Fourcast has a press run of 500 struggled to process and is printed by Midway Press. the sudden change.

It is distributed free of charge to However, only a mere the Hockaday community. The staff reserves the right to refuse 12 hours later, American any advertising which is deemed users were greeted inappropriate for the Hockaday with a “welcome back!” community. Opinions will be clearly message. Despite its marked and/or will appear in the views section. Commentaries are rapid return, many users the expressed opinion of the author were left with lingering and do not necessarily reflect that questions about the of The Fourcast staff, its adviser or means taken to bring any other member of the Hockaday community. The Staff Editorial the app back and how the ban’s on the Opinions page reflects the extension would actually protect position of The Fourcast staff, but not American users and their freedom necessarily the position Hockaday administration or community. of expression.

Throughout the past year, The Fourcast staff determines the content of each issue and strives to there have been ongoing debates work as independently as possible about the potential threat TikTok in producing the student newspaper, but the content is subject to prior could pose to national security. review by the Head of Upper School, Congress passed a federal law the Communications Director and insisting TikTok’s Chinese parent other members of the Hockaday company, ByteDance, sell the leadership team. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome app to an American buyer, giving and should be addressed to the the app a deadline of Jan. 19 or editors-in-chief. Only signed pieces it would be taken off the App will be published. Corrections and clarifications from previous issues Store for Americans. However, will be found in the news section. ByteDance has not shown any Questions or concerns should be addressed to Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Truelove (etruelove25@ hockaday.org) or Shreya Vijay (svijay25@hockaday.org).

Elle Myers & Danya Risam-Chandi

COPY EDITOR

interest in selling the social media platform.

Though TikTok’s representatives have legally challenged the ban, arguing that it violated the First Amendment rights of Americans, the Supreme Court affirmed that this was untrue as the ban does not target expression but focuses on national security. Specifically, they are evaluating how TikTok collects user data and whether it could be accessed by the Chinese government.

Just as things were looking grim for TikTok users, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump signed an executive order that delayed the ban for 90 days.

While this was celebrated by many TikTok users across the country, it also sparked rumors about what ByteDance might have had to

compromise to continue operating in America. Despite rumors, Trump relayed to the American people that he hopes to find a solution that preserves American data and TikTok. While millions of TikTokers happily returned to the app this week, many are questioning whether users should be trusting the app again so quickly.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the younger generation receives their news from social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and more. Though the

app has never been a trustworthy news source, concerns about reliability grow as the platform deals with the ban and President Trump’s extension.

Recently, TikTok isn’t the only social media platform that has been grappling with concerns of misinformation. As of January, Chief Executive Officer of Meta Mark Zuckerberg announced the end of fact-checking on Meta apps (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), leaving many users wondering if the content they consume on a daily basis is factually accurate and politically neutral.

While concerns about national security and misinformation are valid, banning TikTok is not the answer. TikTok is a place of diversity and expression that allows users to share their unique perspectives that might not get much attention in mainstream media. Though the ban’s intentions are rooted in protecting the American people, many feel betrayed by this. Instead of placing a ban on the entire platform, we need to focus on educating others on digital security and preventing the spread of misinformation online, a solution that protects users without unnecessarily restricting expression.

Regardless of whether TikTok stays or goes, it is important for all social media users to stay informed. Most social media platforms, especially TikTok, are catered towards entertainment, and not all content shared is based on facts. Do some research before sharing inaccurate information from that really convincing TikTok, Instagram Reel, or Facebook post you saw.

There’s no harm in finding more facts, and as always, remember not everything you see on social media is 100% truthful.

GRAPHIC BY CARYS BRAUN

February 20 2025

CASTOFF

Fourcast Hearts 2025 By: Mary Bradley Sutherland Photo and Graphic Editor, Social Media Manager

Every year, we ask students and faculty to design hearts for those they care about. Happy Valentine's Day from the Hockaday Fourcast!

Special thank you to Ms. Mims and the Lower School Office for helping out with this page!

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