The Fourcast, December 2024

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FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

11600 WELCH ROAD

2024 FOURCAST WRAPPED Upper School’s favorite 2024 Fourcast Article Page 5

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DALLAS, TX 75229

DECEMBER 9, 2024

FALL FOR DANCE Hockadance performs first show of the year for Upper School Page 13

VOLUME 75, ISSUE 3

RECOVERY REMEDIES Athletes use therapeutic techniques to achieve peak performance Page 16

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THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

news

Tradition in transition

Hockaday's uniform supplier goes out of business

By Aadhya Yanamadala and Aneeka Tansen Features Editor and Staff Writer

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inspire a democratic attitude in her students by highlighting the importance of equal opportunities, regardless of any kind of privilege.

The first iteration of the uniform consisted of black pleated bloomers with white middy blouses, wool stockings and hip-length green sweaters. Later, in the '30s, it evolved into a full two-piece set with a blouse and a matching, pleated skirt that had to be worn long and with at least three yards around the hem. However, following World War II, the school altered the uniform to embody utility, consisting of a shirt that was connected to shorts (with a skirt worn over the shorts). When Aynalie Charron and Jordan Lacsamana '25 participating in physical activity, the girls would Hockaday upperclassmen? simply remove their skirts and be Ring Day. Every May, juniors ready to run and jump around. commemorate their induction Despite its ever-evolving nature, as the leaders of the school with a Hockaday’s uniform has ceremony where they receive their consistently provided identity and class ring and wear the signature conversation topics for its students. white blazer for the first time.

One of the most popular pastimes The unsung hero behind the of Daisies in the 1950s was to think celebration are the uniform companies that make these special of re-designs for their attire. The white blazers are a long-standing blazers. They also supply the rest tradition at Hockaday as they came of the students will all their school to fruition in the 1950s while the apparel. However, Hockaday’s modern uniform current uniform was adapted in supplier, the 1970s.

Dennis Senior (previously Blazers known as Mills), Members has gone out of of the Class business, of 2026 had a sparking scheduled fitting questions about for their white the future of our blazers in late uniform.

October, but the History event was The school canceled just uniform is as old the day before. as the institution “We were itself. Ela notified the Hockaday day before the required blazer fitting uniforms upon that Dennis was Hockaday’s not coming to establishment in Mischa Rutledge '26 the fitting,” Form III parent 1913, forbidding makeup and representative Courtney Johnson jewelry (other than the senior ‘97 said. ring). She believed that this would hat has officially commenced ‘Senior Season’ for countless

When the students and parents in the clothes: a decrease in the checked the Dennis website, they price. noticed that all the company’s “I know it is a big part of the stores were classified as temporarily school culture, but it could be a closed and that online purchases burden for some families,” were unavailable.

Rutledge said. “Lowering the “This led us to believe there was price would make everyone a a bigger issue with the company part of the tradition without and not that they just had to miss feeling the financial stress.” our Blazer fitting,” Johnson said.

Rhodus “Thankfully our original date was on Assistant Head of School the early side, so we still have time.” Randal Rhodus ‘97 is confident However, this still leaves the rest that the change in uniform of the school, who also buy their supplier will not affect any uniforms from Dennis, in the lurch upcoming events. next year.

“Juniors do not need to worry,” Student Opinion Rhodus said. “Regardless of The Hockaday uniform what uniform company we evokes a sense of nostalgia, decide to go with it, the and for Form III student blazer fitting is on the Mischa Rutledge, it calendar.” contributes to a feeling During the summer, the of inclusivity within the uniform company also had community. many postponements, “Wearing the which caught the eye uniform creates a of Rhodus and her sense of team. belonging and “We noticed this uniformity within summer there were a Randal Rhodus '97 the school,” lot of delays in our Rutledge said. uniform items, so we started “Every time I put on my having some beginning uniform, I feel a part of our conversations with other uniform shared history and values.” companies,” Rhodus said. “When The fitting has been rescheduled Dennis announced they were for Nov. 19, and juniors are excited going out of business, it to take the first step towards fast-tracked that process.” wearing their white blazers.

Administration recently decided “It is something we have heard on a new company, Risse Brothers. about since we were little and Hockaday-specific uniform items have been looking forward to for are expected to arrive in February so long,” Rutledge said. “Even the 2025. thought of possibly missing out As Hockaday makes its on the tradition or the white transition to its next uniform blazer is unsettling.” supplier, there are no expected Rutledge has been a Hockaday changes to the general feel of student for 11 years and has many the blazers. memories tied to her uniform, a “[The blazers] are a very custom familiar part of her everyday life piece, having a white blazer with at the school. From the first day a green trim is not very common,” she wore it to her future last day, Rhodus said. “We have a lot of the uniform has been a constant specialty items which makes us a through her academic journey and very unique client, and we are not experiences that have shaped her making any changes to move to a time at Hockaday. different fabric.”

“One of my favorite memories As the school navigates this was when I tried it on when I first transition, both students and came to Hockaday,” Rutledge said. parents are hopeful that the tradi“In Lower School, we wear the tion of the Hockaday uniform will jumper over the blouse, and I wore continue to serve as a symbol of the blouse over the jumper unity and pride for years to come. because I did not know how to With a new supplier on the horizon, wear it correctly.” the future of the beloved white Rutledge mentioned how, blazers remains secure, and the though she values the traditions Class of 2026 is eager to embrace that come with uniform, she would the tradition that has been part of appreciate seeing one change Hockaday’s history for generations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDAN LACSAMANA & MISCHA RUTLEDGE

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December 9 2024

Going for gold

Students earn Girl Scout awards

By Haniya Khowaja and Sara Vijay Staff Writers

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his year, a Hockaday senior Aynalie Charron received her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award given to scouts. The Gold Award requires students to find a way to impact their community and solve a bigger problem. Additionally, two other seniors (Kendall Young and Elle Myers) are working towards this achievement.

HockaCares promotes mental health in athletics: Senior Aynalie Charron, a Girl Scout for 10 years, received her Gold Award this year.

During Charron's freshman year, she read many news stories about collegiate athletes committing suicide.

“This hit really hit deeply for me, because it was something that I was wanting to do in the future,” Charron said “And all these people I look up to are having these issues.”

Charron said the process of earning the award is different for everyone.

“Mine took a lot of brainstorming and figuring out what I wanted to do,” Charron said.

“I think the main thing was finding a team.”

Charron contacted former Head of Athletics Deb Surgi and current Head of Athletics Jennifer Johnson to explore what Hockaday was doing for athletes' mental health. It was then that she learned about the Sports

Psychology consultants, which sparked her idea for HockaCares.

“HockaCares acts as a bridge between the sports psychology consultants and athletic teams to increase sports performance through workshops,” Charron said.

Young works on a remodel with Rays of Light: Senior Kendal Young is working with Rays of Light, a non-profit organization that provides overnight daycare for kids with special needs. She is reorganizing and painting an old computer lab for the organization to use.

Young got her project approved during the summer and has just finished painting the room. Her next step is organizing the lab to accommodate the children.

“I would bring snacks and a speaker, and we would listen to podcasts and just paint,” Young said. “It was fun.”

Myers works to make healthier foods: Senior Elle Myers centered her topic around healthy eating.

“I always go to Chicago for Thanksgiving,” Myers said. “During that time, we would make pound cake, sweet potato pie , collard greens: staples of the black community. It would have around five sticks of butter in a single-pound cake and about three cups of sugar.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF AYNALIE CHARRON

Senior Aynalie Charron receives her award.

Myers is making presentations and is working with a nutritionist to build her project. She said she learned many valuable life skills through the process of earning her award.

“Getting over public speaking and having to answer difficult questions is a valuable life skill,” she said. “I don't think I would have gotten it if I hadn’t worked on my Girl Scout award.”

Seeds of change

The new Environmental Board shares their goals

By Amitha Nair Jade Editor

A new board emerges, different from the others. Not relating to activities or relations, but to the environment.

The newly established Environmental Board is laying the groundwork for a continuous and stable method of student-led change. This board is dedicated to addressing environmental issues, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

“The board was created to address some sustainability and environmental concerns that students had witnessed in the community and on campus,” Environmental Board Sponsor Jessie Crowley said.

Although there have been different forms of environmental efforts at Hockaday, such as clubs and even classes, it seems that many have not been a continuous presence.

“Sometimes environmentally friendly clubs start to address these concerns but a lot of times people graduate, and the club goes by the wayside,” Crowley said. “So, we thought this would be more intentional, more stable and a way for year to year to always have someone on the board.”

Because this board is new, specific member roles have not been implemented.

Each member is able to contribute across the spectrum of involvement from brainstorming potential projects to making surveys and writing mission statements.

“We’re still in the process of setting up the board’s foundation,” junior board member Kristy Chen said. “In the future, we are thinking of organizing ourselves by specific niches concerning the environment.”

The board is considering competitions and posting information in the hallways as a way to increase student awareness of environmental matters.

“In the future, we are hoping to host schoolwide competitions to pique students’ interests in environmental issues,” Chen said. “We are also working on a bulletin board to keep the community up to date on any upcoming plans.”

In addition to trying to increase awareness, its members are considering classroom implementation to help with waste management.

“We are looking to bring back recycling practices in our classrooms and other ways

to reuse excess paper from classrooms,” junior board member Tanvi Joshi said.

Apart from these front-end work ideas, the board is attempting to execute strategies to lower the school’s environmental impact.

"Right now, we are trying to work with administration to figure out some statistics about sustainability, like how much energy we use, how much water we use and how much our food waste is,” senior board member Naviya Reddy said. “We are going to try and make changes to depleted some of those by the end of the year.”

The primary goal of the environmental board is to solve environmental issues that the student body notices.

“Another goal for us is to spread awareness about environmental issues and show the student body that there is a way to solve this and that we don’t just have to sit complacently and watch the world burn,” Joshi said.

GRAPHIC BY AMITHA NAIR

04 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

ARTS &LIFE

Hear about the House?

Techno beats make a comeback

By Larkin Clouston Arts & Life Editor

Goulding, SZA and Sam Smith.

With newer artists like John Summit, FISHER and Dom Dolla, House music has expanded to international audiences as well.

“I love to listen to Dom Dolla’s song ‘Define’ because its upbeat and puts me in a good mood,” senior Sofia de la Peña said.

Today, House music includes all different genres of music including techno, electronic, dance, hip-hop and more. Some people describe House as not just a genre of music, but even as a way of life.

Dom Dolla's concert “House music is perfect for every occasion and brings people together for their love of electronic sound,” senior Emmy Roberts said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY SUTHERLAND

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hether it’s “Summer” by Many Daisies also love working out to house Calvin Harris or “Doses and music because of the electric sound and rhythm Mimosas” by Cherub, you’ve that makes it easy to get your body moving. listened to some form of “House music is so upbeat,” sophomore house music recently. Beginning in Chicago’s Schuyler Long said. “It is the best music to work underground gay clubs in the 1980s, deejays out to.” and music House music PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX BLUE BARON producers quickly became began mixing popular techno beats to because of the regular songs community it which created builds. This house music. unique genre More of music brings technically, people together house music is with beats that characterized by force people to the 120 beats per have fun. minute structure, “If the known as the rowing team is four by four. The in the Fitness term “House Center, there music” comes will be house from the easy music playing time structure because it gets which made everyone hype,” DJ Steve Aioki's plays EDM music at his concert. it possible for deejays to mix tracks at home sophomore Jameson Dondero said. instead of in expensive studios.

Since the early 2010s, musicians like Calvin At Hockaday, whether in the fitness center or Harris and David Guetta further popularized in the hallways, Daisies are listening to House house music by mixing techno beats to hit music every day. songs like “Feel So Close” and “Titanium.”

“House music always lightens the mood of These artists helped expand House music any environment," junior Evelyn Yau said. "It to mainstream listeners by collaborating makes everyone jump and dance around." with acclaimed artists like Rihanna, Sia, Ellie

Larkin's house music playlist

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05

December 9 2024

2024 Fourcast Wrapped Upper School's favorite 2024 Fourcast articles

By Melinda Hu and Sophie Cho Arts & Life Editor and Staff Writer

Top Centerspread

Top News Article

4 2 0 2 October - Brainrot.

9%

May - Boarding through the years

18%

57%

4%

12%

February - Fragments of beauty

September - The price of fast fashion

October: "Daisy-Decide?"

By Anderson Rhodus and Sophia Salem

April - Navigating the digital world

Top Features Article

September: Studying in style

By Lang Cooper

Top Arts & Life Article September: The "Brat" staff

By Juliette Friguletto and Aneeka Tansen

Top Opinions Article

Most Popular Writer 1.

Lang Cooper

September: Schedule switch speculation Staff Editorial

Top Sports Article

May: The Hocka-Hall of Fame

By Elizabeth Truelove

06 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

ARTS &LIFE

Selling monsters

Do true crime documentaries stretch the truth to capture audiences?

By Sophia Salem Staff Writer

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rue crime has always captivated audiences worldwide, but at what point do these shows blur the line between humans and monsters?

Over recent years interest in true crime documentaries has increased with shows like “Dahmer” and “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” at the top of watch lists. The Menendez Netflix series portrays two brothers, labelled as “monsters,” whose traumatic childhood pushed them to murder their parents.

While the show sheds light on a case that hasn’t been in the

public eye for more than 30 years, critics have said it is riddled with inaccuracies and exaggerations to appeal to its wide audience.

The day of the show’s premiere, Erik Menendez released a statement through his wife Tammi Menendez’s X account slamming the show’s misleading portrayal of the relationship between him and his brother, Lyle Menendez.

Throughout its nine episodes, the show depicted the brothers as having a sexual relationship, which they denied and was deemed unlikely by experts.

“It is sad for me to know that Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward,” Erik Menendez said in his statement. “Back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma different than women.”

This interpretation only reflects the lengths shows’ creators go to draw in an audience. The show

“Dahmer” included the false claim that the killer stole and drank bags of blood when he worked as a phlebotomist at the Milwaukee Blood Plasma Center.

Millions of people rely on these producers to only give truth in true crime documentaries, taking everything on the screen as real.

But with this responsibility, many producers still invoke creative liberties in the story, altering history and eventually damaging the real people involved in the case. Not only does this harm the watchers but it also damages the reputation of other documentary producers who tell only confirmed truths in their films.

But even though these shows leave viewers with a slightly warped sense of the characters’ real lives, they can also draw attention to them in ways that sometimes are beneficial.

I’m sure many of us have heard of the Menendez brothers because of the Netflix show; even celebrities have, like Kim Kardashian, who spoke on the case.

“The trial and punishment these

brothers received were more befitting a serial killer than two individuals who endured years of sexual abuse by the very people they loved and trusted,” Kardashian said on her Instagram. “I don’t believe that spending their entire natural lives incarcerated was the right punishment for this complex case.”

And now, after the resurgence of popularity surrounding their case, it’s possible that the brothers will be released soon.

Because even though the show unfairly portrayed the two in terrible ways that perpetuate harmful myths, it might eventually be the reason the Menendez brothers become free men again.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Behind the curtain

The crew brings the musical characters to life

By Emilie Illum Staff Writer

Every spring, backstage at the Hockaday theater, actors bustling are everywhere; someone’s shoes no longer fit, a skirt needs to be pinned, a vital prop is nowhere to be seen.

The spring musical is a longstanding Hockaday tradition which has been running for decades. Hard work and preparation pour into it each year, a big part being the costumes. Stunning and showstopping, the costumes would not be possible without the efforts of the costume crew.

When musical preparations begin, the costume crew helps bring the characters to life. Led primarily by senior Kendal Young in her fourth year

Kendal Young '25 of costume crew, she works with Mrs. Elizabeth Helfrich, a Hockaday alumnae, parent, and graphic designer, and veteran of many Hockaday productions.

This will be their third year of working

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENDAL YOUNG together, and they each have their respective roles.

“Theater’s about telling a story, and my job is about understanding the vision of each character and to help them come to life,” Helfrich said.

Helfrich focuses on the vision for the production’s costumes. She works with the director and each actor to understand the character and storyline. Young is available to help the actors get their ideas across.

“The actors know me better,” Young said, “If they have a request, I can typically serve as the bridge between what the actors want and what Mrs. Helfrich and the director need.”

Once the vision is set, Young and Helfrich assemble the student volunteer crew and begin constructing the costumes.

“We do fittings where we take measurements and figure out what the actor wants,” Young said. “We take costumes from Hockaday’s closet for the ensemble, and then for the main characters, we’ll often have several different outfits that we’ll have them try on. Whatever we don’t have, we order, or Mrs. Helfrich will sew the costume herself with special adjustments.”

Young oversees this part of the process, giving the student crew as much autonomy and creativity as possible.

Cast of the musical Six celebrating after their show.

“In Upper School, we try to get the students to do as much as possible,” Helfrich said, “I only help out in this process for the more complicated alterations.”

However, Young does more than oversee costume-making.

“There are two sides,” Young said, “One side is working with the members, delegating tasks, time management, and dealing with the casts’ quick changes, hair, and makeup. The other side is more creative; actually, making or sourcing the clothes.”

With all these tasks at hand, it seems overwhelming. However, Helfrich said that it isn’t as stressful as it appears.

“We have a great crew,” Helfrich said. “Of course, there’s always last-minute things that can be kind of crazy.”

During “Six” last year, the costume crew handled a last-minute costume change related to technology.

“At the very last minute, we were doing things to change how the microphones were held on the costumes,” Helfrich said. “However, we got it done.”

Ultimately, being a part of the costume crew is to love the process and art of making the costumes and characters come to life.

“Even though it can be stressful,” Yound said, “I seem to thrive in it which is why I love it so much.”

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December 9, 2024

Beyond the basics: gift suggestions Hockaday community suggest special presents for holiday season

By Jenny Chu Staff Writer

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very holiday season, one thing incites joy and stress like never before: gifts. What do you give someone who seemingly has everything? What do you give an acquaintance? We’ve got you covered, because vanilla candles are so last Christmas.

Claire Cothren, Upper School English Teacher explained her philosophy about what makes a good gift.

“I like to give things that I know the recipient will be so excited about, regardless of whether it involves their interests or will make them laugh,” Cothren said. “I also make sure my gifts reflect a little bit of me as well.”

Fitting her English teacher persona, Cothren’s suggestion for anyone pressed for gifts is a book.

“I try to get books that fit my recipient’s favorites or ones that are climbing up the charts,” Cothren said.

To spice up an unassuming gift, Cothren suggests adding candy or printed jokes.

“Candy is a great way to add a sweet treat to a gift,” Cothren said. “Any handwritten message would be awesome, but jokes are the most fun!”

As Cothren shops for her Secret Senior Pal (SSP), she shared her experience of buying something for someone unknown and planning ahead.

“Even before I got my SSP, I started shopping online for her,” Cothren said. “We get their wish list and interests, so I combined her indicated things with some seasonal items.” Freshman Alexa Chavez-Ayala shares Cothren’s dedication to giving with care but differs in her gift suggestion, which is skincare or makeup products.

“I usually get them something I like and know is good quality, but if we are closer I’ll get them something they’ve been wanting,” Chavez-Ayala said. “I would get a Charlotte Tilbury blush or a bubble moisturizer or a Benetint,” ChavezAyala said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE TILBURY

In Cothren and Chavez-Ayala’s opinions, the hardest demographic to buy gifts for aren’t distant cousins or grandparents, but one half of the population: guys! “Men are just harder to buy gifts for,” Cothren said. Chavez-Ayala agreed, adding that without shared experiences and interests, buying gifts becomes much harder.

It’s way easier to shop for girls my age, because I know exactly what a teenage girl just like me would want,” Chavez-Ayala said. However, both Chavez-Ayala and Cothren handwrite cards for those who mean the most.

“For my close friends and family, I really put a lot of effort to customize and add personal meaning to my cards,” Chavez-Ayala said.

Cothren even handmakes her cards sometimes.

“I love writing messages on all my cards, but I’ll occasionally craft the entire card,” Cothren said. “I recently made one for Ms. Fisher [another Hockaday English teacher], where I photoshopped her face onto Molly Shannon, whom she loves.”

Although Cothren enjoys giving and receiving gifts, her favorite gift of all is time spent together.

“My love language is quality time, so what truly makes me happiest is getting to spend time together with people I love,” Cothren said.

Now that you’ve heard from a Hockaday student and teacher, it’s now time to add my favorites, as well as give some general tips. My most common gifts are Lego flowers or a simple plush animal (usually their favorite). You’d be surprised by how many people of all genders and ages appreciate this; the flowers not only look nice but also give them something to do when bored. Also, everyone likes plushies. Win-win.

As Cothren and Chavez-Ayala mentioned, if I know the person well, I try to customize their gifts, as well as buying them things I know they’ve been wanting for ages. Even if it’s a corporate environment, I’m sure people still mention things they like.

If it’s a faraway family member, jewelry or a nice watch both work wonders. For me personally, as my extended family doesn’t live near me, family jewelry is one of the things that tie us together. For smaller add-ons, I always add handwritten cards and oftentimes keychains or stickers to my gifts. If you’re truly at a loss, toss in a gift card too.

Consider your relationship when budgeting for gifts. You also shouldn’t be dropping more than $20-30 on a gift for a stranger or acquaintance, such as during advisory Secret Santa. (Thankfully, most advisories do impose upper limits on the amount people should spend on their Secret Santas.) Thoughtful gift-giving doesn’t have to cost a lot. Some other gift ideas for guys: customized socks, hats, custom blankets, ties (my friend’s advisory once gave their advisor a tie with their faces stamped on it), a small puzzle game like Kanoodle and baked goods (I recommend cookies). In the words of Dr. Stephen Balog, Hockaday physics teacher: “For guys, food is always a winner.”

Ultimately, all the quirky gift suggestions in the world shouldn’t override what the person themselves wants. If you have a wish list, share that. If you don’t, hopefully the suggestions provided in this article will help you.

Either way, your efforts will surely be appreciated during this trying time of year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

08 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

FEATURES

The heart of the bookstore

Williams manages supplies, spirits and smiles every day

By Siena Ebert Staff Writer

H

andling up to 300 transactions daily, the Hockaday bookstore is one of the busiest and most welcoming spaces on campus. Behind its smooth operation is Dara Williams, the Bookstore Manager, who ensures it’s fully stocked and ready to meet the needs of students, parents and faculty.

Williams’ work starts long before students arrive on campus, as she spends her summers meticulously planning inventory and coordinating with vendors to ensure the bookstore is ready to serve the community from day one.

“In the summertime, I work with Hockaday’s reps for each of the companies like Nike, Under Armor and Champion,” Williams said. “I work with them to pick different logos and designs for the bookstore merchandise.”

During the school year, a large part of Williams’ role involves collaborating with the community to bring their creative visions to life. Whether that includes a club sweatshirt, sports team merchandise or senior apparel, Williams prioritizes listening to each request, working closely with students, parents and faculty to ensure the final product reflects their vision and school pride.

“A lot of parents, students or teachers will email me and say they need something,” Williams said. “I’ll take the time to sit down with them,

look through the tons of catalogs for different designs and help them talk through the process.”

For Williams, no two days are the same, blending routine and spontaneity. With snacks, school supplies and sweatshirts flying off the shelves, Williams juggles countless tasks to keep the bookstore running smoothly. She constantly restocks popular items, tracks orders and organizes new shipments to ensure students can always find their needs.

“Every day seems to be different, which I enjoy,” Williams said.

“Usually, a day in the life of the bookstore is focused on restocking, ensuring we have everything ready to go and ordering new stuff that we run out of.”

In addition to managing daily operations, Williams relies on the support of Hockaday parents, who volunteer at the bookstore, working alongside her to keep it running smoothly. She collaborates closely with parents, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued as part of the bookstore team.

“Ms. Dara is so passionate about her job and is always willing to lend a helping hand with the parents volunteering at the bookstore," Canan Ebert, a Hockaday parent who volunteers at the bookstore during the school year, said. “Although I’m sure her schedule is packed, she is always available whenever we need help.”

A look into luxury

The teamwork between Williams and the parent volunteers creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites students.

For Williams, having this network of supportive parents Williams restocks popular bookstore snacks makes the and a listening ear. job even more rewarding, as she “Anytime I’m having a bad day, builds relationships with both the I can always go talk to Ms. Dara volunteers and the students they whenever I want, and the bookserve. store feels like a really comforting “The parents are so helpful,” space,” junior Maddie Simmons, Williams said. “They allow me to who worked at the bookstore over get all my invoices and emails the summer, said. done while they’re in the bookstore For Williams, the students are ringing people up and restocking the heart of her job. Williams' the store.” favorite part about working in the Many students find Williams' bookstore is the constant stream friendly smile and open door a refof friendly faces she sees daily that uge from the day’s stresses. brighten her day just as much as “I always see students come in she brightens theirs. the bookstore and walk directly to “Even though every day is difMs. Dara’s office,” Ebert said. “And ferent, the best part of my day is without a doubt, they all leave smilalways when I get to see the girls ing and in a better mood than they who come in," William said. "It came in.” never fails to make my day a little Whether it’s a quick hello bebit better." tween classes or a more personal chat, students often stop by the PHOTO COURTESY OF bookstore to connect with Williams, SIENA EBERT who always provides a friendly face

Hockaday graduate works with designer brands

By Danya Risam-Chandi Managing Editor

Working in the luxury sector, Merritt Denton Russ ‘01 rose to the top of her field and is a trailblazer for women in executive corporate roles. She retired from her role as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) in July.

“I spent a lot of time in college understanding hospitality and studying luxury consumer goods, specifically the global wine and spirits market,” Russ said.

A graduate from the Florida State University, Russ received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Hospitality. She spent her career working with distributors and suppliers of French consumer brands.

“After school I worked for a consumer goods distribution company where we sold a number of LVMH products and that was where I started learning more about their company,” Russ said.

Later when working for LVMH

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY HUDSPETH directly, Russ was shocked by the gender gap and worked to create a more inclusive environment that emulated the values she learned during her time at Hockaday.

“It [LVMH] is a French company, so historically it's been a male dominated company,” Russ said. “In the last 10 years there's been a really concerted effort to incorporate more women into leadership roles.”

Moving from the Hockaday community as well as her college community to a male dominated space was challenging and Russ was surprised by the shift in dynamics.

“It was a very eye-opening experience to work in a setting with men of all different ages from different backgrounds,” she said. “It was intimidating as a 23 year old girl.”

Russ’s career has allowed her to create consumer experiences and craft compelling stories.

“What I loved about the intersection between sales and marketing in the luxury space was the opportunity to travel across the globe

where people are excited to experience these luxury brands in a really dynamic way,” Russ said.

As Russ continued working in the marketing sector, she came to appreciate her Hockaday education and Russ at the Daisy-to-Daisy event believes it helped questions, raise my hand and push prepare her to succeed in the corback when I saw things I didn’t porate world. agree with,” Russ said.

“It was easy for me to feel conRuss believes that Hockaday’s fident in my own decision making overall approach to learning imand not feel pressured by men or pacted her more than her individuolder people to make business al classes did. decisions that I didn’t agree with,” “The Hockaday education was Russ said. really less about the opportunities Reflecting on her Hockaday to study different subjects, and experience, Russ thinks the small more about the holistic expericlass sizes and hands-on environence of being with really assertive ment helped shape her attitude women in a small group setting,” towards work.

Russ said.

“The experience at Hockaday gave me the confidence to ask

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December 9 2024

From idea to paper

Juniors and seniors discuss their Junior Research Paper experiences

By Cece Johnson Opinions Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY HUDSPETH

E

very year juniors race to the library, spend weeks at Starbucks and stay up for all hours of the night as the semester comes to a close, all for the notorious Junior Research Paper (JRP).

Beginning in September, Form III begins sifting through hundreds of years of history, to find a niche topic to research and write more than 10 pages. It is a simultaneously draining and rewarding process, as it marks the first major research paper of their academic careers. This year, topics range from investigative journalism to prohibition and the mafia to the Cowboys' marketing tactics.

2025 Linda Hankinson Research Paper Award winners; not pictured Abby Woodberry '25.

In just a few short weeks, the paper will the writing made sense and was cohesive,” too,” Li said. “This was something personbe due, and juniors will be able to successGhorayeb said.

“The easiest part was probably al to me, which made the fully say that they have overcome the JRP. the research because I was interested in my process of writing it a lot However, since they’re not there yet, some topic.

Make sure you’re writing about somemore fun.” seniors have a few words of advice to help thing you’re interested in because it makes Though the JRP is Class of 2026 stay positive. the writing, and the stressful, Li still thinks Senior JRP award winners research go by a lot that students can make it a Laure Ghorayeb and Rayna Li Make sure you're writing about faster.

As long as positive experience. share their experiences. something you're interested in you’re having fun, “Have fun with it,” Li said.

“Mine was about families because is makes the writing and it will turnout well. ” “My topic was important to me as a tennis in sitcoms through the ages,” Li wrote her JRP player myself, so I loved it so much that it made Ghorayeb said. “Growing up I the research go by a lot faster." on how the Battle writing the 10 pages a lot easier and I didn’t watched a lot of sitcoms, and of the Sexes tennis dread it.” my parents always had Laure Ghorayeb '25 match between Billie If there is one thing juniors should take from them playing.”

Jean King and Bobby the advice, it’s to stay positive and embrace the Ghorayeb said the Riggs influenced fem- challenge of the JRP. most challenging porinism in America. tion of the process was figuring out the “Billie Jean King has always been one of mechanics of her writing. my biggest inspirations because I play tennis “The hardest part was making sure that all GRAPHICS COURTESY OF SIENA EBERT

“

Class of 2026 JRP Spotlights

Rabel McNutt is writing about the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH).

Q: What inspired this topic?

A: I have a nonprofit centered around the MOH regarding veterans. Our mission statement was to have a state funeral for the last MOH recipient from WWII, not just to honor him, but to honor all of the 16 million men and women who fought to save our country.

Q: Do you see yourself continuing to be involved with this topic in the future?

A: Yes, because I have always been involved and interested in the Medal of Honor and its importance for our nation.

Sadie Manaster is writing about the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Q: Why did you choose this topic?

A: I am Native American and have Cherokee history in my lineage, so it was a topic that I was passionate learning more and writing about.

Q: What has been the most interesting part of the research process thus far?

A: The most interesting part of my research process has been the enjoyment of building upon my prior knowledge of the topic to learn new information.

Lily Roberts is writing about pageants and their correlation with women’s rights.

Q: How are you currently researching?

A: I found a book that moves through the pageant history by decade, so it’s really interesting to see how pageants evolved.

Q: What is something surprising you learned about your topic?

A: I would definitely say the origins of the pageant. The pageant originated in Atlantic City and brought tourism to the city. It started as a "show" and developed into an organization that provides a platform for women to share talents, intelligence and dedication to service.

10 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Home Away F

An inside look at the role Semester Abroad Pro

By Anya Aggarwal, Jade Assis

Academic Transitions

Upper School Registrar Katy Lake plays a major role in s. lp Semester Abroad A s is e Sw ds hike in th n ie fr d logistics. Due to an Noack the mounting interest in semester abroad programs, Hockaday has instituted an internal application process aside from the application to the program itself.

“This year we started something new because we had so much interest,” Lake said. f Lila Noack o y es rt “Students first needed to apply u co Photo through Hockaday to be approved which included a written essay.”

Once selected, students conference with Lake and Head

Unique Classes New locations allow for programs to use the environment as a learning experience.

For senior Lila Noack, who attended Swiss Semester in 2022, the streams and mountains found in Switzerland offered her a chance to learn about scientific concepts through hands-on activities.

“One day out of the week you’d have a geology lab where you go out and hike to some place in the mountains, and you’d look at rocks to collect samples,” Noack said.

"One lab we did was in the river, and we were talking about water flow and water pressure.”

Along with using rocks and the river to cultivate her understanding of environmental science, she also learned about glaciers and the formation of mountain ranges.

Junior Chloe Oeschger attended the School Year Abroad (SYA) program in Rennes, France the fall semester in her sophomore year.

“We had all our classes except for Math and English in French so that made it different,” Oeschger said.

Aside from required classes, students also had the option to pursue two electives and other extracurricular activities outside the classroom.

“There were choices like Environmental Science, Politics and Art History, which counted towards my History of Arts and Music (HAM) requirement,” Oeschger said. “We also got to go on field trips to museums and sometimes I iceskated in the afternoons.”

With a rotating schedule of 45-minute classes and an open campus policy, Oeschger mentioned there was plenty of time to take buses around the city to various cafes.

“My favorite memory is when we took a bus to Bordeaux, and we stayed there for a week in a hotel,” Oeschger said.

of Upper School Lisa Culbertson to discuss how studying abroad would affect their academics and sports. Approved students are then supported in the application process through submission of transcripts, recommendation letters and contact with the terms abroad representatives.

“I think it’s a great way for students to show independence and maturity and the ability to go off into another country,” Lake said. "I mean that’s pretty amazing to do when you’re only 14 or 15 years old.”

Lake explained that coordinating a term abroad does take foresight and planning. Hockaday helps students plan out their class credits and corresponding graduation requirements.

“Usually, the semester away programs cover a lot of the same classes that Hockaday offers,” Lake said.

“However, most students do have to take Chemistry when they come back and then Biology in their senior year. This can sometimes

limit the amount of ‘fun’ semester classes students can take in their senior year.”

Many factors play into the criteria that Hockaday considers when approving students for Semester Abroad Programs. Students can study away during Forms II and III. “We take many factors into consideration such as academic performance, behavioral history, the program a student wants to attend, and the reasons for wanting to study away,” Lake said.

Each program has distinct niches that make it attractive to different students depending on their interests.

“For School Year Abroad, the big selling point is location (Spain, France, or Italy) and immersing oneself in the local language in culture.” Lake said. “For the School for Ethical and Global Leadership (SEGL) the draw is leadership development and international affairs.”

Photo cou rtes

y of Chloe

Oeschger

skates wit h

friends

Oeschger

11

November 19, 2024

From Home

ograms play in the development of students

stant Editor and Alina Zheng, Staff Writer

Noack poses in front

of mountain with frien ds

Community & New Friends Semester Abroad programs not only offer once in a lifetime experiences, but also opportunities to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds who make the experience that much more special.

Spending a year abroad, senior Angela Morales lived with a host family. They would go fishing and diving for squid and lobster in the northern part of France.

“The ocean was so salty that you didn’t have to salt anything you caught,” Morales said. “My favorite part was being able to pull mussels from rocks and eat them later. On vacation, we would always go fishing at their second home.”

Along with the memories Morales made with her host family, she continues to keep in contact with the friends she spent these adventures with.

“I’m in a group chat with all my friends, and we text now and then,” Morales said. “With one of my friends, we will just FaceTime random times of the day.

Even though she’s in New York, we still make time for each other.”

Noack said it was the differences that made the relationships special.

“Everyone was from all over the country, so I found myself becoming friends with people who I never normally would become friends with,” Noack said.

Determined to keep each other updated, Swiss Semester students have created an Instagram account, where Swiss alumnae can post college acceptances and other life updates.

“Anytime people come to town, I always make sure I go out of my way to see them,” Noack said.

Keeping in Touch

Photo courtesy of Lila No ack

Photo courtes Located more than 5,000 miles for families to make. y of Am elie Fis away from home, students at Swiss “We felt confident that Kathryn her would have a great experience, so we Semester kept in touch with their family through phones. Flip phones. tried to focus on the positive,” Jessica “They’d have a box of 10 phones Epperson, mother of junior Kathryn Epperson, said. “And, the fall semesthat people could use to call their parents,” Noack said. “It was kind of ter goes by very quickly.”

Kathryn’s family keeps in touch crazy. You got an hour or so to talk with her and receives updates about to them. You basically had to get her experience in Zaragoza, Spain in line.” using What’s App. Freshman Amelie Fisher, sister Although this transition can seem of sophomore Anna Fisher who is daunting, Mrs. Epperson believes currently attending the Swiss Semester Program, uses TouchNote to that Kathryn’s experience abroad keep her sister updated from home. will allow her to develop skills she may find beneficial in the future.

The app allows Amelie and her “Participation in SYA has provided family to create letters digitally in the U.S. and prints them in Europe. a great opportunity for Kathryn to focus on her Spanish fluency and “You can make your own card cultural literacy,” Mrs. Epperson and send photos,” Amelie said. “It Anna F isher lo has a back where you can write on said. “As Kathryn is interested in oks ove r moun it, and it also sends quicker in about international opportunities in the tains in Switzer future, I believe these improved lanfive days.” land in a helico pter Sending students away for such guage skills will be a great asset.” a long time can be a tough decision

12

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

FEATURES

Lummus enlightens students

Seniors learn about the modern Middle East in semester history course

By Emily McLeroy Sports Editor

S

tudying the history of the Middle East from the 1800s to the present day, the Modern Middle East class aims to teach students about the region, including history and politics, so they can achieve a deeper understanding of how the Middle East has evolved.

Created in 2022, it is a semester class offered only to seniors taught

by Wesley Lummus, Upper School History teacher, who established the class.

“The Middle East is my academic

Larkin Clouston gives a presentation.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLE MYERS

specialty, so I like teaching about it,” Lummus said. “I also think it is important to learn about this part of the world because it is not taught about as much.”

Senior Liz Steger has enjoyed her experience so far, largely due to the new perspective taught in lessons.

“I decided to take this class because we do not learn a lot about the Middle East in other history classes,” Steger said.

“I took World History and U.S. History but neither of those really have any focus on the Middle East, so everything we have learned so far has been brand new, which is fun.”

Steger wants to use the new knowledge she is gaining during this class to be more well-informed.

“I hope to get a better understanding of geopolitics and foreign affairs from this class,” Steger said.

To give students a wide

range of information about the Middle East, the class doesn’t specifically focus on one period; instead, it focuses on vastly different topics.

“It looks at politics in the Middle East and how the countries of the Middle East came to be, starting with the fall of the Ottoman Empire,” Lummus said. “Then, it looks Lummus teaches his class about Syria. at European imperialism and how they divided the borders discussions and a variety of mediaand created new states, and how based works. those new states influence the “There’s a lot more personal Middle East today.” responsibility in the class, and Steger’s favorite unit was sometimes the students work at learning about the earlier history of their own pace, which they seem to the Middle East. enjoy,” Lummus said.

“I think one of the most Lummus hopes the students interesting things we learned will use what they learn in the about was the first two civil wars Modern Middle East class to better in Islam, because it still really understand current events. impacts foreign relations between “I hope the main takeaway is that different countries today,” students can look at the news with Steger said. a historical perspective,” Lummus When structuring the class, said. “I hope that they can be Lummus decided to simulate comfortable with concepts in the a college undergraduate class, news and understand exactly what which includes writing exercises, they mean.”

Pursuing your purpose

Social Impact Board spreads love during the holidays

By Ai-Vy Ho Staff Writer

Throughout the year, members of the Social Impact Board gather around to film short videos raising awareness for and encouraging students to participate in school drives.

“I would say that the goal of Hockaday’s Social Impact Board is to get our student body involved in service in a way that’s personally meaningful to them, so they can contribute to the community,” senior Board Assistant Chair Jordan Lacsamana said.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach, SIB encourages students to use empathy to

Social Impact Board members bag candy.

find a way for others to have a memorable holiday experience.

“I feel like it’s always important to give back but especially during the holiday season when everyone’s surrounded by their loved ones and giving each other gifts,” sophomore Board member Julianne Myhre said. “It’s also important to acknowledge how others might not be feeling as happy or joyful as you are, so I feel like we need to spread that.”

Specifically, SIB has coordinated the Coat Drive and Candy Drive this year to collect donations for Hockaday’s partner organizations.

“In Dallas, students can’t go outside at recess if they don’t have a jacket on when it gets below a certain temperature, usually somewhere between 50 and 60 degrees,” CoSponsor Laura Laywell said.

“The schools that we partner

with for tutoring reach out and let us know how many coats they need in their care closet so the students can still enjoy recess and playtime at the school.”

As winter grows nearer, the Board will host the annual Gift Drive to collect presents for kids in different families and participate in their Scottish Rite Christmas tradition.

“We’ll decorate ornaments and make different decorations for the tree,” Lacsamana said. “Then, we’ll go to the hospital and hang them up on the tree so the kids can go enjoy them, and it helps make the seasons more festive especially because being in the hospital at this time of year can be gloomy.”

When it comes to volunteering over the holidays, the Board

recommends that students determine their sense of purpose when considering the many different opportunities.

“I would say the most impactful [way to volunteer] would be volunteering with an organization or cause that you truly care about, because that’s connecting to your sense of purpose,” Laywell said. “Also always asking what you can do to be helpful to community partners helps build empathy."

PHOTO AND GRAPHIC COURTESY OF AI-VY HO

13

December 9 2024

Fall for dance

Hockadance performs first show of the year for Upper School

By Mary Bradley Sutherland Photo Editor

T

he Upper School gathered in the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Theater to watch the “Fall for Dance” 2024 performance. The event showcased months of hard work from each of the four HockaDance classes: Dance Theater, Dance Lab, Workshop I and Workshop II. It featured a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, modern, lyrical and classical ballet, choreographed by dance

Sophomore dancers prance offstage.

instructor Alex Farrior ’03 and others.

The opening showcased “Vortex,” choreographed by Farrior and guest choreographer Amy Marshall.

“My favorite piece from the show is Vortex because I love the modern choreography and unique movements,” sophomore Betty Liu said. “This year was the first time I did modern dance, and I enjoyed having this experience.”

Junior Anna Claughton, who has danced

since her freshman year, also participated in classmate Ellie Nerenberg for the dance she “Vortex” as one of her four dances. choreographed to “Haunted” by Beyonce," “HockaDance is very different from my Woodberry said. "It was spectacular, and dance studio outside of school because of I really loved it. I also really enjoyed the the type of styles we work with," Claughton costumes for these dances. It was very unique said. "In this show, we danced excerpts from a and so much fun to watch.” professional modern company. The highlight The “Haunted” dance was one of the four of the performance for me was getting onstage dances featuring student choreography. with my team and getting to show everyone Along with Nerenberg, seniors Emily Yu (“Pull what we’ve been working so hard on.” up the Ladder” for Dance Lab), Jane Taten For many of the performers, the (“One Love” for Hockaday Dance Theater) highlight was to witness their hard and Samantha Wu (“Love in the Dark” for work pay off and come together as a Hockaday Dance Theater) contributed to full show. choreographing the dances for their classes.

The costumes were handled by “We are very student-driven, as the year Liz Helfrich and Farrior, who planned goes on more students are confidently able to costumes for each dance. step up and choreograph their own pieces,” The lighting operator, Dakota Claughton said.

Meredith worked with lighting Upper School English teacher Sarah Blanton designer Landry Strickland to '14 said the show was one of the best dance strengthen the mood of each of the performance.

With the help of Fine Arts instructors Christie Sullivan ’95, Robert Kallos and technical adviser Jason Wagner, the crew behind the show worked tirelessly to pull the event together.

Junior Abby Snyder, in the Workshop I class, performed a modern dance to “This is an Apple,” choreographed by Farrior.

The majority of their class was new to modern dance and had to practice new skills over the past couple of months.

“We were able to pull a dance together and learn how to use techniques to perfect our newly learned type of dance,” Snyder said. “It was super fun once we got the new style of dance down and solidified it.”

Snyder also enjoyed the transition from practicing moves in class to trying on costumes and rehearsing on stage with the lighting and music.

“A month before the show we got costumes and about Sophomore Betty Liu finishes "Love in the Dark" two weeks before we started practicing on stage,” Snyder said. “Playing with the lighting is a performances she has seen. very fun part of the dance because “I was so impressed. All of the girls were once you have the costumes and phenomenal,” Blanton said. “I was especially the lighting down you can really impressed by dance lab because I think they see the whole vision of the dance really showed how strong the dance program come to life.” has gotten.”

The event also served as a As a teacher, Blanton enjoyed watching her great opportunity for students and students outside of the classroom. faculty to support the dancers.

“It is so special getting to see my students “I thought it was cool how shine in different ways with their different they were able to take so many strengths,” Blanton said. “It is especially fun to different levels of dancers and see girls whose personalities I have not gotten create such a pretty performance,” the chance to know, then watching them really freshman dancer Mia Frary said. blossom in a performance setting.”

Hockaday students experienced pride and admiration for their friends’ hard work while watching the dances.

Senior Abby Woodberry said PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARY SUTHERLAND she loved the modern elements of More photos of the performance can the show. be found on the FOURCAST website “I am so proud of my

(hockadayfourcast.org) and Instagram page (@hockadayfourcast).

Junior Anna Claughton leaps in the air.

14

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Super-hype Fan (Wo)men

The Super Fan Men and the Hypewomen foster athletic spirit

By Elle Myers Managing Editor

A

ll grades, from primer to Form IV, don Halloween attire and cheer H-O-C-KA-D-A-Y at the pep rally, but there are four men in the crowd wearing black “Go Lions” shirts standing next to the infamous Hockaday Hypewomen.

In attendance are the Super Fan Men of St. Mark’s School of Texas, who, like the Hockaday Hypewomen, run an Instagram account providing updates of sports teams, scores and, Super Fan Men at pep rally overall, encouraging school spirit.

While we all can see their respective knew I wanted to do that, too.”

Unlike Ackerman, Fleiss came Instagram accounts, there is only to St. Mark’s in ninth grade, and one question that remains: how said the Super Fan Men Instagram do the two entities, from different account was his first introduction to schools, work together?

Owen Ackerman and Teddy Fleiss, the school.

“I scrolled through all the posts, both seniors, represent half of the and it was just really amazing to see Super Fan Men quartet. After a tight how they supported everyone in the loss to ESD in seventh grade, Ackstudent body and motivated everyerman noticed the Super Fan Men one,” Fleiss said. kept spirits high when times were Like the Super Fan Men, Hockdown, which ultimately inspired him aday Hypewomen and seniors Zoe to apply.

Heintges and Jordan Lacsamana “I was inspired by guys like George Genender, who was loud and were also inspired by the Hypewomen that came before them. super positive,” Ackerman said. “He “I would say watching the past boosted the people's morale, and I

Just keep treading

seniors definitely inspired me,” Heintges said. “It was fun to see how they worked at different problems they faced or events that they attended.”

Likewise, Lacsamana has been an active team member for the last three years and is now captain of the cross-country team.

“I was on cross-country and the Hypewomen came to all our meets which was really nice,” Lacsamana said. “I got to be on the same team as them.”

For fall SPC games, the two groups collaborated and communicated through their shared group chat.

“We talked about SPC plans, how we can get the different teams to go to the different SPC games, and how we can encourage participation for that,” Heintges said.

This system helps both schools garner major attendance at games.

“We do our best to get Marksmen to go to Hockaday volleyball games, and they do a great job

getting theirs to come to our football games,” Ackerman said.

Last year, Hockaday hosted St. Mark’s soccer and basketball games, and the Super Fan Men hope to continue this tradition.

“I think last year, the spirit night in the winter was really fun,” Ackerman said. “I think that’s something that, years later when we have our gym, could be a fall thing as well.”

Both Super Fan Men and Hockaday Hypewomen hope to continue the cultivation of their collaboration.

“We hope that we can encourage even more attendance from both schools for all team sports throughout the year,” Heintges said. “We know that Hockaday students would go to more St. Mark’s events if more Marksmen would come to our events.”

Similar to Heintges, Ackerman believes in the future and the benefits of collaboration.

“We are one family in these things since we are not competing against one another,” Ackerman said. “To come together and support each other would be great for this year and years to come.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF OWEN ACKERMAN

Sophomore Shea LeRosen shares her love of water polo

By Lang Cooper Sports Editor

After two games, sophomore Shea LeRosen prepares for her third and final water polo game of the day. She treaded water for nearly two hours during the first two games and will do so again for the next game. Swimming to her position as center defender, LeRosen knows that her team is counting on her to keep the opposing team’s center forward, the player positioned nearest to the goal, from scoring.

LeRosen began playing water polo at the end of her seventhgrade year. When she moved from California to Texas and began school at Hockaday, a new friend learned that she was a swimmer and invited her to try water polo.

“When my friend invited me, I was sort of bored of swimming, and water polo sounded really great,” LeRosen said. “So, I went to the practice, loved it and the rest is history.”

Fully committing to the sport two years ago, LeRosen practices with Pegasus Aquatics six days a week, two hours a day. The team’s typical training session consists of warm-ups, including stretching, core work and endurance swimming, and then moves into shorter swimming sets, where players breathe as little

as possible, then do passing and shooting drills and finally drills focusing on daily goals. The team’s practices rotate between Southern Methodist University, Jesuit College Preparatory School and Highland Park High School.

“I expect for my athletes to come to practice prepared, ready to work, to be consistent and ready to learn,” Olympic Water Polo Silver Medalist and Pegasus Aquatics Coach Courtney Johnson said.

“Shea has a very healthy attitude of wanting to improve and learn to do skills right. She puts forth effort in everything she does.”

Because of the team’s small size, they sometimes practice with a Pegasus Aquatics boys team. Although the size and strength of the male players can be intimidating, LeRosen has found ways to use her skills to outsmart her opponents. Over the years, LeRosen has developed skills that translate outside of the pool as well.

“Through overcoming failures and celebrating successes, I have seen a large growth in Shea’s confidence,” Johnson said. “She has risen to many challenges including playing against 18-year-olds at 15.”

At times, LeRosen said she tires of the conditioning required to keep herself above water for long practices and games, yet she has

learned great perseverance.

“At the end of the fourth quarter of the third game of the day, I feel on the brink of death in the best way,” LeRosen said. “I’ve learned how to keep pushing through LeRosen passes the ball. teammate Claire Morrison said. this feeling and “I really admire the way that she continue doing what I need to.” balances academics, water polo and LeRosen is also a three season everything else she does.”

Hockaday athlete in field hockey, LeRosen has a large impact on her swimming and softball and keeps team, both in the pool and out of it. up with demanding academics.

“Shea is such a light on the team.

“I’ve gotten really good at time She is an incredible team player and management and finding time to great communicator,” Morrison work during the day,” LeRosen said. said. “She provides such a strong “I know that since I don’t get home backbone for our team to expand until nine, I have to get most of my and accomplish the great things we homework done in the school day.” hope to do.”

Pegasus Aquatics competes LeRosen said she is grateful mostly in tournaments, particularly for the amazing coaches and in the spring season. The team teammates she has found in travels to Texas, California and her favorite sport and hopes to sometimes other states for continue playing water polo for as tournaments. The largest event long as possible.

LeRosen attends in the fall is the “Water polo takes the best parts Olympic Development Program in of swimming and combines it with Houston and Austin. a really fun sport to play,” LeRosen “Although water polo can said. “I always look forward to be demanding, Shea commits practice and feel happier after.” everything to water polo in that practice, moment or game,” PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEA LEROSEN

15

December 9 2024

Sports share skills

Athletes utilize the same skills in various sports

By Katie Ma Staff Writer

F

actors like balance, coordination, power and speed make a great athlete. Different sports emphasize various skills and utilize different strategies, but they all work together to make athletes well-rounded and more adaptable.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAYA BAKSHI

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA RAYMOND

Coach Stanfield When looking at similarities between sports, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Elia Stanfield believes it is important to look at the way the athletes move in their sport.

Ubiñas dribbles down the court.

Ubiñas steals the ball.

“Basketball and lacrosse go together,” At the beginning of a season, lifts focus In field hockey, she works on Stanfield said. “The movements the athletes on stabilization and strength, which are her swing. have to make, the dodges, and the way they the first step to getting into shape. After “I do think they complement each other have to handle a ball and keep it on the establishing a base level, athletes progress because when you work out, run and lift outside of their body away from a defender to hypertrophy, gaining muscle mass and weights, it helps for both sports,” Ubiñas are very similar.” strength prior to explosive movements. said. “A higher vertical helps for both though Field hockey and soccer also have plays For field hockey, softball, tennis and golf, it does complement basketball more.” that are alike. The spacing and strategy athletes work on additional rotation and Ubiñas’ favorite part of being a multiof the athletes on the field as well as the anti-rotation movements. sport athlete is being able to take a break energy systems used during play align “We want to make sure you’re strong from either sport. across sports. on your left and right sides. If you have “I don’t get sick of one sport,” Ubiñas “Obviously field hockey has different stick imbalances, injuries happen,” Stanfield said. said. "After repeating something over and skills compared to soccer, where you’re Stanfield believes that no matter how over, like basketball or field hockey, you’re using your feet,” Stanfield said. “Different many sports an athlete plays, the most like ‘okay, I need a break from this.’ And then, things come into play, but at the end of the important trait they possess is their mindset. you have another sport to play, so you have a day, athletes still need to have agility, be “Self-motivation, effort, hard work, coming good variety.” quick, explosive and strong.” in with a good attitude: that is what we want Peyton Johnson Although there are numerous athletes in here,” Stanfield said. “It comes from the top Junior Peyton Johnson has rowed and who play both field hockey and lacrosse, down. How the captains of teams come in is danced at Hockaday since her freshman year.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEYTON JOHNSON usually how the rest of the team comes in.”

“I’ve been dancing since I was a child, so

Johnson races down the course.

Stanfield believes that the two sports do not have much in common besides the use of sticks. The stick work itself is dissimilar as well.

“The way kids move on the field and the strategy of the game is completely different," Stanfield said. “I would say the only things that transfers are that you need to have hand-eye coordination and quick movements at your wrist.”

Despite the differences between each sport Hockaday offers, the majority of them share commonalities in their core lifts and lift progressions throughout the season.

“Almost every sport has core lifts, meaning big lifts like dead lifts, squats and bench press. This is how you gain strength rather quickly,” Stanfield said. “The assist lifts are more toward sport-specific training.

We do a lot of strengthening all around the hip and knee that can mitigate knee injuries, and we do a lot of ankle work.”

Johnson dances on stage.

Lucia Ubiñas Sophomore Lucia Ubiñas has played basketball since she was in first grade and field hockey since eighth grade.

“I love them both,” Ubiñas said. “My favorite used to be basketball, but field hockey has crept up on me.”

Outside of team practices, Ubiñas trains for basketball by practicing various shots in her driveway and honing her skills and passes. For field hockey, she practices her stick skills on a square block of turf.

“They definitely share hand-eye coordination and running and fitness,” Ubiñas said. “They are different though.

Field hockey is more long distance because you’re running the entire time and basketball is a consecutive series of sprint after sprint after sprint.”

Although Ubiñas shoots to score in both sports, the technique for each is different.

In basketball, she focuses on her wrist snap.

when I came into Upper School, I wanted to take dance as my fine art because I didn’t have time to take lessons outside of school anymore,” Johnson said. “It's a good way for me to continue that hobby, but rowing is definitely my main sport.”

In July, Johnson won the national title in the Under 17 Doubles event at the US Rowing Youth National Regatta. To stay in shape for rowing during the winter, Johnson ergs, runs and lifts with teammates. ”The grit that rowing takes is definitely different from the grit that I have for dance,” she said.

Despite being two very different sports, she believes that her dance experience helped her greatly at the beginning of her rowing career.

“In rowing, a big thing is balance and keeping the boat steady because you want to make sure your oars are getting in the water as much as possible,” Johnson said.

“The balance I gained from dancing really helped me in the beginning to focus more on the other technique aspects of rowing because I was already pretty balanced.”

Johnson loves the different people that she has met through her sports.

“The rowing team is such a tight knit group, because you see them every single day for every single practice,” she said. “But I have a different group of friends for dance who focus on different things. It's nice to have two separate groups.”

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THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Recovery remedies

Athletes use therapeutic techniques to achieve peak performance

By Mary Elise Estess and Elizabeth Farrell Staff Writers

S

plash! After a physically exhausting practice, senior cross-country athlete Jordan Lacsamana hops into a refreshing ice bath to alleviate her soreness and maintain her mobility.

If not an ice bath, she may utilize the Normatec compression boots or a “Game Ready,” a cold compression unit, to further recover from muscle pain and inflammation.

With the help of Head Athletic Trainer Madissen Davis, athletes have easy access to the proper sports recovery amenities that are a crucial part of their training.

“Sports recovery therapy consists of different types of treatment options or modalities that help decrease inflammation, decrease pain, help muscle recovery and help facilitate muscle turnover,” Davis said.

management or prehab,” Davis said. “If you're in season, I think it's definitely nice to visit the training room, and you don't need to have an injury to come in here.”

Upper School Chemistry and Sports Science teacher Jen Fore explained the science behind why athletes get sore and why active recovery is, in her opinion, the most useful form of sports recovery.

“You're breaking up muscle tissue and then it's kind of rebuilding itself depending on what kind of activity you're doing,” Fore said. “When you have an injury, you still want to Lacsamana racing at the SPC cross country meet recovery, it normally takes them a move that joint and move a greater part of every high-level while to recover.” those muscles. You athlete's regimen. Davis hopes Taking care of injuries the right don't want to just to integrate even more sports way is important and sets up literally rest.” recovery methods into Hockaday’s athletes to perform their best in In addition athletic training program in the future. the future. Lacsamana said she to active “There are a few modalities that likes using foam rollers and the recovery, cold we could definitely benefit from TheraGun for recovery. remedies such as having here “If I have access to cryotherapy are at Hockaday,” the Normatec boots, I very beneficial Knowing that like to use those as a Davis said. to athletes.

“For example, my legs are in a form of compression Sophomore cupping, tool relaxed state and because it helps Thandi Chisango, scraping release some of the varsity lacrosse and even a recovered state stress of my legs player, was maybe a new helps me mentally from daily practice,” introduced to modality like said. going into the race." Lacsamana cryotherapy an ultrasound, Lacsamana said during her last which heats Jordan Lacsamana ‘25 that she and the The ice bath in the training room lacrosse season the muscle, or a cross-country team and recommends laser machine, like to take ice baths it to any athlete which also helps heat the muscles.” the day before a meet. suffering from Laboris Bean, head cross “Once I get out of the ice bath, I inflammation, country coach, said the crossfeel very relieved,” Lacsamana said. tightness or pain. country team participates in “I think that the cold helps shock “They put you mandatory recovery sessions every my legs a little bit and relieves in a chamber, Friday during their season. some of the tension.” and the chamber “I speak to them quite According to Lacsamana, not gets really cold,” often about recovering after only does sports recovery have Chisango said. hard workouts by rolling out, amazing physical benefits but it “You start to 'Theragunning’, and make sure that also allows athletes to feel mentally shiver, but it kind they are communicating with me recovered and ready for activities. of rejuvenates about any injuries so we can get Lacsamana said recovery gives her your muscles.” ice if needed,” Bean said. a sense of comfort knowing that Chisango Sports recovery not only helps she is well recovered and ready for also said that athletes recover from injuries, but it whatever lies ahead.

The Game Ready machine in the training room her favorite also prevents athletes from getting “Knowing that your legs are in method of sports injured. Bean said that the athletes a relaxed state and a recovered Recovery methods range from a recovery therapy is foam rolling. that prioritize recovering perform state helps me mentally going into simple bag of ice which decreases “Foam rolling gets all the knots better and heal from injuries faster. the race,” Lacsamana said. inflammation to electrical out of my muscles and makes me “I see a huge difference in stimulation which treats things feel good without having to be athletes who don't participate more cellularly. in freezing cold temperatures,” in sports recovery,” Bean said.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF “I think it's beneficial to do Chisango said.

“The ones that do not normally ELIZABETH FARRELL AND treatment as a form of what Sports recovery therapy is recover have a lot more breakdown MARY ELISE ESTESS we would call maintenance advancing greatly and becoming moments, and when they are in

“

December 9 2024

opinions

17

Struggles with seniority Are seniors losing their seniority?

By Anika Shah and Shifa Irfan News Editor and Buisness Manager

G

oing off campus for lunch. Senior shirts.

Senior sunrise.

All traditions and privileges that underclassmen look forward to throughout their time in Upper School, waiting until it is their turn as seniors.

But in recent years, the attitude towards these traditions and privileges has shifted. These once-coveted privileges have become something seniors can no longer take for granted.

“I do think that seniors seemed to have more privileges when we were younger," senior Diya Cadambe said.

While some traditions and privileges have endured, others have disappeared or been restricted, such as Senior Haunted Halloween and painting senior parking spots, leading seniors to wonder if their “seniority” is in question.

From our perspective, these privileges represent more than just perks – they symbolize the freedom and respect that should come with the last year of high school. The slow erosion of them feels like losing what makes senior year special.

“I saw privileges as a way to give freedom to the seniors.

I feel like now there are more restrictions on what privileges are available to us,” Cadambe said. “That said, I’m still grateful for the ones we do have.”

But here’s the problem: those privileges are treated as rewards that can very easily be taken away. Rather than the rite of passage that we believed they were, they’ve become tools for control and a method for collective punishment, unfairly making us feel as though we’re walking on eggshells to avoid punishment for minor issues.

As a result, seniors are held to a much stricter, and possibly unfair, standard than their peers.

It's frustrating, especially because we’ve spent so many years looking forward to these traditions. Now, it seems that every year we watch them slip away just as we finally earn them. It makes us question whether senior privileges

are being recognized as they should be.

“The act of using these senior privileges as a bargaining chip takes away from the attractiveness of it. It makes it seem like they are a reward for good behavior rather than a recognition for reaching senior year,” Senior class of '92 shows off Halloween costumes Cadambe student safety and putting said. “Many of us are already adults so it seems only natural students at risk, that’s when we have to question it and take it to leave campus during our away or try to make it safer.” free time.”

One example of this is senior As seniors, we feel like Halloween. In past years, we’ve earned these privileges seniors have put on a haunted through the years of work, house for underclassmen in stress and growth it took Hicks, but the tradition was to reach this point. Yet, the stopped last year. gradual reduction in our “While the Halloween freedoms leaves us wondering tradition happened there were whether we’re truly being given a lot of problems with what it the space to enjoy our final was about and liability risks year. Traditions aren’t just fun occurred,” Innerarity said.

– they help us bond as a class “While it seemed like it was a and remind us of what it means fun tradition, the tradition had to be a part of this school several problems that needed community. Without them, to be addressed, and it wasn’t senior year feels incomplete. executed by the senior class as It's not just about losing best as possible.” the painted parking spots or Other traditions, such as haunted houses – it’s about letting seniors paint their losing the sense of recognition parking spots, were stopped and responsibility that should after the cost turned out to be come with being a senior. We too great. However, as a result, deserve to enjoy these final the seniors got the senior moments, not feel like we’re commons, a space dedicated constantly fighting to keep the just to them. privileges we’ve waited for.

“My second year here is when According to Jordan y’all got the Senior Commons,” Innerarity, interim senior class Innerarity said. “That is when dean, senior privileges and seniors used to be able to paint traditions are given or taken the parking lot with whatever away based on a variety they wanted to, and that got of factors, such as student taken away because of how safety, behavior and the expensive it was. People were senior class’s choice.

“Student safety always comes using oil-based paints, and they were not coming up, so we would first,” Innerarity said. “When a have to repave the lot every year.” tradition is bucking up against

However, seniors currently have several traditions and privileges and have received them faster than in previous years.

“This class has gotten them earlier than classes from when I first started,” Innerarity said. “Most of the senior privileges besides parking used to usually happen in late spring” According to Innerarity, gaining senior privileges is based on trust and whether the administration believes that the seniors will abide by the rules.

“It’s a huge risk and liability for us to let y’all go off campus for lunch and other times, so it’s demonstrating that we can trust the seniors to do that and abide by the rules,” Innerarity said.

Each senior class is also able to produce their own traditions and privileges and pitch them to administration, which allows them to form their own identity as a class.

“I think the cool part of how we do privileges now is your student reps ask and petition for what they want,” Innerarity said.

“It’s kind of open to every senior class to ask for what privileges they want.”

In the past, some traditions have looked different, but others have stayed the same.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HOCKADAY ARCHIVES

18 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

It's great to be grateful!

By Leyah Philip Opinions Editor

I

love Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t enjoy a day dedicated to being grateful and stuffing your face with food? While some may overlook this holiday and skip straight to decking the halls once it hits Nov. 1, I am an avid “Turkey Day” lover.

Picture a crisp autumn morning and the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the air. It’s finally sweater weather, and nothing is more autumnal than binging every iconic Thanksgiving episode of “Gossip Girl,” “Friends” or “Gilmore Girls.”

On Thanksgiving morning, one of my favorite traditions is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watching inflatable turkeys and cartoon characters float through the skies of New York City is one of the ways to get cozy while you’re bundled up on the couch.

After the parade is something perfect for dog lovers: the National Dog Show, where I pretend to be a certified expert on which dog will win (I pick whichever one’s cutest).

This is a great way for friends and family to spend time together.

Plus, Thanksgiving is a riveting day for football fanatics. Families gather by the television to watch our very own (albeit struggling this season) Dallas Cowboys play in the Thanksgiving game, so

everyone has something to entertain themselves with.

Now, for those who aren’t as intrigued by the miscellaneous Thanksgiving Day programming, there’s always food! Thanksgiving is perfect for even the pickiest eaters because there’s a dish for everyone.

From stuffing and sweet potato casserole to the turkey, everyone at the table is guaranteed to find something they love.

And, of course, Friendsgiving is also a great way to spend the holiday. Nothing screams gratitude more than seeing the odd combination of foods your friends have gathered for the potluck and still having a great time, even if more than half of them ended up bringing dessert.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to de-stress and take a break from the bustle of life.

Halloween brings the chaos of finding a perfect costume, and shopping for holiday gifts is even more pressure. However, Thanksgiving is the one holiday that is all fun and no hassle. It’s a day to spend time with your friends and family and be thankful for a day off from school and an extra helping of food.

So, the next time you hear someone singing Christmas carols in November, remind them what they should be looking forward to: Thanksgiving!

PRO

STAFF STANDOFF Skippin' Thanksgivin' By Ånderson Rhodus Staff Writer

C

hristmas is one of the best holidays; there is no doubt about it, so why should we slow down the holiday spirit for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is just a transition from Halloween to the winter season. Each house features bright holiday lights accompanied by their rotten jack-o'-lanterns left on the doorstep from Halloween.

I mean, how does one even show their Thanksgiving spirit? In my opinion, they can’t, and here’s why: 1. The absence of Thanksgiving music and movies After Oct. 31, no one listens to any more songs with a “spooky” flare, so they move on straight to holiday music. If Thanksgiving truly is that significant of a holiday, then there should be music that accompanies the ‘grateful vibe’ that Thanksgiving is all about.

Similarly, there are very few movies about Thanksgiving. Unless, of course, we are discussing the history behind the holiday, there are no light-hearted, comedic, or even casual films centered around Thanksgiving.

2. TV commercials and stores Have you noticed that once the spooky season ends and November begins, TV commercials start highlighting holiday deals? I have, too.

If Thanksgiving was not just a bridge between Halloween and the winter season, then retailers

would be broadcasting Thanksgiving sales online. Thus, since the media treats Thanksgiving as a transitional holiday, we should not think any differently.

Likewise, stores such as Target and Home Depot begin to showcase their holiday decorations directly after Halloween. I even recall many times that I have gone to Target to purchase candy for Halloween, and nutcrackers and Elves on the Shelves are already being displayed.

3. TikTok’s romanticization of the holiday aesthetic One of the most popular apps used by teens, TikTok, also plays a huge role in holiday trends and spirit.

Holiday content featured on the app ranges from warm and cozy holiday hangout ideas and festive dances with holiday music to nostalgic and emotionally enticing videos about the holidays as a child.

Regarding TikTok trends, annually, on Nov. 1, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” begins the Christmas season with the “melting of the ice.”

4. Winter holidays provide enough family time Lastly, although Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and saying what we are grateful for, let’s not pretend that the holiday season doesn’t give us plenty of opportunities to celebrate with family.

Therefore, the underlying truth is that Thanksgiving is just a segue between Halloween and Christmas, some people just fail to recognize it.

CON

ELLE, NO! Part III: The inherent sexualization of “White Boy of the Month” Good morning, ladies, it’s that time of the month again! No, not that time of the month...It’s time to discuss the recent phenomena of “White Boy of the Month.”

For anyone who has been living under a rock the past year, "White Boy of the Month" is America’s favorite holiday where users of X or TikTok choose one lucky white boy to fawn over. This includes the making of numerous CapCut slow motion edits with the addition of trendy music in the background.

While I think some edits are cute and typical fan behavior, the entire essence of “White Boy of the Month" lies on the sexualization of these men.

After Netflix’s release of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” users of TikTok rushed to create edits of the main character Lyle Menendez, played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez. Social media users’ comments included “THIS EDIT IS SOO GOOD” to “my pants just disappeared.”

While I think the latter comment is an issue in and of itself, the bigger problem is that this behavior would clearly be perceived as controversial if the roles were reversed.

If men were commenting like this under edits of women, there would be public outcry saying that these actions are degrading. So, why doesn’t the same reaction occur when this happens to men?

I can admit that while the majority of the “White Boys of the Month” are attractive, I would never comment, “my pants just disappeared” on an edit of Miles Teller, Ross Lynch or any other “White Boy of the Month.” This occurs because there is a double standard of what men can say about women and what women can say about men.

While I don’t think this one article can change the tides of society, I urge readers to not comment things that you wouldn’t say in front of your mother or father.

FT

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December 9 2024

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.

Home for the holidays?

Celebrating holidays in a nondenominational school

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Elizabeth Truelove & Shreya Vijay

MANAGING EDITORS

Elle Myers & Danya Risam-Chandi

COPY EDITOR Alexa Muñoz

WEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jessica Boll & Anjy Fadairo

JADE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amitha Nair

ASSISTANT JADE EDITOR Anya Aggarwal

NEWS EDITORS

Audrey Liu & Anika Shah

ARTS & LIFE EDITORS

Larkin Clouston & Melinda Hu

FEATURES EDITORS

Sarah Moskowitz & Aadhya Yanamadala

SPORTS EDITORS

Lang Cooper & Emily McLeroy

OPINIONS EDITORS

Cece Johnson & Leyah Philip

PHOTO, GRAPHICS & CASTOFF EDITOR Mary Bradley Sutherland

BUSINESS MANAGER Shifa Irfan

STAFF WRITERS

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

FACULTY ADVISER Kristy Rodgers

EDITORIAL POLICY The Fourcast is written primarily for students of the Hockaday Upper School, its faculty and staff. The Fourcast has a press run of 500 and is printed by Midway Press.

It is distributed free of charge to the Hockaday community. The staff reserves the right to refuse any advertising which is deemed inappropriate for the Hockaday community. Opinions will be clearly marked and/or will appear in the views section. Commentaries are the expressed opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect that of The Fourcast staff, its adviser or any other member of the Hockaday community. The Staff Editorial on the Opinions page reflects the position of The Fourcast staff, but not necessarily the position Hockaday administration or community.

The Fourcast staff determines the content of each issue and strives to work as independently as possible in producing the student newspaper, but the content is subject to prior review by the Head of Upper School, the Communications Director and other members of the Hockaday leadership team. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome and should be addressed to the editors-in-chief. Only signed pieces will be published. Corrections and clarifications from previous issues will be found in the news section.

Questions or concerns should be addressed to Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Truelove (etruelove25@ hockaday.org) or Shreya Vijay (svijay25@hockaday.org).

he sound of Christmas carols floats from the kitchen as younger siblings tear decorative paper from the gifts beneath the tree. The bulb lights shining from your neighbors’ houses peek around the corner of your window.

It’s finally Christmas Day: the day to spend with family, to open presents, to go to church.

But there is one slight hiccup this year. You have school, and instead of rushing downstairs to open those carefully wrapped presents, you throw your books into your backpack, shout a hurried “Merry Christmas” to your family and rush out the door to get to school in time for your first period test.

As unrealistic as this sounds, for many students who celebrate holidays that fall on a school day, it is their reality. Although it is certainly impossible to allot a day off for each and every holiday, our point is not to propose a complete alteration of our calendar.

Rather, we would like to bring attention and understanding to the fact that many of our students must miss out on family traditions and holiday festivities due to school commitments.

So, what does it look like to have a significant holiday fall on a class day? Typically, it means choosing between catching up on school or being with family, or whether to fast knowing you have a musical dress rehearsal after school. It means scrambling to finish that last review problem before the test tomorrow while your family has already started lighting the candles or missing your game because you are exhausted from not eating all day.

There must be a way to help the students who constantly feel as though they must choose between school and their religion. And the first step is understanding.

If you have a friend who celebrates a holiday that you have not heard about, ask them

what this special day entails and their favorite memories from it.

It’s a little gesture, but significant.

It often feels as though no one sees how difficult it is to show up to school knowing we would be missing out on a once-a-year family occasion.

A day with an important exam might be even tougher for someone who had to beg her parents to skip services just this once, so she doesn’t fall behind. We need to be cognizant of our peers’ religious commitments and foster empathy

during times when they struggle to maintain focus at school.

Sometimes our friends are fasting, and it just so happens to be the day of the grade-wide pizza party. In this complicated situation where it feels as though you cannot say anything to make the situation right, just acknowledging the complexity and struggle they must be facing can go a long way. Just knowing that someone understands why you seem a bit testier today than usual can make the weight on one’s shoulders feel that much lighter.

We must also consider the decision-making and battles fought against oneself in choosing to take the day off to be with family or go to school. The choice is never easy because you know that you will be missing something important regardless of the route

you choose. You will get questions about missing school, and you will get questions about going to school. The questions often come from family and from peers, who may not see the pain of leaving family behind coupled with the stress that arises in having to make up schoolwork.

It can be isolating to feel as though nobody understands or sees the choices you must make or how zoning out in class might just be imagining what your family is doing without you.

Another crucial step in promoting acceptance and inclusion is the opportunity for students to share and learn about festivals and holidays during the school year. For example, for Diwali, there are often information tables about the holiday and its typical traditions. For Passover, there is often matzah available in the dining hall to accommodate for Jewish students observing Passover and to provide exposure to a new element of Judaism to students.

Thus, it is our job to try to reschedule that pizza party so we don’t have to exclude our friend, or to ask if it would be possible to record the lesson for that day. In trying times when our peers feel lonely and are grappling with the heavy question of religion versus school, just being aware and trying to ease the burden they are shouldering truly makes a deeper impact than one would imagine.

Even though it is not feasible to create a calendar in which days off fall on every day with a holiday, we as students, friends and teachers can do our part to check in with these peers to be empathetic and understanding during these difficult moments.

Some may not get to enjoy the picture-perfect Christmas Day experience, but with a bit of effort and care, we can bring a bit of that light and holiday spirit to school.

GRAPHIC BY EMILY MCSHANE

CASTOFF

December 9 2024

Moor from Hockaday Theater Co. A glimpse of Hockaday Theater Company's recent show

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

Q: What message do you hope the audience took away from "The Moors"?

A: What I hope people took away is that even when everything seems dark, there is always a way to find humor. This play may seem outrageous, but when you look at Q: What was your role in "The Q: How did you balance school work it, most people can relate to the characters in one way or another.

Moors," and what attracted you with rehearsals and practice?

A: Most of the time, rehearsals were to this character?

Pictured: Dylan George '25, Morgan in class, so there was not too much A: I played Huldey, and what Bowers '26, Callan Fox '26, Anne just tried to attracted me to her was the fact overlap. I my time as much as Marie Helfrich '26, Maddie Isaac that she is a little neurotic but prioritize If I was not in a scene '26 and Lauren Lockhart '27. View can always make people laugh. possible. more photos on our Instagram that was being rehearsed, (@hockadayfourcast). would work on Q: How much preparation did then I homework.

"The Moors" require as a theater company?

A: Quite a bit of preparation.

We rehearsed in class and outside of school during tech week. Also, each member of the cast has to take time on their own to memorize lines and build a relationship with their character.

On Nov. 15, the Hockaday Theater Company premiered their two-day performance of "The Moors." Junior Maddie Isaac, who played the role of Huldey, responded to some Q&A's for the Fourcast.

Q:What was your favorite moment during production?

PHOTOS BY MARY BRADLEY SUTHERLAND

A: Honestly, I don't know if I could pick an exact moment, but I would have to say when the show started to come together, that was great. When everyone is mostly off-book, it is really fun to just play around with our characters and try different things.

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