The Aquilian - December 2013 | Vol 76, No 3

The Aquilian December 2013 Volume 76, Number 3

Classrooms 2.0 By: Christian Forte ‘14 Production Editor Gonzaga is pages away from a paperless educational system. This is a result of the recent increase in availability of more affordable and advanced portable electronic devices. This year, Gonzaga is taking a number of small steps in order to test the viability of implementing technology in the class room.

There are a great number of potential benefits to this transition, but there are many possible problems as well.

Gonzaga is experimenting with the idea of allowing personal electronic devices in the classroom by launching one tech-heavy Classic Literature class taught by Mr. Sampugnaro. Every day, for the full class period, students in this course are permitted to use portable electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or e-readers. Phones are generally discouraged, but have

Video Games, p.

been used on occasion when they are needed. The goal is to open up the class to outside sources and materials or to “knock down the walls of the classroom” as Mr. Sampugnaro put it.

The use of these devices opens up the classroom to a wide range of new possibilities. Students taking notes on their personal computers are encouraged to use Evernote.

This is an application that allows each student to have their own account for taking notes. The primary benefit of this is that it allows for the sharing of notes at the click of a button between students as well as teachers. The connection to the internet on these devices allows for the teacher to reference outside sources, so the class is not limited to the materials present in the room. This also permits a student to look up the definition of a word or the Wikipedia

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Gonzaga’s Tech Future

Continued on page 3

Q: So what technological changes has Gonzaga made

this year?

A: We unveiled our robust WiFi network at the start of the year. The Network Operations Center guys have done a tremendous job getting that up and running. Other than that, we are merely exploring new ideas. This year is about experimenting with new technologies to see what will and will not work for Gonzaga. Mr. Sampugnaro’s Classic Literature class is experimenting with a Bring Your Own Technology program in which students can bring a laptop or tablet to class. Ms. Berry’s sophomore religion class had a very cool Instagram assignment. A handful of teachers are testing learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Edmodo, and Haiku to deliver course content outside of the classroom. About ten teachers are using iPads or other devices in an experimental phase. At the end of the year, we will reflect on all of these

Goodbyes, p.5

Catching Fire, p.6

Christmas, p.8

By: Sean Maloney ‘14 Senior Contributor Interview with Mr. Brian Larkin, Educational Technologist Q: What made you want to take on the responsibility of your new job as Educational Technologist?

A: I wanted the title of Educational Technologist because I saw the need for such a position while I was teaching English. My Master’s Degree from Georgetown University in Communication, Culture & Technology also prepared me for exploring the ways technology is changing education. My new position will ease technology integration into the school and assist teachers in leveraging available technologies to better engage with students and prepare them for college and beyond.

initiatives, both failures and successes, to see if they are right for Gonzaga.

Q: Is it true that the computer administrators can block web sites on the WiFi? A: Our WiFi network is under the same web safety software as our campus PCs. We use Websense to block certain websites that are either inappropriate or distracting. The WiFi network is for educational purposes only; it does not exist to save your data plans. Student use of the WiFi network is monitored in the same fashion as student use of campus computers.

Q: What other advancements could be over the horizon for Gonzaga?

A: Beginning next year, teachers may choose to use a learning management system (LMS), an online tool that Continued on page 3

The Aquilian 2

Tour of a College Tour By: Christian Prince ‘14 Managing Editor It’s that time of the year again. The senior quarter of Gonzaga must grapple with endless deliberation, introspection, essay-writing and personal information-filling, all in a frenzied attempt to gain passage through the pearly white gates of higher education. One of the most influential variables determining where exactly our applications will be sent rests on a rite of passage in the college process: the college tour.

The college tour is one of the few times when colleges apply to you. They shower you with impressive statistics, lists of accolades, the school’s storied history—anything and everything that will put your application in their mailbox.

If you go on enough tours, they tend to homogenize into a collective memory of greenery, disinterested students, and numbingly grand buildings. A breakdown of these tours should help you get the most of the experience, while also yielding insight into the current state of higher education.

Always make sure to know the location of the admissions building before entering the campus. Otherwise,

you are subject to a farrago of conflicting directions. Inside the admissions buildings, you’ll find eclectic smatterings of high school students, eyeing each other with a tinge of competitiveness. The concomitant parents sip the complimentary coffee and murmur wonderment at the merits of the institution while flipping through one of the many brochures. Make sure to confirm with an admissions employee your presence at the college, which usually entails filling out a small identification sheet.

Eventually, a group of guides will appear. Sometimes, you can pick your guide, and senior Peter Haley advises to “Go for the most cheery and energetic one.” After your tour guide lists their extracurricular activities and academic interests, they usually make an aside about the poor quality of the jokes they are seemingly obligated to make. Count on the first joke being about their skillfulness at walking backwards. Senior Liam D’Arcy intones, “Laugh at the jokes, otherwise it just gets awkward.”

The chief issue during the tour is determining what you are actually looking for in the school. To what degree do you care about aes-

thetics? The milieu of the student body? The academic offerings? It can seem like prospective students are expected to have a detailed image what their perfect college/ future is, like a mental stencil that we lay over potential colleges for comparison. The essential problem is whether we students can know what will most facilitate our development, rather than what will just be a continuation of the comfortable past. All the more problematic is that most of the schools you see will fulfill some of your criteria and prove deficient in other areas; the search can thereby devolve into little more than a scale upon which the pros and cons of each school are weighed. However, by quantifying and objectifying your criteria for an ideal school, one can neglect the emotional dimension that eludes standardization. This is the “feel” you sense while visiting a school and the reciprocal feelings evoked in you.

“I try to listen to my gut feeling,” relates senior Jon Murphy. Above all, avoid making an exact science out of an inexact and in some ways emotional process.

The promulgation of clichés among universities is particularly upsetting since

clichés are the very thing colleges should seek to eradicate and reinvent in their classrooms. Clichés fester in both the tour and the accompanying info session. Look out for the “We have the resources of a large research universities and the personal attention of a small college”—it takes quite an institution to get the “best of both worlds” without getting some of the negatives as well. “I didn’t want to go to a big state school where I would feel like a number”— this evinces a personal rather than an institutional problem, and it could just as easily be said that a small school would feel like a drab continuation of high school. The point is, establish your convictions on more than just clichés, because the sheer profundity of these platitudes detracts from their verisimilitude.

Then there’s the confused emphasis on the individual.

Colleges present themselves as a place where you can “find yourself” and “fulfill your potential”; a place where you can find completeness as a person. This also implies that your pre-college self is somewhat incomplete, a facsimile of what you will be. Yet to gain admission to top schools, you can’t be ostensibly lost or lacking or incomplete. Fur-

thermore, there tends to be a disconnect between what colleges want and what they ask for. When a college entreats applicants to “just be yourself” they should realize that the self (asked to be itself) on an application is very unlikely to be one’s actual self. As a result, colleges admit some students who are not reflected in their application. There’s a dream world where everyone finds their dream school, colleges are truly need-blind, diversity is more than skindeep, applicants can “be their self”, and so on. Then there’s the real world. Some colleges blur the difference between the two, and students are left to make sense of it all.

Funny, it can almost feel like the college process is giving adolescents an early start on the whole cynicism thing.

On a college tour, you’ll see an assorted mix of buildings, some beautiful some gaudy just like at every other school, and hear things already heard many times. But pay close attention, and you just may notice a few things that set a school apart. Understand that the future cannot be controlled, and whatever larger forces are at work must be in your favor: they’ve already landed you at Gonzaga.

The QuizUp Fad: Gonzaga’s Latest Pastime By: Ryan Polsky ‘14 Senior Contributor If you were to walk into the upper commons during an ordinary Gonzaga free period, you would probably predict, with relative accuracy, that many students would be playing on their cell phones rather then using this time to do schoolwork. But you might not have guessed what it is they are doing on their phones. Many are playing QuizUp, modern society’s most redeeming trend since people stopped using MySpace.

QuizUp is a Smart-

phone application that offers trivia quizzes on hundreds of thrilling topics ranging from Ancient Greek history to Fifty Shades of Grey. The app has gained significant popularity recently, taking the number one spot on Apple’s App Store this past week and even becoming available to those elitist Android users.

One source of its mass appeal is the ability to challenge friends directly in a category of your choosing, providing users the opportunity to show off their extensive knowledge of impressive subjects such as Breaking Bad or cats.

The Aquilian

Founded In 1940 Gonzaga College HIgh School 19 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20001 aquilian@gonzaga.org Men For Others in the Jesuit Tradition Since 1821

The Gonzaga community has taken QuizUp in stride.

The class of 2014’s own Andrew Shaeffer is currently ranked number one in the state of Maryland for the county music quiz, aptly earning the title ‘Appalachian Authority.’

When asked to comment on his achievement, Andrew revealed that he has been training his entire life and is glad his hard work has finally paid off. “Country music trivia is something I’m passionate about, and I’m thankful for the support of my parents and all of my friends throughout my QuizUp career.” He dis-

played no intention to stop, “First Maryland, then the world!”

Still, public opinion regarding QuizUp is not quite one hundred percent positive.

Alec Bonham offers an open criticism to QuizUp users, “Why don’t you [posers] just do It’s Academic? What is this, amateur hour?” However, most students will concur that QuizUp is a decent way to spend some extra time, and I think we can all agree that it has, at the very least, temporarily stopped the Candy Crush obsession.

Does the widespread

Editors-in-Chief Andrew Hohman ‘14

Sports Editor Derrell Bouknight ‘15

Managing Editors Marcus Dennis ‘14 Christian Prince ‘14

Features Editor Alejandro Espinosa ‘14

Production Editors Christian Forte ‘14 Jordan Person ‘14

popularity of QuizUp really suggest a shift to a more sophisticated society? Probably not. But the app will forever have its place among other upper-middle class leisure activities, such as playing Words With Friends, watching Modern Family or mildly enjoying Coldplay. If you do not yet have the app, then I definitely invite you the download it for free and join in on the fun. And, if you are already an avid QuizUp player, then I will have you know I am still undefeated in the category of Arrested Development.

Copy Editor Konrad Woo ‘15 Staff Photographers John O’Neil ‘14 Nick Lazaroae ‘17

Moderator: Dr. Harry Rissetto

The Aquilian 3

Tech Future Continued from page 1 is much more dynamic than our current website. Teachers will be able to post homework assignments, articles, links, grades, polls, quizzes, and other content in one closed environment. Students will have access to web space to collaborate on projects and to submit assignments. The LMS will also be available on mobile devices, so students will be able to check homework or course content on-the-go. Likewise, with all of these technology advancements, we will have a thorough discussion with all students about what it means to be a digital citizen.

Q: Some schools in the area such as The Academy of the Holy Cross have experimented with iPads and going all paperless. Do you think this could be a possibility for Gonzaga Students?

A: Many of our peer schools have gone or are going towards 1:1 programs in which every student has a device.

We are keeping an eye on these schools to see how it

goes. Gonzaga would still be about 3-5 years away from any implementation, though.

Regardless, we will do our best to make sure Gonzaga has the resources to be the best school in the area.

Q: Is there anything else you would like Gonzaga students to know?

A: This is an evaluative year for technology at Gonzaga, and student input is important. If you’re in a class that is trying something new, tell your teacher or myself how it is going. I value student opinions in helping shape Gonzaga’s technological future.

Interview with Mr. Steven Kruskamp, NOC Director Q: What are some technological improvements you hope to make at Gonzaga in the future?

A: We’ve spent the last 5 - 6 years replacing and upgrading our entire network infrastructure in order to take advantage of existing, newer and emerging technologies. This allowed us to improve reliability, expand capacity, increase the

speed of our network and install campus-wide wireless. We’ve now begun to shift the focus to technology in the classroom. The newly formed Technology Committee is tasked with exploring, evaluating and recommending programs such as online textbooks and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) or 1:1 (One to One) where each teacher/student brings or is supplied with a specific device such as an iPad, tablet or laptop). Teachers and students would then use these tools for downloading textbooks, doing assignments, collaborating with other students or schools and many other applications. Other improvements would likely be more “Engine Room” stuff as we like to call it - things you don’t often see but occur behind the scenes such as Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and Mobilization. I think it’s going to be exciting.

technology for technology’s sake. Careful consideration is being taken to ensure that whatever we implement, it makes sense for Gonzaga and enhances the ability to deliver the top-quality education this institution is renowned for. I would safely say some variation of these programs will be implemented within the next two years.

Q: Why do you think it is important to change our technological infrastructure at Gonzaga?

A: Obviously, the way our society delivers and acquires knowledge and information has changed dramatically in the last couple of decades. In order to connect with students in today’s electronic world we have to keep abreast of how that is occurring. It’s also important that we prepare students for life after Gonzaga by familiarizing them with some of the technologies Q: How long do you think they may encounter in their it could be until these ideas college years and beyond. might be implemented at Gonzaga?

Q: Do you think any of these A: I’m pleased to say the innovations will change the school is taking a measured way classes are taught? approach to these ideas - we A: I don’t believe there’s don’t want to implement any substitute for a good-

Video Games

2.0

ply for a visa the same way athletes coming to the U.S. to compete can. Riot Games, the company who produces the world-famous MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) League of Legends, has long been in the forefront on making professional gaming “a thing.”

In October, Riot Games hosted their third annual “League of Legends World Championship,” which featured professional teams from the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, China, and Korea, offering a grand prize of $2

Continued from page 1

By: Cory Hannon ‘14 Senior Contributor 2013 has been a significant year in the electronic gaming world. From new consoles, next generation games, and possible government surveillance technologies, gamers and gaming enthusiasts have been in uproar about one thing or another all year long. However, the biggest growth this year has been in the professional gaming sector. As of this past summer, professional video game players, in the eyes of

the United States government, are viewed as “professional athletes” and can ap-

million dollars. Additionally, Riot Games hosts a League of Legends Championship series twice a year, as a way to help these professional gamers out financially – each player is paid a salary just for making it into the tournament. The main source of income for these players is not prize money, but money from streaming their games (yes, people watch other people play games for long hours on end – it’s actually pretty interesting).

It is not just one game trying to make advancements, however. Other companies that have professional gaming teams in various other games (Call of Duty, Halo, Crysis, and DoTA, for example) also try and help these professional gamers be able to actually make a living doing what they love – gaming. 2013 has been the year of progress for the video game industry in new fields they did not even know were marketable. However, do not get your hopes up for seeing a “Major League Gaming” million dollars to the team channel on your television, that comes out on top, with a they already tried that in total prize pool of nearly $5 2006.

page about an event that they were not previously informed of, allowing for better overall comprehension of the material. Also, students now have a whole new category of assignments pertaining to their electronic devices. Mr. Sampugnaro has used his open classroom to assign an audio soliloquy, which required students to make and submit an audio recording of themselves reading a soliloquy. One of the biggest advantages to using electronic devices in the classroom is the elimination of the need for students to carry books around on their backs. However, the reduction in weight is not the only positive outcome of having school books in digital form, for it allows students to always have all their books in one place, so students can make comparisons, identify connections, and find parallels across all the texts covered throughout the course of the year.

There were various concerns associated with initiating this new method of teaching.

One of these was if students reading the same texts on dif-

ole, flesh & blood teacher. A teacher uses a lot of different “tools” in the classroom and that can be anything from paper & pencil to projectors & Smartboards, but technology is just another tool. Technology has changed and will continue to change the way classes are taught, but the bottom line is to teach the student the subject. When calculators were fist introduced, a lot of folks thought students would try to substitute this new technology for learning math fundamentals - that didn’t happen. If you don’t know why 2 plus 2 equals 4, a calculator isn’t going to do you much good regardless.

From the accessible Wi-Fi to the classroom technology experiments, Gonzaga’s Technology Committee is shaping the future of Gonzaga. As we look to innovate and move forward into the most technologically advanced period in Gonzaga’s history, we are guided by a group of intelligent and qualified individuals. Even by next year, our virtual campus could be very a different place.

ferent devices would be able to find the locations in the book. Another worry was that students would be distracted and would engage in nonacademic activities on their devices during class. So far, issues such as these have not caused a problem.

Primarily, the response to this new implementation of tech in class has had a largely varied response. Only about half of the trial class has actually actively participated in bringing their devices to class.

Of those that do, some choose to make an effort to take full advantage of the opportunity, while others use the technology soley for reading and note taking.

While this is a big change for a single class, it is only a small step in the big scheme of things. First, not only does the functionality of a system such as this need to be proven viable, but it must also be established that the great enthusiasm for using personal electronic devices is not solely coming from the excitement of something new and different being presented, but that it is also a result of the implementation of a style of teaching that allows for students to really excel.

The Aquilian 4

Four Years Flan’d

By: Alejandro Espinosa ‘14 Avid Devotee EDITOR’S NOTE: An abridged version of this article was included in the November tribute issue of The Aquilian. We have decided to print the full article as a final tribute to Mr. Flannery’s memory before the holidays.

We will certainly be thinking about him over break.

I met Mr. Christopher T. Flannery on December 8th, 2009, when I shadowed. It was immediately the most memorable thing about Gonzaga: that crazy 50-something year old man-child who led one of the best orchestras I have ever heard. I expressed my wishes to join the Jazz Band as a guitarist.

He told me that it was going to be impossible if I didn’t play an orchestral instrument (I began learning the saxophone a month and a half later). Because of that day, because of Flan, I ended up moving to the United States from Colombia. I came back on June 9, 2010, to try out for the band. I still remember his reaction to my (horrible, horrible) audition (it was a fragment of “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith; to this day, I have no idea why I picked such an inappropriate piece for alto saxophone).

He looked at me, and he said something along the lines of, “Hey, man, that was alright.” He then told me that the song wasn’t great, but then that was the great thing about Flan: He saw not what you were, but what you could become. So I made sure to become the best I could. Flan was the type of guy who motivated you with a few simple words. He never had to say anything bad about anyone, never told someone they couldn’t do something, never told someone they were a bad musician. Everyone always had it in them.

Freshman year was an intense experience. I got placed near (or, more likely, at) the end of the Baritone Saxes (which, if you didn’t know, is at the bottom of the entire saxophone line). I was essentially the worst saxophonist in the band. But there was Flan, with his twisted grin and mischievous sparkle in his eye, always backing me every step of the way, always encouraging me. I also made jazz band as a rhythm gui-

Flan leading the Tuesday Morning Jazz Beasts. (Ms. Jennifer Carter)

tarist. Midterms came after a very rigorous scheduling process in the Performance Exam Matrix (scheduling is a very, very terrifying idea when you’re a freshman with absolutely no idea what is happening around you). Because of Flan’s positive backing (and many, many intense sectionals with Ms. Poindexter) by December, I was a lot better. My exam wasn’t great, but Flan, as usual, lauded the performance. Then, as genuinely as possible (it honestly felt like it was your friend) he would tell me the mistakes I had made. His way of proceeding always ensured that after a test or an exam, I would immediately go work on the sections where I screwed up.

Tour came in March, and it was magical. The Band Trip is one of the greatest experiences I have ever had at Gonzaga (it may have even rivaled Kairos). Basically, it was five days of adrenalinefilled, gluttonous teenagers that may or may not have been sick of music (I, for one, was super excited to be able to play at Epcot) in Orlando led by none other than Flan. And seriously, most of the money down there was blown on grub. Ginormous shanks of meat for 15 bucks, burgers at the Nascar Grill,

Butterbeer (the best thing ever). And, of course, there was the legendary award ceremony at the Beetlejuice

Theater. Looking back, what many people don’t realize is that Flan made most of this happen with barely any help.

Sure, credit is due to Father Steggert (who accompanied us) and all of the band parents, but all of the deals, the arrangements, the flight plans, the motivation… that was all Flan. Also, seeing a teacher outside of school is one thing. Seeing Flan at Disney World is another. Most of the time, he was clad in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, tennis or golf shoes, sunglasses, and a hat, coolly strutting around the parks to offer calls of “Hey, dude” and “Stay groovy, man” to the various Gonzagaeans he encountered during the day. All in all, it was a fantastic experience that Flan’s effort and hard work made possible. Finally, Jazz at Gonzaga Park capped the year off with a bang. The rhythm section had decided to play “Careless Whisper”

by George Michael as a soft backing track to Flan’s amazing, amazing jokes (they haven’t gotten old even after 32 years of the same seven one-liners). I remember we told him about the song, and his face lit up, followed by a classic, “Groovy, man!” The

work schedule was tough, but the enthusiasm that the Tuesday Morning Jazz Beasts (a program that Flan himself started in the 80s) was evident in the power of the music (and the ridiculous hats we wore that year).

By sophomore year, I had moved up to the Alto Sax 2 section. In jazz band, I was still the rhythm guitarist (understandably, as Kevin Nolan and Michael Esber, the other two guitarists far surpassed me in all areas of music).

That year went by in a flash.

However, Flan’s stories were as bona fide as ever (more on those later). Distinct memories from sophomore year include my first taped performance exam (it was extremely scary and off-putting) and a jazz band attempt at “The Chicken” by Pee Wee Ellis (if you haven’t heard it, look up Jaco Pastorius’s Live at Aurex ’82 version). Flan was not known for picking the easiest pieces; however, he never picked the hardest ones either. He liked to challenge us, but he always gave us something we could achieve.

That year at Jazz at Gonzaga Park, the hats got even crazier.

At the beginning of ju-

Flan performing stand-up comedy at Jazz in Gonzaga Park. (Development Office)

The Aquilian 5

Senioritis

Flan conducting all of the hats at Jazz in Gonzaga Park 2013. (Development Office)

nior year I was moved further up the alto sax line to the Eb Alto Clarinet squad, due mostly to Flan’s constant reminder to go home and practice. A difficult, yet astonishing, part of his job as band director (without even mentioning his other positions on various different boards and as chairman of the Fine Arts Department) involved meeting with every single band student individually for small tests administered each semester. I was scheduled for one on October 30th, about 6 weeks ago (it brings me great sadness that I cannot have it.

The tests, as most things with Flan, were hilarious and educational at the same time). In addition, he also asked the bandsmen to come to him personally if they were having any trouble with the music, at which point he would schedule a one-on-one lesson focusing specifically on the problematic section. This was the year I had many conversations with Flan regarding jazz band. Every day he showed his humbling wisdom when admiring the jazz greats (and putting up with my lack of jazz knowledge). Every single conversation was a small insight into the inner brain of the Flan Man. Every chat was a golden goose that laid thousands of tiny little eggs of golden wisdom, accessible after just reaching for them.

The International Food Fair that year, aka Jazz at Gonzaga Park, contained many ridiculous hats and the (even more ridiculous) horse mask.

I showed up with it out of the blue; Flannery knew nothing about it until showtime. Re-

gardless, halfway through his joke sets (again backed by “Careless Whisper”) he made various jokes at the horse’s expense. It took me by surprise, and I was reminded why band is the best thing ever once again. He told me many times since then that JAGP cannot happen without the horse. Every time, I assured him it wouldn’t. I knew there was no way I would let JAGP happen without the horse. Not once did I expect that it might happen without him. I pulled a ton of risky stunts that day (like experimenting with different pedals and blasting my volume for some solos). Every time one of these happened, Flan stared me down with his typical response to an unexpected surprise: eyes rolling, halfgrin, half-laugh. Not once was he angry at them; on the contrary, he welcomed them with a knowing chuckle. This year I decided I wanted to go college and study music, so I talked to Flan. He immediately scheduled a meeting with me to talk about the best colleges in the business and to help me outline a plan of what I wanted to do. It set me on track for applying to college, way before I even talked to college counseling. I finally made the Band Leadership Council, and to this effect, met with Flan a couple times in the summer. Our initial meeting lasted 3 hours. It was a combination of painstaking information and Flan. Needless to say, it was, for the most part, extremely entertaining. He was one of the few

teachers who “got us.” Many claim, but few deliver. He understood that band can be dull at some points. He understood that the particular section we were working on could be very challenging or a breeze. He understood that 6:30 rehearsals were (albeit essential and the only reason we pull through for concerts) the devil. How did he remedy this? By being the corniest, zaniest, most encouraging and yet the most honest band director this side of the Holland Tunnel. Undoubtedly, some bandsmen will deny this, but he knew. He knew if we practiced, he knew if we clowned around during practice, he knew if we used our phones (cough cough Ficca cough).

Finally, senior year. I had two classes with Flan this year, band and music theory. I look at this article and hate the fact that I have to write it. Some part of me still hopes (and expects, perhaps) that when I come into

school tomorrow, he’ll show up to Music Theory (at 8:14) and get right back into the Pledge of Academic Integrity (as signed by Schmengy and Larry) and give us a second Mr. Hugh Tube assignment or the Transpos-A-Mode quiz.

In the short time I took music theory, I got to know Flan even better, and it turns out that he was an even better guy than I thought. Every day, not only does he break his back for band with 2 periods and an additional 3 hours of work per day, but he also comes up with new ways and ideas to teach music theory. He gave us some insane mnemonics that only Flan would come up with (for example, to remember the order of sharps, FCGDAEB, he gave us “Five Cats Go Downtown And Eat Baloney”). My entire class can now effectively remember the order of sharps, due probably to Flan’s repetitive, in-depth, no-man-left-behind teaching style. It has been shown many times over that he cared about his students so much. In addition to the two periods I had with him, every day I checked in during my lunch period with Jack Mullally. Some conversations we had just involved band, others involved band and golf, others simply involved some new tricks he discovered to toy with the new iOS on his iPad (seriously, they were great). Every day, it was a constant smile, a constant laugh, a constant outstretched hand offering help. When I asked him if he would write my college recommendation, he accepted without hesitation. I later learned that he wrote at least nine other recommendations. Let’s get this straight: in addition to being the band director, par-

Flan at Jazz in Gonzaga Park. (Development Office)

ticipating in various councils around the school, planning our tour (a month ahead of schedule), and flying around to gig occasionally, he was also adding college recommendations to his plate. What Flan did, he did for us. Flan loved his band. And the band loved him.

There is so much more to say about Flan, but as this is reaching 5 and a half pages in 12 point Times New Roman, I’m cutting it short and not mentioning all of the nicknames he gave us (each individual had a distinct one, believe it or not), all of his great lines, his jokes, and the small details that made him one of the most beloved teachers at the school. I will, however, mention that every Halloween (one of his favorite holidays), he always began the class the same way: “Happy Halloween, boys and ghouls!” The band would go nuts. We screamed. We jumped. We ran around. We threw chairs down. We lifted freshmen up over our heads and pretended to throw them on the ground.

We must remember that although Flan is gone, he lives forever within us. The thousands of souls he touched are living out his principles today. I have heard stories of many alumni of the program contacting current band students, weeping at the loss of one of their greatest teachers and, indeed, one of their greatest friends. Honor Flan through actions, words, and thoughts that reflect his everhappy demeanor. He will not be forgotten.

Hasty beñana, Flan.

-A1

The Aquilian 6

By: Derrell Bouknight ‘15 Sports Editor On November 16, 2013, Congressman Mike McIntyre hosted a Congressional Briefing on youth sports in America to discuss why kids of our generation should partake in daily athletic activities. The gathering focused on four major topics of discussion: fitness, access, nutrition, and safety, creating the acronym F.A.N.S. Each topic was presented in uniquely distinctive ways, and what panelists offered had an impact on every person present in the small hearing room at Capital Hill’s Rayburn Building. I was one of them.

Participating in any sort of sport or physical activity on a daily basis obviously comes with its share of positive benefits. However, there are, unfortunately, evident risks that are present in sports, with the most prominent and problematic being injuries. Sure, everybody has had their fair share of injuries. A break here, a sprain there, and a bruise at some point are all too common in today’s world. But, today, many are paying more attention to potential life-changing long-term damages. Concussions, brain trauma, and extremity paralysis represent a vocal minority of serious injuries that we always hear about, day-in and day-out.

Looking at the way sports have gone recently, these stories won’t diminish any time soon.

So, what are the positives that come out of playing sports, particularly youth sports? One is, and this is possibly the biggest reason of all, the health factor. Isn’t that why the NFL

Youth Sports in America encourages kids to get out and play in their “Play 60” campaign? Yes, it is, and along with that health aspect comes the edge of gaining life-long experience in a particular sport or activity. Everybody wants to be successful in what they do in life, and developing those skills early on can be vital if one wants to continue that particular sport later on in life. And finally, perhaps the most important aspect of playing youth sports revolves around the life lessons that it teaches a participant. It helps kids practice and learn about responsibility, teamwork, and the positives that come from a loss. But what about perseverance? We all go through some form of adversity at one point in our lives, but when faced with it, we need to figure out how to handle it.

What if you can’t avoid it?

What if a situation is so grave that one cant fathom with the fact that maybe they could overcome it? That’s when perseverance comes into play. This characteristic is handed out at an early age and put to the test sometimes.

A young man approximately in his late twenties began the briefing. He focused on the benefits he gained from playing sports early on as a kid.

His name was Harsh Thakker, a graduate of Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and a resident of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland. Ever since his youth, Harsh has had a committed passion for sports, particularly basketball. He lived by the pillars that were previously discussed, as he stayed active and kept himself in good health. He

traveled from place to place in hopes of gaining valuable experience and basketball skills.

Finally, he gained those life lessons that would end up taking him a long way down the road, and to this day, they have certainly had their advantages.

During his years of youth basketball, Harsh grew in leadership and character that is evident today. All was going well, and he was on his way to a successful career, basketball related or otherwise. In December of 2005, these values came into play, and Harsh’s life changed forever. An accident in the late stages of the year put him in a wheelchair, and even though some of his physical abilities were diminished, his deeply rooted love and passion for basketball never left his heart. He decided to take a stand and share what he had previously learned from playing basketball. So, what did he do? He, of course, shared his talents and leadership with the youth in his community, while still staying active himself. This unmatched act of determination towards kids in his community, many whom were unknown by him, has a deeper meaning than what you are currently reading. Harsh did and continues to do whatever it takes to improve the lives of his community, a demonstration that will unquestionably go a long way. Currently, he serves as a youth basketball coach in the Silver Spring area. Taking his kids to practice, going through plays and drills, and coaching his squad to victory are all of the small, yet greatly beneficial things that he does. Inspir-

ing them through those things while teaching them to carry on with life despite its biggest struggles is a whole other level, and doing it through grace and willingness makes Harsh Thakker a true example of the initiative in moving youth sports in America in the positive direction we strive for.

In our lives, there is always a person who encourages us to try new things. A parent, family member, coach, or friend may represent one of the many people who partake in this.

That was the case for a young lady by the name of Bria Adams, a ninth-grader at KIPP Prep High School here in D.C. At the tender age of six, Bria lost her mother, but she surely didn’t lose the brief lessons and memories that were passed down through her mother. Get active. Stay involved. Go further. That was the basis of what she learned, and she clearly hasn’t let that memory go. She began with basketball, the sport she continues to love and play today. She then wanted to try softball and field hockey. Then soccer and volleyball came up, and even wanting to strap the pads up on the gridiron to play football was a thought. Every

sport that she could’ve possibly thought of, and attempted, were all inspirations in which she had to go further and reach a goal that, when first viewed, may seem crazy to some, but to Bria it was just another step to her looking into the future.

Soon, there will be a new generation of kids who will arrive in our country. Teaching them the benefits and pillars that have enabled success and perseverance in Harsh and Bria will be key components in their involvement in youth sports.

Studies have shown that there has been a significant drop in the number of participants in youth sports spanning over the last several years, particularly in Pop Warner football leagues.

We know that concussions are on the rise, but new initiatives are being analyzed and tested everyday to ensure the safety of kids. Let’s take the time to encourage them now and not wait until later. They can seek any opportunity, and do anything that they want. Starting with healthy activity is the most important, but involvement in youth sports is the way to go. Let’s get it back into full swing.

Catching Fire: A Heart-Burning Experience By: Charlie Workmaster ‘17 Contributor

Released on November 22, 2013, Catching Fire attracted millions of Hunger Games fans like moths to a flame. Although The Hunger Games, Catching Fire’s predecessor, was a fantastic movie, most fans would agree that Catching Fire was a much better movie. This film left moviegoers on the edge of their seats, desperate for Mockingjay.

Throughout the film eager fans experienced stellar acting, exquisite sets, dazzling costumes, laughter and tears, and got a movie that brought life to the book.

This fiery blockbuster starred beloved Jennifer Lawrence once again as “The Girl on Fire,” Katniss Everdeen. We also welcomed back Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark),

Liam Hemsworth (Gale) among many others. We had a few new stars such as Jena Malone as feisty Johanna Mason and Sam Claflin as the dashing Finnick Odair.

The magnificent sets must also be applauded, from the Victor’s Village to the Capitol to the Arena. All were far better than most would have imagined. This is also true for the fabulous costumes, most notably the chariot costumes and Katniss’ interview dress. The chariot costumes flickered to life to display gorgeous red flames, artificial of course, as Katniss and Peeta proudly represented their home, District 12. I am no fashion expert, but even I could tell Katniss’ wedding dress was beautifully made and with a spin or two it be-

came a breath-taking Mockingjay costume. The other interview outfits and course Effie’s loud wardrobe were splendid, but the Mockingjay outfit was the most impressive. If that didn’t impress the fans, which I doubt it didn’t, the incarnation of the story brought tears to many eyes.

Although the movie was peppered with hilarious moments such as Johanna’s colorful interview or when the lady next to me in the theater jumped eight feet out of her chair, the film still had a theme of intensity and desperation.

Catching Fire was definitely a more graphic movie than its predecessor; the beatings and deaths were much more vivid. Many were moved by Effie’s acknowl-

edgement that she and the Victors of District 12 were a team. Most haunting of all was Katniss and Peeta’s visit to District 11 during their Victory Tour. Just the glimpses at Rue’s and Thresh’s families were sad enough, and the shooting of the man who saluted Katniss and Peeta was horrifying, but the delivery of the speeches about the fallen tributes didn’t leave a single dry eye in the theater.

Catching Fire overall was excellent, a well-made movie that in my opinion brought the sparks of revolution to life better than the book did.

This movie is a must see, so go see it at a theater near you or buy it when it comes out on DVD/Blu-Ray.

BCS Bedlam Steven Scherping‘14 Aquilian Online Editor Last Saturday, we bore witness to one of the greatest spectacles in all of sports, a major upset of the number one team in college football. The fourth-ranked Auburn Tigers beat top-ranked, and two-time defending champ, Alabama in a thrilling last-second score.

Having lost 49-0 in their embarrassing Iron Bowl meeting last year, Auburn quickly made this classic rivalry the game we spent all of 2012 hoping for. Alabama, the Goliath, was beaten by the hard-nosed, relentless underdog, sending the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) into a tumultuous spiral. Pure and simpleAlabama’s Nick Saban was outcoached in one of the craziest endings in college football history. A fifty-seven year field goal fell short and straight into the hands of an Auburn cornerback, who then scampered his way up the sideline to the absolute amazement of sports fans around the country.

The new rankings released the following night presented the seemingly untouchable Florida State Seminoles at number one, the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes at two, and Auburn in third with just one week in the regular season remaining. Certainly, some debate had arisen as to whether a one-loss SEC team or an un-

Squash

defeated, yet untested Big Ten team should play in Pasadena for the national championship.

Auburn’s president said that it would be “un-American” if his Tigers were left out of the last BCS championship ever. This circumstance is the exact reason why college football has done away with the BCS and is switching into a four-team playoff system. No longer will a top team’s championship aspirations rest solely in the systematic grasp of computerized rankings. Of course, to determine the top-four teams will continue to be computerized, and thus, it will continue to be controversial.

Few people can deny the obvious flaws in the BCS rankings system, but with a solution shortly on the way, a bigger question has taken center-stage: How to compare teams in different conferences?

It is a question the NCAA has dealt with for years, as it was displayed most prominently in Boise State’s Statue of Liberty play that shocked the college football world and their opponent, Oklahoma. This incredible twist in Boise State’s miraculous story brought the teams from traditionally weak conferences to the forefront of the college football battlefield.

What happens, though, when a team with an illustrious history goes undefeated for two straight seasons in

one of the most competitive conferences? Ohio State fans would argue that they undoubtedly reserved a spot in the national championship, but Auburn fans see things a little differently. Having only lost to LSU and playing in the most competitive conference of all, the Tigers are adamant that their resume supersedes that of Ohio State’s, who by the way, struggled to beat Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Thankfully, just one season from now we will be out the computerized darkness, where statistics on an excel spreadsheet speak louder than the passionate chants of football fans around the world.

Change is coming to the rescue; however, the conference controversy is a far more ominous problem on the horizon of the imminent future.

Will the vast discrepancy in conferences ultimately lead to their own disheveling? It’s a serious question. The answer depends on whether or not we place the tradition of conference play above that of finding which teams are elite. Frankly, the answer will probably come down to the most egregious, yet most obvious of all, money. Whatever system is erected will be based upon what will put the most money into the NCAA’s wallet, and this solemn fact is the very bane of college athletics.

Saints

Andrew Hohman‘14 Editor-in-Chief

Charlie Workmaster ‘17 Contributor

The Gonzaga Squash program has started this year’s campaign with two wins over Bryn Mawr and Wilson and a close loss to their rival Episcopal, who has consistently been a great matchup for the Eagles.

The Gonzaga team has some key slots to fill this year. Seniors Michael “the Fanatical” Ficca and Jack “Jive” Mullally plan to lead the Eagles to their first national championship, which will take place in Philidelphia in mid-February.

“This is our year”, explains Ficca, the second year captain and top ranked player on the team, “we’ve put in the hours all year, and it’s gonna be worth it.” The team’s next match will be December tenth against Woodberry Forest.

“This one will be a nail biter,” says Mullally.

“This is our first chance to make a statement about who we are this year, winners.”

This is poised to be a monumental, action-packed season for Gonzaga Squash.

When one hears the word saint, they might picture someone with a fat golden halo perched behind their head. In most stories we hear about them they’re performing miracles and helping their community. However we see through

St. Augustine, that this is not always the case from birth to death. As a young man, St. Augustine renounced the Christian beliefs taught to him by his mother St. Monica, and took up a life of wrongdoing. He had a son outside of marriage with his girlfriend, and belonged to a number of groups branded heretical by the Catholic Church. However, even in the midst of his wayward early years, he knew what he was doing was wrong

and even prayed:”O Lord God, make me good… but not yet!”

How often do we know what we’re doing is bad and keep doing it anyway? It is very easy for us to do everything our way instead of living

by God’s Will. Eventually God helped St. Augustine to turn his life around and embrace a life

in service of the Lord. St. Augustine went on to become the Bishop of Hippo (not the armored, obese, semi-murderous creature that lives in the Nile).

He had many of his sermons published, and many of his teachings continue to be championed by the Catholic Church today even though some remain controversial. The life of St. Augustine reminds us that God uses broken people to build His Kingdom.

The Aquilian 7

Swimming Marcus Dennis‘14 Managing Editor This year, Gonzaga’s Swim and Dive team has much to be excited about.

The team is in pursuit of their fourth METRO title and the WMPSSDLS championship.

Despite the graduation of several strong swimmers, including some record-holders, Gonzaga has an abundance of young talent as well as returning veterans that are capable of leading the team to another championship.

Senior captain Jack Joyce says that the goal is to win the two primary championships again, but he explains, “It’s never an easy goal but if we put in the practice, especially in Puerto Rico, I think we can definitely achieve it.

It’s all a matter of stepping up when the team needs you, which includes swimmers and divers, and I think we have a group of guys who are ready to do that.” With these big shoes to fill, the immediate question is how will the

team respond to this pressure? When inquired about his feelings about the pressure to defend the titles, senior captain Andrew Hohman stated: “I don’t feel too much pressure yet. Gonzaga Swim and Dive has a history of greatness. We have a lot of the same pieces as last year and people are going to step up in the place of those that are gone like we always do.”

For the first time in several seasons, Gonzaga is not the necessary favorite for the championship. In fact, in many people’s eyes, Gonzaga has become the “new underdog” according to Hohman.

But the team does not feel limited by this perception, and instead, feels as though “the difference [between Gonzaga and other schools] is we can always improve whereas others have a ceiling,” Hohman explains. With several early wins this season, the Swim and Dive team is on pace for another successful and exciting year.

Fantasy Clay Bruning ‘14 Fantasy Football Guru First overall pick in the draft. Who did you pick? Did you make the right decision?

If you picked Peyton Manning who has tossed 300 points, you made the right choice. Manning has averaged 25 points a game including an astonishing 46 against the defending champs to kick the season off.

The top running back this year has been, surprisingly, Jamal Charles who is averaging 84 rushing yards, five catches, and just under a touchdown a game. Megatron leads receivers with 194 points including a 36 point game against the Cowgirls. The dominant Jimmy Graham who causes mismatch problems for every team leads all tight ends with 14 points a game. The Seahawks dominant secondary and the Panthers relentless rushers lead defenses with 140 points. Who cares about kickers, right? It’s a toss up every week.

Heading into the playoffs, I have a couple of waiver wires. First, Jordan Reed; he had his welcoming party against the Bears, racking up nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown, and could be available because of his recent concussion. If your desperate for a QB, Andy Dalton is available in 50 percent of leagues, Nick Foles is a free agent in 25 percent, and if those two are

taken, maybe grab Mike Glennon, or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Riley Cooper, available in 35 percent of leagues, averages 8 points a game, but he has become Foles’ favorite target; Cooper had games with 32 and 22 with Foles. Henry Douglas, who took Julio Jones’ spot, is another guy that might be worth a look. Rashad Jennings, who is averaging 16 points in his last five games and is free in 25 percent of leagues, would be a steal for owners who are in need of a running back or a flex. A kicker that would get a few extra points is Mason Crosby; the Packers’ struggling Rodgers’-less offense is bound to get more field goals than touchdowns, and they are often 40 yards are more, which could get you that one point to give get you the win.

Good luck the rest of the season. If you follow my advice I guarantee you will win your league, if you don’t, you shouldn’t have trusted me and that was a mistake. Whatever you do, don’t win the Sacko.

Christmas Best and Worst presents A tricked out pink bike (as a kid) (Ms. McLaughlin) G0-G0 boots (it was the 1960s) (Mrs. Sanders) Teddy Ruxpin (Mr. Laguilles) Red Rider BB Gun (Mr. Lipari) Nintendo 64 (Mr. Downey) An orange wrapped in newspaper from my little sister (Mrs. Free) Snow...I’ve never seen a snowy Christmas (Ms. Miller) Walkie Talkies (Mr. Murphy) Hulk Telephone - says “Hulk Will Smash” when rings and he moves his arms (Mr. Peter Buckley) All the original Transformers (Mr. Manion) New winter pajamas (Mr. Kruskamp) Mr. Downey’s presence (Mr. Hanagan)

A half knitted sweater from Aunt Lourdes because she wanted me to learn how to knit (Mr. Hamm) Mr. Downey’s Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Mr. Hanagan) Is there such a thing...? (Mr. Kruskamp) Bob, Son of Battle - a book about a dog (Mrs. Free) Charcoal SlimFit Shawl Sweater (Mr. Murphy) DVD of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” (Mr. Lipari) Ill-fitting Mock turtlenecks (Mr. Laguilles) Fireplace equipment...I received two sets from different members of my family (Mrs. Sanders)

Apparel

Corny Christmas sweaters (Ms. McLaughlin) My singing & dancing Christmas hat (Mrs. Sanders) Navy Dress Blues at Christmas midnight mass 1971- turned a few heads that night (Mr. Lipari) Christmas sweaters with sequins or crazy colors. Sparkles! Garish = good (Ms. Miller) Lederhosen Knee Socks (Mr. Murphy) My 26 Christmas ties (Mr. Theriaque) Red sweatshirt with my name embroidered, the wife hates it (Mr. Peter Buckley) Cousin Eddie’s sweater and dickie (Mrs. Free) Redskins Santa hat (Mr. Manion)

Corny Christmas sweaters (Ms. McLaughlin) Oakleys on top of my head (Mr. Hanagan) My old Christmas tree tie (Mr. Jim Kilroy) Shorts, t-shirt and sandals (Mr. Kruskamp) Jingle bells (Mr. Manion) Turtlenecks (Mr. Murphy) Anything with bells - Ridiculous (Ms. Miller) Sweaters with holiday scenes (Mrs. Free) Anything with fake elf ears (Mr. Viola) Scott Blair’s outfit...boom goes the dynamite (Mr. Downey) My Pat Boone White Bucks (Shoes) circa 1960-what a dork (Mr. Lipari)

Songs Mele Kilikimaka - sung by Bing Crosby (Mr. Hamm) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I prefer the Pretenders version (Mr. Heetderks) White Christmas, the David Bowie and Bing Crosby version (Mr. Sampugnaro) Mr. Downey’s Coming to Town (Mr. Hanagan) Drummer Boy, First Noel - tie (Mr. Blair) Baby It’s Cold Outside (Mr. Jim Kilroy) I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Mr. Kruskamp) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Mrs. Free) It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams (Mr. Viola)

12 Days of Christmas - Gives me a headache trying to keep the Lords ‘a leaping and swans ‘a ‘swimming... straight (Mrs. Sanders) Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer (Mr. Laguilles) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Mr. Lipari) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree - drives me bonkers (Ms. Miller) Anything by the Chipmunks (Mr. Murphy) Barking Dogs Jingle Bells........ what’s that all about? (Mr. Theriaque) Anything by Mariah Carey (Mr. Peter Buckley) Do They Know It’s Christmas Time, - Not even close, it’s awful (Mr. Blair)

movies How the Grinch Stole christmas (Ms. McLaughlin) It’s a Wonderful Life (Mrs. Sanders) Love Actually (Mr. Laguilles) White Christmas (Mr. Lipari) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Mr. Downey) “Home Alone” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” - No way to choose, but no other contenders exist (Ms. Miller) Jingle All the Way (Mr. Murphy) With all due respect to the spiritual side of Christmas, A Christmas Story - It represents my childhood and Christmas (Mr. Theriaque) Die Hard (Mr. Peter Buckley) A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott (Mr. Theriaque)

Mr. Downey’s Penguins (Mr. Hanagan) Grinch w/Jim Carrey (Mr. Blair) Anything new on the Hallmark Channel (Mr. Kruskamp) Santa With Muscles (Mr. Peter Buckley) I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Mr. Murphy) Slay Bells (Mrs. Free) Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (Mr. Viola) Christmas With the Cranks (Mr. Downey) Roy Rogers and Dale Evan’s Christmas Vacation (Mr. Lipari) All Christmas movies made since 1970 are tied (Mrs. Sanders)

foods

Mama Hamm’s cherry jello with marshmallows and mandarin oranges (Mr. Hamm) Grasshopper pie: chocolate-mint combo (Ms. McLaughlin) Fruitcake--yes, I love fruitcake (Ms. Sanders) Anything that is grill-able (Mr. Laguilles) Oyster Dressing (Mr. Lipari) Grandma’s Roast Beef (Mr. Downey) My dad’s homemade lasagna (Mrs. Free) COOKIES - Especially Italian Natale cookies (Ms. Miller) Corn Soufflé (Mr. Murphy) Braciolettine (Mr. Peter Buckley) Turducken (Mr. Blair) Cpt. Downey Crunch (Mr. Hanagan)

Mama Hamm’s cherry jello with marshmallows and mandarin oranges (Mr. Hamm) Sage (the herb, obviously) (Mr. Hanagan) Fruitcake...gross (Ms. Miller) Green Fruit Gelatin Mold (Mr. Blair) Goose (Mr. Kruskamp) Vegetables (Mr. Manion) Any anything made with Chicken or Turkey, I’m allergic and can’t touch it (Mr. Viola) Orange Squash (Mr. Downey) Pumpkin Pie (Mr. Lipari) Well I don’t eat meat, so anything along the lines of turkey, ham, chicken, beef... (Mrs. Sanders) Christmas “pudding” (Ms. McLaughlin)

Vacations K-Town. 20895. Come on, bro.

(Mr. Hanagan) Sledding down the golf course on Fisher’s Island, NY (Mr. Hamm) Visiting my Grandparents in Massachusetts in the ‘70s when they had a blizzard (Mr. Sampugnaro) Home to Seattle (Ms. Miller) Rome with my family (Ms. Free) Beating the scrub roller hockey team known as “Team Virginia,” on home ice in Kensington, and getting Continental afterwards... glorious. (Mr. Downey) Honeymoon in 2010 in Maui, Hawaii (Mr. Laguilles) I don’t take Christmas vacations.

Have always celebrated Christmas at home. (Mrs. Sanders) Naples, Italy (Mr. Lipari)

Training trip with WM swim team (Mr. Murphy) 2007 Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic in North Charleston (Mr. Hanagan) Going any place but home (Ms. Miller) DaNang (Mr. Kruskamp) 7th grade when I was sick with Mono the entire break (Mr. Downey) Breaking my ankle in rough surf in a remote beach in Nicaragua (Mr. Laguilles) Naples, Italy (Mr. Lipari) Williamsburg, Virginia at a Bed and Breakfast lodge in the middle of an epic ice storm - who needs to worry about weather when heading to Williamsburg? (Mr. Theriaque)