This Month
Opinion - Page 2 Feminism at Holton
Scribbler Vol. 51, No. 6
How to go beyond the academic
A&E - Page 7 One-Acts and Winter Play
What do Sunday Night and Perfectly Normal have in common?
The Student Newspaper of the Holton-Arms School
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
This Month
Clubs - Page 5 Spectrum of Holton Clubs Honorary, cultural, and more!
Features - Page 6 GirlUp Summit
The United Nation’s effort to empower women leaders
Coffeehouse Showcases Creativity Bred from Personal Experiences By Nicole Bohannon
Starting at 8 pm on March 17, fifteen girls performed everything from original songs to readings of creative writing pieces in the Blackbox Theater at Coffeehouse 2012. Meagan Carr ’12 and Aaron Ross ’12 started off the set list with a reading of Carr’s creative writing essay, or W, which she wrote for English 12. “There’s one case that I’ve been in that’s unique, and you’ll see how [Aaron] factors in,” she started. She then told the story of how she and Ross developed a relationship from an awkward first impression at Camp Sonshine to their current status as girlfriend and boyfriend. Then sophomores Maddie Krips, Alexa Thomas, and Kalya Chernoff sang, with Chernoff on guitar, a “trio arrangement of ‘Breakaway’ by Kelly Clarkson,”
according to Thomas. Next Zoe Swinson ’13 read a “poem...about a relationship I was very dependent on, and that’s why I relate it to gravity.” Kelcie Davis ’12 read her own W, a rant, after Swinson. “I’m ranting about getting kids’ menus at restaurants,” Davis said, complaining about the fact she may be a teenager but still is treated like a child. “I don’t need crayons, I’m seventeen years old,” she said. Afterward, Susannah Bane and Julia Anderson ’14 came up to the stage. “This is an original piece Julia and I wrote,” Bane said. “Both Julia and I were new in ninth grade. This song is about friendship and finding someone you can really trust.” Karen Buitano ’12 then read her W on a childhood experience in fourth grade. “It all started with Helena Rodriguez,” she began and went
Photo Courtesy Kelsey Sloter
on to describe her frustration with her annoying classmate’s antics to distract her from finishing a multiplication test. Coffeehouse favorite Bob Tupper, an upper school history teacher, sang a country song composed by his daughter Laurie. “Even though it’s raining, things are looking up already. One of them is you,” Tupper said, retelling the story of how Laurie came up with the song
idea when her boyfriend said these same words to her. Rachel Williams ’12 followed with a rendition of a spoken word poem she had crafted. “[In the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day assembly,] this one girl spoke in the voice of a mother whose daughter had died in the Alabama bombings during the civil rights movement,” Williams recounted of her inspiration. In her spoken word, which “is kind of like slam poetry” as Williams described it, she discussed her dreams, her mother’s support of them, and the many questions she often faces with them. “Will my dreams be shot down like [MLK] was?” she pondered in her poem. “I try not to be consumed, but the doom of this world makes me want to run and hide.” Kelsey Sloter ’12 read her original poem, which was “in-
spired by the closest friends I’ve ever had.” “I used Sibelius and Garageband to compose a piece that uses electric guitar, drums, piano, and saxophone,” Delancy Wu ’13 explained once she took the stage. Part of the arrangement played on speakers while Wu played her saxophone live. Marina Di Marzo ’12 then read a W about a time in elementary school when she bit a classmate who stole her pencil. “It’s a dialogue only with no descriptions like a normal story,” she said. “I’d like to thank my father for being a goof, and for sending the W to his office,” she added. Finally, Julia Pieperl ’13 closed the evening with two original songs she had composed on the guitar. She said “I’ve been writing songs for a while, but recently I’ve started writing songs about things I really care about.”
Mini-Mester Allows Middle School to Learn in New Ways New Course Registration Options By Saachi Nangia
The third annual “MiniMester” kicked off on March 16th with middle school students attending sessions of the special courses of their choosing. Each course culminated after four days in an end project related to its subject. Head of Middle School Tony Shawe explained, “[The program] is designed to give students an opportunity to focus deeply on a topic…It needs Photo Courtesy Nicole Bohannon to be interdisciplinary in nature In the “Journalism: A Front Seat to History” course, budding journalists produced [and] connect students with the the Scoop, the middle school newspaper. They also met real journalists and visited the ‘outside world.’” Washington Post’s printing plant. One example of the range of courses is “Cup of Human- explored the history behind the garding the journalism course ity,” for which students studied multitude of sculptures in the last year. “Every morning I really the history of both Japan and Washington, D.C. area. For the looked forward to the upcoming China through the “lens of the culmination of the course, the days and the activities we would tea ceremony.” Girls had the girls created a photograph display be doing.” opportunity to visit an authentic of these sculptures. In “Educational Videos ExChinese tea room and then creYet another course, “Jour- press,” students explored a difate their own tea room. nalism: A Front Seat to History,” ferent type of media: videos. In “Exploring Impression- provided students with the op- Students began the course by visism,” students dove into the Im- portunity to meet real journal- iting a local media source. They pressionist era by reading litera- ists and visit the Washington Post’s then examined how educational ture from the period and visiting printing plant. At the end of the videos, such as Bill Nye the Sciseveral of Washington, D.C.’s art course, the students published ence Guy and How Stuff Works, collections and museums. their own newspaper. convey information. The girls In “Marble and Bronze, “I had so much fun!” eighth ended the class by making their Honor and Whimsy,” students grader Olivia Thomas said reContinued Mini-Mester page 3
“Cater to a Variety of Interests” By Sandy Fox
Photo Courtesy Neha Prasad
As part of Holton’s ongoing mission to integrate technology into the curriculum, fifth graders have started using iPads (shown here) in the classroom.
Upper School students had at least twelve additional options from which to choose in the recent course selection process, and depending on demand, many of these new or modified courses may run during the 2012-2013 school year. Last November, the department chairs reviewed faculty proposals for new courses. Although Upper School Director Lisa Pence said that “people around here are not generally eager to change a program that most people feel is very sound,” she supports the changes made to existing courses and the introduction of several semester-long classes.
One new option is Global Perspectives, a semester-long minor open to all students but required for the juniors participating in the Global Education (GE) Program. Through the program featuring discussion-based learning, faculty members hope to participate for the summer trips to Costa Rica, India, and Senegal. Pence pointed out, “The Global Ed girls were having to meet all the time [during their free periods]. This folds that into a course [and] provides really meaningful conversations.” Student requests have facContinued Courses page 3
2
OPINION Create Balance between the “Amazon” and the Lady I played flag football in fifth grade on a team composed entirely of boys except for me. For most of elementary school, I owned exactly one dress to wear to church. I’ve caught and gutted numerous fish throughout my summers, and I learned to shoot a gun the summer before I entered 10th grade. Through all of my tomboyish tendencies, I’m proud of being a girl, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I was lucky to have a mother and close role models who have worked toward the promotion of women’s rights since the 60s and 70s both here in the U.S. and in the world. But I feel as though many girls my age or slightly younger only have the most vague and sheltered idea of what feminism is and its real life uses. It’s a complete oxymoron to be surrounded by girls who only know the textbook definition. But perhaps that’s the problem. Going to an all-girls school, we’ve all been on the receiving end of an endless number
of lectures, class lessons, and academic examples of womankind’s accomplishments and contributions. The Holton bubble, however, has raised a student population who, surrounded by hard-working, intelligent, and independent young women, assumes the Holton attitude will seamlessly translate into the real world. Outside of the classroom, I can’t tell you how many “women in the kitchen” jokes I’ve heard from girls across grades at this school. I admit: I’ve jokingly ordered my friends to make me a “sammich” when I’m hungry, intentionally poking fun at the 1950’s stereotype of a woman’s role in the kitchen and house. To us, after hearing for so long the unchanging and subservient role of women in society in history, the idea of a woman being resigned to the kitchen seems so absurd to us now that we can’t help but joke about it. I believe that humor is sometimes the best way to confront a serious issue, but when the dialogue doesn’t go deeper
or under the surface, that’s when I get mad. Even after a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I struggled to maintain a consistent conversation among the attendees on their views of Audrey Hepburn’s character. Throughout the film, she repeatedly declares she’s not interested in being tied down and caged in, though her entire mission in life is to marry a rich man. There is no easier fodder for anti-feminism to discuss than that. But what about outside of school? What happens when there aren’t 600 girls and supportive teachers to encourage you to stand up for yourself when you’re being pressured by a guy? How do you know when to follow that little feminist voice in your head telling you to stay strong and not be passive but when your gut is telling you to go with the flow? Feminism goes beyond knowing who Gloria Steinem is, reading The Feminine Mystique, or analyzing whether Lady Macbeth is or isn’t a
strong female character. Feminism is finding a balance between being an armwrenching, bra-burning Amazon and carrying the right mix of ladylike qualities seen at teatime. It’s actively asserting yourself when you’d prefer to remain a wallflower. It’s learning to say both yes and no, and to whom you should say them. It’s expecting to be treated the same way as men are, not above them or anyone else. It’s understanding that promoting human rights and women’s rights are synonomous. It’s not groaning, silently or aloud, when we devote a day in history to the women’s rights movement. It’s not scoffing at women’s leadership conferences, empowerment seminars, or female-based discussions of our roles in society. It’s fighting every single day to preserve and promote the progress each of our mothers and grandmothers made. We are the lucky ones, and we ought to return the favor.
The Secret to a Holton Girl’s Heart
By Delancey Wu
March 21,2012
Scribbler 2011 Gold Medalist, Columbia Scholastic Press Association (C.S.P.A.) The Holton-Arms School 7303 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817 301.365.5300 Letters to the Editor and opinion columns are the expressed opinion of the author and not of The Scribbler and its editorial board or advisor. The Scribbler welcomes letters, which should be e-mailed to the Editor-inChief at Nicole.Bohannon.2012@holton-arms. edu The Scribbler cannot publish anonymous letters, or anything deemed libelous, obscene, or in poor taste. Rights are reserved to postpone, edit, or withhold from publication anything that does not meet specifications. The opinions conveyed in The Scribbler are not those of the Holton-Arms faculty or administration.
Editor-in-Chief - Nicole Bohannon Managing Editors - Karen Buitano Sandy Fox Layout Editors - Angelina DiPaolo Zahra Husain News Editor - Saachi Nangia Assistant News - Susannah Bane Spread Editor - Hailey Cayne Assistant Spread - Jennifer Guo Features Editor - Lindsay Cayne Assistant Features - Tiffany Onyejiaka Sports Editor - Catilin Montgomery A&E Editor - Cheyenne Coote Assistant A&E - Noori Srivastava Copy Editor - Caitlin Montgomery Photography Editor - Neha Prasad Assist. Photo. Editor - Saachi Nangia Cartoonist - Delancy Wu Advisor - Maggie Spak
CORRECTION In the February Issue, Jennifer Guo wrote the “ACDA/ All-State Offer ‘Fabulous Opportunity’ for Learning” article. Susannah Bane was incorrectly identified as the author.
NEWS
March 21, 2012
Seniors Celebrate Mother-Daughter Tea Tradition
and interesting facts about themselves, including crazy experiences from freshman year of college and a wide variety of unknown talents. The video won the praise of many seniors because it showed special mother-daughter moments. “My favorite part was definitely watching the video, made by Mrs. Cutler [mother of Alexis Cutler ’12],” Alexandra Michaels ’12 said. “It featured a photo montage of mothers and daughters and a hilarious segment filled with miscellaneous facts about our mothers that very few people (or no one!) knew before.” Another special component of the Tea gave the mothers and their girls a chance to write letters to each other, an assignment that proved challenging.
“The seniors and their mothers were all given blank Holton stationery and envelopes,” Michaels explained. “The members of 2012 were asked to write a letter to their moms, and mothers were asked to do the same for their daughters. The seniors were told a few weeks before that the letters would be mailed to our moms in one year’s time [when we’re at college]. We received no prompt. I think that was definitely the hardest part: trying to think of what to write to my mom. Of anyone, my mom is the person with whom I am closest, and even so I had no idea how to start.” Each of the traditions celebrated the seniors’ journey through Holton as the girls embark on their next adventures in college.
tored significantly into several of the decisions for next year. For years Holton students have had to take AP Psychology as a consortium course or through the Online School for Girls, but for the first time next year, they will have the chance to take the class at Holton. “There have always been a few students who’ve been motivated enough to ask” for their own AP class, Psychology teacher Yolanda Keener said. Student appeals also inspired the new AP Chemistry class. “A lot of girls are super excited,” said Chemistry teacher Xu Duan, who views the AP class as “an opportunity for many girls to do more in science and [to pursue] Chemistry in their college careers.” Other additions to the Pure and Applied Science Department include the semester options of Earth and Space Science. In addition, in the Science Research Program students are now required to take two semester courses in order to learn the lab skills required for summer internships. Depending on their choice of a physical science or biomedical internship, students enroll in either Computer Programming and Robotics or Molecular and Microbiology, respectively. Kayla Moffett ’14 is espe-
ronment. Another one of the unique Mini-Mester options was “U Street Rhythms.” In this course, students investigated the history of Washington, D.C’s U Street Corridor through its music. U Street was a center of AfricanAmerican culture, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. Students had the chance to listen to live jazz music and create some of their own jazz tunes. The Middle Schoolers also volunteered at Martha’s Table, an organization located near U Street. “[I] had such a fun time learning about jazz artists who lived there and really getting into the culture of the U Street neighborhood,” Dara Odunubi ’16 said of last year’s Mini-Mester. The “Mind Find” course studied the workings of the brain and the variety of learning styles. The course used hands-on labs and featured a cooking activity. Nikki Reynolds, middle school health teacher and co-
teacher of “Mind Find,” hoped students left “the course with a toolbox of techniques that they can use to enhance the alertness and functioning of their brains.” Each of the ten choices for Mini-Mester provided students with the chance to delve deeply into new topics in a unique way. As middle school art teacher Barbara Mandel, who co-taught the “U Street Rhythms” course, said, “[Mini-Mester] offered an experiential, interdisciplinary experience…[and] gave students the opportunity to pursue a concentrated area of study.” The teachers worked hard to make Mini-Mester a success. Several of the middle school faculty members created each course. As Science teacher Tiffany Reddinger, who co-taught “Cryptography: The Science of Coded Writing,” explained, “There is so much preparation [the teachers] must do to make sure the girls are learning and engaged those four days!”
In “Cryptography,” for example, students learned how to decipher messages using a variety of codes, including Caesar ciphers, Vigenere ciphers, Dancing Men, and PigPen. The girls also watched the film Sherlock Holmes and visited the Spy Museum. “In this digital age,” Reddinger explained, “I think it’s awesome for the girls to learn how all of their information is secured as it is transmitted through cyberspace!” Mini-Mester was a four-day course for all middle school students that presented them with a unique opportunity to venture outside of their normal learning environments. As Winston explained, “[Mini-mester] is totally different than most academic classes because of the field trips and projects we did.” The course allowed students to “engage with experiences and people outside the confines of the classroom,” she continued.
By Zahra Husain
On Sunday, March 4, the Class of 2012 celebrated one of the first of many second semester traditions for the graduating class: the Mother-Daughter tea. The event was put together by senior mothers, led by Melissa Carey (mom of Ellen Carey ’12). During the week leading up to the Tea, the mothers displayed baby pictures of all of the seniors on the walls in the Adalman Gallery, much to the delight and enjoyment of the Holton community. On the day of the event, the seniors and their mothers showed up in perfect tea-time attire and came to partake in the special afternoon. Senior Amanda Lee noted, “I thought the Mother-Daughter Tea was adorable this year, and I always love seeing everyone all dressed up.” “The Mother-Daughter tea was fabulous!” Mimi Lynham ’12 said. “I think that every motherdaughter pair there had a wonderful time. Mrs. Carey and all of the other mothers made it so special for us with the baby pictures, the set-up, the teas and treats, and the slideshow of all of our pictures and our moms’ secrets. Everything was absolutely perfect! I could not have asked for any better way to spend time with my mom.” As part of the slideshow, many mothers submitted funny
From Mini-Mester page 1
own educational videos for the fourth graders. In “Sustainable Living,” students focused on the environment by taking field trips to the Montgomery County Recycling center and an organic farm. The girls also participated in several projects, including fashioning solar ovens, creating vegan meals, and building hydroelectric cars. Instrumental music conductor and co-instructor Dr. Sarah Winston explained, “We’re hoping that the girls will get a better understanding of how their daily choices impact the environment as well as learn some methods to be more environmentally conscious in their lives.” Another course with an environmental focus was “Ecosystems and Art.” Students studied ecological terms and also spent time in nature composing poems and drawing pictures that honor and celebrate our envi-
From Courses page 1
Photo Courtesy Caitlin Montgomery
Caitlin Montgomery ’12 (left) and her mother Charlene Yu (right) wrote each other letters to be mailed when Montgomery’s in college. All of the other mothers and daughters took part in the tradition as well.
3
cially interested in Molecular and Microbiology, which she hopes will “open the way for potential work in an actual scientific lab.” The Mathematics Department has expanded its options to include Introduction to Differential Calculus and Statistics and a semester-long Statistical Thinking course. Math teacher David Weis said he hopes “to give students more of an opportunity to take Statistics at a high school level because many will end up taking it in college.” Other changes to the curriculum include Spanish 3 Honors, a semester-long Figure and Portrait Drawing Minor, and Photography Major, now a fullyear course. Most students approve of the changes. Katie Kirk ’13 said the single semester options “cater to a variety of interests” and “allow people to get a taste for the subject matter.” Along with these changes is a pilot iPad program in the fifth grade that will decide what technology the lower school girls will receive next year. In the Lower School, about fifteen iPads have been circulating the fifth grade homerooms as part of the Technology Department’s test run of the Apple tablet. Director of Technology David Rossell said that, depending on teacher and student reactions, the device may replace Lenovo Tablet PCs for next year’s fifth and sixth graders. Rossell noticed the iPad during the “annual review of choices” available to students. “The curriculum has to drive the choice of device,” he said, “and the product had matured enough that we envisioned it could be used for school work.” If its Holton users rate the iPad poorly, Lenovo Tablets will remain the standard. Although he sees the potential for the iPad to work well in a classroom setting, Rossell remains skeptical that the technology will be used in Upper School. “A lot of high-school level programs aren’t available,” he said. “I don’t know [if] you could write a 20-page paper with footnotes on an iPad.” Course selection forms for students were due mid-March after discussion with family and teachers for juniors and sophomores especially. The final schedules will come out in Au-
Holton Clubs:
Academic Focus Allows Clubs to Expand Outside of School By Angelina DiPaolo
Holton’s academic clubs provide opportunities to think critically and expand knowledge learned from inside class to new dimensions. “My favorite part of It’s Ac,” explained Alexandra Berthiaume ’13, an alternate for It’s Academic and a member of Model United Nations, “is all of the fun stuff we learn and the good times we have together, joking about stuff that most people would think was really, really nerdy (like the fact that President Chester Arthur had 80 pairs of pants).” It’s Academic is both enjoyable and time-consuming, and it provides time for a “nerdy” kind of fun found in trivia. “We practice twice a week at 7 AM, more when we’re approaching a game,” stated Berthiaume. Although annoying at times, waking up early proves beneficial in the long run. It’s Academic shows that
Photo Courtesy Alexa Goldman
with dedication comes success. This year, the club won its first-round game and won the playoff game on Saturday, March 3. They next round is May 5. Model United Nations also allows time for academic pursuits outside of the classroom. Berthiaume reflected on Model UN, saying, “My favorite event at Model UN is VAMUN, which is a slightly smaller, more casual meet than our other one.
meets at different colleges to debate. Between meets, we practice debating and talk about issues The Holton It’s Ac facing our nation and world,” team consists of Berthiaume answered. (from left to right) Again, with enjoyment Katie Kirk ’13, comes hard-work, a recurrent Sandy Fox ’12, theme in Holton’s academic purand Jenna Milstein suits. ’12 as well as a Yasmeen Haider ’15, memgroup of alternates. ber of Model UN, stated, “Writing a position paper on a topic with a country or person’s point of view can sometimes be challenging as the position on the topic could be one that you perIt’s held at UVA, and we get to sonally do not agree with. Debate debate in (relatively) small com- can get intense and sometimes mittees. It’s great getting to go fast paced where a chance to around the campus with your speak is rare.” friends, and the debate is always Although challenging at very lively.” times, an academic club provides But what is it that Model UN fun for its members. does behind the scenes during Model UN prepares for those endless pizza lunches and three meets: Holton-Arms MUN meetings? (HAMUN), University of Vir“At Model UN, we learn ginia MUN (VAMUN), and the about and research world and North American Invitational historical issues and then go to MUN meet (NAIMUN).
Haider stated, “My favorite of them all was NAIMUN. Being the largest meet I have ever attended, it was a thrilling new experience. NAIMUN was filled with twists and turns, and I feel that it was the best meet this year!” The Robotics Club also combines academic challenge with entertainment. “The mission of the Robotics Club is to learn how to create different types of robots for different situations (challenges) while also learning how to problem solve, work in a team, and have fun,” Beverly Sihsobhon ’14 stated. Members of the Robotics Club enjoy using their practiced skills to compete with others. “Botball is the biggest event for the Robotics team because it is where we get to compete against other teams after several months of programming and building one or two robots to complete a challenge,” Sihsobhon said.
Animals, Veterans, and Children Fuel Enthusiasm for Charity Clubs By Cheynne Coote
Whether it is assisting pets in the local animal community or raising money for those in need, clubs devoted to organizations, charities, and causes serve as important elements of both Holton and the larger community outside our walls. Working to raise “awareness about all kinds of animal abuse and to advocate for the rights and protection of animals,” according to their club page on the Holton website, the Animal Rights Club has focused on helping pets in the area. Specifically, the club has “attended adoption events for a local, non-profit organization Lost Dog and Cat Rescue,” said president Nicole Romness ’12. She said that the aids animals who “do not have their own voice.” Volunteering or giving donations are both ways that students can help the club. Celia Spiritos, advisor of the Community Service Club, said that the club’s mission “provides students with the opportunity
to become involved in service projects inside and outside of school.” With “fundraisers, drives and trips,” the club plans “upcoming events to help particular disadvantaged groups in society and work with other clubs to organize their own community service projects.” The club also plans various initiatives with Landon such as the Soup ’n Bowls, a fundraiser Photo Courtesy Nicole Romness to support Brainy Camps. The Animal Rights Club has “attended adoption events for a local, non-profit organiOut of all the initiatives, zation Lost Dog and Cat Rescue,” such as this one from earlier this year. Spiritos said she loved volunteerHorton’s Kids, known for its ing at House with a Heart, a “se- club President Nina Singh ’12. The club not only operates popular dumpling sales, focuses nior pet rescue organization.” She believes that the club independently at Holton but also its efforts on a local venture in “increases our awareness of the collaborates with schools all over the community. the area. Club leader Sara Hou ’12 Holton campus.” According to Singh, the club said that members “raise money Spiritos said that students can sign up as volunteers for fu- hopes to “visit a children’s hos- for low-income families in Anature events, such as Spring Day in pital for Dr. Seuss’ birthday and costia, D.C.” The profits are then used the Country, an April 21st event read some of his books to pa“to buy non-perishable, easyon Landon’s campus that pro- tients there.” Singh said that the charity to-make food that we deliver to vides members of HEART opportunities to interact with kids club not only gives children the them in reusable grocery bags.” opportunity to receive a “beauThe club’s work is especially in need. Operation Smile allows tiful smile” but also betters the important to families who, ac“children all over the world with lives of kids who could not “eat cording to Hou, “might not have cleft lip and cleft palate to receive or breath properly” prior to the anything without [the club’s] donations.” free correctional surgeries,” said surgery.
According to Hou, the club’s work makes “a small dent in the fight against hunger, but [their] work still has a large impact on the 50 families it does help.” Started by Beth Hansen ’10, Holton Helping Heroes aims to “support our local heroes such as policemen and firemen while also supporting our troops overseas,” said Kasey Miller ’12. Club advisor Jen Chen said that Hansen started the club because “she felt passionate about thanking men and women who devote their time and energy to serving their communities and/ or country.” “Baking holiday cookies for a local fire department to sending backpacks filled with fun and necessary items brightens the days of wounded soldiers around the world,” Chen added. This year, the club also “sent holiday cards to wounded veterans at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.” Chen hopes that the club’s work will inspire Holton students “to incorporate elements of service to their own communities throughout their lives.”
Where Passion, Drive, and Identity Converge Students Express Cultural Hertiage in BSU, JCC, and Asia Clubs By Leila Anduze
Cultural diversity has been a chief part of the Holton community for years. Students are disposed to recognize various cultures through global education programs, the annual Holton Mosaic, and cultural clubs. Through these clubs, students are able to fully embrace their diversity and spread awareness of their various cultures to peers. A prominent culture club at Holton is Asia Club. Asia Club provides students with the ability to learn about Asian culture through dinners, assemblies, and a popular, annual fundraiser. Asia Club Co-President Jenni Jung ’13 said, “The mission of Asia Club is to spread awareness of Asian traditional and pop culture. So far this year, Asia Club
has had an Asian movie/potluck dinner event and has presented an A day assembly about the Lunar New Year.” “Every spring,” Jung said, “we hold an Asian snack sale to raise money for the Half the Sky Foundation and other causes such as the earthquake in Japan and flooding in Thailand.” The Jewish Culture Club Photo Courtesy Caitlin Montgomery (JCC) provides students with Asia Club (pictured here) not only promotes the knowledge of Asian culture but also raises money for the Half the Sky Foundation. the ability to learn about various Jewish cultures and traditions. to share the traditions of this sented culture. JCC president Alexandra Mi- holiday...We’re currently working “I’d like add that JCC is not chaels ’12 said, “JCC’s mission on a community service outing strictly open to the Jewish memis to educate the student com- to the Hebrew Home.” bers of our community!” Mimunity about Jewish culture and Michaels continued, “We chaels explained. “Having memheritage while simultaneously also have some great thought- bers of other denominations providing a haven for Jewish provoking topics for upcoming actually helps inform others of students. meetings during which we’ll ask Jewish practices.” “We had a small presenta- the attendees to discuss with us.” Like JCC, the Black Student tion set up during lunch around Moreover, these clubs such Union (BSU) provides awarethe time of Sukkot (a minor yet as the JCC are not only open to ness of black culture to those in widely celebrated Jewish holiday) students of the particular repre- the Holton community.
“The mission of Black Student Union is to increase awareness of the contributions of African-Americans in both the school and society,” said BSU president Bailey Jackson ’12. Throughout the year, the club has taken part in out-ofschool diversity conferences, such as those at Madeira and Woodberry Forest, as well as inschool activities. Jackson added, “We also had a lock-in where we discussed stereotypes and our experiences in the Holton community. We plan to have another lock-in towards the end of the year.” “Most notably,” Jackson said, “Antoinette [Nwabunnia ’13] and I have been presenting Black history trivia questions and music at morning assembly throughout Black History Month.”
Honorary Groups Recognize Accomplishment and Talent By Susannah Bane
Some honorary clubs at Holton have requirements and induction ceremonies in order for students to become members. These prestigious clubs honor girls who have excelled in their respective fields. While some may worry about the exclusion of these clubs, the girls who are members find the induction a satisfying reward for the work they have put in. Holton-Arms Athletic Society (HAA) is one of the most visible clubs at Holton. HAA seniors and juniors sing out original poems for new inductees into the association. Photo Courtesy Sarah Lincoln Members of HAA are selected for their dedication to ath- “that as a member of HAA, I This year’s presidents of letics at Holton as well as their would be able to encourage my Boosters are Christin Wade-Virsportsmanship and leadership peers to partake in the camara- turo ’12 and Anisa LaRochelle both on and off the field. derie associated with sports at ’13. This year’s president of Holton.” Boosters member Cameron HAA is senior Anne Corrigan When students aren’t excel- Kelso ’14 remembers her main ’12. ling on the field, some donate reason for wanting to become Induction occurs during the many hours of their time to ser- part of Boosters was because “all Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports vice toward the school. of the girls who were in the club Banquets. Girls who are particularly were definitely ones [she] looked Current HAA members generous with their time are re- up to and wanted to be like.” write poems to the newly induct- warded with membership into Some girls also volunteer ed girls, and then the recently Boosters Club. their time as Peer Counselors for admitted members wear blue and Girls can volunteer through the freshman advisory groups. white beanies with all their sports giving tours, helping out in AdThis year’s presidents of pins for a week after their induc- missions or the Business Office, Peer Counseling are Wendy Burr tion. assisting at Brown House, or of- ’12 and Ellen Carey ’12. HAA member Alexandra fering their time to tutor younger The application process for Michaels ’12 strived to become students. Inductions to Boosters Peer Counseling begins during part of HAA as she believed occur twice a year. the second semester of sopho-
more year, when girls who are interested in becoming a Peer Counselor must fill out an application and be interviewed by both the faculty advisors and a current Peer Counselor. Burr explained that it is very competitive as there are “typically about 45 girls who apply for 13 to 14 spots.” As well as running the sophomore Alcohol Symposium in October, Peer Counselors also “help the freshmen navigate their way through their first year of high school both academically and socially,” as Burr explained. Those who have excelled both on stage and behind the curtain are rewarded with induction to the International Thespians Society. Unlike the previously mentioned clubs, Thespians is a world-wide club. Holton’s Thespian president is Meagan Carr ’12. Inductions to Thespians occur at the end of the year. Thespians member Marina diMarzo ’12 said the true goal of Thespians is to “call attention to the hardcore theater fans and highlight their achievements in the drama at Holton.” Carr pointed out that in order to earn the twenty points needed for Thespians one must
earn one point through completing ten hours of tech or set work. Carr finds that this requirement “ensures that Thespians are a diverse and experienced group of students who truly are committed to and appreciative of all aspects of theater.” The final honorary club at Holton is the Cum Laude Society. Cum Laude is a national academic honors society for students in Independent Schools. The top 10% of the junior class and the top 20% of the senior class are selected on Class Day at the end of the year. Upper School Director Lisa Pence is this year’s chapter secretary, and this year’s chapter president has yet to be selected. As Holton doesn’t academically rank in any other way, Pence said that admittance into Cum Laude is “strictly numerical.” While other honorary clubs take on a more visible role, she pointed out that “not much goes on in Cum Laude beyond shining in the classroom, which is a huge responsibility.” Although Cum Laude only recognizes a very small percentage of upper school students, Pence said that in her opinion “everyone here is an honors student.”
6
FEATURES
Alum’s Resolve Organization Empowers Women in DRC By Noori Srivastava
On Monday, February 13, Vijaya Thakur ’04 addressed Holton in an interactive lecture on different approaches to supporting struggling countries. Thakur is the founder and executive director of Resolve Network, a non-governmental organization focused on empowering women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help in peace-building. Alongside Thakur, Lily Kruglak ’08 serves as the program assistant. Thakur stressed that Holton’s teaching of critical thinking and the motto “Find a way or make one” led to her success. Thakur chose to help the Democratic Republic of Congo because it is one of the most troubled African countries, where “a girl … is five times more likely to be raped than learn how to read a book.” Rebel militias and military especially have marginalized women of the Congo through intimidation tactics to maintain control of black-market trade. Consequently, families and communities have struggled to rebuild their infrastructure and maintain peace. The Resolve Network uses a three-tiered system moving from micro to macro: individual, communal, and societal. Through microloans, women start businesses, enrich com-
March 21, 2012
March Horoscopes
By Marina Di Marzo
Aries (3/21-4/20) Venus turns on the charm from the 4th to the 28th, and pals can’t get enough of you. After the 22nd go forth and seek your fortune in greener pastures.
Photo Courtesy Evie Chamberlain
Vijaya Thakur ’04 (shown here) is now the Founder and Executive Director of the Resolve Network, an NGO she spoke about in a February assembly.
munities, and create viable alternatives to violence. The field staff then collaborates with these women to organize community-building projects for safe drinking water, sustainable irrigation, and education. Students found Thakur’s presentation intriguing and thoughtprovoking. “It was great to see a Holton alum - someone like me - doing something really great and successful with her life,” said Alexandra Berthiaume ’13. “It was really inspiring because I’d like to do much of the same thing as an adult.” “The guest speaker really gave us an insight into the real life that she faces,” Aarushi Puri ’13 said, “and showed us the real statistics that we might not generally know about the country as well as some nice problem-solv-
ing skills. I think that the grassroots approach is definitely the best way because you connect to the individuals.” “Aiding women is an important step in achieving progress. Women are an essential part of every community, so working with women is necessary to gain peace,” said Elizabeth Kitt ’14. Berthiaume disagreed, however, by stating, “I think that while aiding women is important and NGOs like Resolve are necessary, we should not, as an international community, restrict aid just to women. It’s important not to be sexist in the way we help people; we can’t assume that every single man is an abusive drunkard who will gamble away any aid someone gives him.” Students left the assembly thinking about the future and being an active participant in the global community.
Libra (9/23-10/22)
Achieve physical perfection in early March while the Sun highlights exercise and wellness. Your charming and attractive self will be ready, willing, and able to cash in on the coming spring. Scorpio (10/23-11/21)
Taurus (4/21-5/21) Don’t stay home and hide this March; the planets encourage you to spread your good cheer in any and all possible ways. Gemini (5/22-6/20) Sometimes you have to shake things up to move things forward, and things have a way of clearing a path. That is, until the 22nd, when Sun whips up your social swirl to a whirlpool. Cancer (6/21-7/20)
How much fun can a Scorpio have this March? A parade of planets posits in your engagment calendar, so don’t drop out. Enjoy every fun-filled moment while it lasts. Sagittarius (11/2212/20) Upcoming events will require novelty, experiment, creativity, and originality. If you offer everything you’ve got, you’ll enjoy a memorable, sentimental period. Capricorn (12/21-1/20)
If you are itching to You’ll be enthusiastic travel, March is the month to the entirety of March, and listen. You are well-prepared you’ll long for adventure. to meet whatever challenge This combination will create fundraising, and the importance comes your way. a perfect mood that will atof social media. tract favorable circumstanc“My favorite speaker was Leo (7/21-8/22) es to fulfilling wishes. Betty Hudson (current Nation-
GirlUp Summit Instigates Conversation on Women Leaders By Katherine Connolly
50% of all domestic abuse is perpetrated against girls under 15 years old. 10 million teenage and preteen girls will be married this year. Violence kills as many women between 15 and 44 years old as cancer. These were just some of the facts shared on Saturday, March 10th, the United Nations Foundation’s first annual GirlUp Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. GirlUp “gives American girls the opportunity to become global leaders and channel their energy and compassion to raise awareness and funds for United Nations programs,” according to their website. At the event, powerful women leaders gathered with teenage GirlUp members from around America to discuss current global issues such as child marriage, and changes in the workplace for women in the western world. Nicole Bohannon ’12, Kath-
erine Connolly ’12 and Saba Chinian ’12 represented HoltonArms at the event, which was held at the Swedish Embassy. In the morning, they listened to a variety of guest speakers including White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz, Vice President of National Geographic Betty Hudson, and UN Champion and High School Musical actress Monique Coleman. After a morning of guest speakers, the girls broke up into small-group sessions to talk about awareness, philanthropy,
al Geographic VP and former NBC VP),” Connolly said. “She achieved so much in a time when executive positions were rarely given to women, and she is such an inspiration.” Bohannon, who had the most previous experience with the GirlUp campaign, was especially keen about the event. She said, “It was a great message preached throughout the day about women’s leadership. “The GirlUp campaign is based on the hard work of GirlUp clubs across the nation who raise money and get the message out about child marriage. At the event, many club leaders from New Jersey, California, New York and many other states led the group discussions. I love meeting girls from so many different paths of life who come together for a cause.”
Don’t allow yourself to long for more than you can have. Don’t think that you’re entitled to everything and that you don’t have to work to have it all. Virgo (8/23-9/22) Hardworking Virgos are in their element early in March as a plethora of planets gets you working in high gear.
Aquarius (1/21-2/18) March is a good time to plant a few good seeds for future projects. But make your moves while Uranus provides the impetus and the Sun provides the financial grease. By the 22nd all bets are off. Pisces (2/19-3/20) Pisces are pushed into the limelight while Uranus provides the propellant. By the 22nd your fortune will increase and turn your attention to the bottom line.
March 21, 2012
Talent and Hard Work Come Together at Orchesis By Karen Buitano
Orchesis, Holton’s group of dancers, puts on an annual concert to display all of its dances throughout the year. The February 24th concert featured twelve upper school dances and two dances from the Middle Schoolers. “The dancers in Orchesis did a fantastic job this year,” Orchesis director Sarah Roney said. “I am very impressed by how much movement they learned and in a short amount of time and how well they brought it to life during the performances.” Choreographing dances for the other girls to perform gave the dancers the chance to explore their creativity and learn about the choreographic process. “Inventing choreography and translating it to the stage is difficult but extremely rewarding,” Orchesis president Michelle Unger ’12 said. “Choreographing is a different type of self-expression than I’ve faced in other artistic pursuits. When designing and sewing for PUNCH, the final garment is a direct reflection of my creativity and craftsmanship. Conversely, choreography depends upon each dancer’s ability to perform my movements. I can’t describe how incredible it was to watch the final performance of my dance this year. I am so unbelievably proud of my dancers.” Many choreographers found translating their ideas into motion to be not only the most difficult part but also the most memorable element of choreographing. “It wasn’t always as easy as teaching movement,” junior Sar-
7 One-Acts and Winter Play Energize
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Holton and Landon Theater
By Isabel Cabezas
Photo Courtesy Lee Zampella
From left to right: Kelsey Spencer ’13, Lindsay Covington ’14, Michelle Unger ’12, Kelsey Spencer ’13 and Aimee Jones Wilkerson ’13 practiced their routine starting in August.
ah Lossing said. “I’m not great at expressing movement and knowing terminology...but overall, choreographing was an amazing experience that allowed me to really learn how to not only be a better teacher but also a better dancer.” “It can be a little bit frustrating,” Alexandra Berthiaume’ 13 said. “As a choreographer, I tend to envision a beautiful phrase involving some movements that my dancers might not have the skill for (or that just plain aren’t practical, like having someone lift someone else onstage). Otherwise, it’s fun; my dancers were really respectful and attentive, and they really did push themselves and their technical skills to help me put my artistic vision onstage.” Choreographers drew inspiration from multiple sources to create their dances. Morgan McNair ’13 said, “Before school began, excitement and about the troops coming home became a more prevalent issue. The soldiers’
homecomings spurred my idea of choreographing a piece in honor of those soldiers who have fallen.” She watched army training videos to emulate training and combat moves. Berthiaume originally wanted her dance to be more beautiful and optimistic, but, she said, “As the school year went on, I started adding sections...about stress, schoolwork, competition standardized testing. It’s about life...I think it is a deeper, more meaningful dance with these different layers of emotion.” Despite all of the hard work choreographing, members of Orchesis said their experience was positive. “Preparing for the show was really tiring with the long rehearsals,” sophomore Lindsay Covington stated. “It was a great time to bond with other members and spend time with each other. ” Berthiaume said of dancing, “It’s a creative outlet, and often it’s the one thing I can look forward to after a really bad day.”
Sudoku Puzzle
Created by Alex Bohannon
Level of Difficulty
Average Check the Scribbler onlinepaper (on your Student Portal under the News bulletin) for each month’s answer!
Photo Courtesy Lindsay Cayne
Among the many fantastical characters in Sunday Night, Sydney Johnson ’15 (left) played a Cardiovocian and Lindsay Cayne ’13 (right) played Piph.
The winter season provides Holton girls with two opportunities to act. On February 25, students took to the stage in Landon’s Performing Arts Center for One-Acts, and the Holton winter play ran during the first weekend of March in the Black Box Theater. Twenty eight girls participated in One-Acts, and of the eight plays performed, Holton students Polly Feldman ’13, Wendy Burr ’12, and Jane Alexander ’12 directed three. Alexander helped Landon Senior Kyle Gutierrez write their original play Perfectly Normal. While Gutierrez had the idea for the play’s plot, Alexander said she would “highlight places we could make jokes...and together Kyle and [she] worked to find the right joke.” Landon Juniors Allen Kleiner and John Bair also wrote and directed their own One-Act, We’re Missing One, based on the seven deadly sins. Landon senior Johnny Cobb also wrote and directed a OneAct for the second year in a row, and Devin Gantt ’12 directed Big Al’s Fish & Seafood Restaurant, which Landon’s 2010 Acting Workshop class wrote. The One-Acts allow students to participate in theater in a more relaxed environment than those of Holton’s fall and winter plays as well as Landon’s spring play. Aashna Rao ’12 appreciated the lax environment because she “didn’t have a lot of experience or time to commit to a fulllength play. Since it’s completely student-run, I got to spend time with my friends!” For those who did want to commit to theater project, Holton, Churchill, Whitman, and Wilson students performed Stephen Gregg’s Sunday Night, a quirky story about a girl named Whit, who is drawn to another dimension by a box of Raisinets. Whit, played by Mary Sheers ’14, has to find a way to travel back to Earth before she’s
trapped in the nameless world forever. Lindsay Cayne ’13, who played Piph, decided to take part in the winter play because she “felt that its smaller-sized cast, especially compared to that of a musical, would help further strengthen [her] acting technique since it allows the actress more individual time onstage.” Drama director Elizabeth Andrews wanted to put on a play that allowed students to be involved in designing the set, something different than “shows that have long since been solidified in the theatrical canon through productions on Broadway.” Andrews “was eager to take on a project that had no clear ‘right’ answer.” Through e-mail and VoiceThread correspondences with the playwright, he allowed Holton to take liberties in switching gender roles and composing music for Cardiovocians (played by Lucy Wilkinson ’13, Alexa Thomas ’14, Sydney Johnson ’15, and Susan Darvishi ’15). Gregg’s liberties also allowed students to invent solutions to key events in the play such as “How do you swim ‘naked’ through a river of birthday presents?” Julia Peiperl ’13 described the show as rewarding, citing “the freedom we had to create and influence the show because none of us had any idea how it was ‘supposed’ to be done.” Student volunteers helped Technical Director Chris Townsend to design the set in a Steampunk Workshop. On March 2nd, Gregg gave Holton students a rare opportunity to read through his developing play The New Margo. Gregg also had a talkback session after Saturday’s matinee; he and the audience discussed the creation of his play as well as Holton’s performance. Holton girls will again take to the stage in the Middle School One-Acts on May 11th and Landon’s spring play on May 18th and 19th.
8New Softball Coaches Bring Expertise By Tiffany Onyejiaka This spring season, along with all the incoming varsity athletes, there are two new additions to the varsity softball team. Coach Larry Janski and Coach Richard Roberts have replaced Cindy Tindall as the varsity softball coaches for the 2012 season. Janski and Roberts coached many other teams prior to coming to Holton. In fact, the pair has been coaching travel and house league softball teams since 1996, before many of their players were even born. Janski and Roberts most recently coached at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. before they came to Holton. At Wilson, they helped their softball team win three consecutive District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) City Championships, and the men were named Co – Coaches of the year by The Washington Post in 2009. Both coaches are excited to be a part of Holton. “We believe there is a great foundation here at Holton for both academics and athletics,” they said. “Together, we have the opportunity to do great things with the softball team.” The girls on the team welcome the new coaches. Senior Rachel Clayton, one of the team’s captains, believes that the softball team’s “dedica-
SPORTS
March 21, 2012
March Madness Fever Infects Holton Students By Adia Robinson
Photo Courtesy Saachi Nangia
New coach Larry Janski (pictured) practices with the softball team.
tion, spirit, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and, of course, [it’s] incredible skills” were also instrumental in attracting the coaches to Holton. Junior Abby Hsieh said of the coaches, “They are very knowledgeable about the sport and really know what they are talking about. They will really help add great depth to the team this season.” The Chair of the Physical Education Department Graham Westerberg concurred. “I am excited to have both of them,” he said. “They have a ton of knowledge about the game of softball. They are off to a great start, and I look forward to watching them and the team throughout the season. The team, the coaches, and all of us here at Holton can agree that this season will truly be sublime.”
On March 13th, the NCAA basketball tournament officially began, and 68 teams set out to reach the championship game in New Orleans the first weekend of April. March Madness only comes once a year, and countless Americans rally behind their favorite teams. Most sports critics predict that the current number one in the league, University of Kentucky, will win the championship. Last year the team made it to the semi-finals, and this year with the help of star player Anthony Davis it has an excellent shot at winning the title. Critics also agree that Syracuse University has the best chance of defeating University of Kentucky. Other teams that may do very well are University of Kansas (with a 25-5 game record), Michigan State, University of North Carolina, and Marquette University. The real question is which teams are going to come out of nowhere and unexpectedly rise to the top. Last year’s top Cinderella team was Bucknell. This year it could be St. Mary College of Maryland. This underrated team is one of the most experienced in the
Photo Courtesy KU Athletics
country, and with their star players Rob Jones and Mathew Dellavedova it may be unstoppable. Other top choices include University of Virginia, which has the potential to make it to the Final Four with the help of senior Mike Scott, and Iowa State University, which has managed to hold its own in a league dominated by huge powers such as Baylor University, University of Kansas, and University of Missouri. At Holton opinions vary on what teams people believe are going to win. “I think that the Missouri Tigers have the best chance at winning,” said senior Hillary Meeker. “They have great shooters who play at a frenetic pace. They also play a suffocating defense backed by key veteran leadership.”
Assistant Athletic Director Graham Westerberg said that he thinks either Kentucky or Missouri will win. Sophomore Sydney Poretsky said, “I think that Duke has a good chance of winning the tourney this year. Even though they’ve had a few big losses this season, I think when the end of the season is on the line and with the great chemistry they have under Coach K they’ll have a nice run.” Many members of the Holton community love March Madness because it is something with which they have grown up. “Ever since fifth grade, I have loved watching college basketball (especially UNC) and have wanted to be a college basketball sports anchor,” said senior Shelby Tanous. “Surprisingly, I know more about the sport than most boys. My family bleeds ‘Carolina Blue’ and wouldn’t miss any of the games for anything. We even unplug our phones for the games against Duke.” “It’s the best sports tournament ever,” said junior Danette Frederique. “Everyone has a chance at winning...Most games are buzzer beaters, and underdogs have their turn in the spotlight. I love it!” NOTE: Due to when the issue went to print, this article does not reflect changes after Thursday, March 15.
Unique Sport of Women’s Rugby Intrigues Holton Community By Allie Greenberg
When you think of women’s sports, rugby is probably not the first to come in mind. Predominantly considered an intense, male-dominated sport, rugby has undergone a rise in youth programs and became an Olympic sport for 2016. According to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation, the first college women’s teams appeared at Colorado State University, University of Colorado at Boulder, and University of Illinois at Champaign in 1972. In 1975, the United States Rugby Union was founded. Three years later, the first Women’s National Championship was hosted by the Women’s Rugby Club in Chicago, but it wasn’t until 1985 that the first national team was formed. The sport has flourished as the U.S. Women’s team field five teams in the six divisions around the world. Jackie Force’13 said, “I think that people should be able to play whatever sport they want to in college, and if there’s enough
people who want to play, go for it! I don’t see how women’s rugby is anything different from women’s football or soccer.” Force noted that “any contact sport is going to be intense, but lots of people love it. I personally don’t think I would play just because I like my neck in one piece...When you see people play on TV, it seems like some insane cross between American football and wrestling, though it seems more violent than football to me.” Head of School Susanna Jones briefly played on Princeton’s women’s rugby team. Many students were not very The current team (shown) was established in 1980 and plays other Northeast schools. aware of the sport. Photo Courtesy Ivy Rugby Cecily Spindel ’14 commented, “I don’t know much about intense! It’s great to see, and I rugby team at Princeton Univerthe sport, but it sounds like it’d think more girls should get into sity. be fun to play especially because American football at the very “I briefly played on Princit’s unique.” least, if not rugby.” eton’s first women’s rugby team. Girls also agreed that the Morgan McNair ’13 said, I played in the scrum ([I] can’t sport seemed intense. “My cousin played women’s rug- remember the name of the posiNikky Grover ’13 said, “I by for St. Mary’s College, and she tion). It was fun, but it’s a very think women’s rugby is really absolutely loved it! It’s definitely complicated game. The team cool, and it shows another way a rough sport, but it’s also incred- was started by a good friend of that women are as equal as men. ibly fun to play and watch!” mine, and it’s still going 30 years Of course it is crazy rough, but it There is even a veteran play- later.” fun to watch.” ing at our very school. Landon’s Chemistry teacher Keara Scallan ’14 said, Head of School Susanna Brittany Martin played rugby for “Women’s rugby in college is Jones played on the first women’s four years at Harvard Univer-
sity, and the activity benefitted her in terms of her maturity and growth. “[Rugby] was an awesome experience,” she said. “To start, I almost didn’t play because all I knew about rugby was that apparently ‘people got hurt.’ I tried other club sports, but one day I just decided to try rugby and I was hooked. Rugby sometimes has a bad, undeserved reputation in the USA, but I’m so glad I tried it!” After two years, Martin’s team placed in the top 15 teams in the U.S. During that time, she was able to strongly connect with her team. She said, “It was very beneficial for me to be around such a self-motivated, accomplished, and awesome group of women during my college years.” “Many people don’t even know women play rugby, but there’s definitely a certain type of toughness to it that is reflected in how players approach daily life. You don’t back away from challenges, and you rely on the support of your teammates.”