A4 News
The Chronicle
Associate Head to join school
May 30, 2019
• Continued from A1
there was only one person left in the building, and it was always [Reed.]” After working at Harvard-Westlake, Reed took on the role of Head of Seven Hills School and later, Head of Polytechnic School. Reed retired from her position at Polytechnic School in 2014 and is currently a search consultant with Resource Group 175. “It is enormously flattering [to be offered this position],” Reed said. “[Harvard-Westlake] is in a space of its own, both in terms of its size and its ambitions, in terms of its excellence, so it is such a particular and wonderful place. This is a school that had confidence in me and gave me opportunities.” Reed’s experience will provide unique possibilities for the school in this next year, Commons said. “It’s a tremendous service to Harvard-Westlake and to me that she is willing to come back to some of the joys but also some of the challenges of full-time work at school,” Commons said. “As someone who was head of two different schools, she understands not only who we are and what we are at our best, but she also has seen other schools that I’m sure do some things as well or even better than Harvard-Westlake. She will help us see what’s possible.”
CAITLIN CHUNG/CHRONICLE
TAI CHI-YING THE WORLD TOGETHER: Joy Ho ’22 and her father Dr. Qineng Tan perform a traditional Chinese martial arts routine. Ho’s shocase was one of four performances meant to demonstrate distinct cultural aspects of each language represented.
World Language students join Honor Society By Lauren Cho
Students who have completed four levels of Chinese, French, Latin or Spanish joined chapters of the Wold Language Honor Society at the annual reception held in Rugby Theater on May 21. The event also included special performances from students representing each of the four languages. To begin the event, Chase van Amburg ’20, Anthony Khaiat ’19, Tosh Le ’19 and Jackson Prybil ’19 read pledges in Chinese, French, Latin
and Spanish, respectively. Language teachers then presented students with certificates to commemorate their journeys through the language classes. “I thought it was nice to see all the different students from different language courses and their cultures,” Natalie Barnouw ’21 said. Students also showcased their talents to reflect the four distinct cultures. Joy Ho ’22 and Dr. Qineng Tan (Claire ’18) performed Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art. Sorcha Whitley ’19 then
Cinema Studies classes travel to Arclight Cinema in Hollywood By Frank Jiang and Khyra Stiner
Cinema Studies and Philosophy of Art and Sciences classes, along with parents and other members of the community, attended the screening of “Space Odyssey 2001” at the Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood on May 22. The movie itself was created during the 1960s and
used various filmmaking techniques, such as the omission of sound. Philosophy and Cinema Studies student Annie Wendorf ’19 said the movie was presented in an abstract and arthouse manner, with scenes that appeared slightly confusing at times. “It’s crazy to me how it was such a huge hit in the 1960’s, and it was pretty cool to able to contextualize it with what was going on during that time
period,” Wendorf said. “I don’t even think that type of movie would get that sort of budget, now that we live in an Avengers-like production standard era.” Cinema Studies student Genesis Aire ’19 said the experience was interesting and informative due to the unique environment that the Cinerama Dome provided. Because students had previously studied many of the concepts dis-
displayed her ballet technique to a recitation of a French passage dedicated to former Associate Head of School Liz Resnik. Lilah Weisman ’20 and Jacob Schroeder ’20 sang “Pie Jesu,” a Latin song and Chandace Apacanis ’21 danced to “Ayyala Cubana” with Tali Tufeld ’20 accompanying on the conga. Following the performances, language teachers presented Asher Vogel ’19, Sonya Ribner ’19, Ben Beckman ’19 and Zane Grenoble ’19 with Outstanding Senior Awards awards in Chinese, French,
“
Latin and Spanish, respectively. These awards honor a single student of each language who has explored every course level that the school can offer, as well as meet the grade requirement. “The most important part [about the assembly] should be about making it student centered, so that its more entertaining for them, for their families, for the community,” French teacher and reception organizer Simona Ghirlanda said. “We are proud of having so many kids participating.”
It’s crazy to me how it was such a huge hit in the 1960’s, and it was pretty cool to be able to contextualize it with what was going on during that time period.” — Annie Wendorf ’19 Philosophy and Cinema Studies Student
played in the film, students said they were able to connect to what they saw on screen. “It was a viewing experience unparalleled to any other I’ve had before, and that is largely due to the dome theater.” Aire said.”The movie itself was also interesting because of its
white’s
use of sound or lack of, which highlighted the emptiness of space.” After the screening, students from both Philosophy and Cinema Studies discussed about the movie and its main concepts within their respective classes.
Valedictorian announced, Cum Laude members inducted at annual ceremony By Ruoshan Dong
RUOSHAN DONG/CHRONICLE
WE APPLAUD-E YOU: Inductee Nicky Belgrad ’19 accepts his Cum Laude certificate from Head of Upper School Laura Ross.
As this year’s Valedictorian, Sarah Moon ’19 will speak at commencement, President Rick Commons announced at the annual Cum Laude Induction Ceremony in Rugby Theater on May 20. Moon was one of 59 seniors inducted into the National Cum Laude Society. The honored students have attained grade point averages in the top 20 percent of their graduating class. Head of Upper School Laura Ross began the ceremony by commending the students for their academic
achievements and offering advice for life after high school. History teacher and Cum Laude Chapter President Lilas Lane discussed the importance of striking a balance between intellectual ambition and personal character. “There is nothing wrong with ambition and external success, but it needs to be grounded in character, ” Lane said. “The development of character is not easy: you have to develop it and be willing to put in the work.’” Lane also urged students to seek opportunities in order to better the world around them.
She dedicated her speech to the late history teacher Eric Zwemer and Associate Head of School Elizabeth Resnick. Students were proud to be recognized for their academic achievements, inductee Sebastian Ko ‘19 said. Ko said the ceremony validated his hard work throughout his years at the Upper School. “Especially with the fact that [the graduating class] is one of the strongest in school history, I’m really proud of having my hard work pay off,” Ko said. “I also liked seeing my peers get the recognition that they deserved.”