Believe it or not, the end of the school year has come. Final exams are finally over, the class of 2026 has graduated, and another edition of the Tuskan Times has come out.
This issue, we have several profound poems from our grade nine students, a selection of artwork showcasing the talent of many seventh grade artists, and a variety of contributions from our school librarian, Ms Andis.
Make sure to also check out Esme Alongi’s piece on sign language, Sofia Navaro’s entry on Mexican singer, Peso Pluma, and Roma Anthony’s work on the psychology behind summer colors, among our other captivating articles
Before we leave you to read the last edition of the 2025/2026 school year’s Tuskan Times, we would like to give a huge shoutout to our talented writers, diligent editors, creative layout members, and fantastic leadership team Thank you for all your hard work and dedication that goes into making the Tuskan Times as special and interesting as possible A massive thank you as well to our supervisor, Ms Hitchcock, whom without, none of this would be possible
We hope you have an amazing summer, and wish you a happy reading!
Sincerely,
Téa Mijatović and Allegra DiFlorio Editors-in-Chief
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
DEPUTYEDITORINCHIEF
ESME ALONGI
HEADOFLAYOUT
ROMA ANTHONY
HEADOFMARKETING
SANDY XU
SUPERVISOR
TESS HITCHCOCK
EDITORS
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
ESME ALONGI
LAYOUT
ROMA ANTHONY
SOPHIE MARTIN
SOFIA NAVARRO
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
SUMMERREADING
Help Students Achieve Academic and Personal Successes
By MS ANDIS
"Sociologists call home books a marker for scholarly culture that speaks to a preference for and an enjoyment of reading. Reading for pleasure conveys not only skills and knowledge useful for school but also a disposition toward learning that makes school congenial and even enjoyable" (Evans, Kelley, Sikora, & Treiman, 2010). During the summer holiday, just like during the school, it is imperative that students read regularly since this is the number one predictor of academic and personal success, as evidenced in several studies over the last two decades. However, reading over the summer is especially important in order to avoid what Dr. Pamela Mason at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) calls the "summer melt" i e students should read a minimum of 30 minutes each day to at least maintain their reading level skill. HGSE offers some highly researched, valuable, and impactful tips for families to follow for summer reading: start small (30 minutes daily is the goal but start with less and build), set a timer to help structure and reduce resistance, join in (read alongside your child or read the same book and discuss it together), encourage choice because allowing a child to select their own book increases motivation to read, use audiobooks because this is as impactful of reading a print book, and give grace because it is okay to abandon a book that your child may not love reading.
Students at ISF Upper School will receive a book bingo via their email and it will also be shared with families electronically If they bring their book bingo board back to the ISF Upper School Library in September, they can enter a drawing to win a prize. Happy summer means happy reading!
LUNCHTIMELIBRARYLECTURESERIES
By MS ANDIS
Over the past few months, in the library, the faculty and Grade 10 students and above have had the opportunity to hear from teachers and students alike on a range of topics. The idea behind the concept was to explore the wealth of interests of the community and to inspire a love of learning outside the classroom too.
The lectures we have had so far have been:
The Evolution of the Pyramids in Ancient Egypt- Miss Hay
The Real History of International Women’s Day- Mr Ruelens
The Science & Math behind Relationships and why we Click & Cash- Mrs Kleber
Italian American Heritage- Ms Kolb
Can Candles Make You Rich (stock market)? - Mr Fitton
How to Optimise your Mental Health- Mrs Kleber
Intercultural Baking- Ruby Davidson (Grade 9)
Photography- Mr Fugill
Bartoli Museum- Guest speaker on Gino Bartali organised by Toby Dean
Race to Space- Dr Boscherini
The venture has been a huge success and next year we are hoping to expand the series to ensure that more students can take part and showcase their interests outside of school to a community hungry for knowledge!
Upcoming topics are……June 5: Race to Space with Dr. Boscherini and June 16: Reading for Pleasure during the Summer Holiday. Don’t miss out!
PESOPLUMA:AMUST-HAVEARTISTON YOURSUMMERPLAYLIST
By SOFIA NAVARRO ‘28
Sofia is a Mexican-American sophmore who writes about anything and everything When she's not focused on school and writing she loves to spend time with her friends and family, shopping, and going out to eat.
Music is one of the most essential parts of summer, helping create the perfect vibe whether you're relaxing by the ocean, tanning by the pool, or partying with friends all night long Finding the right songs and artists can turn a regular day into an unforgettable one. While everyone has their own taste in music, I believe there are some musicians who can naturally fit the vibes of summer, no matter the music you typically listen to. One of these musicians right now is Peso Pluma. Over the past couple of years, his popularity and success have grown massively, making him one of the most popular Mexican artists He is known for his unique style by mixing regional Mexican music with modern sounds and urban beats. His songs are energetic and catchy, making them the perfect listen for summer.
GROWING UP
Peso Pluma, whose real name is Hassan Emilio Kabande, was born on June 15, 1999, in Zapopan, a city in Guadalajara, Mexico. Growing up, he was always surrounded by different Mexican music styles, especially since the Zapopan area is rich in Mexican culture The wider state of Jalisco (where Guadalajara is) is most famous for mariachi music and tequila, which influenced his passion and artistic style for music. He grew up listening to traditional Mexican music, corridos, reggaeton, and hip-hop.
At just 15 years old, he taught himself how to play the guitar using YouTube videos. Even though his parents were not musicians and didn't play any instruments, they always supported him and his musical skills and helped him learn the true value of hard work He also enjoyed writing lyrics because it was a way for him to express his emotions and deal with all of life's challenges.
His family frequently took trips to Sinaloa, Mexico, which helped him connect even more deeply with traditional Mexican sounds During his teenage years, he started living in both Mexico and the United States, which was another massive influence on his music styles. When he was only 20 years old, he packed up all his things and moved to Culiacán to live with his cousin, Tito Double P Tito later became his songwriting partner and helped him chase his dreams of being a musician.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE HIM
Many people around the world have fallen in love with Peso Pluma. They appreciate his unique sound and upbeat music style He's not just a traditional artist; he combines regional Mexican music with modern trap, catchy beats, and melodies that create an appealing sound to listen to. His music feels fresh and exciting, which is why he's gained so much popularity in such a short amount of time. People also enjoy his music because of the atmosphere it creates The catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythms make them a perfect listen for parties, laying outside, road trips, or just hanging out with friends. Like many artists, his songs can have a variety of different moods Some songs are fun and energetic, while others are softer and more relaxing
SONGS FOR THE SUMMER
Since summer is arriving, everyone is making their summer playlist, and if you want to level up your playlist with some Peso Pluma, some songs to check out are "Ella Baila Sola," "QLONA," and "Lady Gaga." Each song has a different vibe and energy, but at the same time, all of them are fun and create an exciting atmosphere.
"Ella Baila Sola" is one of Peso Pluma's most popular songs and is the perfect addition to your summer playlist. It has a catchy rhythm and an upbeat sound. The meaning of the song is about someone admiring a girl's confidence and trying to get her attention It is perfect for parties and beach days.
"QLONA," featuring Karol G, has a very bold and playful vibe that is perfect for relaxing evenings and bonfires. The song is about attraction, confidence, and living in the moment, which is why it's a great song.
Lastly, another song I recommend is "Lady Gaga." It's very catchy as well and has a vibrant energy. The song focuses on success, lifestyle, and life. It's the perfect track for road trips, parties, and more
LEMONDRIZZLECAKE
By RUBY DAVIDSON ‘29
Ruby is a British freshman who loves developing recipes and writing about all things foodie. If she is not in the kitchen, she is walking her dog, figure skating or doing something theatre related.
Since summer is coming up, we need to have some summery cakes! When I think of summer I don’t really think of cakes. I think of ice cream and sorbets, but if I do have a cake in the summer it would definitely be fresh, fruity and citrusy: The only thing it could be is Lemon Drizzle Cake!
Lemon Drizzle cake is one of the most popular and commonly found cakes in the UK It is essentially a lemon pound cake
A pound cake is a traditional sponge cake, originating in the UK, that is used as a base for many different cakes. Pound cake can be traced back in cookbooks to the 17th century Lemon drizzle cake, however, was not invented until the 1960s by a lady called Evelyn Rose. Soon after that, it became a staple British cake. Lemon drizzle cake is a pound cake like desert with the addition of lemon zest My version is very similar to the traditional one, except that it is a lot lighter than a pound cake usually is. If you want it to have a denser crumb just reduce the time you whisk the eggs, butter, and sugar. Right after the cake comes out of the oven, you pour over a mixture of lemon juice and sugar that soaks into the cake It leaves the top insanely moist and full of fresh and vibrant flavour.
he reason that it is called a pound cake is because the total weight of the ingredients was traditionally a pound, with equal parts sugar, butter, flour and eggs My cake has a little more flour than the other ingredients because I prefer the texture, and it also makes it lighter!
A trick if you want your cake extra juicy is to poke small holes in the cake with a skewer when it comes out of the oven before you add the drizzle, then, when you pour the drizzle over the cake, it will go into the holes. It is important to note that to do this you must really like the drizzle because the cake already absorbs so much of it as it is still hot. Personally, I do not do this as my cake seems to absorb enough anyway, but it is still definitely an option. Make sure that you bake the cake for long enough as it can take a while to cook all the way through. It is important that you check whether the cake is done with a knife, as the timings are only guidelines, and all ovens are different
RECIPE
Ingredients
For the Cake
150g unsalted butter (softened)
150g fine white sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
3 medium sized eggs (weighing approximately 170g total)
185g all purpose flour
1¼ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
a pinch of salt the zest of 2 large lemons
4 tbsp whole milk
For the drizzle
4 tbsp fine white sugar the juice of 2 large lemons
Method:
1.Preheat the oven to 180 ℃ .
2.In a bowl of a stand mixer, or by hand, cream together the butter and the sugar for at least 3 minutes.
3.Add in the vanilla and then the eggs, one by one, mixing thoroughly between adding them to prevent curdling. The eggs will probably still curdle a bit, but don’t worry! It will not matter once you add the flour. You can also add the lemon zest now. Mix until just combined
4.Next, add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently into the wet mixture.
5.To loosen up the batter, you can now add some milk until the batter is still thick but appears smooth and is easy to fold
6.Line a standard sized loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and bake for 30-45 minutes until it is golden brown and a knife comes out of it with a few moist crumbs.
7.Leave to cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
THEPSYCHOLOGYBEHINDSUMMERCOLORS
By ROMA ANTHONY ‘27
Roma is a junior who is interested in the fashion industry through her passion for arts. During her free time, she enjoys making new memories with her friends and traveling to different cities.
As trends come and go every year, sometimes returning decades later, it’s always fascinating to see the most popular trends for summer, especially the patterns and colors that seem to stick and ultimately end up defining fashion for the summer! Since summer is right around the corner, more summer oriented trends have become popular on social media platforms. Recently, I’ve seen the colors of teal and coral be frequently associated with the summer of 2026, with brands buying into the trend and adapting accordingly
Over the course of this column, I’ve explored different patterns and fashion articles, specifically focusing on their origins which are often disregarded However, for colors it's a bit different as not one country or culture developed it. Therefore, I thought it’d be more interesting to look into what influences social trends psychologically.
Different shades, vibrancies and combinations of colors evoke varying psychological reactions when humans look at them. In terms of the colors teal and coral, when placed together they are visible complementary due to the contrasting nature which grabs the attention of viewers and intrigues people Furthermore, both teal and coral are generally quite vibrant colors, further establishing a sense of fun and an energetic atmosphere.
Teal specifically embodies a sophisticated and tranquil essence It is right in the middle of green and blue, evoking calm but nevertheless refreshing and captivating balance. These qualities contribute to its relation to relaxation, which perfectly complements the ideal summer lifestyle portrayed on social media Conversely, coral radiates a vibrant, energetic essence The color falls between orange and pink, developing its warm hue. Through this, it establishes an intriguing and welcoming atmosphere when used for industrial projects.
It is now evident that when teal and coral are used together, they embody an energetic essence. However, when they’re used individually they have developed their own corresponding atmospheres which are actually quite contrasting For this upcoming summer, I’m excited to see how both colors are together, or independently, what styles of clothing items or accessories they are most popularly presented as, and what other colors they’re paired with!
UNSPOKENLANGUAGES
By ESME ALONGI ‘
27
Esme is a junior who writes about a variety of progressive and linguistic subjects. Outside of the publication, she enjoys crochet and figurative ceramics.
When we think of language and communication, we imagine people speaking and listening to each other. But there are languages that contain neither of these actions at least, not in the conventional way and still function perfectly These languages are called sign languages, languages that use signs (a combination of physical motion and hand shape) in order to communicate as fully as any spoken language without ever uttering a word Sign languages are known as visual-spatial languages because people speak by signing in physical space and listen by looking at the signer.
People are often surprised to learn that there are hundreds of signed languages Even countries that share the same official language, like the US, UK, and Australia, tend to have their own sign language (ASL, BSL, and Auslan, in this case). More to the point, within countries there can be several distinct dialects of the standard sign language or separate sign languages altogether In the US, for example, there is standard ASL but also BASL (Black American Sign Language), which evolved because schools were segregated.
A common misconception about sign languages is that they were made to imitate the official spoken language of the country they belong to using gestures instead of words. This is actually not at all the case! Signed languages have their own grammars and conventions separate from spoken languages Just like spoken languages, sign languages also have etymologies (origins of their signs) and histories. For instance, ASL has many signs in common with LSF (French Sign Language) because ASL was first standardized with the help of French teachers alongside people from the US who knew various indigenous sign languages Still, different sign languages are, of course, different— so much so that people within the deaf community can recognize a non-native speaker by their accent
To understand the message above, you have to decode it using the key (in alphabetical order) below.
Happy solving!
FASHIONTRENDSOF2026
By EMMA ROSSI ‘28
Columnist: Emma is an Italian-Bosnian sophomore who is extremely passionate about fashion, and in fact that is what she writes about. Usually Emma loves to spend time with friends and traveling.
Fashion revolves around seasons, so do colors and also people's moods. We all know summer is seen as a vibrant season, where we can experiment and have fun, although the heat in some places makes it hard to want to wear certain things That's why designers aim on creating stylish and trendy looks, but still making the customer feel comfortable in such a hot temperature. As said before summer is vibrant, this is why during summer people feel like they can be wearing the most vibrant colors, testing also different prints, which during other seasons are harder to see people wearing. Summer is also a moment that touches everyone's heart, maybe that's why people start using the boho style much more, as it is seen as a romantic style but still a really original one Each summer brings with itself different tastes, ideas and feelings, and in this case so did summer 2026, it brought us new and fresh trends.
Comfort is one of people's first priorities in life, although in recent years fashion has not always aimed for that, this year it is becoming one of its priorities. Baggy clothes are now extremely trendy, and they also support comfort, especially during summer, as it is earlier for air to pass through baggy clothes In fact the meccanism works by reducing the amount of fabric that should be in the usually sweaty areas, like behind knees, making the pants have a better feeling, but still making it trendy and fashionable Baggy clothing also became a trend for the summer as during summer people are more used to travelling and so also walking around cities to explore, in that case people prefer wearing comfortable clothes, but especially during summer clothes through which more air passes Big bags are also having a comeback, after a long time with small bags taking over, where we can’t even fit our wallets, big bags are gonna be coming back to bring more comfort to clients, to finally make everything fit in just one bag, making it earlier and more comfortable to travel with
During summer people's list of essentials grows larger, so bags have to grow with it. Larger bags were introduced as a trend this summer from Matthew Blazy, Chanel's new creative director, that brought back in couture the luxury of comfort ize a non-native speaker by their accent.
Summer has to be colorful and radiant, and this summer has all of these qualities Bright colors are finally back, and are already bringing a different twist to summer 2026. Colors like lime, tomato red and Kelin blue are finally taking the lead. Lime was a color mainly introduced by prada, although we can all agree that it is difficult to style, we can also agree that when styled it can be one of the best choices ever. Bright colors are meant to also bring joy, and show people our very own brightness. Moreover red is one of the colors that is never missing in a closet, whichever shade, and type, it is always a must This summer though tomato red is more prevalent. This color trend is obviously extremely eyecatching, and screams attention. It can always bring people into looking amazed by an outfit created with certain colors It brings energy and makes people feel perfect in every way and form. Lastly as one of the colors that we were never expecting to see as soon, is Klein blue. This color takes its name from the french artist Yves Klein, which first mixed this bright electric blue This summer many brands decided to reintroduce the color inside of their palette, brands like bottega veneta, and Jil Sandler.
This color is special, it can be simple, but also at the same time extravagant, being perfect for some summer outfits These colors make people see the energy in you, and make us also feel the energy in ourselves, getting us ready for a sumer to remember.
These colors come in a variety of shades, that can feel more romantic and that can align more naturally with the boho aesthetic For example soft pinks or blues are making an extreme comeback in this year's summer collections, which embody completely the bohemian style. This year's boho summer trend includes flawless silhouettes and embroidered fabrics This style is being mostly shown through Chloe’s 2026 summer collection, where every dress is effortless, and elevated. The boho style is trending this summer, as it is screaming coastal riviera, and also flawless clothing, which ends up feeling fresh on the skin The embroidery shows the artisanal side of fashion, and especially the side that can touch our heart. The bohemian style is romantic, and what better moment to romanticize ourselves than summer?
In conclusion, this summer is trying to prove to us that we can combine both style, comfort, and also the will of trying new things. From the return of baggy clothing and big practical bags, to the takeover of vibrant and alive colors and the romantic influence of the bohemian style, this summer embraces practicality but also creativity Finally, thanks to these summer fashion trends, this season makes fashion not only something we are wearing, but something that reflects how we feel during this amazing season.
By SOPHIE MARTIN ‘27
Sophie is a junior who is interested in topics of law, and writes about different court hearings. When not writing for the Tuskan Times, she loves to place tennis or bake with her friends.
In the case of Republic of Mozambique v Privinvest Shipbuilding SAL and Others, the UK Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling on the accord between arbitration and court proceedings
This case was a result of the so-called “tuna bonds” scandal, whereby Mozambique hinted that Privinvest and other parties were involved in a corrupt scheme which included bribery and unlawful transactions related to maritime operations worth roughly $2 billion US dollars. Mozambique presented its claims before the Supreme Court, in which they sought compensation for the losses they endured
However, Privinest claimed that the conflict should be resolved through arbitration (where a neutral third party (an arbitrator) reviews a dispute and makes a final, legally binding decision, serving as a private alternative to going to court) due to the fact that numerous contracts involved in these operations encompassed arbitration clauses. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal had agreed initially, considering that Mozambique’s contentions were closely affiliated with the contracts, hence, belonging in arbitration rather than court.
Conversely, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned those verdicts The Court ruled that Mozambique’s arguments were established primarily on bribery allegations, conspiracy, and corruption as opposed to violations of the contracts themselves. Thus, resulting in the arbitration clauses not holding any significance in the dispute The ruling clarified that the courts are required to focus on the true nature of the allegation when considering if an arbitration agreement is more suitable.
This particular case is incredibly significant as it limits the conditions whereby arbitration clauses can prevent parties from bringing claims before a national court.
Additionally, it highlights the inclination of English courts to judge serious allegations of fraud and/or corruption, even when commercial contracts incorporated arbitration stipulations. This judgement helps provide clarity for any businesses and governments who are involved in international purchases.
This case demonstrates the significance of cautiously drafting dispute-resolution clauses and functions as a reminder that arbitration agreements may not always be broad enough to encompass every dispute related to a contract. As for Mozambique, the ruling illustrated a major legal victory, in which its claims were able to proceed through the English courts
INSIGHTSONOZEMPIC
By Allegra DiFlorio ‘27
Allegra is an Italian-American junior who loves to write book reviews. Other than writing for the Tuskan Times, Allegra can be found playing volleyball or hanging out with her cat, Juni.
Ozempic, originally developed for type 2 diabetes therapies, has now exploded all over the internet, with 1 in 8 Americans reportedly on the drug (Yu) and millions of users globally
Ozempic is a part of a class of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, medications that trigger the pancreas to release insulin, functioning as a diabetes treatment as well as proving to be useful for weight loss
Development for this drug began in 1980, with gastroenterologist Jean-Pierre Raufman working at the National Institutes of Health, testing the effects of animal venom on the pancreas of guinea pigs It was determined that the venom with the largest effect was that of the Gila Monster, a large lizard found in the southwestern U.S.A. This research continued in Canada and elsewhere until 2005, when The U S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the GLP-1 drug for diabetes treatment. (Yu)
Well, how does the ‘Skinny Jab’ work? The GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines mimic the naturally produced GLP hormone, released in response to eating The drug, as mentioned previously, regulates blood sugar (acting only when it's too high, unlike insulin, reducing the likelihood of hypoglycemia) via the secretion of insulin and the lowering of levels of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) It also reduces the risk of cardiac disease - an important aspect as diabetes actually increases this risk. In terms of its success as a weight loss drug, it slows down the emptying of the stomach and sends signals to the brain that increase the feeling of fullness, effectively reducing food intake (Fisher)
There is so much interesting scientific research that went behind the discovery of Ozempic, the weightloss drug we all know today, with the long term effects (including higher risk of gallbladder and thyroid issues, pancreatitis, kidney injury, and other GI tract problems (Khan)) not yet completely studied, considering the newness of the commercial use of the drug.
POMEGRANATERED
By REEM FONATI ‘29
Life is like a pomegranate red
Each seed holds a dream, a name, a thread
But war breaks it open, the dreams all bled
Childhoods are ruined and life's unfair
Don’t you know we all breathe the same air?
Life is like a pomegranate red
Each seed had a goal, a soul, a purpose
Only for it’s same breed to kill and destroy us
How can we think politicians are reliable,
If they believe murder is justifiable?
Life shouldn’t be like a pomegranate red
We should be free and not have the same dread
Being miserable shouldn’t be a trend
We should love each other and all be a friend
Life will not be like a pomegranate red
Children will eat their daily bread
War shouldn’t be a plan A, B nor Z
Like this we can all be free
Hopefully one day we can all go to bed
Knowing that life isn’t like a pomegranate red
CARPEDIEM
By ELBA EDGAR ‘29
The life you're in right now, right here, Is someone else's dream, so far, so near.
But eyes stay fixed on what's still to come, Blind to the luck that's already won.
We run through days like rivers run to sea, Never still enough to simply be.
Enough is buried under wanting more, While the moment waits quietly at the door.
We move through days without a name, Where everything begins to feel the same.
The small things fade and slip from view, Before we ever notice too.
So slow it down before it fades,
Before the light slips into shades. For what feels ordinary, day to day, is someone's dream in every way.
By VALENTINA MARIN ‘27
Valentina is a Chinese-Australian-Italian who loves creative writing and is interested in Literature and History. In her free time she loves journaling, listening to music, and watching movies.
One last summer as a kid, One last first day of school, One more year.
Summer has finally come back around. All the excitement of finally being free. Free from waking up too early each morning, free from walking into another class to sit a test, free from completing multiple assignments day after day.
But what I have not processed is that this is my last summer as a kid.
The summer before I turn 18 where everything will be different.
The constant echo of how in “a year from now, we’ll all be gone.”
Not ready to say goodbye, yet excited for a new adventure.
Yearning to make this summer the very best.
Yet, having to mentally brace myself for getting older and preparing for how much is going to change.
With the road up ahead, leading us all in different directions; the path driving us north, east, south, or west.
Green Day has really warned us how time will grab you by the wrist and force you into different directions, oh, Good Riddance.
Tattoos of the memories that are printed across our hearts and minds,
Driving me crazy, how fast the Night Changes.
With our friendships formed, formed of bonds that will never be lost.
Holding onto memories as we go.
The sweetness that comes with following our dreams, contrasts with the sourness of having to leave these things behind.
Dreading this fear that comes with moving on.
The Playlist
Rivers and Roads: The Head And The Heart
Good Riddance: Green Day
Heroes: David Bowie
Landslide: Fleetwood Mac
Our Last Summer: ABBA
Don’t Stop Believin’: Journey
Ribs: Lorde
You’re Gonna Go Far: Noah Kahan
We Are Young: fun., Janelle Monae
Young Dumb & Broke: Khalid
Night Changes: One Direction
The Spins: Mac Miller, Empire Of The Sun
Where’d All the Time Go?: Dr. Dog
Don’t Dream It’s Over: Crowded House
Beauty And A Beat: Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj
Burn: Ellie Goulding
See You Again: Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth
Married with Children: Oasis
PHOTOGRAPHY
By TÉA MIJATOVIĆ ‘27
Téa is a Croatian-American junior with a passion for history, international relations, and photography She enjoys spending time with her family and her dog.
Before I start, a quick note: everything in this article comes from things I learned from the Library Lunchtime Lecture on photography (you can read more about those in Ms. Andis' article on the Library Lunchtime Lecture Series). I'm completely new to photography a true amateur, but I've recently discovered a real passion for it Even if I am far from qualified to give advice, I wanted to share some tips I've learned from others, in case they inspire someone else to pick up a camera and give it a try
During the library lecture we learned about the Rule of Thirds. This is when you use the grid lines on your phone or camera, to make the image divided into nine equal sections. You then try positioning your subject where the lines intersect, rather than always placing it in the center of the image, in order to create a more balanced photo.
Another tool is to zoom with your feet. Rather than using the digital zoom (with a smartphone) or optical zoom (with a DSLR camera), and reducing the image quality, move closer to the subject.
It's also fun to look for ways to frame your subject using elements already present where you are taking photos, like doorways, and windows, or using patterns in architecture, or nature, in order to create an unique image. In addition, weather has the potential to result in incredible photos Fog, rain, and clouds in the sky can create the perfect dramatic and moody atmosphere. While blue hour (just before sunrise or after sunset) and golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) create a natural light that has a softer glow for photos
I also learned to not rule out editing and postprocessing, as it’s a fun, and important step in making your image reflect what you saw, and what you felt when you took it.
So if you've ever been curious about photography, give it a try Ultimately, every person notices different details in everyday life, and photography gives you an opportunity to show the world through your own eyes.
Framing
HOMONIDS
BY MICHAEL BELNAVIS ‘29
This is a poem.
This is my paper…
But what am I?
Am I one or two, am I a half?
Or a whole smoothie, Because im parched for a genetics test…
I hope im not related to paranthopus…
I seek connection in a digital tide…
Where does reality and the virtual world even collide? Perhaps this is all side by side.
ARTWORK
PHINN HICKLER
SCARLETT GODFREY
MOONRISEKINGDOMREVIEW
By GEMMA MICATROTTO ‘31
Hello, my name is Gemma, and I love films. I also love acting and hope for that to become my profession one day, and because I love those two things, I adore Letterboxd. If you have never heard of Letterboxd before, it is a website for film reviews. You can write your own reviews and read others Because I love it so much and I want to expand my film taste, I will now be creating a Letterboxd writing series in this newspaper In this issue, I will be reviewing the film Moonlight Kingdom. I was extremely excited to watch this film, because it was directed by Wes Anderson. If you are not aware of who Wes Anderson is, he is a director of many films My favorites that he has made are The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Royal Tenenbaums. I would love to do a review on those as well, and though he has many more movies, these are a few of my favorites
The beginning of this film is very interesting; Wes Anderson really has a style and he knows how to stick to it. There is a beautiful love story between two 12-year olds when they run away from home together It takes place on this really beautiful island, it is extremely isolated and is really amazing. I give it 5/5. I highly recommend it if you are planning to start watching Wes Anderson films, as this is a perfect one to start out with. It explains Wes Anderson’s style perfectly, and I really adore it
WHYTHEFUTUREDEPENDSONHOW WETEACHHISTORY
By FEDERICO MARTINEZ HOYOS Faculty
No
Student is an Island: Rethinking History classes in the Age of Uncertainty and HyperIndividualism
Abstract: While history education is vital for fostering critical thinking and equipping students to navigate future technological and environmental uncertainties, this article argues that the discipline’s responsibility must extend beyond individual adaptability. Examining the insights of Harari, Sandel, and Rawls, the text critiques the modern myth of meritocracy, demonstrating how hyper-individualism justifies systemic inequalities and weakens democratic stability. Ultimately, history teaching must transition from merely training resilient economic actors to actively cultivating communitarian solidarity By understanding that human progress has always relied on collective effort, classrooms can inspire shared humanity and cooperation over solitary competition.
The twentieth century witnessed astonishing transformations; in just sixty-six years, humanity progressed from the Wright brothers' first flight to setting foot on the moon (McCullough, 2016). For historians, this accelerated pace defines a dizzying "temporality" (Braudel, 1949) However, the twenty-first century has accelerated these rhythms even further. Technological, economic, and climate changes are advancing exponentially. As Yuval Noah Harari (2018) warns, by 2050 uncertainty will be radical: markets, bioengineering, and AI will reconfigure human life, labor, and social bodies in ways that are currently unpredictable. Faced with this, how do we prepare future generations?
History teaches us that humanity has already navigated three major revolutions: agricultural, industrial, and digital (Marx, 1867; Reichholf, 2009).
Although past shifts, such as Ford's assembly-line automation, did not destroy long-term employment (Woirol, 1996), machine learning represents a genuine transformation in the rules of the game, forcing individuals to repeatedly reinvent themselves (Harari, 2018) Concurrently, we face an anthropogenic climate crisis, trapped between catastrophe and denial (Fernández, 2013). This is where history becomes crucial in the classroom. By teaching students to analyze sources and trace structural problems, the discipline transforms panic into "thoughtful concern" (Harari, 2018) and fosters critical thinking (Kivunja, 2015). Historical perspective dismantles alarmism, demonstrating that while the future will differ from the present, humanity has found answers in the past to navigate deep transitions with serenity
However, equipping students with critical thinking to navigate future uncertainties is only the first step While teaching history is vital for providing temporal parameters and fostering source-based analysis, educators must expand the responsibility of the history classes beyond these technical skills. Preparing youth for tomorrow requires more than training them to be adaptable economic actors; it demands that we use history to critique the foundational myths of modern individualism, most notably the paradigm of meritocracy.
While history teaching helps individuals confront environmental and technological anxieties, it must also foster societies that prioritize community over individualism. Communitarianism emphasizes collective well-being in building just, cooperative, and efficient societies (Walzer, 2006). Global challenges such as climate change and pandemics require collaborative solutions that confront the religious, racial, and gender prejudices dividing us.
Teaching history in secular, non-nationalistic ways serves as an antidote to internalized stereotypes According to Harari (2018), education free from totalitarian narratives teaches children to distinguish truth from belief, develop compassion, and take responsibility for the world as a whole
A compelling example is the holistic teaching of Islam in predominantly Christian societies. Rather than relying on contemporary Western media stereotypes, a historical approach examining Islamic doctrinal diversity and legal traditions provides a nuanced understanding It highlights Islamic contributions to global knowledge, including medicine, astronomy, and the preservation of classical Greek scholarship through Abbasid libraries (Said, 2017; Taylor, 2005; Tejeda et al, 2016) In this way, history education dismantles cultural biases and builds cooperative bridges.
Deconstructing stereotypes, however, is merely a precursor The broader goal of the humanities must be to challenge the hyper-individualistic paradigm of twenty-first-century societies. This requires critically examining meritocracy, which, while promoting social mobility through talent and effort, reinforces individualism and justifies the severe socio-economic inequalities destabilizing modern democracies.
Meritocracy presumes that a just society distributes wealth according to individual merit (Sandel, 2020) Yet, as professor at Harvard Michael Sandel argues, while meritocracy helped dismantle European aristocratic privileges, it did not eliminate social inequality. Instead, it focuses on mobility rather than structural equality, offering individuals the opportunity to exchange positions within rigid hierarchies Consequently, meritocracy functions less as an antidote to inequality and more as its justification, generating arrogance among the winners and humiliation among the losers (Sandel, 2020) Furthermore, those at the top routinely attribute success solely to their own abilities, weakening their sense of social responsibility (Young, 1958).
However, as John Rawls (1971) emphasized, an individual's capacity to develop talent largely depends on favorable social and family conditions during childhood factors entirely beyond personal control. History education must reveal that absolute meritocracy is a myth, demonstrating how individual success fundamentally depends on broader social structures.
Ultimately, history teaching must expand its scope to actively cultivate a deep sense of community Regardless of whether students achieve professional acclaim or face economic hardship, maintaining social solidarity is essential. Those who achieve financial success must contribute meaningfully to public systems like education and healthcare, while those facing structural difficulties must be protected from the resignation and resentment that fuel populist, authoritarian, and neo-fascist movements.
To confront future challenges and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies like the Holocaust, colonialism, and slavery students must internalize that individual intellect is powerless without collective cooperation. History teachers cannot limit their mission to forming sharp, solitary minds that critically read primary sources True historical consciousness means understanding that we cannot build the solutions of tomorrow alone. Students must leave the classroom knowing that their effort and search for excellence are valuable, but only when anchored to a shared humanity As John Donne (1624) famously noted, “No man is an island (...) therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
SUMMEREVENINGSINMAINE,2026
By: TESS HITCHCOCK
As vacation approaches, I am looking forward to summer nights in Maine, where the crickets are chirping and fresh strawberry ice cream drips off the cone. Happy summer break, everyone!
SUMMER EVENINGS IN MAINE, 2026 Oil on panel, 20 x 25 cm
SANRIOMASK
By: HANNAH DEARDEN ‘31
I decided to make a mask based on the Sanrio character U*SA*HA*NA, specifically her decor plushy. I bought the mask base, which was a cat, cut off the ears and glued cardboard over the holes. I added felt, blush and face stickers, along with mesh for the eyes The ears have wire inside and you can pose them! I’m really proud of my work and it's only my second mask I’ve ever made
COLDWARCARTOON
By: RUBEN MACHADO ‘28
Grade 10 History students in Ms. Hay’s class were asked to create a political cartoon on the Cold War. Students have to analyse sources and political cartoons, so creating their own cartoon can help enhance their understanding of them (considering intention, communication, etc).
As a viewer, consider what elements of this artwork communicate the intention of the artist? How can you tell?
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BSolution to sign language puzzle: Have a great summer break!
UNSPOKEN LANGUAGES
Information:
University of Colorado “Interesting Facts About ASL” University of Colorado https://www colorado edu/slhs/american-sign-language-asl-program/interesting-facts-aboutasl Accessed 31 May 2026
“EDL and sign languages” Council of Europe https://edl ecml at/Facts/FAQs-on-sign-language Accessed 31 May 2026
Images:
“Gallaudet Font” Fontspace https://www fontspace com/gallaudet-font-f1830 Accessed 31 May 2026
INSIGHTS ON OZEMPIC
Information:
Jennifer Fisher, MMSc “How Does Ozempic Work? Understanding Glp-1s for Diabetes, Weight Loss, and Beyond” Harvard Health, 14 Apr 2025, www health harvard edu/healthy-aging-andlongevity/how-does-ozempic-work-understanding-glp-1s-for-diabetes-weight-loss-andbeyond Accessed 10 June 2026
Khan, Aamer “7 Ozempic Long-Term Side Effects to Watch” The Harley Street Skin Clinic, 5 November 2025, https://www harleystreetskinclinic com/articles/7-ozempic-long-term-sideeffects-to-watch/. Accessed 10 June 2026.
Yu, Alan. “How Experiments with Venom on Guinea Pig Pancreases Led to Ozempic.” WHYY, 24 Feb. 2025, whyy.org/segments/ozempic-how-gila-monster-venom-led-to-weight-loss-drugs/. Accessed 10 June 2026.
THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND SUMMER COLORS
Information
Oestreicher, Gretchen “The Psychology of Color in Branding & Marketing” Metricool, 23 Dec 2025, metricool com/social-media-colorpsychology/#1 Understanding Color Theory and Psychology Accessed 31 May 2026
Rana, Dhruvil “Teal Color Meaning, Psychology, and Influences” Octet Design Journal, 20 Mar 2025, octet design/journal/teal-color-meaning/ Accessed 31 May 2026
Images
“Coral Color Meaning, Psychology, and Importance” Octet Design Journal, 18 Mar 2025, octet design/journal/coral-color-meaning/ Accessed 31 May 2026
“Coral Teal Blue Color Palette.” Color-Hex.com, 2026, www.color-hex.com/color-palette/71855. Accessed 31 May 2026.
L I O G R A
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BPESO PLUMA
Information:
Anderson, David, et al “The Early Life of Peso Pluma: A Deep Dive” GigWise, 26 Aug 2025, www gigwise com/the-early-life-of-peso-pluma-a-deep-dive/
Bustios, Pamela “Karol G & Peso Pluma’s ‘Qlona’ Leads Latin Airplay & Latin Rhythm Airplay Charts” Billboard, Billboard, 26 Feb 2024, www billboard com/music/chart-beat/karol-g-pesopluma-qlona-number-1-latin-airplay-charts-1235614794/
Donovan, Thom “The Meaning behind ‘Qlona’ by Karol G and Peso Pluma” American Songwriter, 28 July 2024, americansongwriter com/the-meaning-behind-qlona-by-karol-g-and-pesopluma/
“Ella Baila Sola (Song)” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Mar 2026, en wikipedia org/wiki/Ella Baila Sola (song)
Flores, Griselda. “Here’s the Story behind Peso Pluma’s Mullet-like Haircut: ’my Hair Is My Superpower’ . ” Billboard, Billboard, 13 July 2023, www.billboard.com/music/latin/peso-plumahairstyle-story-behind-mullet-cut-1235370990/.
Romo, Vanessa. “The Unstoppable Appeal of Peso Pluma and the Regional Mexican Music Scene.” NPR, NPR, 5 May 2023, www.npr.org/2023/05/05/1174139133/the-unstoppable-appeal-of-pesopluma-and-the-regional-mexican-music-scene?utm source.
Songfacts. “Lady Gaga by Peso Pluma (Featuring Junior H) - Songfacts.” Song Meanings at Songfacts, www.songfacts.com/facts/peso-pluma/lady-gaga. Accessed 2 June 2026.
WHY THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON HOW WE TEACH HISTORY
Information:
Braudel, Fernand (1949) The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II (Vol 2) Fondo de Cultura Económica
Donne, John (1624) Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII
Fernández, José Luis Useros (2013) Climate change: Its causes and environmental effects Annals of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Valladolid, (50), 71–98
Harari, Yuval Noah (2018) 21 Lessons for the 21st Century Debate
Kivunja, Charles (2015) Teaching students to learn and to work well with 21st century skills: Unpacking the career and life skills domain of the new learning paradigm International Journal of Higher Education, 4(1)
Marx, Karl. (1867). Capital: Volume I. RUTH.
McCullough, David. (2016). The Wright Brothers: The Definitive Book about the Pioneers of Aviation. La Esfera de los Libros.
WHY THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON HOW WE TEACH HISTORY (CONT.)
Information:
Rawls, John (1971) A Theory of Justice Harvard University Press
Reichholf, Josef H (2009) The Invention of Agriculture: Why Humans Became Sedentary Grupo Planeta
Said, Imam Ghazali (2017) The heritage of al-Andalus and the formation of Spanish history and identity International Journal of History and Cultural Studies, 3(1), 1–15
Sandel, Michael. (2020). The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good? Debate.
Taylor, Richard. (2005). Averroes: Religious Dialectic and Aristotelian Philosophical Thought.
Tejeda, Alfonso, Díaz Acosta, Y., Martínez Ramos, A. T., Rivas Corría, B., & Benítez Pérez, C. (2016). Avicenna and the transcendence of Islamic medicine and culture in the Western world. Edumecentro, 8, 32–47.
Walzer, Michael. (2006). Politics and Passion: Toward a More Egalitarian Liberalism. Yale University Press.
Woirol, Gregory R (1996) The Technological Unemployment and Structural Unemployment Debates Greenwood Press
Young, Michael (1958) The Rise of the Meritocracy (Vol 1) Transaction Publishers
