The Andalusian Volume 20 Issue 1

VOLUME 20 ISSUE O1 O C T. 2 0 1 9

A ndalusian The

C E L E B R AT I N G STUDENTS A LWAY S ,

M AC L AY S C H O O L : 3 7 3 7 N . M E R I D I A N R D , TA L L A H A S S E E , F L 3 2 3 1 2

Acorns - Marauder - Wellness - Accountable - Maclay - Be Unstoppable - Honorable - Rowdy - Initiative - Conquistador - Unity - Inspired - Cartee - 52 years - Determined - Notes from the Underground - Virtu -Andalusian -Respectable - Alfred- Webster - Oak Tree - One School- Community - Family - Beck - Spirit Marauder - Wellness - Accountable - Maclay -Acorns - Be Unstoppable - Honorable - Rowdy - Initiative - Unity - Inspired - Cartee - 52 years - Determined - Notes from the Underground - Virtu - Conquistador -Alfred- Webster - Oak Tree - Andalusian - One School- Community - Family - Respectable - Beck - Spirit Wellness - Accountable - Maclay - Be Unstoppable - Honorable - Rowdy - Initiative - Marauder - Acorns Unity - Inspired - Cartee - 52 years - Determined - Conquistador - Notes from the Underground - Virtu Webster - Oak Tree - Alfred- Andalusian - One School- Community - Family - Respectable - Beck - Spirit - Acorns - Marauder - Wellness - Accountable - Maclay - Be Unstoppable - Honorable - Rowdy - Initiative Conquistador - Unity - Inspired - Cartee - 52 years - Determined - Notes from the Underground - Virtu Alfred- Webster - Oak Tree - Andalusian - One School- Community - Family - Respectable - Beck - Spirit Wellness - Accountable - Maclay - Be Unstoppable - Honorable - Rowdy - Initiative - Marauder - Acorns

INSIDE by emily dudley | general editor

Table of Contents

NEWS Page 4-5

OPINION Page 6-7

FE ATURES Page 8-11

ENTERTAINMENT Page 12-13

Sports Page 14-15

An acorn begins small but eventually grows into a beautiful, thriving tree.

Students and faculty frequently look upon our symbolic oak tree, as they pass through campus. Today, an acorn sticker can be seen on many teachers’ doors and many students’ laptops. This acorn sticker is just one part of this year’s new initiative “Acorns to Oaks.”

It all began with a question asked to the Head of Upper School Charles Beamer: what should a Maclay graduate look like?

“I was able to paint a picture in my mind [of a Maclay graduate] and one of the pieces I wasn’t really satisfied with was the wellness component because over the last two years, we have had a lot of students and teachers that have suffered depression, anxiety, and so I started to think what do we already do by way of wellness,” Beamer said. “ As I began to poke around not just in the upper school, but I poked around in the other divisions; I thought that it would be a great idea if we started a conversation around wellness, a conversation around health, and a conversation around physical activity.”

Through Beamer’s observation of the upper school and the other divisions, he came to the realization that the conversation around wellness needed to begin. Taking on this new task, Beamer contemplated how to approach this issue and what true wellness meant; the more conversations he had, the more that he realized that something must be done to help the Maclay community, both students and faculty alike.

“So I was sitting here trying to figure out how do we do this, and I thought about the two departments on campus that touch everybody.’ Beamer said. “It was the guidance and the fine arts department, and so I went to Mrs. Bakas and I went to Mrs. Daniel and Mrs. Maurey and Mrs. Hicks and the visual

arts department and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Van Syckle and said ‘okay guys here is my idea, how can we develop legs and feet?’”

One answer came in the form of a new campus-wide Wellness Day, along with many other ideas already in the works to improve student and teacher wellness.

As for the metaphor of growing from an acorn to an oak, the concept was the result of a joint idea between Beamer and Fine Arts Department Co-Chair Kim Daniel.

“We were just going to call it the wellness initiative, and one day I was sitting and I was looking out of the window before the construction started and I saw the oak tree.

I went to the art room, and I said ‘guys help me wrestle with this’ I’m like the oak we give a lot of credence to the oak tree,” Beamer said.

Daniel was the one who built upon his idea by connecting the oak to an acorn.

“Our answer is the oak inside the acorn.

Why? Think about it,” Daniel said. “We as teachers see such potential in all of our students.

We see how truly great they can become.”

The oak within the acorn is a metaphor for the potential within students that the faculty and staff want to help students tap into and grow.

“The Acorns to Oaks program really came out of how we feel our responsibility as a school is beyond just getting you ready for math class in college,” Head of School James Milford said. “We want you to be successful all around.”

This concept of helping students beyond their academics has been given life by the Wellness Center, where every Thursday a free class is offered to upper school students and faculty. Classes range from wheel throwing to yoga, along with plans for future involvement by music teachers and actual painting artists.

In addition to Wellness Thursdays, graphic design students have been working on a coloring book titled “Maclay’s Acorns to Oaks Coloring Book” for the

whole school to enjoy when released.

“The coloring book is formatted so that each page represents a new part of a student’s journey at Maclay. As they move through the book, they see the same evolution that they will experience in their time at the school, “ senior and one of the book’s designers Stephanie Ribich said. “Students begin their time here as acorns and by graduation they have become mighty oaks.”

Aside from students, faculty wellness is also a major focus of this initiative. Beamer is currently working on a wellness room for faculty members to be able to relax and take a break from the chaos of the school day: a place to breathe. This space would contribute to the wellness and happiness of the staff.

“Happiness is the goal; having a joyous life needs to be a goal, and I think a joyous and fulfilled life is one where there is a lot of connections and a lot of things that happen under the umbrella,” Milford said.

The initiative team feels that a key component to this happiness is diversity and inclusion. They want every member of the Maclay community to feel accepted. Visual arts teacher Kaitlyn Dressel created the symbol of this inclusivity: the acorn sticker.

“For me, this symbolizes not only the wellness component but also the inclusivity and the diversity component,” Beamer said.

“As you know, there are a lot of students with anxiety and depression; we have students who unfortunately feel they can’t be who they are and they have to hide behind this mask, so if we can focus on us all being this acorn then we are not focused on stereotypes.”

An oak is a living being that begins its journey as an acorn, and even after becoming a tree, it continues to grow and develop throughout its life; whether you’re an acorn or already an oak, your growth matters here.

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Tallahassee | Marianna | Perry, FL Bainbridge | Thomasville, GA

The Andalusian staff Print Editor in Chief: Ellie Casteel

Operations Editor in Chief: Madelyn Stout Online Editor in Chief: Hunt Deison Business Manager: Rachael Stockel Head Editor: Lilly Simons General Editors: Emily Dudley, Calynne Thompson Staff Writers: Caroline Higdon, Gavin Rolle, Hunter Grant, Jordan Jones, Mary Leah Yearty, Mary Rust, Mateus Bitencourt, Molly Siddall, Myriel Byfield, Veronica Marshall-Kirk Adviser: Cailyn Callaway The Maclay Andalusian is a student-run publication that operates out of Maclay School.

Maclay School 3737 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 893-2138

e h t m o r f r Lette Editors

It’s a new year, which means a new us. Over the last three years, we’ve grown from small little acorns to one mighty oak. From a staff of four to seven, to now 17, we’ve planted some roots and have continued to blossom. We felt the acorns to oaks motto of the 2019-2020 school year was a perfect representation of our constant evolvement and a perfect theme for our first issue of the year.

We’re excited about our redesigned full-color print newspapers and our new online venture, maclayandalusian.com. Most of all though, we are excited to share it with all of you. Whatever step of your acorn to oak journey you are on, we hope to provide you with information that informs you, appeals to your interests, and maybe even challenges your opinions along the way.

We would like to offer a special thanks to Mrs. Deborah Mayer for allowing us to re-establish and grow these past two years.

Without you, The Andalusian would not be where it is today. To Mr. Norment, we thank you for your constant support from you and the entire English Department. To Mr. Charles Beamer, we thank you for our theme idea and your constant encouragement. To the staff, we thank you for jumping in head first and working your tails off to meet deadlines. To Harvest Printing and Marketing Solutions, we thank you for enabling the production of this beautiful publication.

Finally, to Ms. Cailyn Callaway, our new adviser, we thank you for your dedication and faith in us as we stretch to new heights.

Sincerely, Ellie, Madelyn and Hunt

HOM E C Photos taken by Madelyn Stout , Jordan Jones and Mateus Bitencourt

M I NG

4 | NEWS

maclayandalusian.com

Lights, camera, action Maclay installs new production studio by mateus bitencourt | staff writer

Library Director David Lowe hopes to restore a broadcasting network for the school. For him, this dream began with creating a production studio for students- a space where they could explore their creativity and a new interest.

“Back in the day they used to have news for the lower school,” Lowe said. “They used to be on a closed circuit cable network so it would be broadcast live and it was done out of the library. I thought since I am a new librarian here that it would be a cool thing to bring back. ” Following a summer of renovations to Lowe’s office and a library storage room, the new production studio is ready for action. The space will be used to teach students how to film, become news anchors and how to edit video footage, while

also simultaneously satisfying student’s creativity and exploration of a new hobby.

Lowe is currently beginning with fifth grade students that come to the library weekly.

The fifth graders will rotate to take part in every step of the production process of a newscast. After this portion of the process is completed, Mr. Lowe intends on moving forward by forming a club dedicated to news production. His end goal for the club is to have students produce daily shows.

“I think this is a good opportunity for students,” freshman Carter Rothell said.

“For example if there are students that are interested in eventually going into the entertainment world, this is perfect for them.

But I also think it will be cool for students

Photos by Mateus Bitencourt

that just want to try something new and fun.”

The entertainment business is a multibillion dollar industry, and the production studio allows for students to experiment with its fundamentals. It can spark student’s interest in the industry and be the first step to a new career pathway.

“I would be interested in the club,” junior Dani Paredes said. “It sounds fun because I could be introduced to a career

path that I could be interested in, but never really thought about. I think it would be good practice for kids who are sure they want to pursue a career in production.”

Those wanting to see the production studio can visit the library at any time. Those looking for more information about the future production club can see Mr. Lowe.

Welcoming wellness with open art Art teachers initiate school-wide wellness program to relieve stress by mary leah yearty | staff writer Soft music and a little bit of clay is all it takes for art teachers to relax and relieve stress, something the Fine Arts Department was looking to share with the Maclay community.

Thus the Wellness Initiative was launched at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. The focus of the initiative is to create a stress-relieving outlet for both students and faculty members. Every Thursday from 3:30- 4:30, the fine arts team hosts their weekly program with activities offered, from listening to music, practicing wheel-throwing, or doing yoga- there is meant to be an activity for everyone.

Upper school fine arts teacher and wellness host Kaitlyn Dressel helped start the program because she felt the campus was missing a place where people could go and learn something new without the academic pressure or stress of work.

“Creating an opportunity where someone can learn something new was important,” Dressel said. “We just come and see people.”

Another founding member of the program is middle school art teacher Kim Daniels. Daniels also felt passionate about the idea of the campus having a wellness program that allowed for people to grow outside of their study and work commitments, recognizing that many struggle with finding this balance.

“We need to help find a good balance with people’s lives,” Daniels said. “I think there is a real need for it in our community.”

The weekly activities have had successful

attendance thus far, with about five to ten people participating each week. Only one quarter into the school year, the founding members are happy with the impact they have already begun to have on the Maclay community. Both faculty and students have attended, creating a space for interaction not centered around grades or discipline. One attendee, Upper School Dean of Student Affairs Heather Bas has become a regular at these weekly gatherings finding this a space to relax.

“I leave all my work outside the door,” Bas said. “I literally leave everything outside.”

Aside from the art teachers leading the charge, students have also played pivotal roles in its development and implementation. Senior Tayley Cotton is one of those students. Cotton helps teach wheel throwing techniques to newcomers, assisting them in making new ceramic pieces.

“It’s really cool teaching other people something new,” Cotton said. “It is something I love to do.”

The program is meant to be convenient for both students and faculty with their doors always open for new members or those looking to just peek in and see what all the buzz is about. The initiative is also looking to grow as they plan to host guest leaders such as local artists and music teachers to provide other stress-relieving activities.

With a major focus on wellness this school year, the Wellness Initiative has created a community-wide outlet. Students and faculty interested in participating can meet on Thursdays at 330 in Dressel’s classroom in the Beck Family Research Center.

Photo courtesy of Kim Daniel

Director on the

of Technology Peter Stejskal throws clay wheel during a Thursday Wellness session.

maclayandalusian.com

SPOTLIGHT o n new po licie s

Presidents in power

by emily dudley | general editor Roll call at Inter-club Council (ICC) has changed. The voices of presidents, instead of sponsors, now call out “here.”

A new policy has been instituted within ICC. Sponsors are no longer required to attend meetings, presidents instead are encouraged to be the only attendant.

Dean of Student Affairs Heather Bas noticed that either the president or the sponsor of the club would attend, and this had the potential for miscommunication.

This new policy is meant to encourage communication between the presidents and their sponsors, as well as have more of a student led discussion.

“I’m hoping that one benefit of this is that students might feel more free to present their mind without the faculty present and might be more inclined to share new ideas,” Bas said.

Some presidents are excited about this change, like senior Michelena O’Rourke who currently serves as the President of Anchor club, Spanish Honor Society, Mentor Club and the newly founded Middleground.

“I think that it will have an overall good effect because the responsibility will shift to the presidents,” O’Rourke said. “You will see a lot more student lead projects on campus, as opposed to sponsors leading them.”

Student power is a common theme of this new policy.

“If we make just the presidents go, presidents have more power, and it puts a lot more responsibility and freedom in the hands of the presidents,” VicePresident of Upper School Student Council John Messer said.

Messer runs the monthly ICC meetings. He is hopeful that this change will impact and improve the participation within them.

With this change, students have the chance to improve their leadership abilities. Presidents will be responsible for the future of their clubs and informed on other club events, promoting a more involved and a more unified upper school.

“We can take this opportunity to discuss skills that are essential for the club presidents in leadership such as management, communication, and the spirit of community service,” Bas said.

“We can foster those skills to create more effective leaders.”

How these new leadership and new participation skills will come to fruition will be up to the Inter-club Council. This policy will force increased responsibility, involvement and commitment into the hands of club presidents, as their roles gain even more importance and value.

NEWS

| 5

Petition for change

by jordan jones | staff writer Change: a topic frequently discussed around campus. Before, change could only come in the form of asking the administration to hear student complaints. Today, change can begin with a piece of paper.

Student council and administration have created a student council petition program in order to better address the concerns of students. Student council is an organization founded on the mission to advance student representation, and with this petition, they are hoping the concerns of students will be better heard and addressed. This petition process allows for students to have a voice within a process previously controlled solely by administration.

“We have never really had an effective way to give students access to change what they didn’t like,” Dean of Student Affairs and longtime Student Council Sponsor Heather Bas said.

“Now there is a process students can rely on and use in an unbiased way.”

Students take the first step by filling out the petition form. The form allows students to present a change, but the proposition must include supporting evidence and reasons behind it. Within the form, students will need to list the expected outcomes that the change could have on the student body. The form also provides a space for a faculty signature to sign in support of the proposition. All petitions require students to present their proposition in front of designated student council members. From there

it is taken to Head of Upper School Charles Beamer. Once it’s approved by both student council and Beamer, the change will be put into action that year, if it’s minor. For major changes, the administration will implement them the following school year.

Some students have reservations about the new process, worried that administration has made more hoops for students to jump through to enact change, but Student Council President Colin Acuff holds a different opinion.

“If the students are truly passionate about what they are bringing to the council, I believe we will all be able to see as a whole their ideas and enact revisions,” Acuff said.

Students have begun using this process; two petitions are currently pending. One of the petitions pertains to an attempted change in the dress code policy.

“We really wanted to be able to change a policy, so we used this process to try and widen the requirements for what is accepted and what isn’t,” sophomore and petitioner Annabel James said. “I think student council really helped my partners and me in strengthening our endeavors and helping us put our best foot forward to be understood by the administration.”

Students interested in creating their own petitions can obtain a form from Bas or a student council representative.

Student council meetings are held on Wednesdays.

Lower and Middle School News Guidance Dept. continues kindness initiative by caroline higdon | staff writer Maclay is encouraging students to be the ‘I” in kind.

During the 2018-2019 school year, the Guidance Department began an initiative to emphasize the importance of kindness both inside and outside of the classroom. Since then, the department has taught numerous lessons and hosted multiple events helping spread kindness through the lower and middle school. This initiative is continuing to grow under its new title, the Kindness Initiative.

The goal of this initiative is to teach students what kindness means, and for the Guidance Department, this begins with students as young as five years old. By forming this initiative, they hope for kindness to become the norm amongst the Maclay community, even making it play an integral role.

“We, as the Guidance Department, are not trying to change the Honor Code,” Lower School Guidance Counselor Jeffrey Van Syckle said.

“That is not what the Kindness Initiative is about.

Through this, we are trying to add it [to the Honor Code]; we want kindness to be emphasized.”

It began last year with the guidance team selecting kindness as the theme for quarter one. Lower and middle school students performed a character word study and participated in activities throughout the 9 weeks. Maclay also hosted a school-wide event for Marauder Day of Kindness on October 18, 2018.

Today, the Kindness Initiative more commonly shows itself in small ways, with students, faculty and staff encouraged to perform daily acts of kindness for one another. It can also be seen in the lower and middle school classrooms with teachers and counselors leading small lessons prepared by the Guidance Department. These lessons vary, but are hands-on with students, especially the ones in the younger grades.

“We’re hoping, by having teachers do small lessons with their students, to have this effect transcend and spread throughout the entire school, including faculty, staff, and students,” Van Syckle said. “We want them to feel encouraged when they come to Maclay.

We want them to feel good about themselves and whatever they have to take on throughout their day.”

Although the Kindness Initiative is being implemented in the lower and middle school, Van Sykle intends for its effects to be felt campus wide, something upper school junior Logan Sundberg believes is already happening.

“I love walking around and seeing the things the Guidance Department and the younger students are doing,” Sundberg said. “It might be as simple as putting a sign up, like the one outside of Dr. Day’s room. It makes me proud to see it.”

While the Kindness Initiative is still in its beginning stages, it has goals of spreading outside of the school day and into after school and sports programs. Furthermore, the department wants to host another school-wide Day of Kindness after the success of last years.

“We would love to do another school-wide Day of Kindness,” Van Syckle said. “It went very well last time.”

Be on the lookout for updates regarding the Day of Kindness. In the meantime, visit the Guidance Department to find out more information about the Kindness Initiative.

Photo by Jordan Jones

Mrs. Caroline Strange’s first grade students Dylan Bui and Bridger Avant share being the “I” in the K_ND poster hanging in the Lower School Commons.

6 | OPINION

maclayandalusian.com

H e y, i t co u l d b e wo r s e .

Maclay takes middle ground on Dress Code by gavin rolle |

staff writer

Private school dress codes are often characterized as strict, resulting in students viewing them as a way to decrease self expression. The upper school strays from this characterization though, utilizing Dress for Success days as an alternative to a stricter dress code.

School uniforms have been used for years as a way to promote social acceptance and school unity, among other financial and practical reasons. Private schools are often the institutions most associated with the use of school uniforms. A dress code on the other hand is an outline of acceptable attire that allows students to still choose from multiple available options within the guidelines. According to the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), private institutions are not generally subject to the limitations imposed by the First Amendment, resulting in private schools implementing stricter dress code policies or uniforms than their public school counterparts.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), under the First Amendment, public school students are protected as they are allowed to wear expressive clothing as long as it does not disrupt the school or violate the schools policies.

Maclay does have a dress code that requires students to follow specific guidelines; however, they do not utilize uniforms like other local private school equivalents, helping them break from the stereotypical private school mold. Regardless, this doesn’t stop student complaints. Students need to consider that Maclay does take a middle ground approach with dress code, utilizing rules while also providing opportunities for personal expression and student comfortability.

In Leon County public schools, girls are allowed to wear leggings and boys are allowed to wear athletic shorts at school. At Maclay, this form of dress is not accepted, as it is not deemed appropriate in our school setting.

“The college preparatory aspect of our school involves

students putting their best foot forward and that means showing respect to all in the environment, including teachers and students in all divisions,” Upper School Dean of Student Affairs Heather Bas said. “Leggings appear casual in nature as they are often used for athletics, lounge wear and other non-academic environments.”

At John Paul II Catholic High School (JPII), a private school in Tallahassee, boys are required to wear a collared uniform shirt, khakis or navy blue pants, and leather dress shoes every single day. At Maclay, boys are able to wear clothing as relaxed as a t-shirt and appropriate jogger pants, giving them more freedom and comfortability.

“I am glad that we don’t have uniforms,” junior Jordan Madgar said. “Uniforms make everyone look the same.”

While Maclay does not have uniforms, they do implement Dress for Success Wednesdays with the purpose of allowing students to practice professional dress attire. Dress for Success

Editorial:

requires students to dress in business casual clothing with boys wearing a button down shirt, tie, belt, and dress pants and girls wearing a dress or dress pants/skirt and a blouse/ dress shirt. This day strays from the traditional private school uniform structure, while still promoting students to look presentable and take pride in the way they dress.

It is also worth noting that Maclay does allow dress down days. During exams, students aren’t required to abide by most dress code rules. Relaxed dress is encouraged to make students more comfortable and relaxed during high stress situation.

Walking through the halls, it is common to hear students complaining about the dress code. However, as private schools go, Maclay is not as strict as it could be. The Marauder dress code ensures students look like respectable young men and women while also providing allowances for self expression. At Maclay, uniforms are not required, but putting effort into the way you dress is.

Teaching Empathy

The Andalusian endorses:

English Dept. focuses on empathy as life skill “Put yourself into someone else’s shoes” an expression frequently heard by young children from their parents. But what does that mean? Why bother to understand the perspective of others?

Empathy, a vital human capacity, can only make us better people and our campus a better place. We learn empathy now to apply to the world later. Practicing empathy, as a high schooler, has a value that lasts long after crossing the stage at graduation. The Upper School English Department announced empathy as its theme, a characteristic all should value learning.

English Department Chair Mr. Lee Norment shared that the department decided on the theme last spring as a way to promote understanding.

“One of the things that came up, almost organically, was that literature often helps people better understand other people’s perspectives,” Norment said. “As a department, we thought this would be a good thing to focus on because it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to look around at the world and know that one of the things that we have in tragically short supply is kindness and understanding.”

Each English teacher assigned empathy projects during the first week of school in order to introduce this essential theme to their curriculum.

Freshman English teacher Mrs. Lauren Fantle’s Honors and Advanced Honors English 1 students responded to these questions on a Schoology discussion post: “How do labels, assumptions, and stereotypes affect how other people identify each other?” and “How can being empathetic improve your writing?”

These assignments benefit students, forcing them to consider other points of view. Instead of being closedminded, students are forced to consider different circumstances. By doing this, a sense of understanding and accepted becomes prevalent in their everyday

lives. Hopefully, students will embrace this new theme and try to avoid being hateful or critical, as they will have compassion for what others go through.

“One of the key things about empathy is that you have to encounter the other point of view. Maclay, doesn’t have the most diverse environment. So, literature might be one of the few ways that our kids can access those other points of view,” Norment said.

“Also, there has been a lot of literature written about the value of explicitly teaching empathy and the ways that literature can help with that.”

Not only recognized by Maclay faculty, many studies have also analyzed the effects of empathy.

Research by Associate Professor of Psychiatry Helen Riess at Harvard Medical School conducted a study about it.

According to her study, “Empathy plays a critical interpersonal and societal role, enabling, sharing of experiences, needs, and desires between individuals and providing an emotional bridge that promotes pro-social behavior.”

This initiative isn’t a wasteful lesson; it’s worthwhile.

Backed by the faculty and scientific research, empathy plays an essential role in any person’s life, especially that of a student.

In a world that lacks understanding, the English department has chosen to promote the shaping of well-rounded humans, allowing students to live their lives, in a more aware, understanding fashion.

Illustration by Mary Rust

OPINION |

maclayandalusian.com

7

Decisions, decisions Does the early decision route alleviate stress or create fewer options?

PRO by lilly simons | head editor The time of year has finally arrived.

The time of year during which three years of standardized testing, consecutive allnighters, collaborative study sessions, exhaustive Advanced Placement courses and volunteer shifts unify. The time of year during which the daunting fear of rejection and anticipation of acceptance weigh on the minds of eager seniors.

College application season is here.

This arrival initiates a myriad of questions, choices for the future.

Students are forced to ask themselves, “Is Early Decision, a legally binding agreement to attend the university, the right choice? Is regular decision the way to go?” The answer, however, is clear: applying Early Decision to the university of one’s choice is the preeminent method for managing the otherwise obscure college application process.

CON

by Emily Dudley General Editor

by emily dudley | general editor Binding is a word associated with the inescapable, a trapped feeling. This time of year many seniors hear the term binding when discussing college applications. Early Decision (ED) is a policy used by colleges that allows for students to demonstrate their commitment, but this commitment is binding. If students are accepted Early Decision, then they become trapped to only one school. Early Decision forces high school students to limit their options and does not account for changes that occur in life.

When applying ED students do not know the amount of financial aid they will receive. Typically, colleges expect these applicants to be able to pay, as applying ED means that, if accepted, said students are going to that college no matter what.

Many students analyze the amounts of financial aid they will receive as a factor in

According to The Chronicle, the independent news organization of Duke University, Duke, with a pool of 4,090 applicants, accepted 21.4 percent of students for Early Decision in 2017 while the regular acceptance rate was a remarkably lower rate of 6.4 percent.

Duke University, however, is not the sole institution that guarantees a significantly higher rate of acceptance for applications that opt to take the path of Early Decision.

As reported by the Emory News Center at Emory University, 1,910 students applied for the Early Decision I round to Emory in 2019. Upon evaluating the 1,910 applications, Emory University granted 559 students with admission to Emory College, while Oxford College awarded 256 students with acceptance.

In finality, Emory possessed an overall Early Decision admission rate of 42.7 percent while the regular decision rate stood at approximately 25 percent.

“I’m pro-Early Decision, because I feel that Early Decision lets students who have decided on their college of choice get a higher acceptance rate,” senior Elias Jaffe said. “Early Decision also gives students an earlier date of notification for acceptance, which takes some of the stress of senior year away.”

Moreover, opting to adhere to the Early Decision college application method offers alleviation to a word that flows ubiquitously through

modern high school campuses: stress. coach, Early Decision may not be an “I support applying Early Decision to ideal situation for those who did not college, because it allows a lot less stress “fall in love” with a school and do not due to the increase in acceptance chance,” possess a dream school that they have senior Sameer Ponnaluri said. “I also yearned for ever since the “you had me believe that the push to meet the Early from hello” moment when they stepped Decision deadline helps students get to a foot on the sprawling campus for the their deadlines and have the motivation first time, as these students may find to have their materials ready earlier. And, themselves garnering admission to a of course, because the decision comes school that they fail to love in entirety. earlier, a new set of applications can be Early Decision, however, is not the sent out soon after in case of rejection; inferior option for those that still find therefore, avoiding the last minute stress.” themselves pondering where the ideal Ponnaluri offers a valid point, as university for their potential is, but rather The Princeton a motivation to Review deems the college “Opting to the Early explore Early Decision sphere before Decision college as a solution to time runs out, cut down on the application method stress proliferates, admission stress and acceptance offers alleviation to rates and “focus on right dwindle. now instead of one While college a word that flows year from now.” application ubiquitously through season typically Critics modern high school fosters feelings of of the Early Decision route anxiety due to low campuses: stress.” denounce the acceptance rates, college application a lack of clarity in method as problematic, as the process regards to college choice and a million requires one to legally bind themselves overlapping deadlines, it doesn’t have to the school if granted acceptance and to exist with such a significant sum of withdraw all applications submitted negativity. Early Decision is the remedy prior to the declaration of admission. to the daunting fear of the unknown that According to Elizabeth England, clouds the college admission process. a high school and college application

their decision to attend a college. Here this choice is taken away. Technically, a student can turn down ED if the financial aid package is not considered sufficient enough to meet demonstrated need, but mathematical formulas determine if the amount given is sufficient, not the family of the student. Money then becomes out of the students’ control, and students may have to take out loans to fund their education.

This type of application does not account for change. Students can’t change their minds about the right school for them because ED is legally binding. Being legally bound means that students must withdraw all other applications upon admission, and students aren’t allowed the freedom of choice.

For example, if a certain class causes you to consider a new major that is not offered at your dream ED school, then you are stuck in a school that doesn’t include that option.

“I want to keep my options open and see where I get accepted,” senior Joanna Kupiszewski said.

Further than just scholastic change, life situations change. If an accident were to occur within a student’s family, then that might affect a decision to want to go to college far away. A student may be needed to help within the home, and this could make community college or a college closer to home the best option for that

student in order to still be able to help than one school unlike Early Decision. with family life. This option is unavailable While ED also allows for a quicker to those who apply ED. response to the application, it also makes “Life is unpredictable, and you never students finish their standardized testing know what could happen,” senior earlier. For students in math courses Caroline Delegal said. “I might have to that are still learning the material on change to attending a college closer to standardized tests, this limits the time that home.” they have to gain their highest score.

Not only does the seriousness of this “You have to seek extra help. It’s almost decision affect students, it also affects like you have to take another math class in their school and later applicants. A high order to learn the material that is on those school can tests,” senior Rachel become black Abbott said. “The “The best decision marked if a practice workbooks student rejects don’t always make sense, for students to make ED admission, and you need tutoring when choosing a meaning one or someone to help in college is the most order to understand the student’s decision can informed decision, questions, which takes impact the more time.” which Early Decision other students Early Decision can who later wish does not allow for.” allow for security, but to apply ED to this comes at the cost of that school. being able to examine all options and adapt Applying ED does give the opportunity to change. The best decision for students to to increase students’ chances to get into make when choosing a college is the most their “dream” school; however, because of informed decision, which Early Decision the restrictions its limits, most students does not allow for. Students should apply do not apply Early Decision; last year Early Action or regular decision so they only 4 of the 94 seniors chose to apply ED. aren’t bound to one college no matter the They chose to instead apply Early Action, circumstances. which is non binding but demonstrates interest, or regular decision. Early Action allows students to weigh their options, and they can apply Early Action to more

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A ndal The

In 2010, the Andalusian took a new shap new sponsor English Dept. Chair Mr. Lee N published news stories along with poetry, art, an only digitally and in print “The Andalusian” co is the Sept/ Oct. issue from 2013.

The first issue of “The Andalusian”, Volume 1, Issue 1 printed in 1992.

The leading news article is by the first editor and founder of the paper Amy Osteryoung. The original staff consisted of Yearbook staff members and Yearbook editors.

1992

2002

2010

The October Volume 10, Issue 1 published in 2002 features the first spot color issue. Michael Camarda was the Editor-in-Chief and the Alex Brickler was the In-Depth Editor. Mrs. Deborah Mayer was the sponsor.

It’s

by ellie casteel | print editor in chief

1992. Former Newspaper sponsor Mrs. Deborah Mayer’s classroom is filled with action, as students finish the first issue of “The Andalusian.”

Staff members are cutting out printed articles, running them through a wax machine and sticking them to the layout board that will be brought to the printer.

“It all began after the 1991-1992 yearbook staff traveled to New York City for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Spring Convention,” Mayer said. “One of my yearbook staff members, Amy Osteryoung, asked me why we didn’t have a newspaper.

She wanted to start one and I told her we would ask [former Head of School] Jablon.”

Volume 1, Issue 1 launched in 1992; an eight page, black and white newspaper with a singular editor and several staff writers.

According to Mayer, the first few staffs worked double-time as they were members

of both the newspaper and yearbook. “The Andalusian” officially became its own class in 1993.

“I think we were fortunate enough when it first started in the 90’s that newspapers were the method of getting your information, not your cell phone,” Mayer said. “So when we handed out the newspaper, people read it because they were interested and because there weren’t that many other avenues.

The kids looked forward to the paper because they didn’t have their phones.”

Current middle school social studies teacher Mrs. Martha Kutter worked on one of The Andalusian’s early staff, serving as the News Editor.

“Learning Photoshop and Pagemaker, it made a huge impression on my life,” Kutter said. “As a teacher here, knowing the types of impressions and skills and confidence that you guys learn by putting together something like that is so wonderful.

Working on a deadline and knowing you’ve

got to get something out, you always get and the Maclay community until 2004. As it done, it’s a wonderful life experience.” the school began to grow, Mayer was asked Class of 1998’s Mr. Will Fixel also to take on additional English classes, resulting worked on The Andalusian staff with Kutter. in the newspapers dissipation. Instead “I was on the the course became paper for three a writers workshop “You go from cut and with a combined focus years, 1995-1998, paste printing, to the on creative writing my sophomore to senior year. newspaper.

Pagemaker, the first and There were many Then in 2010, Mr. software program, challenges. Back Lee Norment sponsored to Adobe InDesign then, you have the paper, reshaping and I think so long as to use an old, “The Andalusian” you’re in the process as a Newsletter. clunky computer of the evolution, it program to get Santoro doesn’t seem drastic.” was“Elizabeth the paper to look the student that reMrs. Deborah Mayer professional,” started it as a newsletter,” Fixel said.

Norment said. “We “It was slow and difficult to manipulate. published monthly and it went on for five years,” We’d have to work long hours, often times “The Andalusian” newsletter published after school, to get the paper to look right.” poems, fiction, art and news articles The Newspaper printed issues for students digitally and in print. For five more years,

“

lusian

pe as a Newsletter with Norment. The Newsletter nd fiction.It was published ontinued until 2015. Below

2019-2020 Andalusian Staff. Back row from left to right, Gavin Rolle, Mateus Bitencourt, Molly Siddall, Calynne Thompson, Lilly Simons, Jordan Jones, Myriel Byfield, Caroline Higdon, Mary Leah Yearty. Front row from left to right: Hunt Deison, Maddie Stout, Ellie Casteel Rachael Stockel. Not pictured: Emily Dudley, Veronica Marshall-Kirk

2017

2018

2019

Oct. 11

@maclay_newspaper launches on Instagram, informing students of current and upcoming upper school events and stories.

The front page of the reestablished “The Andalusian,” Volume 18 Issue 1. Editors under Sponsor Deborah Mayer included: News: Ellie Casteel; Sports: Will Daughton, Class of 2019; Editorials: Emily Dudley; and Features: Rachael Stockel.

“The Andalusian” hosts launch party to officially release maclayandalusian.com and the full color Volume 20 Issue 1 under new adviser Cailyn Callaway the paper continued and then died in 2015.

It wasn’t until 2017, when a group of freshmen approached Mayer about reestablishing the paper with the goal of generating upper school unity, that the paper was reinstated. A new staff of Ellie Casteel, Emily Dudley, Rachael Stockel and Will Daughton formed. The team outsourced writing and published 7 issues their first year.

“Restarting the newspaper was a series of challenges from finding a sponsor, to trying to figure out how to write in a whole new style and also to edit content,” Dudley said. “It was chaotic but so satisfying to see our issues to come out.”

The next year the paper expanded to a staff of seven, with new additions Madelyn Stout, Lilly Simons, Calynne Thompson and Hunt Deison, who replaced recent graduate Daughton as Sports Editor.

The staff printed seven issues, started an Instagram and finished the year adding spot color to their final print publication.

This year, the Newspaper class has already on the path of leading a lasting impact.” seen exponential growth. The staff now consists Aside from the staff adjustments, “The of 17 members and acquired new sponsor, Andalusian” has also restructured the English teacher frequency and type Cailyn Callaway. of medium they will Callaway is in her release. For the 2019“There is no greater second year teaching 2020 school year, feeling than seeing at Maclay, but was Andalusian” all of our hard work “The previously the will be publishing less come to fruition advisor to a Florida print editions, instead in a tangible print Press Association on larger publication, but as the focusing award winning full-color issues. digital age continues to The biggest change publication, “The grow, it is important though is the launch Lariat” at Cooper that we grow and City High School. of the newspaper’s adapt as well.” “ C o m i n g online platform, Ms. Cailyn Callaway on and learning maclayandalusian. what the students com, where students accomplished over the last two years, I was can expect to see new content weekly. impressed,” Callaway said. “My goal is to “There is no greater feeling than seeing continue to help them build what they have all of our hard work come to fruition in a already started and to help them continue tangible print publication, but as the digital age

“

continues to grow, it is important that we grow and adapt as well,” Callaway said. “Our audience today spends most of the time on their phones and on the internet. We want to be able to offer them a faster and more convenient means of accessing information that applies to them.”

Over the years, “The Andalusian” publication has taken many shapes,and Mayer has witnessed it’s growth from the beginning.

“Having been through the evolution of the paper, it doesn’t seem drastic,” Mayer said. “You go from cut and paste printing, to Pagemaker, the first software program, to Adobe InDesign, and I think so long as you’re in the process of evolution, it doesn’t seem drastic.”

New and past members alike look to the future as “The Andalusian” releases its 20 volume this year. From adapting technology, births and rebirths, to three different sponsors and an ever-growing staff, “The Andalusian” continues to evolve, but the mission remains the same: publishing news by students, for students.

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maclayandalusian.com

It’s Crunk Thursday!

by ellie casteel | print editor in chief On Thursday mornings, students mosey into their first period classrooms bleary-eyed and not quite ready for the day. There is only one thing that can be heard echoing through the upper school campus: “It’s Crunk Thursday!”

With his signature voice and line, Head of Upper School Mr. Charles Beamer is not like any other school administrator.

His implementation and executing “Crunk Thursdays” leaves students anticipating that fateful day each week.

“For years, Mrs. Debbie Tackett has been playing music in the mornings, and as students roll in, she would make them dance to wake up. Sitting here in the mornings, I realized we should put a name to the process: ‘Crunk Thursdays’” Beamer said. “So, I can’t take total credit for this.”

Mr. Beamer felt that because of the early release on Wednesdays, students needed a pick me up on Thursday hump days. With Administrative Assistant Debbie Tackett’s help, Beamer began Crunk Thursdays in the 2018-2019 school year. The blaring music permeating through the speakers seemed like an effective way to wake everyone up, encourage them, and even muster up some school spirit.

“It all started with me, Ms. Gimbel, Mrs. Evans, getting on the intercom, playing music, and doing something crazy. Whoever is in the office at that time just gets crunk,” Beamer said. “Certain seniors last year came late on Thursdays so they could participate in it.”

This year, instead of it being teacher-led, Beamer randomly chooses a 1A or 1B class to lead the racket.

“We’re doing a spin on it,” Beamer said.

“The students select the song, and if they can’t come up with a good one, we help them.”

Though initially started as a way to liven students in the morning, it has continued to grow into a student led activity promoting student involvement, something that Beamer hopes will continue to grow.

“I really want to turn it over to the students and I want it to be student driven. I don’t want to be the driving force. I don’t want to get the credit because to

me, it’s the students,” Beamer said. “This idea came to me through something Mrs. Tackett was already doing and watching how the students responded to it and enjoyed it, to me that’s student driven. If it’s student led, then it’s something that will last forever.”

To complete the celebratory Thursdays, Beamer and a group of last year’s seniors hosted the first annual Crunkfest, an event on the last Thursday of the school year.

Tunes and popcorn flowed out of the courtyard all day.

“Anything that gets people to smile is always worthwhile.

I think Crunkfest was a great way to end the school year!” Mathematics Department Chair Katy Gimbel said.

Crunkfest 2020 will be held one of the last Thursdays of the school year. Popcorn will be served again and Beamer hopes student council, in some form, will expand the event.

“I want USSC or a subcommittee in USSC to take over Crunkfest,” Beamer said. “I’ll continue with getting different classes to be on the intercom to do Crunk Thursdays, but the Crunkfest and what it could be- I want y’all to do it.”

Beamer is always on the lookout for ways to improve the upper school student’s experience and adding Crunk Thursday as an upper school tradition has improved community, according to Senior Class President Frank Carson.

“I would say it has made a difference,” Carson said. “Everybody gets into it and enjoys it. Also, the students accepted it pretty quickly and now music in the courtyard is just a thing.”

Beamer even invested in a sound system so music could become an integral part of the upper school experience.

“I think music plays a key factor in mood,” Gimbel said. “By listening to music on a regular basis, I feel happier and more relaxed.”

It’s all about seeking unity and coming together, according to Beamer. He’s the man on a mission to make the upper school experience memorable and a little less tired, one Crunk Thursday at a time.

photo by Ellie Casteel

Freshman participate

Oakley Deison, sophomore Shayan Keshavarz-Joud and junior Joe in Crunk Thursday Disco edition in the upper school front

Butler office.

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maclayandalusian.com

A Teacher on a Mission: Cornais seeks to bring sustainability to Maclay

by lilly simons| head editor

A mere stroll through the bounty to the dining hall with the help of of campus presents a vision of hope, ‘Marauder Meals’ Chef Jim Spear. progress: environmental consciousness While the progressive program is omnipresent. In the abundance of recycling created by Cornais is one of of recycling bins, environmentally creativity, brilliance, the unique beauty of educational posters, and compost buckets her work exists in her efforts to develop exists a passion environmental for sustainability education that “Students are able to combines steered by Director fun use what they learn in and conservation of Sustainability the classroom about into and Lower School unison. photosynthesis, the The creation of science teacher rock cycle, the wa- Cornais’ outdoor Stephanie Cornais. ter cycle, animal and classrooms and With the message plant biology, and all pollinator garden of environmental other scientific topics offer the totality of protection as her and apply it in the real scientific education platform, Cornais world.” is crafting Maclay to young minds. as a model for “Students are not only the local able to use what community, but the world, with the they learn in the classroom about multitude of reform initiatives she has photosynthesis, the rock cycle, the implemented. After all, with the startling water cycle, animal and plant biology, statistic by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and all other scientific topics and apply that 52 percent of the planet’s biodiversity it in the real world,” Cornais said. is gone comes a level of responsibility Furthermore, Cornais offers a crucial that all human beings must possess. message: the importance of supporting When Cornais first began her employment local businesses.. The vibrancy and vitality at Maclay five years ago, she made her first of Cornais’ pollinator garden can be seen trailblazing initiative within the school on the @sustainable_maclay Instagram community: recycling. Working closely page, which she started, through with the Director of Operations Scott the help of Compost Community.

Eagen, Cornais enacted a recycling system Functioning as a local compost that utilizes green bags to distinguish pick-up service, Compost Community between trash bins and recycling bins. collects the waste produced by fruits “Stephanie has really done most of and vegetables on Maclay’s campus this herself. I just help with resources weekly and transforms it into organic once in a while. I work more on the compost that is used in the pollinator facilities side, AC’s, lights, locksmiths, garden. The compost provided by plumbers, electricians, roofers,” Eagen Compost Community, in addition to said. “I do focus on ROI projects (return the diligent and extensive hard work put on investment).

These are projects in by Cornais and her students, aids in that at some point pay for themselves keeping the garden healthy and beautiful. and then begin to save money.”

The local business support, With the recycling system in however, does not stop with Compost place, Cornais expanded recycling Community.

One of Cornais’

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environmental projects is a fourth of an acre Longleaf Pine Forest. This project exists through a collaboration with Tall Timber Research Center and Land Conservancy, and has been a beneficial learning opportunity for students as they get to experience the processes of a biodiversity hotspot first hand.

Cornais looks forward to the future of sustainability. In regards to this year, Cornais already has an abundance of new measures planned. When school began in August, students were greeted with the fresh reality that is the eradication of plastic straws on campus in favor of paper straws, a more environmentally conscious choice for dining. In addition, students can put their sustainability skills to the test by donating used costumes to the Children’s Home Society through MPO. Other potential plans for the future include replacing the conventional fruit in the dining hall with organic fruit and enacting a partnership with Red Hills Farm Alliance that will provide weekly deliveries of vegetables and salads to the dining hall. Furthermore, Cornais is using this year to research and make a sustainability plan, Any ideas or suggestion can be emailed to her at scornais@maclay.org.

As emerging scientific research illustrates, the protection of the planet is of utmost importance, and it is individuals like Cornais that further this message in a way that reflects a genuine excitement for learning and a passion for change.

Even within the Maclay community, the message is evident: the time to change the planet is now.

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maclayandalusian.com Illustration by Cailyn Callaway

THE SUBSCRIBERS WAR Streaming Giants battle in the Digital Arena

by madelyn stout | operations editor in chief Not all wars are the same. Some take time to develop, while others can happen overnight. However, these battles aren’t taking place on the plains of Westeros, at the gates of Mordor or in a galaxy far far away; instead, they are taking place within the realm of digital streaming.

The war between streaming services has begun. Giants like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have dominated the field for many years in terms of subscribers, prices and content.

Netflix has reigned supreme for many years with over 150 million subscribers worldwide. Yet, the seemingly impenetrable service is teetering dangerously on the brink of becoming vulnerable following the cancellations of the popular original Marvel content and the looming threat of losing fan-favorite shows like “The Office” and “Friends”.

Netflix’s chain-link armor of a digital library won’t protect it for much longer. With the looming threat to Netflix, other streaming giants like Hulu, Amazon and HBO, should be nervous as well. Moreover, subscribers should also be wary.

With the emergence of so many new services on the field, it’ll be hard to keep up with all the subscriptions and their costs.

“I think that as more services come into the market, it’s starting to look more like cable than ever before. People are gonna have to subscribe to more and it’s getting ridiculous,” senior Ethan Tetreault said.

According to Wired, the so-called “Streaming Wars” have already endured multiple eras. The first stage was between Netflix and Hulu and involved the making of a digital library big enough to entice subscribers. The second era included

the streaming giants venturing onto the field of original content. The article also mentions how the current stage is dependent on the brands sitting in the services’ arsenals.

As an example, Disney+ has recently brandished its armory of weapons at the recent D23 Expo and through social media. With subsidiary companies such as Pixar, National Geographic, Marvel and Star Wars, as well as acquisitions from their recent merger with 21st Century Fox, Disney is fully armed and combat ready for whatever comes next.

“I am really excited for Disney+. I’m excited for all the Marvel and Pixar movies,” senior Katie Lyons said. “I think more people will want to subscribe to Disney+ given its breadth of movies and TV shows that teens watch.”

Disney is also planning to release their animated classics and Disney Channel content on the platform. At $6.99 a month, it will be hard for fans to resist the appeal of the entertainment giant’s collection, as well as the new content that will be released. To use “Avengers: Endgame”, the massive influx of subscribers for Disney isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.

Just like the question of whether Han or Greedo shot first, it appears as if Disney+ has the first shot in the current battle; however, more competitors have emerged in recent months.

Take Apple TV+ as an example. Apple will also drop it’s new streaming service in the fall; however, the service will be entirely based on original content. It may not seem as enticing as Disney’s shiny weapons, but with heavy hitters like Oprah, Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg signed on for projects, the tech giant is sure to deal some damage.

Even Warner Media is preparing a service to for a launch campaign later this year. According to TVLine, subscriptions will include access to HBO, Cinemax and Warner Bros. content, as well as shows such as “The Big Bang Theory”, “Friends”, “Seinfeld” and a reported reboot of “Gossip Girl”.

NBCUniversal is another company expected to launch their service in early 2020 and will acquire “The Office” in 2021.

“I wouldn’t pay for another streaming service just to watch one show,” freshman Adyson Miller said.

“It’s annoying. Like ‘The Office’ has been on Netflix for a while and now another service is going to take it and people don’t want to pay for another service.”

If the streaming services are the forces behind the war, then subscribers, their preferences and their checkbooks are the casualties. With so many sides to choose from, the subscribers are the ones left trying to decide what’s worth more to them: a library filled with content or their favorite movie or TV show. This is the ultimatum that the current battle has given streamers.

“If Netflix is able to produce quality shows and original movies, like “The Haunting of Hill House,” then I’ll have a reason to keep my account,” Tetreault said. “[But] as long as third party content is leaving, I’ll have less of a reason to keep it.

Thus, choices must be made. In order to lessen the number of casualties, streamers will need to decide what content they value more and what they are willing to pay for. It’s your time to take action. Get ready and choose your weapons wisely.

Crossword #1 Across

6 8 11 12

College readiness test An unspoken language _____Credit Class taught with numbers 13 School monogram 14 Senior hangout 16 Name of football field 20 Theme for 2019-2020 21 Environmental club 23 Long distance running 25 Old gym 27 Independent study 29 _____School 30 Newspaper 31 Place to study after school 33 Study of money 35 _____ Al 36 Fill out if you will be absent 37 Add or ___ a class 38 US and World 40 ____ Under the Oaks 42 A helpful club to new students 43 Junior trip 44 Pep

down

1 Presidents’ club 2 Junior test 3 Test administered by the CollegeBoard 4 Coffee and ____ 5 Free period at end of day 6 Women’s service club 7 New gym 9 New Schedule 10 Alfred B. 15 Men’s service club 17 AP definition 18 Senior abbr.

19 Everything will be __ 22 Motto for cheer team 24 Student council abbr.

26 Another word for book 28 Thursdays 32 Which ___ 34 Updates and assignments are posted here 38 Homecoming abbr.

39 Bake ______ 40 Mr. Beamer is our princi___ 41 Exercise class

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maclayandalusian.com

T h e B e s t P l ac e s to St u dy

by mary rust | staff writer Studying can sometimes be difficult because distractions can occur anywhere and anytime with a wandering mind. However, places dedicated to studying, or that have a calm atmosphere, helps one stay focused. These places dedicated to academia and work offer helpful areas for students to focus and to do their homework. All of these places are located in various locations around Tallahassee, with some located near, and on, Florida State University’s (FSU) main campus. The study spots are chosen based on the following: by accessibility to wifi, books, printers, computers, coffee, food and silence. This criteria was chosen to keep in mind what a student might want when trying to focus on their work. As the second quarter approaches, it is important to stay on top of your work and keep your mind sharp for what comes next; moreover, the area you choose to study at can help keep you eye on the prize. Tallahassee offers numerous places for students and these restaurants, libraries and cafes can provide a space to review alone or meet others for a study group.

1.

4.

Strozier FSU Library

Lucky Goat

The Strozier FSU Library is the best study place in town.

It is open 24 hours all week to FSU students. Guests with passes have access from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.

In order for non-FSU students to use the library, they must check into the front office and request a pass that they can use at all facilities within the guest hours. There is a huge selection of academic books, computers, and printers for students to use. Free guest wifi is also available. Around the building is an open lawn for students to relax along with restaurants and coffee places. It is easily accessible for many students since it is located in the center of town.

This local cafe has a large selection of coffee and other drinks. With numerous locations around town, the cafe also offers grounds and merchandise for sale.

The locations are normally quiet and offer free wifi.

With a nice and serene ambiance, the locations are perfect for either working, studying or hanging out with friends. However, the locations aren’t near any libraries and don’t offer access to printers or computers. The shop is open from 7 am to 6 pm.

Locations around town include the shop in Village Square and the shops on Monroe Street and Capital Circle.

2.

5.

Leroy Collins Library

Starbucks

This library is a public facility with access to printers, computers and free wifi. The building also boasts a huge selection of textbooks, children’s books and adult books for all your reading needs. Library card-holders can use the wifi with multiple onehour passes. The library has multiple sections dedicated to studying and also has some dedicated to discussion. The first floor is for less academic books and other various media and the second floor is for students and academics’ use. The library is located near parks for the public to enjoy and it is within walking distance of some restaurants.

This chain restaurant has coffee, tea, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. With a volatile menu and signature drinks, there is something for everyone at this restaurant.

The coffee shop has a quiet aura and many places to sit and study. There is free wifi and the locations normally have numerous outlets to charge computers and other devices. Despite there being no access to books or printers, many locations sell local and national newspapers. The restaurant is open from 5 am to 10 pm. There are multiple locations in town with many located near schools, including Thomasville Road and two on Monroe Street.

3.

6.

Panera

The restaurant has a warm and quiet atmosphere and has booths in the back isolated from the rest of the restaurant. The warm ambient atmosphere makes for an ideal place for those looking to work or study.

The menu has coffee and many other caffeinated drinks for tired students and warm food to help keep one happy. Whether it be bagels and pastries in the morning or soups, salads, and sandwiches in the afternoon, Panera is known to have good food to fuel working students. The hours for the establishment are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. The restaurant does have free wifi access.

Black Dog Cafe

This coffee shop has a large selection of drinks to choose from. The shop also sells coffee grounds for at home.

The food and desserts served are from over 60 local businesses. Cups are also for sale. The cafe has many places for people to sit, study and relax. The fun decorations and quiet atmosphere help create a unique feel to this cafe. Store hours are 6:30 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, 7 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

One location is merely steps from Lake Ella, where one can sit outside and enjoy the outdoors. The other location is in Railroad Square.

In Review: Jeri’s Midtown by caroline higdon | staff writer In June of 2019, Paisley Cafe closed its doors after being the most popular brunch go-to in all of Tallahassee. Two quick months later, the doors were reopened, but this time, as Jeri’s Midtown Cafe.

Jeri’s has a multitude of similarities to Paisley, which did not come as a surprise to many. The menu is mostly the same, still inclusive of fan-favorites like “The Abigail,” “Granny Smith and Brie,” and the famous Shrimp and Grits plate.

While the menu still contains some of the same dishes, Jeri’s now serves complimentary homemade pimento cheese and crackers as an appetizer for their customers. This is a nice addition, considering the food did not come out quickly as the kitchen continues to work out their kinks.

The entrees were delicious; “The Abigail” tasted fresh, and the presentation was noteworthy. However, since the restaurant was busy, the server was not the most attentive. Also because of the packed restaurant, the food took a minimum of thirty minutes to come out. It was clear that they were understaffed for the jammed pack lunch rush, with only two servers and one hostess running around.

The atmosphere is definitely Instagramfriendly. Regardless if one is sitting, the location is up to date and trendy. The outside sitting area is not lacking in greenery and natural light and is typically where most choose to be seated. The inside seating area is more crowded and dark, but the better choice on scorching hot Florida days.

The least attractive part of Jeri’s Midtown Cafe is the accessibility. The restaurant is located in a central area of town in Midtown. It can be difficult to find and there is no designated turning lane for Jeri’s when coming off of Thomasville Road, which can cause some stress for drivers. Even after successfully finding the general location of the building, Jeri’s itself is difficult to find. It is located in the back of the building and downstairs, which is inconvenient.

Regardless of location and new restaurant kinks, Jeri’s is a

Photo by Caroline Higdon

great addition to the Tallahassee brunch and lunch spots. Their kind staff and great food is what will draw a customer back for another meal. Overall, a general rating of Jeri’s Midtown Cafe would be four out of five stars.

1 4 | SPORTS

Breaking the mold:

maclayandalusian.com

Student athletes break records through grit and determination

Photo by Jordan Jones

by madelyn stout | operations editor in chief Take a deep breath, close your eyes and experience your surroundings. The sharp scent of chlorine oddly calming before you crash full force into the water. The crunch of the grass beneath your cleats settling your nerves as you get set to kick. These euphoric feelings become most familiar to athletes in the calm before the storm.

The lives of student athletes can be hard. Between balancing school, friends and everything in between, it’s hard for any teenager to dedicate time to train for sports. However, there are individuals shattering expectations this season despite the challenges.

One such student is senior Wade Eastman.

Since the fourth grade, Eastman has been doing the thing he loves the most - swimming. In addition to swimming on the varsity swim team for the last seven years, he’s also swam for the United Swim Club, and most presently is a year-round swimmer

Photo provided by Mrs. Stacey Paddack

with the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (ATAC).

Allured by the grit and determination this sport takes, Eastman has proven that he has what it takes.

The proof ? It can be found on the swimming and diving record board outside of Cartee Gym. Back in 2017, Eastman broke the school record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 53.82 and also played a significant role in breaking the 200 Medley Relay with alumni Rafi Chambasian, Ryan Rumana and Martin Jilek. However, Eastman hasn’t stopped with the record breaking. Earlier this season, Eastman set a pool record in the 100 free and also played an instrumental part in breaking the school record for the 200 Free Relay earlier this season at the Maclay v. Florida High meet. Alongside senior Anthony Laudadio, junior Dimitri Nakis and sophomore Stuart Higdon, Eastman helped propel the relay to a record-breaking time of 1:28.65 compared to the record of 1:31.11 set back in 1995.

While he may make it look easy, Eastman has worked hard to get to where he is today and explained that swimming isn’t exactly an easy sport. “You put so much work into it you can’t give up,” Eastman said. “The whole point of training year round is to just build momentum.”

With only eight weeks, the swim season is short.

However, Eastman admits that he’s treated this season differently than previous ones. This is the first season, according to Eastman, that he’s had a training regimen in place that has carried over from the summer.

This plan has allowed for him to build off of the momentum he gained throughout the summer months.

“It’s good to come into the high school season with speed and endurance already built up,” Eastman said.

Through swimming, Eastman has had lessons in dedication, hard work and time management.

Aspiring to continue his education and his swimming career at the United States Naval Academy, Eastman has made sure he is ready for what comes next. In fact, he recently went to Annapolis, where the Academy is located, on an official recruiting trip.

While there, he got to visit the campus and meet with the swim coach and team.

It isn’t the Navy that Eastman has his eye on though, rather it is the Marine Corps, which is included in the Academy. “The passion to join the world’s most elite fighting force mostly came from my dad since he was a marine,” Eastman said. “They have so much history of incredibly brave young men and I want to be apart of that great history.”

According to Eastman, he is also attracted to the Corps because of the discipline, order and responsibility that it incorporates. With a vision to serve his country,

he is set on preparing himself for the future.

Another student-athlete who has also been prevailing this season is senior Hunter Grant.

Currently the kicker for the varsity football team, Grant has also played numerous other positions throughout his five year long tenure as a player.

However, Grant’s journey hasn’t come without incident. Things were put on hold when he suffered a horrible injury. “I broke my back my sophomore year during the first day of spring football while dead-lifting,” Grant said. “I had just started kicking 2 months prior and had fallen in love with kicking.”

Grant credits his injury as a game-changer.

“Breaking my back was one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” Grant said. “At the time I was devastated. I couldn’t run for five months and all summer I was stuck in a brace.”

It was this injury and his rehabilitation that led Grant to begin kicking his junior year after getting cleared. Since then, Grant hasn’t looked back.

“I have fallen in love with kicking. I mean I am obsessed with it. I train obsessively and haven’t gone more than three days without kicking,” Grant said.

His dedication to the sport is pure and simple.

Grant trains everyday in the weight room, eats a strict meal plan and kicks everyday. His change in lifestyle and training regimen has begun to pay off. This season has proven fruitful for Grant as the last two years of hard work is paying off - for instance, when he broke the school record in the longest punt average at 68 yards.

Grant credits his hard work as the driving force behind this achievement. Moreover, this isn’t the only achievement Grant has garnered in the last year. This past summer, Grant traveled to a two day showcase in Wisconsin where he was amongst the top 300 high school kickers in the country and was tested on his abilities.

Currently, according to Kohl’s Kicking, Grant is a four star punter and four and a half star kicker. Additionally, on Oct. 1 Grant was named Player of the Week by the Tallahassee QB Club.

With plans to continue his education at The Citadel, Grant will utilize the lessons he has learned in the last few years and to continue the lifestyle he has built. The grit, determination and dedication that Grant has shown will serve him in the future as he wants to go to business school.

With a passion for investment and finances, he aims to work for a management position in the future.

These two individuals have worked hard to get to where they are today and it is thanks to their grit, determination and dedication to the sports they love that they have prevailed. The lives of student-athletes are never easy and these two seniors credit their experiences with giving them life long lessons. Now, if it’s the shrill of the whistle on the field or the sharp buzz at a swim meet, Eastman and Grant are ready to take the next step forward in their biggest career - life.

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Poppells pop off Marauders win Homecoming game by mary leah yearty | staff writer

The fall breeze and the rush of homecoming created an electric crowd under the Marauder Friday night lights.

The Marauders beat North Bay Haven with a final score of 51-33, with the Poppell brothers playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.

In the first half, the team scored six touchdowns.

Senior AJ Miller scored the first one of the game, with the Marauders missing the following 2-point conversion.

Freshman quarterback Michael Grant threw two touchdown passes, one to junior wide receiver Kennan Milford and one to senior wide receiver Robert Parker-Crawford.

The Poppell brothers stood out as key players in the first half, accounting for three of the six touchdowns.

Freshman running back Rhyder Poppell had two thrilling touchdown runs, one for 60 yards and one for 70. The final touchdown of the first half was an interception from junior outside line-backer Broedy Poppell for a 50 yard return.

North Bay Haven scored three touchdowns in the first half. Both teams headed to the locker room as the Homecoming festivities commenced.

Halftime featured the Homecoming court procession and the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen, senior Davidson Oberste and senior Mia Evert.

The Marauders faced few challenges putting up points in the second half. Quarterback Grant threw a touchdown pass to receiver Parker- Crawford, sophomore Tucker Hicks kicked a field goal and the

LEFT: Broedy Poppell looks down field waiting for the play to begin; TOP: Homecoming Court takes the field at halftime with the newly announced king and queen. BELOW: Rhyder Poppell carries the ball down field for a Marauder touchdown.

Poppell brothers continued to dominate the game.

Rhyder had a 47 yard kickoff return and converted numerous first downs. Broedy played well on defense and even came in as a slot receiver, running for 75 yards. Both Poppell brothers were pleased with their performance; Broedy in particular taking note of his brothers hard work.

“I’m very proud of Rhyder,” Poppell said. “He’s put in a lot of hard work this season and it is being shown during games. I was happy with my performance too, being able to get the interception and help us win the game.”

Despite North Bay Haven’s two touchdowns in the second half, the Marauders secured the win for the big homecoming crowd.

This game in particular houses a larger audience as the crowd not only comes for the football but also the homecoming festivities.

“I like supporting Maclay,” junior Ramsay Grant said. “I also like watching my friends on Homecoming court who are all dressed up.”

With the Marauder win, Head Coach Lance Ramer was pleased with the Marauders’ effort and the crowd’s contribution to the game.

“It was a hard fought game, they have some good athletes,” Ramer said. “I love the crowd and the extra energy for the Homecoming game.”

The Marauders take on Lafayette at home on October 11 for the pink-out game.

FHSAA declares change New classifications created for playoffs by rachael stockel | business manager

For the first time since 2015, the FHSAA will be reclassifying for the 2019-20 and 202021 school years, declaring several big changes.

First, beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, schools will be reclassified every other year, instead of the previous every four years.

Historically, schools were grouped by population and geography, but inequity became an issue when certain schools continued to dominate in the playoffs.

The new reclassifications were created to make the playoffs more competitive. The FHSAA reduced the number of classes in several sports, putting more schools in each class. Since there will now be bigger classes, the school population range will be much larger. This could potentially put schools against others either double or half of their size.

“There are now bigger schools in our district, region, and classification so it will be difficult for us to compete against these big schools, such as Jacksonville and Gainesville, that play more competitive schools on a regular basis because they are just down the street,” girls basketball coach Rapheal Harris said. “We will have to play a very competitive schedule and win games to get a higher ranking than those other schools, which

will be difficult because these schools aren’t close to us at all.”

This new class system especially affects teams that are in a rebuilding stage such as the Lady Marauder volleyball team.

“It’s very hard to compete at this level right now because the team is very young but very talented,” volleyball Coach Erica Bunch said. “ The number of classifications per school is too large with putting them in the same classifications.”

Another big change is that schools are no longer required to play schools from their postseason competitions during their regular season.

“Our coaches are going to put together the schedule that’s going to benefit the short term as well as the long term,” Athletic Director Jake VonScherrer said. “The new system gives teams an opportunity during the regular season to play easier teams for victories or more competitive teams for a better ranking.”

This new policy allows for schools to make the decision to play either schools that are similar in competitiveness or schools they know they will be able to win against. Each game that a team plays gives them “power points” which eventually will go towards their MaxPreps “power ranking” that’s used in the playoffs. MaxPreps is a website that posts schedules, stats, scores and rankings which is now used by the FHSAA. A team’s power ranking will decide their seed for the district playoff bracket.

Photos by Maddie Stout

CROSSWORD CONTEST Finish the Crossword on page 12. The first person to show Ms. Callaway the correct answers wins a $10 gift card to Chick-fil-a!

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