The Nova Roma | Volume 5, Issue 1 | October 2021

Nova Highlands Latin School

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September 2021

Roma |

Volume 5, Issue 1

Upper School Advance By: Samantha Kang and Sophie Krumhansl This year, the HLS Upper School Advance returned to being fully in-person. After last year’s advance was mostly online for house members, everyone was excited to be back together. However, due to the ACT, the retreat was shortened to just the afternoon and evening. Despite this, all the houses made the most of it and had lots of fun. Senior Jake Hamilton said, “The things that we did cut out weren’t really my favorite things, so I enjoyed it personally and the structure was great. It didn’t feel abrupt or out of place.” This year, the retreat included houses decorating out on the circle in front of Cooke Hall with their respective houses, leadership driving decorated cars around the loop and waving their house flag, competitive sports games, and

the first house meetings.

Kara Moran, Head of House for Patrick, said her favorite memory of the retreat was the “Name Game”, a challenge where one member from each house tries to name every member of the house, because “it was super fun to learn all the new kid’s names and it was a great challenge. It was fun to have everybody cheering me on.” Her goals for her senior year as Head of House are to try and get as many people to be involved as possible. She says “I think kids enjoy it a lot more when they want to be involved and that takes effort from the upperclassmen. I think a lot of people don’t enjoy the House system because others don’t, and I think I’m only as involved as I am because of other people that encouraged me to apply for other positions

within the house.”

House of George senior, Jake Hamilton said “My favorite part was definitely the induction ceremony because the House of George was definitely the most excited and engaged, such that at the end of the day people were already saying that they loved being in George.” Jake’s goals are to “reach out and connect with as many kids as possible and be a friend to them and have an impact on a lot of different people. The people that had the biggest impact on me were always leaders from sports teams and because I would know them through sports, I would see them throughout the day and feel important because they would show interest in me. I think people that show interest in you are always going to have the biggest impact.” (cont. on page 2)

Sports on the Flip Side of COVID By: Marissa Mudd and Olivia Petrie With Covid-19 restrictions beginning to subside, HLS fall sports are back and stronger than ever! Despite a year filled with restrictions and cancellations, athletes have persevered and are ready to play this season. The HLS field hockey team won the Apple tournament, beating Eastern in the finals to take the championship. Following the Apple tournament, the team traveled to St. Louis and came back to win their last game in the tournament,

displaying a storng atmosphere of determination and perserverance. When asked to describe her experience as a field hockey player, Meredith McFarland responded, “Being on the field hockey team is a really different experience than any other sport at HLS I’ve played.

It’s a really good way for upperclassmen to see the legacy they leave behind and for underclassmen to see the foundation that has come before. We have senior captains every year

that really tie off our team, giving pointers and encouragement to everyone.” Also notable is the HLS soccer team.

Beating Waggener 5-2 in the finals, the soccer team got a big district win. It was a tough and physical game, but everyone played hard and they came out with a significant win. Trevor Kimbell, who has played soccer for 12 years said, “The soccer team is a great group that constantly encourages (cont. on page 2)

What’ s Up!?

Your HLS Student Spotlight By: Elli Bitner and Trevor Geddes

Elli: Welcome back to another great year! I hope everyone had an amazing summer! Trevor and I are super excited to get to interview you all!!

Trevor: Alright she said it, let’s jump right in. Today we’re talking to Caleb Sewell.

E: Hey Caleb!

Caleb: Hi! T: Okay Caleb, let’s start you off with an easy question: what grade are you in?

C: I’m in 7th grade.

T: Dang you’re getting kinda old, buddy.

E: Hush Trevor. Caleb, what was your favorite part of your summer?

C: We went to the beach, that was super fun.

E: That’s so fun! What beach?

C: The Outer Banks.

T: So, how’s 7th grade going so far?

C: I like it a lot more than elementary school actually. I like the different teachers and the variety.

E: That was a great answer Caleb!

T: Sophisticated indeed!

E: So Caleb, since you’re in 7th (Cont. on page 3)

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Upper School Advance (cont.from page 1)

The retreat is always a fun and exciting experience for younger and new students alike. Seventh grader Rylea Toadvine was inducted into the House of Andrew this year. When asked about her favorite part of the retreat she answered volleyball. Her favorite thing about her house so far are “the people”.

New student Tia Satele, a freshman in the house of Patrick, said her favorite part of the retreat was “when they announced our houses and especially seeing the support, it was the first time I’ve seen something like that before.” Her favorite thing about her house is “that we are always hyped, I never saw one frown on someone’s face.” Tia looks forward to “beating the other houses and getting that cup.”

The retreat for some is the day that gets everyone in the competitive spirit for the house competition, and there are many more events to come.

Sports

(Cont. from page 1) each other and never backs down from a challenge. Everybody has a lot of fun playing and comes ready to work hard…even at 7am.” The cross country team has also had a successful season so far.

Myla Pryor mentioned, “Without Covid restrictions, it has been so nice getting back to normal! Last year we had to run in waves and it’s been amazing to be back with the whole team for races.” The team placed second in the Shelby County Rocket run and had multiple PR’s at the Tiger Run. When asked about her experience on the team, Avery Hanel responded: “I’m so proud of the team’s encouragement this year. Being on the cross country team means you are part of a family. We’re a messy family sometimes, but we all love and respect each other. There’s something about the crazy hard workouts and sweat that brings us together!” HLS’ volleyball team is also having a great season, beating Butler their first game

after making a comeback to win the last 3 sets. Elli Bitner talks about the team’s bond by saying, “I love being on the team because of how close we all are. One of the best parts of the volleyball team is how encouraging everyone is and the sweet friendship we all have with each other.”

Julianna Sizemore also added, “I’ve learned the necessity of not only encouraging my teammates but also myself, and playing each play as a brand new point and not getting beaten down by making a mistake.”

Congrats to the HLS sports teams on their wins, keep up the hard work!

Poll

By: Jonathan Lasoi and Jonny Steinrock What fall specialty is the favorite of the HLS senior class?

3% - Pumpkin Spice Lattes 10% - Leaf Piles 37% - Hoodies 50% - Football

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Football Playoffs Heisman Touchdown Kickoff Fantasy Super Bowl Field Goal Tailgate Draft

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Student Spotlight (cont. from page 1)

grade are you coming to Advance this week?? (disclaimer: This interview happened before theAdvance.)

C: I am. I’ll have to leave for a soccer game but then I’ll be back.

T: We have a busy man here folks, I like it. Any predictions on what House you’re gonna be in?

C: Well my older brother and sister are in Andrew, so I’m guessing probably Andrew... …(spoiler: Caleb Sewell is now a proud member in the House of Andrew!)

T: You mentioned you have an older brother and sister, do they play sports?

C: Yeah, my brother plays soccer and my sister plays volleyball.

E: All around athletes- I like it.

Who do you think is the most athletic in your family out of your siblings?

C: Umm…definitely me.

T: I like the confidence, amigo.

E: What sports do you play?

C: I play soccer, but I used to play football and basketball.

I play soccer for 3 different teams.

E: At the same time?

C: Yup. T: Wow you’re really on the grind, Caleb. What position do you play in soccer?

C: I can play every position.

E: All around athlete-I like it.

T: Okay now it’s time for the tough questions. Would you fly on a plane being flown by your brother Christian Sewell?

C: Ummmmmm...yes I would.

T: I love the trust.

E: Same.

T: I’m gonna be honest I don’t know if I’m flying with my homie Christian, so that’s a brave answer.

E: I’ve got a good one. You said you really like the different teachers this year.

What’s your favorite class?

C: I really love math, that’s my favorite class.

T: Enjoy it until it gets hard Caleb.

E: Yeah I second that. But you are smarter than us so you’ll be fine.

T: So true. Is there anything you are looking forward to this year Caleb?

C: Even though I’m doing it right now, I’m playing on the JV soccer team. It’s super fun to play with kids that are bigger than you.

E: That’s so cool! You must be really good at soccer.

T: Okay. The last question I have is...who’s your favorite Disney princess?

C: Is Mulan a princess? I would say Mulan.

E: Yeah she’s a princess. She’s so cool.

T: Yes, Mulan is legit.

E: Well that’s all we have today, folks! Thanks for joining us Caleb! You were a great guest.

C: Thanks for having me!

T: Well guys 4 weeks down and……a lot more to go. But that’s okay! Let’s enjoy this school year because one day you’ll look back and truly appreciate it. Have a great rest of the week guys!

E: Thank you everyone!

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Senioritis

By: Sam Birkholz, Anna Moran, and Kara Moran Sam Birkholz: Hey everyone!

Welcome back to Senioritis.

Hope you all had a great summer and are enjoying your first month of school. I can’t wait to help you all get to know our senior class over the course of the school year. So with that, let’s get to know a few seniors.

Let’s start with name, age, and how long have you been at HLS? AM: Annika Monson, 17, and I’ve been here since seventh grade.

EG: Elizabeth Giltner, 17, and I’ve been here sine first grade.

HK: Hans Keisling, 17, and I’ve been here since sixth grade.

JB: Josh Baum, 19, and this is my ninth year at HLS. SB: Awesome, what’s been one of your guys’ favorite moments at HLS? AM: When Gracie and I gave Mr Nelson the silent treatment in seventh grade.

EG: My favorite was probably the retreat this year it was so fun.

HK: Probably going to sports home games.

JB: Honestly my favorite is the retreats, those are always super fun.

SB: Sweet, now what kind of extra circulars do you all do around HLS? AM: I do drama, I do art club, and I do math club, which please join math club we need people.

EG: I don’t do much, I’m just a Club Sports All Star.

HK: I run Cross Country and do Greek Club.

JB: I haven’t done much, I might play baseball in the spring but we’ll see.

SB: Any cool hobbies outside of school?

AM: I sow, knit and I think that’s about it. I know I sound like a

grandma but it’s fine I enjoy it.

EG: I figure skate.

HK: I worked at GE appliances for a summer and it was very cool. I also do archery when it’s not cross country season.

JB: Besides professional street ball with my boy Jonny, I work at the world’s best indoor theme park, Malibu Jacks.

SB: I like it, so let’s do a few more personal questions.

What’s your favorite musical artist?

AM: The Beach Boys.

EG: Fleetwood Mac. HK: Kanye West because he’s the goat or Playboi Carti because he is a good man or maybe Phoebe Bridgers because she inspires me.

JB: Either Juice WRLD or Florida Georgia Line.

SB: Favorite movie?

AM: Casablanca.

EG: Captain America Civil War. HK: Ad Astra starring Brad Pitt.

JB: Zootopia, Judy Hopps is just a great character.

SB: Alright, so you’ve got a free ticket to go anywhere in the world, where are you going.

AM: Oh man that’s hard, I’d say Rome but we’re already going so that’s a dumb answer.

Probably Athens then I guess.

EG: England.

HK: I’d want to go to Paris.

JB: I’d probably go to Trevor Geddes’ house honestly.

SB: Awesome, besides Josh those are some great answers.

Now finally, what’s some advice you’d give to younger students.

AM: Go out there and do all the crazy stuff you want to do even if you think it’s gonna be pretty embarrassing.

EG: Just have fun.

HK: Make sure to focus on

what really matters and not get distracted by stupid stuff.

JB: Make the most of your time at HLS, you’ll be a senior before you know it.

SB: Good stuff, guys. Thank you seniors for some great interviews.

Hope everyone enjoyed reading this months issue, and if any readers have any specific questions they would love to see included next time for our next group of seniors feel free to let me know! Thank you all and have a great day!

Order from the left: Josh Baum, Hans Kiesling Annika Monson, Elizabeth Giltner

Editor’s Note By: Sophie Harris

Dear reader, Welcome back! It is with great pleasure that we are able to bring you this year’s edition of the Nova Roma, finally back in physical form. While us journalists were immensely thankful that the paper was able to be shared online last year, there is nothing quite like being able to run your fingers over text on a page. And is that not the sweetest part of the time we are now living in? We lived through a time where all the simple, everyday pleasures we took for granted were taken away suddenly, leaving us wishing we had enjoyed them more deeply when we could. Having come out on the other side, we must remember those longing feelings and use them to remind ourselves to thank God daily for those things we would never otherwise think about. During the pandemic, did you miss hugging your friends? Hug them longer and tighter now.

Did you miss being in a classroom? Take time away from complaining about the temperature of your classroom to thank God you even have a classroom to freeze alive in. Appreciate this school year more than any yet!

Sincerely, Sophie Harris

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Book Review: Jane Eyre and the Search for the Self By: Hannah Davis and Leili Popejoy

“I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.” This well-known line was spoken by Jane in a moment of exasperation, moral frustration, and loving anger. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte’s great work, is a book dealing primarily with the theme of ‘finding yourself’.

In his article, ‘The Cult of Self’, Joshua Gibbs says this: “People who want to find themselves, people who want to lose themselves, and people who want to be themselves often end up in the same places, doing the same things. The self thus seems little more than a nullifying force of needless confusion and misdirection, for no one knows whether the self is coming, going, ot staying put. Nonetheless, the cult of self is the default religion of our age.”

Is Jane Eyre a book for the cult of self? Many of the members treat it as such. The quote at the beginning of the first paragraph is often quoted by people wanting to liberate themselves from social expectations and those irritating but unbreakable bonds of moral responsibility. But how does Jane ‘find herself’? When she said,” I am no bird...”, what did she mean?

In chapter 27, Jane is given a choice: she can do something very wrong and get her dearest wish, or she can remain virtuous, lose the one she loves, and be reduced to an outcast beggar. Throughout the book, we have seen Jane passionately defend her moral convictions, and this is the time when they are truly tested. Incidentally, this also seems to be the moment she ‘finds herself’. Rochester, the one she must leave, asks her what he shall do without her and he responds: “Do as I do: trust in God and yourself. Believe in Heaven. Hope to meet again again there.”

Jane makes the virtuous decision to leave Rochester, and fulfills her moral principles and finds herself in God. She did not attain herself by ‘being herself’, rather being who God would have her be. Jane knew that when we sin when we truly depart from ourself, for ourselves are not found in our personality or interests, but in our godliness. We are created in His image and when we make a choice that He would not make, we violate that image. Jane wanders alone and nearly starves to death in dedication to her moral responsibilty. Her situation improves, she is able to help others, and they benefit from her sureness in herself and in her Lord.

Jane leads one character in particular, St. John, a clergyman who has not found the peace of God that he preaches about. He struggles to understand those who would not dedicate their lives to missionary work, but does not fully understand why he himself does. He loves a woman whom he could have if he gave up his dedication to his work, but instead he denies his own wishes and goes to India. Through Jane, he learns God’s will, at the end of the novel Jane says of him: “His is the exaction of the apostle, who speaks but for Christ, when he says, ‘Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’” St. John too, ‘finds himself.’

At the end of the novel, Jane is reuinted with her love. All that was imperfect about her love for Rochester, and Rochester’s love for her, is purified. In leaving Rochester she found herself, and in forgiving him and loving him once more, she fulfills herself. She is rewarded for the holy decision she made, for she made it in freedom of spirit. When she said “I am no bird, and no net ensnares me...” She was proclaiming her freedom to adhere to her moral convictions, not escape them.

Nova Roma Staff Sophie Harris....................................... Editor-In-Chief Hans Kiesling....................................... Assistant Editor Kara Moran...........................................Senioritis Writer Anna Moran......................................... Senioritis Writer Sam Birkholz........................................ Senioritis Writer Elli Bitner.............................................. Student Spotlight, Photographer Trevor Geddes......................................Student Spotlight Marissa Mudd...................................... Sports Writer Olivia Petrie..........................................Sports Writer Leili Popejoy......................................... Book Review Hannah Davis.......................................Book Review Jonathan Lasoi......................................Poll Conductor Jonny Steinrock....................................Poll Conductor Sophie Krumhansl...............................Features Writer Devin Moore........................................ Features Writer Samantha Kang.................................... Features Writer Sophia Bryant.......................................Features Writer Caleb Kang........................................... Director of Arts and Entertainment

New Year Brings New Changes By: Devin Moore

It is the beginning of the year, the time when everyone looks forward to shiny new school supplies, but also the time when changes are implemented. Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though. In spite of the pandemic and the inevitable fits and starts that usher in every new school year, HLS is starting out the new trimester strong, with the Math Club already in session, athletics at an all-time high, and every grade ready to work hard.The house system—and the inter-house competition—has been refreshed by the influx of new students and the rise in house spirit following the recent Advance, and we are lucky to have an extraordinary council of house leaders this year: Avery Hanel of Andrew, Sydney Petrie of David, Sophie Harris of George, and Kara Moran of Patrick, as well as equally extraordinary house leadership teams. May the best house win!

Some other exciting changes have also been implemented this year, such as outdoor seating for lunch and the opportunity to change clothes before and after club sports. HLS once again has a salad bar at lunch, and the old lower school building (now part of the upper school) is being remodeled to more closely match the newer building.

Finally, we welcome six new Spring Meadows teachers: Amy Bankes (Geometry and SAT prep), Viola Blackwell (Physics), Chandler Downing (Trigonometry), Alex Morgan (Algebra and pre-Algebra), Kara Robertson (5th Grade) and Erin Williams (Kindergarten)!

We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to. Have a great 2021, HLS!

Announcements

If you are a teacher or student interested in submitting art, poetry, or any type of article to be featured in the Nova Roma, please contact Sophie Harris at sharris22@students.hls.org.

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Lost Chances (A Request Made to Death) By: Devin Moore

The friend I never met The books I never read The dog I didn’t pet The hateful things I said The place I never went The promise never kept The time I never spent

“Angelic Imp” by Jenna Nicodemus

The tears that were not wept The boy I didn’t kiss The verses never writ The kin I didn’t miss The gown that wouldn’t fit The book I never lent The scones I never made The letter never sent The picnic in the shade The lovers I’ve left lonely, The words I haven’t spoken;

House of Andrew poster drawn by Jenna Nicodemus for the Upper School Advance

I ask an hour only, To mend the things I’ve broken.

Announcement

Are you an artist looking to share your work with your community but don’t know where to start? Contact Sophie Harris at sharris22@ students.hls.org to have your art featured in the Nova Roma!

“Facade” by Jenna Nicodemus