November 2011

The Merionite

November 15, 2011

Volume 83, Issue 3

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

Lady Aces have historic season Ricky Figelman

Class of 2013

For the girls’ soccer team, giving up is not an option. Despite going 6-5 in the Central League, they continued to play on, qualifying for the District and State Tournaments. In the district playoffs they were given the 28th seed, the very last seed in the District. To gain entry into the state playoffs they had to win three games against teams ranked much higher than them. After stunning upsets over West Chester Henderson and Neshaminy, they faced Strath Haven in the District 1 quarterfinals. Although they lost that game, they continued to hold their heads high, and powered their way to a state playoff

See LADY ACES, page 11

A beef with busy hallways Sam Mark

Class of 2012 If hallway behavior is any indication, I can only imagine America’s roadways will soon be a war zone. The tenuous grasps of lanes of movement, a comic disregard for traffic flow, and a general lack of attention to the needs of others tends to be the theme of the trip from the third floor to the first. Upperclassmen will probably remember the way the hallways got cramped in the old school. The tired, poor, huddled masses banded together, ascending the stairs like great flocks of salmon heading upstream. In the winter, proximity lent us much needed body heat. In the warmer months, it was brutal. But everyone always behaved like reasonable members of a semi-functioning society. You went up the right side of the staircase, greetings were kept to a “hello” and a high five, and you got to your next class on time. Nowadays I consider myself fortunate if I can go from class to class without getting elbowed by a feral pack

See HALLWAYS, page 5

LMSD teachers’ art on display Matt Chan

Class of 2012

On October 6, the newly renovated LMSD Administration Building hosted a faculty art show, displaying the finesse of the township’s art department staff. The administration building was established in 1931 and, over the past year, has undergone many mechanical upgrades. The faculty art show marked the reopening of the administration building to the public.

All of LMSD’s art teachers happily contributed to the event by creating beautiful artistic pieces to exhibit at the art show. During the three week long show, over 80 works of art ranging from acrylics to photography were displayed in the administration building. This event, led by both Russ Loue and Peter Murray, was a spectacular success, as many students and parents

See ART SHOW, page 8

Photo by Hannah Schaeffer/Staff

Students representing schools throughout the area met to discuss the shocking results of a student survey.

A youth perspective on drugs, alcohol Hannah Schaeffer

Class of 2012 Last March, eighth graders, sophomores and seniors took a survey entitled Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors.

The survey candidly asked teens about their involvement with substance abuse and their relationships with their parents. A varied group of high school students gathered on Wednesday, November 9 at 7pm to present to parents their views on the provocative findings of the survey.

The student panel consisted of 10 high school students, from The Agnes Irwin School, Barrack Hebrew Academy, The Shipley School, Baldwin, Friends Central, The Haverford School, LM, and a representative from Haverford College. The panel met and discussed the issues for months preceding the actual presentation to parents.

LM’s representatives were sophomore Robbie Warshaw and junior Haydn Hornstein-Platt.

With 160 questions distributed to 2200 students, the survey revealed some shocking results. 52 percent of students reportedly confirmed they had consumed alcohol in the last month, and 43 percent consumed marijuana in the last year. 25 percent responded that they got into a car with a driver who had been drinking.

The students were asked to address why such a large group of teens are involved in these habits. They mentioned the desire to be rebellious, to fit in, to escape stress.

“Kids definitely [drink] to escape that five-day-a-week stress that comes with all the tests and homework and college when everything piles on,” said Shipley junior Haley Banks.

When asked for a solution, the panel repeatedly brought up the importance of healthy communication between parent and child.

“It’s unrealistic to think that teens won’t experiment, and it’s

important for parents to remember that,” Terry Rossi said from the Haverford School.

The panelists agreed that parents need to initiate conversations with their children about drinking. Discussing these issues will make teens feel confortable enough to call their parents if they need a ride, instead of getting in a car with someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Parents have their child’s best interests in mind, and will drop anything at any time of the night to come pick them up from a bad situation,” said freshman Eva Wyner from Barrack Hebrew Academy.

See TALKING BACK, page 2

Photo courtesy of Paula Singer

Junior Haydn Hornstein-Platt was featured on the panel to represent LM in the discussion on November 9.

Election forms new school board G. Doron/Z. Schlosberg

Class of 2012 This past Tuesday, while LM students were enjoying a day off, LMSD school board elections were held.

Five spots for the school board were up for election, and two slates of candidates ran. One, with two incumbents, Lisa Fair Pliskin and Susan Guthrie, ran on the platform of taking politics out of education. The other slate included five candidates, with two incumbents, Virginia Pollard and Diane DiBonaventuro, and three others, Marissa Golden, Subha Robinson, and Robin Vann Lynch.

The second slate swept, with DiBonaventuro, Golden, Pollard, Vann Lynch, and Robinson receiving the most votes, respectively.

DiBonaventuro has been on the LMSD Board of School Directors since 1999. Marissa Golden, a professor at Bryn Mawr, is joining the school board for the first time, as are Subha Robinson, a former president of both the Gladwyne and the Welsh Valley HSA, and Vann Lynch, a professor at Drexel University.

The victors were extremely glad with the turnout of the election.

“I am very excited about the results,” said DiBonaventuro, “I believe we had an outstanding team of experienced, knowledgeable and caring candidates and we are looking forward to working together and with the rest of the board and the administration to maintain and

build on the strengths of the District.”

The newly elected School Board members are eager to pursue their campaign platform issues, including those of achievement for students, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

“Two items are coming up immediately that will require a great deal of our attention: the teacher and staff contract and the budget for the next school year,” said Robinson.

“I bring a commitment to working collaboratively within the District and throughout the township to get a better sense of what our community feels we do well as a district and what things we might improve upon,” said Vann Lynch. “It will be my priority to thoughtfully consider the perspectives and concerns of all District stakeholders.”

Members already on the School Board are optimistic for their next terms.

“The changes will help the District continue the process of moving forward with a focus on our classrooms and improving the education of all the children the Lower Merion School District,” said David Ebby, LM School Board President.

Resulting from elections Tuesday, the School Board now consists of both new and old members and holds a promising future for the LM community.

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November 15, 2011

NEWS The Merionite Teen panelists candidly address the results of March survey From TALKING BACK, page 1

When asked whether most high school students would rather get in a car with a driver abusing alcohol or abusing drugs, the panel unanimously agreed that most would go with a driver abusing drugs.

Hornstein-Platt noted, “it’s harder to tell if someone is high [than drunk], and part of the misconception is that people think they drive better when they are high.”

The survey also revealed there was a significant jump between the amount of drinking happening in eighth grade and the amount happening in twelfth grade.

Students explained the phenomenon by pointing out the notion that drinking is “mature.” Two students commented that “peer pressure” is an overused term, and most kids make the decision themselves

to be involved with drugs and alcohol.

While 79 percent of youth felt a high level of love and support from their parents, only 37 percent of youth felt they have positive communication with their parents and can ask them about anything.

Parents in the audience were startled by the Photo courtesy of Paula Singer results.

Students explain drug and alcohol abuse among peers, One mother raised her hand to simply directly answering questions from audience of parents ask, “who’s having all these parties, and where are they?” from a few friends in a basement, to bigger The responses to the question ranged houses with relaxed parents, to even seniors

crashing local college parties.

One parent prompted students to talk about their stress. He wanted to know how they have time to balance the “party, sleep, study” in their lives. Students agreed that there just isn’t enough time to do it all. To keep down the stress they each suggested taking a break from doing work, and filling the time with playing sports, reading books and listening to music.

Just 35 percent felt that adults close to them model good behavior. Only 29 percent believed it was important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol and other drugs. A minimal 26 percent of teens felt that the community values them. The Talking Back discussion revealed glaring statistics that prompt questions teens and their parents are likely to grapple with for a long time.

Suit against District dismissed

Student Council reaches out

Vered Schwell

Jack Kane

Class of 2012 On October 20, the Blunt et al v.

LMSD case was dismissed following the District’s pre-trial motion.

Blunt et al v. LMSD was a civil lawsuit filed against LMSD in September 2007. Families of seven African American LM students and alumni filed the complaint jointly with the Main Line branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Concerned Black Parents of Lower Merion (CBP).

The complaint stated that the students, who qualified for support through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), never received the aid from the District. The plaintiffs also stated that black students were intentionally placed in special education class. This case raised questions of race and segregation in LMSD. Recently, Judge Harvey Bartle III dismissed the case on the grounds that the “plaintiffs simply have not put forth any evidence that supports their contention that they were ‘segregated’ intentionally into inferior educational programs.”

In celebration of the case’s dismissal, Superintendent Christopher McGinley wrote a letter to the LMSD staff, thanking them for their “dedication and hard work and [for] proving the fundamental merits of [LMSD’s] exemplary, comprehensive special education programs.”

McGinley ended his letter determined to “not stop until all children, no matter their race or background are achieving and succeeding at the highest level.”

Within LM there are mixed feelings on the outcome of the case. No strong opposition to the judge’s decision dismissal is apparent, however, many staff members feel as if they simply do not know enough facts about the case to state an opinion.

“Although, I am glad the court determined that the District didn’t racially discriminate against the students, I feel bad for the families who feel they were discriminated against,” stated Help Center administrator Soryl Angel. “I don’t have enough information to have an opinion.”

As the case remains controversial, many teachers declined to comment.

“We will not stop until all children, no matter their race or background are achieving and succeeding at the highest level.”

- Superintendent McGinley

With the economy in shambles over the past few years, many schools have had to cut extracurricular activities and educational resources. That is why the LM student council is planning to set up a program to donate time and money to help Our Lady Of Lourdes School in West Philadelphia expand its minimal extra curricular options.

LM benefits from countless clubs, sports, and other extra curriculars. Our Lady Of Lourdes School only has five total activities that include a band, a choir, a basketball team, a track team and a track and field team. While this small Catholic school is just a few miles away, it is a world apart when it comes to extra curricular opportunities.

The LM Student Council has big plans to help Our Lady Of Lourdes School overcome the challenges associated with few extra curricular activities. Junior Dan Barnes-Batista, who is one of the heads of the project to aid Our Lady Of Lourdes School gave some insight on what Student Council is planning to do.

When asked about the future plans, Barnes-Batista stated, “We want to help out with their extracurricular activities, as well as aide their academics. We’re mostly planning on sending kids there to build a relationship with kids there so that this is an activity they can look forward to during the week.”

Barnes-Batista also suggested that Student Council is looking for a large demographic of student-volunteers so that Our

LM students dance for cancer research I. Cohn/M. Afilalo

Class of 2012

On November 7, LM hosted its second annual Dance-a-Thon to benefit Coaches vs.

Cancer, a charity whose funds go directly to the American Cancer Society. Students raised money to attend, and then danced from 6 PM to 11 PM, with music provided

by LM’s own DJ Scribe, junior Wes Walker.

The event raised $7,600 overall, making this year a huge success.

“I want people to know how important this charity is to the millions of cancer patients in this country,” said Coaches vs. Cancer committeehead senior Sam Heyman.

With a $50 donation, students received a t-shirt at the door. Students who showed up without money could pay $20 at the door to attend. The event was organized by a Student Council subcommittee headed by

seniors Heyman and Carly Solomon, and also consisting of juniors Hope Brodkin, Julia Spandorfer, and Maddie Rose.

“Carly, Hope, Maddie, and Julia are some of the hardest working people I know and if not for them there is no way this could have been done,” said Heyman. “The bond we’ve made has really helped us to get the ball rolling on a new fund raising season.”

At the event, several sports teams and clubs performed dance skits, such as Cross Country and the Tech Club.

While the students danced in the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium, the Eagles game was projected in the cafeteria, for any die-hard Eagles fans in attendance. Food, including pizza, ice cream, and fruit, was also provided in the cafeteria during the dance.

Later in the night, coach Phil Martelli of St. Joseph’s University, a member of the Coaches vs. Cancer council, spoke to

Class of 2014

Lady of Lourdes School will have more options when it comes to extra curriculars.

“We’re hoping for all types of kids at LM to be involved, from athletes to artists to math kids to kids who haven’t found their niche,” he said.

In addition to having kids from LM volunteer at Our Lady Of Lourdes School, senior Josh Niemtzow, head of LM Student Council’s community service committee discussed the book drive called Reading for Radnor Week that took place to further benefit Our Lady of Lourdes School. This was an advisory challenge with the purpose of filling the bookshelves of the Our Lady of Lourdes School’s bookshelves so that kids can have somewhere to read and do work.

Niemtzow stated, “We know that LM students have a lot of books lying around that could be donated, and we believe that if every student donates at least one book, this book drive will be successful.” However, Niemtzow’s ambitions depend not only on the success of the book drive.

“While this book drive is a start,” Niemtzow noted, “I hope to see our partnership extending to interactive outreach next year.” In other words, Reading For Radnor Week will coincide with student-volunteer programs. Student Council seeks to help Our Lady of Lourdes School’s development of extra curricular programs through student-volunteers and Reading For Radnor Week.

By helping out one of these schools less fortunate than ours, Student Council plans to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids who have yet to discover a talent or passion because of their lack of extra curricular resources.

students about their importance in the fight against cancer, calling everyone in attendance a “hero.”

After the speech, students were welcomed back into the gym where the Photo courtesy of Hope Brodkin Dance-a-Thon king, Neon-clad dancers gathered for the Dance-a-Thon sophomore Robbie Warshaw, and queen, senior in early December. Students pay $10 for Sarah Cramer, were crowned. Senior Paige a t-shirt, with proceeds going to benefit Henderson was also recognized for raising Coaches vs. Cancer. the most money, $200, for the event, and “We are going to have money buckets at was given a reward for doing so. all the basketball games and have a Coaches The committee began organizing the vs. Cancer basketball game as well,” SoloDance-a-Thon in spring, and plans on mon said. holding more events during the year. One Heyman concluded, “Expect more of these events, Maroon Madness, occurs fundraisers!”

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November 15, 2011

The Merionite EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL/LETTERS

LM, lose the middle school

It is time to grow up; our social order needs to change. When we all came to high school, we should have brought sensibility with us and left our immaturity behind.

High school is not about winning a status contest and starting vendettas over insignificant points; it’s a time to mature and graduate from these habits.

The petty conflicts that litter our social scene need to go the way of Bar Mitzvah sweatshirts and five-hour hangouts at Starbucks. There is absolutely no reason to argue over whose sport or club is better, who wears better clothes, or who has gotten further with a girl. These things were new and exciting to talk about in middle school, but we’re not in middle school anymore, and no one but the person you are arguing with gives a rat’s behind. Not everything is a competition and not every argument is a blood feud. Eliminating pettiness and fickleness is an integral part of growing up.

It’s not trivialities alone that needs to be left behind. All of the immature mannerisms that are usually reserved for those between the ages of 10 and 13 need to be put away along with pinwheel hats. No, fart noises are not funny, they are gross; no, yelling “sup” does not make you sound cool, it is annoying; and no, being argumentative and abrasive does not make you good at arguing, it makes you a jerk. What goes around comes around and by annoying others, you’re only ensuring that someday you will be the one on the receiving end of a nuisance.

Your main purpose in life should not be to seek out social cues to reaffirm your own self-image. That’s not healthy and it is not going to accomplish anything. If you have issues with self-confidence, satisfying yourself through vague social signals only feeds into self-consciousness. By hinging your confidence on compliments, you set your self-assurance for failure whenever someone criticizes you. On top of this, when trying to fit in with a “popular” group, conforming with the way you act and dress, inevitably turns into conforming in the way you treat others.

Acting like a member of a seventh-grade clique, making snide comments about how other people look, dress, or act, is not “cool,” it’s not polite, and it’s not defensible. It is rude, it is immature, and frankly it is annoying. Don’t become a caricature of the title characters from the movie Mean Girls; there’s a reason they are a joke.

Being nasty and insensitive was never acceptable, so please, enough is enough, it is time to move on from this juvenile behavior.

All of us are either at or near legal adulthood, so it’s time to ditch our preteen habits. We’ve graduated middle school and been granted the privileges and rights of attending high school and, LM, it’s time to earn them.

Unsigned editorial on this page reflects the general opinion of student editors, not the views of individuals.

The Merionite Editors-in-Chief

News Editors

Op-Ed Editors

Features Editors

Maya Afilalo, ’12 Eric Cohn, ’12 Ian Cohn, ’12 Gilad Doron, ’12 Hannah Schaeffer,’12 Zack Schlosberg,’12 Danny Kane, ’12 Andy Scolnic, ’14 Patrick Scott, ’12 Itai Barsade, ’13 Rebecca McCarthy, ’13 Robbie Warshaw, ’14

Special Features Editors

Andrew Pasquier, ’13 Nicole Wang, ’13

Sports Editors

Noah Levick, ’13 Josh Niemtzow, ’12

Arts & Robert Gaudio, ’12 Entertainment Aviva Mann, ’13 Editors Margaret Meehan, ’13 Copy Editors Aziz Kamoun, ’12 Darby Marx, ’13 Photo Editor Chris Conwell, ’12 Layout Editor Robert Zhou, ’13 Web Editor Charlie Li, ’12 Business Nathan Posener, ’12 Managers Daoud Schelling, ’13 Advisor Mr. Chad Henneberry Business Advisor Mr. Sean Flynn

The editors believe all facts presented in the newspaper to be accurate. The paper acknowledges that mistakes are possible and welcomes questions as to accuracy. Inquiries regarding accuracy should be directed to the editors of the paper. Editors can be contacted via e-mail at merionite@gmail.com or in Room 200A. To represent all viewpoints in the school community, The Merionite welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via e-mail or dropped off outside the Merionite office. The Merionite reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length or clarity.

Letter to the Editor

Speak your mind and get assaulted or skirt around it and be forgotten. These are the two styles that many Merionite opinion writers choose, and unfortunately it’s usually the latter.

In the October issue regarding laptop filtering, Eleanor Abbott told us in her first sentence that we are spoiled brats. Passionate and direct, she was the only one brave enough to say what everyone needed to hear. Her challenging style brightened up the paper, startling everyone who read her piece.

Other pieces focused on statistics while praising and agreeing with everyone. Though they were very well written, the ideas in them did not leave a lasting effect.

Interestingly enough, while Abbott undoubtedly riled up the largest number of people, it was her piece that everyone talked about. In English class, we discussed it for an entire period. Different sides clashed and new points were raised because it was an article that did what no other piece did: spark debate.

In addition to triggering arguments, it triggered exposure. Suddenly, everyone picked up the paper so they could be part of the drama. We read feverishly as Abbott called us names, ranted about our problems, and with a rare and gripping style, offered a cure for “spoiled brat syndrome.”

Shouldn’t the opinion section be what everyone looks forward to reading? Classmates putting themselves on the line, prompting questions for us to ferociously discuss? Currently, the opinion pages often read like news articles.

Writing like Eleanor’s is what the paper needs most.

Should she have removed some of the blatant namecalling? Perhaps. However, it wouldn’t have had a fraction of the impact. She stepped away from the monotonous path that many writers choose to take and played it just about as dangerously as she could.

Many are afraid to speak their minds because they fear judgment from their peers, but passionately argued articles create engaged readers and will mean only positive things for the Merionite. It’s terrifying to open oneself to the world in something as public as a school newspaper, and we as readers should remember that when we criticize someone with a strong opinion—or no one will have the courage to be honest.

If editors want readers to walk the hallways hidden behind papers, sharing it with friends and generating the excitement that a newspaper should, they need to make sure their opinion section stays true to its name.

Sincerely, Duranya Freeman, ‘14

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November 15, 2011

The Merionite

Question of the Month

OPINIONS

Does our society care too much about what celebrities are doing at all times?

“

I don’t believe so. Celebrities became celebrities for a reason, whether it be sports, movies, comedy, music, politics, wealth, or simply having a popular personality. Generally, celebrities continue with what got them there. The areas in which celebrities excel are what people usually follow.

Jeremy Comer ‘12

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I do believe American society cares too much about what celebrities are doing at all times. As a country, we tend to focus much more on celebrities than things that are more important, such as politics and international events. Evidence of this is seen in all aspects of society, whether it be a person who knows more about their favorite celebrity than their state governor to fashion sensations that are started by these famous people. The media is partly to blame for feeding this fiery obsession but I think people as a whole are the real perpetrators. By letting ourselves get sucked into We hold celebrities to a higher standard and thus the obsession, we are ever so slightly invading the lives of they are scrutinized more closely, so no, I don’t think we famous people and wasting time that could be used to learn care too much - even if it does get a tad about more important things within our society. annoying to hear about it.

Blayne Yudis ‘13

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“

”

”

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Steven Hoffman ‘14

Yes I think we do. Even though they are famous, celebrities are just people. Their mistakes are blown out of proportion and their lives are too publicized. They are people too and they should be able to live as private a life as possible without the whole world up in their face wondering what they are doing every second. I have to say I do find the information entertaining but it must be annoying how much the paparazzi interferes.

Elizabeth Hecht ‘12

”

“

Our society does care too much what celebrities. I couldn’t care less about what celebrities do in their personal lives. It isn’t our business, and there are some celebrities who are famous for nothing special at all.

Andrew Fritz-Lang ‘12

“

”

Class of 2012

Danny

Kane

private, urban and suburban, rich and poor, college admissions officers have a very challenging job in distinguishing between candidates who come from schools with different types of students, different grading scales and different areas of the country. While this may seem like an insurmountable task, there is a very simple solution. However, it is one that will no doubt elicit anger from the many dopes who see the current system as adequate and benefit from said system. Above all else, standardized test scores should be the foremost way to determine a student’s admissibility to a given college, and the influence of GPA should be greatly diminished, if not eliminated.

Standardized test scores are an incredibly valuable tool, and the only measur-

ing stick that can evaluate students in a national context. For those of you who are unaware, almost every college bound student in the country must take the SAT or ACT, nationalized tests that put everyone on the same scale. This allows college admissions officers to compare students from different academic contexts in a broad, fair setting. Yes, it is nice to have a high GPA, but it is not a fair way to measure students from different settings. For one, every school seems to measure G PA i n a different way. While LM has a 5.0 scale, Radnor High School students cannot attain a GPA above 4.67, and students at The Haverford School max out at a 5.3. Also, all schools grade on a different school. At LM, a 92 is necessary to earn an A, but Radnor requires a 93, and Germantown Academy students must attain a mere 90. Furthermore, some states, such as New York, don’t use GPAs at all but rather give students a number that is the average of all of their final grades. There are other issues with comparing the grades of students in different academic environments. For one, not every school offers the same classes. No matter how you slice it, it is not fair to compare a

”

People will always live vicariously through others.

Robbie Warshaw ‘14

Universities: Universalize!

The college admissions process, if nothing else, is flawed. In comparing over 37,000 high schools, public and

Art by Aviva Mann/Staff

student at a school that offers numerous AP and Honors courses to a kid who does not have those opportunities. Also, not all seemingly identical grades are alike.

How does an admissions officer compare grades of kids at a highly competitive public school against those of children who attend private schools that practice grade inflation? The fact of the matter is that comparing GPA and course strength

look impressive to colleges. Finally, the shameful process of grade-grubbing will be gone once and for all, as pupils will now realize that failing to receive their desired grade in one class will not sink their chances of admission at their dream school. Yet another argument that these sloggers make is that it is possible that a very capable student might simply be a bad test taker. Is this a joke? How could one graduate high school with a high G PA w i t h out doing excellent on their tests in school? Why should the SAT or ACT be any different? I’m sorry, but the excuse that an excellent student is a bad test taker doesn’t hold water. A more likely solution is that this student got through high school by weaseling his way out of tough teachers, gradegrubbing, and perhaps even academic dishonesty.

In the end, there is only one way to fairly compare all students to one another, and this is through utilizing standardized testing. To consider other factors over these will undoubtedly lead to inconsistencies that unjustly disadvantage the most qualified students.

Very simply, if a student can’t cut it at a national level, they do not belong at an elite university.

“ Above all else, standardized test scores should be the foremost way to determine a student’s admissibility to a given college, and the influence of GPA should be greatly diminished, if not eliminated.” among students who attend drastically different schools is not a reasonable way to evaluate whether or not a student is worthy of admission to college.

Now, before a bunch of try-hard grinds come after me, hear me out. The reduced influence of grades would not delegitimize academic classes at LM and across the country. In fact, it would greatly improve their quality. Intelligent students would no longer avoid taking some of the hardest classes out of fear of not receiving the A to which they have become accustomed. Also, students will not feel the need to cram four or five AP classes into their schedules to

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November 15, 2011

OPINIONS

The Merionite

Class of 2012

From HALLWAYS, page 1

Sam Mark

of freshmen. While I truly appreciate the opportunity to act like an angry old man at the tender age of 17, enough is enough. You and your classmates are not that interesting. The subject matter of your conversation is not that important. Your relationship with your girlfriend will not last through December. Keep. Walking. In the spirit of human cooperation, just keep walking. Learn to say brief hellos and give polite head nods, but most importantly, keep walking. Obnoxious behavior in the hallway is like driving drunk; you’re forcing everyone else to live with the consequences of your decisions. While the violent pantomimes of lascivious acts or the stream of consciousness narratives of how “schwasted” you got last weekend are interesting and often educational, I’d really just like to get to the library, please. You are impeding my progress through this mortal coil, and by Jove, I won’t stand for it. I should be allowed to put my head down, grit my teeth, and shuffle off to Spanish uninterrupted.

Please don’t take that away from me.

This has stopped becoming cute and started becoming a health hazard.

Senior Jonathan Bloom notes, “Certain hallways have become practically impassable in the morning. I certainly don’t mind people talking to each other along the walls, but when a chatting group stands huddled in the center of

the hall, it becomes a problem.” Bravo, Jonathan. We need more people like you. And perhaps if more people ran Cross Country like you, we’d have a student body with sufficient cardio vascular strength to get to the third floor without the aid of a sherpa. Anyway, here is a list of eternal rules of hallway etiquette. Follow them blindly.

1) Use the correct side of the hallway. As thrilled as I am with my salmon metaphor, you are not a tasty migratory fish. You are a freshman who has apparently not mastered his rights and lefts. Follow everyone else, conform blindly and without hesitation.

This rule is only to be abrogated if no one else is in the hallway.

2) Keep groups small and mobile.

One to two friends are sufficient. Walk and chat, but don’t act like a blocking unit on an NFL kickoff return and link arms, trapping the rest of the hallway in your wake. Keep it light and fast.

3) Long conversations are strictly forbidden. You can tell them that story later, right now just focus on moving your feet in a steady, alternating pattern. You’ll get to hear how it ends, I promise.

4) You are children of the technological revolution. Learn how to use a cell phone while moving.

In the words of resident Anglophile and Senior Extraordinaire Eric Toll, “people that are standing in the middle of the hallway and texting and walking really bother me. Can you not see people are trying to get by?” Apparently not, Eric. Apparently not.

Learn these rules, folks. Learn them well. Get ‘em tattooed on your knuckles if you need to, just remember it goes right foot, left foot. I am calling upon you, future corporate titans and professional athletes, future doctors and lawyers and congressmen, to learn how to conduct yourself in a manner not dissimilar to trained marmots, and to follow the general conventions of polite conduct. Join the system, become one of the many. Win the victory over yourself, and learn to love walking normally through the hallways.

“You are impeding my progress through this mortal coil, and by Jove, I won’t stand for it.”

This November be thankful

As the fourth Thursday of November comes upon us, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of discontent with the fact that Americans everywhere seem to misinterpret the meaning of Thanksgiving. As a people we are losing more

nal Thanksgiving dinner. However, when I think about Thanksgivings passed, I cannot ever recall tasting it. Sure I have sampled many o’ cranberry sauces and sweet potato recipes, but have I ever really had what was meant to be eaten? Sadly I cannot say I have.

However, one thing remains constant with Thanksgiving. Family dinners, giving thanks, and football—wait, what was that last one? Football?

Though I can admit to watching many football rivalries play on Thanksgiving, should football really be an essential part of the day? When the main characteristics of the day are built around giving thanks and remembering how we got here, football does not exactly fit the criterion. Also, football was not really a major part of the original Thanksgivfocus each year and forgetting what we are ing. You would not hear a mother summarizing actually supposed to be celebrating. When did the the Thanksgiving tale to her young children and practice of giving thanks become less about the saying, “Oh yeah, and right after Squanto made principles and more so about the meal we serve peace with the pilgrims he challenged them to a following the thanks? hardcore game of tackle football!” Sure it is fun, The sad truth I am willing to admit is that in but in my opinion football does not really have a order to begin writing this article—I actually had place on such a classical day. to do some research. I am disheartened by the Don’t get me wrong, generally I am all for innofact that I, an avid “holiday enthusiast,” could not vation and adaptation. I understand when humans remember exactly why we celebrate Thanksgiving. need to mold old things to fit what is new and good I do recall sitting at my dining room table with in the world. It would be ridiculous for us to still my aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings to recount use horses and buggies when cars are much more what I was thankful for year after year—but why efficient. However, some of the best things are that we do this at all could not which are old and stay that be pulled from the depths way. Friendship, wines, and of my memory. The sadder your great grandmother’s truth is that I am pretty sure pearl necklace will only get that I am not alone. As of better with age. Nevertheless, late, Americans have been you would not go throwing too set on what new and your grandmother’s necklace interesting foods are being in your new LG Dual Spin put on their Thanksgiving Cycle washing machine, dinner tables, while they would you? Just because we really should be focusing on have new inventions and inremembering why we sit at novations does not mean that said table anyway. we have to employ them on While doing said everything that is old just to research, I stumbled try to enhance it. Some of the upon some highly best things—Thanksgiving interesting information. included—are old and are not Though we, as Americans, battered with changes year seem to be excessively foafter year. cused on what we are eating, To put it briefly, we need Art by Efi Narliotis to get back to the roots of how it is possible we are going in the wrong direction, and we as Americans celebrate quickly. Amidst adding new foods such as “Tofur- Thanksgiving. We need to forget the newest ways key,” a turkey-shaped loaf of tofu for vegetarians to make a vegan turkey, refuse to learn how to to chow down on, we are forgetting some of the steam our stuffing and make it healthier, and stop most important aspects of what was on the original trying to incorporate new age traditions into someThanksgiving table. A dish called “Three Sisters,” thing that has been around for almost four centuries. a mix of beans, dried corn, and squash, is thought This year, let’s take Thanksgiving back to its roots to have been one of the major staples of the origi- and celebrate it the way it was meant to be.

Class of 2014

This is a hallway: A PDA PSA

Andrew Scolnic

My needs are quiet in nature, speaking up for silence Class of 2012

What if I asked nicely? Would you listen then? Please?

A library is, by definition, a quiet work and

Hannah Smolar

study space. Mrs. McDuffy is not the first librarian to enforce the old-fashioned tradition of silence within the confines of one. From the time we first enter the public library with our parents, it is clear that any interruption–whether it is the embarrassing spillage of a pile of books, or the scream of an inappropriately loud, yelping child–disturbs the expected peace.

The ongoing battle in the library has become an entertaining, renowned game between Mrs. McDuffy and the student-body. Do I find it funny? Of course. I’m not oblivious or humorless. In fact, I find the camaraderie

between the students and Mrs. McDuffy absolutely hysterical. I chuckle at the inevitable mutters that follow many of Mrs. McDuffy’s reminders of the nature of her library, and I roll my eyes at both these requests, and at the students who publicly continue to “work” conspicuously after she asks them to quiet down.

However, McDuffy does have a valid point: needs that are social in nature can and should be brought elsewhere.

Why not the Help Center? It is, after all, a pleasant and consistently silent work environment. It’s just…in the basement. And many people who want to accomplish work also want to be able to whisper to their friends or walk into a study-friendly establishment free of sign-ins and students taking tests.

The Help Center is perfect if you’re taking a practice SAT or making up a test. But it’s almost too silent, and kind of formal, for your everyday assignments. Sitting on the benches or in the hallway: rarely options. No need to get into that.

Back to the point. It is extremely agitating when you have a reading assignment due next

period, and you try to complete this reading during one of your frees, only to discover that the library fluctuates between absolute silence (which lasts for about 45 seconds, following one of Mrs. McDuffy’s pleas) and complete ruckus. Have I ever spoken within the LM library? I most certainly have! I won’t pretend I’ve never been a part of one of those rowdy tables. It’s difficult when six of your friends share a free with you, and you’re all working on the same assignment. I’ve become increasingly aware, though, since the first weeks of school in the new building, that these collaborative

either. But my home isn’t an establishment of learning. Our school is one.

I’m not promising I’ll be one hundred percent silent one hundred percent of the time I spend in the library. Please don’t make a point of calling me out if I speak above a whisper in the library, or if you catch me laughing in the middle of a free. So, if I might be caught speaking in McDuffy’s cave, what was the point of this article? I know we can do better, LM. Maybe I’m anal. But the library seems like the place, if there is one, to be rigid about schoolwork.

I know I’m not the only one who agrees with Mrs. McDuffy. I see my peers holding their fingers up to their ears, or frustratingly storming off to the Help Center during their frees. And beyond our inconvenience, it’s probably extremely frustrating for Mrs. McDuffy. She is actually a very interesting, riotously funny woman when she gets to talking, and when she’s not alerting the student body of how long it has left until its students “might have to go.”

So far, this environment “is not conducive to learning.” She’s got us on this one.

“A library is, by definition, a quiet work and study space.” projects and work-related discussions should really be whispered if they must take place in the library. It really just isn’t fair to those who choose the library for effective work time.

For the time being, I’ve taken to earplugs. I face the constant ridicule of my friends, which I admit is completely deserved. I need absolute quiet to do my work and to concentrate. I need the same at home, and it’s not perfect there,

6

November 15, 2011

FEATURES

The Merionite

New treasures from old art: LM junior restores fadded mansion Class of 2013

as I was working on the outside terrace, but that is a story for another day.

Summer may now be over, but my work is not.

At the moment, my focus is on one of the mansion’s two stained glass windows made by Violet Oakley (an American aclaimed artist, famed for her murals and windows at the Pennsylvania state capital building).

The piece, which depicts a Shakespearian scene, suffered a previous blow that shattered a panel of the window. My task is to build a new panel from colored glass and lead that will be reinstalled into the window.

The restoration of such a historically significant work of art would be a high prize for a professional. For myself, it is another amazing learning experience. Some Photo courtesy of Dan Clark ask me why I like this Restoration in progress. work - work that often requires me to spend time in hot attics and musty basements, climbing in cupolas and, well, even fireplaces.

My answer is that I simply love the adventure I find in every one of my projects because I never know where they will take me.

Don’t leave the house on an empty stomach Ilana Nathans

Class of 2014

We have all heard the adage “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Eating breakfast not only reduces your hunger later in the day, but also gives you energy, increasing your physical activity. A study conducted

by Harvard University researchers found that students who ate breakfast were “…significantly more attentive during school, received higher grades in math, and had fewer behavioral and emotional problems.”

Given the clear benefits of eating breakfast, one would assume that students in a school as progressive as LM would all be consuming a nutritious and energizing morning meal.

But with a 7:30 AM start-time, LM students are finding it hard to squeeze in a good breakfast. Sophomore Sarah Schelling explains, “ I n

the morning, I am so rushed I can barely get ready for school, let alone eat breakfast.” Some students who simply have no time in the morning find other ways to get something into their stomachs. Sophomore Natalie

Koch says that she “usually sneaks a granola bar during the first set of the day.” LM is not the only school where students are not eating breakfast—it is a problem of national proportions.

Karen Castaneda, LMSD’s Director of Nutritional Services, reports “40 percent of children [in the US] do not have breakfast every day.”

So what can LM students do to make sure they get a nutritious breakfast everyday? One option may be for parents to get involved and make their children breakfast. Senior Hannah Smolar is lucky enough that her parents either “put a bagel in the toaster” before she gets downstairs or even “make scrambled eggs.” Smolar adds, “Whatever I have…always includes protein!”

But since some parents may not be able to provide breakfast for their kids, this may be unrealistic for many students.

A more viable solution may be to prepare breakfast the night before.

This way, you can have a cooked breakfast without having to spend your rushed mornings making it. Try making hard-boiled eggs and then refrigerating them, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, mak-

ing homemade muffins before you go to bed and lightly toasting them in the morning. Another easy option is a fruit smoothie. Gather all your ingredients the night before and, in the morning, just add some ice and blend!

But LM has another alternative for its students: LM serves breakfast from 7:15 until 10:00 each morning.

The cafeteria offers “a wide variety of healthy, nutritious foods” including “omelets to order, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, bagels, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, hash browns, juice, milk, and coffee” says Castaneda. With much variety, this menu fulfills the requirements of the National School Breakfast Program. Castaneda reports that “approximately 375 students have breakfast in the cafeteria each morning and we would like to see more.” She adds that students need to make breakfast a priority and LM Nutritional Services is more than happy to do all it can to help.

Art by Jared Oriel

Who am I? Danielle Baer Class of 2014

Can you guess the teacher based on the questions below?

How tall am I? 5’9 How many kids do I have?

4 Where did I go to college?

University of Virginia What is my favorite sport?

Lacrosse Where did I grow up?

Bryn Mawr Who is my favorite singer?

Jack Johnson What is my favorite movie?

Wedding Crashers What town do I live in?

Rosemont (Radnor Township) What is my favorite food?

Seared Tuna What kind of car do I drive?

Suburban

Mrs. Murphy

nestled deep within fifty acres of woodlands. The mansion is filled with a museum-quality collection of art and antiques, but as the owner told me, due to Old things have always fascinated me. It all be- their age almost every piece was damaged or broken in gan with my grandfather’s pocket watch a few years some way. That is where I came in. In June, I started ago. I remember being mesmerized by its intricate off with a small project: the restoration of a bronze system of metal gears, perand malachite clock that had been buried fectly balanced and perin the cellar (more like catacombs) for fectly placed. From there decades. The clock, adorned with a three my interest grew; whether foot bronze angel, weighed over 100 it was a watch or a pipe pounds and required days of scrubbing organ, you could find me before its gold and green colors came taking it apart. It turned shining through. From there I moved out I had a real knack for through the rest of the house working fixing these old things. I on items in need of fixing. By the end began with simple wood of the summer, I had worked with pieces working projects where I made of tortoise shell, ivory, and marble, would make minor repairs pieces that came from countries across on flea market finds. Then I the world and famous artists like Louis learned how to carve wood, Comfort Tiffany and Maxfield Parrish. work on a lathe (a tool for A major highlight was when I fixed the making spindles), and vemansion’s original hand wound clock neer (the act of applying tower, whose rhythmic ticking had not paper thin sheets of valubeen heard in the house for nearly 40 able wood on top of less years. desirable base wood). I saw The job had benefits beyond my immy projects as a hobby with mersion into the outstanding collection. the occasional commission Everyday for lunch I had the choice of from a neighbor. But this eating in the dining room, the library, summer, I went from bethe parlor, the billiard room, or even the ing a kid with a hobby to a Photo courtesy of Dan Clark music room. These comforts came with a craftsman with a job. price, however, as the house never failed Fully restored stained-glass.

Six hours a day, five to surprise me. There was the flight of marble days a week, June through August, I worked at May- steps I fell down, the brick that rattled my scull when brook, a 130 year old estate situated off of Penn Road I was working inside a fireplace, and the day I spent in Wynnewood. One of the last surviving Main Line chasing a bat around the house. There was also the estates, Maybrook is a 35 room eclectic mansion time a trespasser on magic mushrooms attacked me

Dan Clark

7

November 15, 2011

FEATURES The Merionite Senior Austin Klein goes above and beyond as a volunteer EMT Sam Heyman

Class of 2012 On the surface, senior Austin Klein seems like your normal LM student. He goes to most of his classes, keeps his grades up, and cheers at LM sporting events. But there is a large difference between Klein and other students.

Klein is a part time EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), a job that requires focus, strength, commitment, and the ability to deal with high stress situations. Volunteer EMTs at the Narberth Ambulance Company must work 24 hours a month, usually on six or twelve-hour shifts.

Klein describes his time spent with the company as “either really boring or really exciting. One second you could be reading about sample sizes in your stat book and the next you could be strapping an oxygen mask on a seizing 50 year old man. The rush is incredible.”

After quitting the time consuming crew team, Klein’s afternoons became lonely and boring. Klein remarks, “I needed something to do after school so I took classes at a fire house through Montgomery County Community College.” He found out about the course through his mother, a doctor at Lankenau Hospital who recommended that Klein “[get] off his butt and do something productive.” Once enrolled in the class, which was partially online, Klein spent

a couple hours every day studying for the next test or quiz. For each test Klein got two chances, if he got below a 75% average for two tests in a row he would have failed out of the course. Klein was prepared for everything he might encounter, blood

Art by Efi Narliotis based pathogens, trauma, medical basics, patient assessment–the list goes on. In addition to paper tests and quizzes, participants in the program get real life experience. Klein explained that the best part about the learning process was a “weekend where [the class] worked on patient extrication; the teacher gave [the class] three junk cars, a hacksaw, a hammer, and a screw driver…[we] tore the car apart.” Klein, enamored with the learning process said that “it was a lot of fun to apply what we were learning about in class to real life situations.”

At LM, the pressure is high, and the stakes are even higher. A student at LM has enough to worry about, so why would Klein busy his schedule with such a non-essential activity? “Being an EMT offers something that few extra-curricular activities do; the knowledge that you are directly affecting another persons life.” The feeling of helping someone in your community is unparalleled in this world: whether it is through a program like Best Buddies or saving lives as an EMT. LM students should start to think outside of the box when it comes to their extra-curricular activities. It is time to stop joining the cliché one project a month community service and join something bigger than yourself and your schedule.

As students at LM, we are given the tools to succeed in every aspect of life. It is imperative that we take the opportunities we are given and capitalize on them. That means joining programs that help others out, not just for college credit, but also to be part of something you are not used to. If you know Austin Klein you know that he did not become an EMT to beef up his transcript. Rather, he took the course and put in the hours because he wanted to help others. When asked if being an EMT was something Klein saw himself doing in the future he answered “Absolutely! It’s extremely rewarding and I feel great when I’m doing it.” Think about that LM; he would forgo college to work as an EMT, a job that offers little financial security in an awful economic climate just to have the opportunity to help people.

Let Klein’s story inspire you, as the old adage goes, “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.”

Club Spotlight: Students Against Destructive Decisions Jenna Jackson

Class of 2014

Welcome to S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), a peer-to-peer youth education organization primarily focused on addressing teen issues, such as alcohol abuse and stress in the school and community. This club takes a unique approach to delivering education and prevention methods through motivational guest speakers and workshops.

Last year, guidance counselor Stephanie Brett partnered with S.A.D.D. and led a stress-reduction workshop. Brett coordinates the group efforts of student assistance teams at LM and Harriton. She also works with small groups of students and families to promote additional programs and services, which are aimed at addressing the holistic needs of LM students.

S.A.D.D. has had many guest speakers ranging from public speaker and author Ross Szabo, who talked about mental health and drug use, to executive director for Campus Outreach Services Katie Koestner, who communicated her experience of being date raped in college. The group also heard from Jeff Wolfsberg, a drug educator, who discussed his experience of being homeless and addicted to cocaine at the age of 23.

This year, S.A.D.D. is focusing more on stress and body image than other issues including alcohol and drug usage.

While S.A.D.D. is the nationally recognized name, the LM chapter plans on changing the focus and make the feeling of the name more positive. It recently came up with a new slogan “H.A.P.P.Y. is the new S.A.D.D.” with the acronym H.A.P.P.Y. standing for “Helping Affect People Positively Yearlong.”

Shortly, the club will start selling t-shirts with the new slogan, “H.A.P.P.Y. is the new S.A.D.D.” as part of its fundraising efforts so that this year’s budget will be able to accommodate more guest speakers for everyone to see. Stay tuned for a student survey on whether the name impacts the perception of the club.

S.A.D.D’s sponsor, literacy specialist Christina Bridgers, is leading S.A.D.D. to success. This year’s S.A.D.D.’s school officers are: seniors Bonnie Beckford and Samriddhi Sharma, and sophomores Rayna Epstein, Jenna Jackson, Natalie Koch, Ilana Nathans, Davendra Sasenarine, and Rebecca Zimmerman. Perspective members are encouraged to talk to one of the officers or stop in room 121 to speak to Bridgers anytime. S.A.D.D. is a very welcoming group of students that loves when new people join! And remember, H.A.P.P.Y. is the new S.A.D.D.!

8

November 15, 2011

The Merionite

Aces of The Arts John Clark - Class of 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Want to run a record label?

LM provides opportunities

Margaret Meehan

Class of 2013 If the ‘Attention LMSD high school students: Want to run a record label?’ headline under the LMHS homepage’s announcements caught your eye, you’re probably looking for more information. Before attending the meeting on November 16, The Merionite decided to contact District Spokesman Doug Young for some details; he gave us some inside information. Andy Blackman Hurwitz, a local music executive, is helping LM and Harriton students launch a student-run record label. All students who are interested in the music business can find a place in the label; student involvement is not only limited to musicians. The label is being created to give students real-world experience in areas from production to marketing, and sales to video and photography. It will let aspiring music industry aficionados know what all parts of the music industry are like while helping them improve their own skills. This rare opportunity could also help students create a relationship with local music industry professionals. This is a great way to get involved while exploring your interests, so if you are curious about the project definitely take advantage and go to the meeting on November 16.

LMSD faculty debuts artwork

Photo courtesy of John Clark Do you prefer improvisational acting to scripted acting?

They both have their strong points, but I think my favorite is improv. I like improv because it is always funny and enjoyable.

Scripted acting is also fun, but it can be tedious at times when you do the same thing over and over.

Improv is always different.

What is the hardest part about working on the school plays?

9 o’clock nights are hard because it’s very tiring to be at the school for that long.

Your alter-ego?

A wizard.

Who inspires you? Why? Marcus “Dyrus” Hill because he is an inspiration and a role model.

Danielle Muse - Class of 2012

From ART SHOW, page 1

attended the exhibition and expressed how impressed they were by the magnificent artwork.

Our District’s Spokesman, Doug Young, even commented, “We’re sad to see the work go. The artwork truly enhanced the space. My colleagues and I in the administration building were hoping the show wouldn’t end.”

However, the spotlight was truly on the art teachers who had the opportunity to show off their prowess to the public.

LM art teacher Louise Pierce related her enjoyable experience at the show, and said, “It’s always exciting and interesting to show your work because it’s so personal and you’re putting it out there for people to see and react to. It was very special for me because so

Friday Night Lights deserves more respect

characters, and throughout its five-year span, there were countless hook-ups, breakups, and Class of 2013 friendships tested, which helped to contribute Thanksgiving: A celebratory time filled to its realistic feel. with great feasts, family, midnight sales, and So, why did the show end? Football, rofootball. This holiday season, if you cannot mance, drama, likeable characters…there bear to watch another Eagles game, but do appeared to be something for everyone—I not want to miss out on the magic of football, mean, even our dads (who are also viewers we’ve got a new team for you to root for: the of programs like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Dillon Panthers.

Bad”) loved this show! However, due to lack This past summer marked the end of the of viewers, after one and a half seasons on five-year run of one of the most underappreci- NBC, it seemed inevitable that “Friday Night ated shows on television. Though its supporters Lights” would be cancelled. But after an arwere few and far between, they were also some rangement was made with DirectTV, the show of the most passionate and dedicated viewers was given another chance. This time, “Friday of the decade.

Night Lights” was up against heavy hitters In 2006, “Friday Night Lights” (based like “American Idol” and “Dancing with the loosely off the 2004 film of the same title) Stars,” and it seemed that once again, the end premiered on NBC. The show revolved around was near. Many budget cuts later, DirectTV a high school football team in a small town signed “Friday Night Lights” for its final two named Dillon, Texas. Football was placed at seasons, giving the opportunity for its die-hard the epicenter of the townspeople’s lives. Each fans to receive their well-deserved, proper and every Friday night was spent at Hermann goodbye.

Stadium, watching players Tim Riggins, Brian Bad-boy Tim Riggins always said, “Texas ‘Smash’ Williams, and all-American quarter- Forever,” and he was right. Although the lights back Jason Street tear up the field. When the went out in Dillon this past July, “Friday Night team won, the town won.

Lights” will never truly be over. If you are For most of the population, life in Dillon in the mood for a little more Texas, you can was great, until opening night of Jason’s senior always find all of the episodes readily availyear. What took place on the field that night able on Netflix. Whether a die-hard fan since was a Panther fan’s worst nightmare: Jason 2006, or a Netflix fan since this past summer, broke his neck. Following such heartbreak, “Friday Night Lights” will change your life.

Dillon changed, and so did the show. Instead So if the Eagles are letting you down, or your of focusing solely on the field, it focused on favorite TV shows haven’t been living up to the complicated and intertwining relationships expectations, check out “Friday Night Lights,” between the players, family members, and and trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Alfriends. Each character had a story of their though knocked down many times, both “Friown, whether they were the head cheerleader, day Night Lights” and the Dillon Panthers got math nerd, coach’s daughter, or a person writ- right back up, all they needed was some supten off by the town. In watching these episodes, port from their fans. “Clear eyes, full hearts, viewers formed personal relationships with the can’t lose.”

K. Boutselis/S. Arnold

Photo courtesy of Danielle Muse Have you ever had any formal voice or acting training?

I have had formal voice lessons for about 5 years.

Do you plan on continuing your musical career in the future? Are you applying to any music schools or conservatories?

I plan on studying voice in college—either at Juilliard or Curtis Institute for Music What is one favorite memory from a capella over the years?

My favorite LMAC memory was when I got my first solo freshman year when I sang Who Knew by Pink.

Who is your favorite artist? Who inspires you?

My favorite artist is Rihanna because her messages to her songs are always so deep and inspiring.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Main Line?

many former students came and supported us by being there and sent there good wishes if they couldn’t make it.” Many of the other art teachers expressed a similar reaction and expressed their gratitude to the administrators for selecting them to star in the very first LM staff showcase.

Although the LMSD Faculty Art Show has come to a close, it is only the beginning of series of events planned to show off the excellence and skill of the district’s staff.

Coming in the winter, there will be a seminar to explore the history of public education in the township, all the way from its founding nearly one hundred years ago. This seminar will help the local residents to grasp the rich history behind each of township’s excellent schools and explain the events that led up to the founding of the school district.

9

November 15, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Support the fall musical:

The Merionite

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Nicole Wang

Class of 2013

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (November 17, 18, and 19) at 7pm, Lower Merion Players will present How to Succeed in Business directed by junior Mira Nathanson. This will be the first year a musical will be shown in the new auditorium. How to Succeed is the collective work of over a hundred students in different crews ranging from acting to costumes to scenery to sounds to publicity to much much more. Everything you see at the show, ranging from the costumes to the props to the lighting is completely the product of high school students who have dedicated hundreds of hours to put on a great musical for the audience.

How to Succeed in Business tells the story of J. Pierrepont Finch—played by senior Leo Koorhan—a lowly window washer who finds a book titled: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He uses this book to rise through the corporate ranks… without really trying. As he receives more promotions, he slowly starts to lose his friends. He then has to decide whether to keep rising or to keep his love life in place.

The costumes and the scenery for this show is just so prodmanplayers@gmail.com. They are $5 for students spectacular and colorful, and what makes it even harder and seniors, and $10 for adults. to believe is that they were made by LM’s very own students, not hired professionals.

LM Players puts on fantastic shows, and I’m not just saying so because I’m writing this article.

They truly are very talented people who come together to make a beautiful product. Bring your friends, come support Players, and enjoy a truly great show!

Tickets can be purPhoto by Nicole Wang/Staff chased at the door or pre-ordered by emailing LM Players rehearse a culminating scene for the fall musical.

Maddie McComb, LM’s own playwright Haydn Hornstein-Platt

fifth page, I realized that the piece just wasn’t complete, and the next thing I knew it, hours had gone by.”

Maddie McComb, junior and member of Mastriano has been a huge help to Madthe LM Swim Team and Crew Team, received die (as she has been to so many students in first place at the 2011 Philadelphia Young Play- their personal endeavors) through the writing, wrights festival. As part of getting first place, her editing, and perfecting process: “She got me to play, Home, was performed at Temple Univer- write a play, who would’ve thought I could do sity’s Tomlinson Theatre November 3-5. When that? That’s just the type of teacher she is.” In asked if she was excited or nervous about the addition to Mrs. Mastriano, Maddie had some upcoming showcase, her eyes lit up. “I’m really help from last year’s winner, David Silberthau, nervous! I’ve never written anything like this, a LM alumni currently studying at Columbia but I’m really proud of it.”

University, and of course some editing help In Jeanne Mastriano’s English 2 Honors from her mom! Inspiration was drawn from class, Maddie was given the assignment to write her favorite playwright, Aaron Sorkin (A.K.A. a 5-page play for homework. “As I finished the the screenwriter of The Social Network and Moneyball) and her favorite author, Tom Wolfe. Both of these writers use lots of dialogue in their work, which made writing conversational scenes come naturally to Maddie.

The idea for Home came to Maddie in health class last year. She was watching a movie about alcoholism (a general theme in her play), and immediately noticed that one of the characters in the movie would be an interesting character and make a dynamic scene. Maddie is committed to the production, and spends two hours a day on Temple’s campus, helping to pull the play together before it’s premiere the first weekend in November.

Surprisingly, Maddie does not wish to pursue writing as her career, though she Photo courtesy of LMSD Website hopes to incorporate some sort of writing Maddie McComb’s is the second LM student to place into her life.

Per Maddie’s suggestion: Read “I am in the playwrights Festival Charlotte Simmons” by Tom Wolfe!

Philadelphia Young Playwrites Festival.

Class of 2013

PYO strings together talented musicians Raymond Jiang

Class of 2014

Featuring young musicians ranging from middle school to college, the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestras in the United States. Having provided audiences with rich, thrilling, diverse performances for seven decades, PYO is one of the most advanced, and technically-challenging youth orchestras in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, consisting of over one-hundred members from various places in the Delaware Valley. The orchestra has performed pieces by many renowned classical music composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky, Antonin Dvorak, Igor Stravinsky, and Dimitri Shostakovich.

Led by Maestro Louis Scaglione, who has been the conductor of PYO since 2005, the orchestra has performed in many different venues in the Philadelphia area, including the Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, Montgomery County Community College, and the Union League of Philadelphia.

PYO musicians are exposed to a professional-like musical atmosphere, playing a myriad of symphonies, and having a busy concert schedule. PYO holds performances once every month during the school year, beginning in November or December and concluding with its annual festival concert in June. Musicians are accepted into the orchestra through competitive auditions that are held every June and September of each year. Potential members are asked to play one solo music piece, musical scales, and an orchestral excerpt. A substantial amount of musical experience and musicality is necessary for acceptance into PYO. Fifteen musicians who have participated in PYO in the past are now current members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition to performing

in the Philadelphia area, PYO has participated in several international tours since 1981, performing in over twenty countries and five continents, including Brazil, China, Spain, Israel, and France. These international tours give musicians the opportunity to play in many of the world’s great concert halls, where their performances have often been judged as professional orchestras would be.

PYO is just one of five music ensembles under the Philadelphia Yo u t h O r c h e s t r a p r o g r a m . T h e other orchestras are the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), the Philadelphia Regional Youth String Music Orchestra (PRYSM), Bravo Brass, and Musicopia String Orchestra. PYAO is similar to PYO but with slightly less advanced pieces, younger musicians, and less concerts. PRYSM is less advanced than the other two orchestras, and accepts musicians from elementary through high school. Musicopia String Orchestra is a special inclusive string ensemble with musicians that possess a wide range of skill levels. Bravo Brass is the all-brass instrument ensemble of the Philaldelphia Youth Orchestra program.

PYO conductor Louis Scaglione also serves as the music director and president of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra program.

This season’s PYO concert schedule includes a variety of performances with compositions including Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” George Gershwin’s “American In Paris,” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from the West Side Story.” On November 6, PYO held a special performance where they performed alongside the Washington D.C. Youth Orchestra at the Temple Performing Arts Center.

As a cellist in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, I encourage all of you to attend any of our performances this season, especially since attendance in classical music concerts has decreased in the past few years.

10

November 15, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The plight of art school A vegetarian Thanksgiving bound seniors The Merionite

Aviva Mann

Efi Narliotis

Class of 2013

College fairs, college rep visits, college counseling, college applications, college. We hear that word a lot around LM. We’re a little bit college obsessed. While we’re certain that college seems to be the only path to our futures, we may not know that there are many different types of colleges to apply to. Besides the classic academic colleges there are also numerous creative arts colleges that Lower Merion students can choose to look into., To find out more about art colleges and the experiences of students’ applying to them, I took a trip down our very own art wing.

For those who have never been down the art hallway I urge you to stray down what is easily the most colorful expanse of LM. You can see student artwork—which ranges from Ceramics 1 pieces to Art 2H’s pear studies to beautiful metal arts—displayed along the hall. After walking into a bustling Art 3H class, I found senior Carly McKown, who is currently applying to art school herself. She agreed to answer a few questions for me about her experience so far this year.

When asked how she became interested in art, Carly said, “I’ve always loved art. My family is pretty art oriented and my parents have always encouraged my creativity and love for making art. It’s just something that’s been there all my life.” Despite her love of art Carly didn’t take a class at LM until sophomore year when she started Art 1H, a

ics or Honors Anatomy doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging, productive, or worthwhile.

“I hear so many LM kids say they’re applying to medical school or law school because that’s how you make money or because their parents want them too- I think that’s ridiculous- I could never go through life doing something I wasn’t crazy about.” Carly brings up a good point and despite general opinion, when it comes to college applications she has certainly worked just as hard if not harder than her peers applying to mainstream colleges.

When describing the struggles she faces in the application process she says, “It’s also hard in [our] school since all of the guidance counselors and most of the administration have little or no experience with art school applications.”

Besides the usual transcript and essays, art students usually have to create required art assignments, such as a sketch or painting about a distinct theme, specific for each college, as well as compiling a portfolio that represents them as an artist. This can include upwards of 20 works that show the student’s abilities and ideas. You thought your SAT class was time consuming; try making 20 pieces that will convince a college that you deserve to go to their school.

“I do still get a lot of ‘Oh you’re so lucky to have easy college applications’ from other kids. A lot of my peers have this idea that while they slave over Ivy League applications I go home and do nothing, which is not the case at all. I’m still working on my portfolio … I still have to write [my] statement of intents and send my transcript but I have the unique opportunity of showing something that’s really meaningful to me along with it.”

In closing, I urge underclassmen to consider taking an art class next year. Instead of taking philosophy or anatomy because it will ‘look good for college’, try a

Class of 2013 For many meat lovers that live by the saying “If people were meant to be vegetarians, cows would be made of rice,” half of the joy of Thanksgiving is witnessing a slow cooked, juicy turkey being lowered onto the dining room table. This same sight might make a vegetarian wince. It’s easy to see why a vegetarian might consider Thanksgiving to be low down on their list of favorite holidays, but with these meat-less recipes, hopefully Thanksgiving can reclaim its pride as number one holiday for herbivores everywhere.

Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Ingredients: • Cornbread (homemade or store bought) • ½ cup whole cranberries • 2 ½ cups vegetable stock • 1 cup chopped celery • 1 cup chopped onions • Salt & pepper • Sweat onions, celery, and cranberries in a sautée pan (use about ½ tablespoon of butter). Cut the cornbread into about 2 inch cubes and toss into the same pan after the onion/celery mixture is cooked through. Slowly incorporate the vegetable stock and fold together. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 large onions, diced • 2 tsp chipotle chili powder • 4 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks (6 cups) • 2 pounds apples, peeled and cut into chunks, about 5-6 apples • 2 cups apple juice • 2 cups vegetable broth • Salt & pepper to taste Cook the onions and chili powder all the way through in a large pot with butter and oil. Add squash, apples, apple juice and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat until the apples and squash are “fork tender,” this will take about 30 minutes. After cooking, puree the soup with an immersion blender, food processor, or blender. Place the blended mixture back into the pot and add salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add apple juice or water.

UPCOMING ARTS EVENTS IN PHILLY: Concerts: The Kooks at the Trocadero 11/15 Architecture in Helsinki at Union Transfer 11/16 Marketa Irglova at the TLA 11/29 Jukebox the Ghost at Union Transfer 12/03 Markets and Fairs: The Punk Rock Flea Martket 12/11 If you aren’t into the punk-rock scene, don’t shy away from this event based on the name. Stands ranging from thrifty clothes and baked goods crowd into the Starlight Ballroom located on 460 N 9th St Philadelphia, PA 19176

Photo by Aviva Mann/Staff LM student artwork displayed in the halls of the art wing. “difficult, intimidating and time consuming” course. In Art 1H students use different mediums of black and white (mostly pencil with occasional charcoal or ink) to learn basic skills such as perspective, logic of light, and composition. Since then she has taken Art 2H and is currently taking Art 3H along with AP Art, a new addition to the LM curriculum.

In describing her experience in art classes, Carly reminisced, “Being in the art wing is definitely the best part of my day over these last 3 years. I’ve gotten to know the honors art kids really well and they’re all really lovely and talented people that I may not have had the opportunity to interact with otherwise. I’m very grateful for that. I think the real reason I’m choosing art school is because art is just something that makes me happy and always will.”

Some people seem to look down on the art students thinking, “Oh art classes are so easy, they just don’t want to take APs,” when in fact art classes, especially higher level ones, can be just as demanding as academics. Like Carly, I took Art IH as a sophomore and can honestly say that it was one of the classes that I consistently struggled with. I often found myself working on art homework late at night or wondering in which free I would have to go into Mr. Hazel’s room to finish a project. Just because taking an art class isn’t AP Mechan-

Girls, Friends, and Girlfriends Maddie Guss

Photo by Margaret Meehan/Staff

Senior Carly McKown working on her latest large scale project. ceramics class, try metal arts, try multimedia, even try Art 1H! It might not lead you to art school or to meaningful discoveries or enlightenment, but it could end up being something different that you really enjoy.

For Carly and others in her situation, art classes did lead to something very special.

She says, “I’m lucky enough to know what I want and where I’m going and I really take pride in that. Most other kids my age applying to college are experiencing something very different than I am right now but I don’t think that should discount either one. In college I plan to study photography and I could not be more excited for that time in my life. I’m just happy to know that I’m heading in the exact direction I want to go, doing something I know will always bring me great joy.”

Class of 2012 The winter is on its way, so put away your bicycle and pull out your Failed Attempts at Facial Hair new album, titled “Girls, Friends, and Girlfriends.”

Failed Attempts at Facial Hair is a one-man band, composed completely of John Crodian, a pleasantly shy, 20 something from West Chester. All songs are played acoustically on either his Ukulele, or guitar, and backed up with his soft and sweet singing styles, that are guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic for something you’ve probably never had.

Every song is a simple tune with themes from bad haircuts to cute girls, and punk rock shows. One song, “Lets Hear it for the Sleeveless T-shirts,” illustrates the excitement felt on the first day of spring, when you finally leave your house for that sun filled, stress free, spring fun. The cute and uncomplicated lyrics make these songs especially relatable, and a good listen for whatever mood you are in. Each express feelings and anticipations felt by every high schooler or angsty teenager living in the suburbs. I find them especially good when you are dealing with those winter blues, and you need a reminder that spring is never that far away!

So as you gear up the winter, download Failed Attempts At Facial Hair’s album, Girls, Friends, and Girlfriends, and listen whenever you are feeling that itch for spring bike rides, and warm days. The spring is never that far away, and neither is a Failed Attempts at Facial Hair Show. John Crodian commonly plays shows at Haverford High School’s Big Music Show, only a couple minutes from our own high school, as well as many shows within the Philadelphia Area.

11

November 15, 2011

SPORTS

The Merionite

“A disappointing end to a great Hoopes concludes famed coaching career season” for boys soccer Aaron Weiner

Will Rosenbaum

Class of 2015

While the boys’ soccer team’s season was cut short, their early exit should not take away from a phenomenal year. Any team that wins 15 games in a season is special.

The squad’s talent and toughness this year were truly outstanding.

This season the Aces saw fantastic play from the entire team, including seniors Roberto Bonilla, Will Podrasky, J o ey G in g o ld , Ty ler N iles , Ben Hriscu, and Shane Votto.

The defense was led by center back Niles, who was also an offensive weapon. Podrasky shared the center back role with Niles. Known for his determined attitude, Podrasky played hard every minute and had many exceptional tackles to show for it. 6’4’’ Votto cleaned up in the middle, winning every ball in the air.

Hriscu was very dangerous up top, often beating the keeper.

Juniors Kenny Lassiter and Matthew Lindheim were also vital members of the team this year. Lindheim supplied many threatening free kicks, while Lassiter often took on multiple defenders at once and beat them all.

On October 11 the red hot 11-1 Aces took on the 5-51 Rams. Excitement raced through the minds of the Aces, as they saw the opportunity to

win big in front of the large crowd. The Aces got to work early, converting on one of their main weapons, a long throw-in from tri-captain Votto. Before the end of the half, the pressing Harriton squad scored to level the game at 1.

After the break, the boys came back with a fighting attitude, determined not to drop one to a team filled with familiar faces. However, fate was not in LM’s favor, as the Aces were whistled for a handball in the box. Harriton senior Zico Gaeffke stepped up to take the penalty against junior goalkeeper Connor Yu. Yu had been stellar all season, so the Aces did not count him out; still, the Harriton senior was triumphant, and he beat Yu to his left side. The last 30 minutes of the game were some of the hardest minutes that LM played this season. Lindheim took a free kick that found its way into the net, but the goal was called back because of an offside call, and the Rams would go on to win the game.

The heartbroken Aces had to watch Harriton storm the field. With Harriton living out the ending that the Aces had dreamed of, the Aces decided to never let something similar happen again. Some may argue that this was the turning point in their season.

One good thing that came out of the Harriton game was that the Aces had some moti-

vation for the next few games.

The Aces won the next four games, including a 1-0 win over Unionville. That same weekend, the Aces found out that they received third seed for the District 1 playoffs.

With the third seed, the Aces had a bye in the first round, and would play the winner of Council Rock South vs. Marple Newtown at home on October 27. Council Rock South won that game and moved on to play the Aces at home.

The weather was muggy and rain was imminent, but that did not dampen the Aces hopes for a win. The Aces came out fighting and took the lead on a goal by tri-captain Niles.

After the first half the score remained 1-0 in favor of the Aces, but with CR South’s season on the line as well, it was clear that it would be a battle to the end. It certainly was, as the Golden Hawks equalized deep in the second half. The game went in to golden goal (sudden death) overtime. The Aces season would unfortunately end there, as Council Rock South scored on a ball in the box.

T h o u g h t h e A c e s d i d n ’t catch enough breaks to win, they still appreciate what they were able to accomplish this year. “It was a disappointing end to a great season,” said Votto. The fans agreed with Votto, as they applauded the squad for a fantastic season.

A season to remember for underdog LMGS From LADY ACES, page 1

berth after a win against Bishop Shanahan. Led by senior captains Julie Reiff, Rachel Newman, Becca Winkler, and Carly Ichniowski, the Aces were able to pull off these massive upsets and become serious contenders for the district and state titles.

The Lady Aces surprised the competition with their hard work and determination. Seven teams from District 1 made the state playoffs, and few expected that the Lady Aces would be among them. This marked the furthest into the playoffs that an LM girls’ soccer team had ever reached, which truly shows the talent and dedication of this Lady Aces squad.

The Lady Aces knew that, because of their seeding, they would not have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. At West Chester Henderson the Aces began their improbable district run, fighting hard and eventually winning 2-0 against the 5th seeded West Chester team.

Reiff scored the first goal of the game in the second half, which was followed by a free kick goal by Daly. Of the win, LM head coach Kevin Ries said, “We played hard, and the girls followed the scouting report perfectly.”

After this impressive win, the girls were then faced with another game, against another formidable opponent.

The encounter against 12th seed Neshaminy resembled some parts of the game against West Chester Henderson, especially the way in which goals were scored. Although the Aces trailed 1-0 at halftime, Reiff again scored the Aces’ first goal, also in the second half, just like she did against West Chester Henderson. With 17 minutes left in the game, Daly knocked in the game-winning free kick… again. Danielle Baer also had a nice showing in goal despite being more challenged in this game, as she posted 19 saves. The end of the Lady Aces’ remarkable district

playoff run came at the hands of Central League champion Strath Haven, who had previously beaten the Aces earlier in the season. Though LM lost by a demoralizing 3-0 score, the squad was without Reiff and Ichniowski, who would return two games later, against Bishop Shanahan.

The team was faced with a tough challenge to gain entry into the state playoffs. They played Conestoga, who had beaten them 3-0 earlier in the season, and this matchup was, unfortunately, similar. They lost 5-0, and were faced with an elimination game against Bishop Shanahan. The winner would go on to claim the last District 1 entry into the state tournament, while the loser would be sent packing. The Lady Aces deserve great credit for their 1-0 victory. Not many teams can overcome two blowout losses to pull together a must-needed win.

In the state playoffs the team would have to face a number one seed from another district. They drew a strong State College team. The Aces played a hard-fought game against them on November 8, but ultimately ended up losing at Central Mountain High School. The game remained scoreless through two overtimes and ended sourly after penalty kicks, halting the Aces’ improbable run through the playoffs. “It’s a hard way to end the game, end the season,” said Ries. “Our defense did a great job - State College averages 3½ goals per game. Our four backs, Rachel Newman, Becca Winkler, Sammi Kitnick and Morgan Buck, played awesome.” Ries also praised goalie Danielle Baer, saying, “She [Baer] was standing on her head.” Indeed, it is a sad way to end the season, but looking back, the girls have a lot to be proud of. Looking forward, the Lady Aces have a lot of potential, and next year they could potentially surpass the achievements gained this year. Although this year’s seniors will be hard to replace, the Aces have the luxury of returning the majority of the varsity team, who will undoubtedly step up.

Class of 2013

In 1969, a slightly less seasoned Sandra Niles (now Hoopes) began her career coaching field hockey. After playing field hockey from 7th grade through her four years of college at West Chester University, Hoopes decided to start coaching. She felt this was the next best activity to keep her involved in the sport, and that she could pass on her love and knowledge of field hockey to a new generation through coaching.

“There were no women’s field hockey clubs around when I got out of college,” said Hoopes in reflection. “I knew that I still wanted to participate, but playing wasn’t an option. So coaching was the next best thing.”

After initially starting at Pennsbury High School, Hoopes moved to

Photo courtesy of Danielle Barson

Mrs. Hoopes celebrates the end of her coaching tenure with LM Principal Sean Hughes and LMSD Superintendent Dr. McGinley.

LM after one year, and she has been coaching here ever since. However, after 40 years, Hoopes has made the decision to end her field hockey coaching career.

Though it is saddening to many that Hoopes will be leaving coaching behind her, she brought a very new and different way of coaching to LM. These unique coaching qualities include her abilities to engage her girls and her enthusiasm. During every timeout in the freshmen field hockey game on October 26 against Penncrest, her last game, Hoopes tried to speak individually to players instead of calling them out in front of everyone.

She took aside one or two girls that made the same mistake and talked to them in a calm and caring voice while still asserting herself, conveying her massive wealth of field hockey knowledge. Hoopes has made it a point to do this at every game with every team, which sets her apart.

“I know that my style is different, but I try to do that. I never want to put a player on the spot in front of the entire team, so I will usually take them aside and tell them what was good and what could be improved. But I never scold them.” Hoopes said.

During the game itself, Hoopes stood on the edge of the sidelines, calling out to her team, waving her arms and cheering, whether a goal was made or not. She was even so involved in the game that in one instance, when a shot was taken that narrowly missed the goal, she fell onto her knees in frustration. Hoopes was overjoyed when Christina Boutselis scored LM’s first goal during the first half. Hooting and hollering, she congratulated her team on the goal and encouraged them to do it again.

During halftime of the game, the atmosphere within the huddles of LM and Penncrest were startlingly different. While it appeared that the coaches were scolding the Penncrest team in a standing huddle, Hoopes engaged her team in conversation while sitting cross-legged and reclining on the ground. Cheers and laughs arose from the group, who were being told by Hoopes to aim their goal attempts at the boy’s soccer team, who was practicing right behind the track and goal net.

“The goal is right in front of them!” joked Hoopes. “Just keep looking at the boys and you’ll be sure to score a goal! Run after the boys!”

In attendance at this monumental game were many noteworthy individuals, including superintendent Christopher McGinley, principal Sean Hughes, athletic director Don Walsh, and the entire JV and varsity girls’ field hockey teams. The girls brought snacks, cake, pizza, and balloons to celebrate Hoopes’ last game. When LM won the game 1-0, the JV and varsity players stormed the field to show support for Hoopes.

The mental and physical enthusiasm that Hoopes has is undoubtedly what sets her apart from many other coaches. Practically as active as the actual players are, one can’t help but admire the amount of work and dedication that this one woman has put into this aspect of her life. Hoopes has put a lot of thought into how she coaches and the effect it will have on her team.

A saddened yet content Hoopes leaves her team with parting words.

“As Bob Hope once said, thanks for the memories!”

12

November 15, 2011

The Merionite Why the NBA lockout lingers Sigmund Lilian

But like any business, the NBA has workClass of 2013 ers: without workers, there can be no business.

Lockout. No true sports fan wants to hear A player, like any type of worker, has condithat dreaded word, yet fans around the world tions that they require to be in place before they are faced with a new one—the 2011 NBA start to work. The NBA Players association is lockout. Real NBA fans just want the game worried about the hard cap that the owners back; they want the Christmas games, the want to implement. Players fear that a hard buzzer-beating shots, the late fourth quarter cap would get rid of guaranteed contracts, or comebacks. When this lockout is finished, a guarantee from the owners to their players there will be no winners, only losers, as the that they will get paid a set amount of money entire sports world will lose a complete bas- over a set amount of time regardless of how ketball season with all of its exciting ups and well they play. One example of a player who downs. Both sides, the players and the owners, would have been hurt by a hard cap is Kwame have valid concerns, which means that striking Brown, the former number one overall pick an agreement will be difficult. in 2001. Kwame did not live up to his hype, In the clash leading up to the current situ- and has turned out to be a mediocre player, ation, NBA owners have been driven by one but regardless of how he played, Kwame still thing, and one thing only: money. Like any got the salary of a number one pick instead of business, the NBA is in it to make money, to what he was truly worth. Players fear a hard sell tickets, and merchandise. Naturally, the cap for a valid reason, as it would reduce the owners, like any CEO of a major company, amount of money they would make, and many want to reduce their company’s expenses. The NBA players are not prepared well for life after hard cap system that the owners want would the NBA. Only 21% of NBA players have a mean less revenue sharing and less expensive college degree. Having no degree limits them contracts for the players. This presents two from finding well-paying jobs. Because of major advantages for the NBA. First, it ensures this, players want as much money as possible that small market teams can compete with big over a short period of time, since, they most market teams. The dominance of big market likely will never see that kind of money again. teams is a huge problem facing the NBA today. Sure, many players become analysts, but the Every year it seems as though only the big city vast majority do not. A hard cap would also teams make it far into the NBA playoffs: just lessen the money that the players get during look at the Lakers, Heat, Celtics, and Bulls. their careers, because teams that, under the One reason these teams are able to compete current system would be able to offer multibetter than teams like the Hawks or Bucks million dollar deals, would be unable to offer is that they are in bigger markets, which are them any longer, as they would be restricted able to pull in more money. Second, a hard by the amount of money they could spend. cap would mean that teams would not be The players, though, are determined to fight forced to spend as much money on players against the owners’ propositions. in order to compete. Thus, teams would be The NBA lockout is not a black and white able to upgrade their arenas and improve the issue; both sides make valid points. This experience for their fans, as the money they makes coming up with a deal is much more would previously have spent on players would difficult. But, eventually, the players and the be going towards the betterment of the fan owners will come up with a way to save the experience. The NBA owners are not an evil season, as there is just simply too much money entity; the owners are normal businesspeople at stake for both sides. The question should who simply want to make as much money not be whether the owners and players will as possible. Isn’t that what people should be come up with a deal. The question should trying to do when they run a business? be “when?”

Freshman Julia Bell Sport played: Cross country.

One moment that stands out from this season: Saying good-bye to the seniors.

What I would do with one million dollars: Donate part to charity, than save the rest and probably build a beach house in the Caribbean.

What sports have taught me about life in general: If you don’t try as hard as you can you’ll never know what you can do.

SPORTS

LMXC makes mark on Central League James Johnston

the team was frustrated with its finish because they lost to two teams whom they had defeated earlier in the season, as well as Conestoga, who had previously beaten LM by a mere one point.

While the team stumbled in the Central League Championships, they were able to regain their footing in the District One Championships, finishing eleventh overall and second out of all Central League teams.

Next year’s team will look very different from this year’s primarily senior edition. Varsity runners Doron, Bloom, Zollman, Kamoun, Horn, Julian Weldon, Zach Friggle, and Nathan Posener will all graduate this spring, and the only fulltime varsity runner to return to the team will be junior Xavier Cachon. The team will look to several promising younger runners to fill the void left by its senior leaders; after all, the boys cross country team is among the largest in the school at 60 members, so there is never a dearth of talent.

Among the runners expected to step up and lead the team are juniors Jacob Van Houten, GeofPhoto courtesy of Aziz Kamoun/Staff frey Warrington, and Andrew The LM boys run at the District One Champion- Pasquier, sophomores Daniel Thames and Noah Shandelman, the season to Haverford, the team suffered an and freshmen Liam Caplan and Jonathan Perlunexpected one-point loss to Conestoga, which man. While next year may be a rebuilding year, Bloom characterized as, “heartbreaking.” As is many on the team are optimistic, like Doron, who characteristic of all LM teams, the squad showed said, “We have a good 4 or 5 underclassmen who courage in the face of adversity, and rebounded are ready to step up and race varsity next year, from the tepid start to win their remaining 9 so I believe that LMXC will go through a little meets. One meet in particular stood out above bit of a youth movement next year.” all of the others this season. At the Salesianum The Cross Country team is a big family, and Invitational, an incredibly challenging course, the even when one graduates, they are still part of team finished second overall. Bloom said of the the family. Jon Bloom said, “Overall I’m cermeet: “We finished in second place overall at this tainly going to keep up with LMXC even as I notoriously difficult, competitive meet, proving move onto college. It has been one of the most to ourselves that we could line up alongside the important parts of my life in high school, and best during the second half of the season.”

I’m sure many of my other teammates would Unfortunately, the boys were unable to carry say the same.” The team is more than just a their winning streak into the post season, and team; it’s a family. Hopefully next year’s team they faltered at the Central League Champion- will continue to have the same mentality and ships, finishing fourth in the league. While a work hard to bring home the Central League fourth place performance is nothing to scoff at, Championship.

Class of 2013 The LM Boys Varsity Cross Country team had a year in which they knew heartbreak and triumph, as well as victory and disappointment.

Led by senior captains Gilad Doron, Jonathan Bloom, Josh Zollman, Aziz Kamoun, and Drew Horn, the team finished with a 9-2 record, and finished fourth in the Central League Championships. The season was filled with highs and lows, as the team rebounded from a rocky start to finish strong. After losing a close first meet of

Sophomore Gigi Grimes

Junior Xavier Cachon

Sports played: Varsity field hockey, winter track, and varsity lacrosse.

One moment that stands out from this season: When we won in the last minute of overtime against Marple Newtown.

What I would do with one million dollars: I would buy Chipotle.

What sports have taught me about life in general: Sports have taught me a lot about life, but more importantly they have taught Sandra how to fill up our water bottles.

Sport Played: Varsity Cross Country.

One moment that stands out from this season: Defeating nine teams and only losing to two in the Central League What I would do with one million dollars: Keep $50,000 and donate the rest.

What sports have taught me about life in general: Keep your head up, and never give up.

Senior Chris Johnson

Sports Played: Varsity Football and Track.

One moment that stands out from this season: A moment that stood out for me was when we won our first game.

Everybody was excited.

What I would do with one million dollars: Buy a Mini Freight Train.

What sports have taught me about life in general: Good sportsmanship and courage: if you play football you can overcome anything.