Merionite Matriculation 2018

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Matriculation

June 4, 2018

The Merionite

Expanding horizons

Live, not survive

Sophie Roling ’18 Editor-in-Chief I find it surreal that my years as an LMSD student are coming to an end.

No longer will I be “s011819,” the girl who, after four years, still cannot remember the order of sets on “C” days. I am very excited for what the future may bring, but I would like to reflect on my time until this point.

While sitting in advisory on the first day of my freshman year, I heard Principal Sean Hughes announce his usual speech to the school. He reminded everyone of what he thought to be a personality trait of utmost importance: a good character. That morning, I recall having walked past inspirational posters about working hard and being a good person while attempting to navigate the LM halls, but they hadn’t caught my attention.

Since childhood, I had seen these encouraging decorations: many of my grade school classrooms had been plastered with motivational signs of cats with their tails wrapped around various objects entitled, “hang in there,” so seeing these colorful adages on the walls did not faze me.

It was not until my sophomore year that I truly began to understand the importance of character. Up until that point in time, almost all of my extracurricular life was dedicated to the sport of swimming, despite the fact that I went to a high school with more opportunities than I could count. I decided that, despite my love of swimming, I was going to try new things. That year, I traveled to Israel with my friends from Hebrew school, I started playing ultimate frisbee, and I joined The Merionite staff. Suddenly, I was surrounded by so many different people, and the depths of my personality expanded in new directions. I learned a lot about myself through the new friends that I had made. The amount of people that I had to make me laugh endlessly tripled in the span of a few months.

During junior year, I realized the effects that both a good and bad character could have on my life. Most people can anticipate that the third year of high school is academically and emotionally challenging, but when I was actually in the thick of it, I felt like I would never succeed.

Nisha Arya ’18 Managing Editor

Everyone was constantly stressed about grades and getting into their top colleges. I heard a lot of people say things about others that were upsetting to hear. After seeing all the negativity that surrounded me, I decided I would survive this stressful period by making it my goal to find something good in everyone each day. I can honestly say that although I might be different from some people, every single person I have met has positively impacted my life in some way. Sometimes, you just have to search for the good in everyone. If you are really struggling to find that good, then you should become that good thing in someone else’s day.

Please see HORIZONS on page 3

Throughout my time in high school, I have learned a lot about the world. I have learned about the War of 1812 in APUSH, L’Hopital’s rule in calculus, and mitosis in biology. But more than anything else over these past four years, I have learned the most about myself and what I find important. I have discovered that I prioritize my happiness above almost everything else in my life and that this is in fact, a productive, healthy way to live.

At first, this philosophy sounds fairly selfish and shortsighted. You only care about your own happiness, you selfabsorbed millennial? How are you supposed to achieve your goals if you are only looking for happiness immediately? And yes, I guess inherently this philosophy does not seem to be the most

(From left to right) Roling, Nathans, and Arya

generous or moral way to live. During my junior year, I chose binging a TV show over finishing a long homework assignment. In my freshman year, I was so tired I chose going to bed at 7:30 p.m. over studying for my math final. But interestingly during my time at LM, I still managed to do most of my homework, study for most of my tests, and succeed in most of my classes and extracurriculars.

This may not seem like sound logic, but letting myself enjoy getting immersed in a fictional world or doing exactly what I wanted allowed me to have a more productive and more effective work ethic.

Always focusing on my mental health, maybe to a fault, is what I think allowed me to find success. When I was at home, I would do what I wanted: napping, eating, social media-ing like the brainwashed teen I am. But if you saw me during Lunch and Learn, I was as focused as ever, either studying for tests, doing homework, or learning concepts from teachers. I would be so busy during lunch that I would often forget to actually eat lunch (sorry to all my afternoon teachers for always eating in your classes). I figured that since I was at school, I was there to learn, and thus shouldn’t waste my time with anything non-school related. I knew how to buckle down and get things done because I knew that each task was finite and transient. I kept in mind that after every task I completed, I would have all the time in the world to do activities I actually enjoyed.

Prioritizing happiness does not necessarily mean not doing work; instead, it actually focuses your life down to your own goals. Being a student should not just be going through the motions of tirelessly attempting to get all A’s and then ultimately applying to colleges you don’t really want to go to. I am not asking you to slack off; in fact, I am asking you to recognize exactly what you want everyday of your life to look like. I finally have realized exactly what I value (my mental health), and now, I live everyday making sure that I am somehow pursuing my goal (happiness). This took me a long time to figure out and even longer to implement into my daily life, but in this time of uncertainty, transition, and nostalgia, I am the happiest I have ever been.

Other people’s voices Dora Nathans ’18 Editor-in-Chief I’ve read every single Merionite matriculation issue cover to cover since I was an eighth-grader attending my sister’s LM graduation. As my role morphed from reader to editor, I picked up on one of the most common themes graduating seniors choose to write about: finding their voice. These pieces often tell the story of how a shy freshman turns into a comfortable, outspoken senior thanks to friends, teachers, extracurriculars, or some combination of all three.

If you know me, you know I’m not shy. I like to talk, whether it be in casual conversation, in the classroom, or through my writing (including in The Merionite). For that reason, some of you may be surprised to hear that as many of my peers gained a voice during their four years at LM—my voice got quieter.

I entered LM with the belief that if I had something to say, as long as it wasn’t inappropriate or hurtful, I should say it. This meant that if I knew the answer in math or had what I thought was an insightful comment to make in English, I’d raise my hand and share. This also meant I was an active participant in whatever conversation dominated the lunch table that day. As far as I knew, my teachers and friends didn’t mind, and I felt comfortable with who I was.

But then I had a series of experiences that alerted me to the benefits of silence.

In my English class during my junior year, we had a discussion about language.

I sat and listened as more than one of my peers recounted what it was like to be the child of immigrants from non-English-speaking countries, inviting the rest of us to see their vulnerability and pain. The discussion was graded, so I think I did end up participating once or twice, but I remember being struck with how much I got out of simply sitting there and listening. Teachers will tell you not to keep your hand raised while they’re lecturing because until they call on you, you’ll just

be thinking about your own comment. They’re right. It was only when I allowed myself to stop talking, stop trying to participate, that I was able to truly listen.

This transition towards silence was mirrored in my relationship to The Merionite, too. In the earlier years of high school, I wrote a lot for the paper, including in the opinions section. However, as I started to take on more responsibility as an editor, I wrote less. Initially, I felt badly about this; after all, I had opinions and an all-too accessible platform on which to share them. But as time went on, I came to realize that not all opinions are worth sharing. We learn early on in our education about the First Amendment and how lucky we are as citizens to have the right to speak what’s on our mind. What it took a lot longer for me to learn, though, is that not every comment or thought needs to be said. I definitely don’t regret the opinion pieces I wrote in those earlier years, and I encourage any underclassman reading this to consider writing for the paper, but it was important for me to learn that simply having a thought doesn’t necessarily mean you have to share it. Moreover, my opting to write less went handin-hand with my commitment to reading more as I took in the opinions of my peers.

To be clear, I still consider myself to be a relatively outgoing person, and I certainly don’t feel as though my voice was taken from me. On the contrary, I believe my opting to speak less has been a reflection of my own growth. It was humbling to listen to the insights of my peers, and I began to grasp that maybe I hadn’t been fully listening before. There’s a difference between hearing someone and listening to someone. You can hear anything said in your presence, but to truly listen requires you to stop focusing on your own thoughts, and take in the thoughts of others. It was only once I started listening instead of simply hearing that I think I was truly able to appreciate those around me.

Matriculation

June 4, 2018

3

The Merionite

Drawing out a future

The Merionite Official newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929 www.themerionite.org Columbia Scholastic Press Assocation Silver Crown 2013 Editors-in-Chief Julian Ginzburg ’19 Caleb Shack ’19 Managing Editor Molly Cutler ’19 News Editors Sammy Anderer ’20 Julia Rudy ’19 Sophie Yang ’20

Jake Stanger Valedictorian I hate staring at a blank page. A blank page is filled with opportunities, and sometimes you just can’t seem to find them. You could fill it with a story, music, poems, ideas, drawings, but it’s never easy

Opinions Editors Melissa Bell ’20 Andres Bermudez ’19 David Sommer ’19

Sports Editors Melissa Dash ’19 Julia Kreuzer ’19 Benjamin Schmid ’19 Copy Editors Elliot Ginzburg ’21 Lydon Pelletier ’19 Sydney Zellinger ’21 Graphics Editors Christopher De Santis ’20 Sihan Wu ’19 Web Editor Alek Lexa ’19

Catherine McFarland Student Body President/ Features Editor Don’t ever get your license. I know this is every sophomore’s nightmare, but I swear that it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Why? Because I got to spend an extra ten minutes a day, at least, with a person in my life I would not have otherwise and hear their stories. I heard about The Merionite drama, track gossip, senior year classes, and anything else you could imagine.

As a licenseless eighteen-year-old, needless to say, I’ve been a pest. To combat this, I always made an effort to ask different people for rides. I didn’t even realize that in an effort to share the load, I got to know people better than I ever would have

Source Confirmation Editor Sophie Meyer ’20

otherwise. I think we can all safely say that in being stuck in a car with someone for ten minutes you can learn more about a friend than a month of sports practice could ever show you. And of course, who doesn’t love a spontaneous trip to Rita’s to pick you up on a gloomy Thursday night!

But what made high school special for me was not only hearing other people’s stories, but making stories of my own. The summer before my junior year I created a Google Doc entitled, “Quotes of the Year” after hearing some quotes in my first week of layout for The Merionite that had to be written down.

Every time I heard a funny line in class, in the hallway, at practice, or in The Merionite room of course, I jotted it down. As senior year approached, “Quotes 2.0” emerged, and my friends and I created an even longer list than the year before. We managed to save some of the best moments of the whole year. For example: *reading story about an orangutan* “What’s an Orange Gutan???”— the one and only Dora Nathans ’18.

Underclassman, you won’t have any quotes to fill your list with unless you open up your ears. Goof off a little in class, join new clubs, make new friends, be bold—

those things will spark conversation. Ask upperclassman for rides: that will most definitely give you some crazy quotes.

So, as I look back at high school, I can’t stop thinking about the sappy quote

What made high school special for me was not only hearing other people’s stories, but making stories of my own. your parents always tell you, the one talking about how you won’t remember your grade on your history test but you will always remember the moments you shared with friends. At the time, I shrugged that off, but last week I threw away all my binders, and all I have to show for high school is a Google Doc full of quotes.

If you’re not laughing every set of the day, you’re doing something wrong.

So, live by that sentiment: listen to others’ quotes, come up with your own, and of course, write them all down.

After-school learning

Business Manager Eric Bing ’20 Advisor Charles Henneberry Business Advisor Sean P. Flynn, Esq. 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.

All unattributed images are courtesy of WikiCommons.

The point is that writing is hard, especially beginning with nothing more than a blank page in front of you. I don’t have any insights or tricks to make this easier besides just starting. More often than not, you just need to sit down and force yourself to put something on the page. The flow of ideas will inevitably be cut off by writer’s block, a feeling that you are going nowhere or some other reason, but if you keep at it, you will find what you really want to say.

In life, we will face all sorts of blank pages, not just those related to writing.

But whatever blank pages we may come across in the future, whether it is the freshman writing classes that many seniors heading to college will take or finding a job, the trick is to just get started.

License for memories

Features Editors Emma Becker ’20 Kathy Wei ’19 Ziwen Zhou ’19 Arts and Entertainment Editors Izzy Bruckman ’20 Davon Collins ’19 Grace Wei ’19

to make something out of a blank page.

Almost any senior would say they can’t count the number of times that they completely pushed back an essay to the night before, as did I many times. In high school, you often have to follow tons of specific guidelines and rules about format, style, word count and so on, which can make it difficult to really write what you think. On the other hand, there are times where you are writing with almost no guidelines and no topic, as is the case for this article. With too many guidelines, you can lose your voice, but without them, it is hard to structure what you’re creating. Either way, it’s frustrating figuring out where to start, what you want it to lead to, and the point of it all.

Narin Park Salutatorian Over my four years at LM, I have had the opportunity to meet all kinds of individuals with diverse passions and enthusiasms. Thanks to a variety of activities offered at our school, I found some of my best friends and bonded with them over late-night meetings and competitions.

Through DAWGMA, I met future engineers, who can build a complex climbing robot in just six weeks. Through Science Olympiad, I met future scientists who love exploration. So if I were to give one

piece of advice to the underclassmen, it would be to invest time in extracurriculars. Do not be afraid to explore new activities, as you will have more opportunities to meet those who share your passion.

Or perhaps even better, uncover your passions through extracurriculars. I joined some clubs simply because my friends were in them, but I soon decided to stay because I found that I enjoyed what I was doing there. That enjoyment developed into commitment and four years later, I feel more certain about what I would like to pursue beyond high school. Although I am2 looking forward to my last day as a senior at graduation, I cannot help but feel nostalgic and sad to attend the last few meetings of the clubs that truly have made my high school experience unforgettable.

Outside of extracurricular activities, I have had wonderful opportunities taking classes taught by teachers who have made classes engaging and interesting.

From playing Kahoot, to participating in powerful discussions, my classes were

full of meaningful academic adventures.

After school, these teachers became passionate coaches, helping students like myself discover their interests, and I sincerely appreciate all the help and inspiration I have received from them.

While I am shortly leaving the LM community, my friendships with teachers and fellow students will be long-cherished memories. On this giant crossroads where new beginnings and ends meet, I have mixed feelings about both leaving LM and entering a new community. Although I will spend my next four years far away from home, I hope to stay in contact with my friends here while also making new bonds with individuals with similar enthusiasm and diverse passions. I will carry with me the memories and lessons I learned in this community as I start my new journey, both academically and personally. After all, I myself will be a freshman again in need of this advice: do not be afraid to explore the unknown by joining extracurriculars!

Expanding Horizons Cont. from EXPANDING HORIZONS, page 2 From what my friends, teachers, coaches, family, and life mentors have been telling me my whole life, your character will carry you through life more than anything else. I’m so grateful for everyone who has led by example and proven this to me. Being a good person will matter more than your grades and extracurricular performances. People will want to be around you if you are the kind of person who lifts them up. Do not be afraid to try something new because you might meet people who will be there to lift you up. Remember to smile even if you’re not always happy; a fake smile can always transform into a genuine one. And remember to enjoy yourself along the way.

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June 4, 2018

Matriculation The Merionite

Dear Sam and David

Sophie Shaffer Spirit Head Dear Sam and David, As my four years of high school come to a close and yours just begin, I want to leave behind a reflection of the best four years of my life. There are the memorable teachers, some of the most amazing educators, but even more so the amazing people who really did care about me and the rest of their students. In their classrooms, I filled myself with knowledge and was excited to come back the next day to learn even more. Knowledge is power, and I gained so much power from these classes.

There are sports teams to play for and to root for. Being a student athlete was one of the biggest parts of my high school experience. Between field hockey, indoor track, and lacrosse, each sport gave me the opportunity to play a sport I loved and to be surrounded by teammates that supported me and loved each other. I had the incredible privilege of making history with the field hockey program by being part of the team that made the districts playoffs for the first time in program history. This was an accomplishment I can look back on and be extremely proud of what the team was able to achieve together. But I was also able to support other sports

under the role of Spirit Head. I shared my energy and spirit with other teams that also deserved support from the student body for all of their hard work and commitment. As an athlete myself, I understood the sacrifices and the difficulty of being a student athlete and tried to create a spirited atmosphere that supported their dedication.

There are the incredible friendships I built. Whether I met someone from a sports team, a club, or a class, I met some amazing students I am able to call my friends.

These people were able to make the more difficult times of high school more enjoyable. Times of frustration, sadness, anxiousness, and fright all passed with my friends surrounding me. All in the same boat, we all helped each other work through the craziness. We did not only put up with stressful times but had great ones too. The best parts of high school really all have one thing in common: the people who were around me. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, the bonds you make with people in high school. Sure, the academics and my sports career at LM have been great, but the best thing about high school is the people that have become my friends from this place. These are people I would do anything for and they would do the same for me. They are incredible and even though it breaks my heart to leave them for college, they will only do great things in the future.

So as I venture into my next journey, I know you both are being left in good han s. This place has given me lifelong memories, friends, and one crazy high school experience.

I can only imagine what amazing things you two will accomplish in your four years here. And with that, I say goodbye to my time at LM and welcome my little brothers to their next chapter.

Your big sister, Sophie Shaffer

The relationships that matter

Sean Capkin Spanish I graduated from LM in 2002. When I graduated from LM, Spanish was the class that I asked to puedo-ir-al-baño in so I could go for a stroll every single day.

Eventually, Señora Kauffman realized she had signed my poor, beaten-up hall pass for three weeks straight. I thought I would be on lockdown; instead, although questioning the regularity of my bodily functions, she told me from now on I could go without asking. The lesson here, from the Spanish teacher who always ducked out of Spanish class, is you never know where each path is going to take you, even if it’s on the way to the bathroom. Be patient, keep exploring, and God bless Señora Kauffman.

When I graduated from LM, Mr. McAfoos was considered brilliant and tough, Mr. Kaczmar was a math whiz, and Mrs. Hoopes was the girls’ track coach. (For the record, when anyone, ever, graduated from LM, Mrs. Hoopes was the girls’ track coach). That said, Mrs. Dawson was my English teacher, Mr. Fadely was my basketball coach, and Mr. Hughes was a history teacher I didn’t have but who worked out in the weight room and always made time to talk.

He was also voted biggest heartthrob.

What’s the lesson? The more things change, the more things stay the same.

And Mrs. Hughes is a lucky woman.

When I graduated from LM, Mr. Quinn was my favorite teacher; he is the person who taught me how to read.

When he handed me my diploma at graduation, somebody snapped a picture of it. A great moment with a better man, I kept that picture in my wallet for a long time, until my kids rifled through it at church one day and it got lost to the heavens. After I graduated, I emailed Quinn occasionally and always got a funny response. He gave me a hug on my first day back as a teacher. The lessons here are many, including never forget to reach out, don’t be afraid to come back, and don’t have (too many) kids.

When I graduated from LM, one of my mentors was Tony DiCesare. Tony was my late-bus driver for three years at Bala Cynwyd and four years at LM. I’m no math whiz, (sorry Mr. Kaczmar, I’ll do better next time), but that’s a lotta years. Tony busted on me constantly, but also always made sure I was doing okay. After I graduated, I came back, sat on the bus, and did a whole run with Tony just to say thank you and savor time with a friend. Remember, many times your mentors aren’t the ones within school walls, and they deserve some recognition too. Plus, driving is overrated—public transportation is a great way to meet new people.

When I graduated from LM, my best friend was Ryan Westman, as goofy, loyal, and authentic a person as I’ve met. We spent summers working nights at the Mann and commiserated during college track. One year, Westman went on to run the fastest time in the world in the 500 meters. Ryan is still my best friend—we were in each other’s weddings, and my kids call him “Uncle Ryan.” The lesson here is to keep working at those relationships that matter most to you. And, if your best friend has the fastest time in the world—regardless of the distance—make sure you also have a friend slower than you. If you don’t want to get caught by campus aides on wandering trips to the bathroom during Spanish class, you need one person you can outrun.

Do what you love

Kathy Yao News Editor Starting freshman year, I was consistently reminded that high school “mattered.” In ways, this excited me, but just like others, I based my high school decisions on what I was told looked best to colleges. I took AP classes that didn’t excite me. But when I signed up for courses that interested me, I was discouraged not to because it “would look bad on the transcript.” I found myself investing hours

studying topics not because I truly wanted to learn about them, but because I was scared of failing the next test.

While the importance of college lingered in my mind, I was also constantly told that “grades don’t define you.”

I’d listen as people hammered this into my mind. I’d nod, agree, but then go back to building the “perfect” resume.

As the college application process neared, it became harder to listen to this advice. But at the same time, I appreciated each one of those required classes because I discovered important life lessons behind them. Through these classes, I experimented with different fields and found which subjects suited me the best. Four years ago, I believed my least favorite subject was math. Now, I’m entering college as a math major. If I had not been required or pressured to take math classes all throughout high school, I would have never realized my love for math.

Beyond these experiences, high school became more worthwhile when I discovered the balance between doing things I was advised to do with activities I loved to do. I continued participating in orchestra because of my love for playing music. Clubs like TSA and The Merionite are where I formed meaningful friendships while having the opportunity to explore my interests. As June 6 quickly approaches, it has been difficult to experience my last concerts, my last conferences, and my last newspaper layouts. While I didn’t want my time to end in those extracurriculars, I quickly realized the potential I had to apply the lessons I’ve learned to my future endeavors.

However, it wasn’t just extracurriculars. As we got more choices in the classes we took, I enrolled in ones I was passionate about, regardless of how it would look to my dream school. I realized that when I did what I enjoyed, it became easier to do well in those classes, simply because I enjoyed them. This applied to everything I did. I got better grades in those classes and better scores on the exams.

Make school not just about the grade, but how you are going to apply the curriculum to life. Experiment. And the most important part: do what you love.

What I will remember from my four years at LM will be the classes I enjoyed and the clubs and activities that I got involved in. The friendships that I’ve made and the teachers who have inspired me will help guide me through the next stages of my life. I know it’s difficult to stop caring about your academic image; instead, the most important thing to remember is to find something meaningful in everything you do. Make school not just about the grade, but about how you are going to apply the curriculum to life. Experiment. And the most important part: do what you love.

Matriculation

June 4, 2018

5

The Merionite

Get involved, it’s good for you!

Each day goes as so: you wake up at six in the morning, get ready for school, quickly try to make the bus, go to school, go to an extracurricular, come home, do work, and go to bed. This whole process lasts roughly seventeen hours, and within that time, you only spend about two to three hours doing exactly what you want to be doing: playing a sport, acting, singing, writing, etc. However, that small amount of time can do a lot for you.

Throughout high school, and especially junior year, I often found myself unable to balance my work load. This pent-up stress and constant feeling that you need to be working became emotionally exhausting to the point where I would have rather been sitting Julia Rappaport and staring at a blank wall than doing three News Editor more hours of homework. However, during field hockey season, I often found that I was able to not only get much of my work done at a decent hour despite having practice until 5:30 p.m., but I also had more motivation to get it done. After a strenuous practice, my dopamine levels were high, and I often felt rejuvenated and prepared to start my homework.

I found that having a window for practice or games allowed me to feel less guilty for not doing work. During junior year, with APs on my mind, my work began to consume me starting as early as September 5, or even before. When I wasn’t doing work, I could often times be found passed out in various places in my house, the Bala Cynwyd Library, or Starbucks. However, when I would take time to myself, whether it be going out with friends on a Friday or Saturday night, watching TV, etc., I found myself feeling guilty

for leaving my work for a few hours because I knew I could easily go home and do it.

Although, with practice times automatically scheduled into my day, I knew that I would have to do my school work around my locked-in schedule. I also knew that because I had practice or a game every day, it was something that became a part of my routine—just like going to school—so I didn’t feel guilty for ditching my school work for field hockey.

Over the past four years, I have learned that outlets such as field hockey and writing are what got me through high school. Without these things, I would not have been able to handle the workload that came with being a full-time student.

“

Without these things, I would not have been able to handle the workload that came with being a full-time student. While sports and activities such as these can become time consuming, they were also there to keep me in line and to make sure that I would not procrastinate… too much.

”

While sports and activities such as these can become time consuming, they were also there to keep me in line and to make sure that I would not procrastinate… too much.

To all the freshman, sophomores, and even juniors, it is never too late to get involved, even outside of school. I know that you hear this time and time again, but activities that take your mind off of school work for a few hours are the best things you can do for yourself because you deserve to spend two to three hours a day doing what you desire.

Quality over quantity When I first entered LM, I was a timid, overwhelmed, yet excited eighth-grader. As I sat in the auditorium, a variety of LM students welcomed me to Move Up Day, and offered their advice for navigating the next four years.

A few teachers and administrators, student government representatives, and spirit heads all gave speeches that emphasized the same message: get involved.

For the next half hour or so, I followed a peer leader through the labyrinth of the hallways. As I toured the pool, the metal arts room, the blackbox, and the film studio, I visualized myself swimming, soldering, acting, and filming my way through high school. Opportunities abounded and I couldn’t wait to begin my LM journey in the fall.

It should come as no surprise that I went wild at the activities fair my freshman year, adding myself to an exorbitant amount of e-mail lists that would Kelsey Stanton later flood my inbox. My new list of activities includOpinions Editor ed French club, Latin club, photo club, TSA, buildOn, and a whole slew of oth- ers. For the entirety of my freshman year, I attempted to juggle all of these clubs along with taking four dance classes, swimming, crew, and keeping up with my school work. I had fun but also became exhausted by the time summer came.

I realized that I had too much on my plate, and I needed to prune my schedule, so I made some changes for the remainder of my time at LM. I don’t speak French or Latin, and I cannot work a camera any more advanced than an iPhone, so I gave up the French, Latin, and photo clubs. I quit swimming and dancing so that I could row year-round. I stopped putting minimal effort into a long list of activities, so I could focus on the few that I’m most passionate about.

At first, I had concerns about disregarding the advice I’d heard on Move Up Day— quitting a bunch of clubs is not getting involved. But, upon further thought, I discovered that cutting back had brought me more success. I went on trek with buildOn, won medals at crew, and became both a TSA officer and editor of The Merionite. As it turned out, paring down my list of pastimes was, in its own way, getting involved.

In letting go of some activities, I was free to commit my efforts to those I loved most.

Lose yourself in life In the January 29 issue of The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik quotes Russian philosopher Alexander Herzen: “Because children grow up, we think a child’s purpose is to grow up.

But a child’s purpose is to be a child.

Nature doesn’t disdain what only lives for a day. It pours the whole of itself into each moment[...]life’s bounty is in its flow, later is too late.”

Going forth into your next chapter probably involves an aspiration to be something, as it should. There is a lot of exciting work to be done in the world and many possibilities to make a change. Your purpose for Diane Sweeney the next few years is still likely to Math be—exclusively—a learner. I hope that each step in working towards your goal is joyful, that as you develop into that person you hope to be, you find fulfilment in the process. This is one real test for your goal’s worthiness and fitness for you. Is it indeed your calling? Does it pass the test of your losing yourself in the flow?

Your purpose is to be you: a very young adult, moving with hope and joy towards becoming the best possible person and enjoying the journey rather than looking forward towards your rewards. As Gopnik says in the same article, “what sustains us in any struggle are the moments when we forget the struggle. Philippe Petit didn’t walk the wire between the Twin Towers by working harder while he was up there; he worked hard to get to a state where it would never feel like work.”

May your learning be a path of self-discovery, of partnership and friendship with others, and may it never feel like work.

Steer your own course Dear Seniors, a sincere congratulations for completing your twelveyear journey through primary and secondary education. It is a great time for celebration— you’ve accomplished a lot. Freedom is upon you and gone are the days of doing something because a parent, guardian, or teacher is “making you.” From this point forward, you Michael Kelly pursue your own pleaSocial Studies sures without constraints from anyone except for the ones you permit to be imposed on you. This, of course, is both liberating and daunting because we

know that the decisions we make impact how happy we are and may become. At this point I could just say, “good luck with that!” but I’ll ask a question instead.

What do you want? As in, what are the options you have today and which among them do you prefer? What will you choose to do the evening after graduation concludes? Will you feel strongly that what you choose is what you wanted to do? Or, how are you spending your summer? What are your reasons for your choices? Are you clear in your mind on this? Each day we have dozens of chances to make choices, presented within situations largely outside of our control. Each time we choose thoughtfully, knowing what we want (or even trying hard to know what we want and claiming the courage to say it), we become the rower of our own boat pulling ourselves through the many possible lives we might live. We are affected less by the undertow of outside influences. If, with each decision, we find more clarity in what we want and become more comfortable asserting ourselves, at least we can say with confidence that we are steering our own

course with awareness. This is no small accomplishment.

Graduate, what do you want? The larger decisions: what career to train for, what subject to major in, where to live, what job would best lead to my happiness, what qualities am I attracted to in a partner and why, do I want children? It’s good now, very good, not to know for sure what you want.

Explore the possibilities! This is not a call to be utterly selfish (you probably wouldn’t be happy). With practice, the question is like a tincture applied to ourselves that suspends within it all the internal head trips and outside pressures imposed on us from the world around us—our well-meaning parents, our cherished siblings, our coaches, colleagues, teachers, friends, romantic partners, even culture in general so that in time we can better know what matters to us.

It helps quiet the voices in our head that are not truly our own. The asking cannot begin too soon. Good luck, Graduates! We all wish you a great journey, deliberately chosen, and with much happiness to keep you company.

Abdullah Abdurrahim Tarek Adam Omosesan Adebamgbe Jerson Aguirre Amanda Albarouki Mohammed Alghamdi Charles Altman Ariel Amar Camryn Amen Lena Anderson Alexis Antoine Nisha Arya Timothy Askey Mollie Aster Broder Sean Attebery Harrison Axelrod Madison Baker Aurimas Balciunas Eily Bambrick Shely Bar-Ad Sharon Baranov Omer Barash Allister Barnes Philippa Barratt Emily Barson Emily Bartos Eric Bell Claire Bender-Walsh Katherine Berg Alexa Berman Ariana Bhatia Ishan Bhatia Lucas Birch Jack Blum Spencer Blume Josephine Blumencwejg Mya Bouapengphanh Julia Bowman Paul Bradley-Lopez Kristina Brandt-Rauf Sasha Brooks Andersen Brown Fiona Bruckman Ariyana Bryant Ariana Bucciarelli Annick Cachon Isaac Cachon Joseph Calaman Georgia Callahan Marielena Caporaletti Camille Carr Rodolfo Casanova-Hernandez Paul Castellucci Jenine Cavanaugh Joseph Cengel Michelle Chan Tahj Charlton Malinda Chau Michael Cheng Yisong Cheng Cameron Chesen Sara Chiappardi Sophia Chompre Arostegui Angelia Chumley Julian Clark Leo Clibanoff Minori Cohan Sarah Cohen Sebastian Connelly Jordon Constantino Ana Contreras Halle Cooper Benjamin Cowan Alexandre Crosbie Ashlee Cruz Alexis Cutshall Marek D’Alonzo Patrick Daly John Danz Deion Davis Lily Dayanim Jennifer Dean Peter DellaFranco Dana DeMille Carly Dessain

LM Matriculation 20 Unavailable Unavailable Goucher College Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable College of William and Mary University of Pittsburgh Drexel University Unavailable Unavailable University of Rochester University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania State University Unavailable University of Maryland Boston College University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Gap year, Drexel University ’23 University of Pennsylvania Gap year, Northeastern University ’23 Vanderbilt University University of Buffalo University of Maryland Frankilin and Marshall College University of Pennsylvania Manhattan Community College University of Michigan University of Michigan University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Gap year, University of Vermont ’23 Stevens Institute of Technology University of Wisconsin University of California Los Angeles Unavailable Unavailable Neumann University Unavailable Drexel University Unavailable Vassar College Delaware State University Entering the workforce Juniata College Ithaca College Unavailable Unavailable East Stroudsburg University College of Wooster Cabrini University Muhlenberg College Drexel University Unavailable Temple University Cabrini University University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Arcadia University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Wesleyan University Colby College Middleburry College McGill University Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Gap semester, Boston University Wesleyan University Unavailable Unavailable Drew University Pennsylvania State University Temple University Unavailable Stonybrook University University of Texas at Austin Emory University Unavailable Unavailable Chapman University

Erin Diacik Samantha Dilsheimer Neeshay Dixson Justin Do Erieon Dominick Grace Dowd Devon Drabick Taylor Drabick Zachary Drapkin Ori Dulitzki Eleanor Ebby William Ebby Saleem-Ahmad El-Mekki Bethany Eldridge Samantha Ellers Victor Fajardo Mason Famiglio Frederick Farah Nicole Farinella Lily Feinstein Nychelle Fields Henry Finch Leona Fisher Ryan Fisher Sarah Fitzpatrick Daniel Gabor Mason Gaier Julian Galbraith-Paul Analiese Gale Boronne Gao Taylor Gardner Heather Gebhart Elshadai Gebrehana Danielle Geis Joanna Gerber Simon Giles Matteo Ginder Gina Golden Eli Goldstein Zachary Goldstein Anna Goodman Chloe Grabell Alimah Granieri Allyson Greenberg Adam Grossel Jake Gurevitch Liana Haigh Andri Hail Camille Haines Mia Hall Marie Hamilton Ashley Han Christopher Harris Dorian Harris Katherine Harte-McCormick Alexander Helfinstine Joel Herbert Eric Hillsberg Paul Ho Victor Ho Mia Hodges Sophia Hoessly Carly Hofferman Jadon Hoffman Christina Holgado Vivian Hong William Horn Annabelle Horton Erika Howard Michael Hua Jayson Hurst Charles Hutton Lailah Israeli CourtneyRay Jackson Joshua Jenkin Elizabeth Jervis Summar Jeudy Nicole Jiles Laila Jones Marlies Jongens Nicholas Juliani Molly Kaiser Alexa Kaminsky Kaleb Karr Vandad Kazeminik

University of Massachusetts Amherst Boston University Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Unavailable Syracuse University Syracuse University University of Pennsylvania Unavailable Connecticut College Middlebury College Drexel University University of Vermont University of Delaware Unavailable Temple University University of Pennsylvania University of Miami Moore College of Art and Design Unavailable Northeastern University University of Rochester University of Michigan Unavailable Saint Joseph’s University Virginia Tech Unavailable Hofstra University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Temple University Wesleyan University Adelphi University Unavailable Kenyon College University of Puget Sound University of Pittsburgh Drexel University Tulane University University of Delaware Syracuse University Temple University University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Pennsylvania Temple University Unavailable Cabrini University Temple University University of North Carolina, Wilmington Unavailable Goucher College University of Pittsburgh Boston University University of Michigan Unavailable Unavailable Northwestern University University of Pennsylvania American University Gap year, University of Colorado, Boulder ’23 Temple University Virginia Tech Gap year, Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy Unavailable St. John’s University University of Pennsylvania Unavailable Entering the workforce Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable University of the Sciences Unavailable Unavailable Shippensburg University University of Pennsylvania Unavailable George Washington University University of Wisconsin, Madison Unavailable Unavailable

Connor Keech Wren Kirkpatrick Madeline Kitnick Zoe Kleeman Harrison Klevan Louis Knight-Surie Catherine Kuzas Sophia Kwak Phoebe Kwok Brian Lam Fajr Lanham Mae Latona Kevin Lavoe Hannah Lawrence Grace Lee Victoria Lee Benjamin Leese Richard Lenrow Samantha Lenrow Eliana Levin Maya Levitan Jacob Lewis Paul Lewis Eric Liang Daniel Linkmeyer Paulina Lipman Ava Lledo Raphael Lockenour Kathryn Lockwood Jiaxuan Lu Johnny Lu Isabel Lutz Anna Ly Olivia Malloy Paul Mariani III Milad Masoodi Liana Massey Kerren Matthews Elizabeth McAlpine Sarah McConnell Jake McFadden Catherine McFarland Lily McKown Isabel Meline Jessy Meraz Emma Mernagh Karl Meyer Natalie Mill Auguste Millar John Monos Shoshana Monson Anna Morales Isaiah Morgan Madison Murray Eva Nates Dora Nathans Nicia Navarro Tiffany Nieh Caroline Noone Sean O’Bannon Claire O’Brien James O’Connor Natalie O’Keefe Caitlin O’Neill Haley Obrant Claire Ochroch Brandon Okeyo Laurence Padolina Sophia Palasol Lindsey Palish Juan Park Narin Park Elizabeth Paul Barbara Peck Sebastian Perez-Lopez Noelle Perri Halimah Pessolano Logan Piatetsky Samuel Pitonyak Thomas Podrasky Zachariah Polak Jalyne Poles Micaela Pozo Castro Noah Pringle Mary Pat Quinn

018: Go Forth To Serve...

Unavailable University of Delaware Franklin and Marshall College Unavailable Pennsylvania State University Unavailable Unavailable Delaware Valley University Unavailable Unavailable Clark University University of Pittsburgh Howard University Unavailable University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Temple University University of Pittsburgh University of Delaware Unavailable Rice University Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Carnegie Mellon University Unavailable Temple University Unavailable Unavailable Temple University University of Wisconsin, Madison Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Eckerd College University of the Arts Stevens Institute of Technology University of Chicago Colorado College Berklee College of Music DePaul University Temple University Hamilton College Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Gap year University College Dublin Ithaca College Chestnut Hill College Unavailable University of Pennsylvania University of Maryland University of South Carolina Unavailable Temple University Stanford University Brown University Unavailable Pennsylvania State University Syracuse University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Gwynedd Mercy University Unavailable Unavailable University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Unavailable Temple University Lewis and Clark College Unavailable Emory University Rhodes College Gap year, University of Pittsburgh ’23 Stanford University St. Joseph’s University Unavailable Unavailable University of Vermont Pennsylvania State University Unavailable Neumann University Susquehanna University Temple University James Madison University

Isaac Rand Julia Rappaport Suhailah Rashid-Woods Romaine Rhoden Isabella Richter Emma Riverso Gabrielle Riverso Sophie Riverso Hadi Rizvi Ashley Roberts Jared Robinson Kirk Robinson Jacob Rocco Sophie Roling Julia C. Rosen Julia R. Rosen Kloe Rosenberg Eli Rossman Adam Rothschild Benjamin Rubin Alexander Rudnicki Eric Ruffin Joseph Rush Sophia Rutzel Erica Salutric Stephen Sanders William Savastani Aubrey Schall Benjamin Schatz Anthony Schmidt Carmen Schuldt Jessie Schulman Brett Schwab Cory Scott Adi Segal Hunter Segal Joshua Segal Max Serota Audy Serrano Guevara Liam Sfaxi Sophia Shaffer Avery Shandelman Max Shapiro Alana Shavers David Sher Sarah Sher Zoe Shipenberg Raj Shrestha Cathy Si Yonah Siegler Zachary Simons Nicole Simonson Morgan Simpson Ashton Slater Zachary Slogoff Ashley Smith Elijah Smith Bennett Smolen Samuel Soiferman Brittany Souza Emma Spaeth Caroline Spencer Chloe Spergel Will Stange Jacob Stanger Kelsey Stanton John Stickney Jacob Stoller Emma Straton Tiffany Sturgell Seamus Sullivan Laura Tague Jennifer Tian Nicholas Tillmann Bailey Tischler Hadassah Tolub Grace Tomlinson Jacob Tonsey Emma Trentacoste Carly Turner Kaitlin Vagnoni Gabrielle Van Hollander Annabelle Van Rawley Evelina Veguilla Tyheem Velotta

University of Chicago Margarita Vinogradov University of Wisconsin, Madison Wellesley University Alice Vo Drexel University Clark University Samuel von Mahs Unavailable Monmouth University Ema Vuckovic Unavailable Vanderbilt University James Wackerman Unavailable Drexel University Gabriel Walsh-Shore Muhlenberg College Drexel University Julia Warmund University of Pittsburgh Drexel University Ian Watson University of Maryland University of Pittsburgh Shulamit Weinstein Columbia University Vassar College Marli Weisman University of Denver Vanderbilt University Yemane Weldegebreal Unavailable Unavailable Christian Welgs Unavailable Tufts University Mary Wetherbee Pratt Institute University of Pennsylvania Joseph Wheelock Unavailable McGill University Cara Whellan New York Institute of Technology Bard College Brianna Wilkins Unavailable University of Maryland Jasmine Wilkins Unavailable University of Michigan Diamond Williams East Stroudsburg University Unavailable Edward Wilson Temple University Unavailable Justin Wootton Attending university in Australia Unavailable Samuel Wrightson Unavailable Unavailable Jia Yang Unavailable Santa Clara University Kathy Yao Case Western Reserve University Drexel University Juncheng Zhang Boston University Tulane University Binghan Zheng University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Yifan Zhu Unavailable Unavailable Robert Zorc University of Pennsylvania University of the Sciences University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Unavailable Delaware Valley University Syracuse University Unavailable Gap year, University of Maryland ’23 Lehigh University Pennsylvania State University Cornell University Unavailable University of British Columbia Colgate University Pennsylvania State University Unavailable Unavailable Marietta College Pennsylvania State University Hofstra University Drexel University University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh University of Michigan Cornell University Temple University Unavailable University of Miami Delaware State University The matriculation plans as Unavailable University of Pennsylvaia shown for the Class of 2018 Unavailable are information volunteered Temple University to The Merionite by the memTemple University University of North Carolina Chapel Hill bers of the graduating class.

University of Maryland Unavailable University of Pennsylvania The Merionite or LM is not University of Pennsylvania responsible for the accuracy Unavailable of their reportings. Those Felician University Skidmore College students listed as The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College “Unavailable” opted not to Pennsylvania State University Bryn Mawr College respond or were otherwise Unavailable unable to be reached.

Unavailable Columbia University Columbia University The Merionite wishes our Pennsylvania State University graduating seniors the Unavailable University of Pittsburgh best of luck in their West Chester University future endeavors.

University of Pittsburgh Skidmore College Vassar College George Washington University University of Illinois at Chicago

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Matriculation

June 4, 2018

The Merionite

A True Believer

Robert Pavia Physical Education To the class of 2018, The dawn of your prime A dubious world awaits I believe in you A long time ago, Jeremy O’Boyle and I began to identify a few rare and select students from within our yoga classes. These special students have affectionately come to be known as “The True Believers.” They distinguish themselves from other students because unlike many of their peers who begrudgingly attend PE classes solely because they have to, these students have come to embrace yoga. In fact, the “Truest Believers” often use their free periods to regularly attend extra yoga classes throughout the semester and year. And even though their “True Believer” status will never officially be recognized on their high school transcript, there will be no denying that the Believers have truly come to benefit from their worthy practice.

“The True Believers” have learned to honestly appreciate the calming, mindful, meditative potential of yoga as a wonderful and essential survival skill for LM life (and beyond).

To the True Believers (you know who you are), to those who are just starting to believe (it’s never too late), and to everyone else somewhere along the way, I wish you well, I wish you happiness, and I am confident that each of you will use your unique energy, knowledge and skills to make our world a better place— yes, I truly believe in you!

Namaste, Mr. P

Confidence for the next chapter

Claire Ochroch Arts and Entertainment Editor Growing up is a tough process for everyone, and being in an incredibly competitive school like LM can make it harder. For my first two years at LM, it seemed to me like I could talk about chemistry and history like an adult, but could never grow out of my pre-teen social awkwardness. My freshman year, I was inexplicably scared of talking to any upperclassmen. I thought they knew something I did not, some big secret that gave them confidence and poise.

It was not until I became a junior that I realized they were people who, like all of us, have no idea what they are doing. As I got older, I gained some perspective and want to impart that knowledge onto anyone who may benefit.

The first piece of advice, and what I believe is the most important, is that no one cares. Whether you wear a short skirt or have a pimple on your face, barely anyone will notice or say anything. You will remember, because you are self-involved, and others will not, because they are also self-involved. This advice means that you should feel free to do whatever, wear whatever, or say whatever you want because you may regret it if you don’t since no one else cares either way. In your life, you are the one who matters most, so do whatever makes you happy—it is not important to consider the feelings of others when deciding something important to you.

The second piece of advice is to speak up.

Everyone does little things that annoy you, but most of the time, bringing up those irritants can lead to much more conflict than was intended.

It is often much better to let things go, something that I am still learning. However, if someone does something inappropriate that makes you uncomfortable, you should always say something. A lot of the times that can be a very serious situation, though it is often brushed off as nothing. If you hear something that you believe is sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted, you should use your voice to express this, while remembering that the speaker may not know that what they said can have certain connotations.

The third piece of advice is that comparisons are odious. It might seem obvious, but not directly putting myself up against others was something that I slowly and painfully had to learn. A lot of times we see ourselves as if we are in direct competition with our peers (especially with regards to test scores and sports), and it can be easy to get down on yourself when others are succeeding and you’re not. Instead of comparing yourself to someone else, I recommend you look at what you are personally accomplishing instead of what someone else is doing.

“

It is not important to consider the feelings of others when deciding something important to you.

”

I am honestly not qualified to give advice.

I am just an eighteen-year-old high school senior who wishes someone had told her this as a freshman. I do, however, hope that this helps at least one person, because then writing this will have been worthwhile. Lastly, I would like to say that the biggest thing I have learned in my four years at LM is that no one really knows what they’re doing. Everyone is just making it up as they go, so do whatever you want, and do it with confidence.

Matriculation

June 4, 2018

The Merionite

You are...

Do what you want At LM, we’re ruled by expectations. They come from all corners: from our parents, our teachers, even our friends. And it’s easy to let the pressure overwhelm us. When we have too many things to do and too little time to do them, it’s hard not to drop everything and run. We have to decide what’s really worth doing and what’s not.

In high school, we’re constantly being told what to do. We’re told that we have to take a certain number of APs, join a certain number of clubs, and reach a certain score on standardized tests. Everything becomes less of a suggestion and more of an order. That’s the Michael Hua entire undertone of LM, and it was introduced to me the beginning of freshman year. After four years of hearing the same song and dance over and over, I’m relieved to say that none of it is true.

You don’t have to get 5’s on all of your APs, you don’t have to get a 5.0, you don’t have to be accepted into National Honor Society. Just do what makes you happy. Not your parents, not your teachers, not even your friends—you. Before high school, I had never spiked a volleyball. To me, it was a sport that I’d see once every four years at the Olympics, not one that I’d ever actually play. But one of my friends suggested I give this unfamiliar game a chance. To my surprise, from the minute I stepped on the court, I discovered my newfound love. From passing a serve to tipping an overpass, the thrill of the game was endless.

You can find passion in the things you do but never thought you would.

And for me, that thing became volleyball. It wasn’t a club I joined to put on my resume, it wasn’t a grade I got to put on my transcript, it wasn’t even a club that I founded to take credit for; but it was something that made me happy. And to me, that was worth more than any of those things.

Before you do something, decide whether it’s worth it or not. Don’t do something for the sake of doing it. Do it because you have a passion.

Do it because you love it. I guarantee you’ll not only be more successful, but you’ll be happier too. And that’s something that’s really worth it.

I have been a teacher for 25 years now, and after all that time, I have developed some relatively random thoughts I would like to share with you. Some of you know that I tend to be rather random, so it fits.

To all of you dear, precious seniors who are heading off to life after high school—whatever you may be doing—please, please know that YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU MATTER. The next few years are not the end game; these are the times to learn more about yourselves, to enjoy the world around you, to grow, and to make some decisions about where you might like to be next. Your day Christina Minecci to day lives, the good that you do, and the love with which you treat those around you is more important Academic than the address at which you will be reached next year.

Seminar Wherever you are, that will be where you continue to become who you want to be, and the YOU is more important than the WHERE. We need to respect ALL people’s skills, passions, and career paths. I would much prefer that the people who install plumbing, fix stairs, and keep yards looking less like jungles be respected for their jobs. People who love to work with their hands should do so with pride and honor. Whatever career you want, whatever work you do, respect yourself and your own path.

Be passionate about your own choices. Share light and joy wherever and whenever you are able. You may not think you are able some days, but try anyway.

Don’t hold on to a mistake just because you spent a long time making it. This is a hard one—but it really is important. Reach out for help— it shows strength, not weakness. To paraphrase Mr. Rogers: In times of trouble, look for the helpers. They are there. Listen to understand, not to reply. This will allow us all to build bridges instead of digging pits.

Finally, I leave you with this. I know many of us here at LM feel this way: There is always a day, usually early in the school year, that I walk down the hall and wonder why I haven’t seen one or another of you that particular week . . . and then I realize you have graduated.

And I cry a little. I know you need to go—I will just miss you. That is all.

Peter Kosmalski Peter Kosmalski is a native-born Philadelphian who grew up in Port Richmond. After graduating high school, Kosmalski made his way into the Navy to serve in the Vietnam war where he worked up the ranks to become a petty officer. Upon exiting the forces, he enlisted in the Philadelphia Police Department where he acted as a patrol officer for several years and was eventually promoted to detective. Stationed in the West Philadelphia division, Kosmalski was partnered with current Head Campus Aide and former Detective, Mike McGinley who he worked with for five years. He then worked in the detective division in the Philadelphia International Airport where he investigated narcotics, immigration violations, and threats of terror. After serving as a detective for 25 years, Kosmalski worked at a family business and then came to LM to be a campus aide. McGinley recalls how Kosmalski’s “integrity, professionalism, respect for other people, and street smarts” made him the perfect person to fill the position. “He’s been a huge asset to us here (LM); I’m going to miss him very much as a friend but as a campus aid especially,” said McGinley. Kosmalski is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, two children, and grandchildren, who he loves dearly.

Susan Naples In 1976, the country came together in Philadelphia to celebrate its bicentennial: the two-hundred year anniversary of the founding of our nation. At this auspicious moment, a new social studies teacher entered LM to take her first steps on a long and illustrious journey. For a generation of students, and then for their own children following them, Mrs. Susan Naples served as a wonderful guide through our nation’s history. Having lived through many of pivotal moments of recent American history, Mrs. Naples could recount her first-hand experience of tear-gas hurled at college students protesting the Vietnam War, or what life was like behind the Iron Curtain when she visited Moscow on a teaching program during the closing days of the Cold War. She continuously strove to connect her students with the exploration of history, or psychology, delving deep into absorbing literature or authentic experiments. Always seeking to make a direct connection, Mrs. Naples was renowned for bringing into school authoritative speakers, or overseeing her class as they designed an eye-catching historical display. Her capacity for organization was only met by her concern for the well-being and progress of her students. Having developed countless young minds over the years, and influenced so many of her colleagues, we thank Susan Naples for her great dedication to the LM community.

- Chad Henneberry

9

10

June 4, 2018

Matriculation The Merionite

A letter to freshman me

Christina Holgado Dear ninth grade Christina, When you first walk off of bus number seventeen and open the doors of LM, do not be alarmed by the grown men with beards who are now your classmates. At this period in time, the only exposure you have had to high school is a Disney Channel Original Movie where everyone sings and dances about breaking free and sticking to the status quo. You will try to keep all of your middle school friends, but it’s okay if you grow apart! In four awkward but somewhat enjoyable years, you will make tons of friends, realize the only thing you have in common with half of them is a Snapchat streak which you then lose and spend the rest of the year wondering if you should say “hi” to them in the hallway. And that’s okay! High school is the time to figure out the kind of friends you want to surround yourself with and what kind of friend you want to be for others.

Ninth grade will be the year that you find the one thing in all of your high school experience that makes it worth the pain: ultimate frisbee. It’s the sport (yes, it is a sport, and don’t let anyone tell you differently) that will teach you teamwork, leadership, and how to throw a mean backhand huck. Listen to your friend when she tells you to join the team, and then thank her every day for it. I know it’s cheesy, but four years, and a couple state championships later, you will be left

with a family that is always there for you.

Sophomore year will be filled with countless basketball games standing in the Dawg Pound. You’ll start to join in on the LM Rumble and actually enjoy it! Radnor Week will be your favorite week of the school year, even if you did get the worst Hallway Wars theme.

Sophomore year you’re no longer the babies of the school, but you aren’t quite old enough to gain the respect of the upperclassmen. Enjoy this in-between year and have fun! Find out who your true friends are and never let them go.

Junior year you’ll learn from physics that what goes up must come down.

During the past two years you barely opened a textbook, but this is grind time now: between studying for SAT’s, taking AP’s, and stressing out about your grades. It is important that every now and then you step back and take a few deep breaths. You will get through this!

You will take on some new leadership positions and it’s important to remember that you can’t do everything at once.

Hold on until senior year because it will be the best one to come! Say yes when Bethany Eldridge asks you to be her sidekick for Mr. LM—you have no idea what an amazing experience it will be. Remember to always get to school before 7:20 a.m. for the morning announcements (even if you have a twohour free first thing in the morning). You will face glorious highs and devastating lows, but it will all work out for the best.

I know how much you hate endings, so I’ll finish where we started: when you first walk across the stage and receive your diploma at graduation, do not be alarmed by the big world in front of you that is now your future.

See ya l8er, Christina Holgado

The learning never stops

Laura Stiebitz English Teaching is not my first career. Prior to LM, I had a winding journey filled with uncertainty. Early, I experienced a profound sense of being alone in a foreign country. Back in the States, I felt the disorientation of culture shock and loss for the life I lived in France. I sat at desks promoting the performing arts, charting a new emotional map of belonging. In graduate school, I experienced the bone-deep fatigue of waitressing, where my ability to stay calm under pressure was blitzed.

But now I am at home. I get to share my passion for literature and learning with students who remind me everyday how spontaneous, unfiltered, and creative young adults are— your vibrant potential astonishes me.

My economics teacher in high school, who encouraged me to become CoEditor-in-Chief of my school newspaper, once said, “you show people what you think of them by what you expect of them.” Brazil, thank you for sharing this wisdom. When I was overwhelmed, these words empowered me.

I remember vividly the day I was sitting in my freshman English seminar at Skidmore College when Professor Susan Kress declared, “there is no life without language!”—words I am grateful to live by and share.

When I was interviewing for my job at LM, the one simple question that mattered to me most came from Dr. Jean McWilliams: “What are you reading?”

And last year, in one of many rich conversations with English teacher Debra Hobbs, she shared a message from Andrew Stanton’s TED Talk: “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.”

Here is what I’ve learned with you…

In a conversation filled with opposing views, criticize the idea, not the person. The word “crag” catches our attention, and “The Eagle” by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a poem worth re-reading.

Mindfulness takes practice; it’s hard not to laugh at first. Return your focus to your breathing. Six-word memoirs are powerful ways to speak your truth, and Haikus are fun when they become fly-kus (a haiku written on the fly).

And here is a bit of what I have learned from you: invite those who disagree with you to coffee. Taking risks fuels your growth. Stay bold—whether tasting escargot in Paris or pushing your proposal for courageous conversations. Synesthesia paints your writing with creativity. Imagery invites your reader into a whole new space. You have the initiative to read each other’s work and give feedback without my involvement. You offer new insights about books I have read over and over again.

As you advance down your own paths, I hope you keep some of these thoughts in mind. As you do, surround yourself with people who bring light to your day. Keep reading; immerse yourself in stories and books; nourish and expand your expressive and creative capacities. Write down the golden lines from the books you read. Here is my favorite from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: “Words are different when they live inside you.”

Matriculation

Athletics

The girls’ crew team admired hardworking senior captains Eva Nates (left) and Minori Cohan (right) throughout the season.

The Merionite

The girls’ crew team had a great season in which many rowers won a variety of medals. The entire team participated in the Stotesbury Regatta this May. Going into nationals being ranked second in the nation, the girls’ placed first in the varsity 4+ race. That boat consisted of senior captains Eva Nates and Minori Cohan, who were joined by Annika Edwards ’19, Morgan Simpson ’18, and Emma Spaeth ’18. They will be travelling to England for the Henley Royal Regatta this summer, which is one of the most prestigious regattas in the world, and thus a huge accomplishment for the team.

A focused Kirk Robinson ’18 handles the ball while looking to make a play.

The girls’ frisbee team had yet another successful season this spring. They began by qualifying for the finals for the first time in April at Radnor’s annual tournament. The team was led by senior captains Bethany Eldridge and Christina Holgado. Senior spirit captain Ariana Bhatia kept positivity in the air. One week later, frisbee won the competitive Watchung Tournament, beating competitors that they had lost to at Radnor. Frisbee finished their season placing second at the annual states tournament in Pittsburgh.

With many successes throughout the season, the team was able to form deep bonds and prepare underclassmen for the future.

Coming back as reigning Central League Champions, the boys’ track and field team had their eyes set on going back-to-back.

After two tough losses during the regular meet season, they came back to win the Central League Championship meet, defeating the eleven other teams in the league. At districts, Romaine Rhoden ’18 defended his title as the District One winner of long jump, and then finished ninth at States. Rhoden was also a part of the 4x100 meter relay that won Districts and took third at States. On the distance side, Joel Herbert ’18 was a part of the 4x800 meter relay that just missed the district qualifying time. The team has an underclassmen group that hopes to continue its Central League winning streak for years to come.

Kerren Matthews ’18 takes a breath during her freestyle race. She has been an integral part of the team for four years.

Romaine Roden ’18 jumps to his second straight District title.

Girls’ swim started their season off strong with continued momentum from beginning to end.

Senior captains including Sophie Roling and Kerren Matthews acted as key members in securing wins against rivals such as Strath Haven and Radnor in regular season meets. This winning season continued on to Centrals and Districts where Roling made districts for the first time in her career. In addition, the team came out with a win at States in the 500 freestyle. Overall, it was an extremely successful season for the team.

After returning from a jazz tour of Italy in June, the Jazz Band was in full swing for their competition season. They competed in seven jazz festivals throughout the winter and early spring and were invited to the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championship because of their displayed talent. There, Jazz Band seniors Emma Straton, Jake Stanger, Mia Hodges, Ben Leese, and Julian Galbraith-Paul helped the group reach high rankings and many awards. The Jazz Band was also given opportunities to perform at Chris’ Jazz Cafe and on Memorial Day weekend at Penn’s Landing. The season came to a close in Suburban Square where the Jazz Band performed one final time.

Everest was a crucial component of Dawgma’s successful season.

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Clubs

Year In Review

This season was a victorious one for boys’ soccer as the team made it all the way to the second round of playoffs.

Although this year was compiled of a majority of junior athletes, seniors Max Shapiro and Sebastian Connelly both received the honor of making first team.

This was a large accomplishment for both the boys and the team as a whole. Their motto was “team together,” which became incredibly apparent this season as the team fell victim to a variety of injuries. Overall, boys’ soccer excelled this season and hope to continue the momentum into next year.

Christina Holgado ’18 (right) defends a handler while Victoria Lee ’18 (left) waits for an upline cut from an oppnent.

June 4, 2018

The Jazz Band’s favorite song was “Fun Time” which is symbolic of their year.

Dawgma was once again able to steamroll their competition. The members created an elevator and unique turning capabilities for their robot, named Everest, using past military coding techniques. During the district championship, the robotics team came in ninth overall and had a record of 128-0. Dawgma traveled to Detroit to compete in the Worlds Robotics Competition.

Seniors Maya Levitan, Malinda Chau, Narin Park, and Sharon Baranov aided the team to place eighth overall out of over 6,000 teams. They ranked first in the autonomics division and outranked many other favorite teams. With a solid group of underclassmen, Dawgma knows that they will see continued achievements in the future.

This year was a historic one for SAGE (Students Advocating for Gender Equality) as they held their first ever social justice conference this past April. Leadership from both Molly Kaiser ’18 and Nikki Simonson ’18 greatly contributed to the success of this year’s conference. In addition, SAGE held weekly meetings led by Kaiser, Simonson and seniors Bethany Eldridge, Kate Harte-McCormick, and Carly Hofferman. The group addressed many prevalent issues regarding the four pillars the club is based upon: female empowerment, LBGTQ+, race, and male ally- SAGE hosted their first ever ship. SAGE gained an abundance of new mem- all-inclusive Speak Your bers this past school year, resulting in meetings Truth conference this year. full of many different perspectives and ideas.

Sebastian Perez-Lopez ’18 (left), Narin Park ’18 (center) and Michael Cheng ’18 (right) at nationals.

This year’s Science Olympiad team was a breakout one for LM. Led by seniors Michael Cheng, Narin Park, and Sebastian Perez-Lopez, the team came in second at the state competition, qualifying for the national competition for the first time in fifteen years. There, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the team finished in fifteenth place. Cheng and Perez-Lopez both became national champions with their first place finish in Experimental Design. The team hopes to return to nationals next year with more continued success.

Throughout this school year, Players showcased the abundance of talent at LM by putting on three different productions. In the musical Hairspray, seniors Lizzie McAlpine and Karl Meyer used their characters to address social issues. In the winter comedy Much Ado About Nothing and the spring drama Yerma, the Players cast, including Project Manager Jake Gurevitch ’18, worked to create abstract and unique sets. Other notable seniors who made Players productions this year such a hit include President Sarah Cohen and Treasurer Liana Massey. Players members are excited for September when they will be- Maia Earl ’21 (left) and Lizzy gin working on their next musical Urinetown. McAlpine ’18 (right) during their performance of Yerma.

Photos courtesy of Romaine Rhoden ’18, Olivia Hughart ’19, Amy Xi ’19, and Penny Glackman

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June 5, 2017

Matriculation The Merionite

Thank you to The Enchiridion for the photos and Chris de Santis ’20 and Sihan Wu ’19 for the graphics.