Merionite December 2022

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929 December 9, 2022

The Merionite

www.themerionite.org

Volume 94, Issue 3

State of the Ace: PIAA Qualifiers Kicking and screaming Gideon Wolf ’24 Sports Editor

This year, LM’s boys’ varsity soccer team had a truly remarkable season. On November 16, they defeated Parkland in the PIAA state semifinal, a scrappy victory which sent the Aces to their first state semifinal in over thirty years.

The game also marked their 23rd win of the season, setting a brand new program record.

However, in order to cap off their nearly perfect season with the state title under their belt, the Aces would have to overcome an extremely formidable adversary, Seneca Valley. Seneca Valley was making their third consecutive state championship appearance and had won it back in 2020. The Raiders dominated their opponents throughout the state playoff, outscoring the competition by nine goals in just three games, so the LM players knew that they would have to conjure a special performance in order to secure the title. Unfortunately for the Aces, they were unable to do so, falling by a shocking score of 6-0. After an unforgettable run, this game was definitely one that both players and fans wish they could forget.

Despite the daunting task ahead of them, the LM student body and the team were confident heading into the game. According to Owen Bress ’24, “We knew our work wasn’t finished yet, but we definitely thought we could finish the job and complete the treble.”

The squad had been playing exceptionally well of late, keeping a clean sheet in the five previous playoff games, and the Friday pep rally had everybody hyped for the big match.

A sizable crowd of both students and parents made the trek out to Mechanicsburg, braving the two hour drive and bitter cold in order to watch their Aces try to take home the trophy.

And at the very beginning, it looked like they might do so. The Aces got off to a promising start, and just over two minutes into the game their efforts were rewarded when Drew Davis ’23 was awarded a penalty kick after being tripped up by the keeper inside the box.

But their chance to grab an early lead was foiled by Seneca Valley’s goalkeeper, who made a strong save on the penalty shot by Sam Nyenka ’23. Seneca Valley dominated the game from this point forward, netting their first goal just ten minutes later. The Raiders quickly added two more, and with five minutes remaining in the first half, the Aces found themselves in a 3-0 hole. Then, with just over three seconds in the half left, Seneca Valley scored a backbreaking fourth goal, crushing any dreams of a miraculous comeback LM fans may have been harboring. In the second half, the deflated Aces side conceded twice more. Despite a couple of promising moments in the offensive half, they were never able to convert, leading to a final score of 6-0. While the Seneca Valley players and fans celebrated jubilantly, LM could do nothing but sit and watch, stunned. Although the Aces could have

undoubtedly played better, their opponent deserves plenty of credit for their dominating performance. In the end, LM’s spectacular season ended with a heartbreaking loss, albeit at the hands of a more than worthy opponent.

Of course, even without the state title, the season was still a great success. Summing up his experience this season, defender Thanos Daniilidis ’23 said, “Even though it wasn’t the finish that we wanted, I think it was a brilliant season, and playing with this team of brothers, for me, was really a great way to end my high school soccer career.” Throughout the regular season the Aces dominated, capturing the Central League crown along the way. The high-powered offense, led by First Team AllCentral League selections Nyenka and Simon Rosen ’23, terrorized opposing defenses across the league (Nyenka was also named Central League MVP). On the other side of the field, the Aces defense was equally, if not more dominant. Goalkeeper Crosby Johnson ’24 excelled in front of the net, and the backline made of experienced upperclassmen (Daniilidis, Mori Rothman ’23, Liam Clifford ’23, and Jude Vaughan ’24) played shutdown defense

all fall. Johnson credited their defensive success to the fact that “our entire defense was always composed, and we worked together to always be in the right place at the right time,” as they conceded just six goals across seventeen regular season matches. Despite a last-minute loss to rival Conestoga, the Aces earned the top overall seed in the district playoffs thanks to their impressive goal differential. LM continued their strong play into the playoffs, making quick work of Hatboro-Horsham and Central Bucks South, before taking down West Chester Henderson in the district semifinal.

Please see KICKING AND SCREAMING on page 22

Setting up success Aine McCann ’24 LM volleyball’s season came to a close on November 12 with a narrow loss to Garnet Valley in state quarterfinals, but the Aces finished with much to celebrate. In addition to their impressive run in states, the Aces were second in the Central League, third in districts, and champions of t he Bishop Shana han Tour nament.

Surprisingly, Aces volleyball wasn’t expecting to have such an extraordinary season. There were evident gaps in the squad, as noted by captain Claire Hamilton ’23: “Coming into this season after losing seven seniors last year, it took a lot of determination to believe in ourselves.” Despite the change, the Aces buckled down in preseason, building confidence by strengthening connections within the team. The team’s positional fluidity began to set them apart from their competition. Hamilton remembers working a lot on “court connections, work-

ing hitters with the setters to get plays down.” Communication was another focus, allowing “the front and back row to be on the same page and work together as one team to push throughout the entirety of a match.”

The Aces also adjusted their mentality, preparing for each game with the same focus and never underestimating the toughness of their opponent. Zoe Brown ’24 credited the team’s coaching staff for encouraging positive mindsets: “They have pushed us to be our best in practice and in games and most of all have taught us how to be mentally strong.” Captain Tianna Stavrianos ’23 noted a shift in mentality, too, saying, “Last year, we were going up against these teams that we thought would be easy, but weren’t. This year we knew what we were going up against.” The team did their best to stay present, not thinking about the postseason and focusing instead on winning the games at hand. “We didn’t have the thought that we would even make it to states, but we pushed ourselves to the limit,” says Stavrianos. This hard work clearly paid off, as the Aces finished the season a combined 22-5-2.

Please see SETTING UP SUCCESS on page 22

Volleyball photos courtesy of Camille Heaton ’24

NEWS

The Johnson Administration: 100 days in The Office What has Dr. Johnson done thus far in his principalship? page 2

FEATURES

Holiday bucket list How to make the most of this season with family and friends page 14

Soccer photos courtesy of Ben Ross

OPINIONS

Letter to the editor: Do you!

STEM teacher Mark Piotrowski acknowledges gender bias in TSA page 6

Letter to Mr. Piotrowski: Do better!

Opinions editors respond to the words of Mr. Piotrowski page 6

SPECIAL FEATURE

What’s on my wishlist

This holiday season, what things are LM students hoping for? pages 12-13

SPORTS

Lifting a community As the weight room switches leadership, how is LM athletics affected? page 23

A&E

Be our guest From scenery designers to musicians to actors, an army came together for the production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast this fall page 11 Graphic by Eliza Liebo ’25/Staff

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The Merionite | Special Feature

December 9, 2022

The Johnson Administration: 100 days in The Office Luke Shepard ’24 News Editor

As students filed through the doors on the first day of school, Dr. Michael Johnson, sporting a cropped LM haircut, greeted students as they entered the school. The year began with not only new staff faces, but minor changes to both LM social and academic life.

Many in the school often are hesitant regarding the policy changes of any new authority figure, yet Johnson has not instituted any major changes. “I think there’s a perception that there have been major policy changes, but there really haven’t been,” finds Johnson. Of the changes in the school, many of these are reinforcement of policies that are listed in the handbook. Instead of changing the handbook, Johnson has reinstituted many policies from prior to the pandemic. Increased attendance checks and more stringent monitoring of students being let out of classes has not constituted policy change, but different administration of those policies has seemed to many like a new rule, considering only one grade at LM has experienced the school prior to the pandemic.

The Discussion

“I don’t expect every student to have a great [relationship] with me personally. My desire is that every student in the building has an adult they feel connected to.”

Outside of the rule changes, much of Dr. Johnson’s first 100 days have been spent getting acquainted with both teachers and the student body. However, some students have expressed frustration at not being able to form a relationship with the new principal. Johnson does believe that he is beginning to foster relationships with many students and spends time during Lunch and Learn along with other student activities trying to connect with any student that he sees in the halls. Even with the desire to create relationships with students, Johnson mentions, “I don’t expect every student to have a great [relationship] with me personally. My desire is that every student in the building has an adult they feel connected to.”

The columns, polls, and quotes are indicative of a select group of teachers and students, not the entire school. Furthermore, all polls and quotes do not represent the opinions of The Merionite.

In the early days of reaching out to the student body, Johnson’s experiences have both confirmed and enhanced his view of LM. When reflecting on the nature of LM, Johnson has found the school culture to be both healthy and impressive. Johnson has found the support for sports teams, attendance of school events, and other school event participation as a “testament to the school culture.” However, Johnson notes a distinction between a school’s culture and its climate. While school culture refers to the values of the school, the attitudes and sentiments on a daily basis are considered part of the school climate. When reflecting on his interactions with the student body to date, Johnson calls the student body “lively with a lot of great energy.”

While he holds overwhelmingly positive opinions of LM students, he did note that improvements can be made among individuals with regards to the school climate. “There are things about the climate we would want to improve on and reflect on and grow on,” yet Dr. Johnson goes on to mention these improvements are not unique to LM, but necessary for any school. He continues to find communication as key to an improved school climate. Expanding on improvement, Dr. Johnson finds, “when people are able to sit and talk through the challenges they are having, there is typically more misunderstanding and more alignment.”

Dr. Johnson finds that the “Aces Nation” chant is just a way for him to provide for a call and response, rather than to copy Harriton’s culture.

Johnson’s opening days have been hallmarked by comments on his Harriton origins, a story students and Johnson himself have repeatedly reflected upon. Even with Johnson’s distinction of his support for LM, elements of Harriton’s school culture are evident. Outside of the installation of the ACES expectations, Dr. Johnson has begun a new chant that calls out, “AC-ES NA-TION!” The prolonged chant, with a drop in tone in the middle, bears a striking similarity in enunciation to Harriton’s “RA-MS PRIDE!”, the chant of the school at many sports events. Yet, Dr. Johnson finds that the “Aces Nation” chant is just a way for him to provide for a call and response, rather than to copy Harriton’s culture.

With new changes, relationships, and prior allegiances, Johnson’s first 100 days have been met with both community receptiveness to Dr. Johnson as a person and hesitation to the changes, regardless of big or small. The time to move forward with policies that will work to establish Dr. Johnson’s reputation will develop in the coming years, yet the initial goals of restaffing the building with teachers and providing for a safe opening have been fulfilled. Dr. Johnson has just begun as LM’s principal, and will move forward to cement his standing in the office and the halls.

Graphics by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | News

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Day of dignity

Seniors skip yet again

Aneeq Osman ’24

Sasha Murray ’24

Every October, the Muslim Students Association partners with an organization called Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to serve the homeless in different cities around America. Islamic Relief, a nonprofit organization, holds events weekly throughout the country. The Philadelphia Islamic Relief event was held on Saturday, October 29 and is widely known as Day of Dignity. This is one of MSA’s most important events of the year because it involves Zakat (charity) which is a pillar of Islam. Day of Dignity gave MSA the opportunity to socialize with people and create new bonds within our community and with the homeless. Four members of the MSA committed to the event and served over 400 homeless people, and they felt it was amazing hearing the stories of people’s lives from different backgrounds.

MSA came to the site around 8am and began to set up tables and unload boxes. There was a line of people wrapped around the street waiting for the gates to open. Before the event started, the main job of MSA members was filling backpacks with coats, sweatshirts, hoodies, pants, underwear, and bathroom essentials. These bags were prepared and later distributed to disabled homeless individuals who were unable to pack the bags themselves. Once the set-up was complete, the gates opened and people obtained what they needed.

There were many stations organized for Day of Dignity that benefited the attendees. On one side of the event, there was a clothing station, and on the other side there were bathroom essentials and lunches which were cooked by volunteers the night before. Another station held a group of doctors who ran stations in order to provide the homeless with health check-ups. For instance, one station included an eye exam where people tried on different reading glasses and got their eyes examined.

Sarem Khan ’24, Blake Gilman ’24, Zach Bader ’24, and Ali Baxter ’25 were all part of the planning that made Day of Dignity successful. This is LM MSA’s second year as a group participating in Day of Dignity and serving the homeless. MSA’s plan is to hold these events frequently throughout the year to make the community a better place.

On October 28 2022, the senior class participated in their first senior skip day. Then, a week later, yet another skip day took place. This tradition is a cherished one and many students spend their whole high school careers looking forward to it. However, there is some controversy surrounding skip days at LM, with both seniors and staff on either side of the issue. Why is such a beloved tradition so contentious?

Compared to other high schools, senior skip days work very differently at LM. While it is typical for schools to have a senior skip day in May or June, LM has multiple throughout the year—this year, LM has already had two in the span of two weeks. Tiffany Kannengieszer who teaches Film and Literature is frustrated with this unusual system, stating that she “completely [understands] seniors wanting to participate, but [finds] the multiple skip days a little excessive especially this early in the year.” Computer science teacher Thomas Swope, also thinks that there are too many skip days; his high school did it very differently compared to LM. “We had one skip day for the year, and it was associated with the year that you graduated—I graduated in ’94 so we skipped the 94th day of school.” On the other hand, senior Lucas Laje believes that the issue is more nuanced, stating that, “some teachers were supportive but some even gave tests on a skip day, this led students that couldn’t skip one day want to skip on a different day one, leading to us having 3 skip days.” Laje believes that it is the responsibility of both the teachers and the students to make an agreement or compromise in order to limit the number of skip days.

Additionally, senior skip days at other schools are used as a time for seniors to spend time together. Joshua Hunnex, a music teacher, has fond memories of going to the shore with his entire senior class, and Kannengieszer recounts that “at previous schools [she has] taught at, the seniors used their skip day to do something as a grade.” On the other hand, skip days at LM are disorganized and spontaneous, with seniors unaware and many using it as a simple excuse to catch up on sleep. This lack of unity, makes attendance on senior skip days inconsistent, with about half of the seniors still showing up to class. For example, senior Amy Huang has not participated in any skip days because she “didn’t feel like skipping was worth the stress of having to make up work later.”

Because many seniors do not participate in skip days, most classes are not affected. For the most part,

Graphic by Julia Zorc ’24/Staff

teachers do not plan their schedules around skip days.

Alan Chen ’24 recalls that even in senior-heavy classes like AP Physics E&M or wind ensemble “we just continue our work as per usual.” Huang agrees; “if a class doesn’t consist of all seniors or if the teacher has already made lesson plans for the following days that cannot be changed… it may be necessary to give the test on a senior skip day.” Hunnex does not avoid giving work on skip days for many reasons: “all of my classes are mixed grade level, it’s too much of a headache to attempt to avoid them, and I know that most of my seniors are usually going to be present anyway.”

Although some teachers like Swope don’t like skip days at LM “because there are too many of them,” it seems that many students still support the idea of senior skip days. Laje participated in the October 28 skip day, and he believes that, “in moderation, they can be a good thing.” Additionally, although Chen’s parents “would most likely not let [him] just skip school,” he wants to participate because “it provides an outlet for any stress or anxiety that the senior year gives.” Nathan Donagi ’24 agrees; he thinks that “seniors deserve some time off, after having to deal with the stress of college applications.”

Although senior skip days are a treasured tradition for many, they have caused tension in the LM community. As Laje succintly puts it, “a disagreement between teachers and students is unfavorable to everyone.”

Welcoming wellness Mia Hail ’23 News Editor

The Environmental Club held a clothing exchange to promote less clothing waste.

November 13 was a difficult, emotional day for members of the LM community, as it marked the one year anniversary of the passing of beloved LM principal Sean Hughes. In an effort to ease the stress and remember Hughes, the following Monday November 14 was a “Wellness Day ‘’ for LM staff and students. No regular classes were held, no work was assigned, and students were given the opportunity to join in a variety of activities hosted by club leaders and teachers. These activities ranged from volleyball clinics, coloring, mediation, and fall foliage walks. Those who elected not to participate in an activity spent class time playing board games, watching movies, or other fun pastimes.

Student Council advisor Sean Capkin mentions his goal behind the organizing this years Wellness Day, “I suggested a Wellness Day to Stroup back in September, I just thought that the staff and senior class especially would be thinking about Hughes and it didn’t seem right for business to go on as usual without recognizing Hughes in some way.”

Ultimately, the day was implemented to reflect on Hughes’ impact and limit any additional stress to an already emotional time. “Giving the opportunity for people to have

Best Buddies hosted a Dance Party in the Gym open to anyone interested.

Music played in the Upper Artium during Wellness Day to promote the positive atmosphere.

Photos by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

a peaceful Sunday night knowing the next day wouldn’t cause any stress, especially given the circumstances, was something that we hope the Wellness Day is able to do” shares Capkin. Many believed that Wellness Day did in fact help their mental well-being. “It gave the opportunity for students to clear their minds, and get a break from the competitive culture LM provides” says junior Noah Barkan.

Liam Gurevitch ’24, agrees “Wellness day was wonderful, I loved it!” Senior Abby Braslow shares a similar sentiment, “For me the opputunity to spend and entire school day not stressing about work or tests relieved a lot of my stress for the rest of the week.” Others, however, remarked that there weren’t enough activities to sign up for, Elia Bonita ’25 mentions “by the time I was signing up, almost all the activities I wanted to do were gone so I was just forced to stay with my classes all day.” Meanwhile, senior Ava Cohen shares, “I chose not to join any activities and used the day to catch up on school work I had to do, so I was grateful for the extra time to do work.” Many shared similar sentiments, believing that there weren’t enough offerings for activities or that they would prefer to catch up on school work. Whether in class or out, Wellness Day provided a much needed break from a stressful Monday. The flexibility of the day allowed every student to use Wellness Day to thier own advantage and spend the day doing what they need to do for their mental health.

Given the difficult circumstances, providing an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on Hughes and the life he brought to the hallways of LM was much needed sentiment.

Ultimately, Capkin feels the day was successful, “For people that engaged in the activities, they really enjoyed it and the feedback I’ve heard is generally positive.”Based on the success of this inaugural Wellness Day, LM students and staff will hopefully be seeing more stress-free days in the future. However it’s important that LM staff and students recognize the cirumstances behind LM ‘s first Wellness Day and remember Hughes as the amazing principal he was.

Photos by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | News

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Electric vehicles: a green future for LMSD Olivia Race ’24 Lower Merion Township has been going green! Ever since Joe Biden approved the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan, the township has worked to bring electric vehicles (EV) and EV infrastructure into the area.

The NEVI plan was signed back in November of 2021, and it was designed to provide grant money to states to build infrastructure for electric vehicles. The main goal of NEVI is to implement more EV infrastructure with a focus on highways and interstates to combat climate change and to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Gas and oil vehicles contribute to 27% of the United States fossil fuel emissions, which makes it the largest greenhouse gas contributor in the country. The vehicle population continues to grow each year and the carbon emission will continue to grow with it. More EV infrastructure allows for more EV’s, therefore limiting the amount of gas cars on the road. Increasing the amount of EV charging sites also decreases the fear of purchasing an EV, because many people fear that the vehicle will die before reaching its final destination. More EV infrastructure eliminates this fear by helping ensure that EV’s are never far from a charging station.

The NEVI plan is providing states with a total of $5 billion, with PA receiving $171.5 million to build EV infrastructure. Under NEVI, different townships and districts can apply for NEVI funding to build EV charging ports—which is exactly what the township has done. In fact, the township is already building one charging port for township use at the Ardmore public safety building, but that is merely the beginning. The plan is to add more charging ports at the public safety building and to also build some at the Koegel Complex in Penn Valley. The township has already applied for $20,000 in grant money to make these projects a reality. But why build so many charging ports if the community doesn’t own any electric cars? The township purchased three electric vehicles for township related use, after applying for $22,500 in grant money, and plans on purchasing more. The relatively new program is still in the trial phase as the township attempts to figure out what purpose the vehicles will serve and where additional EVs will be necessary. As the township gathers more information and develops a more succinct plan, more will be purchased. Once more EVs are purchased, the township will continue to build more EV charging ports and infrastructure.

Pennsylvania’s NEVI plan and the participation of Lower Merion Township is a signficant step for environmental justice. While EVs do release greenhouse gasses due to the electricity required to charge them, the emissions are significantly less than gas-

Graphic by Julia Zorc ’24/Staff

powered vehicles and prove that EVs are a great environmental alternative that cut carbon emissions on the road.

As beneficial as these particular actions toward increased EV infrastructure are to the environment, some unavoidable issues have arisen. Many states worry about their power grid capacity not being able to keep up with the recently expanding EV population.

Other states are concerned with supply shortages and lack of funding for building the necessary infrastructure.

Lower Merion Township has applied for and received grant money, yet the funding given did not cover the total costs for building EV infrastructure and obtaining electric vehicles. This could lead to heavier taxing to afford the supplies and resources needed.

Despite the problems that may arise, many community members have supported building more EV infrastructure. LM is a liberal leaning township, with 62.4% of voters in Montgomery County voting Democrat, and environmental justice is very important to township citizens. After speaking more with LM citizens, the potential downsides to installing EV infrastructure are a concern. However, Jill Altshuler, a resident in the township, said,

“I think installing more EV infrastructure is a great idea for the sake of the environment. If the potential problems are able to be investigated before putting extensive work into this process and are found to be manageable, I think installing more EV infrastructure would be an excellent thing to do.”

Lower Merion Township’s youth feels similarly. LM junior Mia Shiff said, “We’re going to run out of gas one day, so gas vehicles will be out of the picture. Electric vehicles are the future and they and their infrastructure will become a necessity.”

Since NEVI and the township’s participation in EV infrastructure is relatively new, information is subjected to change, and information will continue to grow, providing a clearer path to take as EV infrastructure progresses.

Nonetheless, it seems Lower Merion Township’s future is looking green.

Meet DEI Director Shawanna James-Coles Noah Barkan ’24 Opinions Editor

Photo by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

Noah Barkan ’24 met with James-Coles to find out her plans for LM. From her well framed glasses to welcoming personality, it is clear a new warmth has recently joined the LMSD administrative staff.

Shawanna James-Coles was appointed as the brand new Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director for the 2022-2023 school year. Pulling from her time as a teacher in the Philadelphia School District and a DEI director in the Centennial School District and her current work receiving her doctorate degree from Immaculata University, JamesColes has leaped into the school year with new goals and strides in diversity and inclusion throughout LMSD school communities.

Primarily, James-Coles has stated that her goal this year is to bring together the different aspects of diversity training throughout the district. James-Coles notes that “Lower Merion is doing a lot of great work...you have CREI (in reference to LM’s racial equity club) over here and POWER Scholars (in reference to a program to initiate African-American leadership and cultural celebration at Harriton High School) over here...the question is how do we connect all these dots?” This work, she says, starts with belonging. Initiated in collaboration with LMSD Superintendent Khalid Mumin, the belonging campaign seems to be the central pillar of work in diversity this year.

“We’re talking about breaking the dysfunctional cycle of doing equity work the same way...we can’t keep doing the same things over and over again,” James-Coles urges, “How do we look at it differently? Belonging is that piece.” The concept of belonging seems to be the expansion of what DEI means. It reframes the borders to encompass all people.

Tangibly, James-Coles has worked to break these big issues into administration and staff workshops. She explains that she compares the idea of belonging to a party. “Everyone is invited to Mrs. Coles’ party...and everyone should feel good about

being there.” Whatever music everyone likes, food, dance moves, those are all pieces to building comfortability at her metaphorical party.

“And everyone got there a different way. Some people might have taken a car, others might have walked.”

“Getting everyone on the same page is really important. Everyone has to know what diversity means, what equity means, what inclusion means.”

However, teacher and administrator training is only one part of the puzzle; visibility and student communication seem to encompass the other parts of her work. James-Coles has emphasized the importance of being in schools and speaking with students. Due to her willingness to be interviewed about her history as an administrator and teacher, JamesColes clearly values the importance of student connection. She mentions going and having dinner with a family just to discuss an idea one of her students wanted to initiate around the school. James-Coles describes her trips this year sitting in on classes and roaming the halls, taking time out of her day to help students find their classes, and showing up to diversity events, like EmbrACE which was held last year.

“All of it is the nature of the job,” James-Coles says, but it’s clear it’s a highlight of her day as well.

So what can students do to aid the DEI Director’s work? JamesColes points out that it’s all about being active. Students, James-Coles says, can initiate work to fix problems. From reporting issues to starting up campaigns and events, everyone around the school has a responsibility to work hard to make LM a welcoming environment. It all comes down to mutual trust among LMSD students and administrators.

It is along lines of organization, education, and of course, belonging that James-Coles is hoping to welcome all LMSD community members into her party. LM is excited to see what the new DEI Director has in store for the future.

December 9, 2022 The Merionite

Official newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929 www.themerionite.org Columbia Scholastic Press Assocation Silver Crown 2013 Editors-in-Chief Julia Dubnoff ’23 Angela Ge ’23 Emmi Wu ’23 News Editors Vivian Collins ’24 Mia Hail ’23 Zoe Hassett ’23 Michelle Kelly ’23 Luke Shepard ’24 Opinions Editors Sam Abella ’24 Noah Barkan ’24 Joy Donovan ’23 Madeleine Fiks ’23 Features Editors Ava Cohen ’23 Crosby Johnson ’24 Olivia Lee ’23 Lila Schwartzberg ’24 Arts and Entertainment Editors Dia Ahmad ’23 Sebastian Havira ’23 Siobhan Minerva ’24 Gabby Tepper-Waterman ’23 Sports Editors Shaine Davison ’23 Sarah France ’24 Nathan Grunfeld ’24 Gideon Wolf ’24 Copy Editors Ben Cromer ’24 Jessica Dubin ’23 Lela Miller ’24 Senior Design Editor Ilana Zahavy ’24 Graphics Editors Eliza Liebo ’25 Matilda Szwartz ’25 Julia Zorc ’24 Senior Web Editor Katie Fang ’23 Web Editor Claire Wang ’23 Business Manager Cam Gordon ’23 Eli Gordon ’23 Assistant Business Manager Anna Costantino ’24 Photographers Dylan Elgart ’23 Anika Xi ’23 Social Media and Outreach Dani Itkin-Ofer ’24 Julia Russel ’23 Nolan Shanley ’23 Podcast Editor Amelia Candeub ’26 Advisor Charles Henneberry 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 lettersto the editor.

Letters can be sent via e-mail or dropped off outsideThe 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 Merionite | Opinions

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Editorial: We are LM TSA takes first place in an event at Nationals. The soccer teams are both able to take the Central League Championships.

Players puts on three full-length productions.

We send fifteen kids to Penn. We call it a year.

This is LM. We are, without exaggeration or vanity, a community of excellence. The joke about LM goes that before you graduate you must create at least one club. Being a school which enshrines post-secondary matriculation, this ever-demanding environment and the burnout it creates is simply part of the game. Located in Ardmore not four miles from Philadelphia, LM is uniquely situated between two very different strains of fierce ambition: one against the systems that sandbag disadvantaged students; the other, equally aspirational, towards their offices. Because of this, it could be easily argued that we share the same societally-replicative makeup of Phillyarea public high schools like Upper Darby, Overbrook, and Roxborough. It too could be argued that LM is fundamentally no different from the latter: well-endowed schools like Baldwin, Shipley, and Exeter. Far too often we find our sense of identity clinging to the image of excellence we strive to emulate, but is that really how we’re perceived?

There are many ways in which LM differs from the average Pennsylvania public school.

One of which is having a district with a larger than average Jewish population, leaving LM subject to the ills of antisemitism pervasive to both PA and the country as a whole. This is a truth that most students, even those who

don’t subscribe to the faith or aren’t ethnically Jewish, have had to grapple with and defend. When you go to LM, you learn firsthand how antisemitism can manifest itself in subtlety; specifically, how it veils itself in assumptions of uniform economic status among households. The assumption that we all reside in sprawling mansions and have parents in the 1% is commonplace. Yes, there are kids with these resources at LM; however, this is not every student’s reality. For the 15% of the kids in school everyday who are economically disadvantaged, this distortion of reality can be somewhat alienating.

Additionally, this assumption is disproportionately applied to LM, something that raises red flags. LM is a wealthy district, and our funding as a school is egregious and nationally significant. However, LM isn’t the only affluent public school district on the Main Line.

Oftentimes, these targeted assertions are rooted in antisemitic tropes—namely ones that paint Jewish people as financially manipulative.

This trope has made its way from biblical origins, presenting itself in a multitude of both covert and explicit ways, but the primary association remains with perceived greediness. In the Middle Ages, church leaders associated Jews with Judas, who notoriously betrayed Jesus, in order to portray Jewish people as deceptive and scheming. At the time, working with money was considered a dirty, undesired, sacreligious position. Marginalized Jewish people would then be subjected to or assigned with working in high-interest crediting

roles that Christians were barred from fulfilling. Clearly, this relationship to finance as a career is historically nuanced, something that antisemites capitalize on to create an image of greed. This trope has survived for centuries, and still has implications on Jews today.

Therefore the scrutiny we receive can’t be effectively dismissed with DAWGMA trophies or AP test scores, because it’s not really about the value of the education provided in our buildings, the funding appropriated per-pupil each year, or even the average household income of LM students. However, presuppositions about wealth in LM from neighboring communities like Haverford and Radnor aren’t the worst of it. It was once said to an Opinions editor: “Well, you know how it is in Lower Merion. Those people know how to move money.” It was most extremely evidenced when the basketball team ventured to Haverford High School last year and fans were spit on and called antisemitic slurs. Adding insult to injury was the phone call the next day from their principal regarding the “disgraceful” behavior of LM’s student section.

Yes, we are an affluent community. Yes, we have extremely competitive academics and extracurriculars. But to assume all students share that wealth is inaccurate and plays into centuries of stereotypes.

Thus, the narrative needs to be rewritten.

Unsigned editorials reflect the general opinion of the staff and not the opinion of any single editor.

Articles and letters featured in the Opinions section reflect the viewpoints of individual contributers and not neccesarily those of The Merionite editorial staff.

Honk for Oakwell!

The LM School Board has a lot on its plate right now, from the debate over installing lights on Arnold Field to proposed school start time changes.

However, possibly the most important and impactful issue in our school community is the fate of Oakwell Forest.

For those who have not heard from local news outlets, Oakwell is home to a forest stretching over 13 acres in Villanova near the new Black Rock Middle School.

This isn’t a new issue, since LMSD has been trying to clear Oakwell to build athletic fields for the new middle school since Sam Bergheiser ’25 2018. This was made possible when the district used eminent domain to buy the Oakwell property, which is a process where the government can pay the owner of a property and take their land. The district now plans to start demolishing trees and buildings on the property starting in May 2023. Despite the need for new sports fields, bulldozing Oakwell isn’t the only solution, and it would hardly solve the problem at all.

The site isn’t walkable from the Black Rock campus, so it would require students to take buses to the fields. This system is inefficient, and it would put more pressure on the district’s bus system which, like many others across the country, already has a major shortage of drivers. There, given that buses will be needed to get students to the new fields, a much more environmental and strategic solution would be to bus Black Rock students to either Bala Cynwyd or Welsh Valley Middle School and use both schools’ unused playing fields. This is not a perfect solution, but it beats razing a forest of hundreds of century-old trees and disrupting an active ecosystem.

Additionally, destroying Oakwell is not just an inconvenient option, but also a harmful one. Losing the 500 trees that the district plans to cut down would negatively impact our environment and air quality. According to a study from a Villanova University professor, cutting down the forest would release 15,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air, indubitably a complete environmental disaster. Even though LMSD plans to replace many of these trees, new trees would still take many years to grow to maturity.

Our School Board should have the school community’s best

interest in mind, and that means listening to the people who make up our community. Since LMSD purchased Oakwell, there have been protests organized by the Save Oakwell and Preserve Oakwell organizations outside the administration building. Many LM students have joined these protests and showed the School Board that preserving Oakwell would benefit students as well, since it is a valuable resource to our area and general public.

Every student in the district should have the same opportunities to participate in athletics, and the LM School Board is under pressure to find a solution. Despite this, it’s not worth destroying hundreds of trees in a historic preserve, especially when we need to be working harder than ever to protect the environment from ever-present climate change. Oakwell is an important resource to our area and the health of the environment, and protecting it is the choice that will most benefit our community and its well-being.

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

Correction: Full day K (November Issue, 2022) In the article “Full day K” by Julia Dubnoff ’23, a photo caption read, “LMSD Director of Elementary Education Dr. Jennifer Gaudioso recently spoke to the commmunity about the district’s outlook on full day kindergarten,” The photo subject should have been listed as “Assistant to the Superintendent for District Administration, Megan Shafer.” rather than Dr. Gaudioso.

The Merionite | Opinions

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December 9, 2022

Letter to the editor: Do you!

I grew up in a very patriarchal family. Some readers may be too young to get this reference, but the character Archie Bunker from the sitcom All in the Family very much reminds me of my father. This very popular and sometimes controversial sitcom aired from 1971 to 1979. Archie, like my father, was stubborn, hard headed, misogynistic, often unreasonable, and lacking in empathy. He raised me and my two brothers to hold his same beliefs and perspectives. During my formative years, my father was also my boss. He owned and operated a small family business. As a teenager, I had only ever known male bosses. College changed that.

During my college years I worked under my first female. She was my supervisor for an after school and summer program for children at risk. My initial thought of “Phyllis” was one of doubt. Her credentials didn’t matter to me– she wasn’t a man. I treated her with the utmost respect, but for the first couple days I wasn’t convinced that I could learn anything…from a woman.

I was wrong. Dead wrong. More wrong than I ever knew I could be. Phyllis was a genius. I was amazed by her communication skills, leadership, knowledge, wisdom, and patience. I looked forward to every interaction with her because I knew I would walk away wiser. As a 20-something student, I learned more from her than any education psychology college course.

Because of her, all of the false beliefs and perceptions I learned from my father dissolved into thin air.

Fast forward 28 years. I’ve been an educator for 27 years and a LM club advisor for 22 years. When starting our STEM club many years ago, diversity was one of my initial goals, but I didn’t know how to pursue that goal.

However, I did recruit a female student from one of my classes and I asked her to consider not only joining the club, but also serving as one of its first officers as well.

That first year, “Ryan” was our president in a STEM club of ten members: 9 males and 1 Ryan. Currently,

with 70 members, the male to female ratio is about 2.5 to 1. The officer team gender ratio fluctuates from year to year. Currently there are two male officers and four female officers. I have to be honest–other than recruiting our first president and maybe some posters and Instagram posts about female STEM leaders, I didn’t take any dramatic action to increase equity in gender within the club. I just let it evolve–and it did... I would argue that the most common reason students join a club is an internal passion for a particular activity or sport. It’s not only a student thing–it’s a human thing. You do you. I do me. We do what we like.

All that said, this is where I specifically struggle with the November issue’s “Editorial: gender inequality in extracurriculars” statement that, “The issue is simple: there is very little gender diversity within clubs.” Not only do I not see this as an issue, but I’m not convinced that the author defends the claim. But, I want to hear more. I want to learn more. I want to grow in empathy and understanding. It’s something I learned from Phyllis so many years ago. The author also states that this lack of diversity often leads, “to one gender dominating participation, leadership, and inclusion.” Semantics are important here. “Dominating” gives the impression of oppression and intentional bias–like Archie. But I don’t see it in our club. We may have our problems like all clubs do, but I don’t see an overt effort from any gender to “dominate” any aspects of our club. And, if I’m missing something, I hope it’s pointed out to me.

I find the author’s solution to this “issue” curious too. Assuming the “issue” does have merit, how does the author propose “to hold male students accountable in recognizing misogynistic biases they host and address them head on”? Yikes! I believe that all people should strive

to recognize their biases and hopefully make positive changes. However, I politely encourage the authors to consider how my genuine and life changing gender-leadership epiphany took place: through life experiences. (Thank you, Phyllis). Accusing any gender of bias is a slippery slope, and contrived accountability is very risky. More importantly, a club’s or organization’s demographics do not necessarily indicate or declare bias. Just because a club has more of one gender doesn’t necessarily mean that bias domination is taking place.

Throughout our lives, we will often find ourselves in the minority gender, faith, race, ethnicity, etc.

Being in the minority in any of these groups can be a challenge and feel awkward at times. Furthermore, I’m not convinced that humans transform from their individual bias from being told they are biased. I believe they change from personal experiences–from seeing someone show us how to lead and model how to be an unbiased member of a club.

The final part of the author’s solution states, “as a society works to examine the causes of what might seem like a small-scale issue of student club membership demographics, but has much larger implications.” What are these “larger implications?”

I encourage all LM club officers and members to treat people with dignity and respect.

Be inclusive. Be nice. Be respectful to one another. In a world with many Archies, be a Phyllis. Henry David Thoreau is quoted as saying, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” If you find yourself as a minority in a club, I encourage you to see it as an opportunity to exude confidence, have a positive impact, model inclusion, and “go forth to serve.” It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, but it’s some of the best preparation for life that you can get in high school.

- Mr. Piotrowski A big fan of Servant-Leadership and TSA Advisor

Letter to Mr. Piotrowski: Do better!

In the November issue of The Merionite, the Opinions Editors wrote an article entitled “Editorial: gender inequality in extracurriculars.” First and foremost, we highly recommend all readers read the entirety of that article to fully understand both the criticism and rebuttal. We would also like to clarify that though students in the last article were categorized as female, these experiences of underrepresentation in male-dominated clubs can apply to most misogynyaffected people, regardless of gender identity.

At its core, the letter addresses the question of whether diversity is essential or at all important in creating equitable environments for students along with the methods by which we dismantle biases. While we appreciate the continuation of the discussion and feel debate is necessary for progress, we do object to many of the claims made throughout the letter.

Piotrowski’s point, “just because a club has more of one gender doesn’t necessarily mean that bias domination is taking place,” is important because we need a shared understanding of what demographics can reveal about bias. It is correct that a number on its own can’t reveal the actions nor opinions held by leadership or membership within a club. It is, however, true that demographics can be used to measure the comfort of different groups within an environment. In many cases, the ratios of male to female students in clubs differ from those seen in general school demographics. So the million dollar question is: why? Take STEM and humanities clubs over the years, female students are under-represented in many STEM based clubs, but over-represented in humanities ones. To assume this is because female students have a general disinterest in STEM is wrong. We contend that the reason certain misogyny-affected students are underrepresented is because they aren’t as comfortable in the club—whether this is because of leadership, club culture, or social norms—as their male peers. Whether they present themselves as deterrence from leadership positions, lack of precedent, or deep-seated misogyny: underlying gender norms are the only “bias domination” we are claiming exists. We are not claiming all members of a given STEM club are hateful towards women, merely that the ever-present biases that exist within all of us

can manifest themselves through a lack of gender diversity within many clubs. That is our rationale for using demographics as evidence for our claim. It should be noted that STEM and humanities differences were not the aim of the original editorial, but rather an example of when demographic analysis would be applied.

Piotrowski also refutes our solution for the path forward. Piotrowski urges our staff to “consider how [his] genuine and life changing gender-leadership epiphany took place: through life experiences,” which we have considered. We do believe student’s life experiences can shape them. Within almost all DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) work, the ability for students to recognize role models from marginalized groups is essential (ex. the movement for Black excellence education).

But there is an element of personal responsibility to the non-marginalized.

It is not enough to simply sit back and wait for the privileged to learn the “value” of oppressed individuals. When individuals aren’t pushed to confront their opinions, their bias hurts others. Every action by a male student that makes female students uncomfortable being a part of a STEM environment solely on the basis of their gender identity takes away their experience in that club and, even more importantly, the field altogether. Therefore, it is not enough to rely on experience; education is also a necessary tool. As stated before, this education does not need to be through public shaming or calling someone out directly. However, the more students are exposed to what actions and thought processes are the result of harmful bias, the more they will be able to recognize them in themselves and others. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., known to reference Thoreau; “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

We must all work at educating each other actively, not waiting passively for biases to change on their own.

Another aspect to Piotrowski’s criticism to our solution, although not directly stated as one, lies in his quote: “If you find yourself as a minority in a

club, I encourage you to see it as an opportunity to exude confidence, have a positive impact, model inclusion, and ‘go forth to serve.’” The message presented seems to be that it is the minority group within a club’s responsibility to fix its bias. We believe that every student should always be empowered to self-advocate for what they deserve, but the expectation that students who are constantly disempowered should somehow topple the powers in place while being “positive” is an oxymoronic request. We cannot place the burden onto every single underrepresented student in the name of displacing blame from the real issue–the lack of inclusivity propagated in the club.

Think of it like this: if an oven is broken and keeps burning cookies, is it really fair to demand the cookie dough stops itself from burning? There is a fundamental reason that the oven keeps burning cookies–let’s address that. We also want to establish that it is not merely the minority student’s treatment within a club that identifies the issues with a lack of diversity. We cannot simply accept that girls will be in a minority in various clubs and should therefore make the best use of their time by “going forth to serve” as, now, there is a large group of female students who won’t join Dawgma,TSA, or Science Olympiad because they didn’t feel comfortable in the first place. We cannot forget about them. We must address issues of bias and diversity not just so current members can be successful, but so future young women feel comfortable joining the club in the future. We cannot be complicit with what Piotrowski calls “uncomfortable.”

The dismantling of our collective gender biases are crucial to both tackling these issues head on and understanding that diversity comes with inclusion and people feeling comfortable and welcome in all spaces. We should all be Ryans and Phyllisses, but more importantly, we should all build environments in which Ryans and Phylisses feel comfortable getting where they are in the first place.

Unsigned editorials reflect the general opinion of the Opinions staff and not the opinion of any single editor.

Graphics by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

December 9, 2022

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The Merionite | Opinions

Off the syllabus Politics have rapidly gained their place at the forefront of methods that the most enriching classroom discussions take place. By disconnecting daily lives and communities, subsequently growing heavily people who advocate for policies from the policies themselves, you are eliminating what disputed within the education system. Education and public would most sway the opinion of students, and leaving them to think critically about schooling are inherently political, as are most modern their own views, and how they want to start forming their opinions. You discuss the institutions. Who funds our school system? Who decides ideas and the policies first, and only then should you connect those ideas to politicians. how that funding is allocated? Who chooses the textbooks?

That being said, political beliefs can be shared in a classroom as long as they are It can all be reduced to the simple idea always being discussed. A discussion of this nature would require that politics are no longer limited to the there be logic, reason, and an opportunity for students to refute government itself or elected officials, but or respond to points being made by the teacher, or other students. are rather an integral part of our society.

This is what fosters the kind of environment that allows students to They are dominating establishments that explore their own beliefs as well as the beliefs of others. The ability are difficult to imagine being influenced by to have fact based and relevant discussion of politics in a course in politics. Our education system is growing which it is fitting to do so, falls hand in hand with an educator’s ability more political by the second, and so the to freely talk about political issues without having to fear pushback Aliyah question is posed of whether educafrom administration or parents. That being said, there is a fine line Brownstein ’25 tors should be able to express their own between discussion and lecture, and this is where it is important political views in a classroom setting. to make sure teachers don’t fall short. If the said “discussion” fails to Political neutrality as a teacher is a slippery slope; we all know that include the opportunity for retort, it is no longer a discussion but when politics are on the table of discussion, there is likely some sense rather a politically biased lecture, which is simply not a beneficial Graphic by Julia Zorc ’24/Staff way for students to digest the political opinions of their teacher. of bias influencing what is being said. Arguably, it is almost impossible to truly remain politically neutral when everything has been politicized, even as an By not allowing the educators in our school district, as well as districts around educator. We’ve all heard it from our teachers for years: “I’m not technically allowed to the country to openly discuss their political opinions, we are closing the door to say this, but what I will say is…” or “I’m not really allowed to share my politics, but…” conversations that need to be had. We are allowing teachers to avoid talking about In courses at Lower Merion where politics are central to the curriculum, limiting subjects they deem as “uncomfortable” or “controversial” because just as almost an educator’s ability to “get political” in class is also limiting their ability to teach, everything else, it has been politicized. Through intellectual and respectful debate provoke thoughts, and encourage political discourse. There are ways in which teachers in the classroom, students can learn to interact with those who possess ideas that can share their own political beliefs without “pushing an agenda,” and it is through these differ from their own, as well as grow their ability to participate in political discourse.

Strike or no strike In September, the United States came extremely close Over the summer, railroad workers in many of the unions voted overwhelmingly (someto its first rail strike in thirty years, which was prevented times by as much as 99%) to authorize strike action. However, the President used the only by negotiations between the Presidential Emergency anti-worker Railway Labor Act to enforce a “cooling-off period” before possible strike Board appointed by President Biden, the railroad corpo- action. In other words, counterintuitively buying time for the railroads to conspire a rations, and the rail unions. The tentative agreement they way to head off a strike. Then, less than 24 hours before the strike was set to begin, created was enough to push back a strike deadline that the unions caved in and agreed to the tentative agreement, pushing back any strike was less than 24 hours away, and since then, the workers deadlines far into the future against the will of the workers. The government and the have been deliberating on a deal that the government, railroads breathed a sigh of relief, as their profit margins were safe for the time being. railroads, and unions hope will prevent However, general outrage was the worker’s response, as they a strike altogether. However, things felt they had been sold out by the union apparatus which has been are not going according to plan, and as co-opted and infiltrated by the government and the rail companies. of this writing (November 20), three of The deal offered pay increases but hardly any paid sick days and the twelve rail unions have rejected the made little change to the hellish overscheduling workers face. deal. If any one of them goes on strike, Regardless, President Biden continues to fashion himself as the “most the entire freight rail network will join pro-union president in American history,” celebrating the deal as a Nour in solidarity, grinding at least 30% of all big win. For the railroad companies, who have seen billions in profits Blankinship ’23 cargo transport in the country to a halt, over the pandemic by laying off workers and forcing the rest to worsening supply chain issues, and costing the national economy work insane hours, it is certainly a big win. For workers, who are two billion dollars a day. Because of these apocalyptic forecasts, the having their democratic right to strike threatened, it is anything but. government and railroads are working to stifle industrial action. HowBoth the railroads and the federal government are again sweating Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff as the possible early December strike date approaches. All it ever, it is extremely important that the railroaders be allowed to strike.

These strike threats come with a worldwide wave of industrial action. In Sri takes is one union to shut the whole system down, and subsequently the Lanka, France, the United Kingdom, and numerous other nations around the unions and their railroad puppet-masters are afraid that they will not be able world, workers are fighting both for their right to strike and against living condi- to stop the strike, demanding Congressional intervention. The Labor Secretary tions that are growing intolerable. The United States is no different, though the Marty Walsh of the “most pro-union administration,” said that he expects Congress Biden Administration would like to act as if all is well. Economists are predicting a to break the strike if it happens, like in 1992, when Congress intervened to break recession, and consumer costs are going through the roof. The situation for rail a strike. The workers must resist such anti-democratic action, and we must stand in workers is particularly dire, as they do not get paid sick days and must be on call 24/7. solidarity with them. We cannot allow the government to take away rights so easily.

The problems of prestige LMSD is notorious for excellent academics and high performing students.

Because of this, there is a constant expectation for high SAT scores, seamless GPAs, and a multitude of extracurriculars just to be deemed “a good student.”

My question is: is it all worth it? At LM, even if we have little interest in a subject, there is pressure to take the leap into a challenging advanced Alexa Saler ’25 course for the purpose of flaunting it on our college résumé. One LM student, Bailey Baker ’25, admitted to feeling, “major pressure to do well in class and live up to the teachers’ high expectations.” Upperclassmen feel this same pressure to an even higher degree. Vivian Collins ’24 explained how, “with college applications coming in the near future, I feel a great pressure to make a lasting impression and finish with a strong résumé.”

Throughout LM, students put in arduous work for topics they may not even be passionate about, and are fabricated by the rigorous environment around them.

However, despite the difficulty, one could claim that the large workload of an advanced class models what

it’s like to take a college course, and additionally provides insight into the expectations held for students at that level. Furthermore, it trains the student to be adaptable and flexible. Regardless of these potential benefits, one should not be motivated to take a class solely to impress a school and not to grow oneself intellectually.

In my final question, I asked students new to highlevel classes, “how have your stress levels been since you started taking more advanced courses, and do you feel as though your stress has been impacted by our current learning environment?” Sophie Cohen ’25 reponded, “my stress has been high because of all of the courses that I’m taking and the pressure of being a good, high level student in this learning environment. We are still kids enjoying school, and there is so much more stress than necessary.”

So, is it worth it? On one hand, taking these classes and doing all of these extracurriculars can be very fulfilling for some students. It can also be beneficial for those who want to get into highly esteemed colleges or dive deeper into a subject of interest.

Additionally, participating in extracurriculars can help you make friends and do good for the community.

In recent years especially, colleges and universities have moved towards test optional models and have also begun shifting towards placing more emphasis on students’ GPAs, essays, and extracurriculars.

Because of this change, good grades and higher level courses are now more crucial than ever in the college

admissions process. In correspondence with this, LM’s environment makes students drown in overwhelming amounts of pressure just to be “perfect students.”

While arguments can be made on either side of this polarizing debate, student input seems to be clear; there is too much pressure put on students in LM. These overly extreme, ultra-productivity focused values that always echo throughout the halls of LM crush creativity and general interest of individual students. The goal of life should not be to dive into every topic that will make you look good on paper, but rather to pursue our true interests and the well-being of our community. Yet this is the difficult environment we are forced into. We are still kids after all.

Graphic by Julia Zorc ’24/Staff

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The Merionite | Opinions

December 9, 2022

Capitol Hill’s clock When October comes to an end and the chill in the air arises, most US citizens reluctantly get ready to change their clocks and “fall back” into our standard, instead of the nationally-administered daylight savings time.

Currently hotly contested, many individuals are now arguing for the end to the annual time change. If you relate to this, you are not alone. According to YouGovAmerica, “Nearly two-thirds of Americans want to stop shifting their clocks twice a year, according to polls.” Standard time, which usually lasts from early November to March, is not only seen as annoying, but has research backing it saying that this annual practice is in fact impractical.

Gaining “back” an hour harms our communities on a fundamental level. Researchers have found that by extending Hannah Cohen ’25 evening daylight hours, as we do in the spring, crime rates actually go down. Furthermore, implications of this policy can affect individuals’ wellbeing. Even though the one hour shift seems slim, it has severe effects on our society’s mental and physical health. Changing sleep patterns, even by one hour, goes against a person’s natural circadian rhythms. During the week after we “fall back,” there is a 24% higher risk of heart attacks, increasing injuries, including a 6% spike in fatal car accidents, and a 8% spike in the stroke rate. Similarly, the change in sleep schedules can have various effects on many individual’s mental health. The most common disorder pertaining to the switch is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year. The most common treatment for this happens to be light therapy, which would be unnecessary if there was still sunlight present outside.

It is a common misconception that most farers are in favor of

our clocks making this turnover in early November. This cannot be further from the truth. In fact, the agriculture industry lobbied against changing daylight savings times in 1918, when the U.S. first started changing the time. The change was initially put in place as a way to save on energy consumption, especially as our stock markets went down and the Great Depression arose. Now, however, this outdated act does not pertain to our country. As of today, two states, Hawaii and Arizona, already observe a permanent, year round clock, with more states looking to make the change in the near future. At least nineteen states in recent years have passed resolutions or enacted laws that would allow them to impose year-round daylight saving time. However, this can only become real if Congress approves legislation to put a stop to the biannual time changes. It is heavily debated in Congress as some argue that tradition should stay, while others are open minded to this new convenience.

On March 15, the US Senate passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” as a promising step in the right direction. This act was in favor of keeping daylight savings times and seeked to stop clock changes. Eric Suni, a writer for Sleep Foundation, states that “While the Sunshine Protection Act still requires approval by the House and President Biden to become law, the bill could mean major shifts in our clocks, daylight exposure, and sleep. As of November, however, the House had not discussed or voted on the bill since the Senate passage.” As of now, many citizens who have run out of patience on this subject matter are trying to speed up this lengthy process. As Representative Frank Pallone, D-N.J., chairman of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce said,“We haven’t been able to find consensus in the House on this yet. There are a broad variety of opinions about whether to keep the status quo, to move to a permanent time, and if so, what time that should be.” There has been a recent upping in petitions, committees, and even multiple protests in hope of obtaining a society with no clock change, where we can all boost our serotonin levels.

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

Bye-bye miss American pie Imagine you and four of your friends are getting pizza, with barely enough cash for a single pie. You vote on what to order, either pepperoni or plain. The five of you vote, and the results are clear: three for pepperoni and two for plain. But what should be a simple vote soon spirals into a fiery inferno where democracy goes to die.

Your friend, advocating for plain pizza, handles the matter very differently. He claims the three of Alistair you at your Browning ’26 table are sitting closer together, and should thus have their voting power reduced.

He states that merely it’s what the founding fathers intended, and that bloated, urban tables like theirs control the pizza industry, leaving smaller table’s like his trampled in their wake.

Now here’s the truth, this story wasn’t about pizza at all. It was about the Electoral College, a system whose ramifications sweep far beyond pizza, into every fissure of democracy in America. It determines how much your voice matters, with someone in a rural state like Wyoming having nearly four times the political power as a Californian. Americans often laud democracy as their nation’s shining virtue, but until we have a system that truly embodies those values, we’ll be praising a farce. Our society’s changed since 1787, let’s change with it.

These problems are exacerbated by the “winner-takes-all” structure the elec-

toral college is built around. Maybe you’re running for president and you managed to pull 49.9 percent of the vote in a state. Not too shabby, right? Think again. Under the electoral college, a state’s winner reaps all the rewards, and every single vote goes to them. Additionally, this means that if you’re part of a political minority in your state, your vote is rendered worthless. In contrast, a popular vote allows the representation of everyone’s vote, regardless of where their state may fall politically. Ultimately, this means that our current system allows a few swing states to control the entire presidential election, something the electoral college is meant to guard against.

Proponents of the electoral college suggest that this institution is necessary, as it accommodates for the differing interests and desires of individual states. And while that argument does hold merit, it’s important to recognize that the country we live in today is a far cry from the US in its founding years. From the advent of the first phone, all the way to the internet today, our world has grown increasingly interconnected. This advancement in communication has led to an astonishing ability to share and receive information, creating a world in which talking to your friend a thousand miles away is as easy as your next door neighbor. With the absence of the old geographical boundaries that used to divide us, we enter an era of increasing national cohesion, and if we want to create a system that truly acknowledges every voice, then we’re going to have to move beyond the past.

Think it’s time for a change? You’re not alone. Research now shows that 61% of Americans support abolishing the electoral college, with jurisdictions across the nation already proposing policy against it. A new horizon awaits our governance, all you have to do is take a slice.

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Opinions | Political Review

9

Independent irrelevant Facing extremism and political division of late, many individuals have assumed a purge of all beliefs and practices they consider “divisive.” The fear of rejection, whether it be from angry conservatives or angry progressives, has pushed many voters to reject the concept of partisanship and have instead settled on trusting their “intuition,” putting their vote up for any candidate who appeals to their belief set. In short, they register as independent voters.

Over 14.5% of PA voters are registered as independent, amassing 1.3 million individuals state wide (www.paindependents.org). Independent voters–widely different but not without overlap of third party voters–are individuals not affiliated Noah Barkan ’24 with any party with widely differing beliefs. Many Opinions Editor independent voter organizations tout their growth in popularity. Political mobility organization Independent Pennsylvanians, state, “More Americans are registering outside the two major parties because they want to get away from the extreme partisanship and political corruption that dominates the political process.” They go on to state they are independents because they “have to do something about partisanship and the domination of the political process by the special interests.” This view seems to be emulated by the numerous independently registered voters I’ve spoken with as well. This take on American politics and the solution to them is, however, is fundamentally flawed at its most basic and fundamental claim.

The primary assumption made by these assertions is, first, that by registering as an independent voter, individuals no longer “have to” let their morals be defined by party lines and, second, by doing so, they are helping to amend the polarizing views, whether too extreme or too moderate, of the office holders.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that Pennsylvania is one of the nine states that have a closed primary system meaning the ability to vote in the primary election is based on one’s registrations status. Independently registered voters in Pennsylvania therefore forfeit the ability to vote in the election that determines the candidate up for election for either party. To

address the first point, many independent voters prescribe to, by registering as a Republican or Democrat it is not stating that all of your morals are aligned with an individual party nor that every action taken by a party is what you might have done. It is simply asserting that you have an opinion you believe is worth pursuing about the candidate up for election in either party. The second point mentioned, that independent registration addresses polarization or any other contested view held by a party, is also incorrect by the same token. Your vote casted in a primary election will shape the candidate and face of a given party for that seat. Think the Republicans are too extremist? Vote a more moderate candidate into the election. Think the Democrats are weak moderates? Vote for a more progressive candidate. Throughout the past six years, individuals seem to ask themselves again and again, why the heck was Trump chosen to represent the Republican party back in 2016? Why was Biden in 2020? The answer seems simple–that 14.5% who voluntarily opted out of primary elections in PA. It is not to say that a mountain of issues don’t exist within our system today.

Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and election denying all have irrefutable harms. But the solution is not to surrender our vote to choose candidates we think will address those issues. It is not to say both parties don’t have a long way to go and that polarization in the US is extremely damaging–especially along party lines. But individuals must start to take autonomy over their own democracy.

Rather than throwing their hands up and stating the parties better work to get their somehow more coveted independent vote, we must fight in whatever way we can to mold a party better to our liking. However, much we try to opt ourselves out of the political divides by claiming no party represents us, someone will vote in that primary election. Someone will vote for an extremist Democrat and RepubliGraphic by Eliza Liebo ’25/Staff can and you will be left with the repercussions.

2022 Midterm review The 2022 midterms took place on November 8, and they were certainly a midterm to remember. But contrary to predictions, they were not a startling rebuke of the incumbent party. Rather, they served as warnings to both sides, or indeed, every side. I write the previous sentence because America is clearly heading towards the end of an outdated, at best suffocating, at worst democConnor racy imperling, two party Kleinman ’24 system. Or at the very least the two party system as we know it. The two party system has been on the ropes since the late 1980’s when Reagan’s conservative policies began to accelerate northern, Liberal, Republicans assimilation to the democratic party, while southern, Conservative, Dixiecrats joined the Republicans. This created a system where both parties generally considered themselves closer politi-cally to those of their own party, rather than any of the perceived “moderates’’ of their former party.

The midterm elections of 2022 were a rebuke to Biden. Sure, Democrats can point to a potentially expanded Senate majority, pending the Georgia runoff election. And Democrats can also point to an extremely close result in the House of Representatives. But overall, as with many midterms, the President’s party proved unpopular. Yet, the Republicans who won clearly differentiate themselves from those who lost. For example, in Georgia, an election affirming Republican easily won re-election over would-be rising star Stacy Abrams. But in the Georgia Senate race, incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock won a plurality of the vote against election denying Herschel Walker. This clearly indicates that a sizable portion of

Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff

Republicans split their ballots, with some estimates pointing to nearly one-in-ten Republicans having done so. In Maryland and Massachusetts, Republicans nominated election deniers who were blown out by their Democratic opponents, flipping two governors races. Far-right Republicans also got swept in Arizona, with the governor, secretary of state, and Senate races being won by Democrats. In Michigan, incumbent democrat Gretchen Whitmer trounced election denying Tudor Dixon, while in neighboring Ohio, election affirming Republican incumbent Mike DeWine crushed his Democratic opponent. The pattern is clear. Election denialists lost big in key swing states around the nation, greatly harming former president Trump’s efforts to overturn any potential loss in 2024.

Democrats had their own fair share of nominees who were clearly too far out of the mainstream. In Oregon, Democrats narrowly won the governor’s race in what is usually a very blue state, and lost a house district when a progressive bested the incumbent moderate Democrat in the primary. In Wisconsin, it seems that Republican Senator Ron Johnson tied Mandela Barnes to his previous support for the “defund the police’’ movement, effectively portraying him as a radical en route to a tight victory (the margin is within one percent). Perhaps the greatest winner of the 2022 midterms however, is the Republican incumbent Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. DeSantis annihilated his Democratic opponent, winning nearly 60% of the vote and likely removing the possibility of Florida electing a Democrat statewide for decades. He won traditionally blue counties in the state, including Miami-Dade, the most populous county in the state. Additionally, he did this while winning over many Latinos at the same time as he paid private companies to fly migrants from the border to “sanctuary cities,” including Philadelphia. When Trump announced his attempt at a political comeback, a return to the presidency, he did so while slamming potential primary opponents such as DeSantis or a

similarly Trumpist-without-the-Trump Glenn Youngkin.

Altogether, Democrats and Republicans both have major issues to address before 2024. For the Democrats, it is making sure that voters of color don’t feel ignored or taken for granted by a party that almost exclusively won their votes in the 2010’s. For the Republicans, it is increasingly about determining how close to Trump they want to be tied. In my opinion, any policies of Trump, especially concerning diversity of thought or action, are antithetical to American Democracy. Trump launched an attack on the Capitol by whipping his followers up into a frenzy, and will no doubt attempt to launch something similar again should he lose as the Republican nominee. Trump has a history of claiming that elections he loses are fraudulent, beginning with the Iowa primary in 2016, and of course most notably in 2020. Trump is arguably the greatest threat to American Democracy, greater even than foreign adversaries such as Russia. Trump, when announcing his run to once again be president, laid out the bare bones of a horrifying platform. One that would eliminate mailin voting, while also creating new laws to suppress voters, especially voters of color. He mused about implementing the death penalty on those caught with drugs, and contemplated putting his opponents in jail. Trump lashed out at the “fake news” and the “fake polls.” Polls that were remarkably accurate up until the last week of the campaign, when Republican polls rapidly pushed the expectations for Republicans skyward. Trump also hinted at his plans to crack down on those who would inevitably protest against a would-be second Trump administration. A second Trump administration would be more focused on revenge than policy, as evidenced by Trump’s fixation on the 2020 election, which he continues to deny that he lost.

Thus, the midterms, while certainly a loss for Democrats in the house, was also a warning to Republicans looking towards 2024. Extremism in an attack on liberty is a vice, and moderation in the pursuit of safety is a virtue.

The Merionite | Arts & Entertainment

10 On November 4 at midnight, Joji released his third studio album, SMITHEREENS. It has been over two years since his second studio album Nectar, which was received with mixed reviews.

Nectar was disliked by many fans for abandoning much of the roots Joji had before in lofi, instead replacing it with a mainstream pop style. However, SMITHEREENS was highly anticipated since the single release of “Glimpse of Us” this past June. The single went on to become a platinum record, raising the hopes that Joji would release an album lined with hits.

The hopes of fans came true with Joji soaring into the top fifty charts for both US and Global on Spotify. At the peak of popularity, the album had all of its songs on the charts. But, the album was only nine songs. Although it disappointed many, the short length could be seen as a benefit, since his previous albums were dragged down by songs with little musical creativity.

The most popular song besides “Glimpse of Us” is “Die For You” which brings back some classic

Joji sounds while also staying relatively mainstream. Joji pulls on the heart strings and memories of his listeners with depressing lyrics that sound of heartbreak. “Die For You” is a perfect example of that style, with lyrics depicting someone spending all their time thinking of a breakup, but knowing that they were not good enough for the person that they love.

Over the years, Joji has been fighting both mental illnesses and neurological conditions. He is quite private about his life, but has been vocal in the past about being stressed by his work – being a popular youtuber – to the point of having seizures. He avoids talking about YouTube, almost as if he is ashamed of his past. Many of his songs contain depressing lyrics; the struggles he writes about are the many problems that made his audience fall in love with his music.

Joji’s audience is far and wide, reaching all over the world, even his hometown of Okasaka, Japan.

Many Asians are proud to claim Joji as one of their own. Representation is important and the record label

he is a part of gives that chance to many artists. The label, 88rising, is an amazing group of artists and managers working together to specifically help Asian artists thrive.

However, many fans believe that 88rising is hindering the creativity of Joji in exchange for more hit songs. During the early years of Joji, he was producing and writing all of his music. Over time, others began producing and writing his music. The most notable change of production being his earlier mentioned album, Nectar, which was thought to be less of Joji’s style and more generic pop.

There are leaks online of what fans call “Lost Nectar,” which contain many scrapped songs. A similarity with those songs is that they have the lofi sounds and darker lyrics that originally created Joji’s fame.

SMITHEREENS wasn’t entirely written and produced by Joji, but it is the album that marks his largest break into the mainstream. This leaves fans with the question of, “What will Joji do next, embrace his style or trade it all away for the approval of the mainstream?”

December 9, 2022

SMITHEREENS Ethan Quan ’25

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

Midnights Nolan Shanley ’23 Taylor Swift has broken the internet. Once again. The pop icon’s tenth studio album officially returns to the genre she left and explores a beloved topic: how she is perceived by the media, her enemies, her lover, and herself.

Reflection, not reinvention, is the theme of Midnights. The record-breaking album contains thirteen tracks which all portray “a journey through terrors and sweet dreams.”

“Lavender Haze” || As Swift said in a video prior to the album release, the track explores her relationship with Joe Alwyn. The track includes sweet singing and harmonies with iconic lyrics, all over an electric, futuristic thumping beat.

“Maroon” || Just as you thought Taylor Swift only sees love in Red, but ten years after its release, that Red is now turning “Maroon.” Swift sings, “And I chose you/ The one I was dancing with / In New York, no shoes.” The Swifties know where she was dancing shoeless: the 2016 Met Gala with Tom Hiddleston. But let’s not talk about it.

“Anti-Hero” || After the release of “Blank Space,” Taylor Swift has clarified her awareness of the media’s portrayal of herself as a villain, or in other words: the “Anti-Hero.” The lead single analyzes her insecurities, narcissism, and problems. Although she claims herself “the monster on the hill,” her altruism always triumphs.

“Snow On The Beach” (feat. Lana Del Rey) || The long-awaited collaboration has finally arrived. “The song is about falling in love with someone at the same time as they’re falling in love with you” expressed Swift on the track. With perfect production and breathtaking vocals by two talented women, the collaboration was worth the wait.

“You’re On Your Own, Kid” || By alarming everyone of her struggles and insecurities from previous eras, Swift has formed her deepest, darkest “track five”

yet. The song follows the philosophy of being on your own and the fear that comes with it, but discovering the light at the end of the tunnel and the strength to overcome it. “Everything you lose is a step you take.”

“Midnight Rain” || Arguably a fan favorite, “Midnight Rain” has drawn a significant amount of attention due to the anticipated question: who is this song really about? Taylor Lautner? Harry Styles? Tom Hiddleston?

Unfortunately, this question remains unanswered. As the song contains great lyrics and production, Swifties will listen to the song regardless of who it’s about.

“Question...?” || Highlighted as one of the best songs on the album, “Question...?” narrates an entire relationship in a few minutes.

Taylor Swift explores the doubtfulness and anxiety in a relationship she once had.

This track holds the album’s “experimental song” spot, and I think I can speak on everyone’s behalf when I say that the experiment demonstrated huge success for T-Swizzle.

“Vigilante Shit” || Any enemy of Taylor Swift better hide. She is no longer holding back, as she preaches “lately I’ve been dressing for revenge.” It is confirmed that this is the revenge anthem of the decade.

If I’m being honest, I envision myself stirring up the pot to this song. But since I’m in my “nice era,” I cannot do that. I’m passing the crown to Taylor Swift.

“Bejeweled” || A common theme in Midnights is

reflecting on fake ex-boyfriends and highlighting her real love: Joe Alwyn. Broken down from previous breakups, Swift is consistently building herself back up, “polishing up real nice.” Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but diamonds are the last thing Taylor Swift needs to portray beauty, magnificence, and perfection.

“Labyrinth” || Chills and tears are the two things I experienced listening to “Labyrinth” for the first time. The song explores the fear of falling in love again due to the opinion of others. Swift normalizes fear and anxiety over good things—something we all experience at times. Sure, she’s falling in love again, but this time, it’s different.

“Karma” || Based on “Karma,” Taylor Swift has two boyfriends: Joe Alwyn and Karma. This song highlights a full-circle moment—if she couldn’t end her enemies, Karma will. We see it now with Kanye West’s public controversies, Scooter Braun’s cheating scandal, and John Mayer’s declining music career, to name a few. If there’s one thing you should remember from reading this article, it’s to never mess with Taylor Swift. Like ever.

“Sweet Nothing” || After many revengeful breakup songs, “Sweet Nothing” gives first-time listeners whiplash.

Not to be cheesy, but the song is the sweetest, lovey song on the album. This song portrays love in its purest form.

It seems as though Joe Alwyn is going nowhere. And good, because they are a real representation of “true love.”

“Mastermind” || Through all of the craziness in her life, her lover will always love her. After the growth and development throughout multiple sleepless nights during her career, she can now rest as she finally found someone who truly loves her and has built a legacy that no one else can achieve but the mastermind herself: Taylor Swift.

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

Blue Rev Izzy Chapman ’24

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

Just as the acclaimed Canadian alternative rock band Alvvays began to make significant progress on their third full-length album, a burglar broke into singersongwriter Molly Rankin’s apartment and stole tapes of demos containing new songs. The loss of the demos proved a potent obstacle for the band, whose upcoming album had already experienced delays from the pandemic and the relentless touring that preceded it.

Half a decade passed between the release of their sophomore album Antisocialites in September of 2017 and that of Blue Rev in October of 2022. Seasons changed, a pandemic affected millions across the globe, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, I moved twice, and through it all, Alvvays released no new music. I worked incessantly to fight off the growing fear that a new album might never come.

Blue Rev–the band’s third album–is its strongest to date, honing the group’s signature lush, sprawling melodies against a grunge backdrop. Alvvays hail from Charlottetown, the capital city of the relatively remote Prince Edward Island, just off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The band’s distinct background informs the songs on Blue Rev (whose title stems from the drink Rankin still associates with her childhood there), encompassing feelings of longing, regret, and anger pent up beneath propulsive guitars. Songwriter Molly Rankin cited short story author Alice Munro as a crucial inspiration, noting

her ability to say “more with less” and to “knock the wind out of you in a very short period of time,” something she characterized as her ultimate goal as a songwriter.

Each song off of Blue Rev feels as though it could stand as a short story, not only through the specific, evocative lyrics, but also through the alternating calm then rush of sound that distinguish each song from the next. Lead single and album opener “Pharmacist” builds up to a rush of distortion, capturing the bittersweet nostalgia of the narrator’s return home. The palpable energy of consecutive “Easy On Your Own?” reflects a burning plea to escape the endless loop of “crawling in monochromatic hallways” and “dream[ing] about burning down all day.” It illustrates days marred in loneliness and restlessness that manifest themselves in the form of a simple but nagging question of whether things will ever get easier. A similar sense of impatience and yearning becomes cathartic on “Bored In Bristol,” while “Pomeranian Spinster” follows its dog-loving, people-agnostic protagonist in a whirl of noise and vivacity to a similar theme of entrapment in some inescapable cycle of “taking your foot off the break.”

Alvvays’ Blue Rev loses nothing from its delay.

The album is consistent and evocative, designed to be played at top volume with headphones while waiting in traffic on the bus. The album infuses hope, magic, and emotion into mundane frustration and regret.

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Arts & Entertainnment

11

Behind the scenes: an inside look at tech week Sommara Shah ’26 For most of us, it is easy to watch a musical and be entertained, but not many people think about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Here at LM, Players put on an amazing performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This production took a lot of time and effort, especially during tech week. For those who don’t know, tech is held the week, or in this case, weeks, before the performances debut. The cast and crew run rehearsals after school and on weekends (seven hours at a time on average), often in full costume. Those hours can be a mixed bag of tedium and gaiety both; as Anusha Vyas ’23 puts it, “The hours are long, but I get to spend time with all my friends. We have a good time.”

Performing is a real balancing act: thespians have to sing, dance, act, and remember complicated lines, all at the same time. Tech week is a lot of multitasking both onstage and off; it is easy to become overwhelmed outside of the theater as well. “It’s quite exhausting, especially staying on top of school work and sleep,” noted Aspen Steinhart ’26. But the best part, at least according to Rose Warren ’25, is watching the show come together: “I think the cast and the company and everyone involved has worked really hard, and that it’s

going to pay off.” Aelen Gallagher ’25 agreed: “The actors looked and sounded amazing, it was truly impresive.”

As Aelen pointed out, no show, particularly a musical of this magnitude, could involve the actors alone. In addition to actors, Players is made up of crews that manage publicity, scenery, lighting and sound (also known as electrics), hair, makeup, and costumes.

“It can be pretty chaotic, but it’s all in good fun. We get work done, we get the set done,” said Claire Messam ’23 from Scenery. Additionally, Players is grateful to have an in-house student orchestra. This talented hardworking group is affectionately know as “Shorc.”

Ari Schwadron ’25 summed up the controlled chaos and occasional bursts of euphoria of the lengthy rehearsals by describing it as “Long hours, lots of work, but lots of enjoyment and satisfaction.” The tech process concluded with a few dress rehearsals (a more refined version of tech) and a series of shows—similar to dress rehearsals, but, of course, with an audience. On behalf of Players, I hope that evyerone enjoyed seeing the culmination of all of our efforts. The entire crew and cast put their blood, sweat and tears into each and every practice, and have enjoyed every second of it!

The stage crew works to create breathtaking and transformative sets and backdrops to the performance.

Photos courtesy of Dylan Silberman ’25

Be our guest Lela Miller ’24 Copy Editor From November 17th to 20th, LM Players put on an impressive production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Over the course of many months, the LM Players worked hours on end to make this show a reality, and this effort was extremely evident in the final product. The classic musical was enhanced by stellar acting, gorgeous costumes, breathtaking sets, comical relief and majestic special effects.

While the majority of the characters within the show produced an incredible performance, a couple of actors stood out as perfectly cast. Cid Miller ’24 played Lumiere, nailing down the French accent, expressive facial expressions, and smooth nature of the beloved character. Their stage presence was incredible, and even while dancing, they continued to embody Lumiere. Kendall Johnson ’23 also put on a show-stopping performance as Belle. She said participating in “Players has been my favorite part of my high school experience. There is nothing like being able to do the thing I love with the people I love everyday.” Her confidence and love for acting was evident on stage, and Belle’s many solos featured her incredible singing ability.

Particularly in the song “A Change in Me,” her voice was sweet and clear, much like what we’d expect Belle as a character to sound like. The cast all together created some stand out moments, my favorite of which was the song “Be Our Guest.” The dancing and energy was very fun in this song, and the performance was seamless.

While the acting engaged me in the show, what really stood out to impress me was all of the work that had been put into the set, props, costumes, lighting, and music. Simply by looking at the stage, you could see the intricacies of everything that had been built for the show. The set of Belle’s hometown included a creatively crafted full-sized fountain, with sparkling streamers protruding from in the center.

This created the illusion of water. This element and the carefully detailed set pieces

Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff

of buildings in the town were painted carefully and clearly well thought out. During the scenes in the castle, I was blown away by the scale of the set that was built. An entire second floor, complete with a staircase, banister, and intricate paint detailing was created. The props were also extremely well thought-out and impressive.

In particular, the “machine” Belle’s father, Maurice, invented was complete with a hand-crank, smoke, and so many little parts. As for the costumes, most made by hand, they were all designed wand executed to perfection. Belle’s classic yellow gown was especially stunning, including a hoop skirt, shiny fabric, and gorgeous details.

The aspect that almost made me forget I was watching a high school play, and really made everything feel professional, were the special effects and lighting showcased throughout the musical. During the castle scenes, stunning chandeliers were lowered down gracefully from the ceiling, and fairy lights were suspended during the dance scene between Belle and the Beast. All of these created a gorgeous, romantic mood for the scenes it was appropriate for. During suspenseful scenes such as within the woods, and the Beast’s near-death encounter, the dimmed lighting and intense smoke special effects elevated the impact of the moment. Marco Ziccardi ’25, the Master Electrician, said he was “really proud of the Electrics Crew and how hard they worked.”

Finally, the classic music from this beloved musical was played beautifully by the mostly student orchestra performing in the pit. Adina Olson ’24, a cellist in the show orchestra, described learning hours and “over a hundred pages of music.”

The culmination of the work from the many students in the many departments that put this show together resulted in a fantastic experience as an audience member.

It was very cool to see so many different talents of the student body put together to create an impressive production that surpassed the expectation of many viewers.

This is Players’ first auditorium production since 2019. All other shows have been held in the Blackbox theatre.

Photos courtesy of Dylan Silberman ’25

The Merionite |

12 | December 9, 2022

*** wishlist items are response from students on instagram

A significant other

Winter break A Squishmellow

A Costco membership

With the holidays appro a lot that LM stude this

What’s wishl

By: Tillie Szwartz ‘25

Graphics

Ugg slippers

Pickles

An A in math class

To sweep regionals

Special Feature

December 9, 2022 | 13

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A pet fish

oaching quickly, there’s ents are wishing for year.

on my list...

5 and Eliza Liebo ‘25

Taylor Swift concert tickets

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Nolan Shanley

Merionite merch ;)

14

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Features

Holiday bucket list Maya Zada ’26 Have you started your holiday bucket list? Do you need some ideas? Here are ten fun, creative, and festive activities you should consider adding to your list to enjoy this holiday season: 1. Holiday movie marathon: What better way to spend time with your loved ones than by snuggling on the couch and watching a holiday film…or ten. There is something for everyone to enjoy no matter your taste.

2. Bake cookies: to go hand and hand with your movie marathon, bake Christmas cookies this holiday season to fill your home with smells and tastes the whole family will appreciate.

3. Build snowmen: Take advantage of the snow and create a cute snowman for yourself.

4. Decorate your home: ‘Tis the season to deck the halls! Decorating your home can help add some festive cheer. Whether you like traditional decorations or something more unconventional, ideas are everywhere.

5. Go sledding: Sledding down a snow-covered hill is an iconic winter activity for all ages to enjoy.

6. Wear matching holiday PJs: Round up some friends and wear your favorite matching pajama pants!

How do I stop procrastinating? It’s become an enormous struggle to just start doing homework, or cleaning, or really anything considered a “chore.”

Something we have found that helps with procrastination is getting rid of anything that distracts you.

Whether that be putting your phone away, deleting Tik Tok, or moving to a quiet place, keeping districtions out of your sight can help tremendously.

I keep stubbing my toes. What should I do?

So frustrating! Maybe try to wear slippers around the house, or just pay more attention to where you are walking.

How

do

I

balance

school

and

sports?

This can be super hard! Try to use all of your free time to do school work, like frees, and lunch. And if you have to miss a practice in order to catch up on work don’t stress, just explain to your coach the situation, I am sure they will understand.

Afterall, you are a student-athlete not an athlete-student.

My english teacher hates me. What should I do?

The easiest solution to this problem is to kissup to them! Don’t give them even the smallest reason to hate you and if they still do then it might call for some confrontation. Good luck!

I’ve really fallen behind in my work and am really stressed about it. Is there anything I can do to make it less overwhelming?

Yes, don’t stress! A good way to catch up on your work is to dedicate a weekend to just doing school work. Yes this may be frustrating to give up your few days off, but it will benefit your mental health in the long run and prevent work from piling up.

I’m taking the SAT in a couple days, and I’m planning to manifest a high score. Which type of crystal will have the best effect on my score?

While none of us are crystal specialists, the smoky quartz helps with concentration, so maybe try that!

My teacher took my phone and computer away because I was watching the world cup in his class. He then proceeded to call my parents but they didn’t pick up...what do I do?

Ah, classic. First try apologizing to your teacher and make it sincere.

And next time, make sure to have the tab that you are supposed to be working on open on your computer so you can quickly switch it when your teacher walks by.

7. Make gingerbread houses: The fun of building a gingerbread house over the holidays is unmatched. They are enjoyable to construct and may be enjoyed all during the holiday season.

8. Secret Santa: A fun way to give and receive gifts from loved ones, colleagues, and coworkers!

9. Drink hot cocoa: A perfect way to stay warm this holiday season while also enjoying a yummy treat.

10. Be merry! Have a wonderful holiday and make sure to check these off of your bucket list!

Whimsical winter activities Ella Hoffman ’25

During winter, outdoor activities come to an end and it is challenging to find fun things to do during the day. The temperature has begun to drop and now more than ever people are looking for ways to stay busy and entertained. Some things that I have found that have helped me are baking, giving back to the community and white elephant gift exchanges.

Making desserts is a good way to spend an afternoon and allows you to make something delicious for people. Whenever I make any type of treat I will bring it to lunch the next day and share it with my friends. There are hundreds of recipes to choose from that range in difficulty. There are also so many desserts specific to the holiday season that can help you celebrate.

Another fun holiday activity is a white elephant gift exchange. The way this works is pretty simple and easy to do. Step one is finding a group of people to do it with. The people in the group create a wish list with a price limit of whatever the group decides on. Once this is done all of the names go in a container and participants pick peoples names. The name you pick is who you are getting a gift for! It is a nice way for people to meet up and hang out while giving and receiving a gift.

Lastly, a rewarding and super creative activity is making cards as gifts for others. A card can go a long way and can make someone smile. Online there are so many examples of card ideas and designs to draw on them. There are many homeless shelters and hospitals that will accept the cards and give them to patients or people in the shelters. Another place to give cards is the Ronald McDonald house, a place where families stay while their child is getting treated in the hospital. Giving others a holiday card can help make their day and raise their spirits. Hope you find this list of and craft ideas useful this holiday season!

The Merionte staff rates Starbucks holiday specials Snowman Cookie: Mia Hail ’23, “2/10. It was bland, over baked, and was overall a huge let down.”

Peppermint Mocha: Julia Dubnoff ’23, “5/10. Great twice a year, but after that they become too sweet.”

Plum Danish: Noah Barkan ’24, “1/10. This is not good in my opinion. It tasted like chemicals if I am being honest, and all of the plum and cheese came out so it was just a piece of bread.”

Iced Sugar Almond Milk Latte: Jess Dubin ’23, “2/10. Too sweet. It was more like vanilla milk, not coffee.”

Caramel Brulée Latte: Noah Barkan ’24, “10/10. My go-to. It tastes exactly the same as the Chestnut Praline Latte, but that is more coffee while the Brulée is more like a frappuccino.”

Toasted White Mocha Frappuccino: Noah Barkan ’24, “ 7/10. If you are looking for an alternative for the Peppermint Mocha that is a little less of an undertaking, go for ththis drinnk.”

Iced Chestnut Praline: Noah Barkan ’24, “8/10. I really like this drink. It tastes a little less like cinnamon than the Dulce De Leche instead it tastes a little bit more seasonal.”

Cranberry Bliss Bar: Noah Barkan ’24, “10/10. If you are going to get something, get the Bliss Bar.” Reindeer Cake Pop: Noah Barkan ’24, “6/10. Whimsical. Similar to the Owl Cake Pop but more fun.”

Irish Cream Cold Brew: Ava Cohen ’23, “2/10. Awful. Way too bitter, and left a bad taste in my mouth.”

Graphic by Eliza Leibo ‘25/staff

Graphic by Emmi Wu ’23/Staff

Graphic by Calleigh Newbert ’26

The Merionite | Features

December 9, 2022

15

Winter solstice

Terrific travel Joy Rao ’25

James Korin ’24

December is often considered the most festive month, filled with celebra Whether you enjoy the balmy atmosphere of a beach or the crisp cold tions and joy. Holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah typically own the spotlight. of a ski resort, there are a multitude of places that could be the perHowever, there is a deep history behind the month of December and what makes fect match for you during ther winter holidays. Grab a map, locate these it so significant. In particular, the winter solstice is the root of many present vacation sites, and perhaps you’ll finish with a destination in mind. day celebrations and a plethora of ancient ones as well. For a variety of differIf you love the awe-striking charm of the approaching winter holidays, ent cultures, the winter solstice is a momentous day, representing death and be sure to check out New York City, New York, where a winter wonderland new life. It takes place on December 21, 2022 in the northern hemisphere, commences annually. Located only a nap-lengthy drive away from home, the the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Afterwards, the merry spirits of the city explode after Thanksgiving passes. The days only get longer, representing the rebirth of the sun. various attractions can be explored well before Christmas, The Incas celebrated the sun god Inti on the solstice. as the replete options are sure to keep you busy for Known as Inti Raymi, this celebration involved large more than a day. Some highlights to check out feasts and gatherings. The Incas sacrificed animals include the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller to Inti in sacred temples, and in honor of the Center, the ice skating rinks and markets sun, they lit fires using its rays. However, scattered throughout the city, and the following Spain’s arrival in South Ameriexquisite light displays in the neigborca, they banned Inti Raymi. Neverthehoood Dyker Heights. Furthermore, less, the holiday was revived in the there is plenty of live entertaintwentieth century, and many people ment that is accessible and popuin Peru celebrate it today, though lar, with the most unforgettable on the southern hemisphere’s being the Radio City Christmas winter solstice, June 22, 2022.

Spectacular by the Rockettes.

Across the globe in ScandinaThough these suggestions are via, the primary celebration is sure to leave an impression Yule. Often the term Yule is on any sightseers, this by used to describe the Christmas no means is the limit to the holiday, but they are actually holiday attractions—both very different. Similar to Inti within New York and not.

Raymi, Yule observes the rebirth Searching for someof the sun. Christians adopted where chilly, but less many of the jovial traditions extravagant? No problem! like caroling and drinking when Visit a limitless number of Christianity was spread to the ski resorts, such as those British Isles. The Yule Log was located in the Pocono Mounalso incorporated into the Christtain s , s n o w y C o l o r a d o , o r mas holiday. Originally, it was sigVe r m o n t . F i n d y o u r s e l f a nificant to the celebration of Yule. breathlessly booked day of flyFathers and sons gathered large logs ing down snowy slopes, or if and trees to burn while they feasted, that isn’t up your alley, a cozy sometimes lasting upwards of one week. day by the hearth. You can enjoy Yuletide was a period of love and sharing. far more than winter sports at ski One of the first celebrations of the winter resorts–there are plenty of promissolstice took place in Ancient Rome, known as ing nearby restaurants, markets, and Saturnalia. This holiday was observed in honor similar activities. Ski resorts are a perfect of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, and way to make the best of the snowy season. its customs bear a striking resemblance to those of On the other hand, winter may not be your Christmas. During Saturnalia, businesses and courts favorite season. If this is true for you, there are plenty were closed, as well as schools. Romans decorated their of other options too. Instead, escape the cold to a pleashomes with wreaths and dressed in colorful, adorned ant climate, where spring and summer are a year-round reality.

Consider cities within the bounds of the United States, such as Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff clothing. Latin classes at LM celebrate Saturnalia annually.

Again, the theme of light was represented by the gifting of waxed canFlorida and California, where you can celebrate less frosty winter holidays, dles called cerei. Without even realizing, many people today paror farther areas like Puerto Rico. You may also take interest in even farther ticipate in the traditions of Saturnalia during their own celebrations. vacation sites, which include Cancun, Mexico, or Chile, where the buds of The jolly atmosphere that surrounds the winter solstice can be summer are just beginning to take root. Though the seasons may limit your traced all over the world. Across many religions, each solstice holiday activities at home, you can find your toasty wishes granted in a warmer region. includes common themes of sharing, light, and celebration. Although the solThough there are an endless number of spectacular winter (or sumstice occurs exactly halfway through the winter, it marks the return of the sun, mery) locations to explore, these highlights may inspire your will to bringing hope and cheer. During this time, take a moment to reflect on the past truly tour—or even research your other ideas. Let your holiday seaso your future brightens as well, and enjoy the festivities that the period brings. son be filled with the relaxing attractions of a journey to a vacation home!

Gift giving guide Alexa Saler ’25 Hanukkah, the winter solstice, Christmas, and Kwanza. These unforgettable holidays are all right around the corner, and the building excitement and anticipation is uncontrollable. Activities such as listening to holiday music, watching festive shows and movies, and eating delicious food are all staples of the holiday season. Althou g h t h e s e f a c t o r s a r e h i g h l y e n j o y e d , the most beloved of all holiday traditions—especially because it draws the attention of children—is an activi t y t h a t b r i n g s j u b i l a t i o n , m e m o r i e s , and long lasting souveneirs to the joyous time: gift giving. Whether it be with family, friends, or significant others, receiving and giving gifts are praised among all holiday activities and contribute to the incredible uniqueness of the holiday season.

Without further due, here is a list of trending gift ideas that can put a smile on anyone’s face: 1. Monthly Book Subscriptions: With the rise of authors like Colleen Hoover, there has been a growing number of readers in our generation, deeming reading one of the best ways to stay entertained. Consequentlty, getting one of your closest friends or family members a monthly book subscription would not only be very thoughtful, but would also be a gift that keeps on giving. Additionally, it’s a very affordable and accessible way of gift giving.

2. Vinyls: Whether you love listening to music on a record player or want to decorate your room with your favorite albums, vinyls are the perfect gift. Gifting vinyls provides a way to either kick-start some-

one’s new vinyl collection or add to an already started collection. From personal experience, vinyls are super enjoyable to collect but they can also be very pricey. However, the additional cost will be worth it when the person receiving the vinyl starts glowing with excitement. Gifting someone vinyl is not only very thoughtful but a good way to purchase a nice present that is very functional.

Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff

3. Makeup: Throughout many different time periods, especially since social media has become more popular, makeup trends have evolved constantly over the years and have been a unique way of express yourself. Makeup can be a great gift for both people who use it everyday and those who just prefer to have something on. Right now, cream blushes,

lip stains, and lip glosses have been all over the media and are a very sought after look. Gifting someone these items will not only be very practical, but can be essential to their everyday routine.

4. Jackets: With winter right around the corner, jackets are a must buy to keep warm and look cute for this late fall and winter season. You can find cute jackets almost anywhere, and there are very affordable options as well. If you are looking for a more affordable jacket as well as a sustainable option, I suggest the brands Nordstrom and Macy’s. They have both online stores that give incredible clothing options that are perfect for gift giving. If you are looking to splurge, I suggest you look to Carhart.

5. Candles: During the holiday season, candles are an essential item. Whether it’s scented pumpkin spice, vanilla, or any other preferred variation, they are a perfect gift that can be enjoyed by any receiver. Scented candles are also a great way to relax during this winter and stay festive throughout. There is nothing like the cozy comfort of a candle. Some candles I recommend are ones from any Target or convenience store.

I hope this gives you some ideas on what to buy your recipient to truly make it the most wonderful time of the year. Gift giving is a beloved activity shared among many people, so preparing yourself early is the best way to ensure you give the best gifts. If this list wasn’t what you were looking for, I suggest going on Pinterest as well as TikTok for more inspiration. I hope that everyone has an amazing holiday season!

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Features

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New year, new resolutions Lila Anafi ’24 and Danielle Gesser Sapir ’24

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. One should never overestimate the importance of an attainable goal. That’s why we, along with a friend knowledgeable in the industry, have assembled this list of resolutions to help you choose from. Whether you decide to focus on your health and diet, time management, or interpersonal relationships, there’s something for everyone.

HEALTH AND DIET 1.Eat one of the little balls from the foosball tables for a nice boost in zinc lev- 2. Learn how to create crop circles because art is meant to be shared with the community. els. 2.Lick the lead paint off your walls for a sugar-free treat!

3.Save money on eyeliner by becoming iron-deficient to get the little white PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT stipe under your eye! No makeup necessary.

1. Finally learn how to open a door. You’re in high school, it’s about time you learned how to carry out this basic life skill.

TIME MANAGEMENT 1. Time travel back to 2012 to the end of the world as per the Mayan 2.Overcome your paralyzing fear of soap to take your first shower in over a calendar. It makes a good science fair project. Besides, we all know the decade!

Mayans were not wrong about anything.

2. Finish the amazing Merionite article you signed up to write becasue that is due COMMUNITY SERVICE 1. Pour salt into local freshwater streams. With higher salinity the protists today. It is important to keep up with your number one priority! don’t have to pump their contractile vesicles as much, thus they get more ATP to spend on other cellular functions. Be nice to protists.

HOBBIES 1. Give up summoning Satan. He’s sick and tired of you and has better things to 2. Serve butchered “lamb” with the pentagram engraved into its flank at a soup kitchen. Yum! do with his time. Maybe have a nice dinner with your family instead.

Whichever resolution you make this new year, remember to keep it attainable!

Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff

Holiday hoorah!

Amina Sajadi ’26

After eleven months of waiting, the long-anticipated holiday season is finally here!

Whether you choose to spend your time with famly and friends or by yourself, there are so many popular events around the LM community that are perfect for the holidays. Many of these events bring the holiday spirit to our school community and the environment around us. Here is a list of five events you may want to attend!

1. Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff

cifically The Wanamaker Building, which contains the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world! It is a spectacular light performance that attracts over 175,000 visitors a year and where more than 100,000 lights illuminate the holiday scene.

Other popular light shows in Philadelphia include City Hall’s Deck The Hall, and the Electrical Spectacle in Franklin Square. There are also more amazing holiday attractions just outside Philly in Peddler’s village, Longwood Gardens, and Shady Brook Farm.

To start off, we have the iconic Philadelphia Christmas Village. It is an annual outdoor holiday market held at the famous LOVE park. On November 19 to December 24 from 11am to 7pm, the Christmas Village will be adorned with festive decorations and over forty local booths that are meant to represent a German Christmas market. From carnival rides to the beloved holiday vendors, this authentic Germanstyled village offers so many amazing attractions and it is a must-see location for people who want to experience the feel of a traditional European Christmas market.

4. Holiday parades

2. Ice skating

5. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Next, we have The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park, and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, both located in Philly. Ice skating is so much fun and is a very popular activity among many teenagers, especially during the holidays. These skating rinks are a great choice for people who want to just have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit. All the Christmas decorations and the remarkable view of the Delaware River transform Philly’s Waterfront into a winter wonderland. Also, if skating is not your thing, you can still have a good time since there are plenty of other holiday festivities at The Winterfest RiverRink such as boardwalk attractions and cozy cabins.

Philadelphia’s Holiday Parade is a fun holiday event with festive floats, holiday music, marching bands, and much more. The parade celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and New Year’s Day all together. Along the 1.4 mile route, there will be huge celebrations with many different decorations based on the variety of cultural backgrounds in Philadelphia. This local holiday event is ideal for someone who enjoys big celebrations with loud music, incredible decorations and unifying cultures.

The Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most prominent classical ballets in history and the performance at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia is nothing short of perfect. This breathtaking ballet is composed of talented ballet dancers, stunning sets and stage backdrops, and most importantly, exquisite choreography. To complete this masterpiece, the Philadelphia Orchestra does a fantastic job playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, The Nutcracker. The Philadelphia Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker from December 9 to December 28 so make sure to get your tickets soon!

No matter what...get out this season!

3. Light shows

For the longest time, light shows such as the Macy’s Light Show have been one of the most popular holiday traditions in Philadelphia and other places nearby. The Macy’s Light Show is held in one of Philadelphia’s National Historic Landmarks, spe-

These were only some of the local holiday festivities around our community here at LM and if none of the things on this list grabbed your attention, there are still many other events nearby that you may enjoy. So go out, bring your friends and family, and most importantly, make sure to have lots of fun with the ones around you!

The holiday classics Avery Ender ’24

The holidays are coming up, and what better way to spend Thanksgiving and winter break than watching Christmas movies? So, cozy up with a blanket and some snacks and get ready to read about five of my personal favorite and most popular holiday movies.

Starting off with a classic: Home Alone. This is probably one of the most well-known holiday movies there out there, and that gives it automatic iconic-ness points. !"#$% !"#$% &'"($% &'()*% "(+% ",% *-"'+% ./0''&.'% *-0*% &'()*% 0.*10//2% *-0*% 3""45% !"#$% &'"($% &'% 36+0*7%% It’s got everything! Well, mostly comedy, but who doesn’t need a little comedy while being stuck at home with their families?

Up next we have How The Grinch Stole Christmas, another ultimate classic. A heartless green monster trying to “steal” Christmas? A little girl who shows him how to love? Jim Carrey? Incredible! Not a winter goes by without watching this movie. It’s colorful, fun, and heartwarming, everything you need in a Christmas movie.

This next one might be a little controversial, but it also happens to be my favorite, and that is Iron Man 3. I argue that this is a Christmas movie because the whole plot revolves around Tony Stark trying to save Christmas from a sinister villain, the Mandarin. There is gift-giving in

the form of a giant bunny, and throughout much of the movie, there’s snow and holiday cheer! Think about it, if Die Hard can be considered a holiday movie, so can Iron Man 3.

8,% 2"1% (++4% 0(2% 9"6+% ."(:&(.&(3$% *-+6+)'% "(+% /&(+% #-+6+% ;"(2% '02'$% <=.6+#% &*$% &*)'% >-6&'*90'$?% 0(4% *-+6+)'% @/+(*2% 9"6+%% -"/&402% 6+,+6+(.+'% *-6"13-"1*% *-+% 9":&+7% While we’re talking about Marvel, I also have to mention Hawkeye (even though it’s a series and not a movie). There can be no debate surrounding whether or not this is a Christmas mustwatch. It’s the classic story of a hard-working father trying to get back to his family for the holidays. Another one of my favorites, not just because I am a Marvel fan. If you have some extra time this holiday, give Hawkeye a binge!

Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas! I barely even need to explain this one. It’s one of Disney’s best original movies. A mother-daughter duo getting stranded while the rest of the family is in Palm Springs visiting the in-laws.

Not only is it funny, it is also a sweet story of the relationship between a mother and her daughter.

Instead of going outside all bundled up Graphic by Ilana Zahavy ’24/Staff and freezing your hands, sit inside and enjoy a movie or two with some snacks–even if it is considered a nontraditional film!

The Merionite

December 9, 2022

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The Merionite | Comics

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December 9, 2022

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A boy’s mom and siblings are killed in an attack, he’s then kidnapped and has to try to find his way home.

A boy is ecstatic to go to a legally questionable boarding school.

A historical film of characters trying to bring an infant home while simultaneously plotting behind each others’ back.

A cult leader adopts a bunch of orphans in hopes of exploiting them but then he goes through some character development.

A bookworm developes stockholm’s syndrome.

The best case scenario of a rat infestation…

An uncle gaslights his nephew into thinking he killed his own father.

A sadistic child captures two people and they escape with the help of the other victims.

The characters were actually all just in her head.

A little girl travels to a parallel universe and is then held hostage by her own parents.

A city with an energy crisis, after a scare and a change in management, finds an alternate source of energy.

Mother who protects son from bullying gets locked up, the son messes up while on the job and is humiliated by his coworkers until he discovers a special talent.

A boy wins the lottery through a stellar marketing scheme.

Games By angela Ge ’23 and Emmi Wu ’23 Editors-in-chief

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Words must be 3+ letters, have the center letter, and only contain letters in the honeycomb.

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The Merionite | Arts & Entertainment

December 9, 2022

Blanchett’s blanket of success Sebastian Havira ’23 Arts & Entertainment Editor Every year, the prestigious Venice Film Festival is held to carefully honor various cinematic works. They do their best to judge based on skill level and performance. It has a significant role in recognizing artists and their abilities to construct and tell a story, additionally according to Euro News it proves to be a “track record for premiering future Oscar contenders.”- a statement that I value and agree with.

On September 10, Cate Blanchett won her second Volpi Cup at the prestigious Venice Film Festival - which was impressive. She received an eight minute standing ovation for her performance in the provocative psychologial drama, Tár. Unhurried and strong, Todd Field’s story about a renowned music composer who gradually declines into a poor mental state received positive reviews for its screenplay and performance by the cast. Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia Tár proves once again that the actress can embody any fictional character. Being a two-time Academy Award winning actress, she is constantly regarded as “one of the finest actresses of her generation,” and I truly agree with this.

Recently, I had the pleasure of watching Notes on a Scandal, which stars Academy Award winning actress Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. The plot follows Dench who plays Barbara Covet, a veteran teacher who befriends the young and beautiful Sheba Hart, a woman

with questionable morals, has just been offered a job at Barbara’s high school. Throughout their friendship, Barbara discovers that Sheba is in the middle of a pedophelic affair with a fifteen-year-old student, Steven Connolly. Despite the clear moral issue, she reassures her that the secret is safe, as long as she agrees to her terms.

Similar to Tár, the film features topics such as illicit love, subtle violence, and psychological manipulation. I hated Blanchett, but at the same time I was tempted to sympathize with her knowing that the only way for her to feel important was by being with this boy. Notes on a Scandal was manipulative, but isn’t every other superb performance? Blanchett earned her third ever Oscar nomination as the emotionally unstable Sheba, which was as equally impressive as it was well deserved. After 2007, Blanchett contiued her acting career and eventually won her second Academy Award for Best Leading Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine, which is widely accalaimed as an iconic cinematic classic.

Undoubtedly, Blanchett will be nominated for her seventh Oscar this year. I’ve come to the conclusion that wherever Cate Blanchett is, there is success and a well-crafted story. I am confident that Blanchett will not only be nominated for an Academy Award, but will win Best Actress in a Leading Role. Though this year’s candidates that qualify for the prestigious award are competitive, I have not a single doubt in my mind that Blanchett will reach the stage and achieve the award.

Go watch TV girl!

Graphic by Eliza Liebo’25/staff

Alexa Saler ’25

Every year on the last Thursday of November, we celebrate the true conclusion of autumn: Thanksgiving. Delicious food along with friends and family help create this joyous and warm commemoration about gratitude, establishing Thanksgiving as the best way to close out fall.

Many people begin to for this holiday by baking spicy pumpkin treats and gather their recipes for the big meal I believe that the best Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/staff way to get ready for this highly anticipated holiday is to rewatch every one of my favorite nostalgic Thanksgiving episodes. We always hear about the Christmas and Halloween television shows and movies, but in my opinion, the best and most underrated holiday episodes are always the Thanksgiving ones. Whenever I do my yearly Thanksgiving episode binge, I always rewatch the 1990’s sitcom Friends specials.

Friends was and still is a classic American television sitcom show. Additionally, their Thanksgiving special features were, most definitely, some of the most memorable episodes in the series, specifically, my favorite seasonal episode: season three, episode nine, “The One with the Football.” This episode features the main characters at a park playing tackle football, which is hilarious to watch. Their “turkey bowl” was filled with arguments, jokes, and subtle violence; all the perfect combination to make this episode hilarious and a great watch for the Thanksgiving season.

Another great Thanksgiving episode in the sitcom, which features Brad Pitt, is called “The One with the Rumor,” which was season eight, episode nine. This episode showcases Brad Pitt as a highschool friend of Monica (Courtney Cox) and Ross (David Schwimmer) joining them for Thanksgiving dinner. In this episode we learn that Brad Pitt’s character and Ross started a Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) Hate Club in highschool. This stirred much drama and made the episode immensely comical.

Growing up, it was essential for me to watch these episodes before the holiday which is why I think it’s a must watch for everyone celebrating Thanksgiving. Along with those two American classics, my other top pick for nostalgic Thanksgiving television episodes is in the generational hit drama, Gossip Girl. This episode, “The Treasure of Serena Madre’’ (season three, episode eleven),. Whether it be cheating, lying, or family problems, this episode shows everyone leaving their meal one by one, with hit 2000’s pop artist Jason Derulo’s “What You Say” in the background of course. This controversy-filled episode along with the recognizable song has become an absolute staple on my Thanksgiving watch list, and one of my favorite episodes of all time. These iconic episodes, along with the crispy fall ambience, make this day relaxing and fun. I hope that you have an amazing Thanksgiving and watch some television!

Wakanda without it’s king Hadia Ahmad ’23 Arts & Entertainment Editor

The film industry seems to be on the path to revitalization. It’s a year highlighting horror movies, Marvel superheroes, CGI, and colorful animation. Looking more closely at Marvel, they seem to have cinematically shifted from meaningful dialogue to corny humor along with overwritten plots.

I hated The Eternals (2021) and couldn’t stand Thor: Love and Thunder (2022); Despite this growing hatred for Marvel, I still decided to give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) a chance—and I loved it.

The release of Black Panther (2018) was very talked about. It was one of the first movies about people of color, specifically Black people, that had an original and layered plot—rather than just retelling the same tales of suffering. Superhero films are among the most popular films ever created, so to have a predominantly Black cast was seen as inspirtation and revolutionary.

Even the director, Ryan Coogler, is a Black man.

Personally, I’m tired of seeing movies regarding race or with predominantly minority casts having a white director.

Black Panther was a nice change of pace. The movie didn’t dodge the topic of race, however, it focused on it creatively and analytically. In my opinion, it’s one of the few good Marvel movies in the last decade besides Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: End Game (2019), and their take on Spiderman (2017-2021).

The soundtrack had some of my favorite artists such as SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd. Movies these days tend to focus on despair, but when I walked out of the theater as “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and Sza was playing, this hopeful and cool feeling washed over me. The main character, T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), captured the attention of many. Seen as charismatic, attractive, talented—many predicted he would grow into one of the most successful actors of our generation.

Sadly, Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28, 2020 of colon cancer. Many reflected on his career, and how it would have progressed. Many grieved him as a person, as he inspired

them to achieve their dreams. As more time went by, many even questioned if the Black Panther franchise would continue, and who would take on his role of T’Challa. It was revealed that their newest film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would focus on T’Challa’s mother.

I won’t lie—this movie felt a little overwritten. It’s hard to articulate exactly what I mean, but there were scenes where it felt like the characters were multiplying and the plot layered awkwardly. In summary, it was about the Queen (played by Angela Bassett), Shuri (played by Letitia Wright), and other chracters, trying to protect Wakanda in reponse to T’challa’s death. They needed to join forces with Nakia (played by Lupita) and Everett Ross (played by Martin Freeman) in order to set Wakanda on a better path. There was a lot of pressure for it to highlight Boseman’s legacy, so I can easily admit that it was enjoyable. Lupita, who plays Nakia, is slowly becoming one of my favorite actors of the decade. How she expresses emotion in her acting is visually captivating and engrossing, causing me to get sucked into the motives of the character. Many people think of a tomboy when you say “strong female character,” but Lupita embodies both strength and femininity.

More on the movie itself, I admire the way the Coogler uses color in order to push forward a story. I tend to gravitate towards movies with well-developed color palletes, as it simply adds to the expereince and the feeling that “you’re actually there.” Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) makes use of bright colors in order to vividly capture a moment, a fight scene, or even a short dialogue. I wish all Marvel films were like this—but instead, they give funding to Gaurdians of The Galaxy.

The soundtrack did not disappoint—with accalimed artists such as Tems, Rihanna, and Pinkpatheress. I often tend to lean towards movies with well produced and catchy soundtracks.

If I had to give the movie a rating, I’d say it was a 4/5, which is higher than the average of 3.8/5 on websites such as Letterboxd.

I’m excited to see how this franchise expands, and I hope Lupita’s career advances into something memorable in the following years.

Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/staff

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Arts & Entertainment

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Hello, homecoming highlights!

Siobhan Minerva ’24 Arts & Entertainement Editor Short or long dress? Sneakers or heels?

Jacket or vest? These are just a couple questions that might have come into your mind when deciding what to wear for this year’s homecoming. Homecoming is a semiformal event which is why it leaves so many questions in the air. Traditional homecoming attire includes khaki pants, button up shirts, and short dresses, but this frame can be interpreted in many different ways. This year’s homecoming showcased these traditional elements and trends of the season, along with some style risk takers making their mark. When scanning the crowds at this year’s homecoming, there was a clear reflection of today’s current fashion trends. In the past, the majority of girls would show up in nude or black single strap medium heels. Although, with the recent reintroduction of platform shoes, many people lookPhoto courtesy of Kaelin Edge ’23 ing to stand out showed up in chunky loafers or boots. Celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Olivia Seniors Robbie Bierck and Rodrigo and Emma Chamberlain have played a Kaelin Edge met up before major role in the reemergence of this trend. homecoming to take pictures.

Another popular shoe that juxtaposed the otherwise formal attire were Chuck 70’s. During the 90’s, the trend of wearing sneakers with a dress and athleisure as fashion emerged. This practical and distinctive style is one that has proven its longevity. In the end, opting for a chunky loafer or a sneaker appeared to be a popular trend over the casual heel as a stylistic choice, and it was more comfortable on the dance floor. As for the dresses, simple and elegant was a common theme. Most people got their dresses from mainstream brands such as Zara, Aritzia, and Nordstrom. Popular silhouettes included short tight dresses with angular cut outs. Interesting fabrics were also seen, such as silk and suede. Although a simple silk black dress is a safe option, it became a bit redundant. Similarly, attire for many of the guys was more of the same.

For the majority, a pair of khaki pants, a plain white button up, and tie was the outfit of choice. The only variation seen was between vests or jackets and ties or no ties. Overall, it was clear that conformity was prioritized over creativity. Opposed to those who

decided to conform to the masses, individuals who took on retro silhouettes or thrifted fashion really stood out. Outfits that were clearly thrifted were particularly eye-catching. A lace mini dress from the 80’s is much more memorable than a fast fashion cotton piece from Princess Polly. This sustainable fashion appeared aesthetically pleasing and unique.Further, another interesting element was the incorporation of statement jewelry pieces.Whether it was a vintage gold piece or an eye catching oversized heart pendant, these adornments really made otherwise simple assemblies stand out. The fashion at this year’s homecoming was nothing earth shattering on the majority. It was more of the same fast fashion dresses and simple khaki pants.

Although, those who did make an effort to differentiate themselves with unique pieces really made an impact and left an impression that will be hard to forget in the future.

Photo courtesy of Avery Bickell ’23

Avery Bickell ’23 (center front) was one of the elected Homecoming Royalty, along with Kendall Johnson ’23.

The mastery behind Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles Jeremy Olshan ’26 One of the many clubs that LM offers is the Book Club, led by Del Reid ’25 and Aniah Bethea ’25 and advised by Mrs. Gavin. Being a freshman and new to the building, this club has been a highlight as it has helped me connect with others while doing something I enjoy. Each week or every other week, we meet and discuss one book.

It’s a great way to get into reading and have fun and friendly conversations with other people who are passionate about books. Furthermore, we analyze each chapter deeply and share our own perspectives. This month, the club chose The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, a modern retelling of Homer’s Iliad, told from the perspective of a minor character in the epic, Patroclus, a young Greek prince who is exiled (by his father, Menoetius) for an accidental homicide. After being exiled, Patroclus isolates himself from society and faces a world where he is no longer cared for. Suddenly, he meets Achilles, the son of a nymph goddess and King Peleus. Patroclus and Achilles instantly become attached to each other and a romance blossoms. Throughout the story, we see these characters navigate adulthood and combat in the Trojan War. The Song of Achilles does an exemplary job in constructing a story that is easy to follow and making the reader feel that these events have been recent occurrences. It is a beautiful tale about war, sacrafice, and of course, love. Best of all, the author, Madeline Miller, called into our meeting on November 12, and I had the honor of interviewing her. Here are some of the questions I asked her: What made you shift perspectives from Homer’s poem to your book?

Patroclus was the center of the story, for me, from the beginning. I had always been interested in how Achilles tells us that the only thing that matters is his reputation, but as soon as Patroclus is dead, that’s all gone. I was also intrigued by the hints about Patroclus. His tragic backstory (accidentally killing a child when he was a child), the fact that he was described as being “kind to everyone” and “always gentle.” Those are not usual adjectives given to ancient Greek heroes! I always love people who stand a little outside the society they live in; they are the best observers.

What is your favorite question someone has asked you about the book?

A few people have asked me why I put “bad language” into the classics. I appreciate this question because it gives me a chance to explain—the ancients used just as many swear words as we do. They had equivalents to every curse word you can think of and then some! For many years, translators would either remove them, or water them down. Oftentimes they wouldn’t be listed in the dictionary. I think

this speaks to how often we transform the past for our own purposes. It’s important to always be asking: who is telling the story and what bias are they bringing to it?

What do you think people most get wrong about The Song of Achilles?

I’m one of those writers who believes that once the book is in the world it belongs to my readers as much as it does to me, so I would never presume to tell them that they were wrong! The only thing that I would say is that Patroclus is meant to be a fully complicated person. He tries to live an ethical life, he tries to be compassionate, and he’s much more aware of the suffering of others than most men of his time. But he isn’t perfect, just as none of us are. I wanted him to miss things, to overlook things, to misjudge things. I wanted him to be clueless and sometimes cause harm. That’s where realism comes in.

Photos courtesy of Ecco Press

Madeline Miller’s covers of Circe and The Song of Achilles.

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The Merionite | Sports

December 9, 2022

Kicking and screaming

Setting up success

Continued from KICKING AND SCREAMING on page 1

Continued from SETTING UP SUCCESS on page 1

In the district championship, the Aces came up against a familiar foe, Conestoga. Earlier in the year, LM looked as if they were cruising to an easy 2-0 win before they conceded twice in the final two minutes, eventually losing in overtime. Then, the previous year Conestoga had bested LM in the district championship in a tightly-contested penalty shootout. This time around, LM’s defense gave Conestoga nothing to work with, and a goal from Nyenka put the Aces up for good, avenging their previous losses in emphatic fashion. All of their masterful performances throughout the year led Daniilidis to claim, “some say a soccer field is full of poets, but in this case our team was the poetry.”

With three shutout wins in the opening rounds of the state tournament, LM added another achievement to their already long list from the season. Although they fell just short of claiming the ultimate prize, the 2022 boy’s varsity soccer team will be remembered as an all-time great, as they dominated opponents and shattered records on their way to becoming Central League champions, District 1 - 4A champions, and the State runner-up. It was an invaluable experience for the players as well, with Rothman saying, “to go out there and do something that hasn’t been done since 2010 with my closest friends means everything to me.”

Hamilton and Stavrianos highlighted Brooke Johnson ’24 and Brown as key components of the team’s success. Brown was a defensive powerhouse, leading the team in both digs and serve receptions. Stavrianos also stressed the positive impact Brown’s personality had on the team, saying “[Zoe] always tries to motivate us and get us hype right before a game-she’s a player that never gives up.” Johnson, an offensive standout, was praised for her composure and quick-thinking. “Brooke came into this season very strong as a 6 rotation player and stood out to me as an offensive MVP, making smart decisions from the front row,” says Hamilton.

Johnson and Brown will certainly play big roles in the future of Aces volleyball. Going forward, the program is determined to make seasons like this one the standard. “Looking ahead, I’d like to keep focusing on building the team to our best level and coming out strong in league play this year,” says Camille Heaton ’24. With an exciting mix of new talent and seasoned leaders, the team is hoping that their electric form will carry them to a league championship in 2023. “[The off season] is time to really develop and improve our skills to hopefully win the central league next year. Getting a banner on the gym wall really is a huge goal for next season,” says Brown.

Photo courtesy of Grace Heaton ’24

Despite their strong season, the team was defeated in three straight games by Garnett Valley in the state quarterfinal.

Photos courtesy of Ben Ross

In the photo above, the Aces admire their district championship trophy, the program’s first since 2010, following a 1-0 victory at Springford High School.

Cross country check-in Aaron Silber ’26

5,000 meters, that is the length of a high school cross country race, but that distance can seem much further when a team has to overcome the loss of three of its strongest runners. That was the position that the LM boys cross country found itself in at the start of this season, having graduated the core of last year’s District championship winning team. However, this didn’t stop the team from setting high goals and working hard to meet them. Through their efforts, they proved that LM is still a force to be reckoned with in the cross country scene. Although the varsity was not able to reclaim the District title, their performance earned them a place at States. Facing off against the best runners in PA was nothing new as the team clocked in some solid times. The first finisher on the team was Sarem Khan ’24 who placed 36th, finishing at 17:09. Ethan Murray ’23 finished next in 109th at 17:55. Following Murray came Andrew Gannon ’23, Alexander Goonewardne ’24, Alan Chen ’24, Sajan Blum ’23, and Alex France ’26.

The team did a great job in general this year, with most of the runners medaling in every race. In the New Balance Shore Coaches invitational, France placed third,

Arjay Miller ’26, sixth, and the entire freshmen team placed third in a freshman race. The varsity team was even better, with Khan placing second, Gannon third, and Goonwardne fifth. The varsity team came in second with 58 points. In the 50th Manhattan College invitational, France placed fourth in his freshman race. Issac Jennings, the assistant coach of the cross country team, also finished fourth in the coaches race.

In the Central League championships, LM had the closest point difference the officials had ever seen. They scored 3rd place with 64 points, which is within just one point of each team on the podium. That included Penncrest, who had 63 points, and Haverford, who had 62. There is also a lot of up-and-coming talent. Dylan Leone ’25 made one of the best finishes at JV Districts by winning one of the races. Alistar Browning ’26 made the biggest improvement this year, cutting four minutes off his former personal record time, and freshman France finished below 18 minutes and will definitely be a runner to watch in future seasons. Head coach Neil Berman holds high hopes for this team which he describes as “hungry for victory.” LM will continue to be an amazing team to watch out for!

Football season snapshot Jack Kartsonis ’23 The LM football team’s 2022 season culminated on November 7 with a fourteen point shutout loss to Radnor. This game, and the Aces season as a whole, was largely a disappointment. They finished 2-9 without a single win within the Central League and were outscored by 147 points over the course of the season. Of their nine losses, only one was a one score game. However, the Aces 2022 season was not all bad. Many of their losses were legitimately winnable games and the Aces had moments where they showed flashes of what they could become in upcoming years. And compared to some of LM’s football season’s in the last handful of years, it’s clear the program is going in the right direction. To truly understand the LM football program, there are some questions that need answering.

How could the Aces have been better this year?

Upon looking at the Aces this season, I believe there are two areas where they could significantly improve: offensive efficiency and unforced errors. In Central League games this year, the Aces highest point total was fourteen and they averaged only eight points per game. These are staggeringly low numbers for any level of football, let alone high school.

So what caused the Aces poor offensive output? The short answer is everything. For one, they did not run the ball well all year as they very rarely made big plays on the ground, nor did they move the chains and tire teams out with long rushing drives. In the passing game, they had no kind of sustainable success. To me the lack of passing offense was most disappointing because they had talent in every area. Mekhai Smith ’24 is a good quarterback, Xavier Archawski ’23 and Toby Myers ’25 are great passing blocking tackles, and Sam Zheng ’23 and George Taylor ’23 were big-play receivers. They had all the pieces necessary for a good passing attack, but it consistently never came into fruition. It almost felt like whenever one facet of the passing offense was clicking, the others weren’t. Additionally, there were almost no games where all of the players mentioned above were all simultaneously healthy. For whatever reason, the offense failed to produce all year, and in an offensive driven sport, the Aces’ record paid the price. Unforced errors also lost the Aces a couple of games as well. If they had gone for two against Conestoga, had no turnovers against Marple Newtown, and made the right decisions against Radnor, then the Aces could’ve been a five win team. These mistakes are particularly important in correcting, because they are easily fixable and fully within the Aces realm of control. The team itself single handedly caused these mistakes themselves in these crucial games and moments.

Why is LM not winning in the Central League?

While I still believe the Aces could’ve been better in their Central League games this year, the reality is that they finished without a single win in their conference. You don’t just go 0-9 in your conference because of an inefficient offense or unforced errors, and you certainly don’t go 0-9 just because of bad luck. There are reasons, in fact, systematic reasons for why the Aces have been unable to compete in the Central League in recent years.

For one, the Aces are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to acquiring players. Because the Aces are not allowed to recruit players, their only source of talent is from the local area.

The unfortunate part about this is that the LM area has very few kids who grow up

playing tackle football. As a result you not only have less overall kids on your football team, but a large portion of kids on the team who have no prior football experience. In contrast, teams like Garnet Valley and Strath Haven have nearly 100 players on their roster, most of whom have experience, and a large majority of whom are also looking to play in college.

As a result, these teams' rosters have way less positional weaknesses and way more depth in addition to their experience. And while LM has had a number of great players come into this program in recent years, there are still not enough total players coming in to compete with these large rosters that Garnet Valley and Strath Haven have to offer. Even in games where they showed they could compete like against Marple Newtown and Conestoga, they still had many less players and coaches on the roster, as well as less overall talent.

What makes matters even worse is that the Aces’ recent history of losing will hurt them even more as less players and coaches are going to want to get involved in a losing program. This is why in recent years, the Aces’ roster size has been smaller than most of their Central League opponents and why the Aces have also had a shortage of assistant coaches.

Again, these are severe disadvantages completely out of the Aces control, and they’re the main reason why the Aces can’t consistently compete with their Central League opponents.

What does the future hold?

Despite a disappointing season, the Aces still have reason to be optimistic about the near-future. In the upcoming 2023 season, a lot of key pieces are returning. Most importantly, their starting quarterback Smith will be back for next year’s season. Smith showed major improvements from his sophomore year to his junior year this season, so there is plenty of reason to believe that he will come back better than ever as a senior. Two stars in Andrew Cook ’24 and Myers are also returning at the middle linebacker and offensive tackle positions respectively. As far as coaching goes, everything is currently set to stay the same. Stability in the Aces coaching positions will be beneficial for returning players and it will also allow for the coaches themselves to build off of the experience they gained this year. Beyond the near future there is a lot of uncertainty in the LM football program. If they cannot overcome the issues they’ve faced and have been facing in the last few years (both within their control and systematic), they will remain at the bottom of the Central League.

To see the complete breakdown of every game this season, visit themerionite.org for the extended version of this article.

Photo courtesy of Jack Kartsonis ’23

December 9, 2022

The Merionite | Sports

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Out in transition Josh Greenberg ’24

As the time for fall festivities and sports ceases, winter sports teams, such as the likely to be that the team will “end up playing faster, shooting more threes, and playing basketball team, prepare for the upcoming season. While the team is fast approach- tighter defense, since our rebounding is worse now.” However, even though the game plan ing a promising season, one problem they will have to face is the loss of a star-stud- will take on immense changes from last year, the team’s offseason training regiment is ded senior class from the previous year. The “team lost 4 legitimate one foundation of the program that continues to function as it always has. impact players,” states varsity starter Sam Brown ’23, “Henry Bard, For any team at any level to be successful, the program needs to be Demetrius Lilley, Jaylen Shippen, [and] Peter Gribbin.” However, able to cultivate talent from within. Even Lilley needed to progress Brown and company plan to make a statement in this year’s playoffs. as a player before he could use his height and natural gifts to their Although the Aces made a deep run in last year’s state playoffs, fullest potential to dominate on the court. This is one strength of the Aces’ notching themselves a spot in the semifinals, spectators this season program that has not been lost this season. Throughout the offseason, have concerns primarily regarding how the team will be affected by the Brown states the team has been “working out with each other, lifting and loss of senior star Demetrius Lilley. Last year, Lilley led the team both shooting” in addition to going on a team trip to Massachusetts as a “team on the glass and in the scoring column, as he was the first player in LM bonding” experience. While the benefit of these activities may seem to be history since Kobe in 1996 to average more than twenty points and ten trivial, the Aces have stuck to these offseason rituals for countless years, rebounds a game. In addition, Lilley was awarded various prestigious and as a result, have established themselves as an illustrious program. honors for his accomplishments, as he was named a finalist for the 2022 Since the team has taken on noticeable roster changes this year, Pennsylvania Mr. Basketball, first-team all-state, and Central League it is easy to overlook what remains. Currently, “we have six returning MVP. Clearly, losing last year’s seniors was a great detriment to the team. seniors who are all outstanding players and leaders,” says Mobley. In Despite the monumental losses in talent, the Aces’ program is well- Graphic by Tillie Szwartz ’25/Staff addition, Mobley claims that the team has even “better athletes [than] equipped to come back strong this season. As stated by John Mobley ’24, we have “the before,” leading him, along with others, to believe that “the future [of the program] best [high school] coaching staff in PA,” which is ready to adjust this season’s approach is looking very bright.” Regardless of the roster, according to Brown, the ultimate accordingly with the roster changes made. These changes, according to Sam Brown , are goal for the program never changes: “win the league, win the district, win the state.”

Lifting a community Luke Shepard ’24 News Editor Weight rooms are a pillar of every high school’s athletics, however Coach Joe O’Hara made LM’s weight room something more than just a place to train. Beyond teams simply preparing for the season, students would frequent the gym both as a place to train personally and to simply connect with other students. Under O’Hara’s direction, the weight room offered a place for LM students to train and find comfort.

O’Hara had served as the head strength and conditioning coach at LM since 2016.

Besides being the strength coach for most LM sports, O’Hara served as the throwing coach for the Track and Field team before stepping down in 2021. O’Hara long balanced the strength coach position with his responsibilities in his own strength and conditioning company, O’Hara Fitness. In light of commitments within his own company, he was forced to step away to focus on its new programs. In his new endeavors, O’Hara mentioned that he would be working with his company on shaping both a “Team Training Program” and a previously built “Farm Gym.” The added role for O’Hara and the company were programs for disabled individuals. He mentions, “At the time I was expecting maybe 5-8 hours a week of training/coaching but by the second week of working with this program we were up to 15 hours and the hours just continued to build faster than my company or myself could fully handle.” Yet, O’Hara reflects on how he misses “the exciting and energizing moments I had each day at LM when the students pushed themselves to achieve something they didn’t know they could.”

Coach O’Hara provided meaningful help with student progress both physically and mentally. O’Hara was a critical force in developing the weightlifting program at LM. Originally a somewhat disorganized program, O’Hara provided the guidance and expertise needed to craft it in a manner that developed the skills and strength of LM athletes.

Jason Stroup, LM Director of Athletics and Activities, noted O’Hara “established the culture of strength training with both athletes and students who were interested.” Beyond opening a welcoming environment for many athletes to train, O’Hara had a prominent role in the development of personal success. “He turned this school that had virtually no weight room program into a standard part of most athletes’ day,” mentions Joseph Fiore ’24. Fiore, who accredits his success to the advice of O’Hara, is currently ranked 39th in the country for, has a spot in powerlifting nationals, and is among the state’s leaders in the deadlift. Beyond individual athletes, the weight room was a critical point of development and training for sports teams. Outside of those who sought out the weight room for sports, Stroup found O’Hara “vastly increased the access to the weight room and the number of students who used the weight room to train.” A pivotal focus of O’Hara’s tenure at LM was the open mindedness he offered to students entering the gym and his efforts to provide athletes with the resources to succeed. O’Hara reflects that beyond his own personal guidance, “the athletes who dedicated endless hours and years in the weight room after school have drastically changed what the standard for a high school weight room could and should be.” O’Hara notes that the athletes who found success under his direction were often the very students to pay the same favors forward. O’Hara

sees the LM record boards as filled with “a large list of athletes who spent more time coaching others and helping the younger athletes than anyone else.”

Escaping the typical biases of some traditional strength programs, O’Hara openly fostered an environment in which he devoted equal amounts of attention to all athletes regardless of gender status. Norah Cotter ’24 shares that “toxic gym culture can be very Photos courtesy of Ohara Fitness Instagram page common, but there was not a moment where I ever felt uncomfortable in the weight room.” O’Hara revealed that he will never forget how the female athletes drastically changed the weight room environment. Stemming with the LM Class of 2021, new female athletes not only filled the weight room, but they brought a new degree of competitiveness that transformed the atmosphere. The female athletes competed in powerlifting competitions before reaching new State records.

Beyond the his tremendous impact on LM’s performance and strength, O’Hara will be principally remembered for the impact that he made on students outside of the weight room. O’Hara was an important force in helping to lift up weights and spirits by providing a constant source of advice on life. Fiore mentioned, “I am more disciplined than ever with my sleep [and] eating. I’m also more confident in myself in every aspect.” O’Hara’s competitive and fierce drive radiated throughout the room and resonated through all those who trained under his direction.

O’Hara asks for students to seek him out for advice regarding their own training and offers his “free live streaming workouts each week as part of a partnership with the Colon Cancer Coalition in honor of my workout partner who passed away last year.”

Immediately following O’Hara’s departure, the weight room was temporarily run under the interim supervision of art teacher and lifing enthusiast Benjamin DeMeo until 4:30 PM every day. Following 4:30, athletes could still use the weight room, but only if accompanied by a coach. After a quick but conscientious search, the school has hired a new full time weight room coach: Brian Nevison. Even with his departure, Coach O’Hara’s impact will continue to span beyond the athletes who had the fortune of working with him. In leaving this impact, O’Hara hopes that many “students have built a love for fitness that will encourage [them] to continue going to the gym for the rest of [their] lives.”

Dashing through the snow Nathan Grunfeld ’24 Sports Editor

Graphic by Eliza Liebo ’25/Staff

Everyone knows what the winter season brings: consistent sub-freezing tempera- finished third place in the Central League championship last year. He hopes to tures that make being outside for more than a second miserable. However, this doesn’t continue this level of success into this upcoming season. Brennan Else ’23 and Asher stop the winter track team from coming out to the track everyday, no matter the Weisman ’23 are other key members of the team. Last year, they helped clinch third conditions. These dedicated athletes do this not only to achieve success in the winter place at Central League Champs in the four by 100 meter relay. Clearly, the sprinting season, but also to train for outdoor track in the spring. The team boasts an im- unit has returning talent that will help them to accomplish great things this season. pressive coaching staff with Kevin London at the helm, and Neal Berman and assisLike with sprinting, the field events begin with winter track and continue into tant Isaac Jennings returning from cross country to train the distance squad. Julian the spring. Already, there has been success in this section through high-jumper Weldon and Marchelle Else lead the sprinters, with Berman also coaches jumps. The team Damari Dean ’23. Even though the season and official practices have just begun, in a will compete in several notable meets including Ocean Breeze in Staten recent practice, Dean jumped what would be a District qualifying Island, an Armory Invite in Manhattan, the State meet, and potentially height of 74 inches. He explains how “coming into the season I’m feeleven Nationals. For the first time, the team will also compete in Polar ing pretty strong,” and how this jump already puts him at the top of the Picture TBD Bear meets—races that take place outside rather than in indoor tracks.

Central League. His biggest goal is to qualify for the next level and The long-distance section of the team has high aspirations for the seaput his best foot forward in all competitions. Over in the triple jump, son. Alex Goonewardene ’24, a top distance runner, explains how “varsity Aneeq Osman ’24 looks to qualify for Districts. Osman is also hopedistance will have their first race about five weeks out from States and will ful that pole vaulter Alex Ajose ’25 will go far in the District meet. Overtrain for most of the winter.” The team plans on improving as much as all, Dean confidently asserted that “the indoor team this season is possible so they can perform the best they can at States, and then buildlooking pretty strong” thanks to the “new guys with talent joining the team, ing on this success in the spring track season. For the very best of the long Long-distance captains. as well as lots of the guys from last season rejoining the team.” Osman distance runners, not just States, but also potentially even Nationals is a Photo courtesy of Legacy agrees with this positive outlook, foreseeing that “at least one [player] from Photographics real possibility. Last year, Andrew Gannon ’23 ran the mile at New Balance each field event will qualify for Districts.” If they accomplish even half of Nationals. With his improvement, and other teammates running at a very competitive what they think they can, the field section will have great winter and spring seasons. level, the team certainly has the potential to go far and be a force to be reckoned with.

Still, these extremely ambitious and enthusiastic expectations are clearly justified.

A key difference between the fall cross country season and the winter and spring They have already achieved immense success, possess the drive to train in dreadfully track seasons is the inclusion of sprinters. Sprinter Nick Jeudy ’24 explains that cold and harsh temperatures, and have the experience of multiple deticated members the expectations for this section start with coming “to practice prepared, meaning returning after strong seasons. With all these factors on the Ace’s sides, the winter prepared and focused to run.” Jeudy runs the 100 meter and 200 meter races and running program is in a position for this successful program to continue to excel.

The Merionite | Sports

December 9, 2022

“Signing day was special...

To have the opportunity to sign with Maryland with support of my friends and family by my side is something that I will remember forever.”

- Avery Bickell ’23

By Ilana Zahavy ’ 24 Senior Design Editor

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crew

soccer

lacrosse

crew

soccer

field hockey

soccer

lacrosse

golf

soccer

baseball

lacrosse

lacrosse

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