Merionite Matriculation 2020

2

Ju

, 2020

Matriculation The Merionite

We haven’t seen each other since early March! It was March 12, which is practically February, which is pitifully short and should not be recognized as a month.

So, it might as well have been January. I haven’t seen you since midterms, LM, and I feel kind of estranged. I’m a half-baked senior who is unfit to offer much advice.

It’s impossible to enter senior year without preconceived notions and unfettered expectations: we’re victims of Hollywood and Judy Blume. At each milestone I expected to be baptized by waves of personal growth, sophistication, and newfound wisdom.

On the last first day I monitored myself, like an eager and overbearing mom strapped with a big, clunky Nikon that is desperate to capture any emotion. “How do you feel? This is so bittersweet,” I’d probe, tapping myself like a tree: I wanted a sappy epiphany! It became incessant, “shouldn’t you be tearing up, or something?” I later questioned, taking that precious last sip of Winterfest hot chocolate. The gym’s shrill echo of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” felt nostalgic, sure, but I wasn’t confronted by some realization of my waning youth. Ugh. Now, as our graduating class is launched into the daunting abyss of the “grown-up world,” the only thing I feel is fossilized as a half-baked senior. Was April my window to derive a fresh perspective or identify with some poor cliché? Have I been robbed of satisfying introspection?! This is a defining period in our lives but my self-prescribed journal entries are like, totally insipid. It’s so easy to point fingers at a menacing pandemic, but I read some previous reflections, and I think this half-baked senior syndrome

is universal, maybe inevitable.

A24 Films did not produce our lives, so the one lousy cliché I feel comfortable relaying to underclassmen is to rid yourself of expectation. I don’t mean that in an “I’m bitter because I bought a prom dress and can’t return it” way, because I’m not, but in a “live now, think later” way. Don’t be too set on creating the perfect high school experience complete with timely and fulfilling self-discovery. Instead, try every (good) thing once, and just kind of establish a cluttered arsenal of experiences. I, an expert in neither area, am going to equate the lows of birth to high school–mo-

I missed freshman orientation for my dad’s funeral, so I guess it’s only fitting that I miss graduation as well.

Dark humor aside, I didn’t have the easiest beginning to my high school experience; the ending isn’t how I pictured it would be either. I’ve found that most things don’t turn out the way you imagine them; not in a pessimistic way, just a realistic one. We don’t get to choose the circumstances under which our lives play out. In some regards we get lucky, and in some regards we get screwed. However, instead of focusing on the beginning or the end, I’d rather focus on all the bits in between.

Some of my fondest memories were made during the countless frees I spent talking too loudly in the li-

mentarily painful though valuable long-term–nature wants you to soldier on! So do that, and be daring but kind, release your inhibitions, godspeed, blah blah blah. It’s ok if you don’t have a High School Musical 3-esque senior year and if introspection is á la carte. You’ll probably be a well-adjusted 40-year-old, and that’s all that seems to matter.

brary, even though I’d planned on working on my Latin homework. Similarly, I treasure all the conversations I had in The Merionite room, both during Lunch and Learn and during the late nights of layout, usually while picking on a salad from Sweetgreen.

I loved the nervous rush I got before dancing in front of the school, whether it was as a part of the LMDT or for a friend’s Shia LaBeouf-themed Mr.

Volumes of inspiring and eloquent The Merionite Matriculation reflections will tell you to do what makes you happy. So I will not continue to emphasize this pretty self-explanatory and liberatingly ambiguous five-word phrase as advice for you.

Instead, I have lovingly compiled a list of some things that have made me happy in high school.

It really was (it is cliché for a reason) the people—my friends, my classmates, my teammates, my teachers—who made these four years FUN: Raindrops on roses. Whiskers on kittens. Whistling kettles. Cute tea mugs. Socks. Crocs. People who are cool enough to combine the two. Being endowed with the sporadic motivation to get out of bed at my first alarm. Remembering to order

bubbles with the drinks at Kung Fu Tea. LM ultimate frisbee. Deep cutting (running for discs) in frisbee for my favorite handlers’ gorgeous throws. Practices that start at 5 P.M. on Arnold Field. First set frees.

Last set frees. Lunch and learns with no commitments or imminent deadlines. Finishing work the day it is assigned. Futile panic on the bus ride to debate tournaments. Delirious 1 A.M. TSA meetings.

TSA conferences. Snow days before TSA conferences. Snow days. Snow. Seeing the sun just rising when getting to school in the winter. Fun chem labs.

Understanding math concepts. Connecting F = ma and physics equations to real-life labs. Listening to the extraordinary insights people courageously share in English classes. The arising of an occasional

LM talent. Additionally, I know I won’t fogret the thrill of the illicit junior assassin game, even though I got out within the first few hours of both rounds.

Of course, I’ll also remember the special moments I had inside of my classrooms, and the connections I formed with my teachers. Although I may have cried my way through many WebAssigns, I pushed through with the help of Mrs. Christman’s amusing physics demonstrations.

When Mrs. Sweeney analogized the behavior of functions to the process of house hunting, she made our introduction to calculus seem so simple and interesting. Further, I loved researching the evolution of food through the 1950’s for Mr. May’s class, hearing random history stories from Mr. Henneberry’s very endless reserve, and learning how to buy a diamond from Mr. McAfoos’ chemistry class, among countless other activities from all of my other classes and teachers.

During my time at LM, I feel I’ve come into my own. In between the hard times I’ve found personal growth, balance, and an overall greater self-assurance.

While I clearly recognize that my experience is not universal, and that not everyone enjoys high school, I hope you all still have something to look back upon with fondness.

Regardless of your beginning, your grand finale, and your pits, think back on your very special moments, may they be numerous or few and far between. Maybe they are quite similar to mine; maybe they couldn’t be more different.

For those of you still at LM: keep making these moments. Relish the feeling of forming new connections, or completing an assignment that you’re proud of, or excelling in an extracurricular. You may not get everything you envision, but you will get your moments.

and elusive literary Thought™ of my own, worthy to raise my hand for. Half-inch margins. The macOS computer application Preview. A chaotic assortment of Stickies on my school laptop. An article fitting perfectly on an InDesign page. Surreal Merionite layout late-nights. The fairy lights in the Merionite room. The library. The LM greenhouse. Looking at the tall trees around the school from windows of the collaborative areas. Persevering through the irrepressible giggling that infiltrates projects presented with friends in class. Relatable memes. Puns.

Holiday music as soon as Halloween ends. Music.

Finally, frequently exploring and choosing to enjoy what I am doing more than just choosing to do what I enjoy—has made me happy.

Matriculation

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Matriculation

July 16, 2020

Au revoir Madame

The Merionite

Make memories

Teresa Lu-Romeo ’21

Everyone at LM has inevitably heard about Madame Allen and her no-nonsense policies towards teaching, her admiration of Idris Elba, or her infamous reputation as the teacher “most likely to catch you cheating.” more important to remember are her unfettered compassion and her love of teaching.

Throughout her time at LM, Madame Allen has inspired many students and changed their outlook on the world. Although she may be leaving us this summer, her legacy at our school will remain for years to come.

As an alumni of Lower Merion High School, Madame Allen has always had a certain fondness for the LM community.

However, she never imagined that she would eventually return to her old high school as a teacher. Throughout high school and college, Madame Allen took French classes solely because she enjoyed learning the language. She graduated with a master’s in psychology and became a social worker specializing in mental health and addiction counseling. Eventually, she realizedthatshecouldcombineherpassionfor helping others and her interest in the French language to become a French teacher.

After going back to school to get her teaching pal Academy for four years and then came to LM, where she has been teaching for 14 years. In her own words, “Teaching is one thing I never get tired of. It’s such a challenging, exciting, [and] wonderful experience.”

It is undeniable that Madame Allen was amazing at what she did. Her policies, such as her stringent French-only rule and her test correction guidelines, allowed students to grow as writers, speakers, and thinkers. However, Madame Allen’s uniqueness extends far beyond her talent as an educator. Personally, I appreciate the fact that Madame Allen was tions about subjects such as discrimination and privilege with her classes. Instead of shying away from these topics, Madame Allen encouraged students to speak up and do their best to make the world a better place.

Although students often entered Madame Allen’s French 2 class as shy freshmen unsure of their abilities, they always ance than they originally had. Madame Allen guided her classes through essential French grammar and vocabulary, giving students a solid foundation in French that ensured their success later on. In the words of Michelle Kelly ’23, Madame Allen “was really dedicated to instilling knowledge in her students. [She] truly helped me grow as a student and as a French speaker.”

Similarly, in her AP French class, Madame Allen masterfully combined the prescribed curriculum with meaningful readings, videos, and activities that help her students grow in knowledge and appreciation of French culture. According to Leo Steinreide ’21, “the projects we did in class… [taught] us to apply critical thinkproject assigned last year centered around civil rights and allowed students to advocate for changes that mattered to them.

To see all the ways in which Madame Allen has changed LM for the better, one needs only to speak to one of her former students or to observe the Although she is sad to leave her students and colleagues, she is looking forward to having more time to advocate for social issues and be with her family.

She leaves us with the reminder to always “be the best person you can be,” especially Au revoir Madame, you will be missed.

Haley Morgenstern News Editor

want to do anything though, then don’t.

Breaks are often necessary to keep your sanity in check, just make sure you’re not taking a break from doing nothing (which, of course, I have never experienced). Let’s be honest — we all procrastinate; there’s no avoiding it. But don’t worry, there is still hope! Productive procrastination may lead us down a path to success. With the right motivation, we can put our minds to completing all of our assignments... just not all at once.

Between The Merionite Late Nights and countless TSA all-nighters, I think you can guess how my sleep schedule might have looked. Sure, you may think that taking six hour naps everyday after school is normal, but I can assure you that there is a better world out there, one where you are awake at the same times as your classmates. Although some of us have that one friend who surprisingly responds when you ask them for help at 3 a.m., you are much more likely to get the help you need, especially from teachers, when the time still has p.m. in it. To those who frequently have after-school activities, do not, and I repeat, do not get on a schedule that relies on trusty naps at obscene hours to accomplish your upcoming night of dreadful homework and studying. I made this mistake very early in my high school career, and those days where I did not get home until 8 p.m. were quite nightmarish. Waking up after midnight to start homework is most certainly not the move. But trust me, with a proper

High School: the worst four years of your life. While this negative stereotype tends to get stuck in people’s heads, I found that my four years at LM have provided me with some of the best memories I have ever made.

Of course, I had my fair share of ups and downs along the way that everyone can attest to. While improvements in my procrastination habits and sleep schedule could have certainly helped me out on many occasions, I know that I will remember my high school career as a time of both growth and success. Even though it’s a tad too late for me to go back and correct my lifestyle throughout high school, hopefully I can give you all some advice based on my own experiences.

Procrastination doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Coming from success you have been searching for. someone who spent most of their time Would my high school experiscrolling through the endless pages of ence have been better if I had more Buzzfeed quizzes, binging the latest of a work ethic and slept at normal hours? Probably. Did I still have an 1900 levels of Candy Crush, I think better ways to spend your time. If you are going to procrastinate, you may as well do something productive during that extra time. If you don’t want to do your homework, you can work on projects for clubs or send out some important emails instead. If you really don’t

aren’t what you’re going to remember from your four years at LM. The moments you spend laughing with your friends at lunch, playing Kahoots in class, and going on trips with your favorite clubs are

Matriculation

Ju

, 2020

5

The Merionite

My high school experience was one hell of a rollercoaster. There were some high highs, but also some very low lows. And through it all, I never slowed down to appreciate and admire all that I had done. As some may know, I went to Harriton for my freshman year, and it is no secret that I didn’t enjoy it very much. I had a bad gut school. I don’t know if it’s because I was one of the youngest kids in the grade, but I just did not feel ready or excited for high school. In fact, I

because I was so anxious. My negative mindset unfortunately proved to be correct once school began. There were clear groups that everypiece that had gotten accidentally placed in the wrong box. I felt so out of place, and from that year on, all I looked forward to was going to college.

When I switched to LM in tenth grade, it suddenly felt like I was returned to Rather than feeling lost and alone in the halls, I was immediately greeted by people who would soon become some of my closest friends. Yet, just because you have all the My sophomore year was a lot of observing. Being new, there was a lot to take in–hundreds of new faces, a new building, new teachers–and it took me a while to understand it all. I found clubs like the LM dance team and The Merionite which helped me feel accepted and like I had found a place for myself within the school community. I made a lot of friends in my classes and clubs, but making friends

assimilate into a group. Even when I did, I still “felt new.” Coming into a group of people who have been friends since kindergarten—as welcoming as they were—is

Sophomore year went by very quickly, and there was no time to

appreciate it before the stresses of junior year began. I was so focused on going to college that I was ready to do anything and everything to get into my dream school. college visits, and overall a constant feeling of stress. Until May, my Saturdays were spent at my kitchen table taking ACT practice tests. Literally, if I wasn’t at dance practice, I was working or studying. The more stressed I became and the harder I worked, the more determined I was to get in and go to college. The year felt like it took so long to complete, but once it was over, I felt so relieved.

At the start of senior year, I was honestly already ready for it to be over. I applications were turned in, and after spending so much time alone and studying junior year, I was ready to get out of there. Everything I had ever wanted came true when I got accepted into my dream school. Every test taken, essay written,

years that I paused to look back on everything I had accomplished, and I felt proud of how far I had come since freshman year. I was now the captain of the dance team, the features editor of the school paper, I had real friends I loved, and I even learned the names of almost everyone in my grade! Sophomore Emma never thought that would

After years of wishing for school to end sooner, it actually happened. I didn’t feel relieved, though. It felt like someone else placed the last piece in the completing something so overwhelming and intimidating was stolen from me and throwing our caps in the air as the class of 2020. It feels so anticlimactic and surreal.

And yet, in a weird way, I think this pandemic has brought us all closer. We may tine has allowed us all to take a step back and admire the big picture. What I realmy way through high school, focusing only on the aftermath, but this pandemic has given me the opportunity to appreciate everything I once took for granted. will never forget how good it felt to hit those highs and make it through the lows.

Whether you all know it or not, you

mistakes and learn from you and I am better for it.

for me in many ways.

Some of you were the

sabbatical when you were in Seventh Grade. It was a

ever

taught.

Some

people I taught out of college. But all of you school class I had the pleasure of spending four years with.

I think back to my days teaching some of you how to swim at the Kaiserman JCC. Being fourteen and trying to navigate freshman year of high school was hard enough without the added pressure of becoming a teacher. Frankly, I had no idea how to teach at the time but you all let me make

College prepared me for a lot of things, but it couldn’t prepare me for how truly intimidating a small army of middle schoolers in close quarters with loud instruments would be! Then, seeing you all in other teachers’ rooms as a substitute at BC was a challenge unto itself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into in that year and a half, but you continued to let me make mistakes and learn from you and I am better for it.

Now? We did it. We’re graduating. Yes, we. I’m actually graduating with you (Master of Music Education from The University of the Arts). More importantly, I was a freshman at LM with you.

Whether you were a frequent visitor of the music department or someone that I passed in the hallway, your class means so much to me. There will never be

the ups and downs of the past years, you STILL let me make mistakes and learn from you and I am better for it.

If there’s any parting thought I can leave you with, it’s this: don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

If you don’t, then you can’t know where to look to be better. Introspection is such a huge part of I could introspect and, in turn, learn to be a better teacher for all of you and those that will follow you.

The most unfortunate part of this is that you for some) of time spent together that I was sincerely looking forward to. I hope that when the time is right, I have the chance to say a proper goodbye to all of you. Don’t be strangers, and good Thank you all, Mr. Cooperstein/Coop

Maya Ackerman Hasan Ahmad Chana Baila Aidman Kaia Aiken Akili Allison Marisa Alter David Altman Chloe Amen Samantha Anderer Jordan Anderson Erin Andres Dmitrijus Asay Joseph Auteri McKenna Axtell Trisha Balaji Annabelle Bale Oron Barash Aidan Barr Bono Owen Barratt Cailin Barrett Diana Barrett Sydney Barton Emma Becker Melissa Bell Selassie Berhane Charles Berman Kylie Berman Julian Betancourt Eve Bickel Eric Bing Quinn Black An-Nisa Blakeney Corey Blassingame Helena Blobel Jason Block Genevieve Blumencwejg Zaahid Bond Robert Bonds Anthony Bouldin Emily Bovarnick Isaac Bredbenner Margaret Brennan Alex Broder Gabriel Brodeur Valerie Bromberg Cooper Brown Elliott Brown IV Isabel Bruckman Sophia Bumbera Justin Cannan John Catapano Teresa Cato Ella Catt Eun Won Chae Jakob Chang Alicia Chau Vivian Chen Cameron Chesen Lance Chestnut Marcella Chompre Arostegui Avery Clark Inga-Marie Cohen Micah Colbert Isabella Colina Hidalgo Kiah Collins Diego Contreras Lola Corgliano Henry Coughlin Chloe Cowan Abigail Cramer Rebecca Cutshall Olivia D’Alonzo Claire Dalinka Adi David Asher Dayanim Christopher de Santis William de Santis Marcelo Delgado Jeffrey Deng Brandon Desper Kyle Devlin Schuyler Dillon Sheila Dooley Anna Dubnoff Daniel Dwyer

LM Matriculation 202

University of Pittsburgh Dmytro Dzhugan Unavailable Julian Ebbesen Unavailable Konstantina Economou Savannah College of Art and Design Stella Eisenberg Unavailable Theodore Eisenstein Tulane University Fatimah-Safiyah El-Mekki University of Pittsburgh Kyle Ellers Drexel University Daniel Farah Northwestern University Xuan Feldman Unavailable Eugenia Feng Champlain College Grace Fenlin Unavailable Kelsey Fenlin Unavailable Cameron Fields Fordham University Sophie Fiks Temple University Andrew Finkenstaedt Unavailable Ashlyn Fiorellini Drexel University Vincent Fiorentino University of Pennsylvania Jordan Fleischman Mayro University of Pittsburgh Jessica Foster University of Vermont Maya Foster La Salle University Jonah Fusco University College Dublin Samantha Gaier Tulane University Sara Gallagher University of Pennsylvania Eva Gallagher-Kowit University of Pennsylvania Trent Gaylord Bates College Carson Geis Temple University Prince Geutler Temple University Jarrad Gholston Montgomery County Community College Olivia Glickman Duke University Kyle Glover Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Teshura Goldman Unavailable Jonathan Goldstein Unavailable Clare Gonzales Cornell University Evan Goodman University of Michigan Haley Goodman Colorado College Asher Goodwin Indiana University of Pennsylvania Jessica Gordon University of Tampa Jacob Gottesman Unavailable Elizabeth Graham Unavailable Kate Green University of Pittsburgh Gwen Greene University of Vermont Kierrah Grier Pennsylvania State University Daniel Gurevitch University of Pennsylvania Alexandra Haas University of Pennsylvania Joseph Habersham Unavailable Ian Hackman Temple University Rachel Haim Washington University in St. Louis Lane Halbert University of Pittsburgh Ella Harris Prager University William Hazard Unavailable Jason Heller University of Notre Dame Julia Henderson Northeastern University Ayden Herold Unavailable Adam Hetzelson Ringling College of Art and Design Benjamin Hewitt Lehigh University Natasha Hewitt University of Pittsburgh Christian Hodges Unavailable Gabriel Hoggard Lynn Unversity Jaden Holder Unavailable Lauryn Holgado Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Xavier Holland Howard University Alyssa Holmberg Full Sail University Noel House Saint Joseph’s University Luke Howey Temple University Chang-Chi Huang McGill University Madeline Huff Unavailable Samson Hurwitz Unavailable Nya Jarbah Northeastern University Jacqueline Jaspers Bates College Qasim Jefferson Clark University Micah Jimoh Temple University Roland Johnson Gap year Wynter Johnson Bard College Ryan Jonik Columbia University/Tel Aviv University Aaron Kabel Yale University Sophie Kamplain Yale University Nabil Kassim Lower Merion High School Mollie Keech University of Illinois Eliza Keefe Unavailable Theresa Kelly Pennsylvania State University Ezra Mittman Unavailable Mina Kessler College of Charleston Da In Kim University of Virginia Rachel Sophia Kleber West Chester University Margo Klein

Unavailable Susquehanna University Temple University University of Wisconsin St. John’s University Unavailable Unavailable Temple University University of California San Diego Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Delaware University of Delaware Indiana University of Pennsylvania Northeastern University Pace University University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Temple University Gap year, University of New Mexico ’25 Montgomery County Community College University of Delaware West Chester University University of South Florida Morehouse College Ursinus College Temple University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Syracuse University Drexel University Unavailable Syracuse University Gap year, University of Pittsburgh ’25 Washington University in St. Louis Northeastern University James Madison University Unavailable Boston University Millersville University University of Pennsylvania University of Miami Temple University Tufts University Temple University University of Delaware University of Tampa Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Gap year Pennsylvania State University University of Delaware University of Colorado Boulder University of California, Santa Barbara US Naval Academy Unavailable Gap year Lehigh University Shippensburg University Pennsylvania State University Muhlenberg College Lafayette College Cornell University George Washington University University of Vermont Temple University Temple University Unavailable Drexel University Case Western Reserve University Unavailable Coastal Carolina University Unavailable University of Alabama Unavailable Drexel University University of Chicago University of Delaware University of Delaware George Washington University University of Southern California Gap year University of Vermont

Lily Kligman Anastasia Kolker Kristianna Kolker Joo Chan Koo Aviva Kosto Lewis Kothmann Bruno Kraidy Roldan Kramer Ethan Krivoshey Nathan Lapat Sarah Lapin Joseph LaPorte Rachel Lappen Brooke Law Matan Lebovits Dahlia Levine Alexander Levinson Khairi Lewis Malik Lewis Benjamin Li Jasmine Li Pamela Li Annie Liang Jeffrey Lipson Zara Liss Shamya Littles Joseph Litvin Linda Liu James Lledo David Lockwood Michael Loonstyn Nicole Loonstyn Jason Loue Avery Love David Lu Ryan Lu Jamie Lustig Arianna Maddox Celine Maillard Kaitlyn Malloy Alexandra Mandelbaum Ethan Manin Daniel Maradiaga-Portillo Benjamin Marder Jacob Marsh Michael Massimo Nicholas McFadden Liam McKee Aniya McLean Justin McQueen Zola Mennis Laura Mernagh Josephine Meyer Sophie Meyer Niccolo Miani Micah Miller Henry Mills Anna Milz Nia Mitchell Zeke Kelz Philip Monos Tyler Mooney Haley Morgenstern Julius Murphy Thomas Murray Leroy Newton Jon Nguyen Jackson Nicoletti Brigit O’Bannon Nuala O’Neill Ian O’Shea Sophie Oberdiek Jared Ocampo Julia Ochroch Alexa Orloff Dara Oseyemi Alexander Ostrich Andrew Ostrich Kylie Pacchione Cecilia Pagana Max Palish Donjae Palmer Niklas Pant Lakshmi Parvathinathan Kyle Patlove

20: Go Forth To Serve...

Temple University Drexel University Drexel University University of the Pacific University of Virginia University of Virginia Northwestern University University of Pittsburgh Dickinson College Stevens Institute of Technology University of Massachusetts Amherst Unavailable Barnard College Loyola University Maryland Gap year, University of Texas at Austin ’25 Brown University Emory University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Dartmouth College Pennsylvania State University Princeton University Cornell University College of Charleston Temple University California Institute of Technology Temple University University of Pittsburgh Unavailable Temple University George Washington University Unavailable Drexel University Cornell University Unavailable Rochester University University of Massachusetts Boston Purchase College University of New Orleans Tufts University Tulane University Temple University Drexel University University of Pennsylvania Unavailable Unavailable Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Pennsylvania State University Drexel University Temple University Pace University Unavailable University of Pittsburgh Unavailable University of Maryland Virginia Commonwealth University Saint Mary’s College Clark Atlanta University University of Pennsylvania Franklin and Marshall College Fordham University University of Pennsylvania Northeastern University West Chester University Unavailable Drexel University Pratt Institute University of Pittsburgh Temple University Ithaca College Middlebury College University of Colorado Boulder University of Pittsburgh University of Maryland Princeton University University of Delaware Pennsylvania State University University of Delaware Northeastern University University of Coloradp Boulder Culinary Institute of America Unavailable Drexel University Union College

Zoe Pearson Sydney Pelletier Evan Peterson Alexander Phipps Joseph Plavin Jessica Polsky Noah Prichard Madeline Pyankov Maddyn Randazzo Jack Raymond Ja’Quan Reaves Jason Ren Tallin Rhodes Alice Rickards Drew Riesenbach Emily Riesenbach Rodger Roberts Natalie Robertson Nicholas Rocco Katherine Rockford Alexander Romine Marlon Rose Daniel Rosen Romayne Rosner Matthew Roth Sophie Roth Eli Rothman Emily Rumsey Ziphron Russel Olivia Ruth Lena Rutzel Shenille Ryan Jacob Saadoun Asher Sachs David Salganicoff Prachi Saxena Ethan Schatz Joanna Scherluebbe Carolina Schillinger Amalia Schneider Sydney Schur Amelia Schwartz Jakob Segal Justin Segal Yusef Shah Molly Shapiro Jordan Shidow Sheikh Rotem Shermister Henry Shin Seffi Shmulevich Zoe Shub Robert Silver James Simples Noah Spergel Connor Stange Jessica Stencel Oliver Stern Cornelia Strauss Abigail Strongin Leo Strudler Julia Sun Samuel Switzky Hanna Szarlej-Lentz Matthew Thomas Brookyln Thompson Siena Tickle Evan Tran Talia Trentacoste Aden Van Hollander Olivia Vandeveer Maria Luisa Vargas Antunes Samantha Vaughan Thomas Vaughan William Vaughan Maya Verdier Maria Vyatkina Sophia Wakeley Ursula Walczak Colleen Wang Sherrod Webb Noa Webner Ethan Weiner Samuel Weinstein Zoe Weinstein Ethan Weisman

University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Pittsburgh Temple University West Chester University Temple University United States Army Unavailable Ohio State University Unavailable Unavailable University of Pennsylvania Temple University Elon University University of Delaware Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Unavailable George Mason University University of Delaware Hamilton College Unavailable Chesnut Hill College Virginia Polytechnic Institute Unavailable Unavailable Cornell University University of Florida Manhattan College University of Southern California University of Oregon University of Tampa Temple University Unavailable Unavailable Pennsylvania State University Unavailable DePaul University Unavailable University College Maastricht Cornell University Brandeis University Washington University in St. Louis University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania State University Drexel University Temple University Pratt Institute Gap year, Temple University ’25 Drexel University Drexel University University of Delaware Drexel University Pennsylvania State University Altoona University of Delaware Rochester Institute of Technology Pennsylvania State University Cornell University Pennsylvania State University Denison University Unavailable Unavailable University of Indiana University College Dublin Delaware State University Unavailable University of Southern California La Salle University Temple University DePaul University Unavailable Unavailable University of Colorado Boulder Drexel University Unavailable Unavailable Temple University Lock Haven University University of Vermont University of Maryland Unavailable Ithaca College University of New Mexico Drexel University Temple University University of Colorado Boulder

Margaret Wells Eli Werbach Sarah White Zyire White David Wilf Isaiah Williams Mason Williams Niles Williams Benjamin Williamson Joshua Wilson Slader Wilson Alex Winicov Raeanna Wint Anika Wolchuk Evan Woltanski Lily Wolverton Roxanna Wood Bradley Wootton Jeff Yang Jinhong Yang Sophie Yang Karli Yenal Roi Zarom Xinxin Zhang Caleb Zhao Nasser Zolali Michael Zorc

The New School Drexel University Unavailable Unavailable George Mason University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Drexel University Unavailable Pennsylvania State University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Louisiana State University Connecticut College University of Sydney Unavailable Pennsylvania State University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Temple University CEU Cardenal Herrera University Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Fordham University

The matriculation plans as shown for the Class of 2020 are information volunteered to The Merionite by the members of the graduating class.

The Merionite or LM is not responsible for the accuracy of their reportings. Those students listed as “Unavailable” opted not to respond or were otherwise unable to be reached.

The Merionite wishes our graduating seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors.

8

Ju

, 2020

Matriculation The Merionite

A class to remember

Kevin Grugan Mathematics

Soak in the little moments

Sophie Meyer Arts & Entertainment Editor

The four-year journey

Ziphron Russel Features Editor

Matriculation

July 16, 2020

9

The Merionite

Participating as a writer and editor for the Merionite was a meaningful and rewarding experience I am not soon to forget. Having the privilege of contributing to such a longstanding tradition within our school is an experience not everyone is able to relish in. It has also played a role in sparking my interest in the vast world of journalism and the art of reporting, specifically on the pertinent world opinions without the evils of censorship is what allows us to understand the human condition of all in every aspect. I’m proud to have been able to do so with such an outstanding staff and an elegant group of young writers.

This is my 25th high school reunion year. 25 years!

If you use the new math and don’t carry the 1, that makes me 32. Villa Maria Class of 1995 – a private, Catholic, all-girl school. Yes, my high school experience was slightly different than yours. Does LM have a secret liturgical dance group I don’t know about? Did you have to introduce your prom date to a receiving line of teachers made up mostly of nuns? “Sister Mary Kelly, I’d like to introduce you to my date, Mike…” Not awkward at all. Oh, but wait, prom. I wanted to talk to you about that…

I wish with my whole heart that this amazing senior class could wrap up their high school days with all of the traditional experiences–a final senior skip day, prom, graduation. Here’s a little secret though: when my Villa girls and I reminisce about high school (which we do often) those high-profile events aren’t

the moments we talk about. I know that’s easy for me to say since we had the luxury of experiencing prom, graduation, and a quirky event called Senior Sing. No, it’s the small moments that can still make us giggle until we cry. It’s the goofy, seemingly insignificant, everyday moments that have stuck with us all of these years. Wawa runs for chipwiches after Malvern dances, karaoke on the Ocean City boardwalk, rehashing the latest Friends episode which we had to wait until Thursday nights to watch…the agony! Or our farewell breakfast at Minella’s Diner before we embarked on our separate college adventures. How excited we were that we could keep in touch with a new technology called “electronic mail!” (That’s email by the way.)

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that your high school experience isn’t defined by the big events you missed out on these last few months: it’s about all the little moments you have had along the way. I know you will stay connected with your high school friends and continue to make memories into the future because this class has a special bond. That’s why I love your class. Seriously. L-O-V-E. You are kind, funny, persistent, and resilient. You will find a way to turn this unusual experience into an excuse to stay in touch because that is just how your class rolls. In 25 years, you’ll be laughing so hard you cry when you reminisce with your LM crew about your own goofy, seemingly insignificant moments (awkward Zoom calls with your teachers, perhaps?) These are the moments that will become fond and treasured memories. So don’t sweat the big stuff, you’ve got the small stuff.

We had you for 4 years; now go show the world why we love you.

Black lives matter protestors. The media won’t show the NYPD trying to run people over with their cars.

The media won’t show black protestors protecting a business from looters. The media won’t show white rioters paying black men and women to steal and deface property.

Now in the midst of all this, I cannot personally agree with violence and destruction, that’s not my way, but what I can agree with is the words of Martin Luther King Jr: “a riot is the language of the unheard” and I understand that. You should never destroy cities and stores. I understand that human lives are more important than property, of course it is. A human life is priceless and no human life is worth more than another. I understand that these businesses are insured, but they take time to be rebuilt, and that time takes food out of the mouths of the business’s low-income workers.

Also, at the same time, I understand why you riot. You riot because you have been suppressing your anger and your sadness for too long. How long do you expect us to watch black bodies hit the ground before we react? These riots are a cry for help, we want the government to listen to us. The same government that want all those houses to be was built upon liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. The same governsafe and in working condition, ment that was meant to protect and serve the people (not those who pay the politigraduation after the brutal murder of George Floyd and powerful resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Given this space, I think it would be most productive to share my opinion about this entire situation.

First, I’d like to say Black Lives Matter. I understand “all lives matter,” but all lives can’t matter until black lives matter. For example, say there were 5 houses on a street and one of them was

Yusef Shah ’20

I completely understand that. With that being said, this has to be phase one of the process. Phase one: Riot and get the government’s attention, but phase two can’t continue with violence. We need a plan. We know what we want, we want to reform our justice system. The question is how, that is a question for the PEOPLE and the GOVERNMENT to solve. We must work together to come up with a resolution.

Phase three: implement that change, no matter how hard it is or how long it takes, we must not stop until there is a reform in our justice system. Bad apples have no place in our justice system nor our government. Phase four: our resolution, which will be a new way of life, bringing balance to America and justice to the American people (no matter who tries to deny it, black people are American people too. We built this country from the ground up. If there’s no phase two after all these riots, then I’m sorry, but these riots were for nothing. We let victims such as Ahmaud system instead. A system established to perpetuate racism that grants great Arbery, George Floyd, Eric Garner, and countless others die in vain. That is unacpower and authority to people who are not held accountable under the law, and back to normal after this. We must always walk forward on the path to the future.

We as a country need to reform our justice system from head to toe to root out Side Note: For those of you saying African Americans commit the majordiscrimination and racism. No more bad apples can be upheld by the rotten tree. ity of the crimes in America and that there are more “black on black” crimes Further, when it comes to these riots, the violence isn’t created by protestors, but than “white on black crimes:” you are a part of the problem. First, there is no instead created by three groups of people. First, social media has provided insight such thing as black on black crimes, they are just crimes. You’re more likely to on what’s actually happening at these protests: there is an abundance of footage commit a crime against people you know. Out of the 12,664 murders in 2011, 44% were committed by someone the victim knew (UCR.FBI.gov). Second, saying black people commit more crimes than other races is false. The statistic com- monly is that black people make up 13% of the population , but commit 50% of ment rights and instigating, causing violent reactions to ensue from the other protestors. The second groups of people within all this are rioters. Rioters are commit crimes because no one would incriminate themselves like that. That stat not the same as protestors: these rioters hide behind the movement to steal from doesn’t show who commits crimes, but who gets convicted. African American neighborhoods are policed at higher rates than white neighborhoods. The majorshould not be leaving a protest with a brand-new pair of shoes or a new Mercedes. ity of African Americans live in impoverished neighborhoods, because they are in the lower half of the socio-economic scale. If they are charged with a crime, they can be bribed with a plea deal to get an easier sentence. Often, African AmeriThey take videos out of context to create separation and tension among Americans. cans choose this route because they are forced to use a public attorney. Taking They show a video of a man being jumped by rioters, but won’t mention that he tried the case to trial could result in a worse sentence, even if they didn’t commit the to attack an unarmed teenager with a sword (yes, a sword). The media will interview crime–you would be surprised how often this happens. An example of this is with the Central Park Five. If these two very big factors were prevalent in our society, his car for shouting “all lives matter” when in reality he was attacked by 14 white protestors for shooting a bow and arrow at crowds. The media won’t show the simply take away from the situation instead of trying to improve it. Anyways I have been going on for too long, so I’ll get to the point. BLACK LIVES MATTER and we need change NOW! Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. and repair the damages, then all 5 houses can be equally appreciated. That being said we need to solve the issues with police brutality and mistreatment of African Americans/POCs in the United States. Once we address and solve this issue then all lives will matter, but at the moment it just doesn’t feel that way.

Further, I see a lot of people saying “not all cops are bad” and I understand that, but you mentioning that your uncle is a cop and “he’s one of the good ones” isn’t helping the situation, instead it’s taking away from the situation at hand. We understand that not all cops are bad, but in a job in which they are granted so much power, there cannot be bad apples. It’s simply unacceptable.

Bad apples exist among Starbucks cashiers and grocery store workers, not law

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In loving memory of Trevor Will Treiman ’21 On Wednesday May 27, 2020, our school community suffered a tragic loss. Junior Trevor Hoffman passed away after collapsing on a hike. Trevor was a distinguished member of the LM ice hockey team as well as the ultimate frisbee team. He always brought his energy and smile, no matter where he was. Not only was he an incredible brother, student, and teammate, but an extremely supportive friend to everyone around him. He genuinely cared for his peers, even though sometimes it was tough love, he truly cared. After I scored my first varsity hockey goal, Trevor was more excited about it than I was. After he scored his first goal, we shared a special hug that I can still feel today.

Trevor never passed up an opportunity to do his heart’s bidding. He was the type of person to say “screw it” and do something spontaneous. If I were to describe his way of living, I can easily say that he lived every day unapologetically.

On Saturday May 30, a group of students set up a memorial outside of the main entrance of our school. At the memorial, people laid flowers, pictures, frisbees, hockey sticks, and other items to commemorate Trevor’s legacy. People sat around and told the numerous stories they have of Trevor by the candlelight. We goofed around and cried together to celebrate his life. Trevor’s physical presence will be missed forever, but the memories and impact he had will always live on.

Enjoy your time

I’m with you

Before that happened, I did get to see what having a more relaxed high school experience was like, seeing as I had a few weeks with that second semester senior title. I came down to lunch with my friends instead of sitting alone and getting ahead on homework, went out more on the weekends, spent more time with my family, and eased up on the amount I was studying. What I found in doing this was that my grades remained similar to what they were when I was putting school before myself, and I definitely was

Melissa Bell Opinions Editor If you ask any of my friends to describe how I was in high school, they would probably say something along the lines of “caring way too much about school.” Unfortunately, I’ve come to realize this was generally true. For the first three and a half years of high school, I studied for every quiz like it was a final, took the hardest classes I could, spent hours a night on homework, and made school my number one priority — above my friends, family, and self. During junior year, I averaged around five hours of sleep a night, and missed out on numerous parties and family events, including leaving my sister’s college graduation early to study for a math test. During these first three and a half years, and especially during junior year, I told myself it didn’t matter how miserable I was, because it would all be worth it to get into my top choice college. Besides, come second semester senior year, I would finally get to experience high school in a fun, relaxed way, without any of the stress of college hanging over me. Then, the second semester of my senior year was canceled.

keeping up with my work, and I did see a slight dip in the results.

But all in all, I realized that it was unnecessary to make myself so stressed and despondent for so long.

In the end, my hard work paid off: I ended up being accepted to the college I’ve always wanted to go to, and along the way I did make some amazing memories with my friends.

But I can’t help thinking of all the good times I missed out on, and all the unnecessary unhappiness I put myself through with regret. While I know I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goals if I didn’t work hard, it’s become clear I certainly didn’t need to put myself through the suffering that I did. Preparing for the future is indisputably necessary in reaching success, but if you let it take up too much of your present, it’s not worth it. I’m certain that in college I’ll find myself studying for hours, likely not sleeping as much as I should, and sacrificing some nights out in order to get what I need done. However, I will never prioritize school or work over my present life like I did in high school again. While this may seem like a cliché, if I learned anything from this year, it’s the importance of cherishing the present, because no one truly knows what the future will entail.

the right decision by coming to LM. right time with the right people.

Lucky for me, the next three years allowed me the opportunity to teach so many of you in

Carla Rehak Social Studies As a high school teacher of twenty years, I have seen hundreds of students come and go, year after year, but certain classes stick out in my memory for their uniqueness “that rare quality of being particularly remarkable or special” that sets them apart from all the knew you would be one of those classes.

My life at LM started with you. My think about how nervous I was. After being at my previous school for sixteen years, the transition was extremely intimidating, especially because I’d be

AP Psychology. I not only had the good fortune of meeting a large number of you, but also the unprecedented chance to teach some of you three times.

I can only hope that you’ve learned a fraction of what you have taught me. I’ve witnessed your hard work, determination, grit, kindness, compassion, and fun-loving attitudes. You’ve made me smile each and every day I’ve had with you.

There never has and probably never will be another class quite like you.

LM class of 2020, you are the reason I love my job and you epitomize all the reasons why teaching at LM is the best job anyone in education could ever hope for. It breaks my heart to think about how your senior year ended but it’s yet another reason why you continue to be so special and memorable. LM will not be the same without you. I will not be the same without you. But I’ve loved watching you grow and mature these past four years. I love who you are and I can’t wait to see who you become. You will forever have a piece of my heart.

As you end this chapter and begin a new one, I leave you with advice from a tree. It’s always been one of my favorites so I wanted to share it with a class who also falls in that same category…

in over a decade. I was anxious but excited. I couldn’t stop the questions racing through my mind. I couldn’t stop the self-doubt. What will LM be like? What will the students be like?

Will they like me? Will I belong? Will Stand tall and proud I make friends? Did I make a huge mistake? But for me that anxiety Remember your roots dissipated the minute I walked into Drink plenty of water Be content with your natural beauty Studies I because I knew right then Bend before you break and there you were something spe- Turn over a new leaf cial. Your class. The class of 2020. Enjoy the view And honestly, it was one of the best classes anyone could ever hope for Stay awesome and stay in touch.

A shared purpose

Charles Henneberry Social Studies

To the amazing students of the class of 2020, it has been an honor to have been able to watch you grow over these past four years. While it pained me that you did not get to finish off your senior year in a traditional way, I knew that you had the fortitude to handle these set-backs with composure, class and courage.

Your class will always stand out to me for your creativity, camaraderie, selflessness and eternal optimism.

I encountered first-hand this enthusiasm during the 20182019 school year as my US History classes competed in an art contest reflecting on the Jim Crow era, and wound up taking top prizes in all categories. I observed it month after month as the Merionite writers, artists and editors came together during lunches, free periods, long afternoons and late evenings to put out quality journalism. I witnessed it on the stage with the creative outburst in musicals, dramas and Shakespeare, or Jazz band and orchestra. I saw it as a judge viewing the mind-blowing performances of The Amazing Ace. I noted your passion to change the world, from pitching in to volunteer or raise money for charity, in organizing a voter registration drive, to marching in the streets and speaking truth to power. This spirit

was evident on the court, in the pool, on the soccer pitch and in everything else the class of 2020 sought to achieve.

I even got to see it first hand when I “shadowed” your junior class for a day two years ago. Mr. Hughes had asked some teachers to partner with a randomly selected student to follow their schedule throughout the day to see what life was like up close for them. Knowing how uncomfortable this would likely be for both of us, I reached out to the student I was assigned to shadow, Roee Zarom, introduced myself and explained that I would be sitting with him all day in classes, free periods and lunch.

His emailed response was simply “See you then, brotein shake!” The day was supremely memorable, not because I got to do a fun simulation in Physics, or I had to sweat out a pop quiz in Psychology, but because I got to see the spirit of your class up close, and I noted above all the great sense of camaraderie, of helping out your friends and working together for a shared purpose. These are the traits that define the class of 2020, and you will draw on these in the years ahead, as you navigate difficult times together, and as you build a better future together. Best of luck in your endeavors, class of 2020, you will be missed!

Matriculation The Merionite

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Matriculation The Merionite