pandemic

News The Merionite Navigating a pandemic

Vivian Collins ’24

Graphic by Emma Liu ’22/Staff

The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult and challenging time for everyone. LM students, teachers, staff, and parents were required to make adjustments to their routines and adapt to life under pandemic restrictions. LMSD’s transportation department was also required to adapt to the “new normal” like other departments districtwide. However, the drivers were able to maintain their mission to ensure that the students arrived at school and returned home safely and on time.

Senior bus driver John Sandlof, who has worked for nearly 37 years, communicated, “I have driven the same route for over 34 years. I have students

Campaign for change

Continued from CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE on page 1

Many other students who volunteered to assist with the election process claimed that they chose to do so because they were too young to vote, and they felt that they needed to contribute somehow. In addition, the majority of those who volunteered contributed to campaign efforts for Joe Biden, and several cited their discontent with Donald Trump’s performance over the last four years as the motivation behind this. Others reflected on the significance of this specific election, with one student claiming, “I think this may just be one of the most important elections of my lifetime.” Another remarked, “This is a historic election, and I don’t want to look back in twenty years and regret not working on it.” It is true that in this election there seems to be more on the line. The current government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has left many feeling disillusioned, and recent events, such as the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and shifting dynamics on the supreme court after Justice Amy Coney Barret’s appointment, have given many a renewed sense of urgency. Of all the major issues that may be affected by this election, LM students responding to a survey were most concerned about the management of the coronavirus pandemic. Other issues that greatly worried LM students were climate change, social justice issues, and healthcare.

Only 8.9 percent of survey respondents were eligible to vote in the 2020 election, but that did not stop them from contributing to the electoral process however they could, whether that was poll working, writing postcards to voters, or canvassing for a candidate they supported. Young people everywhere have been critical to this year’s elections, eligible to vote or not, and LM students were no exception. in twelfth grade that haven’t had any other bus driver than me since kindergarten.” Sandlof thought quarantine would last for the rest of last school year and that students and staff would be back full-time in September. He spoke about his quarantine experience: “The hardest thing was getting used to not being at work and not seeing the kids and not knowing if all the kids that I’ve driven are okay and staying healthy.” Over the course of the quarantine, students were not physically in school, but the bus drivers were still able to play a role in transportation within the district. Sandlof was helping deliver meals to a distribution point in Suburban Square for students who rely on the district’s meal plan. Of that experience, he said, “I worked with Food Services to help get the meals to the children in the district. I drove the bus that the employees rode, plus some of the supplies they needed to enable them to distribute the meals to the kids.” Throughout the community, many parents and students were concerned about the precautions being taken by bus drivers to keep the buses clean and safe when students started the fall hybrid schedule. According to Sandlof, “We’re trained to spray the buses and wipe them down between every run so that we try to make sure that the seats are sanitized.” He also said, “We make sure that every student has a mask, us drivers all have our masks on, and we do have extra and spare masks on the bus so if there is a student that forgets one, we have masks that are available to them.” Finally, regarding the recent hybrid schedule and being able to transport LMSD’s students once again, Sandlof expressed, “I love having the kids on the bus. I really, really missed having the children on the bus. So, for me, having the kids on the bus was a good thing. As a father and a grandfather I know that kids do need structure in the schools. I think the students are happy to be back at school.” Sandlof and his fellow colleagues have been tirelessly working to keep busses clean for the safety of all students districtwide. “We would never want to put any child in a dangerous situation. And we’re doing our best as drivers to ensure the health and safety of every child that we transport,” he said. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, LMSD bus drivers have continued to do what’s necessary to maintain the transportation system. So the next

time you see your bus driver, don’t forget to thank them for their service.

Photo courtesy of MJ Pennington ’21

MJ Pennington ’21 worked at the polls at Bala Cynwyd Middle School.

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The Merionite

Official newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929 www.themerionite.org Columbia Scholastic Press Assocation Silver Crown 2013 Editors-in-Chief Elliot Ginzburg ’21 Dhaval Sharma ’21 Sydney Zelinger ’21 News Editors Victoria Bermudez ’22 Phillip Gao ’22 Spencer Rosenbaum ’22 Caryl Shepard ’22 Opinions Editors Ike Mittman ’22 Jackie Munis ’21 Emily Shang ’21 Jonathan Xu ’22

Features Editors Maya Christianson ’21 Angela Ge ’23 Ella Johnson ’22 Eric Yang ’22 Arts and Entertainment Editors Noa Cutler ’22 Davis Giangiulio ’21 Jonathan Sommer ’21

Sports Editors Rebecca Altman ’21 Elijah Bloch ’22 Ellie Ward ’21 Ben Wolf ’22

Copy Editors Mia Hail ’23 Michelle Kelly ’23 Ezra Thau ’22

Senior Design Editor Cate Roser ’21

Graphics Editors Emma Liu ’22 Emmi Wu ’23 Senior Web Editor Teresa Lu-Romeo ’21

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Assistant Business Manager Mona Vakil ’22

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 letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via side The Merionite Merionite reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length or clarity. All unattributed images are courtesy of WikiCommons.

Opinions November 30, 2020 The Merionite

Editorial: Forward, one step at a time

We are indisputably a divided nation. However, we have not been forced to confront that reality until now. Our newly elected president, Joe Biden, is set on uniting us, a valiant and commendable effort, but is that realistically possible?

On the eve of his presidency, Donald Trump leaves the United States in an era of deepened division. Outside partisan politics, the future and integrity of our democracy were on the ballot in this past election. There was widespread uncertainty about a peaceful transfer of power and previously uncontested voting practices. Party disputes over the election’s validity further dichotomized the nation. Although Biden won the elec-

Davis Giangiulio ’21 Arts and Entertainment Editor

In my eighth grade classroom, two days after the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, I sat down to write a letter to myself. Being so distraught, I wanted to write to remind my future self of the pain that I felt, the fear that was prevalent, and the countless scenarios that were going through my head about how the next four years could play out. And, as to be expected, much of what I feared came true.

Earlier this month, when the elec elect Joe Biden, I was exuberant. Biden’s election put an expiration date on this dark era that I contemplated in November of 2016. As someone who is a part of a group that was marginalized by the Trump administration, who has family cies, I can breathe in a way I couldn’t for the past four years knowing that the target placed on my back will soon be gone for good. However, though I felt relieved that Americans had rejected another four

In 2020, we had a chance to reject Trumpism at every level of the ballot. We had a chance to punish a political party for standing by the pain he caused for the last four years. The chance to hold accountable a political party that supports a president who called white supremacists in CharlotSonia Laby ’22

There is no doubt that the 2020 election is probably one of the most important elections our country has ever seen. With COVID-19, climate change, gun violence, and the economy, President-elect Joe tion, 72 million Americans voted for Trump’s version of America. One where the rights of people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and immigrants are denied. One where the media and science cannot be trusted. One where the cornerstone of our democracy, the vote of the people, is called into question. Just over fifty percent of Americans voted against that ideology, which is a reflection of where we are as a nation. At the beginning of his acceptance speech, Biden promised to be a leader “who seeks not to divide, but to unify.” The American people need a miracle to make that happen. Still, we are a country built on hope—the hope of a lasting, tesville “good people,” who tried to take away healthcare from millions of citizens in need, who refused to wear masks en masse, and who denied that Black Lives Matter. Unfortunately, we saw nothing like that. Republicans have gained seats in the House of Representatives. They have a great shot to hold onto the Senate, something that wasn’t expected going into the either state legislative chamber in Pennsylvania, despite being on track to win at least one, and they’ve lost two of three statewide twenty electoral votes. These may seem like trivial losses compared to the presi Graphic by Emerald Wu ’23 dency, which undoubtedly is the biggest prize on the ballot, but they matter more than some may realize. With the 2020 census now complete, ence in redistricting not just Pennsylvania but the entire country. They will allow gerrymandering to run rampant for another ten years in critical swing states. Even while President-elect Biden may be in the White House, Republicans will have a good shot at blocking any agenda to rebuild the country after the Trump presidency, and if they take the SenBiden has many crucial issues on his hands. But let me ask you a question: how much time did your classes spend talking about these topics and the election? For me and for everyone that I interviewed, there was and very upsetting because electing a person to the highest seat of government will have a huge impact on the world. Presidentelect Joe Biden will have to deal primarily with stopping the spread of COVID-19. With cases increasing more rapidly than ever, halting businesses by the thousands, and taking more lives than ever imagined, it is absolutely crucial that the virus is suppressed. Considering the fact that so much is on the line, it is very important representative democracy; the hope to protect all of its citizens; the hope that despite our differences, we are and forever will be a united people. Biden has declared his conviction to fight for all Americans in our democracy and bring both sides back to the table once again. Will the Biden administration live up to its promises? Will it restore the United States we once knew, or lead us to discover a better one? Only time will tell, but our hopes are with him.

Unsigned editorials reflect the general opinion of the staff and not the opinion of

contributors and not necessarily those of The Merionite e

any single editor.

ate, Biden’s plans are as good as dead on arrival. So while I’m obviously glad to see Trump ousted, in a repudiation that few incumbent presidents have received, I can’t help but feel devastated at the losses that have occurred lower on the ballot, and what it means for progress in this country. In that 2016 letter I wrote to myself, I asked future me a simple question: “What did you do?” I’m glad to answer today that since then I did everything I could. I volunteered, organized for candidates and platforms, and I hope that I’ve encouraged more people around me to pay attention to what’s going on in our nation. But even with Trump gone, this isn’t a time to get complacent. The Republican Party will not suddenly become more moderate with its positions on social and economic issues just because its rhetorically abhorrent leader is gone. The Republicans are still going to push the same policies they did for the last four years, especially since 2020 didn’t deliver them a great enough rebuke at the ballot box to remove them from the positions of power to enact these policies. The message is this: we can celebrate today. I will say the word “former” before President Trump’s title with pride. But we cannot get complacent. There is too much at stake and too much that threatens the rights and success of too many in enjoy the new dawn come January when Biden steps into the White House. But don’t think it’s time to go back to normal. We still have to push the Biden administration on key priorities and stop Republicans from keeping the policies of the past four years alive. We still have to ask our future selves, “What did you do?” If you didn’t do enough the last four years, get involved now and make the next four count. Hopefully in a few years’ time,

Classroom censure

you’ll have an answer you’re proud of. that we are educated about the election. Every day we go to school to become more educated about the world. However, with class curricula so rigorous, it is schedule to teach about current events. In my opinion, these curriculums need to be reduced so that there is enough wiggle room for classes to spend at least a few days a year talking about current events. Current events are important because they tell us how the world is changing day by day. It is necessary for students to understand them. This election is a huge current event that will go down in history and it is crazy to think that we have spent little time learning about it. This needs to change.

Opinions The Merionite

Suppress voter supression Solutions not shutdowns

The United States prides itself on being the first republic. In theory, this would mean every eligible citizen (those who are eighteen years or older) would have the opportunity to vote for representatives in the government. However, not every American has had the ability to vote. Ever since its founding, the US has been afflicted by an epidemic: voter suppression. Voter suppression refers to deliberate attempts to prevent people from registering to vote or voting. These attempts often hurt Black, Brown, and Indigenous people the most, stripping away their basic rights as American citizens. They directly undermine the idea of representative democracy the nation was founded upon. If people of color don’t have the ability to vote, they cannot elect officials who work on their behalf. Their needs are completely disregarded, and they continue to suffer. If the US wants to continue calling itself a republic, it must find a cure for this disease of underrepresentation. I believe much of the reason this issue has yet to be addressed is due to the common belief that voter suppression ended after the Fifteenth Amendment was passed. In reality, the fight for voting equality has continued for centuries. Right after the Fifteenth amendment was passed, Southern legislatures created property taxes and literacy tests designed to keep Black voters from the polls. These tactics were designed to dramatically impact Black voter registration and sadly, they worked. In states like Mississippi, registered Black voters dropped from ninety percent to just six percent of the eligible population. In protests like the Selma to Montgomery march, activists shed blood just so that people of color had the right to use their voice, something that should have already been enforced as it is written in the Constitution. One would think after these pro“ If the US wants to continue calling itself a republic, it

tests that the American people would have come to their senses. After all, isn’t the US supposed to “establish Justice?” Is establishing justice denying Americans the right to their voices in their government? Unfortunately, the judiciary thinks so. In fact, as recently as 2013, the Supreme Court amended the Voting Rights Act, an act designed to protect the rights of minority voters, and allowed nine states and several counties to change their elections laws without any federal approval. This ushered in a new era of voter suppression, with states implementing voter ID laws, greatly limiting voting registration windows, and gerrymandering (redrawing state districts to benefit one political party). These laws often disproportionately affect minorities and people with a lower income. Though it’s hard to say exactly how many voters have been deterred due to these tight restrictions, one study in Wisconsin found that 300,000 voters were impacted by the state’s strict photo ID laws. In addition, voter turnout in Milwaukee, where seventy percent of the state’s Black population lives, decreased by thirteen percent. How can America call itself a representative democracy when it keeps people from representing themselves? In 2020, we saw even further instances of voter suppression. In Georgia, people were forced to wait in long lines, sometimes for up to eight hours, to cast their ballots. A joint research effort by ProPublica and Georgia Public Broadcasting found that these lines affected “predominantly Black neighborhoods like Union City, just south of Atlanta”. These policies extended to mail-in ballots as well. In the Navajo Nation, the average Native American is 38 miles away from the closest operating Post Office. This means that the ethnic group with the highest risk

for contracting severe cases of COVID-19 didn’t have access to safe methods of voting this election. Though these may not seem like deliberate attempts to suppress votes, in reality, it is. A nation that is complacent is just as guilty. No person in the US should have to choose risking their life or participating in their democracy. These attempts to suppress people of color must be addressed in our political system. For those who can vote, finding a permanent cure for voter suppression falls on you. When voting for your senators, see if they support the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill fights to establish “new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices.” For those who can’t vote, make sure you call your current senators and inform them you are interested in passing this bill. After, make sure you inform your friends and family about voting requirements in the state and ensure they obtain the correct documents. No eligible voice in a republic should be suppressed, especially on the basis of race.

Editor-in-Chief

Over the last few weeks, the novel coronavirus has ravaged our great nation’s cities and suburbs. No area has been left untouched by this endemic disease. LM shut its doors abruptly on November 16 after community officials panicked over rising case numbers throughout the country and state, in addition to several students and staff at LM testing positive for COVID-19. The temporary closure of our schools came in conjunction with new guidelines in many states and cities as the number of coronavirus hospitalizations continues to rise. In addition, governors and mayors across the country recently instituted Graphic by new measures over their jurisdictions that they claimed will save lives. These local and state officials have disregarded the limited advice given from the federal government and instead established their own disastrous restrictions. The second wave of lockdowns occurring across our country will undoubtedly cause even greater harm to our nation’s economy. Not only will Americans face economic devastation like never before, they will also suffer the greatest violation of natural rights known to mankind. I firmly believe that the switch from hybrid to remote learning is a justified measure for protecting students, staff, and families throughout our district. However, the sole reason I support this change is because the district has provided an effective synchronous model of virtual learning for students of all ages and abilities. In contrast, the second wave of lockdowns instituted in major cities will be detrimental to small and middle-sized businesses that have miraculously survived the first round of lockdowns. The first lockdown which lasted from March through early summer permanently shuttered thousands of businesses across the country — particularly where strict restrictions on movement and commerce were instituted. In Philadelphia alone, more than 1,000 businesses in the immediate area permanently closed as a result of the first lockdown restrictions, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. The city of Philadelphia was labeled as a virus “hotspot” from the onset of the virus and had some of the strictest restrictions instituted by any major city in the United States. These first restrictions were catastrophic to Philadelphia’s economy. An unnamed LM student noted that “it feels like half of the storefronts in Philadelphia are empty.” As of November 14, Philadelphia has announced sweeping new restrictions on restaurants and instituted measures that would limit all indoor gatherings. These regulations would impact gyms, salons, and thousands of other businesses in the area that rely on in-person commerce. The economic impact of restrictions like these will undoubtedly close even more businesses across our community. More and more Philadelphians will lose their livelihoods in the name of “public health.” “

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The new lockdowns being instituted across our nation and community will not only harm the economic livelihoods of millions of Americans but will also hinder the natural rights of all people in our nation. Lockdowns are unfortunately meant to place restrictions on what Americans can and cannot do on a given day. Instead of placing limitations on what a given individual can do with their business or personal life, the government should vest trust within their own people. People have a constitutional right to make their own decisions and live a life of liberty. People should weigh the risks of contracting the virus before going out to support their local businesses. Moreover, businesses should not be ordered to close by local and state governments without adequate financial support. It is time for our levels of government to provide solutions for businesses and unemployed Americans before imposing lockdowns on already-fragile communities. State governments should not have the right to close down businesses and put millions out of work if they cannot find adequate solutions to help families put food on the table or pay rent at the end of the month. Americans need a solution that factors in public health but also recognizes that millions of other Americans will suffer dramatically with new lockdowns. City and state lockdowns that are accompanied by the closure of hundreds of thousands of businesses could have a lasting impact on the future of LM students. The American workforce will not be at the same vitality that it once was when we leave high school. It is time for our governments to create real solutions for struggling Americans prior to mandating stifling restrictions.

Opinions November 30, 2020 Math tests: 3 The Merionite The inevitable

COVID tests: 0 shutdown

Jessica Dubin ’24 Fall is one of the most festive times of the year. People gather with friends and family for fun activities and holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Although some may think staying home is the only option with the new wave of COVID-19 cases, there are many ways to participate in the fall festivities while staying safe. It’s important to not get discouraged

they can get dangerously close to a student in a neighboring seat. This is especially unacceptable in the cafeteria since students are not wearing masks when eating lunch. In addition to desks not being six feet apart, students in the hallways are close together and socializing at potentially dangerous and remember there's always a safe alternative. There are many activities that allow people to celebrate the fall. Places like Linvilla Orchards have corn mazes, hayrides and many more fall festivities that allow everyone to remain distanced. They only run activities that have limited contact with others and have strict mask policies, along with social distancing guidelines that help ensure safety. As long as each person follows the guidelines and washes their hands, these activities can be done safely. Additionally, people can also pick pumpkins that can be used to decorate their home. Carving pumpkins is another festive activity to do with the pumpkins you pick, which can be done very safely with friends or family. Each group can gathLiam Shack ’22 distances. On top of this, one-way stairways are occasionally used

After seven months of school by students going both directions, closures, it is clear that we will not and little has been done to reduce be going back to a normal sched- the threat created by these students’ ule any time soon. Despite over actions. It is natural for teens to 250,000 COVID-19 deaths and want to congregate and be counting, many parents and close to each other; perhaps students still longed for a a reminder in between classreturn to in-person education. es would have been helpful. The school responded by rush- Desk spacing and social distancing to figure out a plan to safely ing aside, the biggest issue with the return students to the classrooms. return to school is the lack of testWith brand new safety regulations ing. So far, we have seen many in place, the school is trying very other schools, such as Friends hard to prevent students from Central, do COVID-19 tests regucontracting COVID-19. The school larly. They test students in each has divided the student body of their cohorts on returns from into two cohorts, moved desks vacation, as well as randomly during further apart, limited lunch seat- the school year. With the amount of ing to desks spaced six feet apart, money in the school district’s hands, and offered contactless lunches to LM should be able to do regular all students. But did the school do COVID-19 testing within each enough to keep all LM students and cohort. Even without testing at faculty safe? The answer, sadly, is the school, we are already seeing no. The desks in classrooms are just COVID-19 cases rise. We would know not far enough apart, the cafeteria right now how many students have filled with unmasked students is COVID-19 if we did testing withessentially a feeding ground for out the worrying of wondering. COVID-19, and students in hallways It has been tough adapting to the are in no way being forced to social effects of the pandemic on our distance. Most importantly, the school. I miss my friends, playing school does not test students for water polo, and swimming. coronavirus. While LM followed COVID-19 also makes it very many COVID-19 guidelines, the lack difficult to form meaningful of testing combined with natural connections with teachers and new human social behavior, causes the friends. Unfortunately, while the safety measures to fall short in seri- school is attempting to prevent ously limiting the spread of the virus. COVID-19 cases, not enough has

The first day I walked into the been done and much may be imposbuilding, I expected to see desks sible. The reality of the situation in classrooms very far apart and is it is very hard to get high school desks in the cafeteria even farther students to follow social distancing apart. I was very suprised to see guidelines. While the school can set how close the desks were. Terrify- strict guidelines, it is the responsiingly, they do not appear to be the bility of the student body to follow recommended six feet apart — some them and sometimes that may not students have even suggested that happen. This is why reguthe school measures from the cen- lar testing is an impotant part ter of the desk rather than from the of in-person education. Othersides of the desks. When a student wise, we are waiting for the inleans over to the side of their desk, evitable outbreak at our school.

Mia Hail ’23 Copy Editor

As COVID-19 continues to sweep the globe and US cases are reaching all-time highs, the virus reminds us that this pandemic is far from over. Many countries in Europe, in order to combat this “second wave,” are switching back to a full country lockdown. Meanwhile, in the US, cases are skyrocketing with seemingly no end in sight; each day there are thousands of new cases and hundreds of deaths. Countries around the world are again closing shops, restaurants, theaters, and placing travel bans. Yet, they are doing everything they can to keep schools open. Shutting schools down for the entire end of the year in March was extremely challenging for all students, and in recognizing that, schools are going to cling onto in-person classes for as long as possible. However, as case numbers surge, schools are bound to become new epicenters for the virus, leaving communities to make their own decisions whether or not to close. For LMSD, the question isn’t if schools close, but for how long will they stay closed? With LM reverting back to online school after only four weeks of in-person instruc COVID-19, the spread of the virus among the district seems inescapable. Everyone in the district is interconnected, with teams traveling to play other schools, extracurricular activities, and even people who disregard social distancing guidelines when with their friends. Although the LM community has had relatively good control of the virus since March, cases will rise, as they are around the country. At the time of writing this article, there are multiple all the LMSD schools, including four cases at LM. All it takes is one asymptomatic person to spread it across the entire district, and suddenly there is an er distanced outside and have a pumpkin carving and/or decorating contest! Another fun fall activity is apple picking, which people can enjoy with others and later make festive dishes with the apples that they picked. Something else to do to get into the fall spirit is make a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth of the fire outside with friends and family. Thanksgiving is also a holiday that will be celebrated very differently this year. Families are not going to be able to have their large family gatherings like normal, but there are many ways to stay connected with loved ones and participate in annual traditions. One thing to do is have an outdoor Thanksgiving, if the weather permits, which outbreak. In March, we all experienced the rapid turn around the virus created, as schools initially closed for only two weeks, which then turned to four, and eventually to cancelling the entire rest of the school year. This was after only edent was set that the school board will take a similar approach in this second wave, which has already proven to be true with the recent closing of LMSD. Not only are rising cases a concern for schools, but the imminent winter, which raises new concerns about COVID-19 cases rising once people are no longer able to spend time outside. The winter months are usually synonymous with that this year, not only will there be the cases. Until now, people have found ways to spend time together outside while keeping plenty of distance and with a constant circulation of fresh air. The fear is that in the cold weather people are forced to spend more time inside in close proximity, consequently causing case numbers to drastically rise. While it’s important to remain optimistic about going back to school, it’s hard to do so when reading the news of the rising coronavirus cases and the warnings that the worst is still to come. As cases continue to rise, LMSD has to prioritize their student’s health over in-person education. After four weeks of hybrid in-person learning, LMSD has made the decision to return to fully virtual school until December 4, then they hope to return to the hybrid model for the remaining weeks leading up to winter break. Going online for these next few weeks isn’t going to change the fact that COVID-19 cases are rising, and are bound to continue to do so. Schools are a dangerous breeding ground for COVID-19, and despite the district’s social distancing, and mandatory daily health checks, these minimal in the case of an outbreak. Although I hope LM will reopen soon, the harsh reality is that it’s looking more probable every day that we will remain in fully online school for a long time. Unless things drastically improve while we’re virtual, it seems extremely unlikely that we will be returning to school before January, and

Safe and sound

even that is an optimistic outlook. reduces the chance of spreading COVID-19 and allows everyone to celebrate safely while still being with extended family. Another option is to celebrate online, connecting with family and friends and enjoy a meal together. We can’t let this virus take away our sense of community, as we can still participate in normal fall festivities while following the safety guidelines. These guidelines are extremely important to follow because they are the best way to reduce the spread of the virus. If people do not follow them, the virus rates will increase and continue to worsen. As long as people properly social distance, wear their masks, and wash their hands, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season while staying safe.

Opinions The Merionite Dangers of drilling

Sarem Khan ’24

dering herds of caribou, polar bears and other species. Unfortunately, the animals who reside in these nine homelands. Recently, the Trump administration has decided to push ahead with plans to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. With its beginning leases projected to be granted by the end of this year, drilling

Energy companies’ interest in Arctic Refuge has risen and fallen over the past few decades. The discovery of oil duction in the region. The fostering of this plan to drill was one that was widely disputed and controversial. It is also

Noah Barkan ’24

One of the most recent issues that has arisen for debate in the community is whether LM should put lights gomery Avenue from the high school and is surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Arnold Field is one of the big at least some time on it. This fall, football, girls’ and boys’

The issue of the lights resurfaced due to the debate over school start times. Both sides of the argument seem to have rounding the school, streets are littered with yard signs arguing “No Lights On Arnold Field” or “Let LM Athletes Shine.” taped to the metal bars of the gate. My opinion on this sub-

Max Blumenfeld ’21

us in his farewell address that political partisanism posed about forty percent of congressional votes fell along party lican-controlled Senate during Obama’s second term did the same to President Trump, albeit with less success. The very foundation of a representative government and its biggest advantage over direct democracy is that it is supposed to prevent a majority faction from ignoring what every

Republicans didn’t use to believe that the other party winning the White House would lead to the end of days. To noteworthy that only one well has been drilled in this refuge and, as per a New York Times investigation, the results were very discouraging. Many have opposed this drilling. we will never stop suing them.” Environmental groups call it the “biological heart of a priceless ecosystem,” and they will continue to advocate against oil drilling, but they are afraid that once drilling rights are sold, it will be harder for a future president to reverse this plan. The recent deci refuge’s coastal plain and to all the living life on that land. almost any area in the Arctic. Oil spills are a common occurrence during the process of extracting oils and gas. In tons of oil lost. Not only do these spills harm the environment in a massive way, the animals who inhabit those ine all the damage done to the ecosystem during that time!

Proponents of drilling argue that improvements in drilling technology have lowered drilling costs and increased the ject is simple: it doesn’t matter. Biden, Trump, and BLM signs are commonplace around LM, however, a majority of the houses with signs concerning lights on Arnold Field only have signs concerning that issue. Why would someone feel strongly enough about lights at LM to put up a sign but not that could change the world for years to come? The answer divide and privilege LM has. From the higher test scores to the more advanced technology to the sushi served in the cafeteria, LM and the community that surrounds it has a clear are located only miles away. Of course, there is a portion of Graphic by Emerald Wu ’23

The MAGA era me it appears that this unwillingness to compromise is the single greatest obstacle to true progress in our nation. The sitting president of the US expressed the sentiment that he did not cast their electoral votes for him. Of all the horrifying things Agent Orange has said in the last few years, that one is, in my opinion, the most damning. He’s the president of the US, not just the Red States, and it’s his job to care about all Americans, not just the ones who voted for him.

It isn’t just within the government itself that you see my own views as an example here: I agree with the Republicans that it’s best to have a smaller national government, economic action to the minimum reasonable level. I also that racism and homophobia are bad, and that, if it can be avoided (which it easily can), people should not die due to crats would call me a racist and Republicans would call me a about racism and with Republicans about communism. If you’re a hardcore liberal, you might be rushing to say that I’m blinded by my privilege, because as a white guy living in LM Township, compromising with Republicans economic competitiveness in the drilling industries. of oil drillers in the past, however, at this time, some oil companies are not too enthusiastic on starting this process as oil up to a decade for oil to be actually extracted, during which time the need for fossil fuels may decline with development of other sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and wave became the latest to announce its revised policy, joining Wells It is imperative that if the Trump administration decides to proceed with their actions, they protect the environ our duty as human beings and inhabitants of this planet to protect what we have left of such pristine areas of wildlife as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. While people can contest the idea of prohibiting the destructive drilling of natural areas, there are many irreversible and devastating outcomes that will follow if the supporters of this campaign proceed with the proposal, such as loss of innocent animal lives, damage to the environment, and many other future

First world lawn signs

LM families who are minorities and who these elections and of the day, we can still go to bed without the threats and wor taxes might change, we might get mad at our TV screens, we might hear sad stories on the radio, but we never have to count on a tip from an angry customer or stress about highlight the divide and disconnect much of LM experiences in their suburban lives. Today “we” face huge problems worlds away from the reality we live in. Kids whose lungs seen at much higher rates in poor neighborhoods, we have urban areas. While teens are out in Philadelphia, twenty minutes away, dealing with systemic racism, police brutality and being afraid in their neighborhoods, we are wor furthest things from our minds. Of course, anyone can put

be aware of the gift that these are the problems that face us. doesn’t mean compromising on my basic rights. Half of that is true, but half of it is not. I won’t try to deny having that privilege, but I’m not blinded by it (at least in this case); this to get everything you want all at once, even though a lot of what you want is human decency. You’ll help more people, and sooner, if you settle for part of what you want today, and let the Republicans get what they want somewhere else, than you will if you wait to do anything major until you can do it without giving up ground. If you’re a hard-line conservative (I mean a real conservative, not a MAGA hat owner), reform and LGBTQ+ rights are also pushing socialistic policies, and socialism is basically communism, and communism is bad, so they must want to destroy your way of life and there where people of all races, genders, orientations, and national origins have the same rights, is still capitalism, and giving up ground to progressives on social issues isn’t a threat to it. This isn’t one of those performative pleas for unity you see burning the country down if Trump had won a second term. While it would be really nice if we could realize that we all live they are, it’s pretty obvious that that’s not going to happen

Transforming tradition

Julia Russel ’23

Thanksgiving is a holiday that all families look forward to every everyone will have to adjust to the new precautionary constraints. year. It is a special time to gather with loved ones, family, friends, Nolan Shanley, a sophomore, is celebrating Thanksgiving and enjoy the extended holiday. It is a nice excuse for families from all over to come together, but more importantly, it is a time to look celebrate at his grandparent’s house surrounded by a variety back and give thanks as a family. Unfortunately, large family gath- of food. This year, to protect the more vulnerable elderly famerings are not encouraged during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ily members, they are moving the dinner outdoors. There will be

Gathering around the dining room table with all our loved ones, catching up on each other’s lives, enjoying freshly made turkey, warm. The food will be distributed in a safe manner so the famhomemade pumpkin pies, and special desserts, will sadly be missed ily will still be able to feast on the holiday foods. In addition, they this year. To be able to celebrate this wonderful holiday without any will maintain distance between each family member to reduce the risk of harm would require the event to be outside and require the risk of sickness. Shanley explains,“Although this loving holiday will participants to exhibit adequate social distancing. This inconve- my whole family in a safe way.” This year, due to all the pandemic past. After all, there are many guidelines that need to be followed in Thanksgiving will be drastically altered. For this Thanksgiving, order to keep everyone safe and healthy. However, all these disrup- my family and I decided to participate in the holiday with just us tions to this traditional holiday should not distract from the impor- rather than meeting with cousins and grandparents. We believe tance to recognize everything that we ought to be to be thankful for in it would be the safest way while still having a great time. At the the past year. While some are just staying home with their immedi- end of the day, the most important thing is to have a fun family ate family or hosting outside gatherings with more family members, time in a safe environment and create special lifelong memories.

Graphic by Katherine Fang ’23

The turKEY to Thanksgiving leftovers

Sydney Harman ’23 don’t unnecessarily go to waste because of a lack of storage space. their plates with food while surrounded by friends and family. Due During the dinner, be sure to pace yourself. Always remember to COVID-19, dinner tables might have a few less guests than usual, that your eyes are bigger than your stomach! Only take what you but similar to past years, there will still be large amounts of waste know you can eat, because you can always go back for seconds. and excess food. According to the US Chamber of Commerce Foun- Since you aren’t going to save the leftover food on your plate, don’t dation, “In the US, we waste up to forty percent of our food each take excessive amounts of food that will have to be thrown away. year.” They also mention that experts expect around 200 million For all of the saved leftovers you will be reheating for the next pounds of turkey to be leftover and thrown out Thanksgiving. There week, there are so many easy and delicious ways to make new are many simple ways to avoid waste, such as preparing space for dishes from the old ones. You can transform baked sweet potato, leftovers, pacing yourself during dinner, turning them into new squash, or pumpkin into a festive fall soup by blending it and adddishes, and donating. By following a few of these ideas, both the ing a few spices. Turkey can be added to anything from salad to environment and community could experience a positive impact. a breakfast burrito. Leftover cranberry sauce can be a substitute It is important to prepare for the night by making sure food for jelly on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, added to yogurt, or storage options are available in your home. Plastic bags, tin foil, used to top a desert. When biscuits turn stale they can be ground plastic wrap, and storage containers being accessible are important up and used for breadcrumbs. These are only a few examples, for a quick and easy cleanup. It is important to clean up promptly and many recipes can be found by simply searching the internet. - perature for an extended period of time leaves it susceptible to ing meal, not everyone is able to experience the same. Any bacteria growth that may spoil the food. It is also important to unopened and untouched food can be donated to a food pantry make room in the freezer and refrigerator of your home. There’s or organization. There are also many shelters that accept food nothing worse than taking the time to cram your leftover food into donations, and you can access a directory of them at foodpantries. the freezer and have it not even be able to close. Before Thanksgiv- org. Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what you have and ing night, clear old and spoiled food out so that the new leftovers giving back to your community and those who are less fortunate.