We study, play, podcast, perform, and some of us work
Some students feel they have too much to do after school, juggling AP classes, sports and extracurriculars. Meanwhile, some students work jobs throughout the year or during the summer.
Walker Reel ‘27 runs a cash register, scoops ice cream, mulches yards, cuts down trees and plays with kids at summer camps, while leading a steady student life as a Second-Honor-Roll student and three-sport athlete.
“I’ve been working for about three years,” Reel said. “It has been really good for me. I have been able to make a lot of money for someone at such a young age. I am blessed to have all of the opportunities. I have learned about improving my work ethic, coordination and time management. I work mostly 12-hour shifts on the weekends.”
A North Cross parent contacted him during the summer of his eighth grade year. The owner of Sugar Magnolia offered him a job.
“I wanted the job,” Reel said. “I had just got my learners, and would have to help pay for a truck, with insurance and all that. I started driving so I needed some money. Also for college, eventually.”
He helped teach and round up young athletes during the summer at NCS baseball and basketball camps. Reel also works for NCS summer programs.
Reel stresses the importance of getting work done during the school day as well as at home. He stresses the benefit of scheduling. It is difficult to balance work, sports, school and personal hobbies. Reel uses a daily planner and calendar which he writes every event in.
“Being a young worker has helped me with social interactions and communication,” Reel said.
Catherine Ferguson ‘26 works at Glazed-Bisque-It. She applied for a job because she went often and because of its close location.
“I like working there,” she said, “it’s fun and I get to talk to people. But I don’t like when people are rude, of course. I never get tips, either.”
Ava Dalaski ‘25 works as a hostess at Lydia’s restaurant in Salem.
“My job at work has really taught me a lot about responsibility because if I forget to tell somebody about a table, then nobody has the table, and the customer might become mad and leave.
“If I don’t communicate with people, that’s not good; everyone needs to know what’s going on. I especially check on my servers throughout the night to make sure they’re not too overwhelmed. My job has also taught me a lot about time management because I have to make and bag orders on time. Organizing all of the food can sometimes be really stressful when
Founded in 2010 and based in the Journalism elective, The Willis Hall Herald is the official student-led publication of the Upper School at North Cross School. The Herald may be published in magazine form three or more times per year. Founded in 2017 and produced by the Herald staff, GeoPrism: A Global Studies Journal may be published in magazine form once or twice per year. the Herald welcomes letters, commentary and submissions of original content that adhere to the Herald’s dedication to factual journalism. Letters and other content must be signed and may be edited for length and Herald style. The Herald does not guarantee publication of outside submissions. Submit letters to willishallherald@northcross.org. the Herald won Gold Medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in 2012 and 2015. The Herald is also a member of the National Student Press Association, whih awarded The Herald “First Class” honors in 2024.
Survey Says Students work
Of the 56 students who took our survey from April 30-May 2, 24 (about 43 percent) said they work. Of those 24 workers, most work all year, while eight just work at NCS in the summer.
it’s really busy. So, I’ve learned to stay calm and kind of tune everything out so I can get my work done. It has also taught me how to deal with a lot of different people, especially when they’re older. It can be really awkward, but it has to be done.”
I [Lauren Boone] work at Hunting Hills Country Club as an Event Tech. I spend my work days setting up events, such as weddings, parties, brunches and dinners. For food events, I bring food out, sometimes do dishes, bus tables and clean. On wedding days, which are my favorites, I get to set them up and take them down. My coworkers and I set up the venues, bring out tables and chairs, then put linens on dinner tables, prepare the hors d’oeuvres and much more. During the summer, I get to set up pool parties and work at the snack shack.
Carter Levan ‘26, who works with me as a server, and I spend lots of time together setting up and goofing around at the same time. I have learned a lot from work, having to almost constantly communicate with members of the country club, my coworkers and boss. My social skills have definitely improved, especially with talking to older people, which I have always struggled with. I told my boss I was too shy to work as a server or host, so I gladly became an event tech.
I have been able to provide for myself more because of work. Being able to make a sufficient amount of money as a teenager will benefit me both in the present and future. By improving communication, learning about how the kitchen and club works, and being in the service industry at this age, I will be more prepared as an adult than most. I have become used to working almost 10 hour days. I always encourage my friends to find jobs.
Vol. XVI No. 4 Spring 2025
North Cross School 4254 Colonial Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018 www.willishallherald.org Instagram: willis.hall.herald
Co-Editors-in-Chief .....................................Lauren Boone ‘25 and Jacob Johnson ‘25
Podcaster Editors..........................................Anna Ciccozzi ‘26 and Mason Bibby ‘27
Analyzing America podcast: Trump tariffs beg questions about markets
By Mason Bibby
“We’re gonna win economically, we’re gonna win with the economy, we’re going to win with military, we’re going to win with health care and for our veterans, we’re going to win with every single facet. We’re going to win so much you may even get tired of winning, and you’ll say ‘please please it’s too much winning, we can’t take it anymore, Mr. President, it’s too much…’”
These words, delivered in 2016 with convicted certainty by then-presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, have certainly resounded and resonated with many Americans—but maybe not for their intended purpose. In late March, President Donald Trump expressed a renewed interest in a point postulated during his time on the campaign trail: “reciprocal,” that is, in response to what other nations were presumably charging the United States, tariffs. A tariff, in this case, refers to a tax imposed on goods and services imported from foreign countries in an attempt to make them less competitive with domestic producers.
Noticeably, apart from the White House’s 185-nation list of countries that are tariffed, many notable ones, such as Canada, Mexico, Russia and Belarus, avoided the economic shockwave. Though Canada has worked on the fentanyl crisis and Mexico has attempted to stop the influx of Central American migrants, respectively, they were excluded from the order as they
The three types of tariffs include:
had already been affected by previous Executive Orders enacting 25% tariffs. Around the country, individuals still sounded the alarm over a lack of economic action against Russia and its Eastern European proxy, Belarus. A White House official said that the European behemoth is “not on this list because sanctions from the Ukraine War have already rendered trade between the two countries as zero.”
Americans, even the CEOs and owners of stateside economic titans such as BlackRock and JP Morgan, have expressed their concern as market futures falter. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of the latter, has lambasted Trump’s handling of the economy. Dimon, 69, has often taken a cautionary tone. On April 7, those statements were continued in an interview with MSNBC. He said “The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.”
Still, the Trump Administration remains resolute in its stance, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessnet and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick leading the charge in proving that tariffs are a “short term loss for a long term gain.” This comes as U.S. officials have set the tariff rate to 10% for over 80 of the originally tarrifed countries, accompanied by a 90-day pause. Stocks surged after Bessnet’s announcement, with the
S&P 500 in particular seeing a 9.5% increase, its largest since 2008. Still, those disgruntled citizens aren’t necessarily looking to see an incremental increase, especially as futures across the stock market including the DOW Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq, and Standard & Poor 500, as well as commodities such as oil, steel, and gold plummet.
Videos have proliferated around social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, displaying the president delivering his aforementioned remarks while accompanied by a graph in the background that illustrates a sheer drop in stock prices.
As countries seek to renegotiate their tariffs and individuals such as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are grilled on Capitol Hill, investors, citizens, and government officials alike are left with one burning question: Will the market regulate itself?
“The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.” or “short term loss for a long term gain.”
There are three types of tariffs that were imposed following the president’s post-bell announcement on April 2. also extremely common in Trump’s strategy.
1. Ad Valorem (or, “to [the] value”) Tariffs–These serve to charge a tax on a percentage of imported goods or services. For example, a 10% tariff on a $100 item would be $10. These are the most common tariffs in POTUS’ recent uptick in tariffs, though the percent increase on these is much higher, with many sitting between 30 to 70 percent. China, the highest tariffed nation to date, has an 145% tariff on all items this country exports to the United States. China has hit back with a halt on exports of rare earth minerals.
2. Protective Tariffs–These are designed to protect domestic industries, specifically in this case automotive manufacturers, technology suppliers such as those who create microchips, from foreign competition by making those goods more expensive. It is important to note that U.S. goods tend to be more expensive than nations such as China or India, especially due to higher labor costs, stricter regulations, and higher standards of living. These tariffs, a combination of compound tariffs (a fixed percentage of the item’s value added to its price, and can also be known as “specific tariffs”) and Ad Valorem Tariffs, are
3. Retaliatory Tariffs–As the name suggests, these are meant to counter tariffs or trade barriers set by other countries. While this has been an integral part of the president’s economic ideology, they are actually becoming more increasingly common among other nations seeking to fill the gap.
Investors, citizens, and government officials alike are left with one burning question: Will the market regulate itself?
A sampling of Mason Bibby’s 7 episodes
Episode 7:
A new Pope
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, grew up on the South Side of Chicago—proving once again that even in the Catholic Church, you can go from working-class to world-class.
He spent years as a missionary in Peru, took Peruvian citizenship, and somehow still managed to avoid the limelight until now. Frankly, it’s refreshing to see someone rise through humility instead of hashtags.
Pope Leo XIV. That name isn’t random. It’s a respectful tip of the miter to Pope Leo XIII—the man who practically invented Catholic social teaching in the modern age. Choosing “Leo” sends a message: this new pontiff is here to talk about work, wages, peace, and justice. And maybe, just maybe, calm the waters of a Church that’s spent a few too many years weathering storms. From conservative/ liberal divides to sexual harassment accusations, Leo could be the one to martial Catholicism back to order, If Pope Francis brought the Church out to the margins, Leo XIV might be the one to help it find its balance—compassion without chaos, tradition without rigidity.
Leo XIV has been called a reconciler, a quiet reformer, and a steady hand. He’s like the Church’s version of a seasoned middle-school teacher—gentle, firm, and probably unimpressed with your excuses.
That’s all for today’s episode of Analyzing America. Whether you’re lighting candles at Mass, scrolling headlines on your lunch break, or just wondering how long a papal term actually lasts (spoiler: it’s lifetime).
Even in the Catholic Church, you can go from working-class to world-class.
Survey says how students define themselves politically
Politically I consider myself . . .
• Left leaning 14
• Right leaning 13
• It depends on the issue 10
• Undecided/No affinity 9
• Center 3
• Apolitical 1
• For the USA i think left leaning is the best 1
• I dont know what any of this means but im a democrat 1
• mostly left but agree with some right views 1
• rather not say 1
• No opinion 1
• Tyrannical 1
Episode 1:
SNAFU in Security
On March 11, 2025, National Security Advisor
Michael Waltz (pictured above in his official portrait) created a group chat on Signal—a messaging app renowned for its end-to-end encryption and privacy features.
The chat included several high-ranking officials: Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, among others.
The purpose? To discuss imminent military operations against the Houthi group in Yemen.
However, in a twist that seems almost too ironic, Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to this highly sensitive conversation. Goldberg, realizing the gravity of the situation, observed the discussions without participating and eventually left the chat. He later detailed the experience in an article published on March 24, bringing the incident to public attention.
Episode 4:
As 10th-grade class president, I sit down with my cabinet and mull over my next step. Retirement? Re-election? Another form of leadership? I interview Mac Byrd, Finn Chaney, Maidah Ahmad and Cole Hoff. See what they say in answering my questions about their roles. What do they do? The cabinet turns the table and asks me what it’s like to be the president.
“So what have I learned? That being right isn’t enough. You’ve got to be respectful, that having that title doesn’t make people listen. You got to earn that every day. That sometimes the best move is not to speak, but to step back and listen. This is where I pause the snarky sarcasm for a moment, where I truly express the moments of humanity even when it seems leaders don’t have them at all, because we’re fallible. We make mistakes, but we keep going, because that’s what it means to persevere. And we have to learn an important lesson. It’s easy to cast yourself as the hero in your own story, but an incumbent has to look at the whole picture, the good, the bad and the blurry. So where does it all lead? To reelection? Maybe. To reinvention? Possibly. but most of all, to renewal. Because leadership isn’t about clinging to power, it’s about stewarding trust, and trust has to be earned over and over again. This is what this intermission is for, not to rest, but to reset. Whether you’re in the arena or watching from the seats in the auditorium, remember this: The show doesn’t end at intermission. The second act is where the legacy is built. enough to lead, do it like it matters because it always does.
Everyone should watch the Netflix series Adolescence
By Fiona Parnell
Adolescence, a 2025 British crime drama mini-series, has started a media frenzy across all platforms. Its touchy and rarely discussed themes and topics regarding masculinity are portrayed in a chilling and disturbing light, setting this series apart from others.
With 66.3 million views in its first two weeks, Adolescence has broken the record for the most watched limited series on Netflix, surpassing the previous record holder, Queen’s Gambit. Adolescence is about a 13-yearold boy arrested at the beginning of the series for suspicion of murder of a female classmate.
The series opens with a house raid of a small, average looking family and the arrest of the young boy in the suburbs. As the series continues, Jamie, a small, frail, naive, and seemingly harmless young boy’s story unravels into a sequence of events that led to the murder of his female classmate. Throughout the show, Jamie subconsciously uncovers his true feelings about women upon further investigation and dialogue between police officials, family, and interactions in person and online
Adolescence is more relevant than ever in a time of social media and uncensored online content young people are exposed to. Influencers like brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate (who are mentioned in the show) profit off deceiving and poisoning the minds of young boys into believing the false claims of masculinity in which they root violence toward, dominance over and degradation of women. These men, along with the many other influencers in the manosphere, have become a danger not only to the psyche of young boys but also to the safety of young girls, which as we saw in this show, can be fatal.
In Adolescence, we see acts of toxic masculinity and misogyny in the forms of cyberbullying, hidden meanings in social media, parental neglect, hateful ideology, supremacy, and other situations relating to the misogynistic epidemic we are witnessing today. The events shown in Adolescence are consistent with real-life scenarios as people all over the world have seen a rise of misogyny among the youth – especially in the classroom.
SURVEY SAYS
Have you seen the Netflix series called Adolescence? If so, what did you think of it? 56 responses
YES = 8 including these comments
“Yes, it is a good representation of how the radical ‘manosphere’ content embraces and normalizes cruelty and hatred towards women in boys.”
“Yes. It was great and everyone should watch it- especially young boys.”
“I watched it and found it very realistic and informative as well as disturbing and sad.”
“I have started it and thought it was good.”
“I have, It is so good and twisting.”
NO = 48 including “No come on bro.”
Adolescence has struck a chord and disconcert among parents and teachers after watching the show. There has been talk about how this might be something that we need to show to kids to warn them and expose them to a different perspective of something they might have deemed harmless before. Adolescence has become particularly popular in the U.K. so much that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made public statements urging parents to show their children and even advocating for it to be available and shown in all public schools.
Influencers like brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate (who are mentioned in the show) profit off deceiving and poisoning the minds of young boys into believing the false claims of masculinity in which they root violence toward, dominance over and degradation of women.
Adolescence is not just the new popular TV show of the month, but rather a warning or even a foreshadowing of events that could unfold in real life with the unchecked and normalization of misogyny in modern society, especially those navigating their teenage years. Adolescence is a dark and depressing series, but also a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked actions and behaviors that foster the progression of unsafe and, in this case, even fatal actions against women.
Analyzing Adolescence and true crime on our podcast
By Nola Daninger and Dara Kerman
No Body, No Crime is our true crime podcast that discusses on not only true crime cases, but also responds to scary stories on similar subjects. If you like scary shows and true crime documentaries, you will like this podcast.
“After listening to Nola and Dara’s podcast, No Body, No Crime, I am very interested in watching more shows like adolescence,” Emily Nguyen ‘27 said, “Even if your favorite thing isn’t true crime or scary movies, it is still fun to hear your classmates speak about this topic.” No Body, No Crime, not only reacts to movies and documentaries, but we also try to share insight on events
that take place in life.
“Do you think sociopaths are born or made?” we ask each other.
If you are a fan of having conversations about movies/shows that make you think psychologically, this podcast is for you. The episode that just
got released is the first part of the No Body, No Crime.. It focuses on the TV series Adolescence and talks about certain scenes and character development that takes place during the series.
“Did you ever think that Jamie was innocent?” we ask.
“I thought that since he was originally accused,” Nola says, “that there would be a twist to where it wasn’t him. I thought maybe someone even put him up to it, he isn’t even 18.”
If you want to hear more discussion concerning this critically acclaimed show, Adolescence, “Many calling it a flawless and powerful TV drama,” listen to No Body, No Crime at www. willishallherald.com.
Apple products: Worth the money or a scam?
Are Apple products really worth it, or are you better off elsewhere?
By Joaquin Downey
Whenever you hear the word Apple, what do you think of? Perhaps a VR Headset, an iPhone, Airpods, or maybe just an actual apple. The company Apple has become the largest technology company, with their market cap being around $2.99 trillion dollars as of April 9, 2025. However, Apple has and still continues to receive a lot of backlash from the community for a variety of reasons.
Let’s take a step back to 2020, when Apple started to improve their carbon footprint by reducing their emissions. Along with this, they promised to start using less packaging to reduce waste and preserve the environment. To do this, they began to quit including multiple accessories with their products. For example, Apple iPhones used to come with both a charging cable and a wall socket adapter. They exclude the socket now, meaning the consumer must also purchase it separately, not to mention that it comes in its own individual package.
Also, iPhones no longer have universal headphone jacks. Because of this, a consumer who wishes to use wired headphones must buy a separate adapter to be able to use their headphones or buy Apple headphones, which also comes in its own packaging. People have wondered why the headphone jack was removed. What replaced it? Eventually, people opened up newer
models of phones to find a singular useless piece of plastic in the place of the jack outlet.
It would also be important to mention that Apple is constantly changing what type of cable they need to charge iPhone models, again making the consumer pay for more and waste more packaging. Besides chargers, the cases change too, as Apple is constantly changing the size of the phone along with the button and camera arraignments. Once again, the consumer must spend more and waste more to get a new case for their IPhones.
Another point that’s worth mentioning, Apple products aren’t cheap. Remember that headphone jack adapter previously mentioned? That thing by itself goes for $9. Others that are arguably just as good are going for as low as $1.50. Also, while researching these prices I also found another product that’s basically the same thing, but it’s an entire headphone cable rather than just the adapter. The offering from Apple was $39 dollars, while one from Insignia was only $9.99. I have used Insignia products before, and they work just fine, just as good as Apple ones in fact.
Many other allegations have been made against Apple for various other reasons. However, as someone who has a couple of Apple products, I will admit the quality they have is very nice. However, I could just go to my local Best Buy and find a similar product from a different company that works just as good, if not better, for a much lower price.
In conclusion, Apple products tend to be of very good quality, but for the price, they aren’t worth it.
SURVEY SAYS
Apple products are worth the price compared to other alternatives? If not, can you name an example of a product from another company that is better than the same type of product Apple offers?
“They are not worth it. Insignia
“I’m not sure.”
“I’m not really sure.”
“Samsung picture quality far exceeds Apple for the price.”
Not Even Funny: Displayed above is a screenshot from Google, displaying identical products, one from Insignia and one from Apple. While the Insignia product only rings up $10, the Apple one is almost four times as much, coming in at $39. Caption by Joaquin Downey
products work just as well. Also, look at Sony 1000X5M headphones vs. Apple AirPod Maxes (they’re called airpods, but they’re headphones).”
Should students be allowed to opt out of senior speeches?
By Caroline Welfare and Kaitlyn Perkins
Afew times each year, students will wake up to an email in their inbox excusing them from a senior speech due to potentially distressing content. The senior is aware of it and agrees to it, and after a discussion with their faculty advisor, a content-specific warning is sent out.
Recently, Kathryn Hancock’s speech on hormonal treatment for women’s periods, received a warning, which some students commented should not have been necessary. However, Hancock defended the warnings, saying that no one should be forced to remember something that was traumatic.
“I mean, I think you’re not talking about, it could be, like, traumatic, like mine, or like Lauren’s may have
This is the title slide to Kathryn Hancock’s senior speech.
been. I think it makes sense we talk about, like the body. I think it’s a natural process,” Hancock said, “People should have to know about it.”
However, Lauren Boone’s speech
on absentee parents did not receive a warning, which some students thought it had needed.
“I think students should be mature enough to listen to the speeches,” Boone said.
“I think students should be mature enough to listen to the speeches,” - Lauren Boone
However not everybody thinks this way; a big concern is that students will use the content warnings to skip for fun, not because they are sensitive to the issue.
“I have directed students [away from broader topics],” advisor Ms. Jones says, “but I haven’t [discouraged them from a topic].”
“If the advisor in that process says, Hey, we might want to consider just giving folks a heads up, because more information is better than none,” Dean of Students Stephen Belderes said, “then we do. I mean, it’s basically how it happens.”
In any topic, there is a chance for someone to be sensitive to the subject, however, seniors are still allowed to present on whatever they choose. The DeHart Project and senior speech are centered around the senior giving it, and so they are given a lot of choice.
“Agree, but only with permission from parent and reasoning.”
“Everyone should have to watch.”
“I agree but I believe they should only be used when necessary. I do not believe they were always necessary this year.”
No means no, it’s not your fault
Help Save the Next Girl addresses sexual assault.
By Mia Esposito
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the “illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent.” But victims know what it really is. It is trauma, violation, isolation. Victims of SA are not affected only once. It is a daily struggle, a mental fight. Their body is no longer theirs. It is not what they were wearing, not the child’s nightgown, or the suit, not the cheerleading uniform. Not the pink sundress or the military uniform or the diaper. No. Not even the miniskirt. It was not what they said or how they acted. It was not the smile or maybe the glare they gave. It was nothing other than what it is. Abuse, criminal, horrible, abuse. Assault, deadly traumatic, assault. A look or an outfit does not imply consent. Consent is a word and it is also a need. The dictionary defines con-
sent as “permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.”
Sexual Assault doesn’t happen that much though, right? Wrong. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men experienced sexual assault in their lives. Those closest to you, those meant to protect you can be the ones that hurt you the most.
Not only does it hurt the victim mentally and physically there is an average cost of $122,461 per victim, according to NSVRC.
One of North Cross’ clubs is Help Save the Next Girl.
According to National Sexual Violence Resource Center, nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men experienced sexual assault in their lives. One in three female victims of rape experienced it between the ages of 11 and 17.
Led by Fiona Parnell ‘26, Emma Votta ‘26, Millie Chopski ‘26, Brandon Carey 26’, Mason Bibby ‘27 and Margaret Bass ‘28, on April 17, HSTNG dove into the scariest possibility we all face: sexual assault.
A heartbreaking realization hit when we were asked to stand if we knew a survivor or if we were a survivor. The majority (only seven remained seated) stood
You’re not alone: The ribbon seen above is used widly around the U.S. to open peoples eyes about the pressing issue of sexual assult. It represents raising awarness for sexual assult and domestic violence. This message is meant to prevent further sexual assult cases from occuring.
up. Then, when we were asked to stay standing if it was reported, the number of people dramatically decreased. Why? Two words: victim blaming.
Victims hear so many things implying that they deserved what happened to them.
“It was probably that top…” Was it the top or the criminal that took something from their victim that they can never get back?
In the U.S. there are aproximately 463,634 victims (age 12 or older) of sexual violence each year. fairfaxcounty.gov/
“Well, you didn’t say no…” But did they say yes? Were they in the position to say yes? Or did their attacker make that decision?
If you or someone you know has been assaulted, reach out to a trusted adult. If you are a North Cross student, Upper School counselor Sarah Cocowitch is always an available resource. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out to someone you know, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is an anonymous helpline where you can chat with trusted professionals. There is no causation for sexual assault. It is not your fault, not your mannerisms, and not your choice.
Serbian students stand with Ana Brnabić
In episode 1 of our Power Podcast, we reveal the story of a woman elected PM.
By Shree Patel and Isla Whittle
Serbian exchange students, Aleksa Zivanov ‘27 and Milicia Andelkovic ‘26 bring their diverse culture to the North Cross community. When interviewed, both students immediately brought up a famous female leader in their country, Ana Brnabić the former Prime Minister of Serbia.
As the first woman and openly gay person to be head of state in Serbia as prime minister, Brnabić is a leader in the LGBTQ+ community even if she does not want to be defined that way. She and her partner have a son but are not married yet since same-sex marriage is not legal in Serbia.
She is the second woman in the world after Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir of Iceland to lead her country’s government.
Brnabić said, “I don’t want to be branded as a gay minister, just as my colleagues don’t want to be primarily defined as being straight,” Though she respects her identity, she wants to be known for her abilities in office. Some Serbians feel uneasy with her about this, they think she is ashamed
and should advocate for the LGBT+ community more. Her main career goals while she was in office were to improve education and modernize the Serbian government.
This is very similar to many American politicians. America is very focused on women’s equality and empowerment. You can constantly find movements and people speaking out on the topic. Serbia is slightly behind America. They want equality, but it’s not as focused on as it is in America.
“Serbia is changing and changing fast, and if you will, I am part of that change, but I do not want to be branded ‘Serbia’s gay PM’.”
--Ana Brnabić
In fact, she came to the U.S. for her undergraduate education. At Northwood University in Midland, Michigan she completed her bachelors in business administration. From the University of Hull in England, she earned her MBA degree in marketing. Though women’s rights to vote and their equality was promised in 1946, Serbia is still attempting to gain more female representation in the leadership positions of their country.
Hopefully, in the next few years, we will begin to hear more about them advocating for women’s rights.
Openly lesbian or gay heads of state and government
• Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir Iceland 2009-2013
• Elio Di Rupo Belgium 2011-2024
• Xavier Bettel Luxembourg 2013-2023
• Leo Varadkar Ireland 2017-2020, 20220-24
• Ana Brnabić Serbia 2017-2024
• Xavier Espot Zamora* Andorra 2019-Incumbant
• Paolo Rondelli San Marino 2022-2022
• Edgars Rinkēvičs* Latvia 2023-Incumbant
“When the society is in a crisis, talks are the only way.”
-Prime Minister from 2017-24
- Currently President of the National Assembly
- Her partner Milica Đurđić gave birth to a boy they named Igor
The Peace Corps is the toughest job you will ever love. That is the message CrossWalk teacher Kevin Finch, and father of Addie ‘25 and Brigitte ‘27, probably repeated that to himself countless times over the two years he spent in Honduras.
There he experienced poverty “at a level that we in the United States can’t fathom.”
Finch explained how he gained a new perspective on life, and a new sense of gratitude for the life and privileges we have here in the United States. One of the hardships he mentioned was that they had a limited supply of water, with running water for only an hour out of the day.
With Phillip Schueller ‘16, Finch took us through his time with his wife Christina Finch in a small village El Paraíso (which means the paradise.)
When speaking about language barriers, Finch said, “My wife was
Alum presents ‘Punchline’
By Margaret Bass
Catherine Justice, one of the co-owners of Punch Boutique in Piccadilly Square, presented at Symposium 2025 about banding and building a small business.
Justice showed how her small business is run, what the challenges of owning a small business are and discussed the most important steps into building a small business.
Justice explained branding -- promoting your business with advertising and designs that customers can recognize. The logo for Punch Boutique is an example. The bright pink and orange square with Punch Boutique written elegantly in the center is well known in Roanoke.
Justice came up with a fun game for students to play to get their creative minds going. Each student paired up into groups of two or three and created a fictional business. They came up with the name, targeted the audience and most importantly, they came up with who would be in charge of running the
Photo by Monica Koene
business’s storefront and who would be in charge of more organization and technical aspects of the business. By the end of the session, students headed to lunch with smiles on their faces and sounds of laughter coming from their mouths.
“It was one of the more entertaining sessions and it was interactive,” said Natilie Brochero ‘28.
fluent in Spanish, though I had only taken a beginner class before we left.” By the end of his two year stay Finch said, “I could speak pretty good Spanish.”
The hardships that taught him to be deeply thankful. Finch remarked one of his favorite experiences was when he formed a girls basketball team at the local elementary school that he would volunteer at.
Schueller and Finch even took the time to walk us through the application process.
Schueller is currently going through background and health checks to join the Peace Corps in the next few years. He hopes to be serving as an English teacher in Colombia due to his background in Spanish and studying international relations. He took four years of Latin during his time at North Cross and four years of Spanish at William and Mary, where he graduated with a double major in 2022.
Finch’s experience was so life changing he wrote a book about it.
Kevin Finch enjoys presenting to students during Symposium. Photo by Monica Koene
North Cross welcomes students from Argentina
By Shree Patel
For three weeks North Cross School hosted six Argentinian students from the school’s sister school in Mendoza Argentina. Throughout these past weeks students got to explore Roanoke with their host families.
They attended prom, went on a hike, ate ice cream at Blue Cow and experienced an Argentinian restaurant in downtown Roanoke called Familia Argentina. They went to classes like chemistry and AP history.
They got the full Roanoke/North Cross experience. “I love how small the city is,” said Benjamin Fontenla.
All of these students enjoyed their stay and can not wait for their North Cross student hosts to join them in Argentina this summer.
Vicky Ghiretti said, “I wish we could stay longer.”
“I wish we could stay longer,” Vicky Ghiretti.
FEAST OR FAMINE: Faced with potential starvation, the group got to know each other better at Familia Argentina downtown. Sampling the Americanized Argentian food, the kids put on a brave face. Welcoming them in a comfortable environment. The students ended up renting out the restruant due to the large group.
ARRIVAL: Right: The six students and their chaperone smile for the welcoming committee at the Roanoke airport.
So we say adios to the students as they traveled back to Argentina. They stayed with six NCS students who will be traveling there this summer. The day after prom farewells were said at the Roanoke train station. Left to right: Catalina, Bruno, Vicky Ghiretti, Charlie and Elizabeth Jackson, Shree Patel, Jazmin, Thomas Greer, Romeo, Annabelle Coles and Benjamin Fontenla holding the flag in front.
FASHION REVIEW
BOONE PHOTOS BY
SARAH SLEDD
Hart ‘24 and Jase Rhodes ‘24 let the world know they really just a rock
MATCH MADE IN CYBERSPACE: Izzy Snyder ‘24 displayed a full-blown pink look. “I dyed my hair pink, and chose a pink, floral dress,” she said. “Eason matched my dress with the same pattern, which he did with a website. I think it’s called TieGuy. With our group of Maddie Howes ‘23 and Hanchen Ou ‘24, we decided to go to the Happy Hollows Gardens, because it matches my floral theme.” Zhou makes sure to visit North Cross every few months to say hello to past teachers, and wcatch up with his old high school friends. “It’s good to come back, see my friends and teachers again and have fun at prom meanwhile,” Zhou said. “Everything is so familiar but not the same, still makes me feel like I’m part of the school. It’s kinda gives me a break right before the final week of college.” Nola Daninger contributed to this caption.
ROCKIN’ PIC: Covered in Fender guitar picks, Evie Eagan ‘25 wore a handmade dress alongside Jahnvi Patel in a pale embroidered lace. Eagan’s ears and neck were decorated with custom earrings and a necklace with Fender picks as well.
star kind of look,” Hart said. Jase matched his pants.
Kappes, Kathryn Hancock and Elinor Blackshaw show. The sparkly florals and metallic dresses. Most boys matched their blues showed as well.
Muses at Bay: Piano, poetry, speech, violin, guitars!
By Isla Whittle and Mason Bibby
Dr. Koss introduced the annual Muses at Bay talent show right before he handed the microphone off to the emcee of the event, Kaitlyn Perkins ‘25.
Muses at Bay has been a staple finale of Willis Hall’s annual Symposium the last few years, allowing students from across the Upper School to display their own unique talents. The two brothers, who certainly wowed the crowd with their musical acumen, kept the flame burning, delivering joyful sound to every student in the Upper School.
After a day of Symposium, in which people explained what they do for work, complete with a
Chick-Fil-A lunch, the students settled down in the auditorium for a special event. The event began with Valeria Dancea ‘25 singing “From Eden” while also playing the piano.
Next, Mason Bibby ‘27 gave a speech on the Constitution and the rights that are provided because of it. It was titled, “A Living Promise: The U.S. Constitution.”
Turner Faires ‘26 played next; a song on the piano.
“Let’s give it up for everyone that performed today,” Perkins exclaimed.
Julia Cephas ‘28 said that her favorite was, “Evie’s, because I recognized a lot of the songs she played.”
“Let’s just start over.” SYMPOSIUM SYMPHONY: Miao brothers dazzle
Muralist discusses his art
By Caroline Welfare
Mural artist Jon Murrill sat in front of his Symposium session, with two capless spray paint cans for students to inspect.
Capless, because “I don’t trust you guys,” he joked during the last session.
Murrill is a mural artist in Roanoke who has made street art on the greenway a community project, and has assisted international artists with some of our most iconic murals, including the Mountain Climber by the highway.
Photo by Monica Koene
He shared how he transitioned from a full-time job at Patrick Henry to a street artist, saying how he tried it out one day and fell in love. He also couldn’t decide which of his works he liked the most, but he is especially fond of the ones he made with other people. He looks up to other, more talented artists, and learns new styles from watching them work. His current project is a series of murals called Lady Appalachia, the main figures based on some of his friends.
Silence descended on Fishburne Theatre as Josh Miao ‘25 and brother Caleb Miao ‘28 prepared to perform their piece—a piano and violin duet, and the last act of NCS’ Muses at Bay talent show.
From the very first note, the audience was drawn into the emotional atmosphere they created together.
But halfway through the performance, the music came to a halt.
Josh turned to Caleb with a confused expression and whispered, “Bro, what are you doing?” Josh asked his brother what happened, and Caleb responded that he accidentally skipped ahead.
“Let’s just start over,” Josh said. The unexpected comment broke
the seriousness of the moment and sent the audience into laughter. Despite the unexpected situation, both brothers smiled, kept playing and managed to finish the piece beautifully. As soon as it ended, they stood up and shared a hug, showing the strong invisible string between them.
“It was fun that we got to hear from alums,” the elder Miao brother said.
“It was cool to hear from people who left North Cross, and I thought our performance was wonderful.”
This sentiment was certainly sharedby many members of the student body and the faculty, who made their approval evident by way of hoots, hollers, applause and even a YouTube eagle screech sound.
“I really liked the violinist,” (Josh Miao) Natalie Brochero ‘28 said, “It looked really hard to play.”
METAL MEDLEY: Evie Eagan ‘25 and Dr. Michael Koss play a heavy metal medley including famous riffs from bands like Metallica, who Eagan and Koss (along with Dr. Tim Naginey saw live at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium on May 7. Photo by Compass staff
By Mason Bibby, Victoria Real and Isla Whittle
Photo illustration by Victoria Real
Matilda the musical
By Monica Koene
During the school performance of Matilda the Musical, one scene really stood out: the tango dance with Mrs. Wormwood and her dance partner Rudolpho.
The characters were played by Valeria Dancea ‘25 and Hayden Saunders ‘28, and the audience couldn’t look away. As the music started, Dancea, dressed as the dramatic Mrs. Wormwood, stepped into the spotlight, moving with energy and style.
“It was really fun,” Dancea said. “I really enjoyed playing a ‘bad’ character because I haven’t gotten the chance to do that before.”
Saunders danced beside her.
“I liked that the scene was funny and memorable,” Saunders said. “I really liked that feeling.”
The scene was loud and full of personality. People in the audience were
laughing while the actors took over the stage. Besides the main duet, two other duets were surrounding the scene.
“I liked doing this dance scene because it was a lively and fun dance to do with one of my close friends. I had fun doing this and dancing with other people,” Garima Patel ‘28, who played two roles in the musical, said. “We had a fun time doing a duet together and learned how to dance with others and found it interesting to learn a new choreography and songs which we have never done before.”
Emily Nguyen ‘27, played Ms. Honey the caring teacher.
“Since we had the first rehearsal, that scene was always my favorite,” Nguyen said. “The song is very lively and the choreography is very energetic. And especially in that scene I had my only Italian lines in the entire show, and it was kinda funny.”
“Since we had the first rehearsal, that scene was always my favorite.The song is very lively and the choreography is very energetic. And especially in that scene I had my only Italian lines in the entire show, and it was kinda funny.”
- Emily Nguyen
Lenkowski plays dual roles
By Shree Patel
“Lily is so good on stage and I loved her singing voice,” Samantha Belderes ‘28 said. “I am so excited to see how her voice blossoms.”
She took charge on stage leading the
way alongside Belderes ‘28 on the left of Lenkoski. Belderes enjoyed playing the role of the nurse and acrobat. In addition to maintaining top grades, these girls poured hardworking effort into the 2025 spring musical.
Photos by Morgan Kemp
MIRACLE: Lily Lenkowski ‘28 takes the stage as both a doctor and a big kid.
Photo by Morgan Kemp
In her final performance as a student on the Fishburn stage, Valeria Dancea ‘25 dances with Hayden Saunders ‘28. Photo by M. Kemp
Field Day lets students compete for fun
Captions and photos by
Akali Koeda
HYDRATE! SCA Advisor Susan Wenk offers water to students on the 83-degree day. “Gotta stay hydrated!” Wenk said as she spiritedly encouraged students to get bottles of water.
‘FOOTIE’: Nate Hayes ‘26 shows he can play the global game while Tina Chikwata ‘26, Huw Wente ‘28, Milica Anjelkovic ‘26 and William Hendrickson ‘27 aim to dispossess him.
STRIKE: Freshman Kemper Prillaman disappointedlly throws the ball back to Turner Faires ‘26 after a devastating home run by the opposing team. Senior Carter Krezminsky shows his disappointment in the back, hand placed heavy on his head.
FOCUS: Micah Evans ‘28 keeps his balance while preparing a shot on goal while Chris Carter ‘25 looks on.
WIND UP: With a winding leg, sophomore Lucas Cass prepares to let the ball fly across the field. In the back, senior Bob Almenas takes in the action.
KEEP AWAY: Charlie Zhao ‘26 tries to dribble around Ameer Albishah ‘26 while Maddie Howes ‘27 and Henry Lugar ‘25 offer secondary defense.
Marilla assists girls lax achieve No. 4 ranking
By Margaret Bass (Editor’s note: Margaret has 13 goals this season.)
Charlotte Marilla ‘28 passes the ball well enough to have almost assist one assist per game. She has 13 assists and 11 goals in 14 games going into the state tournament.
Marilla starts on low attack for the team and brings positivity and passion to every game and practice.
Samantha Belderes ‘28 said, “She is a great motivator.” Belderes also shares the ball well with 14 assists.
Coach Stephen Belderes com-
mends Marilla on her left handed play. Being an eighth grader on varsity last year was a bit daunting for Marilla, but she says coach Belderes has eased those nerves.
Another change the team has seen this year is making the state polls for the very first time.
“It makes the games mean more,” says Marilla.
This achievement of the team has something to do with the bonds they have formed. This year, Marilla feels, “like I really like the team this year and it’s really really close.”
Elusive Cephas roams midfield and scores
By Fiona
Parnell
(Editor’s note: Fiona ‘26 is the goalie, who saves 79.3% of shots on goal.)
Julia Cephas ’28 meticulously moves the ball both skillfully and audaciously, making her a crucial player on the girls lacrosse team. Cephas moves so fast and stealthily, it is often hard to keep up with where she is on the field. Cephus is the team’s second leading scorer with 40 goals and five assists, which has helped the Raiders achieve it’s most successful season. Last year the team was ranked No. 9 in the VISAA Div. II. This year the Raiders are ranked No. 4.
Cephas has been a part of the lacrosse program since 6th grade. She is a star not only in her game but also in her character. Cephas is an amazing example of sportsmanship and a supportive teammate.
Seniors lead lax to playoffs
By Akali Koeda
On April 29, the girls lacrosse team played one of their biggest conference rivals, Virginia Episcopal School.
VES was at the No. 2 spot in the state, whereas the Raiders had risen to the No. 4 position in the state poll. This was the last match in the regular season, and one of the toughest games that the team faced. Although the game ended in a 18-7 defeat, the Raiders learned what it would take to win.
“It was very nice to say goodbye to everyone in a formal setting,” said Sheppard.
“I thought senior night was really fun, but I thought it was a little sad because I’ve been playing lacrosse with some of these seniors for so long, and kind of grew up with them playing lacrosse together,” said Anna Ciccozzi ‘26. “I’m really proud of all the seniors, and I’m sure they’ll do great wherever they go and we’ll really miss them. I hope they come back to play lacrosse sometime.”
Juniors rule the field
“Emma is a great player,” Margaret Bass ‘28 said, “who is thrown into all positions depending on our opponent.” Number 17 Votta ‘26 plays lacrosse because her friends played it and found out that she loved it. “She is not only a very good player,” Charlotte Marilla ‘28 said, “but a great friend and teammate to have on the field as well as a good role model to younger players.” Those close friends include juniors Anna Ciccozzi and Millie Chopski. Ciccozzi leads the team in a statistic that rarely gets mentioned: caused turnovers. She causes turnovers at least once per game on average. Meanwhile, Chopski leads the team in the statistic that everyone understands: scoring. Number 13 has scored 66 goals in 15 games. Caption by Nola Daninger.
ASSISTING THE TEAM TO VICTORY: Charlotte Marilla ‘28 grabs some water in between quarters at a home game on Willis Field. Photo by Compass staff
Photos by Compass staff
The four seniors on the girls lacrosse team, Grace Sheppard, Lauren Boone, Indira Weed and Ava Dalaski, stand together, smiling on their senior day. Photo by Compass staff
Seniors aim for four-peat
FINAL RALLY: As the boys tennis team defends their state championships, the three seniors, Tyler Bloomfield, Christian Lang and Henry Lugar hold their pictures at their senior tribute game. On April 16, the boys tennis team played Forsyth Country Day, ending in an incredible but expected 9-0 win. The three seniors all played, winning their matches without letting the opponent win more than three games. “It was fun being able to play alongside the seniors,” Sam Schaefer ‘26 said, “but it will be sad to see them go.” With Lugar playing at No. 2, Bloomfield playing at No. 4, and Lang playing at No. 6 singles, it is no wonder that the lineup was able to easily defeat the opposing team. “I think it was a great opportunity to watch Christian play his game on Senior Day,” said Nikheel Sherigar ‘26, “I love all my seniors on my team and it’s going to be sad to see them go but we had a great match to honor them.” The Raiders are currently well on their way to winning their next state championship as the No. 1 ranked team in VISAA Div. II. Caption by Akali Koeda. Photo by Suvi Hansen
Wente
takes mound and wins first start
By Hanchen Ou
A new face is standing on the mound and pitching for the Raiders baseball team. A clos er look reveals that he is the freshman, Huw Wente.
In the game against East ern Mennonite on March 27, the head coach of the Raiders, Rodney Spradlin, decided to start Wente. This game was Wente’s debut as a pitcher.
“I was a little nervous before the game,” Wente said. “but I pulled through it after my first strike out.”
Wente pitched very well and got his first var sity win by logging four strikeouts and allowing zero runs. His strong performance on the mound helped the North Cross baseball team get their fourth win in a row.
Photos by Compass staff
“I started to enjoy the game after I got my first strikeout,” Wente said. “Everyone will feel nervous before a big game, but how you handle the nervousness can really change the direction of your performance.”
Wente did not let the nerves get to him, he used the stress as motivation and started to enjoy the process during the game. His attitude of focusing on the process and not caring too much about the results is worthwhile for us to learn from. Wente’s impressive pitching performance and good attitude set the tone for the Raiders, and helped the team go undefeated for all 10 games in April.
The team beat VES twice including the semifinal game of the BRAC tournament. They lost to Miller in the BRAC final and then Atlantic Shores.
Soccer soars
to No. 2 ranking
Kickin’ It: Scout Kappes ‘26 dribbles the ball down the field with Kathryn Hancock ‘25 just behind her. This game ended in a 1-1 tie after a hard fought 80 minute game and 10 minutes of overtime. The girls soccer team has gone 8-2-1 this year, with eight wins, two losses and a tie. Overall, 47 goals have been scored by the team. They are currently 4th in the DII state rankings. Their season continues with six games left in the regular season, plus possible state and conference games. Their season continues today, April 17, with a game against Chatham Hall. Photo by Compass staff
Track and field athletes qualify for state meet
By Jacob Johnson
After a long day of running in the frosty, whipping wind, Parker Britton ‘28, JD Grubb ‘27, Jase Rhodes ‘26, and I came together to run the 4x400 meter relay at the Terrier Team Classic at William Byrd High School on April 12.
We all had events before this and were tired and cold. Jase had done the 400, long jump and triple jump. JD had run the 100 and 200. Parker ran the 400 in the Distance Medley Relay and the 400 meter dash. I long jumped and ran the 400. After this long day of pushing out good times despite the weather, we all came together to try and do a one and done, run once and qualify for the state tournament 4x400. We needed a time of 4:08.49.
I started the race in lane four. As soon as everyone came around into that first straight away, it felt like running into a brick wall with how bad the wind was. After catching the person in front of me, I handed the
“Our boys showed tremendous heart to win.” their heat.” Coach Dickenson
Boys (2nd place overall)
Spencer Britton ‘27 1st in 1600 and 3200
Bryce Austin ‘28 2nd in 1600
Finn Chaney ‘27 2nd in 3200
Jaziel Hart ‘26 2nd in High Jump
Nate Hayes ‘26 2nd in Shot Put
Nate Bonds ‘25 3rd in Discus
Kamen Petkov ‘26 3rd in 200
4x100 team 2nd 4x400 team 3rd*
baton to JD for his first 400. Even though this was his first ever 400 and was very nervous about how to run it, he did very well and kept us in first place. JD put out an impressive first time split.
After finishing his leg with a pained look on his face, JD handed the baton to Parker. Parker held the first position as he passed the baton to Jase. Jase took off and by the end was competing side by side with the anchor from Northside, but pulled away to a decent sized win. As Jase crossed the finish line we all looked towards the clock and saw the time of 3:46.93. As we won the heat and hit the qualifying mark by a long shot, we celebrated.
“The boys’ 4x400 at the end of the day, where our boys showed tremendous heart to win their heat in 3:46.93 and place a close fourth overall [in the total meet],” head coach Ed Dickenson said.
*In the BRAC championships, the boys improved their time to 3:44.
Girls (3rd place overall)
Kerrigan Chaney ‘25 1st in 1600 and 3200
Gabby Miller ‘26 1st in 100 and 2nd in 200
Faith Johnson ‘28 1st in 200
Brooklyn Chen ‘27 1st in Shot Put
Kaitlyn Perkins ‘28 3rd in 1600 and 3200
3200m and 200m? Speedwork redefined
By Kaitlyn Perkins
“Can I do the 200?” asked Spencer Britton ‘27. The group of distance runners looked at each other shocked. Spencer’s doing the 200m? Huh?
Britton holds school records in the 5k (16:03), 3200 meters (9:58), and 1600 meters (4:28) but on April 9 at the Lord Botetourt meet he decided to switch it up a bit. Sure enough, Ed Dickenson, Head Coach of Track and Field and Cross Country, allowed Britton to enter the race, as he had planned for the meet to be a speed workout day for his distance crew anyway.
“I ran the 200m because I thought it would be fun,” Britton said, “and it was a part of the meet workout.”
It is not unusual for Dickenson to enter his distance crew in the 400m race to build speed on workout days, but the 200m was a change, as not many athletes excel in both distance races as well as sprints. This is why Britton’s performance came as quite a surprise.
“Going into the 200m, I was expecting a 28-27 [second time] since I’m a distance runner, and I ran two 800m [events] before [the 200m],” Britton said, “But I ran 25.70, which really surprised me.”
State Bound: Our 4x400 meter relay team wins the heat solidifying their qualification in the state meet. Photo by Jennifer Britton
COOL SHADES: Spencer Britton runs a late night race early in the spring season. Photo by Morgan Kemp
Kerrigan’s Comeback
“I believed in Kerrigan,” Myles said, “she’s built different.”
By Kaitlyn Perkins
When Kerrigan Chaney ‘25 got the baton for the 1600-meter anchor leg of the mixed distance relay, she faced a 200-meter gap behind Franklin County, Patrick Henry and Auburn runners.
Head Coach for Track and Field, Ed Dickenson, was nearly positive that Chaney, despite her incredible talent, could not close a gap that large.
The relay took place at Terrier Team Challenge Meet at William Byrd High School on April 14. The relay consists of 1200-, 400-, 800- and 1600-meter distances for a combined distance of 4000m. I, Kaitlyn Perkins ‘28 ran the first leg (1200m) in 4:19 handing the baton to Gabi Miller ‘26, who ran the 400m in 1:09 and then to Ainsley Myles ‘27, who ran a 3:15 for the 800m and passed it off to Chaney to carry the team home.
“It was the strength of Kerrigan’s performance that brought that back and allowed us to take the win in the end.”
Chaney continued to run at lightning speed passing multiple runners and in the last 200m caught up to the Franklin County runner showing sheer speed, mental toughness and endurance. Chaney finished the race two seconds ahead of Franklin County. Her 1600m time of 4:58 made up more than a 30-second gap and left coaches, parents and athletes alike in awe and disbelief.
-- Ed Dickenson
“I knew how strong the girl in the lead was because I’ve watched her over a couple of years in big meets, and to give an athlete of that quality a 200m lead and expect to try to close that over four laps is more than I would expect out of any athlete,”
Dickenson said. “It was the strength of Kerrigan’s performance that brought that back and allowed us to take the win in the end.”
It was the challenge of overcoming a 200m deficit that really drove Chaney.
As soon as Myles handed off the baton to Chaney, the future UVa Cavalier flew off the line passing the 200m split in a time of 33 seconds. Dickenson worried Chaney would fall off the pace due to the raging wind and the blistering cold but Chaney possessed a great determination and tolerance for pain as well as incomparable speed.
Contradicting the many doubts that Chaney could make up the gap, Myles was confident in Chaney.
“I believed in Kerrigan,” Myles said, “she’s built different.”
“It’s definitely easier to run a faster time with people running ahead of me, who I can try to catch,” Chaney said.
It is not often that Chaney has runners ahead of her but when she does it motivates her to run faster so she can catch them.
I didn’t even know we had won until 10 minutes later when the results came out.”
-- Kerrigan Chaney
“It was really nice to do it (the re-
lay) with all my teammates,” Myles said, “Because it’s not often that we get to do it, especially distance [relays].” Perkins, Miller, and Myles had all pushed their limits for their team during their legs of the relay but it is undoubtedly certain
that without Chaney’s outstanding performance the team would not
have been able to claim the victory. Though no performance was arguably as jaw dropping as Chaney’s, each team member was undeniably invaluable. The small size of the NCS Girls’ Track Team meant that if one person could not complete their leg of the relay, the relay would not have been able to compete.
“I didn’t even know that we had won until 10 minutes later when the results came out,” Chaney said, “because, like I thought, someone had finished ahead of us, so I was really surprised.”
ON FIRE: Kerrigan Chaney runs at William Byrd High School. Photo by Morgan Kemp. Photo illustration by Kaitlyn Perkins
This years’ MVP race is the most intriguing in recent times
SGA and Jokic face off in the 2nd round of the playoffs highlighting the top 2.
By Luke Cocowitch
As the 2024-2025 NBA season comes to an end, the MVP race begins with the first confirmed finalists; Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Let’s take a look at the stats to see who this year’s MVP of the NBA will be.
The Thunder and the Nuggets are projected to be top seeds in the Western Conference; Thunder with the one seed, Nuggets with the three, and the Houston Rockets in between the two with the two seed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, first off, is currently projected to be the league MVP, averaging 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. But, many NBA fans are calling Alexander a “free throw merchant,” which if you look at the stats, fouls, and games, would be statistically correct. If you don’t believe these claims, go watch the Pistons vs Thunder game on March 15. You will see how Alexander gets a lot of the calls to go against
the Pistons.; and iIn the post-game interview, with Pistons’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, he expresseds to the NBA community that the reffing in a lot of games, mostly with the Thunder, is terrible. “I’m disgusted by the way the game was officiated,” he said. “The level of disrespect was above and beyond.”
On the other side of the race is Nikola Jokic, who is currently averaging a triple double for the Denver Nuggets, looks to collect his 4th MVP, and go home to Serbia
to ride horses. Jokic currently has 30 triple-doubles on the season, only the fourth person all-time to record such a feat. Jokic averaged 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists per game this year. Jokic has recently sat out a couple of games because of a bum ankle, along with his teammates who often struggle to stay healthy and make shots. But recently, Jokic owned the T-Wolves in a two-overtime loss on April 1, putting up serious numbers of 60 points, 10 boards and 10 assists. Though a very strong team in the playoffs, the Nuggets team needs to stay healthy throughout the rest of the season and into the postseason. They have tough competition in the west, looking to top the Thunder and Rockets in the West playoffs. Lastly, we will be looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is having another record season, averaging 30 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and one block per game. Who is my MVP for this season? I believe it could go both ways; Jokic is having another record season, Shai is averaging over 30 points per game, and Giannis had a typical Giannis season. But my MVP is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, because of his record-breaking 63 straight appearances with 20+ points.
Though Jokic’s statline is perfect, I believe Gilgeous-Alexander will raise the Michael Jordan MVP trophy at the end of the season.
Photos gathered from each player’s Wikipedia page.
Sending a message more important than the game
By Isla Whittle
Both Raiders and Chiefs teams stood behind Eliza Vogel with blue ribbons tied in their hair to support Morgan’s Message.
The organization was formed by Morgan Rodger’s parents after she tragically committed suicide in July of 2019. In January 2017, before her sophomore year playing DI lacrosse
at Duke University, she injured her knee. She had level 3 tears in her ACL and MCL. She struggled with mental health before ultimately committing suicide.
Morgan’s Message was brought to North Cross this year by Millie Chopski ‘26, who is now the president of the club. She is supported by her two co-vice presidents, Emma Votta ‘26 and Jase Rhodes ‘26. Ka-
Mirza leads golf to No. 3 ranking before state tourney
14-3 team places second in the BRAC tournament before state tournament on May 12 on the Yorktown Course at the Williamsburg National Golf
By Luke Cocowitch
Zuhair Mirza ‘26 leads the golf team with consistently low scores.
“To keep up the consistency in practice and to trust your ability to hit good shots,” Mirza ‘26 said, “as well as keeping a good mental space is the key to success when playing golf.”
The boys varsity golf team has been exceptional this year, having an impressive 14-3 record. Led by coach
and math teacher Scott Wilde, the squad has a bright future with freshmen, sophomores and juniors with impressive golf talents. Additionally, the lone senior, Will Nolan Jackson, helps add tournament experience.
“My dad got me into it by taking me to the driving range every week and I soon got hooked on the game,” Mirza said. “It is my favorite sport because of the satisfaction I feel after hitting a good shot or shooting a good score.”
leb Robinson ‘26 is the treasurer, Winni Ferguson ‘26 is secretary, and the media team consists of Scout Kappes ‘26, Maggie Bibby ‘26, Lillie Dearing ‘26, Gabby Miller ‘26, and Vogel.
“[Our goal is] to spread awareness for mental health and to stop the stigma around conversations about mental health,” Vogel said.
“[Our goal is] to spread awareness for mental health and to stop the stigma around conversations about mental health,” Vogel said.
Messager: Eliza Vogell ‘26 gives a speech about what Morgan’s Message is and what it does at the girl’s varsity soccer game on April 23 against Carlisle. Photo by Jennie Vogel
Zuhair Mirza ‘26 warms up his chip shot before a recent match. Photo by Compass staff
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Tel: (540) 563-5559
Email: ginger@gingersjewelry.com
Store Hours: Mon to Fri: 10:00am - 6:00pm Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sun: closed MENTION THIS AD AND GET
