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William Pen n Cha r te r Sc hool • 3000 W. S c h ool Hou s e Lan e, P h ilad elp h ia PA 19 1 4 4
LET’S TRI A SEMESTER Is Penn Charter moving toward semesters?
Madison Harden, ‘16 One of the most debated topics by Penn Charter’s administration is whether or not the school should switch from a trimester to a semester-based system. Since around the early 70s, PC has been on a trimester-based system; however, for the past few years, PC faculty and students have been considering the benefits of making the switch to semesters. “They are not choppy like trimesters,” junior Simone Butler stated in her response to the possible change. At her old semester-based school, Maclay Academy, Simone received grades at the midpoint and at the end of each semester. Gabi Rodriguez, another junior whose previous school, Agnes Irwin School, was semester-based, reflected on the benefits of quarter grade system: “It’s easier to improve your work ethic when you get your grades [quarterly]…. [with a] trimester… you can’t track your progress as steadily.” Many students are eager to learn about the possibilities of a “January term,” in which students can choose to focus on a particular subject that they find interesting for two to four weeks after winter break in between the first and second semester. Semesters can also act as college preparation, since most colleges run a semester-based system. With all of the various changes that come with switching to a semesterbased system, it has been very hard for the Penn Charter administration to come to an agreement.
Feb- M a rch 2 015
component to consider with a semester-based system is the addition of midterms. While most semester-based schools include midterms in their school year, Mr. Larrabee revealed his thoughts on their inclusion to be unnecessary: “I don’t see why you have to [have midterms]. We don’t have them now… courses have papers or assessments at the end [of each trimester.]”
“Trimester class credits would have to be altered as well as graduation requirements, which could put a strain on students and faculty.”
“Many students are eager to learn about the possibilities of a ‘January term,’ in which students can choose to focus on a particular subject that they find interesting for two to four weeks”
Head of upper school, Mr. Larrabee has been one of the main supporters for this switch: “I prefer semesters… you [can] dig a little deeper during [semesters]... and do more creative things.” Opportunities for time abroad is facilitated with semesters since many global programs are on semester periods. While there is much more variety with trimesters as students are free to try more electives, the instruction must be expedited because of the short time periods. One large
The largest hindrance for the switch to semesters is the rigorous scheduling that would have to take place. Trimester class credits would have to be altered as well as graduation requirements, which could put a strain on students and faculty. “It’s a very complex conversation… [it] has an impact on course offerings… [and] it can potentially have an impact on who teaches what… It’s much more complicated than flipping a switch and changing the calendar,” commented Mr. Larrabee. Overall, there is an abundance of factors, advantages, and disadvantages to consider with changing the school from trimesters to semesters, but, from the buzz around the school, this change might come sooner than we think.
NEWS AND COMMUNITY
Entertainment
STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE
PORTFOLIO NIGHT Penn Charter’s best artists show of their work in a
Editors Note: For each edition of The Mirror, student council leaders Dolly Segal and Ross Wood will keep the student body informed of Student Council’s plans.
Student Council has not been very public with grandiose improvements and flashy proposals lately, but that does not mean we haven’t been active. We have been engaging in some great discussions about topics such as... 1. Led by the queen of charity, Dolly Segal, we have been discussing the fairness of Penn Charter administration’s influence on out of school activities (i.e. charity dance, social media). On this note, it is important to continue being safe and making smart decisions so we can reflect Penn Charter’s name well. 2. We have talked about possible legislation that would help more students participate in the wide varieties of service opportunities. 3. We are exploring the possibility of a non-fortyhour club requirement, so students can be better immerse themselves in the many different conversations that PC is having. 4. We are discussing the positives and negatives of semesters over trimesters.
Inside this edition....
Gillian Boss, ‘15 If you have any comments pertaining to this, or on a different subject please talk to your respective student council representative. REMINDER: Respect is given where respect is deserved, so please treat facilities with respect if you hope to see improvements. -Ross and Dolly
jam-packed night!
The Kurtz Center was filled with art on Thursday, January 23rd, for Penn Charter’s Portfolio Night. At 7:30, senior, Jimmy Paolini, took the stage to welcome the audience to PC’s second annual Portfolio Night, and introduce the first performance. The highly anticipated event included student modeled costume designs, films, dramatic performances, photography, dance, and instrumental performances. Students worked diligently over the span of two months to prepare for their selected sets. Students were able to share something they have been working on, or showcase what they are most passionate about. Performing Arts Council helped conduct the show, along with Ms. Bender and some other special guests.
“Her director, Joy, began choreographing her solo in November and Nicole has been rehearsing it everyday since then.”
Senior Nicole DiGiovanni performed a contemporary ballet solo called Titubant, choreographed by Joy Delaney-Capponi. Her director, Joy, began choreographing her solo in November and Nicole has been rehearsing it everyday since then. As a member of the Performing Arts Council, Nicole also helped run the show backstage. She explained the difficulty in having to work backstage while also focusing on her performance. She said she “developed a greater appreciation for the stage managers and all those who work so hard backstage to ensure that the show continues smoothly.” She was also pleased with the attendance for the event, and hopes it will continue to grow.
“Regina was invited to present the scene she and her actors had been working on in the first trimester.”
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A LOOK AT PENN CHARTER’S GEO-DIVERSITY • Mock Trial • WISE WINSTON SHORT TAKES • COMICS • and more....
NEWS AND COMMUNITY
Sally Stanley, ‘16
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MOCK TRIAL This year’s case...Scandal! NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
Photo from Penn Charter Class Record Penn Charter Mock Trial is in full swing. At three practices a week for two hours each, as well as outside work, this winter trimester activity easily demands a time commitment similar to that of a sport or even an academic class.
“‘Mock Trial is different from the other forty-hour activities in that it simply is more fun and there is always food involved,’ said senior Pete Ciarrocchi” Mock Trial consists of two teams, each with a prosecution and defense. While some join to learn about court procedure and pursue an interest in law, others do it for the public speaking ben-
Alexa Herskowitz ‘16 For the 20th year in a row, the Martin Luther King Day of Service had a remarkable turn out. Penn Charter students, faculty, and members of the local community participated in several community service projects. Upper School Service Director, Mr. Ballengee, puts in massive amounts of planning with local organizations and groups in preparation for the big event. “This day has always been great and successful! This year we probably had our widest variety of service projects, and overall it was an extremely successful and great day! With such large numbers participating, it is really becoming a day on, on a day off! We hope to continue having such amazing turnouts on this event in the future,” Mr. Ballengee exclaimed.
“Upper School students and fourth and fifth grade students teamed up to do a massive cleanup at the Lingelbach school.”
efits and the fun. “Mock Trial is different from the other forty-hour activities in that it simply is more fun and there is always food involved,” said senior Pete Ciarrocchi, in his third year of Mock Trial. The advisor is Anne Hilton, a former social studies teacher and now Quaker Principles teacher. She provides the largest commitment to the team, organizing everything, including practice times and transportation to competition locations. In addition, Mock Trial has a new coach this year after the team’s coach of two years, Penn Law student Brandon Harper moved to Virginia to pursue his promising law career. Julia Simon-Mishel, the new coach, is a recent Penn Law graduate and friend of Brandon’s who works for Philadelphia Legal Assistance, which provides legal services to low-income Philadelphians.
“The teams must examine every aspect of the case they
are presented with and then form an argument based on their assigned position.” Each year, Mock Trial and the teams it competes against get the same case to work on. This year, it is a criminal case. Last year, Mock Trial had a civil case. The teams must examine every aspect of the case they are presented with and then form an argument based on their assigned position. Senior and four-year mock trial member Nile Hodges said, “The case is definitely more challenging than in past years, but that makes it more fun. I think our team is going to be competitive as we go into city and, hopefully, state competition.” The case focuses on a promising college student, Mandy, who uncovers a cheating scandal within an honor society and quickly becomes the target of a threatening pledge master.
A series of challenges called the “feats of fortitude” come dangerously close to killing Mandy until finally, while she is performing the “planking” challenge, the structure collapses and she falls to her death. The defendant is Harper Marmalard, the pledge master accused of placing termites on the structure, which Mandy climbed, with the intention of killing her. The case draws from the recent Internet frenzy of YouTube challenges such as the cinnamon challenge, planking challenge, and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Members of the team hope to advance to the championship round in March this year, as last year they were knocked out in a controversial semi-final round. The two teams competed for the first time Friday, January 30, at the Criminal Justice Center, in Center City, with each team arguing for the prosecution. The teams are scheduled to compete again on February 6, with the results determining whether they compete on February 20.
MLK DAY of Service The day had a large range of projects in which the Penn Charter community could participate. A Martin Luther King program was held at the St. James school, where PC students were able to talk to St. James students about current issues regarding race and diversity in society today. In addition, Upper School students and fourth and fifth grade students teamed up to do a massive cleanup at the Lingelbach school. From doing a large reorganization of books to painting bathrooms, there was a great amount of work being done at Lingelbach. Middle school students also made sandwiches for the St. Francis Inn, and later that day Upper School students delivered these sandwiches and served meals! In addition, the first, second, and third grade, and some Upper School Students did work for the PAL organization. They made 1,000 bracelets, wrote letters, and organized collections of school supplies for the organization. The Martin Luther King Day of Service continues to be successful year after year. Students and faculty are able to better the community through service work while having fun. It truly has become a day on, not a day off!
Photo from Penn Charter’s Flickr
PORTFOLIO NIGHT (CONTINUED) Junior Regina Sullivan presented a scene she directed. Regina was invited to present the scene she and her actors had been working on in the first trimester. The scene is from “The Family of the Mann” by Teresa Rebeck. Justine Kimbel, Jack Mahoney and Kareem Sawalmeh were the actors. Regina was “very honored to present the scene” and was overall very thrilled with the event. Other performances included Jeff Soffer’s film from his junior year English capstone project, Gene Neumovsky’s film “Rebirth”, Maya Presley and Liz Cowhey’s costume designs, Al Armstrong’s animation, Indira Joell’s interpretation of Schubert, Opus 142 #2, Jonathan on the Oboe performing Telemann Concerto in F Minor, po-
etry from Paige Hodges, Jimmy Paolini’s interpretation of Claire de Lune, Kate Bender’s dance to “Her Name is Alice” by Shinedown, Holly Webb’s dance to “Haunt” by Bastille, photography by Sabrina Koenig, Carolyn Brady performing Violin Concerto in A minor by Bach, and John Patrick Stanley’s contemporary monologue called “Saving in Limbo” by Lyndsey Bentham.
Portfolio Night displays many of the hidden talents that Penn Charter students are gifted with.
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Andrew Sax ran the soundboard for forming Arts council hopes to see the whole Penn Portfolio Night, and was able to see the show from Charter student body in attendance next year! the audience’s perspective. He explained, “everyone did an amazing job with their performances and presentations.” The overall feeling of the night was “If you were unable to attend positive. Every student that came out had wonderful performances and was able to showcase their talents. Portfolio Night...go to pclitmag. Portfolio Night displays many of the hidden taltumblr.com for a recap” ents that Penn Charter students are gifted with. Numerous members of the faculty and administration were blown away by the performances. If you were unable to attend Portfolio Night, The PC Lit Mag has a website with videos spotlighting the performances from Portfolio Night: go to pclitmag. tumblr.com for a recap. The performers and Per-
NEWS AND COMMUNITY
ART Classes Team up with Nonprofit “LIFT”
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Emma Grugan, ‘18 Penn Charter has partnered up with LIFT, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help members of the community be financially stable. LIFT has six locations across the country, including one in West Philadelphia. LIFT helps by supporting volunteer relationships and advocating goal-setting. Volunteers are trained to be advocates with the members of the community and discuss the ambitions for the future with those struggling with low income. They hope to create supportive relationships and a welcoming community.
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
The LIFT West Philadelphia office will debut and display all submissions at their office as a permanent exhibition. The winning pieces will be displayed at a LIFT gala this coming April, where students and staff will be invited to share their artwork with the attendees. Recently, the Mixed Media and Painting class met with members of the Lift community, including Susan Pinto, a Penn Charter parent, to “offer a critique on the artwork and give feedback,” as explained by Eliza Jacobs, a senior in the Mixed Media and Painting class. The artistic collaboration at LIFT allows students to create a meaningful piece of art that will benefit a local nonprofit. The project enables students to understand art’s ability to contribute to a welcoming space for community members in need.
“All the artwork that the Mixed Media and Painting class makes will go toward decorating LIFT’s new Philadelphia office.”
Mrs. McGee has been working with the Mixed Media and Painting class to create large-scale paintings and collages that represent LIFT’s core values: sense of possibility, diversity, community, relationships, human potential and service. In addition, the Graphics class had also been creating a series of works, using the texts of the core values in their designs. All the artwork that the Mixed Media and Painting class makes will go toward decorating LIFT’s new Philadelphia office.
“The winning pieces will be displayed at a LIFT gala this coming April, where students and staff will be invited to share their artwork with the attendees. ”
As part of his Graphics class, junior Gordon Robertson created this poster to be display in LIFT’s West Philadelphia offices.
From the Archives Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from The Penn Charter Magazine, the predecessor to The Mirror. In honor of Penn Charter’s three hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, The Mirror will be republishing articles from earlier editions and iterations of the school newspaper. This piece is from the winter of 1915, when Penn Charter students would focus on artistic activities, such as singing groups (lead by Mr. Scales...no really), instrumental groups and gymnastics while most sports were out of season. The article is about a concert where all musical clubs would perform, similar to our present-day Small Ensemble Concert (this year on March 17).
The ORIGINAL WORDS TO THE PENN CHARTER ALMA MATER Editor’s Note: Over the years, Penn Charter’s alma mater has changed and adapted to reflect the school’s values and situation, most recently with the admittance of girls in to the school. However, sung at the Musical Club’s Annual Concert (referenced in the “From the Archives” to the left) would have been this version of Penn Charter’s Alma Mater.
Hail to thee, then, Old Penn Charter, Loyal sons, they praise we sing; Honor to our Alma Mater, “The verse was sung as a solo by Allen and the entire club came in on the chorus which stated ‘I Didn’t Raise my Dog to be a Sausage’”
“The pretty girls were out in full force and there was nothing lacking to make the dance that followed most 3 enjoyable.”
Love and pride to thee we bring. May thy fame with years grow greater, And thy colors, Gold and Blue, Stand for all that’s right and manly, Honest, worthy, noble, true.
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Editorial
Going the Distance:
Geographic Diversity at Penn Charter By Jordyn Schwartz ‘16 and Yamit Netter-Sweet ‘17
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
KEY: 1-5 Students
6-19 Students
20+ Students
William Penn founded Penn Charter in 1689 on the basis that all people, no matter their religion, race, gender, or economic background, deserve an education. Penn Charter continues to hold true to Penn’s values through its diverse student body. One aspect of Penn Charter’s diverse community is its wide geographic distribution of students. Whether for the academics, arts, athletics, diversity, or numerous activities, students from more than a hundred zip codes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey walk through the doors of Penn Charter each day. What draws these students from such a broad geographic radius are the opportunities presented each day here at Penn Charter.
“In 1920,...[one student] would travel from Fort Washington by riding a horse to the train station in Ambler where he would board the horse at a stable by the tracks and then take the train to Penn Charter.” For over a century students have traveled far and wide to attend Penn Charter. When Penn Charter was located on Twelfth and Market Streets students did not take SEPTA, but rather trains pulled by steam locomotives. There were many Penn Charter boys from New Jersey who had to take a train into Camden, ride a ferry across the Delaware River, and then travel by subway to Twelfth Street. Having made this trip twice a day for several years, these boys formed a “Jersey Club.” Over a century ago, in 1914, nine out of the fiftyfive students in the senior class were forced to make this lengthy trek, some who lived as far as away as Atlantic City. In 1920, kindergarten teacher, Candy McGuire’s father started Penn Charter in eighth grade. Each day he would travel from Fort Washington by riding a horse to the train station in Ambler where he would board the horse at a stable by the tracks and then take the train to Penn Charter, and the reverse home. He continued this commute for years until he got a car! The transition to School House Lane in September 1925 from a downtown urban area to a larger campus accommodated more families from an even wider scope of zip codes. Dr. Ford explains that, “In recent history, we have had students from three states (PA, NJ, and DE) and who travelled as far away from as Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.” Today, with 965 students enrolled in Penn Charter, there are now 121 zip codes in eight counties represented. As over a century ago, the geographic diversity of Penn Charter’s students is not only part of what makes Penn Charter special, but it is telling of “why” Penn Charter is not like any other school.
“For some, the long bus rides and car rides are the perfect time get in another hour of homework. However, many use the time to take a nap or
bond with those also making the lengthy trip.”
Living far from school presents itself with its own unique challenges and benefits. For some, the long bus rides and car rides are the perfect time get in another hour of homework. However, many use the time to take a nap or bond with those also making the lengthy trip. Dominique DeMarco (Bucks County, Pennsylvania), a junior, explains that “it is not easy playing a sport and living very far away from school. However, it has taught me to manage my time wisely.” Further, “car rides are the perfect times to bond with my siblings who also attend PC.” Severe and sometimes unpredictable weather also poses its own set of challenges to those travelling a distance to Penn Charter. For example, recently on the Monday of snowstorm Juno, there were predictions of severe weather in the early afternoon, and most public school districts on both sides of the river had already called for early dismissal of their students on Sunday evening. Thus, in the early morning many students from afar were forced to make a decision concerning their attendance of classes and how and when to safely make it back home from school, particularly in light of Penn Charter’s long-standing history of no “early dismissals” for weather. Freshman, Noah Schwartz (Cherry Hill, New Jersey), stated, “I did not want to miss school or most of my classes for the day, but when I got onto the bus in the morning, I just had to hope that the snow would hold off until the Penn Charter bus could make it back over the bridge by the time school ended or we wouldn’t be stuck in terrible traffic trying to get back to Jersey.” These students did choose to attend Penn Charter despite the distances from their homes, and, therefore, continue to show up each day, generally with very little tardies, despite traffic, floods and snow. While it can sometimes be difficult for students who live far from school, all can agree that it is what makes the Penn Charter experience like no other.
“Amira explains ‘Every time I walk out my front door I have to see the school.’”
Although living close to school clearly makes transportation and commute time less of a problem, there are other major advantages and disadvantages to living near Penn Charter. A sophomore, Amira Martin, who lives just around the corner from school describes that some advantages are “getting to school on time,” as well as being able to return to school if she forgets to bring something home. Additionally, if she needs to get to school on the weekend for any reason, she can walk and be there in a few minutes, just as she does on a normal school day. However there are also many disadvantages. Amira explains “Every time I walk out my front door I have to see the school” which she further explains can be upsetting, “especially during summer when we are in August and there’s like a week to go back.” Another problem that Amira faces is that her “neighborhood is right next to your [her] school” therefore, there are not many places
she can easily go that do not remind her of school. Many students that live close to Penn Charter still attend the school because there are many advantages, and they value the Penn Charter experience.
“The Kurtz Center, a more recent addition to the PC campus, was a major development “The majority, approximately for Penn Charter, and it has 63.6%, chose to attend Penn enabled the Performing Arts Charter because of its strong programs to thrive.” academics.”
Penn Charter attracts students from close and far for many different reasons. For some, it is the small class sizes and student-teacher relationships. For others, it is the state-of-the-art athletic facilities. According to Dr. Ford, “families make [the choice to come to Penn Charter] because they desire the type of education which Penn Charter offers: vigorous academics with a balance of arts and athletics all at a Quaker School.” For many students, it is the “3 A’s,” academics, arts, athletics, as well as the diversity of the student body, that attracts them to Penn Charter. We found that out of 212 students surveyed, the majority, approximately 63.6%, chose to attend Penn Charter because of its strong academics. Many added that they chose Penn Charter because of the greater academic opportunities and smaller class sizes. When questioned what makes Penn Charter’s academics unique, a junior, Devon Loftus, explained that, “there is a good and open relationship between teachers and their students. They are always open to communication, which is an important aspect in a school that prepares you for college.” The next most frequent answer we received from students was “other,” which included many unique answers. The two most popular “other” answers were that Penn Charter was chosen by the parents and that the parent(s) work at Penn Charter. Another common response by students in the “other” category was that he or she chose Penn Charter because of “the perfect combination of all three” referring to athletics, academics and art. Other comments included the convenient location of Penn Charter, the diversity of the student body, the Quaker aspect of the school, and the cultural exchange programs.
Coming in just short of “other” is Penn Charter’s athletic programs. Penn Charter offers its students state of the art athletic facilities, from the aquatics center to the Ray Dooney Field House to the Kline & Specter Squash Center, which give students the opportunity to showcase their talents. For many, such as Junior, Dominique DeMarco, it is also the skilled coaches that make Penn Charter’s athletics special. She explained that, “After visiting several schools I liked Penn Charter the best. I really liked the varsity girls soccer coach, Eddie Mensah.” Many other students chose to attend Penn Charter for the Performing Arts Department and Visual Arts and Design Department. Although she started attending Penn Charter as a kindergartener, Justine Paolini, a current sophomore, believes that if she were a prospective student, “the arts would play a really big role in it because of how amazing the Kurtz Center is and all the other arts programs at Penn Charter.” The Kurtz Center, a more recent addition to the PC campus, was a major development for Penn Charter, and it has enabled the Performing Arts programs to thrive. Overall, Penn Charter offers a wide range of art classes as well as performing arts opportunities not found at many other schools in the Philadelphia area. The word most frequently used to describe the choice to attend Penn Charter, whether from near or far, is “opportunity.” To each student his or her definition of what that opportunity is may be different. What makes Penn Charter so unique is that one school can provide so many different opportunities to so many different people from different races, religions, economic backgrounds, and yes, even so many zip codes, too!
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In a poll, with data collected from 212 students, We found that the majority of students come to Penn Charter for its Academics.
Jack Mahoney
SPORTS
Zachary Jokelson, ‘18
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Boys Squashing the Competition
Gabriela Rodriguez, ‘16 and Jenni Brown, ‘16
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
Photo by Sabrina Koenig Jack Mahoney, an eleventh grader, is a top swimmer on Penn Charter’s boys varsity swimming team. His best event is the 50 free-style, where he holds the team record at a 21.07 seconds.. So far in the season, he has only lost once in the 50 free and twice in the 100 free, his two major events. He also swims butterfly in the 200 medley relay, a race in which Penn Charter beat the team record this year at their meet against Episcopal Academy. In addition to being on the swim team, Jack is also a starter on the water polo team where he completes the swim off for the team. While swimming is his favorite sport, he thoroughly enjoys competing with the water polo team every year as a break from the monotonous laps that swim training requires.
Photo by Jordyn Schwartz
however, with consistent help from his coach and his father, Jack was competing against and beating swimmers who had been training their entire lives. Jack, with only four years of swimming experience, is now the fastest sprinter at Penn Charter and one of the fastest in the InterAc. He says that he is looking forward to swim at Easterns, the largest independent school swimming championship on the east coast, where he will be able to compete against some of the fastest swimmers in the nation.
“Swimming is a sport in which there are no days off. You’re training year round at 100% every day, pushing your body beyond its limits while looking “He considers 9th grade to have been his breakout year, at a black line with no connection to the outside world.” because he found his strength: the freestyle sprint.”
Jack started swimming in eighth grade, which is considered to be around eight years too late in the swimming world, but with a lot of time and effort he began to improve tremendously. At times he said the sport was difficult, however, he continually pushed forward because he loved the people on the team and the sport. He considers 9th grade to have been his breakout year, because he found his strength: the freestyle sprint. During the beginning of his 9th grade year, Jack could barely complete a flip turn, arguably the most fundamental component of a sprinters’ race;
This year Penn Charter’s boys squash team has had a competitive season under the guidance of incoming coach Bill Ramsey and Penn Charter head coach, world renowned Damon Leedale-Brown. This year the boys played their toughest match against The Shipley School. Despite the 5-4 loss, the boys played outstandingly, putting in lots of effort and really sticking through the long rallies. The team is excited to head to upcoming MASA and High School Nationals. MASA is an annual tournament held between the schools in the InterAc league, which is considered one of highest caliber school squash leagues in the country. This year’s Nationals, which determines which school will be the country-wide champions, will be held at Trinity College in Connecticut. The boys are excited to play in division two (out of five total divisions) and have a real shot at placing highly. Of course, they are also looking forward to a weekend of team bonding, no doubt filled with lots of laughter as they seem to be one of the funniest teams around. Perhaps this is due to the great atmosphere the team captains created.
Although Jack considers swimming to be his favorite sport, admits that the practices are extraordinarily rigorous as they are six days a week, “Davis says that the toughest long, and grueling. Swimming is a sport in which part of the season has been there are no days off. You’re training year round not being able to win InterAc at 100% every day, pushing your body beyond its limits while looking at a black line with no con- matches because of their stiff nection to the outside world. It takes an immense competition.” amount of dedication to be a swimmer, but Jack understands this and is willing to make the sacriSenior Captains, Owen Davis and Aidan fices needed to become a successful swimmer, say- Porges, are both going on to play squash in coling, “If you want to get to where you want to go, and you want to get better, you can’t take a break”. lege. Owen will go to Avon Old Farms boarding school for a postgraduate year, then attend the
Naval Academy, while Aidan is heading to Tufts University in the fall. Davis says that the toughest part of the season has been not being able to win InterAc matches because of their stiff competition. He says, however, that the best part of the season is “helping young players who have a lot of young potential, like [freshman] Marco Rodriguez. And also going to A Plus (the convenience store at the gas station) before practice.” When questioned on the subject of the team uniforms, which this year involve all navy polyester warm-up sweat suits and white and yellow polo shirts, Owen declares that sophomore “Reid [Kleinman] wears it the best. Only because he tucks his polo shirt into his pants.”
“The whole team often hangs out together before late practice, buying snacks and doing homework (just kidding)”
Although the Penn Charter boys team have faced adversities in their season, they have developed a close bond. Co-captains Aidan and Owen have “developed a bond because of squash. We’ve played together for all four years.” The whole team often hangs out together before late practice, buying snacks and doing homework (just kidding) together at the courts. Although Owen and Aidan are the team’s numbers one and two, Penn Charter boys squash still has a bright future. Along with their captains, the team is also losing valuable senior player David Kestenbaum. However, the team is relatively young this year, with three freshman, and there is no doubt that Penn Charter Boy’s Squash has a bright future ahead.
WINTER SPORTS SHOUT OUTS!
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WRESTLING DC Invitational Champions
GIRLS BASKETBALL PAISAA State Semi-finalists
EDITORIALS
Page 6
SHORT TAKES
The Mirror Staff 2014-2015
11th GrADE TRIP TO GETTYSBURG On February 11th, the junior class took a trip to GetNEWSPAPER • APRIL2012 tysburg, PA, where they visited the ground for the famous battle in 1863. The trip is a great tie in with the junior’s American history class it also allows juniors to get a head start with college visits, as the trip also includes a tour of Gettysburg College. Juniors were taken through the grounds of the battlefield with their history classes, and finally received the hands on experience they had only been able to envision by reading their textbooks. The tour guides were very informative, and helped put in perspective both the North and South’s experience in the battle. After a great morning of touring, the junior class headed to Gettysburg College for an information session and tour. Not only was it a great learning experience for students on the college admissions process, but students were also able to have loads of fun with their friends exploring the school with the help of their tour guides. Overall, it was an awesome day for the eleventh graders!
Photo from Penn Charter’s Flickr
-Alexa Herskowitz, ‘16
Managing Editor Alexa Herskowitz News & Community Emily Barkann Jordyn Schwartz Sports Ethan Ashley Eliza Jacobs Editorials Allison Stern
10th GrADE PHILLY SCAVENGER HUNT
Entertainment Gillian Boss Sally Stanley
On Wednesday, February 11th, the sophomore class split up into advisories and headed into a city they know very well, Philadelphia. Each group of about ten students was accompanied by two or three teachers and given a list of places they had to find. Some of the destinations were common tourists sites such as the liberty bell and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, but others were less famous. At each location, the group’s picture was taken and the adult leader of the group tweeted the picture so that all of the group leaders could see them. After walking around the city for a few hours, the students stopped for lunch. Most of the groups went to Reading Terminal Market, while others chose specific restaurants. The trip came to a close at the Friends Center where the class experienced Meeting for Worship in the Race Street Meetinghouse. After they enjoyed Meeting for Worship in a new setting, the whole class walked over to the train station and returned to school. In the end, the students had a great time bonding as a class and learning more about Philadelphia.
-Yamit Netter-Sweet ‘17
Editors-in-Chief Benjamin Skinner Jeffrey Soffer
Photography Sabrina Koenig Faculty Advisor Nora Landon
Photo from Penn Charter’s Flickr
3rd GRADE WAX MUSEUM On Friday, January 30, third grade students brought history to life with their Wax Museum project, in which they dressed up, used props and memorized a speech in character. Upper school drama teacher Ms. Noone collaborated with the students to help them be more dramatic with their performances. The third graders were stationed throughout the library alongside a small bell which, when rung, would prompt the students to become Nelson Mandela, Jesse Owens, Lucretia Mott and many more! Upper schoolers, along with the rest of the PC community, were welcome to walk among the students and learn about historical figures/see the hard work that they had put into it.
Photofrom fromPenn PennCharter’s Charter’sFlickr Flickr Photos
-Sophie Sepel to The Mirror
MODEL United Nations Conference On January 29th, 2015, the Global Awareness and Model UN club brought 16 students to the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia to participate in the thirty-first annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC). The conference lasted four days in total, with one student even staying at the hotel overnight to participate in a midnight session. This year the Penn Charter delegation was one of the largest in our history, with students debating everything from corruption in developing countries to rewriting history as the Knights Templar. The conference was attended by over three thousand students from all over the US and world. Some delegations flew in from as far away as China to participate in the conference. The four day conference consisted of long hours of exciting debate as well as dances and roses and was a memorable experience for all who went.
-Emily Ominsky to The Mirror
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Photos from Penn Charter’s Flickr
entertainment
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WISE WINSTON Mirror, Mirror On the Wall... Dear Wise Winston, How do I get onto “the List” for the sandwich line? Sincerely, I Want A Sandwich Hello IWAS,
Dear Wise Winston, My Valentine’s Day was a night of loneliness. In order to not replicate what happened this year, I’m wondering how do happily I spend Valentine’s Day alone, next year? Sincerely, Date-less NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
Hello Date-less, As you probably know, the privilege of having a sandwich pre-made by the cafeteria staff is shrouded in If you find yourself alone on February 14th, here are some go-to activities to get you out of your Singlemystery. I understand the desire to have lunch be a Wawa-like experience, but I’m afraid to tell you that Person Slump.: getting on “the List” is not an easy process. While it seems as though many students are able to charm their way onto “the List,” the reality is that only an elite few are selected each year by current “List-ers” 1. Write yourself an anonymous card and send it on Wednesday or Thursday, so that it arrives on Saturto be inducted into this secretive society. I, myself, am not on “the List,” but I have a few reliable sources day: What a surprise! 2. Make two snow angels right next to each other, then take a picture and caption it, “Snowy day w bae.” on the inside. If you are selected, there is an initiation process in which you are asked to compose a song about your 3. Go to Whole Foods and buy the fanciest chocolates you can find. Then eat them all in your car. favorite type of sandwich, which will no doubt include your ingredients of choice. After you have com- 4. Watch lots of movies with inspirationally happy single people. Forget Titanic; Frozen anyone? pleted your 5-minute-minimum Powerpoint presentation and handed in your three page paper on the 5. Get a group of friends to go see 50 Shades of Gray and then chew your popcorn extra loudly at the positive qualities and health benefits of sandwiches, you’re in. By 12:38, you can bet your warm sand- awkward parts. wich hot-off-the-grill will be ready with a smile, (pickle optional). And once you’re on, you’re on for life. 6. Hang out with all your non-single/couple friends and make low-key comments about third-wheeling. 7. Compulsively refresh your social media pages for pictures of your friends with their dates. So cute, but so self-destructive. Or you can just download the app, Android only. 8. Watch T Swift videos and cry. You have to feel worse before you feel better. 9. Just give up and watch Titanic. Sincerely, 10. But don’t forget that there are two men who will always have your back: Ben and Jerry. Wise Winston
//
If you want to ask Wise Winston a question, tweet @PC_MIRROR with the hashtag #WiseWinston.
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL CHARLOTTE DOODLE Written and drawn by Charlotte Murray, ‘18
Also, be optimistic! You might have a date come next year. Sincerely, Wise Winston
Congratulations TO THE CAST AND CREW OF HAIRSPRAY!
Common Sensless
Written and drawn by Emmet Foley, ‘17
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ENTERTAINMENT
FUN-FACT Crossword! Use your friends (and perhaps your Googling skills) to figure out all the answer to the crossword puzzle.
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
Across
2. Part of the body that has the thinnest layer of skin 5. U.S. state that allows its residents to vote from space 8. M&M’s 11. First animated character to win an Oscar 16. A color that tends to make people angry and babies cry 18. Only planet not named after a figure in Roman mythology 19. First President of Zimbabwe and a fruit 22. World’s first billionaire 23. The National Pizza Month in the U.S. 24. We can differentiate more shades of this color than any other color 25. Major sport where the defense has the ball
Down
1. Least common color in natural foods 3. The original name of The White House 4. Longest running animated series on T.V. 6. Continent with the highest population of French speakers 7. Tallest U.S. President at 6’4” 9. It took the inventor of the Rubik’s cube this long to solve the Cub himself 10. The only type of rock that can float in water 12. Most common food allergy in infants 13. Restaurant that serves 1% of the world’s population daily 14. Palindrome 15. The only land on our planet not owned by a country 17. ______ can change its sex up to four times 20. Drink where the expiration date is for the bottle not the content 21. Bae in Danish
Pop Culture Grid: WINTER EDITION Kolby Kaller, ‘16 Favorite snow day TV show/movie?
Favorite new song
Whipped cream or marshmallows?
What keeps you motivated during winter?
Are you a skier, a snowboarder, or a sledder?
Blaise Ciarrocchi, Freshman
Impractical Jokers
Uptown Funk
Marshmallows
Summer
Sledder
Courtney Cubbin, Sophomore
One Tree Hill
Rip Tide by Vance Joy
Whipped cream
Spring is coming soon
Sledder
Trailer Park Boys
Deliver by Lupe Fiasco
Marshmallows
Nothing
Skier
Honey I’m Good by Andy Grammar
Marshmallows
Nothing
Snowboarder
Nothing...I hate music
Whipped cream
I’m going to college next year
Skier
Luca Fortina, Junior Gabby Rodriguez, Junior
Leah Kurtz, Senior
Gilmore Girls Grey’s Anatomy
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