Sailing to Rapid Thrills: Build your Boat College Football’s Dynamic New Landscape Are Algorithms Stifling Creativity?
EDITORS NOTE
Dear Reader,
We are so glad you are reading our second issue of The Charger. As you read this issue, we hope you get a sense of the varied interests and passions of our writing staff You will find that the voices and diversity of not only our writers but also of our student body shine through in this edition Our goal is to give students a space to share their ideas with their community and give our readers access to a diverse range of topics We hope you enjoy this issue!
The Editors
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Charger is always looking for dedicated student writers, photographers, and designers. We welcome diverse and varied perspectives and responses to articles. If you are interested in joining the club, or if you have a comment, question, or story idea, please reach out to us at pdschargermag@providenceday org
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this issue and the articles contained within it do not reflect the official policy or position of The Charger, the editing staff, or Providence Day School.
Note: cover picture courtesy of Evan Albert Picture of the editors courtesy of Mr Matt Spence
CHARGED WITH SPIRIT: THE PDS PEP RALLY
BYSAMICOHEN
Every year, the TK-12 Providence Day School (PD) community unites to celebrate the school’s homecoming tradition and foster school spirit. Students and faculty from each division fill the MAC dressed in spiritwear and show off their PD Pride The rally opened with upper and middle school cheerleaders walking onto the court chanting “Here we go Chargers!” The cheerleaders danced and cheered together, led the crowd in chants, and wowed the whole school with their stunts and tumbling
After the upbeat performance, the pep rally transitioned to a relay race Students across grades competed against one another in a series of tasks. With the ever-enthusiastic Mr. Taylor giving the play-by play, the school watched their peers in the race
Capping it all off, the school joined together for the traditional pep rally cheer, led this year by senior football player David Sanders. Every student in every grade filled the MAC with spirit as they yelled out the chant. At the end of the pep rally, many students could only count down the days until they do it all over again next year!
Upper school students and cheerleaders at the pep rally Photos courtesy of Evan Albert
UNPLUGGED TALENT: A LOOK INSIDE PROVIDENCE DAY’S A CAPPELLA GROUPS
BYELIANASPECTOR
As the 2024-2025 school year begins, the halls of the Fine Arts building are filled with song Providence Day is home to two a cappella groups: the ChargHers and the Provigents Both groups are audition-based and advised by Choral Director Stephanie Smeltzer. The a cappella groups perform at campus events, and this year will be no exception The leaders of each group are excited to implement their new ideas
The ChargHers, the all-female a cappella ensemble, have sung their way into our hearts since 2006 They will be led by returning senior leader Vanessa Brandt with the new additions of senior Liza Grimes and junior Isha Mishra They plan to start the new school year with a bang by singing “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine at Fall Fest on October 19. They will also carry on the tradition of singing “Valentunes” in February to raise money for the National Heart Association
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The ChargHers’s varied initiatives center on the members’ shared love for music. This creates a unique community that leader Vanessa Brandt finds special about. “We have alumni who come back to participate, and people on campus just want to be around music,” she says. “They have a place here in a cappella ”
The Provigents, led by senior Wyatt Oliff and juniors Owen Moore and Eli Coblenz, is the school’s all-male a cappella ensemble Coblenz says, “This year, we plan on doing a mix of our own arrangements with the ones we’re buying ” At Fall Fest, they will perform “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News, followed by a Henry Mancini Medley arranged by Wyatt Toward the end of the semester, they will sing a version of “House Of The Rising Sun” arranged by Harvard University’s a cappella group, the Harvard Opportunes
For more a cappella performances and updates this year, keep your eyes peeled for Spotlight On The Arts posters, and be sure to tell your friends to come out and support the unplugged talent at Providence Day.
The leaders
ChargHers
2024-2025
year From left to right: Isha Mishra (‘26), Liza Grimes (’25), Ms Stephanie Smelzter, Vanessa Brandt (‘25)
THE MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT PROVIDENCE DAY
BYHARJANSINGH
On the 15th day of the eighth month of the Lunar Calendar, east Asians across the globe celebrate the year’s harvest and give their offerings to the moon This celebration is known as the Mid-Autumn festival and originated in Song dynasty China.
In mid-September, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity Club invited all students to learn more about this holiday and engage in traditional celebrations During the event, students enjoyed delicious, homemade mooncakes a staple dish of the Mid-Autumn Festival shared by family and friends in China Additionally, students got to decorate lanterns and compete in a short Mid-Autumn Festival trivia session with prizes.
“My favorite part of this festival is connecting with the Chinese teachers and celebrating with my friends at school,” says Prableen Kaur, a leader of the AAPI club
As its student body continues to grow, Providence Day School strives for inclusivity and belonging, ensuring that each member of the school has a community Celebrations like these are a wonderful way for students to unite and learn about each other's cultures As Prableen says, “an event like the Mid-Autumn Festival creates visibility for students at Providence Day who would otherwise not have it “
From left to right, Prableen Kaur, Isabella Latorre, and Sophie Hawk pose with their lantern
SAILING
TO RAPID THRILLS
BYDRENNANSHALL
Every year, 60 handcrafted boats challenge an unforgiving whitewater rafting course at the U S National Whitewater Center During the competition, boats traverse class II-IV rapids on the 984 foot competition course The route is demanding and forces rafters to take sharp turns, avoid large rocks, and navigate complex rapids, creating a high-stress environment Students must work together to ensure maximum speed throughout the competition if they hope to be crowned as the first-place finisher.
For the second consecutive year, Providence Day (PD) will recruit a team of dedicated students to collaborate and create a seaworthy craft Under the guidance of Mr Todd Johnson, the Makerspace Director for the IDEASxChange, the team of aspiring engineers and designers will attempt to add more hardware to their collection
They started by creating a unique and creative design, featuring Perry the Platypus from the popular TV series Phineas and Ferb “Someone mentioned Phineas and Ferb and from there, everyone was like ‘that would be perfect [with] lots of characters for us to dress up,’” said Mr Johnson
The next step is turning their shared idea into a reality. Using a combination of rigid foam insulation, fiberglass, recycled t-shirts, and epoxy resin, they plan to build a masterpiece that is not only buoyant and speedy but also visually appealing to the judges and massive crowd of spectators observing the competition The team will use a variety of tools: online software to virtually test the design, a laser cutter to create a prototype, 3D printers to make scale replicas, and saws to shape their materials into a raft that can withstand thrashing rapids
This process is a learning experience for students Mr Johnson remarks that his favorite part about building is “The interest the [students] have and watching them work through the process to get excited about the characters and [the finished product] ”
The team has finished constructing their final product as they set their sights on the thrilling ride ahead. As winners of last year’s “Fan Favorite” award, this group of ambitious engineers aims to bring back another title for PD at the 2024 Build Your Own Boat competition, excitedly awaiting their opportunity to conquer the course!
PD’s 2024 boat Photos courtesy of Mr Todd Johnson
Students working on this year’s boat by cutting insulation
COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S DYNAMIC
NEW LANDSCAPE
BYCHARLIEHITT
The 2024 college football season has kicked off with a series of significant developments that are reshaping the sport From the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) to college athletes to expanded playoffs to conference realignments, this year’s season is set to be one of the most transformative in recent memory
One of the most impactful changes is the legalization of NIL compensation for players, which has revolutionized the recruiting landscape and increased player movement through the transfer portal for all sports. Football players like Shedeur Sanders and Arch Manning can now capitalize on their popularity by earning money from jersey sales and promotional opportunities while boosting their schools’ visibility
Some universities are taking NIL a step further on September 17, the University of Tennessee announced a 10 percent increase in ticket prices for all sports, with the extra funds allocated as a “talent fee” to help pay their athletes.
Tennessee is likely not the only school doing this Louisville's Athletic Director, Josh Heird, said that he anticipates other schools following in their footsteps This includes schools like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Texas, all of which consistently sell out their stadiums
The University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium The university announced a 10 percent increase in ticket prices for all sports as a “talent fee ” Courtesy of Jay McCracken
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Another major development is the expansion of the College Football Playoff. After a decade of the four-team format, the playoff will now feature 12 teams, with seven at-large bids and five spots reserved for conference champions This expanded format is expected to bring more excitement and competition to the postseason
The college football season has always held a special place, particularly in the South, and this year promises to be no different. With these transformative changes, the 2024 season could surpass previous expectations, offering fans an unforgettable experience
Kenan Memorial Stadium, home of the ACC’s UNC Chapel Hill The ACC is gaining two west coast members due to conference realignment Courtesy of Shreya Narang
LACROSSE TO RETURN TO OLYMPICS IN 2028 BYEMMAHE
Lacrosse, North America's oldest sport, will make its return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games after a century of absence The sport was last featured in the Olympics in 1908
The International Olympic Committee’s decision has been met with excitement from the global lacrosse community. “The inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is a testament to our sport’s enduring legacy, worldwide popularity, and unique ability to bring people together,” said World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr
However, the version of lacrosse played in the 2028 Games will differ from the traditional format The Olympics will feature “Sixes,” a faster-paced variation of the sport Sixes is played on a smaller field with six players on each team, compared to the traditional ten. The new version will consists of four eight-minute quarters with a 30second shot clock
This will make the game more accessible to more nations because it requires fewer players and a smaller playing area, making it easier for countries with limited resources or space to field a competitive team It will also make the game more entertaining for fans by encouraging higher scoring games and fast, continuous action with fewer stoppages, keeping the pace more engaging.
World Lacrosse traces the sport’s origin back to 12th century North America Indigenous tribes would play for various purposes, including training warriors, participating in rituals, and fulfilling spiritual practices Games were often large-scale events, lasting several days and involving numerous participants Since then, lacrosse has gained popularity, spreading throughout the world
As the countdown to the LA Games begins, the lacrosse community is primed to celebrate its long-awaited return and witness its re-emergence on the Olympic stage
Lacrosse players and fans around the world are excited for its return Courtesy of Mike McCarn
WHAT FRANCE AND THE UNITED STATES CAN LEARN FROM EACH
BYCHARLOTTEDOUCLEFF
I spent most of my childhood in France, but having just returned to the United States I’ve noticed considerable differences between the two societies: in France, the people appear laid back while in the United States, they are typically in a hustled rush Each lifestyle has its advantages and drawbacks, and both countries could improve by adopting the best aspects of each other's approaches
One noticeable difference is the size of everyday objects. According to The Guardian, the average weight of an American passenger car is 2,000 kilograms (kg), compared to the French average of 1,200 kg, as reported by France 24 Larger vehicles in the U S contribute to a higher carbon footprint due to increased fuel consumption, and require more space for roads and parking, and lead to higher expenses The size disparity extends to housing as well The French Ministry of Environmental Transition reports that the average home in France is around 114 square meters, whereas in the U S , it’s a staggering 652 square meters, according to CNBC Larger homes mean higher utility costs, less space for businesses and public areas, and a greater environmental impact due to the resources needed to build and maintain them By adopting the French model of smaller homes and cars, the United States could address financial, spatial, and environmental challenges
France, however, stands to learn something from the U.S. as well. The accessibility of goods is a key difference between the two countries. In France, most stores are prohibited from opening on Sundays Even food retail stores are only allowed to open until 1 p m on Sundays, and most businesses close on public holidays, as outlined by the Ministry of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty In contrast, U S stores are open long hours, seven days a week From personal experience, I’ve found the variety of items and availability in the U S to be far superior to that in France In the U S , I can easily purchase what I need at any time, while in France, I often struggled to find essentials on Sundays or Mondays when many stores were closed Additionally, some products like corn and cranberries are almost impossible to find in France The U S offers greater access to goods and flexibility in shopping hours, which is a significant advantage for consumers
The rushed and often stressed lifestyle in the United States leaves something to be desired. It is clear that we can learn from the leisurely lifestyle prevalent in France, and improve our own well being. However, our economy and accessibility benefits from American structure. Evidently, each country has much to learn from one another
MOODY MUSIC: TRICK OR TREATING FOR PUMPKIN SPICE
BYMAXHOODY
Fall has officially begun! The crisp air and leaves falling brings me back to one of my most characteristic memory, which was born from an assignment to create a short film about Halloween My Dad and I were on duty as the neighborhood decoration reviewers; we took daily walks to compare the displays to our own I fell in love with the brisk October mornings, seasonal drinks and treats, and omnipresent spooky decorations I decided to film my assignment there, and so I put on my suit and got to work. The following songs bring me back to that crisp fall day.
Here’s a playlist to listen along while you read.
1. CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS: “DANSE MACABRE” (1874)
Genre: Classical | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
In the legend, the Danse Macabre (Dance of Death), Death appears on Halloween night with a fiddle and calls all of the skeletons from their graves to dance until the sun rises This legend has been adapted for many different works throughout the years, including the 1957 film The Seventh Seal Starting with the story alone, it is clear that “Danse Macabre” is a fall song Legend aside, each instrumental aspect of the song plays a big role in shaping the fall sound. The violins, representing Death’s fiddle, lead the performance, giving both a whimsical and haunting sound to the piece The xylophone, played in a similar fashion as Saint-Saëns’ “Fossils” in Carnival of the Animals, represents the chattering of the bones as the skeletons dance around The combination of both the legend and distinct instrumental themes contribute to the haunting sound of “Danse Macabre”, making it a perfect song for studying on Halloween night
Portrait of Camile Saint-Saëns, composer of “Danse Macabre ” Courtesy of Lapierre on Wikimedia Commons
2. THE MAMAS AND PAPAS: “CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’” (1965)
Genre: Folk Rock | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
This song is universally recognizable as that “haunting pop song ” The acoustic guitar intro and the harmonies sung in minors largely contribute to this song's reputation However, the lyrics reflect a much less haunting image than the vocals might portray. “California Dreamin’” was inspired by Michelle Phillips’ visit to a church on a cold New York day. Her lyrics talk about her missing the warm California winters, while she took refuge in a church to escape the cold While this song is more reminiscent of the cold winter days mentioned in the lyrics, the imagery of the warmer L A winters still remains prominent, making “California Dreamin’” an essential for any playlist, fall or winter
3. THE DOORS: “SOUL KITCHEN” (1967)
Genre: Rock | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
“Soul Kitchen”’s rhythmic organ and echoing guitar has all the makings of a fall song, and was in fact, featured in my short film The title is reminiscent of viewing decorations, and the “souls” such as skeletons and ghouls strewn about the yards However, the lyrics reflect a different story. Lyricist and singer, Jim Morrison, delivers a typical Doors story in which a tortured man is forced from the bar and wanders among the streetlights of L.A. until he settles at his “Soul Kitchen ” In this story, Jim Morrison is the man, wandering until he finds his favorite soul-food diner With a fairly straightforward theme and funky beat, this song puts you right in the mood to wander the “neon groves” on Halloween night
ARE ALGORITHMS STIFLING CREATIVITY?
BYLAURENNEWMAN
Art fundamentally reflects society’s deepest thoughts and worries As such, the role of social media algorithms in shaping creativity has become a growing concern These algorithms, designed to show users personalized content, may appear to be a convenient tool for consuming media However, they often do more harm than good, especially for creatives
Artists, like all social media users, are influenced by what they consume Whether they’re scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the content they encounter can shape their creative output Algorithms, the hidden curators of these platforms, determine what appears on our feeds based on past behavior, effectively creating echo chambers According to ESCP professor Lorena Blasco-Arcas, “online echo chambers are environments where a person only encounters information or opinions that reinforce theirs.” This environment stifles creativity by limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and new ideas. For artists, this can mean creating within a bubble, recycling similar themes and concepts rather than challenging themselves with fresh, innovative thoughts
The issue extends beyond just content consumption Creatives looking to share their work face similar algorithmic constraints If their art doesn’t align with what the algorithm deems popular, it may never reach a wider audience This pressure to conform can lead artists to compromise their originality in favor of producing content that fits the platform’s trends, thereby diluting the authenticity and diversity of artistic expression
This paradox is troubling The internet, with its potential to democratize storytelling, should be a space for diverse voices and ideas. Yet, the algorithms used by a few powerful companies to prioritize certain content for monetary gain limit this potential. Instead of broadening our worldviews, they often reinforce existing beliefs, filtering out content that challenges or provokes us
Because of this, media literacy is a crucial skill, especially for young creatives Artists must be aware of how algorithms shape what they see and question whether their feeds reflect a diverse range of perspectives They must ask themselves whether they encounter content that challenges their views or prefer to scroll through content that reinforces what they know
To combat this, artists and audiences alike must actively seek out new, diverse content and resist the pull of the algorithmic comfort zone By doing so, they can break free from the echo chambers and ensure that creativity and originality continue to flourish in the digital age
THE CASE FOR CONTINUING LANGUAGE EDUCATION
BYLUKELONGIN
At Providence Day (PD), students are required to study a language for at least two consecutive years to graduate While some opt to continue their linguistic journey (including those in the Global Studies Diploma program who are required to take a language for all four years of high school), many choose to stop after fulfilling the minimum requirement Scheduling conflicts, lack of interest, or the perception that world language is irrelevant to future career paths are often cited as reasons for discontinuing These concerns, while understandable, miss the broader benefits of language learning benefits that extend far beyond the classroom and into both personal and professional realms
The most compelling reason to continue studying a language is its profound impact on the brain Research has shown that bilingualism can delay cognitive decline, warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease Beyond this, learning a second language sharpens the mind in unexpected ways improving skills like conflict management, multitasking, and problem-solving Bilingualism increases the brain’s gray matter, the region responsible for memory, attention, and executive function.
Recipients of the French Seal of Biliteracy, all senior (‘24) recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy, and inductees to the Spanish National Honor Society
Courtesy of Ms Noela Frost
There are also significant economic and professional incentives for continuing language study New America reports that many employers prefer to hire multilingual candidates, and those who are bilingual often command higher salaries In an increasingly globalized workforce, these skills are not merely desirable they are essential Bilingual employees enjoy greater job security and more frequent promotions, not just for their linguistic abilities but for the cultural competence and adaptability that accompany them Forbes further highlights that being bilingual can increase mobility, expanding your job opportunities across borders and industries
Aside from the professional aspects, there’s significant cultural benefits to keeping with a language as well. PD Alumna Reed Zimmerman (‘24) can attest to this. She says, “being bilingual empowers me to break language barriers, connecting with people from different cultures who can impart their life story and wisdom upon me ”
The world is becoming more interconnected, and the ability to engage with it in multiple languages may be one of the most valuable tools one can carry into their future
Students in Latin classes illustrating scenes from Catullus, a Roman poet (top) and writing on wax tablets to emulate Roman communication methods (bottom) Courtesy of Ms Lisa Baldini
GWYNETH BYRNE: A MULTIINSTRUMENTALIST
BYCHLOEMCGOVERN
Providence Day freshman Gwyenth Byrne can effortlessly transition between electric and acoustic guitar, piano, vocals, and viola as a member of the jazz band, ChargHers a capella group, and orchestra ensemble
Her musical journey began at the age of 4 with her first piano lesson, sparking a passion that has only grown over the years Her grandfather, a skilled flamenco guitarist, inspired Gwyneth to expand her repertoire to include guitar
Gwyneth is actively involved with Bold Music, an arts organization where she performs at events every few months To prepare for these performances, she dedicates time to mastering pieces that challenge her skills
“The music requires different chords than what I’m used to,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to growth as a musician.
Her practice routine for learning a new guitar song is methodical She starts by reviewing the lyrics and chords, focusing on any challenging sections Once she can play the entire piece roughly, she revisits it to correct any mistakes. Her preparation goes beyond memorization; she hones her finger dexterity, ensuring precise and quick coordination, and perfects the instrument’s pitch and tone while incorporating elements of music theory
Gwyneth's next performance is scheduled for this month, at a Bold Music event, where she will again demonstrate her talent and dedication Despite her early start, she believes it’s never too late to begin playing an instrument and exploring the world of music.
Gwyneth exemplifies the power of pursuing one’s passions from a young age, proving that with dedication and enthusiasm, anyone can find their unique musical voice
Gwyneth Byrne playing acoustic guitar Courtesy of Gwyneth Byrne
PROJECT TRIO BRINGS
INNOVATIVE SOUND TO UPPER SCHOOL FINE ARTS
BYMORGANTAYLOR
Project Trio, an ensemble characterized by genre-defying music, treated Upper School Fine Arts students to a performance in September
The theater was filled with engaged students and faculty, who listened as the group’s double bass, beatboxing flute, and lively jazz saxophone blended into a passionate and improvisational soundscape. The performance showcased the freedom and creativity that come from spontaneous musical collaboration
Project Trio, founded in 2005, has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary music by blending genres and infusing their work with energy and innovation The group’s flutist, Greg Pattillo, gained widespread attention with his YouTube video featuring a beatboxed rendition of the Super Mario Brothers theme song, which has garnered more than 25 million views
The trio’s unique instrumentation flute, bass, and saxophone requires them to arrange their own pieces, using their professional training, natural talent, and commitment to expanding the musical landscape
Project Trio is also dedicated to arts education, believing that creativity and critical thinking go hand in hand The group is committed to “galvanizing artistic awareness through performance, education, and community,” according to its website.
This philosophy was on full display during their visit, as their infectious enthusiasm inspired students to take to the stage and experiment with new musical ideas
One student found the experience transformative and has applied Project Trio’s lessons to his own life, exploring this newfound passion with his friends by improvising with them: “It opened my eyes to a new way of music,” he said
Many people fall in love with a hobby only to lose interest when it becomes a job. Project Trio’s approach demonstrates that by staying creative and open to experimentation, it is possible to maintain and even deepen one’s passion Their message resonates beyond music, reminding everyone that passion is at the heart of inspiration, and that embracing creativity can bring joy and fulfillment to all aspects of life
Students watch and practice improvisation skills, with the help of Project Trio
YIASOU GREEK FESTIVAL: CELEBRATING GREEK CULTURE IN CHARLOTTE
BYIZZYTAPPY
For more than 45 years, the Yiasou Greek Festival has brought the vibrant culture of Greece to the heart of Charlotte
From traditional dance and music to authentic cuisine and art, the festival is a celebration of Greek culture that draws visitors from across the region and beyond.
The festival, held annually from September 6–8, is a must-attend event for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Greek culture It seamlessly combines music, dance, visual arts, and cuisine into a vibrant celebration that captivates all the senses It's an experience that promises to delight and inspire
One of the festival's highlights is its live entertainment, showcasing the "living art" of Greek dance and music. While there are thousands of traditional dances across Greece, the most iconic is the "sirtaki," a style made famous by its rhythmic foot-dragging, stomping, and clapping Festival performances feature the mandolin-like bouzouki and other traditional instruments such as the qanun, a harp-like string instrument
The dancers, adorned in colorful costumes, bring the ancestral village music to life, often blending it with contemporary Greek tunes.
For art enthusiasts, the festival offers an array of Greek-inspired creations, including handmade jewelry, intricate wood carvings, clothing, paintings, and pottery Each piece reflects the timeless artistry and skill of Greek craftspeople, making the festival a visual feast for visitors
Food lovers are equally delighted by the wide selection of authentic Greek dishes available under the food tents From savory staples like spanakopita, dolmades, Greek salads, and gyros to sweet treats like loukoumades a delectable dessert combining the flavors of donuts and bread, topped with honey, cinnamon, and powdered sugar every bite is a taste of Greece’s culinary history
The food, much like the festival itself, is an art form that has been perfected over thousands of years.
Residents of Charlotte celebrating the Yiasou Greek Festival Courtesy of Flickr User James Willamor
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’S ENERGY CONSUMPTION
BYSRIHITHTRINATI
With the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the corporate sector, companies need to consider how these advanced technologies will impact their energy consumption and the environment.
Although firms like Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI have not disclosed specific energy usage figures, The Verge reports that Microsoft is “investing in developing methodologies to quantify the energy use and carbon impact of AI while working on ways to make large systems more efficient, in both training and application.” Estimates can still be made to determine the worldwide impact of AI on environmental sustainability and energy consumption, despite the lack of transperancy.
Projections suggest that by 2027, the AI sector could consume between 85 to 134 terawatt-hours annually, comparable to the energy usage of the Netherlands This increase in consumption could result in a doubling of carbon dioxide emissions over the next decade, according to Goldman Sachs
The projected rise in energy demand has raised concerns about the costs associated with AI and whether the potential profits justify the energy expenditure For instance, Google spent $191 4 million to operate its AI system Gemini, and the announcement led to a five percent increase in Google’s share price, according to CNBC The question remains whether the revenue and stock gains to companies will be worth the anticipated rise in energy consumption, especially given that Goldman Sachs predicts a 160 percent increase in data center power demand by 2030 due to AI
Currently, technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are experiencing the highest increases in power consumption due to AI implementation Google’s data center electricity usage alone increased by 17 percent in 2023, a trend the company expects to continue This increase contributed significantly to nearly one million metric tons of carbon emissions, according to The Verge Similarly, OpenAI’s latest GPT-4 model reportedly uses 10 watt-hours of electricity per query Despite these increases, many tech firms have set ambitious goals for carbon neutrality Google, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050, acknowledges that as AI integration increases, so will energy demands, making emissions reduction challenging
Utility companies are optimistic about AI's potential to boost demand for their products and services Morningstar analysts predict that companies such as Southern Co , Pinnacle West Capital, and WEC Energy Group could benefit the most However, utilities will need to address challenges such as managing peak demand and investing in energy storage and grid updates while striving to use clean energy.
To minimize energy consumption while leveraging AI, companies can employ various strategies. The World Economic Forum highlights a couple of ways companies can reduce the climate cost of AI. Training an AI model is more energy-intensive than deploying it, so focusing on long-lasting models can help. Optimization, which involves finding cost-efficient methods to store and interpret data, is another approach. The most sustainable strategy, although costly in the short term, is transitioning to clean energy sources such as solar or hydroelectric power. Ultimately, corporations must balance environmental responsibility with efficiency and AI’s potential for connecting with consumers
MEET THE EDITORS
Meha Khanna is a senior at Providence Day School, and the Editor-in-Chief of The Charger She has been writing for the newspaper since her freshman year and editing since her sophomore year Meha loves The Charger because it exposes her to a variety of different perspectives and gives her an opportunity to help students write about their own passions. Outside of writing, she is an Indian classical dancer, aerialist, and orchestral violinist She is a passionate environmental and political activist, and she helps lead the schools sustainability and SAGE clubs and serves on the GSD leadership team.
Anish Vedantham is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of The Charger He has been writing since sophomore year. Anish is a part of the Global Studies Leadership Team, Model UN, Science Olympiad, Students for Students, and the Cross Country andTrack teams As a participant in both academic and athletic facets of the school, Anish enjoys watching writers display passion for their interests and seeing their successes highlighted for others to enjoy.
Elizabeth Pritchard is the Arts editor for The Charger and is a current senior at Providence Day. Elizabeth started writing for the newspaper her freshman year and began editing her sophomore year Outside of the newspaper, she is the founder of National Art Honor Society at Providence Day and Project Palette, a non-profit where she teaches art to children.
Maddy Padmanabhan is a sophomore at Providence Day, and the editor of The Charger’s Arts section This is her second year working with The Charger Outside of the newspaper, Maddy participates in PD’s theatre productions, writes for the STEM Journal, and does martial arts outside of school She has a passion for working with others and loves helping people improve their skills and development; this year, her goal as editor is to make sure writers can feel skilled and confident in their craft.
Cooper Kahn is a junior and is the editor for the Features section of The Charger This is his second year writing for The Charger and first year as a section editor. In addition to writing for the newspaper, Cooper is involved in Cross Country and Track, Men’s Acapella, serves as a teaching assistant at Temple Beth El Religious School, volunteers for Freedom School. Cooper’s hope for the Features section is to share articles that highlight the hard working Providence Day School community.
Charlie Hitt is the editor of the Sports section for The Charger and has been writing since his junior year Charlie loves watching sports particularly Boston Celtics and Carolina Panthers games and is the play-by-play broadcaster for varsity football, basketball, and soccer games at PD. He has also been a film/TV actor for over five years, having most notably acted as a lead character in Lifetime’s murder-mystery “Secret Lives of Housewives,” as well as upcoming indie film “The Grand Strand ”
Austin Skeete is a senior at Providence Day School. He is an editor for the Trending section and has been writing for The Charger since his sophomore year This is his first year on the editing team of The Charger and he looks forward to working with the other editors to make this year's paper the best one yet. Outside of writing, he is a captain of the Cross Country and Track teams and enjoys reading science fiction books
Julia Maybry is the editor of the Trending section for The Charger, and she has been writing since freshman year At Providence Day, Julia participates in the Track and Cross Country team, and outside of school, she plays piano. Julia takes a strong interest in current events, whether they are pop culture or major political events. As the editor of the Trending section, Julia hopes to see writers learn about and take interest in whatever is happening at the moment, as doing so only broadens their world perspective.
Allana Wren is a sophomore at Providence Day, who joined the newspaper club in ninth grade. She loves writing, in both journalistically and creatively writing. Allana started off writing in the Student Life section of the paper, and she is now editing for Opinion Allana is loves the Opinion section and enjoys seeing all the different passions students have. Aside from the being a newspaper editor, she is one of the tenth grade leaders for Providence Day’s Global Studies Diploma. She also is a part of the cheer team and loves to dance outside of school
Mr. Matt Spence is the faculty editor for The Charger.
