November Issue 2006

The Review

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TEXAS PERMIT 9081

The Official Student Newspaper of St. John’s School Vol. 58, Issue 4

2401 Claremont Lane; Houston, TX 77019 | http://sjsreview.net | review@sjs.org

BACK-TO-BACK

November 2006

Mavs trump Falcons to finish a strong season

By MEGHAN HALL After 56 years of football between the two schools, Kinkaid holds the advantage over SJS 33-23. This year, SJS was able to accomplish a feat they had not done in a while: the Mavericks beat the Falcons in back-to-back years.

The game started with a strong kick-off by Timmy Root (’08), leaving the Falcons on their own two yard line. Kinkaid only made it up to their own 20 yard line before being forced to punt. Special teams blocked Zac Hoffer’s (‘07) punt, and Peter Guffey (’08) ran the ball 23 yards into the end zone for an early Mavericks touchdown.

With a successful extra point

by Root, the Mavericks led 7-0.

The Falcons started their drive on their own twenty yard

line and progressed steadily down the field. After catches by Donovan Evans (’07) and Carlton Wilde (’07), Kinkaid made it down to the SJS 38 yard line.

Quarterback Hall Thanheiser (’07) ran down the sideline for a 22-yard gain and then threw a 16-yard pass to Wilde for the touchdown. After a successful PAT, the game was tied 7-7.

The Mavericks ventured up to Kinkaid’s 40 yard line and decided to go for it on fourth down and less than a yard to go. Mitchell Nimocks (’07) had a successful rush up to the 33 yard line. Following an incomplete pass intended for Jordan Thomas (’07) in the end zone, SJS went for it again on fourth down with seven yards to go. Captain Derry

see KINKAID p. 10

MORE KINKAID WEEK COVERAGE

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

The Captains | SPORTS, page 12 The Cheerleaders | FEATURES, page 7 The Video | A&E, page 21 The Rivalry | OPINIONS, page 25 The Photos | PHOTO SPREAD, page 14 St. John’s Week | beyondSJS, page 16

Alum opposes Wong, Cohen Break-ins in parking lots increase as year progresses as Libertarian for District 134

By MADDIE MCDOWELL As the senior parking lot and Caven Field fill up with the cars of SJS sports fans, two cars have been broken into and stolen from. In each case, valuables were left unattended and in open view. In response, SJS is focusing on prevention, rather than catching the culprit of these transgressions.

As part of a plan to help diminish crime, a decision has been reached to close the back gate of Caven Field. Upper School Dean of Students Dan Alig said, “I think one of the things we struggle with is people around here wanting greater convenience. They want to be able to access parking lots whenever they want, they want to know the codes to everything and they want to be able to zip in and zip out.”

Despite this, the gate will remain closed except during select times to prevent the influx of strangers outside of the SJS community. Business Manager Greg Swann said, “We think the break-ins have not been caused by people coming in from Buffalo Speedway but

Index

News..........................................2 Features......................................6 Sports.......................................10 Photo Spread...........................14 beyondSJS................................16 A&E.........................................21 Opinions..................................24 Odds&Ends.............................27

people coming in down that alleyway and through that back gate. It’s been open really to ease traffic, but we’re just going to keep it locked, and we think that’ll keep people out.”

“It also means we can monitor who’s coming in and out a little more readily,” said Dean Alig. “The downside is that it’s going to make it more difficult, more congested coming and going from that field.”

Aside from the aforementioned, SJS is strengthening school-wide security measures, mainly through the use of Riverdale Patrol. “[The security guards] actually are staying an hour later and spending some time [in the senior lot] to just try and add an additional presence,” said Mr. Swann. Outside of the parking lots, a security guard is being placed on the North Campus to patrol all day long, and the same is happening on the South Campus.

Both Dean Alig and Mr. Swann stressed the measures students, parents and faculty

see BREAK-INS p. 4

By COURTNEY CARVILL

Photo courtesy of www.mhair2006.com

As a registered Libertarian and 21 year-old college student, Mhair Dekmezian (’04) would be an unexpected anomaly at the Texas State Legislature. Nevertheless, Dekmezian will be on the November ballot for Texas State Representative of District 134 along with incumbent Republican representative Martha Wong and Democratic challenger Ellen Cohen.

Dekmezian is a biochemistry major and junior at Rice University with plans to attend medical school and become a physician, but for now he is focusing on political issues affecting a major district of Houston.

“I felt that there wasn’t enough choice in the current political process, and that there are enough people who have views similar to mine that aren’t represented properly in the current political scene,” said Dekmezian.

He defines libertarian as an ideology that allows people to run their own lives as they see fit, as long as they don’t violate the rights of others.

He said, “There’s ‘conservative’ and ‘liberal,’ but no one seems to realize that you can be conservative on some issues and liberal on others.”

Dekmezian has unusual stances that rarely see light in mainstream politics. He hopes that, aside from his age and low budget, this aspect of his platform will set him apart. “There are a lot of voters who don’t like their other options. I’m trying to be the most sensible option.”

Dekmezian is running his own campaign with

see DEKMEZIAN p. 17

Candidate Mhair Dekmezian

For more information about Dekmezian’s campaign, visit www.mhair2006.com

Art teacher to have work on display How do you ask a boy to Cotillion?

US art teacher Dan Havel has a new sculpture in the works that will soon be on display.

page 21

Two of our (male) staff writers tell you.

Read what they came up with.

page 8

Recognized Students Many seniors were recognized for their outstanding performance on the PSAT last fall. See who in News.

page 2

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news The Review

Displinary Advisory Committee created

By TIFFANY SHYU “When I interviewed for Dean of Students, I heard loud and clear from a lot of students… [and] a lot of faculty that they felt like the dean needed more voices in his mind when it came to discipline decisions—that faculty and students should have more input,” said Dean Alig. This viewpoint triggered the start of the Disciplinary Advisory Committee. “The students wanted a committee that was just comprised of students and that would take control of all discipline major discipline… but discipline is something that touches every aspect of this community, and I definitely felt like it should involve student and faculty voices,” said Dean Alig. Dean Alig made an announcement at the first faculty meeting and asked for requests from faculty who were interested in joining the committee. After looking through many e-mails, he assembled a group of faculty from that interest list. As for the student side of

the committee, Dean Alig first decided that it was important that the Head Prefect and Vice President of SAC be on the committee. He then decided that the editor-in-chief of The Review should be in the committee because “he has a global vision of school and sees a lot of different activities,” as Dean Alig put it. Finally, SAC provided a list of five or six students from which Dean Alig picked one to add to the group. The final result was four students and seven teachers who meet to discuss both large issues that deal with the Honor Code as well as more specific cases that relate to specific students.

“The idea behind the disciplinary committee is for the committee to serve as an outlet for the dean to use.

The committee will offer recommendations, advice, and thoughts on certain punishments,” said Laura Franklin (’07), Head Prefect of SAC. The DAC aims “more than anything else to broaden conversation about discipline and to make sure that I am

hearing from different parts of the upper school… the more input I get the better”, as Dean Alig said. Ryan Jewett (’07), Vice President of SAC, said that the council was created to provide adequate representation for students’ offenses that do not go before an honor trials.

“I think the goal is to makes sure that kids get suitable punishments– nothing over the top and certainly nothing less than what the punishment needs to be but to make sure they’re well represented and their situation is well understood before they’re given a sentence,” Jewett said.

Some students may have done things that require more than just an honor trial, and the DAC was created to help these students get the discipline they deserve. “This way, they’ve got kids and teachers who they know so it’s not just the heads of the school deciding the punishment so now you have different points of view,” said Jewett.

See DAC on p. 4

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Former NBA star speaks in Chapel

Hall of Fame member and former Houston Rockets starting point guard Clyde Drexler visited SJS as the chapel speaker on Oct. 26, 2006. The Rocket Power Dancers performed prior to Mr. Drexler’s speech.

November 2006

Congrats to the National Merit Semifinalists of 2007 Daniel Andreeff Elizabeth Blanton Kristina Cibor Mary Martha Davis Johana Dickerson Steven Dickerson Elizabeth Easterly Scott Elder Buck Elkins Roxana Fatemizadeh David Finkelstein Blaine Finley Sophia Golvach Paul Hausknecht Lauren Hawley Patrick Hayes Derry Herlihy Ryan Hodgson Hannah Jeffers Kaleta Johnson Will Joyce Maggie McDaniel Heather Mellinger Vivian Mullin Anna Nutter Elizabeth Oliver David Pham John Preston Anjali Salvador Steven Scarborough Jeremy Slawin Justin Stein Yijing Sun Katy Terrell Lauren Waters Jenna Yang

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The Review

November 2006

Government classes hold mock senate election

By BRET VOLLMER As the national midterm election intensifies, the halls of SJS have been witnesses to a different kind of election. Though only a mock election, the senior government classes’ campaign project closely resembles national politics and has garnered involvement from both students and faculty alike.

When government teachers Stephen Popp and Gara Johnson-West first conceived holding a student election among their government classes, their top priority was to emulate actual political campaigns as closely as possible, and they designed the project to maintain a certain level of realism.

“Essentially we’re trying to illustrate the process of campaigning,” said Mr. Popp, “Students have to construct a campaign around a candidate they chose who would run under that party affiliation but with a particular theme, policies and media.”

Parties were assigned randomly and each campaign is expected to uphold the policies of their party. Robert Howard (’07) represents the Republican Party, Nora Niebruegge (’07) is running under the Democratic Party and Jordan Thomas (’07) is the independent candidate.

“Overall, we are looking for how each campaign creates a message,” said Ms. JohnsonWest, “and how effectively they are getting that message across.

Ms. Johnson-West and Mr. Popp hope that when voting takes place on Nov. 7, the electorate’s primary focus will be on the issues. In order to ensure a high level of integrity in the ballots, the SJS faculty will act as the voting population.

“Our intent to use the teach-

ers as our electorate was to elevate the level of the campaign to center more around campaign strategy and policy issues instead of muffins in the cafeteria,” said Mr. Popp.

Making the faculty the electorate instead of the student body was also an attempt to expand the scope of the mock election and not to limit it in the way most student-body elections are. “I don’t want to imply that students don’t care about national issues,” said Ms. Johnson-West, “but when they think of a school election, they mainly think of what can be done to change St. John’s.”

Ms. Johnson-West and Mr. Popp are confident that using the faculty as voters has positively affected how the campaigns operate and, in the words of Ms, Johnson-West, “it has allowed the process to better mimic an actual election by focusing on the real issues.

Because the students are appealing to the teachers as voters, the teachers believe they have been more thoughtful in their message. “I think our students have been quite measured and deliberative in their commentary about some of these issues,” said Mr. Popp. “It’s been fascinating to watch them develop that. They’ve actually had to think through their answers and responses, which unfortunately, politicians have a tough time doing.”

Much of this teacher involvement stems from the faculty’s sincere interest in the mock election itself. “It certainly has made the teacher mailbox area a rather festive place in the last week or two,” said Mr. Popp.

Both Ms. Johnson-West and Mr. Popp were appreciative of the faculty participation in this mock election and highlighted it as a major factor in

the success of this campaign.

However, they also stressed the significance of the government students’ enthusiasm.

“They recognize the gravity of it; they see it as something that matters,” said Ms. JohnsonWest, “They created commercials, they’ve made websites, and the things they have done are just shocking to me, things I would have never thought of and I worked on a campaign.”

According to Mr. Popp and Ms. Johnson-West, many of the campaigns’ endeavors are all student ideas. The posters, commercials, online groups and other forms of media were organized by students. Not only did student enthusiasm lead to a larger election, it was the impetus for the election itself.

“The students had an active part in creating this project,” said Mr. Popp. “We took their suggestions for what they would like to see out of this, and while we couldn’t do everything that they wanted to do… their enthusiasm, and their interest propelled us to really kind of put this thing on paper and assign this project.”

Mr. Popp and Ms. JohnsonWest said that they have seen this enthusiasm displayed by almost all their students, and both are quick to point out the importance of teamwork that has been exhibited by each campaign.

In addition to selecting who would be their candidate, the classes voted on individuals to fill other campaign positions such as policy manager, media liaison, and public relations manager.

“One of the things that has really made me proud is to actually see them working as a team and not worrying about distinctions and titles,” said Ms. Johnson-West. “Because in a

real-life campaign, that doesn’t mean jack; that is completely irrelevant. Everyone pitches in where help is needed and I’m seeing that with these kids.

That shows such maturity that they are concerned about getting the job done.”

Mr. Popp shares the sentiment that the mock election, as a class project, has positively changed the dynamics of the class and how students work together. “It’s been a wonderful class-bonding experience,” said Mr. Popp. It’s created some rather fierce allegiances, and unfortunately it’s seemingly divided friends.”

While the government teachers have generally expressed approval of student behavior in the mock election, they have admitted that there have been instances of dubious campaign tactics. “Accusations have been made about other parties,” said Mr. Popp. “Some true, some possibly misleading––but that’s the stuff of politics.”

Mr. Popp and Ms. JohnsonWest maintain that adversarial politics are a major part of campaigning but have still discouraged behavior that they feel crosses the line.

“We want to keep it fair,” said Ms. Johnson-West. “There are certain things that are below the belt that we are not okay with, but at the same time, if we control it too much, they are going to lose some of the valuable lessons that are being taught in this project.”

Regardless of whether or not grudges form during the campaign, the teachers remain optimistic that the students will return to normal terms. “We think that there will be a kind reconciliation after the election,” said Mr. Popp.

The passion of the members of the campaign has spread to stu-

dents who are not in the actual government classes and many different members of the community have become involved in the election.

Again, the government teachers feel that an increase in student-body participation will lead to a more realistic election.

“The whole community is getting involved, and I think that is a fantastic thing no matter whether [individuals] are in it for an issue, or if they’re in it because their friend is doing it,” said Ms. Johnson-West. “Don’t you think people help their friends if they are running for office in real-life? Once again, I think it helps create a more realistic environment.”

Community involvement and concern in the election was one of Mr. Popp and Ms. Johnson-West’s goals in creating this project. “Hopefully it will engender interest in not only politics but current events, and that’s what the big picture is all about; getting students to feel their involvement matters.”

To generate interest in politics was the purpose of this project, and Ms. Johnson-West and Mr. Popp hope that the mock election has succeeded. They attribute any success of the election to student and faculty participation and expressed appreciation for the community’s efforts.

Still, it has not been determined if the mock election will become a reoccurring part of the government course curriculum.

“I’m not sure if it will happen every year, just due to the extravagance and the level of commitment that is going into it, but it may be something we will consider for 2008,” said Mr. Popp, “so we’ll see if whether or not this is something we will do every year, but it’s been fun.”

Meet the Candidates

Robert Howard for the Republican Party

Jordan Thomas as the independent candidate

JENNIFER DENFIELD | The Review

Nora Niebruegge for the Democratic Party

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November 2006

Administrators at SJS implement extra measures to prevent parking lot break-ins BREAK-INS cont. from p. 1 prevent break-ins. Mr. Swann said, “At the end of last year I walked through the [parking] lots…and virtually every other car had something sitting on the front seat. And typically it wasn’t a purse but it was sports equipment or a fair amount of electronics like mp3 players or cell phones, and for the wrong kind of person, it’s just kind of inviting for someone to break a window and grab something and go, particularly the electronics.” His advice was to “think

“Make sure you don’t leave your wallen on the front seat, don’t leave any valuables in the car unattended.”

-Dean of Students Dan Alig

about somebody looking to cause trouble walking by their car and making their car less attractive than another car. Every car that we’ve had broken in to has been a situation where somebody has left valuables in plain sight.”

Dean Alig also mentioned the importance of registering your car. “I am working to get students to turn in parking applications and mark their cars so we

DAC cont. from p. 2 Regarding the personal views of the members on the DAC, the DAC is generally thought to be a good idea. Franklin said she believes forming the group was beneficial because it gives the students a voice in punishments.

Likewise, Jewett believed that the formation of the DAC was a

news The Review

can tell which cars are St. John’s cars and which car shouldn’t be there,” he said. “I’m also communicating with students at class meetings and parents during brown bag lunches about common-sense thing: make sure you don’t leave your wallet on the front seat; don’t leave anything valuable in the car unattended.”

If students do see something suspicious, Mr. Swann recommended calling Riverdale Patrol directly. “[In] every lot we’ve got nice clear signs that say ‘This lot is patrolled by Riverdale Patrol’ with a phone number. If [students] could call Riverdale directly; that’s really the fastest way to get somebody out of there.”

Although the main focus of SJS’s new security measures is to avoid further offenses, the police have been involved.

“We’ve got an agent from Houston Police involved,” said Mr. Swann. “I’d be less than candid, though, if I said I really had high hopes that we’re going to catch somebody. Whenever something like this happens, we get HPD involved. There’s a lot of police reports, but as long as nobody gets hurt… it’s my understanding that the Houston police department just doesn’t spend a lot of time on [theft].”

SJS is taking great strides to ensure the security of its community.

“We’re not going to be able to prevent crime 100% on this campus,” said Dean Alig, “but I think we can take some more steps––everybody can––in the community to minimize it.”

good idea because students can have more representation over many disciplinary issues.

“I look forward to working in the committee for the rest of the year because I think it’s a group of great people and I think well get a lot done and be a helpful resource if need be, because that’s our goal,” said Franklin.

Affinity group places first in Dragon Boat Regatta

Photo courtesy of Monica Law

The East Asian Affinity Group placed first in the third annual Dragon Boat Regatta.

Despite the unfavorable weather, the team was able to reclaim its title and remain undefeated.

By ANOUSHKA SINHA SJS seems to have mastered a new sport: dragon boat racing. On Oct. 22, members of the East Asian Affinity Group participated in the third annual Dragon Boat Regatta and placed first, thus remaining undefeated with two victories.

Crystal Law (’07) and Cathleen Chang (‘07), co-presidents of EAAG, introduced dragon boat racing to SJS last year. Law explained that she thought it was a good opportunity for “everybody to just get to know each other and get to know people from other schools.”

Chang said, “[I]t’s fun, it’s really different, [and] you really learn about teamwork when you do it.”

Dragon boating is a sport as unique as the culture from which it hails.

Each team is composed of 20 rowers, one steerer and a drummer. “[I]t’s interesting because it’s not strength really that determines to win; it’s really synchronization,” said Chang.

The race wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for its participants, as the cold weather caused choppy water and waves be-

gan to form on the lake. Law said that “[t]he water was really choppy, and another team’s boat actually tipped over.”

Consequently, several rules were created to lessen the chances of another such catastrophe. Instead of three times, each team could race only once. Also, four professionals were required on each boat. As a result of the latter, four SJS team members graciously volunteered to sit out from the race: team leaders Law and Chang, Michelle Kitson (’10) and Tiffany Shyu (’09).

While racing was the main enterprise of the Regatta, people could also opt to engage in land-bound activities. “[T]hey have lots of booths up that are selling little trinkets, and they have all these vendors there selling Asian food,” said Law. The Dragon Boat Regatta proved a great success for the SJS team. Hoping to race again next year, Law and Chang look forward to a hat trick. EEAG invites all of its members to attend the next Regatta. Law stated, “It takes a good chunk of your day, but it’s definitely worth it.”

BELOW: The results of the first heat placed SJS Upper School in first. Due to unfavorable weather, all other heats were cancelled. Next year, the team hopes for a hat trick.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Law (‘07)

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The Review

November 2006

JSA attends first 2006-2007 conference The SJS chapter of the Junior Statesmen of America began its 2006-2007 year by attending the Decision 2006 conference on Saturday, Oct. 21. Speeches from Democratic District 134 candidate Ellen Cohen and Libertarian District 22 candidate Bob Smither highlighted the one-day conference.

Katherine Kelley (’08), an active member in

I think the people who went to the conference had a great time and learned some new things about Texas politics and the gubernatorial candidates.

– Katherine Kelley (‘08)

the SJS chapter, said that “the point of it was to have old chapters come in and to attract people who don’t have chapters at their schools.” Hearing from Mr. Smither was especially interesting, she said, because he is running to fill the void left after Tom DeLay’s resignation this past summer.

After hearing from the speakers, the participants from many Houston area schools spent the afternoon engaging in debates, issue-oriented “thought talks” and a mock election. Indepen-

dent candidate Kinky Friedman won the gubernatorial election.

The conference was planned by the Vice Mayor of the Gulf Coast Region.

JSA is a non-partisan organization and one of the largest student-run organizations in the country. “It focuses on raising awareness in politics. Although it’s nonpartisan, it does sometimes lobby for partisan causes, like changing the voting age. They can be pretty influential,” Kelley said.

Individual chapters, like the one at SJS, hold their own debates and thought talks. Chapters around the city and country also bring speakers to their schools, visit courthouses, and stay informed about current events.

The SJS chapter, with 20 to 30 members, is “one of the largest chapters in Texas JSA,” Kelley said.

Kelley serves as a Director on the State Cabinet; the chapter as whole is influential within the state. The club is sponsored by history teachers Stephen Popp and Dr. Richard Doina.

Despite a lower attendance due to members’ other extracurricular conflicts, the chapter did well at the conference. Three members received Best Speaker Awards.

Kelley said, “I think the people who went to the conference had a great time and learned some new things about Texas politics and the gubernatorial candidates.”

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

By JUSTIN STEIN

Jack Mauel (‘08) debates against legalizing gambling in the state of Texas. Mauel won a best speaker award for his speech.

Facebook group dares “200 members and a freshman runs through the quad during senior tea”

if a freshman did run through the Quad with the intent of causing mayhem. The Quad has always been a sanctuary for seniors, a privilege Facebook, an internet social network for stu- earned by climbing the high school social hierdents across the country, has become wildy archy one year at a time. For years, freshman popular in the past year. have been warned of the ramifications behind One commonly used feature of facebook is stepping on this hallowed ground. creating groups. Numerous creative facebook Some think the freshman are foolish to even groups have been created by SJS students: “I consider such an idea. Sklar’s first response on Hear St. John’s Has an Athletic Program,” “Pots the group’s blog wall was, “Time to die.” Others and Pans,” “Homecoming is going to Rule,” think that finally seeing a freshman defy the se“Friends don’t let Friends go to EHS” and many niors is worthy of praise; many talk about runmore. ning through the Quad as a freshman, but few But one such group has drawn plenty of at- do it. tention lately. The group, “200 members and a The group reached its goal of 200 members freshman runs through the quad during senior some time ago, yet, still no one has stepped up to tea” has sparked the interest of many at SJS. The the plate. When reading the discussions on the group has over 200 members already and is still wall it is clear that many of the freshman guys growing. fear running through the Quad not only because The idea, and subsequent Facebook group, was they will be crossing some illegal boundry, but the brainchild of Reed Daniel (‘10) and Stuart they fear crossing David Sklar. At 6’3” and Dickerson (‘10).

250lbs, Sklar is often considered the most menWhen asked where the inspiration for such an acing person on campus. Not one word has been idea came from, Dickerson said, “There was this mentioned of fear of what Dean Alig may do, or new kid [Gerren Crossen (‘10)] in our history of what punishment Head of Upper School Kef class. He didn’t know the rule about the Quad, Wilson may levy, but only has the fear of Sklar’s so everyday [that he was running late for his- wrath been repeatedly brought up in conversatory class] he’d just streak through the quad. tion. Sklar is the only name mentioned when Reed and I thought it’d be funny if some senior the plotters discuss the consequences of their like [David] Sklar (‘07) [punished] someone for actions. When reading their posts, it becomes doing that.” clear that many would glady face the risk of getTwisted as Dickerson’s humor may sound, it ting a d-hall than chance going toe to toe with is entertaining to imagine what would happen Sklar.

Within Daniel and Dickerson’s Facebook group many have debated as to just what freshman will be bold enough (or foolish enough) to run through the Quad. Dickerson himself is one of the favorites. One person even suggested that not one freshman, but a “pack of new kids” be sent running through the quad. “We’d like to see Jacob Halevy (‘10), Matthew Joyce (‘10) or Daniel Zilkha (‘10) [run through the Quad]... basically any freshman boy,” said Dickerson.

Whoever the unlucky (or soon to be fabled) freshman turns out to be, one thing is for sure: with all of the hype created by the Facebook group, it’s sure to be a memorable event.

By JORDAN THOMAS

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The Review

November 2006

The Art of Line-Cutting: Our freshman correspondent explores the issue

JENNY LEWIS | The Review

Max Susman (‘10) is rebuffed as he attempts to cut ahead in the lunch line waiting to enter the Upper School Cafeteria.

By MAX SUSMAN

As a freshman or sophmore, one is often faced with the tiresome task of waiting in line to gain entrance to the Upper School Cafeteria. However, for some students, this wait is too much to bear, as they give in to their more questionable tendencies and cut ahead of their fellow classmates. In doing so, they reduce their time stuck in the stagnant water that is the Upper School lunch line.

This year, cliques of girls and hordes of guys stand around outside the cafeteria waiting for the juniors and seniors to finish up in the lunch line.

Without a faculty member standing at the doors to control the flow of traffic into the cafeteria, there would be pure madness. Of course, some freshmen don’t feel like they need to eat in a hurry, but others insist on being first into the cafeteria.

I feel like it’s my duty to give the people the facts, no spin.

That’s why I went a step further, and dug up some wellkept secrets in the art of line cutting. I went straight to the source:the freshmen themselves. First I observed their ways, taking notes on the people who cut in line, and those who waited.

My first target was Mae Nasser (’10). She cut to the

very front of the line, right in plain sight. When asked why she committed this heinous offense she said, “I felt like it.”

This still didn’t tell me where the root of these actions came from. I needed more. I needed the scoop. And in order to get that, I had to do some investigative reporting.

As I took my time cutting in front of unsuspecting students and sneaking through the line, I received a variety of reactions. Caroline Dawson (’10) said, “That made me really angry. I wanted to bite your head off. Tee hee!” she said. On a second attempt, I carefully slid in front of Walker Hobby (’10). “I’m gonna have to beat you up,” he said. Apparently cutting in line is not the safest of endeavors.

Line-cutting is a widely practiced activity. Many people have decided to ignore it completely and let people cut them freely. One of these people is freshmen class president Daisy Wolf (’10). “I have never cut in line. I don’t care about my spot.” said Daisy. Farris Blount (’10) also doesn’t believe in line cutting. “I don’t even care anymore,” he said.

After scraping the icing off the cake, I knew where to look for information next. Zach Gaitz (’10) is a self-proclaimed professional line cutter. We sat down and talked a little more strategy. “There are a variety of techniques used in line-cutting,” he said. “I have used a number of them myself.

A very effective, yet simple, method is walking in with a crowd of upperclassmen.

You have to look confident, though. Another method is to sit outside the door that leads to the mini-quad and wait for someone to come out. Then, before the door closes, you can slip inside.”

Stuart Dickerson (’10) also had some quick tips. “You can easily sneak in the checkout line. When people are hanging out with their friends, they aren’t paying attention to anything,” he said. I put this tip to the test; however, I was cut by junior Will Derrick (’08). Why does he cut? “It’s fun, easy and I hate lines,” he said.

The freshmen have lots of experience with line-cutting.

Reed Daniel (‘10) explained his theory of how it all started, “Well, in second grade there was this tray with a sticker on it in the Lower School Cafeteria. If you got the tray, you would get a free fruit roll up.

People would cut and adjust their spot in line just trying to get the tray,” he said.

Line cutting is not encouraged, however. In fact, it is against the rules. Jennifer Kuhl, chemistry teacher and Assistant Upper School Dean, explained the punishment for being caught cutting in line.

“I’ve sent people to the back of the line numerous times.” She said. “I was not aware of [the students] using strategies to sneak in. I only stopped people that made it very obvious,” she continued.

After experiencing cutting for myself, I understood why the “cutters” cut. The “cutters” do not think they are more important than other people, but

they do think they are hungrier.

The next time someone cuts you, instead of being rude and shoving them out of the way, think and act rationally. Think

about the time that you cut in line. You should always approach a “cutter” politely. Act kindly towards these “cutters” and they might just decide to back-cut you.

features

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The Review

November 2006

Cheerleaders strive to make Kinkaid week special

By LILIANA VARMAN Cheerleading is not for the weak, at least according to Jennie V. Caven (’07) and Lindsay Pearson (’07), captain and cocaptain of the Varsity squad.

Caven said that to be a cheerleader, it is necessary to yell, jump, be sharp while doing cheers and have some dancing ability. Pearson added, “You definitely need strength and stamina [to cheerlead].”

Caven, who first began cheerleading in eighth grade, said her favorite parts of being a cheerleader are dancing, choreographing and supporting the team. “Cheerleading kind of runs in my family,” she said.

Caven’s sister Lindsey was a cheerleader at Episcopal High School for all four years before becoming head cheerleader in 1998, and her mother was a cheerleader in high school.

Pearson, who began cheerleading in eighth grade, said she loves cheerleading because she gets to perform and dance with girls she has fun with.

Pearson’s favorite routines are the ones for Kinkaid Week, which Caven choreographed this year. Pearson also said she enjoys routines that involve stunts because they are challenging but fun. Caven, however, enjoys sharp and fast movements that are “more like real dancing” and go well with music.

As enjoyable as the activity is to the two captains, cheerleading is also a major commitment that involves a lot of work.

“We have to be able to lift girls above our heads, jump, yell at the top of our lungs so we can be heard, and basically be constantly moving for a couple of

Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders form the larger-than-usual boom pyramid. hours. It takes a good amount of time to learn how to do all of these things and then perfect them,” said Pearson.

Caven added that she dislikes when people assume cheerleading isn’t hard work. “[It’s not] like we just throw girls up in the air without any practice, and it just magically works out,” she said. Both captains stress the hard work and time needed to perfect routines and cheers.

The Varsity squad practices every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during eighth period during the regular season.

In Oct. and Nov., weekend practices on both Saturday and Sunday can last anywhere from two to five hours. During the weeks leading up to the

Kinkaid game, practice times increase even more. This year, the Varsity squad had practices ranging from two to eight hours each day during Kinkaid Week.

Caven, on the other hand, said that although the pep rally was different than the traditional one of years past, it presented an opportunity to be creative. It’s “bittersweet,” Caven said.

Even though cheerleaders are constantly smiling and pepping up the team, the sport can be stressful. Pearson said this stress comes from not wanting to mess up in front of the entire Upper School. This pressures the squad, which gets frustrated if they are unable to pick up routines quickly because it

takes a lot of time and effort to learn and perfect them.

Stunting, or lifting girls up in the air, is another source of stress for cheerleaders. “Its the worst feeling in the world to hear the thud that your friend makes as she falls out of the air and hits the ground because something went wrong and nobody could catch her,” Pearson said.

The cheerleading captains are no strangers to the injuries that can occur while performing. Pearson sprained her wrist and dislocated her shoulder this summer at cheer camp, and has seen countless bruises among members of the squad this season. “I got kicked in the face during a stunt [once], but that was actually kinda funny.

Cheerleaders Jessica Chen (‘08) and Kara Fisher (‘07) strike a pose as they cheer during the All School Pep Rally.

DAN PERENYI | The Review

Everyone gets beat up at some point,” Pearson said.

Caven, who has also endured bumps, bruises and falls, recently had a girl fall into her face while doing a pyramid stunt.

The heel of the fallen girl’s shoe scraped Caven’s nose, leaving it “embarrassingly red,” she said.

Since Caven and Pearson are both seniors, this is their last year cheerleading for SJS. When asked if she were going to continue to cheerlead, Caven said she would like to cheerlead in college “if I had any gymnastics skills at all.”

Pearson, on the other hand, is keeping her options open. “I’m probably not going to cheerlead in college, but it kinda depends on where I go, so who knows.”

DAN PERENYI | The Review

8

features The Review

November 2006

How do you ask a boy to Cotillion?

Emily Foxhall (‘09) whipsers to her brother Travis Foxhall (‘09) before the gaze of an admirer.

By LEEOR MUSHIN and MAX SUSMAN Some people say the hardest part of asking a question is hearing the answer, but when you are asking someone to the Cotillion, the question just might be the hardest part.

“I try not to make the asking process harder than it really is,” said one experienced junior girl. “It’s a lot better to ask in person, so it’s not as awkward after you ask. Some girls make to big a deal of whom they take, but it’s not like you’re attached to that person or anything…

Basically, they’re in the picture with you and that’s about it.”

The question that’s on the mind of many of the younger guys is whether or not an older girl might ask him.

“Most of the time you go to dinner before with friends and

take a limo, so if the person you’re going with is younger, it might make it awkward,” Margaret Greenberg (’08) said.

Most girls agree that when finding the perfect date, you should find a quality about that person that will keep your night interesting, along with a common trait.

“He has to be talkative because if my date doesn’t talk, it’ll be weird, and the night will be boring,” said Sage Klement (’09).

A surprising element of Cotillion is how little some care about who their date is. Most of time girls aren’t concerned with who, specifically, they are going with, but rather just want to have a good time.

Sometimes catfights or slapping look as if they are likely, but cooler heads generally prevail. “[Anonymous] and I both wanted to take the same guy to

Cotillion, and we basically told each other at the same time. We each tried to get the other one to take him because we weren’t going to fight over him. Eventually she called me and told me that she was going to take another person, so now I’m going with him,” said the junior.

“If a guy says no to a girl, other girls might not take him to cotillion.”

- Lucy Kerr (‘09) Sometimes, the actual asking does not go as planned, but as long as the girl does not focus on the more forgettable moments, the question can still be delivered without too much embarrassment.

“When I asked my boyfriend [Griffin Klement (‘07)], I said

KATHERINE CARMICHAEL | The Review

to him ‘you’re going with me,’ but he refused to go with me unless I asked him a better way. While he was playing football in Dallas I went to his house and decorated his car with shoe polish, but then it rained and messed up with his car, but he’s still going with me,” Caroline Farish (’08) said.

Around this time of year, the word “no” is something everybody has to deal with, and there are times when it can turn out for the best.

“I asked some guy last year, and he said yes, but he realized that he had to go to lacrosse that weekend right before Cotillion.

I didn’t have a date, so I asked Griffin, and now it worked out even though it was awkward to begin with,” Farish said.

Even though a date seems like it is not going to work out well in the beginning,

Two sophomores pose in a fake marriage proposal.

you never know what is going to happen down the road.

There have also been rumors floating around the Upper School about a freshman boy getting excited about having a sophomore take him to cotillion.

The one word guys have to beware of saying is “no.”

“If a guy says no to a girl, other girls might not take him to cotillion,” Lucy Kerr (’09).

Some guys will take the above mentioned route when a girl asks the guy. Others will say “no,” but say it with dignity. Then there are those guys who don’t fit into either of those categories.

And for choosing the perfect date, Stuart Dickerson (‘10) has the perfect idea. He said, “As my brother [Steven Dickerson (‘07) would say, ‘try to find a girl as perfect as Laura Franklin (‘07).’”

KATHERINE CARMICHAEL | The Review

features

9

The Review

November 2006

Exchange Student thrives learning new culture

By ELIZABETH RASMUSSEN For nine days in October, the city of Zaragoza does not sleep.

By American standards, Mardi Gras is the ultimate party, but the Spanish top Mardi Gras with El Festival de Pilar.

The population of Zaragoza doubles for a week. Transportation is practically impossible. Finding a parking spot is a hopeless cause. The busses are crammed with chattering Spaniards, and for the sake of your mental sanity it is better to avoid them. The only way to get around is on foot, which is still difficult because of the sheer quantity of people trying to navigate their way through the city.

The range of activities during Pilar is incredible. On the twelfth of October, only a few hours after three hundred and fifty thousand Spaniards participated in the tradition of bringing flowers to a statue of the Virgin de Pilar, 15 trucks blasting techno music drove down the main street in a formal parade. The trucks were filled with twenty-year-old women dressed in bikinis and stiletto heels, and shirtless men wearing only skin-tight shorts, dancing their way (literally) to the techno concert.

These two scenes form the essence of Pilar: the essence of Spanish culture in general and the union of two very distinct ways of life, the traditional and the current, the conservative and the liberal, the proper and the provocative.

Although I had been living in Spain for over a month, Pilar was my first true taste of Spanish culture. It was the first time I was able to see both parts of the culture next to each other, face to face.

As Americans, we typically think of Spain as it was thirty years ago, during the reign of Franco, as very traditional and Catholic, but the country has changed considerably. Parts of the old culture have been maintained, but they are juxtaposed by the new way of life that flooded into Spain after the creation of a democracy.

Pilar let me experience the Spain as it is today, old and new mixed together. I had the opportunity to meet Spaniards other than my own Spanish family and my teachers. I got to go out on my own and experience things from my own point of view. I did things on my own, I got lost, but I had a wonderful time doing it, discovering new things.

One night, on my way to a concert, I found myself completely disoriented in a part of town that I had thought I knew well. Unsure of which direction I was headed, I scanned the crowd around me in search of a kind face. I spotted an elderly couple headed in the direction I thought I should go. They were walking slowly, their arms linking them together.

“Perdón, pueden ayudarme,” I called out to them. They paused and turned around to see me, a

blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigner who speaks in grammatically-incorrect Spanish.

As my luck had it, they were headed to the same concert and offered to accompany me. On our way there, I opened up to these strangers whose names I did not even know. I told them about my life in the United States and the differences between it and my new life here in Spain. I told them about the things I liked about their culture and the thinks I disliked.

They listened patiently as I drew imaginary verb charts in my head. They told me about their own lives, and in those first few minutes, we formed a connection.

When we arrived at the plaza, they introduced me to their friends. We sat together during the concerts and chatted over the different musicians. As my curfew approached, I realized that I would have to leave my new friends. Unwillingly, I gave them the traditional kisses on each cheek, one on the right and then one on the left, knowing that I would most likely never see them again.

After wading my way through the crowd of people, I looked back at the couple one last time and smiled at them. They smiled back. I was sad to know that I would never see them again, but happy that I had the opportunity to meet them and learn a little about their lives, their family, their perspective, but most importantly, their very distinct culture.

I am learning to risk embarrassment and to go up and talk

Elizabeth Rasmussen with her host sister and host nephew. to Spaniards. Nine out of ten times it is worth it. Every time I approach a Spaniard, I learn something different about their very complex culture. Slowly I am starting to fit together a

picture of the real Spanish culture. No matter what you do, not matter how many books or magazines you read, no matter how hard you try, you cannot really understand a culture

Elizabeth Rasmussen (‘08) with two friends she made in Spain at the opening of Pilar.

Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Rasmussen

without living it. I am starting to be accepted here, and slowly, as I gain acceptance, I am beginning to see the culture in all its entirety: the old and the new.

Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Rasmussen

10

sports The Review

November 2006

Mavs take close one from Falcons A-T-T-A-C-K ATTACK

ATTACK

ATTACK Luke Phillips (‘08) scores on a 91-yard touchdown, and the Mavericks go on to beat Kinkaid 19-17.

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

KINKAID cont. from p. 1 Herlihy (’07) caught the pass from quarterback Lawson Gow (’08) but was out of bounds, and the Mavericks turned it over to the Falcons on downs.

Kinkaid moved down the field on a drive marred by penalties on both sides. Hoffer set up for a 29-yard field goal, but the Falcons were called for a false start and moved back

five yards. Hoffer made the resulting 34-yard field goal, giving Kinkaid a 10-7 lead.

Starting from their own 18 yard line, the Mavericks commenced on a long possession.

SJS accumulated several penalties, including ones for holding, but managed to capture a first down after an incidental facemask penalty enforced against the Falcons. After two more first downs, Gow

was picked off by Kinkaid.

Neither Kinkaid nor SJS was successful on their subsequent drives, and the game headed into halftime with the score still 10-7 Kinkaid.

Both SJS and Kinkaid went three-and-out on their drives following halftime. For the Mavericks, on third down with seven yards to go on their own nine yard line, Gow threw a bullet to Luke Phillips (’08)

for a 91-yard touchdown and a Maverick lead. Root missed the extra point, however, and SJS held the 13-10 lead.

For the Falcons, facing third down with seven yards to go on their own 28 yard line, Thanheiser took the ball and ran all the way down the sideline, untouched and appearing to be heading for a touchdown. Root completed the tackle, however, and Thanheiser was stopped on

the SJS 19 yard line. Running back Pierce Cohen (’08) rushed for a seven-yard touchdown, giving Kinkaid a 17-13 lead with the successful extra point.

The Mavericks could not convert on their next drive and neither could the Falcons. SJS started their drive on their own 34 yard line. A little later, facing fourth down with two yards to go on Kinkaid’s 45 yard line, the punting unit came onto the field.

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Left: Running back Danny Ball (‘07) breaks free from a tackle against the Kinkaid Falcons. Right: Quarterback Lawson Gow (‘08) dodges a tackle.

sports

11

The Review

November 2006

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Griffin Klement (‘07) and Timmy Root (‘08) bring down KHS quarterback Hall Thanheiser (‘07).

Captain David Sklar (’07) faked the punt, and Root completed a 33-yard run down to the 12 yard line. Following a rush by Captain Danny Ball (’07), Gow threw to Phillips in the end zone for a Maverick touchdown. Root missed the extra point again, but the advantage went to the Mavericks, 19-17.

Kinkaid moved quickly down the field, their drive highlighted by a long catch in the hands of Evans. On fourth down with one yard to go on the SJS 18 yard line, the Kinkaid coaching staff was faced with a decision. They could attempt to get the first down, or they could kick a field goal for the lead.

“I was worried,” Head Coach Steve Gleaves said. “They had the wind at their back.”

Instead of going for the win with a field goal, the Falcons went for the first down but stalled after a bad snap and turned

Danny Ball (‘07) runs untouched down the field, avoiding tackles by the Kinkaid Falcons.

the ball over to the Mavericks.

SJS ran the clock down on their last possession and captured a 19-17 win over the Falcons.

Phillips was just one of the stars for the Mavericks, finishing with five catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. With 98 yards on 17 carries, Ball was the leading rusher for the Mavericks and Gow finished the night with 145 passing yards.

For the Falcons, Thanheiser ran 14 times for 123 yards, but Cohen wasn’t far behind with 92 yards on 21 carries. Thanheiser also threw for 93 yards, and Evans was their leading receiver on three catches for 40 yards.

Although Kinkaid finished with 325 total yards, compared to 296 for the Mavericks, SJS had the advantage where it counted.

“That’s as exciting as you can get,” Coach Gleaves said. “It’s hard to beat that.”

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Varsity Football Stats Player Danny Ball Lawson Gow

Player Luke Phillips

Rushing Leaders Yards Average 734 6.7 384 4.1 Receiving Leaders Receptions Yards 15 339

TD 4 4

TD 4

Player Lawson Gow

Rushing 1798

Comp 38

Passing Leaders Att Int 79 5

Team Offense Passing 737

Yards 661

TD 8

Total 2535 Stats courtesy of chron.com

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Left: Jordan Thomas just misses a pass in the end zone. Right: The scoreboard at Rice Stadium shows the final result: a victory for the SJS Mavericks.

12

sports The Review

November 2006

Hockey: It’s not the sport it used to be

By JEREMY SLAWIN

I was your typical sports fan.

I used to laugh when I heard references to the four “major” sports of our country. Clearly there were only three: football, baseball and basketball.

To be fair, I gave hockey more of a chance than most of my fellow sports lovers. I would watch the occasional playoff game, would actually pay attention during hockey highlights of SportsCenter and had actually heard of the league’s superstars like Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr and Martin Brodeur. Even so, I would be the first to admit that hockey was the bottom feeder in the “elite four” of American sports.

But one Saturday morning I needed to kill some time and decided to participate in a fantasy hockey draft. And what a marvelous decision that was.

I soon found myself following my players, watching (brace yourself) regular season games to see how they were performing. But before I knew it, I wasn’t only rooting for my fantasy players. I was rooting for teams and found myself on the

edge of my seat as each game progressed. Slowly, I was falling in love with hockey.

The knock on hockey has always been that it is a slowpaced, unexciting game with few goals or scoring chances.

The fact that NHL games are rarely broadcast on television neither helps to lift this misconception nor to create any excitement for the sport whatsoever. I mean, you can’t blame sports fans for not caring if the NHL isn’t showing its games. So I guess it’s up to me to lift these false stereotypes of the game.

First, the NHL has taken several measures to increase scoring, so if goals are what you like, an increase has already occurred. After the lockout season of 2004-2005, the NHL revised many of its rules to create a faster-paced, higher-scoring game. Long passes were no longer illegal, more space in the offensive zones was created and the size of goalie pads was reduced. Also, referees are stricter when calling interference, hooking and holding penalties, all infractions that seek to inhibit an offensive player. And perhaps most exciting was the installation of a shootout if both teams remain tied after regulation and overtime. This rule not only eliminates tie games, a result unique

to hockey (with the exception of the rare tie in football) but is a source of great excitement for fans. The good news is that the rules are already working, since during the same time frame, 1,125 more goals were scored than in the previous year.

Hopefully these low scores will continue to rise in the near future. But even if they do not continue this trend, do not let low hockey scores fool you about the game’s excitement.

I like to think of hockey as a sport combining the physicalness and toughness of football with the speed and agility of basketball. The continual transition from offense to defense and back, the speed and crispness of passes and the continual creation of scoring chances all add to the great excitement of watching a hockey game.

The excitement often results from a near goal, perhaps a spectacular diving save by a goalie or a defenseman extending himself to deflect the puck wide of the goal. For all of you soccer fans out there, you could say that hockey mirrors your favorite sport in this respect, as chance after chance is created, and when your team finally converts, the excitement is just that much greater.

I now call myself a hockey fan and would recommend follow-

Photo courtesy of AP

Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby plays against New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur Oct. 24. The Penguins won 4-2. ing hockey to any sports fan.

Yes, it has been cursed with a bad reputation, but hockey truly is an underappreciated sport.

Before conforming to main-

Captains spent week prepping for game

By HUDSON DUNCAN Before the captains of the SJS varsity football team played their final game of high school football Oct. 27 against Kinkaid, they had to prepare. They realized that this was the most important game of the year, and they, along with the coaches, had the responsibility of getting ready.

Danny Ball (‘07), Derry Herlihy (‘07), David Sklar (‘07) and Matthew Ziemnicki (‘07) are the Maverick football captains.

They spent the week leading up to the Kinkaid game preparing as well as encouraging their teammates to stay focused and play an outstanding final game.

Herlihy knew how important this week of practice was.

“Sometimes players tend to goof off when it’s the last week of practice. I want us to have a really good week because you practice like you play,” Herlihy said.

Besides being focused, the Mavericks strived to be on top of the game plan against the

Falcons. Ball said that his main goal was to “recognize anything they throw at us,” Ball said.

The team had motivations that went beyond the will to win, which they expected to strengthen their performance.

First of all, Ziemnicki wanted to finish this game and not let it slip away. “I don’t think we have played a complete game yet this season, and I hope we can do that,” Ziemnicki said.

He also explained that the team wanted to start a streak of defeating Kinkaid. “We beat

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

Maverick varsity football captains Matthew Ziemnicki (‘07), Derry Herlihy (‘07), David Sklar (‘07) and Danny Ball (‘07) during the All-School Pep Rally Thursday Oct. 26.

them last year, so if we can win again we could start a streak,” he said.

Along with the football game, the captains were excited by Kinkaid Week and the events preceding the football game.

They tried to “get into the spirit of Kinkaid Week as much as possible,” Herlihy said.

Ball was a vital part in the making of the Kinkaid film, another integral part of the week. “The film took about two months. I spent a lot of time filming it,” Ball said.

The team also unveiled the new football sweatshirt design, which was “pretty sweet,” according to Herlihy. “It will put all previous designs to shame.

I‘m hoping it will bring a huge emotional lift to the team.”

The captains appreciated that the teachers recognize the importance of this game, and the players did not have too much homework during Kinkaid Week. Therefore, Ball was “able to get to bed relatively early.”

The coaches also tried to give the players some rest. They wanted the players to be ready but not overworked. “Practices [were] light but intense at the same time,” Ball added.

However, the team knew they had to stay focused, and they realized they could not be distracted by all of the off-thefield events. Ball attempted to “stay away from all of the distractions because there [was] a lot going on around school.”

The captains hoped the preparation and effort the four of them put in would lead to a victory and a successful Kinkaid Week. “We need to have a balance of being involved in Kinkaid Week and getting prepared enough for the game,” Sklar said.

stream sports fans, those who follow the “big three” of American sports, I encourage you to give hockey a chance. Trust me, it’s worth your while.

SPC Preview Girls Volleyball The varsity girls volleyball team enters the Southwest Preparatory Conference tournament as the first seed from South Zone, based on their 6-1 South Zone record and 26-7-1 overall record. They also had several wins over both Kinkaid and Episcopal.

Boys Volleyball The varsity boys volleyball team also enters the SPC tournament as the first seed from South Zone, with an overall record of 22-7. They beat Episcopal twice 3-0 and Kinkaid 3-0.

Field Hockey The field hockey team approaches the SPC tournament with a 5-4-1 record, including two wins over Episcopal and two losses to Kinkaid.

Football The football team finished with a 6-3 record but barely missed the SPC championship game with a 3-3 conference record. The Mavericks beat Kinkaid 19-17 but lost to Episcopal 21-14 in overtime.

Cross-Country Both boys and girls crosscountry come into SPC following strong seasons. The boys captured fifth place at the SJS Ramble. The girls ended in second place there, and both teams had good races at the Magnolia Invitational to finish off the season.

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13

The Review

November 2006

LeBron, Dwyane and ‘Melo aim to continue domination of the NBA By CAMERON HARATI Business Staffer Last year the Detroit Pistons had an incredible season, winning 64 games and picked to win the NBA Championship the whole year. Somehow, the Miami Heat slipped in and won the title. In the regular season, they were 12 games behind the Pistons, yet managed to win the whole thing.

Therefore, while regular season rankings are important, be careful using them to evaluate a team because the playoffs are where legends are born.

With that said, here are my Western and Eastern Conference Rankings for the NBA regular Season.

West

1. Dallas Mavericks: Any Houston fan will deny this, but the Dallas Mavericks are really good. Head coach Avery Johnson has done a sensational job since he took over, and Dirk Nowitzki is settling into the upper echelon of NBA stars. They added Devean George, Austin Croshere, Anthony Johnson and athletic rookie Maurice Ager to an already-loaded roster at a small expense. Look for them to be back in the Western Conference Finals and probably the NBA Finals.

2. Phoenix Suns: Two words: Steve Nash. As long as the Suns have him, they will win their division and be strong con-

tenders in the playoffs. Last year, they managed to win 54 games without Amare Stoudamire, one of the best young forwards in the league. Amare is back now to team up with Nash, Shawn Marion, and Most Improved Player of the Year Boris Diaw to make big things happen in the desert.

3. San Antonio Spurs: Their 63 wins last year were second only to Detroit’s 64, and the Spurs roster looks almost identical to last year’s. The only question they have at the moment is Tim Duncan’s durability, which proved to cost them big time last year when it mattered most.

4. Los Angeles Clippers: Last year, when I picked the Clippers to be the 6th seed in the Western Conference, people called me crazy. The truth is that they have everything a team needs to be great and they showed that last year by being the 6th seed in the Western Conference and almost making it to the Western Conference Finals. Last year, the Clippers got a taste of success, and this year they will taste more.

5. Houston Rockets: For the third year in a row, Carroll Dawson and company decided to completely revamp the roster and get ready for an exciting season full of victories and celebrations. That didn’t happen last year, however. You can blame the injuries, Stromile Swift, David Wesley, or Jeff Van Gundy’s attitude all you want, but that is all in the past and the Rockets are ready to move forward.

Jeff Van Gundy’s new winning attitude is a lot more easy-going than before and the players seem to like it so far. The Rockets dumped Swift and Wesley along with others in order to make room for off-season acquisitions Bonzi Wells, Shane Battier, Kirk Snyder, Vassillis

Spanoulis, John Lucas III and Steve Novak. Most Rockets fans (including myself) were extremely disappointed when the Rockets traded the rights to Rudy Gay along with Swift for Shane Battier. This move, however, was great as it allowed the team to be much more flexible. Because of this trade, the Rockets were financially able to sign all the other key players they acquired this summer.

This roster really is revamped this time around and unless the injury bug bites back, the Rockets will go very, very far.

6. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets: Chris Paul is the future. After his amazing rookie season, people compared him to Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd, and he is ready to lead the Hornets to the playoffs.

Team him up with Peja Stojakovic, Tyson Chandler and the rookie twin towers, Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons, and the Hornets look quite dangerous. As if he needed anybody to help him with his game, Chris Paul now has Bobby Jackson to mentor him and back him up when needed.

Look for this new and improved team to be a force even though they play in a loaded division.

7. L.A Lakers: If you didn’t know, Kobe Bryant changed his number to 24 this year.

Some speculate this move was made in order for him to “oneup” Michael Jordan and LeBron James. If that is true, the Western Conference should watch out. Lamar Odom, Smush Parker and Kwame Brown make up a pretty good supporting cast, although it is nothing new. For them to improve and make noise in the playoffs, the Lakers need Kobe Bryant to be a complete team player. That is up to him.

8. Denver Nuggets: The Denver Nuggets had extremely high hopes last year after making a huge run with new Head Coach George Karl. They underachieved based on expectations and have not done much in the off-season. They will most likely make the playoffs unless the injury bug makes its way from Houston to Denver. Denver’s hopes rest on Carmelo Anthony’s shoulders, and it is time for him to get on the same level as LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

East

Photo courtesy of AP

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives toward the basket in a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. take this team back to the Finals.

Expect a tight race for the top of the Eastern Conference, but the the Heat will come out on top.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James is in the same league as Wade. His supporting cast, however, is young and not as experienced as Wade’s. Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eric Snow, David Wesley and Houston native Damon Jones are still good enough to get to the Eastern Conference Finals. This team looks more and more like a complete team each game and this is the year they will finally click completely.

3. Detroit Pistons: Losing Ben Wallace is obviously a huge blow to the Pistons defense.

Their offense, however, does not lose a beat, and they still have one of the best defenses in the league. So even though they won’t have the best record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons will still be a major powerhouse in the East. Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups will take this team deep into the playoffs.

4. New Jersey Nets: The insane trio of Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson has not gotten the Nets as far as they would have wanted…yet. The evolution of Nenad Krystic has made them much better, and the development will continue.

Photo courtesy of AP

Miami center Shaquille O’Neal defends against Rocket Tracy McGrady. Houston beat the Heat 96-71 in a preseason game.

1. Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade is the future of the NBA. His performance in the playoffs was on par with those of Michael Jordan. While Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton and Antoine Walker are all aging, they have enough in them to help

5. Chicago Bulls: The Bulls had arguably the best off-season in the league. Drafting Tyrus Thomas was huge for them, for he is a defensive monster who can do it all. Ben Wallace also brings defense to this team that already has offensive firepower in Kirk Hinrich,

Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon and Luol Deng. This team has turned into a complete team this summer, and in a year or two they should be at the top of the Eastern Conference.

6. Washington Wizards: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Antonio Daniels put up a great fight against the Cavaliers last year in the playoffs. Gilbert Arenas started his extreme offseason workout regimen while the stadium was clearing after their final loss to Cleveland. His hard work will definitely pay off this season as they will make yet another trip to the playoffs, possibly going farther this time.

7. Indiana Pacers: Their legal issues and attitude need to be resolved soon if they want to be a championship contender. Jermaine O’Neal has been the center of many trade talks and it is never good when a team’s star player is rumored to be on the trading block. That means the team has no confidence in him, and they want to rebuild. The Pacers need to stay focused on basketball and follow Jermaine O’Neal’s lead to the playoffs.

8. Boston Celtics/Orlando Magic: The 8th spot in the East is up for grabs since there are a number of teams who can take this.

The Celtics and Magic have the best chances, however, since the Bucks start off at a disadvantage with Andrew Bogut out for an extended period of time. Boston reloaded their roster and got ready to finally win again, acquiring Sebastian Telfair and Rajon Rondo to team up with superstar Paul Pierce, while the Magic have Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard who keep getting better and better every day.

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photo spread The Review

November 2006

Kinkaid

in pict

By KATHERINE an KATHERINE CAR

photo spread The Review

d Week

tures

E KELLEY (‘08) nd RMICHAEL (‘09)

November 2006

15

16

beyondSJS The Review

November 2006

REBECCA WELBOURN| The Review

Clockwise from top: St. John’s Week signs outlining the week’s events, Greg Starbird (‘07) dressed in camo and two Kinkaid students ready to “Hunt the Mavs.”

Across Houston, a ritual strangely similar to our own An intrepid Review staffer bravely takes an inside look at Kinkaid’s “St. John’s Week”

By REBECCA WELBOURN Houston, Texas I stepped into Kinkaid’s Upper School just before lunch on the Tuesday of their St. John’s Week.

Signs overhead screamed, “Hunt the Mavs! Mourn the Mavericks! Scare the Mavericks!” A junior girl dressed in camouflage cornered me later as I sat down.

“It’s very brave of you to be here during Spirit Week,” she said.

“We’re supposed to be hunting you right now.”

Tuesday was the day designated as “Hunt the Mavericks,” one of the themes of Kinkaid’s St. John’s week. On Monday, the Kinkaid seniors dressed like St. John’s students, wearing “broken glasses, the pleated skirts, uniforms [and] sweater vests,” according to Kinkaid student Caitlin Summers (‘08). Wednesday was “Mourn the Mavericks” day, when everyone wore black,

REBECCA WELBOURN| The Review

A sign advertising the big game.

and on Thursday students wore their Halloween costumes in an attempt to “Scare the Mavericks.” Friday, the day of the football game, was “Kinkaid

“We’re supposed to be hunting you right now.”

-Kinkaid Junior

Day,” when, much like SJS students, the Kinkaid students wore their school colors of purple and gold.

One of the biggest events on Friday was the revealing of the Kinkaid Student Center. All week, members of the Spirit of Kinkaid club decorated the Student Center and kept the room strictly off-limits to non-SOK members. SOK, which worked all weekend before St. John’s week, was also responsible for making the anti-Maverick posters and signs for the hallways.

Kinkaid also holds a pep rally during school on Friday, during which the football players speak to the students and the cheerleaders perform for the school.

“Friday is just a culmination of everything. Everybody goes crazy… there’s a pep rally, you get to see the Student Center.

Everybody’s just really riled up,” said Maria Vrcek (‘08).

Kinkaid’s United States History AP teacher John Germann said that the SJS-Kinkaid rivalry used to be more “hostile” and the events more elaborate.

Kinkaid used to have a bonfire at the end of their St. John’s week, but that was later replaced by the themed days. Mr. Germann also recalled that the games used to alternate between the two schools’ campuses, but eventu-

ally they became too large to be held at either school, making Rice Stadium a part of the tradition.

Even with the long history of the SJS-Kinkaid football games, some Kinkaid students remain a little removed from the rivalry. “What’s the mascot for St. John’s?” Safeena Walji (‘08) asked. Many of the Kinkaid students have a set stereotype of the SJS student, too: “Nerdy,” said Walji.

Melissa Kuo (‘08), who was with Walji at the time, laughed and added, “I wasn’t going to be the first to say it.”

That seems to be the general opinion among the Kinkaid student body. Summers said she thought of the typical SJS student as “very smart, very studious, [and] close to [a] Kinkaid [student]… well-rounded… in arts, athletics and academics.” Vrcek echoed that, saying that SJS students are “pretty much like Kinkaid [students] but... under a lot more pressure than we are.”

Walji was not as diplomatic, saying that she thought of SJS students as wearing “long red skirts with knee-high socks.”

Students also noted some differences between their peers and SJS students. Many pointed out the fact that SJS has uniforms as a major difference between the two schools. Pierce Cohen

(‘08), who plays on the Kinkaid football team, said that the students also differed in “how serious [they] are with [their] studies compared to [St. John’s students].” Vrcek added that Kinkaid students are “a lot more carefree, usually. The attitudes are a little different. I think we’re a lot less competitive… as

a school.”

Even though SJS and Kinkaid each dedicate a week to celebrating the rivalry between the schools, some Kinkaid students acknowledged an even stronger rivalry with Episcopal High School. Summers said that she saw the rivalry as between all

See KINKAID on p. 20

beyondSJS The Review

November 2006

The Dekmezians

17

Young SJS alumni and powerhouse siblings known for their wit, talent and brains share their lives with The Review.

Sevan Dekmezian still sings–and will for a while Recent SJS graduate Sevan Dekmezian (‘06) pursues her singing career at the University of Southern California.

Staff writer Vail Kohnert-Yount gives her a ring in her new home of Los Angeles to chat about life’s new changes.

By VAIL KOHNERT-YOUNT Los Angeles, California Sevan Dekmezian’s (’06) love of singing presented itself early on in her childhood. “I’m pretty sure I was singing from the second I exited my mother’s womb,” she said. “My parents constantly bring up this incident at one of my church’s dances. Apparently, I was three or four years old, and I grabbed the microphone

“Apparently, I was three or four years old, and I grabbed the microphone from the stage and started singing for a long time. I personally don’t remember this, or maybe I just don’t want to.”

- Sevan Dekmezian (‘06)

from the stage and started singing for a long time. I personally don’t remember this, or maybe I just don’t want to.”

A long way from those illustrious beginnings, Dekmezian, a recent SJS graduate, is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance degree from the University of Southern California. She hopes to turn her lifelong passion for music into a successful career as an opera singer.

Dekmezian first began concentrating on singing and pursuing “serious voice lessons” when she was in the eighth grade at SJS, though she took private lessons for a short time as a Lower School student at the Annuncition Orthodox School.

While at SJS, Dekmezian focused intensely on singing and participated in nearly every cho-

ral opportunity available. She sang with Cantatores in Middle School and performed with Les Chanteuses her freshmen and sophomore years of high school.

During her junior and senior years, she was a member of Chorale, Kantorei, and the Chapel Singers. From sophomore to senior year, she auditioned for and participated in the prestigious regional and district honor choirs for the Texas Music Educators Association.

In addition to her busy singing agenda, Dekmezian’s other musical talents include the flute and the piano. She played for the jazz band at SJS and took private lessons with both instruments.

Despite her overflowing extracurricular plate, which included various athletic commitments such as varsity tennis, Dekmezian found the time to participate in numerous theatrical productions and was the production manager and a lifetime member of Johnnycake. Her favorite performance experience at SJS was playing the lead role of Princess Fred in the musical Once Upon a Mattress her senior year. “That was my first lead role and I had a blast with it!” she exclaimed.

“I highly encourage everyone to try out for a musical at least once during high school.”

Throughout her Upper School musical career, Dekmezian’s future in music was still uncertain.

“I was, like most people who pursue an art, worried about what sort of future singing held for me,” she explained. “My parents were actually the ones who encouraged me to pursue singing… I’m extremely lucky to have parents who are so supportive of my decision.”

During her junior year, Dekmezian made the decision to

pursue a degree in music in college. She applied to the music schools of Rice University, Boston University, New York University, Carnegie Mellon University and USC for music.

“It was extremely difficult and stressful to decide. I remember breaking down crying during one of my English classes because I couldn’t choose between USC and NYU, my top two choices. Poor Ms. Reynolds!”

“I can’t believe how incredibly nice everyone is here! I thought that they were just being that way the first couple of weeks to make everyone feel welcome but people are actually that nice!”

- Sevan Dekmezian

However, applying to music schools proved to be significantly more difficult than submitting general applications to universities because of the tedious audition process. “I was out of town almost every weekend for over a month,” she recounted. “I would fly out Friday nights after school, audition Saturday mornings, then fly back Saturday nights because it was during the month of the musical and we had practices on Sundays.”

Though the auditions themselves were by no means easy, Dekmezian said they were not as difficult as she expected. She felt she “did better with each one,” but the hardest part for her was “stay[ing] relaxed.” “Luckily, NYU and USC were my last auditions so I felt like they were my best,” she said.

After completing the application, audition and decision process by spring of her senior year, Dekmezian found herself heading to Los Angeles in the fall as a Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance major. Though she is in the process of choosing a minor between musical theater, religion, or science, she’s not worried about finalizing that decision just yet. “I have 4 years to choose my minor, but I’m definitely not [changing] my major.

There’s nothing I’d rather do!”

Despite the stressful college decision process, Dekmezian could not be happier about the final outcome. “I can’t believe how incredibly nice everyone is here! I thought that they were just being that way the first couple of weeks to make everyone feel welcome but people are actually that nice!” she noted. “I’m also really happy about all the musical opportunities that are available to the undergrad students. One of the best parts of the music program is how we’re put into studios with students from all years, including grad students. That way we get to see all different ages of singers with different styles.”

Dekmezian said that the experience and information she picked up during her high school years at SJS “helped a lot in college,” particularly her Music Theory AP class with Scott Bonasso. Due to the knowledge from that class, she managed to place out of a semester of one of her class requirements. “I’m going to try to test out of a couple more [classes] thanks to what I learned in that class. If you’re planning on doing anything musical in college, I highly recommend taking Music Theory AP,” she advised. “Plus, Mr. Bonasso’s

cool.”

However, her arrival at USC wasn’t initally so smooth. “The first month of college was so frustrating for me because I was constantly sick,” she explained.

“Basically, my health is my major, so if I’m sick, I can’t do anything.” She continued, “Since it’s so dry here compared to the humidity of Houston, my throat dried out so easily. I got bron-

“Since it’s so dry here compared to the humidity of Houston, my throat dried out so easily. I got bronchitis, which forced me to stop singing for a couple of weeks. I honestly think I’ve had enough vitamin C from oranges and orange juice… to keep the population of a small Armenian village from getting sick for a year. ” -Sevan Dekmezian

chitis, which forced me to stop singing for a couple of weeks. I honestly think I’ve had enough vitamin C from oranges and orange juice… to keep the population of a small Armenian village from getting sick for a year.

[Now] I have to sleep with a humidifier on.”

Despite the temporary setback, Dekmezian hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for music. “I plan on going to grad school to complete my musical education,” she said.

“I would, of course, love to have a career performing in operas.

That would be awesome.”

Mhair Dekmezian runs for State Rep. as a college student Dekmezian, SJS graduate of 2004 and Rice student, now opposes Ellen Cohen and Martha Wong DEKMEZIAN cont. from p. 1

a little online help from his older sister, a recent Trinity graduate with a degree in political science. “For the most part I have to figure out what to do on my own,” he said.

“I felt that there wasn’t enough choice in the current political process, and that there are enough people who have views similar to mine that aren’t represented properly in the current political scene.”

-Mhair Dekmezian (‘04)

He uses his own savings to run his campaign with help from a recent contribution. Though he has only spent about $700, while

Cohen has spent over half a million, he is hoping for a last minute campaign push and “should have some yard signs up in the next few weeks.” “It’s difficult to compete,” he said, “but I think any effort I put into it will be worthwhile.”

Dekmezian’s younger sister, Sevan Dekmezian (’06) recognizes the challenges Dekmezian’s campaign. “My brother and I both realize how unlikely it is that he will acquire as many votes as the other two candidates, but I still think what he’s doing is important. The votes he receives might influence the other parties in the future,” she said.

Even if he doesn’t have campaign buttons and bumper stickers, Dekmezian does have a campaign website expounding numerous issues and proposed solutions accompanied by a serious and commanding picture of himself.

“There are a whole lot of issues that are constantly talked about

by my opponents and their supporters, and I tend to be moderate in that regard, agreeing with each of them on various issues,” he said.

He is also concerned with issues that he believes don’t get enough attention. For example, he believes that civil forfeiture, when occurs when personal property is seized for suspicion of involvement in a crime, even if the owner is not convicted or charged, is a frequently unrecognized issue.

Dekmezian wants to “have laws in Texas that require a criminal conviction for a civil forfeiture to hold.” He said, “My opponents will sit there and argue about the same issues over and over again, using the same tired arguments. I’m hoping to bring in some new arguments during the two debates to which I’ve been invited.”

With the help of fellow St. John’s graduate Evan Mintz (‘04), Dekmezian published an opinion article in the Rice

Thresher in which he contested his exclusion from a debate with Wong and Cohen hosted at Rice.

He received an invitation to the debate on Oct. 12 after the article was published and Wong threatened not to participate.

“My entire life, I’ve been educated about how to think critically about what I hear.

Then, I leave St. John’s and I’m blasted with all these viewpoints that don’t seem to have any of those critical thinking skills behind them.”

-Mhair Dekmezian (‘04)

However, Dekmezian was still excluded from a debate held on Sept. 20 hosted by the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce.

“It happens far too often,” he

said. “Other [libertarian] candidates all over the state are having the same issues.”

Since then, Dekmezian has participated in a candidate forum with Cohen and has been invited to another forum on Oct. 17 to be held at the Jewish Community Center.

“It’s frustrating,” he said of politics, “My entire life, I’ve been educated about how to think critically about what I hear. Then, I leave St. John’s and I’m blasted with all these viewpoints that don’t seem to have any of those critical thinking skills behind them.”

Despite these obstacles, Dekmezian still maintains a generally optimistic outlook on politics.

“The deeper I’ve gone into politics, the more people I’ve seen that are doing amazing things that we should all look up to.

They’re standing up for something they believe in.”

18

beyondSJS The Review

November 2006

Reflections from Africa Scott Rubin in Nairobi A past SJS physics teacher’s experiences in Kenya | Every other month, here in beyondSJS

I

n Chapter nine of Kisima Cha Giningi, the brilliant private detective Bwana Msa comes face-to-face with the crafty wiles of the witch Doctor Fundi Mangungu.

More on that later.

In my last column, I wrote about some expectations I’d had of my new life in Kenya that weren’t reflected by the reality here. After two months back in Africa, I’m happy to say that some other things are a lot more familiar than I’d expected, with a Kenyan twist or two, of course.

For example, just as I had in the States, I still spend time at Albert’s sporting events. I used to pass some idle moments in my Physics class back at SJS telling stories of my older son’s exploits on the softball field, and I’m happy to say that his athletic prowess now extends to the game of Cricket, where he’s made his school’s Under nine team at the age of seven. Okay, everyone makes the team who wants to play, and he’s only a reserve, but it’s still pretty cool. Now instead if watching him stand in the outfield watching other kids bat while he plays with flowers, I—hmm… come to think of it, watching seven year-olds play Cricket is pretty much exactly the same as watching them play softball. It’s just that the bat is shaped differently, and they take tea breaks. All the time.

Don’s worry, I have more examples.

Public transport via matatu really isn’t all that different from taking the #82 Metro bus down Westheimer to school every day.

Matatus have come a long way since I was a Peace Corps Volunteer nine years ago. The 14seat vans these days are clearly marked with a yellow stripe indicating their commercial purpose, and, most importantly, they now only seat 14 people.

Of course, you have to contend with blaring reggae music on every matatu all the time. On the other hand, matatus, unlike metro buses, have conductors dressed all in maroon who make change for you. Also, kids don’t pay provided they sit on you lap. Another Kenyan twist to public transport is the concept of the tout. Metro buses don’t need them. Touts are the guys who shout, persuade, and cajole

The Review

you to go into one matatu at the stage instead of another. They want to convince you that their matatu is faster and cleaner with a better driver and is about to leave. Often, the matatu will start to inch along the road to convince you of their rediness to depart. Don’t be fooled, though; the matatu isn’t going anywhere. Not until every seat is full. Once you think the seats are full, about half the passengers (including the driver) typically get out. See, they were just holding space to fool you. The real driver will get in when the matatu is really ready to leave.

One question I have about matatus that I don’t have about metro buses is: what do the real drivers do the rest of the day? Maybe that will be next month’s column.

So, Kenya has sports and public transport, and even TV isn’t that much different. A lot of shows I’m used to come to Kenya, although somewhat late. For example, I could probably make some money betting with someone over who will win Survivor 2: the Outback. They also have a slew of Spanish language soaps, which I’m enjoying thoroughly.

If anyone knows whether poor Maria Clara will ever find her kidnapped daughter in the final episodes of Secreto de Amor, please let me know. The suspense is killing me.

You get the idea. A lot of aspects of life here really are pretty familiar.

The main thing I wanted to write about is one aspect of Kenyan life that is very different from the USA, but which lived up to my expectations. And that’s time.

As I prepared to leave the US, I was asked many times why I wanted to go back to Africa. I had a lot of reasons, but the one that seemed the most profound time. I remembered how as a Peace Corps Volunteer I’d had enough time to enjoy my life, and I never seemed to have enough at home. I very much wanted that back.

Believe it or not, I have it.

I find myself once again with time to play with my kids and take walks and read books, and even to sleep. As a graphic example, I wrote exactly seven letters in seven years in the States, and I’ve already written ten

times that number here.

Why? The days are still 24 hours long, and God knows I have plenty to do here with my 5 preps and 135 students. Where does all the time go in the US? I asked my wife that question a few days ago, and she thinks in the States people are very into themselves. She didn’t mean that they’re self-centered, but that they have a narrow field of vision–they see what their list of things to do that day is and they carry is out basically without regard to other people except where each others’ lists coincide. In other words, when the things you do in a day are part of a broader list that you didn’t make, you experience more, and hence you seem to have enough hours in a day.

I don’t know whether I’ve made this point very well, but I do have an example that hopefully makes it clear.

I remember how much I used to hate shopping in the States.

Going to the grocery store meant driving (which I hate) in traffic (hate) and spending time in a large store with a lot of aisles (hate, hate), and then waiting in a long line (hate). This process was never fast; a shopping trip typically took two hours and that was two hours gone from

my day – hours when I could have been doing something I wanted to do.

Contrast that with a shopping experience I had a few days ago here. While a family friend watched the kids, my wife and I decided to go out and buy some eggs from an old mama who sold them down the block. We walked out the front gate and found that the old mama wasn’t there, so we asked at a little green kiosk about 200 meters down the road. The lady at the kiosk didn’t have eggs either, but she suggested we move farther along to a larger kiosk ‘after the next corner.’ It was about a kilometer away, but the day was beautiful and it was a nice walk.

When we reached the next kiosk, I saw a few old men playing checkers with bottle caps on a homemade board out back.

My wife saw me watching and encouraged me to play a game while she bargained for the eggs (we got 24 for 170 shillings; about two and a half dollars.

Not bad.) The game was awesome–although I was soundly defeated. We had some very clever Kiswahili trash-talking, and in the end I came up three kings short. On the way home, we passed a guy on a bicycle with about 6 bread crates tied to the back carrier, and we bought

a few loaves of fresh bread from him.

The shopping trip was awesome.

See, as opposed to shopping in the States, this shopping trip was two hours added into my day rather than two hours subtracted from it. Hence, enough time.

Which brings me back to Kisima Cha Giningi. As some of you already know, I met my wife through a desire to improve my Swahili, and we promised each other to read Swahili novels to each other throughout our lives together. I quoted from the play Buriani during my Chapel speech at the end of last year, for example. Kisima Cha Giningi is a Swahili mystery set in a remote village, and we started reading it near the end of my Peace Corps career, and it sat on a shelf for seven years in the USA. Now we’re on chapter four, and we read a page a day. It’s pretty cool. (If you’re a careful reader, you’ve noticed that I peeked ahead to find out when Bwana Msa meets Mangungu).

And of course I have time to write columns for The Review.

You can’t go wrong with that.

beyondSJS

19

The Review

November 2006

Gagel, Root and Weiser enjoy Division I college athletics Julia Weiser plays field Hockey at Yale; Chris Root and Andy Gagel play lacrosse at Dartmouth

By MARGARET GREENBERG Hanover, New Hampshire New Haven, Connecticut Several members of the SJS Class of 2006 are currently participating in Division I collegiate athletics, including Andy Gagel (‘06), Chris Root (‘06), and Julia Weiser (’06). Gagel and Root both were recruited to play lacrosse at Dartmouth University in New Hampshire.

They only recently began their practice schedule, consisting of lifting in the weight rooms three times a week at 3 p.m. and outdoor practice, also three times each week, beginning at 7 a.m.

Their first scrimmage is Feb. 10, 2007 and their first real game is

two games per week and lifts weights twice per week.

While lacrosse season still has several months until the start, field hockey season has been in full swing for weeks now. Weiser recently returned from a trip to Detroit and Chicago where Yale played Stanford, Northwestern and Michigan State University.

Over the course of the fiveday trip, the Bulldogs played “some top ten teams that really pushed us to reach a new level of hockey,” according to Weiser.

At the game against Stanford, Wesier had the opportunity to visit with SJS alumna Caroline Hussey (’05), who plays for the Cardinals.

“Caroline is the only St. John’s alum [I’ve seen],” said Weiser, “but I’ve been seeing a lot of my

“Caroline [Hussey] is the only St. John’s alum [I’ve seen], but I’ve been seeing a lot of my hockey friends who ended up in other Ivy League schools or in other schools that we’ve played so far, and its really good to… be part of that hockey community.”

-Julia Weiser (‘06) Feb. 24.

Weiser, a field hockey recruit at Yale University in New Haven, Conn, practices Tuesday through Sunday, plays one to

hockey friends who ended up in other Ivy League schools or in other schools that we’ve played so far, and its really good to… be part of that hockey commu-

nity.”

Earlier in the season Weiser saw playing time against Princeton and Virginia Commonwealth University when she stepped in for an injured senior fullback.

In addition to playing, the best part of the season according to Weiser was “when as a team we won our most recent game actually against Cornell. We [had] suffered sort of a hard loss against Princeton and our record was 0-1 in the Ivy League, and then we beat Cornell… Winning with my team and being there was really a great experience. It’s been the most fun I’ve had on the team so far.”

Though Gagel and Root have yet to don their official Dartmouth uniforms, they have been busy practicing lacrosse, studying and sending Dartmouth lacrosse gear to friends. Both went northeast over their summer breaks to become acquainted with the other incoming freshmen and settle into college comfortably.

So far Gagel is working to “adjust… to the college game, [which] is a lot faster than it was back at St. John’s.” Gagel also is “hoping I can get some playing time, maybe even start, but I won’t really figure that out ‘til a couple of weeks probably.”

Gagel also commented on the

balance he is working to perfect between schoolwork and lacrosse.

“The amount of work… I have in my classes is pretty substantial, even compared to St. Johns, so its kinda managing your time between… going to the library for a couple hours and doing

big group of fans again” because he hasn’t “played a sport in quite some time.”

Gagel, Root and Weiser all agreed that they enjoy playing a sport in college. Weiser noted, “being able to continue field hockey, which is the sport I love, at this level has been re-

“The amount of work … I have in my classes is pretty substantial even compared to St. Johns, so its kinda managing your time between … going to the library for a couple house and doing your readings and having to go to practice and then coming back and then doing some more reading. You definitely have to have a schedule and stick to it.”

-Andy Gagel (‘06)

your readings and having to go to practice and then coming back and then doing some more reading,” said Gagel. “You definitely have to have a schedule and stick to it.”

Root has also been adjusting, getting to know his teammates and gearing up for the season.

“We get together with a lot of the older guys and just hang out, and everybody’s really nice,” said Root. “It’s a good social inlet being on a team.”

Root, a former crowd favorite at SJS sporting events, commented that he is most looking forward to “playing in front of a

ally great. You take it to a whole new level when you play in college and you sort of realize that you’re up for it … I’ve realized that I can do this.”

Gagel added, “I like it here and I like playing a sport in college, and I’m definitely glad I decided to [do so].”

20

beyondSJS The Review

November 2006

St. John’s alum and coach now cheers on Kinkaid

Kelly Bolin reflects on working for St. John’s arch rival, reminisces about his years at St. John’s

By EMILY FOXHALL Houston, Texas Despite the numerous games spent cheering on and supporting the SJS football team as they struggled to beat Kinkaid, SJS graduate Mr. Bolin (‘81) now finds himself yelling from the opposite side of Rice Stadium.

At the start of the 2005 school year, Coach Bolin began coaching at Kinkaid. Because one daughter had switched from SJS to Kinkaid, both were incoming Kinkaid students. So when a job similar to his job at SJS opened up at Kinkaid, Coach Bolin was forced to choose between working at the school his daughters both attended or remaining at SJS.

“I found myself… very happy when [SJS was] winning.”

-Coach Bolin

“It was a choice of staying here and not seeing my kids every day or going over there with my kids… It was a very tough choice because I love it here and I love all the people. I still do,” Coach Bolin said. “But I had to go where my kids go.”

Therefore, although it meant working for the number one rival of SJS, Coach Bolin overcame his Maverick spirit and began his new coaching career at Kinkaid.

It wasn’t long before Coach Bolin realized the two schools were more similar than they were different. “Both [schools] are very good in every way: both great places to work, both great places to go to school, both filled with great people,” said Coach Bolin.

Nevertheless, when the big football game of the year between SJS and Kinkaid rolled around, Coach Bolin found himself feeling slightly out of place. “I didn’t know any of the [Kinkaid] kids because I had never really practiced with them… and I knew every St. John’s kid out there,” he said. “I found myself… very happy when [SJS was] winning.”

Having played on the SJS varsity football team against Kinkaid as a student, Coach Bolin was more than familiar with the hard work and effort everyone puts in. “It’s a big deal… whenever you do get a win it’s such a relief. It’s so big, so I was very happy for them,” said Coach Bolin.

As a junior, Coach Bolin was on the first ever varsity SJS team to play against Kinkaid at Rice Stadium. Rebel pride was alive and well, and SJS students were preparing themselves to cheer on their team.

Coach Bolin and a few friends decided to show their immense school spirit and maintain the

Two

tradition of pulling pranks on Kinkaid. “I think they are now considered taboo,” Coach Bolin said, but “all the pranks were in good fun, and I knew many people at Kinkaid in my grade.”

One year, Coach Bolin said SJS students “spelled out some stupid message on their field with Clorox. When the grass died, the message was there for months.”

The Rebels struck again during Coach Bolin’s junior year when he and a few friends drove to Kinkaid where they “kidnapped” a cheerleader (who happened to be their friend) and stole the falcon mascot. “I really enjoyed it, and it was a lot of fun,” Coach Bolin said. “There was nothing malicious at all.”

This friendly rivalry continued even after the game was over.

Though SJS had lost, “[A]fter the game we shook hands and those were still my friends over on the other side, and we’re still friends today,” said Coach Bolin.

But this doesn’t mean there were no sore hearts after losing to Kinkaid. It was “the game,” Coach Bolin said. “My senior year, I cried my eyes out when it was over. First because we lost and second, I knew I would never get to play another football game, and at the time, football was very big in my life. I just remember my dad walking up the tunnel trying to console me.”

Having been a “football nut” since he was about five years old, football never stopped being important to Coach Bolin. “I would never do homework on Monday nights because Monday night football was on,” he said.

Even though Coach Bolin misses his days spent playing football for SJS, “coaching is the next best thing... It’s just such a great day to be around kids all day,” Coach Bolin said. “The fact that we’re getting paid for doing what we love to do; it’s just unbelievable.

I wouldn’t do anything else.”

“I’m afraid you might have to tell Coach Gleaves I’m going to have to be rooting for the Falcons.”

-Coach Bolin

Throughout the past year, Coach Bolin has come to know many of the Kinkaid kids. And though his experiences playing for the Rebels and coaching SJS football will never be forgotten, “This year will be a little different,” he said with a laugh. “I’m afraid you might have to tell Coach Gleaves I’m going to have to be rooting for the Falcons.”

DANIEL ANDREEFF| The Review

of Coach Bolin’s friends from Upper School cheer.

DANIEL ANDREEFF| The Review

Several of Coach Bolin’s friends from SJS in front of the Kinkaid Falcon during a prank.

KINKAID cont. from p. 16 with Episcopal.” Cohen agreed with him. Still, Rabey said, “People take [the rivalry with SJS] pretty seriously.”

In contrast to the students’ whole-hearted participation in the activities leading up to the game, some faculty members do not approve of the weeklong event. Their opinion of St. John’s week is “mixed,” said Kinkaid history teacher Rilla

Askew. “[Some] teachers just go crazy because they’re trying to get schoolwork done, and the kids are just pretty hyper.”

“Everybody’s just really riled up.”

-Maria Vrcek, Kinkaid Class of

Whatever the opinions about other parts of St. John’s week, people’s opinions about the SJS-

Kinkaid rivalry were positive.

“That’s the sort of thing that really builds up a school,” said Ms. Askew of the competition.

“I think it’s healthy, I think it’s great,” said Vrcek. “It’s not just sports, it’s also school-versusschool… I think it’s just a fun rivalry when whoever wins, wins… and next year… gets geared up to play again.”

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November 2006

The Review

Kinkaid video impresses with comedy and special effects

By COURTNEY CARVILL This year’s Kinkaid video has a new addition: nineteen student creators. As their final Honors project, seniors in Mr. David Nathan’s satire English class helped to produce the movie.

Mr. Nathan suggested the idea of making the Kinkaid Video into a class project when he saw that Ralston Clarke (’07), who helped produce last year’s Kinkaid Video, and several football players had signed up for his class.

“There’s more control this way, and we can actually get it done in time,” said Mr. Nathan. Mr. Nathan integrated the project into the course by

“We’ve watched the movie every day in English class this week and it’s still funny.”

-Ali Lavine (‘07)

contributing some of his experience in film, screening scenes from different satirical films, and demonstrating “different ways to get laughs other than slipping on a banana peel.” His role was mainly “to get them together to talk out their ideas.”

Honors students were required to attend production meetings on Mondays during fourth period English and through lunch to work on the film, but the actual filming was

done outside of class. “At the beginning of production days we sit in a circle and throw around ideas, and then we break up into groups to work on scripts,” said Ali Lavine (’07).

The students were organized into three groups to work on the three seperate plots of the movie. For their final Honors grade, students must write an essay concerning other students’ and teachers’ reactions.

“There was an opportunity for everyone in the class to contribute, even nonHonors students. Everyone wrote, directed or choreographed,” said Mr. Nathan.

Jordan Thomas (’07) holds the camera equipment and helped structure the scenes.

“I volunteer as a cameraman for my Church, so I know a lot about how to use the equipment and how to get good shots,” said Thomas.

Lavine (’07) and Elizabeth Romefelt (’07) choreographed a two-and-a-half minute dance “It’s a Beautiful Life”

by Ace of Base for the senior football players. “They’re not very coordinated,” she said, “so it’s just fun and bouncy.”

“It makes me happy every time I watch that scene,” said Thomas of the dance. “They did a great job and the movie wouldn’t be as funny without it.”

Though everyone contributed to the video, significant credit is due to Ralston Clarke (’07), the film’s main producer. “I’m not really in charge; I just do the most work,” said Clarke, who filmed most of the scenes from last year’s video with Kevin Dowlen

(’06) and Harry Thompson (’06) and edited the entire film.

“I learned most of what I know from my digital applications in film class in ninth grade.

What the class didn’t cover I taught myself,” said Clarke.

The movie features digitally edited scenes, like a fight that takes place within retro video game Mortal Combat, a flying scene with captains Danny Ball (’07) and David Sklar (’07), and a “hallucination” scene with floating heads of the captains.

Clarke pulled two all-nighters in a row, one with Mr. Nathan and one with Laura Franklin (’07), to edit the film before and after the faculty viewed the film. “I just wanted to be there to support him. I’m so proud of him for pulling it off,” said Franklin.

The class has had to deal with some restrictions. The video went through three reviews— one with the class and two with the administration. In one session, the faculty members watched the video with the class, stopping at every scene to discuss any potentially offensive suggestions.

Ultimately, however, the administrators only cut two of the 36 minutes of footage.

“We just have to make it family-friendly,” said Mr. Nathan.

“The faculty representatives [Mr. Wilson and Dean Alig] voiced some concerns over a few of the scenes, but overall I think they enjoyed it and we were able to find compromises for everything that was controversial,” Clarke said.

Although some scenes were taken out, the movie still has

KATHERINE KELLEY | The Review

SJS students enjoy the 2006 Kinkaid video at the Upper School pep rally. a good reputation. “We’ve watched the movie every day in English class this week and it’s still funny,” said Lavine.

Audience members felt the same way: “It was probably

the best film ever made,” said Maggie McDaniel (’07). “The Kinkaid video blew everyone’s minds with amazing hallucinations, sweet techno, and overall ‘Xtreme’ entertainment!”

Mr. Havel’s “House Divided” explores immigration issues

By LUISA BARRON “An artist is a product of his environment,” said SJS Upper School Art Teacher Dan Havel. Today’s environment is filled with debates and headlines over the issue of the possible U.S./Mexican border wall, an example of controversial walls built throughout history. Mr. Havel’s interests, which include keeping up with current events, reading and architecture, inspired him to create

Courtesy of Dan Havel

his new art exhibitm, House Divided.

The artwork itself is a sculpture of a wooden children’s playhouse, split in half by a barrier wall. The wall represents the other barriers in history, cutting the house into two parts just as the Berlin or Palestinian walls have done.

To make the exhibit modern and more relevant to audiences now, the fencing material that makes up the wall is the same as what is currently used on the southern U.S. border.

In particular, an article Mr. Havel read

about the Palestinian-Israeli wall and the events occurring in that region sparked an interest for Mr. Havel to create his new art piece. “Since the Mexican-U.S. border is a big issue to all of us in the United States, I kind of used that as my guide in some respect, and I started doing research on that wall and how it was built so I could mimic it,” said Mr. Havel.

The idea of a wall creating a boundary between two places seems “absurd,” he said.

Mr. Havel said that the walls in history, “never [work]… eventually the wall comes down or is breached.”

But it is not just the “physical separation of land and property or buildings themselves,” that greatly affected him and showed in his work. Another factor of the artwork that he hopes to illustrate is the “separation of family, and that desire for most, if not all, humans when they’re faced with the barrier to overcome that barrier.” He said, “It’s nature to want to overcome.”

“Part of the house in the gallery is going to be hidden behind a wall so the viewer won’t be able to see it, which I think is kind of absurd, too, to make a piece of artwork that nobody can see,” he said.

As another aspect of the project, Mr. Havel will gradually take apart the half of the house that is not visible. This half of the house will be reconstructed on the visible side.

The newly constructed half of the house is meant to symbolize the families that are separated at the U.S.-Mexican border.

When some family members leave their loved ones behind to work in the United

States, “they never go back together the same.” The dissembled parts of the house reflect “what was going on with these families. These families are being cut up and separated, never to be put back together the way they were,” he said.

Mimicking the surveillance cameras on the southern U.S. border, Mr. Havel placed webcams to monitor the hidden side of the playhouse. “That will give the audience a view of the house that’s behind the wall,” he said.

Bringing up hot-topic issues such as immigration is going to make a “charged” statement, but that is not the entire point that Mr. Havel wants to make. He said, “I am rarely so overtly political. And with this one, I can argue that it’s just a sculpture.”

However, Mr. Havel said, “audiences bring their own agenda, and so who knows what they’re going to think. I can’t control that too much.”

The sculpture should not be interpreted as a statement on what should be done about the problem. Mr. Havel said he does not take sides on the issue, but is instead bringing the issue to public awareness through art. “I’m not making a point that the minutemen are bad or even the barrier is a bad idea…I don’t have a solution,” he said.

Rather than providing solutions, Mr. Havel said he hopes to also provide “a sense of wonder” through his work.

“House Divided” will be on exhibit from Nov. 3 through Dec. 16 at Diverseworks Art Space.

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a&e The Review

November 2006

The Crucible rehearsals off to a promising start Students spend long hours, weekends rehearsing for upcoming Fall play

By JADE LAW With The Crucible premiering on Nov. 10, the cast and crew are working diligently to get the production ready and perfected. Currently, the cast is focusing on “dropping their books,” a theater term for memorizing the script. The director, Beth Sanford, focuses on one scene a day, working with smaller groups of actors instead of the entire cast. With costume measurements sent off to the designer and the set being constructed by Technical Director James Wilson and the crew, the production sails smoothly along on schedule.

Lauren Lepow (’09), who plays Ann Putnam in The Crucible, says that rehearsals have been fun so far, although it is difficult to remember all of the blocking. Because she only attends rehearsals for the scenes that her character is in, Lepow looks forward to seeing how all of the scenes will come to-

of a scene, which by just reading the script, you wouldn’t see,” said Wolff. The commitments for play rehearsals

DANIEL PERENYI | The Review

“Most of us don’t know how to cry on stage.

We’re trying our best.”

- Bubba Fish (‘09)

tend to be time-consuming on weekends and sometimes six hours on Sundays. Time is precious to Wolff, who lives far from school and attends many rehearsals because of her main role in the play. “It’s hard finding the energy to do the blocking again and again and again,” said Wolff. “But it helps having a big cast so we can keep it interesting, keep it fun.”

She explained how abstract the play seems right now be-

From left: Nick Jordan (‘07), James Van Sweringen (‘08) and Tyler Gibson (‘07) rehearse a scene from The Crucible ing the essence of The Crucible.

“I think it’s hard to capture that in a rehearsal, but when you’re on and it’s everything

“This production enables the SJS students to have an opportunity to witness portions of history first hand.”

-Director Beth Sanford

DANIEL PERENYI | The Review

From left: Ryan Jewett (‘07) and Rebecca Welbourn (‘09) gether for the final production.

Bubba Fish (’09) plays the character Giles Corey, one of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials. “I don’t think I’ve played anything this dramatic on stage,” Fish said. The Crucible requires intense emotions from the actors, and many times the actors must cry during their scenes. “Most of us don’t know how to cry on stage. We’re trying our best,” said Fish.

Although it may be a challenge for Fish to emote for this play, he enjoys being with the cast. “It’s a really good group of people, and I like hanging out with them,” Fish said, “They’re all pretty cool.” Juggling school, clubs and acting proves to be a bit of a challenge to Fish when it comes to finding time to memorize lines.

Fish said, “Mrs. Sanford jokes around. She’s always like, ‘During math class, during geometry class… memorize your lines.’”

Fish looks forward to production week and performing in this play. “I’ve never done a big drama like this. I’m curious about how I’m going to pull it off and act this way,” said Fish.

Lili Wolff (’07), who plays Abigail Williams, is pleased with play rehearsals and Ms. Sanford’s original direction.

“She manages to pull a lot out

cause they work on individual scenes instead of the entire play.

Wolff looks forward to captur-

at once, you really get wrapped up in everything in the play,” said Wolff. “I’m looking forward to really feeling the play.”

Constantly aware of the emotionally range and difficulty of the play, Ms. Sanford notes that the students have slight diffi-

culty conveying the feelings of the characters. “It is difficult for young actors to embrace the horrific situations that occur in this demanding play,” said Ms. Sanford. Despite the challenges present in the play, all the actors are putting forth great effort and hard work into perfecting the play. “We’re having a good time, and we’re working very hard and long hours,” said Ms. Sanford. She hopes that the audience, after seeing the production, will experience a sense of the unfairness present in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials.

In addition, Ms. Sanford encourages the students and teachers to see this play, which represents an important period of history. She added, “This production offers the SJS students to have an opportunity to witness portions of history first hand.”

Currently, Mr. James Wilson, who constructs the play sets and is in charge of the technol-

ogy for theater productions, is in the process of going over the set ideas with Ms. Sanford. The play will encompass four sets, so Mr. Wilson and

“If all goes well, Mr. Arthur Miller will be pleased.”

- Director Beth Sanford

Ms. Sanford are trying to keep the design simple. Ms. Sanford went over the costume designs with Mrs. Wiss in depth, making sure that the costumes will be acceptable for the time period of the play. They decided on Puritan costumes.

The Crucible will be in the Virginia Stuller Tatham Fine Arts Center Nov. 10 and 11. Ms. Sanford said, “If all goes well, Mr. Arthur Miller will be pleased.”

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The Review

Novcmber 2006

Annual Fall chorale concert rouses large audience

By ANJALI SALVADOR The SJS annual Fall Choral Concert took place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 in Lowe Theater.

Though bad weather caused the concert to be pushed one day back, there was a sizable audience.

“I’ve been coming to these things for ages,” said Chorale and Kantorei member Anjali Patel (’07), who sang a solo in Chorale’s final number Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land, “[…] but never have I ever seen the theater so jam-packed, and the huge turnout was the best thing.”

“I thought the concert went

“There were many high points, but for me personally it was [the spiritual]” - Choir Director Scott Bonasso

very well as a whole,” said Boychoir, Chorale, and Kantorei director Scott Bonasso. “Every choir, from the St. John’s Singers to Chorale, gave a quality performance with interesting, varied repertoire. Based on their emphatic response, the audience agreed... [T]here was a nice flow to the performance not just musically, but logistically.”

The concert had a diverse repertoire, featuring songs from countries such as Cuba and Australia, among other places.

It featured classical as well as contemporary music, spirituals and folk songs. The composers of the songs ranged from

Antonio Vivaldi to Billy Joel.

“I think this year especially the music selection was exciting,” said Patel. “Students said things to me like ‘I’ve been coming to these concerts for

“I think this year especially the music selection was exciting.”

- Anjali Patel (‘07)

years now, and I was able to pay attention to the entire thing.’”

Particular crowd-pleasers included Cantatores’ final number, “High Hopes,” which featured dance steps choreographed for the choir members

by SJS dance teacher Aaron Girlinghouse. Another popular song was Chorale’s “Son de Camaguey,” which was accompanied by Terpsichore, SJS’ highest-level dance ensemble. Terpsichore performed a Cuban-inspired danced choreographed by SJS dance teacher Sandra Organ-Solis.

For Mr. Bonasso and for many others, however, the highlight of the evening was the final number, a spiritual entitled “Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land,” sung by Chorale. “There were many high points, but for me personally, it was [the spiritual],” said Mr. Bonasso. “Chorale really found the heart of that piece and gave an inspired, emotionallycharged performance. It was a great way to end the concert.”

Members of Chorale agree. “For me the high point was totally […] watching people bounce to ‘Jesus is a Rock,’” said Patel.

KATHERINE CARMICHAEL | The Review

Kantorei and Terpsichore perform together in the Upper School choir concert on Oct. 17.

Zarah Charania (’07) echoed her sentiments. “The high point of the concert was definitely when everyone gave a standing ovation for the ‘Jesus is a Rock.’”

For that number, the choir was accompanied by Darrell

Parrish on bass, Tom Cummings on drums, and Donald Doucet on the piano.

According to many, the Fall Choral Concert was a success. “I’m so glad everyone came and took interest,”

said Patel, “and hopefully we made their trip out worth it.”

The choirs’ next major appearance will be at Candlelight, SJS’ holiday service. “Everyone should come to Candlelight.

That’s where the real perfor-

Weird Al Yankovic’s “Straight Outta Lynwood” climbs the charts

By JARED GRIFFIS Guest Writer Go onto iTunes and look at the top songs and albums. Notice anything besides the usual pop and rap artists? The name stands out, and most everyone has heard of him in some form or another. He’s “Weird Al” Yankovic, who has a new album release that is dominating the charts. The songs

aren’t about love in the normal, pop culture sense. They aren’t about abstract concepts like meditation, they aren’t about LSD, they aren’t about the war in Iraq. No, his songs are about topics more down to earth and close to home: Canadians, your digestive system, Limewire, and your local drive-through.

Yankovic mimics other music artists’ styles while using his own original lyrics. Pick some of the hits of the year and rework

them, giving them goofy lyrics, and voilá: you’ve got Weird Al. Three years after his last album, Yankovic busted out with Straight Outta Lynnwood. Less

The overall album is hilarious, poking fun and laughing at pop culture icons and ideas.

than two weeks after it hit the shelves, the hit single “White and Nerdy,” a parody of Chamillionare’s “Ridin’” placed number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 list, beating out other artists such as Gnarls Barkley and Nelly Furtado. The album itself placed in the top ten out of the top 200 best-selling albums. On iTunes, the rankings were even better.

Along with “White and Nerdy,” Straight Outta Lynnwood has parodies of Green Day’s “American Idiot” (redone as “Canadian Idiot”), R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet” (redone as “Trapped in the DriveThru”), and various other artists. There are also six original songs written by Yankovic and one polka, which is a medley of songs by popular music artists such as Kanye West and Coldplay. The overall album is hilarious, poking fun and laughing at pop culture icons and ideas.

Weird Al was available for a few quick comments about his album.

J.G.: What do you think of your fans’ reaction to Straight Outta Lynwood?

the reaction - after putting out records for 27 years, this is the very first time I’ve had a top 10 album and a top 10 single!

J.G.: What was the hardest thing about making the album?

W.A.: It’s a lot of work in the studio, of course, but the hardest part for me was just the

“This is the very first time I’ve had a top 10 album and a top 10 single!”

- Weird Al Yankovic

angst that comes from having to get permissions and clearances from people. I know it’s the right thing to do (I always get the blessing of the original artist whenever I do a parody, although legally I don’t necessarily need to) - but there were several times during the making of this album when I really wished I hadn’t become so dependent on the kindness of strangers.

Weird Al: I always try to make every album that I release better than my last one - so I guess by definition that would mean J.G.: Any message to the readers? that Straight Outta Lynwood is the best thing I’ve ever done! W.A.: Eat your broccoli, I’m absolutely thrilled with and don’t forget to floss!

24

opinions The Review

Editorials Extended advisory time proves useful

T

he Review Editorial Board would like to commend the administration on coming up with the idea of having a day with an extended advisory lunch.

The Board agrees that seven minutes of advisory time each morning is not enough for advisors and advisees to get to know each other very well—this especiall applies for freshman advisories, in which students sometimes do not even know each others’ names. By allotting time specifically designated for advisory bonding, the administration allowed the students and advisor in each advisory to strengthen the camaraderie within themselves, even if just by sharing a couple of laughs together over lunch. Considering that advisories are some of the few groups with which a student is identified over his entire high school experience, the Board thought it was particularly laudable that the administration designated a day on which each

advisory was to spend time together. Seven minutes of advisory each morning does not even allow enough time for one conversation. In many cases, reading the announcements takes approximately four minutes each morning, leaving only three minutes during which advisees have time to get know each other. Three minutes is even more so not enough time to strike up a conversation, especially considering that many advisees do not have classes with one another. Advisories tend to be comprised of diverse collections of people, so by having extra time to eat lunch together, students can befriend fellow advisees, each of whom contribute something unique to SJS life. Once again, the Board compliments the administration on doing a great job with the extended advisory lunch and looks forward to hopefully having another one soon.

Respect tradition

T

he basic tenet of the Honor Code which has been impressed upon the student body more than any other, during this year in particular, is respect. The Honor Code is built around this idea, and the SJS student body is expected to respect teachers, parents, fellow students and indeed, the school itself and its traditions. It is for this reason that the destruction of the decorations adorning the VST tunnel during Kinkaid week is so relevant. The SJS campus has been decorated in celebration of Kinkaid week in preparation for the big game through the hard work of many of its students and faculty, and as a school we should take pride in the work of students.

This hard work is shown in the impressive decorations that adorned the halls and pathways of our school, from the quadrangle all across everywhere on campus. These decorations are not enjoyed just by the Upper School but rather by the whole school and its faculty, and they should be respect-

ed as such. If Upper School students go around tearing down decorations, then the rest of the school will not be able to enjoy them in the way that they should be. The cheerleading squad, spirit club, drum corps and others spent hours of their time decorating the school, and the VST tunnel in particular, and in some reckless students failed to respect their fellow students’ work and the school and its traditions, an action that The Review is disappointed with.

Such actions are the reason why the Honor Code is so important to our school, and why it is so integral to SJS life. If students go around destroying each other’s hard work, SJS would not be the same academic institution that it is known as and will remain as in the future. The Review hopes that this is an isolated incident, and in the future students will treat each others’ efforts with far more respect and abide by the Honor Code on which SJS was built, for without respect, our school is not the special institution that we know it to be.

Corrections: October 2006 There were two errors in last month’s edition of The Review.

On the front page, the main photo of Dr. John Lienhard was taken by photographer Katherine Carmichael (‘09), not Katherine Kelley (‘08). Also, on the bottom of the front page, it was implied that Doug Sharp had his own country album, when in fact, he was a lyricist for a band. The Review regrets the errors.

November 2006

The Review

The Official Student Newspaper of St. John’s School 2006-2007 Editor-in-Chief: Justin Stein (‘07) Managing Editor: Morgan Childs (‘07) Business Manager: Andrew Yeh (‘07) News Editor Chanel Tran (‘07)

Features Editor Ryan Staine (‘08)

Opinions Editor Peter Ha (‘07)

beyondSJS Editor Daniel Andreeff (‘07)

Sports Editor Arts&Entertainment Editor Meghan Hall (‘08) Gabriella Wise (‘07) Scrivener Leeor Mushin (‘09)

Photo Editor Katherine Kelley (‘08)

Staff Writers Luisa Barron (’09), Courtney Carvill (’07), Hudson Duncan (’10), Emily Foxhall (’09), Margaret Greenberg (’08), Vail Kohnert-Yount (’09), Jade Law (’09), Maddie McDowell (’09), Danielle Pike (’08), Elizabeth Rasmussen (’08), Anjali Salvador (’07), Tiffany Shyu (’09), Anoushka Sinha (‘09), Jeremy Slawin (’07), Max Susman (’10), Ashley Tam (’09), Jordan Thomas (’07), Rebecca Welbourn (’09), Liliana Varman (’10), Bret Vollmer (’09) Circulation Manager Johana Dickerson (‘07) Advertising Manager Cathleen Chang (‘07) Online Editor Austin O’Connor (‘08) Web & Graphics Staff Max Susman (‘10) Evan Winograd (‘08)

Photography Staff Business Staff Katherine Carmichael (’09), Allison Adkins (’09), Ryan Cordill (’09) Jennifer Denfield (’07), Geoffrey Dunn (’09), Cameron Harati Jennifer Lewis (’10), (’07), Sage Klement (’09), Caroline Parks Daniel Perenyi (’09) (’09), Balpreet Purewal (’09), Matthew Illustrator Ziemnicki (’07) Kat Oshman (‘09) Advisors Kyle Parrish (‘01) Rachel Weissenstein

Headmaster John Allman

As the student newspaper of St. John’s School, The Review provides a forum for student writing and opinion. The opinions (signed) and staff editorials (unsigned) contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Headmaster of Board of Trustees of St. John’s School. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the paper. Letters to the editor and guest columns are encouraged but are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, accuracy and good taste. The Review reserves the right not to print letters received.

Either the email letters and guest columns to review@sjs.org; give them to Justin Stein, Morgan Childs, Peter Ha, Kyle Parrish, or Rachel Weissenstein in the office of The Review (Q-210); or mail to Editor-in-Chief, The Review, St. John’s School, 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX 77019.

I

’m not sure that there is a tradition on campus more anticipated, more celebrated or more historic than our annual Kinkaid Week. The week is certainly a short one; parent conferences have been on the Tuesday of the week for several years, and the after-school pep rallies on Thursday and Friday seem to make those schooldays pass in a flash.

Nevertheless, what we as a school cram into those four days is impressive, and this year’s festivities were just as great as ever.

On Monday, the seniors celebrated Dress Like Kinkaid Day and arrived on campus clad in anything and everything purple and yellow. Thursday was Camo Day, and the senior class and varsity athletes came to school in their camouflage. We also had the All-School Pep Rally, which was held in the gym due to heavy rain for the first time in ages (some said we haven’t had to move the pep rally in as many as 16 years!). The pep rally was fantastic as usual, just minus grand entrances from the cheerleaders and cars driving around the track with the football players and Maverick Guard.

Friday was the highlight of the week. In addition to the all-

school Red and Black dress-out day, the Upper School Pep Rally that afternoon was truly memorable. The cheerleaders, Drum Corps and annual Kinkaid Video were better than ever, capping off a great week.

While the football game itself is what we all look forward to, everything leading up to the game is just as fun, and The Review likes to capture the week and the spirit of the season each year in our November issue. There’s coverage in nearly every section.

Read all about Friday’s game on the front page, continued in the Sports section. We also chatted with captains Danny Ball (’07), Derry Herlihy (’07), David Sklar (’07) and Matthew Ziemnicki (’07) about their pre-game preparations, and that article can also be found in Sports.

We’ve written about Jennie V. Caven (’07) and Lindsay Pearson (’07), Varsity Cheerleading Captain and Co-Captain in Features, and about the famous Kinkaid Video in Arts&Entertainment.

For the first time at least in recent memory, we sent a reporter behind enemy lines. Reporter Rebecca Welbourn (’09) spent an afternoon at Kinkaid, catching up with their students about their “St. John’s Week.” You can read that article in beyondSJS, our newest section which is back with a host of stories happening everywhere from Los Angeles to Nairobi. Despite the increasing rivalries both schools have with Episcopal, SJS and Kinkaid certainly go all-out in raising school spirit before the annual game. Read two staffers’ take on the “State of the Rivalry”

in Opinions, and see where they think the true rivalry is today.

Finally, our photography staff has gone above and beyond to capture the week in photos. Our full-color photo spread is back, and you won’t want to miss it.

While football isn’t the only thing we write about this month (see every article not mentioned in this column), it is certainly on everyone’s mind as the season comes to a close. The Mavericks have had a strong couple of months, and while we enjoy covering all aspects of life at SJS, we really love giving the team something of a tribute each November.

Last year’s Editor-in-Chief Chris Dunn (’06) called me last week. She said that the Kinkaid issue is always the best issue of the year, and we better not let her down. The Editorial Board has worked really hard on this one, and hopefully, we’re living up to past standards. I’ll let you know what Chris says. But for now, enjoy the paper, please send us your feedback (see the masthead above for contact information) and as always, thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Justin Stein Editor-in-Chief, The Review

opinions

The Review

November 2006

Point/Counterpoint

25

The State of the Rivalry: Kinkaid or EHS? Kinkaid is our traditional rival

look forward to the day that they can play against Kinkaid in the big game.

By DANIELLE PIKE Kinkaid week is part of the tradition at SJS and to uproot that tradition would Staff Writer be like no longer having Senior Tea. Alice Baker (‘10) sums it up by saying, “It’s such a big tradition that it has its’ own traditions such as wrapccording to Merriam Webster, ping the quad and everything associthe definition of a rival is “one ated with the all-school pep rally.” of two or more trying to get Episcopal was only established in what only one can have.” The great ri- 1983, so SJS does not have as long a hisvalries in history include the Red Sox tory with Episcopal. Also, SJS is more and Yankees, the UT Longhorns and like Kinkaid since they are both K-12. the Oklahoma Sooners and Pepsi and Episcopal’s Homecoming game is not Coke. These rivalries have seen the against us, but instead against Kinkaid. like of mid-game brawls, crammed sta- Therefore, why should we recognize diums and backstabbing commercials. Episcopal as more of a rival when they do The rivalry between SJS and Kinkaid not even think of us as their main rival? may not be as old as that of the YanI think the greatest rivalries are those kees and Red Sox, but it can be just that have been around since the beginas intense. However, in recent years ning of that sport. The Red Sox and it has come to the attention of some Yankees have been rivals since the students that our cross-town rival, the beginning of the twentieth century, Falcons, may be bowing down as our nothing beats their match ups during foe and the Episcopal Knights might be the season. The annual game between stepping in. SJS’s rivalry with Kinkaid the Sooners and the Longhorns atis part of the school’s spirit and tra- tracts millions of fans in both states. dition, by changing our rival we are In order to change our main rivalry reversing sixty years of our history. from the Falcons to the Knights, the Since the opening of SJS in 1946, long standing tradition of Kinkaid Kinkaid has been our rival. We have week would have to become Episcogone through losses and victories at pal week. Also, SJS students would the hand of the Falcons, yet the ri- have to start coming up with jokes valry still lives on. Even alumni come involving Knights instead of Falcons. back each year to watch the infamous SJS cannot stop being rivals with game in Rice Stadium and reminisce Kinkaid; it would be like allowing about the night they played in the big freshmen in the Quad. Sometimes SJS game. The rivalry is even well-known and Kinkaid can be unequally matched around the state. One time I had my in the game, but it is still exciting to Kinkaid shirt on during a family vaca- watch and plan for. Other teams have tion in San Antonio and a man came challenged the Longhorns in the way up to me and asked what side I was the Sooners have, but not enough to on. After I realized what he was talk- start a rivalry. Even though the Longing about, I replied SJS, but then he horns are also rivals with the Aggies, told me that he went to Kinkaid. So it is the longevity of the Red River any student who has gone to SJS or Rivalry that makes it the true rivalry. even Kinkaid knows about how inIf possible, I think that we should have tense the rivalry is between the two. two rivalries—Kinkaid and Episcopal.

The rivalry has grown to include a Kinkaid can be our main rival and we whole week dedicated to Kinkaid. can still do Kinkaid week, but maybe During this week, SJS has an all-school we could do something less extravapep rally, a Dress-Like-Kinkaid Day gant for the week we play Episcopal. and the recently-added HomecomThe definition states that two or more ing dance. Also during this week is teams can be vying for the same title. the Upper School pep rally in which Since SJS, Kinkaid and Episcopal are the Kinkaid video is shown. The se- all competing for the title of Southwest niors decorate the school with spirited Preparatory Conference Champions, messages and festive slogans involv- they are all rivals. Yet it is the longeving the rivalry. Also at the beginning ity of SJS’s rivalry with Kinkaid that of this week another tradition occurs, makes it more intense. If the rivalry bein which the seniors wrap the quad. tween SJS and Kinkaid keeps up, then The tradition of the Kinkaid game is maybe someday it will be mentioned as so strong that little kindergarten boys one of the greatest rivalries in sports.

EHS is our new-generation rival

A

KAT OSHMAN | The Review

KAT OSHMAN | The Review

By MARGARET GREENBERG Staff Writer

“W

e hate them more because they’re more obnoxious.”

“Because they brag about how good they are at sports.”

These were just a few of the passionate responses I received from basketball player Michael Wilson (’08), football fan Laura Diez (’08) and Maverick Guard Captain Emily Weber (’07), respectively, concerning the rivalry between SJS and Episcopal High School.

Varsity football player Griffin Klement (’07) agrees that the rivalry between SJS and EHS is heated, stating as a reason that “I have more friends who go to Episcopal. I don’t know anyone at Kinkaid.”

Kinkaid who? On facebook.com, where SJS students admittedly spend hours each week, there are multiple groups dedicated to the SJS/EHS rivalry. “Friend’s Don’t Let Friends Go To EHS” has 320 members at SJS, including alumni, while EHS counters with the 151-member group “The Kids Not Cool or Athletic Enough for EHS Go To SJS” and the 119-member “St. John’s Has An Athletic Department?” Neither SJS nor Kinkaid students have groups dedicated to the SJS/Kinkaid rivalry.

A big factor owing to the lack of a SJS/Kinkaid rivalry is simply location.

Kinkaid’s campus is in Memorial, a fairly long drive from SJS’s River Oaks campus. Weber agrees, arguing, “I think Episcopal is the bigger rival than Kinkaid because Episcopal lives closer to [SJS students] in general and Kinkaid usually hangs around Memorial. Outside of school we hang with Episcopal, so we’ll hear about the results of the game more often than with Kinkaid.”

The basis of the rivalry is bragging rights, and SJS students encounter EHS students often enough that there are plenty of opportunities to rub a win in the face of the rival. “We have a more personal connection with Episcopal kids than with Kinkaid kids,” said Diez.

This brings into question the existing Kinkaid Week, a firmly-entrenched tradition even though the SJS/Kinkaid rivalry has lost some of the vigor is was previously known for having. The gen-

eral consensus seems to be that Kinkaid Week is a tradition to be kept, but an improved Episcopal Week would fire up school spirit to a new level. “Kinkaid Week is a tradition, so you know you shouldn’t get rid of it, but Episcopal Week would definitely get people more hyped up for the game” said Diez. Wilson echoed these thoughts, adding “We should definitely have an Episcopal Week in addition [to Kinkaid Week.

In fact,] we should also have [Episcopal Week] for all three [sports] seasons.”

History teacher Ted Curry has been at SJS for ten years, and he has noticed an increase in the intensity of the SJS/EHS rivalry over his tenure here. His brother, Andrew Curry (’88), attended SJS for 10 years and never saw a football win against Kinkaid. Concerning EHS, Ted Curry said “My brother was here when they founded Episcopal, and he said no one cared about them. We went through a run where we enjoyed great success [in football] against [EHS] and starting about 4 to 5 years ago the trend reversed.”

“I don’t really understand [the trend],” Ted Curry added. “I think a lot of it has to do with the proximity between the schools. A lot of neighbors and siblings go to Episcopal, and that’s not necessarily the case with Kinkaid anymore.” “[EHS] is a lot better than Kinkaid at sports,” added Wilson. Episcopal typically beats Kinkaid in football and boys lacrosse, two of the most heated SJS/EHS rivalries. Thus the higher level of play between SJS and EHS teams is a factor in the passionate rivalry.

It was not hard to find evidence of the SJS/EHS rivalry around the SJS Upper School campus the week of the varsity football game against EHS. Color signs featuring various varsity football players’ pictures covered the school, the football captains gave fiery speeches to the Upper School students at the pre-game pep rally and “Pots n’ Pans,” the renewed Lee Field Loonies, was created initially to increase fan support for the SJS/EHS game.

No matter the reason, no one can deny that the SJS/EHS rival has taken on a new intensity in recent years while the SJS/Kinkaid rivalry has steadily dropped out of sight.

Wilson summed it up best when he said, “Kinkaid is more of a traditional rivalry and Episcopal is more of a new generation rivalry.” Well, Episcopal, the “new generation” is here, and we are loud.

26

opinions The Review

November 2006

Public must address the situation in North Korea

By PETER HA Opinions Editor

N

owadays, hardly a day passes by without noticing an article about North Korea in a newspaper.

A few months ago, there was a public outcry concerning North Korea’s long-range missile and shorter-range rockets tests.

More recently, much of the world was in anger and disbelief about North Korea’s nuclear bomb test. How do you explain all this in this era when the cold war is supposed to be very distant memory? Maybe no one can. Are these weapons tests really a bargaining chip against the United States? Are North Koreans really convinced that they need to protect themselves from ‘American imperialists’?

We can only guess the answer.

That raises the question, is there anything we can do to help with the situation?

To aid in resolving the situation in North Korea, we will first need to understand the situation, and we can do this by learning some of the general history behind the two Koreas.

Korea was founded in 2333 B.C. and remained as a single nation in Korean peninsula throughout most of its history until it was annexed by Japan

in 1910. Korea was liberated from the Japanese occupation after the World War II in 1945.

However, the seed for the future conflicts and struggles was sown when Korea was hastily divided along the 38th parallel after the war. North was occupied by Russia and South by the U.S.A. for ‘trusteeship.’

The Korean War was started by North Korea with the backing from Russia which wanted to expand its communist grip over the entire Korean peninsula. A cease-fire was called in 1953, and the demilitarized zone was established between the two Koreas. Ironically, the DMZ is very close to the 38th parallel.

No significant amount of territory was gained by either side after the Korean War; so many lives were lost to protect the freedom of South Korea. After the Korean War, South Korea became a staunch anti-communist country while North Korea continued to be ruled by the same dictator responsible for the Korean War, Kim IlSung. While South Korea has transformed itself from one of the world’s poorest countries in the world after the Korean War to the world’s 11th economic power, North Korea continued with its strong communist grip, with Kim Il-Sung’s son (Kim Jung-Il) succeeding his father to the dictatorship. The main goal of the North Korean regime is maintaining its commu-

nist dictatorial control at any cost, including blatant violation of basic human rights and lives. The North Korean regime is justifying its existence by brainwashing its citizens, telling them that it needs to liberate the South Koreans from the American imperialists and protect its borders from American aggression. The United States has led sanctions against North

The North Korean regime is justifying its existence by brainwashing its citizens, telling them that it needs to liberate the South Koreans from the American imperialists and protect its borders from American aggression.

Korea to isolate the country and weaken the regime’s grip on power. North Korea’s nuclear ambition is largely responsible for the sanctions. Are the sanctions really achieving the intended goals? As the American sanctions against North Korea tighten, North Koreans’ anger against the United States escalates. My father had a chance to meet with North Korean delegates in Houston a couple of months ago. They came to visit the Texas Medical Center to aid in planning a modern hospital in North Korea’s capital city, Pyongyang. The delegates included prominent

Seniors vote to continue tradition

By ASHLEY TAM Staff Writer

T

he wrapping of the quad has always been a special tradition saved for rowdy seniors during the busiest football week of the year—obviously, Kinkaid week.

Every year (with the exception of last year when the Quad was closed for construction), the seniors use toilet paper to adorn the proud trees that shadow the Quad from the angry sun—a proud step forward from a previous tradition, in which SJS seniors and Kinkaid Upper School’s seniors wrapped each others’ campuses.

This year, however, US Dean of Students Dan Alig gave the Class of 2007 a choice. There were two options: the seniors could either wrap the quad or receive senior sign-out privileges nearly half a semester early. Pitting the senior class against each other, Dean Alig put the issue to vote.

Seemingly incongruous with

the measures the administration has taken earlier in the year to preserve tradition, it looked to the students as if Dean Alig was trying to influence the decision away from the wrapping of the quad.

Though we can all agree that the unwrapping, or the cleanup, of the quad is a horrendous process for the maintenance staff, it is upsetting that the administration so bent upon keeping with traditions (such as the uniform code) is so willing to break with this one ritual that means so much to the seniors.

The temptation of early senior sign-out privileges is certainly overwhelming as the restive seniors fidget in anticipation for their emancipation from the restrictions of high school.

However, the school’s rekindled adherence to tradition left seniors bewildered as to the motive behind the administration.

In any case, the motive of the administration is unclear to the students. What matters is that the seniors faced a decision that not only affects them, but may affect subsequent classes as well. Like mine.

As a junior, soon-to-be rising

North Korean physicians, including Mr. Kim Jung-Il’s personal physician. My father was dumbfounded to hear these relatively well-educated and informed people blame the current North Korean hardships on the United States-led sanctions.

Now understanding a bit of background about the situation, the next step in dealing with it is to have open commu-

senior, the freedom with which the administration is switching out SJS tradition concerns me.

If it has become all right to keep whatever tradition is desired and pull whichever tradition that is none too savory for the administration, what can happen next? Is it a possibility that next year they’ll take it a step further, even going so far as withholding both privileges and allowing us to neither wrap the quad nor have early sign-out?

Though it is too late to negotiate for this year, one possible solution to this conundrum that continues the growing discontentment between the students and the administration would be that the seniors who stay up all night to wrap the quad also take part in the massive cleanup after the Kinkaid festivities draw to an end.

That way, Dean Alig would no longer have the need to try to influence the senior class out of this well-loved tradition.

The ’07 seniors chose, instead of the chance to sign out early, to keep with an everloved tradition and wrap the quad, as many saw last week.

Still hoping to subscribe to The Review this year?

Visit the SJS website at www.sjs.org!

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nication. Cornering this rogue nation further is very likely to just exacerbate the situation, continuing the already vicious cycle. The wall of communist grip will probably not be abolished overnight. However, it can be destroyed one brick a time. Did you know that Internet connection is virtually non-existent in North Korea?

That any North Korean caught listening to South Korean radio broadcasting can be sent to a forced labor camp? When the communist regime totally controls what its citizens hear and read about the outside world, do we really need to further

isolate them by imposing sanctions and embargoes? How about allowing more North Koreans, albeit a person a time, chances to know more about freedom and democracy and life outside of North Korea?

Bring them to the United States and show them what freedom and human rights are all about.

I have been intensely interested in North Korean issues ever since I read the book Aquarium of Pyongyang. It was written by a North Korean defector who spent a decade in a forced labor camp. He vividly describes the daily life in North Korea, especially the life inside the camp. Public executions by hanging and stoning, deaths by starvation, tortures, forced child labor and forced abortions are still common examples of human rights abuses occurring in North Korea. How long are we going to turn our backs to these atrocities? How can we help the North Koreans out?

Once again, the first step in helping them out is to understand the situation. We can help elevate the public awareness one person a time. We can also volunteer to work for organizations that have committed to bringing the North Korea from the darkness to the sunshine. We can have our voices heard in our government. Let us start caring about these issues.

The Student Pulse The Review Online Poll This month’s question is...

Who is our bigger rival, Kinkaid or Episcopal?

Go online to vote now! www.sjsreview.net Poll open: 10/31 to 11/14 Last months results...

odds&ends thumbs thumbs up down Mavs win again Senior Skip Day Ralston Clarke (‘07) and the Kinkaid video

Back to the daily grind Rain on the wrapped quad Covered shoulders and closed-toed shoes

word for word “I was robbed by a prostitute in Barcelona.”

- Latin teacher Colin Elk “I’m going to name my next dog Gubernatorial. I’ll call him Gub for short; Guby when I’m mad.”

- History teacher Wendall Zartman “I don’t do work.”

“That’s why your country is on the decline.”

- Exchange student Lili Wolff (‘07) of France and history teacher Dr. Richard Doina “If a one-legged woman is good enough for Paul McCartney, then one’s good enough for me.”

- Daniel Rubin (‘08)

sixty seconds with mary martha davis (‘07) by margaret greenberg name Mary Martha Davis grade twelfth sjs cafeteria item fro-yo hangout senior country sport to play field hockey sport to watch lacrosse starbucks tall non-fat decaf vanilla latte vegetable cucumber holiday St. Patrick’s Day radio station 89.1–my iPod station dream vacation cruise in the Mediterranean drink Sprite and orange juice together Sue Mills clothing uniform headband hero Justin Timberlake Facebook or MySpace? Facebook. Duh.

photo of the issue Quarterback Lawson Gow (‘08) on cloud nine after Friday’s victory.

Photo by Katherine Kelley | The Review

staffer of the issue Allie Adkins (‘09) Allie, a business staffer, has gone above and beyond what has been expected of her all year. She has been responsible and diligent in all of her work, and the business managers appreciate her hard work. Allie has also sold five ads so far. Keep up the terrific work!