The Record, Volume 50 Issue 13

The Record Vol. 50, Issue 13 . Friday, May 1, 2020

Student Life What's Inside. . .

COVID Posititve(ity) - pg. 2

STUCO Review - pg. 12

50 Years: A Farewell - pg. 3

Zoom Review - pg. 14

COVID: A Senior's Perspective - pg. 4

Senior year: The Greatest Hits - pg. 15

A Junior's Perspective Ben's Music Review - pg. 5 - pg. 16 A Sophomore's Perspective - pg. 6 A Freshman's Perspective - pg. 6 An Eighth Grader's Perspective - pg. 7 A Seventh Grader's Perspective - pg. 8 New Quarantine Pastimes - pg. 9

NFL Draft - pg. 17 COVID vs. Plasma - pg. 19 N. Korea, New Management?

- pg. 20 Suing China - pg. 21 Watch Dogs: A Review - pg. 22 Big Ideas: A Lesson from Priory - pg. 24 Puzles - pg. 26

Heard in the Zoom Calls - pg. 10

Spellman's Scoreboard - pg. 28

An Open Letter - pg. 11

A Last Farewell - pg. 28

02 - 05.01.20

COVID Positive(ity)

Anthony Dixon '21

COVID-19 is more than just a threat to our health.

It is endangering the meaning of the haircut. In this time of desperation, many brave souls have taken it upon themselves to trim their luscious locks.

You don't know what you're doing when you give a grown man a pair of scissors or an electric trimmer and ask him to make himself look better.

Just as with a small child, you are asking for trouble. Against all odds, Mr. Finan managed to pull off a sharp look (using his sideburn trimmer) that surely stunned his Facebook friends and diligent students.

However, it seems as if men have had a harder time than women with being away from the early morning trip to the barber. Women seem to be approaching it in two different manners though.

Singers such as Pink and Miley Cyrus put the judgment of others aside and just got down to it. Pink completely threw judgment to the wind and pulled out some of her own “quarantine medicine,” which looked very similar to what us common people know as alcohol, to aid in her undertaking. The result was a shaggy pixie haircut that would make any proud parent look the other way.

Miley Cyrus fared slightly

better but only managed to trim her bangs a little and make her look only a bit less of a street rat than Pink.

Other celebs have decided to simply dye their hair, and they have collectively chosen the color pink as the best option.

Singers Dua Lipa and Jennifer Love Hewitt rocked this classy look and were both thrilled to be trying something new.

So celebrities are trying something new. What does that mean for you? Are you daring enough to pick up the scissors and change history, or would you rather stay in the shadows and live a life full of despair and regret? If all else fails, have your friend (from a distance of six feet of course) do it. If they mess up, yell at them and tell them to get a life. I hope I could help those who are overwhelmed by the mop of unruly and stubborn curls that threaten both your half-face Snapchats and awkward poses for your younger family members who post all day long on their Instagram stories. Although I haven’t eradicated coronavirus, I believe I have done mankind a great and everlasting service that will be viewed as something equivalent to the Declaration of Independence and 7th grade STUCO speeches.

Celebrating 50 Years: A Farewell Caption contributed by Jack McEnery '20

When Mr. Woodcock suggested to us editors that we make a “Celebrating 50 Years” theme for The Record’s 50th volume, we just thought it would be a cool way to showcase amusing articles and funny events from Priory’s history. Now, as a global pandemic forces us to stay locked in our homes and publish our last two issues online, “history” suddenly seems much more meaningful, and much more real. It’s been a challenge to adapt these past two issues of The Record to an online format, but one of the main reasons we decided it would be worth it was to document and preserve the historic impact that the COVID-19 epidemic has had on the Priory community. This issue, since it is the last of the year, will attempt to do that in a special way with a perspective piece from a student in every grade level, and also multiple reflections from members of the Senior Class.

Once again, Mr. McEnery '91 has made "50 Years" possible with his collection of Records, compiled from his year as the Editor in Chief and the year immediately preceding it (1989-1991). Priory has changed a lot since then, but as I looked through those pages for excerpts to use in this final “50 Years” article, I was struck by how similar we are to those men who came here before us. They too wrote reflections on Senior Year (one of which was contributed by Mr. McEnery himself, and is featured here), they too enjoyed their senior traditions. STUCO Presidents and Record Editors wrote farewell pieces not at all unlike the ones in this very issue, 30 volumes later. And it seems like this goes to show something else "50 Years" did that we hadn’t necessarily considered.

The Priory community is bigger than just us, the people here at the school right now. It’s also the people who came before us, it will be the ones who come after us, and all of it is bound up in our history and traditions. So even though we seniors are sad to be leaving, and even though all of us are sad to be missing the last part of the year like this, the fabric of our community still remains. It transcends whatever difficult experiences we may be going through currently, and it will continue to do so long after they become a distant memory.

In conclusion, thank you all for celebrating 50 Volumes of The Record with us. But most of all, thank you for celebrating Priory with us. Laus Tibi Domine.

Above: 2 reflections on Senior Year, one of which comes from Jack McEnery '91, father of Jack McEnery '20 Below: A fun cartoon from Issue 5, Volume 29, May of 1991. [Caption: I dreamed that I spent six years at some school called Priory!]

Zoom in on your screen to see details!

03 - 05.01.20

COVID: A Senior's Perspective Jack McEnery '20

Saturday, March 7, 2020. For the seniors, this was For example, Priory has made a truly outstanding effort a day of fun and amusement, as we all enjoyed ourselves at to reschedule events like the Senior Barbeque and LockPriory’s traditional “Mom Prom” dinner and dance at the In. Now that we have spent so much time away from each Frontenac Hilton. It was one of our first all-class events other, what parts of summer we do get to enjoy will be all after the great bonding experience we had at the Senior the more valuable to us. And perhaps most importantly of Retreat, it gave us a wonderful opportunity to bond with all, going through such a unique experience together will our mothers, and it gave them an opportunity to remind make our bond as classmates one of the strongest Priory their boys how much they truly love us. (For some reason, has ever seen. they chose to do this by performing the dance “Renegade,” By the time this article is published, most of us but perhaps such a sacrifice only further demonstrates will have finished our last class at — well, “at” — Priory. their near-limitless love for their children.) In any case, It’s difficult for that to sink in even as I write these the event itself was full of camaraderie and high spirits, words. We’ve made some extraordinary memories in and invitations to after-parties went out to the whole class. our time together, and from the glorious tales of State The night promised to be the beginning of the best six Championships and academic accomplishments to the months of our lives, a time of (almost) no responsibility small stories about “that time when,” they will last us for and our last chance to make the most of the friendships our entire lives. It would be a real shame to let the last we have formed over the past six years. chapter of our incredible six-year story end on such a

But then, everything changed. This first traditional pessimistic note. So, to everyone in the senior class, each event of the Senior Spring would prove to be one of the of whom I am proud to call a friend and a brother, let’s last, because Saturday, March 7, was the same day that the make the most of what we get. And to everyone in the first case of COVID-19 was reported in St. Louis. Some of Priory community, make the most of what you get. If this the braver boys among us managed to just barely fit in a experience has taught us anything, it is that time moves Senior Spring Break trip, but even for them the threat of fast, and we never get as much of it as we wish we would. lockdown loomed ominously over the whole experience.

We all need to be safe, of course, but I am confident that as Now, we are trapped in our homes for the foreseeable things begin to open up this summer, we seniors will still future, forcibly deprived of some of the best parts of high be able to make it the best summer of our lives. And who school. Prom, Field Day, our last season of high school knows, maybe even the scooters will make an appearance sports, even the chance to ride scooters down the halls some day. There’s always Fall Break, after all… and get reprimanded by Mr. Nickolai have all been taken away. Even worse, just as we were beginning to develop the close bond that every senior class gets to enjoy, we are now totally isolated from each other. Our closest social contact has to come through a computer screen! Gone are the crowded parties and group hang-outs that were just starting to break down our various cliques, lost forever are a good chunk of what could have been lifelong memories about brotherhood and adventure. Senior Ethan Hare captured the sentiments of our class perfectly: “This is a nightmare. I just want to see the boys again.”

The Seniors on the last day of our retreat, one of the best

However, even in the middle of such a negative bonding experiences we've had as a group experience, I think we can find reasons to be hopeful.

04 - 05.01.20

13 - 10.18.19

COVID: A Junior's Perspective Will Dolan '21

The Coronavirus has affected us all in many

Many of us have lost our plans for the different ways, but the main focus for people in junior summer, whether it be vacations, jobs, internships or and senior years is college. Some speculate as to camps. Luckily, though, we don’t have a volunteering whether the seniors will even be on campus next fall. requirement for this year and hopefully not one for next As I am currently a junior, I am going to write from the summer. From whom I have talked to, it kind of feels like perspective of a junior. Now, we have missed school as this is one of the worst times for this to happen. Many all others have, but academically, this year means more people feel disadvantaged going into college admissions than the years before. Socially, maybe not nearly as much and senior year. Some people have wondered if current as the seniors though. seniors take a gap year We miss our junior before going into college, ring ceremony, which what implications will that means we cannot (for have on juniors applying for disciplinary reasons this fewer spots? Many people is a joke) ring people we are struggling to find ways know, and we also miss to go the extra mile to prom, as do the seniors. make themselves noticeable Junior ring has been to strong colleges. From moved to next school colleges I have heard, they year, but prom does not are looking for changes that look like it will be back this time at home has given any time soon. you, if it is things you did

But again, the not like that you were able main focus of our to stop or things that you College Board is offering online classes and tutorials to help class is academics and are interested in that you students prepare for online AP exams college. Many colleges were able to start or pick are scrambling to change up. Above all, colleges and their requirements on applying and qualifying APs, GPA, college counselors have talked about using journals to and testing. AP exams are taken at home and shortened keep track of what you are doing during the stay at home to a few short answer questions or one essay that have ordinance and what it has changed. to be done in 45 minutes. Many colleges are not looking

Though we students feel disadvantaged, colleges at the grades of second semester/ third trimester very feel the same way. Colleges are starting to have to go strictly, as many high schools have changed to pass/ deep into their waitlists for students, because many are fail, and even some to where you cannot end up with a suddenly not able to attend because of struggles right lower grade than what you went into distance learning now. Many colleges are looking at potentially far fewer with. Another thing that colleges are struggling with is students than normal, which puts them into financial testing (SATs and ACTs). Many juniors still have not instability. taken either test, so some colleges are quickly switching

This whole time has felt sort of surreal for most to test-optional, in case students will not get a chance people. For many graduating from college or high school to be in a room surrounded by other students by the and those preparing for a new segment of their life, a time applications are sent in next fall and winter, due to wrench has been thrown into their plans and most don’t COVID scares. Many other schools are commuting their know how to recover. As many have said, history sucks requirements for SAT Subject Tests for the same reasons. when you are living through it.

05 - 05.01.20

COVID: A Sophomore's Perspective Nick Parafiniuk '22

The sophomore class has always been a tight knit group of brothers who are there to support one another. During the coronavirus, I feel that we have all realized how lucky we are to have each other. We are all here for one another in any way possible, whether it be explaining how to get on a Zoom meeting or just talking to get anything off your chest.

The sophomore class is thankfully not many of the major occasions in our high school careers. Academically, we still have our spring term world history research papers, but we have not started AP classes or college visits.

Athletically, sophomores are in a unique position. Many athletes would normally get to "swing," playing JV and Varsity. This gives valuable experience to underclassmen of what it is like to be a Varsity athlete as an upperclassman.

Socially, one of the most exciting parts of sophomore year is your sixteenth birthday!

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and License Bureau are closed, prohibiting permit drivers from getting their license on or after their birthday.

Sixteenth birthdays are often seen as one of the most “important” birthdays. Normally, some would have extravagant parties or other events for their birthday. Now, family and friends are turning to drive by parades to make that person feel important and thought about on their special day.

Overall, sophomores have been lucky that many important times in our high school careers are not occuring during the Coronavirus pandemic.

06 - 05.01.20

COVID: A Freshman's Perspective Drew Limp '23

As the school year comes to an end, it’s kind of fun to look back on the memories from this year, especially from a freshman’s perspective. In retrospect, it seems like the school year went by pretty fast, even though the pandemic changed my class’ third trimester in high school dramatically. I can still remember my first week when my shoulders and back were sore from carrying my backpack around all day. My favorite memory from this year was the state semi-final soccer game. After a long and freezing game, Michael Spencer ‘20 finally ended it on a penalty kick and the entire crowd went nuts. I remember turning around to see the entire soccer team right in front of us; I saw an excited Murphy Reese ‘21 right in front of me, and I watched him yell some inaudible phrase in celebration of the win. It’s these kinds of memories that stick with me, including hockey tying SLUH in the challenge cup, and watching football beat MICDS for the first time in decades. It truly was an incredible year despite the unfortunate ending with COVID-19.

The soccer team after winning districts

Finally, on behalf of all of Priory, I just want to express my sympathy to the Senior Class. Third term was supposed to be the most fun term of your time in high school, but unfortunately it didn’t end up that way. You guys have been an awesome class and it was a lot of fun to watch you guys on the field, to see you in the hallway, and to interact with you on a daily basis; we’re gonna miss you guys. I wish you all the best of luck in college!

COVID: An Eighth Grader's Perspective Connor Guthrie '24

Eighth grade and almost the Junior School today. You learn something new every day; whether it’s as a whole is one rising action to reach the climax of a bigger topic covering more information, or just some High School. 8th grade is about getting ready for this little detail about something you have never heard of, transition into your freshman year, but how can we every bit of information is important and significant. possibly be ready if the end of the year has merely faded As 8th graders, we have been learning all this time, away? What are you learning all these new details, big supposed to do then? and small, to prepare us for our How are you supposed lives ahead. But this information to know you are ready that we needed right before our to go into highschool final days has faded away. if your final days to Even though all of that prepare for high school is true, you must remember just disappears? we have been getting ready for

High school high school our whole lives. is like the peak of a Although the end of the year kid’s life. Everyone has has disappeared and you’re still heard stories of how trying to figure out where it all cool high school was went, you’ve gotten more than and it was pretty much enough of the end of the year that everything kids looked you need. Every teacher you’ve In spite of their missing the last few weeks of 8th grade, forward to in grade ever had at your old school or they have still had plenty of important experiences. Are school. High school here has been getting you ready they ready for high school? Absolutely. is viewed by us grade to go from junior school to high Above: The class learns valuable lessons about teamwork schoolers as the rite of school. Even though the final at Camp Ondessonk in 7th Grade passage to adulthood days have faded away, all the Below: Some of the current 8th graders enjoy last year's — of course college is other information is still there.

Ice Cream Social very significant — but Of course over the years some high school is what of the information has fled from everything is building our minds, but we still have a lot up to. All the teaching of it. you get, every bit of In conclusion, our end advice you hear, and of the school year is gone and every little detail heard we’re not getting it back. There is to prepare you to are still a lot of years for us to become a freshman. learn, where the end of the year How do we know we are won’t just disappear. We still have ready though, if there so many things to experience is still more advice to and there will be even more be heard, still more to information. The question still learn, and still more stands, are we ready for high teaching we must receive? We’ve been learning our school? Yes… yes we are. whole lives, since the day we are born to where we are 07 - 05.01.20

COVID: A Seventh Grader's Perspective Luke Glarner '25

Priory was a very big adjustment for me because I people too. I’ve had my business for about moved from a much more relaxed school. I was starting 3 weeks now and I’ve had eleven customers. Many of to feel settled, but now during the Coronavirus, Priory them complimented me on my photography skills. I’ve is even more different found many things because of online including missing classes. As a seventh chimney caps, bricks, grader the school day slates, and stones, used to end at 4:30 pm. clogged gutters, During quarantine, tuckpointing gaps, online classes end at and even a power drill different times everyday, stuck in a gutter. but usually I get out at I’ve spent a lot of about 1:45 pm. With all time sending emails, this extra time, I’ve had making and passing to find other things to out flyers, doing do. inspections, and

I used to have editing photos. Even lemonade stands for though I would rather Above and Below: Pictures from Luke's drone at the beach (The a way to earn some Record Staff respects the right to privacy, and therfore cannot show play with my brother money in the summer and have fun during people's houses. Fortunately, these are much cooler anyway.) when I had lots of my freetime I have time. In some ways the to push myself to quarantine feels like work on my business. summer because I have The best time for the so much time, but I drone inspection is can’t serve lemonade during sunny hours. because I can’t get Since I’ve been close to people. I had getting out earlier to come up with a than usual I had time better and safer way to do the inspection. to earn money. I have If we were in regular a drone with a camera school there would and enjoy flying it. be no time for the One afternoon I was business because flying my drone, and I of homework and decided to take a peek at our roof. I flew up and spotted getting out at a later hour. Online school has had its ups a missing stone from the side of the chimney, a missing and downs. It is bad because I miss having sports and chimney cap, sticks on the roof, and a broken slate. I seeing friends. It is good because I've had more time to took pictures of all of these and sent them to my dad. relax and work on my drone business. You could say — if He couldn't believe it. He was glad I found them, so he lives give you lemons, you gotta make lemonade. Or in could fix them before more damage was done. That is my case — fly your drone… when it hit me. I could start a business and help other 08 - 05.01.20

New Quarantine Pastimes Zion Spencer '24

When I realized my spring break was ruined breakfast for the family. Pancakes, eggs, and turkey

by COVID-19, my heart sank. No hanging out with sausage is my go-to meal. friends, no basketball games, no going to the movies,

What about my friends? In NBA 2k20 you can I couldn’t even go visit my favorite cousin. I was make your own player builds and play against people devastated. online. This is how my friends and I interact. Nearly

Entertainment wasn’t just ruined outside of the everyday we either play against each other in my virtual house, but inside too. Normally I could at least watch court, or we play against other random people online. the NBA playoffs, March

I had begun to question Madness, or even a high my idea of entertainment. school state championship For me challenging myself is basketball game from home. another form of entertainment.

But, that too had been When my grandfather cancelled. proposed that I join him in

I had to find a new fasting and observing the way to entertain myself. So, I month of Ramadan with him, decided to look at the bright which would include not side. eating or drinking between the

Not everything was hours of sunrise and sunset, bad about this quarantine.

I immediately thought “No, My Dad was off for an extra I’m not muslim.” But then I two weeks, so I got to spend thought about the competitive more time with him. Dad aspect, and trying something searched high and low until new. I could work around it he found the board game by adding Christian prayers.

“Risk,” a strategy game where I thought how this would players try to conquer the reveal my true colors, and world. Our family got so into how much I could really learn this game, that once a single about myself. Would I get mad? game lasted 6 hours, We were (Which is forbidden.) Would "In NBA 2k20 you can make your own player builds having so much fun, that we I take my frustrations out on and play against people online. This is how my didn’t realize that it was 1:00 my brother and sister? Would friends and I interact." am!

I sneak and eat while no one

As a whole, our family is watching? As I’m writing bond is getting closer and closer by the day. My mom this I’m on day 3 of my fast, I’m still pretty hungry, and and I jog around the park together once a week to enjoy haven’t completely adjusted yet. But I’m glad I accepted the fresh breeze. Other times, we’ve taken family bike this challenge for myself. rides down the street to my grandparents’ house.

Now my scope of entertainment has broadened

I’ve embraced hobbies that I normally never past just playing 2k and sports. Spending time with have time for. Ever since 4th grade, I’ve always loved family and getting closer, practicing hobbies, and to cook, but I began to not have time due to school, challenging myself during Ramadan fulfills my day. basketball, and friends. My favorite thing to cook by far is breakfast. Now, every single morning I get to make 09 - 05.01.20

Heard in the Zoom Calls "Hey, Jake, you growing out that pompadour man?"

- Student

"I would like to submit the objective superiority of Fig Newtons for consideration." - Student

"We’re all just schlubs looking for salami." - Student

"Guys, I’m doing an AMA with Elon tomorrow, what should I ask him?"

"Ask him why he laughed at the dead deer." - 2 students

"I like my marshmallows medium rare" -Student "I kinda have some earlocks going now." - Student "I stay up until 2 in the morning watching movies sometimes, because why not?"

"That’s relatable" - Teacher and Student "I made some scrambled oeufs."

"Oh, that’s my favorite French dish." - 2 Students

"But he’s waiting attentively for you to speak."

"So is the Japanese fiefdom." - 2 students "Pretty soon I’m just gonna go to some random lady and get things worked out." - Teacher "We’re all gonna be fully clothed Tuesday, OK?" - Teacher

"Hey McEnery, nice of you to show up." - Teacher

"Did they have chickens in China in like the 1400’s?"

- Student

"Les Communistes sont très dangereux pour ma communauté." - Student

"Humans have been breeding chickens for longer than we have had alphabets." - Student

"Matthew, do a pirouette" - Student

"Do your work, turn it in, graduate!" - Teacher

"We have a monopoly on brainpower in this group."

- Student

"Who’s playing guitar?!" - Teacher

"He’s just mad he’s in the wrong breakout room."

- Student "It goes in the form of healthcare or 400 tons of explosives. Which sounds more fun?" - Student "You don’t get Shakira level hair without Shakira level efforts." - Student "Bad news, I just updated my computer so that I could get InDesign and now I can’t get back into my computer."

- Record Editor "Madame, I’m brushing my teeth right now." - Student 10 - 05.01.20

"Now this is gonna get weird. You are my mother."

- Teacher "Bussen, is that a mustache?" - Faculty Member "Bro, that’s crazy." - Student "I know I turned mine in Mr. Orf!" - Student "Wow, only 2 out of the 23 students even opened the assignment." - Teacher "Mr. Bussen, I don't think your face is stinky at all" - Student "I don't wanna go out with a fizzle, I wanna go out with a bang!" - Senior Student

And now, since this is the last issue of the year, a few other quotes from earlier times that haven't yet been featured: "You are both incorrect and mad about it at the same time." - Student "Still would not let Brennan Spellman come anywhere near me with a knife." - Student "If any team other than the 49ers wins the Super Bowl, I will bleach my hair" - Student

"Can someone tell Bussen I have declared martial law and that any student who arrives late shouldn't be marked late?" - Student "Everyone hates Westminster apart from Westminster.

Let's let them know that." - Student "Brennan, you would have anything but a purple lightsaber." - Entire Senior Lounge "Ram shut your mouth. You wouldn’t even have a lightsaber, you would be C3PO." - Student in Lounge

An Open Letter to the Student Body Thomas de Wolff '20

Fifty-one weeks ago, with my Junior year coming to a close, I looked ahead to the next year and wondered how our class would stack up against the Seniors of years past. The Seniors when we were in the Junior School seemed like giants, and everyone has heard many times how the Class of 2018 was arguably one of (if not the most) accomplished classes to come through Priory. There are many factors that define the legacy of a departing class at a glance — academic prowess, athletic victories, and college results being some of the more obvious ones — and each class that passes through will manifest these in various ways. I’d like to think that our class has done quite well for ourselves in those categories.

Less visible but still equally important are the connections formed between Seniors and the younger grades. Through extracurriculars, Tutoria, sports, and advisories, there are a great many opportunities for Seniors to impart their wisdom. When I think of Seniors who have had the greatest influence on me, and those whom I have tried to emulate, I remember the guys who took the time to go out of their way for me. These were the guys who would lift me up and help me out when there was nothing in it for them. Whether that meant Varsity lacrosse players showing up to JV games, an editor complimenting an article that I had written in The Record as a freshman, or club presidents staying well past ten o’clock on a school night to practice Mock Trial, the

Seniors who made a difference were those who planted seeds for the future and encouraged them to grow.

A fundamental principle of being a Senior is that the rest of the school looks up to you. All five grades below you are looking forward to occupying your position someday, and hope to do just as good a job or better. The Senior classes that will be remembered most fondly by their successors are those who recognize that, and give their younger counterparts the tools to succeed when they reach the same position.

The way my classmates and I are leaving Priory in May of 2020 is very different from the way we arrived at Priory in August of 2014. Although our abbreviated spring term has prevented us from experiencing many of the joys of Senior year, I hope the rest of you will take greater advantage of the time you have together next year and in the years to come.

I cannot determine what our legacy will be. That is for you, Forms I through V, to decide. I hope you’ll remember us as having made you feel like a welcome part of our community. I hope you’ll think of us as an example to follow and not to avoid. Ultimately, I hope you’ll learn from us — from our triumphs and our mistakes — and above all, leave Priory better than you found it.

Laus Tibi Domine.

11 - 05.01.20

STUCO: A Look Back, A Look Forward Ian Crossey '20

This past year was a year of many improvements sure the football concession stands were operating at to STUCO. Improvements to our meetings, our their highest level during the Fall season. Sophomore transparency, dances, mixers, assemblies, videos, and Greyson Antes was also a crucial part of STUCO. our community as a whole. While it is unfortunate that His biggest accomplishment was chairing the Rebel the year ended with the Coronavirus, which bumped Rock Committee. He is the youngest member of Field Day, Prom, and a Junior School mixer from our Student Council to ever spearhead Rebel Rock, and schedule, I would his leadership led be regretful if I did to another recordnot acknowledge the breaking attendance work of the people with around 200+ who brought us people showing up to this point. The to the Music Festival. representatives on Sophomore Wyatt STUCO this year were Lewis’ calm yet strong, courageous, upfront approach in and inquisitive, but meetings kept us on most of all they track, and his major were leaders. Every accomplishments this Representative had at year were creating a least one thing that proposal to bring a live they brought to the goat to Home Football table, some small, games! He also had Unable to get a good group photo with everyone standing six feet some large, but all of a more notable, apart, STUCO made a creative collage featuring every member. them impactful. though less amusing, Freshman accomplishment Jacob Willard wrote down all the club meeting times of obtaining a ping-pong table for the High School at every single assembly so that the weekly Priory commons. emails contained updates on clubs and sports games.

On the Junior side of things, Devin Kancherla’s The dedication presented by Jacob is something the largest accomplishment this year was creating an members on STUCO will forever look up to. Freshman active listing of the clubs at Priory, and keeping track Mark Parent learned how to operate lighting fixtures, of any fundraising requests these clubs might have for speakers, and better advertise our mixers and dances STUCO. This would have led to an increased effort to make them much more exciting. Freshman Drew from STUCO to fund clubs in the Spring Trimester, Limp joined Mark in that endeavor, and in addition was but was unfortunately cut short due to the virus. Devin the Committee Chairman for the Winter Mixer, and also created the Kahoot account for Priory STUCO, intiatied our first ever digital ticketing system. This led and made the Kahoot quiz for the Fall Pep Rally. Junior to two successful mixers, one of which set the record for Sami Haddad rode the fame from his previous year’s STUCO’s mixer attendance at around 750 attendees. accomplishment of obtaining a “Summer Dress Code''

Next, Sophomore Miles Pim was an active at Priory. Many thought he would never succeed, but member on STUCO serving in a wide array of Sami proved them wrong. This marked one of the largest committees, and was extremely important to making changes in Priory Dress Code policy in recent years.

12 - 05.01.20

Sami also worked on obtaining a punching bag our school lunches to designing both the Homecoming for the weight room with the help of the other Juniors. and Rebel Rock shirts, and even to making better videos, Junior Carter Coleman focused his efforts on improving Jack Wagner always brought new ideas to the table, the facilities at Priory, and worked to obtain a clock in which brought a new life into Student Council. the weight room, and This year was a year his creativity was a to be remembered, not must for our school only because of the assemblies. Carter virus but because of had the idea for the the work your student whipped cream pie government members competition at the Fall brought to STUCO Pep Rally, which was a for the betterment massive hit! of our community.

And now we STUCO has continued reach the Seniors, the to work despite the duties of the President virus, as evidenced would never be fulfilled by our Minecraft and without the guidance Chess Tournaments, Above: "This led to two successful mixers which set the record and leadership of my as well as donating our for STUCO’s mixer attendance at around 750 attendees." fellow seniors on the Below: A real picture of Senior STUCO from the beginning of Field Day funding, $4,200, Student Council. Luke to the members of our the year Kraemer was the “big maintenance and staff for man,” a representative additional monetary aid you could count on to help during these difficult times. There in the greatest moment of are countless items I have failed need, and to keep order in our to mention, but hopefully this often rambunctious meetings. glimpse into this past year can Brennan Spellman was the be a call to all the future Student Secretary, a title that in and of Councils. This year can be the itself is not too appealing, but starting point, not the peak, of necessary nonetheless. He was STUCO’s achievements. The able to balance his duties as decisions of the students who Record editor and Secretary come after me, and all the other well, and we can thank him seniors can continue to improve for preparing summaries of the livelihoods of the Priory the Student Council meetings student body, the Rebels. These to keep the student body up decisions should not be taken for to date. Next, we have our granted, for you only get six years Treasurer Giuseppe Schifano. at Priory, and before you know Giuseppe’s financial prowess led STUCO to achieve its it that time will end. Remember to enjoy the time you highest surplus in the past six years, which will leave spend with your class, work together, not against each next year’s STUCO the ability to initiate news plans and other, and step by step Priory can become even better improvement projects at Priory. Finally, we have our than the way you found it.

Vice President, Jack Wagner. Jack Wagner’s tenacity and creativity made him a representative that one could both -Y.O.S. Ian Crossey fear and love. From working on bringing Smiley Fries to 13 - 05.01.20

The Ups and Downs of Zoom Graham Edmonson '24

Throughout distance learning we have all had our minute breaks between classes, I have had much more own unique experiences with Zoom. Everyone by now time to do things not related to school. Also having at has tried out the virtual background features, and I am most four classes a day ensures that you do not have sure all of the teachers have appreciated the mute button. eight assignments, each from a different class, to do all in We have all had fun as well one night. Another pro of as difficulty whie adjusting to already being at home is online learning. Of course, this that I do not need to carry new method of educating has around or keep track of big its pros and cons. textbooks, as many are now

Nothing is perfect and online.

Zoom is not an exception. This

I have also found new way of attending school many teachers are using has thrown us all off our game. games such as Kahoot Some things that we could do for review, which I am in the classroom are simply sure most of us prefer to not possible when everyone is answering questions from separated. I have noticed that, the textbook. With tests due to shorter total in-class not being an option, many time each week, classes are not classes are doing projects able to cover as much content such as presentations or as they would otherwise. essays. I like this method Not always being able to see each other is one of many Zoom also allows students of demonstrating our aspects of online school that has "thrown us all off our to stay muted and turn their knowledge because we can game." videos off so teachers have no use outside resources. I find Photo submitted by Mrs. Chestnas way of ensuring students are projects much less stressful paying attention. This allows than studying for a test but students to easily dodge participating in classes.

I do not think that they are as useful to prove that we have

I think we can all agree that one of the worst really learned the material. Also, I’m sure no one will miss parts of this quarantine is the fact that we cannot see our cumulative final exams. I am finding keeping track of classmates. Some Zoom meetings have been set up to talk homework easier than usual, although I am aware this is but it is not the same as talking to someone face-to-face. not the case for some people. All work has to be assigned Also, without an hour of sports a day, it is a challenge to over Google Mail or Google Classroom. If I forget what hold ourselves accountable to do the exercises assigned my assignments are I can simply look on Classroom and by coaches or other faculty. The responsibility to avoid everything is there, along with when it is due. slacking off has not fallen on us individually.

Distance learning has been a unique experience Of course, the experience is not all bad. Many attributes of for all of us and everyone has had their struggles adjusting online learning force us to become more responsible. to the new style of education. Online school is not all bad, Now, we are able to structure our own day as our but I will definitely be glad to (hopefully) return to normal schedules are much more flexible. If you choose how classes next year on time. Zoom is an amazing tool for you use your time well, this could be a definite pro of an event like the one we are experiencing, and it has learning at home. School starts half an hour later than definitely made some of us more responsible. However, it usual and ends earlier as well. Combined with the thirty cannot fully replace regular school.

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Senior Year: The Greatest Hits

Photos contributed by members of the Senior Class The Record editors want to pay one more tribute to the Class of 2020, who despite graduating under very difficult circumstances, still had an incredible Senior year. We decided to do so by collecting these pictures of athletic and academic achievements, social events, or just little fun memories from the year. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

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The Priory Record Player Ben Glarner '20

The long journey is over. I will never again write more and more popular, passing Rock music in 2016 as for the paper. Some are celebrating. The vast majority the most listened to genre of music. This is due in part weep endlessly. The collective audiences hold their breath to the rise of social media like YouTube and Instagram. to see who the successor is. After hours of interviews, These platforms have given artists and celebrities a greater numerous conference calls, and months of allocating large ability to showcase their lifestyles online. This in and of amounts of school funds to my account, I have found a itself isn’t a huge problem, but when it couples with a replacement. This man is a monster. His personal life is music industry led by Rap, it becomes a disaster. Rap has shrouded in mystery. No one long glorified power, money, drugs, knows what things he might have degradation of women, and fame done before he arrived on the over everything. If someone wants Priory campus for his seventh to sing about those things, that’s grade year. He holds mastery one thing, but now we often find over the pen and an intellect to artists posting examples of these rival that of Musk. There is no things on their media platforms. Go doubt in anyone’s mind that this to any new up and coming rapper’s man is my better in every way.

Instagram, and you will see drugs, His name is RJ Clark. women, and cars everywhere. Most

Unfortunately, that of the time, the stuff these people Kid Cudi, rapper introduction only took like a post isn’t even how they actually quarter of my total quota of live. We see that trend everywhere. words I’m supposed to have, so that means everyone Every day, a new photo editing app comes out on the gets to read another article by me. Personally, I’m excited Appstore and another Kardashian gets caught using them. for this one. I’ve been kind of saving it since I started

This is the culture into which Kid Cudi appeared the column. I’m going to talk a little bit about Kid Cudi in the late 2000s. In arguably the most fake genre out and the Rap industry here with my remaining column there, he attempted to speak authentically about mental space. Kid Cudi has been my favorite artist since probably health. It was this honesty that drew me to him. I have eighth grade. It’s either eighth grade or freshmen year. never had problems with depression or serious anxiety so I can’t exactly remember when I learned about him. it wasn’t that I related to his music. It was just comforting The reason I’ve only mentioned him three times in the to see someone be real. He didn’t wear mink coats or carry two years of having the column is because when I told Louis Vuitton bags. He performed in Converses and jeans.

Brennan Spellman ‘20 that I was going to do this column He always laid very low on social media. There were no he said, “No one wants a Kid Cudi fan page in our school pictures of his house or his car. His Twitter was full of real newspaper.” I’m telling everyone about this because I life stories of his past mistakes or him responding to a fan want it on the record (literally) that this wasn’t a Kid question. His interviews were so counterculture when he Cudi fan page and that he was wrong. [Hi this is Brennan first came out that the Rap studios that hosted him would proofreading and I concur that I was wrong.] Alright, three often take them down off of YouTube. He quickly became hundred words wasted on introduction. This is off to a an idol of mine. It wasn't even about the music. His great start. Time to get to business. behavior was what I paid attention to. Choose your idols

I know I’ve written mainly about Rap for carefully. Those who are in the limelight often never show this column, but I actually dislike a lot of the culture their true character. Not many artists or actors are truly surrounding the genre. In recent years, Rap has become out there for you.

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NFL Draft Takeaways Thomas Johnson '21

Due to the lack of other sporting events, the Many thought Quarterback Jordan Love out of Utah 2020 NFL Draft was the most watched in its history. It State would go to a team like the Patriots, but the Packers also happened to be one of the more exciting ones in not only drafted Love, they traded up to get him. Aaron recent years. While five out of the first six picks were Rodgers is getting the same treatment he gave to Brett no surprise, almost every other pick had some bit of Favre in 2005. Rodgers is currently 36 years old and will surprise to it. Although be retiring in a couple years, it will be hard to say just like Brett Favre was when who came out of this the Packers drafted Rodgers. draft a winner, there Rodgers is in a position to win were definitely some a Super Bowl for the Packers, teams who used their but he is also supposed to draft capital to fill groom Love to become an NFL some major needs.

Quarterback.

Only time will tell if

While this pick was those will pan out. somewhat of a surprise, maybe The draft is supposed even more surprising was to show the trajectory when the Eagles selected Jalen each team will be on Hurts, known as the guy who Above: Jordan Love, formerly quarterback forUtah State for years to come and Tua Tagovailoa replaced at University, has been drafted by the Packers. these takeaways are Alabama. Jalen Hurts had a Below: Jalen Hurts, formerly quarterback for Alabama what those trajectories quietly successful season, but University, will be playing for the Eagles. are. concerns about his size hurt his draft stock. The current 1. Teams are planning Eagles Quarterback is injury for the near future prone Carson Wentz. Whenever

Wentz is healthy, he’s electric

There were on the field, but the problem is many teams in this keeping him healthy. This pick draft who drafted a makes sense because of that, player whose position but Wentz is so young himself. was already filled. Of It is surprising the Eagles didn’t course those players sign someone like Cam Newton are not meant to or Jameis Winston, who was replace those players signed by the Saints after the right now, but these draft, to a short term deal in teams drafted these case Wentz got injured during players to replace the season rather than drafting veterans who will be retiring soon. Teams can draft a a Quarterback when they had other glaring needs. Hurts raw, talented player and put them in a position where has received comparisons to Lamar Jackson and Russell they can learn from some of the best at their division.

Wilson so maybe the Eagles also thought they had a steal The Green Bay Packers were the first team to do this. in the draft, only time will tell.

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first round of the NFL draft, but that’s not the only 2. The Patriots seem like they… aren’t planning at all interesting thing about wide receivers in this draft.

Teams which had a need at receiver either overstocked

The loss of Tom or understocked that Brady was always going need. The Denver to hurt the Patriots, they Broncos have a second currently have Jarrett year quarterback in Drew Stidham as their first Lock, former Mizzou Quarterback on the depth player, who basically chart, but they could have only had Courtland dealt with that need in Sutton to throw to last the draft. The Patriots had year. However, they fixed the 23rd overall pick… that in this draft. Jerry and then traded it away, Jeudy, regarded by some even though Jordan Love to be the best receiver in was still on the board at the draft, fell right into that point. Even after that, their lap at the #15 pick, the Patriots could have but not only that, they drafted the likes of Jacob Above: Patriots' startitng quaterback Jarrett Stidham, who will went out and drafted K.J. Eason, Jake Fromm, or Hamler out of Penn State, be replacing Tom Brady Hurts, while he was still who adds speed to the Below: Jerry Jeudy, drafted by the Denver Broncos to play on the board, all with Broncos receiving corps. wide receiver their own problems.

Now it comes However, if Bill Belichick back to the Green Bay has proven anything, Packers. Aaron Rodgers it’s that he can turn a had Davante Adams to nobody Quarterback into throw to last year and something. Stidham was that was basically it. drafted in the 4th round While the Packers could of the 2019 draft and have drafted someone Tom Brady was drafted like Denzel Mims, a in the 6th round of the highly touted prospect, 2000 draft, so there is or traded even further up still hope for Stidham. to draft a better receiver, However, Tom Brady they decided to take the had Quarterback Drew Quarterback Love. While Bledsoe to teach him, they could have waited even after he was thrust into the starting role after and taken someone like Fromm, Hurts, while he was still Bledsoe was injured. While Bledsoe had proven he could on the board, or Eason much later in the draft to have win consistently in the NFL, all Stidham has now is Rodgers make into an NFL Quarterback, they drafted Journeyman Brian Hoyer. Let’s just say it does not look their Quarterback in the first round. That’s fine, but very good for the Patriots in the new future. what did they not do for the rest of the draft? They did not draft a single receiver. Rodgers not only found out 3. The Year of the Wide Receiver his time in Green Bay is ticking, but he also found out it

would be much harder to win another Super Bowl.

There were six wide receivers taken in just the 18 - 05.01.20

Borrowing Plasma to Fight COVID-19 Cedric Bruges '22

Plasma, considered by the New York Blood Center the recovered patient can help the immune system of to be “liquid gold,” may have an essential role in treating the patient still fighting by lessening the time required to COVID-19. A light yellow liquid, it makes up around develop his or her own army of antibodies. This manner 55% of human blood, with the other 45% consisting of red of “borrowing” antibodies is called passive immunity, as blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (which help compared to active immunity, where the patient develops blood clot). It has been well known since the early 17th their own antibodies. century, when William Harvey described it in De Motu

The transfusion of convalescent plasma has Cordis, and it has been used to treat infectious diseases, been used since 1916, when patients with severe polio burns, trauma, and cancer were treated with some favorable patients for decades. Although outcomes. Since then, this method its use has declined since has been used to treat many the emergence of antibiotics infectious diseases such as influenza and vaccines, the quick rise (including the Spanish flu), Ebola, of COVID-19 has pushed and the SARS coronavirus; it has researchers to utilize plasma also been used as prevention against once again. pathogens such as measles. As

While it may seem newer therapies such as antibiotics, rather mundane, plasma plays antivirals, and vaccines have emerged, a vital role in protecting the the use of convalescent plasma body from infection and other has decreased. However, when no The lungs of two coronavirus patients before specific therapy is available against blood disorders. Upon the and after plasma transfusion. Source: The body’s exposure to foreign an infection, immune therapies such National Academy of Sciences pathogens, antibodies are as the transfusion of convalescent produced in great numbers. plasma are still used. Indeed, These antibodies, proteins that bind to the invading transfusion has been used in both 2002 to 2004 against pathogens while damaging some of their essential SARS and in 2014 during the West Africa Ebola epidemic. functions, are contained in plasma. Plasma from those

In the case of COVID-19, where infection has who have recovered, or convalescened, is fittingly called spread rapidly and there is no available vaccine or effective convalescent plasma, and for some time it contains the antiviral, some researchers have turned to the use of same antibodies in case the pathogen returns. Yet notably, convalescent plasma. Unfortunately, it is still unclear the specific antibody produced to combat one invader will whether it will help those fighting COVID-19. Indeed, not work against a different pathogen, and the length of the FDA announced its initiative to collect convalescent time that the antibodies remain for varies. plasma only around a month ago. But, plasma donations

What makes plasma especially valuable for have begun and some studies have already been released. therapeutic use, however, is that it can sometimes be In one study published by the National Academy of used to fight for other immune systems. Convalescent Sciences, ten patients with severe COVID-19 received plasma can be extracted from a recovered patient and convalescent plasma transfusion; within one to three then transfused into a patient who is still fighting the days, all symptoms in the patients disappeared or same infection (with some exceptions—AB blood type is largely improved. Hopefully, transfusions will be used prefered, and height and weight must also be considered to successfully combat the coronavirus until an effective while donating plasma). In this way, the antibodies from vaccine or antiviral becomes widely available.

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Possible Power Shift in North Korea Tommy Frei '22

It is rumored that Kim Jong-un has had a has tracked down several online accounts maintained complicated cardiovascular surgery and is recovering

by Kim Han-sol. The content of the accounts showed a at his coastal resort in Wonsan, North Korea. This has great contrast to his uncle’s regime. In various posted brought up a burning question messages on YouTube, Facebook, in the minds of many. What and Twitter, he expressed resentment would happen if Kim Jongtowards his family for causing the un died, who would take his suffering of the North Korean people place? The media, international and in the past he has criticized his intelligence agencies, experts, uncle Kim Jong-un. In October 2012, and analysts are saying that Kim Han-sol made his first ever his sister, Kim Yo-jong, would televised interview, in English, making likely assume his role as several comments about his desire for supreme leader. She is a North Korean reunification. In December Korean politician who has 2013, Kim was in his first year of study been serving as First Deputy at the Le Havre campus of France's Director and de facto leader of Sciences Po university, completing the Propaganda and Agitation his studies in 2016. After his father's Department of the Workers' assasination in October 2017, Chinese Party of Korea since 2014. police arrested two North Korean However, Kim Jong-un has agents in Beijing, on suspicion of many relatives, one being Kim plotting to harm Kim Han-sol.

Han-sol, son of Kim Jong-nam, Since then, Kim Han-sol's whereabouts the supreme ruler’s brother remain unknown. who died in Malaysia as a result

While a world with Kim Han-sol of an assassination in 2017, as supreme ruler of North Korea is likely conducted by North theoretical and unpredictable, there’s Korea. While it is unlikely, a few main tasks that Kim Han-sol Kim Jong-un's nephew, Kim Han-sol considered by many to be would likely accomplish according to impossible, that Kim Jong-un’s analysts of North Korea. He would nephew would rise to power, focus on improving the lives of North it is interesting to imagine how his rule would change Koreans, likely by improving diets and living conditions.

North Korea’s politics forever. So who is Kim Han-sol He would try to improve the economy in an attempt to and what would happen if he rose to power in North create more job opportunities for North Koreans. Kim Korea?

Han-sol would attempt to reunify the Koreas, likely

Kim Han-sol was born in Pyongyang, on June demilitarizing the border in the process. Which brings 16, 1995, meaning he’s 24 now. He had an isolated up the next point, Kim Han-sol would probably downupbringing in Mainland China and Macau. Kim Hansize North Korea’s army, focusing more on peaceful sol first came to public attention in 2011 when he diplomatic meetings with other World leaders instead of was accepted by Li Po Chun United World College. terrorising countries with displays of power. He would However, later he was denied a student visa by the Hong create greater international ties to make North Korea Kong government. Since then, The South Korean media more cosmopolitan and engaged with the outside world.

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Suing China for the Corona Crisis Ryan Lally '22

On April 21, history was made when Missouri dwarfed by New York’s 998 per 100,000. When the states’ Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a lawsuit against populations are factored in, the numbers become even the Chinese government in federal court. Yes, you more different. At the time the survey was taken (April read that correctly: Missouri is suing China. What for?

22), Missouri had 4,388 confirmed cases, and New Missouri’s lawsuit attempts to place blame on China and York had over 195,000. Nonetheless, the Coronavirus hold it accountable for the mishandling of and failure to has cost all states — and many countries — quite a lot, contain the coronavirus, the unignorable virus which has economically and emotionally. And for this reason killed almost 50,000 and infected nearly one million in Missouri’s government took action. the United States. While it has certainly affected many

The lawsuit is venturing into somewhat uncharted through infection and death, the other noticeable impact waters. Any lawsuit that occurs within the United of the virus (aside from quarantine) is its horrible effect States is facilitated by some form of government, but on economies everywhere. Companies such as Under who facilitates a suit such as this? Not to mention the Armour and Ralph Lauren expect various other legal obstacles which to lose as much as $70 million as a have been pointed out. One Chinese result of the economy grinding to spokesman said: “Really absurd. Based a halt. In Missouri alone, Schmitt on the principle of sovereign equality, claims, the Coronavirus has possibly US courts have NO jurisdiction over cost Missouri residents tens of the Chinese government.” Another billions of dollars. And how did obstacle is that the alleged actions Missouri’s government respond? It occurred on Chinese soil. Can those sued China. actions be called into question of

The lawsuit reads: “During legality by a foreign body? It is really an MO Attorney General Eric Schmitt the critical weeks of the initial interesting question. What is “legal” in outbreak, Chinese authorities one country is not necessarily “legal” deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, in another. But while many dismissed the case as either arrested whistleblowers, denied human-to-human a waste of taxpayer dollars or a publicity stunt by an transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed Attorney General in an election year, others found merit critical medical research, permitted millions of people to these allegations. Soon after Schmitt filed the lawsuit, to be exposed to the virus, and even hoarded personal Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch “followed suit” protective equipment — thus causing a global pandemic if you will. She said: “China must be held accountable for that was unnecessary and preventable. Defendants concealing the origin and initial spread of coronavirus, are responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and putting millions of Americans at risk and causing economic losses they inflicted on the world, including economic chaos”.

Missourians, and they should be held accountable.”

Currently, both Missouri and Mississippi are suing Many of these claims seem valid, but it is somewhat China for its alleged mishandling of the Coronavirus. interesting that Missouri would be the first to take action, What will come out of this? Many experts say that the considering that as recently as April 22, it was ranked just suit aims less at victory in court than at pushing Congress 26th in cases per capita. Unlike coastal states such as New to pass foreign legislation as it did in 2016 with Saudi York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, Missouri's wounds Arabia. But either way, these events have made history, from the virus are not terrible. Missouri shows just 71.6 and it will certainly be interesting to observe how the infected people per every 100,000, a number which is situation plays out.

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Watch Dogs: A Modern Masterpiece?

Matthew Broder '22

Just a few weeks ago, Watch Dogs was free on

At least, that’s what’s advertised. If I’m being the Epic Games Store for a limited time, and I decided entirely honest, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot. Video to go ahead and give it a download. I mean, it’s free, game development has progressed quite a bit in the how can I go wrong? It was past six years, not only quite popular around the time in terms of graphics and of its release in May of 2014, optimization, but also in but I never got around to ever terms of the enjoyability trying it. But now, as a proud of the gameplay. And member of the glorious PC maybe Mr. Clark has master race and unverifiably rubbed off on me, but I part of the M for Mature think that the profundity audience the game was rated and believability of the for, it was finally time to see storyline really does add if the original hype was at all a lot to a game as a whole. justifiable.

But to my pleasant surprise,

Enter the world of Watch Dogs seems to at hacker Aiden Pierce in a least meet if not surpass fictionalized modern-day my expectations in most version of Chicago in which of these categories. The a system known as ctOS, a graphics and optimization complex interconnection are surprisingly decent, of servers, sensors, and though it’s clear that facial databases, manages the cityanimation has come a long wide infrastructure, including way. Being an open world subway lines, traffic lights, and game, I would expect the security cameras. For as much game to be at least a little The cover for Ubisoft's 2014 dystopian action good as it no doubt provides, buggy, considering the videogame Watch Dogs its major weakness lies in vastness of the playing area that it can be hacked into using backdoor programs and the amount of things you can do. But even here, and used as a seemingly limitless weapon. Equipped I was surprised. In my experience, everything seemed with a smartphone and a grudge for the killing of quite polished – nothing stood out as obviously gamehis six-year-old niece, one plays as Pierce as he is ruining. the vigilante to avenge her death. Along with being

But I’m not here to do a simple game review. able to tamper with ctOS telecommunication towers, If you’re looking for a recommendation, then sure, Pierce is also able to access the information stored I would recommend it when it's on sale. It’s a great within its control centers, which the player comes to game, and definitely for mature audiences. Yes, I realize is incredibly vast, arguably to the point of an do think the storyline is a bit drawn out, and the invasion of privacy. Join Pierce as he is forced to do missions do get repetitive after a while (take out this the bidding of a crazed ex-mentor who kidnaps his guy, hack into this system, etc.), but overall, it’s a great sister as blackmail, leading him to the darkest secrets game. I don’t think this simple article does justice to of Chicago and the depth of its corruption. the magnitude of possibility present.

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No, what I’d like to discuss are the lessons to with only a pinky promise to not do bad things with be learned from this game. At first glance, I will admit it. Of course, we would never allow the entirety of our that the game does seem like the type every boomer modern lives and our modern cities to be controlled would believe leads young people to glorify shooting by automated systems under the control of a singular innocent people in the head. And, yes, the storyline entity, either a government or company, right? isn’t the most politically correct: it does lead you to a

Cybersecurity has become somewhat of a taboo lot of perhaps issue. I’m sure we’ve all unnecessary seen those news reports violence, and and videos which show just there are quite how much information a few instances “free” services like Google where the only and Facebook collect and way to escape is store, but it seems none of by slaughtering us are willing to internalize an uneasily it. Why? Because it’s large number frightening to think that of people. But a singular entity would characterizing have control over your this game as deepest, darkest secrets. violent is like And while that may Above and Below: Gameplay scenes from UBisoft's 2014 dystopian characterizing sound a bit exaggerated, action videogame Watch Dogs a puppy as a study of over 58,000 entirely bad Facebook users found that, because it bites using the information you occasionally: willingly posted on the site, there’s so much researchers could infer with more to it than stunning accuracy a user’s just this one race, IQ, sexuality, political facet. views, or even if they had a

What the criminal record. And these game has to say weren’t machine learning about security bots, programmed to teach and privacy in themselves to become better the modern era, and better at guessing, these in my opinion, were human researchers. is what makes At least for me, for as this game better much as it is a title made than others like it. While the premise of the entirety to pander to even the most barbaric of desires to of a modern city’s infrastructure being controlled by a slaughter innocent people, Watch Dogs does have single piece of software — one controlled by a private something incredibly profound to say about our company at that — seems dystopian at best, it would modern age, one of constant surveillance online. be remiss not to draw parallels to the modern world Information we post online has a funny way of coming on a smaller scale. I mean, of course we, as a modern back around at the most inopportune times. society, would never consentingly allow a private company access to all of our personal information 23 - 05.01.20

A Lesson from Priory Ben Glarner '20

Everyone thinks that they are right. History know what’s going on here and that I cracked the code? teachers think history is the most important subject to

The whole basis for my beliefs is somewhat off study. Muslims believe they have the ultimate religion. kilter. It didn’t click until just now that one of the reasons Atheists run around laughing at adults who believe in there’s forty million different schools of philosophy is angels. Democrats and Republicans both think they’re because none of them got it all right and there are a lot the best political party. Some people think COVID-19 of different opinions on how one should live. I mean I is fake. A lady I met in Forest Park told me King James probably should have thought of that more before I latched invented Christianity because he wrote the Bible. Millions on to one philosopher and convinced myself that he was of Americans used to believe right and that I was now better that a low-fat diet with extra off than other people because I carbohydrates was how had found him. you would lose weight. Too Literally everyone acts that many Americans still believe way though. It’s honestly no chocolate milk comes from wonder we’re at each other’s brown cows. throats politically right now.

The list literally Just to paint a picture of the could go on forever, and situation, I’ll take a regular it’s very discouraging. Even weekday Friday Mass (that Quote from Camus' more discouraging is the we can't have anymore) and Notebooks, April 1937 we’ll look at the different psychological views fact that after I finished writing the above paragraph, I went on to write another present. Up first, you have our priests from paragraph explaining how everyone is really the Monastery who believe absolutely in the stupid and that I know what you all should really believe Catholic Doctrine. God created the world, and put his instead. I had to delete that. Sometimes I can’t believe how only Son into our world to save us from our sins. We stupid I am. I just went and bashed everyone for having a die and we may enter Heaven or refuse to repent and superiority complex, and then immediately showcased my potentially inhabit Hell. God loves us. He is the reason we own superiority complex. As disturbing as that was to have are here. The Catholic framework of beliefs is able to orient to acknowledge about myself, it did get me thinking about them and give meaning to their lives. Our priests in the my own ideas and the things I’ve said in this paper and Monastery believe they have it right and hope and pray over the years in class. that the others in the community who don’t believe will

I remember when I wrote my Camus inspired piece one day join and feel God’s love. on religion about how I often doubted God’s existence. My Next up, we have our credulous atheists in the mother became worried, and she and I would talk about crowd of students and teachers who believe that this is all it often in the weeks following that issue. I remember baloney. Jesus is not in the bread on the altar. The rites and being there at the kitchen table with her laying out these rituals of Confession or of being baptized are equivalent philosophical arguments and proofs or whatever for to that of little kids believing Santa is coming down their proving or disproving God. I’m sitting here now thinking chimney. They aren’t children fooled by this simple sleight about that and I don’t know why I put so much faith in of hand. They see the world for how it really is. We came those human philosophers or even myself. I’m just a from monkeys. The explanations of science are much more human being. I can see like not even a mile. God could just clear and reasonable than these mythical creations. We be right behind me at all times. Why would I think I just should stop wasting our time with these theology classes 24 - 05.01.20

and study something real and worthwhile like psychology or business.

Finally, we have our real tricksters. The ones who think both parties are full of it. They are unwilling to rule out the possibility of a God. At the same time, they often reject the traditional values and teachings of organized religion as infallible. Rather they see a certain psychological value to the rites and rituals given by the Church that could be useful in their daily meditation or understanding of how the world works. They are the people who think they’re better because they can look at all angles, but they are often also the ones with no place to commit and no ultimate narrative to define anything for them.

I don't even know if this does justice to any of those viewpoints, but the thing I’m trying to show here is that everyone sitting there thinks they are absolutely right and that everyone else is missing something from their lives. In some respects that blows my mind. Maybe you already knew that and I’m lost. Maybe this doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but to me it's really weird to think about.

Take a problem like abortion that’s plaguing our nation right now, and apply the above scenario to a mock version of that argument. Imagine the number of perspectives influenced by what everyone has read, is currently living with, or was taught in school. You’ve got some guy in Georgia voting pro-life because he lives with his mother, and she raised him Catholic and even though he doesn't believe in any of that, he psychologically sees voting pro-choice as an attack on her and can’t bring himself to let her down. Then maybe there’s an older gentleman in University City voting pro-choice because his granddaughter was raped and he can’t look her in the eyes and tell her she has to keep that baby and support it all by herself after he passes. Next, there’s business men in New York voting for the pro-life candidate because of the economic policies he or she supports, while college girls are voting pro-choice to empower women in their revolution against the bigotry of the old social constructs.

Maybe some of those girls are Catholic, but they're willing to throw that away for the moment to get a chance at equality and women’s empowerment. Maybe they aren’t religious, and they think it's just a medical procedure and there shouldn't be such a fuss over it at all.

I mean no wonder the political sphere is a mess.

Should I just join everyone else on Twitter ranting about all the pro-choice people that don’t share my worldview?

How does that even get us anywhere? How do you have an argument with someone anymore?

Like if you’re a Democrat, you’re really willing to sit there and tell me the other half of the nation are idiots and abusive and none of their points hold any weight?

(And the same goes for the flip side of that.) The level of hypocrisy in this country on all fronts is getting pretty wild. It got so depressing last year that I backed out of reading about politics completely. In fact, I think it’s why I found Camus. At heart, Camus was a humanist and one of the biggest themes in his work is love. His novels and his essays are filled with an optimistic view of humanity that appeals to the foundational aspects of our predicament that tie us together. In his novel The Plague (I know ironic), he says undoubtedly my favorite quote of his: “What we learn in time of pestilence: that there are more things to admire in men than to despise.” We are in a time of pestilence both literally and figuratively, but there is hope.

It is time for me to say goodbye to Priory. I’d like to say thank you to all teachers here since I can't do it in person. To any underclassmen still reading by some miracle, I would like to say this. One of the most important things I ever learned at Priory was that I didn't know everything. It’s okay not to know what you are doing every second. Sometimes the smartest thing you can say is “I don't know.” This article was not meant to dissuade you from believing in anything. Its purpose was only to ask you to be willing to accept that there is a chance you are wrong. People often think that if they have to admit they are unsure of a proposition they are putting out, it discredits it. That is not the case. If you propose an idea with one hundred percent certainty, and someone offers evidence that slightly hurts part of your argument, your argument looks weaker and you are more likely to reject that evidence even if it could actually help you strengthen your argument in the long term. Instead, claim you are ninety percent certain, it gives you more leeway and a chance to save face. You're going to learn a lot at Priory.

Take the time to vet things and be skeptical of your own opinions. Enjoy those six years. Respect your classmates.

Beware of any who offer a black or white answer to a grey problem.

25 - 05.01.20

Crossword You can type in the boxes!

Down

Across 6. Disorder where people are excessively sad for extreme periods of time 8. Disorder where people excessively binge eat and then try to counteract it with extreme exercise or fasting 10. Disorder characterized by disruption in a person's thoughts and perception making them unable to know what's real and what isn't 12. Disorder involving extreme fear or disgust of certain objects or environments 13. Disorder where people obsessively pull hair 26 - 05.01.20

1. Disorder where people pick their skin 2. Phobia where people are afraid to leave the house 3. Personality disorder where one is very interested in themselves 4. Disorder where people are plagued by fears that cause them to do certain rituals and routines to stay safe 5. Disorder where someone's sense of self is disrupted, they don't know who they are, pretend to be someone else 7. Disorder where people hear voices 8. Disorder characterized by bouts of depression and mania 9. Disorder where people suffer panic attacks all the time for no reason 11. Condition often caused by a traumatic experience

Sudoku You can type in the boxes!

Sudoku: Fill the boxes with the digits 1-9 in

such a way that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains each digit one and only one time

Easy

Hard

Priory Look-a-Like

Ryan Mitchell '21

Robert Pinsky, poet and essayist 27 - 05.01.20

The Record Volume 50 Issue 13 May 1, 2020

Editors: Thomas de Wolff '20 Ben Glarner '20 Jack McEnery '20 Brennan Spellman '20 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Woodcock Contact: theprioryrecord@ stlprioryschool.org

Photographs Courtesy of: Steve Oslica Abigail Peche Jimmy Fox

Cover Design:

Thomas de Wolff '20 The Record Disclaimer The Record is the official student publication of Saint Louis Priory School in St. Louis, Missouri. It is produced by students/staff members.

Its purpose is to inform students of events in the community; to encourage discussion of local, national, and international issues; and to serve as a training ground for budding journalists, photographers, and graphic designers. The Record accepts contributions from all members of the Priory community, including students, faculty, and alumni. The Record will not publish content considered legally-unprotected speech, including but not limited to: libel, copyright infringement, unwarranted invasion of privacy, or material disruption of the educational process. Student editors apply professional standards to the production of the newspaper and are solely responsible for all content, both explicit and implicit. Letters to the Editors are always appreciated.

Feedback not intended for publication is also welcome.

28 - 05.01.20

Spellman's Scoreboard Brennan Spellman '20

Mr. Brotherton’s Workout Monday = 150 pushups & 5 minutes in a plank position Tuesday = 150 Lunges (in place if needed), 50 Supermans, and 50 Incline pushups Wednesday = 30 minutes of cardio (running, biking, jumping rope, etc) Thursday = 100 Calf squats, 100 Rocky crunches, wall sit for 5 minutes (straight if possible) Friday = 5 minutes in plank position, 50 leg lifts, and 100 Incline pushups Saturday = Hills. Find a hill of decent steepness and length. Sprint 25 hills.

Sunday = Off *Calf Squats = A normal body-weight squat, but at the top of each rep stand up on your tiptoes for a count to work your calves each rep. *Supermans = On the floor on your belly. Legs straight down, arms straight up above your head. Lock elbows and knees. For each rep, raise your legs (thighs included) and arms up above the floor as high as possible while keeping your belly on the floor. Then lower back down. *Incline pushups = Normal pushups but with your feet elevated. Instead of having your feet on the floor, place them on the bottom step of your staircase so they are elevated. The higher you can place your feet, the more challenging these will be.

Thank you to the Priory Community for a great year!

Signing off, Brennan Spellman

Goodbye from the Editors

We would like to say thank you to Mr. Woodcock first and foremost for allowing us to do this and assisting us along the way. We would also like to thank all of the students who contributed pieces this year. Thank you for working hard to share your opinions and get your work in at our deadlines. We know that can be difficult with the Priory workload. Finally, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to read the issues and offer their feedback. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed making it. It was absolutely great to serve as editors for this year. Looking forward now, we are excited to announce the new group of editors will be Sami Haddad, David Mohrmann, Aidan Phillips, and Thomas Johnson. We are excited to see what they do with the paper next year. Goodbye and thank you again to everyone for making this a great experience. ~ Written by Ben Glarner, on behalf of all four editors: Jack McEnery, Thomas de Wolff, Ben Glarner, and Brennan Spellman