Gryphon Gazette 2013-14, Issue 3

The

Gryphon Gazette •

December 2013

The Newspaper of St. George’s Independent School • Volume XII, Issue III

Top

Stories Opinion

• Should you get inked?

Road RAGE

Entertainment • How to “Treat Yo’ Self” Features • Technology on the rise in school curriculum

Sports • Swans fly into basketball season

Student Life • Student praises Writing Center for success

Lexie Marotta ’15

Parking changes ignite controversy Lexie Marotta ’15

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t is 7:45 am and you have fought your way through a school zone and a confusing on-campus four-way stop in order to make it to the student parking lot. However, despite your greatest effort, there are no parking spaces

left in the lot, forcing you to park in the newly appointed parent parking lot. Now, you spend the rest of the day in fear of being called to the office to answer for your car’s unavoidable location.

This year, several changes have been made to the student

handbook regarding driving and parking on campus. Mixed responses to these changes in parking procedure range from outrage to indifference.

However, no student appears to be overjoyed about the changes.

The root of many of the negative

emotions seems to stem from the fact that many students do not understand why the changes are necessary, and most students feel that driving, as well as parking, on campus worked fine in the past.

took the SAT at least once prior to graduation, and the Associated Press revealed that there were even more students taking the ACT. Forbes Magazine released an article in September of 2012 naming “The Three Biggest Lies in College Admission.”

The first lie on this list was that, “standardized test (SAT and ACT) scores are less and less important.”

Steve Cohen, the author of the Forbes article, concluded that, in fact, “Schools are using SAT and ACT scores to make a fast, easy cut of the application board… Colleges love a big applicant pool; not just to craft a more attractive class, but to show the ranking services just how selective they are… More rejections equal a higher ranking.”

Mr. Timothy Gibson, the Director of College Guidance, agreed with Cohen by saying that, “Depending on the selectivity of a school, they’re actually becoming more important.”

The College Board affirms this point, saying, “Standardized test scores remain important in many colleges. Examinations such as the SAT… or the ACT, allow colleges to compare students from across the country.”

Yet, some colleges recognize the limitations that standardize tests pose. According to Mr. Gibson, “The challenge is that scores are no longer a clear picture of a student’s potential because it’s no longer students showing up the day of the test, taking a test, and getting a score. It’s a lot of preparation and studying beforehand.”

Mr. Gibson continued, “I think [test optional schools] are recognizing that if you want to gauge a student’s ability or potential for success during their first year of college the better indicator is a student’s academic profile- so that’s your grades, and the courses that you’ve taken over your four years in high school.”

Cont. on Page 6

A day in the life Don’t be fooled: of food service ACT/SAT scores do matter Virginia Whitsitt’14

Will Courtney ’16

If

you walk through the lunch line and neglect to say thank you, or purchase your food and not share a smile with Mrs. Sue, you are making a mistake. The women that work to serve the St. George’s community on a daily basis spend incredible amounts of time doing a job that students might overlook.

Students may not think about their hard work when Ms. Connie or Ms. Liz is serving them.

Next time, those standing in line should think differently and thank them for the food that they prepared.

Contrary to popular belief surrounding a school’s workforce, St. George’s food service spends countless hours working to prepare the best food that they can to please the students.

Ms. Liz, Ms. Brenda, and Ms. Connie arrive to work at about 9:00am every school day to start preparing for the first middle school lunch at 10:30am. Ms. Sue arrives at 8:00am every morning to check on the ingre-

dients and make sure everything runs smoothly.

While Ms. Brenda, Ms. Connie, and Ms. Liz are preparing the food, Ms. Sue also goes into the computer system and puts check money into accounts, takes all the names from her notebook of people that do not have money and puts what they owe into the system, and prints new lunch cards.

The other three ladies prepare food for an hour, which is just enough to get through the middle school lunches. Once they cook enough for the first three lunches, they have to restock the chip racks, the multiple fridges of drinks, and the ready-to-go plates.

The big fridge with the readyto-go plates also eats up a large portion of time from the ladies’ day. Every morning, they have to make apples and peanut butter plates, all of the wraps, a lot of PB&J’s, chicken salad sandwiches, and hummus plates.

Cont. on Page 11

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ou enter your test room at 8:00 am and find your assigned seat in the back corner of the room. Looking up, you see all twenty other students just like you; three pencils on their desks, calculators on the floor, and opening their test booklet. You fill out your name and testing information before you hear the dreaded words that start your standardized testing experience, “You have fifty minutes to complete this section. You may begin.”

Welcome to the world of college admissions, and more importantly, the SAT and the ACT. Once upon a time, these acronyms stood for “Scholastic Aptitude Test” and the “American College Test,” but not anymore. The two acronyms now stand as words alone, and they strike fear into the hearts of hopeful college applicants everywhere.

According to College Board, more than 1.66 million students in the class of 2013

Cont. on Page 7

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December

St. George’s Independent School

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Opinion

The opinions expressed in this section reflect the views of individual writers and are not necessarily those of the Gryphon Gazette or its staff.

Struggle toward Don’t wish it all away the Season of Light When I happen across a Christmas

song on the radio, I let a few (happy) tears loose. When my family decorates the tree, I cannot stop smiling.

Throughout Christmas, my sister and I bake pies and cookies and frosted brownies with crushed peppermint sprinkled across the top. My mother stockpiles gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa mix before helping my grandmother make stuffing, a ham, gravy and her famous cranberry sauce. My brother steals frosting from the jar, earning shouts from my sister, until my grandfather and father take him outside to play or upstairs to watch the game.

At the end of the day, we all sit down to watch a Christmas movie, whether it be the always funny “Elf” or the realization-garnering “What a Wonderful Life.”

In case it was not totally obvious, my family and I adore the holiday season.

The period of time that stretches between Halloween and Epiphany, as it grows colder and darker, is my favorite time of year. I wait for it all year, sweating through summer and plodding through spring, and sometimes the anticipation is better than the actual event.

For myself, the holiday season means Christmas and Thanksgiving. For others, it means Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Muharram, or a mixture of all these holidays.

However, I do not believe that it is the

specific holiday that is so overwhelmingly important. My sixth grade teacher actually refused to refer to this time of the year as the Christmas season or even the holiday season, but rather as the “season of light.” She claimed that it is what every celebration had in common: lights, whether it be candles or a strand strung across a tree.

Throughout the year, we face so many struggles and burdens. Whether it is natural disasters, illness, grades, or simply finding a date to Winter Formal, the average year can present many hardships. The “season of light” is about working through those struggles and finding time to celebrate the common themes of family, love, and light during the darkest points of winter.

There is a hope, a warmth, and an understanding embodied by all people during the season of light. That is what I adore about the holiday season, why I wait patiently for it all year.

This season of light is the embodiment of the undeniable joy of the human race.

So during this season of light, I encourage everyone to embody the light itself. I challenge everyone to partake in holidays that are not their own or to create new traditions. The season of light is about understanding each other, about spreading the internal warmth that each of us possesses. I would like to ask that everyone take part in the spirit of the season of light, and work together to show the dark, gloomy winter that it is time to celebrate what we have been fighting for all year.

Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief

Regan Hewitt

Copy Editors

Leah Hodgkiss Virginia Whitsitt

Layout Editors

Caroline Cannon Kellen Young

Photo Editors

Caroline Cannon Lindsey Cayce

Features Editors

Dagny Vaughn Lexie Marotta

Opinion Editor

Emily Dickey

Sports Editor

Taylor Owens

Student Life Editors Entertainment Editors Staff Writers Advisor

Maggie Courtney Meredith Gatlin Courtney Harshbarger Zoe Leake Anna Marie Beard Preston Vihlen Dr. Margaret Robertson

Dagny Vaughn ‘14

Aside from a list of deadlines

to meet, the most common phrase a senior hears is, “Don’t wish it all away!” Whispered by teachers as you discuss the one-hundred-andseventy-something days till graduation, Team College Guidance as you show them your already planned out dorm room, and parents when you slip them a postgraduation vacation itinerary, the warning is inescapable.

Despite the repetition, it does not always reach our ears. We try to keep in mind that our days as St. George’s students are numbered, but somehow the idea of one day leaving seems impossible. It is difficult to see how fast time is truly moving when we are focused on a date so far away. We are faced with an exciting future just out of reach, and no matter how many years we have left, we feel as though maybe we have been here long enough.

I admit that I am extremely guilty of not heeding the whispered warning. I look forward, eager to begin again somewhere else. With December upon us, the school year is nearly halfway over, but it seems to still be just beginning. On one hand, it seems that the past few months have flown by, disappearing in a flurry of Se-

nior Independent Studies, college applications, and exams. But on the other, it seems as if May is still ages away, as if the five months ahead are much longer than the five behind us.

However, I have also realized that while I am excited for the future, I need to be careful not to let time escape me. That, perhaps, I should focus on living now, as a high school senior, and not vicariously as a college student.

No matter if you are a freshman just beginning your high school experience but wishing it away already, a sophomore feeling a little too stuck in the middle, a junior wanting to escape the burden of junior year, or a senior ready to move on, it is important to slow time down a little, to realize that whatever you are wishing for will come all too soon on its own.

Our days here at St. George’s are precious, whether we want to be here or somewhere else. Even if we do not realize it now, we will one day look back in retrospect and miss them. Maybe we all need to listen a little more closely when they tell us again and again, “Don’t wish it all away!” and live here and now, completely in the moment.

The winter funk strikes again Courtney Harshbarger ’15

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very year on November 1st, students begin to fall prey to the dreaded “winter funk.” Grades begin to drop, illness runs rampant, and no one is ever fully awake. The time change only makes matters worse, by plunging us into darkness extremely early in the day. It seems like all hours of daylight are spent in school, while the rest of the day is consumed by darkness. This time of year should be filled with excitement for the holiday season, but instead stress levels skyrocket.

Snow predictions pop up on the news, causing the hopes of a cancelled school day to rise, only to be crushed when students look out the window to find that the yard looks exactly the same as it did the day before. More homework is assigned each day as teachers rush to finish up certain lesson plans before the break. The last week before a break tends to be the worst; students are forced to endure multiple tests a day, with only the thought of the ap-

proaching holidays keeping them going.

During this depressing winter season it may seem impossible to stay positive, but there are many

Courtney Harshbarger

Regan Hewitt ’14

awesome aspects to winter that are often overlooked. In order to make it through the drudgery, it is necessary to take a break from the normal boring routine.

Oversized sweaters are extremely comfortable and provide hug-like feeling throughout the

day. After school, it is a good idea to take a break and drink some hot chocolate, bake some cookies, and watch a movie.

The misleading cheeriness that everyone in movies seems to be experiencing may take your mind off of the depression that has engulfed your life since the winter trimester began. Decorating the house for the upcoming holidays can also give the happy illusion that they are closer than they actually are. Some people believe that giving gifts brings happiness, so I like to buy myself something awesome, wrap it up, and put it under the tree. When the holidays finally come around and I open my gift, it is always exactly what I wanted.

If none of these brilliant ideas are successful in chasing off the winter funk, it cannot last forever. Spring will eventually come around, curing you of the winter funk and the feelings of sadness that may come with it. Unfortunately, it will then proceed to infect them with spring fever, for which I have yet to find a cure.

December

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St. George’s Independent School

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Opinion

The opinions expressed in this section reflect the views of individual writers and are not necessarily those of the Gryphon Gazette or its staff.

Should you get inked?

Student shows off A Tattoo with a Quotation from “Alice in Wonderland.”

Lindsey Cayce ’14

Maggie Courtney ’14

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n recent years, tattoos have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults. The clash of beliefs between our society’s older and younger generations has spurred some questions.

Contrary to popular belief among St. George’s students, the handbook on page five of our planners only explicitly says, “body-piercing jewelry is not permitted” and “faddish hairstyles are not permitted.”

Although it could be argued that tattoos reflect a lack of “neatness and cleanliness” of our “general appearance,” this could be highly subjective due to the content, composition, and placement of one’s tattoo.

Resolving to change Preston Vihlen ’15

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e have all wanted to get rid of a bad habit, especially when we want to get on a healthier curve, so we do not have that sluggish feeling all the time. To initiate getting on a better track, many people set goals at the beginning of the year popularly known as New Year’s resolutions.

However, the question remains, are New Year’s resolutions actually a good concept? It does carry good motives and does help many people get on a better path, but there seems to be some drawbacks that can make it not as grand as it appears to be.

The first drawback is that many people use New Year’s Resolutions as a starting date to quit a bad habit from their daily life, which is a problem because one does not need the first day of the New Year to act better. One should begin kicking a bad habit whenever they feel like they should. Using New Year’s Day as a starting date could also be bad because one might binge on their bad habit before they give it up.

If one decides, though, to make a New Year’s Resolution, it is most important to pick something that is not too complicated and unreachable. The reason for this is because if one does end up making a resolution that is too hard to handle, then they will eventually give up in frustration. In the end, it makes resolutions frustrating because you never can stay committed to them.

So looking at New Year’s resolutions as a whole, they can lead to more harm and frustration than good. However, I do think they can be useful if only the resolution is small enough to keep a commitment to it and if one does not binge on their bad habit before giving it up.

According to Mr. Tom Morris, however, while the handbook does not explicitly prohibit tattoos, the administration feels strongly that the visible tattoos on students do not promote a positive learning environment and may pose health risks to those who receive them.

As far as tattoos go, there is no written rule against them here at St. George’s. In the state of Tennessee, the legal age to receive a tattoo is eighteen years of age, but a child sixteen years or younger may receive a tattoo with parental consent. Even though this is the law, teens with tattoos often find themselves in trouble.

Whether it is future regrets about an impulsive decision as an eighteen year old on the brink of adulthood, a run-in with school administration or a job interview, there are obviously some things that teens should take into consideration before receiving a tattoo.

First off, if you are looking to climb the political or corporate ladder, placement is key. Sure there are certain jobs where being fully inked from head to toe is acceptable, but to a number of the jobs you may be seeking, this may be intimidating.

Think about it: the people who will be interviewing you for top-notch jobs are looking for someone responsible and put together. If a tattoo is visible to the interviewer, he or she will draw assumptions about you as a person, regardless of the conditions behind your tattoo. It is human nature for people to make assumptions, even on an unconscious level when meeting someone for the first time.

Please, for the love of all things worthy, make sure you are certain about what you are going to permanently put on your body! Do not choose to ink something that is mainstream or a fad because you will become sick of it and one day it will be “out of style.” If you are seriously considering receiving a tattoo, choose something that is unique and personally meaningful. Sit on the idea for a few months and if you have any second thoughts… abort mission!

If you are or may be considering getting inked, the decision to tattoo your body is no small venture. It is a choice that should be made with a clear conscience and purpose.

Think about what your future may hold and allow those ideas to influence your final decision. Furthermore, consider what this tattoo means to you and if you decide to get inked, be proud of it.

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Plugging in

Leann Beard ’14

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he role technology plays in education has been given increasing attention in recent years and this rings especially true at St. George’s, as our classrooms have embraced laptops, SmartBoards, screencasts, and just this year, MyMathLab. First and foremost, gratitude is 100% required.

Every student at St. George’s is walking amongst, and probably owns, several thousands of dollars worth of technology, ranging from iPhones (now in gold!) to laptops to TVs to Beats.

Yet according to the Washington Post, 20% of the U.S. population does not have or cannot access the Internet. Worldwide, that proportion increases to over 60% of the entire population. Remember that the next time you are getting frustrated because your webpage is loading too slowly.

So yes, a little (or a lot) of appreciation for the technological resources and opportunities we have is in order. We are very lucky to have administrators and teachers who plan for each upcoming year and attempt to relate in the best possible way to an ever-changing student population, one who is more used to Quizlet than actual notecards and SmartBoards than chalkboards.

Obviously, it is not perfect. And the computer crashes, MyMathLab malfunctions, and printer problems seem to exclusively occur at the worst possible moments. But we must do what seems impossible at the time, and that is to be patient and take precautions. Back up your files, remember to press Save, doublecheck your emails for embarrassing typos.

Finally, though this entire article is about the benefits of technology in education, remember also the benefits of unplugging as well. We are constantly being deluged with information from different devices and screens and it can be more overwhelming than you think. We are social creatures by nature, but we were never meant to spend our lives stuck staring at a screen.

Political Ponderings with Emily Dickey ’14

Is American Patriotism Fading?

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word’s meaning tends to evolve over time. The word patriotism has transformed itself in my life from Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and half price fireworks, to running my fingertips across the black, marble-engraved names of victims from the North Tower.

What comes to mind in your life when you hear the word patriotism?

Maybe it is the Germantown fireworks on the Fourth of July, an uncle in Afghanistan, Grandma’s apple pies or singing “Take me Out to the Ballgame” with the cousins. Due to the fact that connotations evolve with us as we age, it can be easy to overlook the enormity of all that a word encompasses.

The actual definition of patriotism is quite wide and impersonal: “A devotion to fundamental fellowship with other human beings united in common causes, usually related to identified geographic regions or those within particular political associations and boundaries.”

President Barack Obama defined American patriotism as, “more than just loyalty to a place on a map or a certain kind of people… it is also loyalty to America’s ideals- ideals for which anyone can sacrifice, or defend,

or give their last full measure of devotion.”

In George Washington’s Farewell Address, he warned the American people to “guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” Since the formation of our country, it seems that patriotism has been at the forefront of the discussion. From our first president to our 44th, this is one subject they have all agreed upon. Why then, do we hear claims of this patriotic fire waning?

The fact of the matter is that American patriotism has not faded; it is the world around us that has changed.

My generation has been taught to classify patriotism as white picket fences in 1940 suburbia with swirly straws and iced tea, liberty and justice for all. We compare that world, burdened with a world war and a military draft, to today’s world. However, that is like comparing our paychecks to theirs without adjusting for inflation. It is misleading and inaccurate.

To get a further grasp on the generational differences, I spoke with my grandfather, a veteran Air Force lieutenant in the Korean War, for some perspective. He agreed with me in saying that it is apples and oranges. Growing up for him, “the newspapers were full of patriotism, everything was patrio-

tism. If you were not patriotic you were in bad trouble. I spent my whole youth one way or another involved with the military.”

My generation has lived through wars, but they are a different breed of war than those that we grew up reading about in textbooks. During the Second World War, over 12% of our country’s population served in the military, compared to the less than 0.5% of today’s population.

Today, only 20% of our United States Congressmen once served in the military, compared to a striking 70% in 1975.

It is an odd concept to wrap your head around, but our world is just not the 1950s America. Maybe it is better, maybe it is worse, but either way, America is not the same. Our sons and daughters are not being drafted to go to war; drones are often sent in their place. It is not forts we are protecting; it is our technology.

Patriotism just is not at the forefront of the discussion anymore.

In no way am I trying to imply that soldiers serve any less of a service to our country- quite the opposite, rather.

This is the new face of patriotism. Just because the nature of patriotism has changed does not mean that it has disappeared. It is a definition that has moved on, not the hearts of the American people.

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St. George’s Independent School •

Memphis’ holiday faves

Entertainment

A new music: Funk transitions to dubstep Maggie Courtney ’14

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One of Memphis’ favorite dining locations. Source: Yelp.com

Leah Hodgkiss ’15 Virginia Whitsitt ’14

Best hot chocolate: The Otherlands Coffee Bar

Best coffee: Java Cabana Best dessert: Hog & Hominy’s Carol’s Smile Pie with a side of one scoop Chocolate Peppermint Gelato Best picture sights: Peabody Hotel Best movie: “A Christmas Story” Best date night: Dinner, hot chocolate, and Christmas lights!

Best place for mistletoe: Keep it with you at all times with your special someone…

Best place to buy a Christmas sweater: Goodwill!

Best jeweler: Just remember that every kiss does not begin with Kay… Best place to shop for boys: Kinnucan’s Best park: Dixon Gardens (Park Ave.) Best breakfast: Republic Coffee’s CheChe breakfast sandwich or Brother Juniper’s French Toast Best sledding hill: East High School Best way to spend a day: In bed with the Christmas classics Best street to see lights: Starry Nights, Shelby Farms or Sycamore Trail Drive, Germantown Best book: The Night Before Christmas Best stocking stuffers: Money, gift cards, candy, perfume, or, you know, socks Best place to people-watch: Wal-mart

hroughout the history of musical genius, every few decades a new genre of music arrives that shakes listeners to their core. When one groundbreaking sound emerges, it rapidly influences and is then trumped by another upcoming genre.

When funk first appeared in the late 1960’s America among the African-American culture, nothing so unique had previously been heard. Muscians such as James Brown and Isaac Hayes created a composition largely deriving from soul music but accompanied by complex rhythms.

With the birth of electric instruments, funk was able to redefine the ways in which bands could create harmonic combinations.

The world had never seen electric instruments used in this way before, and it gave people the ability to experiment and redefine their previous beliefs about what music was. Thus, the popularity among new electric instruments rapidly grew.

As the years moved on, electronics kept advancing, finding prominence within many people’s lives. As a

Pumpkin Spice Latte

result, people were then able to engineer devices to create new sounds, such as a synthesizer, which can imitate another instrument and either, distort its sound, or create a new one. The synthesizer was predominantly used in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, with the creation of synthpop.

As these types of instruments materialized, musical artists began to mix the sounds of different devices and figured out the capabilities of each. As with almost every new invention throughout history, musicians began testing the limits, which gave birth to a new genre entirely, not sub-classified under pop or rock: dubstep.

Throughout Great Britain in the 1990’s, dubstep (a term not coined until 2002), was made with the usage of new electronics such as synthesizers, computers, and turntables. It gained prominence in night clubs.

In the early 2000’s, in debt to the relentless popularity of sharing music over the internet, the genre skyrocketed in sales and its own popularity, reaching the ears of the United States.

Mark your calendar:

Upcoming theater events

Collierville Campus “To Kill a Mockingbird” Performance Feb. 6-8; Upper School Drama “Pied Piper” Auditions March 3-5; Middle School Play “Pied Piper” Performance May 1-3; Middle School Play Germantown Campus SK/1st Grade Christmas Program Dec. 13 3rd/5th Grade Christmas Program Dec. 17 Memphis Campus 2nd - 5th Grade Christmas Program Dec. 19 Today dubstep artists such as Skrillex, Flux Pavillion, and Bassnector have become mainstream.

Just as funk used new electronic instruments to create sounds never heard before, dubstep did the same and forever changed the music world. Every day, musical artists add to the genre their own ideas and sounds. As our world keeps advancing technologically, reaching the hands of musical artists, it is inevitable that groundbreaking genres will continue to emerge.

Dani Cafferty ’14 Zoe Leake ’14

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offee is a holiday favorite, and those holiday specialties at Starbucks hit the spot on the coldest of days. However, coffee is not cheap these days and neither is gas, especially when you are saving up for gift giving. Next time you are craving a holiday delight, try Dani Cafferty’s most trusted recipe for homemade specialty coffee to save time and money.

Ingredients:

Steps:

1/4 cup of white sugar 2 tbsp of brown sugar 1/4 tsp of all spice 1/4 tsp of nutmeg 1/4 tsp of ginger 1/2 tsp of cinnamon 1/2 tsp of vanilla or the seeds of 1/2 of a vanilla pod 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree

1. Mix the white and brown sugar in a pot with the water 2. Heat on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly 3. Add the spices and cook for another minute 4. Add the pumpkin and turn off of the heat 5. Pass through a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate until needed 6. Add to coffee as you please! (I like to add 2 tbsp of the base to my coffee)

Source: Olivia Ritter

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St. George’s Independent School •

How to “Treat Yo’ Self”

Entertainment 5

Caroline Cannon ’15

As people of the twenty-

first century with cell phones, work and school who are constantly having to make decisions, it is nice to take a break every once in a while by having the ability to just “treat yo’ self.” The phrase is pretty self-explanatory, but where did such words of wisdom originate?

On April 9, 2009, the television show “Parks and Recreation” was born. Two of the characters, Tom Haverford (played by Aziz Ansari) and Donna Meagle (played by Retta) set aside a day once a year, October 13, also known as “Treat Yo Self Day,” where they would spend the day delighting in the wonders of obtaining new things and destressing themselves.

From following the majority of the guidelines given by Tom and Donna, one instantly relaxes and feels as if they have less stress. This then improves your health, seeing as though you are more likely to become sick when you are stressed. Treating yo’ self is exactly that: a treat to the mind and to the body.

Perhaps you are wondering, “How often should I treat myself?” Well, if you never treat yo’ self, your stress will build up. Your

body needs a break and time to recharge.

However, there is a flaw in Tom and Donna’s plan since they only celebrate Treat Yo’ Self once a year. Treating yourself should be done more than annually, but do not treat yourself every week either. If you are constantly spending money on yourself, it could start to lose its flair as time goes on.

The perfect “treat yo’ self” amount is between once a month to every six months.

This then provides a welldeserved break, it does not empty your pockets, and since it is out of schedule, it gives your body and mind an out of routine break, even if the relaxing activity is a small thing. Your Treat Yo’ Self Day should have a set date so that you can mark it on your calendar, look forward to it, and have it be just a day you spend focusing on yourself without outside interference.

There are many different ways that one could treat him or herself. Some examples given by Tom and Donna are buying clothes, fragrances, and fine leather goods. If you have the ability to spend money, you could indulge in some of their suggestions or your own.

Best holiday movie Alex King ’18

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hristmas is right around the corner, and to get into the holiday spirit, I always like to sit down and watch a good Christmas movie. Personally, I would say that my favorite holiday movie is “Elf.” It is a movie that I have very fond memories of watching, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has not already seen it.

When Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, is told that he is not actually a real elf, he goes on a journey to New York City to find his biological father.

The director of “Elf”, Jon

Favreau, did a fantastic job with this film. He made the character Buddy the most lovable and goofy character within the movie, and he was excellently played

by Ferrell. Ferrell is hyster-

Jingles for the Sleigh: Take two Lexie Marotta ’15 Leah Hodgkiss ’15

Christmas music is arguably the best part of the holiday season. But sometimes the classic songs need some livening up. Here are our favorite renditions of the traditional holiday tunes: 12 Songs for the 12 Days of Christmas

Fresh Market provides beautiful flowers to Treat Yo’ Self.

The following is a list of some more expensive “Treat Yo’ Self” options: - send yourself flowers - buy a super soft blanket - go shopping (limit money spent) - get a massage - go to a fancy dinner - roll in money - go to Sky Zone - visit a skating rink - dress up really well but go to a casual dining place

ical and so truly his character that I guarantee you will be laughing through the majority of the film.

Although Ferrell was an incredible actor in this film, Zooey Deschanel’s performance cannot be overlooked. At this point in time, Deschanel was not as famous as she is today, making her a great balance to Ferrell’s well-known comedy. She was perfect to play Ferrell’s love interest. Although her character Jovie was more down to earth and serious, this does not mean she was not constantly making me laugh with her sarcasm and shock at Buddy’s actions.

Overall, this is my favorite Christmas film. I encourage everyone who has not already taken the time to see this film to go ahead and go for it this holiday season!

Caroline Cannon

Concerned about having empty pockets? Go for carefree alternatives: - have a movie day at home - eat as many snacks as you can - sleep all day - go play with puppies/kittens - skip the gym - take a bubble bath - dress cozily - wear fuzzy socks all day -make two batches of cookies, one for you and one for a friend

1. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Buble 2. “Let it Snow” by Straight No Chaser 3. “O Holy Night” by Bastille 4. “Christmas Time is Here”

by Vince Guraldi Trio 5. “Baby, Its Cold Outside” by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone 6. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra 7. “The Chipmunk Song” by Alvin and the Chipmunks 8. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by The Civil Wars 9. “Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More” by Relient K 10. “Walking in the Air” by Peter Auty 11. “Silent Night” by Sarah McLachlan 12. “Little Drummer Boy” by Josh Groban

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St. George’s Independent School

Parking changes

Continued From Page 1

The most noticable change for all on-campus student drivers is that all students who have a car on campus are now required to have a colored sticker on their windshield.

The color of the sticker identifies the grade level of the driver and the school logo shows that they are a St. George’s student. Many students do not understand the purpose of the stickers and have expressed concern at the fact that they are being asked to place brightly colored stickers on their cars.

According to School President William Taylor, “The stickers are really just designed to make sure that everyone has done their part in [on campus driving] registration, because honestly in the past people have not [completed it].”

Some students suggested the idea of hanging a tag from the rearview mirror that they could remove when they are not on school grounds as opposed to the permanent sticker. Some St. George’s parents have also expressed concern because they do not like their children to be easily identifiable as a St. George’s student or as a teenager when they go off campus.

Another change is the condensing of the lots where sophomore and junior students are allowed to park during the school day.

The lower parking lot nearest to the soccer fields is now reserved for students, and the upper lot closest to the field house is for visitors and athletic faculty.

Mr. Taylor addressed the purpose of this change saying, “The reasoning is safety. The busy lot at the end of the school day last year posed great possibility for injury.” He added that, “After school, there are a lot of younger students being dropped off, and if we could open up that area after school it would be a lot safer.”

Despite the hopes that this change would increase safety in the parking lot, many students feel that they have come closer to having accidents on campus and that their safety has been reduced because they are all crammed into one section of the parking lot.

With the student parking section already so full, concerns begin to arise as the sophomores gradually get their licenses and more

student drivers are on campus.

A large percentage of students think it is harder now than last year to get a parking spot. Mr. Taylor acknowledges this dilemma, and noted that this has been taken into consideration, promising that, “[The administration] will make sure that there are spots available.

If we need to open up another area of that lot, we will, keeping safety as a priority.”

The ability to have a car on campus is a privilege that some other schools do not allow all their students. For example, Collierville High School does not have enough space for all their students in their parking lots; therefore some students are not allowed to have their cars on campus. At St. George’s, all students with their license are given the opportunity to drive themselves to school, as long as they abide by the rules of the road and of the school itself.

Regardless of the results, safety remains the main goal of the administration, and additional changes will continue to be made as the school grows.

Features

Why is it colder in Wyoming than in Canada?

Zoe Leake ’14

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Lindsay Cayce’14

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ccording to popular belief, anything that a scientist says is true. It is evident that people tend to accept what scientists say as true simply because they do not understand what the scientists are saying.

Recently, scientists have released a lot of extremely confusing figures and statements concerning global climate change.

When it comes to breaking down the hard data, climate change can be summed up as weather patterns changing from centuries of continuity into new patterns, and quickly. According to NASA, Earth’s average temperature has increased about one degree Fahrenheit during the twentieth century.

One degree? Why is that a big deal? Scientists look at climate over the centuries in order to notice changes or patterns. For them to see these patterns, they closely examine tree rings, ice cores, coral reefs, and other natural capstones, which house Earth’s history from before the Ice Age to the present.

After the climate data is collected, scientists notice and determine that changes in climate occur over a long span of time.

Therefore, while one degree may sound small to those who are not aware, it is actually an impressively large increase. NASA representatives report that small changes in temperature correspond to enormous changes in the environment.

For people merely beginning to

analyze the global effects of this data, it is difficult to understand what it means in the long run.

Basically, this tiny little degree in temperature is making the weather take unexpected, and ultimately, drastic turns. The mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and other western states are decreasing yearly in level of snowpack, or the amount of permanent and fallen snow. Heat waves, similar to those that hit Memphis, are expected to be hotter and longer in the coming years.

At the same time, though, average rainfall is increasing. More rain is great news for rain-fed crops, but not when this rainfall comes in the form of typhoons hitting the Philippines or other East Asian countries.

This increase in rainfall can also come in the form of huge snowstorms, tsunamis, or hurricanes.

This increase in rainfall is not spread out equally. Unfortunately, a massive rainstorm might hit one area, while another area suffers from a drought.

This holiday or spring break as you hit the slopes in Steamboat or Jackson Hole, take a moment in the powder to ponder the world around you, and how quickly it is changing. Will those same slopes be available for your children’s spring break? According to recent studies and the current climate prediction, they may not.

After-care program embraces student leadership Taylor Owens ’15

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he after-care programs at the St. George’s Germantown and Memphis campuses are places for students, from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, to have fun after the school day ends, learn lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom, spend time with high school leaders, and form lasting friendships amongst their peers.

The high school leaders at the lower campuses work with the younger children and provide them with guidance.

These high school students include junior Heather Schaefer and senior Leann Beard at the Germantown campus in conjunction with juniors Leah Hodgkiss and Molly McEwan, as well as senior Maggie Courtney at the Memphis campus. These upper school students take three hours out of their day to spend time with the kids because of their genuine love for the job and joy that the kids bring them.

Many of the high school students that work there have chosen to pursue career paths that involve the care and teaching of younger students.

“I think after this I really wanted to

focus on doing something with kids.

They’re all so cute. I don’t know what else I would do,” said Schaefer. After spending an afternoon at the lower campuses, anyone can see that the high school students truly love to spend time with these kids.

“I get here and they’re usually out on the playground. We play on the playground for a little while,” said Schaefer of a typical day at the after-care program.

“But now that it’s cold we come inside and they all go to the bathroom. We play games, color pictures, and sometimes watch a movie, depending on the day.”

The high school workers come to the lower campus as soon as their school day is over. They work from four to six p.m., five days a week. During that time, funny and heartfelt memories are made.

“They all say funny and crazy things,” said Schaefer. “A couple of days ago, one little boy told us how smart he was. So I asked him to do a math problem, and he told us that he was as smart as a scientist, so I asked what 20 + 20 was, and he said that he wasn’t that smart of a scientist.’”

An afternoon at the after-care program is full of innocent ponderings that the kids cannot help but share with everyone around them. The kids do not know how hilarious they actually are, but their entertaining musings never fail to make the workers laugh. The hours of the program are full of laughter and the general atmosphere is one of happiness and joy. This is a place where the kids are able to relax with friends and learn new things from older students.

The after-care program was also described as a reprieve for the high school students. They enjoy coming to work with the kids and are able to get away from the stresses of school and homework. “The hours are really good because they are really understanding of St. George’s high school students and what their schedule is,” said Beard. “It’s just really fun. You get to hangout with kids, which is a benefit in itself.”

In many ways, the upper school students serve as teachers for the young after-care attendees. When asked if she hoped to teach the kids anything specific,

Beard said that she wanted to teach them “basic math and spelling.”

However, the high school workers’ guidance is not limited to basic school subjects. They also teach them morals and other “worldly truths” during their time in the afternoons. “I hope to teach them to love each other because at this age they are all friends. I hope that they can realize that these friends are things that they need to keep,” said Schaefer.

The high school students at the Germantown campus are currently working with the younger children everyday after school since the beginning of the school year. The Memphis campus is in the process of gaining more recruits to be high school leaders. They hope to get a good number of high school students to assist in the aftercare program at the Memphis campus, and plan to get started in the near future. Overall, though, the after-care programs have been well-received by high school and elementary students alike.

December

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St. George’s Independent School

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Features 7

Technology on the rise in Internet addiction enters the domain of mental disorders school curriculum Kellen Young ’14

Anna Marie Beard ’15

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alk down a St. George’s hallway sometime and look into one of the classrooms.

What do you see? Perhaps it will be a group of students, huddled intently over their computers. Perhaps the room will be dark, painted in flickering colors as a documentary plays on the projector. Occasionally, you will even see students clutching iPads, exclaiming excitedly to their classmates as they peer at the brightlylit screens. These are all facets of St. George’s growing technology program.

St. George’s is known as a “laptop school” due to its 1:1 student to laptop ratio. However, St. George’s hopes to expand past laptop use and move technology further into the classroom. This new approach would take a child’s natural affinity for technology and consideration for its uses within education. Getting children involved with technology at a young age would give them an advantage as adults because they would have previously experienced technology that many jobs require. It is hoped that teachers will begin to use technology as a tool in the classroom, to supplement the learning process and offer a more diverse way to teach.

The science department has been venturing into new technologies, with remarkable results. On one memorable day, the freshman physics students filmed the motion of a swing and watched as a program converted the action into a graph. Mrs. Crista Smothers, one of the physics teachers running the exercise, said that it, “makes the connections a lot easier for the students” when they see classroom lessons taking place in real life.

Another one of the new technologies implemented this year was MyMathLab, an online math program which had been previously used in college-level math courses. MyMathLab is considered as an electronic classroom. It offers an array of tools for the teacher and students to use, such as online quizzes, homework assignments, and even an electronic textbook.

Pre-calculus teacher, Mrs. Paige McMullen, said that she likes MyMathLab because it allows her to spend “less time on instruction and more on class work,” so students can work with her personally on difficult concepts. Moving instruction outside of the classroom has enabled better analysis of lessons in class. She is also excited about the program’s potential,

the “sheer magnitude of what [they] can do.”

The students regard this development with mixed feelings. In interviews, several students expressed frustration with the rigidness of the program as well as the pitfalls of having to learn lessons from the textbook. Senior Andrew Grissom noted that the process of math homework has become extremely complicated with MyMathLab, and that it’s “too much” to deal with for most students. His opinions were echoed by several other interviewees.

However, a survey of the Pre-calculus classes produced surprisingly high approval ratings for MyMathLab. Some interviews also produced positive reviews for the program, pointing out that it made student work more organized and less cumbersome.

For some students, however, technology is less of a tool and more of a stumbling block.

Websites can glitch, programs can crash, and the power can cut out without any warning.

Some students prefer the steady reliability of books, and the ability to work problems out on paper. However, there are other reasons technology, such as MyMathLab, is important.

It is important that students learn the skills now that they will need in college, or as professionals. Technological proficiency is one of those skills. Mr. William Bladt, the new Associate Head of School, is leading the charge. He hopes to get students involved with technology at a young age, so they will already have the foundation necessary for more advanced work later on.

Mr. Bladt has already started putting change into motion. He has set up several exciting new developments, such as a computer coding week and the purchase of two 3-D printers. In fact, the school has already gathered a group of students to learn how to operate these new printers. Mr. Bladt believes that by working with new tools, people will better understand their real-life uses. This philosophy is what motivates his energetic promotion of using technology in education.

St. George’s is moving into a new era. While this transition into new technologies may be rocky, it will be worth the frustration. It is hoped that through these innovations, the school can open new venues for learning, selfexpression, and interaction. Students will be better prepared to graduate and move out into the world.

On September 9, 2013, a section de-

voted to Behavioral Health Services at Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, Pennsylvania began the country’s first inpatient treatment program for Internet addiction.

A growing number of scientists now recognize overuse of the Internet as a crippling addiction for people who may become mentally attached to the availability of entertainment, such as gaming and social media. Research has shown that the fusion of social activities and modern technology such as laptops, cell phones, and tablets has had some negative effects that decrease productivity in work places.

Students of St. George’s are exceptionally familiar with the use of technology in their elementary through high school curriculum. A recent survey of 145 students has shown the importance of the Internet in the lives of the school’s students. Nearly 100% of the students possessed Internet connection at their homes in some form. The fact that 84% of the students said they used the Internet for schoolwork encourages integration of technology and the Internet into educational systems.

However, the next greatest use for the Internet was social media. Although 55% or approximately 80 students out of the surveyed group admitted to commonly using social media, 135 out of the 145 or 93% of the students answered that they

currently have a profile on one of many social media sites.

Twitter is used the most by students at a whopping 70%. Instagram followed with 68%, Facebook with 48%, and Tumblr and Pinterest both had 31% of use by the students.

MySpace, which many people consider outdated since its creation in 2003, and LinkedIn, the occupation-related networking site from the same year, were used the least of the popular social media sites with a usage rate of 2%, forming the bottom tier of the social media pyramid.

Several students reported using the Internet for gaming, watching videos, shopping, reading books, and other purposes. These same uses are facilitating the strong attraction between people and technology.

For the most part, students of St. George’s do recognize excessive Internet use as an addiction, evidenced by the positive response by 61% of the surveyed class. The level of dependence on technology and the Internet to function may be subverting efforts to augment education, but there is a clear benefit of having the power of the Internet at your fingers. For example, this survey, which was conducted as a Google Form, shows that the Internet has expedited journalism and demographic processes.

Regardless, irresponsible and excessive Internet use is a precarious consequence of the World Wide Web.

ACT/SAT scores do matter Home built for tennis program Continued From Page 1

The truth is that SAT and ACT scores are important for colleges to make quick admissions decisions in regards to a larger applicant pool. That being said, SAT and ACT scores do not fully reflect a student’s success in college.

The best indicator for how well a student will do in the later years of their education is most likely their high school grades. According to Bob Schaeffer, the public education director of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing says, “High school grades— even with all the variety between schools and courses—are better predictors of a teenager’s performance in higher education.”

The SAT and ACT simply test how well a student takes tests, but they do not necessarily reflect a student’s college preparedness.

As Ms. Beverly Brooks, Assiociate Director of College Guidance, said, “Some kids just don’t test well.”

Recognizing that these tests are coachable, it is not so much the knowledge of the student that the test examines, but rather how well the student takes tests and how much money the child is willing or able to spend on studying.

According to Post Local, a facet of the Washington Post located in Washington D.C., the “strongest correlation to any single factor is family income,” and “average SAT scores increase with every $20,000 in addi-

tional family income.”

Students who come from what is considered a financially stable background tend to be able to practice these tests and work with tutors for the SAT and ACT. This along with greater foundational education proves to create the gap within the range of scores.

Which test (ACT or SAT) a student should take heavily depends on the school – or schools – to which they are applying.

According to the Metropolitan Education Commission, ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. “ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read.

On the SAT, you must need to spend time figuring out what you’re being asked before you can start solving the problem.” The SAT is known for having a stronger emphasis on vocabulary, yet comparatively, the ACT has a science section and tests students on more advanced math concepts.

Mr. Gibson said, “Take both [tests]. I think everybody should take both the ACT and the SAT. Some students will gravitate toward one or the other, some students will do well in both.”

Taking both tests may seem daunting when taking even one strikes terror into the hearts of many, but it is important to remember that your results, good or bad, do not necessarily reflect your potential for success as a student.

Shiloh Tribble ’15

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Source: Lexie Marotta ‘15

f you have not yet noticed, there is a new addition to the St. George Collierville Campus: the Lightman Tennis Center.

This new building practically sprang up from the ground over the summer, yet numerous students and faculty members questioned how long it had been there, cementing the building as a permanent fixture of the campus.

Without the generosity, vision, and collaboration of Jere McGuffee and Michael Lightman, the tennis center would not exist as it does today. These two men and their families not only donated to have this building built, they devoted their vision and passion for tennis to advance the program that is led by the Bran brothers, Coaches Mark and Ronny.

These four men worked together to show their shared love of tennis. The building is designed to further and promote the tennis program which has experienced tremendous success over the past year, hosting numerous tournaments over the year.

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St. George’s Independent School

Swans fly into basketball season

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Sports

Heating up the holidays with festive races Taylor Owens’15

Cartoons by Courtney Harshbarger ’15

to find different ways to celebrate this holiday season?

Ever wanted to run in a race? This winter, Memphis, and specifically Shelby Farms, is hosting a series of running events that are holidaythemed to get every Memphian in the spirit.

The Ugly Sweater Run at Shelby Farms on December 21st boasts to

such as “best real mustache, best fake mustache, best beard, worst sweater, and best sweater.”

This 5K has a unique and festive flair with its inclusion of a hot chocolate station instead of an average water station. The Ugly Sweater Run is a great way to unwind during the stressful shopping season with huge inflatables, photo booths, holiday music, and holiday themed stations throughout the course.

Trying

Source: Bailey PiNkernell ’14 The Senior Swans Don Their Vibrant blue uniformS.

William Brown ’14

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t is wintertime at St. George’s, which can mean several things. All the students are preparing for the holidays, and Christmas decorations are going up in the hallways. The air is getting colder, and the seniors are completing some last minute college applications. It is also basketball season, and with basketball season comes the infamous Swans’ season.

The Swans organization is heading into its seventh year of existence. Two members of the Class of 2011, Preston Brown and Blake Edwards started the team in 2007, and it has continued ever since. The previous two years, the Swans have competed in the Collierville recreational league at the Collierville Community Center.

Although the past few years have been disappointing and full of loss, this year’s entirely senior team, led by Coach Worth Woodyard, appears to be a championship bound team. Three new Swans’ members, Dean Brown, Scott Mullahey, and Zach Lane will be joining the team this year and bring much needed height to the court.

Grant Hirschman will be back after leading the team in scoring for the past two

years, and is looking to continue to be a three point threat. Chancellor Zaugg, otherwise known as the Flyin’ Hawaiian, is much more agile this season after taking tap dancing lessons during the offseason.

Ryan Tornillo, better known as Frodo, should continue to handle the basketball well against the mediocre defenses and score in the paint. Also, the infamous bench mob is stronger this year than ever before as Eiad Gannam, Worth Woodyard, Josh Warlick, and Walt Kearny (who will carry the nickname Viper this year) are all better – specifically, faster – than they were last year.

Yet, there are some obstacles standing in the way. The Tropics, the defending champions, are back and seem to be the favorite to win it all. The Jungle Kats and The Grindfathers will be tough competition as usual. In addition, new talent is coming in from across the Memphis area to compete in this league as it continues to get more competitive. However, this team has grown close over the four years that they have played together and look ready to win that championship ring.

being the best holiday 5K in Memphis. At this event, every participant is encouraged to come decked out in their ugliest Christmas wear and have a great time running and admiring everyone else’s ugly sweaters.

The race is known for having participants that don themselves in the wackiest of Christmas attire and Santa hats alike. After the race is over, different holiday goodies are given out in addition to awards

A week later, on December 28th, Shelby Farms is also hosting the Starry Nights 4K Fun Run. This event is for people of all ages, walking or running, who come out and enjoy the locally famous Starry Nights lights located throughout Shelby Farms during the Christmas season.

This run is great for those who want to see the lights outside of their car and want to get into the Christmas spirit. The popular stars and rocket ships at the entrance of the park will draw you in and keep you captivated and feeling festive for the remainder of the holidays.

Coaches tell all about the upcoming winter sports season Swimming:

“Our girls are defending the county champion title. To maintain this title we will have to have continued development of our freshmen and sophomores. There are 24 teams in the county and it crosses all divisions. To defend the championship we will have to defeat Houston, Collierville, Germantown, Memphis Home Schoolers, and White Station.

The boys placed 4th last year behind Home School, MUS, and Collierville. It will be a big step for us to move forward. The county championship is February 1 at St. Georges and the state meet is February 14-15 in Nashville. Our team is led by the senior class of Wil Barton, Calla Michalak, Brynna Bartlett, Rachel Howard, Michael Kutteh, Will Atkins, and Anna Merino.”

-Coach Rob Snowberger

Girls’ Basketball:

Winter Sport Atheletes Assemble With Coaches.

Source: Alexis Sweda

Paige Marotta’ 17

Wrestling:

“Coming off a strong finish to the past season in which St. George’s Wrestling defeated both Fayette Academy and Briarcrest to finish first in the region, the wrestlers have been working hard throughout the offseason to carry this momentum into the 2013-14 sea

son. With home matches against challenging competition such as Briarcrest, Fayette Academy, and Christian Brothers, the wrestling team would love to see the student body come out in full force and enjoy one of the world’s oldest and most exciting sports.”

-Coach Jeff Brant

“The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team is looking to build off of last season’s success. We return with eight girls on the varsity roster, and the experience from last year’s 22-9 record will be valuable in this season’s success.

The four seniors, Catherine Cantu, Lindsey Cayce, Madison Lathum, and Shelby Sims will provide senior leadership and lead the team to succeed in our league. It is going to be a fun and exciting season for the Lady Gryphons on the hardwood. The team made it to sub-state last season, and hope to make

it to the final four in Nashville this season.”

-Coach Scott Crockett

Boys’ Basketball:

“We will have a team consisting of four freshmen, Christian Despeaux, Corey Jones, Chase Hayden, and Noah Pope; three juniors, Justin Wertner, Connor Green, and Justin Scott, and four seniors, Colin Kraus, Jack Matula, Jack Dunavant, and Davis Selberg. Last year we were 22-9 and won our division of the region. Our boys’ basketball program has been one of the Top 5 winning programs in the Shelby Metro area since its’ inception as a program 9 years ago and we’ve won state championships in 2007 and 2010 as well as several regional championships. This years’ team will consist of a combination of varsity returnees as well as newcomers to the varsity level. Our goals always include having success first within our regional to put ourselves in the best position we can for the postseason as well as playing the many larger schools that we play competitively. I’m very excited about the potential of this year’s team and particularly about the good balance of post and perimeter players that we’ll have. We will be a relatively young team but I feel like we’ll have a very successful season if we all work hard to develop good chemistry and focus on playing with great effort defensively.”

-Coach Jeff Ruffin

December

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St. George’s Independent School

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Sports

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Sochi hosts all things Students play year-round ice for 2014 Olympics

Lexie Marotta ’15

In

February of 2014, the 22nd Winter Olympics will take place in Sochi, Russia. From February 7th through the 23rd, athletes from all over the world will compete for the gold in winter-related sports such as ice-skating, curling, and cross- country skiing.

The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be the first hosted by Russia; the Soviet Union hosted the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow. The games will take place in two locations: a

coastal site for ice events in Sochi, and a mountain site in the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains about thirty minutes away from the city.

The Sochi Olympic Park will be built along the Black Sea coast in the Imeretinskaya Valley, where venues such as the Bolshoi Ice Palace, the Maly Ice Palace, the Olympic Oval, the Sochi Olympic Skating Centre, the Olympic Curling Centre, the Central Stadium, the Main Olympic Village, and the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre were built specifically for the 2014 Games. The mountain location will be home to all of the skiing and sliding sports.

The city of Sochi has excitedly embraced the role of host city for the Winter Games. The committee responsible for organizing the Olympic Games has set out to minimize the environmental impact, especially limiting greenhouse gas emission and implementing energy efficient technology throughout the venues.

Another unique aspect of the preparations for the games is the journey of the Olympic torch. The torch’s journey is designed to celebrate Russian culture and history, from all the good parts to all the bad parts. The torch was originally sent to the International Space Station and will be taken across the Russian arctic to the North Pole.

Football snags second in State

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for club teams

Source: Brad Allen

A Memphis Junior Volleyball Academy team Prepares for a Game.

Carly Owens’18

When you walk onto a Mem-

phis Juniors volleyball court, a competitive air and the urge to do your best is unavoidable. The same feeling occurs when you jump into the freezing cold waters of a Memphis Thunder swimming pool, or run onto a green Lobos Rush soccer field.

Many St. George’s students play club or competitive sports during the off-season for that particular sport. There are a wide variety of clubs, yet not all sports offer a club season. Club sports are used to help athletes improve their skills recreationally and outside of school-based athletics. Club sports are typically more competitive and are played in a tenser environment.

Club volleyball “is usually more competitive, is played at a higher level, and the game is faster,” said Roxanna Wood ’15. Club and competitive sports seem to be more pressured, rather than a relaxed environment.

“I practice six times a week,” says Gabby Acker ’18 of her Memphis Thunder swim team. “During club sports, you get the opportunity to

grow with your team; you learn each others strengths and weaknesses,” said Carolyn Lane ’18 on her Lady Lobos Rush soccer team.

Some volleyball clubs include, but are not limited to, Memphis Metro Volleyball, Memphis Juniors Volleyball, and Memphis Volleyball Academy.

Some competitive swim teams include the Germantown Swim Team and Memphis Tiger swimming.

Soccer clubs include Purple Rain Soccer Club for Girls, and Soccer Olé (which teaches a Brazilian style of soccer). The Germantown Baseball Club and AAU basketball are also ever-present in the athletic lives of St. George’s students.

St. George’s students use club sports as a tool to expand and improve their skills outside of their regular season.

This, as a whole, reflects just how motivated St. George’s athletes are.

The students of St. George’s strive to improve their skills no matter the dedication and time that it takes to do so. St. George’s students are extremely determined to advance their abilities in their respective sport so that when the school season comes around, they are more than prepared to do better than the past season.

Source: Katie Scott Sellers’14

he Gryphons varsity football team traveled to Cookeville, Tennessee on Thursday December 5th to compete in the state championship game. St. George’s, who was 9-3 going into the game, went on to play the Knoxville Webb Spartans who had a record of 9-2. At the end of the first half the Gryphons were tied with the Spartans 14-14, but fell behind late in the third quarter. Although St. George’s fell to the Spartans with a score final of 28-14, the Gryphons football team came out in an overall successful season with a winning record of 9-4.

Lexie Marotta ‘15 Holds on To a Diving Block during a Memphis Thunder Swim Meet.

Source: Rhonda Mahan

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December

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St. George’s Independent School •

Student Life

Student praises Writing Center Record numbers rally to support football team for her success at State championship Virginia Whitsitt’14

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Several Writing Center tutors edit papers on a Monday afternoon.

Madison lathum’14

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ne of the most helpful services provided to students is that of the Writing Center. This center is open after school in the library and helps students improve their writing for papers or essays. I have been to the Writing Center a few times and requested their help on papers, and I must say that it was a great decision.

I will usually get one of the readers to edit my paper, helping me to make it sound as well written as possible. Sometimes, if I need help organizing my thoughts or coming up with a good outline, I would request help from someone in the Writing Center.

It is such a good way to turn your average paper into an excellent piece of writing. One day this year, I went to the center for help

editing a paper, and once I took the advice and corrections that they gave me, I turned my paper into one that I was proud of turning in.

One of the main things I love about the Writing Center is the people that work in it. They are always so helpful, no matter who you go to for help. They are there to help you improve your writing, and no matter what your request, they will help in any way that they can.

One student that volunteers is senior Brittany Correia. She said, “I enjoy what people are writing.

I have been reading the ten page essays for the SIS class. It is fun to see what my peers are writing.”

I think that it is so great that we have a service like this on campus, available to any student who needs it. A big piece of advice to

Students take oath against texting and driving

Source: Kellen Young ’14

anyone reading this would be to go to the center whenever you have a big paper or even just a smaller essay. They will turn your paper from one that would receive a B, into one worthy of an A, and that is what makes their help so amazing.

Besides the writing center, there are also other centers at St. George’s. These helpful centers are for Math, Science, and Foreign Languages. These centers, like the writing center, are student lead with the help of a teacher from each of these three subjects as an overseer.

Students can go to any of the different centers with homework, projects, or papers. They will be able to get the help they need and better their understanding of the subject they are looking for help in.

outside the Collierville Campus.

Source: Molly Courtney ‘15

Emily Dickey’14 St. George’s Student Senate unveiled their “Just Drive” campaign the week of November 11th. A demolished car was placed on the front lawn of the school to serve as a reminder of the possible repercussions of distracted driving, with a specific emphasis placed on texting and driving. Each student was asked to contemplate their pledge to responsible driving and encouraged to hold their fellow drivers accountable.

Symbolic of their promise to take responsibility for their actions, the students signed the wrecked vehicle.

St. George’s Students filled the stands at the Division II-A State Championship game against Knoxville Webb School.

Source: Katie Scott Sellers ’14

Dawn of winter brings many holidays Meredith Gatlin ’14

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Several St. George’s students sign the Wrecked Vehicle

early two hundred St. George’s students traveled to Cookeville, Tennessee to cheer on the varsity football team in the state championship game on Thursday, December 5th. The students arrived bursting with spirit in order to support the players, confronting the seemingly relentless rain and plunging temperatures. Needless to say, the students represented the football team’s theme of “family” as the sound of chants and shakers resounded in the stadium.

t is that time of year again, the season full of Holiday cheer. This means cold weather, hot drinks, festive songs, and presents. However, it seems presents become more important each year. Advertising companies have a field day as their buyers are filled with holiday excitement. Every commercial seems to be about a huge sale or where to buy the perfect present for your family members and friends.

Even though presents are fun, it is not the most important thing in December. The most important thing is the religious holidays that occur this time of year.

Hanukah is a Jewish tradition that celebrates rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is an eight-day celebration where people light a unique candle called the Menorah.

The Menorah is a ninebranch candle that commemorates the temple also named

Menorah. This year, Hanukah was celebrated November 27th through December 5th.

The Buddhist religion also has a holiday this time of year, known as Bodhi Day. Buddhists celebrate this holiday on December 8th. This holiday was made to honor the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment and is called Bodhi because in Sanskrit, a scholarly language for Buddhism, “Bodhi” means enlightenment.

Buddhists will either have an extra meditation that day or have a traditional meal of tea and cake.

Another unique holiday celebrated in December is the Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe. This holiday was held on December 9th. On this day Catholic Mexicans celebrate when the famous Lady of Guadalupe made an apparition in San Juan Diego.

This is an important holiday in Mexico because Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico’s patron saint.

Probably the most common religious holiday is Christmas. It is a Christian holiday that is annually celebrated on December 25th. It is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and is the close of advent season, which is starts on December 1st and marks the season of Jesus’ birth. It is where Christians remember the story of the birth of Jesus, and is reason for Christmas trees, the decorations consisting of red, green, and gold, and the reason for why we exchange gifts.

As we approach this wonderful time of the year, it is necessary to remember why it is so important. Without these holidays, there would not be a reason to buy gifts or decorate houses or sing beautiful songs. It is fine to give and receive gifts, but remember that it is not about the gifts, but the actual holidays we celebrate.

What is so special about this time of year is that it is full of love and cheer, so make sure to keep that in mind when celebrating the holiday season.

December

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St. George’s Independent School

A day in the life of food service

Student Life

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Young Life Caupernaum warms students’ hearts MEredith Gatlin ’14

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Members of the Lunch Staff stand in front of a Christmas Tree.

Source: Zoe Leake’14

Continued From Page 1 After the first three middle school lunches are finished, Ms. Connie, Ms. Liz, and Ms. Brenda have to prepare more food for the high school lunches. Then, after every high schooler has been through, they restock again for the next day.

In order to conclude their day at 2:30, all of the dishes have to be washed and put away properly before they leave.

The incredibly large amount of

energy that the ladies put into our everyday lunches is mind-blowing.

The lunch staff puts in hard work so that we can have smiles on our faces when we eat and be healthily fed.

Keep in mind the full day of work dedicated to serving the students at St. George’s. The next time you get served or helped from anyone on the lunch staff, tell them thank you and show your appreciation for them and all their work.

Chorus grows with new additions

oung Life and Wyld Life are Christian Youth Groups founded by the Young Life Foundation. These two organizations are for students across the nation to learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, there is one similar organization that students may not have heard of: Young Life Capernaum.

Young Life Capernaum is a club based off of Young Life and is for kids with special needs. Ms. Susan Greene founded this wonderful organization in Memphis during May 2011. She has a strong passion for Capernaum.

Ms. Greene said, “My favorite aspect of Capernaum is that my high school friends are given the opportunity to have true friendships with their peers and adults in their lives- that they are able to experience Jesus through the fullness of adventure, laughter, and relationships; that they are valued for who they are and how they are created.”

Teenagers and kids with special needs meet every other Friday night from six to eight at Christ Methodist Church for Capernaum. The night starts out with dinner, which consist of either pizza or sandwiches. Once everyone is full of yummy food, everyone plays fun games that students would normally see at Young Life or Wyld Life.

The room Capernaum takes place in is

filled with music, and the teenagers and kids singing along to fun songs.

Everyone then sits down and listens to Ms. Greene give a devotional. The whole night is full of fun and excitement for everyone participating.

Many high school and college students volunteer to be buddies for Young Life Capernaum. A few St. George’s students including myself volunteer at Capernaum. Senior Bailey Pinkernell said, “It was such a fun experience, and it was inspirational to see the kids reflect Jesus in their happiness and kindness.”

Sophomore Katherine Clayton said, “I was moved, seeing those kids so happy and full of life despite their disabilities.” Some other fellow SGIS volunteers include sophomores Sope Adele and Brenan Wheeler as well as seniors Lindsey Cayce, Anna Buress, Caitlyn Stover, and Robert Schutt.

I encourage every SGIS student to consider volunteering for Young Life Capernaum. It is only two hours out of a Friday night, and it is a great way to make new friends, step out of your comfort zone, and serve others. So either way it is a win-win.

If you love Young Life and Wyld Life, then you will absolutely love Young Life Capernaum.

The St. George’s upper school choir performes at a Memphis Grizzlies Game.

Source: Kathy Knowles

Disabled Children and Counselors meet At Christ United Methodist Church.

John Kutteh ‘16

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he choral department at St. George’s has grown by leaps and bounds since Mr. Dennis Whitehead became the Director of Choral Arts. One of the main things he has done to help the choir grow is to expand the performance opportunities for the choir.

Recently, the choir sang the national anthem at a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game, performed with other fantastic Memphis area school choirs in a Christmas concert at Bellevue Baptist Church, and received the highest possible score at a choral competition.

Mr. Whitehead is very well connected, which means that he knows many exceptional accompanists and musicians who enhance the quality of performances.

Sophomore William McBride loves these outstanding and professional performances. He said, “The choral performances are always amazing!”

During class, Mr. Whitehead helps the singers improve their musicianship.

This means that he encourages good tone, articulation, and blend throughout the choir, as well as paying attention to the dynamics of the music and

many other things. Senior Mia Bargiacchi said, “We have really grown as a choir over the last few years. I have truly enjoyed watching our transformation.”

He has also helped the students within choir grow by creating a choral leadership team. This team is composed of the president and vice president of the choir (senior Robert Schutt and junior Julia Spinolo, respectively), treasurer (sophomore Sope Adeleye), secretaries (juniors Allie Buckmaster and Sarah Moon), librarians (sophomore William McBride and senior Shane Talley), and section leaders. These choral officers’ jobs include directing the choir, ordering concert attire and music, and handling financial matters.

In September, the members of chorus took part in auditions for All-West, which is an honor choir composed of the top singers from the region. This year, Schutt, Moon, and sophomores John Kutteh and Duncan Daniel, qualified for membership in this choir.

The choral department is making great strides towards being an elite choir and continues to grow with the help of their director, Mr. Whitehead.

Source: Suzanne Williams

Lower school revels in the spirit of Christmas Taylor Owens’15

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he holiday spirit that has infiltrated St. George’s Lower Schools is reminiscent of the naïve but extremely hilarious personality of Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” The youth of St. George’s are experiencing the early stages of happy euphoria and dreaminess of the holiday season that occurs during one’s childhood. The excitement and eagerness in their voices never ceased when they were asked about their favorite part of the holidays.

The lines started to grow longer and longer as the boys and girls were waiting with wide eyes and delighted smiles to share their innocent ponderings about the holiday season, some more amusing than others. Their responses ranged from the sincerest remarks about their love for spending time with their family to the hysterical and spontaneous comments that revealed their obvious excitement over the season.

Briggs Hill, Class of 2028: “My favorite thing is…stickers!”

Owen Robinson, Class of 2028: “I like transformer dinosaurs.”

Mark Abraham, Class of 2024: “It’s Jesus’ birthday! And we get presents!”

Lindsey Baker, Class of 2026: On Hanukkah: “I like presents and being with my family.”

West Forbes, Class of 2028: “Playing.”

Veronica Velychko, Class of 2027: “I love taking presents.”

Dylan Seinfeld, Class of 2027: “My favorite thing about Christmas is Santa Claus gave me some presents, um, because, um, I like getting new toys.”

Evan Asbell, Class of 2026: “PRESENTS!!!

And…the Sun.”

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December

St. George’s Independent School

Praise for Ms. Simmons: The “Wonder Woman” of the upper school

Student Life

All we want for Christmas is...

Courtney Harshbarger ’15

Dagny Vaughn’14

Caitlin Johnson ’14: Zachary Quinto Emina Umarov ’20: a Polaroid Camera Leann Beard ’14: a reality check for Caitlin Lindsey Cayce’14

Ms. Simmons helps Virginia Whitsitt’14 in the Upper school office.

Lindsey Cayce ’14

The St. George’s community

is full of teachers, students, and parents who are genuinely kind and giving people, but there are a select few who seem to standout among the rest. Ms. Marianne Simmons is one of these people.

Serving as the Testing Coordinator and Administrative Assistant to Upper School Director, Ms. Simmons is always willing to stop what she is doing and hand out a piece of candy, some good advice, or simply listen to whatever the students have to say.

Here are a few “Thank You’s” from upper school students for Ms. Simmons.

Alexis Margaritis ’16: “I love Ms. Simmons because she always has a smile on her face! She is happy to help with whatever I need. She brightens everyone’s day, and is delightful

Julia Spinolo ’15: Starship Enterprise Catie Wilcheck ’14: Bradley Cooper

to talk to! I am so grateful for all she does!”

Lauren Marotta ’17: “Thank you Ms. Simmons for all you do! Even though it is not part of her job, she always has treats for the students. We really appreciate her for always making our day better.”

A lot of people can talk, but few people can truly listen. Ms. Simmons is one of those people who can truly listen to you. She is one of the nicest people I know, and she brings a lot of joy to the students. I cannot imagine what St. George’s would be like without her.”

Christian Despeaux ’17: a Pomeranian

Will Courtney ’16: “Ms. Simmons is the person that you can count on to please someone else before herself. She is a very selfless person and no matter what the request is, she is willing to help you with a smile on her face. Every time I see her, she gives me a smile and quick comment to keep me going. She brings a lot of spirit to this school.”

Will Patterson ’16: “Thank you for all of the times that I have almost died of hunger but you were there to replenish my stomach with peanut butter crackers, while keeping your secret stash hidden away from the others. I know I have not been up there as much lately because of all of my classes being downstairs, but I will always make time to stop by the office and give Ms. Simmons my greetings while munching down on some Reese’s.

Thank you very much for all that you have done!”

Caroline Cannon ’15: Ryan Gosling wearing an apron and holding a puppy at the finish line of my cross-country race

Chancellor Zaugg ’14: “Ms. Simmons brightens my day every time I see her. She always listens to what you have to say.

Anatomy students venture to Georgia Emily Dickey’14

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rom November 18 to November 19, students of Mrs. Underwood’s Anatomy and Physiology class left Tennessee for an educational trip in Atlanta, Georgia.

After the 6.5 hour drive, the students were able to visit “Bodies: The Exhibition” at the Atlantic Station in order to study topics such as the muscular system, integumentary system, and skeletal system.

Students also spent time at the Center for Disease Control. At the federal facility, students looked at the history of dangerous diseases and regional epidemics, including HIV/AIDS, polio, and smallpox.

Alexa Basinger’14 and Emily Dickey’14 wear hazardous Material suits Source: Kalyn Underwood

Austin Wall ’19: to dance with my crush Preston Vihlen ’15: the facial hair of a man Chancellor Zaugg ’14: a hovercraft that can turn into a submarine and a car and can fit into my pocket

Abbigayle Roberts ’17: a puppy Evan Dorian ’19: a Klingon Dictionary Mrs. Hoppe: to go on vacation Kelsey Pepper ’15: a One Direction CD Pearce Trenary ’14: a paper airplane Jared Whitaker ’16: my two front teeth Shane Talley ’14: telekinesis Michael Porter ’16: a car Caroline Farrell ’17: my sister who lives in Alaska to come home Eric LoCoiscio ’20: a new basketball goal Ryan Tornillo ’14: a giraffe Mr. Tarjan: a new house Laura Beard ’19: two half-pound Reese’s Cups Hannah Wirth ’19: a giant box of Nerds candy Sofia Rivera-Peraza ’19: a zoo Kayley Crews ’20: to go to Vail, CO Francesca Healy ’16: socks Hayden Hodges ’20: water speakers Ms. Simmons: peace and harmony amongst my family Ryan Bray ’17: a PlayStation 4