Gryphon Gazette, Issue 5, 2014-15

The

Gryphon Gazette

May 2015

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The Student Voice of St. George’s Independent School

• Volume XIII, Issue V

Sarah Acuff

Congratulations Class of 2015!

Two left feet The time I tried to learn to swing dance Annie Vento ’17

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s I picture myself walking into St. George’s prom, I am immediately greeted with couples dancing elegantly to music that my great-grandparents most likely listened to at their proms. The twirling and swinging is enough to enchant anyone. Although I never pictured myself being able to pick up a type of dance quickly, seeing everyone swing dancing with ease motivates me to seek it out and learn more so that I can have as great of a time as them.

Swing dancing is a style of dance that is quickly taking St. George’s

by storm. Following prom in 2013 at the Fire Museum, students and the Prom Committee rallied together to steer the type of dancing into a different direction.

“A large group of students enjoyed swing dancing at cotillion and wanted to replicate it at school dances,” Mr. Timothy Gibson said.

“From my recollection, this was all student-initiated. We were clear that the dirty dancing was inappropriate, and they took it from there.”

Follow your seniors’ stories In print

On the web

- Senior Memories

- Caroline’s Column:

News

- Senior Wills

Entertainment

- College Map

Entertainment

how to high school Columns

- Seniors on the move

interactive story map Multimedia

- Senior art gift News

Cont. on Page 2

Top Stories News • Two left feet

Features

Sports

• St. George’s welcomes • Athletes weigh in on new head

committing early

Entertainment • Emma Larson ’24 reviews “Home”

Opinion • Mr. Taylor’s departing thoughts

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News

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The Gryphon Gazette

Two left feet Continued from page 1

Connor Funck ’16 and Annie Vento ’17 prepare to swing dance at Blue Suede Ballroom. At the practice, the instructor, Jonathan, taught the “neutral stance,” how to turn and how to swing your partner or be swung.

Grant Webb

Aside from the trademark swings classmates are Ren McCormacks. and dips, swing dancing consists Without being a naturally-skilled of four basic steps in the “neutral dancer, swing dancing for threestance,” which are a slow step to and-a-half hours while attempting the left, slow step to the right, fast to have the prom night you’ve alstep forwards with your left foot ways dreamed of can be incredibly and another fast step backwards daunting.

This was what went through my with your right foot. This rhythm mind when emerged from “Many are struck with anxiety planning for the beat of jazz music, since the over, in “Footloose” terms, prom, and it two arose along- being the Willard while all immediately gave me a feelside each other, of your fellow classmates are ing of anxiety including songs and panic, as by well-known Ren McCormacks.” it is no secret artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong to my friends and family that I have and Duke Ellington. If you like no dancing talent whatsoever. To music by these performers, you me, the most logical, and hopefully most effective, solution was to take probably also like swing music.

However, no matter how much dance classes beforehand. While you may enjoy listening to swing this would not transform me into a music, dancing to it is a different stellar dancer no matter how many story. Many are struck with anxi- lessons I took, it would enable me ety over getting to the dance floor to dance, or at least let me fake it and, in “Footloose” terms, being until I make it.

After doing some research on the Willard while all of your fellow

dance studios in Memphis, I recruited Allie Buckmaster, Connor Funck and Grant Webb [a member of the Gryphon Gazette staff ] to take swing dance lessons with me at Blue Suede Ballroom in Memphis, Tenn. I called beforehand to book a private lesson for the four of us, which was about 16 dollars per person, and then we worked oneon-one with our instructor, Jonathan.

At first, the lesson felt awkward because the four of us had no idea of how to swing dance and being taught by a professional resurfaced that knowledge and made me feel insecure about my dancing. However, after getting the rhythm down and learning a few steps, the lesson became less difficult and more amusing. Jonathan even told us at one point that we were “very good,” which was a great self-esteem boost.

Whether or not you are a “very good” swing dancer, swing dancing is one of the most exciting ways to spend your night because trying to swing and listening to music that is from a completely different generation gives prom a unique and memorable feel.

“I think that people enjoy swing dancing because it’s a great way to interact with your date,” Ashley McDuffie, president of the Prom Committee, said. “There are always new swing dance moves that you can try, which keeps dancing exciting.”

I can now say with confidence that I know how to swing dance in place, swing dance while moving and be swung. Although it may appear that we did not learn a significant amount to someone who knows how to swing dance well, I walked away from the class feeling that I had learned enough to where I could attend prom and not be awkward.

That being said, the class did leave me wanting to learn more because of how entertaining and fulfilling it was. After attending, I

told my friends that are going to prom about the class and recommended Blue Suede Ballroom to them, whether they want to learn swing dancing for prom like I did or learn something different for fun.

Hot Shots Booth Gallery Allie Buckmaster ’15, Annie Vento ‘17, Grant Webb ‘16 and Sam Hyde ‘16 pose in the photo booth at prom. This year’s prom was held in downtown Memphis.

If you are feeling the same anxiety that I was about swing dancing at school dances or other functions, I would highly recommend a quick 45-minute class with your date or friends. You may not become Ren McCormack overnight, but you will be able to avoid being the Willard and have a blissful night.

Visit thegryphongazette.org to see The Gryphon Gazette’s 2015 prom video.

Annie Vento Allie Buckmaster ‘15 and Grant Webb ‘16 complete a swing at the end of their lesson. The lesson lasted 45 minutes and was taught by Johnathan, an instructor at Blue Suede Ballroom.

Mission Statement The Gryphon Gazette is dedicated to serving as an authentic voice for the students of St. George’s Independent School. We at the Gryphon Gazette strive to be an open forum for student expression, to act in the best interests of the student body and to embody the principles of journalistic excellence.

Newspaper Staff Layout Editor Caroline Cannon Features Editor Katie Boyle & Kai Taylor

Co-Editors-in-Chief Lexie Marotta & Taylor Owens

Advisor

Dr. Margaret Robertson

Copy Editors

Juliana Wall

Sports Editor Juliana Wall

News Editor

Nathan Weinreich

Entertainment Editor

Opinion Editor

Anna Marie Beard, Heather Stevenson, & Annie Vento

Photo Editor

Tatum Nix

Miriam Brown & Annie Vento

Courtney Harshbarger

Staff Writers Zach Obaji, Grant Webb, & Emily Persons

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The Student Voice of St. George’s Independent School

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News

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Senior memories Taylor Owens ’15

Mrs. Amanda Hill: “JULIA SPINOLO telling me the first week of school that I’d better be ready because she got the English award in elementary school. She’s still a powerhouse.”

Mrs. Marianne Simmons: “I will miss.....

1) The Class of 2015’s spontaneity and energy 2) I will miss JACK GLOSSON’s telling me every day he loves me 3) I will miss ANNA DUNAVANT’s not using my iPhone charger 4) I will miss nursing MOLLYMr. Patrick McGraw: “When COURTNEY’s wounds.”

LEAH HODGKISS was in sixth grade, I had morning duty in the dining hall watching the stuMrs. Kalyn Underwood: “ALLIE dents. I loved the duty because it gave me a chance to get to know BUCKMASTER sings everywhere sixth graders before I taught them she goes. Songs or random stateseventh-grade English. When I ments are all done in rhythm. asked Leah her name, she told me what is was, but then she said, DAVIS BATY using a strange ‘But I would prefer that you call me Leshantavius Demonte Tsu- voice to personify Tobasco, the nami.’ I remembered that name taxidermied fish in the bio room. because I enjoyed Leah’s crazy sense of humor. To this day, JOEL PORTER is quite possibly when I see Leah in the hallway, about half of the time I will call the smartest kid in the class. her by her nom de plume.”

Mr. Tony Whicker: “This is the last of my three sons to graduate from SG (Nick ‘06, Paul ‘09). It is going to be difficult to let him go, but that’s life. It has been a rare privilege to teach and coach with TIM WHICKER here at this school. Lots of memories, especially winning the soccer state championship in 2013 and going to the finals last year.”

Mrs. Desiree Allen: “I remember when the Class of 2015 was in sixth grade. There was a talent contest in the dining hall during lunch with singing, guitar hero and pie in the face. This class loves to have fun! Another time, I brought cupcakes for the entire sixth grade during lunch in honor of my mom’s birthday.

This class helped me through a difficult loss with love and laughter, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.”

NELSON LEE is just awesome.

Smart, funny, calm. He’s going to own college.

JAKE EPPERSON having his name changed to Jack Sanders in anatomy class. Despite his protests, it seems like ANTHONY FANELLI and JAMES CLOUTIER won that one.

SARAH MOON is one of most intuitive people I know. She seems to always know when something is amiss in someone else’s mood. She also consistently comments on fashion decisions, so I know when an outfit I’ve chosen is a fail because she doesn’t say anything about it. I appreciate that she lacks a filter in that way.

COLEMAN YOUNG probably never studied for my bio tests and would still come out with a MOLLY MCEWAN scored high- 94 percent. How did he do that? er on my fall anatomy exam than I did. I had an error on my scantron, so she actually aced it while I MCCARTHY ROBINSON is a missed one. challenge, but if teachers had favorites, he’d be one of mine. You always know what he thinks of HEATHER SCHAEFER is something. adored by all kids. Seriously, my kids ask when I’m leaving so they can play with Heather.

The Class of 2015 is a very special group. You’ve got every kind I told CONNOR GREEN I was of personality smashed together, giving him an assigned seat in bio, which makes the class both very and he said, ‘Bold move, Under- challenging and very fun to work wood. Bold move.’ Hilarious. with. Hands down the most difficult class I’ve taught because of all of the varieties, but also one How ZACH OBAJI could, in the of my favorites. I can’t wait to see course of one class period, impress what this groups does with the me, make me laugh and then make ridiculous amount of talent that me want to pull my hair out. It’s a it has. It’s going to be awesome. talent he has.

No matter which kid I think of, I smile. I’ll miss all of them.”

CATHERINE MANN asked me if I had my prom dress from the 80s, which is the decade I was born in.

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The Gryphon Gazette

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Features

St. George’s welcomes new head Anna Marie Beard ’15

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n January 5, 2015, St. George’s announced its selection of Mr. J. Ross Peters as the next head of school. This is a bittersweet moment for the school community as it marks the end of President William Taylor’s time at St. George’s.

“I was here when [the Collierville campus] was just dirt,” Mr. Taylor said. “It’s difficult for me to leave because I’ve seen everything happen here.”

cation at Trinity-Pawling, teaching there for thirteen years and eventually took on the role of Assistant headmaster before making the move to St. George’s.

“I think change is healthy, for me and for the school, but it’s bittersweet and it’s sad for me to leave,” Mr. Taylor said.

The search for a new Head of School began immediately after his announcement of departure. The Board of Trustees assembled search and advisory committees to oversee the candidate search and evaluation process. The search committee gathered a selection of candidates with the assistance of Educators Collaborative, a firm that specializes in candidate searches for Head of School searches on the behalf of independent schools.

According to Mr. Taylor, the committees were looking for someone with the leadership skills to keep St. George’s growing and thriving.

After conducting the semifinalist and finalist rounds of candidate interviews, the Board of Trustees announced its selection of Mr. Peters.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining you next year,” Mr. Peters said to students via email. “I just wrapped up a two-day visit during which I visited each campus, met with a number of people, and developed a better understanding of the school.”

Mr. Peters is currently the Head of the

“This is a bittersweet moment for the school community...”

This is Mr. Taylor’s 14th year at St. George’s. Originally charged with managing the newly-created Collierville campus, he assumed the position of School President in 2006, which was the same year as the first commencement.

Since then, the Taylor family has thoroughly integrated themselves into the school. Mr. Taylor’s wife, Mrs. Jennifer Taylor, became the Admissions Director for all three campuses. Furthermore, both of the Taylor children are St. George’s alumni, and the eldest, Mr. Wilson Taylor, returned for two and a half years to teach 10th grade English.

On September 19, 2014, Mr. William Taylor announced that he would be leaving St. George’s to become the Headmaster of Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, N.Y. Mr. Taylor actually began his career in edu-

Juliana Wall Mr. J Ross Peters visits the Agape Chapel in April. Mr. Peters will be assuming the role of Head of School in July.

Upper School at Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Ga. He will be transitioning to St. George’s in the middle of July, and he will be joined by his wife, Dr. Katie Peters, and eleven-year-old daughter, Eleanor. Dr. Peters holds a Ph.D. in religious studies and is currently teaching English at Oglethorpe University.

With Mr. Peters’ arrival, his title will be changing from President to Head of School

to better keep with the independent school philosophy.

“I am particularly looking forward to getting to know the class of 2016,” Mr. Peters said. “I met with a few members of that class and heard the brief outlines of some thoughtful proposals for next year, and it is clear they are ready to lead us into and through a great year. See you soon!”

MIND-ALTERING MATH

Extra math classes added to middle school

Students work diligently during eigth period math with Mrs. Rinkes. The new math study hall system means middle school students have study-hall five days a week with math as the sixth.

Katie Boyle

Katie Boyle ’17

T

he administration has added an extra math class to the middle school rotation by taking away a study hall one out of six days in the rotation in order to give students more time to develop their problem solving skills.

In previous years, math teachers have taught their classes four days out of the six day rotation, but now they are able to teach their classes five out of the six days.

“Previously there were always things in the algebra curriculum that I wasn’t able to cover because we didn’t have enough class

time,” Mrs. Sarah Robertson, the 8th grade Mathematics teacher, said.

Teachers felt rushed to cover the required curriculum in order to prepare their students for high school math.

Before, only having the class four days out of the six day rotation required teachers to cramp two or three lessons into one class period. So even if a class did not fully understand the lesson as a whole, the teacher would not have time to take another class to review the material.

“I came from Houston and we had math

every day so I’m glad that it’s no longer four out of six days because I would get really lost,” said seventh grader, Sierra Sellers.

Because of this, students’ basic fundamentals were not as strong as they needed to be going into their high school math classes, which was just one of the multiple contributing factors to the decision to add the class.

“We’re trying to bring that balance between the English and math curriculum to the same amount of instructional hours,” Mrs. Genevieve Hoppe, the Middle School Director, said. Students have the option to take both English and Language Arts, doubling the amount of time spent on English learning, so students can spend twice as much time on English than math.

“Students have the opportunity to practice their reading and writing fluency in every subject, but they don’t necessarily have the opportunity to do that with mathematics,” Mr. William Bladt, the Associate Head of School, said.

Another reason for implementing the extra class period was that the study of mathematics has been proven to alter your brain.

According to a study reported by the Stanford Medicine News Center, as students practice math, they develop the hippocampus, a part of the brain that acts as a base for developing long-term memories, and solving problems by recalling these memories.

Not only does it increase one’s ability to solve math problems, but also solve problems one may be presented with in their everyday life. Hence, the push for the extra class time for students to develop this part of their brain.

In addition to the added math class, the administration has decided to implement

a new course, called Foundations of Math, for a small group of specific middle school students.

The curriculum for the class would be based on the needs of the students enrolled in it with the overall focus on the basic fundamentals of mathematics.

The class would have about 15-18 students enrolled, some who would be required to take it, others who would be recommended, and a few who would opt in for the extra practice.

Instead of starting a foreign language in middle school, these students would take Foundations of Math and wait to start their foreign language in the ninth grade.

The school has a wide range of literacy and numeracy abilities in their students, so their goal is to help each student reach their potential. So far, their efforts have had a positive impact on the student’s math abilities, as well as their confidence in those abilities.

“It is actually really nice because we’re able to do more with the students and get a stronger conceptual understanding of the skills,” Mrs. Dynelle Rinkes, the seventh grade math teacher, said.

It has also allowed students to feel more prepared for their high school math classes.

“I’ve noticed that their fundamentals are stronger so I’ve had to do less Algebra I review,” Mrs. Lisa Ayerst, the ninth grade Geometry teacher, said when talking about the freshman she teaches.

The administration is planning to proceed next year with the added math class and hopes to continue improve the mathematics department.

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The Student Voice of St. George’s Independent School

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Sports

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The early bird gets the worm Athletes weigh in on committing early for college sports Annie Vento ‘17

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Source: Avery Whitehead ​Avery Whitehead poses with her Skywalkers team at a game in Baltimore, ​Md. Whitehead has not yet committed but has began conversations with several colleges.

Emily Elkins ​Connor Green​ ​prepares his swing while up to bat during a baseball game.

He will be attending the​ University of Mississippi this fall.

Source: Justin Wertner

Wertner poses at the University of California at Irvine. He will attend after his mission in Chile.

ypically, students begin seriously thinking about college during their junior year, as was the way for parents and teachers when they were in high school. However, as the process of applying to college becomes only more difficult and competitive, student athletes interested in continuing on with a sport in college are beginning the college process as early as eighth grade.

While committing to a school early relieves athletes of college stress as seniors because they have already decided, in return, it puts pressure on them to know both where they want to attend college and what they want to do at younger age.

Senior Roxanna Wood, who will be attending Elon University next fall to play volleyball, began her recruiting process when she was in ninth grade and verbally committed the summer before her junior year.

While she recognized that doubt about the decision and “a lot of stress in your early years of high school” are downsides, Wood stated that less stress as a senior and having more time to transition into college were benefits.

“I’ve had years to get to know my college and feel comfortable with leaving home to live there,” Wood said.

Meanwhile, eighth-grader Victoria England is in the beginning stages of the recruiting process as she is interested in playing college golf at the University of Texas at Austin. During the summer after her seventh grade year, England began college applications for golf, and college coaches started to approach her and her instructor.

“One benefit is that you have a plan and don’t have to worry about scrambling to find a college when you’re a senior,” England said. “A downside of early college recruiting for me personally is that, every time I play in a golf tournament, that score is recorded and shown to colleges, so it puts pressure on me to play well.”

Junior Sydney Spadafora committed to CarsonNewman University at the beginning of this school year after being recruited at the end of her sophomore year.

“Go to the camps because that’s the best place

to be seen,” Spadafora said on advice for freshmen and sophomore athletes. “Keep bothering [the coaches] and make sure they know who you are.”

Seniors Connor Green and Justin Wertner both began being recruited during their freshmen year and committed early, with Green committing to the University of Mississippi for baseball the summer before his junior year and Wertner committing to play basketball at the University of California, Irvine, the summer before his senior year. “[Being recruited early] can make you become a better player because you start to see your success pay off, so you want to work even harder,” Wertner said, [but] sometimes getting recruited too early can cause athletes to stop working hard and make them think that they have already made it.”

However, they both agreed that taking your time to make a college decision is crucial.

“Make sure it is definitely, without a doubt, the place you want to spend the next four years of your life,” Green said.

In comparison, sophomore Avery Whitehead has not committed to a college, but she began the recruiting process in ninth grade and contacted more coaches seriously and visited different schools since then.

“There are so many colleges out there, so finding the best program for me takes some time,” Whitehead said.

“Lots of people or teammates are committing, so you feel pressure to as well. But, this is a decision that can’t be rushed and sometimes people don’t know what they want in college, especially if you are a freshman.”

Although committing as early as sophomore year may not be the right option for everyone, being recruited and watched by college coaches is inevitable.

Athletes interested in continuing sports in college eventually begin contacting colleges because of how competitive recruiting has become.

“Ultimately, I knew which school I loved and my gut, reasoning and passion all pointed the same direction,” Wood said.

“Trust your instincts [and] don’t let anything slip away.”

“I’ve had years to get to know my college and feel comfortable with leaving home to live there,” said Wood.

“Trust your instincts [and] don’t let anything slip away.”

Skip Miller S​ydney Spadafora juggles the ball against two opposing players. ​Spadafora committed to Carson-Newman University at the beginning of this school year.

Katie Boyle Roxanna Wood gets ready to spike the ball after it was set by another teammate. Wood has been playing on the varsity team since eighth grade.

Amber England England lines up a shot. She is on the varsity team, and she wants to attend the University of Texas at Austin.

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The Gryphon Gazette

Entertainment

Spring and summer fashion made easy Four staples that make for a versatile wardrobe Kai Taylor ‘17

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ummer break is approaching fast and with it, freedom from dress code. From the school hallways to the city streets, these suggestions will get you through comfortably and stylishly. (Sorry boys, this might not work so well for you).

LINEN PANTS

MIDI SKIRT

Linen pants are really comfortable for the summer time and generally have a looser fit which is good for the spring and summer. They can appeal to anyone’s taste with a variety of colors to choose from.

Model: Faith Huff

The midi skirt is a good option for the spring. Not only is it a really retro look, but its various styles range from basic colors to funky prints and designs.

For the spring season, you can wear a lightweight sweater or short-sleeved button up top.

Model: Faith Huff

Kai Taylor

Kai Taylor

DENIM

JUMPSUIT

Whether it’s flare pants, a skirt, or overalls, denim is always a good choice. You could wear denim with denim or pair it with a lively color to give your outfit a pop.

Model: Erica Alexander

Summer hot spots

Jumpsuits are great for spring because they are comfortable and can work in a formal or casual setting. You can opt to wear a jumpsuit to a fancy birthday dinner or to more laid back venues.

Model: Erica Alexander

Kai Taylor

Four resturants to try over the summer

Kai Taylor

Family Fun!

Emma Larson ‘24 reviews “Home”

Courtney Harshbarger ‘15

OTHERLANDS

This cute coffee bar in midtown is the perfect place to spend time over the summer.

Otherlands usually features live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and it is an excellent way to meet artists, musicians and writers. It is also great place to visit for a cup of tasty coffee, and something off the food menu, such as one of their delectable bagel sandwiches.

MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE

Summer would not be complete without pizza, and Memphis Pizza Cafe offers delicious food at a reasonable price.There are five different locations with a large variety of pizzas, salads and sandwiches available. The restaurant has won the “Best Pizza” competition in both the Memphis Magazine’s Subscriber’s Poll and the Memphis Flyer’s Reader’s poll annually since 1994. The pizza dough is made fresh daily, and Memphis Pizza Cafe ensures that only the freshest ingredients are used as toppings.

LAS TORTUGAS

To satisfy a craving for Mexican Food, Las Tortugas is the place to go. The restaurant boasts a refusal to Americanize the process and presentation of cooking traditional Mexican cuisine. Las Tortugas imitates the taquerias of Mexico City and serves high quality authentic Mexican food. The salsa is a delicious Pico de Gallo, and the chips are handmade.

MUDDYS BAKE SHOP

The Muddy’s staff begins each day baking their pastries from scratch. The menu constantly changes as new cupcakes are tried out, but it is first come first serve, so if they run out of a certain flavor, customers are out of luck. There is a wide range of interesting pastries to try, and there are even a few vegan options. The staff does not charge for coffee refills or accept tips, and the shop tries to give back to the community through monthly donations to local non-profit organizations.

Emma Larson ‘24

Ntsang.net

“Home” is a movie about an alien who is the King of the Boov.

The king steals the only egg of a bad alien called the Gorg, and the Gorg chases the Boov. The Boov finally settles on Earth and abducts all the humans to one country. The Gorg uses a tracker to find the Boov and his egg, and...

Oh no! I’ve told you too much. If you want to know more, go see “Home.” I highly recommend this movie for all ages. It’s funny, exciting, and heartwarming- a movie for the whole family. In theaters NOW!

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The Student Voice of St. George’s Independent School

Departing Thoughts

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Opinion

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William W. Taylor, School President

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ne of my favorite adages comes from a Greek proverb. “Society grows,” goes the saying, “when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

While I balk at the adjective “old,” I think often of this saying as I reflect on my years at St. George’s. Literally and figuratively, I have been part of planting trees at St. George’s.

Specifically, I remember when many of the trees around the Collierville campus were planted; I planted several myself. Moreover, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of planting figurative trees across the landscape of St. George’s in the form of new initiatives and programs associated with an expanding school.

As a teacher, I must ask myself what I have learned from this 14 year journey of planting trees. So, here are ten lessons learned from my years at St. George’s:

1. Many people cannot see that which does not already exist; it is up to those who can to paint a picture.

2. St. George’s is an amazing school, distinguished by earnestness, courage, and wonder.

3. Laughter, music, and humility are essential companions on any journey.

4. Things that are important in life must be importantly protected.

5. Healthy risks are a critical aspect of the pursuit of excellence, whether as an individual or as a school.

6. Hard work, faith, and a positive attitude can overcome almost any obstacle.

7. Collaborative wisdom is far more dynamic and valuable than individual intellect 8. Surround yourself with dedicated, smart people and you will always find the right guidance, or re-direction, when you need it the most.

9. Young people are the leaders your future; respect them and their potential.

10. Always look forward. But, always be informed by what lies behind, particularly your mistakes.

All photos courtesy of Communications Mr. Taylor attends the first day at school at all three campuses, Parent Appreciation Day, Homecoming, Rebecca’s Light and participates in the ALS ice bucket challenge in his final year at St. George’s.

After 14 years, the trees distinguishing the landscape of St. George’s have gotten bigger and more mature with time and careful attention. Some, though, have been lost after being battered by the high winds of storms.

Others failed to thrive and were replaced by those that did. Being a part of their planting and growth, though, has been the highlight of my professional career and will be the stuff that informs my memories in the years ahead. I look forward to seeing and hearing about the growing canopy of shade that these trees (and others yet to be planted) will produce in the future.

Onward!

Let’s change ceremonies to afternoons!

Tatum Nix ’15

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s the end of the year swiftly approaches, most students are looking forward to summer and the free time that comes along with it. However, a cloud hovers over the festivities in the shape of the honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Sitting through these awards for an hour or more leaves students weary in the classes that follow. For students who do not receive awards, they may seem hurtful or even pointless. A change should be made, and that change is moving these ceremonies to take place after school.

What are these awards actually praising? Is it the admiration of the student’s desire to learn or solely based on their ability to make the grades?

Students have become obsessed with

the concept of “making the grades.” This is not their fault. Pressure from parents and colleges have forced this change, leaving the desire to learn on the back burner.

Furthermore, as schools honor the students who are able to “make the grades,” the students with a valiant work ethic, yet inability to achieve a certain grade point average are neglected. Not only are they not recognized, but they are also forced to watch the ceremony that honors those individuals they strive to be.

“The award ceremonies might hurt people’s feelings if they worked really hard for a certain award and didn’t get it,” senior Justin Wertner said.

Furthermore, the length of these ceremonies has always been an issue for students.

“It [the Honor Society ceremony] is just too long,” sophomore Shane Horton said.

The students who are able to achieve high academic standards should be honored but in a different way.

The benefits of an after school awards and Honor Society inductions ceremonies Photo Illustration: Emily Persons far outweigh the disadvantag- Award ceremonies continue to be debated. Award ceres. Classes can be carried out emonies and Honor society inductions took place in the according to schedule, parents gym this year. do not have to check siblings out of school in order for them to attend hours of names and pledges.

“CBHS [Christian Brothers High these ceremonies, parents can continue their work day, and most importantly, stu- School] does some of their awards like dents who are not receiving an award or Honor Society inductions after school, title do not have to sit through the endless and I think it’s a really good idea,” senior

OPINION POLICY: The Gryphon Gazette opinion section is a venue for the free expression of student views at St. George’s Indepen-

dent School. The opinions represented in this section are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Gryphon Gazette staff or of the St. George’s community at large. The Gryphon Gazette strives to be an open forum for the thoughtful and deliberate exchange of comment and criticism, and therefore welcomes letters to the editor. Letters to the editor will be printed in the opinion section of the newspaper, should not exceed 300 words, and must be signed and accompanied by a verifiable email address. These letters will not be printed if the content is judged obscene, violates the privacy of others, or encourages physical disruption of school activities.

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The Gryphon Gazette

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Entertainment

Seniors on the Move Juliana Wall ’15

How many students are going to each state?

Visit thegryphongazette.org for the “Seniors on the Move” interactive map.

Class of 2015 Senior Wills Kelsey Pepper: The Trough Problem to Sydney Lanyon

Lexie Marotta: My sister Paige Marotta to Lauren Marotta

Owen Miller: The wrestling room to Will Courtney

Tatum Nix: My artisic talents to Megan Lenior

Roxanna Wood: All the spoons in the cafeteria to Caroline Greenand Jane Shelby Bragg

Taylor Owens: Ms. Brooks’ box of tissues to the entire rising senior class

Justin Wertner: Being Mormon to Jared Whitaker

Emma Irby: My psychology textbook to Kneeland Gammill

Anthony Fanelli: My superman backpack to Max Underwood

Jack Glosson: My skills on the diamond to Stephen East

Madeline East: My handshake with Isabella Cantu before soccer games to Eva Neel

Kathryn Heard: The mannequin in the art room to Elise Fong

Denise Horner: My constant positive attitude to Maddie Skudder Julia Spinolo: The tea locker in the senior lounge to Sutton Hewitt Caroline Cannon: My fast speed and flaming hair to Caroline Farrell Jay Luckett: The untucked shirt to Harris Kearney

Allie Buckmaster: My love of peanut butter to the entire school.

Anna Marie Beard: Leann Beard’s serious inability to manage time and three outstanding referrals to Laura Beard, to carry on the family legacy Curt Bennett: Annabel to Stephen East MLB The Show to Judson Scott The curve balls to Matt Higdon The curl rack to Graham Hawthorne