Gryphon Gazette 2012-13, Issue 1

The

Gryphon Gazette

August 2012 •

News

The Newspaper of St. George’s Independent School •

The Mind of Luther Mercer

Luther Mercer

Gryphon

Dagny Vaughn ’14

Renovations conducted

over the summer have St. George’s looking good!

Efforts to bring the three campuses closer together in appearance have been successful, and our school is looking amazing.

Renovations inside the buildings on the Collierville campus have freed up more space for teaching and learning, and students are enjoying the extra breathing room Gryphons are looking forward to the coming year. With many of the programs growing at our school, 2012-2013 will be a year to show our true Gryphon colors.

We all know him. The man day. So I bring you, straight with a permanent smile, the from a Starbucks conversaone who strolls through our tion, the stories of not only halls and often haunts our Mr. Mercer’s fabulous sumclassroom windows. Some mer, but also the driving of us know Mr. Luther Mer- force inspiring them all. cer simply as the Citizenship To start off a busy two Institute teacher, while others months, Mr. Mercer met with have had the opportunity to a friend that represents the see the deep, Bill and Melissa inspirational Gates Foundaperson that he aiting in a tion to discuss is. It was my coffee shop near the future of edjob to bring ucation. Waiting you the story the White House in a coffee shop of what exactly near the White such an interHouse, Mr. Meresting individual does with cer described this important his summers. friend as an “unassuming, When interviewing him, I yet focused person with a discovered a man with a pas- dedicated idea that educasion for improving our world tion is the window.” and an inspiring message that Cont. on Page 4 still remains in my head to-

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Alexis Harshbarger ’13

Michael Phelps Swam Here The Olympian Has Ties to St. George’s Miriam Brown ’17

Top

Volume XI, Issue I

Did you know that the swimmer who many people consider the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, swam at St. George’s?

He did in the spring of 2002 for the opening of the Compton Aquatic Center.

The Compton Aquatic Center is one of a very small number of Olympic-sized pools in Tennessee. “The Compton Pool has a European design and is built for speed and fast times,” said Director of Special Gifts and Student Ambassador Rick Ferguson. “Mr. Bob Compton and Mrs. Janice Compton, parents of St. George’s alumni, wanted to give the pool to St. George’s to help our school develop recreational and competitive swimming among students at school and in the broader community.”

Phelps, Gabrielle Rose, and Misty Hyneman were invited by the Comptons to come for the opening of the pool. While Phelps had no prior connection with St. George’s, Gabrielle Rose’s father, Mr. Mike Rose, has been an important supporter of St. George’s for many years. He had three sons who attended St. George’s on the Germantown campus.

Before the opening, the swimmers taught swimming lessons in the pool for anyone interested. Then an appreciation dinner was held for the swimmers downtown. Mr. Ferguson interviewed Phelps and the others. They talked about working hard, discipline, and always maintaining a positive attitude. Phelps was asked how many hours he was in the pool a day, and he responded that he practiced five

hours a day and loved every minute of it.

Mr. Ferguson decided that he should challenge one of them to a race, so he challenged Phelps. They agreed that Mr. Ferguson would have to swim the length of the pool and back, while Michael would have to swim the length of the pool and back twice.

“I remember swimming across the pool thinking there is no way he would be able to beat me,” recalled Mr. Ferguson. Phelps won the race by twenty feet, reminding everyone why he broke so many world records that year.

Many years later, the only visible records of it are in the Stokes Fieldhouse. By the back doors are posters of the famous swimmers.

Take a closer look at them the next time you pass through the fieldhouse.

Stories Superhero Summer Opinion The Return of Batman and Spiderman • Nathalie Vacheron, your Editor-in-Chief

Sports

• Perks of Being a CrossCountry runner

Features

• The Mind of

Luther Mercer

Student Life

• Dagny Vaughn’s

experience at Parson’s

Emily Dickey ’14

“Why do we fall, Bruce?” … “So

we can learn to pick ourselves up.”

And boy, oh boy, is Bruce Wayne good at that by now. “The Dark Knight Rises” is a beautiful continuation of, arguably, the best superhero trilogy that DC Comics has ever created.

Director Christopher Nolan gave us a first look into the Bruce Wayne that we all came to know and love circa 2005 in “Batman Begins.” In this year’s summer blockbuster, the audience is shown a glimpse of Wayne’s twisted

“Why

past once more as we find out how he and several new characters’ lives are intertwined. Without spoiling too much, one thing that was most impressive to a Batman enthusiast as myself was the incorporation of some of the most classic Batman players. For example, Anne Hathaway does an adequate performance as Cat Woman, the audience is reintroduced to Bruce Wayne’s mentor and toward the end, Nolan reveals the boy who will ultimately become Batman’s renowned sidekick, Robin.

do we fall, Bruce?”

Cont. on Page 6

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August

St. George’s Independent School

•

A New Year, A New Beginning

•

Editorial

And the Moral of the Story Is...

Nathalie Vacheron ’13 Hello all,

Students arrive eager for the first day of school on the Memphis campus.

forget. However, continue to check the portal frequently for new or changed assignments throughout the week. While teachers already expect students to be responsible, they know that people are people and sometimes students slip up by accident. Make it your goal this year to be extra proactive so these slip-ups are minimized. Your life will become less stressful.

you thirty minutes to teach her how to play the SpanishI hope your summer was themed game of UNO (you refreshing and left you rejuwill later realize it was maybe venated for another year of not a good idea to bring anwriting portfolios, monthly other foreign language into fire drills, and misplaced navy the picture). However, once blazers — all quirks of attendshe learns, and even though ing our beloved St. George’s. you begin to play UNO for an Isn’t it wonderful to delve average of eight times a day, back into the world of 12:07s it is all worth it — because Go and 3:18s?

Fish gets really boring.

For some of us — including Patience will be required of myself — this is our last year you when helping others or to salute our mighty mascot, 2. Be perseverant. Some- while waiting to be helped. It Garth the Gryphon (yes, he times, you will read a Sev- is a part of being in a learning actually does have a name) enteen magazine at the nail environment — and it is simand to embrace the cardinal salon and see that for every ply a part of life. Also, when and gold colors of our school. day of July, Seventeen will be you are feeling frustrated, reEvery year, the seniors are re- giving away free bathing suits member that your exasperaminded that — that is, if you tion is not going to help you the months submit the free- move forward. If you just take sn’t it wonderwill go by bie codes online a deep breath and remind more quickly are printed yourself to be patient, calm, ful to delve back that than we can in the magazine. and collected, chances are you imagine. For into the world of And you will go will get more accomplished me, the last 12:07s and 3:18s? home and eagerly in the long run. It is also exthree years of search for the July tremely hard to concentrate high school issue of Seventeen on anything when you are basically hapthat you received frustrated. pened last week … which in the mail two weeks ago, So, now that those three means, senior year will be over but then realize that you acci- very important P’s are forever by tomorrow. Let’s take the dentally threw it away. How- embedded in your mind, the advice of our elders and the ever, while searching, you will 2012-2013 school year is sure graduates who have gone be- stumble upon the August issue to kick off to a great start. Even fore us. This is only the begin- and voila! — Seventeen is giv- though lazy summer days are ning of a wonderful end; let’s ing away free jeans for every over, they will return with surnot wish senior year away just day of August. prising spryness if you face the yet.

Being perseverant in your next nine and a half months With that in mind, this is a academic and athletic endeav- as a prepared, perseverant, good time to share with all of ors may not aland patient St. you a few life lessons I pro- ways give you George’s stue prepared. cured this summer. I hope the results you dent. these lessons will stay with desire, but you I am blessed you throughout the year as I will have better to be Editore perseverant. in-Chief of The am sure they will stay with me. results than if you hadn’t tried Gryphon Ga1. Be prepared. Sometimes, at all. Not everyzette this year, e patient.

Nashville morphs into Seattle one is a stellar and I can’t wait and a torrential rain pour will athlete, and not to further share occur during a college tour of everyone is stelmy thoughts Vanderbilt. And you will re- lar at every subject. No one is with the wise and wonderful alize that you are umbrella- perfect. However, push for ex- St. George’s community. Felless right before the walking cellence, so even if you do fall low classmates, I strongly entour of the campus. And you short, your results will still be courage you to keep flipping will realize that the sandals something to be proud of. You through these pages as the you just bought become quite may not fall short at all, and year progresses; this paper is bendy when wet. your perseverance will pro- not only written by you, but it Being proactive seems like a duce results you can be very is also written about you. lot of work sometimes, but re- proud of.

Finally, I want to thank evally all you have to do is check eryone who has taken the time the forecast. Or, in many cases 3. Be patient. Sometimes, to read this issue — I sincerely this year, check the portal ear- your grandmother from hope you continue to do so in ly in the week so you can be France will come and visit the following months. aware of upcoming tests, quiz- America, and since she doesn’t zes, and assignments. Write it speak any English, commuCheers, all in your planner on Sunday nication will inevitably be Nathalie Vacheron night so you can’t possibly difficult. And it might take Editor-in-Chief

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The ringing of the Hamer Bell signals the start of a new year on the Germantown campus.

Newspaper Staff

• Editor-in-Chief

•

Nathalie Vacheron

Copy Editors

Regan Hewitt Virginia Whitsitt

Layout Editors

Samer Istanbouli Kayce Hyde

Photo Editors

Alexis Harshbarger Lindsey Cayce

Features Editors

Dagny Vaughn Zoe Leake

Opinion Editor

Emily Dickey

Sports Editors

Ian John Jamie Roche

Student Life Editors

Advisor

Meredith Gatlin Maggie Courtney Margaret Robertson

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August

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St. George’s Independent School

Opinion

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

Summer Enrichment: It Is What You Make It

Alexis Harshbarger ’13 Regan Hewitt ’14

In recent years, there has been an immense amount of increasing pressure on teenagers to succeed. Teenagers are expected to have exemplary grades, great work ethics, outstanding social lives, and to be all-round amazing people. It is quite a load, to be honest. Not to mention that summer, those few blissful months of the year, is supposed to be our time off.

The concept of summer has become a two-sided argument. One side argues that summer should be a fun, worry and workfree time, because for nine months of the year, the majority of students work hard and have a lot of responsibilities. The other side of the argument is that students need to stay productive and focused on learning and that there is no wasted time. Some parents and teachers support this by saying that summer should be about staying engaged with schoolwork and that fun should be a bonus or reward.

This second argument is encouraged

Presidential Issues • Emily Dickey ‘14

by the competitive nature of colleges and the idea that summer programs enhance a student’s application by promoting the student’s interest in his or her education and his or her dedication to learning. The answer to the summer dilemma depends on the individual teenager and the summer program they are attending.

There are an endless number of summer opportunities and programs available for students. Ranging from art and music classes to academic enrichment programs in scientific fields, there is something for everyone. Summer programs can be a great opportunity to learn something new, improve yourself, or devote more time to furthering your knowledge in a specific field. Although there are countless summer enrichment opportunities and classes that are available for students to attend, you must truly invest yourself in what you are doing in order to get as much out of the experience as possible.

It is quite obvious that there are two types of students who participate in summer programs. Those who are excited to be there invest more time and effort into

learning and are able to improve more than those students who just go through the motions and complete the minimum amount of work. Motivation is the key to being successful in summer programs, and genuine investment is very different than simply participating. Participation in a summer program does not mean that the students are committed to education nor does it mean that they reap a benefit from attending. It takes more than just being there to actually learn something. “The class was all right, but not what I wanted.

It was the people I enjoyed most,” said Chase Reid, a participant at Rhodes Summer Writing Institute. St. George’s senior Alexis Harshbarger said, “I aspire to be an artist and going to Governor’s School really helped me improve my abilities as well as my knowledge of art.” Harshbarger attended Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts.

If a student attends a summer program just to say they did or because their parents forced them to participate, they may not take as much away from the experience as a student who is invested and in-

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terested in the program they are attending.

“It was obvious who wanted to become a better artist and who was just there to say they went,” said Luca Tanaka, another participant in Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. Skye Irish, a participant in Rhodes Summer Writing Institute, reflected “It was such an eye-opening experience, actually,” of the institution.

In selecting a summer program, students should choose one in a field in which they are interested in as opposed to one that would just look good on a college application. Summer programs are useless unless students apply themselves or express an interest in the program. Forcing a teenager to be engaged with any activity related to learning or self-improvement isn’t beneficial to anyone. If a teenager does not want to be there, they will not learn anything. If a student is planning to attend a summer program, they should have the opportunity to attend one of their own choosing. If you really are interested in learning something, summer is an excellent opportunity to do so — just make sure you do it for the right reasons.

No Paper or Plastic Left Behind

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Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of campaign ads, new budget plans, and policies to fix our country. With the 2012 presidential election just around the corner, it can seem overwhelming to try to navigate through their political platforms while coming to grips with their underlying values. On August 11, Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, announced state of Wisconsin representative, Paul Ryan, as his running mate.

Many Republicans who knew of Ryan’s budget proposal applauded the choice. The stagnant national economy has become a key point in this year’s presidential race. When the United States’ domestic economy is in trouble, incumbent presidents historically have had a more difficult time being reelected. To further complicate matters, a faltering European or Asian economy could adversely affect the United States, which again could hamper President Obama’s reelection chances.

Representative Ryan’s budget proposal aims to ultimately balance the budget by 2040, with no new revenues. One of his stated goals is to achieve a reduction in the national debt of 85% by the year 2050. The plan would repeal “Obamacare” — officially known as the Affordable Care Act — and instead offer bankrolled private insurance plans. He also seeks to somewhat simplify the Internal Revenue Code, and keep military spending at a higher level than would President Obama. Overall, this plan would cut roughly $6 trillion from government spending over a 10-year period. Also, this plan would call for a $4 trillion cut in revenues by dropping corporate and personal income taxes.

With all these drastic changes, Ryan says that they will still try “to make sure we can save Medicare.” However, President Obama suggests that, if elected, Governor Romney would “end Medicare as we know it.” This declaration may influence voters in key swing states such as Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Democrats are using this point to inform Americans of what the end of Medicare might mean for them — higher costs and lower quality care for retirees. The Republican ticket is strongly pushing for reform. “The truth is we simply cannot continue to pretend like a Medicare on track to go bankrupt at some point is acceptable,” said Governor Romney in Miami.

Zoe Leake ’14 “There is no doubt that, throughout the years, the St. George’s community has showed deep respect and reverence to the upkeep of the world around us,” said sophomore Emily Dickey. Students and teachers alike take advantage of the convenient recycling bins in classrooms and in the cafeteria, as they should.

In the upcoming year it is my personal challenge to take recycling from a routine job to an enjoyable task to be done with friends. I would love for the club to have a revival of members, middle and upper school.

This year, members of the recycling club will hopefully put on their janitor suits — equipped with the St. George’s recycling symbol — and collect material from classroom bins with shopping carts or large bins. It is hoped that we will be able to collaborate with the art club so that artists in the school can help design a new re-

cycling symbol and perhaps deck out our collection materials.

We also look forward for an actionpacked week leading up to Earth Day. “We should always celebrate our Earth, but especially during the week of Earth Day,” said Ms. Julene Reed, Director of Academic Technology.

Director of Special Gifts and Student Ambassador Rick Ferguson has brainstormed ideas such as a canoeing trash pick-up along the Wolf River, a mountain bike ride through the new cross-country course with fresh and natural refreshments along the way, as well as a student and faculty campout on campus to kick-start the week. Other daily activities might include riding bikes to school, no lights in classrooms for a day, chapel services held outside for the week, or wear all green for a day.

The Recycling Club hopes that during this week we can work with SGGO, Lumberjack Club, and even

the Citizenship Institute to celebrate not only making the world a more beautiful place through awareness, but also the great outdoors — and therefore the Earth as a whole.

When consulting biology teacher Mr. William McClain about the upcoming year, he replied, “Every year I have high hopes for the recycling club, but really what would be great is just a regular and consistent pick up.”

By recycling more this year than ever before (with help from all students), the recycling club’s goal for the school this year is “No Plastic or Paper Left Behind.” With constant space available in the classroom recycling bins, there will be no reason not to recycle every bottle, can, paper, or container. Mr. McClain and the members of the club challenge each and every one of you to do your best to recycle every possible item, whether at home or at school.

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August

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St. George’s Independent School

A Summer of Service

Kara Miller ’13 This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Haiti on a mission trip with my family and some of our close family friends. While in Haiti, I was blessed to be able to meet and work hand-in-hand with some of the sweetest and most joy-filled children I have ever met. It may sound cliché to say that this was an eye-opening experience for me, but there are really no other words that I can use to describe what I felt after boarding the plane to go back home. I will never forget all of the friends that I made while I was in Haiti and the impact that this experience had on my life.

Many people also had similar experiences this summer, and others were able to engage in service activities right in their own backyard.

Lots of people were given the opportunity to have a positive impact on the community of Memphis and didn’t have to go far to perform acts of service.

Members of the Ali’s Way Club volunteered one week of their summer to help run a camp at the Ronald McDonald House during the month of June. The volunteers that participated in the camp were able to work with the kids on arts and crafts activities and even take part in a karaoke-singing contest.

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Members of the Ali’s Way Club also helped serve breakfast to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House during the months of July and August. Those who participated in service opportunities offered through Ali’s Way were able to have a positive impact on the greater Memphis community.

Other students were able to leave an influential mark on the St. George’s community over the summer. Many students had the opportunity to participate in service activities around the school campus. Some of these included the following: trailblazing, Impact Camp, sports camps, and many other fun service activities.

Many St. George’s students devoted their time this summer to helping others in their community. While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it is also a time for students to give back to their community. St. George’s students are committed to making a difference in their community as witnessed through their multiple acts of service. Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reflects the light that many St. George’s students were able to share with others over the summer.

New Seniors, New Senior Independent Studies Virginia Whitsitt ’14

As the years come and go, so do our seniors. As the Class of 2012 said “goodbye” to all of the memories that dwell in these halls, the Class of 2013 said “hello” to what may be one of the most stressful parts about senior year: Senior Independent Studies.

Each year, our beloved seniors set out on a summer experience and research a topic that may relate to their career one day.

Needless to say, our faculty and administration give them a small taste of the real world. Each student takes interest in various opportunities. With this aspect of individuality being one of the wonderful parts of St. George’s, we see students studying what intrigues them most.

“Art is a very important aspect in my life, and always has been,” says senior Alexis Harshbarger. When asked to describe her SIS, she said, “Art not only gives people a way to express themselves and be creative, but it teaches them life lessons and skills that are necessary in any field.” Harshbarger continued to state how she planned to go about performing her SIS. “In order to express my ideas and back them up with facts, I plan to interview several artists and art teachers to ask them their opinions.”

Each student will take a different approach according to his or her different interests. Senior Matthew O’Bar says, “I am doing a

few things; I am shadowing my he plans to describe his research friend at his internship in a record- through interviews with scientists ing studio in Jackson for a day, and and environmentalists in a docuhelping him record a song. I will mentary he will put together. interview a professor about the reSenior Wil McMillian has an cording industry. I will also help “avid interest in international afElijah Poston make an album. I am fairs, in particular the military asrecording him, and then I will mix pect,” and has chosen to separate and master the songs, and possibly his SIS subject into two halves. put the album on iTunes.”

The first half will be on the life of Senior Samer military personnel. “I plan on inIstanbouli took terviewing several veterans such a more scien- as the Reillys, Mike Smothers, Tim tific approach Thomson, and John Sims to envito his SIS. “My sion how the United States Military senior indepen- conducts its operations and to coldent study will lect two primary sources from the revolve around First Persian Gulf War.” genetic research on the impact of For his second half, McMillian genetically-modified foods on the plans to compose a research paper environment and human health.” inquiring, “how the economic exHe continued to explain how he pansion of China forces the Penplans to fulfill this idea, and the tagon to change its Asia-Pacific question he wishes to answer. “I strategy.” He continued, “The secwould like to conond part will duct a semi-research be researched experiment on the through the e also anticipate difference between reading of three what will happen in these two and how separate foreign they affect the en- the lives of our affairs and hisvironment, and hu- diligent seniors. tory books while man health. I want also utilizing the to answer questions websites. such as, how does the chemical Underclassmen, teachers, and the structures in both foods benefit the administration can look forward to diet of humans — is one better? seeing what all of our seniors do Can we genetically modify foods to with their SIS projects. As we look help patients with diseases by giv- forward to this next year, we also ing them more protein to help them anticipate what will happen in the with treatments such as radiation lives of our diligent seniors, and the therapy for cancer?” fieldwork and studies they will conIstanbouli plans to work with tinue to do.

BioWorks in Memphis, TN, and

As the years

come and go, so do our seniors.

The Mind of Luther Mercer, Continued

Dagny Vaughn’14

Together, they talked about how to help further the idea of justice in an education system for everyone. Mr. Mercer’s friend oversees 90 million dollars given by the foundation to Memphis City Schools.

Later in the summer, Mr. Mercer met with the Russian ambassador at an event in Washington, D.C. celebrating the Russian Federation (he is currently working on creating relations with SGIS).

He also spent time talking to a family from Iran, as well as a woman from the Mexican embassy.

As you can tell, Mr. Mercer is very concerned with the well-being of our future generations. He best illustrated this by describing a meeting he had this summer on creating ways to foster a better world. His goal is to create opportunities for people and a

culture that strives to be life-long learners.

“We live in a different time now, we keep trying to fit into a twentieth-century box, we need to move forward, we need a new way of thinking,” he said.

Even with such an excitement for the future, Mercer admits that creating such a world will take work.

“There’s some realities about the world that I ignored, I’ve always tried to look at life through rose colored glass. I still do, but you also have to consider other factors.”

But what exactly causes Mercer to view life in such a positive, progressive way? About seven years ago, after teaching at the Beijing University, he lived in a Buddhist temple practicing Vipassana meditation for eleven

“We need to

move forward, we need a new way of thinking”

Features

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hours a day. Through this experience, he had the opportunity to analyze his life.

“There’s a level of understanding I have gained about not only the world around me, but myself, that hopefully is leading me to be a better person.” Mercer explained to me that by looking deeply at yourself and facing your fears, you open yourself up to helping others, focusing outward instead of inward. Not only will such a mindset create a better world, it will make life happier for all who embrace it. This has been Mercer’s inspiration in all that he does.

“Because I learned to not live life in fear. There’s a belief that the majority of people’s choices are based on fear and not on a paradigm of living and enjoying life. It’s not looking at life in a negative way. Because of that a lot of people can’t embrace life fully — this has been a driver for my philosophy in life. Appreciation, respect.”

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Speed Bumps

Samer Istanbouli ‘13

T

he theater department at St. George’s is having some tough luck this year with the decrease in its actor/performer base. The officers on the thespian council, consisting of junior Kate Sweat, junior Zoe Leake, junior Regan Hewitt and myself (senior Samer Istanbouli), are looking to recruit many new and fresh faces for the upcoming school year, in hopes that many of them will audition.

Most people think that in order be an actor, you have to learn how to act, when really it is your personality that is doing the acting for you. The council is looking for many interesting people who have an exuberant personality. With the upcoming sophomores having a few new faces in the theater world, we hope Preston Vihlen will want to join on the crew for this year since his

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first debut in the musical cabaret last year.

We were impressed to find a few great actors last year when Zoe, Regan, and I graded the Theatre I class on their acting performance for their final exams last year. Two impressive actors that made an impact on all three of us were Troy Taylor and Mathew Turner from the sophomore class.

On a side note, the thespian council is planning on creating a skit and/or improvisation night that any student can be a part of — the council would like to increase thespian-related after-school activities for the student body. Regardless of having a few speed bumps in the thespian world of St. George’s, we hope that this year will be filled with exciting performances and opportunities for all students, whether they consider themselves actors or not. Everyone should have a chance to be a thespian.

August

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St. George’s Independent School

Parsons School

Dagny Vaughn

Dagny sits outside during a break with her friends at Parsons.

Dagny Vaughn ’14

To most people, spending sum-

World Events

mer in New York City sounds like a dream. I was no exception; I was ecstatic from the moment it was planned in November to the moment the plane took off in July. More ecstatic than most perhaps, because not only was I spending a month in the city that never sleeps, but I was also studying at Parsons, The New

School of Design, one of the most prestigious design schools in the United States. Expecting a month of painting classes and shopping, I packed up my beautiful new art supplies and flew off to Manhattan.

However, I quickly discovered that living and studying in New York City is quite different than you’d expect it to be. So, here is a look at my life at Parsons and the

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Features

My Summer at Parsons harsh reality of New York City.

In my dorm, I had five roommates who were from China, Turkey, Kentucky, Los Angeles, and Mexico. This proved to be one of the most exciting, yet frustrating parts of the experience.

Meeting people from all over the world opened my eyes to what teenagers from different cultures are truly like. Having lunch with the daughter of the CSI director, and listening my friend’s stories of living in Thailand, I saw how small our southern Memphis culture really is.

However, being in a place so diverse can also become frustrating, as people with different cultures lead different lifestyles.

I had to quickly adapt to living with people I might think do terrible things, learning that life in the real world won’t always be as comfortable as it is at St. George’s and Memphis.

Living in the city itself was a thrilling experience. It truly is a great deal different to see the city from a resident’s perspective than a tourist’s. I quickly memorized the

subway lines, figured out the least crowded route from 1st and 15th to 5th and 13th, and had a “regular” order at the local coffee shop on Broadway.

The truth about the city, however, is that it is a paradox of being very crowded, yet very lonely at the same time. People are so used to being surrounded by crowds that they begin to mentally block out human existence. When you live in New York, you form this small circle of familiar people.

There’s the family you pass on the street every morning, the guy who makes your crepes… all of the people you know, but never know anything about.

The strange thing about the East Village where I lived is that everyone basically falls into three categories. You’re either an NYU Student, an art student, or homeless. It’s a collegetown-in-themiddle-ofManhattan kind of thing. I fell into the “art student” category, lugging around my portfolio and paints across town every

Most prestigious design school in America.

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morning.

Art school is a weird place, basically indescribable to those who haven’t experienced it.

Imagine sitting in a room for roughly nine hours a day, solely painting. No matter how much you enjoy something, doing the same thing for that long everyday can drive you crazy. Not to mention the homework load of Parsons; I often found myself staying at school from 8 a.m. until midnight working. This is what changed my mind about art school. There was a point where art became work instead of enjoyment, where I was painting under stress, not because I wanted to. This was the point where I realized that art school isn’t where I want to spend my college years.

Even though I might not have had the ideal summer experience, I’m so glad I was able to attend Parsons for a month. I learned so much about myself, about interacting with different people, and being independent.

I realized my dreams and expectations weren’t the reality of art school, an epiphany I’m thankful to have had now, instead of later.

1. Britain broke its Olympic record with 29 gold medals since 1908.

2. Kofi Annan resigned as U.N. special envoy, leaving Syria in a greater unrest with the rebels.

3. NASA successfully landed a Mars rover named Curiosity.

4. Paul Ryan joined Mitt Romney on the campaign trail, while stirring controversy over their plans for Medicare.

5. Great Britain gave 4.7 million dollars to Malawai for food aid as more than 1.6 million people in the South African nation are impoverished and starving from food shortages.

3. The United States received silver for the vault. McKhad the most med- ayla Maroney was not impressed.

Olympic 2012 als, with a total of Fun Facts 104.

6. Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all 4. The slowest re- time, rounding out his career with 1. The mascot was the “wencorded Olympic 22 medals. It is about time for him lock,” which looked like it marathon was Shizo to take a break. was half lava lamp and half Kanakuri with a Teletubby. I think there is a smashing time of 7. The 2012 Olympic Games were reason it did not appear very 54 years, 8 months, the first to include women’s boxoften.

6 days, 32 minutes, ing. and 20.3 seconds.

2. At the first Olympics in 776 BCE, 8. The gold medals have been the winner of the only event, the sta- 5. McKayla Maroney became fa- made of 92.5% silver since the dion, was a naked chef. mous with her scowly pout as she 1912 Olympic Games.

August

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St. George’s Independent School •

Summer Reading Review •

Leann Beard ’14 Summer reading is, for most, a dreaded task that can easily put a damper on an otherwise long, sunny vacation.

You buy the books (or, let’s be real here, your mom buys the books) early in the summer, but soon enough, they end up in a corner somewhere gathering dust.

If you are like me, it’s because you were reading your own books. Most likely though, you are not a nerd and thus, you were doing something else.

However, if you skimmed this year’s books or even skipped them altogether, I encourage you to pick them up again and actually read them. Some are harder to get through than others, but all of the books on the summer reading lists make some sort of impression on you.

For example, this year’s division-level book, “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, is a sincere and simple story, packed with profound truths. To sweeten the deal, it is also less than 200 pages, meaning the only legitimate reason you have for not reading it is illiteracy. As we get caught up in the craziness of day-to-day living, we can lose sight of the important things; this book strives to remind you of what you truly believe, without telling you what to believe. This book is a truly insightful read and one to keep close to your heart. “I really loved it,” senior Elijah Poston enthused.

The rising freshmen were eased into high school this year with two books, besides the division-level book. They were given the choice between “Speak”

by Laurie Halse Andersen or “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie, along with one pick from the suggested reading

list. While “Speak” may seem like more of a “girl” book, it remains a refreshing and honest read from a less-heard point of view. “The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian,” with its distinctively long title, offers more humor than “Speak,” without relinquishing any of the insightfulness, and students can connect with Junior, who worries about girls, fitting in, and sports, along with his own unique struggles as a “part-time Indian.” This grade’s list contains a score of books to suit every single freshman’s taste.

No longer “fresh meat,” this year’s sophomores had a choice between “A Prayer for Owen Meany”

by John Irving and “Great Expectations”

by Charles Dickens. “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” a well-written book about a peculiar boy and his belief in God, is a memorable book, whether you wind up loving it or hating it.

Its alternative, “Great Expectations,” is a classic story about a poor village boy named Pip, who dreams of wealth and fame in his future, and the people who help him. Sophmore Lexie Marotta read “Life of Pi” as her suggested reading and enjoyed this New York Times best-seller immensely. “I originally thought that ‘Life of Pi‘ was just the story of a boy was stranded in the ocean with a tiger. After reading, I realized the author had creatively tied the importance of faith and religion into what I thought was just a typical survival story,” she concluded.

With the introduction of more AP classes, the rising juniors were presented with

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more books and more variety this year.

AP English students read “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion, a collection of poignant and genuine reflections from a woman who has led a fascinating life, and “A Moveable Feast”

by Ernest Hemingway, the personal accounts of this classic author’s life in Paris after World War II. Those taking English III read “The Autobiography” of Benjamin Franklin, which illuminates the life of an American hero and his many accomplishments. Junior Jason Crawford was impressed with this year’s selections, saying, “I think this year’s books were better than what we had last year.”

For their last summer of St. George’s assigned reading, this year’s seniors had a variety of books to start their year. “Frankenstein,” by Mary Shelley, a book that needs no introduction, was a required read for the whole class. In addition to that, AP English Literature students read “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a renowned novel that follows the story of the dysfunctional Buendía family.

Reading does not come easily to every student, but we would do well to listen to Dr. Seuss, who once said, “The more things you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Every single one of these books, whether dry or lively, long or short, has something to impart upon you. If that still does not encourage you, then remember that summer reading is, hands down, infinitely better than math packets.

Entertainment

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Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Theater Events Collierville Campus “The Reluctant Dragon” — October 25-27 “13” — February 7-9; High School Musical “The Foreigner” — May 2-4

Germantown Campus Mother’s Day Chapel — May 10; 5th Grade Reelfoot Presentation — October 2; 4th Grade Rain Forest Presentation — March 7; 3rd Grade Biography — February 7; 2nd Grade “Goin’ Buggy!” — October 11; 2nd Grade “Animal Play” — March 27; 1st Grade Mother’s Day Treat — May 10; Senior Kindergarten “Circus Play” — March 7; Junior Kindergarten Spring Program — April 18; Pre-Kindergarten Germantown and Memphis Campus Lower School Talent Show — February 21 Tennessee Play — May 16; 4th Grade Memphis Musical — March 21; 2nd Grade Holiday Programs December 5 — Junior Kindergarten December 7 — Senior Kindergarten/1st Grade December 13 — 3rd & 5th Grade

The Middle School Prepares for “The Reluctant Dragon” •

Zoe Leake ’14 This coming school year, the Middle School Producitons are putting on a spectacular show entitled “The Reluctant Dragon.” In this play, a dragonloving boy leaves his home and family in search of a dragon that is wreaking havoc on a faraway town. Instead of finding the terrorizing, man-eating dragon the boy had sought out for, he instead finds a friendly dragon. The boy befriends this dragon and many more

on his travels, making it a life-changing experience.

The middle school has an exceptional number of rising stars, including the cast from last season’s “Treasure Island.”

One former “Treasure Island” cast member, seventh-grader Chloe Boggan, says she is “totally going to audition!”

The middle school will also be adopting two thespians this year from the Germantown campus. Rachel Umansky and Blair Smithwick have a reputation for excellence in their performances

during their time at the Germantown campus, and we look forward to them joining the Collierville crew.

Mr. Marques Brown, the Collierville campus theater teacher, has said that he is “very excited about ‘The Reluctant Dragon,’ as this year’s middle school play, and our season’s first production, because I feel it is a story that resonates with the mission of our school in many ways. It is a story about social stereotypes, being different, but special, and about recognizing the gifts and talents

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we all have as individuals. Not to mention that St. George himself is a pivotal character in the story! Last, but certainly not least, I am very excited about the construction of a new and unique Dragon costume/puppet that will be the centerpiece of the production! It should be a lot of fun!”

I personally cannot wait to attend this exciting middle school production, so put it on your calendars and be sure to bring your full support for our middle school thespians.

A Superhero Summer, Movie Review: Continued Emily Dickey ’14 Although much of this movie harps on how physically and mentally weak Batman has become, in my opinion, this only reinforces why Wayne put on the mask in the first place — because “Anyone can be a hero.” Except for the destruction of most of Batman’s New York City-esque Gotham, Nolan neatly ties up all the loose ends as the audience waves goodbye to this Batman trilogy.

The superhero remake of the summer was “The Amazing Spiderman,” in which we see the unlucky New York citizens being terrorized by yet another super-villain. This time, our hero is Spiderman. Usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of this blue-and-red-clad crime fighter is Toby

McGuire’s renowned performance in the original three movies. There is no doubt that he is the spitting image of Spiderman, much like Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman. However, if you can get past the fact that our superhero is now a skateboarding high school nerd, Andrew Garfield does not do a bad job.

Emma Stone puts a new spin on Peter Parker’s love interest, maybe even one-upping Kirsten Dunst in the 2002 superhero film, Spider-Man. An obvious critique of this revamped Spiderman movie is the fact that every problem that arises in the story line is completely Peter Parker’s fault.

Maybe the directors overlooked the fact that the average moviegoer may

find it difficult to sympathize with such irresponsibility. Overall, the actors did a fine job with the characters they were given, but the movie as a whole would possibly benefit from a name change; perhaps The Amazing Spiderboy is more fitting.

“The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Amazing Spiderman,” despite my own critiques, were both great summer superhero action movies. With all kinds of fight scenes for various types of audiences, they both took two very different approaches to two of our favorite crime fighting superheroes.

“The Dark Knight Rises” is, as the title suggests, a much darker and more serious flick. Children would, of course, enjoy it but its target audience is the

more mature group of fans who have been with Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale since Batman Begins.

The target audience of “The Amazing Spiderman” is a less mature group. Placing Peter Parker in high school with all the cliché bullies and awkward encounters with girls leaves room for much more silliness. Light banter between dueling super-creatures and uncomfortable conversations with the girlfriend’s father–who just happens to be a cop–make for a more light-hearted superhero film.

Both movies are now big time summer blockbusters, and the Batman and Spiderman franchises will be the talk of the year among superhero lovers.

August

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St. George’s Independent School

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Sports

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The Perks of Being a Cross-Country Runner

Dagny Vaughn ’14

Cross-country (XC) is a fall sport in which teams par-

ticipate in 5k (3.2 mile) distance races through hilly parks and trails. Due to the fact that it is a difficult endurance sport, cross-country lives in the shadows of more spectator-friendly games. As a cross-country runner, I strive to give the sport its well-earned fifteen minutes of fame and answer the everlasting question of “What do crosscountry runners do, anyways?”

Devote our lives to the sport — As every new runner knows, there’s this point of an important decision. Usually about a month or so into the season, everybody begins to realize what they’ve signed up for. Either you’re ready to sell your soul to running…or you get out while you still can. The truth is running takes HUGE commitment.

Unlike most sports, there really is no off-season. The summer is spent training for the fall season, and the winter for the spring track season. You have to truly love the sport.

I can guarantee that most of us don’t enjoy running mile after mile in 105° heat or getting up at 6 am every Saturday for a race, but we do it because we love it; because once the decision is made, it’s a love/hate relationship we stick with for the rest of our running life.

Mind over Matter…or Matter over Mind? — One of the never ceasing arguments we hear is, “Why is cross-country a sport? All you do is run, there’s no skill involved!”

Many people see running as simply a small aspect of their sport, not one on its own. In their defense, it is true that unlike most sports, running does not require great technical skill. However, it does mean facing the toughest op-

ponent out there — mentality. Running as part of a game is very different than long-distance racing. Usually in a game there is some sort of distraction from the running, such as scoring a goal. During a cross-country race, there’s nothing but a quarter of an hour of continuous hard racing. This is what makes long-distance running so challenging, learning to have mental strength and not listening to your negative thoughts. On the bright side, once you’ve mastered this concept of matter over mind, you are able to push yourself and achieve things you never thought possible.

XC: More Dangerous than Football…? — Wait, what?

Running through a field can injure you more than getting tackled by two-hundred pounds? Well, maybe. The New York Times recently did a study showing that girls’ cross-country has the highest injury rate of any sport, including football (boys’ XC ranked 5th behind football, wrestling, and girls’ soccer, with about two-thirds the injuries of girls’ XC.) So what makes it so injury-prone?

Basically, your bones really don’t like the excessive impact from extreme training. It can result in knee tendinitis, shin splints, stress fractures, hip problems, and worse. I read once that each stride taken during a run is the equivalent of hitting your shins with twice your body weight. One word. Ice-baths.

EVERYTHING ELSE — So if I haven’t convinced you that XC is just some terrible combination of painfully early Saturdays and shin-splints, that’s good, because it’s not. Though all of this may be true, there are so many more pros that outweigh the cons. For starters, the team. Though I’m sure every team is close, there is something about running beside someone everyday and sharing their pain that brings you closer. Universal suffering creates unbreakable bonds, as well as talking for an hour long run. Plus, people do some pretty crazy things when forced to run extreme distances. Whether it’s stumbling upon a bobcat or wondering what exactly the boys’ team is hiding in the woods, there is never a lack of entertainment on the cross-country team. But if life-long friendships and hilarity just aren’t convincing enough, getting to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, is always a great thing.

Though I may not always enjoy running hilly laps at Shelby Farms or running the risk of getting seriously in-

Hot Hoops in Summer Lindsey Cayce ’14 Of all the many wonderful camps St. George’s had to offer this summer, the middle school boys basketball camp was arguably the biggest hit.

Rising fourth through seventh graders came from all over the city and even out of the state to participate in this camp.

A huge reason for the success of this camp was due to the student coaches. This year, the student coaches included graduates Asa Toney, Jonathan Coleman, Alex Bran, and Alec Mulvihill along with rising seniors Hunt Seabrook, J. Morgan Harter, and Nicholas Sims.

The camp began with rotating stations working on the basic fundamentals of basketball. These stations included lay-ups, free throws, dribbling, and rebounding. The student coaches would walk through plays for both offense and defense while the campers watched and learned.

After going through all of the drills, the campers were put to the test. The campers were separated by grade for contests that included 1-on-1,

hot shot, and 3-on-3 games.

Near the end of the camp, the fourth and fifth graders went to one gym, while the sixth and seventh graders went to the other for a full 5-on-5 basketball game. These 5-n5 games were very intense with the student coaches both leading them and refereeing them, as well.

Student coach J. Morgan Harter said, “By the end of the week, you could see a huge improvement in the skills of all the campers.

There isn’t anything more fulfilling than helping a young kid succeed in the great game of basketball.”

Fellow coach Hunt Seabrook added, “It is always fun to help younger players improve their game, as it was not too long ago I was at that camp getting help from NBA star Elliot Williams and others.”

It is clear that this camp was not only successful in teaching young players the fundamentals of basketball, but also in giving these kids some positive role models.

jured, I can honestly say that joining the cross-country team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. So, “What do cross-country runners do, anyways?” Well, we run too much, eat a lot, and have funnier stories than your average comedian … but most importantly, we love our sport and our second family called a team.

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Gryphons Swim Strong in Florida

Brynna Bartlett ’14

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From June 8-10, three girls from the St. George’s varsity swim team travelled with the Memphis Thunder Aquatic Club to the University of West Florida to compete in the 2012 SE GPAC Tom Lalor Invitational. The swimmers travelled first class via a luxury motor coach and were fortunate enough to be seated far from the on-board restroom. Junior Brynna Bartlett swam in ten events, with her personal best event being a fifth place finish in the 800-meter freestyle. Senior Kara Cooney competed in nine events, with a 4th place finish in the 200-meter butterfly being her best event. The final female competitor was sophomore Lexie Marotta who competed in nine events, with her best event being a 4th place finish in the 200 meter backstroke, where she achieved a qualifying time to compete at the Southeastern Championship in Knoxville, TN. All three girls had great performances, finishing in the top twenty in every event. The girls shared a room on Pensacola Beach, which was closed due to torrential downpours, local flooding, and dangerous rip currents.

However, the girls managed to pass the time by shopping, dining out, catching a movie, and socializing with friends. All three girls represented St. George’s Independent School at State in spring of 2012 and are looking forward to another great high-school swim season.

A Long Day’s Work Jamie Roche ’13

Starting in late July, the St. George’s football team was hard at work putting in long hours to get back to the championship caliber that they possessed last year. Despite the constant triple-digit heat and humidity that Memphis puts them through, these football players spent all week training to become the best. They start out in the morning by having their normal practices with the offense, defense, and special teams. In between this first practice and their second practice, they have lunch, meetings, Pilates, talks, and dinner, all at the school. It takes some pure dedication to the team to spend every weekday at the school from about eight in the morning to eight at night.

After dinner, they have more meetings and another practice to end the day. To express the difficulty of these summer practices, returning starter and senior Dylan Young says, “It’s the hardest part of the year, but it’s what takes us to that next level to compete for a title each and every year.” Indeed, these football players are taking part in rigorous training before school starts, which shows their dedication to their team and their determination to win back-to-back state titles.

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August

Ehi Ike ’13

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St. George’s Independent School

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Student Life

“It’s a Revolution”

It’s the year every St. George’s student dreams of. The year when the senior lounge is called home, tardies are collected, and chicken biscuits are in full supply. It’s senior year, and it’s finally our turn.

“It’s a revolution,” senior Samer Istanbouli said of the upcoming school year. “We have new classrooms and parking spaces; this is all good news, but most importantly, I am finally a senior!” Istanbouli has been at St. George’s since freshman year and has had a blast. The schoolwork has been challenging over the years, but now as a senior, he is thrilled for all the new responsibilities he will be faced with as a Prefect and Student Senate President. “Academically, this year will not be challenging. I am used to the workload, but upholding my positions while applying to colleges will be demanding.”

Being a senior at St. George’s comes with some awesome privileges. “We have the senior lounge. Every year you are always viewing it from the outside, and now we finally get to be in it,” senior Albert Vacheron said. Vacheron is ready for the lounge and the other privileges such as coming to school late when given an independent study for first block, and leaving school for lunch.

“I’m going to have to reduce my amount of why I was so afraid. I’m not afraid of college. time in the lounge if I plan on getting into col- I’m actually pretty excited about it, but I’m not lege!” Celia Healy, senior, told me. This is be- ready to be an adult; I’m not ready for change.”

“I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed St. cause the lounge is not exactly a studying environment; it has been given a more sociable George’s until I realized it would be over reputation. In the past, seniors have been known soon,” Healy said. Healy has been at St. to play video games or socialize through- George’s since sixth grade along with many other seniors, some of out their independent whom have been here even studies. So seniors, if eing a senior at St. longer. They have grown you plan on studying George’s comes with up in the environment and for an English test, I personally advise you some awesome privileges. have been used to the same people and friends. For to not go to the lounge! many of the seniors, it’s all College applications seem to be the most frightening aspect of se- they know. “It will be hard saying goodbye to nior year. “Applying to colleges will be pretty St. George’s,” Istanbouli exclaimed. To many scary. It all appears to be complicated and a seniors, St. George’s has given students enrichlot of work,” Vacheron explained. Although ing opportunities and has honored individualhe is excited for senior year, he fears the col- ism.

I am a senior myself and I agree that this lege process the most. Healy agreed. “College applications are terrifying. I don’t know how school has taught me principles that will be I am going to balance my workload, college with me forever. I thank St. George’s and my applications, and spending my last year at St. peers. “I feel like our class will leave a good impression on the school and I hope to come George’s with my friends.”

However, some students aren’t afraid of the up with traditions that will be upheld for years applications. “I used to be scared of the essays,” to come,” Istanbouli stated. As past classes another senior, Alexis Harshbarger, told me. have done, the Class of 2013 is ready to leave “Now I look at them, and I don’t understand its mark!

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