The Belfry - Fall 2016

The Belfry Fall 2016

Summer 2016

Digging in Portugal

Artwork by Tai Jeffers ‘18

Honor at Norfolk Academy

The honor system at Norfolk Academy is built upon a foundation of four pillars. These four pillars are the teachers, the honor council, the administration, and the students. Without one, everything falls apart. Each one is equally as important as the other in maintaining the structure, and the only way the system works is if we all work together.

With respect to the honor council, we are fully committed to doing our part and we met over the summer to chart our course.

With regards to the teachers and the administration, I spoke to them last week, and they are committed to doing their part.

Therefore, as students, we have to fulfill our role. We must find ways to continue our community of trust, which all of us have been so critical in fostering.

We must embody a culture where honor is paramount to grades. We must recognize that collectively we are only as strong as our weakest link and must remain vigilant to our commitment to each other and our honor code. We must do all of these things and more if our

system will thrive. However, irrespective of what we do as a group, it all boils down to individual choices. Own your role, lead by example, put ethics, character, and principles first, and realize how vital each of you and your decisions are to the success of our honor system.

Turning to the work at hand, the faculty honor committee headed by Mr. Hall has taken a proactive role in striving to always improve our honor system, and last year conducted a survey of the upper school, regarding, among other things, ways you believe we can tweak and enhance our system. Over the summer the Honor Council particularly focused on your feedback and suggestions. We carefully studied and evaluated your input and have centered many of our goals for change around your recommendations for this year.

For example, a number of you stated that you would like a greater ability to voice your opinions.

Because of this, the honor council plans to set up open forums this year, much like what the Tunstall Student Council does, so we can

by Tyler Windsor ‘17

get as much information as possible from you regarding ideas that would improve our system.

Some of you also said that the honor council is very secretive and that our procedures are largely unknown. This year, we will change that by taking steps to educate and inform the student body regarding how our honor system works in practice. In addition, my fellow honor council members and I will make every effort to be available for questions on an individual basis as well.

A number of you also said that you thought that the punishments rendered by the honor council were, in certain cases, inconsistent with past judgments regarding similar infractions. Many of you indicated you are looking for more predictability and uniformity while keeping within the spirit of the system and providing flexibility when appropriate. As a direct response to this strong desire, we are working on developing a more consistent range of punishments and sentencing guidelines.

Right now, we have a draft (continued on page 3)

During our first meeting when I expressed my desire to become an archaeologist to Ms. Sheldon, she told me, “If you want to be an archaeologist, you have to go on a dig.” She then introduced me to the Santa Susana Archaeological Project in Portugal.

After three months of nervous anticipation, I finally arrived in Portugal.

While in line for customs, a sudden wave of regret passed over me and one thought appeared in my mind: I am alone. I looked at the people around me. Their families and friends surrounded them. Did I travel for ten hours just to doubt my decision to come to Portugal?

I laughed, of course not! I realized the absurdity of my hesitation, my momentary lapse in judgment. I was meant to be there.

On our first day, we toured the site and es-

by Alix Galumbeck ‘17

tablished basic techniques for surface cleaning. After about a week, I was transported into a history textbook. I could see the floors and the walls of rooms.

I found my first piece of pottery: a tiny sherd, less than half the length of a finger. I held in my hand a fragment of the past.

I worked in the dirt and beating sun for six hours a day for ten days.

Some days, I went through layer after layer of dirt, finding nothing. But those days made me appreciate when I did find something, no matter its size.

International Relations Fellows: A Week in the Baltics

Wow! What a journey! The ’19s and ’17s began this trip as a group of awkward acquaintances and, over the course of twelve days, morphed into a close group of friends sharing a special bond. We began as struggling map-readers but finished as seasoned travel experts. We fully immersed ourselves in the Baltics, kicking off our trip in Helsinki, exploring Tallinn and Riga, and finishing in Stockholm. We spoke with natives from various backgrounds and statuses, learned about the culture and history of each country, ate new foods, and attempted to learn new words in other languages. We spent many hours happily roaming around the cities (Mr. Craig often reached 20-

by Brammy Rajakumar ‘19 30,000 steps in a day!). Each one of us was forced outside of our safety zones in new and different ways, testing us and expanding our horizons and preparing us for leadership and life.

On our last day of this amazing Baltics trip, the group gathered together to discuss what we had seen and learned about each city’s culture and how it all fit together. Some noted how distant Helsinki seemed from the rest of the Baltics, seeming to be happy and at peace in its own world, despite the struggles of living so far north. Another emphasized Finland’s national pride and identity. Others pointed out how Finland enjoys being remembered by the western world, refer(continued on page 2)

The Belfry

Chesapeake Bay Fellows: Exploring the Bay

Despite the constant presence of mosquitoes, a slight neck pain from sleeping on the ground, and the general discomfort that results from a few days without a shower, all Chesapeake Bay Fellows would tell you that nothing compares to a week on the Bay. The trip began with a bus ride to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where students had the opportunity to clean and bag oyster shells that would later enter the ocean as potential homes for new baby oysters (spat). Oysters prefer to grow in clusters, creating large mounds of filter-feeding creatures, each one helping to improve the quality of the Bay. After this excursion, we discovered our home for the next two days at the Brock Center.

Underneath this environmentally friendly building was the perfect location for some tents and hammocks, with a serene view of the Bay. After a night

under the stars, the Fellows were ready for their next aquatic adventure: canoeing. Over the course of the paddle, students were able to identify countless new species and take a closer look at the Chesapeake Bay. The night ended with some water-quality testing that allowed students to compare the current health of the Bay with ideal statistics.

Results showed that we still have a long way to go before the Bay is in pristine condition.

Waking up the next morning inspired by our previous adventures, we boarded the bus headed for Smith Island, population 240. After a drive up the Eastern Shore and a boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay, we arrived in the small island community of Tylerton. Within this village on Smith Island, we discovered what it really meant to live on the Bay. It meant eating lots of crabs and enjoying

Literacy Fellows: Hola, Cuba!

This past summer, the 2018 and 2019 Literacy Fellows decided to take their focus of studying the progression reading and writing ability in the Hampton Roads community into more broad terms. We traveled to a place where we knew we would need to break down social and language barriers, move past our comfort zones, open up to learning about new culture customs, and enjoy ourselves while doing them. Not only did we make history by taking our first, international trip within the our own program, but it is also quite possible that we traveled back in time between the flight from Miami, Florida to Havana, Cuba. Each day our knowledge of the nature of Cuba’s economic issues, the implications of Cuba’s 1961 Literacy Campaign, the country’s various political views grew larger, and we became more accustomed to the every-day life of our neighbors.

We were given endless opportunities to witness the loud and lively street life of the Cubans, along with the verdant, rural countryside, each incredible in their individual ways. Each one of us was responsible for keeping ourselves

by Tori Walker ‘18

safe, healthy, and hydrated throughout every activity, no matter if it was window shopping for obscure souvenirs, walking down Cuba’s breathtaking beach, or interacting with kids from The House of the Boy and Girl, a community-benefitting school for Cuban children to go to after school hours and learn through music, art, and dance. The culture, art, and values of community in Cuba differ from ones in the United States. Since Cubans do not have the equivalent freedom to speak their opinions as we do, they use art to express how they feel. On the other hand, their sense of community is very strong because everybody knows each other, and they respect one another’s’ open pride for themselves. This family-like sense of community that the Cubans have has inspired us to share with our own at Norfolk Academy that no matter how much or how little you have, it’s the people that you are surrounded by that matters.

by Holly Power ‘17

plenty of eight-layer Smith Island cake. It meant traveling by boat when in search of a school, a gas station, or even a restaurant. It meant knowing every single other person on your island, amounting in a grand total of 54 residents. It meant watching your home running out of time. Smith Island only has years left because of sea water levels. The residents have already said goodbye to sister islands, each one enveloped by the Bay. The Bay Fellows are working to help save the Bay and simultaneously learning how to appreciate its beauty like islanders in Tylerton.

Fall 2016

Baltics(continued from page 1)

ring back to a conversation with a finish native, who very surprised and excited by the fact that we were on a school trip from the States and chose to visit Finland!

Different from Finland, Estonia is far more ambitious in its dealings with the west, refusing to let Russia bully it around anymore. It seems self-conscious of its size and, therefore, goes the extra kilometer to ensure NATO’s protection from scary neighbor Russia and ensure support from EU. It is incredibly proud of spending 2% of its GDP for NATO and fulfilling its part. It continuously boasts its groundbreaking E-stonia culture and e-government and follows the Western model precisely, choosing to look to the future, as repeatedly mentioned by many a fellow. On the other hand, Latvia, as everyone seemed to unanimously agree, is looking towards the past. Its focus is more on showing off

its history and less of a concern with NATO and EU. However, both Estonia and Latvia are known for being in the top five of most unhappy countries. In drastic contrast to all of this, Sweden, never conquered by the Soviet Union, continues to proclaim itself as “capital of Scandinavian countries”.

It is clearly proud and confident in the fact that it is developed and huge and has an illustrious, conquering history. All these countries we have visited provide various glimpses into the Baltic States and show the similarities and differences within one region.

Global Health Fellows: Helping in Haiti

Journeyed by a combination of veterans and first-time travelers, this summer’s trip to Haiti included the Global Health Fellows classes of 2017 and 2019, accompanied by Mrs. Hopkins and Mr. Boland.

Our goals for this summer’s trip were to monitor and evaluate projects we had implemented in the past in a rural Haitian community, as well as implement a new project in the same community.

We arrived at the Midwives for Haiti guest house in Hinche later that evening, where we were graciously welcomed with a tasty meal and given time to prepare for the work we would be doing over the next few days. While the house in Hinche was our home base of sorts for the trip, our implementation site for projects is a rural community called Clory, which is about 30 minutes from the house.

Throughout the next few days, the Fellows, along with translators and community representatives, split up into groups and traveled throughout the community to monitor and evaluate previously implemented projects. The two projects upon which we focused were Bio-

sand filters, filters that families would use to ensure safe drinking water, and Luci Lights, solar powered lights designed to provide a safe, sustainable light source for students and families after sunset.

Although this was my third time visiting Clory, our work there is always the most eye-opening part of the trip. In going from house to house, it is almost the standard to see families who eat one meal every day, cannot afford sending all of their children to school, have no shoes, and clean their water with bleach. While interventions like Biosand filters hope to combat issues like having to resort to bleach to sanitize water, witnessing the number of issues people face is as harrowing at times as it is vexing. Even more worrisome to me, however, is that, despite the widespread poverty we saw from place to place, we also saw some of the happiest and most grateful people we have ever met. Having grown accustomed to a country in which I am provided so many opportunities, it is only until I return to Haiti that I remember the consistent lesson the Haitian people have taught me. In Clory, hap-

by Ryan Fulmer ‘17

piness lies not in material goods, but in the intangibles of family and friendship.

People all do what they can to get by, and more important than anything is that the community does so together, united in a common interest in improving the lives of each generation of Haitian children. Each step towards community improvement, albeit small at times, is significant in Clory, and I am glad we have all had the opportunity to form such a close bond with such friendly people.

Overall, this summer’s trip to Haiti was successful and replete with opportunity. Not only were we exposed to and inspired by the positive changes being made by organizations like Operation Blessing International, Partners in Health, and Midwives for Haiti, but we were also given opportunities to make changes of our own. As many of us saw, Haiti’s future is promising, but change is piecemeal and can only be made with one step at a time. The Global Health Fellows are excited and thankful to have had the chance to play a role in making a change, and we look forward to what will be accomplished in the future.

Fall 2016

Virginia is for Lovers (and Olympians!)

Every four years, we have the opportunity to witness perhaps the greatest sporting event known to man. This year we celebrated the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and it was no short of magnificent--the first Olympic Refugee Team entered the stadium and Michael Phelps conquered the pool to score five gold medals and one silver medal, which helped the United States of America end with a stunning one-hundred and twenty-one medals at the end of the games. Certainly, there was no shortage of Olympic glory this summer.

However, out there competing among the best in the world were some of our fellow Virginians, some more well known than others. So, hopefully with the trivia supplied here, we can give you a little more knowledge to fuel that state-spirit we all

Once again coached

by Mike Duquette, girls’ tennis looks to continue their dominance as they work to defend their state title. As for individual talents on the girls’ tennis team, Ingrid Benkovitz has bolstered her already strong talents as she steps up into a higher role this season, while Jane Carter Chandler and Caitie Sullivan, the returning State MVP, strive to provide not only team leadership, but also continuity of strong performance. Focused on staying in shape and outworking opposing teams on the basics, they are also looking to have fun and give their lone senior, Captain Lindley Richardson, another undefeated season.

This fall season, varsity field hockey, coached by Mary Werkheiser, are coming off back-to-back state championship appearances and a second year on their state-of-the-art turf field.

The girls’ varsity field hockey team stands ready to enter the season on a strong note and regain their state title from 2014. With a challenging schedule and big games at every turn, girls’ field hockey is looking forward to playing tough public schools, Cox and First

have.

Without further ado, here is a small taste of some of our Virginian Olympic athletes:

Gabby Douglas is Virginia Beach’s claim to fame, as many of you already know. Gabby’s medal standing this year was made up of a gold medal in the women’s team all-around.

We all certainly remember her stunning performances at London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008, as she truly has done a fantastic job in gymnastics.

For those of you from Portsmouth, LaShawn Merritt is a local celebrity.

LaShawn competed in Rio in the Men’s 200m, 400m, and 400m relay. He scored a bronze in the 400m and a gold in the 400m relay with Gil Roberts, Tony McQuay, and Arman Hall. These Rio Olympics undoubtedly were important to LaShawn

Tennis at Rio

by Reagan Richardson ‘18

Bringing home three medals, the United States tennis team competed well at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Two American teams vied for the gold medal in the mixed doubles: Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock versus Venus Williams and Ram Rajeev. In the end, Mattek-Sands and Sock clinched the match in a tiebreaker and the gold medal (6-7, 6-1, 10-7), leaving Williams and Rajeev with the silver medal. Not only did our mixed doubles teams shine in the games, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock claimed the bronze medal in men’s doubles. After a tough semi-final match against Romania’s Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau, Johnson and Sock brought back the heat as they swept through Canada’s Daniel Nestor and Vasek Pospisil (6-2, 6-4).

Serena Williams lost in the third round against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (64, 6-3), losing her chance of receiving a fifth gold medal. Furthermore, Novak Djokovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) went out of the tournament in the first round to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro (7-6, 7-6).

Even though Djokovic’s loss broke the hearts of the tennis world, del Potro put the effort and time into training for these games. In the end, his dedication paid off as he stormed through the competition, making it to the finals. Despite his winning streak, del Potro lost to the formidable Andy Murray from Great Britain in a grueling four hour match (7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5). Rightfully deserving the silver medal, Juan Martin del Potro had an admirable run and an epic comeback in the Games.

Merritt, and he competed incredibly.

Hailing from Springfield, Virginia is Matt Miller.

As usrowing.org reports, rowed at the University of Virginia, graduating in the Class of 2011. Since completing college, Miller began training with the U.S. team in Princeton, New Jersey.

Miller rowed with Seth Weil, Henrik Rummel, and Charlie Cole in these past Olympics, and scored seventh overall in the Men’s Four.

Although the four had been hoping for a higher rank at the end of the games, they competed extremely well in a very competitive field of rowers.

As you can see, Virginia is not without its incredible athletes. Past and present, Virginia has produced a great group of Olympians. Rio was a phenomenal stage, and our fellow statesmen and women

did their part to bring home some hardware. To have local athletes competing on the world stage is a pretty amazing thing. The athletes named here are not the only ones to compete from Virginia, however. Swimming, hurdling, running, and any number of other sports have Virginian athletes involved.

Perhaps some future Olympians may even walk the halls here at Norfolk Academy. Hopefully we’ll see some more rookie and veteran Olympians in Tokyo.

Until then, keep an eye on your favorite competitors.

It turns out Virginia is for Lovers, and Olympians.

dogs look to win their first TCIS crown since 2008. Preseason proved to be one of the best since Coach Monninger’s time with the team, with many guys showing up for lifts and workouts during the summer, including Cam Call who did not miss a single workout. This year’s captains, Luke Frazier ‘17 and Nico Moscoso ‘17, will be leading all 42 players to improve on their 5-5 record, having finished runner-up in the TCIS last year. With a more intense schedule this season, boys’ varsity football looks to go 1-0 every week and maintain their focus on each week’s game day.

Girls’ and boys’ cross country, coached by Kenneth Lampert, has completed a great preseason with all top athletes having completed workouts over the summer and coming into the season so fit and in such good shape to further climb into the top slots this year at States that. With key senior losses from last season, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are looking to continue their ascent to the top. The boys’ team has their one-two punch in Decker ‘17 and Traywick ‘18. For the girls’ team, Julia Lambert ‘17 returns to maintain her stand-

ing as one of the top runners in southeastern Virginia.

Coach Lampert predicts that the guys have already progressed to the top two at TCIS and the girls will have a better season than expected in November’s most crucial meets.

Sailing, coached by Charles Knape, endured a hot and windless preseason, but had the pleasure of returning to the water. With the aim of placing as one of the top teams in the TCIS, they hope to end up at the front of the peloton having sailed in bigger events and ultimately having had fun and enjoyed being on the water. The varsity sailing team has a ton of learning to do, but is in a great position at the beginning of the sea(continued from page 1) son to learn and prosper as a of this policy, but we want to team. first meet with many teachers, members of the administration, and you to seek your opinions, so it is truly a school wide creation.

As you can see, we have been busy, and we will stay busy to ensure that this will be a fruitful and pivotal year for our honor system, which is at the core of our school. And with your help and support, we will be successful. Thank you.

Fall Athletics Colonial, and rival private schools, Trinity Episcopal and Cape Henry.

Players on the boys’ varsity soccer team, coached

by Greg Monaco, filled their summers with soccer. This year’s team has proven to be an extremely athletic and cohesive set of players under the guidance of captains Taylor Acra ‘17 and Chase Yager ‘18 and a valuable and hard-working group of seniors. While continuing to keep the intensity and focus up, the soccer team will continue to work hard and be highly competitive against all opponents.

The girls’ varsity volleyball team, coached by Patricia Hopkins, is ready to roll after playing in multiple scrimmages during the summer preseason. The team is ready to be led by this season by energetic and eager captains Jillian Levin ‘17, Lena Hinkle ‘17, and Hannah Barcus ‘17. With seasonal goals of having fun and being able to compete strongly with every team, the team’s dedication and determination will guide them through a tough season.

Boys’ varsity football is coached by Steve Monninger, as he and the Bull-

by Hans Christofferson ‘18

The Belfry

by Zach Minor ‘18

Honor

The Belfry

Club Features Book Club

Book Club’s first book, The Last One, will be by this year’s visiting author Alexandra Olivia. Any Upper School students who are interested will have the opportunity to discuss the novel with Alexandra Olivia when she visits campus and count it towards their Renaissance Reading Award.

“The Last One begins with a reality TV show, in which 12 contestants are sent into the woods to face challenges that will test the limits of

their endurance. While they are out there, something terrible happens—but how widespread is the destruction, and has it occurred naturally or is it human-made?

Cut off from society, the contestants know nothing of it. When one of them—a young woman the show’s producers call Zoo—stumbles across the devastation, she can imagine only that it is part of the game”.

- Goodreads

Along the same theme of politics and the youth, it’s time that Norfolk Academy, once again, begins to engage in substantive conversations in the Decision political forums to begin in the last week of September. All Upper School students are welcome to join in or simply listen in on the 45-minute open political discussions that range from topics on immigration reform to the possibility of

a Donald Trump presidency to the American role of combatting ISIS. This fall’s discussions, up until the November election, will focus on the presidential debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the first one of which is scheduled to air on Monday, September 26th. Look out for emails regarding the time and location of the Decision discussions.

Decision

Third-World Grace

Come check out Third World Grace! Third World Grace Club raises funds and awareness to support people in developing countries and those

affected by natural disasters. Our first fundraiser is selling Boograms the week before Halloween, so be sure to buy some!

UNITID

Looking for a club that discusses and encourages diversity? Join UNITID! We have meaningful and intellectual discussions about problems concerning

diversity in our community. Our first discussion will be on offensive Halloween costumes; feel free to attend even if you haven’t joined!

Community Service Board

This September, the CSB will dedicate our time and resources to educating our school about disabilities and providing opportunities to volunteer. We will be partnering with Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater and Autism Buddies.

Let’s make 2016-2017 the school year that inspires everyone to make a difference in their communities. We hope that you will join us!

During October, we hope to provide different opportunities to volunteer and support animals in our area. We will have a Saturday volunteering opportunity at the Virginia Beach SPCA. There is also a Mutt Masquerade 1 mile walk on October 30th. You can bring your dog too! Please join in, and support the animals this October!

September: Disabilities October: Animals November: Homeless/Hunger December: Children

January: Health February: Elderly March: Environment April: Bullying & Domestic Violence

CSB Monthly Themes

Fall 2016

Chelsea Clinton and Ivanka Trump: The Daughters Behind the Campaign

by Emily Batts ‘18

Disappointing, worrisome, embarrassing, and extremely divided--such characterizations exhibit the true frustration felt

by Millennials regarding the 2016 presidential election. Did the good qualities American’s hope to find in a presidential candidate skip a generation to Chelsea Clinton and Ivanka Trump? The election has turned into a quagmire of email scandals and name-bashing, rather than substantive debate on pressing issues that need to be addressed across our great nation, most important among which lies the determination of who remains truly best suited to the role of president. We now feel more disenfranchised from the American Dream than we have in years past. Ultimately, the race for the White House can be transformative both domestically and internationally, as we possibly elect our first female president or a president without mainstream political ties since Eisenhower.

Behind Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, lay two well-spoken, highly educated and intelligent daughters exuding self-confidence with traditional values. Although many Americans find the two presidential candidates undeserving of our highest office, some find the two daughters, albeit having wealth, to be hard-working, dedicated and more knowledgeable of our present cultural and political trends.

During the campaign of each candidate, these two young women at times have received more attention than their respective parents. As American per-

spective sways within each political campaign and the drum beats toward the fateful day in November, Chelsea and Ivanka have stayed the course and made their mark as admired trumpeters of their respective parents’ campaigns. They appear to make the campaigns more reputable and shed a positive light through turbulent times. Simply, the two women reassure the American people that their parents aren’t as ugly as the media sets them up to be. Chelsea and Ivanka manifest a trustworthy and loving notion for the candidates of President of the United States--something many deem impossible.

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Hillary and Bill Clinton, grew up immersed in politics. After attending many formidable universities and working for several companies, Chelsea has been on the board of the Clinton Foundation for the last five years. Although Hillary Clinton’s rhetoric may not be as offensive as her competitor, she has received just as much bad press. Through her investigation with the F.B.I. about her private emails and her suspicious Wall Street ties, Chelsea has constantly supported her mother and plays a vital role in her campaign. As Chelsea Clinton was the lead-in to Hillary Clinton’s big nominating speech, Chelsea revealed to America a softer and more nurturing side of her mother. Americans don’t look to Chelsea Clinton for policy platform’s or partisan attacks. Instead, Chelsea turns her mother into someone who is sympathetic to the American people. Instead of uplifting Hillary’s platform with grandiose details

of her greatness, Chelsea spoke of all the little things, things that no one sees or ever hears of--Hillary Clinton, a mother.

On the other hand, Ivanka Trump, daughter of Ivana Zelnickova and Donald Trump, grew up in the business world after education at prestigious universities. After graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics, Ivanka began working for the Trump Organization and eventually went on to form her own women’s fashion line, “Ivanka Trump”.

In multiple instances, Ivanka has shifted criticism away from her father’s campaign by clarifying his rhetoric to be more plausible. In particular, Donald Trump has received endless criticism about his sexist comments on women. Ivanka Trump, presumably her father’s “right hand (wo)man”, has said that her father values women who work hard, and even goes to say that he thinks higher of women who work harder than men to achieve success. Ivanka herself, is a role model for women wishing to achieve the perfect balance of aspiring business woman and doting mother.

Each daughter has risen to the occasion and lead us to believe there can be positive values in politics. Of course we anticipated they would play a role in the campaigns, but did we really know how influential each would become in transforming their parents into just not a candidate, but a mother or father and possibly the next President of the United States? It seems so.

We first would like to thank our staff sponsor, Mrs. Zito, and the staff writers, all of whom helped make our first issue of the 2016-2017 school year, the Year of Family, momentous and truly representative of the cohesive and committed Upper School community.

This year marks a new era in the role of The Belfry, as student engagement and consistent issue distribution will bolster The Belfry’s promi-

nence at Norfolk Academy and ultimately serve the very students whom it intends to serve by fostering extensive and prosperous student participation in journalism, reporting, and the sharing of opinion.

We look forward to quarterly issues of The Belfry to be distributed in the fall, winter, early spring, and late spring, as well as the prospect of an online platform for the sharing of

student-submitted articles on news, opinions, club or athletics special announcements, and Community Service Board updates.

We hope that you will contribute to The Belfry by joining the staff this year or submitting an article to thebelfrypublication@ gmail.com, and most importantly, that you take the time to delve into the first issue of the year. Enjoy!

Message From the Editors

Fall 2016

“The Brexit”: Great Britain’s Exit from the European Union

by Tai Jeffers ‘18

On Thursday, June 23rd of this year, there was a referendum in the UK that decided the potential fate of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. 52% of the 30 million voters decided that there should be a split between the UK and the EU. But why? There is a popular theory that the vote was a protest coming from people with lower incomes, or people who are uncomfortable with social changes in Britain, especially immigration. Others point to the anti-European Union propaganda that constantly appears in newspapers. There was also constant pressure from the UK Independence Party; they believe that being in the EU was costing the UK more money than what it was worth to be a member, and that there should be a reduction in the number of people moving to Britain to live or work.

No matter the reason, the United Kingdom is already suffering the consequences; for example, the value of the pound has reached its lowest point in thirty years and the cost of government borrowing has increased.

In addition to these changes, Britain has a new prime minister, Theresa May. She took over after David Cameron resigned the day after the referendum. She was

against Brexit but has decided to respect what the people voted for. Although the results of the vote are already in, the United Kingdom can’t actually leave the EU until it invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will then give the two sides two years to agree to the terms of Brexit. Until the split, the United Kingdom will abide by EU laws and treaties. A country has never left the European Union before, so Article 50 has never been used. Going through 43 years of agreements and treaties will be a long operation. May has stated that she will not begin this process until 2017.

However, she has already set up a new government department specifically for Brexit, headed by David Davis, Liam Fox, and Boris Johnson, otherwise known as the “Three Brexiteers.”

Although it is clear that May is going to go forward with the vote of the people, the United Kingdom can rejoin the European Union if it decides to do so after the split.

However, it would have to start the process of becoming a member from scratch.

Either way, when the split happens, it will not be until late 2018, so now all we can do is wait as the terms of Article 50 are agreed upon by the two sides.

Everything old is new again!

Gigi Hadid rocks this 80’s inspired off-the-shoulder top. Here, the model completes the look with distressed jeans. If you’re looking for a less casual look, consider pairing it with white jeans or a maxi skirt.

ors and textures like model Kendall Jenner.

Fall Fashion

by Lindley Richardson ‘17

Celebrity lines are making this fall’s athleisure more easy and affordable than ever. With a rise in exercise, fitness inspired clothing has evolved into an everyday staple. Former “sports only” brands, such as Adidas and Nike, are working to create models that can serve funcChokers are back! The postionally and fashionably. sibilities are endless when it comes to this fall’s most coveted necklace. The look can be worn simply with a single pearl, cross, bead, or clasp.

For a more dramatic look, pair several different col-

The Belfry

Conservatives, Choose Country Over Party

In advocating the willingness of conservatives to vote out of Republican party lines in the 2016 presidential election, Lizzie Bond writes, “Allegiance to one’s political party must not trump one’s ultimate and profound dedication to one’s country.”

Richard Armitage, adviser to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush; Henry Paulson, treasury secretary; Doug Elmets, former Reagan spokesperson. Such names comprise the concise list of big-name Republicans who have endorsed the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, over the highly contentious Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Yet, disconcertingly, the list does not seem to be growing fast enough.

Plenty of prominent Republicans have publicly condemned the ways of Trump’s controversial nature, but only few have acted further in not plainly endorsing the businessman and reality television star host. Some have vaguely stated they would endorse whomever the Republican nominee is, avoiding a direct endorsement of Trump himself, to support the democracy that should ultimately underlie American political elections, especially presidential ones. Others, like former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, favor a third-party candidacy to sustain a clear conscience.

The reality is, however, that the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency has shaken up the state of American politics, and certainly the coalition of conservatives who find themselves members of the Republican Party. In such a

polarized and harshly partisan political climate, one may seek refuge in tribalism adhering wholly to one’s party while villainizing the other—choosing party.

While trust in like-minded individuals secures the bonds of political alliances, today it also invokes a blindness and indifference to the well-being of American politics and the nation as a whole. Allegiance to one’s political party must not trump one’s ultimate and profound dedication to one’s country—choosing country.

For the majority of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, a compromise must be made in choosing each party’s respective candidates—Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Major players and a general consensus in both fields criticize their own candidates—Hillary Clinton for a lack of trustworthiness, the handling of the Benghazi attack, and the scandal concerning the use of a personal email server for classified state business—Donald Trump for his narcissism, lack of experience, and questionable character.

At such a moment of turbulence in American politics and the 2016 presidential election, the necessity of a good enough, qualified enough candidate must become ever-clear not for the sake of one’s party, but for the sake of the American people and the future of the nation.

For the better part of 2015, the entire Republican party disavowed the Trump candidacy as an abuse of the conservative platform and a disgrace to the integrity of Republican political policy.

Anti-Trump super PACs, like the Our Princi-

by Lizzie Bond ‘17

ples PAC, mostly reigned supreme, yet their power waned as key Republicans, like Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, eventually conceded in offering their endorsements of Trump.

In the summer of 2016, “Never-Trump” Republicans, former GOP nominees like Ted Cruz who implicitly rejected a Donald Trump endorsement at July’s Republican National Convention and received ostracizing feedback from his own party, or organizations, like Republican Women for Hillary, who secured a speaking slot at August’s Democratic National Convention, are villainized as traitors who disgrace the nature of American democracy and flout the imperativeness of averting “four more years of liberal cronyism,” according to Speaker Ryan. But for those conservatives whose clear conscience guides them to choose their country over the Republican party by repudiating Donald Trump, a recognition must be made that the most likely means of securing a national well-being until the current political storm passes is to vote for former Secretary Clinton. Despite an inherent difference in her liberal policies, a conservative’s vote for Clinton would act not as a Republican betrayal, but as a statement of disapproval for the evolving Republican party and a deeper allegiance to the United States of America—a steadfast sign of strength in convictions and conservative beliefs, and the possibility of a new era in American politics in which the identifier of “conservative” and “Republican” are no longer synonymous.

The Belfry Staff

Co-Editors Lizzie Bond Alix Galumbeck

Faculty Sponsor Mrs. Zito

Featured Writers Emily Batts Hans Christofferson Ryan Fulmer Tai Jeffers Zach Minor Holly Power Brammy Rajakumar Lindley Richardson Reagan Richardson Tori Walker Tyler Windsor