The C&G | Volume II | Issue 3 | Senior Edition

Volume II, Issue 2, Senior Edition

May 2014

Editor’s Desk To the HI Upper School community, In four short years, our print journalism program has been entirely reinvented and, in my opinion, improved. What began as an outdated monthly newspaper that was more focused on promoting the school is now a biannual news magazine produced entirely by students with the intention of discussing the real issues in a high school students’ life.

There was a moment at the beginning of my junior year where the staff was sitting in a circle and we agreed together to be brave journalists. In other words, we agreed to report on topics that students may think about or should think about. Our goal has been to provide a true, unbiased view of student life in the HIES Upper School. As my experience with the C&G staff comes to a close, I realize how incredibly proud I am to be a part of these journalistic accomplishments. There is so much time and commitment that goes into each story and I am so proud of my peers for producing such well-developed work.

For many reasons, my approaching graduation is bittersweet, especially because of the amazing experiences and lessons I have enjoyed with HIES journalism.

While I am looking forward to continuing involvement in print publications, I am excited to see how far the C&G staff will develop and improve in the future. Aside from the lessons in writing, graphic design, and editing, I have personally gained so much throughout my time on the staff and throughout my time as Editor In Chief. The memories, friendships, and opportunities have truly made my experience worthwhile. I would like to thank my peers as well as all of the advisors that have guided me along the way.

Best of luck to you all!

Farewell,

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Special Thanks to my fellow staff members and advisors throughout the years: Mary Catherine Thomson, Ané Wanliss, Lauren McBroom, Lela Johnson, Erin Ernst, Sydney Coleman, Whitney Weiss, Carla Klepper, Rebekah Good-Peoples, and Danielle Elms. I love and appreciate all that you have done for me!

In this issue Class of 2014

C&G STAFF Sydney Coleman Staff Writer

Erin Ernst

Copy Editor

Features

Clara Forrestal Editor In Chief

Lela Johnson Copy Editor

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Tassel Turner

A profile of Amie Muir from a student perspective

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Lauren McBroom Staff Writer

Mary Catherine Thomson

Balance of Excellence

The Class of 2014’s outstanding virtues

Bew are

7

3 Dasha Khromtsova 5 Clayton DeHaven 6 Ross Waters

Ané Wanliss Online Editor

Whitney Weiss Staff Writer

of S

enio

ritis

Senioritis

Are you infected with this rampant illness ravaging the senior commons?

On the side

Print Editor

Danielle Elms Advisor

C&G is a student magazine dedicated to representing the voice of the Holy Innocents’ student body. We are a group of students, and therefore our focus is on students. We want to invite and to further discussion on the topics that are already trending through the halls of HIES, the community, and the nation.

The link between our staff and the students of HIES is key and drives every aspect of our publication. So to all the students, read, reflect, respond; The C&G is as much your voice as ours!

@

Check us out www.crimsonandgold.org 2

Dasha Khromtsova

By Molly Marcus-Dower Design by Lela Johnson

T

hrough an expanding global citizenship program and an increase in exchange and travel opportunities throughout the school year, it is easy to see the great strides our school has taken to becoming a more diverse and active participant in the global community. The truly diverse and open nature of HIES is evident in the wide range of interesting students that make up each grade.

Last year, the 2014 graduating class opened its arms and welcomed a new addition to the HIES family. Dasha Khromtsova, a Russian teenager eager to experience life in America, became a full time student at Holy Innocents’ the fall of her junior year. In her almost two full years at our school, she has become an extremely integrated and involved part of the community, participating in a wide range of extracurriculars including soccer, theater, send a smile, and the Bearettes.

Dasha first came to America in the summer of 2010. She visited Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and finally New York, which was “really cool for a girl from Russia.”

When asked to explain how she made the decision to move away from her home city of Arkhangelsk, Russia and come to Atlanta for the remainder of her high

school career, Dasha smiled and said simply “This needs to start long time ago.” For as long as she can remember, it had been a dream of hers to come to the United States. It had been her plan all along to move here for college, but when her Atlanta-based aunt suggested Dasha come over a few years early, Dasha couldn’t resist the offer.

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The thought of moving to the US seemed daunting at first, as it was “a huge country across the ocean” but after living here for two years with plans to stay in the states for college, America doesn’t seem too different from Russia after all. Dasha reflected on the differences between the two countries that proved overtly apparent upon her arrival. “Americans are friendly to everyone even if you don’t know them at all, even if it’s a person on the street that you’ve never met.” In Russia, Dasha says, people are much more closed off to strangers. That being said, once you get to know them “and reach a level of friendship” Russians are very open and warm.

Though she does miss her parents, and, as she stressed heavily, the snow, Dasha has found many things she loves about America, including the way it is viewed as the “Land of Opportunity.” She strongly identifies with this ideal and is choosing to stay in the US to pursue her dreams of going into medicine as she feels the technologies and opportunities available to her here far surpass those back at home.

She has also found much to love about HIES, including its openness and diversity. When asked directly if she felt our school represented a thriving global com-

munity, she replied with an immediate and affirming “yes.” She has taken notice of the variety of religious and ethnic groups HIES students are exposed to, and even more importantly, how open and accepting they are to these introductions of diversity. Throughout her time here, Dasha has felt nothing but welcomed by the 2014 class and appreciates the opportunity to bring a little more of the world’s culture to HIES. u

Photography by Alex Robataille

Senior 2014 | C&G | 4

Clayton DeHaven

By Sydney Coleman

W

hether he’s leading the swim team to state as a captain or fostering close relationships between teammates, Clayton Dehaven is a leader in the HIES swimming community. As one of two male captains, he gives “as much moral support as possible,” encouraging teammates to do their best, whether that means to “place 5th at state 5 | C&G | Senior 2014

overall against 48 other 1-5A schools” or “finishing a hard set at practice.”

Although performing well is important to the success of the team, Dehaven also notes that “the HIES team is like a family,” and his job as a senior captain was to keep that family strong. He says that one of his biggest priorities at the beginning of his senior year was “seeking out underclassmen to just to say hello” and offer them his support.

Dehaven’s devotion to swimming is evident through his unwavering commitment. Not only does he compete on the HIES team, but also swims year round at Dynamo Swim Club. He is drawn to the sport by how rewarding it is, and the fact “you can always surprise yourself,” no matter how big or small the accomplishment. In addition to personal fulfillment, Dehaven says swimming has taught him to manage his time and to stay disciplined.

“Because it’s just you, the pool, and the clock,” Dehaven has learned that the best

way to be successful is to “just put your head down and go, no matter how bad it may hurt.”

His commitment to the swimming program at HIES has allowed Clayton to reach a goal that he’d set as a freshmen, to “lead the team as a captain at state,” which was “an amazing feeling,” and notably the proudest moment of his swimming career. In addition to his athletic success, Dehaven is also a dedicated student, who says he will continue “to perform to the best of my best ability in and out of the pool” at Sewanee University in the fall of 2015. u

ROSS WATERS

By Lela Johnson

W

hen dress up days roll around, HIES bears put some serious thought and creativity into how we show up to school.

Even still, it could be said for all students and faculty that senior Ross Waters’ costumes are by far the most anticipated.

It’s been this way every year since his Aflac outfit debuted in the kindergarten Halloween parade. The following Halloween, Waters went all out for a devil costume heavy in makeup and prosthetics, shaping his interest in cos-

tume-making from a very young age.

Waters says the brainstorming begins around six months in advance. His mother has always played a big role in the process, and together they will make the trip to Costumes, etc where the storeowner will contribute to the idea. They will later purchase all makeup and materials, and it’s safe to say that Waters is never afraid to go all out.

Picking a favorite costume was a difficult question for Waters, and he couldn’t decide between an intense zombie outfit or a “simple but fun” costume from Up. To become a zombie, he took an instructive class, created his own organs, and

went through at least half an hour of makeup.

Waters knew exactly what he wanted his senior Halloween parade costume to be four years in advance – a headless horseman. H e had previously taken a class on how to make a fake head and was planning on making a cast of his own face to carry around. Unfortunately, this idea was a little too scary for a kindergarten parade, so Ross went with the equally impressive “Cereal” Killer/Captain Crunch.

In eighth grade, Waters was invited to a grade Halloween party and was told to dress up. As dress-up parties are obviously his specialty, he showed up in a full gargoyle costume complete with head to toe gray makeup, but no one decided to dress up but him. Waters says this was definitely his most embarrassing night and even made it the subject of his college essay.

Although Waters is the most invested in costume-making out of his siblings, he isn’t interested in a career. However, in any event in college requiring him to dress up, he will definitely “get creative [and] carry the creativity with [him] for any open opportunity.” 

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Beware of Senio ritis

By Clara Forresta l

A glimpse in to infected sen the senior commons w ill reveal iors sprawle d across co with the left u ch ove es on their lap rs of their off-campus s. This take lunch s a look into slowly affe was has cted the Cla ss of 2014.

90.00%

of HIES seniors consider themselves “infected� with Senioritis

8.08 out of 10 average severity of selfreported symptoms of Senioritis

Aspects of senior lives most affected by Senioritis Schoolwork/ Grades Athletics/ Extracurricular Activities

Family Life

Social Life

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*According to a survey of 60 HIES seniors

BE AWARE OF THE SYMPTOMS: Fatigue

Decline of academic performance

Loss of focus

Drop in attendance

Procrastination

Decrease in dedication

Nostalgia

Increase in detentions

Stress

Risk of failure in multiple classes

Do you have senioritis?* 1. During your most boring class, you can most often be found… a. With my head on the desk, trying to catch some sleep b. Trying to listen to my teacher, but failing to absorb anything of academic value c. Attentively listening to my teacher and taking notes 2. When your teacher asks the class to hand in last night’s homework, what do you do? a. I make some lame excuse, as I didn’t do it b. I try to copy a friend, as I forgot to do it c. I hand it in, of course 3. When your friends ask you to skip class with them, what do you do? a. I immediately say yes and think of something fun to do b. I think about it, but decide to go to my class c. I refuse to skip my class, as I want to do well in it * Quiz courtesy of Blogspot

4. When school ends, what do you usually do?

7. On Senior Skip Day, what would you do?

a. I go home, watch TV, and sleep b. I do some homework, then surf the web c. I go to practice or club meeting, then do my homework

a. I’ve been ditching that day since freshman year b. I’d only skip school if I was a senior c. I would never skip school

5. If you woke up one morning to find out that you have a bad cold, what would you do?

8. What is your general attitude towards school?

a. I’d tell my parents that I’m sick, and stay home b. I’d try to suck it up, but would not be as alert as I usually am c. I’d take medicine, then go on normally with my day

a. I find it boring and an extreme waste of time b. I know it’s important, but it’s not my favorite way to spend the day c. I like it, as I actually like learning new things

6. How do you usually study for tests?

Mostly A’s: Full-Blown Senioritis Mostly B’s: Mild Case of Senioritis Mostly C’s: No Senioritis

a. The word ‘study’ is not in my vocabulary b. I cram the night before the test c. I do all my homework and study a little bit each day

Senior 2014 | C&G | 8

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A

BALANCE OF

EXCELLENCE

By Whitney Weiss

The graduating Class of 2014 exhibits one of HIES’s most important values: a balance of excellence.

This year, seniors thrive in a widerange of talents. Within the class, there are standout students in the following categories: athletics, arts, academics, community service, or unique interests.

From the playing field to the stage to the classroom to the community, these talented students are admired from afar and highly regarded by their peers. The students profiled showcase many of the hidden and not so hidden talents found in the Class of 2014.

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ACADEMICS Jack Hackett Among his fellow HIES since he was peers in the senior class (grade), “Everyday I look in Jack Hackett is known therefore forward to school classifying for his tech savvy skills when it comes because I am always him to be to filmography. Over an Alpha having a good O m e g a the course of his years at HIES, Hackett has graduate. time.” excelled academically In this in the classroom and even taken the time he has grown close to skills he learned in the classroom to help many of his classmates, and foster his love for filmography. This year credits his experience with Hackett said his favorite class is actually his friends at school to be one film, which is taught by Mr. Jackson and of his greatest experiences while Mr. Conway, but Hackett also went on to at HIES. “Everyday I look forward to say that in general he loves all his teachers school because I am always having a good at HIES. Hackett as been attending time” Hackett said as he reflected on his

experience with friends at school, many of which he has actually grown up with. Next year he plans to continue his academic studies at the University of Southern California with the hopes of joining a film union at some point in his future. u

Ansley Carter Whether it’s on the tennis court or in the classroom, senior Ansley Carter is well-known for always giving her all in everything she does.

In the classroom her teachers know her as the type of student to be sure to complete all assignments to the best of her ability, which every time proves to be of only the best standard.

In her ten years as a student at Holy Innocents; Carter admits that what she has gained from her time

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as a student extends beyond just academics, “HI has taught me to branch out and talk to others that I wouldn’t usually talk to”. Carter went on to say that she views the skills she has gained as ones that she plans to carry with her next year as she attends Auburn University. As her time as a student at HIES is quickly coming to an end Carter reflected on her experience and said that her

favorite memory were from the school prep rallies. Whether it was the pep rallies where students had to eat blended Happy Meals or compete in sibling rivalry challenges, Carter explained that she always looked forward to these festive events because they “always [made] me laugh and it [was] something that I always look forward to”. Although she will only be one state away next year Carter explained that she will most like miss the HIES community and her fellow classmates next. For now Carter plans to major in nurse, but for the most she is keeping an open mind as to what is in store for her in the future. u

Natalie Kessler When it comes to academics, Natalie “The small classes have really given Kessler is that type of student that never me a chance to get to know my backs down from a teachers, which “[I am looking challenge. In her time is really as a student at HIES, forward to] getting helpful in Kessler has always lear ning”. to see the world A l t h o u g h pushed herself to go above and beyond, from a different K e s s l e r taking Honors and has taken point of view.” a variety of AP courses in order to further advance AP courses her academic successes. Kessler attributes this year she admitted that her most of her academic success to the favorite class this year is AP BC support of parents and her teachers. Calculus. As she will be moving on Kessler went on to say specifically the to college next year Kessler state that learning environment provided at HIES she will miss her friends the most but was a factor to her academic success, she is looking forward to “getting to see

the world from a different point view” as she goes out into the world meeting new people and making new friends.

For now Kessler plans to major in Chemistry in hopes of one day pursuing a career in the medical field. u

Albert Wouters Albert truly is an example of an outstanding scholar. Impressing his teachers and classmates during his short time at HIES, Wouters has been an exceptional student, tackling various challenging courses including the highest-level math course that is offered at HIES. Wouters has always loved math saying that “it’s always been easy for me, beyond that I like being able to come to a solution for a problem, and know that [I] got it wrong or right”.

Wouters plans on pursuing his love of math in college, but not exclusively.

More specifically, he is interested in com-

bining math with his curiosity in computer science, economics or business.

Investment banking also peaks Wouters’ interest, which lead him to a shadowing experience at Bank of America leaving him wanting to know more about the

profession. Although he is a man of few words, Wouters’ intellect has left a lasting impression on faculty and classmates who have had the pleasure of sharing a classroom.

Beyond the classroom, Wouters has also created memorable experiences with his friends and went on to say that he will miss both his friends and the HIES community the most when he is away at college next year. u

Senior 2014 | C&G | 12

ATHLETICS Warner Ray

For standout r u n n e r , War ner Ray, running cross country and track is not just a sport, but a lifestyle. Since the sixth grade, Ray has been running 6-7 times a week in order to stay healthy

and prevent injury, as well as to improve. running in general is “all the friends and He explained, “running brings structure coaches I’ve gotten to meet and being and focus to my life, as well as a great able to challenge myself.” In addition, opportunity to meet new people and he loves setting goals and improving his state in shape.” times. As a result of his hard work and Despite popular assumption, running dedication, Ray has accepted an offer to is actually about the team, rather than run for the University of Mississippi, the individual. In fact, where he will continue “Running brings he favorite part about to live his passion. u cross country is that structure and focus the team gets to run to my life, as well as together at the same a great opportunity time.

In addition, Ray to meet new people elaborates that his favorite part about and stay in shape.”

Annie Bennett As a captain of the varsity volleyball and varsity girls’ lacrosse teams, and as the 2014 prom queen, Senior Annie Bennett knows what it means to be a leader on and off the court and field at HIES. Bennett, a defensive specialist on the court, has been playing volleyball since seventh grade. As for her time on the field, the midfielder has been playing lacrosse since eighth grade. Bennett speaks fondly of her time on the court and field, noting the positive effects of being involved in sports at HIES: “I think the athletics programs here at HIES help, a lot of times, to build friendships with people you might not normally connect with. And they provide

13 | C&G | Senior 2014

the ‘team feel’; being a part of a team is a great way to learn life lessons and have fun.” Bennett says that her time spent involved in sports at HIES has taught her to manage her time better—not only in terms of schoolwork, but also regarding priorities in general.

The senior enjoyed her experience on the HIES lacrosse team so much that she hopes to continue the sport on the club level at the University of Michigan. Bennett shares

her appreciation for the way the school treats the sports teams with inclusion and support: “The HIES community has helped because it’s very supportive of our athletics.

And while we’re not always the best teams, everybody gets a shot to play; everybody gets to try it out and try new sports.” Bennett said that winning a state championship for volleyball was “awesome”, but that it’s worth noting to that winning isn’t the most important thing; it’s also important to build relationships and learn the value of teamwork. u

Kathleen Charron For Senior Kathleen Charron, swimming is not a leisure activity done simply in summer, but rather an intense and competitive sport that she spends up to 18 hours a week practicing.

She admitted, “basically, outside of school, I am swimming.” Charron began swimming at the age of ten, and competing and meets regularly for a club team by the time she was 13, travelling all around the nation to compete in meets such as the 200 and 400 meter Individual Medely, the 100, 200,

and 500 meter freestyle, and the 200 [It] is also a hard sport mentally. It has meter butter fly. She taught me to focus on said, “My favorite part “Swimming has the process because about swimming is the process taught me to never ifright,I getthethe outcome relationships that I have made.” give up. It is a sport will eventually fall into Not only does where even if you place.”

Charron have a strong As a result of her passion for the sport, are tired, you have countless hours, hard it has strongly and success, she to keep going.” work, impacted has been granted the her life, opportunity to swim “swimming has taught for Southern Methodist University and me to never give up.

“I couldn’t be happier.” u It is a sport where even if you are tired, you have to keep going.

Dennis Zeissner Standout midfielder and defender, me how to deal with different types Dennis Zeissner is consistently a strong of people and personalities.” But, the force for the Bears soccer program. hardest part about his 8 hour weekly Zeissner’s love of soccer began when dedication is, “maintaining fitness so that he moved to the I do not run out of “[Soccer] has made gas during a game.”

United States from Germany at age moving around easier In addition, he ten. enjoys the because I always find fact that His favorite part about it is his friends through soccer because it team. “It has made is played moving around and it has taught me how all around easier because I to deal with different the world, always find friends no matter types of people and where he through soccer and it has taught goes, soccer personalities.”

is a common interest. In his short time at HIES, soccer has been a driving force to Zeissner’s ability to easily develop relationship and make an impact here on campus. u

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Katherine Correll and Anne Claire Pittman Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta does not simply make a revenue to keep doors open.

Instead, the hospital relies on donations in order to continue to treat children. girlFriends, a non-profit organization made up of high school girls from the Atlanta area, raises money through fun and uplifting meetings and fundraisers for the important cause. HIES’s own seniors Katherine Correll and Anne Claire Pittman are the co-presidents of the organization,

overseeing the three boards, Marketing, Fundraising, and Membership, as well as handling logistics, behind-the-scenes work, and being in direct contact with the hospital.

Both chose to get involved in the organization because of its impact on the c o m m u n i t y.

Correll said, “everyone knows someone that has been saved by Children’s and so to me, it is an opportunity to help my cousin [who has DownSyndrome] and help all those Children’s stories that we all know of.”

Pittman nodded in agreement and added, “it is in our backyard, and it is something that

everyone benefits from. It helps so many kids and so it’s just a way to give back.”

Not only do general members of the organization assist at the monthly meetings, they also have the opportunity to participate in patient parties.

Correll explains, “it is when you actually have the opportunity to go to the hospital and work with the kids so you get to see firsthand your contributions,” she added, “seeing the way kids’ faces light up when they see you come to play for an hour or so makes all the work worth it.” u

Amber Abernathy Senior Amber Abernathy sees a problem, and makes a change. Since the sixth grade, she has been involved Girl Talk, a studentto-student program where high school girls mentor younger girls. Following her attendance at the meetings, Abernathy went on to b e c o m e a camp counselor, a leader of the Holy Innocents’ chapter, and finally involved in the National Teen Advisory Board. “It is great to see a lot of the girls come in as sixth

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graders and they are shy and then by the thing I did.” For her informing seminars, time they are in eighth graders, they have Abernathy works with police departments blossomed into awesome young women.” and firsthand speakers to create a curriculum In addition to being that educates youth involved in Girl Talk, “Always use whatever about anti-violence Abernathy began a actions and ways you are passionate to get out of seminar called Teens Against situations, about relate to other violent Violence, which has and which she continuing people and you can is hopes to to inspire teens b r a n c h make something great everywhere. From off into a her experiences, out of it.” nonprofit A b e r n a t h y organization. She was inspired advocates to “always use whatever you are to create these seminars for teens passionate about or whatever experiences after violence effected her own you have to relate to other people and you family, “I saw how violence effected can make something great out of it.” u my family, friends, and myself and I wanted to change that for other people so they wouldn’t have to go through the same

Madison Collins Senior Madison Collins aids the community in a unique, but rewarding way: bringing a dog around school. Through extensive training process, Collins became certified to work with Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with special needs and or physical disabilities.

After seeing her mother begin working with Canine Assistants, Collins decided she wanted to as well. This year, she volunteered with the organization by assisting in dog training in a busy school environment by taking the dogs-in-training to all of her classes and through the halls of HIES. Collins said, “it is really rewarding to know that you are helping train a dog that is going to help another person.”

Trained from birth, these special dogs can

push doors open, pick up items, or even help people start conversations.

Collins advocates that everyone should get involved in this special organization, “there is always a need for donations and fundraisers because it is very expensive to care for these dogs because they give them free of charge to families.” u

“It is really rewarding to know that you are helping train a dog that is going to help another person.”

Sam Fallon and Owen Penn Seniors Sam Fallon and Owen Penn combined two passions into one; lacrosse and community service. After seeing that Atlanta’s own rehabilitation center, The Shepherd Center, did not have a wheelchair lacrosse program, Fallon reached out to some guys in California who had started a program, and decided to bring it to Georgia.

Penn said, “we first reached out to army bases for wounded warriors, as well as the Shepherd center and other programs

around Atlanta and the Southeast, trying to get people who are in wheelchairs to come down and try the new sport.”

With the help of a Californian wheelchair lacrosse coach, Ryan Baker, Fallon and Penn launched their camp with 25 people 2 years ago. Fallon added, “what we do is it is run very similar to an able-body lacrosse practice. We work on stick skills for the first part, and then we do drills and we play a little bit as well.”

Interestingly, the rules of wheelchair lacrosse are the same as able-body lacrosse; however, it is played on a hockey or basketball court instead of a field.

Both Fallon and Penn’s favorite memory

from these camps was getting to know the players. Fallon said, “one Saturday night, we went out to dinner with some of the guys who were in the clinic.

Going out and hearing e v e r y o n e ’s story was really nice, as well as getting to know the people on the personal level. I learned not to be quick to judge people. Everyone has a story and everyone has a reason for why they are who they are.”u

Senior 2014 | C&G | 16

ARTS Reed Smith For senior Reed Smith, [ A P “I do art because “D r aw all it takes is a few pencils ing] it’s fun and and piece of paper to gave me make a well recognizable most entertaining, the masterpiece. freedom, Smith first discovered but most of all and I he liked art in elementary prefer relaxing.” school art classes, a love t h e that carried over when he moved to Holy drawing course to 2D Innocents’ in middle school. In eighth Art.” grade, he took Advanced Art, and since Smith views art as an then he has completed Foundations important hobby in his life, and of Art, Drawing 2, AP Drawing, and is uses it as a way to unwind. “I do art currently taking AP 2D Design. because its fun and entertaining, but most Out of all of these classes, Smith says of all relaxing. It’s nice to just sit down that AP Drawing was definitely his favorite: and draw sometimes and mess around,”

explained Smith.

As for the future, Smith says, “I plan on taking art classes in college.

Its something I want to continue doing my whole life as a hobby.”

Smith’s distinctive style of art has made a lasting impression on the HIES community, as well as his love of his craft. u

Ciel Rodriguez Being covered in paint, markers, and or various other arts supplies has become the norm for senior Ciel Rodriguez.

V i s u a l arts are an important part of Rodriguez’s everyday routine and represent a major passion in her life. She developed a love for art at a young age, something she attributes to her

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experiences with art at home. “I think a lot of the reason why art is such a big part of my life is because my mom cultivated it in me at a very young age. Ever since Pre-School she has always been there in my classroom doing crafts with my classes.

Not only that, but my house is covered in art,” commented Rodriguez on her intro into the arts. Rodriguez’s art career at Holy Innocents’ started in eighth grade with Advanced Art and expanded from there. In high school, Rodriguez has taken Foundations of Art, 2-D Design,

Photography, 2-D 2, and AP 2D Design.

For Rodriguez, though, art is not limited to the classroom. “Art has always been my daily distraction and expression from doodling, painting, drawing, journaling and photography,” explained Rodriguez.

Part of the reason why Rodriguez loves art is because it connects her to the people around her. She describes art as “a piece of my life that I get to share with my friends and family and community around me.” Rodriguez will be attending the School of Art Institute of Chicago in the fall, where art will be at the core of her classes, a transition that she is excited to experience. u

Drew Anderson Since the beginning of his acting career in 5th grade, Drew Andersen has participated in thirteen school productions, portraying numerous personalities. Anyone who has seen one of Andersen’s many shows knows that he is incredibly entertaining in any role he plays. Ashlyn Masters, who has worked with Anderson, admired his flexibility as an actor. “He’s able to really immerse himself in the character. He does a lot of research of the shows and the

characters so he can really understand the motives, objective, and emotions of his character” stated Masters. Of his thirteen successful shows, the production of Grease during his 8th grade year was his favorite because “it was a fun show and the journey it took was an entertaining learning experience. Now as a senior, it is clear that theatre has been an important part of Andersen’s daily life at HIES. “I personally use my experience with theatre to keep myself relaxed. A lot of exercises in

theatre are used to relax the actor’s body and mind. If I’m extremely stressed one day, when I get home I’ll take some time to do some warm-up exercises, and I’ll feel a lot better afterwards” explained Andersen.

As his time at HIES comes to a close, Andersen is reflecting on how theatre has affected his high school experience and hopes to pass on some final advice to his younger peers involved in theatre: “ALWAYS Live Truthfully under the Imaginary Given Circumstances of the Play. And remember the Group Theatre.”

Andersen’s presence will be undoubtedly missed in the HIES theatre. u

Anna Huff Senior Anna Huff has loved theatre for years now and this passion is evident by her dedication to the HIES theatre productions. Huff has participated in almost every possible musical or play during her time at the school. With each and every role she plays, her incredible talent becomes more clear to her peers and to the audience she entertains.

Demonstrating her love for the stage, Huff has dedicated so much of her time to her shows and the hard work clearly pays off. “When shows are over, [she finds herself] struggling to find ways to spend the free time [she has] until rehearsals for the next show start.” Her

audiences can see that the theatre program at HI has benefitted from Huff ’s involvement over the years.

In a similar way, Huff has benefitted from her experience as well. On top of learning about acting, singing, dancing, etc., Huff has developed herself outside of theatre thanks to her experience. She explains, “I have learned how to be more confident and just be myself. I’m usually very quiet, but as soon as I step foot on a stage, I can’t help but preform. Giving presentations and speaking in front of a class is much easier as well. The skills that come with

being an actor are truly beneficial and applicable to real life situations.”

With her final performance in the HI theatre now finished, Huff leaves the program with these lasting words: “Performing is an unforgettable experience. I wouldn’t trade my time and memories in the HIES theatre program for all the money in the world. The people I have the honor of sharing the stage with every year have truly helped make me who I am today.” u

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HOBBIES William Boor Senior William Boor’s passion for the art of blacksmithing seems like it would be better suited for an episode of Game of Thrones rather than a modern day summer camp. Even so, over the past few years, Boor has been creating metal gadgets at Falling Creek Camp in Tuxedo, North Carolina.

“Blacksmithing is something that is very precise and also allows for me to express myself in a unique way,” says Boor, “It is quickly becoming a lost art. Blacksmithing tests patience and will power due to the hot conditions.”

The process of blacksmithing beings by heating up metal to a lemon-orange

color and then drawing out the metal or hitting down on it at a 45 degree angle, depending on the object you are making.

His passion extends to other technologically advanced mediums such as plasma cutters and welding.

Boor plans on continuing the development of these unique skills, as he points out “I plan on going back to camp as a counselor after my first year of college and I hope that I can continue with it beyond that as well.”

Whether he is forging a metal piece or a sword, there’s no question that Boor truly enjoys this medieval art. Over the years, his handmade crafts range from

candleholders to j-hooks, throwing axes to fire pokers, burger flippers to spoons and jewelry. Where can you find the majority of this vast collection of handmade items? With his mother, who “expects something different each time I can home.” u

Savannah Harris Savannah Harris’s fascination for driving and restoring antique cars wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “When I was in fifth grade,” Harris explains, “my dad bought a 71 Cuda. At first I was embarrassed by it because it w a s

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different, loud, and bright pink. After SE, has been a recipient of these updates, a while, I warmed up to it and actually and it shows. It’s hard to miss the sleek became interested in the car and other black car sitting in the senior parking lot. classic cars”.

“I really enjoy “As long as I have his hobby Since then, Harris because and drive my car, I it’s a great feeling and her dad have bonded over their something will always have to be whenever shared passion for is broken to know restoring and fixing that you are able to automobiles. Some of the projects go and fix it yourself,” things on it.” they have done Harris explains, “It’s together include redoing upholstery really rewarding to be able to do that in and suspension, rerouting and updating my opinion. As long as I have and drive electrical systems, and fixing brake lines my car, I will always have to be restoring so that they don’t leak. and fixing things on it.” u Harris’ own car, a 71 Dodge Charger

Madison Miller Senior Madison Miller has a unique explains. “I’m a busybody, I always hobby that she not only enjoys because have to be doing something. I’ll just it’s fun, but also because make [jewelry] while it is profitable: jewelry “I’m a busybody, I I’m watching TV or making.

It’s a lot of always have to be something.

After making simple hard work but it’s fun doing somthing.” for me.” bracelets and necklaces out of clay as a child, In fact, she’s made Miller moved on to “real” jewelry making so much jewelry, that Miller has an entire around the 8th grade for herself and for room in her house dedicated to her her friends. Her creations quickly turned entrepreneurial craft. “It’s going to be heads, and soon enough, she was selling hard to fit into my little dorm room,” them to classmates, and later, at her dad’s Miller says, “but I definitely plan on store. continuing it into college and maybe “I get a lot of jewelry for myself and after.” u make a lot of money from it,” Miller

Malik Hatcher Malik Hatcher first started rapping freshman year of high school, it became in the 7th grade and hasn’t looked back apparent that Hatcher’s love affair with since. music was more than a casual fling. He What started as a joke between friends explains, “When I think of music, I think quickly became a full-time hobby once of telling a story. Music can take you on Hatcher realized that adventure where you “When I think of an he had a natural talent start one place and end for music. “I’ve played music, I think of up at instruments since I telling a story. Music another. was like five years T h a t ’s old,” says Hatcher, can take you on an why I “I’ve played the violin, l i k e adventure where you trumpet, keyboard, and guitar.” start one place and Although he didn’t end up at another.” start to sing until

making music.”

Hatcher definitely plans on continuing to make music after graduation and admits that college is his back-up plan: “The way I see it, you only get one life so you might as well try what you want to do. Most people think, ‘oh, I could never do that’, so they never try. I think its good for myself to at least try to make it. I would love to make music for a living.” u

Senior 2014 | C&G | 20

May the force be with the 2014 Tassel Turner!

By Ané Wanliss and Annie Bennett Design by Lela Johnson

I

t’s not often that you encounter a teacher that has managed to touch the lives of high school students on a three-tiered level: in the classroom, on the field, and in everyday interactions.

Occasionally, you’ll have a teacher who is considered special because they inspire you from within, or a coach who spends extra time with you outside of practice, or the teacher you never had, but who never fails to give you a warm smile in the halls.

It is rare for one person to exude all of these traits, but, according to the class of 2014, Ms. Amie Muir has done just that.

In just four years of teaching at Holy Innocents’, Ms. Muir has taught AP World History, AP Microeconomics, AP

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Macroeconomics*, and is the 10th grade girls’ dean. The traits she exemplifies in her accomplishments truly set Ms. Muir apart.

In the classroom, Ms. Muir never hesitates to go above and beyond to ease the learning among students. Whether it be to ensure that students know all about the Mongol empire by completing tedious test corrections for AP World History, or offering Hershey Kisses to the Microeconomics students as an incentive to answer review questions, Ms. Muir always succeeds in making her classes fun and worthwhile.

One characteristic that stands out the most about Ms. Muir is the extent of her

knowledge, not only about subjects she teaches, but about everything in general.

She is the only history teacher we have ever had who used her extensive math skills to recalculate our test grades, and create the “shining chart of happiness” that displayed what our test grade would be on the AP grading scale.

She is not only a proficient teacher in her subject matter at HIES, but also a fluent French speaker who taught French for five years at Whitewater High school.

We are convinced that she is the most intelligent and knowledgeable teacher we have ever had.

In four years, she has only proved us wrong once when she admitted to not

knowing what Tumblr was (granted, at the time, she still had a flip phone). Regardless, Ms. Muir remains invigorated by her love for learning. She continues her own academic endeavors by taking her free time to study BC Calculus, in which her classmates are her students and her teacher is her colleague.

When not busy in the classroom, Ms. Muir can be found in the athletic arena.

Equally as devoted to academic development among her students, she proves herself as a committed and caring coach.

As the JV girls lacrosse coach, Ms. Muir works tirelessly to ensure that each player knows and understands the rules of the game, ultimately conditioning a team of

great lacrosse players. You can also tell she is proud of the middle school cross-country team, which she also coaches, as she proudly sports her “Middle School Cross Country Champions” t-shirt even when the sport is not in season.

Finally, as her most important trait, proving her to be relatable to any high school teen, is her fun-loving quirkiness.

She shows up to every lacrosse game and cross-country meet, rain or shine, with a huge smile on her face and her hair tied in the infamous “Muir bun”. Every May 4th, being the Star Wars enthusiast she is, she shows up with sugar cookies shaped as Jar Jar Binks or Yoda to share with all.

When all the seniors are raving about how

excited they are for senior spring break, Ms. Muir is there engaging in the conversation, ranting about how excited she is to see her favorite band, 311, perform.

These are the things that truly set her apart from the rest, giving her a special place in the heart of the class of 2014.

With these loving memories in mind, it is hard to think of anyone better suited for and deserving of such an award. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the class of 2014 chooses Ms. Amie Muir to be their tassel turner! 

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