The Sentinel: Edition V, Spring 2024

THE SENTINEL

THE STUDENT MAGAZINE OF HAMMOND SCHOOL

Lily Balfour Chandler McNair Lily Meetze Arrington Earle Niya Evans

Harper Evans Hailey Inman Illeana Lopez Grace Beacham Logan Rivers Bayli

Aiken Ann Pollard Barnes Campbell Barnes Emme Crosland Victoria Lembo

Madeline Gerland Lauren Heaton Nia Mathew Shindara Olatosi Nancy Phan

Riley Lucy Edens Megan Joye Samira Khalil Mary Chaplin Lauren Asbill Aylin

Lopez Grace Webb Anna Katherine Adams Cameron McEntire Anna Claire

Leister Madison Mazzei Estelle Caulder Isabella Aguilar Chandler Winn Alise

Irvin Annie Legare Schroder Ana Lucia Muela Kiser Madeline Sears Elizabeth

Anne Trobaugh Sally Marzagao Eloise Garside Anika Gupta Maxine Palisin

Emme Crosland Rebecca Waites Elle Brewer Olivia Leavitt Lucy Peacock

Cate Bradley Madeline Gerland Maggie Ingram Logan Rivers Kate Weston

Beatrice Weston Anne Perry Porter Grier Eaddy Mattie Crosland Brooks

Brewer Mia Kosciusko Chase McKain Stella Schuch Elizabeth Cannon Barrett

Brazell Riley Niemeyer Gracie Thames Sophia Lucy Peacock White Diana

Svicarovich Piper Carter Rollins Reed Holston St. John Pressley Jane Rabon

Ma gh

Ella uz

Wh ne

Vir on

Swarat Ali Dorrington Ava Miller Eliza Spratlin Anna Grace Getz Madge Miller

Ava Sapp Olivia Wiske Karson Riddle Sami Campbell Reily Campbell Sophie

Homeyer Eliza Bokinsky May Malanuk Stella Young Ames Barnes Kacy

Kraemer Mary Elizabeth Fuller Michelle Im Lauren Vincent Annabelle Bates

Kinley Brazell Violet Bates Natalie Bouknight Alex Dubey

Mary Mattison Bogan Maddy Hines Caroline Butler

Lindsay Jackson Lucy Davies Anna Claire Sanders

Addison Sanders Emma Thompson

Lilly Hensley Peden Brabham

Changes Bring Success to Hammond Chess

From Teacher to Administrator: Spotlight on Scott Lutterbie

Top of Her Game: Female Athletes Soaring at Hammond

Let Her Bake: Lemon Meringue Pie

Music Review: Beauty in Diversity of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter

Movie Review: Dune: Part Two Even Better Than the Original Plans Unveiled for Andy Greenberg Tennis Center

Hammond Inaugurates New Safety Protocol

Beauty and the Beast Sees High Attendance and Enthusiasm

Opinion: New Natural Gas Plans for SC are Short-Sighted

March SAT A Challenge to Students

Eras Tour Ticket Package Among Items at 2024 Auction

Constancy and Change on Hammond’s Costa Rica Trip

Computer Science Growing at Hammond

Varsity Lacrosse Players Break Records

Mother-Son Reunion at Hammond Featured On Today Show

The Class of 2024 Leaves the Nest

Me

Spring 2024

Changes bring success to Hammond chess

by Cole Glenn

The chess team has new leadership this year, with computer science teacher Mr. Lance Layman taking over for eighth-grade Spanish teacher Sr. David LaBoone as head chess coach. Layman’s leadership has found immediate success: the team won the SCISA state championship several weeks ago, with three students placing in the top 10. They also won the fall championship last semester, in which three students also placed in the top 10.

“Chess is something that you can only get better at by maximizing pattern recognition.”

Junior Aspen Brooks about chess

To prepare for these meets, the team put forth weeks of work. They meet every Wednesday after school to play each other for about an hour. They also practice their skills on chess.com, a popular online chess website, every day. Junior Aspen Brooks, the team captain, saw this consistent practice as integral to the team’s success; he puts it, “Chess is something that you can only get better at by maximizing pattern recognition.” Their mutual competition keeps them sharp every week.

Coach Lance Layman remarked that “we [the team] practice against the best competition every week,” so there’s not as much pressure once they get to a real tournament The team is good enough that the coaches “don’t have to make adjustments midtournament"; they can just let the team play. As for the future of the team, both Aspen and Mr. Layman were optimistic. Aspen talked about how there are “very talented kids in the middle school,” and because of this, the team will continue long after he graduates next year. Mr. Layman said he hopes to get “more people to practice with them, since more competition means people get better.” The team meets every Wednesday in the Maker Space after school.

The middle school chess team on stage at assembly with their coach, Señor LaBoone Photo credit to Julie Hudson

The upper school chess team poses with coaches for recognition after their state championship win Photo credit to Julie Hudson

6th grader Robert Shim stands with the trophy on stage at middle school assembly Photo credit to Julie Hudson

From teacher to administrator: spotlight on scott lutterbie

by Aspen Brooks

Mr. Scott Lutterbie was hired to teach chemistry at Hammond in the spring of 2010 for the 2010-11 school year, though he began his time at Hammond that summer as the JV basketball coach. Over his time at Hammond, he has had several roles. He has primarily taught chemistry at the standard, honors, and AP levels. He has also coached for 10 total years, working with both softball as a JV and varsity assistant coach and basketball as JV head coach and varsity assistant coach. For several years, he co-chaired the science department, working together with Mr. Michael Rice, and in 2021 he became chair of Hammond’s faculty-led Academic Council.

When asked about what he enjoyed most about Hammond, he stated that there were “too many [things] to count and mention.” First and foremost, Lutterbie said he loves teaching chemistry, stating, “I get to come in almost every day and do what I love, which is work with students and help them learn about chemistry and the world.” He has also “always enjoyed the family and community of Hammond School.” He said, “This is a place where everyone knows everyone, and we all treat each other with respect and care. As a parent, I have see my daughters grow up at Hammond, with both of them making their first campus visit before they were 1 month old. Seeing the Lower School, and the Hammond community, through thei eyes has been great.”

Lutterbie’s passion for school leadership came from many of his experiences and opportunitie in his time at Hammond. One instance he found especially eye-opening was when he had a teaching fellow, Mr. Lou Runge ‘16, working with him. He said, “I had the privilege to teach him as both a student [at Hammond] and a teacher, help him grow, and watch him become more confident and independent throughout the year, with this role [of mine] cementing my decision to start pursuing dean and/or divisional leadership.” Another instance of his leadership at Hammond was his time standing in for dean of students Dr Michael Turner whe Dr. Turner was off campus. He stated, “I dealt with student specifically with more community interactions compared to t enjoyed the responsibilities of this role.”

Lutterbie will be moving next year to The Heritage School in minutes southwest of Atlanta. He will be the Middle School Head at Hammond). When asked what he will miss about H what I will miss about Hammond, there are so many things. colleagues in the Upper School, as well as Lower and Middle will miss coaching JV basketball. I will miss riding a golf car “I will really miss the students. This senior class and I starte (2010), and that means I have now watched classes grow a ceremony to graduation. It has been a privilege and honor to work at Hammond and be part of the Hammond School community for the past 14 years.”

TOP OF HER GAME: FEMALE ATHLETES SOARING AT HAMMOND

by Isabella Aguilar Peña and Natalie Engh

There’s no doubt that 2024 has been a groundbreaking year for women’s sports. With Caitlin Clark breaking the NCAA’s scoring record, and the Iowa and UConn game being ESPN’s most-watched basketball game ever, women’s basketball is on the rise. The women’s professional hockey league just had their first season, with Agnes Ngetich breaking records for the fastest 5K and 10K races this past winter, while Lisa Roland and Nina Champion rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in times never seen, and Devynne Charlton broke the record for fastest female 60-meter hurdle ever. All over the world, women are at the top of their game, and Hammond School is no exception.

This year, Hammond boasts four female seniors committing to play college sports. The softball team recently qualified for their first state championship since the 1990s, and the cheerleading team won their sixth state championship this fall.

As a libero and captain of Hammond’s varsity volleyball team, Maddy Hines stands out as a player since sixth grade and a Skyhawk since her freshman year. However, Maddy did experience challenges. During her freshman year, she describes how she had to learn not to “get in her head” when she makes a mistake. She struggled with getting over her lost match to focus on the next point. However, she is proud of the growth she has accomplished. Now, before her games, she tells herself, “Don’t get in your head. One mistake is not going to ruin everything.”

Now a senior, Maddy recently committed to play volleyball at Spartanburg Methodist College. She says that this is the athletic highlight of her year, and she never would have dreamed of playing in college at the beginning of her journey.

Maddy feels that leadership is one of the pillars of a good athlete. She won the Kettle Award for leadership on her volleyball team, recognizing how, in her words, “I always help teammates by giving them advice and cheering for them.” She also tries to be a good example for the younger players so that “they can look up to her.” Maddy says, “Giving 100% effort, having perseverance, and being yourself are other keys to being successful on the court.” About who inspires her, she says, “My biggest inspiration is my father, who always pushed me to try my best.” However, she notes that she also relies on her friends, her coaches, and her teammates for support

Junior Grier Eaddy and sophomore Emme Crosland give thumbs up during a track meet Photo credit to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School)

Senior Maddy Hines strikes the ball Photo credit to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School)

She wishes there were “more support from Hammond’s student body” for women’s sports. For a Southern school with such an emphasis on football, she feels that other sports during the fall, especially women’s sports, tend to get overshadowed. She recalled a Nebraska volleyball game played in a football stadium in which tens of thousands of people packed the stands, breaking the world record for most attended women’s sporting event. She hopes that Hammond’s student body can work together to help make female athletes feel appreciated and supported.

For the future, Maddy says she may transfer to another school after playing for a few years, but she is excited to explore all that Spartanburg Methodist has to offer. She hopes to possibly be an elementary teacher, but she says, “ I must wait to see what the future holds!”

Senior basketball player Samira Khalil is dedicated She has grown her skills by avidly attending school practices and weight room sessions and applied herself outside practice by watching professional athletes play and train. Samira, who will play basketball for Elon University next year, has balanced an intense athletic load alongside academic and social pressures. To deal with mental and physical exhaustion, she says, “I relied on my sense of discipline.” She comments further that, “Mentally, there are days where I don't want to go to practice, but once I just get there and get started, I end up enjoying it.” She adds, “This season, I busted my head in the game before senior night and couldn’t play on senior night. Though it was hard for me because I really wanted to play in that game, I just had to focus on my long-term goals.”

On the challenges, rewards, and experiences of being a female athlete, Samira says, that “being a female athlete means a lot of different things.” She says, “I would say that it means being willing to face adversity and striving to overcome it to change the sporting world for the better. As a female athlete, I have had many female athletes that I have admired and have inspired me to play sports. Now, especially as I enter college athletics, the best I can do is be that person for someone else.”

While Hammond’s female athletes receive support from administration and the athletic department, some female sporting events receive low attendance and recognition from students, causing many female athletes to feel undervalued. Junior Kelly Grace Lalumondier comments that, “I remember, a couple years ago, we [ the western equestrian team] won the state championship, and every other year [every year except for this year] we have won reserve state championships but many students at Hammond do not even know we are a team.”

Senior Samira Khalil dribbles down the court Photo credit to Hanby Photography

“Being

willing to face adversity and striving to overcome it to change the sporting world for the

better.”

Freshman Megan Joye, another rising female athlete, broke a school record in the girls’ 3200m this past season, with an astonishing time of 11 minutes and 48.2 seconds. She says, “Breaking the record really made me feel like all my hard work during the season paid off.” However, she adds, “Track and field is such an underrepresented sport to begin with,” which makes student recognition for women in the sport even lower. To get students enthusiastic about the team’s state meet, she says, “It took the initiative of a member of track to get up and speak at assembly.”

It’s hard to find any female student at Hammond who doesn’t participate in at least one sport; they, like their male counterparts, are up early to weight lift, work hard in classes, and come home late after practice Across the world, women’s sports are rising in fame and getting more attention, a sensation that could be mirrored through increased student support at Hammond: pep rallies and student sections, recognition during assembly, high-fives in the hallway, and “just showing up.”

In recent years, the phrase “The future is female” has been popularized, owing to a greater movement for gender equity in every place and sector. Indeed, the future of Hammond athletics can be female, too, if students help give female athletes the support and recognition given to their male peers.

Senior Samira Khalil on what it means to be a female athlete

The girls tennis team poses together on senior night Photo credit to Lilly Hensley

TOP: Junior Kelly Grace Lalumondier rides her horse for the western equestrian team BOTTOM: Junior Lindsay Jackson dives for the volleyball Photo credit to Hanby Photography

Let Her Bake

by Ali Dorrington

Exams have me starving! Want something that’s light and easy and doesn’t destroy your kitchen? I cannot recommend lemon meringue pie enough! It’s a fun summer dessert and, now that you have all the free time in the world, why not make it?

For the crust:

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1/3 cup granulated sugar

- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 and 1/4 tablespoons cup of cornstarch

- 1/4 teaspoon of salt

- 1/2 cups of water

- 3 large egg yolk

- 1 tablespoon lemon zest

- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the meringue:

- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature

- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions

1 Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

3. Prepare the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the water until smooth Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot sugar mixture to temper the eggs, then return the egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until smooth. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

4. Make the meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form and the sugar is dissolved.

5 Assemble the pie: Spread the meringue over the hot filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking Use the back of a spoon to create peaks in the meringue.

6. Bake the pie: Bake the pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown.

7 Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving Refrigerate any leftovers

Lemon meringue pie Photo credit to Simply Delicious

Music review: Beauty in diversity of Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER

by William Grantland

I find Beyoncé’s 2024 album, COWBOY CARTER, to be different from a lot of modern pop. The album is sequential; though songs like TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and 16 CARRIAGES can (and should) be consumed individually, the album contains recurring ideas, motifs, and structures which make it best consumed as a whole piece of music. Some might wonder why brief tracks like DOLLY P or SMOKE HOUR II clearly not meant to be heard as individual songs are even in the album. But if you take the he time to appreciate the album as a whole work of art, you’ll see what they add.

After the initial release of TEXAS HOLD ‘EM as a single, debates raged on the Internet about whether Beyoncé, traditionally a pop artist, should consider herself a country artist. Her additions to the country repertoire as a popular Black female artist challenge the streaks of white supremacy and misogyny that exist within country music. The beauty of COWBOY CARTER is that it is country, and folk, and pop. Invoking themes of country, family, and religion, with diverse styles and influences, the album brilliantly incarnates the “beautiful absurdity” of America, a moving contribution to the broader artistic discourse on America as a whole.

Movie review: Dune: Part Two even better than the original

by Alex Magargle

Dune: Part Two is the most recent film from well-respected sci-fi movie director David Villeneuve. Based on the second part of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, Dune is a perfect continuation of the first movie, exploring the political and religious ideas set up by the first film It follows Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, as he seeks revenge against House Harkonnen for destroying his family. He unites the people of the desert planet, Arrakis, and assimilates into their culture, becoming the leader of the Fremen, the inhabitants of Arrakis.

Visually, the world of Arrakis is beautiful and the score by Hans Zimmer is perfect for setting the scene. The cast also has many talented actors to support the compelling way Chalamet portrays Paul. When the Film Club was asked about their opinions of the movie, Cass Dorrington stated, “Dune: Part Two is one of the rare sequels being better than the first movie because of expansion of the world, progression of the story, and emotional deep dive into moral ambiguity between who really are the heroes and the villains.”

The cover of COWBOY CARTER Photo credit to Pitchfork

A poster promoting Dune: Part Two Photo credit t IMDb

Plans unveiled for Andy Greenberg Tennis Center

by John Cuda

Thanks to a generous donation that Hammond has recently received from the Greenberg family, plans for a new tennis center have now been unveiled to the public. The Andy Greenberg Tennis Center is going to be built on the South Campus in honor of the late Andy Greenberg ’08. This will make it the first student-athlete building of its kind to be on South Campus.

According to Hammond’s own article on the building, his skill at tennis was unparalleled, and he even managed to be SCISA’s 2008 Player of the Year, among other notable accolades. The article mentions further how “his enthusiastic spirit touched the lucky people that knew him through his journey as a Hammond student and beyond.” Greenberg passed away in 2020 at the age of 30 in North Carolina due to a car accident

o Hammond’s article on the new building, it ocker rooms for players, a gathering space, ed area for viewers. Tennis athletes around e eager to see this new building come to Seiner, a freshman, comments: “I think the r is a great idea, because during the r summertime when it will be hot, it will be ace to go inside and rest.” Peden Brabham, aims to be on varsity next year, says, “I’m d about the new tennis center and I think at the program is given this opportunity I ny of us can’t wait to see the finished put it to good use!”

on the building may mark a new era for a ort that has not seen a state championship improving facilities for players and fans alike.

Head of School Mr Andy North speaks before breaking ground for the new Andy Greenberg Tennis Center Photo credit to Hammond School (Instagram, @hammmondschool)

The Greenberg Family stands for a photo after breaking ground on South Campus Photo credit to Hammond School (Instagram, @hammondschool)

Hammond inaugurates New Safety Protocol

by Drew McCall

With the front gates, the moving metal arms, and the dedicated security staff, keeping Hammond a safe place for student learning is a major operation. “The most important thing we do is keep you guys [the students] safe,” says Mr Scott Chrysler, Hammond’s Director of Operations, with this philosophy demonstrated in the new safety protocols being implemented across campus this spring. “Students are the most cherished possessions of their parents, and students can be on campus or at school for 10, 11 hours, so Hammond needs to keep students safe,” continued Mr. Chrysler in an interview regarding Hammond safety protocols

“The most important thing we do is keep you guys [the students] safe.”

Mr Chrysler in an interview regarding Hammond safety protocols

In assemblies during the late winter and early spring, Hammond students were introduced to new safety protocols: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter. These “new terms and policy help us refine responses,” added Chrysler. “If we didn’t have that language, then the perception of the threat changes [The new protocol] helps communicate levels of situation to students and staff.” Since it is common for businesses and corporations to have safety codes to communicate easier, Mr. Chrysler felt it appropriate for Hammond to have a code our own: “Common language makes sure everyone knows how to react and respond quickly… we can say a few words and everyone around campus knows what is going on ”

Chrysler feels that Hammond is already a very safe and prepared environment, but this new protocol is a step to build the confidence of our community. When asked about them, junior Noah Goddard commented, “I feel more comfortable because Hammond has engaged us in more safety protocols.”

“I feel more comfortable because Hammond has engaged us in more safety protocols.”

Junior Noah Goddard in an interview regarding Hammond safety protocols

Monique Thomas, Hammond’s director of transportation and security, at a ceremony remembering the loss of her father with her daughter, sixth grader Kayla Gridine Photo credit to Hammond School (Instagram, @hammondschool).

The motivation for this new protocol and any protocol at Hammond is simple for Mr. Chrysler and the administration: “To keep us safe. Our biggest priority is keeping people safe.” As for the execution of the protocol going forward, students have seen the terminology in assemblies this spring and “should look for drills and tests this year and next.” The clearest example thus far of new protocol is Hammond’s new fire drill procedure, wherein students are counted by grade in the outfield of the baseball field. These drills allow for practice with the new terms and with accountability, something Mr. Chrysler “hopes to emphasize in protocols in the future.”

“To keep us safe. Our biggest priority is keeping people safe.”

Mr Chrysler in an interview regarding Hammond safety protocols

Next in the protocol is the term secure, which may be needed in a situation with a threat or hazard outside of a school building. Students would be required to get inside immediately, conduct carry on activities, and wait for the “All Clear.”

A shelter protocol would be initiated through teachers or administration telling people on campus to shelter for “a given hazard” using a given safety strategy. In the event of a certain hazard, specific protective measures are needed, and students would be required to move to designated shelter areas with their teachers. There, students will remain sheltered or covered until an “all clear” is issued. Similarly, an evacuate protocol is required when students and faculty need to move from one location to a safer one. Students would be required to leave their things behind except their phones and follow the instructions given to them. For both shelter and evacuate, these protocols would be dictated by hazards such as a fire, tornado, or earthquake.

Hammond students walking to class in the Innovation Center. Photo credit to Hammond School

The final term in the new safety protocol is lockdown, in which there would be a threat or hazard inside of a school building and everyone would be prompted to turn off lights, lock doors, and remain out of sight A lockdown requires students and faculty to clear all hallways and common areas, enter the nearest classroom, move out of sight, remain silent, and not open the door until an “All Clear” is issued.

The new protocol is a sign of the ever-evolving times in the world of school safety. Mr. Chrysler noted how Hammond “is always seeking opportunity to make campus safer for everyone,” and also added how “the more people that know the better you [as a school] want students to be prepared but not afraid ” The safety industry is a growing and changing field, and “Hammond is prepared to grow and accommodate all students and concerns.” Upper school history teacher Mrs. Lizzy Culler noted how she is “proud of Hammond’s ability to keep everyone safe” and “looks forward to seeing the protocols being practiced in the future.”

“I’m proud of Hammond’s ability to keep everyone safe.” Mrs Culler commenting on the new protocols

In the future, Hammond’s administration, working under Mr. Chrysler’s leadership, hopes to continue to grow their safety procedures. He particularly hopes to adopt a platform called Ruvna that “syncs with Blackbaud to relay real time attendance to teachers and staff.” Ruvna would be “much more user-friendly platform than previous mass communication tools at Hammond ” This app would enhance and speed up accountability processes at Hammond, because of “how important communication and accountability are… between the different departments at Hammond during a safety procedure.” Mr. Chrysler finished his interview articulating the purpose of the new procedures, stating, “The whole purpose of our work is to communicate more clearly and build on the security work Hammond has done already.”

Hammond lower school students playing on the playground Photo credit to Hammond School

Barks Hall Photo credit to Hammond School

Beauty and the Beast sees high attendance and enthusiasm

by Anika Gupta

Directed by Hammond’s own drama teacher Ms. Linda Khoury, Beauty and the Beast came alive at Hammond last month, led by junior Elizabeth Cannon as Belle and senior Ryan Barnes as the Beast, the Hammond community experienced the timeless fairy tale immortalized in the 1991 Disney movie of the same name.

However, a production like this doesn’t just happen overnight; to make this musical possible, there’s a lot of work that must be done behind the scenes, from the show’s casting to performance night First, Ms Khoury does a lot of research to “understand how it [the story] evolved throughout history, from when it was written to when Disney decided to make something out of it.” She explains, “It’s important to not only do the research, but to share it with the cast as well, so that they can understand the emotion and character that they are trying to portray on stage. Beauty and the Beast is one of those stories that shows all sorts of emotion, such as loss of humanity to rebuilding yourself with love, faithfulness, and kindness. And that’s really what I wanted them to take away from this and to put on stage ”

After researching and casting, she then goes on to “block the stage for all the scenes” – a theatrical term for positioning the movement and acting of the actors on stage. Ms. Khoury adds that she makes sure to give “detailed acting notes and instructions,” but she also enjoys “letting the cast have their own freedom with their parts…seeing what crazy ideas they come up with to liven up the show even more.”

Sophia White ’25, a stage manager, says, “My favorite memory was seeing the cast perform ‘Be Our Guest’ for the first time…the actors did a phenomenal job, and the choreography was amazing. Everyone put forth their all, and it was so magical to see.” Ms. Khoury adds, “It was a lot of hard work and late nights, but in the end, it was all so perfectly worth it.”

Senior Ryan Barnes, as the Beast, talks with junior Elizabeth Cannon, as Belle, during the show Photo credit to Jenna Barrett

BOTTOMLEFT: Senior Aiden McKewan, playing Gaston, stands among seniors Natalie Engh, Rollins Reed, and Preston Swarat, who played the Bimbettes BOTTOMRIGHT: Senior Lily Meetze, as Chip, smiles in the middle of a scene

Photo credits to Jenna Barrett

TOPLEFT: Junior Ali Dorrington stands center stage as Lumière during the show TOPRIGHT: Senior Sadie Meacham playing Armiore the Wardrobe pictured among the cast Photo credits to Jenna Barrett

The cast’s work on the show extended outside their formal practice time, as they promoted the musical throughout the Hammond community. The day the show opened, the cast went down to the lower school in their costumes to promote the show to Hammond’s youngest students. Lauren Asbill recalls, “Going down to the lower school was exactly what I needed after a long week of rehearsals. We got to open doors at carpool, see the excited faces of the kids and parents, and we introduced our characters at Fridays Together. Afterwards, we got to talk to some of the kids and personally invite them to the performance. This one-on-one time made the invitation more personal, and I believe that this got a lot of lower school students to the performances.”

Ms. Khoury recollects how, on Saturday – the least busy night of the show -- it was still so packed that many extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate everyone, and people were also standing in the back and filling up the stairways. She adds, “It was a greater success than I ever could have imagined, and I’m extremely proud of the kids for putting it all together.”

By the account of Ms. Khoury and the cast, Beauty and the Beast was the best-attended Hammond production in several years. Sophia White sums up how to parallel this production’s success in the future, saying, “In my opinion, the best strategy for promoting attendance to the plays might be to include more reminders in the students’ day-to-day lives. I think the idea of having the main cast members dress as their characters and going to the lower school was quite sweet, so perhaps something along those lines ” She adds, “On the subject of increasing interest in Hammond’s theater department, I think a lot of that responsibility falls on the students. A good play and decent cast get a crowded house, but an amazing story inspires those in the audience to want to participate in the next one ”

In addition, the cast put up posters and signs, and social media coordinator Mrs. Julie Hudson promoted the musical on Hammond’s social media. Sophomore Lola Garcia Galan also adds that the cast spread the word to “all our friends and peers, even from other schools, because we knew it was going to be an amazing show.” Ms. Khoury and the cast both felt that promotion for the show paid off.

Belle, played by junior Elizabeth Cannon, takes the hand of the Beast, played by senior Ryan Barnes Photo credit to Jenna Barrett

Seniors Lauren Asbill, as Mrs. Potts, and Lily Meetze, as Chip, together during the show Photo credit to Jenna Barrett

Opinion: New natural gas plans for SC are shortsighted

by Theodore Lumpkin

A bill has surfaced in South Carolina’s legislature that, if passed, would have several repercussions for South Carolina’s energy management for generations to come According to Jeffrey Collins, a reporter for AP News, the bill is designed to ensure construction of a natural gas power plant in our state by allowing faster approval of gas pipelines needed for the project Furthermore, the bill will decrease oversight of utilities by eliminating officials from the Public Service Commission The bill is still under debate in our state legislature

Proponents of the bill cite a near-blackout event in December 2022 as evidence that the state needs this extra energy for long-term energy security. The growing population of our state of course requires more energy, and that’s not a debatable topic

But the questionable choices included in the bill do not bode well for our long-term energy security, as natural gas has several disadvantages that make it an irresponsible choice for the construction of a new power plant. Besides the wellknown fact that natural gas releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that contribute to the global warming crisis, the energy source is non-renewable and won’t provide energy stability for long. While it is “cleaner-burning” than coal or oil, it still doesn’t compare to renewable “clean” sources like solar energy. MET Group projects that the world’s natural gas reserves won’t even last for another half-century What will we do in a few decades when we don’t have the natural gas to feed the plant?

Backers of the bill claimed that “solar or other greener energy solutions” are “unreliable” (Collins), but this isn’t true; in fact, a large-scale solar farm would be an excellent choice for our long-term energy needs Technology is available today, and a solar-farm arrangement style could produce a massive amount of energy to meet our state’s needs for centuries to come It would likely be more expensive to create a large-scale solar farm at present than to continue using nonrenewable sources, and this investment would come from the taxpayers. However, a farm would ensure cheaply-produced energy in the long run, and taxpayers would reap the benefits of this investment in years to come.

Although the US has been able to roughly match its natural gas production with consumption, we will begin to depend upon other countries’ resources as we run out of our domestic product Running out will never be a problem with solar energy, as the sun will perpetually shine, especially in our southern temperate region, making solar a very reliable choice for our own energy production And unlike a natural gas plant, a large solar farm only produces emissions in its manufacturing phase, not when it is producing energy.

The proposed removal of oversight also poses an arguably larger problem, as these energy companies have already proven to be untrustworthy during the failed construction of the Jenkinsville nuclear plant, during which the utility companies lied about progress and ended up in prison.

Unfortunately, it seems that our lawmakers don’t realize this, with factors of re-election chances and lobbying from fossil fuel companies combining with our usual sluggish bureaucracy to make progress virtually nonexistent. By the time the bill even gets passed and construction is finished, our natural gas resources will be halfway gone Conversely, it is incredibly risky to build any large power plant without sufficient oversight, even though that could make the process take even longer Politicians from both parties need to step up now to make the responsible choice not for their insignificant and fleeting political career, but for the future of our state, citizens, and planet.

South Carolina House Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefeild, speaks about a massive energy bill Photo credit to The Associated Press

South Carolina Rep Gilda Cobb-Hunter D-Orangeburg right asks a question of Rep Jay West R-Belton center during a debate over an energy bill Photo credit to The Associated Press

March SAT A CHALLENGE TO STUDENTS

by Cole Glenn

The March 9 SAT was the first of the SAT’s new all-digital exams, as part of a rollout across College Board tests that will continue in the coming years. The verdict is in: this exam was a bust. However, the exam’s new format seems to have been less of a problem for students than the exam’s unusual difficulty Multiple Hammond students, who asked not to be named, said that the exam was harder than a usual SAT; this was particularly true for the second math section This difficulty is a byproduct of the exam’s new system in which a high score on the first part of the math exam results in a more difficult second portion of the exam. As one Hammond student put it, “The questions comprised of similar skills tested in other SATs, but they were unusually...intricate and complicated.”

Hammond students weren’t the only ones who found trouble. Forbes and the New York Post both reported on the difficulty of March’s SAT. In the article by Forbes, a college counselor was quoted, saying, “Students across the country reported that the questions were unexpectedly challenging, diverging significantly from the practice materials and previous assessments ” Many questions on this second section were not covered in the practice problems that the College Board provides online to students An exam as hard as this one will likely produce lowered scores, which may disappoint students trying to increase their scores for college admission Many students may have to take this exam again to get the scores they desire.

testinnovators com poll on the Reading and Writing sections from the March 2024 SAT

Eras Tour ticket package among items at 2024 auction

by Adelaide Helmboldt

The Hammond Auction is held annually to provide money for multiple endeavors at Hammond: early technology week for fifth graders, stipends for teachers to go on country of study trips, and professional development opportunities for faculty, among other events that it helps to fund. Invitees include Hammond alumni over the age of 21, parents of alumni, faculty and staff, and parents of current Hammond students: annual attendance usually surpasses 650.

According to Mahalie Moore, Hammond’s director of annual fund and parent relations, a committee decides on what packages will be offered. Mrs. Moore oversees the brainstorming of “unique experiences to hit all target audiences.” In offering a package centered on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the committee tried to cater to families, especially those with young girls. The package was this auction’s biggest item, going for $30,000. It included airline tickets to Miami and club level tickets to one of her October shows at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. In order to be able to provide such experiences, Mrs. Moore works closely with donors, encouraging them to purchase these items.

Mrs Moore has dedicated 20 years to working on Hammond’s auction, previously working with EdVenture, a local children’s museum The auction itself started in 1994 by the Stevenson family, alumni of Hammond and grandparents of students that are currently enrolled, who sought to invigorate development fundraising at Hammond further Indeed, the auction has spurred growth for Hammond’s development initiatives, as shown in this year’s Eras Tour sale

A photo of Swift during an Eras Tour concert Photo credit to Taylor Swift (Instagram, @taylorswift)

CONSTANCY AND CHANGE ON HAMMOND’S COSTA RICA TRIP

by Theodore Lumpkin

The junior class’s Costa Rica trip is a hallmark of the Hammond experience: the longest and perhaps most memorable of the class trips, the expedition includes community service, team bonding, recreation, and more. However, the trip has undergone some changes in recent history, providing new experiences to Hammond travelers.

Before 2020, Hammond had scheduled the whole trip through a company called “Chill Expeditions.” Hammond worked with this company ever since Hammond stopped traveling to Belize in 2012 and began the Costa Rica tradition. With them, Hammond students participated in a homestay program with the townspeople of Tres Equis, a location in which Hammond students form special bonds with local people through community service and interaction.

This program was beloved by its participants, especially by upper school chemistry teacher Mr. Scott Lutterbie, who traveled to Costa Rica five times. He says some of his favorite memories are during the homestays, and that “chaperones were often treated just like students” there, as he had “great host parents.” Remembering walks with Don Rafa, a community leader in Tres Equis, he recalls being able to form a connection even though they “barely spoke each other’s language.” The fond bonds and memories don’t end there: some of his other favorite memories include “eating the best cinnamon rolls [he] had ever tasted” and “playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, mixing concrete, painting, planting trees and fruit, building climbing items, pouring a new floor at a school,” and more.

TOP: Sophia White plays the guitar at Doña Ellie’s home near La Fortuna MIDDLE: Barrett Brazell and Jaden Kline smile after being awarded their group’s bandanas BOTTOM: Logan Rivers shovels dirt during the service project in Tres Equis Photos credit to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School)

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic struck in the spring of 2020, school operations took place remotely, and travel restrictions made a Costa Rica trip impossible. The following year, there remained “extensive restrictions that made travel not feasible.” After that 2-year hiatus, Hammond stopped working with the old travel company; that, combined with lingering COVID fears, ended the homestay program in 2022, when the trip resumed with the classes of 2022 and 2023. This year, students stayed at a nearby hotel in the town of Turrialba.

Other changes have accompanied the return to Costa Rica from COVID. After caving ended years ago, the incorporation of the Pacuare Reserve, a natural reserve in Costa Rica’s Limon province, into Hammond's trip schedule started in 2022. As “an example of how programming has evolved over time,” Mr. Lumpkin says that caving was a “great activity,” but “we just have found things that suit our needs better.”

Although Pacuare has an infamous reputation among travelers for its “rustic” conditions, as students stay in cabins without air conditioning in the jungle humidity, the uncomfortable qualities of the location accompany a unique experience for students: learning about the turtle protection movement. Through nightly walks on the beach, students locate and survey turtles to help the reserve’s research. Mr. Lumpkin’s favorite memory at Pacuare is seeing a turtle nest during the daytime last year, an incredibly rare occurrence that “so far has not been seen by any other group.”

Mr. Lutterbie fondly remembers being at Pacuare with “Brosta Rica,” the all-male group that traveled in 2022, saying that “by the time we got there, we were tired, stinky, and a great unit.” Also at Pacuare, Lutterbie recounts a night walking shift where his group saw so many turtles that they “went out at 8… and got back at 2:30.” Pacuare has earned its reputation for being exhausting and uncomfortable, yet it offers a distinctive opportunity for students to interact with the environment.

Rafting group treads through white water rapids

TOP: Creigton Cook asks for Theodore Lumpkin’s hand in marriage after zip-lining BOTTOM: Kate Weston celebrates her birthday while on the trip Photo credit to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School)

Furthermore, during their time at Pacuare, students go to the home of Don Julio in the nearby town to prepare a meal and learn about rural Costa Rican life. Mr. Lutterbie recounts that “some of the best food on the whole trip was that coconut rice at Don Julio’s ” Similarly, this year, students enjoyed homemade bread with countless scoops of sugar from a giant spoon, essentially rendering the so-called “bread” into a sweet cake.

When asked about future changes, upper school head Mr. Jody Lumpkin said that “after…wonderful years of programming, that has been designed in cooperation between Hammond faculty led by Mr. Hillard and Costa Rican educators, we are able to review all aspects of the trip and are certainly committed to providing as good experience as possible, including being open to new activities.”

In such an action-packed trip, students interact often with local Costa Ricans. Although the homestay in Tres Equis has ended, ending one source of relationships between locals and students, many students from recent years have still connected with residents during their time there. This year’s Tres Equis highlights included soccer in the local gym, a spirited sidewalk construction, and the annual outdoor soccer match between Hammond students and local children. During these interactions, many students make connections with locals despite differences in language, nationality, and background; for many students, creating connections with Costa Ricans is the highlight of their experience.

TOPLEFT: Junior Hailey Inman smiles in front of Arenal volcano during zip-lining TOPRIGHT: Lindsay Jackson and Ava Miller after zip-lining BOTTOM: A photo taken of the natural beauty in La Fortuna Photo credits to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School)

Computer science growing at Hammond

by Aspen Brooks

The potential introduction of a new, more advanced class to Hammond’s computer science curriculum, AP Computer Science A, marks the continued growth of computer science at Hammond. When asked about the class, teacher Mr. Lance Layman stated, “The inspiration for the class was that Hammond now has a group of high-level programmers who requested a more advanced curriculum.” Mr. Layman also commented on the growth of comp sci at Hammond generally, stating, “In the future, I would like Hammond to have separate courses for Applied Computer Science, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and video game design.” He said these courses “could supplement the CS courses we currently offer like AP CS Principles and the new course, which focuses on computer engineering, IT, and object-oriented programming.” He furthered this by saying that “computer science is a broad field that has applications in a litany of different professions. Hopefully, in a few years, we can steward a curriculum that can reflect that.”

Skills You’ll Learn in AP COMP SCI A

Designing a program, developing the algorithms it needs, and writing code to implement them

Testing program code and correcting errors

Documenting and explaining how program code works

Varsity lacrosse players break records

by Adelaide Helmboldt

Over the past season, Hammond lacrosse players have done everything from achieving their own personal goals to winning the SCISA State Championship. Although the team is comprised of grades 9th through 12th, a couple of star athletes' own accomplishments have been noteworthy. Noah Eargle, a Hammond senior, works hard on and off the field. Before finishing the 2024 season, Eargle tallied up 400 career saves and was named the SCISA 1st team all-state goalie. He will be continuing his lacrosse career at Lander University next year.

Heath Jackson is another headlining senior who totaled 100 career points and broke the record for 82 goals in a season, making his record 95 points in one season. Jackson describes his accumulation of success through “getting these goals and assists way before the season begins, working every day; shooting, passing against a wall, a friend, and just practicing as much as I could during the offseason.” Sharing this record is junior Drew McCall, who has also successfully carried out 100 career assists and 200 career points. Both McCall and Jackson credit the team’s hard work and hours of practice for their success this season. McCall says, “The lacrosse team is kind of a culture of tough love and we all know the hard work that goes into winning…the records we broke this year are just a byproduct of hours and both in season and out of season practice.”

Seniors on the 2024 varsity lacrosse team Photo credit to Hammond’s yearbook staff

Information provided by the College Board

MOTHER-SON REUNION AT HAMMOND FEATURED ON TODAY SHOW

by Alex Magargle

Major Grace Merry, mother of 7th grader Will Parsons, left on a military deployment to the East African country of Djibouti in July 2023. Her assignment was mere miles from the country of Yemen, which has faced humanitarian and political crisis since 2011.

Major Merry served as a deputy director on a two-star, division-level headquarters staff for Combined Task Force, Horn of Africa. Her main duties encompassed personal and medical readiness, but Merry says that she also “fulfilled additional duties to include Master Resilience Trainer, Equal Opportunity Leader, and as a certified Women, Peace and Security liaison.” At home, Major Merry is the chief public health nurse for South Carolina’s Army National Guard with duties that can incorporate local disaster response, federal health response, and overseas deployment.

She adds that her “most challenging and rewarding role” is being a mom to Will, saying that he “pushes me to keep growing into the best version of myself.” Appropriately, before leaving, her son made a special request: to surprise him when she got back.

She delivered on this promise five months later when she visited Hammond, dressed up as Henry Hawk During lunch, middle school students took pictures with Henry, not knowing it was Merry. When Will had his picture taken, Henry saluted him. After he saluted back, Major Merry removed the hat and revealed herself to her son, and he immediately rushed in for a hug. What followed was a heartwarming reunion of mother and son, which received nearly 950 likes on Hammond’s Instagram account and nearly 700 on Facebook.

Alumni affairs and social media coordinator Mrs. Julie Hudson, who helped to coordinate the surprise, reports that she received an Instagram private message “from a parent asking if she could send it to the Today Show, as she might ‘know someone’ who could help us.” With the approval of Mrs. Hudson and Major Merry, that parent sent it in

On the morning of April 29, the video from Hammond’s account was featured during the Today Show’s first hour as their ‘Morning Boost.’ One of the show’s hosts is Craig Melvin, a Columbia native and Wofford College alum. After the video was featured, he shouted Hammond out as “one of the great schools there in Columbia.”

7th grader Will Parsons and his mom, Major Grace Merry, stand together after the surprise reunion Photo credit to Julie Hudson

TOP: Students embrace Will and Major Merry during lunch BOTTOM: Middle school teachers pose with Major Merry, who is in the Henry Hawk costume Photo credits to Julie Hudson

The class of 2024 leaves the nest

by Drew McCall

As the end of the school year approaches each May, senior college decisions are some of the most anticipated events around campus. The seniors of the class of 2024 will all soon embark on a new chapter in their lives, one that starts with applications and essays to colleges across the country, and this year, all around the world.

This year’s seniors applied to 149 schools across the U.S., as well as in England, the Netherlands, and Scotland. Their acceptances to 138 of these schools, including 23 honors colleges and programs, are highlighted by highly selective institutions such as Columbia, Duke, Georgia Tech, M.I.T., UPenn, and Tufts. Hammond students were also accepted to newer schools in the realm of Hammond’s college matriculations, like Lehigh, Vermont, Bellarmine, William and Mary, and R.I.T. All in all, the class of 2024 seniors have accrued over $11.5 million in merit scholarship, including five different full academic scholarships.

Statistically, the class of 2024 will be matriculating to 34 colleges, 58% of which are out-of-state, and 42% in-state. Further, 6 Skyhawks plan to play collegiate football, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball When interviewed, senior Lily Balfour was quick to attribute her success – and the success of her class – to a mutually supportive community. Lily, who will attend Lehigh University in the fall, says, “Classmates are always quick respond to group chats asking for help, and I’ve found a lot of success due to classmates graciously forming study groups.” Lily noted how she has only been at Hammond for 2 years but was “warmly welcomed into the culture at Hammond.” As for Lily’s college decision, Lehigh “checked all the boxes that I was looked for in a school as a community.” She elaborated further on how Lehigh’s pre-health advisors, majors, and tracks made the school attractive for her.

“Classmates are always quick respond to group chats asking for help, and I’ve found a lot of success due to classmates graciously forming study groups.”

Senior Lily Balfour on the academic environment at Hammond

While one of the smallest classes in recent memory at Hammond – graduating only 68 seniors – the class of 2024’s university choices are anything but small in significance; they have chosen perennial favorites like Clemson, Wofford, and South Carolina, but they have also accumulated acceptances to highly selective universities, prestigious honors colleges, and universities around the country and world where no Hammond graduate has gone before.

Class of 2024 poses in front of Hammond’s gate in their caps and gowns

Photo credit to Julie Hudson

Tell Me A Story

by Preston Swarat

As I approach graduation, and the closing of the first major chapter of my life, I’ve tried to find a singular phrase or idea to explain the Hammond Experience©. Naturally, this is impossible for many reasons; Hammond is experienced by many people so there is no singular experience, and the diversity of them both complement yet contradict each other. So, I’ve been left wondering how to explain the meaning of a Hammond education if I’m not concretely sure what it means myself?

Well, I landed on a soundbite that kind of cheats the idea of definition, but it’s arguably accurate. The Hammond Experience© is about storytelling, both as a speaker and listener. Education by principle is about storytelling subjects, but Hammond goes the extra mile. Mr. Mancke connects us with the story of the Earth through mythic tales in a fashion that echoes the storytelling of Lascaux cave art. Special lectures on AI have taught us modern ways to tell stories, for better or worse. We’ve collected the tools to tell unique stories in unique ways.

The actual goal of this article is not to wax poetic on the Hammond Experience©, but to share some of the stories that have shaped my Hammond Experience©. And by stories, I mean interesting and semi-obscure facts about the Hammond faculty!

This article was almost entirely about the lore of Mr. Neal, so by honor he should go first. During summers, Mr. Neal has worked with a program called Bridge to Enter Mathematics (BEAM), which is an organization that brings advanced math education to low-income students with a talent for math who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to a personalized education. Mr. Neal also has excellent taste in music – or maybe I’m biased because I also love the Pharcyde – and has helped write rap music that was performed on a tour. His nephew used to play for the Dallas Cowboys

Mrs Jackson has expensive taste in food, particularly caviar. She lived in Japan and worked a job pulling parasites out of people’s butts.

Dr. Million’s favorite book is Min Kamp, not to be mistaken for Mein Kampf. This one is Swedish and by Knausgård, which thankfully doesn’t sound anything like Hitler. He has medieval sword training, can count cards, has a giant dragon tattoo, and his favorite artist is Mark Rothko.

Dr. Dillard pursued her PhD while pregnant, which is maybe not a fun fact for her but shows her hardworking spirit.

Mr. Rice has some of the coolest music taste of any person I’ve ever met, and he’s shared so many stories with me by introducing me to new, or old, music. From Meute to Friday Night in San Francisco, range is in his repertoire Mr Rice loves zombie movies and is unfortunately from West Virginia. Maybe its massive coal production was the villain origin story to becoming an APES teacher.

Now, the stories I’ve just relayed are more like SparkNotes than anything close to the real thing. That being said, I don’t want to simply tell the stories of others, I want to inspire Hammond students to ask to hear those stories and more. The details I’ve included are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our faculty, and there’s a lot to be lost in neglecting that resource. I owe my education, in academics and life, to these people and their stories. We owe it to them to listen.

Mr Tom Mancke telling the class of 2024 a story on their final night of the senior getaway. Photo credit to Hammond School (SmugMug, Hammond School).

Letters From the editors

Late nights in the editors’ group chat, ensuring all our designers can log into Canva, cutting and replacing and postponing - putting The Sentinel into the world is a ride, each time. I’ve worked hard alongside some amazing people to revamp and grow this publication, and I hope you all have read and learned from it

The truth is that, to create equity and accountability in our world, we need good journalism. I’ve appreciated every kind email and comment I’ve received about our work – not just because of our blood, sweat, and tears poured in this publication, but because I hope, earnestly, that The Sentinel can show the Hammond community that journalists are worth their trust and their value.

Lauren and Natalie, you two are the best partners-in-crime ever. Writers and designers, your work and enthusiasm propel us. Ms. Crabb and Señor, you believed in our plan to get this thing back on its feet, and I’m so grateful you did. As a group of new editors takes over next year, I hope you keep reading, and I hope you value the work of our hardworking staff and of journalists everywhere. To a better press, a better Hammond, and a better world

William Grantland, Editor-in-Chief

The Sentinel has been around the entire time I’ve been in high school. However, I think it’s safe to say that the past two years have been wildly different than anything seen before. From going unrecognized and unknown, with students often commenting they “didn’t know Hammond had a newspaper,” The Sentinel is now posted on the Hammond Instagram for all parents and students to read and is finally celebrated as it deserves.

So many amazing people have contributed: William, our editor-in-chief, graphics editor Lauren Asbill, and the rest of our wonderful staff, forever resilient and hardworking, including our future co-editors-in-chief, Isabella Aguilar and Drew McCall While I am sad to leave The Sentinel, I know I can leave comfortably knowing it is in good, capable hands

The Sentinel has benefitted me in so many ways I have been able to exercise my creative and investigative writing muscles, come back from mistakes, learn new things about the Hammond community and the people who make it, and have some fun. I will forever be grateful for these past three years with this group and for all that I have learned. And of course, thank you, reader, for giving us a chance.

Natalie Engh, Associate Editor

If you asked me two years ago if I would be the design editor for The Sentinel, I probably would not believe you Seeing William put in countless hours of formatting on top of his editing position is what originally pushed me to offer help with the graphics Knowing where the publication is now makes all the hard work worth it I have always loved the creativity that comes with designing which is why I decided to be on the yearbook staff, being a junior editor my first year and a co-editor the next. This impelled me to work on this publication and has helped tremendously with designing pages. I must thank both William and Natalie for trusting me with so much without even a second thought. This allowed me to add my creative spin to their new and improved Sentinel. Also, many thanks to Lilly Hensley who started the journey to having a full design team. I truly could not have done this without her. I have enjoyed every minute of working with The Sentinel and would not want to change it for the world. I hope the legacy of this publication continues for years.

Lauren Asbill, Graphics Editor

SPRiNG 2024 EDITORIAL STAFF

WILLIAM GRANTLAND

Editor-in-Chief

NATALiE ENGH

Associate Editor

LAUREN ASBILL

Graphics and Digital Editor

LILLY HENSLEY

Graphics and Digital Associate

SANTIAGO AZPÚRUA-BORRÁS

CARYN CRABB

Faculty Sponsors

THE SENTINEL

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SPRiNG 2024, EDITION V