March 2025 Index

the index

ALacrosse looks to uphold legacy

fter finishing last season with an impressive 20-2 record and barely losing the National Championship, the lacrosse team is back.

“We won the Inter-Ac but then lost in the National Championship to Malvern. We had already beaten them twice that year,” Sixth Form Captain Gavin Cooper said. “It stinks.”

After losing tons of graduates, the team

is fresh.

“It will be more of a process than last year,” Head Coach Brendan Dawson said, “We lost eighteen seniors from a really good year. We played lots of them as juniors, so we had continuity from the previous season. [This year is] going to look different. We have to be realistic. We have to recognize that. Where we are now is vastly different from where we are going to be in two weeks,”

Dining hall begins composting

For the past few months, the Haverford Sustainability Alliance, led by Sixth Formers Kevin Li and Noah Kanefsky and Fifth Former Ryan Wang, have been busy starting up a new composting system on campus. This system will help with Haverford’s sustainability by turning leftover food scraps into compost.

The process has not been easy. Working with his advisor, math teacher Mr. Samuel Walters, and Service Learning Director Ms. Jini Loos, Li was able to get the program running.

“[Faculty] helped support me in meeting with various administrators, especially

with the Director of Dining Ms. Kimberly Sprangers, who, after several meetings, ultimately approved the program.”

The composting initiative is the Sustainability Alliance’s second initiative this year. Earlier, they worked with the Lunch Board to eliminate plastic water bottles.

“The main goals, at least for the start of the year, were to eliminate plastic bottles and start composting. Personally, it’s always bothered me that plastic water bottles are so normalized,” Kanefsky explained.

cont’d on p. 4

Coach Dawson said.

“We have the ability to be one of the top teams. We just have to gel together. Lots of new roles. We lost some great leaders and people with big roles.” Cooper said. “Men have to step up.”

To prepare for the season, the team maintains the same philosophy.

“We want to be really good at the basics,” Coach Dawson said. “Goals remain the

same. We want to win the league. The way that we do that is by getting better every day. One-day-at-a-time mentality.”

cont’d on p. 15

Gavin Cooper ’25

Edward cheung ’28

Nate Gill ’26

2024–2025 Staff

Ian Rosenzweig ’25

Editor-in-Chief

Connor Simpkins ’25

Editor-in-Chief

Elliot Lee ’25

Senior Managing Editor

Milan Varma ’25

Senior Managing Editor

Liam French ’25

Managing Editor

Abdullah Kanchwala ’25

Managing Editor

Tom Saul ’25

Managing Editor

Ajay Chakraborty ’26 News Editor

Ayush Varma ’27 News Editor

Ryan Wang ’26 Features Editor

Matt Lo ’27 Academics Editor

Adam Brown ’27

Neighborhood Editor

Ryan Hu ’26

Campus Opinions Editor

Peter McConnell ’26

Campus Opinions Editor

Grayson Morgan ’26

Off-Campus Opinions Editor

Michael Bartholdson ’25

Off-Campus Opinions Editor

Luke Ganley ’25 Arts Editor

Quinn Sullivan ’25

Senior Sports Editor

Nate Gill ’26

Junior Sports Editor

Charlie Schreiber ’26

Photography Editor

Ms. Emily Harnett Faculty Advisor

Mr. Thomas Stambaugh Faculty Advisor

The Index is a student-run publication of the Haverford School that does more than bring news: it provides the diverse perspectives of the Haverford student body. It is an outlet for student writers to take stands on issues they deem important. It chronicles the daily struggles and accomplishments of the Haverford community. The Index also provides a forum for discussion of pertinent issues, such as student culture, academic policy, and Haverford’s place in world affairs. The Index presents new ideas and aspires to influence constructive change. All opinions and viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of The Index or the school. The Index is designed and produced digitally. Photographs may be retouched. Submissions and letters to the editors regarding any and all articles are welcomed at index@haverford.org

The Index, a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, is composed using the applications of Google Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud. Its surveys are conducted via Google Forms and are advertised on email to current Haverford students. Graphic designs are created by Index staff via Canva. Southern Dutchess News prints 200-400 copies of each issue, and its editorial staff distributes them in the Upper School on the day of release. The Index serves the needs of a total school population of 1152 community members, consisting of 952 students and 200 faculty and staff members. Contact The Index: 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041 index@haverford.org

Twitter: @Haverford_Index

Instagram: @Haverford_Index

Volume 92, No. 6 - March 12, 2025

To the community

As temperatures rise and spring break draws closer, Haverford finds itself in a moment of deep unrest.

At a time when the warm weather and changing seasons may tempt you to disengage, The Index exhorts you to resist the urge to step away. Now more than ever the community needs you to dive in head first.

Keep up with your classes and relationships. Exceed expectations. Haverford is at its best when everyone is bought in and abid-

ing by the standards to which we all agree. Haverford is at its worst when people disengage and act in ways that discredit our community.

Many of you have found yourselves uncomfortable with the Haverford you see right now. It’s crucial to keep having tough conversations and striving for your ideal brotherhood.

Whether you are an underclassman readying yourself for end-of-year assessments, a Fifth Former beginning the college

Letter from the Signet Society editorial

process, or a Sixth Former preparing to graduate, The Index encourages you to make the most of your time here and to hold yourself accountable to our determined norms, both when you’re on campus and when you’re not.

To the community: we are at one of those moments that matters. Now is the time, more so than any game, musical, or other event, to prove your love for your school and your brotherhood.

Use this spring to unite around and mend the brotherhood.

Dear upper school community,

Recent events have plagued the reputation of our school. Though we have gone through most of the academic year with little trouble, it only takes a few moments of poor decision-making to taint a year.

We understand that most of the school has done their part in acting as they know they are supposed to, but the brotherhood that Haverford preaches is lacking.

To know what that means, we’ll start by defining what brotherhood is not. Brotherhood is not covering for your friends when they do something bad. Brotherhood is not lying to protect someone from the conse-

quences they should face. Brotherhood is not allowing a peer to cheat. Brotherhood is not giving a friend a short-term solution to what will ultimately turn into a lasting problem. Pulling a weed is of no use if the roots remain firm.

Instead, brotherhood is letting a friend know when they are making a mistake. Brotherhood is calling people out when they cross a line. Brotherhood is holding each other accountable. Brotherhood is sacrificing the comfort of the present moment to better the future of a peer.

It is important to remember these things as we go about our lives. While some actions may seem small, they can give way to

bigger issues.

By doing the little things right, we ensure that the foundation of our school remains strong.

It is the responsibility of the whole school to uphold the standards. From the simplest norm to the biggest rule, it is up to us to sustain the pillars of our community.

Sincerely, The Signet Society

Editors-in-Chief Ian Rosenzweig ’25 and Connor Simpkins ’25

Signet Society (not pictured: Connor Simpkins ’25)

Yucatán travel experience broadens minds

Ian Rosenzweig ’25

Last month, twelve students traveled to Yucatán, Mexico with Spanish teacher Ms. Susana Lambour and math teacher Mr. Jeremy Fus.

The first of this year’s five travel-study trips through the Global Studies program, the trip highlighted the culture of the native

Mayan people and fostered an appreciation for the lives people lead around the world.

“What I remember most is walking through the vast, overcrowded markets and thinking to myself how grateful I am for life back at home,” Sixth Former Christos Patterson said. “The whole experience helped

The

ending

Every reader knows the sting of a story that fizzles out, the disappointment of coming to the end of a book only to have it fall flat. It is the ending, after all, that makes or breaks a good story. It is the ending that gives shape to everything that has come before.

It was with this understanding that members of the Sixth Form came together at the end of last month for a breakfast to commemorate the 100 days until graduation. In the familiar and comfortable space of the Big Room, Sixth Formers began to contemplate their own endings at Haverford.

Science teacher and Sixth Form Dean Mr. Will Leech has stressed the importance of these last months at Haverford.

“The things people most often regret in life are what they didn’t do, not what they did. That’s why we are encouraging the seniors to buy in and get involved in their last few months instead of checking out,” Leech said.

Mr. Leech’s advice rests on the minds of many Sixth Formers.

“I really want to make the most of the last times I’m going to have with my friends,” Sixth Former Alex Krey said.

“For my last few months, I plan to be more present than I ever have been. I want to talk to as many people as I can and do my best to get to know people more than just

me realize how lucky I am—and how much I take for granted.”

Third Former Kingston Williams-Ekpaji also gained a new perspective from the trip. “I will bring back the appreciation for the luxuries we are accustomed to,” he said. “You realize when you are in a new environment that everyone might not be as fortunate.”

Ms. Lambour sensed a similar sentiment among the whole group, especially once they had visited a farmer who uses the traditional Mayan three-seed planting system.

“I think the way he spoke, the pride he felt, how happy he was, along with how little he had, was really eye-opening, and made for a really nice reflective experiment for the boys…realizing that maybe we don’t need so much stuff to be happy,” she said.

The farmer also showed the group that ancient Mayan culture lives on.

“I think it was nice for kids to see that the Mayan people are still very much alive, and continue to do things in a very traditional way,” Ms. Lambour said.

Williams-Ekpaji shared that the group witnessed a Mayan chocolate ritual.

“After the chocolate was blessed, it was made into a juice-like liquid for us to drink,” he said, referring to the new cultural exposure as “the most impactful moment on the trip.”

Mr. Fus also emphasized the connection between ancient Mayan culture and the group’s experiences.

“We got to visit some people who engage in more traditional Mayan activities,” Mr. Fus said. “We made Chicken Pibil… we got to see how they made jewelry out of bullhorns. It was really cool to see some

traditional activities that they’re still keeping alive.”

The Mayans are known for their early intellectual advancements, and Mr. Fus was able to associate his experiences in Yucatán with his math studies.

“[Chicén Itzá] was created partially to help understand when the change of the seasons was, and there’s some really interesting math behind how you predict calendar,” he said. “It is important to have an opportunity to see how math was used both in current context as well as in historical context.”

Similarly, Ms. Lambour hopes to incorporate some of her experience into her classroom.

“I think I’m going to focus a little bit more on explaining around of all the things that Mayans did and still do today, perhaps before reading some of the stories that we read,” Ms. Lambour said.

Beyond the academic exploration, the group also swam in a water hole, saw a light show, and explored the new towns.

After their return, the students plan to present their experience to the Spanish Club and lead a Mexico table at the Parents’ Association’s Cultural Fair on March 13 to share the new perspective that they gained.

“I would be more than happy to share with my peers at Haverford what I have learned,” Patterson said. “Especially in America, where at times it can feel like we are within our own bubble—separated from the rest of the world—it’s important to experience other cultures and ways of life different from our own. It was truly an eye-opening experience.”

baseline conversations of saying hello in the hallways,” Sixth Former Zachary Fuscaldo said.

Fuscaldo is also focused on deepening his current friendships.

“I [realize] I may not see some of them for a couple of months once the school year ends, so taking the opportunity to learn the most about the people that I know the most and doubling down on those relationships will be a major focus,” Fuscaldo said.

In literature, four elements contribute to a good conclusion: resolution, transformation, suspense, and surprise. Much like the end of a great novel, the last months of high school can also be crafted to create the

ideal finish.

At the breakfast, Mr. Leech handed out Sixth Form bingo cards, a bucket list of sorts. With ideas like playing spikeball or benchball during lunch block, attending a Haverford event like the art show or an away game, to something as simple as taking a walk around campus during a free period or thanking a staff member, the list is meant to help focus and engage Sixth Formers in their last days on campus.

As an added incentive, Sixth Formers completing the entire bingo card can earn an immunity day during the long-awaited, much-anticipated senior assassin tradition.

The Sixth Formers’ final days at school

are not just about celebrating all that has been accomplished—it’s also about finishing strong and creating a conclusion that reflects the time spent here at Haverford. It is said that writer Ernest Hemingway wrote up forty-seven different endings to A Farewell to Arms before he was satisfied. Great writers know the importance of investing time and effort into making the story’s final moments meaningful.

Much like Hemingway, Sixth Formers have the opportunity to shape how they say goodbye, whether it is strengthening relationships, finishing strong academically or simply enjoying the small moments.

COURTESY OF MS. SUSANA LAMBOUR

Students at the Museo Choco-Story, a Mayan chocolate museum

art of a good

Sixth Formers admiring Haverford at night

Connor Simpkins ’25

Performing arts department hosts vocal masterclass

JAYDEN THOMAS ’27

In February, the performing arts department hosted two vocal masterclasses with acclaimed vocal coaches from prestigious colleges. The first was Bryan Hymel from Rider University and the Westminster Choir College. The second was Randall Scarlata from The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

These renowned singers have performed worldwide with wide repertoires. Students and parents were invited to a two-hour workshop where each student sang their prepared song and received advice on various vocal techniques to enhance their musicality and composure. The genres ranged from pop to folk to classical operatic songs. Nonetheless, the coaches consistently advised students to improve their articulation, tone, posture, and expression.

“The wonderful thing about being exposed to another teacher in a masterclass situation is they have fresh ears for hearing the students and they may use different language than I do or employ different techniques or different imagery,” vocal coach Mrs. Carole Latimer exclaimed. “The students may connect better with that imagery and that can move the student to a different level of singing.”

“It was just completely a joy for me to experience that.”

MRS. CAROLE LATIMER

Three key takeaways from these masterclasses included posture, projection, and articulation. Posture in singing, as they em-

phasized, is critical for effective breathing and vocal production. It allows for a more open and relaxed throat, enabling better sound quality.

Another valuable insight that the coaches shared was vocal production—the ability to project one’s voice clearly and confidently. The combination of a good posture, proper breathing, and the control of tone/volume

can add a new level of depth and musicality to a singer’s performance.

Finally, articulation refers to the clarity and precision with which words are pronounced. Strong articulation can help listeners understand lyrics more effectively and clearly while singing as if the singer were reciting a poem or piece of prose to an audience.

“It was just an utter thrill for me to watch my students get up and sing so beautifully for someone else and have the kind of positive feedback from someone who’s at such a high level of business,” Mrs. Latimer said. “I was so proud of everyone, and it was just completely a joy for me to experience that.”

Dining hall begins composting, cont’d. from front page

However, the entire process started when Li witnessed recycling material and trash all being thrown into the same bin. The quality of Haverford’s sustainability practices irritated him, leading him to meet with the administration.

“I discovered that a majority of our waste was being produced within the dining hall,” Li said. “To address this, I decided to help launch the composting initiative to reduce waste and make Haverford more sustainable.”

Starting in mid-March, the lower school will begin with the composting program,

placing “two five-gallon buckets where the students can throw out compostable goods that ultimately get dumped into a bigger bin to be picked up by Mother Compost,” Li said.

Alongside other sustainability members, Li and Kanesfsky will teach lower schoolers about composting to ensure food goes into the right bins during lunch periods. While this program starts with the lower school, it will soon make its way up to the middle and upper schools.

In the dining hall, the average Haverford school student wastes about 0.1 pounds

of food, equivalent to a few half-eaten cookies, a half-cup of rice, or a quarter of a hamburger. If we multiply this number by the 1,013 students that attend the school, an average of 130 lbs. of food is wasted per lunch. If we multiply this number by the approximate 175 days of school, we see that 22,750 lbs. of food is wasted every year. If this program is to continue for many years, it has the capability to use the 22,750 lbs. of food to fertilize eleven acres of farmland or hundreds of school gardens. However, if this waste is sent to a landfill to be burned, it would emit significant greenhouse gases, equivalent to

around 40,000 lbs. of coal.

22,750 lbs. of food waste is significant, but the origins of this issue at Haverford are quite interesting.

“The meal plan eliminates excess food being a financial burden on many students, but they don’t account for the damage it can do to the environment,” Kanefsky said.

Overbuying food is not a major issue for most students. It’s mostly the scraps left behind that accumulate over time that lead to the gargantuan amount of wasted food.

“Personally, I think upper school students are usually pretty mature in what they take and eat,” Kanefsky said. “I’m sure there is a difference in the lower and middle school lunches. Our school produces a ridiculous amount of waste given our size.”

Overall, while this program is good for the environment, it also increases student awareness of sustainability. This was precisely the end goal the club had in mind.

“By fostering these practices on campus, it will allow students to gain first-hand experience into what composting is and how it benefits the environment,” said Li

Nevertheless, Li hopes to improve Haverford’s lackluster sustainability efforts and use them to inspire sustainability awareness among the generations of students to come.

“Haverford prides itself on being a leader in many areas from academics, athletics, to the arts,” Li said. “However, sustainability is one area where we’ve sometimes fallen short. By composting, we aren’t just helping the planet, but also solidifying Haverford’s reputation as a leading school in all aspects.”

Tenor Mr. Bryan Hymel works with a young vocalist, February 27, 2025

Gwinn Lecture provokes students and teachers

Peter Mcconnell ’26

Sitting in Centennial Hall for this year’s Quinn Lecture series, upper school students heard Dr. Pooja Agarwal and her advice to “Study Smarter, Not Harder.”

Students often feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their classes along with the overall high school experience, so the event aimed to help them find their way through the difficulties that come with this time in their lives.

However, there’s always room to grow in teaching, too—and it seems Dr. Agarwal is helping improve many teachers’ teaching styles.

According to an email from Science Department Chair Dr. Daniel Goduti, “Dr. Agarwal is a professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts” who “researches how people learn.”

During the address, students learned about “retrieval practices,” among other

study strategies. This idea came up time and time again during the lecture as Dr. Agarwal argued how important these practices are for student success.

Students seemed to be impacted by Dr. Agarwal’s message. “I had a few students come in and ask about whether they can contact Dr. Agarwal to do research,” Dr. Goduti said.

Fifth Former Henry Galia found the lecture to be worthwhile. He thinks that “for some kids, it was really helpful.”

Galia thought that one particular point that Dr. Agarwal made resonated with him. He explained that he is usually “a crammer, and it does work,” but he agrees with Dr. Agarwal that “when you space things you tend to get the best results with long-term memory.”

However, Galia doesn’t completely understand the concept of retrieval. He thinks it’s difficult to “remember the stuff.” Howev-

er, he does agree that perhaps retrieval is tied into the idea behind “studying it a couple times,” then “teach it to other people,” which is a form of retrieval.

“Even while she and I were walking around the school, [students] stopped her to talk about it,” Dr. Goduti said.

During spring, students spend their time writing their “self reflective comments,” so it seems the Gwinn Lecture came at a perfect time.

“In some of my students’ self-reflective comments, they sort of talked about how they were going to try some of these things that she did,” Dr. Goduti said.

While Dr. Goduti mentioned that no one said “that changed my life,” he did say, “there’s a little bit of hubbub around it.”

Galia explained that he is incorporating these strategies into his life. He revealed that while he isn’t a procrastinator, he doesn’t always space things out. Fifth Formers write their research paper this time of year, and Galia said that he has been putting this practice of spacing into play, which has resulted in less stress.

Faculty members also learned from the lecture.

“It’s a little bigger narrative present in the fact that the faculty had a book club for her book leading up to it,” Dr. Goduti said. He explained that this book club began in “about the beginning of January” and consisted of “folks in all three divisions.”

Per Dr. Goduti, the faculty had “been reading her books and had a couple of meetings where we’ve been sort of talking about the different practices.”

“There was a lot of excitement to hear her talk,” he said.

While Dr. Agarwal spoke to students about study practices, her message to faculty was more geared toward teaching.

“There are practices that you can do in your classroom and ways to make the classroom teaching work,” Dr. Goduti explained.

Ultimately, teachers are putting Dr. Agarwal’s concepts into practice. According to Dr. Goduti, teachers across all three divisions are “using brain dumps…and doing sort of quick recall tasks.”

Galia noted that he has noticed two teachers who have incorporated these strategies into their assignments.

Both teachers assigned a video to watch and then had students answer questions based on the material they retrieved.

Instagram mistakenly recommended violent content

On Wednesday, February 26, Instagram went violent. Instead of its regular feeds, the site promoted a series of increasingly violent reels.

Starting with just basic fights, the first being two kids fighting over a bracelet, it quickly became more brutal. Fights with serious injuries such as a broken arm or a torn leg muscle quickly began to circulate.

“I was like this is weird. It’s a lot more violent than Instagram has even been for me,” Fifth Former James Friel said. “I came across a video of a fight, which caught me off guard.”

Soon, the platform began to show content that would only be found on gore sites. Netizens were comparing it to Live Leak as crazy videos began to circulate.

Videos in this vein continued to pop up. Circulated by accounts such as DeadPeopleDeadly, the wave of violence pushed to almost the entire Instagram population.

“I saw a guy get brutally decapitated at a construction site. It just caught me off guard and made me snap out of a good mood for

a few minutes,” Fifth Former James MacColl said.

In addition to decapitations, videos depicted shootings and executions. Videos that looked like they were from a cartel or from a terrorist organization popped up left and right.

A video of a person circulated with ziptied hands being dropped off of a boat into the ocean and disappearing into the water. Another video showed someone being forced to lie on a mat on the ground and then getting shot in the back.

Another video featured a mortally wounded man missing almost the entirety of the skin on his back, who looked seconds away from dying. Another graphic video showed a video of a birth by C-Section.

While a few of the videos received a sensitive content warning, the majority of the videos were uncensored, forcing anyone who opened the reels tab to watch content that they most definitely did not want to see.

The impact of such violent content reverberated throughout the student body.

“Seeing these videos made me feel uncomfortable,” Friel said. “I was quite surprised by the contrast of the videos compared to what I am used to seeing. It was so violent.”

“It was funny for a few minutes...”

MILAN VARMA ’25

Other students agreed. “It was funny for a few minutes. It was interesting and new,” Sixth Former Milan Varma said, “but then it got weird.”

The next day, Instagram’s parent company Meta released an apology.

“We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. “We apologize for the mistake.”

Dr. Pooja Agarwal delivers her address to the entire upper school on February 26, 2025

COMMUNICATIONS

Nate gill ’26

Student activities shift as weather warms

As the temperature rises and the last traces of winter fade away, students head outdoors in greater numbers during lunch and free blocks. The fields and courts, once quiet during colder months, now buzz with energy—soccer balls soar, Spikeball nets pop up, basketball games heat up, and small football games break out where every play feels like a last-second touchdown attempt.

After months of being stuck indoors, students are eager to make the most of the warm weather. Now, playing outside has become the default, with many seeking the fresh cool breeze waving through the air, the soft rumbling of cars from the road, and the blinding light illuminating every inch of the field. However, this begs a question: how much time do students spend outside, and do any classes go outside during the ideal weather conditions we have currently?

“Now that it’s warmer, going outside is a nice way to relax between classes,” Fifth Former James Friel said. “If I could have one

class held outside, it would be biology, because it is one of my more difficult classes.”

Friel isn’t alone in this thought. Many students agree that going outside helps break up the school day while absorbing vitamin D and putting students in a better mood. They argue it also makes difficult classes feel less draining and think outdoor classes could improve focus, while others worry that it might be a distraction.

Many students agree that going outside helps break up the school day

“Personally, I utilize free blocks to work ahead in classes, which is why I also prefer to work indoors as it allows me to focus.”

Fourth Former Anantvir Othie said. “For lunch, however, I do believe eating outside is more enjoyable at times.”

Research supports the idea that spend-

ing time outdoors benefits both mental and physical health. A study from Harvard Health shows that just 20 minutes in nature significantly reduces stress levels, helping people feel more relaxed and focused. With students heading outside more often during lunch and free blocks, this shift could improve their overall well-being without them even realizing it.

Students seem to agree. Fourth Former Lukas Messic said, “Going outside is a nice way to relax in between classes,” helping relieve stress from schoolwork. He also pointed out that outdoor free time feels more flexible. “You actually can do what you want and not what someone else chooses,” Messic said.

When it comes to holding classes outdoors, students have different ideas. Messic believes that “music goes hand in hand with nature” and that having class outside on a nice day “makes learning music more enjoyable.” Othie, however, thinks English would be a better fit since it “focuses on reflection and discussion, which can be done while sit-

Semi-formal dance on the horizon

The Third and Fourth Form SemiFormal Dance is an event most students look forward to: a night full of fun, music, and refreshments. It of-

fers a chance to take a break from the usual school routine, dress up, and enjoy an exciting evening with friends. Whether students come with a date or just a group, the dance

is one of the most anticipated social events of the year.

The ticket price is $10 per person, making it an affordable event that students are encouraged to attend.

This year’s dance will take place on Friday, March 14. The event not only gives students the opportunity to have fun but also serves as an opportunity to strengthen connections between Haverford and its sister schools. Many students view it as a chance to interact with people outside of their everyday routines, expanding their social circles in a relaxed setting.

“I think that the dance is something that we can look forward to,” Fourth Form Student President Raymond Kresge said. “With this [formal], we can push through adversity, and unite us all together,” Kresge says. “I think it also can provide an opportunity for people to interact with students they might not otherwise talk to.”

The ticket price is $10 per person, mak-

ting or walking outside.”

While classes remain indoors for now, the increase in outdoor activity proves how much students value taking a break to breathe in the fresh air and soak in the dazzling sunlight.

ing it an affordable event that students are encouraged to attend. The night will feature music, refreshments, and an exciting atmosphere. If not anything else, students who would not otherwise attend should consider this opportunity to share a love for music and a cultural immersion between individuals and groups.

Additionally, the student council, along with Third and Fourth Form Dean Ms. Brooke Kenna, has been working hard to organize an event that will be enjoyable for all. From decorations to music selections, they are ensuring that this year’s semi-formal is a success.

With the event quickly approaching, students are encouraged to get their tickets and mark their calendars.

With the event quickly approaching, students are encouraged to get their tickets early and mark their calendars.

The council encourages everyone to show up for a memorable night filled with fun.

Service Board plans upcoming opportunities to give back to the community

Service is a fundamental part of Haverford’s culture, reflecting our core virtues of compassion, selflessness, and support. Through service, students not only help those in need but also develop a deeper understanding of the impact they can have on the world around them. Acts of service—big or small—help foster a sense of unity within the community, reinforcing the idea that giving back is a shared responsibility.

This spring, the Service Board calls on everyone to step up and make a difference through service.

With several upcoming events on the calendar, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved. The Board encourages everyone to get involved, not just to give back, but to grow as individuals and

strengthen the community.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive on April 14th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m is not only a way for you to participate and exercise these virtues, but also an opportunity to receive a free Red Cross t-shirt along with the chance of a possible dress-down day. The Red Cross especially needs African Americans to contribute to the drive to help with sickle cell anemia. To sign up, you can scan the QR code on the right.

Another event, in partnership with Agnes Irwin and possibly Baldwin, will take place on April 26th at Agnes Irwin from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. At this event, expect to make paracord bracelets paired with handwritten notes for a foundation called Soldiers’ Angels, which supports the active military. You can find more information on where to sign

up on the Service Board’s Instagram: fords. service.

Finally, the second grade “A Drop in a Bucket” project will take place in late April, with students walking around collecting spare change for a good cause. So when you see them with their buckets, be sure to chip in and support their efforts.

With many service opportunities on the horizon, there are many ways for students to get involved, give back, and make a difference to countless people in need.

Whether donating blood, creating care packages, or simply contributing spare change, every act of service contributes to a greater purpose.

This spring, the Service Board hopes to see as many students as possible step up and take part in these initiatives.

Scan below to register for the blood drive

Ayush Varma ’27

Ethan Qiang ’27

2023 Third and Fourth Form semi-formal

COURTESY OF MR. LUQMAN KOLADE

Keith Dimarino ’27

Strength in vulnerability: Semaj Lee’s experience with peer counseling

Ryan Wang ’26

In all-boy private schools like Haverford, vulnerability often carries a negative connotation. These institutions can have cultures in which expressing emotions and seeking support from others are signs of weakness, creating barriers against genuine and deep conversations. The pressure to be “masculine” is widespread.

Yet, Haverford pushes back against this idea through initiatives such as peer counseling.

Sixth Former Semaj Lee made his first trip to peer counseling at the end of his Third Form, during the last meeting before the class of 2022 departed for college.

It was an eye-opening experience.

“I saw these seniors, the tough guys, crying,” Lee said. “I saw them struggle with their conflicted feelings about leaving the people they had spent their time at Haverford with.”

It was a source of surprise, and it left an impression on him.

“I didn’t expect to see something like this at a private institution like Haverford. It opened my eyes to the power of peer counseling,” Lee said.

Lee attended peer counseling meetings from time to time during his Fourth Form year, and he dedicated himself to the program during his Fifth Form year. This year he became a leader of the program. Still, the importance and power of peer counseling did not truly click with him until this past September.

“One Monday, I came home from football practice and my parents were sitting on the couch,” Lee said. “They told me my little cousin Nathaniel passed away after being hit by a car.”

Nathaniel, also known as “Little Nat,” lived in Virginia.

“I didn’t see him often, but my times with him were memorable. We’d play together with the family during cookouts, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family time,”

Lee said. “It hurt bad when my parents told me. Little Nat was a bit of a troublemaker, but I loved him. All I could think of was his smile, that little smirk he had.”

The burden of Little Nat’s passing weighed Lee down.

The next day, the peer counseling leaders held a meeting with school counselor Ms. Janet Heed and psychologist Dr. Michael C. Reichert before the first official meeting on Wednesday.

“This meeting less than 24 hours after my parents told me the news. It was still fresh in my mind, and I was swarmed with my emotions,” Lee said. “I broke down.”

Lee was then assigned to a one-on-one session with Dr. Reichert during the first peer counseling meeting of the year. The next day, he was called to the front of the room, feeling anxious. Dr. Reichert helped Lee calm his nerves.

“He asked other students at the meeting to say what they thought about me,” Lee said. “People had good things to say, even the people who I didn’t really know. It calmed me down.”

Then Dr. Reichert asked, “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

Lee started crying.

“However, I knew I was in a room of open arms, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for me,” Lee said.

He began telling the story of Little Nat’s passing.

“Dr. Reichert gave me a place to organize my thoughts and find peace. A place to work out my emotions. Peer counseling gave me a platform to fight through it,” Lee said. “When I was telling the story, all I could see was Little Nat’s smirk. I remembered a game of hide-and-seek I played with him and some of my other cousins. When Little Nat found me and my cousin hiding in the closet, we ran away laughing.”

When Lee finished, he wiped his tears and realized he had changed. He felt more

open and gained a deeper appreciation for vulnerability.

“I knew I was a changed man. I felt like I could open myself up more often. With my friends, my girlfriend, my parents, my teachers—everyone,” Lee said. “Vulnerability builds respect, and respect builds confidence. It’s not something to be looked down upon, it’s something powerful.”

Vulnerability and openness foster more genuine relationships.

Lee realized that vulnerability and openness foster more genuine relationships.

“When you open up and give others the real and only the real, it allows others to do the same. It deepens the relationship,” Lee said. “I show my full playing deck. I don’t hide cards. I always show my truest self.”

Peer counseling runs best when all of the students there buy into it, rather than using it as a way to get out of class.

“When everybody there visibly shows they care about you and give you the attention you deserve, it makes the world of a difference,” Lee said. “If the student doing his one-on-one session with Dr. Reichert sees that you don’t care, it discourages them. They need to know that you’re there for them.”

His experiences have extended onto the football field as well.

“A lot of my teammates also go to peer counseling —Sixth Formers Nick Krakovitz, Josh Williams, Thomas Barr, and more,” Lee said. “Peer counseling has helped me talk about real meaningful stuff with them. It’s deepened my love for them, and it shows on the field.”

He’s learned that leaders don’t play the

“tough guy” role. They show love. They help others and are helped in return.

Barr suffered an ankle injury during a scrimmage just a week before the season began. Having gone through the same injury the previous year, Lee knew it was difficult for him, so he made sure to support Barr every step of the way.

“I told him that I was here for him,” Lee said.

Lee also supported Krakovitz, who was struggling with his hamstring.

“I saw he was visibly frustrated not being able to play his best. When he made a big play though, I’d run down to celebrate. I’d sprint 60 yards down the field to celebrate him. I’d be exhausted, but I did it anyway,” Lee said.

While Lee was dealing with an injury, others returned the deed. His teammates supported him and helped rebuild his confidence.

“It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life,” Lee said.

Peer counseling has helped Lee and his teammates form deeper understandings of each other.

“I know what they’re thinking, even when they’re just staring at the grass,” Lee said. “It’s done more than I could’ve ever expected.”

While teaching at Kumon, a tutoring service for kids aged 3-16, he’s found that his newfound vulnerability and openness have helped him be a better teacher.

“I noticed that talking to and building a more genuine relationship with the kid helps their confidence. Many of them have confidence issues, and being open to them helps them immensely as a student and a kid.”

Lee calls peer counseling one of Haverford’s “golden opportunities.”

“If you buy into it and do what you’re supposed to,” Lee said. “You’ll get more than you ever expected out of it.”

Semaj Lee ’25

Gabe Baker finds value in impact

Brandyn Luong ’27

“How you do one thing is how you do everything.” These words from Sixth Former Gabriel Baker’s father have guided his journey from his childhood to his time at Haverford and, ultimately, to his place in Signet Society. Though Baker’s path hasn’t been straightforward, each step has shaped his identity, strengthening his values of discipline, commitment, and authenticity.

Growing up, Baker learned the importance of well-roundedness and valuing continuity.

Growing up, Baker learned the importance of well-roundedness and valuing continuity. Often, his father emphasized punctuality to him, a principle that was foundational to his character.

One day during basketball practice during fifth grade, current Sixth Former Benjamin McDade told Baker about Haverford. He felt hesitant to leave his old school.

“I was worried about the transition,” Baker said.

However, after being introduced to the school’s community, Baker quickly felt a sense of belonging.

His election to the Honor Council at the end of his Third Form year was a turning point: people believed in him.

His election to the Honor Council at the end of his Third Form year was a turning point: people believed in him. Baker’s desire to leave a mark on the school emerged during his Fourth Form year, due to his experiences in former history teacher Mr. Jeremy Hart’s classes. Baker realized he wanted a voice in shaping the student body experience.

As a Fifth Former, he was elected to Signet Society. As a member, he realized that Signet wasn’t an addition to an already overwhelming workload; it was the recognition of his impact—the passion he put into this school.

Through Signet, Baker has found meaning in small moments. His first event, serving food at the Sixth Form pre-graduation dinner, left him with a sense of pride.

“Simply being there and giving something to others reinforced being present, contributing to something important,” Baker said. “The experience reinforced my value in serving and being a part of a community.”

Back-to-school night was another defining experience. He toured parents through the campus and shared his perspective on the school with them.

“I repeatedly emphasize the importance of brotherhood at the school which has done so much for me,” Baker said.

His love for music, a lesser-known passion, has emerged as a way for him to explore and better understand himself. Whether studying or driving, alternative artists like Coldplay, Billie Eilish, and Yeat provide songs to every part of his life, reflecting his introspective nature.

Baker’s appreciation for understanding extended to others during a night at Camp Saginaw.

“We had no air conditioning and it was uncomfortable in the heat, yet my peers and I found joy with the Third Formers while talking about Disney movies,” said Baker. “There were no phones or distractions, just shared experiences.”

Looking ahead, Baker sees Haverford as just one chapter of a much larger world. Signet has taught him the importance of working with a diverse group of people and embracing a variety of perspectives.

His advice to other students is simple.

“Success in life isn’t about playing a role—it’s about the love and authenticity you bring to everything you do.”

A note on sportsmanship from a 1948 Index

Gabe Baker ’25

Language students compete in local contest

matt lo ’27

Last month, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School hosted the annual James J. Doyle Oral Proficiency Contest—a competition focused on students’ speaking skills in languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and German. The Montgomery County Association of Teachers of Foreign Languages (MCATFL) runs the contest.

Five Haverford students participated: Fourth Former Adam Brown in Chinese II, Fourth Former Delaney Joseph in Chinese III and Spanish II, Fourth Former Thomas Lentz in Chinese III, and Sixth Formers Robert Goens and Martin Okonkwo in

Chinese IV.

For each level of Chinese, a maximum of two students compete, meaning even before the contest takes place, Haverford teachers select students interested in participating.

The two-round competition itself is only a few hours long. Success requires serious dedication from students and teachers alike.

With years of experience with the contest, Mandarin teacher Ms. Yi Lee helped students with their preparation and performance. However, students had only two weeks to prepare.

“We did a lot of extra after-school prac-

tices,” Ms. Lee said. “We only had two weeks and maybe about five after-school practices this time.”

Fourth Former Delany Joseph thinks the limited preparation time presented challenges.

“It was difficult for me because spring sports were just around the corner, and the lessons leading up felt a little crammed,” Joseph said. “We didn’t even know if Haverford would compete until two weeks before, so it was definitely stressful. But everyone stayed focused and figured it out.”

During the competition, multiple rounds occur at different times to account

at the Doyle Oral Proficiency Contest, February 25, 2025

for different languages and levels. During interview rounds, other contests provided a fun break from competition.

“In the preliminary round…the judges have a one-on-one conversation with each student for three to four minutes,” Ms. Lee said. “While that is going on, there are also trivia contests as a whole school. The whole thing takes about an hour [before] the judges finalize the scores and announce who can enter the final round.”

“At the final round for each level there are two people only, so basically if you get into the final round, you won something,” Ms. Lee said.

This year, however, the MCATFL expanded the second-round contest. Students were not only interviewed for a longer period, but also challenged to narrate a story in the language they were learning based on a picture they were shown.

The second round was also open to public viewing, adding to the pressure.

Ultimately, the challenges did not stop the Haverford contestants, as Fourth Former Adam Brown and Fourth Former Thomas Lentz won gold medals and Fourth Former Delaney Joseph and Sixth Former Martin Okonkwo won silver medals.

“I’m just really proud of my students, and I really enjoy working with the ones that volunteered to do this contest,” Ms. Lee said. “They’re really just the best of the best.” Lentz described his experience with the contest positively.

“Ultimately this competition was a good exercise in speaking another language, and it helped me be more confident with my comprehension and speaking,” Lentz said. “If you’re trying to learn another language better, doing it in a conversational setting is one of the best things that you can do.” Joseph feels similarly.

“I realized that I should remain confident,” Joseph said, “and that hard work pays off. But the countless phrases that I couldn’t understand taught me that there is still much more to learn.”

Is Haverford more collaborative or competitive?

Tom saul ’25

Haverford prides itself on a tightknit brotherhood built on collaboration and camaraderie. But step outside its walls, and a different perception emerges. Students from other schools often describe Haverford’s culture as hyper-competitive, even cutthroat—an environment where selfishness and ego outweigh solidarity and collaboration.

“Personally, I think most people view Haverford as an expensive private school where preppy kids go to set themselves up for success.”

NATE RIGBERG

So which is it? A compassionate community or a warzone of ambition? To find out, I spoke with students both inside and outside of Haverford, revealing a stark divide in how the school is seen.

These outside perspectives paint a clear picture: Haverford is a high-pressure environment where ambition and status take priority over community.

Nate Rigberg, a senior from Upper Dublin, links Haverford to “a cult” and emphasizes the school’s elite nature. “Personally, I think most people view Haverford as an expensive private school where preppy kids go to set themselves up for success,” he said. “They have really good sports teams, so I would imagine that this all means it’s a pretty competitive environment—more like a cult than a brotherhood.”

Ellie Aronstam, a senior at Shipley, shared a similar impression. “My first idea of Haverford is that it’s more competitive than collaborative. Definitely very academic, very serious, and athletic,” she said. “A stereotypical classy private school boy.”

Harriton senior Russell Chau said,

“When I hear of a Haverford school boy, I think of a prestigious, competitive dude,” he said.

But within Haverford’s walls, the reality feels different. Sixth Former Zac Fuscaldo acknowledges the presence of competition— especially in the younger grades—but insists that collaboration and camaraderie define the Haverford experience.

“The competitiveness is definitely apparent because everyone wants to do well, especially in younger grades in the school,” Fusclado said. “But what most people outside our community don’t understand is that Haverford truly feels like a brotherhood. Even when we are not exactly ‘connected,’ we know we have each other’s backs. Haverford is definitely a compassionate and collaborative school, and that’s why it thrives.”

In the end, the answer may depend on where you stand. From the outside looking in, Haverford appears intense, privileged, and hyper-competitive. From within, it feels like a close-knit community built on support and shared ambition.

Perhaps the reality is that it’s both: a

school where competition and collaboration exist in tandem.

Delany Joseph ’27, Thomas Lentz ’27, Adam Brown ’27, Robert Goens ’25, and Martin Okonkwo ’25

neighborhood

Haverford students enjoy Eagles parade

Each year, many of us come together to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles on their quest to claim the title of world champions. We enter each new season with renewed hopes, wishes, predictions—and often prayers—that their road through the season will end in the Eagles hoisting The Lombardi Trophy over their heads. The prayers of our Philadelphia fan base were answered this year as the Eagles emerged Super Bowl LIX victors.

In true celebratory fashion, the Eagles reveled in their Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, culminating in a remarkable parade. This event, attended by over a million people, marked the end of a most triumphant Eagles season.

Eagles fans all around Philadelphia, even if not in attendance, appreciated the Eagles’ win by tuning in to the parade.

“It was an epic win—a great victory—and I watched the parade on television with utter pride,” diehard Eagles fan and middle school librarian Mr. Josh Newman said.

Third Former Eli Goldberg made note of

the impact of the Eagles’ win and parade on Philadelphians.

“The parade showed how important the Eagles Super Bowl win was to the city of Philadelphia and to the fans,” Goldberg said. “It embodies the true definition of an Eagles fan and the team we root for every Sunday.”

Head of School Tyler Casertano shared his perspective on the parade and community support for the team.

“The parade symbolizes the city’s investment in the team. It’s an important moment for the team to be amongst the fans and to show their gratitude for all that the city does to support the team,” Mr. Casertano said.

“...I think it’s important for the fans to have the opportunity to be with the team, to see the trophy, and to celebrate together.”

MR. TYLER CASERTANO

“The parade was yet another reminder of Philadelphia’s passion for the Eagles. I have found that the vast majority of Philly sports fans who I ask rank the Eagles as the team they care about most, and that devotion was on full display at the parade,” Mr. Castertano said. “Especially with how inaccessible the Super Bowl is for the average fan, I think it’s important for the fans to have the opportunity to be with the team, to see the trophy, and to celebrate together.”

Bringing people together, both young

and old, is the shared passion for the team; the parade shares the camaraderie and community spirit that is such a hallmark of our school

“I see a similar kinship with fandom and brotherhood at The Haverford School,” Mr. Newman said.

The Eagles displayed Haverford virtues such as teamwork and dependability while overcoming the seemingly insuperable task of beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Eagles fans’ outpouring of support benefits the team in the same way that Haverford’s community

Sangkee: the Main Line’s hidden gem

Tucked away in a small plaza off Lancaster Avenue in Wynnewood is one of the best Chinese restaurants you’ll find in the area. As you open your car door and slip out, your eyes lock onto the reddish orange text against the black wall: SANGKEE asian bistro.

Stationed next to the restaurant name is the Chinese character representing the restaurant itself, with the white character on a red background outlined by a white box. The spacing of the sign leads you to believe that Sang kee is one word. Google, and the restaurant’s Instagram page, says otherwise. Maybe they want to keep the restaurant a hidden gem.

To the left of the entrance, a giant poster on one of the windows promotes its wide variety of dim sum. The red makeshift box acts as the gateway to tastebud heaven, and the sight of all the happy customers enjoying their food is like a heat-seeking missile.

Once you’re inside this small, laid-back restaurant, you’ll notice Sangkee’s wide open space, tables for any group size, and unique red Chinese lanterns amongst other decorations. Sangkee is family friendly, always lively, with great, quick service, and open 365 days a year! As the “Bistro” in its name implies, however, this is not your typical Chinese “take-out” food: They have big portions and diverse options to choose from. Sangkee isn’t exactly fancy dining either, but it’s definitely an upgrade from Panda Express.

As you sit down at your table, you pop open the menu. Every dish looks so appetizing that you’re practically drooling.

You order the dishes, and they do not

disappoint. They look just as filling and delicious as the images on the menu. I’d recommend the Chicken Chow Fun, Chicken Fried Rice, and Peking Duck as the three best, each for a different reason.

In the world of Chinese food, fried rice is the standard, so what could be so special about another fried rice from another Chinese restaurant? Sangkee’s Chicken Fried Rice ($16), soft with small strips of white chicken, fills up both the plate and your tastebuds. The rice is topped with finely sliced scallions and onions, and the plate is topped with a few small green peas. Your spoon scoops up the fried rice, and when you put it into your mouth, it’s full of such savory goodness that you chew quickly and shovel the next bite in without skipping a beat.

The Chicken Chow Fun ($17) consists of soft, thin, flat brown rice noodles. For those unfamiliar with chow fun, these noodles aren’t the typical cylindrical pasta shape, with its noodles coming in very long strands and about an inch wide. It’s the perfect vessel to carry the light brown sauce and other ingredients. It’s accompanied by thin, soft, and savory chicken and, on the inside, roasted scallions and cooked bean sprouts. You can hear the squelch of the noodles and chicken when you dig your chopsticks into the dish, and your mouth waters. Your tongue explodes in flavor: the noodles are soft and savory, with a subtle hint of sweetness, and the chicken is easily bitten through, revealing the soft steaming white meat inside. You can hear the soft, faint crunch of your teeth chewing on the cooked vegetables that complement the chicken and noodles.

of students, alumni, faculty, and staff does. When we come together to support our Fords, whether it be on the playing field, on the stage, or in the classroom, it brings the community closer and fuels each other. What happens in school each day may not result in a Super Bowl win or in the fanfare of a parade through the city, but our achievements are always celebrated with the support we give to one another each day.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, though, the Peking Duck ($19.50) is undoubtedly a classic. Sangkee has been making this dish in the Philadelphia area for almost 45 years, and for good reason: their version of Peking duck strikes the perfect balance of savory and sweet, tender and crisp. The duck has a soft, pinkish brown inside with reddish crispy skin as thin as paper, possessing a hint of sweetness while bursting with flavor.

You hear the soft duck meat faintly moving against the chopsticks as you take a bite and let yourself bask in its incredible flavor. The skin might come off as you eat the duck, but it, too, is crispy and savory, so don’t skip it. On its sides are a helping of white rice and a few pieces of roasted bok choy, soft yet

crunchy and salty.

As delicious as Sangkee is, it can be difficult to get a seat if you don’t plan. Regulars know a few things when they get a craving for good Chinese. Lunch and dinner—regardless of the day—are almost always busy, so I’d suggest booking a reservation earlier than 5 o’clock for dinner. For lunch, I’d go just after the rush hour when there’s plenty of peace and open tables everywhere.

Despite the few hoops you may have to jump through, I can’t recommend Sangkee Asian Bistro enough. It’s casual and easy-going, you always leave full, and it won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s less than two miles away from Haverford, so no excuses unless the sun glare gets in your eye.

Will Komada ’28

A glimpse of the speeches outside the Art Museum, February 14, 2025

Byron Yang ’28

Sangkee Bistro

CONNOR SIMPKINS ’25

campus opinions

On Friday, March 7, the Sixth Form remained after assembly to listen to Head of School Mr. Tyler Casertano speak. Mr. Casertano echoed what the Sixth Form has heard many times this year—to reengage, not disengage, as we approach the end of our time at Haverford.

The question is: what does this mean? We have more free time, more opportunities, and less of a duty to schoolwork than ever— why not go explore what else is out there? This is a question I’ve struggled with: can I even make any more of an impact at Haverford? The two months left of school seem negligible.

The truth is, you’ll never feel the same way in the same place in the same stage of your life ever again. Not everyone can resonate with Centennial Hall as a sacred place of connection and vulnerability. But try to picture this: sitting in those front rows, laughing when Mr. Kolade calls out the same students’ names every assembly, and standing together after Reflections has had an impact on you. Most students in that auditorium feel a sense of lightness, connection, joy, comfort, and genuine togetherness that you will not feel in the same way again. You’ll sit in large college lecture halls, laughing with your friends, but Centennial is filled with students who are more than your friends. You may not talk to them every day or even say “hi” to them in the halls, but they know you, and you know them. They’re part of Haverford—you share

Many students would say lunch is one of the most important aspects of the school day. As important as it is, one must ask the glaring question: are dining hall lunches good? Personally, I think this answer is mixed.

There are some days when lunch is good. Offerings like the Blackjack Chicken Burger and Pasta Bolognese are pretty good, but they vary. The Blackjack Chicken Burger is cooked perfectly, and adding spicy mayonnaise to it brings the burger to a whole other level. The pasta bolognese is also cooked to a perfect al dente, and the ragu sauce is packed with flavor.

The majority of lunches are just mediocre, but it does not descend into terrible.

One example is the Power Bowl. The Power Bowl consists of rice, vegetables, and grilled chicken. Power Bowl rice is pretty crunchy and stale, but the grilled chicken has a nice char on the surface and the chicken itself has a great grilled flavor. The veggies have a good texture, but lack flavor a bit.

Sometimes lunches are just bad. I don’t understand why it makes sense to have a salad as the main course (Southwest Salad or California Salad) when a salad bar sits nearby, with many more customizable options for dressings and toppings.

Other lunches are simply terrible. Who

A how-to on senior spring

the same classes, same teachers, same drama, same lessons.

We’re not so different. Try to remember that. That kid you call a robotics kid isn’t just a robotics kid. They struggle in the same way you did in the back of Ms. Turlish’s classroom every other day. We aren’t defined by what we do, what we bring to the community, or even how we think. It’s a lot more than that. As we close out our time here, I hope we can emphasize that. The best way to overcome a fractioned Form or group of people is by focusing on points of connection and by celebrating differences.

It pays off to let go. Let go of your standards—people do not have to earn your friendship or kindness. Weigh the impact of what you say and do—if it’s easy enough to do something that hurts someone else a lot, consider not doing it.

The fact is that people feel our Sixth Form hasn’t lived up to some standard they set. While we have no obligation to live up to said standard, is obligation the only thing that makes us do things? I like to think that coming to Haverford every day, sitting in Centennial, and sweating on Sabol Field is driven by more than obligation—it’s driven by a desire and love for this place or yourself. If you’re complacent, you’re complicit. Some behavior isn’t just damaging to the school’s reputation—it’s just wrong behavior.

Depending on how this reads to you, you can think I’m nobody to tell you what to do.

And I’m not—but we can either change or not change. It wouldn’t hurt to do better, but it would help. It would help the Forms below us who sit and watch us in Centennial Hall and it would help us. Not because we

are at Haverford, not because we want some good reputation, but because we don’t do the wrong thing because we’re lazy. We do the right, harder thing, because we can.

Are dining hall lunches good?

thought that it was a good idea to put pizza on the menu every other Friday when the dough is always undercooked and when you bite into it, it leaves a weird aftertaste?

On pizza days the other option is boneless chicken wings and rice. The boneless chicken wings are just breaded chicken nuggets with sauces dripped on them. The problem

with this is that every single boneless chicken wing has a different amount of sauce on it, and the flavor doesn’t sink into the chicken.

This flavorless meat is served over brown rice, which is very hard to chew and overall is just inferior to white rice in every metric except for calories.

With these two lunch options, hungry

students can be stuck in a hard place. Overall, I think that the lunch at Haverford is hit or miss. There are some days where it is terrible, but most of them are fine, with some being pretty good. In the context of school lunches as a whole, I think that The Haverford School lunch is pretty good.

Jonny Wang ’26

Milan Varma ’25

Sixth Formers attempt a haka during the Cox Leadership assembly

Chicken fingers served at a recent lunch

off-campus opinions

The United States Federal Government has operated with a cumulative net budget deficit since right after the Revolutionary War. In every fiscal year since 1970 (except for 1998–2001) the government has spent more than it has collected in revenue, thus adding to this evergrowing national debt, which is now an astonishing $36 trillion dollars. The annual interest cost on this debt is $952 billion, which is more than the government spends on defense, Medicaid, and veterans benefits each year. Regardless of one’s political party affiliation, it is hard to refute that the deficit is a serious problem for America, one that if ignored, is likely over time to lead to catastrophic consequences.

President Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk by Executive Order to create “DOGE,” the Department of Government Efficiency, with a mission to reduce federal spending and to “modernize federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” This admirable initiative is clearly needed. The government has always been highly inefficient, wasteful, and subject to fraud.

Unfortunately, the reality of our highly divisive two-party political system, where everything is publicized and scrutinized

Should press access be controlled? In the flurry of executive orders that Donald Trump passed on his first day as president, two stood out geographically. First, Trump ordered Mount Denali to be named Mount McKinley once more, and second, he declared the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the “Gulf of America.”

This was a highly contentious item— According to Reuters, 70% of participants disliked it. However, several waterways hold different names for different entities, like the Persian Gulf, otherwise known as the Arabian Gulf.

Trump has long faced media criticism, often intense and provocative. Outlets like The Los Angeles Times and The Harvard Political Review have drawn parallels between him and Adolf Hitler. The most striking example came from MSNBC, which, on October 27, 2024, compared Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden to a Nazi rally held by the German American Bund at the same venue in 1939. This comparison ignited fierce debate, with critics arguing it exaggerated historical echoes.

The Associated Press (AP), a news agency, refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its new federal name, the Gulf of America. In response, on Tuesday, February 11, The AP had its access removed to the Oval Office, restricting them almost entirely from the president. While AP reporters still retain access to the White House Grounds, they are unable to enter the Press Room or Trump’s office, where the majority of the news originates.

This would not be the first time that a president has blocked parts of the press from the Oval Office, as Richard Nixon blocked Stuart Lorry of The Los Angeles Times after he wrote a piece on how much Nixon’s vaca-

Elon Musk and DOGE suffer from early stumbles

on social media, is likely to make a truly worthwhile endeavor intended to benefit all Americans become mired in never-ending controversy.

In an effort to thwart this, Musk pledged to have great transparency and even created a website. Opening this site and landing on its home page “An official website of the Federal Government” and a snapshot of the “latest work” to illustrate their progress, but when you click on each section of success, one is taken to an X site, which of course, is a private company owned by none other than Elon Musk. It’s not hard to see what a conflict of interest it is.

And the self-serving claims of success by Musk in cutting spending have been highly challenged and refuted by numerous organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, which concluded in their analysis that his claims have been highly overstated and exaggerated. (Caitlin Ostrof, Shane Shifflett, James Benedict, “DOGE Claims it had Saved Billions See Where,” Wall Street Journal, Feb 22, 2025). Moreover, a worthwhile initiative to make the government more efficient has been ensnared in a parallel effort to remove DEI from the government, as a result of the massive anti-woke sentiment Trump inflamed and which helped sweep

tion cost taxpayers. Going even further back, John Adams’ Sedition Act of 1798 blocked the press from writing anything that was “false, scandalous, and malicious writing.”

This act led to the arrest and jailing of James Callender, a friend of Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin Bache, an editor of the Philadelphia Aurora.

In a more recent era, Barack Obama booted The Washington Times, The New York Post, and The Dallas Morning News off of Air Force One in 2008. This is also the second time President Trump has blocked someone from the White House, as he banned CNN’s Jim Acosta in 2018.

In addition to the AP, the President excluded CNN, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Buzzfeed, and Politico from an off-camera briefing.

Trump’s White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was unapologetic. “It’s a privilege to cover the White House,” she said. “And it is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America, and I’m not sure why news outlets don’t want to call it that.”

The administration then justified its actions by stating that asking the president questions is not a right. In a statement, the administration declared, “As we have said

him to the White House.

Given all of the controversy swirling over this program, Musk has resorted to floating the idea of a $5000 dividend per taxpayer payment, to be paid in 2026 out of the savings from the cuts. I find this challenging, as the entire initiative is to cut spending and attempt to reduce the deficit. If they are suc-

cessful in cutting spending, why would they then immediately give away the money they just saved?

Unfortunately, it seems as though they are just buying support.

Four years lie ahead of us, and hopefully Musk can learn some lessons and make improvements to the program.

Trump’s limits on White House press pose threat to free speech

from the beginning, asking the President of the United States questions in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One is a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right.”

The administration says they will rotate traditional outlets out of the press room, including some streaming services. Leavitt cast the change as a modernization of the press pool, saying the move would be more inclusive and restore “access back to the American people” who elected Trump.

The AP is filing a suit to get their ban removed...

The AP is filing a suit to get their ban removed and has made several comments to the media.

“It is essential in a democracy for the public to have access to news about their government from an independent, free press,” said top editors of the Associated Press, Bloomberg News, and Reuters. “We believe that any steps by the government to limit the number of wire services with access to the President threatens that principle.”

Controlled press access raises serious

concerns. By curating which outlets can report from the White House, the administration risks promoting narratives that align with its agenda, potentially obscuring the full story. This selective access could fuel false or incomplete reporting, which deepens public division. Many already distrust certain media outlets—such as the polarizing Fox News—further eroding confidence in what’s published.

The administration’s claim that press access is a privilege, not a right, misses the mark. A free press isn’t just a perk to be doled out at the government’s whim—it’s the backbone of democracy. Blocking outlets like the AP for refusing to toe the line on something as trivial as a waterway’s name sets a dangerous precedent.

History, from Adams to Nixon, shows that silencing dissent breeds mistrust, not unity. Trump’s team may argue this “modernizes” coverage, but cherry-picking who gets to ask questions doesn’t empower the American people—it shields the powerful from scrutiny. The AP’s lawsuit isn’t just about their access; it’s about ensuring the public isn’t left in the dark. Press control doesn’t strengthen governance; it weakens accountability, and that’s a cost too high to pay.

Elon Musk in a cabinet meeting, Wednesday, February 26, 2025

grayson morgan ’25

nate gill ’26

voices

Between heat and hope: confronting the reality of climate change

It’s a humid July afternoon in Havertown, the kind of day where the air seems to sit heavy in your lungs. The streets shine faintly in the heat, and the neighbors’ sprinklers hiss against their lawn. The water arcs in rainbows before splashing into thirsty grass. Poochie, the golden labradoodle from next door, barks wildly at anyone who dares to walk by, her tan fur catching the sunlight as she bounds along the fence.

I’m laying out on the creaky Adirondack chair on our porch, drinking iced tea that’s already lost its chill. The hum of the cicadas is constant, like the soundtrack of a summer that’s gettng longer every year.

It wasn’t always like this. My dad talks about his childhood summers—how they were hot, sure, but not like this. Now, the heatwaves stretch on for weeks, and our local news talks about “record-breaking” temperatures so often it’s lost its shock value. A car hit a power line last summer, and we lost power. I remember sweating through the nights, the sheets sticking to our skin, and my sister Caroline complaining until Mom finally caved, and we went to spend a week up at our Pocono house.

It’s strange how the heat we feel every summer doesn’t match how little people seem to act on climate change. The warning signs are everywhere, but most people still don’t do much about it.

The culture around climate change today is full of contradictions. Everywhere you look, you hear warnings about the rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and extreme weather. Plenty of TikTok videos show floods and wildfires. Yet even though people talk a lot about it, it feels like most of society isn’t acting on it.

Climate change has become something everyone knows about, but few feel they can actually fix it.

The lake in the Poconos has always been our escape. It’s where we go to breathe, to

shake off the noise and grime of normal life. The house sits on top of a hill that overlooks the man-made lake, and the view feels like a portal to another world. Up there, the air is cooler and crisper. The pine trees sway gently and their needles whisper to the wind. It’s a place that feels untouched… or at least it used to.

Last summer, when we pulled up the red gravel driveway, something felt off. The lake was lower than I’d ever seen it. The shoreline had retreated, leaving behind a muddy ring that reminded me of a poorly drained bathtub.

Dad frowned as we unloaded the car. “They must’ve drained it again,” he muttered, referring to the local authorities who managed the water levels. Even he didn’t sound convinced.

When we arrived at the lake last summer, the signs of change were impossible to ignore. But just like the shrinking water levels, efforts to address climate change often get bogged down in arguments and politics, making it harder to find real solutions.

One big problem is how climate change gets politicized. For example, when governments make big investments in the environment, many politicians oppose these not because of the science but because of party politics. On social media, people argue about whether individuals or big companies are to blame. Some shame others for using plastic straws, while others point to the massive emissions from corporations. These arguments slow progress and make it hard for people to work together on solutions.

The fight over who’s to blame for climate change only divides us and delays real solutions, much like the changes Caroline and I saw in the murky lake that day.

We walked down to the dock, the wooden boards warped and splinted from the years of tough use. “It’s gross,” she said, as she pointed to the algae blooms that spread

across the water’s surface. “Looks like snot.”

She wasn’t wrong. The once-clear lake had turned murky. Its usual sparkle had dulled. I dipped my hand in and recoiled. The water was warm but almost uncomfortably so, like the shallow end of a crowded pool.

“Climate change,” Mom said later when we brought it up at dinner. She’s not a scientist, but she explained it in her usual straightforward way. “It’s the heat,” she said, gesturing with her fork. “When it gets this hot, more water evaporates, so the lake gets lower. And the algae? That’s from stuff washing into the water and all this warmth making it grow faster. It’s like a bad circle that just keeps going.”

Sometimes, when I’m lying awake at night, I wonder when we have kids what they will think of the lake, if it’s even still there for them to visit.

Dad sighed, cutting into his steak. “Great. So even our getaway isn’t safe.”

A Gallup poll from 2024 shows that 61% of adult Americans worry a great deal about global warming. The same report shows that nearly half of Americans believe global warming will pose a serious threat in their own lifetimes. So many Americans are aware of the problems affecting our environment, yet very few people are doing anything. Another Gallup poll from earlier in 2024 says 60% of Americans believe that the effects of global warming have already begun. Another 62% of people believe that the temperatures rising over the past 100 years are caused by human activities.

Despite the statistics and growing awareness, the impact of climate change feels different when it hits close to home. At the lake, the changes aren’t just numbers, they are a part of our family’s story fading away.

Back in Havertown, the heat is oppres-

sive, but at least it’s familiar. Up at the lake, the changes feel more personal.

I remember fishing off that dock with Granddad, his rough hands guiding mine as I reeled in my first sunfish. I remember kayaking with Caroline, racing to the tiny island in the middle of the lake and laughing when she tipped her boat trying to beat me. Those memories feel fragile now, like they’re tied to a place that’s slipping away.

Sometimes, when I’m lying awake at night, I wonder when we have kids what they will think of the lake, if it’s even still there for them to visit. Will they splash in its waters like we did, or will they stare at a dried-up basin and hear stories about what it used to be? The thought makes my chest ache in a way I can’t quite describe.

I can’t help but worry about what the future holds for places like the lake, but what gives me hope is seeing young people leading the charge for change. Their passion and activism show that there’s still a chance to make a difference before it is too late.

Young activists and environmental groups have inspired millions to demand better climate policies. Online, creators share tips on sustainable living and spread awareness about environmental issues. It’s clear that more people, many on the younger side, care about the planet. But the big question is whether this energy will be enough to push for the major changes needed to protect our future.

Even with all the energy and hope coming from young activists, the question remains: will it be enough? Sometimes, the best we can do is keep pushing forward.

“What can we do about it?” I asked Mom once, frustrated by the weight of it all. She looked at me with this sad smile, the kind that’s half given up.

“We do what we can,” she said. “Recycle, educate ourselves. But mostly? We don’t give up.”

So here I am, sweating on our porch, listening to the cicadas and sipping lukewarm iced tea, trying to hold onto that last part. Trying not to give up.

Patrick White ’25

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

INDEX STAFF

Low water on the Poconos’ Sunrise Lake

Patrick White ’25 strikes a pose in the first floor hallway

“Iwasn’t a singer before the musical this time,” Sixth Former Josh Williams said.

It requires time, effort, and confidence to perform in front of a crowd in any production. It is even more difficult to be both singing and acting – especially for someone who was not, until now, thought to be a singer.

“You know, sometimes I get imposter syndrome a little bit when I feel like I shouldn’t be there with them. It’s been scary to be with so much vocal talent,” Williams said.

To prepare for his role in the school’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Williams began taking voice lessons as soon as he was cast for the role of J.B. Biggley – the president of the World Wide Wicket Company that the brilliant J. Pierrepont Finch (played by Sixth Former Finn Kelly) ascends throughout the course of the play, starting as a window washer and ending as the Chairman of the Board with the help of his quick thinking and a book called How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

“It was honestly scary [learning to sing] because I don’t like putting myself out there,” Williams said. “I think that’s something that everyone knows, but with singing everyone will judge you on your voice.”

At first, Williams struggled to commit. “It was very hard for me to buy into singing. I would go to a voice coach, and when we’re working and trying to warm up and stuff, I would be hitting crazy good notes. But then, when I would actually like get time to sing, I would like reserve myself and he’d say what’s

holding you back?” Williams said. “I’m just like, bro, like, I don’t know, it’s my brain and it’s even worse because, you know, I’m on the stage where people have been singing for years.”

Williams is no stranger to the necessity of hard work to produce results.

“You got to stay consistent on the stuff. You can’t just stop and think things will all work out,” Williams said

Williams practiced with the intent of always keeping his lines fresh in his mind.

“I have my mom practice with me, or I’ll record myself saying the lines that aren’t me. Then I’ll play the recording, and I’ll interject with my own lines so I can get the flow of the language and that really helps me, or I’ll have my mom read out to other people. I’ll sing in the shower, just to make sure I know what I’m doing,” he said.

His practice and time paid off, allowing him to overcome his nerves and to commit.

“I know what notes I have to hit. I’m confident, my voice is sounding great, and I’m fully confident in myself,” Williams said. “And you know, I put so much work into this, and you do all the work so you can get something out of it. I’m really excited about that.”

Elliot Lee ’25

Josh Williams ’25 (right) as J.B. Biggley in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Lacrosse, cont’d from front page

“[Coach Dawson] runs it like a college practice. Very high standards. He treats freshmen and seniors the same,” Cooper said.

The team has its strong and weak points.

“We played pretty well in our first scrimmage,” Coach Dawson said. “We have a very experienced defense who led us through the scrimmage. Our offense is our biggest unknown. We are moving in the right direction.”

“For us, we know we have a little younger of an offense, but we also have some offensive veterans who are doing a great job of taking those guys under their wing.”

“The first scrimmage was great,” Sixth Form Captain Kellen Gardner said. “It’s always a fun opportunity to get on the field for the first time with a new group. It was great to have young guys stepping into new roles and settling in. As for the seniors that we lost, it’s something that teams deal with ev-

ery new year. For us, we know we have a little younger of an offense, but we also have some offensive veterans who are doing a great job of taking those guys under their wing.”

The team has done some activities together in the offseason and preseason.

“We played a tournament in the fall and have worked with [Strength and Conditioning Coach Mr. Matt] Rosko together. Plus, some work in the summer. We then had a week of practice and a scrimmage and then a game. First three weeks are just about gelling together,” Cooper said.

In addition to a pretty new team, the schedule presents an extremely challenging slate.

The Inter-Ac is one of the top leagues in the country. Additionally, the team will be playing top teams from New York and Maryland.

“We have a tough schedule,” acknowledged Coach Dawson. “It will help us figure ourselves out. We want to win every game. We need to focus on them one at a time. If we have a great win, that’s great. If we lose, that’s fine. But we need to move on to the next game.”

In addition to a challenging schedule, rules and the tournament that the team is participating in have changed.

“There are new faceoff rules. Plus, we are playing in the PAISAA Tournament. It did not really exist in the past year. Now it does,” Coach Dawson said. “It’s a great play-

off format at the end of the year.”

“We normally do an Inter-Ac tournament or national prep tournament. I would rather do something locally. More fun to do stuff around here as we can have a crowd for home and away games as well as not as much of a commute,” Coach Dawson said.

Gardner agrees, saying, “The PAISAA tournament is a new and very exciting opportunity for us this year.”

Despite the unknowns and challenges, the team leadership feels positive about the future.

“We need to mature as a group. The

group has the talent needed. There is lots of competition. We need to make sure we are focusing on the process. How well we do that determines our season. Are we not paying attention? What we deal with off the field reflects what we do on the field. If we show up to class late, it will reflect. Do your homework, go to class, and be focused on the field,” Coach Dawson said.

“We are just taking it game by game, week by week, getting better every day as a group,” Gardner said.

Students beat faculty in annual basketball game

For the first time in a decade and a half, the students pulled off an unforgettable victory over the faculty in the annual students vs. faculty basketball game. The defining moment of the night? Sixth Former Connor Haney drained a three-pointer shortly after being subbed in, igniting the already energetic crowd.

The matchup has historically heavily favored the teachers, who have been unstoppable as of late. The students came marching in, with something bigger to fight for, and something to prove.

“I was just there trying to have fun. If I had a shot I was going to take it.”

CONNOR HANEY ’25

ed, the students showed prowess across all three rotating lineups. They played with intensity, teamwork, and an undeniable hunger for victory.

“I was just there trying to have fun,” Haney said. “If I had a shot I was going to take it. One big thing was that the students were absolutely electric and supportive,

The energy from the crowd was undeniable, with students packing the stands and fueling the team with nonstop support. Every big play was met with explosive cheers, creating an atmosphere that pushed the student squad to compete with even more confidence.

“That crowd would be unreal at an actual game. I just don’t think anybody was selfish. Everyone was looking to feed each other,” Haney said.

The Sixth Form Student Council played a key role in selecting the team, ensuring that a strong lineup of players was ready to take on the faculty.

Their choices proved to be the difference, as the student squad displayed impressive chemistry and teamwork throughout the game, without prior practice.

Ultimate frisbee prepares for the new season

This year, the ultimate frisbee team is looking to have a competitive season filled with growth and winning.

Both the players and the coaches speak positively about the team. They cannot wait for their first match.

Third Former Benno Goldstein is excited for the upcoming season.

“The team has lots of fun and I can’t wait,” Goldstein said. “The coaches enhance our frisbee skills and are great mentors for us.”

The team is coached by three Haverford teachers: Latin teachers Dr. Andrew Fenton and Ms. Theodora Naqvi, and math teacher Mr. Jeremy Fus. The coaches bring an enthusiastic approach to the sport as they attempt to lead their team to a winning season.

Mr. Fus is excited.

Mr. Fus is excited for the team’s first game, which is still in the process of being scheduled. He believes that his team will be able to come out on top against their competition.

“I hope that everyone is able to have fun. We have a lot of younger players, so I hope we have a lot of learning happening and we should be able to have a lot of very competitive games this season,” Mr. Fus said.

Ultimate frisbee is a fun and high-intensity sport that requires players to work as a

team. This can only be possible with good sportsmanship and teamwork. These traits are exactly what the players on the team have.

Given the great team camaraderie, high level of intensity, fast-paced game style and supportive coaches, the ultimate frisbee team is well on its way to a successful season.

“The team has a great bond,” Third Former Patrick Chang said, “and it is super fun to throw a frisbee around after school with my friends.”

From the second Mr. Steve Cloran blew the whistle to the moment the buzzer sound-

CHARLIE SCHREIBER ’26

The JV lacrosse team stretches during their warm up on March 7

Nick Canuso ’28

Sixth Formers beat the faculty by one point in their February 24th game

Ayush Varma ’27

KELLEN GARDNER ’25

Diamond Fords look to fresh year with fresh talent

This season marks the beginning of a new era for the baseball team, with a brand-new coaching staff.

Head Coach Jack McCann leads the team, joined by Coach Dylan Bittle, the pitching coach, and assistant coaches Armstrong and Pris. However, the team’s goal remains the same: to win the Inter-Ac League and the state championship.

The coaching staff changeover has not deterred the team.

“The camaraderie and vibes have still been very strong,” Sixth Former Zac Fuscaldo said. “I think that the players like Coach McCann a lot, and I believe that he has also done an excellent job in finding his assistant coaches.”

Sixth Former Kevin Li agrees, praising

Coach McCann’s practice style. “Everyone likes him,” Li said. “His practices are fastpaced, and he ensures that everyone is doing something at all times.”

“He makes sure that there is a ton of energy. The practices have had a lot of moving parts, which keep us active,” Fuscaldo said.

McCann has also focused on challenging the players physically and mentally in practice so that game days are less difficult.

The team embodies a strong “next man up” mentality as it deals with injuries and the loss of the Sixth Formers who graduated last year. Players such as Sixth Former Brenner Green and Fifth Former Gabe Danisi are currently injured, but other players have moved up to new and greater roles. Additionally, with the graduation of key pitchers such as Kevin Reavey ’24 and Frederick Jordan ’24, every player must step up.

“Everyone on the team is a key player,” Fuscaldo said. “It will be on every single player to step up and be the best version of themselves, especially those who did not play much last year.”

Reflecting on the 2024 season, the team hopes to accomplish even more. The team had a great regular season but lost in the state semifinals in a walkoff.

“The moment still sits in a lot of our heads, especially in the seniors, so the team is hungry to get back on the diamond,” Li said.

Track & Field ready for a big season

After a dominant winter season that saw two school records fall and multiple athletes qualify for

top competitions like the Pennsylvania State Championships and Nike Indoor Nationals, the track and field team is set for an exciting spring.

The team is preparing for major meets, including the historic Penn Relays, where

Tennis strives for success with young core

With tryouts wrapping up and the season just around the corner, expectations for the tennis team are as high as ever. The team’s 2024 campaign was perfect, finishing with a regular season record of 18-0 for the first time in over ten years.

“It looks like a great group of guys.”

VAN HINTON ’28

Given these high expectations, will the Fords be able to win their fifteenth straight Inter-Ac championship? According to the student body, the answer seems to be a hopeful yes.

Last season, the Fords lost only two Sixth Form starters, Arsh Aggarwal and Graeme Herbert, which is surprisingly low

compared to most teams. The team has also added six Third Formers to varsity this year.

“It looks like a great group of guys,” Third Former Van Hinton said. “There is a lot of talent, and we are getting better at learning to play as a team every day.”

Hopefully, the addition of these young players will fill the shoes of Aggarwal and Herbert, but time will tell. As always, the tennis tryout process was a two-week-long series of challenge matches designed to narrow down the best players on the team.

“The tryouts were hard and took a lot out of me, but I think that by the end, we had a very good sense of everyone on the team’s level,” Hinton said.

Many of the stars from last year’s team enter the prime of their tennis careers and are only getting better. A lot will happen between now and the regular season, starting with a match against Wissahickon High School on March 17th. However, with the talent that Coach Tracy Tooke has assem-

“I am very confident in the players and coaches that we have, and I am excited for the season,” Fuscaldo said. “We have a positive outlook for the season and we are confident that we can accomplish our goals.”

The camaraderie, culture, and bond shared by the team both on and off the field set them apart from their competitors.

“The culture of the team was strong in the past, and it’ll only get stronger as we spend more time together,” Fuscaldo said. “The coaches have already integrated into our team’s culture, and it feels amazing to be a part of this team.”

With such ambitious goals, players rely on each other to be consistent in their efforts. “We don’t want to let each other down. We feel a duty to support our brothers each and every day,” Li said.

The team will typically play three games a week this year, making for a busy schedule.

“The game against Malvern is one that we always look forward to, but every league game is important,” Fuscaldo said.

On other days, the team practices on the field from 3:30-5:30 and occasionally has optional lifting sessions afterward. Practices consist of individual defense, team defense, and batting work.

The team’s camaraderie, dedicated coaching staff, and motivation will lead to an exciting 2025 season.

they will compete against top high school programs from across the country. They also have their sights set on strong performances in the Inter-Ac and PAISAA Championships.

“This year’s team is one of the best we’ve ever had,” Sixth Form sprint and relay standout Ahijah Goins said.

Goins, along with teammates Third Former J.R. Hawkins and Fourth Formers Isaiah Bond and Haven Hoilet, will be key in events like the 4x200 and 4x400 relays, both of which have the potential to break school records.

“It feels great, an adrenaline rush. It makes me feel happy when the gun goes off,” said Sixth Former Colin Campbell Williams, a top competitor in the 200 and 400 meters. With depth across sprints, jumps, and relays, Haverford is positioned for a strong season, hoping to add more records and championship titles to an already historic year.

Ryan Wang ’26

Quinn Sullivan ’25

Track & Field practices their starting sprint, March 7, 2025

CHARLES SCHREIBER ’26

bled, the squad hopes to be Inter-Ac champions yet again.

Rex Riley ’28

Phineas Manogue ’25

May 16, 2024

Connor Haney ‘25 pitches in a scrimmage against Westtown, March 7, 2025

CHARLIE SCHREIBER ’26