The Index Eutαxia Swzein Dokei
Volume LXXVII, No. 1
September 2015
Haverford, Pennsylvania - haverfordindex.com
The Index Reports on Problems Facing High School Print Media, and How It Attempts to Stay Relevant Fifth Former Bill Wu surveys the Upper School to gauge Index readers and their opinions of the paper. He continues to offer potential remedies that may improve the reader’s experience. Bill Wu ‘17
I am sure many are curious as to what the student body thinks about our school newspaper, the Index — the crisp, informative collection of pages you are holding at this very moment. Recently, a survey was conducted in which 55 students provided feedback about the prestigious Index of the Haverford School. We all know what we answered in the survey; however, is the Index really as prestigious as it seems? Certainly the 7/10 general rating proves that it is still doing well. However, a large portion of these participants seemed to only care about the Outdex — around 80% saying they would “always” read the Outdex, compared to a combined 63% saying that they would “never” or be “very unlikely” to read other sections, such as Politics. Arts and politics finished dead last in the polls; opinions found middle ground; and news and sports came out on top, although they were nonetheless trumped by the outrageously hilarious Outdex. Most participants said that they would most likely pick up a copy of the Index, albeit hesitating sometimes due to boring coverage of topics and arcane diction. Many valuable suggestions were given,
and the Index will surely work tirelessly to improve itself. However, what does all this mean? Well, here come the opinions. Go ahead, you 80%. Turn to the Outdex now. Our lives are dictated all by fleeting moments of pleasure. We want instant gratification, small but intense bouts of fun, and never do we voluntarily suffer through pain or boredom. How does this translate to improving the Index? For this particular problem, I, along with many others, feel that we need to make articles more concise and easier to read. One common theme revolving around the issue is that there isn’t enough time to read the Index, and that many articles are too long or too boring. To save some people time and to make the Index more visually appealing, we should add more graphs, pictures, and charts. This would encourage more people to read our newspaper, and would also help some unlock the monotonous blocks of words splashed across the pages. Another shared opinion was that the Index should not simply be an echo of the news stations like MSN, ESPN, and others — our newspaper should write about subjects relevant to students’ lives, emphasizing more on school-related activities, something that we can all understand and
Can Adolescent Worth Be Dictated by Numbers?
Sixth Former Luke Green challenges the necessity of Standardized Testing, giving strong critiques of a quantitative system Luke Green ‘16
Although many institutions are making their decision to part their separate ways with standardized tests, the system is still alive and very present in adolescents lives. Although the tests may be a larger part in some student’s lives more than others, most simply cannot avoid and deal with the stress of kids who frankly, shouldn’t have to be put through the whole process. Whether you are taking the SAT or ACT or even completing the trifecta with a Subject Test, there simply has to be a better way. And although this may sound like the classic whiny teenager who just wants to get out of work, on top of the multiple hours of unnecessary homework piled onto a student each night, he or she should not have to be put through at least 10 hours of standardized test practice over the weekend or during the week. Kids, colleges are starting to realize, are more than just a test score, and there
Also inside this Issue...
is more to a student than a number. Most kids have fascinating ideas and are punished because they they simply don’t fit the mold the test is looking for. The test is trying to find the best of the best, and rank us based on a couple hundred questions. Whether it be because time, availability, anxiety, or just a different type of learner, some kids don’t fit this mold and are worse off because of it. Student’s are starting to realize this, and about 20% of New York state kids alone have opted out of the tests, that’s around 200,000 kids (New York Times). This country is looking for the brightest minds, yet instead of taking the time to understand that not all minds think and learn the same way, they are trying to force us into a path we do not want to go down. Sixth Former Matt Chow has complaints with the SAT format, and has frustrations with the time aspect of the tests.
(cont. on Page. 6 )
benefit from. No offense, but if someone were curious about contemporary issues around the globe, why would he or she choose to read the Index? Any online news station provides faster, more accurate, and often more interesting coverage. If we are to be truly a student-run newspaper serving mostly a student audience, subjects that
online version of the Index, a more varied Outdex, and other suggestions can all make this newspaper a more pleasurable read. Another similar complaint was that writers were too boring or not interesting enough to produce unique articles. An easy way to solve this issue is to sign up for the Index and spice up the articles yourself! Our underclassmen writers are not to be belittled either; they are also learning from this valuable experienc, and will one day compose masterpieces, if they aren’t doing so already. I also believe a forum should be created for people to comment and provide feedback. These forums would be a great Index readership at its strongest and weakest is clearly defined. place for the are school-related should take much more exchange of ideas, which many other clubs precedence over something like Iran’s value highly as well. nuclear talks or Europe’s energy crises. Nonetheless, the Index should not kill (cont. on Page 3) enthusiasm for writing; it needs to better serve the student body’s interests if it wants to be read. Sports highlights, links to the
Pope Visits City, Creates Social Mayhem
Pope Francis’s visit offers students once in a lifetime opportunity, but many logistics challenges force Haverford to cancel school. Connor Lees ‘17
On Friday September 25th, The Haverford School has cancelled classes due to Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States of America during his pontificate. On Saturday and Sunday, Pope Francis will speak at Independence Hall and hold a mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Pope Francis, however, seems quite unique: he is quite the celebrity compared to previous Popes. So, who is the Pope and what makes Pope Francis so special? The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and resides in the Vatican in Rome. In 2013, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th Pope at age 76. Before becoming Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio worked as a nightclub bouncer and a chemical technician. He also served as the archbishop of Argentina and was ordained by Pope John Paul II as a cardinal in 2001. In many facets, Pope Francis is a Pope of firsts. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas,
Be sure to turn to the Politics section, where multiple students offer insightful analysis of the whirlwind 2016 campaign. From Biden to Sanders and Trump, each article takes a unique perspective and highlights this September issue.
the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope since Pope Gregory III from Syria in 741 CE. Based on his choice of Saint Francis of Assisi for his papal name, Catholics expect helping the poor a top priority, like it was to his namesake Saint Francis. For his Papal Mass on Sunday, 1 to 1.5 million people are expected on and around the Ben Franklin Parkway, according to Philly.com. To put that in perspective, the recent Made in America music festival on the Parkway on Labor Day weekend drew a mere 64 thousand people per day. The Pope’s visit will draw roughly 23 times more people. The number of people on the Parkway on Sunday could potentially equal Philadelphia’s residential population of 1.5 million.
(cont. on Page 4 )
Article Letter From The Editors Mr. Hengst Introduction Mr. Lengel Returns Dr. Goduti Introduction Political Disconnect St. Benedicts Game Recap Key Games of the Season Biden’s Candidacy Outdex
Page 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 12
Page 2
The Index
News
September 2015
Letter From The Editors Ethan Delehman ‘16
To The Class of 2016 and the Student Body, “This is the beginning of something spectacular.” I would like to think that this thought goes through the mind of each senior at least once as they prepare to lead their kindergartener down the walk of virtues. I would like to think that it is a thought preceded by “This is the beginning of the end,” and followed immediately after by, “I have to make this time count.” I would like to think a lot of things about what may or may not happen on my last first day of school. Unfortunately, that day was a month ago, and now it is a “school night” and I am sitting at my desk, with two textbooks to my left and an accordion folder to my right, trying to summarize the importance of senior year in 1000 words or less. This is the beginning of something spectacular. Something so monumental and unfathomably significant that we can’t help but try and reduce it to more tangible things: a picture posted on Facebook, a witticism executed in one-hundred and forty characters or less, a passing remark to a beloved teacher about how neither one of you can believe how fast the time has gone by. This letter is bound to be a collection of rambling nonsense put down onto paper by pure chance and a firm deadline, and if that is the case then I want to convey in the most explicit terms the message that I’m
trying to get across here: This is it. This is it. This is it. After June of 2016, nothing in our lives will be the same. Each and every one of us will embark on a separate journey and, while some of our paths may overlap here and there, we are more than likely to be perpetual neighbors, rarely seeing oneanother in any significant capacity, but forever connected all the same by a shared bond: the fact that we are Haverford men. Call it making a big deal out of something small, call it phony sentimentality in the face of moving on, but I assure you, I mean every word. This bond of Haverfordship might not seem like much. It may seem like we are any other high school with any other collection of personalities that are all advancing to the next step of their lives, but it’s not. Haverford is a surrealist therapeutic masterpiece masquerading as a high school. Haverford is about so much more than the amount of honors classes you take or how many varsity letters you have. Haverford is, in many ways, a microcosm of the human experience. The founders of this school and the headmasters who have perpetuated its legacy have achieved the near impossible: they’ve taken the real world with all of its wild intricacies and complexities and they’ve captured it and put it in a bottle. So, please, while you still can, appreciate it. Appreciate the unreal elements of this school. Appreciate the freshman
Letter from the President
While I’m using this opportunity to get On the first day, my “walkup song” Lesko back for that Instagram video, I’m was supposed to be Power by Kanye very serious about mentoring. What’s most West. I suppose the switch to that random important now is that, as Mr. Stambaugh Macklemore song was actually a great would say, I make the shapes on the paper metaphor for my apparent lack of power come to life. The plan for the (pun). Although I know that I program is to use one community can’t do too much during my period a month to serve as a tenure, I must admit I’m honored period where upperclassmen meet to serve as your student body and interact with underclassmen president. As honored as I am, in an environment that’s enjoyable I digress, I’ve heard whispers for both parties. This time of treason. Yes the infamous together will hopefully spawn new “Impeach Key” has pierced relationships and help the younger my confidence to a degree. I guys to get into the groove of high understand it’s tradition, I do. school. By the end of the year, I But when middle schoolers (Cameron Miller) are begging 2015-2015 Student Body hope that this program will have for an impeachment, it starts President Keyveat Postell made an impact that strides into next year, and maybe will give me to get to you. My resolve? Do passage from the “impeach” chants. something important. Change something. Official mentorship program. it’s coming soon, and you guys should be ready for a Sincerely, Keyveat monthly dose of mentoring. Candidly, I believe this is a great opportunity. Guidance P.S. in the upper school is crucial to success. I apologize for allowing a hairier, less Why mentorship? Primarily because of handsome Dave Franco to take my ankles Charlie Lesko. Imagine if he had a mentor. on video, I won’t let you guys down like Or maybe if it wasn’t Blynn. How that that again. would warm my heart.
The Index
2015-2016 Staff
Alex Sanfilippo ‘16, Editor-in-Chief Ethan DeLehman ‘16, Editor-in-Chief Drew Sterman ‘16, Editor-in-Chief Arnav Jagasia ‘16, News and Features co-Editor Samuel Turner ‘18, News and Features co-Editor Bill Wu ‘17, Opinions Editor Kenny Fitzpatrick ‘16, Sports Editor George Rubin ‘17, Politics Editor Connor Lees ‘17, Web Editor Ryan Conway ‘16 Outdex Editor Cameron Miller ‘16, Social Media Coordinator Dr. Kellen Graham, 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
looking confused at the rounders trying to remember which lunch he has. Appreciate the junior quietly muttering “Quiz, quiz, quiz,” to himself as he tears through a U.S. history textbook. Appreciate Dr. Graham seemingly never leaving the school. Appreciate the brotherhood that exists at literally no other high school in The United States. So many schools like to label themselves as families without actually practicing it. Haverford is a real family. In truth, the rampant chaos of exam week can best be compared to that of a Thanksgiving dinner. Your extended family are all running around making noise and laughing at nothing in particular while you sit there basking in the glory of communal joy. This is not a high school. It is a place where people come to grow, both in an academic sense and in the sense of becoming a better human being. I’ve been given a lot of advice (very little of it solicited) regarding my senior year. I’ve been told to take a lot of pictures. I’ve been told to always tell my friends I love them. I’ve been told to keep an eye out for the people who are always there for me. But, above all else, I’ve been told to live in the moment as much as I can. Live this year, these nine months, like you actually realize how important they are. Because you don’t. I certainly don’t. I view a Monday as a Monday as a Monday. I view a double free period as a saving grace for ignored assignments and I view 2:45 on a Friday as
bliss. In reality, none of these things should be so. I should savor every minute I spend in the Upper School with the same level of enthusiasm that I will quite literally pour out of me when telling stories of my time here five or ten years down the road. There’s a quote from the series finale of the NBC sitcom The Office that I keep coming back to: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” Every time I walk into school to find people running around doing any number of the thousand different things that Haverford students do, whether out of passion or necessity, I can’t help but think that this year, and the three that have come before it, have been some of the best and most interesting of my life. I also can’t help but think that it will likely stay that way for some time. To my fellow seniors, I say good luck, god bless, and take stock of your surroundings. To the rest of the student body, I say treasure every moment you have left here at Haverford, because you’ll be hard-pressed to find another place like it at any point in your life. Sincerely, Ethan DeLehman, Alex Sanfilippo, and Drew Sterman Class of 2016
Welcome Mr. Traynham! Drew Sterman ‘16
Mr. Kyle Traynham is one of the English plans to go about his course with a spark or department’s newest and most lively new spin to put on classic novels – going members. Joining almost fresh from Temple about it with new, innovative projects and University in downtown Philadelphia, he interactions in addition to the conventional was drawn to The Haverford School by its paper. “Literature is literature; no matter how old or how young or what prestige as well as the different generation you come from you social dynamic at an all-boys can still find relative comparisons school and is eager to learn how going on in the present day.” this social dynamic plays into He believes that technology, the classroom. Young gentlemen especially in a school that runs learn differently, act differently, on a 1-to-1 system, is something and Mr. Traynham wants to see that can be constantly used as how it functions in opposition a positive classroom dynamic. to co-ed environments. In addition to the English In his short time so far as part Mr. Kyle Traynham department, Mr. Traynham will of the Fords’ faculty, he has seen a “noticeable compassion” that gentlemen be an advisor to the Debate team. To him, have unto one another, although they are often public speaking is an essential quality for timid in showing it. This, he says, is likely any true gentleman. It is a vital skill for because they worry too much on how they young men to be able to stand up and speak are viewed by their peers. His aspirations as for a certain aspect or matter really elicits a first year teacher are to see how freshman a strong response from student. At Temple will blossom and flourish and recall where his forte was American literature, where he they were in September to where they are fell in love with the likes of Hemingway at in June. Third Form English is highly and Steinbeck. He has seen firsthand what a based around classics, but Mr. Traynham professor can do to really connect a student 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 on Mac OS X, using Adobe InDesign CS5.5. Its surveys are conducted via SurveyMonkey and are advertised on Facebook to current Haverford students. 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 1091 community members, consisting of 975 students and 116 faculty members. Contact The Index: 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041 index@haverford.org Twitter: @Haverford_Index http://www.haverfordindex.com/ (610) 642-3020 x. 1222
Page 3
The Index
News
September 2015
Haverford Welcomes Back New Director of Robotics Mr. Glick Arnav Jagasia ‘16
This year, Haverford welcomes Mr. Chuck Glick as Director of Robotics and member of the science faculty. Mr. Glick served as the Head Robotics Mentor for Haverford’s robotics team, The Cavalry, from 2010 to 2014. Haverford’s robotics program began in 2005, under the leadership of former Director of Technology Ms. Megan Connolly and Mr. Gerry Rooney, who retired last year. The program competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition from 2005 to 2009 and the VEX Robotics Competition since then. Hired in 2010 as the Head Robotics Mentor, Mr. Glick transformed the Haverford robotics program from just another local team to an international powerhouse. Before his arrival in 2010, The Cavalry had never ended a season with a winning record. In 2010, however, Haverford unprecedentedly qualified all five teams for VEX World Championships. As head mentor, Mr. Glick guided the Upper School robotics team through 2014, during which time he also established the Middle School VEX team in 2011 and the current Middle School VEX IQ team in 2014. Mr. Glick’s coaching and guidance allowed Haverford teams to qualify for World Championships every year during his mentorship, each time placing just shy of the grand title. From 2014-2015, Mr. Glick moved to Greenville, TX, where he worked for Innovation First International, which designs control systems for educational robotics competitions, such as VEX, as well as the HEXBUG products.
Returning to Haverford this fall, Mr. Glick will direct the robotics program in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools in addition to teaching three sections of engineering classes in the fall. He commented that he is excited to “bring [his] experience from the engineering world to the classroom,” and wants to focus the engineering classes on application-based projects, such as the catapult competition and robotics integration into the curriculum. In an effort to further interdisciplinary connections, Mr. Glick remarked that he is looking forward to “working with other divisions and disciplines to figure out what ways we can allow boys to see the relationship between all the subject matters and how they interact.” In terms of the robotics program, Mr. Glick has goals for each of the three divisions. For the Lower School program, which works with the First Lego League, he seeks to “give students more chances to compete.” Eventually, he wishes to “transfer [lower school robotics] over to the VEX IQ platform,” which would provide a seamless integration into Middle School robotics. For the current Middle School program, he seeks to increase “the overlap between the classroom and after school program,” by further highlighting to students the connections between Ms. Jacob’s curriculum in the classroom and the competitive robotics team. For the Upper School, his goal is simple; as he put it, “two words: World Championships.” Mr. Glick remarked that The Cavalry “has been so close so many years in a row.
Haverford is currently performing in the top 1% of teams worldwide and winning World Championships would validate the hard work over the last five years.” While this is an ambitious goal, he remarked that he does not want students “trying to win World Championships on Day 1. [He
Mr. Glick hopes to lead “The Calvary” to even more success
wants both] the program to peak at the right time this year [and] the boys on the team to retain knowledge year after year rather than just be thinking for that single year.” Overall, Mr. Glick has specific and ambitious goals for all of the divisions of the robotics program, but he commented that he really wants to emphasize interteam relationships. Mr. Glick remarked, “I want the youngest member of our program to look up at a senior and say ‘I can be that guy someday,’ and a senior look at a kindergartener and say, ‘I was that kid, and I want him to be where I am when he is my age.’” In true Haverford spirit,
Mr. Glick remarked, “I want a sense of brotherhood throughout the program.” So, whether it be fostering community in the robotics program or teaching students about projectile motion by building catapults, Mr. Glick has some big goals for this upcoming year. In the little free time he has outside of teaching and mentoring the robotics team, Mr. Glick said he is an “avid European football follower, especially the BPL.” Haverford is excited to have him return as a member of the community and extends him a warm welcome.
Want to Write for Us?
Hello Reader! Are you looking to expand your knowledge of the Haverford community, sharpen your writing skills, or work with the legendary Dr. Graham? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” we hope to see you at our next writers’ meeting! We welcome all students and hope to see many of you throughout the year. Help us enhance your reading experience by making this paper better! We meet in Dr. Graham’s Room (344).
The Art of Theatre: An Introduction to Department Head Mr. Hengst Ethan Delehman ‘16
The first thing you notice about Mr. Darren Hengst’s teaching style is his clear passion for theater. Whether carefully crafting a scene for the upcoming fall show, Billy Budd, or simply teaching in his makeshift classroom, the grand Ball auditorium, Mr. Hengst’s enthusiasm never falters. Even in conversation, when discussing his work, his words buzz with the energy of a man determined to achieve something great. Of course, this change in position isn’t exactly a drastic change in scenery for Mr. Hengst, who has spent the last two years working alongside Mr. Steve Stevenson in running Centennial Hall. Beyond coordinating events and ensuring the preparation of any number of events that might take place on the Centennial stage, Mr. Hengst’s position also entailed leading the Haverford Stage Crew in the design and creation of the various sets we’ve seen star alongside the actors these past few years. Few forget the horrifying and memorable Guantanamo Bay-style set of A Few Good Men, or the light-hearted dignity of Madam Tillou’s suite in Is He Dead? Now, though, Mr. Hengst has a much different challenge ahead of him. When asked what the primary differences would be between his position last year and his position this year, Mr. Hengst said, “The largest difference is that I’ll be
working with student actors rather than no shortage of experience. Whether taking student technicians on a daily basis.” He on the complex make or break elements continued, “Instead of designing, building, of tech-theatre or the nuanced elements and lighting the shows […], I’ll be directing of a great performance, Mr. Hengst and coaching the student actors. Also, I am rarely, if ever, seems out of his element. now in the classroom, teaching Theatre Having only worked in his new and designing the curriculum.” Amidst position of Drama Department Head for all this sudden and dramatic change, Mr. several weeks, many students have yet Hengst was able to find solace in one to see what Mr. Hengst is really about. constant: “Singing in However, Sixth Former Dr. Nagl’s band stays Alexander Sanfilippo, the same, luckily.” who is playing the One might wonder titular role in this fall’s about how varied the Billy Budd, had this to background must say about Mr. Hengst’s be of an instructor style of direction: “Mr. capable of leading Hengst’s knowledge in theatre troupes on all aspects of theatre is both the technical clear and present in his and the performance direction. With an easyside of things. Mr. going approach, he takes Hengst puts this brief the time to make each bio best: “I received Mr. Hengst also stars as the lead singer in Dr. individual in the cast Nagl’s band, the Haligoluks. my BA in Theatre feel valued and included.” and my MFA in Acting. I’m extremely I, too, have had the opportunity to work grateful for both because during my with Mr. Hengst the past several weeks as undergrad years, I learned, practiced and Billy Budd has really started to get going, fell in love with every facet of theatre. and I can say with great confidence that Mr. When I was finished I decided I wanted to Hengst’s patience and willingness to teach pursue acting and was accepted into The those willing to learn will treat him will for University of Illinois’ Professional Actor years to come. He’s the type of director to Training Program. For three years I had the demand respect from his actors, while at privilege to eat, sleep and breathe acting.” the same time always making them feel at Having dedicated the entirety of his adult home. This desire to foster a home away life to the craft of theatre, Mr. Hengst has from home for his actors likely stems from
Traynham (Cont.) Index Reports (Cont.) with a text. “Professors taught me how to delve into a text in such a unique way. To separate yourself from reality and really look at the text as if you were some omniscient being, as if you left your own body.” His main goal is for his students to look back on their first year and remark, “I didn’t enjoy literature in September, but now I do.” The Haverford School community is excited to to welcome Mr. Traynham and wishes him the best of success for this upcoming year.
(Continued from the Front Page) The purpose of the Index should be for students to convey their thoughts and share them with the student body. This process should not be a one-way road. I frequently have friends who approach me with feedback about my article; however, I think it would be much better if we had a platform in which we could discuss issues presented in the Index.
Finally, some have demanded the Index to publish more articles to provide a larger variety of subjects. Unfortunately, there are financial limits on the process of publishing; this is why we print in black-and-white as well. We could accept all the articles anyone writes, but this would make our newspaper’s costs too impractical. However, all hope is not lost. Echoing the previous discussion about
Mr. Hengst’s own early experiences with theater. As a young man in high school, Mr. Hengst, “had a group of very close friends,” with whom he “found a bond through theatre.” This understanding of the power of theater is one of the many things that shines through in his approach to the daily grind of teaching and direction. Coincidentally enough, Mr. Hengst has highlighted the concept of inclusion as a goal of sorts for the upcoming year. He stated: “I want all of the boys in my productions to have rewarding experiences. In 30 years I want them to be able to look back and remember details about their experience on stage in Centennial Hall.” Thus far it’s hard to say that Mr. Hengst has been anything short of a rousing success. Having to fill the position of the greatly beloved Mr. Matthew Cloran, the expectations for Mr. Hengst are undoubtedly set sky-high, particularly in his first year. However, he seems ready, willing, and able to take on any and all challenges that are thrown at him in the 2015-2016 school year. In closing, Mr. Hengst said the following: “I feel honored to have the position, grateful for the support from the school community and excited about the opportunity to work with the boys everyday.” I know that I, as well as the rest of the Index staff, wish Mr. Hengst the best of luck in the coming school year, and cannot wait to see what he does with the upcoming Billy Budd and Guys and Dolls. economy of words, if we were to cut down article sizes, perhaps we could fit more articles at the end, providing more subjects that cater to the interests of larger crowds. In the end though, an overwhelming amount of people had nothing but good words for the Index. I know from personal experience that the Index is a great newspaper filled with a diverse set of topics; my sincere hope is that not only does the student body benefit from these suggestions, but also that the Index will. Let’s continue more than seventy-five years of the Ford’s legacy of the Index. Go Fords!
Page 4
Pope Visit (cont.)
The Index
News
Connor Lees ‘17
one just drive? Well, to ensure the The last time a pope came to Pope’s safety, the Ben Franklin Bridge, Philadelphia was thirty-six years ago in Vine Street Expressway, Schuylkill 1979. Pope John Paul II delivered two Expressway and City Avenue will all masses: one at Saint Peter’s church at be closed for the duration of his stay. Fifth Street and Girard Avenue for the Additionally, after 6 pm on Friday, city’s priests and another for the public cars will not be able to enter either at Logan Circle. For Pope John Paul Center City or West Philadelphia. II’s papal mass, more than a million Most people with cars in the city after people, by police estimates, filled 6 pm on Friday can drive them except the streets from City Hall to the Art around Independence Hall and the Ben Franklin Museum. For the Parkway where mass, one thousand there will be priests were brought a no-car zone, in to distribute which will be communion. Pope enclosed in John Paul II’s visit a fence and to Philadelphia was guarded by only the second police forces papal visit ever to such as the the United States, Vatican police, where Pope Francis the FBI, the will be the fourth CIA and the pope to visit the Philadelphia US and the second p o l i c e . in Philadelphia. Even so, the Furthermore, if one Pope will wants to see the mass not even be on the Parkway, it Pope Francis’s visit shut down Philadelphia. residing in the will not be cheap. city. The Pope Right now, tickets are selling on eBay from $99 up to $450. will be staying at the Saint Charles When tickets went online September Seminary on Lancaster Avenue 9th at 8 pm, they all sold out within across the street from Lankenau thirty seconds. The tickets, however, Hospital. Saint Charles, a priest are not the only thing that will cost you: college and home to the archdiocese due to travel restrictions around the of Philadelphia, is only three miles city, SEPTA passes will too. Over the away from Haverford - a mere 10 past few months, SEPTA sold special minute drive down Lancaster Avenue. “Pope Passes” for the use of the buses All in all, Pope Francis is quite the popular and trains for the duration of the Pope’s man, as proven by his 71% approval visit. Since being sold out, these passes rating among US Catholics, according are currently going for $40 on eBay: to Gallup.com. His predecessor, Pope four times SEPTA’s original price. Benedict, clocked in at a mere 40%. One may wonder why it costs $40 to ride the bus or take the train. Why can’t
September 2015
Introducing Ms. Smith-Kan Grant Sterman & Kyle Wagner ‘18
This year, we are proud to welcome Ms. the same. She continued, joking: “I’m thinking Taylor Smith-Kan as one of the newest about taking a couple of my Bates clothes additions to the English department, following and taking a sticky note, writing Haverford Ms. Smedley’s departure last year. An alumna on it, and putting it over the Bates logo.” Smith-Kan’s enthusiasm for Haverford is of Bates College where she majored in English, Smith-Kan is eager to jump into her career at also evident when she discussed how her first Haverford as an English teacher and advisor to days were going so far. “The freshmen are little Pegasus, the school’s literary magazine. At her crazy, but in a good way,” she noted. “The previous school, Smith-Kan taught both English sophomores are, you know, a little bigger, a little and Chinese to freshmen and sophomores. more composed.” Smith-Kan made the switch This year, however, she is excited to focus on to Haverford for many reasons, one of them imparting her passion for English to both Third being that she is working a couple doors down and Fourth Form classes. When asked about from her husband, Mr. Gary Kan, whom she the differences between teaching English and married this summer. When asked about this, Chinese, she remarked that “in English, [one] she answered, “It’s a little weird, but it’s good can talk about psychology, society, and so so far; it’s fun. If I don’t know something or if I need help, I can just go down the hall much more. With Chinese, it is and ask for help, and I don’t have to also really nice because you have worry because we know each other one path and you know exactly already. It’s nice because I already what’s coming next. But with know a couple other colleagues, English, you really don’t know Ms. Frankel, and Sr. Lluch: it’s a because you can do anything nice, friendly work environment.” – verbs and creative writing, When Smith-Kan was asked about just to name a few. English is what she is most looking forward to more challenging in that way, this year, she enthusiastically replied, but since English is my native “I’m most excited about being in one language, it’s less challenging.” department. This may seem weird In addition to sharing her love for English with English classes, Welcome, Ms. Smith-Kan! and probably not the coolest thing, she will also be co-advising Pegasus with but I’m excited about being in one department Mr. Keefe. Regarding her role as co-advisor, because last year, I was in two and I had to she responded, “I did creative writing in high switch back and forth between meetings from school, so I love poetry and creative writing. one floor to another. This year teaching with I think [advising Pegasus] will be fun because one department is really nice because I can a lot of times in a regular English class, the get way better at being an English teacher. average kid is not really pumped about poetry, Sometimes, last year, I’d be teaching English but if you’re doing your club where all the kids and accidentally start speaking Chinese and are there for creative writing, it’s a lot better.” it would be really awkward. For example, a Furthermore, Smith-Kan will also be coaching couple times the chinese teacher would give tennis this spring. A huge fan of the sport, she me a call in my classroom and I’d respond [in played tennis at Bates College and brings a new Chinese], and then I would look around and inspired energy to coach the Fords to victory all of my students were freaked out.” We are this year. “I’m kind of like a quiet tennis fan,” elated to warmly welcome Ms. Smith-Kan into she commented. “I’ll be quietly screaming in the Haverford Community with open arms. my mind and heart for Haverford to win at every game. The nice thing about it is that I went to Bates College, and the school colors are exactly
Student to Teacher: We Welcome Back Alumnus Mr. Tim Lengel Alex Sanfilippo ‘16
Walking along the second floor, students may have noticed a foreign voice, booming, yet also full of warmth and welcome, emanating from Mr. Griffin’s old classroom. This voice belongs to Mr. Tim Lengel, the newest addition to the History Department. Although Mr. Lengel is an unfamiliar face to many students, The Haverford School is hardly unfamiliar to Mr. Lengel, a member of the Class of 2007. He did, however, admit his surprise at the drastic change in infrastructure in the eight years since his graduation: “I think I was the last class to use old Wilson Hall, which is not nearly as nice as this building. But it was a venerable building, with great character.” Following his time in that building, Mr. Lengel attended Williams College, where he deepened his love and passion for studying history. Mr. Lengel sees history as a means of establishing the character of our present society and emphatically stated that “we define ourselves through our own views of our pasts. History informs us of who we are.” In perfect harmony with Haverford’s recent drive to promote Global Education and Leadership, Mr. Lengel stated, “Part of the deal of going to such a good school is that when you go out into the world, we expect you to do good as you see fit, and it’s hard to do good and make the world a better place if you don’t know how the world came to be in the first place.” Mr. Lengel clearly has established his reasonings and goals
of how to prepare boys for life, much the same way he himself left Haverford prepared for the world around him. Though Mr. Lengel’s transition to Haverford is unique among the new faculty, it will certainly not be perfectly seamless. Prior to making the journey home, Mr. Lengel taught history at the Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia, which resembles Haverford slightly in the
From Haverford to Williamstown and back, Mr. Lengel returns as History teacher.
sense that it is a private, preparatory school. However, the immediate and most notable difference between the hallways of the two institutions is Haverford’s lack of female students. This presents an incredibly new classroom dynamic for Mr. Lengel. Given his background, however, Mr. Lengel does not expect this aspect of the transition to be a challenge and stated, “My experience in high school was very male centric
obviously, so I have an idea of how I liked to learn and what I liked that teachers did and didn’t do.” Mr. Lengel hopes to utilize these past experience to help ease the transition and understands that boys, in general, learn differently from girls, and hopes to explore these differences in learning. Even with a new classroom and unfamiliar students filling the seats, Mr. Lengel knows how to engender success in the classroom for his students. This starts with creating a classroom culture that resonates with each of the individuals sitting at the desks. With diversity of thought abundantly present, and sixteen to twenty unique personalities, Mr. Lengel hopes this collective spirit will cause students to be more inclined to pay attention, engage, and learn. With lots of discussion over the “brotherhood” present at Haverford, Mr. Lengel may unknowingly have drawn on his experience within old Wilson Hall when introducing the concept of creating a classroom culture that each student buys into. As Dr. Kellen Graham, who coaches cross country with Mr. Lengel, noted, “As a graduate of Haverford, Mr. Lengel sees the big picture, by which I mean he takes seriously the personal and social growth of his athletes and his students.” Perhaps the most defining element of Mr. Lengel, both as a teacher and a person, is his energy. Should an outside observer view Mr. Lengel teaching, he or she would have a hard time discerning the time of day, for Mr. Lengel’s unremitting energy
begins promptly at 8:30 and continues steadfastly until 3:15. When asked what makes him unique as a teacher, Mr. Lengel responded, “I always try to bring a lot of energy to class. I’m a rather loud individual, I jump up and down, sometimes I even hit the board, I punch desks. My goal is that students will never be bored because of me.” Punching desks certainly may be unorthodox, but in a Haverford School classroom, few things wield the power to empassion students more. With such energy comes great expectations for his students. Above all else, Mr. Lengel seeks to help his students understand that “learning is a glorious thing and students have a responsibility to their families, school, country, and planet, and that you can’t fulfill that obligation except through knowledge, hard work, and dedication.” These are ambitious goals, but Mr. Lengel’s background shows every indication that he will be able to achieve and even surpass such monumental expectations. In an act that effectively epitomizes his energy, passion, and love of Haverford, Mr. Lengel concludes each class with the same challenge to his students: “Gentlemen, attack the day with enthusiasm unknown to humankind!” On behalf of the students and faculty in the Upper School, I would like to welcome back Mr. Timothy Lengel, Haverford School Class of 2007.
Page 5
The Index
News
September 2015
Haverford Welcomes Bow-Tie Enthusiast Dr. Goduti Samuel Turner ‘18
A Virginia native and science fanatic, Dr. Daniel Goduti - known to his students as Dr. G - arrives at The Haverford School this year to teach Chemistry and Biology Honors. Warmly welcomed by the Haverford community, Mr. Goduti will additionally be taking on the role of the assistant ice hockey coach. When Dr. Goduti first walked down the halls of Haverford, crowded with bustling students fresh off of summer vacation, he observed the excitement and interest of the students. Dr. Goduti himself is very excited to teach at an institution “with great facilities and great kids.” Having mostly instructed biology in his past years of teaching, most recently at Culver Academies in Indiana, he is looking forward to teaching chemistry this year; however, much to the dismay of this year’s honor biology class, he is also incredibly enthusiastic about “seeing how far [he] can push the honors bio kids.” Both chemistry and biology have always been a key component of his identity, tracing back to his college years at University of Virginia, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and Dartmouth College, where he spent time pursuing his PhD in Cell Biology. In addition to his passion for all facets of science, Dr. Goduti is equally inspired by ice hockey, which he played in high school and on a club team in college; he even played for a men’s league for a while until he broke his collarbone. Today, Dr. Goduti retains his affection for
hockey by following and cheering for his and in ways [he] didn’t expect like instilling favorite team, the Boston Bruins. At his a belief that if [he] works hard, [he] can former school, Dr. Goduti coached the ice accomplish anything.” Although such hockey team to the state championships advice was often enlightening, there was twice, even winning the title once. And so, one scenario in particular that sticks out to he plans to fully support Dr. Goduti that he would go the Fords team this year back and ‘redo,’ if he had a and lead them to the state time machine; in freshman championships as well. year of college, he took Although Dr. Goduti has a class that had a visiting always harbored a zealous guest for two weeks, a dedication to science, he alumnus of UVA who later encountered a crossroad turned out to be the director in college when he had to of the National Institute decide between teaching of Health. At the time, science and continuing Arthmire or Goduti? The race to the best bow tie however, he did not his research in the realize how awesome it laboratory. His intuition told him to stick was to have that individual in his classroom to research, but as he described, “a day and he wishes he had taken advantage of at the lab sometimes added up to twelve the present then as a young college student. to sixteen hours,” and so eventually “[he] But, if Dr. Goduti really did come into found [himself] teaching cub scouts and possession of a time machine, he would go girl scouts at the science museums,” an back to the age where scientists invented indication of his vocation as a teacher. things and explain everything to them, When asked about his career transition, though he does fear that his might disrupt Dr. Goduti responded that “changing the space-time continuum. Moreover, Dr. from research to teaching was a challenge Goduti said that he is specifically very because you are convincing people to hire interested in disease control, and so he you as a teacher when you don’t have the remarked that if he could have dinner with usual credentials, but a lot more teachers one person in the world,“[he] would like to have been doing that switch.” In pivotal have dinner with former president Jimmy situations like this, Dr. Goduti praises the Carter since he is still doing a lot of work in invaluable advice he received from mentors disease control and eradication even though and teachers along the way, who “have he is dying of cancer. Facing his own supported [him] in all of [his] endeavors death, but thinking about other peoples’
issues and suffering simultaneously would make for an interesting conversation.” When Dr. Goduti is not on school grounds, he can be found either spending time with his five-month old daughter, wife and two-year old yellow lab, watching his favorite comedian Will Ferrell, or consuming a delicious platter of eggplant parmesan. Likewise, if he was granted one superpower, Dr. Goduti would opt for x-ray vision on account of his desire to see bones. On a more serious note, when questioned about what he most likes about teaching science, Dr. Goduti responded that “I recognize that not everyone will be scientists, but these courses will help you grasp a better understanding of science and a better understanding of the world. When I think about the teachers I had and how they helped me along the way to where I am now, I am grateful and I think about how I am helping my students do that now.” However, what differentiates Dr. Goduti from most teachers is that he is “bow-tie only;” in fact, he further commented that “he does not even own a regular tie.” As a distinguished member of the science department and the assistant coach of the ice hockey team, Dr. Goduti is “excited to be here and meet new people and bring what I have to the table and see what [Haverford students] have.” The Haverford School is privileged to welcome him to the community.
warm, it was beautiful.”Growing up as the forced to throw away his childhood dreams. son of a faculty member and spending all Following college, Sataloff spent a year his time in and around school, he never as a teaching intern at Norfolk academy thought he would become, “the next Mr. in Virginia Beach and then taught English Sataloff.” Throughout his grade school and and served as the Dean of Students at a college years, he rejected the idea boarding school in Maine for of becoming a teacher. Sataloff the following six years. When realized that he wanted to follow in describing his decision to leave his father’s footsteps by teaching that job and come to teach at while having a conversation with Haverford, he said, “it was really friends during his senior year in cold, and I was missing family and college. Sataloff commented, “A friends, so I decided to come back bunch of my friends are doing down to the area, closer to home.” finance in New York and making Although he was drawn in a lot of money, so I was talking by the strong academics, sense with them, and I was like, ‘Yeah Mr. Jesse Sataloff of tradition, and well-rounded man, I’m going to start looking at business students, what most drew him to Haverford schools and go for an MBA,’ and it just was the idea of community. He really hit me, all of a sudden, that that’s not understands the value of community, having who I am; that’s not what I want to do.” experienced it himself growing up in and He described this moment of epiphany as around a school much like Haverford. “I giving him a feeling of liberation from his like to say I wasn’t necessarily just raised lifelong struggle of trying to be someone he by my parents,” Sataloff remarked, “I was was not, but also one of confinement, being raised by other students when I was young;
I was raised by a multitude of faculty and people around campus, everyone from maintenance staff to teachers.” Outside of school, Sataloff still loves to pursue athletics, and aside from coaching, he likes to stay active himself. Whenever possible, he will play a game of lacrosse, pick up soccer, or football. He also loves fishing, reading, hanging out with friends, and hiking with his black lab. His favorite movie is “The Other Guys,” a 2010 film starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. “I don’t know why I love it so much but it’s hilarious,” Sataloff remarked. He likes to watch “Hard Knocks,” a reality sports documentary series on HBO as well as the Food Network. Haverford welcomes Mr. Sataloff as a new and valuable addition to both the community and the English department and wishes him success for the upcoming year.
watching her create her own art. Naturally, Ms. Blatt developed a deep love of the arts, and wanted to pursue art professionally. She went on to college and completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Pennsylvania, before moving onto Harvard’s graduate program, where she received her Master’s degree. Through her studies and practices, she said, she was formally trained in realistic art, where she learned to both paint and draw mimetically. After her studies of realistic art, Ms. Blatt found herself more drawn to the abstract, and she strayed away from her formal roots in favor of the abstract. She began to experiment with not only abstract art, but three dimensional installation art. In these areas, she drew her inspiration from the works of Pierre Bonnard, Rudy Pfaff, and Yayoi Kusama, who are among her favorite artists; she also credits them as the
stresses that her students have a hands-on experience, in order to fully engage in the creative process. Outside of art, Ms. Blatt has also advised the school newspaper at her previous school. Haverford wholly welcomes Ms. Blatt, and we are excited to see what the future holds in her classes.
Following His Passion: Mr. Sataloff ’s Journey to Haverford George Rubin‘17
This year, Haverford welcomes Mr. Jesse Sataloff who, joining us from Maine, will be teaching Fourth and Fifth Form English and coaching wrestling and freshman football. Mr. Sataloff grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended the McDonogh school, at which his father is a faculty member. He described his upbringing as spending most of his time on campus where he learned virtues like honor and respect, similar to those taught at Haverford. He was a three-sport athlete, playing football, wrestling, and playing lacrosse, and his Baltimore upbringing fostered his lifelong love of the Ravens and the Orioles. After high school, Sataloff continued on to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, where he majored in English and wrestled for four years. He outlined his college experience very positively, saying of the school, “it was
Local Teacher Hopes to Provide New Focus for Digital Media Studies Lawrence Hunter ‘17
This year, The Haverford School welcomes in many talented and charismatic teachers. One of the newest additions to Haverford’s faculty roster is Ms. Zoe Blatt, who will be teaching 2-D Art and Video & Animation in a wide array of topics, including painting, perspective drawing, and sketching objects. While new to the school, Ms. Blatt is no stranger to the Haverford atmosphere, having grown up right in Lower Merion, and attended Lower Merion High School. The Main Line experience is nothing new to her, and she is glad to be back at home. Not only has she grown up with the spirit of the Main Line, but she has grown up with a passion for art as well. Her roots in art started from a very young age. Her mother was a painter, and Ms. Blatt used to love sitting in her mother’s studio, and
greatest influences on her own style of art. After her studies, she pursued teaching, specifically by helping art students get a solid and invaluable foundation in the discipline. Ms. Blatt says that what she wants most for her students to get out of her class are a passion for creating art, confidence to express themselves creatively, and an ability to reflect on not only their work, but on what it means. Now while these requests may seem lofty, they embody the goals of Haverford, as the school tries to instill a pride in one’s abilities, and an ability for creative expression. In essence, Ms. Blatt hopes to develop in her students a creative mindset that evolves into creative maturity; turning the work of a boy into the work of a man. Maturity is not without its fun, however, and Ms. Blatt says that in the future, we can expect her classes to be challenging, engaging, and messy. She
Ms. Blatt hopes to reinvigorate Digital Media studies, an important tool for any prospective employee in the 21st century
Page 6
The Index
News/Opinions
Sra. Lambour Returns to Spanish Kenny Fitzpatrick ‘16
Deptartment
This year the Haverford School welcomes I never would know when I was going to Señora Lambour to the community as be here last year, but now I am looking a full time Spanish teacher. Last year, forward to seeing how all of the students Señora Lambour became familiar with can impress me like I was wowed last year.” As displayed in the quote, Señora the Spanish curriculum at Haverford as a substitute teacher for Señora Mateos. Lambour is, not only excited to interact In the process, Señora Lambour was with her previous students, but also to become ensconced in the Haverford able to meet many of the Spanish community. It is always encouraging students and learn the complexities when a teacher displays an of what it means to be a language interest in joining the community teacher at The Haverford School. permanently and in the case of After she demonstrated her Señora Lambour, the interest is upbeat and communicative a testament of her consistent teaching styles, the community positivity and encouraging attitude. happily asked her to return for Haverford has not been Señora the 2015-2016 school year. Lambour’s first teaching experience. When asked about the differences Sra. Lambour In fact, she was teaching before her between teaching full time and part-time, Señora Lambour responded, “It’s children were born. However, since 2007, definitely going to be different because she had been staying at home with her kids. Another interesting aspect of Señora [now] I get to decide everything from all the activities to what assignments have Lambour and the impact she will have on more weight to deciding when there is a the community is that she was born outside test. Yet, it’s also very similar content.” the United States, like some of the other One of the more intriguing aspects of language teachers. Señora Lambour is from Señora Lambour as a new teacher is that Guatemala and came to the United States she has already taught most of the students right after she finished college in 2004. Obviously, like students, teachers she will be teaching this year. Last year, she was as a substitute for some of the have lives outside of the classroom. Spanish IV* students and this year she will Señora Lambour is no different and has be teaching both sections of Spanish V*. many interests ranging from travelling This former introduction to the students to scuba diving. She specifically noted will allow Señora Lambour to forego any that she liked travelling because she growing pains and immediately jump into loves spending times with kids and it class content. So, when I sat down and offers her time to spend time with them. The Haverford community is looking asked Señora Lambour what she was most excited for this year regarding teaching forward to finally welcoming Señora she offered the following, “I was very Lambour as a full-time teacher. If you have excited I was going to be able to have the not had the chance to take Spanish up until [Sixth Formers] that I taught last year. now, make sure you take the time to introduce Also, in general to be here, to know that yourself to the bubbly Señora Lambour! it’s something not going to be changing.
June 2015
Hollywood: Creativity Vanished Dan Kielty ‘16
There is no doubt that over the past few is seemingly perfect. What could be wrong decades Hollywood has been one of the if all their favorite stars are churning out big most formidable and ruthless industries on name movies under big name directors? An the planet. Constantly spitting out hundred- unfortunate truth that many people fail to million dollar movies and sculpting trends realize is that the quality of what is being made is going down. In what that reshape the contours of can only be described as a middle aged society. From cinematic industrial line, the movies like Devil Wears focus has now shifted more Prada that trivialize the so towards quantity rather work of fashion moguls to than quality. It has shifted Hercules where you can to how many sequels can I live out your childhood fantasies, Hollywood has Michael Bay knows how to make sign this well known actor money, regardless of quality. onto and how quickly can provided a playground for the creative license of the artistically gifted. I make them? How much money can I It has been a beacon of hope, painting generate and for how little cost can I do so? Few and far between are the projects of the image of instant worldwide fame and stardom. Nonetheless, in recent years we Spielberg, Lucas, and Cameron, replaced have started to witness what can only be by the explosions of Michael Bay and described as a lackadaisical complacency. the computer generated fights between I have seen my fair share of Marvel pieces Megatron and Optimus Prime. In a way, that constantly intertwine storylines and this could be blamed on the evolution of characters where there could perceivably the “instant gratification” culture rampant be no link, generating movie after movie in the 21st century. Everything is in high of the same plotline simply with different demand, and people want it now. Patience, heroes. The series begin to drag on, like the heralded virtue, ceases to exist. Most one too many fireworks on New Year’s people cannot wait 20 seconds for an Eve or the Fourth of July. The same applies internet page to load, let alone years for the to every cheesy rom-com or fairytale; creation of a quality project. Every now and in the end, the boy always gets the girl. again comes a movie like 12 Years A Slave, Nowadays, the movie industry seems to which captivates a very specific audience have lost its shazam, its wow, its enamor. and wins an Oscar or two, but fails to appeal Industry CEOs are very conscious that to younger generations. Industry CEOs the audience will keep on paying money know where they can make their money, it to view these movies regardless of their is why they are CEOs in the first place. The similarities. It is a form of stress relief, a sad truth is that creativity is not lacking; it pastime that transports you away from the is the desire to showcase this creativity and conflicts and problems currently about and the opportunity to do so that is. into the fantastical world of what is on the screen in front of you. To the average moviegoer, the current state of the industry
Standardized Testing Epidemic Sweeping Country (Continued from the front cover)
He explains further, “I personally do thave a liking for the SAT’s. Some of the questions are designed to trick you and when in real life will you need to answer a prompt in 25 minutes?” Many other students have expressed concerns awith the time allotted in standardized testing, where many find themselves cramming towards the end. The test looks for a certain set of skills. Skills like deduc-
The bane of every V and VI Former’s existence
tive reasoning, a certain level of reading and knowledge of the english language, and mathematics abilities. All of these aspects are fine, don’t get me wrong,as I believe that having at least a competent understanding of language is important, and a relative sense of basic algebra important as well. College Counselor Mr. Neal Cousins understands the frustrations of students however affirmed that colleges still put thought into scores. “Standardized Tests are still important in the college process because it enables colleges to see how a kid will perform in his or her freshman year. The downside is that after your freshman year, the test has no way of predicting your future success.” Sure, tests can be an important gauge of student’s abilities, but not to the degree that colleges judge the scores on. Not just the College Board is at fault forcing unnecessary
and unwanted pressure on the future of America. Our education system as a whole, whether it be 4th grade or senior year, has a design flaw. Throughout our time as students, our curriculum has been designed around teaching to the test. Numerous times have I been sitting in class when a teacher presents a specific detail, and I hear the question. The question that makes me cringe and is the reason why kids fail to realize the true purpose of their education. “Will this be on a test?” Our minds are programmed at a young age that getting the best grade, or studying the hardest, will get you the furthest in life and provide you with the success that everyone wants to achieve. While studying hard and trying your best is by no means a bad thing, it’s the way we are taught to achieve those goals is the problem. We are so focused on tests and quizzes that we don’t truly absorb all the invaluable knowledge that we take in on a daily basis. We take in the info deemed necessary to study, take the test, get the good grade, and the info goes straight out the other side. We are not learning for the sake of gaining more knowledge, but to get the better grade and to get into the better college. There is a different way to get that better grade than just to study, and there’s a different way to get to college than put yourself through the grind of the SAT or ACT. All of the 16+ years of education we receive is translated to the standardized tests, and instead of enabling us to show our skills in ways we feel shine on us the best, we sit in our desks, with our #2 pencils, and fall into a system that churns out dull, uncreative minds. We are provided the luxury of the excellent college counseling staff. Along with them, we have test prep companies. The dues for many companies such as Inspirica or MJ Test prep, are hundreds of dollars and in lots of cases unaffordable. Chow (VI form) agrees with the idea of money equalling a higher score and goes on to say, “If you have money, you can pay thousands of dollars to get your sat score up because you just need to learn some tricks. Thus, I don’t think it is a true indicator of academic potential”. As many of us know an SAT or ACT is easy to game as long as you put in the necessary work. There is a way that this test can be completed by anyone, and still
get a good score. The question is what is available and to whom. IV and VI Form English teacher Mr. Daniel Keefe, once an SAT tutor himself, had some interesting thoughts on standardized tests in America. He said in a recent interview, “The SAT is not a test of intelligence. When I was tutoring, kids were making 300 point jumps because the test is beatable, and paying top dollar will get you the top scores.” Not all schools have the same resources, and kids brains will develop slower attending a lower level public school than one who attends a well known private school. Private school kids have experiences at a younger age that will prepare them for tests like the SAT, and are taught important mathematical and deductive reasoning. So whether or not you think standardized tests are important for a kid’s educational development, I firmly believe that there has to be a better way. Colleges are beginning to transition away from them, and relatively well known institutions such as Wake Forest or Wesleyan are switching to test optional. Speaking about colleges differing views on the test, Mr. Cousins also went on to say, “It really depends on the school. Some are heavily reliant on scores, and some don’t view them to be as important”. The fact is that standardized tests stack the odds against those who don’t have the resources to prepare for an SAT, and that these tests do not paint the whole picture of a student.
Some more presitigious universities, like Wake Forest, have decided to identify as “test optional”
Page 7
The Index
News/Opinion
June 2015
Political Divide? Debating the Gap Between Faculty and Students As universities across the nation become more radically that manage to slip into politicized, Sixth Former Will Means offers his view on the conversations. political dynamic between faculty at students at Haverford. Students Will Means ‘16 will go home and ask questions to their A divide is defined as “a wide divergence parents about current political situations between two groups, typically producing and will be given one point of view that tension or hostility.” If a divide is only is often contradicted when the same so severe, then I believe the political issue is brought up at school. Rather than taking facts presented by both sides disconnect between faculty and and forming their own opinions, students students is more like the Grand Canyon. The Haverford School is located in Haverford, Pennsylvania in the heart of the Main Line and is thus associated with certain characteristics, both good and bad. Haverford, in particular, seems to have a certain affinity towards producing an unusually large amount of heavily politically opinionated young men. The overwhelming majority of the student body tends to lean towards aggressively conservative views. Mitt Romney was the How realistic is it to expect a perfect balance between stidents and faculty? overwhelming favorite in the ’08 and ’12 elections among the student body and cries often find themselves aggressively to “impeach” President Obama are widely supporting one viewpoint or another. seen among jovial faces. But the faculty’s I believe the student body feels views on politics are stark in contrast. an unshakable pressure to support The majority of teachers at Haverford try conservative viewpoints. It is now simply avoid talking about any personal political the status-quo mindset and to act against it is opinions as arguing with a child most to enter social purgatory. Liberal attitudes, likely less than half their age is not exactly those often expressed by teachers, are seen as professional. Math and science certainly the minority. One example that based classrooms tend to avoid political I witnessed only recently revolved around discussion altogether but the more liberal the increasing of taxes on the wealthy. One classes, such as english and history, tend student openly admitted that his parents to lend themselves to discussing current believed higher taxes punish those who events and the politics that are in play work harder and give unnecessary handouts concerning various facets of life. While to those who are too lazy or unqualified to these discussions are for the benefit of the fulfill their own economic independence. students, it is hard to avoid certain biases
A teacher, in reponse, saw taxes as an avenue to lower an ever-expanding wealth gap between the poor and the rich and a means of boosting opportunities for those born into less fortunate lifestyles. While both arguments have their merits, you will be hard pressed to find more than a dozen students who openly support the latter. Students do not want to argue with teachers over political debates as discussion concerning economics, foreign policy, or domestic segregation very rarely lead to peaceful and meaningful debate (just look at our own Congress). And, as much as the administration and teachers try to avoid it, personal biases will always be at the back of teachers’ minds when they grade that next paper or test. To say that this is not true is to put a blindfold on and walk through reality in a fugue state. You tend to do better in everything if the person in power likes you. Period. Most students can see that biting the hand that grades them is not exactly a decision that would help the look of their report card. I believe, as in almost every case in life, a happy medium must be found. If the student mentality is not exposed to more liberal ideologies, we run the risk that the entire school purchases a lifetime subscription to Fox News. On the contrary, if political opinions become dictated by aggressively leftist views, the student body will make Karl Marx look like Bill O’Reilly. Now arguing in terms of extremes and exceptions always makes for a poor case (as there extremes and exceptions to every situation), the student body must learn to formulate their own ideas and not so easily agree with parents or teachers.
I find this “born and bred” political favoritism to be highly dangerous and both political parties like to claim that the other can not think for themselves.How many soviets idolized the word of Lenin? How many chinese revolutionary worshiped the ideas of Mao? Blindly accepting what others tell you without considering both perspectives is exactly what I feel most of the student body has fallen victim to and that blindness scares me. I steadfastly believe that the greatest presidents we have ever had have first and foremost been great men. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan were not necessarily great economists or military tacticians or even politicians in general, but every one of them was born with greatness. All of them were at times were subject to criticism from their own parties for pursuing what was right, regardless of whether one half of the aisle agreed with their actions or not. Haverford’s students will not put aside their political opinions easily, and their ideas will most likely grow and strengthen as times passes, but in order for the school’s culture to become more harmonious, politics have to be understood as the art of compromise not the art of yelling and accusing wildly. I mean, I can only imagine why there are 35 bathrooms in the White House, all that political fortitude needs to come out somehow.
“Maker Space”: Haverford’s Lastest Infrastructural Development Kyle Wagner ‘18
During the summer people may have seen the mysterious construction going on in Mr. Upton and Mr. Patrylak’s rooms. I asked myself, “What happened to Mr. Upton’s room?” The answer to this question began two years ago with the inception of the Engineering Department. For various projects, the students could use basic tools in the science rooms, but as time passed and the capabilities of the science rooms were outpaced Mr. Trocano notes that “A lot of the engineering students were actually going down into the Art Department to use the tools and materials.” So, last year, Mrs. Golecki, Mr. Trocano, and the Art Department realized: why not create a room that can be used by engineering students and the Art Department alike?
So, the teachers met together and planned relocated. Mr. Upton is Room 110. Mr. the construction of a “maker space.” This Patrylak is in Ms. Davis’ old room. Ms. summer the construction formally began Davis is in Room 200. Mr. Walters is with the merging of in Room 256, which the Mr. Upton and Mr. science department gave Patrylak’s rooms, and up. That’s all of it, but a lot eventually transformed of collaboration went into into the well-lit, inviting making this place possible.” space now found in the The room may seem bottom corner of Wilson quite empty right now but Hall. Mr. Trocano also the designers “decided noted that quite a bit of to put as little permanent effort went into making construction in the room this new room a reality. as possible until more was He said that, “There learned about how the was a lot of cooperation room was used, and what that went into making The space features lots of natural light the dynamics of movement this space. The two rooms were like.” Even though that merged to form this space were Mr. the room started out minimalistically, Upton’s and Mr. Patrylak’s. They’ve been Mr. Glick can already be seen giving
engineering presentations and Mr. Ressler’s art students can be seen hard at work on their wood sculpting projects. When asked about his intentions for the “maker space,” Mr. Trocano responded, “Hopefully in the future we hope to have not just art classes and engineering classes, but multiple classes running simultaneously. Maybe like a collaboration between language class and the art department. We created this space so that it could be used by everyone and to house our engineering classes and some of our art classes as well. Hopefully it could promote this idea of building constructing, creating, collaborating.”
a while that I would do some things with study abroad programs at a university or be a translator or an interpreter. I had these general ideas but no specific plans.” After graduating college, Ms. Straight set out to begin her teaching career, remarking, “I started in Washington, DC at a school specifically for behaviorallytroubled students.” Afterwards, staying in the DC area, Ms. Straight worked at the Georgetown Preparatory School, teaching English as a second language to international students. Progressing her teaching career, she then found herself at The Hun School of Princeton, teaching both Spanish and Dance. Ms. Straight commented, “[Most recently,] I worked at Temple University for a semester in the Intensive English Language Program – right after graduate school – before I started at Haverford. However, I still teach there – a class or two
passion for dance with the school: “At other schools, I have taught dance, so that is one of my personal interests. I’m interested in starting a club, specifically about dances from around the world.” Furthermore, Ms. Straight states that trying new things and implementing new ideas in her classes is what she is most excited about. Ms. Straight has loved her teaching experiences here at Haverford thus far, and she looks forward to teaching Spanish scholars and meeting the news faces that come through her door.
Culture Abound: The Career of Returning Spanish Teacher Ms. Straight P.J. Rodden ‘18
Located in the corner of “The Big Room,” Room 302 is home to vibrant Spanish speakers, language enthusiasts, and Haverford’s newest member of the language department, Ms. Noel Straight. For some, this name may sound familiar: Ms. Straight, or Srta. Straight was a long-term substitute teacher last year for Ms. Katie Schroeder and taught both the Spanish II and Honors Spanish III courses. This year, however, Ms. Straight teaches five classes, ranging from Spanish II to Honors Spanish III, as in the year past. Born in Virginia and a graduate of the University of Virginia, Ms. Straight describes her post-college passion with the following sentiment: “I really love languages. I really love to travel. and I wanted my professional life to have to do with one of those things, or even both. I thought for
over the summers. That semester, I taught a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation course, a creative writing workshop, a conversation course, and a composition course. My favorite course to teach was the creative writing workshop. I was teaching the course to the advanced level English speakers in the IELP program, in which students who speak (Arabic, Portuguese, French, Spanish, German, Wolof etc.) natively come up with some pretty amazing metaphors, language that sounds very fresh in a poem/ story in English. It was truly inspiring.” After teaching at Temple University and various schools along the Northeast, Ms. Straight arrived at The Haverford School, where she plans to apply that same energy and inspiration. Last year, Ms. Straight taught at Haverford in the second semester, halfway through the school year. However, this year, Ms. Straight plans to share her
Page 8
The Index
Sports
September 2015
Fords Fight Valiantly, but Falter Against Nation’s Top Team Drew Sterman ‘16 recaps the thrilling contest between St. Benedicts and Haverford, arguably the best game of high school soccer played in the United States thus far in the season. Drew Sterman ‘16
The stage was set between two of the nation’s top five teams on a beautiful Saturday evening. St. Benedict’s and The Haverford School squared off under the lights at Cabrini College, each accompanied by their rowdy fan section. Both teams got off to quick starts as both teams had shots on target via counter-attacks, capped off by Connor Gregory’s weak footed shot over that flew just over the bar. With senior midfielder Grant Yu out with a foot injury, the Fords’ midfield was often outdueled as it attempted to handle the incredibly skillful players of St. Benedicts. On numerous occasions in the first half the back line, anchored by Jimmi Tricolli and Shane Bradley, bailed out the midfield after several crafty runs from the Benedict’s players. In the second half it seemed as if things changed for the better. In an attempt to create more on the offensive front, Conor Bradley moved forward and pushed the ball up the field. He had some incredible one-twos with winger Jerry Karalis.
performance. Like a magician, he often created oppurtunities from seemingly nothing. He put Benedicts’ defense on its heels, and could have easily bagged a Unfortunately Karalis, who is arguably the brace. Although he did not get the desirable Fords’ best dribbler, was often unable to result, Gregory put a positive spin on the glide past St. Benedicts’ quick defenders game. “We always know that the team we with the same ease as he usually does. have can compete with any team in the The Fords best scoring opportunity came country and even though we never want on a beautiful to lose, we have nothing to free kick from be upset about in terms of Connor Gregory the way we played and the from distance. national reputation we have The curler was built the last few years.” inches awayfrom A Fords’ shot in the being one of the middle of the second half best golazos of that was cleared off the line his Haverford had seemingly hit the arm c a r e e r . of a defender. The referee’s Junior fullback decision to not make a call Connor Gregory has been an offensive Josh Ridenhour Forwardmachine infuriated Coach Brady, and for the Fords thus far. s h o w e d rightfully so. The call would brilliance on both sides of the ball, covering have led to an oppurtunity from the penalty his side of the defence and showing talent spot with a high chance of equalizing. pushing up the field. Freshman Nick Pippis The officiating was far from decent, with showed off his immense speed and workrate the linesmen wrongly calling attacker in his short time in the field, and will likely Matt Mayer offsides on a goal scoring be the Fords best talent in a few years time. opportunity due to the fact that he simply The Fords were, at times, carried by was not paying attention. The refs also striker Connor Gregory’s incredible awarded fouls on less-than-questionable
challenges. The game became chippy relatively quickly, with the Benedicts players going down easily as if they were made of paper mache. Senior Alec Haas left the game late in the first half after a knock from a ferocious collision with the opposition. He returned in the second half, but was visibly hurt and there not at optimal physical performance. A similar situation happened to Conor Bradley in the waning moments of the game, where he struggled to walk after a rough tackle. In the final seconds, Benedict’s scored a relatively sweaty goal on a counter attack after a Haverford last-ditch attack. The home side was visibly deflated, as they should have been. Both sides proved to be worthy of their national ranking, with Benedict’s eventually overpowering their opposition. The Fords must now gear up for league play, hoping to maintain their dynastic reign as champions of the Inter-Ac.
from Ross Harryhill, Harrison White, and John Nelligan in “hole-set,” the position closest to the goal, has carried the team thus far. In order to reach an even more competitive level, perimeter shooting needs to greatly improve so that defenses are forced to pick where to concentrate most
Haverford, Penn Charter, Malvern Prep, and Episcopal Academy– possessing an equal chance to secure the title. If the Fords want to remain in that conversation, improvement is necessary. Sixth Form captain Harrison White hopes to see the team “run a simple, more effective offense” in the future to prevent the static play that can, and has at moments throughout the year, kill momentum. The shaky start to the season has resulted in an increase in focus and determination from the players, who not only want to win for a sixth straight time on EA Day, but also wish to see an Inter-Ac Championship banner hanging in the pool by the time swim season starts in mid-November.
Soccer Recent Scores: 9/24: Haverford 4, St. Augustine 0 9/19: St. Benedict’s 2, Haverford 0 9/16 Haverford 3, Hill School 0 9/13 Berkshire School 1, Haverford 0
Water Polo Deep in Battle for Inter-Ac Crown Alex Sanfilippo ‘16
After losing a whopping twelve seniors, and eighteen players overall, it would be reasonable to assume that expectations for the 2015-2016 water polo team would be drastically lower. Coach Kevin Van Such would disagree. From the first day of preseason, where he announced that the season’s goal would be to “raise another banner,” the team’s quest to end a six year Inter-Ac championship drought has been marked by inconsistent play against a fairly difficult collection of non-league opponents. To those unfamiliar with the fundamentals of Water polo, only six players, excluding the goalie, are in the pool at any given time. A little math will show you that the program lost the equivalent of three full teams. That is a lot of depth departed for Coach Van Such, who enters his fourth year at the helm of the program. Clearly, such enormous turnover is responsible at least in part for the slow start of the team, which has compiled a 3-4 record prior to the Beast of the East tournament beginning September 25th. Offensively, the Fords appear well-suited to vie for the Inter-Ac crown, averaging over 11 goals per game. Dynamic play
were outscored 37-23 in only those two games). So, much like the offense, there have been inconsistencies at the defensive end of the pool. A few factors contribute to this issue: fatigue, poor shot blocking, and a general lack of awareness. Even with superb conditioning, having only 11 Varsity players makes fatigue a factor each game, whether it is a win or loss. The Fords have tendencies to give up goals in two scenarios: when a good hole-set players has space and time or following a perimeter shot after a foul. Part of resolving each of these issues is improving the team’s shot blocking ability, which would remove the burden of having to make a big save Coach Van Such directs his team in a nonleague game. after each shot for Fifth Form of their efforts: in set or along the outside. goalie MJ Tricolli. Finally, while the Fords On the defensive side of the ball, the generate a modest amount of turnovers, Fords concede an average of exactly sharpening the team’s awareness could 11 goals per game, making the losing incite more forced turnovers, which record a bit surprising. However, against leads to greater breakaway opportunities. more formidable opponents like Calvert The road ahead for the Water polo Hall and Souderton, the number of goals team is tough. This year’s Inter-Ac is allowed rises dramatically (the Fords ripe for the taking, with fours schools–
Water Polo Recent Scores: 9/21: Hill School 9, Haverford 8 (OT) 9/18: Haverford 15, Friends Central 7 916: Haverford 13, Hill School 7 9/11: Souderton 19, Haverford 11
Key Games of the Fall Season: Who, When, and Why? Fourth Former Matt LaRocca highlights the “can’t-miss” games of the fall season, and their implications for each team. Matt LaRocca ‘18
September 18th: Football vs. West Catholic Last year, the Fords were Inter-Ac champions, but still were not satisfied with the end result. One game in particular stood out as the most frustrating to the team: a close 24-19 loss to West Catholic Prep at the beginning of last season that prevented the Fords from going undefeated. This season, the Fords have another shot at beating West Catholic Prep. The intensity leading up to the game was high as many football players and coaches saw it to be just like any Inter-Ac game this fall. The team needed to break the four year losing streak against West
Catholic Prep. Before the game, Fourth Former Anthony Reginelli, the nose tackle and center for the team, offered the following,“It is going to be one of the most challenging games for us this year and we want to come out as the victor. Since we are so inexperienced, opponents have lost all respect for us as a football team. We will earn that respect back this year.” On September 18th, The Fords put a definitive win in the books in a 3513 victory over West Catholic at home. The Fords improved to 3-0 on the season and we hope the team continues to find success. September 19th: Soccer vs. St. Benedict’s
St Benedict’s Prep was ranked as the #1 high-school soccer team in the national preseason poll, while Haverford was ranked #4. Last year, Haverford beat St. Benedict’s 1-0 in a thriller, Connor Gregory netting a late, dramatic goal. However, in their rematch under the lights at Cabrini College, the Fords soccer team lost a heartbreaker to St. Benedict’s, 2-0. Says Coach Keefe, “It was the best atmosphere we received besides EA day, the fans were incredible, and the boys put their hardest out on field. We had chances, but sometimes you don’t get result you want. It was a pretty good showing for what high school soccer is like in the US. I left the game not disappointed, but proud.” The Fords soccer team, now ranked as the #8 team in the nation, looks to bounce back and return to winning ways with the start of Inter-Ac play approaching rapidly.
November 14th: Water Polo vs. Episcopal Last year, the Fords polo team suffered a hard-fought defeat away at Episcopal. Yet, the Fords bounced back on EA day and defeated Episcopal at home by a
Haverford water polo prevailed 9-8 in the most thrilling contest of the afternoon. They’ll look to come away victorious again
Page 9
The Index
Sports/Politics
September 2015
Recent Scores? Key Games? Connor Lees ‘17
score of 9-8. Despite the win, the Fords still feel like they have a score to settle on EA day this year. Sixth Form captain Kenny Fitzpatrick states, “For starters, the EA game is on the biggest day of the year for athletics, but for water polo it’s such a key game particularly because we have something to prove. The league, especially Episcopal, came into this season looking down at our team, and Episcopal acts like they have a win in the bag. It’s a key game for us because we see it as an opportunity to silence their arrogance. It’s also a key game because it’s a great indication of how we’ve grown as a team all year long. It represents the culmination of everything we’ve worked hard to do and a good performance on game day would show that this work payed off.” This year, the Fords will get the opportunity to avenge last year’s close loss at Episcopal once more and keep the sweater in front of a large, rowdy crowd of fans. October 20th: Cross Country vs.
Episcopal Cross Country’s big meet this year is against Episcopal on October 20th at home. Last year, the Fords beat the Churchmice on EA Day for the first time in over a decade and the team is focused on getting the same outcome this
after seeing those results.” On October 20th, come out to the Haverford track and watch the cross-country take on Episcopal in an EA-Day preview. Inter-Ac Tournaments: Golf vs Malvern Golf’s biggest Inter-Ac rival this year is
Continue the tradition of the Gentlemen’s Club and support your fellow Fords!
year. Captain Peter Mehridge said, “Our meet against EA on October 20th will be important because we will see how we stack up against them in a dual-meet competition. We will prepare for EA Day
Malvern. Similarly, last year the golf team’s main competition was Malvern in the Inter-Ac tournaments. They lost twice to Malvern, beat them twice, and tied once. When asked about his thoughts on
the match, Fourth Former Tyler Roland had the following to say: “Every match is key. Any slip up can lead to a loss, but we definitely need to play our best against Malvern. They have been knocking on the door for a while with some young talent and our senior leadership last year held them off, but now there young talent is old and now it’s time for some of the younger guys on the team to step up.” Come out and watch the Fords take on Malvern and other Inter-Ac foes.
Football and Golf will continue winning in dominant fashion across the board, especially on November 14th.
Eyeing the 2016 Presidential Race: Who are the Contenders? Will Henderson ‘18
Will Henderson ‘18 offers commentary on the crowded 2016 Presidential race, and projects which candidates are actually worth paying attention to. With the first presidential primary elections just a couple of months away, it’s time to determine which candidates actually have a legitimate shot at winning their party’s nomination. Below is a summary of the Democratic and Republican candidates and their chances of winning their party’s nomination.
this summer. However, if Clinton is guilty, it will sour her reputation and Sanders will mainly concern himself with Biden. Should this happen, Sanders will still have quite a bit to do. First, he must not brand himself as a Socialist (which he has done in the past) because if he does, he will be taken down in campaign ads by the Biden campaign and eventually the Republican nominee’s campaign. Sanders must also Democrats Currently, there are only five candidates be more outgoing so he can increase his for the Democratic Party, but this article media coverage and take away Biden’s will assume that Vice President Joe Biden supporters. Should Sanders increase his popularity and has become more already declared rational in his selfc a n d i d a c y. descriptions, he A l t h o u g h will significantly there are six increase his democrats chances of winning running, only the nomination. three — Hillary Joe Biden, on Clinton, Bernie Though competing for the same Party, Sanders the other hand, will Sanders, and and Clinton are remarkably different have a more straightforward Joe Biden — have double digit polling numbers. Time to toss road to the nomination if Clinton is guilty. Biden, although he has had a handful gaffs out O’Malley, Webb, and Chafee. Currently, Hillary Clinton has the lead and slip-ups as a politician, still is quite amongst the democrats, but her biggest likeable and is much more moderate than problem is her looming email scandal. Sanders. If Hillary Clinton is guilty, then Less than half of Clinton’s emails have Joe Biden needs to drastically increase been released so far, yet over two hundred his support so that he can overtake Bernie have been deemed classified. With Clinton Sanders, who is known for the large crowds scheduled to appear in front of Congress that he gathers at his rallies. Because he is within the next month, it is possible that already so likeable, Biden really just needs she will have to deal with some sort of to put himself more in focus. Should Biden punishment. Even if it is not severe, the increase his spotlight, he will be a tough punishment itself could be a turnoff for her opponent for Bernie Sanders, and he may supporters and pave the way for Sanders or even get the nomination. The fate of Clinton’s email scandal is Biden to win the nomination. Bernie Sanders, the oldest candidate essential to any predictions about who from both the Democratic and Republican will be on the ticket for the Democrats in party is a self described Socialist with a November of 2016. If Clinton is not guilty, net worth that is less than one thirtieth of she will coast to the nomination. But if Donald Trump’s. Sanders will go down Clinton is in fact guilty, the scandal will one of two roads: either Hillary Clinton spell out an entirely different campaign for will be implicated in her email scandal Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. and the Democratic nomination will be between him and Biden, or Clinton will not Republicans At the beginning of September there be penalized and he will have a much more difficult road to the nomination. If Clinton were seventeen people who declared ends up guiltless in her scandal and has no candidacy for the Republican nomination. other major impediments on her road to Although there are now only fifteen left the nomination, she will be on the stage (with the conclusion of Rick Perry and at the DNC convention in Philadelphia Scott Walker’s downhill campaigns) this is
still one of the largest fields in the history not be elected simply because he is a Bush. of America, which means that candidates Ted Cruz doesn’t have much of a chance who are not in the top five to seven in for the presidency because he is a boring, national polls have almost no chance. By vanilla politician. But, Marco Rubio, that logic, it is down to Donald Trump, Ben although he will not win the nomination for Carson, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, president simply because he is not popular and Marco Rubio. Only three Republicans enough, would be a very good running mate who have entered the race for the White because he can relate to Hispanic voters House do not have political experience, but and he is from a key swing state: Florida. all three of those candidates are in the top Whoever wins the Republican nomination five of Real Clear Politics’ polling average. should definitely browse Rubio’s resumé Donald Trump has an average of about because his popularity with Hispanics and 14% higher in national polls than the next his home state could swing the election in closest candidate: Ben Carson. He, for all of the Republicans’ favor. his crudeness, does show that the traditional Carly Fiorina is the only woman in the GOP voter is changing into one that is angry Republican field. A former CEO of HP, with the establishment and wants honest Fiorina has great business sense and is very politics again. Because Trump is running popular among women. Should Fiorina a self-funded campaign, he is who he is; come alive and steal the spotlight more, there are no donors controlling him. But, she could very easily be in the top three for Trump is quite polarizing; people either Republicans. That being said, Fiorina still love him or hate him. Republican voters has a great deal of work to do if she wants would be wise to come to their senses and to be elected. realize that if Donald Trump is the person If Republicans want to win the White on the ballot in November 2016, they may House, they need to reconsider Donald as well give away the election because he Trump and consider Ben Carson. As of now, is polling terribly with Hispanics, black Trump will likely win the nomination, but people, and women. So, another candidate Carson is catching up; he and Trump were comes to mind: Ben Carson. tied in a recent poll in Iowa. It is, frankly, Ben Carson shocking is also a nonthat Bush politician and Cruz who is, too, still have epitomizing a chance. p e o p l e ’ s If Marco frustrations R u b i o with the does not establishment. win the Carson has ticket, the highest net whoever The decision for many rests between forerunner Trump and favorability d o e s Bush. Carson and others look to end that mindset. rating of any should seriously candidate — Republican or Democrat — consider having Rubio as a running mate. and he is polling quite well with minorities. Finally, Carly Fiorina needs to step up her If Trump supporters come to their senses, media coverage in order to have a shot at they definitely should take a look at Carson. winning the nomination. But, it is still very Carson has nearly doubled his lead with early in the campaign and anything could his next closest opponent and is the only happen between now and February. candidate remotely close to Donald Trump. If Trump were taken out of the race, nine out of ten of his supporters would move to Carson. Therefore, if Ben Carson can get in the spotlight more and be a bit livelier, he will be a great challenge to Donald Trump. Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio all average about 7%, but they have a very The first Democratic debate is set for October 13th low chance of winning Republicans over. in Las Vegas Bush, although he looks presidential, will
Page 10
The Index
Sports/Politics
September 2015
Football Sets Sights on Repeating as Inter-Ac Champions The Fords’ journey to defending the Inter-Ac title has started well, as team the sits underfeated at 3-0. Alex Sanfilippo ‘16
Haverford Football finished their 2014 season on top: Inter-Ac champions and EA Day victors by an embarrassing margin. But the reality of how different 2015 would be didn’t set in until the summer. Student Body President Keyveat Postell captured this when he said, “The season is going better than I expected at the end of last year. Losing over twenty seniors, many of whom played a significant role, is obviously a big setback.” The start of the season, however, makes it seem as if the team has been playing together for years. Chemistry is the most undervalued component of a team activity, and though there are many new faces for the Fords, the team is overflowing with it. Sixth Form standout Wide Receiver Dox Aitken recognizes the cohesiveness of the unit: “We’re a really young team that has proved ourselves against tough opponents with more players. It’s a really close group that sacrifices a lot for each other. Our younger guys have stepped up and filled big roles left by graduation.” Ranked #1 in Delaware County, the Fords have an offense that is clicking. Through three games, the Fords have scored a
whopping 130 points. To put that incredible statistic into perspective, Malvern Prep, Haverford’s toughest league competition this season, scored 85 points through three games. Tenacious lineman Frank Cresta equates the team’s success to preparation and execution. He stated,
The Index wishes QB Kevin Carter a speedy recovery
“Going into the season we realized that we did not have many players so we have not taken any team lightly, that’s why we study our opponents and their game plan so that we have a greater chance of winning. The three games we have won were due to execution, toughness, and preparation.” Regardless of the score, it is overwhelmingly apparent to observers in each game that, at the very least, the Fords understand what is necessary to come
away with a victory. If they can continue this model, and execute properly as Cresta mentioned, the team will be difficult to stop. Balancing the running and aerial attacks plays a key role in keeping the high-octane offense efficient and productive. Fifth Former Malik Twyman has proven himself to be a more than capable replacement at running back for departed superstar Phil Poquie. Sixth Former Kevin Carter’s performance after three games deservedly had him in conversation for Delaware County Player of the Year, but, tragically, a gruesome injury suffered in a victory over West Catholic will sideline Carter for the remainder of the year. His teammates, and the entirety of the Upper School, know how unfortunate missing the majority of a season is, and have offered tremendous support to the quarterback. Aitken commented, “Bouncing back without Kevin will be really, tough, but we’re up for the challenge and know we can still get the job done,” while Cresta stated resolutely, “the rest of the season is for him.” Defensively, the Fords have given up 75 points through three games– not an ideal statistic. Given the tremendous offensive production, this has gone relatively unnoticed. However, as the schedule shifts from nonconference to Inter-Ac play, it will be increasingly
important to contain the other dynamic offenses seen throughout the league, particularly Malvern and Germantown Academy’s. Each year the league is full of surprises. Upsets happen and good teams inexplicably falter. The Fords were dealt a huge blow by losing Carter for the season, but the players and coaches are rightfully confident heading into the heart of the season. Repeating as Inter-Ac champions is the goal. It’s certainly within reach.
The Carter-Aitken conntection will be sorely missed this season. Through three games, the two had linked up for three touchdowns.
Joe Biden’s 2016 Campaign: Should he Enter the Field? With the Democratic Nomination up in the air, Joe Biden The second most could capitalize on the faults of the two other candidates. widely covered news story in the However, he has yet to announce any definitive plans. last couple of Will Means ‘16
During the end of March, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas became the first person to announce his bid for the President of the United States, beginning the most exciting election seasons that most of us have ever witnessed. This year, candidates have not held back at all when it comes to fighting for media coverage; we have seen both the likes of Bobby Jindal and Ted Cruz put themselves in the spotlight by featuring themselves on Buzzfeed, Lindsay Graham crush and burn his own phone, and even Hillary Clinton’s infamous email scandal. But we can never forget the billionaire who has attracted more media attention in three months than the Kardashians could in a year: Donald Trump. Ever since day one on the campaign trail during his announcement speech, Trump has proven himself to have no filter when it comes to his opinions, particularly on illegal immigration across the U.S-Mexican border and America’s economic relations with China. The Republican field has proven so far to have candidates that meet the needs of their voters. For example Donald Trump, who is appealing to people who favor the new trend of non-traditional politicians-individuals who have not had any political experience in the past--take office. However, on the other side of the spectrum, the Democratic field has definitely not had its best showing for the election this time around. Only five candidates are entered officially into the race, two of whom so far have been prevalent in the media and are quite well-known among Democratic voters: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Unlike the Republican party, which has quite a few candidates that seem like perfect choices for voters, these two Democratic candidates both have had their fair share of major criticisms, which may make voters think again about who they want as their next POTUS.
give Democrats another choice to consider instead of settling for either Clinton or Sanders, who have their own deal-breaking flaws. And, since numbers don’t lie, the months, of course number of people who would vote for Joe following whatever Trump had to say, was Biden in the Primaries has shot up to 22%, the Clinton email scandal. The scandal according to a Monmouth University poll, has erupted controversy among a wide shrinking the gap between him and his two audience and even from Clinton’s fellow biggest rivals, and putting him above most party-members. Although not illegal, Republican candidates in their separate Clinton’s decision to not use a protected polls. To see how Biden would stack up government server just for her convenience against his rivals, a good look at his time has sparked questions about her capability as VP could help indicate how good of a to be the president President he would and commanderbe. To be honest, in-chief of the Biden’s time in most powerful office was not at country in the all terrible, but it world; after all, was not exceptional if someone can’t either. The lack of responsibly use media coverage an email address, during his terms why should he/ as vice president she be trusted attests to their with running our unremarkability, country? Well, but, on the other this has been Biden has proven to be an adept politician and a foreign hand, not attracting policy master. the question that so much attention to both sides have his office might show pondered for a while now, with Trump of that he hasn’t done anything stupid during course going to the extent of saying that her his two terms. Therefore, Joe Biden really acts were “criminal”, and that he wouldn’t does contrast dramatically in this way from be surprised if she ends up in jail. his predecessor Dick Cheney, who received Sanders, however, has also had issues a huge amount of press under President with raising supporters, most notably when George W. Bush for doing things that have self-proclaiming himself as a “democratic arguably made him one of the worst VPs in socialist”. Sanders’ extreme views may American history. prevent him from being bipartisan with a Even if Joe Biden is a wise decisionRepublican-majority Congress, inhibiting maker in times of stress, which his role any reform or compromise from being of vice president definately tested, just in enacted under his administration. Sanders’ the last year it seems like Biden has lost extreme political views can even be most of his “oomph” factor and excitement compared to Cuba or the Soviet Union, in the political world. One reason for this which we can definitely predict happening waning of his political spirit was that Beau later on the campaign trail, especially from Biden, Joe Biden’s son, recently passed critics like--you guessed it--Donald Trump. away from brain cancer towards the end of The Democratic party’s lack of a May. Beau’s death contributed to possible “full-package” candidate like Donald depression that may prevent him from Trump has launched a movement for Vice running, even though before death Beau President Joe Biden to make a bid for urged his father to pursue a campaign presidency. Biden as a candidate would for POTUS. Biden has had a very long
career in the political world, which may soon come to an end; for 36 years Biden served as a senator from Delaware, and he became one the the main voices of the war against drugs in the 90s, proving that in his younger years he was an especially high-energy politician. However, Joe is already 72 years old, and it really seems like the man has lost interest in the job that he has pursued for most of his life, and instead might be ready for retirement. In fact, recently attending a meeting with Jewish leaders in Florida discussing the Iran Nuclear Deal, Biden expressed his feelings about running when asked if he would put his name on the ballot. Biden responded that he did not have the drive and excitement that he used to have when running for President years ago, which is needed for any candidate to convince voters that he/she is their best choice. This, coupled with his son’s death, is justification for why Biden should not run for the next President of the United states; in the end, it just might be the best decision for America and even Vice President Biden himself. We and America deserve a President that will lead with ambition and a purpose to make America better than ever before, not a man who has lost all of his drive to run the nation. So, it seems that in the end Biden will not/should not run for President even if he is begged to enter the race. Since he has even openly admitted to not having the motivation, like he did years ago, to become President, it just might be best for everybody that he doesn’t run, so that our country is given the leader who is the best fit to govern us. This may be bad news for Democratic voters looking for more options; they are just going to have to settle for the two most popular choices now, but they can still hope that in the next couple of months someone else will enter the race just before the Primaries start in February of next year. And with a little luck, this new person could add a bit of variety and enthusiasm to the Democratic field, which the Republicans are fortunate enough to already have.
Page 11
The Index
Politics
Bernie Sanders’ Socialist Views Will Do No Good
Sixth Former Eli Wachs and Fifth Former Charlie Rahr grapple over Senator Sanders’s radical ideas for a new, equality-based America. Charlie Rahr ‘17
Sometimes presidential candidates challenge the status quo in government and in their own parties. Bernie Sanders, an Independent senator from Vermont, is challenging the status quo of how government is run and he is challenging Hillary Clinton. Once seen as an unlikely candidate for the White House, Sanders has been surpassing Hillary Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire in polls. A self described socialist, Sanders has been resonating across the country with his new and fresh ideas on the economy, healthcare, and social issues. Unfortunately, Sanders has not been resonating with me on many issues. My major gripe with Sanders stems from his economic policies. Sanders favors more government intervention in the economy and more taxation. I firmly believe that government intervention and more taxation on big businesses will not help to improve the economy. More taxes on big businesses will only encourage them to move their company elsewhere, where the tax rate is lower. The United States already has the highest corporate tax rate in the world at 39.1%. It then simply does not make sense to raise the tax rate even higher. After the companies leave, there will be less jobs for the middle class who Sanders supposedly represents. Another criticism I have of Sanders is his support of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Minimum wage increases force companies to lay off employees because they cannot afford to pay them. Also when minimum wages increase, automation takes over. Some may say that automation is inevitable, but a minimum wage increase will expedite the transition to automated businesses even faster. In some areas where the minimum wage has increased, businesses, like McDonald’s, are replacing their cashiers with machines. Most of these minimum wage jobs are held by poorer people who would then be out of work as a result of the wage increase and automation. Another problem I have with Sanders is just his thoughts on expanding the federal government. I believe the federal government doesn’t need to be expanded, it needs to be downsized. It already is highly bureaucratic, bloated, and slow. Sanders’ proposal to grow the federal government would cost at least 18 trillion dollars and would make the government even more bureaucratic. With this expansion comes more regulation on the people of the United States and the companies that do business here. Another complaint I have with Sanders is that he is the definition of a career politician. He has served in the House of Representatives for sixteen years and is currently in the Senate on his eighth year of service. Bernie Sanders represents what is wrong with the Congress, there are few fresh faces. I don’t think our Congress was ever designed to have career politicians, like Sanders, in office for a very long time. Besides Sander’s economic policies, I dislike him because I feel that socialism was never meant to be integrated into American government. Our Founding Fathers did not believe in a socialist style government. Instead, they believed in a capitalist economy with a federal republic as our country’s style
of government. It seems wrong to me that we would betray our country’s founding principles with Sanders. There is one topic I agree with Sanders most on and that is his views on social issues. Like Sanders, I believe that gay marriage should be legal and there needs to be shorter sentences for non-violent drug offenders. I do not agree with Sanders on abortion. I believe that Planned Parenthood should be defunded in contrast to Sanders who believes it should be expanded. I do not think it’s fair that taxpayers are forced to fund Planned Parenthood with their tax dollars even though it goes against their religion. While I do agree that Planned Parenthood does plenty of good for women, I don’t think it should be federally funded. Besides his stances on social issues, I partially like
Why Bernie Sanders is Exactly What America Needs Eli Wachs ‘16
Say it with me: Democratic Socialist. I know the latter of those words makes many Haverford School students shudder like a Browns’ loss. Before I explain what Bernie Sanders affiliating as a Democratic Socialist does mean, let me first explain what it does not mean. It is not communism: that is a total government system where everything is essentially for everybody, which has never been practiced in its truest form. Socialism is an economic system that has for times been practices in specific industries, like collectivization in the USSR and during Mao’s China. Now onto what Democratic Socialism really is. Scandinavian countries-- Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark-- have two especially important things I’d like to point out: they consistently rank as the five happiest countries in the world, and they
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is unequivocally radical in his political stances, but will they work in modern day America?
how his campaign is being funded. His campaign is mostly taking donations from labor unions instead of corporations. Although Sanders isn’t taking money from corporations, the labor unions still act as special interest groups. They are truly not “individuals” giving money to Sanders’ campaign. I was in a labor union, the United Food and Commercial Workers union, and it still gave money to Sanders even though I didn’t want them to. This goes to show that labor unions act on their own, sometimes against the will of their members, to push political agendas. Also, unions can help greatly influence a politician’s decisions in office just like corporations can. Despite my numerous problems with Bernie Sanders, I believe that we both share mostly the same views on social issues. It will be interesting to see how this upcoming election will pan out with a candidate like Bernie Sanders who has unexpectedly challenged Hillary Clinton.
September 2015
Image Courtest of: USA Today Politics
all practice Democratic Socialism, a political ideology with a democratic government that practices progressive, leftist views. Let’s explore why those countries are so happy, and see what elements of their societies Senator Sanders aims to bring to the U.S.A. As you can see on Bernie’s website, https://berniesanders.com/issues/ (where, unlike any other candidate, he puts in print his exact views) his number one issue is Income Inequality. Now after the eye roll of the 5 Haverford non-Index editor students reading this, that does not blatantly mean taking from the rich and giving to the poor. However, the country currently has larger income inequality than it did in the 20’s, before the Depression. The top one tenth of the one percent possesses as much wealth as the bottom 90, and the top 1% has made 58% of our country’s new income since the Wall Street Crash. There are many reasons for this trend, which took its largest spike during the 80’s (*cough cough Regan*). This leads to something tragic: the U.S. has the highest child poverty rate of any developed nation at 32.3 percent. The lowest you ask? Norway, Finland, Denmark Sweden. What does this mean?
It means that ⅓ of our children grow up malnourished, with poor education, with little health care, and an inescapable system of poverty. Bernie intends to help income inequality by first, taxing large corporations who stash money in the Cayman Islands (and places like it), taxing Wall Street speculation, and re-enacting the Glass-Steagall act. With this extra money, he plans to invest 1 trillion dollars over 5 years to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure while putting 13 million Americans to work. He plans on ending NAFTA, CAFTA, and PNTR trade agreements to bring American middle class workers back into the competition, stop forced quotas which handcuff developing nations, and make the global economy fall in such a domino fashion (look no further than the impact of the Shanghai Index on the Dow). He also intends to invest 5.5 billion dollars into a youth jobs program. I will cover more of his broad issues in a further segment, but I will now briefly cover my favorite aspects of his platform. I have a question for those of the student body who (think) “‘Murica is the greatest country in the world.” Should the greatest country in the world be the on a list with only Papua New Guinea as the only countries who don’t guarantee maternity leave. In other words, Saudi Arabia, a country where women can not legally drive, grants maternity leave, but not in this bald eagle kingdom of greatness. Bernie actually realizes family values (which are not anti-abortion and anti-gay rights)-- not forcing women to choose between raising a child and having a job. Bernie also wishes to have paid paternity leave so a child can spend its earliest months with both parents. He would also like us to stop being the only developed country to not offer child care, which is another policy that will improve women’s lives. Furthermore, Senator Sanders wishes to expand social security and health care, so we can give the former to hard working citizens who have put their money into it, and the latter so once again we can stop being the only developed country to not offer an essential right. Lastly, Bernie would like to make community college tuition free, which I will cover in depth in a later issue. At the end of the day, I don’t think we can claim to be the greatest country in the world if we are the only one not to offer basic rights such as health care, maternity and paternity leave, guaranteed education, and above all, a platform where nearly all children have upward mobility. Or...we can build a giant wall.
Have an Opinion on the 2016 Race? Email: index@haverford.org or
georrubi@haverford.org
to Continue the Conversation!
Page 12
The Index
September 2015
The Outdex
Recently at Haverford...
Ryan Conway ‘16, Connor Gregory ‘16, Kenny Fitzpatrick ‘16, Chris Ambrosio ‘16, Andrew Lengel ‘17, Walter Paiva ‘16, Wayne Hester ‘16, Jake Barroway ‘16, Justin Shah ‘16, Jeremy Stern ‘16, Charlie Lesko ‘16, Gabe Newton ‘16, Alex Sanfilippo ‘16, Drew Sterman ‘16, Ethan Delehman ‘16
Mr. Green was spotted in the Lower School attempting to teach a Jr. K class. When one of the children started to cry, he screamed SERENITY NOW until order was restored. Drew Sterman has yet to realize we are laughing at him, not with him. Ryan Tino continues to scour the school for a formidable opponent to freestyle rap against. No adversaries have yet been discovered. After joining his sixth club and applying to service board once again, Kenny Fitzpatrick was asked by Mr. Graan if he was just doing these things for college. Kenny responded by evaporating into nothingness. Rumors of Dennis Arms imminent return continue to fill the hallways of Haverford; when questioned about it’s thoughts of the arrival, the Tech Department stated they are “extremely worried” and “uncomfortable.” Chef Jon smiled the other day. When asked about how to keep freshman out of the library, Sixth Former Guy Wuollet emphatically suggested that “we need to build a wall.” We suppose senioritis gets to everyone at some point. Matt Chow was seen going to bed before 3 AM the other day. Running from the sideline to get the crowd “hype” at the St. Benedict’s game was the most running Jeremy Stern has done since 6th grade. Sean Hughes finally attended his first class of the year on Tuesday. He then left early for a squash tournament. This just in: Every coach is quitting after the Class of 2016 graduates. Be sure to wish Cameron Miller a happy birthday tomorrow as he turns 11. When asked to give his opinions on the new Southwestern Baguette from Sodexo, Senior William Martinelli took a long pause and responded, “yes.” In other news...Grant Yu stayed awake for an entire class period this past Monday. An unnamed source tells the Outdex that what many believed to be Mr. Keefe’s son Patrick is actually just his Keurig coffeemaker. John Stroud and Mark Hightower have announced the drop of their ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ mixtape to be debuted at the winter concert. Keyveat’s Hair: Freshman year vs Senior Year.