September 2024 Index

RCell phone restrictions define opening days

e-entering Wilson Hall for the 2024-2025 school year, students will not be permitted to use or access their cell phones or smart watches during school hours.

Upper school students have no memory of life before the existence of the iPhone. First released in 2007, Apple’s product and subsequent iterations of smartphones have grown ubiquitous. In an era when cell

phones have become almost an extension of ourselves, the announcement of the school’s new cell phone-free campus has sent ripples through student ranks.

As students clutch their devices with mixed emotions, and the school administration prepares for the shift, questions loom large: Will this drastic measure bring focus back to the classroom? Will it create new opportunities for connection and community-

Soccer captains to develop young team’s chemistry

The Fords soccer team, colloquially known as “Fords Footy,” is coming off of back-to-back Inter-Ac championship seasons, as well as a victory on EA Day.

“We are considerably the team to beat,” Sixth Form captain Luca Aloi said. “Most teams will expect a lot from us, so this year, more than the others, our main focus is to win a third Inter-Ac title.”

Last June, Fords Footy graduated eighteen Sixth Formers from the starting roster, leaving a gap for younger athletes to fill.

“We will be a completely different team from the past two seasons,” Head Coach Mr.

Keith Cappo said. “My goal is to help us find our own identity and, with that identity, compete for another Inter-Ac title.”

Sixth Form captain Nicholas Nekoumand believes that strong leadership will allow the team to find the team’s identity.

“I want to encourage the other seniors on the team to step up and lead this year,” Nekoumand said. “I feel that if this senior class can do the same [as last year] we will have a good chance of winning again.”

con’t. on p. 15

building in our technology-saturated world? Will the implementation of the new system benefit students and school operations? Or is denying the reality of cell phones’ place in our personal and future professional lives a reactionary choice that will not prepare boys for life?

In August, Head of Upper School Mr. Mark Fifer announced the new policy, which he called “perhaps the most consequential

programmatic change for the coming school year.”

con’t. on p. 3

Upper School Head Mr. Mark Fifer speaks with faculty members about the new phone policy

Elliot Lee ’25

Ian Rosenzweig ’25 and Connor Simpkins ’25

Luca Aloi ’25 during

year’s game against Episcopal Academy on

2024–2025 Staff

Ian Rosenzweig ’25

Editor-in-Chief

Connor Simpkins ’25

Editor-in-Chief

Elliot Lee ’25

Senior Managing Editor

Milan Varma ’25

Senior Managing Editor

Liam French ’25

Managing Editor

Abdullah Kanchwala ’25

Managing Editor

Tom Saul ’25

Managing Editor

Ajay Chakraborty ’26 News Editor

Ayush Varma ’27 News Editor

Ryan Wang ’26 Features Editor

Matt Lo ’27 Academics Editor

Adam Brown ’27

Neighborhood Editor

Ryan Hu ’26

Campus Opinions Editor

Peter McConnell ’26

Campus Opinions Editor

Grayson Morgan ’26

Off-Campus Opinions Editor

Michael Bartholdson ’25

Off-Campus Opinions Editor

Luke Ganley ’25 Arts Editor

Quinn Sullivan ’25

Senior Sports Editor

Nate Gill ’26

Junior Sports Editor

Ms. Emily Harnett Faculty Advisor

Mr. Thomas Stambaugh Faculty Advisor

The Index is a student-run publication of the Haverford School that does more than bring news: it provides the diverse perspectives of the Haverford student body. It is an outlet for student writers to take stands on issues they deem important. It chronicles the daily struggles and accomplishments of the Haverford community. The Index also provides a forum for discussion of pertinent issues, such as student culture, academic policy, and Haverford’s place in world affairs. The Index presents new ideas and aspires to influence constructive change.

All opinions and viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of The Index or the school. The Index is designed and produced digitally. Photographs may be retouched. Submissions and letters to the editors regarding any and all articles are welcomed at index@haverford.org

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

Contact The Index: 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041 index@haverford.org

Twitter: @Haverford_Index

Instagram: @Haverford_Index Volume 92, No. 1 - September 4, 2024

editorial

Choose to lean in

Haverford’s mission statement includes a list of essential qualities of a graduate. Among the qualities listed are thinking critically, communicating effectively, and expressing intellectual curiosity.

A Haverford graduate is also expected to demonstrate strong moral character and be compassionate and resilient. These qualities take work to cultivate. We can choose to foster them in ourselves.

The academic year begins with newer, more restrictive cell-phone policies. While we have no control over the rules, we can control our response.

Talking about integrity and honor is easy. Putting those virtues to work is not. We can complain about the cell-phone ban, or we can lean into the community—into each other—and make the best of it.

Take a chance on a club, a sport, or even a new lunch table. Put forth effort in class.

Capitalize on the opportunities with which you are presented.

This year will not be without its challenges. Our community can choose to prioritize academic discourse over political tension. We can choose civility over rancor. We can choose unity over division.

Haverford is not a community of character without men of character. Choose to build up the brotherhood.

Letter from the student body president

Dear Fords,

Seeing all my fellow Class of 2025 Fords as Sixth Formers has been shocking, to put it lightly. One day, I’m sitting on the bleachers listening to Mitav Nayak ’22 give his speech on teamwork, and the next I’m in his same position.

Getting to this point and looking back has given me mixed feelings. On the one hand, I’m happy to be wrapping up high school. I’m excited to enter the next chapter of my life. But on the other hand, the memories I have here I never want to move

away from. It has put into perspective for me that the rest of the 2025 class. I only have nine months left at this school. I don’t want to leave with regrets.

To all the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Formers, I encourage you to put yourself out there. Your time, while seeming forever, is limited, so leave your all in whatever you’re passionate about. This extends to people too.

The people you meet at Haverford will be some of the most extraordinary people you will meet in your life, so don’t pass up the opportunity to talk to new people.

When you all are walking the stage of graduation, I want the only feelings you have

to be joy and contentment.

Sixth Formers, it’s our last ride, so make sure you understand what that means. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to pass on to the next classes? How will you fulfill your own goals? These are all questions that you should be asking.

Make every day special.

Thank you, Josh Williams

2024-25 Editors-in-Chief Ian Rosenzweig ’25 and Connor Simpkins ’25

Josh Williams ’25

Phone

policy, cont. from first page

Each of Haverford’s three divisions is implementing a different strategy to prohibit phone use on campus. In an email to the school community, Mr. Fifer explained, “our primary objective [is] to make sure that each boy has a transformative school experience so that he leaves us with a set of lifelong relationships and with a new understanding of who he is and what he is capable of.”

Mr. Fifer continued, “We know that our boys yearn for connection, community, and authentic engagement, and [we] have concluded that boundaries on phones during the school day will loosen the grip of the virtual world, thereby creating opportunities for better learning and relationships in the real world.”

To that end, secure Yondr pouches have been issued to every student. Students are required to place their phones (and smartwatches) into their Yondr pouch before the start of the school day, no later than 8:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Wednesday).

Students will maintain possession of their device (locked in its pouch), but access to cell phones and/or smart watches is prohibited until the pouches are opened at unlocking stations at the end of the school day at 3:15 p.m. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouches to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouches at all times.

The new policy expands on the school’s initial attempt to address the distractions caused by cell phone use. Last year, students were required to place their phones in a caddy during class time. The caddy system addressed concerns about phone usage during class, but it did not address the use of phones in communal spaces, like the cafeteria, library, the Big Room, and in-between classes.

In an Index interview last September, Form Dean and Spanish teacher Ms. Brooke Kenna said, “Sometimes you’ll walk through the lunchroom and there’s ten kids sitting together, but they’re not talking with each other, they’re all on their phones.”

This community-building aspect of phone restriction is a main consideration of school administrators. “One teacher was telling me that the policy will be a silver bullet into changing the culture of this place,” Dean of Students Mr. Luqman Kolade said. “Passing moments are going to be so much better, and what Haverford kids say they want will manifest.”

In developing the policy, the administration conducted extensive research and relied on several expert sources. One particularly impactful resource was the book The Anxious Generation by psychologist Jonathan

Haidt, a thought leader on phone-free environments.

In the book, Haidt notes, “Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable, and unsuitable for children and adolescents.”

The school’s administration and faculty are not alone in their growing concern about the distraction of cell phones and the impact of social media on students.

In June of this year, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote in an opinion piece for The New York Times, “It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe.”

While a social media warning label has yet to be implemented, Dr. Murthy’s concerns, which he first articulated in 2023, have been heeded.

According to Education Week, “at least 12 states have passed laws or have policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools statewide or recommend local districts enact their own bans or restrictive policies.”

While Pennsylvania has not yet enacted a statewide ban, the 2024-2025 state budget, passed in July, amends the School Safety and Mental Health grant program to allow for the purchase of lockable cell phone storage bags. Haverford is currently exploring the possibility of using state grant money to subsidize future costs related to the cell phone pouches.

Nationwide, students themselves report concerns. One survey of high school students on classroom cell phone use found that 38% recommend that high schoolers themselves not have access to cell phones during class time.

Reaction to the new policy among Haverford students has varied.

Fifth Former Colin Toth expressed support. “I definitely understand why they are doing it,” he said. “Phones are a distraction everywhere in the upper school, from common spaces to classrooms. I do think student life will be improved as students will be engaging with each other.”

Another comedian, Judy Gold, explains, “You are a part of our creative process. And you need to understand that if you are going to be in the audience, have respect for the artist.”

Teaching and education are also an art. In that way, teachers and schools also require the attention of their audience—students. Few students have experienced a full day of high school without the distraction of a phone, and the shift may trigger a steep learning curve laden with disciplinary action.

How the school will address implementation challenges for the new policy remains to be seen. While the policy clearly outlines disciplinary responses for certain scenarios, using a three-part response that starts with detention and moves to suspension, the policy does not address everything.

Scenarios such as students placing fake items in the pouch to make it seem like a phone is inside, students damaging the pouches, or students buying unlocking magnets are all possibilities.

Beyond these actions, which directly violate the restriction of cell-phone access, loopholes abound.

cate time to regulating phone use. Cell-phone policy violations will be managed through the Dean of Students. Teachers have no ability to exempt students from the new policy or give permission for phone use.

Despite the potential benefits of the new policy, students do have doubts. Many students have raised concerns relating to their pre-existing organizational and study habits. Sixth Former Mason Wiegand explained that while he recognizes that the policy will improve school culture, he is troubled by, “the vast amount of small inconveniences” that the policy creates. “I can’t record, take pictures of school work, [or]email a teacher from anywhere easily,” he said.

Similarly, Fourth Former Grant Kim noted, “[The policy] might just change the way I have to check my schedule.”

The policy that has been communicated to the community is detailed and supported by professional analysis—including a 135page “Collaborative Review”—but the administration is aware of the negative aspects of the change.

Sixth Former Alex Krey said, “Given that the phone caddies last year didn’t totally pan out, the new policy is probably a good idea, but especially for the senior class, [the policy] seems unfair, considering the challenges this creates to our off-campus privileges.”

It is not just schools that are cracking down on cell phone use. Cell phone restrictions are growing in other venues, especially in the performing arts. Live performance venues are increasingly using pouch systems to ensure a disruption-free experience for audiences.

Comedian Dave Chapelle was one of the first performers to restrict the use of phones at his shows. When purchasing a ticket to his events attendees must check a box agreeing to his terms, “THIS IS A CELL PHONE FREE EVENT. We’re making shared memories. With your confirmation, you agree to place your phone in a locked pouch which you keep throughout the evening. If you need to use your phone, return to the distribution tent at the entrance. Anyone caught using a cell phone during the show will be immediately ejected.”

“Unfortunately, I think many students will just find ways to loophole the restrictions,” Toth said. “Apple laptops and tablets have the same advantages as cellphones. In fact, it was very common for me to see students on [social media] apps in class last year.”

Addressing those potential loopholes, science teacher and Character Mentorship Program advisor Mr. Chris DiBello said, “We talked a lot about integrity last year, and I think that’s what we’re asking students to understand. The expectation is that you are going to be following the rules of the school.”

Mr. Kolade acknowledged that policy enforcement is going to present challenges.

“It’ll be messy at first, but I’m here for it,” he said. “Very few students would admit to being addicted to their phones. If you’re trying to find a way around this, you’re clearly saying you have a problem, and it’s our job to help you fix that.”

One benefit of the new policy is that because the expectations are uniform throughout the upper school, and expectations are clear, teachers should no longer need to dedi-

Mr. Fifer defends the policy using a “cost-benefit analysis.” He argues that any downside, or cost, is outweighed by the potential for positive outcomes that the policy offers.

Applying his cost-benefit analysis, Mr. Fifer reasons that the downsides of the policy are well worth the positive outcomes he expects.

“In my mind, the benefit of establishing…a phone-free school day outweighs those things that students were using phones for,” Mr. Fifer said.

He further explained that, while there is “some utility to smartphone-enabled lessons,” the school is willing to absorb the “negative by-products to abide by the policy.”

Although the administration is committed to the effective implementation of the policy, Mr. Fifer recognizes that a need for adaptation and adjustment may arise.

“I can imagine the policy needs to be responsive,” he said.

“We are confident that adopting a policy that supports a phone-free school day will allow our boys to be right where we want them to be: fully present and engaged in the pursuit of their academic, extracurricular, and social-emotional growth,” Mr. Fifer said.

New Yondr pouches distributed to students on opening day

Bridge Program creates unity in transition

Ayush Varma ’27

The Bridge Program is a tradition designed to welcome new incoming Third Formers to the upper school community. This longstanding tradition is pivotal in helping new students grow acclimated to the brotherhood and upper school expectations.

The Signet Society, a group of peerelected Sixth Form student leaders, worked with Upper School Head Mr. Mark Fifer and Dean of Students Mr. Luqman Kolade to organize the event in June.

During the program, students participated in icebreakers to get to know one another and begin forming classwide bonds.

“It’s both a transformational and a nutsand-bolts program to prepare the boys.”

MR. STEPHEN CLORAN

The Bridge Program is part of a larger effort by the school to focus on community building and cultivating peer relationships.

“The Bridge Program is an integral part of the orientation experience for our brand new Third Formers,” Third Form Dean Mr. Stephen Cloran said.

“It’s both a transformational and a nuts-and-bolts program to prepare the boys. When I talk to the boys during the early weeks of school, they all comment on how helpful and rewarding the Bridge Program was. Mr. Kolade does such a great job leading this critical orientation experience.”

This program is one of several ways the school works to welcome Third Form stu-

dents to the community.

Another welcome event is the Third Form orientation and family breakfast taking place on Tuesday, September 3, the day before opening day. Students and their parents or guardians gather for breakfast to meet fac-

ulty and key contributors to Third Former’s school year.

In his email to the community outlining back-to-school events and procedures, Mr. Fifer wrote, “After the breakfast, the Third Form boys will remain until 1:15 p.m.

during which they will proceed through an orientation program that will allow them to meet their teachers, advisors, and student leaders and learn more about the upper school program.”

Cell phone FAQs with Mr. Fifer

Students from Haverford and AIS participate in the Bridge Program, June 24-27

MS. SARAH LEONARD

Mr. Mark Fifer poses with a Yondr unlocking station INDEX STAFF

Ms. Elizabeth Downing looks forward to reconnecting with Haverford

Finding the right fit in a college is a difficult and tedious process. The school’s college counseling office has prioritized that process since its inception, a practice that will only continue as Ms. Elizabeth Downing joins the college counseling team.

Ms. Downing joins the team as an Associate Director. She will also serve as a Third Form advisor.

Holding a B.A. and M.S.Ed. from The University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Downing

most recently served as Associate Director of University Advising at Aiglon College, an international boarding school in Switzerland. Prior to her international post, Ms. Downing spent fifteen years working in the Office of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, serving in a variety of roles, including Senior Associate Dean of Admissions.

Ms. Downing’s achievements and career speak for themselves.

She is deeply experienced in both the admissions and application process, giving

her unique insight into college placement. However, Ms. Downing’s journey in the field was not always planned.

“I fell very backwards into working in admissions at Penn after I finished my undergraduate degree there,” Ms. Downing said. “It was going to be a one-year job. I thought I’d see the secret sauce of who gets in and why. Then I’d go get my ‘real job,’ whatever that meant. I ended up being at Penn for sixteen years. And I just really enjoyed the work. It was fun to represent my alma mater.”

After gaining experience and knowledge in the college landscape, Ms. Downing noticed how much the process varied for students and schools nationwide.

“It was also really rewarding to be able to travel the world and visit high schools and meet students and understand the different life experiences they were having compared to another country or even just a school down the street, right? They can vary so much, but at the same time, appreciate that when you’re seventeen or eighteen-years old, you also share a lot in common,” Ms. Downing said. “‘What am I wanting to make a difference in the world?’ Curious about where life will take you full of hopes and aspirations. It’s just really fun. A fun environment to be around.”

Ms. Downing’s shift from her position at the University of Pennsylvania into the world of college counseling was driven by the same student-interactive passion that brought her to admissions in the first place.

“I loved reading student stories in their application, but given my long tenure at

Penn, I had risen to managerial and leadership positions [...] and as such that meant I wasn’t working as closely with students anymore, and I missed that connection,” Ms. Downing said. “So I sought to do college counseling, to apply everything that I had learned in terms of seeing how the sausage is made, and who gets in, to then really help students.”

Leaving Aiglon College, Ms. Downing is excited to join the Haverford community – a community she had experienced before and came to love.

“Going back to my Penn days, I did recruit students at Haverford, meaning I came to campus at least once a year, and I read all of the applications from Haverford. I usually set aside the Haverford students to read first because I really enjoyed how multifaceted their applications were.”

These multifaceted applications—and the students who write them—set Haverford apart for Ms. Downing.

“I don’t think a Haverford boy, a Haverford young man, can be defined in one way, except perhaps by using the word gentleman,” Ms. Downing said. “I thought they were always just lovely individuals, but I really appreciated that they couldn’t be defined by just being an athlete or just being a scientist, or insert whatever word you want into that. I think they were truly Renaissance men who could not only spread across areas, be it arts and athletics or classics and sciences, but they were celebrated in their community for doing such. And I thought that those were really students with whom I wanted to work.”

Ms. Aki Torii brings a fresh perspective to upper school arts

The upper school visual art program provides students with a range of opportunities to grow their skills and expand their perspectives.

Ms. Aki Torii, who comes to Haverford from Delaware College of Art and Design, hopes to inspire this creative exploration.

“Hopefully, we can have more in-depth conversations,” Ms. Torii said. “Art is so personal.”

Ms. Torii will teach 2D art this year, but her portfolio is expansive.

“I define myself as a multidisciplinary artist,” Ms. Torii said. “I work with anything and everything.”

As she extends this versatility to the community this year, Ms. Torii hopes to expose students to the vibrant art culture the Philadelphia area has to offer.

“I hear the field trip is not a struggle to get, so if I could take people out to check out the art museums and galleries, I would love, love, love to do that,” Ms. Torii said.

Ms. Torii is also looking forward to the opportunities that Haverford’s art programs provide.

“This is like an artist’s dream, in a way, especially art teachers, just because of the amount of materials that are available and can be offered to the students,” Ms. Torii said. “That blows my mind.”

But the art studios are not the only elements of Haverford with which Ms. Torii hopes to engage.

“I really love the culture,” she said. “This will be my first time teaching all

boys… and I’ve seen a lot of female youth artists. This is going to be in a way new, but my understanding is that everybody’s sort of part of the community, and they understand that and also know that it’s a privilege. That’s kind of neat and attractive. When I was in

high school, that wasn’t necessarily the case for me.”

Haverford’s unique inclusivity of and commitment to artistic education provide a space for expression and creativity and allow students to engage across disciplines.

“I’m curious about the wholesomeness of the students,” Ms. Torii said. Ms. Torii hopes to use her role to foster creative spirit.

“I hope that I can be supportive for everybody,” she said.

INDEX STAFF

Ms. Beth Downing

Milan Varma ’25

Ms. Aki Torii

Ian Rosenzweig ’25

Ms. MeeRee Orlandini: Philly native and creative writer

English class is a special place for many. It is where some of the most meaningful and impactful discussions take place. However, no English classroom is complete without a unique English teacher.

This year, Haverford welcomes Ms. MeeRee Orlandini, who will teach English II and III.

Ms. Orlandini started her teaching journey during high school at the University of the Arts. In its summer institute, she assisted in the Creative Writing program. Then, she continued on with creative writing, teaching and coordinating the program.

After earning her BFA, Ms. Orlandini taught first and third grade at Germantown Friends School before temporarily relocating to the University of Amsterdam for her Master’s in English Literature.

Ms. Orlandini sees books as not only a tool for learning but also as a way of expression.

“As a learner and an educator, I really cherish books for the narratives and worldviews they offer,” Ms. Orlandini said. “I enjoy thinking of language as a medium in which we can express ourselves, our histories, and our corners of the world.”

Ms. Orlandini shared an important lesson about a few books that she has acquired.

“I’ve learned that not every book will be

your favorite, of course, but often those are the ones you find yourself getting the most out of,” she said. “Those are the books and reading experiences that stick with you. For me, I am especially and specifically referring to Joyce’s Ulysses and Shakespeare’s Henry IV.”

Creative forms of expression inside the classroom are impactful to Ms. Orlandini, due to her studies and degree in Creative Writing.

“To this day, one of my favorite moments in class has been hearing a just-written poem read aloud for the first time,” Ms. Orlandini said.

Ms. Orlandini is also involved with creative writing outside of the classroom.

“I try my hardest to be a practicing writer, poet, editor, and critic, especially in

Ms. Katharine Hudson returns

the Philadelphia community,” Ms. Orlandini said.

“I grew up in the area and have always admired the values and community of the Haverford School.”

MS. MEEREE ORLANDINI

In addition to creative writing, Ms. Orlandini enjoys movies, Philadelphia sports, hiking, and road trips. She especially enjoys outdoor activities in the fall when the leaves change. Her current favorite hobby, howev-

Physics is the building block of all the natural sciences. It explains the forces and energy of everyday life. Physics encompasses the cornerstones of science and math.

“Physics helps us better understand our world and universe,” Ms. Katharine Hudson said. Ms. Hudson will return to Haverford this year after a three-year hiatus. She is teaching Physics and Applied Physics. She received her B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics from Kent State and her M.S. in Physics from Drexel University.

Ms. Hudson has spent the last 20 years teaching in the Philadelphia area.

“My favorite part about being a teacher are the conversations that pop up in a classroom that require curiosity and continued practice of critical thinking skills and working through the scientific thinking process-

er, is working as a jeweler’s assistant.

“It’s relaxing and fun to do hands-on work and pay attention to process and detail very differently than I would writing or reading,” Ms. Orlandini said.

As a local, Ms. Orlandini was drawn to many aspects of Haverford.

“I grew up in the area and have always admired the values and community of The Haverford School,” Ms. Orlandini said. “I have known it to be a wonderful institution for boys, a fierce competitor in athletics, and a strong community of values.”

Ms. Orlandini most looks forward not only to meeting students, but seeing how her students express themselves “through literary and creative writing skills, but also beyond.”

es,” she said.

In Ms. Hudson’s classroom, students will be encouraged to engage in scientific discussions in order to develop a new understanding of how the world around them “physically” functions.

“The boys at Haverford have freedom, spaces, and opportunities to explore their genuine selves and take risks in a way that co-ed spaces don’t always allow.”

MS. KATHARINE HUDSON

Ms. Hudson is excited about the opportunity to teach in a single-sex environment.

“The boys at Haverford have freedom, spaces, and opportunities to explore their genuine selves and take risks in a way that co-ed spaces don’t always allow,” Ms. Hudson said.

Haverford fosters a scientific community that celebrates knowledge and students’ passions.

Ms. Hudson plans to host large class discussions and challenge student’s scientific thinking skills.

She looks forward to meeting her new students and hopes the boys can walk out of her classroom having learned something new every day.

INDEX STAFF

Ms. MeeRee Orlandini

Adam Brown ‘27

Ms. Katharine Hudson

Tommy Gowen ’26

The Morocco experience: more than just a photography trip

Ryan Wang ’26

From June 11-17, a diverse group of students from the upper school traveled to Morocco. The group landed in Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest city, then traveled to Rabat, the nation’s capital. Later, they traveled to the rural areas of Morocco as well as other smaller cities to understand the country as a whole.

Many students appreciated the architecture present in Morocco.

“The compact and creative usage of the land they had in the cities stuck out to me the most,” Sixth Former Unnav Sharma said. “The buildings, rooms, and even staircases were in different shapes. It wasn’t boxy and super organized like in America.”

Some restaurants were situated on roofs. The different format allowed for interesting photography. Visual Arts Teacher Ms. Kristin Brown was fascinated by the tile work.

But the group explored much more than architecture. “It’s hard to go with a set goal of just one thing, especially when you’ve never been to the place before,” Ms. Brown said.

“At first, I thought I was going to be grossed out by it, but it helped me understand the significance of the lamb sacrifice and further appreciate the cultrue and religion.”

AARON BONAPARTE ’25

Many Muslim students participated in the trip to Morocco, where 99% of the population follows Islam. Sharma, who is Muslim, got to experience his religion more

fully. Muslims pray five times a day following a prayer call, which is done from a minaret, a tall tower where the muezzin calls the Muslims to prayer. Since there are fewer practicing Muslims in America, there are no official prayer calls. “I have to play the prayer call on my phone,” Sharma said. However, in Morocco, Sharma was able to experience the full prayer-call experience.

Sixth Former Aaron Bonaparte, who

has Muslim family in America, experienced the lamb sacrifice with his homestay family.

“At first, I thought I was going to be grossed out by it, but it helped me understand the significance of the lamb sacrifice and further appreciate the culture and religion,” Bonaparte said.

It also helped him appreciate the ability to practice one’s religion more. “Many families in Morocco cannot do the lamb sacrifice because of the cost of lambs. I saw my homestay family was very thankful and appreciative to have the opportunity to fully pursue their religion, and I think it’s something that is very beautiful that we often take for granted.”

“I

found that we were actually a lot more similar than I expected. We enjoyed the same video games, movies, music, and shared many interests.”

UNNAV SHARMA ’25

It also helped students become more appreciative of the items that they have. “Putting myself in the shoes of someone who didn’t have the same things as me helped me think about and appreciate what I do have a lot more,” said Fifth Former Riyadh Rolls.

Throughout the trip, the students were able to build many meaningful connections not only within themselves but also with the locals and their homestay families.

“I enjoyed talking with the kids in my homestay family. I found that we were actually a lot more similar than I expected,” Sharma said. “We enjoyed the same video games, movies, music, and shared many interests.”

The students on the Morocco trip had many different personalities and backgrounds.

“I was worried that this would interfere with the trip and make it less enjoyable,” Bonaparte said. “I was actually a bit shocked at how well we got to know each other during the trip, and this made the trip a lot more enjoyable.”

Sixth Former Cameron Ward had a similar opinion.

“We needed a sense of community in the group because of how intense the entire experience was from being in a foreign country,” Ward said.

These connections extended past the group of students. “Being away from my family for an extended period in a whole new country made me appreciate my family even more,” Ward said.

This stuck even more with the members of the group who had just graduated and would be moving out for college at the end of the summer. “In all, the trip helped me realize how important it is to surround yourself with the right people, people that you feel comfortable around,” Ward said.

In Morocco, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is illegal, and some students who traveled, including Bonaparte and Ward, are gay. However, it wasn’t as much of a problem as they expected.

“While I had to tone down my actions, the LGBTQ+ legislation was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be,” Bonaparte said.

Ward agreed. “My sexuality wasn’t on the forefront of my mind throughout the vast majority of the trip, and I was able to have a fun and worry-free experience,” he added. “It made me appreciate being able to express myself freely in most places in America since Morocco does outlaw homosexuality.”

The trip also served as an opportunity for students to hear a more unbiased take on American politics from those living there.

“They weren’t trying to push a Democratic or Republican agenda when they talked about politics,” Ward said. It was refreshing to hear for many students, especially with the 2024 presidential election coming up.

LUKE GANLEY ’25

A detail from a photograph of a silhouetted figure in the Hassan II Mosque

A Fez street scene

CAMERON WARD ’25

Minaret of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

LUKE GANLEY ’25

Riyadh Rolls ’26 (left) and Luke Ganley ’25 (right) with a Moroccan host family

TJ ROMERO ’25

Chefchaouen windows

UNNAV SHARMA ’25

Moroccan goats

academics

Rising Sixth Formers pursue academic research

Apart from summer work, college applications, sports, and deserved rest, several Sixth Formers were busy partaking in internships over the summer.

Whether researching cells in viral infections or getting a sense of what an office job is like, summer internships for high schoolers are a great way to learn new skills and gain real-world experience.

Sixth Former Harry Koenig, who in-

terned at Jefferson Health, found his internship beneficial.

“The internship for me was really important to figure out what I wanted to do in college and beyond, because it gave me real experience and helped me understand a career I was thinking about,” Koenig said.

This summer, Koenig worked with Sixth Formers Finn Kelly, Elliot Lee, Cameron Smith, and Phineas Manogue at Jefferson

Robotics team attends special event

Over he summer some of the best Vex Robotics Competition (VRC) teams in the world competed in the Mall of America located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Haverford School’s robotics team, the Cavalry, was among them. The Cavalry sent three teams led by coach Mr. Adam Myers to the Minneapolis signature event.

Before the tournament, the robotics teams were hard at work constructing their mechanical marvels. “Our team would try to meet during shop hours, and we coordinated times outside of shop hours to work on the robot,” Fourth Former Brandyn Luong said.

When building a robot, many changes may be made during construction.

“We were good on time until late July because we ran into an issue with our front ramp, requiring us to redesign within the last few days,” Luong said. “We were able to get it done. However, it compromised our code.”

A day after the robotics team arrived in Minneapolis, they headed to the tournament, met in the pits, and found out their schedules.

“In terms of match pairings, they were well spaced out, and we were on time for each of our matches,” Luong said. “We faced some difficult opponents, which happens because of the random pairings.”

This tournament is particularly special,

Health and the University of Pennsylvania. Their work consisted of biology and chemistry research.

“The overall goal of our lab was to research viral infection after orthopedic implants such as a hip replacement,” Koenig said. Each student was then given specific tasks to complete, helping the students get a sense of what research is like.

“I chose to partake in this program because of hearing about similar work that Haverford students had done.”

HARRY KOENIG ’25

Koenig mentioned that Haverford played a big role in pushing him toward this internship program.

“I chose to partake in this program because of hearing about similar work that Haverford students had done,” Koenig said. “In addition, a Haverford graduate also worked at Jefferson and the lab I interned at.”

Koenig added that his chemistry and biology classes put him in a better position for his work over the summer.

“[Chemistry and biology classes at Haverford] were able to incorporate material on things that are actually done in most labs today,” Koenig said. “In addition, we were able to perform our own experiments, which helped me adapt easier to the environment

in the lab.”

Similarly, Sixth Former Zach Dixon had an opportunity to intern at the endocrinology wing at CHOP Hospital, studying how different substances can trigger hyperinsulinism, which is a rare disorder.

Dixon worked with two MD-Ph.D.s conducting experiments and working with animals to gather data towards their research.

Working four-to-seven hours a day, five days a week, Dixon gained experience in a field he is interested in for college and beyond.

“I intend to go pre-med, so learning how to work in a biology lab is very beneficial,” Dixon said. “On top of that, [my internship] helped me get a sense of what a profession as a researcher might look like. Because of what I learned from the lab, I am in a better position for college and any career beyond that.”

Not all internships have to revolve around intense and rigorous research, however.

Sixth Former Matthew Yerger had an internship at a law firm in Philadelphia. Apart from doing moderate office work, the main reason he took this opportunity, he said, was “shadowing the lawyers I got to sit in on depositions and watch expert witnesses testify.”

“This internship more than anything was mostly me trying to get a basic understanding of the dynamics of a law office and what being a lawyer actually looks like,” Yerger said. “I am grateful I took the time to get a basic understanding of the profession I want to go into.”

as it is the beginning of the VRC season. These matches set the stage for how teams approach future tournaments.

“Although our team had faced difficult rounds, we ultimately learned strategies to implement in future competitions and this set a benchmark for major improvements that were needed,” Loung said.

As 169B carried on in the competition, their familiarity and experience grew.

“We found our driver improving on the field. His movements were more confident,

and in one match we won with a 39-point deficit,” Luong said.

Between rounds, teams also work hard to best prepare for their next round. One key objective between rounds is maintenance work. During a round, robots are bashed into, rammed against, and experience all kinds of wear and tear.

“It is imperative to ensure that your robot’s mechanisms are working. This could be as simple as checking the cables, to checking points of failure on the robot,” Luong said.

Communication and strategy are an especially important part of robotics tournaments because teams form alliances for each round. In between rounds, alliances meet to discuss the strategy for the upcoming round.

“To be successful at any competition in general, make sure you discuss strategy with your alliance partner,” Luong said. “You want to find their greatest assets and devise a plan against the other team. Going into a match without a clear objective will set you up for failure.”

HARRY KOENIG ’25

Finn Kelly ’25 handles a pipette in a Thomas Jefferson University lab

Luca Aloi ’25

Jayden Thomas ’27, Brandyn Luong ’27, and Max Sides ’26 work on their robot before competition

BRANDYN LUONG ’27

Max Sides ’26

The value of summer assignments

Ayush Varma ’27

With the summer over, it’s that time: back-to-school shopping, waking up early, and getting in the school mindset. However, the only thing that prevented us from losing most of our knowledge over the summer was summer work… Or was it?

Each summer, Fords are faced with summer work for many of their classes. The summer work differs, from short hands-on experiences like finding elements in your home, to long readings like The Kite Runner for English II. These assignments remind you of past topics and help you learn what the new course has to offer.

Is assigning work over the summer, while students are supposed to be relaxing and recharging, the most efficient way to get students prepared for the school year?

But, is assigning work over the summer, while students are supposed to be relaxing and recharging, the most efficient way to get students prepared for the school year?

“I most definitely believe that summer work is a critical step in having a successful year,” Fourth Former Ray Kresge said. “It not only keeps your brain engaged in the summer months, but it gives me a sense of

confidence on the first day. Part of that was due to it testing me academically. Every subject had its unique challenges associated with it.”

“The summer work did help me become a better student because it gave me a chance to reflect on the past year and my strengths and weaknesses. It helped me improve in areas of my academic career that needed fixing and benefited me tremendously,” Kresge said.

Some of the summer work assigned was new this year. English IV* students, for example, were required to read East of Eden by John Steinbeck. But assignments for some classes have not changed for a long time. This begs the question: Are some summer assignments outdated?

“I think [faculty] make sure the books they choose every year like The Kite Runner are still relevant to today and they ensure that students are challenging themselves by reading books over the summer,” Fourth Former Hugh Willaims said. “Topics like math, language, and chemistry prep will always be relevant, just maybe a tiny bit less effective if the class changed from when the summer work was made until now.”

Kresge agrees.

“I think it prepares me very well. For example, I saw a lot of both progress and review,” Kresge said. “For a subject like math, it was mostly just algebra, and I reviewed that and some new concepts were introduced. However, I did see progress in my analytical thinking in classes such as history and English. The books challenged my thoughts constantly and allowed me to gain a new sense of understanding for the world around me.”

What’s the best time to do summer work?

Peter McConnell ’26

In order to complete the summer work the school pushes your way, you must put countless hours into a variety of subjects. There’s more than just simply reading a book—a lot more.

There’s likely at least one book to be read for history class, roughly a dozen modules to complete for math using skills learned in the past and then relearning such skills, another book for English class, a variety of tasks for language class from reading, writing, to even speaking, and some form of preparation for science class.

The big question is: when to complete all this? While we have three months to do so, this isn’t such an easy feat when the summer moves by quickly.

Some students aspire to complete homework in an organized fashion. Fourth Former Luke Moleski thinks it “is wise to finish math in June,” but he “procrastinate[s] and waits till August.”

The summer seems to move progressively faster, putting more pressure on students to get their work done. However, other students plan it out in such a way that it works for their schedule.

Sixth Former Brenner Green explained that he is “both a procrastinator and wants to remember things,” thus doesn’t get his work done until August. However, Green also revealed that it works best for his schedule because he is “less busy towards the end of summer.”

Similarly, Fifth Former Thomas Nye explained that he does it when he has “time.” Nye doesn’t “wait til August so [he] remember[s],” but he also doesn’t do his work in the first week of summer. He explained that he is not as busy in the middle of the summer, therefore he gets to it whenever he has free time.

Green also mentioned that he “wait[s]

till August” making him “fresh for school.”

This allows the student to spend time reviewing past content to allow for him to be fully prepared to shift gears into the new year ahead.

Referring to math work, Nye thinks that “doing [required modules] in the middle of the summer” is a better idea than trying to do it “the day before school.”

Sixth Form summer reading books grace the beaches of Longport, N.J.

TOM SAUL ’25

Sixth Form summer reading books Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi (top) and East of Eden by John Steinbeck (bottom)

neighborhood

Bruce Springsteen visits Philly

As the summer wound down, Citizens Bank Park lit up with the vibrant songs of Bruce Springsteen. Known by many as “The Boss,” Springsteen followed his summer-long European tour by coming to Philadelphia, a city close to home for him.

Springsteen grew up in Freehold, New Jersey, a town in between Philadelphia and New York City, creating a unique music environment.

“Back in the day, you could get channel 2, 3, 4, 5, channel 6, channel 8! We get all those Philadelphia channels. And you guys used to have all those teen shows after school at the steel pier in Atlantic City; Roy Bittan; American Bandstand. Philly is like every music town,” Springsteen explained during his show on August 21, the first of two.

“Bruce is very downto-earth. He still goes to the beach. You can see him in New Jersey driving around by himself.”

JILL GARDNER

Freehold’s location allowed Springsteen to involve himself in music from a young age. “I first picked up a guitar when I was fourteen,” he said.

Ever since, fans have become enthralled by his performances, many of whom end up attending dozens or even hundreds of concerts.

I was first introduced to Bruce Springsteen by my mother’s close friend Jill Gardner. As a long-standing Springsteen super-fan, her spirit and love for his music is immeasurable and spreads effortlessly. After attending both Philadelphia concerts, she thinks Philly performances are special to him and the audience.

“In Philly and New York [City], he is a little more sentimental. It’s his hometown, it’s where he got his start. It’s where he first started getting a larger audience,” Gardner said. According to Gardner, Bruce Springsteen’s concerts are like no other; they are “a big party.”

“Bruce is very down-to-earth. He still goes to the beach. You can see him in New Jersey driving around by himself,” Gardener said.

Springsteen’s concerts attract various audiences, supplementing their uniqueness.

Sixth Former Liam French noted the immense age range present.

“All ages were there at the concert, and it was so cool to see these two girls, who were at least younger than ten years old, having the time of their lives, singing along to ev-

ery single word. And right next to them were their grandparents, and while [they were] not jumping up and down, they were still enjoying themselves.”

Even those not in attendance at the concert appreciate the generational variety. Technical Assistant of Centennial Hall Mx. Victoria Gill-Gomez said, “A huge generational mix in the crowd is always nice to see.”

Many feel that Springsteen’s performances are unusual.

“What I really admire about Bruce Springsteen is that for him, the concert is about the band, not about him,” French said. “This was evident as he sat on the gate of the pit in awe as he watched [Jake] Clemmons’ sax solo during ‘Hungry Heart.’ Similarly, during ‘Nightshift,’ his ode to soul and R&B musician Marvin Gaye, he watched the choir

and sat on the stage like a child, experiencing a symphony for the first time.”

Springsteen’s music performances are impactful for everyone in a way that others are not. For French, “‘Spirit in the Night’ felt like going to church for the first time. This concert was a deeply religious experience.”

Another concert attendee, English teacher Mr. Anthony Pariano, felt the same religious aura about the concert. “It is not an exaggeration to say that what he creates is something of a religious experience… It’s just not one I’ve had before,” he said.

Most importantly, however, everyone was excited to get the opportunity to witness one of The Boss’s concerts in person.

“I have a little more joy permanently embedded in my heart than I did before attending the concert,” Mr. Pariano said.

Bruce Springsteen in a video still from his August 23rd concert at Citizens’ Bank Park

MR. ANTHONY PARIANO

Adam Brown ’27

Bruce Springsteen plays the harmonica during his August 21st concert at Citizens’ Bank Park

campus opinions

With final exams making a comeback last June and another important academic year beginning again, it’s time to address one of the largest issues concerning Haverford’s honor code: cheating, which is the most prevalent form of academic dishonesty both within and beyond our school community.

Haverford, as it should, does not take cheating lightly; when a student is caught, he is almost always sent to the Honor Council, where serious disciplinary action is enforced. However, this situation has grown more complex, especially over the past year.

The rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new and increasingly undetectable methods for avoiding work dishonestly. While tools like ChatGPT can be used to bypass writing assignments and other homework, students also find ways to cheat on quizzes, tests, and even midterms and final exams.

Sometimes, they are trusted to act with integrity when unsupervised, but a small portion of the student body is willing to shatter that trust.

Last winter, during an assembly, Dean

of Students Mr. Luqman Kolade raised a poignant question to the community: “Are we a community of trust?” His words hung in the air, leaving Centennial Hall in reflective silence for several minutes.

This poses a deeper ethical dilemma: are students willing to sacrifice their integrity and cheat solely for a good grade?

One anonymous Sixth Form student says it depends. “It is based on the severity of the grade,” he explained. “Either way, it weighs on your conscience in the future, but high-pressure situations may justify cheating, such as a test that is ‘rumored to be im-

Are students willing to cheat just to get a good

grade?

possible.’ Objectively, cheating is not good and compromises the integrity of the school, but in some cases, I would be willing to cheat for a good grade.”

On the contrary, a different anonymous Sixth Form student says he is not willing to cheat, even if he knew he’d get away with it.

“I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I might be happy in the short term after receiving a really good grade, but in the days and even months that follow, I would feel really bad about my actions. It wouldn’t be a good situation to be in.”

Ultimately, cheating speaks to a broader

challenge of maintaining integrity in the face of adversity.

As technology continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of what it means to uphold the Honor Code.

The ease with which students can now hop around traditional academic boundaries presents a moral crossroads that challenges students to reflect on school values—it is crucial to remember that the true measure of success lies not in the grades students earn but in the character they build.

off-campus opinions

In an opening ceremony different from any other, the United States Olympic team cruised down the Seine with 205 other countries. Team USA was led by Captain Lemerica, a.k.a. LeBron James.

Delegations ranged from one participant (Belize, Liechtenstein, Nauru, and Somalia) to the United States’ 594 athletes. The female flag bearer for the U.S. was Coco Gauff, an accomplished tennis player; the male flag bearer was LeBron James, the first male basketball player ever to carry the flag for the U.S. The duo were the second pair to share the honor for the U.S. LeBron James superfan Sixth Former Connor Simpkins was almost brought to tears when he saw James with the Olympic torch,

“It was a surreal moment for me, following the NBA and Lebron my entire life; I’ve firsthand witnessed his athletic dominance in basketball. As he ages, it’s nice to see him get the respect he deserves and represent our country on the highest athletic level in the world.”

Most games were held in Paris, though sixteen other cities in France also hosted events. Surfing was held in Tahiti, the farthest place where games were held.

The summer games were an excellent success for U.S. athletes and had many exciting and viral moments.

Breakdancing, introduced as a new olympic sport this year, was subject to contro-

versy. A break dancer from Australia, Rachel Gun, nicknamed Raygun, achieved a score of zero total points. Her “Kangaroo Dance” was mocked on social media and even made a feature on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, raising the question among many as to whether she was taking her sport seriously.

In swimming events, the United States won twenty-eight total medals. Katie Ledecky and Kate Douglas led the field for the U.S., each with two gold medals. But it was the young French phenomenon, Leon Marchand, who won four gold medals this year, who dominated the sport.

In track and field events, the United States won twenty-nine total medals. Notable performances were Cole Hocker’s close 1500-meter comeback and Quincy Wilson’s gold in the men’s 400-meter. Wilson, at age sixteen, was the youngest U.S. Olympic athlete on the team.

Simone Biles and Team USA were fan favorites and added another gold in the

Summer Olympics present valuable viewing experience

Women’s All-Around Gymnastics. Ms. Biles went on to win two gold medals in vault and balance beam. Jade Carey contributed another gold medal in the individual women’s floor exercise.

Stephen Nedoroscik became a crowd favorite in the men’s pommel horse, earning bronze. He also helped the U.S. Men’s team take home a bronze. Nedoroscik went viral as he appeared to be sleeping on the sidelines for the first three hours of the competition.

In wrestling, the U.S. collected two more golds, in fencing, Lee Keifer won an individual fencing gold and led Team USA to gold as well. Golf brought home a gold in the men’s competition. Kristen Faulkner added two more golds in the cycling category.

Vincent Hancock won one gold for the U.S. in the skeet shooting category; Yusuf Dikeç, a Turkish shooter, took silver in the mixed ten-meter pistol competition and gained notoriety for his casual appearance at the games.

In rowing, the U.S. won gold in the men’s un-coxed four and their first medal in the men’s eight since 2008, when they earned the bronze medal.

In the big team events, the U.S. also found success. The women’s soccer team smashed through the competition to win the gold.

The men’s Olympic basketball team owed their motivation to track star Noah Lyles. Last year, after Lyes won the 100-meter world championships, he said, “World Champion of what?” about the NBA. Several NBA superstars, most notably LeBron James, took offense. James became eligible and pursued other NBA superstars to create a super team.

Joel Embiid, who plays for the Phila-

delphia 76ers, caused controversy because he initially said he would play for France, his home country. Whenever he entered a game or touched the ball, he did so to massive boos from the crowd.

The team struggled in their exhibition games, but as their chemistry grew, so did their success; by the round-robin level, they were winning every game by almost twenty points. By the elimination stage, the U.S. was the first seed. In the finals versus France, the U.S. smashed past the French with the French broadcast calling Stephen Curry “a devil.”

The women’s team led the U.S. to gold, as France’s last shot was taken with a foot inside the line to give the U.S. a one-point victory.

In the last few days of the competition, the United States and China began to pull away from the rest of the competition in the medal count. One thing that impacted people’s perception of the games was how results were displayed on the scoreboard.

Several scoreboards showed the total medal count; however, this needed clarification as some countries focused on the most golds won, while others concentrated on medals per capita. The International Olympic Committee does not officially rank participating countries, stating in the Olympic Charter, “The Olympic Games are competitions between athletes in individual or team events and not between countries.” Despite the IOC approach, the medal count is followed, and this year, the U.S. scraped past China to win the overall.

The next Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, meaning better watch times for all Americans.

Olympic rings adorn the Eiffel Tower

tom saul ’25

Nate Gill ’26

What’s the “song of the summer”?

What truly ties the days together is a song: the song of the summer.

Students have quite different opinions on what the song of the summer was. In terms of genre, some have argued for hip-hop, others country, and still others pop. One could argue for Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” as, for a time, it seemed the only song the radio would play. Surprisingly, however, this was not among the songs suggested.

The first of the suggested songs was Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” This country song was suggested by Sixth Former Zac Fuscaldo. In this single, released on April 12, Shaboozey sings about Jack Daniels whiskey and the spirited atmosphere of the bar. At the number-one spot of Billboard’s Hot 100, this song is the most popular for the last week of August. The song has also spent an astonishing seven weeks in this spot.

That said, the song’s April 12th release date poses the question: must the song of the summer be released during summer? One could argue that yes, a song must be released during summer, but it seems unlikely that a song would be released after June 20th, the astronomical start of summer, and rise to the top of the charts quickly enough to be considered the most popular for the three or so months of the season.

Therefore, this article will not take said statistic into mind and will only consider: a) songs that have been suggested by a student, and b) how long said songs have been trending and where they lie on Billboard’s Hot 100.

The second of the suggested songs is a bit more niche. Third Former Greyson Heneks suggested “Wait For You” by Myles Smith. Having been released on August 23rd of this year, this song has a bit of a late start but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss it entirely. In fact, Heneks provides valuable insight on what he thinks makes a song “the song of the summer.” He stated that while he likes the song, “it can’t be the song of the summer because it’s depressing.” Unfortunately, the song has not yet made it on the Billboard Hot 100, so it will not be considered this year’s song of the summer.

Sixth Former Alex Rhodes claimed that Zach Bryan’s “28,” another country hit, is the song of the summer. This song from Bryan’s July 4th album has spent seven weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100, peaking at 14th and standing at 35th for the last week of August.

Shaboozey seems to have swept the

competition, but we have a few more songs we must take into consideration.

Sixth Formers Aaron Bonaparte and Cameron Ward suggested GloRilla’s song “TGIF.” Adding rap to the mix, this June 20th single was released on the aforementioned astronomical beginning of summer!

“Of all the graduation parties and trunk parties I’ve been to, ‘TGIF’ has come on just about every single time,” Bonaparte said. “You could always bet that the old heads and the youngins would be up and dancing or bopping.”

Having charted for nine weeks, peaking at the 28th position and landing at the 44th, the song will not be dethroning “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Last but not least, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” has had a chokehold on the radio stations this summer, so I only feel it’s

Deadpool & Wolverine review

The highest-grossing rated R movie of all time, Deadpool & Wolverine, has surpassed all expectations, beginning with Deadpool mockingly calling Disney “stupid” while explaining his integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

The film maintains Deadpool’s irreverent tone, full of violent action and R-rated humor, setting itself apart from the typically heroic and polished Marvel films. The plot also addresses concerns about respecting the legacy of Wolverine, whose character had a conclusive end in 2017’s Logan, with Deadpool bluntly assuring the audience not to worry.

The first two Deadpool movies subverted superhero film norms by mocking clichés right from the opening credits, with text like “A British Villain” and “A Hot Chick.” Deadpool frequently broke the fourth wall, commenting on the film’s events, budget constraints, and the absurdity of his character even having a movie. This self-awareness and irreverent humor set *Deadpool* apart from typical superhero fare.

The movie delivers clever set pieces, unexpected surprises, and visual gags, while also celebrating Hugh Jackman’s physicality. Despite the changing times and the fran-

chise’s commercial success, the film remains true to its playful, irreverent spirit, keeping audiences entertained with a blend of humor and action.

The movie was a work of art, combining the best elements of humor and violence between the fight scenes. The fights between Deadpool and Wolverine were satisfying for fans as the matchup was made in heaven. When not fighting each other, the team was unstoppable.

“The movie was a work of art, combining the best elements of humor and violence

Another notable moment was Channing Tatum’s cameo as Gambit, a Marvel Comics character who is often associated with the X-Men. Gambit has the mutant power to manipulate kinetic energy, which allows him to perform many abilities, like his staple move of turning playing cards into explosives.

For how much ground the movie covered, I would rate it a 9/10.

right to add it to the list. This April 12th single served as a taste of Carpenter’s recently released album Short n’ Sweet. Upon the release of her June 6th single Please Please Please, Carpenter was able to secure spots one and two on the Global 200, something that wouldn’t have been possible without the exposure of opening for the Eras Tour. While I admit that I am biased toward Carpenter, the song has not made it past the number three position on Billboard’s Hot 100. The song has, however, spent a whopping nineteen weeks charting and currently sits in the number-seven spot.

Because the song has not made the number-one spot for even one week (let alone seven), the song cannot be considered the song of the summer, leaving that position to Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Luke Ganley ’25

Sabrina Carpenter performing at Wiltern, October 15, 2022

Quinn Sullivan ’25

Poster promoting Deadpool & Wolverine

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Welcome to club BRAT

Picture a hot, sweaty hole in the wall: bodies bodies bodies with skin-toskin contact; radiating heat against one another, burning up; wrists frozen from ice, and noses chilled from snow; club rats trapped in an endless cycle of self-sabotage in their attempts at conflating their egos and sense of vulnerability. This cycle, whether it’s brought on by a desire to be seen and appreciated by the world, generational trauma, or just spitball escapism, it’s not unique, for everyone can be a bit of a brat.

CharliXCX, the “young girl from Essex” who mainstreamed the term “brat,” was born into club culture. She grew up a “club rat” amidst her haphazard upbringing, often accompanying her parents to raves and nightclubs kept just out of view of the law.

CharliXCX’s 2012 breakthrough single, “I Love It,” which she wrote for Icona Pop, laid the foundations for her long-awaited 2024 release, BRAT. The album cover’s inyour-face lime green square with “brat” typed in a fuzzy, blurred, Arial Narrow across its center is a stark contrast from any previous release by the artist: it’s a rejection of the idea that female artists owe the music industry their bodies and sex appeal to succeed. Subsequently, every other previous release of CharliXCX’s received its own brat-themed remodel, adding to the overall impeccable marketing of the album.

First introduced to the public through a sold-out February Boiler Room set, BRAT saw a slew of four cult classic singles that spring (“Von Dutch,” “Club Classics/B2b,” and“360”) as well as a music video accompanying “Von Dutch” in which Charli is chased through an airport by the paparazzi, beating up the cameraman while dancing provocatively. It is an egotistical parody of a powertrip, full of camera flashes and the assertion that “you’re obsessing, just confess it, put your hands up/ It’s obvious I’m your number one.”

Von Dutch ushers in an era of volatile and abrasive pop music. It’s an ode to “Bimbo Summit,” and alongside “360,” a manifestation of “It Girl” energy. “Linked with Addison on Melrose,” “Von Dutch, featuring Addison Rae and a. g. cook” is more laid back, but is still an attack on fake fans and features the most iconic scream of 2020s pop music.

BRAT is abrasive, but emotionally vulnerable as well. Charli’s comically large ego on this album allows her lyrics to sound conversational and unfiltered, almost as if

she had recorded the entire album through voicemails and wine-drunk texts after winding the night out down.

In “Sympathy is a Knife,” Charli struggles with fame and the feeling of self-hate that comes with feeling like one is never amounting to enough. She sings “Why I wanna buy a gun?/ Why I wanna shoot myself?/ Volatile at war with my dialogue/ I’d say that there was a God if they could stop this/ Wild voice tearing me apart.”

The volatility of the high-strung synth beat mimics the paranoia of Charli’s anxiety, whose gripping presence on the track makes the listener feel uneasy, as if they are the one being attacked with sympathy. It isn’t until the following track, “I might say something stupid,” that the knife twists. This pity party of a song grapples with the same current image exposed in “Sympathy is a Knife,” but goes a step further with Charli moping flat-out that she “doesn’t belong.” Her lament, “I’m famous but not quite/ But I’m perfect for the background/ One foot in a normal life,” expresses the phenomena of being known for only making it to the top 10 through features, subject to tour-opener status, and never feeling that one’s artistry is adequately appreciated.

The industry is seemingly her biggest enemy, one that she grapples with in “Rewind,” singing, “I used to never think about Billboard/ But, now, I’ve started thinking again/ Wondering ‘bout whether I think I deserve commercial success.” Reminiscent of her throwback anthem “1999,” “Rewind” is a poppy love letter to her inner child, accompanied by references to celebrity culture as well as burning CDs in her bedroom.

Around the time that Charli’s breakout hit “Boom Clap” was released in 2014, she was largely overshadowed by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. Both artists, known for their untamed black hair and introspective songwriting, were interchangeable in pop culture in the early 2010s, which South Park spoofed and iheartRadio spun into a joke interview.

Ten years later, Charli’s official response was heard in “Girl, so confusing” in which she sings about the parallels, pitfalls, and envies of girlhood as both artists grew up under a public magnifying glass. She and Lorde were able to “work it out on the remix,” creating a vulnerable song that reads like a conversation over text, yet is acutely aware of the current rebirth of womanhood.

“People say we’re alike/ They say we’ve got

the same hair,” Lorde and Charli sing, “It’s you and me on the coin/ The industry loves to spend.” Together, “Girl, so confusing,” is a reconciliation of differences and a healing of relationships through a celebration of girlhood.

The repetitiveness and self-referential nature of the album is simply another part of the brat mythology and compliments the danceability of the album. One can lose themselves in the bouncy, pounding synths of “B2b” or “Everything is Romantic” as well as the frizzy deconstructed production of her more intimate tracks such as “So I,” an ode to the friend of CharliXCX and late producer SOPHIE, which samples their song “It’s Okay to Cry.”

“I think about it all the time,” which brings up the idea of motherhood, is equally raw and unfiltered. Charli ponders, “I think about it all the time/ That I might run out of time/ But I finally met my baby/And a baby might be mine.” For her, time regards the rapidly closing window of commercial success. A common trope in the music industry is that a female artist’s career is over once they have a baby—that they are shunted to motherhood. Charli’s internal monologue feeds temptations to quit, and the self-doubt starts to creep in, saying “Should I stop my birth control?/ ‘Cause my career feels so small/ In the existential scheme of it all.” Again, she feels a lack of legitimacy within her career, that she might just quit music and retire to motherhood. Essentially, Charli thinks about starting a new branch of the family tree all the time.

Already an apple hanging on a branch of her family tree, Charli feels as though she can’t help becoming a parent herself, or stop herself from turning into her own parents. This sentiment is highlighted as she sings, “I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree/ ‘Cause I’ve been looking at you so long/ Now I only see me.” Sonically different from other songs on BRAT, “Apple” covers themes of generational trauma, how Charli wants to “drive to the airport” and escape her parents. She sings, “I think the apple’s rotten right to the core/ From all the things passed down/ From all the apples coming before.”

Charli is confronted with the fact that she, the apple, is afflicted by the same ills that plagued her parents, and is unable to gut herself of her rotten core passed down from generation to generation. So what better way to cope with the fact that most apples don’t fall far from the tree than going for a drive?

Charli can only hope that her daughter falls far away from the family tree.

“Mean Girls,” a track that has garnered ambivalence amongst “Charli’s Angels,” as her fans are called, is built on a lively piano melody, which is attributed to BRAT Producer A. G. Cook. In this song, Charli describes her ideal mean girl dressed “In the sheer white dress, wearing last night’s makeup /All coquette-ish in the pictures with the flash on/ Worships Lana Del Rey in her AirPods” and “she’s kinda [messed] up, but she’s still in Vogue.” Nonetheless, she’s a brat and CharliXCX “knows that you’re obsessed.”

The thesis of the album and introduced on track 1, “360,” the phrase “keep bumping that” evokes the wartime phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Both mantras of continuation have British origins. However, one is more noble than the other. “Keep bumping that” is a double entendre, “bumping music” as in blaring music, as well as to do cocaine, (i.e.: “do a bump”). On “365,” Charli’s ode to party girl culture, she goes full brat.

“On “365,” Charli’s ode to party girl culture, she goes full brat.

She sings, “Who the f- are you? I’m a brat when I’m bumpin’ that/ Now I wanna hear my track, are you bumpin’ that?” Charli is finally living her unapologetic it-girl fantasy. In her lime-green magnum opus, she welcomes in her “it-girlhood,” singing, “Yeah, 360/ When you’re in the mirror, do you like what you see?/ When you’re in the mirror, you’re just looking at me/ I’m everywhere, I’m so Julia.” Or, in her endorsement of Kamala Haris’s Campaign, tweeting “kamala IS brat,” “I’m everywhere, I’m so Kamala” has gained traction as well. The album, popular amongst a young and online community has spawned a remix of “Apple” and Harris’ “coconut tree” speech. Harris’ campaign, in turn, has started appealing to Gen Z, as they will be a new influential generation of voters this upcoming election season.

CharliXCX, whose album has become intertwined with American politics and pop culture, is, undoubtedly, an artist whose career commands innovative and artistic acclaim.

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at Democratic event, has embraced the brat descriptor

Liam French ’25

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

sports

Soccer captains, cont. from front page

Aloi agrees.

“The upperclassmen have to set the example and set the tone from the start,” Aloi said.

Nekoumand will focus on the underclassmen.

“The biggest goal for me is seeing how some of the younger kids fit into the team and program,” Nekoumand said. “Some-

thing that has stood out to me in the first practices is how fit the team is this year compared to last year. It’s definitely obvious that a lot of the guys have definitely been working hard over the summer to get into shape for the season.”

Aloi also noticed the team’s improved fitness. He cited the team’s younger athletes as a prominent reason for their ambition.

“I am very happy about the team’s understanding of our young identity,” Aloi said. “Our first scrimmages showed us that the team is hungry and works hard. But there’s still a lot of tactical work to be done.”

Coach Cappo noticed the team’s preparedness coming into preseason as well.

“The boys have been focused and came into the season well-prepared,” Coach Cap-

Fords football is back

As the summer winds down and the reality of the school year becomes increasingly vivid with each passing day, a spot of light remains in the darkness: Fords football is back and better than ever.

According to Sixth Form linebacker Kellen Gardner, the boys have been “extremely dialed-in.” This year Gardner will be wearing #10 in memory of Class of 2013 alumnus Kip Taviano.

Through tough workouts in the summer heat, the team has built camaraderie preparing for the upcoming season.

Their shared effort is setting the foundation for what they hope will be a successful year. The team is bounced back after a skirmish with the Hun School, winning the first game of the season against Wyomissing on August 30th. Up next is the Gilman School on September 7th, Lasalle College High School on September 14th—all home games.

To close out September, the Fords will be at Bonner on September 20th and Wyoming Seminary on September 28th, both away games. From there, the Inter-Ac season begins.

As the Fords prepare for the season ahead, anticipation is building among players and fans. The early games, especially at home, will be crucial for setting the tone.

po said. “We are a younger group compared to last year, with many key contributors who have limited varsity experience, alongside returning players who have been crucial to our success over the last two years.”

Aloi is also focused on keeping the environment competitive, but healthy.

“Since we have less seniors this year, we will take less players on the roster,” Aloi said. “It creates a healthy competitive environment for a lot of these young guys to want to make the team and make an impact.”

Nekoumand believes that the team should work together and not be in competition for playing time.

“Don’t worry about the amount of playing time or games you don’t start,” Nekoumand said. “The time will come and when it does, you have to take it. We can only be who we want to be if we work together and not play as individuals.”

Coach Cappo echoed the advice.

“My main advice to them has been to embrace the process and not focus solely on winning the league for the third year in a row,” Coach Cappo said. “Instead, I encourage them to take it one game at a time and to focus on how we react to and learn from the ups and downs of the season.”

“The main thing is having strong team chemistry and playing as a team,” Aloi said. “Last year, these were our strong points. Eliminating the individualist mindset and sticking to the tactics Coach Cappo implements will play a major role in our success.”

With a tough schedule and important matchups, every game will be a key step toward a strong finish on EA Day.

Team leaders are passionate and serious about the team and focused on not only winning but also building comraderie.

“Every day needs to be better than the one before it, and we need to come to practice with high energy every single day,” says Sixth Form wide receiver Jude McClave.

The team’s goals this season extend beyond just winning games; they’re commit-

ted to building a strong, united front. Sixth Form leaders are focused on leading by example.

Gardner says the goal is “to get better every day and win an Inter-Ac championship.”

As the Fords gear up for what is sure to be a demanding season, the groundwork laid during the summer is already showing.

The team’s focus on building connections and commitment to consistent improvement has shaped a disciplined and de-

termined squad. With a challenging lineup of games on the horizon, every matchup will serve as a critical test of their hard work and preparation.

These early efforts are not just about the immediate season, but also about setting a tone for the program’s future.

As they look to gain momentum heading into key games like Malvern Prep and the much-anticipated EA Day, the Fords are not just striving for victories, they are aiming to establish a culture of excellence and unity.

Nicholas Nekoumand ’25 against Episcopal Academy on EA Day last year

Nick Krakovitz ’25 on his way to the first touchdown in a 20-3 win over Wyomissing High School, August 30, 2024

Quinn Sullivan ’25

Golf hopes to retain league championship

With a promising season ahead, the Fords’ golf team is set for a strong start under the experience of Director of Golf Mr. Stephen Cloran and new Sixth Form Captains Harrison Brown, Gregor Weissenberger, and J.P. Hoban.

The team, with its veterans and newcomers, is built upon a solid foundation of character, talent, and hard work.

“We represent something far greater than ourselves.”

MR. STEPHEN CLORAN

“We represent something far greater than ourselves, so it will be my job to remind the players of that,” Mr. Cloran said. “Many players and coaches before us built a remarkable golf program. We need to do our part

to uphold the remarkable tradition of Fords’ golf.”

This season will be no different in terms of the success that the golf team consistently produces—as seen with its victory on last year’s EA Day—owing to the aptitude of this year’s captains.

“I know we have strong leadership in our captains,” Mr. Cloran said.

The goals that the golf team has set remain unchanged.

“Our program goals will hopefully be the same each fall, to be a unified team, great teammates, compete the right way, and win every match,” Mr. Cloran said.

“If we do those things consistently, we hope to put ourselves in position to be Inter-Ac champions again, and independent school state champions.”

Weissenberger shared a similar notion.

“The plan is to repeat our wins from last year and include a win at PAISSA,” Weissenberger said. “We are going to be a very competitive and consistent team this year, and I could not be more excited.”

The golf team still has plenty to aim for, though.

“We have a very talented team,” Mr. Cloran said, “but we still have to hit good

shots and make putts in order to win matches and ultimately defend our league championship.”

Cross country looks to new run of success

Coming off of a hot summer, the cross-country team arrived at preseason with anticipation for the new season.

“We graduated just one senior,” Head Coach Mr. Brian Long said. “We had a

strong finish last year and want to do the same this year.”

With a team that is almost the same as last year, along with a new crop of Third Formers, the team has the potential to go further.

“Our

season depends on how well our guys can recover. We have to get them healthy.”

MR. BRIAN LONG

“We need to build off of last year,” Coach Long said. “We can do better.”

The only thing holding them back are injuries. Several of the top athletes are out. Sixth Former Captain Alex Dardarian believes that without the injuries the team would be great.

“We would be very strong,” Dardarian said. “Even better than last year.”

Coach Long agrees. “Our season depends on how well our guys can recover,” Coach Long said. “We have to get them healthy.”

The team continues to have the option to train either at Haverford College or at

Roberts Road. This year, however, there are no home meets. Even EA Day will be held at Episcopal, so every meet will require travel.

Even with all the injuries, the team believes they can do well.

“We are going to win a plaque this year

at PAISAA,” Dardarian said. PAISAA is the state independent school’s state championship.

Coach Long backs the mindset. “We can definitely place like last year, and we hope to shake up EA on EA Day.”

Water polo prepares to hold onto state championship

The water polo team is ready for a successful season.

After an eventful season last year, expectations are high.

“Everybody has been working hard in preseason to go beyond expectations. Taking it one game at a time is what matters.”

SEAN ALLEN ’25

“Everybody has been working hard in preseason to go beyond expectations,” Sixth Former Sean Allen said. “Taking it one game at a time is what matters.”

Last year, the team boasted an impressive record of 20-3. One of those big wins was against the former state champions Wilson High School, who they beat in a tight 15-14 game.

Building off that, Haverford competed at the Eastern Prep Water Polo Championship, where they were also victorious.

Fords Water Polo then wrapped up their season with an impressive victory over Episcopal Academy with a score of 24-7.

Their success from last season sets the bar high for the incoming Fall.

The team will get a first chance to demonstrate all of their pre-season efforts on August 30th, where they will open the season in the 2024 Philmore Cup.

The goals for the year are clear: keep the Eastern Prep Championship and defeat EA on EA day.

Nate Gill ’26

Coach Brian Long (right) in an August faculty meeting

Grey Benson ’25

Zach Dixon ’25 in a game against Episcopal Academy on EA Day last year

Golf team poses with a trophy at Merion West

Alex Dardarian ’25 (right) heads for the finish at last year’s EA Day