THE HILL NEWS
VOLANT, SCRIPTA MANENT
Hill on Charlie Kirk’s death
The killing of the conserva-
tive activist Charlie Kirk in early September rocked the nation, but it also deeply divided Hill’s campus. After last year’s tense and all-too-violent election cycle, campus is once again debating familiar questions: when hostility beyond words is terribly familiar, and when the victim is an individual that society is so divided upon, what is the right course of action to implement? can actions be taken too far in the pursuit of protection from hateful speech? Opinions are divided, feelings are hurt, and political tension has spiked both at Hill and around the country.
Kirk was an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality, most famous for his debates with college students as well as the founding of Turning Point USA, an American nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. At 12:23 p.m. MT, Kirk was fatally wounded by a single shot coming from a nearby rooftop. The shooter then jumped off the farther side of the building and fled to a nearby neighborhood. Kirk was then rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where the staff attempted to treat him through emergency surgery. His death was announced by President Donald Trump at 2:40 p.m. MT.
The primary suspect for the shooting has been identified as Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from St. George, Utah. The motives behind the assassination, however, are unclear. While Robinson was raised in a Republican, Trump-supporting household, though, according to his parents, he had been become politically active online over the past year, focused especially on LGBT+ rights.
Opinions on Kirk’s passing are mixed and divided, much like the political landscape of the country. Many have given their condolences to Kirk and his family; however, there are also many critical of Kirk’s opinions and claim that he incited hateful behavior, especially on civil rights and the Second Amendment.
The common sentiment found at Hill around the shooting is that no matter how hateful one’s beliefs are, no one deserves to be killed for their opinions and values, and because of that, Kirk’s death should be mourned, regardless of your own personal beliefs.
“While I don’t agree with him personally, I don’t believe that he should have been killed for that,” Evie Adler ’28 said. “He debated college kids for a living. He was never violent towards people.”
Those who disagree with the sentiment counter by arguing that Kirk’s own beliefs had some level of effect on his death. These individuals often point to Kirk’s comments that he made during a Turning Point USA event in Utah two years earlier, where he claimed that gun deaths were “worth it” if it meant having a strong Second Amendment.
Other students, however, defended the work of Kirk, like Young Republican Winston Valentine ’26.
“Kirk always mourned and paid tribute to victims of gun-
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University and later died at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. His death has ignited national debate over political violence and threats facing public figures.
“While I don’t agree with him personally, I don’t believe that he should have been killed for that.”
— Evie Adler ’28
violence, but he refused, however, to let emotion and grief hijack his belief in liberties,” Valentine said.
According to Valentine, both parties will be significantly affected by this tragedy, especially the GOP. “The Republican Party is now stronger than ever,” Valentine said. “Charlie’s message is stronger than ever, and Republicans are more united than ever.”
Others still are less sure, believing that that Kirk’s death will have the unfortunate side effect of radicalizing both sides of the political spectrum as a reaction to this event. “I think he brings a lot of division to American society,” Erin Lee ’26 said. “His death may radicalize a lot of people.”
Nicholas Malinak, instructor of history & social sciences shared a similiar sentiment. As an AP government teacher, he said that he has seen divides grow even in his classroom.
“I think the most dangerous thing is it could justify the demonization of your opponent’s even more,” said Malinak.
In the end, Kirk’s death has ignited not only grief and outrage, but also deep reflection on the dangers of division and the ethics of political judgements. Many students feel that these events reflected how fragile the balance is between protecting speech and weaponizing it.
“You cannot agree with his death, but you should never be cheering or applauding it,” Adler said.
VERBA
ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN QIU ’26
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
By ADAM YAO ’26
Thousands rebel in Nepal against social media shutdown
Ten new faculty join The Hill School
Hill’s leadership summit returns better than ever
The Hill School leadership summit is a series of workshops held during the days leading up to the beginning of school designed to ensure that Hill’s student leaders are ready to truly engage and lead the school. Whether this be through prefecting, serving on the SGA, or leading another student organization, it is Hill’s goal to equip leaders with the tools they need to be successful. In the past, the Leadership Summit consisted of lectures in the McNally Room or walking around campus to various stations. Last year, for example, the Leadership Summit included a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and selections of TED talks that were used to motivate and teach student leaders. Most of these activities were indoors, and nearly all of them were lecture or discussion based.
However, this year, the summit was changed to have a much more significant emphasis on real life applications. The main ways that this was introduced to the leaders were through the scavenger hunt on the first night and the ropes course on the second day. The primary goal of
the scavenger hunt was to encourage leaders to get to know each other and to improve their communication and teamwork skills. The ropes course was similar in its goal, also being centered around meeting new people. Leaders were broken up into 14 groups, and they had the opportunity to work with people they otherwise wouldn’t have interacted with.
Jeannie Lee ’26 really enjoyed that aspect of the leadership summit,
as “it allowed you to hang out with people in multiple forms, and you [were] able to learn from them, and they [could] also learn from you,” said Jeannie. The ropes course specifically was incredibly divergent from former events done at the student Leadership Summit, since it was so physically focused. For many students, this had been their first time at such an activity, so it also allowed them to learn how to confront fears and how to push
Ellen Nelson weaves community and creativity in retirement
By ETHAN RYU
The recently retired Ellen Nelson, former Senior Master Teacher of the Arts, is now continuing her artistic legacy through national exhibitions, community projects, and environmental advocacy from her studio in Maine.
Nelson’s retirement marks the end of an era at The Hill, where she spent nearly four decades shaping the arts program and mentoring generations of students. Yet her departure from the classroom has sparked a new phase of creativity and service. From her home studio in Maine, Nelson continues to produce meaningful artwork, engage with national art initiatives, and support local communities, ensuring her influence as an artist and educator endures well beyond campus
In March of the recent 2024-2025 school year, Ellen Nelson announced her retirement after 38 years of teaching at The Hill. Having grown up in Wendell dormitory in a family of six siblings and long-time faculty members Winnie and Dick Shaughnessy ’50, Nelson has considered The Hill
her home for more than six decades.
Since joining the arts department in 1987, she has served, along with her role in teaching studio art and art history, as the Boyer Gallery coordinator, chair of the arts department, faculty adviser to the honor council, chair of Women of The Hill, and dorm parent in Foster dormitory and the now-demolished middle school building. She is also a revered award-winning artist, with frequent features at the Perkiomen Valley Art Center and Pottstown Area Artists Guild. Her retirement followed one year after her husband, Phillip Rogers Mallory ’04 Senior Master Teacher of Science Mark Nelson, who retired in June 2023 after 44 years at Hill.
Right into retirement, Ellen Nelson and her husband moved to China, Maine where their daughter Marie Nelson ’10 resides. She continues to produce art in a variety of mediums from her new studio: a repurposed bedroom with art supplies, reference books, and a brand-new printing press, organized along a stretch of desk space.
In this space, Ellen Nelson has spent the past few weeks on a piece for the Social Justice Collaboration
Quilts Project, a national organization focused on building bridges between artists and incarcerated individuals. Her latest work, “Solomon’s Path,” is a quilt display with weavings of famous abolitionist Solomon Northup, made in collaboration with “Angola,” an inmate from Louisiana State Penitentiary. The piece is set to be displayed at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and Rutgers University.
Along with the quilt work, Ellen Nelson has found opportunities to help local community with her art. Multiple times a week, she travels a short distance to Sunset Home, an all-women assisted living facility, to host art activities with older women. Nelson also works with the conservationist group China Lake Assocation and has made emblems for merchandise to fund environmental stewardship.
“I like to use my art to reach people, use my art to help raise funds, use my art to help folks who are in need, because it’s hard for me to just sit down and create art, and it gives a lot more motivation and purpose,” Ellen Nelson said.
their peers to also confront obstacles: physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Overall, the reaction to the change in the activities of the Leadership Summit was primarily positive. “It was really fun to be out there doing something rather than just staying inside and listening to talks all day in the McNally Room,” Deric Choi ’26 stated.
However, many second-year student leaders, like Lee, felt as though
there was a bit of redundancy between this year and last year in terms of the messages shared. Thankfully, faculty such as Director of Leadership Programs & the Cleveland Student Leadership Center B.J. Keefer and the deans have taken notice of the repetitiveness of topics and are working with the SGA, Prefect Council, and Honor Council to address this year’s complaints with a better Summit next fall.
In the rest of her newfound time, Ellen Nelson takes courses on adult education and sustainable artistic practices, which she feels helps connect with artists and “keeps the creative juices flowing.” She also enjoys a lot of outdoor expeditions with her husband, kayaking and mountain hiking in nature preserves near their home. The Nelsons look forward to visiting campus and its familiar and welcoming community
Woodworking returns to its historic location
By MICHAEL PHAM ’27
STAFF WRITER
The Shirley Quadrivium is a transformational facility where the four academic disciplines of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) intersect. What few know is that the woodworking studio, located in the CFTA for a time, has a historical significance tied to the unique story of the Shirley Quadrivium.
Woodworking, for many Hill students, is more than just an art. It is a restorative course that departs from the conventional nature of a classroom that produces exception-
al and singular pieces that fill our homes: charcuterie boards, pens, spoons, sculptures, shelves, tables. Its return to the Quadrivium, which was once the arts and crafts building before the completion of the CFTA, has captivated students and teachers alike, reigniting the community’s interest in the art.
Athey Family Master Teacher of Arts Diane Deery, a fifteen-year member of Hill’s faculty in her fifth year as a woodworking instructor, expressed her joy and excitement at the relocation.
“I’m honored to be back in the Widener Arts and Crafts building where woodworking once thrived. This space holds cherished memories for many Hill alumni,” said Deery.
Despite the increasing rate of modernization across the world, notable figures such as Mr. Karl Paconovsky, a 25-year member of Hill’s faculty from 1944 to 1972, cultivated a
community-wide love for the beauty of woodworking and meticulously preserved the drafting tables and patina of woodworking. Each worn surface carves a different story. It is the brilliant tradition of enthusiasm for craftsmanship, passed down through generations, that continues to foster growth and joy on Hill’s campus.
Today, students feel that they are privileged to have such an enriching experience during their time at Hill. Jack Gomez ’27, an award-winning woodworking student, shared that his experience was ineffable.
“I am amazed that I have learned so many skills and techniques that shape my ideas into reality,” Gomez said. “I would like to express gratitude to Ms. Deery for her affectionate mentorship. Without her, I would not be able to achieve as much as I have.”
Likewise, Ben Lee ’27, who first entered the woodshop two years ago, describes woodworking as a life-changing shift in perspective.
May.
“I find the class to be relaxing,” Lee said. “I enjoyed building hands-on projects that I still utilize today, such as chisels and charcuterie boards. I realized how woodworking’s iterative prototyping process has practical applications in engineering design.”
Deery feels that crafting a miniature is like creating a piece of a puzzle. Reflecting on her time as a woodworking teacher, she finds it incredible to watch students “challenge themselves, solve problems, and be fully present.”
“They support one another, learn from mistakes, and grow in confidence in a safe and encouraging way,” said Deery.
Amid skyrocketing technology use in education, woodworking remains a constant presence woven into the fabric of Hill’s rich 175-year history. Its legacy, like the wood medium, hardly fades. Crafting fuels innovation and artistry, connecting students to more than a century of tradition.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR TIMBROOK ’26
in the coming
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
By ADAM YAO ’26
Students and faculty attempt the ropes course.
OFF-CAMPUS EDITOR
’26
Senior Master Teachers Ellen O. Nelson P’10 ’13 (left) & Kathryn R. Malone, Ph.D. (right)
PHOTO BY ELLA ROSS ’26
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH BENDER
UK Online Safety Act and its EU-US analogues
The United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, has marked the country’s sweeping attempt to regulate safety on online platforms: the act places responsibility on website owners to reduce illicit and toxic content and submit risk assessments of their platforms. This legislation sparked fierce debate among opposing activists.
In 2025, the UK furthered the act with rigorous age-assurance protocols. From July 25 onward, general social media sites such as Instagram and Reddit must use “highly effective” age checks — government ID upload, AI facial age estimation, proof of valid credit-card/ bank check or digital wallets — when it comes to age sensitive material. Also, the Office of Communications has begun active enforcement and investigations into non-compliant sites. Although there are many supporters of these laws as child-protection measures, such as parents; to critics, they are called intrusive and a privacy risk. Although these procedures may seem comprehensive, several reports have doubted the effectiveness of these limitations.
Public opinion has been vastly polarized. Parents and child-safety activists welcome stricter guardrails, while freedom advocacy groups point to bulk data collection, privacy intrusion, and reduced anonymity to browse the web. Resistance to these policies is apparent: recent months have seen various petitions, lawsuits
By
On September 8, tens of thousands of Nepali youths gathered in Kathmandu to protest the government’s sudden shutdown of major social media platforms. Demonstrators carried signs, shouted rallying cries against corruption, and attempted to push past police barricades near parliament. Security forces responded with tear gas and live fire, leaving at least 19 dead and many more injured.
The protests were sparked by a federal order made four days prior, mandating 26 social media platforms—in-
and a spike in VPN downloads as people try to bypass location-based age checks.
Elsewhere, the conversation on safety and privacy is still largely ongoing. The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) currently in force focuses on risk assessments and transparency obligations rather than prescriptive ID requirements.
In the United States, politicians have proposed child-safety bills, namely the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The bills mandate prevention of premature exposure to sensitive or age-inappropriate content alongside the use of other privacy and parental-control tools. The bipartisan bills have previously provoked controversy over vagueness and enforcement issues. KOSA has been reintroduced in 2025 but seems unlikely to be passed by the House. Continued tension between child protection and privacy and free speech in internet legislation should be expected in the near future.
These internet safety efforts are a part of a larger trend in government to create guarded underage internet use, with ramifications for the lives of students at Hill. Unrestricted use of the internet has the potential for serious consequences down the road, so the implementation of safeguarding laws is ultimately tenable. But the extent of what these laws should do is still, and will be, debated.
By DEREK ZHANG ’27
STAFF WRITER
Thousands rebel in Nepal against social media shutdown
cluding Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Reddit—to register under new regulations tied to a national digital services tax. When the platforms were banned for noncompliance, many Nepalis viewed the move as the government’s attempt to restrict public expression.
For a large portion of Nepal’s younger generation, the shutdown was a tipping point. Already suffering from decades of corruption, inequality, and high youth unemployment, Nepali students and young workers saw the ban as a direct attack on their ability to connect, organize, and speak freely. What began as outrage over the in-
ternet quickly grew into a broader movement against entrenched political power. Tens of thousands participated in demonstrations across major cities, some attempting to storm government buildings and, in Kathmandu, setting fire to a police station.
Teacher of History & Social Sciences
Nicholas Malinak noted that unrest often emerges under governments facing corruption and slow economic growth.
“When you’re in a system where the government still is not entirely representative and has a fair amount of corruption, and where the economy is not growing as much as people would like, you get this
discontent among younger people–especially when they see and interact with so much of the outside world,” said Malinak. He pointed out that similar frustration has appeared in parts of southern Europe with high youth unemployment.
Confronted with the protests, the government lifted the social media ban. But the concessions did not end there. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, parliament was dissolved, and on September 12, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s first female prime minister. Karki–known for her anti-corruption rulings–was elevated as part of a compromise
between protest organizers, the president, and the army chief. Her name had circulated widely in online forums during the uprising, with protesters rallying support for her through platforms like Discord.
Malinak explained that social media’s role in Nepal differs from how it functions in the United States. “In somewhere like Nepal, where you’ve got enough freedoms for people to feel safe posting things, and enough democracy for people that they feel like they should have these rights, social media can act as an outlet where that wouldn’t exist otherwise,” said Malinak.
Karki’s appointment marked a dramatic turning point, but questions remain about how long the current calm will last. General elections have been scheduled for March 2026, and the interim government has pledged to prioritize anti-corruption measures and rebuild public trust. “The positive is to listen to the discontent of your citizens and be willing to respond in ways that acknowledge their unhappiness,” commented Malinak.
Nepal’s path forward will depend on whether new leadership can deliver on those promises and whether the country’s energized youth movement continues to push for lasting political reform.
“In somewhere like Nepal, where you’ve got enough freedoms for people to feel safe posting things, and enough democracy for people that they feel like they should have these rights, social media can act as an outlet where that wouldn’t exist otherwise.”
— Nicholas Malinak
STAFF WRITER
IAN RYU ’28
ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX VOGT ’28
Ten new faculty join The Hill School
By CHELSEA LEE ’27 STAFF WRITER
Payton Reid ’20 is a new economics teacher here on campus. He teaches economics and is a teaching assistant for AP economics. Along with teaching, he also coaches football in the fall, thirds boys basketball in the winter, and JV lacrosse in the spring. Born and raised in Pottstown, he attended high school here at The Hill, later graduating in 2020. He then went to Colby College to play football and study economics. He graduated from college just last year in 2024.
A fun fact about Reid is that he was a day student for the first three years here, and later became a boarder at Wendell, where he is an affiliated dorm parent now.
“It is funny being on the opposite side of things here at Hill,” explained Reid as he remembered being a student here just five years ago. This brings him hope to aid students with his experience as a former student and guide them through the processes he has been through. He states that many of the teachers still present at school were his teachers back then, which is a new feeling.
Being a resident of Pottstown his whole life, it was easy for Reid to choose to return to campus. “I felt it in my heart that I wanted to come back to Hill,” he emphasized. “I kept in touch with Mr. Baum and talked to me a few times while I was in college, telling me that I should come back and help.” Now, here he is teaching alongside Baum while being his former student.
How Hill Students Spent Their Summers
By JAMES GONG ’26 STAFF WRITER
Hill students across all forms certainly stayed busy this summer. As expected, many reunited with friends and family after a long school year. Summer also gave students the amazing opportunity to further their passions, ignite new ones, and undergo incredible, new experiences.
Yiyi Wan ’28 continued her 10 year-long journey in ballet, winning a silver medal in the internationally prestigious Prix De Europe. At Hill, she has furthered and plans to continue her ballet through her Dance 2 class as well as organizing hill dancers to perform at senior citizens’ homes each term. Additionally, she attended a summer program at Brown University, where she learned about a broad range of different engineering
Devlin McCool is a new history teacher from Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Dickinson College in 2023. He is the middle of five children in his family. While this is his first time on campus, his father attended Hill in 1987. He is excited for this year ahead and is coaching varsity football, varsity boys hockey, and varsity girls lacrosse. Since McCool’s youngest sibling is still in high school, he hopes to be able to understand and connect with Hill students better.
“I hope to bring a different kind of energy and vibe as a younger teacher,” expressed McCool. He has always known that he wanted to move away from Boston to come back to this area due to his college experience, but he is happy about this new boarding school opportunity. “The community, when I was interviewing in the spring last year, seemed to be very close to each other, and it didn’t seem fake at all,” McCool said. Being a first-year teacher, there have been some challenges, but he is adjusting to standing in front of the classroom. Other than in a classroom, you can find him in Foster, being a dorm parent there.
Dr. Amber Buller is the new Director of Counseling here at The Hill. She is originally from right outside of Philadelphia, so being in Pennsylvania is not new to her. Buller attended college at the University of Arizona. She also has a great interest in being outdoors and likes to travel. She has her pilot’s license and has been traveling with her family a lot recently.
As Buller is a new faculty member to this campus, she helps to serve the students with any problems they have. She is here to learn about this campus and how to understand all the needs.
“Our job here is to provide service to the students,” Buller said, and that is part of her goal to make Hill better in every way. She would like to see the community as a whole and put herself in the students’ position so that students are comfortable approaching the counseling center.
“A big goal of mine is to help students know when they can help themselves, and come in when they need it,” Buller said. By spreading the word, she would like students to become more comfortable with seeking help
“The community, when I was interviewing in the spring last year, seemed to be very close to each other, and it didn’t seem fake at all.”
disciplines, including chemistry, thermodynamics, and optics. For her, this program was her first taste of what university is like, and although she does not plan to pursue physics related fields in the future, the program has inspired her, and she looks forward to her future, both at Hill and future education.
Grace Lipton ’28 visited New Hampshire to sightsee, as well as watch and support her dad bike up a 7.5-mile trail on Mt. Washington, a grade-22 mountain. That means biking an impressive 7.3 miles horizontally almost 1.7 miles vertically! Additionally, she found the sightseeing and views spectacular. Grace says she “would fully recommend others to cycle but maybe not start with Mt. Washington.”
FOCUS was also active this summer, traveling to the Rocky Mountains with Harper Latham ’26. The group bonded through a multitude of activities, like hiking, backpacking, and summitting a 14,000 ft mountain. They also repelled, rock climbed, and
whitewater rafted.
Back in Pennsylvania, Jahiem Pratt ’26 studied at the Pennsylvania Theater Institute and met with numerous award-winning Philadelphia actors and actresses. Thanks to this opportunity, he was able to experience what a college theater audition would be like and prepare for his future auditions.
Finally, Winston Valentine ’26 completed a longterm project this summer: he self-published his 424-page book, To Destiny: An Early Life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1800. Winston has been working on this book since he was a 3rd former, writing, revising, and researching Napoleon’s life to make sure his book was as accurate as possible. He is incredibly proud of this achievement, and he plans to continue publishing in the future.
We hope these students’ stories inspire all of you to enjoy your hobbies, further your passions, and expand your interests in not just the summer, but all of your time at Hill and beyond!
Jahiem Pratt ’26
Yiyi Wan ’28
Winston Valentine 26
Grace Lipton 28
Grace Lipton 28
Yiyi Wan 28
Bill Stiles is the new athletics director at Hill. Before joining this community, Stiles claims that he knew about Hill long before. He graduated from Ursinus College, and previously grew up in Douglasville, Pennsylvania. He spent many years of his career in sports coaching and directing the athletics department. Although Stiles does not coach anymore, he is still busy with all the athletics at Hill. Stiles lives around campus with his two kids and wife.
“I am responsible for all the athletic teams and all of the co-curricular activities,” Stiles explained. “My greatest responsibility is supporting students, program leaders, and coaches.”
With many great goals he wants to bring to Hill, the main one is developing relationships with the faculty and students and becoming more understanding of their needs to best support them. On top of that, he wants every student to experience their best time here, no matter their sport or afternoon activity.
Stiles initially came to Hill for many reasons. Stiles had a long and close professional relationship with Seth Eilberg, the previous athletic director. His second reason was that his understanding of Hill since childhood gave him a sense of belonging in this community. Currently, his favorite part about Hill is “being challenged in a way he has never been challenged before.”
Dr. Brian Sullivan joins both the Math and Science Departments this year, teaching AP Physics Mechanics, AP Calculus BC, and IM42 while advising the Robotics team. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, a former steel town much like Pottstown, he brings a deep love of math, music, and exploration to Hill. After earning his PhD in computational plasma physics at Dartmouth, Dr. Sullivan studied how instabilities in plasmas appear in both fusion energy and the northern lights. “Astronomy was my gateway to a love of math and science,” he shared. A lifelong musician, he plays more than a dozen instruments and hopes to form chamber groups with students and faculty. Now living in Pine Court with his partner Beth, their two children, and an aging cat named Rhianna, Dr. Sullivan appreciates Hill’s welcoming spirit. “Ev-
“My greatest responsibility is supporting students, program leaders, and coaches”
— Bill Stiles
eryone here is so kind and helpful,” he said. He hopes to inspire curiosity in physics, music, and astronomy while encouraging students to find joy in learning.
Cecilia Jenkins ’20 is working as the Assistant Director of Admissions on campus. Originally, she was from the Chicago, Illinois and played ice hockey and water polo growing up. She did a post-graduate year at Hill in 2019-2020 and recently graduated from Villanova University. In college, she rowed for all four years, so she will also be coaching crew in the spring. Her twin sister worked at St. Paul’s School, which inspired her to pursue a career in boarding schools.
“I’m working as an Assistant Director of Admission here at Hill, and I’ll be doing all things admissions: fairs, school visits, interviewing, and file reading,” Jenkins said. These aspects of her job are important for the school’s future and even shape the culture.
Bringing positive energy and gratitude is one of the few aspects she hopes to bring to our community.
“It’s easy to lose sight of how lucky we are to be here, so I try to remind myself of the great opportunity I have,” Jenkins said. With that, it is important to her to also bring positive energy to all the people on campus.
Something that drew her back to Hill is the past experiences she had with the community. As well as the traditions, people, and location. She is loving the
“After a few weeks in, finding that one connection with a student, it made me realize this is where I am supposed to be, and the students are what matter” —Theresa Fischer
campus already, with this short time here as faculty. “As a prospective student, I was drawn to the family feel of Hill, and I still feel this way,” she explains. Jenkins is a dorm parent in Davy along with her job in the admissions.
Yejin Han is a new art teacher in the arts department. She also serves as the Boyer Gallery coordinator. She teaches a variety of arts courses, including AP art and art seminar. As coordinator, she helps run art shows in the space and support artists across the country.
Han is from Maryland, but went to school in Rhode Island. She then later worked in New York City before teaching at another boarding school. Since Han is already familiar with the boarding life, she says “I get to know students in the classroom and outside the classes.”
Relationships with the students in general is very important to her. When applying to her current position, she got to know Hill better by keeping up with The Hill News, and the newspaper is something that drew her on to the campus. Han is most interested in the effort the students put into culture building, which she describes as “togetherness.” Other than community, the campus also drew her in. You can find Han in Hillrest dormitory with her dog.
Therésa Fischer is the engineering teacher at Hill. She teaches Engineering 2, 3, and 4 Disciplines Seminar. However, she is not exactly new to the community, since she previously served as a long-term and her husband coached track. Her husband knew that Bill Yinger, chair of the science department, needed a long-term substitute for the chemistry classes persuaded Fischer to take the job.
Before working at Hill, she lived in the area and was familiar with the campus since the 2000s. “After a few weeks in, finding that one connection with a
student, it made me realize this is where I am supposed to be, and the students are what matter,” Fischer expressed. She is also happy being around the faculty and staff, which she is a part of now.
Denali Nichols joins The Hill as the new Social Media Coordinator, Assistant Varsity Girls Soccer Coach, and Co-Advisor. Originally from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he brings creativity, athletic experience, and a strong sense of community to campus. He earned his degree from La Roche University with majors in Marketing and Management and later completed a master’s in Business at Albright College, focusing on Digital Marketing and Data Analytics. With experience in social media, photography, and design, Mr. Nichols hopes to “share Hill’s inspiring stories across all platforms.” On the field, he brings collegiate playing and coaching experience. What he loves most so far is the community. “From day one, everyone made me feel welcome,” he shared. “If you see me with a camera, smile—you might end up in one of our posts.”
Bart Mestelle is a returning chemistry teacher at Hill. He has been teaching for 10 years and coaching college-level track and field. He previously taught chemistry for one year at Hill during the 2022-2023 school year. Along with teaching, you can find him in the athletic facilities as a strength and conditioning coach in the fall. He is also a dorm parent in Wendall dormitory with his wife, Whitney.
Mestelle hopes to rekindle a love of science in students. “I am hoping to break down barriers that stand in the way of students deepening their curiosity about a topic that interests them,” Mestelle said. He has many goals to bring to this community, and being a teacher here before helps with the familiarity. He loves the community of Hill and how many parts of this place make life easier. He came back for a second time and expressed, “I loved teaching here last time, and the students and faculty were just as delightful as I remembered,” Mestelle said.
OPINION: “Performative males” and the trap of progressive selfsabotage
For the uninitiated, presumably all faculty and Ambrose Cole, there is this rising idea of an archetypal man. No Übermensch — this man is described as ‘performative’. Whereas the typical aspiration of masculinity has evolved from demonstrating your ability to hunt and gather better than the other males, this “newfound” method of chasing and attracting women is causing a stir: if you can’t be with them, join them. It is the adoption of feminine traits to attract women, the music taste defined by primarily bedroom-pop female artists, and the hyper-consumerism of small, highly coveted fur figurines, all in attempts to appeal to a demographic, typically women, that would see them more as a puppy than a wolf. It’s a term thrown around ad nauseam.
I once got called performative for reading a book in a library in my history class, in which we were given a period to read our assigned book in the library. The idea of a performative male is the sociological equivalent of telling an inquisitive child that things are a way “because I said so”. It is an example of what author and clinical psychologist R.J. Lifton calls a “thought-terminating cliché”.
Why would we look at an unstructured, perceived shift in traditional forms of masculinity when we could just call them performative? There is an inherent self-defeating nature in discourse around performative males. There exists a revived progressive
framework that champions self-expression and challenges the rigidity of gender norms, yet oftentimes, the well-meaning gatekeepers to that in-group police ideas of masculinity in ways that would be recognized as problematic if otherwise applied.
When progressives become the arbiters of what constitutes “authentic” versus “performative” masculinity, it creates a bizarre dynamic where men are expected to perform non-performance, demonstrating their genuineness through adherence to some unstated standard of masculine authenticity. But whose standard? And why should anyone else be the gatekeeper of someone’s self-expression? I want to make it clear that there are indeed men out there who do perform, there are men who alter parts of themselves only for the sake of being desirable, but that almost goes without saying.
The preferred redundancy made clear by the usage of the term stifles self-expression in favor of conformity to what? Traditional masculinity? It’s often progressives who serve as the gatekeepers to ‘true’ left-wing demonstration, driving away what could be well-meaning, if not misguided, men. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle wherein progressive movements lose potential allies yet wonder why young men are gravitating toward reactionary alternatives in droves. Who wins in curtailing expression? The answer becomes increasingly clear as we look at the Gen Z polling data: extreme right-wing populists, whose movements and leaders must be laughing at younger generations doing their jobs for them.
LITERATURE PANEL
By SHANE DUO ’26
STAFF WRITER
Shane Duo’s mouth-watering narrative about his childhood order of Kung Pao Chicken reveals an intense, embodied, and vigorously moving portrait of his family life. Memories are diced, seasoned, sauteed, and fried through his words. Details of his past come together to form a delicious dish that frames his Chinese American experience in unique and flavorful curiosity.
-Richard Liu ’26
The box creaked open, blasting a blinding light from within, revealing a culinary masterpiece. I had eaten this dish so many times that I had become a connoisseur, and I knew the first step to enjoying this delicacy was removing all the peanuts. Their sharp presence in every bite ruined the textural experience of this delicate cuisine. After ridding the pest, I took my first proper bite. Bam! Garlic, peppercorns, cucumbers, chicken, and countless other flavors exploded on my tongue. At this moment, I closed my eyes, soaked in the warmth of the summer sun, and prepared myself for the next bite. Unfortunately, without fail, a piece of chicken would escape from the boundaries of my spoon and invade my pristine white t-shirt. I scrambled to pick up the chicken before being scolded by my mother, quickly grabbing it with my fingers and hiding the evidence in my mouth.
The fate of Marvel and DC soars above the fall of the superhero genre
In the entertainment industry, companies have waged war against one another through a wide array of tactics to compete for public appeal. The rivalry between Marvel and DC is indisputably the most prominent of these rivalries.
Audiences are entering a stage where they develop “superhero fatigue”, and as all franchises approach a post-pandemic period, both Marvel and DC are to deal with several challenges.
Marvel’s Cinematic Universe was just as unstoppable as Thanos was in “Avengers: Infinity War” in the entertainment industry, but it hit turbulence this year. Phase Six of the franchise kicked off with movies such as “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which totaled about $935 million in
revenue. Though this may sound like a huge sum, it is a far cry from the pre-2020 billion-dollar norms we saw before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics point to oversaturation as a central issue.
With eight Disney+ series in recent phases weighing down interest, combined with production delays from strikes and mixed reviews, Marvel’s dominance no longer feels guaranteed. While “Deadpool & Wolverine” provided a boost in 2024, 2025’s underperformance signals that Marvel is still struggling to regain popularity. DC, meanwhile, has faced its own challenges. Past movies, such as “Aquaman” and “The Lost Kingdom,” continue to cast a shadow over the franchise’s reputation. Yet under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC began its rebooted universe with the movie “Superman,” which brought in $614 million globally and managed to outpace every MCU release this year. Unlike Marvel’s mul-
tiverse, DC is emphasizing the reintroduction of older movies and giving directors more creative breathing room.
Looking ahead, both studios appear poised for comebacks. For DC, “Superman” marks the first step in a promising new direction, with future projects in the coming year like Supergirl and Clayface aiming to solidify this momentum. For Marvel, the real test will come in 2026 as well, when anticipated releases like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Avengers: Doomsday” are expected to reignite audience enthusiasm on a massive scale.
At the end of the day, although superhero films ended their 14-year streak of hitting $700 million annually in 2025, both Marvel and DC remain as cornerstones of global entertainment. Their rivalry may have entered a rough chapter, but signs point to fresh opportunities for resurgence in the years ahead.
STAFF WRITER
By GRIFFIN HOPPER ’26
STAFF WRITER
By VINCENT LIN ’28
ILLUSTRATION BY ANAIKA BANDI ’27
“Today
on The Hill” redesign finally puts readers first
For years, “Today on The Hill” gave students a nightly schedule snapshot. But snapshots do not move, even when the campus does. Classes, events, and hours often shifted after the email was sent, leaving students with wrong information. The redesign, which now links directly to Veracross, may require an extra click, but it ensures accuracy in a way the old system never could. While some students see the change as inconvenient, the reality is that everything we need is still on Veracross, and the redesign makes “Today on The Hill” a smarter, more reliable guide to campus life.
Some students argue that the new format is frustrating. “Last year everything I needed was right there in one place,” Ethan Luo ’26 said. “Now I have to click through links just to check grille or campus store hours.” Encheng Wang ’26 shared a similar view: “Even as someone who already knows the campus, it feels harder to keep track when the information is split across different pages.” These complaints miss the bigger picture. The point of “Today on The Hill” is not to recreate Veracross, but to guide students toward it. Schedules are constantly changing, with athletics, activities, and college visits often shifting at the last minute. An email frozen at 8:00 p.m. cannot keep up, but a live calendar can. Clicking a link is a small trade-off for accuracy.
Arthur Miller, a senior, reflected on the transition: “Many students have gotten used to looking at ‘Today on The Hill’ for daily events. For example, seniors checking if colleges are
visiting in the office. I missed Boston College because I didn’t know they were here.” His experience highlights why the redesign is necessary, not flawed. College visits are posted on Veracross, and the new format ensures students are directed there. The real issue is not that the information disappeared, but that students have to adjust to looking in the right place. If we want accurate updates, we have to adapt to the tools built for us.
As Mr. Weibley explained, “By the time the email was sent at 8 p.m., schedules could change, so the information in the email was not necessarily accurate anymore.” Linking directly to Veracross means fewer errors, fewer outdated announcements, and fewer chances of missing important updates. The redesign also reduces redundant work. Instead of re-editing schedules by hand every evening, the communications team can focus on sharing announcements, opportunities, and student contributions.
This change does not mean “Today on The Hill” is less valuable. If anything, it has grown into a gateway that points us to the most current and official sources. Mrs. Bainbridge continues to collect information, organize announcements, and even invite student artwork and photography, turning the email into more than just a static schedule. It remains a daily ritual that reflects campus life, only now it does so with fewer errors and more reliability.
The adjustment may take time, but in the long run, the redesign makes sense. Everything students need can still be found on Veracross, and “Today on The Hill” ensures we get there. Convenience may feel reduced, but what we gain is accuracy, efficiency, and a system that actually keeps up with the pace of campus life.
The 4th form cellphone policy: understandable or unfair?
By Aaron Kraus ’28 STAFF WRITER
As a new 4th form student living in Foster, I have adjusted to the phone policy and I think it has had a positive impact on my sleep, which is its intended purpose. I usually get back to my dorm at around 6 a.m. from hockey practice, then go to school, have a cross country practice, and then dinner. At this point, I am very tired and after doing most of my work during study hall, I take my phone to the phone lockbox and go to sleep around 10 p.m. Even though lights out is technically an hour later at 11 p.m., the potential extra hour of phone use does not really affect me too much. Some nights when I have more energy and want to stay up it helps me limit my phone usage and wind down at night, so I don’t stay up too late, which affect my energy the next day. I think for a
Editors-in-Chief
Visual Managing Editors
Elizabeth Zhang ’26
Ethan Ryu ’26
Ambrose Cole ’26
Michelle Lawrence ’26, Ryan Qiu ’26 Taylor Timbrook ’26
Adam Yao ’26
Arkadi Bindar ’26
Richard Liu ’26
Shinyu Zhang ’27, Ryan Qiu ‘26, Ethan Luo ‘26
Staff Writers & Staff Contributers
Arts & Leisure
Manager
Max Yang ’27
Lilian Cheng ’27
Elva Cheng ’26
Anaika Bandi ’27, Gia Carswell ’27, Shane Duo ’26, James Gong ’26, Casper Hao ’27, Griffin Hopper ’26, Aaron Kraus ’28, Chelsea Lee ’27, Aria Li ’28, Leo Li ’28, Vincent Lin ’28, Arthur Miller ’26, Bach Nguyen ’26, Michael Pham ’27, Ian Ryu ’28, Alex Vogt ’27, Frank Xu ’28, Chase Zhang ’27, Derek Zhang ’27
Faculty Advisers Alec Swartz, Nancy Body
Content Policy
The Hill News is the student-run newspaper of The Hill School. Content is determined by and reflects the views of the student editorial board and staff and not school officials or the School itself. The Hill News acts as an open forum for student expression where they have complete control over the content produced.
Want to contribute to The Hill News? Come to our bi-weekly meetings or contact a member of our staff. To submit a letter to the editors or an opinion piece, email mlawrence26@thehill.org rqiu26@thehill.org
lot of people having a new rule on phones was a difficult adjustment as late at night, your phone is one of the only forms of entertainment that you have.
When asked about his opinion on the phone policy, Dorm parent in Foster Dylan Jennings stated, “I am strongly in favor of it. I actually think it’s a policy that the school should look at implementing across the board for all grades because I think if there’s truly these benefits to sleep that we are promoting to fourth formers, it would be beneficial for everybody.” Jennings explained the new policy from a sleep health aspect which I have seen as a large benefit to myself because I am now waking up feeling more energetic.
Many students, however, rightfully have an opposing opinion. “I feel like it’s unnecessary because
I miss a lot of time getting ready for school because I didn’t have an alarm and we now have to spend money on alarms when we could simply just use our phones,’’ Tom Cepkauskas ’28 said. This is a very unique perspective, and I didn’t really think about that aspect of the issue. It is a little frustrating to have to get an alarm when we already have them built into our phones.
Despite my own experience, however, the new phone rule is for many students just another set of expectations that disrupts their daily rhythms. Returning 4th form student Thayer Mcleod ‘28 stated, “I understand why they would do it, but honestly, I think I sleep better with my phone. Which I know is bad, but I do.“ For some people this is the case and the new phone rule would be very frustrating as it messes up their general habits.
Trump’s actions will leave his place in history
By ARTHUR MILLER ’26 STAFF WRITER
President Donald Trump has remained a figure of immense controversy for his divisive decision-making. While in office, he has put forth brazen orders into operation and forced Congress to pass divisive laws, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Trump ran on a promise to make America great again and take down the so-called “woke” mindset but has done little in his most recent term besides
uncertain
divide the nation further and provide benefits to the highest earners.
One of the most troubling aspects of his recent actions is its impact on environmental protection. Trump made major cuts to clean energy tax credits and disincentives for renewable energy investment while expanding subsidies for fossil fuel industries. His choices only increase fossil fuel use, which is the opposite of what we need to do as a nation. This short-sighted thinking prioritizes saving money now, but it harms the environment in the long run.
In addition to his environmental neglect, the act hinders the less fortunate by reducing food stamps and Medicaid programs. These people are in a vulnerable place, struggling to get by, and their situation is only made harder. The act’s removal of many state reimbursements for Medicaid expenditures will also further bankrupt states, exacerbating the very same nationwide budget crisis he claims to be solving.
Despite numerous issues in his latest term, Trump could lift his image with the fostering of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. While this plan currently seems to be in place, the conditions of the deal are still being worked out, and it may very well soon unravel like so many of Trump’s plans. Where he will land in history is still uncertain, but his current impact has not portrayed him in an admiring light.
ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN QIU ’26
ILLUSTRATION BY CASPER HAO ‘27
STAFF WRITER
By BACH NGUYEN ’26
PHOTO BY ARKADI BINDAR ’26
Phone lockers in Foster Dormitory.
New athletics director seeks to develop well-rounded student athletes
By MICHELLE LAWRENCE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After 16 years serving as the Associate Vice President of Athletics at Alvernia University, Bill Stiles brings his experience and vision for whole-student development to Hill as the new Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities.
From the time that Stiles first stepped on campus, he felt Hill’s energy and knew that this was the place where he needed to be.
“One of the days I was here for my interview there was track going on, squash going on, basketball, and hockey,” Stiles said. “It was raining, but there was still a ton of energy. There were people everywhere.”
Only a couple weeks into the athletics seasons for many student-athletes, Stiles has already begun to soak up the energy given off by the entire Hill community. Despite the tough losses during EA Day for most of Hill’s athletics teams, Stiles was impressed by the school spirit that was displayed during that evening.
“I was blown away by all the students that were up at the far fields,” Stiles expressed. “Not only that, but that they stayed. The student section did not empty out of the football game at halftime and that says a lot about students sup-
porting one another.”
In future years, Stiles hopes to focus on the rational and strategic components of EA Day, including the timing of the games within each teams’ season schedule. For many non-varsity teams, their first game of the season took place on EA Day with only a week of practice beforehand. On the other hand, Episcopal Academy’s teams probably had two to three more weeks of practice than our teams did, which made playing EA for a first game not an optimal situation.
Stiles, in conjunction with the athletics leadership, hopes to consider an essential question: “How could we better, more strategically, and purposely, choose the schedule or plan the schedule so that we’d be in a better position to be more prepared to compete?” Stiles said.
As part of creating successful athletes, Stiles also plans to address sport specialization and will continue to stress the development of multi-sport athletes. With the pressure for specialization seemingly coming largely from clubs and travels as compared to schools, Stiles realizes it will be important for Hill to continue to stand by the policy that has been in place for 175 years, while also working with the families of students who want to participate in a club sport during the middle of a
Athletics department cancels recreational squash
By
The school has ceased recreational squash as an afternoon co-curricular this fall, citing low enrollment and a more overall review of the program’s purpose. Students who had registered for recreational squash over the summer were notified before the term began and were all asked to select another activity for the fall.
“Rec” squash, as it is called among students, has traditionally introduced beginners to this sport and is designed to do so. Skilled varsity players are also eligible to participate. Many students found it to be a practical way to play squash in an informal way. In practice, however, the afternoon activity became dominated by experienced players looking to practice the sport for the upcoming winter term.
Additionally, Josh Schofield, the director of racquet sports, addressed another concern: low turnout. “Rec squash was paused because of low numbers, so the program could be reevaluated.” He also added an important doubt on the significance of recreational squash.
“My goal has always been to ensure that our student athletes and our coaches have the support and resources to be as successful as they can be,”
— Bill Stiles
“I think that we will only see the number of students who want to take advantage of that grow and considering what some of the ways that we can support that are, but also stand by our principles of believing in involvement in as many activities you can be involved in is really important.”
With many more months ahead of planning and sporting events, in all of his endeavors, Stiles’ primary concern will be supporting student athletes and coaches in the best possible way.
“My goal has always been to ensure that our student athletes and our coaches have the support and resources to be as successful as they can be,” Stiles concluded.
The culture of Hill cross country
By LEO LI ’28
“We are exploring whether it should mainly introduce the sport to beginners,” Scholfield said. “Should it serve as a bridge to JV or Varsity? Or perhaps those students should support other fall athletic teams.”
Some players expressed that this cancellation removed a valuable preseason tune up.
“The cancellation was disappointing,” said Landon Qiu ’27, a two-year member of boys varsity squash who had previously registered for rec squash. “I wanted to rebuild some rhythm after a long summer so I’d be better prepared for winter.”
Teammate Koji Karasawa ’27 agreed, seeing the fall term opportunity as a means of bettering his craft.
“I was looking forward to using rec squash as a preseason opportunity to fit right into the season,” Karasawa said.
Athletics leaders emphasized that this change may not be permanent, more so temporary while they reassess the main goals and eligibility of rec squash. Both Schofield and the new athletics director Bill
The boys’ cross country team enters the fall with depth, experience, and cautious optimism from its coaches. Head coach Christopher DeLucia, now in his 18th year leading the program, called the current team “one of the stronger teams” he has coached, crediting the work athletes put in before and at the start of the season. “They’ve done the work going into the season and in this early part of the season that shows good promise,” he mentioned. Still, DeLucia avoids making any predictions on the team’s performance: “I don’t like to predict how they’ll end up… I’d much rather be surprised than disappointed.”
Experience is the team’s weapon. Six of the top eight, as well as eight of the top twelve runners are Sixth Formers. Assistant coach Mr. Jen-
nings expressed their significance to the team’s core: “We have a nice collection of now six formers who have formed a nucleus for our team, who I think have really started to mature and come into their own as runners and individuals.”
Leadership extends beyond race day. Co-captain Shane Duo ’26 first joined cross country to condition for ice hockey but stayed for the culture. “I joined cross country to get in better shape for hockey, but after joining the team, the culture and the community that I found within the team compelled me to stay,” he explained. Top runner Liam Mpofu ’26 described that culture as “welcoming,” highlighting inclusive team dinners where “freshmen come and eat with the seniors.”
Camaraderie, the coaches mentioned, is pivotal to the team program. “Camaraderie is really big in
cross country. It’s really big in our team culture,” DeLucia pointed up. Jennings added that the group’s resilience shows even after setbacks: “Even after a loss, [team members] are still able to pick each other up. They’re still giving each other kudos.” No matter how optimistic the season may be looking, there are inevitably times when results don’t meet the expectations. During these scenarios, the coaches then focus on controllables. “The key thing is, did you do your best?” DeLucia noted. Preparation matters as much as the performance during the race. Adequate sleep and hydration in the days before meets are non negotiable. Both coaches affirmly agreed: “if losing is met with reflection, then losing is just another step closer to winning.”
Hill athletics season.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL INSTAGRAM
STAFF WRITER
Stiles believed that recreational squash “could return in some form” after the review.
STAFF WRITER
CHASE ZHANG ’27
PHOTO BY FRANK XU ’28
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL PIXEVETY
Team captain Henry Zidek ’26 poses during media day.
Monroe Short ’27 rallies against William Penn Charter School during last year’s squash season.