THN Issue 5 2022-23

Hill welcomes springtime with favorite annual traditions

By ANNA CARROLL ’23 & SRINIDHI PASUMARTHY ’26 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & STAFF WRITER

Spring at Hill is a time of awakening and rebirth. As trees turn green and flowers show their sprouts, the Hill campus is growing out of its winter blues. From picnics on the pitch to J-ball tournaments, sixth form dress down to late check-ins, yard games on the pitch to sunsets at the Head of School Garden, the spring term at Hill is filled with fun and expectations. For those who are unaware, here is a breakdown of some of the cherished Hill traditions that students can look forward to during the spring.

Seated Dinners

Like during the fall term, in the spring, students and faculty come together each Tuesday night with seated dinners. And sixth formers can look forward to tea in the Class of 1971 Garden following the end of dinner. Remember that dress is academic casual!

J-ball

While spring at Hill is a time of relaxation and community-bonding, it is also a time of intense competition and drive, as it’s J-ball season. J-ball is baseball, but with a tennis racket and a tennis ball. Students will make teams and register for the school-wide bracket. Teams will be scheduled to play against each other

throughout campus before study hall on set weeknights. Students of all ages and forms are invited to take on this unique yet timeless game, competing for the winning trophy. And with Toon Squad graduating, the winning trophy is up for grabs...

Cookouts

In addition to our Tuesday evening bonding, the community will also enjoy delicious cookouts with their dorms. There will also be plenty of everyone’s favorite yard games. The days of cookouts will be communicated via the calendar and Today on the Hill.

6th Form Dress

For their final year upon the Hill, the class of 2023 will enjoy a

FEATURES | Page 5

modified dress code that will adequately fit the season. Both the starting dates and the specifics of the dress code are up to the current administration’s decision, but it usually resembles academic-casual dress.

Later Check-in and Study Hall

What?! Yes, check-in and study hall will be pushed to a later start time of 8:00 p.m. to accommodate the nicer weather, longer days, and, of course, J-ball games that go into overtime.

6th Form Dance

For 5th and 6th formers, they are invited to the 6th Form Dance, which is held, this year, on

Springtime at Hill Photo Captions:

May 25th, 2023. This dance celebrates the end of the spring term with a DJ, dinner, dessert, photos, and everyone’s favorite tradition, prom-posals.

The Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival is one of the most well-awaited events by both students and staff alike. The Strawberry Festival marks the official end of the school year. During the Strawbery Festival, students will receive their Dials, be able to buy old Hill athletics merchandise, and enjoy live music, food trucks, yard games, bouncy houses, petting zoos, and ziplines. Of course, students will also sign their yearbooks and spend time reminiscing on the

FEATURES | Page 4

Dear Blue: Sometimes doing nothing is enough.

Caption contest

SPORTS | Page 8

ARTS & LEISURE | Page 6

Athlete Spotlight: Charlie Rauch ’24 sets ice on fire

past year at Hill.

Benji Wang ’23 said that he is “really excited for Strawberry Festival, especially as a Sixth Former.” He is also “excited for the nicer weather and Jball.”

As Ms. LaMarca, Director of Student Activities, says this year’s spring students should “expect more outdoor activities” courtesy of the nicer weather.

Ms. Eilberg shares her enthusiasm as she describes spring at Hill to be, “a different vibe on campus, with more of us spending time outdoors, and there is always a certain emotion around seeing sixth formers getting ready for commencement.” Yet she did not fail to remind new students to learn how to play Jball.

Rodriguez-Vargas adjusts to her new role as interim Head of School

By LAYLA CHOUDHRI ’26 STAFF WRITER

In the wake of former Head of School Zach Lehman’s sudden departure, the quick adaptation made by Sylvia Rodriguez-Vargas is often overlooked by the community. In just the span of a few months, Rodriguez-Vargas transitioned to being the new interim Head of School, while also continuing to fulfill her responsibilities as the associate Head of School.

A prominent position such as the Head of School comes with more than a few responsibilities. On such a short-term transition, Rodriguez-Vargas had to be resilient, while keeping in mind the interests of the larger community.

In an email, Rodriguez-Vargas shared her experiences with her acclimation.

“Any transition requires thoughtful and careful attention to the needs

and experiences of the community,” Rodriguez-Vargas stated. “I am fortunate to have already had good relationships and meaningful partnerships with many faculty and administrators on campus. So, rather than obstacles, I have been met with a level of trust that has allowed me to step into the work with tremendous support.”

Although Rodriguez-Vargas held her position for just a few months rather than years, she informs that she still plans to make a strong impact on the Hill community. With Kathleen Devaney imminently becoming Head of School, Rodriguez-Vargas’ ability to achieve long-term goals has been limited; however, she outlined a clear agenda for the rest of her time as Head of School.

“The primary goals currently are to be attentive to the current needs of the school for the remainder of the year, to support the upcoming leadership transition this summer, and

to further strengthen and develop the wonderful programs and opportunities available to our students and community,” Rodriguez-Vargas stated in an email.

Before becoming The Hill School’s interim Head of School, she held the role of Associate Head of School. Her experience in that position since the start of the 2020 school year, and her earlier role as Head of School at the Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, made her well-equipped for this new experience.

“I am doing two jobs simultaneously, with the support of the senior leadership team. I continue to oversee and collaborate with all the deans and directors of programs across campus in my work as Associate Head. I am also concurrently working closely with all operation team leaders on the business side of running a school,” Rodriguez-Vargas explained in an email.

1. Hill students enjoy dorm cookout outside of Wendell dormitory on a sunny spring afternoon. Photo courtesy of Sandi Yanisko.

2. The bouncy castle is a must-try event in the Strawberry festival. Photo courtesy of Sarah Bender.

3. Gilbert Saunders ‘22 focuses on his swing as the J-ball championship game comes to a climax. Photo courtesy of Mckenna Edwards.

“Hillies” learn about AI’s potential with ChatGPT

Anna Carroll ’23 contributed to this article.

Interim Head of School Rodriguez-Vargas

By LAYLA CHOUDHRI ’26 STAFF WRITER

Continued from Page 1

Though the Head of School is a crucial position, most students are unaware of the obligations of the Head of School. Rodriguez-Vargas’ duties hold a considerable amount of responsibility and are essential in determining the community’s direction.

“The Head of School is in effect the CEO of the organization and is responsible for the overall health and wellness of the school in all regards,” Rodriguez-Vargas explained. “Knowledge of all aspects of school life coupled with the business acumen to lead responsibly and effectively are key to the job.” Though there may not have been many noticeable changes so far this school year, she continuously sought out new ways to better the Hill School.

“The Head of School is traditionally charged with setting and leading a longterm vision that enhances and shapes meaningful experiences in the life of students, faculty, and various constituents, along with the responsibility of advancing the mission, culture, and overall sustainability for the future of the school.”

An unexpected turn has become beneficial for the Hill School community. Rodriguez-Vargas started to direct the school in her own professional style. The many tasks of a Head of School can be overwhelming; controlling two highly regarded positions at once is extremely demanding. However, Rodrigez-Vargas beamed confidently that she will continue to meet

Student organizations host Black History Month events

advocates.

By EMERSON LEGER ’25 STAFF WRITER

Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honor, and educate us on Black culture and their contributions. Every February, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Hill Black Student Union hosted events for community members to learn and appreciate Black culture and contributions with fun and informative activities.

the community’s demands, while upholding the school’s traditional values.

“My background in and experiences in finance, fundraising, admission, communication and marketing, working with the Board, and my previous experience as a Head of School were a strong match to serve Hill as The Head of School,” she said.

Hill’s Black Student Union was involved with student groups on campus that may not be highly represented in most cases. In the beginning of February, DEI and BSU collaborated to give out Black History Month wristbands. They are planning to continue this collaboration with events throughout February, including handing out customized shirts designed by student

Hill DEI member Marcus Smith ’24 worked to coordinate events, fundraisers, and information sessions on campus for underrepresented minorities. He touched a bit more on these events where one of the goals is to bring more awareness to these groups. He explained that the 50 shirts made will be sold for twenty dollars and the profits will be given to the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter. “We also have a pop-up shop type event where all people involved in the shirts will be hanging out in the Warner Center on Friday, February 17,” Smith explained. However, this year seems to be a bit quiet and the reason for this, Smith explained, “is because a lot of activities

are voluntary and therefore won’t have attendance from everyone on campus or at least most.”

“We advocate for issues important to the Black community such as racial justice, cultural awareness and representation in the Hill School. Participating in BSU events and activities can help students better understand Black history, culture, and perspectives and that’s why we welcome everyone to join us,” BSU mem-

ber Gavin Mpiana ’23 said.

February was filled with the opportunity to learn more about Black culture, both inside and outside of Hill, to be loud — not quiet— and to have fun.

“Participating in BSU events can raise awareness about important issues, promote inclusivity and support for Black students and other underrepresented groups on campus,” Mpiana concluded.

Amanda Dougherty recounts her roots in boarding life

By SARAH KENVIN ’23 STAFF WRITER

You may typically see her gliding around campus on her mint green bike, its metal basket shaking over the bumpy pathways. She shoots warm smiles and genuine greetings at those she passes, radiating positive energy. She may have even been the first face you saw after stepping on campus for the first time. She serves as an admissions counselor, sports coach, and an advisor. But for Amanda Dougherty, her many different roles at Hill are much deeper than mere jobs.

Boarding school and sports have been a part of her heart and passions for longer than most people know. And after working at Hill for the past 21 years, Hill is not just a school but her home and her life.

In ninth grade, Dougherty arrived at a boarding school in Connecticut, wide-eyed and excited for such a new and independent experience. Despite a miserable case of strep throat that woefully took over part of her junior year, she proved to be the rare and model boarding school student: never homesick and always positive, even in such an intense environment. As her connections with faculty and coaches blossomed with each year she spent in Connecticut, she knew she wanted boarding school to be a part of her life. A typical 9-to-5 was not part of her future.

Dougherty’s spirit for athletics continued from boarding school into college when she took on two internships with professional sports teams. Her most memorable internship was with the Hartford Whalers, now known

as the Carolina Hurricanes, a professional mens hockey team. “Working with a professional team was such an exciting job to have as a college student,” she remarked, “I got to live near the team, go to home games, work in the front office, etc. The energy in the rink was exhilarating” Her interest in sports grew even more through the experiences her internships provided, which is where she decided she wanted to keep sports as a part of her life. She now is a beloved coach of field hockey and squash.

Her love for the boarding school community as well as her passion for sports led her to the Westminster School, where she worked for four years before making the switch to work at Hill. She is a critical part of the admissions office and sincerely enjoys the many experiences her job entails.

“I love that no two days are exactly the same, and I get to build many different relationships with many different people,” Doughtery explained.

Being the warm and approachable person that she is; meeting new families, traveling for admissions events, interviewing prospective students, and the other ways she interacts with others is something she truly enjoys. While potential stressors such as applications not being complete, families showing up late, or forgetting material for school fairs certainly keep her on her toes, she has learned to be flexible and “sort things out on the fly.”

Dougherty’s office is located on the second floor of the admissions building, tucked away into the corner. It is here that likely nervous prospective

students tiptoe into the room for their official interviews. Luckily for them, the environment in Dougherty’s office is nothing but comforting. Light streams through the many windows on sunny afternoons, creating a cheery mood in the room.

“I love the natural light I get on nice days, it makes me feel at ease,” she remarked.

Dougherty often has an oil diffuser sat on the windowsill, making the space smell of fragrances such as apples or lavender. A box of dark chocolate bon-bons wrapped in silver foil often travels around the room, but typically rests upon her mahogany coffee table. Facing the coffee table is a plush floral printed couch adorned with red pillows and a royal blue blanket.

Always sitting centered atop her wooden desk is a sturdy purple striped box.

“I call it my zoom box,” she said with a laugh, “it props up my computer when I’m in zoom meetings. I honestly don’t know what’s inside!”

When not at Hill, Dougherty loves spending time with her family at their beach house in New Jersey. Her family consists of her husband Jim and their three children: Maddy in ninth grade, Libby in sixth grade, and Tuck in second grade. One of her greatest joys is having her children grow up in Hill’s environment.

“I’m lucky they get to experience the amazing opportunities on campus, like theater events, sports games, and the dining hall,” she said.

“They also get to grow up surrounded by so many amazing older role models like the students on my sports teams and in my advisory.”

Traditions are a huge part of not just boarding school culture but any campus life. At Hill, the strawberry festival is one of those traditions. The whole community gathers together just a few days before graduation to celebrate the end of the spring term and the future of the 6th formers. On this day, the sun is always beaming its golden warmth onto the emerald grass, and the smell of summer lingers in the breeze. Nothing can be amiss on this day. Dougherty cuts up the strawberries the night before the event-- the juice from the strawberry and sugary whipped cream

making for sticky hands.

“I always go home with the sweet scent of the strawberries all over me. It’s truly such a happy tradition, and my favorite one at Hill,” she said.

Amanda Dougherty knows boarding school life and athletics like the back of her hand. The Hill School started as just a job, and has become her life, her pride, her home, a place to raise her children, and so much more. Having spent significant time with her, I can attest to her intense care for others, her infectious charisma, and her genuine laughter. Maybe one day she’ll open up her zoom box and figure out what is inside.

PHOTO BY SARAH KENVIN ’23

Amanda Dougherty

Dr. Rodriguez-Vargas as interim Head of School. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH BENDER

Hill students reflect on the effects of sudden Turkey earthquakes

By ELLA LEE

WRITER

With all the devastating news titles in the world, one of the most heart wrenching natural disasters hit Syria and Turkey just recently, with the

current death toll at 33,000 people. On February 6th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria. Sources are describing this earthquake as the deadliest one in the country’s history. Through countless searches

to reunite separated families, calm the flooded hospitals, the trauma that this country’s citizens have faced is indescribable.

Kevin Tkachuk, George W. Perkins ’13 Memorial Master Teacher of History and So-

cial Sciences, shared his concern for the diverse range of people affected by the sudden earthquake.

“The earthquakes in Syria and Turkey have been terrible and have made what was already a difficult and at times a

tragic situation due to poverty caused by war much worse,” Tkachuk stated in an email.

“Whilst it seems the bulk of coverage the media gave the event was about the rescue efforts and a few heartwarming stories of a successful rescue, the truth is of course there has been much more tragedy than

affected who passed away due to the earthquake,” Yatagan said. “We have been preparing for this earthquake since the 7.6 magnitudes 1999 earthquake in Istanbul for the past 20 years, but no one thought it would affect such a big area and this many people.”

Yatagan, however, saw the horrible disaster as an opportunity for national solidarity.

“Especially in times of hardship we come together. I’m so grateful for our community and all the sacrifices people are making and the support they are providing,” Yatagan said. “It’s going to take a really long time to rebuild the areas that are affected and for everything to get back to normal.”

success,” Tkachuk continued.

The devastating earthquakes affected both past and present Hill community members, as well.

Lal Yatagan ’21, from Istanbul, Turkey, spoke about the devastation that the earthquake had wrought upon the communities in her country.

“Everyone knows someone

Furthermore, Tkachuk commented that this was a time for the world community to unite and support each other. “Natural disasters obviously have tragic impacts on the area they affect, but this one, one of the worst Earthquakes in decades that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions makes for gut-wrenching reading,” Tkachuk said. “I can only hope the world comes together to provide much-needed aid to help

Pennyslvania court rules PA school funding system unconstitutional

By KIERN LIM

A long-awaited ruling set a milestone for the future education in Pennsylvania. A Pennsylvanian state court ruled that the school funding system was unconstitutional. This decision could reshape education across the state and transform the way the state pays for its public education.

“It’s a historic decision and it validates what advocates like me have been saying for many, many years,” Stephen Rodriguez, superintendent of the Pottstown School District said. For many years, Throughout the years, Rodriguez emphasized the important relationship between better standards of education with the opportunities students are offered.

Similar feelings are shared within the immediate Hill community. Nicholas Malinak, history teaching fellow, said that the ruling “certainly is an important one, as Pennsylvania has one of the most outdated school funding formulas in the country. My own home state of Montana had a similar ruling a number of years go, and I am almost surprised it took Pennsylvania so long.”

The ruling resulted from a year following the trial and a decade after the lawsuit was initially filed. The landmark lawsuit, first filed in 2014, contended that the state’s process for funding schools, which relies heavily on local taxes,

thereby creating significant per-student funding gaps between wealthy districts and low-wealth ones, amounts to discrimination. The lawsuit argued that Pennsylvania’s funding system disproportionately harmed students of color as well as those from low-wealth school districts, especially students from low-income families.

“I expect that the legislators are going to make different decisions with regard to how they dole out the mon-

said in an interview with the Washington Post that “creating real opportunity for our children begins in our schools, and I believe every child in Pennsylvania should have access to a high-quality education and safe learning environment, regardless of their zip code.”

Republican state senator Joe Pittman, the chamber’s majority leader, felt that it is evident that lawmakers are “committed to prioritizing education empowerment and access for students across Pennsylvania, as is evidenced by a historic level of investment in public education.”

Rodriguez reflected further on the effects of this decision.

be facilities. We have 24 million dollars’ worth of identified facilities needed for our students. That’s a lot of money. Number two is personnel. We need to be able to

pay our teachers so that they stop leaving and going to other places that have money.

Number three is programs. Our students already come from disadvantaged areas

and backgrounds. We need to give them high quality research-based programs so that they learn at the fastest pace that they possibly can,” Rodriguez concluded.

ey,” Stephen Rodriguez said. “They’re going to consider who they are giving funding dollars to and how much they are.”

Political leaders in Pennsylvania further praised the major change that occurred from the decision.

Democrat John Shapiro

“In the immediate future, nothing is going to change, but if I think about last year at this time versus this year at this time. It’s a huge change. And what makes the difference is the fact that now an outside court system has said these people (advocates) are right. Now we have the court who is saying the way that you have been doing it is wrong, so you’ve got to get even better than you have been,” Rodriguez said.

With the additional funding that comes out from this ruling for low-wealth school districts like Pottstown’s, Rodriguez believed that the money could benefit these school districts in a few different ways.

“Number one is going to

’24 STAFF

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

“Especially in times of hardship we come together. I’m so grateful for our community and all the sacrifices people are making and the support they are providing.”

—Lal Yatagan ’21, Hill alumna from Istanbul, Turkey

“The ruling certainly is an important one, as Pennsylvania has one of the most outdated school funding formulas in the country. My own home state of Montana had a similar ruling a number of years go, and I am almost surprised it took Pennsylvania so long.”

—Nicholas Malinak, history teaching fellow

Hill students obliterate States

By CAYLIE ZIGNER ’25 STAFF WRITER

Hill’s chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America, also known as DECA, and the Technology Student Association are two Hill School teams that are often glossed over in our community. These two competitive, student-lead organizations have done extremely well in their seasons and have made it to the state level of their respective competitions this year. These organizations are eager to compete and will represent the Hill community with pride and expertise, as they have done thus far.

Twenty-five students are attending the state-level competition for DECA—this number having grown exponentially from 2022 when only four students qualified for nationals. DECA is a group of students with business and financial interests who compete in various problem-solving and test-style events. It allows students to experience these

types of careers before they go into them. As Romil Shah ’23, an avid member of DECA puts it, “DECA is a fantastic organization that prepares students for careers in business. It offers real-world experience, leadership development, and networking opportunities.

DECA competitions help us develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, while conferences and workshops provide opportunities to learn from industry professionals. It’s not just about career development though; DECA is also a lot of fun, with opportunities to make new friends and enjoy exciting events.”

The events for DECA are extremely rigorous and challenging; students must place in the top four out of as many as forty participants to move to the higher level. Members of DECA are anxious and hopeful for this upcoming competition. “DECA has given me a one of kind opportunity to interact and make connections with students from

all different backgrounds. With covid limitations lifted,

I was extremely excited to participate in person at districts and states and I made incredible memories throughout my experience this year,” Josh Painter ’24 explained.

Six students advanced to the national level after placing well this past weekend.

Xander Hoishik ’24 placed fifth in Business, Communications, and Marketing. Shunji Lewondowski ’24 and Akhil Kagithapu ’24 placed fifth in the Financial Services Team Decision Making. Mason Moore ’24 placed fifth in Hotel and Lodging Management. David Slavtcheff ’24, placed fourth in Hospitality and Travel Professional Selling. Ella Grindle ’24, The Hill News Features Editor, placed first in Business, Services Marketing. They will now go on to compete at Nationals, which will be held from April 22-25 in Orlando, FL this year.

In comparison to DECA, TSA is a brand-new club at Hill, founded just last year

by students Cayden Cubbin ’25 and Andrew Ward ’25. TSA is an engineering and technology competition where students compete in various events such as building robots or drones, coding video games and websites, designing clothing and children’s books, or giving extemporaneous speeches. TSA caters to a wide range of interests and every

student can find something for themselves in this diverse and inclusive group.

After the recent regional competition, ten Hill students qualified to go to the state-level competition. Since this competition is over the summer, however, there is a slim chance that the school will actually be able to send those who qualify. Cubbin

and Ward aren’t discouraged, however: “This is a year to understand what TSA is… the experience of being at regionals and states and just the process will help us in future years exponentially.” The Hill community gives its support to these ambitious teams as they pursue their interests further.

“Hillies” learn about AI’s potential with ChatGPT

By ELLA GRINDLE ’24

FEATURES EDITOR

In the rapidly advancing age of modern technology, growing concerns about academic integrity caught the attention of many educators at Hill and beyond. Despite growing concerns, a new figure in academic research has emerged. OpenAI’s newest experimental software, ChatGPT, an online chat-bot that utilizes artificial intelligence, took the internet by storm with its ability to instantaneously provide human-like feedback to user-input. Many educational institutions, including The Hill, may worry that students may use this software to produce plagiarized or academically dishonest content. Yet, others find it useful to simply guide their research and receive concise answers to specific guiding questions.

To demonstrate its interactive capability, I interviewed ChatGPT

What is your name?

I am an AI language model developed by OpenAI and my name is ChatGPT.

Do you know of The Hill School?

Yes, I'm familiar with The Hill School. It's a private, co-educational boarding school located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1851 and is one of the oldest boarding schools in the country. The Hill School is known for its strong academic programs and athletic traditions and has a reputation for providing a well-rounded education to its students.

Have you ever written a news article before?

As an AI language model, I have been trained in a diverse range of texts, including news articles. I have written many articles in a news-style format that cover a variety of topics, from current events and politics to sports and technology. My training data includes a wide range of text from the internet, including news websites, blogs, and more, so I have a good understanding of how news articles are written.

What are some struggles you face in understanding the way that humans express themselves?

As an AI language model, I sometimes struggle to understand human language due to its ambiguity, sarcasm and irony, idioms, and implicit information. However, I am constantly learning and improving my understanding of human language with each interaction.

In academic settings, there are concerns about students using your software to turn in work that is not their own. What are your thoughts on this?

Using AI software to complete academic work that is not one's own is considered academic misconduct and unethical. It undermines the educational process and can result in consequences such as failing the assignment or course. It is important to promote academic integrity and to ensure that all work submitted is original.

I am writing an article for The Hill School's student-run newspaper. Is there anything you would like the student body to know? In generating your response, are you able to use the Hill-School related context and language that would resonate with that specific student body?

Of course! Here's a response that uses Hill School-specific language and context:

Embrace the Hill School spirit of innovation: Hill School students are known for their forward-thinking and innovative spirit, and this extends to technology and AI. By staying ahead of the curve in these areas, Hillies are setting themselves up for success in a rapidly advancing world.

Lead with integrity: Hill School students are taught to lead with integrity, and this extends to their understanding and use of AI. As they consider the ethical implications of AI, they can make informed decisions that align with the values they've learned at The Hill.

Build skills for success: The Hill School's focus on critical thinking and problem-solving prepares students for success in a variety of careers. As AI continues to grow, these human skills will only become more valuable. Hillies should embrace this challenge and continue to develop their critical thinking abilities.

Continuously learn and grow: The Hill School experience prepares students for lifelong learning and growth. As they move beyond the confines of Pottstown, Hillies should embrace new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether it's through formal education or self-directed exploration, Hill School students should continue to strive for growth and improvement throughout their lives.

Though ChatGPT has some noticeable patterns, such as its format-intensive response structure and distinct limits on creating authentic content related to a specific context, it did manage to remain informative while remaining remarkably self-aware of its own identity, and the general linguistic and moral conventions unique to humans. The program even developed a novel nickname for Hill students: Hillies.

Would you like to have conversations with more "Hillies"?

As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences, but I am always available to have conversations and provide information to any-

Hill students achieve excellent results at the DECA State Career Development Conference. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HILL SCHOOL

Caption Contest

For this issue, The Hill News provides a cartoon in need of a caption. Students can submit a caption, the editorial team chooses three finalists, and the student body votes for their favorite. Submissions may be made for this issue’s cartoon, by Grace Carroll using the QR code below or emailing thehillnews@ gmail.com by March 31. The editorial board will announce the winners for this cartoon caption contest in the following issue.

Take a study break!

Luke predicted the Oscars, and almost got it

By LUKE GERDEMAN ’23 ARTS & LEISURE EDITOR

It is that time of year again: Let us all rejoice as the Oscar season comes upon us. It is exciting for film lovers and critics alike, as we can all argue about who will win what and how we feel about the event itself. Given the controversies of last year’s ceremony, hopefully we can all be excited for an awards show without any mishaps or incidents of aggravated assault. In anticipation of this event, here are some of my predictions for the winning movies based on selected categories.

Best Director: Martin McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin.”

McDonagh has been nominated for several Academy Awards at this point and has never won, so he’s a classic pick to win. The playwright-turned-director wrote and directed “Banshees” specifically for his actors, and the performances he elicited from his two leads were a central reason why the film was successful.

Best Lead Actor: Austin Butler for “Elvis.”

Austin Butler put himself on the map this year with his incredibly dedicated performance as the historic rock and roll star. Butler changed his mannerisms and voice for Elvis in a way that appeals to Oscar voters and wowed many critics in its initial theatrical debut.

Best Lead Actress: Michelle Yeoh for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

This one shouldn not be a shock. For months on end, people have given “Everything Everywhere All at Once” its deserved acclaim.

Yeoh’s performance was a major part of this positive press, and she has already won Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes.

Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Quan’s performance in the film was incredible, but what will appeal to Oscar voters even more is the story behind his performance. A for-

mer child star known for his work in “Indiana Jones” and “Goonies,” Quan was unable to find an acting role for decades until “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” This kind of story was one that should deeply appeal to Oscar voters.

Best Supporting Actress: Stephanie Hsu for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Hear me out on this one. While in all likelihood this award will probably go to Angela Bassett or Jamie Lee Curtis, there is a small yet exciting chance that Hsu might win for her incredible performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Best Adapted Screenplay: “All Quiet on the Western Front.” I do not think this is the best screenplay to be nominated, but I honestly do noy think the Academy could possibly give this award to “Top Gun: Maverick” or the second “Knives Out” film. It is an adaptation of a classic novel. What more could you ask for?

Best Original Screenplay: “Tár.”

Streaming Service Tier

List

By AIDAN MA ’23

Streaming services have become the new norm for content consumption, and as they become more prevalent in our lives, more and more just keep popping up.

1. HBO Max: HBO Max is the content king. No streaming service is doing it like them. From HBO originals like Succession and Euphoria to the amazing movie selection, you can always find something to watch. HBO’s audience can always count on a quality show when perusing the catalog. The platform is sleek and pleasant to use as well. This is as good as it gets.

2. Prime Video: Prime Video isn’t just Prime Video. It comes with Prime Gaming, Amazon Prime, and Prime Video all in one, and for that, it takes the number two spot. The immense catalogue of entertainment doesn’t hurt either, with classics like “The Boys,” “Invincible,” and “Fleabag.” It’s versatile and, if you have Amazon Prime, it's basically free.

3. Netflix: Netflix, the original streaming giant. In its glory days, it easily could’ve been number one on this list, but with the constant cancellation of promising Netflix originals and the slow but steady decrease in overall quality, Netflix just isn’t the same. Skyrocketing prices and low-effort content aren’t enough to drag it all the way down though, and Netflix still stays at number three with giant shows like “Stranger Things” and “Wednesday” keeping it afloat.

Dear Blue,

4. Hulu: Hulu has an okay selection of shows, but the UI is what drags it down. It’s ugly, annoying, and a hassle to use. There’s no skip intro button and their signature green is an eyesore. Besides reality TV and a surprising amount of anime, there really isn’t anything special about it.

Tár is an incredible film that I have a strong suspicion will be snubbed this season, but we will just have to see what happens with it.

Best Cinematography: “Tár.”

While many others and I were disappointed that “The Batman” was not included in this category, Todd Field’s filmwas the only one of those nominated with a visual sto rytelling language that I think truly succeeded.

Best Picture: “Every thing Everywhere all at Once.”

Love it or hate it, this film received the most Oscar buzz since its premiere last March. The film’s inventive story telling and worldbuilding succeeded in winning over viewers who do not typically enjoy works of science fiction or fantasy, and its central nar rative of family has connected to many people.

By ANONYMOUS

I’ve recently been feeling burnt-out and completely overwhelmed. How do I continue to fulfill all my academic and athletic responsibilities, while also having a social life?

Signed, Stressed student

5. Apple TV+: I’ve never had or used Apple TV+ before so this is completely based off of assumption. I think it has Ted Lasso, but besides that who knows. Apple TV has the potential to be great, but until then, it stays at the low end of the tier list.

6. Youtube Premium: No one gets Youtube Premium for the original content, if they’re even still making any. The music streaming and the adless videos keeps it from being last, but for actual shows and movies, it struggles to produce anything even remotely watchable.

Dear stressed student,

What you’re feeling is totally normal, especially for Hill students at the end of the winter term. It can often feel like there is too much going on for you to handle, too much to balance, and way too much to get done. There’s a shared characteristic among many Hill students to push ourselves too far and too hard. Furthermore, in living alongside some of our closest friends, we sometimes feel the need to always be out or to listen solely to our extroverted side. Thus, burn-out is almost inevitable.

7. Disney+: This is going to be controversial and I’m sorry to the people that may be hurt at where Disney Plus has ended up, but it’s just not good. For the hardcore Disney fan this could be worth it, but after WandaVision, what does Disney Plus have? It’s bloated with shows that no one will ever watch, and just isn't worth it.

The best piece of advice I have for you is to take the time to rest—to do absolutely nothing. Put your phone and computer away, and just be still. Even if you feel as if you don’t have enough time to do so, carving out a 5-minute break can still help with restoration.

During this time, turn off your brain and practice letting go of your worries and stress. If this leads to taking a nap, then that’s great too. Here at Hill, we all feel pressured to have to use our free time to be productive in some sense; yet I suggest that doing nothing may be the healthiest and most beneficial option. And maybe this means even spending a night in after a stressful week. Therre’s nothing wrong with doing nothing. And there’s nothing wrong with being by yourself. Spending time with yourself is needed to recoup and recharge for the day and week ahead.

Meditation, prayer, and reflection are also healthy practices to become more mindful.

Lastly, it is important to also realize that you should not only rest once you are exhausted, but, rather, you should work this down-time into your regular

schedule. Having a regular rhythm of rest is crucial to avoid burn-out and to improve your overall health. Then, you will be able to put forth your best effort in every aspect of life—academically, athletically, artistically, and socially.

The answer is that sometimes we all just need to do nothing.

If you want advice from Dear Blue, scan the QR code to ask your question!

Dear Blue: Sometimes doing nothing is enough.

VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR

Editors-in-Chief Visual Managing Editors Anna Carroll ’23, Jason Zhou ’23

Ryann Holladay ’24

Jennie Ki ’23

Ella Grindle ’24

Emilie Kirschner ’23

Winnie Liu ’24

Caroline Calello ’26

Stella Mueller ’26

Staff Writers & Staff Contributers

Aidan Ma ’23, Carrie Shang ’23

Jaewan Lee ’25

Corbin Cartagine ’23

Luke Gerdeman ’23

Rose Flaherty ’23

Adelyn Sim ’24

MoniYah Person-Henderson ’23

Diemmy Dang ’24

Lizzie Hopper ’23, Grant Lupien ’23, Ella Lee ’24, Mia Jacobs ’24, Angela Jin ’24, Cici Fang ’24, Vicky Xiao ’24, Emerson Leger ’25, Kiern Lim ’25, Lexi Lubczenko ’25, Meg O’Halloran ’25, Evan Luo ’25, Portia Tung ’26, Michelle Lawrence ’26, Vicky Zhang ’26

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.

We must recover our coral reefs for future generations

By YUVI SHAH ’24 STAFF WRITER

Want to contribute to The Hill News?

Come to our weekly meetings TBA or contact a member of our staff. To submit a letter to the editors or an opinion piece, email acarroll23@thehill.org, zzhou23@thehill.org, ama23@thehill.org, hshang23@thehill.org.

As Earth’s average temperature is rising at a precedented rate, climate change is transforming our planet more dramatically than ever before. From rising sea levels to minimal snowfall to sudden heat waves, these issues are affecting humanity gravely. While we may think that this will be sorted out soon, the problem seems to be getting worse day by day at an unpresented rate. Nowhere is this most evident than through the bleaching of coral reefs, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

I recently spoke to Professor Michael Webster of New York University, the author of ‘The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth (Timber Press, 2022) and the former head of the Coral Reef Alliance, a global non-profit dedicated to saving coral reefs.

The new student center debut confuses Blues

By DAVID SLAVTCHEFF ’24 STAFF WRITER

The dumbfounded faces of students multiplied as the news spread like wildfire by word of mouth and Snapchat stories alike. The beating heart of campus was suddenly devoid of all furniture. There was hardly a stool to eat a BEC on, and we mourned the loss of our safe haven. Even faculty members were surprised by the complete makeover of the antique tables placed in the adjoining map room. What cruel fate had befallen our beloved student center and map room? The answer wasn’t clear until a few days later: renovations.

Many still mourn the revamping of the Athey Academic Center featuring new flooring, decorations, and other classroom implements, which took place over the summer of 2022. This time, the campus operation team brought new couches, chairs, tables, and vibes to the ground level of the Athey Academic Center. This unnecessary and brutal change shocked many, but many more were simply confused as to what

had happened. Never fear Hill School, the answers are here. Senior Director of Campus Operations, Collin Wood, said, “The renovations are part of a multi-year commitment by the school to update classrooms and common spaces in the Academic Center.”

In true Hill fashion, however, it was a donation by a Hill family that made these renovations possible.

Many students were initially confused as they struggled to understand the changes. After all, why fix something that isn’t broken? Student Life Services, the mastermind behind these updates, says the goal was to provide an enhanced experience to students spending time there, in addition to matching the all-campus renovation program. It’s important to know too that the old furniture has been moved to the new downtown zero-waste book café, which was an initiative started by the Hill Entrepreneurship class.

Naturally, people had some opinions about this. Some felt that the change was refreshing and appreciated the update. A major-

ity of the Hill populace, it seems, feels the other way. Several expressed their potent dislike of the new furniture saying it was “uncomfortable” or “impractical.” Many missed the familiar couches and chairs surrounding the TV. For such a critical space in student life, the general consensus is that students wish their input had been considered for the changes.

In addition, the new furniture greatly limited the capacity of the student center, especially in the grille area -- which will also undergo an upcoming facelift in the near future as well.

Manager of Student Life Services, Amy Winter, commented that while it may be shocking right now, students will hopefully come around to it.

Is the renovation of the “stu” another case of unnecessary modernization?

Or is it a refreshing change to a key part of campus life? Only time will tell. For now, we can rest assured that the comfortable chairs couches we gathered around during free period and superbowl alike are gone, victims to the never ending rebrand of The Hill.

of the fish that we see, eat, or even learn about, all have an involvement with coral reefs. In fact, over one billion humans depend on coral reefs for food and tourism.

The reefs provide habitat for the different species of fish helping support long term food security in coastal areas. They are an important source for bioprospecting, which is the process of looking for potential new medicines. It has been reported that corals are used in medical research to treat and prevent cancer and chronic health problems. They are the foundation for growing new bone in reconstructive surgery.

explaining how the increase in temperatures stresses the coral polyps and causes them to lose their algae. The reason that these corals are so important for the fight against climate change is because, coral reefs, along with other marine organisms, play an important role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When corals grow, they incorporate carbon dioxide into their skeletal structure and effectively slow down the rate of climate change.

Professor Webster explains that while corals may look like rock structures, they are in fact living creatures. Corals are vital to a healthy planet because although they occupy less than 1% of the of the Earth’s surface, they are home to a quarter of all marine species. That means that most

Professor Webster described how “Coral reefs help with the shoreline protection as they keep growing and build the structure of the reefs.” These ‘rainforests of the sea’ provide protection from storms and coastal erosion by acting as natural barriers that lessen the impact of large waves, thereby reducing the chances of tsunamis and floods.

“Corals are getting pushed to the extremes outside their bounds more and more often when it comes to high temperatures,” Professor Webster stated. He continued,

As a community, there are many ways we can do our own part to help save coral reefs too. The first would be by learning about them and their importance. We can raise awareness by sharing information and advocating for coral conservation. Limiting consumption of single use plastics and reducing energy use are actions we can take.

If we are to protect these vital habitats for future generations, it is essential that we take the steps necessary to reduce the stressors that are threatening their survival. By working to protect corals, we can ensure that these magnificent ecosystems and the benefits they provide are preserved for generations to come.

What’s so funny about Black History Month?

By TOFE AKINYANMI ’23

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Black History Month, like so many other things, has become a joke. Of course, black people commonly joke about it, but when the joke spreads, so does the irreverence fueling it. So what does the month mean to us? Are my rights, as a black person, now relevant? It’s not that black students at Hill face no adversity-- a certain Instagram account, which I’m sure many of you are aware of, can attest to that. But somehow, we’ve managed to make this month a joke.

“He’s on the half-and-half plan this month, bro loses privileges after 8pm,” she said. As a friend and I walked away, I overheard the girl’s ending sentence—her final comeback to their joking roasts. This raised two concerns.

Firstly, she wasn’t black. It was in no way her right to judge his blackness, either way, but another layer was added to it by the fact that she had none.

Second, was that as far as it went? Was the extent of the month only for black students at Hill like myself to receive a slightly lower amount of jabs and roasts?

On social media, it’s much the same. Frederick Douglass is the reason February is this month in the first place, yet the majority of airtime is given to videos jokingly having white students lay down to be walked on by their black friends.

Black culture often influences pop culture. The joke coined around 2019 of using Black History Month as a defense in arguments or stories quickly translated to “not during pride month” in June, and “not during women’s history month” in March. But when it comes to women’s history month and pride month, these jokes don’t undercut the importance of history, and the importance of awareness. At least not so much as Black History Month. I simply ask you to consider where the jokes end and the racial awareness begins.

Walking around campus, I often see raised fists and bended knee, or people reciting the lyrics “No freedom till we’re equal” ironically. Let’s put things in perspective. The most recent known human zoo was an exhibit of African people in France in 1994, after the invention of the cell phone. Do you think that since then, we’ve become ‘equal’?

So I ask you, non-black students of the Hill, to enlighten me. What in the world is so funny about black history month? Is it the fact that your black peers fear calling you out because they know you’ll overlook them? Is it the fact that some students at Hill can’t even report others saying slurs because they know they’ll be socially punished for standing up for their race? Is it the microaggressions we face every day? Or perhaps the awkward situations black students find themselves in watching their counterparts pull out a blaccent for a random sentence. Please, what’s the joke? Because I personally don’t understand it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

Athlete Spotlight: Charlie Rauch ’24 sets the ice on fire

By LEXI LUBCZENKO STAFF WRITER

On February 3, Charlie Rauch ’24, a Ramsey, New Jersey native, broke numerous Hill girls hockey records previously set by Caroline Goffredo ’20, a current Boston College forward. In an intense draw against Hotchkiss, the University of New Hampshire commit shattered the single season record of most goals — 24 — and most points — 44 — and extended her goal streak to 12 games, the longest in program history.

Rauch inspired many teammates with her work ethic and flashing stick skills. “I’m so proud of Charlie. She elevated our game and stepped up big time for us on numerous occasions,”

forward Colette Zidek ’23 said of her teammate.

Rauch made essential contributions to the Hill girls hockey team this season and said that her playing style has fit well with the team. She shared her “method to madness,” a pack of M&M’s before all her hockey games.

“I like to play offense and I think that our team plays an aggressive game,” Rauch said. “We like to score fast and score early. So, the way I play lines up with what we like to do.”

Laura McConney, the girls ice hockey assistant coach, said that “Charlie is one that’s somewhat unique particularly in the girls hockey space: she’s quite patient with the puck and able to create offense directly

and indirectly in ways that have been important for our offensive production this year.”

Rauch accredited her coaches and teammates for contributing to her successes as well. Although she found it difficult to leave home,

Super Bowl ends in heartbreak for Eagles fans

By DAVID SUN ’24 STAFF WRITER

she found the coaches and community at Hill very supportive.

“The coaches at Hill have done more for me than I could ask for,” Rauch said. “They were with me every step of the way since I was a third former. They care about me as a hockey player and a person. They continue to push me to be the best version of myself on and off the ice. I think deciding to leave home and come here was one of the hardest things I have had to do. Coming here was hard but it was the best choice I made and they for sure contributed to that.”

Rauch believed her favorite part about playing at Hill was the supportive student body that shows up for home games. She loved the Hill girls hockey “Animal Fest,” a themed Bluelight game, and said that there is no better feeling than hitting a celebration in front of the home crowd.

“The best thing about playing here is the community,” Rauch concluded. “I love my friends and the people at Hill.”

In an intense game bound to become an all-time classic, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. Harrison Butker, the Chiefs’ kicker, nailed the game-winning field goal to seal a comeback win for the Chiefs. Despite hobbling off the field towards the end of the second quarter with what was seemingly an ankle injury, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes broke the 24-year “curse” of the regular season MVP not being able to win the Super Bowl, winning his second ring while also bringing home his second Super Bowl MVP award.

Philadelphia fans were optimistic about their pre-game chances, with the Eagles generally considered slight favorites by sportsbooks and media going into the weekend.

“It’s a mixture between being really scared and really excited,” said Zach Rice ‘24. “I feel like we have a better defense. And the Chiefs really need to watch out for Jalen Hurts—you never know what he’s going to do. He could run it, he could throw it 30 or 40 yards. He’s very dangerous.”

However, despite leading the game by 10 points at halftime, the Eagles eventually fell to an exciting comeback from the Chiefs in the 4th quarter.

In the end, the game proved controversial. Late in the fourth quarter, a defensive holding call on the Eagles led to a new set of downs for the Chiefs, allowing them to run down the clock and kick the game-winning field goal with 11 seconds left.

“Stupid, it was just a stupid call,” said Luke Gerdeman ‘23 when asked about the referee’s decision.

James Bradberry, the Eagles cornerback responsible for the penalty, also spoke out about the call. “It was a holding,” he said in a post-game interview. “I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide.”

Despite the negative outcome, some Eagles fans saw positive sparks with the team’s performance that could rekindle their chances next year.

“The offense was great,” said Jonathan Jean ‘24. “They did their jobs, they did what they were supposed to do. It’s too early to tell, but I think they’ll have a chance at it again next year.”

Hill’s winter sports teams geared up for end-of-season competitions

By MICHELLE LAWRENCE ’26

With the spring sports’ season underway, most winter teams at Hill are wrapped up their seasons, competing in their respective MAPL and states championships.

All the MAPL championship competitions this year, with the exception of wrestling, were held at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pa..

Hill’s boys’ varsity basketball team, finished second behind Blair Academy in the 2023 MAPL Boys basketball championship, held from February 10-12. “Hill has had a really good season, showing tremendous improvement from the start of the year until now. Most importantly, they were great teammates who supported each other through the inevitable highs and lows of a demanding season,” Head Coach Seth Eilberg recapped.

Hill’s girls varsity basketball team, led by Head Coach Deanna Mayza ’13 competed in the 2023 MAPL girls basketball championship that same weekend. After a close game on Friday, winning 47-38 against The Lawrenceville School, Hill suffered a loss to Blair Academy on Saturday, 51-63.

Both basketball teams are pre-

paring for their respective PAISAA games, with first rounds starting on February 17 for the girls and quarterfinals on February 18 for the boys. Hill’s boys’ team is the fourth seed in the state tournament.

The indoor track and field team competed in their MAPL championship on February 11. The boys’ team placed second behind the Peddie School and the girls’ team placed third behind Lawrenceville and Peddie, with scores of 208 and 105 respectively. The team competed in Mercersburg Academy for their PAISAA championship on February 18, as the boys team placed third behind the Germantown Academy and the George School, and the girls team placed second behind the George School. Captain Quin Craig ’23 tied his 55 meters dash record with 6.56 seconds, and Sarah Kenvin ‘23 broke her own record of 55 meter dash twice in the preliminaries and finals with 7.34 seconds. Both Kenvin and Craig, as well as Jake Voynar ’23 qualified for the PTFCA Indoor State Championship, and they traveled to Penn State University in Philadelphia the following weekend.

The MAPL swimming and diving championships took place from February 3-4. Both the Hill girls and boys teams placed fourth. The following weekend, Hill hosted

the Hill Diving Invitational. The last meets for Hill’s swimming and diving team will occur from February 17-18 where qualified swimmers will travel to Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. for the Easterns Swimming Championships and divers will travel to Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pa. for the Easterns Diving Championships.

Lastly, Hill’s wrestling team competed in the PAISAA Duals held at Mercersburg Academy on January 28, which they won for the first time in program history. The next weekend the MAPL championship for wrestling was held at The Hill School on February 4 in Gillison Court. Despite the 11-54 loss to Blair Academy at the start, Hill secured three wins against Peddie, Mercersburg, and Lawrenceville to secure a second place finish.

“I think the guys did a really good job of coming together. It was certainly a unique year. We’ve had good leadership to try and guide guys into what we are as a program,” fifth year Head Coach Dave Hoffman ’01 remarked.

Hill Wrestling will be attending PAISWTS, the qualifying meet for National Preps, were held from February 17-18 at Mercersburg Academy. From there, the top 6 wrestlers from each weight class

traveled to The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md. for the 2022 National Prep School Wrestling

Championships taking place from February 24-25.

COURTESY OF SARAH BENDER

COURTESY OF SARAH BENDER Charlie Rauch ’23 with her teammates.

Charlie Rauch ’23 takes the ice.

STAFF WRITER

The Eagles lose the Superbowl.