THE HILL NEWS VERBA VOLANT, SCRIPTA MANENT
VOLUME CXXVIII. NO.6
The owners Jim Swahl and Suzanne Grace are with their manager Cadence for a quick photoshoot.
March 2, 2022
The owner of Elena’s, Caesar Mendez, proudly stands in his establishment.
Tamika Malachi, co-owner of Soles Shoes, poses with her favorite shoes in stock.
PHOTO BY AUGUSTUS GERHART ’23
PHOTO BY CADEN OLENCZAK ’23
PHOTO BY JASON ZHOU ’23
Local Business Spotlight
EDITOR’S NOTE from jason zhou ’23, off-campus news editor
Pottstown is a diverse community. A lot of diligent local family businesses in Pottstown produce quality products. They will definitely surprise you. In the hope of introducing more local businesses to newcomers of Pottstown at The Hill School, the Hill News and our journalism class interviewed six different local business owners and did a spotlight on their shops. The shops are: Elena’s, High Street Steaks, Honey’s Homebrewed Café, Once Upon A Time Boutique, Soles Shoes and Welcome to the Avenue. To check out the spotlight videos on these businesses, scan the QR code on the right or check out the features section on thehill.news.
See Pages C4 & C5
Owner Kwane Haywood and employee Nakeem Palmer are very close. They enjoy working with each other.
Owner Gina Spease stands outside her consignment store.
Owners Melinda Hoagey and Melanie McKnight pose in their shop.
PHOTO BY JASON ZHOU ’23
PHOTO BY JOEY ASTERINO ’23
PHOTO BY JASON ZHOU ’23
Hill community members share opinions on new masking policy By DIEMMY DANG ’24 CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
Since students came back to campus in August 2020, Hill’s COVID-19 protocols have been adapting to CDC recommendations and the overall state of the country. But, one thing has always been constant: masks. On Feb. 8, Hill shifted to a recommended masking policy, marking a significant step in the school’s efforts to return to normalcy. Prior to this, students were required to wear masks in crowded areas like Chapel and Dining Hall pantry, but they also had the choice to unmask in classrooms depending on how their teacher chose to regulate their space. Then in a Feb. 26 email from Head of School Zachary Lehman to the Hill community, the mask recommended policy became a mask optional policy, with caveats for specific locations and situations. These include visiting the Wellness Center or Athletics Training Room, traveling off campus to crowded indoor spaces, experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness, and more. For some teachers, Pennsylvania’s declining COVID-19 cases and Hill’s high vaccination rates have made unmasking in classrooms feel much safer. Athey Family Master of Mathematics and Science Jay Spencer explained that he is comfortable with Hill’s mask-recommended policy and feels that Hill has so far managed COVID-19 cases on campus well enough
to do so. “I think that the school has been monitoring the ongoing rates of COVID in the area, and I think so far they have been managing well. I appreciate the additional flexibility that this will provide,” Spencer said. Other teachers are not yet comfortable with allowing students to go unmasked in their classrooms, and choose to maintain a masking requirement within their space. “Masking is still in effect for everyone in my classroom. I do not feel comfortable enough otherwise. Some students assume the policy is mask optional and often arrive in class without their masks, so they need to be reminded,” explained Instructor of French Jeré Andrews. As Hill’s new policy leaves choices up to students and teachers, it became common to see both unmasked and masked community members within classes, something that would have been rare just a few months ago. Many students choose to forgo masking when they can, while others continue to wear their masks indoors. Nhi Nguyen ’24 is comfortable with students around her unmasking, although she herself often chooses to wear her mask while in class. “I don’t have an issue with students that choose to take off their mask when they’re allowed to. I think with this new policy, we have more choices. A lot of the time I wear my mask walking around indoors, but that’s just my personal choice,” Nguyen said.
COVID-19 protocols required students to quarantine and isolate on campus By PAIGE TIMBROOK ’22 STAFF WRITER
As students began returning to campus on Jan. 2 amidst the domination of the Omicron variant, Hill’s Wellness Center staff braced for impact. Hill conducted surveillance testing on everyone, regardless of vaccination status. After two weeks of community-wide testing, high-risk athletic teams were tested as needed and the 10-day isolation period was maintained. According to Dr. Kristin Spencer, Hill’s medical director, a total of 38 students were isolated in the Guest House or McCune Lodge during the month of January. Despite the challenges, many were able to make the most of their
time away from the general student body. “Taking classes remotely was tough, but the wonderful health team and supportive dining service made my life in quarantine not that horrible,” Emily Li ’24 said. A group of five to six faculty members were recruited to oversee the student’s stay in isolation; this opportunity was first offered to all of the interns and those who presented natural immunity after recently testing positive. “I enjoyed going to talk with the kids and did my best to cheer them up during a difficult time,” Kris Donaldson, an intern who helped supervise in McCune, explained. Some students used isolation as an unexpected social opportunity to make
new friends and to get to know other people. “I quarantined with international students and got to know them really well when I wouldn’t have before. We were all out there under unfortunate circumstances, but we made the best of it,” Colette Zidek ’23 said. Angela Jin ’24 felt similarly, saying, “I got to make a new friend with my ‘COVID roommate,’ and she was really fun to hang out with. I did not feel the isolation at all, since there were a lot of other students staying at the guest house.” She added that the facilities were clean and the beds were comfortable as well. Continued on Page A2
“Love Dot” promises viewers an innovative new take on “The Wizard of Oz”
Winter sports athletes recap their season highlights
Afro hair proves to be a celebratory aspect of the Blck experience FEATURES | Page B3
ARTS & LEISURE | Page E7
SPORTS| Page F8
Campus News
The Hill News | A2
March 2, 2022
The Hill School recognizes Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards winners By MONIYAH PERSON-HENDERSON ’23 STAFF WRITER
Each year, Hill School students are given the opportunity to participate in the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards. This year, a total of 20 Hill students received Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions. Dr. Mark Pearson, the faculty member overseeing the program, was impressed with how well students did. “This year 12 students were recognized in the writing portion, which is the second best we have had in the six years of me being here. In 2021 we had 20 students recognized.” The program began in 1923 to recognize students who create prestigious art and writing pieces
for students in grades 7th-12th. When a student receives a Gold Key, they are automatically considered for national-level recognition. According to the Everhart Museum website, “Jurors select work for national recognition based on three criteria: originality, technical skill, and emergence of a personal vision or voice.” A total of 20 Hill students participated in the program and won numerous rewards. Five Gold Keys, nine Silver Keys, and 14 Honorable Mentions were awarded for writing. The art portion held seven Gold Keys, nine Silver Keys, and 14 Honorable Mentions. The Hill School is a
Adelyn Sim ’24 used gypsum blocks from her studio art class to experiment with the placement of the eye and lip.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADELYN SIM ’24
part of the Philadelphia Region, which is highly competitive. “It is truly a prestigious contest, and it was fascinating seeing the students I taught grow,” Pearson said. Vicky Xiao ‘24 won a Silver Key in poetry. “The poetry was meant to present the fact that sometimes people do not get to say goodbye to friends and family and that can have a hard effect on people,” she said in a Zoom interview. For Xiao, creating this piece came naturally. She found it enjoyable because of the rhyming and meaning behind it. Hill News Features Editor Anna Carroll ‘23 entered a poem and short story, which both received Gold Keys. The poem she entered was originally a sonnet for her humanities class here at the Hill. “I ended up liking the sonnet I wrote because it was about my faith,” Carroll said. When submitting her short story, Carroll was considering doing a novel instead. “One of my goals iis to write a book. I have started outlining, but finding the time is hard,” she explained. Carroll ended up taking chapters she already had and began writing them as a short story. When asked why this work was so meaningful to her, she shared how her faith plays a huge role in it. “My faith is meaningful to me, so talking about it in writing is something that is personal and touching to me.” Adelyn Sim ‘24 received two Silver Keys and three Honorable Mentions; four of these five pieces were part of her studio art class, while the fifth one was
Black History Month celebrations provide a sense of community on campus By CHELSEA MILLS ’22 STAFF WRITER
Committed to promoting diversity, Hill celebrated Black History Month on campus with the help of both the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and the Black Student Union. Throughout February, these culturally-aware events provided Black students with the opportunity to find a smaller community within Hill. As stated by Dean of Spiritual Life & Equity Rev. Khristi Adams, the primary goal during this month was to “build a community around the Black students and give them a space to be together in solidarity.” In Adams’ mind, Black History Month started with MLK week. After the entire Hill community came together to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. in late January, the transition into the month-long dedication to Black history was natural. Adams explained that she didn’t want Black History Month to be about educating people on a culture that is likely largely unknown to them. Instead, she stepped back and allowed BSU to support the Black community. With Black History Month Kahoots, a traditional Soul Food dinner, and Thought of the Days, the group accomplished just that. These events were open to everyone at Hill,
Hill students gather in the Warner Center to participate in BSU’s Sunday Dinner to celebrate Black History Month. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL DEI COUNCIL’S INSTAGRAM
but many students who identify as Black took the opportunity to amplify their own voices. With each Thought of the Day, students became vulnerable as they shared personal anecdotes that other Black students could relate to. Other events occurred formally under the facilitation of student leaders. Olivia Kalu ‘22, the co-chair of the DEI council, emphasized that “[DEI] just helped with organizing but [BSU] were in charge of all the events.” BSU co-presidents Dami Odubona ‘23 and Ross Busillo ‘24 organized cultural events every weekend. The first of which was a movie and painting night in the Warner Center, featuring the film “Friday.” Many Black students enjoyed having similar company around them in a comfortable space. The following event was
a Soul Food Sunday Dinner with food supplied by Jade Johnson, assistant director of college counseling and testing coordinator. Coming together once again in the Warner Center, students honored the southern-rooted tradition that Adams described as “an inherent African-American tradition of gathering together as a family after church on Sundays.” The dinner was popular, with many students of different backgrounds in attendance as well. BSU celebrated Black History Month with the same spirit in which other cultural efforts on campus are: with the ultimate goal of building community. Adams hopes to continue taking full advantage of such months where time is set aside to honor people from marginalized backgrounds.
Angela Jin ’24 was inspired by pork from a butcher in China.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA JIN ’24
from an H-Term independent study. “Focusing on the still life piece I drew in studio art, I used both a pencil and mechanical pencil to draw. The challenging part was that the piece was quite big, so I had to put a lot of time and effort in order to finish,” she explained. In addition, the class helped Sim select some gypsum models in the studio and arrange them in different ways. “I thought it would be interesting if I chose eye and lip block and located them on top of each other, so they appear as a face but in a unique placement,” Sim stated in a text. Fourth former Cici Fang’s art piece was inspired by her trip to a conservancy in Kenya two years ago: “I went there for a project to protect rhinos. It was
Jin ‘24. The newspaper behind the pork is The Hill News’ first issue of the school year. “I got the reference image of the pork from my father in China, who spent quite some time searching for a unique piece of meat at the butcher shop,” Jin said. Although pork and newspapers are not customarily associated, Jin thought it would be a nice clash between them. To create such a piece was tedious for Jin, but she stated she felt it paid off in the end. “There would even be times when I would get irritated and just wanted to finish the paintings. However, the feeling of accomplishment after finishing each piece was greatly rewarding, so I felt the hard work had paid off.”
the first time in my life to know that some species of rhinos, which I thought were as common as any other animals in the zoo, were critically endangered and almost extinct.” After the trip she noticed many of her peers spread information about rhinos and what others could do to help them. This is what truly inspired Fang to create artwork centered around rhinos. “In the poster, the last two female white northern rhinos were hidden behind in the shadow of the poacher. The poacher was looking for more horns in which he could only see ‘most’ out of ‘almost extinct’ on the ground,” Fang said. A piece of art many students may recognize is “Pork Belly,” an illustration created by Angela
COVID-19 protocols required students to quarantine and isolate on campus Continued from Front Page
On Jan. 22, the school updated their COVID-19 isolation policy. This shortened the isolation period by providing local students with the option of testing back into the community on day 6, although they are still required to wear a mask in all facilities and eat in a separate location on days 6 through 10 after testing positive for COVID-19 (in accordance with public health recommendations). In terms of close contact exposures, including a roommate exposure, vaccinated students are no longer mandated to quarantine. Instead, they have to follow the MMT (mask, monitor, test) policy, and get tested on day 5 following exposure. Roommates underwent additional testing due to the increased risk of transmission. Unvaccinated students are required to quarantine off campus for five days after an exposure, receive a PCR test on day 5 and are allowed to return to campus when their test is negative while continuing to comply with the MMT policy to complete the full 10 days, in accordance with public health guidance. “Even though this was a challenging experience, it was really satisfying to see our community come together to support the students. The students were very mildly ill, and this was reassuring for our progress as a community,” Spencer said. When a student tested positive, the Wellness Center would ask students who lived far from
ILLUSTRATION BY ANGIE CHI ’23
campus if they had a host who could care for them while in isolation. Unvaccinated students with approved exemptions who were not sick but were exposed to someone who tested positive were placed in quarantine if they had not recently recovered from infection themselves. For students who were unable to return home or to a host, the nurse contacted Helen Qiu, international student and family support manager, or John Giannikas, dean of community life. Students were assigned a roommate in the on-campus isolation facilities based on their date of diagnosis. Students or faculty members who tested
positive went into isolation. A number of other students were able to isolate at home or with a host. Those who were not sick but were exposed to someone who tested positive were placed in quarantine. “I would like to give a huge thanks to the Sodexo staff, the security team, the Wellness Center staff, the dormitory facility team, Mrs. Smith who was in charge of cleaning the rooms, and Mr. Giannikas. I could not have done this without them,” Qiu said. As Spencer and Qiu both noted, supporting isolating or quarantining students was a collective endeavor.
Features
March 2, 2022
Afro hair proves to be a celebratory aspect of the Black experience By OLIVIA MOFUS ’22 CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
For many Black people, hair is not merely hair - it can be something much more complex, experimental, or even cause for introspection. It can also inform external relationships, influencing school or workplace experiences. For Black students at Hill, some far away from home, this relationship becomes something different. A distinct characteristic of different types of Black hair is its diversity of hairstyles. “I’m really proud about my hair because you can do so many things with it,” Carmelita Robinson ’23 said. Robinson is the co-president of the Women of Color Association, alongside Ashely Espinosa ’23. “You can curl your own hair; you can wear a wig; you can wear braids; you can twist it, and a whole bunch of things that a lot of people can’t,” Robinson said. For practical reasons, howev-
er, the breadth of styles becomes somewhat limited on campus. Most choose to wear their hair in braided hairstyles for its longevity and low maintenance. “Usually, especially after long breaks, I come back in braids or protective styles so it can last pretty long; it usually lasts from like three to four weeks,” Robinson said. “I usually have braids of some kind, or locks, which are really popular now.” Dami Kehinde, a third former, echoed this feeling, saying, “I like to have my hair braided out at all times. I hate when it’s the moment that I have to take out my braids.” But in some environments, Black students can feel pressured to wear their hair in a certain way that people with other hair types may not understand. Kehinde shared her experience with this, saying that she’s been faced with questions such as “Can I touch it?” by peers when she removes her braids, a sentence other
ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE HAN ’22
Black people might’ve heard some time in their lives. Then there’s the common misconceptions that are primarily attributed to a lack of understanding or experience with different hair types. “Them not understanding isn’t the issue – it’s us feeling othered or singled out because of our different styles. Or people pointing it out in a way where it feels like we’re on display in a museum. Or sometimes, we just don’t want to be bothered,” said Firestone Endowment Chaplain Rev. Khristi Adams. Despite, or perhaps because of, these challenges, Black hair care has become a journey of self discovery. Adams said, “I recently got sisterlocks back in November, so I am on my sisterlocks journey. I’m just really excited to get to know my hair in a very different way. It’s very much a part of who I am. It’s the start of a new journey and very much reflects where I am in life.” Robinson has her own braiding and styling service, which began during the summer of 2020. She does it both for the benefit of being able to do your own hair and for the fun of it while she learns more about her hair in the process. “It’s a beautiful journey and can be a wonderful experience when you embrace it, to really accept who you are and what you’ve been given and the uniqueness of Black women’s experience because of our textured, various different styles and degrees of hair,” Adams said.
B3 | The Hill News
Dear Blue: Getting through the last weeks of winter By ANONYMOUS Dear Blue, seasonal depression is too real, and Spring Break is too far away. How do I maintain my energy through the last few weeks of winter? Between the freezing weather and dark arriving before 5 p.m, winter is the absolute worst time of the year. Not to mention, it seems that during Hill’s winter the work never seems to end. Thus, it is no surprise that these inevitable aspects of the winter months can take a toll on your well-being. Personally, I have found that one of the most important aspects of maintaining your mental health during these cold months is creating and sticking to a routine. I have found that this leads to not only a stronger sense of productivity but also less stress and anxiety. For some, this suggestion of a daily schedule may seem daunting, so here are a few easy tips to get started and hopefully boost your serotonin: Prep your day the night before. This can mean different things to different people, but for me it means stopping homework by a specific time. For me, I have seen this boost my productivity and lead to establishing a healthier sleep schedule. After homework, I
ILLUSTRATION BY ADELYN SIM ’24
find it helpful to tidy up and plan out elements of the next day, such as an outfit, any meetings, or creating a schedule, so that you can go into tomorrow with a plan. After prepping, use this time to shower and wind down before bed with a book or a TV show. Never feel guilty for allowing yourself to relax. Give yourself something to look forward to each day. Never underestimate the little things. Perhaps this means waking up earlier and going to breakfast with a friend or practicing a new skill during afternoon activity. Maybe you could watch the pilot of that new show on Netflix during your free period or walk your dorm parent’s dog. Maybe it’s even smaller than that: you use an aromatherapy tablet in the shower or congratulate your
hallmate on a recent performance. Choose one thing to look forward to each day, and make it a priority, an accomplishment. Reach out for help if you need it. You live in a community where there are resources to help you if you need to talk, unwind, or vent. Though schoolwork is time consuming, it is important to make time for yourself and to allow yourself to feel difficult things. You are a valued member of this community, and people care very much about you. Please take care of yourself. Reach out to counseling@thehill.org if you need it! I hope these tips were helpful and that you are inspired to carpe diem. I believe in you, and I know that, even though things might be difficult right now, you will persevere.
Online ordering has grown during the pandemic By IBRAHIM EKMEKCI ’25 STAFF WRITER
One group who has benefited from the growth in the online order sector is students – especially those attending boarding schools, who were placed in complete isolation for extended periods of time. They met their basic needs, such as ordering food, clothes and stationery, through online ordering. Like students at any other school, many at Hill have benefited from online ordering. Constantine Kontes is a 3rd form student who frequently meets his needs via online ordering. He said, “Usually I would like to order some food from outside once a week to make a difference. Since it is dangerous and not possible to go out for something
to eat, I started to use DoorDash like my friends. These ordering applications help me a lot because they let me eat the things which I would like to whenever I want.” Alex Li, another 3rd form student, also meets many of his needs with the online order method. He said, “Since my family could not come with me when school started, I had to leave my country without getting some of my needs. However, I ordered many of my needs through Amazon. I started my school without any trouble by quickly ordering many of my needs from the internet, which are required by the school in our dormitory.” Stating that he also bought the necessary materials for the school project, Li said that these kinds of applications save time instead of hours-long market trips.
Kierpa Singh is a 3rd form student who uses online ordering for distinct purposes and recommends these services to other students as well. She said, “I usually use online ordering websites to buy clothes. Because of the pandemic, it has become almost impossible for me to go out of school and go shopping; that’s why it saves me time to order the clothes I like online. Besides, I can order food from outside with my friends and order the little things I need.” Although e-commerce and online ordering were growing rapidly before the coronavirus hit, the pandemic caused such companies to grow at even higher rates. Such influence stems from previous nationwide curfews and shop closures, which forced people to turn to online shopping. According to the data from
the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2020 online ordering companies grew 30% on average compared with the previous year. The online shopping industry increased its share in the American market by 3 percent compared to 2019. People opted to stay in their homes as much as they could to decelerate the spread of COVID-19 and to return to normal life as soon as possible. Since they could not go out in the face of this situation, they met their basic needs by ordering items like food, clothing, and other goods from the internet. According to a chart published by the U.S. Census Bureau, online ordering, particularly for groceries, grew more than any other sector in 2020 compared with the previous year. This online ordering trend mostly benefited a string of major companies
ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELA JIN ’24
such as Amazon, eBay, Target, Best Buy and Walmart. Artisans and local companies that took advantage of social media and shopping websites also grew and survived the shutdowns. The findings from UNCTAD show a strong uptick of
e-commerce across regions, with consumers in emerging economies making the greatest shift to online shopping. This case also helped business owners to expand their customer range and offer their goods to the global market.
MoniYah Person-Henderson takes on the George Mason Journalism Conference By SELA MUTO ’24 STAFF WRITER
The Hill News’ very own MoniYah Person-Henderson ‘23 has been selected to attend the George Mason Journalism Conference this summer, where she will have the opportunity to accelerate and broaden her passion for journalism. “I really started getting into journalism this past year,” explained Person-Henderson. “I did Hill News my sophomore year, and I really liked it; then I came back and did it even more, and I realized that I really liked communicating with people and learning more about people – not just what you see on the surface, but really about them, and that’s what Hill News and journalism is really all about.” This year, Person-Henderson’s intrigue towards journalism
became the gateway to representing The Hill School at the George Mason Journalism Conference in Fairfax, Va. This conference is a week-long learning program where students experience unique approaches to the world of journalism. The conference offers the opportunity for hands-on learning with industry leaders, award-winning journalists, international media outlets and Washington insiders. Person-Henderson expressed her enthusiasm for attending this event from July 10-15: “I’m looking forward to it! I love meeting new people; I love talking to people, and the program has a lot of great things. We’re visiting the Capitol for one day, and we’re going inside and meeting officials, talking with famous news anchors and famous journalists, and they’re giving us advice. Each day
MoniYah Person-Henderson ’23 will represent The Hill School in the 2022 George Mason Journalism Conference. PHOTO BY ANNA CARROLL ’23
we’re going to be doing something different, so we’re never going to be bored. I’m super excited to get to meet other people my age that also share the same passion as me.” Person-Henderson has garnered a positive reputation amongst her peers and advisers within the Hill News community. When asked for statements about her work and attitude towards this
passion, the responses were an outpouring of pride and admiration. “MoniYah has been an incredibly enthusiastic reporter for The Hill News. She is always willing to take on extra assignments, help out with breaking news, and work to make her pieces the best they can be. I’m impressed with how much MoniYah has im-
proved as a writer, and I appreciate how seriously she takes the editing process. She’s continually looking for ways to improve her practice, and I believe this conference is a perfect opportunity for her to stretch herself and find a new challenge,” stated Elizabeth DeOrnellas, Hill News adviser, in an email. “I’m grateful to Dr. Pearson and the Writing Center for funding this fantastic opportunity for one of our reporters,” DeOrnellas added. Editors who have had the opportunity to work alongside Person-Henderson also expressed their appreciation for her work. “MoniYah has become a reliable writer for the Hill News, not only through her constant contribution to issues, but also through her dedication towards creating informative and compelling articles. As an editor, I know I can count on
her drafts and edits being done on time, knowing that her writing is well-researched through the obvious effort she puts into her interviews and the time she invests into crafting her article,” Features Editor Anna Carroll ‘23 stated. Art and Leisure Editor Wesley Connley ‘22 took a similar stance, saying, “MoniYah is down for any project put in front of her. She always puts in the time and the effort with a great attitude.” Person-Henderson has high hopes for the conference and is excited to amalgamate her experiences this summer with her hobby. “I realized I really have a passion for journalism and communication,” she said. “I hope I get a lot of great information and meet a lot of great people and make good connections too; it’s important to have those connections.”
Off-Campus News
The Hill News | C4
March 2, 2022
High Street Steaks High Street Steaks specializes in cheesesteaks and sandwiches. The shop dedicates itself to serving the Pottstown community, and they value the relationship they build with each and every customer. They are known around town as the best steak shop, and their Italian roast pork sandwich is battling for the title of best sandwich in the United States.
This beautiful light fixture gives off the feeling of being somewhere exotic and cozy. Outside High Street Steaks one can see some beautiful artwork on the side of this building. Owners Suzanne Grace and Jim Swahl are both retired. They started the business because they enjoy cooking cheesesteaks for the customers. “I have never had a job that has been so fulfilling as this one,” Swahl said. Swahl believes that the interaction with his customers is what he values the most in running this business. “It’s not about making money; we hardly make any money,” Swahl said. Swahl and Grace are very proud of their shop, as they have received 70 five-star Google reviews. They are also proud to have survived the coronavirus-induced business slowdown. “Everything was indicating that Pottstown was goMinutes before the opening of High Street Steaks, we get to see the calm before the storm. Their electric vehicle displays their restaurant everywhere they go. ing to be the next Phoenixville, but then the pandemic came,” Swahl said. The restaurant is located in the High Street terminal at 14 South Charlotte Street. PHOTOS AND TEXT BY KADE DAVIDHEISER ’23, KATIE NEWKIRK ’22 & JASON ZHOU ’23
You can also check out their menu at highstreetsteaks.com.
Elena’s
Elena’s is the perfect family-friendly establishment that gives its own “warm glow.”
The full beauty and quaintness of the restaurant is shown in this wide shot. PHOTOS AND TEXT BY COLE BILOTTA ’23, AUGUSTUS GERHART ’23 & LUKE RASMUSSEN ’23
Elena’s Pizza and Catering is a new restaurant in the Pottstown area that has quickly become a key part of the Hill lifestyle. Its close proximity to The Hill School and easy access allows Hill students to grab a quick bite to eat as they feel fit. The restaurant has also started to integrate with the city of Pottstown as it builds its customer base and continues to increase in popularity.
The Hill School boys varsity hockey team is seen eating in the restaurant.
“We named the restaurant after my mom and my daughter,” owner Cesar Mendez said. “I always wanted to name it after my mom.” Mendez said that it is “really good being close to Hill School” but that he is still working to bring in more customers. He believes this “isn’t the right time” and hopefully later down the road Hill, and Pottstown in general, will bring in more business.
The restaurant is located at 864 E High St., right across the street from the Hill campus. You can also access their menu at elenasspizzacatering.com.
Soles Shoes Soles Shoes is a local shoe boutique in Pottstown. As winter turns into spring, Soles Shoes is getting new stock for the upcoming season. Opened in July 2021, Soles Shoes has been growing ever since.
This is an overview of the location where Soles Shoes conducts their business.
The shelves of shoes are stocked in Soles Shoes.
Soles Shoes, outside decor catches passerbys’ attention.
The owner, Tamika Malachi, loves running a local business because “it keeps me in constant contact with the neighborhood. We see different people every day; different people come in here. And it’s great not just for the store, but we are all meeting new people,” she said. Malachi explained that the store is seeking to bring something new to its customers. “The motto, A SHOEtique for the YOUnique, is something different – that’s what the motto stands for,” she explained.
Check out Soles Shoes at solesshoesllc.com or head down to their location across from The Hill School at 866 E. High Street. This is the logo of Soles Shoes on their storefront.
Heading inside, not only are shoes sold but clothing as well.
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY PETER GALINDEZ ’23 & CADEN OLENCZAK ’23
Off-Campus News
March 2, 2022
C5 | The Hill News
Welcome to the Avenue
Chef Kwane Haywood cleans his work station after packing all of the takeout orders.
The regulars of Welcome to the Avenue always leave the restaurant with a big smile on their faces.
Welcome to the Avenue is a small, family-owned business. They offer authentic Caribbean food at reasonable prices and serve huge portions. Every dish the chef offers is fresh, as he comes in early every day to handpick all of the ingredients, which are sourced from Philadelphia. The ambience of the restaurant is very distinctive and fun as well.
The owner of the Caribbean soul food restaurant, Kwane Haywood, is a very experienced cook. He is the only chef in the shop, and he makes every dish by himself. Haywood is from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbeans, and he wants to introduce his hometown food to the borough of Pottstown. With influences from his mother and grandmother, alongside 13 years of working experience in Madison Square Garden and culinary school, Haywood’s specialty dish, oxtails with beans and rice, has gained a lot of loyal The Saint Vincent and Grenadines flag represents Chef Haywood’s identity and his wish to bring The decoration in the restaurant reflects the easy-going Carribean vibe. followers. Long-time customer Andre and his young son authentic Caribbean food to the whole world. Jaylen, who asked to be identified solely by first names, grab food from the shop at least once or twice a week. “100% ain’t enough! More like 200% we’ll recommend this place for other folks. This got to be a place you got to stop by here in Pottstown,” Andre said. The name “Welcome to the Avenue” was inspired by the idea of a Caribbean food truck. Haywood wants his restaurant to be the first stop to welcoming all visitors. COVID impacted the traditional dining industry. As a result, Welcome to the Avenue shifted towards takeouts The combination of checkerboard floor, red brick wall and golden ceiling give the restaurant a The blackboard stands in the entrance of the restaurant. The shop wants to be the first place to welcome all visitors into Pottstown. very welcoming atmosphere. and delivery. Haywood said, “As a chef, I definitely miss Welcome to the Avenue is located on 107 E High St. You can check out their decorating the dishes and making them look nice.”
menu and shop at welcometotheavenue.com.
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY JASON ZHOU ’23
Once Upon A Time boutique
The store offers many different items including jewelry and watches.
Designer brands and clothing of all sorts are readily available and restocked each day.
The Once Upon A Time consignment boutique is a charming treasure chest of amazing finds. The shop’s location allows for lots of customers in the area looking for access to high-quality, affordable fashion and excellent customer service right on the High Street. The largest part of the business is donations. When people want to make a profit off of the clothes they’ve had for a while that are still valuable, they bring them here. Gina Spease, the owner of Once Upon A Time, said, “The majority of my donations come locally from the tri-county area.” Like most small businesses, the pandemic caused Once Upon A Time to shut down in 2020. However, the business survived due to the community’s contributions. Without grants from the organizations in Pottstown, the shop wouldn’t still be in business. “That was a great help to reopen the doors back up again,” Spease said.
This is the front of the store, located on High Street
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY JOEY ASTERINO ’23, JESSE CORSER-JAMES ’23 & ROSE FLAHERTY ’23
The shop is located at 254 E High St. You can learn more at their website, onceuponatimeconsignment.net, and contact the shop at (484) 300-8737.
Dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colors are available. Once Upon A Time offers a unique shopping experience every day by providing new merchandise.
Honey’s Homebrewed Café Honey’s Homebrewed Café is a compact bakery with delicate decorations. The “Hive” developed its own recipe for breakfast sandwiches and sticky buns, which has attracted many customers. The shop is looking to expand into a sit-in café with delivery options in early summer. Melinda Hoagey and her sister Melanie McKnight own the shop, and they named it in honor of their late grandmother Honey. “We try to bring our family recipes into our establishment and just make it a place where people want to come and get homemade food, you know, comfort food.” Hoagey said. “We put a lot of love into it. And we would want to just continue to grow in our community and become like a staple for people to come and, you know, just feel comfortable being here,” Hoagey said. Hoagey has deep roots in the community. “I’m a people person. My sister is a people person. We’re from Pottstown. A lot of people that come here know us. We may even know their family members. So I think one of the biggest things for us is getting to know our customers and their names and just developing friendships with them,” she explained.
The delicate wall paintings give off a warm, welcoming feeling.
Owner Melinda Hoagey shows off the shop’s signature sticky buns.
Honey’s Homebrewed is famous for their homemade sticky bun and breakfast sandwich. The sign outside of the shop attracts many customers.
Check out Honey’s Homebrewed Café’s menu at honeys-homebrewed-cafe.square.site. The shop is located at 354 N. Charlotte Street.
Owner Melanie McKnight makes a customer’s favorite chicken sandwich. PHOTOS AND TEXT BY EMILIE KIRSCHNER ’23 & JASON ZHOU ’23 Honey’s Homebrewed Cafe is only offering delivery and takeout. The sit-in cafe will be opened in the summer.
Opinion
The Hill News | D6
March 2, 2022
Spotify made the right choice By DAVID SUN ’24 STAFF WRITER
On Jan. 26, Neil Young kept true to his earlier words and officially removed his music from Spotify’s platform. The Canadian American singer and songwriter had asked Spotify to make a choice. “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” Young stated in an open letter on Jan. 24. This letter has since been deleted and replaced with a new open letter, “More Songs and Less Sound,” in which Young urges his fans to leave Spotify and move to alternative music platforms. Spotify’s decision to “choose” Joe Rogan over Neil Young is controversial, but one can hardly expect the platform to have chosen differently; while Joe Rogan’s content may constitute misinformation, Spotify made the right call in not responding to Young’s threats. Spotify has faced a lot of scrutiny over their decision not to remove Joe Rogan, who signed a $100 million deal with Spotify back in 2020, and his podcast from their platform. As a platform with more than 80 million tracks, including more than 3 million podcasts, Spotify has become the default audio entertainment platform for millions;
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Staff Writers & Staff Contributers Spotify stood by Joe Rogan after his involvement in disinformation controversy. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIH83/PIXABAY
a decision to remove one of its most popular content creators would be highly controversial and damaging to the platform’s reputation. In addition, Spotify did not, like some seem to believe, “force” Young to leave its platform. Young’s decision to leave Spotify was on his own accord and made after Spotify’s lack of action in response to his request for the platform to remove Rogan’s show. Perhaps the most important point is that Young initiated the incident by threatening Spotify with the removal of his music, and that in itself puts him in the wrong; regardless of reputation and popularity, an artist’s content and
career should not be jeopardised simply because another artist forces it. While Young had the right incentives, the method he chose was much too aggressive and destructive for Spotify to consider his petition. However, Young’s petition did push forward change in this saga. In an indirect response to the controversy, Spotify decided to add content labels to potential COVID-related misinformation to warn its users of such content. Young’s actions also prompted a response from Rogan, who promised to try and “offer more balance” on his show.
The fall of Rome tells us about the future of the American Republic
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By JERRY LI ’22
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OPINION EDITOR
Jan. 6, 2021: the modern American Republic witnessed a degradation of her democratic ideals. An incumbent fought tooth and nail to overturn an election result. A violent riot ensued as an organized mob gathered around the Capitol, in pursuit of their “trial by combat” – some even came with guns. Although those events happened last year, one must question its effect on one of the largest and most powerful republics in the modern world. As we brace for the rocky roads ahead of us, we can examine the history of our ancient counterpart: Rome. Even though it is agreed upon that the Roman Republic perished with the ascension of Augustus Caesar, following the murder of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE; it was precipitated by the disregard of the Mos Maiorum, or “Way of the Elders,” the set of precedents that preserved the Roman political system in place of a constitution. Though the Romans fought tooth and nail over politics, they always accepted decisions made through the legislative system. It is with the death of Tiberius Gracchus in 133 BCE that we see the slow decline of the Roman Republic. He demonstrated to other radicals the power of mob politics, even with his death at the hands of an armed group of citizens led by the Roman Consul Nasica. Up to this point in the Republic, violence was unimaginable in politics, especially against a Tribune. Rome had much of the same problems that the United States has today. At the time of Tiberius Gracchus, Rome had overcome centuries of war and became the
On Feb. 2, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, which entails a removal of the use of legacy and donor admissions policies in higher education. Proposed soon after the Supreme Court decided to hear a pair of affirmative action cases that would transform the consideration of racial diversity in the admissions process, the bill argued that legacy and donor policies not only perpetuate but also exacerbate racial and socioeconomic inequities. Although specific details of the bill remain contested, the idea behind it stands strong: legacy and donor admissions should be banned. Originally, these policies were designed to gatekeep elite universities from an influx of Jewish applicants in the 1920s. Antisemitism and antiimigration sentiments ran deep in the country’s education back then, especially at the “Big Three”: Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Harvard’s then-president, Abbott Lawrence Lowell, was adamantly antisemitic and worked to restrict the number of Jewish students on campus. Before, these universities admitted students based mainly on merit and academic requirements, however, it was clear that if that policy had continued, there would be an “undesirable” number of minorities, particularly those who are Jewish. A new system was proposed that categorically rejected the idea of meritocracy and hailed a new approach, a “holistic” one that theoretically would be more beneficial for all applicants, rich or poor, but in reality gave the colleges the freedom to
ILLUSTRATION BY ADELYN SIM ’24
ened social order. Julius Caesar would return to Rome ever so popular with the people in 45 BCE after fighting the Senate in a civil war. And finally, after Cicero, the moderate Senatorial Leader, was killed in 44 BCE, Augustus Caesar would defeat Mark Antony and find himself the “first citizen” in Rome. Tiberius Gracchus lay in the forum as he drew his final breath. He was a tribune, a representative of the people in the senate, considered sacrosanct. Even though the office of tribune was often used by Roman aristocrats as a tool of political maneuvering, Tiberius was a man for the people – his policies aimed to break up large farmland holdings and distribute them to the common people of Rome. The hundreds of Romans who lay dead in the Forum marks the first sedition at Rome since the abolition of royal power to end in bloodshed. Although it is easy to see parallels, one must remember that Rome is a nation fraught with problems from thousands of years ago. But, as bloodshed is seen in the legislative heart of the nation, one must question if we are being steered onto a road that ends in tyranny.
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Legacy and donor admissions should be banned
By MARTIN TRAN ’22
richest state the world had ever seen, and its problems became more internal: citizenship questions, growing inequality as the elites controlled large amounts of land, the loss of jobs due to cheap imported labor, and an increasing divide in the government between the wealthy elites and the common people as more and more radicals are elected into office. The ancient Greek historian Velleius Paterculus later observed: “Precedents do not stop where they begin, but however narrow the path upon which they enter, they create for themselves a highway whereon they may wander with the utmost latitude … no one thinks a course is base for himself which has proven profitable to others.” The introduction of violence during the times of Tiberius paved the way for the further decline of the Republic. In 82 BCE, Sulla would prescribe thousands who opposed his regime to death during his brief dictatorial reign in Rome. In 59 BCE Clodius would pander to the public by introducing a grain dole that would guarantee poor Romans bread for his own political incentives, running massive street gangs that threat-
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admit the children of major donors and family name legacies, fulfilling institutional needs. Fast forward to 2011: a study conducted by a Harvard researcher on 30 elite U.S. colleges has shown that all legacy applicants had a 23% higher probability of admission, while primary legacy applicants (those with a parent who attended the school as an undergraduate rather than a grandparent or aunt) had a 45% higher probability of admission. Rather than questioning whether legacy applicants are more or less “qualified” than others (which, on paper can be heavily influenced by their parents’ education level), the moral problem with this policy is that “it’s a preference that advantages the already advantaged,” says Richard D. Kahlenberg of the Century Foundation. There are two clear legal challenges to legacy and donor preferences in the admissions process. For public universities, these policies are unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, which mandates that individuals in similar situations, such as applicants applying to college, be treated equally by the law. It is clear that legacy admissions, by valuing an aspect of the application that no applicant can control (to whom they were born), violate the equal protection clause. For private universities, the argument is perhaps more nuanced. It can be traced back to the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which, according to contemporary Supreme Court decisions, particularly in Shaare Tefila Congregation v. CobbJews (1987), prohibits “discrimination [against members of protected groups] solely because of their ancestry or ethnic characteristics.” Although one could contend that legacy admissions overwhelmingly benefit
White applicants in the process, hence the “ethnic” piece of the analysis, the stronger legal argument is on ancestry. In Saint Francis College v. Al-Khazraji, the Court opined that “an American born in Iraq could claim that he was unlawfully discriminate against if he was ‘subjected to intentional discrimination based on the fact that he was born an Arab, rather than solely on the place or nation of his origin, or his religion.’”Therefore, this extension of the equal protection clause by the Civil Rights Act of 1866 supports the legal challenge against private institutions in addition to public ones. A common counter argument claims that legacy and donor admissions benefit low-income students as the policy would facilitate scholarship giving by wealthier families. Admittedly, the argument seems somewhat cogent. However, just as with the argument between taxes and philanthropy, our country cannot live off the mercy of the rich anymore. The enormous endowments of these elite colleges, some bigger than the entire GDP of third-world countries, are and should be less risk-averse than high school applicants to college. Refutations like these do gain traction in a country where civil rights are sometimes pushed aside in countless cost-benefit analyses. It is nonetheless imperative for us to not lose sight of what is fundamental to making the United States great: that in some time of its developmental course, there came a need for it to not only allow its citizens civil liberties but to actively fight for their equal opportunities and protection. If these civil rights are not actively protected by the government, policies like the legacy and donor preferences in admissions will subdue them.
Arts & Leisure
March 2, 2022
The Oscars aren’t that important By LUKE GERDEMAN ’23 STAFF WRITER
It’s that time of the year again: film snobs and casual audiences alike despair! The Academy Awards have recently released their list of nominees. Don’t be too surprised if you didn’t know. The Oscars as a cultural event have lacked relevance for the past decade, affected by COVID and the lessening influence of the cinematic experience. Most of my friends know nothing about the nominees, and that makes sense. Who has seen “Power of the Dog”? Who even knows what “Power of the Dog” is? All of this leads to the ultimate question: Do the Oscars matter? In simplest terms, they don’t. The Academy Awards serve as an arbitrary measure of a film’s quality, based on nothing more than the opinions of a select few. They always exclude popular franchise films (very few “Spider-Man:us No Way Home” nominations) and favor cliche “Oscar-bait” fare that cater directly to voters in the Academy. Many of the films to win in the last few years are the result of successful “for your consideration” marketing campaigns, revealing the biased nature inherent to these awards. On the other hand, I can see the appeal of the Oscars. There’s a certain prestige present in the awards ceremony, and I can’t help but feel superior when I watch
STAFF WRITER
Ireland will soon start a universal income program for arts and culture workers. They plan to develop a three-year plan that will in total cost about $28 million a year; close to 2,000 artists will be paid $370 a week and granted venues to perform in public. Deirdre Falvey of the Irish Times said, “It has the potential to be a historic milestone for the arts in Ireland, a reflection of a nation that truly and authentically understands and supports the artistic process.” According to Business Insider, reports in October found that onethird of jobs in the music industry in the United Kingdom were lost during the pandemic; employment in the sector fell “from an all-time high of 197,000 in 2019 to 128,000 in 2020, a 35% decrease.” Ellen Nelson, a senior master teacher of the arts at Hill, agreed with the effort and the ideas of Ireland but believes in a different approach. She believes that instead of taking money from the government, citizens can instead try to do-
“Love Dot” promises viewers an innovative new take on “The Wizard of Oz” By NATHANIEL WHITTEMORE ’23 STAFF WRITER
This year’s Academy Awards ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 27. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIA KNIGHT FROM PIXABAY
a film that has the Best Picture designation. Watching the program with friends and family has become an annual tradition of mine, and I enjoy trying to guess who will win what. (In case you were wondering, the ceremony itself will be held at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 27.) The Oscars don’t matter, but it’s an exciting time of year for filmgoers such as myself. Whether you respect their credibility or not, the Academy Awards allow for more conversation about film. If you’re someone who enjoys the art form, isn’t that the most important thing? Maybe watch some nominees and take it as an opportunity to inform yourself on the “important” films of the year.
Universal income granted to artists in Ireland By GUSTAVO CARDENAS ’24
E7 | The Hill News
nate personally to the artist, using services like Kickstarter or Patreon. Nelson elaborated, saying that using money from the government is unfair because it takes away from the general population; however, if people can instead decide whether or not they want to help an artist, not only is the artist bound to receive help, citizens will feel like they are a part of something. “I’m glad Ireland is doing this for the ARTS that in return will help benefit the world,” Diane Deery, the chair of Hill’s Arts Department, stated in an email. Deery also said that she is very excited to see artists continue doing what they love. She worries about the selection process; however, she does not see a better way of doing it.
I’m glad Ireland is doing this for the ARTS that in return will help benefit the world. —Diane Deery Chair of Hill’s Arts Department
ILLUSTRATION BY AIDAN MA ’23
Hill’s performing arts program is once again giving the community another spectacular show with “Love Dot,” an adapted version of “The Wizard of Oz” that has been remade to reflect the theme of female empowerment. The show has gender swapped all the lead roles except Dorothy. This modification of gender roles includes the Wicked Witch and Glinda cast as males. “It’s been such a blessing to see the classic story retold,” Director of the CFTA Christopher McGriff said. “It’s exciting to see people’s reactions to seeing some of the songs told in a new way.” McGriff created the premise, but he attributes the real magic of the production to script writer Sydnee Johnson and music arranger Christopher Robinson. McGriff is thrilled that the actors can play these characters the way in which they truly interpret them: their speech, look, posture -- all things that are being created and creatively demonstrated by the actor. It gives a certain freedom to the cast and will surely make for a distinct retelling. McGriff described the overarching mission of the show: “The Hill Theater department aims to
consistently create new educational opportunities for our students. This was an excellent chance for our students to learn brand new skills.” Given the professionalism and dedication that cast and crew members give to the productions at Hill, McGriff is excited to see the production come to life. “Even though it’s been a long and exhausting process, the results have been absolutely amazing,” Ni-
mala Sivakumar ’23, a stage manager for the upcoming show, said. “I adore this show with all my heart and everyone in it, and I look forward to seeing how far it’ll go.” This revolutionary show is sure to gather attention throughout the community in the days leading up to opening night. Dates are set for March 4 through March 6, tickets are out, and excitement is bubbling for the next production from the creative members of the Hill Theater Guild.
The Hill Theater department aims to consistently create new educational opportunities for our students.This was an excellent chance for our students to learn brand new skills. —Christopher McGriff Director of the CFTA
The original musical “Love, Dot” is a modern retelling of “The Wizard of Oz.” PHOTO BY ANNA CARROLL ’23
NFTs are not as great as they seem to be By TOFE AKINYANMI ’23 STAFF WRITER
NFTs. No one really understands them, and, if they do, they can’t explain it without a whiteboard. For those who don’t know, NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. It’s basically a unique unit of data that can’t be duplicated. You may say, “But they can!” – which is true at some level. However, even though that duplication would be the same, it’s not technically the same because it’s a different blockchain -- even if it carries the same data. And that data can be … anything! Music, or code, or even the entire script of “Dune.” The current hype is around NFT art. It’s similar to the world of art galleries: buying, selling and trading. The difference? It’s completely digital. You can have a copy of the “Mona Lisa,” but it won’t be exactly the same. The actual piece won’t have the same brush strokes. Since the majority of NFT art is being created, sold and traded completely online, some people consider them to be much easier to copy. They don’t see a difference between the piece and a screenshot of it. On a tangible level, there isn’t. The data may tell a different story, but when most people see a cool picture online, they aren’t really staring at the blockchain. Both cryptocurrency and NFTs are, at their core, just trends. They’re marketed to new
investors as an easy way to get into the game, but they simply take money from the naïve and give it to those more acquainted with the game, like a reverse Robin Hood. The thing about these types of trends is that, at first, they seem perfect. You’ve been looking for a way to start getting into economic ventures, and this seems like a perfect entryway. And at first, it is! For a few lucky people, this stuff works out. But for the
average Joe with a buck to spend on making a few more, it leads to nothing. Or less than nothing. Negative nothing. It’s a repeated cycle too. Before NFTs it was bitcoin, and after, who knows. But one thing is true: following the trends doesn’t usually work out. The point in time at which things are trending always comes to an end, and, if people aren’t careful, when that time comes, they’ll be stuck with a bunch of digital art. So, if you’re planning on investing in NFTs, take another look before making a commitment.
ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELA JIN ’24
Sports
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Hill’s winter sports players were flexible enough to adapt to difficulties By RACHEL HWANG ’25 STAFF WRITER
Back from the winter break, athletes were ready to show off their skills. However, Hill’s winter sports team took a direct hit from Omicron. Challenges were brought by COVID-19, with players getting positive test results leading into not being able to play. The athletes needed to adapt. Ari Baum, Hill girls hockey coach, said, “This year we were able to practice a lot. But, there hasn’t been a single day this season when everyone has been medically available at the same time.” Mr. Baum added, “In the sense that having fewer kids at times than we normally would have allowed certain kids to develop more than they would have otherwise or take on bigger roles faster than they would have, younger kids made some great progress points.” Even though COVID-19 brought damage to the team, the hockey players also found strength in it. “COVID-19 made us appreciate being on the ice and making the most of the time we have and working as hard as we can because we never know what will happen,” Caoilin Thomason ’25, one of the hockey players, stated in an email.
COVID-19 made us appreciate being on the ice and making the most of the time we have and working as hard as we can because we never know what will happen. —Caoilin Thomas ’25 In the boys hockey team, before an important match against Lawrenceville, the backup goalie, Peter Galindez ’23, tested positive. In order to fill the empty space of goalie, a right-wing player, Grant McCormack ’23, stepped in. “I played goalie at my old school for three years. So I had some experience and the coach knew that as well. I put the pads on. It’s a nice thing to do for the team. And it’s good for morale, and I liked to do it. So I decided to step in,” McCormack added. “When the game was going on, I was pretty nervous. Because I haven’t worn goalie skates in a while. Goalie skates are a little different from player skates.” “I was going to get a good amount of games in the next couple of weeks, and then I got COVID. So it was pretty discouraging. But it was nice to see that someone was able to step up and fill my spot for a little bit when I was out with COVID,” Galindez said. Hockey wasn’t the only sport that faced difficulties; Hill girls basketball also had a hard time gathering all of the players. “It wasn’t until a few weeks ago (in late January) when we finally had all 15 players and coaches together at practice. But, we had several players step into bigger roles such as 3rd formers Anastasia Krafczek, Kayleigh Ludwig and Lauren Kuppinen as well as 4th former Mia Jacobs,” coach Deanna Mayza stated in the email.
I played goalie at my old school for three years. So I had some experience and the coach knew that as well. I put the pads on. It’s a nice thing to do for the team. And it’s good for morale, and I liked to do it. So I decided to step in.
March 2, 2022
Winter sports athletes recap their season highlights By ROSE FLAHERTY ’23 SPORTS EDITOR
Editor’s Note: The general theme of most winter sports teams at Hill this year is hard work. The days where the team came together as one unit and worked hard were when the majority of the teams’ highlights emerged. As winter varsity athletics come to a close, take a closer look at the individual team highlights. Wrestler Kelvin Griffin ’22 got his 100th win on Jan. 30 at the PASIAA duals, where the Hill boys finished second. Griffin said, “It’s something I’ve been working on for my entire career, so when it happened I was happy and excited but not surprised.”
Summer Lam ’23 swims the 100-yard butterfly at the Easterns Championship. She now holds the school record.
PHOTO BY ERICK SUN ’24
Kelvin Griffin with his biggest supporters after getting his 100th win. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL SNAPSHOTS
Girls hockey has been on the climb to clutch a spot as one of the top teams in prep school hockey. Assistant captain, and Hill News Sports Editor, Rose Flaherty ’23 said, “Our top highlight this season was probably playing Nobles and Greenough. We were tied 0-0 until the last few minutes, and we only lost 1-0. We feel like it was our best game and a huge measuring stick for our program.” The Hill boys basketball team has been performing well this season despite injuries affecting their roster. Josh Cameron ’23 reflected on his season by saying “beating Mercersburg was a highlight because Gabe Moss ’22 got hurt the game before; we were greatly affected by this, but we still won the game and we did it for him.” The girls track team worked with a smaller group of girls this year. They had many highlights this season. “We have been able to score well in a lot of races because the girls are all stepping up and doing events they don’t have much experience with. We are small but mighty,” captain Sarah Kenvin ’23 said. Boys squash has had a successful season this year despite some skill gaps within the team. “I think [our highlight was] losing against Shipley 7-2, because they are one of the better schools in the nation but we still got two wins,” Miki Osada ’23 said. Hill Girls’ Squash entered this season with a primarily new team. Many of our players had only picked up squash for the first time this year, but nevertheless, jumped into our season strong. With new coach Jen Pelletier leading our team, we took on some pretty tough opponents and earned some wins for Hill. At the U.S. National Championships this past weekend, we competed as the No. 1 seed in Division V. The team came out on top with a 5-2 win in the final against Westminister School, securing the first National Championship title for the team in years. Hill girls basketball is an energized team full of a number of different personalities. Their highlight of this year was spoiling Peddie’s senior night. “Our vibe the whole game was so hype. The players on and off
Hill fencing club co-captain Ruthanne Sandner ‘22 stabs her opponent and wins her bout against Lawrenceville. PHOTO BY EMILIE KIRSCHNER ’23
the court were so involved, and everyone played a huge role in that win,” Karly Cabot ’23 said. The team went on to compete in, and win, the Commonwealth Games. Hill boys hockey has had a lot of success this season despite having a new head coach and many new players. “Winning the Barber Tournament was definitely the highlight of the season. It was a fun road trip to Massachusetts, and all the guys played really well together,” said Ryan Sanborn ’23, starting varsity goalie for the Blues. “We also won the championship in a shootout which was really cool.” Fencing at Hill is a growing sport despite the setbacks the club has faced from not being as popular of a sport. The team dynamic and willingness to learn something new has grown the program into a successful and fun team. “Every time I show up to fencing, I always know I am going to have a good time. There’s always something new to learn, and we always have a fun time,” said captain Ruthanne Sandner ’22. Hill boys track and field took major steps for the program, including ending the season with a PAISAA championship as well as Quintin Craig, a 5th form sprinter, breaking the school 55-meter dash record. “As for the team, we should all be proud of what we were able to accomplish this season. We have had countless personal records being broken and a number of newly discovered hidden talents throughout the season. The amount of growth everyone has made has been incredible. Also to finish the season off with a championship on the guy side and a second place on the girls side gives us great momentum heading into the spring season. I think we are all excited for the future seasons of Hill track and field,” Craig said. The swimming and diving team at Hill is a big team with a lot of different people adding to a winning culture. The highlight of the year took place at the Mid-Atlantic Prep League meet at Peddie, where 5th former Summer Lam’s 100-yard butterfly swim broke the longest-standing record on the girls side. “When I was swimming, I felt it went pretty well, and somehow
I ended up breaking the record, and I was feeling really great because since COVID I didn’t really get to swim.”
Maks Celm ‘23 plays a drive during practice. PHOTO BY PETER GALINDEZ ’23
The Blues embrace in a team huddle before stepping back into action. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELSEA MARTIN
To see videos featuring winter sports teams, scan the QR code below:
—Grant McCormack ’23
Staff Writers Joey Asterino ’23, Cole Bilota ’23, Jesse Corser-James ’23 Kade Davideheiser ’23, Peter Galindez ’23, Augustus Gerhart ’23, Emilie Kirschner ’23, Katie Newkirk ’22, Caden Olenzcak ’23 and Luke Rasmussen ’23 contributed to this report.
Grant McCormack ‘23 plays goalie in Hill varsity hockey game against Lawrenceville. PHOTO COURTESY OF MCKAY ALLAIN ’23
Gabe Moss ’22 cheers on his teammates during a game during Kiski.
PHOTO BY ANDREW ALBERT ’22