Issue 3

THE HILL NEWS VERBA VOLANT, SCRIPTA MANENT

Volume Volume CXX. CXVIII, No. 3 NO. 2 Volume CXIX, NO.2

Are you listening, Hill?

By DEREK SCHMAELING ’21

so it is my responsibility to be informed and have an opinion on what’s happening,” said Jed Korankye ’22, who is not eligible to vote.

The coming months will affect almost everyone, but staying on top of current events, especially this upcoming election, seems more demanding than usual for some students.

“I am listening. However, with the added stress of COVID conditions, my college applications, and racial tension in the country, I’ve found it difficult to remain informed at all times because of the strain it has put on me. But this election is very important to me, as I will be an adult in less than a year now,” said Mofe Akinyanmi ’21, who is not eligible to vote (and who serves as the Arts and Leisure editor for The Hill News).

“It does bother me that I will not be able to participate in this event, an election that I am old enough to understand and will affect me for a large part of my life.

However, I will continue to do my part by encouraging my classmates and families to use their voices and try to find a balance between keeping up with current events without burning out.”

STAFF WRITER

Nov. 3 marks the conclusion of the precedent-setting 2020 presidential election and the start of a new unique chapter in American history. If the Biden-Harris ticket wins, we will see the highest-ranking woman ever enter the White House. If President Donald Trump wins, he will be faced with the difficult task of uniting a nation divided. As both candidates scratch and claw for every vote they can get, this election cycle promises a memorable finish.

Walking around The Hill School, even with the new COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll notice three things. First, students and teachers have a lot on their minds. Next, The Hill has a significant international population. Lastly, a sizable majority of students are not of voting age.

On top of all that, within the “Hill Bubble” the realities of the world often feel distant - like the world’s tragedies don’t even exist. Therefore, an important question must be asked: Are you listening, Hill?

“I am definitely listening. All my friends are talking about it, and, while I am not a huge political guy, I know that this is going to impact my life for a long time,

How would Hill vote?

Other students have a reasonably different sentiment, as everyday stressors are piling up.

“I am not listening,” said Alan Kassymov ’21, who is eligible to vote. “Handling the college process and the stress of COVID-19 leaves me exhausted every day. I don’t have the time; I try my best to pay attention, but it’s just not a priority.”

“Even though I don’t agree with either candidate, I care about the people that they are surrounding themselves with. It’s stressing me out, the feeling that the country is gonna fall apart,” said Cecile Wegman ‘23, who is not eligible to vote this year.

In Instructor of Math and Sciences Will Scully’s words, the only way to make your voice count is to engage yourself with the process, speak up, and get out and vote -- democracy only works when all those who live in it participate.

If you could vote in the presidential election, who would you support?

What political issue is the most important to you?

The Hill News surveyed the student body about their political views. Here are the 377 responses we received. For more detailed results, check out thehill.news.

Hill encourages students to vote

By NICOLAS WON ’22 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

This year, many Hill community members are encouraging involvement in the upcoming U.S. presidential election for all students, even students not eligible to vote. There will be a variety of new opportunities for students to do so.

Faculty, primarily Instructor of Math and Science Will Scully, are organizing transportation for eligible Hill students to vote. For in-person voting, Scully is planning to begin taking students to the nearest polling place, the Ricketts Center, by arranged buses beginning at 7 a.m. on Nov. 3. Scully is also guiding students through the registration process. Voting by mail is also encouraged, and all eligible students may register under the address 860 Beech St. Scully’s reasoning for his actions is to benefit “underrepresented people,” such as those living in “states where they think

their vote will not matter” and for “how bad it must feel” to know that “your location determines if your vote matters or not.”

Additionally, students are being encouraged to make an impact on the election outside of voting. In the upcoming weeks, the school will be providing numerous workshops and will be educating students about the process and spurring discussion.

When asked whether or not there were any systems in place for big elections, Scully responded by saying that the reason much of this mobilization occurred so late in the year was that this was one of the first times in recent years that Hill has become involved in the election.

“Everything happening this year was started this year with the help of the Dean’s Office,” Scully said. These workshops will be conducted by the faculty and the SGA. According to SGA Co-President Andrew Chirie-

leison ’21, programs are being organized on topics such as how the Electoral College works; civil discourse in the United States; how students can impact elections; and general politics of the United States. All will be for the purpose of “discussion” with regard to “empathy and mental health,” said SGA Co-President Sasjha Mayfield.

According to the SGA and Dean of Students Ari Baum, the essential objective of the school’s intervention is to educate students at a crucial time.

Chirieleison stresses the importance of empathy to all students regardless of political ideology.

He understands the campus contains many different ideas that often are in disagreement with each other but nonetheless require dialogue in a “respectful and appropriate manner” with regard to “discussion, diversity and mental health.”

According to Baum, students’ education in politics is

part of students’ “civic health,” as important as mental or physical health. At a liberal arts institution like Hill, students can advance their civic health nearly anywhere on campus.

While Hill’s international student body creates an even more diverse demographic, even students who are ineligible to vote should feel compelled to educate themselves because “every student at [The Hill School] will be able to vote in at most four years,” Scully said, stressing the importance of not only presidential elections but midterms and local races as well. Ultimately, the goal of the SGA and the Dean’s Office is to compel students to take action, through voting and speaking up to those who can vote. These opportunities will be everywhere for students this year.

“That is the beauty of a liberal arts education,” Baum said.

HOW TO VOTE: Vote by mail: (absentee or mail-in)

Deadlines:

sign up by 5 p.m. Oct. 27 mail/return by Election Day

Vote in-person:

Polls open: 7a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day

REGISTER BY: 11:59PM Oct. 19 Election Day Nov. 3

Artist Spotlight: Chloe Han ’22

Pennsylvania, it’s time to decide.

Chloe Han ’22 is known for her fantastic artwork, whether this be designing custom-made shoes or creating artwork about social issues going on in the world today.

Pennsylvania is the fifth biggest state in terms of Electoral College votes. the last Republican to win the state before President Donald Trump was George H. W. Bush in 1988. This year it is no different: Pennsylvania is once again a battleground.

Thank you Justice Ginsburg and I’m sorry

LOCAL NEWS | Page C4

October 15, 2020

Thank you, Justice Ginsburg and I’m sorry–– sorry your legacy exists in a world where your absence provokes more fear than it does love.

OPINION | Page C4

Contents

Strength and conditioning stays strong This year the strength and conditioning program has undergone quite a bit of change. Steve Notebaert and Michael Webster were the tag team coaches of the past, but this year there are some new faces to the program.

ARTS & LEISURE | Page D6

SPORTS | Page D7

CAMPUS NEWS.............. A2 FEATURES........................ B3 ELECTION AT HILL..C4-C5 ARTS & LEISURE............ D6 SPORTS.............................. E7 ELECTION CONT’D........F8

Political club leaders endorse candidates We invited the leaders from the three politically-affiliated clubs to share their presidential endorsement ahead of the upcoming election.

FEATURES | Page F8

A2 | CAmpus News

CAMPUS NEWS The Hill News

October 15, 2020

New student group raises mental health awareness

By DIEMMY DANG ’24 STAFF WRITER

This past summer, Cecile Wegman ’23 and John Ju ’23 reached out to Lisa Roethling, director of counseling, about getting involved with mental health at Hill with the intention of doing something that positively impacted the community.

The result was Students Advocating for Mental Health, a stu-

dent-led organization with the main goal of promoting well-being across campus, aiming to increase mental health awareness and decrease the stigma surrounding it. The committee also serves as a student voice to the counseling office, connecting it to the needs and concerns of its student body.

Ju explained that SAMH has goals to connect students with the counseling center, mak-

SAMH is comprised of student leaders and faculty advisers. P HOTO

BY HARLIV SINGH ’23

ing sure that all members of the community have the resources that they need.

“There is a lot of mental health stigma at Hill, and just in general, so we want to make Hill a safe space for students to be able to talk about how they feel and to do something that can actually help our students more,” Wegman said.

Despite the fact that SAMH is still a relatively new committee, it has already put many plans into place. A poster campaign, centering around mental health, counseling services and well-being, was launched early into the school year to educate students on the topic, and SAMH’s social media serves a similar purpose.

Using visuals, the posts aim to make it easy to understand what resources are available in the counseling office. In addition, a newly formed process group with Roethling will be held every Thursday, serving as a safe space for students to talk about

what they might be feeling.

SAMH has also planned many events for the future, including family nights, which will allow students to further connect with the people in their flock and dorm.

“We’ll have these student-led events where, preferably, the prefects will lead conversations, just to talk about mental health and make sure they do activities that sort of promote being part of a community and foster positivity,” Ju explained. The events are designed as a stress reliever for students who are coping with the new COVID restrictions as well as the 6th form, who are in the midst of the college application process. Another event being put into place is a song lyric competition between dorms.

The winners of the competition will receive prizes of a modified dress down day and a free food order of their choice.

According to Roethling,

Boarding schools nationwide deal with shift in admissions process

By ANNIE LI ’21

STAFF WRITERS

Prospective students are still able to tour the school in person despite the challenges that CIVID-19 has presented.

PHOTO BY IZZY FELDMAN ’21

across the country, The Hill School officials seem to be moderately optimistic about Hill’s admission prospects.

“I believe COVID-19 will positively impact boarding school applications because our schools have done a very good job of re-opening and keeping students safe. Parents and students are looking for in-person educational experiences and boarding schools are leading the pack in that area,” Headmaster Zack Lehman said.

Hill’s Admission Office has been innovative in order to continue to welcome potential families to visit the campus in the midst of COVID-19. Several modifications have been implemented to Hill’s to make the process safe for the school and prospective students. The major differences are campus tours and interviews. In normal

years, Hill holds a number of admission events, such as open houses, on-campus throughout the year. Prospective students are also strongly recommended to schedule a campus tour and interview with one of the admission officers. This year, a large proportion of tours and interviews will be shifted to online. The school is still offering campus tours, but the tours will only be given outside of the buildings. “The tours will be socially distant,” said Assistant Headmaster for Enrollment Management Tom Eccleston, “and the interviews will be

conducted outside.”

Current students’ role in the admission process this year has undergone a major shift. In the past, Hill students were greatly involved in the process by touring prospective families and pairing with prospective students on revisit days. This year, however, tours are given by a member of the admission team or a volunteer faculty member for safety purposes.

“Students are the biggest selling points,” said Eccleston. “Not having them meet the families in person is one of the impacts [of

I believe COVID-19 will positively impact boarding school applications because our schools have done a very good job of re-opening and keeping students safe. Parents and students are looking for in-person educational experiences and boarding schools are leading the pack in that area.

- Headmaster Zack Lehman

in getting involved with the committee, Ju said that, while SAMH plans to keep its size small, there will still be applications for certain positions within the group and those interested are always welcome to participate in a SAMH event.

Student sit-out brings attention to Breonna Taylor

By DIEMMY DANG ’24 RYANN HOLLADAY ’24

STAFF WRITER

COVID-19 has impacted the prospect of admission for boarding schools, with some schools being affected more severely than others. However, frustration over online school may lead to an uptick in interest in The Hill School’s admissions as Hill distinguishes itself as one of the only schools that offer both in-person learning and welcome prospective families on campus.

“Private schools are more or less impacted on different levels. Some top-tier schools may be less impacted than others, but the whole picture doesn’t seem rosy,” said Xi Zhang, the founder of Findingschool, a leading private school research platform.

In August, the platform surveyed around a hundred private schools in the country in regards to the impact of COVID-19 on the school’s admission.

Around 60% of the school reported a decrease in interest level, and around 45% of the school sensed increasing concerns from prospective families. Concerns over schools’ response to the pandemic, the family’s affordability are on the top of the list.

“Some schools had a better job at facilitating students in the pandemic, whether with accommodation or online-learning, and prospective families take this into measurement as well,” said Xi Zhang.

While the COVID-19 continues to impact schools

ILLUSTRATION BY CLAIRE HARTEMINK ’21

“Each month, there will be a focus on a similar activity that highlights a different message.

For example, this month is grit and gratitude, and then every month there’ll be a different theme.”

For students interested

On Oct. 7, a group of students held a sit-out on the quad in solidarity with Breonna Taylor, acknowledging her and the other lives lost as a result of police brutality.

Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police officers in her home on March 13 of this year. Police officers forcibly entered Taylor’s home while investigating drug charges, but had the wrong address. Taylor’s boyfriend fired a warning shot, fearing that the officers were intruders. The officers then fired a round of bullets. Taylor was hit six times and died shortly after.

The sit-out was in response to the recent acquittal of Brett Hankinson, the police officer who shot Taylor.

Lasting 20 minutes in total, the sit-out was completely silent. Students sat, socially distanced, on marked spaces around the perimeter of the Quad.

Many also held signs in support of Taylor.

“There was a great community turnout which really

showed that a lot of people care. I think it did a great job of bringing awareness to important issues outside of the community,” said Faris Miller ’24, who was in attendance at the sit-out.

Nancy Body, head librarian, also participated in the sit-out. “It was incredibly peaceful. And there was this sense of unity that was there that I think was evident.” Body said that she was motivated to participate for a multitude of reasons, but one was Wes Moore, who came to speak at Hill the night before. During his speech, Moore asked the Hill community what they stand for, and Body said that the question particularly resonated with her.

Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, George Perry Floyd, Dreasjon “Sean” Reed and Michael Brent Charles Ramos are just a few of the people who were affected by police violence this summer. The sit out served as a way to bring light to the issues of racism and police brutality that have plagued the country, drawing the Hill community’s attention to it.

Naomi Ude ’21 holds a sign at the sit-out. PHOTO BY ELLINOR LAGOR ’21

FEATURES

October 15, 2020

The Hill News

Videographer Thomas Prettyman helps bring Hill into digital era

By BELLA BASILE ’21 STAFF WRITER

Amidst various campus regulations and safety precautions, Video Production Coordinator Thomas Prettyman has been central to Hill’s movement into the digital era during the COVID-19 pandemic. With an abrupt shift to remote culture amid an unprecedented international response to COVID-19, work life looks drastically different for many people. In this new and constantly changing situation, video, and by extension Prettyman, have been thrust to center stage as a solution to every problem.

From filming Chapel Talks and Convocation videos to working with remote speakers, Prettyman has been a trailblazing factor in Hill’s transition into an era of digitization when it comes to not only school marketing and communication but the community daily life as well.

“There are so many things he has done to allow us to remain socially and emotionally connected to one another while remaining physically distant,” said Warner Associate Chaplain Reverend Anne Confer Martens about Prettyman’s assistance with the Chapel services this year.

“We have gotten really good feedback from a number of people about how glad they are that we can still have weekday Chapel under current circumstances, and the main reason we can do that is because of Mr. Prettyman’s efforts.”

Another colleague, Director of Web Strategy and Communications Jennifer Bechtel, stated that, while the COVID-19 procedures have been extremely challenging, Prettyman “ has stepped up and accepted the challenge with a positive attitude and humor. He has come up

with creative ways to film while maintaining physical distancing. More importantly, he’s very flexible and easily adapts when the unexpected occurs, which is something I admire and appreciate about him.”

For Prettyman, who has toured with bands such as We the Kings for Warped Tour, the Maine, COIN, Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, and Real Friends; shot for other musicians, including the X Ambassadors, 3Oh3!, Rae Sremmurd, and Twenty One Pilots; worked for well-known athletic teams like the Atlanta Braves; and done major marketing campaigns and commercials for Hard Rock Casino, the City of Miami, the City of Tampa, Bleacher Report, Tampa International Airport, Tesla, Lamborghini, Porsche, University of South Florida, and Duke Hill, working at a co-ed independent boarding school has been a major change in his typical work experience, presenting several challenges such as respecting physical distancing, occupancy limitations and campus health levels.

“Despite these restrictions, everyone has been extremely understanding and had a lot of grace and patience with me learning the ropes. Additionally, I rely on my past work experience, working with professional musicians and professional athletes where I only had one opportunity to get a specific shot,” Prettyman said. “ Overall, my time here at Hill has been very eye-opening as I have been able to get to know the Hill community and see how worldly and mature all of the students are. I truly appreciate how patient and welcoming everyone has been to me since I have been here.”

Overall, my time here at Hill has been very eye-opening as I have been able to get to know the Hill community and see how worldly and mature all of the students are. I truly appreciate how patient and welcoming everyone has been to me since I have been here.

- Video Production Coordinator Thomas Prettyman

Prettyman joins the visual production team this year developing video projects for the school and students.

PHOTO BY SARAH WISNESKI ’21

B3 | Features

Editors-in-Chief Elizabeth Hudak ’21

Tess McArdle ’21

Campus News Nari Tung ’21

Features Olivia Mofus ’22

Arts & Leisure Mofe Akinyanmi ’21

Local News Philippe Jin ’21

Layout Tiffany Wang ’22

Opinion Raina Shah ’21

Photography & Illustration Claire Hartemink ’21

Multimedia Efi Miller ’21

Sports Tess Gray ’21

Staff Writers & Staff Contributers Annie Li ’21 Ellinor Lagor ’21 Bella Basile ’21 Derek Schmaeling ’21 Izzy Feldman ’21 Michael Soland ’21 Edward Deng ’21 Sarah Wisneski ’21 Hannah Gordon ’21 Nolan Richards ’21 Henry Chen ’21 Tommy Simpson ’21 Noorie Dhingra ’21

Poppy Otten ’21 Gavin Guerrette ’21 William Thomspon ’21 William Dollhopf ’21 Andres Arrevalo ’22 Sarah Jiang ’22 Tina Wang ’22 Portia Sockel ’22 Aleksandr Glamazdin ’22 Melody Chen ’22 Nicholas Won ’22 Wesley Connelly ’22 Carrie Shang ’23

Jennie Ki ’23 Anna Carroll ’23 Harliv Singh ’23 MoniYah Pearson-Hender son ’23 Terry Shao ’23 Ryann Holladay ’24 Diemmy Dang ’24 Angela Jin ’24 Brooke Zelin ’24

*Bolded text denotes staff membership

Adviser Ms. Elizabeth DeOrnellas @hillnews

@the_hill_news

/whatsoever thingsarenews

thehill.news

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 ehudak21@thehill.org or tmcardle21@thehill.org

Ari Baum presents the making of his presentations

By ANDRES AREVALO ’22 STAFF WRITER

One of the first memories a new student makes at Hill is the welcoming presentation by Dean of Students Ari Baum. Baum, who also serves as head coach of girl’s hockey and Carl Knobloch Instructor of Economics, is known for his unique presentations. Besides urging students to “be a better person and prioritize good over great,” Baum said his presentations have the ultimate goal of making change according to the world situation.

In particular, the pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism this year.

Each presentation starts on the whiteboard, where Baum lays out important ideas and concepts while playing music.

When working on specific topics, Heidi Eccleston, associate dean of students, mentioned how they “make sure that we have all our messaging because we realize that when we do have the opportunity to stand in front of students, that time is valuable.”

After this, Baum streamlines his ideas by contextualizing them into much simpler words.

Through this process and his natural public speaking skills, Baum never outlines a specific word-to-word speech.

“I use this, the slides, just as much as the slides are used by the audience,” Baum said, referring to how he only has an image of what he will say.

The slides appear in virtually all of his presentations. They don’t simply represent the planning of the lecture; they reflect on the format and style Baum purposefully creates.

Throughout his range of presentations, the format, style and goal are kept consistent. = Additionally, the slides have the same background with the Hill logo. Different typing features are always utilized, the most noticeable being color coding.

“I generally just think the brain and the eye like to see a mixture of colors. It helps keep things interesting, wakes people up,” Baum explained. Aside from the visual aids, Baum also characterizes his presentations with his “on-stage” movement.

The movement, similar to the simplicity, facilitates and enhances the speaker-audience engagement.

Lastly, Baum adds shifts in his tone and intensity. “There’s not any planning behind it; not all slides are, in my own mind, needing to be emphasized to the same extent. I get louder and more emphatic about a mes-

sage,” he explained.

Speaking on the matter, Girls Hockey Captain Julia Weiss ’21 added, “He doesn’t raise his voice too often, but, when he does, it kind of says something in itself. He just has a lot of passion.”

The passion and engagement in Baum’s presentations form and reflect the significance of the topic. It helps students bridge the gap between their lives at Hill and the world we live in, or simply the task at hand.

“He’s able to synthesize complex ideas into like, three sentences. And then those three sentences typically become like mantras of a sword that sticks in the audience’s head in general.

It creates this impact that’s longer-lasting than just the length or presentation,” said Coordinator of Student Life Laura McConney.

There is significant work and thought behind the scenes of the presentations that explain the importance of rules and protocols in the current times, the supply and demand of a market, or the game plan against Lawrenceville. McConney illustrated this with a question on Baum’s Chapel Talk. “Do you not think the length of it was intentional?

The whole talk was about patience.”

ELECTION ON THE HILL

C4 | Election

The Hill News

October 15, 2020

Pennsylvania, it’s time to decide

By ALEKSANDR GLAMAZDIN ’22 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

Pennsylvania is the fifth biggest state in terms of Electoral College votes. Political experts suggest that Pennsylvania’s position among the most critical states in the 2020 election stems from the fact that the last Republican to win the state before President Donald Trump was George H.W. Bush in 1988. This year it is no different: Pennsylvania is once again a battleground for Democrats and Republicans.

According to Joseph McLaughlin, a retired political science professor at Temple University who has had a long and varied career in public service and policy advocacy, the presidential election is not as important as the state election in terms of potential impact on the Pennsylvania economy.

“Demographics threaten the state’s future no matter who wins.

Pennsylvania will have increasing numbers of elderly who need government programs like Social Secu-

rity, Medicare, Medicaid and subsidized health insurance and either flat or more slowly increasing numbers of workers to pay for these programs.

The state has suffered from slow population growth and slow economic growth for decades,” McLaughlin said.

Given candidates’ diametrically opposite views on healthcare, former Vice President Joe Biden’s advocacy for expanding the Affordable Care Act will likely resonate with and attract elderly Pennsylvanian voters.

Pennsylvania’s economy relies mainly on sophisticated metalwork, pharmaceuticals and financial services. According to Kathryn Malone, Elizabeth B. Blossom Chair of Humanities and Senior Master of Humanities, Pennsylvania’s major industries require highly skilled labor and depend heavily on foreign trade. Given Trump’s previous record of imposing trade tariffs that were “not helpful to anybody,” ac-

cording to an NPR interview with Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, Biden’s more free-trade-oriented stance will benefit the economy.

The election is also crucial for Pennsylvania’s farmers. Aside from tariffs on Chinese fertilizers, Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector has suffered the deteriorating quality of farmland due to the rollback of environmental regulations by Trump’s administration. Biden’s leniency towards combating climate change will undoubtedly affect the outcome of the election.

This year both candidates have campaigned a lot in the Keystone State. As president, Trump has visited Pennsylvania over 20 times, with three rallies in the past month. Biden -- who was born in Scranton, Pa. -- has been campaigning in Pennsylvania even more seriously, planning to host multiple campaign events in Western Pennsylvania starting Oct. 1. As of Oct 7. Biden had a 6.2-point lead in Pennsylvania polls, yet, with the debate season just starting, the outcome of Nov. 3 remains uncertain.

How would Hill vote?

Do your political opinions differ from your family’s?

Pennsylvania is a prime swing state for this election. PHOTO BY NOLAN RICHARDS ’21

The Hill News surveyed the student body about their political views.

Here are the 377 responses we received. For more detailed results, check out thehill.news.

Have your political views changed since coming to Hill?

OPINION: Thank you, Justice Ginsburg, and I’m sorry

By IZZY FELDMAN ’21 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

The recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginbsurg has made national headlines, dominating the content of news mediums everywhere, and rightly so. On Sept. 18, the world lost an incredible woman –– one that has since been remarked in her legacy by The New York Times as a “trailblazing feminist” and by National Public Radio as a “champion of gender equality.” Her death has left millions in mourning over the triumphs of her career. Justice Ginsburg worked tirelessly and passionately for all American people, serving 13 years on the Supreme Court, all while battling cancer and furthering a narrative of equality beyond heteronormativity.

Justice Ginsburg leaves behind the legacy of being adamant and tenacious in the face of adversity to cultivate a more fair and just nation.

She played a pivotal role in the victories of the United States v. Virginia, advocating for non-gender-discriminate admission to the Virginia Military Institute in 1996, and in the Obergefell v. Hodges cases, when she fought for the legalization of

same-sex marriage in all 50 states in 2015. Both positions of which Her Honor took demonstrated her perception of intersectional humanitarianism as a constitutional right.

Her legacy, though sacred and valid of being praised, has warranted feelings of fear and hopelessness over those of gratitude and reverence. This is not to say that Americans aren’t grateful for Justice Ginsburg and her contribution, but there exists a very real sense of concern for the proceedings of her passing.

Just three days after her death, jurist and known religious conservative Amy Coney Barrett was informed by President Donald Trump of her nomination to fill the justice’s seat in court, the formal nomination coming a week later.

Prior to this news, many Americans made speculations about who Trump would appoint, and his ability to do so sparked controversy itself. According to The New York Times, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Barrett would “move the court slightly but firmly to the right, making compromise less likely and putting at risk the right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade.”

Barrett’s moral compass and polit-

ical stance are what The New York Times regards as “an almost uniformly conservative voting record.”

Barrett’s confirmation would make for a major shift in the court, causing Republican appointees to rule with a 6 – 3 majority. The agenda of the Republican justices has been made quite clear by Trump. Roe v.

Wade will be under fire, and there

ILLUSTRATION BY PORTIA SOCKEL ’22

will be a strong push for conservative reform on policies reflecting topics such as immigration, abortion, discrimination and the right to bear arms.

With the implications of Justice Ginsburg’s passing clear to most, there seems to be an apparent dichotomy, a division of grievance

and reluctance among them. Meaning to say that while Americans want to cherish Justice Ginsburg, or what is now the legacy of her, there is an overarching fear involved in the world where she exists as such: a legacy. For that reason, more so than gratitude, I feel angry, upset and frustrated –– frustrated that our country cannot mourn the loss of a hero without fearing the world without them. I feel angry that the rights of Americans who don’t look and talk and love like those of the majority were resting upon the back of one woman. I feel upset that the absence of her could result in the disenfranchisement of them. So, yes, I extend my gratitude to Justice Ginsburg. I marvel in her capabilities, the strength which she displayed and the path she paved for women to believe the same of themselves. Thank you, Justice Ginsburg, and I’m sorry –– sorry your legacy exists in a world where your absence provokes more fear than it does love. I’m sorry that your fight to prove your and others’ humanity runs the risk of being overturned.

And I’m sorry that the American people aren’t afforded the democracy to say otherwise.

LOCAL NEWS & OPINION

October 15, 2020

The Hill News

C5 | Election

Discussing Democracy: China

By EDWARD DENG ’21 & MICHAEL SOLAND ’21 STAFF COLUMNISTS

The United States has remained a dominant global power since the conclusion of WWII and an undisputed world leader since the collapse of the USSR. However, a new power is rising, and neither candidate is poised to stop it.

China is now the second-largest economy in the world and, with a population of 1.2 billion, stands to become a global hegemon. Beijing has already begun to exert its power. China has territorial disputes with 17 of its neighboring states, unilaterally claimed the infamously ambiguous “NineDash line” in the South China Sea, started the Belt and Road initiative and continues to violate well-established rules of international trade. To make matters worse, China remains committed to creating a homogenous Han Chinese state and has concentration camps in the western bounds of the nation. These “re-education camps” aim to eliminate Uighur Muslim and Tibetan ethnicities through forced sterilizations and cultural destruc-

tion. A few other examples of China’s concerning policies are that it regularly engages in technology theft and mass surveillance, and that it has begun a process of neo-colonization throughout Africa and Southeast Asia through debt entrapment.

The cumulation of these aggressive actions have hurt China’s standing in the eyes of the public. Today, 73% of U.S. adults say they have an unfavorable view of China, up 26 percentage points since 2018. This has made the United States’ response to the growing Chinese power a key point in this year’s election.

President Donald Trump has continued to make commitments to send forth the full might of American tariffs and “unfavorable” trade deals to hit the Chinese government where it really hurts: the wallet. The president has run on a “America First” foreign policy plan, which puts America first and is less cognizant of the international field. His future plans rely on a continuation of

the ongoing trade war between America and China. President Trump has stated in his 2020 goals that he plans to: bring back 1 million manufacturing jobs from China, tax credits for companies that bring back jobs from China, allow 100% expensing deductions for sssential industries like pharmaceuticals and robotics who bring back their manufacturing to the United States, ensure no federal contracts for companies who outsource to China, and hold China fully accountable for allowing the virus to spread around the world.

Former Vice President Joe Biden has made commitments to re-enter the international community as a global leader.

His administration claims that it would be best for all if the United States was at the head coordinating the international response as opposed to nations like Russia and China. Biden has promised to tackle the Chinese threat by building up a political alliance of different Asian countries and increasing the U.S. military presence

SATIRE: We are your cells, and we approve this message

By MELODY CHEN ’22 STAFF WRITER

One morning, two neurons convene at the breakfast table to discuss matters of duties.

“I don’t believe I’ll go to work, this time around,” one neuron begins, sipping his coffee.

“I just don’t think I make a difference.” The other looks up from his newspaper, shocked. What has brought about this change of heart?

“You can’t really mean that,” he responds. “Of course you do; your job is crucial!” But the first only leans back in his chair, synapses crossed, deeply in thought.

“I just mean … there are 86 billion of us, and our shifts easily remold.

One cell can’t possibly have the power to collapse the office, so my duties really mean nothing.”

And, indeed. Our first gentleman is correct: a single defective neuron cannot affect cognitive function. Other cells will find methods to reconfigure the pathways, and little will occur with your thoughts and senses and retention. But imagine if 44% of your neurons “thought” the same. You certainly would not die, but you would no longer be able to perform tasks at the most genuine representation of your abil-

ity. Without a doubt, the way you would experience the world would vastly change, and perhaps not in a way you would enjoy.

Of all eligible U.S. voters, 44% cast no ballots during the 2016 presidential election. Regardless of whether that number could have turned its tide, 44% of American voters were not represented the last time this country chose a leader. Whether it be apathy towards the results, or a refusal to align with either party, the idea of “I cannot make a difference” ultimately convinced millions of U.S. citizens that their vote cannot, and will not, matter.

In reality, this could not be more untrue. It is,

ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELA JIN ’23

in the end, the people who represent this democracy, and in order for our country to operate at its most genuine level, we have to make sure we play our part. Even if you dislike both of the candidates, and even if you believe neither party is right, there has to be one that you prefer, even slightly, over the other. Our government is built on the very foundation that its citizens’ voices can make a difference, and you can use yours to shape this country’s future into a better one.

So, when voting day comes around, if you are able, please cast your ballots. Your very cells support it, after all.

in disputed territories like the South China Sea. Unfortunately, his foreign policy goals are fundamentally incompatible with his other policies.

Biden, like Trump, suffers from a fundamental misunderstanding of China’s foreign policy. As the United States becomes more isolationist and set on putting “America First,” a power vacuum is created.

China has taken advantage of this by leading the creation of new free trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China has also done this in Africa, where it has positioned itself as a former victim of “Western Imperialism” and created new trade deals with multiple African nations.

Through a series of trade deals with the highly militaristic African nations, China has supplied them with surveillance and military equipment as well

as a market to export African goods such as timber in return for ports and military bases.

Nations such as Portugal, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Greece have received Chinese loans to build new ports or renovate their aging economies, furthering their dependency on China. Chinese companies have begun investing in German car manufacturers, causing the German government no small deal of wariness, However, due to European Union rules on requiring unanimous decisions on multiple policies, these nations that are cozying up to China have begun destroying previous international conventions that are critical of China, such as the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. Under the Trump administration, isolationist policies have led to a loss of influence in foreign govern-

ILLUSTRATION BY HENRY CHEN ’21

ments. A Biden presidency would suffer from the same faults if he were to set in place his “Buy American” economic policy; subsidies to industries that have heavy international competition are just as bad for our foreign influence as tariffs.

While a completely free global market would lose American jobs and hurt the minority of manufacturing workers in this country, it is a necessary sacrifice if America wishes to have a monopoly on global power like it did throughout the 1990s and 2000s. ing workers in this country, it is a necessary sacrifice if America wishes to have a monopoly on global power like it did throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

NBA opens election centers

By SARAH JIANG ’22 STAFF WRITER

In the leadup to the 2020 presidential election, Pew Research Center found that over two-thirds of Americans expect the election will be disrupted by the novel coronavirus. To attempt to alleviate some worries, the National Basketball Association has expressed its dedication to providing both their private and public arenas for voting.

This year especially, the league has become much more active politically. More than 80 percent of the players are people of color, and, this year particularly, many of these players felt especially passionate about the issue, thus triggering the NBA’s involvement in the election. Former President Barack Obama and many influential members of the NBA discussed the impact opening stadiums could have on the people’s choice to vote, and now more than 13 NBA centers have declared themselves committed voting centers, and another nine will be used as voting precincts, polling or regis-

tration centers.

NBA centers becoming available for voting has been able to pique many people’s voting interests in different ways.

For those involved in the basketball community, the idea of casting ballots in these stadiums is intriguing and gives incentive for many fans to vote.

“The atmosphere in the arenas sparks excitement among the local community and allows people to have the experience of voting in these arenas,” said Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections Director Richard Barron, according to Fast Company. With the players’ large followings and many fans of the game itself, these stadiums have increased publicity for what Barron claims as a “creative and effective way” to vote.

Furthermore, the convenience of these additional locations provides a safe way for people to vote. For people who are not voting due to safety limitations, those who live in the proximity of a stadium can now vote without worrying about the virus.

Phil Canosa, a Hill varsity

boys basketball coach, talked about his thoughts on the now utilized stadiums. “It is helpful to people who are worried about COVID and sitting in long lines and being exposed,” he said.

“These stadiums are big open spaces and people can go more safely.”

At the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, an organizing team worked with the stadium to successfully place 100 voting booths and machines on the court floor and provide an extensive plan on how to safely conduct in-person votes, such as clear one-way flow and fixed social distancing.

These arenas have been able to appeal to the public through their unique locations and large space for safe voting conduct. State Farm Arena has already provided the largest voting precinct in its history. The effectiveness of NBA election centers has already begun to show in the increase in participants and success of the already open locations. As voting progresses, the impact these stadiums will have on the presidential election is expected to grow.

Transforming NBA stadiums into election centers has encouraged many to vote, sports fans and many more. PHOTO BY NOLAN RICHARDS

D6 | Arts & Leisure

ARTS & LEISURE The Hill News

Artist Spotlight: Chloe Han ’22

By MONIYAH PERSON-HENDERSON ’23 STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ANNA CARROLL ’23

Chloe Han ’22 is known for her fantastic artwork, whether this be designing custom-made shoes or creating artwork about social issues going on in the world today. Senior Master of the Arts Ellen Nelson said, “Her craftsmanship is meticulous and detail-oriented. She consistently and diligently practices her craft which is the only way to get better at something. After each critique, I can see in her subsequent work how she has integrated my suggestions and guidance.”

Han started drawing from a very young age, but, since she has come to Hill, she has found a passion in art. At the school Han attended before her enrollment at Hill, art classes were not available. In her freshman year here at Hill she started in Studio Art. “After she submitted early work in Studio Art 1, I knew I was work-

ing with a student with exceptional talent,” Nelson said. From there, she was encouraged to do art as her afternoon activity.

“I would say Mrs. Nelson is one of my favorite people! She’s helped me tremendously.” Han said.

Adele Harris ‘22, Han’s roommate said, “My roommate Chloe Han is not only an amazing artist but an amazing person! Through her artwork, she illustrates a story or powerful message that not many artists can portray. Every time she finishes a piece I am left speechless. She has a special talent that brings joy to everyone who views her pieces. Overall, I’m a big fan of her work (if not her biggest fan), and I love watching her artwork grow.”

Many have seen some of Han’s

ARTWORK BY CHLOE HAN ’22

ALBUM REVIEW: “I make a pretty crummy outlaw” - Old 97s’ “Twelfth”

By WESLEY CONNELLY ’22 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

ARTWORK BY CHLOE HAN ’22

best work on her art Instagram, @ hanjichloart. She is passionate about art activism for equal and justice rights, saying: “I love educating people on issues that are going on throughout the world.” Recently Han did a project bringing light to sexual harassment. “My hope is that people can be more aware of these issues and do something to stop them,” she explained.

Han’s artwork can vary from paintings to design, but her favorite medium is graphite. “I love using pencils! The texture tends to be very unique.” she said. After Hill, Han would love to major in art. “I’m not exactly sure what I want to be, but it definitely has to intertwine with art.

Maybe a designer or helping people make posters and campaigns. Even making murals sound good to me!”

October 15, 2020

Sporting an image of famous Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, “Twelfth,” released Aug. 20, would catch your eye on a record store shelf.

The highly recognizable image of Roger the Dodger attempting a pass with his classic two-feetoff-the-ground technique is, to say the least, an unusual choice for an album cover. And the music contained in the release is far from usual as well.

Over the past 27 years, Old 97s have made a reputation off of a very distinct sound. A truly fantastic, fun and tight sound, but not one with much variation. Incapsulating the spirit of cowpunk — a subgenre featuring elements of country and punk — their up-tempo songs, dominated by satisfying melodies, crunchy guitar, consistently rhythmic drums and clever lyricism, have gathered them a sizeable following. Front man Rhett Miller writes from the carefree perspective of a young man without the burden of adult responsibility. Despite having

little maturation as a songwriter over the first 25 or so years of his career, Miller was able to repeatedly write alluring earworms all on the subjects of love, loss and sex. However, this free and easy spirit changed with the release of “Twelfth.” His penchant for writing catchy tracks, however, is still on full display; especially on “The Dropouts,” the first song on the album and my personal favorite.

Reflecting on lost youth, death and incompetence, Miller’s evolution is clear. In such songs as “The Dropouts” and “Our Year,” desperation tinged with sadness elicits a powerful image; they sing to past glory and wasted potential.

Songs such as “Belmont Hotel” speak to the joys of growing up and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. “Twelfth” manages to capture all the magic of Old 97s while still showing off growth in content and in sound.

While it’s not my favorite record in their discography, it is a solid album and shows that the band still has plenty of gas left in the tank. I’m excited to see what they’ll do next.

In need of a Halloween movie? Watch “Coraline.”

By BROOKE ZELIN ’24 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

Released in 2009, the visually stunning “Coraline” made waves in the world of moviemaking with its stop-motion animation and twisted story. We meet our heroine Coraline shortly after the opening credits play, wearing her signature yellow raincoat and boots. The young blue-haired girl has just moved to a new house with

her parents, but they neglect her and are constantly working, and Coraline is left to explore the property. Coraline’s story really begins when she finds a small fabric door that is almost sewn into the wall behind some boxes. When she and her mom open the door, they find a brick wall, and Coraline is left disappointed.

However, when she opens it again that night, a tunnel to a parallel world of Coraline’s is found behind the door! This

other dimension seems perfect at first, with loving parents and a life filled with everything she could ever want.

But she soon discovers that her “other-mother” wants to trap her there forever. It becomes a race against the clock for Coraline to save her real parents, the trapped victims and herself.

For younger viewers, this movie can definitely be very frightening graphically.

Nine-year-old me could not

sleep for a WEEK after seeing Coraline’s “other-mother” turn into a spider-esque shape. However, now that I’m older, I can enjoy the actual story and plot much more. The original book by Neil Gaiman was beautifully written, and the movie did an impeccable job of recapturing that same detail and storyline while still making it enjoyable for people who hadn’t read the book. For example, Wybie was not in the original novel,

ILLUSTRATION BY CLAIRE HARTEMINK ’21

but the director added him in to help Coraline in dire situations. Overall, the movie is perfect to watch with family or

friends as a Halloween treat, and it is sure to leave you with a smile at the end.

Comic Corner

COMIC BY TINA WANG ’22

SPORTS

October 15, 2020

The Hill News

Hill athletes shooting for NCAA face new challenges

By POPPY OTTEN ’21 STAFF WRITER

The recruitment process is no surprise to most athletes by virtue of the abundance of talent at Hill, but this year, with COVID-19 restrictions across the country, the limitation of commuting has impacted the college process for sports quite a bit. With the limited competition for sports and no in-person recruitment until 2021, athletes are battled with the challenge to find creative ways of reaching out to coaches and putting themselves out there.

Susanna Soderman, a 6th former from Schwenksville, Pa., has been committed to Villanova since her sophomore year. She expressed that the situation “hasn’t impacted my commitment dramatically, but, without playing with my club and playing games, my college coach has not been able to see me play and see my improvement.”

Despite the fact that her commitment has had “no negative impact,” these restrictions have caused difficulties in her preparation. “Training has been extremely hard during this time,” Soderman said. “I feel like my game IQ has lowered because of these conditions.” Although training alone

New Athlete Spotlight: Mia Keane ’22

By NOORIE DHINGRA ’21 STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

Dozens of college flags adorn the college counseling center. PHOTO BY SARAH WISNESKI ’21

is normal, the individual aspect of preparation has increased immensely.

A problem that Soderman points out: “I can feel my fitness and endurance going down,” is one that many athletes face at this point.

For athletes who have just secured their commitment to a college, the process has varied. Will Schaller, a 5th former from Bel Air, Md., is one such student.

Without a spring season in his 4th form year, Schaller had to take things into his own hands. “A lot of it was in-

dividual work, I would go to a local field with my dad and brother to do what I could to stay fit and keep my stick in my hands,” Schaller said. During summer, things started looking up a little. Schaller had “the opportunity to play some tournaments and showcases here and there,” allowing him the chance to “squeeze a good amount of lacrosse in.”

Before his commitment to the University of Maryland this September, Schaller said, “I sent emails when I could, went to prospect days, went to showcases and camps to build

relationships with coaches early on.” When the time came to come to a decision, he wanted to make his decision with a “methodical approach” and make sure to take his time.

Moving forward, Schaller has no aim to sit back and relax; rather, “now is the time to reach the main goal and be part of the team. There is a lot more work to do.”

Despite difficult conditions, Hill and universities alike are being as accommodating as possible to facilitate the needs of student-athletes in attaining their goals.

Strength and conditioning remains strong amidst COVID-19

By HANNAH GORDON ’21 STAFF WRITER

This year the strength and conditioning program has undergone quite a bit of change. Varsity athletes depend on this program to prepare for their upcoming sports season. Fall athletes utilize this program in winter to stay in shape following their fall season and to possibly prepare for the spring season. Steve Notebaert and Michael Webster were the tag team coaches of the past, but this year there are some new faces to the program.

Joining Mr. Notebaert are Coach Deanna Mayza and Coach Kurt Neumaier.

When asked about the most negative change that had to be made to the strength program due to COVID-19, Mr. Notebaert explained, “We’ve changed everything up. The hardest part is the limited capacity we have in the weight room, but it’s actually also a positive.” Only around 12 to 16 athletes can train at once, which makes it difficult to schedule time blocks. As a result, athletes’ workouts start anytime from 3:30 p.m. until 5:45 p.m.. Despite the timing difficulties, Mr. Notebaert pointed out that those 12 to 16 athletes can get more attention and

E7 | Sports

coaching on any given day.

Katie Newkirk ’22 feels confident in the program’s ability to prepare her for the upcoming ice hockey season. “There are usually two or three coaches in the weight room on lift days correcting technique and pushing us to be better. We get one-on-one help with any exercise we need, which helps me make sure I’m getting the most out of my training,” Newkirk said.

In past years, athletes lifted Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week and had speed drills on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yoga was also assigned to each group once per week. The schedule was set in stone, but this year the workout for each day is not the same for each group. Yoga is also being utilized twice per week.

This is thanks to Coach Mayza and Coach Neumaier, Mr. Notebaert said, who run, supervise and coach different aspects of training.

Coach Mayza, for example, spends time at the Far Fields running hill sprint drills while the other coaches are able to work with athletes in the field house. Coach Neumaier is only set to work

Hailing from San Diego, Mia Keane ’22 has been a water polo player for five years now. Outside of the pool, she also loves to go to the beach and bodysurf in her free time. As a new student at Hill, Keane has adjusted well given the changes in student life.

When asked about Keane, Kamilia Barkasi ’21, co-captain of girls water polo, said, “Mia has become an integral part of the team, sharing her experience and ideas with all of us, but most specifically the underformers. When we’ve had Postgraduates in the past, they’ve become an indispensable part in practice and in the team dynamic, and, while Keane isn’t a PG, she has fit into a similar role this year. I’m excited for the team to have the opportunity to continue to learn from and play with Keane for the rest of this season as well as the next year.”

Despite the cancellation of interscho-

lastic activity, Keane and her teammates saw it as a chance to grow closer and improve in their sport. Head Swim Coach Amy Agnew also expressed the same sentiment: “The girls have done remarkably well building bonds despite the lack of competition.

From what I have seen, they might actually be stronger because they have had time to help each other develop their skills without the pressure of competition.”

Along with Keane, Annie Gaither ’24, Emma Gray ’22, Ella Grindle ’24, Sophie Harberson ’24 and Brooke Zelin ’24 are all new to the Hill girls water polo team. When asked about future seasons, Head Girls Water Polo Coach Mark Nelson said, “I am excited to see the girls in our program continue to grow individually and as a team, both in and out of the pool. I am also looking forward to seeing the girls compete, as I feel that we have a strong team that continues to improve day in and day out.”

I am excited to see the girls in our program continue to grow individually and as a team, both in and out of the pool. I am also looking forward to seeing the girls compete, as I feel that we have a strong team that continues to improve day in and day out.

-

Students get fit in the socially-distant weight room. PHOTO BY RYANN HOLLADAY ’24

with the program through the fall, and Coach Mayza is set to stay through the spring.

Strength and conditioning program veteran Julia Weiss ’21 spoke to the importance of having both new coaches in the program.

“They allow Mr. Notebaert flexibility because everything doesn’t fall on him. So it allows us to be able to do more things in various places. They’ve also been really nice sources of encouragement. They’re both really fun and kind and want to push us. Having that come from someone who isn’t Mr. Notebaert just pushes you and makes you want to push yourself too,” Weiss said.

There have also been some new equipment additions to the weight room, which Mr. Notebaert ex-

plained as “pretty exciting stuff.” The program has been able to build an entire day of workouts with their new additions, including sleds, tires, kettlebells, bands and battle ropes.

Without a doubt, the strength program has been forced to change a lot this year, but Mr. Notebaert could not define anything he thought was completely negative and found numerous positive changes.

Despite every obstacle, Mr. Notebaert explained the goal for the program remains the same. He noted, “We want student-athletes to have an experience like a collegiate strength and conditioning program. I want to make sure I’m investing my time in making you guys feel like you are getting better.”

Mia Keane ’22 takes a shot during water polo practice. PHOTO BY DIEMMY DANG ’24

Keane ’22 pauses for a photo at practice. PHOTO BY RYANN HOLLADAY ’24

F8 | FEATURES

The Hill News

October 15, 2020

POLITICAL CLUBS LOOK TOWARDS ELECTION YOUNG DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA YDSA is a progressive platform for student Democratic Socialists to discuss and support fundamental human rights and ongoing political issues in the United States. Within the Hill campus and the Pottstown community, YDSA is thinking of conducting debates with other Hill political clubs and running campaigns against voter suppression in community centers and high schools. In addition, the club also plans to create a website with information on voting registration, candidate policies and the mechanism of voter suppression.

Co-Chair and Founder Gavin Guerrette ’21 emphasized political neutrality: “The YDSA isn’t tied to a specific candidate or party … If you are interested in social progress, democratic socialism will foster change,” as well as stressed that the club is open up to seeing the flaws and solutions of the American government.”

By JENNIE KI ’23 STAFF WRITER

With the election season approaching, political clubs on campus are becoming more active than ever. The four political clubs -- Young Democratic Socialists of America, Young Republicans Club, Young Democrats Club and Gray -- are planning to host debates and use social media to spread awareness about the election. With different political stances, there is a common goal uniting these clubs: prevent discontent and conflict resulting from political differences on campus. The club leaders are planning to conduct on-campus activities to inform students about different aspects of the 2020 election.

GRAY GRAY is a club that focuses on civil discourse, American politics and international politics. Unlike other clubs with clear political affiliations, GRAY mainly focuses on effective conversation tactics and active listening. By holding active discussions, Sasjha Mayfield ’21 and William Thompson ’21 hope students will share perspectives and objectively criticize their own thoughts. Co-Presidents Sasjha Mayfield ’21 and William Thompson ’21 asserted that even though there is a scarce possibility of being involved in politics in Pottstown, GRAY will actively participate in politics at Hill.

“Hill is a diverse community. There needs to be some work done with destigmatizing talking about politics. If we can get students to be comfortable talking to each other, being honest, and be willing to challenge themselves politically, respectful diversity can be achieved at The Hill School, ” Mayfield said.

YOUNG REPUBLICANS CLUB With 80 members, the YRC is currently one of the biggest political clubs on campus. The club fosters a diversified atmosphere with students from different backgrounds.

Serving as the members’ voices on campus, the Young Republicans Club is working on discussing the 2020 election while not disrupting the community. The YRC will have a spot on the Transcendence podcast. Currently, political clubs, including YRC, are engaging in consistent talks with the Dean’s Office. The YRC is also trying to host a debate with other political clubs in order to share ideas about how the election will proceed in this pandemic.

According to Co-President and Founder William Thompson ’21, “We try to be unbiased in every way; I don’t believe that forcing or projecting beliefs to other students is a rightful action in a political club. These political talks cannot tear us apart. The YRC is finding new ways to guide the Hill School to an understanding melting pot.”

YOUNG DEMOCRATS CLUB

Sasjha Mayfield ’21 is a co-founder of Gray, which fosters debate and discussion and thus does not have a slant or one candidate to endorse.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH HUDAK ’21

YDC is trying to be a leading example of political discourse and critical listening. The club is planning to talk about current events and politics with other clubs. “It is important to be talking about current events and politics to stay informed.

We will continue to talk about the election and how this could be a turning point,” said club leader William Dollhopf ’21.

Events have not been planned yet due to the pandemic, but further activities on the election will be shared through Today on the Hill and occasionally on the Transcendence Podcast on Thursdays.

“We want a leader that is respectable as a role model that people from all countries will look up to,” Dollhopf added. Emphasizing the essential need of a sage who will lead to the solution of the pandemic and social issues, Dollhopf said, “We need a leader who will respect people with differences.”

Club presidential endorsements

WILLIAM DOLLHOPF ’21: YOUNG DEMOCRATS

The United States of America needs former Vice President Joe Biden to be their president. In a time of crisis, we need someone who is mentally stable and has a plan to combat COVID-19.

With 200,000 people dead, and no signs of that number dropping, we need a president who will value human life over the economy. Biden is the compromise between the two parties that can bring this country out of the pandemic. He and Obama brought the United States out of the 2008 financial crisis, and he can do so again with COVID. Biden has plans for combating climate change, getting more Americans healthcare, creating more clean energy and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Biden is promising to have 100% clean energy in 30 years and reenter the Paris Agreement. These promises, based off of the Green New Deal, will be funded by rolling back the tax incentives that Trump gave to corporations that hurt jobs and the environment. Biden wants to reward real work and will not raise taxes on any citizen who makes under $400,000 a year. Biden will protect the Affordable Care Act that makes 100 million Americans not have to worry that they will be denied insurance because of financial insecurity. He aims to give Americans a choice of whether they would like Medicare or private health insurance. Biden will enact the Equality Act in his first 100 days as president, which will guarantee that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected under existing civil rights laws. He will stop employment discrimination in the federal government based off of sexual identity and reverse the transgender military ban.

In addition, we need a leader who will be respected in international affairs. Right now, the United States is the laughingstock of the world when it comes to politics. We need to be acknowledged as the largest economy and one of the largest military powers in the world. A president who, if necessary, will put a judge on the Supreme Court that will fight to uphold Roe v. Wade and LQBTQ+ rights is needed. Republican Presidents Trump and George W. Bush both inherited stable economies from their left-leaning predecessors; however, their terms resulted in two economic crises. A Democrat is exactly who we need to lead us out of this pandemic and into the future. For that reason, the YDC endorses Biden in the 2020 election. *Editor’s Note: We asked leaders of the three clubs on campus that are directly affiliated with a political party to endorse a presidential candidate.

Read them here.

PHOTOS BY IZZY FELDMAN ’21

GAVIN GUERRETTE ’21:

YOUNG DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS

There is an undeniable schism within the American left that has weakened progressive politics as of late. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s policy appeases moderate voters but leaves many more socially and economically progressive voters feeling as though they must compromise on numerous issues. Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, both fundamentally important issues for any progressive voter, have been rebranded and softened by Biden as The Biden Plan for Healthcare (protecting and building upon the Affordable Care Act) and The Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice.

His outward refusal to support Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, in addition to his underwhelming approach to police reform, is indicative of this greater split between moderate and progressive sections of the democratic party.

Democratic Socialism places immense value in democracy, social progress, and the assurance of fundamental human rights including healthcare, housing, education, and freedom from oppression, and, while Biden’s administration might not fully satisfy these expectations, it will also not subvert them as thoroughly as the Trump administration. President Donald Trump’s conservative policy is fundamentally at odds with the values of Democratic Socialism. While Biden might have a weaker than ideal plan on climate change, the Trump administration proudly pulls the United States out of international climate agreements. While Biden’s healthcare policy falls short on universal healthcare, the Trump administration fights socialized medicine at every turn. And while Biden’s racial justice policies and police reform do not do enough, President Trump refuses to publicly condemn white supremacy and alt-right violence while also boasting his support from law enforcement.

The fact that we are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils in this election is indicative of greater issues within our two-party system. Therefore, the YDSA reluctantly endorses Biden, because he is an approximation towards greater progress rather than a hindrance. But, I do ask you, what better time than today to start considering alternatives to a two-party system that has categorically failed to represent the will of the American people?

WILLIAM THOMPSON ’21: YOUNG REPUBLICANS

The GOP as we know it is dying, and President Donald Trump is one of the few people still fighting to restore Conservatives to their greater glory. The No. 1 goal of any politician in the United States should be to create a country where everyone can reach their full potential and to create an economy that works for its people, not the other way around. A country where one can grow up in a nice, safe community and get a good education.

One could then go on to get married, have a family and live a happy life.

People must realize that Washington, D.C. lacks integrity and forward-thinking. These so-called “Conservatives” are failing to do the single thing their self-proclaimed ideology alludes to: conserve. For the past 50 years, public officials have allowed our country to tear itself apart, leaving us more polarized than ever before. This built-up discontentment has promoted outright anarchy and formulated a modern civil war between our citizens. The GOP has failed in every conceivable metric: from abortion to foreign policy, immigration, environmentalism, etc.

We’ve allowed ourselves to be overrun by our left-wing counterparts by abandoning any prior Conservative values. Nowadays, GOP candidates merely seek validation while preaching social liberalism and libertarian economics.

We have witnessed the degrading of our nation’s both moral and social fabric, while simultaneously not prioritizing policies that benefit our own interests. It’s no wonder we have an opioid crisis, decreasing marriage rates, and even skyrocketing suicide and depression cases. Republicans, along with the free market, have failed us! However, with another Trump victory -- no longer will bureaucrats send our youth to fight endless foreign wars solely for profit; no longer will Big Tech companies continue to inflict their bias onto the masses; and no longer will we see open borders continue to wreak havoc on this land. A strong sense of nationalism, traditional values, and America First policies are key; or else, we risk losing our country once and for all. Trump’s presidency is more than just an experiment: it’s an entire revolution! We the people must continue this momentum and save the GOP, which is why the YRC endorses Trump for the 2020 presidential election. Thank you, and God bless America!