Issue 10 2023-24

The Pelican

UNPACKING SUPERBOWL SUNDAY 2024

Georgia Bussey '24

Preface

There is a lot to unpack about Super Bowl Sunday 2024, but one thing is for certain: It was downright legendary. With the help of playbooks and even a few love stories, the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco Forty-Niners was recorded as the most-watched Super Bowl of all time. It was also the first Super Bowl to be held in Las Vegas, a fitting location given the game itself was projected to be a gamble between two evenly-matched teams. Indeed it was, as it became the second game in Super Bowl history to go into overtime with a playing time of 74 minutes and 57 seconds.

As students flocked into Raffini on Feb. 11, excitement and uncertainty were in the air. By 6:15 p.m. the room was filled and everyone was asking the question: Who was going to win Super Bowl LVIII? Was Justin Bieber going to be a part of Usher's halftime show? Was tonight going to be the night when we forget about the deadlines? Nevertheless, it was time.

The First Half

At kickoff, students nestled into their seats with nachos, wings, and sundaes galore (the food for this event was HH+), as the 49ers received the ball first. Fan-favorite Brock Purdy, selected as the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, led the 49ers to this year's NFC Championship and Super Bowl as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Ready for Purdy's handoff, NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffery started at running back, and with just over four minutes left in the first half, McCaffery received a pass at the 26-yard line to clench the first touchdown of the game, putting the 49ers up by 9.

Halftime (ft. Usher, StudCo, The Dean of Students Office, and Mrs. Giles)

Things started to heat up at halftime as 49ers fans began to feel confident, anticipation for a special announcement grew, and eight-time Grammy Award winner Usher took the floor. Although Usher didn't perform the millennial classic "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," he did not disappoint. The "My Boo" duet with Alicia Keys was a hit, though

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SPS STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Edie Jones '24

St. Paul’s students celebrated the Lunar New Year with a Saturday night celebration and a Lunar New Year Chapel. The events were a collaboration between the students of the Chinese program and members of the Chinese Society. Head of the Languages Department Jenny Li says the vision for the Lunar New Year celebrations and the Chinese program as a whole is to bring together students who are learning Chinese with international students who are native speakers. “I think the Chinese international students and students who are learning Chinese are both precious resources at SPS,” says Li.

Saturday’s event in Raffini kicked off with an enthusiastic countdown from a large audience, and the program went on to include performances from all of the Chinese classes, as well as performances from individuals in Chinese Society. Peter Ding ‘26, a member of the Chinese Society who performed Kung Fu with Chinese Society Head Hudson Stovall ‘24, says he volunteered to

perform “to spread awareness about our culture and to have people see more about our culture than what’s commonly known.”

For the first time, the Lunar New Year celebration also included presentations from Korean Society, Japanese Society and JSEA about other countries’ New Year traditions. “The aim of Saturday night’s event was to host an international and not a solely Chinafocused Lunar New Year celebration,” says Teacher of Chinese Paul Murray. “This year’s event marked a significant stride towards a more global and community-oriented event. I’m inspired by the potential that this year showed for even greater festivities in the future.”

The food at the event was also a highlight, with the execution requiring hard work from many students. Chinese Seminar student Raen Kao ‘24 spent most of the day preparing bubble tea for the event, as bubble tea is a dessert their family regularly makes. “I’m the only Taiwanese student as far as I

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TWO SPS DEBATERS QUALIFY FOR WORLDS

Miller and Bernhardt Invited to Australia

Theo Christoffersen '26

This winter, the SPS debate team has been hard at work. Not only has the team placed well in their tournaments, but two debaters earned the chance to attend the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships: Annabella Bernhardt ‘24 and Lucas Miller ‘25, both of whom started debate only last year.

Bernhardt won the Best Speaker award at The Loomis Chaffee School, leading to an immediate invitation to Worlds. The following week at Choate Rosemary Hall, Miller competed in three rounds of parliamentary debate, placing second overall. The winner had previously received a Worlds invitation, so the invite was extended to Miller.

Miller says he started debate to try and

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Super Bowl livestream in Raffini // Photographed by Jason J. Lee '25

SPS STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Edie Jones '24

know, and bubble tea comes from Taiwan,” says Kao. Many Chinese program students, including Kao, also participated in making dumplings at Sheldon.

The Chapel performance required even more time from the students and faculty participating, with performances from Chinese program students, Chinese Society, and the orchestra. Li says that she had always hoped for a collaboration between the performing arts program and the Chinese program, and she was very grateful to Chinese Society Heads Jenny Qu ‘25 and Enoch Huang ‘25 for spearheading it. “I appreciate all the students and Mr. Pandolfi in the orchestra, who did a beautiful job. This is taking us to the next

level of togetherness,” says Li. “I know the Chinese kids felt happy about it, but I’m also so grateful for the students not from Asia for celebrating with us.”

Many students say that the performance was their favorite Chapel program of the year.

“The planning is a lot of work, but it’s very exciting, because this is such a big celebration for us,” says Qu.

“I’m really happy with how New Year is celebrated here,” Kao says. “I think it’s really sweet that the program does this for both its students and for the international kids. The amount of effort that Mrs. Li and Mr. Murray spent on organizing this has been incredible, and I’m really thankful that we have this opportunity to celebrate.”

TWO SPS DEBATERS QUALIFY FOR WORLDS

Theo Christoffersen '26

Continued

find his voice and confidence. “I was a shy kid,” he says. “I realized I needed to be more outgoing, so I looked into debate and public speaking as a way to build confidence.” In his two years on the SPS team, Miller has gone from a novice debater to a seasoned pro with the help of Debate Coaches David Camden, Kevin Duncan, and Bob Gile.

Miller says that not only has debate helped him in arguments, but it has also helped him in other aspects of his life. “Debate has helped me be more articulate in class and work more fluidly with other people.”

Bernhardt started debate the same year as Lucas: “I joined because of the excitement and to get the chance to debate something

gue, so that helped me to stay engaged,” she says. Now, she says, she is better at thinking on her feet and can construct better arguments.

Bernhardt shares that when she first received the news that she qualified for Worlds, she was so shocked that she thought the invitation was meant for another person.

"I couldn't be prouder of Annabella and Lucas for their exceptional achievement," says Camden. "Their genuine care for this team is palpable, and I'm extremely grateful to have gotten to coach them over the past two years."

This year, Worlds will be held in Australia in early April. “The event provides an opportunity to meet intriguing people with differing opinions from across the globe,” says

UNPACKING SUPER BOWL SUNDAY 2024

The Second Half

controversial, and the ambiance of the performance definitely made us all say Oh. My. Gosh.

Then came the groundbreaking, crafty, brilliantly-executed proclamation to the student body. School was not yet "Out for the Summer," but it was out for a winter Monday, and a feeling of gratitude rushed through the room. A late night in the common room would no longer be a place of reevaluating priorities but bonding and cheering on the Chiefs or Niners with housemates.

The second half of the game was a roller coaster. The Chiefs got off to a shaky start, fumbling a pitch with Mahomes throwing an interception shortly after. It was back-andforth in an exciting fourth quarter. The last few minutes provided some nail-biting moments (as the media teams captured in the skyboxes) when the 49ers kicked the goahead field goal to go up 19-16 with 1:53 to play in the game. Mahomes and Kelce went to work and marched all the way to the 49ers' end of the field, setting up Harrison Butker’s 29-yard field goal to tie the game up with 3

seconds left.

Endgame

The 49ers won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball first, which has provoked an ongoing dispute.

Purdy, McCaffrey, and company drove the Niners down the field, managing to get a 3-point field goal out of the drive. Then it was the Chiefs' turn, the Niners needing to hold them to 3 points or less to clinch the Super Bowl. The Chiefs had a 4th and 1 but managed to convert the first down on an 8-yard run by Mahomes, who then scampered an-

other 19 yards to set up the game-winning play.

With three seconds left in the first quarter of OT, the Kansas City Chiefs claimed the Superbowl championship, 25-22, with MVP Mahomes throwing the winning TD pass to Cole Hardman, powering the Chiefs to their third title in five years and the first time since 2004 that an NFL team has won back-toback championships.

One question remains: Super Bowl 2025 has a blank space. Will the Chiefs write their name for a three-peat?

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Georgia Bussey '24

Ms. Oki Salinas and students at the Lunar New Year celebration // Photographed by Vin Chutijirawong '25

Lucas Miller '25 and Annabella Bernhardt '24 of the SPS Deabte Team // Photographed by Temi Johnson '24

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Dear reader,

This is the last hurrah. Our last winter term at St. Paul’s has come to an end. Dare we say it: we are feeling a little sentimental.

Despite constant complaining, a little piece of our heart will miss the weeks when the sun seemed to disappear and we had to embark on cold and treacherous walks to the Upper from the academic quad. There is truly nothing quite like a New Hampshire winter, and in some way it’s what bonds our community together. Today we would like to use this space to reflect on winter’s memories.

The Style: temperatures that go into the negatives is a bleak part of the winter, but the cold allows us to embrace winter style and bundle up. In some ways, the style on campus takes off when everyone pulls out their fun attire: bomber jackets, tall boots, scarves, and fur trapper hats. We could never pull off knee-high Moon Boots in another environment.

Winter Nature Walks: nothing compares to walking through the SPS forest after a BOMBCYCLONE. It’s hard to remember the various trails are actually part of campus when you spend the day getting lost under the snow-covered trees, speaker in hand and a feeling of rising panic as the sun sets. We will always look back at the SPS woods as a way to escape reality during the winter. And no matter where we go next, they will always be part of what made St. Paul’s feel like home.

Friedman + Library: These two community spaces are the busiest during the winter due to the weather. In a way, the cold forces us to be social as there are only so many places to socialize. While we often spend time wishing we could be out tanning and playing spike ball on Chapel lawn, places like Friedman and the Library are where everyone comes together. The most classic example of this is the recent Super Bowl Sunday, when our entire school was together in a packed Raffini, excited both for the football and for the possibility of a day off.

Creativity: An SPS winter forces us to get creative in ways we never are during the fall or spring. With only so much to do, it’s imperative to keep busy. It’s why we have found ourselves on a Saturday night trying out a new restaurant in town, doing arts and crafts in the common room and playing cards: activities we would never do if we could just frolic outside.

This all goes to say that part of being an SPS student means going through an SPS winter. This collective winter experience is something that we may never experience again and certainly will never forget. At the end of the day, St. Paul’s winter is perfectly encapsulated in a single moment: going to pick up your DoorDash order with three jackets on, teeth chattering, questioning your life decisions, when you see someone else waiting under the light outside Lindsay and think: at least we’re all in this together.

SPS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Praising the Past, Acknowledging the Present, Uplifting the Future

Black History Month, celebrated annually in February, aims to focus attention on and celebrate Black Americans' sacrifices and contributions. Like previous years, St. Paul’s School selected an overarching framework focused on the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (20152024): Recognition, Justice, and Development. At SPS, this year’s Black History Month observance includes the sub-theme of “The Story That Forms Us. Praising the Past, Acknowledging the Present, and Uplifting the Future.”

Preparations for the celebrations and various exhibits, including visiting artists, returning alumni, musical performers, and guest speakers, started last summer. A working group of adults and Onyx members met monthly to discuss and enhance the event details.

In mid-January, SPS hosted Step Afrika!, a dance company that features the historic art of stepping. Some students, inspired by Step Afrika!, performed in Memorial Hall on Feb. 11 during the Fourth Annual Onyx Affinity Group Black History Month Celebration. Onyx is the student affinity group for Black students at SPS.

Danielle Choi '26

SPS students and students from ten visiting schools attended the Onyx Celebration, which started with guest speakers, a presentation, and musical performances in Memorial Hall. Workshops included drumming, inventions, music, and Black anime stations, according to Litzrudy Justinvil, faculty head of Onyx and one of the event organizers.

The event highlighted the past, present, and future generations at St. Paul’s School and in the outside world. Tiffany M. Gill '92 spoke “about her authentic and proud Black experience at this school, which allows us to praise and celebrate those who have come before our generation,” says Justinvil.

Gill’s words inspired current St. Paul’s students. “The most memorable thing was definitely the guest speaker because she spoke about her experience and the lessons she learned here, and that really resonated with me,” says Dibora Ogbe ‘26.

Finally, Justinvil’s daughters, Marley and Melody, danced alongside Alana-Kaye Morgan ‘25 and Lauren Edouard ‘25.

“All the stories and all these moving parts reflect on the African Diaspora, celebrating success, accomplishments, and creativity,” says Justinvil. He says he feels posi-

tive about this event's success.

In the company of other Black students from outside schools, SPS students say they formed special bonds while connecting to the roots of their culture.

Throughout Black History Month at SPS, students were able to immerse themselves in different aspects of Black History. Events included a gallery exhibit, “As Our Bodies Lift Slowly,” by guest artist Vanessa Leroy; The 1619 Arrival Traveling Exhibit in Ohrstrom Library; the SPS BIPOC Alumni Weekend; themed meals that focused on different types of cuisine from across the African diaspora, and a performance by Sons of Mystro, a Black violin duo.

PELICAN MASTHEAD

Skylar

'24

Lidia Zur Muhlen '24

Andrew Choi '25

Lucas Miller '25

Cole Hamilton '24

Annabella Bernhardt '24

Nausicaa Chu '26

Will Ekstrand '24

Sarah Lee '24

Cora Partridge '24

Kelly Sung '25

Miya Zhang '25

Anna Liu ‘25

Lulu

Parker Hanson '25

Kevin Wu '25

Emerson Bentley '25

Temi Johnson '24

Vin Chutijirawong '25

Declan Schweizer '24

Henry Wilson '26

Elle Ruminski '26

Aedyn Kourakos '26

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DYNAMIC DUOS: PARKER HANSON AND LULU MANGRIOTIS

The roommate pair behind @punden.lolivia

Nel Peter '25

For this week's dynamic duo, we have a pair of roommates who have launched into stardom through their “nano-influencer” TikTok account: @punden.lolivia. Who are these mini trendsetters, you may ask? Their names are Lulu Mangriotis ‘25 and Parker Hanson ‘25 of Ford House.

Aside from dancing across the stage for the SPS Ballet Company or fiercely facing off on the lacrosse and field hockey fields, Mangriotis and Hanson generate content including but not limited to outfit checks, day in the lifes, cooking videos, and mukbangs. While their platform wields 53 followers and 328 likes, the real notable statistic is their view count. Their most recent video, captioned “Breaking back into our influencer status with some Dessert Bowls,” climbed to over 3,300 views. The secret to their success might be their trendy hashtags like #RingPopVows

and #ValentinesDay. With just seven videos out, @punden.lolivia is projected to reach microinfluencer status within the year: an impressive feat for two full-time students. Hanson and Mangriotis didn’t intend for the account to blow up, at least until they

woke up one morning to six hundred views with just one follower. “Our first video was an accident, but it quickly reached a really large audience and we realized that we had something special with the potential to be big,” says Mangriotis. Despite their ultimate goal of

A GUIDE TO CREATING OUTFITS FOR SPS DANCES

Lucas Conrod '25

I live for dances. In the middle of a dark, test-filled week, knowing there's a dance on Saturday night is often one of the only things that keep me going. Many may cite getting ready with friends, taking pictures, or the dance itself as their favorite part of the experience. However, when a well-themed dance comes along, creating the outfit is my personal favorite. I'm a proud member of SNL, and a huge perk of being a part of the planning process is knowing the theme weeks before everyone else. I always get a head start on finding something to wear.

There are two main dance categories: dances run by StudCo, like Winter or Fall formal, and dances run by SNL, like the Halloween dance. For StudCo dances, it's a lot easier to find something to wear when you're under the constraints of formalwear and a simple theme like “Black Tie.” However, with SNL dances, themes require a little more thinking. My process for concocting outfits for those is a little bit more complex.

To start, I like to choose the centerpiece of the outfit and build from there. For the patriotic dance this fall, I started by knowing I'd wear an American flag-print boxing robe. From there, I searched for inspiration on Pin-

terest and eventually decided upon eagle wings and a Nicki Minaj flag tied around my neck like a cape. Casual, I know. I also like to use the app “Shuffles” to make something of a vision board for my outfits. That's where I add the accessories and something incorporating my signature star. I triple-check to ensure everything will arrive on time to avoid a crisis and send it around for approval.

I'm not saying anyone should do what I do to make a dance outfit. It's extra. In fact, some of my best outfits have been those where I've used things just from my closet. Everyone is capable of being fabulously on theme; you don't have to do the most.

fame, the roommates claim that @punden. lolivia was “founded off of true roomie love for each other,” and they are happy with the community of supporters that they have cultivated.

@punden.lolivia has touched the lives of many SPS students who turn to the account for a chuckle or to watch an enjoyable video of their peers. Avid fan Brooks Fisher ‘25 holds the account in high esteem: “Punden and Lolivia mean everything to me.” Others appreciate the account for its genuinity and relatableness. Lily McKee ‘25 states that @ punden.lolivia is “a way for me to see the wholesome lives of other students on campus.”

Hanson and Mangriotis hope to follow in the footsteps of other SPS students (kudos to alum Denny Blake ‘23 boasting 53.9K followers on his own account) who have accrued large follower bases on social media.

SOME FAVORITE SPS TRAILS

Welcome to another one of my areas of expertise, the SPS Trails. Before coming to St. Paul’s, I had no major interest in nature walks (or even hiking, for that matter). This school’s scenery ignited my love for the outdoors and taught me to appreciate each season for what it brings.

While spending two hours outdoors might not be everyone's cup of tea, winter walks have brought me so much joy these recent months, and I highly recommend getting your hands on a sled while the snow lasts or grabbing some friends and heading out to the woods.

If you’re looking for a shorter, 15-20 minute stroll, (A) on the map is perfect for you. This path begins at the Armour entrance of the woods and takes you out behind the Upper. The way of this path is easy; just keep turning left until you make it around the Lower School Pond. You get lovely water views and a relatively easy walk with little to no mud or obstacles. The latter half of this path takes you by the moon rock, which is not much of a landmark but something worth visiting once.

Two longer paths around the SPS woods are the path to the Meadow (White-Red-Yellow) and the “Long Way” (G), as I call it, to the Boat Docks. The path I take to the Meadow also usually begins at the Armour entrance to the woods, and it is a sixty- to ninety-minute hike at a leisurely pace without

stopping. The views of Turkey Pond at the edge of the Meadow are stunning, but at this time of year, you have to trek through a path of deep mud to get there, which is a deterrent to most.

The “Long Way” to the boat docks can be muddy and requires crossing slightly sinking wooden walkways, but it is a fun way to hike. The path may get a little confusing sometimes, but as long as you keep the water on your right, you will make it to the boat docks just fine.

Another excellent resource for SPS students is the NH Audubon Society, which is accessible right off Silk Farm Road. The NH Audubon Society has many of its own trails. They have their own trail map, and a bonus about The Audubon Society’s trail web is that none of the trails are over two miles if you're not one to spend hours on a hike, and they’re all leisurely and beautiful.

Helen Berger '24

Photo courtesy of Lulu Mangriotis '25

Map of SPS trails

Collage courtesy of Lucas Conrod '25

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TEACHER OF THE ISSUE: MRS. EDWARDS

Humanities teacher brings wealth of experience, engagement and inspiration to the classroom

“It really helps students develop analytical thinking and writing skills,” she says.

Kyle Gump

Students at St. Paul's School are fortunate enough to not only live with but also learn from many passionate and dedicated teachers. Abbey Edwards, a teacher in the Humanities department, is one of those many passionate teachers. With a career spanning over two decades, Edwards has dedicated herself to the education and advancement of young minds. Originally from the outskirts of Boston, Edwards graduated from Middlebury College and immediately began her teaching career.

In 2019, Edwards moved to Concord with her family to teach at SPS. Now officially in her 23rd year of teaching, with five of those years at SPS, she brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to her classroom. Edwards appreciates the integrated approach in the humanities curriculum at SPS, which is unlike her own high school curriculum.

Thad Lucentini ‘25, a student in her Humanities V class, states that she teaches with “engagement and passion.”

In addition to Humanities V, Edwards teaches American Government, The United States in the 21st Century and American Politics.

Edwards says her love for the humanities began early on during her childhood. On the weekends, her father frequently took her on visits to various historical sites, and as a young student, she often enjoyed reading various presidential biographies.

“I loved learning about stories of the past and what shaped American history,” she says.

Her early exposure to the stories that shaped American history, together with her visits to many historical sites, inspired her career as an educator in the humanities.

When asked what advice she would give to Third Formers, Edwards said “Don’t be afraid to speak up in class.”

She believes in the significance of student participation and encourages new students to

actively engage in class discussions and share their ideas bravely. “If you have an idea but are not confident, share it anyway.”

Edwards believes that the study of humanities is critical for all students, including those who are focused on pursuing a career in math and science. The humanities, she says, help students attain important critical and analytical skills, which are also beneficial for students inclined toward a STEM-based career. In her view, understanding the broader context and implications of advancements such as artificial intelligence is impossible without a humanities background. A humanities education, she says, “helps students understand and navigate the complexities of our world today.”

Among her favorite books are those by John Irving, including "The Cider House Rules" and "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Inside the SPS community, Edwards especially enjoys the Christmas carol sing-along chapel, a tradition that celebrates the spirit and joy of the holiday season.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF SNL

What goes into making SPS events so fun?

Kevin Wu

Behind every Saturday night dance, feed, open mic and any other grand event stands a group of people orchestrating a complex operation. Meet the dedicated team behind the scenes at St. Paul's Saturday Night Life, or SNL. They're the unsung heroes, tirelessly working to ensure every detail is flawless and every moment unforgettable.

With meticulous planning and unwavering dedication, they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making every event a spectacle of entertainment. But who, exactly, is on this impactful committee?

“We have a very diverse collection of members,” says Sarah Ernst ‘24. “Some individuals from every friend group on campus.” Mighty Associate Dean of Students Kyle Losardo leads the charge and commands the entire operation. This group meets in the publications room every Monday at 7:30 pm to discuss their plans. “Mr. Losardo often comes up with the initial idea,” says Ernst, “and we add comments based on what the student body wants. This process always ensures an excellent event.”

However, the ball is sometimes taken out of students’ hands when it comes to the specific logistics of events. “We can help come up with the general event, but when it comes to the logistics, it’s a push and pull,” says Lucas Conrod ‘25. “Sometimes, we get denied, so we need to compromise.” At the end of the day, the Dean of Students Office ultimately has the final say in large community events.

The members of SNL always have great fun organizing these events for the community. Conrod says his favorite SNL event was “the Red, White, and Blue dance,” which was “a huge success. Everyone contributed, everyone helped, and everyone created an awesome experience.” Ernst adds that “Pink Bash was a BASH TO REMEMBER.”

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Edwards in her classroom // Photo by Vin Chutijirawong '25

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INTRODUCING THE KNITTING

CLUB

A look into the SPS fan-favorite knitting club

founder Sebastian Brigham ‘24 was left to make a compelling Chapel announcement, extending an invitation to the first meeting.

If you are a frequent Sunday night library goer, you may have noticed the large group of people in the library knitting together. No, this is not Concord's local bingoplaying, cat-loving, tea-drinking club. This lively group composed of your classmates is the Knitting Club of SPS.

The Knitting Club is one of the most ac-

"It was tough to get people to know and get excited about the club. It's not really common for a high school student to knit"

tive clubs on campus, meeting every Sunday at 7 pm, though this hasn’t always been the case. The club kicked off its first meeting in Fall 2022, shortly after the annual St. Paul's Club Bazaar. Without a list full of names and enthusiastic members saying, “I’ll be there,”

Brigham’s opening statement, “Are you cold?” drew in roughly 20 students, but the number slowly trickled down to five at its subsequent meetings. The club was “slow to get on its feet,” Brigham says, “but the group just stuck at it. It was tough to get people to know and get excited about the club. It’s not really common for a high school student to knit.” The club grew from the enthusiasm spread around campus by its members, often recruiting friends to join. One cannot simply knit without yarning to tell someone about it.

Support didn’t just come from the attendees but also included Leslie Fleischner, the grandmother of Caroline Fleischner ‘23. Fleischner donated many supplies for the club, all of which were put to good use. Each member was sent home for the summer with yarn and needles to knit hats to be donated to the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. This past fall, the club’s members returned with a total of 28 hats, which Brigham and Club Adviser Elizabeth Campbell then brought to the Coalition. The donation “may not be the biggest con-

INTRODUCING YOGA CLUB

Mathis Riff '27

Looking for an exciting new activity to try at SPS? Join Maude Niemann ‘25 and Luce Benetton ‘25 at Yoga Club at 7 pm on Thursdays.

After trying yoga for the first time in fitness last spring, Niemann says she fell in love with it and attended many classes over the summer. Niemann and Benetton founded the SPS Yoga Club at the beginning of the year and have gradually built their follower base to around fifteen regular members. They explain that anybody can sign up for the email list via SPS Connected or simply drop into a session.

“I practice yoga to heal both my body and my mind,” says Niemann. Since she started practicing yoga regularly, Niemann says she has been happier and less stressed. She also claims that she has become more flexible since beginning yoga, which has helped her in athletics. Niemann recommends yoga for

everybody. “It is an excellent way to improve your mood while also moving your body.”

Yoga club sessions are instructed by Dean of Student Support Kate Daniels and last for around 45 minutes each. Sessions involve a relaxing and slow style of yoga called yin yoga. Niemann describes yin yoga as “amazing.”

Niemann says she plans to become a certified yoga instructor over March break. Niemann and Benetton will continue to run the club for the rest of their time at SPS, and their biggest priority is to share the benefits. “Yoga is for everybody,” says Niemann.

If you hope to reduce stress and better prepare for an athletic season, or if you are just looking for something to do on a Thursday night, Yoga Club is for you. Keep an eye out for sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga sessions on Chapel Lawn and at the boat docks beginning this spring.

tribution, but it’s something. It shows that people care,” says Brigham.

The club is looking forward to using their large and recently-received donation of yarn to knit hats for chemotherapy patients, thanks to a flyer at a local knitting store that encouraged the public to donate.

Although learning a new hobby may initially seem daunting, Brigham says knitting is “meditative” once you get the hang of it. The Knitting Club meets on Sundays at 7 pm in room 205 of the Library. No experience or yarn is necessary.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A TEACHING FELLOW?

Parker Hanson '25 dents at UPenn. Jenkins is also a former Division III athlete: because of her love for sports, she always tries to get an hour of exercise each day and even ran her first half marathon this fall.

Every year, St. Paul’s School hires several teaching fellows from the University of Pennsylvania. The two current Penn fellows are Humanities Fellow Caroline Jenkins and Math Fellow William Snead.

Have you ever thought that Jenkins is the real-life Legally Blonde? No, she is legally blind! In one eye. Jenkins teaches Hum IV along with coaching Varsity Field Hockey and Girls Varsity Hockey. She explains that her typical day starts with a walk around our beautiful campus, after which she heads to a meeting and then attends Chapel and her class. Jenkins teaches F block Humanities and observes her mentor teacher, Kevin Brooks, during B block.

When not in class, she keeps up with her UPenn work; though people often seem to forget, all Fellows are also full-time masters stu-

Jenkins explains why she wanted to become a teaching fellow: “My twin sister went to boarding school, but I never did. She really loved her experience, so I have always wondered how I would enjoy life at boarding school.” With the Penn fellow program, she says, Jenkins can teach but also coach and advise, all while earning her master's degree. You might not have known that Snead is a licensed forklift operator, but here at SPS he is a math teaching fellow and coaches Varsity Cross Country and Track. Snead says his typical day is made up of “teaching, observing, planning, grad school work, coaching if

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Olivia Blanchard '25

Knitting Club Collage // Graphic by Julia Koeman '25

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A DAY IN THE LIFE: TWO DAYS AT DEERFIELD ACDEMY

Allegra Alfaro '25

Hi I’m Allegra, a student at Deerfield Academy, and here are two days in my life:

Winter Monday:

I usually wake up around 7:30 and go to breakfast with my friends. My first period class starts at 8:30 and ends at 10:00. After this we have community time, which is an hour of free time before the second period. Most days I have club or advisory meetings, but when I don’t, I like to head to the Koch Cafe and meet my friends. Located in the Science and Math building, the Koch Cafe serves everything from their famous DA bagels (a bacon egg and cheese sandwich) to iced lattes.

Next I have another 90-minute class fol-

lowed by a sit-down lunch. We have seven sitdown meals a week with tables that rotate every month or so. One of my favorite parts of the day is the ten minutes when the whole school waits in the foyer before lunch starts because I can catch up with friends and socialize a bit. After lunch, I have a final 90-minute class leading into flex time and basketball practice. In the winter, the basketball team

SAM "SAFETY SAM" KEACH

Keeping the SPS campus and students safe

Sebastian Brigham '24

You may know the familiar hum of the St. Paul’s Safety vans that patrol campus day and night. On weekday mornings, as students rush to Chapel, Lead Campus Safety Officer Sam Keach climbs into an SPS Safety van and begins his shift. “It doesn’t get old, like when Chapel starts in the morning and you see kids just start sprinting,” he says. “No two days are ever the same.”

Growing up in Concord with an SPS alumna mother, Keach always felt a connection to St. Paul’s School. After graduating from Concord High School, he attended Fairfield University, earning a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. While at Fairfield, he got a job as a dispatcher in the safety office, and says he found that he really enjoyed this type of work. So, when a position opened up at SPS almost nine years ago, he jumped on the opportunity.

When Keach started working for the SPS Safety Department, he covered the night shift. While he says midnight to eight wasn’t his favorite shift, he stuck with it, fueled by a genuine love of his work. “Besides,” he says, “there’s something cool about being the only

person awake at three in the morning.”

As Keach drives around campus, he says he works to update building access, tend to student and faculty needs, keep an eye out for abnormalities and more. Between tasks, he often listens to the radio: “I listen to everything: hip-hop, country, EDM, you name it.”

When he isn’t on call, Keach says he likes to spend time with friends and family and explore St. Paul’s beautiful campus on the bike. “There’s over two thousand acres,” he says. “Going through the woods, it never gets old.”

"There's something cool about being the only person awake at 3 a.m."

In 2023, Keach received the Benjamin Rush Toland award. The award is in honor of Ben Toland ‘38, who was “killed in action, serving beyond the call of duty, in an assault on Iwo Jima in World War II.” Each year, SPS honors staff members who display the “same gallant spirit and a true commitment to the

has team dinner every night after practice. Being able to sit with my team for an hour is definitely a highlight of my winter term.

As a junior, I have 9:45 check-in, meaning I can work in the library or anywhere else on campus until then, but I usually prefer to stay in my room. Something unique to Deerfield is that our primary social arena is the athletic center. When I finish work early, sometimes my friends and I bike to the gas station (which is probably a ten-minute walk but we prefer to bike) and buy snacks or hang out in the Greer, a part of our athletic center. After check-in, I hang out with my friends and see if the advisor on duty has a feed for our hall. In our dorm common rooms, we only have a sink and microwave so cooking is not in the cards, but we are always grateful when the advisor brings some delicious food.

Spring Friday:

On Fridays I wake up at 6:45 and get ready to go to Shriv at 7:00. Shriving is a Deerfield tradition where we start the day by

running into the river every Friday of fall and spring term. Some people only Shriv once a term or never at all, but there are a handful of people who go every single Friday. After Shriv, I head straight to the dining hall and then back to shower before class.

My class day in the spring is just the same as winter except that I have a morning free period which means that every other day, I don’t start class until 11:00! After classes, I have Track where I put my pole vaulting skills to the test every day. I have Big Brother Big Sister, our mentoring program, at 6:00 and get to play soccer with my Little. Each weekend we have evening activities, whether it be a dance, concert, optional trip or themed sports game. On days when my Little doesn’t come, my friends and I like to take the Shuttle to Greenfield for dinner or eat at the Deerfield Inn. For upperclassmen, weekend check-in is at 11:00 on Friday and 11:30 on Saturday, so I usually spend that time in the Greer or where there is always something fun going on.

school.

As he approaches year ten at SPS, Keach says his love for the school fuels his plans to continue working here. “I love the community, I love the people, and I love being that 24/7 resource that you guys can always call if

you need.”

In closing, Keach offers a short word of advice to SPS students: “Be patient, be positive, work hard,” and most importantly, “be kind.”

Safety Sam outside Chapel saving the community // Photo by Temi Johnson '24

Deerfield students after a "Shriv"

Photo courtesy of Allegra Alfaro '25

Jack Bretl '24

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WHAT'S IN THE WATER?

MY LIFE GOAL: POWDER CHASING

Since I explained why I wrestle in the last edition I thought I’d share about my passion for skiing. I try to spend every break doing some sort of skiing. I always try to fit in some time for the activity that brings me the most joy, especially because I live in New England.

The act of skiing itself is unlike anything else in this world. Skiing is an individual sport that you do with other people, so regardless of whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it works. As soon as you push off you’re completely alone, but as soon as you get back on the lift you’re with your bros.

Every time I ski it’s a new feeling. Even if

it’s the same trail I’ve skied hundreds of times, I am never on the same patch of snow, never at the same speed, and never feel the same way. But while the act of skiing is new and exciting each time, that isn’t the real reason I enjoy it so much. The real reason is how the setting makes me feel. “Freedom” is how I would describe skiing. When I am in the mountains I am at my most calm and serene state. It’s as if nothing can go wrong. The feeling of dry air running past my cheeks and the silence of the top of a mountain makes me forget every worry in the world and I think that’s important.

During our long weekend amidst the workload of the winter term and the looming thoughts about college decisions, skiing made me forget about all my worries, allow-

STELLA AT SYA: THE CULTURE OF FRENCH CINEMAS

Stella McNab '25

My host mom laughed at me when I told her I was going to watch “Tout Sauf Toi” with my friends at the cinema. She asked me to explain the plot, and I quickly defended my taste in movies, telling her that “Tout Sauf Toi” is popular in the States right now and that many of my peers were encouraging me to watch it.

My cinematic experience of the American hit included popcorn, bonbons (very American of us), and loud cackling that caused the French audience to stare us down.

Watching the movie in French was initially quite the task: the words didn’t match the lips, and occasionally the words seemed to blur together during arguments. We heard our first English word during Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s rendition of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, which of course, we had to sing and dance to, revealing that the popcorn and bonbons did indeed signify that we were American.

I have seen a few movies in the cinema since being here, such as “Napoleon” and “Anyone But You,” most of which have been made in America. Experiencing French cinemas is integral to navigating the country's culture.

The cinema acts as a juncture for shared experiences and benefits the viewers by fostering an environment of discovery: discovery of a new film, new friends, or new facts.

French cinemas hold more value than simply just the entertainment that many American cinemas provide to their visitors.

Learning French through movies has been an aspect of my life that I have surprisingly fallen in love with. I was originally frustrated that I would have to watch “Tout Sauf Toi” instead of “Anyone But You,” but I not only fell in love with the French version of the movie, I also improved my French skills while watching the film.

What was even more surprising was the fact that I frequently noticed myself choosing to watch French films over American ones. “Intouchables” has made itself at home as one of my comfort films, and “Nos Jours Heureux” never fails to make me laugh.

As I have forced myself to learn French since moving to France, learning the culture and essence of a language is the best way to begin understanding a new language. So, take the language you're learning and apply it to a movie, or try watching “Everyone But You” in your foreign language, just as I did.

ing me to live in the moment. Just like I wrestle to build mental strength and tackle obstacles in life, I ski to separate myself from my negative thoughts.

I’m making it a goal in my life to spend a month driving out West, powder chasing: following the snow hoping to align all your arrivals at specific mountains with their next storm cycle. You never know where you might end up or who you might meet.

I hope that everyone reading this has something in their life that serves the same purpose skiing has in my life. Skiing has taught me that everyone should have that opportunity to have something that forces you to forget about everything else. This is freedom in its simplest form.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A TEACHING FELLOW?

Parker Hanson '25

Continued from Page 6

it is Track or Cross Country season, and as much exercise as I have time for.” He meets with his mentor Laura Hrasky, observes classes, and then does some work for his UPenn courses. On the day we interviewed him for the Pelican, he also went for a casual twelve-mile run, so if you can’t tell by now, he is a pretty big runner. Finally, Snead says he ended his day with a Zoom discussion for UPenn.

Snead shares that he joined the Teaching Fellow program because of the resources and support both SPS and Penn offer.

Both Jenkins and Snead report a smooth transition to the boarding school lifestyle, with similarities to their college experience.

Jenkins “attended a small liberal arts college, so the general vibe is the same,” but an important difference to her is that SPS has a dining hall, as she says she is not a big cook.

“Compared to all of my friends who are paying exorbitant amounts for their rent and food in New York or Los Angeles,” Snead says, “having access to nice housing and the wonderful facilities we have at our disposal here makes me feel grateful for my choices.”

The social transition to boarding school has posed no challenge for Jenkins, who says she has easily been able to make new friends with the big group of both fellows and fulltime teachers. “I love to dog sit some of the campus dogs on the weekends and talk to my players, students, and girls in my dorm,” Jenkins says. “We teaching fellows have to stick together,” says Snead.

Graphic by Julia Koeman '25

Graphic by Julia Koeman '25

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STYLE COLUMN: MR. SNEAD

Lidia Zur Muhlen '24

This year, new teaching fellow in the math department William Snead has taken the SPS campus by storm. Snead has already made a significant impact on the community as a Geometry teacher and as a Cross Country coach, but he has also stood out with his unique and colorful clothing. Perhaps you have already seen Snead on the paths in his iconic cow sweater. “I just like to wear whatever makes me happy,” he says, which is reflected in how he wears fun outfits.

Snead believes style is less about the clothes and more about how someone carries themselves in that clothing. “I value being confident and comfortable; my style is part of that,” he says. Some of his favorite style icons who exemplify these qualities include Princess Diana and Don Draper from the television show Mad Men. “They both had the elegance and confidence to pull off whatever they wanted,” he says, “and that’s something that has to be admired.”

Originally from Virginia, Snead says he was exposed there to the louder colors and patterns that “are more common in the South.” He has tied that influence into his current style, meshing it with the New Eng-

land vibe. While he is not sure what the perception of his general style aesthetic is, he says he hopes for it to be “unique, colorful and clean.”

Snead says he does not do a lot of accessorizing; he believes in letting certain pieces of clothing speak for themselves. With shoes, he says, “I like rotating between loafers, sneakers, and oxfords. Your footwear choice can change the look and level of an outfit.” Snead says he focuses on keeping his outfits fresh and new, so he typically organizes his closet by how recently he wore a certain item. His outfits typically depend on the mood he’s in that day. But once again, outfits can completely change depending on what you pair together. Going back to the footwear example: a sweater, jeans, and loafers will have a completely different vibe than a sweater, jeans and oxfords.

Lastly, Snead wants us to think less about style as materialistic and more about a reflection of what makes us happy. There is no point in wearing something, he says, if it does not make you feel happy and comfortable. However, it’s important to experiment and take some risks to find that perfect balance. “Give yourself some time to figure out what you like and whatever makes you feel good,” he says.

Mr. Snead in a classic outfit // Photographed by Temi Johnson '24 Written

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THE SPS CROSSWORD

Henry Dennis '24

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REGRETS COLUMN: MR. GORDON AND COLE EDWARDS

Charles Liu

Interview with Humanities Teacher Maxwell Gordon

What is your biggest regret?

The quote “You regret the things that you don’t do, not the things you do do” resonates with me. Growing up as a basketball player, I lived in a one-track mind. That came at the expense of developing other interests. I wish I could have expanded my horizons, chased a wider variety of pursuits and passions, and nurtured friendships more. I could have focused on helping my community and gaining a wider perspective on life. Only in high school did I break out of my shell. Aas a teacher and basketball coach, I do not focus merely on myself but also on others.

If I were to be my past self, I would have integrated a controlled wider range of activities. I may have become a better basketball player by providing myself with breaks from my sole sport.

Do you encourage regrets?

Risk and failure and learning is a good thing. Seizing chances to learn, such as playing a different style of music, raising that comment in a discussion, and trying what is new are what advances us. As long as I try, I will keep improving.

Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for mistakes. Don’t weigh them as lifelong regrets. As we treat everyone with care, we must care for ourselves. Applaud your growth mindset whenever you try and fail––for the risk behind regret requires courage and desire.

Interview with Cole Edwards ‘24

What is your biggest regret?

My biggest regret is regrets. I spent much time regretting my choices. During the time I have spent punching myself down because of my third-form or fourth-form regrets, I deprived myself of the luxury of living in the present. My head was stuck in the past. More specifically, the COVID restrictions in my third and fourth form years isolated me so much that I neglected school.

I’ve since learned not to regret everything because different decisions would have changed me into a different person. Everything we do and every decision we make results in the person and people we are now. And right now, I would not trade who I am for the world.

Do you encourage regrets?

Regret has to exist. No regrets is shamelessness, connoting a life without sense and lacking dignity. Becoming the best version of yourself necessitates regret. Yet, a happy medium must exist. You can’t be too regretful because in being mired in regrets and the inability to enjoy who you are––frankly––you’re robbing yourself. We must moderate ourselves.

The past is a bottomless abyss, and you're never getting it back. In reality, anything that is worth regret is also worth gratitude. You can either regret it or say, “This experience was conducive to my growth. I’m a better person for it.”

THE NEW FACES OF SNL

Student Night Life (SNL) has always been a great group of students with different interests who collaborate to plan the Saturday and student night life of campus. Many things changed for this group as they entered the 2023-24 school year, including a new faculty leader, Associate Dean of Students Kyle Losardo and many new upperform members.

Three-year member Brewster Smyers ‘24 joined SNL his fourth form year. “I wanted to join because I enjoy doing things like MC bingo,” he says. As his dedication and endless

energy for SNL will end when he graduates on June 2, we are taking time to shine a light on the new faces of SNL.

This year, Losardo introduced the idea that SNL invite third formers to come to the meeting as a way to gather more opinions for the events. Along with other students, Lucas Conrad ‘25 invited India Lathrop ‘27 and Angus Clark ‘25 invited Webber Marx ‘27. With every form having representatives helping to organize campus events, SNL can ensure all students feel excited about the weekends (and weekdays).

SPS ARCHIVES COLUMN: ARMOUR HOUSE

Completed in May 1914, Armour House originally served as the school infirmary. Comprising two distinct wings, this facility held sick rooms similar to those in Clark House. Armour House also included infectious disease wards and a standalone operating room. Initially, the building utilized only three floors, leaving the fourth floor incomplete, with plans to finish it as necessary in the future.

Why did you want to join?

Lathrop: “I love planning things and interior design, and I thought that I could express this during my time in SNL.”

Marx: “I think Saturday nights are the best part of the week at St. Paul’s.”

What is your favorite part?

Lathrop: “One of my favorite parts is definitely planning what is to come; I love being ahead and creating ideas that we have never done before.”

Marx: “My favorite part is knowing the inside scoop of activities planned weeks before they actually happen.”

What are you most excited about?

Lathrop: “I am looking forward to most of our ideas coming to life in the near

In 1996, St. Paul’s School completed renovations, transforming the infirmary into a dormitory capable of housing thirty students and three faculty families. These renovations were modeled on the style of the recently renovated Upper houses. The redesign embraced an open-plan layout, offering an expansive view of the Lower School Pond, and introduced three separate three-story faculty residences.

future.”

Marx: “I always look forward to our packed meetings on Monday nights.”

Image courtesy of the SPS Archives

Cole Hamilton '24

Sarah Ernst '24

'27

THE GUIDE TO A PRODUCTIVE AND RELAXING SUNDAY AT SPS

Have you ever noticed a sense of unfulfillment on Sunday night from either not resting and playing enough or not studying and catching up on all your schoolwork? Here is a guide to having a relaxing and productive Sunday.

Whether you wake up at eight or noon, having a balanced brunch is the first step to a productive and relaxing day. Get your proteins in with an omelet or scramble with all your favorite ingredients. Have some bread, potatoes, and pasta for those carbohydrates. Although there are no smoothies, make yourself a nice yogurt and fruit plate for vitamins and minerals. And then end your brunch journey with some nuts in a cup and some tea or coffee. Now, having absorbed all sorts of essences, you can start your productive and relaxing day with a full stomach.

For those who woke up early, a quick afternoon nap may be refreshing. On the other hand, for those who woke up late, finding a spot in either one of the rooms in the lower level of Friedman or the lower level of the library can also refresh your souls from that long hibernation.

If you are as lazy as me, your dorm’s common room can be a great study spot. Simply try your best to stay away from your bed and your phone. After getting some work in, a

study break is needed for your overtaxed brain. I recommend getting some bagels and coffee from Friedman and calling some of your friends to play ping-pong or pool. A small-scale competition could help you wake up and get excited. One hour will probably be enough, as ping pong and pool get boring eventually.

A short walk through campus and perhaps to the boat house could also be a relaxing study break, and, of course, going to the AFC is also a great option.

For efficiency, when you return to your schoolwork I recommend finishing everything for one course before taking a break or doing something else. Do the work for the heaviest courses during parts of the day where you feel that you have the longest duration of concentration or without interruptions. This could be between brunch and the afternoon study break or after dinner.

Lastly, try going to bed before ten, and you will feel enlightened the next day. Suppose you were to fully use all your time on a Sunday, which means not going for hours on YouTube, TikTok, games, and social media. In that case, a Sunday will automatically be relaxing and productive because there is so much time. Following these quick tips will make you feel fulfilled by balancing relaxation and work.

THE BEST TYPE OF CHAPEL PROGRAM

Chapel is so prevalent in our lives. Does its frequency diminish its value or has its consistency become a staple in our day-today life? Chapel meets four times a week, naturally creating a more casual atmosphere than the typical Sunday church affair. However, its ability to bring faculty and students together is something the majority of us will never experience again after St. Paul’s.

Notably, Chapel gets us ready for the day. From the hymn to the program to the prayer and finally the announcements, Chapel provides us with a moment of reflection before a long and busy day. What a wonderful thing to be able to congregate in such a beautiful place, to stand up and sing with all your Chapel buddies, to listen to your friends, and to cheer for announcements about sports, clubs, dances, days off and battles between bizarre bug species. We are lucky, to say the least.

I look forward to student Chapel talks the most. There is always excitement and curiosity in the pews when a student’s name is listed in the Chapel program. You never know what someone might talk about. Whether it’s about an unknown aspect of their life or a look deeper into a well-estab-

lished passion, student Chapel talks are a sneak peek into what makes the students of SPS unique.

Student talks arguably keep everyone the most engaged. And that’s not to downplay other Chapel programs, but student talks are a reflection of why we are here at SPS: to teach and learn from each other. During these talks, everyone is on the edge of their seats, curious about what their peers might have to say. Whether a good friend or an acquaintance, I think we can all agree that getting up to the lectern and pouring out a piece of your identity takes guts.

No matter the quality of the speech, the eloquence, or the topic, we all rally, (somewhat controversially) stand and applaud our peers. We care about each other so much that we are proud to cheer on those brave enough to share something meaningful and be vulnerable in front of 600 people. I think we often forget how intimidating it can be up there at the lectern. Student Chapel talks are a rite of passage, a privilege and an element unique to St. Paul’s. The authenticity of these talks and the courage of the speaker make student talks my favorite Chapel program.

THE POST VS. TUCKER'S: CONCORD'S BREAKFAST DEBATE

It’s Sunday at SPS; you’re craving brunch but not feeling the Upper. You gather your closest friends and prepare to head off to town, but on your way, it appears you have a dilemma: where to? Will it be The Post, conveniently located on Main, or Tucker’s, a little bit out of the way but still serving up equally, if not better, brunch fare? Fortunately, if this dilemma applies to you, you’re in the right place. In this article, I seek to explore Concord’s Breakfast Debate and provide the verdict you need to win your next Sunday.

Despite its relatively small size, Concord is rich in diverse dining options. For brunch, though, we’re stuck between two competitive choices. Let’s take a look at each one:

THE POST

Location: 58 N Main St. (Downtown Area). Hours: 7 am to 3 pm - Everyday. Offer-

ings: Your typical brunch fare, offering nothing out of the ordinary. Options include both breakfast and lunch. According to their website, their “Post Staples” include Steak and Eggs, Country Fried Steak, “All Country” (biscuits n’ gravy, eggs, sausage, and a side), and the “Farmers” featuring three eggs, two pancakes, bacon, sausage, and breakfast side.

Pros:

• Location (within a five-minute walk of the shuttle)

• Simple menu

• Affordable prices

• Consistent experience

Cons:

• Lack of diverse offerings

• Reports of mediocre food quality

Will Carten ‘26 says: “I’ve always left The Post pleased. They offer delicious food, affordable prices, and a convenient location. The Post is one of my go-to breakfast spots!"

TUCKER'S

Location: 80 South Street (2.5 miles from campus). Hours: 7 am to 2 pm - Everyday. Offerings: The extensive menu includes breakfast and lunch options like burgers, pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, omelets, and various seasonal specials. If you name it, they’ve likely got it.

Pros:

• Extensive menu

• Available on Doordash

• Exceptional food quality

• Excellent service

Cons:

• Location: you must walk or take an Uber or taxi to Tucker’s.

• Long waits on the Weekend

• Higher prices compared to The Post

Ally Duardo ‘26 recounts her visit to

Tucker’s: “I was greatly pleased with Tucker’s menu. Nearly everyone in my family could find something they liked, and the pancakes were delicious!”

Both The Post and Tucker’s offer competitive brunch options, so it’s challenging to come up with a verdict. However, your choice ultimately comes down to what you value more: convenience or variety. If it were my decision, I would likely go to Tucker’s; their extensive menu and high-quality food are essential factors, and I don’t mind going a little out of the way to get there. On the other hand, if you value convenience and affordability and just want the basics, The Post will be your best option as it has everything you’ll want and you won’t have to take an Uber or taxi to get there. Ultimately, The Post and Tucker’s are both competitive brunch options; regardless of where you go, you're bound to have an excellent meal!

Wrenn Ragsdale '26

Wilson Xie '26

Bella Perry '25

SPS COMIC a rTs

Marilyn Doyle '25

THEATER COLUMN GUEST SPEAKER WILL NUNZIATA

Andrew Choi '25

On Feb. 13, Will Nunziata spoke virtually with the SPS theater program. A former student of Theater Director Kirsten McKinney, Nunziata shared his remarkable journey as a director, writer, and creator of theater, concerts, television and film. His visit was provided inspiration for the budding artists of St. Paul's.

During the Zoom call, Nunziata shared anecdotes from his early days as a "struggling artist," emphasizing the importance of finding yourself as an artist and never letting go of the passion that drives the start of each artist.

His words resonated deeply with the students, many of whom could relate to the struggles of pursuing a career in the arts. "There was a moment where he was talking about the instinct he gets when he begins a new project and I heard something he said and just thought, ‘oh, he gets it,” says Mason Deas ‘24

One of the highlights of Nunziata's talk was his discussion of the "White Rose." The play explores the life of Sophie Scholl, a German student executed for her role in the anti-

Nazi resistance movement during World War II. Nunziata explained his commitment to telling important stories through his work.

The Q&A session that followed Nunziata's talk was a lively and engaging exchange of ideas. Students asked insightful questions about his creative process, the challenges he faced in the industry and his advice for aspiring artists. Nunziata's responses were thoughtful and thought-provoking, leaving the students with a deeper understanding of the world of theater and film.

“Will is an incredibly talented and successful artist and his insight was wonderful for those of us looking to pursue a future in theater," says Deas.

A graduate of Boston College and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union, Nunziata's work inspires and captivate audiences worldwide.

In the realm of film, Nunziata served as a writer and director of "The Old Guitarist," recognized with prestigious awards such as the London Movie Awards for Best Short Film and Best Director, the New York Movie Awards for Best First Time Director of a Short and the Paris Film Awards for Best

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CLUB FEATURE: FUNKDEFIED

Rhys Rountree '25

Funkdefied is St. Paul’s School’s one and only all-girls hip-hop dance group. According to co-captain Fleur Caryl-Klika ‘25, the group was created years ago with the goal of empowering women through dance. CarylKlika says that growing up as a faculty kid on campus, she had “always wanted to be involved” with Funkdefied. After two years of captaincy, Caryl-Klika now feels more experienced with the group and confident to organize performances. She admits that Funkdefied has evolved over time, and is happy to report that the group now encompasses a more diverse range of dancers than ever before.

Co-captain Lilly Ehlinger ‘24 says choreography led her to become involved in Funkdefied, where she has had the opportunity to compose her own pieces and see them performed. This year, she says, Funkdefied “had a lot of fun as a team” as they prioritized

the hip-hop influences in their choreography.

Funkdefied member Gretta White ‘25 says she is a big fan of the group’s new vibe. White says that she loves music and loves to dance. Clearly, Funkdefied not only empowers its members but serves as an outlet to those wanting to move their hips. “Shoutout to Shakira,” says White.

Funkdefied performs exclusively at student-led events on campus. Ehlinger says that Funkdefied “appreciates the support of the fans,” and as members of the St. Paul’s community, we owe it to Funkdefied to show up and show out for their next event. CarylKlika reports that Funkdefied’s next major performance will take place in the spring term, most likely at a sports event. They hope to best “Anaconda” from fall 2023, which Caryl-Klika says is Funkdefied’s best performance to date.

Tune in for the upcoming moves and grooves of their next number!

"Caught In The Act" featured in the Winter One-Acts // Photographed by Vin Chutijirawong '25

"Love is a Battlefield" featured in the Winter One-Acts // Photographed by Vin Chutijirawong '25

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THEATER COLUMN GUEST SPEAKER WILL NUNZIATA

Andrew Choi '25

Continued from Page 13

First Time Director of a Short.

His talent extends to the stage as well, with notable productions including "Figaro: A New Musical" in the West End, where he served as Director and Co-Book Writer, and "White Rose: The Musical," where he took on the role of Director for its Off-Broadway run. Notably, his work on "Miss Peggy Lee," starring Tony Award winner Cady Huffman, earned him the Broadway World Best Director award.

In the realm of music, Nunziata has directed and conceived productions such as "Our Guy Cy: The Songs of Cy Coleman," featuring Tony Award winners Randy Graff, Cady Huffman, Judy Kaye, and Lillias White, and "Over Here!" starring Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte.

Looking ahead, Nunziata has a slate of exciting projects on the horizon, including "An Entirely Ordinary Town: A New Musical," "Faygele: A New Play," "By the End of Tonight," and "Little Black Book: A New Musical," where he serves as co-conceiver.

Nunziata's virtual visit to the Millville community was a transformative experience for the theater program. His insights, wisdom, and passion for the arts left an indelible mark on the students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

As the students continue their journey in the world of theater and film, they will undoubtedly carry the lessons they learned from talking with this brilliant and talented professional.

Will Nunziata

SPS SQUASH TEAM HEADS TO NATIONALS

Hunter Morton '26

The United States High School Squash Championships, taking place from Feb. 23 to 25, is the biggest squash tournament of the season. It hosts the country's 16 top high school teams and takes place in Philadelphia at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. The SPS Boys and Girls Squash teams are looking forward to their last and most important tournament of the season.

St. Paul’s squash teams have been successful at Nationals in the past, with both teams finishing in the top ten last year. The boys team, led by captains Nathan Rosenzweig ‘24, Jay Park ‘24 and Jerry Zhu ‘24, have had a great season so far, finishing with a 7-2 record. The boys had several injuries throughout the lineup which affected their result at the New England Tournament, placing eighth overall.

The boys look to come back at full strength going into Nationals. “Last year, we upset higher seed Andover in the first round 4-3,” says Sam Du ‘25.

The girls team, led by captains Angel Hu

‘24, Catherine Li ‘24, LeLe Gibbs ‘24, Tattie Gibbs ‘24 and Tori Thill ‘24, have had an unbelievable season so far with fourth place at New Englands and a 9-1 regular season record.

“My sophomore year, we came in as the sixteenth seed and placed eleventh,” says LeLe Gibbs. “Last year, we placed tenth, and this year, we are seeded 5-8, which is the best we have been seeded in the last decade.”

The Boys and Girls teams look forward to playing against some of the best high school teams in the country and are motivated to achieve their goals. "The Specter Center is always wild,” says Du. “They have about twenty courts and two glass courts. The atmosphere on the first day of Nationals is fine, but the second and third days are when it really gets loud. The Philadelphia schools, such as Haverford School and Episcopal Academy, have a lot of fans.”

“Being at the Specter Center is cool since the squash world is very small,” says LeLe Gibbs, “so you make many friends playing tournaments from around the country, and it’s great to see them.”

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SPSBC WINTER SHOWCASE

Grace Guang '25

On Feb. 23 and 24, the St. Paul’s Ballet Company performed their Winter Showcase. The performance highlighted the hard work the dancers have been doing in the winter term.

The showcase featured four student choreographers: Lauren Edouard ‘25, Matteo Lorenzo-Giguere ‘25, Lulu Mangriotis ‘25 and Olivia Van Stone ‘25, as well as two pieces from guest choreographer Danielle Diniz and Natiya Kezevadze.

The SPSBC warmly welcomed Diniz earlier this term for two weeks to choreograph an upbeat and story-driven piece. With its fusion of many diverse styles, such as jazz, ballet, contemporary, and musical theatre, the choreography challenged the dancers to step out of their comfort zone. The lively atmosphere of the piece was one of the highlights of the performance.

Just three weeks before the performance, Kezevadze, of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, set a piece on the dancers. Kezevadze is originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, and stud-

ied at V. Chabukiani State Ballet School and Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. She now performs with Complexions Contemporary Ballet as an Artist in Residence.

Kezevadze picked pieces choreographed by Dwight Rhoden, the founder of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and set them on the SPSBC. "I prepared coming here, but after I arrived and saw the dancers, I scratched the plan and was inspired by the dancers and ended up going a completely different direction,” she said.

The piece amalgamates many dynamic styles, moods, and music. It starts with a slow tempo and ends with the dramatic song “I’ll Take Care of You” by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa. The dancers had a week after Kezevadze left to clean the piece before the final showing.

Dancers in the SPSBC have the chance to choreograph their work in their Winter and Spring shows. Each student brought their own approach to their choreography. Edouard choreographed a piece that tells the story of a woman in Somalia digging for pearls on the roadside to provide for her fam-

ily. “Despite the challenges of the burning sun and difficulty of the labor, the woman is determined to survive and persevere through the struggle,” said Edouard. The story initially starts with an empowering and emotional mood, transitioning to something hopeful and bright.

Lorenzo-Giguere set an exciting, bold piece that diverges from typical classical ballet. He wanted to “subvert the St. Paul’s community’s expectations of what ballet could be” and expose more styles of ballet to the

people at St. Paul’s. The hyperpop music inspired Lorenzo-Giguere to choreograph his piece to match its powerful energy with fast and athletic steps.

Another piece, by Mangriotis, is emotional and communicative between the dancers and with the audience. She says preparation was essential in her choreographic process. She would create choreography in her room and “take it to the dancers and see how they took it. I had no idea what to expect and ended up with a wonderful piece.”

Van Stone's piece features a strong dynamic, varying in formations and pace. She describes the style as “sharp and brisk,” and the piece's mood builds up from start to finish, complementing her music.

The Winter Performance was filled with mesmerizing choreography and artistry from all the dancers. Congratulations to all the dancers for their successful performances.

sPOrTs

TEAM HIGHLIGHT: BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

The St. Paul’s School Boys Varsity Basketball team made history earlier this season. The team achieved their first win over the mighty Brewster Academy and earned a statement Class A victory over the Dexter Southfield School. Boys Varsity Basketball player Patrick Ricca ‘26 says the Brewster victory resulted from “the whole team just clicking. The atmosphere in the locker room after the game was especially fun.” With these impressive wins and a connected team, the team now expects to compete for championships and be a solid opponent against other Class A schools.

“Beating Brewster was making history,” says Head Coach Max Gordon, “and being a part of a team that is making history is an unforgettable experience because the whole team focuses on one goal and supports each other.”

While initially starting the season off 1-5, the varsity ballers have overcome this obstacle and have gone 10-5 in their last 15 games. “We’ve been able to work stronger together and play better on both sides of the ball,” says Ricca, “and we keep improving every day in our practices, so the sky really is the limit.”

The squad this year is almost entirely new, and throughout the season, the team has grown together to be the robust team they are now through their dedication and undeniable hard work. “It is not all about wins and losses,” says Gordon. “I’m proud we’ve overcome this and realized how good we can be when we prepare and play the right way.”

Players say the team environment is inclusive and welcoming. “From the moment I met all the guys until now, I’ve felt included and welcome,” says Ricca. “Coach Gordon and Coach Ricard definitely help cultivate and maintain our great culture as well.”

Gordon believes that for his players to be the best players on the court and their best selves, they need a coach who gives them some freedom. “I foster a team where players take ownership and where players have voices as leaders,” he says. Gordon strives to elicit in his players the importance of trusting in their instincts to help them learn from successes and failures.

The team endeavors to push for the Class A playoffs as an ending to their remarkable season. The players have proved time and time again that they have a roster full of players who are committed to the betterment of the team and willing to do the work necessary to win.

COACH SPOTLIGHT: RICHARD MUTHER

Many St. Paul’s students know Math Teacher Richard Muther for his incredible jumps off the Memorial Hall stage and pulling a shoelace out of his pocket as the former Athletic Director, but there is much more to learn about him.

Muther has built an impressive career for the past 43 years, and we Pelicans have known him for eight. He began coaching as a student at Colby College, where he was a volunteer assistant for the women's hockey team. He coached at the Rectory School in Connecticut for three years and spent 32 years at Tabor Academy in Massachusetts. He has coached soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and softball.

Muther says his love for sports has grown since his early days of playing and attending Camp Belknap on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Growing up, Muther says he was surrounded by leaders who felt the same love for sports. His experience is not limited to the field or ice, as many of us are lucky enough to know him in the math classroom as well. When asked how his coaching connects to his teaching, Muther explains: “there are infinite parallels. Teaching is

coaching, and coaching is teaching.”

During the 43 years Muther spent in athletics, he says he has coached over 2,210 athletes. “To all of these athletes, I would like to say thank you,” he says. “And to all those I haven’t, I would like to tell you: ‘care about what you’re doing.’” Muther says he believes an athlete’s love for their sport impacts their teammates, the team and the school.

“The most important thing I have learned is patience,” Muther says, as well as to attack problems from different angles and that we can solve problems with hard work. He says his favorite part of coaching is “when lights go on in players’ heads, whether technical, tactical or attitudinal.”

This fall, Muther was awarded the NEPSAC Distinguished Service Award. Muther says he has known those recognized with this award before, and he is humbled to know they are all people who care so much for the kids and their teams.

Muther has impacted everyone he has met, and we are so lucky and proud to be on his team.

Elle Ruminski '26

Boys Varsity Basketball teammates out on the court during their night game against Williston

Photographed by Hal Johnson '25

Muther coaching during a JV Girls Hockey game // Photographed by Hal Johnson '25

Meg Bohan '25

TEAM HIGHLIGHT: GIRLS VARSITY SQUASH

ers, this team is proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.

last decade. “Our first match against Windsor was a huge success, and we beat them 5-2.”

“It was one of the biggest wins in the Gibbs family,” said Tattie Gibbs ‘24, another one of the captains. “I previously lost against my opponent three days before, but I was able to pull through and beat her at New Englands for the first time in 7 years.”

This season, girls varsity squash has been sweeping the courts clean with victories, only losing against Tabor. “The match against Tabor was very close,” said LeLe Gibbs, “and we unfortunately lost to them 4-3, but I have high hopes for beating them at Nationals.”

“If I wasn’t on this team, I wouldn’t have met a lot of the girls, and I’m really happy now having met them. We always dress up and have Team Brek on days we have games, and we have fun bus rides there.”

In the heart of the winter season, the Girls Varsity Squash team is making waves on the court, showcasing their exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication. With an impressive record and a roster of talented play-

The team’s recent successes have been nothing short of extraordinary. Team captain LeLe Gibbs ‘24 expressed the team’s collective pride in their recent victory in the New Englands competition, securing 4th place overall, which is the highest they’ve ever placed in the

The team’s success is not only attributed to their skill but also to the friendship among the players. Team members say they have a strong bond and a shared commitment to each other’s success. “Everyone supports each other. Everyone pushes each other to be the best they can be. One thing I love about the team is that we would always coach each other in between matches,” said LeLe Gibbs.

Looking ahead, the Girls Varsity Squash team is gearing up for the highly anticipated Nationals at Philadelphia. Preparation will be tough, filled with conditioning games, repetitive drills, and cardio training. This competition is not just a game, players say; it’s a chance to further solidify the team’s standing in the league and showcase their prowess. “Last year, we were 10th at Nationals, and this year, our goal is to be even better than that,” says LeLe Gibbs. She adds that this might be the last time playing with the team for the five graduating seniors on the team.

The team is not just focused on winning but also on promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. As they continue to dominate the squash courts, the Girls Varsity Squash team is poised for continued success in their journey till the end of the season.

Melody Zhang '27

Catherine Li '24 and Calla Yim '25 during Varsity Squash practice // Photographed by Jason Lee '25