The Pelican Vol. LXXII, No. 3
St. Paul's School
October 19, 2023
Miru Nam '24 and Ellie Ward '24 enjoying EcoFest with their farm animal friend, Owen B // Photo by Diego Davalos '24
ECOFEST: A STUDENT FALL FAVORITE EcoAction's Largest Event of the Year Brings Smiles to Chapel Lawn Elle Ruminski '26 What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Fall at SPS? Do you picture the under-the-light sports night games, Cricket Holiday, or the spirit-filled Upper celebration of Oktoberfest? And then there’s the beloved Millville tradition of EcoFest, which welcomes the fall foliage and cool breeze while presenting initiatives on how best to preserve our beautiful campus and Earth. EcoFest is a long-time fall favorite at SPS, an annual tradition that celebrates the dazzling season of fall on SPS grounds in a community-based and fun setting. Members and leaders of the EcoAction club—Lulu Mangriotis ‘25, Eden Knight ‘24, Lilly Ehlinger ‘24 and Annabella Bernhardt ‘24— worked alongside Nick Babladelis, Science Teacher and EcoAction Adviser, to organize the event, spending countless hours preparing. The work of EcoAction members and helpful volunteers helps make EcoFest an informative, relaxing and fun event. “I personally adore EcoFest. It was what inspired
OPINION
BREAKING OUR BUBBLE OF PRIVILEGE On the Russia-Ukraine War Miya Zhang '25
me to join EcoAction in my third form year,” says Bernhardt. “Now, during my second year in leadership with EcoAction, I am still incredibly passionate about EcoFest and I love every second of the event.” On Oct. 8 from 1 pm to 3 pm on Chapel Lawn, EcoFest took place and the Fall season officially started. Featured at this year’s EcoFest were local autumnal foods, a merch stand, face painting, succulent planting, and the fan-favorite petting zoo. Attendees tapped into their inner artists by carving pumpkins while student musicians and singers from SPS performed live, showcasing not only the immense beauty of the SPS campus but the talented individuals who live on it. While EcoFest is meant to be an exciting and enjoyable experience, its main purpose is to teach the community about how to help and do our part for the Earth through immersive, interesting, and fun activities. Since EcoAction runs and oversees EcoFest, the initiatives of the club were seen throughContinued on Page 2
It has been almost two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine took place on February 24, 2022 and the first missile attack fell on the capital city of Kyiv. On the morning of Feb 27, 2023, a quarter of the St. Paul’s School population packed into Raffini Commons to learn about the conflict and its history in a last-minute event organized by Dr. Joshua Duclos, instructor of Humanities. I am ashamed to say that I cannot claim to be particularly involved in the news or knowledgeable about the things happening to our world at large. I attribute my ignorance in part to my sheltered upbringing, as well as the privileged bubble St. Paul’s creates that allows us to distance ourselves from the outside world. I’m sure many of you share this sentiment. However, when the war in Ukraine started, our February discussion provided the push I needed to stop being satisfied with remaining a passive observer. Now I hope to offer you an opportunity to do the same.
Crammed into the windowsill with my freshman year roommate, approximately two hundred of my peers, teachers and I listened as handouts were distributed explaining the history behind the ongoing conflict of Russia and Ukraine and the geopolitical factors at play. As steam curled from the cup of coffee in my hand and rain clattered onto the red brick roads outside, I couldn’t help but feel acute concern for the people affected by the invasion and a growing desire to do something for them. A year later, St. Paul’s welcomed alumnus Brett Forrest, reporter for the Wall Street Journal and one of the first journalists to enter Kyiv and expose Russian atrocities. Listening to Forrest speak about his experiences and the humanitarian crisis taking place—the bodies in the streets, the massive amount of civilian casualties—and recognizing the United States’ lack of action, my concern morphed into outrage. Continued on Page 2
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News ON THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: BREAKING OUR BUBBLE OF PRIVILEGE Continued from Page 1
How can I sit back and be another person who ignores the Ukrainian people? What could I do to make a difference? My answer came in the summer of 2023: ENGin. Making a difference ENGin is a nonprofit organization pairing Ukrainians and native English speakers for online conversation practice and crosscultural connection that I volunteered for over summer vacation. My volunteering started as a way to improve myself as a global citizen and gain volunteer experience, but I ended the program having gained a friend. Sofia, the fifteen year old Ukrainian girl I was paired with, is witty, smart, and driven. I was a sixteen year old rising Fifth Former with a vague idea of my future goals, armed with handouts and rigid lesson plans on US history for my student. My “student” turned out to be a multilingual, perfectly adept Eng-
“I entreat you to to your part... Somewhere out there is a highschool student, just like you, who could really use your help." lish speaker with a pixie cut, a plan to study politics at an American university, and experience as a history and literature researcher. She exceeded my expectations by all accounts. Before I knew it, I became her student, with Sofia presenting colorful Canva presentations teaching me about Ivan Mazepa, serfdom, and Ustym Karmelyuk. “I think it’s important for people to participate with the ENGin Program because of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, but also because it is really helpful for me and my peers,” said Sofia, going on to stress the importance of learning English for her: “It is a semi-official language for people in business. People who know English are the ones who can change the world.” Sofia’s sentiment was echoed by Katerina Manoff, the founder and CEO of ENGin,
Miya Zhang '25
when I had the privilege of interviewing her this fall. “When I started ENGin—that meant an economic boost. It meant helping Ukraine look more like [other] European countries, where English fluency is much higher, and consequently economic growth is higher. Their economies are stronger, they are more connected with the global economy, and with economic growth comes social progress—a stronger democracy,” noted Manoff. When she founded ENGin two years before the Russian invasion, she had done so in the hope of reaching enough people to improve the average English speaking skills of Ukrainian citizens. Now, the war has added additional meaning to ENGin’s mission: “With so much of Ukraine destroyed, it’s not just about growth anymore. It’s about rebuilding. We know that Ukraine will depend on its partnerships with foreign countries to rebuild, and the language of those partnerships is—by and large—English,” said Manoff. “So it has become almost an imperative for me… to think about how to invest in the human capital today, to make rebuilding possible in the future. That’s really going to be the difference between whether Ukraine is allowed to grow and thrive: do we see a free future for Ukraine, or does it remain ravaged by war for decades?” While recognizing the potential devastation and violence of war beyond what has already taken place, we must also realize that ENGin was started and continues because of the immense hope people like Manoff and Sofia harbor for Ukraine’s future. A future of peace and democracy. Of course, this is not to discredit the more than one hundred thousand volunteers who share this vision and capacity for hope. It is to those of you who share this faith that I address. Doing your part Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ENGin has seen a dramatic increase in both volunteers and students. As the war rages on and we once again arrive at the beginning of the school year, ENGin is seeing a record number of interested students that would truly benefit from connecting with a St. Paul’s School volunteer. “Maybe that’s the most important thing to come out of the program, more than the English language practice. It’s the connec-
tions we build and the relationships we form that help people see and understand each other, beyond just theories, and beyond what you read in the newspapers,” says Manoff. So if you too are hopeful for the future of Ukraine and the future of our world, I entreat you to do your part. Whether you volunteer with ENGin or engage in discourse on the war in Ukraine, I hope you choose to take action, instead of sitting complacently in the red-brick towers of St. Paul’s, in a place where bombs don’t rain from the sky. When you enjoy the yellow and orange leaves that litter the paths as New England enters autumn, think of the gray mortar and stone wreckage that line the roads of Bakhmut. Somewhere out there is a high-school student, just like you, who could really use your help.
ECOFEST: A STUDENT FAVORITE Elle Ruminski '26 Continued from Page 1
out many of the fun games and activities. This year, EcoAction focused on spreading awareness about small actions that can be done to make SPS more sustainable, specifically through recycling and campus waste services. This year’s EcoFest was a major success: the spirit was high, and the fall day weather was pristine. Chapel Lawn filled with people for hours, cherishing the beauty of SPS, learning about Eco initiatives, and sharing the spirit of fall.
WHAT'S IN THE WATER?
PELICANS SQUASH HORNETS Jack Bretl '24 Come out, and show up to the game of the year! As SPS football goes 3-1 on the season, the team is in high spirits and excited to turn the corner to the last half of the season. With four games to go, one of those will be the home night game of the year: SPS vs. Proctor. The returning members of the team still have an undeniable grudge toward the Proctor Hornets after a devastating loss last year that ended our winning streak. In two weeks’ time, on Friday, Oct. 28, Proctor makes the trip back to Millville and revenge will certainly be the goal for the Pelicans. Thinking back on the game from last year, there were several problems with the SPS offense, but it is naive to say that the crowd noise from Proctor didn’t hinder the ability for the SPS offense to move the ball effectively. I can remember clearly when members of the SPS offense could not hear calls on the field, making it extremely difficult to execute plays during crucial moments of the game. Since the Pelicans are always trying to bear the burdens of others, it is our turn to share this burden of a spirited crowd with the opposing team. As both teams continue to develop strong seasons, this game will come at a crucial point where postseason chances for both teams will be at risk. “This is a big game for
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
us, and the fellas are going to be locked in and ready for war,” says captain AJ Mihalak ‘24. So if you couldn’t figure it out from that quote, the mentality for this game is kill or be killed. Furthermore, the football team needs EVERYONE there. I can promise you that this will be an action packed game that will not be one to miss. Even if you are not currently a sports fan, you will be after this game. The team always appreciates loud cheers, but those cheers are especially appreciated when we are on defense. So SPS, remember: Be loud, be proud, be positive and BEAT PROCTOR.
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News LETTER FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEFS Skylar Christoffersen and Lidia Zur Muhlen '24 Dear reader, We at the Pelican editorial board would like to note errors made in the past issue, released on Oct. 10. The following are the correct author attributions. We apologize to our readers for any confusion this may have caused and hope we can move forward with more due diligence. Manon Lesort ‘24 wrote the Mamma Mia article Thaddeus Lucentini ‘25 wrote the Eco Action Article on page 1 Lidia Zur Muhlen ‘24 wrote the Fashion Column Article Sam Bentley ‘24 wrote Faces in the Crowd Audrey Zhang ‘26 drew the SYA graphic We are greatly sorry to these contributors who put so much time and energy into the Pelican. We failed to recognize them for their hard work.
PELICAN MASTHEAD EDITOR IN CHIEFS
On another note, the Pelican wants to acknowledge the Israel-Palestine conflict. We, the editors, have been following the situation carefully. We mourn the loss of civilian life in Israel and Palestine, particularly those of children, and hope that aid comes to all those affected by the conflict. We affirm our wishes for all people’s safety and peace. We hope that the Pelican can attempt to stir honest conversation about the conflict, as well as promote objective and truthful coverage to better educate the St. Paul’s community. This conflict is multi-dimensional and complicated, and we recognize the wide variety of feelings that our community members must be feeling right now.
Skylar Christoffersen ‘24 Lidia Zur Muhlen ‘24 MANAGING EDITORS
Andrew Choi ‘25 Lucas Miller ‘25 Cole Hamilton ‘24 LEAD C O PY E D I T O R
Sarah Lee '24 Cora Partridge ‘24 C O PY E D I T O R S
Kelly Sung ‘25 Nausicaa Chu ‘26 Will Ekstrand ‘24 Eden Knight '24
Your Editors in Chief, Lidia Zur Muhlen and Skylar Christoffersen
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
NEWS EDITOR
Lulu Mangriotis ‘25 OPINIONS EDITOR
Michael Nechipurenko ‘24 STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
Henry Dennis ‘24 SPORTS EDITOR
Sam Bentley '24 PHOTO EDITORS
Temi Johnson ‘24 Ravin Chutijirawong ‘25 MEDIA EDITORS
Declan Schweizer ‘24 Henry Dennis ‘24 LAY O U T T EAM
Elle Ruminski '26 Aedyn Kourakos '26
Preparations for Family Weekend Arts Showcase Musical Performance // Photographed by Chloe Otterson
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Student Life A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR DISCOVERING CONCORD Miya Zhang '25
Photographed by Vin Chutijirawong '25
Concord is home to many culturally significant sites, restaurants, and things to do. I hope all St. Paul’s students can learn about Concord’s many charming attractions and lesser-known spots. Historical Sites Main Street The city of Concord has a rich history spanning nearly 260 years, tracing its origin to the establishment of the Penacook Plantation in 1659. Main Street is the principal road that runs through town and its origins trace back to the initial urban design of Concord in the 18th century. New Hampshire State House The New Hampshire State House, constructed on Main Street in 1814, is the oldest State House in the United States that has been in continuous service. The structure is white granite and features a golden dome and eagle, making it quite noticable inside the courtyard. The dome was bestowed to recognize New Hampshire’s contribution to the nation by producing the 14th President, Franklin Pierce, in 1853. Things to Do Pitchfork Records Pitchfork primarily sells compact discs
(CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs) and records. “I got all my posters from Pitchfork,” says Lily Fitzpatrick ’25, gesturing at the rock bands lining her walls. “They are very centered on 1980’s, 1970’s rock. The store is lined by rows and rows of records and it’s a really nice place to browse and spend time in.” Concord Farmer’s Market The Concord Farmer’s Market has great produce that’s all local from different farms,” says Mrs. Liz Campbell from the Academic Support Office who has been a Concord resident since 2010. “They have produce, honey, also donuts from New Hampshire Donut company—I highly recommend them as well, the donuts are great and they have fun flavors—as well as breads and meats that’s locally sourced.” Places to Eat Tucker’s A chain diner restaurant with a sage green interior. A great variety of menu choices featuring ingredients sourced locally from NH. Tucker’s is around a ten minute walk from Main Street, and popular on Sundays, so call an hour to thirty minutes before your expected arrival to ensure a table. The Post Another great brunch spot on Main
Street. Try their signature eggs benedict for a hearty breakfast. The Works A local favorite on Main Street. Popular for brunch, but also for takeout meals in general. Bagels and coffee from The Works are available around 1 pm every Sunday, but feel free to check out their other selection of sandwiches and paninis. “I think they’re honestly the best place to eat in town,” said Sophia Carranza ’24, an avid cook. Margaritas An alternative Mexican restaurant outside of Dos Amigos Burritos and Chipotle. Reccomendations include the fajitas and fresh chips and salsa. Siam Orchid “It’s a really great way to get out of school and into and to try foods that you haven’t been exposed to or that you miss,” stated Lou Szal ’24. “If you want boba, go there.” Curry Leaf In place of the old House of India, Curry Leaf has opened as the new Indian place in town. You may be delighted to find that this new restaurant has a wider range of menu items, and—according to a number of teachers—their dishes not only function as a worthy replacement, but even greatly surpass the old place.
Dessert and Bakeries Playa Bowls A smoothie bowl chain that just opened in the past year offering sweet treats made from fresh fruit. “As a New Jersey native, having Playa in Concord is like having a part of home in school,” said Araceli Basaldua ’24. Sunday’s “It’s a really really cool ice-cream place that puts brand-name cereals on their icecream, and they have an entire cereal wall covered in cereal boxes,” said Maeve O’Connell ’24. “It’s a great place to take pictures and an even better place to get ice cream.” Bread & Chocolate “I wanted someplace to get a coffee and something sweet, and I walked in there, and I was amazed to find a European-style bakery here—the owner is from Austria," said said Mr. Rodger Ellsworth, Coordinator of Strings. "Bread and Chocolate is incomparable. No one makes better sweet cakes, eclairs, you name it. They’re great.” Ellsworth especially notes that the owner is very friendly and welcoming and invites everyone to drop by for cakes, desserts, and coffee.
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Student Life STYLE COLUMN: A LOOK INTO SIR SKY'S STYLE Lidia Zur Muhlen '24 Today I invite you all to learn about the instagram baddie we all know and love: Sky Griffith ‘26, more commonly known as Sir Sky. There are many things that contribute to Sky’s style, but in particular, social media acts as a significant platform where Sky can share but also find all sorts of inspiration. Sky says he was able to find some of his favorite brands while scrolling on Instagram. One of his favorite influencers, he says, is Wisdom Kaye, “a model for many designer brands who
“Fashion is meant to catch looks.” makes tiktoks about creating outfits and reviewing pieces.” While Sky has been able to get a lot of inspiration from the internet, another important piece of his style is where he grew up: Hawaii. “Back home the heat was always a factor I had to account for, and that greatly altered what I wore,” he says. The change from the warm weather back home to the change of seasons at St. Paul’s was ultimately a blessing in disguise because it has only led him to experiment even more. “The fall and spring offer that perfect time
when you can wear a jacket and sweatpants,” he says, “and the winter is a great opportunity to layer your outfits.” Layers are great because they allow someone to wear a combination of jackets, sweaters, and long pants, which add a lot more character than just a t-shirt and shorts. To enhance his outfits and make them more interesting, Sky says he is a big fan of “hats, necklaces, bracelets, rings, belts and bags.” Sky mostly wears dark colors, so he likes taking advantage of these small touches. “They can really bring an outfit together and make them more interesting,” he says. Because of these unique accessories and pieces, he says, his style stands out because it is unique, but he says that’s the beauty of it. “Fashion is meant to catch looks.” Despite the fashion image Sky has built today, he says it took a long time to become comfortable and confident in what he wears, and he recognizes that everyone undergoes their own journey stylistically. “Looking back,” he says, “my style in middle school is a little embarrassing but that phase brought me to who I am now.” And that’s one of the most important parts about a person’s style: it's a culmination of who a person is at a specific point in their life.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE SPS BUS Tips from an Expert
Lulu Mangriotis '25 The SPS Bus. Some call me an SPS Bus Connoisseur, and I’ve earned this title by taking the NYC Bus to and from school Every. Single. Time. If you want to question my credibility, don’t try. I even take the SPS Bus back to NYC at the end of the school year. While your parents are packing up your room encouraging you to leave campus by 1 pm, just know there is a different breed of people. A breed of people who packed up their room alone. A breed of people who have to leave at 1 pm or the bus will leave without them. The End-of-Year SPS Bus is like a black belt in SPS Bussing. So I’d say I’m qualified to give you advice on how to mas-
ter the SPS Bus. First, you need to secure a seat. The NYC Bus is competitive, so find something that motivates you. Leg room? Access to a window? Front? Back? Either way, the ideal outcome is grabbing both seats in your grouping. How to do this? Well, you need to be early. On-time for the SPS Bus is late, and you’ve missed your window. Arrive about 15 minutes early, secure your seat, and brace yourself for the most difficult part of the process. There will evidently be newbies to the SPS Bus who arrive late and are scavenging for a seat. The last thing you want is for them to take the seat next to you. So here are your steps of precaution: no eye contact, AirPods Continued on Page 10
Photo Courtesy of Sky Griffith '26
BAGS AND BREKS A Guide to SPS Vocabulary and Language Lucas Conrod '25 SPS lingo is a huge part of the culture here at SPS, integrating itself into students' vocabularies seamlessly as soon as they arrive on campus. However, much of the lingo used is just shortening down normal words or inaccurately renaming popular campus destinations: Bag - To not attend a mandatory event, such as a class, afternoon activity, chapel, etc. Be careful, bags can indeed result in consequences! Dirty Dining - Going to a meal right after sports without showering. Team Brek/Din - Breakfast or din-
ner with your team, before or after games and practices The Lower - The small dining room to the left of the main eating area (the Middle) - just past the utensil station. The Lowest- The closed-off room at the end of the Lower, usually reserved for meetings. The Middle - The Middle is the biggest dining room that feeds directly into the cafeteria. (Not to be confused with “Middle,” which is a boy’s dorm.) The Upper - The building includes Coit Wing, Center, and North, as well as the Continued on Page 10
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Student Life THE SPS BUZZFEED QUIZ Lulu Mangriotis '25
Graphic by Ava Price '24
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Features
Graphic by Luke Wolfram '27
LONG DINNERS, LITTLE ICE: RENNES Stella McNab '25 The weather in Rennes is often indecisive. In the mornings it’s chilly but throughout the day it gets progressively warmer until you wonder why you're wearing the outfit you're wearing. Sometimes it’ll randomly rain and sometimes it's sunny, and occasionally it’s a mix of the two and you’ll spot a rainbow. The town is always busy, whether it’s lunch time and we’re getting a coffee or 10 P.M. on a Thursday evening– people are always roaming the town. The mix of the confusing weather and the active community has honestly made my integration into French culture easier. You can guarantee that if you walk into an unfamiliar coffee shop for a quick croissant and iced coffee (if you’re lucky), the barista standing across from you will greet you with a
smile. Your French won’t be perfect, but they’ll try to understand you and reciprocate the same effort you give them. This politeness can be spotted in nearly every café you familiarize yourself with. French politeness doesn’t stop at cafés. You can guarantee that the average mustache-clad Frenchman or baguette-carrying woman will help find your way when you’re lost. Numerous times my friends and I have found ourselves going in the completely wrong direction, only to be saved by French kindness. My article is to say that any visitor to Rennes (I can’t say the same about the other cities) who doesn’t speak an ounce of French will be treated with kindness. I have yet to
experience a rude server or angry customer yelling at a barista for doing their order incorrectly. From what I’ve noticed, the French inhabiting Rennes have mastered politeness and common courtesy, a trait we sometimes lose in the States. And no, I’m not completely converted. I’m not anti-American: I miss ice and CVS. I think both countries could benefit from integrating certain aspects of each culture into the other. For example, the French enjoy prioritizing their free time (yippee!) with long family dinners, everyone sitting together until we’re all finished. Americans are fun, bold, and easy to make conversation with; we enjoy the simple things in life like air-conditioning and salty, greasy fast food.
It would be a shame to lose those aspects of my American identity, but also a shame to refuse to integrate parts of French culture into my identity. Rennes is great, and if you ever happen to fly across the pond, know that me, and many residents of this city, will make sure you have a great visit.
Graphic by Audrey Zhang '26
October 19, 2023
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Features THE SPS CROSSWORD Henry Dennis '24
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Features FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Ms. Aya Oki Grace Guang '27
Photo from Millville Directory
Aya Oki joined the St. Paul’s School as a glassblowing teacher for the 2023-24 academic year, and is eager to share her passion for art with the SPS community. Oki was born and raised in Japan and learned glassblowing at the Aichi University of Education. She says her professor, Peter Ivy, made her fall in love with the art. Under Ivy’s guidance and inspiration, Oki further pursued her dreams in the United States at California State University San Bernardino and the Rochester Institute of Technology, working with renowned glass artists like Michael Rogers and Robin Cass. For Oki, glassblowing is an outlet to express her creativity. “Working with glass has allowed me to discover myself,” she says.
Photo courtesy of The Daily Egyptian
“The process and form left by my breath in glassblowing, exhaling and inhaling, is satisfying.” Oki describes her work as a “dialogue with glass,” seeing beauty in not only the finished product but also the personal process. She says she hopes her students come to class not only to learn about glass but to learn to
see things in their own unique way. In addition to sharing her fascination for glass materials, Oki says she wants her students to discover their curiosity, and adopt a thinking style that will lead them to their own answers. To view some of Aya Oki’s work, visit https://aya-oki.com/.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Drew Inzer
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Mr. William Snead
Peter Kelly '25
Theo Christofferson '26
Photo from Millville Directory
Humanities Teacher Drew Inzer was born in North Smithfield, a small town in Rhode Island where he grew up. He went to North Smithfield High School where he stood out in the classroom and on the football field. Not only was Inzer the Rhode Island high school football player of the year, he also received all-division and all-state academic accolades. Inzer attended Brown University, where he majored in economics while playing as an
offensive tackle for the Bears. He received Ivy League all-league honors for his excellence on the field and earned the university’s Zucconi Award for sportsmanship. Once he graduated from Brown, Inzer went on to play in the National Football League, where he won a Superbowl with the New England Patriots. In addition to playing with the Patriots for a year, Inzer played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for two years. Following his time in the NFL, Inzer worked in the business sector for two years before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. “I loved teaching and loved academia,” he says. Teaching, he says, also gave him the opportunity to coach football. At SPS, Inzer will coach football and wrestling on top of teaching Humanities IV. Inzer taught at various public and private schools in New England before coming to teach at SPS. He n he had several reasons for choosing to teach at SPS. One was the school’s reputation for academic excellence and another was the fully residential community. Finally, Inzer says that residing in New Hampshire would enable his two kids, Wyatt and Nellie, to live closer to their grandparents. Currently, Inzer lives in Foster with his wife, two kids, and dog.
William Snead is a new Penn fellow and math teacher at St. Paul’s School. Growing up in Fredericksburg, Va., Snead attended college at Amherst, where he ran track. “When I was searching for where I would go next, I wanted to find a place with a caring community and natural beauty like what I had come to enjoy during my time at Amherst. This led me to St. Paul’s,” he says. Teaching is an area Snead says he has always been interested in, but he did not always know where that interest would take him or what opportunities would arise. As a result, he kept an open mind. “During my time in college, I feel like I opened more doors than I closed in terms of possible career opportunities. I was always widening the scope of things that I wanted to pursue postcollegiately,” he says. He says he is similarly open to new possibilities in his future. “I feel like it’s a bit too early for me to predict my own future, but teaching is definitely something I could see myself enjoying for a long time.” Snead runs on the SPS campus as one of the Cross Country Team coaches. “What I enjoy about running is that every day you go out there, you are competing to get the very best out of yourself,” he says. “That, coupled with the friendships I have made during my
time in the sport, are what I love most.” Besides running and teaching, Snead says he enjoys reading various books in his free time. He shares that his favorites include Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy, and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. He also likes to watch Gladiator, Airplane!, and The Godfather and listen to Tyler Childers, Pop Smoke, Fred Again, Dave, and Zach Bryan.
Photo from Millville Directory
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Opinions THE ALL-CONSUMING GAME Fantasy Football at SPS
GUIDE TO THE SPS BUS Lulu Mangriotis '25 Continued from Page 5
Barrett Pickett '24
in, sit in the seat closer to the aisle, put your bag on the window seat. This method is almost 100 percent foolproof; however, if it’s your friend scavenging for a seat, good luck. Now that you’re on the bus comfortably, your next step is surviving. The first SPS Bus ride is not for the weak. The journey to and from NYC is a flat 6 hours either way. The biggest battle this bus faces is either entering or leaving the actual city of New York. When you’re traveling back to campus and you see that although the bus left at 11, you have made it around the block and it's only 11:30. Once you’ve fully embarked on the journey of the SPS Bus, hardships fly at you left and right. Your legs start cramping up around
hour two and motion sickness is guaranteed. Coping mechanisms are a necessity to outlast this journey. I recommend snacks and water. Heavy on water. Download shows beforehand: New England service connection is not to be trusted. Bring layers. One thing I’ve learned is that the temperature of the SPS Bus is entirely unpredictable. Find your friends if you’re up for a chat. Make sure you can rest comfortably. Once you’ve filtered through all the options to entertain yourself, you will look at the clock to find that only three of the six hours have passed. Your only option now is to fall asleep. Sleep equals peace–remember that. I will restate: the SPS Bus is not for the weak. But with these tips, you may finally reach SPS Bus nirvana.
SPS LINGO Lucas Conrod '25 Continued from Page 5
dining hall. The Upper dining room, also known as the Upper Upper, is the room with tall vaulted ceilings located immediately to the right of the upper common room.
Photographed by Grant Lebar '27
Fall term means football, whether it’s Sully leading the squad to a landslide victory or the Miami Dolphins casually putting up 70 points on a Sunday afternoon. As high school students with our priorities in line, the first week of school means only one thing: the fantasy football draft. Hopes still high, members of the house gather in their common rooms for an hour-long snake draft that will play a monumental role in their academics over the next 18 weeks. The draft begins. Patrick Mahomes goes way too early; that one Jets fan takes Garrett Wilson in round three. That same Jets fan throws their phone after four minutes of play at Metlife stadium because the Jets can’t have anything nice. Someone took Nick Chubb (out for the season). Justin Jefferson, Travis Kelce, any Dolphins player. These split-second decisions culminate in an adrenaline rush that feels almost illegal, or the driving factor into a severe emotional depression. When you ask someone on the path how
their week has been, “Good, how about yours?” means they are currently winning. If they say “alright” or “fine” then they started Breece Hall and have a 3 percent chance of winning by Monday. Not sure what's going on on Sunday? Brunch opens at nine and your dignity kicks off at one. Have some extra time on your hands? Watch six hours of NFL Redzone, refresh the ESPN app every other minute, and then hit the Upper Dining Hall for ice cream. In the NFL anything can happen. You may be playing a team that put up 200 points last week, but you just never know. Maybe you get to play the person who drafted Joe Burrow, or maybe your kicker will put up a sturdy 25. Maybe their defense will dip into the red or maybe you’ll get 45 points out of Keenan Allen without a single receiving touchdown. Was this week rough, and am I 0 and 5? Yeah, maybe, but next week I might just win.
Raffini - The large room to the right of the main entrance on the top floor of the Friedman Community Center.
Graphic by Sam Seeley '23
students (usually Fourth Formers). Sleepy Hollow - the area of Chapel behind the choir – commonly nicknamed thanks to its large population of sleepy fourth formers. ‘Lib,’ ‘Hum,’ ‘Mem’ - abbreviations that all refer to common parts of St. Paul’s culture. ‘Lib’ refers to the Ohrstrom Library, while ‘Hum’ refers to the universal Humanities curriculum that all III, IV, and V students partake in. ‘Mem’ refers to Memorial Hall.
Graphic by Sam Seeley '23
The Quad - A group of four dorms: Simpson, Manville, Brewster, and Ford, located roughly between Friedman and the AFC and opposite to the Admissions building. Seated Meal - A monthly event where the whole school gathers for dinner at the dining hall wearing formal attire. Tables are randomly assigned with one faculty member at each table, and food is served by
FAB - Fine arts building, located in the middle of the academic quad. Spod - a common abbreviation for the study pod, which is located in all dorms. Croom - another dorm abbreviation for ‘common room.’
The Pelican
October 19, 2023
P. 11
Sports THE NEW SPS SPORTS LOGO Georgia Bussey '24
MEET THIS YEAR'S ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES Sam Bentley '24
Cami Bell ‘24
Photo courtesy of the SPS Website
Over the past few years, the Athletic Department transformed St. Paul’s inconsistent athletic branding into a singular, unified scheme that consolidates all teams to have the same “look.” Athletic Director Chris Smith notes that the referral to the brand's launch as a "rebrand" of SPS athletics "would mean that we once had a brand, but we actually had nothing." Hockey Coach and College Adviser Scott Harff ‘09 concurs, explaining that during his time here as a student, "Every sports team had their own versions of what they wore." There were no designated fonts or official markings for teams to follow. When Smith first started the branding process in 2020, he involved the help and opinions of team captains, coaches, alumni, and the student body, and he says establishing the identity of SPS athletics was a collective decision. As he anticipated, some students expressed resistance to the changes. “But this was understood as being a very valid piece to this process,” says Smith. “The goal of the branding process was to get away from designs that were unique to a team,” says Smith. However, he explains that certain distinctive teamwear, such as the field hockey and football letter jackets, remained. It was important, Smith says, to recognize the legacy attached to these items. The branding development, says Smith, wasn't to get away from important traditions, but to find common unity across SPS athletics. And by having one vendor and a custom trademark, teams have had the ability to not only represent their team, but to represent SPS athletics as a whole since the new brand
debuted in Fall 2021. Smith says that the St. Paul's School shield is not going anywhere. “It will continue to be used as the major symbol for SPS athletics and shine through on many of our playing fields. Combined with our unified St. Paul’s, SPS, and Big Red lockups and logos, all our teams play together as one unified program,” he says. With the formal recognition of the pelican as the SPS mascot, the classic red crest with the addition of the overlaying pelican creates a more balanced and identifiable representation of SPS athletics. In addition, Smith notes that this year marks the final roll out of new uniforms so that every team has the new fonts and logos.
Cami Bell, from Barre, VT, arrived at St. Paul’s as a new Third Former and made an immediate impact, earning a letter in every term of her SPS career. A real anomaly, Bell has been a member of four varsity programs at SPS, including Varsity Field Hockey, Varsity Ice Hockey, Varsity Lacrosse, and Varsity Track and Field. Last year, Bell earned the Loomis Medal, the school’s award to the girl who has made the greatest contribution to the School’s athletic program. This year Bell is a captain of both the Field Hockey and Girls Ice Hockey teams. As an athletic association student representative, Bell says she is excited to “build successful teams and a supportive athletic community where every team is celebrated.” Outside of athletics at St. Paul’s, Bell is a Student Admission Officer and an involved resident of Coit Center.
Hadley Cepiel ‘24 Hadley Cepiel, from Concord, NH, transferred to St. Paul’s as a Fourth Former and has lettered in every season of her athletic career since arriving here. Cepiel serves as a captain for both the Girls Varsity Soccer and Girls Varsity Lacrosse teams and is also a member of the Girls Varsity Hockey team. Cepiel currently resides in Brewster and is actively involved with St. Paul’s SNL program. In addition to her role as an athletic association student representative, Cepiel is a club cup captain for Delphian. This year, Cepiel says she looks forward to “working with the other captains to bring the energy to night games.”
Brad Cox ‘24 Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
Brad Cox, from Livingston, Mont., currently resides in Middle. Cox arrived at St. Paul’s as a new Fourth Former. He is a dedicated member and captain of the Boys Var-
sity Hockey team and says he enjoys spending as much time as he can on the ice. Cox also enjoys playing lacrosse and has been a member of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team since his fourth form year. Outside of sports, Brad is a Student Admission Officer and an Art Editor for the Horae. “I’m looking forward to getting riled up for all the night games this year,” he says.
Kiki Hillery ‘24 Kiki Hillery, from Weston, Mass., arrived at St. Paul’s as a new Third Former and joined the soccer and alpine ski teams. Now Hillery is a captain of both the Girls Varsity Soccer and Varsity Alpine Ski teams. In the spring, Hillery enjoys competing on the Girls JV lacrosse team and hanging out with her friends in Ford. In addition to being an athletic association student representative, Hillery is a Sixth Form Officer and runs the Women in Weightlifting Club. This year, Hillery says she looks forward to “working with the other captains to foster a positive and competitive athletic environment.”
Cam Perry ‘24 Cam Perry, from Chapel Hill, arrived at St. Paul’s as a new Third Former and he made an immediate impact on both the cross country and wrestling teams. He currently lives in Manville House and is the captain of the Boys Cross Country and Wrestling teams. In the spring, Perry enjoys playing Boys JV Lacrosse and swimming at the docks. Outside of sports at St. Paul’s, Perry is a Student Admission Officer and head of the Southern Society. This year, Perry says he looks forward to “attending as many sports events as possible, encouraging the SPS community to attend games, and creating a fun environment surrounding these events.”
October 19, 2023
The Pelican
P. 12
Sports TEAM HIGHLIGHT: VARSITY FOOTBALL Cam Perry '24
Photo by Vin Chutijirawong '25
The St. Paul’s School Varsity Football team had a successful 2022 campaign with a 7-2 record, culminating in a 30-20 win over Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in the 2022 John Papas Bowl. This fall, the Big Red looks forward to building off the success of the previous season, starting with two hard-fought scrimmages against Groton and Brooks. Led by captains Daniel Sullivan '24, Ernest Obiorah '24, AJ Mihalak '24 and nine other returning seniors, this year seems promising. The Big Red got off to a hot start in their season opener against Worcester Academy. The shutout performance of the SPS defense was led by cornerback Cris Ramirez ‘24 who made a clutch punt block on the Worcester 10-yard line, which quickly led to a Mike Seward ‘25 touchdown. The Big Red offense was led by the experience of returning players including quarterback Daniel Sullivan
'24, running backs Carson Daniel '25, Mike Seward '25, and wide receivers Teigan Pelletier '25, Landon Clark '25 and Conley Bohan '24. This experience was supplemented by the impressive performances of newcomers Theo Schneible '26, Kai Rigdon '25 and Charlie Taylor '25 in their St. Paul’s debut. "It was a good first game where we limited penalties, played great defense, and put up a decent amount of points on the board,” says Sullivan. With their eyes set on another bowl game this season, SPS football looks forward to their upcoming regular season matchup against Lakes Region opponent Proctor Academy on Oct. 27, the team’s designated night game. Historically, these games are high-energy and bring a lot of momentum to the team, so be sure to set your calendars and get ready to cheer on The Big Red this October.
Written by Sam Bentley '24 // Graphic by Cole Hamilton '24