The Pelican Vol. LXXII, No. 9
St. Paul's School
February 13, 2024
OPINION:
THANK YOU, MRS. GILES A Perfect Monday Morning The Editors
Luna Huang '26 at the open dress rehearsal of "Songs of Innocence" performance // Photo courtesy of Michael Seamans
ROSE SALE UPDATES An SPS Favorite Valentine's Season Tradition Chiza Ilozor '27 The Rose Sale is an annual event that the International Society holds to not only fund their chosen nonprofit of 25 years, Doctors Without Borders, but to also spread love and strengthen our community here at St. Paul’s School. Doctors Without Borders offers assistance to people who need medical attention all across the world. They help both those displaced by conflict and people who have suffered through natural and human disasters, as well as those who have been excluded from getting the care they need previously. The organization also treats an array of medical conditions including but not limited to malnutrition and antibiotic resistance. All the money made from rose sales here at SPS will be sent to Doctors Without Borders. Each year, students have the opportuContinued on Page 2
SONGS OF INNOCENCE DEBUTS IN CHAPEL Edie Jones '24 On Jan. 26, the first performance of “Songs of Innocence” took place in the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul. The hour-long musical work, composed and conducted by Director of Chapel Music Nicholas White, consisted of William Blake’s nineteen poems, “Songs of Innocence,” set to music. The performance featured the Chapel Choir, guest musicians and the Ballet Company, and was White’s second major musical work to be performed in the Chapel alongside the Ballet Company. “The Fire and the Rose” was performed in 2021, and its success laid the groundwork for another collaboration. This performance drew an audience from the St. Paul’s community as well as from the wider Concord community. The timeline of creating “Songs of Innocence” was closely intertwined with the timeline of “The Fire and the Rose.” White says he composed both pieces during 2020 and 2021. In summer 2020, White says he “got a creative burst of energy to do some
composition.” Putting the poetry to music, he says, came naturally to him. “Blake’s poetry is very musical. Each one of these poems is very song-like and innocent, so it was easy to come up with a musical idea for each one. The poems were already lyrics, in a sense.” One of the challenges for White was making each song a reasonable length and to achieve balance throughout the piece. “You have to think about your audience,” he says. “For me, I don’t create the music and say, ‘This is what I’ve created, now listen to it.’ I think as I’m creating it, ‘what would pique my interest?’” White recorded the finished work in summer 2021 with an eleven-person group, but there were no performances at the time due to COVID restrictions. In the years between that recording and the first performance, White only made minor changes, namely the addition of the choir. “I don’t think I lost enthusiasm for the piece at all. It Continued on Page 9
Picture a scene: after a raucous week filled with sports, academic struggles, and the general cacophony of everyday teenage life, you arrive at Saturday. The end of the week. The final hill to climb before a glorious Sunday off. For the St. Paul’s student, Saturday usually brings the euphoric feeling of momentary respite: an island amid the dark and stormy ocean that can be Winter Term. But this particular Saturday is one filled with a sense of foreboding. Maybe a math test looms. Maybe A block, when you’re normally still adjusting to the real world after rising from a deep slumber, harbors the Humanities presentation you’ve been working on all week. And to cap it all off, maybe your team has an away game at Deerfield. 3 hours each way. Bus. Goodbye, Saturday. The ball from Saturday rolls into Sunday, and Sunday turns into the Sisyphean rolling of the ball back up the mountain to prepare for Monday. The much-desired and fabled day of relaxation is filled with the relentless jotting of notes, drawing of molecules, reading of textbooks, and the completion of several trigonometric identity proofs (1-28 odd, to be exact) superset with endless rounds of Quizlet Write to prepare for your Monday morning language quiz. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, with two classes' worth of work still to do for Monday, you concede temporary defeat to the monolithic mass of notes and textbooks. You sit behind a palisade of papers, encircling you and depriving you of feelings of fulfillment and happiness, while distraught on the floor of your dorm’s study pod. Unfortunately for your school work, Feb. 11 also hosts the nation’s most popular annual sporting event: the Super Bowl. But as you watch the young-gun Brock Purdy and the 49ers attempt to take down the established veteran Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, you can’t escape the deep-seated sense of foreboding surrounding your remaining work. The dread grows with each passing minute, and you can’t help but subtract those minutes from your sleep in your mind. The nauseating realization that you’ll Continued on Page 5
The Pelican
Feburary 13, 2024
P.2
News SPS STUDENT SCIENCE PUBLICATION DEBUTS Elle Ruminski '26
St. Paul’s School is home to a plethora of information outlets, from general school news featured on our distinguished newspaper, The Pelican, to literary and creative student works by SPS students on The Horae and even an SPS student political opinion platform, The Partisan. Until this year, there has been no platform dedicated for community members to share their passions about STEM while also learning about the interests and research of others. This is why my roommate, Aedyn Kourakos ‘26, and I were inspired to start The Scire. The Scire is entirely online, and our writers and leadership team are comprised of SPS students. We founded The Scire to create a platform that encourages curiosity by presenting our articles in an engaging and informative manner. We agreed that while learning about scientific discoveries is fascinating, often they are confusing and complex, and we honestly don’t have time to research here at SPS. Our goal is to eliminate these factors so that anyone in our community can learn and read more about challenging scientific
topics with ease. Engagement and concision are our number one priorities, so that we may deliver the best articles for our community. Our upcoming website is split into three categories: Science at SPS, Special Features, and Beyond SPS. With the Beyond SPS section, topics include a range of differing ideas about current scientific events and discoveries outside of our Millville bubble. But our other two sections are designated to showcase science here at school: Science at SPS and Special Features. We seek to celebrate student work, provide information about certain classes and courses, feature teachers, talk about science clubs on campus, and so much more! Furthermore, we aim to answer many STEM-oriented questions or confusion here at SPS with insightful and informative articles. You might be asking yourself: When can I start reading? The website will be up and running very soon! Like any publication or newspaper on campus, we rely on the ideas and writing of SPS students. Anyone is welcome to write for The Scire and we encourage all ideas. If you are interested, reach out to either Aedyn or me via email. Happy reading, and I hope you all are as excited as we are to learn more about many different facets of science both within and outside of our community.
VALENTINE'S DAY ADVICE Char Machiels '25 As Valentine’s Day approaches, we solicated some love advice. During our fifth form feed, I was lucky enough to find myself seated with Brooks Fisher ‘25, Ethan Downey Lamprey ‘25 (more commonly known as EDL) and Henry Sloss ‘25 who were, to say the least, flattered to be the subjects of this article. Starting off strong, Fisher gave me his most effective tip: to “mew.” This method of clenching your jaw to achieve a more chiseled appearance elicited enthusiastic responses from the group; EDL seemed especially excited at the mention of “mewing.” In fact, when I attempted to ask EDL for some advice, he looked at me, “mewed,” laughed, and confidently said, “your special someone will instantly fall in love.” Sloss takes a different approach, arguing that the best way to win a girl over is to “flex
on ‘em,” also known as dressing to impress. Fisher argues that wearing a similar version of the same outfit every day is best. His philosophy of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is displayed through his signature army green Barbour jacket, which he doesn’t go a day without. I continued my quest at the Lunar New Year celebration. Treva Murphy '25, Andew Manneggia '25 and Nate Roachford '25 all seem to agree that it’s really the little things. Roachford takes the “little things” saying to the extreme and simply advises to “smile!” Continuing on this positive note, Teddy Madara '25 leaves us with a short yet sweet piece of advice: “be nice and willing to talk things through.” These "rizz" methods seem foolproof, and I’m sure there's more where they came from. You never know; this might be your most successful Valentine’s Day, thanks to these invaluable pieces of advice.
ROSE SALE UPDATES Continued from Page 1
Chiza Ilozor '27
nity to buy a rose for a friend or someone they care about to make their day on Valentine’s Day. It’s a simple act that will add happiness to Winter Term, and it supports an excellent cause. “The Rose Sale is the International Society’s biggest event for Winter Term each year,” said Nathan Rosenzweig ‘24, Head of the International Society. The International Society has already finalized about 20 rose orders since their Chapel announcement, and the numbers are still growing. The goal is to break the school record of roses sold this year while concurrently making the world a better place. The Society is encouraging ev-
eryone to participate and buy a rose, not only to keep morale up during the slushfilled and gloomy days of Winter Term, but to also make the world healthier and happier.
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
DORM KITCHEN COOKING
HEART-SHAPED PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE Parker Hanson '25 Valentine's day is a day dedicated to showing your love to that special someone, and what better way to do that than through the universal love language: food! There are thousands of good recipes you could whip up, but this silky smooth sauce, based on Pasta Alla Vodka, impresses everyone and leaves people going back for seconds. Ingredients: 1 bag rigatoni or heart shaped pasta if found!! 1 medium shallot, diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 4.5 oz tube of tomato paste ¾ cup heavy cream ¼-½ cup pasta water to add later ¼ cup parmesan burrata - for topping (optional) basil - for topping (optional) Instructions: Step 1: Fill a pot two thirds of the way full with water and turn to medium heat to all the water to boil. Add kosher salt to the water to help speed up the boiling process. Step 2: Peel and dice one medium shallot and peel and mince garlic 3 garlic cloves Step 3: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a dutch oven (or any pot big enough will do) and allow to heat up. Then add in the
shallot letting them sweat in the oil until they begin to brown. At the end add garlic watching closely to ensure it does not burn. Step 4: Add in tomato paste, stir, and then let sit until the bottom of the pan starts to brown. Step 5: Temper your heavy cream by adding ¼ cup of the boiling water to a measuring glass followed by your cream and then transfer the contents of the measuring glass to the sauce pot. Continue everything together. Step 6: Add in pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook 1 minute less than according to instructions on the bag. A minute or two before the timer goes off, set aside a cup of pasta water in heat-proof measuring glass. Step 7: Add half the pasta water set aside to sauce and mix in. Step 8: Transfer the al dente pasta into the pot using a slotted spoon allowing some of the excess pasta water to piggyback into the sauce. Stir to coat all pasta evenly with sauce. Add in remaining pasta (minus two tablespoons) sauce or until the sauce appears almost glossy. Step 9: Finish by mixing in parmesan until melted and the last few drops of pasta water. Step 10: Serve and top with more parmesan or burrata and basil if desired.
February 13, 2024
The Pelican
P. 3
Student Life LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
PELICAN MASTHEAD
Dear reader, Is it just us, or is love in the air? It seemed that as soon as everyone hopped off the fleet of Concord Coaches after the long weekend, there was a sudden increase in warmth on campus. Maybe it’s just the rose sale reminding everyone that it’s officially Valentine’s Day season on campus, or maybe the three-day reset really allowed everyone to set their priorities straight. Thus, we feel our Pelican duty is to give our community what it needs: even more LOVE with this Valentine’s Day issue. So rather than thinking of February as one of the darkest, coldest, and BLEAKEST months of the year, let’s make it brighter by filling our community with random acts of kindness. While we recognize that this holiday can serve as a rude awakening to some – bringing up all kinds of good and bad emotions – let’s remind ourselves that you don’t need to be in a happy and perfect relationship to celebrate. Let’s try to use this time as an opportunity to go the extra mile for the different people who fill our lives. At SPS, one can partake in many types of love: friends, strangers, yourself, and maybe a special someone… Sometimes, the most memorable interactions are the ones with people we barely know: waiting to hold the door even though you probably could have let it close, helping someone work the printer (SPS Print seems to fail at the worst times), handing someone a plate in line at the upper. Don’t forget the importance of gratitude with the other relationships in your life. That being said, never forget to dedicate time to loving and caring for yourself and YOUR needs. Spend a Sunday in and watch the latest TV show you’ve been meaning to catch up on or go for a long walk on an afternoon free to destress. Essentially, what we’re trying to say is that celebrating Valentine’s Day is not restricted to romantic love but includes all types of love. So, there is no need to feel blue, because February offers a great excuse to do all sorts of fun things and nice things you would not normally do. Embark on a PALentine’s gift swap, watch a rom-com, or cook a fun and festive meal. All of the details of these activities lie within the pages of this issue!
EDITORS IN CHIEF
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
Annabella Bernhardt '24 Nausicaa Chu ‘26 Will Ekstrand ‘24 Eden Knight '24 Kelly Sung ‘25 Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
NEWS EDITOR
Lulu Mangriotis ‘25
EARLY IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S MORNING DATES IN CONCORD STUDYING AT Tattie Gibbs '24 As Valentine’s Day approaches and cou- A proper sit-down meal is in the works, but it THE UPPER ples are eager to embrace the romantic holi- still requires a casual vibe. A great option Alexi Mangriotis '27 Recently, there has been an influx of early-morning students devoted to their studies in the Upper Dining Hall. Many of you may know the Upper as the fancy dining area for morning study. Initially coming in this fall, I thought the Upper was for more formal dining and reserved for upperformers. After my sister dismantled this misconception, I was immediately grateful for the opportunity to eat in this unique part of the dining hall. As I came to learn the truth about the early risers’ version of the Library, I thought I would try it out a couple of times. Waking up early was the tricky part, but I quickly learned why it’s so popular. There are three main reasons why studying in the Upper Upper is such a hit: 1. Its excellent, quiet working enviContinued on Page 9
day, many people might wonder where they can take their special someone on a date in the one-of-a-kind capital of New Hampshire: Concord. Concord is home to unique restaurants and date night activities. There are four tiers of dates ranging from fun daytime excursions to evening candlelit dining. The first tier is aptly called the ‘casual situationship,’ where minimal effort and involvement are recommended. A good idea would be a stroll around Concord, visiting all the main attractions such as the State House and the fabulous Works cafe. The second tier marks the beginning of dating, where you are uncertain whether you qualify for a Valentine's meal, so you decide to settle on a nice romantic movie at the Regal Movie Theater or the Red River Movie Theatre on Main Street. The third tier is perfect for any couple with a few months of dating under their belt.
could be a Valentine’s Day brunch at Tucker’s; this can be a special brunch featuring you and your significant other's favorite brunch foods and maybe a stop at the Granite State Candy Shoppe on the way back to campus to pick out some heart-shaped lollipops or a pack of candy hearts. The fourth and final tier is for the longer relationship or those who just can't get enough of their special someone. These couples require a sit-down dinner at the one and only Barley House Restaurant and Tavern. This slice of heaven is located in the heart of Concord and is home to some of the best music and food in the state. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic conversation at a booth table, the entrees are the perfect share size, and the Fudgy Brownie A La Mode is the best end to a perfect Valentine’s Day meal. Ultimately, it is not where you are or what you eat but the people you spend Valentine's Day with that matters.
OPINIONS EDITOR
Parker Hanson '25 STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
Henry Dennis ‘24 SPORTS EDITOR
Emerson Bentley '25 PHOTO EDITORS
Temi Johnson ‘24 Vin Chutijirawong '25 MEDIA EDITORS
Declan Schweizer ‘24 Henry Wilson ‘26 LAY O U T T EAM
Elle Ruminski '26 Aedyn Kourakos '26
February 13, 2024
The Pelican
P.4
Student Life ALL ABOUT THE FANCY SPS CHINA Kelly Sung '25 When the Flik staff set out the custom St. Paul’s School china, we associate the action with a special occasion. Whether that occasion is a Seated Meal, the holiday feast, or some other fancy event, we are not accustomed to seeing the SPS china on a regular basis. The everyday dishware is red or white and does not have our school name on them. Students might be surprised to know that up until only four years ago, the fancy china was used for every Upper meal. Luke Bates, who has worked at the Upper for over twenty years now, says that two
"I think if we used the china for every meal, that would make the food taste better" main factors that prompted this switch: cost efficiency and breakage. “Since the dishes are very fragile, one drop can cause them to break,” he says. “Too many dishes were being broken, so we needed a change. The dishes we have now not only break less, but also they are much cheaper in cost.” According to Danika Burke, another Flik staff member, the particular type of plastic that the plates we see everyday are made of a material called melamine, which is known for its durability and affordability. Students’ opinions on the everyday dishware differ. “SPS china is much prettier than the plastic dishes we have now, and I think that is one of the reasons why seated meal food is always so much more appetizing,” says Jayden Choi ‘24. “I think if we used the china for every meal, that would make the food taste better, and I would go to the upper more often as a result.” Others enjoy the occasional elegance that SPS china can bring about to spruce up a special meal. “Though it is definitely true that the china looks a lot more elegant and is more visually appealing to plate my food,” says Calla Yim ‘25, “I think if we used these plates on a daily basis, then that would make me overlook their elegance because I would become too normalized to those plates.”
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
DR. SETH COHEN Seth Cohen
Note from the Editors: The Pelican asked Science Teacher Seth Cohen to write a letter to his high school self reflecting on love, in honor of the Valentine’s Day Issue. This is an ongoing column: nominate faculty you would like to write a letter!
Dear High School Seth, You’re out of middle school, which kind of sucked. But don’t worry, you’re about to find your people. And you will find love. Well, maybe not love, exactly, but you’ll find great friends, great girlfriends, and great people who are something in between. Stick with your crowd. They’ll think you’re cool in your own way, so don’t worry about the others. Remember that girl you met at a bar mitzvah (See? Your crowd!) that, for some reason, you’ve stayed in touch with? Or
the girl with the same name who you’ll meet doing musical theater (See? Your crowd again!)? Both are kind and share your interests, so when you feel yourself falling, go for it! They like you back. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t last. You feel high school slipping away, and you want to spend as much time with the friends you’re sad to leave. And this will be the right decision for you. But you work hard to stay friends. I mean, you had a connection with them for a reason, right? In a couple of years, you’ll fall for a Jewish-and-musical-theater-loving (definitely your crowd) girl who will not like you back. Well, she’ll like you fine. But not like-like. You even go to prom, but she never feels more than friendship. Oh well. Stay friends. Of course, stay friends.
High School Dr. Cohen Photo Courtesy of Seth Cohen
Happy Valentine’s Day, High School Seth, from 24 years in the future. For all the happiness and sadness you’ll feel because of love, you won’t regret any of it. It’ll lead you to – well, I won’t spoil it.
WIKIHOW TO FALL IN LOVE AT SPS Lulu Mangriotis '25 and Kevin Wu '25 We, the writers, are faithfully following in the footsteps of Matthew Letourneau ‘23 and Lidia Zur Mulen ‘24 to bring you this year’s edition of “Wikihow to Fall in Love at SPS.” At St. Paul’s, juggling homework, sports, and endless activities can make finding love feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, because we’ve got your back with this guide on how to weave a bit of romance into your St. Paul’s story. Step One: Let's talk about finding THE ONE. There are so many places on campus to find the love of your life, but we recommend a special location: Ohrstrom Library. There, you can strike up conversations about your favorite subjects, gossip about your favorite teachers, or give a knowing smile over that mind-bending math problem. And don't just stick to your friend group; expand your circle in the big, communal room! Look around the room… see anyone who has a shining aura? A golden glow? It is time to step up to the plate and deliver: start talking! Here’s a line to start: “Whatcha workin’ on?” Works every time! Step Two: Once you have created a special bond over your “favorite” subjects, it’s time to take things to the next level. And before you ask, no — walking up to them and professing your love in a public space is not what we
were going for… Perhaps take a stroll! Nature is beautiful, just like your budding relationship. Another tip, take things slowly at first! As Shrek once said, “[People] are like onions.” Gradually deepen your conversations until you can fully recite their entire life story! Step Three: Now that you have fallen in love with your soulmate, it's time to decide whether or not make it everyone else’s business. We’re not the ones to tell you whether to hard launch or soft launch, but one of the two is crucial to Step Three. A hard launch would look like dinner together in the Middle. A soft launch is more of a breakfast in the Lower moment. A hard launch is an Instagram post of the two of you together. A soft launch is walking to classes together because you just happened to “bump into them” on the paths. In all honesty, it depends on what you’re going for. But just know it’s up to you how much information you give the people.
Step Four: You are now the critically acclaimed Rom Com of SPS relationships, and you just have to keep it smooth sailing: Consistent meals together, befriending their friends (a sometimes-difficult task to accomplish), going to each other's games and performances, taking your relationship past the gates of SPS (during town hours of course). Fast forward to senior spring, and because you’ve taken our advice, we assume that your love has not only grown but blossomed. And the only flower more beautiful than your love is the corsage for Prom. If you’ve made it to Prom, you win. Now the only thing that is left is marriage! People of SPS, we have just brought you an extremely simple yet effective formula for finding the love of your life. It is now up to YOU to take action… We want to see results! With Valentine’s Day approaching, now is your time to shoot your shot. Our methods guarantee 100% success every time… trust! What better time to profess your love than February?!?!
Graphic by Sam Seeley '23
The Pelican
February 13, 2024
P. 5
Student Life STELLA AT SYA
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS ABROAD Stella McNab '25
Residing a whole continent away from home while a birthday passes by is no easy task. One can Facetime family members and chat with friends, but no on-screen connection can attempt to replace the atmosphere of a birthday at home. So, what can mimic the feeling? At SYA France, those celebrating a birthday get a pink card signed with multi-colored names from everyone at school (all 58 of us), wishing the celebrant a happy day of love and excitement. Next, classmates sing to them during the 15-minute break at school, sometimes in French, but usually in English. Finally, they’ll receive a chocolate Kinder egg.
Our little birthday celebration at school might not seem like much, but camaraderie brings us together. We all share the experience of being away from home during our birthdays, so together we attempt to give the celebrant the best day. What I mean to say is that homesickness never disappears. Homesickness for school, for my home in Texas, my dogs, and my little brothers are all factors that play into weekly life here. Luckily, I know 57 other people living through a similar experience. The friendships built while abroad are timeless. Just like at a sleep-away summer camp when I was younger, I grab onto the closest person experiencing the same thing
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
ST. GEORGE'S
Will Longfield '25 (Of The St. George's School) There are a few names that St. Paul’s School students get used to seeing during their time here: Exeter. Andover. Groton. Proctor. New Hampton–– the list goes on. Whether it be through an early-afternoon Outlook email from Ms. Stoddard, through an early-morning chapel announcement courtesy of our Big-Red Athletes, or through other connections, the once-unfamiliar names of our fellow preparatory schools ring a familiar bell by one’s senior year. But one name that St. Paul’s students don’t hear as frequently is St. George’s School. Founded in 1896 by the Reverend John Byron Dimon, St. George’s boasts a storied history. St. George’s and St. Paul’s are similar in more than just name: both are grounded in similar principles, with St. George’s mission geared towards building “a strong, inclusive, intellectual community bound by compassion, honor, and service to others,” sharing common messaging with St. Paul’s’ principles. St. George’s student Will Longfield gave The Pelican an inside look into everyday life at St. George’s. From scheduling to formalities to food, a look inside St. George’s––whose campus is, like St. Paul’s, made postcard-worthy by a familiar-looking chapel in the Gothic style––reveals similarities and differences between the Rhode Island prep school and Millville. Just as many St. Paul’s students trek to the upper for an early breakfast, some St. George’s students follow a similar schedule:
and never let go. I hold them tight and feel the homesickness leave our spirits as if it never existed in the first place. Simultaneously one of the most exciting yet difficult experiences of my life, SYA France has opened a Pandora’s box of new experiences and people I’ll never forget. And, despite a momentary bout of homesickness on my birthday, I know my classmates will welcome me with love, empathy, and utter kindness.
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
THANK YOU, MRS. GILES The Editors
Continued from Page 1
see “Monday” appear on your phone’s clock before you sleep sets in. But still, you watch until halftime. Suddenly, the lights flicker. Familiar voices replace Usher’s buzzing synthesizers. It’s a message, presented by StudCo, and corroborated by the Rector, that Monday is the Rector’s holiday. In a rush of intoxicating glee, Rafinni erupts. Celebration ensues. And all your worries disappear at the prospect of a suddenly-liberated Monday. A day to catch up. A day to relax. A day with friends. A day in Boston. A day of freedom. We hope your Monday off was great. We also really hope it happened.
ROGUE
CATCHING UP ON RECENT POP CULTURE MOMENTS Nel Peter '25 and EJ Johnson '25 Hello, devoted Rogue fans! We’re back! Again! Surprise! We’re gonna start off with some Ins and Outs:
Will Longfield with SPS Alums Josh Merriam '23 and Will Fitzgibbons '22 // Photo courtesy of Will Longfield
“Usually I wake up around 7:45 for breakfast,” wrote Longfield, “and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have Chapel,” which may evoke familiar sentiments for St. Paul’s students. Like St. Paul’s, St. George’s students attend “four to five classes in a day,” apart from Wednesdays and Saturdays, which exchange their curricular programming for interscholastic competition. Despite St. George’s mixed format of day and boarding students, members of forms 3 through 6––St. George’s rare but familiar system of classifying its students––all benefit from “afternoon sports, open gyms all day, and fun activities every Saturday,” according to Longfield. Even with the sometimes-grueling boarding school schedule that boarding school students often come to adapt to, Longfield emphasizes one key sentiment: “It’s a great time.”
Ins Saying "hi" on the paths Wednesday morning Ma Pool swims JV night games Mr. Pacelli I Want Watermelon Jacob Elordi on SNL and in Saltburn The Revs Outs The Pelican (jk!) Biology Learning Goals Heart of Darkness The “It’s three days into college…” song (please stop singing in a British accent) Excessively hating on Taylor Swift Deadlines Three-day “breaks” Now that you’ve digested that, the Grammys! We have some mixed emotions about the 2024 Grammy Awards. Starting with some apt hypocrisy: we did not like Taylor Swift's announcement technique. It was missing a bit of tact, and, girl, this is the Grammys. Miley Cyrus had a clothed performance this year, including some improvisation. She didn’t
Graphic by Kiki Hillery '24
want to leave you, she didn’t wanna cry, but then she remembered mid-song that she won her first Grammy! While we saw a lot of lavish attire at the Grammys, our favorite fits are Pookies. Yes, you heard that right: Pookie of Jett and Pookie. Who are Jett and Pookie? They are probably the most uncanny valley couple you ever see on your TikTok “For You” page. If you don’t know who we’re talking about, we recommend checking out their page for some fit checks, Jett’s questionable southern accent, and some advice on how to marry a girl out of your league just in time for Valentine's Day. If anyone is out there looking to send us a rose, our inboxes are open and ready. Peace & Love, Nel and EJ
The Pelican
February 13, 2024
P. 6
Student Life PALENTINE'S DAY: BRAD COX '24 AND CONLEY BOHAN '24 Helen Berger '24
Conley and Brad in Nicaragua // Photo courtesy of Brad Cox '24
STYLE COLUMN:
JOAQUIM BOCRESION '24 Lidia Zur Muhlen '24 My fourth form Humanities class is one I will never forget, in part because of Ms. Carter’s fantastic teaching. But perhaps of equal importance was the amazing group of people who came together in her classroom. That class was where I met a dear friend of mine, Joaquim Bocresion ‘24, more commonly known as Wocks. Perhaps Wocks stood out because he was a new face on campus, but as the fall progressed that year, I started to notice the outfits and unique pieces he would wear each day. It was no surprise that when Wocks introduced himself, he shared that he was from Brooklyn, NY — he was a city boy. Wocks claims that he had not fully grown into his style in fourth form. He says he still bought most of his clothes with his mother, who works in fashion. Because he got a majority of his style advice from his mother, he says, his style was never truly his own. At St. Paul’s, Wocks was able to find that style by doing a complete “wardrobe makeover.” He found pieces that really spoke to his character. He redid his closet and recalls walking down Rectory Road in fifth form, when Tattie Gibbs ‘24 said, “I like your out-
fit.” With that simple compliment, Wocks realized that he had not only found his sense of style but more importantly, confidence in what he wore. Wocks says his style is constantly changing, and while his overall vibe is “calm city boy,” he is not isolated to a certain mold. With different seasons and moods, he likes to switch it up, wearing “oversized versus fitted, bright colors versus monochrome, but most importantly keeping it fresh and clean.” While Wocks does find pieces of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest from time to time, he says, “I am my own style icon.” There is no one thing he particularly tries to emulate because there are so many pieces and experiences that make up his style. He believes that while accessorizing is important, it’s equally important to “let an outfit speak for itself.” The best accessories are subtle or staples: beads that he puts on his shoe laces or his signature pink St. Barth’s baseball cap. He also believes that certain pieces of clothing can act as an accessory, elevating a look. For example: a bright and flashy pair of sneakers. After experimenting with his style and completely changing it, Wocks believes that
For our next dynamic duo, we have a special pair of best friends as our feature for this PALentine’s Day article: Brad Cox ‘24 and Conley Bohan ‘24. This one-year roommate duo, coming up on their three-year friendiversary, live in the lovely, world-class Middle House. Their friendship first began when they arrived at St. Paul’s as new fourth formers and they have only grown closer since then. Being a new student, especially as a fourth former, can be an intimidating task for anyone, but the two connected instantly. “One of the very first times we hung out,” Bohan says, “we realized we had opposite initials, CB and BC. We knew we were meant to be.” Cox agrees. “We were pretty much inseparable after that.” In fact, not only were their names similar, but the friends shared similar interests, which has only increased the depth and meaning of their bromance. You may see CB/BC walking
to practice together, as they play two of the same sports: hockey and lacrosse. Experiencing wins and losses together has taught the pair how to deal with one another at their bests and their worst. “We get through the highs and lows together.” Cox says. “What could be more bonding than that?” In addition, each roommate is a captain of one of their athletic teams. “It’s nice that we get to work together and each of us gets our time in the spotlight,” Bohan says. “I love watching Brad shine out on the ice, and I feel supported knowing he’s there for me on the lacrosse field.” The pair is a dynamic attack-defense duo in lacrosse, with Cox playing defense while Bohan plays attack. “We’re kinda like fire and ice,” Cox says. When apart, the boys say they miss each other’s company. “He’s more than just my best friend,” Cox says. “He’s my roommate, brother from another mother, and support system.”
it does not take a lot to change up someone’s vibe. Often starting small is the best way to go. Wocks says, “do some research and try out new brands.” Fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression, and the effect of a piece of
clothing can completely change depending on who and how someone wears it. But at the end of the day, Wocks says, “whether you believe it or not, everyone has their thing and staple pieces that get the job done.”
Bocresion in a casual outfit // Photographed by Mikey Williams '25
February 13, 2024
The Pelican
Student Life SPS CROSSWORD PUZZLE Henry Dennis '24
P.7
DATE, 2023
The Pelican
P. 8
Student Life
SPS BUZZFEED QUIZ
Written by Lulu Mangriotis '25 and Gretta White '25 // Graphic by Michaela Hope '24
SNL RECAP: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINTER FORMAL Sarah Ernst '24 On Jan. 27, Friedman Community Center opened its doors to St. Paul’s students dressed in black-tie casino attire. With casino games beginning at 8 pm, students filled the downstairs, playing poker games with professional dealers. While it was rumored that faculty would be accompanying these dealers, this was sadly just a casualty of the SPS rumor chain. Before the dance began, students attended the Rectory open house from 7-9 pm, although many stayed until 9:30, taking photos and eating fantastic food. Despite not as many students attending this pre-dance event last year, this year the Rectory was
filled with laughter and joy throughout the night. SNL hosted a raffle for people who arrived early to the dance. This was not as widely adored as expected, with the raffle not gaining momentum or even knowledge of its existence. Despite the raffle being a bust, students filled the bottom of Friedman when the clock struck 8 pm, hoping to get a seat at one of the coveted eight tables. This dance definitely beat Fall Ball for the best formal attire, as many students remained there until 10:55. Eliza Ekstrand ‘24 called Winter Formal “a good rebound from Fall Ball,” which is a widely agreed-upon decision. The casino aspect is one part of this dance that sets it apart from others.
Winston Fowlkes ‘25 had firm opinions on the casino tables and music. “The tables were a nice added touch, although the music could have been better.” Throughout the night, students remained glued to these tables as they attempted to win the most fake currency before their check times. Beginning at 9 pm, students slowly migrated onto the dance floor. With the great music requested by students who arrived early, the dance was off to a great start! Along with the good music was the fantastic food. With Mr. Bohan manning the sparkling apple cider station, students could avoid being parched, allowing them to continue dancing the night away. The staple of the night was the chocolate fountain. With milk chocolate, marshmallows, pretzels, and pineapple, students were elated to have many options. On the other hand, some students did not know about the food at the dance. “I
didn’t even know there was a chocolate fountain,” says Fowlkes. So, while snacks were great, they must have been hidden in plain sight. As with any St. Paul’s dance, nothing is perfect, although this dance comes close to being the best one yet. Are we excited for Valentine's Day arriving soon? Will we have a Valentine’s Day dance? A bash? A pink bash? Only time will tell, although the standard of winter term is set high from this formal.
Graphic by Ava Price '24
The Pelican
DATE 2023
P. 9
Student Life
ARCHIVES CORNER
MANVILLE HOUSE
EARLY MORNING STUDYING AT THE UPPER Continued from Page 3
Photo Courtesy of the SPS Archives
Cole Hamilton '24 Manville House, whose construction began in 1926, is one of four quad dorms constructed alongside the new power plant. Pioneering the use of the term "house" for student living at SPS, these dorms were ini-
tially designed to house thirty single rooms but were later modified to accommodate doubles. Together with the power plant and the creation of Dunbarton Road, they began the opening of the new section of campus that now houses Warren, the AFC, and many other buildings.
SONGS OF INNOCENCE DEBUTS IN CHAPEL Edie Jones '24 Continued from Page 1
sat dormant for probably a year after we recorded it,” White says. “Sometimes it’s nice for pieces to sit for a while and then be resurrected.” As for the choreography, after the success of “The Fire and the Rose,” White expressed an interest in collaborating with the Ballet Company again. “I think it’s wonderful to bring the energy of the dance into the sound,” he says. Cristina Baron ‘25 choreographed a ballet routine for ten members of the Ballet Company to accompany songs that she selected for the performance. Though she says she was initially intimidated by the opportunity, as she had never choreographed anything before, she ultimately found the process very rewarding. “It was an unreal experience, having something that I had made being performed to such beautiful music by professional musicians.”
Baron explains how the limitations of Chapel, including the hard tile floors and the narrow aisle, forced her to be more creative with her choreography. “I couldn’t have the dancers jump or do lifts or travel a lot, so I played a lot with the formations and the musicality. I had very intricate patterns of couples moving around each other and lines weaving through each other so that it was stimulating to the audience even though the steps themselves were simpler.” Baron’s choreography was a success. “Cristina is so musical, so the choreography was stunning,” says Luna Huang ‘26. The dancers’ rehearsal timeline was challenging. The piece was introduced in December, and dancers then experienced multiple interruptions, such as the winter break or the arrival of a guest choreographer. Nevertheless, everyone involved in the performance agrees that “Songs of Innocence” was a fulfilling and wonderful experience.
Alexi Mangriotis '27
ronment, 2. It provides easy access to a delicious breakfast, and 3. It’s an early riser’s heaven. The Upper is a great working environment because it is reliably quiet compared to the other eating areas. I observed nearly everyone wore headphones to absolutely lock in on their work. My favorite meal served at the dining hall is breakfast. The omelet bar is a breakfast staple, and it often sports a long line if you don’t go early to breakfast. Getting to breakfast is difficult, but when you finish your work at the Upper, you hit two birds with one stone. Even if you aren’t a morning person, waking up early jumps starts a productive day. Instead of staying up late doing your work, waking up early prioritizes your sleep and eliminates nighttime distractions that steer you away from working. As the population of the Upper continues to steadily increase, is there a danger of
overpopulation? I think not. Even on high tides in the morning, the room is far from its full capacity. I believe that the Upper’s population will remain steady because the Upper competes with late-night Library students. And even though it's a great working space, early-morning studiers are different beasts.
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
WHAT'S IN THE WATER?
WHY I WRESTLE
Jack Bretl '24
Mason Deas’s Chapel talk inspired me to write about something that I do that pushes me out of my comfort zone. So, why do I wrestle, and how is it a perfect opportunity for me to do something that makes me uncomfortable? Wrestling is a grind; I push my body to its absolute aerobic limit, and I do this after a full day of class. Five classes and ninety minutes of wrestling is a challenging combination, but it forces me to stay focused. I see the work I put into wrestling not only in the gym but also in other facets of my life. Wrestling has helped me to improve my attention to detail and work ethic. Learning and mastering certain moves takes a while; just like any academic subject, it builds on itself. But the hardest part about wrestling is the matches. I become so worried that all the mental and physical work I put myself through during a week of practice will escape me when I step on the mat. I used to have a lot of difficulty dealing with emotions, but this year I have moved on from that. During our last match, I went out and finally felt calm. Maybe it was because of the smile my
dad shot me before I went out there or the firm slap on the back from my teammate Cam, but I like to think it was something I did myself. Having stepped into that place of such genuine discomfort so many times has finally paid off, and I’m no longer that uncomfortable. I’m not at the point where I look forward to it, but I am now at the point where I can walk out there with enough confidence that I can remember my fundamentals and execute. The point here is that Mason is right. Stepping out of your comfort zone and doing that thing that scares you is scary, but if you do it again and again, you will grow. Challenging myself and choosing to do hard things has forced me to take more risks, and eventually, I know I will be bigger than my greatest fears. So step out of your comfort zone at some point soon, test yourself, and see what you are capable of.
Graphic by Julia Koeman '25
The Pelican
February 13, 2024
P.10
A rts THEATER COLUMN
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE ONE-ACTS Andrew Choi '25 As the curtains rise on the much-anticipated Student-Directed Winter One-Acts at St. Paul's School, we will introduce the five unique productions that students of Millville have been working on throughout the winter term. On Feb. 16 and 17, New Space Theater will transform into a vibrant showcase of the creativity and passion of our student directors: Cole Edwards ‘24, John Sanfilippo ‘25, Sofia Pace ‘24, Blue Han ‘24, and myself, Andrew Choi. At the end of the fall term, Fifth and Sixth formers interested in being a director or playwright for the Winter One-Acts were asked to apply. Out of many applicants, five directors and four playwrights were selected. Here is a no-spoiler overview of the five excellent and unique plays featured in this year’s Student-Directed Winter One-Acts. Pace stands out as the only director of a non-student-written play: “All American Girls,” written by J.C. Svec. The play is set during the emergence of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), the first professional baseball league for women in the 1940s. Pace notes that “the play explores themes of gender equality, societal expectations, and the resilience of individuals striving to pursue their passion and talent de-
spite facing cultural norms.” Sanfilippo is directing the play by Yeneisy Morocho ‘25 titled “Love is a Battlefield.” Sanfilippo describes the play as “a comedic yet human play that speaks to the immense pressure to live up to others' expectations. It depicts how it is almost impossible to mold yourself to the desires of everyone, and trying to do so, could lead you down an angry and tireless path. We see the two girls force themselves into love. A position that causes immediate anger and resentment towards one another.” Gabby Purvis ‘24 returns as a playwright from last year’s Winter One-Acts as Han directs Purvis’s second play featured at SPS Winter One-Acts: “In the Crowd.” Han says, "The play is a heartwarming narrative about two people who meet, get off to a rocky start, but ultimately find understanding in each other. Although they come from different backgrounds and have stories, they’re both struggling with the same thing—trying to escape from the path their parents forced on them.” The final director-playwright duo is none other than Edwards and me. Edwards directs the play I wrote, “Evil Good,” a comedic and melodramatic play that revolves around a high school student grappling with the conflicting demands of college and familial expectations. The protagonist, Jonna, is accompanied by an evil and a good con-
science, reflecting Jonna's inner turmoil. As clashing ideologies within Jonna unfold during a challenging day in high school, the play delves into the complexity of our thoughts and reasoning when faced with situations that challenge our morals and desires. I am directing Edwards’ deathly comical play “Caught in the Act,” which aims to entangle and tackle different elements of human life and relationships with a comedic twist. As both a robbery and an affair are “caught in the act,” the situation, status, and relationship experience a sudden shift. Kevin Wu ‘25, cast in “Caught in the Act,” says: “It’s lit. It’s fire. Come check it out.” Directing is a tremendous commitment, and the directors are given great responsibility over their shows as they keep their attention on the big picture of the play while paying attention to the smallest details. Under the guidance of the Theater Director Kirsten McKinney, Theatre Teaching Fellow Chloe Otterson, Technical Theater Director Hayden Eric, and Mason Deas ‘24, who is this year's production manager, the student directors have leverage over most aspects of their production from casting and rehearsals to staging, props, costumes, and even the pre-show music. The Winter One-Acts are a collaborative process incorporating stage managers and actors, as well as Sophia Zhang ‘27, the set designer; Fleur Caryl-Klika ‘25, the costume
designer; and Dagny Bischoff ‘26, the sound designer. This annual showcase is no doubt a community favorite. One major difference that sets this event apart from other plays showcased at SPS is that students who play a sport during the winter term can participate in the One-Acts. For the past years, Winter One-Acts have been an opportunity for the SPS community to see faces on stage for the first time. This year’s One-Acts seem to be no different from the preceding years. Diego Davalos ‘24 says he is thrilled and nervous to make his SPS debut as an actor “Well, I never thought I’d find myself in this position,” he says. “With no prior experience, I was definitely nervous. But now, with more time with the cast and director, I am very excited about the final product.” The Student-Directed One-Acts are more than just performances; they celebrate artistic expression, resilience, and the spirit of exploration. The directors, playwrights, crew, and their dedicated casts invite the St. Paul's community to join them on this exhilarating journey. So, mark your calendars, reserve your seats, and prepare to be immersed in an evening of captivating stories and unparalleled talent. The stage is set, and the actors are ready, hopefully—let the dramatic spectacle begin!
SPS COMIC Luke Wolfram '27
Edwards hard at work with his cast during rehearsals for "Evil Good" // Photo courtesy of Araceli Basaldua '24
The Pelican
February 13, 2024
P. 11
Sports TEAM HIGHLIGHT: SPS WRESTLING Theo Christoffersen '26 The wrestling team is 17-5 so far this season. On the heels of a strong 2022-23 season, the team is looking to improve and build on their momentum. “We’ve been on an upward trend; we’ve been improving a lot for the past three years,” says Jack Bretl ‘24. “I look forward to being able to celebrate such an amazing season because of all we’ve achieved. Everyone rallies around each other to work hard, we all push the pace in the room.” This year, the team has a more sustainable and bigger roster. “This year is definitely more fun with all the new wrestlers in the room, and it’s also going better because we can fill the lineup,” explains High. “Last year, we had a lot of holes in our lineup, so we would have to forfeit a ton of weight classes.” In wrestling, there is one varsity wrestler
for each weight class, and they can win a maximum of six points, but if there is no one in that weight class, the team automatically loses those six points. With this larger roster, no weight category becomes an automatic forfeit. The team’s record represents that advantage, often with very big win margins. All season, wrestling meets leading up to the Class A NEPSAC tournament. With a strong performance there, the team hopes to attend Nationals. The team has produced incredible wrestlers, including Lily Fitzpatrick ‘25 who was named an All-American last season. Much of the team looks like they will have a chance to compete. “We just want to close out the season strong as a team and bring as many people down to compete at prep nationals as possible,” says High.
TEAM HIGHLIGHT: VARSITY ALPINE SKI TEAM Cami Bell '24 When you think of winter at SPS, what comes to mind? Maybe images of an iconic Wilson basketball swishing its way through a hoop in the AFC as SPS basketball scores a game-winner. Perchance, a hockey puck whizzing its way into the back of the net on Ingalls or Gordon rink as SPS Hockey wins in overtime. But beyond St. Paul’s campus, a pair of our teams have quietly put together fantastic seasons of their own: On Jan. 31, the Boys Varsity Alpine team made a strong showing at Gunstock in what marked one of their first races of the season. In their following race, they made a comeback at a Lakes Region race, winning the gold. The reigning NEPSAC Class A champions now set their sights on the rest of the sea-
son, hopefully culminating in an eventual repeat of last year’s success and marking three consecutive championships. Beyond accolades, members of the Alpine team remark on the team’s unique culture. Brewster Smyers ‘24 cites the culture as a major reason for the team’s success: “The people on the team are great, and we all support each other.” Andrew Maneggia ‘25 gave more insight into Boys Alpine’s culture: “The team is filled with a lot of competitive athletes that want to win, and that’s why I love being a part of the program here.” The Girls Varsity team is also looking forward to this year’s NEPSAC tournament and has led a very successful season so far, taking second in their most recent race and first in the previous race. Kiki Hillery ‘24 says that “the season has been a lot of fun” and that Girls Alpine is excited to have a lot of snow. In the first weeks during Winterim, the lack of snow led to a lot of indoor conditioning and training. So, just when you’re about to complain about all the snow on the ground, remember: it is good for our skiers!
DANIELLE DINIZ, VISITING ARTIST, CHOREOGRAPHS NEW PIECE FOR THE SPSBC Grace Guang '27
Mike Seward '25 during a wrestling meet // Photographed by Michael Seamans
Puzzle by Nel Peter '25, Gretta White '25, Rhys Rountree '25 // Graphic by Cole Hamilton '24 Check the correct connections on the Pelican Instagram @pelicansps!
The St. Paul’s Ballet Company recently had the pleasure of working with dancer and choreographer Danielle Diniz as a visiting artist. She grew up and trained in New Jersey, leading her to pursue musical theater professionally while harboring a strong love for all dance styles. Diniz says she finds her inspiration for dance in two forms: the “unabated joy of performing/cheering on other artists,” and music. Diniz recounts her excitement for dance as a child, which now translates to the exhilaration of watching others interpret her work. She says she loves when dancers have their own take and interpretation while inhabiting the same vision. Diniz takes a lot of inspiration from the legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins by “highlighting the technical feats artists have so diligently tried to master while coercing an organic honesty to the intention behind each phrase.”
Music also inspires Diniz, which is a medium through which dancers feel and express themselves.“Something about the beauty of compositions you're drawn to is unparalleled,” she says. “It's an immediate, visceral reaction when I hear a piece of music that I'd like to use for a piece, and I'll probably listen to it a thousand times in the process.” Diniz choreographed an upbeat and story-driven piece for the SPSBC. The piece, set with a Spanish landscape, features a combination of different techniques and styles. The entertaining and heartfelt themes of the piece highlight the tale of four sisters taking a journey while inviting the audience to follow their adventures. Diniz says she had a wonderful experience working in SPS. "The moment I walked in, I was welcomed with a unique warmth and sense of community, liveliness, openness, and professionalism,” she says. The SPSBC will be performing Diniz’s piece in their upcoming Winter Performance.
February 13, 2024
The Pelican
P. 12
Sports TEAM HIGHLIGHT: NORDIC SKI TEAM Nel Peter '25 The SPS girls and boys Nordic teams have been making the most of the little snow on the grounds this season as they build up to NEPSACS later this month. With just three races to go before the big day, the Nordic team hopes to perfect their technique and whip their newcomers into shape to compete. Led by captains Jonny Dase ‘24, Maeve O’Connell ‘24, Edie Jones ‘24 and Becca Barnard ‘24, the Nordic team’s spirits are high as they continue to battle sub-optimal skiing conditions. As one of the up-and-coming teams on campus, girls Nordic has doubled in size from last year. and the skiers say they are continuing to work on their technical skills to hopefully have a much more experienced and competitive season next year. In addition to enforcing strong fundamental skills, the team is also building their team spirit. While waiting for the snow to fall, the team has enjoyed playing sharks and minnows, ultimate frisbee, and yoga ball soccer. “Joining Nordic is like gaining access to a new group of friends; it’s one of the best teams on campus,” says
Eden Knight ‘24, who is new to the team this year. O’Connell says that coaches Scott Betournay, Lucinda Muther, and Eli Durmer have done a “great job creating an inclusive and low-pressure atmosphere.” In Nordic, students say team culture is everything. Practices conclude with cohesive team dinners attended by skiers from both the girls and boys teams across all forms. Bus rides typically include jamming to Barnard’s Spotify mix of classic 2000s pop. Nordic also has two legendary artifacts they commonly use for good luck: a larger-than-life giant fork and spoon pair. O’Connell says the team praises the utensil set: "We eat up the opponents in classiness and by smiling on the racetrack.” Thomas Armstrong '26 describes breakout third former Linus Krenkel as a “beast on the track and in the classroom” and teammates say Krenkel is a standout racer. “Not having a JV and varsity distinction makes the team a great learning environment,” says Krenkel. The SPS Nordic squad is looking forward to their final races of the season, ending with NEPSACS on Feb. 21.
SPS Nordic Ski Team during a race // Photographed by Michael Seamans
Written by Emerson Bentley '25 // Graphic by Cole Hamilton '24