The Wolverine Volume 15 Issue 1

October 2013

Volume XV | Issue 1

The Wolverine

Welcome to the New Wolverine - Page 3

INSIDE

welcome | 3

news | 2-5, 12

lifestyle | 6-9

sports | 10-11

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The Wolverine

Welcome to The Wolverine.

Snapshot: October

Journalism Adviser Ms. Kaitlyn Ranney

Welcome back! Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the near future.

2013-2014 Staff Editors-In-Chief: Travis King, ‘14 Mary Grace Walsh, ‘14 Sports Editor: Victoria Hudson, ‘14 Layout Editor Coleman Hedden, ‘14

today

next week this month

◊ school-wide pep rally at robertson field at 1:00 p.m. ◊ homecoming game vs. king’s ridge at robertson field at 7:30 p.m. ◊ today’s class t-shirt day!

◊ seniors meet with herff jones on monday during advisory ◊ 8th graders visit the upper school on thursday morning ◊ walker health and wellness club meets friday at 3:30 p.m. ◊ fall festival on saturday in muthiah activity center at 12:00 p.m.

Assistant Editors: Annabelle Mathis, ‘14 Alex Brack, ‘15 Reporters: Hensley Babb, ‘14 Claire Harper, ‘14 Nehal Sanghi, ‘14 Honor Stoner, ‘14 Stacey Agadoni, ‘15 Nicholas Gao, ‘15 Connor Sudderth, ‘15 Zach Hamilton, ‘16 Ally Chebuhar, ‘17

◊ red cross blood drive on monday, oct. 28 ◊ band concert in the coca-cola family auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on tuesday, oct. 29 ◊ no school on friday, november 1 for professional development day

the lowdown

This week, Walker has been celebrating Spirit Week, a week of dress-up days, special events, and pep rallies, all leading up to the Homecoming football game and dance. For pictures of this week’s activiAll staff may be reached via email at ties, visit thewalkerschool.smugmug.com. firstname.lastname@twswolverine.com.

--Keep in mind PowerSchool is closed for the first three weeks of the Second Quarter. Additionally, PowerSchool must be Upper School students throw accessed with Internet Explorer or Firefox. flour in the air at the beginning It does not work with the latest version of of the 10/11 football game vs.

Google Chrome.

Fellowship. Photo: Mary Grace --Walsh Prefer to watch instead of read? Keep an eye out for the latest episode of the Walker News Network. For more information The Wolverine offers free adver- about the production, read the article on tising to eligible businesses. For page 5.

--more information, visit TWSWol-

Cover Photo

Advertising

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the school? Walker administrators from all departments post weekly blog entries on the school’s blog, located at thewalkerschool.wordpress.com.

--On Monday, October 28, Walker is hosting its annual Red Cross Blood Drive. For more information or to sign up for various activities supporting the blood drive, check out the Student Service Organization bulletin board next to the Upper School Office.

Interested in having an announcement appear in the lowdown? Email advertising@ twswolverine.com.

verine.com/Advertising.

Community Submissions The Wolverine welcomes submissions from the Walker community, including students, faculty, and staff. For more information, guidelines, and to submit your piece, visit TWSWolverine.com/Community.

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he Wolverine, founded in 1999, is the newspaper of The Walker School. The Wolverine is published seven times during the school year by the members of the student body. Content contained within these pages does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Walker School, its administration, or employees. Copyright authority to the material (articles, graphics, etc.) contained in this publication is strictly held under reserve by the Editorial Board. Any reproduction or alteration without written consent is strictly prohibited. The staff of The Wolverine is comprised of members of the Upper School Journalism Class, led by adviser Kaitlyn Ranney (‘03).

The Wolverine serves as a voice for the Walker Community.

October 2013 3

Welcome to the New Wolverine

by Claire Harper reporter

by Travis King and Mary Grace Walsh editors-in-chief

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s you browse the first issue of Volume XV of The Wolverine, you’ll notice some changes to our layout, as well as a new logo, features, and sections. Over the summer, the Wolverine staff has been hard at work redesigning our look to feel more modern and engaging, and we think you’ll like what we’ve come up with.

Last May, we decided that our paper needed to move in a more futuristic direction: many of you had grown bored with the same old layout issue-afterissue. To begin, we changed our logo. Our new logo still features Walker’s timeless maroon as a background, along with an updated typeface, and helps us project a more current image to go along with Walker’s recent logo redesign. You’ll see the concept of rectangular banners quite often throughout the paper.

Within the paper itself, you’ll notice several new features and sections, including:

Ê Snapshot, which includes a list of important events coming up in the near future. Ê The Lowdown, which showcases brief events that we still think you need to know. Ê Man on the Street, a Wolverine classic that includes your opinions on various subjects. Ê A dedicated Lifestyle section, which includes Dear Daisy, reviews, and mini-reviews. Ê A dedicated Sports section, which features game recaps, score updates, upcoming games and events, sports features, and more.

You’ll also notice that the content

Have feedback about The Wolverine’s new layout?

Send an email to redesign@ twswolverine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Senior Privileges: How Informed are We?

itself looks a bit different. We’ve introduced a new font and color palette which gives us our own unique look and helps separate us from other publications released by the school. The main

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The Wolverine’s redesigned layout is a very exciting change from what we’ve had before”

font used in our logo is Helvetica Neue, headlines are written in Antenna, callouts are in Gotham, and articles are in Palatino.

A new year means much more than just a different look. This year, we want to increase community participation in The Wolverine.

We welcome community submissions, including guest articles, editorials, and advertisements.

For more information, visit TWSWolverine. com/Community or talk to any member of the staff. Remember, it’s your paper and we want your input.

Additionally, a larger staff means we’re able to feature more content online at our website, TWSWolverine.com. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for online-exclusive articles, photos, and polls.

Finally, we’d love to hear your feedback about the new design. Email us at redesign@ twswolverine.com or talk to any staff member. We want to know what you think!

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n order to receive Senior Privileges, such as being able to arrive late and leave early as well as leave during a senior lunch period, a student must be a senior in good academic standing, have less than ten tardies during fourth quarter junior year, and uphold all of these credentials during senior year. Stated in the 2013-2014 Upper School Student Contract (which all students received at the beginning of the school year and signed) under the Attendance section is the sentence: “Regular attendance is expected of all students to remain in good standing.” Good standing not only applies to discipline actions, but also to attendance to school.

Tardies and verified vs. unverified absences are normally where the confusion hits.

“Verified absences” are what students get if they miss a class, but bring in a note stating where they were. These notes can be doctor’s notes, parents’ emails, or even verification from court.

Unverified absences happen if a student misses a class and no one, for example a parent, verifies why the student missed class. Dean of Students Newton McCurdy said, “If your mom calls and confirms you slept in because you were sick it counts as a verified absence to the class, but it counts as a tardy because you don’t have a verified appointment.” That last statement is something most students do not realize, and can cause them to lose their senior Seniors Harrison Coburn (left) and Jacob Hathaway (right) work on homework and enjoy some snacks.

Photo Courtesy of Claire Harper

privileges without realizing why.

The problem is whether or not juniors are informed on the ways in which their Privilegs can be revoked. Senior Harrison Coburn, who had his Privileges revoked, said “I knew I would have my Privileges taken, but I didn’t know the rules with the tardies.” This served as a problem for Coburn because being uninformed of the requirements, he had his Privileges taken first quarter senior year. Coburn said, “I find it unfair that we served all those detentions as juniors to get rid of tardies, but we still didn’t get our Privileges.” He later went on to say he thought detentions being served would in turn serve off tardies and allow a student to

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I find it unfair that we served all these detentions as juniors to get rid of tardies, but we still didn’t get our Privileges.”

get their Privileges.

Privileges can be revoked at any time. This year a new policy states if a student is failing any academic class after six weeks of a quarter they will immediately be placed in a freshman silent study hall and lose all Privileges for an entire quarter. Another way to have Privileges revoked during senior year is if a student receives more than five tardies.

As explained earlier, a tardy not only comes if a student is late to school, but also if they miss a class and do not have a verified note.

Additionally, any disciplinary misconduct will result in the termination of the student’s Privileges for an entire quarter.

Because every year new rules are being put into place about Senior Privileges, students need to stay informed. Before a student realizes, he may be a fourth quarter junior and these rules will apply to him. Staying educated on the rules will help all students keep their Privileges and enjoy those long-awaited senior lunches.

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The Wolverine

Walker Administration: Too Lenient or Too Harsh?

An Editorial

by Mary Grace Walsh editor-in-chief

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t’s easy for us all to sit back and question authority, pick out the flaws in their decisions, and make judgments based off of information we don’t know for fact. I have seen this happen every day; it’s human nature. But I believe we haven’t taken enough time to evaluate the way decisions are made by the administration. Students should be more informed about how these choices are made before they jump to conclusions.

So instead of making those quick judgments, read this before you decide Walker is “too lenient” or “too harsh” on students who have had discipline problems. alker’s Director of Admissions Brad Brown discussed the admissions process and how it is handled at Walker for all students with the Wolverine recently. Prospective students are recommended to visit, and it is required that they take an entrance test, submit a written sample, and turn in transcripts and teacher recommendations.

“We’re really looking at a number of things. We’re looking at interactions while they’re here, academic history, and personal attributes,” said Brown.

For students who are applying for re-enrollment, the process is no different. “It depends on what the student has done between the time they left and when they’ve come back,” Brown said.

“We’re an independent school and we have the liberty to apply common sense, and to really look at each individual case and see what’s good for the school and for the student.” People often do not realize that these decisions are not all opinion-based. The Walker Mission Statement leads all admissions decisions. Brown

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said, “All of the decisions in terms of enrollment and reenrollment are anchored and based in what we believe and what is mission-appropriate.” rincipal of the Upper School Bob Murphy agrees that re-enrollment decisions depend on what is good for both the school community and the student. Murphy said, “There are times in the course of a school’s life when there just needs to be time away. It gives the student and the family time to decide what they’re missing or what they’ve lost, and it gives the school time to determine if the student involved can make a real contribution back to the school community.” he administration tries to be as consistent as possible by keeping a record of decisions from the past. Both Honor Council and Disciplinary Committee keep a log of past cases. Some students may believe that choices made by administration are “personalitydriven,” but that is not the case.

“What people don’t know is that some of our policies were put together several years ago by a parent-student committee. If you were to go look in our handbook at our drug-alcohol policy, that’s not a Bob Murphy policy. That is a recommendation that came out of a parent-student committee,” Murphy said. hen expulsion is concerned, Walker does not strive to merely expel students who have made a mistake. Murphy said, “I think what might frustrate some people is we’re not a onestrike school. I don’t think Mom and Dad would kick you out of the house for making one bad choice.” Murphy knows that when dealing with a large

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student body, there is always differently. It’s always either the going to be someone who school is too lenient, too soft, too harsh. Rarely do we hear, ‘You I think what might did a great job.’” frustrate some people efore you complain about is we’re not a one-strike school. I don’t think Mom a decision that’s been and Dad would kick you made or buy into things out of the house for makyour friends say, take time to ing one bad choice.” learn how the process works. doesn’t agree with the final Complaints do nothing. If you decision. Murphy said, “I’m not are dissatisfied with a decision comfortable being a one-strike that has been made, take time to school. Those are things that sit down with a member of the are usually easier for people to administration to assess this. By buy into when it’s somebody simply talking amongst your else. But if it was you, someone friends, you are adding to the you were close to, or someone rumor mill. We can only improve you would hate to see not be as a school if we are informed of at the school, you would see it our policies and abide by them.

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Interested in having your ad here? Visit TWSWolverine.com/Advertising for more information!

October 2013

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Getting to Know Mr. Ira Dawson

by Zachary Hamilton reporter

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any people know Ira Dawson simply as their math teacher, while in reality he is much more.

He is an important piece in Walker’s puzzle as he holds three positions, Director of Diversity, Assistant Director of Admissions, and Upper School Math Teacher Mr. Dawson really seems to enjoy teaching us,” said sophomore Trey Tumlin. Dawson loves working at Walker because of the sense of community he sees in all three departments. With so many positions to keep up with, his job is already an interesting task, but he says the best part of his day is teaching. “It’s an opportunity to stay connected to the student body,” said Dawson.

Sophomore Anna Ingram said, “Dawson is a great teacher but he also keeps class fun.” Several students were asked how they liked his class and answers ranged from “good” to “definitely the

best class ever.”

Some may know what he does for Walker, but not many people know how he came to his job. Dawson was born in College Park, Ga. Most people know Dawson as the former football coach, but as a young kid he actually started off as a soccer player. As he got taller, he got into basketball in middle school, and eventually he played football. In high school he flourished as a lineman. He did so well he played football in college on a full ride scholarship to Hampton. He then received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Hampton University. After that, he got his master’s degree in Mathematics Education. Dawson ended up as a teacher, but initially wanted to be an actuary, a professional who uses math to assess risks. He went away from that practice after realizing that it would be a very boring job. He

Upper School Math Teacher Ira Dawson teaches one of his many math classes.

went to North Carolina to teach, but eventually came back to Georgia to teach at Walker. He is currently in his second stint at Walker after a year away from the school. Since all of his time is taken up by his new admissions and diversity positions, he no longer has time to help coach the football team. In addition to all he does at Walker, he is also working on a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Kennesaw State. “The best feeling I get is when I see a student I have helped get into Walker strive for success in the community,” said Dawson.

Photo Courtesy of Anna Ingram

Introducing the Film & Video Club

by Alex Brack assistant editor

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he start of the 2013-2014 school year welcomed several new teachers, students, clubs and activities to the Walker community. Among these additions was the Film and Video Club. The Film and Video Club was introduced to the Walker community following

the introduction of the popular Upper School class, Film and Video. Walker AV Specialist, IT Technician and Upper School Film and Video Teacher Richard Gibson sponsors the club.

The Film and Video Club welcomes students who are interested in building their

Seniors Jonathan Hayne (left) and Nissa Johnson (right) anchor the premiere broadcast of the Walker News Network Photo Courtesy of Walker News Network

knowledge of technical literacy through the use of audio and video technology. Like students of the Film and Video class, members of the club will use devices and programs available from Walker to film, edit, and publish movies.

“Film Club was started for those who really are interested in film, and the production aspect of films,” said Hyatt Mamoun. The Film and Video Club’s ultimate purpose is to allow students who have an interest in film production to be able to pursue their interest and build their knowledge on the subject. The Film and Video Club primarily focuses on creating episodes of the Walker News Network, or WNN for short.

The WNN is a student-made news video aimed at delivering information to the student body.

In addition, the Film and Video Club also watches and studies the techniques used in various independent films. Eventually, the

members of the club will use their gained knowledge to create their own films.

As a new addition to the many clubs available at Walker, members of the club must work hard and diligently in order to establish its presence among the Walker community. However, ambitions are lofty. Members have high hopes for the club and are aiming to increase awareness about the WNN among the student body. Even though Mamoun will be attending college next year, she hopes that the club will continue.

In fact Mamoun said, “I really would like Film Club to remain at Walker in the future, and keep WNN going for years to come.”

The Film and Video Club is open to everyone who is interested in the topic. For those who are interested in joining, they are welcome to attend a meeting or speak to Richard Gibson or Hyatt Mamoun.

L: Lifestyle interview: George Weinstein did you become interested in Q:How writing?

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horrible childhood. He would tell these What advice would you give to stories: some funny, some heartbreaking. aspiring high school writers?

They were so good that it fired my writI have always written since age 6. I ing urge. I would go in the other room and That’s the first one. Don’t give up can remember writing plays for my write down all these stories, and after 10 because it is so easy to see the stuffed animals to act out. I had it in my years I had stacks and stacks of notes. criticism on a paper you turn in and it’s so head very early that I wanted to write for The way I came at the book is trying to do easy to take that to heart. Don’t. Just let it a living, but I had very thin skin. The first something different. roll off your back and keep going. You’ref time I got a rejection letter from a pubnot going to win everything, but you have You said that you have a thin skin. to try. Second, read, read, read. The way lisher I said ‘I can’t write, I’m fooling myHow have you learned to deal you become a good writer is to be a great self’ and just kind of gave up. It was a huge mistake. Don’t give up! The first with the criticism? reader. When you’re reading, you’re not time somebody says no, just keep going. reading for entertainment, you’re reading I never have. I still react really badly to learn. You have to ask yourself what Where did you find inspiration for and it bothers me for days. But, the the writer did to make you feel a certain Hardscrabble Road? difference is that I take it, agonize over way, because that’s magic. This is ink on it, but then move on. I’m human. I make paper with characters that we all agree Well, it was from my father-in-law. mistakes. There are many more people are letters, but there is no intrinsic meanMy wife’s father was the best story- in this world who want to tell you what ing. This is all abstract, yet something you teller ever. He told all these stories about you did wrong rather than what you did read can make you laugh or make you cry. growing up desperately poor in South right, and I’ve just come to grips with That’s magic, and that’s something that Georgia. His father was an absolute psy- that. I’ve realized that that’s just people. I inspires me – to make people feel somechopath, and his mother didn’t defend can’t change their minds. I wish I could’ve thing. her children at all against him. On the counseled myself back when I was 14.

George Weinstein is the author of cover of the book, what you see is pretty Just keep writing, keep plugging away.

Hardscrabble Road. He visited Walker much all they owned. I grew up a suburban, middle-class kid, so this was comthis past August to discuss Hardscrabpletely alien to me. It was just a horrible, ble Road as well as his other works.

For more information, visit his website, www.georgeweinstein.com.

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Weinstein’s novel Hardscrabble Road was a summer reading book for many Walker students. The book describes the childhood of Weinstein’s father-in-law who grew up poor in rural South Georgia.

man on the street

What was your worst Halloween costume?

“An egg.”

“A cardboard unicorn.”

“A marshmallow.”

“Jean Simmons.”

- David Babb, ‘16

- Carmeron Vossinas, ‘18

- Trey Robinson, ‘19

- Joe Konieczny, Faculty

October 2013 dear daisy

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Dear Daisy, At the moment I’m having a little trouble at home emphasis on the little. But these “little” occurrences are becoming more frequent and anger driven; it’s honestly starting to get to me. I apologize for my blubbering, Daisy; I do have a question.

How do you deal with emotional stress?

Do you think some kind of mantra might help keep my sanity?

Sincerely, Backwards Bound

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Dear Backwards Bound, I think we all experience times like this when we’re overwhelmed emotionally. You can’t always control what’s going on around you in the world, but you can control the way you look at it and how you react to it. Personally, when something is stressing me out, I try to look at it from different perspectives. Maybe you’re going through a difficult time in your life, but you have to remember that things can only get better. Rather than letting your head constantly turn to negative thoughts, think of the positives in every situation. I know, easier said than done,

mini review: senior lunch destinations

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Pressed Panini Bar

Quick, Easy Lunches

but the more you practice this method, the better you will be at it. Also, take time to do things you really enjoy.

Whether it’s reading, spending time with your family, or just going outside, there’s bound to be something or somewhere you can be calm. I wish you the best of luck.

Want to submit your own question to Daisy? It’s easy! Just visit TWSWolverine.com/Daisy or email daisy@twswolverine.com. Your question will be completely anonymous!

reviews A-

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A+

Red Eyed Mule

Marietta Square

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ocated on the Marietta Square approximately two miles from campus, Pressed Panini Bar opened in June 2013. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and offers hot paninis, salads, and sides. Some choices include spicy cubano, turkey bacon avocado, and caprese melt.

It’s good for groups and generally costs under $10.

This year, seniors are lucky enough to have almost two hours for senior lunch. When free period falls in line with lunch, students have the ability to leave campus and go wherever they choose until 2:20 when their last class starts. Here are three places, close in proximity to campus, that don’t get enough attention for their unique menus and delicious food.

Taqueria Tsunami

1405 Church Street Ext.

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Marietta Square

ell-known for its breakfast and burgers, the Red Eyed Mule is located only 1.4 miles from campus on Church Street. The burgers are cooked to order and range from $3.95 to $6.00.

Plus, they’re served on Texas Toast: could it get any better? Alton Brown featured their Sloppy Slaw Burger as Atlanta’s Favorite Burger on the Food Network. They also serve chipotle wings and chicken clubs. The restaurant is relatively small, so it isn’t good for large groups.

Junior Bradley Filkins said, “I personally love their biscuits in the morning. It’s kind of a small and cozy place but I really like it.”

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lso located on the Marietta Square, this LatinAsian kitchen features salads, tsunami bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and some of the best desserts around (I personally recommend the Sopaipilla.)

It’s a little more expensive than the other choices, but definitely worth it. It’s good for groups and is open for lunch and dinner. Junior Kate Fallon said, “I never thought a barbeque quesadilla would be good, but I was wrong.”

Three of Taqueria Tsunami’s specialty tacos.

Photo courtesy of Taqueria Tsunami

By Mary Grace Walsh

preview: gravity and catching fire

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rriving to theaters October 4, “Gravity,” starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, features the story of a major accident that causes Bullock and Clooney’s characters to drift into the realms of outer space. Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her first ever mission, while Clooney plays the role of an experienced astronaut Matt Kowalsky. Their collective struggle to survive in such extreme conditions only makes up part of the movie’s thrill. Because “Gravity” will be shown in 3D, the visuals of space will truly come to life and enhance the movie’s electrifying scenes.

Shawn Kennerson, who teaches science and math in the Upper School, is looking forward to the movie’s focus on scientific accuracy and handling real-life scenarios.

“As a science teacher, I like anything having to do with natural sciences,” he said. “Gravity” is unique in that it portrays the character’s approach in a realistic way. fter the overwhelming anticipation for the first “Hunger Games” movie released in 2012, fans of both the books and the movie are excited about the sequel coming out on November 22. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will feature cast members

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from the previous movie, including Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson. This adaptation features the suspense of a rebellion that results from the intensity of the first movie’s events. Fans of the books series have high expectations for how the movie portrays the thrilling plot, especially since some consider “Catching Fire” the best book in the trilogy. he big debate expected with this sequel will be whether the first or second movie is better, which some Walker students are already trying to predict. Junior Nicole Cook said, “The first movie

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wasn’t dramatic enough. I think [the sequel] seems like it will be more dramatic.” However, some Walker students, particularly the girls, are more interested in catching a glimpse of the male leads for a second time. An even more widespread argument is the ongoing choice between “Team Peeta” and “Team Gale.” Junior Sarah Condon said, “I’m still team Gale,” but could the new movie change her opinion along with the firm positions of other fans? The school will find out this November when “Catching Fire” will be in theaters.

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By Stacey Agadoni

The Wolverine Artist of the Month: Shannon Keegan 8

by Stacey Agadoni reporter

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n this year’s production of “Grease,” junior Shannon Keegan will play the lead role of Sandy Dumbrowski, following her four years of participation in Walker’s drama club. Besides her roles in the school’s productions of “Xanadu,” “Little Women,” and “You Can’t Take It with You,” Keegan has participated in 11 other musicals and five plays, including recent performances in “Footloose” and “Hair.” Her passion for acting began because she was attracted to “the idea of being able to experience empathy through different sets of eyes.”

Keegan said, “theater is a way for me to discover my boundaries.”

Comparing her acting experiences outside of school with drama at Walker, Keegan said she likes that Walker’s Drama Department is willing to work with

each student’s schedule, and she also appreciates each member’s high level of motivation and commitment to the productions.

When Keegan first found out that she received the role of Sandy in this year’s musical, she was shocked but also humbled by the decision. “I was surprised to say the least,” she said. Upper School Drama Teacher Katie Arjona believes Shannon fits the role of Sandy well not only because of her soprano voice, but also because “last year Shannon did a great job of playing a demure character in ‘Little Women,’” similar to Sandy’s personality.

Though most people associate “Grease” with the 1978 film, Keegan said that Walker’s rendition is not modeled after the movie, and instead will portray the musical in a more unique way.

The “Grease” actors are actually discouraged from using the movie for inspiration, so they can embody the characters differently. As for the burning question about dying

Junior Shannon Keegan prepares for her performance of “Footloose” at The Strand.

Photo Courtesy of Coleman Hedden

her hair for the role, Keegan said, “The character of Sandy wasn’t blonde; Olivia Newton-John was blonde. My hair will be red and flaming, just like my personality.”

While some performers take inspiration from famous artists, Keegan prefers to model herself after important people in her life. “I’m aspiring to be a real human being,” she said. This time around, Keegan sends a special word of thanks to Arjona, Samantha Walker, and John Richardson for considering her for the role of Sandy. “It means the world to me to be trusted with a role like this,” she said. Keegan’s words of advice to any new or aspiring actors are “don’t be afraid to explore your mind and what it’s capable of. Don’t aspire to be someone famous, aspire to be someone real.”

What’s Hot in the Walker Hallways?

by Ally Chebuhar reporter

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Bubble Necklaces, girls around the Walker campus are rockin’ all colors and shapes of these. fashion blogger Kelsey Meany writes, “Ubiquitous bubble necklaces are the new string of pearls. Bubble necklaces show up on game day, at Sunday brunch, at job interviews and at everything in between.” These oversized necklaces are the perfect accessories to go with any piece of clothing. Stars have been seen wearing them on the red carpet and everyday girls wear them to the grocery store. They add a pop of color to dresses, t-shirts, and can even be worn with a print. Find this fashion piece for a low price at Etsy.com or check out J. Crew for great quality. Students do not have to worry about matching colors perfectly; the spirit of this piece of jewelry is fun and flirty.

What girl doesn’t love sweater weather? When the weather starts to cool down girls love to be cozy but also cute. Many can be spotted wearing sweaters in all colors and prints from plum to fall florals. Start with a classic sweater: wool knit,

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oversized, waffle, or crewneck.

Girls search the racks of stores like Urban Outfitters, H&M, Vineyard Vines, and Anthropology for some great selections. By adding a scarf or chunky bubble necklace it can change a slightly typical look to runway ready in a matter of seconds! Try going monochromatic and mixing different hues of the same color, or switch it up with animal prints and neon! This look is preppy and modern but still laid back and school appropriate.

Jeans.

A fashion consignment site, TheRealReal.com, writes, “The basis for any well-styled wardrobe, denim is the ultimate dress-up, dress-down staple.” We all know the number one rule of fashion, wear what flatters your figure the most, and this is the most important tip to remember when jean shopping. There are endless jean styles to choose from.

A favorite of Walker girls is the basic dark slim cut with a baby boot cut from American Eagle, or a bejewelled pair of Miss Me’s. These jeans can be tucked into boots or

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worn with flats and booties. This season, boyfriend jeans are a trend along with light wash skinnies with brown stitching. Don’t forget about patterned and colored jeans also! They can switch up your everyday denim look. Ladies, try camo, polka dot, or burgundy.

Wear your prints with white, black, grey or another basic color for high contrast. When it comes to jeans, try different styles and fun trends, but always wear what will flatter your body most!

Vests are perfect for Georgia peaches because, where we live, huge insulated jackets are not an essential 99% of the time. Colorful vests spruce up a simple turtleneck or t-shirt any day of the week.

They are versatile and can be seen worn in a number of ways, and they come in endless styles. From a sporty insulated Patagonia to a dashing fur lined Michael Kors (as seen on harpersbazaar.com), vests are perfect for any occasion when you want to be warm but not look like a polar bear. Also, take a look at T.J. Maxx, for some top-notch

4.

deals!

5.

Girls are ditching the raggedy old friendship bracelets when displaying their arm candy! One major must have for fall is big, bold watches.

Try metallic with oversized bright faces. Stack up your bangles, bracelets, and watch on one wrist to make a shiny statement. This style has been seen everywhere from Nodrstroms.com to Kate Spade and on stars from Taylor Swift to Khloe Kardashian! You can find them for less at Versona Accessories or Forever 21. Shannon C., a fashion blogger, commented, “Experts agree that stackable bracelets are one of those jewelry box necessities no woman should be without. Adding stackable bracelets to your ensemble can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be, from a simple collection of two to three matching or diverse bracelets, or a literal arm-full. From gemstones to wood to metal to cloth, pile on stackable bracelets in any combination for your unique fashion statement.”

October 2013

The Walker School Welcomes Bob Petersen

by Alex Brack assistant editor

9 Laura Stewart Moves to Charleston

by Annabelle Mathis assistant editor

T

he start of the 2013-2014 school year welcomed the arrival of the new Upper School Visual Art Teacher, Bob Petersen. Petersen assumed this role after Laura Stewart left.

Petersen has since become a familiar sight in the Upper School – he can be found displaying elegant student art in the hallways or instructing one of his many art classes in the art room. Petersen is working strenuously to get the Art Department back into the swing of the new school year and is becoming acquainted with the Walker community in the progress.

Petersen grew up in Chicago, IL. “As a kid, I developed a passion for art and playing football,” said Petersen. Petersen’s

Atlanta for 18 years. He has since returned to teaching, most recently at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City.

Petersen has continued his 14-year teaching career at Walker as an adviser, the sponsor for the school’s Art Club, and the teacher of Advanced Art Seminar, AP Studio Art, Drawing, Foundations of Art, Painting, and Sculpture. “I really enjoy the size of the school and the welcoming community that I am getting to know,” said Petersen. Petersen has also taken an incentive to increase the Art Department’s presence on the Walker School website by improving the online student art gallery. “I also have plans to eventually add a pottery class to the art curriculum,” said Petersen.

Walker welcomed Bob Peterson into its faculty as the new Upper School Art teacher.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Brack

passions ultimately led him to the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where he played on the football team and studied Art Education. He then attended Illinois State University where he received a master’s degree in Art Education.

Ever since Petersen received his master’s, he has used his knowledge of art in a variety of ways. Petersen began his art career as a teacher and eventually started to work in graphic design.

Most notably, Petersen owned his own art gallery in Buckhead,

Pottery is Petersen’s favorite form of art, and he regularly practices it.

When he is not teaching, Petersen enjoys life outdoors. He loves hiking, biking, canoeing, and of course making pottery. Petersen is also an avid fan of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

Petersen has become an established member of the Walker community. His determination and expertise in art is impressive and appreciated by Walker as we welcome him to our school.

W

ith the end of the 20122013 school year, Laura Stewart, Upper School art teacher, departed the Walker community and moved with her baby son, Owen, and her husband, Austin DeRosa, to Charleston, S.C. DeRosa, a doctor, had just finished his residency at Emory.

He was then offered a robotic oncology fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, which caused the move.

Stewart said, “We felt like it was a great career opportunity for him that he couldn’t pass up!”

Nevertheless, Stewart is missed very much by both the students and the faculty, and vice versa. Senior and one of Stewart’s former advisees Catherine Masciantonio said, “Ms. Stewart was such a great advisor! I miss her so much, and birthdays will never be the same without her red velvet cupcakes from heaven.

They were so yummy! We all wish the best for her in Charleston!”

With similar feelings, Stewart said, “I miss the students, faculty, and staff a ton, not to mention being able to make art with awesome teenagers every day.”

Stewart considered finding a job in Charleston, but ultimately decided to take the year off teaching to be with Owen. However, she is doing some commissioned artwork in addition to taking care of her son, while also making contact with local art galleries.

Owen is Stewart’s first and only child, and was born at the end of November last school year. He loves going to the beach and enjoys playing in the sand and splashing in the water.

Stewart cannot wait until he is old enough for them to do art projects together. Jokingly, she

commented that Owen recently mushed around some bananas in an interesting, artistic pattern, perhaps in an attempt to follow in his mother’s footsteps.

Since making the move,

Former Upper School Art teacher Laura Stewart with her son, Owen, in Charleston.

Photo Courtesy of Laura Stewart

Stewart and her family have adjusted nicely to their new surroundings. Currently, they like exploring the area and meeting new people. They especially love living near the beach and go there often to escape the heat. Stewart said, “It averages approximately 8,000 degrees every day and it’s a tiny bit cooler on the beach, so we’re spending lots of time there!” Since they now live near the ocean, Stewart and DeRosa have taken up paddle boarding and kayaking. While these activities are available in the Atlanta area, Stewart commented that they constantly see dolphins on their excursions which makes these endeavours especially fun.

Hopefully, they have as much fun with the rest of their time in Charleston.

S: Sports

Football Walker - 25 Fellowship - 20

Volleyball

SCOREBOARD

Walker beat Mt. Paran and became the Area Champs.

JV Football Walker - 33 King’s Ridge - 7

Softball Walker - 1 Whitefield - 8

“

On Friday, our plan was to come out and power up and try to just say, ‘You know what, we’re struggling a little bit on offense, let’s power up and let’s go and pound it and see if we can get some fresh plays.’”

- Coach John East ,discussing Walker’s 25-20 win over Fellowship

MLB Post-season Race Heats Up

Cross Country and Softball Working Hard Page 11

Page 10

MLB Postseason coming up this weekend Race Heats Up today

by Victoria Hudson sports editor

T

he end of the 2013 regular season shaped up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Division titles and wild card races were close through late September with the National League central being within reach of three teams as of September 20. Both the American and National League wild cards were up in the air with both leagues having three contenders as late as that date as well.

The St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds battled for the NL central title as well as both NL wild card spots.

It is very likely that all three teams will make the postseason, meaning three teams from the same division could compete in a single postseason.

In a press conference with the Cardinals’ media, outfielder Matt Holliday said, “I think we would rather celebrate something more than a one-game possibility.” In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, and the Texas Rangers were all within four games of the wild card in late September. The A’s clinched the AL West division title on September 22. A’s manager Bob Melvin was quoted in an article on the A’s website as saying, “I think we’ve got a little bit different mindset after winning this that we’ve got some unfinished business, and we feel as a group we’ve got something more to achieve.”

To have seven plus teams vying for a playoff spot so late is a welcome sight after years of teams clinching their division in early September.

Obviously, the addition of the second wild card has created the opportunity for more teams to make a run at October. Whether it is beneficial to have more teams make the postseason is debatable, but there is no denying it makes the end of the regular season more exciting as well as places a stronger importance on winning the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers were the first team to clinch their division title on September 19. The Boston Red Sox also clinched a playoff berth in mid September.

The Atlanta Braves saw a dominant season, pushing the defending NL East champs, the Washington Nationals, out of the hunt early.

The Braves held their first place position in the division everyday of the regular season except one. Despite a slew of injuries, Atlanta held a convincing lead. Right fielder Jason Heyward took fastball of the jaw in August and returned in late September just in time for the team to clinch to NL East on September 22. In an interview with Atlanta media third baseman Chris Johnson said, “It’s exciting. It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had playing baseball.”

w homecoming pep rally (robertson field - 1:00 p.m.) w varsity football takes on king’s ridge for homecoming (home - 7:30 p.m.)

w No games - enjoy Homecoming!

next week w volleyball enters round 2 of the state tournament (wednesday, oct. 23) w varsity football takes on whitefield (whitefield - friday, oct. 25) w cross country carrolton last chance meet (saturday, oct. 26)

in brief Ê Last week, Varsity Volleyball defeated Mt. Paran and were named Area Champions. The team will advance to Round II of the State Playoffs on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Ê After finishing the season with a 4-16 record, Varsity Softball will be playing one final game: a father-daughter game on Saturday, Oct. 26. New this year, players hope the game will become an annual tradition.

Ê Last Friday, Varsity Football defeated Fellowship 25-20. Senior Tailback Gaines Lahue ran a total of 299 yards on 18 carries and scored all four touchdowns.

The win leaves the team with an overall record of 4-2.

Walker Preps for Homecoming

by Victoria Hudson sports editor

C

oming off of the 11-1 season Walker football had last year, Head Coach John East had his work cut out for him.

The Wolverines head into Friday night’s Homecoming game against King’s Ridge Christian Academy with a 4-2 record, and look to continue to dominate in the region. East said, “I think if we focus on winning the next game and don’t get ahead of ourselves, we have a good chance to be successful again this season.”

Losing close to 20 seniors, including their leading rusher and much of their offensive and defensive line, meant that the Wolverines had to build up a new core group of players.

The seniors have stepped into that role without faltering.

Senior captains are Michael Berk, Cameron Bloebaum, Bradley Moore and Josh

Reini, who are accompanied by 10 other seniors on this year’s team. Many joined the team this year or last year and have learned quickly.

Senior captain Josh Reini said, “Getting more people to play is awesome because it gives the team more leadership when older guys join the team, and it gives some guys a break during games.” Senior Kevin Bray played football in middle school, but only joined the varsity team his junior year.

However, he has been a key player especially at the start of his senior year, serving as the team’s leading scorer this season. Bray said, “I’m really glad I decided to come back and play. It’s been fun to be able to play with all of my friends again, and we’ve been winning.”

Offense, however, has not been Walker’s only strong point. In a game

against Mt. Zion September 20, the Wolverines put together two incredible goal line stands to maintain a 7-3 lead and win the game. Senior Gaines LaHue deflected the final pass attempt, which got Walker the ball back in order to kill the clock.

The Wolverines have turned heads throughout the region with their second winning season in a row. A win against King’s Ridge would allow Walker to move to 6-1 on the season and put them in an excellent position to play region rivals Whitefield and Mt. Paran in the upcoming weeks.

Walker plays Whitefield next week on October 25 on the road at Whitefield Academy while they will take on Mt. Paran at home in two weeks on November 1.

October 2013

by Honor Stoner reporter

11

Varsity Cross Country and Middle School Softball Working Hard

W

alker Fall sports are in the home stretch and preparing for the upcoming state tournaments.

Some commonly overlooked sports like Varsity Cross Country and Middle School Softball are having very successful seasons.

Varsity Cross Country is currently ranked third in the region and Middle School Softball is competing in the North Atlanta Metro League tournament.

Cross Country gained plenty of new runners this year.

For the girls team there were a total of four new freshmen and two new seniors, Annabelle Mathis and Alexis Bruton. Both went to the state meet for Varsity Track last year. These additions

have ended up being crucial to the girls’ success in meets this year.

Mathis, freshman Chloe Scott, and freshman Daryl Hutchins have been battling it out at meets, each contributing top times for the team. All three are in the top 15 for the region with 5K times under 23 minutes. The team is ranked tenth in the state and is amping up practices in preparation for the state meet. One key to their success is inter competition at practices and meets. Bruton said, “We all push each other to the limit, making us a better team.”

The Boys’ Cross Country team is aiming for the state tournament this year. They are currently ranked sixth in the

region. Senior Luke Lammert and junior George Litchfield are both ranked in the top 15 for region.

Lammert, Litchfield, and junior Easton Howard all have times under 20 minutes. The team also gained three freshmen this year, adding to their numbers. Senior Myers Hines said, “Competing with the freshmen this year is challenging, they all keep us running at our best.” The Boys’ Cross Country team is looking forward to the opportunity to go to the state meet in November.

Another team striving for success is the Middle School Softball Team. The team has a winning record and is currently playing for third place in the

NAML tournament this season.

Three eighth graders lead the team: Ashley Cranfill, Randi Epstein, and Caitlyn Sather.

Cranfill plays at shortstop and Epstein plays in centerfield, while Sather plays at leftfield. All contribute outs and command the infield and outfield. Seventh graders SaraBeth McClure and Camryn Cowan lead the team in pitching and are key to the team’s defense. The entire team is passionate about softball and love playing games. Cowan said, “Our games are timed; we don’t even get to play a full seven innings sometimes.” Cowan and others’ love for the game is a crucial factor to the success of the team.

(L-R) A Middle School Softball player swings at a pitch. Senior Luke Lammert runs during one of the team’s meets. The Girls Cross Country Team huddles before a meet.

Photos Courtesy of Mike Mackey

Walker’s Unique Athletes

by Connor Sudderth reporter

W

hile most students compete on teams at Walker, there are some students that are involved in sports outside of school. These students, unlike the students who participate in sports at Walker, do not always garner the same recognition. These students deserve more recognition than they are receiving, and should be recognized for their achievements outside of school.

One of those students is Junior Andrew Wright, who competes outside of Walker on a rowing team. Rowing is a popular sport in Ivy League schools such

as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, but is not as prominent in Georgia.

Wright first started rowing during his freshman year. Wright became involved in rowing due to his cousin, a former member of a row crew team. He competes for the St. Andrew Rowing Club located in Roswell. Wright said, “My favorite part about rowing is the team itself.” Another Walker student, Junior Maddie Mitchell is involved in sports outside of Walker. Mitchell competes in gymnastics, which requires immense training year-round, and skills such as flexibility and balance. Mitchell, who also swims

for Walker, has competed in gymnastics for 13 years. She trains and competes in gymnastics at the Cobb Challenger Gymnastics Center, participating in around 10 competitive matches a year.

When asked why she enjoys gymnastics, Mitchell said, “I like doing things that people aren’t supposed to do.” Mitchell’s drive to overcome obstacles using flexibility is a major part of her love of gymnastics.

Senior Madison Prince also is involved in a year-round sport: wakeboarding.

Wakeboarding is a sport that requires extensive training, dedication, and hard

work. Prince competes nationally in wakeboarding which is not an easy sport to handle. The sport requires rigorous training in order to compete on a national level. Prince has to compete, not just against other wakeboarders from Georgia, but from the entire country.

These athletes deserve more recognition than they get.

They work just as hard, putting in the same amount of hard work, and sometimes even longer hours, than other Walker athletes put in everyday.

12

The Wolverine

Grease: Then and Now

I

Travel Through Germany

by Zachary Hamilton reporter

by Hensley Babb reporter

n 2003, the Walker Upper School put on the iconic production of “Grease,” and now, the fine arts department is reviving the musical, which returns this November. The cast and crew have been working tirelessly to make sure this version of the musical will evenly match the high quality of the previous rendition. Katie Arjona, the director for both the previous and current shows, said “Ten years ago, we only had five weeks of rehearsal, and now we have nine weeks. The four weeks make a huge difference because we have more time to add detail and a lot more dance moves to it and make it as good as it can be.” The cast is also significantly smaller. The number went from thirty-eight to now twenty-four.

Although the musical was done ten years ago, it remains a timely production. The issues within the production grace the halls of the Upper School even to this day. Trying to fit in, dealing with troubles at home, and having to go to school and listening to authority are all valid issues that still occur and will always be relevant.

Because of the reputation of Grease, Arjona feels that it will be challenging to “outdo ourselves from the first years we did it.” She also does not want the production to come off “too corny” and not play so much to the stereotype which is what the play was originally intended for.

The cast of Grease this year has a very unique set of talents and is willing to do anything in order to better the production. Arjona said, “The kids now have a real history with the musical and know what it’s supposed to look like. They know that I am going to push them to their limits of

Walker Students

their talents and are willing to do anything I throw at them.”

Cast Members Matt Zibanejadrad, Connor Barre, Coleman Hedden, Austin Gignilliat, and Lucas Connell pose during rehearsal.

Photo Courtesy of Coleman Hedden

Excitement is building as the cast and crew get closer to the November premiere of the musical. Arjona wants to have a “Grease Day” in the Upper School where every student can dress in Grease attire to increase the hype around the big day.

Also, several of the alumni that were in the production ten years ago will be making appearances at some of the shows to see that the Fine Arts Department is still thriving.

Also, watch out for the cast of Grease to be performing at the halftime of a home football game!

“Grease” premieres November 7 at 7 p.m.

Showtimes

I

n early June, 17 Walker students traveled to Germany in part of the German Exchange. Walker students have been traveling to Munich, The Alps, the Black Forest, and other notable places since 1997.

The group of students, accompanied

by Mrs. Janet Ward and Mr. Ayren Selzer, left Georgia on May 27th and arrived in Stuttgart, the sixth largest city in Germany. The next day, they travelled to a much smaller German city, Tübingen, and visited the college there. The Universität Tübingen was founded in 1477, making the university one of the oldest in Europe. “Tübingen is my favorite part of the trip because it brings me back to my own school days,” said Ward Next, the group traveled through the Black Forest to the city of Freiburg, where they stayed for two nights. During their time in Freiburg, they took a trip to Strassburg, France for a day. After that, they went into Switzerland where they went to the city Schaffhausen, where they saw Europe’s biggest waterfall, Rheinfall. The group stayed two nights in the Alps in the Swiss city Litziruti, which is generally the student’s favorite part of the trip.

Senior Kat Blaha said, “My favorite part was Arosa, Switzerland because we went hiking and played with the squirrels.” The students hike up a well-traveled trail, so the squirrels are tame, and will come up to the hikers who have food.

The Alps run throughout the small city of Arosa. The students hiking in the Alps accomplished just what Frau Ward wants the students to achieve. They were forced to read German maps, order their food in

German, and were fully immersed in German culture.

Next, they took the train up to Munich where they stayed three nights. The group then traveled to Bonn, where Walker’s partner school, Europaschule, is located. Walker has a partner school to enhance the experience for the students. For three nights, the students stay with a German student and his family. Also, the students go to German school so they can see another aspect of German life.

Seniors Camille Lillie and Justin Delbrook both loved Munich. “The town was so cute with a river running through it. It was convenient to get everywhere and it was so clean,” said Lillie.

Delbrook added that the downtown area was very cool, especially the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. Every day at 11 a.m. the huge glockenspiel, a percussion instrument that looks like a piano with bars made of metal, tells a story with 43 bells and life-like statues. They also went to many places around Munich such as Bonn, Cologne, and Linz am Rhein, Marietta’s sister city.

Flooding caused the group to miss some activities, but Ward said the trip was still great. When asked what her favorite part of the trip was she said,” I can’t say one thing, all I will say is that I really enjoyed being with the kids, they were really a pleasure to be with.”

The first half of the exchange was a success, but later this semester Walker will be on the receiving end. Walker will be the host to 18 German students as they take part in the other half of the exchange.

The group poses in a town square in Germany.

wThursday, Nov. 7: 7 p.m. wSaturday, Nov. 9: 7 p.m. wThursday, Nov. 14: 7 p.m. wFriday, Nov. 15: 5 p.m. wSaturday, Nov. 16: 7 p.m.

Order tickets online at www. thewalkerschool.ticketleap. com.

Photo Courtesy of Janet Ward