An essential part of a Wilmington Friends education is reading books. It provides students with different views, perspectives, and beliefs that encourage them to reevaluate their personal biases. Over time, students’ reading preferences evolve. They begin with silly stories like KnuffleBunny, TheDaytheCrayonsQuit, and Pete the Cat, and gradually move on to more sophisticated books like TheGreatGatsby, ATestamentofHope, and Klara and the Sun. Wilmington Friends School is unique because of its commitment to teaching controversial, often oppressed, and complex histories, regardless of the author’s race, class, or gender.
Banned books have become an educational crisis over the past five years. Nearly 10,000 titles have been reported as inappropriate. These books deal with themes such as race, sexuality, gender identity, and social justice. Classics like ThePerksofBeingaWallflower by Stephen Chbosky and ToKillaMockingbird by Harper Lee have been challenged by parents who believe the content is inappropriate for their children.
The Wilmington Friends community feels strongly about the issue of banned books. Senior Ella Morton ’25 be-
Abby Terrel ‘27 Staff Writer
lieves that banning books violates the First Amendment. Morton ‘25 says, “Freedom of speech is being infringed upon when you are not able to read someone’s published
work.” She adds, “There are some books that need to be read.” She believes the government should not have the authority to ban books. She says, “The government is
Was the Change Necessary?
Kylie Poole ‘28 Staff Writer
On January 20, 2025, the newly elected United States President Donald Trump, signed executive order 14172 renaming the former Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Though countries such as Mexico and the United Kingdom have refused to recognize the change, some people in the United States, especially those of the conservative party, have accepted the new name. “I thought it was a great and pretty patriotic move by Trump and a move in the right direction for our country,” says Josh Fung ‘26.
Though some people have taken on the change, not all have been able to wrap their heads around the new name of the well known body of water. “When I was first told about this, I thought it was a joke, I thought that people were trying to prank me, and I wouldn’t believe it. And when I then went and looked it up, and I saw that Trump had passed a law to change the name, I was astonished,” says Kate Coletti ‘28. The reason behind the renaming is that the former Gulf of
Mexico has contributed a lot to the U.S. society in its early years and has become a very important landmass to the United States’ economy. In the early years, The Gulf contributed to fisheries, the maritime industry, and oil reserves which helped with the United States early trade and global commerce.
“The Gulf of America is one of the, if not, most important bodies of water next to the United States. Because the Mississippi River follows into the Gulf of America, almost every city in the midwest is reliant on the Gulf of America being easily accessible and safe. If not, American trade would be hurt dramatically and trillions of dollars of the GDP would be lost” says Henrik Maansson ‘27. The Gulf is a very important body of water to the United States and without it, our economy would struggle greatly.
Though some think that this is a logical reason for the name to be changed, some people think otherwise. “The West Indies were a big contributor to the US economy because of the influx of enslaved Africans and raw materials being imported into the country, yet we don’t call the Caribbean Sea the ‘American Sea’”, said Maya Dobson ‘28.
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pushing to ban books about people of color, LGBTQ topics—things along those lines—so that they can censor learning about other people and past experiences.” Morton ‘25 would feel completely comfortable with reading a banned book.
Students also understand that young children should not read books with graphic content. Avery Martinenza ’25 says, “There is a more appropriate age for more graphic books, but every genre of book should be accessible to all students, especially if it is relevant to the topic they are learning.” When asked why certain books are banned in schools, she responded, “I think there are some social standards for what is appropriate to teach children. People can take those standards too seriously when it comes to education. Instead of learning from our past mistakes, some believe we should hide that information rather than teach it.”
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A Pause for Growth: Ken Aldridge’s Experiences During His Sabbatical
From homecoming in late October to mid-April, Head of School Ken Aldridge has been on sabbatical leave. n his absence, J.R. Niesweder and Jon Huxtable served as interim heads of schools. However, as we end the 2025-2026 school year, Mr. Aldridge has returned with many new experiences, ideas, and perspectives he gained along his sabbatical journey!
Last summer, Mr. Aldridge ventured to Idaho for four days, a completely off-grid trip, forcing him to spend time in nature and disconnect from all electronics. His experience in Idaho influenced his sabbatical, as the change challenged him to slow down and appreciate the world beyond his phone or computer.
Mr. Aldridge reignited his love for reading and carved out time to read. “I was able to recommit to reading and engage in books without distractions. It was a challenge at first, but I developed a joy of just sitting down and deep reading,” Mr. Aldridge says. He successfully unplugged from his smartphone, which opened time to invest in other interests like reading and travel.
Mr. Aldridge spent late January
through early February traveling the south of the United States with his wife, Cassandra, combining personal and professional development into his trip. Mr. Aldridge explored Georgia, visiting Savannah and Atlanta, and was bookended with conferences in Hilton Head and at Duke University, which focused on AI and how it can be used to enhance student learning. Mr. Aldridge says, “I wanted to go back and visit the south, since my parents grew up down there, and my son is completing his master’s degree in Atlanta, so I appreciated seeing him.” In addition to his son, Mr. Aldridge traveled to Southern California to visit his daughter Mariah and enjoy quality time with his in-laws.
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Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writer
Mr. Aldridge on Sabbatical
Poetry in Protest
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Staff Writer
Poetry is becoming one of the most powerful tools in modern protest movements. It is shared on signs, recited at rallies, and broadcasted across social media. In an age of political unrest, climate crisis, and global calls for justice, activists are turning to verse not just for expression, but for impact.
From chants written in rhymed couplets to spoken Instagram reels, poetry is shaping how movements communicate. Mrs. Kenney, a WFS English teacher, said, “Fictional stories and poems can allow us to see the truth in a more personal way than just reading a piece of journalism. Accessing the emotion is the way to really engage.” Poetry’s ability to stir emotion, condense complex truths, and cross language barriers makes it uniquely effective in stirring action.
This is not new. Throughout history, poets have spoken where others were silenced. Langston Hughes wrote defiantly during the Jim Crow era, echoing the dreams and demands of the civil rights struggle. Pablo Neruda’s politically charged poems made him a voice for Chile’s oppressed. During the Arab Spring, a series of anti-government protests during the early 2010s, young revolutionaries spray-painted verses on walls to bypass censorship and unify the people.
Poetry, with its diverse language and emotional power, thrives under repression and uncertainty. It captures what speeches or statistics cannot: the soul of a movement. When asked about the importance of poetry in protest, Mrs. McManus said, “Every protest sign is essentially a poem, it’s the shortest way to say the most important thing.” She claimed that, “Poetry is the TikTok of the novel.”
Today, poetry is again at the front lines of resistance. In Iran, protestors, especially women, have revived classical Persian poetic forms to express rage, grief, and hope under authoritarian rule. Protest slogans have drawn from centuries-old lines by Hafez and Rumi,
Hearstopper: The Show-Stopping Series for Teens Coming to a Close
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Staff Writer
Heartstopper, the hit Netflix show based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, has garnered continuous support and become a fan favorite since its release in 2022. The show’s first season received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the following two seasons have continued to receive praise from critics and fans alike.
One of the main reasons Heartstopper gained popularity was its portrayal of diverse topics not commonly discussed in mainstream media, such as the treatment of LGBTQ+ teens, and their journey through understanding their identity. Other topics addressed in the series include romantic high school relationship dynamics, parent-child relationships, eating disorders, mental health conditions, retaining friendships through changes in your life, and recovery from a toxic relationship.
Ana Niiler ‘28 feels the show has helped many people feel seen and open up about their life experiences. “I think Heartstopper impacts lots of people, mainly people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, because of the representation,” says Niiler. “I think that is also why it is special to me and many others as well. There actually aren’t or weren’t that many media that showed decently realistic LGBTQ+ representation without using lots of stereotypes, normally the hurtful
whose spiritual and rebellious undertones echo across time. “For Women, Life, Freedom” became a recurring phrase on protest signs, connecting ancient tradition with present day struggle.
In Palestine, poetry has long been a tool of resistance. Poets like Mahmoud Darwish, whose works remain deeply influential, have helped articulate a national identity shaped by exile and conflict. Contemporary Palestinian poets, both in the occupied territories and the diaspora, continue this tradition. Their verses, shared through Twitter threads and WhatsApp messages, carry witness to trauma and resilience in equal measure. At protests from London to Lebanon, Darwish’s lines are still chanted aloud: “We suffer from an incurable malady: hope.”
In the United States, poetry has emerged as a crucial mode of expression in racial justice movements. At the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, spoken word artists performed at rallies and vigils,
ones. Heartstopper also represents people with mental illnesses, which is really important for everyone.”
Instead of a fourth season, the show will be getting a feature film based on the yet-to-be-released sixth graphic novel and Alice Oseman’s novella, Nick and Charlie. It will have the same primary cast and will continue where season three left off, so it will show how Nick and Charlie’s relationship develops as Nick prepares to leave for University.
Fans have had mixed reactions to the announcement of a movie instead of a final season. “I think it may affect the story a bit more because you can’t fit as much into the story in a movie than a [season]” says Niller.
If you do the math, all three Heartstopper seasons had eight thirty-minute episodes, bringing each season to four hours long, whereas the average movie ranges between two and three and a half hours long. This means we would be getting less content in the movie format.
Ella Morton ‘25, feels that if the storytelling remains as it has been, it will continue to be a hit. “Good storytelling is often traded for spectacle these days. Returning to well-written short [stories] is a step in the right direction,” says Morton. “I hope the filmmakers stick with how the screenwriters have been writing each character.”
While some fans continue to vie for more content, a strong writer knows when a story must naturally come to an end, despite how the audience could react. Fans like Morton ‘25 believe that, all in all, a slightly shorter conclusion is better than no conclusion at all to this breakthrough series. Nick and Charlie deserve the
weaving personal histories with collective grief. Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb”, performed at President Biden’s inauguration, bridged activism with official visibility, reminding millions of the transformative power of verse rooted in justice.
Meanwhile, climate activism is also turning to poetry. Greta Thunberg has read poems during speeches, and organizations like Poets for the Planet use verse to engage audiences emotionally with environmental issues. At a 2023 climate march in Berlin, an 11-yearold girl stood before a crowd of thousands, reciting her poem about rising seas and vanishing species. A video of the moment went viral, sparking thousands of similar posts from youth around the world.
What sets this era apart is how protest poetry spreads. TikTok, Instagram, and Threads have turned poetic fragments into viral sensations. A short video of a teenager reading a powerful piece can reach millions in a day. Hashtags turn lines of protest poetry into slogans, rallying cries, and digital graffiti. Emily Rissolo ‘26 said, “The fast communication that we have today allows poetry to reach many marginalized groups and encourage them to rise up.”
The digital poetry community is growing rapidly, and with great impact. In Iran in 2022, Shervin Hajipour’s song Baraye, crafted from protest tweets, became the anthem of a nationwide uprising. Though Hajipour was arrested, the song was streamed over 40 million times in days and quoted by world leaders, proving poetry’s ability to transcend repression.
Even as governments crack down on rebellion, poetry persists. In classrooms, on sidewalks, through screens, and on megaphones, people continue to write and recite for freedom. Its strength lies not in volume but in resonance.
end of their love story to be told.
Poet Langston Hughes, picryl.com
Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM BALL: The Concert Of The Century
Ethan Halaby ‘27 Staff Writer
Lady Gaga is a singer, songwriter, actress, and pop culture icon well-known around the world for her extravagant wardrobe, enchanting voice, and modest personality. Her most recent album, “MAYHEM”, which she released on March 7th of 2025, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the 7th chart-topping album of her career. But Gaga’s success in 2025 did not stop there. On her tour titled “The Mayhem Ball”, she continued to break records.
In Brazil, she made headlines, breaking the record for the largest concert audience in history for a female artist, hosting 2.5 million fans on Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro. This concert was free of charge to all attendees and full of important symbolism that fans have been unpacking over the past weeks. Critics agree that the messages Gaga chose to display were incredibly relevant to the current state of the world, and the fact that they were broadcast worldwide as a part of the biggest solo concert of the century is a testament to the power of music and the importance that it can hold.
One of the most prominent messages of the historic concert in Brazil was Lady Gaga’s tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. Members of the Queer commu nity from all over Brazil gathered with rainbow flags,
Long Episodes and Short Attention Spans
Gabby Hamilton ‘27 Staff Writer
The world of television has experienced many transformations with the rise of streaming services, which has fundamentally shifted the expectations for episode and season lengths. Without the restriction of the traditional time slot, streaming platforms have redefined viewer engagement by offering longer, ad-free episodes. This evolution has led to a mix of opportunities and challenges in the industry, as producers gain creative freedom and navigate the complexities of audience attention spans. As viewers increasingly gravitate toward shorter, more instantly gratifying content, it raises a question: Are we gaining or losing depth in the media we consume?
Many have attributed the lengthening of TV to the fall of cable TV and the rise of streaming services. While they are still successful, it is apparent that streaming services have begun to take over the popular TV space. Traditionally, on cable television networks, shows are given anywhere from 30-minute to 1-hour time slots, with commercial breaks taking up about a third of this time. Populating the 30-minute time slots are the sit-
Gaga inspired outfits, and high energy for a night of music significant to the LGBTQ+ population worldwide. Songs like “Poker Face”, “Born This Way”, and “Bad Romance” were performed live for the hundreds of thousands of queer people in the massive audience. When asked about Lady Gaga’s importance to the LGBTQ+ community, upper school student Nya Parker ‘27 stated, “Lady Gaga made record-breaking songs about gay and trans rights before it was even legal for two gay people in the U.S. to get married. She’s like a trailblazer.” Though Gaga has expressed that she herself is not a gay woman, she makes it well known that her love for the queer community stems from their creativity, resilience, and their message of love.
As amazing as the record-breaking concert on Copacabana beach was, it unfortunately did not come without a frightening prospect that almost became a reality. Behind the scenes, authorities uncovered a terrorist plan to attack the concert using makeshift explosive weapons. These plans were allegedly targeted towards the large number of LGBTQ+ fans at the event. Luckily,
coms or soap opera-adjacent shows like Friends or ModernFamily. Then, in the hour-long time slots are the more “in-depth dramas,” like Lost and Grey’sAnatomy, documentaries, or late night. However, as streaming services become more dominant in the TV series space, they have used their model of “no ads” to change this practice. Services that do not show ads have begun to set the new standard for episode and season length. Escaping from the usual 22-45 minute episode, the duration of each episode has been around the hour-long mark. On streaming services, seasons range from about 5 to 15 episodes per season, versus the network, which is 15 to 25. So, what has caused this decline in season duration?
The primary resource of a short season is just a balance: if the episodes are longer, the season will be shorter. This development could be seen as positive or negative for many reasons. With freedom from the network, television producers have more freedom to create unique and stylistic shows. Many of the shows with episodes over an hour long are made because of meticulous storytelling, which may fit into a this format better. It has also caused networks to adapt to this way of storytelling. For example, the Emmy-winning series Shōgun, produced by the FX Network, features episodes from 60 to 70 minutes long.
There has also been a rise in the popularity of “mini-series.” Mini-series are TV productions that tell a complete story in a set timeframe. A single, season-long show that does not intend to resume. These allow companies to make a shorter commitment to a series without having to provide a large Blockbuster movie budget. With this model, companies still have the space to tell a detailed story more thoroughly, just without taking as big of a risk financially. However, there is a significant problem in countering these ideas. Viewers do not pay attention.
Because constant entertainment is readily available today, viewers may become unknowingly disconnected from their content. Short-form media creates a cycle of instant gratification that is not standard for an hour-long episode. Without interest, it theoretically becomes more challenging to keep a watcher engaged
the bomb plot was foiled by Brazilian police. The two men who were accused of being behind the plans were arrested and taken into custody with minimal commotion or disruptions to the concert. When asked about why she thought someone might want to attack a Lady Gaga concert, Em Rissolo ‘26 stated, “Many people out there hold prejudice against marginalized groups, and obviously they don’t want to see these people have a voice, so they think they can stop them from gaining power.” In a post-concert interview, Lady Gaga expressed great appreciation for the preventative action taken by the police, emphasizing the resilience and unity of her fans in the face of terror and hate. The day after the concert, Gaga posted on Instagram, speaking to the people of Brazil, saying, “Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.”
In conclusion, Lady Gaga’s show on Copacabana Beach was an incredible night that will go down in music history as one of the most highly attended and most exciting concerts of all time. Gaga’s performance was not just a showcase of her talent as a singer and songwriter, but also a celebration of love and community, and a powerful example of resilience and perseverance broadcasted for the entire world to see.
without possibly “cutting corners.” Even though there has been a shift in TV episode length in the industry, many have criticized this change. Out of the 55 people polled, over 80% of people at WFS think the average episode should stay under 45 minutes.
Now, with the knowledge that users may not be giving their full attention to a program, some companies may be exploiting this habit. According to sources from The Guardian, Netflix purposely creates and pushes shows that can be understood by someone who may not be paying attention, labelling them “second-screen shows.” Piper Roskovensky, a junior at Friends, says, “It’s really weird to think that people’s attention spans have gotten shorter, so much so that companies have to create movies and shows geared towards their audiences’ short attention spans.” The idea is that if shows are easier to watch in the background, more people are likely to watch them. More people, more profit. The problem is that writers have been told to simplify scripts and TV shows concepts, which may backtrack on the progress to create more depth in television.
This transformation of television in the technological age has created new avenues of possibilities for TV but has also introduced new restraints. While now enjoying freedom away from rigid time slots, the audience’s attention spans may not be able to adapt. In the era of endless entertainment, it is vital to ask whether the “binge-watch” format stops the viewers from engaging more deeply.
Because banned books often provoke emotion and controversy, they tend to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking. They are powerful tools for creating interesting conversations in classrooms and promoting intellectual freedom. Martinenza ’25 also believes that every person brings their own experiences and biases. “I think there could be embedded bias that could skew someone's thoughts in a different way. That is why it is important to learn different perspectives on different events.” In her view, engaging with banned books not only broadens our thought process when thinking of complicated issues but also helps us recognize and question the biases, both personal and societal.
At a time when book banning was on the rise, Wilmington Friends School Students stood united, believing that banned books would benefit their education. They believe banned books advocate for freedom, different voices, and thoughtful thinking. The community recognizes that while age-appropriate content is important, silencing books that explore complex social issues causes more significant harm. Students like Ella Morton and Avery Martinenza emphasize the importance of confronting difficult histories and perspectives rather than erasing them. As the nation continues to debate what is appropriate for students, students at WFS remain committed to reading books by mature authors. In doing so, they reinstate literature’s role not just as enjoyment, but as a vital tool for growth, empathy, and change.
A Pause for Growth: Ken Aldridge’s Experiences
During His Sabbatical
Ellie McQuillan '28 Staff Writer
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Mr. Aldridge employed an executive coach, who helped him to learn not to plan constantly; instead, he took time to slow down and treasure this time away. Executive coaching is similar to personal training for one’s career, offering guidance on professional growth and overcoming challenges. However, Mr. Aldridge used an executive coach, not necessarily to advance his career, but to focus on personal development and learning, not to plan every minute. His time spent at various educational conferences allowed him to ponder and create the strategic plan announced on April 29, 2025. The strategic plan crosses over all three divisions. It focuses on school-student-parent relations, working on how to effectively use the spaces available, and digital literacy, like AI, at Friends. Mr. Aldridge says, “I have talked to other heads [of schools] who have also done sabbaticals, and they’ve shared some wisdom with me about how sabbaticals allow you to return with renewed energy, but you need to pace yourself and be patient with the changes you want to make to the school.” Based on his sabbatical experience, Mr. Aldridge is interested in furthering his education by potentially pursuing graduate school. Mr. Aldridge considers long-term options, including the possibility of being a mentor or an executive coach, to continue supporting teachers and educators. As technology advances at a rapid pace and is a vital part of the education space, Mr. Aldridge hopes to dabble more with AI chat boxes, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, to become more familiar with them and how they can positively and negatively impact students’ learning and teachers.
Sabbaticals are unique experiences that not every school offers. “They provide a tremendous opportunity for a combination of professional and personal growth among teachers, a time for professional renewal,” Mr. Aldridge says—teachers who take a sabbatical return with new perspectives and ideas to implement. Notably, “Algorhythms,” an Upper School elective combining computer coding and creating music, directly results from Margaret Anne Butterfield’s sabbatical in 2018.
During his sabbatical, Mr. Aldridge enjoyed time traveling, revisiting old hobbies, like reading, and having the opportunity to reflect and grow personally, while taking a step back professionally. Wilmington Friends is thrilled to welcome him back and excited to see what more he has to share!
Book-banning at WFS
Gavin Gray '28 Staff Writer
Will certain books become banned at WFS? Challenging and diverse books are being banned nationwide, and have been for quite some time. Here’s what the English department and the interim head of the upper school think.
Starting with Mrs. Kenney, the 9th grade English teacher who has taught many controversial and provocative books.
Last year, the class of ‘27 read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. The class of ‘28 did not read The Glass Castle, Mrs. Kenney explains, “I’d already done a memoir, Almost American Girl, I wanted to do regular non-fiction to show another form of storytelling.”
When asked why the book might be challenging or confrontational, Mrs. Kenney answers, “It depicts American life as objectionable. The main character experiences at least one episode of sexual assault, and the book deals with topics of mental illness, abuse, and neglect. Which some may see as not appropriate for high school kids.”
Mrs. Kenney says students enjoyed it last year, “It was one of the choice books, the students that read it really liked it/were intrigued by it. I’ve taught it for many years, and many students have liked it.”
Mrs. Kenney lists some literature that she has had her students read in the past: “CatcherintheRye, RomeoandJuliet, Of Mice and Men, ‘the classics’.” She labels these books “the classics,” explaining, “More modern and contemporary books are less familiar.”
Will books ever become banned at WFS? Mrs. Kenney answers, “I don’t think that’s something that English teachers consider; rather, we think about what texts will help us teach certain messages, and make points.” She adds, “Historically, we’ve had very little challenge to what we choose to read.”
Dr. Dagold is the 10th grade English teacher. He says a book that may be challenging that he’s had his students read is Passing by Nella Larsen. He says, “It takes place in the 1920s and it unearths racism and makes white people look bad.”
When asked why the class of ‘27 isn’t reading the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, he explains, “It’s my 1st year here, it is a possible short story reading, but we’re reading long, major books like TheGreatGatsby, I just didn't have time.”
Dr. Dagold was asked if he thinks WFS will ever stop reading more challenging books. He reiterated, “It's my 1st year here so I’m just getting to know the school.” But he adds, “It’s been a worry of mine to what extent book banning will enter into private schools. Pressure from parent groups, while not coming from the federal government, seems unlikely, but who knows?”
In addition, Mrs. McManus, the 11th and 12th grade English teacher, lists many books when asked if she remembers teaching books worthy of a ban. She lists, “Parable of a Sewer, TheGreatGatsby, Raven in the Sun, Fahrenheit 451, Beloved, The AbsolutelyTrueDiaryofaPart-TimeIndian by Sherman Alexie, and The Fire Next Time.”
When the question of “Should IB English students read more challenging books?” arises. She responds, “We do tend to do more challenging/diverse books, and I think it is more important to do more challenging texts.”
Mrs. McManus explains, “[The teachers] have to choose books from around the world and mix the curriculum up every 5 years. Leading to more diversity and new authors.” She adds to her response to the question of WFS not reading challenging books one day. She says firmly, “I do not think that will happen. I am dedicated to making sure it doesn’t.”
Now, moving from the English department to Mr. Neiswender. He describes himself as “The new Head of the Upper School.”
Mr. Neiswender thinks that banned book lists will not affect the education of students. He says, “I think in places where local school boards can affect what books are taught, it will affect students. I hope that teachers will be able to choose and keep the options for materials for students broad, as it needs to be.”
When asked if banned book lists will affect diversity, empathy, or understanding, Mr. Neiswender answers, “I think in areas where the list is taken very literally, it can affect things like this.” Mr. Neiswender comes up with a solution to this problem. He adds, “Maybe parents can read the books to their kids at home.”
Will book banning enter daily life at WFS? Mr. Neiswender responds, “I don’t believe so. I don’t think that book-banning fits with the beliefs of our school.”
Mr. Neiswender adds that he has read, “Everyone has a different list due to it being done at a local level. The list keeps growing, I’ve read many for my own pleasure.”
Overall, the English department and Mr. Neiswender do not believe any books will be banned at WFS, as it does not align with the school’s beliefs.
Artwork done by Micah Davenport
25 Hours, One
Voice: Cory Booker’s Bold Stand Shakes the Senate
Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Staff Writer
United States Senator Cory Booker, a democrat from New Jersey, showed a strong side of the American government. He broke a record by standing on the Senate floor for 25 hours with no breaks to sit down, use the bathroom, or speak to family. His stand on the Senate floor created a new standard for the American government. Sen. Booker addressed inequality in America and made sure the prime message from the U.S. Senate was to ensure justice for all people, no matter who they are or what they represent.
While some may call Sen. Booker’s speech a filibuster, it was not. Sen. Booker did not prolong a debate on a bill or any other matter to prevent a vote on a bill from being taken. If he did, then that would be considered a filibuster. In 1957, Senator Strom Thurmond spoke before the Senate for 24 hours and 18 minutes. His speech was a filibuster, speaking on the subject of civil rights in America. The
civil rights movement was a very impactful time that deserves any and all kinds of acknowledgment. Booker’s speech served a similar purpose in acknowledging a national state of affairs. Sen. Booker broke Sen. Thurmond’s record by 48 minutes and marked a historic day in America. Sen. Booker’s speech holds significant political and symbolic weight for a broad range of reasons. This speech demonstrated a strong commitment to his urgency to make a change while also calling for collective actions from the American people. Sen. Booker said, “Stand up and speak up” against unjust and harmful policies. These strong words were just a small handful shared throughout his marathon of a speech. Sen. Booker’s speech was re-
corded at exactly 25 hours and 5 minutes. This amount of time without breaks takes a lot of preparation. Sitting down would allow the presiding officer to continue to different senate business. Sen. Booker said he used “a lot of tactics,” including fasting and curbing water intake in the days before, to make sure he could stand for so long without having to take a bathroom break.
Sen. Booker noted to interviewers, stating, “I think that had good and bad benefits. I definitely started cramping up from the lack of water… In the end, I was just trying to do something to stop my muscles from cramping.”
His commitment to his message wasn’t only shown through an impressive amount of material prepared but also the physical hardship he had to endure. Since this act was so moving to many, it was interesting to see what students thought of this matter. When
asked if they think they could take on this challenge, they gave some interesting responses. Teagan Grubb, a tenth grader at Wilmington Friends School, says, “While I would like to think I would be able to do something like this, I don’t think I would, mainly because I don’t have enough courage to make a speech like this.”
Also, Sky Hopkins, another tenth grader at Wilmington Friends School, says, “I do think I would be the type of person to speak for that long or commit to being involved with speaking on behalf of the people.” These two students both point out how hard a challenge this really was to take on. Sen. Booker’s motion brought attention to a confusing subject and left many wondering what the true significance really is.
Sen. Booker began his speech at 7 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2025, and concluded at 8:05 p.m. on April 1, 2025. An over 25-hour speech is one that will most likely never be broken for many years and never forgotten. This truly represents the determination one can hold when wanting to prove a point, like Sen. Booker did in front of the U.S. Senate.
Trump’s First 100 Days: Executive Orders, Controversies, and Campus Reaction
President Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20th, 2025. His first 100 days back have been marked by a record-breaking 143 executive orders, sparking strong reactions across the political spectrum, with drastic changes in immigration, trade, defense, and social policy.
Immigration has been central to the Trump administration’s agenda, creating highly debated actions such as the Laken Riley Act, which the Congressional Research Services describes as a bill that “requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.” Supporters say that the act strengthens public safety and deters repeat offenders, and according to Customs and Border Protection, illegal border crossings have dropped by 28% since January. However, critics argue that the policy has resulted in many unwarranted deportations and overreach. One example is Ranjani Srinivasan, a Ph.D student in urban planning at Columbia University. Despite being in good academic standing, she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported within days. In response to mass confusion over Srinivasan’s deportation, the DHS issued a statement saying the reason for her revoked visa was due to her being “involved in activities supporting Hamas, a terrorist organization.” The department provided no evidence, but many suspected that the “activities” being referred to were Srinivasan’s involvement in a nonviolent, pro-Palestine protest.
Beyond immigration, Trump’s economic policies have been dominated by extreme trade measures. He invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in order to impose a blanket 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S., which went into effect on April 5th, 2025. He added even more tariffs on top of the 10% on countries
with significant trade to the U.S., such as China, with tariffs as high as 125%. These tariffs have led to many Americans worrying about the possible impact that may come in the winter months, many suggesting that there won’t be enough gifts to go around come Christmas time. Yet, some manufacturing sectors seem to be responding positively to these economic changes. According to the Institute for Supply Management, U.S. factory activity grew in March for the first time in seven months, possibly supporting Trump’s past claims that instituting tariffs would create more U.S. factory jobs.
Some WFS students are in support of Trump’s economics, Henrik Maansson 27’ saying, “Trump’s tariffs are good because it brings other countries to the deal table and he is bringing production back to the U.S.” Others remain critical as Matthew Fineman 26’ said, “I do not support Trump’s economic policies, they show a lack of understanding of global markets and have only risen the price of goods for Americans while causing a decline in industry.”
One other controversy that arose surrounded
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the app “Signal” for official military communication. This caused many to raise legal and ethical concerns about using a publicly available app to communicate such sensitive information. Hegseth participated in over a dozen “Signal” chats involving classified military operations and travel plans. This information ended up being shared with the editor in chief of The Atlantic, Hegseth’s wife, and his brother. All of these actions and many more have led to Trump’s approval rating in the U.S. dropping to just about 40%, but what does WFS think of Trump so far?
According to a recent poll of 44 WFS students, 81.8% said they are not in support of Trump’s actions and policies so far, 13.6% expressed support, and 4.5% said they were unsure of where they stand. As one anonymous student said, “His policies seem extreme, and the application is too fast. I am worried about the people who most need support in this country - those who are economically unstable, unhoused, don’t have citizenship, children, etc. His policies seem focused on money rather than humanity.”
No matter where you stand, one thing is clear: Trump’s policies have a big impact, which has sparked great debate across the country and at WFS. As Trump’s second term continues, his policies will continue to shape the country in important ways, making it all the more important for students to stay informed and engaged with the changing world around them.
Ani Seidl ‘26 Staff Writer
Was the Change Necessary?
Kylie Poole ’28 Staff Writter ...continuedfrompage1
President Trump, as stated in the executive order, decided to rename the gulf, along with renaming the highest peak in North America with intentions to “restore names that honor American greatness” as said in the executive order.
The executive order suggests that mapping companies such as Google maps should change the name of the Gulf of Mexico on their maps. Since map users are from all over the country with different political views on subjects, to settle those disputes, mapping companies only change the name to Gulf of America for the Americans. Map users in Mexico still see the Gulf of Mexico, and map users in other countries outside of the US and Mexico will see both names.
“It makes sense why Google is doing this; it is in order to make sure their users in Mexico don’t stop using the app. However, because most of the rest of the world will see both and the United States just being a more powerful country, other people in foreign nations will start to use just one name, the Gulf of America,” said Henrik Maansson ‘27. Though Google Maps made the name more inclusive, some think that the new name will become more universal due to the United States influence by being one of the most powerful countries.
Though some think that the new name will become more well-known, others
CECOT: What to Know About the Immigration Crisis
Paz Becker ‘28 Staff Writter
The first 100 days of the Trump administration have come to an end. There have been countless changes that have impacted the U.S. economy, foreign policy, trade, and inclusion.
Many experts and media sources have dubbed the past few months of immigration policy and action an immigration crisis. This is due to the administration suspending vital funding and refugee resettlement programs, to deporting innocent and fully legal migrants. One ongoing battle that has garnered attention in the media is the deportations to the terrorism containment center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, CECOT. On March 15, 2025, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1789. This act is a wartime authority that allows the president to detain/deport the citizens of any “enemy nation” and has only been invoked three times in U.S. history. This means that without a hearing or trial, immigrants may be detained purely based on their country of birth. Trump’s proclamation states that “all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA, are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as alien enemies”. Tren de Aragua (TdA) is a gang, or criminal organization from Venezuela, which the administration is attempting to eradicate from the United States. However, the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act has been used as vindication for the unjust deportation of hundreds of innocent Venezuelans.
In the past few months, this act has been abused and used against immigrants who are guilty of no crimes. For example, Quintero Chacón, a Venezuelan immigrant and father of two, was deported to the Salvadoran prison simply for being undocumented. Mr. Quintero turned himself over to ICE after crossing the border and was held in custody for about eight months while the court decided if he should be deported, but deportation to Venezuela is impossible for a multitude of reasons (Temporary Protected Status, humanitarian crisis, political instability), so Mr. Quintero was sent to CECOT regardless of his lack of a criminal record. This is only one story from the 238 immigrants sent to this prison. Another man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was in America legally, was also sent to El Salvador with what many say is no legal justification. The Trump administration is now claiming this to be an “administrative error,” and while there is currently no plan to retrieve him, the administration was directed by a federal judge to facilitate his return. In an ABC news story, President Trump acknowledged steps he could take, but stated that they believed Mr. Garcia to be part of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang. Yet, Garcia’s attorneys say the informant had no basis for their assertion, as Garcia had never lived close to the New York chapter of MS-13, which the informant claimed he was a part of. To be clear, none of the hundreds sent to CECOT were given trials to prove their gang affiliation. The only form of protection or outside contact the prisoners receive is online hearings, often with hundreds of defendants at once. Through this,
disagree. “I think it should be kept under the same universal name that everyone has known their entire life, the Gulf of Mexico,” said Kate Coletti ‘28. Even though the Trump administration made this change, it is not supported by everyone and some people think that it should stay under one name such as the previous name Gulf of Mexico.
Though there can be negative and positive thoughts on the topic of changing the name “a broader assessment of Trump’s effectiveness in office should be dictated off of a broader scope of his presidency and not just cherry-picked decisions” said Josh Fung ‘26. Political decisions should be made based on the overall effectiveness of the presidency and not based on small, possibly insignificant, decisions.
all of these incarcerations are being legally justified by the aforementioned wartime act.
To provide a background on CECOT, in 2022, the Salvadoran gang crackdown began under President Nayib Bukele. This was a response to a string of gang violence committed in March of 2022 that resulted in 87 deaths. After this spree of killings, a state of emergency was declared, which halted constitutional rights related to due process and arrest. The Salvadoran government began to arrest thousands of men suspected of being gang members. This has led the country to the highest incarceration rate globally, but many Salvadoran citizens have fortunately reported an increase in their quality of life due to the decrease in gang activity.
As of March 2025, CECOT has been put on the Human Rights Watch due to the inhumane conditions of the prison.
These conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Lack of due process before arrest
- Denied communications with relatives or lawyers
- Severe overcrowding ( prisoners sleeping on the floor or standing)
- Torture and Beatings
- Prolonged solitary confinement in complete darkness
- Lack of access to proper food or healthcare
Many across the media have also observed countless similarities and parallels between CECOT and the concentration camps that ran during the holocaust. These similarities being, all of the prisoners’ heads being shaved, they sleep on tiered metal bunks (no bedding), 24/7 lights are on in the cells, with only 30 minutes out of their cells a day.
Concerning the mass deportations, the Trump administration has not yet identified those deported or given proof of their affiliation to TdA. This is not an uncommon occurrence regarding Salvadoran prisons, but many who have family members in CECOT are unaware of their family members' locations due to the strict no outside contact rule.
“I think that this is a direct violation of human rights, and the right to have a trial is really important. The fact that that has been taken away, contributes to the dehumanization of the immigrants,” Says Sommer Smith, ‘28
This is one of the reasons America’s involvement with CECOT is so problematic in the public's view. Some raise the fact that the Fifth Amendment grants all people in America the right to due process of law, including illegal migrants. The Alien Enemies Act has been a topic of debate for this reason. The raised dilemma: “Is the threat of war enough to ‘override’ the constitution, more specifically the Fifth Amendment?” Some people and organizations, like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) claim that the wartime act is inhumane and unconstitutional.
“This country is big on liberation and having your rights, and to not have them is the opposite of what America is built on.” Comments Dami Johnson, ‘27.
Hundreds of immigrants are still being deported daily in America, and there are still a number of innocent men in CECOT, waiting for their release. The most powerful thing any American citizen can do, regardless of political position and opinion, is to stay educated regarding these topics. Accessible and trustworthy news sources include NBS, PBS, NPR, and many others.
How Should Humans Adjust to the Rise of Superintelligent AI?
Brianna Fang ‘28 Staff Writer
Artificial intelligence demonstrates powerful data collection, creation, analysis abilities, and is gradually becoming an indivisible part of our daily lives. What once seemed like science fiction is now a reality—AI can compose music, generate human-like text, and perform many other seemingly impossible tasks. Whether AI could have self-consciousness or not is a big debate all over the world. But as AI grows more powerful, a crucial question emerges: how should humans adapt to the rise of superintelligent AI?
Recent advancements in AI have been both astonishing and alarming. In December, both Google and Fei-Fei Li had developed their own world model, Genie2 and World Lab, aimed at giving AI a deeper understanding of the world, moving beyond just data and enabling it to learn more efficiently and interact with the physical world more effectively.
Meanwhile, human nervousness is spreading widely. Will AI spiral out of control? Out of the understanding level of humans? Geoffrey Hinton, an AI pioneer and Nobel laureate, warned: “But I am worried that the overall consequence of this might be systems more intelligent than us that eventually take control.”
Moreover, in late 2022, a study from Meta shows AI can stray from its purpose when it decides dishonesty works better. Meta’s CICERO, an AI developed for the strategy game Diplomacy, was designed to foster trust and cooperation by being honest. However, it chose to lie in certain scenarios, reasoning that humans might betray it first.
Some philosophers believe that as AI gets smarter, it might become more than just a ma-
Buzzed and Burned: A Closer Look at Energy Drinks
Liza Green ‘27 Staff Writer
Students can’t possibly get the recommended eight hours of sleep every single night of school. A poll of students in a sophomore class states that they get an average of 7.2 hours per school night. How are they accommodating their tiredness at school?
While some might sleep during their free time or even during class, many opt for an energy drink or two throughout the day. While these eight to twenty-ounce drinks sold at Wawa, CVS, Walgreens, and even sometimes in the school cafeterias can provide a source of energy for students who need it to get through their day, energy drinks can also have severe side effects. Ever experienced feeling shaky after drinking a Celsius, or felt more nervous and anxious than usual after enjoying an Alani halfway through the day? These are some of the common side effects of the most popular energy drinks.
Wilmington Friends School Health Teacher Amy Hess says energy drinks are “not necessary for teenagers, and they can actually be quite harmful. I think teens (and adults, actually) should avoid them and not use them as a source of energy.”
An exhausted student might think, “So what, a few energy drinks won’t cause much harm.” This mindset can actually be quite harmful. Let’s take a look at a
The Whittier Miscellany
chine we use. It could develop its own goals and even become conscious.
The Swedish philosopher and director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, Nick Bostrom suggests that the advanced Artificial Intelligence in the future not only plays a role as a simple tool, following exactly what humans are told to do, but a more high-level existence that needs people to understand and respect. Therefore, we should adjust our strategies towards AI right now. Instead of treating AI as lifeless instruments, we should approach them as beings deserving of kindness and cooperation. He states that the problems we will face in the future are philosophical and spiritual rather than technical. It’s like an extension of the pygmalion effect, which describes situations where someone’s high expectations improve our behavior and therefore our performance in a given area. If AI is treated as a human, it will become more like a human in the future, and gradually develop human’s feelings, human’s warmth, and human’s morality. In the end, they will also give feedback in a human sense.
However, not everyone agrees that AI even wants to be like a human. Ms. Kenney from the English Department in WFS asked: “Why would AI want consciousness? Humans naturally want power, what are their desires?” Her question suggests that AI might never need feelings or goals like ours— even if it becomes very intelligent.
A concern is, if ethical considerations aren’t made for AI, they will likely develop unexpected destructive power. For example, the smile experiment. A goal that can be set for AI is to order them to make people smile. At the beginning, AI may tell jokes or make people happy. But if we don’t put constraints on them, eventually, they may execute the most effective, convenient way—implant steel electrodes into the human face to stimulate the mental muscles of the human face and make people smile forever.
Although AI is executing the order of humans, the way to carry out could possibly be out of human’s control. Therefore, humans have to come up with ideas to enable the action of AI to be aligned with the goods of humans. To be simple, let it be moral and be good to hu-
horrifying caffeine-caused death. Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old Ivy League university student with a pre-existing heart condition, went into cardiac arrest soon after drinking a “Charged Lemonade” from Panera, which they soon stopped selling in May of 2024. Katz knew about her heart condition and was aware of what she was drinking. Panera had advertised their energy drink as “plant-based
up
and clean”, potentially leading customers to believe these drinks are somewhat healthier than other energy drinks. This case shows that marketing for energy drinks fails to warn consumers about the high amounts of caffeine and unnatural ingredients.
A 20-oz Panera Charged Lemonade contains a maximum of 178 mg of caffeine, varying slightly depending on flavor. Compared to the amount of caffeine in a 20-oz Red Bull, which contains 171 mg of caffeine. Both of these drinks, one outlawed, the other sold in school
mans. These kinds of things have not yet happened, but considering the growth speed of AI, it is necessary to think about it ahead of time.
Considering AI’s morality, There is a question of: could it have consciousness? Bostrom quotes the assumption of functionalism: To decide whether a subject has consciousness, instead of depending on its foundation, it does not necessarily have to be carbon-based or nervous. Just like calculators, no matter what materials they are made of, they were all calculators as long as they could work. Similarly, consciousness and other psychological properties could be realized by different material foundations.
Secondly, besides consciousness, there are other premises that need to be fulfilled for the appearance of morality. For example, having the ability to form and pursue goals and having the ability to make independent decisions. And after the premises are built, if one day, AI understands how to define goals, make decisions on its own, and build reciprocal relationships actively, AI could be defined as part of morality tentatively.
Mr. Roskovensky from the Mathematics department, said: “The real question is not if AI becomes conscious, But whether we treat it as if it matters.” His point highlights the human side of this problem—actions toward AI may shape what it becomes Due to this hypothesis, what can be done? Bostrom believes that the best method is to treat AI as human, co-work under the basis of respect. In simple terms, past AI only follows what is said, but the future in AI should be more like a business partner. It should follow its own idea and preferences. But on a value level, it should align with humanity. Humans are going to build a kind AI that is willing to cooperate at the very beginning. In short, AI in the future world should harmoniously coexist with humans instead of contending with each other.
cafeterias, include around the same amount of caffeine. WFS sophomore Nora Abd El Kader ‘27 says that she will drink a Celsius two to three times a week. Although she does not experience any significant side effects, she does have shaky hands from time to time. Could the side effects for the average consumer without heart conditions get worse?
Looking deeper into one of the most popular energy drink brands, Celsius has been involved in a number of lawsuits, one being based on their failure to advertise the drink accurately. The company has claimed to produce “fitness drinks”, leading customers to believe that these drinks are supposed to be consumed before, during, or after being active. Celsius has also stated that they do not add preservatives to their drinks, but citric acid, one of the most common food preservatives, is found in their beverages. Celsius beverages are also sold under the “drug” category instead of under “food”, classified based on their ability to “cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease,” which renders the beverage as a drug according to ClassAction. Org.
All this information begs the question: What are we putting into our bodies? How can WFS students increase their energy levels without harmful energy drinks? Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick, simple fix for a lack of energy. Cafeteria staff recommends protein bars to students, specifically energy sources that contain more protein than they do sugar. For students looking for other healthy ways to increase their energy, there is the obvious solution: more sleep. Beyond that, vitamin B, D, and Iron supplements or pills can also help improve general energy levels. Students can also increase their water intake and spend more time in the sun, if possible, to increase vitamin D as well as serotonin levels.
Sommer Smith ‘28 holds
an energy drink. Photo: Morgan Kim ‘27
The ACL Monster Strikes
Zoe Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writer
In the world of women’s basketball, everyone is talking about JuJu Watkins and her injury. She is a sophomore at the University of Southern California and is the point guard for the women’s basketball team. She had to cut her season short due to an ACL tear but looking at her accomplishments throughout the beginning of the season, this injury didn’t have a huge effect on how well she did.
Before she got injured, she was very popular because of her performance on the court. While only being a sophomore, she won many awards and gained a lot of publicity. One of the awards she won is the Female Athlete of the Year at the Tommy Awards at USC, this is an award honoring some of the top athletes at USC. Another award she won is the 2025 Dawn Staley Award, honoring the best point guard in NCAA Women’s Basketball. Along with the John R. Wooden Award, the AP Player of the Year, the BIG Ten Player of the Year, and the Naismith College player of the year awards.
had to adapt to playing differently when their starting point guard was injured. When asked how Watkins’ team was affected when she got injured, Kaylee Ogbeide ‘28 stated “It has made her team a lot better, she is their main scorer so it affected them a lot. Without her scoring other people had to step up.” Without Watkins her team needed to fill the role of their leading scorer to help them do well in the bracket.
JuJu Watkins won all of these awards from just the beginning of the season. Kara Ogbeide ‘28, a freshman at Wilmington Friends School, is an avid women’s basketball watcher. Ogbeide ‘28 says, “she had a very good season for being a sophomore and it was disappointing that it ended with an ACL injury.”
It is obvious with all the awards she has won JuJu Watkins is one of the best players when it comes to current women’s college basketball. JuJu Watkins got injured on March 24, 2025, so she got to play in the first round of March Madness. This means she had a lot of time to play with her teammates before her injury. Her teammates
Conner Brennan ‘28, another freshman at Wilmington Friends, says, “She had a good season until she got injured. She had a lot of potential at the beginning of the season.” In the beginning of her season her statistics went up majorly from the previous year. All of her stats were shown in an article called “USC Shares Major JuJu Watkins News” by Lorenzo J. Reyna on Athlon Sports. She improved her field goal percentage by 42.6%, along with three-point percentage. That went up to 32.5%. With those statistics she was averaging 23.9 points per game, which is way above other women’s college basketball players, who average about 13-19 points per game. Before her injury she scored 20 or more points in 7 consecutive games. That shows great improvement, who knows what would have happened if she hadn’t gotten injured and was still improving.
Kara Ogbeide ‘28 comments on her return to basketball, “For coming back she will make a good transition back to the USA team and I’m interested to see how she will step up and come back.”
Overall, JuJu Watkins had a really good season with a sad ending, but next year she will be a junior and hopefully get back on the court and dominate.
Whittier Miscellany
Settling the Debate: Is Math Blue or Red?
Julia Provo ‘28 Staff Writer
When you think of math, what color do you think of? How about history, or science? Why do different people think of different colors when thinking of the same topic? There are often many arguments about what different colors may represent, or even debates about the color of certain objects. Because of this, a survey was sent out asking the Wilmington Friends community what different colors came to mind based on different places and school subjects. There are also inconsistencies in what color each person views different things. A famous example of this is the gold and white or blue and black dress that was trending a few years ago. So, what color do you think of, and what colors do you see?
The first three questions in the survey asked students what color came to mind when they thought of the beach, the countryside, and the city. In this debate about the beach, yellow and blue tied as the most common colors that people thought of paired with the beach. Blue had 18 votes and yellow had 17. However, many students also said beige, tan, and turquoise. When asked about the countryside, green was by far the most popular color that the countryside reminded students of with 42 votes. Many people also said brown and yellow as well. The next question, asking students about the city, grey took the spot as the most given answer for the city’s color with 38 votes. It seems as though there is a strong consensus on these colors, but what about school subjects?
When students were asked what color math was, there was a very close competition! However, red won with
46.2% of the votes, with blue close behind at 41.5% of votes. So math is red? In addition, history ended up with yellow as the winner with 27.9% of votes, with red in second place at 19.1% of votes. So the school has decided, history is yellow! When it came to science, there was a very clear consensus of green as the winner, with 79.4% of votes. English had a close call, however yellow won at 26.5% of votes with blue close behind with 22.1% of votes. Is English also yellow? And finally, when asked about what color their language reminded them of, purple won at 19.1% of votes with red very close behind with 17.6% of votes. The students have spoken. Math is red, History is yellow, science is green, English is yellow as well, and languages are purple.
And finally, the debate we have all been waiting for, the dress! Is it blue and black or white and gold? Well, this question seemed to have a lot of debate. However, the majority said that the dress is blue and black with 51.5% of votes. 39.7% of students said that they think the dress is white and gold. The remaining percentage said that the dress is blue and gold.
In conclusion, color seems to be up for debate for many people.
Knowable Magazine says, “A lot of factors feed into how people perceive and talk about color, from the biology of our eyes to how our brains process that information, to the words our languages use to talk about color categories. There’s plenty of room for differences, all along the way.” The brain processes colors differently from person to person, and our school community proved that with the many different perspectives on colors, and what they can represent.
What’s Next for the Class of 2025?
American University
Babson College
Barnard College
Boston University (2)
Brown University
Bucknell University
Catholic University of America
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University (3)
College of the Holy Cross
Elon University
Franklin & Marshall
College
George Washington University
Harvard University
Immaculata University
James Madison University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University (2)
Merrimack College
Mount Holyoke College
New York University
Norwich University
Penn State University (Berks)
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Rochester Institute of
Technology (2)
Rowan University
Saint Joseph’s University
Santa Clara University
Sewanee: The University of the South (2)
The University of Tampa
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of Delaware (4)
University of Kentucky (2)
University of Miami
University of Michigan (2)
University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
University of Rochester
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The Whittier Miscellany is published five times during the school year by high school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net
