THE BOLT (March 2013) by Sage Hill School

THE BOLT March 2013

Volume 13, Issue 5

20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657

A New Scientific Venture By Hawken Miller

f Emily tesy o s Cour Photo

n Shima

STaff Writer

ne year and four months from today, students will start classes in the Science Center. From that point on, science here will be dramatically transformed into a new and dynamic learning process. As the Head of School, Gordon McNeill understands this idea “will give students opportunities in science.” The teachers and vital members of the board of trustees will go beyond the current nation-wide science conundrum and “do science the right way,” McNeill says. Teachers like Dr. Todd Haney, Science Dept. chairman, are equally as excited. Haney, who completed his Ph.D. in biology at UCLA believes that this new building will “generate interest in science.” Sonnet Hui, the architect and designer for the science center, holds these same ideals. She has experience working “with many other education and civic developments.” She says that she knew “there was something special about Sage Hill.” Her expertise and motivation has galvanized the timely creation of this space. This building has been “part of the conversation from day one” for McNeill. The portables now are only placeholders for the greatness to come. The problems of the current science rooms have been impetus for the enhanced development and design of the new building. “Large, fixed furniture,” seems to be the greatest problem to Haney, along with the footprint of the current structure. For Haney, the layout of the current building creates “overused space.” He laughs as he recalls the lack of storage space and equipment; he and science teacher Tyler Zarubin are constantly “warring over equipment.” Faced with these considerations, the science faculty and the board of trustees have come up with a viable space to conduct and learn about science. Glass panels will allow for a better “kind of visibility”; movable furniture, high quality equipment and more storage space will eliminate the “things that eat up time,” Haney says. McNeill hopes that these additions along with “a dry teaching space and a wet teaching space” will contribute to enhanced curriculum and will help to “strengthen the lab program” that Haney has in mind. The department chair hopes that the completion of this new building will aid in “enhancing the current curriculum.” The faculty and student body alike are excited about the prospect of new electives such as “engineering, robotics and astronomy.” McNeill really wants to see the science course change in response to “what the passions of the students are.” Integration of the campus design seems to be the highest priority for designer Hui, who hopes to incorporate “details, materials and colors from the existing school.” Like the current Town Square, the “terraced plaza will become an iconic campus destination” and provide a viable environment for science to take place. Hui sees the building, as Haney does, with “open labs that allow for cross collaboration between spaces.” Haney is hopeful that with “fully equipped labs,” partnerships between science institutions will continue on a larger scale than ever before. Students have already experienced a sense of this collaboration while sitting in on the lectures of respected scientists from the UCI research facilities. Haney and McNeill, among others, are “exploring opportunities to get those students who have specific interests involved in more authentic activities.” In Hui’s perspective, the building will “create a new venue for the outside community to engage with Sage Hill and its students.” Allowing students to utilize real scientific labs and research centers will distinguish a Sage Hill science education from other schools. The individualistic approach of the school will manifest in this building and create an imprint in the current climate of scientific education. For those students who will not get to experience this unique building, McNeill offers them some advice: “value proposition makes it so that one can have the pride to say that ‘I went there.’”

A new definition of science takes Sage by storm. (From top to bottom) Seniors Samir Durrani and Emma Overly, sophomores Rebecca Fudge and Brittany Andressoo, Amir Soleimany and Milad Rouhani and seniors Tiffany Silverstein and Shaan Gareeb define what science means to them.

2 SCHOOL LIFE

Imperfections Embraced By Maddy Abbott staff Writer

Rising to the Challenge, Jim Abbott published a book about the challenges that he has overcome.

Jim Abbott was born without a right hand, different in this way than most other kids, yet he grew up dreaming and hoping to someday make it big in the Major Leagues. A familiar face here on campus, Abbott spoke during Assembly about his New York Times Best-Seller, Imperfect, a story about his journey through life and baseball with only one hand. Former professional baseball player Jim Abbott took the stage this month behind the podium to talk to students about the book-in-common this summer. Abbott spoke about what baseball allowed him to do: define all odds and break all expectations. As a twenty-one year old, Abbott was already an Olympic gold-medalist, a Cy Young nominee, and a pitcher for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels. Through all this success, Abbott talked about just what his disability meant to him and what it helped him to accomplish after initially holding him back. Abbott was determined not to use this missing hand as an excuse; he wanted to be known for his baseball accomplishments, not his obvious difference. His story, and mostly his refusal to give up, served as an inspiration to people around the country, as well as his motto: “Find something you love, an go after it, with all your heart.” Jim Abbott, through a genuinely touching memoir, described what it was like to travel through life a little unconventionally. He showed the Sage Community the importance of accepting your differences and embracing these imperfections. Abbott encouraged students to do what they love and pursue it with all their heart. Though many had seen his face before in a long carpool line or steep Ube bleachers, under the spotlight, a new side of him was revealed and an incredibly admired past was illuminated.

An Alumni Perspective By Shannon Zhang Guest Writer

Last August, I left sunny afternoons inTown Square and fresh avocados for the East Coast and the wonderful adventure that college is supposed to be. Well, the East Coast is cold. And college is not always a glamorous time, but it’s worth it. It’s worth every portfolio essay you’ve struggled to write, every Service Learning proposal gone wrong, every late night Facebook chat with your best friend. High school matters not because it helps you get to college, but because it molds you into the person you are when you first step onto campus. I’m two months shy from finishing freshman year, so let’s be honest—I’m in the depths of existentialist struggles. Allow me, though, a few words of advice for making the most of Sage: Challenge yourself by taking risks. Saturate your life with unexpected activities and conversations with people you’ve never met. Talk to someone new in the Sapphire line. Go to the One Acts. Audition for the One Acts. Keep thinking about the things that keep you up at night, then talk to people about how you see the world and get their feedback. Life is a conversation. Engage in life. I remember more clearly when I stayed up baking a cake

for my roommate’s birthday than the grade I received on my midterm the following day. Friends keep you sane and focused, but they also remind you not to take yourself that seriously. Never miss out on opportunities to forge new friendships. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from others. Learn how to study effectively and study things you love. It might still feel like work, but at least you care about what you’re doing! There’s not enough time for extracurricular activities you dislike. To the seniors, remember to keep perspective. Whether or not you love a college all depends on how much you make of the experience. Where you go to college does not matter as much as what you do as an undergrad and, more importantly, who you become. Trust me when I say college drama is stressful and unnecessary. Lastly, don’t forget to notice the beautiful things in life. The first day it snowed, I sprinted out of lecture straight into the flurries. I ran—head back, hair down, tongue out—catching my breath, catching myself. Adolescence is a marvelous thing—why not enjoy it?

On march 21, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm, the Studio at Sage Hill will hold an opening reception for the student art exhibit, “Transformed.” Art courtesy of senior Yoon Cha.

SCHOOL LIFE 3

A Celebration of Culture

The Multicultural Fair is an event that Sage students and parents alike look forward to every year. This Saturday, March 23, the Sage community will come together to celebrate the many cultures that make up Sage Hill. By Selin Karaoguz Staff Writer

This year’s winner of the Multicultural Fair artwork competition, ourtesy of Junior Alaina Collazo, is the official poster for this year’s festivities. It is featured on posters and advertisements around the school, and will be available for purchase at the fair.

The 12th Annual Multicultural Fair Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. will host more than 1,000 guests to enjoy the global village that is put on by parents and students to showcase the diverse community that is Sage Hill School. Replete with intercontinental food booths, an ethnic bazaar and countless international entertainments, the Multicultural Fair is expected to be better than ever. Many changes have been implemented that make the Multicultural Fair better tha it has ever been, and guarantee a soaring success. Select Service Learning groups will participate in the fair, allowing students to contribute in a way that they have never been able to before. Another change is the addition of an Artisans’ Village, where visitors will be able to view exhibitions and watch artists in action while learning about diverse art forms. The final big change is the expansion of the Kids’ Zone and childrens’ activities. Parent organizers have worked hard to deliver a childrens’ area that has doubled in size since previous years. The annual Multicultural Fair allows students and families to embrace and celebrate the fusion of heritages that make Sage Hill School such a rich, unique environment.

Publications Staff Applications Out Today By Jodie Horowitz and angel chen, Staff Writers The year is drawing to a close, with spring break approaching and portfolio season on its way. Before we know it, we will all be flipping through the yearbook, collecting signatures and reminiscing about the year behind us. This also means that Publications Staff applications are online today ready for the next crop of budding journalists to submit on April 23. Publications Staff has been laboring hard to create the most memorable Sage Hill yearbook yet. With staff from The Bolt and the yearbook combined

for the first time in Sage history, writers, photographers and designers also have equal opportunity to contribute to the newspaper that you hold in your hands at this moment. Konnie Krislock, the adviser of Publications Staff, said that after “subbing here for three years, I saw the publications and I said, ‘I could do that!’ This year I got my chance.” For the first time, the combined newspaper and yearbook staff have a designated work time during Tuesday and Friday faculty-designated X Blocks where 31 young journalists work to keep the community informed. Also for the first time, all grade lev-

els are represented in Publications Staff, including freshman Namita Prakash, who considers writing her passion. This year, she has been given the opportunity to discover her curiosity “about the journalism world,” she said. Along with Prakash, a large number of underclassmen have been given the opportunity to participate in Publications Staff. In fact, there are more sophomores represented than any other grade level. “My transition into sophomore year has really been defined by what I do in publications staff,” Hawken Miller said. With a consolidated work time and more opportunities to contribute

to both the school newspaper and yearbook, our large, passionate staff has become committed to the idea of a combined publications program. Chris Andras, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, feels “so happy that there are so many more dedicated staff members this year.” Krislock hopes the enthusiasm for the Publications Staff and its projects will continue. An online site may be added in September. After downloading the application, students have one month to complete the application requirements—some for each interest—design, writing and photo assignments to be done.

4 SCHOOL LIFE

The Library Renovated

A more social collaborative space By Nikki Parmar STaff Writer

Whether it be lounging around the fireplace area on a rainy day, or viewing the entire Los Angeles basin from the bank of windows on a sunny day, every Sage Hill student has been to the library at some point in his or her high school career. Upon arrival in September, students found the library completely revamped and better than ever. Over the summer, faculty members were hard at work to make the “tone” of the lower library one of a more social environment, a place for collaboration among peers, as well as independent learning—defying the stereotype that the only word that can be spoken at a library is “Shhh!” Nikki Imai, director of Library Resources & Website coordinator, describes her role in the transformation. “Over the summer, I worked with Diane Shank, John Bicking and other faculty members to figure out ways to make the library more dynamic. Gordon McNeill even had his Spring at Sage Entrepreneurial Spirit seminar brainstorm possible changes. We wanted to create a more social collaborative space.” Before the changes, only large tables

Photo courtesy of Nikki Imai

new library configuration. An artist’s rendering of what is now the lower

library which was completely revamped during the summer and opened in September. covered the lower floor. Now, the tables have been moved to the center, making way for comfortable chairs and couches, along with a homey bookcase. Desktop computers are still present, but now a new set of laptops are available for students to check out as needed. The library now checks out iPads, audio books and eBooks to students who request them so that students can “bring

their technology with them,” another goal that Imai articulated. Beanbags and a cozy rug rest alongside the wall of magazines. “The changes were kind of controversial for the library field. There are students who want to use the library to really study. We tried to keep that studious feel particularly in the upper library,” Imai says. In the upper library, several desktops are set up for students who prefer to study or

work individually. Many students, including Senior Miranda Li, have been very receptive to this partition. Li says, “It has a very studylike feel to it, and it gives me a better place to study and focus.” The renovation that has been the least conspicuous, but perhaps the most effective, is the sound-proof paneling along the magazine wall and the high ceilings that Imai anticipated could be necessary with more people occupying the more popular library space. The panels, made from specialized frames with sound-proof fabric, allow many people to talk at once, without there being an echoing sound. The panels have already made an incredible difference, allowing students to speak freely without causing too much noise and distraction. In consideration of the renovations’ benefits, Imai says, “Just judging by how [the library] has been used, [the changes have] been a really good thing for the school.” In the future, the library plans on having brand-new armchairs for a more relaxed environment, as well as side tables accompanying them. Imai would also like to add low shelves and more fiction books to encourage pleasure-reading. Incredibly, there are even more library renovations to look forward to.

Shadow of My Former Self By Kristin Saroyan Staff Writer

Photo courtesy Emily Shimano

REMNANT OF THE PAST. Senior Chris Adras remembers

when he was once a shadow of himself both metaphorically and in reality, he said.

Shadow days are second to none. The shadows—potential new students—arrive on campus in the morning, meet their hosts and experience two blocks of classes and lunch visiting enrolled students. After speaking to some of the shadows, a trend in opinions is clear, and their contentedness is almost tangible; the potential incoming students simply feel welcomed and slightly astounded at the charming aspects that are uncommon in other high schools. For example, some shadows marvel at the lengthy classes that remarkably pass by in a flash. Others simply find delight in the very atmosphere of the school. “I like how everybody knows everybody.” Said one aspiring student, Morgan Hunter, commenting on the small and friendly student population,

Another shadow, Paw Cho, agreed adding, “It’s a pretty friendly environment. I don’t think that there’s any put-downs or bullying here.” Evidently, shadows appreciate the casualness and relaxed haven that is Sage Hill School. When asked to reflect on the classes they visited, shadows like Abby Schwendel raved. “I visited the theater class where the students are rehearsing a play and that was cool because there were a lot of talented kids, she observed. “I also visited an English class which was really awesome too!” Hunter “loved how all of the classes [were] very hands-on.” With marvelous classes and a highly accepting environment, students of the class of 2017 will deeply consider joining the community of Sage Hill School, they said.

EDITORIAL & OPINION 5

BOLT The Bolt is published monthly as the official Sage Hill student-run newspaper. Since our founding year in 2000, we have served as a public forum for the Sage community. Our goal is to uphold a high standard of quality journalism in a way that is both engaging and informative for the students and faculty. All issues are stored online in the archive at http://issuu.com/shsbolt. Please contact Jenna Shapiro at 13ShapiroJ@sagehillschool.org if you have questions, or a desire to guest write or take photographs for The Bolt. Editor-in-Chief Jenna Shapiro ‘13 Managing Editor Carlyn Kane ‘13 Assistant Editors Erika Lynn-Green ‘14 Tiana Lowe ‘14 News Editor Joy Chang ‘13 School Life Editor Joelle Nanula ‘14 Opinion Editor Jeremy Dorne ‘13 Arts and Lifestyle Editor Savannah Gardner ‘13 Features Editor Carlyn Kane ‘13 Sports Editor Kavi Sakraney ‘14 Backpage Editor Yoonseo Cha ‘13 Staff Chris Andras ‘13 Christian Liu ‘13 Maddy Abbott ‘15 Alexandra Bollman ‘14 Maddy Bukaty ‘14 John Cha ‘16 Angel Chen ‘15 Claire Goul ‘15 Mallory Glay ‘15 Nellie Hamadani ‘15 Jodie Horowitz ‘15 Janis Jin ‘16 Kiana Jodeiry ‘14 Selin Karaoguz ‘15 Hawkin Miller ‘15 Michelle Min ‘15 Halland McKenna ‘15 Nikki Parmar ‘15 Namita Prakash ‘16 Kristin Saroyan ‘16 Emily Shimano ‘14 Doreen Yedwab ‘14 Publications Adviser Konnie Krislock Sage Hill School 20402 Newport Coast Dr. Newport Coast, CA 92657 (949) 219- 0100 www.sagehillschool.org

Sage’s Changing Culture By Joelle Nanula Staff Writer

lthough very young in high school years, Sage Hill is home to a culture so well-known that it draws in prospective students from far and wide. The name “Sage” is synonymous with “community,” “openness,” “spirit” and “diversity.” Even “sageyness,” which eludes an exact definition, has a deeper meaning that is understood by all: it means respect, support and love, toward each other and toward our community. At Sage, peoples’ quirks are not ridiculed, but celebrated. Town Meetings consist of more than just announcements; students sing their hearts out, share their stories and connect with one another. Needless to say, every student at Sage knows how special Sage is, but so do most teenagers in the greater Orange County area. With its widely recognized attributes, it seems a frightening concept that Sage should ever change. But in certain ways, it’s

Comic by Doreen Yebwab ‘14

changing already. As its name and reputation have spread, more and more eighth graders are applying to Sage every year. The wider applicant pool makes for a more selective admissions process and a freshman class that grows more dynamic by the year. Sage is expanding physically as well. With the recent addition of a track, plus a new football field complete with Astroturf, Sage is slowly accumulating all the trappings of a respected, established high school. Plans for a brand-new science building to finally replace the portables, set for completion in 2015, have underclassmen excited and alumni jealous. But is Sage’s culture truly chang-

ing in any real, lasting way? For my part, I’m inclined to believe that Sage is just as “sagey” as ever. New facilities give us more room to learn in, but it’s the same beautiful campus we know and love. There are certainly more students at Sage now than there were at its inception, but that simply means more passionate, spirited teenagers to help spread the Sage love. Sage is not really changing. It’s evolving, taking advantage of new ideas and technology to bring a richer learning experience to a wider variety of young people. It’s Sage, upgraded for the modern age. Now, if that’s not “sagey,” I don’t know what is.

Choices and Consequences Staff Editorial

By Erica Lynn-Green

e live in a high-pressure culture. Our culture makes easy judgments based on whether students take advanced classes, what their SAT scores are and how many extracurriculars they can pack in. College bumper stickers and name recognition seem to take precedence over a well-suited match. We get support from faculty, college counselors and peers, but pressure chases students like gigantic granite boulders chase Indiana Jones. In this environment—especially in the spring semester, with APs looming and finals close on their heels—cutting corners can be tempting. Since elementary school, students are taught never, ever to look at another student’s spelling

test or science quiz and copy the answers. In middle school, cheating warnings get more sophisticated as kids learn not to copy-and-paste into essays or Google the answers to homework questions. By the time students enter ninth grade, they know what intentional, blatant cheating looks like. But what about unintentional plagiarism? In the world outside of school (i.e. colleges, journalism, government), plagiarism is plagiarism. If a college student accidentally miscites a senior thesis, the degree is on the line. If a journalist forgets to credit a source properly, his credibility and journalistic integrity is called into question and his career jeopardized. In school, however, with rules and norms differing between each class and each department, it can be difficult for students to determine whether their study habits or note-

taking practices are questionable. When students juggle a heavy workload and extracurriculars, they often finish homework late at night, blurred with exhaustion. Taking a shortcut by using another person’s work can have huge consequences even if it seems harmless or undetectable, or if you believe it to be your own work. In this Information Age, with everything from complete essays to homework answers available online, students must take extra precautions to ensure that their hard work stems from their own brilliance. As Mad-Eye Moody reminds us, we must have “constant vigilance” to prevent any accidental use of ideas not our own. Sage students represent an incredible amount of brain power, and they deserve the full credit and pride that comes with developing their own thoughts and ideas.

6 FEATURES

State JCL celebrates Ides of March By michelle min and Namita Prakash Staff Writers

Photos courtesy of Chris Andras

“It was possibly the smoothest of any convention in the 58-year history of the California Junior Classical League,” said convention vice-president and junior Allie Fudge of last weekend’s Sage Hill convention. She credits the success to over 200 Sage Hill students, parents and teachers who helped host around 1,500 people—an all-time school record. The two-day statewide Latin convention began coincidentally the Ides of March, March 15, day when Julius Caesar was murdered. Students all over California traveled to Sage to participate in Latin-related sports, arts and academics events such as chariot races, competitive impromptu art and Latin jeopardy. On the next day, Latin students went to a final banquet at the Orange County Fairgrounds, where the winners of

the competitions were announced. At the center of the convention—and its success—was a core group of students, Latin teacher Novotny and parent volunteers who sacrificed hours of free time and sleep for the convention. Senior Yoon Cha, a core group student in charge of campus decorations, describes the parent volunteers as a fundamental pillar of the CJCL convention’s success. “The support of the parents who were behind us, cheering us on, was one of best things about JCL,” she explained. “Sylvia. Park, Ryan Lee’s mother, came in every day in the last two weeks and brought food for us while we were slaving away in the Latin room and that was so [helpful].” Lance Novotny, Latin teacher

and convention sponsor, describes the remarkable involvement of Sage Hill students. “They jumped into the fray and [did] their part with zeal and effort and intention and with…compassion and love for their friends, their community, and their school,” explained Novotny. “That’s why I think it became a great success. Because every student who was involved threw themselves into it…” Not only were Sage Hill students involved preparing and running the convention, but several students also participated in events. Notable competitors include Junior Allie Fudge who scored first place in high school advanced arts and freshman Alyssa Anderson, who got second place in the talent show.

Whether it was bringing food or helping with clean up and organization, every single volunteer formed a small brick in the wall of support that lifted the convention off the ground. Novotny accredits his favorite memory as the closing of the convention, before the dance. “All of those leaders who had worked so hard and all of the members were singing songs in the gym together, Novotny said. “The gym was empty except for just us, the Sage Hill students and some parents, and we all were singing and dancing and jamming in the gym, being goofy. I even kissed my wife, you know. It was a really joyful moment where we felt all we had accomplished together and celebrated together… Oohrah!”

FEATURES 7

Sapphire Dishes it Up

The Sage Hill experience is incomplete without the very classy, very delicious Sapphire at Sage. Every day, hungry and eager students rush to Sapphire to be surprised with warm meals and friendly service. Thanks to Sapphire, Sage Hill students are fed healthy, fresh, well-priced meals every day.

Photos courtesy of Emily shimano

Be Our Guest, A warm dish (above, left) freshly served by Sapphire’s talented chefs.

Wating in line, Sophomores Celine Zack (above center) and Cha Cha Pillai

(above right) enjoy a purchase and a conversation with Danielle, our friendly Sapphire cashier.

Served with a Smile, two of Sapphire at School’s skilled chefs (to the left) take a break from making us healthy meals to take a photo.

By Namita Prakash STaff Writer

Derived from the restaurant located in Laguna Beach, Sapphire at School reaches out to a few private schools for food service. Establishing a cafeteria in those schools and serving as the students’ main source of on-campus food, Sapphire works to provide daily meals for their students and constantly seeks improvement. “The workers are really nice and appreciative,” says freshman Komal Patel about Sapphire. Sapphire at School is made up of a dedicated staff that comes to school every day with the intent of making sure that the students are happy. They often request the feedback of students and adjust their methods of functionality to cater to the students’ needs. “Our main standard is what you guys want. We’re here to make you guys happy, and we will go above and beyond our standards to serve what you guys like,” staff member Jeffery Bideen explains. One aspect that Sapphire at School has focused on this year is catering to students with dietary

needs. With the addition of glutenfree burgers, pastas and bread, they have managed to gain popularity even among the most nutritionally restricted students. They have also kept up the constant system of providing some sort of vegetarian and vegan food daily. The white wrappers and boxes clearly highlight which food is available for vegetarians to consider. The large variety provided for such restricted diets widens the scope of Sapphire’s customers. With numerous health movements being ignited across the nation, Sapphire puts in a notable effort to join them. They began adding healthier versions of the prized junk food that every student craves. With fresh fruit juices and certified glutenfree chips, they have already managed to make a small but significant difference. Naturally, the lines in the small cafeteria are monstrous to say the least. Determined to fix this, Sapphire created a separate kiosk to attract some students away from the main room to the other side of Town Square. Recently, the kiosk even began

serving hot food which helped distribute customers even more. Sapphire’s popularity continues beyond lunchtime to breakfast and after school. Every day, Sapphire serves several types of breakfast items along with coffee for the busy high school students who need that extra morning pump. They also serve different kinds of snacks at the end of the day on occasion, the number of their consumers increasing on days with harsh weather. “We’re just trying to be different and make things that appeal to you guys,” Bideen says. In terms of prospects, Sapphire hopes to increase its interaction with the Savannah’s Organic Garden at Sage to improve the quality of their ingredients even more. They hope to bring out more variety in their meals every month to keep the students’ interests high. Sapphire’s umbrella of dedication covers far more than the quaint school grounds. On the occasional slow day, the staff gathers their leftovers together. Instead of wastefully disposing of all the food, they send it off to a select group of homeless shelters in the area.

Sapphire at Sage has kept up this practice for a few years now. Their generosity has yet to be recognized through the school as they lack proper advertisement of this program. It is through this program that Sapphire provides both their students and the needy with quality food. If, however, there is a day when none of their shelters require any more food, Sapphire takes part in a Family Meal program run by its mother restaurant in Laguna Beach. At the end of the day, they send all their leftovers to the restaurant. At the restaurant, the workers who have served throughout dinner time all come together and eat the food sent over. Each year, Sapphire seeks the opinion of their customers and pursues perfection. This year has been no different, and the future years will likely show the same trend. Their generous act of giving to the needy and sustaining their workers is an impressive cherry on top. Although every high school has its own cafeteria, Sapphire is a true treasure for Sage Hill.

8 ARTS & LIFESTYLE

Dancing with Muse! By Savannah Gardner Arts & Lifestyle Editor

Passion! Passion is the perfect way to describe the Muse Dance Company. Their passion for dance and for each other is the first thing you notice while watching them perform. Sage students got an opportunity to see this passion first-hand when Muse hosted a master class in the studio on March 5 and performed their debut show, “The Divine Direction,” in the Black Box on March 8. Jessica Starr, the director of the company, not only choreographs for the dancers, but also teaches them about a healthy lifestyle and the strengths and weaknesses of their bodies. In the Muse master class, Starr would stop the warm-ups to ask Sage students and her own students questions about their bodies and interesting tricks they could do. She wanted to learn about the dancers and create an encouraging atmosphere that would help bring out their inner confidence. The master class consisted of about twenty Sage dancers and twenty Muse dancers all spread out across the room, so one could really get a feel for a professional dance environment. The first activity the group did was warm-up, and wow—anyone who says dance isn’t a sport should try doing these exercises. The warm-up involved pure strength, cardio and flexibility that really engaged every part of the dancers’ bodies. Starr gave the dancers a tip that if they feel pain, they should start cheering to release their bodies of stress. All around the room, people were soon cheering in lieu of screaming from pain! After, senior Dance Ensemble member

Becky Wilson said “my body wouldn’t stop shaking.” Next came the best part, the routine, or “combo,” as a dancer would say. This combo was an intense 45-second piece replete with as much flair and sass the dancers could muster. The Muse and Sage dancers all started in a clump where they improvised with every limb to their positions. Sophomore Sophie Rebel started the dance with her leg straight up in the air holding on to a Muse dancer. She definitely looked in place, just like all the other dancers from Sage. They were all completely focused; it even became difficult to distinguish between Sage students and Muse members. After the dancers learned the short combo, Starr asked four Sage girls, Ashlee Queathem, Lizzie Geocaris, Amanda Cohn and Amelia Christian, to come up in front of the class, and partner with a Muse dancer to “match their energy.” This couldn’t have been a more strengthening exercise, because it made the dancers take their trade one step further. Queathem’s energy equaled the ferocity of Cohn, the intensity of Geocaris, and the sassiness of Christian. After they danced, the whole room exploded with cheers of encouragement. The show proved to be just as inspirational as the company itself. The choreography told powerful stories, including pieces that expressed the harms of eating disorders and the importance of healthy relationships. With a mission to face real-world issues through dance and media, Muse Dance Company also now faces many revering fans. If you are interested in seeing any of their shows, please do, and visit musedancecompany.com for performance updates and more information. You will want to see this!

Photo Courtesy of Savannah Gardner

Sage Hill Dancers bond with the Muse dancers and get the chance to dance alongside the professional dance company.

Photo Courtesy of Savannah Gardner

The Muse Dancers take a break from rehearsing for their show and learn a combination with Sage Hill dancers under the direction of Jessica Starr.

A Classy Night for Classy People