THE BOLT (April 2013) by Sage Hill School

THE BOLT

Prop 8 Reconsidered

April 2013

20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657

By Joelle Nanula School Life Editor

America is a nation of change. We were founded on the principles of freedom, liberty and equality, and we devote ourselves to the pursuit of these ideals, embarking on new missions as our definitions of these principles evolve. For our parents’ generation, that mission was the civil rights movement. Now, people who lived through the civil rights movement look back on that time with disbelief. It amazes them that we ever tolerated racism, and that’s part of what makes America great; we are not afraid to change for what is right. That being said, not everyone shares the same definition of what is right. There are two sides to every story, and there certainly are two sides to the gay marriage issue, which is arguably the defining political cause of our generation. We all remember the day Prop 8 was passed. The year was 2008, and the passage of a law stating that “marriage is only valid between a man and a woman in the state of California” set aflame a debate that soon caught fire nationwide. For many, the passage of Prop 8 felt like a giant step backward. “Before prop 8 passed, I was closeted in a Christian middle school that was not very tolerant of LGBT issues,” recalls senior Brennan Hicks. “I remember having to conceal my feelings when I would look up from the playground at typewriters spelling out ‘YES ON PROP 8’ in the sky. After it passed, I was conflicted [about] myself and

Photo Courtesy of Mercuri2

Stand up for what you believe. On Nov. 15 in Los Angeles and San Francisco, protesters fought heat and opposition to support same-sex marriage and debate proponents of Proposition 8. In Los Angeles, gay-rights advocates clustered in front of the city hall and began a march downtown carrying signs that read “Love your neighbor as yourself ” and “We have a dream too!”

my beliefs compared to the people around me, but I have since come to speak out for marriage equality and the hopeful overturn of Prop 8.” Other Americans who had supported Prop 8 were pleased. But some felt attacked by the demonstrations against Prop 8 that occurred after its passage. They argued that, no matter what the issue, California voters had the right to decide what was best for their state. “I’m not opposed to gay people marrying. However, I’m very opposed to the federal government making a judgment on a proposition voted on by the people of

the state of California,” said junior Austin Robert. “In doing so, the government is stepping in and disrupting the balance of the states.” The passage of Prop 8 was met with both assenting and dissenting voices, and it wasn’t long before the dissenting voices made themselves heard. In 2010, Judge Vaughan Walker of the Lower Federal Court ruled that Prop 8 was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Two years later, the 9th Circuit Federal Appeals Court agreed with his ruling, propelling Prop 8 into the national spotlight. Now, with the appeals process escalating toward a long-

Volume 12, Issue 6

awaited climax, America holds its breath. The outcome of five years of struggle lies around the corner. Although this waiting period is accompanied by great anxiety, for liberals and conservatives alike, it also brings with it a feeling of triumph. No matter what your stance on gay rights, there is no denying that America has mobilized and unified around the issue, making us a very different society than the one we were in 2008. Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in high schools and universities are more popular than ever. Our very own GSA at Sage Hill is on fire, selling equality rings to students and raising school-wide awareness. Pop music’s newest phenom, Macklemore, also happens to be a gay rights activist. Everywhere you go, the rainbow flag is flying. Most importantly, though, there is a national atmosphere of acceptance—of greater appreciation of diversity and difference—that did not exist in 2008 transcending the gay rights issue and speaking to how much we have matured as a nation since Prop 8 passed. We will learn the fate of Prop 8 in June, and I have faith that America will make a fair and just decision. Whenever I feel doubt, I need only look back at our nation’s history to be reassured. America has a reputation for choosing the path of change. We are a country that is constantly looking to the future, searching for ways to apply the principles of our forefathers to the present day. When I look at it that way, I have no trouble believing that America will eventually make progress on the issue of gay rights, no matter what form that progress may take.

Star Wars and Ratatouille By Jenna Shapiro Editor-in-Chief

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Andras

It is no secret that Sage has an appreciation for, verging on obsession with, the act of reflection. We reflect on our backgrounds, families and dreams, and at the end of the year, we reflect in eight different essays which culminate in the capital-P Portfolio essay. And then there is the search for the metaphor, perhaps the greatest challenge of it all. We rack our imaginations, with possible help from Google, for that perfect metaphor that can seamlessly relate our experiences in the past year to our connection to the world— not to mention one that will make a sick display in the gym. Yet despite the stress that can come during this all too familiar metaphor selection process, Sage has taught me to fall in love with the metaphor. I know that statement absolutely cements my status as an English nerd. I have come to love the metaphor because it has the power to

express what cannot be easily put into words. So, as I reflect on my experience at Sage Hill and write my final words to this school, I naturally find myself falling back on this wellknown and loved figure of speech. To me, Sage is every Star Wars movie combined, a special universe that generates an invisible force that passes through us and compels us to think and act differently. Sage is the Eighth Wonder of the World, a place to marvel at and be inspired by time and time again. Sage is a bowl of ratatouille, a conglomerate of personalities and talents each of which adds its own unique flavor to create a distinctive, colorful recipe. Finally, Sage is a home that holds a very large, supportive family that feels comfortable enough to fall asleep just about anywhere, be it Ms. Orr’s couch during a free period or the middle of the quad (I have done both). Thank you, Sage Hill, for giving me an experience that cannot be easily put into words.

2 SCHOOL LIFE

Oh, The Places They Went!

By Michelle Min Staff Writer

It is a question our family and friends have been asking us since kindergarten, a question that we all ask ourselves and a question that every student inevitably must face: What do you want to be? As we near the end of the school year, life after high school feels a lifetime away. Our futures are uncharted. All we can do is look at the lives of others as an example and as inspiration. So the question we should ask ourselves instead is, Where are Sage alumni now? 1. Drummer for a rising rock band: After 11 years together, alumnus Nick Gross (’06) and his three bandmates are releasing Open Air Stereo’s debut album May 21. Their album, Primates, is composed of 10 songs that, according to the band’s website, give “the impression [of a band] that has multiple albums and world tours under [its] belt.” Since its founding, Open Air Stereo—already nominated for several OC Music Awards—has played at prestigious venues like the House of Blues and

3. Co-director of an international project: Alumnus Phil Kaye (’06) codirects Project VOICE—Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression—a movement to inspire and teach youth how to express themselves and engage with their world through spoken word poetry. Since they founded Project VOICE in 2004, Kaye and his partner, Sarah Kay, have become published authors and have performed at national events such as TED Conferences and National Poetry Slams, as well as at international venues in India, Australia and the Czech Republic. 4. Co-founder of a groundbreaking company: Alumna Jessica Tsoong (’04) recently sold WifiSLAM, an inP C J J door location service, to Apple for $20 million. Her company, which she P C V B started with Joseph Huang in 2011, Spread the word. Sage alumnus Phil Kaye (‘06) and his poetry partner, Sarah Kay, have opened up a new frontier in self-expression: spoken word poetry. When they’re not writing, uses cell phone technology, including they’re traveling the country on tour, sharing their work and spreading their love for poetry. Wi-Fi signals and built-in accelerometers, to locate a user’s position within The Roxy Theatre. Open Air Stereo (’10) became the youngest female to 2.5 meters—a far cry from the usual has also been featured as the main reach the semi-finals of the World 10-meter accuracy through GPS. This plotline of Season 3 of MTV’s Laguna Qualifying Series during her sophsoftware has the potential to revoluBeach: The Real Orange County. omore year at Sage. Conlogue, now tionize not only map apps, but also 2. One of the world’s top female 20, was awarded 2011 ASP Women’s proximity marketing by allowing surfers: Currently ranked third in the Breakthrough Performer of the Year stores to send targeted coupons to usworld, alumna Courtney Conlogue in addition to other titles and honors. ers close to a product. hoto

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The Eco Fair: Sage Gives Back By Samir Durrani Guest Writer

We live on Earth. We breathe its air, drink its water, eat its crops, and occupy its soil. We take advantage of Earth’s resources every day, and we need the Earth to nourish and support us as we go about our lives. It is therefore our responsibility to protect and preserve what the Earth has to offer. As inhabitants of this planet, our home, we celebrate what we have been given and reflect upon what we can give back. We do our best to conserve nature so that it will continue to nurture future generations. At least, we hope that it will. This hope has inspired Earth Day, a celebration of the modern environmental movement on April 22. Tens of millions of Americans participate yearly in campaigns to give back in some small way to Mother Earth. Sage is no exception. In fact, under the leadership of Lauren Fieberg, Science Dept., the Sage Hill Eco Club hosted the third Sage Hill Eco Fair on April 23. In the hopes of establishing an annual event similar to the Multicultural Fair, the Eco Club organized dozens

of activities for Sage Hill community members to partake in. The goal of the fair was to expose Sage students to the merits, careers and opportunities within the environmental movement. Among the many activities available at the Eco Fair, students enjoyed the bike-powered smoothie station. Fieberg’s own bike powers a blender filled with organic ingredients for delicious smoothies. The fair showcased utilizing human motor power as an emerging front in the environmental movement. The Eco Fair is but one of the many initiatives that Sage Hill has taken on in order to demonstrate its commitment to the environment and to educate its students. One of the newest additions to campus, Savannah’s Organic Ranch, has already been put into action as a learning center for Service Learning buddies. The new science building will also be certifiably eco-friendly. The Eco Fair and Eco Club may not end the world’s pressing issues. However, a Sage Hill education, both in and out of the classroom, provides the inspiration for ideas that will change the world.

Photo Courtesy of Hawken Miller

Sage Hill School gets friendly with mother earth. Sophomore Paula

Gardner snuggles up to an iguana at the Sage Hill Eco Fair on April 23rd. Organized by science teacher Lauren Fieberg and brought to life by motivated Sage students, the fair boasted tasty vegan food, informative booths advertising their causes, and even a bike-powered smoothie maker.

EDITORIAL & OPINION 3

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 Hawken 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

The Importance of Sage Faculty By Jeremy Dorne Opinions editor

ecently, I sat in on a potential Sage Hill math teacher giving an AP Statistics lecture. I paid attention to the lesson, but when it was over, I was unable to fill out the applicant evaluation sheet. Sage’s evaluation process has students rate prospective teachers on not only teaching ability, but also sociability, integrity and even humor. I was taken aback by these questions, but I shouldn’t have been. There is something to be said about a teacher who is a perfect fit for the Sage community. A couple years ago, I spoke to mathematics faculty member Elizabeth Orr about the role of a teacher at Sage Hill School. She not only spoke about the education aspect but for the most part, about the community aspect. I was told about the obligation to provide help in all walks of the high school experience and the need for communication and cooperation between other members of the faculty. A teacher is expected to be involved in the community the same way that a student is. Departing Sage faculty, Ingrid Gustavson, Chris Marshall, Khara Covington and Elizabeth Orr, all embody the ideal Sage Hill faculty member. I have seen all these faculty members embrace roles as members of the Sage community.

Art by Doreen Yebwab ‘14

Gustavson taught my ninth grade Patterns of Civilization class and she was my adviser for an independent Spring at Sage project. In recent years, she became the Sage’s first-ever Dean of Faculty. Chris Marshall played a key role in building the arts program at the studio as Arts Dept. chair, but as a Peer Counselor I saw Marshall thrive as an adviser. Khara Covington, in her short time here, has always been around the library when I have needed help and took pride in her position as a coach on the track and field team, something she is continuing even after she leaves her library

role to be a full-time mother. It will be strange to start the 20132014 school year at Sage Hill without Orr, who has become a hallmark of the faculty. In addition to being a passionate mathematics teacher, Orr has always been there for me and any other Sage student. Her classroom door is almost always open and she is ready to lend a hand, math related or not. The leaving Sage Hill faculty members have left their mark on our young campus for good. Not many high schools in the United States can boast a staff truly committed to the concept and vision of the school as a whole.

Rebel Without a Reas0n

Staff Editorial By Tiana Lowe

“I thought you already graduated.” The Starbucks barista posed this statement as a question. “No,” I responded in a hurry to get my chai latte and get out. “Still another year to go. Then the barista asked a question so sinister, so excruciating to anyone entering or in the college process that we have to suppress the expletives from flying from our mouths: “So, where do you want to go to college?” This sounds like a well-intentioned inquiry, but to applicants and future applicants, this question has a different subtext: How good are you? How good do you think you are? How do you think you compare to your peers? How much money do you think your parents will spend on you? How entitled are you? Can you walk on water? So I looked around at what appeared to be Lululemon-clad, bleached-blond housewives observing me, a little deer in the headlights, waiting to explain how I want to go to my parents’ alma mater

or stay in my beautiful, beloved Southern California. “Absolutely anywhere but here,” I said. One of the housewives laughed, a cross between a genuine chuckle and some sort of indiscernible expression of surprise and disgust. She was confused. Fine. I’d gladly clarify. “I want to get out of Suburbia as fast as I can, by any means necessary.” At that moment, I knew I sounded grossly spoiled or belligerent, that I would fail to articulate my rationale; I left the Starbucks wordlessly. By Monday afternoon, I was beat; however, I was adequately content by the time I was back in my car after my caffeine fix. Sweater Weather was on the radio and the freeway was clear enough of cars and cops for me to speed five miles above the speed limit. There are lots of things wrong with this image. For one thing, it was 2:09 which meant I probably should have been in film class. Then there was the whole speeding issue. The song ended, and the D.J. started talking. “Coachella.” “Hot new band.” My brain just sort of filtered these things out as white noise. “Boston.” “Terrible world we live in.” The week that followed was one of not

just horror, but senseless: Michael Baystyle car chases, city-wide lockdowns and a power plant explosion in West, Texas. At the hands of two radical brothers, lives ended, careers were ended and Bostonians faced terror with the only weapon that can stop the problem at the source -- bravery. Because of fear of things like these, acts of terror, most of us live in suburbia, where most of us believe we are safe. From a socioeconomic standpoint, we are the luckiest people on the plant, a part of an elite, not 1%, but 0.001%. Then why am I so . . . not content? Why is my only discernible goal for the future, as I so curtly worded it to the barista, “to get out?” I don’t have a reason. I have two loving, supportive parents who’ve let their daughter be an individualist in a homogeneous world. I live in a statistically safe area. I have resources that most people will never dream of. Yet, I have no reason for my discontent. The unknown, the spontaneity of people, the wild, the jungle and the urban jungle seduces me. So when people ask me where I want to go, I suppose I still have my very vague, abstract and unsatisfactory answer: anywhere but here. But why? I have no reason.

4 FEATURES

Class of 2013 in 13 Wor

The best four years any one can ask for! I love you all! -Dina Aluzri Sage, where y dras Sage forced me to live outside the box, and I’m loving the view. -Shelby Bole less. -Jason Cowan Transferring to Sage was the best decision I’ve made; I’ll cheris sibly be a community. -Joy Chang Sage is a h take 3 binders to college containing 112 wri but learned to live with good friends. -Max D Dumas Where magic and knowledge conve spent more time at Sage than at my own hou All Day. -Shaan Gareeb Sage is my knight in wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn doing a musical. -Brennan Hicks Most mem can’t think of a better place to figure out wh The Class of 2013 truly is -Henry Koo I’ve spent anything else this year. ing memories and irreplaforever. -Mona Lee Sage is of your four years! -Harry the most memorable times much to say. When it matway. -Liliana Mora Some best people ever. -Caitlin other eleven words, so here’s two: THANK YOU. -Gennyvera Pabest high school in America. NO joke. -Kajal Patel Friends that last a life time and teachers that inspire in you greatness. -Quinntin Ruiz Sage Hill School: the place that changed by life. Seriknow I helped come up with this, but -Jenna Shapiro Don’t stop trusting your special. Don’t lose it. -Leland Stephens talking about my amazing Sage experiawesome! It has made an amazing famTremaine Smiles, tears, stress, happiadventure, experience, risks, excitement, discovery, and... -Kristen Tsubota The Sa

rds

FEATURES 5

your friends are your teachers and your teachers are your friends. -Chris Anen Watching Wall Street thinking about money you can call me Michael Thugsh every memory. -Kimberly Brown I may be wrong, but I think Sage may poshappy place where happy people can love each other. Hugs. -Caitlin Cohn I will iting pieces, 22 scripts, and 752 pictures. -Rachel Cramer I forgot how to work Davitt Take all that Sage gives you and cherish it. This place is magical. -Sophie erge to shape the minds of America’s greatest scholars. -Samir Durrani I think I use. -Ryan Fishel Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag Swag n shining armor. Definitely outrageous, but perfectly amazing. -Lizzie Geocaris I n’t for Sage. -Nikki Hezar From fearing my voice being heard to joining choir and morable four years of my life with an amazing group of people. -Kathleen Huang I ho I am. -Carlyn Kane There is no place like home. Sage is home. -Kent Kawaguchi the best to pass through Sage Hill. more time on these 13 words than -Coral Lee The creation of amazcable friendships that I will cherish truly one of a kind. Take advantage Lubowe With only one go, truly of my 18 years. -Jacqueline Luke So ters most, words don’t come my of the best years of my life with the Nguyen I don’t know about the checo I’m convinced I went to the

ously. -Mackenzie Sambuco I thirteen words isn’t enough. students. It’s what makes you Fifty years from now, I’ll still be ence! :) -Elise Sugarman Sage is ily that will last forever. -Tanner ness, sadness, joy, friendships, age community is my family and I couldn’t ask for anything better. -Becky Wilson

6 ARTS & LIFESTYLE

Poetry Month Slams Town Square our knees touching in the green grass my heartbeat quickens

By Alex Bollman ‘14 Staff Writer

storytelling time now under the covers warm whispers of the night - Mariah Wilson

Photo Courtesy of Emily Shimano

Namita Prakash ‘16 Staff Writer

Whether the rain hammers down on the grass or the sun scorches fervent faces, poets speak to the attentive audience scattered across the Town Square. Sage Hill is home to countless talented poets who often passionately express their ideas and emotions during Town Meeting. “I like poetry because it’s a writing form that allows me to present [ideas] in a way that I want to present them,” said junior Mariah Wilson. Sage’s first-ever poetry reading took place on April 15 in the Theatre Lobby. The reading turned out to be a success, filled with profound poems and thought-provoking themes. Although the poets are received warmly throughout the year, the month of April is special for them. April has been recognized as National Poetry

Dance Show Explores Edgy Themes

Month since 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. It was created with the intention of exposing the world to the art of poetry through the media and promoting its vast heritage. In addition to the reading, Sage holds a poetry contest every year. This year, the Library and English Department have taken the liberty to sponsor it. The contest limits entries to three per person for each category. The categories include a written division and a haiku division. The written division places a restriction of a maximum of 50 lines, typed, and the haiku division restricts each poem to 17 syllables between one and three lines, also typed. The entries are due by May 3 to either Arlie Parker’s mailbox or to Nikki Imai in the Upper Library. The results are to be announced May 21, when the winner will receive prizes including gift cards.

“I think the extent of Sage’s participation really shows the influence of poetry in our community and the variety of people it can affect,” said sophomore Jodie Horowitz. To help with the celebration of the holiday nationally, the academy creates nearly 200,000 posters each year and mails them to various patrons. They also hold publicity events, including Poetry & the Creative Mind, an event where the greatest poets gather. Sage celebrates in countless ways. The community comes together to rejoice in the art and promote its expression around campus. As National Poetry Month comes to an end, students continue to utilize the beauty of poetry to express their deepest thoughts. In honor of the literary holiday, take out the old pen and paper and try your own hand at poetry.

One ‘Axe’ Experiments Selin Karaoguz ‘16 Staff Writer

What do Dance Dance Revolution competitors, a young girl struggling with dissociative identity disorder and 8-year-old boys learning how to like girls all have in common? Not much. The wide range of genres featured at the One Acts Festival celebrated April 12-13 made this year’s show particularly powerful.. Comical, salacious, horrifying and enlightening, the show took spectators on an emotional ride. The show consisted of nine student-directed one acts, performed by more than 40 student ac-

tors and actresses. Audiences believe the One Acts Festival shows a different side of the students because many of the performers have never acted in a school production before, but rather use the opportunity to give theater a try. Director Sydney Endicott, a junior, says, “Directing is honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had at Sage. I learned so much about acting through the process. I couldn’t have asked for a better end result!”

Tomorrow and Saturday nights, the annual Spring Dance Collective will take to the Black Box stage, featuring nine student choreographed pieces along with dance teacher Meki Blackwell’s own pieces that explore themes of love, grief and women’s empowerment. The student choreographers are members of Sage Hill’s Dance Ensemble, a group of the most advanced dancers, and include Sloane Anderson, Sarah Booth, Celeste Broderick, Amanda Cohn, Yvonne Escalera, Lizzie Geocaris, Ashlee Queathem, Becky Wilson and Helena Youhana. In past years, the dance show has captivated the attention of the student body with its student perspective, innovative techniques and strong messages. This year’s show, like Sage Hill’s dance program in general, has been profoundly shaped by new influences and opportunities at Sage. Blackwell, who began working at Sage about two-and-a-half years ago, has brought professional experience and unbridled passion to the floor. As a result, the dance program at Sage has become notably more active and prominent. Throughout the year, Sage Hill has hosted a variety of guest dancers who taught alongside Blackwell in various dance genres including members of the the Muse Dance Company, which visited campus a few weeks ago. The company held a master class for dance students and members of the student body, as well as debuted their show, “The Divine Direction,” in the theater. Junior Dance Ensemble member Celeste Broderick believes the program has “really taken a leap this year in terms of artistic quality and [level] of performance. I think students will be surprised by the artistic quality of each piece in the show and we’ll be able to connect to the audience more than ever before,” she said. For some, the upcoming Dance Collective is their last performance on campus. Graduating seniors in the dance program are sad to leave but know that the program they leave behind is in good hands and will continue to grow. “Dancing at Sage over the last four years has really made me realize how close our community is,” said senior Lizzie Geocaris, who will be studying dance and choreography at California Institute of the Arts next year. “It makes me smile just to think how much encouragement, feedback and knowledge I am able to take away with me to college next year,” she said. Senior Becky Wilson adds, “It’s crazy to think how far this dance program has come, and Sage is blessed to have such a wonderful teacher [in Blackwell]. I know the program will continue to flourish!”

SPORTS 7 Baseball Beats St. Margaret’s During Historic Spring Season By Kristin Saroyan ‘16 Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Parker Reposa

Holding up the number 1, the senior powder puff team and coaches celebrate after beating the juniors in the championship game. Sophia Witte, second from left, caught an interception and scored the touchdown to tie the juniors with just minutes to spare. Dina Aluzri ran to score the extra point for the win.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE PROGRAM REBUILT WITH NEW COACH AND STRONGER THAN EVER

By Maddy Abbott ‘15 Staff Writer

This year, girls’ varsity lacrosse has helped make the spring athletic season on The Hill unforgettable. Not only has the boys’ varsity lacrosse team made history

Photo Courtesy of Emily Shimano

Sprinting with the ball, Junior Cap-

tain Claudia Noto helps lead the lacrosse team in the game against the Woodbridge Warriors.

with a 5-2 record, but the girls team has also re-established and redefined the school’s lacrosse program. With passionate new coaches— Maghan Beaudrault, a former player on the Ohio State girls lacrosse team, and Tom Messier—the girls have been making strides unparalleled with any other team on campus. Just last week in a game against St. Margaret’s, the team lost by a mere 2 points, a feat that could not have been predicted at the beginning of the season. With only a minute left, they were within scoring range, but the clock ran out; the team was left saddened by the result, but so proud of how close they had come to defeating their all-time rivals. “Although a lot of our team had never played lacrosse prior to this season, the members of our team have dedicated themselves to improving both their skills and knowledge of the game,” said sophomore Natalie Lowenstein. Members of the leading lineup are talking about a new feel on the lacrosse field, one of excitement and eagerness as the program goes through this transformative process. “It is so fun to come to every game, play at every practice, and watch our team

grow with experience, talent and understanding of lacrosse,” junior captain Claudia Noto reflected. She attributes this spirit to the help of new coaches Beaudrault and Messier. Messier, who has coached lacrosse for eight seasons--three at Pioneer and five at Beckman--says, “this year at Sage has been very rewarding. It reminds me of my first year at Beckman in many ways. Last year, I spent all my energy on rankings and prep for playoffs, and in many ways that made me look past the fun of coaching day to day,” he said. “This year,” he noted, “has been much more about building skills, building a program and enjoying the accomplishments of the players and the team every game. The experience has been great.” Messier said Megan Cid is “by far the best AD I’ve worked with; no team I’ve coached has a trainer like T-Meg, and even after coaching hundreds of women’s lacrosse games, I’ve learned so much from Maghan Beaudrault. I’m really looking forward to building this program much the same way we built Beckman over five years.” The spirit among the players and coaches is itself a testament to the program’s potential, yet the team’s improving capability may also foreshadow true success in coming years.

Baseball season is coming to a close, and the team has certainly earned their bragging rights with a current record of 8-3; this Friday, the boys’ varsity baseball team plays Crean Lutheran. Team members are thematically consistent, crediting their success to the closeness of the team as a whole. After and between practices and games, they enjoy eating at Sharky’s, throwing around a football, and watching the Jackie Robinson movie 42 together. “We all have each other’s backs enough to pick each other up, amplify our strengths, compensate for our weaknesses and work as a unit,” sophomore Henrique DaMour said. “I can say with certainty that if we weren’t the family we are today, the team would have caved in on itself from day one.” Senior Ryan Fishel agrees. “Every player wants to win and is willing to put aside his own pride for the good of the team. It’s working pretty well so far.” Collectively, the team can most likely agree that beating St. Margaret’s was a major highlight of this year’s season. “We played some of the best baseball that day, and we all came out on the field absolutely wanting to win,” sophomore Kellen Ochi, says of that game. “That drive to win was my favorite moment.” Ochi, who plays shortstop and is one of the team’s pitchers said “the greatest contributing factor to our success would have to be the fun of the game and the passion to win because when we want to win and we have fun doing it, we win the game. Simple as that.”

FOOTBALL WORKS HARD IN OFF-SEASON By Kavi Sakraney ‘14 Sports Editor

They work while you sleep. After a disappointing season with a 0-10 record, Sage Hill School Football is more motivated than ever to improve as Coach JR Tolver has implemented an off-season program to keep players in shape. Coach Tolver explains that “we are being creative in how we get that work done and our guys are doing a great job committing and participating.” Future senior and leader Will Burns describes the program as “a trust-based system Coach Tolver has constructed that allows us to do our workouts at home.” Each morning, the members of the football team must wake up and run, increasing the length of the run each day throughout spring weeks. To ensure that

each team member does the workout, Tolver instructed the players to download the mobile application, MapMyFitness, onto their smart phones. MapMyFitness allows each team member to see each other’s workout details with a map tracking running route as well as the duration, distance, pace and elevation of the run. All football teammates can tell if somebody is not doing the workout because this iPhone, Android or Blackberry application displays a map of each person’s run. Although it is rumored that some players drive their cars to avoid running so early in the morning, (if this scheme is not evident by their fast pace displayed on the application) it will certainly become evident when they enter the season with a lack of fitness. One of the leaders, Jack Bick, describes another system to ensure that all players do

their morning workouts. “All of the incoming seniors, including myself, are responsible for several underclassmen,” Bick said. “As seniors, we are looked up to and we lead by example every time we wake up to work out.” Bick describes the football team as a “family that needs to be able to trust and depend on one another to get the job done.” The offseason football program not only helps keep the football players in shape, but it also brings the football team closer together through trust. Players like Bick and Burns hope that this extra fitness and closer bond among teammates will result in a more successful season next year. Tolver summarizes the goal of the offseason saying, “Balancing school and sports is hard, but hard times also leads to an eventual champion. Our football program is aiming to be as good as we can be.”

Photo Courtesy of Jack Bick

8 BACKPAGE 2012-2013: WHAT’S LEFT? SUN

APRIL

MON

TUE

Newport Beach Fim Festival 5

WED

THU

Gelato Day!

SAT

FRI

C H O I R C O N C E RT

Spring Benefit

Theatre Ensemble Performance

M A Y

AP WEEKS!

Wednesday Schedule

Review Days>>>

Memorial Day No School

JUNE

Ban

dap

Sageyland 21

Monday Schedule

Portfolio Night!

Teacher-in-service No School

Tuesday Schedule

29 Spring at Sage >>>

aloo

tion a u d Gra

SUMMER!

FINALS

senior rafting trip

SPRING AT SAGE FINAL ASSEMBLY

Spring at Sage >>>

Awards Assembly Yearbook Signing

CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST

Winner!

“I knew I should have made that left turn on Alburquerque...” - Tom Ficcadenti (‘14)

Runner-Up

“Not all who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien - Ryan Lee (‘13)