December 2015 by Sage Hill School

The December 2015 lightningboltonline.com

BOLT

20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657 www.issuu.com/shsbolt @theboltonline

Volume 16, Issue 4 www.facebook.com/sagehillschool

More ‘Wednesday’

Schedules?

A Faculty Committee Considers Options for More Student Facetime By Kristin Saroyan

16saroyank.publications@gmail.com Comprising faculty members from each department, for the past year a special committee has met once a month, conducted research and created surveys in their quest for the superlative Sage Hill schedule. “We were given the task about a year ago to examine whether we were optimizing the teaching environment,” math teacher Nate Miller said. “So we did an initial survey about a year ago, and most people are actually pretty content. There is a spectrum, but there’s definitely an underlying feeling that we don’t have the class time that we would like to have.” Such a feeling is warranted, as Miller said that Sage students have approximately two fewer weeks of class time over the course of the entire school year than most high schoolers. “I think with all the programs that we offer like Spring at Sage and service learning, when you compare us directly to other schools, we have significantly less face to face class time,” Miller said. “One of our main goals is to look into whether we can gain some of that back without necessarily extending the school year or starting earlier. Can we just take the current schedule and find the time?” Miller and his committee devised a survey for the faculty and staff to probe their opinions on several new schedule options. The first new option is to extend the length of each block, but survey participants did not heavily support this idea. “The minuses are that we would have a little less time for conference, advisory and even passing periods in that scenario,” Miller said. “The faculty does not believe this would be much better than our current schedule, so I do not necessarily think this will be a change that happens. In the next schedule scenario on the survey, students would sit down for each

class four times each week instead of three times with the addition of more “Wednesday” schedules where students meet with each of their classes for a shorter amount of time throughout the day. “There is a small group of teachers that really feel they would benefit from seeing students more often,” Miller said, “especially lower-level classes and language classes where it’s more important to have regular contact.” However, the plan to hold three “Wednesday” schedules each week would likely provoke pushback from the typical Sage Hill student, who rejoices at the prospect of an entire month without a single “Wednesday” schedule as a result of service learning and national holidays. “I think the Sage schedule as of right now is definitely pretty well-rounded because the longer classes really help students to get the most out of class time,” senior Natalie Moshayedi said. “I truly enjoy our block schedule considering that we do not have many Wednesdays at all during the year.” According to Miller, the survey also considered making smaller changes to the schedule that would hopefully have a large impact. Ideas for smaller changes include switching Thursday advisory and Friday conference, moving our current “Wednesday” schedule to Monday, and meeting with advisory during lunch instead of conference. “None of these ideas seems to be much better than what we currently have. When you put 80 people in a room, it’s going to be very hard to agree on anything. Everyone is used to the schedule and reluctant to change, but also some people feel really strongly one way and another,” Miller said. “In the end, although we did a lot of thorough work and looked at a lot of options, I do not think a lot is going to change,” he said. “There is a lot to work out even behind the simplest changes. With every tiny decision, there are a lot of ramifications.”

STAFF EDITORIAL

Talking Over the Tough Issues To date, in response to global events and a desire for common understanding, Sage Hill students have engaged in two discussions on LGBTQ rights, one on college campus activism and one on Islamaphobia. “The whole reason why Student Advocates for Multicultural Education hosts these discussions is to increase understanding and awareness,” SAME member Lauren Thunen said. “Many of the students who attend the discussions come just to listen and to learn, which is just as valuable as vocally contributing to the discussion.” Typically these discussions last 40 minutes, with the exception of the discussion on student activism, which lasted 90 minutes. In “Building a Culture of Dialogue,” American activist Tom Atlee identifies six types of dialogues necessary for tolerance and cultural celebration, including interpersonal, group, intergroup, issue-oriented, community, systemic and living dialogues. “At many of the discussions, we are confronted with viewpoints and experiences different than our own,” Thunen said. “Learning to listen to understand others ideas and experiences is definitely one of the skills I have developed through

these discussions, and I hope my peers have as well.” During the discussion on college campus activism, current students skyped with two alumni at

uity and justice is recognizing the inequity in our society and how and why it manifests itself,” Thunen said. “Many times the final question of the discussion is, ‘So how

Yale University, symbolizing how generations of students embrace our accepting environment and matriculate with a lifelong desire to strive for social equality. “The first step in promoting eq-

can we change this?’ Many times this question goes unanswered or only partially answered, but it is being asked, and as individuals we are beginning to formulate our own responses.”

16saroyank.publications@gmail.com

•

Most importantly, we as Sage Hill students realize that we have work to do, horizons to broaden, perspectives to expand, a personal responsibility to be ambassadors of change on our hillside campus and in the surrounding city, nation and continents. “The discussions do not end when we leave the classroom and when we leave Sage,” Thunen said. “They continue on with us as we continue to gain awareness, which is why these discussions that we are having on such a small scale can in turn influence the world outside of Sage Hill.” In a 1997 speech in the Czech Republic, the Dalai Lama told his audience “the reality today is that we are all interdependent and have to co-exist on this small planet. Therefore, the only sensible and intelligent way of resolving differences and clashes of interests, whether between individuals or nations, is through dialogue. The promotion of a culture of dialogue and non-violence for the future of mankind is thus an important task of the international community.” Here at Sage we have effectively built a community of communication, and only need to perpetually ask ourselves, “So how can we continue to change?”

16prakashn.publications@gmail.com

publications staff EICs: Namita Prakash, Kristin Saroyan Adviser: Konnie Krislock Executive Editors: Stephanie Min, Claire Lin, Celine Wang,Vale Lewis, Tommy Lee, Amanda Ong Commentary and Opinion Editor: Claire Dwyer Associate Commentary and Opinion Editor: Julia Dupuis Design Editor: Jackie Nam Associate Design Editor: Lynn Fong Executive Video Editor: Jo Farkas Associate Video Editor: Ava LeWinter Underclass Editor: Christina Acevedo

Assignment Editors: Catharine Malzahn, Lauren Fishman Lifestyle Editor: Jaime Dailey Photo Editor: Kandis McGee Aassociate Photo Editor: Sahar Emtiaz Assistant-to-the-Adviser: Genesis Gonsalez Sports Editors: Steven Du, Brett Super Senior Editor: Tess Hezlep Copy Writers: Jenny Wang, Niva Razin, Madison Harris-Weiner, Farooq Ansari, Sarah Kim Designers: Dana Shan, Emma Ruck Online Bloggers: Luc Levine, Jake Eckel Photographers: Sahar Emtiaz, Lauren Hausman, Dillon Graveline, Madison Nadelman

ACADEMICS

*NOTA T

BENE

By Julia Dupuis

17dupuisj.publications@gmail.com

he Sage Hill School Junior Classical League, otherwise known as JCL, took major victories in a multitude of tests and contests at the annual Southern California Regional Amici Madness (SCRAM), including Robert LynnGreen as a finalist in the Latin jeopardy game Certamen and Taylor Garcia with 1st place in the Mythology testing. This local convention, designed for students to come together and share a love of Latin, featured competitions in academic, athletic and artistic games. At these conventions, Latin is anything but a dead language. Junior Robert Lynn-Green, the publicity chair, said, “It’s a great way to get involved and learn Latin and Classics at a higher level. SCRAM, as always, was a blast of Greco-Roman style learning, competition and fun.” The convention itself offers something for all levels of interest, such as Certamen, a fast paced contest of knowledge on Roman grammar, vocabulary, mythology, culture and history, as well as events such as the Latin Spelling Bee, Sketch Art, Capture the Flag, Quidditch, Carnival games and Impromptu Art. Despite Latin being a language that is uncommon today, the JCL conventions work to keep this spirit of Latin alive with immersion in Roman culture and a genuine passion for learning the language and mythology. JCL’s next goal is placing in the state competition to be held at Woodbridge High School the weekend of March 18-19.

Jackie Nam

Veni, Vidi, Vici. Latin teacher Lance Novotny counsels students before a competition (upper left). Junior Julia Dupuis watches as sophomore teammate Taylor Garcia competes in a contest (upper right). A sophomore student competes in a Starburst stacking game (lower left). A group of JCL members prepares to compete in a basketball game during the convention. (lower right).

*take note

LIFESTYLE

VARSITY

Article by Claire Dwyer

lassical music can be a hard thing to love. Students can put their whole heart and soul into classical piano, music composition, voice or any number of classical instruments just to have it ridiculed or misunderstood even by their colleagues in the arts. And then, there’s the omnipresent question which plagues all of us classical music students applying to college: To conservatory or not to conservatory? That is the question. It is easy to get lost or discouraged in a world in which

you feel alone in your passion, especially if you feel it will be unsupported economically. And if you have parents or friends who couldn’t care less about classical music it makes it all the more difficult to find people to relate to your individual experience. But on campus, several members of the community who joined the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra at Segerstrom Center for the Arts are fighting to change that perception of classical music into an entity which all people can love. Janis Jin, senior and principal horn in the orchestra, relates this incredible experience. “To be able to play in a youth orchestra with other high school musicians who are just as passionate about classical music as I am...it’s really empowering. When we are in that rehearsal room, the feeling of making the same music as the world’s best orchestras is one that I can’t even de-

LIFESTYLE

Y MUSIC

A Night to Remember. FAR RIGHT: Josh Lee, Janis Jin, Karen Li, Yena Ching, Luchi Jiang and Stephan Ko pose for a photo in Segerstrom Concert Hall’s backstage.TOP: The Pacific Youth Symphony Orchestra finishes its concert to a standing ovation. LEFT: Performers are joined by their friends who watched the concert, including Albert Son (center) and Tommy Lee. (far right)

scribe,” Jin said. Besides Jin, there are currently five other Sage students in the PYSO orchestra: junior Josh Lee (principal clarinet), sophomore Stephen Ko (trumpet), sophomore Luchi Jiang (violin), junior Karen Li (viola), and freshman Yena Chung (double bass). “I want to play in my college orchestra. Many students in PYSO pursue music, but for me my academic passions are more important,” Jin said. Whether or not we have the future stars of classical music in our midst, we certainly do have a contingent of students on campus for whom classical music is a hugely important part of their lives. “We are going to China on the second tour PYSO has ever done. All the Sage kids are going,” Jin said. “Some of the kids from rehearsals travel all the way from Los Ange-

les and San Diego. Some of the San Diego kids have to take the train all the way up and back,” Classical music is a big part of many high school students lives, not only because it is an intellectually stimulating endeavor but because it offers an escape from the trials and tribulations of normal life to the land of the music. “In our November concert we did this piece called ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ It intertwines paintings and Mussorgsky’s (the composer) interpretation of the themes behind those paintings,” Jin said. There’s nothing like the juxtaposition of the ancient, vibrant art form of classical music with paintings and other art forms to create something truly great. And in the Sage community we really do have a great number of students in this high level youth orchestra who are looking to express themselves to the world through their music.

ARTS

Engaging Performances Inspire Dance Audience

Giant Leaps. Senior Eliana Theologides-Rodriguez choreographed several of the “Dance for a Cause” numbers, as did other Synergy troupe members for the show, which promoted social consciousness and affected audience members as well as the dancers themselves.

Kandis McGee

By Christina Acevedo 17acevedoc.publications@gmail.com Empowering, enlightening and inspirational. These are just a few words that describe Synergy’s most recent show in the Studio Black Box,“Dance for a Cause.” Led by dance teacher Noelle Robinson, “Dance for a Cause” included choreography from several of Synergy’s members and aimed to generate consciousness around issues ranging from domestic abuse to the dangers of texting and driving. “This has been the first show where we’ve been focused on something that can truly make a difference in someone’s life,” senior Anna Paz said. According to Paz, one of Synergy’s main goals with the show was to stimulate conversation about ongoing issues and to use dance as a way of communicating greater messages and meanings. During the performances, audience members had the opportunity to donate to some of the causes represented during the show.

Each of the students who choreographed a piece was also advised to choose something personal and meaningful to them. “I was really looking forward to making something that really had a greater meaning not only within our community but also the greater society and causing us to really rethink some of our everyday habits and lifestyles, or things we take for granted,” Paz said. Junior Becca Roque shared similar views and said she was very happy with the impact the show had within the community. Paz noted that there was even a moment during one of the pieces in which she heard a woman in the audience gasp. “It wasn’t just dance; It meant something to us as dancers and it meant something to the audience,” Paz said. Roque explained that the show was also a large influence on Synergy and that the dancers occasionally shared emotional moments during their preparation for the show. “A lot of the topics were heavier issues. I think it brought us all much closer together. We tested our emotions so much,” Roque said. Several of the members also gained

feelings of empowerment, and were more willing to share situations in which they felt marginalized in some way. Paz’s “Warrior,” which focused on gender equality, acted as a positive learning experience for many. “After and in the process of choreographing the dance a lot of conversations sparked because of it and it was really

“It meant something to us as dancers and it meant something to the audience.” good and constructive in the sense that people were learning new terms like the objectification of women or rape culture. It

was a good way to introduce some people to it and also really spark some new interest in feminism,” Paz said. In regards to the difficulties encountered while preparing for the show, both Paz and Roque experienced forms of “writer’s block” but for the choreography of their individual pieces. Paz overcame this difficulty with the help of Robinson, while Roque used the examples of other choreographers as a source of creativity. “With the first piece you’re just figuring out what types of movements are yours and what’s your style. With YouTube it’s really helpful to draw inspiration from other choreographers or just other things that you see,” Roque said. “Dance for a Cause” had a positive turnout. The show was very rewarding for all its members and the audience as well. Whether or not those who saw the show directly related to one of its causes, the show clearly touched several people. “The satisfaction of knowing that everyone loved it was the most rewarding aspect of the show. I received so many nice comments from my teachers and peers, and took every one of them to heart,” freshman Paige Langdale said.

SPORTS

Season Recap:

Girls’ Varsity Tennis By Marina Anderson

16andersonm.publications@gmail.com

From earning the title of Academy League champions to reaching the Division 2 CIF semifinals, it’s no understatement that the girls’ varsity tennis team has had a successful year. The team’s hard work paid off when they went undefeated in league and won most of their preseason matches, their only losses to Division 1 high schools: Corona Del Mar and Newport Harbor. For senior captains Celine Wang, Marina Anderson, Jaclyn Gerschultz and Connie Yu, the successful season was more than they could have asked for.

“With hard work and all of our support for each other, we’ve had the best and most exciting season yet, making it all the way to CIF semifinals,” Wang said. “I really could not ask for a better team.” Last year, the team devastatingly lost in the Division 2 CIF quarterfinals. head tennis coach AG Longoria, a pillar for the team’s success, promised the team they would make it farther the following year. He was right. The girls’ varsity tennis team surpassed their previous place and reached the CIF semifinals. Once again, Longoria has vowed to avenge the loss and reach the CIF finals next year. With extremely dedicated young players on the team, it

is safe to say that vow will be fulfilled. Sophomore Stephanie Beder and junior Lauren Fishman made it to the semifinals of the league individual tourna-

“Their success can be attributed to continuous practices, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of family” ment. Sophomore Isabella Deckey

and freshman Michelle Hung reached the third round of CIF regional individuals against all divisions. “With the new tennis facility and all the incoming talent, our team is in incredible shape,” Deckey said, on how she thinks the team will do next season. “I know we will be the best we have been in a while.” Longoria believes the team’s winning quality is not because of standout players - their success can be attributed to continuous practices, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of family. “Every team has got a number one, and what really decides it is depth,” Longoria said. “Our depth is what wins it for us.”

Academy league champions. Girl’s varsity tennnis team members celebrate their 22-3 season record and look forward to next season when they will have tennis courts on campus.

BACKPAGE

Am I Happy?

By Julia Dupuis

17dupuisj.publications@gmail.com There is a silent killer in our schools. It is indiscriminate. It strikes without warning and without mercy. It is a slow, insidious disease, eating away at the mind. There are no fevers, no blood loss, no tumors or x-rays; just the gradual erosion of self. Clinical depression is like a sinkhole. It isn’t about feeling happy or sad. It’s about being empty. You don’t feel anything. You are nothing. It fragments your mind and thoughts, dividing you between a desire to cope and a desire to escape it all, towards a finality that only suicide can provide. It sucks you in, further and faster, until it feels like the only means of escape, or even the only An anonymous student, class of 2018, describes a personal experience with depression. “It’s like when you miss the last step on the stairs. That feeling of fear

and adrenaline and shock, but it doesn’t stop. You can’t go outside; you can’t look at people. You just can’t wait to get in bed at night.” Depression is a mental disorder that undermines people’s ability to function. Even though most experience the occasional fluctuation in mood, particularly in the teenage years, depression is very different. It forces the individual into feelings of sadness and helplessness that persist for long periods and can significantly interfere with one’s ability to perform everyday tasksin the workplace or at school. Episodes can range from mild to severe, and can even be seasonal. Symptoms include loss of interest in activities, nausea, fatigue, change in appetite, disturbed sleep, poor concentration, and in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide. Many of these physical symptoms can help with the understanding that real depression isn’t just in the mind. It is a legitimate illness, with numbers rising around the country, particularly in high

school. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers, and the leading cause of suicide is depression. More than 20 percent of all teenagers will experience depression before they leave high school. What’s behind the rise is still uncertain. The pressure on high school students is only increasing, and factors could include greater economic distress, social media, dysfunctional families and the toxic expectation to excel. “Failure is not an option,” said junior Andrea Flores about the competitive culture. “Students are doing the impossible just to get an A. It’s sad that some of us have to sacrifice family time and things we are passionate about just to excel in academics since that is what measures success now.” In an academically rigorous and competitive world, the stigma of being depressed is surrounded by feelings of guilt. There is a crushing expectation to be a ‘productive’ member of society, and the

tie between productivity and self-worth makes it impossible for depressed individuals to gain the confidence they need to recover. When someone dies from cancer, the responses are overwhelmingly positive. People are mournful and extend their condolences for the family of the afflicted. And yet when someone commits suicide, the victim is attacked for being selfish and thoughtless. This is when the mental health stigma returns with full force, and victims are blamed for the invisibility of their disease. Depressed individuals should not be blamed for falling prey to such distorted thoughts any more than cancer patients should be blamed for experiencing pain. It is simply the nature of their disease. Especially in high school, we are all socialized to focus on the future—getting into a good college, finding a job that makes us productive. But nobody is looking within themselves and asking, ‘Am I happy?’