Volume 29, Issue 2 by The Lion's Roar

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Vol. XXIX · Issue II

Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper · Newton, MA · Established 1984 · September 7, 2012

photo by Jordan Cohen-Kaplan

Language lab receives new iMac computers Jenny Friedland & Ravi Panse Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor

Newly-purchased iMacs have replaced all 30 computers for student use in the language lab. These iMacs were bought with surplus funds remaining after the district spent less money on teachers’ health insurance than was initially allocated. According to South employees, the language lab is different from other computer labs at South, and therefore faced unique challenges before and throughout its update. Technology department member Jason Agress said that the language lab differs from other computer labs in two key ways: the lab was brand-new approximately 10 years ago, at a time when others were not, and also makes use of Sony Soloist software for student interaction. These differences delayed the lab update. “Because [the language lab] was different and because it was so specialized, it was never really upgraded hardware-wise,” Agress said. “It was very expensive, … so at first it was great, and then it just got slower and slower and slower.” The original language lab computers were old and often had technical problems, according to World Language department head Suzanne DeRobert. The language lab had PCs which ran Windows XP before the upgrade; the new iMacs have also been set up to run Windows XP, which is necessary for students using Sony Soloist software in their language classes. The purchase of new computers has improved the language lab beyond its original functionality, according to DeRobert. iMacs, for example, have cameras that will allow American Sign Language (ASL) classes to use the language lab similarly to how other language classes do. “Mr. [Peter] Hershon, [the ASL teacher], … is very excited about how, just like oral language students record their voice, sign language students can now come in here and record their signing,” DeRobert said. Spanish teacher Helena Alfonzo said that a functional language lab serves a key purpose in language students’ education. “[In the language lab], instead of having a mainstream pace, where everybody listens to a recording twice and that’s it, you can listen to recordings once if you only need to [listen] once or you can listen to [them] three, four, five times if you need more time,” she said.

photo illustration by Joe Joseph and Kylie Walters

Administrators will use a standardized teacher evaluation process with frequent, short classroom drop-ins this year Julie Olesky Sr. News Editor

In order to receive federal money designated for education, Newton Public Schools officials have implemented a new teacher and administrator evaluation system. This year, administrators and department heads will evaluate teachers based on new criteria. In contrast to the former system, the new system involves administrators and department heads making more frequent classroom drop-ins for shorter amounts of time during the school year. Standardized rubrics include 43 different elements that teachers will be evaluated on, and student performance will also be a factor in the evaluation protocol. The new evaluation system emphasizes teachers evaluating themselves and their own progress. “You begin the whole process by looking at where you are, what you think you really want to be improving on, what your goals are for your

students and what your goals are for your own professional growth,” World Language department head Suzanne DeRobert said. “There’s an opportunity to discuss that with the evaluator and then to work on that process collaboratively throughout the year. I think it opens a lot of avenues for conversation.”

Junior Mark Hochberg said that though administrators will get to know teachers better, evaluations have a downside. “A teacher acts differently when there’s a person in the room observing them,” he said. Junior Anna Alsop agreed that there are negative aspects to teacher evaluations, particularly in the new format. She said short drop-ins will not give evaluators enough time. “The administrator would have to see at least half the class,” she said. Hochberg said he thinks the frequency of classroom visits can mitigate issues - Mark Hochberg, Class of 2014 related to time constraints. “If evaluators come more often, only then will it be easier to According to DeRobert, evaluate in those five minutes.” the new evaluations will allow for Mary Brandel, mother of collaboration between teachers, ad- sophomore Liam Brandel, said ministrators and their supervisors, that the new evaluation system particularly as classroom drop-ins could “result in a more structured increase. “It’s a lot of frequent visits, and effective way of evaluating the and it’s all around the premise that teachers’ actual performance.” there’s always conversation going on,” she said. EVALUATIONS, 4

A teacher acts differently when there’s a person in the room watching them.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

“TFIOS” Reaction Students react to this year’s One School, One Book choice

page

Fall Activities

The Roar looks at different options for exploring nature this fall

page

Summer Jobs

The Roar talks to seniors who worked summer jobs in Newton Centre

page

NEWS 2 EDIT 6 OPINIONS 8 ARTS REVIEW 10 CENTERFOLD 12 FEATURES 14 SPORTS 18 COMMUNITY 20 FUN PAGE 22

news volume 29

issue 2

page

september 7, 2012

Science lab sizes hinder learning Hyunnew Choi News Editor

South Spots One School One Book Event South will host the annual One School One Book event based on the summer reading book “The Fault In Our Stars” on Friday, Sept. 21. The event will include a school-wide assembly followed by panels led by various guest speakers. The event will conclude with advisory discussions.

New Homework Policy South will be piloting a new homework-free weekend policy this year. According to the policy, “no homework will be due on the day of return after each of four specifically agreed-upon weekends.” There will be one homeworkfree weekend per term: Columbus Day weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, the second weekend of March and Memorial Day weekend. Longer vacations such as winter or spring vacation will have a “one-night equivalent” of homework limit .

Senior Portraits Senior Portraits will be taken at South next week, Sept. 10 through 15. Students can check when they are scheduled for portraits on the South website. Students can contact Lifetouch (the photography company) through Terry at charlesbleiler@verizon.net or call him at 781-789-0778 to change their appointments.

South was recently unable to receive state funding for new science laboratories because the current labs are smaller than those set by state-wide standards. According to the statement of interest the School Department sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in January, South’s labs are not properly designed and lack required sinks and necessary space that allow students to access a safe and complete laboratory experience. Last spring, the School Committee put a case to the state to improve the labs, and now plans on studying the labs over the upcoming year in order to bring them up to state standards. School Committee member Geoff Epstein said that the small lab sizes adversely impact students and do not support the school’s goal of offering what is best for students. “[The smaller lab sizes] significantly affect the students’ learning experience,” Epstein said. “We send the wrong message; we’re supposed to be supporting the students in the sciences.” Science department head Gerard Gagnon agreed that the limited capacity imposes a challenge for all members of the classroom to achieve what they need to do in the lab. He said that both teachers and students face the difficulty of working with large equipment in a limited space. Junior Anjali Oberoi, who took honors chemistry as a sophomore, said she often felt the need for a larger laboratory for maximized productivity in the class. “There wasn’t enough room to do lab worksheets and the lab in the same space, so there were a lot of people just standing around and watching,” she said. “I’m sure if there were more space and fewer people in that space, we could have learned more from the same lab.” On the other hand, senior Jungsoo Park, who took AP chemistry last year, said that the relatively small size of the labs did not adversely affect the weekly labs his class performed. In fact, he said that the small lab size lead to positive group working

experiences. “I personally didn’t feel like the lab size was really small. If anything, we just had to get in groups of three, and I think it’s good to work in groups … with a lot of different people,” Park said. “I think [the class] builds teamwork through the labs we do together.” Although the number of students in Park’s class allowed students to work in small groups, Gagnon said that many other science classes have over 24 students, which is the number of students the National Science Teacher Association suggests for the maximum class size. As a result, students in large classes that must contend with small settings are unable to benefit from the enriching benefits of working in groups of fewer people, according to Gagnon.

We send the wrong message; we’re supposed to be supporting the students in the sciences. - Geoff Epstein, School Committee member “Larger lab spaces [in all classro om s ] w o u l d have the effect of having smaller lab groups because there would be more equipment setups within the ro om it s e l f,” he said. “Let’s say there’s a classroom of 25 kids. Rather than having five groups of five, we could have six groups of four, and so on. [Working in smaller

groups] is a richer educational experience.” According to Epstein, the inability to fully use the science labs not only inhibits classroom experiences, but also results in other long-lasting disadvantages for students. He said he believes hands-on experiences that only a lab caan offer are important beginning steps for students who wish to pursue science. “We have an obligation to the students in the school system to prepare them for the job opportunities [in the science world],” he said. “We are inadequately preparing them.” Gagnon also said that the science lab experiments are critical for learning in science classes, which requires more than hypothetical situations and explanations. “Science is a philosophical approach to learning about the world in which we live. While we can take a theoretical approach, as we often do in the classroom, the authentic part of what we do is really driven by experimentation,” Gagnon said. “From a scientific literacy standpoint, it’s important to be able to ask those questions, design a lab that accurately targets those questions and then make appropriate observations to get the information.” Gagnon agreed with Epstein that thoughtful labs allow students to develop in a way that prepares them for the workforce they will enter in the future. He said that because science labs are student-centered activities, they provide opportunities for students to learn skills that can be applied to fields outside of the sciences. “They’re working collaboratively more often than not [in labs]. Those are life-long skills that anyone would need to succeed in the world beyond high school or college,” Gagnon said. “So, there’s a relevancy there to everyday life that is beyond just the philosophy of science education and science in general.” Although the plan to investigate the labs is the beginning of a process, Epstein said that due to the importance of properly designed labs for students’ futures, the School Committee should have made a stronger case for this issue. “It’s not a high enough priority for us. Newton has the obligation to do better in offering more capacity in the labs,” he said.

graphic by David Gorelik

news

september 7, 2012

Teachers and administrators created the new Academic Support Program in order to help struggling students achieve their true potential in class

By James Wu Teachers and administrators will implement a new Academic Support Program (ASP) in order to help a broader range of struggling students this year. The program will identify students from all class levels and place them into peer tutoring or small study groups. According to Principal Joel Stembridge, ASP is interventionbased, and unlike other support programs at South, will offer help to students who typically would not receive assistance. “Many of our other available support [programs] require students to be identified with a learning disability before the [programs] become available,” he said. “[ASP] will provide support first, and if a student continues to struggle, testing for a learning disability might be an option to consider.” ASP will meet every block of the week, and tutoring and study groups will occur in the Student Support Center in room 1312. Wheeler housemaster Josepha Blocker, English teacher Emma Leslie and history teacher Rachael McNally are the primary faculty members running ASP. According to Leslie, they hope to provide help to students with a variety of needs through ASP. “For some kids, they start doing poorly because there’s a certain skill they just couldn’t master, and then that impacts the next thing they have to learn, and it becomes a downward spiral,” Leslie said. “For others, it might be that for a whole host of possible reasons they don’t succeed in getting work done outside of school.” Leslie said that ASP will support both types of students. For those lacking proficiency in specific areas, ASP will provide specialized peer tutoring and “small study halls” of five to seven students that work with a teacher to provide a quiet environment for study for other students. ASP uses .5 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) from the regular education budget to support the coordinators of the initiative and

also requires the assistance of one of failing a class on a weekly basis. Baron said that the Acaof the main office secretaries, Ellie demic Support Plan creates a more Ross, who has transitioned to the well-rounded system for students Student Support Center, according at all academic levels. “For kids to Stembridge. who are in the AP mold who can Stembridge said a main just grab the ball and run with it, purpose of ASP is to act as a preNewton South is a great place. But ventative measure that can help remedy students’ academic problems before they grow too large. “This program is a result of our taking a good look at our student achievement data,” he said. “In essence, this is South’s effort to identify students who need additional - Brian Baron, English department head support in a timely manner, have a conversation with it’s not always a great place for really parents, guidance counselors bright, talented kids who just don’t and students about different options for support and then de- get it as quickly, or for any reason liver that support in a coordinated just don’t work well,” he said. “It’s tremendously gratifying that we’re effort.” Stembridge and Leslie said focusing so much of our that another primary goal of ASP resources on kids who is to reduce the achievement gap struggle.” Blocker agreed at South, and the program is part that the system uniof the culmination of three years fies previous proof work done by South’s Academic grams the school Support Plan in an effort to close has already in the gap. According to English de- place. partment head Brian Baron, a “We’re group of faculty and administra- making tors gathered data to objectively someshow that an achievement gap thing more existed at South in 2009. In the following December, school25 teachers from multiple depart- wide ments met in an “Academic Sum- and mit” to discuss how to create a much system to help struggling students. more The teachers decided to manform the Academic Support Plan, agea larger program that encompasses ASP, to combat the achievement gap, and since then the committee of teachers has worked toward addressing the issue on multiple fronts, including curricular changes, professional development for faculty and intervention programs. One such program included a “teacher team” system where teachers would meet weekly to discuss how to promote general student achievement. With the introduction of ASP, teachers will be able to “flag” students at risk

At the end of the day we’re going to have a system that is better off for all kids.

able,” she said. Leslie said that ASP will be crucial in helping students achieve more in school and later on in life. “When I look around at the number of students who get D’s and F’s that seems unacceptable to me,” Leslie said, “because it means they are not mastering the material of their classes and are going out into the world unprepared.” Senior Nelson Huang said that while it sometimes may be difficult for students to admit that they need the help, ASP will be beneficial in the long run. “When you’re failing a class, it’s not subtle,” he said. “You notice it and everyone else notices it. I think it’s good that they’re supporting student learning … [even though] it may be a little hard to swallow your pride.” Ultimately, coordinators of the initiative said they look to support all students who are struggling at South, in order to promote a more academically successful student

body as a whole. “My hope is that we make it really hard for a student to fail at South,” Stembridge said, “and that we have more students who are achieving at higher levels.” Leslie agreed that she hopes South will grow to emphasize the importance of academic accomplishments. “[I hope] the program, if not eradicating, will vastly reduce the number of students [doing poorly],” Leslie said, “and that students will come to view school as a place where they can be successful.” “My favorite part of the program is that we’re doing something that individual teachers are working really hard on,” Blocker said, “It’s going to become much harder to fail at South, and I think that’s something we all want.” Baron said that he hopes students realize the vast outreach of ASP, and that the program will be able to benefit as many students as possible. “At the end of the day we’re going to have a system that is better off for all kids,” Baron said, “and we’re going to have [South] work better for every kid that walks through the door.”

graphic by David Gorelik

news

september 7, 2012

New teacher evaluation program debuts at South EVALUATIONS, from 1

is how much the teacher is helping the student outside the classroom History teacher Jamie Rinaldi said, during a J-block or extra help that however, that effective evaluation a student gets.” is hard to achieve. “We have good According to DeRobert, administrators here at South, but however, administrators do not it’s not a secret in the education need to see everything a teacher community at large, not only is doing to help students in order [in] Newton, that administrators to effectively evaluate them. “You will never get to observe all their certainly wouldn’t see all of these classrooms,” Rinaldi said. “If all elements in practice all at once at they’re using to evaluate are those the same time, so I think it’s more test scores, it means that they’re not a question of which elements are getting an accurate picture.” going to be drawn out from a parAll levels of classes will be ticular given class,” she said. There evaluated, but, according to Rinaldi, are lots of opportunities for teachevaluations cannot capture every- ers, educators and evaluators to talk afterward.” thing goStuing on in a dent surclassroom, We have so much from veys might particufill in what larly with one another, from one adminisstruggling students. another and just creating trators do not see in a “A n y o n e those opportunities. classroom, who works according in a school - Suzanne DeRobert, to Alsop. can agree World Language Department Head “You’re gothat teaching to miss e r s m ay help their student in a way that some parts no matter what,” she won’t show up on their evaluation,” said. “You can’t sort through every he said. “You can have one group single test and quiz that a teacher of students who is really struggling. gives out, but … students themThe small change [the students] selves … are often the best judges.” Communication, collabomake, which on paper may look insignificant, may be tied to a lot of ration and student performance unmeasured improvement ... [like] are crucial to the new evaluation doing homework and showing up system, DeRobert said. “We have for class or participating in class so much to learn with one another, and learning to find their own from one another and just creating voice.” Brandel agreed that evalu- those opportunities along the way,” ations cannot provide a complete she said. “This is an opportunity picture. “One element that could for us to really have those kinds of be missing from [the evaluation] frequent conversations.”

Teacher's

Connection with students

B+ AC+

Knowledge of subject

B-

Academic Rigor Organization

graphic by James Wu

Budget surplus spent on new technology Hyunnew Choi & Ahaana Singh

News Editor, News Reporter Newton Public Schools ended the 2012 fiscal year with a $1.7 million surplus. According to Deputy School Superintendent and Chief Administrative Officer Sandy Guryan, the surplus mainly came from an unexpected Circuit Breaker payment as well as moderate estimates of the school system’s spending on salaries, food services, special education transportation and contracted services. The money will be put toward improving computer systems in the elementary schools and buying 110 iPads for middle schools, as well as making renovations and planning maintenance projects for the buildings. This funding will enable each of South’s classrooms to have new document cameras

and projectors that will replace when teachers aren’t frustrated experience and development. the current ones, some of which with outdated technology,” he “It’s important to have the said. “That can sour a class. New latest technology available are over nine years old. Principal Joel Stem- technology ensures the smooth for students,” D’agata said. “It prepares them for the future bridge said the replacement flow of day to day activity.” Erika D’agata, parent of and for college and just life in of South’s old projectors specifically allows teachers and sophomore Julia Mount and general.” Additionally, Rinaldi administrators to consistently Nicholas Mount (Countryside rely on technology for class- Class of 2014), said she is ec- said that attention to the faculty should be another priority room purposes. for the school system. “The key thing for me We [must] invest in our “We [must] invest as an administrator is that the technology in the build- teachers first and foremost. in our teachers first and foremost. People who are ing works all the time,” he said, “so that teachers can People ... should have some coming on board this year should have some job seuse it when they need to.” job security. curity,” he said. “After a piece of techHowever, School nology doesn’t work a few - Jamie Rinaldi, history teacher Committee Chairperson times, teachers start to plan on not using it,” Stembridge static about the availability of Claire Sokoloff said that the also said. “I wouldn’t want to be this surplus, for it could easily enhancement of technology in standing in front of a class full “benefit all aspects of educa- the classrooms is not only beneficial for students and teachers of students and have a projec- tional activities.” Furthermore, D’agata but is financially reasonable tor not work.” History teacher Jamie Rinaldi agreed with said she supports the school in this case. “When you have Stembridge and said technol- system’s investment in the new money only for one year, you ogy can play a key role in the iPads, computers and projec- shouldn’t be building up extra activities of a class. tors, as they serve an important teachers or increasing salaries,” “Students … benefit purpose in students’ learning Sokoloff said.

Stembridge agreed with Sokoloff and said that the School Committee’s use of money is understandable and that the school system should realize that the current surplus would not reasonably be used to begin fnuding for a long-term program. “It makes sense to purchase items that are permanent [like projectors and document cameras] rather than on something that would require annual expenses,” Stembridge said. While the $1.7 million surplus will not be able to fulfill all needs around the school, Sokoloff said the availability of the money ultimately supports the entire community and its members. “The money provides a sense of stability for the next year and ultimately benefits everyone, from students to faculty and even parents,” Sokoloff said. Additional reporting by Yoonchan Choi

news

september 7, 2012

The Roar’s Julie Olesky went to a new staff orientation on Aug. 28 to ask some of the new staff members what they are looking forward to in the coming year

Arika Cohen - ELL, Drama I’m looking forward to ... directing the March play, [and] I can’t wait for the first day when I get to meet all of the kids.

Chrysolite Fitzgerald - Math I’m looking forward to ... really getting involved within the classes, within the department and within the school community.

Gerard Gagnon - Science I’m looking forward to ... helping the teachers do their best work in the classroom. My hope is we can collaborate more.

Chris Hardiman - Guidance I’m looking forward to ... getting to know all my students, my fellow colleagues and just the whole Newton South community.

Margaret Maher - English, Special Ed. I’m looking forward to ... finding my way around the building without getting lost — that’s going to be number one. photos by Yu-Ching Chang

editorials volume 29

issue 2

september 7, 2012

s ’ t a C e h T

Meow by Joe Joseph

All the news that’s fit to print ... and then some!

New schedule provokes unexpected upperclassman response Following the introduction of South’s reorganized schedule for the 2012-13 school year, upperclassmen have had trouble finding their way around South. Senior Yoonchan Choi said that the changes are extremely confusing. “[The] new block schedule is really crampin’ my senior swag,” he said. “I have no idea when I have my classes.” Freshman Paulie Gonn said the new schedule has brought unexpected changes. “The tables have really turned,” he said. “Now seniors approach me in the hallway all the time — and not just to stuff me into a locker.” Some students, however, have expressed concern over the impact of the new schedule. “I’ve spent the past few days going to my classes in the old order because I’m in denial,” senior Bea Ware said. “I’m N-ing out of every class because I can’t handle change.” The controversy reached a peak when senior Frenny Jiedland was reported missing after the second day of school. Security camera footage indicates that Jiedland was wandering around the 6000s during G block on Wednesday but never found her way to her F block class. Seniors plan on holding a mass protest next week. “We won’t stop until the administrators promise to turn back to the old schedule,” senior Shirley U. Geste said. “It took three years for me to memorize the old one, and I’m not going through that again.”

Needham renamed in honor of olympian Aly Raisman After their highly successful “Rally for Aly” day, officials in the neighboring town of Needham have decided to legally change the town’s name to “Raismanville.” Mayor Oscar Mayer said the decision came easily after just minutes of deliberation. “It was pretty much a unanimous decision,” he said. “Projected estimates show that the name change will boost our profits by more than 200 percent in the next fiscal year.” Needham resident Bill O. Nee said that the new name is a welcome change. “Our old name had a tendency to convince people that we all have a propensity for cold cuts,” he said. “I’m allergic to processed meats.” Some Newton residents have expressed concern over the associated economic changes. “I need to cross through ’Raismanville’ on my way to work every morning, but now they’re charging me a toll fee to get within 50 feet of her house,” Joe King said. King added that a similar change in Newton would have occurred much differently. “After the whole naming rights fiasco, I doubt we could have pulled that off without at least a 10 million dollar price tag,” he said. Nee said that despite the small fee, the entire community is overjoyed at its new identity. “This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened here,” he said. “I’m not joking.”

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Technology bought with surplus budget funds sometimes necessary, sometimes superfluous What can $1.7 million buy? Such was the question School officials faced at the end of the 2012 school year. Earlier this year, Schools Committee members bargained with the Newton Teacher’s Association regarding salaries and health benefits. The final agreement ultimately gave the district an “insurance holiday,” a $1.7 million difference between projected and actual costs. This difference provided the school system with free equity that could be used to improve schools. The money eventually went toward improving technological equipment in elementary, middle and high schools. Specifically, South underwent a school-wide technology enhancement that included the installation of ELMOs in every classroom and a software update on language lab computers (turn to page 4 for the full article). In addition, the funding will provide new projectors to replace older, dysfunctional ones in each classroom. Ideally, this arrangement offers teachers more instructional devices and also spares everyone frustration and class time wasted by teachers struggling to fix a deteriorating machine. Despite the need for technological improvements, the $1.7 million is a rare boon to the school system and must not be wasted; however large the holiday may be, it is essential that every cent of it be used in the most effective way possible. While technology is often a valuable asset that demands continual investment, much of the technology in which administrators have invested has very little functionality. An asset as large as $1.7 million does not come by every

year and ought to be spent more reasonably. Needless to say, screen projectors and language lab computers have been a significant part of South’s education system. Most of us have probably watched our math teachers solve problems on an overhead projector or recorded a minutes-long script in the language lab. Both tools are invaluable resources that were crumbling from a lack of maintenance. Many projectors were running on years-old technology, and stations at the language lab were regularly shut down because the hardware, at more than eight years old, was simply too venerable to run efficiently and reliably. Replacing these devices

Much of the technology in which administrators have invested has very little functionality was essentially a no-brainer. But, unfortunately, the upgrades didn’t stop with just updating old hardware. The citywide technological enhancement plan equipped each classroom at South with an ELMO, a digital presentation device that enables teachers to project whatever they put in front of a supplementary camera. Although this tool may prove conducive to the teaching styles of some math and science teachers, history and language teachers who often rely on the whiteboard or Powerpoint slides to teach lessons may have no use for it. Furthermore, ELMOs mirror the functions of overhead projectors; with the surplus also

Editorial Policy

covering the costs of new projectors, the purchase of ELMOs seems superfluous, especially because one ELMO costs hundreds of dollars. But ultimately, the price of one ELMO is irrelevant; if a piece of technology sits on a desk unused, then it was a waste of money regardless of whether it costs $20 or $200. The implementation of ELMOs into each and every classroom is, above all else, overreaching. It reflects an overzealousness to spend money and a lack of willingness to consider what exactly it is being spent on. The outrageous prices only make matters worse. Without input from teachers and students, the good-willed decisions to spend surplus money on certain technological upgrades can prove totally ineffectual. Members of The Roar editorial board believe that when administrators decide which technology to update, or even what to spend surplus money on, students and teachers should be surveyed about which devices would help teachers teach better and students learn better. This way, ELMOs won’t be uselessly sitting around in history classrooms and students will learn more. The Roar also acknowledges that despite the large amount of money left over at the end of the 2012 school year, such a surplus is often rare and unexpected. In most circumstances, the school budget will be incredibly tight. Students (theoretically) pay a vast sum to the city through club fees each year to add to that budget. Simply designating money for “technology” updates is ambiguous, and can be favorably avoided for both teachers and students and if they had a say in where surplus money goes.

The Lion’s Roar, founded in 1984, is the student newspaper of Newton South High School, acting as a public forum for student views and attitudes. The Lion’s Roar’s right to freedom of expression is protected by the Massachusetts Student Free Expression Law (Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 71, Section 82). All content decisions are made by student editors, and the content of The Lion’s Roar in no way reflects the official policy of Newton South, its faculty, or its administration. Editorials are the official opinion of The Lion’s Roar, while opinions and letters are the personal viewpoints of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Lion’s Roar. The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submitted content, to reject advertising copy for resubmission of new copy that is deemed acceptable by student editors, and to make decisions regarding the submission of letters to the editors, which are welcomed. The Lion’s Roar is printed by Seacoast Newspapers and published every four weeks by Newton South Students. All of our funding comes from advertisers. In-school distribution of The Lion’s Roar is free, but each copy of the paper shall cost one dollar for each copy more than ten (10) that is taken by any individual or by many individuals on behalf of a single individual. Violation of this policy shall constitute theft.

september 7, 2012

desk

Editor uses inspiration from the past to overcome fears from the present

FROM THE

EDITOR’S DESK Joe Joseph

Editor-in-Chief Over the course of my 16 and a half years of life, I have accumulated a number of self-diagnosed phobias. I can’t stand heights, darkness, roller coasters or entering room 3114 alone. The most recent addition to that list of fears would be the task of writing this, my first editor’s desk. Let’s call it deskaphobia, although there could be some problems with people thinking I am afraid of large, wooden objects. I know it is quite an irrational fear, considering that my readership will probably consist of some copy editors, a few teachers and my mother. Nevertheless, sitting down in front of a computer screen trying to extrude meaningful thoughts from my brain is as daunting as the ropes course behind the field house (I wasn’t kidding when I said I was afraid of heights). Of course, my natural instinct when confronted with a task like this is to turn to the Internet, not so much for support, but rather for diversion (Another fear of mine is completing work in a timely manner). After spending a considerable amount of time looking at kitten pictures, I was still at a loss. Looking for more distraction, I moved my cursor to the all-too-familiar white “f ” in my bookmarks bar but instead found my

eyes drifting over to the bookmark labeled “CFS.” For those of you unfamiliar with the distinct vocabulary one acquires as a student journalist, CFS is The Roar’s copy flow system, an online archive in which we organize and store our articles for every issue. Seeing as it was early in this issue’s development, CFS was considerably empty, leaving me staring at sea of gray boxes: incomplete articles. I moused over to the text on the bottom of the screen that read “previous issues” and was transported back to the earliest issue archived, Volume 23 Issue 2 (23-2), which came out at the same time as this issue, six years ago. I found there a desk by then Editor-in-Chief Ben Cotton documenting his journey to overcome his lack of motivation and complete a triathlon. I spent the next hour poring over other editor’s desks, like Tom Haskin’s criticism of the school recycling system from 24-7 and Ariel Wittenberg’s account of her experience with a gang of unruly wild turkeys from 23-3. It dawned on me that an editor’s desk could honestly be whatever I wanted it to be.

Suddenly, typing these words felt a little bit less terrifying. So, you might be thinking, “Well, you’re halfway done with your desk and haven’t done anything except confess your excessive number of fears, love for kittens and creepy stalking abilities.” This is true, but at the same time, I think there is something to be learned from my episode with CFS. In a world that praises visionaries and innovators for moving society forward, not much time is spent looking back. We have all heard the phrase “History repeats itself ” millions of times in class, but I am not sure everyone understands to what extent it applies to our lives today. Wherever we go, whatever we do and however we do it, there is a 99.99% chance that someone or something has gone and done what we will do (This statistic comes from an in-depth study conducted by my imagination). Which brings me back to the discussion of my self-diagnosed phobias; it is extremely easy, especially as high school

In a world that praises visionaries and innovators for moving society forward, not much time is spent looking back

Volume 29 The Lion’s Roar

students, to feel lost, confused and terrified of everything that lies ahead of us. Meeting new people, having new experiences and, dare I mention, completing the dreaded college application process are all part of high school — and life as well (except for that last thing, which will fortunately be one-time only). These events can be horrifying, but I have learned that looking to the past for guidance can be surprisingly comforting. Like I said before, I am not a fearless individual. I do not really take comfort in the fact that other people have been on roller coasters in the past and liked them; these rides still frighten me. That said, there are some fears that you really can overcome by stepping back for a moment and realizing you are not Neil Armstrong (R.I.P.) taking that first step onto the moon’s surface. People have most likely done what you are going to do, and you should turn to them or what they have left behind for courage. And with that, I have finished my first editor’s desk, just like dozens of other Editors-in-Chief have before me and dozens will after me. I hope that somewhere down the road, one of them will be able to sit in front of a computer screen and, just as terrified as I was, click on the box linking to this editor’s desk in CFS.

Join The Roar!

Newton South High School’s Student Newspaper The Lion’s Roar - 140 Brandeis Road Newton, MA 02459 srstaff@thelionsroar.com

Editors-in-Chief Jenny Friedland

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Positions available: graphic artists, writers, editors and subscription managers

volume 29

issue 2

opinions september 7, 2012

page

Perspectives:

photo by Jordan Cohen-Kaplan

This summer, South students read John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars” as part of the One School, One Book program. A related schoolwide event will take place on Sept. 21.

Ian Greer

I think it really does speak volumes about the novel and its unconventional take on Opinions Contributor teenage angst. It is a very simple and modIf this book were a celebrity, it would est funeral, yet it is filled to the brim with be Brangelina, Beyoncé, Gaga and SJP emotion. rolled into one. John Green’s “The Fault in There’s real significance in how the Our Stars” (“TFiOS”) does something that book as a whole makes you respect human no other book has ever done: it makes me life, just like a good funeral. And this literal want to actually be friends with fictional funeral with a figurative meaning isn’t in characters and listen to them interact. a church with a lot of people in suits and I don’t just want a “the weather is so black dresses crying; it is much more subtle nice” kind of interaction with characters than that, and it parallels the uniqueness like Augustus and Hazel, but rather a legiti- that is Gus’ and Hazel’s relationship. And mate conversation filled with witty banter that also is an important aspect of a good and irony. funeral, one that isn’t cliché and has no Each character in this story is like intention of portraying the honored life as the actors on television that you want to be cliché. This funeral made me want John friends with, but you know don’t actually Green to script my life or write my eulogy. exist, and that there’s really some behind“TFiOS” is the least cancer-y book the-screen genius writing their words for about cancer I have ever encountered. them. Green could easily have written a dark The way Green makes the reader feel and sullen story but instead chose to take for his characters is incredible. One minute a lighthearted approach to a heavy topic I was sitting in my room reading, eating without sacrificing honesty. Ben & Jerry’s and crying. The next minute South made the right choice by pickI was smiling to myself, feeling like a dork ing “TFiOS” because students can relate to because a book just made me laugh out teen angst and confront the difficult issues loud. This is why the book is so perfect — in this story. “TFiOS” also lends itself to it simply makes you feel. a variety of different discussion topics. “TFiOS” affected me in part because Furthermore, no reader can call “TFiOS” its story feels so relevant. The realness of a “girl book” just because its protagonist the characters and the plot make the story is female. The book appeals to everyone, come to life in a believable way. Most of which is what makes it such a great choice the characters in “TFiOS” are around high for South students. school age, which makes their personalities I challenge anyone to read this feel authentic. fabulous novel and not be at all intrigued. The thing I liked the most about The story and characters are perfect, and this book is that it is like a good funeral. the decision to read this book this summer There is a literal funeral in this book, and was perfect.

Sophie Forman

Sr. Opinions Editor

South is proud of its strong reputation and high expectations of students. In our English classes, we read and analyze in-depth works by literary giants like Fitzgerald, Morrison and Shakespeare. Maybe that’s why I was so disappointed with this year’s summer reading book. “The Fault in Our Stars” (“TFiOS”) by John Green, while entertaining, fell far short of the standards set by other books I have read in English classes. Students do not want to spend much time on their summer reading books. I get that. Yet, previous years’ summer reading selections have included novels such as “Persepolis,” “Zeitoun” and “This I Believe II.” These works of literature contain a much deeper meaning than can be found in “TFiOS” — they draw attention to and demand a discussion of global issues. Although I do not wish to trivialize tragedies such as cancer, I cannot imagine a classroom discussion about “TFiOS” being nearly as deep or intense as the one I had about “Zeitoun” last fall. This year’s summer reading book fails to raise a single issue worthy of a day-long, school-wide discussion. Instead, “TFiOS” feels like a beach read for a young teenager. It is a decent beach read, but, truthfully, it is very far from the literary masterpiece I expected due to hype. The snarky teenage girl who does not realize how pretty and likable she is, the cute boy who hounds after her — we have all seen this before. Yes, they

meet at a cancer support group, but replace ‘cancer’ with any typical teenage angst and you have a plethora of existing movie and book plotlines. I’m sure no one was surprised to find Hazel fall for Augustus’s flirtations early on in the book, and of course he would use his “Make a Wish” for the two to go to Amsterdam together. The predictable plotline culminates in the death of Augustus, which is obvious from the beginning given the genre and that Green’s choice to make terminal cancer the book’s antagonist. Green knows what his audience enjoys reading and exploits its tastes with a simple, clichéd love story that does nothing new with centuries-old tropes. “TFiOS” does not shock us as “Persepolis” did. It does not anger us as “Zeitoun” did. It does not inspire us or broaden our perspectives as “This I Believe II” did. The emotional reaction “TFiOS” tries to evoke has already been conveyed before by countless other books and movies. The previous three summer reading books have been about social and global issues whereas “TFiOS” is merely about a teenage romance. It feigns depth with pretentious, philosophical dialogue and Randomly Capitalized Words, but these fixtures are just John Green writing to his readers. The language is over-the-top and unrealistic; no teenager uses such pretentious words and quotes poetry in his or her day-to-day conversations. Overall, “TFiOS” feels very predictable (as most young adult books do) and never actually delves any deeper than the clichés we’re all used to. The book is both unoriginal and extremely overrated.

september 7, 2012

opinions Why is it that my guitar is making those sounds?

Jack Rabinovitch Music ’n’ Things

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world over almost all genres. Its wide variety of sounds, from the calm and soothing acoustic to the distortion of a grunge or metal electric, has been and continues to be a great asset to bands and solo artists everywhere. But how does the guitar create these sounds? Why is there such a broad range of timbres? I got an answer to these questions photos courtesy of Zuzana Skvarkova over the summer when I had the great Senior Zuzana Skvarkova gave up a job opportunity and time with friends in order to train six days a week with Community Rowing, Inc. experience of attending a clinic lead by Robert Godin, the president of Godin Guitars. Though partially an advertisement for Godin Guitars and ouds, the clinic to compete in Club Nationwanted to achieve. ment. I would have stayed that went over the properties that give a guitar a Zuzana Skvarkova als in Camden, New Jersey. As someone with low way forever: together, laughing. strong and distinguished sound. Opinions Contributor Later in the summer, CRI teams self-esteem and a terrible case Ultimately, though, I Two features determine a guitar’s drove five vans to compete in of constantly putting myself don’t do sports just to create Overnight camps, specific timbre: the wood, or resonator, the Royal Canadian Henley down, I wanted to gain confifriendships and fill my time. I summer romances, mosquito and the effects. Resonators are boxes that Regatta. dence. dedicated myself to crew this bites and tons of ice cream “bounce” sound back and forth, creating a Investing all my energy Being involved with past summer to prove to myself coherent, amplified tone. are students’ most common rowing this summer gave me that I am worth the effort. memories of our glorious two- into such a focused pursuit Both acoustic and electric resonators taught me that in order to get the boost I needed. If I can push myself month break. For some, such as are normally made of wood, but the kind myself, the memories are a little of wood has a large effect on how the guitar bit different. sounds or resonates. I spent my summer Most guitars (and all valuable ones) sweating, dry heaving and are made of some type of hardwood. enduring eight-hour practices Hardwoods are those that come from - Zuzana Skvarkova, Class of 2013 six times a week. angiosperm trees, or trees that flower. The Yes, I passed my sumhardwoods chosen are denser than other anywhere in life, I have to beI also realized that people through every temptation mer days training for crew at types because denser materials reflect put themselves through eightand keep going through each Community Rowing, Inc (CRI) lieve in my own abilities. sound more efficiently. I’ve heard it said that hour rowing practices not only moment of pain, I’m confident and traveling around North Electric guitars often have a denser anyone can do anything, but no to make personal achievements that I can succeed no matter America for competitions. front and a thinner back to reflect the but also to watch their teamwhere life takes me. Were there times when I one can do everything. Going sound into the microphones more effecinto this past summer, I knew I mates achieve. Anything worth achievabsolutely hated it? tively. couldn’t have it all. In Canada, one of the ing requires sacrifice. Above all Probably at least once Acoustics usually have a lighter front I had to make an active boats on our girls team made else, anything worth achieving every day. But, ultimately, I and a dense, bowl-shaped back to amplify it to the finals. As our teamrequires a large time commitwouldn’t have chosen to spend decision to give up a vacation the sound and direct it forward to the audifull of parties, a social life and mates passed by, we sprang up ment and I’m sure that single my summer any other way. This ence. a job at my day camp all for to cheer, “CRI! CRI!” I found minute of my summer this year summer, I grew as a person. Both of these structures clarify the beauty and love in that mowas worth it. I took a six-hour bus ride a sport. I asked myself what I sound for the microphone or listener, but they also give it more flavor; after resonating, the electric has a less reflected, purer and more easily-distorted sound, whereas the acoustic has sound bouncing off the body of the guitar, generating a less pure but calmer and softer tone. Effects — the most famous being the wah-wah pedal, overdrive distortion, fuzz and talk box — are less technical; they allow for a much wider range of sounds, especially for electric guitars. The wah-wah pedal takes the sound input from the microphone and raises the pitch after each individual note is added to My parents are getting me a car for my @Aly_Raisman is from Needham, not create a trumpet-like crying noise from the birthday but I can’t decide between a Newton #newtonproblems guitar. RAV-4 and an Audi #newtonproblems Overdrive and fuzz both add noise to the input sound, making it calmer and less distorted. The talk box, most famously used by Peter Frampton, channels sound through a I had to use my credit card to pay the My 5:30 Barre class was full by the time I tube whose shape affects the sound of the muni meter because I don’t carry change got there #newtonproblems guitar the same way the shape of a mouth #newtonproblems makes the difference between “oohs” and “ahhs.” The different sounds of a guitar Couldn’t find anything my size at the LF All those kids who went to Israel this evoke a variety of emotions. The difference sale #newtonproblems summer are way tanner than I am between Jack Johnson’s acoustic guitar and #newtonproblems The Edge’s electric guitar with a VOXAC30 amp is obvious, yet both create such nice melodies, harmonies and riffs.

Senior rows, builds character

I dedicated myself to crew this past summer to prove to myself that I am worth the effort.

september 7, 2012

arts review

Train excites audience at Tanglewood

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Train will be performing as part of the free MixFest concert at the Hatch Shell tomorrow, Sept. 8 from 3-8 p.m.

Peak Billboard Top 100 positions for Train throughout the years

The rumble of a train chugging down a track permeated through the air, and the crowd went silent. “DAMN, IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK,” Pat Monahan’s voice blasted through the moonlit night, and 500 fans went absolutely crazy. The whole venue crackled with enthusiasm: Train was making its widely anticipated return! The band members slid into their respective places on stage as if their last tour had been only the day before. The excitement at Tanglewood reached its peak. Feeding off of the audience’s energy, Train started playing the first riffs of its opening number. In a flurry of movement, hope and vigor, the concert began. This was the concert scene I walked into on Aug. 31, and Pat’s opening sentiments mirrored mine perfectly. Approximately one year ago, I stood on the same lawn, watching Train rock out to last year’s chart-topping songs; the breezy falsetto chords of “Hey, Soul Sister” still ring in my ear. But Train is more than simply an object of my obsession. Since its formation in 1994, Train has captivated hundreds of thousands of eager fans worldwide. Train’s unique style and distinctive quirks have reached hundreds of homes, and its music still plays at the occasional fundraiser or dance. Train’s most famous song, “Drops of Jupiter,” propelled the band to superstardom, and Pat Monahan became the heartthrob of many a teenage girl. The question, then, was how well Train would perform live. Although I was eager to hear the show, I had my doubts; not every band

Train Tracks

Cal

Sr. Arts Review Editor

sounds great live. Train did not disappoint, however. Pat’s voice sounded almost too perfect to be natural, consistently on key and adding its own flair to each song. When Pat ended “When I Look to the Sky” with a falsetto that rivaled Fun’s Nate Ruess, every hair on my body stood on end. It was a spectacle like no other. The setup of Train’s shows is stellar, with both last year’s and this year’s concerts having wonderful set lists. Both shows began with a recently-released song, then an old favorite, then an even older favorite followed by an older hit. This year, for example, the band began with “50 Ways to Say Goodbye,” followed by “She’s on Fire,” “Meet Virginia” and lastly “Calling All Angels.” By mixing older songs with newer ones, Train kept audience members of all ages excited and invested in its concert. Looking out at the crowd, on one blanket sat people who looked about 80 years old, and on another sat a family with young children spinning around and babbling in oversized sweatshirts. It was a wonderful sight. The fact that the concert was held at Tanglewood made it all the more special. The natural beauty of the Berkshires adds a beautiful touch to an already-beautiful performance. I highly recommend taking the time to see a concert at Tanglewood; everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime. I am fortunate enough that I have been to two Train concerts there, and I would not trade my experiences for anything. Damn, it felt good to be back.

Marissa Vertes

september 7, 2012

special feature

a poem from ...

John Lawless photo by Jordan Cohen-Kaplan

When he is not working to keep South in order as a custodian, John Lawless spends his free time writing poetry. As part of the first issue of the year, Lawless wrote a poem for The Roar

One Book Are we reading one book for a reason. Or is it for a purpose to be explained later? Is this a task, an assignment, a means to judge The status of our psyche? Or a mere time Consuming tidbit to enhance the conversation Around the coffee table? What are the expectations Of such a reading, that we will ponder the Book’s meanings, its intent, its author’s Mental state, its impact on the audience. Should we discuss who chose the book, And why, or plod like sheep through Pages laid before us by some un-named Sage? For no assignment is given without A purpose, an agenda, a goal. What is the Agenda, small to large, that led the fickle Finger of fancied fate to settle upon this Volume, this text, this tool. Will we be reading This book for ourselves, for our enjoyment, Or will we be searching for the ideas that We imagine the selectors found therein. Will we laugh, or stifle any feelings lest they Belie the truth of who we are but are afraid To be, or perhaps are not allowed to be By those who claim to know what is best for us To read, to think, to say, to feel, to succumb to The amassing pressure to conform to those Who claim a non-conformist self to be their goal. One school, one book, one mob, one god, one Mind at a time marching, lemming like, in Cult formation to the drumming of the mindless Masters who would only do this for the good Of all mankind. Which by the way man isn’t, Kind that is. So read, but do not swallow what Is fed to you, enjoy but do not revel in laughter, And learn, yes learn, savor every word, sniff and Touch and hold each thought provoking sentence Without fear, yet wary of the lure of subtle words And the feelings they evoke. Awake, and be awakened, To what they move in you and be not swayed By the jackal that would hunt and kill your truth. Read on, intrepid seeker, read on.

If any faculty members or students would like to write a poem for The Roar, please contact us at srstaff@thelionsroar.com

One Fall Da By Anastasiya Vasilyeva and Dipal Nagda

Mount Monadnock Mount Monadnock is “the mostclimbed mountain in North America” and “the second most-climbed mountain in the world” with 100,000 climbers a year, according to author Craig Brandon’s book Monadnock: More than a Mountain. Just an hour and a half away from Newton by car, the Mount Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is a scenic destination perfect for a fall excursion, according to South students. Nhstateparks.org states that Mount

Monadnock is a National Natural Landmark standing 3,165 feet tall and offering “yearround recreational opportunities,” such as hiking, picnicking and camping. Seniors Lauren Astrachan and Laura Kessel climbed the mountain in early June. “We hiked all the way to the top,” Kessel said. “The views were great.” Astrachan said that climbing Mount Monadnock can be a good social activity. “It’s a really fun thing to do with your friends,” Astrachan said.

Apple Picking Apple picking is an annual family tradition for junior Natalie Silverman, and Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow, Mass. is her family’s favorite destination. “I go there every fall between late September and early October,” she said. “I like the variety of apples there.” Honey Pot Hill Orchards, about a 40-minute drive from Newton, offers 12 varieties of

apples throughout the picking season: Cortland, Empire, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Gravenstein, MacIntosh, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Spartan and Spencer. Three of these, Ginger Gold, Royal Gala and MacIntosh, are available now. A day of picking apples yields more than just fruit, though, according to orchard

Kessel agreed about the social at sphere. “You could [climb Monadnock] w friends or family,” she said. “I [climbed] it time with three other people.” Astrachan said the climb was easy, about “an hou and an hour down,” and that she encour South students to attempt it. “It wasn’t a h hike, and it was pretty quick. Most people do it,” Astrachan said. “It’s definitely a g place for everyone to go.”

employees and students. At Honey Pot Orchard, for example, customers can also visit barnyard animals, two hedge mazes and hayrides. Another local apple orchard is Autumn Hills Orchard, an 84-acre orchard with over 20 varieties of apples located in Groton, Mass. In addition to apple picking, Autumn Hills has a “spectacular vista from the hilltop spanning the near and distant hills in Massachusetts and New Hampshire,” according to Ann Harris, an employee at the orchard. There are also “lots of birds, including wild turkeys, butterflies, wildflowers and a pond out back with a large beaver dam,” Harris said. Sophomore Jasper Primack said the best part of apple picking can be returning home. “[Apple picking] was quite fun,” he said, “but the real fun came after, when I went out into a field near my family’s New Hampshire house and practiced slicing the apples I had picked out of the air with my sword.”

ay..

The Roar looks into local outdoor activities that are appropriate for the current season

tmowith t this n also ur up rages hard e can great

The Charles River One of the best vantage points from which to appreciate New England’s fall foliage is a boat gliding along the Charles River, according to senior Liora Friedberg. “In the fall, it’s really beautiful, especially when all the trees start changing. You can’t help but notice the beautiful surroundings,” Friedberg said. “It’s a perfect setting. It just makes everything more fun.” There are two main attractions on the Charles for those interested in boating: Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) and the Charles River Canoe & Kayak (CRCK). CBI offers a variety of sailing programs, including adult and junior programs. CRCK offers a larger selection of boating options, including hourly rentals of a wide selection of boats with no reservation needed, guided tours, private lessons, group lessons and retail sales. According to customers at CBI and CRCK, boating is open to those of varying ability levels, and there is room to take on challenges over time. Junior Oliver Xie has been a part of the summer Junior Program at CBI for over five years and said he plans to return again next year. “It feels very good just being on the Charles,” he said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to do well in regattas, but it’s

also a nice feeling to make friends and just sail in general.” The Junior Program is open to anyone who is 10–18 years old, can swim 75 yards and has parent/guardian permission to participate, according to the CBI website. Junior sailors’ ability levels are indicated by “ratings,” which determine the type of boats they may take out and in what weather conditions they can be on the water. CBI members can use any boat for which they have the appropriate rating. CBI offers weekly classes for juniors in the fall, but these classes fill up fast, according to Colin Batty of CBI. CRCK offers more recreational options for its visitors. Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboats or stand-up paddleboards at hourly or daily rates. According to Casey O’Leary, Event Coordinator/Scheduler for CRCK, boating facilities provide an affordable way for families to enjoy Charles River wildlife. “At our Newton location, you see mainly nature and wildlife,” she said. “You see a lot of turtles, herons, different kind of birds and things like that. I think people tend to have a really great time.”

photo illustration by Dipal Nagda and Ravi Panse

features volume 29

issue 2

14 THE COMMONAPPLICATION page

september 7, 2012

The Roar will follow four seniors with different interests as they navigate their way through the college process over the course of the school year and will reveal their identities and final college decisions in June

By Kylie Walters and Caroline Zola

reg*, an athlete, hopes to be recruited to play his sport at Boston University (BU), a Division I school. “I like where [BU] is located,” Greg said. “It’s also one of the places that’s expressed interest in me as an athlete, which was a pretty big part for me when I was looking at what colleges provided. I want to be able to compete at the collegiate level.” Greg is already in contact with a coach at BU, whom he met at a BU camp for his sport. “I’ve been talking a lot with the ... coach at Boston University,” Greg said. “We’ve been talking about what I need to do to get in.” Greg, like any other applicant, must submit either an Early or Regular Decision an application. Before he sends his application to the admissions office, however, the coach will see it. “He’ll sign off on [my] application, ... which will help get [me] through part of the process of being accepted to the school,” Greg said. Greg is currently preparing for the SAT I and SAT IIs, which he plans on taking in October and November, respectively. “Because of [my sport’s] season, I had to put off taking the SAT Is originally because there wasn’t enough time to study during the season,” he said. “I’m now taking them at the beginning of the school year, while I’m worrying about college apps.” Besides BU, Greg also plans on applying to University of MassachusettsAmherst and said he will leave his list of schools flexible.

olly*, a citizen of both Canada and the United States, is looking at schools in both countries. Because she is a Canadian citizen, Polly said that she thinks living in Canada for four years would be a particularly meaningful experience for her. “My parents would like me to spend some time in Canada,” Polly said. “I think that’s a good idea; I agree with that. And the schools are significantly cheaper there.” Polly said that she anticipates applying to seven schools: University of Waterloo, Queens University, University of Toronto, McMaster University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia University and Carnegie Mellon University. Polly said limiting her choices and finalizing her list of schools took a significant amount of time because not all schools offer everything that she is looking for. “When I was narrowing down schools, my requirements were [that schools] had to have an engineering and computer science program and had to be in the city because I’m a city person,” Polly said. Although Polly is not applying anywhere Early Action or Early Decision, she said that University of Waterloo and MIT are her top choices. For now, Polly said she is focusing on completing the Common Application and writing her college essays. She does, however, have to wait to begin applying to MIT, as the school has yet to release application materials.

yler*, who hopes to one day go to medical school, said he began the college application process looking at small schools, but has now turned his focus toward schools with more than 15,000 students. He said he is looking specifically at nearby colleges in “New England…maybe Rhode Island, [and] New Jersey” and has toured at Connecticut College, Union College, Ithaca College, University of Rochester, University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Boston University. Tyler said he is looking for colleges without a competitive atmosphere. “I’m looking for pretty laid back atmosphere, like a tough school … a good school, but not one that’s very competitive or backbreaking or anything like that,” he said. Tyler said the only school he will apply to early is University of Massachusetts - Amherst for Early Action, although his top choice is Brown University. “If I got into Brown, which I plan on applying to, I would definitely 99 percent chance go there,” he said. “The only problem with that is price, but Brown is pretty much a sure choice. If I got in, I’d find a way to go there.” By late August, Tyler had finished filling out the Common Application except for the essay section and had started working on school-specific supplements. He said he has a solid list of nine schools but that it is subject to periodic change. “I have a kind of set list, but, you know, I think it’s set one day, then … it changes the next.”

graphics by David Gorelik

eather*, an aspiring actress, spent her summer at a theater program at Carnegie Mellon University. After she attended a pre-college program at Carnegie Mellon University, the school reserved a spot for Heather in its Dramaturgy program. For now, however, Heather said that she is going to keep preparing for auditions and readying her applications, though she is flattered by the offer. Heather plans on applying to seven conservatories and three liberal arts schools and wants to focus on both acting and directing in college, which limits the number of colleges that can accommodate her needs. “I need a program that may not necessarily focus on directing but offers the option of taking directing classes and assistant directing of shows,” she said. “Right now, my top choice is [Boston University] because they offer all that, and I could minor in something else.” In addition to studying for the SAT I and starting her college essays, Heather is preparing monologues for auditions. Heather said the audition process is rigorous and requires the memorization and preparation of up to 10 monologues. She plans on going to Chicago in March, where she can audition for multiple schools at once. “I’ll probably be auditioning for 10 schools,” she said. “I can get the majority of my auditions done in three days and save a lot of money. It’s stressful, but it’s better just to have that one big adrenaline boost.”

* Names have been changed to protect students’ identities

september 7, 2012

International Travelers Several students spent their summers immersing themselves in foreign cultures

By Parisa Siddiqui and Julia Snider

After four years of working with the Newton Tanzania Collaborative (NTC), which raises money to build schools in a Tanzanian village, sophomore Allie Lushan got to see the effects of her labor firsthand. Lushan and six other NTC members visited Tanzania for two weeks this summer, playing with local children and volunteering. Lushan said that she most treasures the relationships she formed with the local children. “It doesn’t matter where we are in the world. Kids are kids, and they’re going to want to play with you,” Lushan said. “It didn’t matter that there was a language barrier.” At the conclusi on of the European Cup this past summer, S paniards cheered their co untry’s victory. Junior Andrew Shapir o was watching it all happen alongsi de them. Shapir o traveled to Spain a nd Israel with B BYO, a Jewish youth group. After le arning Spanish history in Madrid, Sev ille, Toledo, Granada, Marbella and G ibraltar, Shapiro went o n to Israel, whe re he toured and part icipated in com munity service projects . Shapiro said h e valued the social aspe ct of his trip. “I would definitely recom mend [the trip ],” he said. “It was a lo t of fun to be w ith Jewish teens [my] age. The people were great, and the to ur guides were good.” A visit to Jordan over the summer taught valuable lessons in Middle Eastern culture and politics, according to senior Shawheen Rezaei. “I’m interested in going into diplomacy, … so I felt it would help me to study Arabic, so in the future, I’ll have an easier time in the global scheme of things.” After studying Arabic for a month at the Boston Language Institute, Rezaei went to Jordan as part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. Rezaei said the trip gave him a broader view the world. “I learned fundamentally more about the Middle East than I ever would have anywhere else,” he said.

Gre et in gs from Tanzania Thailand

photo by Hannah Shields

Sophomore Allie Lushan visited Tanzania with NTC this summer.

Gre et in gs from Spain

Junior Andrew photo courtesy of Andrew Shap Shapiro, far ri iro ght, celebrates Spain’s win.

in gs t e e r G from

Jordan

photo courtesy of Shawheen Rezaei

Senior Shawheen Rezaei studied Arabic in Jordan this summer.

features

Relationships: Going the Distance

EDITOR’S NOTE: Every issue, The Roar publishes a different anonymous student’s perspective on relationships. The views expressed in the “Relationships Column” do not reflect the official views of The Lion’s Roar, nor are they intended as a guide or source of advice for others. In truth, I never used to be a supporter of long-distance relationships. I had heard friends talk about their partners in other countries and explain their relationships by saying, “It’s open,” but I always thought that they were just asking for a horrible break-up. This summer, however, I realized how powerfully a person can grab you and quickly become a major part of your life, even if he or she comes from a country far from your home. You two are great friends at first, nothing extraordinary. Then one of you admits feelings for the other, and you find yourselves in a sudden hurricane of romance. To say the least, it’s a gutwrenching feeling knowing that you two will be traveling thousands of miles away after such a fleeting time together. Yet you maintain the feeling in your heart that it will be worth the constant longing for your partner and that your relationship is worth it. My own story holds a few seemingly cliché happenings, but I’ve realized it was just those moments that made for the intimate attachment my partner and I have. In the first week of our friendship, we had the connection of two close friends. But, after that first week, I acknowledged my affection for her and found the courage to articulate those feelings. Our romantic relationship then began and accelerated. She understood some of my mental processes that I myself hardly knew existed. I pushed her to battle her inner demons, questioning every negative thought she articulated out loud. Our ability to push each other to be better people, along with an enormous list of wonderful qualities we each noticed in the other, fueled a chemistry that I had never felt before. And communicating all of the thoughts and emotions I feel in my relationship has proven to be impossible. But that’s exactly why romances across many miles can work: they hold immense feelings that simply cannot be expressed or suppressed. Critics argue that distance will, over time, eat away at a relationship, dissolving the love that was once so powerful, which is entirely true in some cases. But if you find your missing piece in the vast uncertainty of another, you can create a connection so ardent that it becomes hard for each to imagine breaking off the romance. I will always acknowledge and understand arguments against long distance relationships. Hell, up until one-and-half months ago, I couldn’t find much sensibility in them at all. But, when I finally became involved in a relationship spanning thousands of miles with a girl in whom I found such an exceptional magnitude of meaning, I couldn’t pull away. Whether you find it in your hometown or in an entirely different continent, true love’s force will always be inescapably binding.

september 7, 2012

features

On the Job in Newton Centre Five seniors share their experiences working at various local businesses in Newton this summer By Parisa Siddiqui

photos by Dylan Block, Emily Ho, Chris Keo and Kylie Walters

This summer, seniors Eliza Speigelman (top center), Jenny Olins, Madeline Emmett, Zachary Willert (bottom left) and Bryan Sellers worked at Sweet Tart, Johnny’s Luncheonette, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Rosenfeld Bagel Company and Camp Echo Bridge, respectively.

Senior Eliza Spiegelman spent her summer working at Sweet Tart, a frozen yogurt bar located on Centre Street. Spiegelman’s responsibilities at the store include refilling empty topping boxes, cutting fruit, wiping tables, sweeping the floor and working the cash register. According to Spiegelman, the best part of the job is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with regular Sweet Tart customers. “A lot of people are there all the time, so it’s a really fun environment to work in and it’s not that hard,” she said. Spiegelman said she intends to apply for work at Sweet Tart next summer as well. “[The people are] really friendly, and everyone’s happy,” she said. “It keeps the job fun.” Although the store is ofter busy, Speigelman said the customers keep the job entertaining.

Senior Jenny Olins waits tables at Johnny’s Luncheonette, a restaurant on Langley Road. Olins said that the best parts of her job are the work experience she gains and the money she earns. “I had wanted to wait tables, because once [I] know how to do it, [I] can … get a job easier when I go to college,” she said. “[Johnny’s is] pretty expensive, so you make good tips there.” In addition to waiting tables, Olins works behind the counter, makes drinks and seats customers. The job also has a social aspect, Olins said. “I just like talking to the people, mostly,” she said. “Everyone who works there is really friendly.” Olins said that working at Johnny’s could continue beyond the summer. “My plan is to keep [the job] through the school year,” she said. “I can just stick with it and do it again next summer … [and] come back for summers in college.”

Senior Madeline Emmett works as a barista at Peet’s Coffee and Tea, a coffee shop on Beacon Street. Emmett applied for the job as a junior to save up for the Prague spring trip. Even though she applied for the job to reach a financial goal, Emmett said she plans to keep the job beyond the summer. “I’ll keep my job throughout my senior year and when I come back to Newton in college,” she said. Emmett makes drinks, cleans, does dishes and closes the store, but the part of her job she said she most enjoys is talking to her co-workers and making new friends. “I get to see people I would never know if I didn’t have my job,” she said. Emmett said, “I have people I would legitimately call my friends of all ages now, and they all have these different perspectives on things that I would never have been exposed to if I didn’t work [at Peet’s].”

Senior Zachary Willert’s position at Rosenfeld Bagel Company, a bagel shop on Centre Street, does not have an official title, so he refers to himself as a “bagel picker.” Willert said he took the job the summer before his sophomore year. “My sister’s friend was leaving there to go to college, so she offered me the position, and it’s a great place to work,” he said. In addition to picking and bagging the bagels for customers, Willert keeps track of how long the bagels are in the oven, slices them, makes sandwiches and takes out the trash. Willert said his favorite part of the job is the social aspect. “The most enjoyable part of my job is talking to the other people who work ... [and] to customers. When we have regulars, it’s good to get to know them,” he said. “In general, people are very happy to be getting their bagels.”

After two years of work as a counselor in training, senior Bryan Sellers worked as a counselor for a camper group at Camp Echo Bridge. “I was a CIT for a couple of years after hearing about [the camp] having a great CIT program. I liked the camp a lot, and I also was there last year, so I came back,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.” The camp is divided into age brackets, and Sellers is a counselor for a group of sixyear-olds. He said he often takes campers swimming, pairs each camper with a “buddy” and supervises activities. “My job is just to watch over them and make sure they’re safe and having fun,” he said. Sellers said that the best part of the job is “making [the campers] happy, seeing their nice smiles after doing something fun [and] just having them appreciate [your work] and appreciate you being there.”

september 7, 2012

features

Julian Asuaje Solon is...

Every issue, The Roar randomly selects a student and explores what makes him or her unique.

Junior Julian Asuaje Solon hopes to represent either the United States or Venezuela at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

By Kylie Walters and Caroline Zola

photo courtesy of Julian Asuaje Solon

Junior Julian Asuaje Solon eats over 8,000 calories a day and devotes over 30 hours a week to swimming in the hopes of ultimately becoming an Olympic athlete in 2016.

o pass the time during long swim practices at Charles River Aquatics (CRA), junior Julian Asuaje Solon said he sings songs in his head or does mental long division. Julian, who has been swimming at CRA since he was 10 years old, is a national record holder and the New England champion in 100 and 200 meter freestyle races. Beneath the glow of gold medals and titles, however, Julian remains an athlete dedicated to his sport and committed to the pursuit of excellence, according to those who have watched him swim over the years. Julian said he ultimately hopes to swim for Team U.S.A. at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Julian is both an American and Venezuelan citizen and said he already has the swim times necessary to swim for Venezuela. Olympic rules designate, however, that once an athlete commits to competing for a specific country in the Olympics, he or she may not switch teams. “It’s either a gamble or a surefire thing. So, [I] could go with the Venezuelan team, which is much easier to make, but it’s not as glorious,” Julian said. “Then there’s the U.S.A. team, which is much harder to make, but it will be much more glorious if I do make it.”

To make Team U.S.A., Julian said he aims to reach his greatest potential in the least possible amount of time. “My coach always tells me that there comes a time when swimmers reach a plateau, … and the longer that you put that off, the shorter amount of time you have to achieve your highest possible ability.” Chris Sheppard, Julian’s coach, said that Julian’s intensely competitive nature also propels him toward success. “He’s constantly trying to race teammates in practice, trying to race in competition, and I think, first and foremost, that is what makes him really successful,” Sheppard said. Teammate and junior Dan Goudovitch said that Julian’s perseverance bodes well for him in the pursuit of Olympic stardom. “He sets a goal, and then he works his ass off to get there,” Goudovitch said. To stay in peak physical condition, Julian follows an intense training regimen, swimming nearly 30 hours a week and waking up at 5:45 a.m. on some days. Julian also does weight training, running, aerobics, push-ups and sit-ups. In order to have enough energy for his rigorous training schedule, Julian said he eats 8,000 or more calories each day.

According to Julian’s mother, Ana Asuaje Solon, Julian’s family also works hard to support his Olympic dreams. “Both [Julian’s father] and I are committed to giving him the support [he needs] to be successful,” Asuaje Solon said. “What I can do is just provide the space, the food, the comfort ... and we all do that together.” Dedication from Julian and his family has yielded results. At age 10, Julian qualified for New England Swimming championships. By age 12, Julian was ranked fourth in the country in the mile

Sheppard said. “The reality is that there are only like 52 spots on the team, [but] ... a lot can happen in four years. Julian is also working toward more readily achievable goals for the time being, according to Sheppard. “We work really hard to define our goals, our short- and long-term goals, around things besides the Holy Grail of swimming, [the Olympics],” Sheppard said. “Julian wants to swim at an NCAA Division I college. He wants to earn scholarships, and all of those things, I think are within his reach.”

Julian wants to swim at an NCAA Division I college. He wants to earn scholarships, and all of those things, I think are within his reach. - Chris Sheppard, Charles River Aquatics coach race, and the next year, became a part of the fastest relay team in the country in the 13- to 14-year-old male division. Sheppard said he believes that Julian does have a shot at making the American Olympic team, though the road will not be easy. “I can definitely see him swimming for a big college and qualifying for the Olympic trials and being someone who’s competing to get a spot on the team,”

For now, Julian said he is enjoying current successes and enjoying the sport he loves so much. “[Swimming is] a passion of mine because I like everything about it: the feel and the results that come of it,” Julian said. “[Swimming in a race] is a mix of exhilaration and pain. Finishing the race and looking up at the clock and seeing a good time — it’s one of the greatest feelings that you could ever have, just knowing all the hard work paid off.”

sports ALWAYS volume 29

issue 2

page

september 7, 2012

AT BAT Playing different sports throughout the year can make players better athletes but increases their risk of injury, according to multi-season athletes

By Ben Tuval graphic by David Gorelik

During the 2011 track season, senior Ray Park tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and had to undergo surgery during the 2011 indoor track season. Park was able to run track again in the spring and said he then made the decision to try out for the football team that fall. “My friend played football last year, and he said that playing football would help me in track and field,” Park said. During a practice to make the football team, however, Park re-aggravated his knee and is now attending physical therapy in the hopes of being able to join the indoor track team this winter. According to Park and other members of the South community, students may choose to play more than one sport in order to become better athletes, but these multi-sport athletes can suffer injuries, as in Park’s case. Sophomore Sonja Klumpp, who plays lacrosse and hockey, said that injuries like Park’s are

not uncommon because fremistake you can make. I promote participation in sports decreases quent exercise can take a toll on multiple sports, so my players free time and consequently, students’ bodies. “It is harder can become true athletes.” playing more than one sport can physically for me to play two Dalicandro said that the leave players feeling particularly sports because there are more repetition involved in playing a fatigued. chances for me to get hurt on the single sport is the main cause of Dalicandro, however, said rink and on the lacrosse field,” injury among athletes. that he sees clear advantages for she said. “Nowadays, we make a his players who are multi-sport Park’s father, Kee Hong huge mistake of kids only playathletes and that 80 percent Park, said that multiof his football playsport athletes need to ers run track to stay be careful about what in shape. “Track is a sports they choose to great preparation for play, especially when football. You get to injured. build your speed,” he “I did not supsaid. “I encourage my port [Park’s] playing players to run track in both sports [because] the winter.” football has too much Park said that of a risk of injury when in addition to help- Sonja Klumpp, Class of 2015 an athlete had ACL ing athletes become surgery.” well-rounded, spendVarsity football ing significant time coach Ted Dalicandro said that ing one specific sport,” he said, on sports can help athletes deal he encourages his players to “and that’s where the majority of with outside stresses. “The good pursue more than one sport to your injuries are coming from thing about [playing] sports is prevent injury. because you’re making your that it gives you the time to think “I think there’s a much body do the same thing over and about something else, rather than higher prevalence of injury when over again.” homework and your studies,” you focus on one sport,” he said. Klumpp said that in addiPark said. “That’s probably the biggest tion to causing physical stress, Klumpp agreed that play-

It is harder physically for me to play two sports because there are more chances for me to get hurt on the rink and on the lacrosse field.

ing multiple sports can be beneficial, especially on a social level. “I love playing more than one sport because [I] get different experiences, and [I] have the opportunity to be with different people on different teams,” she said. Klumpp’s father, Jim Klumpp, said that in addition to social benefits, multi-sport athletes gain physical and mental advantages. “Playing two sports keeps [Klumpp] busy and inshape, it helps her self-esteem and is a great stress reliever,” he said. Dalicandro said that ultimately, the benefits of playing multiple sports outweigh risks for student athletes, and that o become great overall athletes, students need to experience the challenges of different sports. “When you’re playing multiple sports, you’re using different muscles and different ways to get stronger and become a better athlete,” he said. “If you’re playing one sport, you’re getting better at that sport, but you’re not necessarily a better athlete.”

sports

september 7, 2012

GEARING UP

FOR FALL SPORTS Captains prepare for fall sports, expressing hopes for improvement and success as new members join their teams By Yonatan Gazit and Tony Yao

Michael Kenny

Annie O’Brien

photo by Dylan Block

Boys Soccer

photo by Chris Keo

Field Hockey

Allen Shiu

photo by Jordan Cohen-Kaplan

Boys Cross-Country

Last Year’s Record: 9-8-4

Last Year’s Record: 0-17

Last Year’s Record: 4-1

Coach: John Conte

Coach: Kim Desto

Coach: Ted Norton

Captains: Michael Kenny, Robin Kurosawa, Jeffrey Noymer

Captains: Annie O’Brien, Maggie Whalen

Captains: Nicholas Reed, Allen Shiu

Quotation: “There are lots of new faces, and there’s a new set of expectations after last year ... We want to turn the soccer program into a winning program. We want to stay positive, work hard, eliminate mistakes, stay focused and play as a team.” -Michael Kenny

Quotation: “I’m really excited to start playing and see how the year goes and hopefully we can get some wins in. This year we have a whole new coaching staff. They’re wonderful. I think the team’s going to do a lot better than last year.” -Annie O’Brien

Quotation: “The cross-country team is different this year because more upper classmen will be on the varsity team. We have some underclassmen that are talented and have a chance to run varsity. I have pretty high standards for this year’s team.” -Allen Shiu

Looking back at the events of the 2012 Olympics

Jack McElduff Sports Columnist

The 2012 Olympic Games were an international spectacle. We witnessed the performances of some of the greatest athletes to ever walk on this planet as well as the beginnings of newcomers’ Olympic journeys. The opening ceremonies treated us to a look back at the Industrial Revolution, a fiery chariot and a sing-a-long rendition of “Hey Jude.” Of course, all of that was just a warm-up for what was to come. It would be wrong not to mention, first and foremost, Michael Phelps. The winner of 22 medals retired his speedos and goggles on Aug. 5, following his team’s relay victory in the 400 Individual Medley. Phelps first came to the Olympics at age 15 in 2000 and climbed his way to the top. In 2004, Phelps won six gold medals. In 2008, he shocked the world, winning gold in all eight of his events. In London, Phelps claimed four more gold medals, bringing his gold medal tally to 18 for his career. So, what does he plan to do in the wake of his legendary career? “I want to travel the world,” Phelps said in an NBC interview. I feel for him. If I had gone through 12 years of Olympic competition in cities around the world, I would want to go back and see what I missed out on while I was swimming. Some of the most interesting features of these Olympics were the breakout performances of new, young athletes, such as 17-year-old Missy Franklin. The swimmer finished up her junior year of high school in Aurora, Colorado just weeks before she came to London. Franklin went on to dedicate her Olympic swims to the victims of the Aurora movie theater shooting in her hometown. She dominated in London, winning four gold medals and one bronze medal. 15-year-old Katie Ledecky also displayed swimming talent and incredible endurance when she won a gold medal in the 1,500 meter freestyle. She promised to defend her gold medal in Rio. In women’s gymnastics, five Americans under the age of 20 took home the team gold medal. Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney all shined at these games. The real stars, however, were Gabby “the flying squirrel” Douglas and the pride of Needham, Aly Raisman. Raisman lost the all-around bronze medal in a tiebreaker, but she did win bronze for the beam. She also won a gold medal for her floor routine, giving her a total of three Olympic medals, including the team gold. Douglas won the most prestigious event in women’s gymnastics, cruising to an individual gold medal in the all-around competition. When we look back at London years from now, Michael Phelps’ records, Missy Franklin’s charm and the “Fab Five” gymnasts’ consistency will all stay in people’s memories. It’s been real, London. Only 1,428 days until Rio.

community volume 29

issue 2

september 7, 2012

page

Candy store continues to indulge customers Emily Ho

Sr. Community Editor The bright pink walls of Indulge! stand out among rows of darkly colored buildings on Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands. Although primarily known as a candy store, Indulge! has expanded and changed over the past 21 years and has become a unique part of the community, according to employees and customers. “When I first opened [Indulge!], I had no real business plan. I have always just used my instinct,” store owner Linda Gulman said. “[The shop] was very differIn ent in the beginning.” adAfter working in retail throughout dition, school, Gulman had years of experience Lauro works in business. After graduating from South, with other employthen majoring in art in college, Gulman ees, often students, during wanted to find a way to combine her art the school year. background and retail experience into a “At first it took me a while [to creative endeavor. learn] how to help the high school kids Gulman said that when Indulge! and teach them how to do tasks, but it’s opened, it was mainly a candy store “with fun. I’ve always gotten along with all the a few small, very simple gift items and a lot high school kids that we’ve had, and they of empty space.” seem to enjoy it, ” Lauro said. Since then, Gulman said that the Senior Guya Tuval has worked at shop has expanded its reach. “Now we are Indulge! since September 2011 and said so much more than just a candy store; we that she appreciates her relationships with are a gift store. We do a lot of gift baskets, Gulman and Lauro as well as those with hostess gifts and more,” she said. customers. “Whenever someone gives Senior Conrad Buys, an Indulge! or receives a gift from Indulge! or comes customer, said that this expansion has in for a quick snack, [he or she is] sure benefited customers. to have a smile on their face,” Tuval said. “For me, it’s really the amount of “Some regular customers come in once a options you have to choose from in terms day for a small ‘indulgence’ and a quick of candy,” Buys said. “There’s so much sugar fix.” for such a good price, Beyond indi[so] what’s not to love, “There’s so much for vidual customers, right?” Indulge! now ships to Even disregarding such a good price, [so] corporate customers the evolution of Inwhat’s not to love, right?” and has also taken on dulge! junior Stephanie involvement in comSeiden said she feels the munity events. convenience of Newton - Conrad Buys, Class of 2013 “We’re fairly Highlands allows the community-minded, ” store to reach out to all Gulman said. “Kids come in and paint the ages. windows on Halloween, and right now I “When I was little, I had friends have a sign congratulating the Olympians who lived in Newton Highlands, and it that I made out of jelly beans because we was really easy to walk over to [Indulge!],” have a lot of local people, and they really Seiden said. appreciate that.” Seiden said she remembers Indulge! According to Gulman, relationships being a welcoming place during her childwith community members help keep cushood, and has always loved the staff in tomers coming back. “We chit chat with addition to the candy. customers all day long, and that’s what we “I always remembered at birthday love, ” Gulman said. parties, the kids that were known for givNo matter the changes Indulge! ing the best presents were always the kids might go through, Seiden said that it will that gave Indulge! chocolates,” Seiden said. always be the welcoming place she rememIndulge!’s growing variety of prodbers from childhood. ucts has appealed to store employees in “They still sell chocolate and candy; addition to customers, according to emthat hasn’t changed, ” Seiden said. “There ployee Jill Lauro. “I like that I’m not sitting will always be that day when I have to walk behind a desk looking at a computer all home from school, and I’ll drop in to buy day,” she said. “It’s always different people a chocolate bar. ” coming in. I can be ringing up little kids Gulman said that employees have buying a bag of candy while also putnot forgotten its roots though the store’s ting together an expensive gift basket for customer base has expanded. “We know somebody.” people closely, ” Gulman said. “We know As a full time employee, Lauro their kids, and some of the kids that came works closely with Gulman organizing the in when they were little now come in with store, making gift baskets or helping out their kids. ” with anything that needs to be done.

photos by Chris Keo and Emily Ho

Some of Indulge!’s customers said they remember visiting the store during their youth.

september 7, 2012

community

ONE WORD, ONE COMMUNITY Every issue, The Roar asks four members of the Newton community to expand upon a one-word prompt

Rose Taylor

Oliver Xie

Frances Cooke

John Whalen

As the academic year begins, the class of 2013 is looking decidedly forward. Preparation for fall SATs, questionable attempts at early essay writing and visits to guidance consume many of our free moments. The majority (though not the entirety) of us are squinting at the same horizon: an entrance, next fall, into a fouryear college. Actually, strictly speaking, college is not a horizon. Horizons are inherently unreachable; college is not. Although it feels a Herculean journey away right now, virtually all of us will eventually accept an acceptance and attend. In the long run, I see college as a step toward a grander and more distant horizon: ultimate happiness, fulfillment and security. We never get there or at least never as “there” as we can be. Attempts to get closer are called “life.” This philosophy allows me to think outside the college box sometimes. Case in point: I am considering a yearlong trapeze training program after I graduate. Examined at close distance, such a deferment looks unusual. What would a scholastically inclined science nut want with a year off from school? Zoom out to the horizon, and the answer is everything. With that year, I can make my longtime hobby portable (the program I’m researching includes classes on hanging and teaching trapeze anywhere) and figure out how non-homebased life works without the pressure of school, better enabling me to balance my life in college and beyond. A year off, then, could help make me happier forever. Or not — I have no way of knowing in advance. Either way, longterm happiness is the goal, the horizon that I’m stepping into with the rest of the senior class. I wish us all luck and grace under pressure as we take the first steps toward next steps during the emotionally and academically charged coming months.

Above all, the horizon is but another reminder of the past. As the sun sets for the day we are reminded of a truth: progression. Time flies and we, as humans, are always trailing behind the path made by the blazing sun across the sky. To me, the horizon is a reward given by the past. As the day cools down and the sun leaves its last remaining strokes of gold across the sky’s blue canvas, I frequently remind myself of the simplicity of nature and how nature rewards itself day by day. Life is inspired by motivations and primordial urges that come in the form of pushes. The horizon — but more broadly, nature — is a push and pull system. Further, the cycles of life are but another push and pull (no pun intended); as each baby boom occurs, it is inherently followed by a “pull” where the birth rate drops significantly. For all those who have taken chemistry, it eventually may become clear that Le Chatelier’s principle is simply a derivative and manifestation of the constant push and pull system of nature. So, what am I really getting at? Originally, I was talking about the past as a representation of the horizon, and now I somehow ended up on the issue of the push and pull nature of our universe. The simplicity of the past and future is a form of the push and pull system. As the sun settles below the horizon and humans progress with their fundamental push for the future, their need for the past, or “pull,” will frequently overcome their will to continue. This phenomenon has reoccurred many times in history, such as in the post-WWI and Great Depression period when the nostalgic past of American history was romanticized as a way to hide the murky future of the Great Depression. Above all, the horizon is a reminder of the past that follows the push and pull law of our universe.

I have seen thousands of sunsets in my life. No matter where I am, the sight of the sun sinking below the horizon is dazzling. The horizon, though, is much more than where the earth meets the sky. The horizon represents and reminds me of some of the most important things in my life. As a kid, I was shy and had a hard time trying new things, whether they were foods, activities or conversations with someone unfamiliar. I wasn’t afraid of new experiences, but I was worried that I wouldn’t know how to perform the activity well or that I just wouldn’t like the food. For a long time, my parents had to bribe me to do things such as joining a soccer team and trying out for my first play. I realize now that my parents, like me, didn’t know how I would react to new experiences. I hated soccer and stopped after one season. I have, however, performed in at least one school play every year since second grade. My parents had the same worries as I had, and they knew I would dislike some of the new things I tried. But they made me try them anyway for a very important reason. My parents tried to broaden my horizons, and they succeeded. I like to imagine myself standing on a hill, looking at the horizon. Those things I have already experienced or become comfortable with lie between the horizon and me. Beyond that lie all the possible new things I could try. By trying as many new things as possible, the area before the horizon expands. In that way, I make my world a little bit bigger. When I was younger, I didn’t understand this metaphoric view of the horizon, so my parents had to help me gain experiences and insight. Now, because of my parents, I am not afraid to try new things, whether I like them or not, and I have begun to broaden my horizons and my world on my own.

Horizon is not a word I’ve thought about often. As a rising freshman, however, my horizon means four years of high school ahead of me: the experiences I will have there, the people I will meet and the things I will learn. As freshmen entering South, we don’t know what lies ahead of us or how we will have changed by the end of these four years, but we should enjoy South to its fullest. It often seems like the horizon is something in the far distance that we will never reach but I know that my four years of high school will go quickly. Soon, I will have new things in my future, like college and a career. That is what society is about; you must move forward, always toward a new horizon with new goals. If you really think about it, we face new horizons constantly as we change our goals and the things we want to work for. A horizon is something one may not reach. It’s something you see and something you want, but you can never get there. As rising freshmen, we will work hard, meet lots of new people, experience high school and set our goals for the future. Each year will bring new experiences that will shape our choices for the next goals and challenges ahead. I am looking forward to watching the next four years unfold along my changing horizon.

Class of 2013

Class of 2014

Class of 2015

Class of 2016

Next Issue’s Word:

DOUBT

fun page

june 7, 2012 Columns, rows and squares Each take a digit, falling Between one and nine.

ROSSWORD

bad haiku by Tony Vashevko & Rob Hass puzzles courtesy of sudokuoftheday.com

EASY: 8

2 8 6

2 3

1 7

2 4 3

2 5 8

1 2

Word Search F A G S X K A H U N G A R Y

7 7

8 3

20 22

ACROSS:

CHALLENGING:

2 9

8 9

1. Poisonous arachnids 9. Particular places 10. Vacation 11. A prefix to many summer beverages 12. Local organization that reached an agreement with the School Committee last year 13. Small rodents 15. Money machine 16. Great or extreme scale; largeness

Search for the names of the countries with the highest medal counts at the London Summer Olympic games

G E R Z W L G H Z U Y L A T I W V T B Q P E V O F V Y J O Z D R Y M K F R E P Y N A M R E G Y A Z X P F A F U H E N S R V C A M X X R J O O I N S L R R S P P E T A F K A Y F G F O E P K L Y I T L H S U H A X Z C T X N I T G Q T Y C A J C A D A W S V S X N D B C B A X N L K W P R N X E P M C Q W N R S Z D K P F R N S E F G T E K A M S R R Z Y P F O I S S H G A I I L T S S E N M R F T C A N A D A B A P F Y A S T H U D U M Y A L F J Y P S E T A T S D E T I N U A C W D J F P B W U Z V P Y Z M M K I C I Z I O M I X Y V K G L T B X O U U N W R C N E T H E R L A N D S G F C R S B J J G V G Z H Y Y J N X Z M J E A Z I P R D P F Q B W I I G F X S O U T H K O R E A I J Y C 1) United States 2) China 3) Russia 4) Great Britain 5) Germany 6) Japan 7) Australia 8) France 9) South Korea 10) Italy 11) Netherlands 12) Ukraine 13) Canada 14) Hungary 15) Spain

25 27

18. You might find yourself stuck in one 19. Employ as a means of accomplishing a result 21. As opposed to existing only in the Internet 22. The chemical symbol of Iridium 24. Friendly, good-natured 26. Curiosity’s new extraterrestrial home 27. An undercover agent, spy

By Joe Joseph

DOWN:

1. A small, thin piece 2. A key ingredient in a piña colada 3. A type of wild cat resembling a small leopard 4. Hero of a series of young adult books by Anthony Horowitz, Alex 5. People to turn to when your computer breaks 6. Intricately decorated 7. Usually accompanies “gritty” 8. Canned, processed meat 14. A popular blue cartoon character 17. Made of five pillars 20. No strings attached 21. Questions, “What ___” 22. Sick 23. A mystical sound used in meditation 24. The abbreviation for the state of Bill Clinton’s birth 25. The fifth addition to the Obama family

Embarrassing Roar Staff Photo of the Month:

Wu mastered the complex technique of Word Art at a young age.

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september 7, 2012