Informer December 2012 Issue - Woodlynde School

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The Informer Page 10 December 19, 2012 Guest Column: College Is A Combination of Freedom and Heavy Workload After graduating last June, I moved on to Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I knew that the transition from high school to college would be one of the most difficult in my life, Katie Schmitz Alum and former co-Editor-in-Chief and there were so many things I was worried about. Would I be able to handle the workload? Would I make friends? Has Woodlynde prepared me? At college, I have never been so free and so busy at the same time. There is always something to do, there is always something that I should be doing, and then there is always the option to sit around and do nothing. In high school, it was always decided for me: never do nothing, always do what you should be doing. Now, it’s incredibly refreshing and liberating for me to choose how to manage my time. If I don’t want to do my history assignment at a certain point in time, I don’t have to, and nobody is going to sit me in front of a laptop and force me to type. Another big difference between high school and college is the importance of the syllabus. Throughout my years in high school, every syllabus I ever received got a nice comfy home in the very back of my binder, never to be looked at again after the first day of school. In college, I have probably consulted at least one syllabus every day. All of the work due is listed on the syllabus, and important details about certain assignments are often included. In one of my courses, we had a lot of days off because the professor often traveled. He never warned us when these days off were coming, and the only way to know was to consult the syllabus. I’ve found that, for my own sanity, it is very important to balance the social and educational aspects of college. I had so much fun during my first trimester, and I think the fact that I was enjoying myself ultimately benefitted the quality of my work. Before I graduated from Woodlynde, many people took it upon themselves to tell me how hard college was going to be. During my senior year, something I heard a lot was, “You think this is hard? Wait until you get to college!” Yes, the work in college is harder. But just take it one assignment at a time, and you’ll be able to get it done. Make your own assessments, do your work, have fun, and don’t let anyone scare you into thinking you can’t handle it. Katie Schmitz is a freshman at Kalamazoo College. New Student Spotlight on: Maya Holloway Freshman Has Encountered Phillies and a Giant Snake Maya Holloway is a new freshman who started at Woodlynde in the beginning of November. Staff Writer Liz Carney sat down with Maya to talk about what it’s been like so far. How has your experience at Woodlynde been so far? “It's been good. The teachers have been really supportive and the students are really nice. A couple of freshmen showed me how the school works and they never let me feel alone.” What school did you attend before you came here? William Penn Charter School / Cyber School — she switched in the middle of last year. How did you feel starting at Woodlynde in the middle of the year? “At first it was nerve-wracking and it still is, but slowly I'm starting to adjust.” Are you going to play a sport at Woodlynde? “I’m going to play basketball because I’ve been playing ever since I was a kid. It’s been a very nice experience playing with all the girls and getting to know them more and also getting better as a team.” Have you taken any interesting vacations? “I went to Puerto Rico and I went zip-lining. It was fun but very nerve-wracking because it was so high up. Also, while I was in Puerto Rico, I saw a chameleon and a large snake. It was very scary and I screamed when I saw it. It was skinny and almost as tall as me. Photo by Julia Wolfe, Photographer It was hanging in a tree. I [also] saw a cool volcano and went hiking on it.” What is something cool that’s happened to you? “My family and I were down in Florida and we went to the baseball field where the Phillies were playing the Marlins and we got there early enough and got to meet a lot of Phillies players and get autographs from them, like Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz.” What do you like to do for fun? “I like to play sports (field hockey, basketball, softball, and lacrosse), paint abstract, [and] listen to all different kinds of music, like pop. And I like photography and taking pictures." Ninth Grade Learning Specialist Mrs. Wilson says: “She’s very responsible, hardworking, conscientious, and friendly, and a terrific addition to our school. I think it’s very hard to start in the middle of the year, but Maya has done a great job with catching up with everything. I’m also very proud of the ninth grade, especially the girls, for how well they’ve welcomed Maya, helped her feel a part of Woodlynde, and befriended her.” Matt’s Top 5 List Things that Annoy Me 1) MR. KOCH’S 6TH SENSE When you’re walking in the hallway with your phone out, and English teacher Mr. Koch accuses you of being on your phone Matt Savitz Staff Writer and then takes it. Even if he is behind you and you’re trying extremely hard to not make it noticeable and he doesn’t know you’re on it, he somehow magically knows and says, “Gimme it.” 2) LOCKED BATHROOM STALLS When you walk into the bathroom and someone was in a stall, locked it, and then came out underneath it. Then when you need to use the stall, it’s locked and you have to get all dirty by sliding across the filthy bathroom floor. 3) COMPUTER PROBLEMS When the school computers have problems … For example, the keyboard falls out, the battery life is terrible, and it’s too slow. And some school-relevant websites are blocked (like YouTube). 4) FIGHTING OVER LUNCH SEATS When students fight over seats at lunch, it is very frustrating. They argue over and over, threatening each other. Though sometimes it’s funny and actually makes me laugh from what they say and do to each other just to get a seat. I’ll admit, if anyone took my seat (which they don’t), I would be angry. But these guys pull each other out of the seat, tickle, lightly punch/kick, and slide the person’s backpack across the floor so they have to get up and get it. 5) ROLLEY BACKPACKS Rolley backpacks are ridiculous. They get in the way of everything and everyone in the hallway. For example, sophomore Joel Cureton has his bookbag about three feet behind him when he walks around school. Some people trip and others step on it, either by accident or on purpose because they are angry from the bag getting in the way. He should really invest in a backpack that goes on his BACK — and so should everyone else, unless they need to have one due to back problems, etc. Video Game Review: Halo 4 Is “Obliteratingly Fun” The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived: the release of Halo 4. The Halo series continues with John (also known as Master Chief) awakening an old evil on a new planet called Requiem. Halo 4 is made by 343 Industries, which has done a phenomenal job with the game. The graphics for the campaign Patrick Nucci Video Game Critic (the storyline) and for the multiplayer (against others online) are amazing. The cut scenes are unbelievably realistic and the gameplay is astonishing. Spartan Ops, the new game type with a story behind it, is an amazing idea that 343 Industries came out with. The game was one of the best in the Halo series I have ever played. The story of Halo 4 is obliteratingly fun. You're on a forerunner planet, and you accidentally awaken an ancient evil. Who wouldn’t love that? There are new enemies called the Prometheans that are two feet higher than the Master Chief and really hard to kill. The main types of Prometheans are crawlers and knights. Crawlers are dog-like enemies that can climb walls. Knights are nine-foot creatures that can disappear and reappear in a new spot. They can snipe, and use assault rifles and pistols. The multiplayer for Halo is so much fun. The new gametype is called flood (which is another alien species that is very hard to kill and can destroy a whole species in 24 hours or less). When you get killed, you turn into the flood. Overall, Halo 4 is an amazing game. I would rate this game a 9.5. This is not the best Halo game, but it is way better than Halo: Reach or Halo 3: ODST.
December 19, 2012 The Informer Page 11 Boys’ Varsity Basketball Report: Jokes and Strong Chemistry Will Lead to Success A slew of new players injects additional life into the team. By Ryan Harvie Staff Writer With all the jokers and personalities on the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team, the players will probably have great chemistry and a successful season. A bunch of new players have a great deal to bring to the team with their shooting skills and good conditioning. Incoming freshman Luke DeLeo is a very confident player and will most likely be the starting point guard for the team. His quick speed, strong shooting, and “do anything to win” attitude make him a well-rounded player and teammate. Another one of the new players is sophomore Dan Cervone, who is the first one to admit he has the mouth of a superstar, but is still working on his skills. All kidding aside, Dan will give a strong inside presence and will help grab many rebounds for the team this year. He is currently working on his shooting and will hopefully be able to get his jump shot working for the season. Almost half of the team is filled with new and interesting players, and hopefully they will be able to learn more and become a strong team. Alum Dimming Jones (class of 2009) returns as the Assistant Coach, and his hard-working attitude makes him a good leader. He and senior Brandon Anderson joke around and argue constantly, with Dimming joking about how Brandon is bad at basketball and then Brandon claiming he is a lot better than Dimming. Their humorous interactions make everyone laugh. The Varsity team had its first game Dec. 4th against Renaissance Academy, which they lost, 42-22, but everyone gave an immense effort and there were numerous great plays. Sophomore Tristan Bosna, who is no longer on the team, managed to get three steals, which helped lead to fast-break baskets. In addition, Brandon put up six points and a bunch of rebounds. Forward Ryan Harvie added six points. Both of these players were very good at running the team's offense by monitoring the ball and making sure that it got to the right players at the precise time. The JV team also had its first game against Delaware Valley Friends School, which they came away with an impressive win. Dan played power forward and scored several points. Sophomore Nick Spino also helped the team with his hustle. The varsity team this year might not have the best record in the league, but they will definitely have the best time. It has a great bunch of players who add a lot of different skills to the team, which will probably get much better throughout the season. Staff Writer Chris Lumsden contributed to this report. Athlete Spotlight: Dan Cervone Sophomore Loves Blocking Shots Informer Staff Writer Nick Scaramuzza sat down with new sophomore Dan Cervone to talk about his first season playing basketball for Woodlynde. When did you start playing basketball? "Third grade." What is your favorite position to play in basketball? "Forward or center." Did you play for any other basketball teams before you came to Woodlynde? "I played for Haverford High School." What would you tell someone who never played basketball and is just starting? "That it is a lot of fun, and don't feel discouraged when you first start, you'll get better with practice." What is one of your favorite memories in basketball? "The championship game for our rec team. It had to be my favorite memory because it was me and a bunch of my friends messing around in a game." "Describe a cool moment in basketball that happened to you? "Blocking the ball as someone is about to take a shot. You feel so good aft er you deny his shot." Have you ever done a 360-degree dunk in a basketball game? "All the time, because I'm just too good!" Have you ever gotten hurt in a basketball game? "Yes, I broke an ankle. I was posted up on some kid. He went to go one way, and went the other, and I twisted my ankle and heard a crack ... “I was out for the rest of the season on crutches, and was forced to go to the games, even if I couldn't play. I honestly hated going to the games knowing I couldn't play." Have you ever met a professional basketball player, and what was it like? "Yes, Allen Iverson when he was still a Sixer. He seemed nicer than what people made him out to be. I only got to meet him because they had a little meet ‘n greet before the game started. We didn't really talk a lot, though." What's your favorite sport and why? "Baseball ... I have been playing it since I could walk, and I’d have to say it's my best sport, too." What his teammate says: "Dan is a pretty good player, a good defender in general," said junior Jordan Booth. Photos by Andrew Rosenberg, Ben Weisman, and Christa Deckman, Informer Staff (Top Photo): Freshman Luke DeLeo runs the offense. (Left Photo): Sophomore Dan DeLuca lines up a free throw. Junior Jordan Booth intensely concentrates on his upcoming shot. How much do you think he'll contribute to the team and why? "I think he will do a lot because defense is more important than offense and Dan's good at it.” Photo by Breana Daniel- Schnobrich, Photographer Sophomore Tristan Bosna goes up strong for a layup.
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