the inauguration of barack obama
TRANSCRIPT
The MedallionNotre Dame Academy 1073 Main Street Hingham, MA 02043 March 2009
Page 1 of 8
January 17, 2009. I waved good-bye to my father at Logan Airport as I embarked on a new adventure. I was traveling by myself to our nation’s capital to witness one of the most momentous occasions in America’s history: the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama.
Two years ago I attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, an organization that is affiliated with several other leadership conferences, namely the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC). This past spring PYIC invited me, as well as the other students who attended one of the conferences, to experience a four-day trip that included keynote speakers, leadership activities, sightseeing and, of course, Obama’s inauguration. At first, I was a little hesitant to attend the conference, due to my lack of interest in politics. However, as the 2008 elections fired up, and with the remarkable victory of Obama, I was ecstatic that I had agreed to go on the trip.
At the conference, I was one of 7,500 high school students, 3,500 middle-school students and 4,000 college students from all over the country. As one of the faculty advisors put it, “this was going to be big.” Eager to meet people to share my excitement with, I wasted no time making friends before I even left the airport. Later, as I settled into the hotel and was assigned to a small group, I met more students from Indiana, Chicago, California, Pennsylvania, Florida and even Puerto Rico and Germany!
That first night, all 7,500 high school students loaded up into nearly 200 buses and headed to the University of Maryland to listen to the first keynote speaker: journalist Lisa Ling. Lisa has worked for Channel One News and has reported from across the globe. She spoke to us about traveling with an open mind and not relying on the media to convey everything that is going on in the world. Lisa tries to find the stories that remain untold and tell them.
On the second day, after an early wake up call, the group went back to the University of Maryland to hear two more keynote speakers: General Colin Powell and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell surprised me with his down-to-earth personality. He appeared to be very humble and modest about his numerous accomplishments. He discussed his hope for our generation and he conveyed a general message about leadership in society. Colin Powell was very interesting; however, I was more excited to hear Desmond Tutu. Tutu is the most adorable preacher who is also a notable human rights activist. He spoke out against apartheid and was a good friend to Gandhi. He, like Powell, believed that today’s younger generation has the power to change the world and, quoting his friend Gandhi, he expressed his wish for us to “be the change [we] wish to see in the world.” Following the speakers, we made our way to the National Mall for the Opening Inaugural Celebration. The celebration was a concert held at the Lincoln Memorial. Although we didn’t get close enough to see the performers, big jumbotron screens lined the Mall so we could still see and hear artists like Beyonce, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Usher and Bruce Springsteen.
On the third day, Monday, we woke up early again to hear Former Vice President Al Gore speak about his accomplishments, his hopes for the future and his concerns about the environment. Following his speech we went to the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the progression of journalism through American history. This museum was fascinating, with a wing that featured Pulitzer Prize winning photos, a September 11th memorial and part of the Berlin Wall.
The Inauguration of Barack ObamaHailey Chalhoub ‘09
January 20, 2009; 5:00 AM. Despite the sleep deprivation from the night before, I awoke to realize that I would be witnessing a historic event in nearly twelve hours and the fact that I received less than five hours of sleep didn’t matter that much. I quickly dressed and ate breakfast as I anxiously waited to see Obama be sworn in as America’s 44th president. The group, all 7,500 students, filed into the Smithsonian Museum next to the Mall, avoiding the cold before the inauguration. Thankfully, I had made some adventurous friends and, at 9:30 AM, we ventured out onto the National Mall to mark our viewing territory. Nearly one thousand meters away from the Capitol, we were content; we were surrounded by jumbo screens and the area around wasn’t too crowded. However, when we noticed that a gate had been opened, my friends and I immediately jumped at the opportunity to get closer. We pushed our way through the crowds of people and inched our way closer to the Capitol building until we found a spot at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, just about three hundred meters away.
As I eagerly awaited the swearing-in ceremony, I couldn’t help but notice the indescribable energy that penetrated the atmosphere. It was clear that everyone around me was freezing; however, it was even clearer that they didn’t mind. Millions of Americans had gathered together on the Mall and it was evident that they were all there for the same reasons: to support our newly elected president and to witness history. Despite their differences of race, gender, religion and political party, everyone appeared to be united in those few hours. People chimed in with the cheers of “Yes We Can” and embraced one another as if to say, “Yes We Did.”
When Obama was being sworn in and again when he was giving his inaugural speech, the cheers ceased and a universal silence swept across the atmosphere. President Obama’s words resonated throughout Washington D.C., throughout America and throughout the world. He spoke with such confidence as he conveyed his hope, determination, promise and diplomacy. In that moment, it was clear that this was not only a victory for Obama, but a victory for all Americans as well.
After watching some of the parade from warmth of Nationals Ball Park, we returned to the hotel and got ready for a ball at the National Air and Space Museum. This was not one of Obama’s Inaugural Balls and he did not make an appearance; however, Chris Daughtry performed and the night was filled with music, dancing and millions of photo opportunities. The night soon ended and it had sunk in that it was finally time to say good-bye to the friends that I had become so close to in such a short amount of time.
I am still overwhelmed by this experience. With Obama’s inauguration, as well as the inspirational keynote speakers, this trip has given me a sense of hope for America’s future. I am so glad that my parents convinced me to go last spring because it was truly the experience of a life time. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to tell my grandchildren about it!
NDA @ 2:19Assembly with Brooke Kanal: Body Image?
Kerry McCabe ’12 and Olivia Adkins ‘12
Last month, everyone gathered in the auditorium for an assembly on body image. The speaker was Brooke Kanal, a fashion stylist who works with the world’s top models. Her presentation focused on the illusion of fashion ads and how it’s her job to “sell the product” by making it look the best that it possibly can in the ad. Brooke showed us the various tools that she uses during a shoot and some of the ways that she uses them to make the clothes appear to fit the models better.
While the assembly was interesting and gave everyone a different perspective when it comes to magazine ads, it did not have much to do with body image. All of Brooke’s tools are just used to make the baggy clothes fit the extremely thin, perfect-looking models. She did not talk about the pressure that the models in these kinds of ads put on girls. In other words, Brooke didn’t focus on how the bodies of the people in these ads are unrealistic and often unhealthy. Instead, the main focus of her presentation was about her job as a fashion stylist and what she does in a shoot. This assembly was interesting, as an insight into the fashion industry, but Brooke’s presentation did not resolve any issues of body image.
Love Your SMART BoardColleen Sharry ‘09
Thanks to a generous donor who donated $23,000 to Notre Dame Academy’s technological development, SMART Boards, the cutting edge in classroom computer technology, have been successfully installed in all of the classrooms at NDA. Teachers are being trained, students are getting used to writing their math homework on the touch-screens and classes need to make the occasional call down to the IBM lab where the ever-helpful computer technicians are always around to lend a hand. The frustration that always comes along with learning to use new technology (much like grandparents learning to use the internet, or as my Nana still calls it, “the internets”) is apparent. Sometimes we look longingly at the chalk boards, thinking of the uncomplicated days of the past.
However, if we work together to embrace this new technology, these overhead projectors on steroids have the potential to change the way the classrooms at NDA operate, bringing the academy firmly into the 21st century. Give your teachers a hand and help each other work out the kinks in this new technology and it will positively impact your time in the classroom. No more screeching chalkboards, rickety overhead projectors or grimy white boards. We can look forward to a future of neatly colored powerpoint presentations and computer demonstrations. Let’s embrace the SMART Boards and integrate into the changing and adapting technological world around us.
10 Things to Do Before We’re Swept Away By Spring
Molly Gorman ‘11
1. Hit the slopes with your friends or family! Try snowboarding, skiing, or stay toasty with a hot chocolate fireside in the lodge. Pat’s Peak, a local ski resort, is roughly an hour away from Boston and tickets for a full day and night of fun are only $44! Hurry up, the season closes March 22nd!
2. Spend a day or a night in Boston to enjoy the lights, the beauty of the city in the winter and the whimsical shops, restaurants and street performers at Faneuil Hall.
3. Get a group of friends together, lace up those skates, grab a stick and head to a local pond for some classic winter fun: pond hockey. Just make sure the pond is completely frozen or you’ll be on thin ice!
4. Build a snowman, or if you’re feeling ambitious build a snow fort. It will melt in a few days, but the memories made when building it will last a lifetime.
5. Get your neighborhood or friends together and have a snowball fight!
6. When the forecast predicts snow during a school week, take a page out of your elementary school years and put a wooden spoon under your pillow, wear your pajamas inside out and wish for a snow day. Who knows, it just might work!
7. Reassess your New Year’s Resolutions. Have you kept them? If not, make them smaller and more realistic, or get a jumpstart on them. With spring just around the corner, it may be just the incentive you need to take a step in the right direction and work towards your resolutions for 2009.
8. Try tea instead of hot chocolate or coffee. Most teas are calorie-free and packed with antioxidants that give your immune system and energy level a boost, like Starbuck’s revitalizing Tazo teas in black, green, or herbal.
9. De-stress by trying yoga. “Open Doors Yoga” has studios in Weymouth, Hanover, Canton, Easton, Westwood, North Attleboro, East Bridgewater and Braintree. For first timers, Beginner Power Yoga is recommended, which is in a 75-80 degree temperature controlled room and focuses on yoga basics, form, alignment and flexibility. Classes are cheap compared to the benefits of yoga. It is only $8 per class and it costs $1 to rent a yoga mat. So, grab a friend and get ready to say goodbye to stress!
10. Most people consider Christmas to be the highlight of winter, but with all the commotion and last minute shopping sometimes it is hard to enjoy the holiday and all the heartwarming movies and books that are written about it. It’s better late than never to watch your favorite Christmas movie or read a special Christmas book, and it will renew your Christmas spirit of giving and togetherness that you may have forgotten between the swarm of papers and tests. The Christmas Jar by Jason F. Wright is a great choice. You could carry on the legacy by having your family start a Christmas Jar! A Christmas jar is a container that you put your loose or spare change in at the end of every day starting at the beginning of a new year and you donate the money you have saved to a charity or organization of your choice. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference spare change can make!
Mrs. Perry’s Favorites
Sport: Field Hockey
Music: Music from the 70s; The Temptations; Diana Ross
Book: Accidental Tourist by Anne Taylor
Stretch: Downward Dog
Movie: Dead Poet’s Society
Mrs. PerryRaleigh Norris ’11 and Katy Litka ‘11
Q. What made you want to be a physical education teacher?
A. I enjoyed athletics and wanted to share the love.
Q. If you weren’t a physical education teacher, what would you be?
A. A lawyer.
Q. Any pet peeves?
A. People who don’t wear their sneakers and indecisive drivers.
Q. What’s your biggest fear?
A. Running out of time in life.
Q. Where did you find the Mountain Prayer?
A. A book of prayers. It was suggested by an old NDA teacher, Ms. Cassani.
Q. What’s your biggest accomplishment to date?
A. My 5 children.
Q. How long have you taught at NDA?
A. 10 years.
Q. Is there anything interesting fact that most people don’t know about you that you would like to add?
A. I love popcorn a lot.
Around the GlobeTimothy Geithner: Confused or Corrupt?
Courtney Dagher ‘09
Incredibly, the Obama administration was accused of corruption before the President-elect was actually inaugurated. Information concerning Barack Obama’s selection for the position of Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner, riled already skeptical Obama critics. Geithner, well known in Washington after serving three previous presidents, is currently under investigation for failing to pay more than $34,000 in taxes. Although Geithner and the Obama administration are quick to point out that it was a bookkeeping mistake, a simple oversight that several honest Americans make every year, many people are left questioning Geithner’s suitability for the position if he cannot even successfully pay his own taxes. Unfortunately, with the precarious condition of both the domestic and international economy, citizens are less likely to overlook past transgressions of the man appointed to head up the Treasury. To further complicate the matter, Geithner’s response to the entire situation has been anything but corrupt. Instead of denying his mistakes, he has willingly acknowledged and corrected his past oversights, paying $48,268 in back taxes and other tax liabilities. The Obama administration and various government officials staunchly support Geithner, stating that he alone is the man needed to revitalize the economy. The Finance Committee had to decide whether or not to confirm Obama’s nomination, just as the American people had to judge Geithner’s character for themselves. Americans did not have to wait long to hear about Geithner’s fate. He was confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury. Americans will not have to wait long before judging his competence as a bureaucrat.
First Family FashionGabrielle Ferro ‘11
Barack Obama wasn’t just inaugurated into the presidency on January 20, 2009, he, along with his family, was inaugurated into the spotlight of the fashion world. On Inauguration Day, his wife and daughters were in the center and brightest part of the spotlight.
Many in the fashion industry have dubbed Michelle Obama an American fashion icon. Her lemon grass dress with a matching coat worn on inauguration day, gave the fashion industry something to talk about. Her day dress was designed by Isabel Toledo of New York. Toledo chose the color of the dress because the optimism and sunshine that it expressed. Mrs. Obama wore a gold-embossed coat and green Jimmy Choo pumps.
Malia and Sasha Obama received awws and coos over their wool J. Crew coats. The coats, a part of J. Crew’s Crewcuts line, were designed especially for the girls. The company wanted the girls to be dressed in clothes worthy of their father’s inauguration, not everyday garments their classmates might be wearing. Malia wore a periwinkle blue coat with a black scarf and gloves to match. Younger sister Sasha, was in a soft, red-orange color, guava coat with an orange scarf and gloves. A satin ribbon adorned each of the coats to match Malia’s and Sasha’s outfits.
Critics will peel the First Family’s fashion apart for the next four years. If they keep up their wardrobes, it seems fashion critics will have nothing bad to say. And with having people design their clothes and dress them, the odds of looking good are in the First Family’s favor.
Help Our Haitian NeighborsHailey Chalhoub ‘09
Today, Haiti is ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index as number 146 out of 177 countries. For many years, Haiti has been recognized as the least developed country in the Americas and it has been noted to be among the most corrupt countries in the world. There is a lack of adequate resources and technology and the civilians are suffering from malnourishment and extreme poverty.
Aside from poverty and underdevelopment, this small nation of eight million people suffers from numerous issues that violate basic human rights. Each day there is a countless number of reported (and unreported) cases of abuse against women and children. Although rape is illegal, it is still prevalent in Haiti and the perpetrators do not face any prosecution. Children suffer from physical abuse, malnourishment and lack of an education. It is estimated that nearly 3,000 Haitian children are trafficked per year into the Dominican Republic.
How come these issues remain unheard of in America, only 600 miles away from Haiti?
On Tuesday, January 27th, I was privileged enough to attend a forum on Haiti at the JFK Library in Boston. With a few students from B.C. High, I was one of 1,200 people that came to see a panel that consisted of co-founder of Partiners in Health Dr. Paul Farmer, actor and activist Matt Damon, Haitian-American state representative Linda Forry and Brian Concannon, director of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. Amy Goodman, the host of Democracy Now! moderated the forum and began the discussion with a powerful statement: “Go where there is silence and say something.”
The panel discussed the pressing issues that are facing Haiti today and they expressed their wishes for action to be taken to eradicate the poverty, end the unjust cruelty and help the Haitian citizens. I admire Paul Farmer for the work he has done with Partners in Health, establishing hospitals in Haiti. He appeared to be down to earth and very compassionate; after the discussion, he was even willing to stick around for an extra thirty minutes to answer questions and take pictures. Matt Damon was also an admirable figure at the forum; unaware of the work he has done in Haiti, I was initially unsure of what to expect. However, he is very passionate about helping rebuild Haiti and he “wishes it wasn’t up to the actors to spread awareness, but the politicians aren’t doing anything.”
This year, Haiti has become the main focus of NDAid. We are hoping to educate NDA on the hardships that our neighbors are enduring. Although the cancellation of Jamnesty deterred NDAid from spreading awareness about Haiti, we will be hosting the Cookie Campaign in March. On March 17th and 18th, be sure to indulge in homemade baked goods and bracelets throughout the day. In our efforts to help alleviate the suffering in Haiti, all proceeds from the Cookie Campaign will be going directly to Partners in Health.
Oscars Red Carpet Fashion UpdateMolly Gorman ‘11
For actors and actresses across the globe, every year of hard-work and dedication to their crafts all leads up to one night, the moment of truth that could make their careers or land them on the worst-dressed lists in entertainment magazines across the nation: the Oscars. The fashion of the 81st annual Academy Awards or Oscars definitely stole the show this year. From a sea of breathtaking red dresses to a plethora of more neutral champagne-colored frocks, viewers were on the edges of their seats as they anticipated what creations their favorite actresses would be wearing. Some celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie, emulated Audrey Hepburn’s look circa “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and opted for classic black numbers with simple accessories, makeup and hair. On the other hand, Miley Cyrus sported a Zuhair Murad champagne colored dress with tiers of beaded lace and chiffon, which was a bit over the top yet age-appropriate and fun. Amanda Seyfried who starred in the smash-hit movie musical “Mamma Mia” was a style queen on the red carpet in a bright red Valentino gown embellished with a bow. Perhaps the best-dressed celebrity of the night was Natalie Portman who wore a beautiful bubble-gum pink strapless gown by Rodarte that sparkled with subtle beading and a ruched bodice. Her natural make-up, elegant up-do and simple diamond earrings and bracelet completed her flawless look. The striking and chic gowns donned on the red carpet most likely awakened thoughts about the much anticipated and quickly approaching junior and senior proms in the spring. Finding the perfect dress is priceless, but the search for one is not always a walk in the park. However, the perfect dress is only a click away if your dream dress happens to be any one of the gowns worn by the fashionistas on the Academy Awards red carpet this year! Edressme.com, a dress website based off a store in New York City, has an entire category on its online store devoted to Hollywood recreations and gowns inspired by Oscars fashion. The designers of the dresses include Faviana and Jovani, and the prices are fairly affordable ranging from $178 to $860, although most dresses are priced around $220. The fabulous fashions of the Academy Awards were a vibrant display of style and sophistication, while the bright colors and new trends were a glamorous harbinger of spring.
Sports
Player ProfileName: Margaret Riordan
Sports: volleyball, basketball
and track and field
Positions/events:
middle blocker (volleyball),
center (basketball),
javelin (track and field)
Pre-game snack: peanut butter covered banana
Goal: to play Division 3 basketball and to be a nurse
Rituals/superstitions: shaving my legs before games (she swears by it) and listening to “Krazy” by Pitbull
Hobbies: High School Musical
Inspirational quote: “Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records” - Anonymous
Shout-outs: to my crazy seniors on bball
To my little twins
To Paddy
To my Narnia creatures
To my Chinese cousin
To my favorite teachers Mr. Kreckie and Mrs. Beldotti
To my favorite physics partner
To my lovely homeroom
Tournament Time
NDA Basketball
NDA Hockey
Photo Credit:
Caroline Forsburg ‘10
The Notre Dame Academy basketball team entered the Division 2 South State Tournament as the number 7 seed, after a strong regular season that saw the Cougars losing just five games while winning fifteen.
NDA had home court advantage against the number 10 team, Hopkinton, in the first round of the tournament. NDA cruised to 62-46 victory despite the aggression of the Hopkinton squad. The Cougars limited their opponents to just four first quarter points, thanks to the powerful defense of Margaret Riordan ’09 and co-captain Jessica Aruda ’09. who had several key steals. Co-captain Kelsey Reilly ’09 led the quick NDA offense, with Nellie Kennedy ’09 hitting multiple three-point shots. Samantha Whitham ’09 also contributed offensively, sinking baskets with impressive accuracy. Down by 30 at the half, Hopkinton regained some of its strength on offense, narrowing the Cougars lead to 16. That was as close as the visitors would get however and NDA earned a spot in the next round of the tournament.
In the second round, NDA was matched up against a tough Oliver Ames team. Oliver Ames, the number 2 seed, lost only one game in the regular season. NDA started off on the right foot, leading 16-6 after the first quarter. Thanks to excellent performances from each of NDA’s starters and a final second three-pointer by Nellie Kennedy, NDA came away with a 58-55 win, advancing to the final four of the tournament.
In their next game, the Cougars were matched up with another team with only one loss, the number 3 seed Medfield. NDA pulled off a 59-45 win in order to advance to the finals.
NDA will play Walpole, the number 9 seed, in the final. Walpole beat the 4th seed Whitman-Hanson in order to move on to the final.
Come support the Cougars as they vie for the championship on Saturday, March 7th at UMass Boston at 2 pm.
The NDA ice hockey team had never seen the semifinals of the MIAA Division 2 tournament. That is, until this year. In its sixth year of existence, the Cougars made it further than any previous team had gone before.
After posting a 10-8-2 record during the regular season, the Cougars entered the tournament as the number 12 seed and were matched up against the number 5 seed Milton in the opening game. The history was not lost on the Cougars, who were knocked out of the state tournament last season by the Milton squad that went on to become the Division 2 runner-up. The Cougars got the revenge they were seeking and pulled away with a 3-1 win, avenging both last year’s loss and a regular season 5-1 loss to Milton the week before.
Fresh off the upset of Milton, the Cougars looked to face their biggest rival, the Fontbonne Academy Ducks, in the next round of the tournament. After a scoreless first period, Fontbonne netted two goals in the second that sealed the victory for the number 4 seed. Despite a strong effort, the Cougars fell to the Ducks, losing by a score of 2-0. Goalie Jackie Zais ’09 finished the night with 30 saves, making several superb stops for NDA.
The Cougars were led all season by the prolific offensive numbers of forward Emily LaRosa ’09, who finished her NDA career with 40 goals and 59 assists for a total of 99 career points. Her 40 goals earn her the top spot among NDA’s all time leading scorers.
The Truth Molly Gorman ‘11
Notre Dame Academy strives to instill faith, character and scholarship in their hardworking students. However, it is exceedingly difficult to strengthen your faith, be in high spirits, show off your radiant character and focus intently on your academics when your sneaker or flat clad feet are soaked and shivering. Why do many students suffer from this daily? Undoubtedly, it is a result of braving the elements during their commutes to school in inept footwear. Sure, one could change shoes when they arrive at school, but with the recent thievery it is not the safest idea to leave Uggs, a hot commodity and comfy footwear staple during the winter months, in the locker room. Therefore, I think the easiest and best idea would be to cut out the middleman of switching shoes pre-class. Uggs should be acceptable footwear at NDA during the snowy, icy, inclement winter. Not only are Uggs modest in appearance, but also they are practical for the conditions outside. Additionally, the company Ugg Australia has been raising money through auctions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 2005. This demonstrates good character and faith in a future with cures. In short, Uggs are the best way to keep your feet dry and toasty throughout the day and simultaneously support a philanthropic organization. As NDA students, we all want to improve the world one step at a time and we can do that in one way by wearing Uggs.
Opinion
“In the years 2001, 2002 and 2003, I experimented with a banned substance that eventually triggered a positive test.”
Alex Rodriquez recently admitted to steroid use in a press conference in which he started the process of gaining back trust from his teammates, the Yankee management and, perhaps most importantly, the fans of Major League Baseball.
Steroid use has certainly brought a dark cloud over baseball in the past few years. Dozens of Major League players have admitted to the use of banned substances, in an effort to come clean and continue on their quest for a prolific MLB career. “The Steroid Era” will be characterized by asterisk next to record numbers, lost chances at a spot in Cooperstown and a loss of trust from the dedicated fans rooting for the home town team.
In an age where technological advances are discovered by the minute and personal information about a myriad of celebrities, athletes and other public figures is readily accessible with just one click, MLB players cannot hide from the public’s prying eyes. Although much of the information about these athletes is unnecessary, fans of baseball have the right to know about activity that affects a player’s athletic performance, particularly if this activity is something as serious as steroid use.
When athletes put pen to paper and sign their name on a contract with a professional team, they are signing up for a life in the public eye. Professional athletes are role models. There is no escaping that fact. Young athletes will always look up to their professional counterparts. Kids will play wiffle ball in their backyards, emulating their favorite pros, pretending for one day that they are in front of a roaring crowd all wearing jerseys with their number who are rooting for their success.
Professional athletes’ steroid use negatively impacts young athletes. This fact has been said before, but it will continue to be said again until the numbers prove otherwise. According to a University of Michigan survey, 54% more high school seniors took steroids in 2003 than in 1996. Student athletes are putting their health at risk in an effort to achieve fleeting success. Athletes who use steroids subject themselves to dozens of health issues, ranging from muscle pain to liver cancer.
The statistics provoke several questions. When will it stop? When will athletes, both professional and amateur, realize that the risks do not outweigh the benefits? Why are athletes allowed to still play professional baseball after admitting they took steroids for three years?
Apologetic press conferences do not make up for steroid use. MLB players should be examples of perseverance, dedication and hard work. Young athletes should not look to the pros as an example of how taking the easy way out amounts to million dollar contracts, corporate sponsorships and hundreds of fans.
Major League Baseball needs to keep young athletes in mind when determining its policies on steroid use. The kids playing wiffle ball in the backyard need athletes to look up to who can demonstrate how dedication and effort can translate into Major League success.
From the Editor’s DeskKara Dunford ‘09
What do you think of the A-Rod’s admission of steroid use? What about Michael Phelps’ photo scandal? What do you think the punishment for steroid use should be? Send your thoughts to [email protected].
NDA Voices:Inauguration Thoughts
Has President Obama lived up to the expectations? Share your views on his first two months in office. What has he done right? What could he have done differently? What are you looking for him to do before the State of the Union in January? Send your thoughts to [email protected].
“I’m really pumped to get his new guy into office. We love Obama. He’s very intelligent and it’s nice to have a change. I’m expecting that feeling of unity from the inaugural address. We need to come together as a country and I think that’s what he’ll bring. I’m hoping everyone can come together and celebrate today.” Mayah Braun ’09
“I think we still have a long way to go. We can’t stop here. We haven’t reached the peak. We still need to build and we still need to work hard to form a better, more accepting nation. I don’t think the struggle is over. But I think this is an important step.” Jackie Zais ’09
“Right now I just have a tremendous sense of optimism. It’s really inspiring. It makes our generation want to become politically involved and have a strong sense of connection. I see a lot of hope for the future, for bridges to be built between generations, between religions, between political parties. I have a lot of hope for our future. I’m really looking forward to what will come in the next four and hopefully eight years.” Maggie Holland ’09
“Today, the inauguration of Barack Obama, is the most important day in our generation’s history. This is going to be sweeping in a new era of equality. I think this inauguration will blur racial lines in our country. It’s a very important day.” Joanna LeRoy ’09
“I think the spirit that Obama’s election and inauguration have inspired is just remarkable in that we are here in the NDA auditorium, miles away from the inauguration, but we’re cheering and clapping like we’re right there. I think that’s something that the country needs right now. I’m looking forward to what he’ll do as president.” Sarah Shaugnessy ’09
“Wow.” Devon Gasbarro ’10
“America has been very fortunate throughout our history to have the right leadership at the right time. This is one of those incredible moments. We needed leadership unlike we’ve had in many years. I’m just glad that I’m alive to see this happen.” Ms. Hoy
Coffee House
Celeste Chen ‘10
The Medallion
Issue 6, March 2009
Editor-in-chief - Kara Dunford ‘09
Editors - Colleen Sharry ‘09
Molly Burke ‘09
Kristen Kennedy ‘10
Advisor - Mrs. Pepe
Rock ConcertCat Speranzini ‘11
The beat starts out slow,
and the chorus hammers out fast.
The words are full of sorrow,
and angst that is sure to last
until the ending beat echoes,
and they all collapse to the floor.
Joy is evident on their flushed faces,
as the three minutes of perfection end.
They scream a bellowing ‘encore, encore’
and they will soon hear more, more, more.
LoveMaggie Powers ‘12
Floats through the air
Like a slow summer breeze
Everyone feels it
Enjoys the love they have
Or wishes for the love they don’t
Maggie Powers ‘12
Fall 2Celeste Chen ‘10
He likes planting things in circles. In the summer, his children become a tangled mesh of sunflower, blue-bright colors. They always smell delicious, his crop-flower-circles, his rosy rings of vine-work. He plants them in the damp, heaving earth and he watches as she sheds and blooms for him (explodes). Alizarin splatters and violet streaks –they’re his favorite, the color of his (mother) earth’s bruises. Crimson-lipped tulips and those flowers that are pink-morphed-yellow pray in the afternoon sun in their Stonehenge circles.
He is always in the center, worshipped.
He eats them in the fall (The Fall). He’s always hungry.
They lose their leaves in the autumn as the wind undresses them, leaving their buds naked and colors fading. The petals unfold and crinkle down (up) and their heads are dark purple-scarlet without their crowns.
This is what he loves most. This is why he plants them (his children).
When the sun kisses his October roses and his dying plants, he sees their bodies, like stark xanthe nerve endings, bare and painful, shooting out of the dirt ground. They intertwine and fold like puzzle-bodies, fitting together and poking, tearing, threading themselves into each other.
The spiders come out and weave them together with their spindles and he can’t help but to breathe in.
And out.
(and oh!)
His religious children, his hedonistic flowers –he is never full.
Kara Dunford ‘09