The Devon Dialogue - 2011-12 Issue 1

The Devon Dialogueproudly publishing for five decadesDevon Preparatory Schoolvolume iii, issue 1 | october 2011

Solar Car Team Takes TrophyThe Solar Car Team took fourth place in the Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway.

Devon Honors First RespondersStudents hold Mass with local firefighters to remember the victims of 9/11.

World Youth DayDevon students and alumni join Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid. page 4.

Kentucky Service TripDevonites travel to Kentucky to aid the parishioners of St. Martha’s Parish. page 2.

Passing Bills, Not TimeKevin Fulmer ’13

Ryan Fulmer ’12 has recently had the honor of shaking President Obama’s hand. It all started with a camp that Ryan heard of from an army recruiter. The recruiter in his talk spoke highly of a program called Boys State, and recommended it to his audience. Ryan signed up for the experience, and went to Shippensburg University for a week. He was accompanied by 206 young men, and they were divided into seven virtual cities. Ryan was elected mayor, and throughout the week, the young men simulated real-life problems and dealt with them via legislature. As the mayor, Ryan realized and noted, “You can’t do everything yourself, delegation is one of the most important aspects of leadership.” Over the duration of the program, the young men learned valuable qualities in leadership, decision-making, and teamwork.

At the end of the camp, the “Honors City of the Week” prize is given out to the top- performing city, based on its responses to various “disasters” and problems. Ryan and his city won that honor, and later that night he was told that he had been selected to continue on to a more prestigious program called Boys Nation. Boys Nation is the same concept as Boys State, except on a larger scale. He represented Pennsylvania, along with one other candidate, as a senator. He was flown into Washington, D.C. and participated in a Senate, passing legislation and working with America’s finest youths. He commented that it was a real experience just to be with the elected leaders of the country. While in Washington, the group visited various historical landmarks such as the Vietnam and Iwo Jima memorials, and heard distinguished speakers and guests. The climax of the expedition was listening to a speech by President Obama, and then shaking his hand. The skills Ryan learned there will last him a lifetime, and now, just as the army recruiter had recommended it to him, Ryan encourages others to participate in Boys State.

This past summer marked the very first time Devon Prep upper school students participated in the annual Solar Car Challenge in Dallas, Texas. The challenge is a national high school solar car race on the Texas Motor Speedway, occurring every year in mid-July. Teams participating in this event construct full-size solar cars to compete in an endurance race on a real NASCAR track. Devon Prep was the first team from Pennsylvania to participate in the twenty-year history of this event.

The Devon Prep Solar Car Team was started back in the fall of 2010 and after a rocky start, finally began construction of a solar vehicle

in April 2011. In a remarkable three months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, the team created a complete, running solar car before the deadline of July. Team members Jacob Riedel ’13, Antonio Muscarella, Chris Clayton ’13, Rich Gargano ’13, Fiore Schena ’14, and Michael Horbowy ’14 all made colossal efforts to get the project done in time.

Through the course of those three months, team members had the opportunity to learn all aspects of car design. They designed a chassis around a suspension system found on an old Sprint car and wired the entire electrical system of the car—including six twelve-volt batteries, a hefty, thirty-pound

Soaking Up the SunAntonio Muscarella ’13

September 11, 2001, 8:46 a.m.: Flight 11 hits the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This image marks the beginning of a day that forever changed the face of America, a day in which more than 343 firefighters and 72 police officers gave up their lives to protect others.

On September 9, 2011, Devon Prep held a Mass in honor of these fallen heroes. Devon was honored to host guests from the Tredyffrin Police Department, as well as firefighters from the Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Fire Companies, including Justin McNabb ’12.

The homily was given by Rev. Michael Duffy, O.F.M., who was a dear friend of the late

Rev. Mychal Judge, Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department. Fr. Judge was the first recorded victim of the attacks on September 11. Fr. Duffy described footage taken of Fr. Judge praying in the lobby of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, just before being killed by the gust of wind produced by the collapse of the South Tower at 9:59 a.m.

After the General Intercessions at the Mass, the Last Alarm Ceremony was performed by a member of the Berwyn Fire Company. This included a moment of silence as a bell was solemnly rung in memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day. After Mass, Justin McNabb gave an inspiring speech, reminding Devon Prep of what it truly means to serve and gave special thanks to the guests, as well as all who made the wonderful event possible.

This ceremony was a touching tribute to the many lives lost on September 11, 2001. Even though many Devon students are too young to remember that day, they will always have the memory of this ceremony and the story of Fr. Judge.

Devon Prep Remembers September 11Daniel McGarry ’12

continued on page 3

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Hundreds of miles of interstate highway did not deter brave Devonites from aiding souls in need. Together with the youth group at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Strafford, PA, Devon students journeyed to the rugged Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky. They loved every minute of service, despite the despicable copperheads and oppressive heat. Students painted, hammered, sawed, shredded, and mowed for the parishioners of St. Martha’s Parish, the only Catholic church in the entire county. The group did a lot of manual labor during the trip, but they were able to cool off each day by swimming in the lake until the sun dipped below the horizon. Despite all the hard work, the trip was very rewarding, and provided one of the best experiences of the summer for all those who attended.

Every morning, students attended Mass to celebrate their faith and to be reminded of the true meaning of service. After Mass, they began working on their assigned projects. For the first three days, some group members built a garden wall behind the parish. These strong men excavated rocks from the trenches of the rough Kentucky soil, replacing them with hand-cut wooden planks. The rest of the group painted the stairs and white-washed the outdoor Stations of the Cross.

Later in the week, the chaperone leader, Mr. Joseph Lewis, took some of the group to assist a senior parishioner who couldn’t maintain his property on his own. They swarmed the yard with clippers, lawnmowers, weed-whackers, and rakes. After they were finished, they were given words of wisdom on the value of education by the elderly host, who told his compelling story of serving in World War II and moving to Kentucky as a missionary. The pastor of the growing church also

recalled the rich history of Eastern Kentucky and of the deep heritage of the people, who proudly call themselves “hillbillies.” He reminisced about his life growing up in the mountains of Appalachia and his conversion to Catholicism. Later, the conservation officer of the state park in which the group lodged told stories of catching rattlesnakes, copperheads, bears, and wild coyotes. He described the magnificent elk herds of Kentucky and encouraged all of the students to take an interest in the natural wilderness of Pennsylvania.

The group spent their last day in Kentucky sailing, swimming, and canoeing in beautiful Dewey Lake. That night, the parishioners of St. Martha’s cooked a delicious southern meal to thank them for all the work they had completed. It was a relaxing and rewarding way to conclude a gratifying week. The students all thoroughly enjoyed the week they experienced together. When the group arrived home, rather than being exhausted from the journey they had taken, they were energetic and eager for next August to come around. Hopefully, next year, even more students will be able to attend this exciting and inspirational trip, an experience not soon forgotten.

Dialogue NewsA PFEW Good Men

Antonio Muscarella ’13

The Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a program which allows high school students to run a virtual enterprise. Participants learn how to run a successful business as well as how the enterprise system operates in the real world. Student-run companies emulate three-year business development and growth, complete with all aspects of running successful companies, such as executive decision making. The program runs for one week, with four sessions available each summer.

Four Devon Prep students attended the PFEW program this summer: Pat Robbins ’12, Roshan Patel ’12, Matt Kramer ’12, and Kevin Fulmer ’13. “It was honestly the best week of my life,” Roshan said. “Everyone was so open and inviting. I could walk up to anybody, introduce myself, and instantly become friends with them.”

The PFEW program recreates all the practices of an actual corporation. Participants elect colleagues to positions in the simulated businesses, such as CEO, CFO, CMO, marketing team members, and

other vital roles required to run a successful business. Participants also undergo the stresses of running an actual business, as the main challenge of the program is to overcome a “recession” that cripples the virtual businesses. Each company must present an advertising strategy and a financial strategy, and their efforts at running the virtual business are judged by real financing professionals, advertising professionals, and corporate business leaders. The winning company receives a share in the stock of an actual company, this past year’s being Wendy’s. “Running the virtual businesses was also extremely enjoyable,” Roshan said. “It really taught me a lot about how to work in a team and how to make effective decisions based on the economy.” Motivational speakers also frequented the program, providing vital life lessons to student participants.

Those who are interested in business, finance and economics should definitely look into attending the program next year. As Roshan said, “It’s a once in a lifetime experience that nobody should miss.”

“My Old Kentucky Home”Matt Swatski ’12

Devon students and youth group members enjoy dinner after a hard day’s work.

Photo: Mr. Joseph Lewis

Into the WildernessNate Stauffer ’12, Associate Editor for News

“A book of verses underneath the bough A jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou Beside me singing in the wilderness Ah, wilderness were paradise enough!”

This is the twelfth stanza of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. It is from this verse that playwright Eugene O’Neill chose the title for one of his lesser known but more lighthearted and touching plays, Ah, Wilderness! For this year’s fall drama, the Devon Theater Society is proud to bring it to life. A dramatic tonal shift from last year’s uproarious production of Woody Allen’s Don’t Drink the Water, Ah, Wilderness! is a coming-of-age tale of love, life, family, and the trials and tribulations of growing up.

Set in rural New England at the turn of the Twentieth Century, Ah, Wilderness! tells the story of a typical family over the Fourth of July weekend. The youngest son of the family, Richard Miller, portrayed by Adam Swift ’12 and Nate Stauffer ’12, has fallen in love with his next door neighbor, Muriel McComber, but her father forbids her from having contact with him. When Richard begins to act out of line, family patriarch Nat Miller, played by Zach Bonner ’12 and Ryan Mattox ’13, struggles to keep the family together. Richard, determined to profess his love to Muriel, hatches a plan to sneak out the night of the holiday festivities. Will things work out between Richard and Muriel? Will the family make it through the weekend? Why are Kevin Fulmer ’13 and Brian Kozak ’13 eating a lobster whole? There’s just one way to find out.

Ah, Wilderness! will be playing in the Devon gymnasium/auditorium November 4 at 7:30 p.m., November 5 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and November 6 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Main Office, but will also be sold at the door. Come out, support your friends and enjoy a classic piece of drama written by one of the great theatrical geniuses of the Twentieth Century. You may find that Ah, Wilderness! truly is paradise enough.

Adam Swift ‘12 and Gabrielle Gaeto of the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart rehearse.

3Soaking Up the Suncontinued from page 1

electric motor, and a system of five 230-watt solar panels. They gained skills such as using a drill press, soldering, creating circuit boards, and wiring electrical systems. After a couple of test runs and a process of trial and error, the team was ready to venture down to Texas for the event in mid-July.

Three Devon students from the team—Jacob, Antonio, and Fiore—were able to make it to Dallas, along with Mr. Eric Riedel, Mr. Dave Muscarella, and Mr. Dave Leuter and his son, Mike Leuter. After a grueling week of temperatures over one hundred degrees, 6:00 a.m. wake-ups, and intense seventeen mile-per-hour racing on the Texas Motor Speedway, the team emerged victorious, snagging fourth place out of twelve teams. This is a major accomplishment, especially for a first-year team, as many other teams at the competition had at least one year of experience under their

belts. The team relied on sponsors to receive

the necessary funding for the project, and received over $30,000 in donations from corporations. Many local corporations such as Motech Industries, Lockheed Martin, Black Horse Auto Body, and PJM made generous donations to help make this project possible. The team also could not have done it without the build site and without Mr. Leuter, whose vast experience and tremendous advice proved invaluable.

The team hopes to continue improving and modifying its car and to race in the Solar Car Challenge in 2012, which is a cross-country, open-road race stretching from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California. The team is always looking for new members, so do not hesitate to approach Jacob or Antonio if interested.

The Jesuit Excellence Tour came to Devon Prep on Wednesday, September 21 in the Devon gymnasium during sixth period. Eighteen colleges were represented from all across the country. Juniors and seniors had the opportunity to meet with the college representatives to discuss the particulars of each school. Many schools that typically attract a fair number of college-bound Devon seniors, including St. Joseph’s University, Loyola University Maryland, and the University of Scranton were present. However, many other Jesuit schools, such as

the University of San Francisco, Creighton University, and Gonzaga University were also present. Mrs. Elizabeth Eshleman, Devon’s Director of College Planning and Placement, said, “We are pleased to have the Jesuit Excellence Tour return to Devon Prep. Without the Jesuit Excellence Tour, these universities might miss meeting our students and school. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.” Who knows? Maybe one day, a few years down the road, these students will find themselves studying at one of these prestigious institutions of higher learning.

From San Fran to St. Joe’sConrad Damstra ’12

Jacob Riedel ’13 prepares to take off on Texas Motor Speedway.

Members of the Solar Car Team celebrate with their trophy.

Andrew Loper Reaches Top 15 in Delco Idol

Brian Kozak ’13

This summer, Andrew Loper ’15 auditioned, performed in, and broke into the top fifteen in the seventh annual Delco Idol singing competition. Andrew is a freshman at Devon, back for his fourth year. Andrew is also heavily involved with the Devon music and theater programs. He has participated in Choral Tide, the fall drama, and the spring musical each year since sixth grade.

Devon Dialogue: Explain the process you went through this summer.

Andrew Loper: I don’t know what you call it; it was exhilarating and at the same time nerve-wracking. For the audition I brought my sheet music, “House of the Rising Sun,” and I was told I was in the top fifty out of two hundred contestants. All of the contestants were extremely supportive because we all knew what kind of pressure we were under. The first performance was energizing. It was an experience I’ll never forget. As the weeks went on, the song choice became harder and everyone was stepping it up. Everyone remained supportive even as the stakes rose. Overall, it was a pressure-filled and amazing ride. And I can’t wait to do it next year.

DD: What goes into a song choice?

AL: Well, there are a few factors. You need to use songs that you are comfortable enough to prepare in a week. You need songs that show your voice off and it helps to use a wide variety of genres. A good song will have the audience clapping along and tapping their feet. The process is really impossible to perfect. You just have to do the best you can and hope the audience is in a good mood.

DD: You mentioned preparing a song in a week. That’s not exactly a lot of time. How do you practice?

AL: I always made sure to practice every day, but not for too long. I didn’t want to freak myself out.

DD: Do you have any advice for newcomers to the competition?

AL: Don’t be scared or nervous; it’s not worth it. Have fun and let it be the learning experience that it’s meant to be.

DD: Do you have a favorite experience or moment from your time in the competition?

AL: After my performance in the third week, in the parking lot, I was stopped and told how great I was so many times. It was inspiring to see that people enjoyed my performance so much.

Be sure to see Andrew this year at the next Choral Tide/Rip Tide Concert. He will also be performing in the fall drama, Ah, Wilderness!, and the spring musical, Phantom of the Opera.

Photos: Antonio Muscarella ’13

4 Adventure Day Becomes Brotherhood

Michael Tolvaisa ’13

On Thursday, September 29, the Class of 2015 attended Adventure Education Day. While on this trip, the freshmen participated in team-building activities including tightrope walking, relay racing, and tire jumping. These activities required the students to work as a team, which helped them to strengthen their goal-setting and problem-solving abilities. The day also built trust and communication within the group and a sense of responsibility within each individual, enabling these students to grow both as friends and as a class. When they left on the morning of the trip, they knew little about each other, but by the time they returned to Devon, they knew each other as if they had been together as a class for years. The event not only built trust, but it also established unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the students of the Class of 2015 that will only grow stronger with time.

“It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed adventuring with my classmates and getting to know them better,” said Jack Holmes ’15, a student new to Devon. Daniel Crowe ’15, another freshman who has been at Devon since sixth grade, said, “It was a great experience.” May the Class of 2015 continue to grow as young men, friends, and brothers as Devon leads them to new adventures.

Madrid, a bastion of the Catholic faith, witnessed unprecedented levels of devotion to the Lord this summer. World Youth Day 2011, a gathering of Catholic teenagers and young adults from across the globe, nearly doubled Madrid’s existing population and electrified the city as the Pope-mobile approached. Most of the youth who trekked thousands of miles to attend World Youth Day also took pilgrimages around Spain and Portugal, attempting to grow closer to God. Some of Devon’s own, Michael Giampietro ’13 and Justin Barker ’13, were lucky enough to experience World Youth Day, as did recent Devon alumni Matt Baldassano ’11, Rob Smith ’10, and Brendan Fulmer ’10.

The Devon Prep delegation traveled to Spain on August 12 and engaged in several events, including a short pilgrimage to the famous Basilica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona and a private meeting with Archbishop Varela. Reminiscing on the experience, Mike Giampietro said, “The entire trip was incredible. I especially enjoyed visiting the birthplace of St. Joseph Calasanctius and the city of Madrid; they’re both full of history and unbelievable buildings.”

The separate Catholic groups converged on an airport outside Madrid for the last day of the worldwide conference. There they were visited by numerous dignitaries and Pope Benedict XVI himself. “Over two million Catholics were crammed onto the airfield,” Michael reflected. “Looking out over that sea of Catholic youth gave me hope for our generation and what we can achieve.” The next day, tired but filled with grace, the Devon

Prep delegation ended their ten-day journey with an eight-hour flight home.

Alumnus Brendan Fulmer took a slightly different route. He was part of the Loyola University Magis Delegation, which embarked on a ten-day pilgrimage before the conference. “Hiking across the raw and stunning landscape helped ease the stress of the summer,” ruminated Brendan, “I was given time simply to have conversations with God and others. There was no task to fulfill, no paper to write, just myself and my faith.” Brendan recommended the experience to anyone regardless of the strength of their faith. “Even if your relationship with God needs some building, World Youth Day allows you to witness yourself as a person, and improve upon what you see.” To any students who could not make it to this World Youth Day but are interested in sharing in this unforgettable experience, mark your calendars: the next World Youth Day will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 23 through July 28, 2013.

Devon Students Join World Youth Day

FestivitiesRyan Fulmer ’12

Former Devon Prep faculty member Fr. Nelson Henao, in front of the combined Devon Prep and St. Norbert’s Parish delegations

Photos: Maddie DeVlieger of Conestoga High School

Over one million faithful descended on Madrid forWorld Youth Day this year.

CAP HappeningsJoe Geiger ’12, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

The Christian Action Program (CAP) is once again running on all cylinders. This year, the executive board plans to continue many of the drives and events that have helped benefit the community for more than thirty years.

CAP started its work before the school year had begun with a school supplies drive. The Devon community collected nearly 5,000 school supplies for St. Elizabeth’s Community Center in Philadelphia. The supplies included pens, pencils, backpacks, binders, notebooks, and many other items that were distributed to families in Philadelphia.

Students this year will once again gather in the gymnasium for an all-night CAP event—Up For A Cause. From October 14 into the early morning hours of October 15, students will fundraise for cancer research for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The North Philadelphia Foot Stompers, a youth drum corps, will again begin the night with their exciting routine, followed by a friendly game of basketball. Over the past decade, the Devon community has raised over $230,000 for cancer research. This all-night event is fun for all those that attend and includes basketball, dodge ball, and many other events that children at St. Jude cannot participate in. Throughout the night, there will be various raffles, including gift cards and sports paraphernalia. All upper school students are encouraged to participate in the event to help the fight against cancer.

The Devon community will take part in Speak Up! this year with Villa Maria

Academy, Notre Dame Academy, and Malvern Preparatory School. Speak Up! is an event that encourages students, parents, and teachers to speak about the daily struggles of teens in today’s society. In addition to Speak Up!, CAP will run the Harvest Tide Food Drive. Last year, over 5,000 food items were collected for

St. Elizabeth’s Community Center and were delivered the week before Thanksgiving.

CAP hopes to have another successful year thanks to the generosity of the Devon community. For any questions, please see Mrs. Eshleman, Ben Senss ’12, or Joe Geiger.

5

Immediately following the elections in April, the new Student Council board began to embrace their newly-acquired duties by searching for a venue for the 2012 prom. Their search took them to Philadelphia where they visited various places; in the end, they chose the Philadelphia Belle. All the plans were set. However, in late August, the Belle filed for bankruptcy, putting Student Council out of a spot for the prom. With time running out, they began to call place after place asking for available dates. Eventually, they came upon the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing and instantly reserved it for this year’s prom.

Over the summer, the new members went hard to work, meeting twice a week to plan the upcoming year. Starting in September, the Student Council planned the first ever Devon Prep Homecoming. The plan included a soccer game in the morning, a family tailgate, and a semi-formal later that night—open to all upper school students. They hope to make this first Homecoming a tradition that carries on into Devon’s future.

Student Council members have many events they look to continue and begin this

year. The coordinators of last year’s Battle of the Bands, Pat Robbins and Ben Senss ’12, and other officers look to make the event much more populated and exciting. They also plan to implement the first “Open Mic Night” later in the year, along with other fundraising activities. “Be prepared for a very exciting and busy year ahead,” said Student Council President Pat Robbins. “Whatever the task may be, you can be certain that this Student Council will perform to the best of their abilities and make this year one to remember.”

Back-to-School Picnic

John Damstra ’12

Devon Prep students are an industrious bunch, and generally have summer schedules jam-packed with camps, activities, and travel. However, every August before the beginning of the school year, the annual Devon Prep Back-to-School Family Picnic brings everybody together. This year was no different, as both new and returning students and their families gathered behind Calasanctius Hall on August 30, the evening before the opening Mass.

It was an evening of great fun and food. Mrs. Ruth Kalivas and other parents grilled up delicious burgers and served a huge array of sides and delectable desserts. However, while the dinner was superb, it was the camaraderie that made the event so special. The evening was filled with conversations and laughter as students, families, and faculty caught up and regaled each other with stories of the summer. Next to St. Anthony Hall, students were running around, playing sports, and exploring Devon’s back yard.

For the Devon seniors, this was a bittersweet affair. Matt Swatski ’12 encapsulated the sentiment in one succinct sentence: “It is always great to see your friends after a long summer vacation, and I’m going to miss it next year.” While it is exciting to catch up with friends, discuss summers, and look forward to an amazing senior year, it is a bit saddening that this is the last picnic for the Class of 2012. It was nice to see the alumni in attendance. Matthew Baldassano ’11 livened up the mood this year by making an appearance. Ultimately, the Back-to-School Family Picnic was a great success. It fostered a strong sense of community among the members of Devon Prep and provided an excellent start to the 2011–12 school year.

Litigation Lessons LearnedJohn Damstra ’12

While many were enjoying their first precious days off from school, the Mock Trial Team was already well into a special summer session. The team was coached by recent Devon graduates Brandon Mitchell ’08, Ken Listwak ’08, Michael Kiniry ’08, and Chris D’Aniello ’09, titans from the legendary 2008 team, which came in third out of over three hundred teams in the state. Both new members and seasoned veterans struggled to hone their skills and practiced for the trial. The case in question was Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Jaden Sinclair, a criminal case involving a kidnapped teenager.

On the defense, Rich DiColli ’12 played the defendant, Jaden Sinclair, an accountant and possible cult leader, while Andrew Kramer ’15 played Kiran Taufique, the victim curiously testifying for Jaden. John and Conrad Damstra ’12, no strangers to the Devon Mock Trial scene, were the defense attorneys, who tenaciously responded to objections and conducted smooth direct and cross examinations. For the prosecution, veteran witness Scott Whittemore ’12 portrayed Cleo Taufique, Kiran’s distraught father, while Alex Teplyakov ’12 took the role of hard-lined Detective Shae Reynolds, the detective who investigated Mr. Sinclair’s house and found traces of the drug GHB in Sinclair’s den as well

as a ransom note traced to Sinclair’s PDA. Joe Geiger ’12 and Matt Kramer ’12 composed the prosecution counsel, which was notable for a rock-solid opening statement and closing argument, as well as an unparalleled suit game. In the end, the prosecution prevailed.

For the state Mock Trial competition, teams are given about three months for preparation. For the camp, participants had to ready a case in two weeks. However, strong coaching and an industrious crew of witnesses and attorneys ensured that the camp met its ambitious schedule. At the end of the second week, “Judge” Michael Collins ’68 held the trial at the law offices of DLA Piper, on the fiftieth floor of One Liberty Place, the second tallest building in Philadelphia. Many have participated in the Pennsylvania Mock Trial Competition; few have competed in the sky!

Overall, the session was a success. Mr. Collins had nothing but positive things to say about the performance. Brandon, the primary organizer of the camp and head lawyer in 2008, said, “If you can come together as a team next year, you have the talent and the determination to win the state.” Hopefully, the team can channel the commitment and intensity from the summer session into productivity and success during the regular season.

A Year to Remember:Student Council Turns Over a New Leaf

Nick van Schaijik ’12, Associate Editor for Interviews & Polls, with Pat Robbins ’12

Little Fish, Big PondAndrew Kramer ’15

On Thursday, August 25, the Devon Prep Class of 2015 met for the very first time at Freshman Orientation. Some of the students returned from Devon’s middle school, while the rest of the class began their time at Devon this year. Fr. James Shea and Mr. Larry Iezzi began the day by speaking to the students. Mr. Iezzi eloquently noted, “Over the next four years, you will not only become great friends, but also brothers,” which helped the new students realize just what Devon had in store for them.

After the brief introduction, students were taken on a tour of the school, where they were shown the way around campus and what rooms certain classes would be held in. Afterwards, the tour guides presented to the class many of the clubs which would be open to them. The class then went back to the cafeteria where many of them had their first taste of Mrs. Ruth Kalivas’ world-renowned cookies, which lived up to their remarkable reputation. After the snack, they went to the gym where they played basketball and football. It was a great time for all. That eventful morning was an excellent way for the freshmen to learn about the school, make new friends, and begin their journey at Devon Prep. Good luck, Class of 2015, and welcome to the Devon Prep family!

From left: Vice President Connell White ’12, Treasurer Ryan Fulmer ’12, President Pat Robbins

Photo: Matt Kram

er ’12

6 Dialogue Profiles

The Elements (of Teaching): Mrs. Loutrel

Devon Dialogue: What subjects are you teaching this year?

Mrs. Loutrel: I teach twelfth grade AP and Honors Chemistry and eighth grade Physical Science.

DD: Before Devon, where did you work?

AL: I’ve been teaching for ten years. For two years I worked in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and then taught eight years at New Hope Academy, the same school Mr. Hollowell worked at before Devon. He actually suggested this school to me.

DD: Where did you work before you became a teacher?

AL: I worked with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for five years in their Medical Device Research Division. I also took some time off to raise my three sons.

DD: Why chemistry?

AL: I’ve always had an interest in chemistry. I took a dual major in biology and chemistry. At Columbia I received a Master’s in Chemical Engineering.

DD: Why teaching?

AL: I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I even used to play “school” when I was little. Teaching is my passion.

DD: What is your impression of Devon so far?

AL: Well, since I started last April, I’ve loved it here. I think the students here are intelligent and respectful. Overall, I enjoy the atmosphere of the school.

DD: Do you have any hobbies?

AL: Reading, I love to read. I also like swimming.

DD: Do you have a favorite genre of book?

AL: Mystery novels are my favorites.

DD: How do you feel about beginning your first full year at Devon?

AL: I’m looking forward to a great year here. We’ve got a new interface and we’re going digital—a lot of exciting things for the chem lab.

Homework & Homilies: Fr. RenteriaDevon Dialogue: How did you become a Piarist?

Fr. Renteria: I have a very simple background. I entered at seventeen. It was 1973 and I was right out of high school. I graduated from college in 1979, where I majored in classical languages. Then from 1979-81 I studied theology here in the United States, over at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. However, I finished theology in Spain and was ordained in 1983.

DD: Did you work with the Piarists before Devon?

FR: I spent five years in Japan working in the parish of the Piarist Fathers in Yokohama. From 1989 up until 2007, I worked in several schools in Spain. I worked in the cities of Pamplona, Bilbao, and Granada. In 2007, I was back in the States at a parish in New York City.

DD: What do you think of Devon so far?

FR: It’s a bit early for an impression of the school. But my impression of the faculty, the staff, and the other fathers is positive. The year still has to get underway, but I have a good impression of the students here.

DD: Being born and raised in Spain, what is your impression of the United States?

FR: I liked the United States a lot when I arrived here and I still like it. I was very well treated when I first arrived and my experiences here have been good. I really like that America decided to be free when it became a country and that it has such a strong sense of being one nation.

DD: What has life in the mansion been like?

FR: This is a religious community so we are all family here. The other fathers and I eat, work, and pray together. We communicate with one another. This is where our following of Jesus Christ is exercised. We are here because of our being called by the Lord, and because of the students.

DD: Where do you think young people are headed?

FR: I can’t say where they are headed. Spiritually, I believe that depending on what they choose to center their lives on determines that. Centering themselves on Christ will help them find meaning in their lives and will ultimately lead them to experience God personally. On the other hand, centering their lives on themselves will only lead them to chaos.

DD: What do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

FR: I really like to read and to listen to classical music, especially opera. I also enjoy old movies from the ’40s and ’50s, and animated films.

DD: What is your favorite opera?

FR: There are so many I like, but I’d have to say Don Giovanni.

DD: What do you want Devon students to learn from you?

FR: What I am here to do is to guide students to Christ. The fathers and I are here to help them accept Jesus Christ as the only Lord of their lives. I want to help them discover Jesus and make Him the center of their existence.

Mrs. Loutrel helps Hugh Phelan ’12 through a particularly difficult AP Chemistry problem.

This year, Devon welcomes new faculty members Fr. Javier Renteria, Mrs. Annette Loutrel, and Dr. Christine DeGrado. Ryan Mattox ’13 sat down with Mrs. Loutrel and Fr. Renteria to learn a bit more about these two new members of the Devon family.

Look for our interview with Dr. DeGrado in the next issue of The Dialogue.

7Dialogue SportsThe Lower, The Better:

DP GolfSam Nardi ’12, Associate Editor for Sports

As the golf season approaches its halfway point, the Devon Prep varsity golf team feels as though it is just beginning. Four weeks into the season, the Tide have only played in three of seven scheduled matches. The cancellations and postponements were due to the recent natural flooding of the courses, which have been literally unplayable due to the wet conditions. Despite these setbacks in the season, the team has been able to get itself out of the bunker and onto the green. Their record stands at two wins and one loss, defeating Christopher Dock and Springfield High School by narrow margins.

Led by Patrick Robbins ’12 and Kyle Koehler ’12, who hold the team’s top two positions, the team is built upon depth in its roster. C.J. Kohlbrenner ’14, Sean Phelan ’15, and Eric DiPietro ’15 give Devon golf a positive look into the future of the program. The Tide are working hard to putt themselves into a winning position.

The Quest for a Banner: Varsity SoccerMatt Kramer ’12, Associate Editor for Editorials & Entertainment

It’s that time of year again: time for the Tide to compete for a chance to win the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL). In his second year as head coach, Coach Jeff Jewitt has plans to make this a banner year for the varsity soccer team. After a tough 2010 season, Coach Jewitt is building a championship squad by focusing on fitness, smart play, and developing strong team chemistry. Despite a rough preseason, plagued by frequent thunderstorms, a severe hurricane, and a rare earthquake, the team shines with energy and a newfound confidence.

The Tide is proving to be the talk of the town, as their season started the first week of school. The team held its opener at home against Haverford High School from the Central League. Despite a brilliant goal by freshman Andrew Shannon ’15, the Tide fell to Haverford 3–1.

A week later, Devon faced another challenge against the defending division champion, Philmont Christian. Devon stunned Philmont Christian in overtime last year, and carried the

same intensity into its first league game of the year. The Tide did not disappoint once again. Looking like a completely different team from the previous week, they implemented some of the principles of the game that Coach Jewitt had instilled in them since August. The Tide started the game explosively by putting pressure on Philmont Christian’s defense. This strategy worked well, as Devon scored frequently in the 7–1 overthrow of the defending champions. The Tide prevailed similarly against Morrisville High School (6–0 and 11–1), Calvary Christian Academy (3–1), and MaST Community Charter School (6–0), and tied Archbishop Carroll High School (1–1).

The team has nine returning players, who plan to lead it to a banner. Included in those nine players are Nick Weis ’12, Rich Gallo ’12, Paul Kubat ’12, and D.J. Walz ’12. These players are representing the Tide as captains this year. With an exciting schedule in the forecast, the team is ready to meet any opponent that attempts to stay afloat in the Tide’s path to a league championship.

The Wolf Pack Hunts Again: Cross-Country

Mac Lockard ’12, Photography Editor

The Wolf Pack returns for another year of stalking and hunting down its prey. Devon’s cross-country team has once again donned their uniforms to compete in what might be one of the most grueling sports known to man. This year the team will be led by seniors Justin McNabb ’12, Spencer Latran ’12, and Mac Lockard. Although faced with hurdles such as its dwindling size, the team still strives for greatness and has the potential to achieve it. Unfortunately, the team’s most anticipated meet, the Annual Gettysburg Invitational, was cancelled due to unprecedented flooding from Hurricane Irene. Morale among the runners is still high, though. The team had its first meet against Holy Ghost Prep on September 20, suffering a defeat. According to captain Mac Lockard, the meet, “… was an excellent demonstration of the team’s prowess and future potential.” The team regained some face recently in the Bull Dog Invitational at Rose Tree Park in Media, placing fourth for small school varsity boys. A few of the runners did well enough to merit medals for individual achievement. Tom Seykora ’13 and captains Spencer Latran and Mac Lockard, who placed second, eleventh, and twenty-ninth, respectively, were among those who earned medals. As fall goes by, the Wolf Pack continues to move along and prepare for meets further down the road. The hunt is on.

Justin McNabb ’12 surges ahead during a meet at Holy Ghost Prep.

Senior varsity soccer players pose after a victory. Photos: Mrs. Linda Kramer

Sam Nardi ’12 perfects his swing.

8

A Grand Old PreviewConrad Damstra ’12

As of late September, the dust has somewhat settled on the Republican primary field. Weak candidates have been weeded out, and frontrunners are emerging. The Iowa Caucus is approaching quickly, and the field, for the most part, is set. It is unlikely that Sarah Palin will enter the race, and Sen. Marco Rubio or Gov. Chris Christie will likely only show up as Vice Presidential candidates. The most important thing that Republicans must ask themselves when pondering whom to vote for in the primaries is, “Who is the most Conservative candidate that can beat Barack Obama?” The two primary frontrunners in the Republican primary are Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. Although they both have experience as state governors, they are two very different candidates.

Conservatives are looking to rekindle the magic of Ronald Reagan, who was a charismatic envoy of small government ideals. In this sense, Rick Perry is the obvious frontrunner with many things going for him. He is an experienced governor of Texas, which is a crucial state in the Union in terms of population and area. Texas has weathered a stormy economy. In fact, whether or not voters buy into the “Texas miracle,” the argument that conservative policies helped still stands. Texas avoided many job losses during the “Great Recession,” which will be a big factor in the Republican primary and the general election. Perry is a conservative firebrand, recently calling Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s actions “treasonous.” Perry is also willing to go after President Obama by attacking the administration’s runaway deficit spending. Although Rick Perry was leading in the polls, it is important not to overlook another Republican who is similar to Perry, Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann. Bachmann has fallen in the polls recently, likely because she and Perry are competing for the same bloc of ultra-conservative voters.

Perry’s campaign is young, and includes a few gaffes and scandals. He is already coming under some fire for his political connections to Al Gore, obviously an anathema to conservative voters. This could have primary voters doubting him and rallying around Bachmann. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, remains a pragmatic alternative to the other candidates. Romney has a number of things going for him. As governor of Massachusetts, he managed to turn the state deficit into a surplus. Romney did this despite having to work with a Democratic-controlled State House and Senate. The economy is a crucial part of this election, and Romney has both the political and business experience to effectively address this issue.

This isn’t Romney’s first attempt to win the presidency, as he also ran in the 2008 primaries. This works in his favor, as Republicans often prefer candidates who have failed to gain the party nomination during previous elections. However, Romney has numerous weaknesses. Compared to Perry and Bachmann, who are positioning themselves as political establishment outsiders, Romney seems too much like a “cardboard cutout” of a politician. One of Romney’s crowning achievements as governor of Massachusetts was a healthcare bill that is too similar to President Obama’s to put conservatives at ease. If Romney wants to win the nomination, he must publicly repudiate his healthcare bill. Romney was behind Perry in the polls by five to eight percent. However, it is still early in the race, and anything could change. Romney is almost guaranteed to lose in the Iowa caucus, but he is poised to win New Hampshire. Florida will be a big test for the Romney campaign and if he wins, he will be in good shape to win the nomination.

Despite his shortcomings, conservatives should embrace Romney as their presidential candidate. In every poll which pits Romney against Obama, the two are virtually tied. President Obama is a weak candidate, and he does not have much to run on in this election, but he is still a shrewd politician who will not willingly hand the Republicans a win. Conservatives should keep their eyes on the independent voters and not assume that they will automatically flock to the more conservative candidate. Independent voters want solutions, not rhetoric. An anti-establishment candidate will be popular in the primaries, but in an election about the economy, a sensible, moderate politician such as Romney will be much more approachable. He appeals to voters that are not ideologically committed to either the right or the left. Furthermore, a tough-talking conservative, when juxtaposed with a smooth and calm President Obama, may alienate voters. Romney is not a conservative’s ideal candidate, but he is a problem solver who is much more preferable than an additional four years of President Obama.

Ground Zero: One Decade LaterRyan O’Shea ’12, Editor-in-Chief

Americans need no reminder of what this September marked. The day that claimed almost three thousand lives has left an indelible scar on all of our hearts. It was, by far, the most impactful event in recent history. Now, with the culprits decimated, a monument erected, and two of America’s longest wars still being fought, how has 9/11 altered the nation? Can it really recover and move on, or have four airplanes forever changed the face of this country?

Last month, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened on the site of Ground Zero. The victims’ families gathered in a private ceremony to honor their loved and lost. The names of the deceased are etched along the sides of the two massive pools that now commemorate their final resting place. It is a touching reminder of those who were murdered that day, but also of the unity Americans felt in the months following. Countless services were held, memorials were constructed, and flags were raised on front lawns. Americans grew closer after 9/11; they learned to accept each other as they were, to stand behind their national identity, and to ensure that their friends and family had not died in vain.

Yet as inspiring as this newfound sense of pride was, it also had unintended consequences. The demonization of all things Islamic following the attacks has turned much of the public against Muslim Americans. Nowhere was this more visible than in the outcry over last year’s “terror mosque,” a proposal to build a Muslim community center several blocks from Ground Zero. This attempt to restore a cultural center to a neighborhood whose mosque had been demolished years earlier was vehemently protested by some New Yorkers and many outspoken national pundits. They saw this building as an affront to those who died on 9/11—despite the fact that numerous Muslims also perished in the attacks. Any voices that came out in support of the community center were drowned out in a sea of condemnation.

Apart from the psychological effects, 9/11 has had immense repercussions on the government itself. Spending on homeland security has risen exponentially. Certain civil liberties have been curtailed and amended in the name of protecting us from terrorists. Revenge quickly spurred America to unseat the extremist group supporting the attackers from their reign in Afghanistan. Few Americans opposed that war; nor did many when a genocidal Iraqi dictator seemed poised to attack their country with weapons of mass destruction. In fact, the “patriotism” of the few dissenters was often called into question. Now, a decade later, what has the United States accomplished? Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden are dead, the Taliban regime has been toppled, and Iraq finally approaches democracy, but the nation cannot deny the enormity of the cost it has paid to achieve this. America’s two longest wars put a strain on the country’s finances from which the nation may never recover—not to mention the thousands of American soldiers slain and wounded on the battlefields and city streets of the Middle East.

Alas, hindsight is twenty-twenty. It is remarkably easy to look upon the decisions of the past and pass judgment on them. Yet, the purpose of the past is to teach us how to better live out the future. September 11, 2001 is truly a day which will live in infamy, for more reasons than anyone could conceive of at the time. The past ten years were overshadowed by the largest terrorist attack in United States history. May this decade be defined by the courage of the American people and the intrinsic strength of their democratic values, not the looming specter of a tragedy gone by.

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief: Ryan O’Shea ’12Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Joe Geiger ’12Photography Editor: Mac Lockard ’12

Faculty Moderators: Mr. Larry Theuer Mrs. Elizabeth Eshleman

Assistant Photography Editor: Roshan Patel ’12 Associate Editor for News: Nate Stauffer ’12 Associate Editor for Editorials & Entertainment: Matt Kramer ’12 Associate Editor for Sports: Sam Nardi ’12 Associate Editor for Interviews & Polls: Nick van Schaijik ’12

Special thanks to Fr. Shea for his tireless assistance and guidance

Dialogue Editorials

© 2011 Devon Prep