STAFF WRITER

Maddy Ringenbach

As the school year drew to a close last year, the newly born seniors were handed an additional requirement from Peter Bogue, Head of Upper School. As part of our advisory program and in line with Ra-venscroft’s Lead From Here (LFH) Initiative, each member of the Class of 2016 must write a speech to be given in front of their advisory and possibly the school thus formalizing the process of selecting a Gradu-ation Class Speaker as seniors would vote based on the speeches heard in Morning Meetings.

Seniors were also informed that this would be a graduation re-quirement. While the initial speech delivered to the advisory groups is mandatory, the Morning Meeting speech is optional for the advisory group winner. While it felt like a sudden new requirement, it was some-thing that had be in the works for more than a year (see Kat Belk, Senior Dean’s interview below).

Required Senior Speeches Shed Light on Life Experiences

Ryan McAtee shares his hard times with students while attend-ing NRCA in Middle School and

what he has learned through these experiences with the

McElvany Advisory.

“I liked having the op-portunity to share my story

with my classmates.” - Adam Jordan, ‘16

Why did the seniors’ advisory lessons change

from CCL based activities to the Senior Speeches and who’s idea was it to bring

along this change? According to Belk, the change was brought along by Bogue who implemented this same

idea at his last school and claims that it was a valuable experience for the seniors from that

school. They were brought closer together through this unique way of being able to share a personal story of which they thought would make an ap-

propriate senior speech.Why do we all have to do it even though some

of us don’t want to do it?“There are three different types of people when it comes to public speaking. Those who have a gift

for it and know it, those who have a gift for it and don’t know it, and those who have a fear of public speaking.” She also says that it will be a valuable experience for all the seniors due to the fact that at some point in life everyone is going to have to be a public speaker. It also can be a chance to see some

outstanding speeches and bring the advisories closer together in this last stretch of senior year.

Is there a chance for a re-do?There is a welcome chance for a redo though it

would have to be a case by case situation between the advisor There is also a possibly that the advi-sor might actually ask the student to possibly redo

the speech.If you win advisory is there a chance that we do

“I was pretty nervous at first but then I felt comfort-able in front of my

advisory.”- Chandler Hammersla, ‘16

Senior Dean Kat Belk Clarifies the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Senior Speeches

“I understand the intent that it should help with public speaking but I didn’t get any-thing but added

stress from the experience”- Charlotte Hood, ‘16

not have to do in front of the school?The senior speeches do become optional after a

student wins the advisory meaning that they have a chance to not do it in front of the school if they

do not wish to do it. This also opens a gateway for an advisory that had more that one outstanding speech to send multiple representatives up to the

stage at morning meeting.If you do not win the advisory is there a chance

to still choose to go on to do your speech in front of the school?

There is a chance that a student could volunteer to go on stage if they wish. It does become an issue

if there are not enough “slots”. This meaning that there is a limited amount of time between January until the voting and a certain amount of Morning Meetings between those so timing will definitely

become a struggle.Is this going to continue from year to year or are we going to wait a couple years to see how

this affects our grade?This process is definitely going to continue from

year to year and every senior is going to be required to go through it. The current year seniors are simply setting a path with some great speeches

and are definitely going to help lay down the groundwork for some fantastic speeches in the

future.What happens if there is a tie after all the

speeches in front of the school?Belk suggested that if there happened to be a tie to send out another form with just the names of

the people who tied and have the senior class vote between those people.

Ravenscroft School 7409 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 December 2015

Ravenscroft School

Photo by Maddy Ringenbach

Senior Payne Lubbers and Coach Jim Gibbons embrace after capping off their 3-year -run together with a State Championship

Photo by Allie Wilson

Ravens Soar to Victory Over the Greenies

STAFF WRITER

Chris little

On Friday, November 20th 2015, Coach Ned Gonet led the top seeded Ravenscroft football team to a N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Division II State Championship against Christ School, the No. 2 seed, earning his 8th state championship in his 35 years as head coach for the Ravens.

The Ravens who trailed at halftime rallied back to win in blowout fashion with a final score of 50-26. The Ravens were led by Donald Fuller who exploded for 4 touchdowns, All-State Senior D.J. Washington with 2 touchdowns, All-State Junior Colby Muldrow, who contributed 1 touchdown and 5 tackles, and while All-State Senior Troy Jones who had two impressive interceptions. The Ravens defensive line had a superb game and All-state Junior Sam Landis had a dominant performance of 2 sacks and 8 tackles.

This win is Ravenscroft’s first since 2000 and was won in the school’s first year moving down to play Divi-sion II.

According to Coach Gonet the team was led by an “excellent group of seniors.” These 17 seniors carried the team to a exceptional 9-3 record and the best season of their high school careers. The Ravens had a great run of 7 straight wins after starting the season off 2-3.

Photo by Allie WilsonCoach Ned Gonet addresses the

team after winning the championship.

Sideline

Trivia

Football players wear eye black to block excess light from getting into

their eyes.“You’d be surprised at how

much light reflects off of your face.”

- Payne Lubbers, ‘16

F a c e M a s k ? Father Time ?

S u p e r S i b l i n g s ?

The 2015 Ravens football team featured two sets of siblings:

Henry and Calvin Atkinson (not pictured), and Colby (right) and Donathan Muldrow (left).

Ravenscroft football an-nouncer, Adam Jordan,

‘16, was joined in the box by his father, Dean, who

was a commentator for the University of Virginia back in the day, to assist him as the

color commentator.

evarmoreN

InsideBeloved mascot Edgar shares his

pet peeves- Page 4

‘Croft Incredible(s) look-a-likes

- Page 7

Bucket list wishes shared- Page 6

Page 2Arrive Alive TourMaddy Ringenbach

Page 2New ScheduleChandler Hammersla

Page 3Election 2016 Payne Lubbers

Page 4Edgar EtiquetteDasha Teyf

Page 4Rainbow DoritosKelawni Hansquine

Page 5EditorialAdam Jordan and Brett Haensel

Page 6 Bucket ListChandler Hammersla

Page 6Señor Swaim ProfileChris Little

Page 7The Incredibles Look alikesPayne Lubbers

Page 8Soccer RecapMackin Boylan

Table

of

Contents

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evarm

re nline

Scandalous accusations, ver-bal attacks, and unbridled patriotism; no, this is not an episode of The Real Housewives of D.C., but rather the height of the presidential election sea-son. At this point, both parties are test-ing the favorability of their potential nominees, culminating in the Republi-can National Convention in Cleveland and Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia (July 18-21 and July 25-28, respectively).

Many politically active stu-dents in the Upper School have taken the initiative and are currently cam-paigning for or planning to support a variety of candidates for the upcoming primaries and later general election.

Young Republicans Co-Presi-dent Drew Davis says that while his club has not done much so far, as it is still early in the campaign sea-son, there are big plans in the works: “We’re going to have some group dis-cussions about the debates, and are planning a couple of out-of-school service projects to support the candi-dates at the local level.”

Across the aisle, the Raven-scroft Young Democrats are creating strategies to increase political activity in our community. Co-President Lucy Russell says that she “went to the Wake County Democratic Party board meeting [a few days ago] to discuss how to increase voter registration and how to get more teens involved in the campaigns.”

While many students will par-take in these events and advocate for a particular candidate, there are also students who have informed opinions but do not necessarily partake in these kinds of political events.

In our recent Presidential Straw poll of one hundred and four-

‘TIS THE SEASON

teen Upper School students, fifty-two percent say that they care “Very Much” about the upcoming election, and forty percent stated that they cared “Somewhat” about the election. However, the most relevant statistic from the poll is the eighty percent of students who indicated they have watched a debate or have followed some coverage of the election. Gov-ernment teacher Mrs. McElvany says that in her years of teaching she has concluded that “our student body is more politically involved than other teenagers,” a fact that she says “[is] pretty inspiring.”

Students degree of political in-volvement and awareness is reflected in the poll results, as seen in fairly even distribution of support across multiple candidates. Democrat Bernie Sanders took the majority twenty-two percent, with Republicans Carson and Trump falling closely behind at eigh-teen and sixteen percent, respectively. After a little bit of a drop off, Demo-crat Clinton and Republicans Bush and Fiorina poll at about eight per-cent. Many other candidates polled in smaller numbers, however students feel just as strongly for these potential presidents as for the front-runners of the election. Nearly forty percent of students said they feel “Very Strong-ly” about their candidate, while an-

other forty-five percent say they feel “Somewhat” supportive of their choice.

Many of the sentiments ex-pressed in the high school are pres-ent in the national discussion as well, and the Ravenscroft poll matches up pretty well with various national polls. Currently, real-estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump battles with retired neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson for the top of the Republican polls, according to Real Clear Politics.

Establishment Republicans such as Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, and John Kasich have lagged in recent months, and Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, once considered the party’s front runner, has dropped out of the race. In national Demo-cratic polls, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has closed the gap on long-time frontrunner Hillary Clinton; Vice President Joe Biden polls third, although he has not officially an-nounced any plans to run.

This primary season has seen a strong surge in the popularity of outsider candidates in both parties; the top three Republican candidates, Trump, Carson and Fiorina, have no experience as elected officials, and second-place Sanders is considered an outsider in the Democratic race

due to his far-left views; Sanders has traditionally been an Indepen-dent who caucuses as a Democrat.

Former government teacher and current Social-Studies Depart-ment Chair Mr. Laskowski says this tendency to embrace outsider can-didates comes from the distrust of Washington after the Nixon admin-istration and Watergate: “After that scandal, being viewed as a political insider, ensnared by Washington politics, was viewed as a liability. As a result, “outsider” candidates (especially former governors such as Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush) could ride into town, claiming that they would clean up Washington.”

Similar promises have been made in the current election; Ber-nie Sanders’ platform states he will prevent big corporations and Wall Street firms from influencing Washington policies, and most Re-publican candidates promise to keep special interest groups and lobby-ists from manipulating legislation. Similarly in the Ravenscroft com-munity, sixty-three percent of those polled listed an outsider (Trump, Fiorina, Carson or Sanders) as their top candidate.

The wide variety of candi-dates and ideologies will surely create an interesting election sea-son both at Ravenscroft and at the national level. Hopefully the issues and candidates’ beliefs will be the center of attention, and not attack-ads and political rhetoric. One thing is for sure: the Ravenscroft commu-nity will be a mini-battleground as the election heats up and students become eligible to vote, and the student body will actively continue their support for their respective candidates.

“We need another

Reagan.”-Mac

Nelson, ‘19

“If it’s Trump vs. Clinton in the general

election I will ab-

stain from voting.”-Clare Zaytoun, ‘16

“This elec-tion has

no signifi-cance for the vast majority of Ameri-

cans. Sanders is the best of a

bad lot, and even then is terrible.”

-Leah Horton, ‘18

“Many people

have good ideas. It will be

interesting to see how

it turns out.” -Zachary Skubic, ‘19

“The in-dividual who wins doesn’t matter much to me

as long as the president remains a Democrat.”

-Evan Colby, ‘16

STUDENTS VOICE THEIR

CHOICE:

“Carson was better in the first debate he needs to

assert his opinions

because they are logical, smart ideas. I’m okay with

anyone but Hillary overall.” -Cole Kennedy, ‘16

A LAUGHING MATTER?

Arrive Alive Tour Steers Students Away from

Practicing Distracted Driving

Tires squeal, the car swerves and a screen goes dark. “All right re-move your goggles. Here is your citation.”

Sophomore and senior students were provided the opportunity to sit in the black interior of a Jeep and apply goggles sending them into a virtual drive on a busy street with speeds varying between 35 to 45 mph. Sounds easy, so what’s the catch?

These seemingly harmless goggles distort vision allowing the students behind the wheel to experience distracted driving situations such as driving

while drunk or while texting. Prior to jumping in behind the wheel, they were instructed to stay on the cor-rect side of the road, maintain the speed limit, avoid hitting pedestrians, and stop at a red light. Most students failed and the simulated consequences of their failures was documented with a “ticket” that provided a summary of legal charges they would have faced if this happed in reality.

The Arrive Alive Tour was brought to campus by the Ravenscroft DADS group (Dads and Daughters and Sons) because they believed there is a need for the students to under-stand, as well as experience, the dan-

gers of distracted driving before an accident occurs. Many take texting and driving as a norm and do not understand exactly what is wrong with this prac-tice, especially when stopped at a red light.

Underage drinking is also a big problem and this allowed students a safe environment to find out why the legal limit is set at a rate that some con-sider to be low. Many students who chose to drive under the influence found out how difficult it is to drive safely when only slightly above the legal limit. What the driver was seeing was shown on a TV next to the vehicle to allow other students to watch what was happening. It was apparent to the students that braking and maintaining control was a serious problem while under the influence.

Some seemed to have a problem concerning the realism within the sim-ulation. “It was a good idea...it was hard to take seriously because it seemed too much like a video game,” says Clare Zaytoun, one of the many seniors who decided to participate.

Students Share Their Experiences

“I think it was the kind of

reality check that we all re-ally needed. It

showed exactly what can happen

while sending a text message.”- Charlotte Hood, ‘16

“It was really fun but it also showed us the danger and how quick it can happen.”

- Madison Hunt, ‘18

“It was a good way to show students what happen behind the wheel.”

- Mary Pruden, ‘18

“I wish we were given a little

more information as to what the ef-fects were in real

life and how it affects your decision making.”

- Connor Gridley, ‘16

Phil Higginson, a member of the DADS group and Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement at Ravenscroft School, explains to a group of seniors the purpose of bringing the Arrive Alive team to our campus as well as reminding them to

take the simulation seriously even though it is tempting to view it as a video game.

Photo by Payne Lubbers

STAFF WRITER

Maddy Ringenbach

Miles Rabun, ‘16, attempts to drive while being under the inifluence.

Photo by Payne Lubbers

Ravens Share Thoughts on New Schedule

“I would like more tutorial time in the 1 hour block. Morning meetings seem to be taking too long and the advisory periods are not really being used. However, I have heard that while the math department is busy during tutorial, most other departments are not. Students are not using the tutorial period except as an extended social period. This is an adjustment for

everyone and I have been trying to find other times to help students if they are not getting enough tutorial.”

- Ann Carroll, Math Instructor

Tutorial Opinions

New Schedule Opinions“I like how we have a couple days in a

rotation where we don’t have a class because it gives you a break to catch up on homework you

might be behind on, or just lets you avoid a class you might not like.”

- Rachel Edwards ‘16

“The after school one was better because during the day I have a limited time of tutorial which often

isn’t enough versus being able to stay as long as teachers would allow after school.”

- Spence Hunter ‘19

“I prefer the way it is now because I’m able to focus better in the morning in tutorial rather than

being exhausted after the whole day.”

- Kelawni Hansquine ‘16

“I think teachers and students benefit from this new schedule. We get to work together at a variety of times so we are sure to be able to work together during our (both teacher and student’s) optimal

performance time at least several times a week!”

- Janet Smith, Skills and History Instructor

“I like it because some people are best at different times of the day, so the schedule gives the

students chances to shine during that class at least one time during the rotation.”

- Steve Swaim, Spanish Instructor

“I like the new schedule for the most part, but I wish we had time in between classes instead

of none because I feel that I will be late, so sometimes I forget binders because I think I don’t have

time to go to my locker.”

- Tenley Ziperski ‘18

Do you like the new schedule?

Yes: 137 people,

91.9%

No: 12 people,

8.1%

This year, Ravenscroft’s Upper and Middle Schools switched from a tradi-tional eight-period day (containing two days in inverted order) to a modified

block in which every class does not meet every day of the week. Each student is required to take a study hall during the day and tutorial sessions were

moved from the end of the school day to being incorporated into the daily “Community Time” (10:10 - 11:10 am) which also allows for rotating events such as club meeting time, Morning Meeting and advisory periods (some of

which include Lead From Here lessons).

Yes:137 People

91.9%

STAFF WRITER

Chandler Hammersla

STAFF WRITER

Payne Lubbers

News 3evarmoreNNews2 evarmoreN

Breast Cancer awareness is so unfair. It takes everyone’s attention away from other types of cancer. It’s basically saying, “This is the only cancer that matters.”

At least, that’s the perspective one would take if they applied their opinions of the new Rainbow Doritos to anything else in their life (which they don’t).

Rainbow Doritos is meant to show support for suicidal LGBTQ youth and raise money for the “It Gets Better Project,” and, according to many people, the Doritos company is thereby saying that straight youth’s suicides don’t matter. Apparently it is so unfair of them to try and raise awareness of a problem that most people pay little attention to, and help those who feel rejected by society because of who they are.

People are also very upset that Doritos is supporting such a bad cause. The Nevarmore conducted a survey that garnered 82 responses in which several Ravenscroft students stated that Rainbow Doritos are sim-ply “wrong because the Bible said so,” and five students claimed that they would be boycotting Doritos altogether. How dare the Doritos not follow the Christian religion… in our country that practices freedom of religion.

Gay marriage shouldn’t even be legalized (this is where hypoc-risy comes in)! Of course, we obviously need to be allowed our rights to guns because the Second Amendment states we have a right to bear arms…which most judges and scholars interpreted as a right to a mili-tia…but who cares what the actual meaning is, right? Forget about the other amendments that grant people freedom of religion, or separation of Church and State. This nation, where one of our founding principles was religious freedom, is obviously a Christian nation, and, as such, should make laws based on Christian values.

Basically, hypocritical Americans use the amendments that are personally beneficial to their beliefs and ignore the ones that allow others to do things they don’t approve of. In practice, they contort the words of our Constitution, combining them with Bible verses to back up their con-victions. That makes sense… oh wait, no it doesn’t.

Based upon recent news articles and social media comments, many also feel as though Doritos’ decision to support suicidal teenagers is an attack on Christianity… enough said.

Of course, everyone is happy to attack others’ beliefs or ideas, but Heaven forbid someone else try to raise awareness of a real problem. According to 38% of students who answered The Nevarmore’s survey, Doritos Rainbows is just another example of LGBTQ+ awareness being shoved into straight people’s faces, never mind how every single TV show features a straight couple, or how everyone assumes a person’s straight unless they specify, or how anti-gay social media is often shoved in the LGBTQ+ community’s faces.

Perhaps part of this issue is miscommunication. According to a Gallup Poll conducted in May of 2015, “the American public estimates that 23% of the Americans are gay or lesbian” while “3.8% of the adult population identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in Gallup Daily tracking in the first four months of this year.” Sensitivity about sexual identity plays into both sides of the equation of feeling as if important issues are “forced.”

The disturbing (or intolerable) part of the problem is hypocrisy, plain and simple. There’s nothing wrong with being Christian and wanting to live a Christian lifestyle. There is a problem with forcing your beliefs on others, and not letting them live their lives in the way they choose to. There’s nothing wrong with not being passionate about a certain issue. There is a problem with becoming angry at a company for helping those in need. There is nothing wrong with approving of some actions and not others. There is a problem with acting as though certain derogatory ac-tions are OK just because they’re about something that is more likely to be personally relevant.

In other words, there is nothing wrong with beliefs and opinions. Hypocrisy is always the problem.

Chipping Away at Hypocrisy

Colorful comments against Rainbow Doritos to raise awareness and funds for suicidal LGBTQ+ youth reflect insensitivity & intolerance

Avoid committing a

Featheral offense

This one happened maybe once or twice, but y’all think it is funny to pull off my precious gloves. Don’t! They are very dear to me and

I need them.

Everyone gets super hype during the games with lots of noise from cheerleaders combined with crazy amounts

of sugary snacks - and of course - football! Things might get a little out of hand but that doesn’t mean you can

jump on my back! I ain’t no pony!

This one goes out to all of the parents. Your child is not perfect, honestly. One time, a little

band of girls decided to circle me and push me round. Let’s just say it was not exactly a circle of love...

This one goes out to those smarty pants who keep asking the million dollar question…”Who's in

there?” Seriously? Does Superman tell people he is Clark Kent? That’s right, so chill. K?

What if someone came up to you and started to try pulling off your head? Twisting it and pulling, than would hurt, a lot. So,

why do it to me? I am alive and I have feelings and I want to hang out with y’all and have fun but please be gentle<3

Stepping on my feet on purpose? C’mon cut it out. Show

some sole...or I will be your arch enemy...

10 GLovin’ Every

Minute of it?? NOT 9

8 7

6 5I don’t go up to you and

pull on your shirts or pants, so why pull on

my tail? I dont need any more boo boos :(

4 3 2 Now we are getting down to the real stuff... Let me tell you something, in life you got to learn to pick your

fights, and believe me when I say you won’t win against a 200 pound bird with a football

team behind my back.

NO! I can see!!

Horsin’ Around

Parents: Roundup Your Kids

What’s Yo Name, What’s Yo Number?

Love is All You Need Footloose?

No Tailgating Ain’t No Holla Back. Short-sighted?

Number 2: Ain’t no holla back - Now we are getting down to real stuff...Let me tell you something, in life you gotta learn to pick your fights, and trust me when i say you won’t win against a 200 pound bird with

a football helmet and the football team behind my back.

Number 2: Ain’t no holla back - Now we are getting down to real stuff...Let me tell you something, in life you gotta learn to pick your fights, and trust me when i say you won’t win against a 200 pound bird with

a football helmet and the football team behind my back.1

Unrequited Love...Now...here is something that really grinds my gears...especially dear boys…

you are NOT ORIGINAL when you go to give me a high five and the say “SIKE” swinging your hand. I cannot even...honestly??

Caw Caw!! Hey y’all! Edgar is my name and spirit is my GAME!

I love to come on out to see my Ravens under the Friday night lights cause birds of a feather must flock together! And, everyone knows that

I love to wing it at Pep Rallies because it is fun to see everyone smile. Probably the most fun I have is when I get to goof

around with the cheerleaders.

But lately I noticed something going around campus, a certain disease, everyone gets it, from little ones to tall seniors. This disease is caused by lack of consideration and over-excitement...but Mascots are people too. Here are the top ten featheral offenses that happen all the

time. So, please think of our school colors and remember that Golden Rule!

Be Less Salty About Other Lifestyle Choices

Top 10 Ways to Annoy Edgar

The Nevarmore staff strives to produce a professional-quality publication that follows the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Our overall objective is to print the news for and about our students and other members of our school and community in a fair and

objective way with the utmost regard for integrity.

The unsigned editorials in this issue are a reflection of the combined opinions of the editorial team. Responses in the form of a letter are welcomed and will be considered for publication.

Editorial Content:

1) The students on The Nevarmore staff will print articles which have been researched to the best of their ability to obtain the most complete information.

2) The information will be presented in an objective, truthful and fair manner.

3) When personal commentary is given it will be in good taste on issues that have been researched, analyzed and where expert opinion has been sought, and then

presented to the best ability of the writer.

4) No material which is obscene, libel or anything that will cause a “material and substantial disruption” of the school day, according to accepted

legal definitions, will be printed.

This paper serves as a communication link within Ravenscroft School and between the school and the local community.

Wire ServiceThe Nevarmore subscribes to MCT Campus, which provides

photographs, national news & entertainment services to high school newspapers.

Editorial Team:

Adam Jordan Editor-In-Chief

Brett HaenselAssociate Editor

Staff:Mackin Boylan

Chandler HammerslaKelawni Hansquine

Chris LittlePayne Lubbers

Maddy Ringenbach

Dasha TeyfFaculty Advisor: Helen Velk

Hallway HoggersBalancing Courtesy with Comfort

Study hall...the ultimate in-school relief from everyday stresses. A time when students are free to work on what they wish--and at their own leisure. Or not.

Kevin Billerman, Assistant Head of the Upper School, believes that students should be focusing on one thing and one thing only: their academic responsibilities. Citing the academic responsibilities that come with being a Ravenscroft student, Billerman says that “students should get the full Ravenscroft educational experi-ence and should be attentive to school and student [edu-cational] needs the entire day.”

B i l l e r m a n has a point. But shouldn’t students ultimately be able to decide what is best themselves during their own study periods? And sometimes, isn’t a break from aca-demics actually the most productive option for maintaining focus in the classroom?

Studies published on the Na-tional Sleep Foundation’s website show that a nap of 20-30 minutes can “provide significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.” In a 55-75 minute study hall, a stu-dent would not only have time to reap the rewards of quick nap, but also still have time to do homework or study for a test.

While each student attends Ra-venscroft for the purpose of receiv-ing a high quality education, students often get worn down over the course of a five-day week. Sometimes, what they need most is to relax, to take a

break from the demands of the school day. Giving the mind a rest before it must apply itself in the next class 55 minutes later can be very benefitial.

Obviously, study hall should be used for its originally intended purpose: a time for students to get ahead or catch up on academic work. However, in line with Ravenscroft’s Lead From Here Initiative, students should be given the chance to “Lead

Self” during study hall in order to apply the concepts learned through this initiative.

If the goal of this initiative is to teach students to be “Self-Aware” and “Accountable,” then placing trust in students to apply these competencies when deter-

mining what to do during their study hall would be in align-ment with the overall real world results that are hopeful-ly being instilled within our Upper School students.

Of course, that is not to say that Billerman and other teachers should not be al-

lowed to helpfully direct students into making smart choices, but the admin-istration should allow the students who they deem to be future leaders to decide what is best for them during study hall, whether it is taking a nap or working on a project.

Students, though, regardless of what they are doing during their free periods, seem to sometimes lose sight of the common courtesy that should be shown in the hallways. Stu-dents must be mindful of others when spreading out under their lockers, often clogging the hallways, mak-ing it difficult for both teachers and students alike to get from point A to point B.

Billerman cites “numerous complaints from both teachers and admissions” regarding students doing nothing when their feet block the way when people are trying to get through.

So, while getting comfortable in the hallway during study hall can be helpful for staying focused on work--or catching up on rest--students must observe courtesy.

Not all students who try laying down in the halls are disruptive, of course. If a student is out of the way, not blocking the path, most agree that there is no harm done. In fact, Biller-man says that “in most of those cases [I don’t] interrupt people.” However, he reminds students to be conscious of their surroundings. “You have to be cognizant...politeness has to be taken into account.”

One question that seems to be on students’ minds is why adminis-tration seems to be cracking down on

“Students should get the full Raven-scroft educational

experience.”- Kevin Billerman

evarmoreN

the laying down/sleeping issue more this year than in years past.

To this, Billerman says that it is simply because he has more time this year to enforce the rule

“With the longer period, I have more opportunity to walk in the halls, therefore it may look like there is more stringent enforcement.” So, while it may appear that administra-tion is more strictly enforcing this rule, Billerman says that it’s simply not true, and that he’s “always en-forced it.”

So, the consensus seems to be that, while it’s okay for students to responsibly relax in the halls, the key is to be considerate and observe com-mon courtesy while doing so.

Cartoon by Maddy Ringenbach

Cartoon by Maddy RingenbachBecause LIFE IS NOT Black & White

STAFF WRITER

Kelawni Hansquine

Agree? Disagree?

Let us know!Write a letter to

the editor!Adam Jordan

ajordan@ravenscroft.org

Brett Haenselbhaensel@ravenscroft.org

Let sleeping babies lie!

Editorial 5evarmoreNOpinion4 evarmoreN

When conjuring up an image of Señor Swaim, most Ravens would report that Spanish, pool and coffee are part of the picture. But, who would guess that he once had to fend off an escapee from a mental institution on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill?

While he was in college, he held an overnight job as a dorm security guard at Morrison, a dorm on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. One night, a guy came without a campus ID and tried to gain access to the dorm. Once Señor denied him entry, the man be-gan rattling the metal reinforced doors hard enough t h a t he broke the door with superhuman like strength.

Swaim’s phone rang during this incident and he an-swered only to hear the voice of a police officer alerting him to a “vio-

lent and dangerous escapee from the psychiatric wing of UNC Hospital.” After listening to the description, he told the officer that the man was currently at his dorm.

Although Señor Swaim shared that “even though it sounds cheesy, I am living my dream job by being a teacher,” he has had many cool jobs including dorm security guard, translator, voice over professional, actor and sandwich maker.

After being asked to “fill-in” as Drosselmeyer (the magician) with the Car-olina Ballet’s on-campus production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker,” he

wound up keeping this role for the next 20 years. During his time as an actor he has participated in six Shakespeare plays which have been featured in local theatres. His favorite character to play is a french physician named Dr. Caius in the rather obscure Shakespearean comedy “The Merry Wives Tale.”

As a limousine driver he once had to take a group of party-goers home from Raleigh to Wilson, one of the ladies asked before their departure if she could sit with

him in the front. After he said yes, the woman drunkenly confided in him all of her life’s troubles.

Steve’s JobsA look into the many vocations of Spanish Instructor Steve Swaim

While some actors prefer to use fake

beards, Swaim pre-fers to bring his own

beard and simply jazz it up a bit.

All photos used in the Swaim article were provided by Steve Swaim

Steve Swaim is one Raven who

is not afraid to spread his

wings on the stage in

his role as Drosselmeyer the Magician in Carolina Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

STAFF WRITER

Chris Little

Other Ravenscroft community members have also participated in past performances of “The Nutcracker” with Swaim such as former Middle School Guidance Counselor, Jim Kababik (3rd

from left in tan jacket) and Russell Vacante, Stage Craft Instructor (last on right).

NAME: Helen ParrALIAS:

Mrs. Incredible/Elastigirl

NAME: Dash ParrALIAS: Dash

NAME: Will BirdALIAS: Captain Chub

LOOK-A-LIKES

NAME: Nicole Moore

ALIAS: Ms. Moore/Grammargirl

NAME: Buddy Pine

ALIAS: Incrediboy/Syndrome

NAME: Kobi JohnsonALIAS:

Kobezone

NAME: Edna ModeALIAS: E

NAME: Diane Simmons

ALIAS: D

NAME: Lucius Best

ALIAS: Frozone

NAME: Violet Parr

ALIAS: VioletNAME: Kelwani

HansquineALIAS: Scarlet

NAME: Erick JordanALIAS: Slick

NAME: Ned GonetALIAS: Mr.

Incredulousnessity

NAME: Phil KieltyALIAS:

Phil Kielty

NAME: Gilbert Huph

ALIAS: Gilbert Huph

NAME: Bob ParrALIAS:

Mr. Incredible

Payne Lubbers Presents:

Bucket List?

The Nevarmore sent a survey to the Upper School students and fac-ulty asking what one thing they would like to do before they die.

A variety of responses were recorded, but here are the TOP 7 most interesting answers provided:

“I’ve always found sharks to be so intriguing, and intend on going

shark cage diving with great whites in the near future-maybe over spring break! Seeing them in their natural

territory (from the alleged safety of a cage) will be thrilling.”

- Abbie Green ‘16

Bill Pruden, Director of Civic Engagement & College Counselor,

wants to write a book before he dies, and he’s already come up with the title: “The Road to the Orphanage”

Leah Horton, ‘18, wants to check out a book from the

Library of Congress.

“Constructing a lightsaber would be the ultimate physics and engineering feat, so it seems like the perfect fit for me. And yet, I feel like I would acci-dentally leave a path of destruction everywhere I went. Kind of like Elsa.”

- Dr. Nunalee, Science Instructor

“I’m definitely planning on marrying Liam Hemsworth

at some point in my life, and you’re lying if you don’t

want to as well.”- Rachel Edwards, ‘16

Payne Lubbers, ‘16, wants to be able to do a Christopher Walken impression before he dies because “he’s the greatest actor of the 20th and

21st century.”

Jennifer McElvany, History Instructor, wants to have grandchildren before she dies so that

she can “have all the fun of children with none of the work! WOOHOO!”

STAFF WRITER

CHaNDLER HAMMERSLA

What’s on your

Ravens Spreading the Holiday CheerSpread the Love and

Music, Sophomore Bella Church’s club,

performed for Cypress of Raleigh residents.

Above: Residents of Cyprus of Ra-leigh enjoy the music provided by the

Ravens.

Left: Students Kathryn Hubbard, Maggie DeLeonardis, Tiffany Jiang, Caroline Bardini and Bella Church

sing “Silver Bells” to the crowd. Photos by Beth Church

Feature 7evarmoreNFeature6 evarmoreN

SPorts8 evarmoreN

Mackin Boylanstaff writer

Soccer Earns a Second Place Ranking in States

Fall Sports Recap

Players Share Their Favorites Memories of this Season

“When we spanked them

and made them dance, boys.”- Alex Lindsay

‘17

“Winning the Raven-scroft Invitational and

being able to play on a team with such

responsible and comical seniors.”

- Emmanuel Petrov ‘19

“Scoring a hat trick in the finals of the invitational to win the tourna-

ment.”

-Connor Gridley ‘16

“Literally any timeKelvin touched

the ball.The sound

of winning.”

- Reed Margolis ‘17

“Scoring a hat trick against

NRCA.”

-Johnny McNeill ‘16

“JD’s yellow when he said

“OH MY GOD!””.

-Simon Copeland ‘17

Record: 15-3-2

Record: 7-3

The Varsity Boys Soccer Team were conference champions and won the Ravenscroft Invitational this past year. They also finished in the top

four in the state.

The Varsity Boys Football Team has had a great season by winning their conference and becoming the #1 seed in the playoffs. They also won

the State Championship!

Record: 12-6The Varsity Girls Field Hockey

team finished the season as one of the top 8 teams in the state. and they finished

number two in their conference

The Varsity Girls Cross Country team finished 5th in the state and finished 2nd in

their conference.

Record: 14-7

The Varsity Girls Volleyball team made it to the semi-finals in the

state tournament.

Varsity Boys Soccer

Varsity Football

Varsity Girls and Boys Cross Country

Varsity Girls Volleyball

Varsity Girls Tennis

Record 10-10The Varsity Girls Tennis team made

it to the second round of the state playoffs this past year.

During the Ravens victory against Providence Day, Kelvin Jones #5 passes the ball to Mackin Boylan #9. The final score was 3-2 in the Ravenscroft Invitational Championship. This is Raven-

scroft’s 2nd Invitational win in 3 years.

Varsity Girls Cheerleaders

Varsity Girls Golf

Coach Charles was recognized as the Soccer Region Coach of the Year by the North Carolina Soccer Coaches

Association and Johnny McNeill was named the Conference Player of the Year in the TISAC Conference.

Coach Alix Charles and Senior Johnny McNeill Win Postseason Awards

After a disappointing end to last season, the Varsity boys soccer team wanted to make a statement. All summer, the members of this year’s team came to workouts to get in shape and harness their skills. After tryouts there was a sense that this team could do well. That sense became a reality as they team made it to top four in the state.

“I thought it was an excel-lent season and I am very proud of what the team ac-complished. This is definitely the best Ravenscroft team I have coached. Our 15-3-2 record

confirms that,” said head coach Alix Charles.

The Varsity Boys Soccer team finished with an outstanding record of 15-3-2.

Some of the notable wins this season were: Jordan (5-4), Charlotte Country Day (9-3-4) and NRCA (7-4-2). Jordan High School, located in Durham, is a very large public school that is known for their great soccer

teams that traditionally beat the Ra-vens, except for this year.

Another team that the Ravens usually struggle to beat is Charlotte Country Day. The Boys Soccer team ran into Charlotte Country Day in the state semifinals. Like the past two years, the Ravens again lost to Char-lotte Country Day.

Finally our big rival NRCA is always a tough team. They won states a few years ago, and have been consistently been the best team in our conference.

During the summer before ev-ery soccer season, workouts are held to help the potential members of the team to get better and get in shape. These workouts are held three days a week from mid-June until the end of July,“ everyone should come to soccer workouts because they are not too strenuous and they can help you get better” Connor Gridley states. He also stated that more people went to the workouts this summer than the previous summer. Like Coach Charles, Connor believed that we had a great season and had a strong chance to win states.

Another great achievement was the Ravenscroft Invitational win earlier this year. Coach Charles, was

pleased with the progress of this team at the beginning of the season. The team’s season goal was to win states, and they had a very good chance to meet their goal. The team hasn’t won a title since 1986.

Coach Charles believed that this team could be very successful and do something special because of the leadership of the senior class and the talent of the underclassmen. The team sure created something special.

Some of the members of the current team can make it to the next level and Coach Charles states, “Yes absolutely some of the seniors have a chance to play in college if they really set their mind to it and some underclassmen have a chance too.”

The Ravens earned the 2nd seed in the state tournament and had a bye. The quarterfinal game con-sisted of a miraculous comeback in the last two minutes of the game and the Ravens scored three unanswered goals. Sadly, the Ravens lost to Char-lotte Country Day in the state semi-finals. Even though the season did not end with a state championship, this team was very successful and got the attention of the school.

Soccer photos by Allie wilson

Varsity Field Hockey

Photo by Allie Wilson

Photos by Allie Wilson

The Varsity Girls Golf team finished 2nd in their conference.