 By Alice Tao ’24
I had the great honor to sit down and chat with our new Head of School, Mrs. Elaine White. During the interview, she shared many insights and stories, and she provided some more texture to the person we are getting to know. I am so excited to share this with the Westminster community!  By Alice Liu ’23
This year, new students from around the world are joining Westminster. Here are glimpses into their lives during their first month on campus. By Sung M. Cho ’22
I was more nervous than my chapel talk. Really! I had prepared less, practiced less recitations, and had been spending more time worried about L’Hopital’s Rule and related rates than polishing Dragon Palace Express and Class, the two pieces I read at the Friday Night Reading on Oct. 8, 2021. After a long and confusing past year and a half, Sixth Formers are beginning to submit their college applications. Some already know which schools they will be attending; some plan on meeting the October 15th and November 1st early decision (ED) and early action (EA) deadline; and some plan on waiting until January 1st to submit their application for regular decision. Through all of this, one question lingers: how the hell did we get here?
By Finn Seeley ’25
Was allowing college athletes to receive sponsorships a good decision? In short, yes.  By Alex Shao ’22
On October 2, Westminster hosted the Richard Miller Invitational on campus for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. On a sunny Saturday, 10 schools competed on the school’s trails in four distinct races, including the Seconds Boys’, Seconds Girls’, Varsity Boys’, and Varsity Girls’. Being the only home race of the season, the RMI was also a debut race for many members on the team who suffered from injuries in the first race of the year. By Lara Connor ’22
It crept behind bookshelves during circle time fizzed in glasses of lemonade jarred like PopRox Jane first named it to her brother the Sad Sick Feeling this thing that came, went and left her cold inside It’s simple as the color blue How would you describe the color blue? Paralyzing as red polarizing as black, white muting like shades of grey fleeting as the time left to be happy There’s ferocity in depression crumbled between pillows, sheets and sequin Because hey! Jane if you don’t win Homecoming Queen return to the king in your bedroom and never leave his side Drop your clothes, soak a pillow, eat away the sad Besides, the dress doesn’t have to fit anymore  By Lucy Wainwright ’25 and Chip Genung ’25
During her time at Dartmouth University, Abbey Cooper won seven NCAA D1 Nation Titles in the 3,000 meter, the 5,000 meter, and cross country, and is the only woman in NCAA history to win both the 3,000 meter and the 5,000 meter races. She graduated in 2014 as the most decorated Ivy League track and field and cross country athlete of all time. She competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she gained international spotlight for colliding with another runner and still completing the race with a torn ACL and meniscus. New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin collapsed right in front of her during a 5,000 meter race, taking Cooper down with her.  By Johnathan Li ’24
The following paper, under the discipline of anthropology, is written by the Professor of Human Studies of the University of Erëhwon, Johnathan Li '24. By Allen Zhou ’23
Apple’s recent product launch once again displayed its capability of churning out new gadgets every September. However, capturing my attention were two conflicting narratives about Apple Inc.’s action on user data. On Apple’s Chinese storefront, a customer does not have to look very far to see an image stating in Mandarin: “We strive to protect your personal information, that is very iPhone”. Yet, as an article in the New York Times revealed, Apple has made several major concessions to the Chinese government to remain within China’s lucrative market. Evidently, despite Apple's dominance of the global smartphone industry and its status as one of the most valuable companies in the world, it still has to bend over backward for the newly minted world power: China. By Heather Zhu ’23
The Wall Street Journal Investigation has published the Facebook Files Series, drawn upon thousands of pages of inside documents and former employee interviews, condemning the company’s corruption. By Grace Yuan ’23
Abstract Although the reform implemented by Tiberius Gracchus failed, it is of great historical importance because it reveals the corrupted nature of the Roman republic while taking socioeconomic background into consideration to predict the downfall of Rome. The downfall of Tiberius Gracchus has primarily resulted from the majority of the senators whose interests were against the reform measures because the benefits for the majority were built on the loss of the senators. As a result, the Senate refused to accept changes of any sort and rejected an opening advancement proposed to improve the welfare of the people, leading to the tragedy of the death of Tiberius Gracchus. It is noteworthy to reexamine the legacy in addition to the reform of Tiberius Gracchus because it resembles the mistrust and clash between different social classes in contemporary society.  By Ryan Jainchill ’23
Week four of the 2021 NFL Season featured many key divisional games and high-scoring contests. However, the return of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to Gillette Stadium — now as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — overshadowed all. The game was one of the most anticipated regular-season games in recent memory. Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and one with Tampa Bay last season, was facing off against his former head coach, legendary Bill Belichick. Before the game, much narrative focused on ‘Brady vs. Belichick’ and how their deteriorating relationship supposedly led Brady out of New England and towards Bruce Arians’ Buccaneers. This game was the first time Brady and Belichick had faced off on separate sides. Brady left a legacy of championships and glory in New England and went to Tampa and won the franchise’s first Super Bowl since 2004, while the Patriots headed in the opposite direction. By Lara Connor ’22
“She’ll make it.” Nic wasn’t sure why his search for relief led to no avail. Perhaps it was dehydration, that hours of brewing terror may take longer than mere seconds to unquench, or the waiting room’s jealous eyes that befell his broken posture. Nic wasn’t proud when he reached his hand out for Annabella’s — only to feel the engagement ring that wasn’t his Grandmothers — and instinctively pull away. Annabella wished that he’d get over himself for Kate, who needed more than just to make it. By Keegan Bankoff ’22
An unusual season filled with game cancellations, shortened schedules, and countless COVID-19 exposures put college football in an abnormal situation in 2020. Players and coaches alike were frustrated without the presence of their fans, saying it was difficult to keep momentum and spirits high without constant cheers and chants. However, that has changed this year, as most universities are allowing and pushing for full-capacity stadiums; something many thought would be impossible just a year ago. Though these measures may bring up health concerns as many still neglect the threat of the virus that has ravaged our country, the college football world seems to be back in full swing. The game itself, however, may be taking a different course. By Serin Lee ’22
The Nobel Prizes are six separate prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics. Often recognized as the greatest recognition one could get in those areas, the prize is awarded to those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” |
