Summer Movies
May 23, 2008
HiLite’s resident movie critic previews summer’s most anticipated movies
By: Sam Watermeier <swatermeier@hilite.org>
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 23) - This choice is a no-brainer. Even though it may seem pointless to make another Indiana Jones film given that the most recent one, “The LAST Crusade,” ended the series on a good note, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic watching the trailer for this one. Considering his age, Harrison Ford looks surprisingly convincing stepping into action as Indy, and there are new members of the Indiana Jones family to look forward to, including Shia LaBeouf and Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. Plus, Steven Spielberg can turn anything into gold. This is the major film to compete with this summer.
“The Incredible Hulk” (June 13) - After 2003’s “Hulk” tanked at the box office, Marvel and company decided to try again with this film—a leaner, more action-filled version of the Hulk saga. Although this film looks entertaining, it’s a shame that Ang Lee’s 2003 film is so disowned. It’s unfair that it was panned for taking itself too seriously and not having enough mindless action. What’s wrong with an action film also trying to be smart and thought-provoking? If you haven’t seen it, check out the original film. It was severely misunderstood by critics.
More No-Brainers: By now, everyone knows that the new Batman film, “The Dark Knight,” is coming out and that the late Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker looks intriguing. Not much more needs to be said about that film or the new Pixar film, “Wall-E,” about a robot. Both are bound to please. The one that does not look bound to please is “The Happening,” the new M. Night Shyamalan film. It’s somewhat of a “supernatural disaster” film starring Mark Wahlberg. Just the trailer of this film shows how Shyamalan’s films are getting hokier and hokier. “The Happening” (June 13), “Wall-E” (June 27), “The Dark Knight” (July 18)
“The X-Files: I Want to Believe” (July 25) - The appeal of this film comes from the fact that it has been in-the-making for 10 years. The original 1998 X-Files film was a fun and suspenseful science fiction thriller, and if this sequel can top it, that would be quite the feat. The truth is coming.
“Pineapple Express” (Aug. 8 ) - An action-comedy written by Judd Apatow that is about two stoners (Seth Rogen and James Franco) on the run from bad guys. What could possibly be funnier? Everything Apatow touches turns to gold. Also, it is interesting that this film is directed by David Gordon Green, who is known for dramas (“George Washington,” “Snow Angels”).
“Tropic Thunder” (Aug. 15) - Robert Downey Jr. plays an Australian actor who undergoes special surgery to play an African-American in a war film. Plus, “Tropic Thunder” is written and directed by Ben Stiller. The cast also includes Jack Black, Nick Nolte and in a cameo role, TOM CRUISE. Comic genius. Need I say more?
Summer Reads
May 23, 2008
By: Shireen Korkzan <skorkzan@hilite.org>
Me of Little Faith by Lewis Black
Release Date: June 3
Lewis Black, reporter for “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” is furious. He barely passed as being a Jew and became acute to finding the hypocrisy in religious politicians. He believes that religion has some sort of influence in everyone’s lives, whether they want it or not. A contemporary iconoclast, Black compiles his information and opinions gathered by interviews with religious and spiritual leaders, creating one angry book.
The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst
Release Date: June 3
It’s 1937 and WWII is looming between the Axis powers and the Allies. Spies are in Warsaw to gather secret information for the French and Polish, hiding underneath the frivolousness of formal banquets and cocktail parties. Meanwhile, love is in the air when the main character’s (a French aristocrat) cousin falls for a Franco-Polish woman who works for the League of Nations.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Release Date: Aug. 2
The final novel in the Twilight saga will quench readers’ yearlong thirst for Edward Cullen’s and Bella Swan’s ending.
Summer Concerts
May 23, 2008
By: Reid Conner <rconner@hilite.org>
1. The Almost with Emery, Envy on the Coast and Army of Me
When: June 2
Where: Bogart’s (in Cincinnati)
Genre: Alternative/Rock
Details: Emery alone makes this concert worth the 2-hour trip. It is one of my personal favorite bands to see live because of the high-energy performances its keyboardist gives. Although I can’t vouch for The Almost’s live performances, its front man, Aaron Gillespie, gives a great live show with his other band, Underoath.
2. Jack Johnson with Mason Jennings and Money Mark
When: June 13
Where: Verizon Wireless Music Center (in Noblesville)
Genre: Acoustic/Soft Rock
Details: Who doesn’t like Jack Johnson? With one of the most popular sources of “chill music” playing at the biggest venue in town, this concert is sure to be packed with fellow high school and college students.
3. Death Cab for Cutie with Rogue Wave
When: June 14
Where: The WhiteLies Lawn at White River State Park (in Indianapolis)
Genre: Indie Rock/Indie Pop
Details: The band will surely be promoting the release of their eighth album Narrow Stairs, which they have called “louder and more dissonant and more abrasive” than previous works.
4. Foo Fighters with Supergrass
When: July 23
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse (in Indianapolis)
Genre: Alternative/Rock
Details: Although Conseco Fieldhouse is not that great a place for a concert, both in terms of stage view and sound, Foo Fighters is a big enough act to make up for it. Led by ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl on guitar and vocals, the band gave a great performance at the Live Earth show in London last summer and is sure to do so again.
5. Radiohead with Grizzly Bear
When: Aug. 3
Where: Verizon Wireless Music Center (in Noblesville)
Genre: Alternative/Rock/Experimental
Details: Radiohead is one of the biggest musical groups to come from Europe since the Beatles. Its seven studio albums have sold over 23 million copies around the world, and that’s not including live albums. Its most recent album In Rainbows reached #1 on the UK Album Chart, the United World Chart and the U.S. Billboard 200.
The Top 10
May 23, 2008
Three HiLite reporters reminisce of their top 10 movies, albums and restaurants
TOP 10 MOVIES
By: Sam Watermeier <swatermeier@hilite.org>
1. “The Matrix”
I’ve seen this film almost 50 times, and I still find different reasons to love it. When I was younger, I was blown away by the quality of it as a spectacle. How can you forget the magic of Neo’s bullet dodging? I also admire it for transcending spectacle and raising important questions that challenge and inspire the audience. “The Matrix” opened my eyes to the possibilities of film.
2. “The Godfather”
The most admirable aspect of this film is its ability to make the audience empathize with criminal characters through themes of family, sacrifice and affliction. There is a haunting scene that combines these themes. Michael Corleone stands by his dying criminal father and says, “I’m here, Pap.” This scene is touching but also tragic because it foreshadows Michael’s descent into a life of crime.
3. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”
This was the first film I watched as a little kid that made me have a strong emotional reaction. It made me realize the power of film. When E.T. leaves Earth, I always feel like Elliot—like my heart has been ripped out. This is also Steven Spielberg’s best film.
4. “Taxi Driver”
My favorite actor (Robert DeNiro) + my favorite director (Martin Scorsese) = unforgettable masterpiece. This film is a daringly gritty depiction of New York City violence and a powerful look at self-imposed loneliness. This tale of a taxi driver driven to the edge of sanity is haunting.
5. “Goodfellas”
This film is such an absorbing and realistic depiction of life in the mafia that sometimes I have to remind myself it is just a movie. That’s power, that’s entertainment. Plus, crime drama is my favorite genre and this film is crime drama of the highest order.
6. “The Graduate”
This film proves that tension is the key to comedy. To me, there is no better laughter than nervous laughter. This film is a nerve-racking and surprisingly funny film considering it is about adultery. Also, it has great performances by Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.
7. “Fargo”
I love this film for its variety and contrast. Its violence contrasts with its humor. Its dark material and grim, wintry setting contrasts with its beautiful cinematography. Most importantly, this film contrasts humans’ capacity for good with their capacity for evil.
8. “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”
This is one of the most original films I have ever seen. It is the story of Chuck Barris, television producer by day, alleged CIA assassin at night. This film is not only a biting satire about TV’s mind-polluting power, but also a taut spy thriller, morality tale and tragic love story.
9. “Saving Private Ryan”
This is the most realistic and uncompromising depiction of World War II. It is a technical achievement in that it captures every detail of the gruesome battles, but it also shows how soldiers were truly affected.
10. “Collateral”
I never saw a thriller as thought-provoking as it was action-packed until I saw this film. This is the film that made Michael Mann one of my favorite directors. Tom Cruise as a surprisingly insightful hitman and Jamie Foxx as a taxi driver forced to chauffeur him make one of the most memorable duos in film history.
TOP 10 ROCK ALBUMS
By: Renny Logan <rlogan@hilite.org>
1. Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath)
This CD is a treat for the ears straight from metal’s forefathers. Black Sabbath, originator of the metal genre, rain distortion and raw, unpolished tunes down upon its thirsting listener one track after another. With anti-war lyrics inspired by the post-WWII England the members grew up in, this is a record of straight-shooting tracks without any “Fluff,” pun intended.
2. Meddle (Pink Floyd)
Everyone knows The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon. But Meddle, now that’s an album. That’s not to say the other two aren’t any good. Yet, Meddle is a captivating journey to a familiar but strange and desolate location. Tracks like “San Tropez” and “Seamus” are a bit more sublime, while “Echoes” is a 24-minute plunge into the abyss.
3. Aja (Steely Dan)
“Black Cow,” “Deacon Blues,” “Peg,” “I Got the News;” this one’s loaded with hits. The best thing about Steely Dan? There’s yet to have been another artist as original as this duet. From witty to profound lyrics and smooth, jazz-influenced arrangements, members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have created classic album after classic album. And while Can’t Buy A Thrill is a close second, Aja remains my personal favorite.
4. …And Justice For All (Metallica)
The rise before the fall, the mountain’s summit before its steep decline, the tragic hero’s last stand before his inevitable disgrace: …And Justice For All is Metallica’s last testament of thrash-metal godliness. With voracious lyrics and razor-sharp chops, the band put on display its insatiable appetite for the heads of politicians, bearing a bloodlust like we haven’t seen before or since (not even from the band itself in later years).
5. Tyranny and Mutation (Blue Öyster Cult)
Well-underrated in the classic rock genre, Blue Öyster Cult is unfortunately remembered for the cowbell on what’s possibly the band’s worst album. Anyone who wants to know what this band’s really about should forget Agents of Fortune, as well as (Don’t Fear) The Reaper, and listen to the incredible solos and humorous, sometimes ridiculous, lyrics of Tyranny and Mutation. Start with “7 Screaming Diz-busters.”
6. Out of the Blue (Electric Light Orchestra)
This band is as close to disco as I dare go; there’s something about ELO’s unique blend of classic rock and electronic effects that’s endearing to listeners, even if they despise disco. In each song, there’s a light-hearted feeling that makes the CD addicting. Personally, it’s better on vinyl.
7. Strictly Rude (Big D and the Kids Table)
Anytime before these guys, if someone so much as mentioned “ska” music, I would have said, with obvious derision, “Ew… ska.” But when I saw these guys as an opening act at the Dropkick Murphys concert in March, I knew I’d been converted. Some tracks are all about good times while others are political rants, but all are pretty much awesome.
8. This Beautiful Life (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
From start to finish, this CD is a modern masterpiece of swing music. With tracks like “Big and Bad” and “2000 Volts,” the band has added a modern velocity that makes its brand of swing distinct from that of the 1940s.
9. In God We Trust, Inc. (Dead Kennedys)
Dripping with sarcasm and drenched in political derision, just like any good punk album should, the Dead Kennedys shows off its pure mastermind with this album. Lead singer Jello Biafra displays his talent as both a lyricist and a cynic with tracks like “Moral Majority” and “Religious Vomit.” Going punk? Put down the Ramones record and pick up this one.
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town (Bruce Springsteen)
Having already written an approving review on this album, my opinion on it is obvious. After giving it a spin for the first time, the album wasn’t exactly invigorating or captivating. Upon further review, however, the album revealed its lyrical beauty as well as the listener’s ability to relate. The lyrics speak a truth, one with which common people can identify, remiss of the glitz and glam of pop music.
TOP 10 EATERIES
By: Bennett Fuson <bfuson@hilite.org>
1. Pamfilio’s
Without question, Pamfilio’s Italian Restaurant in the Village of West Clay is Carmel’s best kept secret. Although there are tons (and I mean tons) of pizza restaurants around the city, Pamfilio’s has the best-tasting pie. Period. Their sauce is a spicy, tangy concoction that blends perfectly with the provolone and mozzarella. And the crust is indescribable. Plus, Pamfilio’s uses high-quality ingredients that can’t be matched by other restaurants, making it the best pizza in the land. Plus, Pamfilio’s offers other Italian dishes at prices that can’t be beaten by any other Italian restaurant around. Fair warning, though: even though every dish can be carried out, Pamfilio’s does not deliver.
2. Wings Etc.
Earlier this year, I wrote about Wings Etc., so I’ll try not to retell that story. But Wings Etc. is still, in my opinion, the best sports bar in town. Their wings by far outshine Buffalo Wild Wings’ claim to fame, even without the nearly as extensive sauce selection. But again, what really stands out is the non-poultry dishes like the Hawgzilla pulled-pork sandwich. Price-wise, Wings Etc. is affordable compared to Buffalo Wild Wings, even though the prices aren’t exactly value-menu level. On top of that, the service staff is prompt and comfortable, and the atmosphere, with an ESPN-projecting television in every line of vision, really perfects the restaurant. The only reason it isn’t number one is because it doesn’t serve the essence of manfood: pizza.
3. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream
To not mention Bub’s in my Top 10 favorite restaurants is a slap in the face to the city of Carmel. Bub’s is as important to this city as roundabouts and Homecoming. But as important as Bub’s is to the city, it really is the food that makes it a stand-out restaurant. Nowhere else in the country has better waffle fries, a perfect side for those who truly want to get big and ugly. (Get it? It’s a burger joke.) The patties themselves are some kind of wonderful; I have yet to find another burger that is as flavorful and hearty as a Bub’s burger. For those connoisseurs who would rather pet the cow than eat it, the mahi-mahi sandwich is, for a non-fish restaurant, simply superb. And ice cream fans and sweet-toothed customers alike can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes, brownie sundaes and waffle cones . The restaurant itself is the very heart of the city, and since it was one of the first major landmarks in the new downtown Carmel, every visit is guaranteed a spotting of some familiar faces (and not just on the wall, where champions of the Big Ugly reside).
4. Hot Box Pizza
If you don’t know Hot Box Pizza, then you don’t know Broad Ripple. Hot Box Pizza draws in some of the most diverse crowds in the Indianapolis area, with good reason: until recently, its “Big Ten” deal gave customers a large pizza, a sack of its legendary “stix” and two drinks for only $10. The pizza is good, not great, but Hot Box Pizza does offer a wide, wide variety of options to craft the ideal pizza. The real treat is the aforementioned “stix”: long, thin strips of dough with the best cheese sauce ever, hands down. For those brave souls, try putting a Tootsie roll in the center of a breadstick and dipping it in the cheese sauce. The patrons will thank you for it.
5. Hollyhock Hills Family Restaurant
Hollyhock Hills has been around forever, yet very few people know about it. It’s a pity, too; KFC can’t even touch Hollyhock’s fried chicken dinner. It is the incarnation of Colonel Sanders’ true dream and vision, an artery-clogging soul food that leaves you satisfied, if not a little less healthy. But meals are not made on fried chicken alone, a notion that Hollyhock took to heart. The mashed potatoes and gravy are to die for, along with the green beans and apple butter. For those who prefer another meal, Hollyhock Hills does offer steaks and fish. But honestly, with a full Southern fried chicken dinner, why bother?
6. Five Guy Burgers and Fries
I first discovered Five Guys Burgers and Fries in its native Virginia home three years ago. Back then, I figured it was a one night stand for me and Five Guys. Fortunately, Five Guys has made it to the Crossroads of America, and I couldn’t be happier. The menu is very basic: pick either a burger or a hot dog. But for lack of menu items, Five Guys makes up in the toppings area: ALL toppings are free, from fried onions to A-1 sauce. The burgers are like Steak ‘n’ Shake on steroids since it is difficult to fit the whole burger in your mouth. What really sets Five Guys apart, however, is the peanut-oil-cooked French fries. The cooks are intentionally generous with the fries: a large order is, essentially, a brown-paper lunch bag filled with fries, with the proportioned Styrofoam cup thrown in for a laugh. The price doesn’t hit the wallet too harshly, making Five Guys the best bang for your buck.
7. Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse
Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse is, in my opinion, the best place in Broad Ripple to waste time. It’s like Panera, without the courtesy. The coffee is freshly brewed and the sandwiches are unique and delicious. The southwestern chicken is my personal favorite: with a nice kick of spices to it, the grilled chicken and pepperjack cheese act like soul mates, destined to be together. And although I’ve never personally tried it, I hear the omelettes are to die for, even with my personal distaste of egg. The actual pastries, which draw the “bakehouse” name, are especially good. The cakes are rich and moist, while the chocolate mousse is, oddly enough, lightly whipped, yet dense. Located right next to Hot Box Pizza, Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse is the perfect place to digest the intense “stix” intake.
8. W.G. Grinders
I am a W.G. Grinders loyalist. The prices rock and the sandwiches rock harder. I’m not sure who decided to put Italian dressing and mayo together on every sandwich, but it works. The Original Italian is a submarine that Subway wishes it could create, and the Cajun Chicken sandwich is to die for, with the perfect mix of Cajun spices baked onto the chicken. Jimmy John’s, take note: sandwiches are better baked.
9. Mitchell’s Fish Market
A fancy restaurant had to go on here somewhere, and I figure that Mitchell’s Fish Market in Clay Terrace fits the bill. I treat fish like I treat eggs: I will not eat them here or there, I will not eat them anywhere. But Mitchell’s is different. The ginger-crusted salmon has a gingery, teriakyi kick to it that invigorates the tastebuds. The beer-battered jumbo shrimp, meanwhile, are served with a crispy freshness and distinct taste that can’t be matched anywhere, while the spicy chicken sandwich pulls its own with its unique chipotle-mayo. Although the menu is rather pricey, the food is well worth it.
10. La Hacienda
What I like best about La Hacienda is the service. The longest I’ve ever waited for my food was seven minutes (don’t worry, I timed it). Nowhere in the city, nay, the world, has faster service. The food is good as well. The enchiladas (namely the cheese and beef, because beans are concentrated evil in this world) are spicy, and the Spanish rice is a must-have. The price is average, but with good food and better service, the value is worth it.
Extended Interview–Grace Baranowski
May 22, 2008
What are your thoughts in being the first distinguished grad?
I’m so honored to be the first distinguished graduate. I’m happy to represent this program because it stresses what I think is important in high school. The whole point about the distinguished graduate program is that it awards learning and growth inside AND outside of the classroom. I hope the students here realize the importance of the program and even more apply next year.
What activities have you participated in your four years at this school?
I’ve participated in a bunch of activities inside and outside of school. Ok here’s the list:
Freshman choir: 9th
Tennis team: 9th, 10th
Key Club: 9th, 10th; 10th, service projects
committee co-manager
Teen Volunteer Corp: 9th, 10th.
Youth Leadership Initiative through Indianapolis
United Way: 10th
House of Representatives: 9-12th
Student Venture (Christian student outreach):
9-11th
Blue and Gold choir: 10th
History Club: 10th
HiLite: 10th, feature reporter, copy-editor; 11th
features co-editor; 12th, managing editor
Accents (competing women’s show choir): 11th, 12th
Model U.N.: 11th, 12th
Spanish Club: 11th, 12th; 12th, Vice-president
National Honor Society: 12th
Spanish Honor Society: 11th, 12th
Wild Bunch (senior girls’ school spirit club):
12th
Teen Liaison to Friends Board: 11th-12th
Teen Library Council: 7-12th; 11th:
Vice-president; 12th: President
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Acolyte 4-12th;
11-12th: Crucifer
Conner Prairie Living History Museum Youth
Interpreter Volunteer: 9-12th
How have you balanced all of these activities with schoolwork?
It can get hard, especially during Accents’ competition season. Then, I can have HiLite from to 5 and Accents from 6 to 9. I get home by 9:30 and study until midnight or 1 a.m. Wash, rinse, repeat. It’s a matter of knowing what I have to do and making up my mind to do it. Actually, I find being involved in so many activities forces me to budget time wisely and study efficiently.
Are there any activities you still wish you could do?
I don’t exactly know what you mean by this comment. Time constraints have to become a reality at some point. As a junior, I had to stop playing for the Carmel tennis team because Accents and tennis had conflicting practices. Even so, I enjoyed playing tennis and hope to play intramural (tennis) in college.
What made you want to do all of these activities?
When I attended my first convo as a freshman, I remember that Mr. Lonzo told us we only take with us what we leave behind. The general impression I got was that the high school experience would improve the more involved one was. I also got involved with so many activities because it just felt natural. It was never really a question for me. I expected a busy schedule from day one.
What has been the most difficult part of doing everything?
The most difficult part of being so involved is that I often forget that I need a break. It’s so easy to just keep going and going, to follow the same routine and not to notice exhaustion. I can be like the Energizer bunny who just gets too wrapped up in work to realize the batteries have actually run out. Because not only do I participate in so many activities, I study hard and enjoy hanging out over the weekends with friends. What time do I have left for myself?
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m attending Duke University in the fall of 2008. I plan on studying international relations, languages, neurolinguistics or maybe psychology. I’m quite undecided as far as the exact major, but I’m fascinated by world cultures and human interactions.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hm. In five years I’ll be 23, graduated from college. I see myself either at graduate school, researching something intriguing, or maybe in Europe, working in a foreign capital. I don’t really know what my future holds–those speculations might just be daydreams, or they might mirror truth. Regardless of my activities or my location, I see myself happy and loving life.
In 10 years?
In ten years I’ll be 28. I see myself as a more established, more knowledgeable, and even more successful version of my 23-year-old self.
How do you think you have made Carmel a better place?
I don’t think I made Carmel a better place as much as it made me a better person. Carmel has given me a place to grow and challenge myself. After all, it’s very difficult for just one person to change 4,000. But I hope that, because of me, people laughed more or maybe found something they were interested in. I hope they had one more friend.
What’s your favorite part of this school?
My favorite part of this school is our school spirit. It might sound corny, but I still love piling into the varsity gym and half-singing, half-yelling the words to our fight song. There’s something to be said about seeing 4,000 other teens awash in blue and gold cheering thunderously as one.
What are you going to miss the most about the school?
I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve formed–the bonds with friends and teachers. I’ve
really learned that the importance of learning pales if you don’t have anyone to discuss your findings with. I’ll miss sitting in the HiLite room at the computers, having an impromptu but comically heated debate about nothing in particular. I’ll miss walking down the senior hallway with my friends as we belt out our competition set to the bewilderment of students walking by. I’ll miss the little things, really.
If you could change one thing about the school, what would it be?
I wish more people knew how lucky they are to go to this school, compared to a lot of other high schools in the country.
Describe your most satisfying moment throughout high school.
My most satisfying moment came when the Accents won State for the second year of my involvement. The year before, we had swept every competition and won the State title. This year, prior to State, we won every competition except one; that unnerved us slightly. We continued to practice and perfect harmonies and dance steps in the rehearsals leading up to State. When it came time to perform, we had one shot. (In the competitions, which are somewhat like meets, you have one performance in the morning and one in the evening, if you make it to finals. State is considered the “finals” of the competition season, as only a select number of choirs are invited). In the transit from warm-up room to the actual stage, we passed a hallway and saw Mr. Williams standing there with the Ambassadors, all of whom were dressed in pink. They started yelling and cheering for us. Emboldened, we performed with sharp movements and even clearer harmonies. Three hours later, the Accents sat in the bleachers anxiously awaiting the results with our competitors. We had to wait at least another hour for the awards program to even begin. The tension built at each passing minute, as my friends and I gripped each others’ hands and made scared, silly faces for the camera. When the announcer listed off the winners, he started at last place and worked his way up to fourth. He then listed off the caption awards: best visuals, best vocals, etc. At this point we were breathless and ready to explode with nerves. Third place: not us. Second place: not us! At this point we knew we had won, but we had to keep ourselves from cheering in order to give the other choirs a chance to celebrate. Then first place: the Carmel High School Accents!!! I began to cry out of sheer happiness and shrieked as I hugged my friends. We had won the State title for my senior year. It had been a close battle, but we had won.
Who was your favorite teacher at this high school and why?
I can’t pick just one. I’ve had too many excellent teachers, each with a different lesson to teach. Mr. Streisel, my newspaper adviser, has become a true mentor after four years of being in the HiLite room almost every day. He’s not just a teacher; he’s a friend. In Honors Block, Mr. Bardos taught me to be excited about history. Miss Borto whipped my essay writing skills into top-notch shape. The sense of intellectual community from that class was just incredible. From AP Calculus BC, Mrs. Freed is truly dedicated to her students and somehow made calculus fun. Mrs. Conrad, or Mama C as we call her, has taught the Accents the art of stage presence and grace in the face of victory or defeat.
What suggestions do you have for incoming freshmen, as well as current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors?
The Pathways is the most invaluable tool you have–block out your time into hours and plan as much of your day as you can. Grades are incredibly important, yes; but don’t let scholarly achievement become your self-identity. They should reflect onto you, but you shouldn’t base your self-opinion on your performance in the classroom alone. Incoming freshmen: get ready for four of the most exhilarating, happy, rewarding years of your life. Get ready for stress, tedium, frustration and drama, too. Laugh when it gets to be too much to handle. There is life after high school. Don’t worry if not everything goes perfectly. Don’t plan your activities or coursework around what you think colleges want, or even what this distinguished graduate program wants. Do what you want for yourself. You’ll be happier in the end. And of course, don’t forget that you only take with you what you leave behind.
Juggling All Those Points
May 22, 2008
For the extended version of this interview, click here
By: Tommy Sneider <tsneider@hilite.org>
What are your thoughts on being the first Distinguished Graduate?
I’m so honored to be the first Distinguished Graduate. I’m happy to represent this program because it stresses what I think is important in high school. The whole point about the distinguished graduate program is that it awards learning and growth inside AND outside of the classroom. I hope the students here realize the importance of the program and even more apply next year.
How have you balanced all of these activities with schoolwork?
It can get hard, especially during Accents’ competition season. Then, I can have w to 5 and Accents from 6 to 9. I get home by 9:30 and study until midnight or 1 a.m. Wash, rinse, repeat. It’s a matter of knowing what I have to do and making up my mind to do it. Actually, I find being involved in so many activities forces me to budget time wisely and study efficiently.
Are there any activities you still wish you could do?
I don’t exactly know what you mean by this comment. Time constraints have to become a reality at some point. As a junior, I had to stop playing for the Carmel tennis team because Accents and tennis had conflicting practices. Even so, I enjoyed playing tennis and hope to play intramural (tennis) in college.
What made you want to do all of these activities?
When I attended my first convo as a freshman, I remember that former Assistant Principal Lee Lonzo told us we only take with us what we leave behind. The general impression I got was that the high school experience would improve the more involved one was. I also got involved with so many activities because it just felt natural. It was never really a question for me. I expected a busy schedule from day one.
What has been the most difficult part of doing everything?
The most difficult part of being so involved is that I often forget that I need a break. It’s so easy to just keep going and going, to follow the same routine and not to notice exhaustion. I can be like the Energizer bunny who just gets too wrapped up in work to realize the batteries have actually run out. Because not only do I participate in so many activities, I study hard and enjoy hanging out over the weekends with friends. What time do I have left for myself?
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m attending Duke University in the fall of 2008. I plan on studying international relations, languages, neurolinguistics or maybe psychology. I’m quite undecided as far as the exact major, but I’m fascinated by world cultures and human interactions.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hm. In five years I’ll be 23, graduated from college. I see myself either at graduate school, researching something intriguing, or maybe in Europe, working in a foreign capital. I don’t really know what my future holds–those speculations might just be daydreams, or they might mirror truth. Regardless of my activities or my location, I see myself happy and loving life.
In 10 years?
In 10 years I’ll be 28. I see myself as a more established, more knowledgeable, and even more successful version of my 23-year-old self.
How do you think you have made Carmel a better place?
I don’t think I made Carmel a better place as much as it made me a better person. Carmel has given me a place to grow and challenge myself. After all, it’s very difficult for just one person to change 4,000. But I hope that, because of me, people laughed more or maybe found something they were interested in. I hope they had one more friend.
What’s your favorite part of this school?
My favorite part of this school is our school spirit. It might sound corny, but I still love piling into the varsity gym and half-singing, half-yelling the words to our fight song. There’s something to be said about seeing 4,000 other teens awash in blue and gold cheering thunderously as one.
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