Volume 134 Issue 7

February 14, 2013

T H E VIGOR NI A
Carnation Sales Spread Sweetness Across Campus

Student Newspaper Since 1878

By Jason Lu 14

Every year on February 14th, the WA campus is filled with flowers as the sophomore class delivers carnations. This year, the Class of 2015 will try to surpass the Class of 2014s record of at least 650 flowers sent. The student leaders Riley Doherty 15, Sarah Padgett 15, Susie Shepardson 15, and Zach Fask 15 will try to spread some love across the Upper School, and make this Valentines Day the best. The carnation sales are an annual WA tradition, and a lovely way to show some affection for friends. In sending a carnation, there are three color choices: white, red, and pink. Each color represents a different type of relationship. A white carnation is representative of friendship. Pink flowers are meant to be sent to a crush, while red flowers symbolize true love, and are generally sent to significant others. Regardless of the color, flowers can be sent to anyone and everyone for the small fee of one dollar per flower. The recipient will receive an email instructing them to pick up their gift, and will be given their flower and the card attached (upon buying a carnation, one has the option to write a note). Along with their flowers, recipients are generally gifted with a smile, because who doesnt like getting flowers in the middle of the day? In order to make receiving carnations a little bit sweeter, this year, the Class of 2015 has decided to include candies with the carnations. Turn to Carnation Sale on page 7

Carnations are ready to be delivered Photo Courtesy of Alexandra DelloStritto 14

And Thats the Tea: Breakup Advice From the Heart

By Andrew Reiter 13
Columnist

Well its that time of year again! Yes the love is in the air, and the The Vigornia to write some break up advice. Ive never been in a recouples are PDAing, and everyone groans more and more because Pux- lationship, but thank God Ive seen every episode of Sex and the City atawny Phil made the wrong decisions. at least twice. So Ill be drawing almost my entire Yes thats right! Its almost Valentines article from SATC (that is an abbreviation). Day! You know, readers, Valentines The first rule of how to break up is to never do Day sits in a special hole in my heart. it via Post-It note. Youll see in season six that For my fifth birthday, I got a pet paraBerger, the writer, breaks up with poor ol Carrie keet named KK. When I was nine years with a Post-It note! The nerve! And while Carrie old, I woke up one Valentines Day (a was offended, the sticky did get her out of being Sunday) to find him dead at the bottom arrested for smoking weed in public. Silver lining! of his cage readers! Can you imagine So be sure to be tactful (unlike Berger). that! What an awful day that was, and Now, rule number two is that if it is important to to think, it didnt even get me out of you whether or not your significant other wears church. I still blame the babysitter that clothes from the childrens section (because he came the night before for the incident. or she is so tiny) be sure to check ahead of time. She claims to not remember. Remember when Samantha dated the vertically Anyways the death of dear challenged man? Well his height threw her off at old KK doesnt dampen this holiday first, but she learned when you keep your mind for me, as I enjoy a good Valentines open youll find you surprise yourself! She quite Day just much as I do the other major liked the short man, until she learned he wears a holidays of the year: Ash Wednesday, youth large jacket, and dumped him on the spot. Arbor Day, and whenever the RepubKeep an open mind (unlike Samantha). It is going to take a lot more than tape to Turn to Breakup Advice on page 7 lican National Convention is held. But mend this broken heart. Ive been asked by the good people of Photo Courtesy of Michael Schermerhorn 14

Features
Getting To Know WAs Campus Couples
By Kasey MacDowell 15, Nicole Mills 15, and Shannon Martin 15
With Valentines Day quickly approaching, the Vig decided to get up close and personal with some of the cutest couples on campus. Our writers chatted with a few of the many faculty couples to find out their engagement stories, and other aspects of their relationships. Let the cuteness ensue:

Simple addition: Mr. Liller + Ms. Kastler + Sea Backdrop = Great Photo Photo Courtesy of Ms. Kastler

Mr. Liller and Ms. Kastler, a couple who will be married for 8 years on June 26th, met at Worcester Academy. He was the Math Department Chair and she taught math in addition to tutoring in the Center For Learning. They were kindly willing to share their story this Valentines Day. On the subject of Valentines Day, they say that the one they remember most fondly is the first one they spent together. Their day consisted of wacky cards and a sushi dinner from Yama Zakura. Before they spent Valentines Day together, they had their very first date at the ninety-nine restaurant in Worcester. Many dates later, Mr. Liller got down on his knees and proposed in their home, asking Ms. Kastler to marry him. Then came the wedding day, which they say was a small, non-traditional ceremony with only close family in attendance. It took place at Chappaquiddick Beach Club in Edgartown, Massachusetts with a Hawaiian theme. The ceremony was followed by a New England lobster bake for dinner. The couple also has a blended family; Ms. Kastler has three children from her previous marriage and loves the fact that Mr. Liller took them into his life. The couple also revealed that their song is Over the Rainbow by IZ. Ms. Kastler revealed that the best gift she recevies is flowers that Mr. Liller buys for her when he knows shes having a bad day. Young couples, take note of the formula to make love last.

Mr. Liller and Ms. Kastler

Mr. and Mrs. Dow

Mr. and Mrs. Dow, who are one of a few faculty couples that live on campus, met at Worcester Academy and have been married for 3 and a half years. Their first date consisted of going to Ash Wednesday mass together and then out to dinner. A few years later, Mr. Dow proposed on the beach in Florida during spring break, after waiting for the perfect moment when no one else was around. Shortly before, they saw a blue herring, which symbolizes good luck. They got married on October 25th in Kennebunkport, Maine, and had a perfect day, luckily for them, as it poured the day before. They had a large wedding with lots of family, friends, and work friends. Their song is You Are The Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne, but it was originally supposed to be Im Yours by Jason Mraz until it became too over played and cheesy. The best gifts they have given each other include Mr. Dows bracelet engraved saying Im Yours, Mrs. Dows diamond earrings, and their wedding rings engraved with E143T and T143E meaning Erin: I love you, Tuffer and Tuffer: I love you, Erin. For Valentines day, they do not go out to dinner or buy flowers or gifts because they are a waste of money, but Mr. Dow cooks lollipop lamb chops and only Kennedy, their daughter, gets gifts. Every other Valentines Day, they have been on duty, but not this year (courtesy of Mr. Healy), however they do have family dinner. They say living on campus as a family is easy and is like living in an old school neighborhood. Kennedy gets to interact with all ages including other faculty children at Mrs. Legaults daycare and high school students.

Mr. and Mrs. Dow are all smiles for this photo Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Dow

Features
On St. Patricks day years ago, Mrs. Thorn, fresh out of college, made her way to Worcester Academy to sign her contract to become an English teacher, little did she know she was on her way to meet her future husband. With a persisting cough bothering her, Mrs. Thorn went to the headmasters office to get a drink, where she first met Mr. Thorn. From there the rest was history. The first date was a memorable one, as they went to the movie theater to see Animal House. Many dates after, they went on a special Valentines Day date. The couple was admiring the Worcester Galleria, when Mrs. Thorn noticed a beautiful ring in the jewelry store. Surprisingly, they went in the store as boyfriend and girlfriend, and left as each others fiancs. The day of their wedding was as Mr. Thorn quotes delightful. Keeping it local, the memorable ceremony was held at Holy Cross with the reception at The Castle in Worcester. Throughout the years of their marriage many gifts were exchanged, but Mrs. Thorns favorite was a ski trip on her birthday while Mr. Thorns favorite was their daughter, Elisabeth. The Thorns have had many memorable experiences, from listening to their song, In your eyes at the Peter Gabriel concert to watching their daughter graduate WA in 2003. Unlike some of the other faculty couples here, WA has been the home base for their entire relationship, and they will, hopefully, stick around a bit longer.

Mr. and Mrs. Thorn

Mr. and Mrs. Thorn at their daugthers wedding Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Thorn

Seor y Seora con scar Photo Courtesy of Seor Butler

While language differences might pose a barrier for some, it was exactly what Seor Butler needed to approach Seora Perez-Soto (then, Seorita) one magical evening in Columbia, Missouri, the home of the University of Missouri, where Seor was working on his PhD. While Seora lounged in a chair talking on her phone in Spanish in a community establishment where Seor worked part-time, she caught his attention. Like a hawk, Seor Butler realized the initial approach with conversation and, after subsequent rendezvous; they found that they had more in common than they had thought. After their first official date, a spontaneous lunch at Longhorn steak house, the couple knew they were meant for each other given their simultaneous, unexpected ordering of the same plate: pork ribs. Very little time passed before the two novios got engaged, and then, in 2008 they were married in Sedona, Arizona with a small crowd of roughly fifty people. Throughout the night they danced to a sweet medley of international melodies in many languages, but all united by the language of love. Since Valentines Day falls on a Thursday this year, Seor, unfortunately, could very well be monitoring Academic Study; but if he had it his way, they would be going back to a steak house somewhere in this fair land to revisit their date with destiny. Some five years later, the couple lives by Gaskill field with their new baby, scar Antonio, and their dog EccoDulce. To this day, its unknown who asked whom to marry, but one thing is for sure: love, true love, breaks down barriers no matter the language.

Seor Butler y Seora Perez-Soto

Vigornia Staff February 14, 2013

Editors-in-Chief
Shona Allen 13 Kara Banson 13 Alexandra DelloStritto 14 Gianna Anderson 14 Jason Lu 14 Abrielle Peltier 14 Michael Schermerhorn 14 Meaghan Barry 15 Kasey MacDowell 15 Shannon Martin 15 Nicole Mills 15

Photographers
Megan Li 15

Writers
Andrew Reiter 13

Advisor
Christina Webb

Entertainment

Admired From Afar

A very important question for Nick St. Laurent 13, from Delaney Randor 13: Hey buddy. Dont know if anyone asked yet, but will you be my valentine? A shoutout from Priyanka Javlekar 13 to the Pillars: Love you guys!

By Michael Schermerhorn 14 Valentines Day is here, and you can almost hear the angsty teenagers cries echoing across campus. The day serves as a wonderful catalyst for anxiety surrounding prom dates and asks the always welcome question of who will I spend the rest of my life with? So, if youre like me and would rather spend the day sitting on the couch with a minimum of 3 boxes of chocolate watching Greys Anatomy all day, take a look at a few interesting valentines that members of the Worcester Academy student body wrote during the annual Semi-Formal dance on February 2nd 2013. And hey, who knows, maybe your secret admirer is right in front of you. SPREAD THE LOVE!

A note for Kara Banson 13, our very own Viggy editor: You are beautiful.

A very big question from Nicole Paris 13 A loving message from Denzel to the student body: Deranamie 13 to his mom: Will all of you be my valentine? Thanks for being my mom!

Cupids Crossword
Down: 1. Signed, sealed, delivered, Im ______. 2. Be _______ 4. A classic ______ is dinner and a movie 5. Life is like a box of _______ 6. A card sent to a loved one 8. A secondhand emotion (sing it, Tina Turner) 10. A loving embrace 11. Taylor Swifts latest album

Across 3. Roses are red, the name of Beyonces child is______Ivy 7. Heart-shaped candies with sayings on them 9. ______, Gossip Girl 10. Known for the song Barracuda (also an internal organ) 11. If you like it then you shoulda put a ____on it 12. Sealed with a _______ 13. Known for shooting people with arrows

Email vigornia@worcesteracademy.org with your solutions. First person to email the correct answers receives a prize!

By Alexandra DelloStritto 14 Editor-In-Chief

Poll: Sweet Survey*

Features

We asked you for your own secret admirer messages. Heres a look a what we received from our romantic readers: You make me shine with the brightest dreams and lucent lights everyday, from sunrise to sunset. You make my day every time you say hi, your smile lights up whatever room youre in, and youre perfect in your very own way.

Chocolate vs. Flowers: 58.8% of students and faculty prefer chocolate and flowers over one or the other. For other gift ideas check out the Gift Guide on page 7!
Aside from all Destinys Child songs, here are some other songs that Hilltoppers wouldnt mind hearing: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri Hero by Enrique Iglesias Falling Slowly by The Frames Collide by Howie Day Songbird by Fleetwood Mac Fish by Clara C Petulia by The Kooks Smile by Avril Lavigne
*Results are out of 81 responses

News

Semi Dance: And the Fun Never Stops.

By Meaghan Barry 15 On February 2nd, Worcester Academy hosted the muchanticipated winter semi-formal in the Old Gym, as part of Winter Carnival 2013. The theme of the night was the Olympic Village After Party, as the gym was decorated with international flags and paper lamps. There was dancing, food, and even a photo booth which kept the night alive and entertaining. At one point during the night, there was a minor technical difficulty with the music. When the music went out that was a little awkward, but after it came back the dance was twice as much fun, exclaimed Susie Shepardson 15 on the music malfunction. Even though there was this technical difficulty with the music, the WA students never stopped having a great time. It was better than last year; the photo booth was a great idea, commented Kasey MacDowell 15. Everyone looked great, proving that the WA student body can clean up well. The night was so fun that some students were left wanting more, It should have started earlier or gone later so we could dance more! added Shepardson. Through the hustle and bustle of academics and extracurriculars, Semi was the perfect event for everyone, both students and faculty, to have fun and relax.

Photos Courtesy of Mrs. Webb

Features
By Kara Banson 13
Editor-in-Chief Carnation Sale Continued They have also decided to increase participation with faculty as well, hoping for more customers, and in return, more customer satisfaction. Reaffirming this desire for greater participation, President Sarah Padgett states, People think the drive is only for boyfriends and girlfriends or people that like each other, but it really should be for friends too. Selling such a great amount of flowers (600+) is no easy feat, but the Sophomore Class is ready to send out some flowers and spread some smiles. Breakup Advice Continued Now if you really must leave somebody at the altar, for Gods sake be considerate! In the Sex and the City Movie (the first one [were not going to talk about the sequel]), Mr. Big leaves Carrie at the altar because he chickens out because this is his umpteenth wedding or something. Anyways, Carrie goes and takes her three best friends (sorry, Stanford) to Mexico! Now isnt that wonderful! How good of Mr. Big to let Carrie take three friends to Mexico. They probably had more fun than they would have at home with their lazy husbands, children born out of wedlock, and demanding jobs (insert classic Samantha snicker here). Anyways, be sure to be considerate. Its best to have an all-expense paid trip to Mexico lined up for whomever youre breaking up with. Finally I have some advice for people to avoid breaking up. Ill save the best for last with my favorite SATC girl, Miranda (notice how Im purposely leaving out that good-for-nothing harlot, Charlotte). Good old Miranda, so awkward, so cynical. Now in the first season, Mirandas boss sets her up on a date with another woman. Miranda doesnt really realize its a date, and just thinks theyre playing softball together for fun or something. I dont know why Miranda was so nave. Shes usually the smart one. Anyways, Miranda didnt know it was a date until after the game, but the point is, know what youre signing up for. I have no patience for people who complain about how much work AP English or Anatomy class is because they knew what they were getting into. They knew that they were gonna have a lot of work! They knew exactly how little sleep theyd be getting (unless they were acting like a Miranda) so I dont want to hear it! Same thing goes for relationships. Just make sure you know what youre getting yourself into. Um. Happy Valentines day? (Rest in Peace, KK)

Its Valentines day and you still havent gotten that special someone his or her gift. No worries, the Vig has got your back. Below are some quick gift ideas:
1. Candy: Satisfy a sweet tooth

2. No one can refuse cute and adorable stuffed animals

3. Beautiful Flowers

4. A special card or if you have time express your creative side and make one

5. Musically talented? Serenade your special someone with a song you composed
Photos Courtesy of Kara Banson 13

On Campus
Word on the Street: Whats your best pick-up line?
By Gianna Anderson 14 and Abrielle Peltier 14

I dont need pick-up lines and they dont work on me. - Ms. Schlesinger

If you were a wedgie Id pick you. - Rose Pijaca 15

Are you a burglar? Because you stole my heart. - Alexandra DelloStritto 14

Life without you is like a broken pencil: pointless. - Tyler Hogan 16

Hi, Im Michael Schermerhorn. - Michael Schermerhorn 14

If I could rearrange the alphabet Id put u and i together. - Tom Rivard 13

Photos Courtesy of Gianna Anderson 14 and Abrielle Peltier 14