The Berkeley Carroll Blotter is proud to present its debut weekly Newsletter of the 2024-25 school year (and 17th overall edition) with the Upper School! This week in our main item, Genevieve E. 26’ appraises Berkeley Carroll’s election-related academic and co-curricular programming. Additionally, Dylan A. 26’ crowns a winner in the best local pizza debate, Cleo L. 26’ highlights last week’s five largest news items, James K. 26 recaps WNBA playoff highlights and ’ reports athletic scores/game details, and Genevieve E. 26’ provides student life updates. As always, we urge you all to submit pieces at this link, and/or advertise interscholastic events here. Happy reading everyone!
Editor in Chief, Kaya Costom
Main Item
Election Season at BC: a Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Active Engagement
Genevieve E. 25’
As the election approaches on November 4th, the Berkeley Carroll administration has implemented special programming to engage students across multiple disciplines. This fall, a series of guest speakers and workshops have been planned, aiming to deepen our understanding of the election’s impact on our lives.
Last week, the Upper School had the pleasure of listening to BC alum, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and climate activist, who highlighted her stance on the election and how it may impact climate change and policy moving forward.
Our upcoming speakers seem just as promising in further enriching our perspectives. Kate Daloz, a New America National Fellow and director of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Writing at Columbia, will discuss the historical context of reproductive health care — a vital issue this election cycle. Additionally, Caitlin Dickerson, an investigative reporter and writer for The Atlantic, will talk to us about how immigration issues are animating the election.
After the election, we look forward to hearing from Jamelle Bouie, a columnist from the New York Times, who will help us navigate the results of the election and the transition of power.
Beyond guest lectures, however, the juniors have been diving into the political landscape in their American studies classrooms: as part of the upcoming civics project, many juniors will have the opportunity to help make a difference in the election, empowering students to participate actively in democracy and foster a sense of responsibility. Some students are writing letters, phonebanking, or even knocking on doors of voters.
To further support student engagement, a new co-curricular has been created for people interested in the election. This space encourages students to deepen their understanding of the election by sharing thoughts and opinions while brainstorming more ways to make a difference. Last but not least, faculty from the history department will be delivering presentations on electoral politics for each grade. In such pivotal times, it’s essential that we take advantage of these opportunities to educate ourselves and acknowledge how these next few months will affect us all.
Opinion/Humor
Surpassing Roma, Numero, and Da Nonna Rosa: Antonio’s Pizza
Dylan Angel
You may remember those middle school afternoons, strolling down the block to Roma Pizza to enjoy a slice after school with your friends. Roma always seemed to be at the top of the list for local pizza, as it was a staple in our routine and a cherished establishment in our BC community. However, the truth is that Roma’s popularity stemmed not from culinary excellence, but rather from convenience. It was always the go-to spot simply because it was there, and ready to welcome us with familiar, comforting options. So, as our taste buds matured with us, it soon became clear that the nostalgia for those carefree days should no longer cloud our judgment about the actual quality of the pizza itself. While Roma may have once satisfied our youthful cravings, the harsh reality is that it can’t be described as much more than a subpar slice. I think we’ve all decided it’s time we moved on.
As a result, a serious debate within the Berkeley Carroll community has emerged for the new #1 spot; Da Nonna Rosa or Numero 28? A daunting question, I know. But before you take sides in this heated debate, I’m here to tell you that whichever one you’ve chosen — you’re wrong. Personally, I believe both to be quite underwhelming. Not only does walking to Numero feel like participating in a triathlon, but you're doing it for an overpriced slice of soggy, oddly shaped pizza. Da Nonna is just as far, and you have to wait an hour just to get your slice from the oven. Our student body is to blame for this — It’s disheartening that we have accepted these as our top choices.
Now, where am I going with this? Well — let me introduce you to Antonio’s, a true New York gem right across the street from our beloved Chipotle. Offering two slices and a drink for just ten dollars, Antonio’s has become a staple for me and my friends this school year. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone who enters this establishment will immediately see what they've been missing out on for their entire high school experience. Zach P’ 26 further states, “That chicken parm slice from Antonio’s hits different.” I firmly believe Antonio’s deserves to be crowned the new winner in this pizza debate–let's elevate our standards to a slice of something truly exceptional.
5-Item News
Cleo Logan
Last Wednesday, the federal reserve cut interest rates by a half-point, in an attempt to prevent the slowing of the economy that could cause weakening to the job market across the country. Since then, inflation has slowed significantly, and the hope is that inflation will keep decreasing without the increase in unemployment rates that often accompanies a decision like this one.
In a series of recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon meant to target Hezbollah, a militant group, Israel struck a group of residential buildings in a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon on the 27th. The Israeli forces claim that they struck the underground headquarters of Hezbollah and were targeting its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This strike comes after hundreds of pagers in Lebanon, bought for and thought to be in the hands of Hezbollah members, were detonated in a targeted Israeli strike last week.
On Wednesday night, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on five federal charges related to conspiracy, bribery, seeking campaign contributions from foreign countries, and wire fraud. Adams is the first New York City mayor to be indicted while in office, and much of the case is focused on whether or not Adams and his team accepted illegal campaign donations from the Turkish government. He was scheduled to appear in court on Friday the 27th – more about this case will be available to the public after the 27th.
Category 4 Hurricane Helene is bringing life-threatening flash floods to the Southeast, ravaging parts of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Many have had to flee their homes from the heavy rain and hurricane-force winds. The governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, said that "this is one of the worst storms in modern history".
Former President Trump has been pushing to change Nebraska’s electoral map to benefit his campaign. This week, his bid was rejected by Mike McDonnell, a Republican state senator. Nebraska is traditionally a heavily red state, but Democrats often win the congressional district that includes Omaha and its suburbs. Former President Trump and his team sought to abolish Nebraska's policy of splitting electoral votes. Nebraska has five electoral votes, and so if the state followed the winner-take-all electoral vote system that every other state follows (except for Maine) former President Trump would gain all of those 5 electoral votes. However, because of the way Nebraska’s system is structured, Harris is expected to get one of those electoral votes, which could be a key factor in a Presidential race as close as this one.
Student Life
Genevive Eisner
Community Time (9/30-10/4)
Monday: Speaker Series with Allison Finder
Tuesday: Affinity Groups
Wednesday: Senior Speakers
Thursday: Off in observance for Rosh Hashanah
Friday: Senior Speakers
Lion’s Den
WNBA Round One: Playoff Highlights and Predictions
James Kirven
The WNBA playoffs are in full effect, each first-round matchup resulting in a dominant sweep. On Tuesday night, Sabrina Ionescu scored an astounding 36 points, leading the #1 seed NY Liberty to victory over the Atlanta Dream. Resultantly, they are set to play two-time defending champions, The Las Vegas Aces, in a rematch of the 2023 finals. Janquel Jones and Breanna Stewart will have their hands full guarding A’ja Wilson–The Aces center forward who many posit as the greatest female basketball player of all time. However, The Liberty have home court advantage and remain statistical favorites.
On the other side of the Bracket, the veteran Connecticut Suns will soon travel to Minnesota to face The Lynx, who are reputed as the regular season’s best playmaking team. Both teams will compete with confidence: The Lynx’s star forward, Napheesa Collier averaging 40.0 PPG in round 1, and The Suns having just eliminated Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
After much statistical analysis, I have predicted that Liberty will conquer the Aces in four games, and the Lynx will conquer the Suns in five games.
James K’s Weekly Predictions:
Connecticut in 4
New York in 5
WNBA Finals: New York in 4
Game Results from the Week of 9/16- 9/21:
Monday 9/16:
Girls and NB Varsity Volleyball 3-1 win against Brooklyn Friends
Girls and NB Varsity Soccer 10-0 win against Brooklyn Friends
Thursday 9/19:
Girls and NB Varsity Tennis 3-2 win against Leman
Friday 9/20:
Girls and NB Varsity Volleyball 0-3 loss against Saint Anns
Girls and NB Varsity Soccer 1-0 win against Saint Anns
Upcoming Games for the Week of 9/23 - 9/27:
Monday 9/23:
Soccer Boys and NB (Varsity) vs. Packer Collegiate Institute (Away)
3:00 PM, Red Hook #4
Soccer Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Friends Seminary (Away)
4:00 PM, Pier 40
Tennis Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Avenues: The World School (Home)
4:15 PM, College of Staten Island
Soccer Boys and NB (JV) vs. Packer Collegiate Institute (Home)
4:30 PM, Red Hook #4
Tuesday 9/24:
Volleyball Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Avenues: The World School (Away)
4:15 PM, Avenues: The World School
Wednesday 9/25
Soccer Boys and NB (Varsity) vs. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School (Away)
4:00 PM, Calvert Vaux #2
Soccer Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School (Home)
4:00 PM, Red Hook #4
Soccer Boys and NB (JV) vs. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School (Away)
4:00 PM, Calvert Vaux #1
Volleyball Girls and NB (JV) vs. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School (Away)
4:15 PM, Leman Manhattan Preparatory School
Volleyball Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School var(Home)
4:15 PM, Athletic Center - Gym
Girls, Boys, and NB Cross Country (Varsity) vs. ACIS - Athletic League
4:45 PM, Ocean Breeze Park - Staten Island
Thursday 9/26
Tennis Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Staten Island Academy (Away)
4:15 PM, Staten Island Academy
Soccer Boys and NB (Varsity) vs. Riverdale Country School (Away)
4:30 PM, Rose Field