Aca-Scuse me? Aca-believe it.

In lieu of the recently produced movie, "Pitch Perfect", I feel that it's fitting to write about GA Acapella. Although we only meet every Wednesday morning, the people who participate are clearly just as excited as Mr. Masters, who conducts/ transcribes/ creates parts to fit the music/ anything else musical that I didn't mention already. The group is comprised of people who have extensive musical backgrounds to people who have never sang in their lives. And yet, we are aca-awesome (sorry that was really cheesy...). Right now we are working on "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons and "Down" by Jay Sean. Eventually, these two songs will be combined into one, and be performed in front of the Upper School. Regardless of the limited meeting times, I know that we can pull it off. In fact, I'm surprised we aren't signed to a label yet (I joke, I joke). Wednesday morning acapella definitely brightens my painful Wednesday mornings!

Lauren W.

As Long as I got my Suit and Tie

Once a year, the entire upper school is invited to a very much anticipated semiformal dance. It features stressed ladies trying to decide which dress they look fantastic in, stressed guys praying that the girls they ask to the dance will say that magic "yes" word, stressed teachers not looking forward to chaperoning the dance, stressed everyone. It's quite a big deal , but don't let me make you think it's all about stress. Although this winter formal dance is not unique to our school, the class with which students carry themselves is. Mr. Schellhas does a truly brilliant job of enforcing rules in a fun and yet serious way. The same goes for guidelines regarding semi. And not only that, but dresses are beautiful, suits are starched and neat, and people are happy. The more profound part of me thinks that it is a chance for the entire upper school to attend one huge event and to create a stronger sense of community. But, of course, the profound part of me does not like to pop up for long. Semi is also about friends to see each other at their finest, and to taking glorious photos. However the students feel about semi, I hope that they are able to overlook the anxiety over finding the perfect dress and perfect date and enjoy it. After all, it only happens once a year. 

- Lauren W.

...Santa Clause Is Coming To Town (soon!)

As winter break nears, we are all prepared for the onslaught of work. Students and teachers alike know that sleep will be limitted, tears will be many, and stress will build. During this dark and horrifying time, we must all remember to be positive and that a bad performance on ONE test will not define the rest of our lives. If you are up at one cramming for a test, it's time to go to bed. So what that you may not get a perfect score? Settle for a B and call it a night before your brain explodes. It is difficult, and as humans, we have the right to complain. Just don't let yourself be carried away. Unfortunately, we are all moody teenagers or stressed adults with a knack for blowing things out of proportion, but try to remember what lies ahead: TWO WEEKS OF FREEDOM. As I close this rant and bid you all good luck, let me leave you with an inspiring mantra:

    

    You better not pout

    You better not cry

    You better not shout

    I'm telling you why...

    Santa Clause is coming to town!

- Lauren W.

GA/PC Day has come and gone...

To thoroughly pump up the students and faculty about GA/PC day where our rival Penn Charter competes with us in multiple sporting events, the students employed a spirit week here at GA. Monday was superhero day. Seeing everyone walking around in spandex and a cape made me realize that we could definitely save the world in a fashionable manner. Jungle day on Tuesday brought cats and lions to school. Tuesday was also Halloween day since Sandy cancelled the Halloween parade. I saw crazy costumes! We supported the Upper School on Wednesday when we wore our most patriotic outfits. Someone was wearing a pair of leggings that looked like a flag which totally blew my mind. Thursday was rockstar day. Personally, I went all out. Leather jacket, colorful t-shirt, ripped jeans, big black boots, bandana, cut glove, the works. The day of the pep rally (Friday) each grade wore a specific color. Freshmen wore white, sophmores wore red, juniors wore blue, and seniors wore black. Everyone was decked out in their color and it was really cool to see the coordination at the pep rally! Spirit week allowed the students of GA to forget about their uniforms and think about the upcoming GA/PC day! I know I was excited for Saturday!

- Lauren

To read more about Friday's Pep Rally and the rest of the arts and athletic events relating to the GA/PC day weekend, check out "Prep for the Pep" by Lily H. ('14)

Lower School getting ready for the Pep Rally!

Cheerleader's getting the Lower School students involved
in the Patriot beat.

Patriot Cheerleader's getting the crowd pumped!

SENIORS!

A Taste of Art

Last Thursday before Columbus Day weekend, Upper Schooler's had the opportunity to come and see the Honors art work created by their peers. It allowed people to take a deeper look into the minds of their fellow sophomores and to experience their art alongside them. When the art show was over, a group of students went down to the studios. The art teachers generously donated their night to the students who were interested in creating art. We had a chance to do as we pleased, participating in anything from sculpting to drawing to digital media. The atmosphere was just as tasteful as the art. Listening to mellow music in the background with no hiatus between laughs as you allow yourself to be emerged in art...this was a new experience for me. And I can say that it was truly beautiful. 

- Lauren W.

Adios Chaos, Hello Summer

Is it actually summer already? WOAH. This year has definitely been one of the most chaotic years of my life. But through all the chaos, i have had a lot of fun meeting new people and learning so much. Looking back, transferring to GA has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I wouldn't change it if i was given the option. Have a great summer everyone! See you in September!...and hopefully a bunch of new faces too :)

Freshmen Retreat to the Kimmel Center

Although we dreaded the thought of sitting for a full 2 hours and listening to an orchestra at the Kimmel Center, many of my classmates' responses were positive! The first half of the show consisted of two men who were speaking about what each "motif" in the music symbolized. Some examples of motifs symbolized fate or tears. I'm sure nobody has ever experienced music analyzed like that, and I personally thought it was really cool. After the intermission, the orchestra played the whole piece (I forget who the composer was) and it was amazing. They really know how to play!

Saturday Night Live at GA? Well sorta...

Last Friday night, Erik R. ('12) and Sam P. ('12) directed the Belfry production of Academy Night Live for BATS. BATS is a combination of a few short skits, written by students here at GA, and directed by two seniors who take part in belfry. This year, the theme was SNL, and there were many short, funny sketches created for the production. It was such a great experience, and just having everyone laugh when you deliver your lines is an amazing feeling. I hope that everyone else who was involved and everyone who came out to support us enjoyed the show as much as I did! 

-Lauren

Mr. GA

In part with the Relay For Life club, the Mr. GA pageant was organized and held at GA last Thursday. Mr. GA is basically a "beauty pageant" for guys. It may not sound interesting, but throughout the whole show, I could not stop laughing. Erik R. and Jaryn G. were the emcee's for the event, and their hysterical commentary kept things running smoothly. Each contestant (there were quite a few) competed in a number of events, including evening wear, swimsuit, and talent. The judges, comprised of five senior girls, scored each guy out of 10 points. Some of the most memorable events were Matt M.'s "Human Calculator" talent, when he spewed out the answers to difficult multiplication problems before anyone could solve them on a calculator. Along with that, the swimsuit competition will be pretty hard to forget. For me, the most memorable was when Gary S. stuffed ten Peeps in his mouth and ate a spoonful of cinnamon. YUM. Gary ended up winning Mr.GA (along with some bragging rights). I have to give props to all the guys who participated in Mr. GA for a great cause!

-Lauren

Lights, Camera, Action!

 (My thoughts a few weeks ago...)

Being in my first musical is a completely eye opening experience. It feels really weird to act like a completely different person on stage, but I love it. The students who I am acting with are really amazing, and I'm sure this show will be great! It's so different from anything else I've done, and I'm so glad I chose to do it! I can't wait for the show! Stay tuned :)

 (My thoughts this week)....

"Urinetown" (the musical) was AMAZING! The energy was unbelievable, and I am so proud of all my cast mates, crew, choreographer, and directors who put the show together. The three months of rehearsals was so worth it. Every single person was incredible, and I am so thankful I got the opportunity to work with them. 

-Lauren

The New Kid on the (GA) Block

A new year for me meant a new school. Switching from public school to GA was intimidating at first, but as March commences, I can honestly say that I made the right choice. 

When I first applied to GA, I was unsure of what to expect. After taking a tour and shadowing, I had a pretty clear image of what school life would be like and how different it was from what I had grown accustomed to. At GA, you are encouraged to fulfill your interests. There is an activity for every type of student here. Teachers do more than just feed you knowledge, they help you every step of the way in order to give you the best possible education. There are even other highschoolers who are more than willing to help you, whether it be at the writing center, tutoring, or with any of your concerns. 

Another huge change for me was how close everyone is at GA. The GA community is one that does not accept any unkindness. After being here for only a few months, I can say that I am comfortable around everybody because they accept me for me and encourage you to be yourself. GA is not just a place to learn, it is a place to have fun and follow your dreams!

-Lauren