The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

Vera and friends take advantage of the safety and walkability in Taiwan at night.

From Taiwan to Minnesota: Lucia Vera ’24 Globetrots

Ali Hecker, Community News Editor November 2, 2023

For Lucia Vera ‘24, the convenience of Taiwan’s Mass Rapid Transit system beats Minnesota’s highway traffic any day. Vera lived in Taipei, Taiwan since 5th grade before returning to Minnesota...

The group visited Lake Iskanderkul, one of the daily excursions that Khan enjoyed.

Davin Khan ’24’s Immersion in Tajikistan

Amelia Bush, Managing Editor October 11, 2023

“I really didn’t expect to be able to adjust into the culture so easily and kind of speaking Tajiki became second nature,” says Khan, who was a part of a six week long program from July 1 to Aug....

“The best interactions with students are when they are telling me about what they are excited about.”
- Nat Gilsdorf

Creating Connections

Amelia Bush, Managing Editor June 1, 2023

How many names of the faculty and staff at school do you know? Would you feel comfortable going to them with any issues you have? What if those issues are about their jobs?  But what does it mean to...

Dicus plans on taking time to travel and spend time outdoors before he decides on how he wants to continue his career.

Jon Dicus Discovered Passion for Education Through Travel Experiences

Sofia Perlman, Copy Editor May 31, 2023

For 31 years, Jon Dicus has brought energy and passion to his classes at the Upper School. Through his travels and experiences, Dicus found a passion for the Spanish language as well as working with young...

After leaving the Upper School, Kaback will be working as a curriculum writer at Honeywell, a company that creates cutting edge technology.

Steve Kaback Began Teaching “By Accident,” Will Continue Teaching in New Position

Sofia Perlman, Copy Editor May 31, 2023

Well known among students and faculty for his enthusiasm and bright personality for the last 18 years, Steve Kaback will conclude his time at the Upper School at the end of this year. Kaback explains...

Crow receives guidance from her instructor (not pictured) as she did a bank turn to
the right. “Usually, it’s just me and another flight instructor. Sometimes, I bring my mom,
dad or boyfriend along. Most of the time I fly [Cessna] 172N which has two front seats
and then two back seats,” she says.

Head in the Clouds: Two Students Share Unique Hobby

Claire Cao May 5, 2023

Most high school students take up sports or clubs as extracurriculars, but Piper Crow ‘24 and Sawyer Guider ‘25 both enjoy flying planes as a hobby. Crow, a leader of the Aviation and Aeronautic...

Buck break dances at his University of Chicago reunion. He often competes in dance battles with “different formats, but the most common is they’ll have a preliminary round where
everybody dances for 45 seconds or a minute, and sometimes that’s showcase style where they’ll just have one person come up after the other and dance in front of the judges.”

Harold Buck Breaks it Down

Anna Tao, Staff Writer March 16, 2023

Harold Buck has been a common topic among students the past year due to his increasing popularity from dancing in class. He first “caught the wave of suburban breaking in 1984.” Buck continues,...

From a young age, bow ties have been a part of Alexander’s life. The small accessory, completes every outfit he wears and feels uniquely him. As he grows up, he plans to continue his bow tie wearing ways, picking new ones out each day into college.

Oskar Alexander ’23 Grows into the Bow

Sofia Perlman, In-Depth Editor March 7, 2023

Who knew that what started as a preschool Easter outfit accessory would become a staple in Oskar Alexander ‘23’s wardrobe for years to come. A defining feature of his everyday outfits, Alexander is...

Stafford stands in front of the debate team’s extensive trophy
case. Not pictured: the rest of the trophies that sit outside of the
debate room. Terveen notes, “[There is] definitely no [pressure to
win]. Although he is of course very proud when teams do well!”

Passionate Debating Minus the Pressure

Faith Zhao, Staff Writer March 7, 2023

Shane Stafford and Sandy Berkowitz were originally debate rivals. Now married, they coach debate together.  The first time they met, they were at a tournament at Princeton University. After the debate,...

Both Maddie and Sarah maintain their passion for service by remaining involved in various communities. Over winter break, Maddie volunteered with Alight, at organization that helps to resettle Afghan refugees. She explained, “we had a bunch of different events that I ended up going to, including a figure skating event to teach Afghan youth how to skate ... It was hard for them because they kept falling, but really heartwarming to see that they were laughing.” Sarah attended events at Everymeal and Feed my Starving Children. In the future, she hopes to continue to volunteer with those organizations and branch out to discover new ways to help.

Hsia Sisters Explore Passion for Service

Mackenzie Higgins, Online Editor January 29, 2023

From leading the Hunger Committee and Community Service Board (CSB) Leadership Committee, to volunteering at Learning in Style School, Every Meal, and Feed My Starving Children, Maddie ‘23 and Sarah...

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