The Minuteman: The Official Newspaper of Newark Academy since 1940

The Minuteman

The Official Newark Academy Newspaper

Legacy, FOP, & Fight Club: Student Council Update

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By Aidan Fox ’16, News Editor

Matt Thekkethala ’15, school president, has lofty goals for this year’s student council. “I want this to be the year that everyone talks about for years to come. I want to accomplish this by doing things very differently, really quirky things that will stick out. I view this year as an experiment, not just for myself but for Newark Academy, to change and develop our culture. That’s the impact and legacy that I want to leave and I think this Council will be able to do that.” He said that the council began the year on the right foot, with the “most productive meeting ever” on the annual council retreat to Milford, Pennsylvania. He is extremely confident in his council and says he could not have asked for a better group of students and faculty. While the members do not always work cohesively, Ms. Galvin, the faculty advisor of the council, does not see this as a significant problem. “Things get a little passionate, but I’d much rather have passion than apathy.”

There are several exciting proposed events that may occur later in the semester. One is a waffle day, in which council members would make and sell waffles all morning.* Another is part of the busy night of Friday, December 5th. In addition to the Shabat dinner organized by Jewish Club and a game tournament coordinated by Robotics & Engineering**, Matt has proposed a “Fight Club” event. He describes an arm-wrestling tournament in “a sketchy part of Newark Academy like the basement or golf cart room.” Like in the film of the same name, the winner of the tournament would receive a pink bar of soap. If this is approved, Matt will succeed in his goal of making “quirky things that will stick out.” All of the council sponsored activities will contribute to making “this year the year that everyone talks about for years to come.” Finally, Ms. Galvin advises the student body to “expect more surprise food adventures.”

 

"To me, these shirts represent more than just pieces of fabric stitched together with different color schemes and graphics - they embody the sense of community and purpose that NA has always fostered. These shirts, which hundreds of people now have, are timeless because regardless of what year they're from, they represent a desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The stitching signifies the relationships that have been woven together through the years while the different colors and designs are proof of the creativity and uniqueness that each new student body brings. I think these shirts are a reminder to never forget our sense of purpose and to encourage us to work for a cause, rather than applause." - Ian Cali '08
“To me, these shirts represent more than just pieces of fabric stitched together with different color schemes and graphics – they embody the sense of community and purpose that Newark Academy has always fostered. These shirts, which hundreds of people now have, are timeless because regardless of what year they’re from, they represent a desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The stitching signifies the relationships that have been woven together through the years, while the different colors and designs are proof of the creativity and uniqueness that each new student body brings. I think these shirts are a reminder to never forget our sense of purpose and to encourage us to work for a cause, rather than applause.” – Ian Cali ’08

 

One success that the Council has already made this year is the Run for FOP. After 10 consecutive years of the Run, the council was faced with the question of whether to continue the tradition. President Thekkethala commented that despite poor turnouts in previous years, “[they] didn’t want to be the council that dropped [the] FOP [run],” so the Run occurred on Sunday, November 2nd. It is an event that raises awareness and funds for FOP, a vicious disease that Ian Cali ’08 suffers from in which muscle is turned to bone. Ms. Galvin, who stays in touch with him, calls him a “very charming, smart young man.” Many showed up to run, walk, cheer, compete in the cutest dog contest, or roast marshmallows over the fire-regulated “bonfirito.” In addition to having fun, the milestone $175,000 mark for total funds over 11 years was passed. Thekkethala appreciates the value of the event, saying, “It’s a very meaningful event to the community and is very close to Newark Academy’s heart.” Jason Cali, Ian’s brother, reflects, “It’s such a tribute to the school community that they remain motivated by this cause.”  Thekkethala agrees, stating, “The sheer fact that we’re still doing it after 11 years—especially considering that no student currently at Newark Academy has ever gone to school with Ian—is incredible. It’s a testament to the love and passion in our community, and for that reason, I’m glad we chose to do it again.” It would be hard to find someone who is not glad about it. It does not look like this valuable event will be dropped any time in the near future.

*Waffle Day did in fact come to fruition on Thursday, November 20th.

**Jewish Club and Robotics & Engineering have since dropped their events for December 5th due to Saturday testing.

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