The Stentorian Newspaper

Author: Marcellus Day

  • The Ramifications of The Return To An Old Title IX Policy

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    Title IX is a famous, yet misunderstood policy on our campus. Everyone knows about it; we joke about it in the hallway and we half read then delete the emails about it. However, our last email about Title IX was a notification from our Title IX Coordinator, JAshe, that NCSSM has updated their Title IX procedures in compliance with federal standards, but what changed and what does that change mean for students?

    On June 23, 1972 the first ever Title IX policy was published with the main goal of of ending sex discrimination in federally funded eduaction progams and activities. However, the policy has come under attack, being criticized for extending beyond its original intentions and being unnecessary altogether; Title IX cannot be found on the Department of Education website as of April 15th, 2025. This has led to a variety of legal challenges to the policy and changes, but here’s what you need to know about our current changes.

    NCSSM’s Title IX no longer provides protections for LGBTQ+ students. This change is in compliance with Trump’s Executive Order “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government” and recent rulings from the Federal Courts. Here is the direct statement from our Title IX Office in the email sent on March 27th: 

    “Incidents of gender based harassment and discrimination that impact LGBTQ+ students can be resolved through the Code of Conduct procedures separate from the Title IX process; this includes discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.”

    Effectively, Title IX policies will no longer apply to students who are seeking protections for LGBTQ+ related discrimination. Instead, students in those situations can receive support from the Code of Conduct. However, discrimination is not a specific major or minor violation, so the discrimination would have to be in line with some other outlined violation such as physical/sexual violence although verbal abuse is unclear. While some informal resolutions may take place, this change will prevent students from many protections.

    However, these guidelines are not clear. As of April 15th, 2025 our nondiscrimination policy still seems to define gender, gender identity, and gender expression and imply that they are still protected by Title IX, although this is not the case. Further, developments are being watched as our system is needlessly complex and know that if you or someone you know are experiencing discrimination or harassment you can still reach out to a trusted NCSSM employee for support. 

  • The Service Learning Requirement Is Designed To Fail Students

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    At NCSSM, we brag about forcing our students to do community service, because we are an educational organization and not the justice system when someone commits a minor crime. From the moment we’re accepted, our objectives are made clear: stay on top of insanely hard classes, complete random courses about how to be a good person, and apply said courses to real life by doing 60 hours of community service- or don’t bother graduating. NCSSM’s policy is crafted with good intent; since the school is responsible for removing intellectual talent from local communities, why not force students to babysit kids at their local YMCA? However, a policy meant to help shape students into active members of their communities is not designed with all students in mind. 

    First, let’s walk through the numbers. Students are required to complete 60 hours of community service by Thanksgiving of their Senior year. Fair enough, right? This number seems reasonable until you consider the amount of time it takes to be a student at NCSSM. Including classes (~40 hours), one sport (~7.5 hours), one club (~3 hours), the on campus service requirement (3-4 hours), and taking care of eating and sleeping (77 hours), it takes around 130.5 hours a week to be a student at NCSSM.. That leaves a total of 37.5 hours a week to do other activities. Which, at face value, sounds like loads of time, assuming you don’t bathe, you’ll teleport to where you need to be, and that you have no friends or family that want to hang out with you. Essentially, it is nearly impossible to complete community service hours while at school, since one simply does not have the time. 

    Obviously, this issue can be easily solved; just complete the service requirement over breaks and summers! However, this simple solution is not accessible to many students as it makes one crucial assumption: that everyone’s home life is just like their school life. Being at NCSSM means a guaranteed roof over your head, three meals a day, support for mental and physical health issues, and a safe environment. This may not be the case for every student at home, and could prevent a student from completing the service requirement. The truth is that living away from home comes with its own set of financial obligations that every student’s family might not be able to cover without the student working over breaks. For many students, the service learning requirement simply isn’t a priority at home, and even if it is, what counts towards the service requirement?

    In order to be logged for the requirement, the volunteer opportunity must be in North Carolina (excluding online programs based in NC), and the student must not accept any type of payment for the service. So here’s an issue: what does one do when there are no opportunities in their area? Let’s take my hometown, Princeville, as an example. Suppose you search “volunteer” on Google Maps in my hometown. In that case, three results pop up: A Habitat for Humanity, which apparently is located inside a building that is currently being renovated into apartments with no phone number or website, a volunteer firefighter station which only accepts volunteers who have graduated high school, and a community outreach center, which doesn’t exist anymore. But why rely on Google? I’m an active member of the community, so I should go out to find more options. Princeville has a library and a senior center, both of which are not accepting volunteers at this time, a retirement home that requires volunteers to be  18 or older, and various churches, in which I’m not sure if they would love my help, considering I’m transgender. To keep it simple: there is no opportunity in my hometown, and I’m sure other students from rural areas feel the same way.

    NCSSM’s current remedy for this issue is to provide on-campus service opportunities during the school year (remember those 37 hours of free time?). They can be great means of gaining additional hours, but NCSSM has recently limited which on-campus services count. So, does NCSSM offer enough service learning hours on campus for students who cannot get them elsewhere? I would answer no, especially not accessible hours, as these events often conflict with clubs and sports. Besides, having to do all your hours on campus defeats the purpose of limiting on-campus opportunities in the first place. 

    The Service Learning Requirement fails all students by not being accessible to any student who does not have certain opportunities. While it tries to make up for it in various ways, it doesn’t change the fact that the policy was not intended to serve students but to serve NCSSM’s institutional ego. So while our current and future juniors stress out about meeting an arbitrary number, I wish our failed seniors a happy credit recovery. 

  • Reynolds Moves to Mods

    Reynolds Moves to Mods

    (Louisa Weinard/Stentorian)

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    As a part of the campus’s renovation plans, all of Reynolds moved into the modular units over the February extended weekend to little fanfare. Both Greynolds halls and half of 1d1c2c moved into modular one, and Reynolds 1e2e2d and the other half of 1d1c2c moved into modular two. While this move was warranted with the plethora of issues the building was facing, many Reynold’s students advocated for the move not to happen, due to it being so late in the year. Regardless, on March 2nd all were moved into the modular units, where Reynolds will likely stay until Spring 2026. Here are some of their thoughts about mod life and the move:

    “I like the bigger room, but otherwise, Reynolds was much better. If I wanted to hike to class through the rain every day, I would’ve lived on Royall, and I went from a hall size of 10 people to a size of 45- a HUGE change for the middle of the school year. The walls are paper thin, and everything feels temporary- because it’s meant to be.” – Anonymous

     “It was generally alright, just wish we had more of an opportunity to see rooms and that jazz prior to the move.” – Anonymous

    “The facilities are nice, but we still haven’t gotten soap dispensers (we’re having an intense soap shortage and have learned the art of violently pressing the bare soap box skeletons with our palms and rubbing them together for a slim hope of making bubbles) and it’s too far away from classes. However, there’s a dual-edge sword to its far location; at the end of the day it feels satisfying after a long walk to finally settle down in your dorm room. It feels like a sense of coming home, though in a weird, temporary way. “ – Lily Galapon

    The class of 2027 can also expect to live on the modular units, which might shift campus perception on them as they move in at the start of their NCSSM careers. In the meanwhile, all current Reynolds people are preparing to move out for the second time, with the seniors saying goodbye to campus forever. 

  • NCSSM Administration to start “Palentines” initiative

    NCSSM Administration to start “Palentines” initiative

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    After determining this year’s Valentine’s Day to not be “up to community standards,” NCSSM’s administration has been looking at launching a new “Palentines” initiative to encourage community bonding. 

    NCSSM has long prided itself on helping facilitate “close-knit communities” and “life-long friendships.” However, this year the community statistics have shown a decrease in both, with close-knit communities only being loosely knit and life-long friendships being reduced to semester-long. “This is very concerning,” an NCSSM community statistician told Stentorian journalists. “Without these statistics being up to standard, we can’t brag about them on our website!” 

    Nowhere were these stats proven more true than this year’s Valentine’s Day, where indeed no love was in the air. In an attempt to remedy this, the statisticians enlisted SG to create the PFM complement tree in addition to reportedly supplying them with unlimited Lindor chocolates to bribe their friends with. However, their chocolate tricks did not work; on social media, NCSSM saw a 30% decrease in Galentine’s Day Instagram posts and a 25% increase in Instagram stories with sad songs and cringey messages. 

    Due to these concerning statistics, NCSSM administration is developing a new initiative for Valentine’s Day called Palentines. This initiative would seek to increase community on campus by giving students time to build friendships. The program would randomly pair each person on campus with a Palentine and mandate that they spend an hour of “quality time” together before logging their experience in Schoolinks. 

    “This will be greatly beneficial to the larger community, as we all know that forcing students to do something is the best way to get them to enjoy it,” an administrative staff member reported. This initiative is currently being tested on lab rats to ensure statistical success, and if successful, it will most likely be initiated in 2026.

  • 1-800-FINALGIRL: The Only Hotline For Your Final Needs

    1-800-FINALGIRL: The Only Hotline For Your Final Needs

    (Marcellus Day)

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    Have you or a loved one recently realized that all your friends have been killed by the killer that’s been chasing you? Are you currently discovering this killer’s identity as that loved one is killed off-screen? 

    Then call the Final Girl Hotline, the only hotline for all your final needs! Our group of girls–who aren’t like other girls–wait around the clock to provide top-quality service to you as you mediocrely end this film! 

    We can provide improvised weapons like wire cords with same-day shipping. Feel like you know the killer? We can provide a convenient flashback to explain why, somehow, it is morally complicated that you must defeat them. 

    Our service isn’t just for your current final girl situation but for your final girl life! We can provide a convenient return to your normal life where you are not at all traumatized by seeing all your friends die, followed by a mysterious cliffhanger. 

    Then, if the network allows it, we can provide a sequel where your normal life is interrupted by a guy you’ve definitely killed already. We can even throw in a possessed child for a fraction of the cost! 

    So, if you’re a final girl, call us on your phone–that will definitely die mid-call–at 1-800-FINALGIRL! 

    *Please note we are not in operation on Halloween Night or Friday the 13th for the holidays.

  • Another NCSSM Ghost Guide

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    As the spooky season comes upon us, ghouls are fueled by fall fun, pumpkin spice, and midterm stress. To keep you aware of the recent hauntings, the Unicorn Paranormal Team has put together another guide on ghosts and how to handle them.

    The Book Whisperer is a ghost that can be found in all parts of campus. Said to take on the forms of various assigned readings, it softly whispers into the victims’ ears that they don’t need to do their reading and that it’s all common sense anyway. This ghost is rampant, and we have not found a 100% effective way to deal with them. The current conjecture is to throw the reading at the figure, although that has seen expensive fallbacks.

    The Hill Haunted is a particularly interesting ghoul; a former S’math student who went into Haunted Hill was scared to death. Some say that an actor tripped him, and others say they buried him in the volleyball court beside Hill. All we know is he shifts the position of the ground to make unsuspecting victims trip and fall in odd places such as up the stairs. If found, fall gracefully and strike a cool pose; he will be so frustrated that his attempt failed he will retreat to his resting place. 

    Please keep yourself safe this Halloween, and remember: be on the lookout, and if you see something, report it to the Unicorn Paranormal Activity Team.

  • Why You Should Consider Joining RHum

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    While many seniors are thinking of college admission, many juniors are thinking of a different type of admission: the one for research. A common question asked is should one do RSci or Research in the Humanities (RHum)? The answer is why not both, and furthermore, why not RHum? 

    Earlier this year, Teresa Fang ‘25 wrote an astonishing article where she emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary academics and practice. This couldn’t be more true; the limits of research are never confined to just one field. 

    If one wishes to be an effective academic, one should be well versed in all their curiosity–including ones that are not traditionally considered “useful”, which is in quotes as when one says not useful they usually mean not profitable. As Fang points out, the tools humanities arm you with go beyond your humanities research and into effectively communicating, critically thinking and questioning. So, then why not research the humanities?

    The common answer to this is that it’s not “useful,” but useful is not used in the sense of profit but of leverage. So here’s a sense of truth: a college will not accept you purely because you are in impressive, STEM focused academic programs. 

    You can do a hundred RSci programs, and still not be what they are looking for. They are looking for your curiosity. What sparks it and do you follow it? If a humanities question sparks you, follow it, and even if you have no specific question let your interest as a human lead you. The follow-through of something that captivates you, is way more impressive than something you did to put on your resume. RHum is designed to captivate and explore captivation. 

    Additionally, humanities research goes beyond the capabilities of science research. Certainly, there are some questions that are furthered by science, but Humanities doesn’t serve as an add-on to pick up where STEM drops off, it goes where STEM cannot. Humanities concerns itself with questions not necessarily bound by the same restrictions as STEM, not to say that humanities doesn’t come with its own complex restrictions. You are bound by human thought, records, and where you can take yourself. We can take the work of STEM and apply it, as questions of AI usage, or we can take it outside of the science sphere and expand. 

    Make no mistake, however, I am not arguing against the RSci programs; I do hobbyist research in math and believe that you should go where curiosity leads you. I am arguing for your serious consideration of all Research in the Humanities programs, despite the doubts rebuked above. It is an experience that strengthens the heart and skills of a researcher, and if not that is sure is a lot of fun. 

    Here are some of the research opportunities in the Humanities!

    Research Experience in the Humanities, (REXHum)

    Available to all students who have completed AmStud I, this course serves as the introduction to humanities research for all who are interested, even if you have conducted research in the past. Students learn the basic skills of research, and produce a thesis. This course is available to juniors and seniors and is a choice for a prerequisite of RHum.

    Summer Research in the Humanities, (SRIPHum)This program introduces students to research inside and outside of archives, libraries, and the world. A three-week program during the summer, students get the opportunity to travel to diverse museums and research a question of their choice. The student will produce an abstract, that they will get to present to a group of peers, and at the SRIP Showcase. This is a summer experience offered to juniors via application, and can also serve as a prerequisite for RHum alternatively to REXHum.

    Research in the Humanities (RHum)

    This is a course taught in the fall semester surrounding your research. The course aims to encourage students to enhance their reading and writing skills while expanding their knowledge in general topics and their research questions of choice. Students will produce a full research paper and will have the chance to be published in Fifth World, the student humanities research journal of NCSSM. This course is only for seniors who have met the RHum requirements.

    Luckily, for both juniors and seniors, there is still time to apply and do research! I do hope that you consider, apply, and pursue any curiosity of the humanities; it is a worthy pursuit. 

  • The Scoop On Big Spoon

    The Scoop On Big Spoon

    Big Spoon.

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    With the stress of everyday life at NCSSM, it can be difficult to develop passions with your friends, much less start a whole band. But not for this group! Here’s the “scoop” about Big Spoon! 

    Big Spoon is NCSSM’s very own student-led band, playing the songs of their choice at a variety of school and community events. Big Spoon was founded in 2023 by Grand-Senior James Dudek ‘24,. who wanted to create something where students could come together to make music and build bonds. Along the way, he found some friends that shared his passion, and they started the band as we know it. 

    The History

    The name was not always Big Spoon–the group thought of many possible names, including “Dubious Boobius” and “The After-Hours,” a reference to their late practice times. The final name came from one of the original members’ roles in the spring musical Beauty and The Beast, and from then on they were “Big Spoon.” They have since performed at every Koffehaus–the school’s monthly outdoor talent show–and created Unipalooza, NCSSM’s own spin on Lollapalooza, a mini concert full of music and friends. 

    Even though all of the original members of Big Spoon have graduated, Big Spoon is still at large! This year will be the third generation of Big Spoon, aptly named Big Spoon the 3rd. For long-time and incoming Little Spoons (the nickname for their fans), here’s what they’re stirring up!

    Meet This Year’s Spooners

    Shirley Tian ‘25: Hey!! I’m Shirley–classical pianist, indie-rock guitarist, and guitarist for Big Spoon the Third. My top artists right now are flipturn, Radiohead, and Fiona Apple.

    Isaac Bosman ‘25: Hey I’m Isaac and I play lead guitar for Big Spoon. My top three bands are My Chemical Romance, Mayday Parade, and Blink-182. 

    Kahaan Khatri ‘25: Hello I’m Kahaan, I love playing piano, I have plans to learn guitar, and my favorite artist right now is Crying City!

    Hazel Cochran ‘26: Hi! My name is Hazel and I’m so excited to be joining Big Spoon as lead vocals. I also play guitar, bass and piano, so you might get to see me on those too. My top three artists would definitely have to be le tigre, Mitski, and Ludwig Goransson. I can’t wait to get onstage and play music with the band, and I hope to see all of you there!

    Anna Tringale ‘25: Hi! My name is Anna Tringale, I’m from Mooresville (originally from Detroit) and I’m the biggest, baddest bassist for Big Spoon this year! My three favorite artists are System of a Down, Stromae, and PSY! 

    Jiya Zaveri ‘26: Heyy, I’m Jiya and I’m from Greensboro (shoutout northwest!) and I’m on drumset for Big Spoon this year. Some of my favorite artists are The Neighborhood, Ethel Cain, Maneskin and Arctic Monkeys, and I’m so pumped to play for you!

    Big Spoon The 3rd 

    This generation of Spooners plan to be just as active as the Spooners before them. To get the inside scoop, I interviewed lead member Shirley Tian and lead guitarist Isaac Bosman ‘, slightly adjusted for clarity:

    What is your personal history with Big Spoon?

    Tian: I started playing guitar about a year and a half ago, and I really enjoy it. I remember going up to the Physics department and playing their little pink guitar. I was already close with some of them (the members), and Linda [Xue ‘24] finally got me into it. They asked me to play “Bags” with them on the piano.

    Bosman: I’ve always been into music with orchestra and guitar. James asked me to sing at the last Koffeehaus, which I said no to, but I did end up playing guitar. After that, I just started jamming with them.

    What is your fondest memory with Big Spoon?

    Tian: My fondest memory is goofing off with the band during practice. We’re all there to have fun, and it’s nice to just have fun.

    Bosman: My favorite memory was Malcolm [Louigarde ‘25] screaming his heart out to “Butterfly Wings” at Unipalooza.

    To you, what is Big Spoon all about?

    Bosman: Big Spoon is all about the people and the music. We just get to make music with cool, talented people.

    What advice do you have to anyone who wants to get involved with Big Spoon?

    Tian: Reach out! We love it when people come jam with us. You can message us @bigspoonband on Instagram or reach out to me or Isaac @shirleybirleyy and @isaac.bosman.

    Big Spoon plans to play at every Koffeehaus this year, and around May 3rd they will be hosting another Unipalooza! Come see them–there’s something for everybody!

  • The Striped Secrets behind Hunt’s Restricted Area

    The Striped Secrets behind Hunt’s Restricted Area

    Marcellus Day.

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    As a journalist and scientific mind, it is my job to question that which no one has and adventure into the mundane. I was taking my daily stroll down to Hunt Kitchen to feed Sam, the Sink Sea-Creature, as no one has been shoving food down the sink for him to eat (or so he tells me), and stopped to remark upon the unremarkable, or so it seemed. 

    An unassuming door labeled “Restricted Area: To protect people and equipment use of this space requires permission of Engineering Faculty.” Now this got me thinking, what does the school have to hide from us? I had to drop this thought as I heard the yelp of a student who Sam had eaten. Sea creatures can be so melodramatic sometimes. 

    Later that night I was sitting in one of the Hunt couches trying to unpack why Chris crossed Applesauce and what could be done to repair the friendship, when I saw two zebra-striped jacket-wearing cloaked figures enter the restricted area with a suspicious box. I watched them closely, and they left with no box. 

    Unbeknownst to these figures, a thin, strong yellow strand, of what seemed like hay,  fell out of their sleeves when they went to lock the door. I picked it up and ran to my room to add it to my “Is J-Todd A Lizard” board. Chris then called me to remind me about my mission. I thanked him and quickly made a “Is the Restricted Hunt Room a Cult Meeting Place?” board.

    I had the evidence, but I needed a plan of attack. Then I remembered something: the figures were wearing zebra-print jackets for the Zebracorns, one of the school robotics teams! All I had to do was pretend to be a part of the team, and BOOM–I would be in. 

    The plan worked like a charm; all I had to say was that I was an important robotics person, and suddenly they all wanted my secret knowledge. Which, of course, I would have to give them in secret. 

    They led me inside the room, and a foul stench hit my nose: horse manure. Upon them leading me further inside, I was horrified but impressed. There were at least 100 zebras all in their own pens. Mysterious cloaked figures were feeding them and brushing their hair. 

    I quickly remarked on how that is a lot of zebras for a high school robotics team, to which they replied in the most nonchalant way that they skin them for their uniforms. Like an upstanding civilian, I whipped my phone out of my pocket to call PETA, but just as I did, Chris called me first! 

    My cover was immediately blown, and I had to sprint to safety. Unfortunately, the only place I could think of was under the sink with Sam. If you see this, save me first then save the zebras.

  • Did Deadpool & Wolverine Save the MCU?

    Did Deadpool & Wolverine Save the MCU?

    Lindeman & Associates.

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” I say as the guy who I knocked out is right behind me. Comedy gold; I won the Oscar for that one. If you’ve been tuning into the recent movies to come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) lately, you are no stranger to moments such as the one above.

    It’s no secret that the MCU has been on a decline in terms of quality ever since they started toying with the multiverse and making sure that no decision actually has any weight because everything can be undone. So, to see another Deadpool movie come out was really refreshing. Finally, something that can be compelling but not take itself too seriously; y’know how long I’ve been waitin’ for this? I saw it in theaters opening weekend, although I was unfortunately not able to snag one of the gorgeous limited-edition popcorn buckets. It’s safe to say that while I was not disappointed, Deadpool is not Marvel Jesus.

    Deadpool and Wolverine, aka Deadpool 3, is an action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The movie follows Deadpool after the events of Deadpool 2 and in the plot conflict of saving his timeline as he knows it. To do so, he must find Wolverine, and after an iconic dance scene with Logan’s bones (seriously, search “Deadpool Intro Bye Bye Bye” on YouTube; I promise it is worth your time), he hops dimensions to find another Wolverine. Through a series of well-placed cameos who will make a name for themselves and a captivating emotional scene to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”–one that I have watched too many times–they ultimately save his universe. Vague description, I know, but I’m dedicated to giving no spoilers. 

    Overall, the movie was fun and lighthearted. I recommend seeing it if you need a good laugh and are into Deadpool’s humor or if you want to get the hidden references throughout this article to a card-slinging Cajun. 

    However, overall it was the same movie we have been seeing from the MCU, but this time with more provocative jokes. It ran through the “Oh no, my timeline, gotta go save it. Look at all these wacky hijinks and weird characters made possible by the multiverse. Oops, we spent so much time with wacky hijinks we forgot to make a complex villain, but that doesn’t matter because our hero just saved the day through the power of human connection.” Which is something we’ve seen a thousand times now. 

    While Deadpool and Wolverine is definitely better than most of the stuff that we’ve seen come from this era of Marvel, I don’t think it single-handedly saved the MCU. But who knows, with movies like Blade and The Fantastic Four: First Steps scheduled for 2025, this may be the start of something new.