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  • Knife Violence: A Prominent Issue in the United Kingdom

    Knife Violence: A Prominent Issue in the United Kingdom

    By Om Nair / May 24, 2024

    A protest against gun and knife crime in Brixton, London, in May 2024. (Peter Marshall/Alamy)

    In 2023, on a Sunday night in the midsts of North London, a gang of thugs burst into a rural chicken shop and slashed a young man with their machetes as customers (and other employees working behind the counter) fled during the attack. The young man desperately crawled under the counter, hoping to hide from the lively mob. Sadly, it was no use. The group of thugs climbed over the top and, according to an article published by The Sun, “continued their attack on him” (Duffy). After the ordeal had ended, the young man was reported staggering away, with one of his pant legs appearing to have been viciously ripped from a machete blow. When police arrived at the scene (around 9:15 PM), two men – aged 20 and 17 – were taken to the hospital to treat their stab wounds. Fortunately, neither of their injuries were life-threatening. 

    Knife violence incidents are extremely prominent in the United Kingdom, with Home Office data, in March of 2022, showing that there were “261 homicides (currently recorded) using a sharp instrument, including knives and broken bottles. This meant sharp instruments were used in 405 of the 594 homicides that occurred in 2021-22” (UK Parliament). In 2023, in the city of London alone, 21 teenagers were killed – with 18 of them passing away from brutal stabbings.

    Famous English actor and rapper Idris Elba joined protestors from the “Don’t Stop Your Future” campaign outside Parliament, dressed in clothes in shoes that are characteristic of those who have been murdered by knives. “I can’t stay silent as more young lives are lost to these brutal and heartless crimes,” Elba said. “As school returns, too many young people will not be joining their classmates and too many grieving families have lost a young person they love in recent years” (AP News).

    The term “knife crime” has started to become a common phrase used in the media, yet the very definition of this phrase has become ambiguous. Knife crime can refer to a variety of circumstances, ultimately making it difficult to define and even comprehend its popularity in our society. To put it simply, knife crime refers to any illegal act that involves the appearance of a knife. This means that scenarios ranging from sexual assault and robberies can be deemed as a “knife crime.” 

    Recently, the media (news portals, media influencers, politicians, and more) have claimed that crimes involving the use of a knife are an “epidemic” and are detrimentally influencing the younger generation. A research report posted on the National Library of Medicine’s website titled “Exploring UK Knife crime and its associated factors: A content analysis of online newspapers” provided statistics that support this notion by mentioning the emergence of stabbing instances in the United Kingdom and other neighboring countries, “Knife crime offenses in England and Wales have increased by 80% in the last five years, reaching levels not seen since 1946. Offenses involving knives or sharp instruments rose by six percent from 47,388 to 50,019 in England and Wales before the first Covid-19 lockdown was imposed… Most of the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes were Black and Asian, especially young people aged to 10 to 25” (Vinnakota, Rahman, Sathian, etc. al.). 

    Quoted from a report written by Joshua Askew and Sudesh Baniya, ‘violence is like a virus.’ As cases of knife violence continue to surge in England’s society, the sense of fear that is associated with these stabbings will become contagious. That fear is often accompanied by a strong urge for security. Pointed out by Patrick Green, Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Kinsella Trust (an anti-knife crime charity), ‘The vast majority of young people don’t carry knives. They know it is wrong. But there are some who we as a society have failed to keep safe and help make better decisions. Social exclusion, poverty, deprivation, inequality, racism – a whole number of factors make people vulnerable to being drawn into crime and, ultimately, violence. Once it becomes established, it grows quickly.” 

    But, the United Kingdom isn’t the only country that is facing these colossally high knife crime rates. In fact, knife violence is also a prodigious problem in the United States. While the majority of the homicides committed in our nation are done so with the use of a firearm, recent federal research studies have displayed that knives are the second most used weapon of choice in murder cases. 

    So, while the UK government has been heavily criticized for their inability to maintain their high knife-crime rates in their streets, it is worth mentioning that knife violence is not just a local issue on the streets of London or Manchester, but rather a global complication concerning several countries and their citizens. A write-up created by Robert Kaiser named “The Global Rise of Knife Crime” jumped into this idea by providing statistics pertaining to certain countries that have shockingly high knife crime instances, “Let me highlight just a few headlines and dates of some rather horrendous violent incidents involving edged weapons from around the world, helping us to understand that it is a global issue, not limited to a certain belief, language, culture or country… Germany: Newspapers reported about a serious increase in knife crime, telling us that ‘…more than 1,600 knife-related crimes were reported in Germany during just the first five months of 2017, an average of 300 each month, or 10 each day.’ On the 20th of July this year (2018), at least 14 people have reportedly been wounded, two of them seriously, in a knife attack on a bus in Lubeck, Germany… Israel: Only a few days ago, on the 14 November 2018, a terrorist wounded seven police officers in a stabbing attack in Jerusalem… Australia: On November 9th, 2018, a man set a car on fire and stabbed three people in Melbourne, one fatally. He died in hospital after being shot by police.”

    Knife violence is a problem that is rarely mentioned or thought about when talking about global issues. Understanding the prominence of knife crimes, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the world as a whole, can help several communities pay more attention to the gruesome (and frequent) consequences of knife violence.

    So, the next time that you find yourself participating in a discussion regarding difficult situations happening across the world, consider shedding light on knife violence and educating your peers on this topic. By talking about knife violence (and other sensitive subjects), we can help administer change by cultivating more attention around this problem.

    Citations:

    1).https://www.euronews.com/2023/04/20/violence-is-like-a-virus-why-are-so-many-british-kids-stabbing-each-other

    2). https://www.statista.com/statistics/195325/murder-victims-in-the-us-by-weapon-used/

    3). https://www.gafirm.com/legal-blog/commonly-used-weapons-for-homicides/

    4). https://www.ppss-group.com/blog/the-global-rise-of-knife-crime-why/

  • Life After NCSSM: Alumni Insights

    Life After NCSSM: Alumni Insights

    By Khushi Bhatt / March 20, 2024
    Dr. Kamal Kolappa and his wife, Dr. Shraddha Kolappa, at NCSSM on December 8, 2023, at an event at NCSSM honoring the naming of the Kolappa Conference Room. (McKissick for NC)

    As students, it’s natural to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of classes, exams, and extracurricular activities, often forgetting to envision our lives beyond the confines of NCSSM. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Kamal Kolappa, a graduate of the Class of 1998, who shared his journey after his time here at Science and Math. Kamal’s trajectory is both inspiring and insightful, serving as a beacon of guidance for those of us approaching graduation.

    After ‘SSM, Kamal pursued his undergraduate studies at Duke University and later embarked on attending UNC Medical School and later completing his residency as a cardiologist. It’s evident that Kamal’s commitment to learning and service has remained throughout his professional endeavors.

    Today, Kamal resides in Cary, North Carolina, where he contributes his expertise to the field of medical insurance. During our conversation, Kamal generously imparted invaluable advice and wisdom, which I am eager to share with you all. His insights serve as a reminder of the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.

    Below is a Q&A with Kolappa, slightly edited for clarity:

    Can you share some highlights from your time at SSM? What are some memorable experiences or moments that shaped your journey?

    One of the most impactful moments during my time at SSM was when I had the opportunity to meet someone who openly identified as LGBTQ+. Coming from Eastern North Carolina, where discussions about sexual orientation were often taboo or nonexistent, encountering someone who openly embraced their identity was both eye-opening and nerve-wracking for me.

    Initially, I felt a sense of nervousness and uncertainty as I navigated this new encounter. However, as I engaged in conversations and spent more time with this individual, I quickly realized that we shared far more similarities than differences. Despite our diverse backgrounds and identities, we bonded over shared interests, aspirations, and values.

    This experience profoundly influenced my perspective on diversity, acceptance, and the importance of keeping an open mind. It taught me the invaluable lesson of not judging others based on preconceived notions or societal stereotypes but rather embracing the richness of human diversity and celebrating the unique experiences that each individual brings to the table.

    What hall did you live in?

    Third West!

    How did your experiences at our school prepare you for your career or further education?

    My experiences at our school had a profound impact on preparing me for my career and further education. Before attending ‘SSM, my previous high school experience had been relatively easy, and I hadn’t been challenged to push myself academically or personally. However, upon entering SSM, I encountered a dynamic environment where hard work, dedication, and collaboration were not only encouraged but also essential for success.

    One of the most significant lessons I learned at SSM was the importance of putting in consistent effort and dedication to achieve my goals. Surrounded by peers who were driven and committed to their academic pursuits, I was inspired to elevate my own standards and work ethic. 

    Favorite NCSSM school traditions?

    Koffeehaus was a blast; it provided a lively atmosphere where students could showcase their talents while enjoying each other’s company. IVIZ, on the other hand, offered a more relaxed setting, perfect for casually exploring fellow students’ rooms and mingling with friends. Both traditions added vibrancy to campus life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Overall, they were highlights of my time at NCSSM, providing unforgettable moments of enjoyment and connection.

    What extracurricular activities or programs did you participate in during your time at NCSSM, and how did they contribute to your overall experience?

    During my time at NCSSM, I served as a Peer College Counselor, assisting fellow students through the stressful yet fulfilling college application process. Engaging in Science Olympiad and reaching Nationals provided exciting opportunities to delve into the sciences and collaborate with peers. Additionally, I found immense enjoyment in humanities classes, particularly Asian studies, which broadened my global perspective through exploration of culture and literature. Overall, these experiences contributed significantly to my growth and enriched my education at NCSSM.

    Any advice for current students? Anything you wish you would have done differently? 

    Focusing on refining time management skills is crucial, particularly for those, like myself, who were heavily involved in social activities at Science and Math, balancing academics and social life can be challenging. I highly recommend students seize this opportunity to explore new interests and passions they may not have considered before; it’s a chance for personal growth and discovery. Additionally, learning to prioritize self-care is essential; while academic success is important, it’s equally vital to recognize that grades don’t define one’s worth, nor does the prestige of one’s college choice.

    Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that my time at Science and Math was the most fulfilling and transformative period of my life thus far. The school’s supportive environment and diverse opportunities have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, and the lessons learned here continue to resonate across every aspect of my life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Science and Math to anyone seeking an enriching educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

  • Perspective: NCSSM Apocalypse: Scenes from Around Campus in the Wake of a Storm

    Perspective: NCSSM Apocalypse: Scenes from Around Campus in the Wake of a Storm

    By Avery Prince / September 1, 2023
    A fallen tree lies uprooted at the entrance to Watts Circle on August 15. (Avery Prince/Stentorian)

    Intense storms and winds surrounded the Triangle on August 15th, leaving fallen trees, broken power lines, and power outages across the area. Duke Energy reported over 56,000 power outages, most of which occurred in Durham County. Winds were up to 70 miles per hour, causing trees to fall and creating dangerous driving conditions that lead to multiple crashes and roadway incidents.Across NCSSM’s Durham campus there were several signs of the damage from the storm, fallen trees and broken power lines were amongst the various damage left in the wake of such an intense storm. 

    Before the chaos of this storm, students and faculty gathered in the PEC for NCSSM’s 44th convocation. For the first time in NCSSM history, convocation was centered on NCSSM’s second campus in Morganton, being broadcast over Zoom and projected in Durham. Just as the keynote speaker was about to speak, the power went out and the lights in the PEC shut. A wave of panic ran through the PEC, and faculty calmed students down, encouraging them to remain quiet and stay seated. To pass time, students shined their phone flashlights and sang together, making the most of a difficult situation. Eventually faculty helped students exit the PEC and return to their dorms, where the backup power lit the halls and the heat was intense.

    The storm on August 15 left power lines and trees nearly on top of nearby houses on Broad Street. (Avery Prince/Stentorian)

    NCSSM was faced with over 25 hours with no power. Emergency generators fired up and certain parts of campus had emergency power, covering only necessities.

    Classes were canceled, and students found ways to pass the time and cool off across campus. Bryan Lobby was popular with many students, as it allowed students to charge their various devices and cool off with fans. Many students appreciated this time as an opportunity to bond, and distracted themselves from the unpleasant conditions by spending time bonding with friends by playing card games, socializing, and cooling off together. Late in the afternoon, power returned and the usual rhythm of NCSSM resumed, but the storm had left its mark. 

    While it was not an ideal start to the year for many students, NCSSM students were able to accept this great challenge and make the most of the storm and power outage. 

  • History of Watts Hospital

    By Suchetana Kona / September 1, 2023
    1920 photograph of Watts Hospital. (P. Preston Reynolds)

    Was Ground Reynolds really a morgue? Was Beall a psychiatric ward? As students get accustomed to NCSSM, they  have probably heard from their seniors about the purpose of the rooms they lived in before the school was established. Watts Hospital was opened in 1895 to account for the lack of hospitals in Durham, with its increasing population. During the first few years, Watts hospital was meant to be small, containing only four buildings. They were all connected with corridors that were enclosed during winter, one of which contained patients and isolation rooms, where the others had  the mortuary, autopsy facilities, and a carriage shed. However, as the hospital grew, so did its facilities.

    In 1906, the hospital needed more space and it underwent construction to expand the building, but also the staff. This project was finished around 1909. By this point the hospital included an administration building, operating building, power house, laundry, and one patient pavilion. The entire building was constructed from fireproof material. The first research was located in the pathological and bacteriological labs of the administration building in what is now Watts Lobby.At the time Watts Lobby was the “first of its kind” based on architectural history. Although the new hospital provided for numerous people, there was still a need for expansion. The medical facility underwent another construction period a year later to make a patient pavilion specifically for female patients. The hospital accommodated 98 patients, and had 40 single rooms for nurses with the new building housing other services such as a gym, reception rooms, and more. There was more space dedicated to new medicine practices such as isolation rooms, and a shift towards surgery as the central focus of hospitals. 

    Aerial view of Watts Hospital looking northwest, including the newly completed Valinda Beall Watts pavilion, in the late 1920s.
    (The Herald Sun)

    Later towards the mid-20’s the hospital peaked, ranging from the amount of patients to  the type and quality of the services. More doctors had specialized fields while working there, and the amount of surgeries occurring increased by 25%, which began to dominate the work of the hospital. Due to the rise in surgery cases at the hospital, in 1926, the hospital decided to create a branch for private patients, which has become present day Beall. This expansion eventually led to the hospital receiving an “A” for their services, patient care, and staff. This construction was the final major installment in the hospital.

    The historical journey of Watts Hospital, which eventually evolved into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), had major developments. Even though we will never truly know all the locations of the hospital, it is certain that the hospital was very popular!

  • Do Cheez-It Grooves Really Exist?

    Do Cheez-It Grooves Really Exist?

    By Anjali Kshirsagar / September 1, 2023
    Are these even real? (Cheez-It)

    One day I was sitting in class at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), eating my Cheez-It snack mix, when I happened to glance at the back of the box. This is where Cheez-It generally puts advertisements for their other products. Nothing out of the ordinary, until I saw an ad for Cheez-it Grooves. Recalling my last trip to the grocery store, I tried to remember if I had ever seen a box of Grooves, and came up short. My blood ran cold but I pulled myself together because I, like the rest of us, needed answers. 

    And so the search begins. I turned to the internet first and looked at the reviews for the Cheez-its in question. Just one look and it was clear that there was something more going on. Many comments had wrong capitalization or misspelled words.

    User micheal.r says, “I love some regular Cheez-It crackers. They aren’t going to win any health awards, but are awesome for munching while movie watching.” The part that concerns me here is the special characters in the middle. It seemed like he tried to say “aren’t”, but instead came up with something that looks almost like a code word. What is he hiding? What are Cheez-it Grooves hiding?

    Maybe I’m being paranoid. After all, a journalist who uncovers the truth is susceptible to making enemies. So, I took to the streets. I stopped the first people I saw and asked them, “Have you ever heard of Cheez-It Grooves?” When the answer is inevitably yes, I follow up with, “Have you ever had them before.” Without fail, the answer was no. Nobody has ever had Cheez-It Grooves before. I couldn’t keep this all to myself, so I confided in an RLA on 1E2E2D, Elizabeth Rose (commonly known as Emmie).

    After our discussion, Rose about Cheez-it grooves that had happened earlier that week, she saw the Cheez-it box on a grocery shelf. Dumbfounded, she told me, “Until this past week I have never seen Cheez-It grooves in a grocery store in my life. It was like the matrix had been listening to me and put that Cheez-It grooves [box] in front of me.”

    While Rose and I were discussing this, Lily McColley, (an honorary member of First Beall at the time, but now a full-fledged member), told Rose that she was crazy. McColley said that she in fact has seen Cheez-It Grooves, but has never eaten them. As time went on, she kept contemplating the absurdity that the snack doesn’t exist.

    “I’ve seen them,” she repeats. “I mean, I’ve only ever seen them on the back of a box.”

    I’m not jumping to conclusions, but Cheez-Its is hiding something, and I’m going to figure it out. 

    Stay tuned and stay safe.

  • NCSSM alumni return for Alumni Weekend 2023

    By Teresa Fang / October 23, 2023
    The newly renovated PFM. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)

    For three days in October, Unicorns from all over the nation and world galloped to NCSSM in Durham. Nostalgia filled Bryan lobby as more than 470 NCSSM alumni returned for Alumni Weekend 2023.

    Alumni Weekend is a tradition with 41 years in the running – nearly half a century of connecting Unicorns thanks to the generosity of alumni and the up-to-the-minute NCSSM alumni network. The event plans had been in the works since last year, and thanks to the Alumni Weekend 2023 ReUNIon Committee, Team NCSSM, and the NCSSM Alumni Association, the classes of 1983,’88, ‘93, ‘98, ‘02, ‘08, ‘13, and ‘18 enjoyed a “State of the School” remark, Alumni Awards, class activities and photo slideshows, and student-led campus tours. 

    Around the World, In the Network

    When seniors graduate, they get automatically added to the NCSSM Alumni Network, which currently consists of 12,464 alumni (as of this article’s publication).

    “It’s something that we have here that I think makes us truly special. Any school could have a database, but it’s hard to have the discipline and the persistence to do it over time,” said Brock Winslow, ‘86, the vice chancellor for external relations and chief of staff since 2007. The database traces back to the first graduated class of 1982.

    While the Alumni Association’s Alumni Network is a self-updating network, the contact information is ultimately gathered to organize the Alumni Weekend. The event started on Friday with a Zoom meeting where more than 300 people would join from around the world.

    “Literally, you could see people log in from Singapore. Around the world, you just name it.” Winslow said. “When alumni go to our Facebook page, they can watch this, see the [ReUNIon Committee] officers, get the ‘State of the School’ address, and more.” According to the Alumni Association, about 20 percent of all NCSSM alumni attend the meeting or watch its recording.

    “What I loved the most? I think it was the community of nerds.”

    When a student starts their “flight” at NCSSM, they join hundreds of students like them but are from all areas of North Carolina. Regardless of whether it was connecting with the students and teachers, or taking in the advantages and opportunities, alumni owe their post-high-school lives to their alma mater.

    “Being here definitely grew my network, and helped me grow into myself as a person,” said Maya Mims, ‘18, who is now a math teacher in Washington, D.C. Surprisingly, prior to NCSSM, they hated math. Their classmates and teachers, especially Dr. Dan Teague, helped turn that attitude around. “They definitely helped spark a lot of my love for teaching, math, and academia, so that’s why I’m teaching now.”

    Other alumni made lifelong friends and memories. On Alumni Weekend, many current students noted there were many couples and families present. For example, although Gabriel “Gabe” Whaley and Amy Kim, both ‘08, never dated in high school, they recently got married.

    Whaley, the class of 2008 student body president, is now the CEO and founder of MSCHF, a viral art collective. Despite his laments over the amount of work to do as a president, Whaley enjoyed having fun and connecting with the people at NCSSM, especially his cabinet. 

    “What I loved the most? I think it was the community of nerds. I felt like this was a great place to be myself and grow, other than doing things I should have gotten in trouble for…” He said, keeping his detailed mischiefs off the record. Behind him, his vice president Andrew Ngo quipped that one such deed included copying master keys and distributing them to seniors.

    For Catherine Kirby Dunleavy, ‘88,  she treasured her friendships: “I always felt like [NCSSM] was just the most accepting place I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

    At the time of the interview, she was walking with a group of same-class alumni, the oldest friendship of which was with David Steinmiller, ‘88, when the two met while Dunleavy was reading a magazine in the ETC courtyard before the first day of school. 

    “We were just looking at the [alumni class] slideshows, and I remembered all the activities and cultural stuff we did, not just math and science,” Steinmiller said. “I don’t think you could recreate this like in fancy private schools, because those people aren’t drawn there. NCSSM are the dorks of North Carolina – and that’s the best thing. There’s nothing quite like this, really.”

  • Perspective: Convocation with Two Campuses and One School

    Perspective: Convocation with Two Campuses and One School

    By Sofía Alfaro / September 15, 2023
    Students lit up the out-of-power gym with their phone flashlights during convocation on August 15, 2023. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)

    The students of NCSSM were crowded into the gym bleachers on August 15, 2023, for convocation. As it came closer to 4:00 p.m., the instructors began to sit down on the floor of the gym. Many students thought it was meaningless for them to be in the gym since they couldn’t see the speakers, and it would have been the same experience if the convocation had been over Zoom like last year since the speaker wasn’t even in-person. 

    At 4:20 p.m., the lights began to flicker and soon after, the power went out. The students cheered as they would no longer be forced to listen to a speaker whom some of them couldn’t even see. As the students realized they were stuck in the darkness, they began singing songs while waving their flashlights – as many people do during concerts. As time went on students began to get more restless as they were stuck in a hot gym with more than 600 other people. 

    After the storm passed, the students were released by bleacher sections into the residential buildings. Most students came back to the PEC to get dinner. But by the time students were getting back to their regular routines, the day had gotten darker. Since only Bryan Lobby had working lights and outlets due to the backup generators, the lobby was filled with at least a hundred students. As it got closer to check, students who had friends who lived nearby went to their houses. 

    Everyone did what they could to cool themselves off. At one point in the night, frozen cheesecake bites were put out for students to grab them. In addition to it being free food, it was also a nice cold snack. Though the power outage was inevitable, it would have been nice for Durham’s convocation to have been postponed due to the weather. 

    The thunderstorm outside the Bryan lobby main entrance on August 15, 2023. (Sofía Alfaro/Stentorian)

    August 15 and 16 were very chaotic days, but in those moments we were able to reflect. The PEC is a semi-permanent solution since the complete renovation of the auditorium will span over a few years. A solution that I would like to propose is two different convocations. Having two convocations would have made it easier to postpone it.

    The convocation experience should be completely in-person for both campuses as is graduation.  When I attended the convocation, I was sad to see that I couldn’t see the speaker and I wished that I could have. Neither Durham’s nor Morganton’s Fine Arts program was able to perform which I believe would have made the experience much better. Each campus’ orchestra and band are extremely talented and I would have loved to see them perform.

    Junior Valentina Kimes talked about her experience of the power outage. Though she was very excited for her first day of school she was still stressed and the power outage added to the stress. Even though the power outage created a very hot environment, Kimes was still able to have fun and believed that it was a good way to connect with her classmates. Most of this bonding happened in Bryan Lobby. Due to classes being canceled, many students were in Bryan Lobby so they could charge their devices. Not only were they able to charge their devices but they were also able to spend time with their peers and take a break from the intense NCSSM school day. 

    The power outage was a bonding experience but many juniors and seniors alike were not able to experience it to its full extent. Convocation is the day when all the students and faculty come together to appreciate NCSSM; Durham and Morganton are completely separate campuses that have their own cultures. To appreciate NCSSM for what it is would be to have a convocation where the speaker and students can come together and appreciate the uniqueness of each campus.

  • Review: At The Movies, A Click Away

    Review: At The Movies, A Click Away

    By Horacio Monterrosas / September 11, 2023

    Whether streaming from the comfort of your own home or screening at your local theater, films are a part of most people’s everyday lives. Studios know that audiences want what’s new and rely on you to see their latest productions while supplies last, given the ongoing strikes in Hollywood.

    In August, NCSSM students may have had the chance to see a movie in the ETC lecture hall or courtyard. But given our busy schedules and the cost of catching every new release with friends or family in theaters, a significant share of the student body chooses streaming to stay updated on what’s new. This past month, studios released a wide range of genre films on streaming, from an economical indie thriller, a cheap horror movie, an acclaimed romance, and a fun animated flick.

    Benson, played by actor Kyle Gallner, in “The Passenger” (2023). (Paramount Pictures)

    The Passenger (B+)

    Kyle Gallner will become one of the greats. People just don’t know it yet. You may have noticed him as Bradley Cooper’s comrade in “American Sniper,” the bigot in “Dear White People,” and the detective in last year’s “Smile.” Lately, Gallner has found a niche playing tough characters in independent films (often people with a turbulent nature). In August alone, three of his movies were released back-to-back.

    Among them, “The Passenger” has his most intricate portrayal as a disgruntled fast-food worker who abducts his timorous associate, aiming to “fix” him by driving him to confront his troubled past while going on a violent killing spree. This thriller is a gateway for Gallner, whose character recognizes his control over his passenger, to show off his range, shifting from quietly forbidding to aggressively demanding without missing a beat or sacrificing the story’s tone. With thematic undertones regarding shared trauma, “The Passenger” is a suffocating thriller with brief spurts of realistic violence and an outstanding lead performance.

    Clemens and Anna, played by actors Corey Hawkins and Aisling Franciosi respectively, in the film “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (2023). (Screen Rant/Universal Pictures)

    The Last Voyage of the Demeter (C–)

    The movie opens in 1897 when the police find a merchant ship, the Demeter, washed ashore with no signs of life on board. After cutting back in time, the story’s reliance on this detail to generate tension (that is, that the passengers are doomed the moment they embark) wears out quickly. The film’s second misstep is its dependence on CGI for any type of spectacle, be it a fire, storm, or demonic beast. In doing so, it traps itself in a corner, as having too much of it correlates with making it low-quality, forcing the visual artists to obscure that CGI with a dark fog that makes it difficult to see any action.

    As a result, this simplistic story becomes a redundant creature feature stretched into two long hours with hammy performances and arbitrary, ineffective jump scares. The story shoots itself in the foot from the start, for the lazy, inert writing will drain your energy more than a vampire ever could and induce an eye-roll when it tries to set up a sequel.

    Hae Sung and Nora, played by actors Teo Yoo and Greta Lee respectively, in the romantic drama “Past Lives” (2023). (Celine Song)

    Past Lives (B)

    “Past Lives” is a heartfelt “what could have been” romance that savors each passing second with a tranquilizing score and a desolate atmosphere, using lengthy takes of silent contemplation to explore the relationship between two childhood friends, one of whom is married, who reunite after decades apart. But the inner distance between the two extends past the scenery’s cold blues and lonely grays to the script itself. We are passive observers, seeing none of the two characters’ lives during their separation and learning little else to expand their personalities beyond the “one who stayed” and the “one who went away.”

    Greta Lee and Teo Yoo are exceptional in their roles, as is John Magaro as the husband whose honesty in feeling uneasy feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that commonly has that archetype conceal their emotions. The film’s highlight is a scene at a bar illuminated by a warm orange light, where the three individuals, each with their own train of thought, attempt to have a conversation. “Past Lives” is a movie about people with a lot on their minds but not enough time to say it. Lee, Yoo, and Magaro turn the thin script into delicate art full of compassion, even if the story feels incomplete, considering its unhurried pace.

    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (2023). (Paramount Pictures)

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (A)

    The new “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie is the year’s funniest film, merging the energy and scope of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” character designs reminiscent of films like “Coraline,” an energetic soundtrack full of old-school and contemporary hip-hop, the action from recent blockbusters like “The Batman,” and a top-tier voice cast that injects the story with the goofiness it needs to encapsulate what it means to be a teenager today.

    In this film, the mutant ninja turtles team up with a high school reject and set out to defeat a supervillain to become heroes and be accepted by the human world. Meanwhile, their mutant rat father, Splinter, learns to be less strict. This premise of non-human characters wishing to interact with humans may sound familiar to animation fans. But the story surpasses this trope with its endless humor, which produces the authentic banter of a group of teenage boys while incorporating the slang of Generation Z (everything from “rizz” to “sus”) without being cringe. This film has dozens of quotable lines and memorable bits, from Splinter being voiced by Jackie Chan and watching Jackie Chan movies, a character’s embarrassing reason for being an outcast, the villain’s team introducing themselves, and the ninja turtles constantly distracting themselves from their task to do something silly, such as real-life “Fruit Ninja” or light-hearted impressions.

    Like a snowball hurdling down a snowy mountain, each joke multiplies and is followed by another until you cannot stop laughing. This movie is a delightfully heartfelt romp with stunning action and uproarious wit, destined to become a time capsule for this generation’s style of humor.

  • A Glimpse Into NCSSM’s Fine Arts Department

    A Glimpse Into NCSSM’s Fine Arts Department

    By Emmie Rose / September 6, 2023
    NCSSM Choir students at practice. (Emmie Rose/Stentorian)

    Within our NCSSM community, there is creativity and academic rigor. In a recent interview with Mr. Laird, the fine arts chair, we got a look at what makes NCSSM’s Fine Arts program truly stand out.

    At NCSSM, our Fine Arts Department offers many courses, ranging in visual arts, music, and theater. “These courses aren’t just about checking boxes; they’re an opportunity for students to continue their artistic journeys from their previous schools,” Mr. Laird commented after being asked where the arts fit into course requirements. The Fine Arts Department here aims to foster a sense of community within the larger academic institution. The various courses hope to be a place where students find support among peers who share their creative passion, contributing to students’ sense of well-being.

    Now, the fine arts are not a course requirement, so why should we take them? The department stresses that time spent in the Fine Arts isn’t just about ticking off requirements; it’s about personal growth and academic enrichment.The significance of a long-term arts experience carries over to college admissions. Colleges tend to applaud students who’ve shown dedication to the arts over an extended period. Laird pointed out that the arts should be a rigor, a different type of rigor than strenuous classes.

    Within this department, ideas flow between the faculty and staff. Mr Laird added “Great art happens when great relationships are in place”. The quality of art created improves with the community it takes place in. 

    When asked about opportunities within the Fine Arts Department, Mr. Laird explained the different possibilities in each area. Visual artists can participate in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, while musicians can explore district, regional, and even national orchestra and band opportunities. For theater enthusiasts, it’s finding places to showcase their talents, like the school musical or play. 

    The fine arts department stretches beyond the courses, as there are events such as koffeehaus to show just how many of our students are more than just the science and math part of this school. 

    NCSSM’s Fine Arts Department is more than just a program; it’s a place of creativity, community, and growth. Speaking with Mr. Laird as he shared his experiences and delved into this department, I was amazed at the amount of dedication, support, and excitement that is put into this huge part of NCSSM. 

  • The Waiting is Over: The PFM Is Open!

    The Waiting is Over: The PFM Is Open!

    By Khushi Bhatt / September 1, 2023
    The new PFM on opening day. (The Stentorian)

    After months of waiting, the time is finally here. NCSSM’s newly renovated cafeteria is open! Opening day was a huge success showing off the modern, sleek look of the PFM. As soon as the doors were opened, students flooded in to see the new and improved space, and they were not disappointed. This long awaited transformation spread a wave of excitement across the student body that we are still feeling today. 

    The before and after pictures speak for themselves. From grab and go food at the racquetball courts to a salad bar, soup stations, drink machines, waffle makers and study space, this is certainly an improvement. Already, students are soaking up the classic high school experience of the cafeteria, sitting with friends, singing happy birthday, and enjoying their meals. 

    To show really how much we love the PFM and PFM Staff, students should show their gratitude and respect for the shared space. As a reminder: 

    The tables and chairs should be staying where they are because NCSSM staff is not a moving company!  

    All of the silverware, plates, cups, and food should be going to their respective places at the dish return! It makes it easier for everyone!

    Lastly, study hours for right now go until 7:30 pm during weekdays and 6:30 pm on weekends! This will eventually be changed so that we can have access to the study space for longer, but please follow these times for now.  

    It has taken a village to get to where we are, but we appreciate all of the NCSSM staff, PFM workers, and cooperative students that have helped open the PFM. The space provides not only an area for students to eat, but one to socialize and study in. It provides a space for interaction and connection. The addition, or reinstatement, of this new cafeteria adds back a staple in the NCSSM experience. Students are so grateful for our newly renovated cafeteria and all the work put into it.

    (The Stentorian)
    (The Stentorian)
    (The Stentorian)