Issue 10 - June/July 2014

Issue 10 – June-July 2014
Dr. Khoury nurtures all at BHS!
Principal’s Note:
Another school year has come and
passed, and another class has graduated
from Brummana High School. Just as all
our graduates before them, we hope to
see them continue to do great things like
the lifelong learners they have become.
They will be greatly missed.
The revival of clubs, as well as the
school’s annual events such as
International Day and the Christmas Day
for Dar El Awlad children, have been
milestones this year. From promoting
diversity to serving others, BHS students
have proven to excel in assisting their
community and bettering the lives of
others.
A big thank you goes out to Mr. Chadi
Nakhle for advising yet another
successful Speakout team, and I am
confident the new team will also succeed
under his guidance.
Walid El Khoury
A Word from the Manager…
A Word from the Advisor…
I commend the graduating class of 2014! A
very special group with whom I got the
opportunity to work on a daily basis as
Dean of Students.
You will all be missed...
Wherever you go and whatever you achieve
know that we will always be your fans and
will always be proud of you!
Chadi Nakhle
Hello dear readers! This is the school year’s final issue of Speakout and so I’d like to use this little
paragraph of mine to thank the senior members and wish them luck on their great adventures!
Thank you to the new editor, Sarah Karam, our designer, Zeina Chamseddine, and of course Mr.
Chadi Nakhle, but the biggest thanks goes to our writing team – these issues that have passed and
the many to come truly would be impossible without your support, enthusiasm, and devotion to the
club. Thanks for your dedication!
Nicole Abou Samra
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News & Events
Clubs Update!
1) Drama Club: They performed a Mother’s Day themed play during assembly in April, honoring
mothers everywhere.
2) Reading & Writing Club: This club has been looking at poetry and its members
have been making individual and group poems. They are now finalizing the script
for a comic strip about a psychotic character, and will be working
together with the Art Club to develop illustrations for it.
3) Anime Club: They have been watching Marvel movies and then discussing their scripts and art to
decide whether or not they make for good adaptations.
4) Music Club: The Music Club worked hard rehearsing for their May Festival
performance and endured long hours of tuning instruments to perfection
as well as practicing their singing.
5) Cinema Club: They have watched movies like V for Vendetta, Dead Poets Society,
and Apollo 13 and filmed events such as International Day, the SOS Children’s Day,
the Arabic Competition, and Mother’s Day assembly.
6) Art Club: They are working together with the Writing and Reading Club in creating illustrations
for a comic strip.
7) Photography Club: The photography club has been covering all the main school events of the
year including Founder's Day as well as the fun day with the SOS kids. They have given workshops
about many photography-related subjects such as shutter speed, ISO, aperture, framing, and
Photoshop. In addition to all this, they have also conducted a bake sale to raise money for an
upcoming event.
Ana Ruiz Castillo
Leb MUN
A new delegation of sixteen attended the American Community School’s annual LebMUN
conference this February. Trained by the managers of the MUN club, the delegates participated in
a three day conference based solely on resolution-writing. Despite the delegates’ struggle to pull
through intensive after-school training sessions in order to prepare, the students represented BHS
well and Kai Koenye in the ICC (International Criminal Court) was even the recipient of the “Best
Justice” award! Great work to all the delegates who persisted through those tough, tiring three
days and no worries – BHS will be even better prepared next time!
Nicole Abou Samra
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Qatar MUN
After much frustration and perseverance, Brummana High School made a second appearance at
Georgetown University’s international Model United Nations conference. Chaperoned by Miss
Mayssaa Haidar, the all-female delegation of six (Mira Rawady, Rawan Deeb, Sarah Karam, Teaba
Abdullah, Amani Kmeid, Nicole Abou Samra) endured three long days of speeches, debating,
resolution writing, and good food! The competition was relentless, with some delegates having
attended eight conferences or more before this one. Even so, the delegation emerged with an
unforgettable experience, many new long-distance friends, and, after five days in a four-star hotel,
a newfound partiality to daily buffets. Room service!
Nicole Abou Samra
Middle School MUN
Last school year 10 students from the 9th grade participated in the Middle School Global
Classrooms Model United Nations set up by the Lebanese American University. If asked these 10
students would define MUN as an enjoyable, intellectual, and thought provoking experience. Maya
Abdelnour, Laura Karam, Iuns Nasri, Valeria Hilany, Paloma Nur Nannoni, Celine Tannous, Omar
Knio, William Zard, Zoe Koenye, and Roy Makkar had attended MUN sessions at LAU in Hamra and
the final conference at LAU Jbeil.
The training sessions had consisted of learning some general knowledge about the actual
United Nations followed by emotional intelligence of how to compose one’s self and handle their
emotions in a smart manner. During training sessions students were required to interact with peers
from other schools. No two students from Brummana High School were placed in the same training
session room. This forced them out of their comfort zones and to make friends. Activities were
done in groups to allow peer thinking and an “out-of-the-box” way of looking at problems. During
training sessions MUN procedures were explained and discussed by the trainers. This includes
formal wear for the final conference, how to bring up a topic for discussion, and other formalities.
These training sessions were to prepare students for the final conference.
On March 1st and 2nd, these 10 students headed to LAU Jbeil for their final Middle School
Conference. It was two intense days of heated discussions and arguments for our Brummana High
School students. They dealt with issues from Maritime Safety, Nuclear Power, Water Sanitation,
Empowering Rural Woman, Global Arms Trade Treaty, and Schools for Children with Disabilities to,
yes even, a Zombie Pandemic. Two days of making speeches and debating with in groups finally
came to an end. While during the conference it was tough and not for the faint of heart, our 10
Brummana High School students came out excited and in good spirits for the Awards Ceremony.
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Representing our school, Laura Lee Karam won the Secretary General award, Iuns Nasri,
Roy Makkar, Omar Knio won the Diplomacy Award, and Celine Tannous, Paloma Nannoni, William
Zard and Maya Abdelnour won the Position Paper Award. They all represented Brummana High
School amazingly and students from other school were even shocked by how professional and
prepared they were. Overall, all those participating in MUN, from our school and others, enjoyed
the experience immensely.
Our Middle School MUN students from last year would highly recommend MUN to any
middle school students who are prepared to work hard, improve the way they look at the world,
develop social skills, and have fun at the same time. The 9th graders of this year will have a chance
to be a part of MUN, and the 10 students who experienced last year promise you won’t be
disappointed.
Celine Tannous
May Queen Nominees Q&A
Every year, the May Queen nominees are interviewed to get a glimpse of their personalities and, for
those who don't know them, to finally know a part of them through their answers.
On the 10th of April, each of the four nominees were asked two common questions and one unique
question in order to receive different opinions on how it feels to be a May Queen nominee, and how
it may or may not affect others. The May Queen nominees this year were Michelle Bado, Christina
Farhat, Demi Korban and Dina Chokr.
Q: How do you feel about being a nominee?
Michelle: It's such an honor. I'm so grateful to get the opportunity to represent the school this way
and thank you to everyone who gave me this chance.
Christina: I think it's super cool and it's a big honor.
Demi: It's a really great experience and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I'm very grateful to everyone
who nominated me.
Dina: It's an honor and actually more exciting than I thought it would be. I am happy to end my
senior year this way. I really appreciate it.
Q: Did you ever imagine or dream about being nominated when you were younger?
Michelle: Honestly, not really. It's a surprise for me.
Christina: Actually I didn't at all. I mean I play soccer and do MUN but I have never done anything
like May Queen. I think it will be really fun, doing it with all my friends.
Demi: I've always wanted this since I was small but never knew if I would really be up there. It has
always been a great pleasure and excitement watching the girls being coronated and being friends
with the nominees is another added plus.
Dina: Not really. I was never much of a pageant girl, but it’s fun. I’m down for all sorts of
experiences.
Q: What effect does a "pageant" like this have on younger girls? Is it beneficial or does it teach
them to follow stereotypes?
Michelle: For every girl, it has a different effect. I am not in the place to say whether it’s beneficial
or stereotypical. In my case, I believe that if a girl has the opportunity to get up on stage, feel
beautiful, and represent her school, then I think she should go for it. Always be modest, down to
earth, and keep it real.
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Q: What perception do you want the younger girls watching the pageant to have of you?
Christina: I wouldn't really call May Queen a pageant because it does include your grades and so
many other extracurricular activities too. I think a lot of the younger girls push themselves to be
nominated for May Queen. It’s definitely not just about beauty but about what you've done in school
and the effect you've had on it, so I hope they take that into consideration.
Q: If you don't win, who should, and why?
Demi: “Michelle Bado, because of her bubbly personality. She is like a Disney Princess for all and I
think she deserves the best.”
Q: Who did you nominate, and why?
Dina: Michelle, because she's super cute and has a fun personality. She also reminds me of a
character from Frozen.
After interviewing the May Queen nominees, it was clear how amazing they are and no matter who
wins, they all are perfect representatives of the school. Good luck to all the nominees and may the
best queen win!
Interviewed by Lara Nahra
May Festival & May Queen Results!
Broummana High School’s annual May Festival has proven to be an extreme success once more! It
was a fun day for all, with many games prepared by the Broummana One Scouts, lots of stands
from local businesses, and, of course, great food! Guests were entertained by dances from
classes of the lower and upper elementary sections, along with a showcase of talents ranging from
dancing, to guitar playing, to singing. In addition to the constant action on the stage, the art
department featured projects created by students of the intermediate and secondary sections – an
array of beautifully constructed sculptures and canvases. The day came to a close with the event
that filled the stands and brought people to their feet – the May Queen pageant!
Hosted by the infamous dancer, Danielle Rahme, BHS’ four potential Queens donned extravagant
dresses and answered questions the judges proposed. Although all four ladies (Demi Korban,
Christina Farhat, Dina Chokr, and Michelle Bado) deserved to be crowned, Michelle Bado emerged
the May Queen of 2014, and will, without a doubt, follow in the footsteps of her predecessor (Jude
Massaad) and serve as a representative of the school, making us proud wherever she goes.
Nicole Abou Samra
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What’s New?
The SAT Changes!
So, some of you might’ve heard about the SAT changing next year. If so you were probably told that
it’s going to be harder because you would have to prove your answers in the math section. Well it’s
true that the SAT test is going to be changed, but not necessarily for the worse. The test is
supposedly going to be changed in 2016 to become more compatible with what high school
students are learning since, nowadays, it has veered off track. The test will be graded over 1600
instead of 2400 and the essay writing will become optional. Also, instead of the critical reading
section, where students just circle whatever seems right after some elimination, students will have
to cite and show why they chose their answers. The math section will be related to everyday
problem solving, and will also require answer picking proof in order to prepare students for college
and their careers. Last but not least, those of you taking the new SAT test won’t have to worry
about being 100% correct because students will no longer be penalized for choosing the incorrect
answers. Ways to prepare and the new format for SAT will be announced in spring 2015. Until then,
may the rest of us enjoy this version of it!
Zaynah Kmeid
Bendable Phone
The telephone has morphed so many times in the past decade. From stationary to rootless and
finally to mobile, the telephone has gone through a substantial reduction in size, shrinking from
being larger than an average head to fitting in your pocket. Whereas it was once used solely to
allow people to communicate with each other, it has now become involved in almost every aspect
of our lives and had completely changed the way we view the world. The last advancement we have
has seen with the phone was the touch screen, easing up the once complicated machine another
time around.
However there seems to be another tech-revolution on its way. Tech giants such as LG and
Samsung are well underway with developing a bendable phone. In fact, they both already have
release dates set that they are sure will dominate the market, just as the touch screen phones did.
"The concept of the flexible screen has been around for some time, but it finally looks as if
Samsung and LG are really going to deliver on that technology," said Stephen Bell, an analyst with
Keystone Global. They don’t believe it will be such a large hit at first but with its first commercial
version of a bendable phone, Samsung and LG will be counted as "pioneers" in the future market,
"which is a good marketing strategy".
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Samsung has already developed a flexible phone that could nearly fold and demonstrated it in the
annual Las Vegas tech show; they say, however, that a commercial version of the phone may take
years to develop. It was possible to create such a phone because of the Organic Light Emitting
Diodes (OLED). Only a thin layer of these chemicals is needed to produce a bright, colorful screen
used in many Samsung phones already, though with glass screens. For the bendable phone,
Samsung laid the chemicals over thin plastic instead of glass. That's a trick you can't pull off with
liquid crystals in standard displays. Flexible OLED screens have been demonstrated for years, but
the OLED chemicals are extremely sensitive to oxygen, so they need to be completely sealed off
from the air. Also the plastic used in the bendable phone doesn’t protect the chemicals half as well
as the glass and thus the phones will be highly susceptible to damage.
Samsung and LG are especially keen on the idea that one day consumers may soon be able to fold
up large phone or tablet screens as if they were maps. For now, though, enjoy the LG G Flex
Smartphone as your first taste of a future market of incredible machines.
Frederic Azar
International Women’s Day
Some 4,000 women, men, and children took to the streets of Beirut on International Women's Day
to demand better protection for women amid an uproar over husbands murdering their wives. The
march from the National Museum to the Palace of Justice was led by mothers and other relatives of
women they said had been the victims of domestic violence.
Urging parliament to adopt a bill that would set prison terms of up to 25 years with forced labour
for men convicted of murdering a female relative, many women wept as they walked.
The bill, which had declined in authority after being approved by a parliamentary committee last
year, would also create a specialized police agency to deal with abuse and permit women to seek
civil damages in abuse cases. Some protesters shouted, "The people want the bill to be ratified,"
while others carried posters reading, "Break the silence," "We say no to abuse, do you?" and
"Speak out. Stop domestic violence."
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Lebanon is viewed as one of the Middle East's most liberal countries, but no law protects women
from abuse or violence by their fathers, husbands or brothers. However, one very hypocritical law
does save rapists from punishment if they marry their victims. Meanwhile, women who marry nonLebanese men are barred from passing their nationality on to their children, and husbands are
allowed to confiscate their wives' passports to prevent them from travelling. Women who do
contact the police for help in domestic violence cases are often laughed at. In mid-February,
Christelle Abu Shakra died after ingesting insecticide. Her mother pressed charges against her
daughter's husband. Earlier the same month, rights groups said Manal Assi died after her husband
beat her with a pressure cooker. Last July, Rola Yaacub was found unconscious in her home in
north Lebanon and later died in the hospital. Her family has told journalists they are convinced her
husband beat her to death, but the courts said there was insufficient evidence against him. Zoya
Rouhana, part of KAFA, leading women's rights group in Lebanon, said "the fact victims' relatives
are starting to talk about these crimes means that the consciousness that one must not be silent is
growing". She continued: “The media are also playing an increasingly important role and as a
whole, awareness is growing in Lebanon on issues concerning women's rights and the fight against
domestic violence".
Protesters also chanted, expressing their criticism towards judges and forensic specialists, whom
they accused of falsifying reports on recent murders. Similarly, rights activists accuse politicians
of complicity with religious leaders, who have publicly opposed the passing of a law criminalizing
domestic violence in all forms, including marital rape. The law was passed a few weeks ago, but we
have yet to see whether it will take effect or it be brushed away like most human rights laws in this
country.
Frederic Azar
How Does It Work? – The Silencer
There are two factors that produce the sound the gun makes. The first is the rapid expansion of
gases that propel the bullet forward whereas the second is the supersonic crack of the bullet. It
isn’t possible to reduce the sound level of a supersonic bullet. However, a silencer can be used to
lessen the noise by slowing down the entry of the gases into the atmosphere, thus decreasing their
pressure. Without this convenient device, these gases enter the atmosphere in a sudden burst,
producing a loud sound. Inside a silencer, the bullet goes through a series of air-filled chambers
that reduce the energy and pressure so that, when the bullet finally enters the atmosphere, the
sound is a weak “whoosh.” (This technique is also used in an automobile muffler.)
Daniel Hilal
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…Of the Month!
Teacher of the Month: Mr. Rabih Aouad
Q: How long have you been teaching, and when did you start
teaching at BHS?
A: I’ve been teaching for 21 years. I first came to BHS in year 2000.
Q: Why did you choose to become a PE teacher?
A: I played volleyball in the Lebanese national team for 14 years, and
I like sports, so I chose to become a PE teacher.
Q: If you were to choose any other job in the world, what would it be,
and why?
A: I would like to organize camps; I like such kind of jobs.
Q: What do you enjoy reading or watching?
A: I like to watch movies and documentaries about drugs and other related subjects. I’m a member
in several NGOs in Lebanon such as Jad and the Red Cross that are concerned with this issue.
Q: Do you mind if boarders called you “Baba Rabih?”
A: I don’t mind, as long as they don’t really feel that I’m playing their parent’s role.
Q: What’s your favorite sport?
A: Volleyball.
Q: What’s your favorite food in the cafeteria?
A: Shawarma djej or la7meh.
Q: Who’s your favorite singer?
A: Fayrouz.
Q: Who do you think will win the World Cup?
A: I don’t know, but I believe Brazil has a big advantage, being the host of the World Cup.
Interviewed by Daniel Hilal
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Enzo El Adem
Mr. & Ms. June-July
Serena Semaan
Q: You have 10 seconds to think of three
words that best describe you. Go!
Q: What it one of your favorite quotes?
A: (after a short pause) Smart, awkward,
and interesting. (and clearly modest!)
A: It’s a bit cliché, but it motivates me and I
really believe it’s true: “Where there’s a will,
there’s a way.”
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world for
summer, where would it be?
Q: If you could choose to stay a certain age
forever, what age would it be?
A: Japan, definitely.
A: I’d choose to be 18, because you’re
getting to that stage of life where you’re
more aware of what truly matters and what
doesn’t. Also, people take you seriously as
an adult but at the same time, you still get to
be young.
Q: Are you an avid reader? What’s your
favorite book?
A: Yes, It by Stephen King.
Q: If you could witness any event past,
present, or future, what would it be?
A: Either the first man landing on mars or the
discovery of any extraterrestrial beings.
Q: Is there a specific sound, smell, or taste
that you love?
A: Food! And rain, I like the smell of rain.
Q: What’s your least favorite word?
A: (laughs) I don’t know! I don’t have a least
favorite word; I don’t think anybody does…
“Quote of the Month”
Interviewed by Nicole Abou Samra
“Men hate each other because they fear each other, and they fear each other because they don’t
know each other, and they don’t know each other because they are often separated from each
other.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Daniel Hilal
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Senior Tribute
10 Things to Do in BHS before You Graduate!
1. Visit the nurse for one last cup of tea.
2. (Kindly) make fun of a prefect for doing his/her job.
3. Run the cross-country lap from the MTB building to the football field and back up for the last
time - without stopping. (You’ll never forget this…)
4. Buy a telephone card (telecarte) from Ogero and prank call someone from one of the
telephone booths in school.
5. After school, order a last “djej toom extra” from Farouj el Ashaar, buy gum from Kanaan,
and then go to Unicorn Coffee House for a “sardeh.”
6. Dance to the YMCA song on stage in the May Festival.
7. Take a selfie with Jawad, and complain about the price increase of man2ouche to Sleiman
and Raed.
8. Argue with Mr. Rabih for calling our gym a “gym.”
9. Poke Mr. Chadi’s belly and run for your life!
10. Ask Mr. Emile for a last “sa7soo7” and Mr. Gaby for a last punishment to write out by the
stairs.
(Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy every minute!)
Daniel Hilal
Seniors’ Favorite Moments
“Spending time with the MUN team.” –Mira Rawady
“There was this one time we were trying to get out of BHS, and Kamal ripped his pants jumping
over the fence.” –Frederic Azar
“Ditch Day!” –Kamal Abdelnour
“International Day was my favorite, every year.” –Joy Hayek
Elissa El Mufti
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The Hall of Fame
Christina Farhat
Frederic Azar
Masara Touza
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Kamal Abdelnour
Nicole El Helou
Rawan Deeb
Nour Nader
Dina Al-Rubaye
Laudy Issa
Yasmina Aswad
Mira Rawady
Rony Andrew Georgi
Marina Naanouh
Joseph Habib
Mr. Chadi’s Special Words
Nicole El Helou: Manager
She Joined Speakout in grade 10 as a writer. Very quickly she distinguished herself as a leader
with excellent communication and organizational skills. She soon became the newsmagazine's
manager where she shone and made Speakout shine with her.
Christina Farhat: Editor-in-chief
She Joined Speakout in grade 10, she brought her enthusiasm and excellence into the
newsmagazine as a writer first, then as Editor-in-chief. She was one of the reasons behind the
success of the publication during her 3 years of dedicated membership.
Laudy Issa: Editor-in-chief
She joined Speakout in grade 10. For three years she enchanted us with her beautiful Poetry
column and her distinguished articles. She soon became Editor-in-Chief along with Christina
Farhat. Speakout's success is partly due to her dedication.
Rawan Deeb: Designer and Caricaturist
She joined Speakout in grade 10 as a witty caricaturist. She soon qualified to be the newsmagazine
Designer due to her creativity. Speakout's diverse and beautiful design over the last three years
was the fruit of her distinguished talent.
Yasmina Aswad: Marketing Manager
She joined Speakout in grade 10 as a writer of bold articles. She soon exhibited managerial talents,
which earned her the title of Marketing Manager. She was behind many fundraising events, mainly
one that enabled Speakout to purchase The Jeopardy Game Kit for our students.
She sure was one of the pillars of the newsmagazine's success.
Rony Andrew Georgi: Head Photographer
Those who know Rony will always remember him carrying his camera around campus and
everywhere he went. He joined Speakout in grade 10, and for three years, he enchanted us with
beautiful pictures of events around school and artistic shots that we published in the photo section.
His contribution and dedication are partially behind Speakout's success.
Mira Rawady: Writer and Blogger
She joined Speakout in grade 10, Mira contributed to every issue either with articles or through her
page that she proposed: Tumblr of the month. She is also credited for creating a Tumblr page for
Speakout.
Frederic Azar: Writer
For three years, since he joined in grade 10, Frederic entertained us with his diverse and
intellectual articles. Also part of the marketing team, he contributed a lot to fundraising events.
Marina Naanouh: Writer
She joined Speakout on her senior year, the same year she joined BHS. Though she only
contributed to three issues, she left a mark that will always be remembered, as a bold writer
defending social and environmental causes.
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Masara Touza: Writer
She joined Speakout in grade 10, and always entertained us with her games section as well as her
riddles section.
Nour Nader: Writer
She joined the team in grade 10, and had many contributions through articles and entertainment
columns that she designed.
Kamal Abdelnour: Marketing officer
Kamal joined in grade 10, and was always involved in the marketing and distribution processes.
Dina Al Rubaye: Photographer
Dina joined in grade 10, as a distinguished photographer. She assisted Rony Georgi in making
Speakout more appealing through wonderful photos.
Joseph Habib: Writer
He joined Speakout in grade 10, and always contributed with sports and technology rubrics that kept
us up-to-date.
Chadi Nakhle
Speakout’s Goodbye
“The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was.
Nobody’d move. You could go there a hundred thousand times, and that Eskimo would still be just
finished catching those two fish, the birds would still be on their way south, the deers would still be
drinking out of that water hole, with their pretty antlers and their pretty, skinny legs, and that
squaw with the naked bosom would still be weaving that same blanket. Nobody’d be different. The
only thing that would be different would be you.” – From The Catcher in the Rye
Holden’s words are relatable and relevant to this goodbye-but-not-really-goodbye. Despite the fact
that Speakout must bid farewell to many of the best writers and brainstormers it has – despite the
fact some may leave not only the school, but the country or even the continent – BHS and all its
teachers are ready to welcome you back with open arms whenever you may return. Like the
museum, BHS will stay the same. That thing you carved inside the desk when you were bored one
year will still be there. That kind-of-broken stair that leads up to the bio lab will probably still be
there. Your favorite book will still be in the library, and the shady spot near the tree will still be
waiting for someone to come sit in it. Nothing will change. If you come back, the only thing that will
be different is you – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe you’re just wearing a hat this
time, or you cut your hair differently. Every time you come back, you may see the school in a
different light, but no matter how you see it – no matter if you’re looking over the ledge of the MTB
building or from way down in the football field – the school will still be the medium you used to
shape yourself and figure out who you are, or who you want to be. The school will still be here, ten,
twenty years from now, still the same. Each student has left a mark on BHS in one way or another,
and it in turn has left a mark on each of us. There’s no way to say goodbye to old friends, old
teachers, or even the school – its tear jerking and painful all for nothing, because it’s not goodbye.
It’s just “see you later”.
Nicole Abou Samra
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Where To?
Where Are They Headed?
University
Number of
Students
American University of Beirut
20
Lebanese American University
19
Balamand
1
Sagesse
1
Notre-Dame University
6
American University of Science and Technology
2
University of Miami
1
Northern-Eastern University - Boston
1
Gust University - Kuwait
1
King's College
2
Columbia
1
United World College: Maastricht, Netherlands
1
Concordia - Montreal
4
Memorial University - Canada
1
University of California, Los Angeles
1
BAU - Turkey
1
St. Martin's
1
McGill
1
University of California, Berkeley
1
California Polytechnic Institute
1
University of Washington
1
Santa-Clara University
1
San Jose University
1
Westminster University
1
Teachers’ Special Words
“They were loud and lovable.” – Mrs. Rima Habib
“My experience with the seniors was joyous and challenging at the same time. Most of them
showed maturity and a sense of responsibility. I admire and congratulate them, especially those
who represented the school in MUN, MAL, and other competitions and events. I wish to all seniors
success in their tertiary education.” – Dr. Milad Matta
“I’ve known most of them since playgroup. I wish them all the luck because they deserve the best.”
– Mrs. Karine Chebly
“I wish them all the best!” – Mrs. Samia El Hajj
“Too many twins! The ‘best of the best’ class, I will miss them so much.” –Ms. Aline Alam
“They are all so positive, very nice and hardworking.” –Mr. Gaby Girgis
“I love you.” – Mr. Tony
Interviewed by Amani Kmeid
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Interviews with…
OSA President: Mr. Nazih Khattar
Recently, the Prom Committee received a very generous donation – one that made entry to Prom
free of charge for all graduates. They were thrilled and happy that someone would be so generous
as to make a donation of that amount. Now the question on everyone’s lips was, “Who donated the
money?” Well, it was none other than Mr. Nazih Khattar, the newly elected president of the Old
Scholars Association (OSA). Mr. Khattar graduated from BHS in 1966 and spent some of his best
times there. Nicole Abou Samra, Sarah Karam, Lara Nahra, Amani Kmeid, Rony Andrew Georgi,
and I sat down with him and asked him a few questions. We also thanked him for his generous
donation.
Q: Why did you decide to donate to the Prom Committee?
A: We decided to donate to show the graduates that there is someone looking out for and helping
them because soon, they will be in our place and will hopefully donate to the next generation so
that the cycle continues. We also hold a barbeque for the graduates, to get to know them and so
that they can get to know us.
Q: What are your best memories at BHS?
A: Oh, well there are lots of memories; I could sit here all day telling you about them! I was a
boarder and boarding was such a fun place to be. We laughed together, we ate together, we slept
together, we had fun together, we studied together, we played together. We did everything
together. And it created a bond between us. If I saw someone that was in boarding with me now, we
would instantly connect and remember all the good times we had.
Q: What did you like best about being a student there?
A: I loved that the culture and the education system created a lot of like-minded people. You walk
away from BHS knowing that there are so many other people who think like you. This helps when
you hire someone for a job. Knowing that you went to school with someone that you are hiring is
reassuring and I think more comfortable to work with. I think that still lives on, the creation of likeminded people. That someone your age will be able to connect with sometime twice your age.
Q: What are some of your future plans as President of the OSA?
A: Well I can’t really tell you all my plans because then I’d have to really live up to them! (laughs) As
the new President, I want to see the capabilities of the OSA and create a network to bring all BHS
old scholars together in one community. Let’s say you wanted to become a doctor. We would have
a list of all the doctors that graduated from BHS. Now let’s say you wanted to work in Egypt. We
would have a list of all the doctors that graduated from BHS working in Egypt. They can then open
up doors for you, advise you on what to do, give you work opportunities, and so on. This would also
help in our reunions. Imagine so many people who think the same way and share similar opinions
all in one room. Now imagine knowing every single one of them. No one can say they know 4000
people around the world. I want BHS old scholars to be able to say that.
Nicole Helou
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An Artist: Glen Ronald
Q: First of all tell us a little about yourself; where you live, what your work is like, and when you
realized you were into art and creativity.
A: Glen Ronald was born in 1969 and was raised in Manitoba, Canada. As a small child, he drew
whenever he could, and showed enough aptitude to win regional drawing competitions. But he took
another path in university, studying science. Yet the pull of art was strong, and after completing his
honours microbiology degree, he went to art school. A year of study and experimentation, and lots
of academic and group shows led to a scholarship to further study art. But he chose to study
education instead and began a long study of chaos in his spare time. That's when his current style
began to come into being. Local and international shows increased the scope of his audience.
Glen's paintings are called chaosmos, for he creates a field of chaos and pulls the cosmos (or
order) out of it. There is a dynamic rush of realism pushing against abstraction. His paintings show
both confidence and intentional ambiguity, with every viewer free to find the images that speak
most to him. And it is appealing; almost 90000 Instagram followers reacted emotionally to this
exciting new movement in art. He has been dubbed “The Chaos Whisperer”.
Glen's body of work is largely acrylic on canvas and ink on paper with a balance of vital colour and
black-and-white. His work is powerful and empowering to the viewer, as meaning is both selfconstructed and directed by the artist. Glen has focused on inspirational historical figures and
nature, searching for strong images and messages that are meaningful.
Follow his art on Instagram or visit his Edmonton studio.
Contact [email protected]
Q: How did you acquire your interest in art?
A: I’ve always been visually inclined since I was a little kid.
Q: What do you most like to express yourself with
(you mostly use ink pens, do you also paint?)
A: I use ink for quick, portable art – to capture an idea,
and then acrylic paint on canvas for the larger pieces.
Q: What are your inspirations, if they are some celebrated people as you posted on Instagram, and
what is it that inspires you in those people?
A: I am mainly inspired by people of strong character, who have shown leadership and
selflessness. The people who have discovered new ground.
Q: Your pieces have so much detail in them. What is your purpose in adding details and creating a
really rich piece? What would like for the observer to see when looking at your detailed filled
pieces?
A: The detail is what hooks you visually. By keeping it somewhat ambiguous I allow the view to
bring their own interpretation to the piece. For that reason I tend to shy away from realism as it
might restrict us a bit too much.
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Q: You often have works with many faces within and refer to it as chaos like "chaos Mona Lisa";
what was your purpose and vision when creating those pieces?
A: The faces are characters that I generate from the subconscious and the chaos that’s happening
in the piece. They represent different emotions, viewpoints, historical figures, clashing of egos and
much more – all that can be told in the human face which has an enormous expressive power.
Q: What do you like to draw most?
A: Faces are my favorite.
Q: What is the main idea you would like people to see
through your art?
A: I would like them to perceive an honest look at
humanity and nature.
Q: What is it that you would like to share with the young artists starting out?
A: Draw every day and read as much as you can to gain the intellectual backing for the art.
Q: Finally, what is your favorite work of art and why?
A: I’ve always liked Rouault’s painting of the old king – he is majestic, worn out, simply powerful.
Interviewed by Zeina Chamseddine
Entertainment
Did You Know?
1. The Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.
2. Coca Cola was originally green.
3. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV.
4. Children grow faster in the springtime.
5. It’s physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky.
6. Just like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue prints are different.
Zaynah Kmeid
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Book & Movie Reviews
Movie: The Bag Man
THE BAG MAN is an action crime thriller that you probably should
not watch unless you want a good laugh. Featuring John Cusack and
Robert De Niro, you'd think it would offer more than hilariously bad
acting and stupid, dark lighting, but that doesn't seem to be the
case. You see, the whole gimmick of the movie is that there is a bag
that the main character is to deliver, however under no
circumstances is he allowed to look inside. You wait about two hours
to find out what’s inside, and by the end you'll feel sorry that you did.
Besides the fact that the movie includes a Russian dwarf and black
leather-clad pirate who work together as a duo, there's nothing all
that interesting about the movie. The whole plot seems to revolve
around people getting shot or injured, and not in the good way.
Robert De Niro's acting is on par as always, but even he can't save
this disaster. The movie is a mess and mainly just a collage of stupid
ideas. If anything, I'd watch it just for the dwarf and the pirate.
Michel Raffoul
“Oh, the Horror!”
You know that feeling when your heart is racing, and you don’t know what’s going to happen next
yet you’re shaking with anticipation, and your eyes are glued to the pages devouring word after
word to finally get to the climax? These are the tell-tale signs of fear, loyal reader. Some people
don’t like being scared or pushed to the limits of their expectations, but some people however,
hunt down the things that scare them most. Horror has been one of the public’s favorite genres
for many generations and it is bound to be with us for many more. Why do people like scary
movies or stories though? According to Glenn Sparks, PhD., a professor and associate head of
the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University, one reason for the appeal is how
you feel after the movie. This is called the excitation transfer process. After the film is over, this
physiological arousal lingers, Sparks said. (We’re just not aware of it.) That means that any
positive emotions you experience – like having fun with friends – are intensified, he said. Instead
of focusing on the fright you felt during the film, you recall having a great time. And you’ll want to
come back for more, he said. Try grabbing a scary movie for the week-end and see how you like it
– it may change your view on the horror genre forever.
Omar Ibrahim
19
Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
Makes 4 dozen
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1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
Directions:
1. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Beat in eggs.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into
batter. Put batter in refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Roll into 1 inch balls and put on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for about 10
minutes or until cookies begin to brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Hyde Park!
1) Village leave is still a constant demand by seniors and still nothing has changed (or even
been considered!).
2) The library isn’t only for studying; a comfortable place (something other than wooden
chairs) would be appreciated by those wishing to just read a good book.
3) BENCHES. Students are tired of sitting on the floor on breaks along with the remains of
other people’s food.
4) Boys want to be able to grow out their hair; it’s been done in the past so why not now?
5) For those of you who don’t know, L5 is THE most distracting classroom in the school.
What’s up with the motor noise? Students want to be able to concentrate in class and the
constant rumbling doesn’t help.
6) Last but not least, please throw your trash in the bins, nobody likes a dirty environment!
Everyone complains about the trash and then proceeds to throw theirs on the floor. The
only way to stay clean is if everyone does it!
Zaynah Kmeid
20
Comic by Anne-Marie Zakhour~
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Word Search
Words to Find:
air conditioner
bathing suit
blistering heat
boating
fan
fresh fruit
holiday
humidity
ice cream
ocean
outdoors
popsicle
relax
sand castle
seashore
shorts
sightseeing
sunscreen
tan
travel
vacation
watermelon
Credits
Advisor: Mr Chadi Nakhle – Manager: Nicole Abou Samra – Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Karam –
Designer: Zeina Chamseddine
The Team: Ana Ruiz Castillo, Lara Nahra, Zaynah Kmeid, Amani Kmeid, Daniel Hilal, Elissa El Moufti,
Michel Raffoul, Omar Ibrahim, Anne-Marie Zakhour, Celine Tannous
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