BROTHER RICE
VOLUME 55, ISSUE 7
Chieftain
SENIOR EDITION
Senior Letter
Fellow Seniors,
Like many assignments in the second semester of Senior
year, we relied on other peoples’ work to help us complete this
assignment (thanks to Luke Stehney and Josh Geary, ‘15). We
will change up the words a little bit so we don’t get caught.
But on a serious note, the rest of the letter is from the heart
and directed to the Class of 2016. On behalf of us all, we can
easily state that it has been an honor to have been a part of the
Brother Rice tradition. As a class, we have had many accomplishments, both athletic and academic. In athletics, we have
witnessed the reign of a dynasty
in swimming (three state championships), two football state
championships, three – and,
hopefully, a fourth – in lacrosse,
and one in hockey. Athletics
bring a great amount of joy to all
the players and fans.
It would probably be safe
to say that the Class of 2016 is
stronger in the classroom than
on the field. This year we had
nine students recognized by the
National Merit program, four
of which were National Merit
Semifinalists. As you can see
in our college map (Page 2-4),
our student body will be represented at 54 different colleges
next year. You can refer to “Maintaining the Rice Tradition” in
the November 2015 issue of the Chieftain for more facts on the
academics of our class.
Our teachers recognize us as a smart and respectable class.
Brother Rice legends James Rademacher, John Birney, and
Brother Segevich find these attributes so apparent that they
have chosen to go out on top with us. However, there is also
suspicion that Rads is so embarrassed to have lost the Edmund
Rice Cup for the second year in a row that he has to leave for
his own sake. Either way, it’s fair to say that we have been a
fabulous class.
We have endured many changes over our four years, including Phase 1 of a new science wing and the new cafeteria menu.
But there is one change that stands out the most: the iPads. The
struggle has been real in the classroom. Yes, there are many educational benefits of the iPads (or so we are told) but they have
certainly enhanced senioritis. The 30-plus levels of Tap Baseball
have lowered our grades and strengthened our thumbs.
Our class also was subject to a lot of controversy at Brother
Rice. It began with student favorite Dean Daniels being let go.
Our class came together and led an effort to show Dean Daniels
our appreciation for his time at Rice by gathering a group at
Shield’s Pizza, along with many teachers. We were also subject
to local news covering our stance on other religions. Senior
Daniel Garmo led a powerful movement to support the
administration in keeping the
“sacred space.”
These are all special accomplishments that make
the Class of 2016 who we are.
There are many more moments that we have shared
that we all cherish personally, as well. This spring has
seen many new friendships
formed. It is unfortunate that
it has taken us until Senior
year to form some of the
bonds we currently have.
These bonds are strong,
whether it is someone to rely on or someone to cheat off (just
kidding). Nonetheless, it has truly been a wonderful adventure
for the last four years. We look forward to see what the next
four years bring us. Long live the Class of 2016.
To the underclassmen: Cherish your time at Rice. It really
does go by too fast. Don’t have any regrets. Work hard. Set
yourself up for success. GO ON KAIROS! Be positive. Don’t
judge others. “You only see in others what you hold in yourself.” So discover yourself. Branch out, go on adventures, pop
the bubble. Do not wait until Senior year to do these things.
And, most importantly, recognize how lucky you are to have
the Brother Rice community in your life. Always remember, the
best is yet to come.
Until We Meet Again,
Charlie, Sebastian, Jack, and Kordell
Chieftain’s Declassified: How to Survive College
B R OTHE R R IC E H IG H S C H O O L C H I E F TA I N
P AGE 1
See Page 5
S E N I O R I S S U E 2016