Welcome!

We hope you enjoy this new online format of The Independent.  Many, but not all of the articles that appeared in the latest printed version are posted here.  Additionally, you can find a .pdf file of the most recent issue on the “Archives” page.

There are a few ways you can navigate this site:

1) Scroll down this main page to view all of the articles and polls together

2) Choose a section in the “sections” menu on the right-hand side of this page and read corresponding articles. That is, select “News” to read News articles.

Stay tuned as we post more on this site!

The website will be updated regularly, and  more features and information will be added in the next few weeks.

The Health Care Debate

Iason Togias (Liberal) vs. Taylor Barker (Conservative)
Please vote in the poll at the bottom of the page!

Spring Varsity Sports Roundup (Photos!)

Sports Editor Nicko Gladstone ranks St. Albans’ best sports teams this spring.

Please Vote

My Brother Was Born Without a Head

by Conor Goetz (’11)

Watching the Winter Olympics this year, I was struck by how much our culture rewards the best sob story.  Everyone loves when a hero triumphs over catastrophic adversity, and it certainly can be inspiring.

Life Without Parole Unfair for Juveniles

by Marissa Baly (’12)

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity/To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment/Would you capture it or just let it slip?

These words from Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” exemplify

Changing Contexts: From the Close to the Middle Kingdom

by Ricahrd Loeper-Viti (former STA teacher)

When I teach students to proofread their writing, I ask them to do two specific things: print their work and read it on the page, rather than on the computer screen; and have someone read their work to them.  I do this because changing the context within which they view their work affords writers the opportunity to see their work anew, which helps writers reaffirm their smart choices and offers them another opportunity to notice (and improve) problems that persist.

NCS Homework Policy Gets an A

by Parisa Sadeghi (’12)

There is no doubt that the homework policy at NCS has had considerable positive effects on students. The relatively new, student government-proposed policy allows

New Cell Phone Policy

by Sunil Rao (’11)

“I thought it would be done by the end of first quarter,” said Head Prefect Anirudha Balasubramanian, but “it took until the end of the third quarter.”

St. Albans new policy on student cell phone use was introduced

In Memoriam: Wesley Brockington Sr.

1934-2010

Wesley Brockington, who passed away on May 30, 2010, was St. Albans’ most senior employee. Mr. Brockington started working in the STA kitchen in 1952. For almost sixty years he served as chef for all the boys, teachers and staff members who dined in the Refectory. He is remembered for his commitment, wisdom, and infectious sense of humor. He was nothing less than an institution within an institution. In 1999, in recognition of his unique record of service, Mr Brockington was named an honorary alumnus of the School. The 2000 Yearbook observed: “Forty nine years ago Wesley Brockington made his first meal for the faculty and students of St Albans school. Since then…he has been the early morning spark of this great St Albans flame, and he has been an inspiration to us all.” The STA community mourns an old friend. His wife Rose Irene Brockington died before him. He is survived by Ethel Mae Jordan and eleven children and step-children.