Moment & Movement

Dear Stone Ridge Community,

When I stepped off the Virginia bus as a freshman and into the sea of cheering seniors decked out in their themed costumes on my first day at Stone Ridge, I wondered then what it would be like to walk into school my first day of senior year. If you had told me that I would not have a first day nor a first semester, I would have been crushed. Instead of welcoming lower classmen dressed in our rodeo attire, the senior class entered their final year as a small, disparate box on a computer screen.

While this was not the preferred way to start my final rodeo at Stone Ridge, I also realize how much I have to be thankful for. The Here and Now's theme, "Moment and Movement," is intended to capture both these emotions. "Moment" acknowledges the traditions and associated memories that we have foregone this year as a community. "Movement" recognizes our community's resilience and perseverance through this time of uncertainty.

Though I was excited to be the Editor-and-Chief this year, as the first day approached, I frankly felt at a loss. I didn't even know how we would publish the newspaper; however, my worries quickly evaporated as I collaborated with our Managing Editor Kate Walter, our Digital Editor Anna Lesmes, our teacher Dr. Ludwig, and our dedicated staff. We started the year brainstorming ideas for our new online edition, and we came to appreciate the possibilities that this online format allows. This year we were able to launch a podcast, a recorded roundtable interview, and a virtual gallery. I know that these creative leaps would not have been made if we were not put in this challenging position. In the face of adversity and uncertainty, our staff decided to keep moving. I know the entire Stone Ridge community has adopted this can-do mindset as well and for that I am grateful.

I hope that we can all be back together in person later this school year, and that you can read our next edition in print and online. In the meantime, please enjoy interacting with the Here and Now in a way you have never before. I trust that what we have accomplished this semester will impact the Here and Now long after the pandemic subsides.

Sincerely,

Norah Nappi, ‘21

Editor-in-Chief

Here and Now

Dear Stone Ridge Community,

When I think about this all-digital edition of the Here and Now, a certain line from the song “My Shot” in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton comes to mind: “This is not a moment; it’s the movement.” Our theme of “Moment and Movement” asks us to consider this particular moment in history and to envision how we can move forward to create a more just, equitable society.

On our new website, you will watch Paige Kenny ‘22 facilitate a roundtable discussion on the Black Lives Matter movement and being black at Stone Ridge, read Sofia Morra’s '21 article about the discrimination Asian Americans face in the United States now and throughout the 20th century, consider the relationship between social media and politics in Norah Nappi’s ‘21 story on media consumption, and learn helpful mental health coping strategies from Elisa Baker ‘22. You will also read about the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls in an article Isabella Calogero ‘21 and I revised from last spring, laugh out loud to Anna Lesmes’s podcast discussing an unconventional senior year, look at Kristin Lucas’s ‘21 photojournalism spread documenting Election Day in 2020, peruse Paige and Elisa’s virtual gallery featuring artwork and poetry from students, and learn about the effects of distance learning for those with learning differences from Haley Porto ‘22.

Each of our journalists interpreted the theme of moment and movement in a unique, personal way. I hope you enjoy this all-digital edition of the Here and Now and take some time to consider the moments and movements in your own life!

Sincerely,

Kate Walter, ‘21

Managing Editor

Here and Now

Since 2020 is the year of virtual reality, the SR Here and Now decided to adapt to our new environment of online school and get creative. We settled on the idea of developing an interactive website that allows you to explore the new forms of media we've incorporated into our program, such as photojournalism, poetry, art, and even a podcast. We hope you enjoy our website and happy scrolling!

Sincerely,

Anna Lesmes, ‘21

Digital Editor

Here and Now