by RYAN ROTHMAN
The Apex Project serves as the culmination of the Chadwick Upper School experience. Seniors spend their second semester of English identifying a problem, then researching and taking action to address that issue.
Each year, seniors–notorious for their motivation and work ethic after finishing college applications–produce meaningful work and reflection on their Chadwick experience. But this Apex season, the Class of 2023 set a new bar.
With issues such as gun violence, food insecurity and political upheaval plaguing our country, the students found no shortage of problems to research. Projects ranged from Chadwick-specific to the world as a whole.
Seniors wrapped up their academic careers Thursday with Apex presentations for Chadwick faculty, parents and Middle and Upper School students. Here’s a recap of the most poignant topics:
“Red Light on Parking Discrimination” –– Atma Joshi
Every day, students scour campus for abandoned spots. Chadwick shows extreme bias in favor of carpools, disadvantaging the 54 students who seek alone time in their white Teslas each morning. How can we create more parking and foster safe spaces for luxury car owners on campus?
“Crackertown: The Quest to Diversify Skagway, Alaska” –– Becket Wren
Some call it natural camoflauge. In the snowy tundra of America’s 49th state, 86.3% of the population identifies as white. What factors would encourage people of color to migrate to Skagway?
“Putting the ‘Chad’ back in ‘Wick’” –– Gabriel Jones
Studies show that Chadwick boys first experience reciprocated romantic feelings at, on average, age 37. Only 14% leave college having seen another person naked in real life. Chadwick cannot claim to prepare students for the real world if they leave with no game. How can we develop global citizens with keen minds, exemplary character and W rizz?
“Mushrooms on the Menu: Bringing Hallucogenics to the Public School System” –– Janet Lim
Since President Ronald Reagan launched the “war on drugs” in 1971, drug use among public school students has decreased by 78%. In 2021, 42% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Coincidence? I think not. How can we integrate shrooms in school cafeterias around the country?
“‘Make it Right,’ Bring Back BTS” –– Shay Moskowitz
In 2022, the global phenomenon, K-Pop boy band BTS, announced a three-year hiatus. This has impacted the well-being of millions of stans, myself included. For my action, I launched an international letter-writing campaign demanding BTS reunite immediately.
As these future leaders make their way into the world, it’s safe to say we’re in good hands. Congratulations, seniors!
The Mainsheet 