Friar’s Lantern had the opportunity to sit down with two seniors, Dylan McParland and PJ Mullen, to ask them a few questions about the year so far.
DYLAN MCPARLAND
FL: How are you doing, Dylan?
MACPAR: I’m doing pretty well right about now.
FL: How has the year been going so far?
MACPAR: I’d say it’s going fairly well. There’s quite a bit of work to be done with some of the classes I’m taking, like E&M [Physics- Electricity and Magnetism], which is where we are right now, but I’d say I’m handling it and even when there is more work, it’s fun work, so I’d say it’s going pretty well.
FL: What do you think of all the changes here at Malvern?
MACPAR: Well, there’s a lot to talk about there, where do you start… I mean, it’s really an overhaul of a lot of things. A lot of people were talking about the soda, for example, but I can’t say that affects me because I drink coffee instead. I don’t necessarily know that all the changes are bad ones, with the emphasis on the “21st Century Education” thing. It can seem like a gimmick and be a little bit pointless at times, but at the same time it’s also nice to get different experiences in your education and really see new ways to do things and I think it does have a positive effect. And for the most part I think a lot of the changes aren’t necessarily bad or good, it’s just a change from one option to the other and we really need to give it more time before we can really see how it’s going to pan out.
FL: Do you think there should be any further changes?
MACPAR: Well, that’s hard to say. Down the line, maybe, but I think for the time being they should stick with the changes they’ve made and see how these work out before they go trying to change more things.
FL: What is your favorite class?
MACPAR: Well, I have a lot of enjoyable classes this year, but I’m going to have to go with Mr. Bohannon’s AP English, just because of the discussions that we have in that class. It’s a really fantastic class and you get a lot of deep thought going on.
FL: What is your favorite fruit, if you have one?
MACPAR: I’m going to have to go with the apple.
FL: What are your thoughts on the fall drama?
MACPAR: I think it’s shaping up to be a very enjoyable show. Now some people might think “ew, Shakespeare, I don’t want to see that, it’s boring!” but it actually is a very funny show, there are some very entertaining moments. Joe Canuso and John Kuyat are wrestling onstage at one point while professing their love for someone and it is very entertaining. I think it’s going to be a very funny show to watch, but you’re going to have to come and see it yourself.
FL: Are you excited for college?
MACPAR: I’m excited for college; I’m not so excited for the whole application process. There are a lot of essays to write.
FL: In your opinion, what is the meaning of life?
MACPAR: Forty-two.
FL: [Laughs]. Thank you, Dylan. Anything else you’d like to add?
MACPAR: No, I think that just about sums it up. Go Friars!
PJ MULLEN
LISTEN TO PJ’S INTERVIEW HERE
FL: How has the year been going so far?
PJ: It’s been rough, but it’s been a lot of fun too.
FL: What is your favorite class?
PJ: My favorite class this year has to be [wait for it] College Algebra. With Ms. Zulli, she’s awesome. Just a great class.
FL: What do you think of the changes here at Malvern this year?
PJ: I feel like there have been a lot of changes. One of the bigger changes is the sugared drinks. But I feel like I’ve become more in tune with not having sugar and I feel like I’m more focused in the classroom and out of the classroom.
FL: Do you think there should be any further changes?
PJ: Maybe… dress down days every Friday.
FL: Are you excited for college?
PJ: I don’t want to leave my Malvern brothers, but yes I am excited to move on to a new world and a new place.
FL: What is your favorite fruit?
PJ: My favorite fruit has to be the old kiwi.
FL: Old kiwi. Good choice, good choice.
PJ: [Grunts with passion]
FL: You’re a MECO leader, right?
PJ: Yes.
FL: Do you have anything to say to the November and December MECOs?
PJ: Just be ready.
FL: One last question. In your opinion, what is the meaning of life?
PJ: The meaning of life is having fun.
FL: Thanks, PJ.
PJ: Thank you!
