The Record covers recent events in American politics—the Capitol Riots and the Senate Runoffs—and the school’s MLK Jr. Day programming in this issue. In addition, the Features section’s writers contribute local news stories from their home region. We hope that everyone can finish out the semester strongly, and look forward to the return to campus. Have a safe and restful semester break.

- The Record Executive Board

Gerri Hernandez & John Ramspott

Democrats Gain Control of Senate

Benjamin Who ’24

Democrat Jon Ossoff emerged victorious in Georgia’s Senate runoffs on the morning of Wednesday, January 6, settling the final race of the 2020 election cycle.

Tyler Merbler

School Reflects on Capitol Siege

Lauren McLane ’23, Staff Writer

On January 6, former President Donald Trump gave a speech entitled “Save America” at a rally in Washington D.C., which drew tens of thousands of people. Following the speech, several thousand protesters marched down Pennsylvania Avenue and stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to disrupt Congress’s joint session to certify the electoral vote count confirming President Joe Biden’s victory.

Communications

Students Celebrate the Legacy of MLK Jr.

Nithya Chundi ’23

“What are things white people should never say or do?” This was one of many questions submitted for the Community Conversation the Black and Hispanic Student Association (BaHSA) hosted as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day programming on January 17 and 18.

Upper Mids Attend College Forum Virtually

Darina Huang ’23

To kick off the college application process, the annual Upper Mid College Forum will be held virtually on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23. Hosted by the College Counseling Office, the forum is open to all Upper Mids and their families.

Baycrest

Shanghai’s First Fully Automated Subway

Shannon Meng ’22, Contributing Writer

If you think Tesla’s autopilot feature is cool, take a look at Shanghai’s first fully automated subway.

Kim Jong-taek

The Case of Cho Doo Soon: An Unfinished Trial

Ein Jun ’22, Contributing Writer

I felt an uneasy tension in the atmosphere waking up and turning on the television. Leaving for a meeting, I saw mothers urging their kids to come home straight after school, and the subways, usually completely silent, were occupied by a cacophony of concerned voices. By the afternoon, the situation had morphed into utter chaos.

Bauhinia Party Founded in Hong Kong

Amelie Zhang ’23, Staff Writer

The newest addition to the numerous political parties in Hong Kong, the Bauhinia Party, named after the city’s official flower, has received widespread attention after announcing its launch to local media outlets in December 2020.

To You, My Generation: Get off Social Media Politics

Michael Zhang ’21, Opinions Editor

Inflamed by months of false voter fraud narratives, a group of insurgents stormed the Capitol, smearing feces both literally and metaphorically over the heart of our nation’s ideals. As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris inherit the momentous task of restoring a shattered nation, I call upon you to do your part as well.

Public Domain

Why Tesla’s Stock is Overvalued

Armaan Haji ’23, Contributing Writer

Whether because of its electric cars, the antics of eccentric CEO Elon Musk, or the company’s exciting technological advancements, Tesla is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and successful companies in today’s world.

HBO

Community Views Between the World and Me

Ein Jun ’22, Contributing Writer

As part of this year’s MLK Day programming, the school encouraged students to view Kamilah Forbe’s film adaptation of Ta-Nahisi Coates’ number-one New York Times bestseller, Between the World and Me. The text was initially adapted for the stage as a set of monologues in 2018, then for an HBO special event last year.

Scott Barrow

Artist of the Issue: Emily Heimer ’21

Anika Balwada ’23, Contributing Writer

Emily Heimer ’21 is a four-year Senior and co-head of the Hotchkiss Humane Society, ink., and the Multi-Racial Student Union. Heimer is also a board member of Hillel and the Hotchkiss Drama Association (HDA).

Capitol Rioters Damage Priceless Art

Vivian Shi ’22, Contributing Writer

Shattered frames. Torn scrolls. A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6, resulting in five deaths and damages to historical art and architecture.

Tom Honan

Athlete of the Issue: Taylor Clayton ’21

Carrie Cao ’23, Staff Writer

Taylor Clayton ’21 is a four-year Senior and co-captain of the Boys Varsity Squash team. Next year, Clayton will play squash at Yale University. Co-captain John Nicholson ’22 said, “Taylor knows how to lead by example. He is a great role model for everyone on the team in terms of his work ethic and sportsmanship.” Teammate Callan Venkatesan ’23 said, “He really helped me feel like a part of the team last year, and we can always count on him.”

Annie Xu ’22

The History of Taft Day

James Yae ’23

How come students come together as a “blue mob” in Main Circle with painted H’s on their faces every fall? Taft Day has ended almost every Fall athletic season since 1980 with a charging spirit.

Megan Ho ’23

Crimson Tide Rolls in Miami: Takeaways from the NCAA Football Championship

Christian Waldron ’23, Contributing Writer

The 2020-2021 NCAA Division I Football season will go down as one of the most unusual in history, with its abbreviated schedules, postponed games, and of course, absence of fans. As this unprecedented season comes to an end, a familiar team sits on the Division I college football throne: the Alabama Crimson Tide. This year’s title adds to the program’s extensive trophy cabinet, bringing its total of national crowns to eighteen. After another undefeated season, capped off by a commanding 52-24 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s safe to say that this Alabama Team deserves to be in the running for the greatest in college football history.