Thursday, September 21st, the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads hosted an event entitled “Game of Wits: Opportunities in a Chaotic World – Cyber, terrorism, and grand strategy in Latin America and Southwest Asia.”

At 7pm, within the walls of Norfolk Academy, an intimate group of curious students, teachers, and citizens gathered to hear Kevin Hulbert speak. As the former Director of Operations with the CIA, he offered his expertise on a variety of topics ranging from, but not limited to the topics listed above.

With his most recent job within the government, he held the distinction of Senior Advisor for counterterrorism in the FBI. He now works within the private sector as President of XK Group, offering clients an ability to dominate emerging markets based on his foreknowledge and the intelligence that he and his team gather.

Reminiscent of a public forum style presentation, Hulbert was fielded questions from BG Matt Brand, to which he generally responded with his own brand of humor and a unique, inside perspective. After about 30 minutes of this format, the floor opened, and the audience members became a panel, seeking his knowledge on past and present global issues.

Tallwood forged a relationship with the World Affairs Council over 8 years ago when they realized that students stood to benefit from a refreshing method of learning. Mr. Gregory Falls, Academy Elective teacher, and attendee stated, “It’s not all about textbooks. Sometimes the people who have been there, done that, are the best ways to learn.”

Though Hulbert was thorough in examining problems in the world and how that relates to us as global citizens, and as, americans, solutions were sparse. Recurring topics such as the arab spring, and the threat of nuclear war from North Korea, reflected an audience inundated with information on a consistent basis, but still very fearful of the unknown.

Perhaps that part is up to those in attendance.

Below are links to the stories included in The Roaring Gazette’s first issue of the 2017/2018 school year.

Cybersecurity, toppling regimes, and facing terrorism by Aniyah Lewis

Lion Voices: What did you do this Summer? by Bethany Hansel

Students want vending machines open more often by Danielle Erestain

Meet a Lion: Mr. Falls by Aliyah Alli

NBA Superteams a new trend by Danielle Schirru

Remember why they’re kneeling by Marissa Goodall

New VB program offers humane solution for “Barn Cats” by Finnley Brakke

Hispanic Heritage Month an opportunity to re-think how we teach History by Ashley Archila-Ventura