Bishop Canevin High School Leonid February 2020 Vol. 59, No. 4 City Proclamation Caps Nate Kirsch off Catholic Schools Week is February AMDG Winner

ishop Canevin High School was rec- significant contributors to Canevin’s present ognized during last month’s Catholic and past history. For instance, Sam Simpson, enior Nathan Kirsch All Things for the Greater BSchools Week by Pittsburgh’s City senior, is the seventh child to attend Bishop was named the Feb- Glory of God.” He is a Council with a ceremony that honored the Canevin from the Simpson family. Others Sruary recipient of member of NHS and the school’s 60 years of building faith, develop- in the picture include Abigail and Thomas the AMDG award, estab- St. Ignatius Scholars, car- ing communities and promoting service. At- Deasy, Ava and Carson Gaitens, Josie and lished this past Decem- ries a 4.6 GPA, and is also tending the proclamation presentation were Francis Bochicchio, Geno DeFrank, and ber for the student who on the soccer and basket- Principal Michael Joyce and several current George Shorthouse. best demonstrates Bishop ball teams. students who come from families who are Canevin’s mission of “Do Second Model Classroom is Completed Renee LaGrosse | Staff Reporter

ishop Canevin’s second type of room “enhances education,” model classroom is located the students feel that a brighter Bin G107, homeroom of Mrs. and cleaner space has been created Marguerite Miller where she teach- which makes for a comfortable and es freshmen and junior English and fun environment in which to learn. senior AP Literature. The renovated The first model classroom, Mr. room is equipped with an Aquos Casavale’s homeroom, was com- board, carpeting, and all new white- pleted last spring. As funding be- boards and furniture. Agreeing with comes available, more will be reno- Mr. Joe Romano who stated that this vated in this fashion.

Look inside for Writing Contest information! 2 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 Some Thoughts from the Senior Class Antonio Battista and Tim Durkin | Staff Reporter and Editor-in-Chief The Senior Class of 2020 is an interesting group with diverse goals and memories. We sat down with seven of them and, in-between all their many activities and classes, were able to ask them the following five questions:

1. What was your favorite class at Canevin and why? 2. What was your favorite club and why? 3. What was your favorite school event? 4. If you could go back to freshmen year, what is one thing you would change? 5. What year of high school was your favorite and why?

Hanna DeLisio Michael Caputo Lily Chabala

1. AP Spanish 4. Ms. 1. Modern World freshman 1. Multimedia because I Barber is fun and it’s year because it was relaxed. really like doing the fun to speak in another The kids were hilarious, the projects and let my creative language. work load was low, and I side out. 2. Volleyball because learned the five themes of 2. Book Club because I I love the sport and all geography for the first time. like the atmosphere. The my teammates created a 2. Ping Pong Club because the people are really people are really nice and really good atmosphere. fun to play with and there’s a lot of action, like I like that we talk about different books and 3. Prom 2019. tournaments. It is all good competition. I also got everyone has a chance to read what they like. 4. I would have joined the spring musical freshman to make my own paddles which was fun. 3. Fall Fest. I like people could hang out and you year. 3. Fall Fest 2017. could talk to people you wouldn’t normally get to 5. Freshman year because I didn’t have to worry 4. I probably would have joined spring musical during school. about anything. sooner. 4. I would be more outgoing. 5. Freshman year because of track and Mr. Lang’s 5. Senior year because it has been a very easy year. Steve Davis class. I met a lot of good people as well.

1. I have to go with Business Management Connor Jacobs because of Mr. Wanamaker. Luke Fabry 2. I played basketball for 1. Personal Finance like a week and it was fun. 1. History class with Mr. because I really like Mr. 3. Homecoming 2019. Checketts because he is Wanamaker and it is a 4. Apply and go to Canevin. a god. very useful class. 5. Senior year because of the great people here 2. Football because I love 2. FBLA as it is fun to at Canevin. the sport. compete with other kids my age. 3. Fall Fest 2018. 3. Homecoming because I had a good time with Jenn Burton 4. I guess I’d play another sport or something, all my friends. probably baseball. 4. I would have studied harder. 1. I liked Chemistry a 5. Senior year because it’s my last year of school. 5. Sophomore year because it was a pretty easy lot because my class was year and homecoming was fun. really fun, but my favorite is probably art. 2. Soccer because we have all been super close since freshman year. I am always excited to go and see everybody. 3. This year’s boys’ soccer game against Seton- LaSalle. 4. I would maybe try to join a different sport in addition to soccer, like swimming. 5. Sophomore year. I really liked the classes I took and it was a lot of fun.

Turn the page for Writing Contest details! 3 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 The Leonid Almanac Editor The Leonid is a member of Quill and Scroll and the Pennsylvania School Press Association. Speaks to It is published six times a year by the journalism students at Bishop Canevin High School. 2700 Morange Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15205 Journalism Class Phone: (412) 922-7400 fax: (412) 922-7403 The policy of the Leonid is to provide a forum Tim Durkin | Editor-in-Chief for student expression.

Editor-in-Chief Tim Durkin

Cartoonist Gabriele Gerbino

Graphic Artist/Photographer Theresa Skindzier

Contributing Photographer Henry Huang

Staff Reporters Luke Andruscik Antonio Battista Hanna DeLisio Mac Johnson Renee LaGrosse ast month, the Journalism As sports editor, she covers one Jack Mickle students were visited by El- sport event every day, from basketball Nick Paluso Leanor Bailey, the sports editor to wrestling, and, to make her article Anessa Preteroti of The Almanac newspaper which is stand out from other papers, she likes Adam Reyes distributed in the South Hills suburbs to center her work around a specific of Pittsburgh. During her 40 minute player or coach. Due to budget cuts Advisor talk she discussed her education, the and with the abilities of technology, Mrs. Charlotte Smith future of journalism and answered she is able to work from home. She questions. stressed that journalists need to main- Production Director Bailey attended Duquesne Univer- tain their objectivity while reporting Mrs. Marguerite Miller sity as a journalism and broadcasting the facts and need to possess multiple major, played on the basketball team skills to obtain a job in a field where and wrote for the school newspaper more newspapers are going online and yearbook. Upon graduating, she rather than publishing a printed copy. Attention All Writers! freelanced for the Pittsburgh Post- She is the only photojournalist in her Gazette and The South Hills Record, company so having a skill such as Do you enjoy writing poetry or short stories? The BC the latter of which was part of Gate- photography is an asset in her posi- way Publications and is now owned tion. She stated that freelancing is Leonid has just launched its first writing contest! Any by The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. In still a great idea but its downside is addition to covering scholastic sports the lack of benefits, such as health poetry (any style, no longer than 2 pages) or short story at the Record, she wrote obituaries, insurance. She advised that students covered weddings and school board should get involved in organizations (any genre, no longer than 750 words) may be emailed to meetings, attended council meetings as so many occupations, outside of and gathered police news. newspapers, also need writers for jobs Mrs. Charlotte Smith at [email protected] for a Eventually she landed her first in public relations and sports infor- full-time job as sports editor of The mation departments, and marketing chance to win a 5-day Canevin cookie voucher and pub- Almanac, a weekly newspaper origi- and advertising departments to pro- nally owned by the Observer Pub- duce ads, campaigns, annual reports, lication of the winning entry in both The Leonid and the lishing Company in Washington, Pa. newsletters, websites, and technical and now owned by Bob Nutting (of guides. She reminded that journalism Oracle. Only one submission per student, to be judged by the Pittsburgh Pirates) and the Og- is supposed to “comfort the afflicted den Newspaper chain. She has been and afflict the comfortable” and thus an outside panel. a part of coverage of major events one should always be a crusader for like 9/11 and has interviewed people the truth. Her belief is that “there is Deadline is March 6. like George Bush, Hilary Clinton, Su- always room for good people in any zie McConnell, Dan Marino, Lebron career.” James, Tiger Woods, and Kurt Angle. 4 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 Book Review: Cheers to the Confessions of a High Cheerleaders! School Disaster Hanna DeLisio | Staff Reporter A romance book worth reading?

Tim Durkin | Editor-in-Chief

efore beginning my actual scene with her is enjoyable. Mac is also review, I would like to preface written very well. It’s really interesting Bthis by pointing out it was not seeing how he is unbearable to everyone my choice to read this book. In our BC except his girlfriend and Chloe. Chloe Book Club, we do an activity around never outright says that people dislike Valentine’s Day that we call “Blind him, but it is hinted at a lot. Speaking of ast month the BC Cheerleaders competition season with a near-perfect Date with a Book.” Mrs. R. wraps up hints, I was genuinely impressed by how competed in the WPIAL cheer routine. several romance novels, then has us subtle this book was. I pay close attention Lchampionships at Hempfield “The girls went through a lot choose one of them based on a one to the details, which is where most books High School. This event capped a year- of changes this season, but we were able sentence summary. I got Confessions fall apart. With this book, the details are long practice of difficult stunts that made to compete and even with injuries, we of a High School Disaster. To be frank, everything. For example, in the beginning up their routine. In December the team worked extra hard and we are proud of I am not a fan of romance novels. I’m of the book, Chloe is talking about the had also called in choreographers from what we accomplished,” Dugan said. not really a fan of romance in any book, different people in her life. At one point, Pitt Elite Cheerleading to choreograph The girls are now finishing out their but that’s beside the point. That is why she mentions Snickers. The reader has no and put the finishing touches on their winter season by cheering for the I was astounded to find that I really idea whom she’s talking about until she dance and stunt sequence. basketball teams. enjoyed my time with this one. It’s hard mentions how she never gives him scraps Although the girls did not “I love cheering for our to get me to like any book, much less a from the table. At this point, the reader place at the competition, the team basketball teams,” stated Umalin. “I romance novel. So how did this miracle knows that Snickers is a dog. This is is very proud of their work. Seniors hope they make it far in the WPIALS as come about? actually incredibly smart exposition. This Rosa Dugan, Hanna DeLisio, Jenny I’m excited to travel far to cheer them Confessions of a High School Disaster is Chloe’s diary that she is keeping secret. Umalin, Olivia Fiore and Abby Gales on.” is the diary of Chloe Snow, an incoming Why would she explain who Snickers is were happy that they had finished their freshman. The diary documents her life since she’s the only one reading it? She during this year, which includes the rocky wouldn’t, so she doesn’t. Small details relationship with her parents, her desire like this are all throughout the book and for a boyfriend, and the challenges that kept me engaged until the very end. Tumbling into WPIALS come with growing up. Along the way, All books have problems, and this Chloe meets senior Mac, with whom she book is no exception. For one, the plot is Anessa Preteroti | Staff Reporter eventually falls in love. However, Mac is pretty basic and predictable. BC Leonid already dating someone. Chloe has to try staff member Hanna DeLisio was able and seduce Mac while making sure that to correctly guess about half of the plot his girlfriend does not find out, which after I read her the back of the book, yet eventually comes back to bite her. she had never read it before. This leads In terms of an original plot, this to an overwhelming sense of tedium book does not possess one. I have read within the book. By the last 30 pages or the forbidden love plot trope so many so I could not wait for it to end because I times by this point. What makes this already knew what was going to happen. particular instance stand out is just how My final complaint is that it is not exactly relatable and realistic it is. I remember school appropriate. Unfortunately, this freshman year quite well and this is a is the risk you take when doing “Blind ishop Canevin’s one and only and Central Valley was her second great representation of it. Chloe, through Date with a Book.” Confessions of a High gymnast has qualified for straight meet finishing first All-Around. her diary, conveys how frightened she is School Disaster features many instances Bthe WPIAL championships After the WPIALs, hopefully, will by everything because it’s all unknown. of swearing, underage drinking, and other to be held Feb. 14-15. Senior Annie come competing at the PIAA State She is still figuring out the person she unsuitable material. Colantonio has been a gymnast for Championships. wants to be, but is scared of who she I give this book a lot of credit because the past eleven years, embracing the might end up being. Her interactions with it surprised me. I went into this believing commitment needed to excel in this She is excited to experience the team other characters only serve to heighten that I would absolutely despise this sport. She trains 4-5 hours a day, five aspect in gymnastics when she goes this sense of realism. Her best friend book, but that obviously was not the days a week, all year round at the to Gannon University in the fall to since grade school, Hannah, becomes case here. Despite a somewhat dull plot Gymsport Athletic Center. She trains continue her academic and athletic increasingly distant as the book goes on. and inappropriate parts, I still enjoyed for both high school gymnastics and career. For now, though, being the It’s unfortunate but that is a major part of Confessions of a High School Disaster a Junior Olympics at the center. only individual at Bishop Canevin life. It’s sad, but normal. lot. If you don’t like romance books that competing in this sport has given her Let’s address the elephant in the room: much, I implore you to give this one a Annie’s floor routine this year is the opportunity to spread our name the romance. Do I think it’s good? Not at shot. It won’t disappoint. her favorite. With the help of a to everyone. “I love representing my all. Do I still really like it? Absolutely. It . choreographer, she created her own school, even if I’m the only one,” may be cheesy and contrived, but Chloe routine. Her First All-Around title from Colantonio stated proudly. is such a great main character that any the meet against South Side Beaver 5 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 The Time Traveling Teenagers Meet St. Valentine

Gabriele Gerbino | Cartoonist

Buy your copy of the Yearbook before March 1. Delivery Day is May 8. Go to www.jostens.com to order today! 6 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 BC Museum to Open Movie Review: Early Summer Cats Proves Will Hold School’s Artifacts That Not All Felines Land on Their Feet Adam Reyes | Staff Reporter

hey say cats may have nine to act like they are serious about their lives and the new movie Cats roles, when you can clearly see they’re Tuses every last one of them. holding back the urge to use their claws Tom Hooper’s adaptation of Andrew on Tom Hooper. Taylor Swift plays Lloyd Webber’s 1981 Broadway Macavity’s glorified cheerleader and musical simply does not translate to the does the same job as Idris does in terms screen with cat-a-strophic visual effects of acting, although she does have the and zero plot to chew on. Based on T. best song in the entire movie which I S. Eliot’s 1931 poetry collection, “Old thoroughly enjoyed, if only it didn’t Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the also play in the credits! story follows a tribe of London cats called the Jellicles. On this particular Finally, there is an obligation to night, they must gather together to humanity that I inform you of what is make the “Jellicle Choice,” deciding probably quite obvious. The cgi in this which cat will ascend to the Heaviside movie is cat-a-tonic: humans and cats Set to open this Summer, the B.C. Museum and Hall of Fame seeks Layer to be reborn anew, Yes, the plot were never meant to mix in this sort of donations. is as dumb and stupid as it sounds and way. Whenever you see a character on that was a generous description of it. screen your brain automatically realizes here has been a flurry of activity archives were an original girl’s uniform that there is something desperately on the upper B side as Room blazer from the 1960s, two photo albums This obviously is not the fault of the wrong with the picture. Note to all TB210 gets transformed from that contained the school’s dedication script, which is faithfully adapted by future directors: never mix naked what was the 1970s era English Resource program from 1959 along with other Tom Hooper and Lee Hall, but rather is famous actors with cgi cat features Center into the Bishop Canevin High promotional photos of the school’s a fundamental flaw in the original stage and human feet. At the end of the day, School Museum and Hall of Fame. It construction, and a couple of vinyl LP book. Rather than build a character arc though, I recommend you see this will hold artifacts vital to the 60-year albums of recorded school events, one for the feline heroine, we get two hours movie as, honestly, it is so horrendous history of the school and make them of which was the year-long project of random character introductions. that I genuinely laughed and cringed available for everyone to view, reminisce called “Sounds of Canevin ’68.” Nearly Speaking of these wonderful felines at unmeasurable amounts of moments and appreciate. 1000 slides have been converted to a makes you want to claw your eyes out. during the whole movie. Despite it not “The goal of the museum is to for flash drive for easy access viewing of Idris Elba is one of our finest actors; being a comedy, the fact that this movie everyone to be able to see these items past history. however, his “Cats” villain Macavity takes itself seriously is what causes it instead of them being buried in a closet Although there are numerous artifacts is too silly to be dangerous, sounding to be a must-watch “purrfect” movie somewhere,” said student archivist Jack currently in the school’s collection, there more like a dental hygiene issue than a disaster. Don’t let young children watch Mickle ’21. are still many items the school does not threat. Not to mention Idris and all the this movie or they may try to kill your Renovations to the room included have and Mickle hopes that those could actors who have roles in this movie all own pet cats. removal of a door, painting, new carpeting be donated by the alumni, although there act as if they are being held at gunpoint and plasterwork. New lighting, Internet have been a few donations, such as the access, and an air conditioning unit will married couple who graduated in 1963 be installed shortly. and 1966 who are donating their class “The air conditioning is a necessity,” rings. Mickle pointed out. “Some of the items The museum/hall of fame is starting a Back issues of the Leonid had seriously deteriorated because partnership with the Carnegie Historical they were not in a climate-controlled Society and the Diocese of Pittsburgh environment and would continue to Archives Center. There also will be a in its present online format deteriorate further unless action was session at the upcoming Day Away #3 taken.” where students will learn about their Among the items the museum will school’s history in a game format. may be found at: hold are back issues of The Leonid, Alumni are also encouraged to donate or trophies, plaques and awards, yearbooks, “loan” items to the museum/hall of fame. sports programs, vintage uniforms, club “We realize it may be hard for some bishopcanevin.org/apps/ shirts, photographs, musical program to part with their high school memories, books, and original furniture, among but we hope people will know the items other objects. Some exciting finds made will be going to a good home,” Mickle pages/leonid by the reorganization of the school’s reminded. 7 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 A Day in the Life of the Alumni Spotlight: St. Anthony’s Program Rep. Daniel Deasy Mac Johnson | Staff Reporter Nick Paluso | Staff Reporter

ne of the many aspects that others are taught individually. it takes to run for office. There is a lot makes Bishop Canevin unique “The St. Anthony High School of work that must be done in order to be Oas a school is the St. Anthony’s program also gives students the successful.” Program. This program is a Catholic- opportunity to learn work skills through In office since 2009, what Deasy based special education program that our vocational program,” she said. Once enjoys most about his job is that there is open to children of all faiths who or twice a week, depending on grade is not a typical day. He gets many have intellectual disabilities such as level, the students travel to a job site different opportunities to speak to Down Syndrome or Autism Spectrum where they work from third to eighth people throughout the commonwealth Disorder. According to Mrs. Chris period. A paraprofessional drives them and learn about the issues and concerns Westrick, the Resource Room teacher there and acts as their job coach. Some that affect their lives. He maintains an of the program at Canevin, the goal of of these work sites include preschools, office on South Main Street, Pittsburgh the program is “for students to learn offices and hotels. The Annual Field Day 15220 where residents can visit, obtain and grow with their same age peers in at SS. Simon and Jude Church, Scott information, and voice their questions. a safe, inclusive environment.” The St. Township, is another favorite activity. “The residents place their trust in Anthony’s Program gives students with On that day, they can bring a friend me, so I make sure that I am always intellectual disabilities a chance to go from school with them to compete in accessible to discuss their concerns,” through the school day just like any various athletic events. The winners Deasy assured. A family man, he is other student would. receive trophies. o matter what political side married to Kelly and his four children To begin each day, the students “One of the greatest aspects of you are on, there are Bishop (Alyssa ’17, Danielle ’19, Thomas ’20 arrive at school and head to homeroom. the program is that most of the kids NCanevin alumni in the mix. and Abby ’22) have either graduated or They are given a schedule for what really enjoy participating in it,” Mrs. Representative Daniel Deasy graduated will also graduate from Canevin. His they will do each day. Each student Westrick stated. “My students really like from Canevin in 1984 and went on to job as a Representative requires that he has a different schedule to follow. attending inclusive classes with their the University of Pittsburgh to major in travel to Harrisburg where he spends The classes are inclusive so they can peers. It is their favorite part of the day.” business. After graduation, he started roughly two weeks out of each month. fit the needs of each student. Mrs. Furthermore, the students enjoy going working in the Department of Public During the months of May and June, Westrick modifies the course material to the Days Away. It gives them more Works of the City of Pittsburgh and however, he may be in Harrisburg for and homework assignments for the time to interact with their friends in and began taking an interest in politics. longer periods as the House will spend students as well. Additionally, the outside the program. The students would When the City Councilman in Deasy’s long days in session, sometimes from 9 students may participate in any of the not be having so much fun if it were not district was leaving to pursue other a.m. to 10 p.m., trying to pass the annual BC sports and club activities. for the welcoming and friendly attitudes opportunities, Deasy decided to run for yearly budget which must be done by They are given special opportunities of their fellow Canevin students. “The his position. Being a life-long resident June 30. The annual budget is the most throughout the day and week to better students at Canevin are very friendly and very active within his community, important bill they pass as it affects all enrich themselves. Added into their towards my students. I often see students he did very well in his first campaign. of Pennsylvania’s 13 million residents schedule are three periods in the talking to my students in the hall, “I could not envision having a career and covers many issues such as resources Resource Room where Mrs. Westrick walking with them to class, etc.” in politics while I was a student at for schools and senior citizens and will teach reading in the morning and The St. Anthony’s Program provides Canevin,” Deasy commented. “I am investments in infrastructures. math in the afternoon. The third period its students an opportunity to have a encouraged that students nowadays take “It is a great responsibility, but it’s is used for extra help or for studying. She specific education and to be a part of an increased interest in politics. A good also very rewarding in the fact that we also tries to incorporate life lessons into a normal high school setting. The fact way for students to gauge their interest help many people,” Deasy commented. her classes. During this time, some of that Canevin has this program makes the is to volunteer with a political campaign. the students are taught in groups while school better and more unique. It is a beneficial experience to see what Ropchock Skates to Stardom Senior Cameron Ropcheck is a star hockey player who was selected to the PIHL All-Star Game last month, along with his Bishop Canevin teammate Chase Evans. Luke Andruscik | Staff Reporter Q. Why did you start playing hockey? Q. What is your favorite team? A. When I was younger I just got attached A. My favorite team is the Penguins. to the game by watching it with my parents. Q. Who did you idolize your game after? A. I try to idolize my game after Johnny Q. When did you start playing hockey? Gaudreau because he is a smaller guy and A. I started skating when I was 2 and began I know I’m one of, if not the smallest, guys playing when I was 5. on the team.

Q. Who is your favorite NHL player? Q. What does it feel like to be selected A. Favorite NHL player would probably to the PIHL All-Star team? be Sidney Crosby. A. It was an honor to be selected for the game. I know my teammate Chase Evans and I were both very excited. 8 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 9 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 10 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020 11 Bishop Canevin High School February 2020

THREE DESIGN CHOICES FOR 9x9 PLAQUE