The ‘ROCK RepORT

A peek inside this issue Marching to Success of the ‘Rock Report: Zach Crowe ‘18 Page 2: ECHO/Fall The- ater t’s a common fall high school stereotype that the school’s football I team is the one that receives all the attention and glory, while the Page 3: Mrs. Odenthal/ team’s marching band is given no recognition for their hard works and PowderPuff Game achievements. This year, here at Bishop Feehan, the exact opposite is Page 4: Patriots due towards these two groups of students. Sure, the Feehan football team ended on a 7-1 hot run, but failed to amass any playoff wins. On Page 5: Homecoming the other hand, Bishop Feehan’s marching band had a season of un- Game matched success. The band traveled to Connecticut and won first Page 6: College Bowl/ place (yet again) in the States/Regional level competition, earning Hallway Decorating them a ticket to the National level competition at MetLife. They end- Page 7: Homecoming ed up in the top 5 at Nationals. Feehan was awarded the title of best Skits/Dance percussion of any team, and won the pride of defeating the team that went on to win First Place, Burlington City High School . Many sen- Page 8: Santa Shop iors, such as section leaders George El-Haoui, Kyle Arujo, and Cassie Page 9: Student Perspec- Schifman will be dearly missed, but have paved the path towards fu- tives: Santa Shop ture marching band success at Feehan for years to come. Page 10: Dear Lucky A Saint Among Us The Back Page: Student Grace Chiodo ‘18 Spotlight ishop Feehan's recipient of the 2017 Saint In Training Among Us Upcoming Events: B award is Mrs. Tyler. Starting on the very first day of class, Mrs. Ty- 10/16-21-Homecoming ler's students quickly learned that they have a great year to look for- Week ward to. Mrs. Tyler exhibits an array of qualities that make her an ex- 12/8 - Feast of the Immacu- cellent role model and friend to all those she meets. Each day she greets late Conception Mass her classes with a welcoming smile and contagious enthusiasm about helpful literature and writing techniques. Her gift of teaching has the 12/14- STAND Coffee- power to make students who once considered English their least favor- house and Tree Lighting ite class grow to love it. When Mrs. Cryan and Mr. Fuccillo began to 12/22– Christmas Break describe the winner of the Saint in Training award, the entire auditori- begins um was filled with whispers of Mrs. Tyler's name. Needless to say, 1/12– Midterms begin Mrs. Tyler is an incredible teacher who is well-deserving of her special

1/15– MLK Day recognition. ECHO/Theater

ECHO: Let Go and Let God Ava Garfinkel‘18 n my way to the Wonderland most transformative experiences of my O Conference Center, I have to ad- life. It’s hard to explain the weekend mit that my overwhelming emotion to someone who hasn’t taken a part in regarding the impending ECHO re- it, as every ECHO retreat is unique to treat was nervous. After hearing so the individuals participating. Through much about the experience and having the experience I truly learned to “let it built up over the past three years of go and let God,” and made countless high school, I was worried that I may unexpected friends that I couldn't be let down. Perhaps I was expecting have connected with in any other way. too much or I wouldn’t feel comforta- For those who are anticipating their ble fully participating in the experi- March ECHO, I challenge you to go in ence; these thoughts plagued my mind with an open heart and an open mind; as I entered the conference center that and for the underclassmen who are would become my home over the long- contemplating signing up for the re- est weekend of my life. treat, I encourage you to take this op- My preconceived notions of the way I portunity to learn more about yourself would react to the retreat could not and the people around you. Lastly, al- have been more wrong, and I can con- ways remember: keep your fork, find fidently say that ECHO was one of the your north, and let your freak flag fly.

A Feehan Christmas Carol cast and crew of this year’s Fall play tirelessly worked to put on A Christmas Mary Rose Corkery ‘18 Carol and the work certainly paid off. Senior Eric Blair took the lead role in this whirlwind of fantastic costumes,

impressive acting, and classic Dickens lines. The various ghosts of Christmas managed to bring life to the stage among the Cratchits, Ebby, and many more iconic figures. Reviews of the play by applauding audience members were overwhelmingly positive, concluding ead by Mr. Harrison in another yet another Feehan theater production L stunning theater production, the on a high note. Around Feehan

A Chat with Mrs. Odenthal Victoria Richardson ‘21 s. Odenthal is a magnificent English teacher here at Bishop Feehan High School. This M is her first year here and she is loving it so far. She is now in grad school and loves to help others learn. Upon sitting down in an interview with Mrs Odenthal, some interesting and exciting infor- mation came to light. First, Ms. Odenthal, like most of us students, finds it somewhat chal- lenging to transition between classes because she teaches Freshman and Junior classes in dis- tant classrooms. Currently, her classes are reading To Kill A Mockingbird and Macbeth. Her Mac- beth students are even acting out some scenes from the story! If you are looking for good books to read, Ms. Odenthal has some great suggestions,: Bless Me Ultima, and the fourth Har- ry Potter book. However Ms. Odenthal’s favorite genre of books are historical fiction. Next, Mrs. Odenthal shared that compared to her hometown of Aiken, South Carolina, the weather in the Northeast is much colder than it ever is there. This does not scare her away though — she is excited to watch Murder On The Orient Express, which takes place in snowy weather on a train. When it comes to heroes, she is a bigger fan of D.C. than Marvel because most of her favorite heroes are in D.C.. She also loves Star Trek more than Star Wars because they ex- plore more in the show and she personally feels like there is more of an element to the shows and movies. Overall, Ms. Odenthal is an awe-inspiring teacher in school and an awe-inspiring person out of school — I hope that every student gets a chance to meet her! Feehan Girls Take the Field Megan Coughlan ‘18 t was a chilly Sunday morning as many Bishop Feehan upperclassmen flocked to McGrath I Stadium bearing winter hats and gloves. Previously, McGrath had been reserved for guys playing football at Bishop Feehan High School; however, at the second annual Bishop Feehan Powder Puff game, it was the girls’ turn to take the field. With the Seniors wearing bright pink shirts, and the Juniors black, the girls walked onto the notorious Feehan turf. Fearlessly lead by star Senior football players, the Senior girls dominated the games. On the other hand, the Juniors, did not fare quite as well. The class of 2018 had much at stake in this nail-biter of a game, as last year, they had been champions, crushing the class of 2017. Today, they were here to defend their title as the greatest girls’ football team to ever walk the halls of Bishop Feehan High School—maybe even the greatest football team to grace our halls—but that’s a touchy subject with the boys. The Senior team offered up the best athletes Feehan has, and it was obvious with their performance. Both senior teams won and faced each other in the playoffs, keeping their title and making Feehan sports history. As the games came to an end, the girls flocked to the cookie sale hosted by the Red Cross Club to celebrate and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Overall, the second annual Powder Puff game was a success- ful event for all. On the Field

Patriots Look Towards Success Brendan Donoghue ‘18 s the Patriots prepare for their trip to In more recent weeks, the defense has been A Mexico to face the Oakland Raiders, they able to communicate much better and has sit atop the AFC East with a record of 7-2. gone back to playing a much more solid Patri- Early in Training Camp, there was talk of a ot-like defensive scheme under head coach Bill perfect season, 19-0. But with a plethora of in- Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Pa- juries to star players such as tricia. Just to give some sense of the improve- and Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots lost two of ment, through the first six game of the season, their first four games and had people doubting the Patriots were allowing roughly 30 points their success for the rest of the season. Defen- per game. Since that time, the Patriots have sive woes haunted the Patriots throughout the been averaging about 16 points for game. In first month and a half of the season. Newcom- recent weeks, the offense has also improved ers Stephon Gilmore and David Harris were greatly, with mixing his targets often blamed for the lack of chemistry, and and not heavily relying on one player to get while there is some truth to that, almost the him through a drive. Newcomer Brandin entire defense struggled with their communi- Cooks has also settled into his role of using cation. Virtually, no pressure was put on op- his speed to either beat defenders downfield posing while the pass rush and open up a whole new area for Brady to struggled, and opposing receivers were left throw to, or make them miss after he has wide open as the secondary failed to com- made a catch. With the addition of Martellus municate the coverages play in and play out. Bennett the Patriots have added another While the defense was struggling, the offense weapon that forces defenses to not focus sole- stayed consistent. Receivers Chris Hogan, ly at the threat of which, in , and Brandon Cooks com- turn, opens up more opportunities for one-on- bined with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and one coverage and opportunities for all receiv- Martellus Bennett (who joined the team in ers on the field. week 9) to pick up the slack with Edelman Heading into the second half of the season, the being sidelined and Tom Brady continued to Patriots have plenty that still needs to be im- play at a high level (maybe all that avocado ice proved upon - and that cannot be overlooked - cream helps after all). In the backfield, Mike but at the moment, the Patriots are in good Gillislee has been penciled in as the power position to be successful down the stretch and back, while , Rex Burkhead, and into the playoffs. James White have played multiple roles in- cluding taking handoffs, playing on third down, and out recently lining up at the slot or split end to catch passes. With Brendan Donoghue

Feehan Football is Victorious at Homecoming Game Brendan Donoghue ‘18 n October 21st, the Bishop Feehan capitalize with short passes against Feehan’s O Shamrocks took the field against zone defense. However with some adjust- Bishop Stang for the annual Homecoming ments both on the sidelines and at half time, football game. A slight breeze and no cloud in Feehan’s secondary was able to shut down the sky, it was perfect football weather. With Stang’s aerial attack and force them to turn alumni walking around campus catching up back to the their run game, which continued with old friends and watching their alma ma- to be shut down by Feehan’s pressure off the ter battle on the gridiron, Bishop Stang line of scrimmage. jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead. What little All in all, the Shamrocks gave the students disappointment may have been present in the and alumni what they wanted — a win. On stands dissipated quickly as Feehan’s Tim both the offensive and defensive side of the D’ambrosia connected with Caleb Fauria for ball, it took Feehan a little while to get into a two plays of 20 or more yards - the second groove, but once they were on a roll, the feel- ending in a - in the first half. ing throughout McGrath stadium was one of reads for D’ambrosia and screen confidence. After a hard-nosed war on turf, passes to the wide outs were sprinkled the Shamrocks walked away with a win. throughout an offensive game plan that fo- cused on utilizing the lateral quickness and acceleration of senior running back Seamus Cochrane. No matter the down and distance or the field position, Cochrane was continu- ously given the ball, and let his toughness take over from there. With multiple runs of 5 or more yards (including an 87 yard touch- down sprint) Cochrane pounded the pigskin down the throat of the Stang defense, on his way to multiple scores. On the defensive side of the ball, the game was won in the trenches. Stang’s running game could not get going consistently throughout the game, as Feehan’s defensive line owned the line of scrimmage all day, re- sulting in multiple tackle for losses and sacks. Early in the game, Stang was able to Homecoming Highlights

Hallway Decorating & School Pride

Emma Morgan ‘21

n celebration of Homecoming, many students I took time on the Thursday night of Feehan’s most spirited week to decorate the hallways. It was a great way to be with friends and to show some school pride! On Friday, the school was an explosion of colors

An Exciting College Bowl and excitement. When everyone sleepily arrived for homeroom, they were woken up with sur- Noah Denneno ‘21 prise at the decorations. That included stream- ers, balloons, confetti, and much more every- he College Bowl is a great event during where. Each grade had its own theme to repre- Homecoming Week that allows us to test T sent.. With The Lion King, the Freshman hallway our knowledge in a fun-filled game. This year, the was set to look like the African Savanna with teachers took home the gold after many sus- streamers across the lockers and miniature ani- penseful rounds hosted by Senior, Brian Crowley. mals on top. With Shrek, the sophomores com- To start off the afternoon, the Freshmen battled pleted their theme with plenty of green stream- the Sophomores until the Sophomores eventually won. Next, the Juniors and Seniors faced each ers and confetti. The Juniors with High School Mu- other to the cheers of a vibrant audience. The sical decorated referencing the hallway from East Seniors rallied especially enthusiastically in sup- High, even including a replica of Sharpay’s lock- port of Senior Naman Madan until the elder class er. The Seniors complimented their Grease eventually won. Lastly, the Seniors and the themed hallway with plenty of pink and black teachers dramatically took the stage together. balloons and an impressively crafty car replica. After a few Wild Card moves and much excite- The hard work that was put in during the two ment, the teachers just managed to come out on hours each grade spent after school really paid off top. and it was wonderful to see it all come together! The College Bowl allowed the students to test Congratulations to the Seniors who won the what they have really learned to win the game. competition for the best decorated hallway. The audience full of spirited students also tested its knowledge in order to help out their class’ team. All in all, the College Bowl was a great ex- perience for all students As a Freshman myself, I found that my grade was pleasantly surprised to encounter the level of true school pride present at the College Bowl. This Homecoming event is a perfect example of the Feehan Family coming to- gether to enjoy something together. Homecoming Cont.

Skits Impress All

Ryan Hanewich ‘19

s the last major school event before A the weekend begins, the Home- coming Rally is traditionally hotly anticipat- ed. It is the time where each class, after weeks of planning and practice, gets to show its skit to the school, competing for class challenge points and bragging rights. This year was no exception, as the showing shined all around, not just for the skits, but the rest of the entertainment. After A Memorable Night! the opening prayer and walking out of sports teams, the band and cheerleading each had a Chloe Chitvanni ‘19 brief performance. Mr. Svenson then moved on to the crowning of Homecoming King and he annual Bishop Feehan Home- Queen, where he eventually called Kevin Kane T coming Dance took place on Satur- and Daryl Zawaski to the gym floor. day, October 21. It was a fun-filled night, as The highlight of the day came shortly always, and everyone from Freshmen to Sen- thereafter: the class skits. Before the students iors turned up to join in on the fun. Home- took the floor, however, the faculty performed coming is no doubt the best week of the a skit for the first time in years, including school year, with everything leading up to the some memorable scenes from Annie. To say the one thing everyone loves most, the dance! As least, everyone was entertained. The freshmen people wandered through the night and the then hit the stage and performed a skit based gym became more and more crowded (and off of The Lion King featuring a spirited cast of sweatier), it just got more fun! For many characters. The Sophomores followed with Freshmen, this was their first Feehan dance and it was surely a memorable one! They Shrek the Musical, which will be remembered served pizza and water (and the number of for many big and bold costumes. The Juniors pizzas they had to buy was uncountable), as performed some iconic music numbers in their always. Throughout the night, people wan- High School Musical skit and the Seniors blew dered around the foyer to cool off from all the the audience away with the hand jive in their crazy dancing they were doing! The DJ played Grease skit. Though the Seniors came first and songs from Fire Burning to Hips Don’t Lie to the Sophomores last, all of this year’s skits de- Don’t Stop Believing and more! Overall, livered. Homecoming 2017 was a huge success! Every- Upon the conclusion of the Senior skit, one had a blast and it was a night we will al- the student body was dismissed, concluding ways remember in the years to come. another entertaining Homecoming rally and capping off the school week. Santa Shop

Santa Shop 2017! Linnea Carchedi ‘19, Bridget Catalano ‘19, & Maura Crump ‘19

The man behind it all: Mr. Rodrigues

t’s that time of year again! The time when the words “Santa Shop” buzz I throughout all of Bishop Feehan. So, what is it? Santa Shop is run by Feehan’s St. Vincent de Paul Society and is an annual event in which local families in need can receive assistance during Advent and the holiday season. This year’s Santa Shop marks Bishop Feehan’s 22nd year of participation in this Work of Mercy. It takes many hands to make this well-oiled machine run successfully. Students help in the form of babysitters, tour guides, gift wrappers, gift table attendants, raffle helpers, and floaters. For those who may not be able to help after school, the gift chain is a school-wide activity that takes place during the school day. Each of these groups cannot function without the others.

Santa Shop Cont.

The ‘Rock Report spoke to a few students about their involvement with Santa Shop. The students were asked what Santa Shop meant to them and what their favorite part of the experience is!

Santa Shop means… “Sharing and caring!” “Helping other people, which is what Feehan is all about.” “It is a time filled with joy, love, charity, and mercy!” “Mercy!” “Bringing myself joy by bringing joy to others.” “Reassuring ourselves that there are good people in the world.”

My favorite part of Santa Shop is… “Helping someone find a gift and when they find it, they get emotional.” “Hearing the life stories of those who come.” “The toy chain because we all physically touch the gifts which makes every stu- dent a part of someone’s holiday.” “Playing with the kids!” “Seeing the Feehan Family come together and help!” “Feeling like I’m a part of something that is bigger than me.” “All of it!” Dear Lucky

Dear Lucky is Bishop Feehan’s very own advice column. If you have questions about life, love, or anything else, send Lucky an email at [email protected]!

Dear Lucky, I have three very important questions for you! First, now that fall has ended and winter has begun, is there any advice on what students should be looking to do with the change of season? Second, what are some of the events Feehan will host around the holiday season? Third. what exactly is San- ta Shop? Sincerely, Holiday Holly

Dear Holly, To answer your first question, every student works differently. For some, they’ve got- ten themselves into a good routine that works well, and for those people I recommend simp- ly keeping that routine up. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But for a lot of students, espe- cially freshmen, the fall was simply a trial run of seeing what the year was going to be like. Now that quarter one is well done and over, the best advice I can give is to immerse yourself into Feehan even more. Don’t be afraid to try many new clubs or sports, don’t fear going to different events Feehan hosts, step out of your comfort zone once or twice. To your second question, there’re a lot of different opportunities for you to get into the Christmas spirit at Feehan. There are the little things, like the usual holiday TAG day, the playing of Christmas music on some Friday’s, etc. Then there are other things that re- quire a smaller commitment such as Christmas PAWS, holiday Life Skills, and the Christ- mas STAND CoffeeHouse / Tree Lighting, but are always open to all! And, of course, there’s everyone’s favorite, Santa Shop. Your third question is a great one. Santa Shop is, in most people’s opinions, the best thing you can participate in during your time at Feehan. This ranges from bringing in gifts for your homerooms, to the crazy toy line, to signing up to be a helper during the actual event (reminder: spots are typically limited). Santa Shop brings in families for over 400 kids who cannot afford to buy their kids Christmas gifts. We, as a Feehan community, collect gifts and donate them to the families for the children. Parents come and pick out the gifts they desire, have them wrapped up and ready to go all while many of the kids hang out in the gym upstairs. The night is one of Feehan’s best of the year.

Well, good luck!

Lucky

The Back Page

Beth Keough, a Student Spotlight THE ‘ROCK REPORT STAFF Catie Mae Carey ‘19 Junior here at Feehan, is for sure- Bishop Feehan High School ly a face you may recognize walking through Contributing Writers (in Order of Appearance): these hallways. Starting as a Freshman, she Zach Crowe ‘18, Grace Chiodo ‘18, Ava Garfinkel appeared in both the fall play and the spring ‘18, Mary Rose Corkery ‘18, Victoria Richardson musical (more prominently in the fall play in ’21, Megan Coughlan ‘18, Brendan Donoghue ‘18, which she starred as a lead role, Mrs. Sav- Noah Denneno ‘21, Emma Morgan ‘21, Ryan Hanewich ‘19, Chloe Chitvanni ‘19, Linnea age!) You may also recognize her from her Carchedi ‘19, Bridget Catalano ‘19, Maura Crump numerous performances with Shamrockapel- ‘19, Catie Mae Carey ‘19 la, chorus, and liturgical choir. If you missed Faculty Advisor: Ms. Gazzola out on those, you definitely saw her more re- Editor in Chief & Layout: Mary Rose Corkery ‘18 cent performances as Mrs. Potts in last year’s Assistant Editor: Grace Chiodo ‘18 spring musical, or in her dazzling rendition of the classic song “At Last” in last year’s Join the ‘Rock Report! Feehan’s Got Talent. More recently, she played Ebby in Feehan’s latest production: A Thursday mornings at 7:15 in Christmas Carol. You also may have heard Room 219. her name announced over the loudspeaker recently, congratulating her on her ac- ceptance into the southeastern district cho- ducted into National Honor Society, adding rus festival, and her all-state recommenda- to her existing Honor Society repertoire, tion. This is a very prestigious recognition which includes Music Honor Society. Beth that is truly well-deserved considering her has also been a recipient of Second Honors extraordinary vocal ability. Not only does here at Feehan, showcasing her academic Beth possess immense talent in the perform- success. Beyond just her talent, Beth is a ing arts, she is also very artistically talented. great friend and person. She has an extreme- As a Sophomore she was nominated for a ly outgoing and amiable disposition and an Scholastic Art Award, and she received nu- infectious laugh. Be sure to get to know this merous teacher awards at the many art amazing person before she leaves Feehan and shows that she has been featured in as an art moves on to be the world’s biggest Broadway student here at Feehan. Beth is also involved star! in high level classes, and was recently in-