“ We relish the news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too.” HELEN HAYES ACTRESS AND ACTIVIST

Friday, December 15, 2017 St. Scholastica Academy Issue: 01, 2017 Benedictine Players’ “The Odd Couple” Opens to a Packed House Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple came to life at PlayMaker’s Theatre in grandiose fashion. Led by Isabella Pineda as “Olive” and Beth Cazenavette as “Florence,” the Benedictine Players blazed their way through this 1986 comedy.

The cast prepares to wow the crowd with a hilarious debut perfor- The lights dimmed mance. From left to right Zac Russ, Emma Hladky, Lauren Pierce, put forth by this tal- make you become a “It takes a lot of hard Mary Kangas, Gabby Gernon, Katherine Tabony, Haley Hessburg, Beth as Bill Withers’ “Lean Cazenavette, Isabella Pineda, and Zach Van Zandt ented cast is undoubt- family.” work to find when and On Me” glided able. The chemistry how to portray the dif- through the theatre, between these actors Like any good show, ferent parts of your prompting the audi- and actresses was ap- this one had its ups and character.” ence to softly snap parent on-stage and downs. In the week along. Act 1 set the off. “It’s fun being on leading up to the show, After months of work- stage for the shenani- stage and performing, Pineda caught the flu. ing with these girls, gans to come between but getting to know In terms of the actual Mrs. Emily Car- the unkempt, fiery Ol- and work with every- performance, Gabby madelle, the director, ive and the overly-ti- one and having our Gernon, who starred concluded, “It’s really dy, passive-aggressive characters actually as “Renee” said, “I gratifying to see every- Florence. Under the come to life and amal- think the hardest part body grow.” watchful eye of their gamate with each oth- about this show was supportive friends, er and be friends is my trying to find the real- AMY SCHNEIDA Sylvie, Mickey, Vera, favorite part,” Isabella ity of these characters Reporter and Renee, this “odd Pineda said. because they’re pretty couple” attempts to exaggerated and you flourish in their own Katherine Tabony, don’t want it to seem dysfunctional way. who starred as “Vera” so fake.” Haley Hess- After watching this added, “You make burg, who played show, the dedication these friendships that “Sylvie” explained,

Coach Lacey Inducted Coach Lacey Sharp (SSA) ac- Ms. Taylor Named Louisiana Counselor of the Year cepts a plaque marking her induction into the Louisiana into ULL’s Hall of Fame Sports Hall of Fame This school year, St. As three other candi- Scholastica’s very own dates were in line for SSA’s very own Coach Lacey Sharp was re- Katherine Taylor was this award, Ms. Taylor cently inducted into the University of Lafay- named High School says she was very sur- ette’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for her Counselor of the Year prised and honored that remarkable softball career during her time at by the Louisiana School she was the one to take the university. She was a part of the team from Counselor Association. it home. 2004-2008, excelling more and more with each Each year the Louisiana season. Lacey played in a school record of 255 School Counselor As- When asked about the games throughout her collegiate career, 68 of sociation awards three award, Ms. Taylor said, those as a freshman. She led her team to their top counselors at the “It’s a wonderful feel- first undefeated season and achieved 58 career elementary, middle, and ing to be recognized for everyday in the field she home runs while with the Cajuns. It is no won- high school level. the efforts I’ve put in loves. der Coach Lacey left such an impact on ULL, to the profession and and her legacy will continue to be remembered Fellow counselor, Carol our school community. This award promotes through her new spot in the Hall of Fame. Pool, nominated Ms. I’m so fortunate to re- not only the efforts on Coach Lacey described her time playing soft- Taylor because of her ally love what I do and behalf of Ms. Taylor, but ball at ULL as a “really fun 4 years… my team continual efforts to im- feel energized to do it of all the counseling de- was very close and very successful, winning SSA is so blessed prove the counseling to the best of my abil- partment at St. Scholas- 3 conference championships”. She said that to have her as a role department at SSA. Ms. ity everyday.” She fur- tica Academy. St. Scho- she was absolutely shocked that she was even model for all of her Taylor listed the ways thered explained her lastica is very proud nominated to be in the Hall of Fame, which she students and her she has addressed goals profession as a “behind- to be home to the 2017 found out in September. softball team, who are in the counseling de- the-scenes” job that High School Counselor Lacey then had to be presented to the Alum- thriving under her partment at the indi- allows her to display of the Year, Ms. Kather- ni board among many other nominees and leadership. vidual and school-wide her strengths and help ine Taylor. then chosen as one of the select few to be in- level, as well as how she students in need. Ms. ducted. The induction ceremony was held the CAROLINE BEACH has developed profes- Taylor described how HANNAH JONES weekend of November 17-19, including a cer- Sports Editor sionally throughout her thankful she is to work Copy Editor emony presentation at thesoftball game and a career. with these teenage girls parade through the campus. Friday 2 December 15, 2017

COPY EDITOR Hannah Jones News and Human SPORTS EDITOR Caroline Beach NEWS EDITOR Mandolin Barbarito Interest Stories HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR Bailey Sitarz

SERVICE SERVICE

SSA Pushes Forward with Adopt-A-Family During a Two SSA Hosted Puerto Rare White Christmas in Louisiana Rico Hurricane Drives Bring in a Flood of Donations Tis the season for giv- and Theology and Phi- ing! The SSA com- losophy teacher, has Every year, up- ize a flashlight drive munity came out in coordinated the Adopt coming Advent fes- to donate to those droves to buy gifts a Family program for tivities inspire SSA without power after for those in need this the past 12 years he to give back to the the devastation of Christmas season as has been here at SSA. community in any- Hurricane Irma. part of our Adopt a On the turnout this way possible. Food Family program. Each year for Adopt a Fami- drives, Adopt-a- Along side him, Christmas for over ten ly, he said, “There were Family, natural dis- the Speech and De- years, one class period around nine bikes in aster donations, and bate team, headed has “adopted” a family the gym and many numerous fundrais- by Ms. Jones, host- and bought them the other big gifts, in addi- ers fill the calendar ed a feminine hy- gifts and even the ne- tion to many practical in preparation for giene and infant/ cessities that they can- gifts, such as towels, the season of giving. toddler necessities not afford this time of toiletries, etcetera. It’s Students and fac- drive to send to the year. This year, the SSA clear that some class- ulty members work women and chil- D period teachers col- es worked really hard together to promote dren of Puerto Rico. laborated with Project to buy really special generosity and will- Over two-hundred SSA students had a little too much fun wrapping and tagging all the St. Tammany Christ- gifts for the families in toys for local children. ingness to help those students fulfilled mas, Headstart, and need.” in need. the Benedictine tra- VOA to provide an un- dition of service by forgettable Christmas Not many of our stu- MacIver said, “Adopt a the zeal that my class- Throughout the participating in both for those in need right dents have ever had Family helps our stu- mates showed for buy- first semester, fac- these drives in order here on the North- to experience a Christ- dents to think about ing exactly what our ulty members or- to help those most in shore. mas without all the the real life situations family had asked for ganized drives to need. presents they wanted that people in our and making sure each help natural disas- Mr. Colin MacIver, the or a big Christmas din- community are faced present was perfectly ter victims in Puerto HANNAH JONES SSA campus minister ner to enjoy. with. The program wrapped. The Adopt Rico. Mr. Harty took Copy Editor makes these real life a Family program initiative to organ- struggles three dimen- shows the generous, sional for students.” thoughtful spirits our students possess. MacIver noted that many students have The SSA students’ par- come to him to say ticipation in Adopt a that Adopt a Family Family deserves much provoked the question: gratitude and praise. “If I don’t get this fam- As a certain crippled ily something, then and little Charles Dick- who will?” The fact ens character would that our program elic- say, “God bless us, eve- its these kinds of ques- ry one!” tions demonstrates the influence it has on the hearts of our students. MARGARET BAGLOW Members of SSA’s speech club gather to organize and label a fresh SSA students carry presents to the gym. Gifts are given out to fami- In my own D period Reporter round of supplies. Left to right: Amy Schneida (Vice President), Sar- lies in need through a variety of local charities. Mr. Macguiver, a the- class, I was moved by ah Estapa, Isabella Pineda (President), Mary Larson (Secretary), and ology teacher at SSA, coordinates this effort each year. Kartina.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Mr. Adragna has been 90’s, which included safety throughout the is a unique, familial A particular year a SSA faculty mem- teaching inmates in course of a normal community within that sticks out for ber for thirteen years, prisons. Mr. Adragna school day, which al- SSA. The school has a Mr. Adragna is 2010, teaching a variety of worked in a variety of lowed him to focus unique quality within when he received the subjects. This year, dangerous teaching on a wider variety of its students in which award of Teacher of Mr. Adragna teaches situations until 2004, material. the girls can main- the Year. Sociology Honors when he took on the tain an acquaint- and Dual Enrollment, most challenging Throughout our in- anceship with a de- Fortunately for SSA, AP United States His- teaching job yet…St. terview he stressed gree of caring for the Mr. Adragna says tory, College Prep- Scholastica Academy the importance of other even without a that he sees himself eratory American in Covington. exposing the girls to deep friendship.” teaching here for as History, and Modern a variety of different long as the demand is American History. As a male teacher at personalities in order The most rewarding there. an all girls school, to better prepare the part of being a teach- Mr. Adragna is the head of the Mr. Adragna’s teach- the experience was students for college er, he states, is watch- MANDOLIN BARBARITO Social Studies department at St. ing background is something com- and career experi- ing the students con- News Editor Scholastica Academy and was chosen by the study body for anything but usu- pletely new to him. ences. nect the material the winter 2017 issue teacher al. He previously He no longer need- When asked what taught to something spotlight. worked as a GED in- ed to worry about makes SSA stand in the news or their structor in the late his safety or others’ apart he said, “There personal lives. Friday 3 December 15, 2017

COPY EDITOR Hannah Jones SPORTS EDITOR Caroline Beach Sports and Columns NEWS EDITOR Mandolin Barbarito HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR Bailey Sitarz

REVIEWS CROSS COUNTRY What to Watch? A few weeks ago, I had the The soundtrack is a brilliant SSA Cross Country Team chance to see director Greta mix of classic pop hits from Gerwig’s latest film “Lady the early 2000s and catchy Sweeps District Meet Bird” in theaters. I heard songs from the current era, from multiple friends that which is a perfect represen- this film was absolutely ex- tation of the film’s 2000s era quisite, so I had to get the influence along with its re- chance to see it for myself. markable relatability to the It was surprisingly origi- problems teens face in mod- nal, entertaining, and even ern times. Ladybird’s biting a little heartbreaking. Irish satire and honest acting actress Saoirse Ronan did a had me falling in love with marvelous job at portraying nearly every scene. Overall a headstrong and authen- this film is a true cinematic tic high-school senior who masterpiece, and I would is itching to escape small highly recommend it to both town life and go to college teens and adults alike. in a Northeast city. ALYSSA NAVARRO The filmography is spot on Columnist as camera angles and grain helped to create a retro aes- thetic. TRENDING New Senior Fleeces Keep Stu- dents Cozy on Chilly Mornings

SSA’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM KNEEL WITH COACH POOL AT THE DISTRICT MEET IN NATCHITOCHES ON NOVEMBER 14TH.

Monday through Friday, you This season, the team con- third in the metro cham- ners in our division from might see a flock of SSA girls sistently exhibited each of pionship, and fourth in the around the state. This is a following Coach Pool across these qualities, running state meet. significant accomplishment Jahncke Avenue. No, these high mileage every day for for which the SSA commu- girls are not headed South roughly three months; not Over the course of this sea- nity is very proud. for Winter, but instead are an easy task. However, the son, one particular runner As the weather cools down, senior fleeces are grey with either starting or finishing phenomenal direction of stood out; Molly McHale. It was an overall great sea- students at SSA, especially green stitching; each bear- up their daily morning run. Coach Pool paired with the Her personal commitment son for everyone on the the seniors, begin to bundle ing the wearer’s name. The up. Obviously, every student senior fleeces have been a Cross country season began assistance of Coach Nicole combined with the support team, from the first finisher at SSA is geared up with tradition at the academy for in early August and contined Champine, leaves the girls from her team, lead her to to the last finisher. Although numerous sweaters, sweat- many years and are repre- until the state meet Novem- with the high spirits neces- hold the position as being this is a highly individual- shirts, cardigans and sports sentative of senior year and ber 14 in Natchitoches. sary to come back day after one of the top finishers-if ized sport, the season would jackets. However, the crème are a reminder to everyone day. not first- in every race lead- not have been so successful de la crème of SSA outer- around campus of leader- wear are the senior fleeces. ship and seniority. Not to As Coach Pool often re- ing up to State. At the State without each runners’ com- This prestigious pullover, mention they are also super minds the runners, “what The cross country runners Meet, McHale finished in mitment to encouraging her serves as a badge of senior- comfortable and look great happens between those two put in maximum effort and first place, facing a difficult fellow teammates. ity and as a more personal- with plaid! dates each year depends finished the season on a three mile course with even ized and cozy alternative ISABELLA PINEDA upon their energy, effort, high note; sweeping the more difficult competition, MARY KATE MURPHY to the regular sweatshirts and sweaters. This year’s Columnist and attitude”. district meet while placing consisting of the best run- Reporter

SSA Cheer Team Smokes Local Competition, Win Bid to State

After months of hard over the course of August the loud voice projection ing it in time for state work and preparation, and September; practic- during the cheer”. and nationals. Freshman the 2017-2018 SSA cheer ing three days a week to Anna Brown says, “We team competed at the get it down perfectly. Ac- Next on the agenda for are doing a lot of team regional competition on cording to the cheerlead- the cheer team is the bonding and growing a November 4th. Every ers, conditioning played state competition on De- lot closer. I love being year the team competes an important role in pre- cember 2nd, where they so close to the younger in either state or region- paring for the competi- will compete their game kids too!” Best of luck to als, and almost always tion. day routine. our SSA cheerleaders on earns a bid to nationals. their way to state and na- Placing second in the Thereafter, they move on tionals. This year the cheerlead- regular routine and third to the national competi- ers had the opportunity in the game day routine, tion in February, where MEG MERCANTE to preform a regular two- the SSA cheerleaders de- they will compete both Reporter minute and thirty-sec- feated both Mandeville their regular and game ond routine along with and Hannan High for day routine. The cheer- Members of SSA’s cheer squad pose outside of the regional com- a game-day routine. The the first time. The judges leaders continue to work peition with coaches Jessica Esquival and Merlin Davis. team learned the chore- praised the team saying, hard on their choreogra- ography for their routine “We loved the dance and phy, in hopes of perfect- Friday 4 December 15, 2017

COPY EDITOR Hannah Jones SPORTS EDITOR Caroline Beach Sports and Columns NEWS EDITOR Mandolin Barbarito HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR Bailey Sitarz

SWIM Aqua Doves Dominate, Win 7th Consecutive State Title

The Aqua Doves had ever in order to win. out a victory against many girls dropping self set during the records broken by a very strong season Despite the chal- all odds, winning time and moving last season in 2016. SSA swimmers at this year, beginning lenge they faced, the Metros for the first into finals the next Gabie Fouchi, Alex this meet to three. right when school SSA team rose above time in SSA histo- day. Groeneveld, Gabby All in all, the Aqua started and continu- all the odds and ry! Needless to say, O’Neil, and Brittany Doves had an in- ing until Thanksgiv- managed to score a this was an incred- Ultimately, the Pierce beat the state- credible season this ing break. This team 120-point victory! ible moment for the Doves won the meet, wide record in the 4 year! of fifty girls trained team. earning their 7th x 50 relay. Likewise, harder than ever Even bigger than consecutive state Gabie Fouchi, Gab- CLAIRE DUBREUIL to pursue their 7th District, however, After Metro, there win for SSA! Ga- by O’Neil, Brittany Reporter consecutive state ti- was the Metro meet. was only one meet bie Fouchi broke Pierce, and Hope tle. They began their Each year this meet left: State. In the the state record for Robinson dominat- season with a victo- consists of every weeks leading up the 50-free, beating ed the 4 x 100 relay, ry at their first meet single school in the to State, the Doves the record she her- bringing the total of against Dominican New Orleans area, practiced harder and Mount Carmel, regardless of size or than they had all setting a pattern that division. Leading up season, with every lasted all season. to Metros, the team moment of free time For the first time worked harder than given up to push- in many years, the ever at practice, col- ing themselves in Doves were victori- lectively determined preparation for their ous at every meet to swim as well as greatest challenge they swam in lead- they could in pursuit yet. Finally, on the ing up to District. of the winning title. morning of Thurs- day, November 16, The District meet At the semifinals on the girls departed was close. A project- Thursday, October school and headed ed four-point gap 26, SSA swam in- to Sulfur, Louisiana, between the first credibly well, with to swim for what and second place many of the girls they hoped would be teams based on sta- beating their own their 7th consecu- tistics from all of times as well as the tive state title. the previous meets times of their com- meant that every petitors. The Aqua The Doves tri- point counted, and Doves advanced to umphed during the the Doves needed to finals on Saturday, first round of the The swim team poses after a string of broken records and victories at the State meet. swim harder than October 28, pulled competition, with

VOLLEYBALL SSA’s Volleyball Team Finishes Season with a Bang SSA’s 2017-2018 The team mem- played long and w a s , volleyball team bers had a game hard, making it Alli finished off this or practice al- to semifinals. Un- Farr, season with a most every day of fortunately, the senior bang. The team the week, show- Volleyball Doves’ var- played a total of ing their desire to journey came to sity forty-one games, excel and thrive an end after a loss play- winning an as- within their sport. proceeding semi- er, an- tounding thirty- Upon entry into finals. swers, two of them. State, the girls “Be- This team ing a contin- part ues to in- o f spire and S S A’s encour- vol- age other ley- students ball to become team The volleyball team poses in front of SSA’s iconic grotto a part of has a team given me friends their school. Great through- for life. We are We are so be- job, girls, and out cam- a family, and no yond thankful and great season! pus. When matter what grade proud of our Vol- asked what we are in, we all leyball Doves, not CAROLINE her fa- love each other as only for their un- BEACH vorite part sisters and team- changing dedica- Sports Editor of being a mates.” Alli clear- tion toward their member of ly summed up the sport, but also SSA’s vol- team in one sim- their unwavering The team huddles with Coach Pete Bertucci during the annual pink game leyball team ple word: family. commitment to