NORTHWEST PASSAGES VOLUME XLVIII Northwest Catholic, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 February 2011 Ninety-one Students Recognized For Their Service and Academic Excellence By Logan Lawson The induction of these ninety-one The orations of the NHS officers qualify for the society are journey of life; salt can be bright leaders was observed in a were also a very significant part evaluated not only on their analyzed as something that gives On December 9th, 2010 the prayer service that was organized of the ceremony; the discourses success in academics, but also on flavor, a preservative, another Aquinas Chapter of the National by the NHS moderator Mrs. were about each of their own their involvement in support in the excursion of life. Honor Society (NHS) annual Juda, the National Honor Society extracurricular activities. The Without light and salt life would candlelit induction ceremony was officers Kate Schuppe, Allie astute messages of the officers be dull; everyone in the world is held at Northwest Catholic in the Lamari, Francis Butler, and Alex were directly addressed to the called to be the light of the world, Rice Auditorium. Students who McKenzie, various senior new inductees to help guide them and salt of the earth, but because are invited to be members of the members of the society, and the in further scholastic and service the newly inducted members of society must have a 3.33 grade Academic Dean of Northwest, adventures. Through the the NHS have already point average or higher that has Mr. Cusson. The evening began guidance of all of the NHS demonstrated that they can be the been maintained since their with the inductees processing into members of the school light and salt, it is important that freshman year, or nine marking the auditorium peacefully holding community, the new inductees they continue to foster their periods. The members of the candles as the song “Lead Me, have all the support they need for talents. After hearing Deacon’s society must also exhibit service, Lord” was playing in the success. oration, newly inducted junior leadership, and character within background. After all of the new The guest speaker of this year’s Agata Harabasz proclaimed, the school community and members were seated, Mr. induction ceremony was the “Deacon Sutherland’s speech was outside it in other extracurricular Cusson welcomed the audience inspirational Deacon Jeffery insightful and inspiring.” activities. As stated in the NHS and senior member, Kathleen Sutherland, a member of the Between the wise words of the Constitution, “The purpose of O’Hara, recited an opening science department at Northwest evening and the warm embrace of this organization shall be to prayer. The ceremony was Catholic. Sutherland addressed their loved ones after they were create enthusiasm for continued with a scripture the new members of the society inducted, these students have all scholarship, to stimulate a desire reading from Thomas Noll, a with a speech that had an of the support they need to to render service, to promote meditation by Molly Berning, and allusion to the Bible; the passage pursue their life endeavors. The Cara Seward leadership, and to develop petitions were narrated by Matthew 5:13-16 was discussed. inductees were also prepared to character in the students of members Dionne May and Cara Guest speaker Deacon Sutherland The teacher, just as Jesus had take on their communities by secondary schools.” There were Seward. Amanda Tronchin, addresses the inductees. informed his followers, let the storm. Just by being inducted seventy-four juniors and another senior member of the inductees and the audience know into the National Honor Society, seventeen seniors of the NHS, participated in the service perspectives of one of the four that they were the “the light of these students have been given Northwest Catholic community by reciting the Lord’s Prayer with pillars of the National Honor the world, and the salt of the immense opportunities. By who were granted admission to the audience. Mrs. Williamson, Society: leadership, service, earth.” Light and salt were agreeing to complete 15 hours of the prestigious group by a the Principal/Chief Administrator character, and scholarship. These considered more significant in service for each semester, the new committee of five teacher of Northwest Catholic, added four pillars have been an aspect Jesus’ time than they are members have also taken on evaluators from the school insight into the history of the of the NHS since it began in 1921, considered now. Light can be responsibilities that will mold community. Aquinas Chapter of the NHS. and that is why students that interpreted as a guide in the them into better leaders. Northwest Catholic Gives Blood and Saves Lives Northwest Invests Class of 2012 By Cara Ledwidge prerequisites. The blood donation is given a By Abby Johnson themselves in the bigger picture. The time mandate between number and is then labeled so The retreat concluded with the At noon on Friday, November donations is 56 days because if a that it can be tracked by the Freshman, sophomore, junior, main ceremony. Each junior had 12th, 2010, the Northwest donation is given before those 56 American Red Cross to different senior; this is the typical pattern selected a senior sponsor, whom Catholic Fall Blood Drive was in days pass, donating might cause donation sites across the state. for any high school student. they had connected with during full-swing. Upon walking into the harm to the donor. There is a After the blood drive is over, the Most schools only acknowledge their years at Northwest. As Stosuy Gym, there were stations time requisite because the Red Cross takes the donations the final step, the graduation. sponsors, these seniors would aid lined up for donating blood and American Red Cross is so back to the hospital where they Northwest Catholic, however, the juniors in their new an area filled with food for are tested in the lab to make makes a special occasion out of a responsibilities and dreams for the donors after they were sure there is nothing harmful student’s entrance into their the future. With the music playing finished. found in any donation. After junior year through the Junior and the Rice Auditorium packed Student Council members, all of the donations are Investiture. This is the point in with underclassmen and teachers, led by Student Council checked and double-checked, their high school career when a the juniors and seniors processed President, Patrick Graham the hospital contacts the host student is welcomed into the role in together and took their seats in ’11, volunteered their time of the blood drive about its of being an upper classman. This front of the stage. After a moving Friday morning and their success. ceremony symbolizes the Mass celebrated by Father free periods throughout the The Northwest Catholic community’s investment into Crowley, the true Junior day to staff the stations and Community donated 47 units these young people by caring for Investiture began. One by one, food tables set up in the gym. of blood, of which 37 units their needs through academic, juniors were called up to the stage

By donating their time and Kathleen Connelly were usable. This drive was social, emotional, and spiritual where they were presented with a effort to the blood drive, The student council blood drive chairs organize incredibly successful as the support. “As juniors, we finally blessed cross necklace. The Student Council members donor appointments. amount of total viable units get to officially accept our roles in juniors shook hands with Mr. participated in something that is thankful for its donations and it was even higher than last year’s. the Northwest Catholic Cusson, the Dean of Admissions, extremely important in the lives wants its donors to be as fit to According to Mr. Woodford, community just as the past classes Mrs. Williamson, the principal, of the sick and injured every day. donate as possible. “Less than 10% of the student have done before us,” says junior, Father Crowley, Deacon Santos, One unit of donated blood makes The health prerequisite for the body attempts to donate but Alex Mortillaro. They commit and Deacon Sutherland before a it possible to save at least three donor is that they must be many are ineligible for a variety themselves to being the best warm handshake or hug from lives. These are the lives of healthy and have the proper of reasons.” One of those reasons possible individual they can be in their senior who was waiting for patients who might need the amount of iron in their blood to is the age minimum of 17 to challenging themselves and the junior. “I’m finally a role blood to recover from a severe make the donation useable or become eligible to donate blood. encouraging others. Previously, model for younger people to look accident, operation, or disease. viable. Eating and drinking large Donating blood is an extremely this years’ junior class was still up to!” remarks an excited junior, The American Red Cross is amounts of food and water a few charitable endeavor that helps considered to be the novice Grace Hallinan. That evening, the constantly searching for donors, days before donating is always millions of people all year round. students at Northwest, just junior class gathered once more, and is especially thankful for recommended to make the Giving blood at these blood warming up and finding their fit this time with their families. The donors with Type O- blood. O- donation as advantageous as drives is a great opportunity to in the school environment. Now, school hosted a potluck supper blood is known as the “universal possible to the Red Cross. give back to the community. The they are leaders and are pointed for all members of the Northwest donor” because it can be given to After meeting all of the necessary drive helps those in Connecticut out as experienced students who Class of 2012 and their parents. any person in need of blood, no requirements and doing some last and in the surrounding areas to have knowledge and guidance to There was a short prayer service matter what their blood type is minute paperwork, it is then time recover faster and better due to a share with new students as well as before everyone gathered together and is therefore very useful to for the actual donation to begin. donation of ten minutes from with the student body as a whole. to feast in honor of this occasion. hospitals. It is especially desired The donation itself takes about your day. When praising the Junior, Taylor Selig states, “Now Junior, Caroline Davenport, by the Red Cross for patients ten minutes during which the many blood drives the Student that we’re upperclassmen, we set notes, “The Junior Investiture with type O- blood because they donor is relaxed with his/her back Council hosts, Mr. Woodford examples for the freshmen and was a very fulfilling experience. It can receive only type O- blood, supported. stated that “[This is] the finest sophomores.” This ceremony feels great to finally be a part of nothing else. After those ten minutes are up, thing the student council does.” took place on Tuesday, the upperclassmen.” This Giving blood is an act of great the donor is free to enjoy some The tradition of the Northwest November 9th, 2010. In the Northwest tradition is uniquely kindness and it is not as easy as it delicious food prepared by the Catholic Fall Blood Drive is one morning, the junior class spent inspiring and will surely continue sounds. There are many students and parents of the that is hoped to be continued for time together on a special in- on for many years and will be requirements for people to fulfill Northwest Catholic community. years into the future because of school retreat. They attended a remembered by the junior class as in order to be eligible to donate This snack is recommended the blood drive’s annual success. motivational seminar where the a special time in their high school their blood. These include weight because some donors begin to feel The Student Council hopes to see class shared their hopes and career. Next year they will get to minimums, specific time mandates dizzy from the lack of blood, and you in the spring for their next feelings for the day’s festivities play the role of senior sponsors between donations, and health the food will help them feel better. blood drive! and the goals they had for and guide the Class of 2013. Page 2 Northwest Catholic February 2011 COMMENTARY Dear Delilah RESPONSE TO LAST EDITION’S COMMENTARY Dear Delilah, World Christmas was great! I got to hang Once upon a time, there was a until you know what irony Phil Mickelson and Annika out with the family and celebrate young girl. Most of the time, she and satire are and that the word Sorenstam are until you try to hit our usual traditions. Not to was a very nice, quiet, little girl, “Utopia” means “nowhere.” a golf ball yourself. You can’t mention, the gifts were pretty but occasionally she could be very Unfortunately, it often takes a comprehend how difficult it is to awesome too! I got everything I was narrow-minded. One instance of long time and a lot of hard work ride a bicycle hundreds of miles hoping to and more. But there were this occurred when she wrote a to achieve a real appreciation of a per day over the Alps and the a few items that I received which commentary for her high school piece of literature. Take for Pyrenees mountains or the will it weren’t on my wish list for a reason. newspaper. In her confused example the famous sonnet by takes to conquer cancer until you I don’t want to complain about these thoughts, she protested against Thomas Wyatt. The poem talks have been Lance Armstrong. gifts but I really don’t care for them the required readings for her about a woman who is wearing a You have to realize that reading and won’t ever use them. What do I classes. She complained that, diamond necklace and says that time is time alone with your best do if they ask how I like them? I reading includes “unnecessary the diamonds around her neck friend. It is the time to enter hate to lie but I don’t want to hurt descriptions … [determining] symbolize the words, “Don’t another world. It is a time to plotlines or comprehending” touch me,” because I belong to escape worries about tests and their feelings. Cara Seward Sincerely, what we read. She bemoaned the Caesar. In other words, someone quizzes and instead to worry Jane Eyre, Beowulf, Mr. Cusson Scrooge of the Season fact that and gave her this incredible necklace about the characters in the novels, The Odyssey required more effort to show a woman belonged to the short stories, the poems, and to that character that you haven’t and more thought than The Cat him. A little bit of research elicits the plays. There is nothing like lived. Dear Scrooge of the Season, in the Hat, The Little Engine that this fact. Without some effort, escaping into the world of So, I urge you to take the time. Christmas is a wonderful time of Could, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. the complete meaning of the Chaucer’s Pilgrims, of Jay Books, I always tell my students, the year and celebrating it with I would agree with her. Reading image in the poem would be lost. Gatsby’s flappers, Huck Finn’s are great friends. They don’t family is one of the best gifts you great literature requires effort and In that regard, books are very Shepherdsons and Grangerfords. expect anything from you and could have! Whether or not you concentration; but it also similar to good friends. You have You can’t fully appreciate Nick they never disappoint you. And, like a gift, you should thank the produces a great reward. One to take the time and the effort to Carraway and F. Scott Fitzgerald like a good friend, you have to person who gave it to you. If the reader’s “unnecessary develop a relationship. It takes until you understand Fitzgerald’s take the time to get to know giver gave you a gift receipt along description” is another reader’s hard work to fully realize the joys own personal issues and the them, to understand them, and to with your present, don’t be perfect moment. Examining the of friends and books. You can’t problems of the United States in realize that the more time you ashamed to use it. You don’t need plot line of a mystery thriller is an appreciate someone until you the Roaring Twenties. I would spend with them, the more you to tell them that you switched integral part of the story’s appeal. walk in their shoes. You can’t contend that until you have to will come to know about them their gift but should they ask you, Comprehending an author’s fully realize how good a tennis stop reading because you are too and the more they will give back. be very gracious and honest. You meaning adds another dimension player Rafa Nadal or the Williams afraid of what will happen next might say “Thank you so much to the reading experience. sisters are until you go out and to the main character or until you for thinking of me and taking the You can’t fully appreciate the hit tennis balls yourself. You can’t can’t go to bed at night until you Staff time to pick out something special. irony and satire of Brave New fully realize how good a golfer do find out what has happened Editor in Chief As much as I appreciate your gift, Alex McKenzie I was thinking of exchanging it for something that suits me a bit Editorial Staff better.” If there is no gift receipt FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF Elizabeth Allen Mary Deneen included, you could phrase your Nicholas Italia response as “Thanks you so much Walls of white. That’s currently year, it seems as if the remainder Think about it this way: We may Allie Lamari for thinking of me during this all anyone sees when they look of this year is just a nuisance that be done with high school in a few Nathan McKenzie time of year! You selected out their windows. It has been a stands between us and the rest of short months, but the teachers Emmakate Mortillaro something that I probably would slow-going start to second our lives. We feel as if we can be will be back next year and the Kate Schuppe Andrew Stephens not have thought of for myself semester, thanks to Mother done with high school, or at least year after and so on. Senioritis is but it is always neat to be Nature, with numerous snow high school work, since we’re not new to them, but that doesn’t Staff Writers surprised!” days, delays, and early dismissals. now “second semester seniors,” make them like it. They need us Elizabeth Allen Sincerely, Delilah In fact, it was a struggle to finish which is something that the to stay focused just as much as Dillon Bowen first semester at all with two snow teachers are less than thrilled we need them to cut us some Mara Case days and a delay during exam about. The problem is while slack. Maybe there’s a Haley Derlinga Angela DiFrancesco Dear Delilah, ‘week’, which actually lasted for some are still ready to work, compromise in all of this. As Nate Frasco It is the start of a new year and I two. Now that second semester is some are on the verge, some are seniors, maybe the best thing for Gabrielle Giangreco want to make a New Year’s finally underway, despite Mother gone already, and there is still us to do is try our hardest to Sarah Gillespie Resolution for myself. I have come Nature’s best efforts, we are all much to get done before we focus in class and hope that the Ryan Gilmour getting restless. We’re tired of graduate. There are four months teacher’s will be somewhat Nicholas Italia up with goals for myself in past Abby Johnson years but I never seem to snow and want summer. For the until graduation day and while understanding, and will repeat Emily Kapral accomplish them. Any tips to keep seniors, this is manifesting itself we should be enjoying ourselves the question when they snap us Stephanie Koldras me going? in the infamous ‘senioritis’. and making memories with the out of our daydreams of summer Michael Laffin Sincerely, Many have heard or are people we may not see again after concerts and beach days. Who Allie Lamari beginning to hear from colleges June, we have to keep in mind knows, maybe we’ll surprise them Logan Lawson Lacking Motivation Cara Ledwidge and, as plans are made for next that high school isn’t over yet. and actually know the answer. Morgan McKenna Dear Lacking Motivation, Sean Morris New Year’s Resolutions can be Leanne Oleasz tough because it is promise we Kate Schuppe COMMENTARY Sarah Visintainer make to ourselves that we try to Eamon Wizner stretch over 12 months so here are Everyone has those moments about that special girl or boy. Spice Girls classic was popular in a few tips to help you on your when they cannot come up with These nights can create mixed the 1990s. Lyrics are reliable. Once Contributing Photographers way! 1. Keep your goals the right words to describe how emotions of anger, confusion, you learn them they are always in Art Rich Photography reasonable. Are you really going to Robert Battaglia they are feeling. That is why most and love. Perhaps the best the back of your mind waiting to bookshoptalk.com be able to fit 2 hours at the gym in people turn to music as an escape. known for writing the perfect provide you with the perfect bumpshacktalk.com every day? Look at your schedule To some people the melody is lyrics for times like these is Taylor words to describe how you feel Kathleen Connelly and see what you can push what they pay close attention to. Swift. She writes about all kinds even when you are at a complete John Crouch yourself to do without over However, song lyrics always seem of love and heartbreak whether it loss for words. This is why it daveonfilm.com stretching your commitment. 2. film.guardian.co.uk to provide the words you are is in her song “Mine” where she makes perfect sense that on Maggie Gauthier Focus on one or two goals. looking for. There are lyrics expresses true love or “Story of Facebook many people put lyrics Google Images Overloading yourself makes you somewhere out there to describe Us” where she sings about a failed as their status because they are harrypotter.wikia.com feel even more weighed down with your feelings at any given relationship. The part that makes simply answering the question hpana.com responsibilities and makes you moment. For instance, if you feel her lyrics so relatable is the fact proposed, “What’s on your languageisavirus.com less likely to reach them and more Dan Lusardi like you are “buried deep,” that she experienced all of the mind?” Song lyrics have a movies.yahoo.com likely to feel guilty. 3. Get a buddy. whether it is from school or your situations firsthand which remarkable ability to make you nicegirlstv.com Reaching a goal is always easier parents, and you try a “six feet influenced her to write about forget about the things that are NOWECA when the responsibility is shared. under scream” hoping that them. One of the most amazing bothering you and to just let go. Mrs. Phillips Organize for a friend help support someone will hear you and just things about song lyrics is that Lyrics provide the comfort that Walter Schuppe Cara Seward you. Schedule the first of every listen “but no one seems to hear a there are millions of songs out you are never alone in this world month as “Check In Day” where thing,” Katy Perry offers a there about the same kinds of and there was someone else in the you go over how well you tackled solution. Katy Perry says to things and yet artists are still able same situation as you at some Advisor your resolution for that month. 4. “ignite the light and let it shine.” to come up with their own unique point who decided to write a song Mrs. Jennifer Montoney Forgive and Forget. Chances are, This is a very logical solution to a songs. The arrangement of words about it. The more music you you will slip up and break your Northwest Passages problem many of us face. in the songs is what gives them listen to, the calmer you will be Northwest Catholic High School promise. If you break it in Whenever you are feeling down their meaning. Lyrics always stick because you know more lyrics 29 Wampanoag Drive February, it doesn’t mean you or lost Lady Gaga presents some to you once you learn them. For and have them available for you at West Hartford, CT 06117 must give up for the rest of the encouraging words by saying, example, if we heard the words any time you are feeling Phone: (860) 236-4221 year! Count your progress, not “Just dance, you’re going to be “if you wanna be my lover” being something emotional. The answer Fax: (860) 586-0911

your setbacks. okay.” As teenagers it is inevitable sung, many of us would be able always lies within the lyrics. * Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed in Northwest Sincerely, Passages are not necessarily that we spend at least one night to finish it off with “you gotta get “Funny the way it is, if you think those of the editorial staff Delilah every once in a while thinking with my friends” even though this about it.” February 2011 Northwest Catholic Page 3 NEWS Audience Laughs at Dramateurs’ “Rumors” NWC Honors Our Veterans

By Eamon Wizner investigate a completely different audience laugh; in her opinion, By Stephanie Koldras 1977 and fought in the Vietnam crime and one of the guests let it’s far easier to make someone War from 1967 to 1971. Major On the weekend of December slip about the gunshot. At this experience sadness through a Veteran’s Day is a recognized General Lefebvre spoke about the 3rd-5th, the NWC Dramateurs point, Lenny comes downstairs poignant production than it is to American holiday in which different awards that are given to put on an amusing play by and delivers an extremely deliver the punch-line with perfect Americans honor their military veterans, including the Bronze American playwright Neil Simon. roundabout and funny narrative execution and timing to make veterans. On Veteran’s Day this Star, the Silver Star, the Navy The play was a hilarious story of of what happened and the people actually laugh at what’s year, two veterans, Joseph Cross, and the Medal of Honor. what happens when elitist New policemen leave, satisfied. All of a happening onstage. Shugrue, and Major General Paul After speaking about the different York City citizens attempt to sudden, Myra (played by The students themselves seemed E. Lefebvre, gave presentations on awards, Major General Lefebvre cover up what is apparently a Shannon Allen, Miranda King, to be having an extremely good their time during war. Joseph talked about different freedoms, botched suicide attempt of one of and Alex McKenzie depending on time while performing this Shugrue, the uncle of our math such as freedom of speech, their friends. The play production as well. It’s fun to teacher, Mr. Shugrue, is a veteran freedom from want, and most opens with Chris watch a play when the actors who fought for our country in importantly freedom from fear. (Kate Schuppe) and themselves are having fun- this is World War II. Joseph Shugrue When ending his presentation, Kenny Gorman (Dan common wisdom among many was a member of the 15th Army Major General Lefebvre gave a Lusardi), trying to get directors, and this play was Air Force from 1944 to 1945 and quote from Ronald Reagan; the house ready for extremely fun to watch. The also worked in the CIA. During “Some people spend an entire the anniversary party students in this play definitely his time in the 15th Army Air lifetime wondering if they made a that mayor Charlie loved what they were doing, in Force, Joseph Shugrue was difference in the world. But the Brock and his wife fact, when asked if he would be involved in twenty-eight missions. marines don’t have that Myra had invited all in any plays in the near future, At such a young age, Joseph problem.” This quote shows how of their friends to. Dan Lusardi answered “Heck Shugrue was not able to receive a much work and effort the When Kenny and yes!” and Adrian Hatch said he college education before enlisting members of the armed services Walter Schuppe Chris had arrived, The dinner guests begin to panic as the police would “unless I invent an in the war. After the war, GI bill put in to defend our country. The they heard a gunshot arrive at the house. invisibility cloak”. Sounds like allowed for him to attend overall presentation touched and ran into the house they love the stage to me! Catholic University where he many people in different ways, to find Charlie on sleeping pills which performance) bursts from Finally, many of you may have received his Master’s and including Mrs. Williamson. Mrs. with a bullet wound that went the basement- which is exactly noticed that somebody seems to Bachelor’s Degrees. When asking Williamson said she was through his ear lobe instead of where Lenny’s story said she have built a house in the Mr. Shugrue how his uncle has especially touched by General his head (as Kenny assumes he would be, and the play ends. Mortensen theater; that’s exactly affected his view on Veteran’s Lefebvre when he honored Mr. intended to do) with Myra Mrs. Avery had nothing but good what happened for this play. The Day, he replied that it allows him Joseph Shugrue as a role model nowhere to be found. Kenny things to say about the set for this production was very to realize how important as an older veteran. Mrs. decides that due to Charlie’s preparation and execution of the intricate; it looked exactly like the honoring veterans is now. It truly Williamson also stated, “There is political status, and his status as play. “It was the first play I ever inside of an affluent person’s amazes him how different it was a lot we can learn from Kenny’s friend and client, nobody got to actually sit back and house, complete with real for his father and uncle to be in experiences from those who have else can find out about this watch. In all the other plays, I’ve furniture, working stairs and a war at age eighteen, whereas he defended freedom in so many suicide attempt. More couples had to run lights or sound or full bar! It even had a fully was graduating high school and courageous ways,” and that show up; Claire (Kate Molloy) something, but this time I really furnished bathroom downstairs. entering college at that age. everyone should respect all and Lenny Ganz (Adrian Hatch), just watched the students Mrs. Avery said that the set was Overall, Mr. Shugrue is most veterans, especially on this day. Ernie (Francis Butler) and perform. I have to say, it was an one of the hardest parts of the impressed by the positive These two veterans allowed our Cookie Cusack (Darci Hughes), amazing experience,” she said. whole production. In my attitudes of his father and uncle school to learn about how hard and Glenn (John Fitzpatrick) and When asked why she chose this opinion, the set (and the amazing and the great contributions they they worked for our country. Mr. Cassie Cooper (Danielle production for this year, she said costumes) lent the play the added made during the war. The other Shugrue stated that he is, “so glad Lewczyk). As the night that the past three years have all sense of professionalism that it veteran at the assembly was that many are willing to protect progresses, Kenny and Chris are been depressing and serious needed. Major General Paul E. Lefebvre, our country and give up their forced to allow more and more plays, very good, but very solemn I look forward to seeing more Commander U.S. Marine Corps life.” Based upon the two guests in on what really affairs. Therefore, she chose a plays that the NWC Dramateurs Forces Special Operations veterans, it is easy to recognize happened, and an ever-widening lighthearted, cheery comedy. This put on. They did an amazing job Command. Major General that Veteran’s Day is an web of ridiculous and play stood out in stark contrast with this one, and I certainly Lefebvre previously attended important holiday in which we contradicting lies is told in order to plays like Ash Girl. It didn’t anticipate more amazing acting in Northwest Catholic High School, must truly remember and honor to protect Charlie from publicity. exactly have an underlying the year to come. If you didn’t see and received a gracious welcome. all of those who have gone to At the end of the play, after all of message or moral (other than this play, you should definitely He has devoted his life to service, war, and are still fighting for our the guests have been told about don’t lie); it was really all about come and check out their next working in many different country today. In respect to that, what really happened, two the laughs. Another thing she said show 42nd Street, a musical which locations including, Panama, we thank Mr. Joseph Shugrue, policemen show up (Dante was that she was proud of the will be performed April 8th-10th, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. and Major General Paul E. Jeanfelix and Chris Lynch) to students for actually making the 2011. He was part of the Marines in Lefebvre. Northwest Girls Learn How to Fight Back Against Attackers Got Art? By Abby Johnson when defending yourself during they taught us what to do if we adrenaline, which made me feel By Gabrielle Giangreco an attack, your goal is not to beat were being attacked with a knife more confident and secure that I If anyone were to mistake the the other person up but to“stun because without the class, I could handle the situation better,” As the winter season rolls women of Northwest Catholic’s and run” so that you can alleviate probably would’ve just panicked says senior, Cara Seward. The around, so does the Northwest student body to be simply a the immediate danger and then if I was ever confronted with a instructors from Frontline Krav Catholic semi-annual art show. bunch of pretty faces, they would escape the scene. The girls learned knife,” admits senior, Allie Maga CT LLC brought This is a highlight for art students have another surprising thing from Dorsey about the power of Lamari. The last point of inspiration and confidence to the because their artwork is on coming to them. Nearly 30 female a “fighting spirit” and how they explanation was display for all to see. The Breen students took part in a special can help themselves avoid ground attacks Center for the Arts is revamped Women’s Self Defense class after dangerous situations. It was their and sexual into a professional art gallery in school on Monday, November choice to either step up and fight attacks. These just a few short hours. Intricate 15, 2010. The class was arranged back with all their effort and kind of attacks pieces of art are hung up on the by Mrs. Gillespie and the force or give in. Then the real were especially walls and placed in display cases. members of the BU2theFULL fighting began. The girls paired emphasized Students’ artwork from Art 1 to club. For three hours, instructors up with a sparring partner and because of the Crafts to Photography to AP Art from Frontline Krav Maga CT practiced combative moves, like recent rape that are put on exhibit. Each piece of LLC in Wallingford, Connecticut palm heel striking, groin kicks, had occurred in art represents the artist and their educated the girls on simple, yet and knee strikes. The instructors West Hartford in creative personality. All the signifcant maneuvers that can gave intense demonstrations on October of 2010. artwork varied from pencil still keep them safe. “I was how to apply these aggressive To end the life’s to cultural masks to hand apprehensive going into it movements with self-defense workshop, girls rendering and many more.

because I didn’t really think it techniques. Partners took turns were invited to try Abby Johnson Kathleen Connelly had a wide would be fun or helpful,” admits attacking each other through out their skills on Senior Katie Vignati fends off an attacker. selection of photographs ranging senior, Katie Vignati. This many different approaches such a padded from beautiful horses to the fall attitude was most certainly as the choke attack, headlock instructor in a realistic attack women of Northwest. “The class season of students at Northwest. changed when things got going. attack, bear-hug grab and attack event. “I have to say that my gave me confidence that I am Another very talented artist is After a brief warm-up and from behind. “The instructors favorite part was fighting with the capable of protecting myself Shannon Crawford. She takes AP stretch, head instructor, Ryne were very committed and instructors because it gave a against a 200 pound man and this Art and is most proud of her Dorsey shared a few words about enthusiastic, very willing to aid whole different feeling than was especially useful since I’ll be sketch drawing of four angles of the intentions of the seminar. “If the students. I felt awesome and working with my partner and it going to college next year and will her face. During the event, there you choose to fight back when energized working with them. I gave me a true sense as to what have to fend for myself.” was cheese, cookies, fruit, and you are attacked, fifty percent of felt that if anyone tried to take me one of those situations would be Although nobody could call punch available in the Lenz the time, they will retreat. That’s on… they’d be sorry!” remarks like. It allowed me to not themselves Mohammad Ali, there Lobby. Congratulations to far better statistics than if you Vignati. Next, the girls worked on necessarily think about all of the was certainly a feeling of power everyone who made this yet chose not to fight back at all,” weapon attacks, including a knife moves I was doing, but I just did and strength growing within another stunning art show at says Dorsey. He explained that to the throat. “It was good that them off of instinct and these new female fighters. Northwest Catholic. Page 4 Northwest Catholic February 2011 NEWS Northwest Dance Continues to Impress Audience at Their Holiday Show By Emily Kapral including performances by Butler delivered a mesmerizing crew. To pull together this show, performance more genuine and seniors Cara Seward and Haley solo to “Arabian Diversement.” everyone had to work together. enjoyable. From the outfits to the The week before Christmas, the Massie, and sophomores Isabella Her amazing splits and intricate The dancers “prepared the entire song choices, the whole Northwest Catholic Dance Post and Marisa Butler. The movements captivated the entire second quarter in class and during production flowed together and Department delivered a show also featured a duet audience. The Northwest two tech rehearsals after school,” left the audience with a happy wonderful performance filled of Sabrina Gomez and says Miss Smith, the dance holiday feeling. Miss Smith’s with tons of holiday spirit during Jingjing Long. Cara instructor. Before the show, favorite part of preparing for the their show “Step into Christmas.” Seward gave a very senior Sabrina Gomez said, holiday dance recital this year was The bright lights turned on, the graceful solo performance “We were all nervous about “watching it unfold, seeing the red curtain went up, and the to “Hallelujah” and her how we would perform in the progress, and seeing [her dancers] holiday music started playing as passion for the recital.” The audience could come alive on stage during the the excited dancers stepped out performance showed have never guessed that any actual performance.” She says onto the stage. The show began through. Haley Massie’s of the girls were nervous that through her seven years of with an angelic ballet number solo to “Send Me to the because of the confident creating dance performances at performed by the whole Dance Moon” brought smiles to performances from the whole Northwest “every show has Repertory Company. Next, the all of the faces in the cast. Sabrina admits that something new and different, and Introduction to Dance Company audience with her light Kathleen Connelly after the show they “realized each group has a unique The dancers perform their graceful ballet number. kicked a little country spirit into movements and energy. A that [they] ended up doing chemistry.” She added that she Christmas with their performance sparkling tap solo to “Santa Catholic dance team, Syncopate, really well despite all of [their] “loves to work with each of the of “I Saw Mommy Kissin’ Santa Claus is coming to Town” was delivered a sunny twist on the fears.” Miss Smith is “always classes.” This unique chemistry of Claus.” Both of the Dance performed by sophomore Isabella classic song “Halo” with great proud” of her dancers and was all of the dancers showed Repertory classes performed lively Post who impressed everyone enthusiasm. A show of this very happy with how the final through and added to the “Step numbers including a very cute, with her fancy footwork. The caliber, which included such show turned out! Watching the into Christmas” concept of the Santa themed “Last Christmas” dynamic duo of Sabrina Gomez impressive performances and show, you could tell how much show. Overall, this year’s dance and a sassy Charleston rendition and Jingjing Long included unity by all of the dancers, time and effort went into every show was a great performance of “Jingle Bells.” There were explosive movements in their fun required a lot of practicing and detail of the production. The and the girls did a wonderful job several impressive solos hip-hop performance of “All We rehearsals by all members of the enthusiasm of the dancers and the bringing some Northwest spirit throughout the whole show Want for Christmas.” Marisa Dance Department and the tech big smiles on their faces made the to the holiday season! ACTS Immersion: Another Senior Class is Given Their Chance to Serve By Haley Derlinga says, “the students have Cathedral Green, an apartment then went to the Cathedral to help the Sts. Cyril and Methodius something to offer the people, but building next to the Cathedral with the turkey basket School to help with Thanksgiving As students of Northwest we the people have much more to that provides supportive distribution. After that, they split baskets and to tutor students. On have all heard of the ACTS give to them. They will be given a housing. They hosted a parent/ up some more. Some helped at Tuesday, the ACTS class split up Immersion, but how many of us gift every day, sometimes it will be child luncheon and an afternoon another food pantry and played again, different groups going to really know what it is about? Mrs. tangible and sometimes it won’t.” with fun activities like crafts, bingo with Hispanic senior Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the Gillespie was very happy to On Friday night, the ACTS class playtime, and storytelling for the citizens. The rest of the group went Catholic Worker House, Gengras explain. The ACTS Immersion is arrived at the Sacred Heart kids. On Saturday night, the to Grace Academy, a new middle Center, Covenant Prep, and St. really a small part of what the Church in Bloomfield, where they ACTS class had a dinner party school for girls, and Milner Gerard’s Center for Life to pray ACTS class does, along with would be living during the for seminarians from the Academy, a public school, where the rosary outside the abortion planning all of the school Masses immersion. The class hosted a Archdiocese. On Sunday they helped to tutor kids through clinic and help in the center itself, as well as the freshman and dinner dance for the residents of morning, the ACTS class helped a Catholic Charity. A different and Manna Community Meals. sophomore retreats. However, it the Catholic Family Services out at the Sacred Heart pancake group helped serve breakfast at Finally, the group came together was obvious from the speeches Group homes, adults who have breakfast, and in the afternoon, the Friendship Center, then for the last prayer service of the given by members of the ACTS mental, physical, and other they met up with members of distributed lunch and ACTS Immersion. Mrs. Gillespie class, that it has a very significant, disabilities. After this, there was a the American Youth Hostel at Thanksgiving food at Manna said, “The Immersion is just the maybe even life changing, impact prayer service and then an Buckland Hills Mall. There, each Community Meals before meeting beginning. ACTS students must on the students. Mrs. Gillespie examination of the day back at student paired up with a blind up with a couple of other groups do a response project on what says is one of the main reasons Sacred Heart. On Saturday member and took them at Milner Academy to tutor. they did. It is really the first step for the immersion is “for students morning, the class met for a shopping, to the food court, and Another group went to the in what they will be doing; as they to meet people who have chosen prayer service and then some of just hung out. On Monday and Catholic Worker House before must go back to the people they service as their life’s work and to the students helped with the Tuesday, the class split and meeting two of the other groups at met as part of the project and give them new options for careers Hand Up program, which helps worked in different areas of Milner. Still another group went to hopefully beyond.” She made it and volunteering as ways to use homeless veterans move into Hartford. On Monday, the class the Gengras Center, a school for clear that the immersion is the their gifts.” The immersion apartments. The rest went to St. did indeed spread out. One kids who have physical, mental, start, and that students continue consists of five days of intensive Michael’s food pantry to help group got up very early and and emotional disabilities, and on with the connections they and varied hard work with many with distribution. In the served breakfast at the then met with a group at Grace make, hopefully for the rest of new experiences. Mrs. Gillespie afternoon, everyone helped out at Immaculate Conception shelter, Academy. The last group went to their lives. Music Department Sounds Winter Success Bowls’ Meal Makes Money By Sean Morris said, “It was a very successful directed the choir groups who By Sarah Visintainer course of the year, with soup concert. It had the highest have been hard at work since provided by Mr. Avery, as well as What better way to get into the turnout ever, and I think Mr. September preparing for the Starting as an idea on February an ice cream social in June. At this Christmas spirit than to go to the Luddy did an exceptional job concert. The audience loved the 4th, 1980, two women from the past dinner, the group made $275, Music Department’s annual running and directing the concert. concert, and their high appraisal Sisters of Saint Joseph came which will be donated to the Christmas Concert? On It was a positive experience for alone is a testament to the hard together in Hartford with some House of Bread at the end of the December 14th, 2010 the Music everyone involved.” The various work and determination found coffee, a toaster, and a few dollars year. At the dinners, a bowl costs Department held their annual choir groups of the Music in each member of the Music in hopes of chasing a dream to ten dollars which includes the Christmas Concert. The Department. The Music help the needy. These women meal being served. The bowls are department has been hard at Department gets better helped the poorest individuals in also for sale in the art room for work since September and better with each the north end of Hartford find anyone interested in donating to preparing for the concert and passing year. The concert prayer, resources, and new spirits. this worthy cause. Some of these their efforts were rewarded. truly brought out the Little did Sisters Maureen Faenza bowls are displayed in the art The concert had the largest feeling of Christmas in and Theresa Fonti know, but their cases in the Art Wing and there turnout in its history. Some of Kathleen Connelly everyone, including the small dream of helping the poor are always many more added the favorite songs of the Band The HonorsWind Ensemble takes their bow at Music Department and has grown into what is now the weekly. Students, and sometimes Department for the concert the end of the concert. the audience. It was a House of Bread in Hartford, teachers, come and paint bowls included “Sleigh Ride,” which was Department also put on a successful concert for the entire which serves over two hundred that range from flowers and performed by the Wind wonderful show at the Christmas Music Department and everyone and sixty families a month. The polka dots to tiger stripes, finger Ensemble, “Fairest of the Fair,” Concert. Jazz Choir performed deserves a pat on the back. House of Bread focuses on painting, and splatter painting. which was performed by Concert songs like “That Lonesome There is simply no better way to hunger, shelter, transitional living, All levels of art skill are welcome. Band, and “Summer Never Ends” Road” and “Prepare the Way.” get into the Christmas spirit affordable housing, education, By reading what is stated in the which was performed by Jazz Concert Choir performed “Hi Ho than to go the Northwest thrift shops, and job training mission statement, which says, Band. Currently, the Band the Holly” and “Psalmo 150.” Catholic Music Department’s programs. All of these resources “The House of Bread exists in Department is the largest it has Women’s Choir performed “Let it Christmas Concert. Those who bring new hope and order to provide urban ministry ever been with plenty of new, as Snow,” “Le Sommeil de l’enfant did not see the concert this year encouragement to many people in to the economically well as old, faces. Also, this is first Jesus,” and “ Winterlight.” Lastly, are encouraged to find the time the north end of Hartford. Empty disadvantaged in the Hartford year the band has had new Chamber Choir performed next year to see the concert. It is Bowls is a program here at area,” one can clearly see that the director in a long time. Mr. Luddy “Candle on the Water” and “We something that should not be Northwest Catholic that supports House of Bread is here to help has taken the reins in directing Three Kings.” Everyone did an missed and only comes once a the House of Bread and all of the those who are less fortunate and the band and it is his first time as excellent job and the finale was a year as a tradition of Northwest services it has to offer. Empty do not have the means to provide the NWC Band Director. He did smashing success when all of the Catholic’s Music Department; Bowls meets twice a week after all of the necessary daily an excellent job. As the President music students sang and played a one that always ushers in the school in the art room. This group essentials. Such a simple thing as of the Tri-M Music Honor medley of popular Christmas Christmas spirit at Northwest takes plain white bowls and paints painting a bowl can help families Society, Daniel Kowalczyk ’11, carols together. Mr. Avery Catholic. them for the two dinners over the in need in our community. February 2011 Northwest Catholic Page 5 HARRY POTTER J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Is a Universal Phenomenon Since 1996 By Kate Schuppe calling to be a writer at an early seeing an image of a small black- the books in America, which was How They’ve age, though at her parents’ haired, bespectacled boy in her granted. Seven books have been What is the first thought that request, she studied French head, and as soon as she arrived released in the series, and Rowling Grown: The comes to mind when you hear the rather than English when she home she began writing the book. says her final book in the series name “Harry” or “Ron?” How attended university. The idea for Soon after Rowling began Harry was finished on December 21, Trio Through about “wizard” or “wand”? Prior Harry Potter came to her on a Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (or 2006: Harry Potter and the to 1996, these words meant train ride to Manchester, the Philosopher’s Stone as it was Deathly Hallows. She says ending nothing to people. They were originally entitled), her mother the series made her both happy the Years simply names and words died. Rowling says that this and sad, nonetheless she has describing things that didn’t exist. experience prompted the scene in decided not to continue the series. However, J.K. Rowling’s wildly which Harry sees his dead In 1998, Warner Brothers successful series has made these parents in the mirror, and this obtained the film rights to the words synonymous with her scene has remained her favorite in Harry Potter series. After a fictitious character, Harry Potter. the series. grueling audition process, three Since its first publication in 1990, As soon as she finished the lucky young actors were picked Harry Potter has been translated manuscript, Rowling sent the first to portray the famous Hogwarts into over 60 languages and over three chapters to an agent, who trio: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, 400 million copies of books in the sent them back right away. The Rupert Grant as Ron, and Emma series have been sold. The word second agent asked for the rest of Watson as Hermione. These three fanpop.com Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s “muggle” has been forever the manuscript, and eventually actors quickly became changed from a silly sounding bumpshack.com agreed to find a publisher. It was millionaires and later three of the Stone: Ages 11, 12, 13 J.K. Rowling poses with her word to a universally known a year before a publisher finally richest teenagers in the world. masterpiece. term for “non-wizard.” It was agreed to publish Rowling’s In 2003, Rowling was named the even added to the Oxford English England. She says that she had book, as most other publishing 122nd richest person in Britain, dictionary in 2003. never been as excited about an agencies turned it down (hard to placing her 11 places ahead of the But how did J.K. Rowling do it? idea for a book as she was then. believe with Harry Potter’s success Queen of England. It is hard to In order to have such an influence She had nothing to write her today). believe Rowling was once a on people all over the world, one ideas down on, and the delay on The book was extremely struggling, single mother on surely needs a superpower or the train gave her four hours to successful the first few weeks of welfare. Although the wealth has even the magical abilities of a shape the story in her head. She its publication, and soon became kept her out of poverty, it has not wizard. However, this was not the says that she believes if she had a national phenomenon. Rowling been the biggest reward of harrypotter.wikia.com Harry Potter and the Chamber case. slowed down and written down received a grant from the Scottish writing her series. of Secrets: Ages 14, 13, 12 Rowling was born into a modest her thoughts, she would have Arts Council which allowed her So the next time you are bored on family of Chipping Sodury, “stifled” many of her ideas that to write full time. Scholastic made a long train ride, just think- you England in 1965. She found a are in the book today. She kept an offer for the right to publish could be the next J.K. Rowling. Muggle or Wizard? Test Your Knowledge of Harry Potter 1. A bezoar is what? 5. Which wizard from which 8. What is much more “macho” 12. Where did Harry hide the a) a stone taken from the English county than a hippogriff? Half-blood Prince’s book? stomach of a goat did Harry delight a) a Hungarian a) in the cupboard in the Room b) one of Hagrid’s creatures by remembering Horntail of Requirement hpana.com c) a kind of dementor him in the Leaky b) a centuar b) in Dumbledore’s Office Harry Potter and the Prisoner d) a kind of wand Cauldron? c) Hagrid c) in the Ministry of Magic of Azkaban: Ages 13, 14, 15 a) Horace d) Mandrakes d) in the Restricted section of 2. What did Hagrid win in a Slughorn; Essex the library in Hogwarts card game? b) Rufus 9. What made a) a baby Norwegian Scrimgeour; whose tongue four 13. Who died on Halloween? Ridgeback dragon Northumberland feet long? a) Mad Eye Moody b) an umbrella secretly c) Dedalus a) slugs; Ron b) James and Lily Potter containing a magic wand Diggle; Chesire film.guardian.co.uk b) dragon eggs; c) Nearly Headless Nick c) the egg of a Norwegian d) Dedalus Diggle; Kent Luna Lovegood d) Albus Dumbledore Rideback dragon c) Ton-Tongue Toffee; Dudley nicegirlstv.com d) a flying car 6) Rather than Umbridge’s d) spoiled Pumpkin Juice; 14. What was Snape’s mother’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of fireplace, what might Harry Professor Lockhart claim to fame? Fire: Ages 15, 17, 16 3. What do Hermione’s parents have used to communicate with a) She was the first female do for a living? Sirius? 10. Green onions help ward off prefect a) they’re lawyers a) a portrait what? b) She competed in the Tri- b) they’re dentists b) an owl post a) vomitting slugs Wizard Tournament c) they’re accountants c) a two way mirror b) crazy house elves c) She was the first female d) they’re doctors d) a telegram c) unicorns placed in Slytherin d) gulping plimpies d) She was captain of the 4. What was Dippet’s first 7. Name the other school Harry Hogwarts Gobstones team name? was supposed to go to? 11. How many wizards does it

movies.yahoo.com a) Armando a) Beauxbatons take to overcome a dragon? 15. What does Hermione Harry Potter and the Order of b) Georgio b) Luddy’s Academy for the a) 27 continually fix of Harry’s? the Phoenix: Ages 17, 16, 18 c) Armandi Muggle Born Wizard b) 6 a) his wand d) Seamus c) Northwest Catholic c) 3 b) his glasses d) St. Brutus’ Secure Centre for d) just 1 c) his cauldron Incurably Criminal Boys d) his broomstick Wizards and Witches? Students Bear Striking Resemblence daveonfilm.com Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ages 20, 18, 19 Maggie Gauthier Dan Lusardi languageisavirus.com

bookshoptalk.com Maggie Gauthier ‘12 and Katherine Both Northwest and Hogwarts Dan Lusardi ‘13 is

Harry Potter and the Deathly Higgins ‘12 practice their spells in students share a love of defeating excited about his 4) a. 5) d. 6) c. 7) 8) 9) 1) a. 2) c. 3) b. Hallows: Ages 20, 21, 19 the cafeteria. evil with magic . newfound powers as Harry Potter. 10) d. 11) b. 12) a. 13) c. 14) d. 15) b. 10) d. 11) b. Answers: Page 6 Northwest Catholic February 2011 HALLOWEEN February 2011 Northwest Catholic Page 7 SEMI-FORMAL ’10 Page 8 Northwest Catholic February 2011 FEATURES Valentine’s Day is a Historical Holiday Spelling Love With Candy By Morgan McKenna Remus, the twin founders of Rome Orleans in 1400. Valentine’s Day By Elizabeth Allen the hearts in 2010. The winners believed to be brought up by is mentioned as a holiday of include: “Tweet Me,” “Text Me,” Valentine’s Day is big business. wolves, and Faunus, the pastoral courtship and love in the For more than a century, the “You Rock,” “Soul Mate,” “Love Consumers will spend an god. Priests would gather in a Renaissance period, despite the makers of NECCO Sweethearts Bug,” and “Me + You.” The most average of $77.43 on Valentine’s sacred den and perform an animal Catholic Church’s attempts to Conversation Hearts have come popular candy heart expressions Day gifts this year. E-commerce sacrifice. This was done to bring sanctify it. Towards the 1800s, up with some of the sweetest include, “Kiss Me,” “Sweet Talk,” retailers expect to rack up about good luck and fertility in the paper Valentine’s became more ways of saying “I love you.” and “Be Mine.” According to $650 million in sales of food, coming year.Lupercalia was also a popular. A British publisher These hearts were invented in the NECCO creating the mottoes can candy, flowers, and other day of love. Young women would issued a book called The Young 1860’s by the brother of be a challenge. The new sayings Valentine’s Day gifts. About place their names in a giant urn. Man’s Valentine Writer. The book NECCO’s founder. The first can’t be offensive or wordy. $350 million will be for gifts and The young men of the city would contained many romantic verses candy hearts had printed paper Because these hearts are flowers and another $45 million pull a name out and be paired with for young men who could not notes tucked inside of them. Since produced in only two sizes, the will be spent on food including a girl. This practice was abolished compose their own. As postal their creation, the company standard half inch and larger chocolate and wine. As popular by Rome when it adopted services became more affordable, presents new messages on the tiny three-quarters inch, they can only as this holiday is, its exact Catholicism as its official the anonymous St Valentine’s colored hearts every Valentine’s accommodate two words with a origins are pretty much religion.The second legend was Day card became possible. Paper Day. For the first time in its 145- maximum of six letters each. unknown to many people. more Christian. In the 3rd century Valentines became so popular in Valentine’s Day is A.D. a priest by the England, they were assembled in actually a name of Valentine factories. In the United States the Favorite Candy Christian and secretly disobeyed the first mass-produced valentines of pagan holiday. Roman Emperor cheap embossed paper lace were There are two Claudius II. Claudius produced and sold shortly after trains of thought II believed that an 1847 by Esther Howland.More as to the genesis unmarried soldier than sixty years after Esther of the holiday. was a better fighter Howland, Hallmark started The first folklore than a wedded young dabbling in the industry of of the origin is soldier so he outlawed romance cards. In the second half Google Images that it started as a marriage. Valentine of the twentieth century, the Pagan holiday and the Catholic did not heed this law and practice of exchanging cards Church Christianized the performed illegal marriages in extended to romantic gifts such celebration which was a secrecy. Valentine was caught and as roses and chocolates wrapped popular practice at that time. sent to prison. While he was in jail, in heart shaped boxes. Later on The Church would merely a turnkey named Asterius asked in the 1980’s, jewelers started change the meanings and him to heal his daughter. Valentine marketing diamonds as a typical symbols to reflect the new performed the miracle and the jailer Valentine’s Day gift. Today, over Northwest Catholic Students vote on their favorite Valentine’s religion, while allowing the was amazed. Before Valentine was 190 million valentines are sent Day Candy. Pagan holidays to stay intact. sent to death, he wrote a love note each year in the United States on This is why many scholars to the blind girl and signed it Valentine’s Day. When school believe the date was chosen on “From Your Valentine.” The oldest related figures are included in this year history, the American public NECCO must produce about the Roman holiday of known Valentine in existence is a number, it is expected that over was invited to participate in an 100,000 pounds of candy hearts Lupercalia, a fertility holiday poem written by a French fifteen million e-valentines will be online survey to decide which every day in order to fulfill the dedicated to Romulus and nobleman, Charles the Duke of sent in 2011. phrases of love would appear on Valentine’s Day demand. Proposing on Valentine’s Day Is Considered Not So Sweet Valentine’s Day By Elizabeth Allen day to propose on. Proposing at a members and friends, instead of in a proposal will just seem to get nice candlelit dinner at a favorite being met with absolute surprise, “mixed in” with all the other love Superstitions When it comes to proposing, restaurant or on a moonlit beach their announcement tends to be centered activities and feelings of many men decide to ask the may seem romantic. However, it received more with the attitude of the day. The final reason why question on Valentine’s Day. loses its uniqueness “of course, its Valentine’s Day is not the ideal -Worldwide, over 5 mil- They envision this as a perfect as a special moment Valentine’s Day”. day to propose is that it seems lion flowers are given time to set up a nice candle lit for the couple when Proposing on too easy. Women want to be dinner at an expensive others at the same Valentine’s Day assured that their husbands are every year on Valentine’s restuarant followed by a sunset restaurant or at the can also be seen going to be willing to make a Day walk on the beach as a way to same beach are doing as too cliché. heart-filled commitment to them show their love. Valentine’s Day, the same. Even if Women want and cherish the love that they centered on images of red these couples are not their love to be share. Proposing with flowers or - 73% of all people who hearts, flying cupids, and fuzzy proposing, the sight unique. They a ring in a heart box on a day Google Images buy flowers on teddy bears, may seem like the of them nearby don’t like the idea already built around both flowers Valentine’s Day are males perfect time to propose to one’s hugging, kissing, or of being “mixed” and jewelry, contradicts the true love. However, Valentine’s taking walks together, as so many together with many other women purpose of making a creative, Day may be one of the worst are interested in doing on this day, who are being asked the same memorable moment for the -Valentine’s Day and days to propose for three main takes away from the intimacy of the question on this day. On couple. Indeed, proposing on Mothers’ Day are the two reasons: it’s too popular, it’s too moment. Also, when couples who Valentine’s Day, where just the Valentine’s Day is a lot less cliché, and it’s too easy. became engaged on Valentine’s Day imagery of the day provokes love meaningful than on any of the biggest days for flower Valentine’s Day is too popular a share their news with family filled feelings, the love expressed other 364 days of the year. giving The Card Crazy Day is A Long Time Tradition For Everyone -If you see a Robin on Student Answers- Should By Elizabeth Allen would sing romantic songs or Valentine’s Day cards are verses to their sweethearts. exchanged in the United States Valentine’s Day, you will We Exchange Valentines? Valentine’s Day, being a holiday Written paper valentines came every year. Out of all these marry a crime fighter that is centered on love, is the about in the 1500s and were very valentines, about eighty-five 47% - Yes we should exchange perfect time to exchange gifts that popular in England. The first percent are purchased by women. valentines at school show our affection for written valentine The majority of valentines are - If you see a squirrel on others. Besides sweet is attributed to given to teachers followed by the morning of 32% - No we should not smelling flowers and Charles, the children, mothers, wives, sugar-filled candy, Duke of Orleans, sweethearts, and then pets. Valentine’s Day, you will exhange valentines at school Valentine’s Day cards who wrote Parents receive one out of every marry a cheep skate who are one of the most romantic verses five valentines given. will hoard all your money 21%- I do not care if we popular items to his wife while Approximately three percent of exchange valentines at school exchanged on this he was all pet owners will give their pet a holiday. In fact, other imprisoned in Valentine’s Day treat. A greater - On Valentine’s Day, the than Christmas, the Tower of percentage of valentines are Student Answers-What is Google Images first man/woman’s name Valentine’s Day is the London. These exchanged between non-romantic the Ideal V-Day Date? most popular occasion to give first written valentines were relations. Valentines are often you read in the paper or cards. Traditionally, valentines handmade. They were covered given with candy. The top selling hear on the news will be - Chinese food and a romantic would serve as a fun way to express with real lace and lavishly valentine card companies are the name of the person movie at home love for a sweetheart or ask decorated. Many also contained Hallmark and E-cards. E-cards - A candlelit dinner at favorite someone to “be their valentine”. golden leaves or flower petals. It have become the most popular that you will marry resturarant However, as the years have passed wasn’t until after 1723 when way to send Valentine’s greetings - Going on a walk at sunset on by, these cards have been used more valentines became popular in because of its cheap cost, - To be awoken by a kiss as a way to express appreciation the beach America. Years ago and through instantaneous delivery, and for others in our lives who we care the early 1900s it was considered widespread use of the Internet. on Valentine’s Day is - Baking heart shaped about. Valentine greetings have improper for a woman to give a According to these companies, considered to be unlucky cupcakes together been popular since the Middle man a valentine on Valentine’s cupid is the most popular card Ages. During this period, lovers Day. Now, about one billion theme on Valentine’s Day. February 2011 Northwest Catholic Page 9 FEATURES Inside Out: Mrs. Harrison, Francis Butler, Jc Carr, and Kathleen Grabowski What would people be surprised to What words of wisdom do you live KG: Buy a beach house in If you could hear learn about you? by? Centerville, Cape Cod and take a what someone is trip to Ireland to visit my family. thinking for a day, Colleen Harrison: I’m a San CH: Tell your family how much who would you Francisco 49ers fan. you love them every day and What annoys you the most? choose, and why? Francis Butler: When I was little I don’t go to bed mad. had a great aversion to FB: It is always better to think the CH: Mr. Przech’s refusal to sing CH: Dustin “Cinderella” and “The Parent best of someone, be their friend, “Surfer Girl.” Hoffman in “Rain Trap”. I was scared of both and accept them for who they are FB: People who go against their Man” because he is movies so my sister couldn’t than to reject people and create word and are purposefully mean autistic. watch them when I was around. enemies. to others. FB: Mrs. Metzler – JC: “Get money and get paid.” JC: Repeating myself! It would be good to know how to do What would be your personal Calculus for once. theme song? JC: Osama Bin Laden, so we could CH: “One More Time” by know where he is. Captain and Tennelle KG: Dr. Luddy so I FB: “The Imperial March” could know where from the Star Wars movies he comes up with those funny jokes. What would your first action as President of the United What is your States be? greatest ambition in life? CH: Fix the healthcare issue. CH: To meet a man FB: To actually create a with a retirement balanced budget so we can plan and health create a new and more insurance. competitive U.S. economy FB: To be the best Cara Seward

without having to worry person I can and Cara Seward Francis Butler about debt and interest. help other people JC: Have our troops come become the best Kathleen Grabowski Jc Carr: I say what’s on my mind KG: “Life is an ocean, Sail it.” back home. they can be. out loud when I’m alone. KG: Impeach myself. Whoever JC: Don’t have one. I live my life KG: England because I like people Kathleen Grabowski: I have never What three things could you not voted me in is an idiot. one day at a time and see what with accents. had an onion ring before. live without? happens. What movie could you watch over KG: Open up my own aquarium If you could manage any CH: My three children. and over again, and why? when I get older. professional sports team, what If you could be anyone else at FB: My faith, my family, and my team would you choose? Northwest for a day, who would friends. CH: Sister Act I because you be, and why? JC: My cell phone, pickles, and it was filmed at my high CH: The San Francisco my cell phone. school in San Francisco. Giants because I CH: I’d be Mr. Martorelli so I KG: My blackberry, my Camelbak FB: Any of the Star Wars almost know the infield could reach the top shelves at water bottle, and Sour Patch movies. They are classics. fly rule. Stop & Shop. watermelons. JC: Pineapple Express FB: The Patriots FB: My sister because I always because it is the funniest because if I chose any thought it would be interesting to Who or what always makes you movie on this planet. other team I would be see life from her perspective laugh? KG: The Hangover crucified by my family. knowing that her older brother is because it makes me JC: Miami Heat in the a giant nerd. CH: Mr. Reese when he imitates laugh every time. NBA. JC: Mr. Callahan for obvious me. KG: Harlem reasons. FB: Monty Python and the Holy If the whole world were Globetrotters. KG: Deacon Sutherland so I Grail listening, what would you could play with liquid nitrogen. JC: Mustapha Muhammad. say? What would be the title KG: Father Moran. He is the of your autobiography? funniest man ever. CH: Give peace a chance. If you were stranded on a desert FB: We all may sound CH: “It’s Not So Bad island, who would you want to be What would be the first thing you different to each other, we Being Harry” stranded with, and why? would do if you won 10 million all may look different FB: “A Simple, Happy dollars? from each other, and we Life” CH: Don Ho – so he could teach all may believe different JC: “JC Carr – Hopes me how to hula. CH: Buy a house on the beach in things in our hearts, but and Dreams” FB: Albus Dumbledore because Niantic. in the end, your tears are KG: “One time . . .” he could have me side-arm FB: Save one million for myself like my tears and all of apparate with him to Hogsmeade. and my family to pay for college our hearts beat the same. What magazine do you KG: Hillary Baran because she and then give the rest to charity. JC: My real name is JC. always look forward to has everything in that large bag. JC: Buy my own island with Mrs. Phillips getting in the mail? Oompa Loompas to cater to my If you could ask God any Mrs. Harrison every need. one question, what would it CH: The J.C. Penney be? Who is your hero, and why? Catalog FB: America’s Civil War Magazine CH: Would you please tell my CH: My son Mike because he can JC: Eastbay dad and mom I love them? clean my house fast. KG: L.L. Bean FB: What is my vocation and FB: Abraham Lincoln because I how can I best serve others? am a huge Civil War buff and he What random fact are you most JC: Am I going to heaven? truly understood what it would proud to know? KG: Is there good food in take to save the Union. heaven? JC: My mom. She has struggled CH: I really love the NWC kids. and fought to make me a great FB: British General John If you could have only one food person. Burgoyne travelled on campaign for the rest of your life KG: Cat Woman because she is with such luxury that he slowed (assuming that this strange fierce. his army down with over 24 situation would not affect your carriages of personal items, health), which food would you If you could live anywhere in the including cotton mattresses to choose? world, where would you live? sleep on. JC: If you put two fingernails CH: Spaghetti and meatballs. CH: Colchester, because that’s together and it forms a little FB: Pasta, I’m Italian – it’s a where I’m happy. diamond, you don’t have enough staple in my diet and my FB: Gettysburg, PA – I would get calcium in your body. favorite food. a job as a tour guide and tell KG: Frogs don’t drink water. – JC: Shortbread cookies. people about the Civil War all day Snapple Fact Cara Seward KG: Tacos. long. JC: Candy Land. Jc Carr Page 10 Northwest Catholic February 2011 NEWS Pt-Ctrpt: Should Driving Be a Privilege? 2010 Governor’s Election Pt: Only Seniors Should Be Allowed to Drive Comes Down to the Wire By Allie Lamari parking lot, there are many seniors to drive to school would By Dillon Bowen confident of his victory. He dangerous situations in the help enforce the rules that already publicly announced his success, Every weekday morning, the morning in which people are stand about students driving to No palm trees, no warm weather, and began assembling a scene in the Northwest Catholic speeding into the parking lot just school. A majority of the teachers no native grown oranges, but for transition team. But, Malloy, student parking lot involves a to get a good parking space. Also, who park in the faculty spots in a while after the November 2nd equally sure that he won, also majority of the senior class and having fewer students driving to the student parking lot have made gubernatorial election, declared himself the victor, and many juniors rushing into to school means there would be comments about the chaos that Connecticut felt a lot like started putting a transition team make sure they get a favorable happens in the Florida. Polls leading up to the together. It was about this time parking spot. During the overcrowded parking election showed Dan Malloy and that the Associated Press declared winter months, students are lot. Many would argue Tom Foley, the Democratic and Malloy the winner, their polls eager to get the parking spaces that since many of us Republican candidates for showing him ahead with only a closest to the school. However, live outside of West governor respectively, in a dead few precincts yet to report. But, as we go deeper and deeper Hartford, it would be heat. Consistently ahead in the on Wednesday night, the into the school year, this also foolish for those previous weeks, Dan Malloy’s means more juniors and even juniors and lead was steadily decreasing. some sophomores will start sophomores that can Some polls even predicted a driving. The student parking drive to have to pay for Republican victory. The outcome lot is full by 7:35 every busing or get driven in was anyone’s guess. morning but, by the spring, it everyday. However, it Then disaster struck in will be completely full even Cara Seward would be fair because Bridgeport. A few hours before earlier. Seniors are given many Alec Lorenzo and Evan Herron pose behind their cars once the rule is the polls closed in one of privileges as the role models in the parking lot. enforced everyone will Connecticut’s largest and most for the other classes. One of have to go on the bus democratic cities, election officials these senior privileges should be fewer cars in the parking lot after or carpool for three years. If an ran out of ballots. Voters were the ability to drive to school. It is school. This would leave more underclassman, they can drive to asked to wait for more ballots, not fair that many juniors get space for the spectators to park school every day with their parent but most left before their arrival. better parking spots than seniors during sporting events. In the fall and get plenty of practice in. Even In an attempt to solve this Google Images just because they get to school when there are volleyball, soccer, seniors who are legal to drive problem, some precincts gave Tom Foley, a 2010 Candidate earlier. Molly Berning, a member and football games going on all at others would be willing to drive voters photocopied ballots. for Governor of the senior class, expressed her once, there is absolute chaos in their younger peers. By restricting Connecticut’s top election official, disapproval of the current the parking lot because there is it to only seniors who can drive Susan Bysiewicz, successfully Associated Press reviewed their driving situation by stating, “It is nowhere to park. Situations like themselves to school it will be petitioned a state judge to extend numbers, and found Foley to be ridiculous that I have to wake up this have often led to minor seen as more of a privilege. voting hours at 12 polling places ahead by almost 8,000 votes. The earlier now to drive to school fender-benders that could be Seniors would be more to 10pm, two hours longer than Associated Press withdrew their than I did when I was part of a avoided. Furthermore, the official appreciative if they were only usual. projection of Malloy, and instead carpool for the past three years. I rule at Northwest Catholic is that allowed to drive for one year. Tuesday night drew to a close deemed the race too close to call. get to school by 7:20 every day only seniors can go to the Being able to drive to school with Foley slightly ahead, but Susan Bysiewicz was expected to and the parking lot is already parking lot during I or J period. under the current conditions with 10% of the precincts yet to announce the final election results more than half full. By the spring However, most juniors that play a seems more like a right than a report, and ballots in Bridgeport on Thursday at noon. I will probably have to leave my sport will go out to their car privilege because all that is still not accounted for. Around Bridgeport ballots were still being house even earlier in the morning during J period to change their required is a license. Only 1:00 am, each candidate made a counted, along with New Haven just to get a spot.” With so many clothes or go to Robeks before a allowing seniors to drive would cautiously optimistic speech and some other towns. students currently driving, there game or listen to music. This is also make the parking lot safer, about the election results. By Thousands of photocopied are a lot of people in the parking taking away another senior help enforce disciplinary rules, morning, Foley still held a slight ballots were being manually lot after school. In addition to privilege because it is only and go along with the concept of lead. counted in Bridgeport. The fairly new drivers trying to supposed to be seniors who are seniority. Certain things should The official result was supposed process took much longer than maneuver their cars around peers allowed to leave school early at be reserved for just seniors and to be announced Wednesday. expected, and the situation was that are recklessly behaving in the the end of the day. Allowing only driving to school is one of them. But, with the Bridgeport fiasco exacerabted when hundreds of still unresolved, and several ballots went missing. One of the precincts still not reporting, women counting the ballots left Ctrpt: Underclassmen Should Be Allowed Drive predictions amounted to glorified during to day, and locked the By Elizabeth Allen time to drive their high school drive to school is a way to make ballots in a closet. Election child to and from school every life a little bit easier for those officials stopped the counting It’s 4 o’clock in the afternoon and morning and afternoon puts a lot families that chose Northwest for several hours, until the you are still at school. You have a of stress on families, especially despite living anywhere from 45 missing ballots were found. load of homework and it has to when they live in distant towns. minutes to a hour away.” The By the time the manual be completed before your seven When looking at the factors students also disagree with this counting resumed, it was clear o’clock practice later that night. affecting where they will send idea. Senior Nick Melaragno the results would not be in by You’ve been stressing for the past their child to high school, states his opinion when he says, the end of the day. two hours because it is impossible transportation is a main concern. “I see no reason why driving to As the final tallies arrived, it to get work done. The café is too Some parents may view the school should be allowed for seemed Malloy would win. distracting and the library is challenge of taking time to drive seniors only. If I wasn’t allowed The Associated Press showed closed because of a faculty their child as manageable for a to drive myself to Northwest last Malloy on top again, after meeting. If only you could have couple years until the student year then I would have been stuck New Haven’s votes were taken driven to school this morning, earns his/her license. However, the at school until 5 o’ clock on most into account, and Susan Google Images then you could just grab your prospect of having to adhere to days.” Driving to school allows Bysiewicz maintained the keys and get out of there, but you this commitment for three years students to be more time efficient. Dan Malloy, the current Governor of accuracy of her figures. might seem unfavorable. Also, staying at school for those Connecticut Connecticut Republican and Indeed, taking the bus to extras hours makes for a long Democratic leaders prepared and from school is an day for students, adding to their guesswork. Susan Bysiewicz for the legal battle expected to be option, but with this option fatigue and stress. On the other called the race for Malloy early in waged as a result of the comes an expensive fee. It hand, several students have to the afternoon, by an unofficial Bridgeport crisis. Foley had would be a major leave right from school to work at margin of 3,103 votes. There strong grounds to disqualify the annoyance if one child was a job or attend their sport’s would be no recount, according nearly 18,000 ballots which were legal to drive the others, but practice. If parents are working, to Bysiewicz. A recount only either photocopied, and possibly because they were not a the only other way for students occurs when there is a victory by illegitimate, or cast after 8:00pm, less than half a percent, or 2,000 the official closing time for the

Cara Seward senior, the parents had to to get to these places is by driving Students from all grades share the pay multiple bus fees. Some themselves. Junior Maddy votes. polls. Most of these 18,000 parking lot in the morning. families, for their child’s first Domingo asserts this by saying, Foley’s Republican campaign was ballots went to Malloy. If Foley can’t because you are not a couple years of high school, set “I need to drive myself from up in arms. Many were outraged had succeeded in disqualifying the senior. This is how a lot of up a carpooling system with school to my premier soccer at the Susan Bysiewicz’s ballots, it could mean an students would feel like if driving another family. However, if the practice fifty minutes away in premature announcement. On a automatic recount, or even a to school was to become a senior one of the involved students Bristol every day. Since my radio talk show, Foley scolded Republican victory. privilege. Although the idea has graduates, the other family is left parents are working, driving Bysiewicz, and maintained that However, on November 8th, Tom been considered, it should not be without a carpool. As Mr. Przech, myself is the only way I am able he, in fact, was winning. Foley conceded the race to Dan put into effect. If driving to a teacher at Northwest, says, to get there.” Making student With only 1.5% of precincts yet to Malloy. The final results had school became a senior privilege, “Because Northwest draws from driving a senior privilege would report, each candidate’s figures Malloy ahead by 5637 votes. this would have a great impact on so many different towns, have a negative impact on differed from Bysiewicz’s. Foley wanted to avoid a legal both the students and parents of including some in other states, recruitment for Northwest, as Malloy’s staff showed him ahead battle which would potentially Northwest. Nowadays more and any kid that is a licensed driver well as on many families of the by 10,000 votes, while Foley strip citizens of their right to more families consist of two should definitely be allowed to school community. Thus, for claimed he was leading by an vote. Finally, after six days of working parents, who balance drive to school and have access to these reasons, it should not be 8,000 vote margin. On Wednesday chaos, Malloy officially became busy schedules. Having to take parking. Allowing juniors to put into effect. afternoon, Tom Foley was very the governor elect. February 2011 Northwest Catholic Page 11 SPORTS Girls’ Track Cheerleaders Fill the Crowd With Enthusiasm Hockey Hopes By Mara Case Britney Grant, and Taylor hope the school spirit and game Wins Races Combs leading the team through attendance will be at its highest. A to Repeat As Northwest Catholic all its endeavors, the team hopes By Leanne Oleasz few standout freshmen include By Angela Di Francesco Cheerleading ends its fall chapter to achieve new heights in its Zara Lenihan as a talented flyer the team is preparing for its competitions. The team also The Northwest Catholic High and Ayanna Smith due to her Northwest Catholic is proud to winter season, cheering for the proves its dedication to the sport School Girls’ Indoor Track Team ability to always add humor to the announce this year’s hockey team Varsity Basketball team. In order by practicing many hours each is off to a running start this team while constantly being ready is strong and ready to take on a to stay in shape and find week where they learn to trust season under the leadership of for the next challenge. The goal of great season. With new goals set, potential new cheerleaders the and support each other as they new head coach Pat Williamson, cheerleaders is to pump up the well-trained players and team held tryouts from the last learn new stunts. “My goals for senior captains Kelly Yorio and other fans and players to excite the teammates, as well as fearless week in November to early winter are that we let all the Melissa Martucci, and senior team on the court! Cheerleaders coaches and captains ready to December for new members. In winter sports know that we leaders Emily Janusko and Lucie hope that they can get a large lead the team through a great addition to learning new routines support them and that we do Cance. With high hopes for a number in the Belly of the Beast. season and to victory, each and stunts for the basketball really well in competition and successful season, the team The Northwest Catholic member of the team has high games, the winter Cheerleading show everyone all the potential practices hard each day, and is community wishes the team the expectations for the outcome of team also entered various cheer we have,” said senior captain often seen running through the best of luck at their future this season. As to be expected, the competitions. With coaches Melissa Soutar. With other school halls as well as outside, competitions and looks forward team is setting out for a better Christine Michaud and Tina seniors cheerleading members rain or shine. Working constantly to cheering along with the team at season than last, as well as the Scoppetta constantly introducing Teddie Mucha, Britney Grant, to improve, they are the epitome the winter basketball games. seasons before, to set the bar new and challenging routines and and Taylor Combs adding skill of the saying, “Practice makes Cheerleaders hope to encourage higher for future seasons. The senior captains Melissa Soutar, and enthusiasm to the team, they perfect.” Although the team their fans and players. team has been constructed with entered this season having lost strong players and committed quite a few valuable runners from leaders who are prepared to make last year, their hopes are still high the goals of this season a reality. as they are reassured by the This year’s hockey team is number of talented newcomers captained by Juniors Brennan and veteran runners, such as Rose Graham, Tanner Vaughn, and O’Brien ’14, Sarah Gillespie ’13, A.J. Massaro, as well as Senior and Jenna Jordano ’13. Every Zack Hunter who all have high runner has made significant hopes for a great season. Don contributions to the team, and all Melanson, Don Gaudet, Bob have worked hard to improve. Caplette, and Justin Giuliani Captain Kelly Yorio says, “Team coach the team, and this year’s unity is so important,” and she seniors are Zack Hunter and Tom feels that the girls truly Noll. One of the captains, Junior understand this, as everyone Brennan Graham, states that the cheers each other on and works goal of the team is to “make it to help each person succeed. The back into the Final Four and win girls’ talent shone in their first the whole State Tournament meet of the season, the New along with a Conference Haven Invitational, where the Championship. We want to be the varsity team placed 15th out of 32 first team to have ever beaten East teams. Top competitors included Catholic.” To become a captain, Sarah Gillespie ’13 who came in the coaches scheduled interviews first in the 800 meter run, as well with each of the players who as the 4x400 meter relay team wanted to be a captain, and comprised of Jenna Jordano ’13, judging by the interview they Emily Janusko ‘11, Bitty Lathrop decided which ones will be good ’13, and Sarah Gillespie ’13 which leaders for the team. Needless to placed 6th overall. Captain Melissa say, it is a great honor to be Martucci made a strong showing chosen as a captain, so in the shot-put, where she placed Northwest Catholic greatly 6th. The JV team also had an congratulates those four chosen. opportunity to showcase their Unfortunately, the team was not skill in their first meet, and came able to defeat East Catholic this out with many great finishers. season but they are training hard These included Gabrielle to defeat them next season! They Giangreco ’13 who finished 4th in are now focusing on making it both the sophomore 55 meter back to the Final Four as well as dash and 200 meter dash. Rose winning the entire State O’Brien ’14 finished 2nd in the Tournament along with the freshman 800 meter run, and Conference Championship. The Captain Kelly Yorio finished team is currently practicing hard strong in the JV 1600 meter run to achieve these goals. This where she finished 4th overall. The season’s hockey team girls would not have been so unfortunately had a shaky start successful, however, if not for the but they are working hard as a efforts of Coach Pat Williamson, team to bring the record back up who has been a major asset to the and accomplish this season’s set team. “He always demands the goals! With the leadership elected best from all of his athletes,” Boys’ Basketball Striving For Success This Year this season, their chances are Captain Yorio commented. One looking good. The season started way he has worked hard to By Nate Frasco well the second half. By the end ‘11 and Kywane Thomas ‘12. off this December with a strong improve the team is by forming of the game Northwest had come Northwest Catholic Indians start, defeating Wethersfield with separate “stretching groups” Northwest Catholic Boys’ out on top, winning 67-52. On hoped to take down the 4-1 a score of four to two. Their which are led by seniors. “I enjoy basketball started off a strong December 23rd, Northwest Indians of Farmington in an season continues until February leading my group,” senior Emily season with a win at home Catholic visited E.O Smith High away matchup at Farmington with their last game against Hall. Janusko said. These smaller against East Hartford on School. When the game was over High. The first quarter was close, The second and third games groups help the runners meet new December 15th, 2010. The entire the scoreboard read 63-32, the Farmington always two points against Rockville, Manchester, people thus encouraging the team team played well and the game boys had won again. In their behind, but by the end of the Stafford, and East Catholic towards cohesiveness. The Girls’ ended with a score of 86-62. third home game of the season, second quarter Northwest resulted in four to nothing losses. Indoor Track Team looks Northwest Catholic played their Northwest Catholic played New Catholic had a clear lead. The Their fourth game, however, was forward to continued success, as next game against Wilbur Cross Britain. Both teams played well, boys played an equally strong a very close loss against Simsbury well as more fun and memorable at Weaver High School. The but, in the end, the Northwest second half and defeated the with a score of three to two. With times this season. “We all get Indians won a low scoring game Catholic Indians would add a Farmington Indians 69-49. The newfound motivation for wins along great,” Captain Yorio said, of 52-38. For the third game of fifth win to their record after 6’8” sophomore Kuran Iverson this season, the hockey team is “We especially have fun going to the season Northwest played one beating a strong New Britain crossed up the Farmington strong and ready to take on all its Denny’s after meets.” The of their rivals, Hall High School. team 88-59. On January 6th, 2011 players. Senior Pat Graham says, competitors. We wish the best of Northwest Catholic community For the first quarter the score the Northwest Catholic Indians “Our team views every game as luck to the team this season and wishes the Girls’ Indoor Track stayed close, neither team had played the Farmington Indians at the most important game of the Northwest is proud to be Team much continued success gained the upper hand. Towards Farmington High School. season we want to make sure that represented by them. Best of luck and good luck in their upcoming the end of the second quarter Northwest Catholic started we never take one day off.” The in the State Tournament and meets. They hope to have another Hall began to pull away from the strong and the first basket was season is off to a very strong Conference Championships as great winning season, and add to Indians. After being down at made by Zach Lewis. The other start, hoping to carry over their well as admission to the Final the cabinet in the hall. halftime the Northwest Catholic four Northwest starters also success from last year but win the Four for Hockey! Boys’ team came out and played scored along with Billy Battaglia State Tournament. Page 12 Northwest Catholic February 2011 SPORTS Swimming and Diving Excel Boys’ Track Team Finds More Success By Mike Laffin many friends, there was a major By Sarah Gillespie run their respective events in the very well. Sophomore Anthony absence in our line up. Very Class S State Championship on Ravosa qualified to run the 1600 Birds are flocking towards the thankfully, many freshmen The boy’s Indoor Track Team has February 10th. With such a meters in the state meet as well as south. Temperatures are answered the call to join. We have an all new look this season. strong start to the season, the becoming a crucial member of the plummeting. Northwest Catholic welcomed them into our hearths Changes in the coaching staff, the team is set to be one of the more boys 4x800 meter relay team, even Football is no longer the topic of and treated them as new members strong performance of new faces competitive teams at the state anchoring for the team in one discussion. What is the new topic to the Northwest Catholic at the varsity level and even level. According to Brendan meet. Joe Doyle qualified to run of discussion? Northwest Swimming and Diving family.” recycled uniforms have made this McCormick, “the team this year in the 3200 meter race in only his Catholic High School’s Swimmers from NWC each year year’s team almost unrecognizable is rather young.” He elaborated, second indoor varsity Swimming and Diving team. In find that they know that they from years past. There is no saying that the sprinters are led competition. Other runners who the 2010-2011 season the Indians belong at their home pool. The doubt that these changes are by a strong core of juniors and had been on varsity in seasons of Northwest Catholic have big home pool of Northwest positive. One of the most especially by sophomore Jared past also began this season with shoes to fill. After losing many Catholic is located in Granby, significant changes this season Delane. “Our distance team is strong performances. The 4x800 key swimmers last year, the Connecticut. The build up to the was the elevation of Coach strong thanks to junior Brian meter relay team of Ryan Geelan, remaining swimmers are meets are as important as the Williamson to the head coaching Poirier and sophomores Anthony Jack Peterson, Anthony Ravosa ambitiously working harder to event itself. The meets are position. Coach Williamson had Ravosa and Joe Doyle.” The age and Brian Poirier has already continue their streak of successful nothing but exhilarating and one previously been an assistant of the team is a strength, rather proved to be one of the strongest seasons. Led by captains Robert cannot help but smile at the coach, focusing mainly on the than a concern. With so many in the state, placing very high in Kunkel ’11, Francis Butler ’11, athleticism displayed by the training of the athletes who ran all of the meets this season. The Brynn Stoecklin ’11, and Hannah competitors. Whether it be the distance events. After having been 4x200 meter relay team of Jared Scobee ’12, the Swimming and breath-stroke or the butterfly, the indoor assistant coach for Delane, Anthony Carter, Jalen Diving team is striving for Northwest Catholic swimmers two seasons prior to his Lollar and Aaron Wilson is also success. However, they are not have conquered the pool. To the promotion, Coach Williamson very competitive and has been alone. The captains are backed average bystander, the world of was very familiar with the improving steadily each race. In by a water-loving group aqua-sports may appear program and made a smooth their individual events, Brian consisting of Evan Herron ’11, completely foreign, something of transition into the role of head Poirier and Jared Delane have Thomas Gollenberg ’11, Sam an unconceivable skill level. In coach. Yet another change was exceled, leaving no doubt that Hug ’12, Thomas Vignati ’13, what most refer to as a rebuilding made to the assistant coaching they are two of the top runners in Gracie Kunkel ’13, and Cooper year, the Indians plan to surprise staff; the team as a whole the state. Overall, the boys Indoor Kerr ’14. When asked about his their opponents. To the average benefitted from the addition of Track Team is looking not only to opinion of the season thus far, Northwest Catholic swimmer or Coach Bannon, a graduate of place well in individual events and Senior Captain Robert Kunkel diver, the world of water is like a Northwest Catholic who ran relays, but to be one of the top stated that, “We all love to swim. second home. As said by Captain track throughout high school teams competing at the Class S Swimming is really one of our Robert Kunkel, “We all love to and college. Last year’s Indoor State Championship. They are favorite things to do. This mutual swim.” As crazy as it sounds, Track Team was composed also looking to qualify as many love for the sport allows us to rumor has it that Robert and his mainly of a large group of runners as possible to run at grow stronger as a group both in companions prefer the water to seniors who had the experience subsequent meets such as the the water and out. This land. If this is the case, the and skill of well-seasoned State Open and the Nike Indoor consequential bond allows us to spectacles that are imminent will athletes. After their graduation, it Nationals. With such a strong compensate for areas where we be fantastic. To ensure that you was important for the remaining Kathleen Connelly start to the season, they have may be lacking. We are ready to do not miss out on these excellent runners to fill their shoes. Under Jalen Lollar ‘12 runs hard. placed themselves in a great swim.” This dedication to performances, make sure you the leadership of senior captains young runners already competing position to accomplish these swimming marks the uniqueness support your Indian swimmers Ryan Geelan and Brendan at a very high level, the team can goals and are working hard to of this season’s squad. The and divers! Schedules can be McCormick, the team has wasted only grow stronger. Some become even stronger in the majority of this force is found on the Northwest Catholic no time in doing just that. The runners who had never competed hopes for success. They are comprised of freshmen Athletic website. Support the team began the season with many at the varsity level made their growing very strong in both newcomers. “After graduating so Swimming and Diving team. of the top runners qualifying to debut this season and performed sprinting and long distance. Girls’ Basketball Works Hard Athlete of the Season: Patrick Graham By Ryan Gilmour a rebuilding year but, with the By Nicholas Italia Who has had the most positive way the Indians are playing, it If you could sum up your NWC influence on your basketball The Northwest Catholic Girls does not appear that way to the Senior Patrick Graham has been basketball experience in one word, career? Basketball team put forth average bystander. The young a member of the Northwest what would it My father, who numerous goals before the season starting squad expresses the youth Catholic High School basketball be and why? has always began. One of these goals was to in the program. The starters are program for 4 years. His hard Perserverence influenced me to rebuild their team for upcoming Alyssa Reaves, Liz Eden, Jacqui work and determination are of because NWC always play my years. In addition to that goal, the Denver, Alecia Dulaire and high value to the rest of the basketball is hardest on the girls want to play as well this year Antonina Fiola. The Girls are team, and is a big part of the about working court. as any other year in the past. The carried by seniors Erin Druesdem team’s success over the past few hard and seniors on the team preach great and Antonina Feola who lead the years. finding a way Has playing success which entails another team vocally and exemplary. With to win. basketball taught CCC West Championship. The young player, Alecia Duliare, and Do you do other sports or do you you any important Team’s head coach, Karl Herbert, ball-handler, Jacqui Denver, the focus primarily on basketball? What is your lessons that you has already put his victories over Indians hope to take it to their I play football, but focus more most can apply to the Wethersfield, Simsbury, and New opponents, attacking quickly and on basketball. memorable rest of your life? Britain behind him and the team is defending intensely. Jacqui ‘13 uses moment in your Ye s, t o a l way s focused on adding to those wins. with her quick style of play and In the off-season, do you play NWC NOWECA have fun, and if The Indians hope to pull victories excellent handling to add a much basketball for another team? basketball things don’t go over Southington, Farmington, needed dynamic to the squad. No. I focus all my energy career? your way, work through it, and and their out of conference games. With the talent shown by these towards my team at Northwest. It would be watching our team put others first before yourself. There are alot of winable games, young players, it is sure to be a when I was a sophomore go so but the girls know that they have great season for the Girls Basket- far into the state tournament, it How has basketball had a positive to work as hard as they can to ball team and the future looks was special to be a part of. effect on your high school career? achieve the status that was positive. Each game the girls go It has helped form my work revolving around the team last out and strive to play the best they Has your athletic career at NWC ethic, and attitude both on and year. The Team’s future looks can. Northwest Catholic Girls influenced you as a person? off the court. bright under the brilliant leader- Basketball is known for its talent, Yes it has, it has taught me ship of senior captains Erin and these girls hope to prove this. nothing good in life can be What is the best part about Drusedum, Amanda Tronchin, Senior Erin Drusedum always achieved without hard work. playing basketball? and Antonina Feola. Druesdem tries to keep the team at the top of Being a part of a team, that is told Passages that the goal for the their game. With a younger squad, Do you intend to play basketball in always working together in regular season is to win the games the future looks bright but that college? If so, what level? everything they do. they need to win in order to to does not take from the present. I do, Division III because I do achieve their goals. For right now, Every day in practice, the girls not want basketball to absorb my When did you start playing they need to “take it one step at a work to improve their basic skills entire life. basketball? time,” Erin said. The team has a so that they can dominate other When I was in third-grade. variety of talent, particularly teams in their conference. The girls What is your favorite part about among the underclassmen. They want to finish the season as well the game of basketball? What are some things your have blossoming junior varsity as last year if not better. So, come The team atmosphere, the feeling teammates taught you? players who add to the depth of out and cheer for the Northwest of everyone working towards one They have taught me to put my the team. Even the freshman team Catholic Girls Basketball team as goal. team first, and to strive to shows promise for years to come. they fight to achieve their goal. NOWECA always be better, in both games Coach Herbert hopes to build his They want to be back-to-back and in practice. squad. To some, this is considered CCC West Champions.