VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

WINTER 2012

WINTER FASHION BY YARELIS NIEVES In the world today, Every second of every day a lar this season because they fashion has become a large design team is working to showcase the sophistication of employer and is considered an come up with the next big the 1940s and the 1960s. Color Inside this issue: important industry. Fashion thing. The people in this in- blocking, a personal favorite, 2-3 helps you make a good im- dustry are always at work to that was seen this past spring, Student and Teacher pression, reflects who you make sure that they are keep- will also be a trend again this Spotlights are as a person, and, most ing up with the ever-changing fall/winter. Color blocking is importantly, is an art form trends. simply taking contrasting, but The Sound of Music 2 that evokes not only interest, When it comes to the still complementary colors and but emotion as well. Every creating an all together, incredi- Winter 2012 season, there are Favorite Winter Activi- 3 season millions of designers many different essentials. bly unique look. If you are a from all over the world create First up, jewel tones. Jewel little hesitant to try this trend ties pieces that they feel would full force, start small with jew- tone hues consist of Sapphire, More fashion! 4 not only satisfy themselves, Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, elry, shoes, or handbag then but the desires of their con- and Garnet and are very popu- incorporate it into your ward- sumers who look for beauty, robe. This is also the same for Winter Sports 6-7 aesthetics, and functionality. the fabulous winter trend of Overall, fashion is an art of neons. If neons are too shock- natural beauty and design that ing for you to wear as a com- SOPA, PIPA, and 5 deserves to be recognized and plete outfit, then again, start NDDA truly appreciated. From petti- with a scarf or jewelry. A huge coats to flappers, to the intro- must-have staple in your closet Senior Stress 8-9 duction of the Little Black this winter? Dress, to Hippies and Disco, A little black dress, Grouplove and Hunger 10 fashion has evolved dramati- which is not only chic, but also cally and will continue to do classic ( cont on page 3 ) Games! so. It will never be boring.

By 9:45, the Class of 2016 was split game where a person must get a signature STEP UP DAY 2012 into three groups. Each group had an organ- from each person from a different feeder ized schedule of events. The group toured the school. BY ALEX HYNEMAN hallways and corridors of Berks Catholic to create a mental map and to familiarize them- At 11:15, lunch was served to the eighth On January 26, 2012, Berks Catholic selves with their new school. After the tour graders in the cafeteria. After lunch, the hosted its second Step Up Day. The school was finished, the students were escorted to the students received a Berks Catholic t-shirt accommodated eighth graders from the nine auxiliary gym to partake in an ice breaker as a gift to remind them of their Step Up feeder schools. Throughout the day, the future exercise called the Human Knot. The Human Day at Berks Catholic. By 12:15, it was Saints were engaged in a variety of events. Knot is an activity where people hold the time for the Class of 2016 to depart from At 8:15 AM the visiting participants hands of other people and are entangled with their future school. This concluded the arrived. Name tags for identification were dis- one another within the group; the goal is to events of this year’s exciting Step Up untangle without letting go and to then form a tributed and then the students were guided to Day. the auditorium for their first experience of a circle. The purpose of this exercise is to meet Berks Catholic Mass. After Mass was finished, new people and to cooperate as a team. After Step up Day gives the future the eighth graders received a welcoming greet- the Human Knot activity, the students were Saints a little taste of what to expect next ing from Mr. Balistrere and some of the other relocated to the Gym for Ice Breaker Bingo autumn and what they can look forward Berks Catholic staff. and Saints Trivia. Ice Breaker Bingo is a to in their upcoming years at BC. Page 2 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ILENNE CABRAL BY JOSH MARTINEZ

It has been my pleasure to she sees herself working at a large cor- would be know Ilenne ever since freshman year. poration doing international business moro con She was born in Mao Malverde in the and traveling the world. I can imagine chivo y to- Dominican Republic on March 1, 1995. her eventually being the CEO of a For- tones. I can- She is currently a junior at BC and is tune 500 company. I would not mind not disagree, definitely one of the quietest and smart- having a boss like her; she is very sym- my mouth est students here. She can’t wait to pathetic and always knows the right waters every graduate in 2013. She has big dreams, thing to say. time I think of it. wanting to go to Fordham, Penn State On the other hand, if she was- Main, NYU, Temple, or St. John’s n’t so passionate about business, she If she were not interesting enough al- (NY). With her euphoric attitude to- would be a model or a doctor doing ready, here are a few more things. Her wards life, she raises everyone’s spirits. charity work for a non-profit organiza- name is pronounces “e-lane.” She goes Her favorite subject is mathematics, and tion around the world. to the Dominican Republic every sum- with the kindest heart she says that mer to catch up on her Spanish. Every Shopping is her favorite hobby; Mrs. McDowell had to be her favorite time I go there it seems there is a new she told me, “I never get tired of it!” I teacher. She states, “I think she’s amaz- word added to the dictionary. ing and very understanding.” know most people would agree with that. Meeting Ilenne has been one Ilenne is a busy girl. She is of the best things to happen to me at Illene is trilingual; she can involved in NHS, Spirit Club, Key this school. Everyone should have the speak English, Spanish, and French. Club, and Newspaper. For what she opportunity to meet her. She will al- Since she is Dominican, she loves her may lack in the athletic world, she ways have a smile on her face and say, food. If she had to pick a favorite, it makes up for in academics. In ten years “Hi!”

B.C. PREPARES ITS STAGE FOR “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” BY NOAH KIDDER AND CHARLIE SIMICK Among the countless school func- want spoil anything for the rest of us. One of the most crucial parts of the tions that are happening at this time of the play, the sound crew, has the huge respon- year, one of the highlights in student life is Now many people believe the com- sibility of letting the audience hear the coming up very quickly: the school Broad- mon misconception that plays are easily way production. The BC student body produced musicals with a good stage de- beautiful symphony of songs. Eric Balash, along with the help of many benefactors sign and a bunch of reluctant students. The a senior, is one of the men behind the and teachers are presenting the classic exact opposite is true about the production scenes that make all of the sound work production, The Sound of Music. this year at Berks Catholic High School. happen. “We get all of the mics checked The passionate students that were selected The Sound of Music is a play full of and assigned to the actors/actresses. We for the roles in our play enjoy the theatri- make sure everything can be heard by the history and nostalgia for many people. cal experience and the friends that they are audience in all scenes including sound Originally produced in 1959 by Richard with throughout the making of the play. Rodgers, the classic production has been The various choirs and select choruses effects and full cast scenes. We follow the made into a movie and is a staple of high sing the classic songs that we all know like script line by line to make sure that each school plays. The basis of the play chroni- “My favorite things” and “Sixteen going microphone is ready for when their actor cles the adventures of a nun from on Seventeen” and “Do-Re-Mi”. The or actress speaks. It takes a lot of time to Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg, Austria. The band, guided by Mr. Scollick, adds the mother superior suggests that Maria work out the kinks but when perfect score of music to the production. the show comes around the should take a trip outside the abbey to de- Then the stage crew builds the various sets sound quality is spot on and termine her true calling. She winds up in and props that make our auditorium look the palace of a decorated World War 1 like a postcard from the Austrian Alps. the show is a big success”. veteran, Captain Georg Von Trapp. I would go into further detail but I don’t Page 3 TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

MRS. BURT BY MACKENZIE KROEKEL AND KATINA JOHNS

Which do you prefer, skiing, snow- Mrs. Heather Burt is the art teacher here What is your favorite winter activity? at Berks Catholic. In light of the current boarding, or snow tubing? season, we asked Mrs. Burt about her “Snuggling up on the couch with “Snow tubing because I’d break favorite winter activities as well as her my two kids and watching Disney mov- my leg doing anything else.” favorite things in relation to Berks Catho- ies. Our favorite is Finding Nemo ” lic. What is your view on snow days? What is your favorite thing about “I love them! They are the best Berks Catholic? days because I get to stay home with my “Walking down the hallway see- kids.” ing all the new faces of students and teachers.”

WINTER FAVORITES POLL TAKEN BY: RACHEL JARRETT, ALEXIS MUIR, MICHELE PERLES, SYDNEY STONE

What is your favorite winter activity?

 Snow Days—72%  Snow Boarding—5%  Skiing—12%  Ice Sakting—2%  Drinking Hot Chocolate— 9% Total: 130 students

WINTER FASHION (CONT.)

(cont. from cover) and timeless (thank you This winter staple can go casual with classic labels, and up-and-coming design- Audrey Hepburn!). Another great option jeans and boots or dressed up with a skirt, ers all together." -Alexander McQueen in place of dresses are, of course, skirts. tights and lots of jewelry. Never hesitate One look to try is taking a beaded tex- to switch up your wardrobe whatever the tured skirt, pairing it with a fitted sweater occasion may be. Your personal style or cardigan, wearing it with tights and a reflects who you are and if it changes nice pair of pumps and you will without a from day to day, so be it! doubt be the center of attention! Knits, "It's a new era in fashion-there are no whether chunky or not, are making a rules. It's all about the individual and per- comeback with a new twist: elbow pads. sonal style, wearing high-end, low-end, Page 4

THE FABULOUS WORLD OF FASHION

A LOOK INTO THE LIVES OF TEENS IN OTHER PLACES BY FRANCESCA LUNA

New York City has the wholesale selling. No other city greatest concentration of design has a comparable concentration of “No other city has a talent in the world. Its wealth fashion businesses and talent in a of fashion design schools ensures a single district. Solangi Cruz is a comparable steady flow of fresh faces and new current student at The High School ideas that continually reinforce of Fashion Industries. She lives, concentration of New York’s place at the forefront breaths and eats fashion. She has of fashion innovation. Though the New York “Street Style” fashion business and fashion activity takes place all which is the latest trend. She states over New York’s five boroughs, that her favorite quote is from her talent” the heart of the industry is Manhat- favorite designer Yves Saint- tan’s Garment Center. The area, Laurent which states “Fashions home to the majority of New fade, style is eternal.” Solangi was York’s showrooms and to numer- very generous to give us a few pic- ous major fashion labels, caters to tures of the upcoming fashion for all aspects of the fashion process– the end of winter and the begin- from design and production to ning of spring. Page 5 SILENCING THE AMERICAN PUBLIC ter. However, this is just a false communication, they are poten- BY JOE MAJESKY façade that hides the true danger of tially shutting down subversive this bill. Allowing the military to messages before they are made. arrest U.S. citizens for “Anti- This is not the popular democracy Sinclair Lewis once said American activities” is an easily that men like Jefferson, Jackson, “When fascism comes to America, abused right. What is defined as and Monroe fought for, but instead it will carry a cross and be Anti-American? Terrorism, Pro- a step in the opposite direction. wrapped in a flag.” With the testing, Free Speech. There has not events that are unfolding, he may been a law like this since the Alien not have been far from the mark. Although not direct gov- and Sedition Acts of the early na- Since November, the government ernment control, these forms of tion. This law is a blatantly obvi- of our Republic has been working indirect legislation that suppress ous attempt to silence and oppress on three pieces of legislation, The public communication and limit the American people. National Defense Authorization public action are at least unethical, Act, Stop Online Piracy Act, and if not unconstitutional, acts. It is the Protect IP Act, otherwise The Stop Online Piracy Act important that the public considers known as NDAA, SOPA, and and Protect IP Act continue this collectively how to respond to PIPA respectively. Each one of trend in gilded legislation. SOPA such events. I am not calling for these pieces of legislation comes and PIPA are designed to prevent the unfurling of the battle flags, in a gilded case of American glory, piracy of copyrighted material but I am encouraging people to but underneath that case lay fla- online. Again, the basic tenets of think about such issues. Where this grant violations of our rights as the bills agree on American ide- country goes is up to the people of American citizens. ologies of private property. How- this generation. Popular democ- ever, what we define as property racy and individual rights may be legally no longer is what we define in jeopardy for the first time in the as property commonly. For exam- “This law is a blatantly last few decades. Are we really ple, the typical teenager would not just going to turn our heads and obvious attempt to silence consider the music they listen to as wave them goodbye? and oppress the American “private property” (this does not mean they would not recognize the people.” music as being made by the artist, but instead mentally a separation has been created between making The National Defense Au- and belonging.) Furthermore, in- thorization Act was passed in the formation and knowledge in gen- fall of 2011. It is a law that permits eral would be considered belong- the military the authority to arrest ing to whoever discovered them and try any American committing (effectively shutting down knowl- “terroristic, militant, or otherwise edge databases such as Wikipedia Anti-American” activities. On the and Encyclopedia Britannia.) In surface, this bill looks like it is a short, these bills limit the ability to communicate and spread mes- way to secure our internal defense SOPA, PIPA, and NDAA have been against terrorist attacks, thereby sages, which perhaps is their real goal. By limiting Internet based under constant protest since they saving lives and preventing disas- were announced Page 6

BOOK REVIEW by Nadedge Richards

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 is one of those novels that makes you rethink life, appreciate what you have, and never take it all for granted. I’ve noticed that even the “dystopian” genre has become crowded with new titles this past year, but Article 5 is special. Instead of the whole ‘race against time’ scheme, the story singles out two people and how they fight for each other in the midst of the hopeless situation that their world has put them in. IN this book, there is no trying to fix the government or stop the world from falling apart. The reader does not get a long history about why the world is the way it is,it just simply is. Kristen Simmons hasn’t created a world here. No, she has created change.

In the beginning of the novel, you don’t really get a taste of who Chase, one of the characters in the book, really is exactly. You just know that Ember, the main character, is cautious when coming to speak about him. Despite that, though, you start to get a feel for him through Ember’s flashbacks. I’ve seen this done in other novels, but never exe- cuted as well as this. Because such powerful characters are created from the start, it is easy to follow along with the story.It is easy to allow the book to get you angry, to cry, to feel. There is not a boring thing about Simmons’ writing be- cause her storyline is not just black and white. Her melodic writing flows continuously to compel the reader to keep reading from the very beginning to the very end.

The story is perfectly paced—not too fast and not too slow. I loved that there isn’t just a conflict and then its solu- tion. In reality, nothing is ever like that. A series of turmultu- ous events have to occur before a resolution is made, and although it isn’t always ideal, it is perfectly okay. Overall, this is one dystopian novel that I am glad I had the opportu- nity to read. Page 7 SPOTLIGHT:WINTER SPORTS BY RACHEL LALA

What would you say is the best part about skiing? James Ciabattoni: “Being better than everyone else!” Margaret Daly: “Going up the ski lifts. The ride up is the best part.” Katie Ott: “Feeling the rush of going down the hill when you’re going really fast.” What would you say is worst part? James: “The worst is when people don’t follow any of the rules. It makes it harder for the rest of the people there.” Margaret: “Listening to James be so cocky!” Katie: “I hate it when people aren’t prepared and definitely when they don’t follow ski etiquette” James Ciabattoni and Margaret Daly are all What’s one of the funniest stories you can think of that happened on smiles thinking about their time on the one of your ski trips? slopes Margaret: “I remember when James and Lucas Templin attempted to switch equipment. That was hilarious.” Katie: “I remember when Pat Wood skied for his first time. He decided to go down a really difficult hill on a day when it was extremely icy. He went down the hill and slammed right into a big tree! We still make fun of him for it.” In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of skiing? James: “Linking turns and skiing backwards is definitely the hardest part for me.” Margaret: “Trying to keep up with James!” Katie: “Skiing backwards. I have the most problems with that.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CINCHING THE TITLE OF BERKS COUNTY CHAMPIONS! Page 8 WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR: OH THE STRESS!

Contributing to the stress of senior year, the college application process is generally dreaded by students in their last year of high school. The reason for the stress, however, varies from student to student. Listen to what some Berks Catholic seniors found most stressful about the whole process. BY EMILY CHARLES School/Career Choice The Application Process Pressure From Parents “My biggest worry has been picking the “There’s a great deal of pressure to send every- “The fact that my parents consis- right major because I would like to go thing in on time and make sure it meets the tently pressured me about applying school’s standards.” into the theater business, but I would also right away was a little stressful, but -Daniel Simmons I guess it was for the best.” like to make sure I have a strong backup “The most stressful part for me was getting all -Vince Elia plan since it’s so hard to get a job in the my stuff together for transcripts. It was stressful theater industry.” because I’m not the most organized person and “It was stressful because even the deadlines were stressful.” though I was working to complete -Gabby Parisi everything, my parents would nag -Aliyah Stevens me about the applications.” “The hardest part about the process was “Getting the application done was the most deciding which schools to apply to and difficult part; having to type in the same infor- -Margaret McDevitt then deciding where to go. These, along mation again and again.” “Parents pressuring me was with choosing a major, were the most -Clare Vida definitely the most stressful part because it put unnecessary pressure stressful because those are decisions that “Filling out applications was a huge pain for on top of everything else we seniors will affect the rest of your life.” me. I applied to nine schools in all, and most of them had their own special application essay have to worry about.” -Mikey Brutto and instructions to follow. Completing them all -Andrew Blaise demanded many hours, organization skills and “For me deciding which school to apply patience.” “The college application process to was stressful because it has to be in the -Jackson Pilliod was extremely dreadful for me, as I quickly tired of parents and other perfect area, have the right amount of “Filling out the applications was most stressful family members either pressuring students, and affordable tuition.” because of the length of the Common App and the overwhelming number of forms.” me into finishing the process or at- -Iris Marie Martinez tempting to alter where I wanted to -Sean Dolan apply.” “When starting the college process, I “For most schools I applied online, except half -Steven Gallen found it difficult to decide where I wanted of them didn’t clearly show where to find the application on the school’s website. Half the “The thing that stressed me out the to apply because it was a big decision and process was finding the application.” most was the fact that every time I I wasn’t sure what I wanted in a college.” -Nate Folk see a relative, they barrage me with -Ania Kusnierz “I wondered if applying to three different col- questions about my future.” leges was enough.” -Michael Drager -Stephen Snyder Choosing the College The Essay The Wait Page 9 “There’s something different and “The most stressful part of the special about all the colleges I’ve process was being pressured by “When you apply regular deci- chosen, so I’m having a hard time my parents to complete my es- sion, you may have to wait until choosing where to go.” say. I didn’t feel the same rush.” March to hear.” -Megan Ryder -Donovan Jack -Marie Rossignoli “There’s a diverse amount of oppor- “Looking and applying for schol- “There is really nothing you can tunity at each school, so you have to arships is also stressful due to the do to better your chances of ac- decide which college will fit what extra essays and work needed to ceptance after you’ve sent in the you want your college experience to complete them when you are un- application, so all you can do is be.” sure about even receiving the anxiously wait.” -Gina Leymeister scholarship.” -Marissa Fenning “Many factors go into choosing a -Olivia Goodwin “Waiting to hear from college school: location, denomination of the “I felt like the essay was a very coaches was the most stressful college, financial aid offered, atmos- big determining factor, and I did- part of the process because your phere, and most importantly, majors n’t want to leave the wrong im- ride could depend on them re- offered.” pression.” cruiting you.” -John Foster -Mike Boyson -Courtney Shepler “I’m in the process of comparing “The most stressful part is trying “I hated waiting to hear from costs, locations, and mascots.” to make the essay reflect your schools the most because it is al- personality.” ways on your mind if you are go- -Joe Scoboria ing to get in or not.” -Connie Shao “Choosing schools was difficult be- -Tim Allen cause I didn’t know if I would get “It’s hard to sit down and write a into all the schools I was interested four to five paragraph essay that “I found waiting to hear from in. There are so many schools, but I may determine your future.” schools was stressful. When PSU sent out a small letter from the don’t always know how good they -Morgan Price are.” president in regards to the scan- dal, I assumed it was a rejection -Kenny Doan Thanks Mr. Ditsky: “ Before last spring I letter.” “I not sure I’m picking the schools didn’t even know where to begin looking -Kathleen Rowan that are giving me the best opportu- until I met with Mr. Ditsky. He gave me nities.” some school suggestions and I visited a -Andrew Rosenhoover few over the summer. From those, I choose “I couldn’t decide if a small, me- which schools I wanted to apply to.” dium, or large college was right for Eric Bjorken me because I’m social but I’m used to the small school environment.” Other Stressful Factors “Having money for college is stressful especially if you have to “The thing I’m most wor- “The cost of college is expen- “Having the right roommate is choose from schools that don’t ried about is getting a good sive, so I’ve been searching part of having a good college really interest you because they are roommate.” through websites looking for experience.” less expensive schools.” -Luke Stelmach scholarships for an average high -Jordon Luu school girl.” -Melissa Keinard -Allyson Spak Inside Story Headline Page 11 BERKS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ITS FIRST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION

APRIL 13 AND 14, 2012 7:00 P.M. AT THE FRANCO-POST AUDITORIUM Page 10 ENTERTAINMENT

NEVER TRUST A HAPPY SONG STRIKES GOLD

BY TARA HUEMMRICH

The wonderful thing about music is that it always surrounds you. Mu- sic should make a good moment great; it should be the cherry on top. Grouplove’s debut full length album satisfies that wish. Never Trust A Happy Song is a compilation of catchy pop songs with a few artistic risks. Shared vocals make each song have a slightly different sound but connect together through each other encapsulating summer, friends, and youth. Grouplove has embraced their Los Angeles roots and that results in a perfect summer sound- track. “Naked Kids” and “Lovely Cup” are perfect party songs; they add the life and nostalgia of summer without being too obvious. However, some ricks were taken, and frankly, should not have been. “Betty’s A Bombshell” and Artist: Grouplove “Slow” try to prove the flexibility of the group but just fall flat. They are Album Title: Never Trust a wedged between enthusiastic tracks and only made the weaker songs sound like downers. A track to listen to is “Chloe”. It bridges from pop to indie rock Happy Song flawlessly and can make anyone want to dance. Release Date: September 2, 2011 Grouplove jumped into the limelight due to a recent Apple Itouch Genre: Indie-Rock commercial using the hypnotically catchy “Tongue Tied”. “Colours”, a haunt- ingly beautiful song, was also used for the FIFA 12 soundtrack. Grouplove Label: Atlantic Recording was an opening act for the wonderful Florence & the Machine for her US tour as well as the opening act for Young the Giant, who have a sold-out March show at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. Not to worry, they will probably continue touring with such an enthusiastic and fun album like Never Trust A Happy Song!

The Hunger Games movie is com- ing out March 23! Be sure to read the book before you go see the movie!!! Look forward to a review of both in the next edition of The Black and Gold!