2019: Year of the Pig New Year, New Me

What is your New Year, New Me New Years By Victoria Caggiano Resolution? Cougar Growl Reporter “New year, new me,” as most say as they ring in the New Year, making promises to change or to better themselves. Word of the Year A resolution is an act of resolving or determining upon an action. New Year’s resolutions surprisingly go back farther Each year, Webster dictionary names one word as the than expected–they come from Roman religious origins. most looked up or consulted. This year, students in Mrs. Romans imagined their god, Janus, looking backward into Billings’ classes created their own words of the year. After the old year and forward into the new year. They would a vote, the winning word is. . . make promises to their god at the start of each year. Janus gives her name to January therefore having the new year start that month. The Romans would pay their dues and re- Drip turn borrowed objects. Definition: An adjective used to describe your outfit, ac- “To make a final de- Most people promise to eat better, or be more organized, cessories, and overall style; similar to swag. cision about college” whether it be school or work. After an informal survey, -Angela Caggiano’19 over 70 percent of people don’t stick to their resolutions. Reasoning: the term “drip” started in the Hip-Hop com- The common reason for not keeping these promises is that munity; it was used by artists to describe their designer people say “There’s no time,” or “I’m too busy.” By mak- clothing, jewelry, and other accessories that are considered ing these promises to ourselves, we need to stick with them. “stylish.” The word has become widely used among people When choosing a resolution, in order to really stick with it, -- especially teens. be realistic and choose something that is possible for you to better yourself and the people around you. Hopefully, with Sentence: The outfit he has on is drip. the support of others, you will find sticking with your reso- lution less of an obligation. These promises began by people To discover Webster’s word of the year or the day, visit wanting to do right by themselves and their god. This is Webster. com. To learn more about words that are making much like today, as we all make promises for ourselves as an impact at AC, see one of Mrs. Billings’ students. we countdown the seconds to 2019.

“To make honor roll” 2019: Year of the Pig - Caroline Buckley ‘20 By Tianxiang (Mike) Xie Guest Reporter

The Spring Festival is a traditional festival of the moth- erland, also known as the New Year, the first year. The Spring Festival, on February 5th this year, is a festival of reunion of the Chinese nation. People are reunited with their loved ones as much as possible on this day. Everyone has a reunion dinner and watches the Spring Festival party together. The Spring Festival is a farewell to the old year, welcoming the new year, reviewing and summarizing the “To do well this past, looking forward to the future. hockey season” - Fitzy On this day, people have to wear new clothes, which sym- Somerville ‘21 bolizes a new year and a new look. The elders will send a red envelope with money to the younger generation to ex- press their blessings. Firecrackers and beautiful fireworks will paint the night sky with vibrant colors. When the 12 o’clock bell rings, we will know that the new year is here.

“To not get injured during anymore sports seasons” - Maggie Milne ‘22 Photo Courtesty of Tianxiang Xie Shanghai preparing for Chinese New Year.

Page 1 Cougar Growl Academics Winter 2018-2019 College Tours Provide Insight Worcester college accepts a GPA By Maddy Murphy average of 3.81 and a SAT score Survey Results Cougar Growl Reporter of 1300. Holy Cross is a tougher school to get into with an imposing Not knowing where to tour col- acceptance rate of 37%. All sports leges can be one of the more teams are Division I, which is very stressful things you face in your up- impressive because they are such perclassmen years of high school. a small school. The school’s an- Junior year can be the most hec- nual net price is $49,980. An AC tic of a person’s high school ca- Senior told the Cougar Growl they reer. Between SAT prep, studying, “Loved: Jesuit identity, scenery, clubs, and sports, finding the time community, medium size.” to even tour a school might be too Stonehill College is a small much. If you are feeling lost, hope- Catholic school located in Easton, fully this article can be the beacon Massachusetts with a total student of light to the start of your journey. population of 2,498 and an accep- University of Massachusetts Am- tance rate of 75.2%. Incoming stu- herst, located in Amherst, Mas- dents average a 3.34 GPA and SAT sachusetts, holds 28,635 students scores (of 1100) are optional. “The with an acceptance rate of 58%. programs they offer are relevant to Juniors and seniors rated college tour experiences on a scale from 1-10, the UMass Amherst’s net price is an- what I want to study, and it’s easy total visits each school received is reflected inside the bars. nually $30,069. Some of their to combine majors and minors for “Points of Pride” are their rigor- a specialized study programs. The marily accepts students with a 3.29 people around campus. I also liked ous academic standards and large sports teams are great too.” said an GPA and above, only requiring a the size of the school and campus. student social life. UMass Amherst AC Senior. Their annual net price SAT score of 1100. UMass Lowell It was very casual,” expressed an accepts on average a GPA of 3.73 is $42,729, but do not fret: out of has over 100 undergraduate majors. AC Senior. Providence College’s (on a 4.0 scale) and a SAT score 1500 colleges, Stonehill is rated Providence College, located in sticker price is $64,984 a year. roughly averaging 1290 and above. in the top 10% of best value in US Providence, Rhode Island, is get- PC’s most popular major is biology “I loved the big campus and the colleges for your tuition dollar. ting increasingly more competitive followed by business. food was really good,” reported an “UMass Lowell is a fantastic as the years go by with an accep- College tours can only be de- AC junior. UMass Amherst’s caf- school with so many options re- tance rate of 56.8%. You must have scribed as a hit or a miss. It may be eteria has been awarded ‘best food’ garding career choice and the cam- a minimum GPA of 3.41. Provi- boring and overall absolutely ter- three years in a row. pus is really nice and inviting,” said dence College has optional SAT rible, but they can also be the most Holy Cross is considered as one of an AC junior. University Of Mas- scores, but if your score is 1140 or exciting and the first page to your the greatest Catholic colleges in the sachusetts Lowell has an accep- above its highly recommend to sub- new chapter in life. Thank you to US, competing against Boston Col- tance rate of 56.8% and an in-state mit. “I loved that everyone on the everyone who participated in this lege and Notre Dame. Holy Cross tuition of $13,427. They currently campus came off as very friendly survey and vocalized their opinion. has roughly 3,020 attending. This house 17,849 students. UML pri- and that the guide knew a lot of SAIL Club offers Leadership By Samantha Klein and November 4th. Each tour ran for gifts to support AC students. lic to raise funds. Members of this SAIL Vice-President for about 30 minutes and included The event was a huge success — committee brainstorm prizes for As one of Arlington Catholic’s brief overviews of the core aca- $2100 was raised by SAIL! Con- alumni and parents to donate dur- most popular student-led organi- demic subjects, sports, and clubs. gratulations to Karina Hananian ing the month of March. zations, the SAIL (Student Am- Thanks to the SAIL members’ con- and Abby Flaherty for the highest The Senior Tassel Challenge bassador Internship League) Club siderable knowledge of Arlington number of pledges! members promote fundraising for reflects on a successful first semes- Catholic, families were able to ask The Social Media Committee re- graduating seniors. As these stu- ter. questions about the school and volves around the Giving Tuesday dents donate an amount equal to The club is comprised of 102 learn more about the high school movement. Members are asked to their commencement year (i.e., highly motivated juniors and se- admissions process. design their own campaign by ex- $20.19), they will receive a tassel niors. The objectives of SAIL All SAIL members are assigned pressing a story. They use photo- to wear at graduation. All proceeds include publicizing Arlington to at least one of five committees: graphs and videos to capture the will be distributed to anywhere in Catholic within the community Phone-a-thon, Social Media, Event story and encourage individuals to the school that students want! The and raising funds for the school. Scheduling, March Madness, and share, like and comment. Facebook challenge will begin in January and SAIL also works alongside Cam- Senior Spirit Tassel. Within each Live makes it easy for the audience last until commencement. pus Ministry at parish events to committee, there are chairpersons to support the cause. Throughout their SAIL expe- represent Arlington Catholic in the who lead the group and report back The Event Scheduling Commit- rience, members have adopted St. Agnes community. In addition, to faculty. tee coordinates tours for families numerous management skills SAIL members organize fundrais- The Smilin’ and Dialin’ Phone- who are unable to attend the open that they will apply in the fu- ers with current students, faculty, a-thon event was held on Novem- houses. The members of this com- ture. “SAIL has brought lifelong parents, and alumni. ber 27th in collaboration with the mittee spend their study periods or friends and great leadership op- Starting in September, the or- AC Development Office. Because lunchtime to guide tours. The stu- portunities that I am lucky to ganization prepared for a hectic tuition does not fully cover the ex- dents also organize activities for have in college and beyond.” — three months. After extensive pense of educating each student at Accepted Students Night (held in Matthew Smith, SAIL president. planning for the fall open houses, Arlington Catholic, fundraising is the spring) and Orientation. SAIL members led individual necessary. SAIL members called March Madness is the greatest tours to families on October 4th parents and alumni by phone to ask opportunity for Arlington Catho- Page 2 Cougar Growl Faith and Healing Winter 2018-2019 Meet Our New Parish Priests

By Lily Fitzgerald Where did you grow up? Seton Hall, who helped me dis- erhood of Hope’s house, where Cougar Growl Reporter Father Mark: I was raised in cern the call through prayer, to I began to see myself doing Over the next few editions, the Billerica. be a single person in service to this. Most people thought it was Cougar Growl will share a series Father Michael: I’m not sure that’s God. My father was not thrilled crazy that anyone would become of interviews with the new priests, happened yet, but some say in at first that I made the choice to a priest, but when they thought allowing you to know more about Needham, MA. become a priest. This changed about me becoming one they said them, especially if you’re too shy Father Robert: I grew up in India. and my family and friends were, it made sense. to start a conversation with them. and are, most supportive. Father Robert: I was inspired by Each new addition will have two or Father Michael: I was inspired by priest’s dedication and sacrifice three questions for Father Michael, What inspired you to be a multiple events (one of which for evangelization, to preach the Father Robert, and Father Mark, priest? What was your family occurred during a retreat in word of God and to do God’s for your enjoyment. Make sure to and friends’ reactions to your my senior year of high school) work for God’s people. My fam- always pick up a newspaper the choice to be a priest? which prompted me to begin to ily and friends encouraged my moment it comes out to check out Father Mark: I was inspired to be- think about offering everything choice to become a priest. the interviews. come a priest by several people to God. This idea was put off at during my life, My pastor, Father first, because I had a girlfriend at Father Mark is often available in *some responses were edited for Joe, teachers at Austin Prep, and the time, and saw my future with the chapel during WIN block, see grammar and length purposes. especially my girlfriend, Regina, her, but this changed when I did your email for more information. during my sophomore year at a spring break trip to the Broth- Valiant Women in Faith By Grace O’Connell Guest Reporter On Thursday, November 8th, I accompanied the girls in the junior class to the annual junior retreat as a retreat leader. I, as well as other female leaders in the senior class, were chosen to be group mentors and I feel so lucky to have been able to take part in this day of reflection. The retreat was based around the idea of a valiant woman. Merriam- Webster defines valiant as “pos- sessing or acting with bravery or boldness: courageous” and “marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination: heroic.” Throughout the day, the idea and characteristics of a valiant woman were incorporated into every activ- ity. Students were encouraged to reflect on valiant women in their lives and how they, themselves, are Photo by Mrs. Mustone valiant women. The day consisted Students meet in small groups to reflect on the relationships in their lives. of faith, honesty, openness, and sup- port. Throughout the day, students that I and the other students admired ship in their lives, and the support names of valiant women were switched between being all together and took to our small groups. the rest of the group gave to each pronounced. The room went from and in small groups. In small groups, junior girls and group member who shared. pitch black to lit up as each student As a group, we heard witness their retreat leaders discussed their Towards the end of the day, all of named a courageous, brave, and de- talks from Ms. Franchini, a theol- relationship with God, as well as the junior girls, retreat leaders, and termined woman in their life. This ogy teacher, and Hannah, a senior their relationships with friends, adults joined one another in the cha- moment was unforgettable and truly student and retreat leader. These families, partners, and more. My pel for a special activity. Each stu- moving. two woman bravely told stories of group was a mix of many different dent was given a candle, the lights Overall, the day was beautiful and something negative they had expe- girls with different interests, some were turned off, and everybody was inspiring, displaying the great love rienced, how it affected them men- having never talked to one another instructed to be silent. Ms. Heston and support within the Arlington tally, emotionally, and physically, before. Despite not everyone being started off, naming a valiant woman Catholic community. The junior re- how God supported them through best friends, my group was unified in her life and used her lit candle to treat is something all students can their struggle and how they dis- by our womanhood and our respect light Ms. Mustone’s candle who look forward to, and all past stu- covered they were valiant women. for one another. It was moving to then named a valiant woman in her dents will remember forever. These personal accounts displayed see the openness of students sharing life and passed the flame along. courage, vulnerability, and strength, an inner conflict or a personal hard- Each student’s candle was lit and Page 3 Cougar Growl Sports Winter 2018-2019

Thanksgiving Football By Andrew Metellus facing off against Waltham High. The Cougars went to the locker Cougar Growl Reporter The reasoning for the change is room more hyped up than they had currently unknown to players, but it been all season, as they were mo- Arguably the biggest game of the could be presumed that due to past ments away from defeating AHS. Don’t let your team be left season for the Arlington Catholic conflicts on and off the field this But the worst was to come and an on the sideline. Become a Football team, which was unfor- change was necessary. interception was thrown by the tunately moved--last-minute-- to COUGAR GROWL sports Before the game, first year head Cougars. The momentum shifted Thanksgiving Eve due to “unplay- coach, Anthony Petrelis, gave a towards AHS as they turned that reporter. able weather conditions”, was powerful speech to the Cougars interception into a touchdown. The played against its all-time rival, and the locker room was roaring Cougars had one last chance to AC athletes and fans are Arlington High School. This may with shouts of readiness. The game make a comeback after being down strongly encouraged to send possibly be the last bout between began and the Arlington Catholic just one point. Unfortunately, the photos and captions. These the two high schools as next year Cougars came out hot, with senior Cougars turned over the ball in the Arlington Catholic will continue pictures could be featured captain Riley Donovan on fire for last minutes of the game and they the Thanksgiving tradition against the first and second halves, making fell in heart-crushing fashion to in the the school newspaper divisional rival Shawsheen Valley crucial passes for multiple Cougar AHS, 21-20. or the BOSTON GLOBE Tech, and Arlington High will be touchdowns. sports page or online.

Contact: TheCougarGrowl@achs. net for more information or see Mrs. Gould in room 103. Varsity Boys Basketball

By Chris Paul Beaubrun, Lambert Nyembo and Guest Reporter Chandler Garcia. There is only one sophomore, Kyle Alcy, on the team The Boy’s Varsity Basketball and two freshmen, Chris Paul and Team started the season Decem- Dimitry Philippe. The last game of ber 11th against Bishop Fenwick, the regular season is February 19th, with mostly seniors in the starting followed by the Hamilton Wenham lineup, as is typical for most games. Tournament. Come see us play, we They are: Jack Connaughton, Joe need and love all the support. Go Greenwood, T.J. Magliozzi and Cougars! Packy Bradley-Cooney while junior Cam Garber slots in at center. The other seniors on the team are Jeff Orelus, Sean Simmons, Givaughn Photo Courtesty of Chris Paul The varsity boys basketball team lines up on the home court for an early sea- son photo. Powder Puff Football By Kathryn Van Winkle being voided. Even with a mem- Cougar Growl Reporter ber of their team being injured, the Seniors persisted, scoring again, On November 28, our Juniors and which--before the half--made the Seniors took the field for AC’s an- score 12-0. After halftime, the Se- nual Powder Puff Football game. niors wasted no time in scoring their After being mentored by our own third touchdown, pushing their lead AC football players, the girls were to 18. After 5 plays, the Juniors ready to see which grade would scored their first upheld touchdown come out victorious. As per tradi- of the game which made the score tion, our Juniors wore blue and our 18-6. Sadly for them, the Seniors seniors wore black. countered a few minutes later by At 2:45, the teams took their again increasing their lead back to marks. Although they faced weather 18 points. After the return, the Se- that felt like a frigid 32 degrees, the niors and Juniors formed a black Photo by Kathryn Van Winkle Seniors came out swinging with a and blue pile at the 50. In the end, Senior Erin Donlan recieves a pass from the senior’s quarterback, Katie Regan 75 yard touchdown. A few plays the Seniors scored again in the final later, the Juniors were penalized minutes of the game making the after a senior was tackled to the final score 30-6. exhibited excellent sportsmanship. We thank everyone for their hard ground, which foreshadowed their No matter the score, all of the Our gracious boys’ football players work and participation. Till next only touchdown in the first half players did a wonderful job and were both great refs and mentors. time Cougars!

Page 4 Cougr Growl Sports Winter 2018-2019 Serving Up One Last Ride By Bianca Burke in both sets. Led by captains Ka- Cougar Growl Reporter trina Perez, Mari Ball, and Kris- ten O’Keefe, the team finished its Bang! The gun shatters the The season with a remarkable record Arlington Catholic Girls Varsity of 21-2. Not only did the girls Volleyball Team, who just fin- gain this well-deserved record, but ished a very successful and en- they also achieved their season’s during season. The team ended goal of becoming Central Catho- its season on a nail-biting loss lic League Champi- to Burlington High “I’m sad the season’s over ons. The team played School in the semi- because I’m going to miss with pride, skill, and finals of the Divi- playing volleyball with the joy all throughout its sion II North State seniors and this team.” season and could not Tournament. The be more deserving of Lady Cougars were -Caroline Macri ‘ 21 this title. Although defeated in their first their incredible 2018 set 25-22, but came back in the season has just ended, the Lady second set with a ferocious win, Cougars are hungry for their next Photo taken by Coach Killian 26-24. Unfortunately, the Devils season, in hopes of becoming The Varsity Volleyball Team at one of their greatest defeats against Winchester High School. fought back in the third and fourth the 2019 Division II North State sets, defeating the Cougars 25-21 Champions. Indoor Track is Back; Mrs. Dever’s Long Run By Connor Hamilton Guest Reporter 4. This Marathon is one of the “Six Major Marathons of the World,” Winter sports are back and that the other marathons being The Bos- means indoor track is running back, ton Marathon, Chicago Marathon, every other sport’s punishment. London Marathon; Tokyo Mara- The track team is looking forward thon, and Berlin Marathon. Mrs. to yet another season and hoping Dever ran a 5-hour 45 minute race for a good record for the combined which comes out to be a 12-minute boys’ and girls’ team. This team mile pace, which is amazing. Mrs. will be coached by Mr. Killion; Dever was able to achieve this time Father Michael for distance; and by running through all the boroughs Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Dever Coach John, Coach Serena, and Fa- of New York, starting in Staten ther Michael for sprints. There have Island, going through Brooklyn, AC English Teacher Mrs. Dever crosses the finish line in the New York been a lot of new runners joining then Queens. After Queens is The Marathon. This is her third run to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Miles for Miracles goup. The Miles for Miracles runners raised in total more and they look ready to take on the Bronx, and she finished up in Man- than $400,000 dollars by running in the New York City Marathon this year. competition. Their first meet will hattan. But she didn’t do it alone. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, “funds help Boston Children’s be on Tuesday December 11 at the Over 60,000 people from around change the future of healthcare for every child, here and around the world. Reggie Lewis Center, where all the the world came to participate in this Through the Every Child Fund, we treat the whole child, support families meets are held. While on the topic great event. So, we say, “Keep up and fund research to end all childhood diseases.” Learn more about this and of running, we had one of our own the great running Mrs. Dever!” and other opportunities to give at Children’s Hospital by visiting http://giving. teachers, Mrs. Dever, running the good luck to the track team. childrenshospital.org/. New York Marathon on November Red Sox Win Series By Arlene Guerra was trying catching a ball, but a Cougar Growl Reporter fan was trying to catch it too. Be- “A true Red Sox fan believes cause of fan interference , the play in the team but has a little bit of was called an out which changed hesitation” said Patricia McShane. the game’s momentum and could Since the Red Sox were in both the have cost the Astros the game. The American League Championship Red Sox won the game 8-6 giving Series (ALCS) and in the World them a 3 games to 1 lead over the Series (WS), I began following Astros. After winning ALCS title, and learned a lot about baseball the Red Sox moved on to the WS along the way. So much so that I against the Los Angeles Dodgers. felt like I had been watching the After taking the first two games team since opening day. When the in Boston, the Red Sox lost Game team opened the playoffs against 3 in extra innings. Game 3 broke New York Yankees, Red Sox fans not 1, but 2 records being the lon- knew that they were in for quite a gest game, 7 hours and 20 mins, treat in the division series. After and most innings, 18, in WS his- beating long-time rivals the Yan- tory. The Red Sox recovered and kees, all that was in the way of the won the next two games, winning Photo Courtesy of Ms. Delaria 2018 ALCS title were the Hous- the WS 4 games to 1. In the end, Lansdowne Street on the night of Game 2 of the World Series in Boston. ton Astros. During Game 4 of a little hesitation went a long way. the ALCS, Boston’s Mookie Bett

Page 5 Cougar Growl Clubs Winter 2018-2019 Homework Club: Tutoring & Community By Andra Preda Cougar Growl Reporter tors ask what homework needs What is Homework Club? This to be completed, and what the club is a gathering of Arlington students are especially in need of Catholic students who volunteer learning. The St. Anges students, one hour each Thursday to tutor St. too, are enthusiastic about this Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Bennedeti Agnes students with their home- acandemic opportunity. The Mock Trial Team at Woburn District Court House. work. In addition to creating a Ultimately, Homework Club is a group of students—both high quiet learning environment for the drug incidents. It may all seem school and middle school—who younger students, like fun and games until the con- look forward to Homework Club Mock Trial sequences for you or your friends enrichment and By: Liana Winans provides an excel- “It is nice to be able become harsh, and very real. After- learning. Every Growl Reporter lent opportunity wards, the students got to stop by to interact with St. week, St. Agnes for interaction be- Gail Ann’s to relax before heading students learn from The AC Mock Trial team is open tween St. Agnes Agnes kids, off to 4th lunch at school. AC students, and to all AC students, and is a fun and Arlington The team meets a couple times a especially in their the AC students way to learn how the court system Catholic students. month after school or during WIN learn from them works and “practice law” with your While AC stu- preparation for high block, where they discuss the case as well. As high friends and other high schoolers. It dents pass on their and different aspects of arguing school.” school students, is a pretty low time commitment, knowledge to the law. The 2018 mock case involves we learn about and the most work is around the younger children, Maddie Cox ‘20 a police officer who shoots and our middle school actual Mock Trial in mid-January. they learn about kills the immigrant cousin of Grey community and The carrying out of justice by the the children themselves and their Humansky, because they look al- the diverse body that we hope to people is an essential function of interests, strengths, and back- most identical. Grey had a court one day see at Arlington Catholic. the U.S. government, and upholds grounds. Every week, the AC tu- summons for a crime, but it ac- American citizens’ freedom. This cidentally got sent to his cousin’s is why it is so important to have house instead. The cousin doesn’t some knowledge of the law. Even speak English, so when the police if you don’t become a lawyer, arrest him, he doesn’t understand chances are you’ll serve jury duty and the police thinks he’s being someday. That is a privilege, but uncooperative and potentially also a great responsibility that has harmful. Interested to find out who real effects on people’s lives. is responsible or perhaps even Just recently, the team took a determine the solution yourself? field trip to Woburn District Court, Stop by Mrs. Benedetti’s room for where they sat in on cases, got to more information! Right now, the see a jury, talked with judges, team has over a dozen participants, and met Mr. Vinny Piro, the chief from freshmen to seniors. See Mrs. Probation Officer. Each of them Benedetti if you would like to learn stressed the fact of how so many more or find out when sign ups Photo Courtesty of Mrs. Keirnan teenagers get into trouble with the Arlington Catholic student works with Saint Agnes students at the library in will be for next year. Saint Agnes School. law/court over drunk driving and Fashion Club By Sabrina Claude Club President

The FIDM Fashion Club is sponsored by the Fashion Institute of De- sign & Merchandising. This club mentors creative high school students who want to pursue careers in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries. In this club, there will be many activities such as sketching, DIY crafts, sewing, discussions and fashion styling, and much more. This isn’t just fashion, but rather this is an opportunity for anyone to pursue whatever it is that they are passionate about in the world of art and design. This is also an great opportunity for members to compete for scholarship opportunities if interested. Each member in the club gets to compete to earn a $4000 scholarship award and compete for junior and senior scholarships. Not only will we do activities but we get to plan field trips, fundraising events and possibly invite guest speakers. The connect through creativity, be open minded, respectful, and most impor- club started recently and it is great and interesting so far. Anybody’s tantly have fun! No experience needed and it’s just for fun! The fashion creative career can start now. We encourage everyone to participate club meets the second and fourth Wednesday after school in room in in this fun experience. Our goal is to create a place where people can room 312, the computer lab.

Page 6 Cougar Growl Arts Winter 2018-2019 The Greatest Show Women By Francesca Volante Cougar Growl Reporter On November 17th, Arlington Catholic Drama Club performed its fall musical revue “The Greatest Show Women.” The performance, Photo courtesty of Saint Agnes School inspired by the Greatest Showman, featured Broadway songs high- Carol and the Belles lighting female empowerment. By Thomas Cahill It was a full house at Arlington Cougar Growl Reporter Town Hall. Songs from musicals On December 7th and 8th, Saint such as Hamilton, Wicked, Hair- Agnes School performed Carol spray, Mamma Mia and of course, and the Belles. The play is set in the Greatest Showman, were some 1954, and follows one restaurant’s fan favorites. The show even in- Christmas preparations. Through cluded two songs from Into the song and laughter, Saint Agness Woods which will be performed in Photo courtesty of Francesca Volante students show the true meaning of the spring. The freshman through ACDC performers sing “You Will Be Found,” a special song highlighting the the season isn’t music and fame, senior magicians, acrobats and ring seniors. but a baby born in a simple man- leaders had a blast performing the Coming Soon ger. circus-themed review. We would In the photo above Eddy Jordan, like to thank Mrs. Billings, Ms. Into the Woods is a musical that intertwines fairy tale characters from the businessman (middle), Timmy Jenison, Mr. Scalise, Ms. Kearnan, the Brother’s Grimm. The characters venture into the woods to fulfill Sullivan, the owner of the restau- ACDC parents, Theater Arts Class, their personal wishes and wants. However, will they get their “happily rant (left), and Brendan Cahill, crew, and our audience for making ever after” they wished for so badly? The performance will be in April. the chef (right), illustrate the three this show be able to happen! wise men of the Nativity scene.

ACDC’s Twist on Coriolanus By Shannon Labuza Guest Reporter

Every year the Arlington Catholic centric future that was caused by Drama Club participates in the the destruction of society. Caius Massachusetts Educational The- Marcius/Coriolanus, is played ater Guild High School Drama by Shannon Labuza. Marcius’ Festival where schools compete enemy, Tullus Aufidius, is played with each other by perform- by Destiny DiMarco Davila. Mar- ing forty-minute plays. During cius’ mother, Volumnia, is played the preliminary rounds, six high by Sean Donovan. Marcius’ wife, schools are brought together to Virgilia, is played by Olivia Co- compete and three move on to peland. Marcius’ friend, Comin- the semi-final round. ACDC has ius, is played by Bridget Driscoll. moved on to the semi-finals in The Roman Tribunes, Brutus and 2010 with the performance of Sicinius, are played by Francesca The Superheroine Monologues; Volante and Sophia Scappichio in 2016 with the performance of respectively. The Volscian Soldier The Staggering Heartbreak of Jas- (Gary) is played by Sam Aluia. mine Merriwether; and last year Our amazing director is Ms. Ke- with the performance of Faustus. arnan and our assistant director is This year’s performance is Co- Sophie Pratt. Our stage manager riolanus: the story of a female is Francesca Volante and our as- Roman general and fierce warrior sistant stage manager is Isabella named Caius Marcius who carries Rego. The Drama Festival is al- her army to victory against her ways a fierce competition, but is enemy, Aufidius and her Vols- an amazing experience filled with cian army. Marcius is then tasked friendships, teamwork, learning, to bear the events that follow her respect, and a shared love and en- victory and the newfound respon- joyment of theater. sibilities in Rome, and is forced to deal with the consequences of her own decisions and the decisions of others. The show is placed Photo courtesty of Shannon Labuza in a post-apocalyptic female- Volummnia, played by Sean Donovan, pleading Coriolanus, played by Shan- non Labuza, to come home to Rome.

Page 7 Cougar Growl Community Winter 2018-2019 Top Songs Best Albums of 2018 (according to Billboard Top 100) By Moesha Dubuche and Nicole Ferrero sidered the best on the 24-song album, accord- Cougar Growl Reporters ing to their highest ranking on the Billboard Astroworld: Top 100. “Nice For What” is the hit single that • Stargazing It is commonly accepted that 2018 was the everyone expected from Drake, but not in a • Sicko Mode year of the most highly anticipated albums to negative way. It was a change of pace for the • Carousel date. With all of this in mind, a survey was sent artist who mostly sings, because most of his out to the student body of Arlington Catholic radio hits do not compare to the intense rapping High School to answer the question: What was of this song. “Nonstop” was another front-liner Scorpion: the album of the year? of this album because it demonstrates Drake’s • Nice For What According to a schoolwide vote, the top three rapping abilities once again. This is definitely • Nonstop albums of the year included Astroworld by a song for fans of rap and beat drops. “God’s • God’s Plan Travis Scott, Scorpion by Drake, and Shawn Plan” is another hit song by Drake, but was made popular due to the music video’s almost Mendes by Shawn Mendes. Shawn Mendes: From Travis Scott’s Astroworld, the songs, one-billion views. This song explained how to “Stargazing,” “Sicko Mode,” and “Carousel” perform God’s work by giving back to the com- • Lost in Japan were considered the best on the album, accord- munity, which is what Drake did in the music • In My Blood ing to their highest ranking on the Billboard video, by giving money to families and schools • Nervous Top 100. “Stargazing” delivered the out-of-this in need. Not only is this a song you would want world message that Scott was trying to convey to hear on the radio, but it’s a song that has ties in this album. This song has a mix of intense to an uplifting message. beats with consecutive bursts of sound that help From Shawn Mendes’ album, Shawn Mendes, transport the listeners to Astroworld. Rapping the songs “Lost in Japan,” “In My Blood,” was a change of pace considering the artist’s and “Nervous” were considered the best on roots in singing. “Sicko Mode” was arguably the album, according to their highest rank- a radio hit with the dynamic duo of Scott and ing on the Billboard Top 100. “Lost in Japan” rapper, Drake. Scott has completely different is both a heartfelt and upbeat love song that sounds in this song because Scott explores in- we needed. The upbeat tone compliments tense rap, while Drake subtly raps. A mixture Mendes’ uniquely soft yet powerful voice. “In of these two sounds creates a striking contrast My Blood” is the perfect breakthrough song. that is a must-listen. “Carousel” sounded like Mendes conveys the way to take his insecuri- Travis’ usual melodic sound. The song didn’t ties and manifest them into his strengths, which stand-out in a significant way, however, the out makes the hit so relatable with a powerful mes- -of-this-world sound was exactly what Travis sage. “Nervous” allows listeners to see through Photo Courtesy of Sarah Nolan was trying to accomplish. Mendes’ point of view, which gives insight on Travis Scott performing at the TD Garden in From Drake’s Scorpion, the songs, “Nice for Mendes’ reserved personality that contrasts December. What,” “Nonstop,” and “God’s Plan” were con- with one strikingly upbeat song. Cougar Growl Contributers Women of Science Club Editors: Moesha Dubuche (‘19) By Kathryn Van Winkle Maddy Murphy (‘19) Cougar Growl Reporter Mr. Andrew Palmacci The Women of Science Club is for stu- Bianca Burke (‘21) dents who want to expand their knowledge Victoria Caggiano (‘22) of science disciplines and learn about sci- Thomas Cahill (‘22) ence careers. The club had its first meeting Sabrina Claude (‘19) Monday, December 3rd, where each student Lily Fitzgerald (‘21) made their own bouncy ball and as a whole Arlene Guerra (‘19) they came up with the club description and Connor Hamilton (‘20) goals. The club will meet on the 3rd WIN Samantha Klein (‘22) Wednesday and once a month after school Photo Courtesy of Ms. Towle Andrew Metellus (‘19) on a Monday. New members are welcome. Women of Science Club members used the chemical Grace O’Connell (‘22) Our activities include conducting experi- reactions between a rubber material and water which Chris Paul (‘22) ments, performing science-related activi- bind the pieces to create a bouncy ball. Andra Preda (‘19) ties, improving our analytical skills and Kathryn Van Winkle (‘21) maybe even welcoming guest speakers. Tianxian Xie (‘22) Liana Winans (‘22) Francesca Volante (‘19) Sannon Labuza (‘19) Nicole Ferrero (‘19)

Advisor: Mrs. Heidi Gould

Email: [email protected]

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