TheLeprechaun G ld A student publication of St. Vincent - St. Mary High School

Akron, Ohio December 19, 2019 Vol. XLIX * Issue No. 3 Students give back through Adopt-A-Family By Jackie Cantor Captains from each homeroom will be in asks that students try to donate as much as charge of assigning gifts to the students in possible so that these families have an amaz- his Christmas season St. Vincent their class. Some things that we provide for ing Christmas! If you have any further ques- TSt. Mary will be holding our annual the families are things like clothing, toys, tions about next year’s Adopt-A-Family, or Adopt-A-Family program. This is our most household items, and even bicycles. STVM want to donate please contact Mrs. Spinner. impactful and longest running service ac- tivity held at the school, starting in 1984. This program was created by long time beloved teacher, Luanne Richardson V59. This year we will be providing a wonderful Christmas for 18 families, coming from five agencies. Our main goal of this program is to bring joy and cheer to the neighbor- hood and give a Christmas to families who cannot afford it. This is a great way for our high schoolers to give back to the commu- nity. The kick off for this started November 25 and 26 and ended with a prayer service on December 18. Every homeroom will re- ceive a giving tree with things the families have asked for. The two Adopt-A-Family

lead role. Chaos ensues as Viola attempts Mr. Neary has once again directed a spectac- Fall Play 2019: to keep her idenity a secret, and in turn ular show and STVM looks forward to watch- Shakespeare In Love falls in love with Shakespeare. Eventually, ing the next production, Oliver, this spring. By Issac Carson Viola saves the day by performing on stage as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, marking her as the first femaie performing in public. he Leprechaun Theatre Guild’s pro- Not only did the actors shine, the stu- Tduction of Shakespeare in Love proved dents behind the scenes also worked hard to be a massive success. The show ran to make the production come to life. from Thursday November 21, to Sunday, Stage crew, managed by seniors Grace November 24. Shakespeare in Love was a Dowling and Audrey Kunce, truly helped humorous and captivating performance make the magic of theatre shine with the that lived up to the highly regarded repu- excellent set. Sound and music was man- tation of The Leprechaun Theatre Guild. aged by senior Maria Leeser while lights The play followed famous playwright Wil- were made possible by junior Maggie liam Shakespeare, played by senior Alex Gilkey. Overall. the Leprechuan The- Palmer, as he was looking for a muse to ater Guild did not disappoint this fall. write his next play. Meanwhile, Viola de When asked about his role, Alex Palm- Lesspeps, played by junior Julia Mullin, er said, “It was a great experience and it dreams of being an actress. As women are helped me grow as a person. Everyone not allowed to act on stage during this time, does a great job every year and I am grate- Viola dresses up as a man, auditions for ful and proud of every person who was Shakespeare’s play, and ends up landing the in the performance and in stage crew.” Photos By Journalis and Yearbook Staffs Page 2 FAMILY TRADITIONS19 December 2019

formance of each of the branch’s anthems. STVM honors Veterans Veterans of these branches stood when they The Leprechaun Gold By Alex Palmer heard their songs played and aroused ap- plause from the student body, moving some St. Vincent - St. Mary High School eterans day is a holiday that some- to tears. The choir then sang “Im proud to 15 N. Maple Street Vtimes slips past us because the men be an American” to round off the small but Akron, OH 44303 and women that the day is dedicated to are powerful ceremony. As students left the overshadowed most of the time. We do not Lebron James Arena, they were each given hear about wars and our military much in a toy soldier to place somewhere that they On the web: www.stvm.com the media anymore as we are in a relative- can see. It is a reminder of all of those who ly peaceful period of time. However the have died to protect our nation and other St. Vincent St. Mary High School Fighting nations that couldn’t defend themselves. Irish were not going to stand by and allow ADVISOR these heroes to be forgotten. Ms. Meghan Dannemiller VM12 The Fighting Irish put on a small but pow- erful assembly in remembrance of all those CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF who have fallen in combat and also for those who have returned to live out nor- Emily Bame VM21 mal hard working lives after the horrors of Abby Minear VM21 war. The ceremony, in remembrance of our troops and members of the school’s family, STAFF REPORTERS was opened with prayer and kind words Jackie Cantor VM20 from some of the student body leadership Isaac Carson VM20 in the building. After this the band and Julia Mullin VM21 choir used their talents in a moving per- Mason Niskanen VM21 Irish in the House Irish saints, towns, symbols, and promi- Kat O’Connor VM22 nent figures in Ireland’s history. Once each By Emily Bame Maura O’Connor VM20 House has a name, its colors, values and Camryn Olechnowicz VM22 personalized House crest will be created. ednesday November 13th, students Along with Irish being appointed as the Alex Palmer VM20 Wattended presentations held by the House theme, teachers underwent an Quincy Powers VM20 House naming Committee to present the interview process with faculty and stu- Brooke Shook VM21 top three House themes: Akron, Irish and dents in hopes to become House Deans. Sarah Sollenberger VM21 Marianist. Students and staff voted and The House Deans were announced on with an overwhelming amount of votes, November 26. Congratulations to Mr. Mason Stams VM20 Irish took the win! With Irish being such a Elizabeth Tavolier VM20 Coen Cobb, Mr. Ken McDonald, Mr. broad category, there are countless options Joe Paolucci and Mrs. Rebecca Petrilli. for what the four Houses can be named Many big steps have been happen- after, relating back to the overarching ing to prepare for the induction of the The Leprechaun Gold is published Irish theme. Picking four specific House throughout the year for the House System and all are encouraged names is the next big step of creating the to attend the Steering Committee meet- students of St. Vincent-St. Mary House System. Many students have come ings once a week during all lunch peri- High School. Letters to the editor up with possible ideas like the names of ods to share their opinions and ideas! are encouraged, provided they do not contain disruptive material to the educational process, and that they are signed. This paper reserves the right to edit submitted material for length. 19 December 2019 IRISH EVENTS Page 3

ments, senior Quincy Powers said, “I think this will be a real- Irish News team visits WKYC ly fun transition for our school. I believe that this will be a way By Quincy Powers and Elizabeth Tavolier for students to be actively aware of what is happening at STVM.” If anyone is interested in joining this group, you are welcome n Wednesday, November 20, a group of broadcasting inter- to visit Mrs. Gupta or Mr. McKrill if you have any questions! Oested students traveled by yellow bus to WKYC studios in Cleveland. They were given the opportunity to explore different platforms in the media industry and were lucky enough to ex- perience live shows being filmed. The students were immersed in a Question and Answer session with lead anchors from the station including Michael Estime, Jay Crawford, Tiffany Tarp- ley and they were even given an inspirational speech from Leon Bibb! After meeting with each newscaster, STVM students gift- ed each one a mug and a t-shirt to welcome them to our family. The trip to WKYC proved to be a great opportunity to get the ball rolling for the new and upcoming broadcast- ing club that will soon take over the morning announce- ments and will include various entertaining segments. The first broadcast by the video announcment team aired on Fri- day December 13, and incudled segments like weather, STVM news, and a holiday commentary. Now that the team has one broadcast under their belts, there are sure to be plenty more to come this school year. When asked about the new video announc-

STVM Choir concert brings Christmas spirit By Sarah Sollenberger

n Thursday December 12, 2019 St. Vincent- St. OMary hosted the annual Christmas Concert. The show consisted of Concert Choir, Show Choir, Gos- pel Choir, and the Introduction to Dance class. The Concert Choir performed “Believe” from The Polar Express, “The Christmas Song,” “Holly Jolly Christ- mas,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The Show Choir performed “Last Christmas,” “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,”and “Deck the Rooftop.” The Gospel Choir performed “You are Good,” “Angels,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and the “Gospel Choir Theme Song.” There was a vocal solo performed by Julia Mul- lin, singing “Grown-Up Christmas List.” There was another solo performed by Nichelle Mosley, accom- panied by Bennie Mosely performing the song “Who Would Imagine a King?” All girl choir members per- formed “A Soulful Christmas (Medley)” and all choir members performed “May the Road Rise to Meet You.” spirit.”A special thanks is extended to Sound and Lights (Maria Closing with the performance of the Irish Blessing is going to be- Leeser, Alex Palmer, and Maggie Gilkey). Other special thanks come a new tradition at all Concert Choirs. The Intro to Dance are extended to Mr. Wang on piano, Cam Hale on drums, Mrs. class danced to the songs “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and Gore on the flute, Mrs. Arbaugh (show director), and the won- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Remix.” Show Choir member derful audience! Once again, choir and dance put on a fabulous and choregropher Maria Leeser stated, “It was really fun to see the show, which definitely put the audience is the Christmas spirit! other groups perform, and it definitely got me in the Christmas Page 4 IRISH ATHLETICS19 December 2019

Junior Andrew McSteen stated, “We Indoor Track racing are coming off a really good cross sea- Students diving into new Sport into season son, just trying to keep the ball roll- By Emily Bame By Sarah Sollenberger ing for Indoor Track. My goal for this season is to grow closer with the team any students are very excited that St. Vin- and prepare for big things this spring.” cent-St. Mary has introduced a new sport s the snow begins to fall and the M Indoor Track began on Tuesday De- into the school this year- swim team! This is the first temperatures begin to drasticllay A cember 3, 2019 and will hopefully time in STVM history that our school has ever had drop, Indoor Track season quickly ap- last all the way to OATCCC Indoor a swim team. STVM’s home pool is located at the proaches! If you are looking for a way States at Spire Athletic Complex in Jewish Community Center (JCC). The swim team’s to improve your speed and strength Geneva, Ohio on March 2nd. Indoor head coach this season is Mr. Kevin Murphy (VM02). then Indoor Track is the answer for Track is an extremely difficult and Mr. Murphy is also the head coach for Our Lady of you! Indoor Track is a sport based on challenging sport in Ohio, due to the the Elms. Swimmers practice for an hour and a half speed and strength conditioning, fo- extreme weather conditions. Most of every day after school and do stroke workouts such cused on preparing atheltes for Out- the time the team practices outside, as the butterfly stroke. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, door Track or other spring sports. but when the weather conditions the team does “dry land” workouts with Coach Bri- Saint Vincent-Saint Mary’s girls out- are too extreme, practices are held an like core strengthening and lifting. Sophomore door track team placed second in in the weight room. On Tuesdays, Kate Saum, who has been swimming since she was the state last year, and are hoping to the team meets at Akron University 5 years old, says, “I’m so excited our school finally stand on the podium again this year. Indoor Track Facilities, to practice got a swim team. It will be great to see how much Many people may not realize it, but on the actual track, to prepare for our team improves.” The Irish have their first meet the preperations for this spring actu- meets. Most meets during the season against Stow and Copley on December 7th at the ally begin in the winter. Junior Dianna are held at Kent State University. The Akron General and Wellness Center. More of their Metzler stated, “I am extremely excit- STVM Indoor Track team is looking ed to use this Indoor Track season to schedule will be announced as the season goes on. prepare for the Big Dance this spring.” forward to a fun and exciting season!

STVM vs. Sierra Canyon played in. I am very grateful I got to share this experience By Quincy Powers and Elizabeth Tavolier with my team and be awarded MVP.” This game was a step in the right direction for the Irish and is very promising for the rest of the season. Great job on Saturday! Go Irish! n Saturday, December 14 the St. Vincent-St. Mary boys Obasketball team took on the Sierra Canyon Trail Blaz- ers at Nationwide arena in Columbus. This exciting match- up took place at 8:30PM and was televised on ESPN 3. These two very talented teams were evenly matched, how- ever STVM held the lead for most of the game. With a last second steal off the inbound, Bronny takes it to the hoop and makes a layup, causing the Blazers to be up 57-56. A very controversial lane violation call on Sincere Harris took away the tying bucket that he made on his free throw attempt. The Fighting Irish fell short just three points to finish the very exciting game. Junior, Malaki Branham said, “I was very excited to play against Bronny. However, I was a little upset that we lost because I really believed that we should have won that game. We were the underdogs going into it, everyone doubted us and thought that we wouldn’t stand a chance. We were able to surprise everyone and lead most of the game. I see lots of wins in our future that can lead us to another state championship.” Senior and MVP winner of the game, Marcus Johnson said, “It was a great moment and one of the biggest venues I have ever 19 December 2019 IRISH ATHLETICS Page 5 Irish athlete of the with each other, and knowing with my teammates, have fun, that his teammates have his New face to the and win games.” When Sencire month back. Winning is the best part boys basketball was eight, he started playing By Mason Niskanen of competing for Malaki. Al- basketball. He has now played though winning means a lot to t age three years old, Mala- team for about five or six years. He him, Malaki feels excitement ki Branham started playing By Camryn Olechnowicz wants to play in college, and A when he is playing. The feeling the sport that he would grow to he wants to have a future in of scoring baskets to win games love: basketball. Basketball is the NBA. Sencire would like make him proud, but he wishes his year, the Fighting not just a sport to Malaki, it is to play for the Houston Rock- his grandma was at every game Irish’s basketball team has a thing that teaches him how T ets. James Harden, his inspira- to see him play. Malaki has been a few new players, one of them to get through tough times. tion, currently plays for them. leading the team to record of being Sencire Harris. Sencire He likes being a part of a team Sencire is excited about the 4-1 to start the season. Malaki is Harris is St. Vincent- St. Mary’s sport because of the brother- basketball season and he is one of the top prospects in the newest point guard. He used to hood that forms, competing ready to give this season his all. country for the class of 2021. go to Hoover, and now that he’s playing for STVM, he’s excited about the season because he gets to play with new teammates. Sencire says he works well with teammate Ramar Pryor. Ramar and Sencire played bas- ketball together back in fifth grade. Sencire says, “The best part about basketball is that I get to create a bond

we live in a part of North East Ohio that has plenty of snow sports Time to hit the slopes options for everyone. You could visit Goodyear Heights Metro By Maura O’Connor Park Sled Riding Hill for sledding, Lock 3 for some ice skating, and either Brandywine or Boston mills for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. In our school, this time of the year many students are getting excited for the beginning of the season for skiing and snow- boarding. Brandywine being one of the most popular spots. Lo- cated in Peninsula, Brandywine is not only a skiing resort but also includes “Polar Blast” tubing. Due to opening during this Christ- mas break, visitors will get the chance to participate in a variety of hills including 3 advanced, 3 intermediate, and 2 terrain parks. I got the chance to talk to some students about their excitement for this upcoming season!

“I am super excited to get back out there!” -Max Montisano VM21’ “Stoked to get back on the slopes!” -Drew Vereecken VM21’ “I am really looking forward to this season, hoping for a lot of snow too!” - Ellen Dietrich VM20’ “The early cold weather is really exciting and it means they can s the weather gets colder, many students at STVM are getting make a lot of snow. Also, Snow Trail in Mansfield openedthe earli- Aready for the exciting snow sport season ahead. Lucky for us, est in their history, November 23rd!” -Mr. Brownfield Page 6 HOLIDAY SEASON19 December 2019 New Year New Me their new year's resolutions were, and here are their responses; Kat O’Connor “I really want to learn how to cook.” - Max Montisano VM21

s we near the end of 2019, students begin to think of what the “I’m going to stop getting fries everyday in the cafeteria, because I Acoming year holds. Many people decide to make a resolution, need to eat healthier.” - Mia Khyatt VM22 or something they can do to better themselves for the following year. Statistics show that the three most popular resolutions are to “Get the nursery ready for baby #2!” - Mr. Dugan eat healthier, to exercise more, and to quit smoking. Each January, around 40% of the population set a New Year’s resolution, yet only “Go on a diet, in order to get a more lean, appealing figure for the around 8% of people end up following through with them. In order ladies.” - Evan Palmer VM22 to help follow through with your resolution, it is helpful to enhance clarity and create accountability, which you can do by creating a “Be happier.” - Mr. Wang specific goal and timeline. We asked some STVM students what

ing their kingdom once again. plays the clarinet stated, “A lot Movie review: The sisters save their kingdom Students shine at of band alumni came back to Frozen 2 by traveling to an unknown annual Art Show support us. We really appre- By Emily Bame and Sarah land to find the truth about ciate their continued support their kingdom’s history and and it they are good examples Sollenberger and Band Concert the truth about their parent’s Emily Bame for the grade school musicians death, relating back to the first and freshman to look up to.” et your excitement go! Fro- movie. Frozen 2 has the audi- Meanwhile, STVM artists zen 2 is officially in the- n Monday, December 16, L ence on the edge of their seats students showcased their taught by Mrs. Lancianese and aters! Frozen 2 is a sequel to the whole time with the thrill- O new staff member this school the first Frozen movie, about musical and artistic talents at ing plot, amazing music, and the annual band and art shows. year, Mr. Paolucci, put on a sisters Elsa and Anna who live by bringing back fans favorite successful art show. Irish art- in the kingdom of Arendelle. The band under the direction characters! A common favorite of Mr. Brian Campbell put on ists of all different levels dis- In the first movie, the sisters scene at the end of the movie played their various art projects overcome many challenges to a wonderful production of an was Anna and Kristoff getting array of Christmas songs. Not they have created through- eventually strengthen their married. Hopefully in the next out the school year. From oil relationship. This continues only did the STVM and Jazz few years, Disney will release a Band perform but the Ad- paintings, abstract art, por- in Frozen 2, when the sisters Frozen 3 that includes a royal traits, photography and more, are faced with the challenge vanced band and Beginning baby and Elsa finding romance. band which is offered to aspir- STVM artists showcased a of finding a mysterious voice If you haven’t seen Frozen 2 wide range of artistic skills. that calls out to Elsa, and sav- ing musicians in grade school yet, you definitely should! performed as well. Senior band Congratulatons to all of the member Maria Leeser who featured artists and musicians!

Photo from www.stvm.com 19 December 2019 HAPPY HOLIDAYS Page 7 What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received? By Abby Minear s the Christmas season is approach- The best Christmas gift freshman Andy The best Christmas gift Mr. Wang ever re- Aing, we all begin to reminisce on our Thomas was ever received was his very first ceived was a toy kitchen set when he was favorite holiday memories. Getting gifts Lego set, the Hoth Battle Pack. He was giv- seven years old. On Christmas Eve, his par- can be one of the most memorable aspects en this gift by his parents when he was five ents told him that Santa Claus would come of the holiday season, whether it be you or six years old. In his own words, Andy that night to deliver a gift. When he woke received something you’ve always want- said, “This gift was so memorable because it up on Christmas morning, a box with the ed, or you received a thoughtful gift from was the first time I was introduced to Legos, kitchen set inside was sitting on his bed, and someone special in your life. There are which was a very big part of my childhood.” he was surprised that Santa knew exactly countless reasons gifts are made memora- The most memorable gift junior Emi - what he had wanted. He could not contain ble, so we asked people from our St. Vin- ly Bame received was her first phone, a his excitement when he woke up to his new cent-St. Mary family, what the most mem- pink iPhone 5c. On Christmas morn- toy, so he ran to his brother to tell him that orable gift was that they have ever received. ing, when she was 11 years old, she had Santa Claus was real! When he was asked Sophomore Colleen McIntyre said the opened all of her presents under the tree why this gift was so memorable, he said, “It best Christmas gift she ever received until there was one left. The last box -un was also memorable because back then my was her dog, Rudy. Her parents got her a der the tree started to ring, and then she father was a pastor at a rural church in Tai- dog for Christmas when she was 11, and realized that her mom was calling her wan, and he did not make a lot of money, she said it was the best Christmas ever. brand new phone in the wrapping paper! but we were happy and enjoyed life! This gift The most wonderful time of the year Festive films for the holiday season By Brooke Shook By Mason Stams inter has finally arrived! Some people dread it while oth- s we come out of the Thanksgiving season, we approach the Wers love it. In winter it can often feel like you are trapped Ajoyful Christmas season. Tis’ the season to cuddle up on the inside all day but there are actually plenty of things to do during couch with a cup of hot chocolate and watch your favorite Christ- this time of the year. Ice skating, sledding, and skiing are proba- mas movie! There are a wide variety of Christmas movies to watch. bly the most known winter activities but I’m here to share with Here are a few of Saint Vincent - St. Mary’s students and teachers you a few unknown ideas with you. If you want to get outside of favorite Christmas movies. the house but you can’t stand the cold, you could drive around and look at christmas lights, ride the Polar Express Train, or go “I like the movie Elf because it is funny and has Will Ferrell in it.” see Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo. If you are one who enjoys -Gino Puglia VM20 the cold weather, outdoor activities are perfect for you. This can include spending some time outside building a snowman, go- “I really enjoy A Christmas Story because he shoots his eye out.” ing tubing, or take pictures in the snow. If you can’t stand the -Elliot Whitmyer VM20 cold this is the perfect time to find the new perfect hot choco- late recipe, have a movie day, deep clean your house, have a “I like the movie Home Alone because it is a funny movie.” game night, or decorate cookies. Of all these fun winter ac- -Kenny Crosby VM21 tivities, I hope you find enjoyment in a few if not all of them! “I’ve always liked The Grinch since I was a wee little one. I don’t really know why but I do.” -Remi Gisentaner VM20

“I like the movie Christmas Vacation because I watch it with my family.” -Sofia Kane VM21

“I like the movie Love Actually because it is a romantic comedy.” -Mrs. Lancianese

“Home Alone: Lost in New York because of Kevin’s ambition and the lesson that it teaches us: to be grateful for our families.” -Julia Mullin VM21 Page 8 THE BACK PAGE19 December 2019 What is “Fayopobia?”... the fear of elves.

Ryan Chicoski Destiny Johnson Luke Dobson Nichelle Mosley Tyson Siege VM21 VM20 VM21 VM20 VM21 “The fear of Quinn.” “The fear of mayo.” “The fear of photos.” “The fear of pop.” “The fear of wild animals.” Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies The Ultimate Christmas Playlist By Jackie Cantor By Journalism Staff Christmas time isn’t the same without these wonderful cookies! This holiday season, we hope to bring joy into people’s lives by * Emily Bame: Santa Tell Me (Ariana Grande) giving everyone the steps to making this holiday favorite. They’re * Sarah Sollenberger: Mistletoe (Justin Bieber) the most wonderful cookie of the year! * Julia Mullin: Mary Did You Know (Pentatonics) Steps: * Jackie Cantor: Happy X-mas (John Lennon) 1.)Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated * Elizabeth Tavolier: This Christmas (Chris Brown) sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg with an electric * Quincy Powers: Grown up Christmas list (Kelly Clark- mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until well blended. son) 2.)Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough * Brooke Shook: All I Want For Christmas (Mariah Car- forms. ey) 3.)Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated * Mason Stams: We Three Kings(Mario Lanza) sugar. * Mason Niskanen: Little Drummer Boy (Frank Sinatra) 4.)On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart. * Ms. Dannemiller: Like It’s Christmas (The Jonas Broth- 5.)Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. ers) 6.)Immediately press 1 milk chocolate candy in the center of * Maura O’Conner: I Am The Grinch (Tyler the Creator) each cookie. * Kat O’Conner: Feliz Navidad (Boney M) 7.)Remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. * Issac Carson: All I Want for Christmas (Michael Buble) Ingredients: * Alex Palmer: Baby It’s Cold Outside (Frank Sinatra) 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour * Camryn Olechnowicz: O Holy Night (Maria Carey 1 teaspoon baking soda * Abby Minear: December (Ariana Grande) ½ teaspoon salt 4 ounces (1 stick) butter, at room temperature ½ cup smooth peanut butter Do you still leave cookies out for Santa? ½ cup granulated sugar, more for rolling ½ cup light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Nonstick spray or vegetable oil for cookie sheet, optional No 5 dozen (one 11-ounce package) Hershey’s Kisses, foil removed Yes 53.3% 47.7% We hope all STVM students, staff, and families have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! -The Leprechaun Gold Staff