NORTHWEST PASSAGES VOLUME XLV Northwest Catholic, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 November 2007 Northwest Community Works Together to Reach Magazine Drive Goal By Keelan Ledwidge reasons. One of the biggest Before and during every magazine the prizes. In the spring and the and community involvement is reasons for its existence is to raise drive, many people put in an summer, the magazine staff meets one of the biggest parts of our The Northwest Catholic money for school-wide projects enormous amount of work. Mr. and discusses the year’s drive and school,” says Mrs. Williamson. magazine drive has been a and student equipment. “All the John Mirabello leads the staff and how it can be made better. Many However, following a yearly tradition at the beginning of money, it all goes back to your students who run the drive at ideas for incentives are discussed, tradition, the seniors held most every school year since 1969. A [the student’s] from the traditional senior mug of their orders until the last turn- multi-week event now in its benefits,” says with the names of each member in day, helping reach the school- thirty-eighth year, the drive is the Principal Mrs. of the senior class, to the coveted wide goal and making them the only school-wide fundraiser in Margaret and colorful senior “Weepuls”, to top-selling class of the drive. After which every student can be Williamson. While coffee mugs with the Northwest the drive ended, the school was involved and contribute in a the money raised year logo, to decorative cell phone treated to a chorus of “We Are substantial way to the overall after year by the drive holders. These incentives are two the Champions” instead of the maintenance and improvement of is a huge reason why ways of earning up to $20 or $50 incessant playing of “Life is a the Northwest Catholic it is in place, it is not for bringing in magazines. Despite Highway,” the freshman song. community. the only motivation such great preparation, Mrs. The drive officially ended at the When the time comes in the for continuing the Williamson says that Mr. fall pep rally. It was highlighted middle of September for the tradition. Says Mr. Mirabello “is still always nervous” by the always entertaining “Mag magazine drive, announced with Richard Callahan, every year! Ball Shoot-out,” a basketball the much anticipated pep rally, “The magazine drive For the first few collections in this shoot-out competition between the students are all involved. is great for several year’s magazine drive, the class representatives from each Whether they sell magazines and reasons. One, it raises freshman class was the top-selling top-selling homeroom. Also at earn great incentives, such as much-needed money class. Almost every year since the the pep rally, the top individual dress-down days and pieces of for the school. Two, magazine drive started, the sellers in the school were candy, or simply have to endure it’s great for freshmen have been the most announced and collected their the irritating theme songs of the community building. enthusiastic class to begin the monetary prizes. top-selling class in the hallways, And three, it pulls fundraiser. There are many This year, the students brought in every student is affected. Each classes together. This reasons why this is true. Says over $53,000 worth of orders, year, the involvement of the is very important and Mrs. Williamson, “The freshmen passing the $50,000 goal. By majority of the student body is one of the biggest Carolyn Spalluto are always very enthusiastic, and reaching heir goal, the community tangible, as the designated school- reasons why we do One of the student homeroom representatives, they want to please. And I know will receive a day off, likely the wide goal for the amount of it.” It is not an Antanisha Williams, updates the drive’s total. they like the dress downs.” Monday after Thanksgiving. money needed to be raised is exaggeration to say the entire Northwest, and Mr. Tom Another huge reason for the With all of the students’ usually reached with ease. community gets involved, as Flannery, who has spoken to freshmen’s involvement is their contributions and hard work by The magazine drive is many teachers bring in their own students at pep rallies since 1979, homeroom teachers. “They do a staff members, the magazine drive tremendously important to orders for some days in jeans and has representatives who count the great job year after year was a huge success, just as it has Northwest Catholic for many sneakers. money and orders and supplies encouraging them to get involved, been in years past. Four Students Receive National Merit Recognition Professional Learning Community By James Duncan Corporation has recognized over present throughout their high three million students and school careers. In February 2008, Improves Northwest Curriculum Every year at this time, the provided almost 324,000 fifteen thousand semifinalists will By Melissa Cartagena features distinguish professional National Merit Scholarship scholarships totaling be chosen as Finalists. Finalists learning communities as Corporation (NMSC) recognizes approximately 1.2 billion dollars. continue in the competition in Have you ever found that your exceptional schools. around fifty-five thousand In order to be recognized in this hopes of being chosen for a friend can factor polynomials The program is run on a students as National Merit prestigious program, the students National Merit Scholarship. better then you can? Or that you departmental level. Mrs. Scholars or National must participate in the Starting in March and continuing understand The Odyssey while Williamson explains, “Each Achievement Scholars. Of these Preliminary SAT/National Merit through June, eighty-two your friends are left scratching department has one or more high scorers, over hundred finalists their heads? Does the classmate specific goals and is working in 10, 500 receive are notified at their who sits behind you in chemistry teams on the goal. Teachers look scholarships homes, by an know the best way to remember at [the] syllabus and determine the totaling around NMSC the periodic table? Naturally, your things that students should be fifty million dollars. representative, that friends might ask you to explain able to demonstrate. Teachers This year, the they will be the journey of Odysseus for meet regularly to compare NMSC has awarded a English class, and you might e- student progress.” The purpose recognized not one, National Merit mail your classmate for the trick of the Professional Learning but four seniors Scholarship. to that pesky periodic table. Community is to improve student from Northwest The faculty at Techniques such as these, that learning. Northwest’s Academic Catholic High Northwest is students have been using for Dean, Mr. John Cusson, notes School as National proud to have a years, have finally reached that the reason for implementing

Merit Scholarship Mrs. Murphy remarkable teachers nationwide. A program this project is, “to make certain Semifinalists. For number of called Professional Learning that each student who Northwest, this is a National Merit Semifinalists, from left to right: Carolyn Spalluto, National Merit Community has come to successfully completes a class at high number of Jessica Gioia, Kenneth Rousseau, and Hannah Pelton. Scholars at the Northwest Catholic. The Northwest Catholic High School students to be school. “These Professional Learning has the same set of skills and honored with this degree of Scholarship Qualifying Test students have worked very hard Community is a developmental information.” He goes on to say excellence. The students are (PSAT/NMSQT) in their junior to excel not only in their studies, model that calls for teachers to that “student learning will be Jessica Gioia, Hannah Pelton, year of high school. The fifty but also in numerous activities,” work together in teams in order increased. A variety of Kenneth Rousseau, and Carolyn thousand highest scorers of the says Principal Margaret to enrich their students as a instructional methods, especially Spalluto. Three students have also 1.4 million students who take this Williamson. “They continue to whole. It was suggested by the using technology, will be received the distinction of test are contacted by the NMSC enhance the community of administration after Northwest’s developed.” Students who are Commended Scholar: Rachel the following April. The Northwest with their gifts.” The Principal, Mrs. Margaret having academic difficulties will be Godbout, Taylor Knortz, and corporation invites those it students themselves are delighted Williamson, attended a workshop able to get the help that they and did research about the Keating McKeon. contacts to name two colleges or to have been given the continued on page 3 Since its establishment in 1955 the universities to which they would opportunity to benefit from their concept. She says, “The NMSC, an independent, non- like to be referred by NMSC. In high PSAT/NMSQT scores. administration discussed how we profit organization, has September, roughly two-thirds Recipient Kenneth Rousseau says, might be able to implement this INSIDE this Issue... conducted its annual (about 34,000) receive Letters of “I’m honored to have my PSAT model to continue our teachers in competitions in order to identify Commendation. The other third scores recognized as one of the their professional development Find Your Dream academically talented high school of the high scorers, highest in the nation. I consider and, therefore, keep students College...Pg. 5 students throughout the United approximately 16,000 students, is myself lucky to have such an learning more and [learning] States, to increase support for notified that they have qualified opportunity.” The Northwest better.” Following this model, Class of 2011 Arrives...Pgs. these students’ educations, and to as Semifinalists. The Semifinalists community congratulates the teachers will be able to share their 6-7 provide an opportunity for are the highest scoring students in three Commended Scholars and experiences in order to help organizations that would like to their state. In order for the wishes the best of luck to the four students reach their full potential. sponsor undergraduate Semifinalists to become Finalists, Semifinalists as they continue in They will work together in INSIDE OUT...Pg. 8 scholarships. In the fifty-two they must meet lofty academic the competition in hopes that planning instructions, observe years since its inception, the standards by maintaining the they will be chosen for a each others’ classrooms, and Sports: Fall Season Kicks National Merit Scholarship excellent grades that have been scholarship. share advice. These and other Off...Pgs. 10-12 Page 2 Northwest Catholic November 2007 COMMENTARY LETTER FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL

The school year is well underway them feel at home in the have sought to organize the Both of these programs have those around us. That can take now and I am wondering if it has community and this goes for new academic calendar to make the grown out of the sincere desire of the worry out of our hearts and lived up to your expectations? teachers and staff as well. best use of our time this year. So the Faculty and Administration “brighten up even the darkest More accurately, have you lived Although all students seek you will see practical assembly to be true to our Mission night”. I am reminded of the up to your expectations? The year academic success, the fact is that it topics that will benefit you in Statement. In doing so, we hope words of the 1952 Nobel Peace will only be as good as we each comes more easily to some than addition to that little bit of time to help you fulfill your dreams. prize recipient, Albert Schweitzer. make it. Each one of us has to do to others. This year we have off. In addition, the teachers are And, how are we all doing with He is known for several things, his or her part to make 2007-08 implemented two programs to modeling for you what it means our theme of “Lead me, Lord”? among them his stance of the best year yet. How are we address this reality. The first is to be a lifelong learner by Many people spend a lifetime reverence for life, including one doing following up on the dreams philosophical and practical and stepping out of their comfort trying to live up to that simple important quotation “One thing I we started out the year with? It is will bring results over time and zone and learning more about sounding sentence. All we can do know, the only ones who will be not too late to redefine those that is the Professional Learning how to be more effective teachers. is try our best and trust that He really happy are those who will dreams and start working on Community committees that the The other program that is meant will take us in the direction that is have sought and found how to making them come true. Take a teachers are working on. This to improve student learning right for us. We all have the serve.” On days when it is hard to minute and do something for involves planning curriculum and should have more immediate chance every day to rededicate know what to do you can let the yourself – rededicate yourself to evaluating student progress with results. This is our new Academic ourselves to this theme. Don’t Lord lead you, and take time to your dream. the goal of improving student Support Program which has forget that the Lord is there to help someone else. You cannot go The single thing that has learning. Since this involves resulted in the addition of a carry you when the going gets wrong if you put your life on this impressed me the most this year teachers working together and paraprofessional position – an rough- when teachers pile on the path and someday you will be so far is how hard most people planning and reviewing student Academic Advisor whose work, bosses demand more able to look back on your days at have been working. There has progress, it has meant scheduling purpose is to work with students hours, parents nag and coaches Northwest Catholic High School been a degree of enthusiasm and extra staff development time in who are having difficulty and are sure that you can give even and know that they were indeed cooperation at all levels of the the calendar. From a student interface with teachers and more. some of the best days of your life organization that is very special. point of view, you may rejoice in counselors while at the same time A bright spot in all of our days and that you learned to make a The student body has embraced a few extra hours out of class. providing needed structure to should be the care and difference in the world around the newest members and made However, the reality is that we help students improve. compassion that we show for you. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

How has one teenager’s request to get his shotgun. The black to second-degree assault over the States, or are people just jumping to sit at a tree during lunch students eventually wrestled the summer. on a band wagon? Certainly, the escalated into a national issue? gun away from him and turned it The plight of the Jena 6 entered hope is that this is a just a cruel Staff Many across the country may be over to the police. Interestingly, the national spotlight four or five fad, but the reality may be that the black students were charged months ago when Newsweek ran there are still very prejudiced Editor in Chief wondering the same exact thing. Kate Williamson The truth lies in the events of the for stealing the gun and the white an article on the situation. From people out there in this country. past thirteen months. student was never even arrested. then on, this story became the The Civil Rights Movement Editorial Staff In September 2006, an African On December 4, 2006, however, nation’s story, with everyone developed more than forty years Jessica DiFrancesco American student asked the the defining incident of the saga weighing in with their opinions. ago, and back then, symbols of Nikki Milewski occurred. A white student was From online support groups to hatred and racism were Michael Murray administration of a high school Hannah Pelton in Jena, Louisiana if he could sit beaten up by a group of six the Reverend Al Sharpton’s commonplace, unfortunately. Carolyn Spalluto at the so-called “white” oak tree. African American teenagers, after presence in Jena, the public has Many thought the country had He was told he could sit taunting them with racial slurs. In tried to voice their support for moved past that point. Sadly, Staff Writers anywhere he wanted. The next the end, the white student was these six teenagers. The injustices maybe the United States has not Judith Appah not badly injured and released in this issue seem to be blatantly come as far as it thinks. Granted Kristen Bachteler day, hanging on the branches of Angelica Badillo that tree were three nooses, in the from the hospital in the same day. clear to the outside observer. these are thoughts no one wants Nicole Boucher school colors. These six students were then Perhaps prejudices still exist in to admit, but when an act of Melissa Cartagena Appropriately, the white students subsequently charged with Jena, it certainly seems that way; racism occurs on one of the most Julie Cleary responsible for this act where attempted second-degree murder and perhaps that is why the liberal college campuses in the Jacqueline Diaz and conspiracy to commit country has become so invested country, it makes you wonder. Jessica DiFrancesco identified and recommended for Will Dodds expulsion. However, for some murder, and subsequently in this issue. Furthermore, when are these acts James Duncan reason, the superintendent viewed expelled from school. Sadly, since September 2006, there going to stop? Hopefully the Sam Frasco their actions as a “prank” and The bail for the members of the have been numerous “noose journey of the Jena 6 will end Katie Giblin simply enforced a three-day “Jena 6” ranged from $70,000- incidents” across the country. peacefully within the next few Ashley Gostyla $138,000. One of the teenagers, Most notably, a noose was found months. After that, what then? Patrice Hubert suspension. Michael Lathrop The black student body protested Mychal Bell, remained in jail for in the bag of a Coast Guard Will this new sect of racism Keelan Ledwidge this weak punishment by sitting nine months, until this past Cadet at the Coast Guard continue to grow in the United Celina Marquis under the “white” tree. Days later, September 27, 2007 because he Academy in Connecticut and on States, or will this country resist Adam Mortillaro the main academic building of the could not post his $90,000 bail. the door of a race relations reverting back to its old and evil Michael Murray This member of the Jena 6 was professor at Columbia ways? Alex Picciano school was burnt down. Katie Schuppe A fight broke out between a charged as an adult, the only one University. Are these, and the More than a year later, the Emily Schwartz group of black students and a treated as such, and the charges other similar noose incidents, an “white” tree in Jena is firewood Jake Spignesi white student on December 2, against the others were finally indication of the true racist and the white students who hung Lauren Walz 2006. As the fight developed, the lowered from attempted murder feelings in the 21st century United the nooses have yet to be charged. Sarah White white student went out to his car Contributing Photographers Brucespringsteen.net Mr. Dodd COMMENTARY Madelyn Filomeno Mary Kate Kearney Free will. Philosophers have been car we drive, by the clothes we probably are. Society constantly addicting, and that it is a “big Taylor Knortz Mrs. M. Murphy debating its existence for wear, and by how much money is tells us that drinking and using deal.” We say that we are not Nora Regan centuries, and no one can agree in our wallets. The media tells us drugs will make us better, will addicted to the lifestyle of drug John Shevchuk on one particular theory. This that if we don’t own the new iPod make us happy. In reality, these and alcohol abuse; that we can Dianna Soucier issue becomes part of ethics, or go shopping every weekend so activities cause depression, stop any time we want to. But in Carolyn Spalluto theology, and psychology. The we have a new outfit for each day, anxiety, and numerous physical truth, we are trapped. Until the Kate Williamson Mrs. Williamson view adopted in response to this we cannot be considered “cool.” disorders. Drinking and driving day when our closest friends stop issue determines how humans Accumulating material often leads to serious injury or pressuring us to join them, and Advisor react to many of the issues that possessions becomes our goal in death. Many of us have lost when our favorite celebrities take Mrs. Jennifer Montoney are introduced in our daily lives. life, whether we realize it or not. friends in car accidents over the a stand against such activities, we Northwest Passages On the one hand, do we have Many times, we compare past few years, yet we continue to will not stop. The pressure we feel Northwest Catholic High School genuine freedom, real power of ourselves to other people and say follow in the footsteps of the to “fit in” and “be cool” is too 29 Wampanoag Drive choice, true ability to determine “I don’t do it as much as they do, deceased. We know the risks of high. Our free will is gone the West Hartford, CT 06117 the course of our thoughts and so I’m a good person.” The flaw such activity – if caught, we could moment we stop being ourselves Phone: (860) 236-4221 actions? Or, on the other hand, is in this plan to make ourselves feel get grounded, lose our spot on and start conforming to the Fax: (860) 586-0911 everything we are merely the better is that we always pick the our favorite sports team, lose our society around us. So, dear Northwest Passages benefits from inevitable outcome of the person we see as best exhibiting driver’s licenses, and even be readers, let me implore you to the William J. Kerin ‘65 Fund, circumstances that surround us – the quality we are trying to deny. arrested. If we give in so easily to have the courage to stand up to established by Cathleen Collins, our friends, families, and Subconsciously, we know what the pressures to get high or anyone who pressures you to act ‘65. personality traits? As teenagers, we are doing is wrong, but by drunk, are we really using our against what you know is right, * Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed in Northwest this issue becomes even more telling ourselves we’re better than free choice? Or are our friends and challenge you to be a true Passages are not necessarily central to our existence as societal some people, we allow our and the drugs themselves individual. Prove that there is those of the editorial staff pressures dictate how we look, corrupt behavior to continue, controlling us? We disregard the such a thing as free will, and that speak, act, and even who we hang guilt-free. If materialism is not overwhelming statistics that tell you know how to use it. out with. We are defined by the our problem, alcohol and drugs us that marijuana can be November 2007 Northwest Catholic Page 3 NEWS PLC Introduced at Northwest Six New Teachers Bring Diverse Skills to Faculty continued from page 1 with my peers in establishing a By Celina Marquis with a concentration in math - I’ve always loved math. I still program committed to enhancing Ms. Turley remember counting all the lunch require in order to succeed. the overall achievement of all What college did you attend? money in the third grade. I was It has been proven on a national Northwest’s students. Sharing of Who or what inspired you to go Student Council Treasurer in level that students learning in this ideas and teaching strategies, hard Eastern Connecticut State into your field? high school. - Ms. Turley environment have a lower work, and the love of learning University - Ms. Belliveau dropout rate, skip fewer classes, will enable me as a teacher to Several of my teachers in college What is one of your favorite and are absent less. This type of continue to grow as a learning I graduated from Saint Joseph and fellow students saying they quotes? community shrinks achievement facilitator.” The program is so College in West Hartford. - Ms. couldn’t “do science” - Ms. gaps between students from successful in achieving its goal of Bournique Belliveau “The only person’s behavior you diverse backgrounds and improving student learning that can control is your own, so do increases academic gain in math, the Superintendent of Catholic Central Connecticut State My parents inspired me by it.” - Ms. Belliveau science, history, and reading. Schools, Mr. Dale Hoyt, has University for my Bachelor of always setting an example of a life Effects are present not only for required the implementation of Arts and Saint Joseph College the students, but also for the this model for the 2008-2009 for my Masters - Ms. Desroches teachers. Teachers have shown school year in all schools in the reduction in isolation, Archdiocese. The Professional State University of New York at improvement in classroom Learning Community will allow Albany, as an undergraduate, practices, and a higher likelihood teachers to be better educators and the University of of being inspired to teach. Mrs. and, most notably, allow students Connecticut, as a graduate Juda notes, “As a teacher, this to strive to achieve their full student - Ms. Puskarz program will allow me to interact potential. The University of Connecticut - NWC Undergoes Necessary Renovations Mr. Sinclair By Nicole Boucher the senior table section now has University of Hartford - Ms. individualized control lighting for Turley Even before Northwest students alumni events. Even the entrance departed for a long-awaited to the cafeteria is more appealing, What degree or degrees do you summer vacation, administrators with its adjoining passageways have? were hard at work to make the redone. These renovations will school a more welcoming place surely encourage increased use of Bachelor of Science in Biology for the student body in the cafeteria for future functions. and a Secondary Science September. This year, school The school also continues to keep Clockwise: Terri Turley, Sarah Desroches, Raymond Sinclair, certification in Science; Currently leaders implemented innovative up with the ever-changing Danielle Belliveau, Teresa Bournique, and Jennifer Puskarz. I am finishing my Earth Science technology in several classrooms, technological age. Students may certification and my Masters. - of faith. My mother starts “You shall love the Lord, your installed dimming lights, and now learn from newly installed Ms. Belliveau everyday with her prayer book in God, with all your heart, with all added ceiling fans in the cafeteria Smartboards in Room 803 and her hands. I was a student here at your being, with all your in order to continue a planned 502. With constant vigilance I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Northwest as well, and Dr. strength, and with all your mind, renovation process designed to taken to ensure technological Religious studies and I am Michael Griffin and Rev. and your neighbor as yourself.” continually better the school updates, the faculty of Northwest pursuing a Master’s Degree at Lawrence Bock were inspiring (from the gospel of Luke) - Ms. environment. guarantees that students will Saint Joseph College. - Ms. teachers. - Ms. Bournique Bournique This summer’s primary focus was receive as much exposure as Bournique the cafeteria and the surrounding possible to constant technological My high school English teacher “Choose to chance the rapids and hallways. Contractors began by shifts. In fact, eighteen A B.A. in English education and a Mrs. Boner - Ms. Desroches dare to dance the tides.” (Garth classrooms received new Masters in Reading at the Brooks) - Ms. Desroches computers this summer, Secondary level - Ms. Desroches Mr. Zysk, my high school U.S. with updates and and Psychology teacher. Amazing “When I find myself fading, I enhanced programs. I have a Bachelors of the Arts guy. He was always there to talk close my eyes and realize my This summer yielded with a major in U.S. History and to and had incredible stories. He friends are my energy.” improvements that every minors in Psychology and continues to be one of my (anonymous) - Ms. Puskarz member of the Education. I also have a Master mentors to this day. - Ms. Northwest community of the Arts in Education on Puskarz “Music isn’t just a note on a page, will make use of in this Curriculum and Instruction. - it’s passion, feeling, dedication, school year. Mr. Ms. Puskarz My experiences in the band while and expression to art.” (“Mr. Callahan looks forward in high school. The director was Holland’s Opus”) - Mr. Sinclair to the “next steps” Two Bachelors: in Music and very inspirational and led me to forward in this continual Music Education - Mr. Sinclair my passion in music. - Mr. “You catch more flies with honey process of remodeling. Sinclair than with vinegar.” - Ms. Turley

Mr. Dodd After all, certain areas of A B.S. in secondary education The new ceiling fans in the cafeteria have the school beckon us already been put to good use. back to Northwest’s entirely replacing both the floor founding almost fifty years ago! New Staff Members Join Advancement Department and the old ceiling of the The next time you walk into the By Emily Schwartz Mrs. Murphy, the new Director The most recent addition to the cafeteria. They then installed cafeteria and feel the cool breeze of Communications, has nothing Northwest faculty is Mrs. Leary, ceiling fans throughout the of the ceiling fans or enjoy the Good things happen in three’s, but good things to say about who began her new job as the cafeteria that will surely be more intimate ambience of a especially at Northwest this year. Northwest. She is very qualified Director of Constituent Relations appreciated when the summer school dance, reflect on the Northwest Catholic is delighted for this position, having double at the end of September. Mrs. heat sets in. Administrators also massive work our school leaders to welcome three new staff majored in English and Leary attended Regis College in managed to restyle the cafeteria did to make this possible. As we members to the staff. Mrs. LeBel, Government at Georgetown Weston, Massachusetts, where so it could better serve in various relaxed during a three-month Mrs. Murphy, and Mrs. Leary University and having earned a she earned a degree in Political capacities. Lights with dimmer holiday, the school’s inner halls have recently joined the Masters degree in Journalism Science. Before working at switches have been added to the were being reformed for our Advancement Office and are from Columbia Graduate School. Northwest, she worked for the cafeteria for possible dances and constant use and pleasure. excellent additions to the She previously worked at St. New Britain school system. She community. Thomas the Apostle School as decided to take a job at Mrs. LeBel comes to Northwest the Director of Development and Northwest because she knows the after working at Miss Porter’s Admissions. Mrs. Murphy school well; her two sons are 2007 Homecoming Court Announced School in Farmington for the beamed as she spoke of her recent graduates of Northwest, past nine years. When an ad for a experiences at Northwest as a and her husband is also an job at Northwest appeared, Mrs. parent. She said, “I already knew alumnus. Mrs. Leary spoke LeBel applied, “convinced it that I loved the school. When I ardently of how she has come to would be a fun place to work.” saw an opportunity to use my truly “love the school and what She now works for Advancement skills to help the school, I jumped it’s all about.” She expressed her Assistance, a job which she has at it.” She described how working passion for Northwest saying, “I been enjoying. What most at Northwest has been a great feel strongly about the education impresses her is the overall change; it is easier to write when it gives the students in terms of attitude of the students here at she is truly passionate about the educating the whole person. Northwest. Mrs. LeBel raves topic. In her time working at There is a sense of community I about how the students have been Northwest she has especially have felt as a parent, and my kids “polite, helpful . . . so courteous” enjoyed all of the “nice teenagers.” have felt as students.” What she From left to right: Freshman Prince Patrick Graham, Prin- to her, especially since she has She enthusiastically remarked, “I loves most about working at cess Julia Mansolillo; Sophomore Prince Trenton Jackson, been on crutches for the majority can’t believe how nice the kids are. Northwest is the people. “Meeting Princess Merideth Lathrop; Junior Princess Brittney of the year. Walking through the They are polite, friendly, and alumni, alumni parents, and Huffman, Prince Mike Ray; and Senior Queen Anna Kurak, halls, she feels like “everyone respectful.” She also commented current parents” has been a great wants to know how they can on how graciously she was experience for her. King Martin Kudlacz. help.” welcomed by her coworkers. Page 4 Northwest Catholic November 2007 NEWS HILL and ACTS Classes Bond Over Summer Tutoring Creates Student Leaders By Michael Lathrop students shared information The most important part of the By Angelica Badillo from households with busy, about themselves. trip for most students was being working parents who cannot Last summer, two senior classes, The whole experience trained the with their classmates. Many class ConnectiKids is a nonprofit provide their undivided attention ACTS (A Chance To Serve) and students to participate in the high members said that the trip was a organization aimed at helping to the academic needs of their HILL (Honors Institute for elements course. Mary Kate “good bonding experience.” They Hartford elementary school children. ConnectiKids offers Leadership in Life), visited the Kearney said that the “ropes learned much about each other children reach their potential in that one-on-one attention to Indian Mountain School in course was exhilarating.” The and became closer as a unit. One math and reading. The these second graders. Lakeville, Connecticut to camp participants, thirty feet in the air, of the favorite activities of the organization was founded in 1978 The tutors also provide comfort and create unforgettable were supported both physically HILL class was the Object Talk. by a church group that wanted to to a struggling student. Assistant memories. The two classes and mentally by those on the Each student named an object help the children of the Asylum Campus Ministry director Ms. camped at different times during ground. Each student was emotionally important to him or Hill neighborhood. Last year, Bournique says, “Good tutors the summer, her and then explained why he Ricardo Herrera, an alumnus of are patient and encouraging, and ascending or she felt that way. This Northwest Catholic and the have a good sense of humor. The altitudes, busting event brought many tears, but executive director of time spent together results in a barriers, and it helped break any barriers ConnectiKids, contacted Campus special bond between a child and conquering that may have still existed on Ministry director Mrs. Gillespie in his or her tutor. ConnectiKids challenges both the last night. hopes of establishing a tutoring tutors get to know their assigned physically and While the trips brought the program here at his alma mater. student through the year, and emotionally. students closer to each other, The second graders of M.D. Fox their student counts on them to According to they also brought the students Middle School come to be there every week.” ACTS member closer to God. While in the Northwest weekly to meet with ConnectiKids tutors must be able Eric Kelly, the trip midst of God’s creation, the their tutors for an hour. The to really commit to the weekly was “mostly students were able to children complete their tutoring session, as their designed for experience an awareness that homework with their mentors consistency in attendance is an leadership and they were close to the creator. during this hour. Each month, important component of the team bonding....to Kelly described his experience the children are given a theme and program. Building trust by being

challenge an Courtesy of Nora Regan as “spiritual, but fun,” proving they fill any time they have left dependable is part of the individual in areas ACTS class participates in the traditional “Trust Fall.” that students today can enjoy after finishing their homework mentoring process, and builds the they are not learning more about and with reading and activities that character of the tutor as well. familiar.” This experience started spotted by a four-member belay coming closer to God. The HILL focus on the subject of the This year the ConnectiKids with the setting. The trips were team, guided by an instructor; trip participated in a day-long month. According to senior tutors hope to improve the held at a campground along the this team cheered for the nature experience. After four Hannah Pelton, the program not program by recruiting more Appalachian Trail. The tents participants as they climbed, miles of canoeing, the students only allows the child to improve committed members and also were positioned under a high balanced, and walked across took a six mile hike on part of the their math and reading skills, but creating a more focused elements course; the students cords. Other options for the Appalachian Trail. also, “builds self-confidence, and environment. The children will be would later travel on the wires HILL students were the trapeze The ACTS and HILL students teaches them to communicate spread out in order to decrease above their temporary homes. and the Giant’s Ladder. The acquired immeasurable with others and create distractions and increase The classes also participated in trapeze course required the knowledge of themselves. They friendships.” attention paid to the tutor. As activities such as leading a student to climb up the tree and bonded with each other and The ConnectiKids tutors at another year of the ConnectiKids blindfolded classmate through jump to grab a trapeze suspended encountered God in nature. The Northwest make this program tutoring program launches, one the woods, trust falls, the in the air. The Giant’s ladder few days that they spent in the work. Each tutor commits their can only hope that this year the Mohawk Walk (a set of low cords consisted of a set of rungs, with woods of Lakeville will remain in own time once a week to help children will grow academically strung to a series of trees which the spaces between the rungs their memories for the rest of these children. This commitment and emotionally through the the entire class had to cross as an growing from three feet to six their lives. These groups of is essential because it gives the guidance of their tutors and role unbroken chain), and the Nitro feet. This event required two seniors will never forget their children a sense of stability and a models of the Northwest Cross (the students swung on a students to work together to get experiences away from positive role model. Many of the Catholic community. rope to small platforms, then to the top successfully. It was civilization. ConnectiKids participants come jumped to “safety”). For these only attempted by two groups: tasks, it was imperative that the Caleb Battersby/Michael Lathrop Students Attend “Living Water,” Catholic Youth Spectacular students had a high level of trust and Carolyn Spalluto/Rebecca in each other. This trust began Hopkins. Both groups By Judith Appah gave a very inspirational speech to respectful manner by everyone. early in the trip, when the succeeded. the youth talking about how we Some readers from our school Sunday October 14th was the must be role models to each other were seniors Hannah Pelton, Dance Team Successful at Nationals second annual Catholic Youth and make room even in our Brandon Marshall and Michael Spectacular (CYS). This year the teenage lives for our creator God. Lathrop. Marshall, who did the By Patrice Hubert Sabrina Gomez, and Shannon CYS was held at Quassy Patin’s favorite line, that every opening prayer, says it was not Allen, sophomore Gabriella Amusement Park in Bristol, CT. youth that attended the CYS will difficult reading in front of The Northwest Catholic Dance Pabon, and seniors Emelie Buell This year for the CYS the theme always remember, is “YOU’RE A thousands of teens, he actually Team, Syncopate, is a new and Rachel Godbout. The varsity was “Living Water: Discover FREAK!” Patin called all the found it more comfortable addition to the list of team will perform at varsity boys’ Jesus, the Way”. The ACTS class youth freaks because we do so reading for thousands than organizations at Northwest. It basketball home games and the of Northwest went to the CYS much with our friends, and social reading in class. Although the began last year as a trial in order JV will perform at girls’ varsity with their group leader Mrs. lives that we act as though we weather for the CYS was very for the administration to see how home games. Gillespie and other Northwest have no time for God which is chilly many people were able to well the program would work for Rachael Lathrop says, “It’s our Catholic students; still concentrate on the the school. It has now become a first year as being recognized and many other members Mass especially during permanent part of Northwest. I hope that we all work together of the Northwest the homily. The homily Run by English and Dance to really make this year a great Catholic community was given by Archbishop teacher Ms. Kerri Smith, the year, and show Northwest what a went with their own Henry J. Mansell, D.D. It dance team has had huge success great asset the dance team is to church parishes. The was encouraging and gave winning competitions and the school. Also, competition is a CYS was open to the hope to the youth at the making a name for itself. Last really great experience and I hope many Catholic CYS. Marshall would year, the team performed at pep that we can have fun and do great schools and parishes recommend going to the rallies and basketball games. Over at Regionals.” Noelle Bellefleur from all parts of CYS for anyone who has the summer, the varsity team went says that the JV team “is very Connecticut. The CYS never attended because it to a competition in Las Vegas. young and mostly freshmen, so was an all day event is just another Syncopate and placed second with it’s going to be amazing to see the with various activities. opportunity to increase a hip-hop routine, “Break It progress throughout the season. The main events of your faith and share your Down”. The trio of Rachael The team melds well together, we the CYS were the beliefs with other people Lathrop, Merideth Lathrop, and all enjoy dance so we have many Welcome, which was who share the same belief Brandon Couloute placed first in great friendships in the making. I called The Amazing as you. And of course he their competition. am hoping as a team captain to Grace, the keynote Williamson Mrs. says it gives you a chance This year, Syncopate conducted improve the team unity and speaker Mike Patin, Northwest students enjoy each other’s company at to spend time with “teens auditions on September 18. They excitement.” and the Mass. Other Quassy Park for the 2007 Youth Spectacular. of the future”. Many of created a varsity and a junior The team is currently working on special guests included the teens who attended varsity team. Rachael Lathrop is one of the four dances that they a rock band and Banda Sal y not true and he told the youth the CYS were attending for the captain of varsity, and Noelle will perform games. They hope to Luz. During the “Amazing Grace” ways we can definitely include second time and would Bellefleur is captain of JV. bring multiple dances to a the parishes that came together God in our lives, whether it may recommend it to many who have Members of the varsity team are competition in Massachusetts in were split according to the be in making decisions or just to never been. Some were a bit freshman Nicole Poirier, February. They also hope to number on their name badges. get some advice from God. Patin disappointed when the adoration sophomores Merideth Lathrop, include jazz, hip-hop, solos, duets, New groups were formed and the also gave the youth a very had to be canceled due to time Brandon Couloute, and Bryan and trio routines in the groups went around the park important guideline we can all live and the outrageous line for food Destin, and seniors Elise competition. If they win at making new friends and doing by which is PLUS with each letter during the picnic. The CYS was a Huehner, Erin Neagle, and Anna Regionals in February, they will fun, silly activities that would representing one aspect. day of spiritual growth, day of Kurak. The members of the JV be able to go to Nationals in earn their groups huge points. P=Prayer, L=Learning, U=Unity, having fun, and a day of learning are freshmen Theodora Mucha, Orlando. The team has a very The keynote speaker Mr. Mike S=Service. all in one which was enjoyed by Sheona Thullier, Cara Seward, exciting year ahead of them, and they deserve the best of luck. Patin was from Louisiana and The Mass was celebrated in a very almost everyone there. November 2007 Northwest Catholic Page 5 FEATURES Juniors and Seniors: How to Conquer the Task of Finding the Perfect College By Sarah White & religious school follows the will not be limited to one career student would feel most selectivity, religious affiliation, Julie Cleary teachings of a certain set of choice from the start. comfortable will help him or her extracurricular activities, and faith beliefs, for example, Making the decision about narrow down his or her choices orientation (liberal arts or The beginning of each school Catholicism. Such a school where a student wants to attend and make the decision much career-focused) are also year is very busy for the might require a religion course easier. According to Mrs. Mary important aspects to consider. upperclassmen, as the senior as part of the curriculum. Jo Foran, one of Northwest’s Knowing a potential major can class is in the process of These schools are usually guidance counselors, students also be helpful. Many schools applying to colleges, and the focused on the humanities. A should look at “class size, are known for certain junior class is beginning to private school is not affiliated academic programs, and departments and programs that think about where they might with a government or religion. recommendations from current offer career-focused training. If like to go. There are many These schools usually have more students” when considering a a student graduates high school points that need to be compared financial aid from donors, and college. Comparing different without deciding on a major, a before a student can make a they can be specialized for a aspects of college will help larger school with a wider decision about which college he certain career. Private schools students pick a school that is variety of programs might be or she wants to attend or even are usually the most selective, right for them. best for him or her. If the the types of schools to which to because they can set the highest Every year, students spend student has decided already, he apply. A student would need to standards. countless hours pouring over or she can choose a school that decide the size, location, Orientations of schools include brochures, touring colleges, and emphasizes the area of his or affiliation, and orientation that business, technical, and liberal filling out application forms. All her major. makes him or her feel arts. Business and tech schools these hours are well spent, Students cannot gain the real comfortable in order to make focus on preparing students for because choosing a college will feel of the school by looking at the right choice. specific professions. Business a brochure or website. Visiting a Size is an important factor, schools grant an MBA, which is college is the only way to because there are many a degree in business. Technical identify oneself in the school’s differences between community. Talking to students small and large and taking tours will not only schools. Students make the student feel like a need to think about member of the community, but what size they are used also will expose him or her to all to and if they want to of the aspects of life on campus. stay in that size school Talking to teachers is also for college. If a recommended when visiting a student liked the small school; it is important to know atmosphere of whether students will be Northwest, he or she involved in large lectures or should pick a small small seminars for classes. As college. However, some well as academic status would rather and extra-curricular experience a larger activities, a student’s school. Small schools may personality and comfort have better student-to- level come into play professor ratios, due to the when selecting and lower number of students, but applying to schools. large schools generally offer One of the most more programs and a wider important things about array of classes. Visiting a finding the perfect college and seeing the size for college, according to oneself can be a good way to Mrs. O’Rourke, is decide. knowing that there is Students should decide if they the perfect place for each want to attend a school in a student. Everyone has downtown or suburban area. affect where you live, the people the opportunity to make good They should also consider you meet, and your career. choices and find the place where how far they would be willing The process of selecting one they fit in and feel comfortable. to travel: do they want to go college out of the thousands of She also says that part of to a school far away from choices presented may be finding the right school is home or one that is close to overwhelming though. The knowing that the student will be home? If the student lives Guidance Department at able to grow and learn in his or close to his or her college, he or schools focus on math, science, Northwest Catholic will become her new environment. A college she can commute. However, and engineering. If a student a great resource, as the should build on the foundation students can almost always live knows for sure what they want counselors offer good advice for laid by the student’s high on campus, no matter where to do, then they should consider narrowing down the enormous school, accentuating his or her they attend. attending a business or tech options. Director of Guidance strengths and talents. The most The type of school is important school that focuses on the Mrs. Joyce O’Rourke guides important lesson a student will to consider when choosing a career they want. A liberal arts Northwest seniors through the gain from college is the college. Students have to choose school, on the other hand, process. She says to start with experience, which he or she can between public, religiously focuses on preparing a student the basics. Taking an online use both socially and in his or affiliated, and private. Public, or for almost every profession. If quiz, such as the one offered at her career. While searching for a state, schools are funded by the a student does not know what collegesearch.collegeboard.com/ school may seem demanding, it government and are generally they want to do, then they college can be very difficult, but search/index.jsp, forces the will be one of the most less expensive than others. These should consider attending a comparing different aspects of student to make decisions about rewarding challenges of a schools have many programs in liberal arts school, because they colleges and deciding where the the size, area, and diversity he or student’s high school career. a wide variety of disciplines. A she wants for college. The Top Liberal Arts CollegesTop Engineering Colleges Top College Majors Top Private Colleges Top Public Colleges 1. Williams College 1. Massachusetts Institute 1. Business Administration 1. Harvard University 1. Penn. State 2. Amherst College of Technology and Management 2. Princeton University 2. University of Virgina 3. Swarthmore College 2. Stanford University 2. Psychology 3. Duke University 3. U. of California 4. Wellesley College 3. University of California 3. Elementary Education 4. Yale University (Berkeley) 5. Carleton College (Berkeley) 4. Biology 5. Stanford University 4. University of Michigan 6. Middlebury College 4. Georgia Tech 5. Nursing 6. Massachusetts Institute 5. UNC 7. Pomona College 5. University of Illinois 6. Education of Technology 6. U. of California (Los 8. Bowdoin College 6. Carnegie Mellon 7. English 7. Dartmouth College Angeles) 9. Davidson College University 8. Communications 8. University of 7. College of William and 10. Haverford College 7. California Institute of 9. Computer Science Pennsylvania Mary Technology 10. Political Science 9. Brown University 8. U. of California (San 8. USC (Viterbi) 10. California Institute of Diego) 9. University of Michigan Technology 9. Georgia Tech (Ann Arbor) 10. U. of California 10. Cornell University (Davis) Page 6 Northwest Catholic November 2007 FRESHMEN Class of 2011 Shares Thoughts on First Days at Northwest Catholic

What is the best part about being a The worst part about being a The senior contacts. – Devin Daly Ms. Keating-McKeon got mad at period that they were in the freshman? freshman is homework. – me for being late on the first day. wrong class. – Mara Case Matthew Webber The girls on the field hockey – Dillon Bowen The freshman dance. – Yessame team. – Molly Beming Mrs. Avery’s class found a mouse Alemu Being a freshman. – Molly Beming Getting a new nickname. – and it went up her pants. – Matt Francis Butler. – Dillon Bowen Brandon Clark Dorn Not knowing where different When did you start your summer reading? Have you been scolded for your places are. – Rachel B. Luke Pelton. – Nick Rhoads uniform? English. – David Bowen Ms. Keating-McKeon. – Lee 60% Brown Getting lost and carrying sports equipment. – Mara Case James Italia. – Archie Sullivan 50% No 44% Being new. – Taylor Combs Jordan Daniels. – Brandon 40% Yes Clark 56% The uniform. – Jamie Corona Kate Schuppe. – Jaclyn Diaz 30% The new rules and restrictions that were not at our old My brother, Dillon schools. – Tommy Gollenberg Desiderato. – Carissa 20%

Desiderato Freshmen of Percentage Mara Case Sabrina Gomez Meeting new people. – Short lunches. – 10% All my friends. – Matt Dorn Having a fresh start. – Molly Being a freshman. Need I say Beming more? – Jaclyn Diaz Megan Drusedum. – Erin 0% Drusedum June July August The best part of being a freshman The upper classmen make you do Month is having free periods. – Dillon everything for them. – Kathleen Caitlin Erickson. – Jennifer Bowen Grabowski Erickson I got lost the entire first week of Someone tripped in the hallway. – Learning different things. – Lee Doing the water at football. – Pat Danielle Gilmour. – Ryan Gilmour school. – Erin Drusedum Taylor Combs Brown Waltman The cross country team. – Emily I spilled a bottle of grape juice in A girl fell in the garbage at lunch. Getting the least amount of work Janusko front of my locker. – Britney –J amie Corona of all the grades. – Matt Dorn Grant Are you playing a fall sport at Darien Marshall, Brandon At the pep rally, the juniors didn’t The best part of being a freshman NWC? Marshall, Daniel Kowalizk, and I was showing a bunch of girls make one basket, and the is the freshman dance. – Mika Keith Chapman. – Dante Jeanfelix the way to history, but I went the freshman won the contest. – Gauger Yes wrong way. – Sharon Grimshaw Carissa Desiderato 18% Mr. Shugrue. – Alec Lorenzo Meeting new people. – Jaclyn Diaz I ran into a door. – Kevin A mouse went up Mrs. Avery’s My brother and my friends. – Hancock pants. – Devin Daly Being late to class and being able Darien Marshall to say you were lost. – Jordan I don’t even want to talk about it. Someone got hit in the face with a Greenberg What is the funniest/most – Katie Vignati backpack. – Erin Drusedum embarrassing thing that has Having three more years at this happened to you at NWC? Not being able to get my locker The dance announcement. – school. – Alec Lorenzo open. – Amy West Jennifer Erickson I fell out of my seat in the All my new friends. – Alexandra No cafeteria. – Yessame Alemu Not having enough relatives for Someone was in the bathroom Richards 82% the magazine dress down day. – during the fire drill. – Antonina Being told I have anger problems Brandon Xing Feola The best part of being a freshman Crowded space at lockers. – Kate while trying to open my locker. – is experiencing everything at Schuppe Shannon Allen I tied a balloon to my pants – Someone spilled milk all over Northwest for the first time. – Sterling Van Houton their pants. – Alec Lorenzo Katie Vignati Name someone who has made your Having to carry four huge bags to first weeks at Northwest Catholic school every morning. – Molly What is the funniest/most Guys hug each other more than What is the worst part about being easier. Beming embarrassing thing that you have girls do. – Haley Massie a freshman? witnessed at NWC? Miranda King and Shannon Going to my period I class at the Some guy put both his shoes in at Getting lost. – Hilary Baran Crawford. – Shannon Allen end of Period G. – Rachel B. Someone sat in on a whole class the freshman dance. – Kelly Y. before realizing at the end of the November 2007 Northwest Catholic Page 7 FRESHMEN Page 8 Northwest Catholic November 2007 FEATURES Inside Out: Paul Vignati, Dean Spence, Audra Wooldridge and Mrs. Avery

What would people be surprised to What would be your personal AW: Double baked potatoes Spring Break my senior year of learn about you? theme song? college while everyone else was in DS: Fried chicken Cancun. Mrs. Sara Avery: That I’m SA: “Defying Gravity.” I love actually relatively anti-social. I that song on so many levels, but If you could hear what someone was PV: New Britain prefer the quiet of my own home. it says a lot about who I am. thinking for a day, who would you And that I am AWESOME at “I’m through accepting limits, choose, and why? AW: Ireland. Get back to my Guitar Hero. (I beat Guitar cause someone says they’re roots. Plus, they speak English. Hero II on Expert level.) so…some things I cannot change, SA: I would choose J.K. Rowling. but ‘til I try I’ll never know.” She’s a natural story-teller, and her DS: I would like it in Neverland. Paul Vignati: I can dunk easily. That’s me in a nutshell. thoughts must be so creative. If you could manage any Audra Wooldridge: I have really AW: The “Friends” theme song PV: Alex Pryor, because he has professional sports team, what team OCD tendencies. I go nowhere everything going for him. would you choose? without hand sanitizer. DS: “Super Freak” by Rick James AW: Martin Kudlacz, during Latin SA: The Boston Red Sox, because I

Dean Spence: They would be Carolyn Spalluto What would your first action as love Big Papi. And because if I surprised that at times I actually President of the United States be? picked another one there’s a chance Paul Vignati stop talking. my husband would divorce me. SA: Fix this “No Child Left If you could be anyone else at Behind” debacle PV: Patriots, so they PV: “Courage is being scared and Northwest for a day, who would you wouldn’t have to cheat. saddling up anyway.” be, and why? PV: Party in Air Force 1 AW: They’d never hire me. AW: “If you obey all the rules, you SA: I would be Mr. Puskarz, the AW: Appoint Kate Wagner as my miss all the fun.” – Kathryn head of the business office, and I advisor DS: Pro team, no…I would Hepburn would put all the money that start a men’s volleyball team comes into the school towards DS: I would throw a party in the at Northwest and coach DS: “Hanuka Matata” renovating the Rice Auditorium. White House. that. What three things could you not live PV: Keith Kwasnik, because Keith What movie could you watch over What would be the title of without? is a model citizen. and over again, and why? your autobiography? SA: If we’re talking things and not DS: I would be Lucius Couloute. I SA: There are so many! I’m the SA: Magical Me: The Story people, I’d have to say my cell would die to have my hair that type of person who would rather of a Woman and Her Cat phone, chap-stick, and (Mrs. Juda curly and moist. watch the same movie 50 times will strike me down for this one…) than see something new. So some PV: Life of A Go Getta TELEVISION! Carolyn Spalluto If you were stranded on a desert of my staples include, “Sense and island, who would you want to be Sensibility,” “Back to the Future,” Audra Wooldridge AW: Inconsistencies AW: (1) Burt’s Bees lip balm, (2) stranded with, and why? “Shakespeare in Love,” and “The friends, (3) sarcasm First Wives Club.” DS: Dennis Rodman, and if I had What magazine do you always look SA: My husband and my pets. DS: Chicken…football…and another choice, Rosie O’Donnell, forward to getting in the mail? Wherever they are, that’s home. PV: “Dances with Wolves” just to be curious chicken. SA: “People”. It just makes me PV: Mike Hummel, because of his DS: “Brokeback Mountain,” Who or what always makes you What is your greatest ambition in realize how petty yet fashionable skill with spears. because it shows that there is more life? the world can be. laugh? to life than what the public sees. SA PV SA: My family, especially my : To be the type of mother that : “The Economist” If the whole world were listening my mom was to me brother and my cousins. And what would you say? AW: “Architectural Digest” my cats…they’re always doing the MOST ridiculous things. PV: To be champion SA: “Treat others as you’d like to DS: “Oprah”. She has good stuff. be treated. Stop discrimination, AW: To be happy overall Oh yeah, Book Club member. PV: Calculus ignorance, hatred, and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before you DS: To have no regrets What random fact are you most AW: Mr. Garr. His random judge them.” proud to know? frantic outbursts are unmatched. Who is your hero, and why? PV: “Get rich or die trying.” SA: There are 142 staircases in What would be the first thing you SA: My father. When my mother Hogwarts School of Witchcraft would do if you won 10 million AW: “Live, Laugh, Love.” and Wizardry. dollars? died, I didn’t know how he would cope and adjust. He has become DS: “O.J. didn’t do it, and Tupac is the best father AND SA: I would pay off my debts. still alive.” mother to my brother The mortgage, the credit and I, and I can only card…of course, I’m a shopper, If you could ask God any one hope to live up to his so after that I’d probably head question, what would it be? example when I am a straight to Banana Republic. parent. SA: Doesn’t it bother you when PV: [Buy] a toilet made of gold Carolyn Spalluto people discriminate against and PV: Soulja Boy, hurt others and say that it’s in your because he’s so young Dean Spence AW: Most definitely take my name? but so successful. friends on some really lavish AW: Kristin Lombard, because vacation. God knows she’d somehow PV: Is Tupac still alive? AW: Regina Spektor. I manage to be perfectly prepared. saw her in concert play What annoys you the most? She’s handy like that. DS: Where is Waldo? the piano with her left hand, control the pedal SA: People who don’t acknowledge DS: Alex Pryor, because it would be If you could have only one food for with her right foot, their own shortcomings. Everyone just jokes all the time. the rest of your life (assuming that stomp her left foot, and has weaknesses, and it’s in this strange situation would not drum on a chair with accepting them that we become What words of wisdom do you live affect your health), which food would her right hand. Oh, Carolyn Spalluto stronger and learn. by? you choose? and she was singing Mrs. Avery too, all at the same PV: Litterbugs SA: Mrs. Oates once taught that SA: I wouldn’t be able to do that – time. I don’t know how many PV: The world’s largest rabbit you should always think not only I get sick of things quickly. I’ve other people can do that. weighs a whopping 215 kilograms. AW: Misspellings in text [messages]. of your intention, which may be been known to order three How much more effort is it to put good, but also of the perception different dinners just so I could DS: Flavor Flav. Just look at the AW: There’s more bacteria in a fast an “h” in “wat”? others may have of your actions. have a little taste of each…I need guy—he’s a stallion. food place’s ice machine than there It’s not just what you’re trying to variety. Although mustard is in their toilets. Oprah told me so. DS: When you have that good do that matters, but the way in horseradish wings from the Bidwell If you could live anywhere in the sleep, but wake up earlier than you which you do it. Since learning to Tavern would be high on my list… world where would you live? DS: In 2000, Pope John Paul II was usually do…but then you can’t go take that into account I truly think named an Honorary Harlem back to sleep. that I am a better communicator, PV: Jamaican beef patties SA: London. It’s my favorite city Globetrotter. teacher, and friend. in the world. I went there on November 2007 Northwest Catholic Page 9 FEATURES Point-Counterpoint: Is There Need for Cameras on the Dangerous Avon Mountain? Point: Cameras Would Slow Drivers Down, Make Road Safer Counterpoint: Cameras Invade Privacy By Kristen Bachteler and injured many others. In this officers cannot enforce speed By Adam Mortillaro cameras to monitor speeding on accident, a recycling dump truck regulations as well as cameras can Avon Mountain. Although no It is estimated that 20,000 to sped out of control down Avon because there are too many Placing cameras along the road of permanent changes have gone 25,000 vehicles travel over Avon Mountain on Route 44 and speeders on Avon Mountain. Avon Mountain to monitor into effect, some fear they will do Mountain every day. The section smashed into a commuter bus Cameras would be able to capture drivers for speeding is an more harm than help. of Avon Mountain between and other vehicles that were many more speeders than any infringement upon the civil The camera installation proposal Mountain Road in West Hartford waiting at a red light at the police officer ever could. Also, liberties of the people of the is faulty for several reasons, one and Route 10 in Avon averaged intersection of Route 10 and cameras would act as an ever- Farmington Valley. It is of the most practical being that it 4.8 accidents per week from 2000 Route 44. present watch dog. Many times, tantamount to government will deter people from using Avon motorists only slow down in spying and should not even be an Mountain as a connector from areas where they know police option. The local authorities West Hartford to the Farmington officers are stationed. For most need to build a respectful Valley. Drivers will instead flood of their drive, they speed, putting relationship with drivers if alternate roads such as Route the lives of themselves and others another accident is to be averted. 185, which runs over Talcott at risk. Cameras would cover a Placing cameras is a sign of Mountain into Bloomfield. This wider area than the police do. If distrust and hinders progress congestion will clog the daily motorists were aware of such made to make Avon Mountain a commute that most Connecticut cameras, they would be more safer place to drive. residents will agree is already too likely to drive the speed limit. If On July 29, 2005, a dump truck slow. they were unaware of the cameras riding on Route 44 lost control of The installation and maintenance and sped, the ticket in their mail its brakes and barreled down the of this new system would cost the would be an unpleasant reminder mountain into vehicles stopped at state millions of taxpayers’ of the laws. Another benefit of the intersection of Routes 44 and dollars and require constant the cameras would be informing 10. Four people were killed in supervision by law enforcement parents of teenage drivers when this tragic accident, which officials who could better spend their children receive a ticket. A occurred outside Avon Old Farms their time on the streets keeping Carolyn Spalluto ticket in the mail is harder to hide Inn. Understandably, the town the people safe. Nothing serves as Thousands of cars traverse the dangerous intersection of Avon Mountain than a meeting with an officer on of Avon, in coordination with the a greater deterrent to speeding and Albany Avenue in West Hartford everyday. the side of the road. State of Connecticut, stressed than a police officer parked on to 2004. Recent accidents have Measures have already been taken The installation of cameras on careful driving following this the side of the road with a speed brought attention to an on-going to increase the safety of drivers Avon Mountain closely affects the accident. In a study conducted gun. In the end, nothing can problem compromising the safety on Avon Mountain as related to Northwest community. Many afterward by the Department of replace the presence of an actual of drivers on Route 44: speeding. trucks. Signs have been posted on students and faculty frequently Transportation, it was found that officer to keep the situation under It has been reported that 61% of Route 44 that prohibit trucks travel over the mountain to get to the strain of steep decline coupled control. motorists traveling this road over thirteen tons from passing and from school or to travel to with the immense weight of a exceed the 40 mph speed limit by over the mountain. Many other away games. These cameras at least 10 mph, despite the steep proposals have also been would be designed to protect the grade of 10%. A proposed advocated, including runaway people we love, so that they are solution to combat this safety truck ramps and a bridge at the never involved in a tragic hazard is the installation of Rt. 10 and Rt. 44 intersection in accident. cameras, which have been Avon. All of these precautions Cameras are not a violation of suggested as a means of slowing address the truck problem but privacy. The cameras take people down and making the not the speeding, an issue that pictures only of the vehicle’s road safer. motorists encounter more often license plate, not of the driver. On September 7, 2007, Robert than they do runaway trucks. Ticket-issuing through cameras Rauch crashed into Nassau’s Enter cameras. In February of is no different than receiving a Furniture store near the 2006, State Senator Jonathan A. ticket from an officer. The intersection of Route 44 and Harris, whose district includes the purpose of the tickets and Route 20 after he lost control of accident-prone section over Avon cameras would be to protect the the truck he was driving. Rauch Mountain, called on the Judiciary safety of all motorists on the was skillfully able to maneuver Committee and General road. the vehicle and avoid the traffic at Assembly to pass legislation that In a society which has greatly Carolyn Spalluto the base of the mountain. would allow cities to use benefited from technological Witnesses could smell his brakes, automated cameras, similar to the advancements, cameras are Since 2005, two accidents on Avon Mountain have involved runaway trucks. which had started a fire. The ones used in toll booths, to another example of achievement. truck greatly increased the Cameras are also a violation of driver was the only person to capture speeders and red-light Cameras on Avon Mountain chances of such a terrible the rights of citizens guaranteed suffer injuries, and there were no runners. These cameras would could help reduce speeding and accident. by the United States fatalities in this accident, unlike record license plates of speeding prevent tragedies like the one in Unfortunately, the precautions Constitution. The Fourth the crash on July 29, 2005. This cars. This information would be July 2005. Cameras are a simple were not enough to prevent Amendment protects citizens accident killed four people, used to identify the owner, and way to increase public safety and another crash from occurring. from arrest as a result of an including the driver of the truck, then to issue tickets. Police improve lives. On September 7, 2007, another invasion of privacy. Videotaping truck on 44 lost control of its cars creates a judicial precedent brakes. This time, however, the that could see cameras installed driver maneuvered his truck to on every street in the future to “The Boss” Makes His Anticipated Return to Hartford avoid any cars and crashed into watch for wrongdoing. This is an By Ashley Gostyla slow, solemn serenade, was When Springsteen and the E the wall of Nassau’s furniture example of the government’s transformed into a heart- Street Band come together, a store. Thankfully, there were no movement toward absolute “This is Radio Nowhere, is there stopping rock and roll event. The connection is made, and every fatalities, and the driver himself control over the lives of its escaped with only a broken leg, citizens. In the world of today, in anybody alive out there?,” Bruce crowd went crazy when the house time this happens, the which seems minor in which nothing is said or done Springsteen beckoned to the lights went on and “Born to Run” performance is unforgettable. comparison to the previous without fear of being recorded, crowd as he opened his 2007 With Clarence Clemons on the crash. Indeed, the driver is to be Americans need to stand up for tour in Hartford, CT. saxophone, Gary Tallent commended for his quick- what little privacy they have left. Springsteen was coming back to jamming on the bass, and Max thinking and reaction that saved This includes the privacy of their the States with the E Street Band Weinberg holding his own on several lives. Said one bystander, own cars. for the first time since 2003, when the drums, it is a remarkable “that guy deserves a medal.” Rather than create a sense of The Rising debuted. This 2007 sight. The audience feels the After the second crash, Governor distrust between the authorities tour comes with the release of his band, and the band feels them M. Jodi Rell took steps to control and the people, the state of new album, “Magic.” The show back. And when the whole band the situation at the bottom of the Connecticut should keep a police lasted more than two and half got together and played “Born mountain. For the next few officer at the bottom of Avon hours, with the band playing 23 to Run,” it felt like the roof was weeks, Department of Mountain constantly to ensure songs, spanning from top-of-the- going to fall off of the Civic Transportation inspectors safety. A lower speed limit and chart hits to slow, meaningful Center. stopped trucks to look for large signs placed at the top of ballads. The playlist included Gov. Jodi Rell named October 2, brucespringsteen.net procedural infractions such as the mountain warning drivers of “Magic,” the title track of his new New ablum, “Magic,” opens tour. “Bruce Springsteen Day,” a title faulty brakes or defective wheel the risks of speed will work better album, “The Promised Land,” a which was well-deserved by axles. In the first two weeks than video cameras that may or Springsteen classic, and came blasting over the Civic Springsteen and the E Street alone, more than $100,000 was may not function correctly. The “Lonesome Day,” a story about Center speakers. This is the E Band, and enjoyed just as much collected in fines from trucking people of the Farmington Valley how lonely life was after the loss Street Band’s most well-known by the fans. The band rocked companies all over New England. should work together to on 9/11. song by far, and the audience was out and made the audience Rell also heard proposals to ban guarantee a safer commute and A personal favorite of mine, wild. Everyone was out of their believe everything that they were trucks from Avon Mountain and, the protection of their own civil “Reason to Believe,” a normally seats and belting out the lyrics. singing. even more shockingly, to install rights of privacy. Page 10 Northwest Catholic November 2007 SPORTS Girls’ Soccer Improves Rapidly Boys’ Soccer Continues Drive to State Playoffs By Alex Picciano girls can play with the best teams, By Sam Frasco rough start to our season. We later in the season, or in the post but need to do so for 80 minutes played the toughest teams in the season. “We’re a young team...” explains without mental lapses.” In a later After last year’s early loss in the conference,” said Jon. The Indians The boys practice hard every day, Kristina Ciotto, a senior and game against St. Paul sophomore state championship playoffs, lost their next three games, but led by upperclassmen and captain of Northwest girls’ Mary Frailey scored three goals. Northwest’s boys’ soccer team is with some wins, they hope to captains who have high varsity soccer team. There are as With more well played games pumped for the new season and regain momentum and reach their expectations for their team. “We many as three freshman playing such as this one, both Kristina working hard to make it expect everyone to keep varsity this season in addition to and Coach Garr expect the team further in the playoffs working hard and that we eight returning this year. “Our goal is to will be able to keep a winning starters from last make the states, and if streak,” Omari said. The year. “The team, we can do that we can team is made up primarily of despite their young win the Class S,” said juniors and seniors who have age, works well Jon Olszewski. Jon is a been working together for together,” Kristina captain this year, along several years. They are comments. Todd with Will Dodds and comfortable with each other Sadler, the new Omari Comrie. Other on the field, and the success coach, as well as a key players this season of the team is not based on very experienced are Jakquan Jackson, individual talent. “We soccer player in his junior, the team’s top support and encourage each own right, has a scorer, on the front line; other on and off the field,” large role in Jack and Ted Randazzo, said Omari. Many other bringing the sophomore and senior, Northwest students also players together respectively, at midfield; came out to support the Mary Kate Kearney through discipline. Shannon Morales outplays the opposition. and Boris Garcia, team during their home Mary Kate Kearney Mr. Sadler junior, on defense. The Will Dodds winds up for a great shot on goal. games, even with the currently coaches at the to do well in the Class M team opened their struggles in the early going. Farmington Sports Arena, a playoffs. According to Ciotto, season at home against Berlin playoff goal. Omari said, “Now “We had some injury problems, reputable soccer club founded by “Betsy Whalen, a senior, plays winning with a score of 2-0. This we’re into the season, and we’ve and nothing was really working Tony DiCicco, and previously goal keeper and proves to be a game boosted the team’s hopes worked out some better team out,” said Will, talking about the played for the University of strong part of the team.” Several for a victorious season. However, chemistry.” The team is eager to challenges that faced to the Hartford and in the 1994 sources appear to agree that starting goalie Patrick Kearney improve their record. “We’ll be Indians. The upcoming games will Canadian Games. Tony DiCicco Betsy, and the captains, Shannon suffered a wrist injury in the first competitive with anyone in the show whether Northwest will served as head coach of the U.S. Morales, a forward, Shealagh game. This badly hurt the team, conference,” said Will. The reach the states and whether or Women’s National Team for 119 Begley, a defensive midfielder, and who had the most difficult talented veteran team is ready for not they will be a real contender games and established a winning Kristina, a center midfielder, do a opponents coming up. “We had a anyone they may have to face for the state championship. percentage of .899, the best in fantastic job leading the team. U.S. Soccer history. Mr. Garr, Mr. Garr particularly who teaches at Northwest, is the compliments Ciotto and Morales Volleyball Works Hard, “Locks Up” Winning Season assistant coach for the varsity as “a nasty duo, playing By Jake Spignesi great experience. After losing last Caitlin Kearns brings a strong team, in addition to coaching extremely well together, both year three times to this element to the group and led the junior varsity. The season opened possibly all-conference Last season, the Northwest Girls team…being able to beat them team in digs as of mid-season. with a very challenging schedule, selections.” Additionally, “Begley Volleyball Team reached the state this year was very rewarding, and The attack of the team is led by with the team playing is the most ‘complete’ player playoffs. This year, despite a slow I believe, showed how our hard the force of Danielle Gilmour, Northwest Catholic start, they are fighting for another work paid off. It was also very who began the season leading the has seen in four winning season. The team nice to see the great school team in kills. Maura Eagan also years! She can play members, led by senior captains brings aid to the team as a any position and is Casey Curry and Audra defensive specialist and an all clearly one of the Wooldridge, are pleased with the around strong player. Other vital best players in the group’s performance. players include Maddy Deneen, Northwest The team had an exciting match Katie Ulrich, Nina Varney, Conference.” Mr. early in the season against Rocky Andrea Jimenez, Anna Smith, Garr “believes the Hill. Last year, Northwest played and Meghan Feeney. When team to be capable Rocky Hill twice in the regular asked about the overall play of of defeating every season. The games were close and team this season, Audra team in the hard fought, though Northwest responded, “We’re most proud of conference on a lost in the end. The two teams how we performed after the first given night this met again in last year’s playoff three games…Starting the season season if the team run. Northwest lost to Rocky 0-3 definitely shook our plays smart.” Hill a second time. This year, confidence. To be able to work Kristina feels very motivated by last year’s defeats, through that and play the way we optimistic about next the girls put up a fight and finally are playing now is a major year, as the team Madelyn Filomeno

Mary Kate Kearney had their revenge. The close game accomplishment. There is always only has three Northwest serves up the ball. Kristina Ciotto drives the ball forward. required effort from the entire room for improvement, but we starters graduating team. Junior middle-hitter Anna support at the game from fellow feel strong about how we’re Farmington, Berlin, and East this year and will be led by Smith contributed greatly, with students.” playing now and look forward to Catholic early in the season. The potential All-State players three fierce kills that eventually Aside from the captains Audra working towards the playoffs.” Farmington game ended in a loss Shealagh Begley and Melissa became game-winning points. and Casey, other key players Northwest faces a tough schedule of 3-1 but at the half the score Horn. The varsity team hopes to Audra was overjoyed with the win contribute to the success of the ahead of them, but the team has had been tied. According to Mr. be able to carry over success from saying, “It was a great game and a team. Defensive specialist junior high hopes of having yet another Garr, “this game suggests that the this season into the next. great season. Three New Varsity Coaches: Herbert, Bonner, and Sadler, Join Northwest Athletic Program By Jessica DiFranceso (1991) and Avon High School volleyball for one year and swam Todd won a National start, Coach Sadler sees some (1993), until he same to for three years. She also swam at Championship with his U16 team “positive things” and is looking The start of every school year Northwest and coached the Marymount College and St. and 5 Provincial Championships. forward to the improvement he always brings something new: junior varsity boys. His favorite Joseph College. In her sophomore He then received a scholarship to knows is coming. He loves seeing new classes, new teachers, new part of coaching is “seeing the year at Marymount, she was the play soccer at the University of his players “grow on and off the friends, or new sports seasons. kids grow up.” He is “excited assistant coach for the swim team. Hartford. He also played in the field” and learn new things; he This year, Northwest Catholic about the opportunity to coach At St. Jospeh’s, she coached the 1994 Canadian Games on the feels that coaching is “just like welcomes several new coaches to the girls” and is “looking forward Junior Jays, a team for children U20 team. After graduating, he teaching.” As an athlete, he is a the community. Mr. Josh Reese, to a new season.” who want the opportunity to returned to Canada to play very competitive person. our athletic director, is Danahy Bonner, the new swim swim competitively. Her favorite soccer professionally with the However, while winning is enthusiastic about the new team coach, is no stranger to part about coaching a team is York Shooters for two years. In important, he would rather see coaches and says, “We’re excited. Northwest. A graduate of the “seeing everyone, from freshmen 2000, he moved to Chicago where his team develop and grow. He We’re excited about a new school, she was the assistant to seniors…flourish as a swimmer he coached a Premiere Club, the would love to still have the season.” coach for the swim team last and as an individual.” Chicago Magic Soccer Club, for opportunity to play, but he feels Karl Herbert, the new coach for season and rose to head coach Todd Sadler, the new girls’ varsity five years. In 2005 he returned to that coaching is the “next best the varsity girls’ basketball team, during the former head coach’s soccer coach, is “really happy” to Connecticut where he coached thing…to get the competitive is a graduate of South Catholic brief absence. She enjoyed this have such a “great experience.” boys’ junior varsity at juices flowing.” High School and Dean College, experience and felt that it was Originally from Canada, he Wethersfield High School. This is These coaches show promise to where he played basketball. His “rewarding to see all the played soccer, basketball, and his first year coaching girls’ lead their teams to victory, even if previous coaching experience swimmers improve” during the football throughout his four varsity soccer and he is looking this victory is individual and team includes the freshman basketball month that she coached them. years in high school. While forward to this experience. growth instead of winning teams at South Catholic High While at NWC, she played playing Youth Soccer in Canada, Although the team had a rocky championships. November 2007 Northwest Catholic Page 11 SPORTS Football Battles Through Tough Season XC Runs Towards States By Kate Schuppe cool down. In total, the team will Indians Trying to Win Third Consecutive Conference Championship run six to twelve miles per By Michael Murray half, Northwest recorded its receiver, Balkun, remarked, “It’s The cross country season began practice, sometimes without a first touchdown of the season going pretty good, we’re .500 August twenty-eighth with an break. The captains organize Despite a slow start to the 2007 with a 71 yard drive, capped by now, but we can do better.” The exciting group of new runners. which parts of the team practice season, the Northwest Catholic sophomore Joe McAndrews’ one team’s goal is to go undefeated Cross country has both junior different drills, and they plan football team is determined to yard touchdown run. Both through the rest of the season. varsity and varsity levels; the Saturday training runs. They also persevere and qualify for state teams then took turns scoring, “Although we have two losses varsity team consists of the seven hold spaghetti dinners and an already, we’re going to runners with the lowest average annual sleepover. continue to work hard time. Once a runner reaches an While the teams may train and try to make the average within the seven best on together, the girls and boys run playoffs,” said Eagan. the team, they receive their varsity separately. The girls run 4,000 Golic agrees with Eagan letter. The athletes have been meters, or about 2.5 miles, and the and is confident in the boys run 5,000 meters, or about team’s ability and 3.1 miles. The average runner, for perseverance as he says, both girls and boys, completes the race in about eighteen minutes “We’re working hard to and forty-five seconds. Cross pull out another six country meets usually last from wins.” two to three hours, but the length The team came yet only depends on the slowest another step closer to runner’s time. Everyone starts their goal on October 13 running together. The trick is to with a 29 – 0 victory at start at a good pace to get past RHAM. Touchdowns the slower runners and move to were scored by the head of the pack; it is hard to

John Shevchuk McAndrews, running pull ahead later in the race. Most The Northwest offensive line gets ready for another explosive play. back, and Ryan Foster, of the time, the people who start running back, who each out together will finish together. championship competition. with Northwest’s final scored twice against the RHAM Williamson Mrs. Kearny finishes the race strong. If the runner starts out last, most Displaying their usual touchdown coming in the defense and played outstanding likely they will finish last. outstanding qualities of hard beginning of the fourth quarter. games. One notable stat was training hard every day after Cross country is a team sport, as work and deep dedication to the Senior Dean Spence, one of McAndrews’ 155 rushing yards school, and the season will well as an individual sport. team, the players are led by an three quarterbacks during the against RHAM. The defense continue until early November. Individually, the runner is trying exceptional coaching staff and a game, ran the ball 15 yards into played exceptionally well, The teams run in a total of five to improve their time and great squad of captains. the end zone. The team played pushing themselves to the limit invitationals and have one stamina. However, the team is The varsity squad is again under well in front of the crowded to completely shut out the conference meet each week. The trying to achieve a high score the capable coaching of Michael stands, but New London scored RHAM offense. This win puts invitational meets are the Mercy based on the placement of each Tyler, assisted by Kevin Doyle, the final touchdown of the game them even closer to qualifying Invitational, the Blue Dragon runner. The score is based on the Matt Martorelli, Scott Rapport, in the fourth quarter, and the for state championship Invitational, the Going To the placement of the runners. For Shawn Ring, and Jeff Soto. Said final score was 21-27. This competition. Sun Invitational, the Greater instance, if a team had runners in Coach Tyler, “I think we have a disappointing loss was soon Although the team this year is Hartford Invitational, and the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and real good team, all the players followed by strong wins over truly is a senior laden team, a Wickam Invitational. Freshmen eighth place, then the team’s score Enfield and St. Paul, number of underclassmen, and sophomores also get a would be twenty-six. The quote where Northwest won specifically sophomores Justin chance to run in their own “you are only as good as your with scores of 20-7 and Strid, Griffin Murphy, Tom invitational. The boys’ and girls’ 42-7 respectively. Bourdon, and Joe McAndrews teams run in the Northwest In their next test, on are already making a substantial Conference, composed of nine October 6, Northwest impact on the varsity squad, teams throughout the region. had a difficult game as giving a promising glimpse of The girls’ team is expecting an they went up against the seasons to come. exciting season, despite the loss of the undefeated Terriers A number of the team’s senior the graduated seniors. The girls’ of Rocky Hill High veterans plan on playing team was runner-up in the state School. Trailing by a football when they go to college last season, and the team is score of 6-0 at halftime, next fall. Some, like Michael expected to do even better this the Indians made a Golic, who will be attending year. The girls have twenty-seven comeback run in the Notre Dame, already have runners, eight of which are third quarter, on a schools in mind, and others, like freshmen. Captains Mary Kate touchdown scored by Kevin Eagan, are still surveying Kearney, Genevieve Quinn, and sophomore Justin their options. These seniors are Stephanie Frazao lead the team Strid. Unfortunately, going to do their best to pass on well, with Kelly Yorio, Katie John Shevchuk Vignati, and Mika Gauger also Nathan Tyler battles the defense. Northwest was the traditions of Northwest looking for success this year. Williamson Mrs. ultimately defeated in Catholic football to a talented Mortillaro sprints to the end. are working hard and we’re well the fourth when Rocky Hill and dedicated group of The boys’ team is also off to a prepared for the season.” Five made an interception and underclassmen while they can. great start, winning the Mercy fifth runner” comes from the experienced senior captains are returned the ball for the Remarking on the team’s Invitational. The captains, cross country scoring method. helping guide the team this year winning touchdown. The final underclassmen population, Brandon Forrester, Adam The best score possible is fifteen, as well: Nicholas Balkun, Lucius score was 7-13. After the loss to Coach Tyler says, “I definitely Mortillaro, and Ben Pluta, are which occurs when a team holds Couloute, Kevin Eagan, see a lot of potential.” The hoping for an exceptional season. the five lowest placements. Like Michael Golic, and skill and commitment of There are thirty runners, golf, when you earn a low score, Nathan Tyler, all of these underclassmen bodes including eight freshmen. Despite your team has done well. By whom possess invaluable well for the future of a tough loss to Farmington by earning the lowest score at the one point, the team has won Northwest Conference Meet, the leadership and experience Northwest football. against St. Paul, Plainville, Rocky boys’ team won the Northwest for the team. How will the team continue Hill, East, Berlin, RHAM, and Conference Championship. The Northwest football to fare this season? Middletown . Coach Fletcher is Finishing in the top 15 at the program is no stranger to According to Coach Tyler, looking for the team to finish in Conference Meet and earning All- success. The team has “We’ll continue to do well the top three in both their Conference recognition were, for participated in the state with hard work.” With conference and in the state. the girls, Kearney, 8, and Quinn, playoffs in two of the last games against powerhouse To prepare for races, these 10; for the boys it was Mortillaro, three years. In 2004, the Berlin, and storied rivals athletes have to constantly stay 5, Greco, 8, and Forrester, 12. team went to the semi- Farmington and East hydrated, eat well, and work hard This is Coach Fletcher’s twenty- finals in states, but was Catholic still to come, the outside of meets and practices. third year coaching cross country defeated. Although Northwest Catholic They need to have a high at Northwest Catholic. Together, Northwest did not football team has a tough tolerance for pain, good stamina, he and the past teams have won qualify last year, they road ahead. However, due concentration, and mental several state championships, have played in 2005 as well, to the dedication of all the toughness. Practices are everyday, been runners up to the state but were eliminated in the players and coaches, it

John Shevchuk and organized mostly by the champions, and have been first round by New Joe McAndrews carries the ball. should be an exciting captains. They train on different conference champs numerous London. journey. Check out the terrain, such as hills and narrow times. With determination and The Indians opened their season Rocky Hill, the football team schedule on Edline.net and come trails, to practice for meets. They hard work, the long tradition of on September 14 with a home was sporting a 2-2 record out and support your team. also practice speed and running at Northwest will game under the lights against through the first month of the Game highlights are available at calisthenics. The team does about continue with pride and victory in New London. Early in the first season. Captain and wide Courant.com. a half-mile warm up and a mile the 2007 season. Page 12 Northwest Catholic November 2007 SPORTS Cheerleaders Show Their Spirit 2007 Baseball Team Finishes Second in States By Jaclyn Diaz while two have never been By Will Dodds As a result of their domination from a four-run fifth inning cheerleaders before. However, due through the twenty games of posted by St. Bernard’s, and This year’s cheerleading squad to the sense of community, the The Northwest Catholic baseball regular season play, the team ended up falling just short of welcomes new members and a cheerleaders help each other to team had a truly remarkable entered the Class S state playoffs victory. new captain, junior Courtney make their team stronger. season last year, culminating in a ranked as the number two seed The accomplishments of the Carroll. The team consists of nine The worst part of cheerleading is, loss in the state championship and were rewarded with a first Northwest Catholic baseball team members, four of which are according to Courtney, “When game and runner-up status. round bye. Northwest’s exciting extend even further from their freshmen. people don’t think of it as a Throughout the regular season, run in the postseason began with impressive records and state The job as captain is a not an sport.” Cheerleading requires in which the team posted an 18-2 a strong victory over Cromwell championship appearance, easy one. The captain needs to be practice four times a week and record and was undefeated High School. Next, in the however. Senior captains Mike able to handle responsibility and there is always the possibility of against Northwest Conference quarterfinals, Northwest faced Bourdon and Jack Wagoner were be a good role model for other, being carried away on a stretcher opponents, both the players and Shepaug Valley High School. The voted to the Class S All-State younger girls on the team. She during a game. The cheerleaders coaching staff knew that they two teams fought a tight battle team. Kyle Sumple will join these needs to interact well with the compete with athletes from other were destined for great success. until the bottom of the seventh two playing Division I collegiate members in order for the team to schools at the state level. Just The team was led on the mound inning, when senior captain Mike baseball; Mike at Fairfield by Jack Wagoner University, Jack at (1.24 era) and Kyle Sacred Heart Sumple (9-0), as University, and Kyle well as current at Siena College. sophomore Tom Bourdon was also Bourdon, who also drafted this past finished the year spring by the Boston batting .424. The Red Sox in the 41st team did, in fact, round of the Major not only meet but League Baseball exceed expectations Draft. The as they made impressive

Mr. Dodd school history. performance of The Cheerleaders bring their enthusiasm to the football games. This was the first current senior Northwest Catholic outfielder Anthony cooperate. Even though the because there is no ball does not baseball team to Blake was also captain has a big role in guiding mean it is not a sport. appear in a state acknowledged, as he and motivating the teams, she The Northwest cheerleading championship was chosen to does not do it alone. The head squad puts in time and game since 1965. participate in the coach for this year’s team is dedication. They cheer for both The team also Connecticut All-Star Coach Christine Michaud. She the football and basketball teams finished the season game for the top 40 and her assistant give the team at home and at away games, as with a record of 21- Passages Archives juniors in the state. Greg Marakovits is a returning member from the ‘07 squad. new routines and choreography well as holding fundraisers, such 3, the best record Despite graduating to use in the future. as car washes and bake sales. yet for a baseball team at Bourdon ended the game with a many starters, the Northwest Courtney’s expectation for the These girls somehow find time to Northwest. These impressive walk-off single. In the semifinals, Catholic baseball team plans to team this year is “for the team to practice, cheer at games, compete, achievements were also Northwest faced the daunting extend their incredible season improve and become closer.” The do schoolwork, and raise money. recognized by major newspapers task of defeating traditional with more success in the spring of team is not only a group, but a Despite the incredible amount of in Connecticut such as the New powerhouse Windsor Locks 2008. The team looks to the community as well. When a work that comes with being a Haven Register and the Hartford High School; they sent the back- intimidating pair of Greg person is falling behind on a cheerleader, these girls make it Courant, both of whom ranked to-back state champs home for Marakovits and Tom Bourdon to particular routine, everybody look easy. Northwest Catholic as one of the the season. Finally, in a fight for shut down opposing batters, slows down and helps them. On With the new school year and top 10 baseball teams in the state the state championship, Anthony Blake to lead the this team, hard work, rather than new pressures, the Northwest for seven consecutive weeks. The Northwest went up against the offense, and remaining seniors J.P. experience, is the most important Cheerleading Squad will no team finished the season ranked number one seed, St. Bernard’s. Jordan and Joe Angelico to asset. Some cheerleaders have doubt bring perfection to every eighth in both polls. The Indians had an early lead, contribute significantly as well. more experience than others, routine. but they could not come back Field Hockey Keeps Improving Athlete of the Season: Genevieve Quinn By Lauren Walz The team’s record is due largely to their work and the strong drive Senior Genevieve Quinn has run a lot, so I usually do around I definitely want to run in Northwest Catholic’s girls’ varsity of the formidable number of earned her spot at the top of the 50 miles a week. I also do a 14 college. Distance runners don’t field hockey team began the seniors on the team and Girls’ Cross Country Team. As a mile every Sunday, which really reach their peak potential until season with a bang. The team this outstanding performance by freshman, she was an average tires me out. age 33, so I have a long time to year is very strong, and off to a others. Senior captains Alex runner, but through her hard keep improving. fantastic start for the season. All Marandino, Nora Regan, and work during the summers, she What are your goals for the rest of of the girls’ hard work in practice Dianna Soucier lead the other has dropped her two-mile time the season? How do you feel cross country is paying off, since the varsity seven members of the class of ’08: by more than five minutes. Gen’s has helped you as a person? team has its best record yet. They Kelsey Cahalan, Katie Curtin, had an amazing season so far, I just want to continue to get Meghan Dees, Brittney higlighted by outstanding better. I’ve come really far since I Cross country has done a lot Kennedy, Taylor Knortz, finishes at conference races. Her for me. I was always the kid Ashley Mara, and most notable performance came who got picked last in gym Julianne McAndrews. Dianna Soucier and the in a home meet against RHAM class and got teased for not Northwest team were and Berlin where she set the new being athletic. Now I can go even mentioned in the school record for the course. She for a 14 mile run and it’s Hartford Courant for finished in 10th place at the routine. I’ve also learned if their 2007 high school Conference Championship on you work hard enough, field hockey preview. The October 18, earning All- good things will happen. It top scorers on the team Conference Honors. just might take a while. are Alex Marandino, Dianna Soucier, and What is your favorite part about How has the season been Kayleigh Donnelly. running cross country? going? Leading the defense is Nora Regan, Brooke Probably the unpredictability. The season’s been fun so far. Denver, and Ashley When you’re on the starting line I’ve had my ups and downs Madelyn Filomeno Northwest moves the ball up the field. Mara. you never know what kind of though. Some days I race The team has also race you’re going to run. It’s and feel great, other days have 4 wins, 3 losses, and one tie, become much more popular since terrifying. I’m never more my legs feel like lead pipes.

compared to just two wins last its founding four years ago, terrified than before a race, but Williamson Mrs. Training hard and racing year, at the mid-point of the growing to have over 44 girls. The when the gun goes off, it all Genevieve finishes ahead of the pack. well don’t necessarily go season. freshman class’ interest in field disappears and I just run for my together, but on the days I Early in their season, they hockey helped to bring up the life. started, but I’m never really feel good, I know all my hard defeated Brookfield, Somers, and numbers on the team to support satisfied. My main goal is to work is paying off. That feeling Sacred Heart. Although they the strong senior class. What do you do to stay in shape finish well in the State Meet. running, when all you want to cannot always achieve success, The team is expected to continue during the off season? do is stop, when it hurts so bad their losses are always hard- strong as their season continues Do you plan to continue running in you don’t think you can go fought games. on and they are sure to bring The main thing I do is try to college? another step, that’s distance The Varsity team is coached by home several more victories keep my weekly mileage high. running. You can amaze Jill Mullady, with Bill Mullady before the season is complete. The only way to improve is to yourself. leading Junior Varsity.