Cardinal Spellman High School Rev. Trevor Nicholls- President Mr. Daniel O’Keefe- Principal

THE PILOT November 2013

Welcome to the online version of our November edition! Online exclusives include: • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tips (p. 9) • Why the rush for Christmas? (p. 9) • Thanksgiving Poem (p. 11) • The story behind Thanksgiving your teachers haven’t told you (p. 10) • Review of Thor: the Dark World (p. 7) • Thanksgiving Around the World (p. 8)

Upcoming Events

November 26— Parent- Teacher Conferences from December 4— 1:50pm Dismissal (Faculty Meeting)

2pm-5pm and 6pm-8pm, Dismissal at 1:19pm December 6– Open Gym Night (7-10pm)

November 27— Thanksgiving Mass December 9— Junior Retreat

November 28-December 2— Thanksgiving Recess December 17— Christmas Concert

Pro-Life Assembly School News by Elizabeth Noone Freshman Field Day Results by Kristen McMonagle On Friday, October 11, Spellman had a special guest

for its Pro-Life Assembly--Mrs. Gloria Purvis. Mrs.

Purvis spoke to Freshmen and Sophomores first,

and later held the same assembly for Juniors and

While Sophomores and Juniors suffered through Seniors. She spoke about sex, abortion, marriage, the PSAT, the Freshmen of Cardinal Spellman were and chastity. One point Mrs. Purvis made was that having a day full of fun and excitement. This year’s society tends to portray sex as something wrong or

Freshman Field Day included a lot of competition as dirty, but it is actually a gift of God that is good and students represented their homerooms with pride. holy, which is why it should be saved for marriage.

Special thanks to all the faculty and the STARS who She spoke about how marriage is much more than made this day possible, and congratulations to 1A a piece of paper; it is a commitment that brings for taking the gold! couples together to truly love each other.

Mrs. Purvis also talked about a woman named

1st Place Overall 1A Margaret Sanger. Sanger was an ex-Catholic who 2nd Place Overall 1D targeted minorities. Through her prejudice and

3rd Place Overall 1B commitment to slowing population growth, she

Long Jump Winners 1C, 1B, 1A (boys) 1L, 1A, 1H (girls) founded Planned Parenthood and began giving out

Volleyball Winners 1A, 1B, 1K birth control to women. I hope that Mrs. Gloria

Hockey Shot Winners 1C, 1N, 1D (boys) Purvis made everyone reflect on how all life is

1H, 1N, 1G (girls) so precious and that everyone deserves to have a

Soccer Winners 1D, 1I, 1C (boys) chance to live. 1A, 1I, 1G (girls)

Foul-Shooting Winners 1K, 1F, 1A (boys) 1D, 1M (girls)

Tug of War Winners 1N, 1H

Obstacle Winners 1J, 1G

Football Winners 1G, 1B, 1N (boys) 1F, 1H, 1I (girls)

Softball Winners 1B, 1H, IC (boys) 1E, 1G, 1I (girls)

Double Dutch Winners 1M, 1C, 1A

100 m Track Winners 1D, 1A, 1I, 1F, 1N

200 m Track Winners 1D, 1E, 1B, 1A

Track Relay Winners 1K, 1B, 1N, 1F, 1D, 1A

Fifty years ago, Fr. Monaghan was invited to work 50 Years at Spellman?! at our school by Cardinal Spellman himself, at a By Kristen McMonagle time when things were very different than they are

today. When he first came to Spellman, the school Upperclassmen might feel that they know all there was co-institutional, meaning boys and girls were is to know about Spellman because they have been taught separately, something that’s hard to imagine in the school for three or four years, but they have now that classes are mixed. However, boys and nothing on Fr. Monaghan. He’s been working at girls could socialize at lunch, and fifty years ago Spellman longer than anyone else in the history at they were always supportive of each other’s sports Spellman– 50 years! This experienced is definitely and came to each other’s games as Spellmanites unmatched, as he is the first person to work at today still do. Spellman for such a long period of time. Before

Fr. Monaghan made this record, it was Sal Schiazza When asked about something Spellman used (yes, the man after whom the fitness center is to have that should be brought back today, Fr. named) who had worked the most years at Spellman, Monaghan did not hesitate to praise our school’s as he contributed 47 years as a part of our school’s previous emphasis on forensics. Today we have faculty. forensic science classes, but we’re talking about

forensics in the public speaking sense. Spellman Today, Fr. Monaghan is the Audio Visual Manager used to have an admirable debate team, which is of Cardinal Spellman High School, and can usually something that Fr. Monaghan would love to see be found in the A/V room, a place that holds lots come back today. of Spellman history. One feature of this room is that it is the center of the cable television feed to As for something that has remained constant over the school. Although the cable does not currently the past fifty years, Fr. Monaghan stated that he work after recent storms, Fr. Monaghan recalled continues to be impressed by the dedication of when it was used to broadcast CNN throughout the Spellman’s faculty and its students’ desire to learn. school on September 11th, 2001 so that everyone He believes the wonderful faculty and staff at in Spellman could get the up-to-date information Spellman now and throughout its history are the on what was happening on such a tragic day where key to its success. New York was in a state of panic and confusion.

Throughout his fifty years at Spellman so far,

Fr. Monaghan has witnessed the history of the The Pilot would like to thank Fr. Monaghan for all school firsthand and has acquired a lot of valuable he has contributed to Spellman. knowledge on Cardinal Spellman High School.

the second floor, and a bulletin board outside the cafeteria

Pilot Spotlight listing important upcoming events. This Thanksgiving

In every issue, The Pilot features one of season, we are especially thankful for the Service Society’s

Spellman’s 50+ clubs. This month, we will efforts in the Turkey Toss Up, which allows Spellman take a candid look at Cardinal Spellman’s Service Society. families in need to have a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner

thanks to the generosity of the people in Cardinal Spellman Service Society High School. By Michelle Miller

On September 25th, 175 students attended the Entertainment first service society meeting of the 2013 school : Celebrating 50 Years year. Present at the meeting were returning seniors, By Cynthia and Raysa Gonzalez a strong group of sophomores and juniors, and enthusiastic freshmen. As always, the goal of the

Service Society is to help those who are poor, those who are struggling, and those who are suffering from How does one explain Doctor Who? Trying to tragedies. In our community alone, there are a great talk about Doctor Who to someone who has never amount of people in need, which is why the club watched it is like explaining nuclear physics to a primarily focuses on the needs of local people. For dog. It contains complicated plots and twists, a example, Service Society holds the Feeding Our multitude of characters, and fifty years’ worth of

Neighbors food drive each year. At this drive, history. But if you think about it, the premise is food supplies are gathered and given to nearby simple. It stars a character known as , food pantries. This year Ms. Alexander, the club a Time Lord alien, who travels through time and moderator, wishes to focus on promoting leadership space in a blue police box called the TARDIS in all Service Society members. Service Society (Time and Relative Dimension in Space). The provides a chance for students to lead projects Doctor often travels with companions to help him directly and make a change. As a member of the in his adventures. He has many memorable foes as

Service Society, it is very pleasing to know that well, such as the Cybermen, the , and The you have the power to make a difference by doing Master. Eleven different actors have played the a small deed. Each event allows students to make a Doctor, which might confuse new viewers, but it positive change while also having fun. The service is because when the Doctor is close to death, he society motto is “living the gospel faith in action,” regenerates into a different person. and this is exactly what the club does. For more information about Service Society there is a calendar On November 23, 1963, the show began in Britain, posted in every class, a display cabinet on starring William Hartnell as the First Doctor,

Carole Ann Ford as his granddaughter Susan, and 23rd and will be shown in theatres around the

William Russell and Jacqueline Hill as Susan’s world. There has been much excitement over the teachers, Ian and Barbara. The show became popular special since David Tennant and Billie Piper will right away and over 700 episodes were produced. return as the Tenth Doctor and Rose. Tickets to

Unfortunately, many of these episodes were lost special screenings were sold out within an hour. when videotape and film were destroyed under the belief that they were no longer needed. Luckily, Doctor Who is a beloved show with many devoted some episodes and clips have been recovered. In fans. Thanks to these fans, the show has been going

1989, Doctor Who suffered another loss and got on for fifty years and will hopefully continue on for canceled. In 1996, the show was unsuccessfully fifty more. revived. It introduced Paul McGann as the Eighth 90’s Throwbacks Doctor, which was his only onscreen appearance. by Loribel Peguero He later performed as the Doctor in many audio dramas. In 2005, the show was launched and starred Considering the fact that Cardinal Spellman High Christopher Eccleston as the and Billie School’s student body currently includes the last Piper as his , Rose. generation of 90’s kids, now would be the best

time to recognize the memories of our childhoods. This year Doctor Who is celebrating its fiftieth Even more than the music, dances, books, movies, anniversary. There have been many festivities to poetry, and artists, the TV shows are the most commemorate the show. In January, a series of memorable aspects of the time. We’ve all had specials that discussed a new doctor each month that conversation with a group of friends where began. There is also a special three-day event in we reminisce on the greatest TV shows of our London, which will feature many panel sessions childhood. With that being said, here are 90’s with people who worked on the show. Mark Gatiss, shows that most of us miss dearly. who has written for and acted in Doctor Who, wrote a television documentary drama to tell the story of The Proud Family: I think the majority of us the creation of the series called An Adventure in believe that Disney lost its touch once they took Space and Time. Two of the most important recent this show off the air. Most of us loved watching events are the announcement of the 14-year old Penny growing up and dealing with her and the 50th Anniversary Special. On August 4th, animated father and hilarious grandmother. The Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor revealed that “Gross sisters,” the three blue sisters, were some of would play the next Doctor. The the most memorable characters, along with Penny’s 50th Anniversary special will air on November, best friends: Dijonay, Sticky, Zoey, and LaCienega.

The Proud Family never failed to make me laugh and having confidence. Oh well, it was still a great and I hated to see it go. childhood show.

Dave the Barbarian: Although it wasn’t exactly Kim Possible: Although this series also was not created in the 90’s, I know many of us remember made in the 90’s, seeing Kim Possible and Ron laughing at this series. Looking in on this Stoppable fight the evil Doctor Drakken was a barbarian’s life was one of the most interesting very big part of our lives. Was I the only one that things of my childhood. It was even more secretly hoped Shego, Doctor Drakken’s assistant, captivating since instead of trying to conquer would turn to the good side? She always seemed new lands, Dave was mostly surrounded by his too pretty to be evil. Ron and Kim also seemed to hilarious family. There was his little sister Fang, the perfect for each other to not be together. I know uncivilized tomboy who loves to smash things and it was a great moment in all our childhoods when whose most memorable quote was “Not a monkey!” Ron FINALLY escaped the friend-zone. We also

We also all remember Dave’s sister Candy, who can’t forget about Wade, the computer genius. was the typical self-centered teenage girl. Although It’s sad to have to say that although most of us

Candy would prefer hanging out with her friends wished to be as active as Kim, most of us ended up and shopping over being in charge of the kingdom, following in Wade’s footsteps. she was very strong, with her catchphrase being,

“Don't mess with the princess.” Overall, we truly The Angry Beavers: I find it immensely depressing loved watching Dave’s adventures unravel episode that the next generation will never know the by episode. wonders of sitting in front of a television and

watching these two brothers fight. The show

Johnny Bravo: If you have yet to watch this TV allowed us to see Norbert and Daggett Beaver fuss show, please do everyone a favor and dismiss and argue, then later show lengths of brotherly yourself from any further human interaction. We all love. Their adventures always landed them in odd knew the self-absorbed egomaniac Johnny Bravo. yet entertaining predicaments. I always felt so bad

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed getting a good for Dagget, as he always seemed to have the worst laugh from his failed attempts of approaching a of luck while Norbert had the best. Replaying “The female. Although Johnny Bravo was most likely a Angry Beavers” episodes was a huge part of my

TV show meant to exhibit what NOT to do, some childhood. people didn’t get the point, because today there are people who are just as cocky as Johnny Bravo. At least we can try to believe he taught us persistence

Thor: The Dark World Review when compared to villains in other movies. Thor

by Ryan McMonagle and Loki hold their own against him and his forces,

but it does not seem too easy for them. The only

error in the plot is that Jane Foster seems to be an

unnecessary character, as she only serves as a love

interest to Thor.

Thor: The Dark World is the newest installment Of all the positives in The Dark World, of Marvel Studio’s Cinematic Universe and the acting is the pinnacle. Chris Hemsworth marks the first time Thor, the Prince of Asgard, provides the best performance as Thor yet, has returned since The Avengers. In this film, and all the supporting characters, even Natalie

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) fights against the Dark Portman as Jane Foster, are wonderful. Anthony

Elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) to save not Hopkins gives his best as Odin, and even gives an only Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), but also the interesting Shakespearean twist to the character. entire universe. To stop Malekith from turning the This movie’s titular character may be Thor, but universe into complete darkness, Thor must turn to Tom Hiddleston makes Loki is the star of the show. his traitorous, imprisoned half-brother, Loki (Tom No scene with his character is dull, and the humor

Hiddleston) while also betraying his father Odin, is outstanding. One particular scene displaying the King of Asgard (Anthony Hopkins). Such Loki’s ability of deception is the comedic highlight events allow the movie to be filled with non-stop of this movie, just as Loki is the comedic highlight action that does not disappoint. of all the characters.

If you are to take anything from this review, let All parts of this movie are masterfully done, and it be that Thor: The Dark World is one of the most the intergalactic scenes are visually majestic. Since enjoyable movies to be released this year, and is this is not an origins story as the first movie was, one of the best super hero movies ever released. If we see Thor and also Asgard in their full glory. you are a fan of super hero movies, you will love This aspect is very cool, as it is a first in the Marvel this movie. If not, it is a movie that’s still worth Cinematic Universe. The Dark Elf, Malekith, checking out. You can currently catch Thor: The brings dark magic into the mix, and these visuals Dark World in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D in theaters are spectacular. everywhere. Also, for those of you who are fans

of Captain America, you can catch a five minute In terms of the portrayal of characters in the movie, sneak preview of Captain America: The Winter Malekith is a refreshingly imposing villain, and his Soldier during 3D screenings! motives are actually understandable, especially

“mass”. On this day, people gather at the church Thanksgiving Specials with a loaf of bread from the First Wheat Harvest.

Thanksgiving Around the World The church then gives thanks to the harvest by By Alexa Pena blessing the loaf.

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, but not in

the same way as Americans. The only major

difference is that it’s celebrated earlier in Canada.

The Thanksgiving tradition actually commenced

in Canada, dating back to 1578 when explorer Sir

Thanksgiving is known to be an American custom, Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in newfound but did you know different cultures around the world land to give thanks. Apart from than that, both the have their own versions of the holiday? American and Canadian versions of Thanksgiving

In Southern India, Pongal, a festival named after a are otherwise very similar. cultural rice dish, is celebrated in January. During

Pongal, the community gathers and feasts; neighbors share crops and everyone who took part in the Black Friday Tips and Tricks by Serrena Singh successful harvest is shown appreciation.

The Chinese harvest of Ching Ch'ui, also known as the ‘August Moon Festival’, is celebrated in the middle of August. It lasts three days, during which families honor the end of the harvest season with Black Friday is the official start of the holiday traditional feasts such as roasted pigs and moon- shopping season. Make sure you’re prepared to cakes. The cakes signify family, unity, perfection, shop till you drop with these tips: and are shared among friends and family as a way of Safety In Numbers: Always shop with a friend or giving thanks. two. It’s good to have someone who can hold your

In the Jewish culture, families celebrate the harvest spot in a long line when you need a break; they festival know as Sukkot, which has been celebrated might even be able to spot you some cash. for 3,000 years. During the festivities, a sukkah hut Stock Up and Be Prepared: Make sure to bring is built out of branches under which for the Jews snacks and drinks along with you to limit getting eat. They share meals with their families in the out of line as much as possible. It’s best to hold sukkah for eight days. your place in line if you want to avoid getting into

The British Isles celebrate a harvest festival that fist fights with other shoppers accusing you of resembles Thanksgiving known as Lammas Day; it skipping. originates from the Old English words for “loaf” and

Scope It Out: Try to visit stores with high priority Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! items a day or two before Black Friday, and keep an By Melissa Melo eye out for any coupons (but don’t act like a creep).

It’s best to spot where they might be stocking items that will be on sale, so that way you won’t waste your time looking for something specific on the big day.

Plan It Out: Do some research and find out which stores have the best deals on items you’re in the market for. Keep a look out for stores that have an ad or price match guarantee to ensure you’re getting For the past 86 years, New York City has hosted your money’s worth. the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I Don’t Forget: There is also Cyber Monday! You personally think people should take advantage of can find great online deals on items that you weren’t this and go experience it at least once in their life. able to snatch up on Black Friday! I've gone twice already, and have gotten to learn all

Christmas Already? the do's and don'ts of attending this parade:

By Melanie Melo DO: Arrive early. The earlier you are, the better

chance you have a getting a nice view of all the It seems that with every passing year, Christmas floats. comes earlier and earlier. This is not your DON'T: Forget to bundle up be prepared for the imagination! Stores such as Macy’s, Target, worst. The weather can always change from just an and K-Mart have already begun their Christmas icy cold wind, to some harsh heavy snow. advertisements; some even aired long before DO: Wear comfortable shoes because you will be Halloween had arrived! I personally find this trend standing up for a while. It’s highly doubtful that to be very annoying. In the midst of the early

you’ll be able to ignore the pain forever.. Christmas advertisements, we tend to forget to enjoy the Thanksgiving season first. The holiday DON'T: Forget to wear your glasses/contacts if you of Thanksgiving seems to be almost pushed into need them. What’s the point of going if you can’t the corner in order to make room for Christmas. see?

Have we forgotten the true meaning of this season? DO: Bring a snack. The parade lasts a while, and

It’s not about getting the best deals or beating the you will eventually get hungry; it’s best to be ready holiday rush! To survive this holiday season, we for those hunger pangs. need to remember to hold onto our morals.

DON'T: Drink too much water! If you end up The Puritan settlers in America and the Pequot leaving to use the bathroom, your spot will be gone tribe had a history of conflicts through violence. by the time you get back! However, an outright war was spurred by the death

DO: Have a charged camera with an empty memory of an English trader. In response to the trader’s card! You’re going to need all the space you can death, the Puritans attacked and slaughtered about get to take pictures of the celebrities, floats, and seven hundred Pequot men, women, and children. character balloons that pass by. At this time, the governor of the Massachusetts Bay

DON'T: Let rude people push and shove to get in Colony declared that day a day of “thanksgiving” for front. You have your perfect view because you were the elimination of the Pequot people. there first.

DO: Remember to get hot cocoa afterwards, and Many people believe this massacre was the real first have a great Thanksgiving feast with your family. Thanksgiving. The United American Indians of New

DON'T: Forget to be thankful for all you have in England, a Native American activist organization, your life this year! has even accused the European colonists of covering

up the genocide and injustice that took place by

fabricating the Thanksgiving story that is commonly Thanksgiving: What They Didn’t known today. Teach You In Class

By Raysa Gonzalez Every Thanksgiving, the organization does not

partake in the traditional American celebration,

and holds a National Day of Mourning. While

many Americans see Thanksgiving as a day of

being grateful, many Native Americans see it as the

beginning of the end.

Most people have the understanding that

Thanksgiving originated when The Pilgrims and

Native Americans celebrated their first harvest with a feast. This story may not be true. Historians tend to disagree on the true origins of Thanksgiving; some believe that it began with the massacre of the Pequot

Indians.

Falling Turkey Drake the Type of Person… By Melissa Liriano by Tiffany Le • Drake the type of person to go up to the Spellman

girls who roll their skirt and say, "You don't have to Take a moment outside to look around. do this." Watch the leaves change and fall down to the • Drake the type of person to get depressed when Mr. ground. Smith doesn't high five him in the hallway. Breathe in the nice, crisp, chilly air. • Drake the type of person to go up to the lunch lady

Look at the trees - naked and bare. and be like, "With you feeding me every day…well

Let us see what autumn and November bring. I just feel like we have a connection."

As the change in season is quickly approaching. • Drake the type of person to put ice cubes in his soup

Cloudy skies overhead block the sunshine. when it's too hot.

No more beautiful flowers or butterflies. • Drake the type of person that will never go sky

Darkness seems to arrive much earlier. diving because he's afraid of letting go.

But the lights inside us all glow stronger. • Drake the type of person that won’t steal the bike at

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. the beginning of San Andreas.

Bringing families closer together. • Drake the type of person to get a wanted star in

Pause and count our blessings. Grand Theft Auto, drive to the police station and

From trivial to important things. turn himself in.

For all we take for granted, let us be thankful. • Drake the type of person who cries every time his

Let us take the day to say thank you to our angels. math teacher asks him to find "x".

Why not show gratitude to all those helping hands • Drake the type of person to make a photo collage lent? for his homeboy's birthday.

To all those who helped us when our hearts have • Drake the type of person to lay under a tree, catch been bent? leaves before they hit the ground & whisper,

Love and appreciate life and health. “Letting go is the hardest part.”

All the prosperity and wealth. • Drake the type of person that won't use hand

But most of all, thank the Lord above. sanitizer because he feels guilty about killing germs.

For He does wonders out of love. • Drake the type of person to volunteer to sit on

Look around and realize, you are blessed. somebody when there's no more room in the car.

So, Happy Thanksgiving, and make sure your gratitude is expressed. The Pilot Staff welcomes anyone who is feeling Drake

Give thanks to The Lord for he is good; his love and wants to come talk to us; we can cry together. endures forever. -Psalm 136:1

The Pilot Staff

MODERATOR Mr. Rivlin EDITOR IN CHIEF Kristen McMonagle ’15

WRITERS

Ryan Gangadin ’17 Melissa Melo ’15 Cynthia Gonzalez ’15 Christine Miller ’15 Raysa Gonzalez ’15 Michelle Miller ’15 Calayah Heron ’15* Rebecca Mota ’15 Tiffany Le ’16 Elizabeth Noone ’17 Melissa Liriano ’16 Loribel Peguero ’17 Sarah Maymi ’16 Alexa Pena ‘17 Kristen McMonagle ’15 *Also editor Ryan McMonagle ’16 Melanie Melo ’15

Stay tuned for our Holiday Edition in December!