A Battle of Fire and Ice By: Marinna Rodarte Termined As Ever to Come Back First Goal Within the First Half

The Visor Bishop O’Connell High School Volume 60 Issue 1

2017 Homecoming p. 4-5

A Battle of Fire and Ice By: Marinna Rodarte termined as ever to come back first goal within the first half. strong in what they hope will “Our whole bench went Have you ever wondered be round two next year. crazy,” said junior Kyle Lever- what would happen if the players There is one thing that one, who played goalie for his of field hockey and those of ice both teams can agree on how- team the whole game. “After hockey met on the same playing ever, and that is supporting a the goal, our entire team got in field? Well at Bishop O’Connell cause that is near and dear to Student Opinion a straight line, sat down, and High School, that is exactly what the spirit of Bishop O’Connell, started paddling their sticks like p.6 happened. For the first time ever, finding a cure for cystic fibro- they were in a boat. I wasn’t O’Connell’s varsity field hockey sis. O’Connell students have expecting that at all.” and ice hockey teams fought girls been contributing to the cause against boys in the “Fire and Ice” for more than 40 years through It should also be men- game, a match created to raise their annual fundraising event, tioned that the guys, in all their money for cystic fibrosis (CF) Superdance, a 12-hour dance- spirit for the cause, performed research. a-thon. in field hockey skirts. This On the evening of Monday, Reflecting back on the scene caused quite a laugh Sept. 25, students, faculty and game, Kyle said, “I had an among the female players. parents crowded together in the unbelievable amount of fun that As field hockey player junior stands as they eagerly anticipated night, but it’s more personal for Aubrey Donohue said, “It was what was sure to be a memorable the hockey team because our hilarious!” event. The game was action-pac- assistant coach, Danny Bessette, Despite the boys’ efforts, ked as players ran down the field, has CF.” Coach Danny played the girls surpassed their oppo- trying to gain the upper hand. As here at O’Connell, graduating nents with a final score of 4-2. the battle raged on, the boys in 2002. Today, he continues Of course, it can be argued that ice hockey team clashed their to struggle with this disease the field hockey team held an way forward and surprised nearly and has just received a new set unfair advantage. Yet this has everyone in the audience as juni- of lungs within the past year. or Garrison O’Donnell scored the only made the boys just as de-

Defending the Title p.3 Visor Nov. 2017 Page 2

IHM Sisters On The Move The Visor Bishop O’Connell High School By: Ginny Brough 6600 Little Falls Road After 60 years of liv- The Arlington Diocese and the DJO Arlington, VA ing on campus, the IHM Sisters administration found the best solu- are moving a block and a half tion to be purchasing a house close Published quarterly, the student away to make room for a new to campus. This way the sisters newspaper of Bishop Denis J. O’Connell can be comfortable and the school High School is a public forum with chapel and classroom space. its student editorial board making all Since Bishop O’Connell has room for a proper chapel. decisions about its content, under the opened its doors in 1957, the Sis- Sister Regina, who is start- guidance of its faculty advisor. ters, Servents of the Immaculate ing her sixth year at O’Connell as Opinions in the paper are not necessarily Heart of Mary, have been liv- an Algebra 2/ Trig teacher, said those of the staff, nor should any opinion that she and her fellow Sisters are expressed in this public forum be ing and teaching on campus. Al- construed as the opinion or the policy of though in recent years the num- “excited to be part of a neighbor- Bishop O’Connell High School, unless ber of nuns living at O’Connell hood,” and to establish “a new so attributed. has declined, the value they add history on Rochester Street.” She to school has not gone anywhere. explained how the Sisters are get- The IHM sisters are re- ting the opportunity to “put their Staff Writers sponsible for the development of own fingerprints” on their new con- the school over the years as well vent and to be a part of the change. Editor-In-Chief Sports as the development of the stu- Overall, the IHM Sisters Shekinah Banks Seylon Edmundson dents who attend it. Class of ‘61 are looking forward to the reno- John Ellis grad and current theology teacher vations to come and the good it The Arts Val McIntosh Campus News at O’Connell Mr. Dwyer said that will do for the school. The Sis- Malia Stephens Marinna Rodarte “The Sisters mean everything to the ters hope to move into their Nic Hidalgo school. They are the foundation of new house before Christmas. Entertainment faith here at O’Connell and I and Ginny Brough Opinion indebted and thankful to them.” Nick Liverpool Ben Jeffery Alissa Keegan However, with all the new Spreads renovations to be done on the Ian Alvano school, it was apparent that the Ruth Lewarne convent needed to be downsized.

O’Connell Gives Families a Feel of Community Faculty Moderator by Opening the House Mr. Robert Horan

By: Shekinah Banks Every year during the in organizing open house, all at- was a big turnout in the amount of fall, Bishop O’Connell’s admis- tendees received a view book and people who showed up with inter- sions and others in the commu- a course booklet. Families were est in O’Connell. At the end of the nity come together to show fami- encouraged to explore and have a Open House, to remember their lies what the school has to offer. classroom experience with inter- time at O’Connell, cups with the Families from around active presentations with subjects logo were given out along with the metropolitan area pay a visit like Biology, Religion, Social Stud- chocolate with the O’Connell logo. to view whether or not their son ies, English, Math, Visual Arts, and or daughter has an interest in the many other classes. In the cafete- school they are visiting. The open ria, there were Department Chairs, house for Bishop O’Connell gave Christian Service, and Food and the opportunity to show why their Transportation among others to of- community is great, with academ- fer a plethora of information about ics, athletics, and other interests the services offered at O’Connell. offered. As a warm welcome, In the gym and on the play- families were greeted by stu- ing field,coaches from every sport dents, cheerleaders, and faculty. were present to encourage and dis- During the information cuss their athletic team along with session in the beginning of the feedback from players of that sport. open house, many of the speakers, Coaches took contact information to teachers and students, mentioned follow up with interested students. how O’Connell has become like “Parents like being able a second home to them The infor- to go from classroom to class- mation session informed families room to coaches on their own time about the daily school schedule, rather than being led. They also campus ministry, and academ- are happy that the faculty, coun- ic classes offered. According to selors, and coaches are all here to Christine Spann, assistant director answer questions,” said Spann. of admissions, who played a part This year’s Open House Visor Nov. 2017 Page 3 but there was a rotation of this small hiccup, their victory but we have lots of potential. We Defending The about eight girls that start ( Ajia in the fourth set declared them are improving quickly and by James, Sofia Cardenas, Alexan- state champions! the end of the season should be Title dra Millora-Brown, Skye Ferris, This year the girls’ a great team,” said sophomore By: Seylon Edmundson Ingrid Bayer, Isabel Ahmadiyar, varsity team is made up of four volleyball player Sasha Millora- Grace Motta, and Kelley Mori- seniors, seven juniors, and three Brown earlier in the year. Bishop O’Connell’s girls arty). Each girl had been playing sophomores. They ended a sea- At every match cheers varsity volleyball team was de- volleyball since freshman year. son with a 14-14 record. With from fellow students can be clared state champions on Nov. Last year, the team’s many girls moving up from J.V. heard throughout the gym, and 12 of last year. However, with overall record was 35-4 with a to varsity, the pressure was on excited applause coming from a remaining 1 of 6 starters from 17-1 record in the WCAC. for the newbies and the team the parents. The O’Connell last year’s team could they do it The championship match itself. student body is sure that our again? was at Flint Hill. The stands They practice for 2.5 girls will continue to work O’Connell’s volleyball were full of students from both hours everyday except during just as hard as they have done team members were recog- schools. Many Knights had weekends and game day. in the past year. We are root- nized for their individual ath- come out to support the team Their work ethic is ing for them to do well this leticism numerous times last and root for a win. The girls’ admirable, and the school sup- season, and can’t wait for year: Alexia McCants (WCAC varsity team had won the first ports them every step of the the next season. We love our Honorable Mention), Ingrid two sets and lost the third one way. Lady Knights! Go O’Connell! Bayer (WCAC Honorable by a measly two points. Despite “ We are a really young team, Mention), Sarah Lawler (WCAC and VISAA 1st team; Washington Post All Met 1st team), Maxine Friedman (WCAC and VISAA Player of the Year; Washington Post All Met 1st team). The talented individual that started last year and started this year is Kelley Moriarty. She is a junior and has been playing volleyball for three years at O’Connell. This year, there was not an official starting five, O’Connell destroys PVI Senior Szn on Senior

By: Seylon Edmundson and John Ellis

As everyone knows, all good things must come to an end. No one knows this better than our very own seniors in the class of 2018. This year commemorates their last high school homecoming, their last “beat PVI events” and their last time playing as a Knight. This season is coming to a close, and it marks the arriv- ing end of Boys and Girl’s soccer, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Field Hockey, Girls Tennis, and Football. For some, this will be the last time playing in an organized league. For oth- and supportive we all are.” All that remains for these fall ers this is only the end of the Kirsten Knauf (Girls Field sport seniors are the playoffs beginning for their athletic Hockey) says, “I’m going to and they are more determined career. As we spoke to differ- miss playing with all my team- than ever to lead their teams to ent athletes, they reminisced mates, especially the ones that a WCAC title and possibly a on what they would miss the played with me all four years. state title. Some as a redemp- most about their sport. Sarah I’m going to miss our bus ride tion for last year’s playoff Grasmeder (Girls Soccer) jam sessions too.” It is never games and others as an under- says, “I’m going to miss my easy to say goodbye, so one dog not willing to go down. ‘giblets’ family and how close could only imagine what the without a fight. One of the Best Weeks Ever! Article and Pictures by Ruth Lewarne and Ian Alvano

There are a few weeks in the school year that students really look forward to. Spirit Week is one of these weeks. A four day week this year with Friday off, Spirit Week 2017 (Oct. 23-27) was one for the ages. Un- like past years, this year’s Spirit Week is only four days because of the teacher work day on Friday. Many students are ecstatic that they get a week of fun and even an extra day to rest on Friday. With homecoming on Saturday, this is truly one of the most important weeks of the calendar school year. Many things go on during Bishop O’Connell’s spirit week. There Carlo Brown (left) and Ryley are special themed days, exquisite lunches, and voting for homecom- McAuliffe (right) in their costumes ing court. The themed days were quite neat this year. Monday was pa- on Character Day during spirit week. jama day with pancakes and bacon for lunch, Tuesday was athlete and mathlete day with hamburgers and chicken tenders for lunch, Wednes- English teacher, Mrs. Knauf (left), and junior, Maura Leverone (right), during day was Hollywood character day, with hot dogs and popcorn for homecoming at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Va. lunch, and Thursday was class color day with a surprise lunch by FLIK (O’Connell’s lunch program). During Spirit Week, O’Connell saw many students dressed in pa- jamas, as superheroes, athletes, etc. It is different for students to have a break from school uniforms for a week. Sophomore class vice presi- dent, Zack Deeley, said, “It was a blast getting a break from our uniforms. It is very neat to see so many people at O’Connell participating at so many different grade levels.” This epic week is capped off with the Homecoming game and dance on Saturday. Although the Knights took a loss at the game, the student body won with such a memorable night. Spirit week started off and ended as joyful and happy as everybody expected after a fun-filled week. Junior Ana Brown as Dwight from The Office on Character Day during spirit week.

Clare Nugent (left) and Stefano Falcon (right) before homecoming putting on each other’s boutonnieres and corsages. Traditionally, this is how couples dress up at homecoming.

Matt Ritter (left), Nick Liverpool (middle), and Cormac Giblin (right) before homecoming at Washington Golf and Juniors, Lucia Arevalo (left) and An- Country Club in drea Fronjosa (right) taking pictures Arlington, Va. Junior class during the Homecoming Pep Rally “getting hype” before homecoming. Visor Nov. 2017 Page 6

Students’ Thoughts on the iPhone X

By: Ruth Lewarne Favorite Halloween Candy of O’Connell Students and Faculty: The new Apple iPhone X, also known as the iPhone 10, is making a huge impact among the technology world. With it starting at $999, people can pre-order it in October when it is set to come out in November. The iPhone X is not the only new iPhone coming out this year; there is also the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. With these new models coming out so close to each other, students at Bishop O’Connell were asked about them. One junior, Alexandra Mo- rales, said, “I think the iPhone 10 represents what the modern world sees as futuristic, however, I think it is an over priced material judging by its alternatives.” She goes on to say that she thinks people will buy the iPhone 8 rather than the iPhone 10 because “you are essentially paying $400 extra for a face scanner.” This face scanner, also known as the Face ID, is an unlocking device that replaces the usual finger print scanner on the home button. It unlocks the iPhone just by one glance at it. While the iPhone X has a bigger screen and the Face ID, it has no home button. “I think I do care about the home button,” said Mo- rales. “Just because it’s something that we’re used to…so I think the With an outburst in votes, the O’Connell community chose Sour idea of having the home button is Patch Kids as its favorite Halloween candy. Resee’s, the nation’s sort of unique to iPhone and I think number one selling candy, came in at a close second place with taking that away makes iPhone less 16.1% and Kit-Kat was not too far behind with 14.7%. Thank you unique to other models.” to all who voted! Be sure to check your emails and the QR codes Another junior, Sam Gigliotti, said, posted around the school to participate in other surveys! “I think the iPhone X is stupid because it doesn’t have a home button…I would spend my money on the 8 because it has the home button and touch ID.” Apple has made many new iPhones Introducing “Letters to the Editor” over the years that have been bought by many consumers. Since July 27 For the first time since the 80’s, the O’Connell Visor club is of 2016, one billion iPhones have introducing “letters to the editor.” The “letters” are a way for students been sold since the first model. to have a voice in improving our O’Connell community, either However, it seems that iPhone X publicly or under an anonymous name. These notes can include is not going to make as big of a approvals, criticisms, or other comments on O’Connell rules, events, hit among students. Hopefully, for changes, etc. Starting this November, the library will have a small box Apple’s sake, it will make a bigger in which you can drop your letters to the editor. If interested in this and hit among other citizens. other oppurtunities to write for the visor, please contact [email protected] or 19jjeffrey @bishopoconnell.org, or leave us a note in the library! Visor Nov. 2017 Page 7 Hamilton at the Kennedy By Malia Stephens

Don’t miss your shot to see non-white actors as the Founding “Hamilton” at the Kennedy Center Fathers and other historical figures. in the summer of 2018! The hit Tickets for Lin-Manuel Broadway play “Hamilton” is Miranda’s’ “Hamilton” are coming to D.C. this summer during craved by many. “Hamilton” its U.S. tour. Tickets will go on sale is a favorite of many theatre to Kennedy Center members in patrons, including Shpresa Bucaj, February 2018 and to the general a student at O’Connell. She said, public in March 2018, but they “Hamilton has one of the best might be difficult to purchase. soundtracks and I love how they “Hamilton” is an American fused history with modern songs.” musical about the life and death of The show is being held the Founding Father, Alexander at the center from Tuesday June Hamilton. “Hamilton” was created 12, 2018 to Sunday Sept. 16, by Lin-Manuel ThurMiranda, 2018. Single tickets will be who is an American composer, available for purchase in 2018. lyricist, playwright, and actor. A large allocation of tickets have Miranda was inspired by the 2004 been set aside for both Members biography “Alexander Hamilton” and the general public on sale by historian Ron Chernow. dates. The Kennedy Center will “Hamilton’s” fame be selling 40 tickets for $10 is largely accredited to its on the day of the show at the incorporation of various types doors of each performance. of music. The musical has a Pricing and sale details will mixture of hip-hop, rap, and pop be announced at a later date. music throughout. Another major factor in “Hamilton’s” success is its color-conscious casting of

Romeo And Juliet The story of Romeo and quite some time. Rumour has it Juliet has been around for many that there is a twist on the play. By Valencia McIntosh centuries. Not only has it been The play will be set in New one of the most romantic stories York City during World War II of all time, but a true inspiration. where two Italian families dispute William Shakespeare, the man of between control over the city. many stories, had written a very popular play known as Romeo and Juliet. This timeless tale Spotlight has been around since the late 1500s. In the story, there is the By Malia Stephens Montague family and the Capulet family. The two families have been disputing for quite a while, and it only adds on when Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet. There is much drama and romance involved between the two but tragically, the story finishes with what most people would see as a sad ending. Bishop O’Connell High School has continued the tradition of plays for many years. Each year there is a fall Congratulations to and spring play held. This year, O’Connell senior vocalists Vasili the fall play is Romeo and “William” Varfis and Peter Lucas Juliet. Auditions took place for making the Virginia Music months prior to the actual Educators Association Honors performance and require much Choir! Both boys are involved patience. Those who try out in different musical groups at and make callbacks get to act Bishop O’Connell. Check out in the spectacular play that will more on The Visor online or not stop being talked about for on the DJO twitter account. Visor Nov. 2017 Page 8 Some Nationals fans will The Redskins would take an early agree; Game 5 of the NLDS 14-0 lead and it brought a sense of D.C. Sports Curse in 2012 against the St. Louis enlightenment to the scarred city. Cardinals had to be the most However, the Seahawks took the By Ben Jeffrey and 2017. The results of those two crushing of D.C. playoff losses. game by storm after the Redskins There are two outs in the playoff appearances? In 2010, the Coming off an exhilarating and early surge and would score 24 bottom of the 9th inning and Bryce Montreal Canadiens knocked the historic walk-off home run by unanswered points. With the 4th Harper steps up to the plate. The Capitals out of the playoffs with a Jayson Werth in Game 4, the quarter coming to a close, as well as weight of playoffs past is on his victory in a gut-wrenching Game Nationals carried the momentum the Redskins season, RGIII suffered shoulders. That weight does not 7. With the best record in the over into the next game by surging an ACL tear which will subsequently only apply to baseball, but to all league, the Capitals were stunned to an early 6-0 lead. The Cardinals ruin his career in Washington major Washington D.C. sports; the by Montreal in the Verizon Center would chip away at the six run lead as the franchise quarterback. weight of the “DC Sports Curse.” by what is now referred to as one of in the upcoming innings, but the Without the spark of RGIII Harper works the count the biggest upsets in NHL history. Nats got an “insurance run” in the and any recent playoff victories, full. The Nationals are one out away Then again, the Capitals have bottom of the eighth inning. With the Redskins turned to fourth round from what seems like an impossible blown five, 3-1 series leads in the the score at 7-5 heading into the top draft pick Kirk Cousins. comeback by the unprecedented playoffs, the most in NHL history. of the ninth inning, the Nats send Kirk Cousins will lead the Redskins Washington sports team, or they In 2017, the Capitals closer Drew Storen to the mound. to a playoff appearance in the are one out away from another escaped the first round against the In the first at bat Carlos 2015-2016 season, but reminiscent tragic and disappointing season. Toronto Maple Leafs with every Beltrán lined a double into the of the 2012 season, the Redskins Wade Davis, the Chicago game decided by one goal and five gap. Matt Holliday hit a ground lost a gut-wrencher to Aaron Cubs closer, is about to throw of the six games were concluded ball out and Allen Craig struck out. Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. pitch number 44, his longest outing in overtime. In round two, the The Nationals were one out away “I don’t believe in since 2013. Wade Davis sets, Capitals met recurring foe, the from their first NLCS in 31 years curses, the teams are just bad,” and the pitch is thrown. Any fan Pittsburgh Penguins. Having been and the first postseason victory for said senior Bradley Magee. watching is praying Bryce doesn’t knocked out by the 2016 Stanley Washington baseball since 1924. A curse would indicate an swing at the breaking ball; but Cup Playoffs by the Penguins in the Washington baseball has not seen element of supernatural and it’s Bryce swings. On a ball in the concordant round. In the concordant a World Series nor a championship not likely a “curse” has been set dirt, the Nationals hopes for an round, D.C. sports fans received the series since Calvin Coolidge’s upon D.C. The Nationals, Capitals, elusive NLCS disappears and concordant result, an infuriating presidency. Storen then proceeded Redskins and Wizards are 0-13 in Bryce Harper walks away from Game 7 loss. The Capitals own to walk the next two batters despite their last 13 games that would have what is another shortened season the most Game 7 losses in NHL having them both in two strike clinched a conference final berth; the for the Washington Nationals. history with teams who have counts. Daniel Descalso and Pete longest active streak in the category. Game 5 of the NLDS played in 10 or more Game 7’s. Kozma would soon deliver the The fans have gone between the Nationals and the The Capitals success in knockout blow to the Nationals. through 69 grueling seasons Cubs aggregates the D.C. sports despair does not only subject to In a stunning and unpredictable without the chance to play in curse. A game full of excitement hockey. The Redskins have not won loss, the Nationals began their the series to get to the finals. and thrill leads to the conclusion a Super Bowl since 1991 and have quarter of the D.C. sports curse. Washington has hit a bump of tragedy and disappointment. not been in a championship series The Redskins have in the road in the long scheme of In the nation’s capital, since then as well. The Wizards not had their fair share of sports history. The Chicago Cubs however, being a disappointment have found recent success with the luck in the postseason as well. went 107 years without a World is an understatement. As if backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Excitement came in the Series title. The Seattle Mariners Washington D.C. weren’t the Beal. However, the only other team form of Robert Griffin III, who are still waiting for their first title. center of the political universe that can match, or perhaps succeed was drafted second overall in the Milwaukee, Cincinnati and all of its controversies, the the disappointment the Capitals 2012 NFL Draft. The Redskins and Minneapolis currently have a hometown faithful have coined the have given the championship barren started the season 3-6; reminiscent longer championship drought than phrase “it’s the D.C. sports curse.” city is the Washington Nationals. of the former Redskins teams that Washington D.C. Washington has What is the D.C sports Since 2012, the Nationals did not field the 2011 Heisman had more success in its multitude curse? “The D.C. sports curse Trophy winner. Then, RGIII took have had a plethora of success of sports than any of those cities. is that the teams get really good both on and off the field. No team the league by storm. In one of the Washington is not alone in this (except the Redskins most of the in Washington has the potential, greatest and historic comebacks in championship drought, but they time) then they lose in the playoffs superstardom and fan base of modern NFL history, the Redskins have more scar tissue with the because a spell is cast over them and the Washington Nationals. The won their final seven games, and they don’t remember how to play,” Nationals have the second most beat their longtime archrival recent regular season success. said junior Kelly Shepperson. wins in the MLB since 2012. Dallas Cowboys to conclude the Although it may sound silly The Los Angeles Dodgers are the season at 10-6 as well as clinching that a spell is cast upon the city, only team to have a better record a playoff berth with an NFC title. Kelly has a point. Washington’s than the Nationals in those five RGIII would face Richard hockey team, the Capitals, won years; the Nationals have 555 Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks the Presidents’ Trophy in 2010 wins while the Dodgers have 559. in the first round of the playoffs. Visor Nov. 2017 Games Page 9

ACROSS 2. Number of cans collected at the soup drive 3. Club responsible for raising money to build wells in Africa 6. A word that was invented by the original knights of me- dieval ages, meaning honor, humility, faithfulness, curious- ness and mercy 7. What street will the IHM sisters be moving into this winter 11. The theme of homecoming 12. Which saint visited the school in the 80s 15. City that the French students visited during their stay in France 17. Play that the DJO drama department is putting on this fall 18. What day of the week was halloween on 19. Class who won the first pep rally 20. What grade has 3 sets of triplets DOWN 1. Who football played for the homecoming game 4.What every senior is worried about right now 5. Teacher that won a grammy 8. Name of newly appointed Bishop 9. What is written on the senior’s shirts at the pep rally 10. What is on the forth floor of O’Connell 13. Teacher who turned down going to the WNBA in order to teach 14. Team that alumni Melo Trimble recently signed with 16. Fundraiser that happens during the Thanksgiving season **Answers posted online later this month

Comic by: Elizabeth Hoymes Visor Nov. 2017 Page 10

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