October, 2015

St. Basil Academy 711 Fox Chase Road Volume 83, Issue 1 Basilian Pillar Welcome Back to SBA! ¡Bienvenidos Riley Weldon '16 Pope

It is that time of year again to sharpen our Francis! pencils, dust off our saddles, and hike up our knee-socks. Fall is always a time of Maggie McLaughlin '19 return for students or a new beginning for those who are heading off to school for the first time. This year as always at Basil's, we As a result of Pope Francis’ visit to the are experiencing many new changes, from Western Hemisphere, he achieved his meeting new faculty and staff members to goals of trying to understand us and come memorizing a new schedule. Our days have closer to our religious path and transformed from the familiar nine 40- history. Pope Francis visited Cuba and then minute-long periods to one comprised of made his way to the States on September only seven classes with a universal time for 22, 2015, where he made stops in lunch. While it sounds completely simple, Washington, D.C., New York, and there has been quite a fuss over how the Philadelphia. His trip ended on September schedule rotates daily. The days consisting 27, 2015. In Washington, D.C., he had a of extended periods known as “blocks” welcome ceremony and a meeting with seem to be very popular among the Barack Obama. Then, in Saint Matthew’s students. Many of the girls began this year Cathedral, he conducted a Midday Prayer with a negative attitude toward block days, with the bishops. Next, he went to New but now most of students find themselves York, for a multi-religious service at the appreciating the extra time that these days 9/11 Memorial and Museum. In provide. Philadelphia, he made a visit to When asked about her feelings Independence Mall, had a meeting with the towards the schedule, sophomore Molly bishops at Saint Martin’s Chapel, and held Deal said, “I really am a fan of the new a mass for the World Meeting of Families schedule. It opens an opportunity to get on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. These more done in the classroom.” were just a few of the things he did while In addition to the schedule, another Ms. Brabson new development has students in quite a he was here in the U.S. Hundreds of state of excitement. This year, for the first Mrs. Cote, Sister Clement, and Pope Francis welcome Basil girls into a thousands people arrived in Philadelphia time in Basil history, students are able to new school year! to see Pope Francis. bring their own computing devices to Prior to Pope Francis’ visit to school. Using a device such as a laptop or a New faculty and staff have also joined Tarciso DeCarvalho to help maintain our Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter tablet to take notes, access Edmodo, or our SBA family this year. Ms. Mijlin has school. stated, “This will be the largest event in the watch presentation aids in the learning joined us in the language department as a While this year is packed with city of Philadelphia in modern history.” process help make classes more interactive part-time Spanish teacher. In the counseling changes, one thing that remains constant is It has been 36 years since a Pope has for students and teachers. Now teachers can offices we now have Mrs. Corrick to lend a the warm and infectious spirit of our close- visited Philadelphia. Pope Francis visit to ask for questions in class and students can helping hand. Hopefully you have not had knit community here at St. Basil Academy. American cities helps acknowledge people research and respond with real-time to pay a visit to the nurse so far this year, Welcome to all; we look forward to the all across the globe. We feel blessed and answers, heightening the learning process but when you do you’ll be introduced to our wonderful 2015-2016 school year! lucky to have experienced this once-in-a- for all. new nurse, Ms. Metro. Also new to our lifetime experience. dedicated staff team, we are lucky to have Change is a Good Thing Getting the Scoop On Sister

Lisa Toroni '16 Marissa Ryan said, "At first, I was very Jacklyn Matkowski '16 hopes to accomplish is for the students and nervous about the new block schedule. The faculty to make meaningful visits to the thought of spending 85 minutes in one chapel more often. class was scary to me. However, I now Other plans include students There are many changes here at SBA this While walking along the halls of St. Basil realize the block days are my favorite! participating in specific service projects, year. With new schedules, lunches, BYOD, Academy, you are sure to see the cheery, They go much faster than expected and I submitting prayers to be read during and many other activities, we must work smiling face of Sr. Germaine. For those of enjoy the long lunch." morning announcements, attending together to get used to everything. Several you not yet acquainted with Sr. Germaine, Mikayla Adams, a junior, said "When meetings of the Spiritual Life Team, and students were asked how they felt about she is one of the Sisters of St. Basil Order I first heard that the entire school will be submitting intentions these new changes, and here is how they and lives across the street having lunch together, I was worried. I for prayers. responded. at the convent. She has a I encourage our SBA com- wondered where everyone would sit and Sr. Germaine Senior Madison Comey said, "My love for music and a love how we would have time to buy food. munity to support our spir- encourages all to visit favorite new for people. Sr. Germaine Using ID cards her office, especially addition to SBA is in charge of choir and itual endeavors by their to pay for food when they are stressed this year is madrigals. In recent helps things run presence, and by becoming and need to relax. She BYOD. I feel that years, Sister ran Youth smoothly. While involved in the planning is there to offer having the ability Ministry; a program that lunch can be comfort and advice to use the internet provided opportunities and carrying out of these loud and for anyone going in class is helping for donation to the less crowded, I enjoy activities. through a tough time. us to learn. We fortunate and service this time with my When asked to are all starting to projects. She also taught SBA sisters." -Sister Germaine describe her office, come together the freshman music class. Overall, Sister responded with, and use BYOD This year, Sr. Germaine has a new title, students are “It's a warm, cozy and comfortable room, a successfully." as the Spiritual Life Coordinator; this means happy with the place where students can come and relax When asked that she creates new opportunities for Grace Caldwell '16 changes; we are during the day.” about the new students and faculty to grow in a spiritual living proof that So when you need of a prayer or a hug, schedules, A group of SBA juniors taking advantage way. Her new office is on the first level, at SBA, change is visit Sister Germaine in the Spiritual Life sophomore of BYOD! near the faculty room. One of the goals she a good thing! Center! The Basilian Pillar 2 October, 2015 Editorial & Reviews Letters From the Editors Lisa Toroni Grace Caldwell '16 '16

I never took people seriously when they said, As I walked through the doors of SBA this "time flies," but they were right. It is stressful to year, my feelings greatly contrasted from those realize that my years at SBA are almost over, but in 2012, when I entered as a freshman. Three I am excited to embrace my senior year with my years ago I was almost shaking with fear and sisters. Here are some thoughts for each grade. excitement at the start of my high school Freshman: You have a big year; it will be journey. This year, I was elated to be a senior, challenging and awesome. You will have more yet sad to realize that I was beginning my last work and exciting extra-curricular activities. year of what has become my favorite place You will attend your first Autumn Classic, a with the greatest people. So here is a little formal with each grade. You will also experience advice for each grade. your first SBA Halloween, Spirit Day, and many Freshmen: Welcome to your home for the other traditions. Remember to enjoy every next four years! Hopefully you are getting into moment. a routine, making new friends, and becoming Sophomores: You are no longer the comfortable around your big sisters. Try your youngest in school! You now have a best and it will pay off when applying to responsibility to guide and care for your little Grace Caldwell colleges- and that time will come quickly. sisters. You also will get to experience your first Lisa Toroni Co-editor Enjoy every second at Basil's. Be excited to formal as a class, Soph Hop. Be sure to dance Co-editior grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. the night away and make unforgettable Sophomores: You have made it through your first year at SBA! By now jam sessions in memories with your sisters. This is also a year filled with sweet 16's, which are always a fun time. the cafeteria and crowded third floor lockers should seem normal. This year will prove more Remember to keep up your school work and you will succeed. challenging as you become more independent. Remember to set a good example for your little Juniors: You are now at the start of the greatest and most busy year. Do not to let the sisters and that the upperclassmen are still here whenever you need a hand. stress of Chemistry, AP classes and SATs get in the way of all the exciting activities this year. Juniors: You have heard about the struggles of junior year, but do not fear. You can You will receive your class rings and attend your first prom, making great memories. Try your handle this year with determination, time management, some coffee, and lots of naps. Your best, focus on your studies, and enjoy your year. hard work and dedication will pay off. From passing your driving license test to prom, this Seniors: We have come so far and bonded as a class. Each one of us walks confidently through the halls showing off our senior school bags and worn-out saddles. We finally get to do year will definitely be packed with memories. the senior chant at SBA events. We get to experience Kairos and our last prom together. We must Seniors, Together all 76 of us have made it through clave classes with Sister G, remember to cherish everyday with our best friends; soon our time here will come to an end. memorizing the Ukrainian alphabet with Sister Susie, pulling an all-nighter finishing mandalas I hope everyone has a wonderful year and enjoys the first edition of the 2015-16 Basilian and illuminations, and minding the sig fig! As we experience each of our “lasts”, it is important Pillar. to be grateful for the amazing opportunity to graduate from SBA. Enjoy every moment! The Sweet Sounds of Summer Girls Gone Mallory Hagee Greek '17 Jackie Matkowski '16 There is no feeling quite like attending a concert. The sensation A few months ago, with the sun shining bright and the promise of of your heart beating to the summer just around the corner, twenty- rhythm of the artist’s music is eight Basil girls boarded a flight from unlike anything else. When you the Philadelphia International Airport to Athens, Greece. Ten days later a second get the opportunity to witness a group of Basil girls departed for their performance of music that has one-of-a-kind experience in Greece. influenced you, you truly feel a I went on the trip and I have to say, it was an experience like no other. connection to the artist, and to From sightseeing to trying new foods, every other person in the crowd. and from endless walking to relaxing As summer wraps up, we take beach visits, there was never a dull moment on our tour. Stepping off the a look back at the biggest acts that plane we were immersed in the made it to Philadelphia during the dynamic and friendly Greek culture. hot days of 2015. This season When I asked a handful of girls what their favorite part of the trip was, brought massively prominent the most popular response was the visit artists to our city, including Zac to the island of Paros. Unlike the island Mallory Hagee of Santorini, Paros is not considered a Brown Band, 5 Seconds Of tourist attraction. However, Paros Summer, Fall Out Boy and Wiz Firework show for the ACDC finale! radiates with its own beauty. From the Khalifa, J. Cole, Fetty Wap as sparkling blue water to a large and fresh seafood dinner extravaganza, it well as the beautiful and talented colossal shows at Lincoln Everyone who attended this show was one of the best experiences of the Nicki Minaj. Financial Field in the midst of her said that it was lively and trip. Among the largest of this wildly successful 1989 Tour. wonderful and that Harry Styles Senior Hailey Lutz said, “My favorite part of the trip was the donkey summer’s concerts was Jay-Z’s Taylor was joined by Vance Joy “baptized the audience.” ride!” After Paros, Santorini seemed to Made In America festival, and Shawn Mendes. Everyone in Even though we all may have be our second favorite place. There we headlined by Beyoncé and The attendance can tell you what an different tastes in music, we can experienced breathtaking views, long but fulfilling hikes up volcanoes, and a Weekend. The festival also unforgettable show she delivered. all agree that concerts are some of pirate ship ride that will not be featured over 60 artists including There is no doubt that this the best and most exhilarating forgotten. The trip altogether was truly up and coming performers such as summer’s biggest show was One experiences of our lives, and that amazing. If you have the opportunity to travel to Greece or any other country on powerhouse female artists Halsey Direction. The boys returned to such events that truly bring people an SBA school trip, go for it! It will and Banks. Philadelphia for their On The together. without a doubt be one of the best Another big summer event Road Again tour, also playing experiences of your life. was Taylor Swift selling out two Lincoln Financial Field. The Basilian Pillar 3 Features October, 2015 Basil Athletes Mix It Up Caileen Dolan dance floor when “Boom Boom '16 Pow” came on. The cross-country made red, white and blue colored On Friday, September 11, 2015, St. shirts and got the party going with Basil Academy held its annual sports “Let’s Get It Started in Here” by the mixer. The sports mixer is an exciting Black Eyed Peas. The DJ played a event where all the fall sport teams mix of songs from today’s hits to old pick a song and make shirts to show classics. off their sport and team spirit. All of Sophomore Grace Clements said, the teams picked awesome songs, and "The best part of the mixer is dancing danced the night away. with my friends all night." Senior Emma Herrmann said, "I As the mixer was coming to a love the sports mixer, it is a great way close, the DJ played an SBA classic, to show off our team spirit." The soc- "White Houses." The Class of 2016 cer team showed up in neon green came together as "The Seniors" and and entertained by dancing to “Hold danced, sang and chanted "Seniors" My Hand” by Jess Glynne. The field for the first time. Alicia MacGregor hockey team “Hit the Quan” while The 2015 fall sports mixer was a performing the dance together per- success, and everyone is already SBA seniors pose for a funny picture at their last sports mixer fectly. The volleyball team owned the looking forward to next year's mixer. Paper Towns: Are You Finding the

Read It or Wabook etchxcept for one. ItThey ne?ver make it to Sea New Lunch Tasty? Kaitlin Smith Isabella Guida payment speeds up the lines so everyone can '16 World. Margo talks about how she wants to go enjoy lunch as quickly as possible. to Sea World. While they are in the process of '19 When asked how she felt about the changes, breaking in, Margo gets bitten by a snake and Junior Grace Mackel said, “The lunch this year Going to the movies this summer was a great Quentin saves her. However, in the movie, Sea This year, we have many lunch changes for is very different from previous years, but I like way to escape the heat. One movie I saw was world is never even mentioned. everyone at St. Basil Academy. it. The ID cards are easy to use, and the food is "Paper Towns", based on the novel by author Readers can tell you that in the story For the first time, the entire school is eat- delicious." John Green. Those who have seen the movie and there is a huge time crunch for finding Margo be- ing lunch together instead of during separate pe- Senior Shannon Boyle commented, “I am read the book can tell you that there are many cause she is quickly and continuously moving riods. Many SBA girls have different thoughts enjoying the long lunch. There is plenty of time differences between the two. from town to town, without any means of con- about it. For example, some to catch up with friends and Junior Olivia Potok says “I felt the movie tacting her. In the film, the whole crunch for time people enjoy the change be- relax.” was too fast-paced. I think they could have cho- “The lunch this revolves around Radar’s goal to get Margo home cause they have plenty of time MaryKate McKeever, a sen better actors to fit the characters from the in time for their Senior Prom. to talk to their friends or teach- Junior, noted, “The ID was book." year is very In the novel, when they finally make ers. Some girls use this long very easy to use and sped up the Hailey Lutz said “I enjoyed both the movie it to the town of Agloe, they find Margo in a period to go outside, get some lunch lines. The food was amaz- and the book. I feel Cara portrayed Margo ex- different from barn. Everyone stays overnight. Margo kisses fresh air, and relax with ing, especially the chicken fin- tremely well.” Quentin and tries to persuade him to go to New friends. gers.” Spoiler Alert: If you have not seen the previous years, York. However, this does not occur in the movie. Another big lunch change Most of the SBA students movie and wish to do so, I advise you to stop Although the movie differs greatly here at SBA is that students no agreed that the new lunch was a reading now! After discussing the movie with but I like it." from the book, it is still worthwhile to both read longer use cash to pay for their good change for our school, many people, one thing everyone could agree on and watch the movie. If you enjoy sitting on the meal. Because of the large and some even wished that the was the fact that the there were many differences edge of your seat, a good laugh, or rooting for -Grace Mackel, '17 amount of people buying lunch change had come earlier. between the book and the movie. the underdog this is the ideal story for you. Try at one time, students now swipe their ID cards to The people serving in the cafeteria are In the book, Margo breaks into both and decide which version you prefer! pay for lunch. There are two lines, one for hot working hard to make lunch this year a success, Quentin’s room to request his help for her ad- food and one for cold food. This new method of and it is great - enjoy! venture, they hit all the stops mentioned in the

On October 3, 2015, SBA wel- ! comes alumnae and students to Top Summer Movies Top Summer Songs Most Visited Beaches

e the first annual "Melodies and Memories" Homecoming! SBA

m walls are decorated with musical notes and records, just for the

o occasion. Some of the exciting events include Homecoming on H the Lawn, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Music through the Ages, a con-

e cert highlighting the greatest hits from past decades, from 6:30 to

m 8:00 pm, and dancing in the gym from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.

o This is a wonderful oppor-

c tunity to renew school ties and

l make new memories. We wel- There were many popular new movies this Over the summer many of us spent our time Many people enjoy spending there summer come all of our sisters, past and summer. Our SBA students voted "Paper Towns" jamming out to some fresh tunes. After taking a days at various beaches of the Jersey Shore. The e present. Enjoy this new tradi- the movie of the summer! poll, the top song of this summer was "Come beach most visited by SBA girls this summer tion here at SBA! My Way" by Fetty Wap. was Wildwood.

W Colleen Quinn '19 Julia Hirth '18 October, 2015

St. Basil Academy 711 Fox Chase Road Volume 83, Issue 1 Sports & Health Falling Into Sports Christina Foley athletes excel in volleyball by teaching '16 them life lessons that will guide them beyond the volleyball court.” The volleyball team also welcomed a For many students, Fall is one of the junior class transfer student, Maddie busiest seasons, due to sports. At SBA, the Riehman. Maddie said, “Going to the open fall sports are volleyball, soccer, tennis, gyms in the summer introduced me to the cross country and field hockey. Each of SBA girls and coaches. The girls were really these teams have been practicing hard since welcoming and made me feel comfortable mid-August. The athletes spend many of coming into this season. I think that is why their final summer days at practice--for one our team is so close, because we always reason: to represent their school. SBA have a good time together.” athletes work tirelessly at practice, and still When asked how the soccer finds time for bonding and fun. season is going, Freshman Sophia Mahoney Through team sleepovers and said, “The team is really welcoming to the pasta parties, many SBA athletes will argue freshman. We are working really hard and that their Fall sport is one of their best I am looking forward to the rest of the memories of high school. Senior cross season.” country co-captain Elizabeth Brazukas said, The field hockey team always “My favorite cross country activity would seems to be having a lot of fun. Sophomore have to be when we go to away meets. We Anya Bohatiuk said, “It is so much fun stay in hotel rooms together. We really get getting to play with my close friends. I love to bond as a team and get to know each every second of it!” other.” This season, the cross country team The tennis team has already hopes to make it to districts competition. demonstrated their talent this season. This year the SBA volleyball team Senior Amanda Phillips said, “I'm proud of will be competing with a new coach, Lisa how hard my team is working. We already Breslin. Coach Breslin has been coaching beat our record from the past two years.” volleyball since 2001 and has guided many One standout advantage of SBA of the current volleyball players in past club fall sports is the sisterhood bonding that and CYO seasons. When asked about this comes with team sports. The memories on season, Coach Breslin said, “I am looking and off the field make the tiring practices, forward to coaching the four seniors who long hot days, and limited free time worth it went undefeated in 2011 in region 1. We for SBA athletes. Good luck to all the fall The cross-country team stops in front of the gazebo for a quick flick. also won the CYO championship together. sports teams the rest of the season! I am looking forward to helping all of our Hill,” “Death Hill,” or “Kill Hill.” No talented hardworking runner she is today. matter what the name of the challenge, “While I do not plan on running on a Emma stays positive and pushes the team team in college, I plan to continue running during warmup. and staying in shape. Running is a very hard Athlete of the Issue: When asked what she likes most about sport both mentally and physically but if running, Emma commented, “I like how you work hard and stay focused you can you can work really hard and see your achieve anything,” said Emma. She improvements every week in your races. I encourages people to come on a run with Emma Herrmann also love the feeling you get when you her whenever they want and to also fall in finally achieve your PR.” For those who do love with cross country. not know, a PR is your personal record, and Emma’s advice for running is, “You Elizabeth Brazukas '16 runs indoor and outdoor track. Emma Herrmann is known to be a great asset to the it is what you strive to beat every race. can always do more than you think you can team because she is full of team spirit and Emma further says, “I only started and it is most important to always stay tries her best in every practice. running because my sister had run in high positive!” The athlete of the issue for October, 2015, For Cross Country, an average race is school and I thought it would be good to Be sure to attend a cross country event is Emma Herrmann. Emma Herrmann is a 3.1 miles, also known as a 5K, and usually stay in shape for my other sports. Then, I and see Emma Herrmann in action for senior cross country captain who has been consists of at least one treacherous hill fell in love with the team and running.” That SBA! running since her freshmen year. She also named some scary name such as “Parachute is how Emma Herrmann became the Basilian A Stress-Free School Year Yana Churiy '16 relaxation in order to prepare yourself for everything you have done or need to do. endless hours of work. There will be enough Another stress factor is procrastination. Pillar Staff time for everything; your teachers are here It is better to get your work done, and then to help. make time for some sleep. At the end of the Whether it is stress from school work, Lisa Toroni '16- Co-Editor “I relieve stress by jogging and day listen to some Nicki, and be the best sports or after school jobs, we all feel the Grace Caldwell '16- Co-Editor listening to classical music. Eating your version of yourself. effects of stress at one point or another. Christina Foley '16 feelings away is not a good idea!” advises Finally, surround yourself with "Can- Jackie Matkowski '16 There are definitely ways to remain Mr.Meany. Do" people who motivate you to remain Elizabeth Brazukas '16 “charged up” as the great rapper Drake said, Listing your plans and assignments on positive and awesome. Caileen Dolan '16 and get everything done. However, Yana Churiy '16 paper or computer is a great way to start. Stress is a part of life; it is important to sometimes technology and social media Kaitlin Smith '16 This will ensure you can visualize your know how to handle your stress levels. Riley Weldon '16 adds a lot of distraction and stress to our situation, and plan for enough time to do Fortunately, at St. Basil Academy, you are Mallory Hagee '17 lives. everything you need to do and still get some surrounded by people dedicated to helping Olivia Potok '17 SBA Guidance Counselor Mrs.Corrick Julia Hirth '18 free time. you balance the demands of high school life. comments, “Devices and social media adds Colleen Quinn '19 Staying organized is one of the biggest If you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of so much stress to the girls at SBA. You Isabella Guida '19 issues that students face while in school. some extra planning or study strategies, Maggie McLaughin '19 should all try to unplug and rest your mind.” Take some time out of the day to put all your know there is always someone here to help Light a candle, surround yourself with papers in order and throw out the ones you you. Moderator: Mrs. Sutton some cats and try to relax! Make time for do not need. Use a planner to keep up with