SENTINEL Saints’ Volume 1: Issue 1 December 2018 Happy Holidays for the Needy by Theresa Wagner

“Alone, none of us can feed them down the street to Coutu thirty families, but together— Theatre which serves as “our look what we did,” says Stephen Grand Central Station,” described Vargas, Director of Campus by Mr. Vargas. Families arrive at Ministry at Saint Raphael the theatre where volunteers Academy, about the school’s pack their cars with baskets full annual Thanksgiving Basket of food and wish them a happy Drive. Mr. Vargas organizes the Thanksgiving. drive with Project Hope, a social The Thanksgiving Baskets are service agency of the Diocese of a longstanding Saints’ tradition. Providence. Guidance Counselor Malaina It comes to no surprise Murphy recalls contributing to that the agency’s mission is to her homeroom’s basket when assist the underprivileged and she was a student herself in the vulnerable. Vargas directs the 1980s. phone calls of those seeking The drive is a shining example Fr. Fisette blesses the Thanksgiving Baskets assistance to Project Hope, who of Saint Raphael Academy’s photo by Nancy Cifune then composes a list of families fulfillment of the Lasallian living in Pawtucket, Providence, Mission, to prepare students in need. Saints is now collecting holiday. Central Falls, and surrounding for a life of service. Traditions unwrapped Christmas gifts that The donations will be loaded cities with great need. like the Thanksgiving baskets will be donated to the United onto a Cardi’s Furniture truck on This year, Saints helped ensure are important to keep, but new States Marine Corps’ Toys for Friday, December 21, the last that twenty-five families would ideas and initiatives are always Tots Campaign. It is the third school day prior to vacation. have Thanksgiving meals. After welcomed to better the lives of year that tall red and white boxes With the help of students and Father Carl Fisette blessed the others. are standing in each homeroom, faculty, hundreds of children will baskets at Saints’ Thanksgiving Campus Ministry is organizing ready to be filled with gifts for receive gifts to brighten up their Prayer Service, students carried another drive to benefit families children eagerly awaiting the Christmas Day. Saving Lives by Donating Blood by Kylie McLaughlin One pint is all it takes. that time frame, you will answer Every day, people need blood some questions on your genetic donations, whether they are history and receive a general accident or burn victims, heart health check: iron levels are surgery or organ transplant tested, and temperature is taken, patients, or people battling along with blood pressure. Any cancer. sign of illness and you will be On October 12th, 2018, Saint turned away, so make sure to Rays played their part in helping wash your hands and avoid the those in need by hosting the flu at all costs. After that, you annual blood drive. The event will be seated, and a pint of was coordinated by Mrs. Sara blood is drawn. Costanzo, with the help of This while process only takes Renalda Maurice Simmons, an 8-10 minutes, and after donating American Red Cross associate. Although our school donated Because blood is in such you are given snacks and a drink Together, they worked to get a large amount, the nation is still high demand, Saint Rays will before resuming your day. Your Saint Rays’ students and faculty in need. Approximately 36,000 be holding another blood drive blood is then tested and sent off to donate. Around 30-40 people units of red blood cells, 7,000 on April 30th, 2019, and we to someone in need, so you can participated and, together, units of platelets, and 10,000 encourage everyone to consider feel confident that, because of donated 30 pints of blood. Saint units of plasma are needed each donating. The process takes your donation, a person is given Rays saved 90 lives that day. day. approximately 45 minutes. In another chance at life. 2 News Saints Nears $10,000 Goal by Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda

Cancer is a horrible disease Society. Since then, Saints quarters of the game, the that affects approximately has raised $9,500 for the fight cheerleaders also conduct the 1,735,350 people every year. against cancer. “Miracle Minute”, where they run During the most recent pep rally, Mrs. Murphy explained that through the stands and try to Saints did its part to combat the the money comes from multiple raise as much money as possible disease by donating $1,500 to avenues: the $2 pink dress down in a minute. Along with the the American Cancer Society. day during Spirit Week, where football team, the girls’ volleyball In order to better understand the school raised $800 alone, also sells many pink items to where and how this yearly and different sports teams’ support the cause. donation started, The Sentinel events. The football team’s “A The work Saint Rays has spoke to Mrs. Murphy (the Crucial Catch” game, which was done is phenomenal. So many guidance counselor), who said started by the NFL, is game people contribute from the that Saints began donating in played for those affected by administration and staff to teams 2011, when Coach Sassi was cancer that contributes to Saints Students participated in a and the student body. Everyone approached by a coordinator total donation. “pink” dress down day. has. made it possible to support from the American Cancer During the 3rd and 4th photo by Nancy Cifune such a worthy cause. Welcome 2023 Congress Changes by Jeremy Knox by Emily Fournier

The Class of 2023 is nearing Open Houses, it is only sensible This past election season congresswomen from Kansas. the height of their high school to assume that the students saw the most diverse group of Her victory also made her one search. The Open Houses that who are accepted into the class candidates ever. From the first of the first Native American took place this year have shown of 2023 will comprise the largest Latinas elected into Congress in women elected into Congress, many reasons for excitement for class at the Saint Raphael Texas (Democrats Sylvia Garcia with Debra Haaland (D) of New the arrival of the Class of 2023. Academy. & Veronica Escobar), to the Mexico’s victory following soon This year’s Open Houses Although many, if not first woman elected governor of afterward. yielded more students than any all, members of the Saints South Dakota (Republican Kristi One woman who affected other previous year. The potential community would agree that Noem), this series of elections major change is Ilhan Omar freshmen were interested in a this is exciting to see, it bares has brought in a wave of “firsts” (D) of Minnesota. As she said variety of the activities’ table concern to some students as in both chambers of Congress, as in her victory speech, “[I am] displays in Alumni Hall, showing well. well as state legislatures. These the first woman of color to the diversity of students in the While students may endure “firsts” were mostly attained by represent our state in Congress. incoming class. frequently crowded hallways the champions of the November The first woman to wear a Attending open house is the and longer lunch lines, let us not 6th elections: women. hijab to represent Minnesota… easiest portion of the high school forget that with more students This January, there will be the first refugee ever elected search process, but what comes and a larger school also comes three new women with seats to Congress, and one of the next is far more tedious and larger pep rallies, bigger crowds in the Senate, and a record of first Muslim women elected to stressful. The entrance exam, at sporting events, greater 36 new women with seats in Congress.” She is also the first applications, and the decision diversity across our school, the House. Among this group of Somali-American in Congress. process bring challenges that all more relationships to be made, new faces are Marsha Blackburn Rashida Tlaib (D, MI) is the first potential students face. and of course, a larger and more (R) and Kyrsten Sinema (D), Palestinian-American women Due to the popularity of the influential Saints family. the first female senators ever elected to Congress. of Tennessee and Arizona, Bringing this new wave of respectively, with Sinema also diversity closer to home, Ayanna making history as the first Pressley (D-MA), and Jahana openly bisexual person to win a Hayes (D-CT) won seats in the seat in the Senate. Throughout House, becoming the first African the campaign Sinema put up a American congresswomen of hard fight against Republican their respective states. Janet candidate Martha McSally from Mills (D) also triumphed over East Providence, beating her Shawn Moody (R), becoming the by only a slim margin. Another first female governor of Maine. accomplishment of the LGBTQ Each of these victories are community in this election was unique in nature and are just a Current students welcome the Class of 2023 made by Sharice Davids (D), glimpse of what the future of the photo by Nancy Cifune who became the first openly gay nation will look like. Arts & Entertainment 3 For Drama, Any Dream Will Do by Ryan Sutherland A few weeks ago, Saint his way through a new society Raphael Academy’s prestigious and becoming a very important Drama Club put on a production individual in Egypt. of Joseph and the Amazing It was one of the best Technicolor Dreamcoat. performances ever produced at It tells of the story of Joseph our school. Many seniors, led who is given a wonderful colorful by Jack Rigley, performed with a coat by his father but is then high level of expertise as did the betrayed by his jealous brothers entire cast. Every performance and sold into slavery. The story was performed to a nearly a full- goes on with Joseph working house with Senior Night being a

Curtain call was met every night with thunderous applause. photo by Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda

sold-out show. the production worked together Although the performers did to create theatrical magic. a great job, the show could Each performance ended not go on without the fantastic with thunderous applauds and tech crew, backstage workers, excitement from all involved. The crew makes final touches to the set and wonderful musicians. The Now, the crowds will look during tech week. tech crew, under the seamless forward to the annual One-Act photo by Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda leadership of countless seniors, play early this spring and Gala insured that all of the parts of this May. When the Saints Go Marching In by Jeremy Knox

Every student experiences a the presentation of our Varsity harmoniously. The excitement future rallies and to take them unique four years of high school. Football players, the performance from students echoed the to sports events to represent However, there is also a list of by our cheerleaders, and the thought that the pep band added SRA and our teams. We're still high school staples that nearly presentation of the football so much life and sound to the working out the fine tuning, every high school student gets team. rally, and many wished to have but the administration has been However, there the band present at more school very accommodating, as has the was one significant functions. faculty.” change to this When asked what he saw So with a bright future in mind, year’s pep rally that in the band’s future, Boisvert Mr. Boisvert urges any interested everyone noticed: replied, “My hope is to be able students to join the Pep Band the presence of the to use the pep band for all of our and join in the excitement. Pep Band. Started by our music teacher, Mr. Boisvert, the pep band’s first SENTINEL appearance came The Pep Band debuted at the 2018-2019 Staff Members during this year’s Saints’ Thanksgiving Pep Rally. Thanksgiving Pep Staff Writers: photo by Amy Garces Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda Gianna Medeiros Rally. When asked Sydney Charette Jeremy Knox Hector Padilla to experience. One of these is about why he began the pep Anna-Marie Ferris Ben Senra Jack Rigley pep rallies. band, Boisvert responded, “It Emily Fournier Jordan Severino Ryan Sutherland As our students prepared to was a great way to showcase Emily Gaboriault Kylie McLaughlin Theresa Wagner enjoy their four-day Thanksgiving a different kind of talent in a Staff Photographers: Layout Editors: Copy Editors: weekend, the entirety of Saint smaller school like SRA; it was Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda Anna-Marie Ferris Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda Rays piled into Alumni for our needed.” The band boasts a Emily Fournier Jeremy Knox Emily Gaboriault annual Thanksgiving Pep Rally. variety of instruments from brass Gianna Medeiros Gianna Medeiros Emily Fournier Hector Padilla Jordan Severino Of course, with the annual pep to percussion and even strings; Theresa Wagner Sydney Charette rally came the many traditions: all of which came together Faculty Advisor: Heather Gaffney-Hsu 4 Sports Tennis: What They Did For “Love” by Ben Senra

In the past few years, the Saint success in the playoffs, making where it made the most sense, Raphael Academy Girls Tennis it all the way to the semi- finals. and the doubles partners were team has truly rebounded as a This was the first time that the pretty compatible. It also helped program, and this year solidified girls have made the Semi- Finals that we all had fun and wanted that. since 2004. to win, and worked really hard This year, the girls had a truly When asked what made the to do so every game.” remarkable season, earning team so successful this year, Another key part of the themselves a 13-2 record and Senior Captain Emily Fournier successful season were the finishing in 3rd place for the answered, “I think it’s because individuals that truly stepped up. regular season. we all worked really well One of the players that made an They then continued their together. Everyone was placed impact was senior Emily Fournier. This year, Emily had an amazing as coach, the team has made it season playing second singles. to the playoffs twice. His success She went undefeated for the as a coach does not end with entire season earning herself a the girls’ team. Mr. Corain also record of 15-0. coaches the boys’ team, and in The coach also has to be 2015, the team made it all the mentioned for his incredible way to the finals. work with the team. Mr. Scott Overall, the girls’ tennis team Corain joined the program 4 made the Saints family very years ago as the head coach. proud, and that is thanks to all of He has put in so much work their hard work and dedication. The Girls’ Tennis Team had a very since then to try and rebuild the Congratulations girls on the successful season. program, and the results can great season and keep up the photos by Mare Studios finally be seen. In his four years great work going into next year. Soccer: “The Beautiful Game” by Gianna Medeiros

On August 20th 2018, the divisions. Senior Max Rodriguez members of the boys’ soccer came in 2nd place with high team embarked on their journey stats of 24 goals and 11 assists. towards their goal: the Division Junior Dylan Polion followed in III Boys’ Soccer Championship. 6th place, with 17 goals and They were motivated now more 11 assists, and in 13th place than ever, having lost in the was Cano Morales, finishing his finals in their previous season. senior season with 8 goals and The preseason consisted of 13 assists. Emiliano Munguia Above: photo by William Morales countless hours in the weight also capped his junior season Below: photo by Marc Thibault room, as well as scrimmages with 41 saves as starting and summer league games Majkut, resulting in a 6-3 win team was not in their favor. In goalkeeper, with junior Spencer against competitive Division I over NP. The same intensity of the double OT, The Patriots scored Hsu following with 21 saves. opponents. But now, all that first match carried throughout from a play off of a corner kick, Although the team will lose a mattered was what was in front the rest of their season, leading resulting in the final score being number of graduating seniors, of them. Although they did fall to a record of 15-0-1 and the title 0-1. they hope for a successful short, they made history at of regular season champions. Three players finished in the season next year. They intend to Saints with their most successful The Saints continued their top 15 for most goals scored push for the ever elusive State season since the start of the winning streak into the post- in the state among all three title. program. season, racking up a quarterfinal The regular season started win over Scituate (5-1), and a with an away game at North semifinal win over Tiverton (5- Providence. There, the boys had 0). The final game was between a strong start, with six goals Saints and Pilgrim, a team the scored by Max Rodriguez, Cano Saints beat in the quarterfinals Morales, Spencer Hsu, Diego in the previous season. But Romero, Dylan Polion, and Joe unlike last year, luck against this Sports 5 X-Country: Running Against the Wind by Emily Gaboriault

From tracks to street State Invitational, an All Division sidewalks, the Saint Raphael winner, and an All State winner. Reilly Johnson, Darius Kipyego, Academy Cross Country Team Another big winner is sophomore Nas Medeiros, has run just about everywhere Rachael Mongeau who was also and Rachel in local Rhode Island. In the a Class C Champion and an All Mongeau led 2018 season, the team earned Division winner. Other team the team to numerous prestigious awards. members who won big awards victory. The Saints Team paved their way are senior Ryan Deschene photos by to success under the guidance of (made the All-Academic Team), Nancy Cifune Chris Magill, Steve Bishop, and senior John deAbreu (made the Lisa Mongeau, three dedicated All-Academic Team), junior Nas perseverance and hard work of younger members. We have kids coaches who drove the runners Medeiros (1st place winner in all the members and the coaches who are dedicated, want to work to push their limits and always the Ocean State Invitational, an during the last few months. and get better which is what strive to be their absolute best. All Division winner, and an All Senior Reilly Johnston has been makes our team so strong so Some of the biggest wins were State winner), and junior Darius a part of the SRA Cross Country more is to come from our indoor from senior Reilly Johnston Kipyego (All Division winner). Team since his freshmen year and outdoor track seasons.” This who was a Class C Champion, a The team as a whole had great and had some very great things may have been his last year, but 2nd place winner in the Ocean success this season, due to the to say about his team as a whole Reilly sure went out with a bang. and this season in particular, “I So did the rest of seniors, most think as a team this year we of whom are already up and did really well, we had a lot of running, literally, for the indoor strong finishes from individuals, track season. As a school, we I think we’re definitely improving can expect more great things every single year and I see a to come during this indoor track lot of potential in some of our season! Volleyball: Set, Spike, Dig by Jordan Severino This year the Saints Girls I think staying organized and knew we had amazing players, more successful season next Volleyball team has had a stellar being an encouraging voice for and that they (the opposing year? season, nearly winning the girls my teammates was something I team) would be our biggest Tatyana Vicente Sophomore first volleyball championship strove to do. competition. We came out #0 (Libero, Outside hitter): in Saints history. A few of the strong in the first two sets; but A: We should just continue to players were interviewed about after a long-fought battle we let learn, practice, stay determined, how they felt on their most our lead slip. In the end losing and have fun! recent season and what they by 2 in the final set. We are a Jordan Herivaux sophomore could’ve done better, if anything young team and were happy to #3 (Outside hitter) at all. just be there. There were no A: I’m going to start training Sydney Charette, Senior tears (for me) because I knew off-season so that I’m prepared #8 (Captain, Outside Hitter, we tried our hardest. for the season to come. I am a Defensive specialist): Sierra Gonzalez Senior three sport athlete, and I know I Q: As captain, how did you #1 (Captain, Libero, outside cannot start slacking off. feel about being captain this hitter): year and being able to take your Q: What was the atmosphere team to the finals? A winning team with a during the games and practices? A: Being captain was nothing winning season. A: During practices and games new to me as I was captain photos courtesy of ProJo we always had a good time. We this previous year, but I knew always tried to make practice this year was different. I knew Q: What do you think fun while staying on task at the it was my last year to make happened during the finals? Is same time. Although we had an impression on the girls. I there anything you or your team our differences and argued, remembered the lessons my could have done better? everyone tried their best and captains taught me, and I wanted A: We came in confident but worked hard. We were a family. The volleyball team is certain to teach them about teamwork, not cocky. We had just beaten Q: What do you think you to bring another strong season positivity, respect, and most Rogers in a tough 5 set match should or will do next year to next year. Hopefully they can of all believing in themselves. lasting more than 3 hours. We possibly ensure an equally or achieve even more. 6 Opinions/Editorials Food Finds: Garden Grill by Gianna Medeiros

In a small plaza on the tomato and blueberry jam, and Pawtucket-Providence line, ancho pepper spiced sunflower Garden Grille stands out for its seeds, all made to fit in between unique dishes and ingredients. two slices of local Seven Stars Opened in 1996, it was one of whole wheat bread. The jam the first of its kind in the area, and the cheddar highlighted the dedicated to serving vegetarian, sweet and savory aspects of the vegan, and gluten-free options sandwich, and when combined for those who search beyond the with the crunch of the toasted average chain-restaurant. It has larger tables for parties of 5-10 the meals. My favorite plate bread, the consistency and gained popularity throughout the guests, but Garden Grille is small Garden Grille has to offer is the flavor made the grilled cheese a years, becoming a go-to spot for and does take reservations, so nachos. The $13 starter is large tasty dish to keep in mind for the herbivores and omnivores alike. it discourages large groups. enough to fill three people (I future. Last October, the restaurant and Instead, it highlights intimacy speak from experience), and is Going to Garden Grille is café underwent renovations that between you, the other guests, also suitable for leftovers if not always a memorable experience, create a welcoming environment and the experience of eating finished. On top of a tortilla chip there is no question as to why for both old and new customers. high-quality plant-based food bed lays black beans, melted it has 4.5 stars on Yelp and When you enter the restaurant, options. cheese (or vegan cheese if Trip Advisor, as well as 4.7 you are immediately greeted Garden Grille specializes in requested), homemade salsa, stars on Facebook and Google. by the host and by a calm, lunch and dinner, with plentiful guacamole, vegan sour cream, Personally, I give Garden Grille relaxing vibe. The dim lighting options no matter what your and jalapenos. 5 stars. The incredible, flavorful and subtle color patterns almost craving may be (except meat, On my last visit to Garden dishes made from the freshest lower your heart rate, and the of course). The menu ranges Grille, I chose the grilled cheese ingredients help make it one of noise-level makes it easy to from starters to salads to tacos ($11), which was comprised of the highest quality restaurants be comfortable without feeling to sandwiches to bowls to much more than just cheese. in the area, and the friendly anxious. Seating arrangements dinner entrees, all accurately The cheddar cheese was service makes everyone want to vary from 2-seats to 4-seats to priced according to quality of accompanied by arugula, green keep coming back. Battle: IV vs. Creed II by Ben Senra and Jordan Severino

Following up a record-breaking the film Rocky IV. movie is no easy feat; however, Throughout the film, II truly knocks it out of steps out of his father’s shadow the park. Creed II continues as he tries to avenge his death. the story of Adonis Johnson Rocky also faces his inner (Creed). He furthers his boxing demons and deals with his role career and tries to get out of his in ’s death. father’s shadow. Will Adonis defeat his nemesis This movie covers Adonis’s Victor Drago, or will history biggest challenge yet in fighting repeat itself? There’s only one Viktor Drago, whose father way to find out. Go see Creed II; infamously killed Apollo Creed in you will not be disappointed. in Rocky IV is a boxing match in Apollo’s name. reigning champion in boxing and Rocky hires Apollo’s manager has just considered retirement to train him and prepares for He has now regained his title the fight. He trains relentlessly after seemingly losing his fire to beat the titan Drago who and becoming famous and rich is known to have outstanding beyond his wildest dreams. resilience and hitting strength. Rocky’s decisions are nearly Rocky finally meets Drago in final until he watches his best for their fight, and they friend, Apollo Creed, die in the fight for several rounds in a ring versus a new young fighter, gritty battle in honor of Rocky’s Ivan Drago. dear friend. The movie is well Rocky swears revenge on refined with great fight scenes Dragoa and challenges him to a and is very enjoyable to watch. Opinions/Editorials 7 Videophile: thank u, next by Jack Rigley

On November 30th, Ariana It On, bringing new life to many Grande released her long iconic scenes from these movies. awaited music video for “thank Grande also enlisted the help u, next” the artist’s first Billboard of members of her inner circle to number one and title track for make cameos such as Touluse, her fifth studio album. This all Youtubers Colleen Ballinger and happened after many photos Troye Sivan, as well as many and teaser clips grabbed the of her Victorious co-stars, like interest of dedicated Grande Liz Gillies, Matt Bennett, and fans and onlookers alike. Daniella Monet who appear in the On its initial release, the music video as characters from music video broke records as the different movies. The music well as the internet. The music video also has appearances video smashed Vevo and You- from actors reprising their roles new album, (“thank u, next”) She even surprisingly writes that Tube’s all-time record for most from the original movies, like amidst the cinematography of Big Sean, whom Grande dated in views in the first 24 hours of its Jonathan Bennett, who played the music video. ‘7 Rings’ can be 2015, still has a chance with her. release, reaching a whopping the heartthrob Aaron Samuels in seen on the license plate of Elle Grande has said that she feels 55.4 million views. At its peak, Mean Girls and Jennifer Coolidge Woods’ car as well as ‘Needy’ extremely blessed and lucky to it had 829,000 viewers watching who played Paulette in Legally printed on Regina George’s shirt. have this type of response to simultaneously, which caused a Blonde. Even Kris Jenner gets In another scene where the single and video, but claims delay in the comments posting to in on the fun as she makes a Grande is pool side as Elle that being number one is not the video, according to YouTube. cameo as Regina George’s mom! Woods, one of the books she is her motive, but rather finding The acclaimed pop star took The music video also garnered reading is titled, “Immigration closure. Grande had a difficult heavy inspiration from a number many hidden easter eggs hinting and Refugee Law and Policy”. time in the past year, amidst of iconic 2000s “chick flicks” at future projects and even Grande and her mother, Joan, the Manchester Bombing killing such as Legally Blonde, Mean political views. Grande teased both took to Twitter to confirm 22 of her fans, her breakup and Girls, 13 Going on 30, and Bring many names of the tracks to her this as a political statement failed engagement with Pete toward the current American Davidson, and the untimely political climate and treatment death of longtime boyfriend towards immigrants and and rapper, Mac Miller. She has refugees. said that this song has been Other easter eggs can be extremely therapeutic for her spotted in the beginning of the and her psyche. This song has music video, when Ariana is also become an anthem for writing inside her positive version people everywhere bringing of the infamous “Burn Book” the powerful message to many from Mean Girls. Commentary people around the world that on her exes is offered within the negative past experiences can book as she name drops them. change one for the better. Music Makers: Championships by Hector Padilla

After being released from his talents with him on, “Going “What’s Free,” “Respect the prison, Meek Mill dropped a new Bad.” Drake is not the only star Game,” and “Going Bad.” The album, Championships, which to make a cameo on this album. album is worth listening to. takes listeners on a journey A rare appearance from Jay Z in from the injustices he was born the song, “What’s Free,” gives into, through his time in jail, the album a veteran feel to it. and through his success that Meek Mill also shows his has lead him to where he is versatility and maturity through today. Championship debuted at this latest album. Like always, number on the charts, making it Meek stands up and advocates his highest charting album. Meek in Championships, the audience for those who have been treated Mill has always displayed his hears a more mature Meek. unjustly by the law, and those strong opinions about society, The long feud with Drake is no who have no voice. The top money, race, and injustice, but longer a thing, as Meek shares tracks from this album are