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vol.XXXI The TritonianApril 2021 Notre Dame Academy Issue 1 The Show Goes On...And The Advisers Recall How It All Began For Them... Carolyn Brown I may be the old lady who brought My former school in Chicago had a the idea of Mr. NDA (now the Mr. Hoffman Hawk Contest, and stu- Academy Awards) to NDA, but the dents would camp out all night to get team behind the show has evolved it tickets. Our big high school of 2500 into the production we have today. students had an auditorium that seat- I don’t do much anymore, but I ed only 350, so tickets were a hot item. wouldn’t want to miss watching Mrs. There the show was a fundraiser for the Campbell, Frau Laaksonen, Mrs. Drama Club. One year I had been one Hinch, and Mrs. VanGrunsven tweak of the teacher emcees and saw first- performers’ acts and amaze me with hand how popular it was with the kids. their energy and technology talents.

So we adapted their show based on tal- Holly Hinch ent, beachwear and Q & A competi- I have always loved the show! When tion. We added senior emcees, tried to I was in 8th grade, my brother was involve underclassmen with the idea of in the show. When I was a fresh- rampeteers, and Voila! We had a show! man, I was a rampeteer. When I was a senior, I emceed the show. When I will never forget our first show be- I was a first-year teacher at NDA, cause the students and parents were so I judged the show. And ever since excited, so grateful. It was like nothing then, I have helped out with the show. they’d ever had here. People couldn’t From Left to Right: Sarah VanGrunsven, Julie Campbell, Carolyn Brown, Jennie Laaksonen, and Holly Hinch believe it! I think it was one of the I help out with the emcees. I sched- commotion in the auditorium, so act in the Academy Awards.’ it was a highlight of my twenty plus best nights of my life because people ule and organize the auditions, I peeked in to see what was going years associated with this great show. just rushed backstage after it was over help them write the script, and on. A group of guys were practicing Some of my favorite memories are and celebrated like we were gods or help them with anything they need for Mr NDA (actually at that time from the fun that happens during The behind the scenes of the show, goddesses for putting on the show. the days leading up to the show. it was called Mr. MVP.) I stayed and practices. I will never be able to hear including the music and lighting are This year, we are going to switch watched, laughed and gave sugges- the Pitch Perfect song ‘I’ve Got the phenomenal and have been for so long Then every school in the area heard things up a bit with the emcees by that they may get taken for granted. tions. From that day on I was in- Magic In Me’ without thinking of about our show, sent representa- having them be more like Entertain- the group of guys in Luke Davison’s volved in the production of what is tives to come see it and started their ment Tonight newscasters, introduc- act. They practiced so many times The attention to detail by these unsung now called The Academy Awards. own version of it. In fact, our Mr. ing the acts and contestants on video. that we all knew the choreography. heroes have made good acts great, NDA became the start of an area- resulting in fabulous shows. We have The show is always one of my fa- been blessed with the best tech crews. wide show called Mr. Green Bay I love how the show makes every- My children grew up coming to the vorite memories of the school year. practices and dancing on the stage Jeff Bins in the early years and Jake and later Mr. Titletown, where some one so creative. It is a great bond- between acts. When they were old Gerlikovski in the more recent years of our winners got several thou- ing experience for everyone involved. Every year I am so grateful to be enough, they worked during the show have individually, and with the help sand dollars in scholarship money. Much of the fun is in the preparation! able to work with some of the as ‘runners’ of the ballots. Whether it of their amazing teams, contributed to best women in the building. We was as a rampeteer, personal assistant, the continuing excellence of this show. One year we invited back our first “The other advisers I work with are so are truly a well-oiled machine. curtain puller, tech crew, in the senior few winners, so they could see how amazing at what they do! Wouldn’t dance, video maker, contestant or the Jen Laaksonen the show has evolved. About the only want to do it with anyone else! creativity behind many winning acts, I find myself watching a TV thing that is the same--and, ironically, all four have been a part of the show in I came to this event after Mrs. show, commercial or movie and we won’t have it this year--is the ramp. Julie Campbell one way or another while in high school, Campbell and Mrs. Brown already thinking ‘that could be a great I was leaving school and heard some so obviously when Owen won last year See The Show Goes On..., Page 4 Tech Crew Shines Behind The Scenes Thomas Coyle, a senior, has been on crew during his freshman year, and the crew since his freshman year and that prompted him to join as well. described the thrill that he gets when the show starts and the lights start One of these friends was a current to dim and he gets to see the faces NDA senior, Jackson Salzwedel. of people excited to watch the show. Salzwedel has been on the crew Coyle has been on the crew since his since his freshman year. He joined freshman year and is looking into me- because he had done some light- chanical engineering for his future. ing and sound board work in middle school and wanted to con- Owen Campbell, senior, explained tinue that experience in high school. that the most rewarding part of be- ing on the crew is the memories. When considering what type of performance he enjoys running These memories include his personal the most, he said, “I prefer mu- favorite memory, the spring play sicals because they have a story.” Stella Divine Stella his freshman year. His most memorable experience From Left to Right: Thomas Coyle, Jack Salzwedel, Grace Gunville, Harrison James, Riley Guyette. Not Pictured: Nate Ruggles “It was the first time I ever worked on the crew was handling a spot- the sound board alone,” Camp- light on the Addams Family Show. By Riley Guyette bell explained. “It was also She has now been working on warm outside after the show.” The crew wouldn’t be functional with- Most people watch a show and have the crew at the soundboard in the crew for a year and a half. no idea what goes into it,” said Grace the auditorium making sure out the crew’s technical director, Jake Campbell had a lot of experience Gerlikovski, who has been working Gunville, a junior and member of all audio is working properly. Gunville explained the attitude the student technical crew at NDA. with video editing in middle school. in this field for roughly eight years. you must have to be in the crew. This, and a recommendation from his Members of the crew do the work “You have to be able to take criti- The technical crew isn’t usually in the they do for many different reasons. mom, Mrs. Julie Campbell, prompted cism, put in long hours, be a part of him to join the crew his freshman year. He got interested in lighting and spotlight, and you most likely have a team and be patient,” she explained. sound in middle school and later on not thought about the work they do. “It’s fulfilling to see all of our hard work started being a DJ at very small events. come together,” Gunville explained. Nathaniel Ruggles, senior, has been James, now a junior, joined the tech on the crew since his sophomore year. The crew sets up lighting, sound Gunville wanted to join the technical crew because his older sister wanted “What really pushed me was working and sometimes video for Mass- crew in her freshman year but decided him to get involved with the school. in the auditorium at NDA in high es, musicals, Tritonfest, Academy not to because she was already in band. In regards to the crew, Ruggles school,” explained Gerlikovski. Awards, concerts, Cabaret Nights said, “It’s all a lot of fun.” In- “That is when I knew exactly Evidently her idea worked, for James deed, Ruggles plans to study the- what I wanted to do for a living.” and all other assemblies in the au- The following year she talked to Har- acknowledged, “I like being part of ditorium, commons and gyms. rison James, a sophomore at the time atrical production in college. a community,” when asked why he His main duty is to make sure and member of the crew, about joining. works so hard behind the scenes. You will likely see members of Two of his friends were on the See Tech Crew Shines, Page 4 2 Academy Awards -The Contestants Coke or Pepsi, Jacob? Coke. If you say Pepsi, I’m convinced you’re a psychopath. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Don’t confuse a ratchet strap with a jockstrap.” Inspiring words from my Dad. What’s your biggest pet peeve? No writing on yourself. If you write a note on your hand or arm, I cannot be friends with you. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Just bite it. Like really? Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Dua Lipa. I don’t see any other celebrity in myself besides her. Joey Bonadonna What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever Joey, what’s the last lie you told? “Yes, made? Every purchase I’ve ever made has Mom, I did turn in my article for Mrs. been pointless, but I truly do regret buying Brown on time.” Tommy Zakowski my sister’s Christmas gift. She didn’t match Who’s your celebrity crush? In first grade, it Tommy, who’s your celebrity crush? Eliza my gift in price. was Selena Gomez. I do not have one now. Gonzalez Got any hidden talents? I’ve got a killer Top bucket list item… See every major pro The theme song of your life… Good“ Life” Elmo impression. sports stadium/arena in North America. by OneRepublic What makes you cry every time it happens? Coke or Pepsi? I hate soda, so both can rot If a movie were made about your life, In the morning when I look in the mirror. in their graves. what actor would get the lead role? Chase What’s your favorite app on your phone? What’s your most embarrassing NDA Crawford TikTok (go follow it @jakeyb0i) memory? Getting clapped in football by Coke or Pepsi? Coke What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Wall-E. Braedon Curtin freshman year, resulting in If you could have one superpower, what The robot love story reminds me that if a my second concussion in three weeks and the would it be? Mind control robot can find love, so can I. end of my football playing career. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Choose a job you love, and from whom? “Don’t ever, for any reason, do you will never have to work a day in your anything to anyone for any reason ever, no life.” - Confucius matter what, no matter where, or who, or What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever who you are with, or where you are going, made? My middle school education or where you’ve been... ever, for any reason 10 years from now, you’ll be… 28 whatsoever...” - Michael Scott Got any hidden talents? Armpit noises What’s your biggest pet peeve? People What makes you cry every time it happens? chewing their fingernails Watching the movie Hachi What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever What’s your favorite app on your phone? made? A Tim Tebow Jets jersey Doodle Jump 10 years from now, you’ll be… Either on What’s your go-to tv show/movie? ESPN or in an NFL front office. Stepbrothers Jack Fitzgerald Got any hidden talents? It’s not a talent What’s your dream job? Gentleman Spy but people are enamored with my extreme Jack, who’s your celebrity crush? Nancy “If it ain’t broke…” it probably goes to hitchhiker’s thumbs. Pelosi What makes you cry every time it Notre Dame Academy. The theme song of your life… Anaconda”“ happens? The Packers losing in the NFC by Niki Manaj Championship, even though, at this point, I Top bucket list item… To get 1000 tickets expect it every year. on the big bass wheel “Better late than...” never, which If a movie were made about your life, what unfortunately is the same philosophy I apply actor would get the lead role? Shaq or Betty to my homework. White What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? My mom always tells me, “You have the rest of your life to become the person you want to be.” Who’s your celebrity look-alike? The Chef from Ratatouille What makes you cry every time it happens? Opening powerschool really gets the tears going Jacob Massart What’s your favorite app on your phone? Christian Mingle Jacob, what’s the last lie you told? “Yes, “It takes two to…” ride a tandem bike. Maggie, I loved your original fan fiction “The early bird…” will talk about getting no Tola Adejumo about Evan Peters and yourself.” sleep last night like it’s an achievement. Tola, what’s the last lie you told? Who’s your celebrity crush? Shrek “If you want something done right…” pay “Yeah, I If a movie were made about your life, what a professional. did my math homework, Konshak.” actor would get the lead role? Myself. No “A picture is worth a thousand…” dollars, Top bucket list item… Using the restroom one can match my energy. if it’s of me, of course. in every state. Academy Awards -The Contestants 3 If a movie were made about your life, Coke or Pepsi, Cooper? Coke. Pepsi is just Tola, what actor would get the lead role? off brand Coke. Obviously Meryl Streep. She can do it all. If you could have one superpower, what Coke or Pepsi? Neither. They’re both vomit- would it be? Cross-dimensional awareness inducing. What’s your biggest pet peeve? People What’s your most embarrassing NDA chewing with their mouth open memory? Freshman year, my ankle gave Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Ivan Drago out for no reason in the middle of Konop. from Rocky 4 Shoutout to Tracy for being the only person What makes you cry everytime it happens? who didn’t laugh. The ending of Friends What’s the best advice you’ve gotten What’s your favorite app on your phone? and from whom? “Blame others for your Christian Mingle problems, take credit for the solutions.” -Mr. Seth Baeten What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Wolf of (younger) Geiser Seth, what’s the last lie you told? “No, Wall Street How many licks does it take to get to the Danny, I don’t think you look like the mayor “It takes two to…” make a thing go right. center of a Tootsie Pop? Depends on the from The Lorax.” day. I’d say a solid 15 licks though. Who’s your celebrity crush? Lana What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever The theme song of your life… Hard“ In Da made? Fidget spinner phone case. Times were Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame rough. If a movie were made about your life, what 10 years from now, you’ll be… Asking Sofia actor would get the lead role? Michael Cera if my outfit makes me look fat Coke or Pepsi? Coke Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Queen If you could have one superpower, what Elizabeth would it be? X-Ray vision What makes you cry every time it happens? You can time travel...where are you going? Walking into The Atrium on a Monday Back to my first time seeing Sra. Stover. morning What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and What’s your favorite app on your phone? from whom? “If you do crossfit, you are Will Drake Twitter. Lots of entertaining misinformation guaranteed to start balding by 20.” - Mr. on there. Konshak Will, what’s the last lie you told? That I’m Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Ellen going to miss Tre. DeGeneres. The theme song of your life... “All I Do Is Got any hidden talents? I’ve been compared Win” by DJ Khaled to the Waka Flocka Flame of my generation. Top bucket list item... Going 2.7 seconds on So rapping I guess? a bull named Fumanchu What makes you cry every time it happens? If a movie were made about your life, who Having one of those Triton raps pop up on would get the lead role? Mark Wahlberg my Instagram feed (no offense, Jack) If you could have one superpower, what What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Mac and would it be? Being Arnold Schwarzenegger Devin go to High School You can time travel...where are you going? “A picture is worth a thousand...” likes, if it The 1990s. Will Zellner has a cool enough caption. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “You’re too legit to quit” - MC Will, what’s the last lie you told? Hammer “Hey, Will Drake, lookin’ good today, bro!” What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever Who’s your celebrity crush? made? I got convinced into buying $35 Blake Lively or Selena Gomez worth of fudge, and I don’t even like fudge. The theme song of your life… Who’s your celebrity look-alike? I’ve been “Scream and Shout” told I look like Nelly. Top bucket list item… What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Dancing Skydiving or Cliff Jumping in Europe With the Stars Coke or Pepsi? Dr. Pepper You can time travel...where are you going? It’s Better In The App! The 1940s Download The Student News Source App What’s your biggest pet peeve? When my And Never Miss A New Story mom doesn’t fill out Magnus. How many licks does it take to get to the Step 1: Download the “Student News Source center of a Tootsie Pop? I’m a biter. Cooper Bukowski App” from the App Store or Google Play. Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Paul Cooper, who’s your celebrity crush? Jennifer Step 2: The Tritonian Walker Aniston Access ’s feed by opening the app and searching for “Notre Dame The theme song of your life… “ What makes you cry every time it happens? Party in the Academy” when prompted. When Marley dies in Marley and Me. U.S.A.” What’s your favorite app on your phone? Top bucket list item… Be in Mr. NDA Step 3: Enable notifications and subscribe to Magnus Mobile What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and your favorite student journalists to never miss a What’s your go-to tv show/movie? from whom? “Do or do not. There is no try.” story. Entourage I learned that one from Yoda. Opinion 4 What is your favorite Mr. NDA or Academy Awards Memory? Simon Dvorak, senior: “Definitely Anna Zimmermann, senior: mael Nur was funny.” intro.” Campbell’s dance was cool.” Fuzz French in Mr. NDA. Apart “Charlie Lemkuil’s water foun- Bella McCarron, senior: “My Evie Rickards, sophomore: “My Caden Capomaccio, junior: “I from the skits being insanely enjoy- tain act and Henry Wied’s standup favorite was definitely Henry Wied’s favorite would have to be Charlie liked Owen Brummel’s drawings of able, enjoying it with friends made it routine.” from my junior year!” Lemkuil when he and his friends the teachers.” that much better.” Maddie Gage, senior: “Riley Emma Goffard, sophomore: were all spitting water at each other. Elizabeth Williams, junior: “My Maggie Gallagher, senior: “My Onell’s ‘Blades of Glory’ skating “I can’t exactly remember who It was hilarious! favorite was Joel Meglic’s Jazzercise favorite was definitely Joel Meglic’s routine.” performed, but I recall the lighting, Elizabeth Rickards, senior: “Owen act last year.” performance; it really made me Hannah Weisse, senior: “Charlie comedy choices and the music being Brummel’s was my favorite. His Jack FitzGerald, junior: “Henry laugh.” Lemkuil’s water fountain act.” my favorite aspects of the show!” performance almost made me cry. It Wied’s stand-up act.” Nick Massabni, junior: “The best Anna Gruesen, junior: “Charlie Madison Waldrop, senior: “Owen was so heartwarming and sweet. Caleb Steffel, senior: “A tie be- Academy Awards acts were Owen Lemkuil’s act was the best.” Campbell’s performance in last Andrew Delvoye, junior: “I 100% tween Cribben’s anger translator act Campbell’s or Theo Van Straten’s or Molly Kukiela, junior: “I really year’s Academy Awards is still my loved Owen Campbell’s perfor- and Fuzz’s Chris Farley impression.” Josh Cribben’s.” liked Owen Brummel’s and Henry favorite. His editing skills blew me mance.” Stanley Bailey, senior: “Fuzz’s Melanie Burnell, senior: “My Wied’s performances.” away!” Aidan Guiou, senior: “I have to say Chris Farley impression.” favorite was Charlie Lemkuil’s per- Sylvia Peterson, freshman: “The Meredith James, senior: “My fa- Ben Lelinski, the dude who rocked Chris Charles, junior: “My favorite formance my sophomore year.” aerobics dance that Owen Brummel vorite performance had to be Owen the kilt, was amazing.” was Henry Wied’s stand-up routine.” Grace Gunville, junior: “I was in.” Brummel’s. His artistic talents blow Emma Vanhoof, junior: “Owen Gabe Phillips, junior: “Riley definitely liked Owen Campbell’s Matthew Gugluizza, freshman: me away!” Campbell’s performance totally blew O’Nell’s and Bo Buckley’s skating performance the most out of all the “Owen Campbell’s act last year.” Alex Brabant, senior: “My favorite me away! Best one yet!” act freshman year” years I have been at NDA.” Madeline Scripp, freshman: “Ish- act of all time was Eric Wyeker’s Maggie Tressler, junior: “Owen Charlie DeRuyter, junior: “I would Emma Skaletski, sophomore: “My say my favorite was also Henry favorite performance was Joel Meg- Wied’s stand-up.” lic’s Zumba dance.” Mary Popkey, junior: “Henry Wied Emma Cooper, senior: “Charlie saying ‘driving home’ was his favor- Lemkuil is at the top of my list of ite part about his day at NDA.” favorite performances out of all of Sophia Richards, junior: “Howie’s the Mr. NDA shows.” rampwalk to ‘Suit and Tie’ last year” Harrison James, junior: “I think Sam Smet, junior: “A shocker. Owen Campbell’s performance was Henry Wied’s stand-up act. I also my ultimate favorite.” liked Katherine Zeise and Mitch Olivia Berndt, senior: “My favor- Chosa’s act freshman year.” ite? A tie between Sonja Gapinski Maggie Thillman, junior: “Fritz.” and Owen Campbell. I loved Owen’s Lucia Bosco, junior: “My favorite because it was the funniest thing act was Nate Ihlenfeldt’s.” I have ever seen, and Sonja’s was John Sack, junior: “My favorite amazing because I got to be a part of performance was by Joel Meglic.” it all. It was so fun.” Sophie Rotherham, senior: “My Kylie Callaway, junior: “My favor- favorite was Owen Campbell’s ite performance was totally Owen junior year.” Brummel’s.” Eddie Noble, senior: “ Tommy Alex Schrader, senior: “I loved Zakowski’s act will be the best act... Evan Walczeck’s performance; it good luck, Tommy!” was absolutely hilarious.” Julia Augustian, senior: “My favor- Anna Lippert, junior: “The year ite was Henry Wied’s last year.” my brother sang so well that every- Joseph Re, senior: “Grady Brick’s one thought he was lip syncing.” dance routine was absolutely aston- Alex Brabant, senior: “Ben Le- Last year’s winner, Owen Campbell, stands with his predecessor, Owen Brummel, at the conclusion of the 2020 Academy Awards. ishing.” linski’s singing ‘Piano Man’ after inhaling helium.” ACADEMY Tech Crew Shines AWARDS Continued From Page 1 with various performing acts.” The Show Goes On... everything is running smoothly in Although this might seem like WINNERS every department (audio systems, a fun job, he understands there Continued From Page 1 wireless coordination, lighting systems, is a lot of tough work involved. JEFF LUTSEY - I rigging systems and video systems). had an extremely successful show, so I I am always in awe of what Jake He also manages both the student “Yes, on the outside it is going to ANDREW MOHR - II am a bit spoiled. I have loved every Gerlikovski does with his stage technicians and the crew technicians concerts, designing lights, and working minute I have spent working on the designs. He is a true talent and works JAKE BUTZ - III that make the show possible. with acts; however, at times, it can be 15- show. I try to consult with our tech countless hours along with his crew 18 hour days, multiple days in a row, in crew and work with our contestants to truly make the show happen. ANDREW BUTCHER - IV “I am ultimately responsible for 100-degree weather, with semi-trucks to put together a great stage show. any issues,” he explained. “It is also full of equipment,” said Gerlikovski. MIKE TUCHALSKI - V During the show I work with the Sarah VanGrunsven my responsibility to work with backstage crew to get props out and My first year at NDA, Carolyn TOMMY DURKIN - VI the director and to be sure the For him, it is important calm the nerves of the contestants. Brown asked me to be a staff judge. overall design aspect is being met.” that people enjoy his work. I have had many great memories. I I absolutely loved the show and MAX PRANGE - VII enjoyed seeing my daughter be a that is when Carolyn asked me to Being a technical director doesn’t “I think loving what you do is SHAWN CONNELLY - VIII part of the show a couple times, join the team of a fantastic group feel like work to Gerlikovski. something people struggle with. I and last year I loved the opening of advisors. That was 12 years ago. TODD SCHMIDT - IX can not imagine working a job that as I did the music for it, and Jake “Yes, some days or nights are long I dread going into work for. There is created a stunning light show. The Academy Awards has always ALEX ERDMAN - X and frustrating, but this career no excitement there,” he said. “That is been one of my favorite parts of is fun,” he explained. “I go to something I try to teach and explain STEVEN SCHUMACHER - XI I actually prefer the nights leading up NDA. I have had the pleasure of concerts, design lighting and work over and over to the student techs.” to the show maybe even more than getting to know so many students BERNDT BRUMMEL - XII the show itself. Hanging out with over the years that I would not have everyone and seeing the enthusiasm had the chance to know otherwise. BOBBY ELLIOTT - XIII Emcees Promise Unique build is amazing, and it leads to a really huge rush the night of the show. From sewing sequins on a costume CHRIS REFSGUARD - XIV Show, Same Fun hours before the show, rewriting songs HUNTER YEWMAN - XV I think the beauty of the women I the night before the show, the late work with is how we all play a pivotal nights and group bonding - I have ROSS WARPINSKI - XVI role in putting on a great performance. wonderful memories of this show. No one’s role is less important than the CAYMAN BERG - XVII other. It is a true equal collaboration Each year, the camaraderie of the KIERAN DEGROOT - XVIII where we all can showcase our group is amazing. I am always thrilled particular talents, and quite frankly that so many contestants help other GREG YOUNG - XIX they are just amazing women! contestants with their acts. The amount of time the contestants, JACK PAVEK - XX I am so proud of the kids that are doing crew and tech put into the show is NATE IHLENFELDT - XXI it this year. They went in knowing it beyond belief. The memories these wouldn’t be the same but wanted students make will last for a lifetime. BEN LELINSKI - XXII to put on a great show, nonetheless. Although this year will not be a live show, OWEN BRUMMEL - XXIII My favorite act of all time was Joe This year’s emcees, chosen in tryouts by a panel of teachers and staff I am so impressed by each contestant OWEN CAMPBELL - XXIV Curtin’s routine from “Singing in the for still participating in the show. members, are seniors Lainey Chosa and Sam Ruffell. They have a unique Rain, Make ‘em Laugh.” It was so ??? - XXV challenge: doing the show in a pandemic. unique and so well choreographed. Check out their exclusive, online feature stories at www.ndatritonian.com.