The `ROCK Report
Inside this issue of Tom Brady: The Best Ever "Gold does not describe it... [it is] The ‘Rock Report: more accurate than a trained Ma- rine Sniper, stronger than CJ Her- Page 2: Around Feehan By Cole Firth ‘17 son after a good lift session [and Page 3: Around Feehan Since Tom Brady's escape from the big scrim], more clutch than Michael Page 4: Election 2016 Shawshank Prison that was his cor- Jordan in the NBA Finals." A tear Page 5: Election 2016 rupt NFL suspension, the Patriots have strolled down his face as he spoke gone 6-1. The 39 year old (112 in NFL these words, which he quickly wiped Page 6: Around Feehan years) has 16 touchdowns and only away with a humble dab. Page 7: World News one interception in seven games. I Tom Brady, who after the win this past Page 8: Sports asked Tom Brady connoisseur (and Sunday, is tied for the most wins ever Page 9: Dear Lucky great newspaper editor) Sean Gray, at the quarter- (Cont’d on pg. 7) "How golden is Tom Brady's arm?" Page 10: Crossword Page 11: The Continued’s College Admissions : A Senior’s Perspective The Back Page By Juliana Desimone ‘17 Upcoming Events: Have you gone to the bathroom re- lings, and yourself. If you haven't 12/9 11:15 Dismissal cently to find a senior in tears? Or drowned by this point, you must de- 12/13 STAND Coffee- maybe just seen one rocking back and cide WHICH SCHOOLS TO APPLY TO, house forth on the ground in Guidance? which only requires that you know 12/15 Christmas Concert While it easily could have been be- EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO 12/16 Santa Shop cause of the election results, the main WITH YOUR LIFE and, oh yeah, WHO cause of this suffering is the college YOU ARE. Still there? Great, because 12/20 Christmas Concert application process, a series of excru- now you get to fill out school-specific Assembly ciating and exhausting steps that serve applications! The colleges just want to 12/22 Modified TAG Day as a reminder to seniors in high school make sure your great aunt’s middle 12/23—1/2 Christmas of how imperfect they are. If you want name really is Shirley and that she is Break to apply to college, the first step in the in fact nocturnal, unless someone is 1/13 Quarter 2 Ends process in most cases is filling out the making spaghetti squash because extensive Common Application by de- that’s her favorite. If you have the 1/16 No School tailing the middle names, occupations, mental toughness to progress past this 1/17 Midterms Begin favorite foods, and weird sleeping pat- point, you may have school specific terns of all of your descendants, sib- supplements to (Cont’d on pg. 11) Around Feehan
Chris Herren Comes to Feehan By Sarah Wiik ‘17
The silence of the auditorium was eerie. A pin mother, and the pain of bullies at school. His stories could drop and the sound would create an echoing sank into the hearts of the audience, for the pur- vibration over all 1,100 students in green. An ordi- pose of warning them about the harm their actions nary man, with a talent for basketball, stood in and words can cause to someone’s future. He front of the crowd entrancing every single person warned the students that believe they are the cool with his words. The only eyes that left him were ones based on what they do on the weekends to the ones who could not stand the eye contact as rethink themselves and think about their “Why?” tears rolled down their cheeks. Chris Herren told for the actions they chose. He targeted the older the Feehan community on November 18th not of siblings in the crowd, telling them how much their his struggles with heroin addiction, but of his pre- younger brothers and sisters look up to them. In- sent and who he has met through his current ca- fusing the story of a 7th grade boy who accidentally reer of public speaking to young adults. He told of a overdosed because his older sister who said Xbox young girl with old clothes hiding the cuts on her would be cooler to play after taking some pills, arms caused by a drunken father, a depressed Herron was able to create (Cont’d on pg. 11) A Thanksgiving for Others By Patrick Fuller ‘17 November 23rd was a half day deemed unneces- would like to extend my utmost thanks to all the sary by the majority of the student body. This per- homerooms, volunteers, and National Honor Socie- spective was quickly changed by the involvement ty members for allowing the tradition of Thanks- of every student in the Thanksgiving Mass. The un- giving baskets to continue so effectively. ceasing generosity of Feehan’s motivated students manifested itself in overflowing baskets of food destined to make a needy family’s celebration beautiful. The creativity of our school’s home- rooms shined bright in whimsical decorations, es- pecially in Mr. Tota’s homeroom winning “most creative,” with its rendition of the house from Up and Mrs. Luongo’s homeroom winning “best Thanksgiving themed,” for its festive design. On behalf of the entire Bishop Feehan community, I Around Feehan
PSATS: Did You Have What It Took to Succeed? By Mary Rose Corkery ‘18
How did you do on the PSAT? Well enough to be a As for the math sections, the general consensus National Merit Scholar? Maybe, but myriad stu- [18] was that an exceptionally fast reading speed dents across the country are considering some- calculated for Abigail would have been useful for thing else over their impending college plans: am I all. No number of
Feehan Fleece Takes the Fashion World By Storm Kelly Garrity ‘17
Every year, the sea of blue and white shirts in the wear over their sweaters during the darkest days Bishop Feehan halls changes to a murky, algae- of winter. The fleece will cure the annual sweat- clogged lake of green as students don sweaters and shirt epidemic (Unfortunately, well-constructed sweater vests for the cold winter months. Begin- rhetorical arguments such as, "I'm cold," will prob- ning October 1st and ending May 1st, the sweater ably no longer fly for regular sweatshirt-wearers). brings a festive, ever-green touch to the season. All the best memories at Feehan are made during Featuring a quarter-zip, a collar, and two zip-up sweater season: Santa Shop, Feehan's Got Talent, pockets, this fleece has everything including a midterms. However, recent cries of, “Brr,” and gen- quarter-zip feature, a collar, and two pockets. It's eral shivering throughout the student body have also super soft-looking, which hopefully translates led to a new development in bfhs.dfrcs uniform into being super soft-feeling. Rumor has that if the outerwear. fleece is successful it will be followed by its cousin, This winter, the sweater is getting a new best the fleece-vest. According to our sources, it'll pair friend: the fleece. Starting in a few weeks, students perfectly with the short sleeves. will have the option of purchasing a green fleece to Election 2016
Donald Trump Wins Presidential Election By Brendan Donoghue ‘18
Election Day is America at its finest. No matter the refused to answer polls on who they would vote for problems and disagreements people have about prior to the election ended up voting for Trump by government, every four years, the citizens of the a landslide. Also, Trump was able to tap into frus- United States speak and the government listens. On tration from working class voters. This does not Tuesday, November 8th, Donald J. Trump was mean that everyone who voted for Trump likes elected the 45th President of the United States. Af- him, but they were able to look past the flawed ter a long and controversial campaign from both messenger that Trump is due to their strong belief sides, Trump defeated Democratic candidate Hilla- in his message. In the end, voters did something for ry Clinton by a margin of 290 electoral votes to 232 Trump that they could not do for Clinton—they put electoral votes (with Michigan yet to be called) in their trust in him. Trump is an outsider, and the what was has been referred to as the greatest upset political elites despised him for that, but the Ameri- in the history of the election for President of the can people viewed that as his best quality. Did United States. What Trump was able to do was tru- Trump win by a massive landslide? No. Are the di- ly amazing. Not only did he win every Republican vides of this country healed? No. One thing is for state that he needed to, but he also won the histori- certain, Donald J Trump is going to be the 45th cally Democratic states of Wisconsin and Pennsyl- President and the country needs to come together vania, along with a win in key states such as Ohio, behind him. The American people have spoken, and North Carolina, and Florida. Many people have they wanted change. Donald Trump is now the been trying to figure out how Trump pulled off a voice and figurehead of that change. victory, but the reason is quite simple. People who Schoolwide Election Results
The ‘Rock Report conducted a school-wide presi- dential election to see who would win. The poll was conducted from Friday, November 4th, to Tuesday, November 8th, and 627 Feehan students, faculty, and staff participated. Here are the results: Donald Trump and Mike Pence– 297 Votes, 47.4% Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine– 209 Votes, 33.3% Write-Ins– 48 Write-Ins, 7.7% Gary Johnson and Bill Weld– 43 votes, 6.9% In both the school and the nation, Donald Trump was the winner. Evan McMullin and Mindy Finn– 18 votes, 2.9% Election 2016
Our Generation Voting: An Expose By Shane Sullivan ‘17
Young people age 18-24 make up a whopping 31% With the constant presence of this past election in of the electorate in our United States. Since 1971, culture, the news, and conversations, I decided to 18 year olds have had the luxury and ability to vote investigate our senior’s feelings towards their right in our country’s various elections. With such a mas- to vote. Polling seniors and juniors, the results I sive portion of our country being made up of the found were quite surprising. Out of the 50 polled young generation, one would think our age group students, only one admitted to not being interested would be able to dictate and swing elections. How- in voting; which was due to the apparent lack of ever, reality reveals that the sad truth is the exact impact. As for the remaining 49 students, they all opposite. Some years, our generation only churns insisted they would vote. While it was for a variety out as low as 38% of its registered voters to fill out of reasons ranging from voting being a civic duty to a ballot. Furthermore, seeing as only 50% of 18-24 the simple fact that their mom made them, the pos- year olds are registered, that means a miserable itive response is very encouraging. Even in a domi- 19% of our generation input their opinion into our nantly democratic state, our school predicted the country’s political system. Why is this? A variety of election of Donald Trump in our school-wide elec- causes dissuade younger voters from actually vot- tion. While this political fervor may not carry into ing (too busy, not interested, vote doesn't matter, the real world, all of these signs point towards our unhappy with politicians, etc), and as a result, our student body being politically engaged and in- generation is unable to wield the massive political formed. If our students influence their friends out- influence we possess. side of Feehan and continue to inform themselves about political races, our generation may finally begin to affect elections that it is equipped to. Shamrocks Smash Spartans during Thanksgiving Throwdown By Sean Gray ‘17
On Thursday, November 24th, the Bishop Feehan own, and after an extra point from sophomore Shamrocks took on the Bishop Stang Spartans in kicker Billy Lynch, the Shamrocks would take a 7-6 both teams’ final game of the season. The first lead. Senior captain CJ Herson would score the next score in this Thanksgiving throwdown would go to touchdown, making the score 14-6. Stang, however, Bishop Stang, as their quarterback would run in for would close the deficit before the half, with the a touchdown, making the score 6-0. Soon after- quarterback running in another score with two wards, sophomore quarterback Tim D’Ambrosia seconds left. Feehan went would retaliate with a rushing touchdown of his into the locker room with (Cont’d on pg. 8) Around Feehan
Drama Fills the Feehan Stage By Brian Rea ‘17
On November 18, 19, and 20, the members of the and Sophie Drager (‘18). Also, the cast owes a tre- Bishop Feehan Theatre Company presented Where mendous thank you to the Set Crew advisers (Alan the Lilies Bloom by Celeste Raspanti. The dramatic Follett, Sean McNair, and Kimberly Fowler) as well comedy takes place in rural North Carolina, where as the entire Set Crew. Lastly, the show would not the Luther children- Mary Call (Michaela Martin have been possible without Director Mr. Harrison ‘17), Romey (Zach Castro ‘20), Devola (Rachel Ir- who continues to put on stellar productions and win ‘19), and Ima Dean (Hannah Kline ‘20)- are left inspire his students. orphans after the death of their father. Instead of Cast Members not mentioned: going to authorities and thus tearing the children apart, Mary Call takes on the role of the parent, and Alma Graybeal…………………...Theresa Castro (‘17) together the children hide the death of their father Gaither Graybeal………………..Brett Violett (‘20) from the adults in town- their landlord and De- Lacey Ardwell…………………….Maria Perry (‘20) vola’s admirer, Kiser Pease (Brian Crowley ‘18), general store owners Mr. Connell (Brian Rea ‘17) Chester Tucky…………………...Spencer Glasson (‘20) and Mrs. Connell (Lainey Giusti ‘19), Goldie Pease Preacher…………………………..David Alexander (‘20) (Beth Keough ‘19), and Miss Breathitt (Linnea Sammy Lee Crocker…………Stephen McNerney (‘17) Carchedi ‘19). Through the dramatic twists and turns and occasional comedic jokes, the audience is Hannah Jo Wade………………Claire DeMillo (‘20) inspired by the message of endurance. The cast and Extras: crew celebrated three fantastic shows. The show Margaret Ellis (‘18), Kayla Goncalves (‘20), Livia would not have been possible without the hard Serak (‘20), Matthew Goncalves and Olivia Erwin work of the stage managers, Adam Oliveras (‘17)
PAWS: The Best Way to life is good, PAWS is still the place for you. PAWS stands for Praise Adoration and Worship through Song, which, con- Start Your Friday trary to popular freshmen belief, isn't a handful of students singing out of the Bible every Friday. PAWS is a large group By Zach Crowe ‘18 of students getting together every Friday morning at 7:10 If you’re exhausted from all the struggles in the chapel to sing modern-day popular Christian songs. and hard work you've fought through all It’s the best way to start your Friday because you start it week, PAWS is the place for you. If you're off with calming, soothing, well-played music with all your stressed about a daunting test or maybe friends around. With over 60 clubs and 25 sport teams, its three quizzes you've got, PAWS is the place hard to try everything Feehan offers, which is why you aren't mandated to go every Friday, for you. If absolutely nothing’s wrong and (Cont’d on pg. 11) World Events
October 2016: Month of the Clown By Bryce Conner ‘17
I have always loved clowns. Something about the the beginning of October, clowns began popping up way they smile leaves my young, restless heart in a everywhere. I would look on my Twitter timeline flustered mess. The way their round noses glisten and every other post would be about my coveted in the scintillating sun has an almost therapeutic clowns. To my surprise, the vast majority of the effect on my soul. Every time I see a clown I can lit- tweets were actually negative towards the clowns! erally, not figuratively, feel my skin becoming It was almost like everybody had clownphobia or clearer, my hair becoming shinier, and my teeth something of that nature. People were complaining becoming whiter. Now unfortunately for me, it isn’t that the clowns were “walking around with knives” always easy to see a clown. These mystical crea- and “chasing after them.” People were also claim- tures only come around about once a year during ing that these clowns were “creepy” and “the boy- the annual summer festival that I always attend. It friends of many females.” I do not entirely under- is at this summer festival in which my clown crav- stand the latter of those two remarks. Although this ing is appeased. This year I stocked up on clown uprising of clown media restored my clown vibes vibes because I knew I would need the vibes to to full capacity, the uprising lead me to realize hold me over during a long senior year. About a something— some people are afraid of clowns. I month into school, the unthinkable happened; I ran know that is an odd sentence to read but you read out of vibes. The pressures of senior year quickly my article correctly; some people are ACTUALLY depleted my vibe supply and left me in a state of fearful of these majestic, white-faced creatures. I do vibe-less defeat. This vibe-less state resulted in my not understand how this is possible. Clowns are grades slipping. always standing around in public places just mind- Anyway, this problem didn’t last for long. Towards ing their own business. (Cont’d on pg. 11) formance as a New England Patriot. Tom Brady (from pg. 1) I would willingly walk barefoot on glass, make an awkward and cringe promposal in front of the back helm at 200. He will beat that record and have whole school, run cross-country, just to catch a yet another tally in the G.O.A.T. column. Some other pass from Tom Brady. Some people may think I am accomplishments that garner the G.O.A.T. medal is going overboard here, and they are probably right. his four Super Bowl rings, his marriage to Gisele Just like any kid would explain their love for a Bu ndchen, his amazing social media presence in childhood hero, I am doing the same. Tom Brady is our digital world, the list goes on. My list of priori- G.O.A.T. and that's why I decided to express my fa- ties in my life is family, friends, God, and Tom naticism of Tom Brady to all readers of The ‘Rock Brady. He has brought me the greatest joy in my Report and potential ridicule from my peers. Simp- life than any other human being because of his per- ly put, I love Tom Brady. Sports
Chicago Cubs Break the Curse By Chloe Burke ‘20
The Chicago Cubs finally ended the curse in the the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field.” These tenth inning of game seven in the 2016 World Se- words said by William “Billy Goat” Sianis cursed ries. From 1876 to 1945, the Cubs were one of the the Cubs for years to come. The Chicago Cubs lost most successful baseball teams in the country with game four of the 1945 World Series. Future World 51 winning seasons, including two World Series Series appearances became a dream for the Cubs. victories and six Championship titles. All their suc- After their last World Series victory in 1908, it was cess came to a standstill since game four of the long 108 years later that the Chicago Cubs ap- 1945 World Series. The Chicago Cubs were facing peared in the 2016 World Series against the Cleve- the Detroit Tigers. The Cubs were leading 2-1 and land Indians. The two teams each had three wins hoped to win another game. A man named William hoping for a win in game seven to declare the title. Sianis who owned the local Billy Goat Tavern came In the final game on November 2nd, 2016, the Chi- to the Cubs game hoping to bring in his pet goat, cago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 and Murphy. At the entrance gate, the ushers stopped became the World Series champions. After a long Sianis and told him to leave his goat outside. He re- and hopeless 108 years, the Chicago Cubs over- fused and said “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more. came the Billy Goat Curse. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as Jolin would finish the game with 133 yards on 3 Thanksgiving Game (from pg. 5) carries, averaging 44 yards a carry. Senior captain Terry Ward would seal the deal, with two more carries for 90 yards and a score. The defense did its the lead, and they would not let it go for the dura- job in the second half as well, not surrendering a tion of the game. single point. On Stang’s offensive final drive, all In regards to strategy, Herson explained that it was eleven defensive players were seniors. Herson not- simple. “The gameplan was to be sound on defense ed that “that was an emotional moment and some- and have a complete game on offense. Pretty much thing that I’ll never forget.” anything we ran worked well”, he added. These With a final score of 34-12, the Shamrocks would ideas were executed flawlessly in the second half, finish 7-4 on the season, their best record since the with a strong rushing attack and a great defensive 2012 championship team. Jolin commented that it effort. was “a great season, and [the game] was a great Senior Devin “David Johnson” Jolin would score win for the Seniors.” While the season may be over, next for the Shamrocks, running 79 yards and ex- the team has a lot to be proud of. tending the lead to 21-12, and three minutes later, he would run for 50 more yards and 6 more points. Dear Lucky
Dear Lucky is Bishop Feehan’s very own advice column. If you have questions about life, love, or anything else, send Lucky an email at [email protected]!
Dear Lucky, The holidays are coming up and I am hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. For the party I need a great playlist of Christmas songs. What are your favorite Christmas songs I can play at the party? From, Need-some-good-music Ned
Hello, Ned! Below is a list of the absolute best Christmas songs to play at your party. These songs are great for playing at a party or singing to in the car on the way to school. All I Want for Christmas is You (Superfestive)- Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber Underneath the Tree- Kelly Clarkson Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band Last Christmas- Wham! Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)- U2 Baby, It's Cold Outside- Idina Menzel and Michael Buble 12 Days of Christmas- Straight No Chaser It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Andy Williams Up on the Rooftop- Jackson 5
Merry Christmas! Lucky
Crossword Puzzle
Made by Charlie Yoder ‘17
Across Down 2– Showing lack of manners 3– Group of domesticated turkeys 1– Adjective for a good apple 5– Month of Thanksgiving in Canada 4– Sound reverberating; retreat for Seniors 6– Native American friend to Pilgrims 8– Helps medicine go down 7– Mowgli’s sidekick 11– Place to keep cars 9– Do this to avoid wrinkled clothes 12– To stupefy 10– Cage’s Demise in the Wicker Man 13– Most recent 007 Film 12– He makes a list, checks it twice 14– Rumored to be made of cheese 14– Favorite insect of Buffalo Bill 16– It’s the Great _____, Charlie Brown! 15– “Water Fountain” Outside NE 17– To tell on someone 18– President who made Thanksgiving a Holiday 20– Cavity inducing board game 19– The GOAT 21– Mode of travelling for Pilgrims 22– Government agency concerned with consumables Continued Articles
fill out. This may range from “Why are you even College (from pg. 1) doing this” to “Tell us about Spiders,” and if PSATS (from pg. 3) you're lucky, you may only need to do that for seven schools. BUT WAIT! Board seemingly took no THERE’S MORE! After you’ve detailed every dream you've ever had and immense issue with this. In your favorite pizza toppings, you need to prove that Great-Aunt-Middle- short, it was a successful Name-Shirley can not, in fact, contribute to your college education with PSAT that hopefully reflect- her glue factory salary, if you choose to fill out the FAFSA. Congratulations! ed in score the hard work Sometimes they even have a knife just in performed every day at Clowns (from pg. 7) case anybody has a cake that needs cut- Feehan. ting! Is that not the cutest thing! Clowns even go as far as to follow people 18. A– NO CHANGE around in order to make sure the person is safe! How can one say that B– aspiration clowns are “scary” or in any way “stalker-ish?” This clown-mania has made me realize what I have pretended not to know my whole life; regular C– consensus human beings are the real clowns. At least clowns make jokes for a living D– Compromise while all of you make jokes of yourselves for free. All of you will buy food 19. A– NO CHANGE from the cafeteria, but you can’t love a clown? How does that make sense? I’ll leave you with one final thought: “Clown” spelled backwards is “nwolC” B– de pendability and that makes no sense just like hating clowns makes no sense. Please do C– confidentiality the world a favor and love a clown today. D– Complete domination Chris Herren ( from pg. 2) Crossword Answers (from pg. 10) an intensely personal speech to Across Down every person in the audience. 1. CRISP 2. RUDE PAWS (from pg. 6) He did not chose a condescend- 4. ECHO 3. GANG you can come and be wel- ing tone or parental tone to his 8. SUGAR 5. OCTOBER comed with a smile when- listeners, but instead one of 11. GARAGE 6. SQUANTO ever you want. You aren't sympathy and a plea to those to 12. STUN 7. BALOO even mandated to sing rethink their actions, to be the 13. SPECTRE 8. SNAKES along (though no one ever kid who doesn’t need anything 14. MOON 9. IRON cares how well or poor you to be him or herself. As the stu- 16. PUMPKIN 10. BEES are at it), all you really need dents filed out the auditorium, 17. TATTLE 12. SANTA to do is give it a try and phrases such as “I am speech- 20. CANDYLAND 14. MOTH make your Fridays the best less” or “That hit home” could 21. MAYFLOWER 15. BUBBLER they can possibly be. be heard from every single 18. LINCOLN mouth. 19. BRADY
The Back Page
Student Spotlight: Naman Madan The ‘ROCK RepORT STaff By Mary Rose Corkery ’18 and Grace Chiodo ‘18 Bishop Feehan High School Contributing Writers (in Order of Appearance): Cole Firth ‘17, Juliana Desimone ‘17, Sarah Wiik ‘17, Patrick Fuller ‘17, Mary Rose Corkery ‘18, Kelly Garrity ‘17, Brendan Donoghue ‘18, Shane Sullivan ‘17, Sean Gray ‘17, Brian Rea ‘17, Zach Crowe ‘18, Bryce Conner ‘17, Chloe Burke ‘20, Ty- ler McNeil ‘17, Charlie Yoder ‘17, Grace Chiodo ‘18
Faculty Advisor: Ms. Gazzola Editor in Chief: Sean Gray ‘17 Assistant Editor: Brian Rea ‘17 Join the ‘Rock Report! Thursday mornings at 7:15 in Room 219.
Naman Madan is a member of the class of 2018 who mility. Not once has Naman been heard bragging of deserves immense recognition. Naman excels every his array of successes; this in itself is what truly day from the moment he enters Feehan at the crack makes Naman worthy of recognition. While it is of dawn to the moment he leaves campus. In fact, it easy for a student in high level classes to succumb to is reasonable to say that he excels in anything he bouts of stress on a daily basis, Naman does not sets his mind to. On a typical day, Naman can be cave in to this pressure. Instead, he brightens the found casually perusing the library, practicing fer- days of his peers with a positive and level headed vidly at the tennis courts, laying down the law at attitude. He explains that “life at times seems as if it mock trial, or breezing through advanced problems is full of adversity, but every day we are reminded at math team. that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” Such an Undoubtedly, his peers recognize him as a stellar optimistic and personable student not only makes student, but it is paramount to highlight Naman’s Naman a powerhouse partner in a class project but integrity, down-to-earth mindset, and genuine hu- also an inspiring and extraordinary friend to all.