MASTER FILE 2.indd - Albertus Magnus High School

November 2014
Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY 10954
Volume 8, Issue 1
Students compete in Albertus’ first Field Day
By Gabrielle Favre
S
eventh and 8th graders
from Rockland County’s
Catholic elementary schools
gathered at Albertus this fall
for the first annual Field Day.
Approximately 235 students
from Sacred Heart, St. Anthony, St. Gregory, St. Margaret,
and St. Paul grammar schools
participated in the day on Friday, September 26..
Students competed against
each other in numerous athletic events such as football,
basketball, lacrosse, track,
baseball, softball, and soccer.
Visiting elementary school students enjoying the day;
top photo by Siobhan McBride,
bottom photos by Julia Rizzuti
By Matthew Tyler
Albertus coaches and students accompanied the participants and coordinated the
activities. Coaches McFadden, Gavan, Lopez, Anderson,
Freeman, Holland, Ostolozaga, Fitzpatrick, and Villanueva assisted during the events
of the day.
Senior Griffin Favre, who
worked the event, said, “The
day was a big hit. All of the
kids enjoyed the events, and
not just because it got them
out of class for a few hours.”
The day’s success was due
to both the beautiful weather
and the students’ school spirit.
“I thought it was a good experience for the kids to get a
feel for Albertus. It also gave
us a chance to interact and
connect with possible incoming freshman. It really was
a lot of fun,” senior Caroline
Zemsky said.
The day ended with St. Margaret as the 1st Place Field
Day winner and St. Anthony
as the Spirit Award winner.
“It was a tremendous success
with picture perfect weather,”
said Mrs. Noreen Power, Director of Admissions.
Artists showcased in local festival
S
everal students were featured in the Garnerville “Artoberfest,” which was held at the Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center on October 11th, 12th,18th, and 19th.
Sophomores Gabriella Angeletti, Anna Lopez, Julia Rizzuti; juniors John Lauder, Nicholas Proscia, Jessica Stagnari,
Carly Winchell, Heba Yacoub; and seniors Austin Pinelli and
Liz Terzer displayed their work at the event. Art teacher Ms.
Jen Wassmer helped direct visitors and run the student exhibit.
The exhibit featured art from other local high schools such
as Clarkstown, Spring Valley, and Haverstraw. Exhibits included wood work, modern art, and different painting styles
that captured the diversity of Rockland County.
Pieces were displayed throughout the old factory and industrial center. Workshops were held during the day, highlighting
different types of art and their unique styles.
“Well, there’s just this vibe around this place, it’s like no
matter what time of day you go, you get hit with this sense of
creativity,” said artist Nicholas Proscia.
Many exhibits were open to the public for discussion with
the artist present to answer any questions about the piece.
The annual Artoberfest attempts to raise funds to help rebuild the new Garner Arts Center in Building 35.
Dominican Mission
laudare, benedicere,
praedicare
2
Photos of student art by Ms. Jen Wassmer
Meet the New People 3
Falcon Mural
4
Fashion 2015
5
Ebola
Movie Review
Midnight Run
6
7
8
Page 2
Albertus Magnus High School November 2014
The Dominican mission is revitalized with students committed:
laudare, benedicere, praedicare
By Kiera Townsend
Reporter Kiera Townsend shares her journey as a member of
the Preaching Conference committed to the pillars of the Dominican tradition: to praise (laudare), to bless (benedicere),
to preach (praedicare).
T
he Dominican High School Preaching Conference, which occurred
in the summer, is present at Albertus. Tim Brenner and I had an
influential trip, which according to Brenner, allowed us to “learn about
the Four Pillars of the Dominican tradition.”
Before this trip, these were just pleasant words posted in the school’s
hallway that we read and forgot. After the conference, we understood
that words often are powerless without experience to back them up.
Sr. Nancy, Tim, and I now want all students to leave this school with
an unforgettable Dominican experience, just like the one we had on
our trip, or just like Sr. Nancy has each day (she often reminds us that
“Dominicans know how to have a good time”). We will challenge our
community to become “preachers” to live the Dominican tradition.
This mission hopes to start with a series of small improvements, like
the quotes from Dominican saints that Sr. Nancy has posted across from
her office. Nevertheless, we hope to move in a positive direction with
each event.
Sr. Nancy’s presentation at the school’s October Open House highlighted the Dominican goals to prospective students and their families.
The Bullying Mass on November 3 focused on Dominican Saint Martin
de Porres and challenged students to take part in the end of bullying by
asking them to take a pledge to end bullying (see right).
There is a start of the Preaching Team, and an opportunity to attend
the Youth Preaching Workshop retreat at the end of November. Exciting ideas are floating around Campus Ministry at this time. Many students, both lower and upperclassmen, are proving to be optimistic and
driven about the future of the school as a Dominican superpower, with
Sr. Nancy acting as an indispensable force in connecting all with the
religious order by which she lives.
“Laudare, benedicere, praedicare” are no longer just commonly
shared words posted at the school but words of meaning to help guide
all to improve the world.
To praise, to bless, and to preach: this is our mission.
Pro-Life Chain
makes a stand for LIFE
At the juncture of Route 59 and Middletown Road, Albertus
community shows its support for the dignity of life.
By Jenna Tyrrell
Left to right: Michael Goff, Mikaela Bates, Brooke Gallione, and
Annalise Gutenberger. Photo courtesy of yearbook staff
Left to Right: Tim Brenner, Sr. Nancy, and Kiera Townsend.
Photo by Mrs. Grace Zemsky
At the November Mass, students took
this pledge to end bullying:
-- I hereby pledge to try my hardest to remove bullying
from my life, sight, and school.
-- I realize that the words I say and the actions I commit affect another, sometimes more strongly than I may
think, so I promise to try to be gracious and openminded when dealing with others.
-- I promise to try to understand those around me rather
than say unkind words, gossip, or exclude.
-- I devote myself to the cause of spreading the Truth,
Good Conscience, and Trust amongst the Albertus student body, beginning with the way I treat others.
S
tudents, faculty, and other ProLifers participated in the 22nd
Pro-Life Chain on October 5 to protest the legalization of abortion. They
stood at the intersection of Route 59
and Middletown Road in Nanuet
holding signs that read “Abortion
Kills Children” and “Life: the First
Unalienable Right.”
Many passing drivers expressed
support by honking their horns and
giving participants a thumbs-up.
“Each year I have noticed that more
and more people that drive by [try to]
encourage rather than discourage us.
I think this gives me and many of
the students a sense of hope for the
future knowing that so many folks
support what we do,” said Sr. Nancy
Richter, Pro-Life Club moderator.
Participants in the Pro-Life Chain
were optimistic about their influence. “This year’s life chain was
a huge success,” said senior Kiera
Townsend, who has participated the
past three years. “It seemed that ev-
Bristol-Myers Squib drug shows promise for skin-cancer patients
.
eryone was even more enthusiastic
than I remembered; plus I noticed
only three negative responses from
drivers passing by.”
When asked why the Pro-Life
Chain is important, Sr. Nancy said,
“The Life Chain has a long tradition
at AM. And we have been blessed
over the years with a very pro-active
and committed Pro-Life Club. At
school we learn and discuss what it
means to be Pro-Life and how it includes many issues from abortion, to
bullying, to the end of life and how
each person deserves to be treated
with respect and dignity while on this
earth. By standing on the Life Chain,
we put into action all those words we
say and let others know we don’t just
talk the talk but walk the walk.”
All iinvolved were pleased with
this year’s turnout and hope to acquire even more attendees at next
year’s Life Chain as they continue to
work to promote life and put an end
to abortion.
Mind-controlled gene switch made
November 2014
New Faculty:
Albertus Magnus High School Page 3
M e e t :
Ms. Helen Montchal
Student Council President:
Andrew Pierre
Photo of Andrew Pierre by Julia Rizzuti
Freshman Karishma Melwani converses with Andrew.
Photo of Ms. Montchal by Sean Healey
By Karishma Melwani
By Lauren Shields
Birthday - March 26
Teaches - English 9 and 10
Theology 9
Education - BA, Literature, Math Minor, Ramapo College
of New Jersey;
MST, Secondary Education, Long Island University
Why did you decide to teach at Albertus?
I wanted to teach at a high school that values the same things that I do.
Albertus is known for respect, academic success, high standards, and a supportive learning environment.
What is your favorite thing about Albertus?
The support, not only from teacher to teacher or teacher to student, but also
the support students give to each other. Albertus really is a family.
How can you make this year different and memorable for Albertus?
Andrew: I would like to incorporate my ideas to yield enjoyment and good
memories for the student body. Some of those ideas include events such as
The King of the Courts Basketball competition, a talent show, clubs, activities, and so much more. I also hope that every student has a great year.
Why are you qualified to be the president of AMHS?
Andrew: I’m qualified because I feel that I fulfill the needs and am academically, socially, and mindfully skilled to be a leader and take on a big
role. I always put my best effort into everything that I do, and success is
very important to me. In addition, I also do extra-curricular activities that
help me stay active within the community.
What’s your main goal for Albertus?
Andrew: My goal is to get more people involved in clubs and sports, to
stay active, and to be academically successful. I hope for everyone to have
a good time and that Albertus should be everyone’s happy place.
AMHS music department gets “smart”
Teacher and students both give new technology an “A”
By Tonianne Zottoli
T
he AMHS Band recently
implemented a new program in its curriculum called
“SmartMusic.”
Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Nadia Rizzo,
Albertus has decided to utilize this new technology to
bring music education and
experience to another level.
SmartMusic allows for a
more innovative, individual
way for artists to practice
pieces in a band repertoire.
SmartMusic is designed for
students to gain instant feedback on their performances.
A laptop and microphone is
all that is required.
Simply put, the students can
record their performance (no
videos, just sound recording),
on SmartMusic, which allows
them to hear their pitch, tone,
rhythm,; they can then work
on any problematic areas of
the piece onscreen.
Once the assignment is
submitted to the teacher, the
teacher can provide additional
tips and feedback, while at the
same time, be able to docu-
ment the student’s progress.
The use of this new tool
allows for a more honest way
to “earn” a grade for the class,
in addition to improvement for
the entire ensemble.
When asked about SmartMusic, Mrs. Rizzo expressed
her enthusiasm and positivity
saying, “If it is going to help
the students, then I’m all for
it.” Mrs. Rizzo added, “This
is a learning experience for all
of us.
Although there are a few
bumps in the road, we will figure them out together,” as this
program is still relatively new.
Mrs. Rizzo is excited about
the overall band’s improvement and to be able to broaden
their repertoire.
Seven Albertus students asked to serve at Sacred Heart for feast of St. Albert celebrated by Cardinal Dolan
Page 4
Albertus Magnus High School November 2014
Albertus Community
New mural changes Albertus environment
By Paulina Kanburiyan
A
lbertus has undergone
many welcome renovations this past year. The
updated senior lockers and
remodeled computer lab are
much appreciated among
the students. However, what
seems to be the most visible
update is the new falcon mural that greets all visitors outside the gym.
Having made past artistic
contributions to the school
with her Beast illustration on
the Spring Musical Beauty
and the Beast poster and
many submissions to the Albert magazine, senior Liz
Terzer was asked by Mrs.
Power, Director of Admissions, to create a painting that
would capture the essence of
Albertus. Terzer planned,
proportioned, and painted the
school mascot using acrylic
paint.
While many students were
more inclined towards the
idea of a typical cartoon mas-
cot, Liz suggested a realistic
portrayal.
When asked why she proposed the idea of portraying
an actual falcon rather than a
cartoon version, Liz said, “I
knew exactly what I wanted
to do the moment Mrs. Power
approached me. I drew up an
original sketch of a real falcon,
which I later showed her.”
Terzer finished the mural in
four weeks. “I’m happy with
the outcome. I have never
done something of this scale
and of this much importance. I
felt pressure for this to turn out
well, because of the significance of the painting. I wanted
to make sure it was perfect,”
Terzer said.
“I want to say thank you
to Liz from all of us for this
beautiful gift. She is a tremendously talented and generous
artist who has brightened our
hallways,” said Mrs. Ruppino,
English teacher.
I knew exactly what
I wanted to do the
moment Mrs. Power
approached me.
- Liz Terzer
Top photo of Liz Terzer working on her mural by Mrs. Terzer.
Bottom photo by Mrs. Ruppino
Take a Bite for Health!
By Selena Roberts
Fun Health Facts
According to Calorie Counter, one
average-sized red gala apple equals:
• 80 calories
• 5 grams of fiber
• 16 grams of sugar
• 170 mg of potassium
• 22 carbs
Taking a bite out of farm fresh apples, left to right: Carmangelo Capasso, Matt Tavolacci, Rebecca Anaya,
Cassidy Dinkel, Adrian Mayorga, Andronny Francois, Kieran Doherty, and Mike Dale.
W
ith one bite of an apple, students joined a
nationwide event to promote
healthy eating. Manager Pat
Ryan of Cater to You, the
company that services the
school cafeteria, gathered students and apples on October
24 to participate.
“We wanted to make students aware of the healthy
choices available to them in
our cafeteria,” said Ryan. The
cafeteria offers many healthy
alternatives such as homemade hummus, fresh salads,
fruits, yogurts, etc. Students
can request wraps and sandwiches that include other
healthy components.
New York State farms this
year harvested many varieties
of apples that included empire, cortland, granny smiths,
and many more. The red gala
apples that were distributed
to the students came from
the Glebocki farm in Orange
County, NY.
The lucky students who
enjoyed this event all agreed
that the apples were the best
of the season. “I always eat
apples, but these were particularly fresh and delicious,” said
freshman Rebecca Anaya.
.
Pope Francis confirms trip to the United States
Both photos by Sean Healey
Ramen donuts debut in the Hudson Valley
November 2014
Albertus Magnus High School Page 5
Entertainment
New York Fashion Week 2015
I
n September, common folk
shop to create ensembles for
the upcoming fall and winter.
Well, this is not so for those in
the fashion world!
In fact, this September, during New York Fashion Week,
top designers unveiled their
masterpieces for the upcoming 2015 spring and summer.
Those not following the fashion news risk missing the latest trends and will not know
what to wear to look flawless
and let out that inner Beyonce.
No worries, though, because
Carm is here to help you by revealing the top three trends at
the New York Fashion Week
2015.
The first trend of fashion
week is the use of gingham
print (a checker-like print;
think Dorothy’s blue dress in
The Wizard of Oz). For spring,
gingham will not resemble the
basic picnic tablecloth because
it has had a fashion makeover.
A fashion brand, Trademark,
did a traditional quarter sleeve,
below-knee day dress, with a
chic twist by using tones of
blue and brown in gingham
print.
Designers Michael Kors and
Diane Von Furstenburg had
more fun with the print. Kors
did a show-stopping, long
sleeve, deep v-neck, short
dress in a pale pink and white
gingham print; and DVF did a
flirty, long sleeve, short-short
set in a blue and white gingham print-like Dorothy’s dress
but better.
The second most popular
trend is coming from Asia- the kimono. Traditionally,
a kimono has bright floral designs on the piece;
but designers Alexander
Wang and Max Azria for
BCBG focused on the kimono structure rather than
color and design.
Wang created a jacket
in an off grey-white color
that uses the simple shoulder and belt features of the
kimono. BCBG did a longsleeve, loose fitting dress
that represents the casual kimono. As long as we do not
have to wear white paint on
our faces like the geishas, I
am all for this trend.
The third and final trend in
today’s fashion week review
uses the classic military jacket in a shade of green. Hugo
Boss did a trench-like coat
structure on top in military
By Carmangelo Capasso
style with a grey-top color.
Designers Jason Wu and Peter
Som did their own designs but
used that rich military green to
make their coats pop to have a
chic tone to them.
Now, my darlings, go on and
fly fabulously into the world.
ONE LAST APPLAUSE FOR JOAN
Can We Talk?
This fashion section would like to pay
tribute to a laughing fashionista -Joan Rivers.
Besides entertaining us all on Fashion
Police, Rivers had a QVC jewelry and
accessory line for over 20 years and created Live from the Red Carpet in 2005,
the special that covers all the glamour
during award season.
Joan Rivers, besides all the laughs,
thank you for your fabulous fashion
legacy.
Photos courtesy of imdb.com
Joan Rangers Forever!
Central Perk makes new “friends”
By Gianna Pisano
F
rom September 17th through October 18th, a pop-up Central Perk coffee show opened on 199 Lafayette St. in New
York City. Perfectly entitled, “The One with the Free Coffee,” the shop, which parallels the fictional coffee house from
Friends, opened for a month to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the premiere of the popular tv show.
Fans waited for up to three hours to gain entry into the
shop, but it was well worth the wait. Inside, there were over
fifty pieces of memorabilia from the show’s set, including costumes worn by the cast, and props such as Phoebe’s guitar and
the familiar yellow frame that hung behind Monica’s door. Most importantly, the well-known orange couch, on which
the friends drank their coffee for ten years, was also present.
Fans were able to sit on the sofa and take pictures.
Each visitor was also given free coffee with the flavor called
“Central Perk Roast,” which was created by Eight O’Clock
Coffee especially for the occasion. For any Friends fan who
had the chance to visit “The One with the Free Coffee,” it was
surely a dream come true.
Mockingjay director refused to CGI Phillip Seymour Hoffman
.
Artic blast hits Canada and US
Page 6
Albertus Magnus High School November 2014
Viewpoints
In The Media
Ebola outbreak inspires
conflicting opinions
The Walking Dead
returns from the grave
By Samantha Heavner and Gabbi Valdez
W
ith the recent outbreak
of the Ebola virus in
West African nations and
reports of cases within the
United States, fears, misconceptions, and rumors have
been rampant among Americans. The tension and danger
surrounding the disease have
led to the spread of misinformation and the rapid forming
opinions. The question remains, however, as to how serious this Ebola virus is.
Does this outbreak pose a
threat to Americans? Do the
reported cases provide reasonable cause for panic? One
must be properly informed before venturing to answer these
questions.
Here are the facts:
Ebola is a fatal disease that
results from infection with a
strain of the Ebola virus.
According to the United
States Centers for Disease
Control, the risk of multiple
American citizens contracting
the sickness is very low. The
CDC states, “Ebola is spread
through direct contact with
blood and body fluids of a
person already showing symptoms of Ebola. Ebola is not
spread through the air, water,
food, or mosquitoes.” (Source:
cdc.gov)
Why America Needs to Take
Ebola Seriously
One reason, which many
use to explain their lack of
worry over recent cases of
Ebola around the world, surrounds the contraction of the
disease. The virus infects its
victims through direct contact with bodily fluids such as
blood and vomit. As the average person does not typically
touch such substances directly,
many Americans have disregarded the recent panic regarding the Ebola virus. It is
important to remember, however, that particles of blood,
excrement, and similar fluids
can be present on public surfaces such as doorknobs and
elevator buttons.
Many skeptics of the drastic nature of this outbreak also
remark that there have been a
negligible number of Americans who have contracted the
disease, with most of its over
4,000 victims living in West
By Patrick McConnell
A
Photo credit to www.breitbart.com.
The above map shows the 30 states that have sought assistance
from the United States Centers for Disease Control concerning
recent reports of Ebola, with those that have reached out, shaded in dark grey. Decisions regarding whether or not to reach
out to the institution were more or less evenly divided among
the 50 states.
Africa. What these nay-sayers
fail to realize is that international travel, especially between West African nations
and major American cities,
such as New York, can enable
the gross and rapid spread of
the Ebola strain between thousands of people.
This danger was exemplified in Dallas. In fact, the Dallas hospital in which Liberian
patient Thomas Eric Duncan
surfaced after experiencing
the symptoms of Ebola issued
a full-page apology regarding
their lax regulation of policy;
in this letter, the hospital’s
CEO admits to the diagnosis
of two nurses with Ebola and
several traveling employees,
presenting a huge problem.
When Duncan later died on
Oct. 8, he was the first person
in America to pass away of the
disease. (Source: khon2.com)
President Obama has spoken
out about the dangers of the
Ebola virus in a recent press
release. On October 15, the
president called the outbreak
of the disease a “national security threat” that left a “low
margin for error” and required
concerted and aggressive effort from his administration.
(Source: ibtimes.com)
It is clear in light of this recent outbreak that Ebola presents a very real and hazardous
threat to America. While US
citizens may choose to reject
the blatant evidence regarding
the danger of the spread of this
fter nearly eight months
of an agonizing wait,
fans welcomed the Season 5
premiere of AMC’s zombie
drama, The Walking Dead,
on October 12. Last season
ended with the band of survivors led by Rick Grimes being held captive by cannibals
at Terminus. Fans feared for
their beloved survivors and
eagerly anticipated a justice
for the reprehensible Terminus residents.
The episode began with
explosions, which quickly
escalated to more zombie
gore. Fellow survivor Carol,
who was never captured by
Terminus, saved the day by
detonating a fuel tank that
started a shooting massacre
and drew in a large herd of
walkers.
After most of the group’s
captors were killed by Carol,
Rick, or zombies, fans were
relieved to see the survivors
endure and regroup. Tears
were shed when Rick reunited with infant daughter
Judith, previously thought to
be dead.
This premiere made the
audience laugh, cry, and
scream--all in one hour.
Though the episode did not
reveal what happened to Beth
or if Gareth would resurface,
fans were satisfied with the
intensity of the show.
virus, the fact remains that action must be taken to prevent
further loss of American life.
Why Ebola is Really No Big
Deal
Recent reports that the
disease known as Ebola has
made its way onto American soil has caused paranoia
among Americans. In a new
survey conducted by Harvard
researchers, it was found that
25% of Americans are worried
that someone in their immediate family will contract the
disease, despite Ebola’s being
harder to catch than the flu.
One rampant misconception
lies in the belief that Ebola has
overtaken all of Africa, causing widespread death. While
a significant number of people
have died from the disease, the
exposure has been geographically minimal.
People are afraid that they
can get the disease if they so
much as stand next to someone
who sneezes. Unless there is
direct contact with an infected
person’s bodily fluids, Ebola
will not be transmitted.
This disease has been able
to spread only in countries
like Liberia because of the
inadequate health care infrastructures found there. In the
United States, where there are
properly-equipped hospitals
and doctors and nurses who
strictly adhere to health and
safety rule guidelines, this disease can be easily contained
and poses no serious threat.
Hand transplant recovery sheds new light on touch
.
Picture courtesy of imdb.com
Latest iPhone draws attention
By Jessica Kilb
E
xcitement began building the moment Apple announced the new iPhone 6 at the Flint Centre for Performing Arts, and the popularity and success of previous
iPhones set the bar high. This new version would have to
deliver something even more spectacular. So far, it has not
disappointed. The screen on the iPhone 6 is significantly
larger than previous models. It is also much thinner with
stylish curved edges.
On the more technical side, the iPhone 6 offers a longer
battery life and an improved camera. As some might feel
that they are carrying around a camera that also happens to
be a phone, the user would have to ask, Which is more useful? And this camera is worth using because it has a better
focus and improved image stabilization.
In summary, Apple has hit another homerun.
Mid-term elections result in a Republican Congress
November 2014
Albertus Magnus High School Viewpoints
The Ebola Virus:
Rising epidemic or comedy gold mine?
By Lauren Milano
F
rom the Black Plague to the Swine Flu, epidemics have afflicted mankind. Fortunately, through the use of vaccines and antibiotics, modern
technology and medical knowledge have eliminated most deadly diseases.
However, recently a new virus has gained popularity due to its lethal nature, fatality rate, and, of course, unwarranted comical response.
After many years of being contained in foreign countries, the Ebola
virus was brought to America. This resulted in hysteria across the United
States, leading Americans to take drastic precautions. Recent studies have
shown that Americans are “buying hand sanitizer” and “washing their
hands slightly longer than they usually would.”
In other regions of the world, such as Africa, Ebola has a melancholic
connotation and is regarded as a dismal topic. But for some Americans,
Ebola is not just a virus but also a comedic opportunity. For example, if
a person sneezes in a classroom, there is an 82.7% chance that another
student will turn around, smirk, and say, “What do you have… Ebola?”
In a perfect world, immediately after reciting this masterpiece of a
joke, the laugh track from Full House would erupt and the student would
receive a hand-delivered award for the “Best Joke Ever” by Bob Saget
himself. Sadly, we do not live in this perfect world, and Bob Saget cannot magically appear (unfortunately). However, we do live in a world in
which Ebola, a truly devastating illness, has become a #funny and #lolworthy joke.
So what is so funny about Ebola? Is it the unexplained hemorrhaging
or the symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting? Or is it perhaps its linguistic flexibility giving it the ability to become a #relatable joke? (eBAEla).
Whatever it may be, it has become a rather “deadly” joke among the teen
crowd. This is clearly evident in the 15+ twitter accounts all dedicated
to parodying Ebola. This Ebola inspired twitter frenzy is growing rapidly, thereby, making the average American more likely to make an Ebola
parody account than contract the virus itself.
In reaction to this rising parody epidemic, President Obama said the
following at a press conference, “Please stop making Ebola parody accounts on twitter; it is not as funny as you think it is. Also follow @byebyesocialife.”
Ergo, my fellow Americans, we MUST take proper
precautions and STOP the
Ebola joke contagion. We
MUST halt this rising plague
or who knows what could
happen next? Students could
start writing satirical school
newspaper articles about EbMicroscopic view of the Ebola virus
ola jokes! Could you imagine?
courtesy of cnn.com
Student Help Desk
By Chloe Martinez
Q: I don’t understand why the hallways are so crowded! It can be very
frustrating when I’m always late to class because of the foot traffic in the
halls. Is there any way to avoid the mayhem and get to class on time?
A: Getting from class to class is hard enough, especially in the “generous” three
minutes we’re given. And it doesn’t help when fifty people are trying to squeeze
through one door. Personally, I think that crowded hallways are something that
every American high school student has to navigate. When you’re late to a class,
most teachers don’t want to hear excuses, so it’s vital that you know your schedule inside and out. If you know exactly where you’re headed, you don’t have to
waste precious time figuring out which staircase to take. Lastly, if you have to
skate around some people to make it to class, don’t feel bad about it. You have
places to be, tests to take, and work to do.
Q: This year I am taking my first AP class. It’s been alright so far, but I
heard it gets much harder. Will the class bring down my GPA? What are
the benefits of the class? And what can I do to ensure I don’t fail miserably?
A: For starters, AP classes look great on your transcript and are an opportunity
to gain more knowledge and be ahead of the curve. You should expect the class
to be difficult, since you are doing college level work as a high school student.
Because of the higher difficulty level, many students do see a drop in their GPA;
however, be aware that AP classes carry a higher weight than regular classes
when factoring your overall GPA. Don’t get discouraged or feel pressured to
drop the class. The best way to deal with an AP course is to recognize that it’s
different than your other classes. The first quarter will usually be rough, and
involve learning the ropes and how the class works. Also trust that your teacher
will prepare you, so that by the time the AP exam rolls around, you will understand what the College Board expects of you. The best advice I can give is to be
attentive in class, take good notes, and be prepared for anything.
By Samantha Pisano
Courtesy of pop-break.com
et’s face it, all
have had those
days when nothing goes right--just
like Alexander and
his family in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No
Good, Very Bad
Day.
The starstudded
movie,
with Steve Carrell,
Jennifer Garner,
Bella Thorne, and
Megan Mullally,
follows 11-yearold
Alexander
Cooper and his
family on their terrible day, before
Advice Column
Q: Just this past week, I’ve had four tests and a project due. With all the
studying and homework I have to do, I barely have time for myself. How
can I manage all of my schoolwork, and what should I prioritize?
A: The amount of work high school students get can be a lot to handle at times,
but there are ways you can use your time wisely and efficiently to get it all done
without sacrificing the quality of your work. First, it is important to take life
one day at a time. Worrying about tests you have in a week will really stress
you out. This doesn’t mean you should procrastinate though, as waiting for the
last minute is just as stressful. Second, you need to remember that some assignments are worth more than others. Even though you should be putting one
hundred percent effort into all of your work, focusing on a project that is worth
fifty points is more beneficial than focusing on a quiz worth ten points. Also, if
you know you’re not doing well in a certain class, you may want to study harder
for those tests than for a subject you ace.
Terrible Days are not so bad after all
L
Page 7
Alexander’s twelfth birthday,
when he wakes up to find gum
in his hair.
His day gets increasingly
worse, with his best friend betraying him, all his friends going to Philip Parker’s birthday
party, and no one in his family listening to him. Alexander
makes himself an impromptu
birthday sundae and wishes
that his family would have to
face the disappointments he
does every day.
The next morning, Alexander’s wish comes true. His parents Kelly and Ben oversleep;
his sister Emily gets sick with
a cold; his brother Anthony
and his girlfriend break up; the
Obama calls ISIS killing of American an “act of pure evil”
.
battery in his mom’s car dies;
and there is a serious misprint
in the book his mom’s company is publishing.
To Alexander’s benefit,
however, Philip Parker’s birthday party has been canceled;
and his friends can once again
attend his. Later that day, Anthony takes his driving test,
which he fails, and in the process winds up badly damaging
the Cooper family van.
Alexander feels terrible for
his wish and admits to his family what he has done. Strangely enough, the family does not
accept his apology because
even though they have a terrible day, there is still the possibility of some good in it. They
go out to dinner with Ben’s
future employers, hoping their
day will end on a better note,
but nothing changes.
Ben’s shirt catches fire at
the restaurant, embarrassing
him in front of the employers. At this point, the family
wonders what else can go
wrong, until something is
said that changes their perspective on everything.
How will this terrible,
horrible, no good, very bad
day end for the Coopers?
Alexander and the Terrible,
Horrible, No Good, Very
Bad Day is a heartwarming and encouraging movie
about families that are always there for each other,
even on the worst days.
Entertaining and laughout-loud funny, it is sure to
be enjoyed by all ages.
AMHS Cafeteria’s “Snack Shack” is open for business
November 2014
Albertus Magnus High School Page 8
SPORTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Juniors reach out
to others in NYC
The“Shakespeareance”continues
Members of the Underground Theater Alliance look forward
to their upcoming production of The Winter’s Tale.
by Samantha Heavner
O
By Kiera Townsend
n Thursday, November 6th, a group of juniors, led by
Campus Ministry moderator Sr. Nancy Richter, along
with parent and teacher volunteers, traveled into New York
City with a specific goal.
Bringing with them donated clothes, toiletries, studentprepared sandwiches, and hot coffee, these teenagers arrived at designated locations around the city with the intention of meeting and interacting with the local homeless
population.
Students, parents, and teachers worked in accordance
with one another to disperse the available supplies to the
men and women who arrived, enjoying the unique privilege
of meeting and speaking with many of them in the process.
Members of the high school embark on four Midnight
Runs each school year, with each dedicated to a specific
grade level. With the senior run taking place in the beginning of the school year, underclassmen can look forward to
the same opportunity of reaching out to others in an incredibly tangible way.
Participants agree that while the activity was intended to
help those without homes, the students involved received
an invaluable gift just the same.
Sr. Nancy had this to say about the event:
T
he Underground Theatre Alliance is back
and ready to “razzle dazzle” you, as junior (and
UTA original) Siobhan
Murphy worded it.
With many new members, UTA rehearsals have
begun and are as lively
as ever. There is a sentiment of nostalgia, too, for
members missing those
who graduated from Albertus last year (with founding student-director Laura
Clinton going on to, fittingly, study directing at
Marymount College.
The remaining Veterans
Girls’ Soccer Team
on a super season
• ended the season with
an outstanding record of
13-4-2.
• went to the Class B Semifinals after beating North
Salem with penalty kicks
• earned a share of the
League Title--first time
since 2004
• senior Jackie Hennelly
named Rockland
Scholar-Athlete of the
Week
Enjoy the holidays!
Come to the annual
Christmas Concert featuring the
Chorus, Band, and Veritas
December 18 at 7:00pm
show is said to be a comical
“bear attack scene,” which
could rival the entertainment of last year’s “fallingoff-scooters” sequence.
“This ought to be a good
one,” said this reporter and
student director. Students
are practicing several days
a week under the supervision of Mrs. Ruppino,
Mrs. Mendelsohn, and Mr.
McKenna.
Performances are scheduled January 9th and 10th
in the rotunda. Updates
regarding production will
be posted on the school’s
daily announcements.
Congratulations
Highlights:
It is always a privilege to
accompany our students on the Midnight Run. Our juniors did a great job
sharing not just clothes and food with
the people but their kindness and
compassionate hearts as well.
- Sr. Nancy
Come to the annual
Christmas Boutique
Saturday, December 13
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Available merchandise to fit all
budgets and Christmas lists!
of the Bard express that
their graduates “will never
truly graduate from the
bloody and magical heart of
Shakespeare.”
Indeed, the heart of Shakespeare continues to pump
life into the club that has
two Shakespearean comedy
performances under its belt,
and one currently on the
way.
They are working on The
Winter’s Tale, a lesserknown comedy in comparison to the past two years’
shows, Twelfth Night and A
Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The primary interest of the
“I am proud of
committment,
and camaraderie;
forward to next
Coach Gavan.
our team’s
dedication,
and I look
year,” said
Left to Right; Bella Pelatti, Annalise Gutenberger, Hope Kehoe,
Jackie Hennelly, Danielle LaRochelle;
Photo courtesy of LoHud
Girls Swim Team makes a splash
T
he second season of the
girls’ swim team has officially ended. The team won
against East Ramapo at their
dedicated Senior Swim Meet.
Several members of the
team were selected to go to
a county-wide competition
to participate in individual
heats, including Allison Holandez, who won 1st place in
the 100-yard breast stroke.
Following that meet, a
Albertus Magnus High School
798 Route 304
Bardonia, NY 10954
Magnus Monitor is a student-produced newspaper that publishes four times a year. Student editors make all content decisions under the supervision of the advisor. The newspaper is a
member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the
Scholastic Press Association.
Opinions expressed within the paper do not represent the staff’s
views or the views of the Albertus Magnus administration and
staff.
Letters to the editor are encouraged but cannot be anonymous.
Please submit via email to newspaper@albertusmagnus.net.
team qualified to compete in
Sections. Seven participated:
freshman Stephanie Sullivan;
sophomores Sage Pollock and
Kathryn Ruzzi; juniors Allison
Holandez and Theresa Hutton;
seniors Julia Michalik and Michaela Bates.
Based on her achievement
in swim times, Theresa Hutton
qualified to go to Ithaca in late
November for three days to
compete in the States.
By Edward Amaba
“I absolutely love spending time in the water with my
girls. Through thick and thin,
we work together and support each other. I think that’s
the best part about the swim
team,” said Allison Holandez.
The girls’ swim team, still
new with the completion of
their second year, hopes to
continue to succeed to this
level in the upcoming future.
Newspaper Staff
Contact us:
newspaper@albertusmagnus.net
Editor-in-Chief
Edward Amaba
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Maxx Annunziata, Gabbi Valdez,
Samantha Heavner
Layout Editor
Selena Roberts
Photographers
Matthew Tyler, Sean Healey,
Julia Rizzuti, Siobhan McBride
Faculty Advisor
Mrs. Ruppino
Special Thanks:
Mr. Fevola