Catholic Schools Week - Red Bank Catholic High School

THE
VOL. 31 NO. 2
RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - RED BANK, NEW JERSEY 07701
Catholic Schools Week
By Bryanna Schucker ‘13
As a student in a
Catholic school system, it is
essential to realize the importance of the education that
not many others get to experience. From January 27 to
February 2, Catholic schools
across the nation spend one
week promoting their high
academic standards along
with their Catholic faith. Red
Bank Catholic High School
joined in on the festivities.
The week began with
a Mass in honor of the students at RBC. This year, the
juniors and sophomores were
privileged to see the “You’re
Amazing” presentation, which
returned for its second year in
a row. This assembly encour-
Seniors, decked out in green,
cheering on fellow classmates in
the Battle of the Classes.
aged students to love and appreciate themselves and others for who
they truly are. Another assembly
for all grades was presented by the
Catholic Athletes for Christ, including guest speaker Joe Klecko,
a former National Football League
player. The CAC serves Catholic
athletes in the practice of their
faith and shares the gospel in and
through sports.
Over the course of the
week, the homerooms of each
grade level competed against
each other in the “Battle of the
Homerooms.” A series of games
were conducted in the Eck Center
throughout the week, culminating in the “Battle of the Classes”
on Friday, February 1. The senior
class emerged victorious.
Supporting the theme for
the National Catholic Schools
Week 2013, it is evident that Red
Bank Catholic is a prime example
of how Catholic schools raise the
standards.
The Annual March for Life
Moves to Red Bank this Year
By Sarah Guarillio ‘13
On January 25, 2013,
due to extreme weather in
Washington DC, the Caseys
4 Life Club decided to create
their own March for Life here
in Red Bank. Led by chaperones Mrs. Flego, Mr. Gates,
Mr. Flego, Ms. Bollerman, Mrs.
Guarillio, Ms. Stivala, and Mrs.
Smart, they held their own activities, including poster-making,
a Living Rosary, and open gym
time.
Senior President Sarah
Dnistrian was proud of the
revised march and is pleased
with the way it turned out. The
extra time spent as a group gave
everyone the chance to bond and
share their stories, which brought
everyone closer together.
Although it was different
than past years, members believed
it was the best March for Life
RBC has ever experienced.
NHS Induction Ceremony
By Natalie Ostrowski ‘14
On January 3 at St. James
Church, the newest members of
the National Honor Society were
officially inducted into this commendable society. Some of Red
Bank Catholic’s brightest and
best were recognized and praised
for their outstanding achievements throughout their high
school years. Getting into NHS
is not easy. Each student needed
a minimum GPA of 3.6 and 75
hours of community service, 100
hours for seniors. Moderators
Mrs. Guarillio and Ms. Boylan
watched proudly as students
received their pins and were congratulated by Father Chris, Mr.
Abatemarco and Mrs. Falco.
The ceremony began
with the procession of the new
members, followed by a welcome from current president
Rebecca Dowden. The executive board members, Meredith
Sheehan, Jennifer Lambert,
Rob Napolitano, Marybeth
Lynn and Kasey McAteer,
spoke about virtues that each
NHS member should follow:
scholarship, leadership, service, and character. They each
lit a candle representing these
honorable qualities. After their
candles were finally lit, it was
time for the new members to
light their own candles. The
NHS pledge was heard loud
February 2013
Casey Winter Sports:
Current Stats and
Senior Stars
By Michaela Fleming ‘14
Girls Basketball
Record: 20-1
Seniors: Alex Alfano, Maria Balacco, Mary
Kate Caverly, Caroline Corcoran, Tara
Daniels
Honors: #1 undefeated in the Shore Conference, #2 in the state, #3 in the Tristate
Boys Basketball
Record: 13-7
Seniors: Chris Callandrillo, Pat Drum, Jesse
Flaherty, James Taylor, Cal Whaley
Boys Wrestling
Record: 12-11
Seniors: Danny Savino, Dan States, Chris
Whitlock
Boys Swimming
Record: 4-7
Seniors: Nick Giampiccolo, Justin Mulroy,
Michael Marley, Phil Sciortino, Joe Shields
Girls Swimming
Record: 10-0 (Undefeated!)
Seniors: Julianna Cavano, Karrison Connors, Jillian Crosby, Lauren Fazio, Monica
Labrecque, Jacqueline Lehnes,
Kelly Morris, Anna Pelligra
Notes: Captured Monmouth County Championship and won their 8th straight Shore
Conference Championship
Boys Indoor Track
Seniors: Tom Freisen, Andy Koreyva, Nick
Landolfi, Rob Napolitano, Michael O’Dor
Honors: The DM Team set a school record
time of 10:22:05 at Yale University, 3rd best
in the U.S; senior Rob Napolitano won the
3K at Yale with the 3rd best time in the U.S
8:39.96
and clear from each new member, excited to be a part of RBC’s
tradition.
Following this, each stuGirls Indoor Track
dent was called to receive a gold
pin and warm congratulations
Seniors: Emily Berner, Kassi Chrysanthopufrom the school’s administration.
los, Mary Kate Dooley, Elaina Ferrer, Anna
The first to receive their pins were
Forgach, Meghan Swan
the new executive board members
Ice Hockey
Megan Coakley, Tara Sabella,
Connor McNamara, Annie DoRecord: 4-12-4
herty and Kelly McKibbin.
Seniors: Rob Bauer, Kyle Gatta, John Mal
Finally, Mr. Abatemarco
ley, Matthew Pizzuto, Ryan Siciliano, Matclosed the ceremony with a final
thew Smith, Robert Stenson
congratulations and a reminder
that all are capable of great things.
The ceremony was an exciting experience for every student, teacher
and parent.
Page2 2
Page
Editorials
The Signpost
FreshmAn and
Senior Priorities
February
2013
October
2007
Tips on Forming a
Good schedule
By Bernadette Hogan ‘13
By Caitlin Ouano ‘13
Scheduling is not my forte. I can honestly say I have changed at
least
three
classes every single year since freshman year because I have
As midterms pass and Red Bank Catholic moves into the second
not been satisfied with my schedule choice. I would come in the first day
semester, seniors are probably finding it hard to believe that this is their
last semester of high school. And yet at the same time, freshmen are find- of school, sit in and survey my classes, and then come home with my tail
ing it hard to believe that they have already finished their first semester of between my legs and with a sheepish smile on my face, say, “Mommmm,
um, so yeah, I think I overloaded myself AGAIN and I need to get out of
high school.
No one can argue that four years disappear in the blink of an eye, honors math because I forgot that I can’t add 3 + 2.” And then I would
and it is strange to look in the hallway and think “that’s who I used to be” proceed to mix and match a grand meshing of classes in order to stitch
together the perfect schedule.
or “that’s who I will be.” We all become
My situation is the worst
different people as we grow older, but at
case scenario and the most stressful,
RBC it is apparent that no matter what
and this is probably due to erratic
person we become, every grade has its
thought processes and my inability
own identifying qualities.
to grasp change. But there is a way
A freshman is entering high
to avoid such messy terrain.
school for the first time, and for this
Listen to upperclassmen
student, a first impression is a lasting
who have already taken courses and
impression. If one were to question a
ask about class detail and homework
freshman on the first day of school, he
load. Counselors can be your best
or she would probably respond that his
friend if you listen to advice, but do
or her biggest dilemma was how to open
not fall into the trap of inundating
his locker, and whether or not her skirt
yourself with heavy courses. Do
was the proper length. Asking a senior
not be pressured by the prospects of
the same question would probably elicit
an impressive schedule that leaves
an answer along the lines of -“what will
no leeway for relaxation and social
I do if every college rejects me?”- foltime. You need to put yourself in the
lowed by a short period of hyperventilaposition you see yourself occupying
tion.
as a well-rounded student and think
Sophomore year is usually a tranabout all the sports practices, dance
sition period. One is either a freshman
shows, football games, and nights
hybrid or a junior hybrid. By the time
out with friends you will want to be
an RBC student is a junior he or she has
a part of. No one wants to be the
been through quite a few restless nights
kid on the weekends that is bogged
and physics projects. This late night
studying that junior year requires usually results in a
in constant fatal trepidation of the possibility of a pop quiz in every AP course on Monday.
lot less effort into appearance (messy buns, untucked
If you have killed yourself to get good grades, then take a load off one year; maybe take
shirts, sweat pants during the winter, etc.). Juniors
that honors course, but match it with a design or crafts class. Make time to try new clubs or
have been through several first impression periods with attend a hockey game on the weekdays and come to the realization that weekdays can exist
fellow students and first year teachers, and whatever
for other activities other than one’s homework.
the lasting impression they have left, they accept that
Most important, listen to yourself. You can get all the advice you want, but ultithey cannot change it.
mately if you do not listen to that cautious voice in the back of your head, then you have a
A senior is easy to point out. As said before,
big problem. No one knows you better than you, so make sure you do not have to second
the seniors’ biggest problems usually concern college
guess yourself.
applications and varsity sports. Unlike a junior,
a senior has no more first impressions to make.
Seniors comically and consistently fail to completely wake up until about 8:20 am when the
homeroom bell rings, and often spend more time
Vol 31 No. 2
stressing about their college letters instead of
“Opinions stated are not necessarily the voice of the Signpost”
standing in the bathroom fixing their hair. Most
important, however, seniors often seem to disreAmerican Scholastic Press Association - First Place
gard the uniform code (t shirts under the fleece,
missing IDs), though not disrespectfully. Warm
Red Bank Catholic High School
scarves during the wintry walk from a distant
112 Broad Street
parking spot are not exactly acts of defiance.
Red
Bank, NJ 07701
As the years go on, we progress from
Published Quarterly
freshmen to seniors, surprisingly in the same
ways. It is not so much apathy as it is forgetfulEditor-in-Chief...........................................................................Caitlin Ouano
ness. A senior has usually been through detenManaging Editor..................................................................Bernadette Hogan
tion before, and realizes it is not the end of the
world. Sports games, honors classes, prom and
Copy Editor...........................................................................Natalie Ostrowski
college acceptance all take greater precedence.
News Editor.............................................................................Emma Giordano
Waking up at seven o’ clock into ten degree
Features Editor......................................................................Bryanna Schucker
weather after a full night of studying is a very
Arts & Entertainment Editors..................Sarah Guarillio & Rebecca Dowden
tiring experience. Warm sweat pants and comSports Editor.........................................................................Michaela Fleming
fortable shoes are suddenly worth a possible trip
Photography Editor...................................................................Molly McHugh
to detention.
As we get older our priorities change as
Moderator...................................................................................Ms. Mary King
our world expands. The way we look and dress
is just a reflection of that change.
The Signpost
February
October 2007 2013
The Signpost
Page
3
Page 3
Arts & Entertainment
RBC’s Annual Coffeehouse Cabaret Goes Disney
By Rebecca Dowden ‘13
On January 11 and 12, the
Broad Street Auditorium stage
curtains opened to reveal dancers
dressed as the Greek muses from
Disney’s Hercules, posing in preparation for the opening number to
this year’s Coffeehouse Cabaret.
The entirely Disney-themed show
encompassed the after school dance,
after school theatre and music
departments, featuring guest choreography, vocal renditions of Disney
classics and scenes from “Fairytale
Sarah Guarillio and Kate Mazza of
after school theatre.
A few talented after school dancers in this year’s Coffeehouse
Cabaret dancing a piece called“Reflection” on January 11.
Courtroom: The Trial of the
Wicked Witch.”
The show’s running
order included dances inspired
by Gnomeo and Juliet, Snow
White, Lion King and 101
Dalmatians. Each dance was
uniquely and perfectly choreographed to truly capture
the essence of Walt Disney’s
timeless movies. In between
each dance were theatrical scenes performed by the
after school theatre class. The
scenes were part of a show
in which the Wicked Witch
was on trial for her many
crimes. Each scene featured
a victim who testified against
the witch. These witnesses
included Dorothy,the Scarecrow, the Flying Monkey, the
Magic Mirror, the Dwarves,
Snow White, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, and
Hansel and Gretel. The audience roared with laughter as
each witness’ antics unfolded.
Along with comedic scenes and
beautiful dances, Katie Wilson,
Brianna Vitale, Kaitlin Leddy and
Olivia Mullen performed songs
from classic Disney movies. These
included “Part of Your World” from
The Little Mermaid, “God Save the
Outcasts” from The Hunchback of
Notre Dame, “I Won’t Say I’m in
Love” from Hercules, and “Colors
of the Wind” from Pocahontas.
The Cabaret closed with
“Be Our Guest”, a group number
featuring the dancers from every
after school class. Overall the show
was a huge success and all who
performed were fantastic.
A dance adapted from the Disney film,
Snow White.
Eight Casey Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
to Play Varsity Sports at the College Level
By Caitlin Ouano ‘13
On Wednesday, February 6, six Red Bank
Catholic senior athletes signed their national letters
of intent to continue their athletic careers at several
competitive colleges. A formal desk was set up in
Tradition Hall of the Eck Center, and the players each
signed their letters in the presence of coaches, Athletic Department staff, and friends and family.
Senior track runner Rob Napolitano signed to
attend Columbia University this fall after receiving
several prestigious offers, including one from Stanford University.
Mackenzie Cowley signed her letter of intent
to play soccer for George Washington University,
garnering a Division I scholarship, while fellow
teammate and team captain Marina Davi signed to
play for the University of Tampa for a Division II
scholarship. Both girls are blue chip soccer stars.
Shore Conference Defensive Football Player
From left to right: Seniors Richie Curran, Marina Davi, Josh Klecko, Anthony Yaccarine,
of the Year Josh Klecko, an outstanding college
Rob Napolitano, and Mackenzie Cowley in Tradition Hall on February 6, 2013.
football prospect, signed a letter of intent to play for
James Taylor and Mike Corcione signed letters of intent later in the week.
Rutgers University, while his teammate, stellar defensive lineman Richie Curran signed
who signed to play for Marist.
signing day is not unusual for the
to attend St. Anselm College.
Later in the week, two
The
tremendous
effort
that
Caseys. These eight seniors will not
Anthony Yaccarine, standout
additional Casey athletes signed
these athletes have given for Red
be the only ones playing sports in
of the Caseys’ 2011 Shore Confertheir letters of intent as well. James
Bank Catholic sports in the past
college next year, as several other
ence Championship Baseball Team, Taylor signed his letter of intent to
four
years
has
definitely
paid
off,
senior athletes have committed to
signed his letter to play for St.
play football for Hamilton College, and it is safe to say that having
colleges and universities to play
Thomas Aquinas College.
as well as teammate Mike Corcione so many athletes participating in
sports this fall.
Page 4
date
The Oscars
For the past eighty years, the Academy Award has been one of the most prestigious achievements in the film industry. This year marks the 85th Academy Awards ceremony, and all of America will be watching as one of the several talented nominees gets
up on stage and takes home the gold statuette. The Oscars, airing on February 24th on
ABC with host Seth MacFarlane, is sure to bring a lot of laughs, and no matter who wins
and who does not, it is always a magnificent show.
The Editors’ Picks
The Signpost editors tell you who they think (or
hope) will win this year! Do you agree with them?
Best Director
Best Picture
Caitlin: Argo
Bernadette: Les Miserables
Natalie: Les Miserables
Emma: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bryanna: Life of Pi
Sarah: Silver Linings Playbook
Rebecca: Les Miserables
Michaela: Silver Linings Playbook
Molly: Argo
Caitlin: Steven Spielberg
Bernadette: Steven Spielberg
Natalie: Steven Spielberg
Emma: Ang Lee
Bryanna: Steven Spielberg
Sarah: Steven Spielberg
Rebecca: Ang Lee
Michaela: Ang Lee
Molly: Ang Lee
Best Actress
Best Actor
Caitlin: Jennifer Lawrence
Bernadette: Quvenzhane Wallis
Natalie: Jessica Chastain
Emma: Jessica Chastain
Bryanna: Naomi Watts
Sarah: Jennifer Lawrence
Rebecca: Quvenzhane Wallis
Michaela: Jessica Chastain
Molly: Jennifer Lawrence
Caitlin: Bradley Cooper
Bernadette: Hugh Jackman
Natalie: Hugh Jackman
Emma: Daniel Day-Lewis
Bryanna: Bradley Cooper
Sarah: Daniel Day-Lewis
Rebecca: Daniel Day-Lewis
Michaela: Bradley Cooper
Molly: Denzel Washington
Best Animated Feature Best Visual Effects
Caitlin: Brave
Bernadette: Brave
Natalie: Wreck it Ralph
Emma: Brave
Bryanna: Brave
Sarah: Wreck it Ralph
Rebecca: Brave
Michaela: Brave
Molly: Paranorman
Caitlin: Life of Pi
Bernadette:Life of Pi
Natalie: Life of Pi
Emma: Prometheus
Bryanna: Snow White
Sarah: Life of Pi
Rebecca: The Avengers
Michaela:Snow White
Molly: Life of Pi
Best Costume Design Best Music (Original Song)
Caitlin: Les Miserables
Bernadette: Les Miserables
Natalie: Les Miserables
Emma: Snow White
Bryanna: Snow White
Sarah: Mirror Mirror
Rebecca: Snow White
Michaela: Snow White
Molly: Anna Karenina
Caitlin: Skyfall (Skyfall)
Bernadette:Suddenly (Les Mis)
Natalie: Skyfall (Skyfall)
Emma: Skyfall (Skyfall)
Bryanna: Best Friend (Ted)
Sarah: Best Friend (Ted)
Rebecca: Skyfall (Skyfall)
Michaela:Suddenly (Les Mis)
Molly: Skyfall (Skyfall)
Best Supporting Actress Best Supporting Actor
Caitlin: Jacki Weaver
Bernadette:Jacki Weaver
Natalie: Anne Hathaway
Emma: Anne Hathaway
Bryanna: Anne Hathaway
Sarah: Anne Hathaway
Rebecca: Amy Adams
Michaela:Anne Hathaway
Molly: Anne Hathaway
Caitlin: Alan Arkin
Bernadette:Tommy Lee Jones
Natalie: Robert De Niro
Emma: Alan Arkin
Bryanna: Robert De Niro
Sarah: Robert De Niro
Rebecca: Tommy Lee Jones
Michaela:Christoph Waltz
Molly: Tommy Lee Jones
Who Has a Date with Oscar? The
Four Award Categories to Watch
By Laura Dengrove ‘14
Best Director
Who Should Win…
In a surprising decision on the Academy’s part, Ben Affleck was not nominated
for his genius effort in pulling together Argo. So my choice for who should win--or more
appropriately, who should have been nominated--is Ben Affleck for Argo. Argo was a
wonderfully thrilling movie, full of excitement for a topic of which most of us knew the
outcome. He had excellent actors playing the parts, with a special note to Supporting
Actor nominee Alan Arkin for his witty portrayal as a Hollywood movie producer with a
sharp humor and quick tongue. Why did Affleck not get nominated for Best Director you
may ask? Well it is not because Ben Affleck was not deserving of it; heck, he is winning
all the other awards he was nominated for which is pretty much everything else that is not
the Oscars. It is disheartening to see him not get nominated, but winning everything else
for his work is just the perfect revenge.
Who Will Win…
Steven Spielberg will most likely take home the gold for his movie Lincoln,
which is neither shocking nor arguable since the movie is nominated for almost every
other award.
Best Picture
Who Should Win…
With all the wonderful choices this year for Best Picture many will say Zero
Dark Thirty or Lincoln should win, but I beg to differ. These films are nothing short of
brilliant and are magnificent in their ways, but my choice for the winner is Argo. The
story, that at first even Ben Affleck himself did not think would garner much hype or attention, blew America away. An instant box office and critical success, this movie exhibits enthusiasm for an event in history, and leaves all viewers with suspense even though
they already know what the outcome will be. Side Note: Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed
Django Unchained and recommend it, but with the controversy surrounding this film it is
obvious it will not take home the golden little fellow.
Who Will Win…
With Lincoln also securing a nominee for Best Director and Best Actor, Actress,
Supporting Actor, etc., it is clear Lincoln will most likely emerge victorious.
Best Actress
Who Should Win…
In this category, it will be especially hard to pick a winner. Jessica Chastain and
Jennifer Lawrence did exceptionally well in their respected films and are this year’s top
choices for the Oscar. In my opinion, I believe young talent should make a stand and be
the winner. Young actress, Quvenzhané Wallis is making history as the youngest person
ever to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, and she very well deserves it. Her role
in Beasts of the Southern Wild took on a life of its own and shocked the world with this
young lady’s beautiful performance. Even more impressive, this was her first major role!
Does this mean I believe she will win? No, but I do think she deserves it. With this much
talent I have no doubt we will be seeing her face a lot more.
Who Will Win….
A close call between Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain, but Jessica
Chastain may take home the gold.
Best Actor
Who Should Win…
No one can argue that Daniel Day Lewis did not give the performance of his
life in Lincoln. With great care and expertise, he handled Lincoln as not just a character in a film, but as if we were actually watching the man himself walk and talk
on the big screen. Changing his voice to fit the character and studying Lincoln with
experts on the subject proved that Lewis was not just some actor taking on a role, but
that he was taking on the person. This is why Daniel Day Lewis should and will win
Best Actor.
Who Will Win…
Daniel Day Lewis, hands down.