Magnus Monitor - November 2015 Issue

November 2015
Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY 10954
Volume 9, Issue 1
Winds of change revitalize Albertus community
by Samantha Heavner
A
s this school year began,
the Albertus community
witnessed firsthand an array of
dynamic changes that have accompanied the arrival of new
President Robert Gomprecht.
The former principal of
Fordham Prep for 20 years,
Mr. Gomprecht led the elite
school’s science department
and oversaw a constructive review of curriculum.
He has now succeeded Mr.
Joseph Troy, who retired in the
spring, becoming the second
president of the school. Succeeding Mr. Troy as principal
is Mr. Christopher Power, the
school’s former vice principal.
Mr. Gomprecht visited Albertus for the first time last
spring; at the time, he knew
nothing about the school, he
admits. He describes his first
impression of the institution
as “very positive,” that he was
“impressed” by the students
and faculty.
“I originally liked this place
because of the people,” Mr.
New front walkway, renovated as part of campus improvements.
Photo by Mrs. Rose Ruppino
Gomprecht said. “It strongly
reminded me of Fordham
Prep, with the exception being
that this school is co-ed.”
The Dominican Sisters of
Sparkill, the sponsors and
trustees of Albertus Magnus,
chose Mr. Gomprecht, who
officially started on July 1st
and greeted students for the
first time in September. Most
met the new president at the
inception of the school year;
however, the many exciting
changes instituted so far during Mr. Gomprecht’s brief tenure began long before the first
day of school.
At the onset, Mr. Gomprecht felt the “curb appeal” of
the school, as he describes it,
needed improvement. During the summer, he addressed
many items within the school
building and around campus
that required renovation, ranging from power-washing the
outer walls to replacing the
outdated lighting in hallways
and classrooms with more efficient, eco-friendly LED lights.
The new administration also
Left: Mr. Gomprecht addresses visiting students at field day.
Photo by Beth Capuano.
Right: Flag to honor fallen heroes. Photo by Mr. Gomprecht
decided to construct a new
front walkway area outside the
rotunda and to repaint several
sets of external panels to maroon, the official color of the
school, in the hopes of creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Furthermore, this year, the
American flag flies not at one,
but at two locations on campus; the addition is a flag to
honor fallen police and firemen. The Dominican Blessing is now said every morning
during the daily prayer, exemplifying the school’s identity.
Looking forward, Mr. Gomprecht has many ambitious but
concrete goals for development of the physical facilities,
the intellectual life, and the
community atmosphere of Albertus Magnus.
“Intermediate goals” for the
next two to three years include a new Astroturf field
and an improved track, locker
Continued on Page 7
Pope Francis inspires all during historic visit
by Paulina Kanburiyan and Chloe Martinez
P
ope Francis's recent trip to
the United States marked
the first Papal visit to New
York since Pope Benedict
XVI’s in 2008. Senior Patrick McAvoy was one of 12
students from NY selected to
meet Pope Francis on September 25 at Our Lady Queen of
Angels School in East Harlem,
an experience that McAvoy
deemed “incredible.”
As McAvoy explained, his
initial reaction to being chosen was disbelief and “shock.”
President Robert Gomprecht,
Principal Christopher Power,
and Campus Minister Sister
Nancy chose McAvoy because
they felt he personified the
core Dominican values so revered at Albertus.
At Our Lady Queen of Angels, “each student paid the
utmost respect to the Holy
Father. Some were in tears
when Pope Francis shook their
hands, while one student took
the opportunity to take a selfie
with the Pope,” McAvoy said.
McAvoy described Pope
Francis as a “humble, quiet man.” He said, “When I
thanked him for allowing us
the chance to meet him, the
Pope softly responded ‘You’re
welcome,’ but it was so quiet I
barely heard him. I was lucky
enough to have a few medals blessed, and although I
watched him say the prayer, I
didn’t hear a word he said.”
As for the notebook McAvoy brought along containing the special intentions of
the Albertus student body,
the Pope’s assistant “gladly
accepted it and promised he
Be a Buddy: Outside speaker
warns against bullying with
poignant story
2
would pass it on to the Pope at
first opportunity.”
The Papal visit also had a
profound effect on others at
Albertus, including theology
teacher Mrs. Sonali SantiagoBorges. “The Pope’s role as
the visible leader of the Catholic Church has the power to
move people,” she said.
In the first-ever Papal address to the Joint Session of
Congress on September 24, he
discussed issues that affect all
people, such as child poverty
and immigration. Speaking in
English, his non-native tongue,
Pope Francis surpassed the
language barrier and was able
to communicate the ideals of
the Catholic Church to his audience effectively.
Above: His Holiness shakes McAvoy’s hand. Below: McAvoy (left)
and 11 students eagerly await Pope Francis’ arrival. Photos courtesy of Mrs. Doreen McAvoy (above) and New York Post (below)
Continued on Page 7
Community 2-3, 6-7
4
Lifestyle
Entertainment
Athletics
5
8
Page 2
Albertus Magnus High School Student Council President
Michael Padron shares his vision
A Message from the President:
A
s Student Council President,
I hope to make changes that
will benefit the student body. Some
changes include creating new fundraisers such as a movie night, a
talent show, and king-of-the-court
and volleyball tournaments. I believe these fundraisers will not only
bring the school together as a whole
and create more school spirit, but
also bring in money that we can put
towards a cause. Another top priority for myself and the whole student government is to petition the
administration to allow the girls to
wear Sperrys.
Besides these main goals,
I think many students can look
forward to the spring homecoming event that I am trying to create.
Similar to our normal homecoming,
there will be spring sporting events
under lights and a spring dance.
Photo courtesy of Yearbook
Student body pledges to end bullying
On October 23rd, at a school celebration of the Eucharist, Michael Padron led
the community in the following pledge against 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
open-minded 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.
I can and will make a difference.
Be
a
November 2015
Buddy Not
a
Bully
James Halligan visits Albertus to share his son Ryan’s story
by Paiyam Kardgar
A
mid multiple recent bullying assemblies offered to the Albertus
community, the student body has realized the serious nature of the
subject. James Halligan visited on October 1 to tell his story about how
bullying has affected his family.
On October 7, 2003, Mr. Halligan lost his son Ryan to a suicide
brought on by the humiliation, embarrassment, and harassment of his
classmates. To honor his son, Mr. Halligan launched the Vermont Bullying Prevention Act in 2004, which led to the 2006 passing of a law
pertaining to suicide prevention education in public schools. Mr. Halligan has become the spokesperson for the need for education and prevention of bullying, cyber bullying, and teen suicide throughout the nation.
Mr. Halligan’s story is one that may have been prevented through an
act of intervention by fellow classmates. He stressed that if one child
had stood up for Ryan, he could still be here today. It proves what could
happen if people do not intervene. “All it takes is one person to say ‘that
is not right’,” said Mr. Halligan.
Junior Berry Shupe said, “Bullying still remains an issue in our world
today. I think people took to heart what Mr. Halligan said, and they feel
bad for him. Bullying is a topic that needs to be planted in our heads
as little kids, so we are raised to help and befriend rather than hurt and
ridicule. I feel deeply for anybody who was affected by bullying like
Mr. Halligan and his family. I truly hope one day we can all be like Mr.
Halligan and not be afraid to stand up and help a friend who has fallen
down due to a bully. We are all brothers and sisters, so we should treat
each other as such.”
“I think bullying is unnecessary and no human should be treated that
way. When you think about bullying, you think about the bully and not
about the family of the victim. The seminar showed firsthand how bullying affected a family,” said junior Matthew Quinones.
The presentation shed light on how bullying affects not just the victim
but a family as well, and the students learned that if they do not intervene, something dangerous could happen. Students left the assembly
with a strong message: “Be a buddy, not a bully.”
Photo courtesy of safetysign.com
AM Students stand for LIFE
by Jenna Tyrrell
S
tudents and faculty took
a stand against abortion
in the 23rd annual Pro-Life
Chain on October 4. At the
intersection of Route 59 and
Middletown Road in Nanuet,
they carried signs with messages such as “Abortion Kills
Children” and “Choose Life:
Your Mom Did” to protest the
legalization of abortion and
to encourage passing drivers
to be Pro-Life. Many honked
their horns in support, cheering participants for their efforts.
"Students were happy to
help,” said sophomore Erin
Santos. “This is my third ProLife Chain, and I enjoy doing
them because we spread an
important message about the
value of protecting all life, especially the lives of
the unborn.”
Sr. Nancy Richter, moderator of
the school’s ProLife Club, commented on the apparent success of
the Life Chain.
“The Life Chain
was a success because it provided
students with an
opportunity
to
make a difference in a significant way. I think it is
important for people to realize that the Pro-Life movement is alive and well in our
young people,” she said.
Students at Life Chain. Left to right: Katherine Ruzzi, Valerie Monaco, Meaghan Sullivan,
Zaria Miller. Photo courtesy of Sr. Nancy
Sr. Nancy and the Pro-Life
Club remain hopeful about the
impact of their actions against
abortion. “So many people
from varied backgrounds and
beliefs pass by, and you never
know how your presence may
affect their lives. My prayer is
that when we do these things,
we remember that our time
means a lifetime for an unborn
child,” said Sr. Nancy.
November 2015
by Tonianne Zottoli
Albertus Magnus High School Page 3
What I Learned in Michigan: A Reflection
I’m Catholic. Alright, cool. I
have had the privilege to attend Catholic school. My
Sunday plans always include
morning Mass, singing in the
church choir, and a family dinner. Seems pretty standard,
right?
Now, I am at an age where
my free will comes into play;
I can make choices that affect
my life and those around me. I
have come to find that the routines you have had since you
were five can be completely
meaningless if not for one
thing – if you do not let Him
into your heart.
It is so easy to show up
to Mass, eat “the bread,” and
go home; it is so effortless to
tune out the church teachings.
Why? Because sometimes, we
want to be able to choose what
we believe.
As a young Catholic, it is
so easy to become distracted
with the lifestyles and popular
mantras of our secular society.
Being “Catholic” today is
simply not enough if you really want to know what you
are absorbing every Sunday at
Mass. It has to be more like
falling in love, not just like
something to believe in. It is
far from easy, but that is why
God created such amazing and
inspiring humans. He wants
to challenge us constantly. He
wants us to be strong enough to
carry our own loads, but weak
enough to the point where we
need to ask for a little help.
These dynamic Catholic
principles are helpful traits
that were reinforced at a conference in Adrian, Michigan,
this past summer. As a New
York native and first time
plane traveler, it was hard for
me to adjust to a new place in
such little time.
As it turns out, Adrian,
Michigan, was right where I
was supposed to be. I arrived
at Siena Heights University
knowing nobody but my fellow classmates, and left filled
with love and friendship for
my new 100 brothers and sisters in Christ.
Through the four Dominican pillars of study, prayer,
service, and community, all
present were able to learn
ways to further strengthen our
faith. The pillars were put to
the test when we all were assigned to various organiza-
tions such as Habitats
for Humanity and the
Salvation Army on
our community work
day. We had to live
the pillars and put our
faith into action by
being Christ’s hands
and feet here on earth.
Within the hallways
and the sacred chapels, the Dominican
Order opened up our
young minds. Despite
being far from home,
I felt completely safe
surrounded by so
many young men and women
seeking a deeper connection
with Christ.
I had not realized that it
was okay to be truly in touch
with my faith, and that people my age were looking for
the exact same thing. I fell so
much more in love with God
and my Catholic faith. While
in Michigan, I never once worried about others thinking of
me as a “Jesus freak.” I felt
loved, accepted, and embraced
in love and faith. I would do it
all again in a heartbeat!
Michael Petro, our keynote
speaker, introduced a captivat-
Volunteers help
girls in Haiti
by Tonianne Zottoli
F
ifteen Albertus female students dedicated time at the Dominican
Sisters’ convent in Blauvelt to prepare care packages for girls in
Haiti. The project, Days for Girls, seeks to provide toiletries such as
soaps and feminine hygiene products for girls in need.
Because of their lack of feminine products, many Haitian girls
resort to staying home to avoid embarrassment, and can miss two months
of school a year. On October 20, the group made reusable feminine
products and packaged care kits with napkins, soaps, and washcloths
to help resolve this issue. The group was able to complete 20 packages
and prepare components for future packages.
“This project benefited more than just the girls in Haiti; you, our
girls, brought happiness to our sisters at the convent, all the while fostering friendships among each other. That’s also important,” said Sister
Nancy, the head of Campus Ministry.
Days for Girls volunteers. Left to Right: Helaina Lopez, Sr. Angelique,
Emily Auld, a Days for Girls volunteer, Sr. Margaret Gerard, and
Tonianne Zottoli. Photo by Kara Donsky
Dominican Preachers. Left to right: Sr. Nancy, Reilly Golden,
Phillip Cipollina, Jake Holland, and Tonianne Zottoli.
Photo Courtesy of Sr. Nancy
ing message in regards to living a faithful life: “Turn up the
volume; turn down the noise.”
By this, he stressed volume in
terms of quantity, not sound.
He demonstrated that there
should be more of us who are
“on fire” for Christ, and by
preaching His Name, this can
be achieved.
The second part of his
message puts emphasis on all
the “noise” in our busy lives:
society, social media, idols,
commitments, etc. By turning
down our noise, we can lis-
Student Help Desk
ten more intently to what God
may be quietly whispering to
us; we should be able to give
Him our undivided attention.
After all, He works all things
for our good.
My week spent in Michigan allowed me to delve
deeper into my Catholic faith.
Through this experience, I am
now a stronger young Catholic. The fire that I found and
that we all shared in Michigan
continues to stay with me to
this day, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Advice Column
by Karishma Melwani, Lauren Shields, and Genevieve Jean-Baptiste
(in order of response)
Q: I am worried that I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.
Some of my friends have an idea of what they want, which makes me insecure. I want to make my parents proud and be successful in the future with
a profession that pays well.
A: It’s okay to be confused about what you want to do. High school is the time
to explore your interests, work hard, and try to find what makes you happy. If
you really want to be content with your chosen profession, don’t chase the money, chase the passion. Our true riches end up being our inner talents and what we
possess as the person we are. It’s okay to be confused now; if you are sincere in
wanting to make a mature choice, all will turn out for the best.
Q: I have a small group of friends in school, but I would like to start talking to more people. How do I become more involved with the school and
students at Albertus?
A. It is important to keep in mind that it is not all about having the biggest group
of friends. You will meet many different people who will come and go, but only
few will become your true friends. Be friendly to everyone, which encourages
the friend process. Of course, being on a sports team is one of the best ways to
meet people and bond, but if sports are not your thing, then try clubs! Join as
many clubs that interest you as you can. Deciding to be a part of the drama department can be a huge commitment, but it is one of the best places to meet tons
of new people. Although school work is important, so is your social life for your
sanity; and one hour after school should not affect your grades.
Q: I’m starting to feel overwhelmed with all my assignments at school.
How can I keep on top of everything?
A: It’s important to keep things organized from day one. If you are the type of
person who forgets to write down homework in your planner, then consider
these apps to download for free on your smartphone: Evernote, Remember the
Milk, ToDoMatrix, and Google Calendar. It takes a little practice to see which
planner or homework tracking app is going to work best for you. Another suggestion is to purchase a planner and set up a whiteboard; write down all your
assignments, projects, and tests, along with their due dates. This method will
help remind you of any upcoming assignments so that you won’t forget them.
Of course, as most teachers will say, check the website daily for their up-to-date
class and homework information to keep on track.
Page 4
Albertus Magnus High School Lifestyle
Seniors and faculty show off
Halloween costumes
November 2015
Eating Nutritiously in
Rockland County
Teenage foodie reviews local restaurant
by Emily Auld
S
earch no further
than
Nyack,
NY, for a quick,
healthy breakfast,
lunch, or dinner at
True Food. This
quaint
storefront
opened on Main
Street in 2009 under owner Pamela
Schulz, who strives
to put her spin on
“fast food” by using wholesome, local, organic, and all
Storefront of True Food. Photo courtesy of Yelp
natural ingredients.
There are options for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those with
gluten intolerance, created with a comprehensive array of flavors. Special hot
entrees rotate to offer fresh new choices each day. The cafe also has a diverse
selection of desserts and nutritious prepackaged homemade meals for easy
on-the-go-options.
Service is prompt and the
atmosphere is cozy and clean.
Among the delicious options
are burritos, including the
sweet-potato black bean burrito, sandwiches, smoothies
made with bananas and berries,
egg scrambles and platters, and
seasonal soups. Yummy addons include avocado, veggie
bacon, and sauteed kale. For a
revolutionized fast food experience right in Rockland County, True Food is a commendable and delicious choice.
Top: Taco Bell Sauces (left) and Dorothy and Toto (right). Middle: Nick
Proscia as Mr. Mower (left) and two members of Toy Story ensemble
(right). Bottom: Backstreet Boys
Photos courtesy of Beth Capuano
Taco Bell Sauce photo courtesy of Samantha Heavner
Spirit Week delights entire school
Chickpea kale salad from the restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Yelp
M-F 8:30am to 8:30pm
Sat. 8am to 8:30pm
Sun. 8:30am to 7:30pm
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
With Homecoming Weekend comes fun-filled activities to kickoff the school
year. Students enjoy Color Wars, Salad Dressing day, Good vs. Evil Day, the
Fall pep rally, sporting events, the barbecue, and the annual dance.
Bottom right photo courtesy of yearbook.
Top middle photo courtesy of Emma Woodhead.
All other photos courtesy of Toni Linn Moore.
November 2015
Albertus Magnus High School Page 5
entertainment
Tasty Treats for a
Thanksgiving Feast
Pumpkin Cheesecake Tarts Recipe
by Erin Santos
It is the fall season, and
pumpkins are everywhere. These pumpkin
cheesecake tarts are a
delicious, perfect dessert for the family on
Thanksgiving Day.
Total Time: 50 min.
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
2/3 cup (about 15)
crushed gingersnap
cookies
2 tablespoons butter or
margarine, melted
1 pkg. 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup Libby’s® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons sour cream, (optional)
2 tablespoons Nestlé® Toll House® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels,
(optional)
Hotel Transylvania spooks at
the box office
by Samantha Pisano
T
hree years after its prequel, Hotel Transylvania 2 set the bar high for other
movies premiering in late September.
The celebrity-packed film, with voices from Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, David Spade, and Fran Drescher, follows
Dracula’s daughter Mavis (Gomez), and her human boyfriend Johnny (Samberg),
as they marry and have their first child Dennis.
As Dennis approaches his fifth birthday, Dracula worries that, because
he has still not grown fangs, his grandson will not become a vampire. However,
much to Dracula’s dismay, Mavis notes the dangers Transylvania poses to humans
and considers raising Dennis where Johnny grew up. Dracula encourages Mavis
and Johnny to go to California and leave Dennis with him. Unbeknownst to the
parents, Dracula plans to train him to be a vampire.
Dracula brings Dennis to the camp where he can learn to perfect his vampire abilities, but gets no results. Desperate for his grandson to become a monster,
Dracula heaves Dennis off a tall tower, assured this will force his transformation
into a bat. However, Dracula must sweep in at the last second and save Dennis.
Nearby campers film and upload this dramatic stunt to the Internet, allowing Mavis and Johnny to see what is happening. The worried parents rush back
to Transylvania, where Mavis rebukes her father for his actions and his inability
to accept his grandson’s humanity. Mavis promises that she, Johnny, and Dennis
will move out after Dennis’ birthday party. At the party, something goes terribly
wrong, and the party turns into an uproar.
Will Mavis, Johnny, and Dennis actually leave Transylvania? Will Dennis
finally turn into a vampire? Hotel Transylvania 2 is a heartwarming movie about
how families will always be there for each other. Entertaining and family oriented,
it is sure to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325° F. Paper-line 12 muffin cups.
Combine cookie crumbs and butter in small bowl. Press a tablespoonful onto the bottom of each of prepared muffin cups. Bake for 5
minutes.
Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla
extract in small mixer bowl until blended. Add eggs; beat well. Pour
into muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in
pan on wire rack. Remove tarts from pan; refrigerate. Garnish with
sour cream.
Place morsels in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on high
power for 20 seconds; knead bag. Microwave at additional 10-second
intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a tiny corner from the bag and
squeeze to drizzle over tarts.
Photo courtesy of ImDB
What to binge-watch this winter
by Kiera Egan
A
s the seasons change from cold to colder, one of the most
popular winter activities is to cuddle up in a blanket and
watch TV. However, in a time where everything is so readily available for viewing, picking the perfect TV show may turn into an all
day process. While old sitcoms such as Friends or How I Met Your
Mother are the popular choices, picking something new may be the
best and most entertaining way to fill snowy days. Listed below
are some of the few Netflix Originals worth trying out this winter:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: With a new and original premise,
this show is one of the most unlikely recent sitcoms. Starring The
Office’s Ellie Kemper as Kimmy, a kidnapping victim experiencing freedom for the first time
in 15 years, the show may
seem too heavy for a sitcom.
However, Kemper’s childlike charm and co-creator
Tina Fey’s comedic timing
and talent combine for an
unexpected, yet very funny
show. Highly suggested for
fans of 30 Rock and Parks
and Recreation (1 season, 13
episodes)
All photos courtesy of Netflix.
BoJack Horseman: This animated comedy about a washed
up 90s sitcom actor who is also an anthropomorphic horse
(Will Arnett) is funny and well planned. Although it may
come across as a Family Guy or Simpson-type cartoon, BoJack Horseman contains a surprising amount of character
development and emotional depth mixed in with comedy,
making it captivating and entertaining at the same time. Great
choice for fans of dark comedies and shows like Bob’s Burgers (2 seasons, 26 episodes)
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp: The
prequel to the 2001 movie, WHAS: FDOC is just as
unique and hilarious as the movie. Following a group of
teenagers portrayed by actors in their 40s on their first
day of summer camp, this show is 8 episodes of utter
nonsense: a talking can of vegetables, a reclusive rock
legend, or a 15-minute marriage. Perfect for people who
want to start and finish a series quickly
(1 season, 8 episodes)
Daredevil: Produced by Marvel, the comic book company transfers their cinematic success to television
success, especially with Daredevil, the story of a blind
lawyer by day, superhero by night. This drama is suspenseful and action-filled, a great addition to the Marvel
Cinematic Universe. Recommended for fans of Agents
of S.H.I.E.L.D. or Agent Carter (1 season, 13 episodes)
Page 6
Albertus Magnus High School Meet the New Faculty
November 2015
Welcome Back!
Mr. Thomas Collins
by Brendan Callahan
Ms. Brittany Boucher
Birthday: December 27
Position: Teacher Geography, AP European History
Education: Bachelors, History; Masters, Special
Education, Mount Saint Mary College
Why did you choose Albertus? My mother and my
aunt both graduated from Albertus. They always spoke
very highly of the school.
Message to the Albertus community: I look forward
to a great year. Everyone has been so welcoming here; it
has made my transition here very easy.
Mrs. Bertha L. Santos
Photo by Mrs. Rose Ruppino
Birthday: July 25
Position: Teacher Spanish II, III, IV
Education: Bachelors, Spanish Literature, Hunter College;
Masters, Spanish Literature, Lehman College
Why did you choose Albertus? I enjoy the students and the
faculty. Everyone has a smile on his or her face at least 80%
of the time. This to me translated to a happy place to be.
Message to the Albertus community: Thank you for making me part of your familia.
Mrs. Theresa Farrell
Birthday: December 4
Position: Teacher Geometry, Technology
Education: Bachelors, Mathematics, Adolescence Education,
Dominican College; Masters, Instructional Technology for
Educators, New York Institute of Technology
Why did you choose Albertus? I am excited to be a part of
Albertus and help the school.
Message to Albertus community?: I am excited to be here!
Mr. Brian P. Stritmater
Birthday: March 31
Position: Teacher AP World, Regents World, Geography
Education: Bachelor’s, History, SUNY Albany; Masters,
Secondary Education, St. Thomas Aquinas College
Why did you choose Albertus? For the teaching community
and service-dedicated students. This small, academic, local
school is truly my dream job.
Message to the Albertus community: I look forward to becoming a part of this school and to watch its students grow to
the potential that all teachers hope you can reach.
Ms. Laura Brennan
Birthday: February 26
Position: Teacher Spanish I and II
Education: Bachelors, Spanish, Bachelors Criminology,
SUNY Cortland; Masters, Spanish, St. Thomas Aquinas
College
Why did you choose Albertus? I’ve heard only good
things about the school.
Message to the Albertus community: I’m happy to be here
and for the opportunity for a wonderful, new experience.
Albertus is delighted to announce that Mr. Thomas
Collins has returned as acting Athletic Director, a position he previously held from 1968-1992.
College Fair
comes to Albertus
T
by Reilly Golden
he start of each new school year forces seniors to face a
decision they all must make: what college will meet their
wants and needs after high school.
Seniors are lucky to have their guidance department assist
with that decision. On September 22 and October 20, two college fairs occurred at the school. Guidance Counselor Mrs.
Casey Ehrie answered questions regarding this event.
Q.How many colleges were at the fairs?
We had 60 colleges in attendance on those two days.
Q.Why do these colleges present at Albertus? What qualities
do they seek in students?
Colleges choose to share information about their school and to
look for candidates. Each school looks for different things but
a solid transcript and standardized test scores are important to
most if not all.
Q.How do students benefit from attending the college fair?
Students benefit from meeting admission counselors who more
than likely will be reading their application. Students are able
to connect with the counselors and really showcase themselves.
Q.Are seniors specifically invited to attend the fair?
All students should attend fairs, especially juniors who are starting the college process. Sophomores and freshmen should also
look, as it is never too early to start preparing for college.
Q.What are some important questions students should ask
college representatives?
Some important questions include asking if they offer the major
you are interested in, what criteria they look at most for admission, and whether or not students live on their campus.
Albertus Magnus Student Council
2015-2016
Above photos by Leah Hopson
Mrs. Una Miller
Birthday: April 29
Position: Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
Education: MS in Human Resources Management, New
School for Social Research; MBA Fordham University
Why did you choose Albertus? I was impressed with our
new President and his plans for the school. It was obvious to
me that this school is a strong, vibrant high school that offers
a great deal of varied experiences for students.
Message to the Albertus community: It is great to see how
involved students are in academics, clubs, sports, and the
arts. They have a love for the school and enjoy being inPhoto courtesy of Mrs.Una Miller volved, which I hope continues after graduation.
President - Michael Padron
Vice-President - Samantha Heavner
Secretary - Brendan Callahan
Treasurer - David Yakal
Junior Director – Paiyam Kardgar
Sophomore Director – Tori Paciello
Freshman Director – Steven Travaglini
Senior Representatives
Eddie Faro
Matt Hawker
Isabella Bono
Dominique Smith
Sophomore Representatives
Taylor Casquarelli
Kasey Kemmer
Ryan Silverstein
Junior Representatives
Gina Valvo
Tonianne Zottoli
William Ward
Freshman Representatives
Ashley Schumacher
Mary O’Connor
Mackenzie Nyemchek
November 2015
Albertus Magnus High School Winds of Change: New administration brings
exciting developments
Continued from Page 1
rooms, and the institution of a
new fitness center.
The administration is also
considering pulling out of
the New York State Regents
program, looking to partner
with local colleges such as St.
Thomas Aquinas College to
provide students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still at Albertus.
Mr. Gomprecht additionally
plans to introduce a formal
financial aid program with
the help of generous alumni
support. The school hopes to
create an endowment for this
program by “nurturing a culture of giving back on a yearly
basis,” he said.
“The draw here is the people. Since my initial visit, my
original, positive impression
has grown nothing but stronger,” he said.
As for long-term goals, he
intends to increase enrollment
to 600 students and to continue to foster the growth of
service, success, and Catholic
identity within the larger Albertus community.
Table Talk
Tidbits of World News
by Dylan Winchell
The spirit of renewal present
within Albertus also saw longtime community leader Mr.
Christopher Power promoted
to the position of Principal.
“I have been at Albertus
Magnus for thirteen years. I
hope to work with Mr. Gomprecht to make a better school
with the way we approach academics and technology. I think
Sister Nancy is doing a great
job with the Campus Ministry.
I want to expand on the service activities that we do as a
group,” said Mr. Power.
Students and faculty agree
that the campus seems bright
and energetic, and more improvements are happily anticipated.
From tenured teachers to
newly-arrived freshmen, the
consensus is clear: it is an exciting time to be a part of Albertus Magnus High School.
Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal comes to a head
Investigations into the product lineup of German auto
manufacturer Volkswagen have found tall 4-cylinder diesel
engines made by the company fail to meet emissions standards in the United States. Notably, these engines have gone
undetected for 8 years due to an installed program within
Volkswagen’s Beetle, Jetta, Golf, and Passat models that
lowers the car’s performance while plugged into an emissions testing station. This loss of performance allows the engine to meet emissions requirements, but once the vehicle is
away from the station, performance is restored to its normal,
high emissions. Following this news, Volkswagen automobiles in the US and Germany have been recalled and even
banned, accounting for 500,000 affected vehicles. Amidst
this scandal, Volkswagen’s CEO, Martin Winterkorn, resigned, denying all allegations as to his knowledge of the
so–called “defeat device.” Source: Carbuzz.com
New human ancestor hidden in South African cave
Mr. Christopher Power at his desk
Photo by Gia Cricchio
Papal Visit: NYC welcomes His
Excellency Pope Francis
Continued from Page 1
Later that day, Pope Francis made his first public appearance in New York by
conducting evening prayer at
St. Patrick’s Cathedral with
a congregation of 2,500, including Archbishop Timothy
Dolan and Mayor Bill de
Blasio.
The following evening
Pope Francis rode in an open
motorcade through Central
Park where he was welcomed by a crowd of 80,000,
among them Albertus student
Shane Costello.
“There were so many people all just to see the Pope.
Pope Francis is clearly a pro-
Page 7
gressive man, and his message reaches many people.
One older woman was crying
near me, while others were
praying,” said Costello.
Many are attracted to the
Pope’s attitude on current affairs, which allows for a newfound interest in the Church
from the younger generation.
Pope Francis’s stay in New
York concluded with the celebration of Mass at Madison
Square Garden with 20,000
people in attendance. Mrs.
Borges was able to obtain
tickets to the exclusive event,
which she recalls as an “extraordinary experience.” Al-
Photo courtesy of NBC News
though she was many feet
from the Pontiff, she maintains “there was a presence
about him that felt sincere,
genuine, and loving.” Mrs.
Borges also related that the
Mass was translated into
various languages, further illustrating the Pope’s strong
desire and willingness to
connect with all Catholics in
America.
The historic Papal visit,
while brief, deeply resonated
in the hearts of all; and the
message he conveyed will
continue to inspire.
During a recent archaeological excavation in the Rising
Star Cave, Northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, anthropologists discovered the fossilized remains of an unknown primate species that shares a remarkable similarity
to ancient human ancestors, as well as modern homo sapiens. Leading the team was Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Lee R. Berger, an American. Results for this dig
yielded 1,550 individual fossils, making this the largest find
of any single hominid species. According to Berger, traits
of this new hominid are similar to those of other species
from the time nearing the beginning of the homo genus, indicating they are possibly 2.5 to 2.8 million years old. The
Rising Star Cave team has named this new ancestor homo
naledi, with “naledi” meaning “star” in the local language.
Debates continue surrounding the find, which could potentially force a shift in the entire paradigm as to how early
hominids became homo sapiens. Evidence at the site suggests that these people deliberately buried their dead in this
undisturbed chamber, a practice that supposedly did not
begin until 100,000 years ago in Israel. This topic remains
hotly debated in the world of archaeology.
Source: The New York Times
Asteroid arrives on Earth’s spookiest holiday
This Halloween, Earth was greeted by an other-worldly
visitor. Asteroid 2015 TB145 flew past Earth on October 31. Discovered by NASA’s PAN-STARRS I telescope
on October 10th, the Halloween visitor’s closest encounter with Earth occurred at 1.3 times the moon’s distance
from Earth. Eager observers on Earth had to wait until the
early hours of the morning on October 31st just to catch a
glimpse of 2015 TB145, where it was seen flying across
the face of the Orion constellation. The asteroid was estimated to be 1,542 feet in diameter and passed the Earth at a
safe distance. The asteroid’s discovery did, however, raise
questions about the detection systems NASA has in place
for such asteroids. NASA is currently making a push to the
U.S House of Science, Space, and Technology Committee
to gain more funding
for projects to protect
against such asteroid
“invasions.” So far,
no asteroid as large is
planned to come close
to Earth until 2027.
Sources: earthsky.org
and nasa.gov.
Asteroid 2015 TB145.
Photo courtesy of beforeitsnews.com
November 2015
Albertus Magnus High School Page 8
Athletics
Lady Falcons shoot their
way to Section title
Student Spotlight:
Katarina Lopez
From the AMHS Tennis Stadium
senior Katarina Lopez
speaks to Magnus Monitor
Congratulations to Girls’ Soccer
by Emily Auld
by Jacklyn Onody
When did you start playing
tennis?
Lopez: My parents introduced
me to tennis when I was eight
years old. I loved tennis so much
I decided to pursue this passion
and play tennis all the time.
How many days a week do you
practice?
At least 4 days a week, 3 hours
each day. I also play a tournament each weekend that can last
from Friday to Sunday, depending if I advance or not.
What motivates you to practice
so many days?
My love for tennis. I live for the
adrenaline rush.
How did your season go this
year?
I finished 9-1 this season, and I
made it to the Sections and went
to the third round.
What is your favorite memory
on the Varsity Tennis team?
My favorite memory is playing my senior match next to my
best friend (Jacklyn Onody, MM Katarina plays a match at the Albertus tennis
stadium. Photo by Mrs. Denise Lopez
reporter). We played a doubles
tournament together as our last senior match, which was very successful because we moved to the semi-finals. It was an overall great year.
What is your most memorable experience playing tennis through all your
years?
I had the privilege of being coached by a former world #1 singles and doubles
champion Peter Flemming.
Do you plan on playing tennis in college or going pro?
I will be playing Division II tennis at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Also I
would love to experience the possibility of becoming pro. It would be a
dream come true.
T
hey shot, and they scored. The girls’ soccer team under Coach Timothy Gavan dominated Section 1, Class B, winning a close game against Irvington
on Halloween morning, October 31.
Senior and Captain Hope Kehoe broke the 0-0 score late in the 2nd half
with her penalty kick, eliciting a Section 1 plaque. There were celebrations and
tears of joy, along with a feeling of triumph that instilled renewed spirit in the
Albertus Magnus student body.
The girls finished their incredible season with a 17 win, 1 tie, and 3 loss
record, making it to the regional finals against Chenango Forks in Johnson
City, New York. Many of the girls were recognized for their achievements on
the field; senior and Captain Carly Clinton was selected as Player of the Game
in Albertus’s win over Nanuet on September 11th, and sophomore Danielle
LaRochelle was named Girls’ Soccer Player of the Week by The Journal News
on November 2nd.
During the season, the team was victorious over a slew of previously undefeated teams, including Section 9 champions Spackenkill in the regional semis
on November 3rd. Although November 7th was their last game, this season will
go down in Albertus Magnus history.
Photo courtesy of The Journal News
Football enjoys
historic year
by Brendan Callahan
B
oys’ football had a season to remember in 2015. The Falcons managed a
4-2 record in league play, while maintaining a 6-3 record over the course
of the entire season.
Most notably during their impressive campaign, the Falcons were able to
reach the Section 1, Class B, semifinals after playoff wins over Blindbrook and
Ardsley.
“This was the best football season we had at Albertus,” said senior Joseph
Saraiva. “As a team, we accomplished several goals and outperformed expectations.”
While the team will miss Senior captains Stephen Storms, Roberto Galindo,
and Matthew Sullivan, all three captains have full confidence the Falcons will
be able to continue to improve and maintain success for the future.
The performance of the 2015 team represents a monumental step forward
from the teams of years past, and it would not be surprising to see the team
compete at a high level again next season in 2016.
by Jahalee Johnson
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.
Newspaper Staff
Contact us @ newspaper@albertusmagnus.net
Editor-in-Chief
Photographers
Samantha Heavner
Leah Hopson, Gia Cricchio,
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Toni Linn Moore, Emma Woodhead
Selena Roberts
Faculty Advisor
Layout Editors
Mrs. Ruppino
Edward Faro, Reilly Golden, Jacklyn Onody,
Special Thanks
Chelsea Yagel, Karishma Melwani,
Mr. Fevola, Ms.Wassmer,
Tayina Solon, Tamara Jones, Tonianne Zottoli
Sr. Nancy, Ms Beth Capuano